Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 First Responders and Military Offered Free Admission on Wed., Feb. 11 CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago Auto Show organizers will once again honor those who serve by hosting First Responders and Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at McCormick Place. On this special day, all first responders (including police officers, EMTs, paramedics and firefighters) as well as U.S. military members (both currently serving military and military veterans), will receive complimentary admission to the Chicago Auto Show upon presenting a valid badge or military ID. In addition, guests accompanying first responders or military personnel will receive a voucher for $5 off an adult admission ticket. "First Responders and Military Appreciation Day reflects the Chicago Auto Show's deep gratitude for the men and women who selflessly serve and protect our communities and our country," said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand. "We are proud to welcome these heroes to enjoy a day exploring the show as a small token of our appreciation." In 2026, the Chicago Auto Show is proud to partner with the United Service Organizations (USO) in recognition of military members and their families. For 85 years, the USO has been by the side of service members throughout their military service providing robust support through its more than 250 locations around the world. First responders and military personnel attending on Feb. 11 should visit the Grand Concourse ticket lobby to check in, present their badge or military ID and receive vouchers for discounted admission for accompanying family members and friends. For more information on First Responders and Military Appreciation Day, visit https://www.chicagoautoshow.com/events/first-responders-day/ The 2026 Chicago Auto show runs Feb. 7-16 at McCormick Place and opens to the public daily at 10 a.m. Adult ticket prices are $20; seniors ages 62 and older are $15; children ages 4-12 are $15; kids 3 and younger are free. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com. Media information is available at ChicagoAutoShow.com/media. About the Chicago Auto Show First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation's longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by the Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2026 public show is Feb. 7-16 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com. About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association Founded in 1904 and located in Oakbrook Terrace, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, please visit www.CATA.info. SOURCE Chicago Auto Show President Donald Trump speaks with members of the press at the White House, Sept. 15, 2025. Harrison Koeppel / Official White House Photo via Flickr / United States Government Work (The Center Square) - Uncertainty looms over Spokane after President Donald Trump said earlier this week that his administration would cut funding to states with sanctuary cities at the end of January. Trump said that starting Feb. 1, the federal government will cut funding for sanctuary states and cities that enforce such policies. The courts have stepped in twice and injuncted similar cuts since starting his second term, but the White House reaffirmed its plans on Thursday in a statement to The Center Square. Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice published a sanctuary jurisdiction list after Trump warned that cities and states on it could face cuts. An initial version included Spokane County, a largely Trump-aligned area, which was later removed from an updated list. The city of Spokane was never on the list. Washington state and Seattle do appear on the list due to the Keep Washington Working Act, a policy that some call the states sanctuary law. The Spokane City Council passed a resolution last February in support of it, despite a conservative on the dais warning that it could put the city under a spotlight. The number one recommendation of the 9-11 Commission was that there were too many walls and barriers between law enforcement agencies, U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Spokane, said Friday. Sanctuary state and city laws build walls between law enforcement and make things more dangerous for our community and more and more dangerous for immigrant groups and, you know, for everyone. Baumgartner told The Center Square that he hopes Washington state will come around and cooperate with immigration authorities to prevent cuts, and that hes trying to work on both. He criticized state lawmakers who allocated $150 million in benefits for immigrants, including those without legal status. Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall told local officials on Thursday that the Washington State Office of the Attorney General says the Keep Washington Working Act doesnt violate federal law. It came up as the council weighed accepting a DOJ grant that required the city to comply with Trumps executive orders. Another provision required the city to comply with certain federal laws regarding sharing immigration statuses, something Hall said SPD doesnt collect, so he thinks theyre safe. However, the AGOs website also states that the KWWA could affect eligibility and that agencies should consult legal counsel first. The Spokane City Council ultimately accepted the $1 million grant with a 5-2 vote, as Councilmember Michael Cathcart cited concerns about being complicit in committing fraud. He directly referenced the resolution the council adopted last winter when one member tore up a DOJ memo on sanctuary cities. I again am questioning significantly whether or not we will be in compliance, Cathcart said, noting he doesnt agree with the AGO or Legal Departments guidance. That is a choice that we made as a city council and as a state. We made that choice by passing Keep Washington Working and the resolution. The Center Square contacted the DOJ with questions about whether Washington states appearance on the sanctuary jurisdiction list could impact cities like Spokane, which are not explicitly mentioned. The senior media affairs manager responded with links to the DOJ list, criteria and Trumps executive order. City Spokeswoman Erin Hut told The Center Square that Mayor Lisa Brown isnt aware of any notice or communications from the government about sanctuary city/state cuts that Trump mentioned Tuesday. Earlier this week, Trump also cut nearly $2 billion in funding for mental health and addiction programs, a move the administration walked back the next day. Hut said the city doesnt receive those grants, but local service providers do, so the mayor met with some on Thursday to get an idea of the impacts. The Center Square followed up on Friday, asking whether there were any meetings regarding potential sanctuary city cuts or if it came up in other conversations, but did not receive an immediate response. "I have not discussed the specific threat to withdraw funding from sanctuary cities. It is our understanding there is no specific federal definition of the term," Brown wrote in a statement after publishing. "We are concerned that the Administration has already pulled over 50 million dollars from our City this term, including the regions tech hub and our resiliency grant with Gonzaga University. We are vigilant in working to ensure that the Citys laws and policies and are compliant with state and federal laws." The Center Square contacted the AGO to ask whether the state believes its inclusion on the sanctuary list could affect Spokane and other cities not included, and if Trump notified the AGO of potential cuts. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, like his predecessor, Gov. Bob Ferguson, has already sued the Trump administration dozens of times in the last year, filing injunctions against other funding cuts. Deputy Communications Director Mike Faulk said The Center Squares AGO questions would be better for the federal government. Trump didnt specify which funding would be affected in his comments, so it's unclear which programs he wants to cut funding for, and Faulk said the AGO wasnt notified either. Theyve spent the last year threatening states that dont conform to the administrations political agenda," Faulk said, citing Browns win this past week over $1 billion in transportation funding. "Any actions theyve taken trying to tie federal funding to immigration enforcement have failed in the courts. If Trump is able to cut funding for sanctuary jurisdictions, it could affect Spokane, even if the cuts are not specifically targeted at the city. Spokane receives federal pass-through funding from the state, so if those programs are affected, Spokane and other cities that accept state funding could also see cuts. The Center Square also contacted the White House with questions about which programs Trump wants to cut, the legal authority the administration would use to do so, and whether it would affect Spokane. President Trump is right sanctuary cities are incredibly dangerous and put law-abiding Americans at risk, White House Spokesman Abigail Jackson responded on Thursday in a statement. The Trump Administration is currently considering a variety of lawful options to implement this policy. A quick-moving storm developing along an Arctic cold front later this weekend will deliver light snow and slippery travel from winter-sensitive parts of the Southeast into portions of New England. A significant snowstorm is not expected, but snowflakes could occur as far south as Alabama and northern Florida. "Winter weather can have major travel impacts in the Southeast because the region has fewer plow trucks, salt supplies and treatment resources than northern states," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said. Snow to blanket Southeast AccuWeather.com Near the Gulf Coast late Saturday night, temperatures are not expected to fall quickly enough for snow to stick to roads. Farther northeast, from parts of Georgia to southeastern Virginia on Sunday, the strengthening storm could bring several hours of steady snow and slippery travel. From southwestern Georgia through part of Delaware, a coating to 1 inch of snow is forecast, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 3 inches on Sunday. Road conditions will range from wet to slushy or snow covered, with the latter where a brief period of heavy snow occurs. AccuWeather.com "Even where roads look wet, temperatures dropping below freezing can turn those surfaces icy, creating dangerous driving conditions with little warning," Pydynowski said. "Drivers should slow down and use extra caution, especially on bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze first because cold air flows above and below the roadway." Farther northwest, including Atlanta, dry air will limit or prevent snowfall. However, patches of snow in the Charlotte area may lead to a light coating. A coating to an inch of snow is forecast in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area, as well as Columbia, South Carolina; Macon, Georgia; and Richmond, Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Storm to strengthen near Northeast coast Farther north, the storm's track and strength, along with how much moisture is available, will determine how much snow accumulates. AccuWeather.com AccuWeather meteorologists expect little to no accumulation in Philadelphia, with a coating to 1 inch in New York City. Enough snow may fall to require aircraft deicing on Sunday from Philadelphia through New York City and Boston. From right along the Atlantic coasts of Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey through central and eastern Long Island, southeastern Massachusetts and Downeast Maine, up to a few inches of snow may fall. Snow is expected to spread northward through the mid-Atlantic on Sunday, reaching the southern New England coast later in the afternoon or evening. AccuWeather.com The bulk of the snow in New England will fall on Sunday night and is likely to lead to airline delays and possibly flight cancellations. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP The coastal storm in the Northeast will follow a clipper system from the Midwest early this weekend, which will bring accumulating snow from the southern Appalachians in Tennessee and North Carolina to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and New England. AccuWeather.com Up to a few inches of snow are expected in the Appalachians. A light, slippery coating of snow may reach Philadelphia and New York City on Saturday, especially in the northern and western suburbs. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. U.S. President Donald Trump during a roundtable on rural health transformation in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 16, 2026. Credit - Aaron SchwartzBloomberg Finance LP/Getty Images President Donald Trump has floated the idea of levying tariffs against countries that dont back his plans to take over Greenland. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland because we need Greenland for national security, Trump said on Friday, at an unrelated event at the White House. So I may do that. In the aftermath of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of the South American countrys president, Nicolas Maduro, Trump has doubled down on his desire to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. He has repeatedly claimed that the U.S. needs Greenland for national security reasons. Right now Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place, he told reporters aboard Air Force One earlier this month. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security. And Denmark is not going to be able to do it. Read More: Why Is Trump So Intent on Acquiring Greenland? While Trump has claimed that the European Union also needs the U.S. to take control of the territory, European leaders have strongly objected to the idea. Seven of the top leaders on the continent defended Greenlands sovereignty in a joint statement earlier this month, saying that it is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland. And the same week, Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told the U.S. to back off. No more pressure. No more hints. No more fantasies about annexation, he said in a post on social media. When the President of the United States talks about we need Greenland and connects us with Venezuela and military intervention, its not just wrong, its so disrespectful, he said. Our country is not an object of superpower rhetoric. We are a people. A land. And democracy. This has to be respected. Especially by close and loyal friends. U.S. officials met with the foreign ministers of Greenland and Denmark at the White House on Wednesday, but those talks failed to resolve the parties differences, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen saying that there is still a fundamental disagreement between Denmark and the U.S. over the fate of the territory. Also on Wednesday, Denmark announced that it was bolstering its military presence on and around Greenland. Some European NATO allies, including Sweden and Germany, said they would dispatch military personnel to the territory, too. The Trump Administration has indicated that using force could be on the table in the push to acquire Greenland, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying earlier this month that utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the Commander-in-Chiefs disposal. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that a U.S. attack on Greenland would mark the end of NATO, of which both the U.S. and Denmark are founding members. Experts, meanwhile, have told TIME that taking over Greenland is not necessary for Trump to achieve his goals with respect to national securityand contended that staying in NATO is much more important to U.S. national security. While Trump has not previously threatened to impose tariffs on nations that object to his plans for Greenland, the President has often deployed that tactic in other policy disagreements. Contact us at letters@time.com. Former Rep. Billy Long, who was nominated by President Donald Trump to be ambassador to Iceland, has apologized after privately joking to House lawmakers that the Arctic island would become the "52nd state" with him as its governor. Long, a Republican who represented Missouri from 2011 to 2023 and served a brief stint as IRS commissioner last year, said he was just joking with his former congressional colleagues. "There was nothing serious about that, I was with some people, who I hadnt met for three years, and they were kidding about Jeff Landry being governor of Greenland and they started joking about me and if anyone took offense to it, then I apologize," Long told Arctic Today. "I apologize and thats my only comment, I look forward to working with the people of Iceland and I apologize it was taken that way, I was with a group of friends and there was nothing serious about it," he added. Bipartisan Lawmakers Propose Bill To Block Military Action Against Nato Members Amid Threats To Take Greenland Former Rep. Billy Long apologized after privately joking that the Arctic island would become the "52nd state" with him as its governor. (Getty Images) Trump recently named Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland. Read On The Fox News App This comes as Trump heats up his threats to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory, saying he plans to take the island "one way or the other." "We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not," Trump said last week. "Because if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we're not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor." Trump administration officials are openly weighing options such as military force to take Greenland, a move that would violate NATOs Article V , which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all of them and could end the alliance of more than 75 years. Trump Greenland Takeover Would End Nato, Denmark Asserts Billy Long represented Missouri from 2011 to 2023 and served a brief stint as IRS commissioner last year. Denmark and other European countries have made moves, including sending additional troops to Greenland in case of a U.S. invasion, backing the territory as it reaffirms its position that it does not want to join the U.S. Iceland is among the NATO members that have expressed opposition to Trump's repeated threats to take Greenland. On Capitol Hill, most Democrats and even some Republicans have opposed the idea of taking Greenland, while other Republicans have voiced support for pursuing closer ties with the territory, including Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., who introduced legislation to make it the 51st U.S. state, although he said the best way to acquire Greenland is voluntarily. Trump has also said he wanted to make Canada the 51st U.S. state. Long was visiting former colleagues on the House Floor earlier this week when he made the controversial comment about Iceland, sparking some minor diplomatic backlash, with Iceland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs demanding answers from the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik. Former Rep. Billy Long was visiting former colleagues on the House Floor when he made the controversial comment about Iceland. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "There is no doubt that this is very serious for a small country like Iceland," Icelandic Parliament member Sigmar Gumundsson told MBL. "We need to understand that all the security arguments made by the U.S. regarding Greenland, also apply to Iceland." Some Icelanders also launched a petition drive calling on their government to reject Long as ambassador if he is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The petition has obtained 2,000 signatures. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told Politico that Long was "probably having some fun" and "I wouldnt read too much into that." Original article source: Trump's pick for Iceland ambassador apologizes for joking about Arctic nation becoming 52nd state The Uvalde, Texas, gunman fired 117 rounds in two Robb Elementary School classrooms during a two-minute period before school police officer Adrian Gonzales entered the building, a Texas Ranger told jurors on Friday. While prosecutors allege Gonzales did not follow his training, the defense contends that other officers arrived on scene at nearly the same time and had the opportunity to kill the gunman. Ranger Nick Hill testified that Gonzales had a window of one minute and four seconds after he parked his car before gunman Salvador Ramos entered the school. Gonzales took three minutes and 53 seconds to enter Robb Elementary after parking his car, Hill said. Sam Owens/The San Antonio Express-News via AP - PHOTO: Adrian Gonzales Hill said Gonzales parked at 11:31:55 a.m. and radioed in the active shooter report at 11:32:09 a.m. Ramos entered the west side of Robb Elementary at 11:32:59 a.m., and, after firing 21 shots in a hallway, he entered the first of two classrooms at 11:33:45 a.m. Gonzales entered the south door of Robb Elementary at 11:35:48 a.m., Hill said. In total, Ramos fired 173 shots during the massacre, while law enforcement discharged 25 rounds, Hill said. Ramos killed 19 students and two teachers. Uvalde sergeant recounts entering Robb Elementary with Gonzales After Hill said Gonzales had more than a minute to stop the gunman outside the school, defense lawyers pushed back, highlighting that other officers had similar -- if not better -- opportunities to stop the gunman. Hill acknowledged during cross examination that three other officers arrived approximately 30 seconds after Gonzales and could more easily spot the gunman. Defense attorney Nico LaHood also argued that Gonzales did not know that the shooter had entered the building, never had him in his line of sight, and had to deal with a frantic eyewitness. Uvalde teaching aide says she begged officer Gonzales to intervene: 'He just stayed there' Prosecutors allege Gonzales, who is charged with child endangerment, endangered the 19 students who died and an additional 10 surviving students. Prosecutors allege Gonzales not only failed when he arrived at the scene, but also when he got into the school because he retreated after two other officers were hit by gunfire. Gonzales has pleaded not guilty and his lawyers argue he is being unfairly blamed for a broader law-enforcement failure that day. The defense argued Gonzales did everything he could, including calling in the shooting and attempting to enter the school. Getty Stock image of a carpet python NEED TO KNOW Rachel Bloor from Brisbane, Australia was lying in bed when she reached out to pet what she though was her pet dog She was shocked to find an 8-foot carpet python lying on top of her "I thought if my Dalmatian realises that there's a snake there... it's gonna be carnage," she told the BBC. A woman in Australia recently woke up in the worst way imaginable. Brisbane resident Rachel Bloor thought her pet dog was lying on top of her chest in bed, only to reach out and discover something sleek and slithering when she put her arm on top of the bedsheet. "Babe, don't move. There's about a two-and-a-half metre (8 feet) carpet python on top of you," her husband told her after she'd asked him to switch on the bedroom lights, reported the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and BBC. Bloor's first thought was to get her two dogs as far away from the situation as possible in case they tried to attack the python. Getty Stock image of a carpet python "I thought if my Dalmatian realises that there's a snake there... it's gonna be carnage," she told the BBC. "I was worried about the dogs," Bloor added to ABC. After her husband took her pets out of the room, Bloor then faced the even more delicate task of safely removing herself from the bed without alarming the snake. 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. "I was just trying to shimmy out from under the covers... in my mind, going, 'Is this really happening? This is so bizarre,' " she told the BBC. "So, I sort of side shuffled out," she added to ABC. Getty Skyline of Brisbane, Australia Once freed, she began to tease the python through some window shutters which is how she believes it slithered into the house in the first place. "It was that big that even though it had been curled up on me, part of its tail was still out the shutter," she told the BBC. "I grabbed him, [and] even then he didn't seem overly freaked out. He sort of just wobbled in my hand." The snake eventually left the bedroom unharmed and moved into the couple's backyard. The carpet python is one of the most commonly sighted snakes in Queensland, according to the Snake Rescue Sunshine Coast (SRSC). "They are a popular choice when selecting a snake breed to keep as a pet, thanks to being non-venomous," the SRSC website adds. "The coastal carpet python can grow to substantial lengths and can still be dangerous when handled incorrectly." After the incident Bloor added that although the incident was a shock, she and her husband weren't scared because they have been surrounded by snaked all their lives. The same doesn't apply to any amphibians who might want to join her in the night, however. "Toads freak me out," she told ABC. Read the original article on People Governor Gavin Newsom is seen during a press conference about 'legal action against Trump administration' at the Office of the Attorney General in Sacramento, California, United States on October 28, 2025. (Tayfun Cokun/Anadolu via Getty Images) Gavin Newsoms political story has always been a study in contrasts: a young entrepreneur whose first big break came from a billionaire family friend, and a boy raised by a single mother juggling three jobs to keep the lights on. That tension now echoes in Californias bitter fight over a proposed wealth tax on billionaires assets, a debate that hits close to home for a governor who sits squarely between privilege and precarity. For now, in this instance, he thinks the billionaires tax is bad economics and has vowed to defeat it. A closer look at his career shows billionaires have always been central to his story. In the early 1990s, Newsoms career began not at a campaign office, but in a wine shop on San Franciscos Fillmore Street called PlumpJack, a venture he launched with backing from the Getty fortune. Oil heir and composer Gordon Getty, a close family friend who once said he treated Newsom like a sonjust as he had been treated similarly by Newsoms father. In fact, to call Newsoms father, William Alfred Newsom III, a lawyer for the Getty family would be an understatement. The future judge once hand-delivered $3 million to the Italian kidnappers of Gettys grandson, in 1973, CalMatters reported, while noting deep ties also between the Newsom family and other San Francisco political royalty, the Browns and Pelosis. That relationship went far beyond a single store. Getty invested in most of Newsoms early businesseswineries, restaurants, and hotels that steadily expanded the PlumpJack brand and turned the young entrepreneur into a multimillionaire long before he was sworn in as governor. Members of the Getty clan would later emerge as some of Newsoms most reliable political donors, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to his campaigns. And yet Newsoms story is not straightforwardly one of extreme wealth. Raised by a mother with 3 jobs After Newsoms parents divorced when he was a toddler, he and his sister were largely raised by their mother, Tessa, a young single parent in San Francisco who, at times, worked three jobsas a secretary, waitress, and paralegalto support her children. Family members recall their mother sleeping in the dining room of a small flat and renting out a bedroom to another family to make rent, even as their fathera politically connected judge who once managed the Getty family trustexposed the children to a very different world. Newsom has said his mother taught him everything he knows about grit and hard work, even as he navigated his own struggles with dyslexia and a school system that often left him behind. A wealth tax fight that cuts both ways Those dual identitiesbillionaire-backed businessman and son of a hustling single momare colliding in Californias escalating fight over a proposed billionaire tax. The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, championed by a powerful health care workers union, would impose a onetime 5% levy on the assets of residents worth more than $1 billion, payable over several years and calculated on wealth held at the end of 2026. Supporters say the measure is aimed squarely at the kind of extreme fortunes that helped launch careers like Newsoms, promising tens of billions for public services they argue have been starved by federal tax cuts and rising inequality. Union leaders frame it as a moral corrective: In a state where billionaires buy oceanfront compounds, workingclass Californians crowd into spare rooms like the one Newsoms family once rented out. Newsoms uneasy stance Newsom has not embraced the proposal; he has become one of its most prominent critics. Calling the onetime levy really damaging, bad economics, and a threat to Californias longterm fiscal health, the governor argues a statelevel wealth tax could accelerate an exodus of billionaires and their businesses, eroding future incometax revenue that funds schools, health care, and social programs. He has said he is open to a national conversation about taxing wealth, but insists California alone cannot afford to experiment when it already relies heavily on volatile income taxes from the rich. Behind the scenes, he has lobbied union allies to abandon the initiative, warning the backlash from nervous investorssome already moving money and operations out of statecould outlast any shortterm cash infusion. For Newsom, the wealthtax battle is more than a clash of spreadsheets and slogans: It is a confrontation with his own origin story. The same billionaire class that seeded his first business and boosted his campaigns now stands in the crosshairs of a tax he says could hurt the state he governs, even as memories of a mother stringing together three paychecks shape his instincts about inequality and opportunity. For this story, Fortune journalists used generative AI as a research tool. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Nvidia's (NVDA) China business continues to face geopolitical hurdles, which could pose longer-term competitive risks for the AI chipmaker. Ongoing US-China tensions have upended Nvidias sales in what was one of its largest markets. In the companys most recent quarter, revenue from China, which includes Hong Kong, dropped 45% from a year ago to about $3 billion, according to Bloomberg data. And while the Trump administration green-lighted the sale of Nvidias H200 chip to China this week, albeit with a 25% tax,Reuters reported that China is barring imports of the GPUs except in special cases. So far, Nvidia's dominant position in the chip market doesn't appear to have suffered much after the company initially lost access to the Chinese AI market in 2025. It became the first company with a $5 trillion valuation last fall. Despite a decline in China sales, its third quarter revenue overall soared more than 60% during the period to about $57 billion. But over the long term, the Chinese commercial sectors development and use of domestic chips could narrow Nvidias lead on the global stage, Wall Street analysts told Yahoo Finance. They said Nvidia's dominance in AI software could suffer if Chinese tech developers begin making advances in open source alternatives, which would hurt its leadership in hardware as well. That's the real nightmare scenario, Seaport analyst Jay Goldberg said. Nvidias software edge Much of Nvidias competitive edge comes from its software stack. Developers using its AI systems rely on the companys CUDA platform, which includes a library of proprietary tools that lets them program its GPUs efficiently and reinforces the companys dominance in the chip market. As companies build on CUDA, the cost of switching to a new software platform becomes disadvantageous, and they end up sticking with Nvidias offerings, which are only available if developers are programming on Nvidia's GPUs. Hence, the preference for Nvidia's software is key to maintaining its lead in the hardware space. Read more: Are we in an AI bubble? How to protect your portfolio if your AI investments turn against you. Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang speaks at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, on Jan. 6. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) (PATRICK T. FALLON via Getty Images) While Chinas chip suppliers from tech giants Huawei and Alibaba (BABA) to newly public players such as Moore Threads and MetaX lag Nvidia in the performance capabilities of their chips, theres a risk that the countrys AI developers, forced to use those inferior, domestically-produced chips, will build their own open-source software. Open-source AI software is typically written to run on many different types of chips. And if that software becomes more widely adopted globally, it would erode Nvidias strategic advantage. Its increasingly about the software and the models [for Nvidia], TECHnalysis chief analyst Bob ODonnell said. The bigger concern I think, ultimately, in China is going to be whether or not CUDA gets replaced, more so than the chips themselves. Seaport's Goldberg also stressed the significance of a scenario in which open-source tools from China gain more relevance. You'll start to have open-source software tools coming out of China that do not rely on Nvidia's key competitive barrier, CUDA And so companies outside of China will start to look at those and use those, Goldberg added. That creates a big hole in Nvidia's competitive barrier, he said. While China hawks argue that trade restrictions on Nvidia's chips are crucial to national security, Nvidia has taken the position that losing access to China would weaken the United States' broader competitive position as developers in China begin to find new ways to innovate on AI with fewer resources, as evidenced by DeepSeek's advances in early 2025. "As I have long said, China is nanoseconds behind America in AI," CEO Jensen Huang said in a statement posted on X in November. "It's vital that America wins by racing ahead and winning developers worldwide." Laura Bratton is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Bluesky @laurabratton.bsky.social. Email her at laura.bratton@yahooinc.com. Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. Sign up for Yahoo Finance's Week in Tech newsletter. (yahoofinance) Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance 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. The acquitted aid workers include Sarah Mardini (R) and Sean Binder (second from the left) [Getty Images] A group of aid workers who were put on trial in Greece for rescuing migrants on the island of Lesbos have been acquitted of all charges. The 24 former volunteers were arrested seven years ago - accused of human trafficking and other offences - and could have faced up to 20 years in jail. They had worked for an NGO that rescued asylum-seekers at risk of drowning between 2015 to 2018, when hundreds of thousands of migrants crossed the narrow straits from Turkey to Greece. Their case was widely criticised by aid agencies and human rights campaigners as an attempt to criminalise humanitarian aid, and was seen as having profound implications for migration policy across Europe. The defendants, who worked for the Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI), included the former Syrian migrant and former competitive swimmer Sara Mardini, who returned to Lesbos to rescue other refugees, and whose story was told in the Netflix drama, The Swimmers. She and the others were arrested in 2018. They were cleared of some accusations, including espionage, in 2023, but their trial on the remaining charges of facilitating the illegal entry of foreigners into Greece, money-laundering and membership of a criminal organisation only began last month. "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 on Thursday. Prosecutor Dimitris Smyrnis had earlier recommended their acquittal, emphasising that "no independent basis establishing the criminal liability of the defendants has been demonstrated". During the trial, the court heard evidence from a senior police officer testifying about the defendants' use of an encrypted messaging service, WhatsApp, to share information about the location and state of boats carrying migrants. He testified that information had not been shared with the Greek authorities. But a Greek coast guard officer, Stavros Gagarellis, gave evidence that the volunteers had cooperated closely with his organisation. The judge ruled that "a communication group on the internet cannot be regarded as a criminal organisation," saying: "Waiting to rescue a human life cannot be considered facilitation of illegal entry. "None of the defendants attempted to act in such a way as to allow any of the transported persons - refugees or otherwise - to evade inspection by the authorities," he added. Zacharias Kesses, the lawyer for Sara Mardini and another defendant, Sean Binder, said after the verdict: "I'm astonished that it took 2,889 days for the prosecutor to realise that the accusation made no sense whatsoeversomething everyone except him already knew." Binder, an Irish-German lawyer who, alongside Mardini, was held in pre-trial detention for three months in 2018, said: "Right now it's a relief and anger cocktail, equally balanced. I am obviously very relieved that I'm not going back to prison. But I'm also very angry that it's taken this long to get here." Binder, now 31, has also spoken of how the allegations had affected his life: "I've spent the past seven years in limbo. I had hoped to have a job, a career, some savings by now. I'd have hoped to be able to be a father. I'm trained as a lawyer, but I wasn't allowed to represent my clients until I was acquitted." Eve Geddie of the human rights organisation Amnesty International said: "We hope today's 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." A BBC radio documentary on the case, "Assignment: Greece-Rescuers on Trial" will be broadcast on BBC World Service on Tuesday, January 20, and will available on BBC Sounds. A milestone moment for Kentucky's medical cannabis program and local workforce. RICHMOND, Ky., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dark Horse Cannabis announced the completion of its first harvest at its licensed Tier III medical cannabis cultivation facility in Richmond, Kentucky. The facility is owned and operated by Natural State GreenGrass CannaCo, doing business as Dark Horse Cannabis. Ribbon cutting ceremony at Dark Horse Cannabis cultivation facility The harvest, completed on Thursday, December 11, represents a key operational milestone as Kentucky's medical cannabis program continues to move from development into active production. As a licensed Tier III cultivation facility, the Richmond site is designed to support scaled, compliant cultivation while contributing to the foundational supply infrastructure needed for a stable, long-term medical cannabis market in the Commonwealth. The Richmond cultivation facility has created new jobs in Madison County, employing a local workforce trained in regulated agricultural operations, compliance standards, and medical cannabis production. The facility reflects an emphasis on professional cultivation practices and workforce development as Kentucky builds out its medical cannabis infrastructure. Earlier this week, Dark Horse marked the milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Richmond facility on Wednesday, January 14, welcoming Governor Andy Beshear, industry professionals, and local and state officials. The event recognized the completion of the facility and its role in advancing Kentucky's medical cannabis program from planning into active cultivation and production, while highlighting the collaboration between regulators, operators, and community partners that made the project possible. "From cultivation to dispensaries, every process of the Medical Cannabis program is now up and running in Kentucky and Natural State GreenGrass CannaCo in Richmond is going to build on that progress," said Gov. Andy Beshear. "We made a promise to help find relief for Kentuckians suffering from PTSD, cancer and other serious conditions and I am proud to say we've delivered. Together, we'll keep working to make sure every eligible Kentuckian can access safe medical cannabis when they need it." Throughout the development of the facility, Dark Horse has worked in close alignment with Kentucky regulators and industry partners, recognizing the role collaboration plays in launching a successful medical cannabis program. The company acknowledges the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis for its guidance and oversight, and the Commonwealth for establishing a strong framework that supports a safe, compliant, and sustainable medical cannabis program. "Reaching our first harvest in Richmond is a significant milestone, not just for Dark Horse, but for Kentucky's medical cannabis program as a whole," said Casey Flippo, CEO of Gold Leaf Management. "From the outside, it can feel like this process has taken time, especially for patients who have been ready and waiting, but building a medical cannabis program at this scale requires significant infrastructure, compliance, and coordination. The foundation the Commonwealth has put in place, along with the work of regulators and industry partners, is what makes it possible to build something sustainable and reliable for the long term, and we're proud to be contributing to that here in Kentucky." With the first harvest complete, the Richmond cultivation facility has finalized production and successfully brought product to market beginning January 15 with the grand opening of Speakeasy Dispensary in Lexington. Additional licensed dispensaries are slated to open in the coming days with Dark Horse product available at launch. Dark Horse is among the first large-scale cultivators with product available for sale in Kentucky and remains focused on consistency, compliance, and long-term operational stability as the state's medical cannabis program continues to take shape. Media Contact Wendy Brown Director of Marketing & Creative Gold Leaf Management [email protected] About Dark Horse Cannabis Dark Horse Cannabis is a cannabis brand focused on disciplined cultivation operations in Kentucky. With an emphasis on compliance, consistency, and long-term responsibility, Dark Horse approaches cultivation with the goal of supporting a stable, reliable medical cannabis supply that patients and communities can trust. The company is committed to contributing positively to the Commonwealth's medical cannabis industry through responsible operations, collaboration, and continued investment in the communities where it operates. SOURCE Dark Horse Cannabis Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was visiting northern Norway to see an operation involving British and Norwegian soldiers [PA] Nato should "double down" on Arctic security to defend the region from Russian aggression, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has told the BBC. On a visit to British forces in northern Norway, she said the alliance should establish a combined operation - known as Arctic Sentry - to defend the region, just as it does in the Baltic Sea. She also said allies, including the US, should unite around the shared threat despite continuing disagreements over Greenland. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in buying mineral-rich Greenland, with the White House failing to rule out the use of force to annex it. His demands have been rejected by Greenland's leaders and by Nato member Denmark, of which the island is a semi-autonomous territory. Cooper was joined by her Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide, who said the row between Europe and the US over Greenland was a "distraction" from the greater security threat in Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary said: "The Arctic is the gateway for Russia's Northern Fleet to be able to threaten the United Kingdom, to threaten Western Europe and Norway, to threaten the United States and Canada. "So it's a whole transatlantic security depends on our Arctic security," she added. Cooper explained that Nato needs to "double down" and "do what we've done in other areas", to make sure that "we really strengthen the security of the high north". Asked what that meant in practical terms, she explained she wanted "co-ordinated excercises, operations and intellgience sharing" in the region - similar to the Baltic Sentry and the Eastern Sentry - coining it Arctic Sentry. Cooper was joined by her Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide [PA Media] Cooper said Russia was a threat not just to Europe but to transatlantic security and said "co-operation would make the alliance stronger" despite divisions over Greenland. "We've been very clear that the future of Greenland is for the Greenlanders and for the Danes. "Where I think there is shared agreement is about this Arctic security, this broader threat, and the need, really, for all of our countries to come together as part of that Nato alliance." She explained that "this is how we deal with Russian threat, which affects us all". Cooper visited Norway as part of a wider tour of Scandanavia [Moose Campbell/BBC] Meanwhile, Eide welcomed Cooper's call for Arctic Sentry, saying it would demonstrate a "serious commitment" to tackle the most challenging issue, namely the Russian threat to the seas of the high north. But when asked if he was worried about disagreements between Denmark and the US over Greenland, he said: "Put it this way - two days ago, I was in a shelter in Kiev, and I was engaged with the highest leadership in Ukraine in several meetings. "I think we should try to avoid the distractions from what is the issue number one these days, we need to help Ukraine to get well out of this war, to get to a just and lasting peace, because that is matters to transatlantic and European security more than anything else." Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo speaks with attendees at the 2024 FreedomFest at Caesars Forum Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nev. Photo: Gage Skidmore / Flickr /CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) - Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and Attorney General Aaron Ford, who have both been scrutinized in the recent past for their financial dealings, have filed their annual disclosure reports. Thursday was the deadline for the disclosures, which, under state law, are required for all state and local elected or appointed officials. Ford, a Democrat, and Lombardo, a Republican, disclosed their financial statements in a year that will likely see one of them elected govenor. They're the early frontrunners in their parties' primaries on June 9. They're expected to face each other in the Nov. 3 general election. Lombardo's report showed he made $177,000 in 2025 as governor. He listed eight properties in his Financial Disclosure Statement owned by household members, not including his personal residence. They included five plots of land between Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Gilbert, Arizona. He also listed two apartments in New York City, both in Manhattans Upper West Side. Lombardo listed no debts owed over $5,000, nor any gifts received from non-family members above $200, or business entities which he owned 1% or more of. Lombardo did list one travel expense, a meeting with the Republican Governors Association to Bozeman, Montana and Aspen, Colorado. It totaled $6,649.81. In the past, Lombardo has been scrutinized for accepting $150,000 in annual pension payments for his work as the sheriff overseeing the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Again for 2025, he listed the pension payments from the sheriff position as income, although the exact figure has not been publicly disclosed yet for 2025. The last available data from 2022 showed $180,947.04. Lombardo did not respond to multiple requests for comment by The Center Square about his financial records. For his part, Ford made $160,000 in 2025 as Nevadas attorney general. The only other source of income he listed was for a household member from Nevada State College, and he listed no owned property outside of his personal residence, which is not publicly disclosed. Nor did he list any business entities or gifts from non-family members above $200. The only personal debts over $5,000 were to American Express and the U.S. Department of Education. Ford has been heavily scrutinized by the media and his political opponents since his bid for governor was announced in late July. The debate over him partially centered around his frequent and expensive travel outside the state. Ford spent an estimated 137 days outside Nevada in 2024, with part of the criticism aimed at his annual Financial Disclosure Statement from January 2025. In it, he detailed four international trips paid for by the Attorney General Alliance, totaling $35,000. The listed purpose for the meetings among Americas attorney generals was Chair [meetings] about gaming and intl crime. But Thursdays statement listed no international or domestic trips for Ford in 2025. His office has not released the attorney generals calendar for 2025 and did not respond to The Center Square's multiple requests for comment about his financial records. Failure to file by the Jan. 15 deadline for the annual Financial Disclosure Statement to the Secretary of States Office can result in a civil penalty, according to state law. The penalties can range from $25 to $2,000, depending on how late the statement is filed. Popular author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie alleges her toddler was denied oxygen and excessively sedated, leading to cardiac arrest [EPA] A series of harrowing cases of allegations of medical negligence, including the death of novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 21-month-old son, has ignited a fierce debate about patient safety within Nigeria's healthcare system. Following the outcry, the health minister has admitted "systemic challenges" and announced the creation of a national task force on "clinical governance and patient safety" to improve the quality of care and patient safety. The family of the internationally acclaimed author says her young son, Nkanu Nnamdi, died last week at a private hospital in the main city, Lagos, following a short illness. They allege the child was denied oxygen and excessively sedated, leading to cardiac arrest. The hospital extended its "deepest sympathies" but in a statement denied any wrongdoing, stating its treatment met international standards. The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the death, as public outrage spread over the state of healthcare in Africa's most populous country. Just days later, anger surged once more after the death of Aisha Umar, a mother of five who ran a business from home, selling incense and fish in the northern city of Kano. Her family alleges a pair of surgical scissors was left inside her abdomen during an operation in September at the state-run Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, leading to four months of severe pain and her eventual death. "For four months, they only gave her pain relievers," her brother-in-law, Abubakar Mohammed, told the BBC. "Scans finally showed the scissors were inside her," he said. The family says they plan to sue the facility for negligence. The Kano State Hospitals Management Board said it had "suspended three personnel directly involved in the case from clinical activities with immediate effect", and has referred the case for further investigation and disciplinary action. "The Board reassures the public that it will not condone negligence in any form and will continue to take decisive actions to safeguard the lives, dignity, and trust of patients across all state health facilities," a spokesman added in a statement issued on 13 January. Aisha Umar's family alleges that surgical scissors were left in her abdomen [Abubakar Mohammed] These high-profile cases have given voice to widespread grievances that often go unheard. Lagos-based products manager Josephine Obi, 29, recounted how her father died in 2021 at the state-run Lagos University Teaching Hospital after what she says was a surgical error during a routine procedure for a goitre - a lump or swelling at the front of the neck caused by a swollen thyroid. "They cut a major artery... it was a very minor surgery," Obi told the BBC. She said a supervising doctor apologised, admitting a mistake had been made. The family chose not to sue to avoid a potentially costly and protracted legal battle. "You will just waste money and the case will linger... we just let it go," Obi said. The BBC sent an email to the hospital seeking comment, but has not yet received a response. The BBC also phoned the numbers listed on the hospital's website, but they failed to go through. In Kano, prison facility officer Abdullahi Umar is still mourning his wife, Ummu Kulthum Tukur, who died three years ago at the age of 27 after giving birth to twins at the state-run Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. He believes a timely Caesarean section would have saved her life. "She was in labour for over 24 hours... she lost a lot of blood and died," he said, adding that the hospital still refuses to provide a death certificate. Efforts to get the hospital to respond were unsuccessful as the spokesperson Hauwa Inuwa told the BBC she was on leave, instead sending the number of another member of staff, which did not work. Joe Abah, a former boss of Nigeria's Bureau of Public Service Reforms, claimed on social media platform X how a private hospital in the capital, Abuja, urged him to undergo immediate surgery for an ailment. Unconvinced, he sought further opinions, including consultations abroad, which concluded no surgery was necessary, he said. Complaints about treatment in Nigeria's private hospitals are rare, although that is where Adichie's son was treated. They generally have a better reputation than government-owned hospitals, but only a minority can afford to go to them. "Private hospitals are out of the reach of many Nigerians because they are expensive but without doubt offer better care compared to government-owned hospitals which carry more load and have manpower and equipment issues," Dr Fatima Gaya, who works at a public hospital, told the BBC. Many wealthy Nigerians also go abroad for treatment, including President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in a clinic in London in 2025 after he stepped down from office. Most Nigerians are forced to rely on state health care [NurPhoto via Getty Images] Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, president of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (Nard), told the BBC that the issues were "systemic" and that blaming individuals without addressing the wider problems, such as a lack of doctors and equipment, was futile. "Clinical governance needs to be stepped up. In Nigeria, what we have is individuals being blamed for a systemic problem," Suleiman told the BBC. "If you take six to seven surgeries... eventually, you are exhausted. No doctor wakes up wanting to harm someone." These concerns are supported by data. Two separate surveys last year - from the African Research Journal of Medical Sciences and NOIPolls - found that around 43% of Nigerians had personally experienced or witnessed a medical error or near-miss. About a third of patients experienced additional injuries from treatment. Medics and analysts say Nigeria has a very low doctor-patient ratio, worsened by a massive "brain drain" as health professionals emigrate after being enticed by better working conditions abroad. Remaining health workers sometimes juggle multiple jobs and often go on strike to demand higher salaries, and improved conditions. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says about 15,000 doctors have left the country in the past five years. Its president, Dr Bala Audu, estimates the ratio is now one doctor to 8,000 patients, far lower than the recommended rate of 1: 600. "An imbalance of over 8,000 patients to one doctor increases overload and stress, which leads to mistakes," public affairs analyst Ibrahim Saidu told the BBC. Nigeria's health system is buckling under these pressures, Saidu added. Chronic underfunding sees the federal government allocate only about 5% of its budget to health, far below the 15% target set in 2001 by the African Union to improve medical services across the continent. Announcing the creation of the national health task force, Health Minister Muhammed Ali Pate acknowledged in a statement that "Nigeria's healthcare system faces systemic challenges" in delivering consistent quality care and ensuring patient safety. "The quality deficits are observed at all levels (public and private) with reports of frequent misdiagnoses, inadequate provider-patient interaction, and lack of care continuity," he said. The minister added that "the high rates of preventable medical errors, lack of accountability mechanisms, fragmented service delivery, and limited workforce capacity" had led to calls for stronger national oversight. The task force will oversee, monitor and drive efforts to integrate quality and patient safety into all areas of healthcare delivery nationwide. It will operate for an initial period of 12 months, with the option of a renewal. While this will be welcomed by many Nigerians, they will want to see the results in the country's clinics and hospitals before they can be convinced that no other patients will become tragic symbols of a national crisis. You may also be interested in: [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 [AFP via Getty Images] For almost two weeks, Donald Trump has seemed on the verge of intervening in Iran. From his 2 January threat to come to the "rescue" of protesters if the Iranian authorities used violence against them, to his promise this week that "help is on its way," the US president has sounded resolute. On Tuesday, a CBS journalist covering the president's visit to Detroit asked how Mr Trump would respond if the Iranian authorities started to execute detainees. Iranian activists said the family of Erfan Soltani had been told the 26-year old shopkeeper had been sentenced to death for participating in the protests. "If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action," the president replied, saying his endgame in Iran was "to win". Throughout Wednesday, there were growing signs that US military action might be imminent. American, Qatari and British personnel stationed at the giant Al-Udeid air base in Qatar were being relocated. US embassy staff and civilians in Saudi Arabia were told to remain vigilant, recalling similar instructions last June, hours before US bombers attacked Iran's nuclear facilities. Amid reports of airspace being closed and flights cancelled, it appeared that the coming hours would bring word of American strikes. The only question seemed to be how big. But then, speaking to reporters at the White House mid-afternoon, Trump suddenly changed his tune. "We've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping," he said. "And there's no plan for executions I've been told that on good authority." The president did not reveal the nature of the good authority, except to say that the information had come from "very important sources on the other side", and that the US had been given "a very good statement by people that are aware of what's going on". But has the moment of crisis passed, or is this just a pause? Trump clearly has not ruled out military action. He said he was going to "watch and see what the process is", before deciding what to do next. In Washington, there are plenty of voices urging caution. "US military action taken under the premise of helping these protesters risks doing the opposite: silencing an organic movement, strengthening the regime's narrative, and inflicting civilian harm," Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee warned in a statement. Reports from the Gulf suggested that some of Washington's allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, also harbour grave misgivings about the likely impact of US military intervention. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have both found themselves in the crosshairs of Iranian retaliation in the past. In 2019, Iran fired drones and cruise missiles at Saudi Arabia, hitting key oil facilities and temporarily halving the kingdom's oil production. Iran denied being involved, saying the attack was carried out by the Houthis in response to Saudi Arabia's military involvement in Yemen. Saudi's allies, including the US, France, Germany and Britain all agreed that Tehran was responsible. On 23 June last year, Iran fired a number of medium-range ballistic missiles at Al-Udeid in response to the US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities the day before. Tehran telegraphed its intentions ahead of time and there were no casualties, but the warning was clear: Iran is capable of lashing out. The Gulf monarchies, which have worked to shore up their relations with Iran in recent years, fear the sort of widespread regional instability that a major US military operation might trigger. As always with President Trump, the aim seems to be to keep everyone guessing. [AFP via Getty Images] In the wake of the successful military operation to remove Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela, it suits the president for the leadership in Tehran to think that he might do something equally spectacular in Iran. "Evocative news stories, the use of raw power, and minimal casualties all appeal to Trump," Andrew Miller, a former deputy assistant secretary of state in the Biden administration writes in Foreign Affairs magazine. "And a strike on Iran could supply all three." But the president's desire to "win" in Iran may have stayed his hand. The regime in Iran is tough, battle-hardened and capable of weathering repeated storms. By comparison, Venezuela is little more than a banana republic, despite its vast reserves of oil. The thought of finally conquering the Islamic Republic, after decades of intense animosity and conflict, must be extremely tempting, especially to a man who boasts that the US military has never been more powerful. But that goal, however desirable in Washington, still seems remote. Air strikes might be capable of inflicting enormous pain on Iran's security apparatus, nuclear and missile programmes, but they are unlikely to "rescue" Iranians demonstrating against their government. In recent days, unnamed US officials, quoted in the press, have hinted at a range of other, more covert options, including cyber attacks, designed to reduce the regime's effectiveness and give protesters a boost. Some of these tactics were used to great effect in Caracas during the lightning operation to seize Nicolas Maduro. But without a clearly defined end goal, it's hard to see such methods having any long-term effect. Apparently cowed by the regime's display of raw, indiscriminate power, such a bold move by the opposition seems, for now at least, highly unlikely. Miller says Trump's threats should stop, unless the president is determined to follow through. The spectacle of protesters renaming streets after the US president and pleading for US intervention indicate that he may have dangerously raised hopes. "It is not just unpresidential but inhumane to bluff when lives are on the line," Miller writes. With US media reports, unconfirmed by the Pentagon, suggesting that a carrier strike group, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, has been told to redeploy from the South China Sea, it's perfectly possible that Donald Trump is keen to maximise his options. But the fundamental question remains: Will he or won't he? Do you have a question about Trump's first year back in office? Click here or use the form below. Former Rep. Billy Long, then-nominee to be commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, testifies during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing on May 20, 2025. Credit - Tom WilliamsCQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images President Donald Trumps nominee for ambassador to Iceland has apologized after a joke he made about the country becoming the U.S.s 52nd state drew backlash amid rising tensions over Trumps threats to annex Greenland. There was nothing serious about that, Billy Long, a former Missouri Republican congressman who briefly served as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service under Trump last year, told Arctic Today. I was with some people, who I hadnt met for three years, and they were kidding about Jeff Landry being governor of Greenland and they started joking about me and if anyone took offense to it, then I apologize. Landry is the U.S. envoy to Greenland. Long faced criticism and calls for his nomination to be rejected from Icelanders after Politico reported that he had joked Iceland would become the 52nd state and he would be made governor while speaking with lawmakers on the House floor Tuesday night. A petition calling on Iceland Foreign Minister Katrin Gunnarsdottir to reject Longs nomination currently has nearly 4,000 signatures. These words of Billy Long, who Donald Trump has nominated as ambassador to Iceland, may have been said in half-hearted terms, but they are insulting to Iceland and Icelanders, who have had to fight for their freedom and have always been a friend of the United States, the petition reads. It goes on to urge Gunnarsdottir to reject Billy Long as ambassador to Iceland and call for the United States to nominate another man, who will show Iceland and Icelanders more respect. Icelands Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself asked the U.S. for clarification on Long's reported remarks prior to the nominee's apology, telling Politico in a statement that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has contacted the U.S. Embassy in Iceland to verify the veracity of the alleged comments. Looming over Longs joke and the outcry it prompted are Trumps repeated threats to take over Greenland, an autonomous island territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and his Administrations suggestions that the use of force could be on the table in the Presidents push to acquire the island. Greenland, Denmark, and several other European countries have pushed back strongly against the annexation threats. A coalition of top European leaders signed a joint statement declaring Greenlands sovereignty, while Denmark is increasing its military presence in the territory and European countries including France and Germany have sent small contingents of troops to the island in a show of support. The Danish Prime Minister has said that U.S. intervention in Greenland would be the end of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), of which both Denmark and the U.S. are founding members. We are now facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark, Greenlands prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a news conference on Tuesday. While a number of members of Trumps own party in the U.S. have also been publicly critical of the push to acquire the territory, Republican Rep. Randy Fine of Florida introduced a bill to make Greenland the 51st U.S. state earlier this week. Trump also previously expressed a desire to annex Canada and make it the 51st state. Contact us at letters@time.com. SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the questions I get on a regular basis is "Are DSTs the right investment for me?" Like most things in life, the answer is "it depends". If you fit one or more of the criteria below it may be worth exploring DSTs in more detail. You've owned a rental property(s) for a long time that is highly appreciated, has a large capital gain, and you no longer want to manage real estate. You also don't want to pay the taxes due if you sell the property. You are looking to transition to Passive Income instead of Actively Managed income. Having professionals manage all the details of the property without having to manage the manager. Diversifying your portfolio among different property types, geographies and sponsors is important to you. This spreads your risks, which is a key element of investing. You're retired, or approaching retirement, and are looking to simplify your life while seeking the potential for predictable, stable income from the equity built up in your rental(s). If your real estate investment risk profile is looking for institutional real estate that most individual retail real estate owners aren't able to buy on their own. Doing a 1031 exchange into a DST can help investors achieve the objectives outlined above. Conversely, who should not invest in DSTs: You still want control over your real estate. With a DST you give up all control and let the professionals manage the property and business plan of the asset. If you still want a say in what happens DSTs are not for you. Investors looking for liquidity should not invest in DSTs, or any other type of real estate. Real estate as an asset class is not a liquid investment. You may see that DSTs do not have a secondary market in which to sell your DST which is not true. You can resell DSTs yourself or with the help of a broker. The issue is that they aren't widely sold after investors purchase them so it's a very thin secondary market. There are a couple of firms that specialize in selling investors DSTs if an investor needs the money. Be careful as most secondary market transactions occur at a discount to the original purchase price. Also, there may not be any buyers for your DST so you cannot rely on the secondary market as a way to sell your DST. With a DST, a sponsor went through the process of finding the property, doing all the due diligence, purchasing it, then putting it into a DST. They didn't do that for free. If you do not like the idea of paying fees for someone to find your property, then a DST is not for you. You're completely risk adverse. DSTs are still real estate, and any real estate is subject to market conditions. Real estate of all types is not considered a low-risk investment. You are not an accredited investor. DSTs are sold under securities laws which mean that you need to be an accredited investor in order to purchase DSTs. In short, DSTs are for investors looking to get out of actively managing their properties and do a 1031 exchange into institutional grade properties that are managed by professionals. They are looking for passive income potential and a diversified portfolio. They understand that it is still real estate, which comes with the benefits and risk of real estate. 1031 Risk Disclosure: There is no guarantee that any strategy will be successful or achieve investment objectives. Potential for property value loss All real estate investments have the potential to lose value during the life of the investments. Change of tax status The income stream and depreciation schedule for any investment property may affect the property owner's income bracket and/or tax status. An unfavorable tax ruling may cancel deferral of capital gains and result in immediate tax liabilities. Potential for foreclosure All financed real estate investments have potential for foreclosure. Illiquidity Because 1031 exchanges are commonly offered through private placement offerings and are illiquid securities. The secondary market for these investments is very limited, and early exit sale is not guaranteed. Reduction or Elimination of Monthly Cash Flow Distributions Like any investment in real estate, if a property unexpectedly loses tenants or sustains substantial damage, there is potential for suspension of cash flow distributions. Impact of fees/expenses Costs associated with the transaction may impact investors' returns and may outweigh the tax benefits. For more information on Emerson Equity, please visit FINRA's BrokerCheck website. General Disclosure Not an offer to buy, nor a solicitation to sell securities. All investing involves risk of loss of some or all principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Speak to your finance and/or tax professional prior to investing. Any information provided is for informational purposes only. Securities through Emerson Equity LLC Member: FINRA/SIPC. Only available in states where Emerson Equity LLC is registered. Emerson Equity LLC is not affiliated with any other entities identified in this communication. Media Contact: David Waal Irvine Advisors [email protected] SOURCE Irvine Advisors by Dario Salvi The Israeli activist, a key figure in the peace process, talks to AsiaNews about the creation of a Palestinian committee to administer the Strip. Hamas and the Palestinian National Authority are ready to go along. The disastrous humanitarian situation is one of the many unresolved issues. Uncertainties surround the international peacekeeping force, while different agendas and parties [are] pulling in different directions. The situation in Iran is not a source of concern. Jerusalem (AsiaNews) It took far too many months to reach Phase 2 of US President Donald Trump's peace plan, while deaths continue to mount in Gaza and many issues remain unresolved, including the international peacekeeping force. Still, we have to be optimistic, said Gershon Baskin, an Israeli political activist, leading expert on the conflict, and an active participant in the ongoing talks between Israel, the United States, and Hamas to establish peace in Gaza. He spoke to AsiaNews after the United States announced the start of the formation of a 15-member National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), convinced that Hamas and the Palestinian Authority will cooperate in the process of rebuilding the Strip, which has been devastated by a bloody war for more than two years and is the scene of a disastrous humanitarian situation. The technocratic committee will be supervised by a 12-member Board of Peace, chaired by Trump himself, who will be announced shortly. The NCAG will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the enclave, from sanitation and health services to utilities and education, chaired by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister of the Palestinian National Authority. Gershon Baskin, an Israeli political activist, founder of the Israel-Palestine Creative Regional Initiative (IPCRI), and former columnist for the Jerusalem Post, is among the leading experts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is among those who have worked in recent months to secure the agreement signed by Israel and Hamas. A former mediator and key figure in the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas for nearly five and a half years, and part of the Israeli-Palestinian delegation received by Pope Francis in October 2024, he has closely followed the negotiations, working to open and maintain active channels of communication, especially with the United States and the Palestinians, in the face of an Israeli leadership long devoted to war. Below is the Gershon Baskins full interview with AsiaNews: As an expert mediator and an active party to this negotiation, what is your general opinion regarding the implementation of the 20-point peace plan for Gaza? The main criticism is that it's taken three months until now to get to the point where phase two is beginning. This should have been done a lot quicker because what's happened is a vacuum [has] opened up, which Hamas has been able to fill, which is detrimental to the whole situation. But there was no way of avoiding it because everyone was being pulled in different directions by the different parties involved in the conflict. The Americans had decided that the first stage needs to be the appointment to the Palestinian government in Gaza. Who are the other players involved? There were so many different agendas and parties pulling in different directions, whether they be Arab countries, Egypt and Jordan, the Emirates and the Saudis and the Qataris (who have close ties to Hamas). Even the Turks got involved and, of course, the Palestinian Authority. So it took a long time before they could reach an agreement on a list of names and before all those names were vetted by the Americans and by the Israelis, apparently. And that's why that just happened now, three months into the process. That's the main criticism. Are there other issues? Another main criticism is that there have been many, many, many daily violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israel. There have been a few by Hamas, but much more by Israel. And over 400 Palestinians have been killed in the last three months since the war officially ended. The darkest and bloodiest phases of the conflict seem to be over, but do the daily deaths and attacks remain a problem? Right. Overall, the war ended. I mean, we don't see any kind of military activities taking place by Israel or by Hamas that were like what was happening three months ago, but still more than 400 Palestinians have been killed. Israel has also, together with the United States, apparently systematically removed the ability of the international organisations to provide aid. And they're in the process of, I think, preventing all the international organisations. And it seems that the Americans and the Israelis are working on a new system of having the aid provided by the private sector. And there's a big change in the operations in Gaza. Because the international NGOs are not being registered by Israel because they refuse to have their personnel vetted by the Israelis. They're willing to have personnel vetted by the Americans, but not by the Israelis. What is the situation from a humanitarian perspective? The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a disaster, mainly because of the weather. It's been really harsh weather conditions in the last weeks: 800,000 to 900,000 people are living in tents. And those tents have been blown away. And people are living in pools of water. The conditions are terrible. There's also a lot of tents, a lot of caravans, medical aid and things like that, that have been gathered by the international organisations that are simply not allowed to get into Gaza. The current issue is the appointment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will operate under the supervision of a Board of Peace, which Trump is expected to announce in coming days and chair. What are the challenges of this new phase? Yeah. The steps are also difficult. Trump announced that the peace board has been formed. He didn't tell us who. The executive committee has been formed. We don't know all the participants. They hired Nikolai Mladenov, a Bulgarian UN diplomat [. . .] to be the coordinator of the executive committee. [] Mladenov can do a good job but they really need a Palestinian. Weve been pushing for it. Do you have someone in mind? The best person to do it is my partner Samer Sinijlawi (pictured with Baskin). There's been a lot of talk about the peacekeeping force in Gaza. Has there been any progress on its definition and the countries that will be part of it? We still don't know who is going to be in the international stabilisation force and when they're going to be deployed. When the force is ready to be deployed, the Americans will have an argument with the Israelis because the force will only be deployed once Israel is pushed back further towards the Israeli border. In other words, the yellow line will not be a permanent line. The Israelis will have to begin a process of full withdrawal from Gaza. That's also part of the process. [Meanwhile, there is] No news, yet. But we should hear soon. It's a very major point. The Americans told me they have a plan for disarming Hamas. They expect it will take six months to do. They're probably going to be meeting directly with Hamas again to talk about it. This is what I think will happen. Since you played an active role in mediation, can you tell us what Hamas's position is with respect to the National Committee? Will there be cooperation? They agreed to it. They agreed to the list of names; they put out official announcements supporting it and that they will work with the new committee. For the time being, [we can trust them], but we need to see what happens with actions in the ground. Still on the subject of relations, how do you judge the position of the technocratic committee towards the Palestinian Authority? There's no direct connection between the Palestinian Authority and the new committee. There are a couple of people in the new committee who were former employees of the Palestinian Authority at the time of Arafat. The head of the committee, Ali Shad, was the deputy minister in the past. But there's no direct appointment from the Palestinian Authority to the committee. And the Palestinian Authority also blessed it. Steve Witkoff stated that Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza is moving from a ceasefire to demilitarisation and reconstruction. But Hamas's weapons remain an unresolved issue. This is gonna be difficult! I think if the Americans don't engage with Hamas directly, Hamas will make problems. They want to be part of the process. They don't want to be put on above their heads. They want to be a part of deciding how the process will be done. But apparently the Hamas leadership outside basically agreed to it in the past and they continue to agree to it. Could what is happening in Iran have consequences for the peace plan for Gaza? I don't think it has a great impact on what's happening in Gaza. It might have an impact on Hamas, we don't know. But I don't think it has great consequences for Gaza. The problems with Gaza are completely separate. Baskin, can we be optimistic about the future? Yes, we have to be! by Sumon Corraya The deaths, in the Badarganj and Rangpur areas, are linked to the consumption of bootleg alcohol. The latest victim is alleged trafficker Zainul Abedin. In this Muslim-majority country, the existing ban encourages illegal trade. Investigations into the supply chain are ongoing. Dhaka (AsiaNews) The death toll from the consumption of toxic bootleg alcohol in northern Bangladesh has risen to eight, local police confirmed. The tragedy sheds light on the dangers of an illegal trade that thrives despite the country's restrictive laws. Zainul Abedin, an alleged trafficker, is the latest victim. He died Tuesday night in Rangpur Central Prison after he was arrested and had ten bottles seized. His death tragically concludes a series of deaths that began last Sunday in the areas of Badarganj, Rangpur Sadar, and Hazirhat. According to police and local sources, the victims including Amirul Islam, Sohel Mia, and Zender Ali drank toxic rectified spirit, a highly concentrated and often industrially produced alcohol, purchased from trafficker Zainul Abedin in the Shyampur Hat area. Soon after consuming the substance, the men felt suddenly ill, and most died. A total of 4 people have died in different areas under my police station, said Badarganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Hasan Zahid Sarkar. Separate cases of unnatural deaths have been reported in similar incidents, suggesting an underground pattern of alcohol poisoning, including one death that was reportedly hidden from the authorities. Some residents claim that Uliar Rahman, from Sadar Upazila, was secretly buried after he died from alcohol poisoning, leaving no official trace. Alcohol is banned in the Muslim-majority country of 170 million, yet tragedies of this kind are not uncommon. Non-Muslim minorities and foreigners with special permits can consume alcohol legally, but this has created a vast black market in dangerous and unregulated alcohol. People said, if alcohol was not banned, people would not drink spirit and would not die, one local source told AsiaNews, pointing to the unintended consequences of prohibition. Bangladesh has a legal but tightly regulated alcohol industry, with the state-owned Carew & Co. (Bangladesh) Ltd. as the main producer, along with a handful of licenced private distilleries. However, high prices and limited access to these products push many towards cheaper and more dangerous alternatives, often lethal, available on the black market. Investigations into the supply chain are ongoing. Rangpur Superintendent of Police Marufat Hossain said the dealers purchased the substances from a homeopathic chamber. The Detective Police and the Narcotics Control Department have also conducted a raid We have received several pieces of information. The raid is ongoing, he explained. Zainul Abedin was arrested last Monday following the first deaths. A case was opened against him and several persons unknown. He was charged with murder due to the use of drugs and toxic and deadly substances. Police are still looking to apprehend those involved, while communities mourn the loss of eight men in a preventable tragedy, caused by illegal trade. by Vladimir Rozanskij Since gaining independence from the USSR, Iran has been one of Turkmenistan's few foreign policy partners, with which it shares almost 1,000 kilometres of border. During Raisi's presidency, new cooperation agreements were signed, particularly in the energy sector. Fears of a possible exodus of the two million ethnic Turkmen living in the northern region of the country. Ashgabat (AsiaNews) - The dramatic events unfolding in Iran cannot leave the inhabitants of neighbouring Turkmenistan indifferent, separated by a border of almost a thousand kilometres and which has always maintained good neighbourly relations with Tehran. Since 1990 and its independence from the USSR, Iran has been one of Ashgabat's few foreign policy partners, which otherwise asserts a proud neutrality towards all others. The Iranians have granted the Turkmen access to the ports of the Persian Gulf and are among the largest buyers of Turkmen natural gas. During the presidency of Ibrahim Raisi, who died in a tragic accident a year and a half ago, relations between the two states had further intensified, in what Tehran had called the policy of good neighbourliness, seeking to increase trade. In 2022, the new Turkmen president, Serdar Berdymukhamedov, made an official visit to Iran, signing a package of agreements on trade, transport and energy. After Raisi's death, whose funeral was attended by President-Father Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, the situation became complicated; the radical Islamic president was very predictable and popular with the Turkmen, due to his pragmatic choices, which were then lost with the new president Masud Pezeshkyan, considered by Ashgabat to be more moderate and less decisive. Now the Turkmen leadership fears that the new wave of protests and bloody repression could lead Iran into chaos, blocking all joint projects in progress that had been planned for a period of twenty years, while Iranian leaders now have other concerns. Regular contacts between members of the two governments have obviously been interrupted, and diplomatic relations are maintained only formally. As in other Central Asian countries, there have been no official comments from Ashgabat on the events in Iran, as they wait to see which regime they will have to deal with. However, one urgent issue concerns security and cooperation at the borders, should the protests descend into full-blown civil war; Turkmenistan would risk seeing waves of refugees arriving and suffering internal destabilisation itself. The northern region of Iran is known as Turkmen Sahra, and is home to about two million ethnic Turkmen, who in the event of violent unrest could seek refuge in their historical homeland to the north, a scenario similar to what has recently happened in Syria and Afghanistan with other ethnic groups. Ashgabat has already strengthened border controls and is conducting exercises to prevent uncontrolled masses from crossing the borders, and cooperation with Tehran to block drug trafficking channels from Afghanistan is now also at serious risk. Economically, the main problem concerns the energy sector, given that the unrest is triggering further international reactions and sanctions, preventing Iran from maintaining its oil and gas imports and exports, and Turkmen gas could become even more necessary for domestic needs, especially in the northern regions, where fuel has always been in short supply during the winter frosts. If a regime change were to lift sanctions against Iran, this could open up very interesting prospects for Turkmenistan, such as the construction of new gas pipelines through Iran and Turkey to reach Europe, plans that have so far been blocked by the Americans, while a possible pro-Western liberal monarchy in Tehran would also please the neutral dictatorship in Ashgabat. And it would be a great warning to all Central Asians, reminding them that even the most unexpected changes can happen anywhere, even in very closed and controlled societies. Today's Headlines: in Seoul, Yoon is sentenced to five years in prison in the first of the trials for attempting to impose martial law; In Yemen, Prime Minister bin Breik resigns and is succeeded by Foreign Minister Zindani; Hunger threatens 4.7 million people in Afghanistan; Washington has asked Jakarta to purchase US drones to monitor the South China Sea; The final death toll from the fire at the Wang Fuk Court towers in Hong Kong is 168. JAPAN This morning, problems with the railway power line in Tokyo interrupted commuter services on the two main lines, which serve some of the world's busiest stations in terms of passenger numbers. The disruption blocked the movements of over 673,000 passengers on the East Japan Railway (JR East). The Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines were at a standstill for about nine hours. According to JR East, the failure to restore power after overnight maintenance work was behind the disruption. SOUTH KOREA Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was under indictment, was sentenced to five years in prison for abuse of power, obstruction of justice and falsification of documents in connection with the (failed) imposition of martial law in December 2024. This is the first conviction in four different trials related to the controversial decision that allegedly plunged the country into political crisis without ever showing any sign of remorse. In the main of the other trials, in which he is accused of subverting the Constitution, special prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Yoon. YEMEN Yemen's presidential council has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Salem bin Breik and appointed Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen Zindani as his successor. This was reported by the state news agency Saba, according to which the former prime minister formally submitted his resignation, which was approved by the council. Yemen has been the scene of escalating tensions in recent weeks between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. AFGHANISTAN Hunger threatens at least 4.7 million people in Afghanistan, with another 17 million in urgent need of humanitarian food assistance. This is according to a new report by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which confirms the scale of the food emergency in the country. Added to this is a collapsing economy with around 75% unemployment nationwide and almost 90% of the population living below the poverty line. INDONESIA - UNITED STATES Washington has asked Jakarta to purchase US-made maritime surveillance drones for use in patrolling waters near the South China Sea. This is according to a government document analysed by The Straits Times, which states that the White House is offering Indonesia a reduction in tariffs from 32% to 19% in exchange. HONG KONG The final death toll from last November's devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court towers in the Tai Po district is 168, at least seven more than the previous figure. This was announced yesterday by Hong Kong's security chief, in the world's deadliest fire in a residential complex. The victims include 110 women and 58 men, aged between six months and 98 years. RUSSIA - CHINA The trade balance between Moscow and Beijing has fallen for the first time in five years, after record results in 2024, stopping at 4 billion according to Reuters' calculations, compared to 0 billion previously. The decline is due to the falling demand for Chinese cars in Russia and the collapse of crude oil, coal and gas imports into China as a result of sanctions, following the latest decline in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. TAJIKISTAN - KUWAIT Tajikistan's Transport Minister, Azim Ibrokhim, signed a contract in Dushanbe with the representative of the Kuwaiti company Narco, Ahmad Mahrus, for the reconstruction project of the country's most mountainous motorway. The works will concern the Ajni-Gornaja Matca section and involve the modernisation of the asphalt, the widening of the lanes and the renovation of the engineering systems of a road built in the 1960s, covering a length of 162 km. By prioritizing AI analytics at the edgedirectly within devices and in-home systemsEssence delivers faster response times, reduced latency, and enhanced privacy by processing sensitive data locally. Cloud-based analytics complement this approach by supporting continuous learning, broader insights, and service evolution over time. 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By focusing intelligence at the edge while leveraging the cloud, we reduce latency, protect privacy, and enable proactive, personalized interventions that help prevent harm before it happens." In elderly population monitoring, for example, Essence applies a combination of edge and cloud-based AI across ambient fall detection, voice recognition, and behavioral analysis to identify subtle changes in daily routines that may indicate risk or distress. This approach supports independent living while enabling service providers to deliver timely, privacy-conscious care services. "Our focus is on translating algorithmic innovation into scalable, intuitive solutions," Amir adds. "This hybrid architecture is designed as a service-ready platform that partners can build upon." "By combining algorithmic depth with practical deployment, we help our partners deliver intelligent security and care solutions that are proactive, reliable, and easy to adopt," states Dr. Haim Amir, CEO of Essence Group. "Our emphasis on edge intelligence provides a distinct advantagesupporting faster response, stronger privacy, and new service opportunities." "At Essence, we envision AI as an invisible guardian, working quietly in the background to enhance safety, independence, and peace of mind," Dr. Amir concludes. About Essence Essence Group is a global technology leader with a mission to develop and deploy innovative, AI-Driven, cloud-based, end-to-end security and healthcare solutions, underpinned by supporting services, that provide peace of mind to users. For over 30 years, Essence has challenged convention by making care and safety both accessible and affordable. With over 85 million connected devices deployed worldwide, Essence helps people to live safer and more independent lives. For more information: https://www.essence-grp.com/ Follow Essence Group on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook Media Contact: Rafi Zauer Essence Group, Head of Marketing [email protected] +972 (0)73 2447777 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863334/ESSENCE_GROUP_Developments.jpg SOURCE Essence Group 16 January 2026 10:42 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The premiere of the short historical documentary film "The Captain and the Caspian Sea" will take place on January 19 at the Nizami Cinema Center, Azernews reports citing the Culture Ministry. The film is one of the winning projects of the "Film Project Support Competition for Films Produced by State Order and Support," held in 2023 by the Azerbaijan Cinema Agency under the Culture Ministry. The film was produced by Rental Azerbaijan LLC. The screenplay and direction are by Turkan Huseyn, and the producer is Emil Najafov. Created through a hybrid use of animation and archival materials, the film is dedicated to the nationwide tragedy that occurred on the night of January 20, 1990. It tells the story of the heroism, professionalism, and civic courage demonstrated by captains of the Caspian Sea Oil Fleet, as well as journalists and cameramen who risked their lives to document those historic events. Based on historical facts, the film carries special significance in preserving collective memory and passing on the truth of that tragic night to future generations. The animation segments of the film were produced by the "Harmony of Chaos" studio. "Current Time" TV, Public Television (ITV), and the Azerbaijan Filmmakers Union also provided support for the project. 16 January 2026 12:03 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more As part of its publication series, the International Mugham Center (IMC) has released a new book, greeting readers with a significant scholarly gift for 2026, Azernews reports. The newly published volume is "Muqaddimat al-Adab" by the great Uzbek scholar and thinker Zamakhshari (Abu al-Qasim Mahmud ibn Umar ibn Muhammad al-Khwarizmi az-Zamakhshari). Holding a special place in Turkology, this monumental work represents an important contribution to the International Mugham Center's expanding cultural and academic ties with brotherly Uzbekistan. The book has been prepared through the transliteration of the text from the old script into the modern alphabet by Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor Tarlan Guliyev. The work was developed at the Manuscripts Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), with Academician Teymur Karimli serving as scientific editor. Zamakhshari's "Muqaddimat al-Adab" (10741144) occupies a prominent position in the world of Turkology, second only to Mahmud Kashgari's "Divan Lughat at-Turk." Although the monument is primarily an ArabicPersianTurkic (Khwarezm Turkic) dictionary, it contains hundreds of Turkic words and expressions. This edition marks the first time the work has been presented to Azerbaijani readers. The development of international cooperation is one of the priority directions of the IMC's strategic vision. In this context, agreements signed between the International Mugham Center and higher education institutions of Uzbekistan, as well as the Makom Center, envisage the expansion of mutual scientific and cultural exchange, joint research projects, collaborative concerts and cultural initiatives, and master classes. In July 2025, the Director of the International Mugham Center, Honored Artist Sahib Pashazadeh,who was awarded the title of Cultural Ambassador of Uzbekistan, initiated the publication of Zamakhshari's work by the Center. This step is widely regarded as a commendable contribution to strengthening cultural relations. To date, the IMC has signed nearly seven cooperation documents with Uzbekistan. This partnership aims to enhance the exchange of experience, strengthen mutually beneficial cultural ties between institutions, promote national music and literary heritage on a wider scale, and pave the way for a range of promising future projects. Among the upcoming initiatives is a mugham evening featuring ghazals by Alisher Navoi, to be performed by soloists of the International Mugham Center. Founded on the initiative of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, the Mugham Center was established in accordance with a presidential decree dated April 6, 2005. Construction of the center began the same year, and the building, recognized today as one of Baku's most distinctive architectural landmarks, officially opened in 2008. Since then, the Mugham Center has consistently hosted large-scale music festivals and concerts featuring prominent and internationally renowned cultural figures. Alongside its concert activities, the center actively works to strengthen cultural cooperation with countries such as Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and others. Committed to the preservation and global promotion of Azerbaijani musical heritage, the International Mugham Center continues to expand its activities. Numerous projects are underway aimed at researching, safeguarding, and popularizing the art of mugham. A landmark achievement was reached in 2025, when the Mugham Center became the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to receive international status through legislation. This designation has also played a significant role in improving the social and financial conditions of the center's staff, reinforcing its position as one of Baku's leading concert venues. In recent years, and particularly over the past year, the International Mugham Center has experienced a noticeable increase in interest, especially among tourists attending mugham and ethno-music concerts. During the 9th Mugham Television Contest, the center hosted numerous performances that attracted a wide and diverse audience. Regular monthly events appeal to both professional musicians and general music lovers. Promotional banners placed around the venue help draw the attention of tourists, many of whom stop during the day to admire the center's impressive architecture while anticipating evening performances. This growing international appeal was especially evident during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when numerous racing fans and visitors to Baku also took part in the International Mugham Center's rich musical program. 16 January 2026 13:35 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Representatives of the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Center under the Azerbaijan Embassy in Uzbekistan have met with the leadership of Kokand State University to discuss the development of cooperation in the humanitarian and educational fields, Azernews reports. The meeting was attended by Akif Marifli, Director of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center, and Nigora Gadirova, Vice-Rector of Kokand State University. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the humanitarian and educational spheres, as well as on future prospects for joint activities between the Cultural Center and the university. Particular attention was given to the issue of introducing the teaching of the Azerbaijani language at the university, with emphasis placed on the importance of this initiative for strengthening cultural and academic ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. It was noted that teaching the Azerbaijani language would broaden students educational opportunities, deepen their knowledge of the culture, history, and linguistic heritage of the Azerbaijani people, and contribute to the development of inter-university relations. The parties expressed their readiness to continue cooperation in the humanitarian field and to implement joint initiatives in the future. The Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Tashkent is an institution that operates under the Azerbaijani Embassy in Uzbekistan. The center strengthens cultural, educational, scientific, and humanitarian ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. It hosts museums that highlight the history of Azerbaijan, the legacy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and the historical friendship between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The center facilities also support cultural and educational activities, including music, dance, and folklore ensembles, and provide space for events that promote Azerbaijani traditions. Over the years, the Cultural Center has played a significant role in advancing bilateral cooperation through diverse programs and initiatives. It has been recognized as one of the most active foreign cultural centers in Uzbekistan, engaging media, public figures, and civil society in cultural dialogue. Through exhibitions, presentations, and collaborations with local institutions, the center fosters greater understanding of Azerbaijan's culture, history, and language. In addition to its own events, the center contributes to broader educational and cultural cooperation by supporting initiatives such as establishing Azerbaijani cultural corners in libraries and facilitating academic exchange programs, further reinforcing the cultural bridge between the two nations. Kokand State University traces its origins to January 1931, when it began operating as an evening higher pedagogical institute housed in a pedagogical college building. In 1938, under Order No. 866 of the Peoples Commissariat for Education of Uzbekistan, the institution was reorganized into an evening teacher training institute. Later that year, on November 27, a distance consultation center was established within the institute. Beginning with the 19391940 academic year, the institute transitioned to a full-time state teacher training institution. In 1943, it was restructured as a women's teacher training institute, and in 1954, it was renamed the State Pedagogical Institute for Women. In October 1943, the institute was also given the name of the renowned poet Muqimiy. In 2017, Kokand State University was incorporated into the organizational framework of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Throughout its history, the institution has evolved from a modest educational establishment into a leading center of higher education in the region. Kokand University organizes teaching and research across multiple academic departments. It focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. 16 January 2026 17:59 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more On January 14, 2026, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed an official decree approving the ambitious "Azerbaijani Culture 2040" Cultural Concept, a strategic framework designed to guide the nation's cultural development for the next two decades and beyond, Azernews reports. The Concept aims to harmonise tradition and modernity, safeguarding national identity while positioning Azerbaijani culture for sustainable growth and global engagement. It seeks to establish a modern cultural model that upholds national and moral values while ensuring systematic, long-term development across all cultural sectors. Coordinated by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the Concept lays out an integrated, phased strategy to be implemented in three major stages: 20262030, 20312035, and 20362040, with each stage defined by specific goals and institutional mechanisms to guide progress. Strengthening Role of Azerbaijani Language The "Azerbaijani Culture 2040" Cultural Concept places a strong emphasis on the Azerbaijani language. It advocates for strengthening the role of the language in cultural life, developing its essence, and increasing its visibility and influence on the international stage. To achieve these objectives, the Concept outlines systematic measures designed to enhance the status of the Azerbaijani in society. These include coordinated efforts to develop, promote, and advocate for the language, ensuring that it remains a living and evolving medium of expression. Expected outcomes include the further development of the Azerbaijani literary language, the creation of new works in the native tongue, and wider use of Azerbaijani across digital platforms. The Concept also calls attention to the importance of coordinated international promotion, aiming to expand the geographical reach of the Azerbaijani language and strengthen its role in global communication. Measures will focus on increasing both the quantity and quality of scientific, journalistic, and literary works produced in Azerbaijani, ensuring that the language continues to thrive as a dynamic cultural and intellectual instrument. State Programs for Cultural Development Under the framework of the "Azerbaijani Culture 2040" Cultural Concept, a series of state programs will be developed to guide the country's cultural development. These programs will focus on strengthening the Azerbaijani language and literature, preserving the nation's cultural and natural heritage, and advancing the arts, audiovisual industry, behavioural and knowledge culture, and creative industries. One of the Concept's central objectives is to facilitate a cultural return to Azerbaijan's historical geography, restoring the historical and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people that has been destroyed or lost over time. A key unifying factor in this effort is the revitalisation of the Azerbaijani language's regional role, strengthening its influence both domestically and internationally. The Concept also emphasizes organized cultural participation as a critical instrument for advancing Azerbaijan's regional interests and fostering friendly relations with neighbouring countries. Strategic Priorities and Three-Phase Implementation Plan The "Azerbaijani Culture 2040" Cultural Concept is a strategic planning document that defines the direction of state cultural policy, addressing both global and domestic challenges. Its primary aim is to create and develop a modern cultural model rooted in Azerbaijan's national identity, while expanding mutual engagement with other cultures by 2040. The Concept ensures a unified, systematic, and sustainable approach across all activities in the cultural sphere. Within this framework, the Concept envisions culture becoming an inseparable part of daily life, preserving foundational values while enhancing its functionality through modern tools and platforms. At the same time, it highlights the importance of maintaining traditional forms of communication in an era of rapid digital transformation. The Concept encompasses a wide range of cultural fields, including the Azerbaijani language, behavioural and knowledge culture, literature, the arts, and cultural heritage. It also highlights essential Azerbaijani cultural values, such as national and moral principles, tolerance, individuality and uniqueness, accessibility, and the Azerbaijani language itself. Implementation of the Concept is planned in three phases: 20262030, 20312035, and 20362040. This phased approach ensures systematic progress, continuous evaluation, and long-term sustainability, paving the way for Azerbaijan to establish a modern, resilient, and globally connected cultural ecosystem by 2040. Cultural Achievements in Film and UNESCO Recognition Between 2003 and 2025, Azerbaijan made significant strides in the field of culture. The government supported the development of cinematography and the film industry, while the number of academic, national, and leading theatres across the country increased. During this period, Azerbaijan hosted more than 100 international festivals, organised over 60 Azerbaijani Cultural Days abroad, and held over 100 anniversary and other cultural events. Efforts to preserve cultural heritage were equally remarkable. Between 2003 and 2023, four of Azerbaijan's cultural and natural sites were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List, bringing the country's total to five. Moreover, the cities of Baku, Shaki, and Lankaran joined UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, while 24 elements of Azerbaijan's intangible cultural heritage gained recognition: 22 on the Representative List and 2 on the Urgent Safeguarding List. Over these years, museums and galleries hosted more than 42,700 exhibitions, with 36 culturally significant artefacts returned from abroad and 20,085 artefacts restored. Investing in Cultural Education and Global Collaboration The development of cultural education has been another priority. Institutions dedicated to cultural studies have been established, and in the past 20 years, more than 60 specialists received state-supported training abroad in cultural disciplines. To strengthen international cultural cooperation, Azerbaijan has established cultural centres in six countries: Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Uzbekistan, and Turkiye. These centres serve as hubs for promoting Azerbaijani culture abroad, facilitating artistic exchange and fostering a global appreciation of the nation's cultural heritage. 16 January 2026 16:35 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Construction works will be carried out to develop the external water supply system as well as the wastewater network and related facilities in Zar village of Azerbaijans Kalbajar District. Azernews reports that the Construction Management Department of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA) has launched the initial phase of the project. The agency has begun procedures to identify the contractor that will be responsible for implementing the works. Preliminary estimates indicate that the construction of the water supply and sewage infrastructure will cost approximately 7.2 million manats. Zar village is located in the Kalbajar District and is considered one of the regions ancient settlements. Historical sources also refer to the village under the name Tsar. In 1993, Zar was occupied by Armenian armed forces and remained under occupation for many years. Following the 2020 Patriotic War and the signing of the trilateral ceasefire statement, Kalbajar Districtincluding Zar villagewas returned to Azerbaijans control. Since then, large-scale reconstruction and restoration efforts have been underway. Under state programs, plans include rebuilding infrastructure, resettling former residents, and facilitating the gradual return of the population to the village. 16 January 2026 18:20 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree. Rauf Valiyev has been dismissed from the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company Closed Joint Stock Company, Azernews reports. 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! 16 January 2026 12:56 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she presented US President Donald Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize during a meeting at the White House on January 15, describing the gesture as recognition of his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people, Azernews reports. Trump did not explicitly state whether he would accept the award, though the White House later confirmed that he plans to keep it. Trump acknowledged the gesture in a social media post later that day, writing: Maria presented me with the Nobel Peace Prize for the work I do. It is a beautiful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you, Maria! According to White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt, Trumps view of Machado has not changed, and he does not consider her a realistic alternative to leading Venezuela. Leavitt added that Trump approves of the work of Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, whom he considers cooperative. Machado, speaking after the meeting, said that she and her supporters trust Trump and believe he understands the suffering of the Venezuelan people. She said Trump is committed to securing the release of political prisoners in the country. Addressing US senators, Machado argued that political repression under Rodriguezs rule is no different from the period under former president Nicolas Maduro, and in some cases has worsened. Venezuelan human rights groups have also said that far fewer political prisoners have been released than initially expected. Trump spoke by phone with Rodriguez a day before meeting Machado, discussing oil, minerals, trade and security issues. Trump later described Rodriguez as a great man. Separately, Rodriguez said on January 15 that he had proposed reforms to Venezuelas hydrocarbon law, noting that US investors are seeking easier access to the countrys oil industry. He said oil revenues would be allocated to workers and public services. The United States has said that around $500 million in oil sales under the agreement with Caracas has already been made and is being held in US bank accounts. An industry source familiar with the arrangement said the main account is located in Qatar. On January 3, US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and transferred him to New York, where he faces drug-related charges. Maduro has denied the allegations. 16 January 2026 13:17 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Right-wing leaders from across Europe have publicly endorsed Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban, signaling the symbolic importance of Hungarys upcoming elections for the broader far-right movement, even as Orban trails in recent polls, Azernews reports via The Guardian. A campaign video released this week features endorsements from prominent figures including Italys Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Salvini, Frances Marine Le Pen, and Germanys Alice Weidel. We need Viktor Orban in Europe, Weidel, co-leader of Germanys far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD), tells viewers in the video. Le Pen, former leader of Frances National Rally, praised Orban, noting that leaders like him are helping the camp of patriots and defenders of nations and sovereign peoples achieve ever greater success in Europe. Orban has previously described Hungary as a petri dish for illiberalism. Meloni highlighted shared values with Orban, saying: Together we stand for a Europe that respects national sovereignty and is proud of its cultural and religious roots. The show of support comes ahead of Hungarys parliamentary elections on 12 April, following a year in which Orban, the European Unions longest-serving leader, drew criticism for attempts to ban Pride events and increase restrictions on independent media and NGOs. Orban, who has long faced criticism for weakening democratic institutions, eroding media freedom and undermining the rule of law, is facing an unprecedented challenge from a former top member of his own party, Peter Magyar. As Hungarians grapple with economic stagnation, the rising cost of living and fraying social services, polls have suggested Orban and his Fidesz party are trailing behind Magyars opposition Tisza party. In response, Fidesz has sought to stress Orbans international connections, casting them as an asset for Hungary amid volatile and turbulent international conditions, according to Marton Bene, a political analyst at the TK Institute for Political Science in Budapest. Something his opponent as a political newcomer simply does not have, he said. Magyars campaign, in contrast, has focused on domestic affairs, with pledges to stimulate the Hungarian economy by tackling corruption and unlocking billions of euros in frozen EU funds. The election result is likely to hinge on how voters see these competing narratives and whether they treat international challenges, or domestic governmental performance, as the elections primary stake, Bene said. The campaign video includes a handful of references to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Orban, the EU leader closest to Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly blocked efforts by Brussels to present a united front in support of Ukraine, leading some critics to refer to him as Putins Trojan horse in the EU. The video shows leaders seemingly lauding these efforts, with Weidel noting that Orban is fighting for peace in Ukraine, while Salvini says: If you want peace, vote for Fidesz. 16 January 2026 17:46 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Armenias Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan has expressed gratitude to Turkiyes foreign minister and regional partners for their support of peace and regional cooperation, Azernews reports, citing Armenian media, Simonyan made the remarks on January 16 while speaking to journalists. I would like to thank Turkiyes foreign minister and all regional partners who support calls from the majority of the Armenian public to advance peace, implement trade, and develop this trade within the framework of TRIPP, Simonyan said. He made the statement while commenting on a message from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who voiced support for the constructive stance taken by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Simonyans remarks come amid ongoing discussions on regional connectivity and economic cooperation initiatives aimed at promoting stability and trade in the South Caucasus. 16 January 2026 19:10 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more United States Special Envoy to Greenland and former Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said on Friday that a deal over Greenland should and will be made, reaffirming President Donald Trumps seriousness about securing an agreement involving the Arctic territory. Landry also confirmed plans to visit Greenland in March for further discussions, highlighting continued U.S. engagement despite deep objections from Denmark and Greenland, Azernews reports via Reuters. In a Friday interview with Fox News, Landry said Trump has laid the markers down and communicated his objectives to Denmark, adding that the next step is for Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance to make a deal. Landrys comments reflect Washingtons focus on Greenlands strategic importance amid intensifying global geopolitical competition in the Arctic. The issue has sparked significant diplomatic tensions. Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected any notion of U.S. acquisition, insisting that Greenland is not for sale and that its territorial integrity must be respected under international law. Danish officials have gone so far as to summon the U.S. ambassador in protest over the appointment of Landry as special envoy, which they view as an unwelcome escalation. Trump first announced Landrys appointment in December 2025, praising him as an envoy who understands how essential Greenland is to our national security and stating that the United States needs Greenland due to its strategic location and resources. Despite Denmark and Greenlands rejection, Trump has not ruled out using force to acquire the territory if necessarycomments that have alarmed European allies. The contentious push comes amid Operation Arctic Endurance, a Danish-led NATO military exercise in Greenland involving several European countries. European leaders have deployed troops and assets to the island to underscore their commitment to Greenlands defense and to send a message that efforts to challenge Danish sovereignty could undermine transatlantic ties. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Thursday that the deployment of European troops will not affect the administrations goal of acquiring Greenland, describing the presence as unrelated to Trumps negotiation efforts. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have been complicated by deep divisions within U.S. political circles. A bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers traveled to Copenhagen this week to reassure Denmark of continued NATO solidarity and to counter Trumps controversial rhetoric on Greenland, with some legislators openly criticizing the administrations approach as damaging to transatlantic relations. Greenlands government has also voiced strong opposition. The territorys prime minister has publicly stated that Greenlands future belongs to its people and reiterated that decisions about sovereignty should be made by Greenlanders themselves, emphasizing continued allegiance to Denmark and NATO. Landrys March visit is expected to include meetings with local leaders and discussions aimed at advancing U.S. strategic interests, but whether these talks will bridge the current diplomatic rift remains uncertain as the Arctics geopolitical importance continues to grow. BEL AIR, Md., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Harford Mutual Insurance Group (HMIG) is proud to announce it donated nearly $600,000 to more than 90 nonprofit and charitable organizations throughout 2025. Through its HMIG Gives Back Program, Harford Mutual's direct contributions supported initiatives focused on health and human services, as well as community enrichment. This commitment to philanthropy reflects Harford Mutual's continuous efforts to positively impact the communities it serves. The largest contributions were presented to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford and Cecil Counties, Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna, Harford Family House, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, and United Way of Central Maryland. In the wake of severe weather events affecting Kentucky, Harford Mutual contributed $20,000 to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. HMIG also donated $10,000 to the Western Maryland Strong Fund to support regional flood relief efforts. In addition to Harford Mutual's direct contributions, more than $92,000 in donations were distributed to nonprofits and charitable organizations through the company's HMIG Community Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Harford County. This included capital contributions made to Anna's House, The Harford Center, and Harford Community College Foundation. Funds were also distributed to charitable organizations as part of HMIG's Employee Match Program, as well as donations made to additional nonprofits as part of the company's Flagship Agency Grant Program, which provides $1,000 grants to nonprofits selected by our Flagship agencies. Harford Mutual employees also demonstrated their commitment to giving back, collectively contributing nearly 700 volunteer hours to various organizations in 2025. About Harford Mutual Insurance Group Harford Mutual Insurance Group, founded in 1842 in Harford County, Maryland, provides commercial property and casualty insurance products and services to a regional market. The Group is a recognized insurance company ending 2025 with more than $446 million in direct written premium sold through independent agents in twelve states and Washington, D.C. Harford Mutual is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. For more information, visit www.HarfordMutual.com. SOURCE Harford Mutual Insurance Group 16 January 2026 19:43 (UTC+04:00) by Alimat Aliyeva Daimler Truck AG reported on Friday that its global sales for the full year fell 8% compared to 2024, totaling 422,510 units, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. The Trucks North America unit sold 141,814 vehicles, marking a significant annual decline of 26%, while deliveries from the Mercedes-Benz Trucks unit remained stable. In contrast, Trucks Asia saw a 4% increase in sales in 2025, with 107,055 units delivered. Daimler Buses also reported growth, with a 2% rise in deliveries, totaling 26,991 vehicles. Most notably, the companys battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales surged by 67% compared to the previous year, reaching 6,726 units, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions. Analysts suggest that this sharp increase in BEV sales could signal a turning point for Daimler Truck as it accelerates its transition to electrification. Following the report, Daimler Trucks shares dipped by 1.61%, reflecting investor caution amid the mixed sales results. Despite the overall decline, the strong performance of electric trucks highlights the companys potential in the rapidly evolving commercial vehicle market. 16 January 2026 22:46 (UTC+04:00) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to pay an official visit to Germany on Tuesday, January 20, where he will meet with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a German government spokesperson said on Friday, Azernews reports. According to the spokesperson, talks between al-Sharaa and Merz will focus on a range of issues, including the return of Syrian refugees to their home country. The German side signaled openness to re-engagement, stating that Berlin is interested in finding a new start with the new Syrian government, marking a notable shift in Germanys approach toward Damascus after years of strained relations. The visit comes against the backdrop of an evolving debate within Germany over asylum and migration policy. Chancellor Merz has previously argued that there is no longer a justification for Syrians who fled the war to continue seeking asylum in Germany, suggesting that conditions in Syria have changed sufficiently to allow for returns. Germany hosts one of the largest Syrian diasporas in Europe, and discussions on repatriation are politically sensitive, intersecting with domestic pressures over migration, integration, and security. Al-Sharaas visit is therefore seen as both a diplomatic signal and a practical step toward redefining cooperation between Berlin and Damascus, particularly on migration management and post-conflict normalization. The high-level meetings are expected to clarify Germanys expectations of the new Syrian leadership, while also testing whether a broader re-engagement with Syria could follow at the European level. Everywhere one turns in Minnesota, there is more taxpayer fraud from Somalis immigrants. Multiple investigations of this massive fraud which runs well into the billions, is underway, but one aspect of that investigation just got blocked by a politically motivated crooked Democrat federal judge who had been appointed by Biden/s autopen (who knows if Biden himself even had nay knowledge ot it). The US Department of Agriculture had identified $80 million in food stamp fraud by Somalis and a thoroughgoing investigation was underway. That was until the Somalis went running to the Biden judge, who then blocked the investigation to protect the Somali fraudsters.. The corrupt Tim Walz regime in Minnesota was covering up for the fraudsters and the crooked Biden judge allowed them to continue to do so. With "judges" like this, who even needs criminals? https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/15/joe-biden-usda-brooke-rollins-trump-snap-minnesota-tim-walz-ellison/ Meanwhile, another partisan activist Democrat judge, this one a Clinton appointee in California, is trying to block the US Justice Department's effort on election integrity. He is abusing his power by thwarting an investigation of voter rolls to determine if illegal aliens are being allowed to vote om California. Democrat officials are stonewalling that investigation (what are they hiding???) and the party hack judge is protecting their doing so. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/01/activist-judge-strikes-again-clinton-appointed-judge-who/ Donegal model on the end of her relationship: I just kept thinking this is not how I want my life to be Michelle Doherty on the loss of her dad, the end of her relationship, and starting to date again Presenter Michelle Doherty on Doagh Strand in Donegal. Photo: Joe Dunne Liadan Hynes Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 09:20 Michelle Doherty has almost come to the end of her trip home to Donegal for Christmas the day we talk. The former Xpose host and radio DJ, who still models, is in her sisters house. On the bed beside her is a pile of clothes that have been loaned for the pictures being taken for this piece. SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents across Orange County can learn about all of the different schools available for their kids on Saturday, Jan. 31all in one room. The Santa Ana School fair starts at 11:00 am at the Santa Ana College campus, and more than #30 schools to include district, charter, and private schools will have representatives available to talk with families about their school options. The event, organized by La Union de Padres in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. The event will take place from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Santa Ana College (1530 W 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706). In addition to searching for schools, attendees can enjoy balloon art, face painting, and complimentary snacks. "School choice is about giving parents access to the best TK-12 education options for their children in California," said Cecilia "Ceci" Iglesias, founder of La Union de Padres. "This fair is a forum for school districts, public charter schools, private schools, homeschools and the college to talk with students and parents about those options. Allowing parents to see the options available will provide them the confidence to advocate for their child's education." 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/santa-ana-school-fair. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K12 school choice can change their children's lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children's needs. Our three charitable programsNational School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolaresraise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government. SOURCE National School Choice Week The year was 1982. As I was on the verge of entering the world, my grandparents undertook a pilgrimage to Jordan and Israel a popular pursuit among Irish Catholics eager to explore sites documented in the Bible and deepen their relationship with God. The highlight of their itinerary was visiting the River Jordan, where Jesus was baptised. Along with a lifetime of memories, my grandmother brought home some of the water for my own baptism, which, according to my mother, explained why I was such an angelic baby. Maybe youll make it out there one day, Granny once suggested after my younger self expressed an interest in travelling. I promised I would. Domhnall on his christening day When I finally receive an opportunity to visit in October 2025, many years after she passed away, I share my baptismal connection with a government official in the capital, Amman; he jokes that I am half-Jordanian. The importance of faith-based tourism in the country cannot be overstated. Travellers from North America, Europe and other Middle Eastern nations including many disillusioned young people, embracing religion for the first time regularly visit to explore some of the Christian worlds most significant sites. John the Baptist's cave near the Baptism Site One is Mount Nebo, where Moses is believed to have been buried after being shown the Promised Land from its summit. Another is the ancient town of Anjara in the Gilead Hills, where Jesus Christ, his mother Mary and his disciples rested in a cave, while in the Herodian fortress of Machaerus, John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded. Even though Israel claims around 90% of the faith-based market, with many believing that holy travel must include a visit to Jerusalem, the Jordanian government hopes the sector will reach around $700m by 2035. The Roman theatre in Amman To achieve this target, plans include improving connectivity, investing in technology, collaborating with tour operators, creating multi-site passes, and organising festivals and events. The government is also inviting international journalists and content creators to help spread the word. Equally important, it is training guides to promote mutual understanding among different religious communities. However, there is one major obstacle: regional conflict. Given that tourism, religious or otherwise, is a major employer and source of income for the country, its frustrating that Jordan has been impacted by the conflict raging in neighbouring countries. The Baptism Site, Jordan For instance, in 2023, visits to the ancient city of Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, were 1,070,438. The following year, that number decreased by nearly 64%. Staff members told me that, at times, it felt like a ghost town. Fortunately, in 2025, the Jordan Tourist Board has seen an increase in tourism compared to the same period in 2024, particularly in the two weeks following the US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Optimism has returned, and the country wants the world to know that it is safe to visit. Soon after arriving in the country, I follow in my grandparents footsteps and visit the UNESCO-recognised Baptism Site, north of the Dead Sea. Also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, it may be the lowest point on the earths land surface, but, according to Director General Rustom Mkhjian, its also the closest to heaven. Although I was a diligent altar boy in my youth, I fully welcome the opportunity to rediscover the sites history. John the Baptist lived a simple life in the wilderness here, near the hill from which Elijah ascended to heaven, opposite Jericho, he explains, adding that John resided in a cave, baptised believers, and awaited the Messiah. When Jesus arrived, he asked John to baptise him. The response pilgrims experience walking in the footsteps of prophets is like no other, Rustom explains as we drive from the visitors centre through the hot, barren landscape towards the site. While some modern churches and structures have been constructed, he says their aim is to preserve the site as it once was. The closer we get to the river, the more vegetation we pass, and the mid-morning heat becomes less oppressive. The security check along the way is a reminder that this holy site is situated within a military zone near the countrys border with the Israeli-occupied West Bank. However, discord has been a constant presence here for centuries. A market in Jordan's capital city, Amman While the site was a major pilgrimage destination from the time of John the Baptist until around the 14th century, it fell into neglect as the influence of the Crusaders waned and Byzantium weakened. When the area returned to the control of local tribes, the eastern part of the Jordan was no longer a safe place to visit. Without security guarantees, pilgrimages stopped. The area, along with its biblical connections, became little more than a memory, risking being forgotten entirely. Rustom mentions the discovery of the sixth-century Madaba Mosaic Map in 1897, which depicts the site and ignited renewed interest. However, the war that dominated the region made the area inaccessible for most of the 20th century, and I imagine that when my grandparents visited, their group probably had a military escort. In recent years, Jordans Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad is credited with restoring it. Given its centuries-long abandonment, I ask Rustom about the sites authenticity How can we be sure this is where Jesus was baptised? In addition to the Madaba Mosaic Map, extensive studies identified the remains of five churches here, built between the 5th and 12th centuries, which served as memorials to Jesus baptism. And when we finally reach the site, he points out features such as the John the Baptist Church, marble steps, the Mantle Chapel, and the distinctive cruciform-shaped Baptismal Pool. According to Rustom, these were all documented in the gospels or in accounts by early Christian saints and churchmen. One thing thats surprisingly absent from a baptismal site is water, but I learn that over the centuries, the River Jordan has changed its course due to floods, earthquakes and erosion. Domhnall at the Baptism Site Countless church and state leaders worldwide have endorsed the site. In his role as director general, Rustom has welcomed three popes John Paul, Benedict and Francis and King Charles when he was prince, as well as former Irish president Mary McAleese, whom he remembers fondly. He adds that in Jordan a Muslim country the royal family, government and people are proud to take care of this Christian site. Here, it is interfaith, which reminds us that what we have in common is greater than what we disagree on. Here, I have seen Jews, Christians and Muslims cry, but they are crying tears of love. That is why we need visitors and journalists to spread the word. As a lapsed Catholic, I wonder whether Id feel a connection to Jesus here; I dont know maybe theres too much talking between Rustom and me, or perhaps the sites significance is too great but I certainly feel reunited with my grandparents for a brief moment. For me, thats more than enough. Domhnall at the Treasury in Petra News Catch Up - Friday 16 January Nearby, in a narrow section of the River Jordan, people often participate in baptismal rites. The reeds of the West Bank are so close that you can almost touch them. Jordan is a small country, but we give a lot to mankind, Rustom mentions, as we discuss the horrors that have taken place in Palestine. I was once an engineer, but now Im interested in building human bridges bridges of love and peace. My late grandmother, raised in a Catholic family within a Protestant community in Northern Ireland, would have definitely supported those sentiments. Before leaving, Rustom gifts me a kit containing frankincense and harmony beads, created by Palestinian refugees. There is also a bottle of consecrated holy water from the River Jordan. In a full-circle moment, after returning home to Ireland, I sprinkle it across my grandparents grave. And even though prayer has been a stranger in my life for decades, I say one in the hope that governments stop weaponising religion to oppress, dominate and inflict pain on the innocent. As I write this, a memory from my trip to Jordan returns: two kittens fighting on the ruins of the Roman city of Jerash, while their tired mother slept nearby. Everyone, even those just a few days old, can create conflict; only the strong and brave among us can achieve peace. Fact Box Domhnall was a guest of Visit Jordan (visitjordan.com). He stayed in the Four Seasons (fourseasons.com) and the Dead Sea Marriott Resort and Spa (marriott.com). Restaurant recommendations include Majdoline (majdoline-jo.com), Fakhreldin (fakhreldin.com) and Jordan Heritage Petra Restaurant (jordanheritage.jo). National airline, Royal Jordanian, currently flies to Amman from London (Heathrow and Stansted) and Manchester. There are plans to introduce direct flights from Dublin in 2027 (rj.com). Utter the words: cabin in the woods and chances are that what immediately comes to mind is horror flick. Well thats until you arrive at Cabu at the Lakes in Co Cavan. In fact, after a two-night break your mind will have undergone a 180-degree turn having experienced a woodland oasis, leaving you feeling refreshed, relaxed and revitalised. Situated in Killykeen Forest Park, a Special Protection Area (SPA) a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Cabu overlooks Lough Oughter in Irelands lake district, log cabins and lake houses are scattered among the trees and walking trails. On arrival (check-in is from 3pm onwards) for a short family break to our log cabin, luggage and chill boxes are quickly off loaded before vehicles are returned to the main car park (EV charging is available). Inside the Scandi-style cabin its cosy, stylish and comfortable with a sitting area with TV and warming wood burner as well as a charming and well-equipped kitchen although theres no microwave for quick food preparation. The cabins come in various sizes, ranging from studio cabins for couples, luxury one-bedroom cabins which feature a generous separate living space, two bed cabins with several sleeping configurations and our three bed cabins for larger groups or families. Thoughtfully, books and games are dotted around the living room, giving a very homely atmosphere. There are some beautiful forests to walk through There are three bedrooms two of which are upstairs a downstairs bathroom that is functional and modern and beyond the sliding doors theres a raised outdoor decking area complete with seating and a barbecue. And gas bottles can be hired at Cabu House the staff headquarters for 25 a pop. Guests can also book a cot for a toddler, as well as extra beds, high chairs and baby baths. Each cabin is situated so youre never too far from a neighbour yet it still feels private. The cabins are made from timber, so if youre a light sleeper, a pair of earplugs might come in handy if youre sharing with noisy occupants, or say a brother who loves late-night television. Of course, theres the relaxing sounds of the forest at night to distract me. One of the places you can stay at Cabu News Catch Up - Friday 16 January The bar area And if you happen to have forgotten something, Cabu Corner the licenced on-site shop might just be able to help you out. Offering fresh bread or pastries every morning and there is a nice coffee machine also. If you do want a night off from cooking, there is a selection of ready-made meals, but dont expect a M&S Food store, Cabu is all about the self-catering experience so bring as much food as you can, and appreciate the extras at Cabu Corner. From alcohol, to clothing and toys, it sells smores kits which my nephew Sean loved to make at the griddle tables at the Sitooterie a communal area open all year round where you can order a cocktail and beer from the enclosed bar, The Cabin Club, and settle down in front of an open fire that makes the atmosphere feel very cosy. Comfy oversized sofas and chairs are dotted throughout the Sitooterie and family pets are welcome. There are huge Jenga and Connect 4 games available too to add to the fun and my niece Ivy enjoyed playing with them so much. Its all about embracing the outdoors at Cabu and we waste no time heading to the hot tub and sauna at the nature spa (one session is complimentary and all activities need prior booking). Conveniently, there are separate, enclosed changing areas, and nearby there are Japanese baths further into the forest where you can bath in absolute serenity surrounded by nature. Drinks can be ordered to the hot tub too. One of the stylish rooms And I metaphorically kick myself that I didnt pre-book a facial when I discover all of the timeslots are booked, but all is well when I discover the Bothy at the lakeside a coffee van with a pleasant outdoor sitting area beside Cabus private jetty where motorboats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and bikes can be rented for an additional cost. With friendly and warm staff on hand to assist with safety jackets and how to use the equipment, we head out on a motorboat on the stunning Killykeen lake taking in Lough Oughter. Its peaceful, serene and calm and allows everyone to switch off from the hectic pace of modern life as we survey the scene of other guests fishing or paddle boarding. The hot tub at Cabu At the time of our stay, Cabu which has a two-night minimum stay was expanding with its new larger barnhouse and woodland cabins. It can accommodate weddings and corporate stays. We discover this during one of our walks throughout the peaceful forest. Ecology is important at Cabu, not only does it have some of the best fishing in Ireland with a wide range of species flourishing in the clean deep water, away from the waters edge, it is alive with mammal activity from red squirrels, rabbits, voles, stoats, and badgers. Dont be surprised if you bump into a protected species such as pine martens on your walks. The rare sighting of otters is possible as they hunt along the waters edge on the way to their secret dens. The areas also home to 47 sighted species of birds and can boast nine different species of bats. Bat boxes are scattered amongst the trees to encourage them to stay. Its no wonder Cabu is building on its success as being voted the number one place to stay in Ireland by The Times it offers perfect stays for couples looking to recharge or families keen to embrace nature and get outdoors. We cant wait to go back. To find out more please visit holidays.cabu.co.uk Gillian was a guest of Cabu at the Lakes. 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? The letters urge MPs to support a proposed amendment to the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently before the House of Lords, creating an age limit of 16 for social media Parents across Northern Ireland have sent over 1,500 emails to their MPs in just 36 hours calling on them to back legislation that would raise the minimum age for social media to 16. The correspondence is part of a nationwide surge that saw more than 100,000 letters from Smartphone Free Childhood supporters sent to MPs in less than two days. It comes after First Minister Michelle ONeill refused to rule out a similar move in Northern Ireland following a week of controversy over the use of the AI chatbot Grok on Elon Musks social media platform X to digitally undress images of real people. Yesterday, David Lammy confirmed that generating sexual deepfake images without consent will become illegal within weeks. Ministers have brought forward legislation, with the ban coming into force on February 6 the standard 21 days after being signed. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy Mr Lammy welcomed news that social media platform X was imposing new restrictions on Grok, but vowed to do more to protect women and children. Parents have contacted MPs from across the political spectrum, including Claire Hanna (SDLP), Gavin Robinson (DUP) and Sorcha Eastwood (Alliance), underlining that concern about childrens online safety is shared widely. The letters urge MPs to support a proposed amendment to the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently before the House of Lords, creating an age limit of 16 for social media. It is expected to be debated in the coming days and, if successful, would return to the Commons for a further vote. Ms ONeill said the effect of the age limit on the lives of young people in Australia will be kept under review. We had a visit yesterday from the Australian High Commissioner and in Australia, as you know, they have moved and banned social media for under-16s. I was asking her how impactful that has been, but its too early to say. But I do think that, for good or for bad, social media does really impact on young peoples lives. In many ways there are positives, but there are so many negatives as well. Where countries have went ahead and moved as Australia has in such a stark way, we have to keep a really, really close eye on that and keep it under review. If there are positive outputs from that in improving young peoples lives by taking them out of the murky world it can sometimes be online then I think we have to keep it under review. Campaigners say the speed and scale of the response in Northern Ireland reflects growing concern among parents about the impact of social media on children and a recognition that this is a rare chance to act. The letters urge MPs to support a proposed amendment to the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently before the House of Lords, creating an age limit of 16 for social media Cara Hunter: AI advancing "at the expense of women and children" Parents in Northern Ireland are sending a very clear message, said Joanna Karlic, NI Regional Leader for Smartphone Free Childhood. This isnt about party politics its about protecting children from addictive, algorithm-driven platforms and making it easier for families to hold the line, together. When thousands of parents act at the same time, MPs listen. In Australia, legislation raising the minimum age for social media to 16 came into force in December, making it the first country to introduce a national, enforceable age limit. Since then, other countries have begun moving in the same direction. France, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Malaysia are advancing proposals to strengthen age limits and parental consent for children online. It is believed only around 200 Dunlap prints of the Declaration of Independence were made (Crown Copyright/The National Archives/PA) There have been calls for a permanent public statue of John Dunlap the Strabane-born printer of the Declaration of Independence as the US celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. John Dunlap began his working life as an apprentice at Grays Printing Office before emigrating to Philadelphia, where in 1776 he printed the first copies of the Declaration of Independence the founding document of the United States and one of the most influential in world history. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Britain. The Declaration of Independence explaining the reasons for the separation was formally approved on July 4 and is celebrated in the US as Independence Day. Despite this extraordinary connection, Dunlaps legacy remains largely unrecognised in his home town. Declaration of Independence signing West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said a prominent town centre location, ideally close to Grays Printers, would underline Dunlaps early connection to the town. Mr McCrossan said: John Dunlap was born in Strabane and played a direct role in one of the most important moments in global history. The fact that this is not properly marked in his home town is a glaring omission that must now be put right. The Declaration of Independence did not just shape the United States, it helped shape the modern world. Strabane has a rightful claim to that story, and we should be proud of it. "As the United States prepares to mark 250 years of independence, there is no better moment for Strabane to step forward and recognise one of its own who helped give that historic moment a voice. This is about more than a statue. It is about recognising Strabanes contribution to democracy, freedom of expression and the written word. It is about telling our story properly, at home and on the international stage. It is believed only around 200 Dunlap prints of the Declaration of Independence were made (Crown Copyright/The National Archives/PA) Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? "Grays Printing Office is where Dunlap learned his trade. A statue in that setting would provide a tangible link between Strabanes past and a defining moment in world history. There are cultural and heritage funding streams available, and this proposal meets every test of historical importance and public value. "What is needed now is political will. Strabane has every reason to be proud of John Dunlap. It is time we said so, clearly and permanently. Stock image - Police are at the scene of the collision Emergency services are at the scene of a collision in Co Tyrone. Police, ambulance, and firefighters were called to reports of an RTC on the Fintona Road between Fintona and Dromore shortly after 11:30am. Three fire appliances and the ambulance service are working at the scene of the incident. Stock image - Police are at the scene of the collision News Catch Up - Friday 16 January The Belfast Telegraph understands that a lorry has left the road and flipped into a ditch. The road has been closed while emergency crews work at the scene. A spokesperson for the PSNI said: Police are currently at the scene of a one vehicle road traffic collision at Fintona Road, Dromore, which was reported shortly after 11.30am today, Friday 16th January. "Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene. There are no reports of any injuries at this time. A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery after a bus driver was robbed by a man armed with a crowbar in west Belfast. The PSNI confirmed that detectives made the arrest on Friday morning. He remains in police custody at this time. It follows a report last Friday (9 January) that a bus driver was robbed by a man armed with a crowbar in the Lagmore area of the city. The incident took place shortly before 6am and the man was reported to have taken off with a sum of cash. Translink announced at the time that services in the area would be reduced following the incident. Translink Metro bus in Belfast. Photo credit: (Liam McBurney/PA) News Catch Up - Friday 16 January West Belfast MLA Danny Baker said the incident had caused concern for both staff and passengers. Drivers need reassurance, and I know our community will deliver that. I will do all in my power to have full service restored, he said at the time. No one should be subjected to this while working, Mr Baker said, describing the bus route as a vital service for the local community. Mr Baker stressed that he worked for many years to secure a full bus service for this part of Lagmore. A Palestinian official with academic roots in Northern Ireland has emerged as a key figure in plans to rebuild and govern Gaza, as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas moves into its second phase. Dr Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, a 67-year-old civil engineer originally from the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis, has been widely reported as the leading candidate to head a new technocratic committee tasked with administering the enclave. The body is expected to play a central role in humanitarian relief and post-war reconstruction. Dr Shaath holds a PhD in civil engineering from Queens University Belfast, where he specialised in infrastructure and urban development. He completed his doctorate in NI after earlier studies at Ain Shams University in Cairo. According to media reports, Shaath told a West Bank radio station that his first focus in Gaza would be on providing urgent humanitarian relief for the population, including housing for the displaced. 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 wont take more than three years, Shaath is quoted as saying, in a Reuters report. The civil servant said the committees authority will encompass the entire Gaza Strip 365 square kilometres from the sea to the eastern border. Although born and raised in Gaza, Dr Shaath is currently based in the occupied West Bank. An online profile says he received an MSc (1986) and a PhD (1989) in Civil Engineering from Queens University, Belfast. It states he also worked as research assistant at the Civil Engineering Department from 1986-89 and as post-doctoral research fellow and part-time lecturer from 1989-92. A rainbow appears near a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip He comes from a prominent family in Khan Yunis with a long history of political engagement, and several relatives are affiliated with Fatah, the dominant faction within the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is also the main political rival to Hamas. Steve Witkoff, Donald Trumps Middle East envoy, told the terrorist group on Wednesday that it must comply with the full demilitarisation of the territory or face serious consequences. He also demanded the return of the remains of the final missing Israeli hostage. Hamas currently controls most of the roughly 45% of Gaza not occupied by Israeli troops where the bulk of its population lives and has shown little sign that it intends to disarm. Mr Witkoff said he received a private assurance that the group would give up its guns in October. However, publicly, Hamas has said it would do so only in the vague scenario of a future Palestinian state, which Israel is unlikely to allow. Aid is currently flowing into Hamas-controlled west Gaza, but without disarmament, no reconstruction is taking place, leaving most of the population to face the winter while living in tents. Despite the impasse, Wednesdays announcement of an interim technocratic government drew support from across Palestinian factions and internationally. The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will be made up of Palestinians and answer to the board of peace, on which Sir Keir Starmer and other heads of government who support Donald Trumps 20-point plan are expected to sit. The 14-member body will be headed by Dr Shaath. Speaking on Wednesday, Hussein al-Sheikh, Palestinian vice-president, said the body would be upholding the principle of one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon. Mr Witkoff said the commencement of phase two moved Gaza from ceasefire to demilitarisation, technocratic governance and reconstruction. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- During CES 2026, Infinix, an innovation-driven technology brand, captured the global spotlight, winning the Innovation Award 2026 from internationally authoritative tech media Trusted Reviews, the "Best of CES 2026" title from renowned veteran tech outlet Android Headlines, as well as multiple "Best of CES 2026" honors from leading mainstream technology media. The accolades highlight industry recognition of Infinix's latest innovations across satellite communication, sustained performance, personalized expression, and AI ecosystem products. The awards received by Infinix A glittering collection of awards celebrating Infinixs breakthrough achievements at CES 2026 Centered on the theme "Joy Tech, Beyond Limit," Infinix showcased a series of breakthrough technologies that redefine connectivity, sustained performance, and personalized expression, ushering in a new era of mobile innovation. The highlight was Infinix's first seamless two-way satellite communication solution, bringing satellite connectivity to consumer-grade smartphones in an unprecedented way and further expanding the boundaries of network versatility. Powered by a high-performance satellite modem, the system delivers two-way voice and messaging across nearly two-thirds of the Earth's surface, with seamless automatic switching between terrestrial and satellite networks. This technology will make its commercial debut in the upcoming Infinix NOTE 60 Series, bringing high-end connectivity to a broader global audience. Other major innovations include industry-leading thermal efficiency achieved through the HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture and Piezoelectric Fan integrated directly into the smartphone's thermal path, overcoming the physical limits of passive cooling and ensuring stable high performance even under heavy loads, delivering an exceptional mobile gaming experience. The Active Visual Backplate Technology turns the smartphone backplate into a dynamic visual canvas without drawing additional power. Its patterns and colors shift with viewing angle, temperature, and lighting, while also offering continuous animations and glass-free 3D effects. The Infinix AI GLASSES Pro features a dual-chip architecture, enabling high-performance first-person capture and comprehensive, low-power intelligent interaction. The AI Module, a magnetic expansion ecosystem, evolves the smartphone into an AI creative hub, showcasing Infinix's vision for the future intelligent ecosystem. Throughout the event, the Infinix showcase became a hub for global tech media, attracting coverage from The Verge, Wired, ZDNet, GSMArena, Gizmochina, Stuff, Android Police, and more, while earning authoritative "Best of CES 2026" honors across multiple categories: As the curtains fall on CES 2026, Infinix will continue to champion the "Joy Tech, Beyond Limit" philosophy, exploring the limitless possibilities of technology and pushing the boundaries of connectivity, creativity, and freedom in smart devices. By bridging forward-looking concepts with real-world applications, Infinix is setting a new benchmark for the smartphone ecosystem, ensuring that every innovation delivers a more connected, creative, and liberating experience for users worldwide. About Infinix Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863401/1__The_awards_received_by_Infinix.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863400/2__A_glittering_collection_of_awards_celebrating_Infinix_s_breakthrough_achievements_at_CES_2026.jpg A security alert at Beechwood House in Newtownabbey has now ended, police confirmed on Friday morning. The tower block, which is owned by the Housing Executive, was cordoned on Thursday afternoon and residents were asked to evacuate. A PSNI spokesperson said: "A security alert in the Woodland Drive area of Newtownabbey has now ended. Police received a report at approximately 2.35pm on Thursday, 15th January of a suspicious object in the area. Officers attended the scene, along with Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO), who examined the device and deemed it as nothing untoward. Those who were evacuated during the public safety operation have now returned to their homes. Security alert at Beechwood House in Newtownabbey on 15th January 2026 (Belfast Telegraph) A popular Scottish DJ has taken to social media to tease a headline show in Belfast. Dundee-born DJ Hannah Laing, a regular on the Belfast music scene in recent years, hinted that an announcement about the event will be made soon. In a post on Facebook on Friday she said: Belfast!! I have news for you this Monday! Who can guess whats coming? 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 Replying to a comment on the post she clarified: Its a headline show and Ill be playing two hours! Laing previously hosted a "Doof Weekender" in the Telegraph Building in Belfast in March 2024, selling out for two nights. In November, the DJ released the single Have You Ever Loved (Ellie), featuring vocals from Hannah Boleyn. Dedicated to her late best friend Ellie, the track has been described as one of the most personal releases of her career to date. Hannah Laing News Catch Up - Friday 16 January The release came after Laing played to a sold-out crowd of 15,000 at Doof In The Park in her hometown and a residency at Hi Ibiza. Laing has scored a UK Top 10 hit with the platinum-selling Good Love, which has amassed more than 137 million streams. Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair will be part of US President Donald Trumps Gaza Board of Peace aimed at preventing future conflict in the territory, the White House has announced. Sir Tonys name was listed alongside high-profile Trump administration officials as part of a founding executive board to lead long-term peace efforts in the Middle East, published by the White House. The list also included US secretary of state Marco Rubio, special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and Mr Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner. The other members were named as billionaire Marc Rowan, World Bank president Ajay Banga and US deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel. The founding board chaired by Mr Trump will help operationalise the Board of Peaces vision, the White House said, and suggested the individual members of this group would each hold specialist portfolios to help stabilisation efforts in Gaza. In a statement, the White House said the 20-point plan was a road map for lasting peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity in the region. President Donald Trump will chair the board (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) The statement went on: Each executive board member will oversee a defined portfolio critical to Gazas stabilisation and long-term success, including, but not limited to, governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment attraction, large-scale funding, and capital mobilisation. The former Labour prime ministers name also appeared on a longer list of names as part of a Gaza Executive Board, the purpose of which appears to be advising a newly set up interim government for Gaza. That interim authority, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, was established on Wednesday, led by technocratic Palestinian officials. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also named on the new board (AP ) Sir Tony and 10 others, including Mr Witkoff and Mr Kushner, will support this fledgling government on effective governance and the delivery of best-in-class services that advance peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Gaza. Mr Trump teased the announcement of the peace boards membership ahead of time. Writing on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, he said: 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. Sir Tonys office was contacted for comment. President Donald Trump had not previously mentioned using tariffs to try to force the issue (Alex Brandon/AP) President Donald Trump has suggested he may punish countries with tariffs if they do not back the US controlling Greenland. His message came as a US congressional delegation met Danish and Greenlandic politicians in Copenhagen and sought to lower tensions. Mr Trump for months has insisted that the US should control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in US hands would be unacceptable. During an unrelated event at the White House on Friday about rural healthcare, he recounted how he had threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals. I may do that for Greenland too, Mr Trump said. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that. He had not previously mentioned using tariffs to try to force the issue. Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met in Washington with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio. That encounter did not resolve the deep differences, but did produce an agreement to set up a working group on whose purpose Denmark and the White House then offered sharply diverging public views. European leaders have insisted that it is only for Denmark and Greenland to decide on matters concerning the territory, and Denmark said this week that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland in co-operation with allies. In Copenhagen, a group of senators and members of the House of Representatives met on Friday with Danish and Greenlandic politicians, and with leaders including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The Greenlandic flag outside the Danish parliament in Copenhagen (Sebastian Elias Uth/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Delegation leader senator Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, thanked the groups hosts for 225 years of being a good and trusted ally and partner and said that we had a strong and robust dialogue about how we extend that into the future. Senator Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, said after meeting politicians that the visit reflected a strong relationship over decades and it is one that we need to nurture. She told reporters that Greenland needs to be viewed as our ally, not as an asset, and I think thats what youre hearing with this delegation. The tone contrasted with that emanating from the White House. Mr Trump has sought to justify his calls for a US takeover by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals. The White House has not ruled out taking the territory by force. We have heard so many lies, to be honest and so much exaggeration on the threats towards Greenland, said Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic politician and member of the Danish parliament who took part in Fridays meetings. And mostly, I would say the threats that were seeing right now is from the US side. The dispute is looming large in the lives of Greenlanders. Greenlands Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said on Tuesday that if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose Nato. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU. 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. SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living (SFCJL) will host an intimate dinner party, but this is no ordinary meal. It is the culmination of a groundbreaking project that utilizes food, scent, and storytelling to spark memories for women living with dementia. This initiative harnesses the science of neuroplasticity and the emotional power of food to improve the quality of life for people with memory loss. By pairing personal culinary memories with conversation and shared experiences, the project offers a hopeful, human-centered complement to traditional dementia care. The project is led by Jake Broder, Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute at UCSF and Trinity College Dublin. An accomplished actor and playwright, Broder brings a rare interdisciplinary approach to brain health, blending research and lived experience. "Dementia can shrink a person's world," Broder said. "But food has the power to reopen doors we thought were closed." Over two weeks, Broder works closely with four SFCJL residents, all women, engaging them in conversations about the foods that shaped their lives (family recipes, holiday meals, and dishes tied to identity). Together, they will recreate a meal from each woman's past. The focus on women is intentional: they often mask mild cognitive impairment longer, are diagnosed later, and once symptoms are evident, are more likely than men to experience faster progression to dementia. The project culminates on January 21 at SFCJL at 4 pm with a "dinner party," where residents and their loved ones gather to share dishes and the stories behind them, transforming memory care into a shared, celebratory experience rather than a clinical one. For SFCJL, the project serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of memory loss, joy and connection remain profoundly accessible. Media Contact: Angela Ingel, SFCJL Director of Marketing, [email protected], 415.469.2244 About the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) - The GBHI is a leader in the global community dedicated to protecting the world's aging populations from threats to brain health. GBHI is based at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Trinity College Dublin. To learn more at www.gbhi.org About the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living (SFCJL) - The SFCJL is a leading senior services organization in Northern California, providing comprehensive and innovative care to older adults that fosters purpose, dignity, and joy. Learn more at www.sfcjl.org SOURCE San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living Editor's Note: This story was updated at 8:20 a.m. to clarify Officer David Tarjicks official employment record at his former post in Cheshire. HINSDALE More than a week after a Hinsdale police officer fatally shot a 27-year-old man, the town is moving to formalize an interim agreement to cover for the chief, who remains on leave after his vest was struck by a bullet in the shooting. Meanwhile, officials still have not revealed which officer fired the fatal shot, as the investigation into use of deadly force by police continues with no timeline for completion. Peru Police Chief Bruce Cullett is currently handling administrative duties for Hinsdale, while Officer David Tarjick has been appointed interim sergeant, temporarily assuming the rank of the department's on-leave sergeant. The Select Board on Wednesday night postponed a formal vote to appoint Cullett as interim chief until municipal officials finalize the details of a chief-sharing agreement, said Town Administrator Robert Graves. The leadership shuffle follows a fatal police shooting last week during a well-being check at a home on Off South Street. The man who was killed, Biagio Kauvil, was experiencing a mental health crisis and had called 911, according to Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue. After about 30 minutes of verbal communication with Kauvil through a door, the DA's office said police decided to break into the locked bedroom where Kauvil was. Shugrue said police, once in the bedroom, saw that Kauvil, who had his license to carry, was holding a handgun. Kauvil's gun went off during a struggle with officers, according to Shugrue, striking the hand of Hinsdale Sgt. Dominick Crupi and Hinsdale Police Chief Shawn Boyne's bulletproof vest. Police temporarily "subdued" Kauvil with a Taser, the DA's office said, before an unidentified third Hinsdale officer fired two shots, the first which wounded Crupi and the second which struck Kauvil in the head, fatally wounding him. Crupi is on medical leave, according to Graves, and his job is being temporarily filled by Tarjick. Boyne is on administrative leave. Shugrue has so far declined to identify the officer who shot Kauvil. Graves has declined to say which other police official is on leave aside from Crupi and Boyne. The Eagle has filed records requests for the duty status of officers on the Hinsdale force and department policies for well-being checks and related issues. Shugrue spokesperson Julia Sabourin said Thursday the shooting remains under investigation by the Berkshire District Attorneys Office and state police. Dalton Police Chief Deanna Strout said the two of her departments officers who responded to Off South Street last week were there as mutual aid and did not have command of the scene, which remained under Hinsdales control. She confirmed that Dalton officers did not fire their weapons and are not under investigation. A mental health specialist was not called in to assist at the scene, according to Shugrue. The Pittsfield Police Department has four in-house mental health co-responders that accompany officers on calls. Strout said her officers typically request help from Pittsfield co-responders thanks to the mutual aid agreement that exists among Berkshires first responder agencies who respond to calls with officer in their town when available. The Pittsfield co-responders will travel to other communities upon request if they have availability, said Pittsfield Police Lt. Cheryl Callahan. The Brien Center also has crisis clinicians available to assist police at the request of an officer, said Lindsay Morin Ciepiela, division director of acute services at the Brien Center. Although the Select Boards agenda called for appointing Cullett as interim police chief Wednesday, after an executive session, board members pushed the vote to their next meeting on Jan. 28 so a formal agreement between the towns can be reached. Tarjicks appointment is temporary and does not constitute a permanent promotion, Graves said, as the towns regular sergeant position is being held open for Crupi. Tarjick was appointed a full-time Hinsdale police officer in October. Tarjick previously served as a sergeant in Cheshire, where he was dismissed in 2024 following a dispute over his conduct as a school resource officer. Town officials there said at the time that while he had been cleared of wrongdoing in a use-of-force incident with a student, he later returned to the school before being reinstated and approached the student, a move the Select Board described as a lack of professional judgment. Tarjick has disputed the towns account and has sought back pay, arguing through his attorney that he was not properly terminated. In August 2025, the Board of Selectmen signed a letter stating that Tarjick was laid off due to the elimination of the school resource officer position itself, not because of any misconduct. Chief Boyne, a Lee native, was a longtime Connecticut State Police trooper, then served eight years as police chief in New Milford, Conn. The city's mayor, Pete Bass, decided not to renew his contract in 2018, a move that prompted litigation. He briefly worked as a part-time officer in Egremont, and was one of four candidates for Adams police chief in 2020. He served as a part-time officer in Peru and Hinsdale before being picked by the Hinsdale Select Board to lead the department in June 2024, taking over after former Chief Susan Rathbun retired. LENOX A pair of downtown properties has changed hands, putting the future of a much-needed 20-space parking lot and a rundown but historic residence in question. Streetscape LLC, owned by area retailer Anthony Chojnowski, paid $700,000 for the 1870 house at 51 Housatonic St. and $475,000 for the unpaved parking lot at 41 Housatonic St. adjacent to Casablanca, his luxury clothing boutique on Church Street. The sites were purchased from Schulze Lenox Properties LLC, which handles longtime downtown investor Charles Schulzes local properties. Schulze Lenox Properties holds a $300,000 mortgage on the transactions. Chojnowski also owns the nearby Shooz and Swtrz in the Lenox business district, as well as GB9, a womens clothing store on Railroad Street in Great Barrington. Last fall, town leaders considered asking voters to weigh in on a proposed $1 million purchase of the two Housatonic Street sites. But Town Manager Jay Green and other town leaders ultimately decided the price was too high and, after a private buyer stepped in, declined to pursue the transaction. Since the mid-1980s, the dirt lot on the site of the demolished Joes Grill had been owned by Charles Schulze but had been made available to the town at no cost for public parking. The 51 Housatonic St. house is protected from demolition through a one-year demo-delay bylaw approved by the Lenox Historical Commission until July. Despite its dilapidated condition, the house has been described by commission Chair Olga Weiss as having a pretty distinguished history, not one of our most distinguished by a long shot, but it's part of the streetscape. A very distinguished preservation architect said he had seen buildings in a lot worse condition." She also said the architect, Steve McAlister of Clark + Green in Great Barrington, had suggested relocating the house to the corner of Church and Housatonic streets, for commercial use on the main floor and housing above, with parking in the rear. Chojnowski, reached by phone in Florida earlier this week, declined comment on any development plans for his new properties. I havent had time to figure out what Im going to do with the two sites, he said. He suggested he may have some plans to share in 10 days to two weeks. He signed a purchase and sale agreement with the Schulze group on Nov. 5. With the downtown parking crunch returning in June, the Department of Public Works will present a proposal to the Select Board in the near future. DPW Superintendent William Gop and Town Planner Eammon Coughlin are brainstorming cost-effective ways to replace the number of parking spots that may be lost if the corner lot is developed. For example, DPW has been considering the concept of reconfiguring Church Street from the Housatonic Street intersection to Franklin Street and Main Street as a one-way northbound. It would allow us to add a number of parallel parking places, said Gop. Were speaking with property owners to make sure it makes sense. If we go forward with the idea, we will propose a two-year pilot program to see how it works and obtain feedback, Green added. Its just a concept, and requires minimal resources, so if it doesnt work, we can always go back to two-way traffic flow. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home Nicholas Kristof is a New York Times columnist. Contact him at Facebook.com/Kristof, Twitter.com/NickKristof or by mail at The New York Times, 620 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10018. For the first time in almost 2,000 years, Jews and Christians are learning how to be friends and relate to one another with respect and appreciation. To fully understand how new and delicate this relationship is, we must know our history and what has brought us to this moment. If charted out graphically, the history of Jewish-Christian relations would look more like a circle that is starting to close. The beginning of the circle, some 2,000 years ago, is from the time of Acts 2, when the early church was born and was an internal sect of the Jewish faith. The early Jewish believers in Jesus participated in the temple sacrificial system and observed the Sabbath and all the feast days. From there, Christianity began to move away from its Jewish roots, resulting in two totally separate faiths that then became enemies. Some 500 years ago, the trajectory began to change, and the circle began to close as a large segment of Christianity returned to its biblical foundations. While we have made tremendous progress in mending the breach that was our history, we still have a way to go before it can be described as repaired. Early Jewish Christianity Becomes Increasingly Gentile Today, most Christians understand Jesus was Jewish, as were His disciples and the apostles. This is where the early church and our journey begin. All that we hold dear as Christians came through the Jewish people, and the better we understand the Jewish roots of our faith, the stronger our Christian faith becomes. The early Christian movementknown as The Waywas entirely Jewish for almost 10 years after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The book of Acts chronicles early tensions between the mainstream Jewish community and the early believers in Jesus. In fact, there were times when Jews persecuted the apostles for preaching about Jesus. For example, Steven was stoned to death, and when a Jewish mob sought to kill Paul, the Romans put him into custody in Caesarea to save his life. But at this point, these were internal squabbles within Judaism. Gentiles began to join the early church within a few years, and tensions surfaced within the movement itselfbetween Jewish believers in Jesus and Gentile converts from pagan Roman society. Many of Pauls epistles address disagreements among these different groups within the early church. As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, it endured periods of intense persecution. As long as it had been a sect of the legal Jewish religion, the believers were safe. However, this became impossible as the two faiths developed quite separately from one another. Then Rome turned against the Jews as well, and both religions suffered tremendously at the hands of the Roman authorities. After Roman forces destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70, the two faiths also became separated geographically. The headquarters for the Jewish faith moved north to Yavne in the Galilee, where Jewish leaders began to look inward as they focused on the survival of Judaism while in exile and without a temple. The headquarters for the Christian faith began to develop in Alexandria, Antioch, and Rome, where churches and their leadership were quickly becoming less Jewish and predominantly gentile. Christianity Severed from Its Roots Once the Roman emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in AD 312, everything changed for Christians. The once persecuted faith became the official state religion. The church now had political power but lost its spiritual purity over time. Early church fathers took advantage of their power and began to preach against the Jewish religion. It was time to get back at the Jews for their rejection of this new faith and draw a clear line of distinction between the two religions. This line of demarcation actually severed the Christian faith from its Jewish roots. The apostle Paul had warned against this very thing in Romans 9-11. He admonished the believers in Rome to guard against arrogance and honor the Jewish roots of their faith. He likened the relationship to a tree of faith that Christians had been grafted into as wild olive branches. Christians were to be mindful that they were merely branches, and it was the root supporting and nourishing them. If only the early church fathers had heeded Pauls warning. Over the centuries, the sermons against Judaism developed into antisemitism that condoned the maltreatment of the Jewish people as Christ-killers. Because of the political power of the state church, antisemitic theology produced centuries of anti-Jewish legislation, persecution, ghettos, and even expulsions. The Jews were often forced out of one country into another, only to be later expelled from there as welloften by a king who was also the head of the state church. Christianity Begins to Find Its Roots The very thing that brought about a major change and began the closing of our circle of history was also strongly resisted by these same state churchesthe translation of the Bible into the common languages. William Tyndale was executed for his English translation, which was then adopted by the church of England several months after his death at the stake. Once the people could read the Bible for themselves, not only did the church lose its control over them, but they discovered the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. They learned that Jesus was Jewish, and they found the Bible was full of prophecies that one day the Jewish people would return to their ancient homeland. They began to pray for that return, and a whole movement of Protestants in Britain became known as Restorationists because of their expectation of the restoration of the Jewish people to their land. Numerous preachers taught about this future restoration of Israel, and over the years, several key individuals were involved in that return. A few notable examples include Rev. Hechler, who befriended and assisted Theodore Herzl; Lord Balfour, who penned the Balfour Declaration; Prime Minister Lloyd George, who supported and enacted the Balfour Declaration; General Orde Wingate, who trained Jewish troops in Palestine; and many others. While Christianity was making this tremendous and slow turnaround, Jew-hatred developed from an entirely different place: the Nazi movement in Germany. While Nazism had its own strange beliefs opposed to Christianity, Hitler knew how to silence the church in Germany: by distributing their antisemitic teachings to justify his plan of a final solution. The Jews had already started returning to their homeland, and Christianity itself was finding its ancient biblical rootsbut not quickly enough. Six million Jews died in the Holocaust, and centuries of Christian antisemitism had made it possible. Thankfully, the story does not end with the Holocaust, and much has happened since then to mend this breach between Jews and Christians. Despite this long, complicated history, there is one unmistakable truth: Christianity cannot be understood apart from its Jewish roots. The more Christians rediscover and comprehend the foundations of our faiththe people, the promises, and the covenant from which Christianity was birthedthe more the relationship between Jews and Christians will be healed. Top photo credit: GettyImages/tomertu This article was originally published on June 14, 2022, at ICEJUSA.org. Related podcast: For over 40 years, Dr. Susan Michael has advanced the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) in the USA and worldwide. She serves as the USA President and sits on the ICEJs international Board of Directors. She is frequently asked to address complex issues to diverse audiencesincluding antisemitism, Jewish-Christian relations, and Middle East affairsand does so with clarity and grace. Dr. Michael leads the American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) network, has authored books, such as Encounter the 3D Bible: How to Read the Bible so It Comes to Life, and has developed educational resources, including the IsraelAnswers website, ICEJ U online courses, and curricula for Christian colleges. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lovense made a notable impact at CES 2026, demonstrating its commitment to redefining the intimacy technology landscape. As a leader in the sex tech industry, Lovense is at the forefront of normalizing discussions around intimacy and technology, challenging mainstream perceptions and paving the way for a more open dialogue. (PRNewsfoto/Shenzhen Love Sense Technology Co. Ltd.) At this year's CES, Lovense received significant recognition and positive feedback from both attendees and media representatives. The company is proud to have achieved certification in the realm of innovation, positioning itself as a key player in defining new trends in intimacy technology. Lovense's innovations were highlighted across various prominent media outlets, showcasing the company's vision to bring intimacy technology to the forefront of societal norms. CNET remarked that Lovense's product "is less a sex device and more a form of companionship," emphasizing the evolving landscape of intimate interaction technologies. Engadget highlighted that Lovense's latest technology "helps users build a deeper bond" by adapting to their needs over time, reflecting a transformative approach to engagement. This development aims to enhance user connections significantly, fostering a more personalized experience. In addition, Reviewed announced its CES 2026 Awards, acknowledging impactful contributions to the tech industry. They recognized numerous products for their innovative advancements, reinforcing the idea that Lovense is contributing to a thoughtful evolution in how we engage with technology. The positive reception at CES demonstrates Lovense's commitment to advancing intimacy technology, moving beyond traditional boundaries, and normalizing discussions around sexual health and technology. As Lovense continues to pave the way in this vital industry, it invites everyone to join in this transformative conversation. To learn more about Lovense and its full range of smart products, visit www.lovense.com . About Lovense: Lovense is a pioneering sex tech company specializing in remotely controlled and interactive pleasure products, revolutionizing long-distance intimacy through cutting-edge technology. Since 2010, Lovense is dedicated to enhancing personal and shared experiences by leveraging cutting-edge tech to tackle the long-distance relationship challenge, offering unparalleled interactive intimacy experiences for couples worldwide. To learn more about Lovense , please visit https://www.lovense.com Click here for more details about our booth at: https://ces26.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=001Pp00000PS8AoIAL. SOURCE Lovense BANGKOK, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A vibrant fleet of electric scooters, featuring the Chinese giant panda mascot "Upanda" took to the streets of Bangkok today, marking the official launch of the "Boundless Creativity Youth Link" ChinaThailand Youth Cultural Exchange Event. LUYUAN Group, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, played a pivotal role in the ceremony, having been designated as the Youth Partner of the New Force in 2026 China-Thailand Cultural Exchange. A fleet of LUYUAN electric scooters, ridden by Chinese and Thai youth, took to the streets of Bangkok "Upanda" (Apu), a joint team of Chinese and Thai youth representatives rode LUYUAN electric scooters adorned with friendship insignias through Bangkok's historic and modern districts. Departing from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, passing through Chinatown, and arriving at the Wat Pho, the youth interacted with the public. This journey transformed the concept of "China and Thailand are one family" into genuine smiles across the city, vividly interpreting the profound essence of "people-to-people connectivity." During the event, the organizers officially awarded the title of "Youth Partner of the New Force in 2026 China-Thailand Cultural Exchange" to the participating youth representatives. LUYUAN Group partnered with Dhurakij Pundit University (DPU) to donate a fleet of panda-themed electric vehicles. This initiative empowers Thai student representatives to travel beyond the campus to cultural landmarks and rural fields. Their mission is twofold: to promote Chinese culture while simultaneously recording Thailand's social development and local customs, thereby deepening mutual understanding and learning between the youth of both nations. While culture builds bridges, technology strengthens the foundation. At the concurrent "China Gift Exhibition," LUYUAN showcased cutting-edge innovations and promoted environmentally friendly mobility, emphasizing that cultural soft power is backed by industrial hard power. As a socially responsible enterprise, LUYUAN strives to deliver high-quality products globally while advocating for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. LUYUAN is elevating its global profile through high-level cooperation. Notably, the company has secured a technology licensing partnership with German automotive giant BMW Group. This collaboration integrates international top-tier engineering concepts and quality management systems into LUYUAN's R&D, redefining the standards for two-wheeled mobility. The Bangkok event represents a milestone in LUYUAN's "One Body, Two Wings" strategy, anchoring the company in the domestic market while expanding overseas and into embodied robotics. Through its international brand, LYVA, the group has expanded its footprint to over 80 countries and regions. SOURCE LUYUAN GROUP An all-island initiative to tackle bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is taking place as scientists work towards eradicating the disease. BTB incidence levels across Ireland are high, with 6 per cent of herds in the Republic and 11 per cent of herds in Northern Ireland affected, with the disease imposing a significant burden on both farmers and government. Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) Minister Andrew Muir has previously revealed the spend in Northern Ireland on bTB compensation for the 2025/2026 financial year is over 64.6 million (56 million). A research symposium is bringing together officials, scientists and academics from both North and South, working across animal health science to share insights and help to inform policymakers tasked with the eradication of bTB. Future collaboration on this shared problem will yield further benefits Minister Andrew Muir It is the second such meeting after an inaugural event held in Celbridge, Co Kildare, in December 2024. Mr Muir said North-South collaboration has yielded important insights into TB persistence and spread. Advertisement Future collaboration on this shared problem will yield further benefits and will contribute to the successful delivery of many key objectives detailed in the TB Partnership Steering Groups Blueprint for TB Eradication, which I launched in April last year, he said. Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon welcomed the second all-island research symposium on bovine tuberculosis. He said: This collaborative approach to TB research will create synergies which will streamline research efforts providing evidence for future policy interventions necessary for the eradication of bovine TB. A Brussels-based EU executive, with ties to Ireland, has failed in a bid to legally force Ryanair pay him compensation for a missed flight just over a year ago. Jonathan Murphy told Judge Dierdre Browne in the Circuit Civil Court that he had turned up only two minutes late at the airlines check-in at Brussels Airport, on 20th November 2024, to find the desk had already closed. He said Ryanair staff had told him that because he had not checked in online, and would have to pay a pre-flight fee for a manual check-in, they would not have enough time to handle his boarding details before the flight was scheduled to take off 40 minutes later. Judge Browne heard that, by a cruel irony, the plane he had booked to take him to Dublin, and which he had missed by only two minutes, had to stand on the airport apron for the following four hours because of a snowstorm delay. Advertisement Murphy, who represented himself, stated that he had to overnight in Brussels and pay an additional 100 to transfer to a flight the following day. He had also sought a refund of his 250 ticket and had brought a compensation claim against Ryanair, a claim that had been thrown out in the Small Claims Court. In his appeal to the Circuit Court, Murphy claimed Ryanair had wrongly failed to facilitate him at the Brussels airport. He told Judge Browne he had been delayed due to his mobile phone having been stolen on the day of departure and due to weather conditions. Barrister Kenneth P Hyland, who appeared for Ryanair with Ennis and Associates Solicitors, told the court that the airline was strictly obliged, under EU Regulations, to close its check-in 40 minutes before departure. He said Ryanair, like other airlines, could not, under any circumstances, breach this EU Regulatory Statute by issuing latecomers with a boarding pass outside the stipulated 40-minute cut-off deadline before the scheduled time of departure. Mr Hyland said that by Mr Murphys logic, he would be entitled to turn up and be issued with a boarding pass two minutes or one minute or even 30 seconds before the stipulated statutory closure of the check-in, which, in any case, was beyond Ryanairs powers. Ms Jessica Brady, Ryanairs ground operations front-of-house procedures and training manager, told the court that a passenger could not check in 40 minutes before departure. This strict EU regulation was in place to facilitate the generation of the passenger manifest, passenger baggage reconciliation, fuel, and other checks by the flight crew. Advertisement Once the scheduled departure time minus 40 minutes closure of the check-in is triggered, that process cannot be restarted, she said. Check-in closures are usually operated on the instructions of airport operation managers, and we close at 40 minutes before departure no matter what. Ms Brady said Mr Murphy had pre-booked his flight but had not checked in online. As a result of this, he had to pay a manual check-in fee at an office in Brussels airport, at least two minutes walk from the check-in desk. Ireland Mother had psychiatric episode when she choked and stabbed her daughter (8) nearly 80 times Read more This, together with a manual card payment process, would have added four to five minutes to his return to check-in time, and then the usual formalities of passport checks, etc. would have taken another four to five minutes. She said that for Ryanair to have allowed this to happen two minutes outside the scheduled 40 minutes before departure stipulation would have caused an impossible breach of the regulation by 8 to 10 minutes, and this could not have been permitted. Judge Browne, who had been told that the consequent four-hour weather delay was outside Ryanairs hands, said an eight to 10-minute check-in delay would have taken the airline outside the time stipulated by the EU statute, and she could not allow his appeal. He had arrived late, and she affirmed the dismissal decision of the Small Claims Court. Mr Murphy is head of programme at Inter Pares Parliaments in Partnership, office of International IDEA to the EU, Avenue des Arts, Brussels. A funeral Mass for a husband, wife and their unborn baby girl who died in a traffic collision is to be held next week. The Requiem Mass for Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco, Ralph Anthony Singco and their unborn baby Kate will be held next Wednesday. The couple were both in their 30s. Ms Singco and her unborn baby lost their lives in a two-car collision near Crumlin in Co Antrim last Sunday. Ms Singco, who was seven months pregnant, while Mr Singco succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. The couple had just celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary. Six other people sustained minor injuries in the collision, which occurred at around 2pm on the Moira Road. The couple will lie in repose at OKanes Funeral Directors on Donegall Street, Belfast, from tomorrow (Saturday) until Monday. Advertisement The family will then be brought to St Vincent De Paul Church, Ligoniel on Tuesday for prayers at 5.30pm and an overnight vigil. A Requiem Mass will be held on Wednesday at midday. A GoFundme campaign has raised almost 70,000 (81,000) to help with the repatriation costs of bringing their bodies back to the Philippines. Their families have expressed their gratitude for the publics generosity. In a statement on the fundraising site they said that with deeply grateful hearts, we want to thank each and every personwhether through donations, sharing the page, messages of comfort, or prayers. Your kindness, generosity, and compassion during this unimaginable time have meant more to the Singco and Quinones families than words can fully express. The families have asked that no further donations be made as they have reached their financial target to cover costs. At this time, the greatest request is for your continued prayers for 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, the families added. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us, for honoring 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. Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision remain ongoing and have renewed their appeal for information from the public. Detective Inspector Stewart, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: We are investigating what happened and require the publics assistance with our enquiries. Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have any dash-cam footage of the road at the time which could assist with their investigation, is asked to contact them in the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 735 11/01/26. Fianna Fail TD Michael Cahill has offered a "sincere and unreserved" apology for driving at an unacceptable speed on the M8 in County Cork. It happened between Mitchelstown and Fermoy last year, where he was driving at speeds "in excess of 190km/h and very close to 200km/h." In a statement on Friday, Deputy Cahill says that at the time, he was travelling from Leinster House to a meeting at St Mary of the Angels in St Francis' Special School in Beaufort, Co Kerry, when he was stopped by a garda. He said he is very sorry, and there is no excuse for his actions, before adding, "I am acutely aware of the number of serious and fatal accidents on our roads, the devastating impact these tragedies have on families and the fact that excessive speed is a major contributory factor." Advertisement Mr Cahill said he will not appeal the conviction and will step back as a member of the Joint Oireachtas Justice Committee. The Taoiseach, Micheal Martin said he was informed that Deputy Michael Cahill was convicted in the District Court for dangerous driving. Ireland Man (26) jailed for 'vicious and sustained' attack on man in Dublin city centre Read more In a statement, he said, "I have spoken to Deputy Cahill. This incident, which took place last year, was completely and utterly unacceptable. He accepts this and apologises. "He has rightly received his punishment in the courts, a decision he fully accepts. "As legislators, Dail deputies have a particular responsibility to set the right example, and Deputy Cahill has accepted that this incident let down both his family and the wider community. "He has also decided to step down from the Justice Committee. The matter will also be considered by the partys Rules & Procedures Committee in due course." A consultant forensic psychiatrist at the Central Mental Hospital told a court that, in his opinion, a woman accused of attempting to murder her eight-year old daughter was in the throes of a psychiatric episode at the time and did not know what she was doing was wrong. The accused, who cannot be named, has denied one count of the attempted murder of the girl at a temporary accommodation centre, County Clare, on September 22nd 2022. The girl sustained 79 stab wounds to her chest, back, arms and legs, but she survived after gardai and paramedics raced to the scene and kept her from bleeding out. Doctors at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) performed an emergency life-saving procedure on the girl stemming from blood that was filling into a protective sack around her heart. Advertisement She was then transferred to Crumlins Childrens Hospital, where doctors performed open-heart surgery on her. After her arrest, the accused told gardai that she stabbed the girl multiple times with a knife and tried to choke her. She said that she had been having suicidal thoughts and was out of my mind at the time. The court heard she had wrongly believed child protection services were going to take her daughter away from her and her intrusive thoughts were overwhelming her. In March 2022, six months prior to the attack, the mother and daughter had fled to Ireland from war-torn Ukraine. The accused had a history of psychiatric episodes in Russia, where she had previously been an inpatient in the mental health services. The accused told gardai that, on the morning in question, she jumped out of bed in an anxious state, grabbed a knife from a kitchen at the Clare accommodation centre and attacked her daughter, who was asleep in their bedroom. The woman said she had initially contemplated carrying out a sick fantasy in which she would take herself and her daughter and jump off the Cliffs of Moher, but she said she changed her mind. She said she stabbed her daughter in her chest, back and arms and tried to strangle her with a mobile phone charger and a flex lead from a hair dryer. I started choking her with the lead, I started cutting her with the knife, I dont know how many times I cut her, the knife was a sharp knife, she told gardai. Advertisement The accused said she brought the girl from their bed to an en suite bathroom, where she continued stabbing her and choking her. She said she also knelt on the girls neck to choke her and that she eventually stopped pressing down when she saw her daughters face turn blue. She said she also contemplated using a hairdryer in water in the bathroom to try to electrocute her daughter. She said she eventually lay beside the girl, who the court heard was bleeding out into the shower drain when gardai arrived. Everything happened so fast, she said. The accused told gardai that at one point during the attack, her daughter woke up as she was attacking her with the knife in their bed. She said the girl was crying and using her hands to try to protect herself from the knife. Asked how many times she stabbed the girl, she replied, many times. She said she did not know why she did it, but that she was in a robotic state and couldn't remember everything she did. I knew that we had to finish our lives, its crazy, I didn't see any other option. If I wasn't sick, I could have found another way out of it, she told gardai. The woman said she couldnt explain it: Chaos took over my mind. I hope she will not be affected emotionally. I love her so much. The woman said she blamed herself and nobody else. She said when she was later informed that her daughter had survived the attack, she thought it was lies. Advertisement When gardai asked her about her daughters multiple stab wounds, the woman replied, Why did I do all that to my own child. She was shown the knife found at the scene and confirmed it was the knife she used to attack the girl. The court heard the accused was taken from the scene by ambulance to the hospital for a suspected overdose of prescribed drugs. Defence witness, forensic consultant psychiatrist, Dr Paul OConnell, Central Mental Hospital, gave evidence Thursday that, in his opinion, at the time of the attack the accused didn't know what she was doing was wrong, due to her being in the throws of a mental disorder. Dr OConnell said he believed that the accused couldnt refrain from what she was doing at the time. The accuseds barrister, senior counsel, Mark Nicholas, argued that if the jury accepted the defence witnesss medical opinion, they could consider that the accused was not guilty by reason of insanity. Dr OConnell said it appeared the woman was suffering from nihilistic and deluded thoughts at the time, and that this mental disorder reached a crescendo, resulting in her having a catastrophic view of her circumstances. The trial continues before a jury of seven men and five women. A convicted murderer who strangled his former girlfriend to death in the grounds of a Co Clare church has gone to court seeking to be let out of prison. Raymond Donovan claims his jail term has expired because he says his life sentence is limited to 20 years' imprisonment. Donovan, last of New Houses, Cooraclare, Co Clare, murdered Ann Walsh (23) on the grounds of St Senan's church, Kilrush, Co Clare, on August 24, 2005. He denied a charge of murder but was convicted by a unanimous jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Ennis of the murder of Ms Walsh and was sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment in June 2006 by Mr Justice Paul Carney. In an ex parte High Court application where only one side is represented, Donovan (44), represented by Barry White SC and Patrick O'Sullivan BL, instructed by Daniel Kreith Solicitor, successfully applied to the High Court for permission to inquire into Donovan's detention. Advertisement Donovan has made his application for his inquiry pursuant to Article 40.4.2 of the Constitution - also known as 'Habeas Corpus' - against the Governor of Wheatfield Prison, questioning the legality of his continued detention. In a sworn affidavit, he claims that he has been imprisoned since August 24, 2005, and was convicted of murder in 2006. He submits that he had unsuccessfully appealed the conviction in 2009. However, Donovan submits that while his appeal was unsuccessful, "as my conviction was not overturned, the Court of Criminal Appeal substituted my sentence of life imprisonment to one of 20 years". He claims he has received documents from prison authorities that indicate a 20-year sentence, which is currently his period of detention at the prison. He submits that "despite numerous requests to prison authorities for sight of, or a copy of, the warrant from the Court of Appeal there appears to be no record of this warrant". Donovan therefore claims that the "prison authorities do not have the necessary documents that are sufficient to detain me in prison". He is seeking a full inquiry into the legality of his detention and "if necessary, for an order admitting me to bail, pending the determination of these proceedings". John P Gallagher BL, for the respondent, told the High Court that the prison would be opposing Donovan's application and that the governor has sworn an affidavit to be produced for the court. Ms Justice Sara Phelan adjourned the matter to next week. At the 2006 Central Criminal Court trial, the court heard that Donovan had, on the night of the murder, rang his brother telling him that he had "done something terrible". In statements to gardai, Donovan said he loved Ms Walsh and did not mean to kill her. He admitted to holding Ms Walsh's throat for one-and-half-to-two minutes. "When she went quiet, I thought that she was messing. I didn't mean to choke her," he told gardai. Supt Joseph McKeown, who led the investigation, said Ms Walsh was "brutally killed in a vicious and cowardly attack". Two men who sexually assaulted two teenage friends on a disused railway line in Co Mayo have been jailed. Rudolf Makula (30), of Gleann Ard, Ballaghderreen, Roscommon, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting one of the girls on March 28th, 2023. Marian Peci (29), of no fixed abode, denied a charge of sexual assault and false imprisonment of a second girl but was convicted following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the teenage girls had gone out to meet their friends and congregated where they felt safe, as happens all the time in towns around the country. He said every young woman was entitled to feel safe, confident and have peace of mind when they go out and meet friends in the evening and have a few drinks. Advertisement He said the victim impact reports in the case set out in very stark terms the effects of the sexual assault on the two girls, including a sense of violation and powerlessness. He noted their lives and education had been interfered with, and one of the girls blamed herself somewhat. Courageous path He said the message she should take from the "courageous path" she and her friend have taken to follow this case through was that what happened was not her fault, and that the fault lies with the offenders. He noted probation reports in relation to the men made for disappointing reading, outlining that they included no remorse, as well as deflection and minimisation of the offending. The judge said the two men were much older and more experienced than the two girls. When they came across the young people socialising, they saw an opportunity to insinuate their way into their company and then sought to abuse the girls for their own sexual satisfaction, he said. The judge said the men treated the girls in a demeaning and humiliating way and acted with an entitlement to do as they wanted. He noted they had plied the girls with further alcohol, making them more vulnerable. He said the girls were very lucky their friend had called two young men who rescued the girls and took them home. He said these young men were to be commended. Justice McDermott said young women out for the night should not have to run the risk of older men preying on them. Advertisement Sentencing The judge imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence in the case of Makula and a three-year sentence in the case of Peci. He ordered two years of post-release supervision for both men. During a sentence hearing earlier this week, a local garda told Diana Stuart SC, prosecuting, that the two girls had gone to the railway line to drink alcohol along with a third girl. While they were there, they met Makula and Peci, who offered them more alcohol and joined the group. Makula then separated one of the girls and brought her behind some bushes. He turned her around, restrained her hands behind her back, removed her underwear and sexually assaulted her. He also forced her to touch his penis. The garda said the girl screamed, but Makula told her: It's fine, it's fine. She ultimately broke away from her and returned to her friends. By this time, the third girl had messaged two male friends who arrived to help the girls. The second victim was described as extremely intoxicated and did not have much recollection of what happened. She later told gardai that Peci grabbed her and led her away from the group. He kissed her and touched her breasts and bottom. He asked her for sex, but she said no. She struggled to get away, but her friends found her and led her away. The men were nominated as suspects after the incident was reported to gardai and footage from the local area was analysed. Makula was arrested the following month. He denied any involvement. He said he was on the phone to his wife and saw Peci kissing and hugging a girl. Advertisement Makula later pleaded guilty. Both men have been in custody since August 2025. Makula has two previous convictions for burglary, one from Ireland and one from Slovakia. Peci has 49 convictions for public order, theft and road traffic offences. Lasting impact One of the girls stated in her victim impact statement that the sexual assault had a lasting impact on the way she sees herself and the world around her. She said she has overwhelming fear, confusion and shame. She wakes up with a sense of dread that she cannot explain. She struggled with feeling safe, and her trust in others has been damaged. Simple things that once felt normal now feel difficult, she said. She said it has impacted her mental health and ability to focus on work and education. "I did not choose what happened to me, yet I have to carry the consequences of someone else's actions, she said. The sense of powerlessness and violation stays with me, she continued, I want accountability for the harm done." This has changed me, altered my sense of safety and peace of mind. It has an ongoing impact on my daily life, she said. She said she is trying to rebuild her confidence and thanked those who supported her, her family, victim support, the gardai and the court. The second victim said that for almost two years now, her life has stopped. She said she carried so much guilt, shame and blamed herself. She was angry with herself for not being strong enough to carry on. Advertisement She said she hated that her life had been stolen from her and suffers from constant anxiety and paranoia. It didn't just hurt me once; it took years of my life, she said. She said it will continue to impact her for the rest of her life. Michael Bowman SC, defending Makula, said young people have the right to socialise where they like without fear of incidents such as this. He described it as a grievous violation and said that his client accepts and acknowledges that. He said Makula wants to apologise unreservedly. He is a Slovakian national, father of four children, and his partner had a child while he was in custody. Ireland Garda who assaulted his wife avoids prison with suspended sentence Read more Kathleen Leader SC, defending Peci, said he has a large extended family who have supported him throughout. She said he is in a stable relationship with two children and is a Slovakian national. Counsel accepted that the aggravating features were that the girls were juveniles, had been drinking and were given more to drink by the men. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. An unannounced inspection of the Dochas Centre found that women were "infantilised" by prison officers, with many interactions "observably disrespectful". A report released by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) on Thursday observed many cases of staff treating women inappropriately, including shouting at them, ignoring them, or using "dismissive language". Anything that makes you feel good about yourself, they take it away from you, one prisoner told the OIP. "There are officers who encourage us but others treat us like numbers, said another. Prison officers infantilised the women by frequently referring to them as "girls", using phrases like "in a minute or Ill come back to you when women were trying to get their attention. Officers often walked hurriedly past and ignored them as women banged on the doors and windows of their cells in an attempt to get an officers attention. Advertisement The Dochas Centre was opened in 1999 and sits within Mountjoy prison. It set out to establish a prison regime that would meet the specific needs of women. According to the OIP, the Dochas Centre was regarded as a "highly progressive model of best practice" for female prisoners. However, this has deteriorated substantially, and the model has "eroded over time to the point that it is evident...that it is no longer the driving ethos of this prison," the report said. As of September 2023, women made up 4 per cent of the prison population. In its report, the OIP recognised that the needs of women in prison are significantly different from that of men, and as prisons are traditionally designed for men, "there is a risk that [womens'] needs may go unmet in the design and management of prisons". Prisoner-staff relationships The lack of trust among women in prison staff was of concern, with just 25 per cent of women surveyed saying they trusted the staff. Less than one-in-five prisoners indicated that they would consult a member of staff if they had a problem in the prison, with over half saying they would turn to another prisoner for help. The inspectorate described the relationship between prisoners and staff as "very poor", with "evidence of a staffing culture that negatively affected women in the prison". This was, in part, down to the high turnover in prison management, which impacted staff-management relationships. The OIP also found that women were discriminated against on numerous grounds, including age, gender, nationality, disability, race/ethnicity and religion. Advertisement Further, the Dochas centre has no policy in place for transgender people, with one case noted where a transgender prisoner was subject to a more punitive segregation regime. 'Lock-back regime' The report also found that inmates were subject to an "unnecessary" limitation of the time they could spend out of their cells. The new "lock-back regime" was introduced by management to encourage engagement in purposeful activities and manage staffing shortages. However, it has resulted in the restriction of womens access to their own houses during scheduled unlock periods. Individual unlock times were not recorded, meaning that it was not possible to determine how long women were locked or unlocked for. Niamh McCormack, Legal and Public Affairs Manager at the Irish Penal Reform Trust said: "Women were either locked in their cells or in the yard for 3-hour periods. Those who were in the yard were not permitted inside for any reason, even to use the toilet. "Inspectors also witnessed women being locked out during a severe storm, shouting to staff to be let back in, with one woman describing their treatment as being left like rats outside. The restrictive lock-back regime, the lack of adequate access to basic sanitary products, and intense management of the small minutiae of daily life described in the report reflect a broader culture of control and infantilisation. "Women are treated in ways that male prisoners are not, including threats of punishment for things such as standing in doorways or wearing flip-flops outdoors." "Power relations in prison can be specifically gender-coded in such a way that taps into the vulnerabilities of women who have a history of trauma and abuse. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called an Irish journalist a "left-wing hack" in a heated exchange after he asked her a question about the killing of Renee Good by a US immigration agent last week. Niall Stanage, a White House columnist for The Hill and a native of Belfast, asked a question about the Trump administration's defence of the acts of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Mr Stanage referred to statistics which show 32 people died in ICE custody and 170 US citizens were detained by ICE in the last year, while Ms Good was shot in the head and killed by an ICE agent. How does that equate to them doing everything correctly? he asked. Why was Renee Good unfortunately and tragically killed? Ms Leavitt replied. When Mr Stanage asked if she wanted his opinion, Ms Leavitt said she did. Advertisement Because an Ice agent acted recklessly and killed her unjustifiably, Mr Stanage replied. A visibly angry Ms Leavitt then launched into a tirade against the journalist. 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. And you and the people of the media who have such biases but fake like youre a journalist, you shouldnt even be sitting in that seat. But youre pretending like youre a journalist, but youre a left-wing activist. And the question that you just raised and your answer proves youre biased. You should be reporting on the facts. You should be reporting on the cases. Journalist Niall Stanage looks on during the news briefing. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images She continued, telling Mr Stanage he should be more concerned about how many American citizens were killed by "illegal" immigrants. I bet you didnt even read up on those stories... I bet you never even read about Laken Riley or Jocelyn Nungaray or all of the innocent Americans who were killed at the hand 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 communities safer. And shame on people like you in the media who have a crooked view and have a biased view and pretend like youre a real, honest journalist. Advertisement The exchange has gone viral in the US and elsewhere, highlighting the Trump administration's staunch defence of ICE, despite opinion polls showing the American public are increasingly unhappy with their conduct. Protests have raged in Minnesota, where Ms Good was killed, and in cities across the US since the incident. US president Donald Trump has even threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow him to send the military in to Minnesota. You can watch the exchange between Ms Leavitt and Mr Stanage below. David Lammy has insisted the UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv. The Deputy Prime Minister visited Ukraines capital to mark the first anniversary of a 100-year partnership agreement between the two countries, aimed at fostering closer defence and trade ties, among other things. During the trip, Mr Lammy visited a site struck by Russian missiles, spoke at a summit of business leaders, and met Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The visit came as the UK Government announced it was giving Ukraine a further 20 million (23 million) to help bolster its energy infrastructure, a prime target of Russian strikes. UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy (MoJ/PA) I am privileged to be here to mark the first anniversary of our 100-year partnership because Ukraines security is our security, Mr Lammy said during the visit. He added: This is more than just solidarity. Our friendship is a shared stand against Russian aggression across Europe. Advertisement But today we go further: unlocking investment, deepening joint action, and reaffirming our leadership of the Coalition of the Willing. The UK and Ukraine stand shoulder to shoulder as true partners for freedom, committed to a just peace and a stronger, safer future for both our nations. Writing on social media, Mr Zelenskiy said he and the Deputy PM had discussed Russias daily missile strikes on our energy infrastructure and ways to strengthen protection against them. He added: We are grateful for the UKs decision to provide an energy support package for Ukraine right now, when it is most needed. I thank the United Kingdom, its Government, and its people for all the assistance to our country, he said. PFLUGERVILLE, Texas, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tumble 22, the Austin-born Texas Chicken Joint known for cold beer, hot chicken, and cheap, stiff drinks, officially opens its Pflugerville location on January 31, 2026. The team is excited to welcome the community and begin serving guests at its newest Central Texas spot. The O.G. Located at 18725 FM 685, Ste. 100 in Pflugerville, across the street from Target and right near Costco, the restaurant will serve the O.G. chicken sandwich that helped make Tumble 22 famous, along with hot chicken plates, fresh salads, sides, homemade pies, and a full bar with cocktails, mocktails, and beer. Location link: https://share.google/KuPaZuslLjqt2IyYe To celebrate the grand opening, Tumble 22 will host a community kickoff event on January 31, with doors opening at 11am. The first 50 guests in line that morning will receive free O.G. sandwiches for a year, one sandwich each month at no cost. Guests can also expect giveaways, ice-cold drinks, and everything that makes the Tumble 22 experience what it is, made fresh every day and served with the kind of hospitality Pflugerville deserves. "We are thrilled to finally bring Tumble 22 to Pflugerville," said Mike Stockton, managing partner of the new Pflugerville location. "This community has been on our radar for a long time, and the timing could not be better. We believe in great food made fresh, a place where people feel welcome, and a little Texas personality in every bite. We cannot wait to open the doors and show Pflugerville what Tumble 22 is all about." Pflugerville becomes the newest member of the Tumble 22 family, joining our established Austin area locations in Cedar Park, Round Rock, Burnet Road, and Lake Austin, as well as our other Texas restaurants in Houston and San Marcos. Grand Opening January 31, 2026 18725 FM 685, Ste. 100 Pflugerville, TX RSVP early at https://www.facebook.com/share/1BzBreCeQ2/ About Tumble 22 What began as a humble food trailer in Austin has grown into a Texas staple, now expanding to its 9th location with the opening in Pflugerville. Tumble 22 serves crispy, spicy, Texas-style chicken with cold beer, stiff drinks, and house-made sides, all cooked fresh every day and served with a smile. Guests can dine in, carry out, or order delivery. The mission is simple, be the best damn chicken in Texas and create a place where everyone feels at home. https://tumble22.com Media Contact: Matthew Hagens [email protected] SOURCE Tumble 22 Breaking with the United States, Canada has agreed to cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products, the countrys prime minister Mark Carney said. Mr Carney made the announcement after two days of meetings with Chinese leaders. He said there would be an initial cap of 49,000 vehicles on Chinese EV exports to Canada, growing to 70,000 over five years. The Canada-China relationship has created prosperity and opportunities on both sides of the Pacific. Today, were forging a new strategic partnership. It builds on the best of our past and reflects the world as it is today to the benefit of both of our peoples: Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) January 16, 2026 China will reduce its tariff on canola seeds, a major Canadian export, from about 84% to about 15%, he told reporters. It has been a historic and productive two days, Mr Carney said, speaking outside against the backdrop of a traditional pavilion and a frozen pond at a Beijing park. We have to understand the differences between Canada and other countries, and focus our efforts to work together where were aligned. The deal breaks with the US on tariffs (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) Mr Carney said China has become a more predictable partner to deal with than the US, the countrys neighbour and longtime ally. Our relationship has progressed in recent months with China. It is more predictable and you see results coming from that, Mr Carney said. Advertisement Mr Carney has not been able to reach a deal with US President Donald Trump to reduce some tariffs that are punishing some key sectors of the Canadian economy and Mr Trump has previously talked about making Canada the 51st state. Mark Carney holds a press conference in Beijing (Sean Kilpatrick /The Canadian Press via AP) Mr Trump commended Mr Carney for making a deal with Beijing. Well, its OK. Thats what he should be doing and its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China, you should do that, he said. Earlier on Friday, Mr Carney and Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged to improve relations between their two nations after years of acrimony. Mr Xi told Mr Carney in a meeting at the Great Hall of the People that he is willing to continue working to improve ties, noting that talks have been under way on restoring and restarting cooperation since the two held an initial meeting in October on the sidelines of a regional economic conference in South Korea. It can be said that our meeting last year opened a new chapter in turning ChinaCanada relations toward improvement, Chinas top leader said. French president Emmanuel Macron has joked about a completely harmless eye condition during a New Year address to Frances armed forces. Please pardon the unsightly appearance of my eye, Mr Macron said at the beginning of his speech. It is, of course, something completely harmless. Mr Macron appeared with a puffy, red eye during his speech at the military base in Istres, in southern France. He earlier wore sunglasses during an outdoor troop inspection. Mr Macron visited the Istres military air force base in southern France (Pool/AP) Simply see an unintentional reference to the Eye of the Tiger For those who catch the reference, it is a sign of determination, he joked, in an apparent reference to the name of the hit theme song by American rock band Survivor from the 1982 Rocky III movie starring Sylvester Stallone. Mr Macrons speech addressed key challenges for the military in 2026, from Frances accelerated rearmament and continued support for Ukraine, to the decision to send troops to Greenland in a show of support for Denmark. President Donald Trump has suggested he may punish countries with tariffs if they do not back the US controlling Greenland. His message came as a US congressional delegation met Danish and Greenlandic politicians in Copenhagen and sought to lower tensions. Mr Trump for months has insisted that the US should control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in US hands would be unacceptable. During an unrelated event at the White House on Friday about rural healthcare, he recounted how he had threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals. I may do that for Greenland too, Mr Trump said. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that. He had not previously mentioned using tariffs to try to force the issue. Advertisement Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met in Washington with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio. That encounter did not resolve the deep differences, but did produce an agreement to set up a working group on whose purpose Denmark and the White House then offered sharply diverging public views. European leaders have insisted that it is only for Denmark and Greenland to decide on matters concerning the territory, and Denmark said this week that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland in co-operation with allies. In Copenhagen, a group of senators and members of the House of Representatives met on Friday with Danish and Greenlandic politicians, and with leaders including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The Greenlandic flag outside the Danish parliament in Copenhagen (Sebastian Elias Uth/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Delegation leader senator Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, thanked the groups hosts for 225 years of being a good and trusted ally and partner and said that we had a strong and robust dialogue about how we extend that into the future. Senator Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, said after meeting politicians that the visit reflected a strong relationship over decades and it is one that we need to nurture. She told reporters that Greenland needs to be viewed as our ally, not as an asset, and I think thats what youre hearing with this delegation. Advertisement The tone contrasted with that emanating from the White House. Mr Trump has sought to justify his calls for a US takeover by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals. The White House has not ruled out taking the territory by force. We have heard so many lies, to be honest and so much exaggeration on the threats towards Greenland, said Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic politician and member of the Danish parliament who took part in Fridays meetings. And mostly, I would say the threats that were seeing right now is from the US side. The dispute is looming large in the lives of Greenlanders. Greenlands Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said on Tuesday that if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose Nato. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU. Russia has not spared a single Ukrainian power plant from attack since its all-out invasion, Ukraines new energy minister said. Denys Shmyhal was speaking as a recent escalation of aerial bombardments left hundreds of thousands of people without heat or light for days amid the coldest winter for years. Mr Shmyhal said Russia has conducted 612 attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure objects over the last year. That barrage has intensified in recent months as nighttime temperatures plunge to minus 18C. People use emergency tents to warm up following Russias regular air attacks against Ukraines energy infrastructure (Vladyslav Musiienko/AP) Nobody in the world has ever faced such a challenge, Mr Shmyhal told politicians in a speech at Ukraines parliament. Russia has hammered Ukraines power grid, especially in winter, throughout the war. It aims to weaken the Ukrainian will to resist in a strategy that Kyiv officials call weaponising winter. Advertisement Securing from abroad new missile supplies for air defences that can counter Russias power grid attacks is a difficult and exhausting process, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, revealing that some of the countrys air defence systems were out of missiles and at Russias mercy until a new shipment arrived on Friday morning. Obtaining supplies requires intense diplomatic pressure due to minimum stockpile levels and national laws in allied countries, according to the Ukrainian leader. But honestly, what do those rules and laws mean when we are at war and we desperately need these missiles? Mr Zelensky said. The grim outlook roughly halfway through the winter season coincides with uncertainty about the direction and progress of US-led peace efforts. Volodymyr Zelensky said a Ukrainian delegation is on its way to the US (Ludovic Marin, pool photo via AP) Mr Zelensky said on Friday that a Ukrainian delegation is on its way to the United States to try to finalise with Washington documents for a proposed peace settlement that relate to post-war security guarantees and economic recovery. If American officials approve the proposals, the US and Ukraine could sign the documents next week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr Zelensky said at a Kyiv news conference with Czech President Petr Pavel. US President Donald Trump plans to be in Davos, organisers say. Russia would still need to be consulted on the proposals. In Ukraine, the hardship was acute amid extended blackouts. This is a critical moment, Jaime Wah, the deputy head in the Kyiv delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said on Friday. Advertisement This is the hardest winter since the escalation of the conflict: punishing cold temperatures and the lack of heating and electricity are affecting millions who are already pushed to the edge by years of violence and economic strain, he told a briefing in Geneva. Nighttime temperatures have plunged to minus 18C in Ukraine (Mykola Tys/AP) Ukraines power shortage is so desperate that Mr Shmyhal urged businesses to switch off their illuminated signage and exterior decorations to save electricity. If you have spare energy, better give it to people, the energy minister said. This is the most important thing today. People will be grateful. Ukraine has introduced emergency measures, including temporarily easing curfew restrictions to allow people to go whenever they need to public heating centres set up by the authorities, Mr Shmyhal said, adding that hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure remain the top priority for electricity and heat supplies. Officials have instructed state energy companies to urgently purchase imported electricity covering at least 50% of their own consumption, according to Mr Shmyhal. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US president Donald Trump on Thursday during a White House meeting, in a bid to influence his efforts to shape her country's political future. A White House official confirmed that Mr Trump intends to keep the medal. In a social media 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!" Ms Machado, who described the meeting as "excellent", said the gift was in recognition of what she called his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. The White House later posted a photo of Mr Trump and Ms Machado with the president holding up a large, gold-colored frame displaying the medal. Accompanying text read, "To President Donald J. Trump In Gratitude for Your Extraordinary Leadership in Promoting Peace through Strength," and labeled the gesture as a "Personal Symbol of Gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan People." President Donald J. Trump meets with Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela in the Oval Office, during which she presented the President with her Nobel Peace Prize in recognition and honor. pic.twitter.com/v7pYHjVNVO The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 16, 2026 Ms Machado's attempt to sway Mr Trump came after he dismissed the idea of installing her as Venezuela's leader to replace the deposed Nicolas Maduro. Mr Trump openly campaigned for the prize before Ms Machado was awarded it last month and complained bitterly when he was snubbed. Advertisement Though Ms Machado gave Mr Trump the gold medal that honourees receive with the prize, the honour remains hers; the Norwegian Nobel Institute has said the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked. Asked on Wednesday if he wanted Ms Machado to give him the prize, Mr Trump told Reuters: "No, I didn't say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize." The Republican president has long expressed interest in winning the prize and has at times linked it to diplomatic achievements. The lunch meeting, which appeared to last slightly over an hour, marked the first time the two have met in person. Ms Machado then met with more than a dozen senators, both Republican and Democratic, on Capitol Hill, where she has generally found more enthusiastic allies. During the visit, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Mr Trump had looked forward to meeting Ms Machado, but stood by his "realistic" assessment that she did not currently have the support needed to lead the country in the short term. Ms Machado, who fled the South American nation in a daring seaborne escape in December, is competing for Mr Trump's ear with members of Venezuela's government and seeking to ensure she has a role in governing the nation going forward. Advertisement After the United States captured Maduro in a snatch-and-grab operation this month, opposition figures, members of Venezuela's diaspora and politicians throughout the US and Latin America expressed hope for Venezuela to begin a process of democratisation. Hopes of a move to democracy Democratic senator Chris Murphy, one of the senators who met with Ms Machado, said the opposition leader had told senators that repression in Venezuela was no different now than under Maduro. Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez is a "smooth operator" who was growing more entrenched by the day thanks to Mr Trump's support, he said. "I hope elections happen, but I'm skeptical," said Mr Murphy, of Connecticut. Mr Trump has said he is focused on securing US access to the country's oil and economically rebuilding Venezuela. Mr Trump has on several occasions praised Ms Rodriguez, Maduro's second-in-command, who became Venezuela's leader upon his capture. In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Mr Trump said: "She's been very good to deal with." Ms Machado was banned from running in Venezuela's 2024 presidential election by a top court stacked with Maduro allies. Outside observers widely believe Edmundo Gonzalez, an opposition figure backed by Ms 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. In an annual address to lawmakers, Ms Rodriguez called for diplomacy with the United States and said should she need to travel to Washington, she would do so "walking on her feet, not dragged there". She also said she would propose reforms to her country's oil industry aimed at increasing access for foreign investors. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesRetail A new generation of Chinese companies is expanding around the world The Economist January 16, 2026 2:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A few years ago, it would have been hard to imagine Chinese brands making it big in America. Yet shoppers in Manhattan today can pop by the 2800-square-metre store of Urban Revivo to pick up one of the Chinese retailers trendy outfits, which are all the rage on TikTok, a short-video app owned by ByteDance, another Chinese company. They can follow that with a latte from Luckin Coffee, which began opening outlets on the island last year, or an ice-cream from Mixue, another Chinese retailer that has recently set up shop. With each passing year, the presence of Chinese business abroad grows stronger, in rich and poor countries alike, and across a widening range of industries. Last year BYD, a Chinese maker of electric vehicles (EVs), overtook Tesla, Americas EV champion, in sales. More than a fifth of its cars were purchased abroad, up from a tenth in 2024. Chinese artificial intelligence models are now being used the world over, not just in the global south but also by Western companies such as booking platform Airbnb. BYD last year overtook Tesla as the worlds top seller of electric cars. Joseph Plumb This latest wave of global expansion is notable for both its speed and breadth. In 2024, listed Chinese firms generated 15 trillion yuan ($3.2 trillion) in overseas sales, up from less than 11.6 trillion yuan in 2021. Chinese companies now invest more abroad than foreign ones do in China. But equally striking are the changes occurring in how Chinese companies approach going abroad as they look to build a greater physical presence overseas against a fraught geopolitical backdrop. Chinese business has been through periods of globalisation before. Beginning in the 1990s, and accelerating with Chinas accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001, firms such as Haier, a maker of home appliances, and Huawei, a producer of telecoms gear, began selling overseas the cheap products they manufactured at home though they struggled to the shake the perception that their goods were inferior. Advertisement Another wave came around the mid-2010s when a handful of Chinese conglomerates, including Anbang, Fosun and HNA Group, splashed tens of billions of dollars on foreign banks, hotels and other businesses. Related Article Opinion Trade wars Trumps trade war with China is a $1.8 trillion fail Elizabeth Knight Business columnist The experiment was short-lived. Western governments, increasingly wary of China, began blocking deals, and a number of the over-indebted acquirers later collapsed. More successful abroad were the state-owned Chinese businesses that secured enormous contracts to build ports, railways and mines across the global south under the countrys Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013. The most recent wave, which began with Chinas post-pandemic reopening, has partly been a product of gloomy economic conditions domestically. Growth has slowed and brutal price wars are common. Between 2019 and 2024, the average operating margin generated by listed Chinese companies declined from 12.4 per cent to 11.2 per cent; analysts at Goldman Sachs, an investment bank, reckon that the figure for Chinese firms overseas operations is typically higher than at home. Advertisement An outlet of Chinese-owned Luckin Coffee on Manhattan. Alamy Stock Photo Yet the expansion abroad also reflects a tantalising opportunity. Having closely watched foreign multinationals operating on their home turf, Chinese firms have learnt to make all sorts of advanced products, from industrial robots to medical equipment. Some even say they have mastered making milky coffees (your correspondent begs to differ). Moreover, pioneers such as ByteDance and Shein, a purveyor of ultra-fast fashion, have shown that China can innovate, not just imitate. Western carmakers such as Volkswagen now want to learn from the countrys ascendant EV firms. Airbnb uses Chinese artificial intelligence models. Bloomberg To thrive abroad, Chinese companies are discovering that they must rethink how they do business. Most used to keep as much of their operations as possible in China. That helps explain why the countrys stock of outbound foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at just 17 per cent of its GDP in 2024, much of it in infrastructure and resources projects in developing countries, compared with 38 per cent for America and 57 per cent for Japan, according to the Institute of International Finance, a think tank based in Washington. Chinas stock of overseas FDI accounts for just 4 per cent of the global total, about half that of the Netherlands. That is changing. Spurred on by rising labour costs and Western tariffs, Chinese companies have been busily building overseas factories, many of them in the global south. Cloud providers such as Alibaba, which are serving a growing roster of overseas clients, including the foreign arms of fellow Chinese businesses, are building more data centres abroad. Advertisement To build awareness of their brands, Chinese companies are also increasingly setting up foreign stores. Miniso, a retailer from Guangzhou that sells stationery and trinkets, now has more than 3300 outlets overseas, from Texas to Thailand. Xiaomi, which makes everything from smartphones to scooters, plans to have 10,000 overseas shops in the next half-decade or so. They are mastering local distribution and supply chains too. Shoppers at Ulta Beauty, an American cosmetics retailer, can buy lipstick from Florasis, a beauty brand from Hangzhou. Mengniu, a Chinese dairy company, launched a factory in Indonesia in 2018 and has since become the most popular ice-cream brand in the country. All this has required a new approach to hiring. Chinese companies with overseas operations have previously tended to move staff abroad rather than recruit locally. That sometimes caused grumbling in host countries, as it meant creating fewer local jobs. Chinese nationals were often also inclined to rely more heavily on suppliers back home. Miniso outlets have expanded around the world. Ben Rushton Now, however, the companies are hiring more locals into roles such as sales, customer service, public relations and even management, notes a partner at a global advisory firm (though he adds that senior finance roles are often still deemed too sensitive to entrust to foreigners). This greater openness often reflects the fact that human resources staff have become more confident in managing foreigners as they themselves have spent more time abroad. Advertisement An ecosystem of advisers is also emerging to help Chinese companies expand overseas. Many of the worlds big professional-services firms hail from the West, and have tended to focus more on helping companies from America, Europe and Japan enter China, rather than the other way around. But law firms, accountancies and other advisory businesses, some of them home-grown, are now supporting Chinese firms as they globalise. Related Article Analysis Trade wars Its not just Labubu dolls. Chinese brands are booming Splitting headaches They need plenty of help. Chinese companies, particularly those operating in sensitive industries in the West, are acutely aware of the risks presented by regulatory clashes, such as the one that led to the forced sale of TikToks business in America, due to be completed this month. Some have structured their businesses to avoid similar problems. Squirrel AI, a Chinese tutoring company, plans to launch in America later this year. It has already established an independent technology platform in the country that is separate from its Chinese operations, says Joleen Liang, a co-founder. Such arrangements add cost and complexity. Whether they will be enough to appease Americas government is also not clear. This month the Trump administration ordered a reversal of the acquisition of some of the assets of Emcore, an American semiconductor company, by HieFo, a business registered in Delaware but controlled by a Chinese citizen. Advertisement Chinese multinationals must also navigate their own governments wariness. Chinese officials gripe about complex cross-border structures in which only parts of a business fall under their purview. Local taxmen have caught on to the fact that many companies which appear to be struggling in China and paying little tax are thriving abroad and keeping their foreign profits offshore. In some cases, they are requesting more taxable remittances. Chinas government is particularly leery of companies that suddenly uproot their staff and set up headquarters in places such as Singapore. Manus, a popular AI company that moved to the city-state last year, is one such example. Regulators in Beijing are investigating its proposed acquisition by Meta, an American social-media colossus, and may block the deal. Nonetheless, many Chinese companies looking to go abroad will find their government to be supportive, particularly those whose businesses are not deemed sensitive. Officials appear to have woken up to the power of global brands. State media now celebrate Labubus cuddly toys created by PopMart, a Chinese firm, that have swept the world as a sign of growing cultural strength. The central government may begin to relax approvals for overseas investments, which are currently very tight, says Denis Depoux of Roland Berger, a consultancy. Shoppers around the world can count on stumbling across more buzzy Chinese brands in the year ahead. The Economist The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Retail World markets Advertisement BusinessCompaniesAviation The secret life of your checked baggage Chris Zappone January 17, 2026 8:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Its like magic at least 99.37 per cent of the time. You show up at the airport, print your bag tag at the kiosk and attach it to your suitcase. Then you set or lug your suitcase onto the bag drop. Usually, the last you see of your luggage is the little wiggle it makes as the conveyor belt pulls it decisively into the baggage handling system. Out of sight, out of mind. You and your carry-ons are free to go through security and wander the terminal until you get to the gate for the flight. Advertisement An early bag storage area. Hartmann Schmidt You dont think of your checked bag until the other side of the trip, at the carousel in London or LA or Rome, when it should reappear. Like magic. Sometimes (about 0.63 per cent of the time) there is a problem. Because of that risk, the biggest anxiety for passengers is when they are waiting at the conveyor belt said Sumesh Patel, Asia Pacific President of airport IT company SITA. The stress is similar to what people feel going through security and immigration queues, he said. The most stressful part. Shutterstock Advertisement The long journey to the carousel What happens between the bag drop and finding your bag on a carousel is a secret journey, one thats being altered by technological advances and innovation. Todays modern baggage systems give airports end-to-end control of every single bag, said Ken Lowe, managing director of Beumer Group Australia, which is building Melbourne Airports baggage handling system. We can track and trace luggage at every stage of the journey while inside the system, Lowe added. Increasing precision is raising passenger expectations. So how do these ever-more-precise systems work? Advertisement A bag with its all-important tag. Lets start with the bag tag taped around your luggage handle. It identifies the bag, customer and destination. The tag has a barcode containing real-time information on the bags itinerary (time and date, flights, destinations). The message with this information is read by the tag reader. Your bag enters the main baggage handling system network of conveyors and lands on a tote, which has its own code. The bag tag and tote numbers are linked, which allows each bag and its progress to be monitored from a baggage system control room. Your baggage is X-rayed and diverted for human review if something suspicious is found. The totes uniform size helps standardise the flow of baggage through the system. If nothing is found, your bag is sorted and routed on a high-speed tote transport system, using a tilt tray sorter, to land at the correct pier, carousel or make-up unit (where they prepare for bags to be loaded onto the plane) for its scheduled flight. Software maps out the most efficient route through the system. Advertisement If your bag arrives hours in advance of its flight, it will be diverted into the Early Bag Storage area. The EBS is a large rack with a robotic picker that places totes for waiting and then picks them up when the flight is ready. Advertisement Melbourne Airport calls this a Dynamic Bag Storage area. It is also used to smooth out the flow of bags during peaks and troughs of activity, ensuring a steadier and easier-to-manage delivery of bags to ground handlers. Your bag then goes to the load/make-up area, where ground handlers collect and load it onto specialised carts or Unit Load Devices (ULDs) that will be transferred directly to the aircraft. A baggage handling system by Germany-based Beumer Group, which is building Melbourne Airports new system. Beumer Group The full ULDs are driven out to the aircraft for final loading into the cargo hold. Your bag is rescanned again to ensure the right bag is being loaded. A system of totes carries the bags. Hartmann Schmidt Advertisement The full information on your bags will then be sent to the destination airport, where another reconciliation will be done at arrival and unloading. Another scan will be done to confirm that the bags have reached the destination. Lowe said a good baggage handling system is not just about speeding up operations for the airport, its about making sure each passengers bag is accounted for, matched correctly, and handled perfectly from start to finish. UAE-based special airport systems consultant Mehdi Lakhal Chaieb said good systems require back-up options in case there is a mechanical or tech breakdown. We should always make sure that we have a certain redundancy for mechanical parts, Chaieb said. That means in case of physical failures there should always be an alternative bypass or route. The hold baggage screening systems (found in Early Bag Storage) require enough human operators and computing power to function well if the screening has to be done remotely, Chaieb said. Advertisement With these advances, technology is lifting the lid, slightly, on the mystery of missing bags. SITAs WorldTracer system tracks missing bags across different airport baggage handling systems, airlines and airports. Where is my bag? For anyone who loses a bag, its updated in WorldTracer, and then WorldTracer helps track the bag through the entire ecosystem, Patel said. That runs across all airports and airlines. Yet, some factors cant be controlled. Patel said that if an airports baggage handling system is really old, it takes a lot of time for the baggage to be processed, and theres still a lot of manual work to be done. Advertisement SITA Asia Pacific president Sumesh Patel, pictured at the Australian Airports Association national conference in the Gold Coast on December 3, 2025. Chris Zappone In part for this reason, more bags get lost in Europe than in any other region. The biggest challenge is the transit, Patel said, and many European airlines, airports and IT systems are quite fragmented. So they dont talk to each other and a lot of manual work is required, and thats where you see a lot of bag loss, said Patel. According to the 2025 SITA baggage IT insights report, a whopping 33.4 million bags were mishandled (delayed, damaged, lost or stolen) in 2024. Even so, the mishandling rate is dropping. It fell to 6.3 bags per 1000 passengers last year, down from 6.9 in 2023, the company said. Advertisement Its part of a longer-term trend. Better systems have whittled down the number of mishandled bags, which in 2007 stood at 18.9 missing bags per 1000. Distance of the flight seems to be a factor in luggage difficulties. Your bags have better odds of arriving at their destination if youre flying domestically. International flights had a mishandling rate of 11.2 bags per 1000 passengers in 2024 while domestic flights stood at just 1.9 bags, according to SITA. International travel is more complex, has longer layovers, more handovers of luggage and tighter transfer times. But these days, domestic flyers tend to travel with fewer bags. On short-haul and low-cost routes, more passengers are travelling light, favouring carry-on luggage and easing the load on hold baggage operations, the SITA report said. Advertisement Mobile phones and personal technology help, too. During COVID, many passengers started using Apple AirTags to track bags. Passengers these days can share Air Tag location information with the airline ground handler, Patel said. The embrace of airline apps United, Qantas and Virgin all have them is reducing the hassle associated with delayed bags. Passengers can now start the process of recovering their bag via their phone. They can also get updates on the location of their luggage, which gives a better sense of control. Self-checking future And if the system knows a bag is missing, why wait for the passenger to report it? In the brave new world of baggage systems, lost luggage can even be automatically rebooked to a flight with no manual intervention required if youre flying on German airline Lufthansa. The system will automatically look at the data, it will track the bag and will see what is the next available flight, said Patel. Then it will automatically re-flight those bags, and give you a notification to say Hey, your bag is here now. Advertisement A baggage handling system by Germany-based Beumer Group, which is building Melbourne Airports new system. Currently, the system is used for nearly 75 per cent of bags lost on Lufthansa, Patel said. Other airlines are trialling the capability. If bags status can be tracked via phones and rebooked automatically, the next step is moving the drop-off point outside the airport. Changi Airport, with Singapore Airlines and Marina Bay Sands hotel, are trialling a mobile passenger processing trolley which allows hotel guests to check in bags before they leave the hotel for the airport. Such a service is available at a Helsinki hotel and train station for Finnair. Advertisement Passenger convenience could potentially have an industry effect too: reducing the amount of terminal floor space dedicated to bag drops. It pushes away a lot of what you do at the airport, off the airport, Patel said. With projections for airline capacity expected to soar, this is no small consideration. Six airports in Asia plan to increase capacity to over 100 million passengers a year by the mid-2030s, Cirium aviation analytics data shows. If you can check your luggage before going to the airport, your bag can journey directly from your hotel room to your next destination. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement CultureBooksCensorship Opinion Its a good thing Shakespeare wasnt invited to Adelaide Writers Week Malcolm Knox Journalist, author and columnist January 17, 2026 8:30am January 17, 2026 8:30am 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 Its a good thing William Shakespeare wasnt on the guest list of Adelaide Writers Week. A community theatre performance of the Bards The Merchant of Venice, scheduled for this month in Sydney, has been postponed in the wake of the mass shooting in Bondi. The plays key figure, Shylock, is a Jewish moneylender, represented with the antisemitic dramedy typical of Shakespeares England. Notwithstanding decades of contortions and reinterpretations to turn Merchant into a satire or a critique of antisemitism, Shylock cant climb out from under his own history, and nor can old Bill. Illustration by Dionne Gain If the former Adelaide Festival board had disinvited him for failing the social cohesion test, its hard to imagine any participants, let alone nearly all, boycotting Writers Week in solidarity with his right to free speech. (Its also hard to imagine what the theatre group Such Stuff was thinking in putting on Merchant even before Bondi, but without being able to see their presentation of Shylock it would be unfair to speculate.) The cancellation of Shakespeare is an overdue reminder that neither antisemitism nor its mirror-image, anti-antisemitism, were invented in October 2023. Antisemitism from the far right has older and deeper roots in Australia than any version coming from the far left. Whether in the thickets of Canberra law-making or South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas rubber sword chopping a writer out of the Adelaide program from a place of compassion, it defies over-simplification and opportunism while holding an irresistible appeal to the over- simplifiers and opportunists. The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose, says Shakespeares merchant Antonio, the antisemitic creation of an antisemitic playwright speaking a truth in the 1500s that the Australian government is struggling to disentangle in 2025. Advertisement Old-school white Australian antisemitism lived in comfortable and relaxed ignorance on Sydneys north shore in the 1980s. Playing the title role, Antonio, in our second-form production of the play was the high watermark, indeed the swansong, of my Thespian career. We had no girls at our school, so Matthew W was the star turn as Portia. We had precious few Jewish students, either, or if we did in our English class they werent putting up their hands to play Shylock, so my best friend John F landed the role. With the black hair and olive features of his dubh Scottish ancestry, he could pass. At 14, he needed a Shylockian beard, though. (It actually fell off mid-show while he was accusing me of voiding my rheum upon it many a time and oft in the Rialto.) Related Article Exclusive Bondi shooting Sydney actors halt performances of controversial play after Bondi massacre Our teacher Mr Wood must have been stricken by the unserious poverty of our acting. Aside from Matthew W, who really was very good, as actors we lived up to our teachers name more than his energetic directing. Antisemitic? Of course. John Fs Shylock was a bad dude, not just greedy but malicious when he offered me an interest-free loan with just one catch. I think we learnt lessons about what a pound of flesh equated to in kilograms; mostly we enjoyed our rank incompetence but about antisemitism Im afraid we learnt next to nothing until we read The Diary of Anne Frank a year later. We were blissfully unaware that our parents generation, just like their parents and grandparents before them, were manipulating rules to keep Jews out of their sporting and social clubs. Were there Jews on the upper north shore? It didnt matter: our Australian forefathers had all read their Shakespeare. If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge? asks Shylock. These words have been taken to mitigate Shakespeare, showing that he gave Shylock agency and a sympathetic point of view, but did white Australia learn anything from his pain? Or was their guilt such that they needed to wait until the arrival of new scapegoats? Advertisement I very much doubt there were Palestinians, Muslims or leftist class warriors keeping Jewish people out of Sydneys clubs, private schools and social institutions, and laughing at stage Shylocks with unsteady beards. I very much hope, however, that the coming royal commission doesnt overlook those Australians who, wrapped in their ensigns and Southern Crosses, make the strangest of bedfellows with their enemies enemies. The varieties of Australian antisemitism are multiform and, in coming months, bound to be politically inconvenient if they can be coaxed out of hiding. Related Article Updated Literature SA premier disagrees with offer to add ousted writer to festival program South Australians, meanwhile, can rest safely knowing that their premier would have overstepped his authority to place a call to a festival chair to disinvite Shakespeare, and he wouldnt have attempted to hide the fact. Even a person as out of his depth as Malinauskas is when grappling with artistic expression would have been on safe ground cancelling that writer for such an invention as Shylock. Modern inventions of antisemitism are, alas for Mr Malinauskas, harder to pin down. On Tuesday he was saying he hadnt given the festival a direction to disinvite the writer Randa Abdel-Fattah but it was his opinion that her absence from Writers Week would be better for social cohesion. By Wednesday, with nearly every guest boycotting the event, the director resigning, the Adelaide Festival board either out the door or on their way, Writers Week itself gone this year and the broader festival under threat, the premier of The Festival State was still none the wiser, likening Abdel-Fattah to a direct inciter of terrorist acts and earning himself a defamation action. Even by Thursday, when the new festival board had apologised to Abdel-Fattah and issued the earliest of early invitations to her to come to Adelaide in 2027 putting her in the invidious position of having to say yes to help save the festival that had excluded her the premier still didnt have a clue. He said he knew of no defamation action. He said his description of Abdel-Fattah was uttered from a place of compassion. He gave no directions to such a place. But the South Australian election was one week closer. He wanted dearly to put all of this behind him. Advertisement Behind him is a further battering for cultural festivals that were already on their knees. The new Adelaide Festival board is doing its best to repair the damage, but no artistic director of a cultural festival in their right mind anywhere in Australia will let things go as far as they went in Adelaide. Writers deemed to threaten social cohesion and cultural safety wont be disinvited; their fast-diminishing hopes of being invited in the first place will recede into the shadows of risk management. Artistic directors who lose their autonomy to frightened authoritarian boards will quit, and more festivals will be lost to boycotts because no collection of writers or artists can escape the dragnet of social cohesion enforcement. Related Article Pop culture Why Britpop legends Pulp U-turned on Adelaide Festival boycott Or, to put it another way, any collection of writers or artists who universally meet a social cohesion code of conduct wouldnt be worth listening to. In Adelaide, to save a festival, the writers had to destroy it. In future, to destroy their festivals, organisers will try to save them pre-emptively. Adelaides festival, in the end, was saved by money: artists with financial muscle. The British band Pulp threatened to cancel their free concert unless Abdel-Fattah received her apology. With disaster beckoning forget Writers Week, the Pulp concert might not happen! the festival apologised. Malinauskas, still in that place of compassion, refused mercy. The quality of mercy is not strained/It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven/Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest/It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. Advertisement I can still see Matthew W, in his Portia make-up, saying those words, some of Shakespeares wisest and most beautiful. They contain grains of whatever hope we can find. Shame they were written by a cancelled antisemite. But few things are what they seem when escalated out of shape by smiling politicians and other escalation-seekers who think history started 28 months ago. Oh, what a goodly outside falsehood hath. Malcolm Knox is a journalist, author and regular columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement CultureMusicPop culture Why Britpop legends Pulp U-turned on Adelaide Festival boycott Kerrie O'Brien and Chris Hook January 16, 2026 9:52am 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 Britpop legends Pulp came close to pulling out of the Adelaide Festivals free opening night concert following the decision to dump a Palestinian-Australian writer from the program but were convinced to delay the announcement by the festival. In a statement to the bands Instagram page on Thursday night (AEDT) Pulp said they were appalled to hear of the circumstances in which the Adelaide Festival board had cancelled the scheduled appearance of Randa Abdel-Fattah, and respect those who immediately spoke out against this decision. Jarvis Cocker performs with Pulp at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles in 2024. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP We celebrate difference, and oppose censorship, violence and oppression in all its forms, the band said. However, after telling the festival they intended to join the boycott and would be withdrawing from the planned free show in the citys Elder Park on February 27, Pulp was asked to delay an announcement while they sought to resolve this crisis for all sides. Advertisement Last week the Adelaide Festival revealed it had disinvited writer and academic Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah from a scheduled Writers Week appearance prompting 180 writers to boycott the event, including literary stars such as UK writer Zadie Smith and Australian author Trent Dalton. Other events in the festival are going ahead. As the controversy played out, Pulps Instagram page was swamped with requests urging the band to join the boycott. Earlier this week the chair and members of the Adelaide Festival board also resigned, followed by writers week director Louise Adler, leading to the cancellation of the writers week. A new board was appointed and on Thursday it apologised to Abdel-Fattah and invited her to appear at the 2027 iteration of the event. Advertisement The band said that given this new and welcome development we feel able, in good conscience, to honour our invitation to perform in Adelaide. Separately on his personal page, Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker had posted a picture of Abdel-Fattah and said the band had told the festival organisers that we wouldnt be able to play due to the dreadful situation with Dr Randa. But he said the band was happy the situation was resolved and were happy to play the free concert, open to anyone who respects the freedom of all voices to be heard. Loading Advertisement In May 2025, Pulp were among signatories to an open letter defending Irish band Kneecap, who had prompted widespread criticism and a police investigation for their comments and actions on stage in support of the Palestinian cause. Earlier, several musical acts pulled out of the Adelaide Festival event Tryp, with H34VEN0N34RTH and ADELAIDE BALLROOM, Jannah Quill X House of Vnholy and Skorpion King announcing via their Instagram pages that they would no longer be taking part due to the decision to drop Abdel-Fattah from the event. They have not yet revealed whether their decision has changed as a result of the festivals efforts to resolve the situation. Related Article Updated Literature Vicious assault: Ousted writer threatens defamation action against South Australian premier Meanwhile, this week WOMADelaide rejected efforts to have Palestinian DJ Sama Abdulhadi removed from the event. Sama Abdulhadi is internationally recognised as a pioneering female electronic music artist and cultural innovator, and she performs at festivals and music events around the world. Her inclusion reflects WOMADelaides commitment to showcasing artists of exceptional talent from a diverse range of countries and genres, it said in an email to those lobbying for Abdulhadi to be dropped, reported by InSADaily. Advertisement There are no changes to the WOMADelaide schedule, and we look forward to Sama Abdulhadis performance, on Saturday, March 7, a spokesperson told this masthead. On Friday, Adelaide Festival executive director Julian Hobba told Radio National he had advised the board not to drop Abdel-Fattah from the program as the issue was being discussed over several months. Related Article Opinion Censorship Politicians shouldnt decide who appears at writers festivals. Its a dangerous path Richard Flanagan Writer I guess I could say that it, it took place over a number of months they heard me respectfully and thoroughly over a significant period of time, and they came to a different decision than the one Id advised, he said. He also confirmed that SA Premier Peter Malinauskas had written to the board on January 2 about Abdel-Fattahs scheduled appearance but that the letter articulated the position that he has, now very publicly articulated, and it also, relayed that he understood it to be that it was the boards decision. Advertisement Hobba also said the board was looking at what we might do instead of what was planned, but those are in the early stages of consideration. Related Article Exclusive Literature American writer says he was uninvited from Adelaide Festival over timing Also on Radio National on Friday morning, Abdel-Fattah defended accusations of hypocrisy over her efforts to have New York Times writer Thomas Friedman dumped from the writers week event in 2024. As reported by this masthead, Friedman was invited to the event but pulled out when he was told by festival organisers there was a scheduling issue and he would not be able to appear. That move followed a petition to the board to dump Friedman over a controversial column he had written likening the political situation in the Middle East to the animal kingdom, with Abdel-Fattah among the signatories, sparking accusations of hypocrisy. Advertisement I really reject the equivalence between Thomas Friedman and our principled, you know, response to his outrageously racist article in which he used racial tropes of animals, to, to describe people in the Middle East, she said. We have to think here, not just about the question of free speech and censorship, but I am approaching this as an anti-racism scholar and advocate. The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from books editor Jason Steger. Get it every Friday. Advertisement LifestyleHealth & wellnessHealth The bombshell science that casts doubt on claims about microplastics Sarah Knapton January 16, 2026 10:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A 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. Were we wrong about microplastics? Adobe Stock The article followed a recent letter published in Nature Medicine that 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 Advertisement 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 says. Related Article Parenting Microplastics are everywhere. How worried should parents be? 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. Advertisement The problem seems to lie in the tinier versions of microplastics, known as nanoplastics. Officially, microplastics are no larger than five millimetres in size (the size of a grain of rice or smaller), whereas nanoplastics are one nanometre to 1000 nanometres in size (as small as bacteria) and are a lot harder to detect. In recent years, studies have claimed to have found these minuscule 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 that 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 Advertisement Related Article Fitness The goal posts for a longer, healthier life are closer than you think 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. 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. Advertisement 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. 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. Microplastics are a health problem that scientists are just beginning to understand. Justin McManus 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. Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Related Article Wellbeing The health habits these experts will be following in 2026 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 that 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. 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. Advertisement Professor 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. 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. Advertisement 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. The Telegraph, London NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Phoenix Education Partners, Inc. (NYSE: PXED) resulting from allegations that Phoenix Education may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Phoenix Education securities 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=50770 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. What is this about: On January 3, 2026, Fox News published an article entitled "University of Phoenix data breach hits 3.5M people." The story stated that the "University of Phoenix has confirmed a major data breach affecting nearly 3.5 million people. The incident traces back to August when attackers accessed the university's network and quietly stole sensitive information." 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 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. 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. Advertisement MoneySuper & retirementSuperannuation Opinion Womens super gap isnt just a data point. Its a ticking time bomb Bec Wilson Money contributor January 17, 2026 4:01am January 17, 2026 4:01am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Theres new data out this week on retirement confidence in Australia, and it makes for uncomfortable reading. Only 41 per cent of women say they feel financially confident about retirement. For men, its 59 per cent. That gap of nearly 20 per cent should stop us in our tracks. Dig a little deeper and the worry is everywhere. Nearly three-quarters of women are concerned about having enough super for retirement, compared with just over half of men. Seven in ten fear they wont be able to afford the lifestyle they want later in life. More than half are already holding back on everyday spending because theyre worried about running out of money in retirement. Women typically have lower super balances than men as they are more likely to take time off work to raise children. Simon Letch This isnt a single data point or a momentary wobble in confidence. Women report higher levels of worry across every measure. It would be easy to describe this as anxiety and brush it off, but that would be a mistake. These findings come from AMPs Retirement Confidence Pulse, an important piece of research that tracks how Australians feel about their financial futures. As Melinda Howes, AMPs Group Executive for Superannuation and Investments, put it: We cannot accept a future where Australian women remain more worried than men about their financial futures. Advertisement What the data really shows is not anxiety, but smart realism. Women are responding rationally to the reality of their financial lives, in a retirement system that has never fully accounted for the fact that women have more fractured working lives than men, even today. They still earn less. They still take on more caring roles. And they still live longer than their partners if they have one. All of that collides in retirement. This cant be about asking women to work harder or sacrifice more. It needs to be about helping women have a voice. So when women say theyre worried, its not because they havent thought about retirement enough. Its because they have. They can see the social and financial realities facing single women later in life, and they understand how exposed retirement can be if things dont go to plan. What often gets overlooked is that women are not disengaged from the future. In fact, many think about it more deeply than their male counterparts. Two-thirds say leaving a financial legacy matters to them, a higher proportion than men. Advertisement The issue is not a lack of care. It is, in my view, a lack of space to prioritise themselves financially. And gaps in the way the system works to incentivise fixing womens super balances early. Editor's pick Opinion Retirement living Six surprising habits only the happiest retirees get right Bec Wilson Money contributor When the household budget is tight and the tax benefit of contributing to the husbands super is higher, the woman takes the hit. When someone needs to go part-time, take a career break or say no to a promotion, it is rarely the higher-earning partner. When the consequences show up decades later, they are treated as unfortunate rather than predictable. And theres no tax incentives to change this. In fact, the tax incentives are geared in favour of the higher earners, often leaving the women on the sidelines of extra contributions. And when women dont, or cant, prioritise themselves earlier in life, they miss out on a valuable opportunity to save small, incremental amounts into the low-tax environment of superannuation and let that money work hard through compounding over time. That puts them at a compounding disadvantage. Advertisement This is not inevitable. It is something policy can help fix, if we are willing to put pressure on politicians. Targeted tax incentives that encourage and reward womens super contributions, particularly earlier in life or after career gaps, would make a meaningful difference. The knowledge gap matters too, and it did not appear by accident. According to the survey, only a third of women understood the power of compounding before the age of 40, compared with more than 60 per cent of men. Nearly a third do not know who their super is with or do not engage with their fund. Fewer than one in three have ever sought retirement advice of any kind. That gap reflects decades where household finances were often managed elsewhere, and where womens super was treated as secondary income rather than essential infrastructure. But with better education, we could nudge this in a different direction. Think about it a national focus on financial literacy seems like a powerful and valuable move for all (especially women), particularly given the complexity and importance of our superannuation system. Expecting people to navigate it confidently without proper education and tooling has always been unrealistic. There is also an important message that women and their partners need to hear much earlier. When women contribute more to super earlier in life, the gap in both confidence and wealth at retirement narrows sharply. Research consistently shows that when women can contribute closer to 15 per cent of income across their working lives, retirement outcomes start to look far more equal. Advertisement But reaching 15 per cent contribution rates can only happen when households make a conscious decision to prioritise her super, not just his, even when she is on maternity leave or taking time out to care for a parent. This cant be about asking women to work harder or sacrifice more. It needs to be about helping women have a voice at the dinner table, and guiding couples and single women on how to design their finances in a way that doesnt leave so many gaps later. Women shouldnt be forced to choose between a secure retirement or having kids. Dionne Gain There are four lessons I wish all women, partners of women, and anyone who cares about their future, would take seriously. First, womens super has to be treated as non-negotiable. Whether partnered or single, super is not a side account or a nice-to-have. It is the backbone of financial independence later in life. Too many women only turn their attention to contributing extra once everything else has been paid for. By then, time and compounding are things you cannot buy back. Advertisement Second, career breaks need an active recovery plan. Time out of the workforce for caring does lasting damage to super balances if it is left unattended. When paid work resumes, contributions need to lift with it, even temporarily, to help close the gap. For single women, this matters even more. There is no second balance to lean on later. Ideally a sensible government would come to the party with tax incentives to support this one day. Third, learn about and use every lever available. Spouse contributions and contribution splitting matter for couples, but single women still have options that are routinely underused. Consider salary sacrificing a little more into your super salary sacrificing when income allows, co-contributions, Low-Income Superannuation Tax Offsets and other supports all exist for a reason. These are not marginal ways of getting money in that should be ignored. They are real contributions that can compound quietly while life is busy, and build security over time. Finally, women, and the partners of women, need to plan for the reality of longevity. Women live longer and are more likely to spend their later years alone. That makes financial resilience critical. Advertisement Retirement planning for women cannot assume theyll have shared living costs forever, or someone else stepping in if money runs short. It cannot rely on inheritance arriving later in life when they lose their partner. Editor's pick Opinion Gender pay gap Working parents are in an impossible position. But what can we do? Victoria Devine Money columnist It has to assume women need to fund their own retirement from start to finish. That is simply reality in a world where divorce, AI and workplace change are coming at us, and we dont know what the future holds. This is not fearmongering. It is an issue worth talking about because when we talk about it, the conversation spills onto kitchen tables. People start to act, and financial plans get made. Women think twice about ignoring the gaps, and work on the ways they stop becoming the statistics in the articles. Thats what its all about. So ladies, and gentlemen, its time to step up. Advertisement For partners, that means actively supporting a womans path to equal super. Retirement in a partnership should be treated as a shared responsibility, not something that automatically defaults to the higher earner. For single women, it means recognising super for what it is: self-protection. And for government, it means coming to the party with tax settings that genuinely support women to save, especially in those years when, on paper, it may have looked smarter to direct contributions to their partners super instead. Womens retirements deserve to be planned deliberately, not left to chance. Bec Wilson is author of the bestseller How to Have an Epic Retirement and the newly released Prime Time: 27 Lessons for the New Midlife. She writes a weekly newsletter at epicretirement.net and hosts the Prime Time podcast. Advertisement Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making financial decisions. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter. Mothers emotional plea two years after daughters overdose death A South Australian mother has made an emotional plea for tougher penalties for those who fail to seek help in an emergency two years after her daughters overdose death. Advertisement NationalNSWCity life The court battles over multimillion-dollar towers in Mosman and Neutral Bay David Barwell January 17, 2026 4:15am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Plans to bulldoze century-old homes to make way for multistorey housing projects in sought-after Sydney suburbs have been stopped in their tracks by heritage protection orders, preventing construction work for at least six months. Mosman and North Sydney have applied protection orders to a 106-year-old double-storey bungalow overlooking Balmoral Beach on Almora Street in Mosman, and a further six Federation-era workers cottages on Bydown Street in Neutral Bay. Mosman residents Eve and John Bagnall, Bob Clark (centre) and Jill LEstrange oppose the planned development in Almora Street. Steven Siewert The orders come amid a housing supply crisis that triggered statewide planning reforms aimed at making it easier to develop apartment blocks in established suburbs as part of the Minns governments efforts to meet the Housing Accord target of 377,000 homes in NSW by July 2029. Both the Mosman and Neutral Bay development proposals have faced significant community opposition. The planned $50.5 million, eight-storey Almora Street proposal generated more than 200 written objections from residents, while 547 people have put their names to a petition calling for the eight-storey Neutral Bay housing development to be stopped. Advertisement Under the heritage protection orders, developers will be prevented from commencing any demolition or construction work for at least six months, to allow the councils more time to assess whether longer-term protections are warranted. Both proposals have been deemed refused by the councils, prompting the developers to lodge Land and Environment Court challenges and seek consent orders for construction works to commence. Neutral Bay resident Glen Curyer launched the petition opposing the Bydown Street housing project. Dominic Lorrimer Ross Norton, project director of CPDM the developer of the Neutral Bay housing tower said the delays could add more than $250,000 and nine months to the process. The council, in my view, is frustrated by development and is looking to find any mechanism to stop it, and this is just another battle we have to fight which will unfortunately add to the expense of delivering the project, he said. Advertisement Both the state and federal governments are actively encouraging developments in well-located areas such as Neutral Bay to address the housing supply challenges, and we think this project will help meet that challenge. The whole fabric of Sydney is changing and were not convinced that the application for a heritage order, in this case, is a genuine one. We have to admit that our society is changing and the housing response to those demands has to change as well. Council records show neither the Mosman nor Neutral Bay development site had been subject to heritage listings when the development plans were lodged adding fuel to the debate over whether the existing properties are worthy of protection. Submissions lodged by residents in response to the Mosman housing proposal have highlighted a multitude of concerns with the project, including fears the eight-storey tower could alter the character of the low-rise established streetscape. Advertisement Mosman resident Judith Pearson who launched a crowd-funded Land and Environment challenge against the NSW governments low- and mid-rise housing reforms argued in a submission the development could overwhelm the heritage landscape, overshadow adjoining homes and intrude upon views that local planning laws are designed to preserve. An artists impression of the redevelopment at Almora Street in Mosman. Mosman Council Those concerns were echoed by resident Jill LEstrange a member of the Mosman Headland Preservation Group who believes the interwar dwelling dating back to 1920 is worthy of preservation. Once you bulldoze heritage its gone for forever, and while theres need for more housing in Sydney, it shouldnt come at the expense of what makes our streetscapes appealing in the first place, she said. Tim Foote, a former real estate agent who serves as the chief executive of Prosker the developer behind the Mosman tower said the proposal was lodged in line with NSW planning reforms that aim to boost housing density close to town centres and public transport. Advertisement While declining to comment on the heritage protection order, he said the project had been designed to provide more housing choices particularly for downsizers in a part of Sydney where apartments were at a premium. People often simplistically look at Mosman and say building new apartments wont address the affordability issue. And while thats true to an extent, if you create more supply, it allows people from larger homes to downsize, which in turn frees up those properties, which addresses the affordability challenges Sydney is experiencing, he said. North Sydney Council said in a statement an independent report into the Bydown Street properties indicated there was sufficient basis to seek the heritage protection order, adding the council has a responsibility to ensure development proposals [are] responsive to the public interest including potential heritage values. Mosman Council said in a statement: While the Almora Street building may not have been previously identified by council as heritage significant, it had been flagged as potentially significant by a heritage expert during the development assessment process. The heritage protection orders will remain in place for the Neutral Bay site for six months, while the order in Mosman will be in force until October 30. Advertisement NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully has previously warned that councils must not use heritage as an excuse to avoid their housing responsibilities in the middle of a supply crisis. In the past year, interim heritage orders have also been applied across other Sydney suburbs, including properties in Chatswood, Earlwood, Rockdale and Willoughby. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. CORRECTION A previous version of this story said the interim heritage orders were made by the state government. They were made by the individual local councils. Police officer injured in Bondi terror attack released from hospital One of the police officers injured in last month's terror attack at Bondi has been discharged from hospital. Advertisement NationalQueenslandWorkplace safety Workers evacuated from Queensland hydro project over food safety concerns Dominique Tassell January 16, 2026 5:26pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Some 130 workers have been evacuated from a remote Far North Queensland worksite over food safety concerns, after images emerged of maggot-infested meals being served to staff. Workers at the Genex Pumped Storage Hydro Project at Kidston were allegedly served mouldy and fly-riddled food on Thursday morning, a day after initial food safety concerns at the site were publicised. The isolated site is more than a three-hour drive from the nearest shop, and workers deemed the situation to be so dire, they were considering paying for a helicopter to do a food drop. The Genex Pumped Storage Hydro Project worksite at Kidston in Queensland. Instead, 130 workers were flown off the site on Friday. The CFMEU has now called for the Queensland government to introduce mandatory living standards and regulate conditions at remote worksites. Advertisement The gross negligence and systemic failures of Genex and ISS arent just a risk to the health of hardworking Australians, theyre a risk to the viability of major infrastructure projects like the Kidston hydro project, CFMEU Queensland and NT executive officer Jared Abbott said. Major projects cant be delivered when workers are being evacuated due to serious food contamination and abysmal hygiene conditions, such as those at the Kidston hydro project run by ISS and Genex. Workers at the remote Genex Pumped Storage Hydro Project at Kidston were allegedly served mouldy and fly-riddled food on Thursday morning. If the Queensland government is serious about productivity, it must immediately introduce minimum living standards for remote workers and stop companies like Genex and ISS from cutting corners on worker health and safety, which put workers at risk and have now shut down work on the states critical infrastructure. Electrical Trades Union state organiser Robert Hill earlier this week said there was an intolerable ongoing risk to workers health. Advertisement 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. Maggot-infested meals allegedly served at the Genex Pumped Storage Hydro Project at Kidston on January 10. 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 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. Related Article Workplace safety Qld hydro workers again allegedly served a smorgasbord of contamination 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. Workers were directed back to work earlier this week, despite what union officials said were serious and unresolved health concerns. Genex chief operations officer Arran McGhie earlier this week claimed the initial incident was isolated and said no workers had presented to the on-site nurse with gastrointestinal illness or symptoms. Advertisement 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. Genex said it would follow all recommendations from the investigation into all aspects of food safety at the site. 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 The Last Word NationalVictoriaVictoria floods The house collapsed behind them: The last-minute rescue of a stranded family Tony Wright January 16, 2026 10:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The RAAF Catalina flying boat flew low, its crew searching vainly for a little family perched on their farmhouse roof in the middle of a grotesquely flooded swamp 300 kilometres west of Melbourne. Old volcanoes Mount Napier to the north near Hamilton, Mount Rouse at Penshurst to the east and Mount Eccles, called Budj Bim now, to the south added peril to the flight. Desperate to help, Joe Wallis, a nearby dairy farmer living on higher, dry land at Breakaway Creek, laid bedsheets out on a paddock and fashioned them into the shape of a white arrow pointing in the direction of those marooned. Houses across south-west Victoria were inundated during the Big Flood of 1946. State Library of Victoria The planes crew, blinded by rain and mist, did not see the makeshift sign. The near-submerged house remained invisible, too. Advertisement The pilot had no choice but to fly away, back to base at Rathmines on the far-away NSW central coast. The Argus of March 18, 1946, reported the unsuccessful rescue effort by flying boat. Trove Eighty years ago this year, more rain hammered south-west Victoria in three days than anyone could remember or has seen there since. During those three days, in the middle of March 1946, a cyclonic depression from Bass Strait sailed to a clean stop over an area from Warrnambool to the South Australian border and north to Hamilton. It unloaded the equivalent of one third of an entire years rainfall up to 300mm over much of the area. Advertisement Numerous daring rescues by raft, rope, boat and grit took place at places like Casterton, Coleraine, Byaduk, Koroit and Port Fairy. More than a hundred bridges washed away. Drowned livestock piled against fences. A home in Spring Gardens, Warrnambool, during the 1946 floods. State Library of Victoria Five members of a single family, the Sparrows, perished in appalling circumstances near the town of Macarthur. In and around engorged lowland, every fence post visible above the water was said to be crowned by a curled tiger snake. Advertisement The Condah swamp, a vast wetland north of the Gunditjmara Aboriginal peoples ancient eel-trapping system on Tae Rak, known then as Lake Condah, had been drained unwisely in the 1880s. Where once tens of thousands birds gathered magpie geese, snipe, ibis, ducks and great flocks of brolgas, and where Aboriginal people were recorded at the time of European arrival living in substantial huts became farmland. A farmstead on the edge of Lake Condah, c. 1880. State Library of Victoria As rain pelted down, the old drainage, which had fallen into disrepair during the Depression years of the 1930s, couldnt cope. The Condah swamp became an immense inland sea, three metres deep. Advertisement Edgar Lacey and his wife Amelia and their teenage daughter, Grace Tullett, found themselves trapped, their house an island. Without food and freezing, they climbed atop their roof, removed a sheet of roofing iron and squeezed into the ceiling space. Eventually, the rising water robbed them even of this flimsy mercy. They were forced out to sit astride the pitched roof, sharing their perch with snakes and a waterhen. And the crew of a great flying boat, trained to find and rescue shot-down air crews across the endless Pacific, could not help them. The capricious nature of Victorias environment, weather and climate was on extravagant display. Advertisement As Victorians began this week to count the loss and the cost caused by the latest disaster this time, grass fires and bushfires it was possible to overlook the misery of the states other regular calamity: flood. Possible, that is, until Thursday, an hour after I imagined this article was completed, when the sky opened above the Otways and the Great Ocean Road and caused flooding mayhem at Wye River and Lorne and all around. The historical record reveals major bushfires occur in combustible Victoria about every four years, and sometimes more frequently. The flooded streets of Casterton, south-west Victoria, in March 1946. State Library of Victoria Flood can be expected somewhere in the state almost every year, and sometimes, without warning, as the events this week along the Great Ocean Road rudely reminded us. Advertisement Whatever the arguments about what was the worst, the biggest, the most destructive, every fire and flood is traumatic to those who lose family, friends, houses, farms and livestock. Though we cannot predict the next calamity, we can be sure it is coming. Related Article Climate crisis The past three years were the worlds hottest on record Extreme fire weather days have increased in Australia by 56 per cent over the past four decades, according to research by an international team of scientists, including Australias CSIRO. Climate change, in short, is driving ever-increasing risks, and anyone taking notice knows the world is failing to reduce carbon emissions at anywhere near the rate required. Advertisement We can, however, look back decades, back before climate change was part of the conversation, to wonder how much worse things might get. Among the near-forgotten years of drought, fire and flood in Victoria were those of the 1940s, during World War II. The ruins of a home at Big Pats Creek. The Age Archives They remain overshadowed by the horror of Black Friday, when fires reached their crescendo on Friday, January 13, 1939, burning 1.5 to 2 million hectares of farmland and forests, killing 71 people and destroying whole villages. My own great-grandfather, fleeing the flames after failing to save his familys house, caught his foot in a fence and was cruelly burned that day. Advertisement But as war descended and Australians sailed away to fight in the Middle East, Europe, South-East Asia and the Pacific, drought spread across Victoria. The dry brought more fire, and there werent enough experienced firefighters left to face it down. Catastrophe blew in on a hot December wind near Wangaratta in 1943. Volunteers who rushed to fight the fire on December 22 were trapped by a wind change at a rural spot known as Tarrawingee. Five of the group, including two 14-year-old schoolboys, died at the scene. Another five men died in hospital soon after. Shock was profound. Within weeks, Victorians reeled again as fire raced through grassland in the Western District, destroyed more than 500 houses, roared down Mount Sturgeon and burned much of Dunkeld to the ground, and encircled Hamilton, Skipton and Lake Bolac. About 20 people died as 440,000 hectares burned in eight hours. Advertisement Later that year, more fires caused destruction and loss of lives around Yallourn, the loss of power generation threatening Australias war effort. The Victorian government was forced to take action. It legislated in late 1944 to establish Victorias first unified, statewide rural firefighting body: the Country Fire Authority. Related Article Updated Bushfires Fires destroy 500 structures, premier heckled over CFA funding These years later, the CFA remains the states army of volunteers and professional firefighters who perform acts of bravery equal to any on a battlefield when the worst happens, just as many of them did last weekend. World War II ended in August 1945. The deeply wearied population breathed easier, believing everyone was due for a break. Advertisement But Victorias mercurial nature had yet another stupefaction to serve up. If Black Friday was one bookend to the war years, and the fires of 1943-44 were the great disasters of the home front, the Big Flood of March 1946 was the closing act for the people of far south-west Victoria. As emergencies engulfed every community with a creek, a river or a swamp, word spread of the Lacey familys lonely plight. There was no state emergency service with fancy equipment for water rescue. But no one was about to look away. Advertisement Soldiers and airmen back from the war knew there were still Catalina flying boats operating. The RAAF responded. A Catalina out of NSW was diverted to Lake Condah. Related Article Flashback From the Archives, 1946: Port Fairy is ravaged by floods Relief turned to despair when the weathers murk rendered the mission impossible. Still no one surrendered. Advertisement A small flat-bottomed boat was launched. The choppy floodwaters were too much for it. Elsewhere around the district, the army brought in amphibious vehicles known as Ducks (DUKWs, used during the war to transport troops and supplies) to rescue stranded citizens. But the demands from populated areas came ahead of remote Lake Condah. Word of the crisis reached Portlands professional fishermen. The Fredericks brothers, Charles and Alf, members of a well-known fishing family in the old port town, couldnt turn away, though Portland itself was flooded. They hauled their boat out of the sea, loaded it on to a heavy truck and headed 50 kilometres north through swollen creeks, sheets of water and mud. Advertisement Accompanying them were a Portland policeman, First Constable G.F. Lang, and the constable from nearby Heywood, Fred Stehn. Eventually, they unloaded the boat with help from locals late at night and set off into the Condah swamp, its waters thick with weed and debris, making the motorboats propeller useless. The Fredericks men rowed for more than an hour and reached the Lacey house, only the peak of its roof visible, at 5.30am. The family was suffering exposure and exhaustion so deep, their rescuers related, they were unable to feed themselves when they were taken into the boat. As the Fredericks men pulled at the oars, mission accomplished, they looked back to see the old house collapsing into the floodwaters. Advertisement As the Fredericks men pulled at the oars, mission accomplished, they looked back to see the old house collapsing into the floodwaters. The Fredericks brothers, the two policemen and another Portland fisherman, George Jennings, were all awarded silver medals for heroism by the Royal Humane Society. Altogether, 21 such medals were awarded to rescuers across south-west Victoria, and another five received bronze medals. Related Article Floods Roof rescues, hundreds evacuated in Wye River, Lorne split in half by flash-flooding North-west of the Condah swamp, at another drained wetland, Buckleys Swamp, the Big Flood finally doused a peat fire that had been burning ever since 1944. Advertisement A few days later, March 20, a boy named Graeme was born to the family of Joe Wallis, who had tried to direct a flying boat towards the stranded Laceys. In the bush, you help your neighbours. Life goes on. Victoria Police aviation assets assists with flash flooding along Great Ocean Road Victoria Police officers in the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) in Williamstown coordinated five aviation assets in the air at once in response to flash flooding along the Great Ocean Road on January 15, 2026. Advertisement PoliticsFederalNationals Pretty effective to the end: Conservative giants gather to farewell Ron Boswell Cameron Atfield January 16, 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 By his own admission, Ron Boswell was not pretty. But, as his election slogans and his autobiography title would claim, he was pretty effective. He was certainly effective at pulling a crowd, even in death. The larger-than-life former Queensland Nationals senator was farewelled at a state funeral at St Stephens Cathedral in Brisbane on Friday, drawing a veritable whos who of conservative politics and two prime ministers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli (second right) and Deputy Opposition Leader Ted OBrien (far right) at Ron Boswells state funeral in Brisbane. AAP Boswell died on January 6, aged 85. Advertisement The former senator was remembered as a traditional conservative, who tirelessly fought the rise of the far-right in Australia. Boswell described fending off a Senate challenge from Pauline Hanson in 2001 as one of his greatest achievements. One-time Nationals colleague and recent One Nation defector Barnaby Joyce was among those in the pews. Former federal opposition leader Peter Dutton makes a rare public appearance at St Stephens Cathedral for Ron Boswells funeral. AAP Also in attendance, among other luminaries at the traditional Catholic service, were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Nationals leader David Littleproud, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, and former premier Rob Borbidge. Deposed federal opposition leader Peter Dutton also made a rare post-election public appearance. Advertisement Former prime minister John Howard said, like him, Boswell was a firm believer in the Liberal-National Coalition an alliance that became a merger in Boswells home state. He was also a very serious thinker, and probably, in retrospect, one of the greatest contributions Ron Boswell made to Australian political life and its almost more obvious in retrospect than it was at the time, he said. In April of 1988, Ron Boswell made a very careful, very well-researched speech to the Australian Senate about the dangers of the extremist group the League of Rights. It was a body that was trying to infiltrate, with malice, parties of the right and centre, including the National Party, and of course one of its principal clarion calls was anti-semitism. In the context of today, where all the parties of Australia are concerned about anti-semitism all Australians should be concerned, because its an evil that has to be identified and stamped out. Advertisement The League of Rights no longer formally exists, although its nostrums are still held to and uttered by people who parade under different names the denial of the Holocaust, denial that Jesus of Nazareth was Jewish. Extraordinary propositions, yet they were held. Ron saw through all of that and he preached against it with passion, and continued to do so. Ron Boswell arrives at a National Party meeting at Parliament House in 2013. Andrew Meares As at most funerals, there were moments of levity. Boswells daughter, Catherine Boswell, elicited some chuckles. The best days of Bozs life was the day he met my beautiful mother, Leita, she said. Advertisement In so many ways, they were opposites. Mum was beautiful, gentle, patient and gracious, and Dad was often referred to as looking like an unmade bed. But he was relentless, task-focused and uncompromising. Together, they showed us that opposites dont just attract, they balance. Catherine Boswell described a devoted family man who was determined to remain connected with those he loved. Boz loved his friends just as deeply [as his family], trusting them implicitly, and always showing up for them, she said. He rang often, and he never accepted that you might not be available. If you didnt answer, he rang again and again and again. Friendship to Dad was not optional. It was one of lifes great joys. Advertisement Related Article Vale Former Queensland senator and Nationals stalwart, Ron Boswell, dies aged 85 It was a common theme. I was a recipient, along with many in this audience, of phone calls from Ron, Howard said. And of course, you could never escape the Boswell phone call, because if you didnt return it that day or the following day, hed ring you the next day. So we worked out a routine in our office that it was better to get back to him in a hurry, and he knew, exactly, that was the effect. Advertisement Father Michael Twigg, who knew the Boswell family well and presided over the ceremony, quipped that his personal record was nine missed calls during a Mass. Prior to attending the funeral, Albanese said Boswell was a proud Queenslander who served the state well. He took a very principled stand against One Nation, and hes someone who, whilst I would have differences with many of his views, he had the courage of his conviction, and he was respected across the parliament, he said. His state funeral was held at the same cathedral at which he farewelled his beloved son, Stephen, in 1999. Leita Boswell died in 2021. 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 PoliticsFederalSocial media We shall see: eSafety Commissioner unsure of safe return to US Nick Newling and Mike Foley Updated January 16, 2026 10:58am ,first published 10:56am 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 social media watchdog cannot confirm she would be safe from prosecution if she returns to the US following her social media crackdown, as the US Congress demands she testify about her attempts to mount a global censorship regime. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday doubled down on eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grants work policing social media companies, including restrictions on artificial intelligence generating sexualised images without consent and Australias ban on social media for under-16s. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is considering US threats. Alex Ellinghausen Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, repeatedly summoned Inman Grant to testify before Congress, while the commissioner says she is being pursued over her delivery of the governments online intervention agenda. Were engaging with chairman Jordan and the committee, and no, no determination has been made yet. But I think Ill defer to the government. [Jordan has] asked me questions about my regulatory role, but he also has expressed concerns about the policies and laws of this country, of which Im not the right person to, I guess, carry the water on those things, Inman Grant told a Brisbane press conference on Friday. Advertisement Related Article Social media The world watched as Australia kicked under-16s off social media. The results are in It is understood that the Australian government has spoken with American officials on the matter. Asked about what the government was doing to protect the commissioner, Albanese praised Inman Grant, saying he endorsed her work. I think shes doing a terrific job ... We extended the [commissioners] funding, and shes now leading what is world-leading activity, something of which I think Australia can be proud, and I think she can be very proud, frankly, of the job that shes doing, Albanese said at the same press conference. Jordan has published two letters since November demanding that Inman Grant, who holds both American and Australian citizenship, testify before the committee. In his letters, Jordan said the commissioner was seeking to implement a global censorship regime and accused her of harassing American companies. His second deadline for her to testify before congress passed on January 13, but she has not yet appeared. When asked whether she felt she could safely return to the country of her birth, Inman Grant told journalists on Friday: We shall see. Advertisement In an ongoing stoush with Elon Musks social media platform X, Inman Grant has issued information notices to the social media service to ask what steps it has taken to prevent the creation of child abuse material. The second push in a week comes after eSafety announced it would investigate the surge in the creation of sexually explicit images related to both adults and children through the platforms AI tool, Grok. X has this week moved to block the nudifying of images of real people, and moved Grok to its paid service after it was previously available to users for free. New codes coming into force on March 9 will compel AI services, among others, to limit childrens access to sexually explicit content, as well as violent material and themes related to self-harm and suicide. These regulations follow the eSafety commissions enforcement action against a UK-based company that offered two widely used nudify services that allowed its users to manipulate photos of real people. Advertisement Related Article Social media Abhorrent: PM slams Elon Musks X over sexually explicit images These services had attracted about 100,000 visitors a month in Australia, and eSafety said they had been used to generate explicit deepfake images of students in Australian schools. The sites were withdrawn from Australia in November after an official warning from eSafety. Overnight, the commissioner announced that 4.7 million accounts had been shut down because they were connected to underage users. Asked about widespread reports that many teens were easily circumventing the ban, the commissioner said investigations were ongoing but all 10 restricted social media platforms were complying with the regulations. She argued that saying the ban wasnt working because teens were getting around it was like saying speed limits were useless when people still speed. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter. Sign up to receive it every Friday. Advertisement WorldMiddle EastMiddle East tensions If the world cares, they will act: Shahs son appeals for Iran strikes as protests fade Michael Koziol January 17, 2026 8:59am 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 exiled son of the former shah of Iran said he believed Donald Trump was a man of his word as he appealed for the US president to strike Iran to protests against the Islamic Republic in Tehran, despite the demonstrations abating. Reza Pahlavi, whose father was overthrown as monarch in the 1979 Iranian revolution, asked for help from the international community sooner rather than later as he pitched himself as the natural transitional leader for the country once the regime fell. Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of the last shah of Iran, at a news conference in Washington. Bloomberg I am uniquely positioned to ensure a stable transition, he said at a news conference in Washington, where he lives. Speaking in English, he said demonstrators in Iran were carrying his placard and chanting for his return although it is difficult to gauge the true extent of his support. Pahlavis directed his plea to the world, but it was chiefly aimed at Trump, who toyed with military strikes during the week but has so far held off, citing commitments by the regime to stop killing protesters and cancel as many as 800 planned executions. Advertisement Shortly after Pahlavi spoke, Trump was asked by reporters whether help was still on its way, as he pledged earlier in the week when he encouraged protesters to keep fighting and take over Irans institutions. Related Article Updated Trump diplomacy The intense diplomatic effort to convince Trump not to strike Iran Were going to see, Trump said. As you know Iran cancelled the hanging of over 800 people I greatly respect the fact that they cancelled that. Trump also rejected reports that he opted not to strike Iran this week due to intense lobbying from US allies in the region, including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Nobody convinced me, I convinced myself, he said. They cancelled the hangings, that had a big impact. Advertisement Iran has not publicly confirmed such cancellations. The countrys foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, denied the government planned to execute any political prisoners during an earlier interview with Fox News. Related Article Middle East tensions As Iranians risk their lives to protest, an exiled prince emerges as a leader Human Rights Activists in Iran, an advocacy group, said at least 2677 people had been killed in the protests. It also said Iran had executed 52 people on murder and drug-related charges since January 5 while the protests have raged. Pahlavi said Iranians would continue to fight for freedom no matter what, even as reports from the ground indicated the demonstrations have abated amid brutal repression by the Islamic theocratic regime. Several residents of Tehran reached by Reuters said the capital had now been comparatively quiet for four days. Drones were flying over the city, but there had been no sign of major protests on Thursday or Friday. Advertisement Pahlavi said more lives would be saved if the international community decided to intervene sooner militarily, but also by increasing economic sanctions, providing satellite internet access and expelling Iranian diplomats. If the world does care about Iranian loss of life then they better act and equalise the playing field for us so we have a better chance to succeed with less casualties and less death, Pahlavi said. The Pentagon confirmed it was moving a carrier strike group from the South China Sea towards the Middle East amid the tensions, although that could take up to 10 days. US media reported Trump had been told more forces were required in the region to combat retaliation from Iran to any potential strike. Clearly, President Trump did say that if the regime was to hit the Iranian people hard, they would face serious consequences, Pahlavi said on Saturday (AEDT). I believe the president is a man of his word. How many days it might take, who knows? Hopefully, sooner rather than later. Before the news conference, reporters were shown video of protesters who were apparently injured or killed at the hands of the regime, as well as demonstrators chanting: Long live the shah. The chant has been heard in several protests, although others are calling for the fall of the Islamic Republic without a return to monarchy. Advertisement The son of the deposed monarch pitched himself as the obvious person to head a transitional government in Iran, detailing a plan by which Iranians would design and endorse a constitution and elect a parliament. Related Article Opinion Middle East tensions The Islamic Republic of Iran is crumbling. Miscalculations have pushed it to this terminal frenzy Kylie Moore-Gilbert Political scientist and writer The system of government could be a republic or a monarchy, he said. He denied he could become another dictator or repressive monarch, saying Iranians knew his track record on democracy and human rights. They know they can trust me because theyve never seen me waver from this, Pahlavi said. A day earlier, he posted a video on social media outlining a vision for Iran that would confront terrorism and extremist Islamism, as well as organised crime and drug trafficking. It would normalise relations with the US, recognise the state of Israel, and pursue the Cyrus Accords between Iran, Israel and the Arab world. Advertisement Analysts saw Pahlavis messaging as chiefly directed towards Trump, who has expressed scepticism about the exiled crown princes popularity in Iran and whether he would have enough support to lead. He seems very nice, but I dont know how hed play within his own country, Trump told Reuters on Wednesday. And we really arent up to that point yet. Pahlavi reportedly met Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff last weekend. He would not comment about other meetings with Trump administration officials. 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. DALLAS, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- WWEX Group, the third-party logistics (3PL) provider behind Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz, Unishippers, JEAR Logistics and BLX Logistics, today announced the release of its 2026 State of Shipping and Logistics Report, an in-depth analysis of the forces reshaping freight, parcel and supply chains in the year ahead. Built on real-world shipping data, market intelligence and insights from WWEX Group leaders across truckload, less than truckload, parcel, AI and carrier procurement, the report examines how shippers can navigate a volatile shipping environment defined by soft demand, regulatory risk, rising parcel costs and the acceleration of AI. "Disruption isn't a passing phase in shipping and logistics. It's the constant," said Joel Clum, Chief Operating Officer of WWEX Group. "Our 2026 report gives shippers a clear, grounded view of what's shaping the market right now, from soft freight demand and policy uncertainty to the rapid acceleration of AI. Most importantly, it shows how shippers can use the right data, technology and 3PL partnerships to stay agile in an unpredictable year." What are the trends defining shipping and logistics in 2026? The 2026 report examines 13 critical shipping and logistics trends and delivers practical guidance to help shippers prepare for ongoing disruption. Highlights include: The shipper-friendly freight market that's built on soft demand and excess capacity, but vulnerable to rapid change. that's built on soft demand and excess capacity, but vulnerable to rapid change. The growing impact of logistics AI , including lifecycle automation from quote to settlement. , including lifecycle automation from quote to settlement. Potential capacity tightening driven by non-domiciled CDL enforcement and ongoing carrier exits. driven by non-domiciled CDL enforcement and ongoing carrier exits. Election-year uncertainty and how midterm policy shifts could affect regulations, labor and trade. and how midterm policy shifts could affect regulations, labor and trade. Mexico's expanding logistics role , fueled by nearshoring, cross-border shipping growth and tariff pressure. , fueled by nearshoring, cross-border shipping growth and tariff pressure. A new parcel cost equation , as carriers invest heavily in automation while rates and surcharges continue to rise. , as carriers invest heavily in automation while rates and surcharges continue to rise. Tariff volatility and legal scrutiny , including what the Supreme Court review of Trump-era tariffs means for importers. , including what the Supreme Court review of Trump-era tariffs means for importers. Supply chain resilience as a strategy, with shippers prioritizing diversification, visibility and stronger 3PL partnerships. The report also revisits major 2025 trends including cargo theft, labor shortages and freight class changes to assess what has changed, what has persisted and what shippers must continue monitoring into 2026. How can a 3PL help shippers navigate supply chain disruption? As disruption becomes the norm, a 3PL plays a critical role in keeping supply chains moving. WWEX Group supports shippers with resilient carrier strategies, technology-enabled visibility and execution expertise that helps businesses manage volatility, control costs and respond confidently to shifting market conditions. "What separates winners in this market is execution," Clum said. "Our role as a 3PL is to help shippers translate uncertainty into action securing capacity, optimizing modes and using technology to manage costs and service while others are still reacting." The 2026 State of Shipping and Logistics Report is available now to read and download at wwexgroup.com. About WWEX Group The WWEX Group family of brands, which includes Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz, Unishippers, JEAR Logistics and BLX Logistics, offers full-service logistics expertise to 130,000+ customers nationwide while helping move 70 million+ shipments per year. With access to industry-leading small package, truckload, less-than-truckload and managed transportation solutions, customers benefit from enhanced visibility and value across their supply chains. In 2025, the company reported annual systemwide revenue of approximately $5 billion. Supported by a nationwide sales force spanning direct, franchise and agent channels including more than 2,300 sales professionals that fuel our commercial engine the company delivers expertise at scale. A highly selective carrier portfolio, proprietary technology, unique data assets and business intelligence capabilities provide clients with unmatched options and flexibility to meet their shipping needs. To learn more about WWEX Group, visit www.wwexgroup.com. SOURCE WWEX Group Advertisement WorldMiddle EastIsraeli-Palestinian conflict The Trump-backed Palestinian who wants to bulldoze Gazas rubble into the sea Rami Ayyub and Nidal al-Mughrabi January 16, 2026 10:55am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Jerusalem/Cairo: Ali Shaath, the Palestinian former government official chosen to administer Gaza under a US-backed deal, has an ambitious plan that includes pushing war debris into the Mediterranean Sea and rebuilding destroyed infrastructure within three years. The appointment of the civil engineer and former deputy planning minister this week marked the start of the next phase of US President Donald Trumps plan to end Israels war in Gaza. A destroyed beachside cafe in Gaza City. AP Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday announced the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian body that will play a role in administering the war-ravaged territory after years of rule by Hamas militants. The body will have 15 members and will be led by Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. Advertisement Shaath, born in 1958, is originally from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. He previously served as the deputy minister of planning in the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank, where he still lives. Ali Shaath will chair a group of 15 Palestinian technocrats tasked with governing the enclave. DR In that role and others, he oversaw the development of several industrial zones in the West Bank and Gaza. He holds a PhD in civil engineering from Queens University Belfast. Under Trumps plan, Israel has withdrawn from nearly half of Gaza but its troops remain in control of the other half, a wasteland where nearly all buildings have been destroyed. Trump has floated turning Gaza into the Riviera of the Middle East. Shaath will face the uncertain task of rebuilding the territorys shattered infrastructure and clearing an estimated 68 million tonnes of rubble and unexploded ordnance even as Israel and Hamas continue to trade fire. Advertisement After past rounds of fighting with Israel, Palestinians in Gaza used war rubble as foundational material for the historic marina in Gaza City and for other projects. In an interview with a Palestinian radio station on Thursday, Shaath suggested a similar approach. If I brought bulldozers and pushed the rubble into the sea, and made new islands, new land, I can win new land for Gaza and at the same time clear the rubble, Shaath said, suggesting the debris could be removed in three years. Loading He said his immediate priority was the provision of urgent relief, including forging temporary housing for displaced Palestinians. His second priority would be rehabilitating essential and vital infrastructure, he said, followed by reconstruction of homes and buildings. Gaza will return and be better than it used to be within seven years, he said. Advertisement According to a 2024 United Nations report, rebuilding Gazas shattered homes will take until at least 2040, but could drag on for many decades. Shaaths upbeat assessment of the timeline for rebuilding Gaza is almost certain to face challenges as mediators struggle to agree to terms on disarming Hamas which refuses to give up its weapons and deploying peacekeepers in the enclave. It was unclear how Shaaths committee would proceed with rebuilding and gaining permissions for the import and use of heavy machinery and equipment generally banned by Israel. Israel, which cites security concerns for restricting the entry of such equipment into Gaza, did not respond to requests for comment on Shaaths appointment and plans. Advertisement Shaath said the Palestinian committees area of jurisdiction would begin with Hamas-controlled territory and gradually increase as Israels military withdraws further, as called for in Trumps plan. Palestinians walk through the ruins of Gaza City. AP Ultimately, the [committees] authority will encompass the entire Gaza Strip 365 square kilometres from the sea to the eastern border, Shaath said in the radio interview. The formation of Shaaths committee has won support from Hamas, which is holding talks on Gazas future with other Palestinian factions in Cairo. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said the ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee. Advertisement Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose authority has limited sway in the West Bank, voiced support for the committee, which he said would run Gaza through a transitional phase. A displacement camp sheltering Palestinians on a Gaza City beach. AP We reaffirm the importance of linking the institutions of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza, and avoiding the establishment of administrative, legal and security systems that entrench duality and division, Abbas said in a statement published on Thursday by the official WAFA news agency. Israel and Hamas agreed in October to Trumps phased plan, which included a complete ceasefire, the exchange of hostages living and deceased for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The deal has been shaken by issues including Israeli airstrikes that have killed hundreds in Gaza, the failure to retrieve the remains of one last Israeli hostage and Israeli delays in reopening Gazas border crossing with Egypt. Advertisement Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict Thousands of Gazans are going home after two years of war. This is what theyre returning to On Thursday, 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 10 people killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to local sources. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident. The strikes came the day after the US announced the start of the ceasefire agreements second phase. More than 400 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been reported killed since the ceasefire took effect in October. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the announcement largely symbolic, raising questions about how its more challenging elements will be carried out. Speaking to the parents of the last hostage, Netanyahu said the announcement of the governing committee was merely a declarative move, rather than the sign of progress US envoy Steve Witkoff described it as. Advertisement Girls play near destroyed buildings in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City this week. AP Israel launched its operations in Gaza after an attack by Hamas-led fighters in October 2023 that killed 1200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Israels assault has killed 71,000 people, according to health authorities in the strip, and left much of Gaza in ruins. Reuters, AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaTrade Canada, in break from Trumps trade agenda, rebuilds ties with China Brian Platt , Lucille Liu and Colum Murphy January 17, 2026 3:00am 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 China and Canada reached a wide-ranging agreement to lower trade barriers and rebuild ties, signalling a pivot in Canadian foreign policy and a break from alignment with Donald Trumps trade agenda. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he expects China to cut tariffs on Canadian rapeseed after meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday, in the first visit by a Canadian leader to Beijing in eight years. Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. AP In tandem, Canada will allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its market at a tariff rate of about 6 per cent, down from the current rate of 100 per cent. China will also offer visa-free travel to Canadians, Carney said. The moves marked a stunning reversal from the era of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; under the previous administration, Canada-China ties collapsed following the 2018 extradition spat involving a senior Huawei executive. Advertisement Chinas subsequent detention of two Canadians and years of retaliatory trade measures turned the relationship into a deep freeze. Now, Carneys warming to Xi suggests a new strategic direction for a nation long considered Washingtons closest partner. The centrepieces of the agreement are tariff concessions. Carney anticipates a drop in canola tariffs from 85 per cent to about 15 per cent combined by March 1, citing a high degree of confidence that thats going to happen. Loading Carney also said Beijing will suspend anti-discrimination duties on other farm products. This includes canola meal and lobsters, with the suspension expected to last from March through at least the end of 2026. The reduction in electric vehicle tariffs is perhaps the most striking component of the deal. Canada originally matched the Biden administrations 100 per cent levy to align with US trade policy, but Carney suggests he will chart an independent course. Advertisement Carney hailed his strategic partnership with Xi, touting the importance of their ties in the face of a new world order. This was a veiled reference to the global instability caused by President Trumps foreign policy swings and disruptive trade agenda. Im extremely pleased that we are moving ahead with our new strategic partnership, Carney told Xi on Friday. A day earlier, he told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that their strengthening relationship sets us up well for the new world order. Related Article Opinion Trade wars Trumps trade war with China is a $1.8 trillion fail Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Asked whether he still sees China as Canadas top security threat at a press conference, Carney said the security landscape continues to change. He added that the multilateral system has been eroded and it remains to be seen what gets built in its place. The overture comes in the wake of Trumps trade war that last year put tariffs on goods from American allies and adversaries alike. At the same time, the Republican leader has brought Vladimir Putin out of isolation, stunned the world by deposing Venezuelas leader and made invasion threats toward Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark. Advertisement Carneys trip comes as difficult negotiations loom with Trump on the North American free trade pact. US officials have put pressure on Mexico and Canada to erect barriers to Chinese products ahead of those talks. Carney, who frequently talks about the Canada-US relationship as having suffered a historic rupture, called for a new relationship with Beijing adapted to new global realities in his meeting with Xi. Xi expressed optimism, noting positive results in restoring ties. The healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations serves the common interests of our two countries and is also conducive to world peace, stability and prosperity, he said. Beijing hasnt confirmed the details of the deals announced by Carney. A joint statement released by both governments states that both sides will expand trade, strengthen investment and deepen cooperation in various fields, including energy, finance, public security and people-to-people exchange. Advertisement Canada reaffirmed its commitment to its long-standing One-China Policy, according to the statement. Under that approach, Canada recognises the Peoples Republic as the sole legitimate government of China without endorsing or challenging the Chinese position on Taiwan, the self-ruled democracy claimed by Beijing. Related Article Trump's America Maple MAGAs: Separatists in Canada could boost Trumps quest for dominance Since taking office last year, Carney has tried to reset relations with China and deepen Canadian trade with the Asian superpower. He is among a stream of leaders including the UKs Keir Starmer and Germanys Friedrich Merz making trips to Beijing early this year to rebuild ties after the US and China stabilised relations with a trade truce. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly, who as foreign minister in 2022 labelled China an increasingly disruptive global power, said the goal now is to bring stability to the relationship between the two nations. You know what? The conversations here have been more predictable and stable than sometimes with other countries, including our neighbour, she said. Advertisement Bloomberg Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Hundreds of Victorians have lost their homes in the January 2026 bushfires, with many also left without basic necessities. Find out how you can help by donating to the GIVIT VIC Bushfires Appeal. The January 2026 bushfires have destroyed homes, disrupted livelihoods and left communities without access to basic necessities, such as clothing, toiletries and everyday household items. The most effective way to assist right now is to donate through GIVIT, Emergency Recovery Victorias official partner for essential goods and services. GIVIT works with councils, recovery organisations and local charities to identify exact needs and deliver help quickly. Visit the GIVIT website and view current requests and contribute items or funds. This way the support gets to where its needed and, where possible, is purchased locally to boost community recovery. Do not send unrequested goods into fireaffected regions. As part of the statewide recovery effort, RACV is supporting GIVIT to ensure essential items reach communities impacted by the January 2026 bushfires. As GIVITs National Disaster and Emergency Partner, RACV helps create safer, stronger and more connected communities by assisting with disaster response and longterm recovery efforts. To help people currently impacted by the bushfires in Victoria, visit GIVIT and donate to the GIVIT Victoria Bushfires Appeal. Victorian farmers affected by bushfires urged to register for support Leading rural charity Rural Aid has issued an urgent call for all Victorian farmers affected by the bushfires to register for assistance. The January 2026 bushfires have causing widespread damage to farmland and critical agricultural infrastructure, as well as major stock losses. Visit Rural Aid to find out more about the services provided. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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Dr Chioma Ene of Bourlum Court, Green Road, Carlow, and formerly of Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Clondalkin Dublin and Enugu, Nigeria, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home on 4 January 2026. A doctor at St Lukes Hospital Kilkenny, Chioma was remembered by colleagues in the medical profession as a kind and joyful soul who brought so much to the world around her. One of her former colleagues in the HSE, Vanessa Dowling, paid tribute on RIP.ie saying: 'So very sorry to hear about Dr Ene's sad passing. I had the pleasure of working with her in the past. Condolences to her family and friends at this sad time, especially thinking of her beloved daughter. The light of heaven to her, may she rest in peace.' Another one of Chiomas colleagues in the HSE, Dr Maeve Moran, wrote: 'Chioma worked with me as part of her training as a junior doctor. She had a wonderful personality empathetic and caring and full of fun. She spoke often of her beloved daughter. I am so shocked to hear this news. The world is a lesser place without Chioma. I am certain her kindness changed many lives for the better. I am thinking of her family and especially her beloved daughter at this time.' Chioma was also remembered fondly by the community in Clonmel, where she previously lived, with many heartfelt condolences posted on Rip.ie from friends and neighbours in the Tipperary town. The Clonmel Union of Parishes posted the following tribute: 'We were shocked and saddened when we heard of the sudden passing of Chioma who was, when she lived in Clonmel, a parishioner in Old St. Mary's Church. We remember her as warm and friendly with a fabulous smile, and she had a lovely soulful alto voice which greatly added to our small choir where she added her own harmonies to many of our hymns. Our thoughts and prayers are with her daughter Soni, her family. work colleagues and many friends. May Chioma rest in peace. ''Sleep on now and take your rest'' Matthew 26:45' Funeral arrangements are as follows: Beloved mother of Bisona Ene-Ngati, treasured sister of Emeka Ene, Ebele Ene, Ibe Ene and Oke Ene, cherished daughter of the late Professor John C Ene and late Dr Mrs Ngozi Ene and treasured niece of Dr Dan Ene (representing the Canon Ene Family), Rtd Justice Lewechi Onwuchekwa and Prof (Mrs) Oluokwukwe Nwana (representing the Onwuchekwa family). Chioma will be deeply missed by her loving daughter, brothers, sisters, brother-in-law Wolfgang Niesielski, sisters-in-law Ijeoma Ene and Tochi Ene, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends. Resting at Carpenters Funeral Home Shamrock Sq., Carlow (Eircode R93 C863) on Friday, January 23rd from 5pm until 7pm that evening. Removal from there on Saturday morning at 10.30am, to the St Marys Church, Castlehill, Carlow, (Eircode R93 YW77) arriving for Funeral Service at 11am. Burial afterwards in St. Marys Cemetery, Carlow. The family of the late Dr. Chioma Ene would be grateful for your presence at refreshments in the Church of Ireland Community House, Haymarket, Carlow (Eircode R93 E103), immediately after the burial in St. Marys Cemetery, Carlow, as they gather in remembrance and comfort. A TWENTY-year-old man has been remanded in custody until 21 January for a probation report after a court heard he stole car batteries and was involved in a collision that left a woman with a punctured lung. Luke Flynn, 78 Cois Dara, Tullow Road, Carlow appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy at Carlow District Court charged with trespassing, theft and dangerous driving. Evidence was given that on 28 November 2025, Mr Flynn entered the backyard of a private residence on the Laois-Carlow border without permission. He then took four car batteries from the yard and put them in his Ford van. The court heard that he was disturbed by the owner of the house and while trying to leave the scene there was a collision with a vehicle driven by a woman who lived there. The woman suffered a punctured lung as a direct result of the collision and was hospitalised for a week. The court was told Mr Flynn has one previous conviction for an imitation firearm, for which he was issued a fine of 400 last year. Defence counsel Eamonn OMoore BL said the imitation firearm was an Airsoft gun that is legal to possess in the UK. He added that the Airsoft gun was in Mr Flynn's car when he took the ferry from the UK to visit family in Ireland. In mitigation, Mr OMoore said his client was interviewed on site by gardai and was co-operative, making helpful admissions. He explained that his client has lived in the UK for the past nine years and was back in Ireland visiting his two older sisters. He never attended school as a child, said Mr O'Moore, He added that the defendant was gainfully employed in construction work in the UK. This (incident) was very stupid I have been instructed to offer his apologies, said the barrister, who explained that the defendant has remained at his sisters house since he was arrested. Obviously, these are very tragic unfortunate circumstances there is no shying away from it, said Mr OMoore. Referring to the medical report on the injured party, Judge Carthy said: The facts are quite stark, a punctured lung. She added that the case had already come before her on 3 December with an objection to bail and at that time she had refused bail, ruling that he be remanded in custody. I am loath to finalise this without giving this gentleman every opportunity, she said, adding that she would have to consider a custodial sentence. The defendant was remanded in custody until 21 January, when a probation report would be ready. Funded by the court reporting scheme Niamh O'Donoghue and Fiona Ferguson A Dublin-based garda who carried out a protracted assault on his then wife, also a member of the force, has walked free from court on a suspended sentence. Trevor Bolger (48), who was previously attached to Ballymun Garda Station, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting Margaret Loftus on October 25th, 2012. On Friday, Judge Martina Baxter gave him a three-month sentence, which she suspended in full on strict conditions. Judge Martina Baxter heard evidence in the case last year and adjourned sentencing on Friday to allow for a probation report to be prepared. She further adjourned the finalisation of sentencing last October for an intervention programme assessment, which was mentioned in the probation report. On Friday, she heard that Bolger has now engaged with the MOVE (Men Overcoming Violent Emotions) programme, which works with domestic violence against women. He has been assessed by MOVE and accepted to take part in a course between February and September this year. Bolger is still a member of An Garda Siochana but was suspended in 2018, the court heard. He had been promoted to the rank of detective and was attached to Howth Garda Station in August 2018. He has no previous convictions and has not come to adverse attention since. Sentencing Bolger, Judge Baxter noted the maximum penalty for a Section 2 assault is six months imprisonment. Assault The judge noted Bolger and Ms Loftus were at a family gathering in Mayo for her brothers 30th birthday party. Bolger became irate about her leaving his side to go and talk to her family in the pub. Bolgers bad behaviour continued when he got home, when he hit her in the back and grabbed her by the hair. To her credit, she ended this marriage, the judge said. She noted Ms Loftus was breastfeeding at the time of the assault. The court heard that in 2018, Ms Loftus initiated her complaint, and Bolger was interviewed in 2018 and 2019. At this point in the hearing, Judge Baxter addressed Bolger, who was standing as the sentence was being read out. Mr Bolger, you can take a seat, Im going to be a while, she said. Judge Baxter said that as a garda, Bolger held a position of trust in society. He assaulted the mother of his two children, in the privacy of that family bedroom. She noted this was aggravated by his use of alcohol. At the time, he was a serving and respected member of the gardai, she added. The judge noted Bolger is now six years alcohol-free. Judge Baxter said Ms Loftus had been greatly affected in her professional life, but has turned her life around and that is to her credit. In mitigation, Judge Baxter noted Bolgers letter of apology and work commendations of him as someone who is committed to his role in An Garda Siochana and that he was a brave member of the force who volunteers in the community. The judge said the probation assessment stated Bolger would benefit from its services, adding he has benefited from that and engaged with rehabilitation. She said he had made a positive contribution to the community, and she accepted his remorse is genuine and real and that he was at low risk of reoffending. She noted that Bolger and his second wife suffered the traumatic loss of their child. The judge said that outside the family home in 2012, Bolger was a respected member of the force. Ms Loftus saw another side to Mr Bolger, she said. Bolger perpetrated an egregious assault when he was held to a higher standard, she said. The judge said the offence was at the upper range of such offences, before she set a headline sentence of six months. Custody was not warranted, she said, noting he was not recidivist. She sentenced him to three months suspended for a period of three months on strict conditions, including he engage with the MOVE programme and all other appropriate recommendations of the Probation Service. After the terms of his bond were read out to him, the court registrar asked him if he complied with them, to which he replied: I do. Bolger said: Thank you, judge before leaving the dock. Additional evidence Judge Baxter noted the case had taken time coming through the system, and she thanked Ms Loftus for her forbearance. The judge said the victim impact statement had been impressive and insightful. Judge Baxter noted they were both gardai and were aware of the process. She said Ms Loftus was a strong lady who had been proactive in indicating she was not going to accept his behaviour. At a hearing last June, Ms Loftus read a victim impact statement to the court in which she described the effects the protracted assault had on her. She said Bolger violently assaulted her that night. I lost everything, she said. She said she had a strong sense of truth and justice. After this assault it also impacted personal relationships I had within the guards - there was a stigma attached to me for standing up for myself. She said it was used against me while I tried to seek justice for myself and was as damaging as the assault itself. Ms Loftus also thanked the members of gardai who investigated the case. It has taken 13 years of my life to get to where we are today, but truth and justice must prevail, she added. Trevor Bolger, you have done your level best to destroy me every day you have broken me, she said. By your own admissions here today .. you are an abuser and a perpetrator of domestic violence, she said. She said as a victim of domestic violence, she would like to encourage others to come forward. Bolger was interviewed voluntarily in December 2018 and twice denied he had engaged in an assault on Ms Loftus. Cathleen Noctor SC, defending, said her client had been treated for anxiety and depression and had entered a psychiatric hospital following the event. He had brought 6,000 in compensation, which he handed over to the court. The court heard that Bolger remarried in 2021. A number of testimonials were before the cour,t including one from a retired inspector. Counsel said Bolger had made a positive contribution to society over his 20-year career. She also asked the judge to have regard to his own circumstances and that his mental health difficulties are ongoing. Ms Noctor asked the court to have regard to her client's apology, his expression of remorse and testimonials. Victim statement "My name is Margaret Loftus. And today marks the end of a very difficult traumatic journey that has taken 14 years and 58 court appearances for me to get to where I am. "Detective Garda Trevor Bolger, viciously and violently assaulted me in a prolonged attack. By his own admissions before the courts, he is an abuser and a perpetrator of domestic violence. He was granted full legal aid by the court, and took advantage of the judicial system. "I would like to thank the judge here today, Judge Martina Baxter, for doing the very best that she could do, given what was put in front of her. I would like to thank my husband, Hugh and all of my family for standing steadfast with me throughout this entire process. "My experience of the criminal justice system has been every bit as damaging as the abuse itself. It has taken us all to our knees. It was so disappointing to see active members of An Garda Siochana openly support Trevor in court, and, by virtue of that, support violence against women. "I would like to sincerely thank, from the bottom of my heart, the investigation team, in this case who got us to where we are today. "They had to carry out this investigation in secrecy. They were met with resistance, legal arguments, and long, long legal arguments that complicated the process. They had no choice, like myself, but to accept an unjust plea deal that does not reflect justice. "I want to specifically mention Detective Garda Rioghnach OSullivan, Detective Inspector Denise Donegan, and Detective Inspector Ann Ellis. They personify everything that is good about an Garda Siochana, and they are what every other member in the force should aspire to be like. "This journey has been extremely damaging for all of us involved. I want to thank every woman who came before me and stood against male violence. You have paved the way for me to have the courage to stand here today. "Even though justice was never going to be delivered in this case, I urge anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, particularly perpetrated by a member of An Garda Siochana, or otherwise, to please come forward. "Silence will only ever protect the abusers. Thank you very much." Statement from An Garda Siochana Chief Superintendent Ian Lackey from the Organised and Serious Crime Bureau said: "An Garda Siochana notes the conviction handed down to Trevor Bolger by the court today for domestic abuse-related offences. "I want to acknowledge the professionalism of the investigation team, the legal team, the court service, and the support groups you have assisted in this case. "But most importantly, I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge the bravery and courage of Margaret. "Domestic abuse comes in many forms. It can be physical, on one or many occasions. Domestic abuse can also include emotional and psychological abuse. "Domestic abuse is overwhelming and can appear as an unescapable, particularly in the instances where the abuser appears to hold a profession or a position of respect in the community, such as in this case, a member of An Garda Siochana. "An Garda Siochana has a zero tolerance for domestic abuse in society and by its own personnel. "I thank Margaret for speaking up and coming forward. Taking that first step takes personal courage. You have shown to any other person out there who is in an abusive and controlled relationship that you will be listened to, and you will be heard. "An Garda Siochana is committed to tackling domestic abuse. When you speak to An Garda Siochana, you will be dealt with, with dignity and professionalism. We will advise and support you, whichever way you want to deal with your individual case. "To anyone who has, in the past or is currently in an abusive relationship, please contact any Garda Siochana, or in an emergency situation please call 999 or 112. You have done nothing wrong, and you are not alone." Please take that first step and speak to somebody a garda, a support helpline, a family relative or a friend. You will be believed. 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. Bryan College has announced Shannon Bream, anchor of FOX News Sunday with Shannon Bream, as the featured speaker for the 2026 Bryan Opportunity Scholarship Program Dinner on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Portman Ballroom of The Westin.The event is free for adults, though advance registration is required by April 9. Attendees will be invited to support the Bryan Opportunity Scholarship Program, which helps make a private, Christian education at Bryan College accessible to students with significant financial need.Ms.Bream is FOX News Channels chief legal correspondent, host of the Livin the Bream podcast and a New York Times bestselling author of several faith-based books. Her professional journey in law, journalism and Christian authorship reflects a commitment to truth, service and thoughtful engagement with todays culture."The Bryan Opportunity Scholarship Program directly supports Bryan Colleges mission of educating students to become servants of Christ who make a difference in todays world," officials said. "The college provides an education grounded in an integrated understanding of the Bible and the liberal arts, preparing students for lives of leadership, service and faith.To learn more, become a sponsor or register, visit bryan.edu/dinner . No youth 17 years or younger, due to limited seating. Three candidates qualified this week to run for the Dalton City Council in the March 10 special municipal election. The Ward 2 City Council seat was left vacant by the Jan. 6 resignation of former Councilmember Nicky Lama who stepped down to run for Congress. In alphabetical order, Rojelio Alvarron, Julie Locke, and Zeucis L. Martinez have all qualified for the election and will appear on the ballot. The winner of the election will serve out the unexpired portion of Mr. Lama's term which began Jan. 1, and will run through the end of 2029. The election will be held March 10 (7 a.m.-7 p.m.) and will coincide with the special Congressional election to replace former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. There will be an early voting period at the Whitfield County Courthouse from Feb. 16 through March 6 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Saturday voting is scheduled on Feb. 21 and Feb 28 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be extended voting on March 5 (8 a.m.-7 p.m.). Day Shift January 14 : A Squad 26-000390 3700 BLK Fountain Avenue - Missing Person Supplement Police conducted a knock and talk to locate a missing person. Officers spoke with the resident who said he hadn't seen the party in about three weeks. He also said that the party had disappeared on two other occasions for a few days while they were living in California. 26-000449 3600 BLK Ringgold Road Credit Card Fraud Officers met with the RP at this location in reference to the fraudulent use of her Cash App Card. She advised her wallet had been stolen yesterday and one of her stolen cards was used for fuel. Officers were able to identify the suspect and a warrant for Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card was obtained. 26-000443 5700 BLK Roper Street- Mentally Disturbed The caller asked police to check on her relative following a manic episode. Once on scene, the reporting party said the woman had left prior to police arrival and was not expected to return. 26-000446 4200 BLK Dupont Street - Check Wellbeing A passerby asked officers to check on the resident after observing numerous packages piling up on the front porch for several weeks. On scene, officers observed all the partys vehicles in the driveway and made several attempts to contact him. Approximately thirty minutes later, the man exited the residence and advised that he was fine. 26-000450 1600 BLK South Smith Street - Harassment Police spoke with the complainant who said her ex-husband had made a threat to her over the phone. She was able to provide the police with a video recording of their conversation. Not enough evidence was there to support harassment charges. 26-000456 1600 BLK South Smith Street - Harassment The same RP from above was able to provide police with an email that stated a third party was told by the suspect to send her a threatening message. She stated that it made her fearful because she believed he meant what he said. Further investigation will be required before seeking warrants. Night Shift January 14: C Squad 6-000464 6500 BLK Burr Street Suspicious Activity Residents at this location reported seeing a female looking in their kitchen window. After making eye contact, the female moved out of sight. The residents then heard her attempting to open their back door. The female left when the residents began yelling at her. Police checked the area but could not locate the suspicious person. 26-000465 100 BLK Kingwood Drive Disorder Police responded to the report of a disorder at this residence and located two males outside the home. After a short investigation, Officers determined the two men were father and son. They had been arguing and yelling in their yard, but there was no physical contact or signs of an assault. 26-000467 1600 BLK South Smith Street Missing Juvenile Found The caller reported that her child left their home without her knowledge. Police located the juvenile and his bicycle at a residence one block away. After speaking with the juvenile, he returned to his mother. In the last four days, Police Officers have responded three times to the report of the child leaving home without permission. Two CPS referrals have been generated for the incidents. 26-000470 700 BLK Frawley Road Suspicious Activity A concerned resident reported hearing banging and screaming from an apartment. Police responded to the location and found no signs of distress or a disorder. 26-000471 3700 BLK Fountain Avenue Motor Vehicle Crash / Property Damage Police Officers responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash at the apartments. Officers found that a vehicle had rolled down a steep embankment and crashed into Building 9. Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and conducted a structural assessment of the building. No one was injured in the crash and the apartment manager responded to survey the damage. 26-000473 6500 BLK Ringgold Road Dumpster Fire Police and Fire Department personnel responded to the report of a dumpster fire at the site. Officers found the dumpster was fully engulfed, but the flames did not affect other structures in the area. Fire Fighters arrived on scene and quickly extinguished the fire. The manager was notified of the incident. 26-000475 3100 BLK Ellis Avenue Mentally Disturbed ERPD was summoned regarding drones flying in the air all day and all night. Police found no drones visible in the sky. Officers attempted to speak with the caller by phone and went to his front door; however, the caller was unwilling to speak with Police once they were on scene. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center invites the community to join its Black History Month 2026 observance throughout February, presented by Volkswagen."This dynamic lineup of programs honors African American history, culture, creativity and resilience through educational exhibits, scholarly discussions, family-friendly celebrations and moments of solemn remembrance," officials said. "Together, these programs reflect the Centers ongoing commitment to telling Chattanoogas black history every daynot only during commemorative months."Our Black History Month programs are designed to educate, engage and bring our community together, said Paula Wilkes, president of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.These events highlight both national narratives and local stories that have shaped who we are.2026 Black History Month Programs:Feb. 5, 6 p.m.Greek Steps, Black Roots - NPHC NightJoin Chattanoogas Divine Nine for an evening celebrating the legacy, service and continued impact of black Greek-letter organizations. The event brings together history, fellowship and community pride.Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Art Contest & Community DayA family-friendly celebration featuring student and community artwork inspired by Black History Month. Winners will be announced during the event. Guests can enjoy free museum admission, hands-on activities, performances and community engagement throughout the day.Feb. 12, 6 p.m.From Rag Dolls to Role Models: The History of Black ToysEnjoy a screening of the documentary black Barbie accompanied by a temporary exhibit exploring the evolution of black representation in childrens toys and media. Featuring original artifacts, rare collectibles and modern favorites, the program examines how toys have shaped identity, imagination and belonging across generations.Feb. 19, 6 p.m.Lift Every Voice: A Celebration of Black SpiritualsDr. Michael Williams, director of Africana Studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, will lead an exploration of the origins and cultural significance of black spirituals, followed by live performances from local vocalists.Feb. 26, 6 p.m.Historical Marker Unveiling: Chattanooga LynchingsThe evening begins with the unveiling of a new historical marker on the Bessie Smith Cultural Center lawn honoring victims of racial terror in Chattanooga. A fireside chat with local historians will follow, providing historical context, reflection and dialogue.For a full schedule and event details, visit www.bessiesmithcc.org/bhm or call 423-266-8658. Metropolitan Ministries and Branch Technology are partnering together with the Maclellan Foundation to explore the opportunities for faith-based communities, specifically churches within the Chattanooga area, to determine the interest, opportunities, challenges, strengths and weaknesses in addressing homelessness in our community."As the rising costs of rent are impacting our neighbors, more individuals and families are facing homelessness for the first time with limited options for shelter," officials said.Branch Technology is producing prefabricated shelters as transitional housing.According to Ryan Lusk, Branch Technologys CEO.The pilot program will include an independent study conducted by a team of researchers led by Dr. Lance Wescher from Covenant College to assess the logistical, social and financial viability of scaling a model into a sustainable, non-profit-driven housing solution.Dr. Wescher said, This is a wonderful opportunity to explore innovative ways that the city of Chattanooga and its local congregations are seeking to address the significant housing issues in our area.Metropolitan Ministries will work with local community churches to identify the supportive services that will be utilized to evaluate the best practices for operating the transitional housing efforts along-side the local churches.At MetMins Impact Hub we see a need to explore all options for addressing homelessness with dignity, grace and humanity. To meet the need, it will take a vast variety of options to bring a true impact on our community, said Bill Rush, CEO of Metropolitan Ministries.The Maclellan Foundation provides funding for this study. Morgan Maclellan, a board member with the Maclellan Foundation, said, The Maclellan Foundation is excited to support this collaborative effort to provide church-based shelter for people experiencing homelessness. We recognize the need for additional shelter capacity and believe the local church is positioned to meet the demand."The partnership invites church leaders, key staff and members of the congregations to attend an introduction workshop to be held at Bridge Innovate on Thursday, Feb. 5 from 8:30-11 a.m. Register by emailing brush@met-min.org, or through this link Home News 7 women among 10 filing new sex abuse lawsuits naming Paul Havsgaard, Harvest Christian Fellowship Seven women are among 10 new individuals who recently filed federal lawsuits alleging they were repeatedly sexually abused and trafficked by former Harvest Christian Fellowship pastor Paul Havsgaard while living in now-defunct childrens homes in Romania operated by the California megachurch. The new lawsuits, which also name Harvest Christian Fellowship, founder Greg Laurie and missions pastor Richard Schutte as defendants, join 12 others previously filed by men alleging similar abuse as teenagers. The latest complainants all of whom are being represented by the law firm McAllister Olivarius filed their suits on Dec. 22, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Their names are: Marian-Liviu Mihaila, 38; Alexandra-Elena Langa, 28; Ioana Cosmina Pirvu, 32; Gheorghita-Bogdana Tici, 36; Maria Ghenciulescu, 37; Denis-Vasile Otcuparu, 32; Emilia-Mariana Tudosie, 38; Roxana-Maria Turuianu, 39; Cristina-Bianca Popescu, 33; and Alexandru Ionita, 39. The lawsuits collectively accuse the plaintiffs of negligence, negligent supervision, negligent retention and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. The filings also allege civil conspiracy in violation of California law and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. The filings state that Havsgaard engaged in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places in violation of U.S. law and accuse Laurie and Schutte of aiding and abetting Havsgaard's conduct, failing to prevent the abuse and covering it up for 20 years. The church has previously denied allegations that its leaders covered up abuse. Mihaila alleges that in or around 2002 through 2005, when he was 15 to 18 years old, Havsgaard sexually abused him on many occasions. He alleges that at the time he lived at the home, he was a talented young wrestler whose training was being supported by a Romanian American. The sponsor had agreed to help him become a professional wrestler if he continued with his training, but Havsgaard frequently forbade him from entering into wrestling tournaments, particularly when Marian tried to resist Havsgaards sexual advances, according to the lawsuit. This ruined Marians prospects of turning professional. On other occasions, Havsgaard punished Marian with lengthy solitary confinement in Marians room. Marian self-harmed by cutting himself while living in Harvest Homes, the complaint states. The complaints also claim that Havsgaards driver, Catalin Manescu, who was later promoted to the position of Harvest Homes finance director, knew about Havsgaards sexual abuse of children," and "felt emboldened to abuse children himself," and primarily preyed on minor girls. When Plaintiff was a minor residing in the Harvest Homes, Manescu groomed, fondled, and kissed her," the lawsuit filed by Tici alleges. "In the decade between 1998 and 2008, when Defendants operated the Harvest Homes in Romania, Havsgaard and Manescu savagely molested and terrorized scores of Romanian children, including Plaintiff, a child in Defendants custody and care." The complaints state that Manescu operated an internet cafe where Mihaila allegedly saw other boy residents of Harvest Homes accessing online sex forums and webcam sex websites" and "exposing themselves to strangers for money, with Havsgaards encouragement. Mihaila states that he occasionally also accessed online sex forums and talked to men online, but he never met one in person. Since The Christian Post began reporting on the filings in September 2025, Harvest Christian Fellowship has not responded to additional requests for comment. A Harvest Christian Fellowship spokesperson previously told CP that the allegations are "serious and disturbing," but denied that the church knowingly covered up alleged sexual abuse. Since being contacted by the representatives of the alleged survivors, the spokesperson said that Harvest Riverside has reported the case to law enforcement and plans to cooperate with authorities in the investigation. Harvest also views the lawsuits as a "form of financial extortion" and expects to "vigorously defend against these claims" in court. While Harvest states that they reported the allegations against Havsgaard to local authorities, the Riverside Police previously confirmed with CP that there are no active investigations into Havsgaard. It remains unclear where Harvest reported the allegations. The survivors claim they were groomed into a life of sadistic sexual torture and abuse for years before being forced back on the streets when the homes were quietly shuttered in 2008, four years after an investigation by Harvest Christian Fellowship officially confirmed the abuse at the insistence of concerned missionaries, according to the lawsuits. Plaintiffs allege that Laurie and Schutte kept Havsgaard in place in Romania with minimal oversight despite repeated warnings about his abuse of children. Harvest reportedly deposited $17,000 each month into Havsgaards personal bank account to cover expenses associated with running the homes, but did not require detailed accounts. The filings allege that Havsgaard was able to "divert funds into purchases for his sexual favorites and hush money for employees." Havsgaard frequently returned to Harvest Christian Fellowship in California to raise money for the homes in Romania. The plaintiffs also allege he sexually assaulted the boys on many of those trips. In her lawsuit, Emilia-Mariana Tudosie, who claims she was sexually abused inside the Harvest homes from the age of 10 to 15, recalled travelling to California with Havsgaard and claimed he raped two boys at his home there. In or around 2000, Havsgaard took Emilia, Mark M., Stefan S., and Victor V. to California to visit Harvest Riverside. They stayed at Havsgaards house with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. The boys slept upstairs and Emilia slept downstairs on a sofa, alone. Havsgaard told her that he did not have a free room for her and did not allow her to see the boys upstairs room, the lawsuit states. Havsgaard raped Stefan S. and Mark M. on this trip to California. Emilia, Stefan S., Mark M., and Victor V. met Laurie during a church service at Harvest Riverside, the lawsuit adds. Tudosie alleges that after she returned to Romania from the California trip, she began taking drugs and drinking heavily. The filing asserts that Manescu sexually assaulted her while she was incoherent under the influence of drugs and threatened to tell her boyfriend about her drug use if she resisted. Tudosie, who is currently married with four children, says she suffers from suicidal ideation and post-traumatic stress disorder from the abuse she suffered at the home. Manescus sexual abuse of Plaintiff and other underage girls at Harvest Homes was overt and well-known to Havsgaard, Kathy (Havsgaards wife) and the staff. Neither Havsgaard nor any other adult did anything to stop Manescus sexual abuse of girls, the lawsuit claims. In or around 2002, when Plaintiff was 15 years old, she left Harvest Homes to live with her boyfriend, who is now her husband. Home News Archaeologists discover early Christian fresco depicting Jesus in Turkey Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered a third-century mural depicting Jesus as the good shepherd. The mural, which remains in relatively good condition, is the centerpiece of a number of frescoes in an underground tomb in the Hisardere necropolis near the town of Iznik. While Iznik might not be a familiar name to many, its ancient name, Nicaea, may be better known to Christians. In 325 AD, it was the site of the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in early Christianity when Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor, invited church leaders from all over the known world to resolve key issues of doctrine. The result was the Nicene Creed, the basic declaration of Christian belief that all major denominations, Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox, are built upon. The newly discovered Iznik mural depicts Jesus as a young man in a simple tunic, carrying a sheep on his shoulders. He's also carrying a date palm, a symbol of eternal life and resurrection. Other images depicted in the frescoes are a deceased aristocratic couple on a funerary platform and a symposium with servants. No crosses are shown, as early Christians were often cautious in the imagery they used due to persecution. While the mural was first discovered earlier last year, it wasn't made public until November, shortly after Pope Leo XIV visited Iznik. The purpose of the pontiff's visit was to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. During his trip to Turkey, he was reportedly presented with a tile reproduction of the fresco by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Archaeologists are hoping that the discovery will provide greater insight into the lives of early Christians and plans are underway to begin restoration work on the ancient artwork. This article was originally published at Christian Today Home News Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth shares note she left for husband days before he died The widow of the recently deceased Christian author and publisher Robert Wolgemuth, remembered by ministry leaders as a legend in Christian publishing, has revealed the heartfelt note she left for her husband to find days before his death. Prominent Bible teacher and Revive Our Hearts Ministry founder Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, who married Wolgemuth in 2015, published a social media post on Thursday, providing additional details about her husband's final days before his death on Jan. 10 at age 77. She shared an image of a note she left for him on a napkin the evening of Dec. 23, reading I love you so and Happy Christmas Eve. The note was positioned so it would greet him when he got up for his morning coffee on Dec. 24. He had not been feeling well in previous days. Early Christmas Eve morning, I took him to the ER, as he was in pain, struggling to breathe, she explained. He declined quickly and within a few days was totally unresponsive. On Jan. 10, I returned to our home a widow. That same day, Robert moved to his eternal Home, to find unending joy and rest with Christ. Late the night of Dec 23, I left this note for @robertwolgemuth to find when he got up for his early morning coffee. He had not been feeling well. Early Christmas Eve morning, I took him to the ER, as he was in pain, struggling to breathe. He declined quickly and within a few pic.twitter.com/o4xXz3h20W Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth (@NancyDeMoss) January 15, 2026 The widow expressed confidence that this contented, grateful man is happier today than he ever dreamed of being on earth. Although she has cried tears aplenty, Wolgemuth said she rejoices "in the incredible joy and gift of walking with Robert as his wife for the last ten years. I have no complaints about the path the Lord has led us on only profound gratitude. I have tasted His goodness and grace in every season of the last 67 years. I know there will be more than enough where that came from in this time of grief and heartache, and all the way till I reach my own finish line, she predicted. Wolgemuths post concluded with the phrases Heaven rules and Jesus is near. She announced his death on social media last Saturday, calling it the next step on his eternal journey. "This faithful, courageous, precious man of God has entered his eternal rest and reward not because of anything he did to deserve it, but because of the magnificent, redeeming grace and love of Christ," Wolgemuth stated. During her husbands final moments early Saturday morning, she played a song titled Come to Jesus." On the phrase, with your final heartbeat, Robert took a gasping breath, she stated. We watched intently, waiting to see if he would take another one. It was to be his last." Home News 'Degrading and dangerous': Nurses forced to undress in front of trans-identified man celebrate court victory Quick Summary AI Summary Christian lawyers celebrate a court win for nurses over single-sex changing room policy. Employment Judge Sweeney ruled the NHS policy caused unlawful harassment and discrimination. The ruling emphasizes the need to respect women's rights and dignity in healthcare settings. 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 group of nurses have won their case against the NHS after they were forced to share their changing room with a trans-identifying man. Employment Judge Sweeney and tribunal members Denise Newey and Malcolm Brain ruled that the policy enforced by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust had failed to take the nurses' concerns seriously and amounted to unlawful harassment and discrimination. The tribunal concluded that the policy violated the dignity of the nurses and created "a hostile, humiliating and degrading environment." It is the latest landmark judgment to be handed down on transgenderism after the Supreme Court last year declared that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. That ruling determined that the use of public facilities, like changing rooms, should be based on one's sex, not subjective feelings. The Christian Legal Centre (CLC), which supported the Darlington nurses in their case, called Friday's judgment from the employment tribunal "a major victory for womens rights and workplace safety." CLC Chief Executive Andrea Williams said, This judgment exposes the extent to which the NHS hierarchy has been captured by extreme gender ideology and its willingness to sacrifice womens safety and dignity in order to uphold it. "Allowing a man into a female-only space because he claims to be a woman violates human dignity, common sense, the law of the land and biblical truth. The NHS and the government should now give up their sabotage of clear judicial decisions and abide by the law, which acknowledges that men are men and women are women. Responding to the ruling, Bethany Hutchison, president of the Darlington Nursing Union and one of the nurses who brought the case, said, This is a victory for common sense and for every woman who simply wants to feel safe at work. "Women deserve access to single-sex spaces without fear or intimidation. Forcing us to undress in front of a man was not only degrading but dangerous. Todays ruling sends a clear message: the NHS cannot ignore womens rights in the name of ideology. We stood up because we knew this was wrong. No woman should be forced to choose between her job and her safety. This ruling is a turning point, and we will keep fighting until every woman in the NHS is guaranteed the dignity and protection she deserves. This article was originally published at Christian Today Home News 'Prophet' Brian Carn pleads guilty to obstructing IRS, claims he wont go to prison Quick Summary AI Summary Brian Carn pleads guilty to obstructing the IRS. Carn faces three years in prison for failing to report over $1.4 million in income. He claims he won't go to prison, citing spiritual knowledge about handling the situation. 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 Self-styled prophet and leader of Kingdom City Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, Brian Carn Jr., is facing three years in prison after pleading guilty to obstructing the IRS efforts to collect more than $600,000 in outstanding taxes. Carn insists that he wont be going to prison because he knows how to handle that stuff in the spirit. It's an accounting error, but it's an accounting error that I have to take responsibility for because it's my taxes, Carn, 36, said in an interview with Larry Reid about his plea and the charge on Thursday. When Reid raised concern that he didnt want him to go to prison for the maximum penalty of three years, Carn said, Well, I won't be you. You know, I know how to handle that stuff in the spirit. The U.S. Department of Justice announced Carns guilty plea in a press release Thursday, claiming that he falsely underreported $1.4 million in income for 2015. He reportedly made a number of false representations and material omissions to the IRS to allegedly conceal his assets and income, causing a loss to the U.S. Treasury of between $550,000 and $1,5 million. Court documents show that Carn operated a ministry under a number of names, including Healing House Ministries, Inc., Brian Carn Ministries, Inc., and Kingdom Culture City Churches. While the ministry isnt required to report its income to the IRS or pay income taxes under U.S. tax laws, Carn is required to pay taxes on income he received from the ministry. While he did not earn a salary from the ministry and did not have a written employment agreement, court documents say Carn received income by withdrawing cash from ministry bank accounts and otherwise using ministry funds to pay for personal expenses. Carns internal finance manager, who accounted for his income in 2015 and 2016, shared this information with a tax preparer identified as Accountant 1. That accountant then filed a tax return for 2015 and reported his income as $1,451,077, which generated an income tax bill of $606,722. In October 2016, the IRS started tax collection efforts against Carn and demanded the money he owed. By December that year, the IRS recorded a federal tax lien on the pastors assets and issued a levy notice. Carn, however, had already turned to another accountant identified as Accountant 2 in November 2016 to do an amended tax return for 2015 that substantially underreported his income. He allegedly provided the accountant with a fictitious Employment Agreement between himself and the ministry dated Jan. 1, 2014. The agreement stated that he received an annual salary of $120,000 and a yearly parsonage allowance of $24,000. CARN represented to Accountant 2 that this was the entirety of his income. CARN knew at the time and represented to third parties on credit applications, financial account openings, and lease applications that the income he actually earned through the ministry through cash withdrawals and the payment of personal expenses far exceeded his purported salary in the Employment Agreement, the court file states. Carn also filed a series of other tax returns using the fictitious employment agreement in the following years and stopped filing returns in 2020 despite continuing to earn income from his ministry. The controversial minister, who would have been about 26 when he began filing the fictitious tax returns, told Reid in his interview Thursday that he was young at the time and had just started ministering on huge Christian platforms like Trinity Broadcasting Network and Benny Hinn. Thousands of people showing up. I'm not pastoring yet. I haven't even started pastoring. I didn't start pastoring [until] 2016, he said. He also argued that at the time, he had never worked a regular job where he received a W2 form. I've never worked at a job. I never got income tax at the end, and you know, to go to the income tax people and file your taxes. I never went through that. And so when you're thrust into a world of money and finance and all of that stuff, us as black people, we do file taxes, but we don't file taxes to pay money. We file taxes to get money back, Carn explained. He further added that he hadn't yet addressed his guilty plea with his church because he was hoping the information wouldnt have become public. I kind of feel a little bad. I was going to address this. I spoke to the leaders of my church to kind of let them know what was going on. I didn't communicate it to all of the members of the church because if it didn't go public, I didn't want to have to address it, he said. So if they're listening, I don't want them to feel like I'm talking to the world before I'm talking to them [because] it was my intention that I would have went [sic] ahead and addressed it on Sunday. But with the permission of my pastor, he gave me his permission to go ahead and address it. Home News 'Victory for life': Red Rose Rescuers celebrate seeing all charges dropped in abortion clinic trespassing case Quick Summary AI Summary All charges dropped against six pro-life activists in abortion clinic trespassing case. Activists hailed the court's decision as a 'victory for life.' Red Rose Rescue members will have their bond money returned within 20 days. 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 group of pro-life activists are celebrating after trespassing charges were dropped against them for actions that resulted in the closure of an abortion clinic last year. Theyre hailing the courts decision as a victory for life. In a Facebook post Monday, the pro-life activist group Red Rose Rescue announced that six pro-life activists had all misdemeanor charges against them dropped during a special plea hearing at the Delaware County Courthouse in Media, Pennsylvania. Pro-life activists Monica Miller, Eric Holmberg, Patty Woodworth, Will Goodman, Christy-Ann Collins and Joan Andrews Bell had been arrested after intervening at an abortion clinic in Chester on July 31, 2025, which they have described as a rescue after thwarting the facilitys operations that day. During that rescue, which was at a killing center exclusively dedicated to dispensing the lethal abortion pill [mifepristone], several pregnant mothers were offered information about free life-saving pregnancy care, the group stated in a Facebook post. Staff members too were given information about how to leave the abortion industry and find support from a coalition of pro-lifers who are former abortion [clinic] staff members. Red Rose Rescue said three pro-life counselors were positioned on the first-floor hallway blocking the entrance to the abortion facility, and three "rescuers went inside the waiting room to hand out roses to pregnant women. The group hailed their efforts as a success because their actions forced the abortion facility to close on that day. However, the rescuers were subjected to rough treatment by the police that day and spent several days in a filthy overcrowded county prison before being released on bond, Red Rose Rescue added. At that time, each rescuer was unjustly charged with two class D criminal misdemeanors defiant trespass and disorderly conduct. After the pro-life activists pleaded no contest to the charges against them, the charges were dismissed Monday. In addition to facing no further jail time, community service, fines or probation, the Red Rose Rescuers will get the bond money they previously paid returned within 20 days. During the court hearing, the pro-life activists claimed their actions at the abortion facility last summer were consistent with the principles that underpinned the founding of the United States and the legacy of late civil rights activist the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Holmberg noted that the Red Rose Rescue that landed them in court took place across the street from where King attended seminary, characterizing their pro-life activism as carrying on his legacy through direct action to help the voiceless. The pro-lifers also described their activism as being in line with the Christian mandate to respect the dignity of all individuals. We went to that abortion center to plead for and defend the lives of unborn babies and equally were there to offer help, love, compassion and understanding to the moms scheduled to kill their children, Miller told the court. The unborn have a right to exist and we want to work for a culture that accepts all human lives, made in the image of God. Woodworth insisted that rescuers bring the Love of Christ with them wherever they go, and pointed to the fact that every human is made in the Image and Likeness of Christ, therefore the unborn deserve the compassion and protections which life demands. Collins condemned the misdemeanor charges against the group as unjust, specifically expressing disgust at the use of trespass laws not to protect persons and property, but to protect the murder of the unborn. We respect the law, but not the killing of the innocent, she insisted. The rescuers expressed gratitude to their legal team, which consisted of local lawyers as well as those affiliated with The Thomas More Society. We are most grateful for our extremely talented legal team who worked hard to secure this victory for life, stated Goodman. Miller thanked supporters for their prayers and love. According to the groups website, Red Rose Rescuers do not block entrances, prevent anyones freedom of movement, or do anything intended to intimidate, or could be reasonably viewed as intimidating, and thus do not violate the FACE Act. Red Rose Rescuers peacefully talk to women scheduled for abortion, with the goal of persuading them to choose life. They offer to them red roses as a sign of life, peace and love. Should the unborn still totter to execution Red Rose Rescuers stay in the place of execution in solidarity with their abandoned brothers and sisters performing a non-violent act of defense through their abandoned brothers and sisters performing a non-violent act of defense through their continued presence inside the killing centers remaining with them for as long as they can. Home News Relative of Charlie Kirk shooting suspect's trans roommate speaks out for the first time A relative of Lance Twiggs, the trans-identifying roommate and romantic partner of alleged Charlie Kirk killer Tyler Robinson, shared new details about the pairs relationship and how the killing has impacted her family. I mean, both of them are supersmart. I mean, Lance was, he was a concert pianist; his talent for music was off the charts. It was very impressive, the anonymous relative told NewsNation this week. What Ive heard about Tyler is that he was just so smart, and so its just a shame that these kids had so much potential and such a bright future. The relative did not wish to disclose her identity, stating that the situation had been difficult for her and her family. She believes video games may have influenced Robinson's actions, noting that both the suspect and Twiggs played video games. The world they were in, like, this gaming world, that was the normal way that they kind of spoke, the way they spoke wasnt normal, she said, referring to the language used in the text messages exchanged between the pair. The relative alleged that Twiggs only turned over information to the police when he had to. When I first found out about how he was taken in and talked to by the police, I know that they said that he was very cooperative, she said. But they had to go get him and bring him in. He didnt voluntarily go in and say, 'Hey, I heard about this, and I have some knowledge.' He handed over things when they asked for them, but he didnt give up any information until he had to. Twiggs is no longer under the FBI's protection, has moved out of Utah and retained an attorney, NewsNation reports. Robinson, 22, who has been charged with the murder of the Turning Point USA founder, appeared in court on Friday. During a public event on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University, Robinson allegedly shot Kirk while perched on a nearby building. Authorities have also said that Robinson texted Twiggs after the shooting, asking his roommate to "look under my keyboard, which investigators say referred to a handwritten note. According to court documents, Robinson stated in the note: I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and Im going to take it. Defense attorneys for Robinson have argued that the Utah County Attorney's Office should be disqualified from working on Kirks murder case because a relative of one of the prosecutors was present at the event where the conservative activist was assassinated. Robinson's defense team filed a motion last month for the court to appoint an independent prosecutor with the 4th District Court, alleging that a lead prosecuting attorney received text messages from a close relative present at the September shooting and then shared those messages with other prosecutors in the case, the Utah-based Gephardt Daily reported. Defense attorneys argued the motion to disqualify the Utah County Attorneys Office on Friday, expressing concerns about a potential conflict of interest. Some legal experts have disagreed with the defenses decision to file a motion, as a member of a prosecutors family witnessing such a high-profile shooting is not necessarily unusual. "This is one of those motions I find ridiculous," Donna Rotunno, a Chicago criminal defense attorney, told Fox News. "Normally, I like to see a vigorous defense and attorneys doing everything they can to protect their client, but this is one that I find frivolous in nature." Rotunno maintains that the defense would have more ground to stand on if the prosecutors relative was the victim or if the prosecutor was related to Kirks widow, Erika Kirk. "The legal system takes conflicts of interest seriously, but a prosecutor isnt automatically disqualified just because someone in their family witnessed a traumatic event connected to the case," Randolph Rice, a Baltimore-based attorney and legal analyst, told the outlet. "The key issue is whether that relationship creates a real risk that decisions are being driven by emotion instead of evidence, Rice added. Home News Renee Good's father-in-law doesn't blame ICE for her death, urges Americans to 'turn to God' Quick Summary AI Summary Timmy Macklin Sr., ex-father-in-law of Renee Good, doesn't blame ICE for her death. Macklin urges Americans to 'turn to God' during a CNN appearance. Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent she hit with her SUV during a confrontation in Minneapolis. An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. See Summary The ex-father-in-law of Renee Good says he doesn't blame Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for her death, and is calling on Americans to turn to God" at this time. During an appearance on CNNs OutFront with Erin Burnett Wednesday, Timmy Macklin Sr. reacted to the incident last week in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where his ex-daughter-in-law was shot and killed as she struck an ICE agent while driving an SUV. Renee was an amazing person, he recalled. Praising Good as full of love, full of joy, and a real gentle and good mother, he lamented that sometimes, "we make bad choices." He stressed that he didn't blame Renee for what happened to her, but believes that if she had been following God, she wouldn't have put herself in that situation. Theres so much chaos in the whole world today and thats why the Bible says, If my people would humble themselves and seek His face and pray and turn from their wicked ways, God will hear from Heaven and forgive our sins and heal our wounds, he added, quoting from 2 Chronicles 7:14. We need to turn to God and walk in the spirit of God and let Him lead us and guide us. Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last week during a protest against the Trump administrations immigration enforcement activities. Video footage from the ICE agents perspective shows Goods new same-sex spouse, Rebecca, taunting an ICE agent as she stood outside the SUV Good was driving and using to block traffic. You want to come at us? Rebecca Good asked the ICE agent. I say go get yourself some lunch, big boy. Go ahead. An ICE agent was talking to Renee Good as she used her SUV to intentionally block traffic. After Good was ordered to get out of the SUV, an unknown person shouted, Drive, baby, drive! before the video footage shows her driving into an ICE officer, who was knocked backward. The shots were heard but not seen on the video. Goods death has become a flashpoint in the ongoing culture war in the U.S., with many on the political Right saying the shooting was a justified act of self-defense, while others on the political Left characterized the incident as an unnecessary use of force because Good posed no threat to the agent. Macklin told CNN he wasn't blaming anybody for Goods death. I dont blame ICE, I dont blame Rebecca, I dont blame Renee. I just wish that, you know, if were walking in the spirit of God, I dont think she would have been there, he said. When asked if he had a message for the ICE agent who shot Good, Macklin responded, This world is full of trials and tribulations, while addressing the immigration enforcement officers characterization of his former daughter-in-law as and f---ing b----. Macklin said of the ICE officer, his will needs to turn to the Lord. He doesn't know the Lord like he should. The pastor added that God is the only way for any of us to make it through this journey that were on with peace. Good was married to Macklins son before his death in 2023. Macklin is the grandfather of Goods 6-year-old son, Emerson. Home News Republicans urge Trump to crack down on shipment of abortion drugs across state lines Quick Summary AI Summary Republican lawmakers and attorneys general urged the Trump admin. to end Biden-era policy on mail-order abortions. Leaders expressed frustration over FDA's delay of a safety review. They say state abortion restrictions are being subverted. 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 Republican leaders and state attorneys general called on the Trump administration to crack down on the shipment of abortion drugs across state lines, expressing frustration with the speed of a safety review and the remaining Biden-era mail-order abortion pill policy that they contend subverts state laws. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins joined the Louisiana and Ohio state attorneys general, as well as multiple Republican senators and congress members, in issuing a warning about abortion drugs during a press conference on Wednesday. During the press conference, which followed a Senate health committee hearing on the same topic, Perkins and the other speakers urged the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to end mail-order abortions. Perkins expressed frustration over the FDAs promised safety review of the abortion drug mifepristone, saying that the review has dragged on for months. The time for bureaucratic delay is over. It's time to respect the rights of states to protect the unborn, Perkins declared. Last month, several pro-life leaders called for the firing of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary following a Bloomberg report that said Makary told agency officials to put it off until after the midterm elections. In addition to the delay, pro-life leaders condemned the FDA for approving a generic form of mifepristone when the agency promised to conduct a safety review. They contend that the FDA's loosened rules enable residents to defy abortion restrictions enacted in several states in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Among speakers at the press conference was Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who sued the FDA in October 2025 to challenge rules removing a prohibition against abortion pills being dispensed through the mail. On Tuesday, Murrill's office requested the extradition of a California doctor charged with providing abortion pills to a Louisiana resident. Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected that request. "[The Biden administration] reduced [FDA] protocols to take away an in-person physician requirement, dispensing requirement, and then they did that specifically with the avowed purpose of facilitating and encouraging people to send those pills by mail, even to states where it is illegal," Murrill said. "And so what they did was violate federal law with the purpose of facilitating people to come out and violate our state laws because they disagree with the political preferences that our state elected to enact through our duly elected representatives and our legislature on the issue of abortion. And I would I would like to emphasize that in Louisiana, this is a bipartisan issue." Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., stated that the federal government cannot claim that abortion is an issue that should be left to the states but still allow chemical abortion drugs to be shipped into states that have banned or severely restricted abortion. The federal government is allowing a chemical abortion pill to be sent through the mail that wipes out every state unborn protection law in the land, Graham said. You cant have it both ways. You cant say it should be a state issue and sit on the sidelines while the federal government through an agency is sending the pill that undercuts everything people at the state have worked for. Graham said that one way to resolve the issue is to return to the safety standards in place during the first Trump administration, such as requiring an in-person doctor visit before one could obtain abortion drugs. The pro-life community is not asking too much of Republican administrations in Congress to repeal the Biden policy. I think that's why we got elected, he said. So, it's time now, folks, to repeal the Biden policy, a Biden policy that undercuts the states' rights approach. Because the Biden policy would allow the abortion pill to be sent through the mail, regardless of what the state law is, effectively destroying every pro-life law in the country at the state level. We can simply fix this if we have the courage to do it, Graham stated. During an interview with The Christian Post after the press conference, Perkins said that he believes the Trump administration thinks the abortion issue is a "liability." I think this administration thinks it's a political liability. And they have it backwards, Perkins told CP. It's a political liability to continue to uphold a Biden-era policy that undermines the pro-life laws of states. Advocates have repeatedly expressed concern about the safety of abortion drugs, not only because they end the lives of the unborn, but also because women who take them can experience severe adverse side effects. According to a report published earlier this year by the Restoration of America Foundation, more than one in 10 women who use chemical abortion drugs experience an adverse event. The report also said that abortion drugs mailed to women are 22 times more dangerous than what the FDA discloses to patients. Other studies have reportedly found that abortion drugs were associated with higher rates of severe or critical emergency room visits compared to surgical abortions and live births. Several women have also come forward with stories of their partners forcing them to consume abortion drugs that they had obtained online or through the mail. Home News Street evangelists charged with misdemeanors, accused of disrupting Muslim prayer event in Florida Prosecutors decline to file hate crime charges Quick Summary AI Summary Three men face misdemeanor charges after being accused of disrupting a Muslim prayer event at the University of South Florida. Charges include disturbing a religious assembly and disorderly conduct, both first-degree misdemeanors. Prosecutors declined to file hate crime charges, drawing questions from the community. 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 Three men have been formally charged with misdemeanor offenses after prosecutors say they disrupted and harassed a group of students and community members during an Islamic prayer gathering in a University of South Florida parking garage. Richard Penkoski, Christopher Svochak and Ricardo Yepez each face one count of disturbing a religious assembly and one count of disorderly conduct, both first-degree misdemeanors, the Hillsborough County State Attorneys Office announced Wednesday. The charges stem from an incident on the morning of Nov. 18, 2025, in the Collins Boulevard parking garage on the USF Tampa campus. According to the State Attorneys Office, a group of 11 people including members of the universitys Muslim Student Association had gathered for prayer when the three defendants approached and repeatedly interrupted the assembly. Prosecutors said the men harassed and confronted the group, forcing the participants to end their gathering early. They cite videos, including those posted on social media by the defendants, as well as victim statements, to state that the students were targeted specifically because they were engaged in religious worship. The case reached the State Attorneys Office through a direct referral from law enforcement, and no arrests were made at the scene, prosecutors said. The charge of disturbing a religious assembly is filed under Florida Statute 871.01, which prohibits willfully interrupting or disturbing any assembly of people gathered for the worship of God. In a statement Thursday, a spokesperson for the State Attorneys Office acknowledged questions from some community members about why prosecutors did not pursue a hate crime enhancement under Florida law. While ones words may be offensive, the criminal justice system punishes actions, not words alone, the spokesperson said. Both the Florida Constitution and United States Constitution protect offensive viewpoints as much as our freedom to practice our religion. Prosecutors, however, reiterated their commitment to protecting religious freedom. Our office will defend every persons right to worship freely, peacefully, and without fear, the spokesperson added. No one should have to choose between practicing their faith and feeling safe. Penkoski told The Christian Post that he disagrees with the state attorneys office that the event he and his associates disrupted in November was a religious gathering. Florida now thinks that getting together and praying is a religious assembly, he told CP via email Thursday. I wonder if they're going to hold that same standard when a group of Christians are praying in front of abortion clinics. He also argued that eating bacon in front of Muslims and making them cry over it does not meet the standard of disorderly conduct, and took exception with prosecutors description of the incident as ongoing, saying the group has admitted, repeatedly, that they finished the prayer before the incident occurred. How can you disrupt something that was never disrupted and finished? Penkoski said. [Florida] has repeatedly dismissed cases when events finish without disruption when someone makes the claim of disruption of a religious assembly or event. The three men are scheduled for arraignment in the coming weeks. One of the defendants, Svochak, went viral for disrupting another Islamic prayer event also in November in Murphy, Texas, where a group of Muslim teens prayed outside a Yemeni coffee shop just down the street from the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), a mosque that has itself been at the center of controversy. While CAIR-Texas, the state's chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization, called for Svochak to be prosecuted for the incident, no charges were filed in that incident. Iran Closes Airspace, Trump Threatens Insurrection Act Over MN Riots, ICE Agent Involved In Fatal Shooting Identified link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:46 06:46 Top headlines for Friday, January 16, 2026 In this episode, we discuss escalating tensions in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, leading to widespread protests and calls for accountability. President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to suppress unrest, a move that has sparked significant debate. Additionally, Iran's temporary closure of its airspace amid U.S. tensions and the emotional response of Portland's Police Chief to recent shootings are examined. 00:11 Iran shuts airspace; US Qatar base personnel asked to evacuate 01:04 Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act amid Minneapolis unrest 01:53 Porn star Lily Phillips responds to critics of her faith, baptism 02:42 Police chief cries, confirms Tren de Aragua ties in CBP shooting 03:31 Evangelical leader criticizes Trump for flipping off auto worker 04:19 Oklahoma city rejects proposal to build 15-acre Islamic center 05:06 Angel Studios to partner with Neal McDonough's production company Home Opinion Have you heard of Wonders Center & Science Museum? Early in December, I had the unexpected opportunity to visit the Wonders Center & Science Museum in Dickson, Tennessee (approximately 35 minutes west of Nashville). I was delighted and surprised to find that the museum encompasses over 100,000 square feet, making it the largest science museum in Tennessee, and the largest museum in the world that upholds biblical values. As I toured the Wonders Center & Science Museum, I was immediately and continually impressed with how user-friendly the exhibits were. I immediately thought, what a great place this would be for children of all school grades to visit. I couldnt help thinking how valuable a resource this would be for homeschool parents and their children. In fact, while I was there, I noticed numerous families visiting the museum with children from the K-12 age range. The young people were captivated by the exhibits and their interactive quality. There were exhibits of full-size dinosaurs (which really impressed me they are big!) There was also that 1-million-volt musical Tesla Coil, which is virtually indescribable but tremendously impressive. The 60-foot-tall full-dome planetarium will elicit a Wow! even before you view some of the programs exhibited there. I found myself literally saying Wow as I viewed the planetarium program. I also cannot imagine how excited youngsters will be as they experience the Kids Dino Dig, which allows them to explore paleontology firsthand and uncover a Stegosaurus in the Dino Dig sand pit. I also found myself thinking what a great resource this would be for Christian schools that want to enrich their science curriculum. I do not see how it could not increase students interest and understanding in science. I know it would have excited this liberal arts major more than any high school and undergraduate college curriculum I was exposed to. The fact that the Wonders Center is designed to increase understanding of the world around us, with the stated mission to celebrate the wonders of the natural world while connecting them to the Creator who designed it all is evident from the time you walk in until the time you leave. Interestingly, this bedrock belief in Gods creation of the universe is the bedrock that caused the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries to transpire in the countries most influenced by the Protestant Reformation (Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Switzerland, etc.). Why? They believed that God created the universe, that God was a God of order, and that by studying Gods creation, we could uncover Gods order. As Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), the famous Lutheran German astronomer and mathematician, once said, believing God was a God of order and humans were created by God, humans could think Gods thoughts after Him and discover Gods order. All these great resources provided by the Wonders Center were started by a remarkable young man, David Rives, who became fascinated by fossils after his discovery of a fossil in his backyard in Tennessee when he was 8 years old. Visitors to the museum can see Davids original fossil box and experience the story of how one boys curiosity and inquisitive nature turned into a world-class museum and science center. In addition to the museum, there are several related resources that merit mention. There is a quite extensive bookstore (CreationSuperstore.com), as well as a David Rives podcast and a very informative periodical. I have told scores of people about the Wonders Center. Some of them have already visited, and they have all been tremendously impressed. I shall go back myself in the near future. I hope you will plan a trip as well. You will not regret it. By sebra, Adobe Rob Lewis (RL), director of transformation, Birmingham Museums Trust: Mara, could you start by explaining a little about citizens juries and assemblies? Mara Livermore (ML), project facilitator, Shared Future: Juries and assemblies are a way of democratising decision-making and helping those who currently hold the power to better understand and meet the needs of the people they are meant to serve. Often, power sits with a small group of people who dont spend every day experiencing the problems they are tasked with solving, or decision-makers need a solution to work for a wide range of people who might seem to have differing views. These processes help with that. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Early on a Monday morning in May of 2023, Tim Burke, an independent journalist, awoke to the sound of FBI agents screaming his name and blinding lights flooding through the front door. His mind went straight to preventing the officers from shooting Jelly, the foster dog he and his wife had just taken in, who was barking up a storm. During the incident, per the US Press Freedom Tracker, the FBI took four cellphones, nine computers, seven storage devices, and four notebooks from Burkes home after he had posted two unaired clips from Fox Newss Tucker Carlson Tonight without permission. The FBI alleged that the footage had been obtained illegally. They seized an entire operating newsroom, Burke said. Burke was taken back to that experience on Wednesday morning, when the FBI executed a search warrant on the home of a Washington Post reporter named Hannah Natanson, seizing her phone, a personal laptop, a company-issued laptop, and a Garmin watch. The Post has reported that Natanson, who has been covering Trumps impact on the federal workforce, is not the focus of the probe. The administration has said it is investigating a Maryland-based government contractor accused of taking home classified intelligence reportsand who, at the time of his arrest, may have been messaging Natanson. The Post was also subpoenaed for information relating to the contractor. The warrant approving the search of Natansons home hasnt been made public, and related judicial records remain sealed. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press filed an application Wednesday night asking the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to issue an order unsealing the search warrant and any related judicial records. In emails and a meeting following the FBI search, Matt Murray, the executive editor of the Post, called the FBIs actions deeply concerning and said that the newsroom has been in close touch with legal counsel. As of now, there has been no indication that the Post plans to file litigation over this event. Natanson, the Post, and Jeff Bezos, its owner, didnt respond to questions. You dont just get over the federal government banging on your door at six in the morning, Burke said of the Natanson case. Two years later, much of his equipment remains in the FBIs possession. That is like a trauma that you carrythat we will carry with us the rest of our lives. Journalists who have been targeted by government searches or surveillance said the Natanson incident reflects an alarming escalation of the Trump White Houses hostility toward the media. Press freedom experts said her situation is unprecedentedand possibly illegal under the Privacy Protection Act of 1980, which protects journalists from government searches and seizures in connection with the investigation or prosecution of criminal offenses. The Justice Department has never executed a search warrant at the home of a reporter in a national-security-leak case in US history, Gabe Rottman, the vice president of policy at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said. Rottman compared the Natanson matter with a 2010 episode in which the Obama administration issued a search warrant for the emails of James Rosen, then a Fox reporter, after accusing him of acting as a coconspirator with a source regarding a government leak. Rottman pointed out that, in the Rosen case, the universe of information was smaller than what were talking about here, given that the raid took place in Natansons home and involved the seizure of several electronic devices. Her newsgathering, reporting, and/or interactions with confidential sources is significantly larger than what you saw in the James Rosen case. When asked for comment, the FBI pointed to a post on X by Kash Patel, the director of the bureau. The Department of Justice and White House sent a post on X by Pam Bondi, the attorney general, in response to requests for comment. Apple and HP, the makers of the computers the Post issues to reporters, according to a source in the newsroom, didnt respond to questions about their policy on cooperating with the government to aid in accessing reporters devices. Sign up for CJRs daily email The idea of the government compelling a journalist to hand over materials related to a national security leak is troubling under any circumstance. But in the Natanson case, the Trump administration could have pursued a more conventional approach: issuing a subpoena to Natanson, which wouldnt have required her to turn over her devices and the potentially sensitive information they contain, including the names of sources. In 2008, the George W. Bush administration subpoenaed James Risen, then a New York Times national security reporter, to reveal his sources in relation to a government investigation involving Jeffrey Sterling, a former CIA officer charged with leaking details to him about a failed operation in Iran. Risen refused to comply, and his case would eventually land before the Obama administration, which refiled the subpoena only to eventually back down in 2015. The Obama administration holds the record for the highest number of leak prosecutions in history, prosecuting individuals under the Espionage Act. Yet Risen, who faced threats of prison time, believes the Trump administration is definitely much worse on press freedom than anyone else. Risen, later a senior national security correspondent at The Intercept, told me that, by tradition, the government is supposed to exhaust all alternatives to obtaining a subpoena, starting with contacting the reporter and their newsroom. In the Natanson case, he said, the fact that there were no discussions, no negotiations, no public subpoenajust a secret raid signals a terrible escalation and represents an outrageous attempt to destroy American press freedom. Clayton Weimers, the executive director of the US branch of Reporters Without Borders, who has compiled a timeline of Trumps attacks on press freedom, agrees. Under Trump, there is a concerted effort to weaken press freedom, to weaken the Fourth Estate, he said. And that is just not comparable to disagreements we had when the Obama or the Biden administrations acted inappropriately, which, at the time, we called out and pushed back against. During her investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, Julie Brown, a reporter at the Miami Herald, knew the Department of Justice was surveilling her; she was, after all, looking into whether the department had reopened an investigation into Epstein. But she was shocked to find her name among the thousands of Epstein-related photos, emails, and court documents recently released by the DOJ as the only unredacted part of a flight record from 2019. When she asked the department for an explanation, she was told it was because she bought the plane ticket (for reporting purposes) for a victim of Epsteins whom the DOJ was tracking. Brown found Natansons case particularly concerning because the Trump administration could choose to go after just about any journalist in America by claiming it suspected them of receiving confidential information. My concern is that the administration is using this as a mechanism just to either harass or try to intimidate journalists, she said. Theyre treating us like the enemy. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Some stories are most powerful visually. Just hours after Renee Good, a thirty-seven year-old mother, was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minnesota, Kristi Noem, the secretary of Homeland Security, called her a domestic terrorist. But video from a witness quickly undercut that characterization and other official accounts of the shooting. Without that widely shared footage, Goods killing may have been overlooked, her death covered as just another grim statistic of the immigration crackdown. Instead, the moment has proved pivotal, changing the national conversation about ICE and immigration. The video was first published by the Minnesota Reformer, a small nonprofit newsroom launched in 2020. The Reformer has five full-time staffers. Max Nesterak, the deputy editor, told me that the witness, Caitlin Callenson, sent him the video just as he was leaving to go to the scene. While Nesterak interviewed Callenson, his colleague Madison McVan corroborated facts on the ground, and Nesterak posted the video on X at exactly 1pm. If we didnt see what happened with our own eyes, Nesterak said, its hard to imagine that there would have been such a swift condemnation from Minnesota leaders. The administration has portrayed community monitors in Minneapolis as agitators, and critics have suggested that legal observers like Good contribute to the tensions that led to her death. But their work is vital. When Darnella Frazier received the Pulitzer Prize, in 2021, the committee highlighted the crucial role of citizens in journalists quest for truth and justice. Recent events have underscored just how crucial that role continues to be. Theres not enough journalists to be documenting everything thats going on right now, Nesterak told me. Everything is happening all at once. And so the fact that people are taking video, that theyre documenting what theyre seeing, is so useful. When Bari Weiss introduced herself to CBS News staffers on her first morning call, she ended her comments with Lets do the fucking news. Three months in, shes definitely trying to do somethingbut its not entirely clear that its the news. By now youve likely read about Weisss various missteps in her new role: spiking a 60 Minutes story unfavorable to the Trump administration, sending scolding missives to the newsroom on journalism ethics, declaring We love America as a new guiding principle for the relaunch of the CBS Evening News. (If youve managed to miss all this somehow, this piece from my colleague Jem Bartholomew is a good place to start.) Its that reimagining of the CBS Evening News thats gotten the most attention in recent weeks, thanks to a series of confusing MAGA-friendly editorial decisions, cringe-inducing social media posts, and insipid both-sidesing show closers that are beginning to feel like a humiliation ritual for Tony Dokoupil, Weisss newly minted anchor. But all the valid criticism and online snark has obscured a more fundamental problem for Weiss and Dokoupils reshaping of CBSs storied evening broadcast: nothing theyve tried so far is all that interesting or new. David Muir, the anchor of World News, debuted ABCs ongoing Made in America series with Sharyn Alfonsi in 2011, when they were both correspondents there. When he helmed the NBC Nightly News, Lester Holt regularly took trips across the country for a series called Across America in 2017. When Katie Couric took over the CBS Evening News, in 2006, she introduced a regular commentary segment called Free Speech and also brought a more casual, friendly vibe to the show (which you would never know if you heard Dokoupils assertion this week that I dont think evening has to be, like, you know, Batman delivering the news; I think you can be a human being still). Even the test for Whiskey Fridays, a theoretical new segment thats been widely mocked on social media, is derivative of NBC Newss The Drink with Kate Snow, which debuted in 2017. Theyre acting like the first people on earth that have had any of these ideas, someone who has worked in TV for decades said to me. Its insane. Weiss is the attention economy network news president. We need to *be the news*, she wrote in a note to her team, according to the New York Times. That likely makes sense when you run an opinion site such as The Free Press, where attention drives audience, but, as the abysmal ratings indicate, thats not likely to move the needle at the Evening News, where the average viewer is in their late sixties. Pulling CBS News out of its perennial third-place position is going to take more than online noise; its going to take flawless execution and real creativity. Its hard to see how anything Weiss has done so far has meaningfully improved the business. One final note: I worked closely with Muir as a World News producer years ago and from my experience, I can say he loves America, toohe just hasnt felt the need to shout it from the mountaintops because he understands that the way you communicate your love for America, as a journalist, is by holding its leaders to account. When Tupe Smith was elected to her local school board, in 2023, she had no idea that running for the position could be considered a crime. But just weeks later, state troopers arrived at her home without warning to arrest her for violating election law, placing her in handcuffs in front of her young children. In a fascinating and troubling piece for Bolts, Alex Burness spent months investigating what happened to Smith and how she and her family were caught in the Trump administrations hunt for noncitizen voter fraud. Its a complex story about citizenship, power, belonging, and what it fundamentally means to be American. Smith is American Samoan and lives with her family in Whittier, Alaska, a tiny town originally constructed by the US military during World War II. Nearly all of its residentsroughly three hundredlive in a fourteen-story former military complex. American Samoans are US nationals but not citizensa distinction that allows them to hold US passports, pay taxes, and serve in the military and yet bars them from holding public office or voting in federal, state, and most local elections outside the territory. As Burness puts it: As non-citizen nationals, they exist in a formal underclass of democracy that precludes them from, for one, running for a local school board. State prosecutors would eventually charge eleven residents of Whittier with election-related crimes, almost all of them members of Smiths extended family, including her mother-in-law. Many of those charged say they believed they were eligible to vote in local elections because they had been told by government officials that they could register. They are all facing significant prison time. In 2022, a veterinarian from Florida named Seth Fishman was convicted in the US Southern District of New York for his role in the largest doping scandal in horse racing history. Fishman sold illegal performance-enhancing drugs to hundreds of owners and trainers, claiming they would boost a horses speed while masking injuries. According to prosecutors, the operation ended up killing at least twenty horses. In a report for New York Focus, Sam Mellins goes inside the case, exploring the often sordid worlds of horse racing and New York State politics. Mellins learns that after Fishman was sentenced to eleven years in prison, federal investigators passed on key evidence to state regulators that implicated horse owners and trainers in New York. According to an analysis by Mellins, at least 280 people or stables purchased illegal drugs from Fishman, and those involved have won over forty million dollars in taxpayer-subsidized prize money since the veterinarians conviction. Yet regulators in New York largely took no action, failing to punish anyone. After New York Focus asked the New York State Gaming Commission about the information it received from the feds, the commission reopened an investigation, and an investigator has been placed on leave. CJR will be off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Well see you again on Tuesday. Hat tip to the Local Matters newsletter for highlighting the New York Focus piece. If you have a suggestion for this column, please send it to laurelsanddarts@cjr.org. We cant acknowledge all submissions, but we will mention you if we use your idea. For more on Laurels and Darts, please click here. To receive this and other CJR newsletters in your inbox, please click here. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. When Omar Lugoa Venezuelan freelance correspondent for Clarin, Agence France-Presse, and othersheads out into the streets of Caracas, he leaves his work phone at home. Police can stop you and look into your phone, he said. If you have contacts or sensitive information that youre not supposed to have, you could be thrown in jail. He never opens a conversation by identifying himself as a journalist, and speaks to sources only on background. This is less a function of recent American interference than business as usual. Under the leadership of Hugo Chavez, through Nicolas Maduros tenure to today, official narratives have echoed across state-controlled TV, radio, and print media; authorities have declined visas for foreign journalists to enter the country; independent news outlets are banned and accessible only via VPN. In the week following the US incursion, police, military forces, and colectivospro-government paramilitariesroamed the streets, cracking down on protesters, members of the opposition, and independent journalists. On January 5, when Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuelas interim president, fourteen media workers, many of them working for international outlets, were detained. (Thirteen of them were soon released; one was deported the same day.) This week, according to the National Union of Press Workers (SNTP), an organization that represents, defends, and promotes the rights of journalists in Venezuela, nineteen journalists who had previously been detained by Maduro were let go from prison. (It is unclear whether the charges against them will be dropped.) Although this is great news for these journalists families, for the press, for the community, said Artur Romeu, the director of Reporters Without Borders Latin America office, Venezuelan journalists remain repressed and restricted. The heightened level of pressure on reporters arose in the aftermath of the 2024 elections, when Maduro claimed victory despite evidence suggesting that he had lost, and Venezuelans took to the streets in protest. The government chased after journalists who covered the clashes, Lugo remembered. Venezuela currently ranks 160 out of the 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders press freedom index. Many journalists fled the country and now work in exile, including the editorial teams of most independent news sites. Those newsrooms still rely on the work of reporters remaining in Venezuela. We put in a lot of safety measures, a Venezuelan social media video producer, who asked to remain anonymous for their safety, said. We dont have bylines. We always have to ask ourselves: Whos going to see this? Will the Chavistas get the video? We try to combine the capabilities of people in exile and those on the ground in Venezuela, Luz Mely Reyes, the cofounder of Efecto Cocuyo, an independent news site, said. As soon as the US military entered Caracas, journalists from Efecto Cocuyo, as well as El Pitazo, Runrunes, Caracas Chronicles, and Cazadores de Fake News, started a broadcast on YouTube that lasted more than ten hours, with exiled journalists analyzing and sharing news gathered by their colleagues on the ground. Many of those journalists have been collaborating for even longer. In 2016, the outlets El Pitazo, Runrunes, and Talcua founded an investigative journalistic network, Alianza Rebelde Investiga, which allowed them to share coverage. Three years later, they started collaborating editorially. The majority of us know each other because we worked together, Cesar Batiz, the editor and cofounder of El Pitazo, said, or because weve had a beer together on more than one occasion or because weve gone dancing. Joining forces, and resources, has become a strategic advantage for Venezuelan reporters. Its harder for authoritarian regimes to attack multiple journalists as opposed to one, Ronna Risquez, an investigative journalist based outside Venezuela who coordinates the Alianza Rebelde Investiga, said. In spite of the obstacles, many reporters feel a responsibility to stay in the country. Our duty as journalists is to tell things and defend human rights, Ana Maria Rodriguez Brazon, a Caracas correspondent for El Tiempo, the Colombian news outlet, said. Thats why we are here. Risquez doesnt like thinking of herself as a journalist in exile. It implies, she said, that she was banishedthat she is a victim, that she left permanently. And I want to go back. Sign up for CJRs daily email Lugo, for his part, said that there are few journalism jobs available outside the country anyway. Hard times, he said. He plans to stay. For over a decade, I helped build the legal e-billing and review industry. I sat across the table from vice presidents of claims at major carriers, making the case that systematic invoice auditing was a fiduciary imperative. The logic seemed airtight: insurers spend billions annually on outside counsel, billing abuses exist and disciplined review protects the premium pool. Then I discovered Leannot as a buzzword, but as the Toyota Production System principles articulated by James Womack and Daniel Jones. And somewhere between Define Value and Map the Value Stream, an uncomfortable question surfaced: Who, exactly, is the customer in legal bill review? The answer I had assumedthe insurance company, the claims fund, the shareholderssuddenly seemed incomplete. The true customer is the insured. The person who bought a policy expecting that if something went wrong, they would be defended. The business owner facing a slip-and-fall lawsuit. The contractor named in a construction defect claim. The professional staring down a malpractice action. These are the people the system is supposed to serve. And when I examined legal bill review through their eyes, much of what I had helped build started to look less like value creation and more like distraction from what actually matters to them. What the Insured Actually Wants The policyholder with a lawsuit pending doesnt care about billing increments or task code compliance. They want to know: Is someone competent fighting for me? Will this be resolved reasonably? Can I get back to my life or my business? They want their lawyer focused on the case, not on documenting time entries to survive an audit. They want their adjuster thinking about strategy and resolution, not reviewing invoices line by line. They want the carrier and defense counsel working as a team on their behalf, not locked in a low-grade billing conflict that siphons attention from the actual dispute. Between 2018 and 2023, litigation management costs for the combined property/casualty industry increased by 19%, bringing total litigation expenses to an estimated $24 billion, according to AM Best Financial reports. At typical review fees of 1% to 2% of managed spend, this represents a $240 to $480 million annual market for legal bill review vendorsan industry with a direct financial interest in the continued growth of the very expenses it purports to control. How the Insured Gets Lost Legal bill review emerged as a reasonable response to cost pressures. Vendors charge the roughly 1% to 2% of managed spend to audit invoices and identify savings, which are reported to be in the range of 5% to 15%. The arithmetic appears favorable for carriers. But we should ask a different question: What does this process look like from the insureds perspective? Their defense attorney now spends meaningful time crafting invoice narratives designed to survive algorithmic scrutinytime not spent on their case. When a bill is reduced or rejected, their attorney may appeal, spending more hours on administrative processagain, not on their case. Their claims adjuster, who should be their advocate and strategic partner, instead spends time in their week reviewing billing details rather than managing the claim toward resolution. Meanwhile, the relationship between carrier and defense counselthe partnership that should be laser-focused on the insureds interestsoften accumulates friction with every disputed invoice. Trust erodes. Communication becomes guarded. The collaborative energy that produces the best outcomes gets diverted into an adversarial side process the insured never asked for and would never pay for. The American Bar Association recognized this tension in Formal Opinion 01-421, concluding that lawyers must not permit compliance with insurer billing guidelines to impair their independent professional judgment. When an auditor determines that legal research was excessive or that a second attorney at a deposition was unnecessary, they are second-guessing strategic decisions that directly affect the insureds defense. The insured didnt buy a policy hoping their carrier would override their lawyers judgment to save a few hundred dollars. Redefining Value Around the Insured Lean thinking offers a powerful reframe: any activity the customer would not willingly pay for is waste. Apply that test rigorously. Would an insured pay for dozens of hours of administrative time disputing whether 0.2 hours for email review was reasonable? Would they pay for appeals processes when a law firm contests a $47 reduction? Would they pay for the relationship friction that diverts their defense teams attention? Alternatively, they would pay for excellent legal work, strategic judgment and efficient resolution. They would pay for an adjuster who knows their case deeply and advocates for smart decisions. They would pay for a defense attorney who can focus completely on winningor resolving favorablythe matter at hand. From the perspective of the insured the legal bill review process is overhead that does not add value or advance their interests. Sample Based Review What would legal spend management look like if we designed it around the insureds interests rather than around cost control for its own sake? Sample-based review, not exhaustive audit. Statistical sampling can identify billing patterns and flag outliers without subjecting every invoice to line-item scrutiny. This is how quality control works in industries that have embraced Lean thinking. The insured benefits because their defense team isnt mired in documentation overhead, and carriers still maintain financial discipline. Education over enforcement. When sampling reveals issues, the response should be calibration and training, not punitive reductions. Quarterly sessions between claims leadership and panel firms can align expectations and address patterns collaboratively. The insured benefits because their carrier and counsel are working together, not against each other. Outcome metrics that matter to the insured. Instead of measuring savingswhich often just measures frictiontrack what the insured actually cares about: time to resolution, defense effectiveness, and total cost of resolution including administrative overhead. A matter that closes six months faster serves the insured better than one that generates impressive billing reductions but drags on. Trust calibration based on results. Firms that consistently deliver strong outcomes for insureds earn autonomy. Those that struggle receive support and closer attention. This is how any high-functioning organization manages partnershipsand it keeps the focus where it belongs: on whether the insured is being well-served. AI as enabler, not enforcer. Artificial intelligence offers the analytical capability to make this approach practical at scale. Rather than deploying artificial intelligence to automate line-item auditingwhich simply accelerates the adversarial processcarriers can use it to design statistically valid models for aggregate review, create focused education initiatives, feed relevant data into meaningful and productive metrics, and develop measurement tools for firm performance analysis and management. The technology exists to move from audit everything to learn from everything. The question is whether we point it toward policing or toward partnership. The Objection Answered The predictable objection: Without audits, firms will take advantage and that ultimately hurts policyholders. This deserves a direct response. First, sample-based review still provides detection capabilityit simply does so efficiently. Second, the current systems savings often prove illusory when you factor in administrative costs, appeals, relationship damage, and adjuster time diverted from the insureds actual claim. But heres the deeper point: If your default assumption is that defense partners will exploit your insureds unless watched constantly, you have a panel management problem. The solution is better partner selection, clearer expectations, and genuine alignment around the insureds interestsnot surveillance infrastructure that treats everyone as a suspect while the insured waits for their case to move forward. Returning to First Principles The insurance promise is simple: If something goes wrong, we will be there. For liability coverage, that means providing a defensecompetent counsel, strategic guidance and resolution of the claim. The insured who bought that policy trusted that when they needed it, the system would work for them. They didnt anticipate that a parallel process would emergeone focused on policing their defenders rather than empowering them. I helped build the current system because I believed it served policyholders. I now believe we need to revisit that assumption. The fiduciary duty owed insureds isnt honored by nickel-and-diming their defense counsel. Its honored by ensuring that every dollar spent, every hour invested, every decision made actually advances their interests. When the insured is the center of gravity, the right answers about cost, quality and process will follow. That is the least they are owed. Melaragni is a professor and program director of the pharmaceutical business program at MCPHS University. He previously held senior management roles at Hewlett-Packard, OneBeacon Insurance and Allegient Systems/ Bottomline Technologies. Hemp advocates in Ohio hit a significant roadblock this week when Attorney General Dave Yost rejected their petition language aimed at blocking recently passed restrictions. But according to Today in Ohio podcast host Chris Quinn, the setback highlights a strategic error in their approach. On Thursdays episode, Lisa Garvin noted that the advocacy group saw the rejection of their petition to block recently passed hemp regulations, which means hemp-based beverages, gummies and other products will not be available after March. They submitted their petition languageto get the question to voters but Attorney General Dave Yost found multiple flaws in it, including inaccuracies. While the advocacy group characterized the rejection as merely a speed bump in their efforts, Quinn argued they should step back and rethink their strategy. I think theyre making a mistake in their tactic here. Instead of battling this law, why not take the exact language that was used at every step of the marijuana legalization effort and just change it to cannabis and put it on the ballot in November and change it permanently, Quinn suggested. Going after this law seems like a stutter step. The current approach by Ohioans for Cannabis Choice focuses on blocking Senate Bill 56 through a referendum, which would require collecting 250,000 signatures from at least 44 counties by mid-March. If successful, that would prevent the bill from taking effect until voters decide its fate. However, Quinn proposed a more comprehensive solution: crafting a new initiated statute that would permanently secure hemp legalization in Ohio, similar to the successful marijuana legalization effort. This approach would bypass the need for a defensive battle against Senate Bill 56 and instead establish stronger, more permanent protections. I get it. Thered be a nine month period or something where the stuff is illegal, but at least youd have a full throated law on the books that fixes things. And nobody can stop it because weve already done it once and it was ruled to be legal, Quinn explained. The timeline for the current effort is extremely tight, but with a bigger effort, Quinn said the group would have breathing room. Whether they adjust their strategy or continue with their current approach, the coming weeks will be crucial. Listen to the episode here. Listen to full Today in Ohio episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston. January 14, 2026: Last year in Europe there were over a thousand incidents of drones flying near or over military installations. Over 2,000 drones were involved, and, in 96 percent of the incidents, the drone operators could not be identified. German intelligence experts concluded that whoever was doing this had financial and logistical resources to carry out these extensive drone operations. The primary suspect was Russia, which had already been caught carrying out sabotage and disruption operations in the Baltic Sea, Germany and the Netherlands. In May of last year, two cargo ships, the HAV Dolphin and the HAV Snapper, were seen behaving strangely. The Dolphin was moving aimlessly around Kiel Bay for ten days. The ship never unloaded or took on cargo. Meanwhile, over a hundred kilometers away, off the Netherlands coast, the Snapper remained stationary near a Dutch island two hours before seven drones were seen hovering over the Russian freighter Lauga being escorted by the German police to the North Sea. The Snapper stayed behind for four days, moving aimlessly in circles. The activities of Dolphin and Snapper were reported briefly and not with much detail, in European media. Seven German journalism students noted these stories and decided to practice what they were studying and find out what was really going on. It took the students five week and a 2,500 kilometer automobile ride across three countries to find out what Russian drones were doing over Europe and how they were getting there. The students obtained relevant classified documents describing the extent of the drone problem. While the documents were classified, most of the data had already appeared in European media. The mystery drones had been seen over military installations and in several instances that included drone activity shutting down commercial airports for hours or intermittently over a period of days. The public uproar over these disruptions led German police and security agencies to go after the usual suspects. These included the two Russian freighters Dolphin and Snapper. Both ships were searched several times and nothing was found. The German student investigators discovered that the searches were perfunctory and superficial. Left unsearched were shipping containers that would have contained drones and equipment to launch and operate them. Drones had been spotted over or near defense manufacturing facilities, chemical producers and nuclear power plants. The drones were also showing over areas where shipments of military equipment for Ukraine were being prepared. Any facility involved with supporting Ukrainian military operations noticed more drones buzzing around. When concerned citizens or local officials made inquiries, the government always seemed to give the same answer, that there was nothing sinister going on and that these investigations were ongoing. None of this was true, because no government agency was putting all the clues together and discovering what the seven students later revealed. And the revelation was that the drones were Russian, not local hobbyists or civilians using their own drones. Most of the suspicious drone activity took place near the North Sea or Baltic Sea coast. The Russians were using three cargo ships, Lauga, Dolphin and Snapper as launch platforms for drones. Most commercial ships currently carry drones to assist in operations. But the Russian ships were carrying hundreds of drones as well as drone operators and technicians to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance and occasional harassment missions. The seven German journalism students sorted through all this data and concluded, in a well-documented assessment, that the Russians were using the same three cargo ships to carry out espionage activities. These ships were working for the Russian Defense Ministry, and it took seven diligent German students to document and prove it. The students used publicly available AIS/Automated Identification System ship tracking systems to find where Lauga, Dolphin and Snapper were and had been. Currently you can still track these ships via the AIS. Western intelligence agencies rely on AIS tracking for all sorts of things. AIS was originally developed to make it easier to track ships at sea and was rapidly adopted by most large commercial vessels in the 1990s. AIS is essentially an automatic radio transponder beacon that, when it receives a signal from a nearby AIS equipped ship, responds with the ship's identity, course, and speed. This is meant to enable AIS ships to avoid collisions with each other. Smugglers or merchant ships dealing in shady practices turn off their AIS. January 14, 2026: The Ukraine War has had some dangerous repercussions inside Russia. Over the last four years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been so engrossed with the war in Ukraine that the governors ruling the 48 Oblasts/Provinces have been acting independently. Before the war, Putin regularly met with governors in person or video conferences. As the Ukraine War dragged on, Putin had less time to confer with and manage his appointed governors. It could have been worse, because in the two decades before the Ukraine War, Putin abolished local elections for governors and appointed trusted aides to be governors. After three years of war, the appointed governors found that Putin was no longer paying much attention to provincial affairs or what the governors were doing. The governors played an important role in supplying the Russian military with soldiers. The governors had to use money from the provincial treasury to pay enlistment bonuses to new soldiers. While the national government paid and equipped soldiers once they left their province, the governors had to look after the families and pay compensation to families who lost a son or father in the war. The financial burden on some provinces became intolerable after three years. For the less affluent provinces that meant they could no longer pay the signing bonuses to induce men to join the army. Many potential recruits were put off by how many local men had already been killed in Ukraine. Putin had grown so out of touch with provincial affairs that he did not notice the decline in the number and quality of new troops until it was too late. In the last year Putins attention was monopolized by the catastrophic losses Russia was suffering in Ukraine. When the governors were asked for explanations, they made excuses and assured the boss that the crisis would be taken care of. Putin sensed what was going on and considered appointing new governors in the provinces with the most problems. He was told by his aides that a new governor was unlikely to fix anything because many provinces were broke and the local populations were openly protesting the privations because of the Ukraine War effort. Many provinces were drifting dangerously close to rebellion and civil war. And then there were the growing number of economic sanctions that made it impossible to manufacture many or any high-tech weapons. The rundown railroads were already having problems keeping remote parts of Russia supplied with food and fuel. Things werent so bad in Moscow, where Putin and his associates live. Putin ignored the privations suffered in the rest of Russia, declaring them western propaganda. The provincial governors were appointed by Putin, who expected to hear from them that everything was fine. The governors went along with this until they couldnt. At that point they slip out of the country and live off the billions of dollars they have stolen and deposited in foreign banks. January 16, 2026: Iranian hackers, both independents and those employed by government agencies, are currently going after Israeli targets. The Iranian government was unable to carry out an effective military retribution for Israeli airstrikes last June. As part of that campaign, Iranian hackers recently offered a $30,000 reward for information on Israeli military systems as well as personnel who design them. Iran was particularly interested in air defense systems like Arrow and the Davids Sling clone of the American Patriot. The information on personnel will be used for further hacker attacks and harassment on social media like Facebook and X. There is always the assassination option, but Israeli internal security is difficult to infiltrate. While Israel has many operatives in Iran, there are few, if any Iranian operatives in Israel. The best the Iranians can do is hacking into Israeli school public address systems. After that the Iranians caused similar mischief at Israeli universities, mass media operations and manufacturers. Iran also went after Iranians living in the West, especially those running media operations for Iranians outside and inside Iran. This is all part of Iranian CyberWar operations that have been going on in the 21 st Century. For the last quarter century, Iran has been waging a CyberWar against its enemies. Iran attempts to keep its victories unpublicized and other nations are glad to mention Iranian CyberWar defeats because it demonstrates that the Iranians are vulnerable. This was the case when Iran was unsuccessful in avenging the January 2020 death via an American UAV missile strike of their chief of foreign wars commander, Quds Force general Qassem Soleimani. The mass media tends to track Iranian vengeance efforts in terms of direct attacks on Americans in Syria and Iraq, which so far have been unsuccessful. The situation is different in a less visible war, waged by Iranian hackers, where there have been victories, but Iran keeps these victories quiet because continued success depends on the victim not being aware they were attacked or who did it. Iran victories are often won due to the efforts of Iranian hacker organizations. Successful attacks are known as APTs/Advanced Persistent Threats, and for a decade one of the deadliest groups was one called APT 35. Internet security firms track these APT groups and use the APT label to identify those groups that have been around for a while, usually with the help of a national sponsor. APT35 is Iranian, has been active since 2014 and often works for the Iranian IRGC/Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Security firms are constantly looking for APT campaigns. One which APT35 favored used Facebook to establish dozens of fake recruiters of military personnel leaving the service and seeking civilian employment. APT35 used the social engineering approach to entice military personnel looking for a lucrative civilian job to supply useful information on their current jobs or download apps that did help them in their job search but also contained hidden malware/hacker software giving the hackers secret access to the users computer and sometimes military networks as well. This APT35 exploit was detected by security firms who alerted Facebook, which began finding and canceling hundreds of APT35 accounts used to operate this swindle. Facebook kept looking until it was certain that the illegal activity was gone, and it took many months to find and delete all the fake accounts. The APT35 recruiter campaign was damaged and then destroyed. For APT35 it still counted as a win because much damage was done, and Facebook and the Department of Defense tried to measure the extent of the damage. Avenging Soleimani was not the only reason for the Facebook campaign, which was expensive to create and sustain. While APT35 was compensated by Iran, which benefited from some of the hacks into the US military and defense contractors, APT35s Facebook campaign was also payback for less visible defeats APT35 suffered since 2018, when the American government secretly authorized the CIA to engage in offensive CyberWar operations. This capability had long been sought, and one reason permission was finally granted was the increased defensive CyberWar capabilities Western companies had developed. This effort was market driven because the damage done via hacking Internet networks makes it more difficult to sell Internet based equipment and services. One of the major developments since 2001 has been the creation and growth of Internet security operations. Initially these were firms that sold and supported their own Internet security software. Soon the major Internet companies got involved again because it was good business. Hackers were seen as pests in the Internet based computing ecosystem. One after another Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Amazon, and others got more involved in protecting their customers from hackers. These separate operations cooperated by sharing information, especially about hacking groups as well as the new tools and techniques hackers were using. The effectiveness of this cooperative effort enabled the CIA to make a case for offensive operations. There was now enough intelligence being obtained, which the U.S. government as the largest computer and network user in the world had access to so that the CIA could realistically plan and conduct offensive operations. While details of offensive operations are usually kept secret, the same is not the case with many defensive operations. That is because information about hacker techniques and tools is best exploited by letting users know how they are vulnerable and how to avoid it or deal with the problem if they were a target. One example of this came from the IBM X-Force IRIS/Incident Response and Intelligence Services security team. One of the many hacking groups X-Force was aware of, an Iranian mercenary hacker cooperative called ITG18, had been hacked and 40 GB of hacker how-to videos were obtained. These videos were created to upgrade the skills of Iranian hackers via the use of Bandicam, a video recorder which creates annotated videos of activities on a video screen. These vids showed how hackers used their tools and revealed new uses or more effective use of current techniques. ITG18 was in it for the money, but the Bandicam videos showed that the victims were often military or government personnel who might have access to information that could be sold to any country interested in that sort of thing. The ITG18 hack also revealed many tools and techniques APT35 used, and all Iranian hackers saw the American effort that publicized their tools as a direct attack that must be avenged. X-Force gained a lot of useful information from the Bandicam videos and passed on a lot of it to IBM customers and computer users in general. For example, the videos revealed some techniques that were not known while also revealing how effective some security techniques were. For example, banks and other Internet services have long urged their customers to use second-factor authentication when logging in. The second factor is usually a four-digit security code sent to the users cell phone. There have been several claims that second-factor schemes could be hacked, even though this took a lot of effort. The ITG18 videos revealed that hackers were advised to ignore accounts that used second factor because it consumed so much time to hack and there were so many accounts available that did not use second factor. Israel is one of the two countries (the other is the United States) which participates in a perpetual CyberWar with Iran, one that receives little official publicity. Not even all the damage is publicized, as a lot of the damage is undetected, often for a long time, by the victim. While Iran has made the most noise about this CyberWar, Israel is doing the most destruction. Israel wants to keep it that way and keep it quiet. Partly this is to keep the Iranians confused, but it is also to keep Israeli government lawyers happy. A lot of the tactics and weapons used in CyberWar are of uncertain legality. The traditional Laws of War have not caught up with CyberWar. This process has been going on for some time, and some aspects of it do surface in the media. For example, Israel established the National Cybernetic Taskforce, with orders to devise and implement defensive measures to protect the economy and government from Internet based attacks. The task force consisted of about eighty people and was run by a retired general. Existing Internet security efforts, and military CyberWar organizations have discovered a growing number of vulnerabilities in the national Internet infrastructure. The only solution to this growing vulnerability is a large-scale effort to monitor the national network infrastructure for vulnerabilities and fix them as quickly as possible. You will never catch all the vulnerabilities, victory is not always a matter of who is better, but who is worse and more vulnerable to attack. Israel makes no secret of what it thinks about its CyberWar capabilities. Israel eventually revealed that its cryptography operation, Unit 8200, has added computer hacking to its skill set. The head of Israeli Military Intelligence said that he believed Israel had become the leading practitioner of CyberWar. This came in the wake of suspicions that Israel rather than the US had created the Stuxnet worm, which got into Iran's nuclear fuel enrichment equipment and destroyed a lot of it. Iran also complained that a 2011 worm, called Star, caused them trouble. Intelligence organizations usually keep quiet about their capabilities but, in this case, the Israelis felt it was more useful to scare the Iranians with the threat of more stuff like Stuxnet. But the Iranians have turned around and tried to attack Israel and are determined to keep at it for as long as it takes. This struggle between Israel and Iran is nothing new. At one point, Israel announced that Unit 8200 had cracked an Iranian communications code, an operation that allowed Israel to read messages concerning Iranian efforts to keep its nuclear weapons program going with Pakistani help, despite Iranian promises to UN weapons inspectors that the program was being shut down. It has long been known that Unit 8200 of the Israeli army specialized in cracking codes for the government. This was known because so many men who had served in Unit 8200 went on to start companies specializing in cryptography, coding information so that no unauthorized personnel can know what the data is. But it is unusual for a code-cracking organization to admit to deciphering someone's code. The Iranians stopped using the code in question, or the Israelis just wanted to scare the Iranians. Israel is concerned about Iran getting nuclear weapons, mainly because the Islamic conservatives that control Iran have as one of their primary goals the destruction of Israel. In response to these Iranian threats, Israel has said that it will do whatever it takes to stop Iran from getting nukes. This includes doing the unthinkable, admitting that you had successfully taken apart an opponent's secret code. Israel keeps trying to convince Iran that a long-time superiority in codebreaking was now accompanied by similarly exceptional hacking skills. Whether it was true or not, it's got to have rattled the Iranians. The failure of their counterattacks can only have added to their unease. January 16, 2026: Last year Russia decided to abandon its brigade-based army organization and return to a division-based system. So far the Russian Pacific Fleet has upgraded its 155 th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade to a division size unit. The army is also converting its brigades to division size units. At the end of 2025 the army had 70 combat divisions. About half of those divisions were deployed in or near Ukraine. Most of these units were Motor Rifle divisions, consisting of a battalion size division command organization, two motor rifle regiments and one tank battalion. These were supported by a self-propelled artillery regiment, anti-tank and anti-aircraft units as well as a reconnaissance and engineer battalion. Support was provided by a communications battalion, a logistics battalion and a medical evacuation battalion. In 1917 Russia modified a 2008 reorganization to reconstitute the famous, during World War II and the Cold War, 1st Guards Tank Army. This revived unit was stationed in western Russia, the better to frighten European countries that were invaded during World War II, or threatened by it during the Cold War by the original 1st Guards Tank Army. The latest version was a showcase unit and the first to receive new tanks and other weapons as well as the best troops available. The new 1st Guards Tank Army was actually remarkably similar to its World War II counterpart. Back then mechanized tank or infantry forces were based on brigades organized into division-sized mechanized or tank corps. Thus the World War II 1st Guards Tank Army consisted of the 8th Guards Mechanized Corps with three motorized infantry brigades and one tank brigade. The 11th Guards Tank Corps of three tank brigades and one motorized infantry brigade. The 2015 version consisted of one tank division with two tank regiments. There was one mechanized infantry division with one tank regiment, three mechanized infantry regiments, one independent tank brigade and one independent mechanized infantry brigade. At full strength this unit had about 14,000 troops. Because of heavy casualties in Ukraine and difficulties recruiting additional troops, actual division strength is ten to twelve thousand personnel. During the 1949-1991 Cold War the 1st Guards Tank Army consisted of two tank divisions and one mechanized infantry division. All three divisions of the 1st Guards Tank Army had about the same number of troops, some 35,000 troops and about 300 tanks. All three versions had supporting troops, artillery, anti-aircraft, engineers, supply and so on. The World War II era brigades had few support units and depended on the corps and army for supply, maintenance, artillery and so on. In 2008 Russia reorganized its army by replacing divisions with more self-sufficient brigades. When that change was complete several years later the combat forces consisted of 57 combat brigades composed of 33 mechanized infantry, four tank and 22 Spetsnaz, airborne or air assault units. These brigades were about half the size of American combat brigades and about a third of the personnel were conscripts who served for one year. The skill levels of troops in these brigades were much lower than for comparable troops in American or British brigades and elite brigades in French, German and some other Western forces. There were also 28 combat support brigades, eight armed with multi-barrel rocket launchers like the U.S. MLRS, nine with short range ballistic missiles, ten with anti-aircraft missile systems and one engineer brigade. Russia, like the United States, did not get rid of divisions as divisions, but they became a headquarters with some support units that could handle two or more combat brigades. 262026/02/02 CNBC's Jim Cramer on Thursday praised Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs , suggesting the financial giants are worth more than what they're currently trading for. "These are not some episodic rollercoaster firms. They're solid, granite, tungsten, even," he said. "Yet they sell at multiples far lower than Colgate or Procter & Gambleor just the average stock in the S&P 500. That's farcical." Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs released quarterly reports Thursday and managed to impress Wall Street. Both banks' results were boosted by strength in wealth management. The companies each hit new 52-week highs, and Morgan Stanley finished up 5.78% while Godman Sachs added 4.63%. Cramer reminisced about the early years of his career when he sought out a job at Goldman Sachs and was repeatedly rejected. He explained how he finally got hired after many arduous attempts to get his foot in the door. Cramer said he managed to receive an offer from Goldman Sachs after he impressed recruiters with his extensive knowledge of stocks as well as a pending bid from peer Morgan Stanley. Cramer said these banks have incredibly high standards which means buyers should realize that their stocks are worth more than their current prices, even after Thursday's rallies. Investment banks are "are finally starting to get their due," Cramer said, indicating the group's gains are set to continue. "I'll tell you when it's too late to buy, but for now, we're definitely not there yet," he said. CEO of Coinbase Brian Armstrong is interviewed for CNBC in the Russell Senate office building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., Jan. 15, 2026. Senators are vowing to go forward on a major crypto bill that would give the industry the rule of the road after a planned committee vote was derailed at the 11th hour. But the biggest sticking points have been issues for months as Democrats, Republican, the crypto industry and banks have tried to find common ground. The likelihood that the latest version of the bill, which was released late Monday, would be able to get the approval of the Banking Committee was already tenuous when Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong tweeted on Wednesday afternoon that Coinbase would not be able to support the bill, listing several concerns including a reduced role for the CFTC and limits on the ability for crypto to offer consumers rewards in the bill.. "It was the 1,000th cut in a death by 1000 cuts," Sen. Cynthia Lummis told CNBC of Armstrong's tweet. A few hours after Armstrong publicly opposed the bill, Banking Chair Tim Scott, R-S.C., formally called off the hearing, postponing it to a yet-to-be-announced date. Armstrong told CNBC that after a new version of the bill was dropped late Monday night, he was surprised by some of the provisions in it. By the time Coinbase's team identified key areas of concern, it was too late for any changes to be made in a markup. "We've got a chance to do a new draft and hopefully get back into a markup in a few weeks," Armstrong said. Lummis, said it could take until February or March to re-hold the vote. "I feel like I got run over by a Mack truck," said Lummis, one of the biggest crypto proponents on Capitol Hill who has worked on similar legislation for years. "But we'll get back at it after this break and find some ways to fix the bill." One of the biggest debates around the bill deals with the rewards that companies can offer stablecoin holders. Under the stablecoin law, crypto exchanges cannot offer customers interest on stablecoin however they can offer rewards that act like interest. Banks have said the language could lead to hundreds of billions being moved from deposits to stablecoin one Fed report suggests there could be a credit squeeze of hundreds of billion to as much as $1.2 trillion if stablecoin can offer interest. Armstrong said he would like to speak with bank CEOs directly on this, but argued that the bill needed to treat both industries equally. "Crypto companies should be allowed to compete and offer loans just like banks," he said. Banks are also preparing to fight for more favorable language. More than 3,000 banks signed a petition lead by the American Bankers Association warning that allowing crypto to offer interest-like rewards "will siphon trillions from local lending, leaving less money available for car loans, agricultural loans, mortgages, and small business borrowing that drive local economies." Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., said she's spoken with representatives from the banking and crypto industries, and she thinks if there is more time to negotiate, an agreement can be reached soon. "Everyone agrees that there has to be a compromise somewhere in there, and making sure that we are allowing the innovation to grow," she said. Caleigh Keating contributed to this article. U.S. President Trump meets with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in the Oval Office, during which she presented the President with her Nobel Peace Prize, in Washington, D.C, U.S., released January 15, 2026. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday during a White House meeting, in a bid to influence his efforts to shape her country's political future. A White House official confirmed that Trump intends to keep the medal. In a social media post on Thursday evening, 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!" Machado, who described the meeting as "excellent," said the gift was in recognition of what she called his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. The White House later posted a photo of Trump and Machado with the president holding up a large, gold-colored frame displaying the medal. Accompanying text read, "To President Donald J. Trump In Gratitude for Your Extraordinary Leadership in Promoting Peace through Strength," and labeled the gesture as a "Personal Symbol of Gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan People." Machado's attempt to sway Trump came after he dismissed the idea of installing her as Venezuela's 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. Though Machado gave Trump the gold medal that honorees receive with the prize, the honor remains hers; the Norwegian Nobel Institute has said the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked. Asked on Wednesday if he wanted Machado to give him the prize, Trump told Reuters: "No, I didn't say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize." The Republican president has long expressed interest in winning the prize and has at times linked it to diplomatic achievements. The lunch meeting, which appeared to last slightly over an hour, marked the first time the two have met in person. Machado then met with more than a dozen senators, both Republican and Democratic, on Capitol Hill, where she has generally found more enthusiastic allies. During the visit, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had looked forward to meeting Machado, but stood by his "realistic" assessment that she did not currently have the support needed to lead the country in the short term. Machado, who fled the South American nation in a daring seaborne escape in December, is competing for Trump's ear with members of Venezuela's government and seeking to ensure she has a role in governing the nation going forward. After the United States captured Maduro in a snatch-and-grab operation this month, opposition figures, members of Venezuela's diaspora and politicians throughout the U.S. and Latin America expressed hope for Venezuela to begin a process of democratization. Hopes of a move to democracy Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, one of the senators who met with Machado, said the opposition leader had told senators that repression in Venezuela was no different now than under Maduro. Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez is a "smooth operator" who was growing more entrenched by the day thanks to Trump's support, he said. "I hope elections happen, but I'm skeptical," said Murphy, of Connecticut. Trump has said he is focused on securing U.S. access to the country's oil and economically rebuilding Venezuela. Trump has on several occasions praised Rodriguez, Maduro's second-in-command, who became Venezuela's leader upon his capture. In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Trump said, "She's been very good to deal with." Machado was banned from running in Venezuela's 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. In an annual address to lawmakers, Rodriguez called for diplomacy with the United States and said should she need to travel to Washington, she would do so "walking on her feet, not dragged there." She also said she would propose reforms to her country's oil industry aimed at increasing access for foreign investors. The city skyline is seen with the landmark Taipei 101 building from a lookout point on Elephant Mountain in Taipei on April 14, 2025. (Photo by I-Hwa Cheng / AFP) (Photo by I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty Images) Asian chip stocks climbed Friday after the U.S. reached a trade deal with Taiwan, bringing the island and South Korea's index to record highs. Under the agreement, Taiwanese semiconductor companies commited to invest at least $250 billion in U.S. production capacity in exchange for lower "reciprocal" tariffs. The Taiwan Weighted Index climbed 1.94% and closed at a record high of 31,408.7, making it the best-performing Asian market on Friday. South Korea's Kospi was up 0.9% and closed at a record high of 4,840.74, marking its 11th straight day of gains. The small-cap Kosdaq was 0.36% up to 954.59. Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. rose 2.96% after the company delivered another record quarter, saying it expects to boost capital spending in 2026 to between $52 billion and $56 billion. Saba Capital, the activist hedge fund led by Boaz Weinstein, has a new target: Workspace Group , a U.K. real estate investment trust (REIT). The New York-based fund manager is calling for a managed wind-down of the trust, which operates office buildings in London and the south-east of England. In a letter to the Workspace board, Saba which holds 13.5% of the trust's shares said the company's "highly persistent" discount to net asset value of around 45% is now "entrenched." Tougher refinancing conditions for commercial real estate and a "highly concentrated" and "illiquid" shareholder composition make it impossible for Workspace's management to unlock value, Paul Kazarian, a partner at Saba, said in the letter. Saba founder and chief investment officer Boaz Weinstein first highlighted Workspace as a potential opportunity at the Sohn London hedge fund conference in November. Now, the activist investor is stepping up the pressure, giving the board until February 20 to adopt its proposals in full or face further escalation. Workspace owns and manages 73 office assets across London and the south-east of England, totaling around 4.3 million square feet. WKP-GB 5Y mountain Workspace Group. Saba sees Workspace's concentrated shareholder base as an "obstacle to future growth" which will continue to discourage investors from building new positions and hamper future fundraising efforts, Kazarian said in the letter. "It is unlikely to change organically, and in its current form, it reinforces the impression that the Company lacks a viable long-term path within capital markets," he wrote. Instead, Saba believes a staged asset sale over 12 months would allow Workspace to repay debt and deliver a "timely and substantial" return of capital to shareholders, adding that recent deals show high-quality commercial real estate can be sold at or above book value. "Public markets investors are requiring a 7.0% dividend yield to invest in the company's shares, among the highest dividend yields in the U.K. REIT sector, where the industry average is 5.5%," Kazarian said. "Private market investors have demonstrated willingness to acquire high-quality assets at lower targeted returns, which could result in much higher values for the company's assets in a competitive sale process." 'Out of touch' Workspace CEO Lawrence Hutchings acknowledged a "tough operating environment in our market" in its half-year results statement in November. But one analyst called the proposals "out of touch" with the dynamics of the U.K. real-estate sector. In a note, Panmure Liberum analysts criticized Saba's plan, suggesting it "fundamentally misunderstands" the nature of Workspace's business. "REITs are different beasts," Panmure analyst Tim Leckie wrote. The 12-month timeframe for the asset disposal is "out of touch" with liquidity and transaction constraints in commercial real estate, while its portfolio of largely short-term lets requires local market knowledge and in-house expertise, he continued. "The only path to value for WKP shareholders is backing CEO Lawrence Hutchings and his operational strategy," Leckie said in the Jan. 14 note. Workspace declined to comment on Saba's proposals when contacted by CNBC. EWI-GB 1Y mountain Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust. The dramatic break-up plan is the latest salvo in Saba's long-running fight against the boards of U.K. investment trusts, which are known as closed-end funds in the U.S. The $6 billion hedge fund firm, which trades credit relative value opportunities, has built up large stakes in several trusts, often with the aim of overhauling the boards in order to drive change and slash the large NAV discounts. One current high-profile battle centers around Baillie Gifford's tech-focused Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust . EWIT shareholders will vote later this month on plans to remove the existing board and replace them with Saba-backed directors. Thursday offered markets a rare respite from nonstop geopolitical upheaval. Yet the week's headlines still reflected larger global dynamics. Case in point: Taiwan's $250 billion investment in chip production in the U.S., which is as much a strategic move as a commercial one. The agreement will see the U.S. lower tariffs on Taiwanese imports to 15% from 20% and remove them altogether on other products, such as generic pharmaceuticals and aircraft components. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has already purchased land and could expand in Arizona as part of this deal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC's Brian Sullivan in an interview Thursday. The firm is also considering additional investments in the U.S. beyond current plans, TSMC Chief Financial Officer Wendell Huang told CNBC's Emily Tan on Thursday. The world's leading contract chipmaker also announced blowout earnings on Thursday. TSMC also said it's raising its expected capital expenditure for 2026, indicating that demand for artificial intelligence remains high this year. This wave of optimism helped power stock markets higher. Semiconductor and AI-related stocks such as Nvidia , Advanced Micro Devices and Applied Materials advanced in the U.S., while European producers of chip-making equipment, such as ASML and ASM International , also climbed. In Europe, stocks are poised to end the week on a record high. A rally in technology shares has lifted the sector to levels not seen since 2000, while fresh data showing Germany's economy expanding in 2025 for the first time in two years also boosted sentiment. Oil prices, meanwhile, slid after U.S. President Donald Trump said he could hold off on attacking Iran, easing a major source of near-term risk. But tensions remain elsewhere. Several NATO nations announced they've deployed troops to Greenland as part of a joint exercise to bolster Arctic security. These movements follow strained transatlantic discussions over U.S. proposals to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory a suggestion that has unsettled European partners and raised fundamental questions about the alliance. CNBC's Kif Leswing and Leonie Kidd contributed to this report. Thursday offered markets a rare respite from nonstop geopolitical upheaval. Yet the week's headlines still reflected larger global dynamics. Case in point: Taiwan's $250 billion investment in chip production in the U.S. is not just a commercial move for the participating companies, but also part of a sweeping trade deal with Washington. It'll see the U.S. lowering tariffs on Taiwanese imports to 15% from 20%, and removing them altogether on other products, such as generic pharmaceuticals and aircraft components. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has already bought land and could expand in Arizona as part of this deal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC's Brian Sullivan in an interview Thursday. The world's leading contract chipmaker also announced blowout earnings on Thursday, posting a 35% increase in fourth-quarter profit on the year, giving it eight consecutive quarters of year-over-year profit growth. TSMC also said it's raising its expected capital expenditure for 2026, indicating that demand for artificial intelligence remains high this year. This wave of optimism helped power stock markets higher. Semiconductor and AI-related stocks such as Nvidia , Advanced Micro Devices and Applied Materials advanced in the U.S., while European producers of chip-making equipment, such as ASML and ASM International , also climbed. Better-than-expected earnings from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley also boosted performance in U.S. markets. Oil prices slid after U.S. President Donald Trump said he could hold off on attacking Iran, easing a major source of near-term risk. But tensions remain elsewhere. Several NATO nations announced they've deployed troops to Greenland as part of a joint exercise to bolster Arctic security. These movements follow strained transatlantic discussions over U.S. proposals to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory a suggestion that has unsettled European partners and raised fundamental questions about the alliance. CNBC's Kif Leswing contributed to this report. In this article GOOGL Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now Alphabet shares started 2025 with investors questioning whether Google could keep up with ChatGPT maker OpenAI in the AI race. By year's end, the stock had notched its best performance since 2009. Google got its AI mojo back. Much of that was driven out of DeepMind, the British company Google acquired in 2014 for around 400 million. In a wide-ranging interview for CNBC's new podcast, The Tech Download, DeepMind's founder and CEO Demis Hassabis called it "the engine room" of Google's AI efforts, adding that changes had been made to enable the tech giant to rapidly roll out AI products amid a "ferocious competitive environment." Hassabis said he talks to Google CEO Sundar Pichai "every day," underscoring how close the two executives are working to innovate quickly. "All the AI technologies is done by this group ... and then it's diffused across all of these incredible products right across Google," Hassabis told The Tech Download, which launched on Friday. "And the last couple of years, we've been building that backbone, so not just the models, but also ... architecting the entire infrastructure of Google so that ... these things can ship incredibly quickly." This could be key for Google as it faces another year of competition from OpenAI as well as a plethora of other players from Amazon to Perplexity and Anthropic. "It's a ferocious competitive environment at the moment," Hassabis said. He added "many" veterans who'd been in tech for "20, 30 years," had told him this was "the most intense environment they've ever seen, perhaps ever in the technology industry." Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Alphabet's stock performance over the last 12 months. Daily calls with Sundar Pichai In 2023, Google made a key change to combine its Google Brain research division with DeepMind, a move that laid the foundation for its success with the company's flagship AI assistant Gemini. Other key shifts, such as promoting executive Josh Woodward to run Gemini, played their part. When OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022, Google was playing catch-up. Product missteps with its AI tools along the way, particularly in 2024, reinforced the industry's impression that Google was struggling to compete. Hassabis said the company's issue wasn't inventing tech. Transformers, a key architecture that underpins large language models, were created by Google researchers after all. The company's issue was "maybe" that it was "a little bit slow to commercialize it and scale it," Hassabis continued. "That's what OpenAI and others did very well," he added. "The last two, three years, I think we've had to come back to almost our startup or entrepreneurial roots and be scrappier, be faster, ship things really quickly and sort of make really rapid progress," Hassabis said. Google CEO Sundar Pichai addresses the crowd during Google's annual I/O developers conference in Mountain View, California on May 20, 2025. Camille Cohen | AFP | Getty Images The DeepMind CEO said the company "got into our groove" with the launch of Gemini 2.5 in March 2025. In November, Google launched Gemini 3, which was highly praised by tech CEOs and users for its speed. Hassabis said the Gemini models being developed at DeepMind can be shipped across various Google products, such as search, very quickly. "For the last sort of year, that's becoming really a smooth process now, and I think you'll see that more over the next 12 months," Hassabis said. "We think of ourselves and describe ourselves sort of as the engine room for that." Hassabis added that he and Pichai "pretty much talk every day about strategic things and where should the technology go, and what does the wider Google need," underscoring how integral DeepMind is to Google's wider plans and the pace the company is hoping to innovate. Hassabis said the conversations with Pichai will lead to potential adjustments of roadmaps and plans "on a daily basis," still with the longer-term view of achieving artificial general intelligence, an AI deemed as intelligent as humans and the Holy Grail of the industry, "first, fast and safely." AI bubble As tech giants commit hundreds of billions to building AI infrastructure and their shares continue to rise, market participants have debated whether the AI boom is a bubble. At the same time, venture capital money poured into AI startups with many raising funds at high valuations and little product. Hassabis said some parts of the industry "might be in a bubble" and others probably are not. "AI is going to be the most transformative technology ever invented," he said. He compared it to the dot-com bubble of the late 90s and early 2000s. "In the end, the internet was critical, and there were some generational companies that were created during that time," Hassabis said. "That's sort of almost inevitable. There'll be overexuberance once everyone realizes how transformative a specific technology is. And then there'll be a reckoning and then the things that are real will survive and flourish." CEO of DeepMind Demis Hassabis listens during a debate at an AI summit at Imperial College London, in central London on July 9, 2025. Ludovic Marin | Afp | Getty Images Clarksville, TN In a significant development involving academic freedom and due process, Austin Peay State University has agreed to pay $500,000 and reinstate a tenured theater professor who was fired following a social media post related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Darren Michael, an associate professor of acting and directing who had served at the Tennessee institution since 2007, returned to his faculty position on December 30, 2025, marking the end of a contentious months-long dispute that raised questions about tenure protections, free speech, and institutional procedures at public universities. The Incident That Sparked Controversy The controversy began on September 10, 2025, when Charlie Kirk, the co-founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk's assassination sent shockwaves through conservative circles and triggered a wave of social media activity across the political spectrum. In the immediate aftermath, Michael shared a 2023 Newsweek article on social media that quoted Kirk's own controversial statements about gun violence and the Second Amendment. The article's headline read: "Charlie Kirk says gun deaths are 'unfortunately' worth it to keep 2nd Amendment." The quote referenced Kirk's remarks from a 2023 event where he stated: "I think it's worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational." Critically, Michael did not add his own commentary or caption to the post beyond an ellipsis ("..."), simply sharing the headline and article without explicit editorial comment. Political Pressure and Swift Termination The post quickly drew attention from Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, a prominent Republican who shared a screenshot of Michael's post on X (formerly Twitter). Her post included not only Michael's social media content but also his faculty photograph, resume, email address, and phone number. Blackburn tagged Austin Peay State University directly, writing: "What do you say, @austinpeay?" The public pressure from a high-profile senator created an immediate crisis for university administrators. Two days later, on September 12, 2025, APSU President Mike Licari announced that Michael had been terminated. In a statement shared through campus communications, Licari characterized the social media activity as problematic on multiple levels. "A faculty member of Austin Peay State University reshared a post on social media that was insensitive, disrespectful and interpreted by many as propagating justification for unlawful death," Licari said. "Such actions do not align with Austin Peay's commitment to mutual respect and human dignity. The university deems these actions unacceptable and has terminated the faculty member." The university sent Michael a termination letter citing "recent social media posts that have caused significant reputational damage to the university." Due Process Failure and Legal Exposure The swift termination, however, created significant legal problems for the institution. Austin Peay State University, as a public institution, is bound by constitutional protections including the First Amendment. More importantly, Michael held tenurean employment status specifically designed to protect academic freedom and ensure due process before termination. According to reporting by local outlet Clarksville Now, university administrators soon recognized they had failed to follow required procedures for terminating a tenured faculty member. Tenure termination typically requires specific documented causes, faculty committee review, and opportunities for the faculty member to respond to chargesnone of which occurred in Michael's case. Facing potential legal liability for violating tenure protections and possibly infringing on First Amendment rights, the university shifted Michael's status from terminated to suspended in late September while initiating formal termination proceedings. This procedural adjustment, however, came too late to avoid legal consequences. The Settlement Agreement According to documents obtained by WKRN News 2, the settlement agreement between Michael and Austin Peay State University includes several components designed to compensate the professor and acknowledge institutional failures: Financial Compensation: The university will pay Michael $500,000a substantial sum that reflects both lost wages and potential damages from the improper termination. A lawyer representing Michael confirmed the settlement amount to The Tennessean. Counseling Reimbursement: APSU agreed to reimburse Michael for therapeutic counseling services, acknowledging the personal and professional toll of the public termination and subsequent controversy. Reinstatement: Michael returned to his tenured position as associate professor of acting and directing effective December 30, 2025, with full faculty rights and responsibilities restored. Public Acknowledgment: Perhaps most significantly, the university agreed to issue a statement acknowledging that it failed to follow proper tenure termination procedures. This statement must be distributed via email to faculty, staff, and students through the university's official communication channels. In this acknowledgment, President Licari adopted a markedly different tone than his original termination statement: "APSU did not follow the required termination process in this matter, and I deeply regret and apologize for the impact this has had on Professor Michael and on our campus community. I am committed to ensuring that due process and fairness are upheld in all future actions." APSU spokesperson Ginna Holleman confirmed the settlement to multiple news outlets while citing confidentiality provisions that prevented her from discussing specific terms. "Effective December 30, 2025, Professor Darren Michael has returned to his position as a tenured faculty member at Austin Peay State University," Holleman stated. "I can confirm that the university and Professor Michael reached a settlement agreement. As we are bound by confidentiality provisions of that agreement, I cannot provide further information or comment." Broader Context: A Wave of Firings Michael's case was far from isolated. Charlie Kirk's assassination triggered what some advocates characterized as a wave of retaliation against educators and public employees who made social media posts that were perceived as insensitive, inappropriate, or celebratory of the killing. In higher education alone, dozens of staff members across the country were fired or disciplined in the weeks following Kirk's death. The responses varied widely in severity and procedural rigor, creating a patchwork of cases now working their way through legal systems. In Texas, the state Education Agency encouraged school districts to report teachers who made "reprehensible and inappropriate" posts about Kirk's death. The Texas American Federation of Teachers subsequently filed a lawsuit arguing that the agency "unleashed a wave of retaliation and disciplinary actions against teachers" through this directive, according to reporting by The Texas Tribune and Associated Press. In Maine, a school board voted unanimously in December to dismiss a teacher over comments about Kirk's death, the Bangor Daily News reported. Similar cases have emerged in Florida and other states, with some resulting in litigation over First Amendment rights and employment protections. Tennessee itself has seen multiple cases. According to WKRN, a former state employee filed a federal lawsuit after being terminated for comments about Kirk, and a Metro Communications employee was placed on leave in September 2026 (likely a typo for 2025) with litigation pending. Academic Freedom and First Amendment Issues Legal experts and civil liberties advocates have raised significant concerns about the broad crackdowns on social media expression following Kirk's death. The cases touch on several intersecting legal and constitutional principles: First Amendment Protections: Public employees, including teachers and professors at state institutions, retain First Amendment rights even while employed by government entities. The Supreme Court has established that public employers cannot retaliate against employees for speech on matters of public concern unless that speech substantially interferes with workplace operations or the employee's duties. Tenure Protections: Tenure systems exist specifically to protect academic freedomthe principle that scholars should be free to research, teach, and speak on controversial topics without fear of retaliation. Tenure typically can only be revoked through specific documented processes, precisely to prevent administrators from firing faculty over unpopular or controversial speech. Content vs. Conduct: Courts have historically distinguished between punishing employees for the content of their speech (generally impermissible) versus punishing conduct that happens to involve speech (potentially permissible). Simply sharing an article, without explicitly endorsing violence or making threats, typically falls under protected speech. Political Pressure: Cases like Michael's raise questions about whether public institutions can maintain independence when facing pressure from elected officials. Senator Blackburn's public call for action, complete with Michael's contact information, created a highly charged political environment that may have influenced administrative decision-making. Jeremy Horpedahl, director of the Arkansas Center for Research in Economics at the University of Central Arkansas, characterized the settlement as a victory for academic freedom principles. "A tenured professor at Austin Peay was fired for some social media posts after Charlie Kirk's murder," he wrote on X. "Not only was he reinstated, the University has to pay him a $500K settlement. Academic freedom lives! (And it pays, sometimes)." The Ongoing Debate The Michael case and others like it continue to fuel intense debate about the boundaries of acceptable speech, the responsibilities of educators, and the appropriate responses to controversial social media activity. Some First Amendment advocates argue that the widespread firings represent dangerous overreach, potentially chilling legitimate speech and academic discourse. They contend that sharing an articleparticularly one quoting the deceased person's own wordswithout explicit endorsement of violence should be protected expression, even when the timing is insensitive. Supporters of the initial termination decisions argue that educators and public employees have special responsibilities given their positions of trust and influence. They contend that celebrating, or appearing to celebrate, a political assassination crosses lines of basic human decency and reflects poor judgment incompatible with educational roles. The fact that Michael shared Kirk's own words about gun violence without commentary adds complexity to the case. Some view this as ironic political commentaryhighlighting Kirk's past dismissal of gun deaths in the context of his own death by gun violence. Others see it as callous exploitation of a tragedy for political point-scoring. These competing interpretations illustrate broader societal divisions about free speech, political discourse, and the appropriate bounds of expression in educational and professional contexts. Implications for Higher Education The Michael settlement carries significant implications for higher education institutions, particularly public universities navigating similar situations: Procedural Rigor: The $500,000 price tag and public acknowledgment of failure send a clear message about the costs of ignoring tenure procedures, even under political pressure or public outcry. Administrative Decision-Making: University leaders may become more cautious about rapid responses to controversial speech incidents, recognizing the legal risks of hasty action. Political Independence: The case highlights tensions between institutional autonomy and political accountability for public universities, raising questions about how schools should respond to pressure from elected officials. Social Media Policies: Many institutions are reevaluating their social media policies and guidelines, attempting to provide clearer boundaries while respecting First Amendment protections. Faculty Confidence: The settlement may reassure faculty members that tenure protections have teeth, even when tested by high-profile controversies and political pressure. For Austin Peay State University specifically, the case represents both a financial cost and a reputational challenge. The institution must rebuild trust with faculty while navigating heightened scrutiny of how it handles future controversial situations. Looking Forward As Michael returns to his classroom and office, the case offers several lessons for higher education and public discourse more broadly: The importance of following established procedures, particularly those designed to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, cannot be overlooked even in moments of intense public pressure. Institutions that bypass their own rules typically face legal and financial consequences. Social media creates unprecedented challenges for both individuals and institutions. Posts that once might have reached only immediate social circles now can become national news within hours, creating instant crises that demand thoughtful rather than reactive responses. The tension between accountability and free expression remains unresolved. Society continues grappling with where to draw lines around controversial speech, particularly when that speech involves political violence or tragedy. Political polarization increasingly influences institutional decision-making, with elected officials actively intervening in personnel matters at public institutions. This trend raises fundamental questions about academic freedom and institutional autonomy. For now, Michael's return to Austin Peay State University marks the conclusion of this particular chapter. His $500,000 settlement stands as one of the more substantial financial consequences to emerge from the wave of post-Kirk terminations, likely influencing how other institutions and courts handle pending cases. The broader debate about free speech, academic freedom, and the appropriate boundaries of expression in educational contexts will undoubtedly continue, fueled by this case and others like it across the country. The pan-European Stoxx 600 finished the session 0.1% lower, with major bourses and most sectors mixed. The benchmark index was lifted by semiconductor stocks on Thursday amid positive results from TSMC, with some names extending gains into Friday. Shares of Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML reached a 52-week high, ending Friday's dealmaking 1.6% higher. Just a few days after a U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia judge gave Orsted the go-ahead to resume work on its nearly-finished Revolution Wind project, Equinor has been cleared by the same district to resume work on its Empire Wind project. The Trump administration halted five major offshore wind developments at the end of last year. Equinor's share price gained 2% on Friday. European troops arrived in Greenland late Thursday ahead of a Democratic-led visit to Denmark on Friday for talks with Danish MPs. A White House meeting over the Danish territory's future on Wednesday ended without a diplomatic breakthrough, although the U.S., Denmark and Greenland agreed to keep talking. Energy markets have been volatile recently as investors weigh a violent crackdown on civil unrest in oil-rich Iran and Washington's response, which includes possible tariffs on Iran's trading partners. March futures for the global benchmark Brent crude oil were last seen 1.1% higher, trading at $64.44 per barrel. Silver and gold have been on a tear as investors seek safer bets amid concerns of Federal Reserve Independence. Futures for March and February tied to the metals, however, were last seen 3.7% and 0.46% down, respectively. Asian chip stocks climbed Friday, lifting several regional markets even as broader Asia-Pacific trade remained mixed. Stateside, stock futures rose after a rally in banks and tech names boosted the major averages. There are no major data releases today. CNBC's Chloe Taylor and Sam Meredith contributed to this report. In this article GOOG GOOGL NVDA BABA 9988-HK Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now China's artificial intelligence models may be just "a matter of months" behind U.S. and Western capabilities, Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind told CNBC. The assessment from the head of one of the world's leading AI labs and a key driver behind Google's Gemini assistant, runs counter to views that have suggested China remains far behind. Speaking on CNBC's new podcast, The Tech Download, which launched on Friday, Hassabis said Chinese AI models are closer to U.S. and Western capabilities "than maybe we thought one or two years ago." "Maybe they're only a matter of months behind at this point," Hassabis told The Tech Download. About a year ago, Chinese AI lab DeepSeek came out with a model that sent shockwaves through markets because of its strong performance that was built on less-advanced chips and at a lower cost than American alternatives. While DeepSeek has released new models since, and the shock factor has worn off, China's tech giants like Alibaba and startups such as Moonshot AI and Zhipu have also released very capable models. Still, Hassabis said that while China could play catch up, the country's companies are yet to prove their ability to create AI breakthroughs. CEO of DeepMind Demis Hassabis listens during a debate at an AI summit at Imperial College London, in central London on July 9, 2025. Ludovic Marin | Afp | Getty Images "The question is, can they innovate something new beyond the frontier? So I think they've shown they can catch up ... and be very close to the frontier ... But can they actually innovate something new, like a new transformer ... that gets beyond the frontier? I don't think that's been shown yet," Hassabis said. The transformer was a scientific breakthrough made by Google researchers in 2017 that underpins the large language models that have been developed by AI labs in recent years, including those powering products like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. Other top technology figures have also given credit to China's progress. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said last year that the U.S. is "not far ahead" in the AI race. "China is well ahead of us on energy. We are way ahead on chips. They're right there on infrastructure. They're right there on AI models," Huang said. China chip challenges China's technology firms face a number of challenges, with access to critical technology among the biggest. There is a U.S. export ban in force on leading-edge semiconductors from Nvidia that are required to train more advanced AI models. The White House has indicated that it would approve sales of Nvidia's H200 chip to China, a more advanced semiconductor than the country recently had access to. However, it is not Nvidia's top-of-the-range product. Homegrown chip firms like Huawei have looked to fill the gap, but their performance still lags behind Nvidia's offering. Some analysts have suggested that over the longer term, the lack of access to Nvidia chips in China could mean the gap between U.S. and Chinese AI models widens. "I do suspect, though that we will start seeing a divergence as that superior U.S. AI infrastructure starts iterating those models and starts making those models more capable over time in years to come," Richard Clode, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson, told CNBC's "The China Connection" last week. "So I would expect from here we're probably at peak relative Chinese AI capability versus the U.S." watch now Even Chinese companies have acknowledged their difficulties. Lin Junyang, technical lead of Alibaba's Qwen team, said during an AI conference in Beijing last week, that there was a less than 20% chance that a Chinese firm would surpass U.S. tech giants in the next three-to-five years when it comes to AI, the South China Morning Post reported. Lin reportedly said that U.S. computing infrastructure is "one to two orders of magnitude larger" than China's. Hassabis however, puts the lack of frontier breakthroughs down to "mentality" rather than tech restrictions. 'Modern day Bell Labs' Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual joint call-in-show and press conference, on December 19, 2025 in Moscow, Russia. Russia called the Trump administration's threats to take over Greenland "extraordinary" on Friday, adding it would continue monitoring the situation. "The situation is unusual, I would even say extraordinary from the standpoint of international law," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to comments reported by Russian state news outlet Ria Novosti. U.S. President Donald Trump has talked up acquiring Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, since a daring military operation to depose Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3. He said the U.S. needs Greenland for national security and that only Washington can counter an alleged threat from Russia and China to the island. Peskov added that Trump "has said that international law is not a priority for him. The situation is developing along a different trajectory, and we, along with the rest of the world, will be watching to see which one." A spokesperson for the Kremlin was not immediately available to comment when contacted by CNBC. India's exports to China soared in December while shipments to the U.S. declined as President Donald Trump's steep tariffs prompt New Delhi to focus on alternative markets. Exports to China surged 67% in December to $2 billion, in contrast to goods shipped to the U.S. New Delhi's biggest export market that dropped 1.8% to $6.8 billion, according to government data released late Thursday. The U.S. has slapped 50% tariffs on New Delhi, among the highest on any country and even more than on China, upending both the trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the first nine months of the fiscal year ending March 2026, India's exports to mainland China have risen nearly 37%, while shipments to Hong Kong have jumped more than 25%. Earlier this week, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Sun Haiyan in New Delhi to discuss the "progress made in stabilizing and rebuilding bilateral ties with priority on business and people-centric engagements." Relations between the two countries have been thawing since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in September sharing a vision of being partners not rivals. China has emerged as India's largest goods trading partner, doing business worth $110.20 billion between April and December 2025, upstaging the U.S. at $105.31 billion, data from the India's commerce ministry shows. But India's widening trade deficit with Beijing and border disputes have been a bone of contention between the two. The country's trade balance with China is in sharp contrast with the U.S. New Delhi runs a trade surplus with Washington, while it's trade deficit with Beijing has been soaring. During April to December, India's trade surplus with the U.S. was more than $26 billion, deficit with China stood at $81.7 billion. In fiscal year 2025, India traded goods worth $131.84 billion with Washington and $127.71 billion with its Asian neighbor, not accounting for Hong Kong. The growth of China's biotechnology sector has been staggering. Beijing is pumping money into the industry, backing research efforts and helping launch a new wave of labs and incubators in the country. That's a problem for the U.S. biotech industry and also affects rare disease patients who are waiting for a cure. Among the experts speaking out against China's growing influence in the biotech sector is John Crowley, CEO of the lobbying group Biotechnology Innovation Organization, or BIO. Crowley is something of a rock star in the rare disease community. His story is as incredible as it is inspiring. When Crowley and his wife were told his two young children had Pompe disease, a fatal genetic disorder, Crowley left his job in marketing to try to find a cure. He partnered with a researcher who was working on Pompe, and started a company that eventually developed a treatment to save the lives of his children and thousands of others. If it sounds like the plot of a movie, it is. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Geeta Anand wrote a book about Crowley's story, which later became the Hollywood film "Extraordinary Measures," starring Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser. John Crowley, CEO of Biotechnology Innovation Organization Biotechnology Innovation Organization Crowley has certainly made his mark in the biotech space. He helped build two biotech companies focused on rare diseases that were later acquired by larger pharmaceuticals. Most recently, in December, BioMarin paid nearly $5 billion for Amicus Therapeutics, a company Crowley helped grow from a five-person startup in 2005 to a multibillion-dollar company when he left in 2024. Crowley left Amicus to become the CEO of BIO. Since stepping into that post, he has become increasingly outspoken about China's biotech sector, advocating for the U.S. to become more competitive. "We need to reduce the reliance on Chinese biotechs," Crowley said. "Once they are the dominant player, then they will decide who gets what medicines and technologies." Crowley has seen the growth of China's biotech firsthand. "I go back to even just 10 years ago, maybe, working in China. There were maybe a couple hundred true R&D biotech companies in China. By our count, there's over 4,000 today," he said. At the same time, Beijing is reducing the regulatory hurdles for drugmakers doing research in China, meaning the treatments they're working on can get into clinical trials more quickly. That's attractive to both major drug manufacturers and smaller researchers from around the world, who see developing drugs in China as a faster and cheaper option than in the United States. A recent article in STAT profiled the rise of one Chinese incubator, ATLATL, highlighting how it's been able to develop relationships with clients spanning the entire drug development pipeline. To Crowley, who is a former naval intelligence officer, China's rise in biotech is a threat not just to the industry he represents, but to the millions of patients who rely upon the rare disease research that comes out of American universities. "Our research grounded in our great academic institutions [is] a remarkable strategic advantage for the United States," Crowley said. "It's threatened today." "The greatest threat comes from China and the rise of Chinese biotechnology," Crowley said. "We can't let China win in biotech," he said. Crowley is not alone in his concerns. Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, a member of the CNBC Cures Advisory Board, devotes a chapter in his forthcoming book, "The Miracle Century," to China's rise in biotech. In the book, Gottlieb lays out the case that as Beijing has simplified the regulatory approval process so breakthrough medical treatments get to market sooner, investment in those technologies has flowed from the U.S. to China. He wrote: "If this drift continues and more drug discovery migrates from the U.S. to China, we could see our capacity for innovation begin to erode. As capital flows toward Chinese firms, U.S. biotechnology hubs like Boston and San Francisco, long the seedbeds of breakthrough science, may shrink. Restoring that American ecosystem would be anything but easy." The shift in capital is not theoretical. It's happening. A September article published in Nature found that from 2020-2025, 11 of the largest pharma players committed more than $150 billion in deals for access to assets developed in Asia, primarily in China. And data gathered for another book, "Innovation is the Best Medicine," by Dr. Roderick Wong, a physician and the founder and managing partner of life sciences investment firm RTW Investments, shows that from 2013-2025, China tripled its share of global clinical trial initiations. Micron stock rose nearly 8% Friday as investors looked to buy AI chip supply chain stocks after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported robust earnings on Thursday, signaling continued AI infrastructure spending. Shares of Micron, one of the makers of memory and storage for artificial intelligence systems, is up over 250% over the past year, as memory is in a worldwide shortage and seeing a surge of demand. Memory is used in AI systems to keep large amounts of data close to the graphics processing unit, or GPU, so it can run large AI models without slowing down. "AI driven-demand is accelerating," Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra told CNBC's Jim Cramer. "It is real. It is here, and we need more and more memory to address that demand." Mehrotra said that Micron is spending $200 billion to build more production capacity in the U.S., including two fabrication plants, or fabs, in Idaho and a 600,000-foot facility in Clay, New York, where the company broke ground on Friday. Mehrotra said it will take a few years to build out the facilities, including clean rooms and production equipment. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attended the groundbreaking. Micron said it would invest $100 billion in that fab. He added that Micron is also working to produce more chips in its existing facilities in the near term. At the beginning of 2025, Micron expected 10% growth for server memory, but that growth ended up being "high teens" by the end of the year. Mehrotra also said the company saw stronger-than-expected growth in memory and storage for PCs. "We see that tightness continuing into 2027, so we see durable industry fundamentals over the foreseeable future, driven by AI demand," Mehrotra said. The rush to supply the memory demand of companies like Nvidia , Advanced Micro Devices and Google has led to a shortage, and prices for the essential component are expected to rise an estimated 55% in the first quarter, CNBC previously reported. Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch an actionable afternoon update, just in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street. The S & P 500 was relatively unchanged on Friday afternoon , but the market's broadening continues. For years, the conversation has been dominated by the Magnificent 7 stocks Apple , Amazon , Alphabet , Meta Platforms , Microsoft , Nvidia , and Tesla . But one of the big themes of the first two full trading weeks of the year has been the rotation out of those names and into other pockets of the market, including small tech stocks and "hard" economy sectors like industrials, materials, and energy that tend to do better as the economy runs hot. We're seeing this play out throughout the portfolio, as Apple, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft declined this week. Meanwhile, the biggest gainers in the portfolio were GE Vernova and Eaton (both players in the AI data center buildout), Qnity Electronics (more on this below), BlackRock (off earnings), Boeing , and Honeywell . Qnity Electronics was one of the bigger gainers in the technology sector as investors increasingly recognized that its products are critical components in semiconductor manufacturing, including chip fabrication, which accounted for about half of the company's net sales in 2024. That's why our eyes lit up when Taiwan Semi , the world's largest chip fabrication company and Qnity customer, said it expects a significant increase in capital expenditures this year. However, there was some news worth mentioning on Friday. The company said its CFO, Matt Harbaugh, has stepped down from his role, and Mike Goss, its principal accounting officer and controller, will serve as interim CFO until a permanent replacement is found. A chief financial officer's abrupt exit often unsettles investors. It creates speculation on why he or she left: Is there something the CFO knows that investors don't? In Qnity's case, Harbaugh's departure was due to health reasons, circumstances outside business conditions. Qnity also reaffirmed its full-year 2025 net sales and adjusted pro forma operating EBITDA guidance, reassuring investors. As a lesson moving forward, it is a red flag if a company doesn't reiterate guidance after a CEO or CFO leaves. Earnings season ramps up next week with 29 companies in the S & P 500 scheduled to report. Within the portfolio, we'll hear from Procter & Gamble on Thursday before the opening bell, and Capital One Financial after the closing bell. Other notable companies reporting are D.R. Horton , 3M , Netflix , Johnson & Johnson , Halliburton , Schwab , Prologis , Teledyne , GE Aerospace , Abbott Labs , McCormick , Intel , Intuitive Surgical , CSX Corp , Freeport-McMoRan , and SLB . (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) 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. Check out some of the companies making headlines in midday trading: Novo Nordisk The maker of the Wegovy obesity treatment jumped more than 4% as sales of its oral weight loss treatment got off to a strong start. In the first week of its launch, about 1.3% of Wegovy prescriptions were for the oral version. Regions Financial Shares of the Birmingham, Ala.-based regional bank fell nearly 3% after it reported disappointing fourth-quarter earnings. Regions earned 57 cents per share excluding items. That was below the 61 cents per share prediction from analysts surveyed by FactSet. Energy stocks The Trump administration is pushing for technology companies to bankroll power plants amid a rise in energy-guzzling data centers. Companies tied to electric utility infrastructure rose, including GE Vernova and Bloom Energy , which both gained about 6%, and Quanta Services , which advanced about 5%. Independent power producers, however, tumbled, with Constellation Energy dropping nearly 10% and Vistra falling 7%. Micron Technology The chipmaker climbed more than 5% after board member Mark Liu revealed in a securities filing that he bought $7.8 million of stock at market prices. The purchases were notable as Micron shares have already skyrocketed more than 246% over the past 12 months. AST SpaceMobile Shares soared nearly 13% after AST SpaceMobile was picked as a primary contractor for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's SHIELD program, part of the Trump administration's Golden Dome. AST, which is developing a low-Earth satellite broadband system, will work in a number of areas on the project. AMCR The Swiss packaging company's American Depositary Receipts dropped about 6% on the New York Stock Exchange after it completed a 1-for-5 reverse stock split. ImmunityBio The biotech company jumped 28%, adding to a 30% rally in the previous session sparked by strong guidance for its bladder cancer drug Anktiva. ImmunityBio expects full-year revenue for the drug to jump 700%. Worthington Steel The Columbus, Ohio-based maker of hot- and cold-rolled steel rose 3% after agreeing to buy Germany's Kloeckner & Co. , a metal processor, for an enterprise value of $2.4 billion. Coupang Shares rose about 2% after Deutsche Bank upgraded the Korean retail giant to buy, saying most of the regulatory uncertainty has been priced in. QXO Shares fell 5% after the roofing products maker announced it would sell $750 million in common stock. PNC Financial Services The Pittsburgh-based bank rose 3% after posting better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and offering promising guidance. PNC reported revenue of $5.96 billion versus an LSEG consensus estimate of $5.89 billion. Earnings of $4.88 per share also exceeded a forecast of $4.22 per share. PNC also put its total revenue growth by the end of 2026 at roughly 11%, topping the 8.7% estimated by analysts. Honeywell The industrial giant ticked nearly 2% higher after receiving an upgrade to overweight from neutral at JPMorgan. The bank said investors should buy the stock as Honeywell moves forward with its planned break-up. CNBC's Fred Imbert and Scott Schnipper contributed reporting The corporate reporting season is in full swing, and some companies have a history of outperformance when it comes to earnings and can give investors an edge. CNBC screened data from Bespoke Investment Group for companies that are reporting next week and have a record of topping expectations on earnings or revenue. Shares usually trend upward on news of outperformance. The listed stocks beat analyst estimates at least 65% of the time and average gains of 1% or more on earnings day. D.R. Horton , America's largest homebuilder, beats analyst estimates 74% of the time. The company reports earnings Tuesday, and its stock rises an average of 1.6% after doing so. The stock is up over 6% in the past year, however, lagging the broader market's 17% advance in that time. Despite D.R. Horton's strong earnings performance, Wells Fargo downgraded the stock from overweight to equal weight on Jan. 6. "DHI is by far one of the best managed production builders out there, w/ unmatched scale & an enviable manufacturing model/attractive land strategy," analyst Sam Reid noted. "But against persistent peer discounting (LEN took another leg down in our scrape this month; Ex 1) & DHI's own investments in spec inventories (+4% m/m in December based on our data; Ex 2), it's just too tough to recommend an entry level builder, however well run." DHI 1Y mountain DHI 1-year chart Citizens Financial, set to release its earnings Wednesday , also made the list. The bank exceeds analyst expectations 80% of the time, with shares up an average of 1.4% on earnings day. Barclays upgraded the stock to overweight from equal weight last week and set its price target to $77, up 40% from its previous price target of $55. "We are upgrading CFG to OW from EW as we expect it to have the highest organic revenue growth rate in its peer group in 2026 and above-average earnings growth, yet it trades at a below-peer valuation," analyst Jason Goldberg wrote. Citizens soared 30% in the last month. 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 Friday's key moments. 1. The S & P 500 was little changed Friday as the market struggled to hold onto earlier gains. "The one thing I would say is that many of our stocks are flying," Jim Cramer said. Club holding Nvidia was one of them, with shares rallying over 1% to around $190 a piece earlier in the session before cooling off a bit. Jeffries analysts raised its price target on the stock to $275 from $250, saying that the stock remains cheap. Jim, however, doesn't trust the idea of buying into Nvidia at current levels. "This is a sucker's bet" to think it is not going lower in the near term, Jim added. 2. Honeywell was upgraded to a buy-equivalent rating over at JPMorgan, where analysts also raised their price target to $255 from $218. Analysts are more positive on Honeywell since it "extended its discount" to its sum of the parts. "The company is setting up to be a cleaner story heading into the year of the spin with the bulk of dilutive portfolio actions behind," wrote analysts in a note to clients. We sold some shares of Honeywell this week to capitalize on recent strength. 3. The nation's largest grid operator, PJM Interconnection, was asked by President Donald Trump to host an emergency auction allowing tech companies to bid on contracts for new power. White House officials told CNBC that the president is asking the company to build $15 billion of new baseload power generation. GE Vernova is the "clearest winner" in this scenario, according to Jeffries analysts. "They have to build more power plants. The only way you can build more power plants is to give it to GEV," said Jim. 4. Stocks covered in Friday's rapid fire at the end of the video were: Coterra Energy , Devon Energy , 3M , PNC , and J.B. Hunt . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long GEV, NVDA, HON. 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. European defense stocks are seen as best-placed to capitalize on the continent's growing push for military sovereignty, as fears grow over President Donald Trump's bid to annex Greenland. Analysts at Bernstein have named four they expect to particularly benefit. NATO troops and vessels , including personnel from France and Germany, arrived in Greenland for military exercises this week, putting Europe's security capabilities under renewed scrutiny. Bernstein analysts Adrien Rabier and Douglas Harned said that the U.S. defense companies still account for roughly 60% of European countries' military spend. However, these countries are set to tilt towards continental suppliers as they spend more on defense, amid growing concerns over the U.S.' commitment to NATO. BAE Systems , Dassault Aviation , Rheinmetall and Thales are particularly well-placed to capture the defense-driven 'sovereign Europe' trade, Bernstein said in a note Friday. U.K. defense staple BAE Systems, which manufactures a range of aircraft, weapons, munitions and warships, has gained more than 21% so far in 2026, while Germany's Rheinmetall the continent's largest defense company has surged 23.7%. French fighter jet maker Dassault Aviation is trading 14.8% higher year-to-date, with French tech and aerospace giant Thales rising 13.8%. BA.-GB YTD mountain BAE Systems. Overall, the Stoxx Europe Total Market Aerospace and Defense Index is up 14.5% over the same period. European NATO countries' defense spending is forecast to reach 2.8% of GDP by 2030, up from 2.3% currently. While France remains the "most sovereign" large European nation in terms defense, and the second-largest arms exporter globally behind the U.S., leaning into its homegrown production capabilities, other nations including the U.K., Germany and the Nordics still depend heavily on U.S.-based suppliers. Denmark currently embroiled in a war of words with the Trump administration over Greenland has increased military spending from 1.4% to 3.2% of GDP in three years, with its equipment spend boosted fourfold. But it continues to buy drones, aircraft and missiles from the U.S., Bernstein said. RHM-DE YTD mountain Rheinmetall. However, recent orders underline Denmark's pivot to European equipment providers and a greater focus on localized spend - and other NATO countries are expected to follow that lead. Denmark recently placed large orders with BAE Systems and Rheinmetall for its combat vehicles, while turning to Rheinmetall, Kongsberg and Thales for air defense systems. Bernstein said many other countries will "follow the same dynamics" as Europe's governments look to catch up. Outlining the theme, Bernstein said large European countries could offer political and military support in exchange for large orders, similar to what the U.S. has done. Analysts pointed to Norway's recent 10 billion ($13.4 billion) naval order to BAE Systems. "We see two baskets of stocks which are well positioned to capture the opportunity," analysts said. Firstly, European players with in-house capabilities and large government support, and, secondly, local players in heavily U.S.-exposed countries, they added, with Kongsberg and Saab among the picks in the latter grouping. "In theory, BAE Systems and Leonardo should be in a good position given Italy and the U.K.'s dependency on U.S. imports," Rabier and Harned said. "We expect local contractors to capture most of the incremental spending, and the share of equipment to keep growing, driving a LDD% addressable market CAGR for the European defense companies." Raphael Thuin, head of capital markets strategies at Tikehau Capital , recently told CNBC that the depleted state of Europe's military capability following years of underinvestment is helping drive a multi-year "mega-trend" that will boost the region's defense stocks. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this story. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a "Great, Historic Investment in Rural Health Roundtable" in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 16, 2026. President Donald Trump said Friday he may impose tariffs on countries "if they don't go along with Greenland." "We need Greenland for national security. So I may do that," Trump said at the White House during a health-care-related event. The comments show Trump, whose push to acquire Greenland for the U.S. has grown increasingly aggressive in recent months, turning to one of his favorite tools for leveraging power over foreign nations. The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for additional information on Trump's remarks. The Trump administration has previously said it is weighing multiple options, including utilizing the U.S. military, in order to take over the Danish territory. Trump asserts it is essential that America own Greenland even though the U.S. already maintains a military base there because of national security concerns posed by China and Russia. The White House has also said the U.S. is considering making an offer to buy the Arctic island. But Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly insisted that the territory is not for sale and has no wish to be absorbed into America. Trump's suggestion that he may wield tariffs to get his way on Greenland came after he described a similar strategy to force foreign countries to raise their drug prices. Trump has pushed to lower the cost of U.S. drugs by mandating that domestic prices match lower ones paid overseas. At the White House event Friday, Trump said he threatened the leaders of multiple countries to either raise drug prices as part of a "most favored nations" deal, or else face heavy tariffs on all their imports to the U.S. "I may do that for Greenland too. I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," Trump said. A delegation from Greenland and Denmark, after meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Thursday, said they have a "fundamental disagreement" with Trump. Trump has greatly expanded the government's use of tariffs since retaking office, raising the overall average tariff rate to an estimated 17%. Many of his broadest levies were invoked using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. The administration's use of that law has been repeatedly challenged, and multiple courts have found the actions unlawful. The dispute has been elevated to the Supreme Court, which could soon deliver its ruling on the legality of Trump's IEEPA tariffs. Trump has claimed that his agenda would unravel if the high court rules against him. "I hope we win the Supreme Court case, because if we don't, [it'd] be a shame for our country," he said Friday. 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. Private investment firms of ultra-rich families could inadvertently get caught in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump's proposed ban on "large institutional investors" buying more single-family homes. While Trump's announcement took aim at Wall Street landlords, and particularly private equity giants like Blackstone, Haynes Boone partner Vicki Odette told Inside Wealth that family offices aren't necessarily out of the woods. Three-quarters of family offices in North America invest in real estate, with an average allocation of 18%, according to a survey issued by Campden Wealth and RBC Wealth Management last year. Residential properties made up just under a third of the average family office's real estate holdings, per the same report. The consequences of Trump's proposal hinge on how it would define a large institutional investor, which has yet to be revealed. According to Odette, in recent years, Congress and government agencies have focused on the number of homes owned rather than the investor's total assets or investment strategy. A 2024 report by the Government Accountability Office about institutional investors focused on those who own more than 1,000 properties of four units or less. The threshold is even lower in the Stop Predatory Investing Act that was introduced in March, which names "disqualified single family property owners," defined as taxpayers who directly or indirectly own 50 or more single-family residential rental properties. "There's a lot of rich families that would fall into that category inadvertently because they are real estate developers and made their money in real estate," said Odette, a partner at Haynes Boone who advises family offices, funds and institutional investors. Family offices generally prefer multifamily housing and commercial developments, she said. However, there are some family offices, especially in the South, that have meaningful portfolios of single-family homes in suburban or rural areas, she said. A sign is displayed at the Department of Labor Frances Perkins Building on June, 2025, in Washington. A controversial social media post from the Department of Labor has poured gasoline on already smoldering accusations that the Trump administration is amplifying rhetoric and imagery linked to extreme right-wing ideologies. The video in the post, shared Saturday, features a quick-cut slideshow of artworks depicting glorified scenes of American history, foregrounded by a statue of George Washington. The caption above that video reads, "One Homeland. One People. One Heritage. Remember who you are, American." Social media users quickly noted similarities in word, form and sentiment between the Labor Department's post and a slogan used by the Nazi Party. "US Government posting a version of 'Ein volk, ein reich, ein fuhrer,'" said Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut and current Democratic congressional candidate, in an X post. "I don't see how this ends well." The slogan "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Fuhrer" translates to "One People, One Country, One Leader." It was "one of the central slogans used by Hitler and the Nazi Party," according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The two messages are not a word-for-word match, to be sure. But while experts caution against jumping to conclusions, many see numerous other examples of the Trump administration including the Labor Department echoing white supremacist language, ideas or aesthetics online. Bill Braniff, executive director of American University's Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab, said he believes that, "When you look at this one post in the context of all the others, it's not an accident." Even at face value, the post raises red flags, Braniff said in an interview. The assertion of Americans having "one heritage," for instance, clashes with the nation's history of taking in people from all over the world and establishes the idea of an "in group" and an "out group," he said. Jon Lewis, a research fellow at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, agreed. "You don't want to try and ever read into the tea leaves on something that might not be there," he told CNBC. But "at a certain point, you have to ask how many times until it's not a coincidence anymore." "At a certain point, you can't even really call it a dog whistle, it's just a whistle," Lewis added in an email. "How many times will official [U.S. government] accounts post openly white supremacist content without any repercussions?" The Labor Department, led by Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, did not respond to CNBC's request for comment. A spokesperson for the department previously said, "The social media campaign was created to celebrate American workers and the American Dream." That comment was given in response to The Guardian's report on union leaders denouncing the Labor Department over the post. "It is no surprise that a fascist regime would post fascist propaganda on a fascist social media network like X, but it remains concerning to see the DOL making posts that serve a fascist, white supremacist agenda," Puneet Maharaj, executive director of National Nurses United, the country's largest nurses' union, told the outlet. President Donald Trump plans to pardon former Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vazquez, a White House official said Friday. Vazquez pleaded guilty last August to a campaign finance violation in a federal case that authorities say also involved a former FBI agent and a Venezuelan banker. Her sentencing was set for later this month. Federal prosecutors had been seeking one year behind bars, something that Vazquez's attorneys opposed as they accused prosecutors of violating a guilty plea deal reached last year that saw previous charges including bribery and fraud dropped. They noted that Vazquez had agreed to plead guilty to accepting a promise of a campaign contribution that was never received. Attorneys for Vazquez did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The official who confirmed the planned pardon indicated Trump saw the case as political prosecution and said the investigation into Vazquez, a Republican aligned with the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, had begun 10 days after she endorsed Trump in 2020. The official wasn't authorized to reveal the news by name and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Pablo Jose Hernandez, Puerto Rico's representative in Congress and a member of the island's main opposition party, condemned a pardon for Vazquez. "Impunity protects and fosters corruption. The pardon ... undermines public integrity, shatters faith in justice, and offends those of us who believe in honest governance," said Hernandez, a Democrat with Puerto Rico's Popular Democratic Party. Vazquez, an attorney, was the U.S. territory's first former governor to plead guilty to a crime, specifically accepting a donation from a foreigner for her 2020 political campaign. She was arrested in August 2022 and accused of engaging in a bribery scheme from December 2019 through June 2020 while governor. At the time, she told reporters that she was innocent. Authorities said that Puerto Rico's Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions was investigating an international bank owned by Venezuelan Julio Martin Herrera Velutini because of alleged suspicious transactions that had not been reported by the bank. Authorities said Herrera and Mark Rossini, a former FBI agent who provided consulting services to Herrera, allegedly promised to support Vazquez's campaign if she dismissed the commissioner and appointing a new one of Herrera's choosing. Authorities said Vazquez demanded the commissioner's resignation in February 2020 after allegedly accepting the bribery offer. She also was accused of appointing a new commissioner in May 2020: a former consultant for Herrera's bank. Vazquez was the second woman to serve as Puerto Rico's governor and the first former governor to face federal charges. She was sworn in as governor in August 2019 after former Gov. Ricardo Rossello resigned following massive protests. Vazquez served until 2021, after losing the primaries of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party to former Gov. Pedro Pierluisi. The Trump administration and several state governors on Friday urged the largest electricity grid in the U.S. to make the big technology companies pay for new power plants. Electricity prices have exploded in recent years on PJM Interconnection due in part to the data centers that tech companies are building to train and power artificial intelligence. The PJM grid serves more than 65 million people across 13 states and Washington, D.C. Its service area includes northern Virginia, the largest data center market in the world. The Trump administration and several states signed a pact that calls for tech companies to pay for new power plants built in PJM. Leading tech companies have agreed to fund $15 billion of new generation for the grid, according to an administration statement. The Trump administration and the states urged PJM to hold an emergency capacity auction to procure this power, according to the Department of Energy. PJM should also cap the amount that existing power plants can charge in the grid's capacity market to protect ratepayers, according to the administration. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright unveiled the plan at the White House with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and outgoing Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. PJM representatives were not at the event. "We have to get out from underneath this bureaucratic system that we have in the regional grid operators and we've got to allow markets to work," Burgum said at the White House. "One of the ways markets can work is to have the hyperscalers actually rapidly building power." Utility bills are rising in many parts of the U.S. despite Trump's promise to lower energy prices during his presidential campaign. The issue played a major role in the landslide victories of Democrats Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger in the governors' races of New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. The price to secure power capacity in PJM has exploded in recent years with $23 billion attributable to data centers, according to watchdog Monitoring Analytics. Those costs are passed down to consumers. This amounts to a "massive wealth transfer," the watchdog told PJM in a November letter. PJM was six gigawatts short of its reliability requirement for 2027 in its most recent auction. Six gigawatts is equivalent to six large nuclear plants. Gov. Shapiro threatened to withdraw from PJM if it does not accept the proposed reforms. "Make no mistake if PJM, this sort of faceless bureaucratic organization that is driving prices up on the American people, does not change and does not reflect what we are putting forth here today, Pennsylvania will be forced to act and forced to go it alone," Shapiro said. PJM said in a statement that it is reviewing the proposals laid out by the White House and the governors. In this article GTEC Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT A U.S. move to seize Greenland could damage trade ties with the European Union, France's finance minister has warned, as one analyst told CNBC that tariffs or economic sanctions could lead to a "trade war." U.S. President Donald Trump has ramped up talk of annexing Greenland this month and has not ruled out taking it by force. Talks between the U.S., Denmark and Greenland on Wednesday over the future of the world's largest island ended without a diplomatic breakthrough. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told the Financial Times on Friday that economic ties between the U.S. and Europe could be damaged if Trump were to move to take the self-governing Danish territory. "Greenland is a sovereign part of a sovereign country that is part of the EU. That shouldn't be messed around [with]," he said. watch now When asked whether the EU would hit the U.S. with economic sanctions if it invaded Greenland, Lescure told FT: "I'm not going there. I mean, obviously, if that happened, we would be in a totally new world for sure, and we would have to adapt accordingly." His comments come as a Democratic-led U.S. delegation is expected to visit Copenhagen for talks with Danish MPs on Friday. Trump has said the U.S. needs Greenland for national security reasons. Analysts told CNBC that he wants to keep rivals out of emerging trade routes and, potentially, mining of minerals that are critical in industries like defense. "Significant" economic pressure in the form of tariffs or sanctions on Denmark by the U.S. "could likely mean a significant E.U. pushback, where the E.U. could respond in kind, leading to a sort of trade war with the U.S. as well as constant headline risks," Dan Alamariu, chief geopolitical strategist at Alpine Macro, told CNBC over email. "This would rattle markets," he said. "It would also call into question NATO, though we don't predict this happening, or NATO breaking apart. Domestic political and markets pushback would likely moderate any such pushes by the Trump administration." The Nave Photon, carrying crude oil from Venezuela, is docked at Port Freeport in Freeport, Texas, U.S., January 15, 2026. The U.S. is securing about 30% higher prices for Venezuelan crude, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Thursday, as the country has started selling oil from the Latin American nation after capturing its former President Nicolas Maduro. Washington has completed its first sale of Venezuelan oil valued at about $500 million, according to a U.S. Department of Energy spokesperson, with more expected in the coming days and weeks. "We're getting about a 30% higher realized price when we sell the same barrel of oil than they sold the same barrel of oil three weeks ago," Wright said at a U.S. Energy Association event, without specifying prices. U.S. special forces captured Maduro earlier this month during an operation that Washington said was aimed at restoring political stability. President Donald Trump said last week that Venezuela would hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil currently under U.S. sanctions, which would be sold at prevailing market prices. In a social media post, he noted that the proceeds would be controlled by him to ensure the funds benefit both Venezuela and the U.S. That would just be the first tranche of oil, as the Department of Energy has said the oil sales from Venezuela will continue "indefinitely." Venezuela holds the world's largest proven crude reserves at about 303 billion barrels, but years of underinvestment have left its oil industry in severe decline, with output now around 800,000 barrels per day from a peak of 3.5 million bpd in the 1990s. Trump also announced last Friday that oil companies would invest at least $100 billion to rebuild Venezuela's energy sector, adding that the U.S. would provide security to ensure investors earn strong returns. He met oil industry leaders from Exxon, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Valero and Maratho at the White House to discuss investments in Venezuela. Exxon CEO Darren Woods told Trump that the Venezuelan market is "uninvestable" in its current state. Venezuela seized Exxon's and Conoco's assets in 2007, and Caracas owes the companies billions of dollars in outstanding claims from arbitration cases. The developments come as global oil markets face a supply overhang that has weighed on prices in the past year. Brent futures inched 0.14% higher to $63.85 a barrel as of 8:33 p.m. ET, while the U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 0.2% to $59.31. This follows a sharp fall on Thursday as traders appear to brush off tensions between U.S. and Iran. "Venezuela's oil problem is not technical, and it is not commercial, it's fundamentally human and political," said Baron Lamarre, former head of trading at Petronas and co-founder of Index. "Until investors have confidence in long-term political continuity, capital will remain cautious, incremental, and conditional," he said. Indias startup ecosystem will not lose its sheen despite the Supreme Courts landmark ruling in the Tiger Global-Flipkart tax case, with venture capital investors arguing that strong returns, market depth and growth potential matter far more than tax-friendly structures.The apex court has ruled that capital gains arising from Tiger Globals sale of its Flipkart stake to Walmart are taxable in India, calling the Mauritius route treaty shopping and firmly backing Indias right to tax income generated here. The verdict could potentially expose the global investor to a tax bill of over 14,500 crore and has sparked debate over whether foreign capital may turn cautious.However, leading investors told CNBC-TV18 that the ruling is unlikely to derail Indias startup story. Siddarth Pai, Founding Partner of 3one4 Capital, said Indias attractiveness as an investment destination does not hinge on tax alone. The attractiveness of the Indian startup ecosystem is not actually contingent on taxation, Pai said, pointing to Indias large consumer base, fast growth and deep talent pool. He added that while tax considerations do play a role in investment decisions, they are not decisive.Pai said the ruling sends a clear message to global funds that tax optimisation cannot be the primary objective. Investors who try to optimise primarily for tax need to get rid of that notion and work much harder to generate higher market returns, he said, noting that recent startup IPOs have shown India can deliver eye-watering returns without aggressive tax planning. According to him, the uncertainty around the Mauritius route has effectively ended, and more investors are likely to invest directly into India rather than through intermediary jurisdictions.Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder of Inflection Point Ventures, echoed that view, saying Indias growth potential remains intact. Taxation is a byproduct. When you make gains, you pay taxsimple as that, Shah said, adding that the court has reinforced the principle of substance over form. He believes the ruling will not deter serious investors and could even encourage the use of domestic structures such as GIFT City. Shah also stressed that having real management and operational substance in the chosen jurisdiction will define future investment strategies.From a tax advisory perspective, Ajay Rotti, Founder and CEO of Tax Compaas, said the shift away from tax-driven structures has been underway for years. You cant let the tail wag the dog. Tax has to be a consequence of commercial activity, Rotti said, adding that the Supreme Court verdict has only sealed a trend the industry was already following. He noted that a similar ruling years ago would have been disruptive, but businesses today are better prepared.Rotti did caution that the judgment may revive concerns around tax certainty, especially since the court has ruled that a Tax Residency Certificate alone is not sufficient to claim treaty benefits. He warned that this reasoning could extend beyond Mauritius to other treaty jurisdictions such as Singapore or the Netherlands, potentially affecting a wide range of transactions. Still, he maintained that at a principle level, the verdict will not change how genuine businesses structure themselves.On the question of reopening past deals, Pai said the application of anti-avoidance rules could prompt tax authorities to re-examine certain exits, particularly where substance is lacking. Even so, Shah dismissed fears among founders that global capital might dry up, saying India will continue to attract funding given the value it creates.Overall, investors and advisors agree that the ruling marks the end of tax-led structuring, not the end of foreign interest in Indian startups. As Rotti summed it up, the message is clear: let business drive tax, not the other way around. The Supreme Courts ruling that Tiger Globals $1.6-billion stake sale in Flipkart to Walmart is taxable in India has sent shockwaves through the foreign investor community, with tax experts warning that the judgment could upend long-held assumptions around treaty protection and grandfathering of investments routed through Mauritius.In a ruling with far-reaching implications, the apex court held that Tiger Global could not claim capital gains tax exemption under the IndiaMauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), concluding that the investment structure amounted to treaty shopping and tax avoidance. Crucially, the court ruled that treaty benefits cannot be granted merely on the basis of a tax residency certificate (TRC), and emphasised the need to examine commercial substance and intent.While the case pertains to Tiger Globals 2018 exit from Flipkart, experts caution that the judgment may expose a much wider universe of pre-2017 foreign investments to scrutinydespite repeated assurances in the past that such investments were protected.Sachit Jolly, Senior Advocate at the Delhi High Court, said the ruling introduces deep uncertainty for investors who relied on the Mauritius route over the past two decades.You talked about grandfathering in the 2016 treaty amendments and the protection given under GAAR to pre-2017 investments. This judgment seems to say that if the tax consequences arise after April 2017, all of that protection can be undone, Jolly told CNBC-TV18.He expressed surprise that the Supreme Court accepted the tax departments argument, even after acknowledging on record that the finance minister had clarified that GAAR and related amendments would not impact past investments.I am actually at a loss for words to explain this to any investorhow our tax administration and courts function. According to this judgment, nothing is grandfathered. Everybody who invested prior to April 1, 2017 is today in jeopardy, Jolly said.Tax experts believe the verdict could embolden the tax department to reopen and scrutinise a wide range of foreign investments routed through Mauritius, including those by private equity funds, venture capital firms, and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs).In short, yes, said Sandeep Jhunjhunwala, Partner at Nangia Global, when asked whether pre-2017 investments could now face scrutiny.However, Jhunjhunwala pointed out that the Tiger Global structure was set up in 201112, a period that predates significant shifts in international tax enforcement norms.Between 2012 and 2018, there was a change in the world order. GAAR came in. Several action plans were implemented under BEPS. What the court is saying is not that tax treaties should be disregarded, but that commercial substance and intent must be examined more closely, he said.According to Jhunjhunwala, GAAR is likely to be used more actively as a tool going forward, and investors must reassess their structures to ensure they have real substance.If substance and intent are addressed, it should not be a problem. But it will depend entirely on the facts of each case, he added.One of the most significant takeaways from the ruling is the courts clear message that possession of a tax residency certificate alone is insufficient to claim treaty benefits.The Supreme Court observed that the IndiaMauritius DTAA, amended in 2016, was designed to ensure that only genuine entities with real commercial substance can avail of its benefits. This marks a decisive shift from a form-driven approach to a substance-driven assessment.Legal experts say this raises compliance costs and uncertainty for investors, particularly at a time when foreign capital inflows into startups and private markets have already slowed.Jolly flagged another aspect of the ruling that could have wide ramificationsthe courts acceptance of the revenues distinction between direct and indirect holdings.In the Tiger Global case, the Mauritius entity sold shares of a Singapore company that ultimately held the Indian asset. The court held that such an indirect transfer was not protected under the Mauritius treaty.That, to my mind, is baffling, Jolly said. Whether I sell shares of an Indian company or a Singapore company, Article 13 of the treaty protects the transfer of shares. This artificial distinction will have implications for everyone using layered holding structures.Experts warn that the reasoning adopted by the court may not remain confined to Mauritius alone. Structures routed through Singapore, Cyprus, or offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands could also come under closer examination if tax authorities apply similar substance-over-form tests.The ruling comes at a sensitive time for Indias investment climate, as policymakers seek to attract long-term foreign capital while balancing revenue interests.For foreign investors, the message from the Supreme Court is clear: treaty protection can no longer be assumed, even for legacy investments. For the tax department, the verdict appears to have opened the door to deeper scrutiny of past dealspotentially setting the stage for a new wave of litigation. Falgun Binnendijk, the Mayor of Heemstede in the Netherlands, has embarked on a journey to find his biological mother. Born on February 10, 1985, in Nagpur, Falgun was abandoned at a city shelter within three days of his birth and adopted by a Dutch couple a month later.According to media reports, his mother (21) was unmarried and had no support. Growing up in the Netherlands, Falgun led a fulfilling life, eventually becoming the Mayor of Heemstede in 2024. However, the question of his biological roots lingered.A nurse at Nagpurs Matru Seva Sangh named him after the Hindu calendar month of his birth. Falgun has long made peace with being an adopted child. But like Karna in the Mahabharata, Falguns thoughts wont let him rest until he has met his Kunti.Falgun's search began in 2017, and he has made three trips to Nagpur so far. During his last visit in December 2025, Falguns search yielded a significant breakthrough when a team led by senior official Vinod Jadhav located a retired nurse from the Matru Seva Sangh (MSS). The retired nurse was the same woman who had given him his name.Speaking with TOI, Falgun said, "It was overwhelming for me to hear her recall everything. I had just met the woman who gave me my identity."He approached Matru Seva Sangh during his previous visit to Nagpur in August 2024, seven years after embarking on the effort to identify his biological mother, with the hope of tracing his birth records.While local officials retrieved documents confirming his mother's name, they did not include an address. At the time, I felt maybe this is it. Everything in my life was complete except this unfinished business, he added.Despite facing setbacks, Falgun remains determined. His wife and four children have been a constant source of support, encouraging him to continue the search."Every Karna deserves, and must have the right to meet his Kunti," he said, hoping to reunite with his mother and share his life's journey with her.I believe she may be living in guilt, thinking she did something unpardonable. I just want to meet her once and tell her that I have a beautiful life, and her child grew up loved, the 40-year-old said.The Mayor of Heemstede has given his four children a mix of Indian and Dutch names. As per the report, one of his daughters is named after her biological mother.Falgun intends to return to Nagpur again in 2027 to continue the search. Amid continuing violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, the house of a Hindu school teacher was set on fire in Sylhets Gowainghat upazila, triggering fresh concerns over the safety of the community.The targeted home belonged to Birendra Kumar Dey, popularly known as Jhunu sir, a teacher in the area, as per News18.The blaze caused widespread panic among the family and nearby residents, though no injuries were reported.Local residents said the attack has deepened anxiety among minority families in the region. A video of the incident, shared widely on social media, shows flames rapidly engulfing the house as family members rush to escape. Authorities are yet to determine how the fire was started, and no arrests have been made so far, as per News18.The Sylhet incident follows a series of similar attacks in recent weeks. A Hindu familys house was set ablaze on December 28 in Dumritala village of Pirojpur district, as per a report by NDTV.The incident occurred days after 29-year-old garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was lynched by a mob in Mymensingh on December 18 over alleged blasphemy, after which his body was also set on fire.Earlier, on December 23, the homes of two expatriate Hindu families were torched in Raozan, Chittagong, as per a report by The Times of India (TOI). The attackers allegedly locked the families inside their houses before setting them on fire. Around eight people narrowly escaped, marking the sixth arson attack against the minority community in the area within days.The spate of attacks has unfolded amid political changes in Bangladesh and has drawn international attention.Violence against Hindus has increased since last month, particularly following Dipu Chandra Dass killing, which sparked a number of protests.The developments have also strained New Delhi-Dhaka relations. India last week criticised the Muhammad Yunusled interim government, accusing it of downplaying the communal nature of the crimes.In response, the Yunus administration described reports of targeted attacks as attempts to "destroy communal harmony through false propaganda," as per News18. The finding of fresh privilege-escalation vulnerabilities in Googles Vertex AI is a stark reminder to CISOs that managing AI service agents is a task unlike any that they have encountered before. XM Cyber reported two different issues with Vertex AI on Thursday, in which default configurations allow low-privileged users to pivot into higher-privileged Service Agent roles. But, it said, Google told it the system is just working as intended. The OWASP Agentic Top 10 just codified identity and privilege abuse as ASI03 and Google immediately gave us a case study, said Rock Lambros, CEO of security firm RockCyber. Weve seen this movie before. Orca found Azure Storage privilege escalation, Microsoft called it by design. Aqua found AWS SageMaker lateral movement paths, AWS said operating as expected. Cloud providers have turned shared responsibility into a liability shield for their own insecure defaults. CISOs need to stop trusting that managed means secured and start auditing every service identity attached to their AI workloads, because the vendors clearly arent doing it for you. I fear that Amy Schumer is spiraling. Now, after cutting loose from her marriage and the equivalent of a twin mattress in extra weight, she appears to be losing her grip. Schumer's friends are talking to the Daily Mail after the comedienne dropped a new batch of thirst traps on Instagram, a la Britney Spears. There she is in a Manhattan apartment, at night no less modeling bikinis and grinning like a mental patient. 'She is trying to deal with the divorce and her new look but she doesn't really know what she is doing. It is all still new,' said the insider. 'Her new body, her new life and her fresh divorce. It's a lot all at once.' It sure is 'a lot.' That wild look in her eyes makes me concerned that she's one post away from juggling a set of chef's knives. Amy's 'friends' say 'no one is concerned that she is going to go crazy over it all,' the source added, 'but they're monitoring her behavior and only want the best for her.' Oh boy, I hope I'm never 'monitored'. I last wrote about Amy's situation in early December, days before she announced her split from husband Chris Fischer, raising concerns over her strange social media swanning. There she is in a Manhattan apartment, at night no less modeling bikinis and grinning like a mental patient Schumer's friends are talking to the Daily Mail after the comedienne dropped a new batch of thirst traps on Instagram, a la Britney Spears 'The famous fatty turned shrinking comic has lost so much gristle her wedding ring appears to have fallen right off. Whoops!' I wrote. 'And while there's no ring, we do see an awful lot of inner thigh and her dingy, brown carpeted stairs.' That piece earned me a 9.56pm direct message on Instagram from the freshly single, newly skinny star, who scolded me for 'not being nice.' Guilty as charged. But I call them as I see them. So gird your leaner loins girl, because it's time for another dose of honesty and I know you're reading. Look, I get it. Being sizzling hot is its own cauldron of stress, especially if it's a brand new experience for you. Before, when you were lovably chunky, all you had to do was fish through your closet for a pink sequin muumuu and call it a night. But now that you have lithe legs and an admirable abdomen the stakes seem higher. You may feel compelled to prance around like a stripper advertising downsized rump to a bunch of drooling zombies on Instagram. And, predictably, it's working. A baffled male Fox News colleague whispered to his buddy on the elevator the other day, 'Is it me, or is Amy Schumer all of a sudden hot?' If you're after a frat boy to replace your baby-daddy, keep it up. But isn't it better to aim higher? I think I speak for a lot of women when I say I liked the old Amy better. You likely weren't as healthy (or sexy), but you were funny and relatable. Sure, we can chalk up these hedonistic displays to 'self-love' and 'body positivity,' but we'd just be kidding ourselves. Your famous friends may be squealing 'You go girl!' in the comments, but what they're really thinking is: 'Hey Amy, you ok?' After cutting lose from her marriage and the equivalent of a twin mattress in extra weight, she now appears to be losing her grip.(Pictured with ex-husband Chris Fischer in February 2025) If this were all about 'self-care' - an overused millennial euphemism for being a narcissist - you would be at a phone-free New Mexico spa microdosing South American psychedelics working out your demons. Instead, you're parading around half-naked like a pharmaceutically whittled down attention hound. This better be the plot for your next straight-to-streaming dramedy, 'How Amy Got Her Groove Back.' Because if it's not, you're like every other over-sharing, man-hungry hussy on social media whose desire for fame exceeds her dignity. It's beneath you, it'sbasic. Amy, if I want to be inspired by a cultural vixen, I'll take a gander at Sydney Sweeney. Why don't you stick to what you did so well... self-effacing, down-to-earth comedy. I hope you're good, Amy Schumer. But I prefer you meaty, not needy. Put down your phone, have a good cry and eat a sandwich. We'll be here for you when you return to form. Deflating... Swimsuit model and annoying influencer, Brooks Nader apparently wants to look more like she used to. So, she's had her signature lip filler dissolved. Maybe she tucked the extra syringes of lip goop into her boobs. If she ever dissolves those suckers we'll know she really means business. Swimsuit model and annoying influencer, Brooks Nader apparently wants to look more like she used to Faking It Elon Musk's baby mama Ashley St Clair is livid her sperm donor's AI system Grok is generating pornographic images of her. She's also mad President Trump won't 'crack down' on it because he's Elon's 'dinner buddy'. Now, digital sexploitation is definitely not ok. But Trashley, did it ever occur to you the president might be a bit busy? Did it ever occur to Trashley the president might be busy with real problems like Iran and Venezuela? Mom's the word Mandy Moore is wading into the toxic sludge in the aftermath of Ashley Tisdale's break up with her nasty mom group. The lady mob used to include Mandy, Ashley Duff and her fellow child star Hilary. Now Mandy says she's mourning the loss of their little tribe with 'quiet grief.' Jeeze, can't these mean girls follow their kids' lead and grow up? In the aftermath of Ashley Tisdale's break up with her mom group, Mandy Moore (pictured) says she's mourning with 'quiet grief' What a joke Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser told Howard Stern she cut some of the political jokes from Sunday's broadcast because they were 'not funny.' What a concept! An honest comic who can read the room? If Stephen Colbert had followed that blueprint, he'd still have a job. Button It Speaking of the Globes, Bill Maher was spotted cackling at insufferable celebs, like Mark Ruffalo, wearing 'Be Good' badges in memory of Renee Good, shot by ICE in Minneapolis. Maher pointed out that the blowhards were there for 'showbusiness,' because there wasn't a 'Free Iran' placard to be seen. I'm not always Maher's biggest fan, but I'm glad somebody put a pin in this gross virtue-signaling stunt. Mark Ruffalo wears a 'Be Good' button on the Golden Globes red carpet, in memory of Renee Good Would you credit it? Disgraced former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot (no relation to Gordon) is being sued by JPMorgan Chase over an unpaid $11,000 credit card bill. I guess the Beetlejuice impersonator market isn't that lucrative after all! Like so many small British businesses, my bar in Manchester is a family affair. My wife Elaine and I have built it up over 12 long years: all four of our children have worked here and our eldest son Oliver is currently head chef. Some of our staff have been with us since the start. Many of our regulars have become real friends. My bar, Atlas, is much more than a commercial enterprise. So when the Labour Government refuses to listen to my pleas that repeated tax rises are crushing us, I take it personally. When Keir Starmer came to power, I felt hopeful about Labour's engagement with businesses and their plan to revive the economy and boost growth. Instead, as I shall explain, Chancellor Rachel Reeves' tax raids have been devastating to countless small businesses like mine. Her first Budget in 2024 was so damaging that our bar was plunged from healthy profitability to the brink of insolvency almost overnight. To stay open, we were forced to make brutal cuts. What followed in last year's Budget was even more cruel, capricious and catastrophic. The levies imposed on hospitality businesses made no sense and even led to more than 1,000 enraged publicans across Britain banning Labour MPs from their pubs. Mark Wrigley says Rachel Reeves' first Budget was so damaging that his bar was thrown to the brink of insolvency almost overnight But their protests fell on deaf ears and it feels as though the Government wants to drive hospitality businesses in to the ground. Last year's tax increases were so stealthy that not only did I fail to see them coming, but it took me a couple of days to even understand how badly I would be hit. As my accountant set out the hidden costs, I was filled with dread about the future. Let me take you through the figures provided by my accountant. Before the 2024 Budget, Atlas's average annual profit was about 31,000. We were carrying around 100,000 in debt from government lockdowns during the pandemic that saw our numbers plummet, but still making enough to keep going. Then came the rise in employers' National Insurance contributions. When Reeves initially announced the increase, it sounded bad but manageable until we did the maths. Our NI bill almost doubled, from 30,000 to 57,000, plus an additional 3,500 in employee pension contributions, costing us 30,500 a year. This alone was almost equivalent to our entire annual profit. And that wasn't all. Increases to the national minimum wage (NMW) cost us a further 16,000. We've always paid above the NMW, because we believe it's the right thing to do, but other costs are making that generosity increasingly unsustainable and, of course, it means fewer people can be hired. Our business rates also went up by a painful 18,000 a year. In order to pay for these soaring costs, Elaine and I realised that if we did nothing, our business account would run dry. To survive, we cut our costs back to the bone. We used to employ 30 staff, but 15 months later, we're down to 23. Making two members of our staff redundant was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but the alternative was closure which meant everyone would lose their jobs. Five more employees since have left. Elaine and I are in our 60s and are doing more of the work ourselves we're now working longer hours than ever. Staff reductions have had a dramatic impact on the service we offer our customers. Atlas is an upmarket bar, where people expect good food and drink in a friendly, professional setting. But now the only way to maintain high-quality service is to reduce our opening hours. This means, of course, that we save on running costs such as fuel bills and staff wages, but our turnover is also inevitably hit. We also cut back on cleaning contracts, cancelled our marketing budget crucial in these times of social media and paused a planned refurbishment (so less work for the building trade, too). Inevitably, we passed on some costs to customers, increasing the price of a pint by 40p. Taking such drastic action has been the only way to survive, but at times it feels like we're slowly shutting down the business. Let me be clear: there's nothing special about our case. Any publican in the country would tell a similar tale. The truth is we are all seen as assets to be sweated by the Labour Government not the creators of jobs and growth that we are. My MP, Lisa Nandy, didn't want to hear any of my pleas for help. Lucy Powell, another Manchester MP and Labour's Deputy Leader, did visit my bar after I contacted her about the pernicious effects of her Government's policies. While she made sympathetic noises, she warned that the Government would not reduce NI contributions or offer any other help. Two years ago, we paid 9,000 in rates, which rose to 13,000 in 2025. But this year, it has more than doubled to 31,000. And within three years, it is expected to reach 42,000. These figures are based on so-called 'rateable value' (RV) a calculation that often seems plucked out of thin air. Our RV is set at a scarcely believable 97,000. To put that in perspective, our annual rent (paid to the brewery that owns our building) is a 'mere' 70,000. So the RV is 40 per cent higher than the rent. Imagine your council tax being 40 per cent higher than your mortgage or rent, and you'll get a sense of how it feels. And the madness gets worse. When we compare our RV to other pubs and bars on our street, some of them pay much less, while one of them has seen its RV soar from 50,000 to a frankly ludicrous 165,000. I, and all the publicans I know, feel like we're part of a lottery system one in which everyone loses. This has to change. It's utterly unfair, and the lack of transparency feels as though it's designed as a cover for incompetence or even corruption. No government agency in 21st century Britain should be allowed to get away with such secrecy, especially when it has the power to cripple a small business. After the November 2025 Budget, my staff bill increased by 16,000 as the minimum wage rose, NI went up another 2,500 and we had to pay a further 1,000 on pensions. While the exact costs I'll be faced with are hard to calculate before the end of the tax year, it's obvious business owners like me are facing swingeing rises in rates. As it stands, when you take in National Insurance, increases to the minimum wage, the rise in business rates and pension allowances alone, the total cost to my bar after both of Reeves' Budgets is set to be at least 70,000. Once again, we will have to reduce our trading hours and raise the price of a pint. We might also be forced to stop serving food, since the only people making any money from it are in the tax office, thanks to the 20 per cent VAT levy. To put it simply: our bar is being bled to death. If it closes, that will be nearly two dozen employees out of work, including my own son. Many of them will have to rely on unemployment and housing benefit, only adding to Britain's soaring benefits bill, which already stands at over 300billion a year. And to top it all off, the Government will lose tens of thousands of pounds it charges my business in taxes. Our suppliers will lose a customer. And the local community will lose one of its hubs. Ours is one of countless businesses across Britain in the same dreadful situation. Surely this Government can see they are killing us. Why won't they listen? Mark Wrigley is the owner of Atlas Bar in Manchester This is a message to all my beloved fellow Conservatives and in particular any other Tory defectors. I mean Tory MPs who even now are being groomed by the Russia-loving agents of the other side. You know the party I am talking about: the one whose leader has repeatedly blamed Nato for Putins murderous attack on Ukraine. The one whose Welsh party leader, Nathan Gill, turned out to have been actually bribed by Russia to the tune of at least 40,000 to spew pro-Putin propaganda. It seems incredible that any Conservative should want to join this party but, if reports are to be believed, there are more defections to come. We had the equivalent of Burgess and Maclean over this past week. But is there still a Philby among the ranks of Tory MPs? Is there a Blunt? Some say that there are at least five more. Well, we dont know who you are; but whoever you are, you are on the terrible secret itinerary of treachery. You have sat next to your handler on the bench in Regents Park, talking out of the corner of your mouths. You have been to the basement flat in Bayswater, and you have been offered the vodka and the little bits of smoked salmon on brown bread. Former Tory MP and justice spokesman Robert Jenrick after defecting to Reform UK, pictured with leader Nigel Farage on Thursday Together with your case officers you have already discussed the crowded, shouting press conference, the one that will celebrate your heroic defection. Comrade Secretary General Farageski himself will hail your arrival! With fingers as trembling and nicotine-stained as Brezhnev himself, he will pin the Order of Lenin on your lapel. It cant quite be confirmed, but you get the distinct impression that you will have a place in the Politburo. It may be the economic brief. Or has that already been promised to another defector? Hmm. Never mind. Whatever it is will be better than nothing. You are thinking: prestige! Power! Range Rovers! So, you are drafting and re-drafting your statement in which by agreement with your new masters you will ladle scorn and vitriol on the Conservative Party, and everything that you tried to do in government. Youre psyching yourself up to tell your wife, before making the midnight dash for Moscow; and so now before it is too late I urge you very sincerely to drop it. Can the whole thing before you make a total chump of yourself. I am speaking entirely in your interest. You may have persuaded yourself that you are actuated by the highest principle but I am afraid that is not how the public see it. They are getting a bit fed up with the whole thing. As far as the average voter is concerned, this defection business is all a load of narcissistic does-my-bum-look-big-in-this careerism. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is doing well and has handled the splitters well. She deserves maximum support They dont care what Tories think of their colleagues, or ex-colleagues. They care less and less about the scathing attacks that Tories mount on each other about the alleged failings (in my view greatly exaggerated) of a party that has now been out of office for more than 18 months. They think its all a bit tedious and irrelevant. The voters are keen students of the constitution, and they think the job of the Tory Party in Parliament is to do everything in its power to hold Starmer to account. They dont want His Majestys Opposition to talk about themselves, not for a nanosecond. They want to hear about how they are going to protect them, the public, from the worst government of modern times. Look at the state of things. There is a reason Keir Starmer has the lowest satisfaction ratings of any PM since 1977 and that is because there has been no one so impotent or incompetent since the last days of Jim Callaghan. Whatever he may personally think, he is the prisoner of Left-wing dogma of a kind the public think is nuts. They dont think people should be locked up for instantly deleted tweets, while tens of thousands of criminals are let out of jail free with 60 per cent recalled to jail for breaking the terms of their release and some even committing murder. They dont want their local council wasting their money on a new set of bizarre gender-neutral pronouns ze, zir, and zem. No, I dont know what they mean either; sounds like pidgin French; but Labour says thats how some people want to be known, and that local government must comply. Labours deranged Lefty ideology is now really starting to hurt the country not just the farmers and the pubs and the private schools, but the entire economy. Since Rachel Reeves catastrophic opening budget there have been 84,000 jobs lost in the hospitality sector and about another 45,000 in retail. Those are big numbers. It is the fastest jump in unemployment outside a global pandemic for a very long time. Be in no doubt that this is a Labour-generated disaster. When I left office in 2022, unemployment was at a 50-year low, and youth unemployment at a 45-year low. They suspect that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is too politically feeble to hold down spending The overall jobless rate is now north of 5 per cent; and with every job Reeves has killed, she has of course cost herself tax revenue. By unnecessarily raising payroll taxes in 2024, she clobbered growth the construction industry is still flatlining, for instance and weakened her own fiscal position. In response, she has totally failed to do the obvious thing and cut wasteful government spending. The truly incredible thing about the Reeves-Starmer duo is how they contrive to be so unpopular, while at the same time chickening out of so many supposedly unpopular measures. They didnt reform disability benefits. They didnt reduce cold weather payments and thats the problem: the markets have seen that weakness. They suspect that Starmer is too politically feeble to hold down spending. So, they demand other evidence of fiscal responsibility and that is one of the reasons taxes are now at the highest level in modern times about 37 per cent of GDP. Our stagnant economy and crippling taxes are both thanks to the sheer blithering Lefty ineptitude of the Labour Government. I travel a lot and suspect that some readers do not quite appreciate the damage Labour is doing to the UK reputation abroad. As a proud Brit, I feel strongly that some of the criticism is unfair especially the attacks on London, which is now presented in America as an Islamist warzone. But there is no doubt that under Starmer this potentially amazing economy is starting to exude the halitotic smell of uncollected garbage. It is the smell of socialism. Britain isnt broken I never liked that phrase, even when Dave Cameron started to use it in Opposition in 2009. This is a great, great country, and basically unbreakable. The thing that is broken is Starmers government. This country is already crying out for a strong, patriotic, centre-Right government able to put Britain back on its feet and since that will mean cutting wasteful welfare and standing up to Russia, among other things, that party must be the Conservatives. Kemi Badenoch is doing well and has handled the splitters well. She deserves maximum support. As for the rest of us, we need to get a grip, stop talking about ourselves, and start slotting Labour in the slats. Thats what the public want to see. US generals and European leaders have insisted that America already gets everything it needs from Greenland, from military access to surveillance and airbases. Several NATO allies, including Canada and Germany, have even offered to send troops to the island to counter any threat from Russia or China. But Donald Trump is unmoved. The President warned Wednesday that anything short of full US control of the Danish territory was 'unacceptable,' later adding, 'we need Greenland for national security.' In an interview last week, the commander-in-chief suggested that the need to own the island had little to do with defense or resources and everything to do with ownership. He told the New York Times that ownership was 'psychologically needed for success,' adding, 'ownership gives you things and elements that you can't get from just signing a document.' Now, Daily Mail has spoken to three psychologists who say Trump's instincts, while controversial, are a well-established principle of human behavior. All spoke to Daily Mail in a neutral capacity, did not offer an opinion on whether the US should or should not control Greenland. Instead, they only sought to explain the President's psychology. None of them have examined or treated Trump, but were commenting based on his public statements. Dr Zea Szebeni, a social psychologist at the University of Helsinki, Finland, who researches territorial ownership, said that the president's statement on how ownership provides a boost 'actually captures this psychological reality really quite accurately.' Donald Trump has said anything less than ownership of Greenland is 'unacceptable.' He is shown above in August last year in Londonderry, New Hampshire Your browser does not support iframes. She told Daily Mail: 'The feeling of ownership changes the relationship itself. It's not just about practical control, but about identity, belonging and the deep-seated sense that "this is ours." 'Research shows that ownership fulfills deep psychological needs. The need for efficacy, feeling that we can control and influence what happens, the need for self-identity, defining who we are through what we possess, and the need for having our own place in the world.' In geopolitical terms, she said, this means a country that owns territory behaves very differently from one that merely has access to it. Dr Adi Jaffe, a psychologist and former lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles, told the Daily Mail: 'From a psychological perspective, what Trump is describing taps into a very deep and well-studied human instinct around control, certainty and power. 'When people can claim that they own something, it creates a sense of permanence, dominance, and reduced vulnerability. Psychologically, ownership signals autonomy and supremacy.' This is a difference between legal access, or treaties or agreements that give access to an area, and physical control, where one nation is in control of an area of land. Dr Jaffe added: 'For someone like Trump, whose identity and worldview are strongly shaped by competition, hierarchy, and winning, ownership represents the ultimate form of security and success. It removes ambiguity. 'Theres no negotiation, no shared authority, no need to ask someone for permission. Your browser does not support iframes. 'That kind of clarity can feel emotionally stabilizing, especially for leaders who are uncomfortable with uncertainty or perceived weakness.' Dr Jaffe also suggested that Trump's pursuit of Greenland may have a legacy component, saying he believed that the President wanted to be able to say that he obtained the island for the nation. At a meeting at the White House yesterday between the foreign ministers of Denmark, Greenland, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, officials agreed to form a working group that would try to find a deal that could accommodate Trump's security concerns without violating Greenland's territorial integrity. Denmark, alongside NATO allies, also said it would boost its military presence on the island to counter perceived threats from other nations. But Trump, who has said the US needs Greenland for security, continued to say that America must have sovereignty over the island. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the Danish foreign minister, warned that 'fundamental disagreement' over the future of Greenland remained. Dr Ziv E. Cohen, a forensic psychiatrist at Principium Psychiatry, told Daily Mail: 'It is important to note that gifted politicians tend to have an uncanny sense for psychology. 'Trump's insight about ownership is something that has a basis in psychology. Other gifted politicians have intuitions on psychology too that are often plausible.' US Special Forces Operators conduct training in austere conditions at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland Greenlanders have said they do not want to become part of the US. Shown above is the island's capital, Nuuk America already has full military access to Greenland, the largest island in the world, and the ability to post as many troops there as it likes. It posted more than 10,000 troops there at the height of the Cold War, although afterward this was slashed to 150 to 200. US companies are also working to start mining rare earths on the island, although these mines are expensive because most materials are trapped under vast ice sheets. Speaking to Daily Mail, psychologists said that US ownership of Greenland would likely boost investment and interest in the island. They said it could also further improve the island's defenses. Dr Szebeni added: 'Psychological ownership fundamentally transforms behavior. 'Research shows that when groups feel collective ownership, they're more likely to invest resources, defend boundaries, and develop deep emotional attachments to a place. 'There's a feedback loop at work here: The more a group invests in and controls something, the stronger the ownership feeling becomes, which then motivates even more protective and possessive behaviors.' She added: 'For nations, this can translate into increased military presence, infrastructure development, settlement expansion and powerful emotional rhetoric about "protecting what's ours."' America has sought to acquire Greenland economically, and at one stage, Trump even threatened to invade the island, which the Danish prime minister said would be the 'end of NATO.' Retired Navy admiral James Stavridis, a former supreme allied commander of NATO, told the Wall Street Journal: 'We don't need "ownership" in order to conduct all the operations we would like to do. North American Aerospace Defense Command F-35 Lightning II aircraft fly over Greenland 'Greenland, and the sovereign state Denmark, have always been courteous and responsive hosts going back many decades.' Richard Fontaine, who served as a foreign-policy adviser to former Republican Senator John McCain, added to the publication that Trump's demands amounted to a 'no one washes a rental car' theory of international relations. In other words, he said, a country only defends or cares about its own territory, but not that of other countries. Negotiations over the future of Greenland continue. A single mother diagnosed with cervical cancer has urged women not to ignore unusual symptoms after initially dismissing her own as the menopause. Michelle Griggs, 50, began experiencing unusual bleeding, aching joints and night sweats in June 2024, with symptoms worsening over the following two months. After searching online, the social club manager from Folkestone, Kent, became convinced the changes were linked to menopause particularly as she had attended regular smear tests and had been given the all-clear just months earlier. But after visiting her GP as a precaution and undergoing several scans, Ms Griggs was told she had stage one cervical cancer at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. She said: 'I, like everyone else, figured maybe it was menopause because I was about that age. I really thought it was the menopause, because everything matched what I had read online. 'I had a scan, and when I called the next day to see if the results were back they asked me to pop in, so immediately I knew it wasn't going to be good news. 'I remember leaving that appointment feeling really dazed, it didn't really sink in. 'It was a total shock because I had been having my smears regularly and I just didn't think of that. I left in disbelief.' Michelle Griggs, 50, began experiencing unusual bleeding, aching joints and night sweats in June 2024, with symptoms worsening over the following two months Cervical cancer affects the cervix the opening to the womb and is almost always caused by long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus spread through sexual contact. Worldwide, it is the fourth most common cancer in women, with around 660,000 cases and 350,000 deaths each year. In the UK, about 3,000 women are diagnosed annually and around 850 die, while in the US there are roughly 14,000 new cases and 4,000 deaths each year. Warning signs can include unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, pelvic pain or unusual discharge, although early stages often cause no symptoms at all. Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is and can include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the UK, women aged 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening every five years, which now checks for high-risk HPV, while in the US screening usually begins at 21 using smear tests, HPV tests or both. Crucially, the HPV vaccine has already led to huge drops in infections and early cell changes, with studies showing cervical cancer rates falling by up to 90 per cent in vaccinated women making it one of the most preventable cancers if screening and vaccination are taken up. Ms Griggs underwent an intensive course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy a form of internal radiotherapy where small rods containing radiation are placed near the cervix. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus spread through sexual contact Cervical cancer symptoms to look out for include unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during sex and lower back or pelvic pain. Her treatment included two months of radiotherapy, five days a week, which caused her to lose her eyebrows, eyelashes and most of her hair. Ms Griggs said continuing to work where possible and relying on close friends helped her through the toughest months. She said: 'I was able to still go in to work and do the admin bits which kept me going. You need something. I think if I just sat indoors all the time it would have just eaten away at me. 'It helped me to have a positive attitude and mindset, and I was so lucky to have a really supportive network around me. 'I have got some really good friends who stayed with me. You do really find out who your friends are when you're going through something like that.' Ms Griggs was given the all-clear in September 2025, marking the milestone with lunch and cocktails. She will now have regular check-ups to ensure the cancer does not return. She said: 'I still get a bit tired sometimes depending on what I am doing. I can't walk as fast as I used to. But apart from that I haven't really had any long-term side effects at the moment. 'My eyelashes and my eyebrows grew back, and I had my first haircut in December.' In the UK, women aged 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening every five years, which now checks for high-risk HPV, while in the US screening usually begins at 21 using smear tests, HPV tests or both Now backing Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Ms Griggs is urging women to attend smear tests and seek medical advice if anything feels unusual. She also praised Macmillan for the support she received throughout her treatment, including help with travel costs and finances. She said: 'Obviously when people go to have smears it is not a very nice experience, but it is definitely worth going and putting yourself through those 15 minutes of not very niceness. 'If you feel any change or see any change go straight to the doctors to get it checked out, even if it is something silly, it is still worth it. 'Macmillan are really good. Being a single parent who can't work anymore I needed help with finances, and they let me know what help I could get. Don't be ashamed to ask for help.' Thousands of men with prostate cancer are set to get a life-extending drug on the NHS within weeks in a breakthrough that could give families precious extra years together. For the first time, patients whose prostate cancer has not spread will be eligible for the drug abiraterone in England, after NHS chiefs widened access to the treatment. Around 2,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the past three months are expected to benefit immediately if clinical assessments show they are likely to gain from the drug. A further 7,000 men a year are expected to become eligible following diagnosis. Abiraterone works by starving prostate cancer of the hormones it needs to grow, including testosterone, helping to stop the disease spreading. The drug has already been used on the NHS to treat advanced prostate cancer and is now available as a lower-cost generic medicine. Clinical trials show the treatment can dramatically improve survival for men with earlier-stage disease. After six years, 86 per cent of men taking abiraterone were still alive, compared with 77 per cent of those receiving standard treatment, including hormone therapy with or without radiotherapy. Thousands of men with prostate cancer are set to get a life-extending drug on the NHS within weeks in a breakthrough that could give families precious extra years together The drug also doubles the length of time patients live without their cancer progressing from roughly 15 months to 33 months. For certain high-risk patients, research published last year indicated abiraterone could almost halve the risk of death from 17 per cent down to nine per cent after five years. New AI tools currently being trialled in NHS hospitals are helping clinicians determine which of these high-risk men are most likely to benefit from the drug. More than 63,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year across the UK and roughly 12,000 men die from it. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said the rollout would offer men a vital lifeline, drawing on his own experience of cancer. 'I will always be grateful to the NHS staff who threw me a lifeline,' he said. 'My timely diagnosis of kidney cancer, the cutting-edge treatment, and exceptional care which followed saved my life and gave me my future back. 'For men living with prostate cancer, that lifeline can now come in the form of a drug treatment, abiraterone.' Your browser does not support iframes. Survival for some forms of the disease, such as for breast and prostate cancers, has improved dramatically. For others, like lung and pancreas, it has not 10-year cancer survival rates for many common cancers have now reached above the 50 per cent mark, and experts say further improvements could be made in the next decade Mr Streeting added: 'Thanks to the roll out of abiraterone, which greatly improves survival rates beyond six years, thousands of fathers, sons, brothers, partners and husbands will be able to face a future they feared they might never see.' NHS England said it had been able to approve wider access after securing better value for medicines, allowing savings to be reinvested into new treatments. The health service has set a target to save more than 1 billion on clinically effective biosimilar drugs during this parliament, with more than eight in ten medicines now prescribed as lower-cost biosimilar or generic versions. Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said the expanded access could be 'life-changing' for thousands of men, helping to keep their cancer at bay for several years. NHS England has worked with campaigners, including Prostate Cancer UK, to secure the rollout. In the past five years, it has also commissioned several other targeted prostate cancer drugs, including enzalutamide, darolutamide, relugolix and apalutamide. Mr Streeting said the move showed renewed urgency around cancer care. 'This latest roll out proves once again we're serious about improving prostate cancer outcomes,' he said. 'And as we look ahead to the launch of our National Cancer Plan soon, patients should be reassured whether its prostate or other forms of cancer, the NHS and this government are determined to keep shortening the odds in favour of healthier, longer lives for everyone.' Responding to the news, trial co-lead Professor Gert Attard (UCL Cancer Institute) said: 'This is a hugely welcome moment for patients. Our research showed clearly that abiraterone can save lives when offered earlier to men at high risk of their cancer spreading. 'Funding for this disease indication is already available in Scotland and Wales, so we are delighted that NHS England has acted on this evidence and will now make this highly effective treatment routinely available.' NHS has thrown men with prostate cancer a lifeline... just like it did for me by Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health I will always be grateful to the NHS staff who threw me a lifeline. My timely diagnosis of kidney cancer, the cutting-edge treatment, and exceptional care which followed saved my life and gave me my future back. For men living with prostate cancer, that lifeline can now come in the form of a drug treatment, abiraterone. It's a sobering fact that one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetimes. Thanks to the roll out of abiraterone, which greatly improves survival rates beyond six years, thousands of fathers, sons, brothers, partners and husbands will be able to face a future they feared they might never see. Around 2,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the last three months, whose cancer has not spread, will get access to the treatment if clinical assessments suggest they will benefit. An additional 7,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and will be eligible for the drug, given in combination with the steroid, prednisolone. The latter works by starving the disease of the hormones it needs to grow, including testosterone. Research shows that for earlier stage patients, the survival rate after six years is significantly improved. This latest roll out proves once again we're serious about improving prostate cancer outcomes. Like the tireless campaigners and cancer charities calling for faster access to life transforming treatments like this, I'm delighted NHS bosses have taken the steps needed to make the drug available. Thousands of men can now look forward to many more days of happy, healthy living with friends, family and loved ones. As we look ahead to the launch of our National Cancer Plan soon, patients should be reassured - whether its prostate or other forms of cancer, the NHS and this government are determined to keep shortening the odds in favour of healthier, longer lives for everyone. Health officials are calling for stricter restrictions to stop food businesses being able to import and sell Jolly Ranchers, after the sweets were found to contain toxic chemicals found in petrol. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent alert after the American sweets manufactured by The Hershey Company were found to contain Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons, (MOAH), making them unsafe to eat. It cautioned: 'Food businesses selling these products in the UK are advised to immediately stop sales, undertake product withdrawals and, where there have been retail sales, to undertake product recalls.' 'We are asking enforcement authorities to ensure that businesses who may have been supplied with or received the affected products take action to ensure that unsafe products are withdrawn from the market.' The warning includes Hard Candy, 'Misfits' Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, Filled Pops, and Freeze Dried Candy. It comes after health officials banned the sweets last year due to concerns they contain ingredients linked to cancer. These chemicals, derived from crude oil, have been linked to serious illnesses including cancer, particularly in the liver and lymph nodes. This makes the sweets unsafe to eat, particularly over long periods of time, and not compliant with UK law. UK businesses and consumers are being urged to stop buying and selling the Jolly Rancher products, owned by US firm Hershey The recall also includes the Jolly Rancher Fruity 2 in 1 and Very Berry Whilst the food watchdog said there is 'no immediate cause for concern for consumers that have eaten these products', MOAH is a known carcinogen and may pose a significant safety risk if consumed regularly. It continued: 'Although the levels consumers are exposed to are likely to be low, they may present a risk to health because they contain MOAH. 'Consumption of the affected sweets is of toxicological concern, especially in younger age groups and where consumers eat a lot of the products or eat it regularly.' According to the agency, The Hershey Company has been working with the FSA and to remove unsafe products from UK markets since 2024, but other businesses continue to import and supply the products. The FSA is advising people who have bought any of the listed products to not eat them and dispose of them at home. Those with concerns are advised to contact the Trading Standards department or the Environmental Health department for the area in which the sweets were purchased. And it isn't just Jolly Ranchers experts warn there are numerous US products with illegal ingredients making their way to the UK. Earlier last year, it was revealed sweets, fizzy drinks and crisps containing illegal ingredients, imported from the US, were 'flooding the UK'. The recall includes the Jolly Rancher Hard Candy and Misfits Gummies These included Fanta Pineapple, Mountain Dew, Swedish Fish, Prime Hydration, Cheetos Crunchy and Twizzlers Strawberry Twists and Rainbow Twists. The potentially harmful and illegal substances included brominated vegetable oil, known as BVO, which is found in the fizzy drink Mountain Dew. Others include Red Dye 3, widely used to add colour to jelly beans and preserved cherries, and white mineral oil, which is used to make popular sweets, Swedish Fish. All of the Jolly Rancher products included in the ban also include artificial food dyes like Red 40, Yellows 5 and 6 and Blue 1. All of these dyes have been linked to hyperactivity, migraines and some forms of cancer. On September 5, 1856, Mary Ann Patten, 19 and pregnant, climbed onto the deck of her husbands clipper ship and addressed the crew in a quavering voice. Neptunes Car was in dire straits, stranded near Cape Horn, in the most dangerous stretch of water known to man or, indeed, woman. Mary Ann Patten - first female commander of an American merchant vessel Mary Anns husband, Captain Joshua Patten, was lying in a delirious fever in the cabin below. The first mate was in leg irons following an attempted mutiny. The second mate, while loyal, was illiterate and unable to use the maps to plot a course out of the storm that was currently throwing Neptunes Car around as if it were a toy. The rest of the crew consisted of the usual ragbag of desperados. At that moment it seemed inevitable that the ship would go down with all hands on board. There was, though, one hope. Although this was only her second time on a round-the-world journey, young Mrs Patten had taught herself how to navigate by studying her husbands charts and instruments. And so, standing on the soaking deck with a loaded pistol hidden under her oilskin for protection, she asked her husbands crew to trust her to take command of the ship and bring it to safety. The crew, aka vagrants with attitude, burst out in spontaneous applause. They would follow the she-Captain to the ends of the Earth. In this thrilling, painstaking book Mazzeo recounts one of the most celebrated episodes in American maritime history. An accomplished sailor herself, shes the perfect person to explain how terrifying it must have been to be aboard Neptunes Car as it was buffeted by 50ft waves at the bottom of the world. Mary Ann had studied the tides and knew that trying to plot a course out of the storm would only result in the ship breaking up. So she took the brave decision to allow the 60-knot winds to blow Neptunes Car south-east towards Antarctica into calmer conditions, before making a sharp turn northwards. Neptune's Car The plan seemed to be working until huge icebergs, 200ft high, loomed into view, threatening a collision that would crush the ship in seconds. Mazzeos great achievement is to make us feel the deathly quiet, the creak of timbers, the silent prayers not to mention the awful sick feeling that comes with not knowing if you are going to drown in the next five minutes. And yet, against all odds, Mary Anns navigational skills saved the day. The deadly icebergs receded towards the horizon and on November 15, 1856, Neptunes Car limped into San Francisco. Captain Joshua Patten, still barely conscious, was stretchered ashore alongside his wife, who by now was eight months pregnant. As well as having a fine grasp of the seascape, Mazzeo is an ace historian and paints a vivid picture of the Pattens world. Both had been born into sea- faring families, yet they were also modern people, determined to take advantage of new trends in maritime capitalism. Neptunes Car was one of an elite cohort of super clippers, with tall masts and more than a dozen sails and narrow hulls. These ships were built for speed rather than safety but, above all, they were built to make money. Ferrying valuable cargos of tea and silk around the world, these super clippers operated like a kind of ocean-going FedEx or Amazon. There were huge profits to be made, not just by the shipowners, but by their captains too. Indeed, Mazzeo explains that the Pattens were looking forward to a bumper payday once Neptunes Car docked in San Francisco and unloaded its valuable cargo. The Edge of the World is available now from the Mail Bookshop To add an extra excitement, not to mention profit, Neptunes Car was engaged in a race with several other around-the-world clippers. If Captain Patten managed to beat his rivals, there would be an extra bonus. Mazzeo reckons that the Pattens stood to clear, in modern terms, a sum of well over a million dollars. The young couple planned to return to Joshuas native Maine, where they would build a farmhouse, raise a family and never worry about money or the sea again. What was unusual about Neptunes Car was that the captain had chosen to bring his wife with him. Crews were not generally happy about having women on board, convinced that a hen frigate would bring bad luck. But Joshua and Mary Ann were deeply in love, and the idea of months apart was too much to contemplate. There were, though, strict conditions. As Captains wife, Mary Ann was not permitted to walk around the decks or talk to anyone apart from her husband and the first and second mate. All of which explains why, as a break from her usual needlework, Mary Ann had passed the endless time by learning how to read maps, study the tides and steer using the stars. For a while after docking in San Francisco it looked as though the Pattens would get their happy ending. The story of how the pretty, diminutive captains wife had stepped in to save her husbands ship quickly made headlines around the world. As Mazzeo explains, young Mrs Patten was, for a spell, more famous than the nurse Florence Nightingale (the Crimean War had been in full spate). Early feminists, beginning to campaign for the vote, held the brave captains wife up as an example of just what women were capable of when given the chance. In interviews, Mary Ann modestly declared that she was simply doing her duty, which only made the world love her even more. But then reality kicked in. Joshua Patten had sustained permanent brain damage from weeks in a near-coma and had to be admitted to an asylum, where he died a few days later. F oster & Nickerson, owners of Neptunes Car, refused to pay Mary Ann her husbands salary or his percentage of the profits. Eight months pregnant and a widow, she was now nearly destitute. In the end, and thanks to enormous public pressure, Mary Ann, now an international celebrity, was able to scrape back a fraction of the fortune owing to her. Mazzeo has written a white-knuckle ride of a book. You will finish it vowing never to set foot on a sea-going craft again. You will also, though, thank your lucky stars that, these days, women are able to pilot trains, planes and, indeed, ships around the world while also being paid exactly what they deserve. Glyph is available now from the Mail Bookshop GLYPH by Ali Smith (Hamish Hamilton 20, 288pp) Smith, reliably unusual, is always up to something. Her latest book arrives billed as a standalone companion to 2024s Gliff, which followed two siblings in a surveillance dystopia. Cutely, that novel is being read by the characters in this one a wide, free-wheeling meditation on war, told with Smiths usual punning brio. We follow two sisters, Petra and Patricia, as they mull over tales of conflict handed down to them through the generations, from the story of a horse blinded by a mustard gas attack in the First World War, to the horrifyingly grisly eyewitness account of a man flattened on a dirt road in France during the Second World War. While these episodes gnaw at their imagination, Patricias daughter is haunted by the daily reality of live-streamed conflict in the present. Melding history with todays headlines, its invigoratingly political. The Old Fire is available now from the Mail Bookshop THE OLD FIRE by Elisa Shua Dusapin (Daunt 14.99, 176pp) Dusapin made a splash with her first book, Winter In Sokcho, about the tense relationship struck up between the unnamed narrator and a graphic novelist on a trip to a South Korean fishing town. Her new novel, just as spare and uncluttered, likewise brims with pent-up emotion. In the wake of a miscarriage, the narrator leaves her life as a screenwriter in New York to clear her fathers home in rural France, where she is forced to reconnect awkwardly with her estranged sister Vera, who has been mute since the age of six. The fairytale atmosphere of the books woodland setting contrasts with the brutal nitty- gritty of its detail. Dusapins clear and direct style, seeded with implication, holds us in its spell as she immerses us in a moving tale of family strife, to say nothing of her between-the-lines portrait of relationship breakdown in the present. Television is available from the Mail Bookshop TELEVISION by Lauren Rothery (Ecco 16.99, 256pp) From a US-based novelist born in England, this punchy debut rotates between monologues from a trio of characters whose Hollywood travails lift the lid on the seamier side of showbusiness. We unpick a knotty three-way relationship between two female scriptwriters one seasoned, one aspiring and a hard-drinking male lead whose midlife crisis is turbocharged by getting even more filthy rich from his latest brain-off role in an action franchise. While the novels sex-soaked ambience can sometimes be a little on the sour side, the effect is inordinately compelling, less for any thrills and spills of plot than for the seductively heady sense that were being given the inside track on celebrity. Xiplomacy: How China-Africa partnership spurs Global South modernization Xinhua) 08:06, January 16, 2026 Children wait to board a train at the Nairobi Station of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen) Along the journey toward modernization, China and Africa are learning from each other, generating a mighty force of solidarity, self-reliance and shared development across the Global South. DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African nations. Over the decades, the friendship has been passed down from generation to generation, and bilateral ties have achieved leapfrog development. Amid a complex international landscape and accelerated changes unseen in a century, China and Africa have continued to draw strength from the spirit of friendship and cooperation. Their joint pursuit of modernization has set an example for Global South cooperation, and is writing new chapters in building a better world for all. EVER-LASTING FRIENDSHIP China and African countries are the world's largest developing country and the continent with the most developing nations respectively. The two sides have always regarded solidarity and cooperation as cornerstones of their partnership. In 2013, Africa was among the destinations of Chinese President Xi Jinping's first overseas trip after assuming the presidency. During the visit, he put forward the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith as well as the values of friendship, justice and shared interests, which set the tone for the accelerated growth of China-Africa ties in recent years. Over the past 13 years, Xi has visited Africa five times, charting the course for all-around cooperation between the two sides. A defining moment came on Sept. 5, 2024. In his keynote speech at the opening of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing, Xi proposed elevating China's bilateral relations with all African countries having diplomatic ties with China to the level of strategic relations, and elevating the overall characterization of China-Africa relations to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf noted that China is a trustworthy and reliable partner. At the grassroots, the friendship is equally evident. In Zimbabwe's Mashonaland East Province, a water well built by China has enabled villagers to grow sweet sorghum. "We will never forget that it was the Chinese who helped us build it," a villager said. In Ethiopia, entrepreneur Mulu Kemal, who attended a training program under the Global Female Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program Workshop, thanked Chinese instructors for helping her "find a direction for business development." The African people have also come to China's aid when it needed help. In the aftermath of the Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes, many African countries made numerous donations, helped build friendship schools for local students. Just as Xi once pointed out: "China and Africa are good friends, partners and brothers who assist and support each other." Workers of Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) replace the sleepers at New Kapiri Mposhi Railway Station in Central Province, Zambia, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun) JOINT PURSUIT OF MODERNIZATION On Sept. 4, 2024, Xi, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) revitalization project in Beijing. The project has since entered full-scale construction. The railway embodies deep China-Africa bonds and shared aspirations. During talks with Hassan in 2022, Xi noted that even when China was poor, it tightened its belt to help its African brothers build this railway. "Now that China is more developed, it is better placed to act on the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, help our African friends achieve common development, and build a stronger China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said. "The railway changed my life," said retired Tanzanian TAZARA driver Alois Shimbaya, who spent his lifetime running trains on the railway. The groundbreaking ceremony for the revitalization project has renewed his hopes for future development. For Zambian youth Michael Nchovo, who is now studying high-speed rail technology at Central South University in China's Hunan Province, the news was thrilling. He said that among the Chinese builders who once travelled to Zambia to help build the railway were alumni of his university, and as a new-generation railway builder, he was ready to contribute to the upgrading of the TAZARA railway and to Africa's modernization drive. Over the past year, China has intensified practical cooperation with African partners under the Belt and Road Initiative. An aerial drone photo shows a view of the coal terminal at the old Nacala Port in Nacala City, Mozambique, Nov. 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) China has carried out upgrades and renovations at the old Nacala Port in Mozambique, renewed the technical service agreement for the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, and completed track-laying for Africa's first heavy-haul desert railway, further strengthening the continent's connectivity foundations. Across Africa, railways and highways continue to flourish, while landmark buildings, industrial parks and factories are rising at a faster pace, bringing Africa's dream of modernization closer to reality, step by step. Agriculture, the foundation of many African economies, has also seen tangible benefits. Juncao technology from China has taken root in multiple African countries, improving livelihoods. In Tanzania, it has boosted the income of Tahiya Bauso Massawe, who sees Juncao as a symbol of "equality, hope and opportunity." In Rwanda, physics teacher and school feeding coordinator, Alice Allouette Marie Munyurabanga returned from China with Juncao technology and has used the mushrooms she grew to enrich her students' meals. She believes that these mushrooms are not only a tasty food, but also a seed that can help change the future. In recent years, China has continued to expand market access for African countries, providing broader opportunities for shared development. China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, and China-Africa trade surpassed 300 billion U.S. dollars for the first time from January to November 2025. In June 2025, China announced its readiness to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, implementing zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. On Dec. 15, 2025, about 1 ton of Benin's pineapples arrived in central China's Hunan Province and enjoyed zero-tariff treatment, an indication that more African goods are making their way to Chinese consumers. Lin Zhanxi lectures Juncao technology to participants of a training class at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center in Huye District, Southern Province, Rwanda, on Aug. 4, 2024. (Photo by Huang Wanqing/Xinhua) TOWARD A STRONGER GLOBAL SOUTH Recently, Hunan International Business Vocational College received a letter from Abreham Yimer Abate, chief executive of Woreda (district) 05 of Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia, expressing his wish to return to China for further studies this year. In 2023, Abate traveled to China to attend a training program in China's southern Hunan Province. During his visit, he toured Shibadong Village, widely recognized as the birthplace of the concept of "targeted poverty alleviation." He learned that Xi had conducted on-site research there and proposed development strategies tailored to the village's specific situation and challenges. Abate observed how the once-impoverished mountain community achieved a dramatic transformation through green development suited to local conditions. Deeply impressed by China's poverty alleviation drive, he said he believes that China's experience offers "practical insights that can be adapted and applied." After returning home, Abate tried to help communities long affected by poverty to improve their lives by using experience he learned in the Chinese Village. Every visit to China offers him fresh ideas for addressing development challenges, he said. Abate's story reflects how China's approaches and practices in tackling poverty reduction and promoting inclusive development have inspired African countries as they explore their own paths of development. In December last year, the China-Kenya Readers Forum on "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" took place in Nairobi, Kenya, and a promotional event for the English edition of the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Maropene Ramokgopa, South African Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, said the book covers key areas, including China's modernization path, the fight against poverty, global development cooperation and technological innovation, among others. It offers a valuable window for the Global South into how China interprets and responds to global challenges, she noted. Currently, China is going all out to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization. Africa is also making steady progress toward the modernization goals set out in the African Union's Agenda 2063. Along the journey toward modernization, China and Africa are learning from each other, generating a mighty force of solidarity, self-reliance and shared development across the Global South. Humphrey Moshi, director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, said that China-Africa cooperation is an important practice in strengthening the representation of Global South countries and fostering unity and self-reliance. Through equal consultation and mutually beneficial cooperation, China and Africa are jointly promoting the transformation of the Global South from passive participants to makers of rules, which holds significant importance for improving the global governance system, he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) As I read the WhatsApp message from one of my best friends, my heart started to thump. The only one in our group chat whos still single was dating a new man and asked for our thoughts. He seems great, good for you! we all chorused in reply. Then we hastily set up a breakaway group on the app without her to air our true opinions But her furious message showed several of us had posted some thoughts into the main group by mistake. She now knew the rest of us agreed he was far too young at ten years her junior, and that there was something a little off and dodgy about him. Setting up a splinter group can lead to all sorts of trouble, especially if someone accidentally reveals that one exists to those who are excluded Welcome to the modern perils of the WhatsApp subgroup, those splinter cliques we set up to gossip and moan about all the other people in our bigger group chats. Going on a hen do thats running wildly over budget? Set up a subgroup with a few of the other hens to bitch about the bride or maid of honour, or whoever is pushing the pricey party. In a big office group chat with colleagues while you all work on a project together? Youll need a subgroup to moan about your boss or the team member not pulling their weight. And I dont think theres ever been a group of school mum mums who havent set up a splinter WhatsApp group. If youre reading this and thinking what on earth is she talking about?, Im sorry to say it probably means you are the friend who hasnt been invited to the breakaway chat and is still posting in the main group, blissfully unaware that the real conversations happen elsewhere. But for all the clandestine joy these subgroups can bring those in the know, you really need to concentrate when using them. Fail to ensure youre in the right chat when messaging and you could end up with run-ins like the one above. Her feelings hurt, our friend flounced and left the group in a rage, only to ask to rejoin 20 minutes later. Shed been so huffy we left her to stew for three hours before adding her back in. This is why I have a love-hate relationship with WhatsApp and the countless groups and subgroups I juggle every day. Im in so many, its exhausting and theres the constant fear that Ill accidentally post in the wrong one. As well as groups with friends, there are others with family, colleagues, industry associates I work in fashion and more chats set up for weddings, holidays and social occasions, most with at least one splinter group to boot. The writer only found out she was not included on a trip to a Beyonce concert when one of her friends, who was in a secret breakaway group, dropped a message about the event into the wrong chat group My main group comprises me and 11 girlfriends whove been friends for more than 30 years since primary school. Despite our bond, there have been many dramas along the way, most recently when five of them set up a breakaway group to organise tickets to a Beyonce concert last year, ignoring the fact that Im a huge fan. Inevitably, one slipped up with a cant wait for Beyonce message to the main group and all hell broke loose. Comments from those of us who hadnt made the cut included, How dare you go on a trip and not invite the rest of us? and Who do you think you are with your secretive group?, as well as What else do you talk about in your private chat? It felt akin to being left out in the school playground and gave me a real, if temporary, sense of insecurity within the group knowing Id been excluded. And thats the problem. While subgroups are a guilty pleasure for so many of us, they always carry a whiff of backstabbing or playground bullying. We all ended up going to the Beyonce gig in the end, after the rest of us bought tickets separately but tensions were high. And for a while, there was an element of mistrust and a sense of wondering what other groups might exist below the radar. WhatsApp has been a menace at work, too. A few years ago, I was being bullied at the fashion company where I worked as a buyer. I had a few mornings off work to visit my sick father in hospital, but my manager, a director of the company, said on what she thought was a breakaway group, but was actually the departmental chat: I hope her dad really is ill and shes not sneaking off for job interviews, otherwise that would be abhorrent. As soon as I saw the message, my heart sunk. Id been feeling out of place and isolated in the company, and this made me feel worse. It also made me dread what else they had said in their splinter group chat. There was zero remorse from the woman who sent the message and no apology, so she clearly meant what shed said and stood by it. I decided the only abhorrent thing was our toxic work culture and resigned a few months later, having found a new job (on my own time). Several weeks into my new role, a WhatsApp notification pinged on my phone screen inviting me to join a work subgroup with a few other women in my team. But I think perhaps Ill sit this one out... Katherine Fletcher was seven when she discovered that she was adopted A woman who spent five decades searching for her birth mother has revealed her joy after meeting the half-siblings she never knew she had Katherine Fletcher, 61, who lives in Yorkshire with her husband and their grown-up son, enjoyed a happy childhood with her parents and two older brothers. At the age of seven, however, her mother told her that she was adopted, changing the course of her life forever. 'I felt extremely confused...I felt ashamed of myself,' Katherine said when recalling the emotional memory. As she got older, she grew determined to find her birth mother, and by her early teens, she obtained her adoption file, which told her more details about her origins. She learned that at the time she was conceived in 1964, her mother was 19 and was in a relationship with an archaeology student studying at a London-based university. But when she became pregnant, he refused to help her birth mother, making her feel as though she had to go through the pregnancy alone, and with no option but to give Katherine up for adoption. After her search came to a dead end, she reached out to ITV's Long Lost Family, who helped her learn more about her past. Though she was told her mother had sadly passed away in 2006, she came to realise she had two half-siblings based in Canada, and in an emotional scene, she finally got to meet them. Katherine Fletcher, pictured, finally saw a picture of her birth mother, whom she has searched for her whole life, in tonight's episode of Long Lost Family She revisited the location at which her birth mother, who suffered from mental health issues, spent time during her pregnancy. Standing outside the building and trying to comprehend her birth mother's judgement, she questioned, 'Why did she have to come here? Why couldn't she go home?' Attempting to reason with her birth mother's logic, she added: 'Was it such a big secret and such a big shame that she had to be hidden away?' 'I know I was here with my mother,' she continued while tearing up, 'And that's amazing. It means a great deal to me.' In a quest to help Katherine learn about her roots, the Long Lost Family utilised DNA tracing and managed to find additional details about her birth mother. The team found that her birth mother, called Adriane, had emigrated to Canada and, sadly, had passed away in 2006. Co-host Davina McCall informed Katherine of her birth mother's passing off camera. In a bittersweet scene, Katherine finally got the opportunity to see a photograph of her birth mother for the first time. The mother-of-one said: 'She looks beautiful, she looks lovely. I can definitely see myself in her.' In a heartwarming scene, Katherine finally got to meet her half-siblings - Kirk and Lisa (pictured) Katherine's mother told her that she was adopted at the age of seven - and she's wanted to know more about her past ever since The photograph also included another revelation for Katherine, because her birth mother stood smiling with her half-siblings in the image, and up until recently, neither party knew of the other's existence. Katherine asked: 'Who are these other people in the picture with her?' Davina then responded, 'That is what I wanted to speak to you about. They're your brother and sister, Kirk and Lisa, they're your half-brother and sister.' 'Oh my god,' she said, shocked. 'That's incredible.' After Adriane emigrated to Canada, she had two children, Lisa and Kirk. When the Long Lost Family team got in touch, they were keen to learn more about Katherine. Davina told her, 'They can tell you everything. They had no idea about you', which came as a shock to Katherine, causing her to tear up. In the episode, Lisa and Kirk travelled from Toronto to London and told the co-hosts about their surprise at learning about Katherine. They told Nicky Campbell that they do, however, remember their aunt mentioning an archaeology student with whom Adriane had a relationship when she was younger. Pictured from left to right: Katherine's late birth mother Adriane and her son and daughter, Kirk and Lisa, who are based in Canada Lisa and Kirk told Nicky of their mother's mental health difficulties, saying: 'She went through a lot...but she survived any way she could.' In a heartwarming final scene, the birth siblings meet for the first time near Katherine's home in Yorkshire. Immediately, Lisa and Kirk marvelled over how similar Katherine's appearance is to their mothers. The trio instantly bonded and discussed Adriane, including her mental health difficulties. 'When she was great she was great, but the lows were very difficult for her,' Lisa said, adding: 'Finding out about you, it's been like therapy for us.' In an emotional moment, Kirk and Lisa gifted Katherine a necklace, saying they believed it was a present their mother would've picked out for her, which Katherine said she would treasure. She said: 'I hope it would've given her great joy to think that the three of us have managed to make a connection after all these years. 'Kirk and Lisa have just been absolutely amazing, they're amazing people, and they've made me feel so welcome. It was very easy and natural.' Lisa added: 'It was wonderful, she was everything I thought she would be. The more she talked, the more it seemed she was like our mum.' Long Lost Family is available to watch ITVX. Keir Starmer put in another abysmal performance at PMQs this week. Like a sulky child throwing their toys out the pram, he floundered, he flustered and then got angry, his brick-shaped head turning red, his face looking like an angry shoebox. How much longer can dear Keir carry on? His favourability ratings are through the floor while his constant policy U-turns are a national joke. Such capriciousness is a clear sign of a government in chaos, and even his own backbenchers look increasingly uncomfortable at the shambles. Yet for me, the nail in the coffin came with his despatch box 'joke' about Ikea. Following Nadhim Zahawi's defection to Reform, the Prime Minister suggested that the Shadow Cabinet had been made by Ikea, delivering a flat punchline: 'Nobody wants to buy it, it's mainly constructed of old, dead wood and every time you lose a nut it defects to Reform.' What? And the remark was even more jarring because Starmer had visited an Ikea store in Croydon on Monday to boast about his Government's new Employment Rights Act. Standing among Blanda bowls and Ektorp sofas, he puffed on about changes including the introduction of day-one parental leave and more bereavement leave. 'We have come to Ikea because good employers are already doing this,' he said, greasily trying to give the impression that the Swedish company's progressive work practices somehow had something to do with him. Sir Keir Starmer visited an Ikea store in Croydon on Monday to boast about his Government's new Employment Rights Act Yet only two days later the old fraud was sticking Ikea's own Vardagen knife in (12, handle available in stainless steel or walnut) like a man possessed. How insulting to the Ikea workers and management who had politely turned out to meet and greet him. How discourteous to the world's largest furniture retailer with global annual sales of around 38billion to be trashed by a desperate leader trying to score a cheap political point. Now we can add bad manners to his list of crimes. Starmer's a complete idiot, of course. Does he just blindly read everything that is put in front of him? However, more importantly, the Ikea insult shows just how snobbish and out of touch he really is, not to mention being a solid oak Tarnestad knob (5 for a pack of two). He always tries to present himself as a veneer-free, plain-speaking man of the people, yet now sneers at this much loved, budget-friendly furniture store. The truth about Starmer is that he lives in an Islington bubble with his glam wife swishing about in her Me+Em frocks, all the while being advised by his know-nothing Spads and dim speechwriters. Together, they form a clueless collective of ambitious nerds who have no connection to the electorate or real life. 'Nobody wants to buy it'? The truth is that a staggering 60 per cent of British people own something from Ikea. And why is that? Because it is affordable, well designed and despite what the PM says generally very good quality indeed. Ikea sell around 2.3billion worth of goods every year in the UK, with the most popular lines here being storage and organisation items such as shoe racks, cupboards and shelving. Yes, thanks to politicians like Keir Starmer the world is going to hell in a handcart (Ivar storage box on wheels, 35) but at least the Brits have their spices racked in alphabetical order and their slippers neatly stacked on Tjusig shelving (29). The truth about Starmer is that he lives in an Islington bubble with his glam wife swishing about in her Me+Em frocks, all the while being advised by his know-nothing Spads and dim speechwriters He is wrong about Ikea being common or undesirable. The Prince and Princess of Wales furnished their children's bedrooms at Kensington Palace with Ikea furniture, celebrity interior designer Nicky Haslam has used Ikea chests of drawers in some of the grandest homes and adores its sheepskin rugs, while Kelly Hoppen says the vintage chrome sling lounge chairs, first released in the 1970s, are covetable and timeless. Personally, I love my Besta TV bench with drawers, a snip at 130 and a useful piece of furniture that has quietly and stylishly done its job for years. And my Vesken kitchen trolley, only seven inches wide, which slides usefully into a gap between cupboards and costs only 8 what's not to love? The bumper packs of tealights, the giant chopping boards, the iconic Billy bookcase. It is all pretty great, although not everything is perfect, of course. Some of its sofas feel like you are sitting on a rocky ledge on an Upsala glacier. Yet Ikea glories on and its bestsellers include the Poang armchair, the Pax wardrobes, and let's not forget its beloved Swedish meatballs. Keir Starmer certainly didn't. He told the Ikea workers in Croydon that he particularly liked the vegetarian version, shamelessly slinging his common man gravy before he started slinging his insults. Speaking of which, some of it didn't even make sense. Surely the son of a toolmaker should know that all wood is dead once it has been cut down? Anyway, no need to feel sorry for Ikea, a globally successful company famous for being kind to its employees and an ongoing legend in the ready-to-assemble world. Still, it doesn't deserve the sneers of a snooty Prime Minister who is totally screwing himself. Roxana rocks it Camila Morrone as sultry Roxana Bolanos in The Night Manager Spoiler alert! I am properly furious with The One Show (BBC One). On its Monday programme, it dropped a jumbo-sized spoiler about the new season of The Night Manager, specifically about an episode broadcast only the previous evening and which, like millions, I had yet to see. In these days of catch-up services, surely that is far too soon to give away a major plotline? Guest and The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston should have stopped them his alter ego is meant to be a master in the art of international espionage, after all. Meanwhile, it is spoiling nothing to say that the sultry Night Manager outfits worn by Roxana Bolanos (played by Camila Morrone) are a masterclass in chic tropical dressing. My life is complete. The Duchess of Sussex has launched a bookmark! It's made of leather. It's got her handwriting on it. And it only costs 13.40. You can buy it as part of her winter cosy set, alongside a jar of honey and some herbal tea. Such marketing insanity! What are we hibernating bears with a thirst? The bookmark is bespoke, it is supple, it is made from sustainably sourced materials and has already sold out. Meghan touts it as a 'keepsake designed for those who linger, pause, and return'. For what? More As Ever nonsense with jam on it? No thanks. 'Ordinary' Tindalls are really raking it in Zara and Mike Tindall are so canny, aren't they? They are royal-but-not-royal, leaning into their Windsor connections while trying to pretend they're just ever-so-ordinary Mr and Mrs Tindall. He is a former England rugby international who has not worked (in any proper sense of the word) since his sporting career ended; she is famously Not Princess Zara, but she might as well be. Zara and Mike Tindall on their lucrative Magic Millions tour in Australia Along with their three young children, the Tindalls live on Princess Anne's Gatcombe Park estate and revel in their reputation as the 'most relatable royals' but is that entirely deserved? The couple are on a Magic Millions tour in Australia, attending racing and turf club events which organisers floridly bill as 'royal' because Not Princess Zara takes part in the horse races. 'How did you get on?' a reporter asked her this week. 'I got to the end before the boys, but it was a pretty slow race,' she replied. Isn't she marvellous? So erudite. I'm presuming the Tindalls are paid handsomely to attend these events on the Gold Coast, but I could be wrong. Perhaps they are motivated to travel across the world by sheer equine love and altruism? Over the years, the Tindalls have quietly built up a 30million fortune, boosted by deals with luxury brands such as Musto, Rolex and Land Rover (hers), along with Domino's Pizza, Amazon Prime and Pureis CBD (his). I doubt this would have happened if Not Princess Zara's mother had not been Very Much Princess Anne, so please don't try to tell me they are relatable. If you think about it, they are about as likeable and down-to-earth as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Many of us are rightly sick of lower-ranking royals presenting themselves as philanthropic power couples while benefiting from their lucrative family links and coincidentally! becoming hugely wealthy in the process. Don't insult our intelligence. Paying for stupidity Rectifying botched cosmetic surgery procedures undertaken abroad costs the NHS 20,000 per patient. Come on. Should we really be paying for the stupidity of trout-pouters seeking beauty on the cheap? Perhaps the Government should start a campaign to educate and deter these young women and they usually are young women from seeking low-cost alternatives to their beauty problems. It is entirely their choice to have a butt lift or a boob job in a clinic above a kebab shop in a Turkish back street because it is half the price. But the NHS and the British taxpayer should no longer have to pick up the pieces (in more ways than one) when it, predictably, all goes wrong. I'm really cross about hot cross buns Hot cross buns available all year round, Easter eggs in shops by Christmas Eve, sightings of mince pies in September? How depressing that the deferred pleasure of seasonal treats has been replaced by the instant gratification demanded by spoiled consumers. One a penny, two a penny, hot cross 'all-year-round' buns Growing secularisation also means that their original religious significance is fading fast or often lost. How many realise what that simple cross, made of a flour and water paste and piped on to each bun before baking, actually means? They probably think it is a kiss. It is the same with rose wine once a lovely summer treat, now guzzled all year round. Ditto an Aperol Spritz. Having patience, experiencing yearning, enjoying anticipation these are all important aspects of the human condition. Are we losing them in an avalanche of consumer avarice? They might not always have been on the best of terms, but when it comes to their designer allegiances, Patsy Kensit and Liam Gallagher certainly appear to be mates - check mates. Not content with making an estimated 400 million from Oasis's 41-show global tour, Liam, 53, boosted his bank balance even further last year by appearing in Burberry's summer 2025 advertising campaign. Dressed in a selection of the British designer brand's outerwear, the Oasis frontman was photographed alongside models Cara Delevingne, Alexa Chung and his three children Gene, 23, Molly, 27 and Lennon, 25, in a festival-themed fashion shoot celebrating the idea that 'it's always Burberry weather'. And now, his ex-wife Patsy Kensit, 57, is proving that anything Liam can do, she can do better - provided it doesn't involve packing out Wembley Stadium. Actress Kensit, who divorced Gallagher in 2000 after three years of marriage citing his 'unreasonable behaviour', has just been revealed as one of the faces of Burberry's new spring campaign, following in the footsteps of British stars of stage and screen including Kate Winslet, Olivia Colman and Jennifer Saunders. It's Kensit's first foray in front of the camera for the brand known for its trench coats and distinctive check, though she is a frequent fixture on Burberry's front row. The Burberry Spring 2026 Wardrobe modelled by Patsy Kensit, Liam Gallagher's ex wife Actress Kensit, who divorced Gallagher in 2000 after three years of marriage citing his 'unreasonable behaviour', has just been revealed as one of the faces of Burberry's new spring campaign It's Kensit's first foray in front of the camera for the brand known for its trench coats and distinctive check, though she is a frequent fixture on Burberry's front row Last February, she was on hand to watch her and Liam's son, Lennon, model in Burberry's autumn/winter 2025 show at London Fashion Week. Rather than channeling festival fashion, as Liam did, Patsy's look appears to owe more to a certain remote Scottish castle than a muddy field. Photographed in front of a four-poster bed dressed in a knee-length kilt, black riding boots and a quilted jacket, her outfit looks straight out of Claudia Winkleman's wardrobe on the hit BBC1 show, Traitors. Which is, perhaps, the plan. Given that every item Winkleman wears sells out or sees a spike in sales, Burberry wouldn't be the only brand keen to benefit from what retailers have dubbed 'the Claudia effect'. No doubt Winkleman's stylist will be checking the look out for the next season of Celebrity Traitors. An American woman has sparked a fiery discussion after making a bold declaration about a common resort holiday act. 'This might be controversial but I sit at chairs that already have towels on them,' Quinn Doran said on TikTok. 'I don't see them as reserved, because nobody is sitting there.' The Houston-based comedian explained in a video that she was stunned by the audacity of resort holidaymakers who get up hours early to put 'some dingy towel from the resort' on the prime poolside loungers - only to then leave the 'reserved' chair unoccupied for hours. In a video shared to her @pumpquinnspicelatte social media accounts, she proclaimed: 'If you're mad at me for 'stealing' your chair - that's not your flippin' chair!' She also pointed out that many resorts even have a policy specifically stating that 'you can't reserve chairs'. However, she did note that she wouldn't take an unattended pool chair if there was also some 'collateral' left along with the pool towel. 'I'm gonna take your chair, unless you have something of value on it,' Quinn explained. 'You left the Declaration of Independence on the chair. You left some collateral, your firstborn. Alright, fine. I'll leave your chair alone. American woman Quinn Doran sparked a fiery online discussion about the common holiday act of leaving a towel on a pool lounger for hours as a way to 'reserve' it A minute-long video shared to her @pumpquinnspicelatte social media accounts explained that unless the pool lounge chair had additional valuable 'collateral' on it, she would simply take it 'But if it's just a chair with a towel? Girl, I'm taking that chair.' The video drew thousands of views and comments across both Instagram and TikTok. The vast majority of replies were firmly in Quinn's corner, completely agreeing that a lone resort towel on a pool lounge that was left unattended for an extended period of time was 'fair game'. 'I find it so wild people do this. I am taking that damn lounger every time,' read one reply. Another woman added: 'Girl, same! It's so annoying to wake up early and discover all the chairs are 'taken' by towels.' 'Wholeheartedly agree. If there is something else along with the towel, it means they're nearby. Just a towel? Fair game!' Several replies not only agreed - but shared a foolproof strategy they employ anytime they're questioned for taking someone's towel 'reserved' lounger. 'When/if they come back I say, 'Oh sorry, it was bare when I got here? Maybe the staff moved it?' I. Do. Not. Care.' The Houston-based comedian's video was viewed thousands of times and sparked online discussion in the comments, with many in complete agreement that the behaviour was 'bad manners' A similar reply suggested: 'If they come back, say: 'The chair was empty.'' Commenters noted that it's sadly become commonplace for 'horrifically entitled' resort guests to 'get up at 6am, put a towel on a chair, go back to bed, and then stroll to the pool around noon expecting to have a prime spot.' Many responses mentioned it was also 'a common problem on cruise ships'. Several replies to Quinn's video called out the sheer entitlement of this act. 'If you don't have your body in that chair or items of actual value to prove you're in the pool or at the bar for a brief moment, then you have no claim to the chair,' read one reply. 'How many times have I circled the resort throughout the day to see the same damn towel on an empty chair,' another frustrated person responded. 'I never understood how a towel reserved a chair and people act like it's legally binding,' added another. 'It's such bad manners and against most resorts' policy.' Another holidaymaker sadly noted: 'This is why we haven't been to an all-inclusive resort in a decade. The chair wars are too much for us to handle!' Many replies to the video agreed that they would simply remove a resort towel from a lounger if it had been unoccupied for a substantial amount of time But Quinn's point about 'the collateral rule' also sparked discussion, with many agreeing that this was a way to ascertain whether or not a pool lounger was actually in use. 'Towel only - I'll take the chair. But if it has a book or other property on it, I'll leave it,' one person said. 'I agree if it's only a towel. However, if there are other belongings, I won't touch it because that's just rude.' Although many theoretically agreed with Quinn, quite a few admitted they still wouldn't 'have the guts' to take a lounge with a towel on it. 'I love this. I do not have the guts to do it, but I love it.' 'I hate an uncomfortable confrontation. Really the hotel staff should go around doing it,' another said. To this point, several replies noted that 'a lot of resorts actually have signs up saying you're not allowed to reserve chairs' - and some locations are meticulous with policing their loungers to ensure fair access for all. 'Our resort in Cancun had a 90-minute rule - and the beach and pool staff enforced it,' one holidaymaker said. Many replies agreed with Quinn's 'collateral rule', meaning if there were additional personal valuable items left with the resort towel, you don't take it... ... 'but if it's just a chair with a towel' - many agreed with Quinn that it was 'fair game' 'The resort I go to places cards with times on the chairs. If you leave for more than 30 minutes and someone wants your chair, they'll remove your stuff and let others take them.' 'At the last resort I stayed, there was a $25 USD charge for losing a towel, which prevented people from 'reserving' pool chairs out of fear someone would steal their towel. It was great!' Although the majority believed claiming a pool lounger only to leave it empty for hours was simply poor holiday etiquette, there was a small chorus who proudly believed they were entitled to do so. 'I wake up at 5am to get my spot. Don't take it,' one person said. 'Umm, who says you can't reserve chairs?? Show me a sign and I won't reserve them. Otherwise SHUT it,' another replied. 'If you move my towel I will indeed come back after I'm done swimming to tell you to move,' another said. However, one admitted chair claimer said there was an in-between solution. 'I go early and stay. The people who put towels down and don't show up until hours later are just plain rude and have no respect.' A few self-declared 'pool vigilantes' responded to the video with anecdotes about removing towels from loungers that people had tried to claim There were also a couple of anecdotes from self-declared 'pool vigilantes' who had decided to exact personal revenge against lounge hogs. 'My husband and I stayed up one night until 6am, and before we went to bed, we took all the towels off the chairs that everyone had been placing out from 5am onward and put them in a huge pile on the pool deck. Chaos,' they cackled. Another said: 'Just take the towels off the chairs. Return a little later and watch the drama.' Melissa Gilbert has received public support from a former child star after her husband, Timothy Busfield, was arrested for child sex abuse allegations. West Wing actor Busfield, 68, is facing charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor child under 13 and one count of child abuse after twin boys came forward with the alleged assault they faced on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady. He is accused of inappropriately touching minors and allegedly told cops he wanted to create a 'playful environment' on the set of the television show he was directing. A warrant for his arrest in New Mexico now claims he told authorities it was 'highly likely' that he had physical contact with the accusers. Busfield has denied the allegations and told TMZ in a video: 'They're all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys, and I'm gonna fight it.' 'I'm gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and lies,' he continued. Gilbert, 61, has received public support in the wake of the news with One Day at a Time star Glenn Scarpelli posting a message of love and friendship. His comments came as Gilbert faced backlash after the brand she co-founded, Modern Prarie, uploaded a video of her giving a tour of the company's test kitchen fridge amid her husband's criminal charges. Melissa Gilbert has received public support amid her husband Timothy Busfield's arrest for child sex abuse allegations Busfield faces charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor child under 13 and child abuse Alongside the video, the brand claimed in the caption that viewers had been asking to see inside. It was posted on the Modern Prarie's official Instagram page. Sharing a throwback photo of them together along with fellow child actress Lisa Whelchel, Scarpelli, 59, said: 'Loving my ol' Friend Melissa Gilbert right now. 'No commentary, just love That is all' He concluded the caption with hashtags, including #love #support #friendship #melissagilbert. Fellow fans also voiced their messages of support for Gilbert in the comments. One wrote: 'Well said, such a tough time for her.' 'Oh, man, yes to this,' another added. 'My heart is with her right now.' 'Melissa has always been one of my favorite child actresses and I that you and she are still close friends, Glenn,' continued a third. One Day at a Time was a sitcom that aired from 1975 to 1984 and starred Bonnie Franklin, Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli. One Day at a Time star Glenn Scarpelli posted a message showing support to Gilbert Scarpelli and Gilbert posed with fellow child star Lisa Whelchel in the throwback photo 'Loving my ol' Friend Melissa Gilbert right now,' Scarpelli wrote in the caption Scarpelli is best known for his role as Alex Handris on the CBS show, which aired at the same time as Gilbert's Little House on the Prairie. Gilbert has been married to fellow television star Busfield since 2013. She did not attend her husband's arraignment in Albuquerque on January 14. In a statement earlier this week, a representative for the actress said 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,' the representative added. 'We ask that their privacy be respected.' Busfield is due back in court on January 20, when a judge will determine whether to grant the prosecution's motion for him to remain in custody until trial. For now, he is being held without bond. There's a dream trifecta that parents like myself hope to find when selecting the ultimate school holiday family activity. Ideally, it should be active, stimulating, and - most importantly - fun. And when it comes to this last point in particular, I mean that it should be as enjoyable for adults as for the young 'uns. With these criteria in mind, my husband and I, along with our primary school-aged kids, took the easy hour-and-a-half drive from Sydney to Scenic World in Katoomba, NSW, to check out Dinosaur Valley and The Dino Aquarium. It delivered on every front. For the uninitiated, Scenic World is the ultimate Blue Mountains adventure. It's a tourist attraction offering thrilling rides that provide the best seat in the house to take in the majestic natural scenery, including the nearby Three Sisters. Visitors both local and abroad arrive in droves every single day (yes, even on Christmas Day!) to ride the famous Scenic Railway - the world's steepest railway - along with the Scenic Cableway and Scenic Skyway. Both the Railway and Cableway descend in and out of the Jamison Valley. Once you're down there, aspiring young palaeontologists gleefully enter Dinosaur Valley, which is set up along Scenic World's exclusive, accessible boardwalk walking trails. Bonus points - there's no extra charge for entry to Dinosaur Valley - it's all included in the cost of your Scenic World Unlimited Discovery Pass admission ticket - with prices starting from $61 for an adult and $36.60 for kids. Scenic World's Dinosaur Valley experience including the Dino Aquarium is open throughout the summer 2026 school holidays The larger-than-life dinosaurs at Scenic World move and roar - much to the delight of dino fans of all ages Scenic World visitors descend into Jamison Valley - aka Dinosaur Valley - via the world famous Scenic Railway. It's the steepest railway in the world and has a 52-degree incline For several years now, Dinosaur Valley has been a family favourite regular annual event, with the Lillipilli Link trail in the Jamison Valley bushland taken over by animatronic dinosaurs. This year it runs until Jan 26 - but it will return again next summer. This year, the experience has levelled up with the addition of the brand-new Dinosaur Aquarium - but more on that later. In the valley, the larger-than-life dinosaurs are scattered throughout the bushland -tucked behind trees, on top of rocks and far below the trail Young explorers then enjoy a real-life game of hide-and-seek as they hear roaring sounds and try to find the larger-than-life moving dinosaurs. With their complimentary Dinosaur Valley Passport handed to them on arrival, kids venture along the boardwalk, ticking off each dino that they spot 'in the wild'. For older kids, the passports also feature dinosaur-themed facts and questions, with the answers to be found along the trail by reading the information boards. All the dino favourites can be spotted along the way - from stegosaurus to triceratops and, of course, a T-rex. There's even a display of dinosaurs found exclusively in Australia, like the minmi and muttaburrasaurus. Seeing these large-scale moving replicas in the bushland reminds you that these incredible creatures really did once roam these lands. Like something out of Jurassic Park, young explorers make their way along the Lillipilli Link trail boardwalk to try to spot hiding dinosaurs. Along the way, kids are invited to listen to audio stations narrated by kids' TV favourite Andy Day Explorers must keep an 'eye' out for moving dinosaurs at every turn A complimentary Dinosaur Valley Passport means you can check off the dinosaurs you spot along the way. One section of the trail is dedicated to the prehistoric creatures that once roamed Australia As you explore Dinosaur Valley, the experience is also brought to life audibly by every kid's favourite dino superfan, TV star Andy Day. The television presenter's shows like Andy's Dinosaur Adventures make him a natural fit to provide audio commentary throughout the trail. Kids encounter speaker boxes and are invited to push a button to hear Andy enthusiastically explain the dinosaur they see in front of them. The entire dino trail can be explored at your leisure with no time limits. My kids excitedly went back and forth along the boardwalk track for a second look at their favourite dinosaurs. Once you've seen it all, you can ride either the Scenic Railway or Cableway back up to the main building, which is also where you'll find the newly installed Dinosaur Aquarium. At the front entryway to Scenic World, a ginormous 'tank' offers an immersive look at the dinosaurs that live under the sea. The enormous Dinosaur Aquarium is the latest addition to the Dinosaur Valley experience Clever lights, sounds, staging and dino animatronics recreate a prehistoric underwater world filled with ancient sea creatures Spoiler alert - it's not truly an aquarium per se. But clever lights, sounds, staging and animatronics recreate a prehistoric underwater world filled with semi-aquatic creatures like the mosasaurus and spinosaurus. It's quite magical. All throughout the day, guests also encounter resident Dino Ranger staff, often holding newly hatched 'dino babies'. My kids enjoyed these memorable meet-and-greet interactions and the staff's puppetry and patient answers to the kids' questions were very much appreciated. For those looking to level up their 'roarsome' day, the Scenic World gift shop offers a Junior Ranger Kit $19.99, which is a rucksack filled with goodies to kit out any budding explorer. There are also plenty of dino-themed plush toys and other souvenirs to be found. And when your own hungry beasts have worked up an appetite, swing by The Dino Diner, which serves feasts to satisfy post-adventure appetites. Although the dinosaur exploration was the kids' top pick from the day, a very close second was taking the rides that Scenic World is known and loved for. The Scenic Railway with its ultra-steep 52-degree incline has been operating since 1945 and continues to excite visitors of all ages. Dino Rangers roam Scenic World, offering youngsters a meet-and-greet with newly hatched dinosaurs The Scenic World Skyway zooms high above the Blue Mountains - and even has a clear glass bottom floor in the centre aisle Hungry beasts can refuel at Scenic World's on-site Dino Diner. Aspiring explorers can stop by the gift shop to pick up a Junior Ranger Kit $19.99 The Cableway and Skyway are more gentle experiences but still lots of fun, offering unparalleled views of the Blue Mountains. The Cableway travels in and out of the valley at a brisk speed, and its all-glass walls offers a unique viewpoint. Meanwhile, the Skyway crosses high above the Blue Mountains, ending at the Echo Point side of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk. Along the way, you get a clear view of the magnificent Katoomba Falls. But the favourite part for most Skyway riders is the glass bottom floor in the centre aisle, where brave kids (and grown-ups!) can stand 'on top' of the Blue Mountains. Not for the faint-hearted! With the dinosaur-shaped hole in our hearts filled, the verdict was that this is a school holiday activity that was thousands of years in the making. Get there before the exhibit is extinct! It seems like a big baby boom is hitting the White House this year. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, announced just a few weeks ago that she is expecting her second child, a girl, with 60-year-old husband Nicholas Riccio, in May. Leavitt, who is already mom to one-year-old Niko, announced her pregnancy just one day after the Christmas holiday, cradling her bump as she stood by the tree in a white, knit bodycon dress. 'My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can't wait to watch our son become a big brother,' Leavitt wrote in the caption of her post. 'My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth,' she typed. And Leavitt isn't the only one in the MAGA world who is expecting a baby soon, or who has had one in recent months. United States Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller's wife, Katie Miller, recently announced her pregnancy, while President Donald Trump's daughter, Tiffany Trump, gave birth to a baby boy, Alexander Trump Boulos, last May. In October, conservative political activist Riley Gaines also gave birth to her first daughter, Margot. With all of the babies in the MAGA orbit, and since President Trump took office last year, it's inspired some new name trends for parents, according to experts. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, announced just a few weeks ago that she is expecting her second child, a girl, with 60-year-old husband Nicholas Riccio, in May President Trump's daughter, Tiffany Trump, gave birth to a baby boy, Alexander Trump Boulos, last May, seen here with her mom, Marla Maples With all of the babies in the MAGA orbit, and since President Trump took office last year, it's inspired some new name trends for parents, according to experts, as his daughter Ivanka is seen above According to Pamela Redmond, creator and CEO of Nameberry, there has been a rise in certain names increasing in popularity in MAGA-leaning states like Texas, Wyoming, South Carolina, and Florida. Redmond explained that 'MAGA' names tend to have a list of similar qualities. She told Daily Mail that one of the biggest trends are gender-neutral names, for both boys and girls. 'Half the girls' names starting life as surnames: Kohen, Oakley, Sutton, Collins,' Redmond explained to Daily Mail. She's also noticed that many of the names are rooted in English, versus ancient languages like Latin or Hebrew, and that many of them are drawn from 'nature, animals, and the Wild West,' like the names 'Wrenley' and 'Banks.' In addition, other 'MAGA' names are 'nontraditional names spelled unconventionally,' like Charlee or Marlee, while others have 'gun or military references,' such as Navy, Gunner, and Remington. 'I would consider these MAGA names versus Ivanka or Kristi or Tiffany, which are family names or names that were popular when those notable political figures were babies,' Redmond explained to Daily Mail. 'I'm sure some super-fans are naming their babies Kristi or Ivanka, but I wouldn't expect to see any statistical increase in use of those names.' According to Pamela Redmond, creator and CEO of Nameberry, there has been a rise in certain names increasing in popularity in MAGA-leaning states like Texas, Wyoming, South Carolina, and Florida 'I would consider these MAGA names versus Ivanka or Kristi or Tiffany, which are family names or names that were popular when those notable political figures were babies,' Redmond explained to Daily Mail, as Kristi Noem is seen above Redmond also added a few other 'MAGA' names to the list, telling Daily Mail that they include 'Truce, Colsen, and Bryer for boys,' and 'Scottie, Rowyn, and Icelynn for girls.' So, will Leavitt and her husband be naming their future daughter 'Charlee' or 'Navy,' or something else entirely? Redmond guessed that The Press Secretary and her husband may name their future daughter after Karoline, and call her 'Karo,' as they did something similar for her son's name. Niko, of course, is named after his father, Nicholas Riccio. 'They also might use a trendy variation such as Kara or Kierra,' Redmond added. She also posited that the two could give their baby a saint's name. 'Though ancient religious names are NOT traditionally MAGA, Leavitt and her husband are Catholics and so may subscribe to the Catholic tradition of giving baby a saint's name,' Redmond explained. 'Riccio's father's name was Anthony, so a daughter might be named Antonia.' Redmond guessed that The Press Secretary and her husband may name their future daughter after Karoline, and call her 'Karo,' as they did something similar for her son's name Since becoming the face of the White House this year, Leavitt's marriage to Riccio, a real estate developer, has raised eyebrows due to their 32-year age gap Earlier this week, Leavitt flaunted her growing baby bump on Instagram as she posed for a snap alongside President Donald Trump's Special Assistant and Communications Advisor, Margo Martin. Leavitt cradled her baby bump as she wore a long-sleeved, burgundy sweater with a cream ruffle at the hem, along with matching, dark-colored flared pants. She wrapped her hands around the growing bump as she smiled standing next to Martin, who was wearing belted, burgundy-colored flare pants and a matching, form-fitting, crewneck long-sleeved sweater. 'Matching today with Margo Martin,' Leavitt wrote in the caption of the photo, adding in the 'twin' emoji next to it. So far, Leavitt has dressed up this pregnancy by wearing long statement jackets and colorful blazers. Since becoming the face of the White House this year, Leavitt's marriage to Riccio, a real estate developer, has raised eyebrows due to their 32-year age gap. In March, Leavitt admitted they have a 'very atypical love story,' and said they first met when she unsuccessfully ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022. 'A mutual friend of ours hosted an event at a restaurant that he owns up in New Hampshire and invited my husband,' Leavitt told Megyn Kelly at the time. 'I was speaking. We met and we were acquainted as friends. And then we fell in love.' Sitting on the Tube after an exhausting Friday at work, I dreaded going into my empty flat. My boyfriend of nearly a decade had walked out a few days earlier and I'd been on autopilot ever since, staying late at the office to avoid the horrible, echoey silence that awaited me at home. But now it was Friday meaning a whole weekend loomed ahead. My colleagues at the social media company where I worked as an accounts manager had gone out for drinks. But as I'd just become solely responsible for my 1,000-a-month rent, I couldn't afford to join. I needed something to fill the void, to make me feel better. Then 30 years old, a cheap bottle of wine just wasn't going to cut it. But there was something I could afford. And as soon as I had unlocked the door and thrown my bag down in the hallway, I walked straight to the bedroom to open the wardrobe and find the cardboard box I'd ordered on Amazon a few weeks earlier. The box contained 500 small silver canisters of nitrous oxide gas I had purchased that week in 2017 for 40 the same price as a really small bag of cocaine at the time. I grabbed one and released the gas into a balloon that came with the box. Once it was full, I raised the balloon to my lips and breathed in the gas. The high was immediate. I felt heady and light, like the misery and stress of the week had floated away. Most people associate nitrous oxide or laughing gas as it's commonly known with students There were 62 deaths between 2001 and 2021 in which nitrous oxide was the stated cause Most people associate nitrous oxide or laughing gas as it's commonly known with students and youths. It's the affordable party drug of choice for 16 to 24-year-olds. You've probably seen the aftermath of empty silver canisters littering parks and festival sites. The clear, colourless gas is formally used as pain relief in medical settings as well as in the catering industry, where it is used to whip cream. But many people even respectable, professional women in their 30s like me use it for a small, cheap 'buzz' to get an evening under way. The common misconception is that it's harmless. My friends and I saw it as no more controversial than a cocktail but research has shown that couldn't be further from the truth. Heavy use can block the body's take-up of vitamin B12, which is essential for maintaining the nervous system, leaving people with nerve-related bladder or bowel problems and incontinence, which can be permanent if not treated quickly. There were 62 deaths between 2001 and 2021 registered in England and Wales where nitrous oxide was on the death certificate. The past few years have also seen a huge increase in the number of drug-driving cases involving nitrous oxide. Amid this growing concern, it became illegal to possess nitrous oxide gas in 2023 and those who repeatedly misuse it face up to two years in prison. Dealers can also face 14 years behind bars as the gas became a controlled Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. But eight years ago when I was dabbling, it was still legal to buy and possess the gas, and easy to order online although parcels often went missing, likely stolen by postal workers, I suspect, who heard the distinctive 'clink'. While my first balloon that weekend after my ex left gave the hit I needed, the effects wore off in just a few minutes. That would normally be enough but I had a lonely, depressing night ahead. So I took another one. Then another. I carried on with balloon after balloon, barely sleeping as I chased the next high through the night. Shockingly, I got through all 500 canisters in two days. That Sunday night I ordered some more for the week ahead. Every evening after work, I would only just get my coat off before reaching for a canister. My health began to suffer within weeks. I started developing pounding headaches and could barely get out of bed and go to work. I wasn't looking after myself or eating properly at all. Once, I remember my phone ringing and not knowing how to answer it. I couldn't speak. On Monday mornings, after a heavy weekend on balloons, I'd avoid conversations or meetings because my brain couldn't cope. It felt like the cells had died. The effects were devastating. If my colleagues noticed, they probably thought I was having a hard time with my break-up and drinking too much. No one would have suspected I was secretly addicted to nitrous oxide. Because that's what it was an addiction. It's the most addictive substance I have ever tried. After just one hit, I found it impossible to stop. I tried to keep it a secret from all my friends and family. One time when a relative came to stay, I'd even sneak off to the toilet with a canister. She likely suspected something was off but didn't say anything. However, friends soon worked out that something was terribly wrong; I was thin, pale, sickly and distant and could rarely be persuaded to leave the flat. 'We're worried about you,' they said. 'You're not fun any more.' Yet still I didn't listen. The one person who did get through to me, ironically, was the last person I would expect my ex. He'd agreed to stay at the flat to look after our cat while I was away on holiday. There, he found drawers and drawers of empty canisters that I was too embarrassed to put out in my rubbish. His face was grave as he left. 'You're going to die,' he said to me. 'You've got to get help.' It was then that I phoned the NHS mental health crisis line. I was referred to two free services called Change Grow Live and SMART Recovery both more accessible than rehab. I'm told if anyone is in a similar situation today, they should call 111 and ask for services that can help in their area. I was seen at a local centre the same week where they did a full medical exam. It found that my vitamin B12 levels were shockingly low which could explain my lethargy and I was put on extra strong supplements. I carried on working. I needed to earn the money but could do the courses around work. Only occasionally did I take time off as holiday or 'for an appointment'. The SMART Recovery group meetings were a lifesaver, there was no waiting list and there are options to join online. The power of the group was incredible. There were around six to ten people who had battled all kinds of addictions heroin, sex or nitrous oxide gas like me and they were all ages and both sexes. There was no judgment and the honesty was liberating. It gave me hope. I heard stories of people who had battled their addictions for decades and turned their lives around. It was through hearing other people's experiences that I didn't feel so alone. I was able to let go of my shame and gradually start to replace my negative coping mechanisms with positive rituals, self-care and healing. I admit I did relapse a few times. But when I did, I would go back to the group meetings and get back on track. Within three months, my health was back to normal, my vitamin B levels were up and I felt more in control. A couple of years ago I went to a festival and saw a shocking amount of people taking nitrous oxide often from large canisters rather than the little silver bullet-shaped ones I used to buy. All you could hear was the hiss of balloons being filled up and it looked like a Zombie apocalypse. Those using the gas were lolling around with their eyes rolling back I found it terrifying that so many people were still doing it. I want all these young people to know just how dangerous their behaviour is. Laughing gas may seem like a less 'serious' drug than the likes of cocaine or ecstasy, but in fact it's just as risky and addictive. Now aged 37, I haven't touched the stuff for years and my life is more amazing and fulfilling than I could have ever imagined was possible. I've changed jobs and I'm loving my life. I take comfort in art therapy, so when I need to feel better if I'm low, I will simply turn to painting or have a lovely hot bath with bath salts. I want people to know that healing is possible. It may seem scary to admit you have a problem, and scarier still to ask for help, but it is the best thing I have ever done. It is hard, but it is so, so worth it. Now I feel no shame, only strength. Frankey Onson is a pseudonym. All identifying details have been changed. AS TOLD TO JILL FOSTER A man has revealed how he discovered a 100-year-old letter hidden in the walls of his home while doing a renovation... and was able to reunite it with the original writer's family. Curtis Smith, 47, from Casper, Wyoming, bought a two-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot home for $69,000 back in 2002 with his wife, Lisa, which was originally built in 1917. But it wasn't until nine years later in 2011 when they started redoing the bathroom and nearby hallway that they came across a relic from the 1900s stashed away in the walls. 'We essentially wanted to do away with the "Jack and Jill" style bathroom and put in a hallway type entrance, which involved knocking out the existing closet,' he explained during a recent chat with the Daily Mail. 'Being an old house, the walls are constructed of plaster and lathe board. After the dust settled from knocking out the plaster, we began the clean-up process. 'It was then that I noticed a blue piece of paper buried in the ruble, leaning up against the wall. 'All I can figure is it must have either intentionally been placed in the wall as a time capsule, or maybe it had accidentally fallen in during the construction process?' The letter was sent from Bantry, Ireland, in September of 1917 and was addressed to a Mr. Con Shea who lived at Smith's home in Casper, Wyoming. Curtis Smith, 47, from Casper, Wyoming, discovered a 100-year-old letter hidden in the walls of his home while doing a renovation... and was able to reunite it with the original writer's family 'After the dust settled from knocking out the plaster [of the walls], we began the clean-up process. It was then that I noticed a blue piece of paper buried in the ruble,' he shared 'It was a letter thanking Mr. Shea for a present he had sent to his family back home in Ireland,' explained Smith. 'There was also some catching up and keeping him abreast of the goings on back there in Ireland.' 'Dear Con, A few lines in answer to your very nice letter which I received a few days ago. I was glad to know that you and Mary and baby are in good health as we are same, thank God,' the letter reads. 'Well Con, before I will say any more I must thank you very much for the present you sent me. 'I must say it was awfully nice of you to think to send it to me, thank you over and over for I didn't expect it or either I didn't deserve it.' The writer went on to discuss how 'mother is always troubled' with 'fear' that something will happen to 'Mary or the baby' and that they're looking forward to get more 'baby photos' in the mail. Smith said he was 'ecstatic' over the find, and quickly started Googling the names in the letter to try to find out more - and he soon came across a Wiki page for a man named Cornelius Patrick Shea. 'He had immigrated to the US, and had become a very successful sheep herder here in Wyoming,' Smith explained. He bought the two-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot home for $69,000 back in 2002 with his wife, Lisa, and it was originally built in 1917 The letter was sent from Bantry, Ireland, in September of 1917 and was addressed to a Mr. Con Shea who lived at Smith's home in Casper, Wyoming 'It was a letter thanking Mr. Shea for a present he had sent to his family,' explained Smith. 'There was also some catching up and keeping him abreast of the goings on in Ireland' Smith started Googling the names in the letter to try to find out more - and he soon came across a Wiki page for a man named Cornelius Patrick Shea (seen) 'Sadly, I also found out that he and his wife Mary had passed about four months apart in 1928. He passed after being shot by a fellow woolgrower after an argument. She passed after a "lingering illness," leaving their children alone.' Enthralled by the find, Smith decided to post photos of the letter online to the website Flickr. He thought the story was over there - however, three years later, a relative of Shea reached out to him. She left a comment on the Flickr post which read, 'Hello, my name is Laura O'Brien. I am related to Con Shea. 'Would you mind sharing a copy, transcription or the original letter with me? I would like to share with the family.' The two started chatting and Smith said she 'confirmed all the details' he had previously found about Shea online. 'I did in fact send the letter to be with its family in December of 2014. It just felt to me like that is where it belonged,' Smith shared. 'I hope they treasure it as much as I did. Somewhat disappointingly, I have never heard anything from them after that. I tried reaching out again recently, but have yet to receive a response.' Even so, Smith still thinks of Shea often, and often visits his family plot in town to 'pay respects at his and Mary's final resting spots.' The rural outback town is over 10 hours from Sydney This is far below the 2025 national median house price of $980,000 The surging price of property in Australia is a commonly heard refrain - but one recent NSW house sale bucked this trend and, in the process, became one of the bargain buys of the past year. A cheap and cheerful two-bedroom Colorbond-clad house, sitting on 2,049-square-metres of land, was sold to a buyer for less than the price of a brand new SUV. The house is also within walking distance to the main town centre, roadhouse and school. And while it could benefit from a good, solid renovation and freshen-up, it was ultimately still in a habitable state when it was put on the market. The final selling price under the hammer? A mere $31,000. So, what's the catch? The main one is that the house is located in the rural outback NSW town of Wilcannia. Located over 10 hours' drive west of Sydney or around eight hours northeast of Adelaide, the nearest major city to Wilcannia is Broken Hill - and that's two hours' drive away. But even in spite of its remote location, there's no denying that the property was an absolute steal for the buyer when compared to current nationwide house prices. 1-3 James Street, Wilcannia, NSW, sold at auction in November 2025 for the bargain price of $31,000 Wilcannia, NSW, is a rural outback town, located over 10 hours' drive west of Sydney, around eight hours northeast of Adelaide, and two hours' drive from the nearest major town of Broken Hill The house was one of the cheapest property buys of 2025 - well below the median Australian house price of $980,000 By the end of 2025, the median Australian house price was around the $980,000 mark - with the house at 1-3 James Street, Wilcannia, sold for under four percent of that amount. Selling agent Marty Deacon, Director/Principal at Elders-Deacon Real Estate Mildura, told Daily Mail that although the price may seem low to buyers accustomed to paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for Australian houses, it was still a hotly contested auction. 'There was strong competition with seven registered bidders in the end,' Marty said. 'A buyer from Melbourne secured the final bid on the day. 'Price-wise, it sold for what was expected, given previous comparable sales in the area.' Marty explained that the property presented an interesting prospect for investors like the new home owner because rental properties in Wilcannia are 'in short supply'. 'Locals say that rental properties are always sought after,' he added. Wilcannia has a population of 735 people and the average household income is $1,211 per week. The small, remote community is based on the Darling River, with Marty noting that 'the town has a large indigenous population and is surrounded by pastoral grazing properties'. And Marty predicts that Wilcannia is a place on the rise, thanks to a number of 'exciting developments' underway. The house has a generously sized lounge room... ... and a bathroom with both a shower and a bath There are also currently two bedrooms in the house. There's scope to reconfigure the layout to add extra bedrooms if needed 'The town is currently having some major infrastructure upgrades,' Marty said. 'Employees working on these projects will require accommodation, which can be very limited in town.' The realtor predicts this has created an interesting property scenario in Wilcannia where there will be an increased need for affordable and comfortable rental properties for short-term workers. But interestingly, those who are assigned to these projects for longer periods might even consider buying in Wilcannia and becoming homeowners while employed locally. The median house price in Wilcannia is currently valued at $85,000. 'Purchasing a home might even be better value than taking temporary accommodation in parks and AirB&Bs for those on lengthy contracts.' The split between property renters and owners in the town currently sits at 43 per cent homeowners and 51 per cent renters. Although the recent purchase of 1-3 James Street, Wilcannia in November 2025 is a steal on paper, the new buyer will most likely need to stump up a bit of extra cash to make some much-needed improvements and elevate the house to become an attractive rental prospect. Pictures of the kitchen suggest some repairs and renovations are definitely needed to bring it up to scratch The kitchen currently has no in-built cabinetry and the floor is straight-up cement The house sits on a huge 2,049-square-metre parcel of land and would benefit from a good tidy-up by the new owner The house is described in the listing as having 'solid bones and loads of space' - but admittedly requires a few updates to 'bring it back to life'. For instance, the listing openly declared certain elements that are no longer functioning and in need of immediate repair - such as the kitchen's electric stove and in-home ducted cooling. The kitchen also currently has no cabinetry. One of the house's bedrooms also 'requires renovation' and is unusable until fixed. Multiple rooms in the house lack proper flooring and are currently just cement. And the new owner will probably need to invest in skip-bin hire to do a thorough clean-up of old debris and unused furniture scattered throughout the property. But with a little capital and some elbow grease, this property could easily soon return to its glory days. A psychologist has revealed the seven 'relationship archetypes' that we all fall into and what they mean for your love life - as well as how to discover which one yours is. After helping people with their relationships for over 30 years, Dr Carmen Harra, American author of Committed: Finding Love And Loyalty Through The Seven Archetypes, realised that there were certain 'falling-in-love' styles. 'In listening to tens of thousands of cases over time, something interesting happened: I noticed that the same types of people kept popping up - people unrelated to each other but with strikingly similar qualities [when it came to love],' the counsellor told the Daily Mail. She soon proposed seven distinct love types that would explain people's personalities in relationships - including the 'wounded warrior', 'narcissist', 'free spirit' and 'hopeless romantic'. Dr Carmen said: 'Each of the seven archetypes possesses strengths and weaknesses, and each is capable of upholding a relationship so long as they are willing to work on themselves. 'Some archetypes adapt to commitment more easily than others because they possess a keener sense of dedication. Others are more emotionally resistant or have tougher psychological barriers to overcome before they can uphold a healthy relationship. 'Each archetype must learn certain values in order to cultivate a relationship thats fulfilling for both partners,' insisted the psychologist. 'The goal is to escape the boundaries of one archetype and become as flexible as possible in our lives and our romances.' Answer the following questions in Dr Carmen's quiz to discover your relationship archetype and understand how it impacts your romances: After helping people with their relationships for over 30 years, Dr Carmen Harra, American author of Committed: Finding Love And Loyalty Through The Seven Archetypes, realised that there were certain 'falling-in-love' styles (stock photo) Your browser does not support iframes. Now find out what your answers mean... If you answered mostly As, youre an Independent. Dr Carmen said: 'The Independent is afraid of losing themselves to their partner. Of the seven archetypes, they are the most reluctant to enter a relationship because they fear a partner will compromise their cherished freedom. 'The Independent is defined by their need to be on their own, and this becomes true not only in their love relationships but many other areas of their life. 'They don't look to what others are doing; they forge their own path and operate on stubbornness, detachment and disinterest. But they are also reliable and responsible.' Compatibility with the Independent: Dr Carmen said the Independent is most compatible with another Independent and with the Workaholic. She explained: 'A Mr. and Mrs. Independent make a great match; each will go about his or her business and neither will suffocate the other. 'Meanwhile, the Workaholic will be so wrapped up in their own work that theyll give the Independent all the space they need. 'But the Independent is least compatible with the Wounded Warrior and the Introvert. They wont be able to dedicate themselves to the task of helping the Wounded Warrior heal. And as the Independent is generally extroverted, they wont take the time to dissect the inner complexities of an Introvert.' If you answered mostly Bs, youre an Introvert. Dr Carmen said: 'The Introvert is emotionally self-sufficient; they recharge by spending time alone. But they struggle with intimacy. 'To be in a committed relationship, the Introvert needs to feel comfortable enough to open themselves up to their partner. 'At their worst, the Introvert operates on isolation, overthinking and reservation. At their best, they are creative and confident.' Compatibility with the Introvert: 'The Introvert is most compatible with another Introvert and with the Hopeless Romantic,' revealed the expert. 'Two Introverts wont force each other to do anything uncomfortable and will appreciate each others subtlety. 'The Hopeless Romantic, meanwhile, will give the Introvert whatever he or she needs. But there wont be much communication between an Introvert and an Independent because neither will run after the other. 'An Introvert and a Wounded Warrior wont know what to do for each other either because both of these archetypes hide the more profound parts of themselves.' If you answered mostly Cs, youre a Hopeless Romantic. 'To the Hopeless Romantic, life is love and love is life,' said Dr Carmen. 'The Hopeless Romantic is an idealist of epic proportions. They wholeheartedly believe in love but are a bit aimless and tactless. 'A dreamer and not a doer, the Hopeless Romantic yearns for commitment but doesnt know how to approach a relationship in a rational and clear-sighted way. They fall in love easily, and often with unsuitable people. 'In truth, they may be more in love with the idea of love than with the person in front of them. Because they idealise love, they are not realistic about the messiness that relationships bring.' Compatibility with the Hopeless Romantic: Dr Carmen said: 'The Hopeless Romantic is most compatible with the Wounded Warrior. It is in the nature of Hopeless Romantics to help, heal, and have compassion for their partners, which is what Wounded Warriors need to overcome their traumas. 'A Hopeless Romantic can also fare well with an Introvert; their sincerity and enthusiasm will inspire an Introvert to open up. The Hopeless Romantic is least compatible with the Independent.' If you answered mostly Ds, youre a Workaholic. Dr Carmen said: 'The Workaholics career is inseparable from their relationships. The Workaholic has built their life around work. In fact, they chose their career long before they chose their significant other. 'The Workaholic will let go of the partner whos not contributing to their growth in the same way theyll fire an employee whos not performing up to their expectations.' Compatibility with the Workaholic: Dr Carmen said: 'The Workaholic is most compatible with the Workaholic and the Independent. Two Workaholics work well because theyll keep busy in their own separate worlds but still be able to come home to a partner who loves them. 'Neither the Independent nor the Workaholic will bother each other, which can also work out. 'The Workaholic is least compatible with the Wounded Warrior and the Narcissist. The Workaholic doesnt have the time or patience to help the Wounded Warrior heal, and they certainly wont entertain the Narcissists pretentiousness.' If you answered mostly Es, youre a Free Spirit. Dr Carmen said: 'This archetype is undecided in all that they do: from relationships to work to hobbies, the Free Spirit has trouble sticking to commitment in multiple aspects of their life. 'This person may claim they want to have a relationship but abandons ship when things get serious. 'The Free Spirit contends with the notion of commitment itself. Unlike the Independent, whos afraid of losing themselves to a partner, the Free Spirit simply doesnt know what they want.' Compatibility with the Free Spirit: Dr Carmen said: 'Its tricky to place the Free Spirit on a scale of compatibility and decide with which archetype they fit best because indecisiveness can ruin a relationship with even the most complaisant partner. 'At the end of the day, the Free Spirit is most compatible with the Hopeless Romantic, who believes them enough to guide the Free Spirit to finding their authentic self. 'The Free Spirit has little future with an Independent, as both partners will live in separate worlds and quickly go their separate ways.' If you answered mostly Fs, youre a Wounded Warrior: Dr Carmen said: 'The Wounded Warriors past constantly intrudes into their present. Because they've been wounded (possibly early in life), the Wounded Warrior experiences a disconnection between the outside and the inside: the smile they wear doesnt match the turmoil they feel within. 'The Wounded Warrior is dealing with demons that they not only don't address but willfully suppresses. 'They try to hide or mask their trauma, often unsuccessfully, until it suddenly boils to the surface. Before they can commit, the Wounded Warrior must gently explore and heal their pain.' Compatibility with the Wounded Warrior: 'The Wounded Warrior is most compatible with the Hopeless Romantic. The Hopeless Romantic has sympathy for the Wounded Warrior and enough patience to take them by the hand through the healing process. 'The Wounded Warrior is least compatible with his own archetype, the Narcissist, the Independent, and the Free Spirit. Two wounded partners wont motivate each other to make emotional progress. 'The Wounded Warrior will think the Narcissist is trying to hurt them and will misconstrue the Independents lack of communication as something personal. 'The Free Spirit will promise the Wounded Warrior dedication but might leave them in the middle of the journey, which is not an experience this already delicate archetype can afford to go through.' If you answered mostly Gs, youre a Narcissist: Dr Carmen said: 'The Narcissist grapples with their ego, which threatens to overtake their personality. Their selfish inclinations preclude them from bonding fully with others, which can make them seem emotionally superficial and cause serious relationship problems. 'The Narcissist may have trouble paying enough attention to their partner or giving them what they need. But if these tendencies are mitigated, the Narcissist can commit to a relationship.' Compatibility with the Narcissist: Dr Carmen said: 'The Narcissist is most compatible with the Hopeless Romantic. Two Narcissists can also feed off of each others egos, especially if one is grandiose and the other is vulnerable. 'The Narcissist will love the Hopeless Romantics support and sacrifice but may also take advantage if their self-obsession isnt under control. 'The Narcissist is least compatible with the Independent and the Workaholic. The Narcissist wont think its worth it to put so much effort into making the Independent commit, and they wont appreciate the fact that the Workaholic cant spoil them with unlimited time and affection.' A battle is raging for control of several investment trusts in a struggle that concerns everyone saving in the stock markets. Unless some investors act with urgency, they may find their cash in the care of a manager with scant interest in their welfare. Saba Capital, the New York hedge fund led by the blackjack-playing Boaz Weinstein, has mounted a smash-and-grab raid on the Herald, a tech trust with stellar performance. Saba's other target is the Edinburgh Worldwide, another tech trust, known as EWIT. Its largest investment is a slice of Elon Musk's 1.1 trillion rocket company SpaceX. This weekend, EWIT's 24,000 private investors await their fate in what seems set to be a very tight vote on the trust's future. Next week, their savings could be under the control of Saba, which may not prove an assiduous custodian. Smash-and-grab: A battle is raging for control of several investment trusts in a struggle that concerns everyone saving in the stock markets The deadline for direct EWIT shareholders to vote is today. But it is already too late for most, who use platforms like AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor, which imposed earlier cut-off dates. A vote on the 1.1billion Herald trust's future will be held on February 5. Proxy votes must be cast by 10am on February 3, but platforms have again imposed earlier deadlines. AJ Bell has a cut-off date of February 2, for example. Last summer Saba tried unsuccessfully to snap up seven trusts. Now it's not only Herald and EWIT that are in its sights, but also Pantheon International, a private equity specialist, and Workspace, an office provider. Impax Environmental yesterday took pre-emptive measures to thwart Saba's onslaught. Baroness Altmann, the campaigner and former pensions minister, is warning of the risk of an assault on the other trusts in which Saba has bought shares. She says the Government is looking the other way, having been 'captured' by the hedge fund industry. She added: 'Ordinary shareholders have been left at the mercy of flawed regulations, failing protections and official negligence.' Against this background, Weinstein is ramping up the rhetoric. But he is less specific about his true objective. As a result, critics say the hedge fund's aim is to increase Saba's assets under management (AUM) to boost fee revenues. Saba contends that its intervention in 2025 has forced investment trusts to raise their game. But this does not mean that you should necessarily entrust your money to this Saba. Here is what you need to know to retain power over your savings. On the attack again: Boaz Weinstein A change at Herald? Anyone who bought shares in 1994 when Herald was set up is sitting on a 2,562 per cent gain. But the trust's board says that progress is being held back by the belief that Saba will achieve sway over the trust through 'a process of attrition'. To pre-empt this, the board, which has already twice seen off Saba, is taking an extraordinary step that would reduce the size of the trust but ensure its continued existence. All shareholders have the option to cash in their stake at net asset value (NAV). At present, the 'discount', or gap between the trust's share price and the NAV, is 7 per cent. In theory, Saba ought to accept the offer, which represents a gain of about 30 per cent on its holding. But if it declines to do so at the general meeting on February 5, other shareholders will be offered an exit rather than be left in a fund under the raider's management. Saba did not comment on the tender offer. Quoted Data, the analytics group, says Saba's flagship Capital Master fund has produced a return of 151 per cent since its debut in 2009. Over the same period Herald has delivered a 907 per cent return. James Carthew of Quoted Data said: 'If Saba blocks the tender, it will be proof that its real goal is to find ways of trapping investors in funds that it can extract management fees from.' If you are a Herald investor, do not miss your chance to cast your vote. More details here: https://defence.heralduk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Circular-Final.pdf. What next for EWIT? At a meeting next Tuesday, Saba will seek to immediately sack all of EWIT's board. They would be replaced by three US directors selected by the hedge fund. The hedge fund, which owns 30 per cent of EWIT's shares, claims the trust's board is ineffective. Another complaint is that the board is too close to the trust's managers, Baillie Gifford. Weinstein has a low opinion of the Edinburgh business. He told his 52,000 followers on social media platform, X: 'There's something rotten in Edinburgh and it's not the haggis.' A particular bone of contention is EWIT's stake in SpaceX, which is expected to make its stock market debut this year. EWIT says it has already made a 1,000 per cent return on this investment. Weinstein contends that the timing of the disposal of a portion of this holding cost shareholders 37million. Note, however, that this statement, in common with Saba's other pronouncements, does not need to be verified, unlike any material which comes from the trust's board. Over past weeks, Saba has had plenty to say, but it has not revealed its plans for EWIT these are the 'key missing piece of the puzzle', according to analysts at brokers Numis. A request for more information on the plans brought this response from a Saba spokesman: 'All decisions about the future of the trust will be made solely by the new, experienced and independent board not Saba. If elected, they will have the sole mandate of maximising value for all shareholders.' The possible fate of EWIT should serve as an alert to holders of Pantheon International, Workspace, Smithson and other trusts in which Saba is a shareholder. Watch out for any notifications so that you can have your say early in the proceedings. A field of opportunity You may not be impressed by Saba's behaviour and apparent lack of Government concern in the hedge fund's offensive on our savings. But this does not mean you should overlook Saba's strategy, which indicates that there is value and sometimes bargains in the investment trust world. If you are diversifying in 2026, maybe you should explore the sector. Darius McDermott, managing director at FundCalibre suggests Brunner (which is one of my bets), a trust with 'an all-weather portfolio'; Mid Wynd, which aims for capital growth rather than income; and Murray International, a good source of dividends. Why should Saba have all the fun? 'Worse than the Great Financial Crash of 2008 is how the head of one architectural practice described the state of the UKs construction industry to me only a few weeks ago. Demand for new projects had dried up, he warned, even for the smallest of home extensions. Building suppliers were falling like kingpins, architectural practices were reporting losses and sacking staff while the rest of the construction supply chain was being shaken to the bone. His medium-sized London practice was being inundated with cold calls on a daily basis from structural engineers and contractors ones that would normally not get out of bed for a project less than a 1million who were now prepared to consider smaller 100,000 jobs, and drop their fees. Everyone is scratching for crumbs, with tradesmen from bricklayers to joiners trying to turn stone into life. Some builders are so desperate they are hanging pictures for clients rather than building. The architects prognosis was on the money. The latest GDP numbers from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show construction shrank by 1.3 per cent in November, and by 1.1 per cent in the three months to November. Bankrupt: A worker carries a box of belongings out of Lehman Brothers offices in Canary Wharf, London on September 15, 2008 at the height of the financial crash This is the biggest three-month fall in nearly three years. Both new work and repair and maintenance have been hit, falling by 1 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively. Private commercial new work was hurt the hardest, down by 4.5 per cent; private housing repair and maintenance was down by 3.7 per cent; public new housing dived 10.8 per cent. Bang on cue, housebuilder Taylor Wimpey warned that profits will come under greater pressure this year. So much for Labours promise of 1.5m new homes during this Parliament. It will be lucky to achieve half that: demand for concrete fell last year to its lowest level since 1963. There was the tiniest hint of optimism in the ONS figures. Overall, GDP grew 0.1 per cent over three months, with a slightly firmer 0.3 per cent rise for November despite the uncertainty and chaos surrounding Rachel Reevess tax-hiking, destructive Budget. Hardly something to shout about. Most of that growth came from Jaguar Land Rover resuming production as well as a bounce in services output, suggesting the uptick was more to do with reversing the declines of the previous months rather than the economy motoring again. The evidence gets bluer. Data from lenders shows the biggest jump in credit card defaults in the last three months of 2025 for two years, while the Bank of England reports the sharpest fall in mortgages in two years. A report from consultants Beauhurst says a record 768,000 firms closed last year, some 80,000 up on the year before. The prime casualties? Those in e-commerce, property development and construction, along with restaurants and pubs. And unless the Government goes ahead with another U-turn to reduce business rates for the High Street as well as pubs, there will be many more thousands of closures to come in the hospitality sector. What of construction? Building homes, householders improving their properties, businesses investing in new buildings and infrastructure are the bedrock of any prosperous economy. Life can indeed be breathed into stone but that requires bold action which is not forthcoming. Instead we have an economy flatlining and confidence at a standstill. Sadly, the reason why the mood may be worse than 2008 is that, this time, the problems are self-inflicted and home-grown rather than global. Worse still, Labour reckons its doing a good job. Booming tax Those Regency-period parents knew a thing or two. They encouraged their offspring (in those days, boys only) to go into secure professions like the military, the church and law. Today, they might want to swap the church for accountancy but the military and law are going strong. As GDP figures show, the 4.6 per cent growth in the services sector was due to demand for accounting and tax consultancy ahead of the Budget. How embarrassing that one of our few booming industries is avoiding the incompetence of successive governments over tax. More depressing still is that neither the Conservatives (other than promising to abolish stamp duty) nor Reform have addressed a serious overhaul of fiscal policy, one of the greatest constraints on growth. The boss of one of Britains largest developers has warned Labour is on course to miss its housebuilding targets as figures showed a slump in the sector. Berkeley chief executive Rob Perrins said taxes and red tape were holding the industry back. And gross domestic product (GDP) figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the construction sector shrank by 1.3 per cent in November. Over the three months to November, meanwhile, it contracted by 1.1 per cent the worst performance since March 2023 the ONS revealed. The figures echoed recent data suggesting the construction sector was in its most prolonged slump since the financial crisis in 2008. Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey was the latest to warn of sluggish performance. Building slump: Berkeley chief executive Rob Perrins (pictured, left, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves) said taxes and red tape were holding the industry back And a Bank of England poll of lenders yesterday showed that demand for mortgages fell in the final quarter of last year at the sharpest pace since the end of 2023 and was expected to fall again over the next three years. It is a far cry from Labours build, baby, build mantra and the partys plan to see 1.5m homes built over the course of this Parliament. Berkeley boss Perrins, asked if the Government will hit the target, simply said: No. On the housing unpacked podcast with Knight Frank, he said the industry was overtaxed while grappling with new regulations such as the building safety levy to fix dangerous cladding and defects. You need to stop bringing in new regulation, said Perrins. He added that uncertainty over Rachel Reeves Budget hit housing last year, but was encouraged by signs of life in the market after an unusually good couple of weeks at the start of the year. Perrins also said: What is fundamentally important is that we get the feel-good factor back. Meanwhile, Taylor Wimpey said Budget uncertainty had weighed on sales in the second half of last year, spilling over into 2026. Chief executive Jennie Daly said: Demand continues to be muted, particularly among the important first-time buyer category, which will constrain overall sector output. The firm said sale prices were under pressure as building costs rose, meaning profit margins were expected to be lower this year than in 2025. Shares fell by as much as 5.5 per cent on the update before recovering to close just 0.1 per cent, or 0.1p, down at 103.8p. They are down by 15 per cent since a peak in June last year. The update came a day after rival Vistry reported a fall in sales in 2025, saying Budget uncertainty led to a more subdued market. Earlier in the week, Persimmon, another builder, said that it had built more homes than expected in a challenging market last year, but said it was not expecting any material improvement in market conditions this year. London's phone theft epidemic is being fuelled by 'highly organised' Algerian gangs stealing luxury items to sell in black market bazaars, experts have warned. One former Met detective who now runs a private police force said his officers were catching phone thieves 'almost daily', with many of them hailing from the North African nation. Algeria is now a key destination for stolen UK handsets thanks to booming demand for second-hand Apple handsets in the country due to protectionist import restrictions and the absence of a legitimate Apple outlet. Gangs also target other electronic gadgets and high-value items, including luxury watches. Experts told the Daily Mail thieves 'assess their victims in seconds', preying on City workers who might appear 'nonchalant and naive'. They particularly target those wearing a uniform consisting of a gilet, a smart shirt and other lavish clothing, while leaving luxury items like designer watches and smartphones on display as they enjoy post-work drinks. One trio, Adam Zawi, Oussama Fadage, and Aouidj Abderaouf, were jailed for between 36 weeks and a year after being caught on camera swiping rucksacks filled with 4,000 worth of laptops, tablets and headphones. A furious judge described the men - who had arrived by small boat from France - as committed criminals who had abused Britain's kindness. Zawi, who claimed to be 21, was staying in a taxpayer-funded hotel at the time of the thefts in July. This week alone, another two gangs were also jailed for crime sprees targeting City workers. Khaled Behaz, 25, was locked up alongside his Algerian accomplice Yacoub Leulmi and banned from the Square Mile after admitting five counts of theft when CCTV footage caught him stealing from victims inside restaurants and pubs in the City. And Algerian migrant Munir Ghilas, 28, targeted 16 separate City workers at bars in central London between August and September last year - stealing some 31,000 of goods. He was jailed for 18 months. Ghilas prowled bars including All Bar One, the Aldgate Tap House and The Banker pub - stealing passports, laptops and Apple MacBooks. Theft operations can be vast in scale, with 1,000 phones recovered last year at a warehouse near Heathrow. Police also arrested a 'mule' who had travelled between London and Algeria more than 200 times in two years. While gangs stealing UK phones for sale in Algeria are often made up of Algerian nationals, the profits to be made there mean other nationalities are inevitably involved too. Phone thief Aouidj Abderaouf walks past a rucksack that he later made off with. The bag is pictured in the bottom left of this video grab Khaled Behaz, 25, was on CCTV stealing a laptop from a restaurant on Bread Street in the City of London Abderaouf (left) was part of a gang of illegal migrants from Algeria who targeted drinkers in London. The group also included Oussama Fadage (right) Khaled Behaz, left, and Yacoub Leulmi, right, were both jailed after admitting stealing from central London venues Your browser does not support iframes. David McKelvey, a former detective chief inspector in the Met who now runs private investigation firm TM Eye, said phone thieves typically worked in small groups and often targeted specific venues, including pubs, clubs and casinos. 'We are catching phone thieves almost daily - many are Algerian and many Eastern European,' he told the Daily Mail. 'It's organised. We see the same faces day in, day out and the same groups operating together in groups of two, three or four. 'Some of them target specific venues such as clubs, casinos and restaurants, with someone working from inside to highlight a victim who can be robbed outside. 'You can tell a potential victim immediately. Quite often they've had too much to drink and are on their own, or they'll be a tourist who appears to be vulnerable or a little bit lost and not aware of their surroundings. 'We spend a lot of time identifying potential victims and either escorting them or advising them to be careful and not keep their phone in their hand.' Mr McKelvey said phone thieves benefitted from a reluctance among many victims to report their phones as stolen. 'The problem we've got is we catch thieves but can't pass the case on to police because the victims haven't reported their phones as stolen,' he said. 'At least 50 per cent of these thefts don't end up getting reported or recorded, so the intelligence picture is incomplete.' Join the debate Do YOU feel safe in London? Your browser does not support iframes. Stolen phones end up in the hands of traders in locations like Belford Market in El Harrach, a suburb of Algiers. There is no suggestion these particular phones were stolen Dramatic footage shows prolific thief Zacariah Boulares creeping up behind Genevieve Chenneour before stealing her phone Dr Simon Harding, of the National Centre for Gang Research, explained that sophisticated gangs target City workers wearing certain items of clothing and sometimes even imitate their style to blend in. He said: 'They will be able to assess and scrutinise somebody within seconds. They will know whether they are likely to fight back and whether they will pursue. 'There is definitely a particular way some people present, as being affluent, a little bit nonchalant, carefree, and it presents naivete and ignorance. 'And the people doing this will not look like your average street person, they'll be smart.' Dr Harding painted the picture of a typical victim who might wear gilets, suits and other smart items of clothing which suggest wealth. He also urged people to be wary of having state-of-the-art phones and laptops laid out on pub and cafe tables or leaving expensive bikes unattended outside buildings. Thieves can pick out a luxurious watch on a City worker's wrist from a distance, the crime expert added, and can quickly identify the brand and whether it is worth swiping. 'It's rather terrifying to think we're in a society where you can't adorn yourself with practical things such as a watch or a handbag,' he said. 'If you have a watch that is more than 400 or 500, somebody's going to covet it. And they will know the watch. 'And if they don't think they can take it swiftly or deftly, they'll hold a knife to you and take it that way, especially if your watch is 20,000 or 30,000.' Dr Harding added that the City's enduring culture of post-work drinks makes these events hotspots for thefts, with gang members entering pubs, bars and restaurants to make off with expensive items. Data compiled by the Met and Apple suggests 75 per cent of stolen phones are moved abroad, with 28 per cent of those ending up in Algeria. This made it the most common destination, with China the second most common destination - accounting for a fifth. Cybersecurity expert Thomas Balogun said gangs were increasingly realising they can make more money trafficking phones to Algeria than China. Stolen phones end up in the hands of traders in locations like Belford Market in El Harrach, a suburb of Algiers, where they are sold on for huge profits. 'In Algeria there is a very high demand for Apple phones because there is no Apple outlet there,' Mr Balogun told the Daily Mail. 'People would rather buy a stolen second-hand phone for half price in Algeria than pay to travel to Europe and buy one full price there.' Explaining its attraction, Mr Balogun continued: 'Typically China was a big destination for stolen phones, but the market is very saturated there and phones are usually sold in parts. 'So criminals are finding they can make more in Algeria, especially because it is closer to fly to than China. 'I've heard stories where people have left on flights with checked-in baggage containing lots of mobile phones. 'There needs to be more training for people scanning baggage so anyone carrying lots of phones can be asked where they got them from. 'At the moment criminals find it easy because they know they won't be questioned - as soon as that starts happening, you'll see the number of stolen phones reducing.' Boulares, 18, was jailed for 22 months. He is pictured in a police mugshot Mr Balogun said the trade in stolen watches worked in a similar way. Police hailed a major victory in October when they busted a gang who were exporting almost half of the mobile phones stolen on Britain's streets. Roughly 300 officers smashed into 28 homes across London simultaneously in the dead of night to arrest groups of pickpockets and robbers behind an epidemic of snatch thefts. Two days previously, two Afghan gang leaders thought to be responsible for shipping 40,000 stolen devices to China and Hong Kong were dragged from their car and arrested in north London. The two men, codenamed Heron and Seagull, are at the head of a gang responsible for fuelling Britain's 70-million-a-year phone theft epidemic and were caught with a bundle of devices wrapped in foil to block their tracking signal, police chiefs said. Two 'Rolex rippers' were jailed in July for a total of five years after targeting undercover police officers posing as a wealthy couple bearing fake designer watches. CCTV footage showed how Algerian national Yakob Harket, 21, grabbed a replica Patek Philippe rose gold aquanaut watch from the female officer's wrist in Mayfair, west London. He admitted robbery, alongside fellow defendant Mohamed Naas, 35, who was convicted of robbery by a jury after a three-day trial. CCTV footage showed how Algerian national Yakob Harket, 21, grabbed a replica Patek Philippe rose gold aquanaut watch from a female police officer's wrist in Mayfair, west London Yanis Amri, 37, and Adel Mohamdi, 31, were meanwhile convicted in their absence after they absconded. Arrest warrants were issued for the pair last year. Figures released by the Met in August showed 116,000 mobile phones were stolen in London last year, or 320 every single day. The London borough with the most phones stolen in 2024 was Westminster, with 34,039. Camden came second with 10,907, followed by Southwark with 7,316. There were 116,656 reported mobile thefts in 2024 the highest number on record and more than 50 per cent higher than the total in 2017 of just over 77,000. Last year's total was equivalent to 13 phones being stolen every hour and it was 1,300 incidents higher than in the previous 12 months. Despite the number of thefts, only 169 suspects were charged in the year, and seven were let off with a caution. Child-friendly resorts, calm beaches and beautiful turquoise waters have made the Caribbean a paradise for generations of American holidaymakers. But many of the most popular islands visited by 17million US tourists per year are seeing a wave of murders, robberies and shocking sexual assaults. Violent crime has gotten so bad the State Department has put a level 3 travel warning on Jamaica - the same rating given to war-torn Gaza - urging travelers to reconsider visiting. This week, officials raised the alert for Grenada due to rising crime, putting it on par with The Bahamas, which has been at Level 2 since 2024. There is also growing concern over Turks and Caicos, a longtime celebrity-favorite destination, where violent crime is similarly spiking. Alicia Stearman wants the horror she experienced on a family vacation to the Bahamas as a teenager to be a cautionary tale for US parents. At 16, she was abducted while alone outside her four-star hotel, taken by boat to an abandoned island and brutally raped inside a dilapidated shed. Her attacker told her that if she ever told anyone, he would come for her and her family and kill them. 'I have flashbacks. I have triggers, and I am still traumatized,' she told the Mail. Alicia Stearman was brutally raped in the Bahamas and wants her story to be a cautionary tale Predators and criminals even operate in resorts like the Atlantis hotel in Paradise Island, where Stearman, now 45, from California, is urging American parents to beware when visiting the island and broader Caribbean. 'People need to realize the risk they put their children in when they are unaware and how horrible people really are and that they could be their last prey.' In 2024, the US State Department reissued an advisory telling Americans traveling to the Bahamas to 'exercise increased caution' due to a wave of violent crime. Travelers were even advised to be vigilant in resorts. Stearman, a mother-of-two and the owner of a thriving non-profit, said she was abducted by a man in his 40s outside her hotel in Nassau, on New Providence Island. The man claimed to be a parasailing instructor and seemed friendly enough, asking her if she wanted to go for a quick ride on the boat. He said: 'We are going to stay right here [in the nearby water]. Right here in front of the room. I naively thought he was telling the truth.' But when she got inside the boat, and it picked up speed and began heading out to sea, at which point Stearman she knew she had made a terrible mistake. Stearman was taken to this barren island at knifepoint and told to cooperate or die The empty shed Stearman held in for hours and brutally raped 'He said it can go two ways. I can kill you and throw you in the ocean, no one is ever going to know what happened to you, or you could cooperate.' She thought at the time: 'I am about to die. I tried to be compliant and tried not to die. That is all I could think about is 'do what this person says. I just don't want to die.' She recalled that he put cocaine on a knife towards her nose and told her to take it or he would slit her throat. He then took her to an uninhabited island and forced her into a 'hollowed-out shed.' 'He brutally raped me for eight hours,' she said as she wept, reliving the horror. 'He had a bag of drugs, condoms, and sex toys and all those horrible things.' Smiling teenaged Alicia taken on a separate family vacation Alicia the day of the horrific sexual abuse in August 1995 at Nassau The horrific attack happened in 1996 and for years Stearman kept it private out of fear the police would not take her seriously. Overall sexual assaults in the first half of 2025 were down on the previous year (87 vs 125) - but victims like Stearman believe many go unreported. She returned to the island in 2017 over 20 years later looking for answers - and claims she was dismissed by police. 'I felt like they were trying to intimidate me to not file a report and used all these different tactics by embarrassing me and shaming me,' she said, 'But I was determined.' She claims police dismissed her claims. The Daily Mail also spoke to victims of other crimes on their dream Caribbean vacations. Sophia Molnar, who travels six months a year for her travel blog, The Always Wanderer, called her trip to the Dominican Republic 'the scariest experience of my life.' Sophia Molnar went for a quick swim on the Caribbean beach and all her valuables were stolen She has visited more than 30 countries, but nothing compared to what happened four years ago. Molnar and her partner had all their personal belongings stolen from the beach -camera, phones, credit cards, hotel keys, even their clothes. The only device they had left was an iPad. Using the Find My app, they tracked one of the stolen iPhones to a black market. Yet the nightmare didnt end there. The following night, Molnar said she woke to robbers trying to break into their hotel room. They barricaded the door. She claimed they had to buy back their phone from corrupt police for $200 but were unable to retrieve their other items. Molnar said she would never return to the Caribbean. They were teenagers with an idea for an app and ambitions to build a fitness tech empire. He was the influencer who pumped out promotions and made it go viral. Now, the explosive rise of Cal AI - a calorie-tracking app projected to generate $30 million in revenue in 2025 - has imploded into a bitter legal war, with allegations that its Gen Z founders shut out a fourth partner just months after he helped transform their idea into a runaway success. In a lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court of New York on Monday, health influencer Hussein Beydoun, 24, accused Cal AI's three other founding members - Zachary Yadegari and Henry Langmack, both 18, and Blake Anderson, 24 - of pushing him out of the company in violation of a signed operating agreement and state law. The complaint alleges the trio secretly transferred Cal AI into new entities through a freeze-out merger designed to exclude Beydoun from ownership, profits and any say in the company's future. Beydoun claims he was also denied access to company accounts and financial records and never received any payout or profit share - despite holding a 25 percent stake in the app's then-parent company, Viral Development, as monthly revenue allegedly climbed past $150,000. While he claims to have been left 'in the dark and empty-handed', Beydoun alleges his colleagues reveled in the spoils of Cal AI's success, spending $750,000 on a Ferrari and a Lamborghini, tens of thousands-a-month on a rented mansion and each landing spots on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2026. However, in a statement to the Daily Mail, Yadegari claimed that Beydoun contributed 'nothing' to the company's success, calling his lawsuit a frivolous 'money grab' that holds no merit. Health influencer Hussein Beydoun, 24, accused Cal AI's three other founding members of pushing him out of the company in violation of a signed agreement and state law Zachary Yadegari, 18, called Beydoun's claims a blatant 'cash grab' and claimed he did 'nothing' to help get Cal AI off the ground According to Beydoun's complaint, Yadegari, Langmack and Anderson invited him to join Viral Development in April 2024 as a co-founder, offering him a vested and unconditional 25 percent membership interest in the company, because they were struggling to market Cal AI on social media. By then, Beydoun was already an established health and wellness influencer, boasting half-a-million followers on TikTok and Instagram, while Yadegari and Langmack were 'unknown high school students', and Anderson was a young software developer fresh out of college, according to the suit. Beydoun claims he was offered equity in Viral Development, and by extension Cal AI, in exchange for promoting the app on his own social media platforms and recruiting other influencers to do the same. The deal was finalized through the signing of an operating agreement that the lawsuit alleges was drafted with the assistance of Yadegari's parents, who are attorneys. Soon after Beydoun was brought on board, he claims the app went viral, with his promotions generating millions of views online. That exposure caused usage and downloads to surge, eventually catapulting Cal AI into the top 14 most downloaded health and fitness apps in the US, according to the lawsuit. Business was booming. Behind the scenes, however, tensions began to simmer. 'After [Beydoun] successfully jump-started Cal AI, the Majority Members banded together to freeze [Beydoun] out of the Company only two months later,' reads the lawsuit. 'Having received the benefit of [Beydoun's] marketing efforts, Yadegari (with the support of Langmack and Anderson) decided that [Beydoun was] not entitled to anything because [Beydoun] did not capitulate to his demands.' Beydoun claims Yadegari (above) was the mastermind of his alleged ousting, that he claims left him 'empty-handed', despite the company's success In June 2025, Yadegari posted a video to YouTube showing him purchasing a $250,000 Lamborghini. Two months later, Beydoun claims he brought a $500k Ferrari A dispute arose in June 2024 during discussions over how many hours Beydoun was expected to work to promote Cal AI, an issue the lawsuit says was never addressed in writing or verbally. 'Tense and uncomfortable conversations ensued and Beydoun said he was 'out' and 'done',' according to the lawsuit. However, Beydoun claims he was unable to withdraw from the company because the operating agreement contained no provisions explaining how or when a member could exit. After realizing the omission, the other three founders allegedly 'conspired' to forcibly remove him. That alleged conspiracy began on June 18, 2024, when the majority members executed a document attempting to amend the operating agreement by adding clauses allowing for the 'Removal of Non-Performing Members.' The clause defined non-performance as failing to contribute at least 40 hours of work per week or failing to participate in company meetings. Beydoun claims that on no occasion did Yadegari, Langmack and Anderson ever work 40 hours per week, noting that Yadegari and Langmack were still in high school at the time. On June 28, 2024, Beydoun alleges the founders informed him his 25 percent stake had been bought out for just $5,000, despite the company allegedly generating around $150,000 in monthly revenue at the time. Beydoun further claims that Yadegari (above) is renting a luxury mansion in Pinecrest, Florida - featuring seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and a lap pool - for $35,000 a month Henry Langmack, 18 (left), and Blake Anderson, 23 (right) are the other two founding members of Cal AI. The company launched in May 2024 Beydoun says he requested access to Viral Development's books and records to assess the true value of his stake but was denied. He rejected the buyout offer and filed a special court proceeding seeking access to the company's financial records. While that request was still pending, Beydoun alleges the founders took further steps to strip him of his ownership interest entirely. In early September 2025, Beydoun claims the founders approved a freeze-out merger that dissolved Viral Development and transferred its most valuable asset, Cal AI, into two successor entities, Cal AI, Inc. and Cal AI Florida Inc. Beydoun alleges the merger served no legitimate business purpose and was carried out solely to cut him out of Cal AI. He claims the founders lacked the authority to approve the deal, failed to notify him in advance and never obtained his written consent or allowed him to vote, as required under the company's operating agreement and state law. The lawsuit seeks to unwind the merger, restore Cal AI to its original ownership structure and recover damages. Cal AI is a free-to-download app that can analyze photos of food, identify ingredients, and estimate calories and other nutritional information. It was projected to make $30 million last year In his statement to the Daily Mail, Yadegari insisted that Beydoun's allegations hold no merit. 'Mr. Beydoun was involved with Cal AI for a mere six weeks at the outset and abandoned the company in writing of his own accord in June 2024, before the app had any traction. He contributed nothing to the company's subsequent success,' he said. 'His claims surfaced only after that success and amount to a transparent money grab. The facts and the law are firmly on the company's side and the matter will be addressed in court, not in the press.' An attorney for Beydoun, Melissa Yang, responded by reiterating the alleged terms of Beydoun's original operations agreement - an unconditional and vested 25 percent membership interest in the company - and insisting the transferring of Cal AI from Viral Development into two new entities was done 'unlawfully.' 'We look forward to holding Defendants' accountable,' she said. In the lawsuit, Beydoun claims that, despite his company stake, that he has been left 'in the dark and empty-handed.' By contrast, he alleges the other founders have openly indulged in the fruits of Cal AI's success. All three were named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Food and Drink for 2026. In a brief write-up, Forbes credited Yadegari, Langmack and Anderson with founding the business in May 2024 and reported the company was on track to generate more than $30 million in revenue in 2025. The outlet also noted the app had surpassed six million downloads and was 'entirely bootstrapped' by its founders. Beydoun was not mentioned. Yadegari, Langmack and Anderson were named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for their work with Cal AI Beydoun alleges the founders informed him his 25 percent stake in Cal Ai had been bought out for $5,000, despite the company allegedly generating $150,000 in monthly revenue The benefits, Beydoun alleges, extended beyond publicity. In June 2025, Beydoun alleges Yadegari purchased a dark grey Lamborghini, estimated to cost more than $250,000, using funds he distributed to himself from the company. Yadegari posted a video to YouTube of him purchasing the car, titled: 'Buying a lambo at 18.' It garnered just under 21,000 views. Two months later, he allegedly bought another supercar, a white Ferrari 296 GTS worth more than $500,000, according to the lawsuit. Beydoun further claims that Yadegari is renting a luxury mansion in Pinecrest, Florida - featuring seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms and a lap pool - for roughly $35,000 a month while attending the University of Miami, an experience he has publicly described during an interview with Fortune as a 'six-figure vacation.' In another profile with CNBC, Yadegari was billed as a coding prodigy, claiming to have taught himself to code from YouTube videos when he was just 7. By age 10, he was charging $30 per hour for lessons. In high school, he tried to launch various mobile apps before landing on an idea for a calorie-counting app. Yadegari said inspiration struck after he started working out 'to impress girls' and found that existing calorie-counting apps - which required users to manually input his food - were too tedious. With Langmack, whom he'd known since coding camp and Anderson, they set about developing an app with AI that could analyze photos of food, identify ingredients and estimate calories and other nutritional information. With that, Cal AI was born. In its first month, the app - which is free to download and includes subscription models for as little as $2.99 per month - brought in more than $28,000 in revenue. That number increased to $115,000 the following month. As of September, Cal AI was reported to be raking in $1.4 million per month. An Aussie man has claimed a fellow gym-goer has earned an eye-watering $6million from the National Disability Insurance Scheme for clearing out deceased estates. Danny Brown, who runs the Danny Money Moves TikTok channel, said the man had approached him at the gym and told him about the 'side hustle goldmine'. 'I just had a guy come up to me at the gym and he told me he has made $6million with NDIS funding since 2016 clearing people's estates,' Mr Brown told his followers. 'The government funds him to do it. He has made $4million reselling the second-hand goods under NDIS funding. 'What better way to advertise buying people's stuff. You actually get it for free and you get paid to remove their contents - how good's that!' Mr Brown then questioned the legitimacy of the scheme, asking if it was right that resellers could essentially profit twice from the service. 'Is that a loophole, clever business or straight-up corruption?' he posed. 'Meanwhile, the NDIS budget keeps blowing out by billions, services are stretched thin, and the people who actually need support are left waiting.' Danny Brown shared the shocking news on his Tiktok channel, Danny Money Moves He said the man had claimed the NDIS had given the unnamed man $6 million since 2016 He added: 'This scheme was meant to help vulnerable Australians - not become a side hustle goldmine.' The post was flooded with dozens of comments from disheartened Aussies who claimed they had failed to access NDIS funding. 'These stories make me angry when I am a genuine handicapped person who has had to go through the whole process and I am in now federal court trying to get funding so I can have some kind of life,' one woman wrote. 'NDIS said I met all standards but refuse to give me a package.' Another said: 'And yet it's people like my husband who actually need help that have their budgets slashed because of "budget blow outs".' 'This shouldn't be allowed. As a provider once the person passes away funds are frozen. Not sure how he is getting away with this,' a third agreed. However others threw doubt on the gym-goer's story. 'Well sources don't get much more credible than "Some random guy at the gym came up to me and told me he made $6million from NDIS with no proof",' one person said. The man said he was paid millions of dollars to clear out deceased estates (pictured) Estate clearances involve sorting, managing, and removing all contents from a property, typically after an owner's death 'Completely false,' a second agreed. 'Do the maths, how many people under 65 would have died for him to make that cash. But most importantly, NDIS does not fund that. And all NDIS supports cease when the participant is deceased. So many flaws with this story.' Daily Mail understands the NDIS does not fund estate clearances and that providers claiming this may be subject to fraud and integrity investigations. Claims made following the death of a participant must be made in accordance with the Bereavement Addendum of the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. This outlines support items providers can claim after an NDIS participant has died. Shocking footage of a jetski rider drenching a boatload of birthday revellers has reignited calls to ban the highpowered watercraft. Western Australian company Sundowner Boat Charters shared a video of a jet-skier speeding past a boat and drenching revellers on January 13. The passengers were visibly stunned by the giant wave of water, later sharing that an entire table of food - including a birthday cake - had been ruined. 'Way to go, idiot. Thanks for the deck wash, but you took out a table full of food including the birthday cake,' Sundowner Boat Charters captioned the footage. Company owner Mike Lietzow told Daily Mail the incident had come as a shock to not only his peeved clients but to himself as well. 'I've been in the charter business for 18 years and I've never had anything like this happen before,' he said. 'They had just cut the birthday cake. There was only about three pieces cut, so not much of it got eaten at all. It was pretty much all thrown away.' Furious Aussies have since called for the watercrafts to be banned. The people on the boat take cover as they get splashed with water The jet-ski rider then heads off but not before waving to the soaked partygoers 'This is why jet-skis should be banned,' one person wrote. 'That was pretty disgusting behaviour by that idiot,' another wrote, while another said the 'jet-skis were speeding and spraying all boats they could find in the area'. But others said it had more to do with the driver than the watercraft itself. 'Owning a jet-ski and being a tool seems to go hand in hand,' one person said. 'Got nothing to do with jet-skis being banned. It's the rider who's at fault absolute idiot,' another person wrote. 'Standard behaviour from jet-ski owners. Bogans with no respect,' a third said. Some, however, questioned if Mr Lietzow, who had been driving the boat, had done something to provoke the jet-ski driver. 'What did you do to p*** him off?' one person asked. The moment before unsuspecting partygoers get sprayed by a jet ski The occupants had just started eating a birthday cake they had cut up 'Feel like there's more to the story because why was the woman filming before this happened? And clearly something was said because he paused to look back and say something prior,' another wrote. Mr Lietzow denied that he or his guests had provoked the jet-ski riders. 'We definitely didn't do anything to the jet-ski. What could I possibly do to a jet-ski when I'm at anchor?' he told Daily Mail. 'I was a bit disheartened when I saw those comments. We do get it all the time. The jet-skis tend to show off. They'll jump your wake.' Mr Lietzow has been contacted by the Department of Transport and Marine Safety over the incident, who wish to speak to the jet-ski driver. 'I'm not putting down all jet-ski riders. It was just a flyby to show off. I don't want his jet-ski to be confiscated, but just a warning or talking to,' he said. It comes as councils consider banning, or restricting the use, of jet-skis in popular coastal areas due to safety concerns. There has been a rise in reports of dangerous jet-ski use, the ABC reports. Victoria's City of Port Phillip is one council considering tightening rules, including banning jet skis within 200m of beaches, piers and swimming spots. 'The problem with jet-skis is they are extremely powerful. They can turn on a 50 cent piece and go from zero to 100km/h very quickly,' Victoria Police Inspector James Dalton said. 'Unfortunately, it's just a matter of time before we see something really serious.' A series of possible clues raised concerns about the true identity of the woman claiming to be the mysterious Chinese heiress who allegedly crashed her $1.5million Tiffany blue Rolls-Royce into a chauffeur-driven Mercedes-Benz. Unanswered questions about LanLan Yang's seemingly vast unexplained wealth have only been fuelled by her continued absence from court to face charges over the late-night accident in Rose Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Since the July crash, Yang, 23, has rarely been seen outside of her regular visit to Rose Bay police station as part of her bail conditions, where she routinely turns up clad in designer gear, but with her face obscured by a mask and large sunglasses. The Daily Mail this week confronted a woman who had just reported to police as Yang and asked her if she actually was the multimillionaire - and she said she wasn't. In an apparently frank and surprising admission, she told the Daily Mail she was not LanLan and was in fact 'someone else', but refused to reveal her 'real' identity. Police have now launched an investigation into the bona fides of that woman, and whether Yang is living at her Watsons Bay penthouse, as required by her bail. Images of Yang were published after the collision, which occurred on New South Head Road, Rose Bay, about 3.20am on July 26 last year, as she left Waverley police station. She has only been photographed without her face mask one other time, when a woman who had just reported to police as Yang enjoyed a meal at the Museum of Contemporary Art in The Rocks. Cops are investigating if a woman impersonated a mysterious Chinese heiress LanLan Yang at a police station. The woman is pictured carrying an iPhone on Wednesday 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. She was carrying a Samsung phone when she reported on bail in October Some observers believe there are discrepancies between some facial features when comparing the two pictures. They also believe there are inconsistencies in the age, gait, demeanour and mannerisms between sightings of Yang. Suspicions were further raised when the woman reporting for bail made the unusual switch from an Android-based Samsung phone to the latest Apple iPhone. Notably, Yang has in the past refused to speak a word to reporters and has run away when approached, but on Wednesday the woman at Rose Bay stopped to answer questions and spoke calmly. The young woman was wearing a Chanel top and Chanel jeans when she arrived 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. Reporter: 'Are you LanLan or someone else?' Woman: 'I'm someone else.' Reporter: 'Do you want to tell me who you are if you're not LanLan?' Woman: 'No.' Images of Yang published after the collision appear to show her having a sharper nose than in those taken in recent months Yang was photographed without a mask when she dined with a friend at the Museum of Contemporary Art in September 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. The Daily Mail had seen no sign of Yang at the Watsons Bay apartment since October and asked the woman at Rose Bay who was living at the property. On Thursday afternoon a new umbrella and a tall cactus appeared on the balcony of her apartment, having not been there on Tuesday. A senior police source told the Daily Mail an investigation has 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 police media unit later issued a statement which said: 'Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command is aware of the allegation and is conducting inquiries. 'Anyone with information is urged to contact Bondi Police Station on 02 9365 9699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.' Yang's lawyer has been contacted for comment but has not responded to the Daily Mail's enquiries. Police have launched an investigation into the identity of that woman, and whether Yang is living at a Watsons Bay penthouse as required by her bail. Yang is pictured in August After presenting herself as Yang to a constable at Rose Bay the woman (above) was asked by the Daily Mail whether she was LanLan Yang or someone else. 'I'm someone else,' she said 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. It is not suggested that Yang has not complied with her bail obligations or that there has in fact been any attempt by Yang to avoid those obligations or that Yang is no longer living at her Watsons Bay penthouse, only that police are investigating whether the woman who presented herself to Rose Bay police station on Wednesday impersonated Yang and whether Yang is still living at her Watsons Bay penthouse. Chauffeur George Plassaras, who drove regularly for radio king Kyle Sandilands, suffered life-changing injuries in the collision with Yang and might never work again. 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. 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 identical. Yang has pleaded not guilty to four offences, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, an offence which carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail. 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 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'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 to 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. One of Yang's contemporaries told Daily Mail she was only aware of Yang being in Australia since 2021 and 'her English is poor'. 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. 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. 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 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 via video link from her lawyer's office. She has not appeared on screen since that day. Yang, who was forced to surrender her passport as part of her bail conditions, has gone to extreme measures to keep her face out of public view in the past six months. 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 in September. She is due to appear in court again later this month. A 'callous' cold-blooded killer who 'exploited' his young child to help murder his wife has been jailed after the truth about what really happened finally emerged. Remorseless Robert Rhodes was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 29 years and six months after being found guilty of slaughtering estranged wife Dawn Rhodes at their family home in 2016. He was originally acquitted of her murder in 2017, after the couple's child gave evidence in Robert Rhodes's defence saying it was the mother who was the aggressor - not the father. But the child, who was under the age of 10 at the time, later confessed to a counsellor that this version of events was in fact a lie, and police were granted permission to charge carpenter Rhodes again. He was convicted last year following a new trial in an extraordinary double-jeopardy case. The child's name, age and sex cannot be reported for legal reasons. But in a powerful victim impact statement read to Rhodes's sentencing hearing today, they said: 'My mother was and is loved by many - she has been missed by all who knew her and she deserves justice for the agony she was put though. 'The traumatic experience Robert Rhodes put me through will never go away. Remorseless murderer Robert Rhodes refused to attend Inner London Crown Court today - with the court told he 'maintains his innocence' 'The guilt and shame will never go away, and the scar when he sliced open my forearm will never go away.' The child described themself as 'a shell' since the murder, and referred to Rhodes by his name, rather than as 'dad'. Speaking bravely through tears, the child added: 'Robert Rhodes lied to me, bribed me, made me feel special in order to manipulate me for his own gain. 'I wish I could stand here and say I've moved on with my life. 'I wish I could say Robert Rhodes has not taken everything away from me, but I can't. 'On that evening, Robert Rhodes not only murdered my mother but he took my dad away from me as well.' The child said Rhodes tried to 'manipulate' and 'gaslight' them in order to back up his story. Rhodes refused to attend the sentencing, and judge Mrs Justice Ellenbogen was told he 'maintains his innocence'. Dawn Rhodes was murdered by her estranged husband - though for years he got away with blaming her for her death The judge described this as 'cowardice,' and said his offending was 'wicked' and 'callous'. Prosecutors said Rhodes planned to 'get rid of mummy' by taking advantage of the strained relationship between Dawn and the child. The court heard Rhodes, who had taken cocaine, instructed the youngster to tell Dawn to close her eyes so she could be presented with a painting - the child then darted out of the room, allowing Rhodes to sneak in and slash his estranged wife from behind. Rhodes and his young child then cut each other to make it seem like Dawn was the aggressor. The bloodbath took place at their home in Redhill, Surrey, on June 2, 2016. Rhodes told police that his wife had attacked him and their child with a knife, and that he had acted in self-defence. When police attended, they found Dawn lying on the kitchen floor. Her throat had been cut so aggressively that all the structures in her neck had been severed. Rhodes was arrested for murder that evening. During his police interview, he said that he and Dawn had been arguing in the kitchen when she picked up a knife and swung it towards the child, at which point he told the child to go upstairs. Rhodes initially wept in his first interviews with police, but offered no comment when he was re-arrested over Dawn's death He said he managed to get hold of the knife and that Dawn came at him in a fury. He swung at her with the knife, he said, and made contact with her neck, before he ran upstairs and called the police. Rhodes began to cry as he gave his version of events. When the child was interviewed, they gave an account consistent with the one Rhodes had put forward as to how the injuries they suffered had been inflicted. Rhodes was charged - the child forming a key part of his defence at court. He was acquitted and after a year spent remanded in prison waiting for the trial he was a free man. But in November 2021, the child told their therapist that Rhodes had planned Dawn's murder and had manipulated them into being involved in it. Rhodes described it as 'our plan', and then made the child lie about how their mother had died. The acquittal was quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2024, and permission was granted for a retrial for the offence of murder. Rhodes was also charged with child cruelty, perjury and perverting the course of justice. He coldly gave police a succession of 'no-comment' answers. During his trial at Inner London Crown Court last year, 52-year-old Rhodes maintained that he was acting in self-defence and that the child was lying. He had been living with his new fiancee, a woman more than 20 years his junior, in the village of Withleigh in Mid-Devon when he was re-arrested. He later told police: 'I kind of thought this would come back to bite me.' The judge handed Rhodes a term of six years and nine months, each for one count of child cruelty and perverting the course of justice, and terms of four and three years for two counts of perjury. They will run concurrently with the life sentence, meaning the total jail term is just under 30 years before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board. Rhodes was told the 590 days spent in custody awaiting trial would be deducted from the total, but that he may never be released. Police and prosecutors paid tribute to Dawn's family, and said her name and reputation had been cleared. Libby Clark, senior Crown prosecutor with the CPS, said: 'The new evidence that came from the child witness was profoundly shocking and showed just how much careful planning Robert Rhodes had put into murdering his wife. 'He exploited a young child before the murder, explaining his plan to cover up the truth and make it appear as if Dawn had attacked him, so that he could claim that he acted in self-defence. 'This included Rhodes inflicting injuries on the young child's arm. 'He continued with his web of lies over the intervening years. 'It is thanks to the immense bravery of the child in coming forward to explain exactly what happened that night that Robert Rhodes has finally been brought to justice for the murder of Dawn, something he mistakenly thought he could get away with. 'None of us can even begin to imagine what Rhodes has put the child through over a period of many years. 'Now though, as a result of their evidence, Dawn can now be remembered by everyone in the right way - as a victim of her violent partner.' Detective chief inspector Kimball Edey, from the Surrey and Sussex Police major crime team, said: 'During the first trial, Dawn was portrayed as the villain but had actually been a victim of domestic abuse and coercive control at the hands of her husband for years. 'The fact that Rhodes not only murdered his wife in cold blood but then manipulated and groomed his own child to play a part in his evil scheme and cover up what he had done is simply despicable. 'Not only did he take a life, he irreparably damaged another, as well as the lives of everyone else who loved Dawn.' First-cousin marriage does not belong in the modern world and the Prime Minister must 'show some moral courage' in siding with MPs who want it outlawed, Sarah Vine has argued. Debating fellow Daily Mail columnist Peter Hitchens, Vine said cousin marriage is 'not good for anyone', bad for both the families that practice it and the UK as a whole, with birth defects costing the NHS 'an enormous amount of money, which it doesn't have'. The Sunday Times bestselling author compared the practice to other banned cultural traditions including female genital mutilation and forced marriage, questioning why cousin marriage escapes the same scrutiny. Vine was responding to a recent poll conducted by YouGov, which featured data showing that almost half of mothers from the Pakistani community in inner-city Bradford were married to a first or second cousin. She urged Sir Keir Starmer to support Conservative MP Richard Holden, whose private member's bill seeking to outlaw cousin marriage has been blocked by Labour for almost 400 days despite cross-party backing. First-cousin marriage does not belong in the modern world and the Prime Minister must 'show some moral courage' in siding with MPs who want it outlawed, Sarah Vine has argued Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's new politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens, wherever you listen to podcasts now. 'There are parts of Britain where serious birth defects, lifelong disabilities are becoming very difficult to manage,' the columnist said. 'It's very sad and tragic and affects certain communities greatly. Cousin marriage is prevalent, as we know, in Pakistani communities.' 'There's been a private member's bill put forward saying we can't continue to let this happen. That it's not good for anyone. The Prime Minister has simply refused to countenance it and I cannot understand why. It's terrible for the families involved.' While agreeing that cousin marriage is a bad thing for society, co-host Hitchens was sympathetic as to why Starmer would not throw his weight behind a ban. He argued that a Prime Minister should not concern himself with private members' bills and as the leader of a democracy, must show a degree of sensitivity towards citizens' cultural beliefs and practices. 'Politics isn't necessarily about what's right', Hitchens argued. 'If you are a democratic politician, you must be sensitive to what people think. I am not defending it - I think cousin marriage is extremely unwise. 'I am baffled as to why my own church, the Church of England, countenances it whereas the Roman Catholic Church does not. 'Obviously, there are problems, but that's not the issue here. If you're asking why Keir Starmer is not backing a private member's bill, well - he doesn't have to. Look at the mess he's gotten himself into by backing the Assisted Dying bill.' Vine sees the campaign to ban cousin marriage as an opportunity for Starmer to show some backbone and promote British values. 'He should show some moral courage and say this is not something we agree with', Vine countered. 'In the same way as we have done with female genital mutilation or forced marriage - these other cultural traditions that don't belong in the modern world. Vine urged Sir Keir Starmerto support Conservative MP Richard Holden (pictured), whose private member's bill seeking to outlaw cousin marriage has been blocked by Labour While agreeing that cousin marriage is a bad thing for society, co-host Hitchens was sympathetic as to why Starmer would not throw his weight behind a ban 'The people in the communities that this most affects are women and children. If you are a woman and you have a baby who has serious mental and physical disabilities, you will be the one that has to look after it. 'Women in these communities tend to be very marginalised, they don't really have a voice. 'As someone who does have a voice and who is not afraid to say this is wrong, I think it's important for us to say these things and point out these mistakes. 'If I was the Prime Minister and someone said to me: I have this plan to make sure we don't have a load of birth defects in certain communities, that women and children have a much better quality of life and that we save the NHS money, I would say great, let's do it.' To hear the debate in full, plus Hitchens' take on the unrest in Iran, search for Alas Vine & Hitchens wherever you get your podcasts. A rare 'tropical' disease that is fatal to humans and dogs is plaguing California homeless encampments. Berkeley city sounded alarms on Monday by issuing a public health warning after two dogs in an encampment on Harrison Street tested positive for the bacterial disease leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a blood infection 'rarely seen by doctors in the US' and is 'usually associated with tropical conditions,' per public health notice. The bacteria is commonly spread by rats through their urine and feces that contaminates the soil, then gets picked up by humans and dogs. Despite its rarity, the infection is often associated with homelessness and homeless encampments, UCSF Infectious Disease expert Dr Monica Gandhi told KTVU. 'As a result the unhoused are particularly affected,' Gandhi told the outlet. The disease is usually asymptomatic, but if symptoms present it's usually 'flu-like in nature and can be treated with common antibiotics.' Two dogs in an encampment on Harrison Street tested positive for the bacterial disease leptospirosis A rare 'tropical' disease that is fatal to humans and dogs broke is plaguing California homeless encampments Berkeley City officials are urging encampment residents to evacuate at least one-third out of the 'red zoned' area Some symptoms include fever, red eyes, headache, and muscle aches and can lead to severe and potentially fatal symptoms, the notice said. Berkeley City officials are urging encampment residents to evacuate at least one-third out of the 'red zoned' area as soon as possible. 'Immediate departure from these encampments will reduce risk to encampment residents and their dogs, and to the surrounding neighborhood,' per the notice. As the city further investigates the spread, the notice said any RV in the encampment that is discovered to have rat infestations will be demolished. This health crisis comes during a legal battle over the encampment, as officials tried to clear out the site in June, but homeless advocates pushed back, per SF Chronicle. A federal judge then gave a temporary injunction, a court order that prevented the city from sweeping the area until disabled residents were placed elsewhere. This health crisis comes during a legal battle over the encampment, as officials tried to clear out the site in June, but homeless advocates pushed back People's Park in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 Berkeley's Homeless Response Team began its activities in September 2021 after more than a year of neglect in the city's homeless camps Attorney Anthony Prince, who is representing the homeless union, believes the city is using the bacterial outbreak as an excuse to evict residents, per the outlet. He added that the filthy conditions worsened after officials removed a dumpster from the encampment. As the public health investigation continues, clean up will take at least 30 days to eradicate the rat infestation and is also the length of time leptospirosis can live in soil. A 26-year-old California surfer was thrown from his board when a 6ft shark rammed him from beneath and took a bite of his leg. Tommy Civik was paddling off the coast of Gualala, a coastal resort 115 miles north of San Francisco, at 8.30am on January 13. He told the LA Times that he'd only been in the water ten minutes when a force like 'being hit by a car' snapped his board, sending him flying. 'The whole thing was so jarring, I was just trying to get away,' he said to the outlet. Civik didn't even see the shark swimming toward him. His friend, Marco Guerrero, told the outlet he was watching from a sandbar nearby. 'I was looking out at the waves when I saw the thrashing,' Guerrero told the outlet. 'I said, "Oh, that's a shark attack," thinking it was attacking a seal. I didn't realize it was Tommy.' After sinking its teeth into Civik, Guerrero said the shark whipped its tail above the water and disappeared with half the surfboard. Civik was stranded in the water, still 150ft from land. His only option was to put his head down and swim for his life. Surfer Tommy Civik was thrown from his surfboard when a shark bit onto it from underneath. Pictured are the bite marks on his severed board Civik (pictured) sustained a distinct shark bite which required stitches The shark disappeared with half of Civik's surf board, leaving him with the bitten end It wasn't until he got to safety that Civik noticed distinct, bloody teeth marks in his leg. 'I was unbelievably lucky. My board took all the impact, and the teeth just grazed me,' Civik said. A bystander saw the attack in Mendocino County that morning and called 911. The South Coast Fire Protection District responded to the 'call of distress' at 8.45am and sent out the Coast Life Support District and the fire department. By the time first responders arrived, Civik was already on land. The puncture wounds on his upper left thigh required stitches, but he insisted on seeking treatment himself. 'I had quite a bit of adrenaline, and since I could walk, I drove myself to the hospital,' Civik told the Times. Civik was surfing on the beaches of Gualala, California, pictured in a stock image The punctured wetsuit was turned over to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which will test it to determine the type of shark responsible for the bite. Civik has been surfing for years and occasionally worried about sharks, but had no idea he would become the victim of an attack. Despite his injuries, he hasn't been deterred from heading back out on the waves. 'Honestly, I would surf again,' he told the Times. 'If it's already unlikely to get attacked by a shark once, how could it happen twice? I don't think this will stop me.' Civik was reportedly the first shark bite victim in California this year. The Daily Mail contacted the South Coast Fire Protection District and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for comment. The Dutch hard-Right activist involved in a free speech row with Keir Starmer is married to an Italian aristocrat, we can reveal. Eva Vlaardingerbroek, who was denied an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for Britain yesterday, is married to Francesco Gargallo di Castel Lentini - a Rome-based lawyer who has descended from a long line of Italian noblemen. The couple met after Ms Vlaardingerbroek's engagement to American political commentator Will Witt came to a sudden end in 2022 after their whirlwind romance began a year earlier. It is unknown when or how the political influencer met her husband but the pair married in a lavish Catholic ceremony in Rome in July 2024. Later in December of that year, they welcomed their son Filippo, presumably named after Francesco's father, a successful lawyer and former Army officer Filippo Gargallo di Castel Lentini. The Gargallo family has a long history in Italy, originally being based in Sicily. In 2018, however, the family was drawn into the public spotlight after millions of dollars were stolen from Filippo's villa in Rome. The grandfather had been away on holiday in Sardinia when thieves entered the property in the Tomba di Nerone neighbourhood in Rome stealing valuable items and broke into two safes. Eva Vlaardingerbroek, 29, is involved in a free speech row with Keir Starmer after she was denied an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for Britain yesterday Ms Vlaardingerbroek is married to Francesco Gargallo di Castel Lentini - a Rome-based lawyer who has descended from a long line of Italian noblemen The break-in was discovered by a maid working at the property, who found the house ransacked of a lot of its possessions. The millionaire owner, who specialises in military and environmental law, owns a law firm in Rome. Francesco followed in his father's footsteps and started his own career in law, graduating from the University of Rome in 2018. He now practices in a number of countries around the world, when he is not travelling with his wife and son abroad to different political conventions. One of his most recent cases involved defending a woman who refused to take a PCR Covid test in 2021 when she arrived in Norway from Spain. Yet other than an X account where he mostly reshares his wife's videos, Francesco keeps his life private on social media. He sometimes makes an appearance on his wife's Instagram account, for example in a Christmas wishes post, or standing outside the White House, but other than that remains quiet. Vlaardingerbroek's marriage to Francesco might have caused some surprise as until that point her romantic relationships were mostly centred around fellow hard-Right activists. Join the debate Should political activists be banned from entering the UK for their controversial views? Ms Vlaardingerbroek with the leader of Germany's far-Right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) Ms Vlaardingerbroek, 29, shared the message she says she received from the Government Ms Vlaardingerbroek began her rise to prominence in 2020 after putting her degree on hold to focus on climbing the political ladder. Across her social media account she repeatedly appears to touts the debunked conspiracy theories In her 20s, while still a student, she was romantically linked with far-Right Dutch politician Thierry Baudet, 42, who founded the Forum for Democracy, which began as a think tank before changing into a political party. Baudet previously spoke out about their 'love affair' which began when she was 20 and attended a lecture run by his think tank. Speaking of the relationship, she said previously: 'I met Thierry there [at the lecture]. We met up and had a few dates, but we didn't click romantically. 'My bad, so we ended things pretty quickly. And I'm sure he feels the same way. It was more of a fling.' Years later, Vlaardingerbroek criticised Baudet while they were both on air, sparking an emotional reaction from him, leading him to mention their relationship. She told Das Telegraaf: 'Thierry knew how scared I was of this coming out. If it gets out, you don't owe anything you've achieved to yourself. 'What I feared happened: I was the "resentful ex", and even more blatant sexist remarks poured in.' Ms Vlaardingerbroek's marriage to Francesco might have caused some surprise as until that point her romantic relationships were mostly centred around fellow hard-Right activists Eva Vlaardingerbroek spoke at the 'Unite The Kingdom' rally in London last September Following their brief 'fling' Vlaardingerbroek is said to have had a relationship with French author and former president of Generation Nation - the youth branch of the Right-wing populist party Front National. Their relationship is said to have ended in 2020. A year later, she was introduced to American conservative commentator Mr Witt, later beginning a relationship with him. The pair became engaged in March 2022 but later went their separate ways. Ms Vlaardingerbroek said last night that while she had no immediate plans to return to the UK, she was hoping to make a visit in May for another 'Unite The Kingdom' rally, organised by EDL founder Tommy Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. The political influencer had spoken at the last rally in September, where she reflected on the death of Charlie Kirk and encouraged protesters to stand up to their governments. The protest saw 26 police officers injured and 24 people arrested when violence broke out. But now, following the decision from the Home Office, Ms Vlaardingerbroek will not be able to visit the UK without a visa and has no option to appeal, after it was declared her potential presence was 'not considered to be conducive to the public good'. Ms Vlaardingerbroek, 29, who later slammed the PM as a 'tyrant', peddles conspiracy theories like the Great Replacement theory and previously turned heads with her comments on the 'sham' of modern feminism. Born in Amsterdam, she began her rise to prominence in 2020 after putting her degree on hold to focus on climbing the political ladder. Across her social media account, she repeatedly touts the debunked conspiracy theories, claims she is being censored by the European Union and says she is being targeted by 'two-tier justice systems'. Meanwhile in an interview with The Spectator, the activist declared she would 'love to be the new Nigel Farage' and stage 'Nexit' in the Netherlands. Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek is pictured here speaking at a 'Remigration Summit' at Teatro Condominio in Gallarate, Italy, on May 17, 2025 In one of the online rants from September she said: 'Finally the world seems to be waking up to the fact that we Europeans have been replaced, sold out and betrayed by our own governments as by a result of their open border policies of mass migration, we are no longer safe and no longer at home in our own homelands.' Her outspoken, extreme views led her to be labelled the 'Aryan Princess' or the 'shield maiden' of the far-Right in the media. More recently, following the death of Right-wing American activist Kirk, Vlaardingerbroek, who has just over one million followers on X, spoke out repeatedly at public rallies across Europe on the issue. During the Unite the Kingdom rally, she shared a clip of the march of mostly middle-aged, white men draped in Union Jacks, she said: 'This was London today. There were MILLIONS of people on the streets. It was mind-blowing. This is a revolution.' Vlaardingerbroek then went on to speak at the podium to crowds of hundreds. In a clip shared to Instagram, with ominous war-like music playing in the background, she said: 'Britons, patriots, my friends. We are fighting a fight of truth versus lies, of freedom versus tyranny, of light versus dark. 'And just three days ago one of his greatest warriors lost his life fighting this. So today, we also fight for him, we fight for Charlie Kirk, we fight for our nations, we fight for our children.' The activist was born in 1996 to her parents who both worked in classical music, with her father directing orchestras for the Dutch public broadcaster, while her mother was an editor on a radio channel. She still remains close with her parents, who brought her up in a religious household in Amsterdam. A California retail tycoon is forcefully challenging a $2.4million fine that was imposed over a pickleball court at his custom-built mansion. John Levy, 73, has filed a lawsuit against the state's Coastal Commission to fight the massive penalty. He was accused of blocking public access to the beach with gates, illegally installing the pickleball court and removing the habitat of shorebirds. Levy has argued that his due process rights were being violated since the commission was acting 'simultaneously as prosecutor, judge, and beneficiary of the penalties it imposes.' The tension concerns his $2.8million home near Carlsbad - about 35 miles north of San Diego - which sits next to the gorgeous Buena Vista Lagoon and the North Pacific Ocean. According to the commission, the gates of Levy's mansion prohibited access to the beach and water, while the pickleball court was built without permission. In response, Levy claimed the state agency was acting with an 'inherent and unconstitutional bias', per his complaint. He is seeking reimbursement of legal costs and any other relief, as well as a writ of mandate requiring the commission to cancel their orders. John Levy is suing the California Coastal Commission for allegedly violating his due process rights after they fined him $2.4m for housing infractions Levy, 73, is accused of blocking off public access to the beach through his $2.8m luxury mansion's gates Levy's mansion was placed under scrutiny when the California Coastal Commission determined that its gates impeded access to a public beach. The state agency plans and regulates how land and water are used along California's shoreline. Levy argued that his pedestrian gate was 'lawfully locked' to avoid strangers from trespassing, while alleging that opening his vehicle gate would actually be unlawful. In his complaint from November, Levy claimed that only the beach homeowners association could make that entry point accessible. The commission maintained that Levy 'refused' to address his lack of compliance, which forced them to intervene. 'We've been asking Mr. Levy to comply with the coastal act and his [permit] for years,' the commission's enforcement counsel Rob Moddelmog said, per the East Bay Times. He added: 'This is why we are forced to bring this order... to compel Mr. Levy to finally address his violations.' In his complaint, Levy alleged that the commission 'hoped to strong-arm [him] into submitting to its demands, including by threatening crippling daily fines.' Your browser does not support iframes. A 1983 easement approved by the commission allegedly requires the land that eventually became Levy's mega-home to allow access to the beach. Levy's current access - or lack thereof - was not sufficiently accommodating for beachgoers with disabilities, the state agency claimed. They want Levy to provide access from Mountain View Drive, which he has so far refused to do. The mansion's pickleball court has also become a flashpoint in the high-stakes legal battle. Levy alleged that his contractor 'mistakenly believed that no permit was required to construct it,' per his complaint. He said he was working to obtain an 'after the fact' permit for the court. 'Contrary to the Commission's repeated claims, the pickleball court was not built in any setback or other protected area of the property,' Levy added. Levy claimed his contractor 'mistakenly believed that no permit was required to construct' a pickleball court that had become a point of contention Levy previously rented out his Carlsbad residence but has not done so since 2016. He currently lives in New Zealand (Photo of a Yelp review of the property when it was used for a wedding) Another point of contention was how Levy allegedly caused 'vegetation clearance within a wetland buffer setback area required to be protected for habitat conservation and open space.' In his suit, Levy shot back that the removal had been 'resolved' since the vegetation eventually grew back. He claimed that guests in 2013 had parked their cars 'disturbing some vegetation,' but that this happened without Levy knowing. The mansion was rented from 2009 to about 2016 and occasionally hosted weddings during that stretch, per Levy's complaint. It has not been rented since, his attorney Jeremy Talcott from the Pacific Legal Foundation told the Daily Mail. Levy currently lives in New Zealand. He said that Levy's 'enforcement hearing is a prime example of an agency out of control.' Talcott told the Daily Mail: 'The Commission imposed millions of dollars in penalties on the basis of heavily disputed facts and with virtually none of the procedural protections that would normally be afforded to even the most minimal criminal court hearing." Levy's California home sits next to the stunning Buena Vista Lagoon, as well as the North Pacific Ocean Another attorney for Levy, Paul Beard II, told the Daily Mail that nothing was expected to happen in the suit for at least several months while the state agency formally responded. Levy has called the commission's enforcement 'politically charged' and vowed to keep fighting, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. 'This entire process is about the Coastal Commission attempting to erode private property rights, and I will not allow it to happen on my watch,' he told the outlet. 'If the commission ignores the city's findings and continues to pursue this politically charged enforcement, we will be heading to Superior Court.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the California Coastal Commission for comment. The alleged mistress of a Texas congressman was drunk as she set herself on fire in a horrific suicide, an autopsy exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail reveals. Regina Aviles, 35, poured gasoline on herself and self-immolated in the backyard of her home on September 13 in Uvalde, Texas about two hours west of San Antonio. The autopsy, obtained through a public records request, revealed her blood alcohol level was 0.094 - well above the legal limit of 0.08 for drivers - some 36 hours after she set herself ablaze. Amphetamine - a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD - was also in her system and was described as 'known prescribed use'. As the Daily Mail first reported in October, sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed Aviles and her married boss, Representative Tony Gonzales, 45, allegedly became romantically involved sometime after she joined his staff in November 2021. His spokesman initially chose not to deny the affair when repeatedly offered the opportunity by the Daily Mail, however, Gonzales himself denied it months later. Aviles was also married and was separated from her husband at the time of her death. In November, her death was ruled a suicide by self immolation, however, state officials had refused to release her autopsy until now - denying previous public records request. Aviles's body was 'nearly 100 percent burned' when her autopsy was performed on the September 15. Regina Aviles's final words were 'I don't want to die,' according to her mother Congressman Tony Gonzales hosted Elon Musk in September 2023 as he toured the US-Mexico border in Eagle Pass, Texas. Aviles can been seen on the right of Musk Her body was described as charred with a 'near total loss' of the top layer of skin in the public documents. She also had a broken heart tattooed on her right hand, the report states. 'Regi', as she was known by loved ones, was alone at her home September 13 when a home surveillance camera recorded her pouring liquid on herself and later being on fire. Aviles and her husband had separated after he allegedly learned of the affair sometime in 2025, a source shared, but they continued to co-parent their eight-year-old son. Local fire fighters arrived at her home around 9.30 pm. She was airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio that same night for treatment. She was declared dead on the morning of September 14 at the hospital, and the autopsy was performed the next day. When asked about the affair in October, Congressman Gonzales's office did not deny it. 'Regina Aviles was a kind soul who had a lasting impact on her community, which she continued to serve until her untimely death,' his spokesman told the Daily Mail. Aviles poured gasoline over herself before becoming engulfed in flames at her home in Texas The 35-year-old was found at in flames at the Uvalde property in September. Investigators determined she was home alone at the time Gonzales, who has a wife, Angel, did not attend Aviles's funeral, sources told the Daily Mail 'To see political bottom feeders distort the circumstances around her passing is truly sickening. Tony Gonzales remains laser-focused on delivering historic achievements for Texas and condemns any attempts to misuse this tragedy.' After dodging reporters for months and refusing to answer questions about the alleged affair, Gonzales later broke his silence. 'The rumors are completely untruthful,' he told reporters in November. For help and support, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988. Former soldiers approaching pensionable age are to be recalled in a desperate bid to prepare Britain for possible war against Russia. Veterans as old as 65 will return to the parade square as the UK faces the threat of direct conflict with the Kremlin, perhaps within months in Ukraine. Facing an urgent need to find tens of thousands of extra troops, the Ministry of Defence yesterday raised the recall cap from the age of 55 from next year. The surprise move is intended to increase Britain's preparedness for battle at the time of a security crisis. They will join the country's Strategic Reserve of ex-service personnel who can be mobilised rapidly in the event of a major or prolonged conflict. Soldiers in their late 50s and early 60s with dodgy knees and wobbly hips will not be expected to charge across the battlefield alongside troops a fraction of their age. Rather, they will be deployed in areas where their skills and knowledge can be utilised and passed on to younger generations. Pushing up the age ceiling to heights unprecedented in modern times is part of a package of initiatives to boost UK security. Former soldiers will be brought back to boost Britain's Strategic Reserve... like Dad's Army On Thursday, the Army's Lieutenant General Paul Griffiths said: 'As the threat to our nation grows, we must ensure our armed forces can draw on the numbers and skills required to meet it. 'I fully support these measures, which will give us the widest possible pool of experienced personnel to call upon in times of crisis.' 'Our Strategic Reserve represents a wealth of expertise built over years of military and civilian experience. from cyber and intelligence to medicine and communications. 'These reforms will allow us to mobilise that talent rapidly when it matters most and strengthening our readiness.' The package will also allow reservists to be recalled for 'warlike preparations', exercises, to prepare for national danger, a great emergency on an attack on the UK. An estimated 95.000 veterans could be brought together. The size of Britain's reserve force is currently 32,000. Britain is playing catch-up with its European allies, particularly those closer to Russia, who can call upon larger reserve forces. Germany has 60,000, Poland 350,000 and Finland 870,000. On Thursday, the Ministry of Defence said the changes to rules on recalling reserves reflected the example of Ukraine where older generations have made a huge contribution to defence following the Russian invasion of 2022. While at the other end of the age scale, the MOD has also unveiled a scheme for school leavers to fill military gap year placements. In recent years, UK reservists have played key roles in training tens of thousands Ukrainian soldiers in Britain. Britain's regular armed forces are at their smallest since the Napoleonic war. The Army has just over 70,000 full-time personnel. The Ministry of Defence is also struggling to manage a shortfall of tens of billions of pounds in funding in the years ahead. Former military chiefs have also demanded an immediate increase in defence spending. The UK is currently the 12th biggest spender in NATO based on a percentage of GDP. Labour MPs have told Sir Keir Starmer to perform U-turns on even more of his unpopular policies after he dropped plans to make Digital ID compulsory. Backbenchers said the Prime Minister should next abandon proposals to curtail jury trials, cancel local elections and restrict protests. And a minister he sacked last year urged him to honour the promise he made outside No 10 after winning the election to 'tread more lightly' on people's lives. They spoke out amid anger from many in Labour that they are being made to defend unpopular Government policies that ministers then go on to ditch, including mandatory Digital ID for right-to-work checks as well as the family farms tax and business rates hikes for pubs. Even some Cabinet ministers are now said to believe that it is better for them to 'scrape the barnacles off the boat' instead of sticking with plans that voters dislike, although Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that the Government should adopt the NHS maxim of trying to 'get it right first time'. In a Commons urgent question called by the Tories on Digital ID on Thursday, a string of Labour MPs welcomed the watering down of the policy so that it will no longer be mandatory for people proving they have the right to work in the UK. But some went further, with Emma Lewell blasting: 'This is a mess.' Sir Keir Starmer, pictured on a visit to Scotland, has been encouraged to perform more U-turns Labour MP Emma Lewell, pictured in the Commons in 2025, branded Digital ID a 'mess' She went on: 'Increasing surveillance, Department for Work and Pensions powers to snoop on bank accounts, the removal of trials by jury, postponing elections and clamping down on peaceful protestthe public are starting to become very angry about these encroachments on our fundamental freedoms and creeping state control. It is all inherently un-British.' She urged the minister responsible for Digital ID, Josh Simons, to 'convey to whoever is behind this farce that they are doing this Government no favours at all'. Scottish Labour MP Brian Leishman said that popular policies introduced by the Government, including raising the minimum wage and abolishing the two-child benefit cap, have all been 'rooted in Labour values'. He went on: 'Eroding civil liberties, as seen in the proposals for jury trials and for Digital ID, is not in keeping with Labour party values, and nor is it necessary or, indeed, popular. Will the Minister feed my thoughts back to the leadership at Cabinet level?' Chris Hinchliff said it was 'always clear' that the public would reject mandatory Digital ID and asked: 'Will the minister convey the lessons learned from this decision to his colleagues across Government, and persuade them to drop proposals to erode the right to a jury trial and restrict the right to protest against animal testing?' On social media Karl Turner, who has led the internal backlash against the Government's plan to limit jury trials, stepped up his attacks on the Cabinet and Downing Street advisers. He wrote on Twitter that Sir Keir and his 'henchmen' are sending 'good people' in the Parliamentary Labour Party out to 'defend the indefensible only to end up looking stupid when they inevitably have to back pedal on policy'. And left-winger Nadia Whittome urged her colleagues: 'Don't be marched up the hill in the first place. It's our job as backbench MPs to raise the alarm on bad policy.' Meanwhile the think-tank founded by former Labour PM Sir Tony Blair has warned that Britain's 'model of government is no longer capable of delivering'. New Labour stalwarts Lord Blunkett and Lord Reid wrote in a new paper, which will be seen as a thinly-veiled criticism of Sir Keir's administration, that 'progressive politics is at its strongest when it knows not only what it wants to change, but why and how; when it offers a coherent theory of change and reform'. The Foreign Secretary has indicated that she is not opposed to China's proposed 'mega-embassy' in London despite widespread fears it will be a base for espionage and repression. Yvette Cooper said that 'all countries have embassies', pointing out that Britain has a diplomatic mission in Beijing. She also revealed that she is planning her own visit to the country, with Sir Keir Starmer expected to make his first trip to meet President Xi Jinping later this month. Her comments came with just days to go before the latest deadline for ministers to decide whether or not to let China build the biggest embassy in Europe opposite the Tower of London. Even some Labour MPs have spoken out against the Government's expected approval of the planning application while the White House is said to be 'deeply concerned' about the security risks, with fresh concerns emerging this week over blueprints for a secret basement close to sensitive data cables. Speaking to the news website Politico ahead of a visit to the Arctic this week, Ms Cooper insisted that Britain takes the security issues posed by China 'immensely seriously'. 'That involves transnational repression, it involves the espionage threats and challenges that we face,' she said. 'There are also some wider economic security issues around, for example, the control of critical minerals around the world, and some of those issues. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper observing British and Norwegian soldiers taking part in a training exercise in northern Norway A drone picture shows the location of the proposed Chinese 'mega-embassy' in London 'So we're very conscious of the broad range of China threats that are posed alongside what we also know is China's role as being our third-largest trading partner, and so the complexity of the relationship with China and the work that needs to done.' She declined to say whether she had assured her counterparts in the US about the embassy plan but said: 'The Home Office, the Foreign Office, also the security agencies take all of those security issues very seriously, and we also brief our allies on security issues as well.' And she went on: 'All countries have embassies. We have embassies all around the world, including in Beijing.' But she admitted: 'Of course, security is an important part of the considerations around all embassies. 'So we need to have those diplomatic relationships, those communications. We also have to make sure that security is taken very seriously.' Convicted criminals sentenced to hospital orders will finally have their benefits ended. After an outcry following the Nottingham triple killing, the government will close a loophole that has seen some of the UK's worst criminals profit from serving time. Until now, offenders in hospitals could be paid more than 800 a month in Universal Credit - totting up to thousands of pounds in taxpayer cash over the course of their sentences. Prisoners in the rest of the prison system are banned from claiming state benefits. But hospitalised criminals, often held for the most serious crimes, remain eligible for welfare payments. Valdo Calocane, who murdered two students and a caretaker in Nottingham in 2023, is able to receive Universal Credit payments of up to 360 a month in his high-security Merseyside hospital. Such benefits are designed to give criminals funds for clothes, food, books and electronic equipment. But now that will be cut off - as they are already given bed, board and treatment at the state's expense. School caretaker Ian Coates, and students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar (pictured left-right) were killed by Valdo Calocane in 2023 Calocane was able to receive Universal Credit payments of up to 360 a month in his high-security Merseyside hospital Prisoners in the rest of the prison system are banned from claiming state benefits. But hospitalised criminals, often held for the most serious crimes, remain eligible for welfare payments Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, whose department has brought forward the plans, said he is 'acting to right the wrongs within our benefits system, so it supports people who genuinely need it, while delivering fairness to the taxpayer'. He said: 'I don't think there's a single household in Britain who believes it's right that convicted criminals receive thousands of pounds a year in benefits. 'It's unfair to victims' families and to taxpayers whose hard-earned cash ends up in the pockets of offenders, and contrary to our values - we don't reward acts of violence.' Families of victims have long campaigned for Government to close this loophole. The parents of Grace O'Malley-Kumar, killed by Calocane, said they were 'delighted' by the announcement. 'Pat's actions benefit our country and our communities. As a result, our country now leads many countries across Europe on this issue.' 'We also appreciate the help Pat McFadden MP has given our cause and our campaign. Whilst we have lost our brave and beautiful daughter Grace, we now know that in her name good is being done for our country.' Linda and Leon Westcarr, the mother and uncle of Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, murdered in 2024 by her partner, said they 'welcome this long-overdue reform to the benefits system, which corrects a clear injustice that has caused real harm for too long'. Sir Keir Starmer said that it 'cannot be right' that offenders convicted of the most serious crimes continue to receive benefits they don't need at the expense of the taxpayer. He said: 'These proposals will restore basic fairness and common sense to our social security system. 'I'm determined to do whatever it takes to stand up for victims, protect taxpayers, and ensure support goes to those who genuinely need it.' The Government will now receive expert advice on removing benefits from those convicted of crimes including manslaughter, rape and other serious offences held in a hospital setting. Benefits would not be removed from sectioned individuals who have not committed an offence. A glamorous stylist to the stars has been accused of squatting in luxury apartments across New York and Los Angeles in an explosive expose. Bryant Simmons, 36, worked in high-end retailers which were dressing the likes of Katie Holmes, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Olivia Palermo up until October, when he revealed he had been 'terminated' during a 'typical HR ambush' meeting. Then on Thanksgiving, a mysterious new Instagram account titled @bryantsimmonsisascammer cropped up, sending the New York and Los Angeles social scene Simmons had been a part of into a frenzy. Now, several former colleagues, roommates and friends have addressed the saga in a Vanity Fair article, accusing Simmons of squatting in their apartments and refusing to pay rent, using client's cards to fund his own lavish lifestyle and even stealing from his employers. The account is run by his former roommate Arya Toufanian, who alleges he rented a room in his SoHo flat to Simmons in February of 2025. By November, the arrangement had soured after Simmons had allegedly failed to make on-time rent payments several months in a row. In October, he had been mysteriously let go from his job at fashion label Khaite, which has dressed A-listers since its launch in 2016. 'It was the typical HR ambush meeting,' he wrote in an Instagram post at the time. A glamorous personal stylist to the stars has been accused of squatting in luxury apartments across New York and Los Angeles in an explosive expose Bryant Simmons, 36, worked in high-end retailers which were dressing the likes of Katie Holmes, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Olivia Palermo up until October, when he revealed he had been 'terminated' during a 'typical HR ambush' meeting 'Due to me being late - despite taking calls, emails, and texts 24/7, and working on my days off to tailor myself to clients' needs and schedules - I was terminated.' Rumors were also swirling about unauthorized credit card transactions billed to clients. According to Toufanian, Simmons once paid his rent using a card belonging to one of his clients, and it was sent through as 'Khaite clothing.' Another partial rent payment on another occasion allegedly was sent under the name: 'Jacket.' The individual whose card was used asked not to be named, but reportedly told Vanity Fair that he had reported what he believed to be fraudulent activity on his card to Khaite management. Simmons flatly denied the allegations, insisting he hadn't 'taken anything from anybody.' 'They all want to be famous,' he said of the list of associates who contributed to the article. 'And the only person who doesn't care about the fame is me... Every New Yorker is running some kind of scam.' Join the debate Should luxury squatting by insiders be treated as a crime or just clever exploitation of the system? Simmons' former employer has been known to dress A-listers, including Ivy Getty (pictured) Katie Holmes (pictured) has also been known to wear clothes by Simmons' former employer, Khaite After the Instagram account documenting the alleged behavior emerged, another former associate who once sublet a Gramercy apartment to Simmons came forward. The sublessor claimed that Simmons stopped paying rent just a couple of months into the lease. 'I found out that he wasn't even there. He was in LA,' she said. 'I would look at his Instagram, and he would be at the nicest restaurants LA has to offer, carrying the nicest bags, head-to-toe designer, living the highest life you've ever seen. And meanwhile, he will not pay rent.' During his time in Los Angeles, Simmons allegedly hopped between three luxury apartments in a single year, and in each case he was accused of some form of squatting despite appearing online to be living the high life. The allegations led to a bitter court battle between Simmons and Toufanian. Toufanian had initially filed a complaint for aggravated harassment, prompting Simmons to file his own order of protection in family court, alleging that the pair had been in an intimate relationship. He claimed Toufanian had stalked him, harassed his work colleagues and threatened violence with a knife. Simmons told a judge late last year that they had been dating almost a year. Toufanian vehemently denied the claim, and Simmons allegedly told Vanity Fair that he specifically used the phrase 'intimate relationship', arguing he never claimed it had been of a sexual nature. Instead, he said the roommates would watch The White Lotus together on the couch to justify his use of the term intimate relationship. According to Toufanian, the judge dismissed Simmons' petition. Simmons has pleaded not guilty to harassment charges and that matter is still before the courts. Daily Mail has contacted Simmons for comment. Labour proposals for an official definition of 'anti-Muslim hostility' risk making 'two-tier policing' even worse, it has been warned. The Government is set to scrap its previous plan for an 'Islamophobia' definition in favour of the new phrase in a bid to head off claims that it is creating a blasphemy law by the back door. But Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the proposed definition would be used by Islamist extremists to secure police action against their critics. It comes in the wake of a report by the Policy Exchange think-tank, published earlier this week, that said the 'anti-Muslim hostility' term would actually be 'more dangerous' than Labour's previous proposals. Mr Philp said: 'The Government's plans risk giving the green light to Islamists who would use this definition to ruthlessly shut down criticism of their extremist views. 'The Government's work is a direct threat to free speech and is likely to lead to even more two-tier policing. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the plans to create an official 'anti-Muslim hostility' definition risked 'giving a green light to Islamists' Lord Young, director of the Free Speech Union, said his organisation would 'almost certainly' mount a legal challenge against Labour's plans Baroness Falkner backed the report and warned the new 'anti-Muslim hostility' proposals being considered by Labour could lead to a 'thought control problem' 'This would mean even more innocent people being harassed for expressing legitimate views or for debating political Islam or even the religion itself.' He added: 'Free speech is one of the foundations of a democratic society and the Government's plans undermine that. 'I wholeheartedly support the conclusions of this report which outlines those grave threats.' Director of the Free Speech Union (FSU), Lord Young, said: 'A definition of "anti-Muslim hostility", if it is given the stamp of official government approval and rolled out across public bodies, will have a deeply chilling effect on free speech. 'Anyone criticising something done by Muslims or by an Islamic regime such as Iran would be vulnerable to the accusation that they are motivated by "anti-Muslim hostility". 'The FSU will almost certainly mount a legal challenge should the Government go ahead with this proposal.' Free speech campaigners have previously argued that special protections for the Muslim faith would prevent legitimate criticism of the religion and risk creating a de facto blasphemy law. The Daily Mail reported on Thursday how the Policy Exchange report warned: 'A definition of "anti-Muslim hostility" is, in fact, at least as broad and dangerous as one of "Islamophobia," possibly more so. 'And because the term lacks (for now) the same negative political connotations, it is also more deployable by activist groups. 'The dictionary definition of "hostility" includes "not liking" something, "not agreeing" with it or being "opposed" to it.' The new definition could be exploited by some Muslim groups seeking to influence political debate on issues such as immigration and counter-terrorism, the paper suggested. Its conclusions were backed by Baroness Falkner, who served as chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission until last year. She said the 'dangerous and divisive' proposed definition was 'even worse than anticipated,' and warned it could 'become a free speech and thought control problem'. Separately, the move could affect plans by police chiefs to scrap 'non-crime hate incidents', which have led to a series of cases which saw members of the public arrested for making what others regarded as offensive remarks. The report said: 'It is easy to see how a definition could become "non-crime hate incidents Mark Two", at least for non-crimes involving Muslims, used to pressure police forces, local authorities, employers or other bodies to record or sanction incidents of "anti-Muslim hostility".' Co-author of the Policy Exchange report Andrew Gilligan said: 'This proposed new official definition would be non-crime hate incidents on stilts and would not reduce the grave risks associated with an 'Islamophobia' definition. 'As we set out in our report, the replacement phrase is far broader in scope and would concentrate rather than dilute the damage that could be caused to free society. 'This dangerous definition would risk being used as a tool by Islamist and political Islam groups to intensify "two-tier policing". 'It would become a whole new mechanism by which they could terminate debate and silence their critics.' Communities Secretary Steve Reed is finalising the new definition based on recommendations from an advisory group, headed by Dominic Grieve, the former Tory attorney general. Plans for a shift away from 'Islamophobia' to 'anti-Muslim hostility' were partially leaked to the BBC in December but are yet to be formally published. It is unclear whether the proposal has won consensus within Labour. Last September Shabana Mahmood, Britain's first female Muslim Home Secretary, indicated her reservations about the move. She said: 'It might be the case that everyone is safer when you're all subject to the same law.' European diplomats were left on edge by JD Vance, saying the vice president 'hates us' following a meeting between the Trump administration and representatives of Denmark and Greenland. Vance was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the summit with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt. They ended the diplomatic discussion still having a 'fundamental disagreement.' Rasmussen acknowledged that 'we didn't manage to change the American position' but said he hadn't expected to. President Donald Trump has been insistent on seizing Greenland and has not ruled out taking it by force - although Republicans see that scenario as unlikely. One anonymous European diplomat told Politico that Vance served as Trump's attack dog, saying: 'Vance hates us.' Denmark, Greenland and the US did agree to form a high-level working group 'to explore if we can find a common way forward,' 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. European diplomats were left on edge by JD Vance, saying the vice president 'hates us' following a meeting between the Trump administration and representatives of Denmark and Greenland The summit between Vance and Rubio with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen (pictured right) and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt (pictured left) ended with the parties still having a 'fundamental disagreement Rasmussen said the group should focus on how to address US 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 US needs control of Greenland for national security reasons. He has sought to justify his calls for a US takeover by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals. Trump's own Interior Secretary Doug Burgum posted on X a map of America's 'new interior' as a response to the president's statement, which illustrated new territories ranging from Anchorage, Alaska to Washington, DC to Nuuk, Greenland's capital. Join the debate What do you think would happen to global alliances if the US took control of Greenland? President Donald Trump has been insistent on seizing Greenland' and not ruling out force to take it, even as Republicans see that scenario as least likely A bipartisan delegation of Congressional leaders is slated to head to Copenhagen on Thursday to meet with Danish and Greenlandic leaders there. In the Senate, Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Lisa Murkowski have introduced NATO Unity Protection Act, which would prevent any congressional funds from being used to take over the territory of a fellow NATO member, which includes Greenland. A complementary bill has also been introduced in the US House of Representatives by a bipartisan group of 34 lawmakers headed by Democratic Rep. Bill Keating. Republican Don Bacon is the only original GOP co-sponsor of the bill. Bacon also threatened on Thursday to lean towards impeaching Trump if he resorted to taking military action against Greenland. Danish ambassador Jesper Mller Srensen and the Head of Greenlandic Representation in the US Jacob Isbosethsen met a dozen lawmakers from both parties in the first week of January. After a meeting with Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, Isbosethsen told reporters that 'Greenland is not for sale.' Isbosethsen also shared that 'Greenland is a very proud people, it is a very, very proud country' that is 'very proud to contribute to the Western Alliance and to be a NATO ally and partner together with our friends from Denmark and the United States.' Trump, however seemed insistent on seeing Greenland 'in the hands if the United States', adding that anything less than that was 'unacceptable' in a post to his Truth Social site Wednesday morning. 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 The White House taunted Greenland on X. The post refers to Trump's claims that if Washington does not act, 'China or Russia will' Greenland's diplomatic representation in the US posted on X Wednesday that the 'last time a poll was done only six percent of Greenlanders/kalaallit were in favour of becoming a part of the US' citing a survey from January of last year. 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 UK 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 US coming and wanting to take it over. So it complicates the situation for the US.' Zohran Mamdani is accused of having 'no interest' in New York City's black community after failing to appoint a black person to one of his five deputy mayor positions. While one of the socialist mayor's highest-profile hires has taken heat for being 'anti-white,' his other hirings are now facing scrutiny. Though Mamdani's deputies are fairly diverse and a majority are women, consultant Tyquana Henderson-Rivers called the lack of a black person in the position 'damaging.' 'He already doesn't have the best relationship with the black community and it seems like he's not interested in us because there's no representation in his kitchen cabinet,' she told The New York Times. Mamdani's deputy mayors include Dean Fuleihan, Leila Bozorg, Julie Su, Helen Arteaga and Julia Kerson. The cabinet does include black representation: Kamar Samuels was named schools chancellor, Afua Atta-Mensah was named chief equity officer and Jahmila Edwards director of intergovernmental affairs. However, some have suggested Mamdani is out of touch after predecessor Eric Adams had the most diverse cabinet in the city's history. 'For someone who prides himself on being directly engaged with everyday New Yorkers, to be so tone deaf to the cries of black and Latinos in the city for access to power is shocking,' said Kirsten John Foy of civil rights group Arc of Justice. Zohran Mamdani is accused of having 'no interest' in New York City's black community after failing to appoint a black person to one of his five deputy mayor positions. Pictured: Mamdani standing with Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels Mamdani announced Leila Bozorg (left) as his deputy mayor for housing and Julie Su as his deputy mayor for economic justice Henderson-Rivers suggested Mamdani's appointees are similar to New York City's Democratic Socialists of America in 'acting as if race doesnt matter.' Rich Azzopardi, founder and principal of Bulldog Strategies and top advisor to the rival campaign of Andrew Cuomo, told The Daily Mail that Mamdani's moves were not serving the city. 'People expect the government who represents them to be reflective of them - and for good reason - no amount of glitter, scavenger hunts, or free adult coloring book giveaways will distract from that when the rubber hits the road.' Mamdani fired back through a spokesperson, who said that five of the mayor's next six high-level appointees will be black or Latino. Dora Pekec added that 18 of Mamdani's 32 hires have been Asian American, Latino, Middle Eastern or black. The Daily Mail has reached out to Mamdani for further comment. Mamdani's first month in office has featured stumbles with regard to race, as his tsar for renters posted a slew of offensive tweets sharing her plans to target ordinary working white people. Cea Weaver, a progressive 'housing justice' activist, was named Mamdani's new director of the city's Office to Protect Tenants on his first day in the role. Mamdani's deputy mayors include Dean Fuleihan (pictured left), Leila Bozorg, Julie Su, Helen Arteaga and Julia Kerson NYC Deputy mayor for operations Julia Kerson The 37-year-old has vowed to launch a 'new era of standing up for tenants and fighting for safe, stable, and affordable homes.' But her promise is now being scrutinized after internet sleuths unearthed a collection of controversial old posts she made on a now-deleted X account. Weaver's tweets saw her call to 'impoverish the white middle class' and brand homeownership as 'racist' and 'failed public policy.' She called to 'seize private property' and even made a racial claim that 'homeownership is a weapon of white supremacy.' Weaver further urged officials to endorse a platform banning white men from running for office, as well as reality TV stars. One person who has remained chummy with Mamdani remains former New York City resident Donald Trump. Mamdani is apparently texting buddies with President Trump, despite their deep ideological differences, per a report from Axios. On the night of his election last November, then mayor-elect Mamdani took the stage in Brooklyn to celebrate his historic victory, making a prominent point to call out Trump by name. Deputy mayor for economic justice Julie Su Helen Arteaga speaks to the press after being appointed Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Shortly after Mamdani's election, however, Trump welcomed him into the Oval Office and the duo pledged to work together on issues facing New Yorkers, including housing, affordability, and public safety. Trump also noted in that famed Oval Office meeting that he expected Mamdani to 'surprise some conservative people,' and even reportedly praised the socialist's appearance, telling him that he was 'even better-looking in person than ... on TV,' according to New York Magazine. The texting began soon after Trump and Mamdani exchanged numbers during their November meeting, the sources told Axios. Trump's embrace of Mamdani also undoubtedly had lasting effects on New York's state political scene, as he dismissed attacks levied on him by New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who intended to run for the office of governor back in her home state before she dropped out of the race at the end of December. Stefanik had previously called Mamdani a 'jihadist' and undoubtedly planned to tie her Democrat opponent, New York's incumbent governor, Kathy Hochul, to the fringes of her party like Mamdani. When a reporter pressed Trump directly about Stefanik's rhetoric, Trump waved the accusation off as nothing more than campaign fighting talk. 'She's out there campaigning,' Trump said at the time. 'You say things sometimes in a campaign. You'd have to ask her about that. I met with a man who is a rational person,' he continued with his newfound characterization of Mamdani. There was an unmistakable frisson at the Carlton Club, the inner sanctum of the Conservative Party, last week. Everywhere I turned, MPs and peers were discussing Robert Jenrick's imminent defection to Reform. At that evening reception on January 8, attended by former prime minister Baroness May, Liam Fox, a former defence secretary who twice ran for the Tory leadership, as well as a clutch of shadow ministers and senior peers, the rumour was that the deal was already done. 'He is going to be Reform UK's first shadow chancellor,' one Tory grandee told me. 'His people can't stop boasting about it. Who knows if it's true?' True to form, Jenrick's team denied everything. While Kemi Badenoch herself was not at the packed party, she had spies in the room. I'm told the telephone lines were red-hot to Tory HQ after the event. A senior party figure told me yesterday following Jenrick's shock sacking by Badenoch and subsequent defection to Reform: 'What you heard at the Carlton Club confirmed the rumours we have been hearing about Jenrick for weeks. He was going to defect because he could not see any other way he could hold his seat. 'He was going to spring a big surprise in a Sunday TV interview or newspaper. He thought it would give him the leverage to get the biggest job after Farage's: shadow chancellor. But Kemi's burst his bubble and wrecked his plans.' Indeed, I can reveal Jenrick, 44, was slated to appear on Laura Kuenssberg's BBC Breakfast show on Sunday. Only hours before that Carlton Club reception, the whole shadow cabinet had attended an 'away day', led by Badenoch, at a swish suite of offices overlooking the Tower of London. According to those in the room, Jenrick asked plenty of questions. However, some of his colleagues observed that he uncharacteristically took far more notes than anyone else. Robert Jenrick was sacked from the Shadow Cabinet after his defection plans were discovered The former Tory leadership contender will now look to seek power alongside Nigel Farage They must be asking themselves now whether he was then already working for his new master. The shadow cabinet ministers then went for a group dinner and Jenrick was reportedly on 'good form'. 'He must have felt like Judas at the Last Supper,' one senior party figure told me last night. In the days that followed, Badenoch's office was on strict 'Jenrick resignation watch'. They did not have to wait long. Just six days later, after Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, she was handed an explosive document by a disgruntled Jenrick aide. It was his defection speech. And it was nuclear designed to cause maximum damage to the Tory party. Not only through its many references to forthcoming local elections in May, which he predicted would be disastrous for the Tories but, in the leaked speech, he was scathing about three colleagues: Sir Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, Chris Philp, shadow home secretary, and the shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel. Jenrick, who was enraged when he was not made shadow chancellor after Badenoch beat him to the leadership in November 2024, mocked their lack of media profile in Opposition. He also savaged their record in government. Having read it through, Badenoch, cool and calm by all accounts, talked to her closest advisers who all agreed he had to go. She slept on her decision and yesterday morning confirmed he was out. The news was delivered to the public in almost Trumpian style: a pre-recorded video shot at her Essex home which was released on social media just after 11am timed perfectly to coincide with a press conference Farage was hosting in Scotland. Badenoch left the job of personally informing Jenrick of his sacking to chief whip Dame Rebecca Harris, who is hardly a political heavyweight a deliberate slight to her old leadership rival, who would have expected someone rather more senior on the phone. Join the debate What does Robert Jenrick's defection say about the state of the Conservative Party? Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (right) said she sacked Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick (left) due to 'irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect' from the party Though the news came as a shock to many in Westminster, many Tories already knew that Jenrick was in talks with Farage, which culminated in dinner at the private members' club 5 Hertford Street before Christmas. This was common knowledge in leaky Reform UK, which used to pride itself on being a tightly run ship. Reform's newly unveiled London mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham warned only last weekend that Jenrick would not be welcome in the party because he 'allowed migrant hotels to flourish' when he was immigration minister in Rishi Sunak's government. In Reform's offices at the Millbank Tower in Westminster, once the home to Tony Blair in his pomp in the 1990s, many shared Cunningham's view. 'Even at that point Nigel had not made his mind up about whether to take Jenrick,' one well-placed Reform figure told me. 'He's worried that too many former Tories will, to coin a phrase, spoil the broth.' Indeed, last summer, when Jenrick attacked Labour after an asylum seeker living at a migrant hotel in Epping assaulted a 14-year-old girl, one of his loudest critics was Farage who accused Jenrick of hypocrisy due to his own record on immigration. At the time the Reform leader said: 'Jenrick is a fraud, I've always thought so.' Only six weeks ago, Jenrick was spotted enjoying lunch with his former Tory boss David Cameron and the latter's right hand man George Osborne in Oswald's, the sister club of 5 Hertford Street. So when did Jenrick make his decision and why? The answer lies in Badenoch's dramatically improved performance as PM since the Tory conference in Manchester in October and her rising poll ratings. Jenrick, once a ubiquitous presence on social media and the airwaves (he often irritated his shadow cabinet colleagues by straying into their policy areas), has been markedly more restrained of late. Even his backers fell silent as pro-Jenrick WhatsApp groups ceased their chatter as Badenoch's ratings ticked upwards. Nigel Farage boasted that Robert Jenrick had been 'handed to me on a plate' as he held a press conference in Westminster this evening Reform UK posted on social media welcoming the Tory defector into the party shortly after he was announced at its latest MP Now he's crossed the floor, it's clear Jenrick isn't in the prime position he was aiming for. I'm also told Reform HQ was furious that Jenrick's speech had been so foolishly leaked to Badenoch's office. Jenrick is keen to remind his detractors in Reform that he resigned from government in December 2023 over its failure to control Britain's borders. But many will remember that oh-so principled stance came a mere three weeks after Rishi Sunak passed him over for Home Secretary, which Jenrick had assumed was his for the taking. Jenrick's aides then crudely revealed they had a 'grid of s***' on Sunak a series of explosive interventions designed to further destabilise the then beleagured prime minister which confirmed the view of many of Jenrick's colleagues that he was both treacherous and unreliable, a reputation he has only enhanced this week. Not that any of this will stop the fiercely ambitious Jenrick seeking high office. His lofty aspirations are shared too by his American lawyer wife Michal Berkner, 52. Many will recall her look of horror when it was announced Badenoch had won the leadership in 2024 and her flamboyant eye-rolling when the applause for Badenoch lasted longer than she wished. It's thought that Berkner was the force behind the rebrand in his appearance, persuading him to take the fat jab Ozempic thanks to which he has lost 4st. A senior Tory, delighted to have wrecked his plans to announce his own defection, told me last night: 'Kemi went out of her way to make it work for Robert in the shadow cabinet but he was sniping and scheming at every turn. 'He's now really entered the lion's den. I think he will find the sniping and scheming has already started at Reform. About him.' The University of Arkansas has rescinded a professor's job offer to take the helm at the law school over her stance on transgender issues. School officials announced on January 9 that Emily Suski, a professor of law and associate dean for strategic institutional priorities at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, was appointed dean of the University of Arkansas Law School effective July 1. She had been offered a five-year contract with a total annual compensation of $350,000, according to documents obtained by The New York Times. In announcing Suski's new role, Provost Indrajeet Chaubey touted Suski's 'extensive experience in leadership roles in legal education and practice' and said she 'is an accomplished scholar.' The provost added that Suski 'has also been very successful in establishing medical-legal partnerships in South Carolina to support children's health and overall well-being.' But on Wednesday, university officials said they rescinded Suski's offer, citing 'feedback from key external stakeholders.' 'The university has decided to go a different direction in filling the vacancy,' they said in a statement, adding that they 'are very grateful for Professor Suski's interest in the position and continue to hold Professor Suski in high regard.' As questions about the sudden U-turn persisted, Arkansas State Senator Bart Hester told the Northwest Arkansas-Gazette he pushed school officials to rescind the job offer over Suski's support for transgender athletes. University of Arkansas officials have rescinded an offer to Emily Suski (pictured) to take over as dean of the law school In a statement, school officials cited 'feedback from key external stakeholders' He said he reached out to school officials to say he felt Suski was unfit to lead the law school, in part, because she signed onto an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit challenging West Virginia's law banning trans girls from participating on girls' high school or college teams. The opinion, State Sen Dan Sullivan added, is inconsistent with Arkansas law - as it was the first state in the US to ban gender-affirming care for minors. Hester, a Republican, said he also had concerns over Suski's support for former President Joe Biden's nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the US Supreme Court, noting she was among 850 law professors who signed a letter urging the US Senate to confirm Jackson to the role. 'It's scary that this person might have had influence on the next generation,' Hester said. But others found the state senate's role in the University of Arkansas' decision unconstitutional, with Democrat State Representative Nicole Clowney claiming that several state legislators even threatened to withhold funding from the university if it moved forward with Suski's hiring. 'I am still gathering information, but based on what I've learned so far, it seems clear that what happened is a horrifying, unprecedented and absolutely unconstitutional abuse of state power,' she posted on Facebook Wednesday night. She then argued that 'Arkansas officials weren't concerned about Professor Suski's ability to carry out the functions of the dean. 'Instead, the signature [on the amicus brief] alerted Arkansas elected officials that Professor Suski may share different political views than they do on this one issue. 'That for reasons too frightening for me to even fully comprehend, was enough for multiple state elected officials to threaten to substantially reduce funding in the upcoming fiscal session,' she claimed. Arkansas State Senator Bart Hester told the Northwest Arkansas-Gazette he pushed school officials to rescind the job offer over Suski's support for transgender athletes Arkansas State Representative Nicole Clowney accused state officials of threatening to withhold funds to the university if it moved forward with Suski's appointment 'Veiled threats and comments behind closed doors about the political leanings of University of Arkansas faculty and staff are nothing new, sadly,' Clowney continued. 'But state officials threatening to withhold funding to the entire school based on the political beliefs of the newly hired dean is a new, terrifying low. 'It is quite literally state government prohibiting the free exercise of speech. 'This move will irrevocably undermine morale of faculty and staff who already live in a state of constant fear of retaliation for expressing their personal beliefs,' she concluded. 'It will frighten anyone who is considering moving to Arkansas to work at the U of A. And, because it was successful, it will be the first in a long line of similar First Amendment violations until we stop and say "no."' Hester, though, has denied threatening to pull the school's funding. 'But I think anybody can see if they are going down a direction the Legislature totally disapproves with, it removes their ability to come ask for help,' he said. 'Why would we continue to support and give them more tax dollars to an organization that's going against the will of the people of Arkansas?' Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders supported the school's decision Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders applauded the school's decision. 'Gov Sanders appreciates the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, for reaching the commonsense decision on this matter in the best interest of students,' spokesman Sam Dubke said. A spokesman for Attorney General Tim Griffin also said he 'simply expressed his dismay at the selection and his confidence that many more qualified candidates could have been identified. 'He never requested or even contemplated that the offer be rescinded, but he applauds the decision, nonetheless,' spokesman Jeff LeMaster said. Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas also hit out at school officials for the decision. 'This sends a chilling message to every faculty member: stay silent or risk your career. It tells future educators to look elsewhere,' Executive Director Holly Dickson said. 'It damages the credibility of the University of Arkansas School of Law and its ability to function as a serious institution committed to independent thought and rigorous legal education.' It now remains unclear who will take over the dean position at the law school. The University of Arkansas is pictured In a statement, Suski said she was 'disappointed and hurt by the university's decision to rescind my contract. 'I have been informed that the decision was not in any way a reflection of my qualifications to serve as dean, but rather the result of influence from external individuals.' Suski was previously a faculty member of Georgia State University College of Law and University of Virginia School of Law. She also served as a staff attorney for the JustChildren Program of the Legal Aid Justice Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her teaching and expertise focused on education, health and poverty, as well as education law - including Title IX, a federal civil rights law that bans sex-based discrimination in education programs. It now remains unclear who will take the helm at the law school from Cynthia Nance, who has served an an interim dean for roughly a year before she had the 'interim' tag removed in 2023 following a national search. Her term now ends on June 30, after which she will return to a full-time faculty position in the law school. The West Wing star accused of inappropriately touching minors allegedly told cops he wanted to create a 'playful environment' on the set of the television show he was directing. Timothy Busfield, 68, is facing charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor child under 13 and one count of child abuse after twin boys came forward with the alleged assault they faced on the set of the television series The Cleaning Lady. A warrant for his arrest in New Mexico now claims he told authorities it was 'highly likely' that he had physical contact with the accusers. 'Timothy said it was a playful environment,' an officer wrote in the warrant obtained by US Magazine, alleging that the actor could not remember whether he had a protocol on set about touching children. 'Timothy initially said "It's not allowed at all. There is no, there's no protocol. I mean, I'm always around people, right? It would be, you know, in front of the parents,"' the documents stated. The warrant further claims that The Field of Dreams actor did not 'really remember' picking up or tickling the alleged victims. 'I don't remember it, if it happened,' he said, according to the warrant. 'I don't remember overtly tickling the boys ever but it wouldn't be uncommon for me.' But Busfield has denied the allegations, telling TMZ in a video: 'They're all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys, and I'm gonna fight it.' 'I'm gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and lies,' he continued. West Wing star Timothy Busfield, 68, is facing charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor child under 13 and one count of child abuse The unidentified 11-year-old boys have claimed that Busfield, whom they referred to as 'Uncle Tim,' started fondling them when they were seven years old. One of the boys told a forensic interviewer that Busfield touched his 'private areas' while he was lounging on a bed on set. He said he was afraid to tell anyone because Busfield was the show's director. He has since been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety stemming from the alleged abuse, police say. His brother also reported being touched by Busfield, but was less specific about where on his body. Others on the set of the Fox show have said the teacher responsible for overseeing the twins often lost track of them, and a hair-and-makeup artist claimed she witnessed some of the abuse firsthand. The makeup artist, identified in the warrant as Danielle Vigil, allegedly told officers that 'while she was working with two child actors who replaced the twins, she witnessed Timothy Busfield come into the trailer' and kiss the children on the forehead. 'Danielle did say that both the children's parents were present at the time, but felt that the parents did not know the rules and etiquette,' the officer wrote, adding that 'Danielle said that everyone knew to avoid Timothy because he was creepy.' '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,' the officer said in the warrant. Court documents also reveal that Warner Bros. received an anonymous complaint via the SAG-AFTRA hotline in February 2025. He turned himself into authorities in New Mexico on Tuesday, as he maintains his innocence Busfield is a former regular on The West Wing and Thirtysomething who appeared in movies, including Field of Dreams and Revenge of the Nerds According to court documents and a statement from the independent investigator, the studio's probe found no evidence that Busfield engaged in inappropriate conduct or was ever alone with the boys on set. Busfield reportedly told police he believes the boys' parents lodged complaints against him as retribution because their sons were replaced by other child actors once they grew too old for the part. Still, the police investigation which included interviews with the twins' doctors, therapists and women who have accused Busfield of sexual misconduct in the past led to charges. For four days after the warrant was issued, Busfield was considered a fugitive. But his attorney, Larry Stein, said the actor 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. The lawyer then 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' on Tuesday, the attorney added. Meanwhile, at least 10 heavily armed officers from the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force raided his Highland Lake, New York home 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 has claimed the parents of the twin boys lodged the complaint against him because their sons were replaced by other actors For four days, Busfield was considered a fugitive - prompting at least 10 heavily armed officers from the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force to raid his Highland Lake, New York home As Busfield turned himself in, an additional allegation was leveled against him in a pretrial motion. It claims that Colin Swift reported to law enforcement on Monday that the actor sexually abused his daughter 'several years ago' in Sacramento, California, when she auditioned for him at B Street Theatre. The daughter 'reported that Busfield kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates,' court documents claim. Busfield then allegedly 'begged the family to not report [the incident] to law enforcement if he received therapy,' and Swift, being a 'therapist himself, thought at the time that was the best thing to do.' Stein has dismissed the allegations involving the teenage girl as being unrelated to the case in New Mexico. He seemingly denied the accusations, telling 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.' Busfield has been married to former Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 61, since 2013. They are pictured together in February 2019 At the same time, a spokesperson for the B Street Theater told the Daily Mail Busfield has 'not had any role' in the institution since 2001. '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. Busfield is a former regular on The West Wing and Thirtysomething who appeared in movies, including Field of Dreams and Revenge of the Nerds. He has been married to former Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 61, since 2013. She did not attend his arraignment in Albuquerque on Wednesday. In a statement earlier this week, a representative for the actress said she 'is honoring the request of Tims lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds. 'During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. 'Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time,' the representative added. 'We ask that their privacy be respected.' Busfield is now due back in court on January 20, when a judge will determine whether to grant the prosecution's motion for him to remain in custody until trial. For now, he is being held without bond. A Sydney teacher accused of plotting to drug and sexually assault two children has been refused bail after a magistrate described alleged messages in the case as ' revolting' and 'graphic'. 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 In reading the alleged conversations, magistrate Quinn said: '(They're) fairly revolting sort of messages I have to say - graphic' 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) Delaying local elections for millions of voters will see Labour keep control of at least nine councils it would have lost, analysis suggests. Around 30 councils serving between four and five million voters are set to be given permission to postpone ballots, set for May, to help a wider reorganisation of local government. The delay has been slammed as 'damaging our democracy', with Reform UK accusing Labour of 'running scared'. The Government is expected to cancel at least 27 council elections, more than a third of the 63 up for re-election, meaning hundreds of councillors will avoid the risk of being voted out. Around two-thirds of the councils involved are controlled by Labour. Analysis by the FT found that Labour had avoided the risk of losing nine of its councils including the likes of Thurrock, Ipswich, Preston and Chorley by delaying the elections, while the Tories may have saved three. Some 168 Labour councillors who were up for re-election are now expected to serve another year after they requested that polls be put back. Around 174 Tory councillors are not expected to face voters after asking for a postponement a number that is expected to rise for both parties. Sir Keir Starmer said: 'What is happening is the biggest reorganisation of councils for 50 years and it is only right that we ask whether it's sensible to elect people to councils that are actually going to change in their composition in a few years' Now Nigel Farage is planning to launch a legal bid to prevent dozens of councils scrapping the May elections Now Nigel Farage is planning to launch a legal bid to prevent dozens of councils scrapping the May elections. The Reform leader was due to make an announcement on Friday but held off after Robert Jenrick defected to his party. He is expected to start court proceedings to get the decision overturned due to the expectation that his party were likely to have picked up many of the seats. He has called the delays 'the kind of outrageous behaviour you expect from a banana republic. Labour and the Tories are damaging our democracy and running scared of voters.' In December, ministers asked 63 councils that are likely to be abolished in their current form if they wanted to delay elections to focus on the shake-up of local authorities. Councils were given until midnight on Thursday to decide and government officials said there had been a flurry of requests to postpone in recent days. These are all expected to be approved. Labour's overhaul of local authorities will replace remaining two-tier systems of district and county councils with new 'unitary' bodies responsible for delivering all council services in their area. Sir Keir Starmer said: 'What is happening is the biggest reorganisation of councils for 50 years and it is only right that we ask whether it's sensible to elect people to councils that are actually going to change in their composition in a few years. 'The Government is not taking the decision on this. It's down to individual, locally-led decisions, and different councils have taken different positions. Some Labour councils have asked for a delay. Some Tory councils have asked for a delay, and a Lib Dem council. 'So, it's a local issue, but what sits behind it is this common sense question of whether it makes sense to elect people to positions when the council itself is going to change in a very short period of time.' A government spokesman said: 'There is a clear precedent for postponing local elections where local government reorganisation is in progress, as happened between 2019 and 2021.' The Government is expected to confirm which elections will be postponed in the coming days. As the dust settled on the dizzying events at Westminster yesterday, it was Labour who had most to celebrate. Nigel Farage was all smiles as he welcomed his latest and biggest defector to Reform's HQ at London's Millbank Tower and declared the death of the Conservative Party. A slightly shellshocked Robert Jenrick insisted that his forced defection to Reform would liberate him from a party that had irrevocably lost its way. Kemi Badenoch had earlier played a difficult hand with impressive ruthlessness and flair, booting her former leadership rival out of the party before he could defect, causing, she said, maximum damage to the Tories. Her video explaining the decision went live while Mr Farage was speaking at a press conference in Scotland and Mr Jenrick was still coming to terms with his ejection from a party he joined at 16. One Reform insider said admiringly that Mrs Badenoch had 'dealt with it with Stalinist efficiency'. Yet it is hard to escape the conclusion that the Conservative Party ended the day weaker than it had started it. The man who almost won the leadership just over a year ago and who remained in pole position to take over if Mrs Badenoch stumbled now believes the party is finished and no longer even wants to be a member of it. Nigel Farage was all smiles as he welcomed his latest and biggest defector to Reform's HQ at London's Millbank Tower and declared the death of the Conservative Party Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she has sacked Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick because of 'irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect' from the party Join the debate Is Robert Jenrick a bold truth-teller or just betraying his party for personal ambition? Mr Jenrick yesterday claimed that even in the last few weeks he has continued to receive messages from shadow ministers telling him he should be leader. Amidst the anger and betrayal, of which there was plenty at Westminster yesterday, there was also a sense of foreboding among Tory MPs. In recent weeks, they have been telling themselves that things are looking up Mrs Badenoch has got her mojo back and even the party's dire poll ratings have crept up a little. Yesterday's defection was like a punch to the gut. Not that Mr Jenrick was universally or even widely liked among his colleagues. Many despised him for his undisguised ambition, willingness to rock the boat and habit of trampling all over their policy briefs. Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake said pointedly that Mr Jenrick was 'Nigel Farage's problem now'. If Mr Farage was worried that his new recruit could become a cuckoo in the nest it did not show. Here at last was a senior serving politician defecting in the prime of his career, bringing the genuine frontline government experience that Reform lacks. What is more, it delivers another heavy blow to the Conservative Party he is trying to destroy. But it also risks making Reform look even more like a kind of Conservative Party 2.0. Mr Farage enjoys ridiculing Boris Johnson's record in government, but has now welcomed in seven members of Mr Johnson's ministerial team. But at the same time, any hope of uniting the Right of British politics has been made harder. Mr Farage insisted that Mr Jenrick's defection was 'a big day in the realignment of the centreRight of this country the Right is a lot less split than it was this morning'. But he said the only way for the Right to be united was 'for Reform to become the dominant party'. Mr Jenrick said his 'first loyalty' is to 'our country' as he said 'both Labour and the Conservatives broke Britain' Mr Jenrick said: 'If we don't get the next government right Britain will likely slip beyond the point of repair' Yet, even after its crippling defeat in 2024, the Tory party is showing no signs of going away. The party has ticked up ahead of Labour in the polls and money is continuing to pour in from business donors nervous about Reform's economic prowess. Despite Reform's surge in the polls, so long as the centreRight vote remains split, Labour is still in with a chance. One senior Tory said: 'There is going to have to be some sort of coming together before the next election or we are just going to hand it to Labour again. I don't know how it will work but we have to do it for the good of the country.' Mr Jenrick was once seen as a possible bridge to a Tory agreement with Mr Farage. The fact that bridge has now been kicked away will fuel Labour hopes that, despite record unpoplularity, they could yet come through the middle of a divided Right and seize power again The death of an illegal immigrant inside a Texas detention camp is likely going to be ruled a homicide after a medical examiner determined his cause of death was asphyxia. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the death of detainee Gerald Lunas Campos on January 3 in a short statement claiming staff 'observed him in distress.' A fellow inmate claimed he witnessed Campos being choked to death by guards inside the facility, and a new report by The Washington Post states that allegation has now been supported by the medical examiner's findings. An employee from El Paso County's Office of the Medical Examiner allegedly told Campos's daughter that his death will likely be formally classified as a homicide. In the conversation, which the daughter recorded, the employee said the doctor is 'listing the preliminary cause of death as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression.' The results of a toxicology report are still pending, but the 'doctor is believing that we're going to be listing the manner of death as homicide,' the employee said. This cause of death suggests Campos failed to get enough oxygen due to pressure on his neck and chest. But Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary McLaughlin alleged in a statement Thursday night that Campos died after attempting to take his own life. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the death of detainee Gerald Lunas Campos on January 3 in a short statement claiming staff 'observed him in distress' At Camp East Montana, where Campos was being held, there are as many as 3,800 detainees, making it the largest ICE detention facility in the nation 'Campos violently resisted the security staff and continued to attempt to take his life,' she said. 'During the ensuing struggle, Campos stopped breathing and lost consciousness. Medical staff was immediately called and responded. After repeated attempts to resuscitate him, EMTs declared him deceased on the scene.' The Cuban illegal immigrant, 55, was a convicted sex offender and had been arrested in New York in July 2025. Celebrating his arrest at the time, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security laid out Campos's criminal history, spanning from at least 1997 through October 2015. Some of his offenses included first-degree sexual abuse involving a child under the age of 11, aggravated assault with a weapon, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and criminal sale of a controlled substance. The publication reported Campos had been moved to a segregation unit within the detention facility after becoming 'disruptive' on the day of his death. Santos Jesus Flores, a fellow detainee who was also in the segregation unit, claimed he saw at least five guards locked in a struggle with Campos moments before his death. He said Campos had been complaining that he didn't have access to his medication, and that he saw guards 'choking' the fellow inmate. According to Flores, Campos was repeatedly saying 'No puedo respirar' - Spanish for 'I can't breathe.' 'He said, 'I cannot breathe, I cannot breathe.' After that, we don't hear his voice anymore and that's it,' Flores said. Shortly after, Flores said medical staff spent about an hour trying to resuscitate Campos before ultimately taking his body away. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security previously laid out Campos's criminal history, spanning from at least 1997 through October 2015 Meanwhile, ICE said in a statement that staff had observed Campos 'in distress' and contact medical personnel, who were unable to save his life and pronounced him dead. They gave no further detail about his cause of death. In an internal log detailing the scenes leading up to his death, The Post cited a reference to an 'immediate' use of force incident which had no further detail listed. Campos is the second detainee to die inside the Camp East Montana detention facility, and one of four to die nationwide in 2026. In 2025, at least 30 people died in detention facilities - the highest annual death count in 20 years. It comes amid President Donald Trump's aggressive crackdown on immigration as he seeks to ramp up deportation efforts across the nation. At Camp East Montana, where Campos was being held, there are as many as 3,800 detainees, making it the largest ICE detention facility in the nation. The detention facility near the Mexican border has faced heavy scrutiny amid claims from migrants of substandard conditions and abuse by guards. ICE tactics have come under heavy scrutiny in 2026 following the death of American mother-of-three Renee Good in Minneapolis last week during ongoing ICE activities in Minnesota Protesters have taken to the streets amid mass unrest following the death of Renee Nicole Good last week ICE relies on private detention contractors which are awarded multi-million dollar contracts to run the facilities. Jeanette Pagan Lopez, who shared two children with Campos, said she had been contacted by the FBI and that an investigation was underway. 'The people that physically harmed him should be held accountable,' she said. 'I know it's a homicide.' ICE tactics have come under heavy scrutiny in 2026 following the death of American mother-of-three Renee Good in Minneapolis last week during ongoing ICE activities in Minnesota. Her death has sparked nationwide protests as critics demand Trump roll back his deployment of ICE agents in sanctuary cities. Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment. President Donald Trump has announced that he has formed a 'Board of Peace' to govern the Gaza Strip as the US moves into the second phase of its peace deal between Israel and Hamas. Under the 20-point peace plan, Trump proposed a new international transitional body to oversee the redevelopment of Gaza. Trump will head and chair the board alongside other world leaders, including Nickolay Mladenov, the former UN Middle East envoy, who is expected to serve as liaison between the board and new Palestinian-run National Committee for Administration of Gaza (NCAG). It remains unclear who else may sit on the board, but the Times of Israel reported last month that the US has claimed it secured commitments from Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany to have their leaders join the board. Trump was personally involved in selecting who would receive an invitation to join the panel, a US official said, adding that invitations were sent out on Wednesday to 'a lot of countries' and that 'there has been a very overwhelming response.' The other members of the board 'will be announced shortly,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Thursday. 'But I can say with certainty that it is the greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled at any time, any place.' The Trump administration is now reportedly planning to hold the first meeting of the Board of Peace on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. President Donald Trump has announced that he has successfully formed a 'Board of Peace' to govern the Gaza Strip The US president made the announcement on his Truth Social page on Thursday The second phase of the peace plan will also be the 'full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel,' Trump's special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said in a post on Wednesday. Hamas, which refuses to lay down its weapons, agreed in October to hand over governance to the technocratic committee. It remains unclear how Hamas, which has regrouped since a fragile ceasefire began in October, will be disarmed as required by the plan. But in his post, Witkoff said the US expects Hamas to 'comply fully,' including by immediately returning the final deceased Israeli hostage, who has been identified as Ran Gvili. 'Failure to do so will bring serious consequences,' warned Witkoff, who helped iron out the deal alongside Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. President Trump later reiterated the message on his Truth Social page. 'Hamas must IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel and proceed without delay to full Demilitarization,' he wrote. '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.' But Washington will also work to bridge the differences between Israel and Hamas, the US official briefing reporters said, noting that the Israelis 'remain skeptical that Hamas will disarm and that the Palestinian people want peace.' 'The goal here is to create the alternative to Hamas that wants that peace, figure out how to empower them,' the official said, referring to the new committee of Palestinian technocrats as a new 'government' for Gaza. 'And obviously, now that we have this government, we will be engaging in conversations: with Hamas on the next phase, which is demilitarization; with Israel, on what amnesty program can be given to Hamas if they do this.' On Wednesday, US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff announced that the US is moving into the second phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan between Israel and Hamas Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner met with leaders on both sides to iron out the ceasefire deal The Palestinian body will have 15 members and will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority who had been in charge of developing industrial zones, according to a joint statement by mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. It will also include the head of the Gaza Chamber of Commerce, Ayed Abu Ramadan, and Omar Shamali, who has worked for the Palestine Telecommunications Company, Paltel, Palestinian sources said. They said the list would further include Sami Nasman, a retired senior Palestinian Authority security officer and a longtime critic of Hamas. Nasman, a member of Abbas's Fatah movement, is originally from Gaza but has since 2007 been living in the West Bank. The committee will now be responsible for handling Gaza's day-to-day management, including sanitation, infrastructure and education. Both Hamas and the Palestinian National Authority, led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, have endorsed the list of technocratic committee members, Egyptian and Palestinian sources said. In a radio interview, Shaath said that the committee would focus first on providing urgent relief for Gaza, including the provision of housing for displaced Palestinians, many of whom are living in makeshift tent shelters amid the rubble. 'If I bring bulldozers and push the rubble into the sea, and make new islands, new land, I can win new land for Gaza and at the same time clear the rubble. This won't take more than three years,' Shaath told a West Bank radio station. A 2025 UN report, however, found that rebuilding Gaza's shattered homes could drag on for many decades. In a radio interview, Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, said that a new Palestinian committee would focus primarily on providing urgent relief for Gaza, including the provision of housing for displaced Palestinians, many of whom are living in makeshift tent shelters amid the rubble A 2025 UN report found that rebuilding Gaza's shattered homes could drag on for decades In the meantime, Hamas leaders and other Palestinian factions are meeting in Cairo to discuss the second phase of the peace plan as members of the technocratic Palestinian committee meet with Mladenov. Egyptian sources said the talks with Hamas will now focus on the group's disarmament. Further Israeli withdrawals within Gaza are tied to disarmament, though Hamas has said it will give up its weapons only once there is a Palestinian state amid ongoing Israeli air strikes in the region. Yet leaders on both sides seem optimistic. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem called the announcement on the second phase of the plan an 'important positive development' and said they are 'fully prepared to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip' to the NCAG. He added, though, that they demand the US 'compel' Israel to 'fulfill the requirements of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement and move towards the second phase.' Similarly, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said Wednesday the return of Gvili 'is a top priority.' 'Hamas is required to meet the terms of the agreement to exert 100 percent effort for the return of the fallen hostages, down to the very last one, Ran Gvili, a hero of Israel,' the prime minister's office posted on X. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas must meet the terms of the ceasefire deal and 'exert 100 percent effort' to return the fallen hostages Meanwhile, 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.' Representatives from Egypt, Turkey and Qatar also released a joint statement saying they 'welcome the formation' of the NCAG, which they said is an 'important development that will contribute to strengthening efforts aimed at consolidating stability and improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.' Furious residents are pulling the plug on direct debits to South East Water after taps went dry for a sixth consecutive day. Scores of households have revoked their automatic payments in defiance amid a slew of outages which left tens of thousands without supplies across Kent and Sussex this week. It comes as regulator Ofwat said it was investigating the firm amid a fierce cross-party and public backlash over the crisis which affected more than 30,000 properties at the height of the disruption. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described the incident as 'appalling' as politicians call for the 400,000 a year chief executive David Hinton to be fired. Yesterday water had been restored to 16,500 properties in East Grinstead, but 7,500 customers in Kent remained without water, SEW said. Dry Wells Action, a campaign group in Tunbridge Wells which is one of the worst hit areas, said that fed-up residents felt it was time that South East Water (SEW) was 'flushed away'. The group's founder Jonathan Hawker, 58, said he was considering joining the growing number of people in the Forest Road area who had cancelled their direct debits in protest. He said: 'Whatever the excuse is today, nobody believes it. We are in the dark. A South East Water customer arrives to collect bottled water at a water station in East Grinstead, after bad weather was blamed for more water outages in Kent and parts of Sussex Officials distribute bottled water in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, as thousands of properties across South East England remain affected by water outages on Thursday Your browser does not support iframes. 'Residents have started a campaign to get people to revoke their DDs because SEW shouldn't have the luxury of having access to people's money. 'There are about 75 households and I think most of them have revoked their DDs already. I think it's a sensible approach and I might end up doing it myself.' However, he said that the residents were not planning to withhold payments altogether, adding: 'This is Tunbridge Wells, we are not law breakers. 'We are not going to stop paying bills, we're just going to stop them having access to our bank accounts. 'They can bill us and we will pay, but they'll have to wait for it.' He said residents were also asking for compensation via cheque instead of the cheaper alternative of deposits into their accounts, adding: 'They are trying to make it as costly for SEW as possible.' Mr Hawker added: 'What we really want is no more SEW. We need this company flushed away....They are not fit for purpose. We are up the creek without a paddle.' He said the campaign group has been forced to organise a shower sharing scheme for locals, adding: 'There are a lot of smelly people in need and I'm one of them.' Workers at a bottled water station for those impacted by outages in Tunbridge Wells on Thursday Prof Richard Dobson, 53, from Forest Road said he cancelled his direct debit to SEW when his water supply dried up. The Kings College and UCL health data science and AI professor said: 'I cancelled it because I'm not getting any service and I don't see why they should be getting money reliably from me when I'm not getting a reliable service from them. 'There is hundreds of pounds sitting in my account which they can get interest on. I will pay my bill every six months if I get water.' A number of schools have been hit with closures caused by the outages with mock exams being delayed for some pupils. Skinners' Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells informed parents it was closed until Monday - when temporary toilets are arriving - as it had 'no faith' in the information being provided by SEW. While Rebecca Smith, deputy headteacher of Beechwood School, said the communications from the firm have been 'appalling'. The school has put online learning measures in place for pupils, but mock exams have had to be delayed. 'Where one minute you have water and the next minute you don't, or you don't know when it's coming back, there's a huge emotional strain. 'There's operational strain, and financial strain as well,' she added. Ofwat has said that if its finds SEW has breached its conditions, the firm will be stripped of the licence, and could fall into a special administration until a new buyer is found. It is the second time in less than two months that South East Water has failed to deliver drinking water to all its customers. 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 supplies for almost two weeks. The firm has said it is supporting schools, care homes, medical providers, and those with livestock with bottled water deliveries, along with supporting hospitals with tankers. California Governor Gavin Newsom briefly backed down on his criticism of ICE as 'state sponsored terrorism' a week on from the death of mom-of-three Renee Good. Newsom spoke with Ben Shapiro on his podcast on Thursday, when he was asked to address comments made to his office's X account on the evening of Good's death on January 7. 'STATE. SPONSORED. TERRORISM.,' the post read. Shapiro countered 'that sort of thing makes our politics worse' during his sit-down with Newsom, arguing he also disagreed with the Trump administration's characterization of Good as a domestic terrorist. 'Our ICE officers are obviously not terrorists, a tragic situation is not state sponsored terrorism.' Newsom nodded along as Shapiro made his case. 'Yep,' he said. 'Yeah, yeah I think that's fair.' Newsom's office vehemently denied the California governor had switched positions in a statement to Daily Mail on Thursday night. In an all-caps message, Deputy Director of Communications Diana Crofts-Pelayo argued 'everyday Americans are experiencing state sponsored terror by our incompetent president.' Newsom spoke with Ben Shapiroon his podcast on Thursday, when he was asked to address comments made to his office's X account on the evening of Good's death on January 7 Shapiro's Daily Wire categorized Newsom's comments on Thursday as 'walking back' his previous stance Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin slammed Newsom back in September 2025 for 'fanning the flames of division, hatred and dehumanization of our law enforcement' She went on to accuse the Daily Mail of 'trying to cancel us - very woke!' before ending the statement with Trump's signature sign off: 'Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Newsom has built up his national profile in part by adopting some of Trump's own brash social media tactics as he gears up for the next presidential race. He was one of a handful of high-profile Democrats to come out swinging against the Trump administration after Good was shot dead by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. He said ICE 'has rampaged across America' over the past year. 'His administration has driven extremism and cruelty while discarding basic safeguards and accountability,' he wrote. 'Now, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen is dead. Donald Trump owns this. His deliberate escalation of intimidation and chaos has consequences. His reckless crackdown must end.' Shapiro's Daily Wire categorized Newsom's comments on Thursday as 'walking back' his previous stance. Newsom also noted during the interview that he supports 'comprehensive immigration reform,' without delving too deeply into what that would entail. California is a 'sanctuary state' and many of its largest cities are 'sanctuary cities' - a point which Newsom said makes them inherently safer, not less safe as Trump has long argued. 'I think its important to establish, because its not well established, sanctuary jurisdictions have lower crime rates than non-sanctuary jurisdictions,' he said. 'STATE. SPONSORED. TERRORISM.,' the post read after Good's death Protesters have been gathering across the nation to rail against ICE operations Good's death has sparked nationwide protests 'So this notion that it somehow increases crime is also, I think, contradicted on the basis of the facts.' Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin slammed Newsom back in September 2025 for 'fanning the flames of division, hatred and dehumanization of our law enforcement' for signing a 'No Secret Police Act' which barred certain federal and local law enforcement agencies from wearing face masks. 'At a time that ICE law enforcement faces a 1,000% increase in assaults and their family members are being doxxed and targeted, the sitting Governor of California signs unconstitutional legislation that strips law enforcement of protections in a disgusting, diabolical fundraising and PR stunt,' she said. 'He signed this piece of legislation the same day his team made a menacing threat against Secretary Kristi Noem online. 'The violent rhetoric and demonization must stop. To be crystal clear: we will not abide by Newsom's unconstitutional ban.' 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. 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. Her death has sparked nationwide protests and calls for ICE agents to be pulled out of sanctuary cities. Police have launched an investigation after a body was discovered inside an apartment building in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Friday morning. Emergency services were called to the residential complex shortly after 9am, at an address near to the Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel and Rick Stein's new restaurant. Upon entering the building, officers located a deceased person inside the apartment. A crime scene was established, with police cordons in place as forensic specialists began examining the area. The apartment building remained blocked off to the public as inquiries continued throughout the morning. Detectives from the local command, assisted by specialist forensic officers, were also at the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. It's believed the death is being treated as non-suspicious. It's believed the person died after suffering a medical episode Kristi Noem named a new deputy director of ICE Thursday as the organization faces volatile protests while maintaining Donald Trump's migrant crackdown. Charles Wall, previously ICE's principal legal adviser, replaces 28-year-old Madison Sheahan, as she plans to run to represent Ohio's 9th District in the House of Representatives. Wall has served at ICE since 2012, most recently overseeing the small army of lawyers 'who represent DHS in removal proceedings' and give counsel to agency officials. Noem described Wall as 'a forward leaning, strategic thinker who understands the importance of prioritizing the removal of murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists from our country. I look forward to working with him in his new role to make America safe again.' Sheahan joined ICE early last year and was a close ally of Homeland Security Secretary Noem. While ICE has played a prominent role in Trump's crackdown, the administration has reshuffled leadership at the agency several times in the past year. The agency's acting director was pushed out in February as Sheahan - a former Noem campaign aide in South Dakota - joined as deputy. 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. Charles Wall (pictured) was named deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thursday DHS Secretary Kristi Noem (pictured) named a new deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as the organization faces volatile protests while maintaining Donald Trump's migrant crackdown Some current and former ICE officials bristled at the Trump administration's decision last year to install Sheahan as a senior official, given her lack of experience with ICE and limited law enforcement credentials. 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. 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. Sheahan was the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before joining ICE. Noem praised Sheahan in a statement, calling her 'a work horse, strong executor, and terrific leader.' The Trump administration removed two top ICE leaders in May as White House aide Stephen Miller, the driving force behind Trump's immigration agenda, pressed for more arrests. ICE has been at the forefront of President Donald Trump's wide-ranging immigration crackdown over the past year, as the Republican president has surged officers to Democratic-led US cities in a bid to drive up deportations. Wall, previously ICE's principal legal adviser, replaces 28-year-old Madison Sheahan (pictured), as she plans to run to represent Ohio's 9th District in the House of Representatives Border Czar Tom Homan (pictured) and Noem have been locked in a power struggle inside Trump's second-term immigration apparatus The agency has faced particular scrutiny in the past week after an ICE officer in Minneapolis fatally shot Renee Good, a US citizen and mother of three. On Wednesday night, an ICE officer shot a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis during an enforcement operation, adding to tensions in the city, where residents have taken to frigid streets to protest Trump's immigration sweeps. The US Department of Homeland Security said the officer was attacked with a shovel and broomstick and fired defensively. The aggressive enforcement tactics - with ICE and Border Patrol agents tackling suspected immigration offenders in public and spraying chemical irritants at protesters - have fueled violent encounters. 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. On Wednesday night, an ICE officer shot a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis during an enforcement operation, adding to tensions in the city, where residents have taken to frigid streets to protest Trump's immigration sweeps The agency has faced particular scrutiny in the past week after an ICE officer in Minneapolis fatally shot Renee Good (pictured left), a US citizen and mother of three One poll showed 46 percent of people in the country want ICE to be completely abolished with another 12 percent being unsure. A team of inspectors is set to make its first visit next week to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia where sources say new recruits are being fast-tracked. The audit, which was initially stalled by DHS officials who were slow to turn over information to investigators, could take months to complete. It will result in a report to Congress, though 'management alerts' can be sent as needed to address more pressing concerns, insiders explained. 'They're offering $50,000 incentives for people to sign up, dropping their vetting and fitness standards, and then not training them well,' one source told us about ICE's new recruits. 'This would appear to be a recipe for disaster.' Another ICE insider told the Daily Mail that investigators are particularly interested in learning who made the decisions to lower training standards. A man has been shot dead after he aimed a bow and arrow at police officers. Police were called to the home on Quia Road in Gunnedah, about 450km north-west of Sydney, about 1.40pm on Friday to perform a welfare check. Officers spoke to the man outside a home before he went back inside and returned armed with a bow and arrow. 'Police returned to their vehicle for cover; however, a police firearm was discharged when the man aimed at officers,' police said in a statement. The man was treated by paramedics for a gunshot wound but died at the scene. A critical incident team will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC). Until the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) critical incident investigation has concluded, the legislation states that the LECC can only monitor the NSWPF investigation. For critical incidents involving a death, the NSWPF will prepare a report for the coroner, and a mandatory inquest will be held. Renee Nicole Good suffered from four gunshot wounds and bleeding from her ear following her deadly clash with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The 37-year-old mother-of-three was shot dead on January 7 after she allegedly refused officers' demands to open her car door during a demonstration in Minneapolis, Minnesota. By the time paramedics arrived on the scene at 9.42am, they found Good unresponsive inside her Honda Pilot with blood on her face and torso, according to a Minneapolis Fire Department report obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune. Good was discovered not breathing and her pulse was 'inconsistent.' First responders reported finding a total of four gunshot wounds: two in her chest, one on her left forearm, and one on the left side of the head. Paramedics then lifted Good out of the car and brought her to the sidewalk in an attempt to revive her as protesters and law enforcement officers began to clash on the street. At that point, they reported that Good was still not breathing and had no pulse. Paramedics continued to provide lifesaving measures at the scene, in an ambulance and at a nearby hospital before CPR was finally discontinued at 10.30am. Renee Nicole Good, 37, suffered from four gunshot wounds and bleeding from her ear after she was shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week The agent who fired at her, Jonathan Ross, reportedly suffered internal bleeding in his torso after Good was believed to have hit him with her vehicle Footage showed Ross firing on Good while she was driving her SUV down a street where ICE agents were on duty in Minneapolis on January 7 The agent who shot her, Jonathan Ross, also reportedly suffered internal bleeding in his torso after Good allegedly hit him with her vehicle. 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. In footage from the scene, an officer was seen approaching Good's stopped SUV and grabbing the door handle as he allegedly demanded she open the door. Her Honda Pilot then began to pull forward and Ross pulled his weapon, immediately firing three shots and jumping back as the vehicle moved toward him. It is not clear from the videos if the vehicle made contact with Ross. After the shooting, the SUV slammed into two cars parked on a curb before crashing to a stop. Prior to the shooting, Good is believed to have blocked the road with her SUV for four minutes before she was killed. About 20 seconds after she pulled up to the street, a passenger - believed to be her wife Rebecca - exited the vehicle and eventually began filming. Good is believed to have blocked the road with her SUV for four minutes before she was killed About 20 seconds after Good pulled up to the street, a passenger, her wife Rebecca, exited the vehicle and eventually began filming There is now speculation that Rebecca, who admitted to bringing her spouse to the anti-ICE protest, exited the car so she could begin filming any potential clash with federal agents. She was seen wielding her camera during Ross's confrontation with her wife but it is unclear when she first started to record. Witnesses have said Good and her wife, Rebecca, were acting as legal observers and filming the protest. Civil rights attorney Antonio M Romanucci, a founding partner of Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin, has now announced that he is taking Good's case, arguing that 'the community is not receiving transparency' about it. 'People in Minneapolis and across this country truly, truly care about what happened to Renee Good and are committed to understanding how she could have been killed on the street after dropping her child off at school,' the attorney said in a statement to the Washington Post. 'They want to know what could and should have been done to let Renee live and pick her child up safely from school that afternoon. 'As often as possible, our team will promptly and transparently provide updates on what we learn.' Good's ex-father in law Timmy Macklin Sr says he doesn't blame ICE for her fatal shooting But Good's former father-in-law, Timmy Macklin Sr, has said he does not blame ICE for her fatal shooting. Good was married to Macklin's son, who died in 2023, and he is the grandfather of her six-year-old orphaned son. He was pushed by CNN anchor Erin Burnett for his opinion on whether Good's shooting death was justified, to which he said he 'was not blaming anybody.' 'It's a hard situation all around.' 'I don't blame ICE. I don't blame Rebecca. I don't blame Renee. I just wish that, you know, if we're walking in the spirit of God, I don't think she would have been there. That's the way I look at it,' he said. Macklin said he did not initially see footage of the altercation between Good and Ross that led up to the shooting, but that his opinion changed once he viewed the video. He said in his opinion it appeared that Ross was 'rammed' by Good in her car, a characterization that has been disputed by Democrat officials in Minneapolis. 'You know, in a flash like that, it's hard to say how you'd react,' he continued. He said that Rebecca, who was seen in footage taunting Ross in the moments before the shooting, was 'also a great person' and said he felt no ill-will toward her. 'But you know, I think there was some bad choices,' he added. Meanwhile, federal watchdogs have quietly launched an investigation into ICE's chaotic hiring spree, hoping to determine whether the rush to hire 10,000 new agents has led to dangerous shortcuts in vetting and training. The audit, which was initially stalled by Department of Homeland Security 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 told the Daily Mail. The Trump family name is on plans seen by council The Trump family is believed to be planning a mega-tower for a beachfront site on the Gold Coast - and it hasn't gone down well with Australians. Council sources have said the tower, which will be decorated with iconic gold Trump lettering, is planned for the vacant site at 3 Trickett Street in Surfers Paradise. 'There are no details on it yet. We have no application with the City at this time,' a source told the Gold Coast Bulletin on Thursday. 'But we have seen plans with renders. And they have a gold Donald Trump on it. 'Every Trump hotel has a big gold Donald Trump on it, and this one will be the same. 'It's nothing new - it's not the first time this property has had Trump interest. It's the same developer. It's the Trump Tower.' The Bulletin reported that the current owner of the land is looking into ways for the plan to become a reality, including bringing in an unnamed Australian developer. Donald Trump previously started negotiations to build a near-identical hotel on the Gold Coast in 2008, but abandoned the project due to the global financial crisis. The Trump family is considering a 'Trump Tower' on the Gold Coast years after Donald Trump first considered building a property on Australian soil The tower would be built on an undeveloped plot of land in Surfers Paradise A council source said there has been no application to the local authority but there are plans which show a building with a gold 'Donald Trump' on it (pictured, Trump Tower in Las Vegas) Mayor Tom Tate and Councillor Darren Taylor have shared their support for anyone interested in developing the city's shoreline, including the US President. 'The city has received no development application for the site so cannot say who the interested parties might be,' Mr Tate told the Bulletin. 'Certainly the Iluka site is a premium piece of land for a resort or hotel development so I would not be surprised if the Trump family are interested after I wrote to Mr Trump last year to put the Gold Coast and our film industry on his agenda. 'We need more hotel developments in advance of the 2032 Olympics and we would welcome an investment of this nature.' Local Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie said she hopes the Trumps could also expand beyond the Gold Coast. 'I stayed at the Iluka Resort site, which is where it's planned for, but I wouldn't want him to stop just at that site because we've got a couple of islands that could be Trump Island,' she told the Today Show on Friday. She said Dunk Island, Keppel Island and Lindeman Island were 'sitting there underdeveloped'. But Aussies have reacted negatively to the news that the US leader might want to build a 'Trump Tower' Down Under. The plans would be for a vacant lot at 3 Trickett Street on the coast But Australians have responded negatively to the idea of a Trump tower on the Gold Coast 'Please, just no,' one person wrote, with another simply adding: 'Ewwwwwwwwww.' A third commenter said: 'We're lucky he's not threatening to make us his 53rd state.' But one user suggested the Gold Coast would be perfect for a Trump property, saying: 'If such a thing was ever gonna go in AU, Goldie is the place I suppose.' If a 'Trump Tower' were to be built, it would likely be carried out by property portfolio The Trump Organization, which is run by the president's sons Donald Jr. and Eric. In the case that plans did go ahead, they would potentially work with an Australian developer after Trump commented in 2008 that he would not enter the property market solo. 'Maybe I'll even get involved in Australia,' he told the Australian Financial Review at the time. 'If I do something in Australia, I'd want to have a partner in Australia.' The Daily Mail has contacted The Trump Organization and Mayor Tom Tate for comment. The 3494-square-metre site on Trickett Street has been empty since 2013. It is owned by Macau casino operator Loi Keong Kuong, who bought the land for $56.5million in 2019 from Chinese developer Forise. Forise had approval from city council for an 89-storey 'super tower', which would have been home to almost 700 units. The project cost more than $120million to dig a hole on the land but came to a halt in June 2018, and later sold to Loi Keong Kuong. Serial killer Levi Bellfield has received treatment iin jail for a 'severe' allergic reaction to face cream - but claimed it was caused by a Bounty bar to maintain his 'hard man image'. The depraved murderer, 57, whose victims include 13-year-old Milly Dowler, is currently serving a life sentence in HMP Frankland in County Durham. Bellfield was rushed to the prison's hospital after having a 'severe reaction' to a coconut face moisturiser which made him 'struggle for breath' and 'itch all over', sources told The Sun. The source said it was so 'serious' that guards called a Code Blue, which is used when 'something severe happens like an attack'. After being given antihistamines, it is claimed he told fellow prisoners the reaction was caused by the coconut in a Bounty chocolate bar, instead of admitting it was actually a beauty product that landed him in hospital. The source added: 'Everyone thought it was funny that a supposed tough guy like him was struck down so severely. 'A few staff and inmates said it was a shame it wasn't more serious.' The Ministry of Justice did not provide a comment when approached by the Mail. Bellfield is serving whole-life sentences for the murders of Milly Dowler, 13, Marsha McDonnell, 19, and Amelie Delagrange, 22, as well as the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy when she was 18. He was convicted of the murders of Ms McDonnell and Ms Delagrange, as well as the attempted murder of Ms Sheedy in 2008. The former bouncer was then found guilty in 2011 of kidnapping and murdering Milly Dowler in 2002. Serial killer Levi Bellfield (pictured), 57, is currently serving a life sentence in HMP Frankland in County Durham Bellfield is serving a whole-life sentence for the murder of 13-year-old schoolgirl Milly Dowler (pictured) Bellfield is also serving whole-life sentences for the murders of Marsha McDonnell (left) and Amelie Delagrange (right). He was convicted in 2008 The 57-year-old is in HMP Frankland (pictured) nicknamed Monster Mansion. As a so-called enhanced prisoner, Bellfield can have a cooked breakfast every Saturday As a so-called 'enhanced' prisoner, Bellfield can have a cooked breakfast every Saturday. A Muslim convert who now uses the name Yusuf Rahim, Bellfield can select halal options, including sausages made from chicken or lamb rather than pork. He is also permitted 33 a week to spend in the canteen whereas standard prisoners have 19.80. The standard canteen sells Mars Bars for 90p and Coca-Cola for 1. Bellfield has access to Xbox computer games, a prison source said. Inmates are not permitted violent gameplay, but often play sport titles such as FIFA. They dont call it Monster Mansion for nothing; we are used to the worst of the worst here, the source at the category A jail added. Bellfield isnt a problem on the unit, but it just doesnt feel quite right that a man in for his crimes should be playing Xbox computer games. Those on a whole-life order should get the bare minimum, but unfortunately as officers our hands are tied. Notorious prisoners at HMP Frankland, in County Durham, include former firearms officer Wayne Couzens, serving a whole-life order, with no chance of parole, for the murder of Sarah Everard. Soham child killer Ian Huntley, Grindr murderer Stephen Port and morgue monster David Fuller are also understood to be at the jail. Hashem Abedi, brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman, was moved out after stabbing and scalding three officers last April. Eight hundred people were forced to flee their homes in the dead of night on Thursday, after a 50kg Nazi bomb was uncovered in Plymouth and taken to sea to be blown up. Bleary-eyed locals were roused from their beds as the cordon around the bomb's convoy route remained in place from 11pm until 3am this morning. On Wednesday, a 'major incident' was declared after two separate unexploded WWII bombs were discovered - one in a building site in Plymouth and another in a marina in Exmouth, after one local had spotted a 'very large' device being dredged from the water. In the early hours on Friday morning, bomb disposal squads worked to detonate both bombs in Devon's seabed while nearby residents were safely away. The first to be exploded was the German SC50 discovered in Plymouth, which was brave heaved into a vehicle and slowly driven towards Millbay docks and King Point Marina. Once the WWII bomber reached the shore, it was placed onto a small RIB boat with a couple of bomb disposal experts before being detonated in a controlled explosion, which the council confirmed had been successful just before 3am. Plymouth Government said at 2.50am: 'Military Operation now complete. 'The operation to safely remove and dispose of the wartime device in Millbay has been successfully completed and people can return to their homes. 'Over the past couple of hours around 800 residents were asked to evacuate from their homes to allow specialists to carry out the removal work safely. The Royal Navy and EOD officials worked together in the dead of night on Thursday to detonate a 50kg WWII bomb that was discovered on Wednesday The German SC50 was placed on a small RIB boat with a floater and heaved into the middle of the sea Up to 5,000 people were displaced in the 48 hour operation, but it's not the first time Devon locals have had to flee from old Nazi bombs 'Once the area was confirmed clear, Royal Navy bomb disposal experts secured the device and transported it in a military convoy to King Point Marina. From there, it was transferred out to sea for a safe, controlled detonation.' 'The cordon is now being lifted and everyone who has been evacuated can return to their homes,' they added, thanking people for their patience and cooperation and the council staff, police and Royal Navy who helped in the 48-hour mission. Next, a few hours later at 8.13am on Friday morning, the other WWII bomb found in Exmouth's marina was detonated on the seabed. Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper, from Devon and Cornwall Police, told the BBC: 'Everyone has pulled in really long hours to get this safely to a conclusion with minimum hours. 'We didn't want this going on for days and days. She said: 'Luckily some people were only out of their houses for a couple of nights, but this could have gone on, but because of the experts in their fields we've managed to bring it to a safe conclusion quite quickly.' Army Colonel Darren Fisher said that identifying the fuse type used in the bombs was the key to ensuring they would not detonate when being moved. Colonel Fisher told the BBC: 'Having to X-ray and trying to understand the types of fuse that was in both those devices was key.' The road at Martin Street in Plymouth was closed on Wednesday as the Royal Navy's bomb disposal team attended the scene Officials put a plan in place to safely move the bomb through built up residential streets to its final destination - the sea Schools were closed and 800 people were asked to leave their homes on Thursday night while the Nazi bomb was being exploded - but some said the experience showed them the 'spirit' of their country 'Really the complexity of the task was the state in which those devices were and also the positioning in which they were found by the operators to identify that fuse.' Up to 5,000 people were evacuated across two days and a secondary school was forced to close on Thursday following the discoveries in Devon, as residents living within 1,300ft were warned to stay away. Around one hundred people slept in makeshift accommodation at Exmouth's leisure centre on Wednesday night and a further 20 on Thursday night as the bombs were examined meticulously and government officials put plans in place for their removal. But many south coast locals were initially defiant at their forced removal, as cafes refused to close and pubgoers didn't let the threat of a massive Nazi bomb get in the way of their plans. Exmouth resident Eleanor Bradburn said she saw large numbers of police arrive on Wednesday night before getting a 'knock on the door' and an order to evacuate. She said: 'I just grabbed a few things.. and went to the pub'. 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!' Plymouth has so many unexploded WWII bombs because its huge naval base was a key target for the enemy. Pictured: Hitler's 'how to' guide for invading Britain, which included detailed plans for Plymouth and Britain's south coast Others rather enjoyed the drama, with one couple who stayed at Exmouth's LED Leisure Centre describing it as 'like a holiday'. Lawrence and his wife Sue told the BBC: 'The last 24 hours we have lived in the leisure centre, it's been magnificent from the top to the bottom, everyone has been smiley faced, we've all enjoyed it. 'We bought a couple of bottles of wine last night, we've had fish and chips, I thought we'd been on holiday.' He added: 'Anybody tells me we've lost our spirit in this country, I'd say we've got it back.' It is not the first time that Devon's residents have stumbled across historic German bombs however. In February 2024, Plymouth famously went into lockdown with 10,000 people evacuated when an 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. Plymouth has had more than its fair share of unexploded bombs because the town was a primary target for the Luftwaffe during WWII as it houses HMNB Devonport - the largest naval base in Western Europe. The city thus was a critical hub for the Allied forces and was a constant focus for Nazi air raids, suffering 59 bombing raids between 1940 and 1944. The waitress blamed for igniting the New Year's inferno at a Swiss ski resort bar had previously told her parents she was made to work 'relentlessly' by the nightclub owners. Cyane Panine, 24, died in the fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana after she was filmed holding two champagne bottles fitted with sparklers while she sat on a colleague's shoulders. The pyrotechnics are said to have set fire to foam used for soundproofing in the basement ceiling, leading to the deaths of 40 people and seeing 116 others severely burned. Her lawyer has revealed to German outlet Bild that Ms Panine was 'mentally and physically' exhausted from working at the nightclub, and was on the verge of making her 'exploition' public before the tragedy. The bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing trial for multiple charges, including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence. The couple have continually claimed that Ms Panine was like a 'step-daughter' and 'sister' to them, but Sophie Haenni, a lawyer for the family, has repeatedly claimed this is false. Her parents disclosed how Ms Panine worked both for couple's bar, as well as their gourmet burger restaurant called Senso, opened in 2020 following Le Constellation's success. 'Her shift began during the day at the Senso restaurant and then continued until the early hours of the morning at the Le Constellation bar,' Ms Haenni told Bild, leaving the 24-year-old exhausted. She even contacted the workers' protection service over her employment conditions, and was apparently never informed about the dangers of the foam on the ceiling or received any safety training, her lawyer claimed. Cyane Panine, 24, died in the fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana after she was filmed holding two champagne bottles fitted with sparklers as she sat on a colleague's shoulders She had previously told her parents she was made to work 'relentlessly' by the nightclub owners The bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing trial for multiple charges, including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence The lawyer said Ms Panine wasn't even supposed to be serving tables on New Year's Eve, but Ms Moretti sent her down to the basement because several bottles of champagne had been ordered there. 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.' The casualties 'could have been avoided', she said, if 'safety standards (particularly regarding materials) had been followed and the required inspections carried out'. She added: 'Cyane is undoubtedly a victim.' Moments before the inferno, Ms Panine was filmed wearing a 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, Ms Moretti, 40, a witness claimed in an official report compiled by the Swiss authorities. The Dom Perignon 'motorcycle crash helmet' covered Ms Panine's face completely with a black visor, meaning she could hardly see anything as she carried champagne bottles plugged with sparklers. Mr Mateo, who was wearing a carnival mask that also hid his face, tragically died alongside Ms Panine in the bar. Ms Moretti, 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, Ms Panine was unable to see the sparklers 'touching the ceiling', the official report reads. High quality photographs show the very first moments of the Swiss Le Constellation bar fire in Crans-Montana A dramatic video captured the moment the ceiling of the Swiss ski bar caught fire Ms Moretti allegedly told investigators that the bar had been using sparklers in champagne bottles for the past 10 years, a source told the BBC. 'It wasn't the first time she'd done it, putting herself on someone else's shoulders,' Ms Moretti told them. 'She did it on her own initiative.' Ms Haenni insists upon the waitress' innocence, however. 'She was torn from life in the prime of her life, all her dreams were shattered,' she told Bild. On Wednesday, a Swiss court imposed a travel ban on Ms Moretti as an alternative to pre-trial detention due to what prosecutors claim is a 'risk of flight'. She was ordered to surrender her passport and must report to police every day, authorities say. Mr Moretti, 49, is being held in custody for an initial period of 90 days and prosecutors have also argued that he is a flight risk. He is an ex-pimp who has spent time in prison for previous offences. While the French couple have insisted they shared a close relationship with their employee, the lawyer insists that the Morettis and Ms Panine 'addressed each other formally in messages'. Ms Panine had also complained of 'orders' given to her by Ms Moretti. At one point, she had to demand her contract, her work certificate, and her salary certificate - documents she is entitled to under Swiss law - but the Morettis appeared reluctant to give them to her, or to pay her a decent wage. 'She expressed her incomprehension at her employers' lack of empathy and understanding,' Ms Haenni said, insisting 'there was no familiarity' between them. Ms Panine's parents, Jerome and Astrid, are particularly angry at the tear-filled, sentimental words uttered by Ms Moretti during a court appearance last week. It was then that she referred to Ms Panine 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 said the Panine family 'didn't take Ms Moretti's apology very well'. 'They were quite hurt, because for them it didn't reflect her behaviour on the evening,' she said. 'The image the Moretti family is trying to project contradicts certain elements of the case.' 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 escaping with the till containing the night's takings under her arm. Ms Panine'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, Ms Panine 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. Following the inferno, the Swiss canton of Valais banned pyrotechnic devices in all indoor public venues. Each of the victims will receive a 10,000 franc (9,300) emergency payment, with a fund being set up to collect donations, authorities said. The investigation into the fire continues. Five British families fighting TikTok in US courts over the deaths of their children believed to have been caused by viral 'challenges' on the app say the social media giants must be held accountable. Ellen Roome, the mother of 14-year-old Jools Sweeney who passed away in 2022, appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning as she and the other parents prepare for the first hearing. The lawsuit, filed by the Social Media Victims Law Centre, claims her son Jools Sweeney and other teenagers Isaac Kenevan, Archie Battersbee, Noah Gibson, and Maia Walsh all died while attempting the 'Blackout challenge'. It is claimed the sinister viral challenge encourages children and teenagers to choke themselves until they pass out and has been linked to a number of deaths. Speaking from Delaware, Ms Roome said: 'It's a motion to dismiss hearing where TikTok are trying to kick us out of court, and we are trying to stay in there to hopefully get us to the next stage which would be discovery where they would release our children's data, if they haven't deleted it. 'TikTok is incorporated in Delaware which is why we filed a lawsuit there.' Ms Roome was awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours for her work promoting children's online safety after her son Jools passed away. She has since been campaigning for 'Jools' Law' - which would allow parents to access the social media accounts of their children if they have died. Ellen Roome, the mother of 14-year-old Jools Sweeney, and Liam Walsh, the father of 13-year-old Maia Walsh, appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning ahead of their first hearing Jools Sweeney (pictured with his mother) was found dead in his bedroom after taking his own life but a coroner was unable to confirm if he was in a suicidal mood before his death. His parents believe his death may have been the result of a social media challenge gone wrong Maia Walsh (pictured), 13, was tragically found dead in her bedroom at the family's home in Hertford in October 2022, just weeks before she was due to turn 14 The bereaved mother has been trying to obtain data from TikTok and its parent company ByteDance that she thinks could provide clarity around her son's death. The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware last year, claims the children's deaths were 'the foreseeable result of ByteDance's engineered addiction-by-design and programming decisions', which were 'aimed at pushing children into maximising their engagement with TikTok by any means necessary'. Jools was found dead in his bedroom after taking his own life but a coroner was unable to confirm if he was in a suicidal mood before his death. Ms Roome, from Cheltenham, said Jools did a 'lot of online challenges' and fears he fell victim to a 'dangerous' one such as Blackout is linked to the deaths of dozens of young people. Amongst the four parents battling TikTok is Lisa Kenevan whose 13-year-old son Isaac died after it was believed he took part in the Blackout challenge. 'These videos seem to be all very, very innocent and all very childlike and that's the danger, they're just pursuing our children,' Ms Kenevan, from Basildon, Essex, previously told the BBC. Hollie Dance, the mother of 12-year-old Archie Battersbee who was found unconscious after being starved of oxygen in his bedroom in Southend, Essex, in April 2022, is also suing TikTok. Archie passed away in Royal London Hospital in August 2022 after doctors made the difficult decision to turn his life support off. Ms Dance and Archie's father, her former husband Paul Battersbee, believe their son's death was caused by a social media challenge that went wrong. Amongst the four parents battling TikTok is Lisa Kenevan whose 13-year-old son Isaac (pictured) died after it was believed he took part in the Blackout challenge 'These videos seem to be all very, very innocent and all very childlike and that's the danger, they're just pursuing our children,' Ms Kenevan (pictured), from Basildon, Essex, previously told the BBC On BBC Breakfast this morning, Ms Roome was joined by Liam Walsh who is also suing TikTok over the death of his 13-year-old daughter Maia which he believes may have been caused by the Blackout challenge. Maia was tragically found dead in her bedroom at the family's home in Hertford in October 2022, just weeks before she was due to turn 14. The schoolgirl was said to have been engaging in 'concerning' content on the social media platform in the months leading up to her death. A hearing was held at Hertfordshire Coroners' Court in March last year to consider if Maia's online activity before her death should be included in the scope of her inquest and what steps needed to be taken to obtain the relevant data. The court heard that in one troubling post on March 6, 2022, the young teen was asked what she wanted to be when she was older to which she responded: 'I don't think I'll live past 14.' She said in another post that same day: 'I'm not scared of what is beyond death. I'm scared of the pain I'll feel before it's all over.' Lawyers representing her devastated family said Maia was following several troubling hashtags including the words 'broken', 'depression' and 'crying child' on the platform. Jessica Elliott of Leigh Day said she also had an account which featured a username that 'correlated with the month of her passing'. The barrister said it may have expressed an 'intent to die on a particular date on the month that she did in fact' die but added: 'We don't know anything about that account.' Hollie Dance, the mother of 12-year-old Archie Battersbee (pictured) who was found unconscious after being starved of oxygen in his bedroom in Southend, Essex, in April 2022, is also suing TikTok Hollie Dance (pictured) and Archie's father, her former husband Paul Battersbee, believe their son's death was caused by a social media challenge that went wrong 'As far as her family is concerned, that (TikTok) took up the vast majority of Maia's time on her device,' she told Hertfordshire Coroners' Court. She said the teen had at least four accounts, but the family did not have access to two of them including the account referring to the date. 'We don't have the full pictureWe've only really got the partial picture,' the lawyer said. She added it was important to get more information from the platform to understand 'how Maia's online world was interacting with her mental state'. Earlier this month, Ms Roome announce online that the original four families who bought the lawsuit are now being joined by Louise Gibson, the mother of 11-year-old Noah Gibson, whose story has not yet been reported publicly. Today, Ms Roome said: 'This is about accountability. We are in Delaware to make sure social media companies are held responsible for the harm caused on their platforms. 'What happens online does not stay online. The impact is real, and for too many families, devastating. 'This is not about banning the internet. It is about stopping platforms being addictive by design, exposing children to harm, and avoiding responsibility when the worst happens. 'Children deserve protection. Parents deserve answers. And tech companies must be held to account. 'We are here to make sure other children are safer.' A spokesperson for TikTok said: 'Our deepest sympathies remain with these families. 'We strictly prohibit content that promotes or encourages dangerous behaviour. 'Using robust detection systems and dedicated enforcement teams to proactively identify and remove this content, we remove 99 per cent that's found to break these rules before it is reported to us. 'As a company, we comply with the UKs strict data protection laws.' A Ukrainian robot armed with a heavy machine gun held off repeated Russian attacks on the eastern front for 45 days without a single soldier at the position. Russian troops were pinned down by relentless gunfire, believing they were facing multiple Ukrainian fighters. Even under the cover of fog and bad weather, they could not break through. In reality, the resistance came from a single unmanned ground vehicle deployed by Ukraine's Third Army Corps. The robot, known as the DevDroid TW 12.7, is no bigger than a ride-on lawnmower but is armed with a .50-calibre M2 Browning machine gun. It can be operated remotely from up to 15 miles away or navigate terrain using artificial intelligence. Its commander said the machine defended positions that would normally require up to six soldiers, allowing Ukrainian troops to stay out of harm's way. Despite daily pressure from Russian forces who attempted to exploit fog, rain, and snow to advance in small groups, every assault was repelled. 'The enemy conducted daily offensive pressure on forward positions,' said Mykola 'Makar' Zinkevych, the NC-13 Strike Company's commander. A Ukrainian robot armed with a heavy machine gun held off repeated Russian attacks on the eastern front for 45 days without a single soldier at the position. Pictured: A grab from a video of the drone in action The robot, known as the DevDroid TW 12.7, is no bigger than a ride-on lawnmower but is armed with a .50-calibre M2 Browning machine gun. Pictured: The robot firing at enemy soldiers Your browser does not support iframes. The NC-13 Strike Company is a unit within the Third Army Corps that specialises in uncrewed ground vehicles, or UGVs. 'Until the very end, the enemy was unable to determine that an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with a combat module was present at the position.' The drone briefly left its post every two days for maintenance and ammunition resupply by a crew stationed around 2.4 miles from the front line. Each session took around four hours and included servicing the weapons, restocking ammunition, and recharging the drone's battery. The DevDroid TW 12.7 has an operational range of up to 15 miles and is primarily controlled remotely via radio signal, allowing Ukrainian soldiers to control it from a safe distance. In addition to manual control, the drone is equipped with artificial intelligence that enables it to plan its own course across the battlefield. Videos of the drone in action show it moving across rugged terrain and firing multiple quick-fire shots towards Russian positions. The success underlines the growing role of robotic warfare in Ukraine, where unmanned vehicles are increasingly replacing soldiers in dangerous frontline roles. It can be operated remotely from up to 15 miles away or navigate terrain using artificial intelligence In addition to manual control, the drone is equipped with artificial intelligence that enables it to plan its own course across the battlefield Despite daily pressure from Russian forces who attempted to exploit fog, rain and snow to advance in small groups, every assault was repelled. Pictured: Ukrainian firefighters work to extinguish a blaze inside a residential building following a Russian strike in eastern Ukraine, January 2026 Commander Zinkevych explained that the NC-13 Strike Company, founded in September 2025, was concentrating this year on the 'maximum involvement' and broader deployment of UGVs in both defensive and offensive operations. Other versions of the drone have recently been approved for use on the front lines, including two vehicles equipped with grenade launchers. 'The demand for these systems is high,' he said. 'Robots do not bleed.' It comes after in March last year Ukraine destroyed a Russian frontline position without a single soldier being on the ground, thanks to an all-robot offensive. The attack on a Russian position north of the embattled Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, in eastern Ukraine, saw the nation's 13th National Guard Brigade Khartiya launch around 50 unmanned aerial vehicles. The five-hour attack, believed to be the first of its kind, left several Russian corpses in its wake, and has now led to other Ukrainian units planning similar missions. An Indigenous man has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media after sharing dozens of videos about Australian wildlife. But there's one glaring issue - he isn't real. The account known as the 'Bush Legend' - which has since changed its name on Meta sites to Keagan Mason - has now been accused of 'digital blackface' after it came to light that the videos had actually been generated by artificial intelligence. In some videos, the man - who is an AI-avatar on a digitally enhanced background that looks like the Aussie Outback - sported markings and adornments similar to traditional cultural elements from Aboriginal communities. But the creator behind the profile is reportedly a foreign national living in New Zealand. In some of the videos, shared to Facebook and Instagram, the man appeared to have cultural markings which are believed to have been added without Aboriginal consent. The account has gained more than 200,000 followers, with most videos resembling a Steve Irwin-like explainer on native animals. People on social media have now unleashed on the account's creator for masquerading as an Indigenous wildlife expert, with one labelling it 'digital blackface'. The account known as the 'Bush Legend' has now been accused of 'digital blackface' after it came to light that the videos had actually been generated by artificial intelligence. Videos were uploaded across several platforms showing the digitally generated character wearing markings similar to traditional practices in Aboriginal communities 'It's all fake and until I'm proved otherwise it's exploiting Aboriginal culture,' another user said. The account uploaded a video on January 10 telling followers that the platform was not for profit but to spread knowledge. 'I'm not here to represent any culture or group and this channel is simply about animal stories,' the figure said while the song 'Didgeridoo Outback' played underneath. The AI-generated man told viewers he is 'not asking anyone for money' and that the videos are 'free to watch, with no obligations', despite earlier videos promoting paid subscriptions. A description in the account's Instagram biography reads: 'This page uses AI-generated visuals to share wildlife stories for education and awareness. 'The focus is on animals and nature only.' But Aussies were still left unimpressed including Torres Strait Islander musician Kee'ahn. 'If it's just animal stories - don't use the likeness of Aboriginal people? Don't use Yidaki/Didgeridoo music?' they said. The page is believed to be run by a foreign national based in New Zealand. A profile picture was uploaded to Facebook when the account changed its name to Keagan Mason, with the character standing beside a white man wearing a cap with the New Zealand flag 'It's obvious the kind of cultural image you're trying to push and it's unethical because it's not real.' 'This is so insulting to Indigenous people! Use your own face instead of appropriating other peoples' and culture,' another user said. A third wrote: 'You are appropriating indigenous culture. It is completely disrespectful.' The Daily Mail has attempted to contact the account owner for their response to the criticism. Stephen Gray, a senior lecturer at Monash University's Faculty of Law, told the Daily Telegraph that claims the account was educational did not remove it from scrutiny. 'I think the excuse that it's educational or promoting Indigenous cultures is pretty poor if it's not produced [by Indigenous people],' he said. 'It's fairly clearly not consistent with Indigenous law and culture. 'It's got a kind of historical, you could call it a post-traumatic syndrome for Indigenous people. It's consistent with a fairly long line, for many decades, of various kinds of appropriation.' The Daily Mail has contacted Meta for comment. Terrified Dutch students made to live side-by-side with 125 refugees to aid their 'integration' were subjected to years of sexual assault and violence, an investigation has reported. Stek Oost, located in the Watergraafsmeer district of Amsterdam, was sold to the Netherlands as the dream solution to the housing and refugee crisis. A total of 125 students and 125 refugees would live alongside each other, and were even encouraged to 'buddy up' so the migrants would adapt to life in the Netherlands more quickly. But students living there told Dutch investigative documentary programme Zembla they faced multiple sexual assaults, harassment, violence, stalking and even claimed a gang rape had taken place. One woman said she would regularly see 'fights in the hallway and then again in the shared living room'. A man told the programme that a refugee threatened him with an eight-inch kitchen knife. And they claimed they were ignored despite filing multiple reports to authorities. In one shocking case, a former resident said that a Syrian raped her after inviting her to his room to watch a film then refusing to let her leave. The woman, identified only as Amanda, said: 'He wanted to learn Dutch, to get an education. I wanted to help him.' Stek Oost, located in the Watergraafsmeer district of Amsterdam, (pictured) was sold to the Netherlands as the dream solution to the housing and refugee crisis Half of the people living in Stek Oost were refugees. This woman who spoke to Zembla said her immediate neighbour was a 'very nice boy from Syria' Amanda described how he asked her several times to come to his room. She eventually relented and agreed to watch a film with him. However, he soon made her uncomfortable and she asked to leave, only for him to trap her in his room and sexually abuse her. Despite her filing a police report following the incident in 2019, police dropped the case due to a lack of evidence. But just six months later, another woman living in Stek Oost raised the alarm over the Syrian, telling the housing association that runs the complex that she was concerned for the safety of herself and other women living there. But the local authority, which had set up the arrangement, claimed it was impossible for the man to be evicted, the Zembla documentary claims. It was only when he was formally arrested in March 2022 that he left the student-refugee complex. He was later convicted of raping Amanda and another resident, and was sentenced to just three years in prison in 2024. Carolien de Heer, district chair of the East district of Amsterdam, where Stek Oost is located, claimed it was legally difficult to remove people from these blocks: 'You see unacceptable behaviour, and people get scared. 'But legally, that's often not enough to remove someone from their home or impose mandatory care. You keep running into the same obstacles.' Students living in the halls of Stek Oost (pictured) have revealed several shocking instances of unsociable and downright criminal behaviour from their refugee neighbours Stek Oost will be shut down by 2028 after the contract to run the site expires Carolien de Heer, district chair of the East district of Amsterdam, where Stek Oost is located, claimed it was legally difficult to remove people from these blocks A man (pictured) told the programme that a refugee threatened him with an eight-inch kitchen knife In another horrifying case reported by the programme, Stadgenoot, the firm that runs the complex, suspected a 'gang rape' took place in one of its flats the summer of 2023. Police told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that while it was not aware of any gang rape taking place on the premises, it did say it had received seven reports of sexual assault. Since opening in 2018, Stek Oost has faced multiple similar allegations. In 2022, Dutch TV station AT5 reported that a refugee had been accused of six sex attacks between 2018 and 2021. He was involved in a protracted legal battle with local authorities, who fought to force him to leave Stek Oost. For its part, Stadgenoot wanted to shut the complex down as early as 2023, but the local authority refused. It will, however, be shut down by 2028 after the contract to run the site expires. In the meantime though, staff and students at Stek Oost have been left exhausted from their experience living and working there. Marielle Foppen, who works for Stadgenoot, dejectedly told the programme: 'We were completely overwhelmed. We no longer wanted to be responsible for the safety of the complex.' She added: 'It was just too intense. As the manager of these colleagues, I would say: "If I can't guarantee their safety, I'm going to have a really bad night's sleep."' A 98-year-old woman had a 'priceless' bracelet stolen from her wrist as she sat on her walking frame. Police are hunting for the valuable family heirloom, stolen in Manchester City Centre on Saturday afternoon, and have arrested three people in connection with the theft. The pensioner was resting on her frame on Dale Street at around 3:30pm when two women approached her. The pair distracted her with conversation while they slipped the golden bracelet off her wrist. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it was a 'priceless family heirloom' that the woman had inherited from her mother. The force received reports of a similar incident on the same day, when two women approached a lady on Oxford Street - across the centre of town. One tried to remove her rings while the other acted as a lookout, police said. Officers have arrested three women aged 27, 33 and 35 following an initial investigation into the theft. The precious golden and green bracelet was stolen from the wrist of its 98-year-old owner But the beloved bracelet is still missing, and police are seeking the public's help in recovering it. A photograph of the elegant golden and green piece has been released to aid the search. GMP said: 'Anyone who recognises it, has been sold the bracelet, or otherwise offered it, is urged to get in touch.' Anyone with information can contact the police on 101, or use the live chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting crime reference number CRI/06A2/0000963/26. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Meanwhile in Manchester, criminal gangs have been targeting Premiere League stars and their wives for luxury goods, which they transport to Ireland and swap for guns and drugs. Career criminals linked to the feared Dublin-based 'Gucci Gang' target players living in Cheshire and Merseyside. They have reportedly teamed up with Albanian crooks to lift valuables including watches worth up to 500,000 and designer jewellery. Premier League aces such as Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Alexander Isak and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all seen their houses burgled for hundreds of thousands of pounds in recent years. And elsewhere, an eastern European 'Bonnie & Clyde' shoplifter who hit at least three jewellery shops was recently revealed as an international fraudster. Legenda Rostas, 30, and an accomplice were responsible for a distraction burglary this summer that saw almost 7,000 of cash, silver and a Rolex watch that forced an independent jeweller to close down. It has emerged that she previously stole more than 168,000 from US retailers before continuing her crime wave in Britain. The Romanian national appeared at Swindon Crown Court from her prison cell earlier this month via video link from a prison cell - was jailed for just eight weeks and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of 154. The EU's chief diplomat has suggested that the bleak state of global affairs could be a 'good moment' to start drinking. Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas made the remark during a private meeting with leaders of the European Parliament on Wednesday, according to Politico. Speaking to the Conference of Presidents, which brings together MEPs leading the Parliament's political groups, she joked that although she was not much of a drinker, current world events might drive her to alcohol. The mood at the meeting was reportedly downbeat. Rapidly evolving global crises have challenged the EU, which moves more slowly due to the need to coordinate among 27 member states. Kallas' comments came as Greenland and Denmark's foreign ministers were holding talks with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, amid threats by US President Donald Trump to take control of the island. The situation has added to a growing list of challenges facing the bloc, including the war in Ukraine, US operations in Venezuela and mass uprisings in Iran. Tensions have also risen after Trump sidelined Europe from Ukraine peace negotiations. The EU's chief diplomat has suggested that the bleak state of global affairs could be a 'good moment' to start drinking Greenland and Denmark's foreign ministers arriving to meet with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio On Wednesday, he said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was blocking a peace deal, rather than Russian President Vladimir Putin. After Kallas' comment about drinking, others at the meeting joined in to lighten the mood. Latvia's foreign minister wrote on social media: 'In that case, I would recommend Obdo Riga gin.' Finnish MEP Mika Aaltola suggested an extra strong beer from Finland, adding, 'If you really have to.' Kallas, formerly the Estonian prime minister, recently indicated that the EU is preparing new sanctions against Iran. Join the debate Does the state of the world make you want to drink? Kallas, formerly the Estonian prime minister, recently indicated that the EU is preparing new sanctions against Iran A proposal is expected to be ready for a meeting of EU foreign ministers on January 29, with reports suggesting the package could be presented to member states as early as today. The measures would build on existing sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, and would fall under the EU's human rights sanctions regime in response to the violent crackdown on protesters. Kallas also told MEPs that some member states were resisting calls to designate Iran's IRGC as a terrorist organisation, a step the European Parliament has urged. While she did not name the countries opposed to the move, Italy and France have been reported as being against the plan. A former Royal Navy engineer who says his hearing was ruined for life when an American-made fighter jet landed next to him on an aircraft carrier deck is suing the Ministry of Defence for 500,000. Harry Jefferson was working on board the HMS Queen Elizabeth supercarrier, refuelling a Merlin helicopter, when the supersonic F-35 stealth fighter landed just metres away from him in June 2021. Although he tried to turn his head away, Mr Jefferson, 27, was exposed to extreme levels of noise and heat as the vertical-landing jet touched down. Having suffered permanent hearing damage, the engineer went on to quit the Navy and is now suing the MoD for the loss of his career in the forces. A colleague who was working with him that day, Reece Colwell, 25, is also suing, although his claim is expected to be considerably smaller because his career was not ended by the incident. Their lawyers say they should have been ordered to stay inside or in another safe place when the Mach 1.6 (1,220mph) single-seat fighter came in to land. The MoD has accepted breach of duty in that the pair should not have been working so close to the landing jet, but is set to fight the level of payouts in a trial at Central London County Court. In a pre-trial hearing, barrister Stuart McCracken told Judge Jane Evans-Gordon that due to the loss of his career at such a young age, Mr Jefferson's claim could be worth more than 500,000. Former Royal Navy engineer Harry Jefferson is suing the Ministry of Defence for 500,000 amid claims his hearing was 'ruined for life' when a fighter jet landed next to him Mr Jefferson said he suffered permanent hearing damage and went on to quit the Navy The claimants' lawyers say they should have been ordered to stay inside or in another safe place when the Mach 1.6 (1,220mph) single-seat fighter came in to land (file picture) At the time of the injury, the seaman was on board HMS Queen Elizabeth, the lead ship of the Royal Navy's supercarriers, the largest and most powerful warships ever built for Britain, which are capable of deploying up to 72 aircraft. One such plane is the American-made Lockheed Martin F-35, known as the Lightning II, a jet which takes off via a short 'ski jump' ramp, but can land vertically. In order to land, the F-35 orientates its engine downward to hover and is stabilised by a large fan behind the cockpit that pulls air from above and forces it underneath. According to court papers, Mr Jefferson, of Gosport, Hampshire, and Mr Colwell, of Taverham, Norfolk - both air engineer technicians - were working together in June 2021 when the jet landed. The men, who were wearing ear defenders and foam ear plugs, had started to refuel but moved to a safe area due to the incoming F-35, only to be told to go back to their work. 'They returned to the same area of the flight deck, attached the hose to the Merlin and began the refuel,' said Mr McCracken. 'As they were refuelling the Merlin, the F-35 reached the HMS Queen Elizabeth...and began to land. 'Its exhaust was down and it was within metres of the claimants' position. It was extremely loud and hot. The incident occurred while the engineer was working on board the HMS Queen Elizabeth supercarrier when the supersonic F-35 stealth fighter landed just metres away from him in June 2021 (file picture) 'The F-35 landed within metres of them. The claimants attempted to turn their heads away from the heat. They experienced pain in their ears, ringing and a change in their hearing.' Following the incident, the men were approached by an aircraft handler who said he had seen what happened and encouraged them to make formal reports. Both reported hearing difficulties the following day, with each subsequently diagnosed with 'explosive ear trauma,' said the barrister. A 'defence air safety occurrence report' said they had been exposed to a 'high level of noise and heat,' leading to them being medically downgraded. Both men suffered hearing damage, which has left them with permanent tinnitus and difficulties in hearing speech in noise, the barrister continued. Although Mr Colwell was able to continue in the Navy, the court heard that Mr Jefferson felt he had to give up his naval career due to the impact of his ongoing hearing problems. In April 2022, he was declared permanently 'medically limited deployable,' making it impossible for him to continue as an air engineer technician. 'He felt that his promotion prospects were limited,' said the barrister, adding that Mr Jefferson went on to terminate his service, citing the impact on his career prospects and frustration with the downgrading and review process. Fellow Royal Navy engineer Reece Colwell, 25, is also suing, although his claim is expected to be substantially smaller as his career was not ended by the incident 'His condition will be permanent,' he continued. 'He claims damages for the loss of his congenial employment in the Royal Navy.' Mr Colwell however has continued in the Navy, which Mr McCracken said would mean his damages claim is likely to be considerably lower once it has been quantified. In their claim, the men accused the MoD of negligence in having them refuel the helicopter at the same time as the noisy stealth fighter was landing. During the hearing, Judge Evans-Gordon heard that the MoD has admitted breach of duty, but that the level of damages is set to be in dispute at the trial, with Mr Jefferson having given notice himself to end his service. Lawyers' bills in the case are set to be around 326,000 for the two men and another 117,000 on the MoD's side. The case will return to court for a full trial at a later date unless settled outside court. A group of nurses who sued an NHS trust after a transgender colleague was allowed to use female changing rooms have succeeded in their claim that they were the victims of harassment and sex discrimination. The seven women took on County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust after nurse Rose Henderson who was born male but identifies as a woman shared female changing rooms despite their concerns. They said the actions of the trust flew in the face of a Supreme Court ruling in April last year which found the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act refer only to a biological woman and biological sex. In a judgement handed down today, Employment Judge Seamus Sweeney said that by requiring the nurses to share a changing room with a biological male, the trust 'engaged in unwanted conduct related to sex and gender reassignment' which had the effect of 'violating the dignity' of the nurses. He added it created a 'hostile, humiliating and degrading environment'. The tribunal concluded that while Henderson had not personally harassed or victimised the nurses, they had been subjected to harassment related to sex and gender reassignment when their concerns were not taken seriously. The women were also put at a disadvantage by being required to change their clothes in front of a member of the opposite sex, the tribunal concluded. In evidence, the nurses had claimed Henderson walked around the changing rooms in boxer shorts and stared at women. Bethany Hutchison (centre, in pink) is one of the claimants who took on a health trust claiming sexual discrimination and sexual harassment because nurse Rose Henderson who was born male but identifies as a woman was able to share female changing rooms Karen Danson (pictured) previously told the hearing that Henderson triggered a flashback to child sexual abuse trauma when they met in the changing room Darlington nurse Bethany Hutchison led the claim. After the tribunal judgment in Newcastle, she said: 'This is a victory for common sense and for every woman who simply wants to feel safe at work. 'Women deserve access to single-sex spaces without fear or intimidation. 'Forcing us to undress in front of a man was not only degrading but dangerous. 'Today's ruling sends a clear message: the NHS cannot ignore women's rights in the name of ideology. 'We stood up because we knew this was wrong. No woman should be forced to choose between her job and her safety. 'This ruling is a turning point, and we will keep fighting until every woman in the NHS is guaranteed the dignity and protection she deserves.' The group was backed by the likes of Harry Potter author and outspoken women's rights activist JK Rowling, who said before the tribunal, which was heard in Newcastle in October and November last year: 'Millions of women support them.' Rose Henderson began working as an operating department practitioner at Darlington Memorial Hospital in 2019. Henderson identifies as a woman and was given a locker in a changing room used until that point exclusively by female nurses. One nurse, Karen Danson, told the tribunal that at the end of September 2023, she encountered Henderson at close quarters, wearing just nursing scrubs on their upper half and tight black boxer shorts with holes in them. In her witness statement, she said she had first encountered Henderson around August 2023 and thought that the colleague was male. 'RH looked masculine, had facial hair, and there was nothing in RH's appearance to suggest RH was anything other than a man,' she said. She added that when she heard a rumour a trans person had joined the trust she 'expected a trans person to look and dress and generally present themselves as a woman'. Giving evidence to the tribunal in October, Ms Danson said that when she encountered Henderson in the changing room, they asked her three times whether she would be getting changed. Ms Danson was horrified and told the tribunal that the incident reignited sex abuse trauma she suffered as a child. She said: 'I had walked into the changing room, and I had to walk past Rose Henderson's locker to get to mine, which is right at the bottom of the L-shaped changing room. 'Rose Henderson and I did not know each other at all, and we were alone in the changing room. I was rummaging through my bag trying to find the keys for my locker when I suddenly heard a male voice from behind my back asking, "Are you not getting changed yet?" Join the debate Do you think the tribunal ruling was fair? The tribunal was shown this image of Rose Henderson after Ms Danson was asked if it was representative of how Henderson presented at the time of the incident Henderson pictured after giving evidence at the tribunal in Newcastle last year 'I simply said "No". I kept rummaging through my bag and found my keys. 'I opened the locker and started rummaging through it to find my cream. And then Rose Henderson's voice again said, "Are you not getting changed yet?" I again said "No". 'I kept rummaging through my locker, but I was forgetting what I was looking for because all I could think about was: "Why is this man asking me if I am getting changed? Is he trying to provoke me for a reason?" When the nurses complained, they were given kindness training, the tribunal heard. Speaking after today's judgement, Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which supported the nurses, said that the verdict 'exposes the extent to which the NHS hierarchy has been captured by extreme gender ideology and its willingness to sacrifice womens safety and dignity in order to uphold it'. The others nurses who brought a case against the trust are Hutchison, 36; Annice Grundy, 56; Lisa Lockey, 52; Carly Hoy, 31; Tracey Hooper, 47, and Jane Peveller, 51. The nurses sued the trust for sexual harassment, discrimination, victimisation and breaches of the right to a private life, under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. A MAN accused of stabbing a woman to death in an 'unprovoked' attack at a bus stop was too unwell to appear in court this morning. Katie Fox, 34, was knifed in the neck outside the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham. She was rushed to hospital after the attack on November 7 last year but died from her injuries three days later. Djeison Rafael, 21, described by police as a black British national, was later charged with her murder. He was due to enter pleas before a judge at Birmingham Crown Court today via video link from HMP Long Lartin. But the court was told Rafael, of Smethwick, West Midlands, was too unwell to appear. He is accused of murder, two counts of causing ABH on October 27 and November 7, possessing a bladed article and assaulting a detention escort officer. Katie's boyfriend, Gary Morris, watched proceedings from the public gallery today with members of her family. Katie Fox's family said her loss is 'so hard to bear and so hard to comprehend' The 34-year-old was stabbed in the neck in an unproked attack just yards from Birmingham's New Street station Police at the scene of the stabbing, when a section of the road was closed The hearing was adjourned until July 24. In a tribute after her death, relatives said Katie was the 'shining light' in their lives and 'special in every way'. She was attacked on Smallbrook Queensway, opposite the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station. Rafael is due to stand trial in front of a High Court judge on October 6. In the tribute released through police following Ms Fox's death, her family said the 34-year-old was 'so beautiful and kind'. They added: 'A part of us was snatched away on that very fateful night. A part of us also vanished suddenly when you passed away, leaving us all with such sadness and heartache. 'You were a shining light in our lives, you were so special in every way, you were everything a daughter could be and much more. 'Your loss to us has been so hard to bear and so hard to comprehend, but we know that you are still with us and giving us the strength in every way. You are our guardian angel. 'God bless you Katie our special and gentle daughter.' A van driver who tried to blame a crash on his French bulldog Reggie chewing through the handbrake has admitted driving without due care and attention. Jody Lovatt, 49, had been attempting to restart his vehicle and push it backwards when it suddenly rolled off and smashed through the barriers of a level crossing and into a building at Knaresborough Station in North Yorkshire in July last year. At the time, he attempted to lay the blame on his pet, claiming the dog had accidentally damaged the Vauxhall Combi van, causing it to move off. But he pleaded guilty to the charge of careless driving and of endangering safety of persons conveyed by the railway at Harrogate Magistrates' Court, the BBC reports. Lovatt had been heading to work after a gym session when the van broke down. He got out of the vehicle and tried to get it moving again, but it rolled down the hill and eventually came to a halt against a Grade II-listed Victorian signal box, causing damages worth 22,000. The collision also resulted in disruption to rail services between Harrogate and York, the court was told. CCTV footage showed the motorist, who had Reggie on a lead, get out of the van before re-entering and jumping out again, as it started rolling away. A van driver who tried to blame a crash on his dog has admitted driving without due care and attention (Pictured: the vehicle after colliding into level crossing barriers) Jody Lovatt attempted to lay the blame for the accident on his French bulldog, Reggie, pictured Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, told the court the crash seemed to have been caused by 'negligence or incompetence rather than malicious damage'. Brian Nutteny, defending, said Lovatt tried to move his vehicle backwards as he had been worried it was causing an obstruction. The motorist had also been trying to control his French bulldog, causing this 'momentary lapse'. Mr Nutteny added that Lovatt's actions that day had been 'neglectful, not deliberate' and the motorist showed remorse over the crash. Lovatt faces sentencing at Harrogate Magistrates' later this month. Nigel Farage was today warned that Reform risks becoming the 'Slytherin House' of British politics after accepting a string of Tory defectors. Mr Farage welcomed Robert Jenrick into the fold last night, hours after he had been summarily sacked by Kemi Badenoch for plotting a betrayal. But there is as yet no sign that any more MPs will follow the former shadow justice secretary out the door - while Mrs Badenoch seems to have bolstered her own position with the 'strong' action. A mole in Mr Jenrick's team is thought to have provided evidence that he was about to jump ship, including a draft defection speech and media plan. Former Cabinet minister Michael Gove - a close ally of Mrs Badenoch and now editor of the Spectator - warned that Mr Jenrick might only have managed to trash his reputation. Lord Gove compared the episode to his own decision to turn on Boris Johnson in 2016, admitting many people still only remembered him for 'treachery'. Nigel Farage welcomed Robert Jenrick into the fold last night, hours after he had been summarily sacked by Kemi Badenoch for plotting a betrayal Former Cabinet minister Michael Gove suggested Reform looked like 'Slytherin House', affiliated with Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter books 'The overall impression that will have been generated is that he was caught mid-plot,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'This was not a decision that he was master of.' He added: 'If Rob had felt that he had a chance of becoming leader... then I think he would have stayed.' In contrast, Lord Gove suggested Mrs Badenoch's decision to sack Mr Jenrick 'in that way will have sent a message to the country of strength'. The Tory peer - who has not been in frontline politics since the election - highlighted two mayor risks now facing Reform. 'Danger one is that after the defection of Nadhim Zahawi earlier this week there's a risk that rather than seeming like a fresh force determined to clean up politics they look rather more like Slytherin House,' he said. 'They look rather more like the home of those who are the intriguers.' Slytherin was the Hogwarts School house of villain Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter books - and notoriously dominated by duplicitous, power-hungry wizards. Lord Gove went on: 'The second thing is that some of the most energetic figures in Reform, people like Laila Cunningham the candidate for (London) mayor, people like Zia Yusuf have made a distinct point that Reform has to present itself not as a home for ex-Tories but a fresh force.' Lord Gove said there was no doubt that Mr Farage was 'the prime force, the undoubted leader of Reform'. But he added: 'There is also now in Reform what there wasn't before, which is a succession battle. 'Nigel has been the leader effectively of this movement for 20 years. It would have been assumed that Zia probably is his natural successor. Now there is another potential pretender to that throne as well.' Mrs Badenoch, who is visiting Scotland ahead of crucial elections in May, has doubled down on her bold move. She said Mr Jenrick was now 'Nigel Farage's problem', adding: 'It is not a blow to lose someone who lies to his colleagues.' Tories are bracing to see if anyone follows Robert Jenrick out of the door today after Kemi Badenoch's dramatic move to force his hand Allies of the leader have voiced confidence that she has stemmed the flow of defections, with many MPs surfacing to condemn Mr Jenrick. Nick Timothy, who has replaced Mr Jenrick as shadow justice secretary, toured broadcast studios this morning insisting that the Tories are 'united'. Asked about the prospect of further defections, he told BBC Breakfast: 'Well I can speak for myself, and I can tell you that I joined the Conservative Party as a 17-year-old and I will die a member of the Conservative Party. 'But the reaction yesterday in Parliament was actually one of surprise that Rob would do this, but also resolve because the party, I think, is more united under Kemi's leadership than I've known it for many years. 'And the reaction of my colleagues in Parliament was to be impressed by the way Kemi handled the situation and pleased that she's been so decisive.' Tory MP Mark Francois - sometimes tipped as another defector - gave a damning assessment of Mr Jenrick's actions today. 'I feel desperately let down by what Robert did yesterday, personally let down... yesterday was an ego trip, sucking up to Nigel on television,' he told Talk TV. 'I cannot respect that.' However, a number of MPs have yet to comment publicly and there is significant private dismay at the departure. In a video released at 11.06am yesterday, Mrs Badenoch said she had sacked Mr Jenrick from the frontbench and 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'. A day of high drama culminated in Mr Jenrick being formally unveiled by Nigel Farage at a 4.30pm press conference (pictured) She insisted the British public are sick of 'psychodramas'. There are claims that a mole in Mr Jenrick's team supplied the leadership with a draft speech and media plan being prepared for the defection. Mr Jenrick said last night that he would not trigger 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. The Kremlin said on Friday that Russia considers Greenland to be Danish territory, and added that the security situation surrounding the island was 'extraordinary'. Presidential press secretary and spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: 'The situation is unusual, I would even say extraordinary from the standpoint of international law,' as reported by Russian state news outlet Ria Novosti. He added: 'On the other hand, given that President Trump is in Washington, he himself has said that international law is not a priority for him. The press secretary said Russia would be watching alongside the rest of the world which 'trajectory' the situation develops along. Moscow said this week that its was unacceptable for the West to keep claiming that Russia and China threatened Greenland, and said that the crisis over the territory showed the double standards of Western powers which claimed moral superiority. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the current situation 'demonstrates with particular acuteness the inconsistency of the so-called "rules-based world order" being built by the West.' She said: 'First they came up with the idea that there were some aggressors, and then that they were ready to protect someone from these aggressors.' This comes as as Greenland and Denmark's foreign ministers held talks on Wednesday with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, amid threats by US President Donald Trump to take control of the island. Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov the security situation surrounding the island was 'extraordinary' President Donald Trump has been insistent on seizing Greenland and has not ruled out taking it by force The meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt reportedly ended with a 'fundamental disagreement.' Rasmussen acknowledged that 'we didn't manage to change the American position' but said he hadn't expected to. President Donald Trump has been insistent on seizing Greenland and has not ruled out taking it by force - although Republicans see that scenario as unlikely. One anonymous European diplomat told Politico that Vance served as Trump's attack dog, saying: 'Vance hates us.' Denmark, Greenland and the US did agree to form a high-level working group 'to explore if we can find a common way forward,' 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. The meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt reportedly ended with a 'fundamental disagreement' Rasmussen said the group should focus on how to address US 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 US needs control of Greenland for national security reasons. He has sought to justify his calls for a US takeover by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals. A bipartisan group of 11 US Congress members is now set to meet MPs in Greenland on Friday in what is seen as a show of support. She said it didn't suit her family A young mother who started her FIFO career just three months ago has quit the job after admitting she began to feel like she didn't know her own daughter. Courtney Jane, 25, has been working as an assistant to an underground driller at a mine near Laverton, in Western Australia's Gold Fields region, since October. When not at work, she lives with her partner and daughter in Perth. But, on Wednesday, Ms Jane announced that she was resigning as she felt as though she no longer truly knew her own child. 'Ultimately, the FIFO lifestyle wasn't suiting our family anymore, and it was negatively impacting all of us,' she said in a TikTok video. 'We started noticing some behavioural issues in our daughter and a fear of abandonment. 'As a mum, that absolutely broke me, and I couldn't do it anymore.' The young mother opened up about how she would come home to discover her daughter's tastes had changed. Courtney Jane (pictured) quit her FIFO job at an underground mine after three months in order to spend more time with her family She said she wished she had worked in FIFO before starting a family (stock image) 'I would try and put her to bed, but I couldn't because her routine had changed,' she said. 'She didn't like the same foods that she used to - all those little things that you just know as a mum, I didn't. 'It absolutely broke my heart. I felt like I didn't know my daughter, and I didn't know how to be her mum. I felt like I was failing.' Ms Jane said she had thought the FIFO work would be good for her family, particularly as it is well-known for the high starting salaries it can offer. According to online job boards, entry-level driller's offsider roles can attract salaries of up to $130,000 per year. Accommodation, meals, and transport are typically provided on-site. However, the hours are long, the conditions are tough, and the work can be isolating. 'I just wish that I got into FIFO before I had a family, because I feel like I would have really enjoyed it,' Ms Jane said. 'It's just so hard with a family, especially being a mum with a very young child. My hat goes off to all the FIFO families out there because it is hard.' In a candid video during her first week on the job, Ms Jane (pictured) said the technical demands of the job were manageable but the 33C heat and 75 per cent humidity were draining Ms Jane also thanked her partner, saying it must have been 'tough' for him living as a single parent for two weeks at a time. She added that she was grateful for the opportunity to work in the industry, and would spend more time on her cooking business. Ms Jane had previously shared a candid video during her first week on the FIFO job, offering a rare glimpse into the realities of the work. 'I'm gonna be real with you guys, I'm struggling a little,' she said at the time. She said the technical demands of the job were manageable but the 33C heat and 75 per cent humidity were 'draining every ounce of energy I have'. 'The only thing keeping me going is that flight out of here,' she said. 'While I'm down underground, I'm like, "What am I doing here, am I making the right decision, do I like it here?" 'All of the thoughts go through my head and then as soon as I see daylight I'm like: "Oh, that wasn't that bad, I can do it again tomorrow." It's like a rinse-and-repeat.' Studies have identified increased risks of isolation and loneliness among FIFO workers and their partners (stock image) In 2015, the WA parliament handed down its final report following an inquiry into the impact of FIFO work on mental health. The inquiry was triggered by media reports that nine FIFO workers had committed suicide within a 12-month period across the state. While it couldn't directly link the deaths to FIFO work, it recommended the development of a FIFO work standard and steps to address fatigue and bullying. Studies have identified increased risks of isolation and loneliness among FIFO workers and their partners, as well as concerns with existing employee supports. 'Several research reports were highlighted to the committee that provide robust factual and reliable data on the prevalence of mental illness amongst WA FIFO workers,' the inquiry report said. 'The studies also emphasise the possibility of under-reporting of mental health problems amongst this sector of the workforce.' An Afghan man went on trial in Germany on Friday accused of ramming a car into a crowd in Munich last year, killing a two-year-old girl and her mother and injuring dozens. The suspect, partially identified as Farhad N., 25, faces two charges of murder and 44 of attempted murder, with prosecutors saying he acted out of a 'religious motivation' and expected to die in the attack. The vehicle rampage in February 2025 was one of several deadly attacks linked to migrants which inflamed a heated debate on immigration ahead of a general election that month. Farhad N. is accused of deliberately steering his car into a 1,400-strong trade union street rally in Munich on February 13. The vehicle came to a halt after 75 feet 'because its front wheels lost contact with the ground due to people lying in front of and underneath the car', according to the charge sheet. A 37-year-old woman and her young daughter were both hurled through the air for 10 metres and sustained severe head injuries, of which they died several days later. Prosecutors have said Kabul-born Farhad N. 'committed the act out of excessive religious motivation', and that he had uttered the words 'Allahu Akbar', meaning 'God is the greatest', after the car rampage. 'He believed he was obliged to attack and kill randomly selected people in Germany in response to the suffering of Muslims in Islamic countries,' they said when he was charged in August. Farhad N., 25, (pictured, centre) faces two charges of murder and 44 of attempted murder Farhad N. was born in Kabul and moved to Germany seeking asylum in 2016 Members of the emergengy services work at the scene where a car drove into a crowd in the southern German city of Munich on February 13, 2025 However, he is not believed to have been part of any Islamist militant movement such as the Islamic State group. The trial is scheduled to run for 38 days until the end of June. Farhad N. arrived in Germany in 2016 as an unaccompanied teenager, having travelled overland at the height of the mass migrant influx to Europe. His asylum request was rejected but he was spared deportation, found work with a series of jobs and was able to remain in the country, German media have reported. Police said Farhad N. worked in security and was heavily engaged in fitness training and bodybuilding. The Munich attack came a month after another Afghan man had carried out a knife attack on a kindergarten group that killed two people, including a two-year-old boy, in the city of Aschaffenburg. The perpetrator was later confined to a psychiatric facility after judges found he had acted during an acute psychotic episode. In December 2024, six people were killed and hundreds wounded when a car ploughed into a Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg. A Saudi man was arrested and is currently on trial. Objects, including a baby carriage, lying on the street at the scene of the deadly crash on February 13 2025 A woman lays a flower at the mourning site after a car rammed into a rally in Munich, Germany, 15 February 2025 Several Syrian nationals were also arrested over attacks or plots at around the same time, including a stabbing spree that killed three people at a street festival in the city of Solingen. Germany took in more than a million asylum seekers in 2015-2016 at the height of Europe's migrant crisis - an influx that has proved deeply divisive and fuelled the rise of the far-right AfD. Conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took power last May, has vowed to crack down on criminal migrants and has ramped up deportations of convicts to Afghanistan. Germany in December also deported a man to Syria for the first time since that country's civil war broke out in 2011. A single mother 'overwhelmed' by loneliness and isolation who took her own life and that of her severely disabled eight-year-old daughter left behind a tragic goodbye note professing her love for her child, an inquest has heard. Martina Karos, 40, and Eleni Edwards were found at the home they shared in Salford, Greater Manchester, after police were called when the child failed to attend her special school on September 23, 2024. A pathologist gave the cause of death for the mother and daughter as carbon monoxide toxicity, Bolton Coroner's Court heard. When the two were discovered, police found a heartbreaking note from Ms Karos which read: 'I love my daughter truly, but that's why I have taken her with me.' Eleni was described in court as 'severely disabled', and had a number of health conditions as well as being blind and suffering with limited mobility. Concluding joint inquests into both deaths yesterday, area coroner Peter Sigee concluded that Eleni was unlawfully killed by Ms Karos, who then died by suicide. Earlier the court heard that three notes were found in the property from Ms Karos, with extracts read aloud for those in attendance. One of the notes, which was addressed 'to whom it may concern', stated: 'I just couldn't live my life like this anymore'. Martina Karos, 42, and her severely disabled daughter, Eleni Edwards, eight, were found dead at home, the inquest heard It went on to reference a recent relationship ending before Ms Karos wrote: 'Loneliness, sadness and isolation have just taken over my life.' She added: 'I love my daughter truly and that's why I have taken her with me, due to her severe disability. She will never be able to have an independent life.' Elsewhere, she wrote that she did not want Eleni to face going into care or becoming an 'unwanted' child. Ms Karos, originally from Poland and who had worked as a translator, had struggled with her mental health following the breakup of a relationship, and caring for her daughter left her feeling socially isolated and lonely, the joint inquests into the deaths were told. She had told a friend she felt life was not worth living, and at times had become emotionally distant from her daughter. Eleni was put on a Child Protection Plan by social service staff at Salford City Council in January 2024, and mother and child had a range of support services, the inquest heard. These included daily visits from carers, social workers, short and medium-term respite care, counselling, talking therapy and psychotherapy. Social workers had also accompanied Ms Karos to social activities to try to get her to make new friendships - but she struggled with such efforts, the hearing was told. After Eleni and Ms Karos's deaths, floral and teddy bear tributes were left outside their property The pair were found dead at their home in Salford, Greater Manchester, in September 2024 The court also heard from Ms Karos's mother, Malgorzata Karos, who said her daughter was a 'devoted' mother, and that Eleni was 'the reason Martina would get out of bed in the morning'. Coroner Mr Sigee said: 'Ms Karos had deliberately placed herself and her daughter in an environment where they were overcome by the toxic effects of carbon monoxide with the intention and effect of ending both their lives. 'Despite a high level of good quality, focused support and care from family, her limited group of friends and professionals, including GP, specialised mental health services, social workers and carers, Ms Karos experienced feelings of extreme loneliness and isolation which overwhelmed her. 'Ms Karos decided to end her life by suicide.' Mr Sigee said Ms Karos denied any thoughts of harming herself or Eleni and there was no 'objective basis' to suspect she would do so, adding: 'This tragic incident could not reasonably have been foreseen.' Earlier, the inquest heard Ms Karos told social workers of her unhappiness and feeling 'stuck' and isolated. She had to give up work because of caring responsibilities for her daughter, but Ms Karos felt lonely during the day when Eleni attended a special school and most people were at work. Respite care was increased so Ms Karos could attend activities on evenings and weekends, the inquest was told. Social workers set up events with various groups but Ms Karos failed to engage. The inquest was told the problem was not Ms Karos's lack of time, but the lack of social connections. Ms Karos was born in Lublin, and as a child moved to Italy with her family. She moved to England in 2003 and studied languages at university, working as a translator and interpreter. After being told she could not have children, she became pregnant with Eleni and was 'surprised and excited'. The pregnancy was normal but six months or so after her daughter's birth in June 2016, it became apparent Eleni was very severely disabled, unable to see or communicate verbally and with restricted mobility. Ms Karos was described as a 'devoted' mother, and Eleni was happy and 'thriving' despite her disabilities. Following the inquest, Martina's mother said in a statement: 'Martina was always a good child and good person. She was very talented and intelligent. She loved her child more than life itself. 'Despite the hardships associated with caring for a disabled child, she did everything she could to give Eleni a comfortable life. Eleni was the love of her life. She didn't want to leave her to anyone, not knowing what her future was. 'We want their deaths to change the way disabled children, but also their parents, are perceived. A child is better off with happy parents. 'Time will never heal the wound in the heart of [Martina and Eleni's] mother and grandmother. May their tragic deaths change some things that will help save others before they make a drastic decision.' For confidential support, call the Samaritans for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org for more information. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent made a vile slur about Renee Nicole Good as he took a Minneapolis protester into custody, the demonstrator has claimed. Patty O'Keefe, 36, and a friend were taken into ICE custody Sunday for 'impeding operations' after they followed officers who were driving around and making arrests. The agents stopped in front of O'Keefe's car, fired pepper spray through her windshield vent, smashed her windows and dragged her out of her car. She was hurled into a federal vehicle with three ICE agents who she alleged 'taunted, mocked' and called her 'ugly' as they drove her to the B.H. Whipple federal detention center in nearby St Paul. 'On that same ride, one of the agents said: "You guys gotta stop obstructing us. That's why that lesbian b***h is dead," she told Heartland Signal. The identity of the ICE agent who issued the remark has not been revealed. The alleged remark appears to be a direct reference to the killing of Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who was shot in the head last week by ICE officer Jonathan 'Jon' Ross in front of her partner Becca Good. O'Keefe described the officer's remarks as a 'shocking, bigoted, [and] deeply dehumanizing thing to hear.' She added: 'I think it's important though that people know that this is what agents are saying.' She and her friend Brandon Siguenza, who was also detained by agents, were let go by Sunday evening without charges. As they left the detention facility, they said they were again hit with chemical agents officers were using on protesters in the area. Patty O'Keefe, 36, taken into ICE custody Sunday for 'impeding operations' after she and a friend followed officers who were driving around and making arrests. O'Keefe claims that during her arrest an ICE agent made a direct comment about Renee Nicole Good, seen moments before she was shot dead. The agent allegedly told O'Keefe: 'You guys gotta stop obstructing us. That's why that lesbian b**** is dead' Good was shot dead on January 7 by ICE agent Jonathan 'Jon' Ross in Minneapolis O'Keefe and Siguenza, both Minneapolis residents, have been monitoring immigration officers' actions during the Trump administration's latest crackdown. The pair allege that during their detainment, they were held in distressing conditions, denied phone calls, and pressured to rat out protest organizers and people living in the country illegally. They were put in adjacent cells reserved for US citizens, one for men and the other for women. Each cell was also being used for other detainees and was no larger than 10 feet by 10 feet with a concrete bench, flat-screen TV, two-way mirror and surveillance camera. On their way to the cells, the pair - who are both American citizens - saw other detainees who were screaming and wailing for help, though most were dejectedly staring at the ground, they said. In one instance, they observed a woman who was trying to use a toilet while three male agents watched. They alleged that the overwhelming majority of detainees were Hispanic men, though some were East African - Minnesota is home to the country's largest Somali community. 'From my cell, I could hear wailing and desperate crying of people in the facility,' she told CBS News. She said the 'visceral pain' of detainees at B.H. Whipple was 'awful' and apparent. 'And then you juxtapose that with the laughter we heard from the actual agents. It was very surreal and kind of shocking.' O'Keefe claimed that during her arrest on Sunday, ICE agents fired pepper spray through the windshield vent of her car, smashed her windows and dragged her out of the vehicle Glass littered the floor and the front seat of O'Keefe's car after the driver's side window was smashed in by an ICE agent Federal immigration officers confront protesters outside the B.H. Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on Thursday. This is the detention center where O'Keefe and her friend Brandon Siguenza were held on Sunday evening Siguenza said one of his cellmates had a cut on his head and the other had an injured toe, but neither was offered medical help. Their requests for water or to go to the bathroom outside their cells were also ignored, he said. O'Keefe and Siguenza were able to speak with lawyers, but only Siguenza allowed to make a phone call - he called his wife. Siguenza, who is Hispanic, said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) investigator who questioned him Sunday even offered him money or legal protection if he gave up the names of organizers or neighbors who are in the country illegally. 'At one point, the officer said in vague terms that it looks like Im in trouble, and he could possibly help me out,' Siguenza told AP. But he said he refused the offer, noting that he doesn't have any family members without legal status. The conditions at immigration detention facilities around the country have been the subject of complaints, including a lawsuit over the one that served as the Chicago-area's operational hub that resulted in a judge's oversight visit and an order to improve conditions. The Daily Mail has approached the DHS and ICE for comment on the allegations outlined by O'Keefe and Siguenza. Immigration authorities have previously defended the conditions in DHS facilities, saying detainees are fed and their medical concerns are addressed. They've also trumpeted the success of the immigration crackdowns, saying they've led to the arrests of thousands of people who are in the country illegally. Renee Good was shot three times in the face at a protest in Minneapolis and died at the scene Witnesses have said Good and her partner Rebecca (seen moments before the shooting) were acting as legal observers and filming the protest that day 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' O'Keefe and Siguenza believe their detention was meant to intimidate them and others critics of the immigration crackdown. She told CBS that despite the arrest, they will continue protesting. 'We know there's some risk and it's worth it,' she added. FBI investigators are conducting a thorough inquiry into the fatal shooting of Good, although sources close to the investigation suggested that Officer 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. Federal investigators are reportedly investigating Good's possible connections with activist groups protesting the 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 was involved in any activism in Minneapolis beyond 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. O'Keefe believes her arrest was meant to intimidate her and anti-ICE activisits. But she said that despite the incident, she will continue to protest. 'We know there's some risk and it's worth it' The firm - which helped secure a $27 million settlement for Floyd's family - said it will release information in the coming weeks. Similarly, Ross has sought legal counsel from attorney and Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel. 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. A former Fox TV anchor accused of murdering her elderly mother is too insane to be tried for the killing, a judge has ruled. Angelynn Mock, 47, was taken into custody last October in Wichita, Kansas, for allegedly stabbing her 81-year-old mom Anita Avers to death. The former Fox 2 presenter was charged in November with first-degree murder after Avers was found with multiple stab wounds inside her home. Sedgwick County District Judge Jeff Goering ruled this week that Mock was incompetent to stand trial after a psychologist's report was given to the court. The report determined that Mock suffers from schizophrenia and the case was taken off the docket, according to FirstAlert4. She was sent to Larned State Hospital for further evaluation and treatment, but could be brought back at a later time to stand trial for the death of her mother. The journalist worked at Fox 2 as an anchor and reporter from March 2011 to February 2015, according to her LinkedIn page. According to a probable cause affidavit seen by KAKE, her stepfather Barry told police that Mock was laid off after 'an explosive situation involving alcohol'. Angelynn Mock, a former TV anchor, was found incompetent to stand trial for the killing of her mother and sent to a state hospital The former Fox 2 presenter was charged in November with first-degree murder after Avers was found with multiple stab wounds inside her home, the two are seen here in 2019 together He also told police that Mock was originally diagnosed with bi-polar disorder that was later revised to schizoaffective disorder. The report added that Mock would have outbursts but was never violent or threatening. In one outburst just weeks before Avers died, Barry said that police were called and Mock was held for two weeks inside a hospital. He said that Mock had in the past made statements like 'they're all robots', and 'they're not real people'. During a card game in the weeks before the incident, Barry told officers that she accused her family of hating her and added that she had hated everyone. Avers was found in her bed with stab wounds to her face, neck, torso and arms, according to the outlet. Officers uncovered multiple kitchen knives and a cheese grater spread out on a pillow next to Avers, all of which were covered in blood. When asked what happened by another officer, Mock claimed her mother 'came after her' with a knife and the two fought. Avers was found with multiple stab wounds in a bed inside the home. She was taken to the hospital where she later died Mock was sent to Larned State Hospital for further evaluation and treatment, but could be brought back at a later time to stand trial for the death of her mother She told police that after that alleged confrontation she went to her mother's room to find her sharpening knives before claiming Avers chased her with a knife. The document said that Mock confessed to the killing, tell an officer: 'I had to kill her, she wasn't going to stop.' After being arrested and taken for a formal police interview, she added: 'I had to kill that b**** to have my mom back any day. 'I don't even know who she is anymore. I know, I believe she's the devil.' Her mother's autopsy found stab wounds to her heart, left lung, thyroid, her jugular vein and left carotid artery, as well as wounds to her arms. Mock was also taken to hospital and treated for wounds to her hands and her inner right arm. Boston's famous drawl is on the verge of extinction, fearful locals say. The classic Beantown accent - which generally silences the letter R - was made famous by the hit sitcom Cheers and Bostonian stars including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Mark Wahlberg. But a shift in the city's demographic has disrupted how locals sound. Residents have sounded the alarm that the days of people saying 'Pahk yah cah in Hahvahd Yahd' could soon be over. The reason could be how the city's demographics have changed, and how Boston's population will keep shifting over time. In 1950, white people made up 95 percent of the New England city. Their distinct dialect sounded more like Cliff Clavin and Carla Tortelli's banter on Cheers, which brought the accent to households across the US. Fifty years later, Boston became a majority-minority city - meaning that less than 50 percent of residents are white. 'I think we are much more diverse and people are from all over the world living and working here,' Marjorie Feinstein-Whittaker, a communication consultant based in Boston, told CBS News. 'And I think it's just not as concentrated as it was at one time.' The Boston accent was made iconic after being featured in hit shows like the sitcom Cheers, which was based in the Massachusetts capital Boston became a majority-minority city in 2000, meaning that less than 50 percent of residents were white. The population shift could be a factor in the accent's disappearance The biggest tell for the Boston accent is that locals drop the letter R, turning Harvard into Hahvahd. Other words affected include 'car', 'corner', 'counter', 'sister' and 'start.' Linguists call this non-rhoticity, which is when individuals dont pronounce that letter when it comes after a vowel. That R sometimes pops back up in the local twang. Idea can flip into idear, for instance. However, the local accent is gradually disappearing. Boston's demographic change might be a driving factor. About 47.8 percent of Boston's population is white nowadays, according to the US Census Bureau in 2024. Some believe this shift could be driving the gradual disappearance of the local accent, although Feinstein-Whittaker said the local dialect would stick around. "I think it will always be here just because there's something that people feel really proud about and I don't think it will be gone but I don't think it's as prevalent or as strong as it used to be," she told the outlet. Bostonians like Ben Affleck and Matt Damon helped popularize the local twang in hit movies and shows The origins of the Boston accent could be traced back to when English settlers arrived in the area around the early 1600s. At that time, disappearing the letter R was seen as a sign of prestige. That twang has stuck around to this day. Even today, 400 years later, we can still see that founder effect of the English in this region, James Stanford, a linguistics professor at Dartmouth College, told WBUR. He said the dialect featured pieces that other dialects of English don't have. There's a local pride to it, Stanford said. At one point, the Bostonian twang was voted the second sexiest accent in the US. Now, locals have already raised their fears online about how the dialect is going away. Bostonians are known to drop the letter R when they pronounce words. For example, the word Harvard is said as 'Hahvahd' Other words impacted by the Boston accent could include 'car', 'corner' and 'sister' Linguists call this non-rhoticity, which is when the letter R is not pronounced after following a vowel 'My kids don't even know what a Boston accent is,' one user said on Reddit. 'A few of their older white teachers have had them, but none of the young ones or POC do.' 'It's just not something they encounter,' the parent added. 'I don't think I've heard a kid drop an R in over a decade.' Another user said hearing a Boston accent was actually more probable closer to the outskirts of the Massachusetts capital. 'It's mostly blue collar white folk, most of whom don't really live in the city anymore,' he said. Another agreed: 'You'll want to go into a more blue-collar suburb where the real townies hang out. 'This is where you'll hear the Boston accent to the point where people sound like cartoon characters.' The Democratic led city of Chicago slumped to a new low over the weekend after a snuff movie was filmed on one of its subway trains. Demetrius Thurman, 40, is accused of creeping up on sleeping Dominique Pollion aboard the Blue Line train in the early hours of Saturday morning and killing him, while filming. The unsuspecting Pollion, 37, was stabbed in the chest and abdomen with a large knife in the frenzied attack that prosecutors say Thurman recorded on his phone. It's the latest incident to hit the Blue Line train after Bethany MaGee, 26, was attacked and set on fire last November aboard the train by a serial criminal. In court this week, prosecutors said that Thurman didn't known Pollion and that after he stabbed him Pollion woke up and screamed before backing down the train car. The Chicago Tribune reported that Thurman followed with his phone in one hand and the knife in the other, before Pollion collapsed and Thurman fled into another car. Patrol officers entered the car to find Pollion on the floor when Thurman then reentered, still recording, and told officers: 'Somebody got his a**'. Pollion was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead, Thurman was arrested on Sunday with the recordings of the stabbings found on his phone. Thurman, seen here, is accused of creeping up on Dominique Pollion aboard the Blue Line and stabbing him in the chest and stomach with a large knife - all of which he is said to have filmed Pollion was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead, Thurman was arrested on Sunday with the recordings of the stabbings found on his phone A snuff film is a type of film that depicts someone's real-life murder intended to be shared with an audience. It is unclear if Thurman livestreamed the clip or shared it with anyone before his arrest. Pollion was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead, Thurman was arrested on Sunday with the recordings of the stabbings found on his phone. He is facing a charge of first-degree murder and was held in detention and was scheduled to return to court on February 3, the Tribune reported. Magee was doused in gasoline and set alight on the city's Blue Line, but managed to flee the train and survive. Her suspected attacker Lawrence Reed is a serial criminal with 72 prior arrests who was freed months earlier by a judge after he allegedly attacked a social worker. In the last update from her family, MaGee remains in a critical condition in hospital with her family by her side after suffering burns to 60 percent of her body. She sustained the most serious burns on her left arm and hand, according to an update from her church community. She had surgery in November and is expected to be in hospital for at least three months for treatment and rehabilitation. Bethany MaGee, seen here, was attacked and set on fire last November aboard the train by a serial criminal MaGee was doused in gasoline and set alight, suffering burns to 60 percent of her body MaGee's suspected attacker Reed was released on an ankle monitor after the alleged assault on a social worker in August. Surveillance footage showed MaGee sitting in the train car before Reed, a complete stranger, allegedly poured gasoline over her head and body. In a horrifying chain of events, MaGee attempted to fight off her attacker while Reed allegedly tried to set her on fire. Reed approached MaGee and repeatedly yelled 'burn alive b***h,' a criminal affidavit filed in federal court alleged. Lawrence Reed is the suspect accused of setting MaGee alight. He has a slew of previous arrests Horrified locals now believe MaGee's ordeal could have been avoided, had a female Illinois not judge ignored a prosecutor's warnings about Reed. Despite the prosecutor warning Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez that Reed had a lengthy rap sheet and his next crime would 'likely be violent', she allowed him to walk free. MaGee was seen running to the front of the train car to escape before her attacker allegedly ignited the bottle in his hand, according to the affidavit. Reed then allegedly ran to the front of the train car and watched his victim as her body was 'engulfed in flames'. MaGee attempted to extinguish the flames by dropping to the ground and fled the train car when it stopped at Clark and Lake. The victim collapsed when she arrived at the station where multiple witnesses attended to her while she waited for emergency responders. Her family put out a statement saying, 'We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well-wishes as our daughter receives care for injuries sustained earlier this week.' 'We are also grateful for the excellent care and support of the burn team at Stroger Hospital.' Reed was hit with a federal terrorism charge. An affordable housing project in Texas that was built next to a facility covered in toxic ash will finally start welcoming tenants after the Houston Housing Authority declared it safe. Construction on The Pointe at Bayou Bend apartments in Houston's Second Ward was completed in spring 2024, but Mayor John Whitmere intervened in July of that year to stop people from moving in. 'The health and safety of the citizens of Houston is of the utmost importance. It is imperative that the full 21.68 acres property, which includes the southern portion upon which the apartment complex is located, as well as the undeveloped northern portion, is determined to be safe and free of environmental dangers,' Whitmere wrote in a letter to the Houston Housing Authority (HHA). The letter revealed that the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ) hit the HHA with four violations after toxic ash was discovered on the property. Toxic ash can contain arsenic, lead and other extremely dangerous poisons. The HHA was accused of not preventing the industrial solid waste threat, not notifying the city about the ash, not testing the ash pile and not maintaining proper documentation of the hazard. The apartment complex is next to the former Velasco incinerator site, where the city used to send garbage and other waste to be burned. This went on from the 1930s to the late 1960s, resulting in high levels of toxic ash settling over the area for decades afterwards. In October 2024, federal agents descended on the Velasco site to take soil samples. Results from the investigation were never publicly released. Over a year later, Whitmere and HHA President and CEO Jamie Bryant have announced that TCEQ recently sent them a letter that the 400-unit apartment complex now meets safety standards. Pictured: The smokestacks from the former Velasco incinerator site, which is right next to The Pointe at Bayou Bend affordable housing complex. The area was littered with toxic ash, according to state regulators, delaying the move-in process by over a year Houston Housing Authority President and CEO Jamie Bryant said this week that the apartments are now safe to live in. Move-ins are set to begin in a few weeks Mayor John Whitmere initially ordered the project delayed over environmental concerns. He now says residents can be assured it is safe 'Next week, 800 Middle, known as the Point at Bayou Bend, will open for leasing and occupancy,' Bryant said at a press conference this week. Whitmere has done a complete 180 on the property, saying he'd be comfortable sending his grandkids there 'We wouldn't want you to be here if it was not meeting the highest standards, do you think I'd be standing here? I would not hesitate to bring my 10- and 12-year-old grandsons here to enjoy the fellowship, get the services, and enjoy this environment. It's great for Houston. It's been mishandled in the past, but those days are over,' he said in an interview with KTRK-TV. Councilmember Mario Castillo, who represents the Second Ward, said he understands why some are hesitant to move into the apartments but stressed that all the relevant government agencies have given their blessing. 'It's up to the individual, it's up to the family, and if they don't feel comfortable living here, they don't have to,' Castillo said. Residents that earn 60 percent or less of Houston's area median income - about $42,500 a year for a single person and $67,000 for a four-person household - are now eligible to reach out to the leasing office, according to The Houston Chronicle. A two-bedroom, two-bath unit is going for $1,253 per month and 95 units are federally subsidized, meaning they can go to people with much smaller incomes. Move-ins are set to begin in a few weeks, and people who used to live at the Clayton Homes apartments - a complex that was razed in 2022 to make way for a highway expansion - will be given priority in the application process. An Ohio woman lost control of her car and sent it careening towards a gas station after choking on a potato snack. The 56yearold driver's vehicle veered dangerously off the road in Wilmington about 50 miles northeast of Cincinnati when a french fry allegedly blocked her respiration. Her car turned into the parking lot of a Sunoco gas station and struck a pole holding up its canopy. She also hit another car in the process, according to a police report cited by WXIX. That made the awning partially collapse and subsequently fall on one of the cars. The crash happened around 12.06pm at 863 South Street on Sunday, according to Wilmington police. Photos of the collision showed one side of the canopy completely sunk in and resting atop a white Buick. The woman who has not been named claimed she did not remember the collision. An Ohio driver lost control of her car and crashed into a gas station after she supposedly choked on a french fry The crash in Wilmington forced the awning of a Sunoco gas station around 863 South Street to collapse A white Buick was captured sitting under the partially-wrecked canopy in the aftermath of Sunday's crash The female driver alleged that a dry spot in her throat regularly caused her to choke, according to law enforcement. On this occasion, the culprit was a French fry which made the woman lose her breath and control of the vehicle. She was cited for failure to control the vehicle, per the police report. No charges have been announced. No injuries were reported after the wreck. A gray car was also seen at the site, although it is not confirmed who the vehicles pictured belonged to. The city's fire department contacted a building inspector to evaluate the gas station after the crash. The business was then closed until further notice, the Wilmington News Journal reported. Shocked locals recalled seeing the scene of the accident on social media. 'Was wondering why I heard sirens,' one TikTok user said. Another added: 'I saw this in person and it caught me so off guard.' The woman claimed that she had a dry spot in her throat which regularly made her choice. This time, a french fry caused that to happen (File photo of fries in a car) Others discussed memories of the local gas station, which is now unusable for the foreseeable future, and shared photos of how it looked after the crash. 'That sucks. I regularly use that store,' one commenter said. 'It had a drive thru, the workers are super nice and friendly.' 'No wayyyy,' another said. 'I used this gas station all the time during summer.' Wishes of good health for the driver and everyone else involved in the accident were also shared. 'Prayers she and others are alright.' one Facebook user said. 'I'm happy the lady is okay,' another added. 'You just never know what could happen.' Choking is one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths in the US, although many incidents go unreported because of how brief they are. Meanwhile, car crashes kill more than 120 people in the US every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Wilmington Police Department for comment. Megyn Kelly has warned her fellow Republicans that Americans are majorly souring on President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement tactics and that it could cost the party dearly in the midterm elections. During a Thursday interview with Adam Corolla on her Sirius XM radio show, Kelly acknowledged that polling data shows Americans are deeply dissatisfied with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), especially after the deadly January 7 shooting of Renee Good by an agent in Minneapolis. On air, Kelly reacted to a YouGov poll that came out on January 14, which among other things, showed that 53 percent of Americans thought the ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, was not justified in killing Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three. 'I mean, thats just not good,' Kelly said. The same number of Americans, 53 percent, believe Ross should face criminal charges, something the Department of Justice almost certainly won't pursue given the Trump administration is unified in arguing the agent acted in self-defense. According to the YouGov survey, 42 percent of respondents somewhat or strongly support the idea of ICE being abolished, while 60 percent believed ICE sometimes or often uses unnecessary force against US citizens. A slightly larger contingent, 45 percent, do not support doing away with the agency, which was created in March 2003 with the passage of the Homeland Security Act. ICE's worsening reputation coincides with a stronger midterm outlook for Democrats, who are on track to easily win back the House of Representatives this November. Megyn Kelly warned her fellow Republicans that they could be on the receiving end of a blue wave thanks to Americans' souring views on Immigration and Customs Enforcement Polling data taken after Renee Good was killed by an ICE agent on January 7 in Minneapolis shows that majorities of Americans believe the shooting was not justified and that ICE agents use unnecessary force on US citizens Pictured: A federal agent pepper sprays a protester at Broadview ICE detention facility outside of Chicago, Illinois, on September 19, 2025 House Democrats only need to flip three seats to win the House, and according to the non-partisan Cook Political Report, a whopping eighteen races have shifted into the blue column. Experts also point to Trump's approval rating declining on the immigration issue as a major problem for down-ballot Republicans, who have been put in the position of defending the federal crackdown. Trump's net approval rating on immigration was plus three percentage points in March 2025, according to CNN. He is now 16 points underwater, according to CNN's newest poll. Kelly partially attributed the GOP's recent fall from grace to media 'propaganda' about the ICE shooting in Minneapolis. 'This could be directly related to what we're seeing in Minnesota and the propaganda being pushed by the mainstream on it,' she said. 'It does look like - I call it disinformation that's being put out by the media around this ICE shooting may possibly be having an effect.' Kelly compared Americans' rapid change in opinion on ICE agents to when the public largely lost faith in police departments after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. 'The polls were terrible on police and the crackdowns...after George Floyd, and then they totally reversed, but it took a couple of years. And we don't have a couple of years until the midterms,' she said. She appeared to warn that Trump is on the cusp of making things worse for Republicans electorally if he invokes the Insurrection Act and sends troops into Minneapolis to protect ICE agents. Pictured: Aliya Rahman is detained by federal agents on Tuesday near the scene where Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer last week Pictured: Federal agents clash with protestors outside an ICE detention facility in Minneapolis on Thursday 'S***s going to get even more real, so well see,' she said, referring to the possibility of boots on the ground in Minneapolis. While most election forecasters say Democrats will likely take the House, their chances in the Senate are slimmer. Though some are convinced that their prospects are growing more promising by the day. 'Im so much more confident than I was a year ago,' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York told The Washington Post this week. 'If I had to bet money, Id bet we take back the Senate.' Democrats need a net gain of four seats to control the Senate. They hope to oust Susan Collins of Maine, the only Republican senator that represents a state Kamala Harris won in 2024. Beyond that, Democrats see seats in Alaska, Ohio, Texas and Iowa, as possible pickups, though Trump won by double digits in all those states. A would-be Southport copycat killer who plotted to attack a dance school and an Oasis reunion concert has been locked up for 14 months. McKenzie Morgan, 18, told friends of plans to target the concert in Cardiff, and had a note targeting the dance club near his home, the Old Bailey heard. He was inspired by Axel Rudakubana, 18, who was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum term of 52 years for the murders of Bebe King, six, Elsie Stancombe, seven, and Alice Aguiar, nine, who he stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance holiday club on July 29, 2024. Morgan, who like Rudakubana was aged 17 at the time of the offences, had pleaded guilty to possessing a document useful for terrorism. On Friday, Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC sentenced him at the Old Bailey to 14 months in youth detention. Afterwards the counter-terror chief who investigated Morgan said he was 'undoubtedly a dangerous young man' who needed to be locked up. But in a hard-hitting statement he said the 'vulnerable' teenager's radicalisation was 'a terrifying indictment of the abhorrent commentary, hateful opinion and violent imagery that too many of our young people are exposed to via the myriad of online sites, chat forums, and gaming and social media platforms'. The case comes just days after a boy of 16 who planned to mimic the Southport killer by attacking a Taylor Swift-themed event wearing a copycat green hoodie pleaded guilty to terrorism charges. McKenzie Morgan, 18, plotted to target an Oasis concert in Cardiff and a dance club near his home in Cwmbran, South Wales after becoming inspired by Axel Rudakubana Prosecutor Corinne Bramwell had told the court how Morgan had praised the Southport attacker in Snapchat messages between April 7 and June 2 last year. He shared images of Rudakubana, saying that he wanted to engage in a similar terrorist-style attack and was trying to make the deadly poison ricin, the court was told. One of the people on Snapchat reported Morgan to police and he was also referred to children's mental health services due to concerns from his mother. Morgan told a psychiatric nurse on June 2 that he wanted to hurt others, and he planned to commit a Rudakubana-style terrorist attack, Ms Bramwell said. He said that he had been researching bombs and poison and how to stab and kill people, having enjoyed watching terrorist attacks. The nurse disclosed the conversation to police and recommended an autism assessment. Later the same day, police arrested Morgan at his home in Cwmbran, South Wales. Officers seized his electronic devices and mobile phones, on which the terrorist manual was found. Further examination revealed that last April, Morgan had sent a message asking 'how to burn people's faces'. He had stated: 'In my head I now have the motivation to go ahead with some sort of attack.' Rudakubana was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum term of 52 years for the murders of Bebe King, six, Elsie Stancombe, seven, and Alice Aguiar, nine, who he stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance holiday club. Rudakubana pictured in the distinctive green hoodie he wore on the day of the attack. CCTV cameras caught him outside the Hart Space dance studio, in Southport, shortly before he launched the mass stabbing He also sent a picture of a 15cm kitchen knife advertised on Amazon to another Snapchat user with the question: 'Would this work?' Ms Bramwell said records showed he had gone on to attempt to buy the knife. Last April 26, he searched online for two local playgrounds and a youth dance academy. Two days later, he created a note on his mobile telephone on 'places to attack' which included a screenshot of the dance academy identified on a map. On Snapchat messaging, he revealed a further plan to bomb the July 4 Oasis concert at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and that he had tried to make ricin. In May, he made screenshots of news articles about police investigating an alleged attack on a prison officer by the Southport killer. On the day of his arrest, Morgan researched knives and searched for the school he had attended until June 2024. In a police interview, Morgan admitted having read the terror manual and said he had sent Snapchat messages because he was 'bored'. Fans at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff for Oasis's comeback concert in July 2025 which was to have been among McKenzie Morgan's targets Liam (left) and Noel Gallagher onstage at the Cardiff concert. Prosecutors said McKenzie Morgan never made 'concrete plans' to launch an attack He denied trying to make ricin or intending to attack his school, the dance academy or the Oasis concert and he only meant 'to shock'. He told police that he had been unhappy and been bullied at school, the court was told. Ms Bramwell told the court that Morgan was a risk to himself and also a high risk to others. Mitigating, Michael Stradling pointed out the teenager had no history of violence and asserted the greater risk was of self-harm or the defendant suffering harm at the hands of others. The barrister said: 'I asked him what he wants to say and what I would described as a true heartfelt manner he said that he wanted you to know that he is very sorry.' Morgan could not be identified previously during the trial because of his age, but the restriction was lifted on his 18th birthday last week. He squeezed a green stress ball as Judge Whitehouse said: From April of last year you were messaging other people on Snapchat and those messages included praise for Axel Rudakubana and you said you wanted to carry out a terrorist-style attack like him. You were also searching about two playgrounds and a local dance academy and on two occasions you tried to buy a 15cm kitchen knife from Amazon. One of the people you were talking to told the police about what you were saying and at around the same time your mum asked for a mental health appointment because she was so concerned about your behaviour. The nurse very properly reported you to the police. You told police you didnt intend to carry out a terrorist attack or make Ricin and just intended to shock people. There is no evidence you had any political or ideological motivation. Your motivation appears to have been to emulate the level of violence used by Axel Rudakubana in the Southport attack. The judge also made a criminal behaviour order preventing Morgan attending venues where children might be following his release, barring him from accessing knives and restricting his internet use. Morgan is currently being held in a secure psychiatric hospital after a severe depressive episode. The Crown Prosecution Service said he was not charged with planning or attempting an attack as he had been 'fantasising, expressing violent thoughts, and seeking attention online, rather than making concrete plans or taking steps to carry out an attack'. In addition there was 'no evidence' Morgan shared his thoughts with his family, or evidence of a terrorist purpose, it added. Bethan David, of the CPS, said: 'In this case, while the defendant expressed violent fantasies online, there was no evidence of a real plot or attempt to carry out an attack.' Afterwards Detective Superintendent Andrew Williams, of Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: 'Mr Morgan was not born bad. 'He didnt come into the world wanting to be a terrorist or aspiring to one day kill people, let alone children. 'As a teenager himself when he committed the offence, he was vulnerable to the malign influences that pray on our young people in todays online world. 'The fact that he was heavily influenced by the perpetrator of one of the most horrific attacks this country has seen in recent times, is a terrifying indictment of the abhorrent commentary, hateful opinion and violent imagery that too many of our young people are exposed to via the myriad of online sites, chat forums, and gaming and social media platforms. 'As a dad, I know first-hand that parents are under a lot of pressure, and monitoring what our kids are doing online is not easy. 'But its not about invading their privacy, or the modern-day equivalent of reading their diary, diaries were not gateways for predators to exploit. It is about us keeping them safe from harm. 'I didnt become a police officer to put teenagers in prison, its not something I want to be doing. 'But if they can access dangerous, highly addictive, and influential content, there is a very clear risk that it will destroy their young lives before theyve really begun. 'Whilst I am hugely thankful to my team for halting a potential attack on young innocent lives; there are no winners today, just a sense of sadness that highlights the need for us as a society to grip this issue and finally stop our young people being exploited in this way.' The bodyguard-turned-alleged lover of former Arizona senator Kyrsten Sinema has faced shocking accusations of violence and psychedelic drug abuse, the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal. Ex-soldier Matthew Ammel, 39, is currently out on $10,000 bond over claims he strangled and punched a physician assistant who refused to discharge him from a North Carolina hospital in November. Ammel's ex-wife Heather, 38, described similarly wild behavior in her March 2025 divorce petition, alleging that her war-hero former spouse had a history of 'uncontrollable bouts of anger.' 'Defendant would oftentimes express his anger by punching the wall of the marital home, breaking and destroying furniture, and screaming at Plaintiff in fit of rage,' her filing says. The alleged outbursts were fueled by marijuana, alcohol and psychedelics, according to the complaint by Heather, the mother of Ammel's three kids aged 10, 13 and 14. The couple's bitter divorce attracted little public attention until stay-at-home mom Heather filed a separate lawsuit blaming the split on former Grand Canyon State lawmaker Sinema, 49. That complaint claims Sinema seduced, bedded and discussed drug taking with the US Army veteran after hiring him for her security entourage from 2022 to 2025. Furious Heather says in the complaint that her 14-year marriage was 'good and loving' before the Arizona pol allegedly wooed her man with racy messages about missionary sex and a photo of herself wrapped in a towel. Bodyguard and ex-soldier Matthew Ammel, 39, faces felony assault and strangulation charges after allegedly attacking a hospital medic - as explosive claims of drug abuse and violent rages emerge Scandal-hit former senator Kyrsten Sinema is accused in court filings of seducing her married bodyguard with explicit messages, luxury trips - and even psychedelic drugs Sinema even 'suggested for Mr Ammel to bring MDMA drugs on a work trip so that she could guide him through a psychedelic experience,' alleges the suit, which was filed in Moore County, North Carolina, before being transferred this week to federal court. Heather previously accused Ammel of having an affair in her divorce petition but did not name Sinema, who served in the US Senate from 2019 to 2025, first as a Democrat and then as an Independent. She wrote only: 'Defendant has been having an illicit affair and has committed acts of illicit sexual behavior with a prominent public official, whose name shall be disclosed at a later date.' Heather focused in her divorce complaint instead on her estranged husband's alleged 'verbal and emotional abuse' and the risks his behavior posed to their children. 'The Defendant uses profane language, screams and yells at the Plaintiff, calling her names, such as, 'shut the f**k up', 'a nasty c**t', 'f*****g dumb b***h', 'awful b***h,' and 'worthless c**t', often while in the presence of the minor children,' Heather's lawyer wrote. She claimed Ammel had a history of 'suicidal ideations' and had undergone treatment for opiate and alcohol abuse in 2016 and again in 2021. 'Defendant has a history of substance abuse, to include but not limited to, marijuana, narcotics, alcohol, and psychedelics and he continues to abuse these substances,' Heather alleged in her complaint. 'Defendant has left these illegal substances in areas readily accessible to the minor children, to include in the garage and in Defendant's luggage. Ammel's ex-wife Heather (left) claims their 14-year marriage was 'good and loving' until his alleged affair - and says his drug-fueled outbursts left their children at risk Ex-wife Heather is now seeking damages for 'alienation of affection,' blaming Sinema for the collapse of her marriage 'The Defendant regularly travels out of the country to obtain and consume illegal substances. Upon information and belief, Defendant recently traveled to Mexico on or about March 25, 2025, to obtain and use psychedelics.' In his reply and counterclaim, Ammel denied having an affair and accused Heather of domestic violence. Her 'bouts of rage and anger' and 'profanity laced tirades' made his life 'intolerable' prior to their November 2024 separation, he insisted in the court paper. Heather sought sole custody of their kids but while a judge initially split parenting time between the two, he issued an emergency order on November 21 suspending Ammel's visits. That was one day after the Afghanistan war hero was arrested on felony charges of assault and strangulation on physician assistant Phillip Dandridge. Ammel had been involuntarily committed to a FirstHealth facility in Pinehurst, North Carolina for allegedly threatening to shoot the manager of his rental property, according to court filings. When Dandridge - a US army vet specializing in combat related illnesses - explained that he could not leave, Ammel allegedly pushed the medic against a wall, slammed him to the floor and punched him in the face, according to an arrest warrant obtained by the Daily Mail. He placed Dandridge 'on his side, hugged his body from behind and wrapped his arm around the victim's neck for a period of time,' the warrant adds. Ammel is accused of punching, slamming and briefly strangling a fellow Army veteran during the hospital confrontation in November, police say Despite concerns raised by senior staff, Ammel allegedly remained part of Sinema's security detail while their relationship continued, according to the lawsuit. Pictured: Sinema alongside Ammel at an event in October Ammel was taken to the Moore County jail but released a day later on $10,000 bond ahead of a January 29 disposition hearing. The Daily Mail has contacted his attorney has been contacted for comment. Despite his alleged 'history' of substance abuse and bouts of PTSD stemming from Middle East combat tours, Sinema hired him in 2022 to work for her security detail. He stayed in the role even after her outgoing head of security raised concerns that she was 'having sexual relations with security members,' Heather's lawsuit claims. Sinema allegedly took Ammel on trips to Napa Valley and Las Vegas, sent him 'intimate' messages and suggested MDMA and 'psychedelic treatment' to cure his mental health issues. The openly bisexual lawmaker, who advocated for such treatments during her time in the US Senate, allegedly bought Ammel a Theragun and suggested he bring it to her apartment so she could 'work on his back,' according to Heather's complaint. The duo allegedly messaged about having sex missionary style with the lights on - something Sinema dismissed as 'Boring!' Heather's lawsuit accuses Sinema of having 'repeated physical, romantic or sexual encounters' with her husband and says the lawmaker 'should have known' the fling would destroy the marriage. Sinema - now working as a lobbyist - is allegedly still in relationship with Ammel and frequently travels to North Carolina to visit him, the spurned wife further claims. Sinema, now working as a lobbyist, has not publicly commented on the allegations but is accused of maintaining a relationship with Ammel She wants damages in excess of $25,000 for 'alienation of affection.' Legistorm, a database of congressional salaries, lists Ammel as a Defense and National Security Fellow in Sinema's Senate office and says he was paid over $90,000 for six months of work between June 2024 and January 2025. Prior to his official Congressional role, Ammel was paid from Sinema's campaign accounts and her Getting Stuff Done (GSD) leadership PAC, per Federal Election Commission (FEC) Data. In a recent divorce filing he said he couldn't afford the $8,000 per month in child support he was paying Heather because his annual earnings had fallen from $250,000 to $115,000. Lawyers for Ammel and Sinema, who divorced Blake Dain in 1999 after four years of marriage, have not responded to the Daily Mail's request for comment. Heather's attorney Thomas Van Camp reiterated to the Daily Mail what he alleged in the complaint: 'Ms Sinema's pursuit of Heather's husband Matthew was intentional, calculated, relentless, and ultimately, successful. 'She enticed Mr Ammel with lavish trips and concerts, an exorbitant salary for his services and psychedelic drugs. Her conduct evidenced a complete disregard for the Ammel's marriage as well as the family as a whole. 'Heather simply seeks to hold Ms. Sinema accountable for her destructive behavior.' A member of an Afghan trafficking gang that smuggled young boys into the UK on small boats before raping and blackmailing them with the footage has been kicked out of the country. Zeeshan Banghis - also known as Bangash - and Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai were arrested by National Crime Agency extradition officers in December 2024 after a Belgian judge jailed them in their absence. Banghis, 21, was sentenced to three years in jail in November 2024 and will now be extradited to Belgium to serve his sentence following a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Ahmedzai, 24, was jailed for ten years in November 2024 and was extradited to Belgium last June to serve his sentence. Both men were fined 3,000 euros (2,601). The pair of Afghan national's played a part in the gang by helping organise the transport of migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey and the Balkans into western Europe, including France and Belgium. Many would be put on small boats from northern France to the UK, with the gang suspected of transporting thousands of people this way. Other members of the group filmed themselves raping young migrants so they could use the footage to blackmail them into criminality and further sexual abuse. In November 2024, a court in Antwerp convicted and sentenced Banghis and Ahmedzai, along with 21 other gang members, to a total of 170 years imprisonment, with sentences ranging from two to 18 years. Eleven members were tried in their absence, including the two men arrested in the UK. Two gang members were convicted of child sexual abuse and exploitation, and six other members were also sentenced for possession of indecent images of children. Zeeshan Banghis (pictured), 21, was sentenced to three years in jail in November 2024 and will now be extradited to Belgium to serve his sentence following a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai (pictured), 24, was jailed for ten years in November 2024 and was extradited to Belgium last June to serve his sentence Ahmedzai was apprehended by NCA extradition officers in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, on December 30, 2024. Banghis was arrested at an address on New Kent Road, Southwark, on December 18, 2024. NCA investigators have supported the Belgian investigation for around two years, supplying intelligence and evidence to the Belgian Federal Police around suspected members of the network. Officers also worked with Border Force and Immigration Enforcement to identify and conduct safeguarding checks for migrants and victims of the network who had been transported to the UK. Andy Kelly, head of the NCA's National Extradition Unit, said: 'This gang operated across the globe and piled misery on migrants they transported, all for the sake of making a profit. 'Many of these people would have been extremely vulnerable, which makes it all the more shocking that disgraceful sexual offences were committed against some of them. 'Our joint investigation with Belgian law enforcement is another example of international action succeeding against a global threat. 'These extraditions display a very strong message that work to disrupt and dismantle the gangs behind this horrendous trade will never slow down.' Footage from the National Crime Agency (NCA) shows Zeeshan Banghis being arrested Footage from the National Crime Agency (NCA) shows Saifur Ahmedzai being arrested on December 30, 2024, at an address in Hemel Hempstead Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, earlier said: 'This case is nothing short of sickening. 'These men ran extensive illegal smuggling operations and inflicted extreme cruelty on the migrants they smuggled - some of them children - when they were at their most vulnerable. 'I am grateful to the NCA, Border Force and Immigration Enforcement officers, for their hard work and dedication in pursuing these vile criminal gangs, safeguarding victims of exploitation and protecting our borders. 'As part of the Government's Plan for Change to strengthen our borders, we are working ever more closely with international partners to track down dangerous criminal networks like these, disrupt their activities and ensure they face the full force of the law, to protect people and save lives. 'In recent weeks we've agreed landmark new deals with Iraq and Germany, pledging mutual support and co-operation to tackle this shared challenge. 'At the Calais Group meeting with European partners too, we agreed to enhance our joint efforts to end this dangerous trade. 'Through this closer international collaboration, joint work between law enforcement agencies, new legislation, and the 150million cash investment in the Border Security Command, we are making clear we will stop at nothing to protect our borders from people-smuggling gangs.' Donald Trump has expressed grave reservations about the optics for his immigration crackdown after an ICE agent shot dead a protester in Minneapolis last week. Renee Good, 37, was killed during the crackdown that has seen thousands of ICE officers flood the Twin Cities, yanking people from cars and homes while confronting angry activists, demanding they leave. White House aides are privately worried that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's tactics are eroding public support, with prominent conservative voices Joe Rogan and Megyn Kelly criticizing the administration's handling. Trump has even admitted that it 'looks bad' and wants to see ICE agents conducting deportations not fighting with protesters, according to a report from Axios. 'I wouldn't say he's concerned about the policy,' said a top Trump adviser. 'He wants deportations. He wants mass deportations. What he doesn't want is what people are seeing. 'He doesn't like the way it looks. It looks bad, so he's expressed some discomfort at that There's the right way to do this. And this doesn't look like the right way to a lot of people.' Trump has been shown private polling that shows independent, moderate, and minority voters are losing support for the crackdown. Those voters were key to his 2024 victory and will be essential in the 2026 midterms. The internal GOP poll found 60 percent of independents and 58 percent of undecideds believe Trump is 'too focused' on deportations. Donald Trump is said to have privately expressed grave reservations about the optics for his immigration crackdown, while public support has collapsed under his ICE chief Kristi Noem An activist is detained in Minneapolis on Tuesday amid a high police presence in the city Renee Good, 37, was killed during the immigration crackdown that has seen thousands of ICE officers flood the Twin Cities Federal immigration officers confront protesters outside Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on Thursday The survey also found 33 percent believed he is deporting mostly law-abiding people, not criminals. Under Noem, ICE's reputation has tanked with most Americans. CNN and YouGov polling also found that most Americans believe the agency was making cities less safe with their immigration crackdown operations. Meanwhile, ICE is not receiving support from state and local leaders in Minnesota who have called on the public to resist the immigration crackdown. Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey called the situation 'not sustainable.' Federal agents have fired tear gas and flash bangs during nightly street battles, while protesters have launched fireworks back. Governor Tim Walz branded it an 'occupation' and said agents were 'kidnapping people for no reason.' Join the debate Will ICE be reined in now? Agents have yanked people from cars and homes and been confronted by angry bystanders who are demanding that officers pack up and leave Minneapolis Police Department officers face off with protesters during an anti-ICE protest outside of the Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, on Thursday 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 Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche accused Frey and Walz of inciting an 'insurrection.' 'It's disgusting. Walz and Frey - I'm focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It's a promise,' Blanche wrote on X last night. Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy US troops to Minneapolis to allow deportations to continue. Brendan Banfield on Trial: Listen to The Trial USA wherever you get your podcasts A former IRS agent accused of murdering his wife to cover up an affair with the family nanny moved his mistress into his marital bed shortly after the killing. Brendan Banfield, 39, is on trial for the February 2023 killings of his wife, Christine Banfield, and a stranger, Joseph Ryan, at his home in northern Virginia. He allegedly stabbed Christine, 37, to death in their bed as part of a twisted plot to be with his 25-year-old Brazilian au pair Juliana Peres Magalhaes. A fake sex profile was created behind Christine's back claiming she wanted to experience a rape fantasy. Ryan responded and was also killed by Banfield as part of an elaborate scheme to be with Magalhaes, prosecutors say. Magalhaes was sleeping in the bed Christine had shared with her husband eight months after the murders, Fairfax County Sgt. Kenner Fortner told Banfield's trial on Thursday. Fortner first entered the residence in February 2023 as part of the investigation into the murders and photographed the home, including both the primary and Magalhaes's bedrooms, Fox News reported. When he visited the home again eight months later, 'red, lingerie-style clothing items' and a yellow t-shirt with green trim that had previously hung in the au pair's closet had been moved to the master bedroom, he testified. 'They had gotten new flooring, new bedroom furniture,' Fortner said, noting how photographs that once featured the Banfields had been 'taken down and replaced with Brendan and Juliana together.' Banfield is charged with aggravated murder in the killings Christine and Ryan, 39. He has pleaded not guilty and could face life in prison if convicted. The former IRS agent, 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. Brendan Banfield (right) moved his 25-year-old Brazilian au pair Juliana Peres Magalhaes (left) into his marital bed sometime in the eight months after the pair killed his wife, jurors heard Christine Banfield was found stabbed to death in her bedroom on February 24, 2023 Banfield and Magalhaes allegedly tried to frame Joseph Ryan for Christine's murder after creating a fake account for Christine on a BDSM site and made plans to have 'rough sex' with Ryan before they were both killed Investigators took this photograph of the marital bedroom during a visit to the home eight months after the February 2023 killings, highlighting how the frame on the nightstand now featured a photo of Banfield and Magalhaes The lead crime scene detective assigned to the case also told the court Thursday how he found the murder weapons in the master bedroom. 'The knife was found underneath the blankets, between the edge of the blanket in the bed,' Det. Terry Leach said. '[The] only thing we could see when we arrived was the handle. And the knife was on its backside so it's blade up and then the handle is towards the bed.' Investigators also found two handguns in the room, which Leach said he later determined had been moved from their original locations after first responders arrived on scene and tried to save Ryan's life. The bodies of both Ryan and Christine were found in the bedroom. Earlier this week, Magalhaes testified that Banfield did not feel he could just leave his wife and that they hatched a plan to 'get rid' of Christine so they could be together. The nanny claimed Banfield told her that he couldn't split from his wife because she would end up having more money than he would, in addition to not being good for their child. 'Money was involved,' Magalhaes said Tuesday in Fairfax County Court. She added that Banfield had no plans to share custody of his young daughter with Christine. Magalhaes shared how she and Banfield lured Ryan to the house using a BDSM site. The two then shot him, staging the scene to look as if Ryan had been a predator stabbing Banfield. When Sgt. Kenner Fortner first visited the residence in February 2023, he photographed all rooms, including the au pair's. In her closet hung 'red, lingerie-style clothing items' and a yellow t-shirt with green trim Those very clothing items were seen hanging in the closet of the master bedroom during Fortner's visit to the home eight months later, the detective told the court Photographs in the bedroom that once featured the Banfields had been 'taken down and replaced with Brendan and Juliana together,' the investigator testified The lead crime scene detective assigned to the case also told the court Thursday how he found the murder weapons in the master bedroom. The knife used to stab Christine Banfield to death had been tucked into the bed Investigators also found two handguns in the master bedroom, which Leach said he later determined had been moved from their original locations '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. Magalhaes testified that she and Banfield had created an account in Christine'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. In her testimony, she described Banfield's plan to kill his wife and spend the rest of his days with Magalhaes. She testified to the months he had spent plotting their scheme, and the steps he took to manufacture their alibis. 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 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. The defense attorney repeatedly pressed her on specific messages sent on the social media account in Christine's name. Magalhaes, seemingly annoyed, repeatedly testified that she had been unsure who had sent what. At one point, she told Carroll: 'I am not going to do this.' Nanny Juliana Peres Magalhaes, 25, testified on Tuesday in Fairfax County court explaining the reasoning behind Brendan Banfield's alleged twisted plot 'to get rid of her (his wife)' Banfield also faces child abuse and neglect charges because his 4-year-old daughter was at home when the murders occurred Carroll also asked Magalhaes to read portions from letters she had written from jail to Banfield and others. They expressed depression and frustration with her situation. 'No strength. No courage. No hope,' she wrote at one point. 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 occasionally glanced up as ex-lover 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. The owner of a fox sanctuary has been ordered to get rid of his furry friends after a neighbour complained about the noise and smell caused by him housing the animals at his home. Steve Mason, 68, who runs the Second Chance Fox Sanctuary in Baddesley, Hampshire, was issued a notice ordering him to remove the foxes from his home and to not keep the animals in future. But the animal-lover has disputed claims of disruptive noise from the animals in his care, claiming that any sounds came from wild foxes nearby. It is the second time Mr Mason has faced opposition in his bid to look after the species, as the sanctuary previously had to be relocated when its previous landowner asked them to leave its former base. He occasionally brings foxes to his home when they require intensive round-the-clock care that cannot be provided at the sanctuary. He is currently keeping two foxes named Henderson and Fenton at his property to ensure they get the treatment they need. Mr Mason said Test Valley Borough Council issued the notice ahead of issuing a Community Protection Notice (CPN), following a complaint from a neighbour, who says the foxes were noisy and causing unpleasant smells. The warning also states that he must not keep foxes at the property again. Steve Mason, 68, who runs the Second Chance Fox Sanctuary in Baddesley, Hampshire, was issued a notice ordering him to remove the foxes from his home and to not keep the animals in future The sanctuary is currently caring for eight foxes, and Mr Mason has taken two of them, who require intensive care, to his property Mr Mason said: 'It is so wrong for the council to be doing what they're doing. 'If they stop me bringing a fox into my property, I won't be able to treat them at all. 'That would mean I'd have to find another rescue centre to take them to, and in many cases that just isn't possible. The foxes would suffer because of it, and that's not fair.' Henderson suffers from an illness called toxoplasmosis, which Mr Mason likened to Alzheimer's disease in humans. He said Henderson needs daily bathing, antibiotics and close monitoring, which he says is 'physically impossible' to provide at the sanctuary. Mr Mason said: 'He spends most of the day in the house with me. He's a very clean fox and incapable of making noise because of his condition.' Mr Mason is also caring for a fox called Fenton, who was formerly kept as a pet by a man in London. He said Fenton spent five years around humans and had never interacted with other foxes, meaning he now needs to be slowly and carefully acclimatised with the other animals in his care. He added: 'If the CPN order was successful then any future foxes from the sanctuary needing treatment would not be able to be treated here and would suffer greatly because of this.' Mr Mason said both foxes are making steady progress and he plans to have them back in the sanctuary and out of his home within a fortnight. He also disputed claims that his property exuded any smell or noise, insisting that the enclosures were cleaned every day. He also said that Fenton was a very quiet animal. The Second Chance Fox Sanctuary was first set up in 2023 but faced closure last year after Mr Mason was asked to relocate. A petition was set up which received more than 2,000 signatures and a new location for the charity was ultimately found at Ampfield Riding Stables. The sanctuary is currently caring for eight foxes in total, and has seven dedicated volunteers which assist with the day-to-day operations. A housekeeper who was found dead with stab wounds to her neck in a quiet Hampshire village has been pictured. Gilly Livie, 68, was found in her pretty thatched cottage in the quiet village of Cheriton just after 10.30am on January 9. Police officers and an air ambulance rushed to the property but sadly Mrs Livie was pronounced dead at the scene. A 39-year-old man, who was known to the beloved grandmother, was also taken to hospital with what were thought to be life-threatening injuries to his leg and neck. He now remains in a stable condition in hospital. Detectives from Hampshire Police have since launched a murder probe while a cordon remains in place at the home a week on from the incident, with forensic officers going in and out of the property today. Police have said they are looking for no one else in connection to the incident but are trying to establish the exact circumstances. The force has also referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) as police officers had attended the home prior to the fatal incident. Hampshire Constabulary confirmed today that no arrests have yet been made in the case. Gilly Livie, 68, was found in her pretty thatched cottage in the quiet village of Cheriton just after 10.30am on January 9 Police have launched a murder investigation after Mrs Livie was found at a property in Cheriton, but no arrests have yet been made A 39-year-old man was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the incident, and police are not looking for anyone else One woman who had known Gillie for a decade told the Daily Mail: 'Gillie has chickens, free range chickens, and I used to get my eggs from her. She was a lovely woman. 'She was very friendly. I knew her just a little bit but it is just devastating. It's so awful. She was very gentle, very kind. 'The whole village is shocked. Everyone here is so friendly and you know you could stop anyone in this village if you needed to talk to someone about anything. So we are very lucky. 'It is a life cut short in the most horrendous fashion.' She added: 'I had been talking to a friend outside my house when it had happened and we didn't know what had happened but we saw police cars going through, then we saw a police helicopter and then there were sirens. 'I presumed it was a road accident, somewhere in the village and I thought someone was not having a very good day and did not think much more of it until we heard the awful news about Gilly.' She added that her sons would regularly visit Mrs Livie at her house along with her grandchildren. Other neighbours told how Mrs Livie was a keen runner who was 'involved in the community'. Mrs Levie was a beloved grandmother and a keen runner, who kept chickens at her Hampshire home 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 Another neighbour added: 'I didn't know her particularly well but the few times I met her she was really lovely. She has the house with the gnomes and the chickens which is always so colourful and beautiful. 'We heard all the sirens and saw the helicopter but we just thought someone I had a medical emergency - which I guess isn't totally inaccurate.' Fellow villager David Pain added: 'I didn't know her or the family but I was here on Friday and I heard the sirens and saw the air ambulance land in the nearby field.' Tributes have poured in online after Mrs Livie's son shared a photograph of her on social media. One wrote: 'Gilly was such a wonderful lady. This is heartbreaking for all involved. So much love to all affected.' Another added: 'Gilly was a beautiful soul, generous and kind with a wonderful hug.' A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabularly said: '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. A post-mortem has been carried out and confirmed Gilly died as a result of a stab wound to the neck. '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. 'An investigation was launched and detectives have been working to establish the exact circumstances of what took place.' 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. Ministers are trying to quell fears over Nigel Farage's vow to unveil a Labour defector next week. Reform have paraded two switchers from the Tories in recent days first former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and then ex-leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick. But Mr Farage used a press conference alongside Mr Jenrick last night to pledge that a 'well-known' addition from Labour will be named on Tuesday. He would not be drawn further but said the announcement will be 'marvellous fun'. A significant figure joining Reform would cause more damage to Keir Starmer, who has been desperately trying to get his government back on track amid apocalyptic polls. But Chancellor Rachel Reeves was dismissive when asked about the prospect on a visit to County Durham. A significant Labour figure joining Reform would cause more damage to Keir Starmer (pictured) Mr Farage used a press conference alongside Mr Jenrick last night to pledge that a 'well-known' addition from Labour will be named on Tuesday 'Nigel Farage says a lot of things and I think we should all take those with a pinch of salt,' she told ITV Tyne Tees. In a round of interviews this morning, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said he was 'not worried'. 'I'm not worried, and I don't know if that will happen,' he told Times Radio. Blue Labour peer Lord Glasman and veteran MP Graham Stringer are among the names subject to fevered speculation. Mr Stringer denied it is him. 'I've been in the party a long time and I'm staying,' he said. Lord Glasman is also believed to have ruled out defecting. Baroness Hoey a Brexiteer ally of Mr Farage who was a Labour minister but now sits as an independent has also been mooted. That would not technically be regarded as a defection. But one cynical Labour source said: 'Has Farage ever pre-trailed a decent defection?' Join the debate Do you see a Labour MP defecting to Reform? Maria Corina Machado played her trump card in Washington this week surrendering her most prized possession to the President of the United States. In what diplomats describe as a bizarre diplomatic play at the White House, the Venezuelan opposition leader physically handed over her Nobel Peace Prize medal, seen beaming ear-to-ear in a photograph. While the gleeful commander-in-chief called it a 'wonderful gesture of mutual respect,' diplomats saw it as an act of desperation. While Trump was fine taking a date with Machado, his current strategy is married to Delcy Rodriguez, the current leader of Venezuela who served as Nicolas Maduro's vice president. One diplomat described Machado as Trumps side-piece. He isnt looking for a long-term relationship with her, a diplomat explained. Machado's play was straightforward, if overly fawning: Heap a treasured prize on Trump to curry favor and force him to rethink his choices on her turmoil-ridden nation. But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that the meeting did not change his realistic assessment that she does not have the country's support to lead in the interim. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado played her trump card on Thursday, surrendering her most prized possession to the President in the Oval Office A close source claims her goal was not to sway Donald Trump but to gain more visibility Despite the visit's high profile, the mood behind closed doors was reportedly far less welcoming In fact, despite the high profile visit, the mood behind closed doors was far less welcoming. A White House insider familiar with the meeting told the Daily Mail: The President appreciates the gesture of the prize, but his opinion of her leadership in Venezuela has not changed, and likely wont change moving forward. Brian Naranjo, a diplomat who spent seven years at the embassy in Caracas and worked in the West Wing during the Bush administration, said that Trump 'demonstrated zero respect for Machado' by the way he hosted her. '[He] had her come in through the employee entrance, denied her press coverage in the Oval Office he daily uses as a public stage and then damned her with faint praise while purloining her Nobel Prize medal, Naranjo told the Daily Mail. Insiders from Machado's camp suggest this was a strategic move rather than a charm offensive. A close source claims her goal was not to sway the President but to gain more visibility. She wanted to go in there and advocate for the political prisoners and the democratic transition,' the source said. The face-to-face sit-down lasted just over an hour, marking the very first time the pair have met in person. But after the lukewarm reception at the White House, Machado headed to Capitol Hill for a warmer welcome. The bold play to win over the President came after he had already poured cold water on her ambitions, flatly dismissing the prospect of installing her to replace Nicolas Maduro But after the lukewarm reception at the White House, Machado headed to Capitol Hill for a warmer welcome There, she huddled with more than a dozen senators from both sides of the aisle, finding a far more ardent audience among lawmakers than she did in the West Wing. Despite concerns about her ties to the Maduro regime, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy described Rodriguez, the country's interim president, as a 'smooth operator' who is gaining a foothold in the country due to Trumps support. I hope elections happen, but Im skeptical, Murphy explained. Senator Rick Scott, posting a video of the two of them on X, explaining that they had a very positive meeting, throwing his support publicly behind her. But the US Senate cannot install Machado as the leader of Venezuela and the White House has indicated little interest in elevating her. Machado was formally blocked from even appearing on the ballot in Venezuelas 2024 presidential election after a Maduro-stacked court banned her. While she was forced to the sidelines, Machado threw her weight behind opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez, yet Maduro claimed the win for himself and clung to power- until his eventual fall. 'The challenge for Machado is to see where goodwill gets her. It's still not clear what role she will play in the transition,' diplomat Brett Bruen said, summing up the meeting. 'She needs to push Trump to get her a meaningful ministry in the government.' Donald Trump has warned the US may pull out of NATO if America's allies don't agree to its acquisition of Greenland. 'Will you pull out of NATO if it doesn't help you acquire Greenland,' a reporter asked the president outside the White House on Friday. Trump warned: 'We're going to see. NATO has been dealing with us on Greenland, we need Greenland for national security very badly. If we don't have it we have a very big hole in terms of national security, especially in terms of the Golden Dome.' The Golden Dome is a proposed multi-layer missile defense system which the president says is reliant on seizing control of Denmark's Arctic territory. Trump earlier threatened to impose tariffs 'on countries that don't go along with Greenland' as he escalated his pressure campaign. Britain, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden announced yesterday the deployment of small numbers of troops to Greenland in response to Trump's bellicose rhetoric. A bipartisan congressional delegation arrived for talks in Copenhagen on Friday, aimed at shoring up support for America's NATO ally. The 11 congressmen and women were to hold talks with Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to promote investment in rural health care in the East Room of the White House, Friday British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper with Norwegian foreign minister Barth Eide arrive for drills in Norway on Thursday as NATO puts on a brave face amid Trump's threats Aaja Chemnitz, Senator Chris Coons and Christian Friis Bach at Christiansborg on January 16, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark Your browser does not support iframes. 'We are showing bipartisan solidarity with the people of this country and with Greenland. They've been our friends and allies for decades,' Democratic Senator Dick Durbin told reporters. 'We want them to know we appreciate that very much. And the statements being made by the president do not reflect what the American people feel.' The delegation's visit follows a meeting in Washington on Wednesday at which Danish representatives said they are in 'fundamental disagreement' with Trump over Greenland. In Greenland's capital Nuuk, residents welcomed the show of support. 'Congress would never approve of a military action in Greenland. It's just one idiot speaking,' a 39-year-old union representative said. 'If he does it, he'll get impeached or kicked out. If people in Congress want to save their own democracy, they have to step up,' said the union rep, speaking on condition of anonymity. Trump claims the United States needs mineral-rich Greenland and has criticized Denmark for, he says, not doing enough to ensure its security. The president has pursued that argument, despite strategically located Greenland - as part of Denmark - being covered by NATO's security umbrella. Military personnel were more visible in Nuuk on Friday, days after Denmark said it was beefing up its defense on the island. '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,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a briefing. Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen retorted that a US acquisition of Greenland was 'out of the question'. A Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules for is parked on the tarmac at Nuuk international airport on January 15, 2026 in Greenland, the day after it arrived transporting Danish military personnel Your browser does not support iframes. The European troop deployment in Greenland for a military exercise is aimed at 'sending a signal' to 'everyone', including the United States, that European countries are determined to 'defend (their) sovereignty', French armed forces minister Alice Rufo said. '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,' French president Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday. Large demonstrations are planned across Denmark and Greenland on Saturday to protest against Trump's territorial ambitions. Thousands of people have taken to social networks to say they intend to take part in the protests organized by Greenlandic associations in Nuuk and Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg and Odense. In addition to Durbin, the US delegation included Democratic senators Chris Coons, Jeanne Shaheen and Peter Welch, as well as Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis. Democrats from the House of Representatives in the delegation are Madeleine Dean, Steny Hoyer, Sara Jacobs, Sarah McBride and Gregory Meeks. A body has been found in the search for a missing teenage girl who was swept out to sea two weeks ago alongside her mother and a hero upstander. Grace Keeling, 15, is understood to have fallen into the water at Withernsea, on the East Yorkshire coast, on January 2 after being hit by a wave. Her mother, 45-year-old Sarah Keeling, and passer-by Mark Ratcliffe, 67, died after bravely wading into the sea in a desperate bid to save her. While the bodies of the two adults were found shortly after the tragedy, emergency services have been searching for Grace for the past two weeks. Humberside Police said emergency services tried to retrieve a body, which was found among the rocks on the beach on Thursday morning, but were unsuccessful due to tide times and other conditions. Grace's family have been informed by specialist officers, who asked people to 'refrain from speculation' and 'respect their privacy'. Emergency services have cordoned off part of Holmpton Road and remain at the scene. Detective Superintendent Simon Vickers said yesterday's discovery followed 13 days of 'extensive searches'. Sarah Keeling, 45, is pictured with her 15-year-old daughter Grace Keeling Hero bystander Mark Ratcliffe, 67, (pictured) lost his life after trying to save Grace from the water 'Officers and specialist teams have been working to explore every possible option in very complex circumstances to delicately recover the body,' he added. 'Due to tide times, conditions and the location, the recovery could not be immediately carried out and has therefore been paused until it is safe to resume.' East Yorkshire area coroner Lorraine Harris previously told Mrs Keeling's inquest that her primary cause of death was drowning, contributed to by head and neck injuries. Ms Harris said Mrs Keeling was a married woman who was born in Germany, lived in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, and worked in international sales. The coroner said Mr Ratcliffe's primary cause of death was drowning, with chest injuries a contributory factor. She said Mr Ratcliffe was born in Bradford, lived in Withernsea and was a retired warehouse manager. Each inquest opening took about two minutes at Hull Coroners' Court and no family members were present. Ms Harris adjourned both hearings to a date to be fixed. Humberside Police previously said officers were called to the incident at Central Promenade in Withernsea at 3.15pm on January 2. Coastguards and Humberside Fire and Rescue staff continue the search on Saturday, January 3 Last week, the force said that - after trawling through CCTV and speaking to multiple witnesses - it is understood that Grace and a friend were on the steps near the rocks when she is 'believed to have fallen into the water after being swept by a wave'. Mrs Keeling and three other members of the public, including Mr Ratcliffe, immediately entered the water in an effort to save her. Police said officers were deployed along with coastguards, ambulance and fire service resources. Mr Ratcliffe was recovered unconscious from the water during initial searches. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later, the force said. Mrs Keeling's body was then found by the coastguard the same evening. Two other men, who also entered the water in an attempt to assist with the rescue, managed to exit safely, the force said. Mr Ratcliffe's family paid tribute to him, saying he was a 'true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others'. A disgraced nurse caught sexually assaulting her 15 year-old stepson by her husband has had her nursing license revoked and is getting a divorce. Alexis Von Yates, 35, was jailed in September after pleading no contest to a charge of lewd and lascivious battery. The mother of two was stripped of her nursing license last month after an October hearing between the state Board of Nursing and her attorney, Ocala News reported. Florida health officials had originally issued an order of suspension against her last April, saying at the time her behavior fell below agreed standards of good moral character. After finishing his shift as a lineman in July 2024, Von Yates's husband, Frank, walked in on his wife sexually assaulting his son. Last month, Marion County court records showed that he had filed for divorce, according to Ocala News. Von Yates was arrested and charged with sexual battery of a minor in November 2024. She originally pleaded not guilty, before accepting a plea deal last August. She was sentenced to two years in prison on a reduced charge, with two years of community control and ten years of sex offender probation. She must also sign the sex offenders' registry. The boy described in graphic detail to police how he and Von Yates had sex after spending an evening vaping cannabis oil before watching a movie while his father was at work. Alexis Von Yates, a former nurse, is in jail after she was caught having sex with her stepson The 35-year-old with her ex-husband Frank Yates, who has since filed for divorce Von Yates later confessed to Frank that the teenager reminded her of him, a police report said. She also claimed the victim's penis looked like a more youthful version of her husband's. She accepted a plea deal in August last year The teenager had been in Ocala spending time with his father, step-mother and younger siblings at the time of the assault. He told investigators that the pair heard the garage door open while they were having sex. But the child said they did not stop, with Frank then walking in and shouting, 'What the f**k' is going on?' His father was then said to have begun throwing objects, before branding Von Yates a 'c***' and a 'child predator.' The boy, who told police he was a virgin at the time, claimed she made a joke about him watching 'step-mom pornos' and her sexual appetite the week before the attack. On the night of the assault, she started telling the teenager 'how horny' she was after not having sex for two weeks because she had been on her period. The boy described in detail how Von Yates started kissing his neck, saying: 'I wish you were 18, because you're not old enough.' Von Yates then took off her underwear before engaging in oral sex and intercourse without the use of a condom, the teenager said. Von Yates told the teenager 'how horny' she was after not having sex for two weeks because she had been on her period Wearing a full face of makeup with a high neck black top, Von Yates appeared stony-faced as she refused to make any comment to the court during her sentencing As his father walked in, the teenager told investigators he ran to the bathroom with his pants around his ankles. The Daily Mail revealed in October that Von Yates and Frank had split. The two wed in November 2017 in Lake Kerr, Marion County, according to a marriage record seen by the Daily Mail, and had two children. At her sentencing, Von Yates appeared in a full face of makeup and remained stony-faced as she refused to make any comment to the court. In a statement to the court, the mother of the boy described what happened to her son as making her 'ill' and derided Von Yates a 'coward'. She said: 'You systemically manipulated, groomed, and sexually abused a child. Through your actions, and through your conduct since you have proven to be a coward. 'There is nowhere you can go to escape the truth. For the rest of your life the world will see you for exactly what you are. 'An incestuous pedophile who will forever only be remembered for what she took from a child.' The Daily Mail has approached the Florida Department of Health for comment. An 'infatuated' prison worker who sent photographs of herself in underwear and sexually motivated positions to an inmate was today (Fri) jailed for 12 months. A judge heard Nikki Croft even had a pillowcase which bore an image of the prisoner, and provided him with eleven mobile phone SIM cards which were later used thousands of times. The 51-year-old pleaded guilty to having an inappropriate relationship with the prisoner, who she referred to by the initials LZ, while serving at HMP Morton Hall, near Lincoln. A court heard Croft received anti-corruption and professional standards training after she began working at the Category C men's jail in July 2022. Declan Austin, prosecuting, said Croft was employed as a civilian inclusion support coordinator to help inmates with learning difficulties. But Mr Austin told the court: 'She became infatuated with him (LZ) and accepts she started speaking to him in December 2022 into January 2023.' Lincoln Crown Court heard rumours began to circulate within the prison about an inappropriate relationship and Croft was invited to a 'challenge meeting' on 22 February 2023 but denied any wrongdoing. Croft had her suspension removed and resumed working at the jail in April 2023 after the investigation proved inclusive, but suspicions were again raised after she continued to stay in contact with LZ. Nikki Croft continued an inappropriate relationship with the inmate even after she was suspected, the court heard The civilian inclusion support coordinator sent photographs of herself in 'sexually motivated positions', the judge was told 'She sent photographs of herself to him who by this time was at HMP Lincoln, and were subsequently found in his cell,' Mr Austin explained. 'They were photos of her in sexually motivated positions, in underwear.' Another photograph showed Croft with a ring baring the initials LZ. Investigations revealed phone contact between the pair and a message from Croft which read 'sick of white men.' Forensic examination of the SIM cards showed one had been used 9,477 times by inmates. Croft's conduct left her vulnerable to blackmail and corruption for which she had received training, Recorder Luke Blackburn said Croft, whose address cannot be disclosed because of a court order, admitted two charges of misconduct in public office. Neil Sands, mitigating, asked the court to consider why a woman of 'adult years' had succumbed to an inmate. 'It is clear in this case there was an infatuation,' Mr Sands acknowledged. Mr Sands suggested the reason lay in Croft's previous relationships which left her extremely vulnerable. But passing sentence Recorder Luke Blackburn said he was unable to pass a suspended sentence on Croft because her conduct had left her vulnerable to blackmail and corruption for which she had received training. The judge said: 'You formed a relationship with a prisoner, you became infatuated with him, so much so you sent him pictures and had a pillow at your home with a picture of him. 'The risks of that are obvious to anyone. 'You provided images of yourself in underwear to him, and provided him with eleven SIM cards. 'You continued an inappropriate relationship with him even after you were suspected.' Plans to house 70 asylum seekers next to a medical centre in the heart of a Welsh village have sparked uproar. Police officers kept watch and patrolled Rhosllanerchrugog, near Wrexham, today as around 500 locals queued for the packed public meeting. In the end so many people arrived that the event had to be held outdoors. Many say the former sheltered housing should instead be used by the under-pressure NHS to relieve bed-blocking in hospitals. They also fear that if the proposal goes ahead, it could house single men about whose backgrounds they know nothing, leaving them feeling unsafe in their own homes. The plan is part of efforts to disperse asylum seekers from hotels and private landlords to new or refurbished properties amid fury over the multi-billion pound accommodation bill. Earlier this month 1,000 residents took to the streets to protest against plans to house hundreds of migrants in a Sussex town's former army barracks. Following an outcry in the former colliery village - known by locals as Rhos - a hand-made banner draped on a fence reads: 'Keep our kids safe.' One worried local, Eric Evans, 85, said: 'I'm glad so many people turned up. 'It's completely out of order and should never have been suggested. Around 500 worried locals turned up for a public meeting over plans to accommodate asylum seekers at a former sheltered housing complex in Rhosllanerchrugog, near Wrexham Police monitored crowds arriving to raise concerns about the proposed new use for the Plas yn Rhos complex 'It's the wrong place. The building should be used for something else, help the hospital, ease bed-blocking. 'It's a safety fear mainly.' Mother-of-one Kate Hughes, 31, who is expecting her second child, said: 'I'm not happy about it. 'Unfortunately we live directly opposite, we would be overlooking the facility. I wouldn't feel safe in my own home. 'Our people are struggling, the NHS is in crisis and a facility like that would be amazing to have as a rehabilitation unit. 'I'm absolutely opposed.' Mandy Gascoygne, 54, said: 'We don't know anything about these people. There are no checks on them. 'We are only a small village. This is the wrong place. Locals say the empty Plas Yn Rhos site (pictured) is 'the wrong place' to house asylum seekers and it should instead be used to relieve pressure on the NHS So many people wanted to attend the public meeting at Hafod Colliery Club that it was eventually moved outdoors 'We would be worrying about children's safety.' Today's packed meeting was scheduled for Hafod Colliery Club in the former colliery village, which has a population of about 10,000. Wrexham councillor Paul Pemberton said: 'They have to go somewhere but this is the wrong place. 'The public response has been 99 per cent opposed to it. People are more than deeply worried. 'Nobody knows who would come.' The Plas yn Rhos complex is a former local authority sheltered housing facility which closed in 2016. Wrexham council said: 'The Home Office proposals are for 35 units for families of up to two people per unit. 'We are planning to submit a response objecting to the proposal. 'The council has been consulted by the Home Office in relation to the property on two previous occasions, and both times has strongly opposed the proposed use.' But Wrexham's Labour MP Andrew Ranger said the proposal was being led by private asylum accommodation provider Clearsprings Ready Homes. Locals have erected banners expressing their concerns over plans to house 70 migrants in the village Plas yn Rhos (pictured) is a former local authority sheltered housing facility which closed in 2016 '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,' he said. '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.' Clearsprings Ready Homes was approached for comment. Official figures show there are 36,000 asylum seekers in hotels and around 71,000 in 'dispersal' accommodation in the private rented sector. The cost of the contracts awarded to Serco, Clearsprings and Mears has tripled from 4.5billion to 15.3billion, according to figures from the National Audit Office. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels. 'This Government will close every asylum hotel. 'Work is well underway to move asylum seekers into more suitable accommodation such as military bases, to ease pressure on communities across the country. 'We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and across Government so that we can accelerate delivery.' No more top Tories will join Reform, Kemi Badenoch has predicted as she blasted Robert Jenrick as a liar who she was glad to be rid of. The Conservative leader claimed her party was stronger and more united after she dramatically sacked her leadership rival, having discovered he was planning to defect, and thanked Nigel Farage for doing her spring cleaning. She also insisted she would never do a deal with Reform UK despite growing pleas for the two parties to work together so they can together defeat Labour at the next election. Mr Jenrick claimed he was in fact uniting the Right by changing allegiance and denied his move was motivated by personal ambition. But he was warned by Tory grandee Lord Michael Gove that he too may now become best known for his treachery while Reform risks becoming the Slytherin House of British politics. In a round of interviews on Friday as the fallout continued from Thursdays dramatic events, Mrs Badenoch said: Im thrilled because Nigel Farage is doing my spring cleaning for me. The problems are leaving the Conservative party and going to Reform. Asked by Sky News if she was confident that no more members of her Shadow Cabinet would defect, she replied: We are a stronger and more united team because Robert Jenrick is not a team player. I am 100 per cent confident. However she told the Press Association that any others in the party who think that its all a game and want psychodrama should also go. Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch speaks to the media during her trip to Scotland on Friday Mrs Badenoch told GB News: It's quite clear that Robert Jenrick tells a lot of lies, and you can't believe a word that comes out of his mouth. This is a man who was asked yesterday morning if he was going to defect. And he said "never". But we found evidence of speeches he was going to give. She told The Times that he was like someone wanting to be the priest of a church and not getting the job so going off to the mosque next door and saying, Im going to be an imam now. Asked by reporters if her party would go into the next general election alone, she replied: Yes. How do you do a deal with liars? In an interview with the BBC, Mr Jenrick was also told that a fight on the Right will only split the vote and allow Labour to remain in power. But he insisted: This is uniting the Right. If you want to get rid of this Labour Government and have a strong reforming government to fix the country, there's frankly only one way to do that. That is to vote for Nigel, to rally behind him and Reform. Mr Jenrick said he had put long-standing party allegiance to one side and put personal ambition to one side to put the country first. However former Cabinet minister Lord Gove, infamous for turning against his Brexit ally Boris Johnson, told Radio 4: The overall impression that will have been generated is that he was caught mid-plot. And he said there was a danger that Reform, now home to more than 20 former Tory MPs, now looks more like Slytherin house than a fresh force in politics. Ex-Tory Robert Jenrick arriving at Reform UK's headquarters in London on Friday. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch sarcastically thanked Nigel Farage for doing her spring cleaning following Mr Jenrick's defection to Reform UK Meanwhile more Tories echoed the plea by Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg for their party to form an electoral pact with Reform UK to stop Labour remaining in power. Sir John Hayes MP, a close friend of Mr Jenrick, said: I do think there will come a point where we have to do that, to ensure we dont have a perpetual left-of-centre government. Tory peer Lord Jackson of Peterborough said: Both parties have to consider the alternative to them not working together, which is a discredited Labour rump supported by the Liberal Democrats and Greens that would be a catastrophic outcome for our country. Former Tory MP Nick Fletcher said of the defection: The more this happens, the more the Right is going to be split, sadly, and the Labour party will end up winning again. I think it will continue for the next 18 months but as we get closer to the general election, maybe something will have to give. Families of victims of the Hillsborough disaster have said they can no longer support the Hillsborough Bill after it was significantly watered down by the Government, in an embarrassing blow to the Prime Minister. Campaigners and families have said they are exhausted after the Government carved out an exemption for spooks in the draft legislation rendering it unsupportable in their eyes. Charlotte Hennessy, whose father James was unlawfully killed at Hillsborough, was one of a number of Hillsborough Law campaigners to meet with Sir Keir on Wednesday this week for crisis talks over the passage of the Bill. However, Sir Keir failed to address concerns raised in the crunch talks, those who attended have said. We are exhausted, all of us, said Ms Hennessy. There is a lot on the line, the reputation of the Prime Minister and his Government. She added: I did say to him that I feel that if we couldn't come to an agreement in the 48 hours after the meeting until Friday to look at this amendment again. That is the crucial stage we are at now. But she warned: I cannot back that amendment and I won't be forced into backing it, as much as I appreciate the hard work put in by everyone, we won't back down as a collective group on this and the Prime Minister knows that. 'He knows he only has until Friday, I told him that. Keir Starmer at Labour Party conference last year with Margaret Aspinall, whose son James, 18, was one of the 97 people killed in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster Charlotte Hennessy, whose father James was unlawfully killed at Hillsborough, was one of a number of Hillsborough Law campaigners to meet with Sir Keir on Wednesday this week for crisis talks over the passage of the Bill Sir Keir opened his Labour conference speech last year with a pledge to bring a measure of justice to the those affected by the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy by championing the Bill. The legislation will see public officials or organisations that obstruct or mislead investigations potentially facing criminal charges. But Sir Keir has now lost the trust of families and campaigners, who say the changed Bill gives a carte blanche to the intelligence services. Elkan Abrahamson, a lawyer for the Hillsborough Law Now campaign, said the amendments allowed the heads of the security services to make whatever decision they want' on whether to disclose information and rendered them unchallengeable. Caroline Curry, whose son Liam Curry, 19, was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing, said she was devastated at the Governments attempts to weaken the Bill, and felt like she had been misled. We can't bring our children back, they're gone, she said, adding the families only power now was to stand up for other people and try to protect their children. Lisa Rutherford, whose daughter Chloe Rutherford, 17, was also killed, said: All we want is honesty. They have said that they will go away and have another look but we are not hopeful, she added. Families campaigning for the Bill fear spooks will be able to block officers from giving evidence. This comes as officers giving evidence to the Manchester Arena bombing inquiry revealed that MI5 had not been truthful about intelligence it held that may have stopped the bomber from launching his attack, in which 22 people were killed at an Ariana Grande concert. Ms Curry said the Governments Bill is still giving carte blanche to the security services, MI5 and that campaigners could not support it in its current form. Asked yesterday if the families position would compromise national security, No 10 said: There will always be times where protective information cannot be made public, to release it would compromise national security. The Government will not bring forward legislation that will put the national security of the UK or lives at risk. Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne (right) said changing the Bill so fundamentally would cause a huge amount of damage for the PM They added: We want to continue working with families to make the Bill as strong as it can possibly be. This is a hugely important piece of legislation and we want that engagement with families to continue. Sir Keir is also facing a fresh rebellion from Labour MPs over the weakened legislation. Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne said changing the Bill so fundamentally would cause a huge amount of damage for the PM with around 30 MPs now backing the Labour MPs own amendment fully applying the law to security services. You can only imagine what it would do in Liverpool, what it would do in and areas across the country who are invested in this. I didnt even want to countenance that it was possible wed be in this position now. Fellow Liverpool MP Kim Johnson said, This is not the Bill we were promised by the Prime Minister, and insisted on a full duty of candour for every public body. Anneliese Midgley, the Labour MP for Knowsley said that the last 24 hours have been heartbreaking. Promises were made to the Hillsborough families. Even at this eleventh hour, I urge the Government to change course, and to deliver this landmark Bill in full and as promised. MPs also warned that a draft version of the legislation might allow spy agencies to hide serious failures behind a vague claim of national security. MPs had been set to debate the Hillsborough Law on Wednesday, but will now do so on January 19 as the Government considers the concerns raised. Londoners could face an increase in council tax to provide 'crucial funding' to battle phone theft in the capital. Sir Sadiq Khan has proposed raising the average Band D bill by more than 20, meaning the amount of council tax the City Hall receives will exceed 500 per bill for the first time. While London boroughs are responsible for setting rates for the majority of a council tax bill, part of the bill in the Greater London Authority (GLA) is set by the mayor. This is to help London-wide services such as the Transport for London (TfL) and the Met Police, with Sir Sadiq saying he was taking the 'difficult decision' to raise council tax to 'smash the phone theft gang'. The amount of council tax City Hall receives for an average Band D property would increase from 490.38 in to 510.51 in 2026-27, a 4.1pc rise, under the new proposals. The draft budget announced by Sir Sadiq will need to be approved by the London Assembly next month. The Met Police have been struggling to deal with an increase in mobile phone theft across the capital, with recent years seeing a sharp rise. If the plans were approved, City Hall said it would be able to put a record investment of 1.22bn into policing. Sir Sadiq Khanhas proposed raising the average Band D bill by more than 20, meaning the amount of council tax the City Hall receives will exceed 500 per bill for the first time Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. It would see 15 of the council tax increase raising an additional 60m for police, while 5.13 would go towards increased funding for the London Fire Brigade (LFB). Data from the Metropolitan Police released last August showed 116,000 mobile phones were stolen in London last year, or 320 every single day. There were 116,656 reported mobile thefts in 2024 the highest number on record and more than 50 per cent higher than the total in 2017 of just over 77,000. The total was equivalent to 13 phones being stolen every hour and it was 1,300 incidents higher than in the previous 12 months. Despite the number of thefts, only 169 suspects were charged in the year, and seven were let off with a caution. The figures, obtained from the Met under freedom of information laws by campaign group Crush Crime, also showed a further 8,588 handset thefts in January, 2025. The number of phone thefts climbed to 91,000 in 2019 but dipped during lockdowns. It then went on to exceed the pre-Covid total in 2023, with just over 115,000 thefts. A woman can only look on, stunned, after an e-bike rider snatched a phone from her hand on Oxford Street A duo of phone thieves seen on New Bond Street in London - as they snatch a man's phone from his hand as he films '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.' The police data showed 61,000 of victims were female and just under 48,000 were male, with the remainder not recorded. Dr Lawrence Newport, campaign founder, said: We are in the midst of a phone theft epidemic, and our government is failing to act. Our politicians need to wake up to reality: they need to stop this epidemic, and push our justice system to catch, convict and imprison these career criminals. Half of all crime is committed by just 10 per cent of offenders, meaning only a small number of career criminals are committing most phone thefts. Astonishingly, from 2017 to 2024 the total number of mobile phones reported stolen was almost 684,000. They were estimated to have a value of 365million, based on values reported to the police by victims. A worker was walking opposite Hyde Park with a colleague when a brazen thief, wearing all black, mounted the kerb and made off with his phone CCTV shows the builder return into frame shortly after abandoning his chase of the electric vehicle The number of phone thefts climbed to 91,000 in 2019 but dipped during pandemic lockdowns. It then went on to exceed the pre-Covid total in 2023, with just over 115,000 thefts. The type of handset most commonly reported stolen last year was Apple iPhones, with just under 71,000, followed by Samsung phones, with 14,000. Late afternoon and early evening was the time of day when most handset thefts took place. For example, last year saw 8,231 between 4pm and 5pm; 8,806 between 5pm and 6pm; and 8,975 between 6pm and 7pm. The lowest number of thefts was between 6am and 7am, with 1,036 reported in that timeslot during the year. The London borough with the most phones stolen last year was Westminster, with 34,039. Camden came second with 10,907, followed by Southwark with 7,316. A child who was coerced into helping their father murder their mother and then gave evidence suggesting his innocence has told how their 'guilt' will never go away. Remorseless Robert Rhodes, 52, savagely killed his wife Dawn in their family home in 2016 after their marriage crumbled and he found out she was having an affair with a work colleague The 'callous' killer had plotted the murder for months, and duped their child - who was under the age of 10 - into helping him carry out the fatal attack. Rhodes, a carpenter, was arrested for murder that same evening but, with the help of the youngster, was able to spin a web of lies to pretend he had only inflicted the fatal wound to his wife in self-defence. But Rhodes finally faced justice today as he was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 29 years and six months for Dawn's brutal murder. Following his sentencing, the child, whose name, age and sex cannot be reported for legal reasons, made a powerful victim impact statement admitting how their trauma, guilt and shame 'will never go away'. At Friday's sentencing hearing, the child told the judge they have been left with lifelong mental health struggles and a scar on their arm inflicted by their own father. 'While the symptoms can be managed, the traumatic experiences Robert Rhodes put me through will never go away', they said. Remorseless murderer Robert Rhodes refused to attend Inner London Crown Court today - with the court told he 'maintains his innocence' 'The scar Robert Rhodes left me with when he sliced open my forearm will never go away. 'Robert Rhodes' actions and my mental health struggles will forever affect me and impact the rest of my life.' The child recalled the 'heartbreaking and distressing' experience of giving evidence against Rhodes last year, and hit out at their father for 'gaslighting me, parading around as a survivor, while destroying me and my mother'. Speaking bravely through tears, the child added: 'Robert Rhodes lied to me, bribed me, made me feel special in order to manipulate me for his own gain. 'I wish I could stand here and say I've moved on with my life. I wish I could say Robert Rhodes has not taken everything away from me, but I can't. 'On that evening, Robert Rhodes not only murdered my mother but he took my dad from me as well. 'Once this is all over, I can begin to rebuild my life from the ruins I have been left in.' Rhodes refused to attend the sentencing, and judge Mrs Justice Ellenbogen was told he 'maintains his innocence'. Dawn Rhodes was murdered by her estranged husband - though for years he got away with blaming her for her death The judge described this as 'cowardice,' and said his offending was 'wicked' and 'callous'. Prosecutors said Rhodes planned to 'get rid of mummy' by taking advantage of the strained relationship between Dawn and the child. The court heard Rhodes, who had taken cocaine, instructed the youngster to tell Dawn to close her eyes so she could be presented with a painting - the child then darted out of the room, allowing Rhodes to sneak in and slash his estranged wife from behind. Rhodes and his young child then cut each other to make it seem like Dawn was the aggressor. The bloodbath took place at their home in Redhill, Surrey, on June 2 2016. Rhodes told police that his wife had attacked him and their child with a knife, and that he had acted in self-defence. When police attended, they found Dawn lying on the kitchen floor. Her throat had been cut so aggressively that all the structures in her neck had been severed. Rhodes was arrested for murder that evening. During his police interview, he said that he and Dawn had been arguing in the kitchen when she picked up a knife and swung it towards the child, at which point he told the child to go upstairs. Rhodes initially wept in his first interviews with police, butoffered no comment when he was re-arrested over Dawn's death He said he managed to get hold of the knife and that Dawn came at him in a fury. He swung at her with the knife, he said, and made contact with her neck, before he ran upstairs and called the police. Rhodes began to cry as he gave his version of events. When the child was interviewed, they gave an account consistent with the one Rhodes had put forward as to how the injuries they suffered had been inflicted. Rhodes was charged - the child forming a key part of his defence at court. He was acquitted, and, after a year spent remanded in prison waiting for the trial, was a free man. But in November 2021, the child told their therapist that Rhodes had planned Dawn's murder and had manipulated them into being involved in it. Rhodes described it as 'our plan', and then made the child lie about how their mother had died. The acquittal was quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2024, and permission was granted for a retrial for the offence of murder. Rhodes was also charged with child cruelty, perjury and perverting the course of justice. He coldly gave police a succession of 'no-comment' answers. During his trial at Inner London Crown Court last year, 52-year-old Rhodes maintained that he was acting in self-defence and that the child was lying. He had been living with his new fiancee, a woman more than 20 years his junior, in the village of Withleigh in Mid-Devon when he was re-arrested. He later told police: 'I kind of thought this would come back to bite me.' The judge handed Rhodes a term of six years and nine months each for one count each of child cruelty and perverting the course of justice, and terms of four years and three years for two counts of perjury. They will run concurrently with the life sentence, meaning the total jail term was just under 30 years before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board. Rhodes was told the 590 days spent in custody awaiting trial would be deducted from the total, but that he may never be released. Police and prosecutors paid tribute to Dawn's family, and said her name and reputation had been cleared. Libby Clark, senior Crown prosecutor with the CPS, said: 'The new evidence that came from the child witness was profoundly shocking and showed just how much careful planning Robert Rhodes had put into murdering his wife. 'He exploited a young child before the murder, explaining his plan to cover up the truth and make it appear as if Dawn had attacked him, so that he could claim that he acted in self-defence. 'This included Rhodes inflicting injuries on the young child's arm. He continued with his web of lies over the intervening years. 'It is thanks to the immense bravery of the child in coming forward to explain exactly what happened that night that Robert Rhodes has finally been brought to justice for the murder of Dawn, something he mistakenly thought he could get away with. 'None of us can even begin to imagine what Rhodes has put the child through over a period of many years. 'Now though, as a result of their evidence, Dawn can now be remembered by everyone in the right way - as a victim of her violent partner.' Detective chief inspector Kimball Edey, from the Surrey and Sussex Police major crime team, said: 'During the first trial, Dawn was portrayed as the villain but had actually been a victim of domestic abuse and coercive control at the hands of her husband for years. 'The fact that Rhodes not only murdered his wife in cold blood but then manipulated and groomed his own child to play a part in his evil scheme and cover up what he had done is simply despicable. 'Not only did he take a life, he irreparably damaged another, as well as the lives of everyone else who loved Dawn.' As tensions between the United States and Greenland escalate, Daily Mail's US Senior Political Reporter, Katelyn Caralle, breaks down what the US would bring to the table if Trump decides to take command over the country. The President has stated that the United States needs Greenland to combat threats from China, Russia, or other foreign adversaries if they launch attacks in the region Click above to watch the full video. Four schools were placed in lockdown after armed police swooped on a town centre amid a standoff with a man on a roof. Police carrying guns and riot shields descended on Queen Street in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, at 11.52am on Friday. A negotiator and firefighters also rushed to the street, which has been cordoned off, after a man was 'spotted on a roof'. A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson it was an 'isolated incident' with 'no wider risk to the public'. The Holy Trinity Church of England Infant School, Lowe's Wong Infant School and Junior School, and the Minister School were plunged into lockdown early on Friday afternoon. The Minister School returned to normal teaching after an hour, Matthew Parris, chief executive of the Minister Trust said. 'A member of public called in to say about the incident in the town centre around the corner,' he told NottinghamshireLive. 'We brought the children in at that point as a precautionary measure whilst I contacted police to find out what was going on. Police carrying guns and riot shields descended on Queen Street in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, at 11.52am on Friday Four schools in Southwell were closed following reports of a standoff with a man on a roof 'Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of children as soon as we knew it was perfectly safe, they returned to their lessons.' In an email to parents, shortly after 1pm, the school said: 'We are currently not in a lockdown situation, although we understand some primary schools in the local area are.' Marked and unmarked police had cars rushed to the high street following a 'concern for safety' report. Residents and local business owners were told to stay inside as officers dealt with the incident. Workers were then escorted from shops and told to collect their belongings. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said it sent two engines from Newark and Highfields fire station to the street. A Nottinghamshire Police spokesperson said: 'Officers are currently in attendance at Queen Street, Southwell, following a concern for safety report at 11:52 GMT. 'The street remains closed as officers deal with the incident. 'This is an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public.' A budget airline abandoned a massively cramped seating option that had outraged passengers but allowed for six more seats per cabin. Canadian company WestJet announced it would no longer reduce legroom on flights after a viral video showing the uncomfortably tight seats set off widespread backlash. WestJet said it would return to its prior 'standard seat pitch' for economy travelers, putting an end to the cramped option travelers had deemed 'impossible.' That would be achieved by removing one row of seats on the remodeled planes, which will also mean six less spaces for passengers. 'WestJet tried seat pitches that are popular with many airlines around the globe as they serve to provide affordable airfares,' Alexis von Hoensbroech, the airline's chief executive officer, said on Friday. He added: 'At the same time, it is just as important to react quickly if they don't meet the needs of our guests.' The Canadian airline originally planned to finalize its new interiors around mid-February. However, that was pushed up 'to address feedback and provide clarity sooner.' Users online repeatedly showed off WestJet's new seating, which significantly reduced leg space and made flying more uncomfortable WestJet made the tweak by reducing the space between each seat row to 28 inches. The Canadian airline will now reverse that move and remove the extra seats WestJet's new seat configuration was panned by travelers and online users after footage of a flight on the Canadian airline went viral. The footage showed passengers virtually stacked on top of one another, with minimal leg room between their narrow economy seats and the person in front. 'Dad, can you straighten out your legs there?' Amanda Rae was heard saying. The family laughed and told her that was 'impossible.' In the clip from a flight last month, the father was repeatedly seen trying to maneuver into a slightly more comfortable position to no avail. The company has now ditched that setup and will begin reconverting its 180-seat planes into 174-seat layouts. This decision was made to 'align product decisions with the needs of the guest,' according to WestJet. 'It is in this spirit that we will take what we've learned and continue to be cost-disciplined and innovative, while staying true to what our guests and our people expect from us,' von Hoensbroech said. The narrow seats on WestJet's Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800 aircraft were originally achieved by reducing the space between each row by 28 inches. In turn, angry passengers denounced that they could barely stretch or bend their legs. Frustrated WestJet travelers complained online that they could barely move, stretch or bend their legs after their seat space was significantly reduced 'Had to take a . 5 picture as the seat is so close that I couldn't capture it,' a user on X said. 'These newly configured seats are terrible!' Another user on Reddit said that the 'ultra slim-line seats are uncomfortable, and it's definitely a worse guest experience when the flights are full.' Their frustration extended to flight attendants and pilots, who said the new configuration was both unsafe and had led to incessant complaints from travelers. 'It created a hostile working environment for us as cabin personnel,' Alia Hussain, a WestJet flight attendant and union president, told Reuters. She said tall passengers were forced to change their seats as a result of the updated seating. Canada does not have regulations when it comes to dealing with seat rows on planes, although most aircraft maintain a space of about 30 inches. 'The amount of space that you have as a taller Canadian, as a heavier Canadian, these seats are not really designed for you to basically have a very comfortable journey on a WestJet flight,' John Gradek, an aviation management expert at McGill University, told CTV News. Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet's chief executive officer, said it was important for the airline 'to react quickly if they don't meet the needs of our guests' The company's timeline to reconvert its 180-seat planes into 174 seats is still unknown. Transport Canada has to first approve the modification Passengers also were not immediately made aware of whether they would be flying on a new fleet - with the tighter seating - or on an older plane. 'They don't know what the airplane is going to be specifically on the date you're flying,' Gradek said. 'So they can't tell you whether it's going to be 31 inch, 30 inch or 28 inch. Only when you get on the airplane.' WestJet said modifications to its airplanes would begin once the company received an engineering certificate. After that, the airline will remove the extra row of economy seats in a timeline 'still being determined.' Going forward, WestJet will also evaluate about 'other aspects' of their refurbished layout. No specifics were provided. The Canadian company added that it will continue offering modern new interiors and 'enhanced amenities' to keep 'improving the guest experience.' The new seating was first paused in December before being scrapped on Friday. Canada's transportation authority said that aircraft redesigns first had to go through them. A spokesperson for Transport Canada told the Daily Mail: 'Any interior reconfiguration that could affect an aircrafts safety including changes that affect evacuation performance, weight and balance, emergency exits, or approved seating capacity is subject to Transport Canadas certification and approval processes.' The department added that a minimum seat pitch is not specified by Canadian aviation regulations. 'The intent is to ensure the safe evacuation of the aircraft under various conditions,' Transport Canada added. Online commenters and WestJet travelers reacted cautiously to the airline's announcement. 'Okay, but I'm still not convinced they won't just start charging us a carry-on fee for our legs,' a user on X said. Another user added that WestJet made the 'right move,' but that it still needed to win back its customers' trust. 'The message they are no doubt pushing is we listened, but what it looks like is they tried but couldn't get away with it after videos went viral,' he said. A separate commenter called the airline's announcement 'a load of crap.' 'It was all for profit,' the user wrote. Others said they would start considering WestJet as a travel option again. 'Thank goodness! WestJet used to be my 1st choice but now it's my last,' a user said. The Daily Mail has reached out to WestJet for further comment. An Illinois surgeon accused of murdering his ex-wife and her dentist husband used a silencer to shoot them dead while the couple's children were in the house, prosecutors say. Michael McKee, 39, has been accused of killing his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe in their home in Ohio on December 30. He was arrested near Chicago last week after a 10-day manhunt that gripped the nation, and grand jury officially indicted him in Franklin County, Ohio, on Friday. McKee was indicted on four charges of aggravated murder with the use of an automatic firearm with a silencer and one charge of aggravated burglary. He appeared in court in Illinois on Monday where he waived his right to an extradition hearing and is expected to be transported to Ohio in the coming days, WSYX reported. In a press conference Wednesday, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said the alleged killer still had the gun on his person when he was arrested. Bryant said McKee was tracked from the murder scene with surveillance cameras, which led to a vehicle he owned. 'Multiple weapons were taken from the property of McKee, and there is a preliminary link to one of the weapons that ties it to the homicides,' the police chief said. Michael McKee (pictured), 39, indicted on four charges of aggravated murder with the use of an automatic firearm with a silencer and one charge of aggravated burglary McKee has been accused of killing his ex-wife Monique Tepe (right) and her husband Spencer Tepe (left) in their home in Ohio on December 30 'What we can say, this was a targeted attack. This was a domestic violence-related attack, as we know McKee is the ex-husband of Monique Tepe. 'We believe at this point we have the person responsible for the murders of Monique and Spencer Tepe, and that person is Michael McKee.' The couple's bodies were discovered at their $700,000 home. Monique was found shot once in the chest and Spencer suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Their one-year-old son, four-year-old daughter, and dog were discovered unhurt and are in the care of relatives. Cops earlier revealed there was no sign of forced entry and said the supposed murder weapon was missing. They found three 9mm shell casings at the scene and ruled out the deaths as a murder-suicide. McKee was arrested after a 10-day manhunt that captured attention nationwide. Ohio court records obtained by the Daily Mail reveal Columbus Police identified McKee as a suspect after his vehicle was caught on neighborhood video surveillance near the couple's residence. Monique and Spencer were killed ahead of their upcoming anniversary. The couple's two children and dog were found unhurt in the house Eerie surveillance footage shows a hooded figure walking calmly through a snowy alley near the Tepe home during the time the couple were murdered He appeared in court in Illinois on Monday where he waived his right to an extradition hearing and is expected to be transported to Ohio in the coming days McKee, a surgeon in Illinois, married Monique in 2015 but they divorced seven months later. In her complaint for divorce, Monique stated that she and McKee were 'incompatible.' Divorce documents viewed by Daily Mail show proceedings started in May 2017 and were quickly wrapped up by June. The documents reveal he paid for her engagement and wedding rings and listed them as his separate property, stating he paid $2,500 for the engagement ring and $3,500 for the wedding ring. The couples' separation agreement included a requirement that Monique had to pay McKee $1,281.59 back for 'miscellaneous debt', with the added clause that if she did not reimburse him buy July 1, 2018, she would be hit with 23 percent interest. A former FBI agent has suggested that, 'deep-seated resentment and hatred' may have been a factor in the evidently, 'very personal' crime. 'When I look at this case, we knew it was going to be very personal. For somebody to go up into the bedroom and kill these individuals with a gun,' retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer told NewsNation. 'This divorce happened about nine years ago. They were married for such a brief time, only seven months, so that is strange.' The couple were killed ahead of their upcoming anniversary, the timing of which Coffindaffer said could have pushed McKee over the edge. President Donald Trump is preparing to counter Chinese influence in Canada as his 'Donroe Doctrine' for the Western Hemisphere expands beyond Latin America, his former campaign architect Steve Bannon has told the Daily Mail. 'The next big thing is going to be Canada. Canada is the next Ukraine because they can't defend their northern arctic border and China is going to come take a bite,' former White House chief strategist Bannon said. 'They can't defend it and Trump is going to come in hard on Canada.' During his first term, Trump formed an Arctic working group that deepened his understanding of Greenland's geo-strategic importanceand highlighted concerns about Canada's Arctic vulnerabilities. The president has long been concerned about China's actions in the Arctic after they described themselves as a 'near-arctic state' in 2018, former White House officials told the Daily Mail. Canada is also forging closer ties with China, which threatens to upset the existing relationship with the United States. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sparked concern from Americans as he visited China for the first time in nearly a decade and described Chinese president Xi Jinping and China as 'strategic partners.' 'I believe the progress we have made and the partnership sets us up well for the new world order,' Carney said. Carney also sided with the Danish and NATO allies over President Trump's interest in abstaining Greenland, asserting to reporters that President Xi 'found much alignment of views' in respect to American interests on the island. President Donald Trump is watching Canada closely for any Chinese incursion on the Arctic Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with President of China Xi Jinping in China for the first time in nearly a decade Carney's comments certainly raised concerns in the Trump administration as the president remains famously suspicious of foreign activity in the Western hemisphere. The president signaled newly resurfaced desire to acquire Greenland has more to do with keeping Russia and China out of the strategically important region. After the unprecedented operation in Venezuela led to the capture and arrest of Venezuela dictator Nicolas Maduro, the world is taking Trump's appreciation for the Monroe Doctrine seriously. 'The Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we've superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the Donroe doctrine,' the president said to reporters in the press conference after the mission was completed. The 200-year-old Monroe doctrine was expressed by President James Monroe together with his Secretary of War John C. Calhoun and his Secretary of State John Quincy Adams who worked to reaffirm America's position in the Western hemisphere. 'It was very important, but we forgot about it. We don't forget about it anymore,' Trump told reporters after the mission in Venezuela. 'Under our new national security strategy, American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again.' The 'Donroe Doctrine' extends that ideal to jealously defend the entire Western hemisphere from against the encroaching influence from Russia and China. During his press conference Trump even articulated the 'Trump Corollary' of the Monroe Doctrine, putting himself in a same category of Theodore Roosevelt, who wrote his own corollary in 1905 that emphasized the importance of United States preserving order in the Western hemisphere. Although some foreign policy experts were surprised to see the president refer to the historic roots for his vision, some recognized the rhetoric outlined in the White House National Security Strategy that was published in November The 33-page document details the 'Trump corollary' as a common-sense decision to deny 'non-Hemispheric competitors the ability to position forces or other threatening abilities' in the same hemisphere as the United States. The text outlines the president's expectation for leaders in the Western hemisphere to view the United States as their first partner, but subtly noted that 'we will (through various means) discourage their collaboration with others. The Venezuela mission gave the world a first look at the 'various means' the United States is willing to deploy to get a more favorable climate for American interests. Join the debate Is American power in the Western Hemisphere protecting us or risking dangerous escalation? President Donald Trump is working to convince American oil companies to return to Venezuela President Donald Trump shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping after meeting Gimhae International Airport in Busan in October China has also invested heavily into Latin America including energy companies in Brazil and Chile. Under the direction of Donald Trump, the United States continues to restrict oil exports from Venezuela - the majority of which was purchased by China. While Rosevelt famously proclaimed he would 'tread softly and carry a big stick,' Trump almost has an opposite approach. 'Trump's kind of more like float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,' said Clint Brown, an investor at Harpoon Ventures and former director of the Senate Steering Committee. 'You're going to see me and when you cross me, I'm going to sting you real quick.' Experts noted that the document reflected the work of Michael Anton, the state department's former director of policy planning staff and Arthur Milikh Principal Deputy Director at the State Department, as well as White House Senior Policy Advisor Kara Frederick. Others recognized the rhetoric of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. 'Miller's been with the president since the very beginning, I think that counts for a lot in terms of loyalty and proximity,' James Wallner, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation. Wallner, a former legislative director for Sen. Jeff Sessions, worked with Stephen Miller on Capitol Hill. While Miller had long-held foreign policy views, he explained, some of Trump's positions were unique and have been formative to his entire administration. Trump has assumed Reagan's motto of 'Peace Through Strength,' together with an aggressive use of the swift lethal power of the American military and other means to enact his vision for the Western Hemisphere. 'Trump is very much his own president, he's also a larger than life force with his own goals,' Wallner said. Trump's vision of the Western hemisphere has earned him wide praise from Republicans in the Senate, who welcome his focus on American interests in foreign policy. 'With the 'Donroe Doctrine,' President Trump is reviving a principle that has been foundational to America's foreign policy for nearly our entire history, except for the last 30 years: the United States has both the right and the duty to secure our own hemisphere,' Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri told the Daily Mail. 'Under President Trump, America is acting like the superpower we areno longer apologizing for enforcing policies that make our country safer, stronger, and more prosperous.' A former prison officer has been jailed after she was caught on her own bodyworn camera performing a sex act on an inmate. Rebecca Pinckard, 46, had the 'intimate encounter' with serving prisoner and convicted drug dealer Erion Nakdi, 42, in a store cupboard at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk. The mother, from Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire, was captured performing a sex act on Nakdi in two video clips filmed five minutes apart on her own bodyworn camera on July 5 2024. The clips were found due to a 'clumsy mistake' by another officer who was reviewing body-worn camera footage for evidence, Cambridge Crown Court heard. At the time, Pinckard had been going through a 'difficult' time after breaking up with her partner of 19 years and committed the act in a 'moment of madness', the court was told. She admitted at an earlier hearing to misconduct in a public office and was jailed on Friday for 32 weeks. Pickard had previously sent a 'loving' Moonpig card to the Albanian national in a bid to 'cheer him up' after having problems with his girlfriend. The court heard Pinckard had been given a warning a year earlier for being 'overfamiliar' with prisoners and had previously 'given out cakes and sweets' to inmates to 'make their lives better'. Former prison officer Rebecca Pinckard, 46, has been jailed after she was caught on her own body-worn video camera performing a sex act on an inmate Pinckard is seen appearing at Cambridge Crown Court on January 16 after admitting to 'wilfully misconducting' herself Convicted drug dealer Erion Nakdi, 42, who Pinckard had the 'intimate encounter' with in a store cupboard at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk Judge Anthony Cartin said Pinckard's offending was 'only discovered because of a clumsy mistake'. He said: 'An officer gathering evidence found evidence from your camera. Your camera had been activated during the intimate encounter.' Judge Cartin continued: 'The offence wasn't a one-off - it went on for a number of months and the card was sent.' Jailing Pinckard, he said that her 'conduct diminishes the public confidence in the criminal justice system'. Prosecutor Mr Burrell said it was discovered that Pinckard had sent Nakdi a Moonpig card on April 10 2024. He said sexual videos of Nakdi in his prison cell were recovered from Pinckard's mobile phone and 'it's accepted the videos were filmed in prison then sent via social media by messaging'. The judge noted that Pinckard did not report it to authorities when she received the sexual videos. Nakdi, who appeared in court by prison video link, admitted at an earlier hearing to the unauthorised possession of a mobile phone in prison between July 2 and July 6 2024. He was jailed for 10 months consecutive to his existing sentence, of 16 years and three months over a conspiracy to supply class A drugs, for which he was sentenced at Luton Crown Court in 2022. Rebecca Pinckard, 46, after appearing in front of Suffolk Magistrates' Court on November 5 Rory Keene, for Nakdi, described the unauthorised device as a 'pool phone'. Mr Keene said: 'This is really a tragic case of an emotional attraction between two people.' He described the Moonpig card as a 'loving card'. Juliet Donovan, mitigating for Pinckard, said it was a 'moment of madness' and said it was 'not a relationship'. She said Pinckard had been in a '19-year relationship - she had just left that relationship' and 'her home life at the time... was particularly difficult'. Ms Donovan said Pinckard 'never gave (Nakdi) her mobile phone number so there's no question of repeated text messages'. She said Pinckard sent the Moonpig card as Nakdi 'explained he had been having problems with his girlfriend' and Pinckard wanted 'to try to cheer him up'. The court heard Pinckard had been given a warning in October 2023 after being 'overfamiliar' with prisoners. Ms Donovan said that Pinckard's 'giving of cakes and sweets' was 'naively and stupidly trying to make the lives of prisoners somewhat better'. Pinckard wiped tears from her eyes at moments during Friday's sentencing, and appeared tearful as she was led to the cells. China willing to work with Canada to foster new growth drivers: premier Xinhua) 08:09, January 16, 2026 Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Canada in areas such as clean energy, digital technology, modern agriculture, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and finance, to foster more new drivers of economic growth, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said when holding talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Beijing on Thursday. China 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, Li said. Through the joint effort of the two sides, the China-Canada relationship has achieved a turnaround, which has been widely welcomed by people from all sectors of both countries, he said. Noting that maintaining the healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations aligns with the common interests of both nations, Li said China is willing to work with Canada to uphold the strategic partnership, enhance political mutual trust, respect each other's core interests, continuously expand practical cooperation, and inject momentum into the development of both countries. China and Canada enjoy strong economic complementarity, and their bilateral cooperation is driven by robust endogenous dynamism and holds vast potential, said Li, noting that China is ready to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Canada, advance exchanges across various fields and levels, make effective use of bilateral governmental dialogues on economy, trade, science and technology, agriculture and other areas, promote stable growth in bilateral trade and enhance the level of trade facilitation. He called on both sides to continue to support exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, tourism, sports, youth affairs, subnational engagements, and to facilitate people-to-people exchanges. China is willing to enhance cooperation with Canada within frameworks such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Group of 20 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, jointly upholding multilateralism and free trade, added Li. For his part, Carney said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Canadian government has firmly adhered to the one-China policy. Canada is willing to strengthen dialogue with China in various fields on the basis of mutual respect, leverage complementary advantages, and promote cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, energy, green economy, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges, he noted. Chinese companies are welcome to invest and conduct business in Canada, and Canadian enterprises are confident in further deepening cooperation with China, said the prime minister. He noted that in light of the profound changes in current international situation, Canada is willing to enhance communication and collaboration with China to jointly support the United Nations in playing a central role in international affairs. Following the talks, Li and Carney witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering trade, customs, energy, construction, culture, and public security. Prior to the talks, Li held a welcome ceremony for Carney in the Great Hall of the People. Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Pink Floyd's Roger Waters has defended Venezuela's ousted President Nicolas Maduro and insisted that Vladimir Putin had 'really tried not to hurt people' in a recent interview with Piers Morgan, which saw the pair clash in a heated exchange. Defending Maduro, Waters said: 'I support him because he's the duly democratically elected leader of a country that represents all the principles of Bolivarian and Chavez revolutionary process. So he represents the people of Venezuela, [who] live a completely different way of life than in the United States, where I live, or in England, where you live,' the rockstar said. 'But it is one that I admire because it's based upon socialist principles of the idea of equal human rights.' Waters' comments on Morgan's programme, in which he made a series of strident remarks on global politics, come two weeks after US 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. The Pink Floyd bassist went on to condemn Donald Trump's intervention in the Latin American nation, saying the US had 'invaded the sovereign country of Venezuela.' Waters also accused the US of kidnapping Maduro and making up claims that he is a drug dealer. 'They made up the dark story about him being a drug dealer, which is absolute, arrant nonsense, as everybody knows, and then they invaded the country and whisked him off. What's going to happen next? Nobody knows.' Pink Floyd's Roger Waters made a series of strident comments on global politics Waters' comments come two weeks after US forces seized Maduro (pictured in November 2025) and his wife at a heavily guarded compound in Caracas and brought them to New York to stand trial on drug trafficking charges Waters also seemingly defended some of Putin's actions in Ukraine, stating: 'If the West manages to get rid of Putin, they should be careful what they wish for, because it's very likely that the much harder line faction in the Russian political society, one of them, might take over. 'And then you will see something completely different, because Putin has conducted the special military operation with his gloves off. He really has tried not to hurt civilians and so on and so forth.' A baffled Morgan responded: 'Vladimir Putin is trying really hard not to hurt civilians?... Vladimir Putin illegally invaded a sovereign democratic country and started bombing the sh*t out of it. Why? Why would you, on any level, try to excuse or defend it?' Waters also touched on the current political climate in Britain, calling England a 'fascist state', as he referred to a recent bill that designated the activist group as a terrorist organisation in the UK. The musician also blasted Trump as 'demented', 'obviously very evil', and a 'scumbag', telling Morgan that all the president believes in is 'lining the pockets' of his family, friends, and billionaires. Morgan also questioned Waters about the harsh comments he made about Ozzy Osbourne just weeks after the rock icon's death. 'So I do want to end with something which was quite personal to me, because it involved a friend of mine, which was after Ozzy Osbourne, your fellow rock star', Morgan said. Waters hit back, saying, 'Oh shut up!' Waters also seemingly defended some of Putin's actions in Ukraine Calling Ozzy's widow 'Karen', the Pink Floyd musician went on to say he made the comments 'in the middle of a long interview', adding: 'Well, I mean, do I have to like every rock group there ever was?' Piers responded: 'Did you have to trash him in such a personal way so soon after he had died?' He then suggested playing a clip of Sharon Osbourne on Piers Morgan Uncensored recently, but Waters replied: 'Oh, I've seen it. No, I don't want to see it. I'm not interested.' Pressed on whether he would apologise for any hurt he had caused Sharon, he said: 'Of course I will, not that I have any time for Sharon, she is a raging Zionist She's accused me of all kinds of things because she is part of the Israeli lobby.' He concluded: 'I was honest. I said I didn't like Black Sabbath I don't like people who bite the heads off bats. I just don't. I think it's disgusting, and I've said that again now. I know he's dead, and he can't come back and go, 'Yeah, I'm sorry I bit the heads off bats,' if he ever did. Who knows whether he did or not? I don't want to talk about it.' James Wicka saw the news and felt his heart flip and his stomach drop. A man he had tangled with 30 years ago, actor Timothy Busfield, had been arrested on accusations of sexually abusing two young boys. Wicka, who was a Minneapolis lawyer, had represented a 17-year-old girl when, in 1994, she accused Busfield of sexual harassment. Busfield denied the allegation and fought back, viciously, but Wicka said the events of this week made him glad he took the case. 'I felt completely vindicated,' he told the Daily Mail. 'But it's also a bittersweet development. The news made me sick to my stomach, in that: here we go again.' It has been a torrid few days for Busfield, the 68-year-old star of The West Wing, Field of Dreams and cult 1980s television show Thirtysomething, who was arrested by Albuquerque police on January 9. He handed himself in to face two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse: the accusers were child actors who starred in Fox's New Mexico-filmed series The Cleaning Lady. The boys claim that 'Uncle Tim', who was directing the show, molested them on set when they were seven years old. Busfield is being held in jail until a hearing next week and has denied the charges. 'I'm going to confront these lies,' he said in a video his lawyers released to TMZ. 'I did not do anything to those little boys. And I'm going to fight it. I'm going to fight it with a great team, and I'm going to be exonerated.' Yet this week's events have dredged up stories from Busfield's past that he would, no doubt, rather see forgotten. 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. Busfield pictured with his wife, Little House on the Prairie star, Melissa Gilbert, in the fall of 2025. He has vowed: 'I'm going to be exonerated' It has emerged that a 16-year-old girl in Sacramento accused Busfield of groping her in 2001, at a theatre he co-founded in the city. She claimed that Busfield 'kissed her, put his hands down her pants and touched her privates,' according to court documents obtained by KOAT and filed in New Mexico in support of keeping him in jail pending the hearing. 'The defendant begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy,' the documents state. In addition, we now know that a woman accused Busfield of groping her in a cinema in 2012. He said the encounter was consensual. Prosecutors deemed the evidence 'too thin' to pursue. 'The allegations were never challenged, they were never proved, and they're 25 years old,' said Busfield's lawyer Larry Stein, in a statement to People. 'And there doesn't seem to be any connection between these allegations regarding women 25 years ago and the allegations regarding these young boys.' Then there are the comments, uncovered by the Daily Mail, which haven't aged well. In a June 1990 interview given to Playboy magazine by the Michigan-born actor - who had married his second wife Jennifer Merwin two years earlier - he described himself as 'a pervert.' Discussing what it was like for his Thirtysomething co-star Ken Olin to watch him play the husband of Olin's real-life wife, Patricia Wettig, Busfield said: 'I think the hardest part for Kenny in watching me be married to his wife is that he knows I'm a pervert. 'When Kenny and I went to Houston together years ago, I was separated at the time, and my major goal was to have sex as much as possible - with as many women under the age of twenty-one as I could. 'Two and a half years later, I'm in bed with Ken's wife and he's thinking, "This is absolutely the last person in the world I would want doing love scenes with my wife - because I know Busfield!"' For Wicka, this week's dramatic events have brought back his own very personal experience with the Emmy-winning actor. In a June 1990 interview given by the Michigan-born actor, who had married his second wife Jennifer Merwin two years earlier, to Playboy magazine he described himself as 'a pervert.' (Busfield pictured in The West Wing, 1999) A 16-year-old girl in Sacramento accused Busfield of groping her in 2001, at a theatre in the city he co-founded. Busfield (right) is pictured with his brother Buck (left) at the theatre In March 1994, he filed a sexual harassment suit against Busfield on behalf of a 17-year-old high school student who accused the actor of making unwanted advances on the set of 'Little Big League.' She claimed, in court documents obtained by Radar Online, that he invited her to his trailer and plied her with alcohol before propositioning her. 'Busfield tried to coerce the girl into having intercourse with him by claiming he had an arrangement with his wife,' the court documents reportedly state. 'He allegedly asked her if she was a lesbian after she rejected him.' No charges were filed and the case was settled out of court on July 11, 1995. The local newspaper, Twin Cities Reader, reported at the time that a six-figure sum offered at the start of mediation had been rejected by the accuser, but that she was now, 'very satisfied' with the outcome. Busfield then sued Wicka for defamation, claiming that he was an extortionist who used young girls as 'sexual lures' to win settlements. Attorney James Wicka. Busfield hired and 'aggressive' law firm to sue Wicka for defamation Wicka told the Daily Mail: 'The law firm that he hired was very aggressive. We went after somebody who worked and resided within the Hollywood ecosystem and that's big business, big dollars. 'So, it went from us bringing a claim to all of a sudden being sued, with scandalous accusations - all of which were untrue.' Busfield and his lawyers accused Wicka of employing his client as an exotic dancer at a nightclub he owned and then using her 'as a pawn' with which to 'extort' Busfield and others. 'It was a very, very difficult time - not only for my client, but also for me and our law firm, given the advocacy on her behalf,' said Wicka. Busfield's suit against Wicka was thrown out by the judge who concluded it was baseless, and the actor was ordered to pay $150,000 in fees. He appealed that ruling and the two sides eventually reached a private settlement. 'Ultimately it turned out okay,' Wicka reflected. 'But there were a number of sleepless nights and a lot of work to make sure that justice was served - which I think ultimately it was.' Busfield's lawyer, Larry Stein, declined to comment on either the current allegations levelled against the actor or the historic cases when approached by the Daily Mail. But Wicka, who has now retired from practising law, is relieved that light is being shone on the earlier allegations. 'Part of the motivation for me of being in that line of work was trying to do the right thing and ultimately hold people accountable,' he said. 'So, it was unfortunate to see those allegations again. 'He is of course innocent until proven guilty. But I truly believe it all needs to come to the light of day.' Kemi Badenoch has vowed the Scottish Conservatives can and will make a difference in May as she stepped up her election campaign. Finishing off an eventful two-day visit to Scotland, the UK leader said the party would stay focused on the issues that matter to voters, not left-wing dogma. She also praised Scottish leader Russell Findlay as the best person to be First Minister. She said the former crime reporter, who survived a gangland acid attack after exposing wrongdoing, had integrity while other Holyrood leaders were away with the fairies. Mrs Badenoch said: We are even more united than we were, because were a stronger team. Robert Jenrick was not a team player. A man who said he wanted to lead has run away. You cant say I want to lead and then disappear the minute you dont win the election. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch during a visit to 3T Training Services in Aberdeen Mrs Badenoch tried out a lifeboat simulator during her visit to Aberdeen Robert Jenrick recently defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK It means you never cared. Speaking to the media in Aberdeen, Mrs Badenoch took aim at Labour, accusing them of putting getting power ahead of policies to benefit the country. She said: They came in thinking that they were loved. They didnt really have a plan, and thats why were seeing them U turn all over the place. A Survation poll this week showed support for the Scottish Tories rising on both the constituency and list vote, with the party improving slightly to 13 per cent on both. But that could translate into just 12 seats, 19 down on the last election and the partys worst ever Holyrood result. It would see the Tories go from second to fourth behind Labour, Reform and the SNP. Finishing her trip by touring an offshore training centre with Mr Findlay and shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie, Mrs Badenoch was asked if the Tories can make a difference north of the Border given the polls. She said: We can and we will. The Holyrood elections are the first step. The fact is, the only poll that matters is the election. And I have - right here - the very best person to be First Minister of Scotland. Russell Findlay is a man of integrity. Unlike the other party leaders in Scotland, who are away with the fairies, he is someone who is actually grounded, working hard for the people here. We were speaking to Scotch whisky yesterday. Were talking to the oil and gas sector today. We care about peoples jobs. We care about peoples lives. And I know that during this campaign, the Scottish people will see that. Mr Russell added: I appreciate Kemis continued support, her strong leadership, and her determination to fight for every vote in the critical Scottish election. Were focused on the issues that matter to people across the country, and standing up to the damaging left-wing SNP and Labour governments. Our party is determined to bring down peoples bills, boost the economy by backing business, and support the oil and gas sector. While Anas Sarwar wants Keir Starmer to stay away from Scotland, Im always delighted to welcome Kemi. Meanwhile, Scottish Labour were urged to pulp a dodgy campaign leaflet which attributed a bogus quote to a woman who hadnt given her consent to be pictured. Leader Anas Sarwar yesterday wrote to Dumfries maternity services campaigner Claire Fleming apologising unreservedly for any distress this has caused. Ms Fleming said her picture was used without her consent a quote invented after she met Mr Sarwar last autumn and spoke on video about her campaign. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar had to apologise to a maternity services campaigner for misquoting her in a campaign leaflet SNP MSP Kevin Stewart demanded Labour destroy all copies of the offending leaflet SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said Labour needed to destroy all copies of the leaflet, which were distributed in Glasgow. He said: 'This dodgy leaflet, that includes made up quotes, has already been sent to tens of thousands of voters. Worse still, its reckoned that thousands more are set to be shoved through voters letterboxes this weekend. Anas Sarwar needs to right this wrong by stopping the distribution of any more of his leaflets and recall those that have already been sent to households. A Scottish Labour spokesman said: We have been in touch with Claire directly to apologise for this regrettable administrative error. A nurse at the centre of a trans row tribunal has praised the courage of colleagues south of the Border after they won a landmark case against health chiefs. Sandie Peggie won a partial victory against NHS Fife bosses after a tribunal found the nurse was harassed by her employer after she complained about having to share a changing room with biological male Dr Beth Upton. And yesterday, the 52-year-old said she was overjoyed after a group of nurses in the north east of England won a claim against their health trust. In what has been hailed as a victory for common sense, an employment tribunal ruled allowing biologically male Rose Henderson to use the female changing room at a day surgery unit violated the dignity of the nurses and created a hostile, humiliating and degrading environment. As part of a judgement handed down on Friday, Employment Judge Seamus Sweeney ruled that County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation trusts conduct amounted to harassment and indirect sex discrimination. Mrs Peggie, who in December won a partial victory against her employer after a tribunal upheld claims of harassment but dropped her other claims, said she was overjoyed the nurses succeeded in their battle against their employer. The A&E nurse added: I am grateful to the Darlington Nurses for the courage they have shown in securing this important legal victory which has only strengthened my determination to continue with an appeal to overturn the judgement in my own case. The ruling has heaped yet more pressure on First Minister John Swinney to implement the Supreme Courts ruling and finally put a stop to biological men in womens-only spaces. Sandie Peggie said she was overjoyed after a group of nurses in the north east of England won a claim against their health trust Ms Peggie meets with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch MSP Tess White, the Scottish Conservatives equalities spokesman, last night said: The law is crystal clear that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex. It beggars belief that John Swinney and the SNP continue to betray women by refusing to instruct Scotlands public bodies to uphold the Supreme Court ruling. The Darlington nurses case underlines that ministers finally ditch their reckless gender self-ID policy or Scottish taxpayers may face hefty compensation payouts for their stubbornness and arrogance. The First Minister this week repeatedly refused to say whether transgender killers being housed in female jails were men or women. His government is set to go to court in a bid to maintain their policy of allowing biological males in female prisons. Susan Smith, a member of the For Women Scotland group which secured the Supreme Court ruling, said she hoped the clear, comprehensive victory for the Darlington nurses would send a message to the Scottish NHS and the Scottish Government that their ongoing refusal to implement the ruling will, ultimately, prove to be a costly mistake. And Maya Forstater, chief executive of charity Sex Matters, said Employment Judge Sweeneys judgment was clear and sensible. But she said: This is in stark contrast to the ruling handed down in the Sandie Peggie case, where the judge refused to accept that allowing trans-identifying men into the female-only facilities violates basic expectations of privacy and dignity, and creates a hostile and humiliating environment for women. Dr Beth Upton was at the centre of the tribunal involving Mrs Peggie The latest womens rights victory came after the group of eight nurses at the Day Surgery Unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital brought a claim against their employer. The nurses brought a claim for harassment, victimisation and indirect sex discrimination. Darlington nurse Bethany Hutchison led the claim against the NHS trust over its policy of allowing a transgender colleague to use female changing rooms. After the tribunal judgment in Newcastle, she declared: This is a victory for common sense and for every woman who simply wants to feel safe at work. She said women deserved to be able to access single-sex spaces without fear or intimidation and that forcing us to undress in front of a man was not only degrading but dangerous. Ms Hutchison added: We stood up because we knew this was wrong. No woman should be forced to choose between her job and her safety. This ruling is a turning point, and we will keep fighting until every woman in the NHS is guaranteed the dignity and protection she deserves. The Trust was also criticised for not taking seriously and declining to address the [nurses] concerns when they were first raised in 2023. When they complained they were told they should undergo equality and kindness training and broaden their minds, the tribunal heard. MS Hutchison added: Todays ruling sends a clear message: the NHS cannot ignore womens rights in the name of ideology. Fellow nurse Lisa Lockey said she hopes the rest of the NHS will take note of the tribunal ruling when it comes to single-sex spaces in other trusts. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: This ruling is a victory for dignity, privacy and common sense. The nurses had been backed by the likes of Harry Potter author and outspoken womens rights activist JK Rowling. Commenting on their tribunal victory on X, she said: Women have the right not to undress in front of men at work. Twenty years ago, that sentence would have been a statement of such obviousness that people would have laughed at you for saying it aloud. Now its a matter for celebration. Congratulations, you heroines. In its judgment, the tribunal found that Henderson had not personally harassed or victimised the claimants. A County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: We are taking time to review the judgment carefully and will comment further once we have had the opportunity to consider it in full. A Scottish Government spokesman said: As the First Minister has made clear, the judgment of the Supreme Court is accepted by the Scottish Government. What we are doing as any responsible government must is ensuring our policies comply with all our legal obligations including, of course, the Scotland Act and European Convention on Human Rights. Every key area of government which is or may be affected by the Supreme Court judgment is carrying out assessments across legislation, guidance and policies and in some areas changes have already been made. The Prisons Guidance has not been changed, and it can be taken from that the Scottish Government has concluded it does not need to be changed in light of the Supreme Court judgment. For Women Scotland has brought proceedings challenging that conclusion, as they are entitled to do. The matter is now before the court. The Scottish Government has to make difficult decisions which balance the interests and rights of individuals, often in complex situations, and this is one such situation. Melissa Gilbert pulled out of a scheduled hour-long question and answer session with fans of her lifestyle business hours before it was due to begin, the Daily Mail has learned. The 61-year-old, whose husband Timothy Busfield is currently behind bars after being charged with child sex crimes, had been due to host the session on Friday afternoon. But the Little House on the Prairie actress canceled the session, despite it still being open for sign-up as recently as Tuesday, four days after an areest warrant was issued for Busfield. Friday's event was set up by Modern Prairie, a Wisconsin-based homestyle business Gilbert set up with Nicole Hease, and was still available for fans to sign up for as recently as Tuesday. Gilbert has kept an extremely low profile since an arrest warrant was issued for Busfield by authorities in New Mexico on January 9. He handed himself into authorities in Albuquerque, four days later after driving 2,000 miles across country from the couple's home in New York's Catskill Mountains. She has not been seen and did not show for his first court appearance on Wednesday when he a judge ordered him held without bond. She has not spoken publicly about the charges against her second husband. Melissa Gilbert was due to host a Q&A session with fans on Friday afternoon through Modern Prairie, her Wisconsin-based lifestyle brand The actor and director turned himself in to authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earlier this week as controversy swirled online She deleted her personal Instagram account less than 24 hours after a warrant was issued for the arrest of Busfield, 68, in Albuquerque. However by Friday morning the Modern Prairie talk had been cancelled, with no more events with Gilbert scheduled on the website's calendar. An hour to 'ask Melissa anything', could not have come at a worse time for the brand, with the business forced to release a statement distancing themselves from their founder's husband. It said the allegations against Busfield 'do not involve Modern Prairie, our operations, nor our community,' and that 'we are respecting the privacy of the family as they navigate a difficult and personal situation.' 'Modern Prairie unequivocally condemns abuse in all forms and remains committed to values of safety, integrity, and respect,' it adds. The move comes after the actress's brand was already hit with a backlash over a tone-deaf video posted of the interior of Gilbert's refrigerator days after the allegations against Busfield came to light. 'We get asked all the time what's in our Modern Prairie test kitchen fridge and the honest answer is: all the good stuff. 'Butter, eggs, milk, veggies, the building blocks of magical meals,' reads the post. Melissa Gilbert sparked backlash this week after her lifestyle brand Modern Prairie shared an Instagram video about her refrigerator while she remained silent on child sex abuse charges against her husband Gilbert's lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, shared images of the fridge packed with butter, eggs and other staples, prompting criticism from followers The post revealed full-frontals of the fridge stocked with multiple egg cartons, and pictures of its door shelving piled with boxes upon boxes and sticks upon sticks of butter. 'They're not the whole story,' the post continued in a notable social-media understatement. 'But let's be real butter and eggs are a pretty great place to start. Because with the right basics on hand, anything can happen. From a cozy weeknight dinner to a 'how did we eat all of that already?' kind of bake.' Some in the Modern Prairie community were aghast at Gilbert's refrigerator-bearing posts, suggesting she ought to get her own 'little house' in order before offering domestic advice. 'Maybe take a break from the socials marketing for a bit,' urged one poster, Michelle Gowan. 'I think right now you're getting asked more than anything why your founder is married to a pedophile who she would've known and had all allegations before they were married. And I think you're deleting anything negative and sanitizing your page,' added a poster identified as Allison C. Gilbert, who married Busfield in 2013, went dark on her personal Instagram account after news broke about the allegations late last week. The charges against him came two months after she gushed about their relationship in a November 2025 post from upstate New York, not far from where the couple own their mountain home. The company released a statement saying the allegations against Busfield 'do not involve Modern Prairie, our operations, nor our community' The charges against her husband came two months after Gilbert gushed about their relationship in a November 2025 post from upstate New York, not far from where Gilbert owns her mountain home Gilbert has publicly spoken out about the issue of sexual exploitation of child actors albeit before the allegations against her husband publicly surfaced, pointing out that she was required to kiss a much older actor on Little House when she was just 15. In November, she shared photos of herself at that age with a caption saying that, in hindsight, she was 'actually nauseated' that she had to act out that scene. 'Through the lens of today, this is shocking,' she wrote. 'I have no words other than to say, 'I WAS A CHILD.' 'I WAS FIFTEEN.'' The West Wing and Thirtysomething actor faces two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor stemming from his contact between 2022 and 2024 with two now 11-year-old twin boys, both child actors. He was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, on Tuesday. A source there described him as 'cooperative' and 'respectful' although also 'somewhat rattled'. Just minutes after he turned himself in, heavily armed US Marshals members of a Fugitive Task Force raided the couple's home in Highland Lake, New York, breaking open the front door and then rifling through an RV and shed on the property as they looked for the actor, in what appeared to be a communications snafu. 'I'm sorry, but I can't talk now,' Gilbert told the Daily Mail by phone from an undisclosed location around the time Busfield was surrendering in Albuquerque and her country home was being raided. She later texted us back, referring all questions to her husband's lawyer Larry Stein who has not returned numerous calls and emails. Heavily armed US Marshals descended on the couple's secluded Catskills home, smashing open the front door with a battering ram during a dramatic raid on Tuesday Marshals searched the interior of the house for around ten minutes before checking the rear of the property, which includes an RV and an outhouse Her representative said Gilbert 'is honoring the request of his 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,' the rep added. TMZ obtained footage of the actor and director saying planned confront what he called 'these lies'. 'They're horrible,' he added. 'They're all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys, and I'm [going to] fight it. So, hang in there, and hopefully I'm out real soon.' According to his arrest warrant, law enforcers launched an investigation in early November 2024 after a doctor reported suspected sexual abuse among the child actors who met and became close with Busfield on the Albuquerque set of The Cleaning Lady. Busfield directed several episodes in its four season run. After hearing and reading about multiple rumors about Busfield and alleged sexual conduct, the boys' parents reportedly asked their kids if they experienced any inappropriate contact by anyone on set. One of them apparently responded: 'You mean like Uncle Tim?' When the boys indicated that they had, their parents took them to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where a care provider indicated they may have been groomed sexually. The criminal complaint says one of the boys reported that Busfield touched him three or four times on private areas over his clothing when he was seven years old, and allegedly touched him five or six other times a year later. His twin brother reportedly said he, too, was fondled by Busfield, but didn't want to say anything for fear of getting in trouble. The warrant refers to Busfield having faced previous sexual assault allegations dating back to the 1990s, but notes those accusations didn't lead to criminal prosecution. When interviewed by an investigator, Busfield acknowledged likely having played with and tickled the brothers, but surmised that their mother was accusing him of abuse as her way of seeking revenge for them being replaced on the series. In an affidavit in support of the arrest warrant, Albuquerque Officer Marvin Brown claimed Warner Bros, the studio behind The Cleaning Lady, had failed to cooperate with police investigations, waiting almost three months to comply with a court order to produce the results of its own independent investigation. In a statement, Warner Bros denied it had impeded the investigation. Donald Trump mimicked Emmanuel Macron's French accent while speaking at a White House roundtable on Friday. The president recounted a phone call he had with the leader of France while discussing his efforts equal the cost of drug prices that American's pay compared to other countries. Using a Gallic accent to show that Macron was speaking, Trump said the French President answered when called with, 'Yes, Donald, Donald. Thank you so much for calling.' Trump said he told Macron, 'You're not going to like this call. You're going to have to get your drug prices up.' 'No, no, no, no, no, I will not do that,' Trump said in an impersonation of Macron's voice. . Trump, who signed an executive order in May on brining 'most-favored-nation' drug pricing to America, told Macron if France does not start paying more for pharmaceuticals, he would tariff the country. 'I said, "Emmanuel, we're paying 13 times more than - 13 times, not 13 percent - 13 times more than you are for this bill." I rattled off some numbers that are crazy. You know the numbers I'm talking about,' Trump said. '"Here's the story, Emmanuel. If you don't do it, I'm going to put a 25 percent tariff on all goods, wine, champagnes and everything else coming into the United States of America."' Donald Trump mimicked Emmanuel Macron's French accent while recounting a phone call the two had over drug prices Last week, Macron accused the US of 'breaking free from international rules' and 'gradually turning away' from some of its allies Trump, continuing to use a French accent, said that Macron immediately caved. '[Macron] said, "Donald, I would love to do this for you. It would be a great honor to do it,' he said. 'And that's where it began. And I went through country after country.' While recounting the phone conversation, Trump added that he thinks fondly of Macron. 'I like him a lot. I hope he's listening, because he doesn't believe that, but I do. He's a nice man,' Trump said. The president appeared to recount the same story using a French accent at the House GOP member retreat on January 6. Before delving into the anecdote, Trump added, 'I love the French accent.' He went on to say that Macron told him: 'Donald, you have a deal. I would like to increase my prescription drug prices by 200 per cent or whatever. Whatever you want, Donald, please don't tell the population, I beg you.' He claimed to have told France to either agree to the US's demands or face a massive 25 percent tariff on all French products, including champagne and wine. Trump said that he thinks fondly on Macron and believes he is 'a nice man' Two days later, Macron accused the US of 'breaking free from international rules' and 'gradually turning away' from some of its allies. 'The United States is an established power, but one that is gradually turning away from some of its allies and breaking free from international rules that it was still promoting recently,' Macron told ambassadors at the Elysee Palace. 'Multilateral institutions are functioning less and less effectively,' Macron added. 'We are living in a world of great powers with a real temptation to divide up the world.' At least seven people have been killed in Uganda as the country's presidential election descended into violent chaos, with the opposition announcing their leader has been captured. The National Union Party said on Friday evening that their leader, Bobi Wine, had been taken by the army from his house and brought to an unknown location as President Yoweri Museveni closes in on a landslide re-election. In an X post, the opposition group made the unverified claim that an army helicopter had landed in Wine's compound in the capital and had 'forcibly taken him away'. Some senior party officials said they did not have confirmation on whether Wine had been captured, while spokespeople for Uganda's government and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Wine alleged mass fraud during Thursday's election, which was held under an internet blackout, and called on supporters to protest. His party said on Thursday he had been placed under effective house arrest. The vote has been widely seen as a test of the 81-year-old Museveni's political strength and ability to avoid the unrest that has rocked neighbours Tanzania and Kenya. The National Union Party said on Friday evening that their leader, Bobi Wine, had been taken by the army from his house Uganda's security forces patrol a street during protests following the announcement of the preliminary results in Kampala, Uganda, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 Ugandans stage protests in the capital Kampala following preliminary results of the general elections As of Friday evening, Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, held a commanding lead with nearly 74 per cent of the vote, the electoral commission said. Wine trailed with 23 per cent. After a campaign marred by clashes at opposition rallies and what the United Nations said was widespread repression and intimidation, voting passed peacefully on Thursday. But violence broke out overnight in the town of Butambala, about 35 miles southwest of the capital Kampala, according to a police spokesperson and a member of parliament from the area, who gave differing accounts of events. Local police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe said machete-wielding opposition 'goons' organised by local MP Muwanga Kivumbi attacked a police station and vote-tallying centre. 'Security responded in self-defence because these people came in big numbers. Police fired in self-defence,' she told Reuters, adding that 25 people were arrested. Kivumbi, however, told Reuters the victims were killed at around 3 a.m. inside his house, where they were waiting for election results for his parliamentary seat to be announced. 'They killed 10 people inside my house,' he said. 'There were people inside the garage who were waiting for the results to celebrate my victory.' 'They broke the front door and began shooting inside the garage. It was a massacre.' Motorcyclists ride past smoke on the street during a protest following the announcement of the preliminary results in Kampala, Uganda, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 The violence comes after President Yoweri Museveni closed in on a landslide reelection Museveni (pictured) has been in power since 1986 He said security forces had earlier dispersed crowds outside but disputed the police's assertion that the deaths occurred during clashes between the two sides. Tumushabe, the police spokesperson, said she was not aware of an incident at Kivumbi's house, which she said was close to the police station. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the circumstances of the violence. It was 'simply accepted' by management at Darlington Memorial Hospital that new hire Rose Henderson, a biological male, would use the women's changing rooms. There was no discussion with Rose, who identified as a woman and used 'they/them' pronouns, or indeed anyone else who worked at the NHS hospital. One boss even suggested it would just be like having a 'large woman' around, so there was nothing to worry about. A tribunal on Friday found this casual acceptance - which soon became a fiercely enforced policy - created a hostile, humiliating and degrading environment for eight female nursing colleagues. Rose started working shifts at the hospital in late 2019 as a student operating department practitioner (ODP) from Teeside University. The university informed hospital bosses that Henderson was 'transitioning' and should therefore use the women's changing rooms. The tribunal heard this was accepted by management without discussion, assessment or engagement with or other staff. Due primarily to the Covid pandemic, Henderson did not encounter any of the nurses who won Friday's historic victory until 2023. Meanwhile, cheered on by its LGBTQ+ staff network, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust had recently implemented a 'Transitioning in the Workplace' policy. Six of the eight Darlington nurses (left to right): Carly Hoy, Karen Danson, Annice Grundy, Bethany Hutchison, Lisa Lockey and Jane Peveller. In a landmark tribunal decision, a judge ruled NHS bosses had 'violated the dignity' of the eight female nurses Transgender nurse Rose Henderson (pictured). It was 'simply accepted' by management at Darlington Memorial Hospital that new hire Rose, a biological male, would use the women's changing rooms when she joined the hospital Staff were not consulted on the policy, which was first considered in 2016 and finally approved in February 2019. Its purpose was to 'create a safe and productive workplace environment for all employees which supports transgender and non-binary employees'. It added that staff would be recognised as transgender 'the moment a person informs us they are trans or intends to transition'. The policy stated that staff would be permitted to use toilets and changing rooms that 'match [their] gender identity'. Initial concerns about Rose's use of the women's changing rooms came in July 2023 from staff working in the operating theatres. Email records show the human resources department acknowledged the concerns but took no action. However, in August 2023, complainant nurse Karen Danson, 46, encountered Rose for the first time, recalling they 'looked masculine, had facial hair, and there was nothing in [their] appearance to suggest [they were] anything other than a man'. The following month, Ms Danson told how she encountered Rose in the changing room at close quarters wearing just nursing scrubs on their upper half and tight black boxer shorts with holes in them. The experience reignited childhood abuse trauma and left her 'sobbing and shaking in a panic attack'. She recalled: 'I was rummaging through my bag trying to find the keys for my locker when I suddenly heard a male voice from behind my back asking, 'Are you not getting changed yet?' 'I simply said "no". I kept rummaging through my bag and found my keys. Then Rose Henderson's voice again said, "Are you not getting changed yet?" I again said "no". All I could think about was: "Why is this man asking me if I am getting changed? Is he trying to provoke me for a reason?" Ms Danson said she began texting her husband, but as she was typing, Rose asked her the question for a third time, prompting a "fight or flight" reaction. The Darlington nurses celebrate following the landmark tribunal ruling. The explosive ruling ripped apart County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust's trans policy, with the trust being accused of breaching the nurses' human rights Upon encountering Rose for the first time, nurse Karen Danson (pictured), 46, recalled they 'looked masculine, had facial hair, and there was nothing in [their] appearance to suggest [they were] anything other than a man' 'I could not move,' she said. 'I felt sick. My hands were sweaty. 'I did not know Rose Henderson at this point, and I did not know that he identified as a woman. It just seemed like there was a man in our changing room who wanted to watch me undress. I was sobbing, shaking and breathing heavily due to a panic attack. Rose Henderson was smirking at me.' In early 2024, it emerged that Rose had stopped taking female hormones and was trying to make their girlfriend pregnant. Jane Peveller, a part-time staff nurse, said she was told this by a colleague. Worried nurses wrote a letter to hospital managers, but nothing was done. Mrs Peveller told the tribunal: 'If it was correct it meant I would be getting changed next to a sexually active biological man.' Another nurse, Vivienne Robinson, was left feeling concerned when Rose spoke about her breasts while she was pregnant. Nurse Bethany Hutchison told the tribunal: 'According to Vivienne, Rose Henderson said to her: "You do not look as big as this from behind." Vivienne was shocked and made no answer. Rose Henderson then asked her: "Have you got those large pregnancy breasts?"' In February 2024, ward manager Claire Gregory held a meeting with nurses to discuss their concerns. Lisa Lockey, one of the complainants, revealed she took off her top in the changing room and saw Rose looking at her. Another said the room was full of 'bums and boobs' and it was inappropriate for Henderson to be there. Two months later, Ms Hutchison said Ms Gregory told her that hospital chiefs supported Henderson - and that those who had a problem with it needed to be 'educated, broaden their mindset and be more inclusive'. Nurse Bethany Hutchison (right) told the tribunal: 'According to Vivienne Robinson, Rose Henderson said to her: "You do not look as big as this from behind." Vivienne was shocked and made no answer. Rose Henderson then asked her: "Have you got those large pregnancy breasts?"' Incredibly, Ms Gregory even suggested that Henderson should be the one to educate them. Ms Hutchison said: 'I realised management were not going to support us and were going to label us bigots, unreasonable, unkind and not inclusive. 'We have had to go through "kindness" training because of this, and no one who is opposed is allowed to say anything. 'I felt this was extremely unfair. This was the first time, during this long saga around the changing room, when I cried at work. 'When Claire saw me crying, she tried to comfort me by saying something like, "Don't be upset, it is what it is."' Despite all these concerns, a sign soon appeared on the door of the female changing room saying 'INCLUSIVE CHANGING ROOM'. Nurses who were concerned were offered the use of a disused office instead. The tribunal heard it was small, unclean and cluttered with old office equipment. Nurses Tracey Hooper, Annice Grundy, Lisa Lockey and Bethany Hutchinson in their scrubs. Initial concerns about Henderson's use of the women's changing rooms came in July 2023 from staff working in the operating theatres Ms Hutchison said: 'If we were to change in this room, we would have to leave our belongings in piles or in plastic bags on the floor, causing an infection and security risk.' Andrew Thacker, director of workforce at the trust, dismissed the nurses' concerns. He told the tribunal: 'I have got no reason to believe that Rose being Rose and presenting the way that Rose is, is any different to having anybody larger than any individual in the changing room.' After repeated inaction from the hospital, the nurses filed formal complaints with the tribunal in 2024. A Supreme Court ruling last year that the terms 'woman' and 'man' in the Equality Act refer only to biological sex, reaffirmed the nurses' conviction that the hospital's actions flew in the face of reality. They claimed sex-related harassment, indirect sex discrimination and victimisation. On Friday, they won a resounding victory on the first two claims. In a huge victory for common sense, a tribunal has ruled that NHS chiefs discriminated against eight nurses who complained about sharing female changing rooms with a transgender colleague. By requiring them to get changed in front of Rose Henderson, a biological male who identifies as a woman, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust violated their dignity and created a hostile, humiliating and degrading environment. Their punishment for objecting to Hendersons presence was almost Kafkaesque. The nurses would be educated by a trans woman (a man) to broaden their mindsets. That they were forced to take legal action against the hospital trust to ensure the privacy they are entitled to under the Equality Act 2010 is shocking. The nurses were not marching, placard-waving revolutionaries. They simply wanted a place where they could undress and change clothes without fear of a male invading it. This was hardly an unreasonable request. Surely the solution would have been for bosses to provide separate changing facilities for those who are transgender. It beggars belief that this was considered impossible. After yesterdays excoriating judgment, the NHS trusts credibility is in tatters and serious questions remain about its inept leadership. Coming after nurse Sandie Peggies victory in an almost identical case in Scotland, the Darlington verdict must signal the end of extreme gender ideology in the workplace. Bethany Hutchison (centre, in pink) is one of the claimants who took on a health trust claiming sexual discrimination and sexual harassment because nurse Rose Henderson who was born male but identifies as a woman was able to share the female changing room The tribunal was shown this image of Rose Henderson after Ms Danson was asked if it was representative of how Henderson presented at the time of the incident Join the debate Do you think the tribunal ruling was fair? A landmark Supreme Court ruling last April confirmed what weve always known to be true: sex means biological sex. It cannot be altered by a piece of paper. It seemed then that sanity had been restored. But recent tribunals have highlighted the extent to which trans ideology has taken root in the NHS. Corporate policies have been written by dogma-driven diversity extremists and anyone with the audacity to raise concerns, however politely, faces being taken to task or, worse, sacked from their job. The Labour Government says it accepts the Supreme Court verdict. So why is it dragging its feet over implementing it? This heightens the probability of yet more costly legal action at the expense of taxpayers. Its time ministers showed some spine and issued guidelines on single-sex spaces to protect womens safety, privacy and dignity. Its time they stopped running scared of the militant trans lobby. Focus on the real foe Emotions are still running high as the fallout continues from Robert Jenricks bombshell defection to Reform. In a bitter exchange, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch branded her former front-bench colleague a liar and claimed her party was stronger since he jumped ship. Biting back, Mr Jenrick said the Conservatives were arsonists, who had helped cause many of Britains most serious problems, but were incapable of fixing them. Its understandable passions are running high, but it serves no one except the Left for the Tories and Reform to be so antagonistic towards one another. It should be possible to have a civil debate about the way forward for Right-of-centre politics in the UK without descending into childish name-calling. If they become irreconcilable enemies, theyll lose focus of the real foe: the Labour Government. Britain simply cant afford another five years of destructively high taxes, ballooning debt, mass immigration, job losses and wokery. To avoid that nightmare, the Tories and Reform may have to reach some agreement so they dont cancel each other out at the next election to the benefit of the Left. Common sense must prevail. The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the Democrat governor of Minnesota and mayor of Minneapolis over volatile protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city. Both Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey are being probed over allegations of impeding federal law enforcement, CBS News reported. A US official told the network that Walz and Frey's anti-ICE rhetoric is what spurred the investigation. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted to social media Friday night: 'A reminder to all those in Minnesota: No one is above the law.' Walz told The Daily Mail the investigation is part of a pattern of targeting lawmakers who don't comply with Donald Trump. 'Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic,' said Walz, who was forced to drop his re-election bid after facing scrutiny over government fraud involving Somali-run daycare centers. 'The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.' A source in Walz's office and a spokesperson for Frey both told The Daily Mail they have received no notice of any investigation. Both Governor Tim Walz (pictured) and Mayor Jacob Frey have been heavily critical of federal law enforcement in the wake of the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an agent last week Both Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey (pictured) are being probed over allegations of impeding federal law enforcement 'This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement, and our residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our streets. I will not be intimidated,' Frey told The Daily Mail. 'My focus will remain where it's always been: keeping our city safe. America depends on leaders that use integrity and the rule of law as the guideposts for governance. Neither our city nor our country will succumb to this fear. We stand rock solid.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the Department of Justice for comment. A White House official referred us to the DOJ when reached. Earlier Friday, Trump posted to Truth Social: 'In Minnesota, the Troublemakers, Agitators, and Insurrectionists are, in many cases, highly paid professionals. The Governor and Mayor don't know what to do, they have totally lost control, and our currently being rendered, USELESS! If, and when, I am forced to act, it will be solved, QUICKLY and EFFECTIVELY!' The liberal leaders have been heavily critical of federal law enforcement in the wake of the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an agent last week. Frey told ICE agents to 'get the f**k out of Minneapolis' as tensions have escalated in the city. Walz, the Democrat nominee for vice president in 2024, has also taken shots at the president and told ICE to leave. On Wednesday, Frey slammed ICE officials again for 'creating chaos' in his city after an agent who was 'ambushed' during an arrest shot a suspect in the leg. Protestors clash with federal agents outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Saint Paul, Minnesota A US official said that Walz and Frey's anti-ICE rhetoric ad escalation of protesters is what spurred the investigation 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.' The Trump administration has sent nearly 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota. Join the debate Should local leaders stand up to federal agencies even if it means fueling chaos in their cities? Frey urged protesters earlier this week who had arrived at the scene to 'go home', warning they were making matters worse and 'taking the bait' Fireworks are set off by protesters outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building 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. 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) '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 Walz and 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. Protesters had been throwing snowballs and fireworks in the direction of officers as they chanted 'our streets' in the wake of the shooting A protesting community member attempts to protect themselves as federal agents fire munitions and pepper balls '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.' Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has consistently ripped Walz and Frey for escalating tensions A protester holds a sign with a photo of Renee Nicole Good Walz also weighed in on Wednesday night, issuing a statement calling for calm despite acknowledging the community's 'anger.' 'I know you're angry. I'm 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. Don't 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. President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke an emergency law allowing soldiers to act as police in response to protests in Minneapolis, where federal agents have shot two people Masked ICE agents and demonstrators face off following the shooting of a Venezuelan man by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota 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. Proponents of immigration enforcement have begun to face off with opponents, leading to tense encounters in Minnesota The aggressive enforcement tactics - with ICE and Border Patrol agents tackling suspected immigration offenders in public and spraying chemical irritants at protesters - have fueled violent encounters. 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 percent of people in the country want ICE to be completely abolished with another 12 percent being unsure. A team of inspectors is set to make its first visit next week to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia where sources say new recruits are being fast-tracked. The audit, which was initially stalled by DHS officials who were slow to turn over information to investigators, could take months to complete. It will result in a report to Congress, though 'management alerts' can be sent as needed to address more pressing concerns, insiders explained. 'They're offering $50,000 incentives for people to sign up, dropping their vetting and fitness standards, and then not training them well,' one source told us about ICE's new recruits. 'This would appear to be a recipe for disaster.' Another ICE insider told the Daily Mail that investigators are particularly interested in learning who made the decisions to lower training standards. Brendan Abbott, Australia's most infamous bank robber and prison escapee, has served his time in jail and deserves freedom, an author who spent years studying him has claimed. Abe Madison, also known as Derek Pedley, wrote the comprehensive work on Abbott's crimes called Australian Outlaw and has stayed in touch with him from behind bars ever since. Speaking to Daily Mail's The Trial Australia podcast, Madison said that Abbott, who allegedly committed the country's biggest ever heist, should finally be granted release from prison after serving 30 years, 12 of which were in solitary confinement. Abbott's story reads like a Hollywood thriller. Between 1989 and 1998, he robbed between 40 to 50 banks. He escaped prison three times, spending years of his life on the run from police. His 1989 jailbreak from Fremantle Prison in Perth earned him notoriety across Australia after he daringly stitched together a fake guard's uniform and managed to avoid the attention of gun towers to escape. Brendan Abbott, Australia's most infamous bank robber and prison escapee, has served his time in jail and deserves freedom, an author who spent years studying him has claimed Madison said that Abbott, who allegedly committed the country's biggest ever heist, should be granted release from prison after serving 30 years, 12 of which were in solitary confinement The Trial Australia - Inside Australia's biggest criminal cases: Listen to the new Daily Mail podcast now Madison told reporter Wayne Flower that while Abbott deserved decades behind bars for his crimes against bank staff, 30 years was enough. 'After 30 years, I firmly believe that Abbott has served his time and should be allowed to spend time with his son,' he said. 'His son James was born while he was on the run in 1991. In total, he has spent about 30 hours with his father across his entire lifetime. 'Abbott's crimes were very serious, no doubt, but no one was killed, no one was injured. 'Abbott wants to spend his last days getting to know his son and I think that's fair enough.' Abbott was originally sentenced in 1987 for armed bank robbery and a prison riot, then received additional sentences for the robberies committed during his years on the run. Now 63, he is eligible for parole in October 2026 but remains in maximum security at Perth's Casuarina Prison. He was dubbed The Postcard Bandit by the media after police concocted a story claiming he had sent them pictures of himself at tourist hotspots across Australia while on the run. The story, intended to drive public interest in the manhunt, did contain a kernel of truth, as Madison explained. 'The great irony about Brendan Abbott was that he never sent any postcards to police,' he said. 'After his escape from prison in 1989, Abbott and another guy called Aaron Reynolds embarked on a six month cross Australia trip. 'They joined up with a Japanese tourist by the name of Masao Ayuda, who was on a package holiday across the country. What Masao did not know was that along the way, Reynolds and Abbott were robbing banks. Abbott (L) was dubbed The Postcard Bandit by the media after police concocted a story claiming he had sent them pictures of himself at tourist hotspots across Australia Now 63, Abbott is eligible for parole in October 2026 but remains in maximum security at Perth's Casuarina Prison 'They were taking a lot of pictures as they travelled. Unwisely, as it turned out. After a car chase in Perth during which Abbott and Reynolds fired a shotgun at police, officers recovered a roll of film from the car. 'These pictures showed bank robbers living the high life, visiting places like the Gold Coast in Queensland. They gave every appearance of being postcards. 'Police media released these photos, saying that Abbott had intended to send them to his mates. 'A famous Australian magazine then picked up the story and called him the Postcard Bandit a name Abbott has always hated.' In total, Abbott spent five and a half years of his life as a fugitive, time he used to meticulously plan his heists. Madison described the bank robber as a 'very, very smart man' who taught himself how to use makeup and create disguises to aid in his robberies. Although police believe he did it, Abbott was never charged with the robbery of Perth's Commonwealth Bank, dubbed Western Australia's biggest heist, where the perpetrators netted between $300,000 and $500,000. 'He would conduct extensive surveillance on the banks,' Madison said. 'Abbott would go in, he would know descriptions of all the key members of staff. He would know the best time to hit the bank. He would spend days or weeks on surveillance prepping for a single job. 'We can never be sure of just how many robberies he was actually involved in because with the exception of one robbery, he was always wearing a balaclava. 'Police theorise that he was working with a crew in Adelaide, but they never managed to identify those accomplices and in thirty years, he's never given them up.' To listen to the full episode and hear more about Abbott's current bid for freedom, search The Trial Australia now, wherever you get your podcasts. Scientists have discovered a mysterious 'iron bar' in the heart of a nearby nebula that could offer a glimpse into Earth's grizzly fate. The strip of ionised iron atoms was spotted stretching across the Ring Nebula, located 2,283 light-years from Earth. Experts are baffled about how it formed, as scientists have never seen anything like it before. But they say it could be the remains of an Earth-like rocky planet that was vaporised by a dying star. When stars like our sun run out of nuclear fuel at the end of their lives, the outer layers balloon to enormous size even as the core shrinks and cools. Eventually, the core becomes a tiny white dwarf without enough gravity to hold the star together, and the outer layers are shed to leave behind a planetary nebula. In about five billion years from now, our sun will undergo the same transformation as it swells into an enormous Red Giant and swallows Earth. In a new paper, researchers say this never-before-seen structure in the Ring Nebula could reveal what Earth would look like after being destroyed by the sun. Scientists have spotted a mysterious iron 'bar' at the centre of the Ring Nebula, and it could offer a glimpse of Earth's grim future The Ring Nebula is one of the closest and most spectacular planetary nebulae visible from Earth. Astronomers believe that it formed when a dying star shed its outer layers about 4,000 years ago. The main ring of the nebula is made up of 20,000 clumps of dense molecular hydrogen gas, each about the mass of the Earth. Because this nebula is so hot and close to Earth, scientists often use it to trial new telescopes and equipment before looking for more distant objects. In this new study, scientists looked at the Ring Nebula using a new tool called the Large Integral Field Unit (LIFU), mounted on the William Herschel Telescope. This is essentially a bundle containing hundreds of fibre-optic wires that allow scientists to look at the different wavelengths of light, or spectra, across the entire face of the nebula. Lead author Dr Roger Wesson, of Cardiff University and University College London, says: 'By obtaining a spectrum continuously across the whole nebula, we can create images of the nebula at any wavelength and determine its chemical composition at any position. 'When we processed the data and scrolled through the images, one thing popped out as clear as anything this previously unknown "bar" of ionised iron atoms, in the middle of the familiar and iconic ring.' The strip of ionised iron atoms was spotted stretching across the Ring Nebula, located 2,283 light-years from Earth Astronomers believe that the Ring Nebula formed when a dying star shed its outer layers about 4,000 years ago A star's life cycle Around 90 per cent of stars in the sun are what scientists call 'main sequence' stars. These are stars that fuse hydrogen into helium in their cores, and range from about a tenth of the mass of the sun to about 200 times as massive. Main sequence stars start as clouds of gas and dust, which collapse under gravity into 'protostars'. When a protostar is dense enough, the pressure and heat start nuclear fusion and a star is born. Stars keep burning helium until it runs out in around 10 to 20 billion years. At this point, stars will enter the postmain sequence phase and become red dwarfs, white dwarfs, red giants, or even explode into neutron stars, depending on their size. Advertisement The researchers aren't actually sure how this strange bar might have been formed, but there are two likely scenarios. Either the bar was made by some unknown process during the ejection of the nebula as the parent star collapsed, or it is an arc of plasma resulting from the vaporisation of a rocky planet caught up in the stars earlier expansion. 'We know that there are planets around many stars, and if there were planets around the star that formed the Ring Nebula, they would have vaporised when the star became a red giant,' Dr Wesson told the Daily Mail. 'And the mass of iron in the bar is about what you'd expect from the vaporisation of a planet: if Mercury or Mars were vaporised, that would give a bit less iron than the bar in the Ring, while if Earth or Venus were vaporised, it would give a bit more.' If the latter is true, then this strange structure could be a fascinating look at how our planet might appear to astronomers billions of years in the future. Main-sequence stars like our sun are stable because the inward forces of gravity are matched by the outward push of nuclear fusion reactions in the core. However, when the star runs out of hydrogen fuel, it can't sustain that reaction and the outer layers start to collapse inwards. The pressure from this collapse creates such intense heat that it can fuse helium atoms into carbon, releasing a surge of energy that kickstarts nuclear fusion in the outer layers. One possible explanation is that the iron bar is the remains of a rocky planet that was engulfed by its star as the outer layers expanded to form the nebula. Earth is likely to suffer this same fate when the sun starts to run out of fuel in five billion years' time The outer layers then expand and cool into what is known as a Red Giant, becoming anywhere from 100 to 1,000 times larger. When this happens to our sun in about five billion years' time, scientists think it is very likely that Earth will be destroyed. As the sun expands, Earth will either be vaporised by the intense heat or torn to pieces and pulled in by the powerful gravitational tidal forces. In a paper published last year, scientists found that stars which had already expanded into red giants were much less likely to host large, closeorbiting planets like Earth. Overall, 0.28 per cent of stars surveyed were home to a giant planet, with the youngest stars in the sequence having planets more frequently. However, for stars that had already grown enough to be classed as red giants, just 0.11 per cent were home to planets. When this does happen, Earth might be smeared into something very much like the iron bar seen in the Ring Nebula. However, the researchers say they still need a lot more evidence before they can say for certain whether the bar was left by a planet. In about five billion years, scientists say that the sun will burn the last of its hydrogen fuel. When this happens, it will expand to about 200 times its current size to become a red giant and destroy Earth (artist's impression) Dr Wesson says: 'A vaporised planet is a possibility. But it's not the only possibility, and we'd have to work out how the iron ended up in a bar shape if it did come from a planet. 'More likely, there are iron "bars" waiting to be found in other nebulae. The more we can find, the more information we will have to determine how they formed, so we're hunting for more of them!' In the future, the researchers hope to use the LIFU tool to find more nebulae with similar features, to try to figure out where the bar might have come from. Co-author Professor Janet Drew, of University College London, says: 'We definitely need to know more - particularly whether any other chemical elements co-exist with the newly-detected iron, as this would probably tell us the right class of model to pursue. 'Right now, we are missing this important information.' Paedophiles used artificial intelligence (AI) to generate more than 3,000 child abuse videos in 2025, a shocking report has revealed. Analysis conducted by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) found that last year was the worst on record for AIgenerated child sex abuse material. The charity found a 'frightening' 26,362 per cent increase in photorealistic AI videos of child sexual abuse. In 2025, the IWF discovered 3,440 AI videos of child sexual abuse, compared to only 13 in 2024. Worryingly, 65 per cent of these videos were classified as the most extreme class of abuse, Category A, which can involve penetration, bestiality, and sexual torture. Kerry Smith, Chief Executive of the IWF, says: 'Our analysts work tirelessly to get this imagery removed to give victims some hope. 'But now AI has moved on to such an extent, criminals essentially can have their own child sexual abuse machines to make whatever they want to see.' Based on the findings, the IWF is calling for immediate action to ban the technology. Paedophiles used artificial intelligence (AI) to generate a record 3,440 child abuse videos in 2025, a shocking report has revealed (stock image) The 'frightening' increase in AIgenerated child abuse material comes as the IWF reports its worstever year for online abuse material. In 2025, IWF analysts took action on 312,030 reports where analysts confirmed the presence of child sexual abuse material. This recordbreaking high marks a seven per cent increase from the 291,730 confirmed reports in 2024. A large part of that increase has been driven by the explosive growth in AIgenerated content. AI tools to create sexual abuse material are not new, but the last year saw criminals improve the technology to make more extreme content at a significantly faster rate. The IWF now warns that this material can be made at scale by criminals with minimal technological knowledge. Ms Smith explained: 'The frightening rise in extreme Category A videos of AIgenerated child sexual abuse shows the kind of things criminals want. And it is dangerous. 'Easy availability of this material will only embolden those with a sexual interest in children, fuel its commercialisation, and further endanger children both on and offline.' Analysis conducted by the Internet Watch Foundation warns that AI has given criminals access to 'their own child sexual abuse machines' (stock image) In 2024, Hugh Nelson, then 27, was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment for using AI to alter photographs of real children to create sexual abuse images sent to him by paedophiles on the internet Nor does the fact that this material is AIgenerated mean that no children were harmed in its production. AI child sex abuse material often uses the likeness of real children known to the abuser as a basis for the videos. In 2024, Hugh Nelson, then 27, was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment for using AI to alter photographs of real children to create sexual abuse images. The court found that Mr Nelson's paying customers, who provided the photographs, were predominantly the fathers, uncles, family friends, or neighbours of the victims. Additionally, the likenesses of identifiable victims can either be depicted in the abuse material or used to 'train' the imagegenerating AI. Jamie Hurworth, Online Safety Act expert and dispute resolution lawyer for the firm Payne Hicks Beach, says: 'The use of generative AI to create child sexual abuse material should not be a legal grey area. It is sexual exploitation, regardless of whether the images are "synthetic". 'What this news shows is the scale at which AI can turbocharge harm if effective safeguards are not built in and enforced.' This news comes as Elon Musk bowed to pressure and moved to prevent his Grok AI from creating sexualised pictures of real individuals. This comes after X was forced to restrict image generation for Elon Musk's Grok AI, as the bot repeatedly produced sexualised images of children or adults altered to look like children The social media site X, formerly Twitter, had been flooded by users manipulating the AI image generator to create nonconsensual sexualised images of women. These images included sexualised images of children and adults digitally manipulated to look like children. Ashley St Clair, mother of one of Elon Musk's sons, is now suing X over AIgenerated images which, according to court filings, include one of her as a 14yearold stripped into a string bikini. Elon Musk had previously defended X, saying that critics 'just want to suppress free speech', and posted two AIgenerated pictures of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a bikini. On Wednesday, X announced that it had 'implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing'. While Ofcom said that this was a 'welcome development', the watchdog added that its investigation into whether X broke UK laws 'remains ongoing'. However, the standalone Grok app, Grok Imagine, is reportedly still capable of producing nude images which can be posted to X. As the IWF points out, under current legislation, it is extremely difficult for authorities to test whether an AI tool can be misused without committing an offence if any imagery is inadvertently created in the process. Ms St Claire alleges that the Grok AI had been used to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting her as a fouryearold girl Under new rules proposed in November, designated bodies like the IWF and AI developers will be given powers to scrutinise AI models to ensure they cannot be used to create nude or sexual imagery of children. Additionally, in December, the government announced plans to outlaw AI 'nudify' apps that digitally remove clothes from photographs. Tech secretary Liz Kendall said: 'It is utterly abhorrent that AI is being used to target women and girls in this way. 'We will not tolerate this technology being weaponised to cause harm, which is why I have accelerated our action to bring into force a ban on the creation of nonconsensual AIgenerated intimate images.' From '6,7' to 'vibecoding', new slang words and phrases seem to pop up on an almost daily basis. But it's time to wind the clock back, as new data shows several outdated words are making a surprising comeback. Experts from language learning app Preply have discovered a spike in onceforgotten slang. This includes 'lass', which has surged in popularity by 211 per cent, as well as 'owt' and 'scran'. 'Regional slang such as "gaff", "owt" or "scran" is often specific to certain regions, holding a unique cultural significance and sense of identity to those who use them,' explained Anna Pyshna, a spokesperson for Preply. 'While many of these terms were traditionally confined to local, regional communities, they are now starting to spread wider into everyday conversations. 'As these phrases gain popularity, theyre becoming a fundamental part of modern conversation, embracing the diversity of British regional dialects.' So, are you using any of these terms? Experts from language learning app Preply have discovered a spike in onceforgotten slang. Pictured: Only Fools and Horses For the study, Preply analysed UK literacy data to identify the outdated slang words that have experienced an increase in usage from 2000 to 2022. Topping the list is 'lass' a term often heard in Yorkshire to mean a girl or young woman which has seen a 211.6 per cent increase in usage. Next is 'nowt' (136.44 per cent increase), a term from North England meaning nothing, followed by 'scran' (113.42 per cent increase), meaning food. 'Owt' commonly used in Northern England meaning anything has surged by 72.45 per cent. This is ahead of 'gaff' (Cockney slang meaning house), which has increased by 14.55 per cent. While the reason for this increase remains unclear, Preply suggests it's down to a combination of pop culture trends and TV. In particular, it highlights rapper Aitch and streamer Angry Ginge, who appeared on the recent series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! 'The reappearance of traditional regional slang demonstrates a growing interest in heritage and local culture,' Ms Pyshna explained. The analysis comes shortly after researchers at WordTips revealed the outdated British slang words people want to bring back the most Outdated British slang making a comeback Lass +211.6% +211.6% Nowt +136.44% +136.44% Scran +113.42% +113.42% Owt +72.45% +72.45% Gaff +14.55% Advertisement 'It is not only creating a sense of community amongst those who use it, as we saw on our television screens with rapper Aitch and streamer Angry Ginge bonding over their Mancunian heritage, but also capturing the attention of those outside these regions. 'The Mancunians' use of these phrases displayed how regional slang can still resonate with mainstream audiences, turning once regional words into a part of the national dialect.' If you've started using any of these outdated terms, you'll be happy to hear that they're probably here to stay. 'The comeback of regional slang isnt just a passing trend,' Ms Pyshna added. 'As more people embrace the quirky charm and unique humour that come with these words, we can expect to see the trend continue to gain momentum. 'Whether it's through television, social media, or simple conversations, Brits are unknowingly helping to ensure that these endangered terms remain part of modern British vocabulary.' The analysis comes shortly after researchers at WordTips revealed the outdated British slang words people want to bring back the most. Their analysis revealed that 'bloody' is the outdated slang word we love the most. 'Chuffed' is next on the list, followed by 'bugger all', 'bruv', 'sod off' and 'curtain twitcher'. Other honourable mentions in WordTips' analysis include 'chockablock', 'hank marvin', and of course, the classic 'fit'. In contrast, 'canny' was found to be the least popular British slang word. A major earthquake has struck off the coast of Oregon, sending shockwaves felt in multiple cities along the US West Coast with more quakes expected to follow. The magnitude 6.0 earthquake erupted in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 180 miles from the coastline, at 10.25pm ET Thursday night. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 3.1 aftershock struck three hours later early Friday morning and there is currently a 65 percent chance that more aftershocks will occur in the area this weekend. Multiple reports by residents in Oregon revealed that the major seismic event was felt as far away as Portland, roughly 300miles from the earthquake's epicenter at sea. Residents in Oregon's Dallas, Eugene, Salem, and Coos Bay also reported light shaking caused by the nearby seaquake, and the region's tsunami alert system was even activated. This latest quakes took place along the Juan de Fuca Plate, which drives the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) - a nearly 700-mile-long fault line off the West Coast of North America. Scientists have long warned that the zone is overdue for a catastrophic event, with many nicknaming it the 'Sleeping Giant.' Simulations have shown the fault is capable of a magnitude 9.0 earthquake that would impact most of the Pacific Northwest, including major cities such as Seattle and Portland. A magnitude 6.0 earthquake was detected Thursday night near the Oregon coast and more aftershocks have been predicted to strike over the next seven days The Cascadia Subduction Zone extends along a nearly 700-mile strip of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern Canada, Washington, Oregon, and northern California The National Weather Service's Tsunami Warning System noted that no dangerous waves were produced by the late night earthquake and there was no threat to the US coastline. USGS has placed the odds of another significant earthquake stronger than magnitude 5.0 striking the area over the next week at 1-in-50. A catastrophic rupture along this fault line stronger than magnitude 7.0 is not expected at this time, with the agency giving it a less than one percent chance. Despite the odds, an April 2025 study found that a colossal earthquake along the CSZ was almost assured to take place by 2100, with a 37 percent chance it'll happen at any point over the next 50 years. The CSZ sits along the coast of the US and Canada in the Pacific, where the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate slides beneath another, known as the North American Plate. It stretches from northern Vancouver Island in Canada to the southern half of the US West Coast, running all the way to California. If an earthquake between 8.0 and 9.0 in magnitude struck today, scientists have estimated that the shockwave could produce a 100-foot-tall mega tsunami which wipes out most of the nearby coastline. A 2022 emergency report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimated that there would be over 100,000 people injured and over 618,000 buildings damaged or destroyed during the next major CSZ earthquake. The Cascadia zone, which sits under Washington, Oregon, and northern California, is said to be 'overdue' for another major earthquake. The last one struck in 1700 Thursday and Friday's seaquakes took place right along the Juan de Fuca Plate off the coast of Oregon There were no reports of injuries or property damage connected to this latest major quake or its aftershock. The last mega earthquake along the CSZ struck on January 26, 1700. Historians and scientists have estimated that it was a magnitude 9.0 which unleashed a mega tsunami that destroyed the village of Pachena Bay in British Columbia. Records of the event revealed that waves up to 100 feet high struck just 30 minutes after the quake, leaving no survivors. A groundbreaking study of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils has rewritten what humans know about these prehistoric predators and how long they lived millions of years ago. A study by three US researchers revealed that T. rex didn't reach their full adult size until around age 40, maturing gradually and steadily over decades rather than stopping abruptly earlier in life. This means the oldest T. rex likely lived well beyond their 40s, enjoying a prolonged 'adolescence' where they kept getting bigger and stronger into middle age. Before this study, experts believed T. rex stopped growing by age 25, based on earlier counts of bone growth rings that suggested a quicker path to maturity. However, researchers sliced open fossilized leg bones from these dinosaurs and examined them under special lights to count hidden growth rings, similar to ones people find in trees, that recorded yearly slowdowns in growth. Using advanced computer models to combine data from multiple T. rex fossils, the team created a more accurate growth curve that accounted for the variations and extra marks caused by extreme factors such as food shortages or environmental stresses. Nathan Myhrvold, a mathematician from the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences said: 'Interpreting multiple closely spaced growth marks is tricky.' 'We found strong evidence that the protocols typically used in growth studies may need to be revised.' Scientists now believe the Tyrannosaurus rex (Pictured) lived well into their 40s (Stock Image) By examining the rings found in fossilized bones, scientists were able to count how old 17 dinosaurs were The bones came from 17 tyrannosaur specimens collected mostly from museums in Montana and North Dakota, including well-known dinosaurs nicknamed 'Jane' and 'Petey' that showed unusual growth patterns. The study, published in journal PeerJ, found that the growth rings inside the T. rex bones each showed a year of life, with solid lines marking times when growth completely stopped and fuzzy bands showing when it just slowed down. To do this, the scientists polished the fossil slices until they were almost see-through, and examined them under a special kind of microscope that uses polarized light, making hidden details in fossils stand out more. Normally, dinosaur bone growth rings are very hard or impossible to see clearly with regular microscope light, but the special filters created bright colors and sharp contrasts that reveal every ring in stunning detail. By counting every single mark in the fossils, including extremely close together lines believed to be caused by stress, the team built four different counting methods and used computer models to test which one gave the most consistent picture of the dinosaur lifespan. The most reliable method showed that T. rex grew much slower than earlier studies claimed, taking about 35 to 40 years to reach their maximum size instead of maturing in their 20s. During their fastest growth spurt between the ages of 14 and 29, the scientists believe these predators could gain between 800 and 1,200 pounds per year. However, the overall T. rex growth process now appears to have stretched out over decades. Slices of the T. rex leg bones were viewed under polarized light to find previously unseen growth rings After this rapid teenage growth spike, the study concluded that T. rex entered a long 'subadult' stage where they kept slowly adding weight and size for another 10 to 15 years before finally becoming full adult dinosaurs. Study co-author Jack Horner of Chapman University in California added in a statement: 'A four-decade growth phase may have allowed younger tyrannosaurs to fill a variety of ecological roles within their environments.' Horner suggested that this slow path to maturity likely let younger T. rex hunt smaller prey, which may have helped them become the top predators at the end of the dinosaur age known as the Cretaceous Period. However, the team noted that the fossils examined in this study included fossils from the broader 'Tyrannosaurus rex species complex,' which may have included more than one species or subspecies that skewed the new growth timeline. Moreover, the smaller fossils of Jane and Petey showed growth patterns that didnt match the rest of the fossil group, suggesting they may have actually belonged to a different species, such as the proposed 'Nanotyrannus.' 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. Athena 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. Accused: Tanner Horner's attorney now claims he has autism after he was charged with kidnapping and murdering a seven-year-old girl in Texas Killed: Horner claims he accidentally hit Athena Strand 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. Horner 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. Athena's mother, Maitlyn Gandy, has vehemently supported the death penalty for Horner if he's found guilty of murdering her daughter. 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 Athena'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. Support: Maitlyn Gandy, Athena'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 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. Delivery: At a news conference, Maitlyn told how Horner was delivering a You Can Be Anything Barbie to Athena's father and stepmother's house in Paradise Athena's mom Maitlyn, 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. 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.' Charged: 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.' Athena'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. A holiday doesn't have to be weeks or months long. In fact, according to new research, more travellers than ever are going on spontaneous, short weekend getaways, rather than big summer holidays. In its 2026 What The Future (WTF) Report, KAYAK found that nearly 66 per cent of holidaymakers plan to take several mini trips this year. These mini escapes deliver the same refresh in half the time - and need far less planning. The share of flight searches for one to four-day holidays has increased by eight per cent within the last year, while the use of #weekendgetaway increased by 60 per cent on TikTok. With that in mind, KAYAK has helpfully revealed the best-value short-haul destinations for 2026. With average return flights costing just 93, Dublin is the cheapest place for Brits to head for a mini break. In second place is Madrid, with flights costing 101, on average. With average return flights costing just 93, Dublin is the cheapest place for Brits to head for a mini break In second place is Madrid, with flights costing 101, on average Milan and Basel, Switzerland, come in joint third place, with fights from the UK costing 107 for both, on average. Meanwhile, Brussels rounds out the top five, with average return flights costing 108 from the UK. Basel was also ranked as the best-value smaller destination outside of the UK for Brits to visit - with many Gen Z and Millennial travellers revealing they'd rather holiday in a small town than a big city. KAYAK's findings have been made up of combined insights from a survey of 14,000 holidaymakers, including 2,029 UK 'next gen travellers', social and cultural research, and expert commentary. And the report also found how much of an impact AI is having on travel planning. Some 31 per cent of UK respondents say they now trust an AI recommendation more than friends or social media. And 32 per cent confess they trust AI's picks because it pulls advice from millions of sources. Matthias Keller, Chief Product Officer, KAYAK, commented: 'In 2026, AI will become an even more powerful, invisible engine behind travel, anticipating what travellers need before they ask and removing friction at every step. Milan and Basel, Switzerland (pictured), come in joint third place, with fights from the UK costing 107 for both, on average 'The future of travel isnt just smarter; its more human and personalised, with technology enhancing the experience along the way.' David Hoctor, Vertical Director of Travel, Global Business Solutions at TikTok, added: 'TikTok is reshaping how people explore the world, and is home to a vibrant culture of search and discovery when it comes to planning travel from flights, to hotels, to destinations, and beyond. 'KAYAK has identified a number of emerging travel behaviours that we are seeing play out in real-time on TikTok, from micro-travel trips with friends, to "awe-inspiring dream vacations with their loved ones. 'Were thrilled to see these trends take shape in the year ahead as travellers plan their next trips.' The Foreign Office has issued an urgent alert to UK travellers heading to 16 countries amid 'serious concerns' over rising regional tensions. Officials are urging holidaymakers to take 'extra precautions' when travelling to parts of the Middle East and surrounding areas, which attract hundreds of thousands of British tourists every year. The warning follows recent developments involving Iran and now includes several popular holiday destinations such as Turkey, Dubai, Cyprus and Egypt. It comes after Iran unexpectedly shut its airspace to commercial flights in the early hours of Thursday morning, without explanation, amid escalating tensions with the United States over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests. The sudden closure forced international airlines to divert routes north and south around Iranian airspace, causing disruption to global flight paths. Iranian authorities reopened the airspace shortly after 7am, with a number of domestic flights resuming operations. Iran previously closed its skies during the 12-day conflict with Israel last June. In an alert issued on Thursday (January 15), the Foreign Office said: 'There is a heightened risk of regional tension. 'Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. Travellers heading to 16 destinations, including Dubai (pictured), have been warned by the UK Foreign Office to 'take extra precautions' amid rising regional tensions in the Middle East The warning includes several popular holiday destinations such as Turkey (pictured), Dubai, Cyprus and Egypt Iran unexpectedly shut its airspace to commercial flights on Thursday in the wake of President Trump's response to Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests 'British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances.' SafeAirspace, an organisation that monitors conflict zones and aviation risks, warned that Thursday's shutdown could signal further 'security and military activity'. As reported by The Express, it 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 defense, increasing the risk of misidentification of civil traffic.' There are growing fears that any potential military action by President Trump against the Iranian regime could lead to wider escalation across the region, increasing the risk of violence and causing significant disruption to international travel. It comes after the UK Foreign Office warned travellers heading to Dubai of potential 'terrorist attacks' that could target British nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Foreign Office warns that terrorists may try to carry out attacks in the UAE, including Dubai - which welcomes up to 16 million international visitors every year. The government department writes: 'There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Join the debate Would you travel to a high-risk country? There are growing concerns that any potential military action by President Trump (pictured) against the Iranian regime could lead to wider escalation across the region Iran had previously closed its skies during the 12-day conflict with Israel last June (Pictured: Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei) Pictured: An Iranian woman holds a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the funerals of security forces personnel killed in recent protests in Tehran 'Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 'UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.' The FCDO further noted that although terrorists may target western interests and British nationals specifically, attacks 'could also be indiscriminate,' including in areas frequented by foreign visitors. Further advice states: 'Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region.' Tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as regional hostilities in the wider Gulf region, have contributed to the elevated threat level. A woman who lives aboard a tiny narrowboat says she took the 'ultimate leap of faith' by buying it - and it's paid off. Eleanor Sutcliffe was dealing with the end of a relationship, and had moved out of the home she'd shared with her ex, when she came across the boat on sale via Facebook Marketplace. During the sale of her house, the 28-year-old says she couldn't afford another home in the area where she works. 'I needed to think outside the box, and I'd always wanted to live on a narrowboat,' Eleanor, who is originally from North Wales but now lives in the Birmingham area, told What's The Jam. 'My parents have always supported any weird ideas I've had, and my dad said he would help me renovate one if we needed to. 'Neither of us had ever been on a boat before, but he is great at DIY and I've always been quite practical and love to learn new skills.' Eleanor, a firefighter, said she is making savings by living on her boat compared to buying or renting a home in Birmingham. She added: 'I find the cost is much better - my overall boat costs including mooring fee, license, insurance and fuel come to just under 500 a month. Eleanor Sutcliffe was dealing with the end of a relationship, and had moved out of the home she'd shared with her ex, when she came across aboat on sale via Facebook Marketplace Eleanor, a firefighter, said she is making savings by living on her boat compared to buying or renting a home in Birmingham 'For context, to rent a flat near to where I work, I would be looking at around ?750 or more for rent alone.' Eleanor bought her 50ft-long 1986 Dartline boat in May 2024 for 15,000 and then took out a loan to complete the renovation works. She added: 'I fell in love with my boat the first time I saw her. She was a bit of a mess, but I loved the thought of trying to restore her back to her former glory.' Although the boat needed a full revamp, Eleanor moved in around October 2024, as her house had sold. She said: 'I lived in it while we were still building the walls! 'The boat has had a full internal renovation - we took it back to metal, treated it and laid new insulation and ballast. 'We then put in new walls and flooring, new floorboards, built a kitchen, new internal walls, a fitting bed with storage, re-fitted the hearth and log burner....the list goes on!' Eleanor shares updates on the renovation - currently focused on the bathroom - with more than 31,000 followers on TikTok under @El_Sooty_. Eleanor bought her 50ft-long 1986 Dartline boat in May 2024 for 15,000 and then took out a loan to complete the renovation works She added: 'I fell in love with my boat the first time I saw her. She was a bit of a mess, but I loved the thought of trying to restore her back to her former glory' In one video, Eleanor called buying and living on her water-bound pad the 'best decision' she's ever made. Her budget for the interior renovation is 10,000 and she's already spent around 8,000 so far. She added: 'The outside will need a full repaint which I was quoted over ?10,000 to have done professionally, so we will also be tackling that ourselves but from a separate budget.' She's also faced a number of challenges throughout the process, particularly during the winter months. Eleanor admitted: 'It gets cold in the winter! This year I had my first snowstorm whilst aboard and it was a struggle. 'Hosting can be difficult - I've been known to serve dinner on the roof, because we've run out of space inside! 'Trying to navigate a renovation project whilst working full time as a firefighter has also been difficult but I wouldn't change it. I've learnt so many new skills.' Eleanor's boat is currently moored in a marina while she completes the renovation, but she says she plans to start cruising more once it's done. Eleanor shares updates on the renovation - currently focused on the bathroom - with more than 31,000 followers on TikTok under @El_Sooty_ Eleanor's boat is currently moored in a marina while she completes the renovation, but she says she plans to start cruising more once it's done She added: 'I love that I have the option to move my home if and when I'd like to - I find the boating community is brilliant as well. 'Everyone is incredibly helpful and will go the extra mile to give you a hand if you need it. 'It's a really lovely way to live a bit closer in touch with nature. You're far more aware of the waste you create and the resources you use. 'It's definitely taught me to take everything less for granted and to be far more grateful. 'Sharing my journey online has been lovely as well - a lot of people are curious about the lifestyle.' She added: 'I've been incredibly lucky that my mum and dad were more than happy to come and help me with any DIY projects where I needed help. None of us are qualified tradespeople.' Tourists visiting London may soon find navigating their way around the city gets a lot easier - after plans to increase high-speed coverage on the capital's Tube network have gathered pace. The increased technology comes as part of Mayor Sadiq Khan's bid to improve London's digital connectivity - and increase 'innovation, productivity and growth' - by putting 4G and 5G mobile network coverage across the entire network. The project, which is estimated to be costing 1billion, is set to be finished by the end of 2026, with up to 400 engineers regularly working overnight to try and fulfil plans for a fully connected network. Commuters and visitors to the city will be able to stream videos, access live travel updates and use social media while underground, thanks to the superfast connections. Transport for London (TfL) announced plans to roll out further coverage to improve communication this week, with parts of the Circle and District Lines set to get connected for the first time. Passengers can currently already access a high-speed signal if they're travelling on the newest line - the Elizabeth - as well as at Euston Square, Cannon Street and Battersea Power Station. Major London stations are up next too, with Eurostar Tube hub King's Cross St Pancras coming in the next few months, alongside Gloucester Road, Warwick Avenue and Vauxhall. By the end of the year, super-fast coverage will be accessible across the entire London Undergound network, as part of Sadiq Khan's plans to improve digital connection in the capital Those travelling on the Northern and Metropolitan lines will have to wait a little longer for a high-speed subterranean connection, with coverage expected at the end of the summer. The project has already reached its half-way point, with some 63 out of 121 London stations, and the tunnels that connect them, now with fast connections. Reports the Evening Standard, all three UK mobile big hitters, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone Three and EE will be able to pay a fee to access the network, provided by technology firm Boldyn Networks, previously known as BAI Communications. London has lagged behind other major tourist destinations when it comes to connectivity. In Tokyo, passengers have long been able to get online, with free Wi-Fi available at most major stations. New York's train system also has increasing access to high-speed coverage, with Paris also improving connectivity on its Metro system. The 4G and 5G roll-out has already happened on London's newest line, the Elizabeth Meanwhile, visitors in London are bracing themselves for a new tourist tax on overnight stays, which could raise more than 350million a year for the capital. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan received powers last year to levy a tax on overnight visitors, which he said would 'directly support the capital's economy and help cement our reputation as a global tourism and business destination'. Through changes enabled by the Autumn Budget 2025, city mayors and town officials will have the authority to charge a small fee for overnight stays in accommodations such as hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and holiday lets. These levies will bring England in line with other parts of the UK, as well as with top international destinations such as New York, Paris and Milan, where fees on short-term stays have long been commonplace. An iconic building in Madrid is set to be transformed into an exclusive club and boutique hotel in 2026, featuring 19 bedrooms, seven gastronomic spaces and a rooftop terrace. The Edificio Metropolis is a French Beaux-Arts style landmark located at the junction of Gran Via and Calle de Alcala. The Metropolis was inaugurated in 1911 for an insurance company, though it now stands as one of Madrid's most famous and photographed buildings. While its interior is closed to the public, visitors flock to marvel at its stunning neo-renaissance exterior, which includes a black slate dome, a winged victory statue and gold detailing. This year, the building will begin a new chapter as Club Metropolis, which will house a 6,000 m2 an exclusive private club, a 19-room boutique hotel and seven gastronomic spaces. The project aims to recapture the historic property's original splendour 115 years after it first opened its doors. After five years of development, the venue will also feature a rooftop terrace and an annual calendar of 200 member events, establishing it as one of Madrid's most unique new landmarks. Though Club Metropolis is yet to open to the public on 21 January, its membership application quota has already been met, and a waiting list has since been launched for those interested in becoming members. The Edificio Metropolis is an iconic landmark located at the corner of Gran Via and Calle de Alcala in Madrid On 21 January, the building will begin a new chapter as Club Metropolis, which will feature 6,000 m2 an exclusive private club and a 19-room boutique hotel Once open, the club hopes to position itself as benchmark on the international circuit of private clubs under the umbrella of Grupo Paraguas, as reported by Spain Travel News. It comes as Madrid was revealed as the second-best-value short-haul destination for 2026, in KAYAK's 2026 What The Future (WTF) Report. On average, flights to the Spanish capital cost 101. It was beaten on price by Dublin, which has average return flights costing just 93, making it the cheapest place for Brits to head for a mini break. In its report, KAYAK found that nearly 66 per cent of holidaymakers plan to take several mini trips this year. These mini escapes deliver the same refresh in half the time - and need far less planning. The share of flight searches for one to four-day holidays has increased by eight per cent within the last year, while the use of #weekendgetaway increased by 60 per cent on TikTok. KAYAK's findings have been made up of combined insights from a survey of 14,000 holidaymakers, including 2,029 UK 'next gen travellers', social and cultural research, and expert commentary. The project aims seeks to recapture the historic property's original splendour and establish it as one of Madrid's new unique landmarks The report also found how much of an impact AI is having on travel planning. Some 31 per cent of UK respondents say they now trust an AI recommendation more than friends or social media, while 32 per cent confess they trust AI's picks because it pulls advice from millions of sources. Matthias Keller, Chief Product Officer, KAYAK, commented: 'In 2026, AI will become an even more powerful, invisible engine behind travel, anticipating what travellers need before they ask and removing friction at every step. 'The future of travel isnt just smarter; its more human and personalised, with technology enhancing the experience along the way.' Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary have exchanged sharp words after the airline boss confirmed he has no plans to introduce Starlink internet on board the carrier's aircraft. The dispute began on Wednesday (January 14), when O'Leary dismissed the idea of installing in-flight Wi-Fi across Ryanairs fleet, expressing concerns over increased fuel consumption. His comments prompted an immediate response from Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Musk. Speaking to Reuters, O'Leary said fitting an antenna to the aircraft fuselage would add both weight and drag, resulting in what he described as a 'two per cent fuel penalty'. He added that Ryanair's passengers would be unlikely to pay extra for Wi-Fi on short, one-hour flights, reports The Independent. Ryanair operates thousands of short- and medium-haul services across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, and currently offers no on-board Wi-Fi to customers. Starlink, developed by SpaceX, delivers high-speed internet through a vast network of low-Earth orbit satellites. In response to O'Leary's remarks, SpaceX's vice-president of Starlink engineering, Michael Nicolls, took to X. Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary (pictured) have exchanged sharp words following the airline boss' refusal to install Starlink internet on Ryanair fleet O'Leary's comments prompted an immediate response from Musk (pictured) He explained that a '2 per cent fuel impact might be true for legacy terminals, but Starlink's terminal is much lower profile and more efficient'. Musk then weighed in on the matter, also taking to X to criticise the Ryanair boss. He called O'Leary 'misinformed' and warned that Ryanair would lose customers to airlines offering internet access. In another post, Musk labelled the chief executive an 'idiot', writing: 'Ryanair CEO is an utter idiot. Fire him.' O'Leary responded the following day (January 15) during an interview on Irish radio station Newstalk, where he said installing Starlink would cost the airline between $200 million and $250 million annually. He said: 'In other words, about an extra dollar for every passenger we fly, and the reality for us is we can't afford those costs. 'Passengers won't pay for internet usage; if it's free, they'll use it - but they won't pay one euro each to use the internet.' The Ryanair boss also hit back at Musk directly, telling listeners they should 'pay no attention whatsoever to Elon Musk'. Starlink, a service that delivers high-speed internet through a vast network of low-Earth orbit satellites, is owned by Musk Musk took to X this week to criticise the Ryanair boss The Ryanair boss (pictured) also hit back at Musk directly, calling him an 'utter idiot'. 'He's an idiot', O'Leary added. 'Very wealthy, but he's still an idiot'. Meanwhile, the 'world's best airline' is upgrading its entire fleet with ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi - making it the world's largest international airline to offer the service across its network. From 23 November 2025, passengers on select Emirates aircraft will be able to stream, video call, game, work and browse social media in real time - free of charge - at 40,000ft with simple one-click access. The first of Emirates' 232 Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with Starlink internet was scheduled to enter commercial service in November, with plans to accelerate installations across the carrier's fleet at 14 aircraft per month. Gemma Merna has reportedly made a return to Hollyoaks a decade after her iconic character Carmel McQueen was killed off. The actress, 41, who used to be a lads' mag favourite, first joined the soap in 2006 before she left in 2024. During her eight years, Carmel was at the centre of huge storylines, which included her relationship with Calvin Valentine, played by Ricky Whittle. But in 2014, Channel 4 bosses killed her off as she died during the soap's explosive train crash episode. She is now said to be returning to the screen to star in a dream for the exit of her on-screen brother, John-Paul McQueen, played by James Sutton, according to The Sun. A source told the publication: 'It's a real treat for the fans getting Gemma back.' Gemma Merna, 41, has reportedly made a return to Hollyoaks a decade after her iconic character, Carmel McQueen The actress, who used to be a lads' mag favourite, first joined the soap in 2006 before she left in 2024 (pictured on Hollyoaks in 2009) The soap star appeared in more than 500 episodes of the Channel 4 soap from 2006 to 2014, and one of her biggest storylines saw Carmel left with severe injuries when a tanning machine exploded in her face. The character was later killed off in an explosion following a train crash at her cousin Porsche McQueen's (Twinnie Lee Moore) wedding. Her return comes just two years after she claimed that she had landed her 'dream job' with the show's rival Coronation Street. Gemma shared a snap on Instagram in front of Corrie's iconic Rovers Return pub to announce the news in April 2024 and wrote: 'The news is out. 'I've been keeping a little secret. I am thrilled to announce that I've landed my dream job on @coronationstreet! 'Can you believe it?! I've wanted to be on Coronation Street since I was a little girl. Being born and bred in Manchester, it's truly a dream come true for me. 'It's been on my vision board for over 10 years, and finally, I got the chance to walk the cobbles. I can't even believe I'm writing this. (sic)' Gemma added that the 'best part' of landing her role in Coronation Street was telling her mum. In 2014 Channel 4 bosses killed her off as she died during the soap's explosive train crash episode She is now said to be returning to the screen to star in a dream for the exit of her on-screen brother, John-Paul McQueen, played by James Sutton, She explained: 'I think the best part was ringing my mum and telling her. 'To my dad, nana, grandad, and grandma, who all watched it for many years, and were huge fans - I hope you're proud of me up there. (sic)' Gemma appeared in two episodes of Coronation Street. Shaq Muhammad has revealed the 'real' reason behind his dramatic split from girlfriend Tanya Manhenga. The hunk, 27, made his return to the Love Island villa on Thursday night for the delayed launch of this year's All Stars series. Just hours after arriving, Shaq revealed exactly why he and Tanya split up after they came fourth on the 2023 winter series. Speaking in the TV villa, Shaq claimed their unceremonious break up came as a result of him receiving a lap dance from another woman. Fans at home were quick to notice how Shaq's initial story had changed, where he claimed he has just 'called someone beautiful'. One viewer said: 'Tanya did so good by dumping Shaq cant lie cause he is a clown'; Shaq Muhammad has revealed the 'real' reason behind his dramatic split from girlfriend Tanya Manhenga as he returned to the villa Speaking in the TV villa, Shaq claimed their unceremonious break up came as a result of him receiving a lap dance from another woman (pictured in 2023) Fans at home were quick to notice how Shaq's initial story had changed, where he claimed he has just 'called someone beautiful' 'See how it went from I called a girl beautiful to I got a lap dance Shaq o Shaq. Justice for Tanya'; 'I knew there was more to the Shaq and Tanya breakup than him calling a girl beautiful, hes such a liar'; 'Think Shaq should have sat this one out. Most love island girls are friends with Tanya soo it will be girl code every day'; 'Shaq is literally a no good for both of them cos of Tanya, so who do they even go for'. Meanwhile, as Shaq coupled up with Leanne Amaning, fans pointed out his sizzling chemistry with Belle Hassan, 27. This year's cast includes former winners Millie Court, 29, and Jess Harding, 25, along with Whitney Adebayo, 28, Ciaran Davies 22, Sean Stone, 26, Helena Ford, 29, Tommy Bradley, 22, Jack Keating, 26, Leanne Amaning, 28, and Charlie Frederick, 30. Love Island: All Stars' launch episode ended on a fiery note when surprise bombshell Scott, who is making his fourth Love Island appearance, entered the villa. Scott was asked to call out which couple he felt was 'no good' to which he said Belle and Sean, adding that Sean 'isn't even an All Star'. The launch episode saw Shaq couple up with Leanne Amaning Meanwhile, as Shaq coupled up with Leanne Amaning, fans pointed out his sizzling chemistry with Belle Hassan, 27 'Watching you on your season you were one of the worst Islanders ever,' Scott said in a brutal tirade, adding he was 'up Joey Essex's ar**'. The attack left Sean in utter shock as he revealed he and Scott have never even spoken to each other before. Maya then dealt Sean another blow as she revealed as the male in the no good couple he would not be staying in the villa tonight. Agatha Christie's Seven Dials (Netflix) Rating: Where would murder mystery lovers be without Madge Watts? The older sister of Agatha Christie provided much of the inspiration for a stack of delicious detective thrillers. It was Madge who first urged the young Agatha to write. She lived at Abney Hall in Cheadle, near Manchester, a mid-Victorian country house with towering brick chimneys and battalions of servants. Abney Hall is the template for many Christie locations such as Gossington Hall, where a maid discovers a strangled corpse (The Body In The Library), and Gorston Hall, where an elderly millionaire is found swimming in blood inside a locked study (Hercule Poirot's Christmas). But the most detailed version of Abney Hall appears in a pair of 1920s adventures, The Secret Of Chimneys and its sequel, The Seven Dials Mystery. In both books, the house is the star, and this marvellous new adaptation for Netflix captures that spirit. It opens with a wild house party, crammed with Bright Young Things and dashing chaps from the Foreign Office, whooping it up to the sound of a jazz band mayhem with an edge of debauchery, like Downton Abbey if Lord Grantham got smashed on champagne and absinthe. This proves a clever way to introduce the murder victim, the chief suspects and the sleuth. The hostess is Lady Caterham Helena Bonham Carter, enjoying herself hugely, with all the funniest lines: 'One must never thank staff. Where would it end?' Handsome Gerry Wade is a war hero, especially to Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, a starry-eyed debutante with a wilful streak (Mia McKenna-Bruce). Bundle's adored older brother, Tommy, died on the battlefield in 1915. Gerry (Corey Mylchreest) was his closest pal, and even rescued his body under German fire. When Gerry hints that he is about to propose to Bundle, it's obvious he won't have to ask twice, and McKenna-Bruce does an excellent impression of a girl about to burst for joy. Handsome Gerry Wade is a war hero, especially to Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, a starry-eyed debutante with a wilful streak (Mia McKenna-Bruce) When Gerry hints that he is about to propose to Bundle, it's obvious he won't have to ask twice, and McKenna-Bruce does an excellent impression of a girl about to burst for joy What a perfect nickname Bundle is, by the way. It conveys her energy and her immaturity, and it's unforgettable because it is unique. Christie was always good with nicknames: big sister Madge was dubbed 'Punkie', which manages to sound both silly and affectionate. Christie's corpses are usually people we don't know or won't miss. Seven Dials is different, since it's brave, manly Gerry who fails to wake up after the party, killed by an overdose of sleeping draught. Everyone but Bundle is quick to assume suicide, because all First World War veterans were expected to bottle up their traumas. Those notes of genuine tragedy and darkness might partly account for why Seven Dials is one of Christie's least-known novels though mostly it's the lack of Poirot or Miss Marple. The Scotland Yard man Superintendent Battle, played by Martin Freeman, does feature, though not until the second episode. Don't be deterred by that. Mix yourself a cocktail and enjoy a frightfully glorious romp. A grieving mother was left sobbing on BBC Breakfast as she demanded answers about her teenage son's death following disturbing footage from his final moments. The heartbroken parent opened up on the devastating death of her 14-year-old, Jools Sweeney - who was found unconscious in 2022 after taking his own life, which was ruled as unintended by a coroner. Mum Ellen Roome revealed she believes Jools died after an online challenge went wrong, but is yet to be given access to his social media data. Ms Roome has been campaigning to access her son's social media accounts, across TikTok, Meta and Snapchat, as she believes they hold the answers as to why he took his own life. She said Jools did a 'lot of online challenges' and fears he fell victim to a 'dark and dangerous' one such as Blackout, a viral trend where children film themselves holding their breath until they fall unconscious. She and a group of bereaved parents have filed wrongful death lawsuits against TikTok, and the mother is set to appear in court in the US for the legal battle. A grieving mother was left sobbing on BBC Breakfast as she demanded answers over her teenage son's death following disturbing footage from his final moments The heartbroken parent opened up on the devastating death of her 14-year-old, Jools Sweeney - who was found unconscious in 2022 after taking his own life, which was ruled as unintended by a coroner Ms Roome said in an interview that aired on the show, hosted by Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, on Friday: 'Jools was the most caring, loving, bright child. 'He just had the most amazing, kind heart, and it just doesn't make sense to me.' The report detailed: 'Ellen believes Jools may have died after attempting an online challenge that was circulating on social media in 2022. 'The lawsuit alleges that Jools and four other British children died after being exposed to harmful content amplified by TikTok's algorithms. This is the first part of the family's legal battle.' Ms Roome explained: 'TikTok are trying to kick us out of the lawsuit and say we've got no grounds for a lawsuit. Our lawyers are obviously then going to say, we have, and these are the reasons why. 'Assuming we stay in, we move to the next stage, which is discovery, where TikTok will have to release our children's data. 'All of us have not been able to see what our children looked at. 'I do think if social media companies had nothing to hide, why have they not said to us, here's the data. And that has never made sense to me.' Ms Roome said in an interview that aired on the show, hosted by Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, on Friday: 'Jools was the most caring, loving, bright child' Ms Roome has been campaigning to access her son's social media accounts, across TikTok, Meta and Snapchat, as she believes they hold the answers as to why he took his own life The final footage of Jools shows him greeting one of his friends on a Ring doorbell, and appearing to laugh happily with his pal. 'He goes in laughing, so what on earth happened in that last hour and a half?' Ms Roome continued. 'That's what I want to piece together. 'I can't bring Jools back, but if we can start proving accountability that children are fed this, and this is what our children have seen and how it could have affected them, then we can start holding those companies accountable and saying this is not acceptable.' Holding onto Jools's phone and getting emotional, the mother continued: 'Do you know, it's like... Somebody said it to me, it's like an echo, and it's quite true. 'When you pick something up that's theirs, whether it's his phone, or, I don't know, if I'm in his room picking up his socks, it's like he touched it last. It's almost like you want to feel something through it.' The BBC report included a statement from TikTok, which read: 'Our deepest sympathies remain with these families. 'We strictly prohibit content that promotes or encourages dangerous behaviour. Using robust detection systems and dedicated enforcement teams to proactively identify and remove this content, we remove 99% that's found to break these rules before it is reported to us. 'TikTok no longer has watch or search history for Jools because the law requires it to delete people's personal data unless it is needed for running a business.' Earlier this year, it was revealed Ms Roome has been campaigning for 'Jools' Law' - which would allow parents to access the social media accounts of their children if they died Ms Roome and a group of bereaved parents have filed wrongful death lawsuits against TikTok, and the mother is set to appear in court in the US for the legal battle Earlier this year, it was revealed Ms Roome has been campaigning for 'Jools' Law' - which would allow parents to access the social media accounts of their children if they died. The petition, which gained 126,000 signatures, was debated in Parliament on Monday. She said having access to his social media could provide the evidence needed to explain his death. Ms Roome is raising money for legal fees as she has been told by her lawyer it will cost up to 86,000 to take on the social media companies in court. 'This might answer why Jools is no longer alive and perhaps help make a landmark case, which in turn could help other bereaved parents,' she said. Without full access to his social media data, the mother from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, has no way of knowing what happened to her teenage child in the day of his death. Ms Roome said: 'He was massive on social media. He did a lot of online challenges. 'Harmless challenges that I thought was just fun and I wasn't aware of some dangerous dark challenges that are on social media. Ms Roome is raising money for legal fees as she has been told by her lawyer it will cost up to 86,000 to take on the social media companies in court 'If we had access to it [data] we would have had answers to why a 14-year-old decided to end his life. 'It is horrific - to lose a child and not understand why he decided to end his life is terrible.' She added: 'He was a happy child, always laughing, always smiling with plenty of friends. Over 500 people went to his funeral - there wasn't anybody in his life that had concerns about him. 'When it happened it was completely out of the blue. I had spoken to him one hour and a half before it happened.' Ms Roome said she has spent thousands in legal fees trying to get data from Jools's accounts - however without any success. Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer EastEnders has finally unveiled who killed Anthony Trueman - with fans shocked as a new killer emerges in Walford. The character - played by Nicholas Bailey - was killed off in dramatic Christmas Day scenes in an unannounced departure. Not long before his demise, Anthony learned he had fathered twin children with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) in 2006. They later had a confrontation resulting in Anthony's death - and while Zoe was charged with murder, the BBC soap confirmed she is not the culprit. On Thursday (January 15), it was revealed the pair's long-lost daughter Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) had murdered Anthony. This revelation came as Jasmine visited Anthony's body in the chapel of rest, along with grandfather Patrick (Rudolph Walker) and extended family. EastEnders finally revealed who murdered Anthony Trueman in dramatic Christmas Day scenes In scenes aired on Thursday (January 15), viewers learned Anthony's long-lost daughter Jasmine Fisher was the killer The revelation came about as Jasmine, Patrick (Rudolph Walker) and wider family visited Anthony's body Stood over her father's coffin, she played a video of him attacking Zoe, with an off-camera scuffle ending in Anthony falling, motionless. Addressing his corpse, Jasmine said: 'You could have killed her. But I stopped you. 'Its nice to finally meet you, dad. Now rot in hell.' Reacting to the reveal, one fan wrote on X: 'Jasmine killed her dad [Anthony]. Jean was right about Jasmine she is the murder suspect, she did it.' Another said: 'So Jean was right, how long before everyone else does.' A third remarked: 'I knew she did it. However it seems it was accidental and self-defence, not planned.' A fourth chimed in: 'I wouldnt have made Jasmine the killer TBH.' A fifth commented: 'Jasmine getting arrested killed Anthony.' While a sixth pointed out: 'So that tiny girl, while recording on her phone with one hand, took down a 6 foot bloke with some random object in the other. What!?' Fans were divided as the truth was revealed, with some questioning the writers' work At the moment, everyone else is unaware of what Jasmine did, but will anyone uncover the truth? Jasmine arrived in Albert Square in September 2025 - with her backstory and personal details shrouded in mystery. However, her identity as Zoe's long-lost daughter was officially confirmed in December. Shortly after came the reveal that Jasmine had been working with iconic Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) in a revenge plot against Zoe. The storyline kicked off with Zoe's return earlier in 2025 - as Michelle Ryan reprised the role after 20 years away. Speaking on her return to the BBC soap, Michelle said: 'It feels like coming home. After doing my first few scenes, it was like I'd never been away. It all happened at the right time. 'I'd already been thinking about a return because I'd met up with Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) and Kim Medcalf (Sam Mitchell) and we were reminiscing our fond memories of the show, and I'd also joined social media and saw that there was still a lot of love for the character. Jasmine played her late father a recorded video of what had transpired between the two of them and Zoe Slater On Christmas Day, Kat went upstairs and discovered Zoe still unresponsive - and Anthony lying dead nearby 'It just so happened that at the same time, EastEnders had announced a new Exec who was keen to explore the potential of a return as he was such a massive fan of Zoe and the Slaters, so both of our worlds aligned at the right time, and I'm so excited to be back. 'When I was pitched the storylines, and when I read the scripts, I knew it was the right decision.' EastEnders new boss, Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: 'Before I even stepped into the role, Zoe Slater was on my wish-list of returnees as, although we haven't seen her on screen for twenty years, her character has transcended time due to her popular storylines.' A month after her on-screen return aired, it was revealed Nicholas would be returning as Zoe's ex Anthony. EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. Kate Moss has made a remarkable transformation from the ultimate party girl to a wellness guru. She was one of the most recognisable faces of the 90s, storming the runway at prestigious shows and covering all the glossy magazines. Yet over the years Kate's career hasn't always been smooth sailing, with the star having weathered the 'Cocaine Kate' storm of 2005 after infamously being pictured next to lines of white powder. After years of hard partying, cigarettes and alcohol now, aged 52, Kate is looking younger than ever having adopted a well-thought-out health and wellness regime over the course of her thirty years in the industry. While she's often pictured attending a celeb pal's birthday celebrations here and there, her party lifestyle is a far cry from what it used to be. After years of watching some of the best professionals in the beauty business, Kate has learnt all the tips and tricks when it comes to looking ageless. Kate once said that 'sitting in a make-up chair' during her early modelling days has made her learn from the most amazing experts. As the supermodel marks her 52nd birthday, what is her secret to looking incredible? Kate Moss' transformation from an ultimate party girl to a wellness guru is one that needs to be studied. As the model marks her 52nd birthday, what are her secrets to looking incredible? After years of hard partying, cigarettes and alcohol Kate is looking younger than ever having adopted a well thought-out health and wellness regime over the course of her thirty years in the industry (pictured in 2005) Nowadays, Kate has regular juice fasts, and favours the week-long juice-only programme at wellness LifeCo resort in Turkey she's visited every year for the past decade. Kate is the proud owner of wellness business Cosmoss which sells a range of own-brand teas, skincare products and a book of 150 'positive messages'. She has a 4,000 Cadillac Pilates reformer machine at home, and personal trainer, Hortense Suleyman. A magazine source said: 'The brand is late on the bandwagon candles, serums and perfume are all quite middle-aged. But she's been having lots of meetings with people and Cosmoss is stocked in Harrods. I know she has great hopes for it.' Over the years, Kate has given an insight into how she stays looking so good, revealing her tips and tricks for maintaining her youthful look. She told Net A Porter: 'I stay hydrated on the flight and try to eat only light foods. I find adapting to the new time zone as soon as I arrive is helpful, so I try to stay up until my usual bedtime. 'I've recently undergone red-light LED therapy and use the Talika Time Control + device. It's great, as it's small and easy to travel with, and I can definitely see an improvement in my skin. I have rose quartz and jade gua sha tools that I use, too.' While she's often pictured attending a celeb pal's birthday celebrations and fashion week afterparties, her party lifestyle is a far cry from what it used to be (pictured in 2025) After years of watching some of the best professionals in the beauty business, Kate has learnt all the tips and tricks when it comes to looking ageless (pictured in 2024) Kate also revealed she keeps her body refreshed by doing three week-long juice cleanses throughout the year (pictured in 2019) Other beauty tips favoured by Kate include dunking her face in iced water and depuffing her eyes with cucumber slices. Speaking previously about how she tackles a 'bad face day', she said: 'My old go-to trick is to plunge my face into a bowl of iced water and cucumber slices it instantly tightens and gets rid of any puffiness. 'I then use Cosmoss Golden Nectar facial-oil drops with my gua sha. Together, they give your skin that extra glow and are great at detoxifying and lymphatic drainage.' Another tip Kate claims she follows is staying out of the sun, after previously being warned by her friend and make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury. She told Grazia: 'Charlotte Tilbury told me not to go out in the sun, but it's because she's a redhead, so she knows. I kind of ignored her, but now I'm taking no risks!' Kate also revealed she keeps her body refreshed by doing three week-long juice cleanses throughout the year. She said: 'I juice. At least three times a year, for a week, I do a juice cleanse. I like it. I feel amazing. And then I have so much energy! Everyone else is like, "Pleaseshhhh" Oh my god, I have so much energy, start bouncing off walls!' She was one of the most recognisable faces of the 90s, storming the runway at prestigious shows and covering all the glossy magazines (pictured in 1997) Katie Price has been warned she faces being booted out of her new 4,500-a-month home if the plush property becomes a second 'Mucky Mansion'. The Daily Mail can reveal neighbours have expressed their concern the former model, 47, is already turning the new-build into an eyesore having accumulated piles of rubbish which have been dumped outside of the house. The mother-of-five has only been living in the swanky converted barn near Horsham, West Sussex, for a matter of months after a short spell living in a second rental property. Price was forced to sell her original 'Mucky Mansion' which she hoped to redevelop as part of a TV makeover series, but was evicted due to financial issues and a second bankruptcy declaration in March 2024. And now residents fear her latest property may become equally undesirable. A source said: 'Katie should be careful as the owners won't stand for any mess. Katie Price has been warned she faces being booted out of her new 4,500-a-month home if the property becomes a second 'Mucky Mansion', after rubbish emerged outside the property The Daily Mail can reveal neighbours have expressed their concern the former model, 47, is already turning the new-build into an eyesore 'She does not own this property so she needs to ensure it's kept up to standard. 'People living here are concerned leaving piles of rubbish outside the house may attract rats and therefore that becomes an issue for surrounding properties. 'Katie can't treat the exterior land like some sort of dumping ground.' On Wednesday, aerial pictures of the three-bedroom property revealed bin bags, debris and junk strewn around the outside and dumped at the rear of the property. But 24 hours later the unsightly rubbish appears to have been cleaned up. The property, which comes with its own equestrian facilities, is understood to be owned by a syndicate of developers Mark Hogan, 59, Gary Hall, 58, and Andrew Allen, 61, who are all jointly directors of a firm called Brasii Manco (Lodge Farm) Ltd. According to neighbours, the company specialises in renovating derelict farm buildings and converting barns into homes. One neighbour said: 'They've got a knack of renovating old rural buildings into high-end homes. They do it very well by all accounts.' Just 24 hours after rubbish was seen outside the home, new images showed that it had been cleaned up The property, which comes with its own equestrian facilities, is understood to be owned by a syndicate of developers Her Mucky Mansion is pictured in disarray in May 2024 just after she moved out Katie's famous Mucky Mansion - which she bought in 2014 from Tory peer Francis Maude - was put on the market and later sold after she was evicted due to financial issues and a second bankruptcy declaration in March 2024 The firm refused to comment when contacted by the Daily Mail. Katie has already become a familiar face to people in the village. An elderly resident said: 'I've been her in the village. She seems very friendly and as long as she fits into the way of life round here then I'm sure she'll be very welcome. 'I think people are always looking for her to take a step out of line.' The former Loose Women star purchased her original Mucky Mansion from Tory peer Francis Maude in 2014 for 1.35m. The property was sold for around 1.15m last year to furniture tycoon James Mercer, despite Katie's hopes of attracting higher bids. Katie didn't see a penny for the sale as it will be swallowed up by the debts she previously ran up against the Sussex home. Talking about Mucky Mansion she said: 'I've had nothing but bad memories in that house,' and insisted moving will be the start of a new chapter in her life. Last week the Daily Mail revealed Katie had split from boyfriend JJ Slater after almost two years together. She ended the romance after realising she didn't see a future with the former reality star, 14 years her junior. Insiders say cracks in their relationship had become 'too obvious to ignore' in recent months, despite Katie insisting they were going strong. The mother-of-five has now accepted their romance has run its course, and JJ, 32, will not become husband number four. They began dating in February 2024, after JJ rose to fame on E4's Married at First Sight UK. On Wednesday, she broke her silence on the split by posting a series of cryptic poems and quotes about soulmates and relationships on her Instagram Stories The first, from Mike Poetry read: 'They say falling in love takes time. But it's not true. Falling in love only takes the right person - the one who knows exactly what you need, without having to ask.' Another post was about recognising your soulmate and the 'divine' signs a person will notice when they meet them. Finally, Katie shared another quote which read: 'My mum always says when you meet the male version of yourself is when you meet the love of your life.' Season two of HBO's Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon wasn't as well received as the first, and now we may know why. According to Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin, he's been in an ongoing clash with House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal over the direction of the hit series. In an eye-opening interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Martin, 77, described his relationship with co-creator Condal as 'abysmal' and said that Condal, 47, started ignoring his notes during production of the second season. 'I hired Ryan,' Martin told the publication. 'I thought Ryan and I were partners. And we were all through the first season. I would read early drafts of the scripts. I would give notes. He would change some things. It was working really well I thought.' The author said that things seemed to take a turn in their working relationship following a clash between Condal and former co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik towards the end of the first season, which led to Sapochnik exiting the show. Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin says that he's been in an ongoing clash with House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal over the direction of the hit series Condal and Martin are pictured together at a screening for the HBO series in 2023 'Then we got into season two, and he basically stopped listening to me,' Martin claimed. 'I would give notes, and nothing would happen. Sometimes he would explain why he wasn't doing it. Other times, he would tell me, "Oh, OK, yeah, I'll think about that." 'It got worse and worse, and I began to get more and more annoyed. Finally, it got to a point where I was told by HBO that I should submit all my notes to them and they would give Ryan our combined notes.' This led to Martin sharing a controversial blog post on his official website in 2024, in which he went into detail about how the show's second season had deviated from the source material, before sharing spoilers about the future of the series. In the post, he revealed that he'd argued with Condal about the choice to omit the toddler-aged son of Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban) and King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), fearing that it could impact the final two seasons of the prequel. He also said that certain scenes in his book were stronger than the television series. 'And there are larger and more toxic butterflies to come, if HOUSE OF THE DRAGON goes ahead with some of the changes being contemplated for seasons 3 and 4,' he warned. Martin had originally prefaced his rant days earlier by stating that he said he would write 'about everything that's gone wrong with House Of The Dragon.' HBO previously defended Condal from Martin's criticism after the author publicly complained about him in a blog post Soon after Martin's post went up, HBO released a statement defending the changes made by showrunner Condal and his team. 'There are few greater fans of George R.R. Martin and his book Fire & Blood than the creative team on House of the Dragon, both in production and at HBO,' the network said. 'Commonly, when adapting a book for the screen, with its own format and limitations, the showrunner ultimately is required to make difficult choices about the characters and stories the audience will follow,' it continued. 'We believe that Ryan Condal and his team have done an extraordinary job and the millions of fans the series has amassed over the first two seasons will continue to enjoy it.' The critical reception for season two of House of the Dragon was weaker than the first The first season picked up a Golden Globe win for Best Television Series in the drama category, along with a prestigious Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series Despite HBO backing Condal, the critical reception for season two of House of the Dragon was somewhat weaker than the first. The first season boasts a 90% 'fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to 84% for season two. The first season also picked up a Golden Globe win for Best Television Series in the drama category, along with a prestigious Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. While season two was also heavily nominated, its nominations focused on the technical aspects of the show, like the costumes and special effects, instead of the acting and writing. Daily Mail has contacted HBO for comment. Despite the drama behind-the-scenes, the third season of House of the Dragon is still set to premiere some time this year. Before that, Game of Thrones fans will be treated to the spin-off series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which premieres January 18. Kate Gosselin shared a video of herself walking without assistance in public for the first time in almost four months since she badly injured her leg. The 50-year-old reality TV star shared a post on TikTok on Wednesday and showed herself walking from her car to a coffee shop during a New Zealand getaway. She said that was the first time she was able to walk without using crutches as she wrote in her caption: 'And then ... she could suddenly WALK again.' The Jon & Kate Plus 8 alum previously shared how she suffered a 'life-altering' leg fracture injury while playing with her dog and had to undergo surgery last September. In the clip, she appeared to have a slight limp in her left leg as she walked cautiously, but she bore a big smile on her face as she made her way into the local shop. At the beginning of the video, she layered text over a clip of herself walking into the shop and up to the counter. Kate Gosselin shared a video of herself walking without assistance in public for the first time in almost four months since she badly injured her leg She explained that she had been doing physical therapy at home to improve her mobility during the recovery process. 'I've been walking at home more and more and then BAM. I could suddenly walk everywhere!!!' 'It's amazing,' she said to the camera at one point of the clip. 'It, like, happened overnight.' After placing her order and enjoying her treats with her travel companions, she started walking out of the cafe. 'So now I'll just casually walk out of here,' she narrated before exiting the shop. 'I did it.' At the end of the clip, she wrote in text on the screen that she 'cannot believe this day has FINALLY come.' Her last health update was in late December when she shared a video of herself walking on crutches on her way to the doctor's office. It had been 82 days since she fractured her leg while she and her boyfriend Steve Neild were playing with her dog in September, she explained in the video. The 50-year-old reality TV star shared a post on TikTok on Wednesday and showed herself walking from her car to a coffee shop during a New Zealand getaway She said that was the first time she was able to walk without using crutches as she wrote in her caption: 'And then ... she could suddenly WALK again.' She celebrated the achievement by visiting a cafe to enjoy some sweet treats with her travel companions In the clip, she appeared to have a slight limp in her left leg as she walked cautiously, but she bore a big smile on her face The Jon & Kate Plus 8 alum previously shared how she suffered a 'life-altering' leg fracture injury while playing with her dog and had to undergo surgery last September Last year she had to walk with crutches She explained that her puppy Meika 'ran into the side of my leg, my knee, at top speed.' 'The only way I can describe it, it was like a concrete wall running at the speed of light,' she added. 'The pain was so bad I just crumbled on the ground.' In the same video at the end of last year, she said she had to undergo surgery to put 'plates and pins' in her leg, and since then, she has been regularly going to physical therapy to get back on her feet. 'The surgeon said it was life-altering issues,' she added. Didier Cohen has been dealt a fresh new blow amid his battle to stay out of an American prison for the alleged kidnap and assault of his father and stepmother. The former Australia's Next Top Model judge, 40, dropped off the radar in June last year after he wiped his Instagram feed clean, sparking concern among his 104K followers. In reality, Cohen had been imprisoned for five-months in a maximum security prison after being accused of breaking into his father's Malibu home and assaulting him and his live-in girlfriend during a 'drug-induced' frenzy. Now, Cohen has resurfaced with a new account with the name 'Meyer Love Moquin', claiming that his identity was stolen while he was incarcerated. Sharing a photo of the word 'HACKED', the Noughties heartthrob wrote to his new page on Thursday: 'When I was 'away' someone stole my identity. I've been locked out of all social media accounts and all associated email addresses since June'. 'If you received any communication from any of those up until Sunday when I finally got my phone and iCloud back, please disregard. This is my only IG at the moment,' he concluded, signing off with his new moniker's initials: 'MLM'. Embattled former male model Didier Cohen, 40, has claimed his identity was stolen on Instagram while he was incarcerated last year, accused of kidnapping his father and stepmother. (Cohen is pictured left during the Sydney Fashion Festival on August 25, 2011, and right outside Van Nuys Courthouse on Wednesday) Cohen resurfaced with a new Instagram account on Thursday, explaining that he had been locked out of his previous account by someone that had 'stolen his identity' Cohen also took to Instagram Stories with a video of his hand clutching a seven-month token from Alcoholics Anonymous, along with the caption: '7 MONTHS CLEAN' Cohen also took to Instagram Stories with a video of his hand clutching a seven-month token from Alcoholics Anonymous, along with the caption: '7 MONTHS CLEAN'. He also added the words: 'You couldn't even go 30 days' - presumably quoting someone who didn't believe he could remain sober. Cohen is alleged to have attacked his father David Cohen, 72, and his partner Avesta Saaty, 52, with a bottle and threatened to kill them - in what a source familiar with the situation tells the Mail was a 'drug psychosis'. The former Australia's Next Top Model judge, 40, was arrested on June 26 last year following the incident, then spent five months in a maximum-security jail before he was released on bail on November 6 to live in a 'mental health diversion' facility - where his lawyer is fighting for him to stay in lieu of a prison sentence. The Daily Mail was present when Cohen attended a pre-trial hearing at Van Nuys Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday, facing nine felony charges. Cohen - who was born in LA but made his name as a model and DJ in Australia after being discovered by a talent scout on Sunset Boulevard - has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If found guilty, he faces up to eight years in prison. Judge Alan Schneider has scheduled another hearing on March 13 to rule whether the troubled star can stay in the rehab program that kept him out of jail over Christmas. Cohen (pictured right, outside Van Nuys Courthouse on Wednesday with his mother, centre) is fighting to stay out of an American prison after being accused of breaking into his father's Malibu home and assaulting him and his live-in girlfriend Didier Cohen is best known Down Under for his appearance as a judge on Australia's Next Top Model in 2013. Pictured from left: Cohen, Jennifer Hawkins, Alex Perry and Cheyenne Tozzi This week, Daily Mail spoke with a source close to Cohen - who we understand now goes by the name 'Meyer Love Moquin' - who shed light on how his behaviour was allegedly altered by a hallucinogenic drug before the incident at his father's house. The source claimed Cohen went into a 'drug-induced psychosis' on or around June 18 and 'realistically didn't come out of it until July 2', after his arrest. 'This is a drug-induced fight between a father and his son in their private home. [The charges] just got completely out of control,' they added. A heavily tattooed Cohen wore a white shirt, black slacks and a tie as he fronted the criminal court alongside his mother this week. According to an LA Superior Court criminal complaint document seen by the Daily Mail, some of the crimes Cohen is accused of 'involved great violence, great bodily harm, threat of great bodily harm, and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness and callousness'. In count one of the charges he is facing, Cohen allegedly committed 'first degree burglary' at the $4million home his dad and Saaty share in ritzy Malibu 'with the intent to commit larceny and any felony'. In count two, Cohen - who prosecutors say was supposed to provide elder care for his father - allegedly committed 'elder or dependent abuse' by inflicting 'unjustifiable physical pain and mental suffering and, having the care and custody of said victim, wilfully caused and permitted him to be placed in a situation in which his health was endangered'. In counts three and five, Cohen is accused of kidnapping his dad and Saaty 'forcibly and by instilling fear'. The sentences for the charges he's facing range from two to eight years in prison, with kidnapping carrying the highest maximum penalty of eight years and a $10,000 fine. Cohen and his legal team hope to obtain a mental health diversion instead of prison time Count four alleges Cohen assaulted his father 'with a deadly weapon, to wit, a glass bottle'. In count six, he's charged with assaulting Saaty 'by means of force likely to produce great bodily harm'. Counts seven and eight accuse Cohen of making his father and Saaty afraid for their lives by issuing threats 'to commit a crime that would result in death and great bodily injury'. In the ninth and final count against him, Cohen is alleged to have 'maliciously' vandalised Saaty's car. The sentences for the charges he's facing range from two to eight years in prison, with kidnapping carrying the highest maximum penalty of eight years and a $10,000 fine. Meanwhile, a source claimed that the events that unfolded on the day he broke into his father's house followed a series of calamities for Cohen in 2025, including the breakdown of his relationship with partner Isabela Aznar, which followed their home burning down during the LA wildfires that ripped through Pacific Palisades in January. 'The reality of the situation is, his house burned down, and his relationship was falling apart at the same time,' the source claimed. Amid the turmoil, Cohen was gifted a vial of LSD by a friend on his 40th birthday in May. He didn't take it at the time, but later consumed it to celebrate landing a job opportunity. 'He had stopped drinking alcohol in 2016 and stopped doing any type of psychedelic drugs two years ago. He was just trying to show up as a good dad for his daughter,' the source added. Cohen shares four-year-old daughter Marigold with his ex-fiancee Chanel Wolf. 'Meyer had another job opportunity. The meeting went well,' the source added. 'That weekend, he took a bunch of LSD to celebrate life going really good. 'He intended to meditate and walk on the beach, but fell into a drug-induced psychosis. It lasted for 14 days, and when he came out of it, he was in jail.' The source claimed Cohen only later learned what he had allegedly done through authorities and family members while appearing in court. 'Apparently, Meyer thought they [David and Saaty] sold his dog and he kicked in the front door when they were home to find the dog,' the source said of his drug-induced delusion. Cohen is pictured on the catwalk for Aussiebum during Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Sydney 2011 Cohen last made headlines in January 2025 when he and his then-girlfriend, Isabela Aznar (pictured together), lost their Pacific Palisades home in the Los Angeles wildfires He shared confronting photos online of the burning rubble of his property 'During the drug-induced psychosis, he falsely believed his father was also trying to kill him. Meyer [wrongly] thought David had tried to kill his dog, too. 'He and his father got into a physical altercation. That's all he knows right now. The charges are all alleged.' 'Meyer doesn't have a history of violence. He loves his dad. He loves his dad's girlfriend. They work together,' the source added. 'To have to deal with all of that is horrific for him. Now he's in rehab even though he does not have a daily substance-abuse issue.' On the subject of Cohen's drug use, the source maintained he was not an addict, and that the psychosis was the result of casual recreational use. 'A traumatic incident happened. A couple of traumatic incidents happened. Dealing with that and probably depression, and then wanting to use psychedelics to have a deeper connection to God... he wanted to try to use it from a therapeutic standpoint to get through the trauma - and it sent him into a psychosis,' they explained. 'He wasn't sitting there just doing drugs every day. He is very lucid and he can communicate about it and understand the situation.' David Cohen contacted the Daily Mail after this article was published to state that he disagreed with statements from our source. We have asked for further information. Didier shares one child with his ex-fiancee Chanel Wolf, a daughter named Marigold Love Cohen, who was born in December 2021 After his arrest on June 26 last year, Cohen spent five months in jail before being released in November on $300,000 bail. Prosecutors claimed at the time of his arrest that he was already 'on probation, mandatory supervision, post-release community supervision and parole'. At Wednesday's hearing, Judge Schneider allowed him to remain free on the same bail until the March 13 hearing when the judge will rule on a motion from Cohen's lawyer for his client to remain in his mental health diversion program, which could save him from serving any more prison time if he keeps out of trouble. Explaining the diversion program to Daily Mail, lawyer Charles Unger said that Cohen 'would basically continue to live as he does now if the judge agrees to place him in mental health diversion'. 'In place of being convicted and sentenced, Didier would have to agree to stay clean and comply with all the rules and conditions laid down by the judge for a set period, probably two years,' Unger continued. 'If he did comply with all those conditions and complete the diversion program, the charges against him would eventually be dismissed. 'That's the beautiful thing about the diversion program - instead of just incarcerating people, throwing them in prison, it gives them the help and support they really need.' But he warned that if Cohen did not comply with all the diversion conditions, 'he could be brought to court and sent to state prison for a very long time'. The source Daily Mail spoke to praised the facility where Cohen had been residing since November, saying it had been 'incredibly helpful' for him after months in a maximum-security jail. 'He says it's incredible. It's like a Jewish spirituality rehab. It's very communal-based, it's very mental health-based,' they added. 'Spirituality concepts, work, yoga, there are a lot of good things to it, and it's like a very hard rehab. 'Every single day, Meyer's in nine to 10 hours of intense therapy, and he has three therapists.' Cohen has also been receiving support from his mother and previous partner Chanel, both of whom 'worked their a***s off' to get him a good lawyer. Cohen last made headlines in January last year when he and his girlfriend at the time, Isabela Aznar, lost their Pacific Palisades home in the Los Angeles fires. He shared confronting photos online of the burning rubble of his property. 'Our home burned down today. All of our belongings we've ever acquired in our lives are gone except for one suitcase each,' the then-couple wrote. 'We worked so hard - invested so much time, money, energy, and love into creating our dream home. 'Intentionally building a fresh start together only to watch it all burn down after one month. A massive loss today.' Aznar and Cohen have since split, with Aznar later revealing on Instagram that their relationship 'fell apart' after the wildfires. Cohen is best known in Australia for being a judge on Australia's Next Top Model in 2013 alongside the late Charlotte Dawson, Alex Perry, and host Jennifer Hawkins. He was also a judge on Seven's reality show Beauty and the Geek and appeared on The Celebrity Apprentice Australia. As a model, Cohen has featured in campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Nike and Adidas, and was also the face of menswear label Industrie. Cohen was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2018, after dealing with symptoms such as epilepsy, numbness, paralysis, fevers and bone pain since 2007. Alexa Lemieux has opened up about the recent cosmetic procedure she underwent amid her shock divorce from estranged husband Brennon Lemieux. The 31-year-old TV personality announced their split last month in December after tying the knot in 2021 and welcoming a baby girl named Vienna a little over a year ago. The former couple first crossed paths on the third season of Love Is Blind and will 'remain supportive of one another' despite going their separate ways. In the wake of the divorce news, Lemieux revealed that she had a breast augmentation - including a lift and an implant - in a TikTok video shared on Tuesday. As she got ready for bed, the star explained that she was five days post-operation but feels mostly 'back to normal.' 'This has been a surgery I've been wanting to do for quite some time now, really since I've stopped breastfeeding my daughter. My girls just never set the same as they did before.' Alexa Lemieux, 31, has opened up about the recent cosmetic procedure she underwent amid her shock divorce from estranged husband Brennon Lemieux Lemieux revealed that she had a breast augmentation - including a lift and an implant - in a TikTok video shared earlier this week on Tuesday The reality star further told her followers that she initially intended to wait to have the surgery done until she had more children. 'But since that timeline shifted, I decided that there's no time like the present,' the mom-of-one said. 'I'm a huge advocate for, if you're wanting to get something done that you feel insecure about, to get it done.' Before choosing her plastic surgeon, Lemieux explained that she decided to do multiple consultations before choosing Solomon Plastic Surgery located in Frisco, Texas. 'I explained what size I wanted, I didn't want to be too big. I wanted something that would fit my frame well and you know, be cute, but not in your face.' She went with 425 cc implants that were placed underneath the muscle and gushed that 'they look so incredible.' Lemieux then shared she 'has a lot going on in my life right now and I have been working hard on healing the inside - thank you therapy. 'But I also wanted to do something for me on the outside. This is just a journey, a place in my life that I didn't necessarily think I would be now.' The TV personality announced their split last month in December after tying the knot in 2021and welcoming a baby girl named Vienna a little over a year ago 'This has been a surgery I've been wanting to do for quite some time now, really since I've stopped breastfeeding my daughter. My girls just never set the same as they did before,' she explained She went with 425 cc implants that were placed underneath the muscle and gushed that 'they look so incredible' The media personality continued, 'It's so nice to do something for myself and to just get back some confidence that I had lost over the last little bit of my life.' The breast augmentation was 'one of the best decisions' that she made for herself and Lemieux added she is 'excited to enter this next phase of life.' It will take up to a few months for Lemieux to see the 'real final results of everything' after the procedure. In the caption of the clip, the TV personality penned to her followers: 'My girls got a little makeover @Solomon Plastic Surgery.' It comes just one month after she announced her divorce from husband Brennon after four years of marriage. The estranged couple first met on Love Is Blind during its third season and after tying the knot, they welcomed daughter Vienna in July 2024. Lemieux and Brennon had gotten candid about the fertility struggles they had faced before their daughter was welcomed to the world. In a post shared to her main Instagram page on December 3, she uploaded a photo of herself posing with Brennon alongside a lengthy caption. The media personality continued, 'It's so nice to do something for myself and to just get back some confidence that I had lost over the last little bit of my life' The estranged couple first met on Love Is Blind during its third season and after tying the knot, they welcomed daughter Vienna in July 2024 'After much reflection and many heartfelt conversations, we have made the difficult decision to end our marriage.' The reality star further wrote, 'This choice was not made lightly, and it comes with a great deal of care, respect, and appreciation for the time we've shared.' However, the pair are keeping a positive outlook on the future despite the divorce. 'While our journey as a married couple is coming to an end, we remain supportive of one another, devoted to our daughter, and committed to navigating this transition with compassion.' She concluded with, 'We kindly ask for privacy as we move forward and focus on our individual paths while keeping our precious daughter as our top priority.' 'While our journey as a married couple is coming to an end, we remain supportive of one another, devoted to our daughter, and committed to navigating this transition with compassion,' she wrote In documents obtained by People, Brennon filed for divorce in November - one month before their split came to light. The paperwork stated that 'the marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities between' the former couple. It also 'destroys the legitimate ends of the marriage relationship and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation.' The two stars also intend to come up with an agreement in regards to the custody of their daughter. Back in 2022, the pair shared whether they opted to sign a prenup before marrying on Love Is Blind, per E! News. 'It's something Brennon brought up and asked about getting one to protect me,' Lemieux expressed on her Instagram stories at the time. 'It's something Brennon brought up and asked about getting one to protect me,' Lemieux expressed on her Instagram stories at the time in regards to a prenup; seen above on Love Is Blind However, she added signing a prenup had been something she 'wasn't interested in doing.' But Brennon offered a differing opinion at the time and also said in the same clip, 'It just kind of allocates things beforehand so that way you don't have to go through a large legal battle about trying to take what's his and what's mine. 'If your partner asks for a prenup before the marriage, don't take that as a slight or anything negative.' He continued, 'They're just trying to help everything out in the case that something negative might happen in the future.' Saturday Night Live alum Chris Redd says that his rift with former friend and costar Kenan Thompson did not get physical, in reference to an unsolved 2022 attack he endured. Redd, 40, in a clip published on TMZ Thursday, said that Thompson, 47, was not the person who punched him in the face outside of a Manhattan comedy club in 2022. 'No, Kenan did not hit me,' the St. Louis, Missouri native said. 'People took it like Kenan hit me ... he didn't hit me, no.' A probe is still ongoing, and that no one has been taken into custody in connection with the attack on the comedian, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department told TMZ. Daily Mail has reached out to the NYPD and reps for Thompson for further comment on this story. Redd and Thompson fell out over Redd's complicated communications with Thompson's ex-wife Christina Evangeline, who Redd did not call out by name in a January 6 social media clip addressing the relationships. SNL alum Chris Redd, 40, says that his rift with former friend and costar Kenan Thompson, 47, did not get physical, in reference to an unsolved 2022 attack he endured. Pictured 2021 in NYC Redd said on social media that he and Evangeline developed romantic feelings for one another after she helped shepherd him through quitting prescription medication, as he dealt with what he labeled 'pill problems.' Redd said that 'this lady' - purportedly Evangeline - was the only person to help focus him toward the path of recovery, and romantic feelings sprouted as a result. Redd said he 'felt bad from the start' about the complicated relationship with the ex-wife of one of his colleagues. He called the dynamics involved an 'emotional double-edged sword.' Said Redd: 'I hate doing something to somebody that I know would hurt them.' Thompson and Evangeline got divorced in 2022 following an 11-year marital union that produced two children. TMZ noted in the fall of 2022 that 'there was no overlap or cheating' in between Evangeline's respective romances with Thompson and Redd. Redd said that his main motivation in dating Evangeline was a fear of missing out on true love: I 'feel like I didn't know what love was and I just felt like I couldn't miss out on it.' Redd said of his romance with his colleague's ex-wife: 'I was in love and I was spiraling out.' Redd and Thompson fell out over Redd's complicated communications with Thompson's ex-wife Christina Evangeline. Pictured 2017 in LA Evangeline and Redd pictured at an event in NYC in April of 2024 Thompson pictured at The Apollo Theater on April 27, 2023 in New York City He said of the reaction to the revelation: 'I saw everything that everybody said - every single thing everybody said, I saw it.' Redd and Thompson shared the stage on Saturday Night Live from 2017 until 2022 - and jointly won an Emmy in 2018 for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for their song parody Come Back, Barack in an honor also shared by Will Stephen and Eli Brueggemann Red said during the interview Wednesday that he abused Xanax and Adderall during his time on the NBC variety show, on which he impersonated celebs such as rapper Kanye West and former New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Redd said he preferred purchasing the drugs from street dealers instead of getting them from a doctor because he didn't want to be labeled crazy. Redd said that he had sold pills to his classmates - not naming names because he wouldn't 'snitch on y'all' - but later walked back the comments on Instagram earlier this month. Redd said that he found the behind-the-scenes atmosphere at Saturday Night Live to be less than welcoming, as he said that his colleagues gossiped about him as he dealt with panic attacks. 'It's crazy that somebody would watch you destroy yourself,' Redd said. Kim Kardashian joined her Fifth Wheel director and co-stars for dinner at Wally's in Beverly Hills on Wednesday. The reality TV star, 45, was spotted arriving to the high-end restaurant and wine bar where she reunited with Eva Longoria, 50, Nikki Glaser, 41, Fortune Feimster, 45, and Brenda Song, 37. Kardashian looked stylish in a long brown off-the-shoulder corset dress paired with a matching chic coat. Her raven tresses were pinned back with a hair clip, and she wore a pair of oversized black sunglasses. The mom-of-four who recently promoted her wild NikeSKIMS shoes completed the look with a pair of brown heels. Kardashian's upcoming Netflix project, which is currently in pre-production, will be directed by Desperate Housewives star Longoria. Kim Kardashian, 45, joined her Fifth Wheel director and co-stars for dinner at Wally's in Beverly Hills on Wednesday Longoria was effortlessly cool in a black top tucked into a pair of matching bell-bottom jeans. She kept warm with a black windbreaker, and accessorized her look with a black purse. Meanwhile Glaser, fresh from hosting the Golden Globes, cut a casual figure in a grey top paired with a black blazer and jeans. She wore a chunky gold heart pendant around her neck, and opted for comfortable black boots. Song, 37, put her toned legs on display in an elegant black skirt, which she paired with a turtleneck and a trendy leather jacket. Adding a pop of color to her outfit was a bright red bag she carried. The actress who shares two sons with Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin added height to her look with a pair of pointed-toe black heels. Meanwhile, comedian Fortune Feimster, 45, kept it casual in a black t-shirt, blue jeans, a green jacket and sneakers. Longoria, whose 2023 film Flamin' Hot garnered plenty of success, was tapped by Fifth Wheel producers seeking a female director, according to Deadline. The project was first announced in November 2023 and found its home at Netflix a week later. Eva Longoria, 50, Nikki Glaser, 41, Fortune Feimster, 45, and Brenda Song, 37, joined the reality TV star at the high-end restaurant and wine bar Glaser, fresh from hosting the Golden Globes, cut a casual figure in a grey top paired with a black blazer and jeans Song, 37, put her toned legs on display in an elegant black skirt. Fortune Feimster, 45, kept it casual in a black t-shirt, blue jeans, a green jacket and sneakers The story follows high school friends reuniting in Vegas as they 'confront their chaotic lives and strained relationships when a mysterious newcomer joins their weekend getaway', as per IMDb. The script comes from Saturday Night Live writer Paula Pell and comedian Janine Brito. Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, and Cris Abrego will also be producing. Insiders previously told Deadline they expected Kardashian to 'be very hands on' with marketing tie-ins with the movie, with an eye on branding. Kim has been steadily making a pivot into the acting world. She recently starred in Ryan Murphy's legal drama series All's Fair on Hulu alongside Hollywood heavyweights including Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson and Niecy Nash-Betts. The show has been renewed for a second season. All's Fair had an impressive debut as it logged in 3.2 million views, which was calculated as total viewing minutes divided by running time, worldwide in the three days following its November 4 premiere. Kardashian has been making a pivot into acting. She recently starred in Ryan Murphy's legal drama series All's Fair on Hulu alongside Hollywood heavyweights include Naomi Watts Hulu proudly announced that All's Fair saw the best start for an original scripted series on the platform in three years. The TV critics were not kind, making Kardashian joke about it on Instagram, though fans have praised the show. All's Fair stars Kardashian as Allura Grant, a high-powered divorce lawyer in Los Angeles whose firm specializes in winning big settlements for their female clients. Kardashian has also been busy with her quest to become an attorney, though she recently revealed she failed the California bar, which she took in July. 'Well...I'm not a lawyer yet, I just play a very well-dressed one on TV,' she shared, referencing her role as Allura. 'Six years into this law journey, and I'm still all in until I pass the bar. No shortcuts, no giving up - just more studying and even more determination.' Lindsay Lohan cut a glamorous figure as she joined her husband Bader Shammas at the opening of Nobu One Za'beel in Dubai on Thursday. The actress, 39, put on a leggy display in a black long-sleeved mini dress with a ruched side-tie detail along the waist. The Mean Girls star added height to her frame with a pair of black heels and accessorised with a pair of diamond earrings. Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, Lindsay looked in good spirits as she posed alongside her fiancier husband. Bader, 39, who the actress married in 2022, cut a dapper figure for the evening in a black jacket with a matching T-shirt and trousers. Lindsay took to Instagram on Monday morning to share how she's staying fit at the top of 2026. Lindsay Lohan cut a glamorous figure as she joined her husband Bader Shammas at the opening of Nobu One Za'beel in Dubai on Thursday The actress, 39, put on a leggy display in a black long-sleeved mini dress with a ruched side-tie detail along the waist The Mean Girls star added height to her frame with a pair of black heels and accessorised with a pair of diamond earrings Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, Lindsay looked in good spirits as she posed alongside her fiancier husband The 39-year-old actress who just posted a photo of two-year-old son Luai uploaded a black and white photo of herself on an exercise machine. She was dressed in a long-sleeved shirt and leggings while maneuvering what appeared to be a Pilates reformer. The image, snapped from behind, showed the star's locks pulled into a bun as she focused on the workout. The caption read, 'Strong body. Clear mind. Open heart. Hello new year.' Within minutes the picture received thousands of likes from Lindsay's 16.4 million followers. The former child star previously welcomed the New Year by sharing a video montage of moments from 2025. The recap featured glimpses of her times with loved ones, including husband Bader Shammas and Freakier Friday co-star Jamie Lee Curtis. Her caption read, 'Thank you 2025 for the love, the memories, and the moments that mattered most. Lindsay took to Instagram on Monday morning to share how she's staying fit at the top of 2026 The star kicked off 2026 by hitting an exercise machine 'Stepping into 2026 with a full heart, grounded, hopeful, and deeply grateful for this beautiful life, my husband, my son, and my family.' On Saturday the Parent Trap star shared a mother-son snap with her toddler as they enjoyed a snow day. She had a huge smile on her face while crouching down to the tot's level and reaching for him. Luai, who was born in July 2023, was adorably clad in a dark blue hooded jacket with cars printed throughout. Candy Spelling raised eyebrows this week after a seemingly edited image of her on the front cover of a local Los Angeles magazine went viral. The 80-year-old, who is the mother of actress Tori Spelling, looked completely unrecognizable on the cover of Westlake Malibu Lifestyle. Hundreds of fans commented that the Hollywood socialite appeared decades younger than her years, with many comparing her to influencer Trisha Paytas and Rihanna, both 37. Despite many mocking the image, Spelling herself has publicly thanked Fadil Berisha, the photographer behind the shoot, calling it 'amazing'. 'Thank you for making me feel so beautiful! You are so amazing and sweet, supportive! I can't thank you enough!!!' she commented on Instagram. Candy Spelling raised eyebrows after a seemingly edited image of her on the front cover of a local Los Angeles magazine went viral Berisha has shot countless celebrities in the past, including actress Isabella Rossellini, model Tyra Banks, TV host Maria Menounos, and reality star Kris Jenner. His skills behind the camera certainly helped take a flattering portrait of Spelling. In the cover photo, the socialite and philanthropist struck a thoughtful pose in a ruffled white shirt as her long blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders. Her complexion looked remarkably youthful, giving Spelling the appearance of someone much younger than her eighty years. Fans in the comments section were stunned by her new look, with many comparing her to celebrities half her age. 'Is Candy in the room with us? It looks like Trisha Paytas,' commented one. 'I thought this was the gorgeous queen of Potomac, Gizelle Bryant,' wrote another. A third added, 'Khloe Kardashian looks incredible.' Join the debate Do heavy photo edits of public figures mislead their fans or simply celebrate beauty at any age? Despite many mocking the cover image, Spelling has praised the 'amazing' photographer behind the flattering shoot The 80-year-old is pictured at a Los Angeles gala in May, 2025 Spelling has made no mention of accusations from fans that the image may have been retouched or edited to alter her appearance. Daily Mail has contacted Spelling for comment. Speaking to the publication about her life with late husband Aaron Spelling, Spelling admitted that she struggled to find herself after the legendary producer died in 2006. 'For almost four decades, my job was to raise our two beautiful children, entertain, and create the stable homelife Aaron needed so he could be out there in the Hollywood trenches,' she shared. 'When Aaron died, I not only lost my life partner, but I was also suddenly missing the force of nature who had defined me and our family,' she continued. 'For the first time in 38 years, I had to learn to function in the big, scary world on my own.' The Hollywood socialite is the mother of actress Tori Spelling (pictured) and the wife of late producer Aaron Spelling After Aaron's passing, Spelling reinvented herself as a successful Broadway producer. Her work earned a Tony Award for 2016's The Color Purple, which starred Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson. As for her personal life, it's no secret that Spelling has had a rocky relationship with her only daughter Tori, but the pair have become closer since Tori split from Dean McDermott in 2023 after 18 years together. 'I love my daughter, and I support her in whatever she does. I support my daughter, what can I tell you?' Spelling told TMZ at the time. Spelling also said that she would be willing to help Tori with financial support if her daughter needed it. One-time Ink Master contestant Tyler Nolan was arrested Tuesday in Palm Beach County, Florida in connection with a domestic violence incident alleged to have happened this past fall. Nolan, 37, was taken into custody after his ex-girlfriend provided law enforcement with evidence he had been abusive toward her, officials with the Palm Beach County Sheriff said in documents reviewed by Daily Mail. Authorities said that deputies responded to a call at a Loxahatchee, Florida residence, where Nolan's former girlfriend showed them videos depicting the tattoo artist being physically abusive to her. In one of the clips, Nolan's ex-girlfriend was holding a towel which Nolan pulled on, causing the woman to be 'yanked forward and downward,' officials said in the report. The Delray Beach, Florida native was seen in another clip purportedly grabbing his ex-girlfriend by the arm, deputies said in the report. Daily Mail has reached out to Nolan, and the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office, for further comment on the story. One-time Ink Master contestant Tyler Nolan, 37, was arrested Tuesday in Palm Beach County, Floridain connection with a domestic violence incident alleged to have happened this past fall. Nolan was also seen in a clip reviewed by deputies in which he allegedly yanked a blanket from his ex-girlfriend's grasp, then threw it back at her, deputies said in the report. The evidence from the aforementioned clip provided officials with enough probable cause to issue a warrant for Nolan's arrest in connection with simple battery, deputies said. The clip had been filmed in October 2025, Nolan's ex-girlfriend told deputies. Nolan was booked into Palm Beach County jail in connection with the allegations, deputies said. Nolan appeared at a court hearing Thursday, and was told to keep his distance from his ex-girlfriend, deputies said. Nolan described his ex-girlfriend as 'a vengeful person' and denied the claims as a 'bunch of bulls***' while speaking with TMZ. He added: 'I haven't talked to her since October, bunch of he said she said bulls**t.' Nolan filed a motion earlier Tuesday telling the court that he never got proper notice about the charges, requesting the arrest warrant be set aside based on that. Nolan, 37, was taken into custody after his ex-girlfriend provided them with evidence he had been abusive toward her, officials with the Palm Beach County Sheriff said in documents reviewed by Daily Mail The Delray Beach, Florida native denies all of the allegations against him Nolan told the court that he had filed for a protective order against his ex-girlfriend before she made the allegations against him, the outlet reported. Nolan said that she had been verbally and physically abusive, but the case was dismissed after he no-showed a hearing. Nolan was seen on the sixth season of Ink Master, coming in sixth place. He parlayed the exposure from the show into a strong Instagram following, with more than 332,000 people following his page, in which he showcases his artistry. Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen's youngest daughter Lola Sheen slammed her older sister Sami Sheen for 'spreading rumors' about her in a fiery new TikTok post. The sisters have been in the midst of a wild feud after Sami, 21, publicly accused Lola, 20, of dating one of her ex-boyfriends behind her back. Lola vehemently denied Sami's allegation in a now-deleted social media post, calling it a 'complete lie.' Now, Lola has returned to TikTok to issue a second statement on the drama and urged fans to 'stop being so quick to believe everything they see' online. 'I took down my posts yesterday out of respect for my family. However my sister has decided to keep [her post] up,' the star wrote on Thursday. 'Her accusation about me is a complete lie. She has unfortunately always been one to spread rumors about me that aren't true. Denise Richards' daughter Lola Sheen issued a fiery TikTok post on Thursday slamming her older sister Sami Sheen for 'spreading rumors' about her; (L-R) Sami Sheen, Denise Richards and Lola Sheen seen in 2025 'Everyone close to me, knows that this isn't true at all,' Lola told her nearly 37,000 followers. 'I can only wish her and all of you the best, and hope that this world can stop being so quick to believe everything they see.' Lola turned the comments off on her TikTok post, but it has received over 1,000 likes. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Sami and Lola's parents, Denise Richards and her ex-husband Charlie Sheen, for comment but did not immediately hear back. Lola's second denial comes one day after Sami kicked off the online drama with her explosive allegation about Lola allegedly being in a secret romance with her ex. She made the claim on TikTok, but did not identify the former flame. Sami claimed to have discovered the alleged relationship after going through her ex's phone and finding over 300 deleted text messages between him and Lola. In the shocking video, Sami appeared stunned as she sat silently before the camera. 'Imagine finding out your sister and ex boyfriend have been seeing each other behind your back this whole time,' she wrote. Join the debate Who do YOU believe in this explosive Sheen sister showdown? The sisters have been in the midst of a wild feud after Sami, 21, publicly accused Lola, 20, of secretly dating one of her ex-boyfriends behind her back Now, Lola has returned to TikTok to issue a second statement on the drama and urged fans to 'stop being so quick to believe everything they see' online Lola called Sami's accusation a 'complete lie' and claimed her sister has 'always been one to spread rumors about me that aren't true'; Lola and Sami seen in 2025 The Lana del Rey song 'Norman F***king Rockwell' served as the video's soundtrack. ''Cause you're just a man/It's just what you do/Your head in your hands/As you color me blue,' the lyrics said. Sami alleged she found evidence of the alleged relationship after going through her ex's phone. 'went through his phone and saw over 300 deleted texts between them,' she told one curious TikToker. She also alleged her sister, a devout Christian, had given her ex a Bible. In a lengthy statement shared just hours later on Wednesday, Lola hit back against the allegations and insisted there was no truth to them. 'I am never one to defend myself against my sister anymore because I genuinely don't care. But I couldn't let this one slide,' she posted to TikTok. '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. 'Not that this is anyone business, but the truth is my mom hired her ex boyfriend to take care of my moms dogs and basically clean our whole house, so he has been working for her almost everyday. In a TikTok shared Tuesday, Sami claimed to have discovered the alleged relationship after going through her ex's phone and finding over 300 deleted text messages between him and Lola Sami shared details behind the alleged betrayal She alleged her sister, a devout Christian, gave her ex a Bible 'I was living with roommates, and had to move back home for the meantime until I move into another place. I was absolutely not speaking to her ex boyfriend, but then my mom allowed him to move into our office, across the hall from me. 'I would absolutely NEVER do anything with my sister ex boyfriend. We have had a few conversations because it's hard to completely ignore someone who is in the same home as me now, which was NOT my choice. And we have completely different types in men. 'This is not a situation I want to be in at all, but I truly have no control until God provides a different place for me to move into. I have absolutely not been seeing her ex boyfriend. That is a complete lie. You can believe whatever you want because I really don't know any of you personally, and only the people closest to me know that this is not true at all. 'My sister has always posted things about me online to get people to hate on me, with absolutely no context at all.' The sisters have certainly had a fractured relationship that has played out publicly - with the family's reality show, Denise Richards and her Wild Things - revealing the sisters went a year without speaking to one another. The series showed the siblings' rivalry and how their mother was attempting to repair their feud. Apart from their differences, the sisters grew further apart after drama that unfolded following Sami's breakup with her boyfriend, who happened to be Lola's best friend. During the debut, fans found out for the first time that Lola and Sami did not speak to each other for a year because of drama with a man - which was 'very misinterpreted on the show,' Lola told The Daily Mail last year in an exclusive interview. Lola first responded to her sister's allegations on Wednesday in a lengthy TikTok statement, which has since been deleted 'I would absolutely NEVER do anything with my sister ex boyfriend,' Lola said in the post The restaurant hostess summarized it as when she was 16, she, her boyfriend at the time and his friend ended up getting into a car crash. Afterwards, she ended up becoming really close to her boyfriend's friend because of the 'traumatic experience.' Her sister then met her guy friend and they dated for a short time before breaking up. 'I didn't want to just end my friendship with him because I still had sort of the same friends,' she explained. 'So initially, she was just upset that I still had him a part of my life, but it felt unfair to me, because I was best friends with him before.' Lola revealed that everything is 'definitely good today' between her and Sami and teased that Sami could be back together with the man that drove a wedge between them in the first place. The content creator, who has the Heavenly Bonded podcast, went on to say that she and Sami mended their relationship on Thanksgiving 2024 when the family was celebrating together at Denise's house. 'It was so special. We just like ended up talking. And then our best friends were there,' she recalled. 'So they were like, 'Guys, you just have to work this out.' 'And then we ended up talking and laughing together, and it was really sweet.' Several months later, drama between the siblings erupted online. In June, Sami accused Lola of being homophobic and transphobic in a series of emotional TikTok videos, alleging that Lola had reposted conservative Christian content she felt mocked LGBTQ and transgender people. Sami said she chose to speak out publicly because the posts were visible to anyone and because she herself is part of the LGBTQ community. The siblings are the children of Denise Richards and her ex-husband Charlie Sheen 'It's honestly disgusting, close-minded behavior,' she said at the time, urging her sister to reconsider her views. Sami went on to urge Lola to 'put the bible down - it's gonna be OK, you can live without it for five minutes - and pick up a pride flag and support the f***ing community.' 'I don't know if you've realized, it is pride month, and you reposting those things during pride month is just otherworldly,' she continued as her fury escalated. 'I don't know who you are anymore. This is not you. We were not raised like this. 'And I am embarrassed. I am f***ing embarrassed that my own sister is a homophobe,' Sami added before signing off. 'Do better! Seriously!' Zana Pali has come a long way since her My Kitchen Rules days. The former reality star looked every inch the Melbourne socialite as she met girlfriends for lunch at popular French restaurant France-Soir in Melbourne this week. The mother-of-two strutted out of the South Yarra eatery dripping in designer jewels and accessories. The 34-year-old paired a basic black tank and Scanlan Theodore $250 jeans with $2910 Louis Vuitton Star Trail ankle boots and a $10,000 Chanel classic caviar double flap shoulder bag. She was adorned with Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery from the Alhambra collection, including a machalite bracelet, worth $10,400, and matching $20,100 earrings. The brunette beauty wore her dark locks in a low bun and had full glam for makeup. My Kitchen Rules star looked every inch the Melbourne socialite as she met girlfriends for lunch at popular French restaurant France-Soir in Melbourne this week She was adorned with Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery from the Alhambra collection, including a machalite bracelet, worth $10,400, and matching $20,100 earrings Zana bid farewell to her equally attractive friend before hopping into her $450,000 Porsche GT3 and speeding away. The stunner is often seen dining at France-Soir with her fellow right-minded pal, commentator and columnist Rita Pahani. Zana has been living life to the fullest following her split from her MKR co-star Gianni Romano last year. Once considered TV's golden couple on the popular Channel Seven competitive cooking series, the pair are now said to be involved in an 'ugly' divorce as they try to show off their luxurious lifestyles. Zana had a glow-up last year, flaunting her new Porsche and a high-flyer boyfriend, while ex Gianni started dating a glamazon half his age who bears a striking resemblance to her. Meanwhile, neighbours are said to be amused by their antics and are calling for the pair to star in their own Brighton edition of Real Housewives. The former MKR 'villains' are believed to have quietly called time on their marriage last year, but insiders say the split turned 'very messy, very fast'. 'They don't talk unless it's about the kids,' one source told Daily Mail, confirming their break-up was messier than even their close friends understand. Zana bid farewell to her equally attractive friend before hopping into her $450,000 Porsche GT3 and speeding away Gianni and Zana share two young sons, Leo and Romeo. Zana wasted no time moving on from their relationship, undergoing a complete makeover and, apparently, bagging herself a successful new businessman boyfriend. The lawyer-turned-reality star has been flaunting her new glamorous look for months, basking in a post-split glow that continues to spark media headlines. 'She's really embracing this new chapter,' an insider said. 'Her social life has exploded since the split. She's at lavish lunches, swanky events and always dressed head-to-toe in designer clothes.' Meanwhile, Gianni, 37, has raised eyebrows of his own after stepping out with 24-year-old Gracie Stewart, who is nearly half his age. Despite the glossy exteriors, insiders insist the break-up has been far from amicable. With custody arrangements now in place, both Gianni and Zana are keeping their distance but their headline-grabbing post-split lives are keeping Melbourne talking. Game Of Thrones stars Jason Momoa and Emilia Clarke looked as if no time at all had passed when they had a surprise reunion on Thursday. Momoa, 46, towered over his 39-year-old costar as they posed for a sweet photo she posted to Instagram. Clarke who recently admitted that she had a 'mental breakdown' when Game Of Thrones ended revealed that her former on-screen husband had dropped by while she was taping an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in New York City. 'New York has given me so many things to be grateful for on this trip, and just when I thought it couldn't get any betterlook who walked into my dressing room,' Clarke caption her photo, adding the hashtags '#mydragondaddy' and '#westillgotit.' Their reunion comes 15 years after the two starred together on the first season of HBO's massively popular dark fantasy epic Game Of Thrones, which debuted in 2011. Emilia contrasted Momoa's oddball look with a long-sleeve black top and a lustrous black skirt that was tied off at her waist. Jason Momoa, 46, and Emilia Clarke, 39, looked as if no time at all had passed when they had a surprise reunion on Thursday, 11 years after they starred together on the first season of Game Of Thrones She wore her long brunette locks styled straight and parted down the middle to frame her infectious smile Momoa sported a rugged hodgepodge outfit featuring an olive vest over a shredded black tank top. He paired them with weathered brown pants and a black top hat, along with a lavender scrunchy on his wrist and black-frame sunglasses. Although both were already established actors prior to Game Of Thrones's premiere, the series was a breakout moment that helped catapult both stars into the A list. Clarke starred on the show which was based on the still-incomplete series of novels by George R. R. Martin as the exiled royal Daenerys Targaryen, while Momoa appeared as the vicious Khal Drogo, the leader of the nomadic Dothraki tribe. Clarke appeared throughout the entire series, while Momoa's character met his end in the first season, yet their chemistry and Game Of Thrones' massive popularity still provided a major career boost for both. After more than a decade mostly working on television including substantial stints on Baywatch: Hawaii, North Shore and Stargate Atlantis Momoa was able to launch a film career that included starring in the DC Extended Universe films as Aquaman. Since then, he's had major parts in the acclaimed sci-fi epic Dune (2021) and has been featured in the blockbusters Fast X (2023) and A Minecraft Movie (2025). 'New York has given me so many things to be grateful for on this trip, and just when I thought it couldn't get any betterlook who walked into my dressing room,' Carke wrote; pictured together in 2013 in Hollywood She starred as the exiled royal Daenerys Targaryen, while Momoa appeared as the vicious Khal Drogo. The two were bound in marriage, but Momoa's character only lasted through the first season; pictured together on Game Of Thrones The series made Momoa an in-demand A-lister leading the Aquaman franchise while starring in blockbusters including Dune and A Minecraft Movie; pictured in Aquaman (2018) with Amber Heard Clarke went on to lead the sequel Terminator: Genisys (2015) and appeared in the Star Wars prequel Solo (2018), while also leading the blockbuster romance Me Before You (2016) and the holiday rom-com Last Christmas (2019). Momoa's currently on the PR trail to promote his Amazon Prime Video buddy cop comedy The Wrecking Crew, which he stars in with Dave Bautista, ahead of its January 28 release on the streaming service. Meanwhile, Clarke is currently promoting her new Peacock original series Ponies, in which she and Haley Lu Richardson play secretaries working at the American embassy in Moscow in the late '70s who begin working covert jobs for the CIA after both of their husbands mysteriously die. Clarke also has another surprising connection to Momoa, as she's starring in the upcoming Amazon series Criminal along with his girlfriend, Andor star Adria Arjona. Earlier this week, Clarke admitted that she had a 'full mental breakdown' when Game Of Thrones finished, and she stated that she's done for good with the fantasy genre. 'It was the first time in my professional life that I stopped. I had a full mental breakdown,' she admitted to the New York Times. 'It was almost as if the timing of the pandemic was bang on.' The show aired from 2011 to 2019 and also starred the likes of Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams and Kit Harington. While speaking with the Times, she said that it was only after the show ended that she took the time 'to realize that I could try and get some autonomy over my choices, my work. 'So much of my career didn't reflect my taste, I just sort of shot out of a cannon.' Clarke is currently promoting her new Peacock original series Ponies, in which she and Haley Lu Richardson (pictured together on Wednesday) play secretaries working at the American embassy in Moscow in the late '70s who begin working covert jobs for the CIA after both of their husbands mysteriously die Clarke also has another surprising connection to Momoa, as she's starring in the upcoming Amazon series Criminal along with his girlfriend, Andor star Adria Arjona; Arjona and Momoa are pictured on Thursday in NYC She began playing the role when she was only 22, and it was only her third acting job, meaning she felt she 'never had time to stop and consider the meaning of it'. She also shared that she is now done with the fantasy genre, saying: 'You're highly unlikely to see me get on a dragon, or even in the same frame as a dragon, ever again.' Last June Emilia told Big Issue she feared being fired from the hit show after she suffered brain hemorrhages. The star suffered bleeds on her brain in 2011 and 2013, which she said left her 'altered on a dramatic level.' She first had a hemorrhage after the first season of Game Of Thrones finished filming, and lost her ability to speak as she nearly slipped into a coma. The second one left her in need of surgery after scans showed it had doubled in size, and Emilia previously detailed that she is in a 'really small minority' of people who have survived and been left with 'no repercussions.' She told the magazine, 'When you have a brain injury, it alters your sense of self on such a dramatic level. All of the insecurities you have going into the workplace quadruple overnight. 'The first fear we all had was, 'Oh my God, am I going to get fired? Am I going to get fired because they think I'm not capable of completing the job?'' Clarke revealed this week that she had a 'full mental breakdown' when Game Of Thrones finished, and she admitted she's now done with the fantasy genre; pictured in November in London She said: 'It was the first time in my professional life that I stopped. I had a full mental breakdown. It was almost as if the timing of the pandemic was bang on' (seen in series one) Emilia has discussed having surgery to restore blood flow, as well as taking medication to relieve the pain. Her life-saving treatment left her with titanium in place of sections of her skull and scarring. Emilia is thought to be single currently after last year it was reported that she'd split from her boyfriend Sebastian 'Bassi' Fox after four months together. She had first been spotted with the DJ on a night out back in November 2024, but sources last January claimed the pair decided to go their separate ways. It's thought that after going public with their romance, they realised that something 'wasn't quite right' about their relationship, and decided to end things. A source told The Sun at the time: 'Emilia and Seb aren't together anymore. They had a fun time, but something just wasn't quite right between them. 'They gave it a good go but, in the end. They realized that perhaps they aren't the right fit for each other. 'It's been bruising, but there's no hard feelings. She has told her mates that they want to try and stay friends.' While speaking with The New York Times, she said that it was only after the show ended that she took the time 'to realize that I could try and get some autonomy over my choices' The Daily Mail contacted a representative for Emilia Clarke for further comment at the time. Bassi found fame with dream-pop band Mt. Wolf, which previously featured in Clash Magazine's Ones To Watch list. Clarke's last public-facing romance was with director/screenwriter Charlie McDowell in 2019. McDowell went on to marry Emily in Paris star Lily Collins in 2021. Sharon Stone laid into a group of 'kids' who had allegedly disrespected her without even knowing who she was in a blistering speech this month that was caught in newly circulating video. The 67-year-old Oscar nominee opened up about the distressing incident on stage on January 9 at the 9th Astra Film Awards in Los Angeles, where she was presented with the honorary Timeless Award. According to video of the event, Stone opened her acceptance speech by blasting the allegedly rude group of young people at her table who seemingly had no idea they were sitting next to one of the evening's honorees when they accused her of stealing a chair. 'And to the kids at my table who wondered, "Who the f*** took that chair?" Now you know,' Stone gloated as soon as she stepped up to the microphone after she received a warm introduction. The reaction in the audience was a mix of hearty laughter, but the mood turned to shock as the Casino star continued her score-settling acceptance speech. 'Yeah, someone came over and said, "Who are you and why are you sitting here?"' Stone explained to gasps from the crowd. Sharon Stone laid into a group of 'kids' who had allegedly disrespected her without even knowing who she was in a blistering speech caught in newly circulating video from the Astra Film Awards on January 9 in LA (pictured) Stone opened her acceptance speech by blasting the allegedly rude group of young people at her table who seemingly had no idea they were sitting next to one of the evening's honorees when they accused her of stealing a chair 'As she said, "F*** you!"' Stone added, eliciting a hearty round of applause from the audience. But after calling out the offending kids, Stone graciously offered them a way to atone by channeling their efforts toward improving society. 'More importantly, and more to the point, Id like to say welcome to you. And Id like to say, this is an opportunity. Because I started my activism work when my fame kicked in,' Stone continued. 'And Id like to give you an opportunity to start your activism work now that your consciousness has kicked in. Because fame without awareness, success without purpose, is pointless.' Stone didn't identify the people at her table who rubbed her the wrong way, and they don't appear to have been publicly identified so far. The Daily Mail has reached out to Stone for comment but has not yet received a response. The Golden Globe winner went on to describe the persistence and determination she displayed early in her career that helped her get the roles that made her a screen icon. Stone shared that she 'wasn't the first person they offered Basic Instinct to' when the erotic thriller was being cast in 1992. However, she said it was apparent that she wanted the part more than her competitors, which helped push her over the finish line. 'And to the kids at my table who wondered, "Who the f*** took that chair?" Now you know,' Stone gloated as she stepped up to accept her honorary award. 'Yeah, someone came over and said, "Who are you and why are you sitting here?"' she explained to gasps 'As she said, "F*** you!"' Stone added, eliciting a hearty round of applause from the audience But after calling out the offending kids, Stone graciously offered them a way to atone by channeling their efforts toward improving society and focusing on activism Stone claimed she got her role in the iconic erotic thriller Basic Instinct (1992) because of her tenacity; pictured with Michael Douglas in the film 'Here's what I'm going to tell you,' she concluded by returning to address the unknown 'kids' who offended her. 'You know who I am now' 'But I was the person who got her manager to bring her to the office and get her the script, and I was the person who was prepared, because I had the script for eight months, and I was the person who had a manager to call every single f***ing day, because I wanted that part,' Stone recalled. As her voice grew more impassioned, Stone told aspiring artists in the audience that 'when you want something, as an artist, you should go and get it, because you know whats meant for you, and you know where you can fit and where you can make a change with your art.' Stone went on to emphasize the importance of action over empty words. 'There's a lot of talk right now about what we think is right, and what we think is wrong, and how we feel about everything, and how upsetting all these things can be,' she said mockingly. 'F*** off! All your hot air doesn't mean anything. But all your gifts, and all your opportunities mean everything. 'Shut the front door and get to work. Do something with what you have. Use your talent and become a purpose,' she continued. 'The only thing that matters in this life is what you do with what you've got.' Stone went on to describe her blue-collar upbringing in a dead-end Pennsylvania town with few jobs and rampant crime, which forced her to leave in order to find better opportunities. As she approached the 10-minute mark on her speech, Stone couldn't help but return to the 'kids' who had so upset her earlier in the evening. She wrapped up with a final word of advice to 'carry home someone you're proud of, and you, too, will be timeless, whether the people at your table know who you are or not.' 'Here's what I'm going to tell you: You know who I am now,' Stone concluded to thunderous applause. Lo Bosworth, who starred on Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and its spin-off The Hills, joyously announced the birth of her first daughter this week. The 39-year-old welcomed her little girl with her husband, Dom Natale, an athlete-turned-investor whom she married last July after he proposed that January. She went public with her pregnancy a few days after their intimate wedding, where she had worn a bridal gown that accentuated her blossoming baby bump. This Thursday, she posted to Instagram to share with her fans that she had delivered her little girl and named her after her own mother. Bosworth crowed: 'our girl Nelle is here,' adding: 'She started the year by surprising us two weeks early, but really, she was right on time.' Her message was accompanied by a heart-melting photo of her swaddled newborn, as well as a picture of the new parents at the hospital prior to delivery. Lo Bosworth, who starred on Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and its spin-off The Hills, joyously announced the birth of her firstborn daughter this week Her message was accompanied by a heart-melting photo of her swaddled newborn, as well as a picture of the new parents at the hospital prior to delivery Natale and Bosworth both placed their hands gently on the baby bump in the pre-birth photo, which showed the then-expectant mother already in her hospital gown. In her caption, Bosworth wrote that her 'teeny one is named for her Oma [the Dutch word for grandmother] and already so loved. More to come! Love, The Natale Family.' Bosworth was a 17-year-old high school senior when she was plucked from obscurity and catapulted to reality stardom on Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County in 2004. The MTV reality show was ultimately spun off into The Hills, which became an even splashier cultural phenomenon and also featured Bosworth. Amid a cast including Kristin Cavallari, Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt and Lauren Conrad, Bosworth was one of the high-octane glamour figures of the early years of reality TV. Conrad was among the well-wishers who flocked to Bosworth's Instagram this week to congratulate her on her baby's birth, gushing in the comments: 'Welcome to the world sweet girl!! So happy for you guys.' Since the end of The Hills in 2010, Bosworth has stayed off reality TV and veered into a career as a YouTuber with her own beauty channel. Although she evidently remained friends with Conrad, she kept her distance from the MTV franchise that shot them both to fame. Bosworth was a 17-year-old high school senior when she catapulted to reality stardom on Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County in 2004 The MTV reality show was ultimately spun off into The Hills, which became an even splashier cultural phenomenon and also featured Bosworth Bosworth got pregnant via in vitro fertilization during her engagement, but waited to announce she was expecting until a few days after the wedding; pictured last month When she was asked in 2018 to return to the network for the ultimately short-lived reboot The Hills: New Beginnings, Bosworth sharply declined. 'I was like: "F*** no!" I dont want any association with those people,' she said at the time on an episode of her podcast Lady Lovin'. 'I think that there were some people on the show that have gone on to great success and were friends and Im happy for them. There are others that I probably never would have in my life unless we worked together at one point.' She met her husband 'a few years' ago by declaring herself single on Instagram, prompting Natale's sisters to message her privately about their brother. 'His family set us up,' Bosworth shared last July, during an appearance on the A Better Way to Money podcast by Northwestern Mutual. Natale proposed last January, and the couple then indulged in what Bosworth called a 'spur-of-the-moment engagement party' at a dive bar. She met her husband 'a few years' ago by declaring herself single on Instagram, prompting Natale's sisters to message her privately 'We had one of the best nights of our lives at this dive bar with our friends that we had gathered together last minute, drinking beers,' she recalled. Bosworth got pregnant via in vitro fertilization during her engagement, but waited to announce she was expecting until a few days after the wedding, which was an intimate ceremony held at her family's home in Laguna Beach. 'Im about four months pregnant,' she told People in late July: 'And before starting our fertility journey we thought about a big, New York City wedding.' Bosworth explained: 'Once our family plans got underway, however, we changed course to something we knew would be perfect if I was lucky enough to get pregnant: an intimate wedding with our closest family members enjoyed at home. We could take off our shoes, stretch out, enjoy great food and the beautiful decor and relax.' Andrew Garfield and Jude Law put on a magic act of their own as they disappeared into character to play the animal-based magic duo Siegfried & Roy in a new first-look photo from their upcoming biopic series Wild Things. The two stars looked nearly unrecognizable in costume in the photo, which was posted to social media on Wednesday by the film industry journalist Jeff Sneider. Garfield, 42, is playing the entertainer Roy Horn who died in 2020 at 75 while Law, 53, costars as his professional and romantic partner, Siegfried Fischbacher, who died at 81 in 2021. The duo, who performed as Siegfried & Roy, helmed one of the most successful stage shows in Las Vegas, which grossed hundreds of millions of dollars over several decades. But the act came to a horrific end in 2003, when Horn was brutally attacked by one of the tigers he performed with. Garfield and Law are portraying the Vegas entertainers for the upcoming Apple TV+ series, which is based on the podcast Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy. A peek from the set of WILD THINGS starring Jude Law and Andrew Garfield as Siegfried & Roy... pic.twitter.com/TP8WBif2TY Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) January 15, 2026 Andrew Garfieldand Jude Lawput on a magic act of their own as they disappeared into character to play the animal-based magic duo Siegfried & Roy in a new first-look photo from their upcoming biopic series Wild Things; Siegfried Fischbacher (L) and Roy Horn (R) pictured in 2007, four years after Horn was mauled by a tiger The series will detail 'the wild ride relationship tale of two of the greatest showman-magicians in history who, along with their white tigers, are tasked with turning Sin City into a family-friendly destination,' according to the official logline, via Variety. 'The duo push the concept of illusion versus reality to the extreme, personally and professionally, until tragedy reframes and opens a mystery surrounding their last fateful Las Vegas show.' Garfield and Law were pictured in Las Vegas earlier this week as they filmed their upcoming series. The Amazing Spider-Man star sported a thin soul patch and covered his short dark hair with a black beret, which contrasted with his royal blue sport coat. He wore it over a collar-free white shirt and had on thin metal-frame glasses and what looked like a rabbit-foot necklace. Law's transformation was even more extreme, as he appeared to wear prosthetics to give him a more prominent, sculpted chin and a rounded nose. His receding dark hair was replaced with shaggy blond hair that was swept back over sleek sunglasses, and his costume consisted of a dark jacket with padded shoulders and contrasting leather sleeves, along with a sliver-and-black patterned scarf and a silver cross. The actors looked as if their characters had just done some shopping as they stood next to some bags on the stone balcony of The Venetian in Las Vegas. In their act, Siegfried focused on illusions, while Roy was responsible for the animal displays. Garfield, 42, is playing the entertainer Roy Horn, who died in 2020 at 75. Horn was mauled by a tiger on stage in 2003, marking the end of Siegfried & Roy's stage show; Garfield (L) is pictured in October. Horn (R) was pictured in 2006 Law, 53, costars as Horn's professional and romantic partner, Siegfried Fischbacher, who died at 81 in 2021; Law (L) is pictured in October. Fischbacher (R) was pictured in 2003 Horn had a stroke and suffered a severed spine and immense blood loss from the tiger attack, which left him partially paralyzed on his left side; Siegfried and Roy were pictured in 2016 in Las Vegas But on October 3, 2003, their act went awry when Mantacore, a 400-pound white tiger featured in the show, began to strut toward the front of the stage, putting him dangerously close to the unprotected audience. As Horn tried to guide him back to his mark, the tiger latched onto his sleeve with its jaw. He tapped it on the snout with his microphone to get it let him go, but as he stepped away, the tiger pounced. Mantacore clamped down on Horn's neck and proceeded to pull him into the wings, where trainers were forced to discharge a fire extinguisher to get the tiger to let go of him. Horn suffered a stroke and a severed spine in the attack and lost a significant amount of blood. He suffered partial paralysis for the rest of his life, and the duo never performed again. Garfield and Law were reported to have joined the series in May 2025, though Wild Things has been in the works at Apple since 2022. Both are pulling double duty as executive producers, while John Hoffman is leading the show as EP, showrunner and director after developing the show. Wild Things is also executive produced by Will Malnati and Steven Leckart, the creative team behind the original podcast. Garfield was most recently seen in Luca Guadagnino's psychological campus thriller After The Hunt (pictured), in which he plays a professor accused of sexual assault by a student (Ayo Edebiri), while Julia Roberts stars as a colleague caught between the two n 2024, Law joined Disney+ Star Wars universe for Skeleton Crew (pictured), a loose spin-off of The Mandalorian Garfield was most recently seen in Luca Guadagnino's psychological campus thriller After The Hunt, in which he plays a professor accused of sexual assault by a student (Ayo Edebiri), while Julia Roberts stars as a colleague caught between the two. His most recent work for television was in the acclaimed 2022 true-crime miniseries Under The Banner Of Heaven. Law will soon be appearing in French filmmaker Olivier Assayas's political thriller The Wizard Of The Kremlin, in which he plays Russian President Vladimir Putin, though the film is based on a work of fiction. In 2024, he joined Disney+ Star Wars universe for Skeleton Crew, a loose spin-off of The Mandalorian. Rachel Ward has revealed why, at 68, 'beauty' is no longer a priority, after being trolled about her appearance online. The iconic Australian actress, 68, took to Instagram last month to promote her ethical meat initiative, Farmthru. Rachel, who runs a 350-head beef cattle farm in the Nambucca Valley, with husband Bryan Brown, 78, was thanking customers for their patronage throughout 2025. However, the seemingly innocuous post was met with some cruel comments from followers. After hitting back at the trolls in a now-viral response, Rachel took to Instagram again on Friday to extol the virtues of ageing. 'Dear those that responded to the brouhaha over the trolls criticising my appearance, I have tried to do a little better today I ran my hands through my hair, etcetera,' Rachel joked. Rachel Ward has revealed why, at 68, beauty is no longer a priority, after being trolled about her appearance online Continuing, Rachel added that ageing was not something to be feared, but rather something to be welcomed with open arms. 'Anyway, just to say, do not fear ageing, it's a wonderful period of life,' she said. 'In [my] 60s, I am more fulfilled than ever and I have no regrets over leaving my youth and beauty behind.' Rachel then claimed, paraphrasing the poet John Keats, that beauty was the dominion of the young, before admitting that ageing also holds its own charms. 'Although I do acknowledge, as Keats says, "youth is beauty, beauty is youth, and that is all you need to know,"' she said. 'Well, I'm not youthful, but I'm a very happy camper and later years are to be exalted and welcomed, and you wait until you get there. '[There are] so many other gifts to bestow that you have no idea what they are until you get there.' Rounding out her post, Rachel said that she was overwhelmed with the messages of support she received after her trolling incident. The iconic Australian actress, 68, took to Instagram last month to promote her ethical meat initiative Farmthru. However, the seemingly innocuous post was met with some cruel comments from followers After hitting back at the trolls in a now-viral response, Rachel took to Instagram again on Friday to extol the virtues of ageing. Rachel is pictured with husband Bryan Brown, 78, on the set of The Thorn Birds in 1982 'Anyway, just to say, do not fear ageing, it's a wonderful period of life,' she said. 'In [my] 60s, I am more fulfilled than ever and I have no regrets over leaving my youth and beauty behind' 'But I do recognise that we're all a little bit worried about losing our youth and resorting to rather drastic ways of holding onto it. But let it go and much bounty will come,' Rachel said. She also doubled down on the sentiment in the clip's caption, joking that she should make more of an effort before taking to social media. 'Overwhelmed by the generosity that poured forth after a few fearful trolls went on the attack of my rather unkempt appearance before Christmas,' she wrote. 'Im a farmer now, but really should do my hair and apply some lippy before I go on social media. Apologies for frightening a few of you.' Rachel's post was met with another outpouring of support from followers, including My Kitchen Rules star Colin Fassnidge, who responded with a clapping hands emoji. Former Block judge Neale Whitaker also praised Rachel for her refreshing approach to ageing. 'What a beautiful, generous and eloquent response,' he wrote. 'And I agree with you wholeheartedly. I was dreading my 60s but Im actually loving them.' Another follower added: 'I saw your previous post and was really impressed by how naturally beautiful you are. You are and always have been simply stunning.' She continued: I'm not youthful, but I'm a very happy camper and later years are to be exalted and welcomed and you wait until you get there. '[There are] so many other gifts to bestow that you have no idea what they are until you get there' 'Im a farmer now but really should do my hair and apply some lippy before I go on social media. Apologies for frightening a few of you,' she wrote in the clip's caption. Rachel and Bryan are pictured in 2019 A fourth summed up the sentiment of many with: 'Ageing is an honour and a privilege that not everyone gets to experience, and you are doing it with such grace.' Rachel's pre-Christmas post was met with some cruel comments from followers. 'I read she's 68. Looks way older! I'm 62 and can't believe she's only a few years older than me,' one wrote, while another offered a similarly cutting: 'OMG what the hell happened to u? U were so pretty???' Another critic claimed that Rachel's appearance was due to 'years of neglect'. Rachel responded: 'I just feel sorry for those poor souls who fear ageing so much. They will learn that it's ultimate freedom as a woman to let youth and beauty go.' Born in the UK, Rachel relocated permanently after marrying fellow acting icon Bryan Brown in 1983. The couple met on the set of the mini-series The Thorn Birds, and went on to have three children Rosie, 42, Matilda, 39, and Joe, 34. Nicola Peltz shared a pointed message on Thursday amid her and husband Brooklyn Beckham's ongoing feud with his famous family. The billionaire heiress, 31, and aspiring chef, 26, are at the heart of an acrimonious divide that has resulted in them snubbing all significant family celebrations over recent months, including his father David's milestone 50th birthday. Likewise, Brooklyn's relations, including mum Victoria, 51, and his siblings were not invited to his marriage renewal ceremony in New York's Westchester County on August 2. Following her in-laws winning support of the UK public amid the spat, Nicola posted a gushing Instagram tribute to her own 'devoted' mother Claudia Heffner Peltz, 70, declaring 'there is truly no one like you'. The former model married billionaire investor Nelson Peltz in 1985 and together share Nicola, Matthew, 37, Will, 35, Brad, 32, Brittany, 28, Diesel, 30, as well as twins Zachary and Gregory, 21. Nelson has two other children from his first marriage. Alongside black and white snaps of mother and daughter embracing, Nicola penned: 'I love you mom, so so much. Nicola Peltz has shared a pointed message on Thursday amid her and husband Brooklyn Beckham's ongoing feud with his estranged family (pictured with mum Claudia Heffner Peltz) Following her in-laws winning support of the UK public amid the spat, Nicola posted a gushing Instagram tribute to her own 'devoted' mother Claudia Heffner Peltz 'I dont know what i would do in life without your love. thank you for being you, the most beautiful human inside and out, there is truly no one like you.' The widening rift has had a notable impact across social media, where Brooklyn 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. 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. Alongside black and white snaps of mother and daughter embracing, Nicola penned: 'i love you mom, so so much' Nicola penned a gushing tribute to her mum on Instagram The former model married billionaire investor Nelson Peltz in 1985 and together share eight children including Nicola (Brooklyn pictured with his wife and in-laws) 'Victoria's heart is breaking behind closed doors,' a source told The Mirror. 'Brooklyn is her firstborn and she's worried she's 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 Daily Mail: 'David was told to speak to them via Schillings. That was the only way for them to communicate.' It's understood that Brooklyn doesn't want his parents to contact him directly, or make public statements about him on social media. The aspiring chef later shared snaps of himself and Nicola enjoying quality time together The pair enjoying an outing to a local farmer's market Another moody snap showed him taking in the LA skyline The couple also popped open a bottle of 5K Screaming Eagle wine, known to be mum Victoria's favourite Brooklyn is currently estranged from his entire family (pictured L-R: Cruz, Harper, Romeo, Victoria and David Beckham) 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.' Lily Collins was joined by her Emily In Paris co-star Ashley Park on Friday for a stroll in the park with her baby daughter Tove. The actress, 36, and her director-screenwriter husband Charlie McDowell, 42, welcomed their first child last year through surrogacy, with Ashley, 34, reporting for 'auntie duty' during a visit to London. Lily looked as stylish as ever in an oversized fur-trimmed leather bomber jacket which she paired with cream barrel jeans. Meanwhile, Ashley looked winter ready in a luxurious fur coat and a fleecy cap while pushing Lily's daughter in a pram. Sharing a series of photos, she captioned the update: 'Auntie ash reporting for duty, quality cuddles and fish pies.' The co-stars were joined by Lily's husband Charlie and stopped for a roast dinner during their wholesome day out. Lily Collins was joined by her Emily In Paris co-star Ashley Park on Friday for a stroll in the park with her baby daughter Tove The actress, 36, and her director-screenwriter husband Charlie McDowell, 42, welcomed their first child last year through surrogacy, with Ashley (pictured), 34, reporting for 'auntie duty' Lily recently shared an incredible clip from behind-the-scenes of filming Emily In Paris last year which showed off the huge designer shoe collection on set. The actress, who plays the titular character Emily in the hit Netflix show, gave a glimpse inside shooting season five in a new Instagram post last week. As well of sharing snaps of the picturesque French city and her co-stars she shed some light on the outstanding wardrobe department too. In her caption she wrote: 'We'll always have Paris (and Rome... and Venice... and SHOES)...'. The clip showed hundreds of stilettos, sling backs and wedges sat in the wardrobe area on set that were sorted into the same colours. It conjures up images of the former President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos' wife Imelda who famously had a shoe collection comprising of an estimated 3,000 pairs. In 2001, more than 700 pairs were put on display at the Marikina Shoe Museum. Elsewhere, Netflix has confirmed the future of the hit series after it returned for season five, with a new video of Lily. Ashley looked winter ready in a luxurious fur coat and a fleecy cap while pushing Lily's daughter in a pram Sharing a series of photos, she captioned the update: 'Auntie ash reporting for duty, quality cuddles and fish pies' The co-stars were joined by Lily's husband Charlie and stopped for a roast dinner during their wholesome day out Netflix recently revealed that the comedy-drama, which is set in both Paris and Rome, had been renewed for a sixth season (Ashley as Mindy and Lily as Emily in the series) Lily shared an incredible clip from behind-the-scenes of filming Emily In Paris last year which showed off the huge designer shoe collection on set The actress, who plays the titular character Emily in the hit Netflixshow, gave a glimpse inside shooting season five in a new Instagram post last week The streaming site revealed that the comedy-drama, which is set in both Paris and Rome, had been renewed for a sixth season, just weeks after its latest episodes hit screens as Lily returned as Emily. Taking to YouTube with a short clip, the character of Emily could be seen walking into the room from a French balcony window, before the camera pans out to reveal a croissant topped with a number six candle. The clip was captioned: 'Home sweet home. Emily in Paris is returning for Season 6,' with Netflix adding: 'Paris is always a good idea!' Since its launch in 2020, fans have been eagerly following Lily as Emily, as she struggles to make long-lasting romantic connections and find her feet abroad. The last series ended with Emily and her love interest Marcello, who is played by Eugenio Franceschini, in Rome, and the new series picks up where things left off. Kylie Jenners longtime best friend Stassie Karanikolaou appeared to copy Kanye Wests wife Bianca Censori as she debuted a barely-there look on Instagram. The 28-year-old social media star stripped down to a black bandeau and matching panties in a provocative shoot shared on Friday. She posed like a lingerie model, flashing a leggy display in ripped stockings that instantly sparked comparisons to Censori. Bianca wore a strikingly similar black underwear-style ensemble during a night out in New York City in June 2025 while stepping out with her rapper husband. Stassi - who revealed she underwent BBL reduction surgery in October - elevated the curve-hugging look with a fur shawl and nude pumps. In another snap, she put her sculpted stomach and curvaceous bust on display in tiny nude shorts and a light brown bandeau top. Kylie Jenners BFF Stassie Karanikolaou channels Bianca Censori as she bares it all on Instagram Censori sported a nearly identical black underwear-style look during a night out in New York City in June 2025 Of course, Stassie is no stranger to flaunting her figure, having dropped a series of sizzling bikini snaps just days before Christmas. The influencer and entrepreneur took to Instagram to showcase the results while soaking up the sun, sand and music with friends during what appeared to be an exotic getaway. In one image, Karanikolaou showed off her noticeably slimmer silhouette by the pool in the briefest of black bikinis. Another snap captured the beauty perched on the pools edge, blowing an air kiss toward the camera. Elsewhere, Jenners longtime pal lounged in the sun in a tiny pink bikini, putting her toned frame on full display. Karanikolaous closest confidante remains Jenner, 28, with the pair having met as teenagers and grown up side by side in the spotlight. Over the years, theyve appeared together on social media and partnered on business ventures, including their Kylie x Stassie makeup collaboration. In an October 7 TikTok video, Karanikolaou disclosed that she had undergone Brazilian butt lift reduction surgery. I'm at the surgery recovery center recovering from this ass reduction, she shared. Karanikolaou stripped down to a black bandeau and matching panties for a provocative shoot posted on Friday In another snap, she showed off her sculpted stomach and curves in tiny nude shorts and a light brown bandeau top I'm so comfortable, eating chicken tenders and French fries. I just got my pain medicine. It just kicked in, so I'm pretty comfortable. From what I've seen, this ass looks nice, lifted, smaller, she added. I'm so excited to be healed and to feel more comfortable in my skin. She followed up the next day with another video, expressing regret over having had the procedure in the first place. I wish I had someone that showed me the not-glamorized side of plastic surgery when I was younger and made this decision that I've actually been, for years, trying to reduce and fix. It's actually something that has made me more insecure and made me feel so inauthentic. Karanikolaou continued: With that being said, I think anyone should do whatever they want to do with their bodies, whatever they choose. I just feel like this was a mistake I made super young and I shared my experience now because I'm hoping that I can help anyone. She encouraged followers to do what makes you feel comfortable, not what you think that you should do. Speaking on her Better Half podcast in May, the influencer revealed she has undergone additional procedures in an effort to further reverse the effects. It is something that I regret and that I've been actively trying to fix for so long, she said. I literally have another surgery in a few weeks to try and reduce the size of it even more. As for Bianca, she spent much of 2025 making headlines with pantyhose-centered looks, though she has kept a lower profile in recent months Kanye and Bianca opted for a low-key Christmas Eve outing while his ex-wife Kim Kardashian spent the holiday with their four children; (pictured February 2024) She added: I did not realize at the time what I was signing up for. I wish that little me didn't feel the way I felt. I felt just the pressure of the world that we live in and the trend of the times. Do not surgically alter your body for a trend at a time because just know that the trend is only going to be relevant for a little bit. As for Bianca, she spent much of 2025 making headlines with pantyhose-centered looks, though she has kept a lower profile in recent months. Still, she and Kanye opted for a low-key Christmas Eve outing while his ex-wife Kim Kardashian spent the holiday with their four children. The couple were seen attending The Nutcracker ballet in Los Angeles. Kanye attempted to go incognito at the Dolby Theatre, keeping his hood up and wearing a face mask. Bianca left her face uncovered, instead arriving in a lavish white fur coat. Eyewitnesses said the pair stayed for the full performance before slipping out quickly with a small entourage ahead of the final bows. Brooklyn Beckham reshared a snap of himself and wife Nicola Peltz enjoying a glass of his estranged mother Victoria's favourite 5,000 wine on Thursday. The aspiring chef, 26, first treated the billionaire heiress to the Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc while celebrating her 31st birthday earlier this week. The Californian wine is exceptionally rare and sought after, with bottles ranging from 5K to a whooping 12K. Back in 2017, Victoria posted her own photo of herself enjoying Screaming Eagle with husband David and Brooklyn, before their bitter estrangement. Brooklyn and Nicola are at the heart of an acrimonious divide that has resulted in them snubbing all significant family celebrations over recent months, including his father David's milestone 50th birthday. Likewise, the Beckhams, including mum Victoria, and Brooklyn's siblings were not invited to his marriage renewal ceremony in New York's Westchester County on August 2. Brooklyn Beckham reshared a snap of himself and wife Nicola Peltz enjoying a glass of his estranged mother Victoria's favourite 5,000 wine on Thursday The aspiring chef first treated the billionaire heiress to the Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc while celebrating her 31st birthday earlier this week The widening rift has had a notable impact across social media, where Brooklyn 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. 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.' Meanwhile Nicola shared a pointed message on Thursday amid the feud, with a gushing Instagram tribute to her own 'devoted' mother Claudia Heffner Peltz, 70, declaring 'there is truly no one like you'. The former model married billionaire investor Nelson Peltz in 1985 and together share Nicola, Matthew, 37, Will, 35, Brad, 32, Brittany, 28, Diesel, 30, as well as twins Zachary and Gregory, 21. Nelson has two other children from his first marriage. Alongside black and white snaps of mother and daughter embracing, Nicola penned: 'I love you mom, so so much. The Californian wine is an exceptionally rare and sought after plonk, with bottles ranging from 5K to a whooping 12K Back in 2017, Victoria posted her own photo after cracking open a bottle of the wine with David and Brooklyn, before their bitter estrangement Brooklyn is currently estranged from his entire family (pictured L-R: Cruz, Harper, Romeo, Victoria and David Beckham) 'I dont know what i would do in life without your love. thank you for being you, the most beautiful human inside and out, there is truly no one like you.' 'Victoria's heart is breaking behind closed doors,' a source told The Mirror. 'Brooklyn is her firstborn and she's worried she's 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 Daily Mail: 'David was told to speak to them via Schillings. That was the only way for them to communicate.' Meanwhile Nicola shared a pointed message on Thursday amid the feud, with a gushing Instagram tribute to her own 'devoted' mother Claudia Heffner Peltz, 70, She said: 'I dont know what i would do in life without your love. thank you for being you, the most beautiful human inside and out, there is truly no one like you' 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.' Chloe Ferry showcased her jaw-dropping figure in a daringly plunging animal print dress amid her getaway to Thailand on Friday. The Geordie Shore star, 30, who is soaking up the sun with new property developer boyfriend Alex Swinney, looked nothing short of sensational in the steamy Instagram clip. Chloe went braless in the risque look which showcased her ample cleavage and incredibly toned abs while completing the look with Hermes sandals. Sporting glam make-up and her caramel tresses poker straight, she gazed into her bejewelled phone in a bid to capture the perfect shot. The stunner later slipped into a skin-tight black and white catsuit and shielded her eyes behind chic shades while taking in the sights. Last week Chloe again set pulses racing with a slew of bikini snaps amid her lavish trip to Eastern Asia. Chloe Ferry, 30, showcased her jaw-dropping figure as she slipped into a daringly plunging animal print dress amid her getaway to Thailand on Friday The Geordie Shore star, who is soaking up the sun with new property developer boyfriend Alex Swinney, looked nothing short of sensational as she posed in front of a full length mirror She showed off her curves as she posted a mirror selfie in a pink and orange bikini, complete with a flower in her hair. In another photo she was seen having the time of her life, riding on the back of a moped with boyfriend Alex. The star looked incredible in a red skin-tight dress and Ray-bans as she held on to her new beau. She captioned the photos: 'Day 1 Thailand dump, happiest Ive been in a long time the smile says it all'. The star posted a number of pictures showing off her physique as she soaked up the sun in Thailand. The couple also coordinated in white ensembles as Chloe wore a plunging sheer lace top with matching high-waisted trousers. Meanwhile Alex looked very dapper in a white crew neck T-shirt and cream linen trousers as he accessorised with a blue cross body bag and aviator sunglasses. It comes as Chloe revealed a tribute to her new boyfriend, as she got a tattoo just months into their relationship. The stunner later slipped into a skin-tight black and white catsuit and shielded her eyes behind chic shades while taking in the sights The look hugged every inch of her gorgeous figure Over the last two months, Chloe has proved that their relationship is going from strength to strength as she confessed this was the 'last time she will fall in love'. And now Chloe has proven that their relationship is stronger than ever as she permanently inked his name on the inside of her elbows as a birthday present to Alex. On her other arm, she had the numbers 20.08 tattooed, and while she didnt reveal what the numbers meant, they are likely to represent an important date. The numbers could mean August 20, which could be the day they met, as they went public with their relationship shortly afterwards. In the clip shared on her Instagram Stories, the TV personality was seen getting the tattoo done at a tattoo parlour. She is seen squirming as the tattooist gets to work on her arms. After the session, Chloe appeared happy with the result. In September Chloe shared their first proper picture together and confirmed she's head over heels and described him as 'the love of her life'. Alongside the picture, Chloe gushed: 'I believe in love at first sight. To the love of my life, my soulmate, as I write this, my heart is so full that I could cry. Last week Chloe again set pulses racing with a slew of bikini snaps amid her lavish trip to Eastern Asia In another photo she was seen having the time of her life, riding on the back of a moped with boyfriend Alex The reality star told fans she finally felt 'lucky in love' after years of heartbreak and admitted she now believes she's found her forever. She added: 'I feel so incredibly lucky to have met you. After being so unlucky in love for so long, I always thought that when someone amazing came along, it would be too good to be true. 'But you've truly swept me off my feet and shown me that real love does exist. 'I can't believe you are my forever - the one I get to grow old with and build a beautiful family alongside'. 'You bring out the best in me in ways no one ever has. You've given me trust again, hope again, love again. And for that, I'll love you endlessly.' Chloe finished saying: 'To anyone who feels like giving up on love: please don't. It comes when you least expect it.' Chloe was previously in an on-and-off relationship with Johnny Wilbo since 2021, but their romance has been tumultuous over the years. At one point, the pair had reportedly split and rekindled six times in six months. Bear Grylls shared sweet throwback Instagram snaps with his beloved wife Shara as he reflected on their 26-year marriage. The British survival expert, 51, took a trip down the memory lane in the new emotional social media post, celebrating his relationship with the author, 52. The TV adventurer accompanied a series of old pictures, as well as a recent one, with a lengthy caption gushing over his soulmate. Bear was in awe of his long-time companion, thanking her for 'laughing when plans fall apart' and 'holding steady when the world pulls you in a hundred directions'. The happy couple tied the knot in 2000 after meeting in 1998 and share three sons Jesse, 23, Marmaduke, 20, and Huckleberry, 17. '26 years married today. Thank you Shara!' he began in his caption. Bear Grylls shared sweet throwback Instagram snaps with his beloved wife Shara as he reflected on their 26-year marriage The British survival expert, 51, took a trip down the memory lane in the new emotional social media post, celebrating his relationship with the author, 52 'I dont think marriage is about perfection. To us its about commitment. Showing up when its hard. Laughing when plans fall apart. Holding steady when the world pulls you in a hundred directions. 'Strength doesnt start in the mountains or the wild. It starts at home. With family. With loyalty. With love thats patient. 'Ive learnt that the greatest expeditions are not the ones you see on screen, but the quiet, daily ones: building a life together, raising a family, backing each other through every high and low. 'Family first. Always. The former SAS trooper proceeded to mention his wife's upcoming book, adding: 'Sharas new book is out this month! Its full of good little bits of advice from our friends on marriage. Check it out online.' Bear and Shara's love story has been anything but ordinary - with the TV star previously revealing he proposed to her after having kept the engagement ring secure between his buttocks during a skinny dipping session. Bear recalled their first meeting in a 2014 interview with on Piers Morgan's Life Stories, saying 'it was freezing on the north coast, and a wave came and took my clothes. 'I was running around naked, trying to find my trousers. It was the worst timing in the world to fall in love because I was up in Scotland,' he said. The TV adventurer accompanied a series of old pictures, as well as a recent one, with a lengthy caption gushing over his soulmate Bear was in awe of his long-time companion, thanking her for 'laughing when plans fall apart' and 'holding steady when the world pulls you in a hundred directions' He added: 'Sharas new book is out this month! Its full of good little bits of advice from our friends on marriage. Check it out online' At the time, then 23-year-old Bear was just months away from becoming the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest. He added: 'It was the new year, I was training, staying with a friend and climbing everyday.' Bear mirrored their original meeting with his proposal, when he 'pulled out the ring from his butt cheeks' after skinny-dipping. Tragically, shortly tying the knot, both of their fathers died, but Bear later said he felt that the 'shared crisis' made them stronger. 'I didn't really have a job and that was a worry and then her father died. Twelve weeks later my father died,' he also told The Times. 'I had just become a husband. I needed to provide for my family and my mother. I needed to turn the skills I had into a job.' Bear continued: 'We were living on this rusty barge on the Thames and the boiler was broken. I felt overwhelmed. I couldn't talk to Shara because I felt I had to be strong for her.' Explaining the reason they sought professional guidance, he wrote in his column for GQ Magazine: 'We figured that if [marriage] was the most important thing we were ever going to do, we should do everything we could to stop it breaking in the first place.' They share three sons Jesse, 23, Marmaduke, 20 (pictured), and Huckleberry, 17 The father of three said one of the best tips he took away from the support sessions was to plan date nights once a week. He explained that activities don't have to be 'expensive or fancy', it's more about spending time together and focusing on what attracted you to each other in the first place. 'Togetherness is what it's all about,' he added. Bear and Shara split their time between a holiday home in north Wales and London. Blake Lively has recruited a lawyer who previously represented Jeffrey Epstein's victims amid her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni. The 38-year-old actress, who is set to go to trial with her former co-star in May, has hired attorney Sigrid McCawley, the managing partner of Boies Schiller Flexner, according to People. The Gossip Girl alum filed a lawsuit in December 2024 where she accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against her. Baldoni responded with a $400 million lawsuit against the actress as well as filing a $250 million libel claim against the New York Times which reported on Lively's allegations. The case was later dismissed by a judge in June. McCawley told People that being added to Lively's case with her 'world-class legal team' is a 'privilege.' She further added that the case 'is about a woman who was subjected to a hostile work environment and is being attacked for standing up to protect herself and other female co-workers.' Blake Lively, 38, has hired a new attorney amid her ongoing legal action against Justin Baldoni Sigrid McCawley has joined Lively's legal team as the case prepares to head to trial in May The Daily Mail has reached out to Lively and Baldoni's reps for comment, but did not immediately hear back. Lively's team already consists of lawyers Mike Gottlieb and Esra Hudson - while Baldoni hired Alexandra Shapiro who notably represented Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Gottlieb and Hudson told People that they are 'thrilled' to add McCawley to their team as the case prepares to head to trial later this year. 'We recruited Sigrid based on her many years of work speaking truth to power, including her courageous representation of Jeffrey Epstein's victims, and have no doubt her experience will serve the team well.' McCawley will mostly deal with communications to the media and the public in regards to Lively's case. But the attorney is no stranger to the legal drama surrounding Lively and Baldoni which sparked up after the conclusion of the 2024 film It Ends With Us. Baldoni had taken on a lead role in the movie and also stepped behind the camera as director while the actress also portrayed a leading character. McCawley additionally represented Lively's publicist Leslie Sloane after Baldoni countersued her. Baldoni is accused of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against the actress in a lawsuit filed in December 2024. He denies the allegations The actor has hired Alexandra Shapiro, who notably represented Sean 'Diddy' Combs The legal drama sparked up after the release of film It Ends With Us, starring Lively and Baldoni At the time his suit was thrown out by judge Lewis J Liman last year, a source told the Daily Mail said that Baldoni 'feels this is a huge kick to the guts.' However, the insider noted that the filmmaker 'still has full trust with his legal team' and 'is looking to figure out how to move forward from this current setback.' The trial was initially scheduled for March last year - but has since been pushed back to May. A hearing is also set for later this month on January 22. And Lively's efforts to redact the names of famous associates, such as husband Ryan Reynolds and one-time bestie Taylor Swift, in her legal action are in vain, according to lawyers for Baldoni. Earlier this week Baldoni's team stated in a new court filing their formal objection to a motion the actress previously filed looking to conceal the identities of public figures involved in the ongoing litigation. 'Not one of [Lively's] requests meets the [court's] high standard for sealing at this stage,' the actor's lawyers said in the document on Monday, reviewed by the Daily Mail. Baldoni said in the court filing that they only reason the actress is hoping to have the records involving the famous people concealed is because it does not help their public images. The filmmaker is said to 'have full trust with his legal team' after his counter suits against Lively and the New York Times were thrown out by a judge last June Lively filed court documents requesting the redaction of certain names in the documents. She described husband Reynolds as 'an innocent third-party' in regard to production difficulties with the motion picture. Attorneys for Baldoni pushed back on Lively's characterization of her husband as an uninvolved third-party, according to court filings reviewed by the Daily Mail. They said that 'the claim that Reynolds is a non-party whose communications should be sealed is overly-restrictive and absurd.' Baldoni's legal team pointed to numerous instances in which they said Reynolds lent his cinematic expertise to the production of It Ends With Us. Reynolds personally rewrote the scene in the Colleen Hoover adaptation, Baldoni's lawyers said, and also was involved in a heated exchange with the director over remarks he made about Lively's weight. Baldoni's attorney said that Reynolds's clear involvement in the case makes him a prime person to be interviewed as a witness. His lawyers said that Lively's efforts are part of a larger undertaking to conceal the names of people who she's accused of recruiting 'as advocates on her behalf against the Wayfarer Parties in her attempt to take over the film.' Baldoni's lawyers past pointed at notable names including Swift, Hugh Jackman, Emily Blunt and America Ferrera as having been mentioned by Lively as her confidantes on personal and professional issues. Lively with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, whom the actress tried to keep out of the legal drama But Baldoni's lawyers pointed at notable names, including Taylor Swift, as having been mentioned by Lively as her confidantes on personal and professional issues Baldoni has also said that Lively dubbed the home office in her New York City abode 'Buckingham Palace' in reference to the stream of A-listers that passed through. The director made the revelation during a deposition he made on October 6, 2025, obtained by People. Baldoni said that Lively and her husband used the name of the palace as a code to refer to their NYC residence. 'She used to call it Buckingham Palace, as she said, because so many celebrities walked through there,' Baldoni said. Baldoni said that Lively preferred to operate out of the office professionally during production of It Ends with Us. 'I think that was her office in her penthouse apartment, which was the place that Ms. Lively requested all of our meetings be,' Baldoni said. Baldoni has also claimed that Lively dubbed the home office in her New York City abode 'Buckingham Palace' in reference to the stream of A-listers that passed through Also earlier this month, he complained that Lively had been setting him 'up for a trap' during production of their movie It Ends With Us, text messages unsealed in the ongoing litigation tied to the film revealed. In December of 2024, Lively named Baldoni in a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment, retaliatory conduct and intentional infliction of emotional stress. In her lawsuit, the actress accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her in multiple ways - including body shaming her - and orchestrating a smear campaign to damage her reputation. Lively also named a number of Baldoni's collaborators in the suit, including his company Wayfarer Studios, the studio's chief executive and financial backer, and PR personnel. Siouxsie And The Banshees drummer Kenny Morris has died aged 68, it was confirmed on Thursday. The late drummer, who helped launch the rock band in 1977, has tragically passed away. His caused of death has not yet be confirmed. Kenny appeared in the group alongside Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin and Peter Fenton. Kenny was apart of the group's early years and best known for their first two albums, 1978's The Scream and 1979's Join Hands. Siouxsie And The Banshees drummer Kenny Morris has died aged 68, it was confirmed on Thursday Kenny appeared in the group alongside Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin, John McKay and Peter Fenton Both albums peaked inside the Official UK Albums Chart Top 20 and are regarded as classic, influential post-punk releases. Musician and music journalist John Robb, who was a friend of the drummer, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late star. He wrote: 'Kenny was a friend of ours, and it was always a pleasure to see and hang out with him when visiting Cork in Ireland, where he had been living. 'He was sweet, articulate, artistic and fascinating company and his beautiful eccentricity was adorable. 'He would turn up in a suit and a dress with open handcuffs on one hand and the next time in a totally different yet perfectly created bricolage of style, whilst still dressing in the artful confrontation of the 1976 punk era that he was such a key part of.' The self-taught drummer joined the band after seeing them perform live and helped solidify the band in British music history. In 1979, following an argument during a record signing, Kenny and guitarist John McKay left the band. After he quit the group, Kenny went solo and pursued live drumming and production projects. Kenny was apart of the group's early years and best known for their first two albums, 1978's The Scream and 1979's Join Hands The self-taught drummer joined the band after seeing them perform live and helped solidify the band in British music history He then signed onto a film school before venturing to Cork, before finally settling in Dublin. After beginning his career in music, Kenny became well known in the arts and had his painting exhibited in major shows across Ireland. Before his death, Kenny began drumming again with Shrine OfTthe Vampyre, a Dublin-based post-punk goth band. As a member of the Traitors cast, Jade Scott knows a thing or two about keeping secrets. But while millions watch the PhD student as she tries to win the BBC One show, she is hiding a heartbreaking family tragedy that left her bereft as a teenager. The Daily Mail can reveal that Ms Scott's mother Maggie Fung, and seven-year-old half-sister died in a murder suicide at their home in the Hong Kong town of Kowloon's Tai Kok Tsui in August 2018. They were both found dead by firefighters who broke into the apartment after a domestic worker raised the alarm. Heartbreakingly, the mother and daughter were found unconscious in one another's arms, lying on a bed, and were pronounced dead at the scene. Officers found a suicide note in the apartment. Ms Fung, 44, had recently split from her boyfriend, and it was suspected that she was overwhelmed by the shock. Ms Fung, who worked at a medical clinic, had arranged for her domestic worker to go home for a holiday as she and her daughter were due to go overseas, it was reported. But when the worker returned to Hong Kong two days earlier, they could not contact Ms Fung and assumed she was still overseas. The Traitors contestant Jade Scott has revealed her heartbreaking secret family tragedy that left her bereft when she was just a teenager PHD student Jade, 26, pictured with her mother Maggie Fung in August 2017, a year before her death In the show's most emotional episode to date, Jade's co-stars were overcome with emotion as she shared her heartbreak Paramedics confirmed that the mother and daughter had been dead for some time perhaps as long as a week. In Friday's episode, the student, who is studying at Warwick University, revealed that her mother and half-sibling had passed away after Ms Fung and her father, Stuart, a financier, divorced, and she returned to her native Hong Kong, where she had another child. Ms Scott, 26, revealed her secret when host Claudia Winkleman threw a dinner party for the final eight players, where they sat down and shared about how they would spend the prize money. She said: 'I would like to buy my own home. My parents got divorced when I was 7. My mum moved back to Hong Kong. 'She had a kid, and then in 2018, they were both found dead. I've had to really rebuild myself from that point onwards, and I'm proud of myself for getting this far. I'd just like somewhere I can call my own.' Ms Scott, who is conducting research into women's health and pregnancy, added: 'I was very close with her, so it was a shock to the system. 'Our parents form a part of our own identity. I had to rebuild myself. It takes me time to let people in because it takes me a minute to get comfortable. I think it comes across as standoffish at first.' Ms Scott pictured on her graduation day in 2022 with her father Stuart (right) and his partner Susan (left) In what is understood to be a tribute to her mother, Ms Scott has a dainty tattoo on her arm of Ginkgo leaves, often used as a sign to loved ones or overcoming adversity. After hearing Ms Scott's devastating story, fellow player Rachel Duffy admitted: 'As a Traitor listening to people pour their hearts out at that table, it is hard to make your next decision knowing what people have gone through.' Meanwhile, Ms Scott's father Stuart is HSBC's former head of currency trading and, in 2016, he was accused of using inside information to profit from a $3.5billion (2.6billion) currency deal, along with HSBC colleague Mark Johnson. He strongly denied the allegations, and two years later, he won a last-ditch battle to block his extradition to the US. He faced 11 charges of foreign exchange rigging, each carrying a maximum 30-year prison sentence, but he was cleared when American prosecutors dropped the case in August 2023. Ms Scott is in a relationship and regularly posts loved-up pictures to Instagram with her boyfriend, Sam Brown Light. He is a business owner, funding a company called FEM, which sells the 'first nutritional bars aimed solely at women'. Ms Scott is still going strong on series four of The Traitors, but has come under a lot of suspicion, despite being a Faithful. Her name was once again raised during last night's roundtable, but in the end, it was Dr Ellie Buckley, 33, who received the most votes and was banished from Ardross Castle. Ms Scott is still going strong on series four of The Traitors, but has come under a lot of suspicion, despite being a Faithful The psychologist broke down in tears as she tried to defend herself, and left the group shocked with her final speech. Along with announcing she is a Faithful, Dr Buckley revealed that she is in a relationship with Ross Garshong, 37, who has already been voted off the BBC show. 'I do have a confession I'd like to make before I go. I didn't come in here alone. I actually came in with my boyfriend, Ross!' she said. Elsewhere, Jessie Roux was brutally murdered by the Traitors, leaving only eight contestants in the competition. The episode ended with Traitors Stephen Libby and Mrs Duffy having to pick a Faithful to give the ceremonial dagger to. Vogue Williams 'marked the end of an era' and has officially moved out of 4.25m London flat as she revealed her children's new room in a clip shared to Instagram on Friday. The model, 40, and her husband Spencer Matthews, who share Theodore, eight, Otto, four and daughter Gigi, six, have moved into their new forever home just down the road. The couple first put their luxurious Battersea apartment on the market two years ago, slashing the price by a staggering 1million since then. Vogue is now on day five of moving home as she shared a clip of Otto, four, seeing his new room for the first time in their rented temporary home. The family are living in a rented property while they complete 18 months of renovations in their dream home. Otto appeared elated in the clip shared to her Stories as he ran and climbed up onto his green bed. Vogue Williams, 40, 'marked the end of an era' and has officially moved out of 4.25m London flat as she revealed her children's new room in a clip shared to Instagram on Friday The model, 40, and her husband Spencer Matthews, who share Theodore, eight, Otto, four (pictured) and daughter Gigi, six, have moved into their new forever home just down the road Earlier in the day, Vogue shared a clip of her old apartment, which was emptied of all its furniture. Vogue revealed in a YouTube vlog that she and her husband, Spencer, had finally sold the first home they lived in together and bought their 'forever' family home in London back in June. The I'm A Celeb star gave fans a tour of the new house, but admitted the couple and their three children wouldn't be moving in for at least 18 months as they embark on some extensive renovations. The period home is not far from their London, with Vogue explaining that they are currently holed up in a rental house nearby. 'We sold our apartment. It's gone. End of an era. The apartment is gone,' Vogue told viewers. 'We've got a rental around the corner so that the kids can stay in school because we have bought our dream house. The couple, who married in 2018, initially put the property on the market in 2023 for a cool 5.25million. It was later re-listed for 4.7million in February this year. Model and TV presenter Vogue and Made in Chelsea alum Spencer purchased the flat together early in their relationship, after just six months of dating. They went on to extensively renovate and expand the space to accommodate their growing family. Vogue is now on day five of moving home as she shared a clip of Otto, four, seeing his new room for the first time in their rented temporary home The family are living in a rented property while they complete 18 months of renovations in their dream home Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews will move into a rented property for 18-months as they renovate their 'forever' home in London; pictured with their children Theodore, seven, Gigi, five, and Otto, three 'Our apartment in London is great. Its two floors, but the kids cant be downstairs on their own. 'It just doesn't work for our family at that age,' Vogue explained last year. 'Its too small. So we're just trying to find somewhere with a little bit more space.' The couple also own a family home in Howth, Dublin, which they purchased in late 2023, but they continue to spend time in London due to ongoing work commitments. Jennifer Aniston was seen all bundled up for the winter weather while in New York City on Thursday. The 56-year-old Morning Show actress wore a pale green down jacket with a hoodie zipped all the way up. The Los Angeles native added a black scarf around her neck for added warmth and black floppy hat to keep her head cozy. The January look was finished off with acid-washed pale blue denim jeans and white platform sneakers. This is a 180 from how she looks on Instagram as she shows off her abs and strong arms for PVOLVE. Last week Daily Mail talked to the star's personal trainer Dani Coleman about how she keeps her fit figure. Jennifer Aniston was seen all bundled up for the winter weather while in New York City on Thursday. The 56-year-old Morning Show actress wore a pale green down jacket with a hoodie zipped all the way up The Los Angeles native added a black scarf around her neck for added warmth and black floppy hat to keep her head cozy. The January look was finished off with acid-washed pale blue denim jeans and white platform sneakers The trainer told the Daily Mail that the Friends actress has a great attitude as she often cracks jokes during their sweat sessions where they blast pop music. 'No matter how much time or where Jens schedule takes her, she always values moving her body,' Coleman told the Daily Mail. 'She understands that doing something each day, even if its small, is better than nothing, which is why she loves PVOLVE because we have workouts of all lengths and formats.' And Aniston - whom Coleman has called a 'super woman' - puts in the time to do 'full body' workouts so she won't leave out any muscle groups. When asked if there was something that fans would not know about Jennifer, Coleman answered, 'She loves a challenging workout. The only things that outshine her work ethic in our workouts are her humor and humility.' Coleman - the VP of Training at PVOLVE, a company Aniston reps - also said that surprisingly there are some days when the Morning Show actress is just not into hitting the gym. That is why PVOLVE launched a new campaign for the start of 2026 called Worth It Everytime, because she feels that even if you are not up for exercising, by the end of the session you will be glad you did it. This is a 180 from how she looks on Instagram as she shows off her abs and strong arms for PVOLVE Aniston and Coleman have been workout buddies since around 2020. 'We have been working together weekly for almost five years, and we continue to have fun and unlock new levels of strength together,' said Coleman. 'I first met Jen through a mutual connection, who introduced her to PVOLVE. She started streaming the workouts and wanted to try a personal training session at home.' Her first impression of Jen was positive: 'She's magic! Hard-working, gracious, and obviously hilarious.' And she loved that Aniston had her dogs - Clyde and Lord Chesterfield - by her side as she stretches. Coleman added that Aniston impressed her right off the bat. 'Ill never forget our first session - we did a full-body workout using our p.band, p.ball, and gliders. At PVOLVE, no two workouts are ever the same, and I love programming her workouts, providing the playlist, and finding new ways to challenge her.' And they have a game plan. 'Jen and I train utilizing our Signature formats: Strength & Sculpt, Sculpt & Burn, and Progressive Weight Training,' said the trainer. 'We do full-body workouts and love to frequent our p.band, p.3 trainer, p.ball, and gliders, and we mix in heavy dumbbells with a focus on building lean muscle mass. Our sessions are filled with hard work, a good playlist, and a few intermissions to play with the pups!' Last week Daily Mail talked to the star's personal trainer Dani Coleman about how she keeps her fit figure 'No matter how much time or where Jens schedule takes her, she always values moving her body,' Coleman told The Daily Mail. 'She understands that doing something each day, even if its small, is better than nothing' And Coleman loves this campaign because she feels it is relatable: 'It highlights the real mindset moments that actually get us into and through a workout: the hesitation, the negotiation, the self-doubt, and ultimately the small internal win that gets us moving.' Coleman admitted that sometimes it is hard for her and Aniston to get to the gym. 'Thats actually part of what makes the campaign so relatable. The mental back-and-forth before a workout is typical and relatable to so many of us, and PVOLVE is designed to make showing up feel achievable and supportive rather than punishing.' Anchored in a new film featuring Aniston, Worth It Everytime shows the relatable back-and-forth she has with herself before a workout. Coleman told the Daily Mail: 'The new campaign, Worth It Everytime, was so much fun to film. The whole video highlights how PVOLVE is not just about the physical workout but about building long-term strength and consistency, both mentally and physically. 'It really captures the mental back-and-forth that happens before a workout the negotiation and the moment you decide to show up for yourself. Filming it definitely reinforced how rewarding it is to move in a way that supports your body, your mindset, and your health overall.' She also explained why she came up with the theme of mindfulness. 'The theme of mindfulness came from recognizing that the biggest part of any workout actually happens before you start. We wanted to highlight that mental side of movement because its just as important as the physical part. 'Partnering with Headspace allows us to give people tools to navigate that moment with intention, making every workout not just a physical practice but a mindful one that supports long-term strength and consistency.' Coleman - the VP of Training at PVOLVE, a company Aniston reps - also said that surprisingly there are some days when the Morning Show actress is just not into hitting the gym The campaign also covers A New Years Mindset Challenge: A 4-week, consistency-first challenge built around short, approachable, 3035 minute classes designed to make showing up feel easier, not harder. In October Aniston, who dates Jim Curtis, said she has found a 'smart' way to build muscle, which is with the Pvolve system she uses daily in her home gym in Bel Air, California. 'Strength isnt just fitness - its the ultimate anti-aging secret. And Jennifer Aniston is doubling down,' the press release shared in October. 'With Pvolve, shes discovered a smart, safe, and powerful way to build muscle, increase load, and support longevity. Now, shes taking her own evolution in fitness to the next level with the The Longevity Bundle.' Pvolves Longevity Bundle is designed to help women boost metabolism, protect bone density, and fight the effects of aging - all while building lean, functional strength. The bundle includes Jennifers favorite Pvolve equipment, featuring the brand-new Body Band, a versatile tool that adds resistance without heavy weights. Use it to target every muscle group for incredible results without the strain of dumbbells or barbells. To celebrate, Pvolve launched the Fall Strength Challenge (Oct 29 to Nov 12). For every challenge completed, $1 was donated to Women in Medicine, supporting groundbreaking research in womens health. The star also has an intense daily workout routine and undergoes intermittent fasting. Seen in Just Go With It in 2011 This comes after size two (UK size six) Aniston shared what she eats on her cheat days. The ex-wife of Brad Pitt told People there are many 'comfort foods' in her new book Cooking With Clydeo, which was released on September 9, that she whips up when she has a hankering for something naughty. Aniston will have 'pizza nights, burgers or Mexican food', she told the outlet. But the red carpet regular also likes to dine out. 'I'll go to my favorite restaurant with some girlfriends, have a martini, and some delicious meal,' she added. Some of her favorite Los Angeles restaurants are the Japanese eatery Nobu in Malibu and the Mexican joint Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks. She also told the site what her favorite item in the new book is: Anistons 'personal favorite' dish is a savory snack called Enchilada Bites. 'Its guilt-free, because they're just little bites. You can stretch it into two bites, but definitely, definitely yummy, yummy, yummy,' she said of the cheesy recipe. Cook with Clydeo includes 35 recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, most of which come from the perspective of a dog named Clydeo. Next she will come out with Clydeo Versus Peanut Butter later this year and Clydeo Makes A Friend in winter 2026. Maya Jama wowed in a sizzling black dress as she showed off her latest Love Island All Stars look on Friday. The star-studded South Africa series finally launched on Thursday night after it was postponed due to wildfires. And kicking off her racy bombshell looks this season, Maya set pulses racing in the lace figure-hugging gown. However, after Maya showcased her raunchy look, the presenter was forced to set the record straight on her 'new teeth'. Fans were quick to point out a change in Maya's appearance, claiming she has had her teeth done. Fans on X wrote: 'Ahhh Maya what have you done with your teeth?', 'Maya got Turkey teeth - I loveeeeeeed her old teeth so much'. Maya Jama, 30, wowed in a sizzling black dress as she showed off her latest Love Island All Stars look on Friday However, after Maya showcased her raunchy look, the presenter was forced to set the record straight on her 'new teeth' In a now-deleted comment, Maya clapped back: 'Girl I have not got Turkey teeth l've got braces (behind my teeth on the top and outside on the bottom) 'I wasn't mad at my lil crook but can never please em all, last season I was getting messages about them being bent.' The term 'Turkey teeth' is commonly used to describe veneers that appear artificially white and unnatural. It comes after she revealed 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. Skins is a British teen drama television series that follows the lives of a group of teenagers in Bristol, England, through the two years of sixth form. And as the third season of Love Island: All Stars gets underway, 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. Fans were quick to point out a change in Maya's appearance, claiming she has had her teeth done In a now-deleted comment, Maya clapped back: 'Girl I have not got Turkey teeth l've got braces (behind my teeth on the top and outside on the bottom)' The star-studded South Africa series finally launched on Thursday night after it was postponed due to wildfires 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.' Speaking of her audition for The Gentleman, she explained that she had to try out like everyone else. She confessed that acting had been in the back of her mind, and she felt the show series was a 'safe entrance point'. Jennifer Garner got candid about her ex Ben Affleck being a devoted member of the Bey-Hive, Beyonces legion of superfans. The 53-year-old actress appeared at a Los Angeles bookstore on Thursday alongside author Laura Dave, noting during the event that Dave likes to work while listening to music - a habit she said she knows all too well from her famous ex. 'Do you guys do this? Do you listen to a song over and over again? I just want to tell you something. I've survived this. I have lived through it,' Garner joked. 'Ben Affleck listens to a song over and over. I had a three-month-old and a three-year-old living in a rental in Cambridge, Massachusetts while he was shooting The Town. And he listened to Beyonce's 'Halo,' and I would be nursing." Affleck and Garner were married from 2005 until 2015 and share three children: Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 13. Back in 2010, Affleck directed his second film The Town, starring Blake Lively, while Beyonces Halo, released in January 2009, was one of her biggest hits and, according to Garner, became the relentless soundtrack to his unforgettable Halo phase. Jennifer Garnergot candid about her ex Ben Affleckbeing a devoted member of the Bey-Hive, Beyonces legion of superfans; (pictured Sunday) The 53-year-old actress appeared at a Los Angeles bookstore on Thursday with author Laura Dave, noting that Daves habit of working while listening to music was one she knew all too well from her famous ex; (Affleck pictured Wednesday) 'Ben Affleck listens to a song over and over. I had a three-month-old and a three-year-old living in a rental in Cambridge, Massachusettswhile he was shooting The Town. And he listened to Beyonce's 'Halo,' and I would be nursing,"' Garner revealed; (Beyonce pictured) Affleck himself has admitted he often listens to the same songs on repeat while working. 'I listen to music when I write and usually I will find a couple of songs that are inspiring to me and I just sort of put them on a loop and then I will write to music,' he said in a 2016 Golden Globes interview. 'And I find that its kind of hypnotic and it allows me to concentrate more and it puts me more in the kind of feeling of the scene that I want the story to have. 'And so I think music is really, really helpful.' The candid bookstore moment comes after the Daily Mail reported that Garner and Afflecks other ex, Jennifer Lopez, whom he split with in 2025 after three years of marriage, were not photographed together at the Golden Globes. The Daily Mail has since learned, however, that there is no drama between the two. They get along, they are cool with each other, there are no issues, a source told the Daily Mail. They dont want to drum up headlines by posing together at an awards show, that would be awkward. They dont want to create a fuss because it would be hard for the kids, the source added. In 2010, Affleck was behind the camera for his second directorial effort, The Town, featuring Blake Lively, while Beyonces Halo, which had dropped the previous January, was dominating the charts Lopez has twins Max and Emme with her ex-husband Marc Anthony, while Garner has Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel with Affleck. The families reportedly all get along well, and insiders say the children's friendships remain a priority for both women. Meanwhile, Affleck and his longtime friend Matt Damon brought their trademark banter to The Today Show this week, sharing stories from decades of friendship. Um, [he's] not great at cleaning up around the house, Affleck admitted about Damon, who quickly shot back, Hey! [That was] when I was younger. Affleck laughed off the defense: Well, that's all I have to go by. I mean, we could ask your wife and see if it's gotten better. Damon, for his part, pointed out that his co-stars tardiness can still be a challenge. We got here this morning and Ben was three minutes early. He got here before me and that's the first time in 45 years he has not been late, he joked. The pair first collaborated on their 1997 hit Good Will Hunting, a film that earned them an Oscar. The candid bookstore moment comes just weeks after the Daily Mail reported that Garner and Afflecks other ex Jennifer Lopez (pictured), whom he split with in 2025 after three years of marriage, were not photographed together at the Golden Globes Damon then shared a funny early story involving his wife, Luciana. After we'd been together for a little while, probably a few months, she admitted that I think I met her best friend from high school, and it came out that the two of them went and saw Good Will Hunting together, and her best friend thought I was the cute one, and she thought Ben was the cute one. 'So she admitted to me I'm like, "You got the wrong one?" She told me that 23 years ago. He added that the moment hasnt affected their professional rapport today, noting that Luciana is a producer on The Rip, as well as Afflecks upcoming directorial project, Animals. Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly will not rekindle the twin flames of romance as they have opted to focus on co-parenting their child together according to a new report. The 39-year-old actress and 35-year-old pop punk rapper - real name Colson Baker - had welcomed their baby girl Saga Blade in March 2025, just four months after their relationship reportedly ended. It had been claimed that the actress discovered he had been communicating with other women which led to their November 2024 split. And now it seems like the two stars - who had previously referred to themselves as 'twin flames' - were unable to bring back their romantic spark. '[They] havent been together in a real way for a long time now and whatever they had romantically is done,' a source told People magazine on Friday. 'Their relationship at this point is just about co-parenting. Megan is focused on her kids and the baby and just getting settled into this new chapter. Thats genuinely her priority.' Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly will not rekindle the twin flames of romanceas they have opted to focus on co-parenting their child together according to a new report (the former couple are seen in LA back in November 2022) For months now fans of the couple had hoped the two may still find their way back to each other as they have before. Despite the break-up, a source recently revealed Fox has been impressed by 'how he's stepped up for both her and the baby,' which had fueled whispers of a potential reconciliation. Back in October, it had been claimed that the two were back to acting like a couple again as they navigated parenthood together. 'Theyre together often, but hes going on tour soon,' a source told People on in October 2024 as they said it remained unclear of Fox will be joining him on tour. 'He spends pretty much every night at her house with the baby, and they act like a couple, but they havent put a label on it or made anything official,' the insider added. The new addition to the family had seemingly brought the stars together. A different source told People at the time: 'Megan's very happy with how he's stepped up for both her and the baby. 'While they still have separate homes, they spend a lot of time together as a family. They're putting the baby first, and it's brought them closer in many ways '[They] havent been together in a real way for a long time now and whatever they had romantically is done,' a source told People magazine on Friday (they are pictured in LA back in May 2021) The last time the former couple were pictured together was in Los Angeles back in October as they were joined by toddler daughter Saga Blade 'Things are great now. He's amazing with the baby and she very much enjoys spending time with him.' Meanwhile in September, the musician gushed how his baby girl Saga Blade has a very close resemblance to his famous baby mama. The rapper - who welcomed his second child and first with the actress back in March - opened up about co-parenting with his ex-fiancee during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show which aired in September. The music artist is already dad to teen daughter Casie, 16, whom he welcomed with ex Emma Canon. Fox also shares three children with ex-husband Brian Austin Green: Noah, 12, Bodhi, 11, and Journey, nine. 'We go back and forth on who she looks like,' MGK explained to Hudson. 'Last month, she looked exactly like me and now she looks exactly like her.' The Bad Things hitmaker - whose real name is Colson Baker - then went on to call the Transformers star a 'phenomenal mom.' He explained, 'I had it with a person who is the greatest partner, the greatest partner to have had a child with.' MGK previously talked about the meaning behind Saga's name but further added to the host, 'So, my family is Norwegian and there's a Norwegian goddess called Saga and it means epic story. Meanwhile in September, the musician gushed how his baby girl Saga Blade has a very close resemblance to his famous baby mama The Bad Things hitmaker - whose real name is Colson Baker - then went on to call the Transformers star a 'phenomenal mom' He explained, 'I had it with a person who is the greatest partner, the greatest partner to have had a child with' The music artist is already dad to teen daughter Casie, 16, whom he welcomed with ex Emma Canon; the pair seen in June in Santa Monica 'And so, we named her Saga because to get her on this Earth through highs and lows - it truly was an epic story of love, pain and a lot of magic.' In March, MGK and Fox welcomed their first child together - after officially splitting in November 2024. At the time, MGK jumped to social media to announce that the little one had been born and wrote, 'She's finally here!! our little celestial seed 3/27/25.' The music artist also included a black and white video of the infant's tiny hand wrapping around one of his fingers. The pair have since been navigating co-parenting the newborn after Fox separated from the rapper late last year. MGK has since given other small glimpses of Saga on his Instagram page, including a snap of him holding the little one which was taken through the reflection of a car window. In August, the music artist revealed the parenting comment that left Fox 'fuming.' While stopping by Today With Jenna And Friends, he explained, 'Someone the other day was like, 'You're such a good dad!' just because I was holding the baby. And she was fuming. Like, 'No, no, no, no.'' At the time, MGK jumped to social media to announce that the little one had been born and wrote, 'She's finally here!! our little celestial seed 3/27/25' The Rap Devil hitmaker added, 'I just play the guitar and hope and pray that the baby is happy. 'I want to detract any congrats to me, and just move it to Megan. Because she really does all the work.' Back in May, a source opened up to Us Weekly about whether the former couple have a chance to getting back together while navigating their co-parenting relationship. The Jennifer's Body actress 'thinks MGK has stepped up and is being a good dad but doesn't think they have a future together romantically. 'I want to detract any congrats to me, and just move it to Megan. Because she really does all the work,' MGK said; the former couple seen in 2021 in L.A. 'Megan is in heaven with her baby girl and is really focused on being a mom right now.' The insider further emphasized the the two stars are 'absolutely not getting back together at this point in time.' However, the source stated that Fox is 'grateful' for how MGK is helping out when it comes to raising their baby girl. Saga lives with the actress and the rapper will occasionally spend the night a few times each week to assist the actress. US generals and European leaders have insisted that America already gets everything it needs from Greenland, from military access to surveillance and airbases. Several NATO allies, including Canada and Germany, have even offered to send troops to the island to counter any threat from Russia or China. But Donald Trump is unmoved. The President warned Wednesday that anything short of full US control of the Danish territory was 'unacceptable,' later adding, 'we need Greenland for national security.' In an interview last week, the commander-in-chief suggested that the need to own the island had little to do with defense or resources and everything to do with ownership. He told the New York Times that ownership was 'psychologically needed for success,' adding, 'ownership gives you things and elements that you can't get from just signing a document.' Three Psychologists Weigh In Now, Daily Mail has spoken to three psychologists who say Trump's instincts, while controversial, are a well-established principle of human behavior. All spoke to Daily Mail in a neutral capacity, did not offer an opinion on whether the US should or should not control Greenland. Instead, they only sought to explain the President's psychology. None of them have examined or treated Trump, but were commenting based on his public statements. Dr Zea Szebeni, a social psychologist at the University of Helsinki, Finland, who researches territorial ownership, said that the president's statement on how ownership provides a boost 'actually captures this psychological reality really quite accurately.' She told Daily Mail: 'The feeling of ownership changes the relationship itself. It's not just about practical control, but about identity, belonging and the deep-seated sense that "this is ours." Psychologists Explain the Difference Between Ownership and Access 'Research shows that ownership fulfills deep psychological needs. The need for efficacy, feeling that we can control and influence what happens, the need for self-identity, defining who we are through what we possess, and the need for having our own place in the world.' In geopolitical terms, she said, this means a country that owns territory behaves very differently from one that merely has access to it. Dr Adi Jaffe, a psychologist and former lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles, told the Daily Mail: 'From a psychological perspective, what Trump is describing taps into a very deep and well-studied human instinct around control, certainty and power. 'When people can claim that they own something, it creates a sense of permanence, dominance, and reduced vulnerability. Psychologically, ownership signals autonomy and supremacy.' This is a difference between legal access, or treaties or agreements that give access to an area, and physical control, where one nation is in control of an area of land. Expert Explains Ownerships Appeal to Leaders Dr Jaffe added: 'For someone like Trump, whose identity and worldview are strongly shaped by competition, hierarchy, and winning, ownership represents the ultimate form of security and success. It removes ambiguity. 'Theres no negotiation, no shared authority, no need to ask someone for permission. 'That kind of clarity can feel emotionally stabilizing, especially for leaders who are uncomfortable with uncertainty or perceived weakness.' Dr Jaffe also suggested that Trump's pursuit of Greenland may have a legacy component, saying he believed that the President wanted to be able to say that he obtained the island for the nation. At a meeting at the White House yesterday between the foreign ministers of Denmark, Greenland, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, officials agreed to form a working group that would try to find a deal that could accommodate Trump's security concerns without violating Greenland's territorial integrity. Denmark, alongside NATO allies, also said it would boost its military presence on the island to counter perceived threats from other nations. Psychiatrist Says Trumps Remarks Have a Basis In Psychology But Trump, who has said the US needs Greenland for security, continued to say that America must have sovereignty over the island. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the Danish foreign minister, warned that 'fundamental disagreement' over the future of Greenland remained. Dr Ziv E. Cohen, a forensic psychiatrist at Principium Psychiatry, told Daily Mail: 'It is important to note that gifted politicians tend to have an uncanny sense for psychology. 'Trump's insight about ownership is something that has a basis in psychology. Other gifted politicians have intuitions on psychology too that are often plausible.' America already has full military access to Greenland, the largest island in the world, and the ability to post as many troops there as it likes. It posted more than 10,000 troops there at the height of the Cold War, although afterward this was slashed to 150 to 200. US companies are also working to start mining rare earths on the island, although these mines are expensive because most materials are trapped under vast ice sheets. Psychologist On How Ownership Can Transform Behavior Speaking to Daily Mail, psychologists said that US ownership of Greenland would likely boost investment and interest in the island. They said it could also further improve the island's defenses. Dr Szebeni added: 'Psychological ownership fundamentally transforms behavior. 'Research shows that when groups feel collective ownership, they're more likely to invest resources, defend boundaries, and develop deep emotional attachments to a place. 'There's a feedback loop at work here: The more a group invests in and controls something, the stronger the ownership feeling becomes, which then motivates even more protective and possessive behaviors.' She added: 'For nations, this can translate into increased military presence, infrastructure development, settlement expansion and powerful emotional rhetoric about "protecting what's ours."' Former Officials Question the Need For Ownership America has sought to acquire Greenland economically, and at one stage, Trump even threatened to invade the island, which the Danish prime minister said would be the 'end of NATO.' Retired Navy admiral James Stavridis, a former supreme allied commander of NATO, told the Wall Street Journal: 'We don't need "ownership" in order to conduct all the operations we would like to do. 'Greenland, and the sovereign state Denmark, have always been courteous and responsive hosts going back many decades.' Richard Fontaine, who served as a foreign-policy adviser to former Republican Senator John McCain, added to the publication that Trump's demands amounted to a 'no one washes a rental car' theory of international relations. In other words, he said, a country only defends or cares about its own territory, but not that of other countries. Negotiations over the future of Greenland continue. Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland if allies don't play ball Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on nations that don't support his acquisition of Greenland. 'I may put a tariff on countries that don't go along with Greenland. We need Greenland for national security ,so I may do that,' the president told reporters at the White House on Friday. Trump's latest threat against the Danish territory came as a bipartisan congressional delegation arrived for talks in Copenhagen, aimed at shoring up support for America's NATO ally. Britain, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden announced yesterday the deployment of small numbers of troops to Greenland. The 11 congressmen and women were to hold talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen. 'We are showing bipartisan solidarity with the people of this country and with Greenland. They've been our friends and allies for decades,' Democratic Senator Dick Durbin told reporters. 'We want them to know we appreciate that very much. And the statements being made by the president do not reflect what the American people feel.' The delegation's visit follows a meeting in Washington on Wednesday at which Danish representatives said they are in 'fundamental disagreement' with Trump over Greenland. Read the full story here Report: Danish royals mount fightback over Greenland An arranged marriage between a European teenage princess and the son of the US president for political gains. A prince and future king threatened with exile to a politically uncertain land. Hidden coded messages inside a tiara. Honestly, there are days when the published factual reports you encounter as a royals writer are stranger than fiction! But I'm getting ahead of myself Cast your mind back a fortnight to the New Year's address delivered by King Frederik X of Denmark. In only his second speech since becoming monarch - his first after a full year at the helm - Frederik made a pointed reference to Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Danish realm. (I can almost hear you begging me to hurry up and get to the juicy arranged royal marriage part - but stick with me here.) President Donald Trump has continued to make it loudly known that the US has a growing interest in acquiring Greenland. Accordingly, King Frederik used his recent NYE speech to politely but firmly affirm his nation's ties. Acknowledging the recent political turbulence surrounding the Arctic territory, Frederik noted that 'the Greenlanders do not waver but stand their corner with strength and pride'. Now, just a few weeks since that statement, some truly bizarre reports have emerged, hinting at the lengths Denmark's royal family may go to to keep Greenland close. Read the full story Artificial intelligence is eating jobs everywhere except one craft so precise that even a hairs-width mistake ruins days of work. Few workplaces haven't been affected. AI is in supermarkets, at doctor's offices, and even monitoring farms. But in one centuries-old trade, modern technology has barely made a dent making high-end and often bespoke stationery by hand-engraving the plates used to print it. The painstaking practice which involves carving text and patterns into copper using hand tools remains a job only humans can do. At the heart of the disappearing craft is Crane Stationery, a 200-year-old American company whose engraved stationery has ranged from Statue of Liberty invitations to bespoke correspondence for celebrities like Jimmy Fallon. Today, with only about a dozen engravers remaining and at least one expected to retire this year Crane is worried the trade will die out because they cannot find people willing or able to do it. Just two decades ago it employed twice as many. Artificial intelligence and automation aren't to blame. The real challenge is persuading people to learn and commit to such a highly skilled, precision craft. 'If you have a desire to print, saddle up you have a job at Crane,' chief executive Robert Buhler told the Wall Street Journal. Engravery is the practice of creating designs, text, or patterns by cutting, carving, or etching into a surface like metal, wood, glass, or stone using hand tools Crane Stationery, a 200-year-old company, is one of the most established employers of this kind of tradesperson It is a real challenge to persuade people to learn and commit to such a highly skilled, precision craft The shortage has already hit business. Crane ended holiday sales two weeks early this season after running out of engravers to complete orders. According to the International Engraved Graphics Association, just over 300 trained engravers also known as presspeople are working in the US today. The demanding length and rigor of the training are a major reason the craft is disappearing. Engravers at Crane carve razor-thin lines into copper plates used to print custom cards, invitations and stationery. The margin for error is narrower than the width of a human hair. While lasers are used to etch the initial die-plates, the most critical work is still done by hand. Engravers must refine each line manually, then adjust antique presses to account for humidity, temperature and the quirks of machines that can be more than a century old. Each color requires its own copper plate. If even one shade is misaligned sometimes by an amount invisible to the naked eye the entire process must start over. Trainees may spend an entire year mastering a single color before advancing to more complex designs, standing for up to eight hours a day at antique presses. Only about half of apprentices make it through Cranes training program. Many quit. Others simply fail to meet the companys standards. Just over 300 trained engravers also known as presspeople are working in the US today (pictured: Crane workers from decades ago) Engraving apprentices start at $18.50 an hour, and even with quarterly bonuses, newly certified engravers earn up to about $60,000 a year (pictured: a worker at Crane Currency) Everyone Crane hires to engrave starts with no experience, in theory, anyone could do the job A rare 1892 photograph of a Crane Stationery factory, capturing the early days of a craft that has changed little in more than a century Engraving apprentices start at $18.50 an hour, and even with quarterly bonuses, newly certified engravers earn up to about $60,000 a year modest pay for a craft that takes years to master and cannot be automated. Buhler says he raised pay across the company by about 14 percent and increased senior engravers' wages by more than 20 percent after buying Crane nearly two years ago. He also improved health benefits and began reimbursing commuting costs, with another round of raises planned this year after the company spent heavily on moving to a new building. Everyone Crane hires to engrave starts with no experience in theory, anyone could do the job. In practice, very few are willing to endure the years of training and relentless pursuit of perfection it demands. To be an engraver at Crane, 'you have to live in a state of perfection every single day,' Buhler told the WSJ. Crane has had a rocky few years. Crane cut about 200 jobs during the pandemic after relocating from North Adams, Massachusetts, to the Albany, New York, area. Its future looked uncertain in early 2024 when its parent company was sold to an Italian firm. When Buhler, a self-taught engraver from North Carolina, took an ownership stake in 2024, the company had about 72 employees. Shares of ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Hold by the eleven brokerages that are covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $38.9750. A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on MT shares. Morgan Stanley raised ArcelorMittal from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Oddo Bhf raised shares of ArcelorMittal from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a $49.00 target price on shares of ArcelorMittal in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated a cautious rating and set a $39.00 price target (up from $33.00) on shares of ArcelorMittal in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of ArcelorMittal in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Get ArcelorMittal alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on ArcelorMittal Institutional Inflows and Outflows ArcelorMittal Trading Down 1.4% Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in ArcelorMittal in the 2nd quarter valued at about $270,000. Park Avenue Securities LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ArcelorMittal during the second quarter worth about $400,000. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of ArcelorMittal by 39.1% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 392,644 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $12,400,000 after acquiring an additional 110,420 shares in the last quarter. Covalis Capital LLP purchased a new position in ArcelorMittal in the second quarter valued at about $3,644,000. Finally, Vise Technologies Inc. purchased a new stake in ArcelorMittal during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $430,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 9.29% of the companys stock. MT opened at $48.36 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. ArcelorMittal has a 52 week low of $23.12 and a 52 week high of $49.33. The businesss 50 day moving average is $44.01 and its two-hundred day moving average is $38.16. The firm has a market cap of $37.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.18 and a beta of 1.52. ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The basic materials company reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $15.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.88 billion. ArcelorMittal had a net margin of 4.23% and a return on equity of 4.94%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.63 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that ArcelorMittal will post 3.72 EPS for the current year. ArcelorMittal Company Profile (Get Free Report) ArcelorMittal is a multinational steel manufacturing company formed in 2006 through the merger of Arcelor and Mittal Steel. Headquartered in Luxembourg, the company is one of the worlds largest producers of steel and operates an integrated value chain that spans raw material extraction, steelmaking, processing and distribution. Its product portfolio includes flat and long carbon steel products, coated and specialty steels, tubular products and value-added solutions tailored for sectors such as automotive, construction, household appliances, energy and packaging. ArcelorMittals operations are global in scope, with production facilities, distribution networks and commercial activities across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ArcelorMittal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ArcelorMittal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Billerud AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:BLRDF 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 32,682 shares, an increase of 184.4% from the December 15th total of 11,492 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently days. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently days. Billerud AB (publ) Price Performance Shares of BLRDF stock opened at $9.41 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $9.33 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.50. Billerud AB has a 1 year low of $8.59 and a 1 year high of $11.50. Get Billerud AB (publ) alerts: Billerud AB (publ) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Billerud AB (publ) is a Sweden-based pulp and paper company specializing in sustainable packaging materials and solutions. The company produces a range of fibre-based products, including containerboard, corrugating medium, sack kraft paper and speciality paper. Through its integrated production network, Billerud AB supplies raw materials and finished solutions to customers in the consumer packaging, e-commerce, food service and industrial sectors. The roots of Billerud AB date back to the establishment of the Gruvon mill in 1647 and the Korsnas operations in the mid-19th century. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Billerud AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Billerud AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG Get Free Report) had its price target decreased by investment analysts at BNP Paribas Exane from $113.00 to $112.00 in a note issued to investors on Wednesday,MarketScreener reports. The firm presently has a neutral rating on the specialty chemicals companys stock. BNP Paribas Exanes price objective would suggest a potential upside of 1.83% from the companys current price. Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on PPG. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of PPG Industries from $132.00 to $130.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of PPG Industries in a research report on Friday, October 31st. UBS Group cut their price objective on PPG Industries from $115.00 to $110.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their target price on PPG Industries from $129.00 to $123.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered PPG Industries from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, PPG Industries presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $120.86. Get PPG Industries alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on PPG PPG Industries Trading Up 1.3% PPG stock traded up $1.42 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $109.99. 1,549,062 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,717,914. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.68 billion, a PE ratio of 24.94, a P/E/G ratio of 3.20 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 1.47 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $101.28 and its 200-day moving average price is $105.92. PPG Industries has a 52-week low of $90.24 and a 52-week high of $124.74. PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.13 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.09 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $4.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.06 billion. PPG Industries had a return on equity of 23.61% and a net margin of 6.35%.The companys revenue was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.13 EPS. PPG Industries has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.600-7.700 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that PPG Industries will post 7.95 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On PPG Industries Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of PPG Industries during the second quarter worth $362,412,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in shares of PPG Industries by 19.9% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 15,159,770 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $1,593,443,000 after buying an additional 2,521,004 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its position in shares of PPG Industries by 39.4% during the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 4,695,477 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $493,542,000 after buying an additional 1,326,619 shares during the last quarter. Holocene Advisors LP lifted its holdings in PPG Industries by 342.8% in the second quarter. Holocene Advisors LP now owns 1,688,870 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $192,109,000 after acquiring an additional 1,307,468 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Eagle Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in PPG Industries by 21.2% in the second quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 5,560,280 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $632,482,000 after acquiring an additional 971,799 shares during the last quarter. 81.86% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. PPG Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) PPG Industries is a global supplier of paints, coatings and specialty materials that serves industrial, transportation, consumer and construction markets. Founded in 1883 as the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, PPG has evolved from its origins in glass manufacturing into a diversified coatings and materials company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company develops and manufactures a broad array of products used to protect and enhance surfaces, from consumer paints to highly engineered coatings for demanding industrial applications. PPGs product portfolio includes architectural and decorative paints, automotive original equipment and refinish coatings, industrial coatings for machinery and equipment, protective and marine coatings, aerospace and defense coatings, and packaging coatings and materials. Read More Receive News & Ratings for PPG Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPG Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Bridgestone Corp. (OTCMKTS:BRDCY Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $11.26, but opened at $10.52. Bridgestone shares last traded at $10.96, with a volume of 503,738 shares trading hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms recently issued reports on BRDCY. CLSA raised shares of Bridgestone to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Zacks Research cut shares of Bridgestone from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bridgestone currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Bridgestone alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Bridgestone Bridgestone Price Performance Bridgestone Company Profile The firm has a 50 day moving average of $21.55 and a 200-day moving average of $21.92. The company has a current ratio of 2.48, a quick ratio of 1.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The company has a market cap of $31.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.10, a P/E/G ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 0.51. (Get Free Report) Bridgestone Corporation is a Japanese multinational company principally engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of tires and rubber products. Founded in 1931 by Shojiro Ishibashi and headquartered in Tokyo, the company has grown into one of the worlds largest tire manufacturers, offering products for a broad range of vehicles and applications. The companys core offerings include tires for passenger cars, motorcycles, commercial trucks and buses, agricultural and offtheroad equipment, and aircraft. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bridgestone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bridgestone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Crane (NYSE:CR Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $205.92 and last traded at $205.2030, with a volume of 13872 shares. The stock had previously closed at $202.93. Trending Headlines about Crane Here are the key news stories impacting Crane this week: Get Crane alerts: Positive Sentiment: Jim Cramer publicly praised Crane, calling it a good company and recommending holding the stockthis kind of endorsement can lift investor sentiment and buying interest. Jim Cramer: Crane Is A Good Company Jim Cramer publicly praised Crane, calling it a good company and recommending holding the stockthis kind of endorsement can lift investor sentiment and buying interest. Neutral Sentiment: Cranes recent fundamentals support a constructive view: last reported quarter beat EPS and revenue estimates and management set FY2025 EPS guidance (5.755.95). Those results and guidance are more directly relevant to valuation than the unrelated accident headlines. Cranes recent fundamentals support a constructive view: last reported quarter beat EPS and revenue estimates and management set FY2025 EPS guidance (5.755.95). Those results and guidance are more directly relevant to valuation than the unrelated accident headlines. Neutral Sentiment: Broader market/sector headlines (e.g., software-sector worries) are weighing on risk assets in places but are not directly tied to Cranes industrial businesses; their indirect market effect may influence intraday moves. 3 Stocks to Avoid as Software Sector Stumbles Broader market/sector headlines (e.g., software-sector worries) are weighing on risk assets in places but are not directly tied to Cranes industrial businesses; their indirect market effect may influence intraday moves. Negative Sentiment: Multiple high-profile crane collapses in Thailand (deadly train and car incidents) are dominating headlines. While tragic and headline-grabbing, these accidents involve construction-site cranes and do not appear connected to Crane Co.s operations or product lines; nevertheless, name association could cause short-term brand confusion or headline-driven volatility. Thailand Has 2nd Deadly Accident Involving a Crane in 2 Days Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. DA Davidson set a $235.00 price target on shares of Crane in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of Crane from $202.00 to $200.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. CJS Securities raised shares of Crane to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Wolfe Research set a $215.00 price target on shares of Crane and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Crane in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Crane presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $221.83. Crane Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $11.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 1.24. The company has a quick ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The companys fifty day moving average is $187.82 and its two-hundred day moving average is $187.75. Crane (NYSE:CR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The conglomerate reported $1.64 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.18. Crane had a net margin of 13.10% and a return on equity of 24.45%. The company had revenue of $589.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $578.54 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.38 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. Crane has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.750-5.950 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Crane will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Crane Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a $0.23 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.4%. Cranes dividend payout ratio is 14.74%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. First Horizon Corp acquired a new stake in Crane in the third quarter worth $26,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in shares of Crane in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Assetmark Inc. increased its position in shares of Crane by 57.9% in the 3rd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 180 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Kelleher Financial Advisors acquired a new stake in Crane during the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its holdings in Crane by 63.4% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 219 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.14% of the companys stock. Crane Company Profile (Get Free Report) Crane Co, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, is a diversified manufacturer of engineered industrial products serving customers around the world. The company operates through two primary segments: Aerospace & Electronics and Engineered Materials. Its Aerospace & Electronics division designs and produces valves, fittings, manifolds, and filtration systems for aircraft fuel, hydraulics, and environmental control systems. The Engineered Materials segment focuses on advanced polymers, heat exchangers, and specialized composite solutions for industries including chemical processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and power generation. With roots dating back to its founding in 1855 in Chicago by R.T. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Crane Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crane and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (NYSEARCA:FDL Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 439,882 shares, a growth of 164.8% from the December 15th total of 166,124 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 593,144 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.7 days. Currently, 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Currently, 0.3% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 593,144 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.7 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund by 6.7% in the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 4,511,414 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $195,840,000 after purchasing an additional 285,187 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its holdings in First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund by 2.2% during the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,998,214 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $173,422,000 after acquiring an additional 87,037 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund by 6.2% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 2,515,726 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $105,333,000 after acquiring an additional 146,164 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its holdings in First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund by 11.5% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 2,075,810 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $86,914,000 after acquiring an additional 213,565 shares during the period. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its position in First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,806,321 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $78,412,000 after purchasing an additional 73,063 shares in the last quarter. Get First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund alerts: First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund Stock Performance First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund stock traded up $0.02 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $46.27. 1,839,843 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,213,244. First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund has a 12 month low of $37.29 and a 12 month high of $46.41. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $44.27 and a two-hundred day moving average of $43.59. The company has a market cap of $6.43 billion, a PE ratio of 13.96 and a beta of 0.73. First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund Company Profile First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of an equity index called the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index (the Index). The Fund will invest at least 90% of its net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes in common stocks that comprise the Index. The objective of the Index is to offer investors a benchmark for dividend portfolios, as well as a means to invest in a portfolio of stocks that have a consistent record of growing dividends, as well as the ability to sustain them. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (OTCMKTS:ICLTF Get Free Report)s share price traded up 6.4% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as C$1.82 and last traded at C$1.82. 1,500 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 76% from the average session volume of 6,129 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.71. GreenFirst Forest Products Stock Up 6.4% The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$1.33 and its 200 day moving average price is C$1.80. Get GreenFirst Forest Products alerts: About GreenFirst Forest Products (Get Free Report) GreenFirst Forest Products Inc (OTCMKTS: ICLTF) is a Canadian integrated forest products company that specializes in the production of high-yield wood fibre. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the company owns and operates two chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) mills located in Baie-Comeau, Quebec and Grand Falls, New Brunswick. GreenFirst converts spruce, fir and pine logs and chips into CTMP, a versatile pulp product prized for its strength, bulk and brightness. GreenFirsts core producthigh-yield pulpis used primarily as a reinforcing and bulk-enhancing fibre in tissue and towel papers, folding boxboard and printing and writing papers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for GreenFirst Forest Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GreenFirst Forest Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harleysville Savings Financial Corp. (OTCMKTS:HARL Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 55 shares, a drop of 63.8% from the December 15th total of 152 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 1,923 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,923 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Harleysville Savings Financial Stock Down 0.1% OTCMKTS HARL traded down $0.02 on Thursday, hitting $25.71. The stock had a trading volume of 1,500 shares, compared to its average volume of 460. The companys 50-day moving average is $24.98 and its two-hundred day moving average is $24.30. The stock has a market cap of $92.28 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.85 and a beta of 0.24. Harleysville Savings Financial has a one year low of $21.75 and a one year high of $25.75. Get Harleysville Savings Financial alerts: Harleysville Savings Financial (OTCMKTS:HARL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The bank reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter. Harleysville Savings Financial had a return on equity of 10.81% and a net margin of 21.91%.The firm had revenue of $8.04 million for the quarter. About Harleysville Savings Financial Harleysville Savings Financial Corp. is the bank holding company for Harleysville Savings Bank, a community-based financial institution founded in 1871 and headquartered in Harleysville, Pennsylvania. As a federally chartered savings bank, Harleysville Savings Financial focuses on traditional banking services, including accepting deposits, offering checking and savings accounts, and providing certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts. The companys mission centers on delivering personalized financial solutions to individuals, families, and small businesses across its core markets. In addition to deposit products, Harleysville Savings Financials primary revenue drivers include residential mortgage lending, home equity lines of credit and installment loans. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Harleysville Savings Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harleysville Savings Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SuperGroup (OTCMKTS:SEPGY Get Free Report) and Boot Barn (NYSE:BOOT Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation and dividends. Valuation and Earnings This table compares SuperGroup and Boot Barns revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get SuperGroup alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio SuperGroup $655.98 million 0.01 -$177.94 million N/A N/A Boot Barn $1.91 billion 2.99 $180.94 million $6.76 27.74 Analyst Ratings Boot Barn has higher revenue and earnings than SuperGroup. This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for SuperGroup and Boot Barn, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score SuperGroup 0 0 0 0 0.00 Boot Barn 0 5 12 0 2.71 Boot Barn has a consensus target price of $201.54, suggesting a potential upside of 7.47%. Given Boot Barns stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Boot Barn is more favorable than SuperGroup. Profitability This table compares SuperGroup and Boot Barns net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets SuperGroup N/A N/A N/A Boot Barn 10.05% 18.11% 9.94% Summary Boot Barn beats SuperGroup on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About SuperGroup (Get Free Report) Superdry plc designs, produces, markets, and sells clothing, footwear, and accessories primarily under the Superdry brand for men and women in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates through Retail and Wholesale segments. The Company operates through stores, concessions, various Internet sites, multi-brand independents and distributors, franchise, and license stores. It operates 213 owned, and 410 franchised and licensed stores; and 18 international websites. The company was formerly known as SuperGroup Plc and changed its name to Superdry plc in January 2018. Superdry plc was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Cheltenham, the United Kingdom. About Boot Barn (Get Free Report) Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., a lifestyle retail chain, operates specialty retail stores in the United States. The company's specialty retail stores offer western and work-related footwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and kids. It offers boots, shirts, jackets, hats, belts and belt buckles, handbags, western-style jewelry, rugged footwear, outerwear, overalls, denim, and flame-resistant and high-visibility clothing. The company also provides gifts and home merchandise. The company also sells its products through e-commerce websites, including bootbarn.com; sheplers.com; and countryoutfitter.com. The company was formerly known as WW Top Investment Corporation and changed its name to Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. in June 2014. Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1978 and is based in Irvine, California. Receive News & Ratings for SuperGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SuperGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Heritage Media Corp. (OTCMKTS:OLVI Get Free Report) rose 15.8% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $0.2201 and last traded at $0.22. Approximately 33,052 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 165% from the average daily volume of 12,488 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.19. Heritage Media Stock Up 15.8% The firm has a market capitalization of $141.84 million, a PE ratio of -7.33 and a beta of -2.10. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $0.23 and a 200 day moving average price of $0.59. Get Heritage Media alerts: Heritage Media (OTCMKTS:OLVI Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $18.07 million for the quarter. About Heritage Media Heritage Media Corporation was formerly known as Lignin Industries Inc Heritage Media Corporation is based in Calgary, Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Heritage Media Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Heritage Media and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Iluka Resources Limited (OTCMKTS:ILKAY Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 200 shares, a decline of 69.7% from the December 15th total of 659 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 3,742 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 3,742 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Iluka Resources Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:ILKAY traded down $0.03 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $22.88. The companys stock had a trading volume of 977 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,528. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $20.49 and its 200-day simple moving average is $20.29. Iluka Resources has a fifty-two week low of $9.08 and a fifty-two week high of $35.77. Get Iluka Resources alerts: About Iluka Resources (Get Free Report) Iluka Resources is a leading global mineral sands company with operations spanning Australia, Sierra Leone and the United States. The company specializes in the exploration, mining and processing of zircon and titanium dioxide feedstocks, including ilmenite, rutile and synthetic rutile. Ilukas products serve a broad range of end markets, notably ceramics, refractory, pigment and chemical applications, as well as emerging technology sectors requiring specialty minerals. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Iluka Resources operates a vertically integrated business model encompassing mine development, mineral separation and marketing to industrial customers worldwide. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Iluka Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Iluka Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) recently received a number of ratings updates from brokerages and research firms: 1/15/2026 Albertsons Companies had its underweight rating reaffirmed by analysts at Morgan Stanley. They now have a $14.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $20.00. 1/8/2026 Albertsons Companies had its price target lowered by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $24.00 to $23.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 1/8/2026 Albertsons Companies had its price target lowered by analysts at UBS Group AG from $25.00 to $23.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 1/8/2026 Albertsons Companies is now covered by analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft. They set a hold rating on the stock. 1/8/2026 Albertsons Companies had its price target lowered by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $23.00 to $21.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 1/8/2026 Albertsons Companies had its price target lowered by analysts at Barclays PLC from $19.00 to $17.00. They now have an underweight rating on the stock. 1/8/2026 Albertsons Companies had its price target lowered by analysts at BMO Capital Markets from $25.00 to $23.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 1/8/2026 Albertsons Companies had its price target lowered by analysts at Telsey Advisory Group from $24.00 to $22.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 12/31/2025 Albertsons Companies had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Telsey Advisory Group. They now have a $24.00 price target on the stock. 12/29/2025 Albertsons Companies had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada. 12/29/2025 Albertsons Companies had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc.. 12/23/2025 Albertsons Companies had its price target lowered by analysts at Evercore ISI from $21.00 to $20.00. They now have an in-line rating on the stock. Albertsons Companies Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.4%. Albertsons Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 38.71%. Get Albertsons Companies Inc alerts: Albertsons Companies, Inc (NYSE: ACI) is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, operating a diversified portfolio of grocery store banners. Founded in 1939 by Joe Albertson in Boise, Idaho, the company has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Its core business activities encompass the sale of fresh produce, meat, bakery items, deli offerings, pharmacy services, and general merchandise. The companys retail operations are complemented by an in-house private-label program, featuring brands such as O Organics, Open Nature, and Lucerne, which cater to a range of customer preferences and price points. Throughout its history, Albertsons Companies has pursued growth via mergers and partnerships. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Albertsons Companies Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Albertsons Companies Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of iShares Core High Dividend ETF (NYSEARCA:HDV Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $124.70 and last traded at $124.9820, with a volume of 53599 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $123.97. iShares Core High Dividend ETF Price Performance The company has a fifty day moving average of $122.19 and a two-hundred day moving average of $121.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.55 and a beta of 0.64. Get iShares Core High Dividend ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Core High Dividend ETF Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Brighton Jones LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core High Dividend ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $342,000. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 6.1% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 5,047 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $611,000 after acquiring an additional 292 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 8.6% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 103,679 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $12,558,000 after acquiring an additional 8,223 shares during the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth lifted its holdings in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 47.8% in the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 18,852 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,283,000 after acquiring an additional 6,100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Everpar Advisors LLC boosted its stake in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 40.6% in the second quarter. Everpar Advisors LLC now owns 2,609 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $306,000 after acquiring an additional 754 shares during the period. About iShares Core High Dividend ETF The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus index. The fund tracks a dividend-weighted index of 75 high-yielding US equities, screened for high earnings potential and dividend sustainability. HDV was launched on Mar 29, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core High Dividend ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core High Dividend ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund (NYSE:HPI Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 141,437 shares, a decline of 51.3% from the December 15th total of 290,711 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 71,892 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 71,892 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.0 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On John Hancock Preferred Income Fund A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC raised its position in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund by 34.5% during the 4th quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 25,712 shares of the companys stock worth $418,000 after purchasing an additional 6,591 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP increased its position in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund by 47.7% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 6,260 shares of the companys stock worth $109,000 after buying an additional 2,023 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund by 3.7% in the third quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 20,851 shares of the companys stock worth $362,000 after buying an additional 742 shares during the period. Mariner LLC lifted its position in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund by 28.7% in the 3rd quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 52,542 shares of the companys stock valued at $912,000 after purchasing an additional 11,713 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its position in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund by 3.0% during the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 121,657 shares of the companys stock worth $2,111,000 after buying an additional 3,557 shares during the period. Get John Hancock Preferred Income Fund alerts: John Hancock Preferred Income Fund Stock Performance HPI traded up $0.02 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $16.27. 68,000 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 59,970. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $16.64 and a 200-day simple moving average of $16.60. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund has a 12 month low of $14.61 and a 12 month high of $17.78. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund Announces Dividend About John Hancock Preferred Income Fund The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Monday, December 29th will be paid a dividend of $0.1235 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 29th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 9.1%. (Get Free Report) John Hancock Preferred Income Fund (NYSE: HPI) is a closed-end management investment company structured as a statutory trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The funds primary objective is to provide high current income with growth of capital as a secondary goal. It pursues this objective principally through investments in preferred securities, debt instruments and, to a lesser extent, equity securities. The fund focuses on preferred stocks issued by U.S. and foreign issuers across a variety of industries, including financials, utilities and industrials. See Also Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Preferred Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Preferred Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) (NYSE:LAR Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report published on Tuesday, MarketBeat.com reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has $8.30 target price on the stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. National Bankshares upped their target price on shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) from $4.75 to $6.50 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) in a research note on Wednesday, December 24th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) from $6.00 to $8.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Scotiabank upgraded Lithium Americas (Argentina) from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $4.25 to $7.75 in a report on Monday. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Lithium Americas (Argentina) from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, September 15th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Lithium Americas (Argentina) has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $7.01. Get Lithium Americas (Argentina) alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on LAR Lithium Americas (Argentina) Trading Down 1.2% NYSE:LAR opened at $8.26 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $5.54 and a two-hundred day moving average of $4.13. Lithium Americas has a 12 month low of $1.71 and a 12 month high of $8.67. Lithium Americas (Argentina) (NYSE:LAR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported ($0.02) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.01) by ($0.01). On average, sell-side analysts expect that Lithium Americas will post -0.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LAR. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its stake in Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 119.3% during the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 9,594,157 shares of the companys stock worth $32,045,000 after acquiring an additional 5,219,416 shares during the last quarter. CenterBook Partners LP increased its position in shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 102.1% during the 3rd quarter. CenterBook Partners LP now owns 4,200,238 shares of the companys stock worth $14,029,000 after purchasing an additional 2,122,035 shares during the last quarter. Seldon Capital LP acquired a new stake in shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) during the 3rd quarter worth about $6,076,000. Woodline Partners LP purchased a new stake in Lithium Americas (Argentina) in the 1st quarter valued at about $3,456,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 42.3% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,198,736 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,573,000 after buying an additional 653,351 shares during the last quarter. 49.17% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other 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. See Also 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. Newmont (NYSE:NEM Free Report) had its price target lifted by The Goldman Sachs Group from $99.90 to $123.90 in a report published on Monday,MarketScreener reports. The Goldman Sachs Group currently has a buy rating on the basic materials companys stock. Several other research firms have also commented on NEM. CIBC set a $112.00 target price on Newmont and gave the company an outperformer rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Raymond James Financial upped their price target on Newmont from $111.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday. BNP Paribas lowered shares of Newmont from an outperform rating to a hold rating and set a $97.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Friday, December 5th. TD Securities boosted their price objective on shares of Newmont from $67.00 to $89.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Macquarie upgraded shares of Newmont from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Newmont has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $99.35. Get Newmont alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Newmont Newmont Stock Up 0.0% Shares of NYSE NEM traded up $0.02 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $114.17. The company had a trading volume of 8,657,446 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,510,003. The company has a market capitalization of $124.59 billion, a PE ratio of 17.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.41. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $96.33 and its 200 day simple moving average is $81.90. Newmont has a 1-year low of $40.85 and a 1-year high of $115.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 2.04 and a quick ratio of 1.74. Newmont (NYSE:NEM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The basic materials company reported $1.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.27 by $0.44. The company had revenue of $5.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.14 billion. Newmont had a return on equity of 20.35% and a net margin of 33.42%.Newmonts revenue for the quarter was up 20.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.81 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Newmont will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current year. Newmont Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 22nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th were paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 26th. Newmonts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 15.53%. Insider Activity at Newmont In other Newmont news, Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,080 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction 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 directly owned 32,709 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,021,003.24. The trade was a 5.98% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.34, for a total transaction of $406,700.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 279,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $22,768,936.82. The trade was a 1.75% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 9,160 shares of company stock valued at $767,206 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Newmont Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NEM. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Newmont in the second quarter valued at approximately $919,170,000. Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in Newmont by 45.0% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 15,587,917 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $908,152,000 after acquiring an additional 4,839,447 shares during the period. Legal & General Group Plc boosted its position in shares of Newmont by 9.6% during the 3rd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 8,156,669 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $687,223,000 after purchasing an additional 711,940 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners grew its stake in shares of Newmont by 49.3% during the 3rd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 6,931,710 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $585,828,000 after purchasing an additional 2,288,653 shares during the period. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Newmont by 33.8% during the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,925,237 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $414,270,000 after purchasing an additional 1,244,845 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.85% of the companys stock. Key Headlines Impacting Newmont Here are the key news stories impacting Newmont this week: Positive Sentiment: Raymond James raised its Newmont price target to $130 and maintained an Outperform rating, citing the firms lowerjurisdiction risk portfolio and resilient gold exposure. This implies meaningful upside vs. the current share price. Raymond James price target hike Raymond James raised its Newmont price target to $130 and maintained an Outperform rating, citing the firms lowerjurisdiction risk portfolio and resilient gold exposure. This implies meaningful upside vs. the current share price. Positive Sentiment: Goldman Sachs bumped its Newmont target to $123.90 and kept a Buy rating, adding institutional validation to the stocks rally and supporting nearterm investor demand. Goldman Sachs price target raise Goldman Sachs bumped its Newmont target to $123.90 and kept a Buy rating, adding institutional validation to the stocks rally and supporting nearterm investor demand. Positive Sentiment: Coverage and analyst commentary (including pieces syndicated to Yahoo/MSN/InsiderMonkey) emphasize Newmonts lowrisk, largescale gold footprint and the broader preciousmetals bull market a sector tailwind that benefits Newmont as the worlds largest gold miner. Raymond James coverage (Yahoo) Coverage and analyst commentary (including pieces syndicated to Yahoo/MSN/InsiderMonkey) emphasize Newmonts lowrisk, largescale gold footprint and the broader preciousmetals bull market a sector tailwind that benefits Newmont as the worlds largest gold miner. Positive Sentiment: Zacks highlights that lower capex has helped Newmont boost free cash flow (Q3 capex fell ~17%, record FCF), which supports dividends, buybacks and valuation multiple expansion if sustained. Zacks on capex and free cash flow Zacks highlights that lower capex has helped Newmont boost free cash flow (Q3 capex fell ~17%, record FCF), which supports dividends, buybacks and valuation multiple expansion if sustained. Neutral Sentiment: Newmont announced the date for its Q4 and fullyear 2025 results and conference call a scheduled event that could move the stock depending on results and guidance. Earnings release date (TipRanks) Newmont announced the date for its Q4 and fullyear 2025 results and conference call a scheduled event that could move the stock depending on results and guidance. Neutral Sentiment: Various media pieces and broker notes remind investors of analyst recommendations and sector dynamics; these amplify attention but are not single decisive catalysts. Broker commentary (Zacks) Various media pieces and broker notes remind investors of analyst recommendations and sector dynamics; these amplify attention but are not single decisive catalysts. Negative Sentiment: A Zacks note flags caution: Newmont has rallied ~26% in three months and some operational headwinds (falling production) could temper upside, suggesting investor vigilance ahead of earnings. That dynamic can cap nearterm gains if operational trends disappoint. Zacks on rally and production risks About Newmont (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. Further Reading 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. Crown Castle (NYSE:CCI Free Report) had its price objective lowered by Royal Bank Of Canada from $112.00 to $110.00 in a research report report published on Monday,MarketScreener reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Barclays reissued an equal weight rating and set a $101.00 price target (down from $104.00) on shares of Crown Castle in a report on Monday, December 1st. New Street Research cut shares of Crown Castle from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $93.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Monday, January 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on Crown Castle from $115.00 to $117.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Scotiabank dropped their price target on Crown Castle from $114.00 to $96.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their price objective on Crown Castle from $102.00 to $90.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $108.39. Get Crown Castle alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Crown Castle Crown Castle Trading Up 2.0% CCI stock traded up $1.73 during trading on Monday, hitting $90.40. The company had a trading volume of 3,057,861 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,821,356. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $89.00 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $95.90. Crown Castle has a fifty-two week low of $83.21 and a fifty-two week high of $115.76. The company has a market cap of $39.37 billion, a P/E ratio of -8.50, a P/E/G ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 0.96. Crown Castle (NYSE:CCI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $1.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.04 by $0.08. Crown Castle had a negative return on equity of 619.62% and a negative net margin of 95.37%.The firm had revenue of $1.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.05 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.84 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Crown Castle has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.230-4.350 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Crown Castle will post 6.67 earnings per share for the current year. Crown Castle Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th were given a $1.0625 dividend. This represents a $4.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.7%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. Crown Castles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -39.98%. Insider Buying and Selling at Crown Castle In other news, EVP Daniel K. Schlanger sold 30,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, October 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.08, for a total transaction of $2,942,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 65,571 shares in the company, valued at $6,431,203.68. The trade was a 31.39% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Crown Castle Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Crown Castle during the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Crown Castle during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its holdings in Crown Castle by 74.5% in the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 281 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 120 shares during the period. LRI Investments LLC acquired a new position in Crown Castle in the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Wiser Advisor Group LLC bought a new position in Crown Castle in the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. 90.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Crown Castle (Get Free Report) Crown Castle is a U.S.-focused communications infrastructure company organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, operates and leases shared wireless infrastructure. Its primary business consists of providing tower-based site leases, small cell networks and fiber solutions that support mobile voice and data transmission for wireless carriers, cable companies and other enterprise customers. The companys assets are positioned to enable network coverage and capacity, including the densification projects associated with 4G LTE and 5G deployments. Its product and service offerings include ground-based tower sites that host multiple wireless operators, distributed small cell nodes and associated fiber backhaul used to connect sites into carrier networks, and site development and maintenance services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Crown Castle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crown Castle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Scandium Canada Ltd. (CVE:SCD Get Free Report)s share price fell 18.5% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$0.20 and last traded at C$0.22. 6,091,916 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 150% from the average session volume of 2,439,512 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.27. Key Scandium Canada News Here are the key news stories impacting Scandium Canada this week: Get Scandium Canada alerts: Scandium Canada Price Performance The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$0.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.08. The firm has a market cap of C$73.65 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -44.00 and a beta of 4.33. Scandium Canada Company Profile 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. Further Reading 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. Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (NYSEARCA:ALAI Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 8,129 shares, a decline of 69.4% from the December 15th total of 26,581 shares. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 135,380 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 135,380 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the company are short sold. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in ALAI. Wealth Effects LLC acquired a new stake in Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF during the second quarter valued at $259,000. Aurora Private Wealth Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $947,000. Onyx Bridge Wealth Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Onyx Bridge Wealth Group LLC now owns 80,721 shares of the companys stock worth $2,490,000 after acquiring an additional 2,012 shares in the last quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF by 39,302.0% during the 2nd quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 39,402 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,216,000 after acquiring an additional 39,302 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF by 24.4% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 14,113 shares of the companys stock valued at $435,000 after purchasing an additional 2,768 shares in the last quarter. Get Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF alerts: Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF Stock Performance Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF stock traded up $0.51 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $37.07. 74,267 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 98,197. The firm has a market capitalization of $298.78 million, a PE ratio of 29.71 and a beta of 1.95. Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF has a fifty-two week low of $20.03 and a fifty-two week high of $39.26. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $36.57 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $35.34. Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF Announces Dividend Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF Company Profile The company also recently disclosed an annual dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 18th were paid a dividend of $0.5411 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 18th. This represents a dividend yield of 151.0%. (Get Free Report) The Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF (ALAI) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund is actively managed, investing in firms benefiting from developing, integrating or enabling artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The fund seeks long-term capital growth through fundamental research ALAI was launched on Apr 4, 2024 and is issued by Alger. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alger AI Enablers & Adopters ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:JHCP Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 2,513 shares, a decrease of 76.8% from the December 15th total of 10,816 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 25,758 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. Approximately 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 25,758 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF Price Performance Shares of JHCP stock traded down $0.01 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $25.50. The company had a trading volume of 24,194 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,769. John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF has a twelve month low of $24.35 and a twelve month high of $25.95. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $25.48 and its 200 day simple moving average is $25.40. Get John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Coign Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF by 9.8% during the third quarter. Coign Capital Advisors LLC now owns 490,608 shares of the companys stock worth $12,484,000 after purchasing an additional 43,833 shares in the last quarter. Andina Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $253,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new stake in John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF during the 1st quarter worth $364,000. John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF Company Profile The John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF (JHCP) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund is actively managed with a focus on a diversified bond portfolio, which includes a potential 20% allocation to high-yield bonds. The fund aims for a high level of current income while also considering ESG factors in its investment analysis JHCP was launched on Dec 18, 2024 and is issued by John Hancock. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Core Plus Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kion Group (OTCMKTS:KIGRY Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 3,830 shares, an increase of 124.1% from the December 15th total of 1,709 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 9,540 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily volume of 9,540 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. DZ Bank downgraded Kion Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Citigroup lowered shares of Kion Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Kion Group in a research note on Monday, December 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Kion Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Kion Group Kion Group Stock Up 0.9% OTCMKTS KIGRY traded up $0.16 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $18.67. 21,639 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 10,804. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Kion Group has a 1-year low of $7.66 and a 1-year high of $20.54. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $18.88 and a 200-day simple moving average of $17.16. The company has a market cap of $9.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.19 and a beta of 2.17. Kion Group (OTCMKTS:KIGRY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter. Kion Group had a return on equity of 4.59% and a net margin of 2.48%.The company had revenue of $3.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.94 billion. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Kion Group will post 0.78 EPS for the current year. Kion Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kion Group AG is a Germanybased manufacturer of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions, traded over the counter in the U.S. under the ticker KIGRY. The company designs, produces and services a broad range of material handling equipment, including counterbalance trucks, warehouse and very narrow aisle trucks, pallet trucks, reach trucks, and automated guided vehicles. Kion Group also offers software and digital products to optimize warehouse management and logistical operations for customers across manufacturing, retail, distribution and e-commerce industries. The groups key brands include Linde Material Handling, STILL and Dematic. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kion Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kion Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. VanEck China Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:CBON Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 411 shares, a drop of 52.2% from the December 15th total of 859 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 3,904 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 3,904 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On VanEck China Bond ETF An institutional investor recently raised its position in VanEck China Bond ETF stock. Susquehanna International Group LLP lifted its stake in shares of VanEck China Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:CBON Free Report) by 2.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 39,435 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 815 shares during the period. Susquehanna International Group LLP owned 4.93% of VanEck China Bond ETF worth $883,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. 14.60% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get VanEck China Bond ETF alerts: VanEck China Bond ETF Stock Performance CBON stock traded up $0.06 during trading on Thursday, reaching $22.93. 651 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,335. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $22.66 and its 200 day moving average price is $22.45. VanEck China Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $21.34 and a 52-week high of $22.96. The company has a market cap of $18.34 million, a P/E ratio of -176.38 and a beta of 0.12. About VanEck China Bond ETF The VanEck China Bond ETF (CBON) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ChinaBond China High Quality Bond index. The fund tracks an investment-grade, broad-maturity government\u002Fcredit onshore RMB-denominated China bond index. CBON was launched on Nov 10, 2014 and is managed by VanEck. Read More Receive News & Ratings for VanEck China Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VanEck China Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Builders FirstSource (NYSE:BLDR Free Report) had its price objective lifted by The Goldman Sachs Group from $146.00 to $150.00 in a report released on Tuesday morning,MarketScreener reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock. Several other analysts have also recently commented on BLDR. Vertical Research began coverage on shares of Builders FirstSource in a report on Monday, October 20th. They set a sell rating and a $109.41 price target for the company. UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of Builders FirstSource from $166.00 to $143.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Builders FirstSource from $123.00 to $136.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on Builders FirstSource from $130.00 to $123.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Builders FirstSource in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Builders FirstSource presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $133.87. Get Builders FirstSource alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Builders FirstSource Builders FirstSource Trading Up 1.9% BLDR stock traded up $2.37 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $128.75. The stock had a trading volume of 2,008,335 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,234,578. Builders FirstSource has a 12-month low of $94.35 and a 12-month high of $175.12. The companys 50-day moving average price is $107.46 and its 200 day moving average price is $121.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.79 and a quick ratio of 1.15. The firm has a market cap of $14.24 billion, a PE ratio of 24.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 15.17 and a beta of 1.57. Builders FirstSource (NYSE:BLDR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.69 by $0.19. Builders FirstSource had a return on equity of 21.28% and a net margin of 3.79%.The firm had revenue of $3.94 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.86 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.07 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Builders FirstSource will post 11.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Builders FirstSource Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd lifted its position in shares of Builders FirstSource by 167.1% in the 3rd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 211 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. acquired a new position in Builders FirstSource in the third quarter valued at approximately $34,000. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC bought a new position in shares of Builders FirstSource during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $38,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc bought a new stake in shares of Builders FirstSource in the 2nd quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, IMA Advisory Services Inc. lifted its position in shares of Builders FirstSource by 40.9% during the 3rd quarter. IMA Advisory Services Inc. now owns 355 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares during the period. 95.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Builders FirstSource Company Profile (Get Free Report) Builders FirstSource, Inc is a leading supplier of structural and value-added building products and services to professional contractors, homebuilders and remodelers. The company provides a comprehensive range of materials and prefabricated components that support all phases of residential construction, from site development and framing to finishing and installation. The companys core offerings include lumber and lumber sheet goods, windows and doors, millwork, roofing and siding, and engineered wood products such as roof and floor trusses. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Builders FirstSource Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Builders FirstSource and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victoria PLC (OTCMKTS:VCCTF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 15,418 shares, a drop of 57.1% from the December 15th total of 35,933 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 50,865 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days. Based on an average trading volume of 50,865 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days. Victoria Price Performance VCCTF stock opened at $0.50 on Friday. Victoria has a one year low of $0.46 and a one year high of $1.72. The companys 50 day moving average price is $0.56 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.84. Get Victoria alerts: Victoria Company Profile (Get Free Report) See Also Victoria PLC, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and distributes flooring products primarily in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Turkey, the United States, and Australia. The company operates through four segments: UK & Europe Soft Flooring, UK & Europe Ceramic Tiles, Australia, and North America. It offers a range of wool and synthetic broadloom carpets, ceramic and porcelain tiles, flooring underlays, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), hardwood flooring products, artificial grass, carpet tiles, and flooring accessories. Receive News & Ratings for Victoria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Victoria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wayfair Inc. (NYSE:W Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $118.37 and last traded at $116.9080, with a volume of 270175 shares. The stock had previously closed at $114.84. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on W shares. UBS Group upped their price objective on Wayfair from $102.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Mizuho restated an outperform rating and issued a $130.00 price target on shares of Wayfair in a research note on Friday, January 2nd. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Wayfair from $105.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of Wayfair from $51.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Wayfair from $90.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have issued a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Wayfair presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $107.21. Get Wayfair alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Wayfair Wayfair Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of $15.38 billion, a P/E ratio of -46.09 and a beta of 3.31. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $104.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $86.57. Wayfair (NYSE:W Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.70 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $3.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.01 billion. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.22 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Wayfair Inc. will post -2.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Wayfair In other news, CTO Fiona Tan sold 9,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.00, for a total transaction of $1,071,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief technology officer owned 200,328 shares of the companys stock, valued at $23,839,032. This represents a 4.30% 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 Jon Blotner sold 4,997 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.84, for a total value of $528,882.48. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 106,107 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,230,364.88. This trade represents a 4.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last quarter, insiders sold 1,136,453 shares of company stock valued at $109,198,287. 21.91% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC raised its position in Wayfair by 28,200.0% in the 3rd quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 283 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 282 shares during the last quarter. True Wealth Design LLC grew its stake in shares of Wayfair by 250.5% in the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 326 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 233 shares in the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Wayfair by 156.3% in the 3rd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 328 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Wayfair by 30.0% in the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 520 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Comerica Bank lifted its position in shares of Wayfair by 56.5% during the third quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 634 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 229 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.67% of the companys stock. About Wayfair (Get Free Report) Wayfair Inc (NYSE: W) is an e-commerce company focused on home furnishings and decor. Through its platform, Wayfair offers a broad assortment of furniture, lighting, home textiles, kitchenware and decorative accessories. The companys portfolio includes flagship sites such as Wayfair.com, as well as specialty retail brands like Joss & Main, AllModern, Birch Lane and Perigold, each catering to distinct design styles and price points. Founded in 2002 by Niraj Shah and Steve Conine under the name CSN Stores, the business rebranded as Wayfair in 2011 and went public in 2014. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Wayfair Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wayfair and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Free Report) had its price target upped by Wolfe Research from $70.00 to $83.00 in a research report released on Wednesday morning,MarketScreener reports. Wolfe Research currently has an outperform rating on the transportation companys stock. Several other analysts have also weighed in on DAL. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $74.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Barclays lifted their target price on Delta Air Lines from $65.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on Delta Air Lines from $63.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Dbs Bank upgraded Delta Air Lines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of Delta Air Lines in a research report on Wednesday. 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 data from MarketBeat, Delta Air Lines presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $79.97. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on DAL Delta Air Lines Stock Up 4.2% DAL traded up $2.86 on Wednesday, reaching $71.35. The companys stock had a trading volume of 8,218,120 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,816,760. Delta Air Lines has a 1 year low of $34.74 and a 1 year high of $73.16. The businesss 50 day moving average is $66.23 and its 200 day moving average is $60.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.40 and a quick ratio of 0.34. The stock has a market cap of $46.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.38. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, January 13th. The transportation company reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.53 by $0.02. Delta Air Lines had a return on equity of 20.99% and a net margin of 7.90%.The company had revenue of $14.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.80 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.85 EPS. Delta Air Liness quarterly revenue was up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. 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. As a group, research analysts forecast that Delta Air Lines will post 7.63 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other Delta Air Lines news, EVP John E. Laughter sold 23,323 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction that occurred 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 sale, the executive vice president directly owned 81,109 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,055,523.97. The trade was a 22.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.88% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Delta Air Lines Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Delta Air Lines during the second quarter worth about $25,000. AlphaQuest LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Delta Air Lines by 90.6% in the 3rd quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 444 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 211 shares in the last quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC grew its position in Delta Air Lines by 184.6% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 572 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 371 shares during the last quarter. Accredited Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 1,983.3% during the 3rd quarter. Accredited Wealth Management LLC now owns 500 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 476 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Activest Wealth Management raised its position in Delta Air Lines by 2,280.8% in the 2nd quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 619 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 593 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 69.93% of the companys stock. More Delta Air Lines News 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. 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. Montis Financial LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 7,621 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $517,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Crewe Advisors LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Pandora Wealth Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. Tripletail Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $35,000. Bangor Savings Bank lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 4,843.8% during the 3rd quarter. Bangor Savings Bank now owns 791 shares of the companys stock worth $54,000 after buying an additional 775 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rice Partnership LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $59,000. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Trading Up 40.3% EFV stock opened at $73.34 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $70.89 and a 200-day moving average price of $68.03. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 12 month low of $51.05 and a 12 month high of $66.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. 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. Recommended Stories 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. ABN AMRO Bank (OTCMKTS:AAVMY Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the five ratings firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. AAVMY has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of ABN AMRO Bank in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of ABN AMRO Bank in a report on Thursday, November 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of ABN AMRO Bank from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of ABN AMRO Bank in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Get ABN AMRO Bank alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on AAVMY ABN AMRO Bank Trading Down 0.4% About ABN AMRO Bank Shares of ABN AMRO Bank stock opened at $35.97 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $33.90 and its 200 day moving average price is $31.14. ABN AMRO Bank has a twelve month low of $16.08 and a twelve month high of $36.24. (Get Free Report) ABN AMRO Bank N.V. is a leading Dutch banking institution headquartered in Amsterdam. The bank traces its origins to the 1991 merger of Algemene Bank Nederland and AMRO Bank, forming one of the Netherlands largest financial services providers. Over the decades, ABN AMRO has developed a comprehensive portfolio of banking and financial solutions, positioning itself as a key player in both domestic and international markets. The bank operates across several core segments, including retail banking, private banking, commercial banking, and corporate & institutional banking. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ABN AMRO Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ABN AMRO Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System boosted its stake in APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG Free Report) by 51.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 229,382 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 77,980 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned 0.06% of APi Group worth $7,884,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of APi Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $650,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in APi Group by 73.6% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 178,117 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,369,000 after purchasing an additional 75,490 shares in the last quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of APi Group by 4.6% during the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 28,883 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,033,000 after purchasing an additional 1,261 shares during the period. Financiere des Professionnels Fonds d investissement inc. bought a new stake in shares of APi Group in the 2nd quarter worth $98,000. Finally, Wedmont Private Capital acquired a new stake in shares of APi Group in the second quarter valued at $368,000. 86.62% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get APi Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other APi Group news, Director Anthony E. Malkin acquired 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $39.58 per share, for a total transaction of $118,740.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 7,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $277,060. The trade was a 75.00% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Martin E. Franklin sold 340,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.09, for a total value of $12,270,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 18,968,790 shares in the company, valued at $684,583,631.10. This represents a 1.76% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last quarter, insiders have bought 7,000 shares of company stock worth $275,720 and have sold 900,000 shares worth $32,342,000. Insiders own 17.00% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently issued reports on APG. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $49.00 target price (up from $45.00) on shares of APi Group in a report on Monday. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of APi Group in a research note on Tuesday, December 23rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of APi Group in a report on Monday, December 22nd. CJS Securities raised shares of APi Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, UBS Group set a $49.00 price target on shares of APi Group and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $41.24. Get Our Latest Research Report on APG APi Group Stock Performance Shares of APG opened at $42.63 on Friday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $39.11 and a two-hundred day moving average of $36.36. The stock has a market cap of $17.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 116.25 and a beta of 1.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.41. APi Group Corporation has a one year low of $20.50 and a one year high of $43.26. APi Group (NYSE:APG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.41 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.39 by $0.02. APi Group had a net margin of 3.44% and a return on equity of 21.86%. The business had revenue of $2.09 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.01 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.51 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that APi Group Corporation will post 1.83 earnings per share for the current year. APi Group Profile (Free Report) APi Group Corp. is a global specialty contractor that provides fire protection, security, mechanical insulation and energy services to commercial, industrial and institutional clients. Headquartered in New Brighton, Minnesota, the company designs, installs, inspects, tests, maintains and repairs a wide range of safety and infrastructure systems. Through its network of operating subsidiaries, APi Group delivers end-to-end solutions for new construction, facility renovations and ongoing maintenance requirements. Its service portfolio spans life safety and industrial servicessuch as fire suppression systems, fire alarms and emergency lightingand specialized offerings including technical insulation, access solutions, passive fire protection and energy efficiency upgrades. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding APG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for APi Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for APi Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arcosa, Inc. (NYSE:ACA Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $116.09 and last traded at $113.5850, with a volume of 31488 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $111.17. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently commented on ACA shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Arcosa in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen cut Arcosa from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 10th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Arcosa from $106.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of Arcosa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $117.50. Get Arcosa alerts: View Our Latest Report on ACA Arcosa Stock Performance The businesss fifty day moving average price is $106.97 and its 200-day moving average price is $98.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 2.02 and a quick ratio of 1.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.65 billion, a PE ratio of 38.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 0.99. Arcosa (NYSE:ACA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.56 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.33 by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $797.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $782.76 million. Arcosa had a net margin of 5.25% and a return on equity of 7.46%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 24.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.91 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Arcosa, Inc. will post 3.23 EPS for the current year. Arcosa Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 15th will be given a dividend of $0.05 per share. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.2%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 15th. Arcosas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 6.62%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Arcosa A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. First Horizon Corp purchased a new position in Arcosa in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new stake in shares of Arcosa during the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its position in Arcosa by 47.8% in the third quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 368 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 119 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP increased its stake in Arcosa by 160.0% in the third quarter. Quarry LP now owns 403 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 248 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH bought a new position in Arcosa in the second quarter valued at $40,000. 90.66% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Arcosa (Get Free Report) Arcosa, Inc (NYSE: ACA) is a Dallasbased industrial company that was formed through the spinoff of Trinity Industries construction products business in 2018. Since its inception, Arcosa has focused on the manufacture and sale of critical infrastructure components, serving a diverse set of end markets including transportation, construction and energy. The companys Construction Products segment produces a broad range of highway safety products, such as guardrail systems, sign supports and crash cushions, as well as aggregates and readymix concrete. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Arcosa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arcosa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Balfour Beatty plc (LON:BBY Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Friday . The company traded as high as GBX 736 and last traded at GBX 735.50, with a volume of 202119094 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 719.50. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on Balfour Beatty from GBX 650 to GBX 715 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Balfour Beatty presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 712.50. Get Balfour Beatty alerts: View Our Latest Report on Balfour Beatty Balfour Beatty Stock Performance Balfour Beatty Company Profile The company has a market cap of 3.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.82, a PEG ratio of 3.75 and a beta of 0.81. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 699.37 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 632.20. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 79.85. (Get Free Report) Balfour Beatty is a leading international infrastructure group. With 26,000 employees across the UK, US and Hong Kong, were leading the transformation of our industry to meet the challenges of the future. Trusted by our customers to deliver sustainable solutions and strengthen communities, we finance, develop, build, maintain and operate the increasingly complex and critical infrastructure that supports national economies and deliver projects at the heart of local communities. Collaborating with governments, our customers and partners, we deliver powerful new solutions, shape thinking, create skylines and inspire a new generation of talent to be the change-makers of tomorrow. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Balfour Beatty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Balfour Beatty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PagSeguro Digital Ltd. (NYSE:PAGS Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the nine research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $11.7143. A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of PagSeguro Digital from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of PagSeguro Digital from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, October 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $9.00 price objective (down previously from $12.00) on shares of PagSeguro Digital in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of PagSeguro Digital in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Susquehanna increased their price target on PagSeguro Digital from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Get PagSeguro Digital alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on PagSeguro Digital PagSeguro Digital Stock Performance Shares of PagSeguro Digital stock opened at $10.04 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $3.32 billion, a PE ratio of 7.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.42 and a beta of 1.41. PagSeguro Digital has a 1 year low of $6.50 and a 1 year high of $11.16. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $9.86 and its 200-day simple moving average is $9.36. PagSeguro Digital (NYSE:PAGS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $937.15 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $971.30 million. PagSeguro Digital had a return on equity of 15.39% and a net margin of 11.00%. On average, equities analysts predict that PagSeguro Digital will post 1.17 earnings per share for the current year. PagSeguro Digital Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a special dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 28th will be paid a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 28th. PagSeguro Digitals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 10.85%. Institutional Trading of PagSeguro Digital A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of PAGS. Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in PagSeguro Digital by 6.6% during the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 7,831,041 shares of the companys stock valued at $75,445,000 after purchasing an additional 485,575 shares during the period. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd grew its stake in shares of PagSeguro Digital by 15.6% in the third quarter. Polunin Capital Partners Ltd now owns 4,433,460 shares of the companys stock worth $41,453,000 after purchasing an additional 598,089 shares in the last quarter. Causeway Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of PagSeguro Digital by 44.6% during the third quarter. Causeway Capital Management LLC now owns 3,892,125 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,921,000 after purchasing an additional 1,200,587 shares during the period. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. raised its stake in shares of PagSeguro Digital by 14.2% during the third quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 3,175,703 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,757,000 after purchasing an additional 396,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. acquired a new stake in PagSeguro Digital in the third quarter worth about $28,011,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 45.88% of the companys stock. PagSeguro Digital Company Profile (Get Free Report) PagSeguro Digital Ltd. is a Brazil-based financial technology company that specializes in digital payment solutions for merchants and consumers. Through its online platform and a suite of physical point-of-sale devices, the company enables businesses of all sizes to accept credit and debit cards, process e-commerce transactions, and manage payments via QR codes and digital wallets. In addition to payment acceptance, PagSeguro offers prepaid accounts, funds transfers, and working-capital credit lines designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises. The companys product portfolio includes portable card readers, countertop terminals, and mobile point-of-sale devices that connect via Bluetooth or cellular networks. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for PagSeguro Digital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PagSeguro Digital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cellcom Israel (OTCMKTS:CELJF Get Free Report) and Farmhouse (OTCMKTS:FMHS Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, profitability, earnings and valuation. Profitability This table compares Cellcom Israel and Farmhouses net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Cellcom Israel alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Cellcom Israel 5.40% 9.56% 3.74% Farmhouse N/A N/A N/A Volatility and Risk Cellcom Israel has a beta of 0.95, indicating that its stock price is 5% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Farmhouse has a beta of 33.24, indicating that its stock price is 3,224% more volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Cellcom Israel $1.20 billion N/A $46.74 million $0.38 31.97 Farmhouse N/A N/A -$460,000.00 ($0.03) -4.12 This table compares Cellcom Israel and Farmhouses revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Cellcom Israel has higher revenue and earnings than Farmhouse. Farmhouse is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Cellcom Israel, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Cellcom Israel and Farmhouse, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Cellcom Israel 1 0 0 0 1.00 Farmhouse 0 0 0 0 0.00 Summary Cellcom Israel beats Farmhouse on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Cellcom Israel (Get Free Report) Cellcom Israel Ltd. provides cellular communications services in Israel. It operates in two segments, Cellular and Fixed-line. The Cellular segment offers cellular communications, and cellular equipment and related services. The Fixed-line segment provides infrastructure and internet access, internet-based television, international telephony, landline telephony services, and transmission services for business customers and for telecommunication operators; and conferencing, cloud computing, and server hosting services, as well as IOT solutions. This segment also sells equipment, such as computers and communication equipment, including servers, routers, and switches, and others; and software and integration of information security products. The company was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Netanya, Israel. About Farmhouse (Get Free Report) Farmhouse, Inc. operates a platform for the legal cannabis industry. It provides @420, a Twitter handle public platform that engages with cannabis enthusiasts; WeeClub, a cannabis social network platform that enables industry professionals to connect, discover products and services, and scale their businesses; and Web3 division, which facilitates licensing opportunities between established cannabis brands and influential digital collectible holders to launch digital collectible branded products and accessories. The companys platform serves cannabis producers, retailers, consultants, and supply chain professionals. It markets its products through media, networking, live events, partnerships, search engine optimization, and direct sales calls to existing members. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in San Francisco, California. Receive News & Ratings for Cellcom Israel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cellcom Israel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Country Trust Bank cut its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 6.8% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 89,222 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,468 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company comprises about 1.5% of Country Trust Banks holdings, making the stock its 16th largest position. Country Trust Banks holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $68,076,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Occidental Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC now owns 1,966 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,533,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 3.4% in the second quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors now owns 394 shares of the companys stock worth $307,000 after buying an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% in the second quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. now owns 485 shares of the companys stock worth $387,000 after buying an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Nvest Financial LLC grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% during the second quarter. Nvest Financial LLC now owns 2,274 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,773,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MPS Loria Financial Planners LLC raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.9% during the second quarter. MPS Loria Financial Planners LLC now owns 699 shares of the companys stock worth $545,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 3.8% NYSE LLY opened at $1,032.51 on Friday. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $623.78 and a 1 year high of $1,133.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $976.11 billion, a PE ratio of 50.51, a PEG 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 businesss 50-day moving average is $1,049.04 and its 200 day moving average is $868.38. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 109.52% and a net margin of 30.99%.The firm had revenue of $17.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.09 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.18 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share 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 given a dividend of $1.73 per share. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This is an increase from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is presently 29.35%. Key Headlines Impacting Eli Lilly and Company Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Bank of America cut their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,286.00 to $1,268.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Loop Capital set a $950.00 price objective on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen raised Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $1,174.70. Read Our Latest Analysis on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and therapies for patients worldwide. Eli Lilly maintains operations and commercial presence across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving both developed and emerging markets. The company has been led in recent years by President and Chief Executive Officer David A. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) executives said the carrier closed fiscal 2025 with record revenue, strong cash generation, and continued progress on balance sheet improvement, while outlining expectations for renewed demand momentum and earnings growth in fiscal 2026. Management also highlighted a leadership transition in the commercial organization and announced a new wide-body aircraft order aimed at supporting long-term international expansion and fleet renewal. Get alerts: Fiscal 2025 results: record revenue and cash flow Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian told investors Delta delivered a strong close to its centennial year despite what he described as a challenging environment. The company reported full-year record revenue of $58.3 billion, an operating margin of 10%, pre-tax income of $5 billion, and earnings of $5.82 per share. Bastian emphasized free cash flow as a key highlight, with Delta generating $4.6 billion for the year, which he said was the highest in company history. Chief Financial Officer Dan Janki added that Delta reinvestedin the business in 2025, including, and used cash flow to reduce debt by. Delta ended the year with gross leverage of, adjusted net debt of approximately, andin unencumbered assets. For the December quarter, executives reported record revenue of $14.6 billion. Janki said the quarter produced pre-tax profit of $1.3 billion, an operating margin of 10%, and earnings of $1.55 per share. He noted the government shutdown reduced pre-tax profit by $200 million, or $0.25 per share. Management also cited FAA-mandated flight reductions and weather disruption as factors that affected capacity and non-fuel unit costs during the quarter. Commercial performance: premium strength and diversified revenue President Glen Hauenstein said Deltas strategy has helped diversify revenue into higher-margin sources, with diversified revenue streams representing 60% of total revenue in 2025. He reported that premium revenue grew 7% for the year, cargo revenue increased 9%, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) revenue rose 25%. Total loyalty revenue improved 6%, while travel products continued to grow at double-digit rates. Hauenstein also highlighted the performance of Deltas co-brand relationship with American Express. He said American Express remuneration grew 11% to $8.2 billion, supported by a fourth consecutive year of more than 1 million new card acquisitions and double-digit year-over-year co-brand spend growth in every quarter. Looking ahead, Delta expects high single-digit growth in co-brand remuneration in 2026 and reiterated a longer-term goal of reaching $10 billion within the next few years. During the analyst Q&A, management said premium demand remained strong, while the Main Cabin recovery has been slower. Hauenstein said Delta has not really seen main cabin move yet, adding that movement in Main Cabin would be a factor that could support results toward the higher end of guidance if it materializes in 2026. Outlook: March quarter growth and fiscal 2026 targets Executives said fiscal 2026 has started with strong booking momentum. Bastian said Delta set a new record for bookings last week, with cash sales up double digits on top of last years strength. Delta forecast March quarter revenue growth of 5% to 7% year over year, supported by what the company described as improving consumer and corporate demand and a healthier supply-demand environment as unprofitable flying is rationalized. Janki guided to March quarter earnings of $0.50 to $0.90 per share and an operating margin of 4.5% to 6%, both expected to improve year over year. For the full year, Delta projected earnings of $6.50 to $7.50 per share, free cash flow of $3 billion to $4 billion, and leverage of two times by year-end. Management cautioned that early-year booking strength is still limited in duration. In response to an analyst question about guidance sensitivity, executives said it was the second week in January and warned that the industrys volatility in 2025 remains a reminder to remain cautious when projecting outcomes. Capacity: Hauenstein said Delta plans to grow capacity about 3% for the full year, with all new seat growth concentrated in premium cabins, driven by interior upgrades and new aircraft deliveries. Hauenstein said Delta plans to grow capacity about for the full year, with all new seat growth concentrated in premium cabins, driven by interior upgrades and new aircraft deliveries. Costs: Janki said non-fuel cost performance is expected to remain within Deltas low single digit long-term framework, though first-quarter non-fuel CASM growth is expected to be modestly above the full-year average due to fleet preparation for peak summer. Janki said non-fuel cost performance is expected to remain within Deltas low single digit long-term framework, though first-quarter non-fuel CASM growth is expected to be modestly above the full-year average due to fleet preparation for peak summer. Capital spending: Delta plans $5.5 billion of capex in 2026, including about 50 aircraft deliveries and ongoing investment in customer experience and technology. Fleet and strategy: Boeing 787 order and international expansion Delta announced an order for 30 Boeing 787-10s with options for 30 more, with deliveries starting in 2031. Bastian said the aircraft would enhance the international network and extend long-haul capabilities. Janki said next-generation wide-body aircraft can deliver up to a 10 points margin advantage over the aircraft they replace, with more premium seating, improved fuel efficiency, and expanded cargo capability. In response to questions, Hauenstein said the 787-10 order supports both growth and replacement, particularly for the 767-400 fleet, and also adds diversification to Deltas wide-body and engine mix. Executives also reiterated plans to expand internationally in 2026 and beyond, including growth in Asia and Middle East markets, while continuing to use joint ventures and a strong domestic foundation to support network expansion. Leadership changes, operations, and reporting updates Bastian said Hauenstein will retire next month, and Joe Esposito has been elevated to Chief Commercial Officer. Esposito told analysts Deltas core strategies are not changing and that the airline plans to dig even deeper into integration across network, pricing, loyalty, products, and merchandising. On operations, Bastian said Delta continues to lead on reliability metrics, citing Cirium recognition as the most on-time airline in North America and a number one Net Promoter Score among major airlines. However, he acknowledged the airline is working to improve recovery from irregular operations, pointing to post-COVID changes and pilot contract-related complexities as contributors to recovery challenges. Delta also said it will change aspects of its financial reporting. Janki said the company will provide additional detail on its third-party MRO business, separating MRO from non-fuel unit cost metrics to preserve visibility into core airline cost trends. He described MRO as a unique Delta capability and said the company is optimistic about growing the business beyond the $1 billion revenue level over time, with potential to reach $2 billion and then $3 billion in revenue, while improving margins from high single digits toward the mid-teens. On capital allocation, management reiterated that debt reduction remains the top priority, while noting opportunities to expand shareholder returns as leverage declines. Janki referenced dividend growth and said the company expects to utilize an existing share repurchase authorization over its timeframe, while remaining focused on paying down debt in the near term. About Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) 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. See Also Endeavour Silver Corporation (NYSE:EXK Get Free Report) (TSE:EDR) dropped 8.3% on Friday . The company traded as low as $10.93 and last traded at $10.6080. Approximately 4,038,537 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 71% from the average daily volume of 14,108,965 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.57. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth EXK has been the topic of several recent research reports. B. Riley lifted their price target on Endeavour Silver from $11.00 to $14.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Natl Bk Canada raised Endeavour Silver to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of Endeavour Silver in a research note on Wednesday. HC Wainwright reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $14.50 price target (up from $11.00) on shares of Endeavour Silver in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Endeavour Silver in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Endeavour Silver presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $13.88. Get Endeavour Silver alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on EXK Endeavour Silver Stock Down 3.0% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.57. The firms 50 day moving average is $9.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is $7.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.32 billion, a P/E ratio of -33.07 and a beta of 1.23. Endeavour Silver (NYSE:EXK Get Free Report) (TSE:EDR) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The mining company reported ($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.05 by ($0.06). Endeavour Silver had a negative return on equity of 1.34% and a negative net margin of 31.18%.The firm had revenue of $111.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $162.05 million. Research analysts predict that Endeavour Silver Corporation will post -0.07 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Quarry LP raised its stake in Endeavour Silver by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 74,258 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $582,000 after acquiring an additional 1,490 shares during the period. Aire Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Endeavour Silver by 5.2% in the third quarter. Aire Advisors LLC now owns 31,547 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $247,000 after purchasing an additional 1,547 shares during the last quarter. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Endeavour Silver by 16.6% in the third quarter. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,415 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $113,000 after purchasing an additional 2,050 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its position in shares of Endeavour Silver by 3.0% in the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 73,651 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $362,000 after purchasing an additional 2,129 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Endeavour Silver by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 41,256 shares of the mining companys stock worth $203,000 after buying an additional 2,161 shares during the last quarter. 20.06% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Endeavour Silver (Get Free Report) Endeavour Silver Corp. is a Vancouver-based precious metals mining company focused on the acquisition, development and operation of silver and gold properties in Mexico. Publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker EXK, the company has positioned itself as a mid-tier producer with a portfolio of high-grade, operating mines and exploration assets in key mineral belts. Endeavour Silvers core business activities revolve around four principal underground mines located in the states of Durango, Zacatecas, Guanajuato and Jalisco. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Endeavour Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Endeavour Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EULAV Asset Management lessened its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 14.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 6,512 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 1,088 shares during the period. EULAV Asset Managements holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $5,186,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC boosted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 617,504.5% in the second quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 29,058,291 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $20,566,005,000 after acquiring an additional 29,053,586 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $2,138,031,000. Ninety One UK Ltd purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $408,780,000. AGF Management Ltd. boosted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 2,429.6% in the 2nd quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 485,375 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $343,524,000 after purchasing an additional 466,187 shares during the period. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 100,678.6% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 404,122 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $286,017,000 after buying an additional 403,721 shares in the last quarter. 71.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Daiwa Capital Markets upped their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $823.00 to $927.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $762.00 to $805.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $785.00 to $980.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $870.00 to $971.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $898.00 to $1,087.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Six equities 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 companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $859.63. More The Goldman Sachs Group News Here are the key news stories impacting The Goldman Sachs Group this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 EPS materially beat Street estimates ($14.01 actual vs. ~$11.50 consensus) and equities trading hit an alltime record, supporting the beat and investor optimism. MarketBeat Earnings Summary Q4 EPS materially beat Street estimates ($14.01 actual vs. ~$11.50 consensus) and equities trading hit an alltime record, supporting the beat and investor optimism. Positive Sentiment: Management raised the dividend and highlighted strength in investment banking, trading and wealth/asset management income items that justify a higher multiple. TipRanks: Dividend Raise Management raised the dividend and highlighted strength in investment banking, trading and wealth/asset management income items that justify a higher multiple. Positive Sentiment: Several outlets note robust dealmaking and trading helped lift profit and sent shares higher after the print. Positive press flow is supporting momentum. Reuters: Profit Rises Several outlets note robust dealmaking and trading helped lift profit and sent shares higher after the print. Positive press flow is supporting momentum. Neutral Sentiment: CEO David Solomon said the firm is exploring entry into prediction markets an experimental business line that could diversify revenue but is early stage. CNBC: Prediction Markets CEO David Solomon said the firm is exploring entry into prediction markets an experimental business line that could diversify revenue but is early stage. Neutral Sentiment: Management signaled a continued shift away from consumer balancesheet businesses tied to the Apple Card partnership, leaning more into digital engagement, AI and Platform Solutions strategy strategic repositioning with multiquarter effects. PYMNTS: PostApple Card Strategy Management signaled a continued shift away from consumer balancesheet businesses tied to the Apple Card partnership, leaning more into digital engagement, AI and Platform Solutions strategy strategic repositioning with multiquarter effects. Neutral Sentiment: Goldmans equity research continues to be active (new coverage/ratings on names like Oracle and Datadog), underscoring the firms influence but not directly moving GS stock. InsiderMonkey: Research Activity Goldmans equity research continues to be active (new coverage/ratings on names like Oracle and Datadog), underscoring the firms influence but not directly moving GS stock. Negative Sentiment: Revenue figures were mixed some reports show revenue slightly below certain consensus marks and Platform Solutions posted losses tied to Apple Card loans; these mix issues limit the quality of the beat. Zacks: Revenue/Mix Concerns Revenue figures were mixed some reports show revenue slightly below certain consensus marks and Platform Solutions posted losses tied to Apple Card loans; these mix issues limit the quality of the beat. Negative Sentiment: Thirdparty data flagged a sharp drop in operating cash flow and elevated insider selling in recent months items investors watch for liquidity and governance signals. QuiverQuant: CashFlow & Insider Activity Thirdparty data flagged a sharp drop in operating cash flow and elevated insider selling in recent months items investors watch for liquidity and governance signals. Negative Sentiment: Some analysts trimmed price targets after the print (Autonomous lowered its target), balancing the positive news with nearterm risks. MarketScreener: Autonomous Lowers Target The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Up 4.5% Shares of NYSE GS opened at $975.01 on Friday. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $439.38 and a 1-year high of $981.26. 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 businesss 50 day moving average is $865.06 and its two-hundred day moving average is $790.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $292.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.81, a PEG ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.33. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 15th. The investment management company reported $14.01 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $11.52 by $2.49. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 15.29% and a net margin of 13.18%.The firm had revenue of $13.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.30 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $11.95 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current year. The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be given a dividend of $4.50 per share. This represents a $18.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. This is a positive change from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $4.00. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.50%. About The Goldman Sachs Group (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. Recommended Stories 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. China's export control on dual-use items to Japan fully legitimate, reasonable, lawful: commerce ministry Xinhua) 08:13, January 16, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The move by China to strengthen export controls on dual-use items to Japan is fully legitimate, reasonable and lawful, a commerce ministry spokesperson said Thursday. At a regular press briefing, He Yongqian, spokesperson for the ministry, responded to recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who claimed that China's strengthened export controls on dual-use items target only Japan, and are inconsistent with international practices. "China's measures toward Japan stem from erroneous remarks and actions by Takaichi, a fact that the Japanese side is well aware of," He noted. Export control is a widely accepted international practice, He said, noting that safeguarding world peace and fulfilling international non-proliferation obligations constitute its fundamental purpose and principles. As a responsible major country, China has always actively fulfilled its non-proliferation obligations, the spokesperson added. In accordance with laws and regulations, China announced bans on the export of all dual-use items to Japanese military users, for Japan's military use, and for any other end-users and end-use purposes that could help enhance Japan's military capabilities, He said, adding that the move is aimed at curbing Japan's attempts at "remilitarization" and acquiring nuclear weapons, and it is completely legitimate, reasonable and lawful. The spokesperson said the Japanese side, instead of addressing the root causes of the issue, has fabricated accusations of so-called "economic coercion" by China, which He described as a complete distortion of facts and groundless rhetoric. The spokesperson warned that such remarks and actions are more troubling as they raise concerns about a resurgence of militarism. "China once again urges Japan to engage in serious self-reflection, correct its mistakes, and avoid going further down the wrong path," the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) EULAV Asset Management reduced its position in MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI Free Report) by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 200,972 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 2,999 shares during the period. MSCI accounts for approximately 2.7% of EULAV Asset Managements holdings, making the stock its 3rd biggest holding. EULAV Asset Managements holdings in MSCI were worth $114,034,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of MSCI. Intact Investment Management Inc. grew its position in shares of MSCI by 16.0% in the 2nd quarter. Intact Investment Management Inc. now owns 138 shares of the technology companys stock worth $80,000 after acquiring an additional 19 shares in the last quarter. Gries Financial LLC lifted its stake in MSCI by 1.3% during the second quarter. Gries Financial LLC now owns 1,505 shares of the technology companys stock worth $868,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the last quarter. Copperwynd Financial LLC boosted its holdings in MSCI by 1.1% in the second quarter. Copperwynd Financial LLC now owns 1,793 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,034,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the period. Empirical Finance LLC boosted its holdings in MSCI by 0.7% in the second quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 2,772 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,599,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the period. Finally, Harbour Investments Inc. increased its stake in MSCI by 8.5% during the second quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 268 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $155,000 after purchasing an additional 21 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.97% of the companys stock. Get MSCI alerts: MSCI Trading Up 0.2% MSCI opened at $596.26 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $567.08 and its 200-day moving average is $564.93. The stock has a market cap of $44.80 billion, a PE ratio of 37.79 and a beta of 1.30. MSCI Inc has a twelve month low of $486.73 and a twelve month high of $634.99. MSCI Dividend Announcement MSCI ( NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The technology company reported $4.47 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.37 by $0.10. MSCI had a negative return on equity of 110.94% and a net margin of 40.03%.The firm had revenue of $793.43 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $794.87 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $3.86 EPS. The firms revenue was up 9.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that MSCI Inc will post 16.86 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a dividend of $1.80 per share. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. MSCIs payout ratio is currently 45.63%. MSCI announced that its board has authorized a share repurchase program on Tuesday, October 28th that permits the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the technology company to purchase up to 7.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are typically a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Analysts Set New Price Targets MSCI has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Barclays raised their price target on shares of MSCI from $650.00 to $660.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of MSCI from $700.00 to $710.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and issued a $690.00 target price on shares of MSCI in a research note on Monday. Evercore ISI increased their price target on MSCI from $588.00 to $611.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on MSCI from $570.00 to $590.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, MSCI has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $650.13. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MSCI Insider Buying and Selling In other MSCI news, CFO Andrew C. Wiechmann sold 450 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.00, for a total transaction of $247,500.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 21,639 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,901,450. The trade was a 2.04% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, General Counsel Robert J. Gutowski sold 624 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $558.42, for a total transaction of $348,454.08. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel directly owned 15,945 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,904,006.90. This represents a 3.77% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 3.31% of the companys stock. About MSCI (Free Report) MSCI Inc is a global provider of investment decision support tools and services for the financial industry. The company is best known for its family of market indexes, which are widely used as benchmarks by asset managers and as the basis for exchange-traded funds and other passive products. In addition to index construction and licensing, MSCI offers portfolio analytics, risk models, factor and performance attribution tools, and a suite of data and technology solutions designed to support portfolio management and trading. Beyond traditional indexing and risk analytics, MSCI has expanded into environmental, social and governance (ESG) research and ratings, offering data, scores and screening tools that help investors integrate sustainability considerations into investment processes. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MSCI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MSCI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MSCI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Regional Management Corp. (NYSE:RM Get Free Report) major shareholder Fund L.P. Forager sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.25, for a total value of $19,625.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 1,020,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at $40,037,826. The trade was a 0.05% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Large 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 shares were sold at an average price of $38.62, for a total transaction of $31,243.58. On Friday, January 9th, Fund L.P. Forager sold 21,561 shares of Regional Management stock. The stock was 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 shares were 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 stock was 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 shares were 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 0.5% NYSE:RM opened at $38.00 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $368.98 million, a P/E ratio of 9.20 and a beta of 1.07. Regional Management Corp. has a 12 month low of $25.41 and a 12 month high of $46.00. The businesss 50-day moving average is $38.39 and its 200 day moving average is $38.16. Regional Management Announces Dividend 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, beating the consensus estimate of $1.39 by $0.03. Regional Management had a return on equity of 11.43% and a net margin of 6.57%.The business had revenue of $165.49 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $162.84 million. On average, research analysts forecast that Regional Management Corp. will post 4.7 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 25th were given 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 payout ratio is currently 29.06%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have commented on RM shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Regional Management in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Regional Management from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 3rd. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Regional Management from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Regional Management presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $30.00. View Our Latest Research Report on RM Institutional Investors Weigh In On Regional Management Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its stake in shares of Regional Management by 8.4% during the 4th quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 10,718 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $421,000 after purchasing an additional 831 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in Regional Management in the 4th quarter worth about $112,000. Advisory Services Network LLC purchased a new position in shares of Regional Management during the third quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Regional Management by 17.8% during the third quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 70,086 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $2,731,000 after buying an additional 10,595 shares during the period. Finally, Wexford Capital LP bought a new position in shares of Regional Management during the third quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Institutional investors own 98.89% of the companys stock. 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. Featured Stories 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. Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (NYSEARCA:ASEA Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 80,077 shares, an increase of 116.0% from the December 15th total of 37,068 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 72,389 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.1 days. Currently, 1.9% of the shares of the company are sold short. Currently, 1.9% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 72,389 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.1 days. Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF Stock Up 1.0% Shares of ASEA stock opened at $18.96 on Friday. Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF has a 12 month low of $13.68 and a 12 month high of $19.02. The firm has a market cap of $84.94 million, a PE ratio of 12.26 and a beta of 0.58. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $18.37 and a 200-day moving average of $17.57. Get Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in shares of Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 90.6% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 7,463 shares of the companys stock valued at $122,000 after buying an additional 3,548 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its stake in Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 17.4% during the second quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 54,716 shares of the companys stock worth $892,000 after purchasing an additional 8,096 shares during the period. Algorithmic Investment Models LLC boosted its holdings in Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 5.0% during the third quarter. Algorithmic Investment Models LLC now owns 62,762 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,073,000 after purchasing an additional 2,961 shares in the last quarter. Barry Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 12.4% during the second quarter. Barry Investment Advisors LLC now owns 99,579 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,659,000 after purchasing an additional 10,948 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in shares of Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 116,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,907,000 after purchasing an additional 3,634 shares during the period. About Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF The Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (ASEA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE\u002FASEAN 40 INDEX index. The fund tracks a market-cap weighted and -selected index of the 40 largest and most liquid stocks from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. ASEA was launched on Feb 17, 2011 and is managed by Global X. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. God Bless America ETF (NYSEARCA:YALL Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 1,607 shares, an increase of 98.9% from the December 15th total of 808 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 7,059 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 7,059 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.1% of the companys stock are short sold. Institutional Investors Weigh In On God Bless America ETF An institutional investor recently bought a new position in God Bless America ETF stock. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. bought a new position in God Bless America ETF (NYSEARCA:YALL Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 21,455 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $784,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. owned 0.98% of God Bless America ETF at the end of the most recent quarter. Get God Bless America ETF alerts: God Bless America ETF Stock Performance Shares of YALL opened at $44.74 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $43.65 and a 200 day simple moving average of $43.62. God Bless America ETF has a 52-week low of $32.07 and a 52-week high of $45.59. The firm has a market capitalization of $102.45 million, a PE ratio of 26.09 and a beta of 1.14. God Bless America ETF Dividend Announcement God Bless America ETF Company Profile The business also recently declared an annual dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 26th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 24th were issued a $0.2137 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 48.0%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 24th. (Get Free Report) The God Bless America ETF (YALL) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is an actively managed fund that provides broad exposure to US-listed stocks of various market capitalization. The fund screens out companies perceived to emphasize politically left and\u002For liberal political activism and social agendas. YALL was launched on Oct 10, 2022 and is managed by Tidal ETFs. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for God Bless America ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for God Bless America ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the five research firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $10.50. Several brokerages recently weighed in on HLX. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th. TD Cowen boosted their target price on shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Zacks Research raised shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Get Helix Energy Solutions Group alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on HLX Insider Buying and Selling at Helix Energy Solutions Group Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other news, COO Scott Andrew Sparks sold 40,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.88, for a total transaction of $275,200.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 301,042 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,071,168.96. This represents a 11.73% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock. A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in Helix Energy Solutions Group by 2.8% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 5,168,485 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $32,251,000 after buying an additional 138,374 shares during the period. Cresset Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Helix Energy Solutions Group by 1,671.0% during the second quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 193,087 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,205,000 after buying an additional 182,184 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in Helix Energy Solutions Group during the 2nd quarter valued at $92,000. CenterBook Partners LP increased its holdings in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 37.1% in the 2nd quarter. CenterBook Partners LP now owns 1,090,823 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $6,807,000 after acquiring an additional 295,135 shares during the period. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group in the 2nd quarter worth $8,108,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.33% of the companys stock. Helix Energy Solutions Group Price Performance NYSE:HLX opened at $7.20 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $6.73 and its 200 day moving average is $6.50. Helix Energy Solutions Group has a 12 month low of $5.52 and a 12 month high of $9.18. The company has a market capitalization of $1.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.70 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a current ratio of 2.54, a quick ratio of 2.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Helix Energy Solutions Group (NYSE:HLX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The oil and gas company reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.15. The business had revenue of $376.96 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $361.93 million. Helix Energy Solutions Group had a return on equity of 2.75% and a net margin of 3.25%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Helix Energy Solutions Group will post 0.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Helix Energy Solutions Group (Get Free Report) Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc (NYSE: HLX) is a Houston-based provider of offshore well intervention and robotics services to the global energy industry. The company specializes in extending the productive life of subsea wells through hydraulic workover systems, coiled tubing operations and riser-based wireline services. In addition, Helix offers remotely operated vehicle (ROV) support, inspection, maintenance and repair for subsea infrastructure. Operating through three core business segmentsWell Intervention, Robotics & Subsea Services and Production FacilitiesHelix deploys purpose-built vessels, specialized equipment and engineering expertise to execute complex offshore projects. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Helix Energy Solutions Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Helix Energy Solutions Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Inlight Wealth Management LLC cut its position in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report) by 99.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 413 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after selling 69,098 shares during the quarter. Inlight Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $40,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of UBER. Kilter Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Uber Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Westend Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Uber Technologies during the third quarter worth $27,000. West Oak Capital LLC bought a new position in Uber Technologies in the second quarter valued at $28,000. Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH acquired a new stake in Uber Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Total Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Uber Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.24% of the companys stock. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Key Uber Technologies News Here are the key news stories impacting Uber Technologies this week: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have weighed in on UBER. Piper Sandler set a $107.00 price target on Uber Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Mizuho assumed coverage on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Monday, September 29th. They set an outperform rating and a $130.00 target price on the stock. Benchmark reiterated a hold rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating and issued a $108.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-two have issued a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $107.18. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Uber Technologies Uber Technologies Trading Down 0.3% Shares of UBER stock opened at $84.41 on Friday. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $60.63 and a 12-month high of $101.99. The company has a market capitalization of $175.38 billion, a PE ratio of 10.85 and a beta of 1.20. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $85.74 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $91.15. The company has a quick ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $3.11 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $2.44. The company had revenue of $13.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.25 billion. Uber Technologies had a return on equity of 68.17% and a net margin of 33.54%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 20.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.20 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 2.54 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Uber Technologies In other Uber Technologies news, CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah sold 5,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.41, for a total transaction of $519,255.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 20,330 shares in the company, valued at $1,919,355.30. This represents a 21.29% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Tony West sold 3,125 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.36, for a total transaction of $251,125.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 175,423 shares in the company, valued at $14,096,992.28. This represents a 1.75% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders sold 14,875 shares of company stock valued at $1,348,818. 3.84% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Uber Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Uber Technologies, Inc is a technology company that operates a global platform connecting riders, drivers, couriers, restaurants and shippers. Founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick and headquartered in San Francisco, Uber developed one of the first large-scale ride-hailing marketplaces and has since expanded into a broader set of mobility and logistics services. The company completed its initial public offering in 2019 and continues to position its app-based network as a multi-modal transportation and delivery platform. Ubers principal businesses include mobility services (ride-hailing and shared rides), delivery through Uber Eats, and freight logistics via Uber Freight. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vitesse Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTS Get Free Report) CAO Mike Morella sold 5,202 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.13, for a total transaction of $104,716.26. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 82,413 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,658,973.69. This trade represents a 5.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Vitesse Energy Price Performance Vitesse Energy stock traded down $0.54 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $19.22. 388,662 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 391,718. Vitesse Energy, Inc. has a 52 week low of $18.84 and a 52 week high of $27.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.85. The firm has a market cap of $743.24 million, a PE ratio of 38.44 and a beta of 0.64. The companys fifty day moving average is $20.47 and its 200-day moving average is $22.68. Get Vitesse Energy alerts: Vitesse Energy (NYSE:VTS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported ($0.03) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.10 by ($0.13). The firm had revenue of $67.44 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $65.70 million. Vitesse Energy had a return on equity of 5.71% and a net margin of 7.70%. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Vitesse Energy, Inc. will post 1.05 EPS for the current year. Vitesse Energy Dividend Announcement Institutional Investors Weigh In On Vitesse Energy The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th were given a $0.5625 dividend. This represents a $2.25 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 11.7%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. Vitesse Energys dividend payout ratio is 450.00%. A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Vitesse Energy by 2,499.3% during the third quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 420,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,757,000 after buying an additional 403,843 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC boosted its holdings in Vitesse Energy by 2,102.0% in the third quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 204,350 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,747,000 after acquiring an additional 195,070 shares in the last quarter. Punch & Associates Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Vitesse Energy by 17.9% during the 3rd quarter. Punch & Associates Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,272,995 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,572,000 after purchasing an additional 193,195 shares during the period. First Wilshire Securities Management Inc. increased its position in Vitesse Energy by 539.7% during the 2nd quarter. First Wilshire Securities Management Inc. now owns 223,754 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,943,000 after purchasing an additional 188,774 shares during the period. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in Vitesse Energy by 20.0% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 845,848 shares of the companys stock worth $18,685,000 after purchasing an additional 140,768 shares in the last quarter. 51.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on shares of Vitesse Energy from $22.00 to $20.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Vitesse Energy in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research lowered Vitesse Energy from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Vitesse Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $24.50. View Our Latest Report on Vitesse Energy About Vitesse Energy (Get Free Report) Vitesse Energy (NYSE: VTS) is an independent exploration and production company primarily focused on onshore oil and gas assets in the United States. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the company identifies, acquires and develops low-decline, shallow to intermediate depth vertical wells, targeting predictable production profiles and stable cash flows. Vitesse leverages a lean operational model to optimize well performance and reduce unit operating costs across its asset base. The companys core operations are concentrated in the Arkoma Basin of eastern Oklahoma and the Ark-La-Tex region, where it holds acreage positions in multiple formations. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Vitesse Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vitesse Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM Free Report) by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 775,493 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 9,475 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF comprises approximately 0.7% of Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSBs holdings, making the stock its 29th largest holding. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSBs holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF were worth $41,411,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. grew its position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 212.1% during the 2nd quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 4,634,821 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $223,062,000 after purchasing an additional 3,149,813 shares during the period. Corient Private Wealth LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 206.0% in the second quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 3,240,329 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $156,313,000 after buying an additional 2,181,269 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF in the second quarter worth about $100,644,000. Bank of Nova Scotia grew its holdings in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 314.6% during the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 2,240,422 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $108,078,000 after acquiring an additional 1,700,100 shares during the period. Finally, Bailard Inc. raised its position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 670.9% during the second quarter. Bailard Inc. now owns 1,894,392 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $91,385,000 after acquiring an additional 1,648,670 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.39% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Trading Up 0.6% iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF stock opened at $58.09 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $22.98 billion, a PE ratio of 14.46 and a beta of 0.64. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a 12 month low of $38.19 and a 12 month high of $58.38. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $54.90 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $52.62. About iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index). The Index is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. 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 EEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Janney Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) by 22.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 108,580 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 19,864 shares during the quarter. Johnson & Johnson accounts for approximately 1.3% of Janney Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 15th largest position. Janney Capital Management LLCs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $20,133,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Clayton Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the third quarter worth approximately $28,000. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. grew its position in Johnson & Johnson by 55.0% during the second quarter. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 203 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 72 shares during the period. GFG Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Johnson & Johnson during the second quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, Signature Resources Capital Management LLC raised its position in Johnson & Johnson by 262.9% in the third quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC now owns 254 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on JNJ. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Friday, October 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Johnson & Johnson from $213.00 to $240.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Loop Capital set a $190.00 price objective on Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Bank of America increased their target price 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. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Johnson & Johnson currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $213.33. Key Headlines Impacting Johnson & Johnson Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week: Johnson & Johnson Stock Performance NYSE JNJ opened at $219.62 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $205.18 and a 200-day moving average price of $186.28. The firm has a market cap of $529.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 0.34. Johnson & Johnson has a twelve month low of $141.50 and a twelve month high of $219.75. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The company reported $2.80 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.76 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $23.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.73 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 27.26% and a return on equity of 32.73%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.42 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current fiscal year. Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be paid a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 24th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is presently 50.19%. Johnson & Johnson Company 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JNJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) had its price objective upped by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $400.00 to $404.00 in a report issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the industrial products companys stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price objective would indicate a potential downside of 2.70% from the stocks previous close. A number of other analysts also recently issued reports on ROK. Barclays lifted their price target on Rockwell Automation from $435.00 to $450.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of Rockwell Automation in a report on Monday, December 15th. They issued an in-line rating and a $440.00 price target on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $450.00 to $470.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of Rockwell Automation from $392.00 to $402.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $406.69. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on ROK Rockwell Automation Price Performance NYSE:ROK traded down $5.91 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $415.22. The stock had a trading volume of 138,349 shares, compared to its average volume of 615,104. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $395.78 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $364.37. The firm has a market capitalization of $46.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 54.20, a P/E/G ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.77. Rockwell Automation has a one year low of $215.00 and a one year high of $425.90. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $3.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.94 by $0.40. Rockwell Automation had a return on equity of 32.69% and a net margin of 10.42%.The company had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.19 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.47 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Rockwell Automation has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.200-12.200 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Rockwell Automation will post 9.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Rockwell Automation In related news, SVP Matheus De A. G. Viera Bulho sold 2,370 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction on Friday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $403.45, for a total value of $956,176.50. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 1,964 shares in the company, valued at $792,375.80. This trade represents a 54.68% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, VP Scott Genereux sold 1,387 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $402.03, for a total transaction of $557,615.61. Following the sale, the vice president owned 4,514 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,814,763.42. The trade was a 23.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 88,053 shares of company stock worth $34,718,919 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.76% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rockwell Automation Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC bought a new position in Rockwell Automation in the 4th quarter worth $281,000. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Rockwell Automation by 75.9% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 8,139 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,059,000 after buying an additional 3,513 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 142.7% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 7,305 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,887,000 after buying an additional 4,295 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 233.6% in the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,878 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $484,000 after buying an additional 1,315 shares during the period. Finally, Fiduciary Alliance LLC boosted its position in Rockwell Automation by 42.9% during the 2nd quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 1,266 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $421,000 after acquiring an additional 380 shares in the last quarter. 75.75% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Key Stories Impacting Rockwell Automation Here are the key news stories impacting Rockwell Automation this week: Rockwell Automation Company Profile (Get 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. Recommended Stories 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. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC cut its holdings in Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report) by 99.8% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 486 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 264,279 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Union Pacific were worth $115,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. lifted its stake in Union Pacific by 10.6% in the second quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 93,337 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $21,475,000 after acquiring an additional 8,925 shares during the period. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI increased its position in Union Pacific by 26.4% during the 2nd quarter. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI now owns 23,875 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $5,494,000 after buying an additional 4,980 shares in the last quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA boosted its stake in Union Pacific by 9.8% in the 3rd quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA now owns 52,849 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $12,492,000 after purchasing an additional 4,707 shares in the last quarter. CX Institutional lifted its position in Union Pacific by 39.8% during the 3rd quarter. CX Institutional now owns 65,826 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $15,559,000 after acquiring an additional 18,742 shares during the period. Finally, SCS Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 165.2% in the 2nd quarter. SCS Capital Management LLC now owns 34,808 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $8,009,000 after acquiring an additional 21,685 shares during the last quarter. 80.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Union Pacific alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $263.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. UBS Group set a $253.00 price target on Union Pacific and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Barclays reissued an overweight rating and issued a $285.00 price target (up previously from $270.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and twelve have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $259.58. Union Pacific Price Performance Shares of UNP stock opened at $230.51 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average is $230.56 and its two-hundred day moving average is $227.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.60. The company has a market capitalization of $136.73 billion, a PE ratio of 19.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.99. Union Pacific Corporation has a 12 month low of $204.66 and a 12 month 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, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.99 by $0.09. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 42.23% and a net margin of 28.73%.The business had revenue of $6.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.24 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.75 EPS. The companys revenue was up 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 earnings per share for the current year. Union Pacific Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th were given a dividend of $1.38 per share. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio is currently 46.90%. About Union Pacific (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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MBA Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report) by 7.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 120,378 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 8,019 shares during the period. iShares Gold Trust makes up 3.7% of MBA Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 6th largest position. MBA Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Gold Trust were worth $8,760,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of IAU. Aspiriant LLC raised its position in iShares Gold Trust by 1.8% in the third quarter. Aspiriant LLC now owns 7,854 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $572,000 after acquiring an additional 138 shares in the last quarter. Sincerus Advisory LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Sincerus Advisory LLC now owns 5,184 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $377,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares in the last quarter. Regatta Capital Group LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Regatta Capital Group LLC now owns 27,161 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,977,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Keystone Wealth Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. Keystone Wealth Services LLC now owns 20,775 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,512,000 after purchasing an additional 147 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Harbor Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in iShares Gold Trust by 2.4% during the third quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC now owns 6,183 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $450,000 after purchasing an additional 147 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 59.67% of the companys stock. Get iShares Gold Trust alerts: iShares Gold Trust Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:IAU opened at $86.71 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $72.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.09. iShares Gold Trust has a 1-year low of $50.96 and a 1-year high of $87.43. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $80.82 and a 200 day moving average price of $72.67. More iShares Gold Trust News About iShares Gold Trust Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Gold Trust this week: (Free Report) iShares Gold Trust (the Trust) is to own gold transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust (Shares). Each Share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust consist of gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust. The sponsor of the Trust is iShares Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC (the Sponsor), which is an indirect subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc The trustee of the Trust is The Bank of New York Mellon (the Trustee) and the custodian of the Trust is JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., London branch (the Custodian). Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Gold Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Gold Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meritage Homes (NYSE:MTH Get Free Report)s stock had its neutral rating reissued by stock analysts at Bank of America in a report released on Friday, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have a $82.00 target price on the construction companys stock, up from their prior target price of $75.00. Bank of Americas price target would suggest a potential upside of 4.80% from the stocks previous close. Several other analysts also recently weighed in on MTH. Zacks Research downgraded Meritage Homes from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Meritage Homes in a research report on Monday, December 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $90.00 price target on shares of Meritage Homes in a report on Tuesday. Evercore ISI set a $77.00 price objective on shares of Meritage Homes and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Citizens Jmp initiated coverage on shares of Meritage Homes in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. They issued a market outperform rating and a $90.00 price objective on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $84.63. Get Meritage Homes alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Meritage Homes Meritage Homes Trading Up 1.5% Shares of Meritage Homes stock opened at $78.24 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $69.65 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $71.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.95 and a beta of 1.48. Meritage Homes has a 12-month low of $59.27 and a 12-month high of $84.74. The company has a current ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 1.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. Meritage Homes (NYSE:MTH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The construction company reported $1.39 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by ($0.32). Meritage Homes had a net margin of 8.96% and a return on equity of 10.37%. The company had revenue of $1.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.48 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $5.34 earnings per share. Meritage Homess quarterly revenue was down 11.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Meritage Homes has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.510-1.700 EPS. Analysts predict that Meritage Homes will post 9.44 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of Meritage Homes A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MTH. Larson Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in Meritage Homes by 265.5% in the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 402 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 292 shares in the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Meritage Homes during the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. Signaturefd LLC grew its position in shares of Meritage Homes by 54.9% during the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 618 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 219 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Meritage Homes by 194.9% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 699 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 462 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Exchange Traded Concepts LLC acquired a new position in Meritage Homes in the 4th quarter worth about $75,000. 98.44% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Meritage Homes (Get Free Report) Meritage Homes Corporation is a national homebuilder and residential developer headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Founded in 1985 as Winchester Homes and later rebranded to Meritage Homes, the company specializes in designing, constructing and selling singlefamily detached and attached homes. With a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable building practices, Meritage Homes markets its properties under the GreenSmart program, which integrates highperformance features aimed at reducing longterm energy and water consumption for homebuyers. The companys core activities encompass land acquisition, residential community planning, home design, construction management and real estate sales. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Meritage Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Meritage Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB raised its position in Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report) by 8.6% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 499,474 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after buying an additional 39,648 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management ABs holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $23,221,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Management Co. acquired a new position in shares of Occidental Petroleum in the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. City Holding Co. grew its stake in Occidental Petroleum by 250.0% in the third quarter. City Holding Co. now owns 700 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 1,193.9% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 854 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 788 shares in the last quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum during the third quarter worth about $38,000. Finally, MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 371.7% during the 2nd quarter. MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 788 shares in the last quarter. 88.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Occidental Petroleum Trading Down 2.6% Occidental Petroleum stock opened at $43.18 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $42.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.75 and a beta of 0.38. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $41.52 and a 200-day moving average of $43.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.71. Occidental Petroleum Corporation has a one year low of $34.78 and a one year high of $52.78. Occidental Petroleum Announces Dividend Occidental Petroleum ( NYSE:OXY Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.16. Occidental Petroleum had a return on equity of 12.35% and a net margin of 7.81%.The business had revenue of $6.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.66 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.00 earnings per share. Occidental Petroleums revenue was down 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Occidental Petroleum Corporation will post 3.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th were issued a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 10th. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio is presently 70.59%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have commented on the stock. Citigroup dropped their target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $49.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Occidental Petroleum from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Sunday, January 11th. Evercore ISI reduced their target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $40.00 to $38.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Bank of America dropped their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $44.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $49.48. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on OXY Insider Buying and Selling at Occidental Petroleum In other news, Director William R. Klesse bought 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $38.98 per share, for a total transaction of $194,900.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 218,913 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,533,228.74. This represents a 2.34% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock. Occidental Petroleum Company Profile (Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) is an international energy company engaged primarily in the exploration, production and marketing of oil and natural gas. The company conducts upstream activities to discover and produce hydrocarbons and operates complementary midstream and marketing functions to transport and sell its production. Occidental also owns a chemicals business that manufactures and sells industrial chemicals and related products for a range of end markets. Occidentals operations are concentrated in the United States, with a significant presence in the Permian Basin, and it maintains exploration and production activities in several international regions, including parts of the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OXY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. North American Construction Group Ltd. (NYSE:NOA Get Free Report) (TSE:NOA) has been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the eight ratings firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $24.00. Several research firms recently commented on NOA. Zacks Research raised North American Construction Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of North American Construction Group in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Loop Capital set a $24.00 target price on North American Construction Group in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Wall Street Zen downgraded North American Construction Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 10th. Finally, ATB Capital reissued a sector perform rating on shares of North American Construction Group in a report on Friday, December 19th. Get North American Construction Group alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on NOA North American Construction Group Stock Up 0.1% NOA stock opened at $15.96 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $14.17 and its 200 day moving average price is $14.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $462.94 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.98 and a beta of 1.16. North American Construction Group has a fifty-two week low of $12.12 and a fifty-two week high of $21.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 0.91. North American Construction Group (NYSE:NOA Get Free Report) (TSE:NOA) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The oil and gas company reported $0.49 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.50 by ($0.01). North American Construction Group had a return on equity of 13.29% and a net margin of 3.02%.The firm had revenue of $280.90 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $231.58 million. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that North American Construction Group will post 2.56 EPS for the current fiscal year. North American Construction Group Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 26th were paid a dividend of $0.12 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.0%. This is an increase from North American Construction Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. North American Construction Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.17%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On North American Construction Group Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in NOA. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of North American Construction Group by 35.4% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 16,795 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $268,000 after purchasing an additional 4,390 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its stake in North American Construction Group by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 2,244,637 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $35,941,000 after buying an additional 98,646 shares during the last quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. increased its position in North American Construction Group by 106,111.8% during the second quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 278,275 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,463,000 after buying an additional 278,013 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its position in North American Construction Group by 16.7% during the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 10,307 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $165,000 after buying an additional 1,474 shares during the period. Finally, Intact Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in North American Construction Group by 31.2% in the second quarter. Intact Investment Management Inc. now owns 233,600 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,737,000 after buying an additional 55,600 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.99% of the companys stock. North American Construction Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) North American Construction Group Ltd (NYSE: NOA) is a Canadian industrial company headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, that specializes in providing integrated heavy construction equipment solutions. Through its two core segmentsSales and Rentalsthe company offers a comprehensive portfolio of new and used off-highway trucks, wheel loaders, hydraulic excavators, dozers and motor graders, along with aftermarket parts and maintenance services. In its Sales division, North American Construction Group partners with leading global equipment manufacturers to distribute and support a broad range of heavy machinery across multiple industries. Read More Receive News & Ratings for North American Construction Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North American Construction Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $57.12, but opened at $59.91. Novo Nordisk A/S shares last traded at $59.8510, with a volume of 9,248,604 shares trading hands. Trending Headlines about Novo Nordisk A/S Here are the key news stories impacting Novo Nordisk A/S this week: Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on NVO shares. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Monday, October 27th. They issued an underperform rating on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Monday, December 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their target price on Novo Nordisk A/S from $60.00 to $54.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 28th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Wednesday. Finally, HSBC reiterated a hold rating and issued a $54.00 price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $56.21. Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Up 8.0% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.78. The company has a market capitalization of $275.35 billion, a PE ratio of 17.91 and a beta of 0.66. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $50.51 and its 200 day simple moving average is $55.12. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $1.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.77 by $0.25. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 32.76% and a return on equity of 73.50%. The business had revenue of $11.79 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.98 billion. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Novo Nordisk A/S Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 4,190.8% during the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 13,984,789 shares of the companys stock worth $776,016,000 after purchasing an additional 13,658,867 shares during the last quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 301,443.6% in the second quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 10,005,216 shares of the companys stock valued at $690,560,000 after purchasing an additional 10,001,898 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors increased its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 52.4% in the third quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 17,713,424 shares of the companys stock valued at $982,969,000 after buying an additional 6,092,192 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners acquired a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the 3rd quarter worth $310,199,000. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC raised its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 2,101.5% during the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 2,383,176 shares of the companys stock worth $132,242,000 after buying an additional 2,274,925 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 11.54% of the companys stock. 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. Featured 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. Nwam LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF (NYSEARCA:RWK Free Report) by 91.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 39,595 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 18,871 shares during the quarter. Nwam LLC owned approximately 0.49% of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF worth $4,928,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Trust Co. of Vermont acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF in the second quarter valued at $117,000. Capital Square LLC raised its position in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 4.2% in the second quarter. Capital Square LLC now owns 2,409 shares of the companys stock valued at $295,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. Harbour Investments Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 27.6% during the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 2,532 shares of the companys stock worth $296,000 after buying an additional 547 shares during the last quarter. Finally, J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 9.3% during the 2nd quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 3,913 shares of the companys stock worth $457,000 after buying an additional 332 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF alerts: Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF Stock Performance Shares of RWK stock opened at $134.37 on Friday. Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF has a 52 week low of $93.24 and a 52 week high of $134.81. The company has a market capitalization of $1.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.05 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $127.29 and a 200 day simple moving average of $124.73. Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF Profile RevenueShares Mid Cap ETF (the Fund) seeks to achieve its investment objective of outperforming the total return performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index (S&P 400) by investing in the constituent securities of the S&P 400 in the same proportions as the RevenueShares Mid Cap Index. The Fund consists of the same constituent securities as the S&P 400. But rather than being weighted by market capitalization, the Fund employs a patent-pending investment methodology to weight stocks by annual revenue. The Fund is rebalanced annually. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Origin Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:OBK Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven analysts that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has given a hold recommendation and five have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $42.80. A number of analysts have commented on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Origin Bancorp from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Piper Sandler boosted their price target on shares of Origin Bancorp from $42.00 to $43.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Origin Bancorp in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research cut shares of Origin Bancorp from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, DA Davidson assumed coverage on shares of Origin Bancorp in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. They set a buy rating and a $42.00 target price on the stock. Get Origin Bancorp alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on OBK Origin Bancorp Stock Up 1.2% Shares of NYSE OBK opened at $40.49 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The firm has a market cap of $1.25 billion, a PE ratio of 21.20 and a beta of 0.74. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $37.45. Origin Bancorp has a 52-week low of $28.80 and a 52-week high of $41.17. Origin Bancorp (NYSE:OBK Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $0.27 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.89 by ($0.62). Origin Bancorp had a net margin of 10.23% and a return on equity of 5.05%. The company had revenue of $99.62 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $103.95 million. Origin Bancorp Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were given a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Origin Bancorps payout ratio is presently 31.41%. Insider Transactions at Origin Bancorp In other Origin Bancorp news, insider Jim Crotwell bought 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 27th. The shares were bought at an average price of $34.32 per share, for a total transaction of $102,960.00. Following the acquisition, the insider directly owned 24,475 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $839,982. This trade represents a 13.97% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Derek Mcgee purchased 732 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 27th. The shares were bought at an average price of $34.25 per share, with a total value of $25,071.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider owned 1,467 shares of the companys stock, valued at $50,244.75. This trade represents a 99.59% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders bought 25,918 shares of company stock worth $893,280. 6.39% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Origin Bancorp A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in OBK. Quarry LP acquired a new position in shares of Origin Bancorp in the third quarter worth $25,000. State of Alaska Department of Revenue purchased a new position in Origin Bancorp in the third quarter valued at about $47,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its position in Origin Bancorp by 232.5% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,620 shares of the companys stock worth $94,000 after purchasing an additional 1,832 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC raised its stake in shares of Origin Bancorp by 210.1% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,157 shares of the companys stock worth $113,000 after purchasing an additional 2,139 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of Origin Bancorp during the 1st quarter valued at about $218,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 54.68% of the companys stock. About Origin Bancorp (Get Free Report) Origin Bancorp, Inc (NYSE: OBK) is a bank holding company based in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the parent of Origin Bank, a full-service commercial banking franchise. The company provides a broad range of financial products and services to individuals, small and middle-market businesses, and institutional clients across the southeastern United States. Through Origin Bank, the company offers a variety of deposit products, including checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Origin Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Origin Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Procyon Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 9,961 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $1,412,000. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its stake in Dell Technologies by 77.2% during the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 2,245 shares of the technology companys stock worth $318,000 after buying an additional 978 shares during the last quarter. Stephens Inc. AR raised its position in shares of Dell Technologies by 13.9% in the 3rd quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 9,201 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,304,000 after acquiring an additional 1,123 shares in the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC lifted its stake in shares of Dell Technologies by 4.1% in the 3rd quarter. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC now owns 4,710 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $668,000 after purchasing an additional 186 shares during the period. Eastern Bank boosted its position in shares of Dell Technologies by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter. Eastern Bank now owns 2,891 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $410,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. Finally, WealthPLAN Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Dell Technologies during the third quarter worth approximately $222,000. 76.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Dell Technologies Trading Up 0.8% DELL opened at $119.61 on Friday. Dell Technologies Inc. has a 1-year low of $66.25 and a 1-year high of $168.08. The company has a market cap of $79.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.95, a PEG ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.03. The companys fifty day moving average price is $129.24 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $133.94. Dell Technologies Announces Dividend Dell Technologies ( NYSE:DELL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology company reported $2.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.47 by $0.12. Dell Technologies had a net margin of 5.01% and a negative return on equity of 234.84%. The firm had revenue of $27.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $27.26 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.15 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. Dell Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.920-9.920 EPS and its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.500-3.500 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be paid a $0.525 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a $2.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 28.00%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Mizuho increased their price target on Dell Technologies from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $110.00 to $113.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Citic Securities raised their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Dell Technologies in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, TD Cowen increased their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $130.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Eighteen equities 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. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $161.79. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Dell Technologies Key Dell Technologies News Here are the key news stories impacting Dell Technologies this week: Insider Buying and Selling at Dell Technologies In other news, Director Egon Durban sold 71,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.12, for a total value of $9,806,520.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 1,172,428 shares in the company, valued at $161,935,755.36. This trade represents a 5.71% 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 hyperlink. 42.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Dell Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of information technology products, solutions and services. Its offerings span client computing devices (consumer and commercial laptops and desktops), enterprise infrastructure (servers, storage systems and networking equipment), software and cloud infrastructure, and a variety of professional services such as IT consulting, deployment, managed services and financing solutions. The company serves organizations of all sizes as well as individual consumers, with products and services aimed at enabling digital transformation and modern IT environments. Founded by Michael Dell in 1984, the company grew from a direct-to-consumer PC business into a diversified IT provider through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DELL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UnitedHealth Group, Johnson & Johnson, Intuitive Surgical, Tempus AI, and McKesson are the five Healthcare stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Healthcare stocks are shares of companies involved in delivering medical goods and servicesincluding pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical device manufacturers, hospitals and health systems, diagnostics, and insurers. For investors, these stocks provide exposure to demographic-driven demand and medical innovation but carry sector-specific risks such as regulatory decisions, clinical-trial outcomes, patent expirations, and reimbursement changes that can cause volatility. 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. 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 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 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 McKesson (MCK) McKesson Corporation provides healthcare services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Pharmaceutical, Prescription Technology Solutions (RxTS), Medical-Surgical Solutions, and International. The U.S. Pharmaceutical segment distributes branded, generic, specialty, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, and other healthcare-related products. Read Our Latest Research Report on MCK Recommended Stories Booking, Trip.com Group, Travelers Companies, Expedia Group, MakeMyTrip, TripAdvisor, and Frontier Group are the seven Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business depends on people traveling for leisure or workexamples include airlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, car rental firms, airports, and online travel agencies. Their performance is typically cyclical and highly sensitive to factors like consumer travel demand, economic conditions, seasonality, fuel and currency costs, and health or safety disruptions. 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 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 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 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 TripAdvisor (TRIP) TripAdvisor, Inc. operates as an online travel company, primarily engages in the provision of travel guidance products and services worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Brand Tripadvisor, Viator, and TheFork. The Brand Tripadvisor segment offers travel guidance platforms for travelers to discover, generate, and share authentic user-generated content in the form of ratings and reviews for destinations, points-of-interest, experiences, accommodations, restaurants, and cruises. Read Our Latest Research Report on TRIP Frontier Group (ULCC) Frontier Group Holdings, Inc., provides low-fare passenger airline services to leisure travelers in the United States and Latin America. The company sells its products through direct distribution channels, including its website, mobile app, and contact centers. As of December 31, 2023, it had a fleet of 136 Airbus single-aisle aircrafts. Read Our Latest Research Report on ULCC Read More Raiffeisen Bank International AG (OTCMKTS:RAIFY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 8,278 shares, a drop of 49.9% from the December 15th total of 16,522 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 12,958 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 12,958 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days. Raiffeisen Bank International Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:RAIFY opened at $10.61 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $13.96 billion, a PE ratio of 14.94 and a beta of 1.11. The firms fifty day moving average is $10.54 and its 200-day moving average is $9.06. Raiffeisen Bank International has a 52 week low of $4.86 and a 52 week high of $12.00. Get Raiffeisen Bank International alerts: Raiffeisen Bank International (OTCMKTS:RAIFY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $2.63 billion during the quarter. Raiffeisen Bank International had a positive return on equity of 3.09% and a negative net margin of 0.14%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Barclays cut Raiffeisen Bank International from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Raiffeisen Bank International has a consensus rating of Hold. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on RAIFY About Raiffeisen Bank International (Get Free Report) Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) is an Austrian banking group headquartered in Vienna, offering a diverse range of financial services. As a universal bank, RBI serves retail customers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporates, with a particular focus on Central and Eastern Europe. The banks service portfolio encompasses everyday banking products, payment solutions, and digital services for individual clients, as well as cash management, trade finance, and structured lending for corporate and institutional customers. In addition to traditional banking, RBI provides investment banking and capital markets services, including underwriting, debt and equity issuance, and advisory services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Raiffeisen Bank International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raiffeisen Bank International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Range Resources Corporation (NYSE:RRC Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the twenty-one ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $41.8421. RRC has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Raymond James Financial dropped their price objective on shares of Range Resources from $45.00 to $41.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Range Resources from $46.00 to $44.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of Range Resources from $44.00 to $42.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Range Resources from $39.00 to $37.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price target on Range Resources from $38.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Get Range Resources alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Range Resources Hedge Funds Weigh In On Range Resources Range Resources Stock Performance Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in Range Resources by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 6,013 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $245,000 after purchasing an additional 270 shares in the last quarter. Profund Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Range Resources by 5.5% during the third quarter. Profund Advisors LLC now owns 5,427 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $204,000 after purchasing an additional 282 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its position in shares of Range Resources by 0.4% in the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 73,294 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $2,981,000 after buying an additional 299 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Range Resources by 2.5% in the third quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 12,503 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $471,000 after buying an additional 302 shares during the period. Finally, ProShare Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Range Resources by 3.1% in the second quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 10,596 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $431,000 after buying an additional 315 shares during the period. 98.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. RRC opened at $33.60 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Range Resources has a 12-month low of $30.32 and a 12-month high of $43.50. The business has a 50 day moving average of $36.59 and a 200-day moving average of $36.33. The stock has a market cap of $7.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.12, a PEG ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 0.51. Range Resources (NYSE:RRC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.57 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.54 by $0.03. Range Resources had a return on equity of 15.99% and a net margin of 19.64%.The business had revenue of $655.30 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $721.22 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.48 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 21.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that Range Resources will post 2.02 earnings per share for the current year. Range Resources Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 12th were issued a dividend of $0.09 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 12th. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. Range Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 15.13%. About Range Resources (Get Free Report) Range Resources Corporation, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids. The company focuses its core operations on the Appalachian Basin, with a significant presence in Pennsylvanias Marcellus Shale. Through its drilling and completion activities, Range Resources seeks to optimize production efficiency while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and cost management. The companys technical expertise centers on advanced horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques, which it applies to unlock unconventional resources. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Range Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Range Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (CVE:RECO Get Free Report)s share price traded down 11.3% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.99 and last traded at C$1.02. 3,073,763 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 68% from the average session volume of 1,830,974 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.15. Reconnaissance Energy Africa Stock Down 12.7% The firm has a fifty day moving average of C$0.77 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.60. The firm has a market cap of C$300.56 million, a P/E ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.20. About Reconnaissance Energy Africa (Get Free Report) Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd., a junior oil and gas company, engages in exploration and development of oil and gas properties in Namibia and Botswana. The company holds a 90% interest in a petroleum exploration license that covers an area of approximately 25,341.33 square kilometer located in Namibia; and 100% working interest in a petroleum license, which covers an area of 8,990 square kilometer located in northwestern Botswana. Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Reconnaissance Energy Africa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reconnaissance Energy Africa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ritholtz Wealth Management boosted its stake in shares of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 33.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 120,888 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 30,418 shares during the period. Ritholtz Wealth Managements holdings in Citigroup were worth $12,270,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. TKG Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Citigroup in the third quarter worth $2,370,000. EdgeRock Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Citigroup in the 3rd quarter worth about $245,000. Nwam LLC boosted its stake in Citigroup by 32.1% in the 3rd quarter. Nwam LLC now owns 9,272 shares of the companys stock worth $900,000 after purchasing an additional 2,252 shares in the last quarter. Alliance Wealth Management Group purchased a new stake in Citigroup during the 3rd quarter valued at about $252,000. Finally, Wolff Wiese Magana LLC increased its stake in Citigroup by 87.6% during the 3rd quarter. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC now owns 257 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.72% of the companys stock. Get Citigroup alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades C has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Citigroup in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. HSBC reiterated a buy rating and set a $87.00 target price on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Barclays boosted their price target on Citigroup from $115.00 to $146.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $121.00 price objective on shares of Citigroup in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Citigroup from $123.00 to $129.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Fourteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $124.65. Key Stories Impacting Citigroup Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 EPS beat and lighter loanloss provisioning Citi beat on adjusted EPS ($1.81 vs. ~ $1.65 expected) and reported lowerthanexpected provisions, which supports nearterm profitability. Earnings summary Q4 EPS beat and lighter loanloss provisioning Citi beat on adjusted EPS ($1.81 vs. ~ $1.65 expected) and reported lowerthanexpected provisions, which supports nearterm profitability. Positive Sentiment: Investment banking / M&A strength Advisory fees jumped (PYMNTS notes an 84% increase), driving record revenues in dealmaking and corporate client services. That diversification is a tailwind for revenue quality. Citigroup M&A fees jump Investment banking / M&A strength Advisory fees jumped (PYMNTS notes an 84% increase), driving record revenues in dealmaking and corporate client services. That diversification is a tailwind for revenue quality. Positive Sentiment: Analyst support / raises Several firms refreshed coverage after results (Wolfe Research raised a price target; some houses reiterated Outperform/Buy), providing potential upside via upgraded estimates and investor confidence. Wolfe Research PT raise Analyst support / raises Several firms refreshed coverage after results (Wolfe Research raised a price target; some houses reiterated Outperform/Buy), providing potential upside via upgraded estimates and investor confidence. Neutral Sentiment: Mixed topline vs. bottomline Revenue missed consensus (~$19.9B vs. ~$20.721.0B expectations) even as EPS topped forecasts; that combination produces mixed signals for valuation and growth prospects. CNBC earnings coverage Mixed topline vs. bottomline Revenue missed consensus (~$19.9B vs. ~$20.721.0B expectations) even as EPS topped forecasts; that combination produces mixed signals for valuation and growth prospects. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst divergence Some shops (JP Morgan, RBC, others) reiterated bullish stances while others kept Hold ratings, creating a split consensus that can amplify intraday swings as funds rebalance. TipRanks: Hold commentary Analyst divergence Some shops (JP Morgan, RBC, others) reiterated bullish stances while others kept Hold ratings, creating a split consensus that can amplify intraday swings as funds rebalance. Negative Sentiment: Onetime Russia exit charge Citi booked a ~$1.2B pretax loss tied to the planned sale/exit from Russia, which trimmed Q4 profit and flagged geopolitical disposal risk. That headline pressured sentiment after the print. Reuters: Russia charge Onetime Russia exit charge Citi booked a ~$1.2B pretax loss tied to the planned sale/exit from Russia, which trimmed Q4 profit and flagged geopolitical disposal risk. That headline pressured sentiment after the print. Negative Sentiment: Cost cuts & workforce disruption Management signaled tougher standards and further job cuts (Citi has started ~1,000 cuts and plans larger reductions), which can boost mediumterm efficiency but creates nearterm execution and morale risk. CEO signals job cuts Cost cuts & workforce disruption Management signaled tougher standards and further job cuts (Citi has started ~1,000 cuts and plans larger reductions), which can boost mediumterm efficiency but creates nearterm execution and morale risk. Negative Sentiment: Regulatory and sector overhangs Industry headlines about possible creditcard rate caps and broader bank valuation concerns have pressured peers and add downside risk to Citis consumer credit economics. CNBC: credit card cap risk Citigroup Trading Up 4.4% Shares of Citigroup stock opened at $117.32 on Friday. Citigroup Inc. has a 1-year low of $55.51 and a 1-year high of $124.17. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $110.32 and its 200-day simple moving average is $100.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $209.92 billion, a PE ratio of 16.83, a P/E/G ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 1.18. Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $1.81 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $19.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.99 billion. Citigroup had a return on equity of 8.28% and a net margin of 8.50%.Citigroups revenue for the quarter was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.34 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 earnings per share for the current year. Citigroup Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Investors of record on Monday, February 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 2nd. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. Citigroups payout ratio is 34.43%. Citigroup Profile (Free Report) Citigroup Inc is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City with roots tracing back to the City Bank of New York, founded in 1812. The modern Citigroup was created through the 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group and has since operated as a diversified bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments and institutions worldwide. Citis principal businesses include retail and commercial banking, credit card and consumer lending products, wealth management and private banking, and a full suite of institutional services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding C? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report). 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. Ritholtz Wealth Management trimmed its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 11.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 58,608 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 7,270 shares during the quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Managements holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $7,850,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in ABT. Brighton Jones LLC increased its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 10.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 51,719 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $5,850,000 after acquiring an additional 4,755 shares in the last quarter. Balefire LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 73.6% in the second quarter. Balefire LLC now owns 6,145 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $836,000 after purchasing an additional 2,606 shares during the period. Mirador Capital Partners LP increased its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 6.1% in the second quarter. Mirador Capital Partners LP now owns 2,970 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $404,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares in the last quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC raised its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 53.8% during the second quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 38,392 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $5,222,000 after purchasing an additional 13,437 shares during the period. Finally, Sivia Capital Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 4,768 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $648,000 after purchasing an additional 162 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance NYSE:ABT opened at $123.49 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $126.10 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $129.10. Abbott Laboratories has a 1 year low of $111.02 and a 1 year high of $141.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 1.70 and a quick ratio of 1.24. The company has a market capitalization of $214.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.48, a P/E/G ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 0.72. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.30. The company had revenue of $11.37 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.40 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.88% and a return on equity of 17.60%. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.21 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 15th will be given a dividend of $0.63 per share. This is a boost from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 15th. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is 29.57%. Analysts Set New Price Targets ABT has been the topic of a number of research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $157.00 to $152.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Monday, December 29th. William Blair upgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $149.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $147.42. Read Our Latest Analysis on Abbott Laboratories Abbott Laboratories Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions. In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stephens Inc. AR boosted its stake in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Free Report) (TSE:RY) by 370.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 44,377 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 34,937 shares during the period. Stephens Inc. ARs holdings in Royal Bank Of Canada were worth $6,538,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in the third quarter worth $220,000. Rempart Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in Royal Bank Of Canada by 2.4% during the third quarter. Rempart Asset Management Inc. now owns 216,581 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,942,000 after purchasing an additional 5,105 shares during the last quarter. First Horizon Corp acquired a new stake in Royal Bank Of Canada during the third quarter valued at $82,000. Forum Financial Management LP grew its stake in Royal Bank Of Canada by 7.9% in the third quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 6,800 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,002,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cardinal Capital Management increased its position in Royal Bank Of Canada by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Cardinal Capital Management now owns 39,711 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,850,000 after purchasing an additional 385 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 45.31% of the companys stock. Get Royal Bank Of Canada alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In RY has been the subject of several recent research reports. Cowen raised Royal Bank Of Canada from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Royal Bank Of Canada from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Erste Group Bank upgraded shares of Royal Bank Of Canada from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Raymond James Financial assumed coverage on shares of Royal Bank Of Canada in a research note on Monday, November 24th. They issued a moderate buy rating for the company. Finally, Natl Bk Canada upgraded shares of Royal Bank Of Canada from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Royal Bank Of Canada has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $162.00. Royal Bank Of Canada Trading Up 0.4% NYSE:RY opened at $169.24 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average is $161.42 and its 200-day moving average is $147.59. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. Royal Bank Of Canada has a 12 month low of $106.10 and a 12 month high of $174.61. The firm has a market cap of $237.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.87, a P/E/G ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.79. Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Get Free Report) (TSE:RY) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The financial services provider reported $2.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.51 by $0.25. The business had revenue of $12.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.12 billion. Royal Bank Of Canada had a net margin of 14.83% and a return on equity of 16.83%. Royal Bank Of Canadas revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.07 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Royal Bank Of Canada will post 9.16 EPS for the current year. Royal Bank Of Canada Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 26th will be given a $1.64 dividend. This is an increase from Royal Bank Of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.54. This represents a $6.56 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 26th. Royal Bank Of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 44.07%. About Royal Bank Of Canada (Free Report) Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE: RY) is a diversified financial services company and one of Canadas largest banks. Founded in 1864 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the firm is now headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. It provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutional clients through a network of branches, digital platforms and international offices. RBC operates across several principal business segments including personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, investor and treasury services, capital markets, and global asset management. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Royal Bank Of Canada (NYSE:RY Free Report) (TSE:RY). Receive News & Ratings for Royal Bank Of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Bank Of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sasol Ltd. (NYSE:SSL Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Friday . 2,278,491 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 96% from the previous sessions volume of 1,160,900 shares.The stock last traded at $6.1050 and had previously closed at $7.15. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research lowered shares of Sasol from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Morgan Stanley downgraded Sasol from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, September 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated an underweight rating on shares of Sasol in a research note on Friday. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Sasol in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded Sasol from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with 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 Strong Sell. Get Sasol alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Sasol Sasol Stock Down 13.2% Institutional Inflows and Outflows The company has a quick ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 1.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $6.57 and a 200 day simple moving average of $6.13. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its holdings in Sasol by 240.6% in the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 261,467 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,626,000 after acquiring an additional 184,704 shares in the last quarter. ABC Arbitrage SA bought a new position in shares of Sasol during the second quarter valued at $833,000. Creative Planning increased its position in Sasol by 157.0% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 246,324 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,089,000 after purchasing an additional 150,491 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in Sasol by 25.5% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 890,502 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,936,000 after purchasing an additional 180,827 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. grew its stake in Sasol by 11.9% in the second quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 767,312 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,392,000 after acquiring an additional 81,769 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.21% of the companys stock. About Sasol (Get Free Report) Sasol Limited is an integrated energy and chemical company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. The companys core operations encompass the conversion of natural gas, coal and heavy hydrocarbons into liquid fuels and a wide array of chemical products. Sasol leverages proprietary Fischer-Tropsch and gas-to-liquids (GTL) technologies to deliver cleaner-burning diesel, jet fuel and naphtha, alongside solvents, surfactants and specialty polymers for industrial and consumer applications. In addition to its GTL business, Sasol operates downstream facilities for the manufacture of alpha olefins, ethylene, propylene and other base-chemical intermediates. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sasol Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sasol and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco DB Base Metals Fund (NYSEARCA:DBB Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 119,148 shares, a decrease of 39.6% from the December 15th total of 197,187 shares. Approximately 1.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 329,298 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Based on an average trading volume of 329,298 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 1.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Invesco DB Base Metals Fund Stock Down 2.2% NYSEARCA:DBB traded down $0.53 on Friday, hitting $23.76. The stock had a trading volume of 212,706 shares, compared to its average volume of 407,035. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $22.44 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $20.94. The stock has a market cap of $228.10 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3.20 and a beta of 0.56. Invesco DB Base Metals Fund has a 52-week low of $17.13 and a 52-week high of $24.56. Get Invesco DB Base Metals Fund alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its stake in shares of Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 1,518.5% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 335,433 shares of the companys stock worth $6,497,000 after acquiring an additional 314,708 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 114.6% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 86,747 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,664,000 after purchasing an additional 46,328 shares in the last quarter. Solstein Capital LLC grew its holdings in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 74.1% during the third quarter. Solstein Capital LLC now owns 76,293 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,567,000 after purchasing an additional 32,466 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its position in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 41.3% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 86,827 shares of the companys stock worth $1,679,000 after buying an additional 25,378 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC increased its position in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 73.9% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 53,307 shares of the companys stock worth $1,023,000 after buying an additional 22,658 shares in the last quarter. 40.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Invesco DB Base Metals Fund PowerShares DB Base Metals Fund (the Fund) is a separate series of PowerShares DB Multi-Sector Commodity Trust (the Trust), a Delaware statutory trust organized in seven separate series. The Fund seeks to track changes, whether positive or negative, in the level of the DBIQ Optimum Yield Industrial Metals Index Excess Return (the Index) over time, plus the excess, if any, of the Funds interest income from its holdings of United States Treasury Obligations and other high credit quality short-term fixed income securities over the expenses of the Fund. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco DB Base Metals Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco DB Base Metals Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SHYG Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 548,471 shares, a decrease of 42.5% from the December 15th total of 953,871 shares. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,346,624 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,346,624 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SHYG. Dunhill Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. TD Private Client Wealth LLC acquired a new position in iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $45,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Ameriflex Group Inc. increased its holdings in iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 30.6% in the second quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 2,059 shares of the companys stock valued at $89,000 after purchasing an additional 482 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FWL Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 1,291.0% during the 2nd quarter. FWL Investment Management LLC now owns 2,156 shares of the companys stock worth $93,000 after acquiring an additional 2,001 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF alerts: iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Trading Up 0.1% Shares of iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF stock traded up $0.03 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $43.06. The company had a trading volume of 912,584 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,056,050. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $42.89 and a 200 day simple moving average of $42.99. The company has a market capitalization of $8.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.74 and a beta of 0.30. iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $40.38 and a 1-year high of $43.39. About iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF The iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (SHYG) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of high-yield USD-denominated bonds with 0-5 years remaining in maturity. SHYG was launched on Oct 15, 2013 and is managed by BlackRock. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Japan Hotel REIT Investment Co. (OTCMKTS:NIPOF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 14,043 shares, a growth of 94.8% from the December 15th total of 7,210 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. Japan Hotel REIT Investment Stock Performance OTCMKTS:NIPOF opened at $521.53 on Friday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $521.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $518.98. Japan Hotel REIT Investment has a 1-year low of $457.29 and a 1-year high of $521.53. Get Japan Hotel REIT Investment alerts: About Japan Hotel REIT Investment (Get Free Report) Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corporation is a real estate investment trust focused on hotel properties across Japan. Established in 2007, the trust is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and trades in the U.S. over-the-counter market under the symbol NIPOF. Its mandate centers on acquiring, owning and leasing mid- to upscale hotel assets, with an emphasis on locations that attract both domestic and international travelers. The trusts portfolio spans key urban centers and regional destinations, including properties in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and major resort areas. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Japan Hotel REIT Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Japan Hotel REIT Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Silvercorp Metals Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:SVM Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six research firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $8.25. SVM has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Silvercorp Metals in a research note on Friday. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating on shares of Silvercorp Metals in a research report on Wednesday. Cormark upgraded Silvercorp Metals to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. Cantor Fitzgerald set a $7.50 price objective on Silvercorp Metals and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Finally, Roth Capital lifted their target price on shares of Silvercorp Metals to $9.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Get Silvercorp Metals alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Silvercorp Metals Institutional Trading of Silvercorp Metals Silvercorp Metals Trading Up 7.6% Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd raised its holdings in Silvercorp Metals by 419.2% during the second quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 7,232 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 5,839 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Silvercorp Metals by 163.4% during the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,333 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 3,929 shares during the period. Ballentine Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Silvercorp Metals during the 2nd quarter valued at about $50,000. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise purchased a new position in shares of Silvercorp Metals in the third quarter valued at $57,000. Finally, SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Silvercorp Metals in the third quarter valued at about $67,000. 22.30% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Shares of SVM stock traded up $0.78 on Friday, reaching $10.98. 5,661,442 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,193,270. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $8.05 and its 200 day simple moving average is $6.31. The company has a current ratio of 4.59, a quick ratio of 4.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.42 billion, a PE ratio of 91.47 and a beta of 0.97. Silvercorp Metals has a 52 week low of $2.93 and a 52 week high of $10.99. Silvercorp Metals Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th were issued a $0.0125 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 32.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. Silvercorp Metalss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 8.33%. Silvercorp Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Silvercorp Metals Inc is a Canadian-based precious metals company engaged in silver, lead and zinc production. The companys core operations are located in the provinces of Henan and Guangxi in the Peoples Republic of China, where it operates several underground mining and milling facilities. Silvercorp focuses on lowcost, highgrade silver projects, producing concentrates that are sold to smelting partners under longterm offtake arrangements. The companys principal assets include the Ying Mining District in Henan Province, which hosts multiple subdistrict mines, and the GC and HPG silverleadzinc projects in Guangxi Province. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Silvercorp Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Silvercorp Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (NYSE:SKM Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the eight ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Daiwa Capital Markets cut SK Telecom to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of SK Telecom in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Zacks Research raised SK Telecom from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Get SK Telecom alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on SK Telecom Institutional Inflows and Outflows SK Telecom Price Performance Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in SKM. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in SK Telecom by 8.2% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 43,999 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $936,000 after buying an additional 3,316 shares in the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC bought a new stake in shares of SK Telecom in the 1st quarter worth approximately $85,000. Millennium Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of SK Telecom by 160.7% during the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 226,848 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $4,823,000 after purchasing an additional 139,829 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in shares of SK Telecom by 46.9% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 260,140 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $5,531,000 after purchasing an additional 83,030 shares during the period. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers raised its stake in shares of SK Telecom by 8.6% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 94,631 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $2,012,000 after purchasing an additional 7,485 shares in the last quarter. NYSE SKM opened at $20.91 on Friday. SK Telecom has a 1 year low of $19.66 and a 1 year high of $23.80. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $20.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $21.31. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The company has a market cap of $8.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.20, a P/E/G ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 0.49. SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, December 12th. The Wireless communications provider reported ($0.29) earnings per share for the quarter. SK Telecom had a return on equity of 5.30% and a net margin of 3.60%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that SK Telecom will post 2.27 EPS for the current year. SK Telecom Company Profile (Get Free Report) SK Telecom Co, Ltd. (NYSE:SKM) is South Koreas largest wireless carrier, offering a comprehensive range of mobile telecommunications services. The company operates 5G, 4G LTE and IoT networks, providing voice, data and messaging solutions to consumers and businesses. Beyond traditional wireless services, SK Telecom delivers fixed-line broadband, digital content platforms, cloud computing and cybersecurity offerings designed to support enterprise digital transformation and the growing demand for high-speed connectivity. Established in 1984 as Korea Mobile Telecommunications Services, SK Telecom pioneered cellular service commercialization in South Korea and has continually expanded into new technology areas. Read More Receive News & Ratings for SK Telecom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SK Telecom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. grew its holdings in Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL Free Report) by 2.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 716,632 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 14,792 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc.s holdings in Rollins were worth $42,095,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new stake in Rollins during the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. raised its stake in shares of Rollins by 58.4% during the second quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 730 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 269 shares in the last quarter. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Rollins in the second quarter valued at approximately $42,000. TruNorth Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Rollins in the third quarter worth approximately $45,000. Finally, First Horizon Corp purchased a new position in Rollins during the 3rd quarter worth $47,000. 51.79% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Rollins alerts: Key Rollins News Here are the key news stories impacting Rollins this week: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group set a $66.00 target price on Rollins and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Canaccord Genuity Group set a $55.00 price objective on shares of Rollins and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on shares of Rollins in a research report on Friday, September 26th. They set an overweight rating and a $70.00 target price on the stock. Barclays upgraded shares of Rollins from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the company from $60.00 to $72.00 in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $64.00 price objective on shares of Rollins in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $67.33. Get Our Latest Report on ROL Insider Buying and Selling at Rollins In other news, Chairman John F. Wilson sold 1,520 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.40, for a total transaction of $90,288.00. Following the sale, the chairman owned 607,587 shares in the company, valued at approximately $36,090,667.80. The trade was a 0.25% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Thomas D. Tesh sold 2,396 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.06, for a total transaction of $143,903.76. Following the transaction, the insider owned 29,231 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,755,613.86. This trade represents a 7.58% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 8,707 shares of company stock worth $515,664. 4.47% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Rollins Stock Down 0.1% Shares of Rollins stock opened at $62.08 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The company has a market cap of $30.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 58.02 and a beta of 0.79. The firms 50 day moving average price is $60.05 and its 200-day moving average price is $58.02. Rollins, Inc. has a 52-week low of $46.96 and a 52-week high of $62.72. Rollins (NYSE:ROL Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The business services provider reported $0.35 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.32 by $0.03. Rollins had a net margin of 14.02% and a return on equity of 37.60%. The company had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.02 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.29 earnings per share. Rollinss revenue was up 12.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Rollins, Inc. will post 1.09 EPS for the current fiscal year. Rollins Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were given a $0.1825 dividend. This represents a $0.73 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. This is a positive change from Rollinss previous quarterly dividend of $0.17. Rollinss payout ratio is 68.22%. Rollins Profile (Free Report) Rollins, Inc (NYSE: ROL) is a provider of pest and termite control services operating through a network of subsidiaries and franchises. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company offers a broad range of pest management solutions for both residential and commercial customers, positioning itself as a specialist in protecting property and public health from pests and vectors. Its service offerings include general pest control, termite inspection and treatment, bed bug remediation, mosquito and vector control, wildlife exclusion, and related specialty services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rollins Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rollins and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. reduced its stake in Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT Free Report) by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 482,278 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 13,749 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc.s holdings in Textron were worth $40,748,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. True Wealth Design LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Textron by 388.5% in the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 298 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 237 shares in the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. lifted its position in Textron by 191.9% in the second quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 324 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 213 shares during the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new position in Textron in the second quarter valued at $27,000. Private Trust Co. NA grew its holdings in shares of Textron by 155.6% during the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 460 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 280 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Textron during the second quarter worth about $41,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.03% of the companys stock. Get Textron alerts: Textron Price Performance Shares of NYSE TXT opened at $93.44 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $86.14 and a 200 day moving average price of $83.24. Textron Inc. has a 1-year low of $57.70 and a 1-year high of $94.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 1.84 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The company has a market cap of $16.47 billion, a PE ratio of 20.54, a P/E/G ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 1.00. Textron Announces Dividend Textron ( NYSE:TXT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The aerospace company reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $3.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.70 billion. Textron had a net margin of 5.81% and a return on equity of 14.16%. Textrons quarterly revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.40 EPS. Textron has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.000-6.200 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Textron Inc. will post 6.12 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th were issued a $0.02 dividend. 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 payout ratio is currently 1.76%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently issued reports on TXT. Citigroup upped their target price on Textron from $91.00 to $107.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday. Susquehanna reissued a positive rating and issued a $110.00 price objective on shares of Textron in a report on Thursday. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Textron from $89.00 to $99.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $115.00 price target on shares of Textron in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Textron from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $96.33. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on TXT Textron Profile (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TXT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT Free Report). 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. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. lifted its position in Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Free Report) by 53.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,010,557 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 701,210 shares during the quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc.s holdings in Kite Realty Group Trust were worth $44,835,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of KRG. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Kite Realty Group Trust by 54.8% during the third quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 1,305 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 462 shares in the last quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust during the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. First Horizon Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at about $30,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Kite Realty Group Trust by 118.4% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,365 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 740 shares during the period. Finally, Smallwood Wealth Investment Management LLC raised its position in Kite Realty Group Trust by 57.9% in the third quarter. Smallwood Wealth Investment Management LLC now owns 1,748 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 641 shares in the last quarter. 90.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Kite Realty Group Trust alerts: Kite Realty Group Trust Price Performance Shares of KRG stock opened at $23.33 on Friday. Kite Realty Group Trust has a 52 week low of $18.51 and a 52 week high of $24.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.05 billion, a PE ratio of 36.45, a PEG ratio of 5.90 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 0.98. The stocks fifty day moving average is $23.20 and its 200-day moving average is $22.62. Kite Realty Group Trust Increases Dividend Kite Realty Group Trust ( NYSE:KRG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.01. Kite Realty Group Trust had a return on equity of 4.27% and a net margin of 16.34%.The business had revenue of $205.06 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $208.82 million. Kite Realty Group Trust has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.090-2.110 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Kite Realty Group Trust will post 2.05 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.29 per share. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.0%. This is an increase from Kite Realty Group Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.27. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. Kite Realty Group Trusts payout ratio is currently 181.25%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $25.00 price objective (up from $24.00) on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Raymond James Financial lowered Kite Realty Group Trust from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Wall Street Zen cut Kite Realty Group Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and set a $24.00 price objective (up from $23.00) on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their target price for the company from $23.00 to $25.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Kite Realty Group Trust has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $25.43. Read Our Latest Analysis on KRG About Kite Realty Group Trust (Free Report) Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust that specializes in the ownership, development and management of open-air retail real estate. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company focuses on acquiring, developing and operating community and neighborhood shopping centers, as well as mixed-use properties that accommodate national, regional and local retailers. Established in 1994, Kite Realty has grown its portfolio through strategic development projects, targeted acquisitions and selective dispositions. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KRG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC lifted its stake in Teck Resources Ltd (NYSE:TECK Free Report) (TSE:TECK) by 64.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 28,216 shares of the basic materials companys stock after purchasing an additional 11,011 shares during the quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLCs holdings in Teck Resources were worth $1,238,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in TECK. RWC Asset Management LLP grew its holdings in Teck Resources by 14.6% in the 3rd quarter. RWC Asset Management LLP now owns 341,878 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $15,005,000 after buying an additional 43,571 shares in the last quarter. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Teck Resources during the 3rd quarter valued at about $303,000. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd grew its holdings in shares of Teck Resources by 70.8% in the third quarter. JARISLOWSKY FRASER Ltd now owns 12,059 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $529,000 after purchasing an additional 4,997 shares during the period. Synergy Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Teck Resources during the third quarter worth about $272,000. Finally, Tectonic Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Teck Resources during the third quarter worth about $1,422,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.06% of the companys stock. Get Teck Resources alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes TECK has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Teck Resources from $43.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $46.00 price objective on shares of Teck Resources in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Natl Bk Canada cut Teck Resources from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Teck Resources in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Teck Resources in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Teck Resources currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $55.71. Teck Resources Stock Up 0.1% Teck Resources stock opened at $52.21 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $25.09 billion, a PE ratio of 29.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 2.08 and a current ratio of 2.78. Teck Resources Ltd has a fifty-two week low of $28.32 and a fifty-two week high of $52.42. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $45.00 and a 200 day moving average price of $40.64. Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK Get Free Report) (TSE:TECK) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The basic materials company reported $0.55 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.39 by $0.16. Teck Resources had a return on equity of 4.14% and a net margin of 11.93%.The business had revenue of $2.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.93 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.60 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.4% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that Teck Resources Ltd will post 1.53 earnings per share for the current year. Teck Resources Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were given a dividend of $0.125 per share. This is a boost from Teck Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. This represents a $0.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. Teck Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 20.22%. Teck Resources Profile (Free Report) Teck Resources Ltd. is a diversified natural resource company headquartered in Canada that explores for, develops and produces a portfolio of metallic and energy commodities. Its core businesses center on copper, steelmaking (metallurgical) coal and zinc, with related smelting and refining activities. Teck supplies raw materials and intermediate products to global steelmakers, metals markets and industrial customers, and operates integrated mining and processing facilities as well as earlier-stage exploration and development projects. The companys operations and projects are located across multiple geographies, with a significant presence in western Canada and North America and additional exploration and development activities in Latin America. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Teck Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teck Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Wabtec (NYSE:WAB Free Report) by 34.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 5,379 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 2,777 shares during the period. TD Private Client Wealth LLCs holdings in Wabtec were worth $1,078,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Wabtec by 2.5% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 19,930,893 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $4,172,532,000 after buying an additional 493,437 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Wabtec by 0.7% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,288,014 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $893,830,000 after acquiring an additional 30,489 shares during the period. Boston Partners boosted its holdings in Wabtec by 9.0% in the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,261,456 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $471,410,000 after acquiring an additional 186,248 shares in the last quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB increased its position in Wabtec by 24.0% during the 3rd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,974,257 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $393,252,000 after purchasing an additional 381,728 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in Wabtec in the 2nd quarter worth $347,194,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.69% of the companys stock. Get Wabtec alerts: Insider Transactions at Wabtec In other news, VP David L. Deninno sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $214.62, for a total transaction of $1,073,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 50,450 shares in the company, valued at $10,827,579. This trade represents a 9.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Rafael Santana sold 1,798 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $212.17, for a total transaction of $381,481.66. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 125,941 shares in the company, valued at approximately $26,720,901.97. The trade was a 1.41% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 33,916 shares of company stock valued at $7,090,420. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wabtec Price Performance Shares of WAB opened at $228.24 on Friday. Wabtec has a fifty-two week low of $151.81 and a fifty-two week high of $230.71. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $213.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $203.20. The stock has a market cap of $39.02 billion, a PE ratio of 33.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 1.42. Wabtec (NYSE:WAB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The transportation company reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.28 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $2.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.88 billion. Wabtec had a return on equity of 13.84% and a net margin of 10.94%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 8.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.00 EPS. Wabtec has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.850-9.050 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Wabtec will post 8.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of Wabtec from $228.00 to $233.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Wabtec in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Wabtec from $215.00 to $245.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Susquehanna increased their target price on Wabtec from $235.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Wabtec from $257.00 to $264.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Wabtec currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $237.00. View Our Latest Research Report on Wabtec About Wabtec (Free Report) Wabtec Corporation (Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation) is a global provider of equipment, systems and services for the rail industry. The company supplies products and solutions to freight railroads, transit agencies and other industrial operators, focusing on technologies that improve the performance, safety and efficiency of locomotives and rail networks. Wabtecs business spans new equipment manufacturing, aftermarket parts and services, and digital and control systems for rail operations. Product and service offerings include locomotive systems and components, braking and air systems, propulsion and traction equipment, signaling and control technologies, and a range of aftermarket services such as maintenance, remanufacturing, parts distribution and fleet modernization. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WAB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wabtec (NYSE:WAB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wabtec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wabtec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tesco (LON:TSCO Get Free Report) had its price target lowered by stock analysts at Jefferies Financial Group from GBX 450 to GBX 430 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,London Stock Exchange reports. The brokerage currently has a hold rating on the retailers stock. Jefferies Financial Groups price objective suggests a potential upside of 1.65% from the companys previous close. Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Tesco from GBX 500 to GBX 480 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday. Shore Capital restated a buy rating on shares of Tesco in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price target on shares of Tesco from GBX 500 to GBX 490 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 465. Get Tesco alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Tesco Tesco Price Performance Insider Transactions at Tesco Shares of TSCO traded down GBX 5.50 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting GBX 423. 935,101,813 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 164,232,875. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 126.35. The stock has a market capitalization of 26.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.63, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.51. The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 443.80 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 435.47. Tesco has a one year low of GBX 310.30 and a one year high of GBX 480.90. In other Tesco news, insider Ken Murphy bought 11,961 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 9th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 418 per share, with a total value of 49,996.98. Also, insider Imran Nawaz acquired 11,961 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 9th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 418 per share, with a total value of 49,996.98. In the last ninety days, insiders have bought 23,952 shares of company stock worth $10,013,016. 2.04% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. About Tesco (Get Free Report) Tesco was built to be a champion for customers, serving them every day with affordable, healthy and sustainable food. Our commitment to our customers extends beyond our stores, and into every community we serve in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. We invest in communities to help them thrive, through supporting schools and childrens groups, food banks and other good causes. In challenging times, our purpose has guided every part of the Group. Serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day is what we do. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Tesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tesla, GE Vernova, IREN, Constellation Energy, Bloom Energy, AltC Acquisition, and Exxon Mobil are the seven Energy stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Energy stocks are shares of companies involved in producing, transporting, or supporting energy including oil and gas exploration and refining, pipelines and utilities, renewable power developers, and energy equipment and services firms. For investors, these stocks provide exposure to energy demand and commodity prices, tend to be cyclical and sensitive to regulatory or geopolitical changes, and can offer income through dividends or growth from shifting energy trends. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Energy 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. GE Vernova (GEV) GE Vernova LLC, an energy business company, generates electricity. It operates under three segments: Power, Wind, and Electrification. The Power segments generates and sells electricity through hydro, gas, nuclear, and steam power. Wind segment engages in the manufacturing and sale of wind turbine blades; and Electrification segment provides grid solutions, power conversion, solar, and storage solutions. Read Our Latest Research Report on GEV IREN (IREN) IREN Limited, formerly known as Iris Energy Limited, owns and operates bitcoin mining data centers. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Read Our Latest Research Report on IREN Constellation Energy (CEG) Constellation Energy Corporation generates and sells electricity in the United States. It operates through five segments: Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New York, ERCOT, and Other Power Regions. The company sells natural gas, energy-related products, and sustainable solutions. It has approximately 33,094 megawatts of generating capacity consisting of nuclear, wind, solar, natural gas, and hydroelectric assets. Read Our Latest Research Report on CEG Bloom Energy (BE) Bloom Energy Corporation designs, manufactures, sells, and installs solid-oxide fuel cell systems for on-site power generation in the United States and internationally. The company offers Bloom Energy Server, a solid oxide technology that converts fuel, such as natural gas, biogas, hydrogen, or a blend of these fuels into electricity through an electrochemical process without combustion. Read Our Latest Research Report on BE AltC Acquisition (ALCC) AltC Acquisition Corp. does not have significant operations. It intends to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or other business combination with one or more businesses. The company was formerly known as Churchill Capital Corp VIII and changed its name to AltC Acquisition Corp. Read Our Latest Research Report on ALCC Exxon Mobil (XOM) Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. Read Our Latest Research Report on XOM Featured Articles Robinhood Markets, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Intuit are the three Financial stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Error: Response status code does not indicate success: 502 (Bad Gateway). These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Financial stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Robinhood Markets (HOOD) Robinhood Markets, Inc. operates financial services platform in the United States. Its platform allows users to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. The company offers fractional trading, recurring investments, fully-paid securities lending, access to investing on margin, cash sweep, instant withdrawals, retirement program, around-the-clock trading, and initial public offerings participation services. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate. Read Our Latest Research Report on JPM Intuit (INTU) Intuit Inc. provides financial management and compliance products and services for consumers, small businesses, self-employed, and accounting professionals in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Small Business & Self-Employed, Consumer, Credit Karma, and ProTax. Read Our Latest Research Report on INTU Recommended Stories AMN Healthcare Services Inc (NYSE:AMN Get Free Report) was the target of unusually large options trading activity on Wednesday. Investors purchased 3,154 call options on the company. This is an increase of approximately 474% compared to the typical daily volume of 549 call options. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AMN has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. UBS Group raised their target price on AMN Healthcare Services from $18.00 to $20.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on AMN Healthcare Services from $20.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Zacks Research raised AMN Healthcare Services from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of AMN Healthcare Services in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Citizens Jmp cut their price target on shares of AMN Healthcare Services from $24.00 to $22.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock 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 given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, AMN Healthcare Services presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $22.36. Get AMN Healthcare Services alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on AMN Healthcare Services Trending Headlines about AMN Healthcare Services Positive Sentiment: BMO Capital Markets raised its price target to $25 and kept an outperform rating, signaling material upside vs. the current trading level; this upgrade likely supported the recent surge in the shares. BMO price-target raise BMO Capital Markets raised its price target to $25 and kept an outperform rating, signaling material upside vs. the current trading level; this upgrade likely supported the recent surge in the shares. Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised near-term EPS estimates for Q1 2027 (to $0.38) and Q3 2026 (to $0.20), which suggests some analysts see improving quarterly profitability in the nearer term. Zacks Research raised near-term EPS estimates for Q1 2027 (to $0.38) and Q3 2026 (to $0.20), which suggests some analysts see improving quarterly profitability in the nearer term. Neutral Sentiment: Coverage pieces and analyst-roundups point to volatile trading after a recent oneday jump (reported ~27.6%); commentators note the rally was on heavy volume but that follow-through will depend on sustained estimate revisions and operational trends. Zacks jump analysis Coverage pieces and analyst-roundups point to volatile trading after a recent oneday jump (reported ~27.6%); commentators note the rally was on heavy volume but that follow-through will depend on sustained estimate revisions and operational trends. Neutral Sentiment: Aggregator/deep-dive stories summarize mixed analyst views (multiple ratings) and highlight valuation and operational metrics useful context but not new catalyst information. Benzinga analyst deep dive Aggregator/deep-dive stories summarize mixed analyst views (multiple ratings) and highlight valuation and operational metrics useful context but not new catalyst information. Neutral Sentiment: News explainers (MSN and others) recount why the shares spiked, serving as narrative drivers for momentum trading but offering limited new fundamental data. MSN coverage News explainers (MSN and others) recount why the shares spiked, serving as narrative drivers for momentum trading but offering limited new fundamental data. Negative Sentiment: Zacks cut its Q3 2027 EPS forecast from $0.27 to $0.19, signaling downside risk to lateryear profitability expectations and contributing downward pressure on the shares. Zacks cut its Q3 2027 EPS forecast from $0.27 to $0.19, signaling downside risk to lateryear profitability expectations and contributing downward pressure on the shares. Negative Sentiment: Mixed estimate revisions plus a consensus Hold rating leave the story ambiguous; AMNs most recent quarter showed revenue down ~7.7% year-over-year (despite an EPS beat), a negative net margin, and structural leverage factors that can limit multiple expansion absent clearer demand recovery. Institutional Trading of AMN Healthcare Services Here are the key news stories impacting AMN Healthcare Services this week: Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in AMN. Woodline Partners LP purchased a new position in AMN Healthcare Services during the third quarter valued at $19,176,000. Millennium Management LLC grew its stake in shares of AMN Healthcare Services by 262.1% in the third quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,287,918 shares of the companys stock worth $24,934,000 after acquiring an additional 932,269 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its holdings in shares of AMN Healthcare Services by 307.2% during the second quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 651,409 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,465,000 after acquiring an additional 491,454 shares in the last quarter. CenterBook Partners LP raised its position in shares of AMN Healthcare Services by 321.4% in the 2nd quarter. CenterBook Partners LP now owns 639,863 shares of the companys stock worth $13,226,000 after purchasing an additional 488,029 shares during the last quarter. Finally, McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC bought a new position in AMN Healthcare Services in the 2nd quarter worth about $8,227,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.23% of the companys stock. AMN Healthcare Services Stock Down 2.8% AMN stock traded down $0.54 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $18.92. The stock had a trading volume of 914,874 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,540,649. The business has a 50-day moving average of $16.34 and a two-hundred day moving average of $18.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 1.05 and a quick ratio of 1.05. The firm has a market cap of $726.72 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.64 and a beta of 0.20. AMN Healthcare Services has a 52-week low of $14.86 and a 52-week high of $30.49. AMN Healthcare Services (NYSE:AMN Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $634.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $618.08 million. AMN Healthcare Services had a negative net margin of 10.14% and a positive return on equity of 10.89%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.61 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that AMN Healthcare Services will post 1.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for AMN Healthcare Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AMN Healthcare Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Noble Gas Inc. (NYSE:INFY Get Free Report) saw some unusual options trading activity on Wednesday. Investors bought 18,448 call options on the stock. This represents an increase of 102% compared to the typical daily volume of 9,143 call options. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. TD Cowen upped their target price on shares of American Noble Gas from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of American Noble Gas in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on American Noble Gas from $16.50 to $19.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on American Noble Gas from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $17.65. Get American Noble Gas alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on INFY American Noble Gas News Roundup Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Noble Gas Here are the key news stories impacting American Noble Gas this week: A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of INFY. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of American Noble Gas by 6.4% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 63,155 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,153,000 after acquiring an additional 3,804 shares during the period. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased a new position in American Noble Gas during the first quarter worth about $239,000. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its position in American Noble Gas by 79.9% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 54,978 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,003,000 after purchasing an additional 24,426 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 16.20% of the companys stock. American Noble Gas Trading Down 0.8% Shares of INFY traded down $0.15 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $18.67. 12,771,685 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 14,662,955. American Noble Gas has a fifty-two week low of $15.81 and a fifty-two week high of $30.00. The businesss 50 day moving average is $17.85 and its two-hundred day moving average is $17.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $77.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.25, a P/E/G ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 0.98. American Noble Gas (NYSE:INFY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results 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 29.21% and a net margin of 16.16%.The firm had revenue of $5.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.11 billion. On average, equities research analysts forecast that American Noble Gas will post 0.74 earnings per share for the current year. 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. See Also 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. Trinity Street Asset Management LLP decreased its stake in KB Financial Group Inc (NYSE:KB Free Report) by 80.0% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 65,665 shares of the banks stock after selling 262,886 shares during the period. KB Financial Group comprises approximately 0.4% of Trinity Street Asset Management LLPs portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Trinity Street Asset Management LLPs holdings in KB Financial Group were worth $5,444,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. First Horizon Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in KB Financial Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its holdings in shares of KB Financial Group by 585.7% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 336 shares of the banks stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 287 shares during the period. First Horizon Corp acquired a new position in shares of KB Financial Group during the third quarter valued at about $30,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its stake in shares of KB Financial Group by 817.9% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 771 shares of the banks stock valued at $64,000 after buying an additional 687 shares during the period. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its position in KB Financial Group by 10,875.0% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 878 shares of the banks stock worth $73,000 after buying an additional 870 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 11.52% of the companys stock. Get KB Financial Group alerts: KB Financial Group Stock Performance NYSE:KB opened at $88.97 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $33.94 billion, a PE ratio of 8.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a quick ratio of 1.65, a current ratio of 1.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.38. KB Financial Group Inc has a 12-month low of $46.38 and a 12-month high of $92.39. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $86.29 and a 200 day moving average price of $83.46. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have commented on KB. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of KB Financial Group in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research cut KB Financial Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, KB Financial Group currently has an average rating of Hold. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on KB Financial Group KB Financial Group Profile (Free Report) KB Financial Group Inc is a South Korea-based financial holding company that offers a broad range of banking and financial services. Headquartered in Seoul and listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker KB, the group operates through a set of specialized subsidiaries to provide integrated financial solutions for retail, corporate and institutional clients. The companys principal businesses include retail and corporate banking, securities and investment banking, insurance (life and non-life), asset management, credit card and consumer finance, and leasing. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for KB Financial Group Inc (NYSE:KB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for KB Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KB Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:UMAC Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Friday . The stock traded as high as $17.82 and last traded at $17.46, with a volume of 6526583 shares. The stock had previously closed at $16.53. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $20.00 price objective on shares of Unusual Machines in a research report on Tuesday. Jones Trading initiated coverage on shares of Unusual Machines in a research note on Monday, December 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $20.00 price target on the stock. ThinkEquity upgraded shares of Unusual Machines to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Unusual Machines from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $20.00. Get Unusual Machines alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Unusual Machines Unusual Machines Stock Up 5.6% Institutional Trading of Unusual Machines The stock has a 50 day moving average of $11.23 and a 200 day moving average of $11.38. The firm has a market cap of $643.92 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.73 and a beta of 22.32. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in UMAC. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Unusual Machines in the third quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Wexford Capital LP bought a new stake in Unusual Machines during the third quarter worth $40,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its holdings in shares of Unusual Machines by 67.7% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 3,017 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 1,218 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in shares of Unusual Machines by 7,372.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 7,099 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,000 after purchasing an additional 7,004 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Unusual Machines during the 3rd quarter worth $76,000. About Unusual Machines (Get Free Report) Unusual Machines, Inc designs, manufactures, and sells ultra-low latency video goggles for drone pilots. It operates a drone-focused e-commerce marketplace. The company serves drone pilots, hobbyists, and recreational services. The company was formerly known as AerocarveUS Corporation and changed its name to Unusual Machines, Inc in July 2022. Unusual Machines, Inc was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Orlando, Florida. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Unusual Machines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unusual Machines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Washington Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report) by 40.5% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 6,939 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares during the period. iShares Russell 2000 ETF accounts for approximately 1.2% of Washington Capital Management Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest position. Washington Capital Management Inc.s holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $1,679,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Holocene Advisors LP acquired a new position in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the second quarter valued at $1,230,003,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 22,037.5% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,865,477 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $618,341,000 after acquiring an additional 2,852,533 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 35.3% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 8,178,921 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,764,930,000 after acquiring an additional 2,134,779 shares during the last quarter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. lifted its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 2,789.9% during the second quarter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. now owns 1,596,080 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $344,889,000 after acquiring an additional 1,540,850 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Durable Capital Partners LP boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 105.5% during the second quarter. Durable Capital Partners LP now owns 2,596,668 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $560,335,000 after acquiring an additional 1,333,316 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 2000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 ETF Trading Up 0.9% Shares of NYSEARCA IWM opened at $265.51 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $77.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.69 and a beta of 1.13. The businesss 50 day moving average is $248.73 and its 200-day moving average is $239.05. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a 1-year low of $171.73 and a 1-year high of $267.05. iShares Russell 2000 ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 2000 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 2,000 smallest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kerusso Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM Free Report) by 89.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 20,843 shares of the specialty retailers stock after buying an additional 9,820 shares during the period. Williams-Sonoma makes up 2.5% of Kerusso Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 8th largest position. Kerusso Capital Management LLCs holdings in Williams-Sonoma were worth $4,074,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC grew its position in Williams-Sonoma by 37.9% during the 3rd quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC now owns 16,398 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $3,205,000 after purchasing an additional 4,510 shares during the period. Ethic Inc. grew its holdings in Williams-Sonoma by 153.7% during the second quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 12,279 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $2,016,000 after acquiring an additional 7,439 shares during the period. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in Williams-Sonoma by 54.9% during the second quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC now owns 24,245 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $3,961,000 after acquiring an additional 8,592 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its holdings in Williams-Sonoma by 1,705.3% in the second quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 118,371 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $19,338,000 after acquiring an additional 111,814 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in Williams-Sonoma by 44.9% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,256,734 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $205,317,000 after purchasing an additional 389,548 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.29% of the companys stock. Get Williams-Sonoma alerts: Insider Activity In related news, CEO Laura Alber sold 12,161 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $181.07, for a total transaction of $2,201,992.27. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 846,927 shares in the company, valued at approximately $153,353,071.89. The trade was a 1.42% 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. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Williams-Sonoma Stock Up 1.7% WSM opened at $210.25 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $187.02 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $189.54. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has a 52-week low of $130.07 and a 52-week high of $219.98. The company has a market cap of $25.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.13, a PEG ratio of 3.24 and a beta of 1.58. 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 for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.87 by $0.09. Williams-Sonoma had a net margin of 14.30% and a return on equity of 53.10%. The firm had revenue of $1.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.86 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.96 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will post 8.36 EPS for the current year. Williams-Sonoma Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be given a $0.66 dividend. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. Williams-Sonomas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.04%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $206.00 price target on shares of Williams-Sonoma and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. TD Cowen cut their price objective 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. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Telsey Advisory Group cut their price target on Williams-Sonoma from $225.00 to $220.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $198.71. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Williams-Sonoma Williams-Sonoma Profile (Free Report) WilliamsSonoma, Inc is a specialty retailer focused on the home and culinary markets, best known for premium cookware, kitchen tools and home furnishings. The company traces its roots to a single cookware store founded by Chuck Williams in 1956 in Sonoma, California, and has evolved into a multibrand home furnishings and housewares business. Its merchandise mix spans cookware and kitchen electrics, tabletop and food prep items, furniture, bedding, lighting and decorative accessories designed for both everyday use and higherend interiors. The company operates a portfolio of consumer brands that target distinct segments of the home market. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Williams-Sonoma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Williams-Sonoma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB grew its position in shares of International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Free Report) by 10.3% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 87,675 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 8,179 shares during the quarter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSBs holdings in International Business Machines were worth $24,738,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in IBM. Family CFO Inc purchased a new stake in International Business Machines in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Winnow Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of International Business Machines in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. bought a new position in shares of International Business Machines in the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Highline Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in shares of International Business Machines by 85.0% during the second quarter. Highline Wealth Partners LLC now owns 111 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Copia Wealth Management lifted its holdings in International Business Machines by 57.6% during the second quarter. Copia Wealth Management now owns 134 shares of the technology companys stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 58.96% of the companys stock. Get International Business Machines alerts: International Business Machines Price Performance Shares of NYSE:IBM opened at $297.88 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $278.44 billion, a PE ratio of 35.63, a P/E/G ratio of 2.99 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 company has a 50-day moving average price of $303.48 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $282.42. International Business Machines Corporation has a twelve month low of $214.50 and a twelve month high of $324.90. International Business Machines Dividend Announcement 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 forecast that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th were given a $1.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $6.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.3%. International Business Machiness payout ratio is 80.38%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings upgraded International Business Machines from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research note on Saturday, October 25th. UBS Group restated a sell rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of International Business Machines from $300.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of International Business Machines from $256.00 to $252.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of International Business Machines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, January 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $303.38. Check Out Our Latest Report on International Business Machines 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. Read More 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. Wipro (NYSE:WIT Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday. The information technology services provider reported $0.03 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.04 by ($0.01), Zacks reports. Wipro had a return on equity of 15.80% and a net margin of 15.06%. Here are the key takeaways from Wipros conference call: Get Wipro alerts: Wipro reported IT services revenue of $2.64 billion in Q3, up 1.4% sequentially (1.2% reported) with broad-based gains across markets and sectors, and guided Q4 IT services revenue growth of 02% in constant currency (guidance includes Harman DTS). in Q3, up 1.4% sequentially (1.2% reported) with broad-based gains across markets and sectors, and guided Q4 IT services revenue growth of in constant currency (guidance includes Harman DTS). Operating margins expanded to 17.6% (up 40 bps on an adjusted QoQ basis and 10 bps YoY), which management called one of its best recent margin performances and aims to sustain despite expected Harman dilution. (up 40 bps on an adjusted QoQ basis and 10 bps YoY), which management called one of its best recent margin performances and aims to sustain despite expected Harman dilution. Q3 net income and EPS were reduced by two oneoff chargesINR 302 crore for graduate expenses related to the Labor Code and INR 263 crore for a completed restructuringthough management says no further restructuring charges are anticipated. Management pushed an AIfirst strategy under Wipro Intelligence (industry platforms, delivery platforms Winx/Vega, and an expanded Innovation Network), citing multiyear AIled transformation wins that bring Wipro in earlier in client lifecycles. (industry platforms, delivery platforms Winx/Vega, and an expanded Innovation Network), citing multiyear AIled transformation wins that bring Wipro in earlier in client lifecycles. Bookings were $3.3 billion TCV in Q3 and $13 billion YTD (+~25% YoY) with $6.3 billion in large deals (+~50% YoY), highlighting a strong pipeline even as quartertoquarter TCV is lumpy; the Harman DTS acquisition closed and adds engineering/AI capabilities while introducing shortterm margin dilution. Wipro Trading Down 2.1% Shares of Wipro stock opened at $2.97 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $2.81 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.79. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.77, a P/E/G ratio of 18.34 and a beta of 1.03. Wipro has a 12 month low of $2.55 and a 12 month high of $3.79. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Tidal Investments LLC grew its stake in shares of Wipro by 19.3% during the 2nd quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 27,260 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $82,000 after purchasing an additional 4,403 shares during the period. Cresset Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Wipro by 10.2% in the second quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 55,883 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $169,000 after buying an additional 5,166 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. grew its position in Wipro by 7.0% during the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 84,707 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $223,000 after buying an additional 5,575 shares during the period. Curi Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Wipro during the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, CW Advisors LLC bought a new position in Wipro in the second quarter worth approximately $39,000. 2.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Several equities research analysts have issued reports on WIT shares. CLSA cut shares of Wipro from an outperform rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Wipro in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Reduce. View Our Latest Report on WIT About Wipro (Get Free Report) Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT) is an Indian multinational corporation that provides information technology, consulting and business process services. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, the company traces its origins to 1945 when it was founded as Western India Vegetable Products and later diversified into technology and IT services. Today Wipro positions itself as a provider of enterprise IT solutions and digital transformation services for large and mid-sized organizations across multiple industries. The companys service portfolio includes application development and maintenance, cloud and infrastructure services, data analytics and AI, cybersecurity, digital consulting, product engineering and research and development, as well as business process services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Wipro Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wipro and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE:AMG Free Report) Equities researchers at Zacks Research raised their Q1 2026 EPS estimates for shares of Affiliated Managers Group in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, January 14th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the asset manager will earn $6.41 per share for the quarter, up from their previous forecast of $6.40. Zacks Research currently has a Hold rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Affiliated Managers Groups current full-year earnings is $22.86 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Affiliated Managers Groups Q2 2026 earnings at $6.09 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $6.45 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $8.98 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $27.94 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $7.01 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $7.35 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $7.97 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $9.93 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $32.27 EPS. Get Affiliated Managers Group alerts: Affiliated Managers Group (NYSE:AMG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The asset manager reported $6.10 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.88 by $0.22. Affiliated Managers Group had a net margin of 26.01% and a return on equity of 16.75%. The business had revenue of $528.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $543.39 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $4.82 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. A number of other equities research analysts also recently commented on the company. Bank of America boosted their target price on Affiliated Managers Group to $335.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. TD Cowen increased their price target on Affiliated Managers Group to $495.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. UBS Group set a $295.00 price objective on shares of Affiliated Managers Group in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on shares of Affiliated Managers Group from $300.00 to $341.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Affiliated Managers Group in a research report on Wednesday. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $340.50. Read Our Latest Research Report on AMG Affiliated Managers Group Trading Up 2.1% Shares of NYSE:AMG opened at $321.76 on Friday. Affiliated Managers Group has a 12-month low of $139.22 and a 12-month high of $325.66. The company has a market cap of $9.05 billion, a PE ratio of 19.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.19. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $279.17 and a 200 day moving average of $244.40. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. US Bancorp DE raised its stake in Affiliated Managers Group by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 3,561 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $849,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC boosted its position in Affiliated Managers Group by 3.1% during the third quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC now owns 1,648 shares of the asset managers stock worth $393,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Millstone Evans Group LLC grew its stake in Affiliated Managers Group by 41.9% during the 3rd quarter. Millstone Evans Group LLC now owns 176 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC raised its holdings in Affiliated Managers Group by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 3,174 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $757,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Glenmede Investment Management LP lifted its stake in Affiliated Managers Group by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Glenmede Investment Management LP now owns 1,792 shares of the asset managers stock worth $427,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. 95.30% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Affiliated Managers Group Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 13th were given a $0.01 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 13th. This represents a $0.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.0%. Affiliated Managers Groups payout ratio is 0.24%. Affiliated Managers Group News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Affiliated Managers Group this week: Positive Sentiment: TD Cowen raised its price target sharply to $495 and reiterated a buy view, implying roughly 54% upside from current levels a clear bullish catalyst that likely pushed investor demand. TD Cowen price-target raise TD Cowen forecast article TD Cowen raised its price target sharply to $495 and reiterated a buy view, implying roughly 54% upside from current levels a clear bullish catalyst that likely pushed investor demand. Positive Sentiment: Brokerage coverage aggregated to a Moderate Buy consensus in recent notes, increasing conviction among investors and supporting the stocks rally. Brokerage consensus Brokerage coverage aggregated to a Moderate Buy consensus in recent notes, increasing conviction among investors and supporting the stocks rally. Positive Sentiment: Investor commentary (Seeking Alpha) highlighted attractive income from AMG-related baby bonds and a recent performance uptick, with some investors increasing exposure a retail/analyst narrative that can amplify buying. Seeking Alpha article Investor commentary (Seeking Alpha) highlighted attractive income from AMG-related baby bonds and a recent performance uptick, with some investors increasing exposure a retail/analyst narrative that can amplify buying. Neutral Sentiment: Zacks Research issued a series of small upward EPS revisions across quarters and fiscal years (FY2026 to FY2027 and individual quarters), nudging estimates slightly higher but retaining a Hold rating supportive for fundamentals but not a strong directional trigger by itself. About Affiliated Managers Group (Get Free Report) Affiliated Managers Group, Inc (NYSE: AMG) is a global asset management holding company that partners with boutique investment firms. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, AMG invests in and collaborates with independent investment managers to foster growth while preserving their entrepreneurial culture. Through equity stakes and strategic support, the company aims to enhance its affiliates distribution capabilities, operational infrastructure and access to capital. The companys core business activities include providing capital solutions, distribution services and operational support to affiliated investment firms. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Affiliated Managers Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Affiliated Managers Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Security analysts have revealed that the Chinese Super Spy Embassy championed by Kier Starmer will be a lucrative spy hub hoovering up as much economic/strategic/military data about the UK as possible, and will be a fundamental threat to Britain. The British data cables that run close to the plans for the Chinese embassy are direct routes to the City of London financial district where billions of pounds are traded every day, and will also be a goldmine of data beneficial to China regarding multi-million pound deals. Utilising high-end military quantum computers, that data will be sent to Beijing, where it will be analysed and parsed for future use. The stolen secrets will also be handed over to teams of Chinese hackers, who will be able to pinpoint vulnerabilities to exploit in the security gaps. The data cable hack will not only spy on the UK but on the entirety of Europe and the United States, along with the Middle East and South East Asia, where financial deals may occur. Kier Starmer is knowingly endangering Western economies and will permanently damage the United Kingdom with his decision to allow the Chinese Super Spy Embassy to go ahead. On the roof of the embassy will also be located, masses of cell phone grabbing antennas that will sweep the entirety of London and capture as much data as possible 24 hours a day. The security services in countries like Britain, generally need to apply to acquire data from a source, which then is okayed or refused by an independent adjudicator, but the Chinese Communist Party is not bound by such rules and regulations. Their modus operandi is to grab, steal, hack as much data from their enemies as possible for the benefit of China, economically and in strategic military terms. Much like the Chinese social media spy app, TikTok, the massive treasure trove of data which will be acquired by the Chinese Super Spy Embassy will be used to manipulate the West, and benefit the Chinese economy to the detriment of Britain, Europe and the United States. By agreeing to have this monstrous Chinese spy hub to be built in the centre of London, Kier Starmer is effectively committing High Treason and aiding the enemy. Copperleaf Capital LLC grew its position in shares of iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report) by 363.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 47,867 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 37,533 shares during the period. iShares Gold Trust comprises about 1.7% of Copperleaf Capital LLCs holdings, making the stock its 14th largest holding. Copperleaf Capital LLCs holdings in iShares Gold Trust were worth $3,483,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get iShares Gold Trust alerts: A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in IAU. Ehrlich Financial Group grew its holdings in iShares Gold Trust by 15.3% in the 3rd quarter. Ehrlich Financial Group now owns 44,884 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,266,000 after acquiring an additional 5,943 shares during the last quarter. Bay Harbor Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 63.6% in the 3rd quarter. Bay Harbor Wealth Management LLC now owns 55,530 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,041,000 after acquiring an additional 21,596 shares in the last quarter. Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares Gold Trust by 79.9% in the second quarter. Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors LLC now owns 51,910 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,237,000 after purchasing an additional 23,054 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Corp bought a new position in shares of iShares Gold Trust in the 3rd quarter worth about $1,863,000. Finally, Strategic Blueprint LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 30.2% during the third quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 136,931 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $9,964,000 after purchasing an additional 31,746 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.67% of the companys stock. iShares Gold Trust News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Gold Trust this week: iShares Gold Trust Trading Down 0.6% iShares Gold Trust Company Profile iShares Gold Trust stock opened at $86.71 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $72.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.09. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $80.82 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $72.67. iShares Gold Trust has a 12 month low of $50.96 and a 12 month high of $87.43. (Free Report) iShares Gold Trust (the Trust) is to own gold transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust (Shares). Each Share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust consist of gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust. The sponsor of the Trust is iShares Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC (the Sponsor), which is an indirect subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc The trustee of the Trust is The Bank of New York Mellon (the Trustee) and the custodian of the Trust is JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., London branch (the Custodian). Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Gold Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Gold Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Copperleaf Capital LLC lowered its position in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 46.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,971 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 1,738 shares during the period. Copperleaf Capital LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $1,121,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get Mastercard alerts: A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of MA. Forbes J M & Co. LLP grew its stake in shares of Mastercard by 33.1% during the 3rd quarter. Forbes J M & Co. LLP now owns 3,676 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $2,091,000 after purchasing an additional 914 shares during the period. Running Point Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in Mastercard by 18.7% during the third quarter. Running Point Capital Advisors LLC now owns 564 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $321,000 after buying an additional 89 shares during the period. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund increased its holdings in Mastercard by 6.8% during the third quarter. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund now owns 225,790 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $128,432,000 after buying an additional 14,451 shares during the last quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd raised its position in Mastercard by 3.6% in the third quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd now owns 36,732 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $20,882,000 after acquiring an additional 1,292 shares during the period. Finally, Blalock Williams LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard during the 3rd quarter worth $1,206,000. Institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently commented on MA. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Mastercard from $638.00 to $630.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. UBS Group raised their price objective on Mastercard from $690.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Compass Point upgraded shares of Mastercard from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $620.00 to $735.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on shares of Mastercard from $640.00 to $660.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have issued a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $662.08. Mastercard News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Mastercard this week: Mastercard Trading Down 0.8% Shares of Mastercard stock opened at $542.23 on Friday. Mastercard Incorporated has a twelve month low of $465.59 and a twelve month high of $601.77. The company has a quick ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $557.38 and a 200-day moving average price of $566.66. The firm has a market cap of $486.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.67, a PEG ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 0.86. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The credit services provider reported $4.38 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.31 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $8.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.53 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 202.03% and a net margin of 45.28%.The firms revenue was up 16.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.89 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. Mastercard Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Investors of record on Friday, January 9th will be issued a $0.87 dividend. This represents a $3.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. This is a boost from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.76. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. Mastercards payout ratio is 22.25%. About Mastercard (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments. Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Copperleaf Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 18,390 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $949,000. Get Bank of America alerts: A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Permanent Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Bank of America in the third quarter worth approximately $649,000. Boston Common Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bank of America by 10.5% during the 2nd quarter. Boston Common Asset Management LLC now owns 259,680 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $12,288,000 after acquiring an additional 24,740 shares in the last quarter. Disciplined Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bank of America in the 2nd quarter worth $217,000. Sunbeam Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Bank of America by 7.3% during the second quarter. Sunbeam Capital Management LLC now owns 6,476 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $306,000 after purchasing an additional 439 shares during the period. Finally, CCG Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the second quarter valued at $287,000. Institutional investors own 70.71% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on BAC shares. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Bank of America from $62.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Bank of America from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Bank of America from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Seaport Global Securities raised their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $59.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Bank of America from $54.00 to $58.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-four have given a Buy rating and four 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 $59.74. Key Bank of America News Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat expectations: solid EPS, revenue and management commentary that pointed to continued netinterestincome growth and broad-based trading strength a fundamental reason investors have confidence in BACs earnings power. Read More. Q4 results beat expectations: solid EPS, revenue and management commentary that pointed to continued netinterestincome growth and broad-based trading strength a fundamental reason investors have confidence in BACs earnings power. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades/pricetarget lifts: Goldman Sachs raised its PT to $65 (maintained Buy) and Argus raised its PT to $59 (Buy), providing buyside support and signaling upside versus the current price. Read More. Read More. Analyst upgrades/pricetarget lifts: Goldman Sachs raised its PT to $65 (maintained Buy) and Argus raised its PT to $59 (Buy), providing buyside support and signaling upside versus the current price. Read More. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Mixed analyst tweaks: several firms trimmed price targets after the quarter (e.g., TD Cowen, Keefe Bruyette & Woods, Truist) but mostly kept Buy/Outperform ratings reduces upside estimates but keeps institutional backing intact. Read More. Mixed analyst tweaks: several firms trimmed price targets after the quarter (e.g., TD Cowen, Keefe Bruyette & Woods, Truist) but mostly kept Buy/Outperform ratings reduces upside estimates but keeps institutional backing intact. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Crypto testing rumor: unconfirmed reports that BofA is testing Ripples XRP for crossborder payments interesting for strategic innovation but unverified and unlikely to be an immediate earnings driver. Read More. Crypto testing rumor: unconfirmed reports that BofA is testing Ripples XRP for crossborder payments interesting for strategic innovation but unverified and unlikely to be an immediate earnings driver. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Sector and sentiment drag: bigbank shares pulled back after earnings overall as investors punished high valuations and reacted to mixed forward commentary this sentiment pressure hit BAC despite the beat. Read More. Sector and sentiment drag: bigbank shares pulled back after earnings overall as investors punished high valuations and reacted to mixed forward commentary this sentiment pressure hit BAC despite the beat. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Deposit and policy risk: CEO comments flagged that interestbearing stablecoins could drain deposits (studybased estimate up to $6T), a structural risk if regulators allow yieldpaying crypto products this raises concerns about future lending capacity and margins. Read More. Bank of America Trading Up 0.1% Shares of NYSE:BAC opened at $52.53 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $54.17 and a two-hundred day moving average of $51.16. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. Bank of America Corporation has a 12-month low of $33.06 and a 12-month high of $57.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $383.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.72 and a beta of 1.29. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.96 by $0.02. Bank of America had a return on equity of 11.07% and a net margin of 16.23%.The firm had revenue of $28.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $27.73 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.82 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bank of America Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th were paid a $0.28 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. Bank of Americas payout ratio is 30.52%. About Bank of America (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets. Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels. Featured Articles 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. Generali Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalne raised its stake in shares of Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report) by 15.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 115,800 shares of the CRM providers stock after acquiring an additional 15,800 shares during the period. Salesforce comprises approximately 5.3% of Generali Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalnes investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest holding. Generali Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalnes holdings in Salesforce were worth $27,445,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Get Salesforce alerts: A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund increased its stake in Salesforce by 28.8% in the 3rd quarter. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund now owns 197,855 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $46,892,000 after buying an additional 44,200 shares during the last quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Salesforce by 59.0% in the third quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 3,078 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $729,000 after acquiring an additional 1,142 shares in the last quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd increased its position in shares of Salesforce by 3.8% during the third quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd now owns 158,623 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $37,778,000 after acquiring an additional 5,864 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Effects LLC lifted its holdings in Salesforce by 5.9% during the third quarter. Wealth Effects LLC now owns 1,175 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $278,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the period. Finally, Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Salesforce by 3.2% during the third quarter. Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,867 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $680,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the period. 80.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Salesforce Stock Performance Shares of CRM stock opened at $233.30 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $218.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.15, a PEG ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a current ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The firms 50 day moving average is $249.62 and its 200 day moving average is $250.92. Salesforce Inc. has a 12 month low of $221.96 and a 12 month high of $367.09. Salesforce Announces Dividend Salesforce ( NYSE:CRM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The CRM provider reported $3.25 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.86 by $0.39. The business had revenue of $10.26 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.27 billion. Salesforce had a net margin of 17.91% and a return on equity of 14.41%. Salesforces revenue was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.41 EPS. Salesforce has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Salesforce Inc. will post 7.46 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 18th were paid a $0.416 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 18th. This represents a $1.66 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Salesforces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.16%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Salesforce news, CEO Marc Benioff sold 2,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $258.20, for a total value of $580,950.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 11,911,571 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,075,567,632.20. This trade represents a 0.02% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Parker Harris sold 134,662 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $234.70, for a total value of $31,605,171.40. Following the sale, the insider owned 139,767 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $32,803,314.90. This trade represents a 49.07% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 152,177 shares of company stock worth $36,015,774 over the last quarter. Insiders own 3.00% of the companys stock. Key Stories Impacting Salesforce Here are the key news stories impacting Salesforce this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have issued reports on CRM. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating on shares of Salesforce in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Northland Capmk lowered shares of Salesforce from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $360.00 to $340.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Salesforce in a research note on Monday. They issued a buy rating and a $330.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Citizens Jmp restated a market outperform rating and set a $430.00 price target on shares of Salesforce in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty have given a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $326.50. Read Our Latest Stock Report on CRM Salesforce Profile (Free Report) Salesforce, founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a global provider of cloud-based software focused on customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise applications. The company popularized the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model for CRM and has built a broad portfolio of products designed to help organizations manage sales, service, marketing, commerce and analytics through a unified, cloud-first platform. Core offerings include Sales Cloud for sales automation, Service Cloud for customer support, Marketing Cloud for digital marketing and engagement, and Commerce Cloud for e-commerce. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Generali Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalne bought a new stake in Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 91,000 shares of the conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $18,042,000. Danaher comprises about 3.5% of Generali Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalnes portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest position. Get Danaher alerts: A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in shares of Danaher during the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new position in Danaher during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. TruNorth Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Danaher during the third quarter worth approximately $28,000. Red Tortoise LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Danaher by 175.0% in the 2nd quarter. Red Tortoise LLC now owns 154 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tripletail Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Danaher in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.05% of the companys stock. Danaher Trading Up 0.8% DHR opened at $239.83 on Friday. Danaher Corporation has a one year low of $171.00 and a one year high of $258.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $227.79 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $211.58. The firm has a market capitalization of $169.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.45, a PEG ratio of 4.23 and a beta of 0.89. Danaher Dividend Announcement Danaher ( NYSE:DHR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 20th. The conglomerate reported $1.89 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.72 by $0.17. Danaher had a return on equity of 10.92% and a net margin of 14.44%.The firm had revenue of $6.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.71 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Danaher Corporation will post 7.63 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be issued a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. Danahers dividend payout ratio is 26.39%. Insider Transactions at Danaher In other news, SVP Georgeann Couchara sold 5,174 shares of Danaher stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.42, for a total transaction of $1,088,713.08. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 2,625 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $552,352.50. The trade was a 66.34% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Teri List sold 3,298 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $226.50, for a total transaction of $746,997.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 20,762 shares in the company, valued at $4,702,593. This represents a 13.71% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 30,248 shares of company stock valued at $6,609,663. Company insiders own 11.10% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth DHR has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Robert W. Baird set a $247.00 target price on shares of Danaher in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. KeyCorp reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Danaher in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Barclays boosted their target price on Danaher from $225.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. TD Cowen lifted their price target on Danaher from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Danaher in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Twenty-one investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $250.96. Get Our Latest Research Report on Danaher Danaher Profile (Free Report) Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) is a global science and technology company that designs, manufactures and markets products and services for the life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental and applied markets. The company organizes its operations into business segments focused on Life Sciences, Diagnostics, and Environmental & Applied Solutions, supplying instruments, reagents, software and related services that support research, clinical testing, biopharmaceutical development, and industrial and environmental monitoring. Products and services in Danahers portfolio include analytical and diagnostic instruments, laboratory consumables and reagents, digital and software solutions for workflow and data management, field and industrial monitoring equipment, and service and maintenance programs. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DHR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR Free Report). 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. The funeral of County Derry murder victim Wayne Reid will take place on Monday, January 19. The father-of-one was found deceased at an address in the Society Court area of Coleraine on Monday morning (January 12). A 33 year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Earlier today, police confirmed that they had been granted an additional 36 hours to question the man. A native of Scotland, Mr Reid is survived by his parents Tom and Kate and son Jackson. READ NEXT: Police granted extra 36 hours to question man arrested on suspicion of murder The 43 year-old's funeral service will take place in James McMullan and Son Funeral Home on Monday at 2.30pm followed by interment in Drumreagh Presbyterian Churchyard. A death notice stated: Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired to Zachary Geddis Trust c/o James McMullan and Son, 22 High Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6AQ or online at mcmullanfunerals.com. The notice added: Deeply regretted by the entire family circle. East Derry MLA Claire Sugden said that Mr Reid's death had left the community in shock. This is devastating news, and my condolences are with the mans family and friends as they come to terms with this loss. A death in these circumstances is deeply distressing, and it is understandable that this has shocked the local community. Many people will be trying to make sense of what has happened and the impact it has had so close to home. I would encourage anyone who may have information, no matter how small it may seem, to contact the PSNI to assist with their investigation. 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 Ulster Unionist Party leader-elect Jon Burrows has said politics needs to reconnect with ordinary people and better their lives. The former senior police officer emerged as the sole candidate to follow current UUP leader Mike Nesbitt as nominations closed on Thursday evening. He is making a joint bid alongside Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Diana Armstrong, who is running to become the next deputy leader. Current deputy leader Robbie Butler ruled himself out earlier in the day. Mr Burrows is expected to be formally ratified at an extraordinary general meeting of the party on January 31. In a statement on Friday, Mr Burrows who was co-opted as the partys North Antrim MLA last August, said he has been overwhelmed by the widespread support from every corner of the party. To be the candidate for leadership fills me with immense pride and renewed energy, he said. The people of Northern Ireland deserve a strong, confident, and pragmatic Ulster Unionist Party, one that delivers for them, addresses the current challenges in Northern Ireland with honesty, and strengthens the union in the long term. Politics across Northern Ireland needs to reconnect with ordinary people and be relentlessly focused on bettering their lives. He paid tribute to Mr Nesbitt as a natural leader who cares profoundly about both the union and our party. When Mike decided to step down, I was overwhelmed by the widespread support from every corner of the party for assured, coherent, and positive leadership, leadership passionate about the union and our people, he said. It felt right to step up, because I want to lead a party that is confident, clear, solution focused, and whose policies are anchored in common sense and evidence, not ideology. As a relative newcomer to public representation elected politics but with deep public service experience, I bring fresh energy to renew our party at all levels, while honouring its proud traditions of service, honesty, and pragmatism. I am determined to break down barriers and attract more women and young people to our politics, and I look forward to developing plans to achieve both. Mr Burrows also hailed Ms Armstrong, as a person driven by service, positivity, and commitment to rural communities and meaningful change. Together, we will provide the united, dynamic leadership our party needs, he said. In the coming days and weeks, I look forward to engaging with colleagues, members, and the public to share my vision for a revitalised and electionready Ulster Unionist Party, one that tackles health, education, and economic challenges head on; rebuilds trust; combats the Windsor Framework; and champions a positive future for the Union and Northern Ireland. We have much to be proud of in Northern Ireland, but there is also much to address, and that task is urgent. I am enthusiastic about the next chapter of Ulster Unionism and honoured to lead it forward. In a significant stride toward democratizing advanced AI translation, Google has unveiled TranslateGemma, a new suite of open translation models designed to break down language barriers with unprecedented efficiency. Released just yesterday, this new family of models is built on the architecture of Gemma 3 and promises to bring high-fidelity translation to everything from massive cloud servers to the smartphone in your pocket. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! At the heart of the TranslateGemma release is a focus on efficiency without compromise. By distilling the knowledge of Googles most advanced large models into compact, high-performance open architectures, the company has created a solution where developers no longer need massive computational resources to deploy research-grade translation tools. The release marks a pivot from simply making models larger to making them smarter and more dense, utilizing a specialized two-stage fine-tuning process that includes Supervised Fine-Tuning (SFT) and Reinforcement Learning (RL) to refine the intuition of the AI. Also read: Yoshua Bengios new safe AI vision cuts AIs biggest risks by rewarding truth A triumph of efficiency over size Google has launched the model in three distinct sizes: 4 billion (4B), 12 billion (12B), and 27 billion (27B) parameters. While the 27B model is designed for maximum fidelity in cloud environments, the smaller models represent the true technical marvels of this release. According to Googles technical evaluation, the mid-sized 12B model actually outperforms the much larger Gemma 3 27B baseline. Similarly, the compact 4B model rivals the performance of the 12B baseline. This efficiency breakthrough is critical for the future of on-device AI. The 4B model is optimized specifically for mobile and edge deployment, while the 12B model is capable of running smoothly on standard consumer laptops. This allows developers and researchers to run high-throughput, low-latency translation tasks locally, bypassing the privacy concerns and latency issues often associated with cloud-based API calls. The training process involved distilling synthetic translations generated by Googles flagship Gemini models, followed by a reward-based learning phase using metrics like MetricX-QE to ensure translations sound natural rather than robotic. Also read: Elon Musk denies Grok AI created illegal images, blames adversarial hacks Bridging the gap for 55 languages and beyond TranslateGemma has been rigorously trained and evaluated on 55 core language pairs, ensuring reliable performance across major global languages like Spanish, Chinese, and Hindi, as well as numerous low-resource languages that are often underserved by digital tools. However, the scope of the project extends far beyond these primary languages. The team pushed the boundaries by training on nearly 500 additional language pairs, providing a robust foundation for researchers to further fine-tune the models for niche dialects and specific community needs. Beyond pure text, TranslateGemma retains the strong multimodal capabilities of its parent architecture, Gemma 3. Early tests indicate that the model improves the translation of text within images a critical feature for real-world applications like travel assistants and document scanning even without specific multimodal fine-tuning. With availability on platforms like Kaggle, Hugging Face, and Vertex AI, TranslateGemma is poised to become the new standard for open-source linguistic accessibility, giving developers the tools to foster greater understanding across cultures without requiring industrial-grade hardware. Also read: MedGemma 1.5 & MedASR explained: High-dimensional imaging and medical speech-to-text 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. A bill aimed at protecting the future of the Boyne River will debated in the Dail next week. Labour TD for Louth Ged Nash said action needs to be taken to combat the "deterioration" of the Boyne's water quality. "The EPA is not mincing its words when it says that the quality of the water in the Boyne and our rivers nationally is not good enough. We have to take action and fast," he said. Deputy Nash called for a review of all wastewater plants that operate along the Boyne and said the plants also need to need to be upgraded "at a minimum". The Boyne Task Force Bill aims to co-ordinate efforts from four councils, government, Uisce Eireann as well as local landowners, NGOs and community activists. The Louth TD said the future of watercourses have been further threatened by the extension of the derogation on the EU Nitrates Directive, which allows Ireland to exceed of livestock manure nitrogen that is applied to land. Read Next: Gardai investigate Louth assault after footage circulates on social media "We need to look at the new reality of what exactly this river can handle so that we do not destroy it." For too long we have turned our back on the River Boyne. Since Droghedas foundation, the river was the very lifeblood of our community and we need to value it and protect it properly," he said. He said pollution and climate change are the result of neglect and confused management. Deputy Nash said he is honoured to take the bill to the Second Stage in the Dail. The bill will be debated in the Dail on January 22. The Boyne travels through counties Kildare, Offaly, Meath and Louth. Sinn Fein councillor for Dundalk Sionainn McCann has encouraged Louth parents to report AI deep fakes of nudity by Grok AI. Cllr McCann said parents are "deeply concerned at the dark turn of the social media platform X". The platform has been criticised due to its ability to produce non-consensual images of women and children. Taoiseach Micheal Martin is set to meet with the Attorney General to discuss the matter which he described as "very grave and very serious". Cllr McCann said people are using AI tools on a more regular basis and urged caution to parents and children about the dangers of the technology. "If your child comes to you with this, please report it immediately until such times as the government forces X to disable the nudification functionality in its AI tools, our children are vulnerable," she said. Read Next: Louth TD calls for end to rent arrangements for senior public servants She criticised Elon Musk, owner of X for the platform's response. The platform formerly known as Twitter, had originally said it had restricted its image generation to paid subscribers. However, late on Wednesday night X announced Grok will no longer be able to generate photos of real people in revealing clothing. Yet, there have been reports that users are still able to create sexualised content from photographs of fully clothed, real women. Cllr McCann said this form of content is "domestic, sexual and gender-based violence on a whole new scale." "Women in particular who are already suffering at the hands of violent male partners or ex-partners are fearful of this new level of violence. Minister with responsibility for Artificial Intelligence Niamh Smyth said she will meet with X, and accused the platform of showing "total disregard" to the Irish Government and to "many European states". Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme Sinn Fein councillor for Dundalk Antoin Watters has welcomed the decision of the British Government to scrap so-called "Brit Cards", a digital identity system set to be introduced for working people in the UK by 2029. Cllr Watters said there had been no consideration given to a sizable number of workers who live in the South and work in the North, particularly those who live in North Louth. It was announced this week that Digital IDs will no longer be required for the right to work, but the British Government have said it remains committed to having mandatory checks but said people will be able to use digital chips in their passports instead. According to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer the scheme would be introduced as a way to "curb the prospect of work for illegal immigrants". "Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure," he said. Read Next: 'Historic Boyne Task Force bill to be debated in the Dail Cllr Watters said although "common sense has prevailed I should point out that the Labour Party did not do a U-turn on this policy because of the chaos and havoc it would wreak on Ireland, it was because of widespread opposition in his own country". He said when he'd previously raised concerns about the scheme it was "obvious that no consideration was given to Ireland or to the Good Friday Agreement where identity forms an important basis. "There was no consideration given to the implication the scheme would have on the common travel area or the tenets of the Good Friday Agreement, he said. The Sinn Fein councillor said he is pleased that Ireland will not be "collateral damage" as a result of the scheme. The sooner we have this country re-united the better. The British Government have only ever treated us with disdain. Ireland and its people deserve so much better than that. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Louth TD and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Deputy Joanna Byrne, has called on the Office of Public Works (OPW) to end their "nod-and-a-wink practice of allowing the retired and current public servants to pay minimal rents on houses in the Phoenix Park". The local TD made her remarks following todays meeting of the PAC where the OPWs admission that its properties in the Phoenix Park were being rented out at "inexplicably" low rates of between 670 and 4,160 per annum. Deputy Byrne said: The lack of oversight and mismanagement by the OPW of their properties in the Phoenix Park must come to an end. For years, the OPW, and indeed the Minister with responsibility for the OPW, have refused to answer questions on those properties. But now we know that the nod-and-a-wink rents paid on the properties range from 670 per annum to 4,160 per annum - tiny, tiny sums. Who decided these paltry amounts? What processes and procedures, if any, were followed to determine that these figures were appropriate? Or were they decided on a whim - a nod and a wink?" Read also: A disqualified driver drove past gardai wearing sunglasses at night The Louth TD continued: The entire state is in a housing crisis and the fact that senior public servants can get homes, even after retirement, in the picturesque Phoenix Park, in the heart of Dublin, at such inexplicably low rates simply beggars belief. The preferential rent arrangements for senior public servants will not be lost on those working on the very frontline of our emergency services struggling to keep a roof over their heads. It is yet another slap in the face. Those who have benefited from this practice are and were senior well-paid senior public servants - not emergency services crews that need to roll out at a moment's notice. If they are contractually obliged to be there, then more suitable rents should be charged, and the fact that they are being housed in such a prime location should also be examined thoroughly. The veil has finally been drawn back, and what we see from the OPW in terms of their management of the state's assets simply is not good enough. At today's meeting, I asked that the OPW be written to and requested that they review this matter urgently. It must be put to them in the strongest terms that this practice must end. Upcoming Lord Of The Dance shows are in grave danger of falling apart if Michael Flatley is not permitted to engage with performers, a court in Belfast has heard. The Irish traditional dancer and choreographer rose to international prominence performing Riverdance at Eurovision in 1994, before going on to create the stage show The Lord Of The Dance. The productions 30th Anniversary tour is due to play in Dublins 3 Arena on February 5, continuing in 2026 in a number of countries including the UK, Germany, Croatia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Switzer Consulting is taking legal action in a civil case against the choreographer and dancer for alleged breach of contract, relating to an agreement the firm says was reached to allow it to run the dance shows. Switzer has already secured a temporary injunction to stop Flatley from interfering with the shows. The case was mentioned at The Chancery Court in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Friday, during which legal representatives for Flatley responded to an earlier affidavit submitted on behalf of Switzer Consulting. Flatleys Barrister John Coyle told the court there are shows coming up in two weeks that are in grave danger of falling apart if Flatley cant speak to the dancers on the tour. He said the company is solvent and the economic havoc the move would inflict on Flatley would be substantial. Mr Coyle went on to tell the judge that unless Flatley can participate in the show, losses will inevitably be incurred because his artistic direction is a vital component. He also highlighted recent press coverage of the case, producing a copy of a newspaper report, stating its printing would be libellous if it was not a court document. The judge clarified that the affidavit was presented before the court and is therefore in the public domain, adding that he hadnt read the piece and the case is not being heard in front of a jury. Mr Coyle said Flatley is currently not in the jurisdiction but an affidavit from him would be submitted by next Wednesday. The case is scheduled for another hearing on January 27. A Cork couple celebrated their love and their journey together over the past 22 years when they renewed their vows last month. Paul Goggin and Karen Barry, both from Glanmire, first met when Paul was 20 and Karen was 18. We instantly fell in love and built a relationship on love and laughter, said Karen. The couple got engaged 11 years ago. We knew the choice was either a wedding or to buy a house at the time, so went with a house, she added. The couple decided to privately tie the knot in a registry office 10 years ago and agreed to have a big celebration and renew their vows when they reached their 10th anniversary. The ten years came around so fast. Their family and friends were by their side at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island as they renewed their vows to one another. Karen was delighted to have four generations of her family at the ceremony. Paul and Karen have three children: Keeley, who turns 18 this year, and sons Aaron (11) and Callum (9). Keeley was our bridesmaid and the two boys were mini groomsmen, the couple said. Karens father walked her down the aisle, with her sons meeting her halfway. Karens sister Triona was also a bridesmaid while Pauls twin Kevin and best friend Gavin were at his side. My dad walked me up the aisle, and I met my two boys halfway up, and they finished the walk, which was a lovely special moment, said Karen. The brides gown was from Vows, her hair was by Kim Moynihan and make-up was by@ gracesmakeupbase. The couple described the vow renewal as the best day of their lives. As we already were officially married, we had my childhood best friend Claire renew our vows for us. She gave the most amazing ceremony possible. It was so special and personal. Karens nan was also present on the day, and the bride was delighted to have four generations of her family at the occasion. Karen and Paul pictured with their bridal party including their three children. Kelvin Long provided music at the ceremony and the drinks reception, with Pat Fitz ensuring the dance floor was never empty that evening. Photos on the day were by Bismark Wedding Photography. The couple said they will never forget the emotion they felt as they stood at the top of the aisle, looking down on everyones happy and smiling faces. The couple said they will never forget the love they felt on the day. The pride we felt knowing all we have achieved together over 22 years and the lovely life we have built with our kids in Glanmire...The love we felt at that moment, not just between ourselves, but all of our friends and family who had been with us for the journey the past 22 years, is a moment we will never forget. It was worth the 22 year wait, it literally was the best day of our lives. 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. He is charged with carrying out this robbery at the Bank of Ireland in Douglas, Cork, and was represented in court on Thursday barrister Mahon Corkery. Detective Garda Tom Delaney, in an earlier objection to bail, gave an outline of the allegations in the case: On November 19, just before 2pm, a male entered Bank of Ireland Douglas Village Shopping Centre. "His face was covered over, he handed the teller a note which read: 'Hi, I am Jack, I am a mute. Please do not scream or shout. I have a gun in my pocket. I want you to slowly empty the drawer and place all notes in an envelope. Remember stay calm and I will not hurt you. Put the envelope on the counter and make sure there are no trackers or dye packs in the envelope. Wait five minutes before sounding the alarm or I will come back. Thank you, and am sorry for this'." The cashier in the face of this threat of a firearm, and fear of being harmed, handed over 6,260. The male left the bank on foot through Douglas Village Shopping Centre. Concern has been expressed at the prevalence of repeat offenders committing burglaries across Cork, with almost 1,300 offences across the county in the last six years alone. Figures from the Irish Courts Service show that between January 1, 2020, and September 30, 2025, the latest date for which data is available, there were 1,271 burglary offences in Cork courts, involving 933 people. This includes 993 offences in Cork city, 141 in Mallow, and 137 in Clonakilty district courts. However, the number of people implicated in these cases is smaller, with 701 in Cork city, 117 in Mallow, and 115 in Clonakilty. In total, 1,021 burglary offences were dealt with at district court level, while 250 were sent forward to the circuit court for trial. The figures were provided to Ireland South MEP and former barrister Cynthia Ni Mhurchu, who said the difference between the number of offences and number of perpetrators highlights a high level of repeat or multiple offending. Data The data shows an average of 1.39 offences per person for the 733 people who were dealt with in district courts and 1.25 per person for the 200 sent for trial at circuit court level. The figures point to a relatively small group of repeat offenders that are responsible for a disproportionate share of burglary offences, she said. The data includes 158 offences in the first nine months of 2025, 223 in the 12 months of 2024, 189 in 2023, 203 in 2022, 209 in 2021, and 289 in 2020. Ms Ni Mhurchu reiterated Garda calls for people to refrain from posting holiday photographs on social media, as this advertises the fact that they are not at home She also advised them to look out for any suspicious vehicles or activity on their neighbours property. In the first nine months of 2025, 95 people in Cork city faced the local courts on 130 burglary charges, while 12 were in Clonakilty district court and 11 in Mallow. Monthly averages show that 2025 saw a slight decrease in offences (from 18.5 in 2024 to 17.5) but a slight increase in people (from 12.5 to 13), suggesting a slight fall in repeat offending as well as burglaries. Peak Time Ms Ni Mhurchu pointed out that the dark winter months are a peak time for the offence of burglary, meaning that the figures for the last three months of 2025 could be higher than monthly averages for the previous nine months. She has called on justice minister Jim OCallaghan to put forward a robust plan to tackle the small number of repeat burglars who are having a profound impact on communities. This should include an end to the practice of letting burglars out on temporary release from our prisons, she said, adding that nationally, 38 burglars were on temporary release as of June 23, 2025, according to figures provided by the Irish Prison Service. It comes as public representatives have expressed concern at people being let out of prison due to overcrowding in the prison system. Yesterday, there were 404 people in Cork Prison, which has space for 296 inmates, representing 136% capacity, the highest of any mens prison in Ireland. Ms Ni Murchu said a doubling of funding under the community safety fund, which redirects the proceeds of crime back to communities, more funding for community CCTV, and the expansion of grant aid schemes for security alarms in the homes of older people would also help protect homes. A packed Greek court erupted in cheers on Thursday night as an Irish humanitarian was found not guilty of people smuggling, belonging to a criminal organisation and money laundering, almost eight years after the charges were first brought. The trial of Sean Binder and 23 other humanitarians who had been volunteering to save refugees from drowning in the sea off Lesvos in Greece concluded on Thursday night at almost 8.20pm local time. All defendants were found not guilty of all three charges. Had they been found guilty, they would have faced up to 20 years in prison. Outside the court in Mytilene, confetti and champagne corks exploded as all 24 defendants and their supporters celebrated their acquittal. But Sean Binder, who has close links to Cork, said that his emotions were mixed after the verdict. I feel so delighted that I don't spend the next 20 years in a Greek prison, but I also feel angry that we've had to wait for this long to have that confirmed, he told The Echo. There is just no need to prosecute people for doing exactly what the European Union laws say we should be doing. It isn't controversial that search and rescue happens. It is a legal requirement that the European Union has imposed. So why prosecute European Union citizens when they do just that? Obviously it's great that we've been acquitted but it should never have gotten this far. People drown all the time on these islands and there are fewer and fewer people doing search and rescue. Not because we were convicted but because the prosecution ever started. Sean, whose mother lives in Togher, and has lived in the city for a time, said that the charges had been spurious from the beginning, designed to deter humanitarians from operating on the island. And by stopping those search and rescue efforts, we have a deterrent at our shoreline and that causes people to drown," he said. Although the State had taken the case against the humanitarians, which took some seven years to get to trial, the prosecutor told the court on Thursday evening that there were, in fact, no grounds for the offences. Sean Binders lawyer Zac Kesses said that it had been 2,077 days since Mr Binder and his former colleagues were charged, hugely impacting their lives. But those charges could easily have been dropped, he said. One defendant spoke of lifting childrens cold, limp bodies from Lesvos beaches as a volunteer, not knowing if they were dead or alive. She also saw people crushed to death on crowded boats, unable to help at the time or to subsequently erase those harrowing images. A US technology giant is to invest 125m in its research and development facility in Cork, creating approximately 300 new jobs and growing its workforce to more than 1,000 people within three years. Qualcomm Technologies has had a presence in Cork since 2013, and it is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the hiring of its first engineer here. Over the past decade, the company has grown to more than 780 employees locally, establishing Cork as a key strategic location within Qualcomms global operations. In 2020 it established a new office in Penrose Docks in Cork City following a 78m investment. The company said its decision to expand its workforce on Leeside marked a significant milestone for its Cork operation. Headquartered in San Diego, Qualcomm is one of the worlds leading technology companies, developing the standards and protocols that underpin 5G and emerging 6G technologies, alongside advanced AI and low-power computing. FABLESS It is also one of the worlds largest fabless semiconductor companies, with its Snapdragon platforms powering products across mobile, PC, automotive, XR and IoT. Snapdragon is the front-of-shirt sponsor for Manchester United, underlining its global consumer reach. Welcoming the announcement, Jerry Buttimer, minister of state and Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, said the investment was a strong vote of confidence in Cork, in Irelands technology ecosystem, and most importantly in the highly skilled workforce based here. Qualcomms continued expansion demonstrates Irelands ability to compete internationally for high-value, future-focused investment, he said. He highlighted Qualcomms deep integration into the local economy, including sustained engagement with Irish suppliers, training providers, universities and schools, and its long-standing support for community and charitable initiatives. Qualcomm is not just creating high-quality jobs, it is embedding itself in the fabric of the Cork community. This is exactly the type of long-term, innovation-led investment that Government is committed to supporting. The vice-president of engineering at QT Technologies Ireland, Paul Kelleher, said: "Qualcomm is proud of what weve achieved in Ireland and we are even more excited about whats ahead. Were not just building technology. Were shaping the future, right here in Cork. Chinese tea brands taste success on US main streets China Daily) 08:15, January 16, 2026 Chinese tea brand Naisnow has gained in popularity since it opened its first store in New York City in October. [Photo/Xinhua] On the day before New Year's Eve, powerful gusts swept through New York, battering the city with brutal winter weather, making it feel like 10 C. But outside a newly opened Mixue store in Koreatown, dozens of customers waited in line patiently. In a stark contrast to the freezing streets, the storefront felt unusually lively. Two staff members dressed in Mixue's signature snowman costumes greeted customers and passersby, while the brand's upbeat theme song played in the background, repeating its familiar refrain: "I love you, you love me, Mixue Ice Cream and Tea." Among those waiting in line were not only Asian customers, but people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, most of them young. Customers stepped out with drinks in hand and, unexpectedly, many of them held ice cream cones. Inside, the store was crowded with customers waiting eagerly for their orders. Behind the counter, seven employees were in constant motion, taking orders, preparing drinks and calling out numbers without pausing. Compared with a typical Mixue store in China, the New York location is more than twice the usual size. The second floor is currently under renovation as the store prepares for heavier customer traffic. Despite the larger footprint, the New York store retains the brand's familiar design and layout. Affordability remains one of Mixue's key selling points. A digital screen above the counter displays the menu ranked by popularity, with prices prominently shown. The top-selling item is a $1.19 ice cream cone, followed by fresh lemonade priced at $1.99, and peach oolong tea at $3.49. Mixue's pricing is difficult to match. According to the food guide Eater NY, the average price of a cup of coffee in New York City ranges from $6 to $7, with non-caffeinated beverages typically priced at a similar level. By contrast, Mixue's prices remain largely below that range. However, affordability is not the only factor driving interest in Chinese tea brands. At other chains such as HeyTea, where drinks average around $10 each, high prices have not deterred crowds, with customers continuing to line up for beverages. LU PING/CHINA DAILY Bubbling along How have these beverage chains, once a common sight on China's streets, found a foothold in the United States? Mixue is not alone in its overseas push. In recent years, a growing number of Chinese new-style tea brands, including HeyTea, Naisnow and Molly Tea, have expanded into the US market, often targeting major cities with large and diverse consumer bases. Observers say the trend may reflect intensifying competition at home, as well as rising interest among younger US consumers in global food and beverage cultures. The US market also carries symbolic value for Chinese consumer brands seeking international recognition, they said. HeyTea's Times Square store, which opened earlier this year, sold more than 3,500 cups on its first day, with average daily sales exceeding 2,000 cups, according to company figures. By comparison, independent coffee shops typically sell 200 to 300 beverages per day, while large chains such as Starbucks sell up to 700 cups daily at high-traffic locations, according to the National Coffee Association. HeyTea's expansion in the US illustrates the global acceleration of Chinese tea brands' spread. After opening its first US store in New York in late 2023, HeyTea has grown its footprint rapidly, increasing from just a couple of locations in early 2024 to more than 30 stores today. Other brands have reported similar early success. Chagee sold more than 5,000 cups of tea on the first day its US store opened. Auntea Jenny's first US location, in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens borough in New York, recorded 3,024 orders and gross merchandise value of $65,000 during its initial opening period. Molly Tea has also posted strong figures. The company said its first New York store generated average monthly revenue of about $480,000, while its San Francisco Bay Area location earned $28,000 on opening day and $82,000 within its first three days, setting a new benchmark for Chinese tea brands overseas. The number of bubble tea shops in the US has risen rapidly in recent years, according to market research firm IBISWorld. There were 3,096 bubble tea shops nationwide in 2022, a 23.4 percent increase from the previous year. By 2024, that number had grown to 6,635 locations, and is expected to double again by 2028. A decade ago, bubble tea in the US was largely confined to Asian neighborhoods and college towns. Today, it is increasingly part of mainstream urban consumption. During a recent visit to HeyTea's Times Square store, staff told China Daily the brand's growing appeal is reflected in its day-to-day operations. Jiovani Arroyo, a barista at the location, was seen unloading boxes of ingredients outside the busy shop, many of them labeled in Chinese, suggesting the supplies were imported directly from China. "You would think that customers would be Chinese or Asian, but it's actually a good mixture of different cultures," he said. Arroyo said some customers go straight to the pickup counter, while others are still getting familiar with Chinese tea drinks. He noted that the most common questions from customers are "what's your favorite drink" and "what's the popular drink inside the store", adding that afternoons tend to be the busiest time. While the brand comes from China and the company's headquarters are there, "it still feels like another business in America", he said. Around 60 percent to 70 percent of the store's employees are Chinese, and Arroyo said management has made an effort to hire more local staff. "The manager tries his best to see if he can bring in more locals than just people from China. We don't want there to be a language barrier here for people who are feeling uncomfortable," he said, noting that the store aims to be international rather than staffed only by Chinese employees. Reminder of 'home' For many Chinese nationals living abroad, Chinese tea beverages offer more than just flavor. They provide a taste of home, evoking familiarity and personal memories. Audrey Xu, a millennial living in New Jersey, traveled into the city to visit Mixue after feeling homesick. "I've always loved milk tea, and back in China I used to go to Mixue all the time," she told China Daily. "Seeing Mixue here makes me feel closer to home." Carrying several drinks in paper bags, Xu said she planned to sit down somewhere during lunch to enjoy them. While the menu offers fewer choices than Mixue stores in China, she said the essentials remain unchanged. "That's enough for me. It helps ease my homesickness," she said. "The core products are still the same." Xu, who was born and raised in China and has lived in the US since 2017, said she has noticed a steady increase in Chinese tea drink brands opening across the country. With Mixue's arrival, Xu added that it has now become the first place she plans to bring friends when introducing them to Chinese-style tea drinks because of its low prices. Some customers were drawn to Mixue by its well-known reputation in China, while others noticed the store through its extensive online promotion. The busy location itself also served as a marketing tool, generating attention even before the store officially opened. College student Ishtiyaq Shajahan told China Daily he and his friends visited the area before the store was renovated and wondered what was going to be built at the site. "My friend came last week and it was just opening up, but the line was crazy long. So we came back today with a couple more friends," he said. Shajahan visited the store with his brother, Aqib Shajahan, and their friend James Gonzalez, all of whom are college students and Brooklyn natives. Gonzalez, who had previously visited a Mixue store in Singapore, said he was familiar with the brand. "I think it does a good job setting up other bubble tea franchises. A lot of them tend to be pretty expensive. I think this one's more affordable. And it just feels more warm and welcoming, more friendly," Gonzalez said. Compared with traditional beverage chains such as Starbucks, Ishtiyaq Shajahan said Chinese tea drinks offer a different flavor profile centered on the tea itself. He began drinking Chinese-style tea beverages several years ago, initially trying Thai tea at Gong Cha before becoming more adventurous. "You can try different Chinese items like pandan jelly, grass jelly or different fruits like lychee that's why I like it. I like those more different kinds of flavors," he said. "I would say (Chinese tea beverages are) a little bit sweet, aromatic. I like the tea fragrance, the milk tea, and it's just refreshing, very soothing." He added that Chinese tea beverages have become increasingly mainstream in the US. "It is pretty popular now. I think it's equally as popular as a lot of other drinks. Americans used to drink a lot of energy drinks or coffee, and they are kind of changing it up a little bit It's definitely gotten way more popular over the past five, six years, especially after COVID," he said. Customers rush to buy Chagee beverages on the opening day of its US flagship store in Los Angles, California, on May 9. [Photo/Xinhua] Social lubricant Beyond taste and affordability, the group also pointed to the role Chinese tea beverage shops play in everyday cultural exchanges. In many ways, these brands have become part of everyday life, offering familiarity and choice to a generation already shaped by global tastes rather than explicitly presenting "Chinese culture". "I think it's definitely good for cultural exchange. People get to see a glimpse of diversity and different cultures," Ishtiyaq Shajahan said. Analysts said the growth of the Chinese tea drink market has been driven in part by younger consumers. An article in the Michigan Journal of Economics noted that in the US, where multicultural food traditions are widely embraced, boba tea has gained popularity as an alternative to coffee, particularly among younger consumers. Industry data points to similar trends. A 2021 CLSA consumer survey found that 94 percent of adults age 20 to 29 had purchased bubble tea in the previous three months. Aqib Shajahan said shifting consumer preferences have created space for international brands. "Right now, people just want a change of pace, you know, they want more diversity, more variety, more options," he said, adding more US consumers are trying to branch out into "different international things". (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) A GoFundMe appeal has been launched to repatriate the body of a Ukrainian teenager who had only just moved to Ireland to start a new life. Kateryna Tovstyk, who died last month, had arrived in Ireland last July, was working in a West Cork hotel. The 18-year-old came over to Ireland to join her brother Illia and his partner, Oleksandra, at their home in Clonakilty. They had been living there since 2022. Before her death, Kateryna was working alongside Illia at the Clonakilty Park Hotel. The hotels HR manager Maria Carolan, who has organised the fundraiser, said: They were delighted to welcome her as she began an exciting time starting out in life. Unfortunately, at the end of December, Kateryna died unexpectedly at the young age of 18. Kateryna and Illias colleagues at Clonakilty Park Hotel are devastated by the loss, and along with people locally, have asked how they can help at this truly heartbreaking time for Illia and his family. Of her memories of Kateryna, Ms Carolan said: She was a very quiet, very unassuming, and very mannerly girl. She always had a lovely smile and was a very hard worker. She had come over here to live and just wanted to start a new life over here. It is just so sad that she was only with us for such a short space of time, she said. This Gofundme has been set up with the familys agreement. Illia and his family also sadly lost their father just over a year ago. We cant take away the heartache of Illia losing his sister, but we can try and ease the financial burden of the Tovstyk family. Illia and Oleksandra have been making the difficult decisions and arrangements for the burial of Kateryna and her repatriation to Ukraine. This is a long and difficult journey, considering the complications of getting to Ukraine at the moment. Once home, she will be met by her grieving mother. She said that any donation no matter the size will make a difference. Ms Carolan also asked people to share details of the fundraiser with friends and family as this would be greatly appreciated by Katerynas family, friends, and work colleagues. As of Thursday afternoon, 7,571 had been raised of the 12,000 target of the fundraiser, which was published on Wednesday. Details of her funeral have yet to be published, as the family is still trying to work out the logistics of returning Kateryna back to her mother in Ukraine. While a local undertaker is assisting the family with the international repatriation process, documentation needs to be arranged with the Ukrainian embassy in Dublin. Arrangements also have to be made with a firm of undertakers in Ukraine. https://www.gofundme.com/f/kateryna-tovstyk Plans for the new city centre library are falling behind the curve, Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy has said, after the council provided a very vague update on progress. In 2021, Cork City Council announced that funding of 46.05m from Ireland 2040s urban regeneration and development fund for the Grand Parade Quarter would help regenerate the southern end of Grand Parade. That regeneration would include Bishop Lucey Park, public realm works in Tuckey St and South Main St, and help progress plans to develop a new 7,700sq m city library, the council said at the time. Rebecca Loughry, director of corporate, community and cultural affairs, told Mr McCarthy: The City Library Service is a key component of the cultural, literary, and recreational infrastructure of Cork City and it is an important element in the wider community now and into the future. The commitment to providing a new City Library of scale and substance is one that is a priority for Cork City Council. Work is ongoing to make this happen and further updates will be provided as this matter progresses. Mr McCarthy told The Echo he was disappointed with the response, saying: Weve had work on Bishop Lucey Park, Tuckey St, the two new bridges all of those are linked to the overall regeneration of Grand Parade and the library is a major missing puzzle piece. He explained that parts of the building are in place since the 1930s, saying: It needs a major revamp its not going to fall down any time soon, but the project needs to move on now, weve been talking about it for a long time. Over the years, weve seen the development of libraries in shopping centres, but not a focus on the centres library, so its falling behind the curve. Mr McCarthy asked at the meeting for the topic to be put on the agenda of the councils community and culture strategic policy committee for further discussion. How to kill in three seconds appeared on the web history of the man who denies murdering his ex-girlfriend, and five minutes earlier he had texted his sister in Brazil to say: Ive kind of decided what I will do and I wont tell anyone. Sergeant Brian Barron gave this evidence from the phone records of Miller Pacheco at his trial 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. Sgt Barron told the jury of five men and seven women that Mr Pachecos Samsung phone had been analysed and gardai found text messages to his family and friends as well as to Bruna Fonseca, with whom he had been in a relationship. The relationship had ended days after his arrival in Cork in December 2022. Among the messages they found was one that Miller sent to his sister, Millena, in Brazil just before midnight on December 19 2022 in which he asked her to look after his Shih Tzu dog, Deagle before telling her: Ive kind of decided what I will do and I wont tell anyone. Sgt Barron said that he did not expand on what he meant by that comment, but the analysis of his phone showed that five minutes later, he visited a website entitled How to kill in three seconds which gave details of the massacre of a Brazilian family in Spain. The analysis also revealed that just three minutes after that, there was a visit to another website entitled What are the necessary conditions to kill someone and then a minute after that, there was a visit to another website Three ways to fight well with knives. On December 16 2022 Miller texted Bruna where he complained that she was putting him through hell. She replied: You didnt understand that theres no love left, no admiration in the relationship and still you chose to stay. She told him to move on, repeating that the relationship was over. Miller texted: I must deserve hell because thats where you brought me and chose for me to be here and for me to live in it and now you hurt me and the others who are good people and I am trash. In another, he texted: I wish you a lot of pleasure and happiness with the S.O.B you chose and met in three weeks and made me look like trash, being that you loved men and that we had a plan and that you led me to believe that here all our dreams would be wonderful and all our dreams with Deagle. In some texts to Bruna, the pet dog is referred to by Miller as their child. Miller sent an audio message: You dont feel anything, you dont feel anything about me really, only wish to hurt me, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt and more and more and more and then go and be with someone else instead of me, thats what you feel it can only be that . Go f*** yourself. You really want to get away and disappear and leave me alone without anything I was left without anything, I sold everything and now I have nothing, really nothing thats what you want for me, thats what you want for me, the father of your child (a reference to their pet dog). Two days later, he says that Bruna has stopped following him on Instagram, and says she is moving on with your life in a cold way. Bruna texts back: Miller, I am very sorry for everything that happened. I made a lot of mistakes and there are no words to describe how that hurts me and how much I regret it. But, unfortunately or fortunately - I dont know it helped me realise that we are not good for each other. I didnt lie when I said I was happy you were coming (to Cork) and everything happened so fast here, you have been living this experience, things happen at maximum speed and intensity. "But I dont love you and I cant be with someone out of pity. "Thats why I need to distance myself because for you, any sign of help is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I cant give you hope because I dont want us to get back together. She added: There was no one else he wasnt the reason I broke up I was. Me and me alone I hope you will be alright, if you decide to go back (to Brazil), know your family will support you. The trial continues. Visitor restrictions are in place at Cork University Hospital to help limit the spread of influenza, as latest figures show nearly 100 hospitalisations in Cork and Kerry. Latest flu data, published on Thursday by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC), shows 294 cases of influenza in Cork and Kerry in the first week of this year, as well as 92 hospitalisations. This is down from 382 and 103 the last week of December, but up from 281 and 69 the week before that. HSE South West has advised the public that the CUH restrictions include one visitor per patient, per day, for a maximum of 15 minutes and that visitors must wear surgical masks and use hand sanitiser (provided at the entrance to the hospital). Additionally, there is no visiting outside of visiting times (2pm to 4pm or 6pm to 8pm) and as always, the public are reminded not to visit if feeling unwell for example, with a temperature, runny nose, cough, or any diarrhoea or vomiting. These measures will remain in place for as long as clinically necessary, the HSE said, adding that compassionate exceptions can be arranged in advance by contacting the relevant ward. Jennifer Kearney, CUH CEO said: Unfortunately, flu rates in the community remain high, and we must continue visitor restrictions at CUH to protect our patients. We are very grateful for the publics continued cooperation and understanding as it makes a real difference to patient safety. Ms Kearney also encouraged people to take proactive steps: If you havent yet received your flu vaccine, its not too late. We are still seeing patients hospitalised with influenza and presenting at our emergency department. Getting vaccinated now offers important protection for you and for those around you. People and organisations across Ireland have been leaving X sporadically since Elon Musk purchased the platform in 2022. What was once a popular place for news, updates, and public conversation is now perceived as arguably the most toxic social media platform out there. A major turning point recently has been a new feature in Grok, the AI system built into X, which has been used to create fake and sexualised images of real people without their consent. This includes images of children. Irish charities and campaigners have spoken out about the harm this causes. Womens Aid and The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre have publicly condemned and left X. For many who had remained post-Musk, this has been the final straw. As a communications consultant, I think there is zero value for you or your brand on X, and I dont recommend you post or advertise there. However, I recommend you pause before deleting your account - it may be a bad idea. When people decide they are done with a platform, the natural instinct is to deactivate the account and move on. But, this can cause confusion. When you deactivate your account, it enters a 30-day window where it can be reactivated. After that, the account is permanently deleted, and the username becomes available for others to register. For personal accounts, if you dont have a public presence, likely this wont matter to you. But for brands or well-known individuals, this can cause serious issues if somebody takes your handle and impersonates you or your brand. As an example, last year Center Parcs UK deleted its X account. The website and marketing materials still linked to the old X handle. Another user claimed the username (to prove a point). Once he had the handle, he started to receive messages from Center Parc customers, including private information, trying to make a booking. Thankfully, the user who had claimed the handle went public and contacted Center Parcs, his point having been made. Those customers believed they were contacting the company. They were doing what they had always done. This is a good illustration of how online habits lag behind decisions made behind the scenes. People save links, bookmark pages, and click the same social icons they clicked last year. If youre stepping away from a platform like X that you have used for professional purposes - have a proper exit strategy. Keeping an account open but clearly marked as inactive is a really sensible thing to do. A short note in the bio, a pinned post pointing people to a website or newsletter, and updated links elsewhere can prevent confusion. It also keeps the username under your control and your brand safe from anyone else acquiring it. You dont need to make an announcement or a big deal about it (unless you want to). It is also worth checking your websites, contact pages, and even printed materials. Social media icons and old links often stay live long after a platform has been abandoned. Tidying them up helps guide people to places that are still actively managed. All of this points to a bigger issue. Social media platforms come and go. They change owners. They change rules. Sometimes they change so much that they are no longer useful, or in the case of X - they are no longer ethical, in many peoples eyes. When communication relies so heavily on social media, it is easy to forget that none of those platforms belong to you. An account can be restricted. An algorithm can change. When that happens, the connection to your audience can weaken overnight. What doesnt change is the value of having your own channels. A website you control, an email mailing list, clear contact details that do not depend on a third-party platform. These channels provide stability when everything else shifts. For many organisations, leaving X has been a reminder of how crucial your owned channels are. But leaving X does not and should not mean leaving social media entirely. Its important for any brand to have a strong social presence. For many organisations, especially those dealing with professional audiences, LinkedIn has become a steadier option. I work with many organisations who use it to reach customers and stakeholders effectively and safely through this platform, with real and clear benefits for sales, stakeholder engagement, and reputation building. Podcasts, with the right strategy and content, are an increasingly impactful way to speak to your audience. For consumer-facing businesses, Facebook and Instagram, owned by Meta, are still widely used in Ireland for customer communication. TikTok can also work well for reaching younger audiences, when there is a clear plan and enough time to manage it properly. For any platform youre using, have a strong and unique password and ensure you have two-factor authentication to prevent your profile being hacked. Many small businesses are extremely reliant on Meta for sales so if thats you - ensure its as secure as possible. Taking a little time to tidy up accounts, authentication, links, and contact points helps avoid confusion later and protects the people trying to reach you. Crucially - use whatever platform youre on to direct back to your own website and build an email list of customers. This way, if tomorrow your preferred social media app collapses, youll still be able to communicate directly with your customers. Sean McCarthaigh A brother of George Nkencho has claimed efforts to explain to gardai that his brother had mental health issues were quickly shut down just before he was fatally wounded by armed officers outside their family home in west Dublin five years ago. Emmanuel Nkencho (25) told the inquest at Dublin District Coroners Court on Friday that there was nothing unusual about his brothers behaviour earlier that day. Mr Nkencho also observed that he believed the knife that his brother had been carrying could have been taken from him in the confrontation with members of the Garda Armed Support Unit (ASU). His brother, George (27) sustained fatal gunshot wounds in the incident outside their 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 young man, the eldest of five siblings whose family originally came from Nigeria, was pronounced dead a short time later at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. The inquest had already heard evidence that Mr Nkencho had carried out an unprovoked assault on a manager at the Eurospar store in Hartstown as well as threatening staff with a knife, a short time before the fatal incident. 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 (formerly known as the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC)). Emmanuel gave evidence on the fourth day of the inquest that he had returned home for Christmas from studying at college in Bournemouth. Mr Nkencho said he was upstairs talking to his sister, Gloria, when they heard a commotion through the window and went downstairs with their sister, Grateful, to discover a large number of gardai outside their house with George in front of their door. I was shocked because I didnt know why they would want George, he remarked. Mr Nkencho said Gloria tried to explain to gardai that their brother was unwell, but they were told to get back into the house just before he saw his brother being shot. I didnt think that the gardai even carried guns, he added. He witnessed his brother being shot a second time after he had swung a knife at gardai. Performing CPR As his sisters were screaming and crying, Mr Nkencho recalled: I didnt know what I was looking at. I then turned around because I didnt want to see any more. He then heard three more shots and looked to find his brother lying on the ground with his arms spread out, after which someone started performing CPR. The witness also recalled seeing smoke come from his brothers body and a stretcher covered in blood. Mr Nkencho said gardai refused to tell his family what had happened, even though they knew they were the deceaseds siblings. He said he told four gardai who had gone into the house to leave after a few minutes, as he had not permitted them to be there. I never witnessed anything like this in my life. I never witnessed anyone being shot in front of their house, he added. Mr Nkencho said he was unable to eat or sleep after what happened, and it was difficult to walk past the place where his brother was killed every day. I just see it playing over and over in my head, he remarked. Mr Nkencho said gardai knew his brother had mental health issues as they had previously called to the house about them, and he recognised one of the gardai from one of those visits when George had an episode. He said it would not be normal for his brother to carry a knife with him. The inquest heard he discovered two holes in the hall window the following day. In reply to questions from his familys counsel, Eanna Molloy SC, Mr Nkencho said he believed gardai could hear what his sister was trying to tell them as she was speaking quite loud. However, he claimed she was quickly shut down when she tried to explain about her brothers mental health. Another brother of the deceased, Victor (21), outlined how he was at a nearby shop when he received a panic call from one of his sisters to get back home. 'Blurry scene' Mr Nkencho, who was aged 16 at the time, said he was trembling and confused after returning to a blurry scene to discover his brother had been shot. He said there was nothing out of the ordinary when he saw George earlier that morning. Everything seemed normal with George in the days leading up to the incident, he said. Earlier, video footage of the fatal shooting, which was captured by a member of the public out walking his dog in a nearby park, was shown to the jury. It recorded four shots being fired at Mr Nkencho at close distance in four seconds, with a fifth and final shot heard four seconds late,r after which he fell to the ground. The deceaseds mother, Blessing Nkencho, sat quietly in the back row of the courtroom, wiping tears from her eyes with a handkerchief as she watched the footage of her sons final moments. Several of her children left the hearing temporarily as the video was played a number of times to the jury. Counsel for An Garda Siochana, Ronan Kennedy SC, told the inquest that there would be evidence that a total of six shots were fired, with the video not capturing the first shot. He also pointed out that it did not record two attempts to taser Mr Nkencho before shots were fired by members of the ASU or the deployment of pepper spray. An eyewitness, Alan OReilly, who recorded footage of the fatal incident, said he had been walking his dog when he noticed an ASU jeep come into the Manorfields estate. Mr OReilly said he could hear a lot of shouting, including someone calling out: Get down, get down. He admitted thinking originally that gardai were just shooting in the air and not at the deceased. Cross-examined by Mr Kennedy, the witness said he did not recall anything about tasers being used. He agreed with counsel that a lot of things had happened before he started filming the incident. In reply to a question from Mr Molloy, the witness said he could not be sure if Mr Nkencho had his back to the camera when one shot was fired. A postman working in the area who witnessed the standoff told the inquest that Mr Nkencho looked like a man in clear distress. Derek Keenan said the deceased did not obey any of the repeated instructions issued by gardai. However, he observed that he was not sure that Mr Nkencho was in the right frame of mind to obey orders. The postman said the deceased was making very erratic and unpredictable movements, and he heard gardai issuing a warning about tasers. He recalled seeing Mr Nkencho staying on his feet after a taser had struck him on his side or stomach, which appeared to make him agitated. Mr Keenan said he believed that a garda also attempted to spray Mr Nkencho with something after he appeared to have fallen to the ground after a second taser had been used. He claimed Mr Nkencho and an armed garda were at touching distance. Another eyewitness, Ray Dunne, said the distance between them was probably two metres at most. Mr Dunne gave evidence that he believed there was an excess of shouting by gardai at Mr Nkencho. The inquest before a jury of five women and four men was adjourned until next Tuesday. As part of a pilot project BreakingNews.ie has used AI to suggest headline options for this article. The final headline was chosen and edited by BreakingNews.ie journalists. Find out more US author Ashley St. Clair, delivers a speech during a convention of the European Parliament leaders of Identity and Democracy group (ID), on December 3, 2023. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP) (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images) US author Ashley St. Clair, delivers a speech during a convention of the European Parliament leaders of Identity and Democracy group (ID), on December 3, 2023. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP) (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images) (ANDREAS SOLARO via Getty Images) Although X removed Groks ability to create nonconsensual digitally undressed images on the social platform, the standalone Grok app is another story. It reportedly continues to produce nudified deepfakes of real people. And now, Ashley St. Clair, a conservative political strategist and mother of one of Elon Musks 14 children, has sued xAI for nonconsensual sexualized images of her that Grok allegedly produced. In the court filing, St. Clair accused xAIs Grok chatbot of creating and disseminating deepfakes of her as a child stripped down to a string bikini, and as an adult in sexually explicit poses, covered in semen, or wearing only bikini floss. In some cases, the chatbot allegedly produced bikini-clad deepfakes of St. Clair based on a photo of her as a 14-year-old. People took pictures of me as a child and undressed me. Theres one where they undressed me and bent me over, and in the background is my childs backpack that hes wearing right now, she said. I am also seeing images where they add bruises to women, beat them up, tie them up, mutilated, St. Clair told The Guardian. These sickos used to have to go to the dark depths of the internet, and now it is on a mainstream social media app. Advertisement Advertisement St. Clair said that, after she reported the images to X, the social platform replied that the content didnt violate any policies. In addition, she claims that X left the images posted for up to seven days after she reported them. St. Clair said xAI then retaliated against her by creating more digitally undressed deepfakes of her, therefore making [St. Clair] the laughingstock of the social media platform. She accused the company of then revoking her X Premium subscription, verification checkmark and ability to monetize content on the platform. xAI further banned [her] from repurchasing Premium, St. Clairs court filing states. On Wednesday, X said it changed its policies so that Grok would no longer generate sexualized images of children or nonconsensual nudity in those jurisdictions where its illegal. However, the standalone Grok app reportedly continues to undress and sexualize photos when prompted to do so. Neither Apple nor Google has removed the Grok app despite explicit policy violations. (Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images) Apple and Google have thus far done, well, absolutely nothing. Despite the multi-week outrage over the deepfakes and an open letter from 28 advocacy groups neither company has removed the X or Grok apps from their app stores. Both the App Store and Play Store have policies that explicitly prohibit apps that generate such content. Advertisement Advertisement Neither Apple nor Google has responded to multiple requests for comment from Engadget. That includes a follow-up email sent on Friday, regarding the Grok app continuing to nudify photos of real women and other people. While Apple and Google fail to act, many governments have done the opposite. On Monday, Malaysia and Indonesia banned Grok. The same day, UK regulator Ofcom opened a formal investigation into X. California opened one on Wednesday. The US Senate even passed the Defiance Act for a second time in the wake of the blowback. If you are a woman, you cant post a picture, and you cant speak, or you risk this abuse, St. Clair told The Guardian. Its dangerous, and I believe this is by design. You are supposed to feed AI humanity and thoughts, and when you are doing things that particularly impact women, and they dont want to participate in it because they are being targeted, it means the AI is inherently going to be biased. Speaking about Musk and his team, she added that these people believe they are above the law, because they are. They dont think they are going to get in trouble, they think they have no consequences. CyberGhost is the middle child of the Kape Technologies VPN portfolio, but in quality, it's much closer to ExpressVPN than Private Internet Access. I mainly put it on my best VPN list because it's so cheap, but I wouldn't have done that if it didn't earn its place in other ways affordable crap is still crap, after all. My universal impression of CyberGhost is a VPN that's not perfect but is always genuinely working to make itself better. It makes decisions based on what will help its users, not to set itself apart in a crowded market. This makes it similar to a lot of other VPNs, but that's not a bad thing especially at such a low price. Other than its price, the best things about CyberGhost are its intuitive app design, its frictionless user experience and the super-low latencies that make it an ideal pick for gamers. Download speeds are great up close but middling far away. While I love how many servers it's got in Africa and South America, a few too many of them are virtual locations. I'll get into all this and more in the review; feel free to read straight through or use the contents table to find the area that interests you most. Advertisement Advertisement Editor's note (1/16/26): We've overhauled our VPN coverage to provide more detailed, actionable buying advice. Going forward, we'll continue to update both our best VPN list and individual reviews (like this one) as circumstances change. Most recently, we added official scores to all of our VPN reviews. Check out how we test VPNs to learn more about the new standards we're using. CyberGhost 83 100 Expert Score Best cheap VPN CyberGhost CyberGhost is an affordable VPN with apps that make sense, plus a plethora of servers targeted at specific use cases. Pros Very low average latencies User-friendly apps on all platforms Perfect score on streaming tests Cons Best deal only lasts for one billing period Download and upload speeds drop with distance Poorly organized FAQ pages $2.03/month at CyberGhost Findings at a glance Category Notes Installation and UI Windows app has more options and the most sensible organization macOS app is very easy to use, but a bit lacking compared to Windows Android and iOS both have simple main pages and slightly confusing preferences No browser extensions (free proxy doesn't count) Speed Excellent latency tests, with ping times short enough to lead the VPN field Great download and upload speeds on close-in servers Distant servers lag somewhat on both upload and download, bringing down the worldwide average Security Uses WireGuard, IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols, but they aren't all supported on all platforms Blocks IPv6 and prevents WebRTC and DNS leaks Disconnects when switching servers Pricing $12.99 per month $41.94 for 6 months ($6.99 per month) $56.94 for 28 months ($2.03 per month), renewing at the same price for 12 months ($4.79 per month) Seven simultaneous connections Bundles Dedicated IP address for $2.50 per month Privacy policy Anonymizes all personal data Can share data with other Kape subsidiaries, but only if they're based in areas with good privacy laws RAM-only servers and full-disk encryption confirmed by audit Has never given information to police Virtual location change Unblocked Netflix perfectly in five different regions using streaming-optimized servers and WireGuard Server network 125 server locations in 100 countries Good global distribution, with nine locations in South America and six in Africa However, most servers in the southern hemisphere are virtual locations that may not give the best speeds Features Kill switch cannot be turned off except on Windows Split tunneling by app on Android and by URL on Windows Content blocker can only be turned on or off, no customization Large network of torrent-optimized servers and streaming servers Smart Rules automation is both user-friendly and deep Customer support Online help pages are well-written but poorly organized Live chat responds quickly; there is a bot but it's easy to get past Can also submit email tickets through an online portal Background check Founded in 2011 and based in Romania Acquired by Kape Technologies in 2017 Installing, configuring and using CyberGhost CyberGhost gets installation and UI largely right. There are no needless hurdles in the setup process. All its app designs put the important controls front and center and don't overload you with needless information. I've broken up my thoughts by platform, as CyberGhost is pretty different depending on where you use it. Windows CyberGhost downloads and installs amazingly fast on Windows 11. I didn't even have to grant any permissions. I just opened the .exe, clicked through a licensing agreement and logged into the desktop client. It took about two minutes end-to-end, including time I spent digging around in my password vault. The CyberGhost VPN client for Windows 11. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) Once inside, you're greeted with a UI that looks an awful lot like Surfshark and if it's not broken, don't fix it. Options for special servers are on the left, the server list is in the middle and the connection interface is on the right. The arrangement prioritizes the most important controls and keeps clutter to a minimum. The only thing I can find to complain about is that clicking on a country with multiple locations doesn't open the menu to choose between them; instead, you have to click on a hard-to-see arrow to the right of the name. Advertisement Advertisement To access any of the special servers, click the appropriate tab in the left window, then choose from the list. Everything connects quickly. A gear icon at the bottom-left leads to all the special features and options, organized into three tabs: General (to do with the VPN app itself), CyberGhost VPN (to do with the VPN connection) and Account (to do with your subscription). The names could be better, but I can't argue with the clear and useful descriptions on each feature. Mac The download process on macOS Sequoia is as easy as it is on Windows 11. CyberGhost walks you through every step, installs its helper tools with minimal fuss and is ready to go out of the box. It's best to download directly from cyberghostvpn.com, since the App Store version is designed for iPads, not desktop computers. Right after launching, the Mac app is pinned to the taskbar. To open it as a separate window, click the arrow button at the top-left. While it's in the taskbar, the only things you can do are connect, disconnect and switch to one of your favorite locations. You can do all that from the standalone window, too, so there's not much reason to ever leave it pinned. CyberGhost's VPN client for macOS Sequoia. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) The interface on Mac differs from the Windows client in other noticeable ways. For one thing, it's permanently in dark mode, whereas Windows users get to choose between light and dark. There are fewer categories of servers in the left-hand column, with only torrenting (called For Downloading) and streaming options available you can still connect to NoSpy, but only by going to the Romania location on the main list. Advertisement Advertisement Also, the control panel gear is in the exact opposite location, sitting at the top-right of the connection window. The organization of options is also completely different and generally not as useful, with all the actual controls crammed into a single General tab. This happened to me once or twice when my internet connection had no problems. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) Compounding the sense that CyberGhost didn't give its Mac app as much attention as its Windows app, I kept getting the odd error pictured in the screenshot above. The client would tell me I had no internet connection (my internet was fine) and direct me to run a connection test. This would always turn up all green lights and let me connect without any incident. It rarely tripped me up for more than a moment, but it was still bizarre. Android CyberGhost on Android is streamlined to the extreme, focusing on ease of use above all else. Connections happen quickly, and the server selection is narrowed down, with only the streaming locations getting their own tab. It's nice, but it does sometimes remind me of when I'd clean my room by shoving all the clutter under the bed. CyberGhost connected on an Android phone. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) Advertisement Advertisement That's mainly because tapping the gear at the top-right opens up a preferences menu with a lot more going on than the main screen. Most of the options here aren't too complicated, but the shift is still jarring, especially since Android doesn't do as well as Windows at explaining what everything does. "Anonymous statistics" and "Share network data for troubleshooting" sound like the same thing to me, and we get nothing on the esoteric concept of Domain Fronting. Still, I'm nitpicking a bit. CyberGhost's Android client does 95 percent of its job very well. Most of the settings aren't necessary anyway, so you can pick your favorite server and be on your way. iOS Much like its Android app, CyberGhost's iOS offering is sleek on the front end, a little cluttered in the back, but overall quite easy to use. Connections happen within seconds. The main page includes a useful option to tap on your current Wi-Fi network and immediately set Smart Rules for it. As with Android, only streaming-optimized servers and favorites are separated from the rest. The main page of CyberGhost's iPhone app. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) The control panel also looks very similar to what you get on mobile. The apparent clutter comes from simple on-off toggles and more complex submenus being all jumbled up together, but you can use the VPN just fine without engaging with any of it. For the most part, CyberGhost on iOS does a lot to help you and nothing to get in your way. Browser extensions CyberGhost doesn't have a full-service browser extension. If you look for an extension link on the download hub, you won't find anything. What it does have is free proxy add-ons for Chrome and Firefox, which can be used to change your IP address to a new location. Advertisement Advertisement However, proxies do not encrypt your traffic, leaving out one of the critical aspects of how a VPN works. The extension library pages for the CyberGhost proxies are vague about this, but they're no substitute for a full VPN. They're free and may be convenient for occasional streaming if they don't get caught, but they aren't secure. CyberGhost speed test I conducted all these tests on a wireless connection using the WireGuard protocol. For each, I selected either a physical server or a virtual location close to its physical source. Here's what each metric means in the table below: Ping, measured in milliseconds (ms), is a measure of latency how long it takes to send a signal from your device to its destination via the VPN server. Lower pings are better. Since signals can only move so quickly, latency tends to increase with distance. Download speed, measured in megabits per second (Mbps), is what you probably think of as "internet speed" how fast websites load and how much video you can stream without any pause to load. Upload speed, also measured in Mbps, determines the rate at which data travels from your device to its destination. It's useful for posting content, saving files to the cloud, torrenting and two-way video calls. Server location Ping (ms) Increase factor Download speed (Mbps) Percentage drop Upload speed (Mbps) Percentage drop Portland, USA (unprotected) 16 58.70 5.80 Seattle, USA (fastest location) 22 1.4x 55.88 4.8 5.60 3.4 New York, USA 155 9.7x 45.43 22.6 5.43 6.4 Montevideo, Uruguay 111 6.9x 46.25 21.2 5.55 4.3 Lisbon, Portugal 328 20.5x 45.60 22.3 4.36 24.8 Johannesburg, South Africa 632 39.5x 34.12 41.9 3.68 36.6 Vientiane, Laos 350 21.9x 38.04 35.2 4.78 17.6 Average 266 16.6x 44.22 24.7 4.90 15.5 CyberGhost's speed test gave me mixed results mostly good, but with some reasons for caution. To start on the positive side, latency results were excellent. No matter where I went in the world, the numbers only jumped above 400 milliseconds in one place, and that was the Johannesburg server that had problems across the board. CyberGhost's 266 average is significantly better than I got when testing Surfshark, currently the fastest VPN overall. A speed test using the fastest location chosen by the CyberGhost app. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) Download and upload speeds looked good in my fastest location, Seattle. Using CyberGhost only slowed my browsing by 4.8 percent and dropped my upload rates by 3.4 percent, comparable to most of its leading competitors. At a distance, though, speeds started to falter. Things in New York remained reasonably fast, but with a lot of fluctuation between tests; unlike Seattle, numbers swung between the 30s and 50s. Advertisement Advertisement As I virtually traveled the world, I saw more and more swings, plus sharp declines in South Africa (which is always the problem child of VPN servers, for some reason). To put this in perspective, CyberGhost never dragged that much on my browsing speed, and the internet remained usable no matter where I went. It's just slightly more sluggish than my favorite VPNs in every area except latency, where it soars ahead. CyberGhost security test VPNs need to secure your internet activity against two things: intentional attacks and leaks due to negligence. A VPN should be watertight enough that it never lets your information slip by accident, while also defending your data against outside interference. It's not hard to test whether a provider is meeting these two criteria. First, make sure it's using safe VPN protocols with modern encryption. Second, use an IP address checker to test for DNS, WebRTC and IPv6 leaks. Third, test encryption itself to ensure it's being applied equally to all data packets. Let's get started. VPN protocols CyberGhost supports three different VPN protocols, all of them up-to-date and secure. OpenVPN, available on Windows, Android, Linux and Fire TV, is my typical recommendation, balanced and secured through a multi-decade history of refinement. WireGuard, supported on every platform, is the new hotshot on the block, fast and stable but not quite as rigorously tested as OpenVPN. IKEv2, which works on macOS, iOS and Windows, connects more quickly than the others but isn't open-source. Advertisement Advertisement I have some quibbles about how available these protocols are. OpenVPN should always be an option for everybody; leaving it off Apple devices doesn't make sense. Ive asked CyberGhost about this and will update here when I get a reply. In the meantime, I can't complain about the protocols themselves, which use uncracked encryption ciphers and present no obvious weak points. Leak test I used ipleak.net to check CyberGhost for leaks. There are three likely causes for a VPN to accidentally reveal your real IP address: it failed to account for different IP types (IPv6 leak), a real-time connection went outside the encrypted tunnel (WebRTC leak) or it used a domain name server that an ISP could read (DNS leak). CyberGhost never leaked my real IP address. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) CyberGhost blocks all IPv6 traffic, so there's no chance of an IPv6 leak. I checked for WebRTC leaks and didn't find any. Likewise, every time I connected to a VPN server and refreshed the page, I saw that server's IP address, proving that CyberGhost isn't leaking. There is one important exception here: whenever you select a different server on your CyberGhost client, it disconnects from that server before connecting to the next one. This means that your data is exposed during the transition. It's annoying, but as long as you remember not to do anything risky while changing locations, you'll be fine. Encryption test For my final test, I used WireShark to capture images of the data packets CyberGhost was routing from my device to its servers. Sure enough, the outer layer of each data stream was encrypted no matter which VPN protocol I used. Ultimately, all my probing showed that CyberGhost is secure against both negligence and interference. How much does CyberGhost cost? CyberGhost sells three different subscriptions, all of them with the same features. The only difference is how long the plan lasts. You can save money overall by signing up for six months or two years at a time, but it costs more upfront. Each plan can be used on seven devices simultaneously. These prices are subject to change. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) Advertisement Advertisement One month of CyberGhost costs $12.99, and it renews automatically at the same price at the end of each billing month. Each monthly renewal comes with a 14-day, money-back guarantee. You can get six months for $41.94 total, which works out to $6.99 per month. At the end of six months, it auto-renews at the same price. The six-month plan comes with a 45-day refund guarantee. Finally, there's the two-year plan, which comes with a lot of fine print. The first time you sign up, it costs $56.94, which gets you a total of 28 months (working out to $2.03 per month). However, after your 28 months are up, all subsequent renewals instead get you a 12-month plan still for $56.94, but now working out to $4.79 per month. That's still relatively cheap, but not nearly as affordable as some VPNs with perpetual two-year plans. CyberGhost side apps and bundles CyberGhost doesn't have much in the way of additional subscription offers, but that's honestly refreshing. In an age when even the best providers also need to be antiviruses, insurance agents and probably vacuum cleaners, it's nice to see a VPN that's content with just being a VPN. CyberGhost does have a broader "security suite," but it comes at no extra cost and is currently available on Windows only. More info on that in the "Extra features" section below. Dedicated IP You can pay an extra $2.50 per month to add a dedicated IP address to your CyberGhost plan. With a dedicated IP, you'll have a stable address whenever you get online through the VPN, which makes it a lot easier to connect to firewall-protected web services. It's also exclusive, so nobody else can get you in trouble by misusing the IP address. Close-reading CyberGhost's privacy policy CyberGhost is located in Romania, which makes it subject to the strict privacy laws of the European Union. It's not legally required to keep tabs on its users or install government backdoors. That's a great start, but to be certain about a company's approach to privacy, it's best to look at its own words. Advertisement Advertisement A VPN makes your online activity anonymous to anyone else who tries to look at it, but the VPN itself still has the power to violate your privacy if it chooses. This leads some people to advise against using commercial VPN services at all, though I don't go that far. The best VPNs build in features that make it impossible for them to abuse their access to your web traffic, such as RAM-only servers and full-disk encryption. When trying to determine if you can trust a VPN with your privacy, the first place to look is its official privacy policy. This document lays out everything the VPN does to handle your personally identifiable information (PII). If the provider violates its policy, they can be sued, so it's not in their interest to lie outright in the document. I went over CyberGhost's privacy policy with a fine-toothed comb it can be found here if you'd like to follow along. It starts with the usual promise of "uncompromising protection": CyberGhost swears that "we are NOT storing connection logs, meaning that we DON'T have any logs tied to your IP address, connection timestamp or session duration" (all emphasis theirs). That's the standard I'll be checking against: a total lack of any way for CyberGhost to read or share information on its own users. Let's see how it holds up. These may just be words, but they have legal force, at least in civil court. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) The privacy policy wins early points by clarifying all the data it collects. You can see the whole quote in the screenshot above, but to summarize, any PII (like your email or IP address) will never be connected with anything you do online. Since absolute anonymity is impossible, this is the best we can hope for from a VPN. Later on, the policy clarifies everything CyberGhost might do with personal data, none of which involves turning it over to authorities or selling it to advertisers. The most suspicious reasons given are "fraud detection/prevention" and "To enforce the terms of service," but these both relate to kicking users off CyberGhost itself, not tattling on them to the government. The only potential problem comes in the section titled "Sharing Your Personal Data." Here, CyberGhost states that "we may communicate your personal data to a member of our group of companies," meaning all subsidiaries of Kape Technologies. I won't rehash the case against Kape in full my ExpressVPN review covers it in detail. Suffice to say the only real risk here is that CyberGhost might share PII with another Kape company located in a region with worse privacy laws than Romania or the EU. To me, this isn't a serious concern. First of all, Kape doesn't own any companies based in truly anti-privacy nations like China, India or Russia. Moreover, the privacy policy states that CyberGhost won't share information with any entity not "located in the EU or another jurisdiction offering equivalent data protection standards." Every bit of data gets the same protections. This may mean PII enters a country in the Five/Nine/14 Eyes alliance, but the Eyes only matter if a VPN is already logging data it shouldn't have. It's not that abuse of intelligence-sharing agreements isn't a problem; it's just that the risk it poses starts with the VPN itself, not where it's located. To sum up, I didn't see any red flags or loopholes in the CyberGhost privacy policy. Some clauses could be tightened up, and it always pays to be suspicious, but I'm confident that using this VPN doesn't risk your personal privacy. Independent corroboration CyberGhost has been audited twice by Deloitte Romania, once in 2022 and again in 2024. Following that pattern, I'll be looking out for another one this year. You need an account to read the full audit report, but it's only 10 pages and easy to summarize: the auditors found nothing in CyberGhost's systems that conflicted with its privacy policy. The audit notes CyberGhost's server infrastructure as evidence. All servers are run on RAM with full-disk encryption, making any information they store completely ephemeral. Even if CyberGhost staff wanted to spy on you, they wouldn't see anything. The same goes for third-party hackers. CyberGhost also posts a regular transparency report that lists how often law enforcement has asked it for information. As far as I could find, after hundreds of requests, there's never been a case where CyberGhost provided any information to cops. Can CyberGhost change your virtual location? For this section, I used Netflix to test whether CyberGhost's virtual location changes are detectable by other websites. Ideally, every time I change location with CyberGhost, Netflix would accept it as real and show me the content library from that country. If either of those things doesn't happen within three tests, the VPN has a problem. Since CyberGhost has servers built for streaming, I used those for each of the five locations. You can see my results below. Server location Unblocked Netflix? Changed content? United Kingdom 3/3 3/3 Japan 3/3 3/3 Germany 3/3 3/3 Australia 3/3 3/3 Brazil 3/3 3/3 This test was a smashing success for CyberGhost. Every time, it showed me the proper video library for the location I chose and never once got caught by Netflix's firewalls. It's the best result I've seen in this section since I tested Proton VPN, and that's high praise if you know me. CyberGhost unblocks Netflix Japan, revealing exclusive titles. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) Investigating CyberGhost's server network CyberGhost has 125 server locations in 100 countries. Of those locations, 75 are real and 50 are virtual, which makes the math easy: CyberGhost's VPN server network is 60 percent bare-metal and 40 percent virtual. That's good, since physical servers let you calculate how much performance will deteriorate over distance virtual servers are just as safe, but speeds might fluctuate depending on where they really are. Region Countries with servers Total server locations Virtual server locations North America 9 21 5 South America 9 9 9 Europe 45 56 13 Africa 6 6 3 Middle East 6 6 4 Asia 23 23 16 Oceania 2 4 0 Total 100 125 50 Looking at the distribution of servers, we get good news and bad news. The good news is that there really are 100 different countries and territories to choose from, encompassing nearly all the virtual globetrotting you're likely to need. There are also lots of servers in the southern hemisphere, which is often the last place VPNs grow into. There's a wealth of choices in South America, plus several options in Africa and Central Asia. CyberGhost's selection of VPN servers. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) The bad news is that the distribution of real servers is skewed toward Europe and the United States. None of the nine South American servers are actually located in South America; worse, a large number of them are physically located in Miami. If you're using CyberGhost in Argentina, don't expect top speeds from the Buenos Aires server, since it's actually over 4,000 miles away. CyberGhost's support center does include a list of where the virtual servers are relayed through, but it's not up to date. Extra features of CyberGhost CyberGhost has a few features beyond the VPN itself, though not as many as you might think. Compared to a provider like NordVPN, which goes all in on extra features, CyberGhost's offerings look pretty lean. But that doesn't matter as much if the features work well. Let's see how they do. Kill switch CyberGhost takes an unusual approach to its kill switch. In case you aren't familiar with the term, a kill switch cuts off your internet connection if your link to the VPN ever drops, protecting your anonymity in case of unexpected incidents. Most VPNs let you toggle the kill switch on and off, but on CyberGhost, it's fully engaged 100 percent of the time except on Windows, where you can turn it on and off as desired. Turning on the kill switch is almost always a good idea, but it's still annoying that Cyberghost gives many of its users no way to turn it off. In rare cases, kill switches can get overzealous, preventing you from getting online even when conditions are safe. It's an odd choice to remove a potential troubleshooting step from the user's control. Split tunneling Split tunneling lets you name some apps or websites that will run unprotected even while the VPN is active. This can help with certain services that refuse to work if they detect a VPN, or alternatively, can protect only one sensitive app or site while the others enjoy faster unprotected speeds. CyberGhost only has full split tunneling on Android. It also offers a slightly different feature called Exceptions on Windows. Android split tunneling works by app, while Exceptions works by URL. In both cases, you choose individual apps or websites to leave out of the VPN. It's limited, but works as advertised. Optimized servers As I mentioned in the Netflix testing section, CyberGhost includes specialized servers designed for specific tasks. Other than the add-on dedicated IP servers, these come in four forms: "For gaming," "For torrenting," "For streaming" and "NoSpy." Gaming servers are apparently built to keep latency low, but I couldn't see much difference between them and the normal servers. "For torrenting" is called "For downloading" on Mac, but it's all the same torrent-optimized servers. These are built to meet the download and upload speed requirements for effectively using P2P filesharing clients. CyberGhost has P2P servers in 86 countries, which makes it a good VPN for torrenting; only the lack of port forwarding keeps it from being truly great. A few of CyberGhost's specialty servers on a MacBook. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) Each streaming server is built to unblock a specific streaming site in a particular country, occasionally for a single type of device. For example, United States streaming servers are aimed at Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and more, many in their Android or Smart TV forms. UK servers work for Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, ITV and more. In total, there are 106 streaming servers in 22 countries not quite as extensive as the overall list, but it's important to remember that non-optimized servers still work fine for streaming. Finally, the NoSpy options connect to a set of servers in Romania that CyberGhost claims to manage entirely in-house, with nobody able to access them except CyberGhost's own team. This is good, but it leaves me suspicious about who's running the rest of the servers. Are they all run by third parties except the NoSpy locations? That's relatively common, but it creates vulnerabilities if the VPN provider doesn't insist on high standards from collaborators. Content blocker CyberGhost's content blocker is underwhelming. All you can do is turn it on and off. There's no customization like you get with Windscribe's R.O.B.E.R.T. and no clear statement of where it's getting its list of domains to block. In practice, it does block in-page ads, but without specifics I couldn't test it in more detail. There's no customization on CyberGhost's blocker -- just turn it on or off. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) Smart Rules The Smart Rules automation suite is the crown jewel of CyberGhost's features and the most common reason I recommend it. Using Smart Rules, you can automate CyberGhost's behavior to a degree inconceivable on most other VPNs. You can program CyberGhost to take different actions on each of your usual networks. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) Smart Rules come in two forms: actions performed automatically when CyberGhost launches or connects and actions that respond to new Wi-Fi networks. In the former category, you can set CyberGhost to connect when you open the app, determine which location it connects to and even set an app to automatically open after it connects. Wi-Fi rules depend on whether the network CyberGhost detects is secured or not. For each type of network, you can set the VPN to connect, disconnect, ask you what to do or ignore it entirely. Once it recognizes a Wi-Fi network, you can set specific rules for that network. It's at once very easy to use and capable of surprising depth. CyberGhost customer support options CyberGhost primarily offers customer assistance through its online portal, which can be reached at support.cyberghostvpn.com or by going through the app. If you choose the options "CyberGhost VPN help" or "FAQ" in the app settings, you'll be taken to the support pages in a browser. I recommend going through the URL, since that takes you to the highest-level page. The support center feels distressingly like an afterthought. Written guides are divided into four sections: Guides, Troubleshooting, FAQs and Announcements. The latter has only one article and the former three are roughly interchangeable if I'm having trouble connecting to a server, is that an FAQ, a Guide or Troubleshooting? Looking for any particular subject here is a needle-in-a-haystack search. Fortunately, there is a search bar, but this presents its own problems. A simple search for "connection issues macos" turned up 72 results, including one called "Troubleshooting connectivity on macOS" and another titled "Troubleshooting VPN connection on mac." These two articles are in different sections, but mostly contain the same information, except that the former has an extra walkthrough on renewing your DHCP lease. It's a shame, because the articles themselves are mostly clear and helpful, with lots of well-chosen screenshots. Someone clearly worked hard on the content, but the overall organization left me thinking the knowledgebase was thrown together years ago and hasn't been checked since. Live support experience If you have trouble finding what you need in the written guides, you can get personal support in two ways. One option is to submit an email request through a Zendesk portal. This gives you all the time you need to frame your question and add supporting materials, at the cost of waiting longer for a reply. Your other option is to access live chat, which you can do from anywhere on cyberghost.com by clicking the chat button in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Live chat starts with a "CyberGhost AI Assistant" (what we used to call a chatbot in the good old days) which runs you through several diagnostic questions. To its great credit, the bot does not try to link you to articles in the knowledgebase, understanding as too many providers don't that nobody tries live chat unless the FAQ isn't working for them. It didn't take me too long to get in touch with what was apparently a live expert. (Sam Chapman for Engadget) I decided to bother CyberGhost about the connection issue I wrote about in the Mac UI section. Within seconds, the chatbot offered me a button that would transfer me directly to a live agent. I only had to wait about 4 minutes before the agent got in touch. After that, each response took about a minute and explained everything carefully and efficiently. It was as helpful as the written knowledgebase wasn't. CyberGhost background check CyberGhost was founded in 2011 in Bucharest, Romania, where it's still headquartered today. It claims to have around 38 million subscribers and a staff of 70. It appears to be most popular in France and Germany. The only thing that makes me at all uncertain about CyberGhost is that I can't find much information about its history it doesn't even have a Wikipedia page in English. By far the most likely explanation is that CyberGhost is exactly what it seems to be: a reliable, drama-free VPN provider that doesn't court controversy. Still, I'm naturally paranoid, so I'd understand if this lacuna sends you running back to a better-documented VPN. There is precisely one date in CyberGhost's history that everyone lists: 2017, when it was purchased by Kape Technologies. As a VPN reviewer, I have to think about Kape a lot. My opinion is that the fear around it doesn't measure up to reality. For example, back when it was known as Crossrider, Kape was not a "malware distributor"; it sold an ad-injection plugin that turned out to be a useful malware vector. Perhaps Crossrider could have worked harder to stop its platform from being misused, but that doesn't make it a security threat today. Similarly, being owned by a businessman from Israel does not mean that Kape or CyberGhost are secretly controlled by Mossad. I'm not here to defend Kape I'm just pointing out that a lot of the fear isn't backed up by evidence. To my mind, Kape's consolidation of the VPN industry (it also owns ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, plus two websites that review VPNs) is bad enough without having to look for additional conspiracies. It's up to you to decide whether or not CyberGhost's parent company presents a hard line you won't cross. Final verdict At the end of my journey with CyberGhost, I may not be blown away, but I'm definitely pleased. After my poor experience with PIA, I was afraid the only budget VPN I could wholeheartedly recommend was a two-year subscription to Surfshark. CyberGhost is a meat-and-potatoes VPN it's not pushing any envelopes, but it's cheap and it does the job. All that said, I recommend it more to casual users than to people who really need secrecy. There are just enough reddish flags that I wouldn't necessarily trust it with life-and-death information: the (possible) use of third-party managers for all servers outside Romania, the freedom to share information with any Kape subsidiary, the loss of encryption when switching servers. It'll keep you anonymous and let you stream foreign TV for cheap, but you should still choose Proton VPN if you need serious privacy. Best VPN for 2025 | ExpressVPN review | NordVPN review | Norton VPN review | Proton VPN review | Surfshark review | Private Internet Access (PIA) review | How we test VPNs | How to add VPN to your TV | How to use a VPN on Chromecast or Google TV | How to use a VPN on Roku | How to use a VPN on Apple TV | How to use a VPN on Fire TV | See Engadget's full VPN coverage TikTok is bolstering its age-verification measures across Europe. In the coming weeks, the platform will roll out upgraded age-detection tech in the European Economic Area, as well as in the UK and Switzerland. The systems will assess the likely age of a user based on their profile information and activity. When the tech flags an account that may belong to a user aged under 13 (the minimum age to use TikTok), a specialist moderator will assess whether it should be banned. TikTok will send users in Europe a notification to tell them about these measures and offer them a chance to learn more. Also, if a moderator is looking at content for other reasons and thinks an account might belong to an underage user, they can flag it to a specialist for further review. Anyone can report an account they suspect is used by someone under 13 as well. TikTok says it removes about 6 million underage accounts in total from the platform every month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those whose accounts are banned can appeal if they think their access was wrongly terminated. Users can then provide a government-approved ID, a credit card authorization or selfie for age estimation (the latter process has not gone well for Roblox as of late, as kids found workarounds for age checks). TikTok acknowledged that there's no single ideal solution to the issue as things stand. "Despite best efforts, there remains no globally agreed-upon method for effectively confirming a person's age in a way that also preserves their privacy," it stated in a blog post. "At TikTok, we're committed to keeping children under the age of 13 off our platform, providing teens with age-appropriate experiences and continuing to assess and implement a range of solutions. We believe that a multi-layered approach to age assurance one in which multiple techniques are used is essential to protecting teens and upholding safety-by-design principles." TikTok is rolling out these practices after a pilot in Europe over the last year. That project helped the platform to identify and remove thousands more underage accounts. It worked with the Data Protection Commission (its main privacy regulator in the EU) to help ensure it complied with the blocs strict data protection standards. These measures are coming into force amid intensifying calls to keep kids off social media. A social media ban for under 16s in Australia went into effect last month. Affected platforms have collectively closed or restricted millions of accounts as a result. Reddit has filed a lawsuit over the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar ban might be on the cards in the UK amid public pressure and cross-party support. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said "all options are on the table" and that he was watching "what is happening in Australia." The House of Lords is set to vote on proposals for an under-16 social media ban next week. If an amendment passes, members of parliament will hold a binding vote on the matter in the coming months. San Francisco-founded Smart glasses maker Viture has been sued in a US court by rival XREAL over claims it infringed on its patents, XREAL announced in a press release. The complaint, lodged in a federal Texas court, accuses Viture of illegally incorporating XREAL's patented tech into its products including the Luma Pro, Luma Ultra and Beast models. "The lawsuit is not merely about enforcing a single patent," the company wrote. "It is about stopping a pattern of intellectual property infringement that undermines the integrity of innovation and endangers continued technological development in this industry." XREAL has already won a preliminary injunction against Viture in Germany. That resulted in a sales freeze in that country, which could spread to nine other European nations including France, Italy and Spain. That injunction affects Viture's Pro, Luma and Luma Pro smart glasses. Advertisement Advertisement Both companies make augmented reality (AR) glasses with built-in displays that connect to smartphone or laptops, letting you play games, watch movies or do productivity tasks. Their products offer similar display resolutions and fields of view, both of which are key specifications for those products. In response, Viture issued its own statement: "Our product does not infringe upon the cited patent in any way," the company told Tom's Guide. "We encourage everyone to look closely at the patent itself and form their own judgment, it becomes clear very quickly how weak and questionable it is. XREAL has simultaneously circulated false claims suggesting that Viture is 'banned across nine European countries.' This is entirely untrue." The company added that it's taking legal action itself because of XREAL's comments. Viture is a relatively new player in the AR/VR world, but XREAL's lawsuit could be a prelude to similar actions, judging by the wording in its press release. XREAL holds over 800 patent and patent applications around the world around AR, VR and other tech, and claims that Viture has fewer than 70 and none in the US and Europe. At CES 2026, XREAL unveiled several new products, including the ROG X R1 AR glasses built in conjunction with ASUS. Ashley Tisdale's former mom group is moving forward after her essay about stepping away from the circle drew public attention. "The moms remaining in the group wish Ashley no ill will," a source told Us Weekly. While fans speculated about the identities of the women involved often pointing to Mandy Moore, Hilary Duff, and Meghan Trainor the source added that the group was caught off guard by the essay. "There was no big blowout moment so this came as a surprise to them," the insider said. "They thought the friendship faded organically." Essay Sparks Public Speculation Tisdale, 40, caused a stir with her January 1 essay, "Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group," published in The Cut. She recalled feeling "frozen out of the group" after noticing she had been left out of a few gatherings, often seen through social media posts. "I told myself it was all in my head, and it wasn't a big deal," Tisdale wrote, without naming any individuals. "And yet, I could sense a growing distance between me and the other members of the group, who seemed to not even care that I wasn't around much." The actress, who shares daughters Jupiter, 4, and Emerson, 16 months, with husband Christopher French, said she eventually told the group, "this is too high school for me," before stepping away entirely. Changing Dynamics Within the Group Sources told Us Weekly that the tension arose naturally as some members grew closer to each other. "The root of the issues was that some of the women just became closer friends with each other, and Ashley started to feel left out," the insider explained. Hangouts and casual dinners were sometimes organized at the last minute, which may have unintentionally excluded Tisdale. The source added that Duff, Moore, and Kelsey Deenihan, a makeup artist who was also part of the circle, formed tight bonds that shaped the group's dynamics. "That dynamic naturally made Ashley feel like she didn't quite fit in with the rest of the circle," the insider said. Adjacent friends reacted as well. Duff's husband, Matthew Koma, shared a satirical Instagram post joking about the situation, while Meghan Trainor posted a TikTok clip asserting, "I swear I'm innocent," denying any involvement in the drama. Perspective From Mandy Moore Moore, 41, spoke more broadly about evolving friendships during a January 14 appearance on the Conversations With Cam podcast. She noted that as a parent, the friends she's closest to are often in similar stages of life. "We evolved from music class to movement class to just all hanging out," Moore said. She described the group's activities, from holiday gatherings to zoo visits, and added, "The mom chat is always popping off with questions, comments, concerns, fun gossip ... all the things." Moore emphasized that the group "mean everything" to her at this stage of her life. According to another source, what Tisdale experienced as hurtful distance was not intentional. The remaining moms reportedly did not view the situation as toxic and maintain there was "no bad intent" behind the shifting dynamics. Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are reportedly inviting their ex-spouses to their upcoming wedding, three years after their relationship became a public scandal. According to Us Weekly, Robach's former husband Andrew Shue and Holmes' ex-wife Marilee Fiebig have received invitations, though the couple does not expect either to attend. The former "GMA3" co-hosts' romance made headlines in 2022 and led to both being fired from ABC in early 2023. At the time, Robach, 52, and Holmes, 48, were married to other people, but both maintained they were already separated from their spouses. Holmes explained in December 2023, "We were outed as being in a relationship, but everyone else thought we were being outed as adulterers being outed as cheating on our spouses and it wasn't the case. We both at that point were in divorce proceedings." Robach added, "We each had attorneys and mediators [and] were in the middle of divorces." Now engaged, the pair appears focused on creating a blended family atmosphere. An insider told sources that Robach "really wishes they could be a blended and normal family and all get along." Their children from previous marriages will play a meaningful role in the ceremony: "Amy wants T.J.'s daughter Sabine and her daughters, Ava and Annie, to be bridesmaids," the source shared. Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes inviting exes Andrew Shue, Marilee Fiebig to their wedding 3 years after affair bombshell https://t.co/cjLVgHywvT pic.twitter.com/jpIWbyYyPS Page Six (@PageSix) January 15, 2026 Read more: Amy Robach and TJ Holmes Offer Relationship Advice on Cheating Amid Their Own History Amy Robach and TJ Holmes Confirm Engagement Robach shares daughters Ava, 23, and Annie, 19, with her first husband, Tim McIntosh, while Holmes has daughter Sabine with Fiebig and two other children, Brianna and Jaiden, with his first wife, Amy Ferson. The couple spent the holidays in New York with Ava, Annie, and Sabine, signaling their efforts to bond as a family before the wedding. The insider added that they have a tropical vacation planned after Christmas to continue family time. The wedding itself is expected to be a small, intimate affair with only 50 to 60 guests, PageSix reported. "The wedding is not going to be celebrity-heavy," a source said. "They're planning on only inviting their closest friends and family. They're not inviting anyone from GMA as of now." Possible locations under consideration include Paris, Turks and Caicos, and Tulum, Mexico, reflecting the couple's desire for a private, destination-style celebration. Robach and Holmes confirmed their engagement in October 2025 after Holmes proposed in September. A source said, "They want their union solidified, and they want to share vows in front of their loved ones to make it official. They feel like they are each other's forever. They feel like they're soulmates and they should have been together from the beginning." A lawsuit tied to Kanye West's $57.3 million Malibu mansion is moving ahead after a Los Angeles County judge rejected the rapper's request to shut it down early. The ruling allows claims from a construction consultant who says he was put in dangerous conditions while working on the home to proceed to trial. At a court hearing on Thursday, the judge denied West's effort to sharply limit a labor lawsuit filed in 2023 by Tony Saxon. West, who now goes by Ye, argued that Saxon should not be allowed to recover unpaid construction-related payments because he was not a licensed contractor, Vibe reported The judge disagreed, saying the challenge was premature and that Saxon's claims were properly filed. Any questions about licensing, the judge ruled, should be decided by a jury. As a result, the case will continue and is scheduled to go to trial on March 2. The judge also suggested mediation before then. Saxon's attorney said it could help and agreed to reach out to Ye's legal team, who did not attend the hearing. Saxon claims Ye hired him in September 2021 to manage renovations on the architecturally important Malibu home, which was designed by famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando. According to the lawsuit, Saxon agreed to live at the site, manage the work, and provide 24-hour security. He says he was promised $20,000 per week but received only one payment, despite working for about two months. Kanye West Fails to Derail Lawsuit in Epic Saga Over $57 Million Malibu Mansionhttps://t.co/6ZELh2xLV6 Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) January 15, 2026 Consultant Claims Kanye West Ordered Power The lawsuit paints a harsh picture of working conditions. Saxon says he slept at the site without a bed and struggled to keep up with Ye's demands. On Nov. 5, 2021, Saxon alleges Ye ordered him to remove all electricity and windows from the house. According to RollingStone, Saxon said he warned that the plan created "extreme danger," especially when Ye allegedly wanted large generators placed inside the home, which Saxon viewed as a serious fire risk. When Saxon refused, he claims Ye threatened him, called him an "enemy," and told him to leave the project. Saxon later described Ye's vision for the house as "open concept but off the grid," with no electricity, windows, plumbing, or stairs. He also says he injured his back during the job. Saxon is seeking unpaid wages, medical costs, and damages for lost income and emotional distress. Ye's lawyers did not comment on the ruling. Separately, Ye has sued Saxon, accusing him of wrongfully placing a $1.8 million lien on the property and using public statements to pressure payment. Although a judge later released the lien, Ye claims it hurt the property's value and sale. Ye eventually sold the stripped-down Malibu mansion for $21 million in September 2024, a steep loss from what he originally paid. Originally published on Music Times SALEM, Ohio. In video taken from the Oval Office at the White House on Jan. 14, Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, delivered remarks at the Presidents signing ceremony for the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 and personally acknowledged one of the special guests in attendance. I want to thank all of our farmers here today, she said, noting that most of them were fifth and sixth-generation, representing a broad swath of the nations dairy producers. The amazing thing is, some of these farmers back here, from Butler, Pennsylvania. He Where? President Donald Trump asked. Butler, Pennsylvania, Rollins replied. I love Butler, Trump said. The man from Butler was William Thiele, a dairy farmer who Rollins said milks about 40 cows, as compared to another guest from Wisconsin who milks about 5,000. So, they represent all across the spectrum and what this means, she said. Thiele indeed does milk that many cows, all on about 300 acres, in addition to serving as a state board director for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau representing Butler, Beaver, Lawrence and Mercer counties. For Thiele, being recognized in the Oval Office was the culmination of what he described as a rare and memorable experience. A board member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for more than four years, Thiele said his involvement with the organization which includes meeting with legislators and advocating on behalf of farmers ultimately opened the door to the White House invitation. I dont think its a very common thing, Thiele said in an interview of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau members attending a presidential bill signing. He was notified just two days before the ceremony while attending the Pennsylvania Farm Show, after Farm Bureau staff learned the White House was seeking dairy farmers to attend the event. After agreeing to make himself available, Thiele said he received a follow-up call from White House staff, who asked what he described as vetting questions, including his views on agriculture issues and how he might respond if asked to speak. When he arrived in Washington, he found himself in a room with top administration officials and lawmakers ahead of the ceremony. Rollins, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and several U.S. senators were among those present, Thiele said, many of whom later stood behind the president during the signing. Ive seen you on TV and you on TV, Thiele recalled thinking as he met them. Unlike a quick photo opportunity, Thiele said he was able to have brief conversations with many of them, an experience he described as especially meaningful. Rollins mention of Butler, Pennsylvania, was not entirely a surprise to Thiele. He said he introduced himself earlier as a dairy farmer from Butler and made a point of clarifying, Yes, that Butler, Pennsylvania, anticipating the presidents familiarity with the town after he survived an assassination attempt there during his campaign. Still, hearing the exchange unfold in the Oval Office was profound for Thiele. When it was his time to speak, Thiele stepped forward as Trump turned from the resolute desk to face him. How about you? He said to Thiele. Nice, beautiful red hair. Thiele told the president that the night before, while he was milking, he had been thinking about what he was going to say and decided on how monumental a day it was in agriculture. This is perfect legislation; a great day for America is what this is, he said. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which restores whole milk options in school cafeterias, advanced with rare bipartisan support after years of debate and carries special significance for Thiele. Its great for the children, Thiele told Farm and Dairy, pointing to the added nutritional benefits of whole milk in school meals. The beverage has been banished from cafeterias since 2010 with passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which removed whole and 2% milk from school meal programs as part of an effort to reduce childhood obesity. That legislation limited milk options to fat-free and 1% varieties, based on the belief that higher fat content in milk contributed to obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease in children. Ever since, dairy farmers and industry advocacy organizations have exhaustively campaigned for the return of whole milk to schools, blaming the law for a decline in consumption while touting its health benefits. Thiele also sees long-term gains for dairy producers. By reintroducing whole milk to schools, he hopes children will develop a preference for fluid milk that carries into adulthood, supporting demand for dairy products down the road. Since returning home, he said he has fielded multiple interview requests about the experience, sharing the same story repeatedly. Even so, he remains appreciative of the chance to represent Pennsylvania dairy farmers on a national stage and to witness firsthand the signing of legislation he believes will benefit both consumers and producers alike. Its great because I think (U.S. Rep. Glenn GT Thompson) said yesterday that it took him 15 years to get this reversed. And, you know, it just happened yesterday, and I think President Trump even said, Well, it took us 15 minutes to sign this and get it done. And its like, yeah, how could this have taken 15 years? Many are celebrating the bills passage, from its many sponsors in the house including Rep. Thompson, R-Pa., and Kim Schrier, D-Wash., to its champions in the Senate, such as Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., who co-led the bill. Im thankful for the strong bipartisan support of this bill. President Trump and I rarely agree on policy, but when it comes to supporting Americas farmers, we can find common ground, he said in a statement. Farmers along a Conwy river have begun fencing waterways and changing livestock access as part of a project aimed at improving water quality and strengthening wildlife habitats. The work is taking place along the Afon Eidda, a tributary of the Afon Conwy, where the Uwch Conwy project has been working directly with tenant farmers to make practical changes on the ground. Led by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and National Trust Cymru, the project has focused on farms bordering the river, where pollution risks are highest during grazing. Funding from the Nature and Climate Emergency fund has supported five National Trust tenants to create a 3km riverside corridor and install alternative livestock drinking systems. Fencing has been put in place to prevent animals entering the river, reducing damage to the riverbed and limiting nutrient inputs from dung that can harm water quality. The changes are designed to protect watercourses while allowing farms to continue productive grazing, with livestock accessing clean drinking water away from the river. Within the fenced corridor, trees and shrubs are being allowed to establish, helping to stabilise banks, reduce erosion and slow runoff during periods of heavy rain. These tree-lined corridors also help link up fragmented woodland, improving movement and shelter for wildlife across the farmed landscape. Some sections have been planted with broadleaved trees by children from the local school in Ysbyty Ifan. The project has also included work at Eidda Pastures Site of Special Scientific Interest at Ty Uchaf Eidda, a rare flower-rich meadow that has been carefully managed by the tenant farmer and previous generations. This is the only site in Eryri where melancholy thistle grows, alongside other scarce species such as globe flower, wood bitter vetch and several orchids that support pollinators. Fencing the river at Ty Uchaf Eidda allows ponies to graze the meadow to control rushes and coarse grasses, creating conditions for these rare plants to thrive. Sarah Aubrey, senior environment officer for Conwy, said: This work is a great example of how collaboration can deliver real benefits for nature and farming. By improving water quality and creating connected habitats, were helping wildlife thrive while supporting sustainable land management, she added. Dewi Davies, Uwch Conwy project manager with National Trust Cymru, said partnership working had been central to progress. Partnership working has been at the heart of this project, enabling National Trust Cymru, Natural Resources Wales and tenant farmers to protect water quality whilst creating healthier, more connected habitats across the Conwy catchment, he said. Discussions are now under way with landowners and tenants further downstream to extend the riverside corridor to the confluence with the Afon Conwy. River restoration in the area is also being supported through Ffermio Bro under the Sustainable Farming Scheme pilot, which works with farmers on measures such as fencing watercourses, natural flood management, upland grazing, woodland creation and regenerative farming. The Uwch Conwy project forms part of the Welsh Government-funded Water Capital Programme, which supports river restoration and water quality improvements across Wales. The makers of Ek Din, starring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi, have finally unveiled the films teaser. This has offered audiences a glimpse into a soft, romantic world that many feel has been missing from mainstream Hindi cinema. Released by Aamir Khan Productions on Friday, the teaser has already struck a chord with viewers for its simplicity and warmth. Set against a serene winter backdrop, the teaser opens with tender moments between the lead pair, capturing stolen glances, quiet smiles and an unmistakable sense of longing. Junaids voiceover sets the emotional tone as he says in Hindi, Your smile, Meera, I like it a lot. I dont know whether I will win your heart or not, but are they really dreams if they are not beyond reach? The montage continues with glimpses of their growing closeness before ending on a reflective exchange, with Sai Pallavis character remarking, Films have so much magic in them, but it doesnt happen in real life, to which Junaid softly replies, It happens, magic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aamir Khan Productions (@aamirkhanproductions) Sharing the teaser, the makers captioned it, Some stories dont need time, a line that seems to echo the films gentle, old-school romantic sensibility. Social media reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers are calling the teaser fresh, soothing, and a much-needed silver lining for Bollywood. Several fans praised the chemistry between the leads and the calming title track. The film is directed by Sunil Pandey and written by Sneha Desai and Spandan Mishra. Ek Din is said to be a remake of the Thai film One Day. The film is produced by Aamir Khan, Mansoor Khan and Aparna Purohit. This also marks Sai Pallavis much-anticipated Hindi film debut. Sai Pallavi will next be seen as Sita in Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana, a two-part epic scheduled for release in 2026 and 2027. For Junaid Khan, it is his second romantic drama after Loveyapa (2025), which underperformed theatrically but found appreciation on OTT. Anil Kapoor to work with Jr NTR Telugu cinema stint taught me discipline Anil Kapoors first film as a lead actor was the 1980 Telugu film Vamsa Vruksham under legendary director Bapu. While the actor later went on to carve a niche for himself in Indian cinema, he never acted in a Telugu film. After 46 years, Anil Kapoor returns to Telugu cinema with the film Dragon, starring Jr NTR, and directed by hotshot filmmaker Prashanth Neel. Anil himself confirmed the development with a post on Instagram Stories.Dragon, starring Jr NTR, is an action entertainer, directed by KGF fame Prashanth Neel. The film garnered excitement among fans for its plotline and cast. And last year, there were reports that Anil Kapoor would be part of this most-anticipated film, but the buzz died down since the filmmakers did not confirm Anils casting. But the actor himself announced that he is part of the cast and the spotlight is now back on Dragon. Interestingly, the film will be his second Telugu project in a distinguished 46-year career. Responding to a poster of Dragon on IMDb list of most-anticipated Indian movies of 2026, Anil wrote, One has landed. The rest two are lining up. Interestingly, in his post, Anil has also hinted at two more South collaborations with Dragon being the first project in this direction. Anils confirmation has certainly excited Jr NTR fans, they can't wait to see their chemistry unfold on screen.Anil Kapoor was also part of the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal. While promoting the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial in Hyderabad a few years ago, Anil had recalled his first outing in Tollywood. He had shared that his first film as a lead actor was Vamsa Vruksham. Today what I am is all because of my Telugu film. I woke up at 4 AM to understand and prepare for the part. The experience taught me to be disciplined. 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, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Nations Royalty Corp. (TSXV: NRC) (OTCQB: NRYCF) (FSE: Y96) ("Nations Royalty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that as a result of strong investor demand, the Company and Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") have agreed to increase the size of its previously announced "bought deal" private placement (the "Underwritten Offering") from gross proceeds of C$10,000,000 to gross proceeds of C$13,000,000. Pursuant to the upsized Underwritten Offering, Red Cloud, acting as co-lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, and Canaccord Genuity Corp. (collectively with Red Cloud, the "Underwriters"), as co-lead underwriter, will purchase for resale 8,125,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$1.60 per Unit (the "Offering Price"). 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. An amended and restated offering document (the "Amended and Restated Offering Document") related to the Offering will be made available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.nationsroyalty.ca. Prospective investors should read this Amended and Restated 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" 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 Amended and Restated 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. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280595 Source: Nations Royalty Corp. Nanjing, China--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Nanjing Leads Biolabs Co., Ltd. (HKE: 9887) ("Leads Biolabs" or the "Company") today announced that Opamtistomig (LBL-024), its core investigational PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody, has been granted Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of extra-pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma (EP-NEC). This marks the third major regulatory designation secured by Opamtistomig, following Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the FDA. To date, Opamtistomig has demonstrated first- or best-in-class potential in Phase II or registrational clinical trials across three indications: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and EP-NEC. Executive Commentary Dr. Charles Cai, Chief Medical Officer of Leads Biolabs, stated: "With Opamtistomig now receiving Fast Track Designation from the FDA-following Breakthrough Therapy Designation in China and Orphan Drug Designation in the United States-we have achieved a rare triple regulatory acceleration. This milestone reflects strong regulatory confidence in the molecule's clinical potential and will meaningfully accelerate global development, shorten approval timelines, and help bring this innovative therapy to patients with high unmet needs worldwide." About Fast Track Designation Fast Track Designation is an FDA program designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs intended to treat serious or life-threatening condition or address unmet medical needs to facilitate the development of drugs. It provides several important procedural incentives, including more frequent regulatory communication and guidance from the FDA, as well as the eligibility to submit new drug applications for regulatory approval on a rolling basis. About Opamtistomig (LBL-024) Opamtistomig (LBL-024) is a potential first-in-class bispecific antibody that simultaneously targets PD-L1 and the co-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB. It is the first 4-1BB-targeting bispecific antibody globally to advance to a single-arm pivotal trial as monotherapy, and it aims to become the first approved therapy specifically for extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma (EP-NEC)-a rare malignancy with substantial unmet clinical need. Developed using Leads Biolabs' proprietary X-Body bispecific platform, Opamtistomig features a 2:2 molecular format, incorporating two binding domains each for PD-L1 and 4-1BB with an optimized affinity ratio. This unique design enables dual functionality: reversing PD-L1-mediated immune suppression while selectively enhancing T-cell activation, resulting in a potent and synergistic anti-tumor immune response. In two ongoing clinical studies in China, Opamtistomig has demonstrated promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile in patients with advanced EP-NEC, both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. Given the absence of a globally accepted standard of care for EP-NEC, these results support the advancement of a single-arm pivotal study toward potential accelerated approval. Recognizing its clinical potential, Opamtistomig received Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in October 2024, Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2024. Mechanistically, 4-1BB agonism can reactivate exhausted T cells and promote robust T-cell proliferation, offering significant development for PD-1/PD-L1-resistant or immunologically "cold" tumors. Beyond EP-NEC, Opamtistomig has received clinical trial approvals across multiple tumor types with high unmet medical needs, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC), biliary tract cancer (BTC), ovarian cancer (OC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gastric cancer (GC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and malignant melanoma. Encouraging clinical activity has already been observed in NSCLC, SCLC, BTC, OC, and other indications, underscoring Opamtistomig's potential as a broad-spectrum immuno-oncology therapy. About Leads Biolabs Founded in 2012, Leads Biolabs is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies to address underserved medical needs in oncology, autoimmune, and other severe diseases both in China and globally. Leads Biolabs are a front-runner in next-generation immuno-oncology treatments with a differentiated pipeline of 14 innovative drug candidates, including seven clinical-stage drug candidates, of which four lead products are among the top-tier clinically advanced candidates globally. Leads Biolabs adopt a science-driven R&D approach and have successfully established comprehensive R&D capabilities spanning antibody discovery and engineering, in vivo and in vitro efficacy evaluation, as well as druggability assessment. Leads Biolabs have also developed multiple proprietary technology platforms, including LeadsBody platform (a CD3 T-cell engager platform), X-body platform (a 4-1BB engager platform), TOPiKinectics (ADC platform), which serve as the cornerstone for continued innovation and have been validated by the clinical outcomes of bispecific antibody portfolios. Leads Biolabs have established integrated capabilities across early discovery, translational medicine, clinical development, CMC and business development. The innovative nature and competitive strengths of drug candidates, coupled with global perspectives, proactive strategy, and efficient clinical validation, have made an attractive partner for leading industry players and investment institutions. For more information, please visit https://en.leadsbiolabs.com/. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280455 Source: Global News Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. (TSXV: DWS) ("Diamond Estates" or "the Company") announced that it has issued deferred share units ("DSUs") to its directors as of today. Pursuant to the Company's deferred share unit plan, an aggregate of 187,501 DSUs at a deemed price per DSU of $0.17 have been issued by the Company to non-executive directors, with the exception of Vince Timpano and Guy Blanchette (who have renounced their compensation as nominees of Lassonde Industries Inc.), in settlement of $31,875.00 of deferred directors' compensation. The DSUs are to be settled in common shares of the Company when the director retires from all positions with the Company. About Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. is a producer of high-quality wines and ciders as well as a sales agent for over 120 beverage alcohol brands across Canada. The Company operates four production facilities, three in Ontario and one in British Columbia, that produce predominantly VQA wines under such well-known brand names as 20 Bees, Creekside, D'Ont Poke the Bear, EastDell, Lakeview Cellars, Mindful, Shiny Apple Cider, Fresh Wines, Red Tractor, Seasons, Serenity and Backyard Vineyards. Through its commercial division, Trajectory Beverage Partners, the Company serves as the sales agent for a wide range of leading international beverage brands. Wine Portfolio: Trajectory represents renowned wine brands, including Fat Bastard and Gabriel Meffre from France; Kaiken from Argentina; Kings of Prohibition from Australia; Yealands, Kono, Tohu, and Joiy Sparkling Wine from New Zealand; Talamonti and Cielo from Italy; Porta 6, Julia Florista, Boas Quintas, Catedral, and Cabeca de Toiro from Portugal; as well as C.K Mondavi & Family, Charles Krug, Line 39, Harken, FitVine, and Rabble from California. Trajectory also represents a broad portfolio of wines sold exclusively to restaurants, bars and private consumers. Spirits Portfolio: The Company also represents distinguished spirit brands such as Cofradia Tequila and Hussong's Tequila from Mexico; Islay Mist and Waterproof blended Scotch whiskies from Scotland; Glen Breton Canadian whiskies from Nova Scotia; Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur and Broker's Gin from the UK; Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream, 360 Vodka, and Holladay Bourbon from the USA; Giffard Liqueurs from France; and Becherovka from the Czech Republic. Beer, Cider, and RTD Portfolio: In the beer, cider, and ready-to-drink (RTD) categories, Trajectory represents Darling Mimosas from Ontario; Rodenbach beer from Belgium; La Trappe beer from the Netherlands; and Warsteiner beer from Germany. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280602 Source: Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. Marks a major milestone in Zylox-Tonbridge's long-term commitment to global expansion Builds an integrated global commercialization platform to accelerate Zylox-Tonbridge's adoption of innovative vascular solutions worldwide Delivers Zylox-Tonbridge's manufacturing and operational synergies across Germany and China Fully unlocks Zylox-Tonbridge's high-efficiency R&D capabilities HANGZHOU, China and BERLIN, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zylox-Tonbridge (HKEX:2190), a Hong Kong-listed medical technology company focused on neuro-and peripheral vascular interventional products and solutions, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a Germany-based medical technology company, Optimed Medizinische Instrumente GmbH ("Optimed"), specializing in research and development, production and distribution of medical devices for minimally invasive therapy worldwide, in multiple steps. Under the terms of the agreement, Zylox-Tonbridge has the option to acquire the entire equity interest in Optimed from its existing shareholders. Optimed is a leading medical technology company specializing in minimally invasive vascular and endourology devices. Over nearly three decades, Optimed has developed an extensive sales and service network spanning more than 70 countries worldwide and has developed long-standing relationships with physicians and key opinion leaders in Europe and other key markets. Optimed has one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the peripheral venous stenting market, including specialized devices for the iliofemoral veins, the iliac bifurcation and the vena cava. Optimed's dedicated venous stents are supported by high-evidence clinical trials such as the sinus-Venous, is supported by robust clinical evidence from STEVECO, the first prospective, randomized, multicenter trial in this chronic deep venous obstruction setting, which demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and clinical severity compared with conservative treatment. The acquisition of Optimed accelerates Zylox-Tonbridge's global expansion by establishing a unified platform spanning research and development, manufacturing, and commercialization. By integrating both companies' sales networks and leveraging Optimed's long-standing relationships with European clinical experts, Zylox-Tonbridge will be positioned to bring products to market more efficiently and expand its global reach. Furthermore, this partnership is also expected to generate significant operational synergies, supported by an expanded manufacturing base in Germany to ensure a high-quality, reliable supply of innovative medical solutions for European and global markets. Following the closing of the transaction, Zylox-Tonbridge will integrate its sales, marketing, and customer service teams with those of Optimed to create one unified global commercial organization. Rudiger Hausherr will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Optimed and will report to Jonathon Zhong Zhao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zylox-Tonbridge. Dr. Jonathon Zhong Zhao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zylox-Tonbridge, said, "This acquisition marks an important milestone in Zylox-Tonbridge's global strategy, enabling the Company to leverage a broader European-based platform to accelerate its global expansion. We are very pleased to welcome Optimed to the Zylox-Tonbridge Group and look forward to combining our complementary product portfolios and manufacturing platforms to bring high-quality, innovative and affordable solutions to more patients and physicians worldwide, while driving the Company's next phase of growth." Rudiger Hausherr, Chief Executive Officer of Optimed, said, "For nearly three decades, Optimed has worked closely with physicians to build a trusted brand in vascular and endourology care. While Optimed has established a strong global position, rapidly evolving customer needs and healthcare dynamics mean that maintaining the status quo is no longer sufficient. Over the past months, we have established a clear and aligned strategic vision with Zylox-Tonbridge. By combining Zylox-Tonbridge's strong R&D and manufacturing capabilities with our global footprint, we are creating a solid platform to accelerate the next phase of growth and deliver even greater value to clinicians and patients worldwide." Hans-Henning von Oertzen, Founder and Managing Partner of Westlake Partners, said, "Since investing in Optimed, we have worked closely with the team to broaden its product portfolio, strengthen its clinical relationships and expand its international footprint, helping it become a leader in minimally invasive vascular and endourology solutions. Zylox-Tonbridge is a fast-growing multinational medical technology company with deep roots in China and highly regarded R&D, manufacturing and global commercialization capabilities. We look forward to seeing the two companies unlock new opportunities and shape an even stronger future together for physicians and patients worldwide." Transaction Benefits Marks a major milestone in the Zylox-Tonbridge's long-term commitment to global expansion: The transaction marks a defining milestone in the Company's long-term commitment to European and global markets. By integrating these assets, Zylox-Tonbridge is expected to accelerate its international strategy, diversify its product portfolio and scale its global distribution network-significantly elevating its competitive position and global presence. The transaction marks a defining milestone in the Company's long-term commitment to European and global markets. By integrating these assets, Zylox-Tonbridge is expected to accelerate its international strategy, diversify its product portfolio and scale its global distribution network-significantly elevating its competitive position and global presence. Builds an integrated global commercialization platform to accelerate Zylox-Tonbridge's adoption of innovative vascular solutions worldwide: The combined strengths of the Company's and Optimed's sales networks are expected to accelerate the global adoption of its innovative vascular solutions. With a broader and more diverse product portfolio, the Company is well-positioned to expand its footprint beyond mainland China. In addition, Optimed's deep-rooted relationships with European clinical experts will be a critical component of this strategy to accelerate clinical development and support more efficient product launches. The combined strengths of the Company's and Optimed's sales networks are expected to accelerate the global adoption of its innovative vascular solutions. With a broader and more diverse product portfolio, the Company is well-positioned to expand its footprint beyond mainland China. In addition, Optimed's deep-rooted relationships with European clinical experts will be a critical component of this strategy to accelerate clinical development and support more efficient product launches. Delivers manufacturing and operational synergies across Germany and China: The transaction is expected to generate significant manufacturing and operational synergies between Germany and China. By integrating advanced production capabilities, the Group will continuously enhance overall product quality and operational efficiency. In addition, the Group will continue to leverage Optimed's strong brand recognition in Europe while strategically expanding its production capacity in Germany to ensure a robust, reliable and efficient supply to European and other key international markets. The transaction is expected to generate significant manufacturing and operational synergies between Germany and China. By integrating advanced production capabilities, the Group will continuously enhance overall product quality and operational efficiency. In addition, the Group will continue to leverage Optimed's strong brand recognition in Europe while strategically expanding its production capacity in Germany to ensure a robust, reliable and efficient supply to European and other key international markets. Fully unlocks Zylox-Tonbridge's high-efficiency R&D capabilities: Our integrated global commercialization platform allows the Group to fully leverage its high-efficiency R&D capabilities. By further scaling its innovation from a domestic to a global level, Zylox-Tonbridge is committed to delivering a sustained pipeline of cutting-edge, high-quality medical solutions to patients and healthcare professionals worldwide. About Zylox-Tonbridge Zylox-Tonbridge Medical Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zylox-Tonbridge", HKEX: 2190) is a medical technology company dedicated to the innovative research and development, manufacturing and commercialization of medical devices in the field of vascular intervention. Founded in 2012, the Company is headquartered in Hangzhou, China. As an integrated medical device company supported by in-house R&D and manufacturing capabilities, proprietary technology platforms and strong commercialization capabilities, Zylox-Tonbridge adheres to the brand philosophy of "Innovation for Quality Life". The Company is committed to providing patients with high-quality, affordable medical devices and services, enabling more people to benefit from the improved quality of life brought by advanced medical technology. For more information, please visit our official website at https://www.zyloxtb.com/. About Optimed Medizinische Instrumente GmbH Optimed, based in Ettlingen, Germany, has been dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing and global distribution of high-quality medical devices for minimally invasive therapy since 1996. Backed by a strong track record of innovation, Optimed is widely recognized as a global leader in venous stenting. With a dedicated team of approximately 200 professionals across its headquarters, production sites, and international sales organization, the Company ensures seamless operations and delivers exceptional service to its global customers. With an extensive sales and service network spanning more than 70 countries, Optimed delivers reliable solutions that help advance patient care worldwide. About E-Med Solutions and Westlake Partners E-Med Solutions is held by a group of investors led by Westlake Partners, an entrepreneurial investors company. Together with a group of international and experienced entrepreneurs and corporate executives, Westlake Partners focuses on the investment in successful German mid-cap companies. One of the objectives is to establish them permanently not only in Germany and Europe but also in the biggest growing economies, such as China and North America. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zylox-tonbridge-to-acquire-equity-interest-in-a-european-medical-device-company-to-accelerate-expansion-in-the-global-medtech-market-302663038.html BANGKOK, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A vibrant fleet of electric scooters, featuring the Chinese giant panda mascot "Upanda" took to the streets of Bangkok today, marking the official launch of the "Boundless Creativity Youth Link" China-Thailand Youth Cultural Exchange Event. LUYUAN Group, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, played a pivotal role in the ceremony, having been designated as the Youth Partner of the New Force in 2026 China-Thailand Cultural Exchange. "Upanda" (Apu), a joint team of Chinese and Thai youth representatives rode LUYUAN electric scooters adorned with friendship insignias through Bangkok's historic and modern districts. Departing from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, passing through Chinatown, and arriving at the Wat Pho, the youth interacted with the public. This journey transformed the concept of "China and Thailand are one family" into genuine smiles across the city, vividly interpreting the profound essence of "people-to-people connectivity." During the event, the organizers officially awarded the title of "Youth Partner of the New Force in 2026 China-Thailand Cultural Exchange" to the participating youth representatives. LUYUAN Group partnered with Dhurakij Pundit University (DPU) to donate a fleet of panda-themed electric vehicles. This initiative empowers Thai student representatives to travel beyond the campus to cultural landmarks and rural fields. Their mission is twofold: to promote Chinese culture while simultaneously recording Thailand's social development and local customs, thereby deepening mutual understanding and learning between the youth of both nations. While culture builds bridges, technology strengthens the foundation. At the concurrent "China Gift Exhibition," LUYUAN showcased cutting-edge innovations and promoted environmentally friendly mobility, emphasizing that cultural soft power is backed by industrial hard power. As a socially responsible enterprise, LUYUAN strives to deliver high-quality products globally while advocating for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. LUYUAN is elevating its global profile through high-level cooperation. Notably, the company has secured a technology licensing partnership with German automotive giant BMW Group. This collaboration integrates international top-tier engineering concepts and quality management systems into LUYUAN's R&D, redefining the standards for two-wheeled mobility. The Bangkok event represents a milestone in LUYUAN's "One Body, Two Wings" strategy, anchoring the company in the domestic market while expanding overseas and into embodied robotics. Through its international brand, LYVA, the group has expanded its footprint to over 80 countries and regions. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863170/01.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2719994/_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/luyuan-debuts-in-bangkok-as-china-thailand-youth-exchange-ambassador-fostering-friendship-ties-302663080.html Accelerated overseas strategy as an integral part of brand transformation HONG KONG, HK AND BANGKOK, TH / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited ("Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group", the "Group" or the "Company" SEHK stock code: 1929), the global Chinese luxury group built on a nearly-century old legacy of trust and innovation, announces the opening of a key strategic store in Bangkok, Thailand, within the iconic Siam Paragon, as well as the appointment of acclaimed Chinese actor Yang Yang as its Global Brand Ambassador. These initiatives mark significant milestones in the Group's brand transformation journey as it redefines global luxury through Chinese craftmanship and artistry. The Group, which operates over 5,000 stores globally with a market capitalisation of approximately HK$122 billion, equivalent to US$16 billion, (as of 31 December 2025), is strengthening its presence in luxury destinations across international markets as part of its brand transformation. The new store at a Southeast Asian luxury retail landmark showcases Chow Tai Fook Jewellery's blend of modern sophistication with the richness imbued by cultural heritage. In addition, the appointment of Global Brand Ambassador Yang Yang reflects the commitment to engaging new audiences and deepening emotional resonance with overseas consumers. Yang Yang, a renowned globally recognised Chinese actor, is set to strengthen the brand's presence in key international markets, positioning it as a modern, elegant embodiment of Chinese luxury on the world stage. A New Expression of Heritage and Modern Luxury The new Siam Paragon store features the brand's iconic "Chow Tai Fook Timeless Red" throughout. The space celebrates the beauty of Chinese craftsmanship and artistry with the use of refined materials and thoughtful lighting that create a warm, gallery-like ambience. To build connections and emotional resonance, the Group is introducing a selection of Thai-exclusive pieces that honour local culture. "As we advance our dynamic brand transformation journey, curating exceptional retail experiences in international markets is pivotal in Chow Tai Fook Jewellery's overseas expansion strategy. This expansion is part of our ambition to establish Chow Tai Fook Jewellery as a leading force in global luxury, while reinforcing our legacy of innovation, excellence, and cultural resonance," said Ms Sonia Cheng, Vice-chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group . She further remarked: "Another key aspect of our strategic vision is the appointment of Yang Yang as our Global Brand Ambassador. Through this alliance, we will cultivate a refined and contemporary identity for a Chinese luxury brand on the world stage." Accelerating Global Reach to Redefine Luxury Across Borders Chow Tai Fook Jewellery's international business expansion is guided by a two-pronged approach: revitalising key existing markets and expanding into high-potential new territories for sustainable growth. With around 60 points of sales across international markets in 1HFY2026 (April to September 2025), the Group's retail sales in Other Markets segment (including China duty-free) grew nearly 17% year-on-year. The opening of the Siam Paragon store follows the debut of the Group's first newly designed store in Southeast Asia, which opened at Singapore Changi Airport in November 2025. Building on this momentum, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery is set to further expand its international retail network, with plans to open its first store in Australia and an additional store in Canada by the end of June 2026. The Group also intends to expand into the Middle East market within two years. Redefining Global Luxury Through Chinese Artistry In celebration of its 95 th anniversary, the Group embarked on a brand transformation journey in 2024 to redefine global luxury. By blending heritage with contemporary iconic designs, the Group showcases the beauty of China to the world through exquisite jewellery that honours tradition while embracing modern elegance. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery is the first Chinese jewellery brand to appoint a Creative Director with international perspectives and exposure, underscoring its commitment to innovative design and narrative-driven branding. Led by Creative Director of High Jewellery, Nicholas Lieou, the Group introduced its signature collections, including the CTF Rouge and CTF Joie Collections. ### Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited Since its founding in 1929, CHOW TAI FOOK, the flagship brand of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, has been celebrated for its bold designs and meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has made us synonymous with excellence, value, and authenticity. As the global Chinese luxury group, we blend contemporary designs with traditional techniques to create timeless pieces. Each collection reflects our customers' stories and lives, celebrating their special moments. We aspire to inspire and captivate generations to come, weaving the story of CHOW TAI FOOK into their own. Our brand portfolio includes the iconic CHOW TAI FOOK flagship brand, HEARTS ON FIRE, ENZO, and MONOLOGUE, offering a wide variety of products that also includes an expanding range of cutting-edge IP collaborations. With over 5,000 stores worldwide, we offer a seamless client journey across all touchpoints that includes a network across China as well as a growing number of global locations. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (SEHK: 1929) has been listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since December 2011. We are committed to delivering sustainable long-term value for our stakeholders by continually enhancing earnings quality and driving higher value growth. Media Enquiries: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited Haide Ng Associate Director, Corporate Communications Tel: (852) 3115 4402 Email: haideng@chowtaifook.com Acky Chan Senior Manager, Corporate Communications Tel: (852) 3115 4403 Email: ackychan@chowtaifook.com SOURCE: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/chow-tai-fook-jewellery-launches-next-phase-of-international-expansion-with-new-b-1128604 NEW YORK and LONDON, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Moody Aldrich Partners (MAP), a private investment firm based in Boston, has committed US$300 million to funds managed by Sandglass Capital, an investment firm specializing in emerging market special opportunities. Founded in 1988, MAP is a fiduciary for discreet families and institutions with a legacy of supporting high-calibre, specialist managers known for their expertise and disciplined execution. Sandglass Capital, founded in 2013, concentrates on event-driven investments in sovereign and corporate credit and equity opportunities in Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and South Asia. Ranked in Global Investment Report's Top 50 Hedge Funds, Sandglass has more than quadrupled the returns of the Barclay Hedge Emerging Market Index over the past five years and outpaced the S&P 500 over that period. "We are honoured to have been selected by MAP, an astute long-term investor whom we deeply respect," notes Genna Lozovsky, Sandglass Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer, "Their commitment enables us to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities in emerging markets in the coming years." Sandglass co-founder Michelle Kelner adds, "This commitment by MAP adds Sandglass to a very short list of firms to receive its backing over their 37 years of investing. We look forward to a mutually rewarding partnership for years to come." Bill Moody, MAP Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer shared, "Uncovering overlooked emerging markets sovereign and corporate opportunities requires the acumen, judgment and expertise we found most evident in Sandglass Capital." MAP's Chief Investment Officer and Co-Executive Officer Eli Kent corroborates, "Sandglass has built an exceptional team. Their acute understanding of and ability to capitalize upon restructurings, turnarounds and market dislocations -- as well as their ability to engage with local decision makers and mitigate systemic risks -- were some of the many factors that inspired our conviction and decision to invest in the firm." About Moody Aldrich Partners (MAP) MAP is a Boston-based, SEC-registered investment advisor formed in 1988 as a private investment office for its founding principals with substantial long-term capital. Established to protect and compound their capital, MAP adheres to a highly selective discipline to identify, invest in, and cultivate distinctive, niche investment opportunities. MAP is an active, strategically aligned capital partner deriving benefit from the manager's returns while providing anchor capital for distinct opportunities and leveraging its discreet global network of qualified investors to invest into the manager alongside the partners of MAP. About Sandglass Capital Sandglass Capital is a global investment management firm that specializes in emerging market distressed and stressed credit. It concentrates on event-driven investments in sovereign and corporate credit, particularly restructurings, turnarounds and market dislocations. Founded in 2013, Sandglass manages a suite of funds investing in public and private securities and in companies and countries facing special situations, focusing on Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. Sandglass has offices in New York, London and Dubai. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sandglass-capital-secures-us-300-million-capital-commitment-from-moody-aldrich-partners-302663181.html DKSH Management Ltd. / Key word(s): Personnel Natale Capri Sole Head of Business Unit Performance Materials as Thomas Sul Transitions into Retirement 16.01.2026 / 07:00 CET/CEST Media Release DKSH has announced Natale Capri as the sole Head of the Business Unit Performance Materials, building on his more than ten years of experience as Business Unit Co-Head. Thomas Sul, the former Co-Head, will transition into retirement. Zurich, Switzerland, January 16, 2026 - DKSH today announced that Thomas Sul, Co-Head of the Business Unit Performance Materials and Member of the Executive Committee, has decided to gradually scale down his activities as he eases into retirement and has stepped down from his role as Co-Head and Member of the Executive Committee. Natale Capri, who has served as Co-Head for over ten years, assumes full responsibility as Head of the Business Unit Performance Materials and remain a Member of the Executive Committee. After nearly 30 years at DKSH, Thomas Sul leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Under his co-leadership, Performance Materials has achieved significant milestones, including driving globalization, strengthening business development, realizing multiple acquisitions, and doubling operating profit. Thomas will continue to contribute his expertise in a strategic capacity after scaling down his activities in the first quarter of 2026. Stefan P. Butz, CEO of DKSH, said: "Thomas Sul, as Co-Head, has been instrumental in shaping the Business Unit Performance Materials into what it is today. His client and customer focus, people-centric leadership, and deep industry expertise have contributed to the Business Unit's success and culture. I would like to thank Thomas for his outstanding legacy at DKSH. At the same time, I am confident that Natale Capri, together with the team, will lead the Business Unit to new heights." About DKSH For 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services, following its purpose of enriching people's lives. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 28,060 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2024. www.dksh.com For further information, please contact: DKSH Holding Ltd. Till Leisner Head, Investor & Media Relations, Sustainability Phone +41 44 386 7315 till.leisner@dksh.com Melanie Gruter Manager, Group Media Relations Phone +41 44 386 7211 melanie.grueter@dksh.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - Homeland Uranium Corp. (TSXV: HLU) (OTCQB: HLUCF) (FSE: D3U) ("Homeland" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company's Management team will be attending the Metals Investor Forum in Vancouver from January 23-24, 2026. Homeland is looking forward to meeting with investors at the Company's booth during the event. Homeland CEO Roger Lemaitre has also been invited to present to attendees in the Speakers' Hall. More details about the conference and the presentation by Homeland's CEO Roger Lemaitre are included below. Roger will be joining Jeff Clark of Paydirt Prospector during Session 2 commencing 11:00 am PT on Friday, January 23, after which Roger will be available for a Q&A session at the Homeland booth following the session. Conference Details Date: January 23-24, 2026 Location: Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC Presentation Details Date: January 23, 2026, 11:40 am PT Location: Speakers Hall Register: https://metalsinvestorforum.com/metals-investor-forum-vancouver-jan-2026/ About Homeland Uranium Corp. Homeland Uranium is a mineral exploration company focused on becoming a premier US-focused and resource-bearing uranium explorer and developer. The Company is the 100% owner of the Coyote Basin and Cross Bones uranium projects in northwestern Colorado. 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/280603 Source: Homeland Uranium Corp. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- During CES 2026, Infinix, an innovation-driven technology brand, captured the global spotlight, winning the Innovation Award 2026 from internationally authoritative tech media Trusted Reviews, the "Best of CES 2026" title from renowned veteran tech outlet Android Headlines, as well as multiple "Best of CES 2026" honors from leading mainstream technology media. The accolades highlight industry recognition of Infinix's latest innovations across satellite communication, sustained performance, personalized expression, and AI ecosystem products. Centered on the theme "Joy Tech, Beyond Limit," Infinix showcased a series of breakthrough technologies that redefine connectivity, sustained performance, and personalized expression, ushering in a new era of mobile innovation. The highlight was Infinix's first seamless two-way satellite communication solution, bringing satellite connectivity to consumer-grade smartphones in an unprecedented way and further expanding the boundaries of network versatility. Powered by a high-performance satellite modem, the system delivers two-way voice and messaging across nearly two-thirds of the Earth's surface, with seamless automatic switching between terrestrial and satellite networks. This technology will make its commercial debut in the upcoming Infinix NOTE 60 Series, bringing high-end connectivity to a broader global audience. Other major innovations include industry-leading thermal efficiency achieved through the HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture and Piezoelectric Fan integrated directly into the smartphone's thermal path, overcoming the physical limits of passive cooling and ensuring stable high performance even under heavy loads, delivering an exceptional mobile gaming experience. The Active Visual Backplate Technology turns the smartphone backplate into a dynamic visual canvas without drawing additional power. Its patterns and colors shift with viewing angle, temperature, and lighting, while also offering continuous animations and glass-free 3D effects. The Infinix AI GLASSES Pro features a dual-chip architecture, enabling high-performance first-person capture and comprehensive, low-power intelligent interaction. The AI Module, a magnetic expansion ecosystem, evolves the smartphone into an AI creative hub, showcasing Infinix's vision for the future intelligent ecosystem. Throughout the event, the Infinix showcase became a hub for global tech media, attracting coverage from The Verge, Wired, ZDNet, GSMArena, Gizmochina, Stuff, Android Police, and more, while earning authoritative "Best of CES 2026" honors across multiple categories: Trusted Reviews' Innovation Award 2026 for Infinix HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture and Piezoelectric Fan Android Headlines' Best of CES 2026 for Infinix's Satellite Communications Solution Phandroid's Best of CES 2026 for Infinix AI GLASSES Gadgety Awards' Best of CES 2026 for Infinix's Active Visual Backplate Technology GeekSpin Best of CES 2026 for Infinix's Active Visual Backplate Technology Gadgety Awards' Best of Showstoppers @ CES 2026 Infinix's AI Moduverse System As the curtains fall on CES 2026, Infinix will continue to champion the "Joy Tech, Beyond Limit" philosophy, exploring the limitless possibilities of technology and pushing the boundaries of connectivity, creativity, and freedom in smart devices. By bridging forward-looking concepts with real-world applications, Infinix is setting a new benchmark for the smartphone ecosystem, ensuring that every innovation delivers a more connected, creative, and liberating experience for users worldwide. About Infinix Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more - building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863401/1__The_awards_received_by_Infinix.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863400/2__A_glittering_collection_of_awards_celebrating_Infinix_s_breakthrough_achievements_at_CES_2026.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/infinix-wins-multiple-best-of-ces-2026-awards-for-satellite-communication-and-breakthrough-innovations-302663299.html Enables convenient on-body delivery of higher dose therapies like anti-cancer treatments and monoclonal antibodies Utilizes a pre-verified large-volume platform solution to speed time to market Meets evolving industry needs amid shift from hospital to home administration PARIS, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Datwyler (Middletown, Delaware) a leading provider of high-value, system-critical elastomer components, announced a collaboration with LTS Device Technologies, a developer of smart wearable devices for drug delivery, and Stevanato Group (NYSE: STVN), a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery, and diagnostic solutions. Together the companies aim to broaden the scope of large-volume subcutaneous drug delivery by enabling convenient on-body administration of larger volumes - meeting the evolving needs of patients, alongside market demands. The three companies will unveil their platform solution at a joint Learning Lab presentation: When Size Matters: The Evolution of Self-Delivery Solutions for Subcutaneous Administration at Pharmapack, Jan 21-22,2026 in Paris, France. Supporting Patient-Centric Healthcare for Large-Volume Self Administration The pharmaceutical landscape for subcutaneous drug delivery is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the increasing use of biologics and other sensitive therapeutics in clinical practice. According to Precedence Research, the U.S. biologics market is projected to reach $483 billion by 2034, as small molecule research and development productivity declines. At the same time, patient preferences are changing. A recent Mayo Clinic study (Mayo Clinic's) found that 73% of participants favored in-home self-administration after 24 weeks of therapy - underscoring the need for solutions that support decentralized, convenient patient-centric healthcare versus hospitals or other medical settings. "By enabling patients to self-administer therapies at home, subcutaneous drug administration facilitates a growing shift towards more accessible personalized healthcare. Datwyler's spray coated NeoFlex plungers increase the functional reliability of large volume injection systems and promote greater comfort and safety for the patients," said Paolo Ferrigno, Product Manager, PFS & Cartridges, Datwyler. Overcoming the Challenges of On-body Delivery for Large-Volume Therapies Transitioning from hospital-based administration to at-home delivery for large volume, highly sensitive biologics, and other formulations present unique challenges, such as: Pain, tissue tolerability, and absorption kinetics for high-volume therapies have limited subcutaneous injections to lower volumes, typically 2mL or less. High-dose therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, oncology treatments, and long-acting neurologic formulations, often exceed the limits of conventional low-volume delivery. The design of a new custom delivery solution may not always be feasible for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in a competitive market. Riccardo Marcon, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing of Drug Containment Solutions with Stevanato Group commented, "There is a pressing market need for innovative solutions to support larger volumes of up to 20mL in a self-administered setting while strictly maintaining safety, therapeutic efficacy, and patient compliance. For pharma companies, EZ-fill Large Volume Cartridges have been the ideal solution to reduce their complex operations for more than a decade. Our market-leading ready-to-use, EZ-fill containers are supplied pre-washed, pre-siliconized, pre-assembled with front stoppers, packed in Nest & Tub and pre-sterilized." Collaborating for Solutions Anticipating these market challenges, the collaboration has joined forces to offer a pre-verified ecosystem for faster market access, featuring: Datwyler's extended range of NeoFlex plungers for larger volume containers to enable slow, controlled drug delivery and support a wider range of self-administration devices. Stevanato Group's market-leading large-volume, ready-to-use EZ-fill cartridges to address the unique challenges in sensitive therapies, and, cartridges to address the unique challenges in sensitive therapies, and, LTS Device Technologies' Sorrel Platform, capable of delivering from 10 and 20mL cartridges, hence an appropriate choice to demonstrate the capabilities of the NeoFlex plungers and large-volume, ready-to-use EZ-fill cartridges. The companies will showcase the collaboration to evolve container closure system (CCS) development by optimizing pre-verified platform solutions at Pharmapack with a learning lab presentation: "When Size Matters: The Evolution of Self-Delivery Solutions for Subcutaneous Administration," which will be held on Thursday, January 22 at 12:50 p.m. CET in the Learning Labs - 4A89. Presenters include: Paolo Ferrigno, Product Manager, PFS & Cartridges, Datwyler Valerio Ravazzolo, Product Manager, Cartridge Platform, Stevanato Group Greg Moakes, EVP, New Business Development, LTS Device Technologies For more information and registration, click here . To learn more about the collaborative efforts, visit their individual booths or book a joint meeting for end-to-end support. Please contact: Datwyler - Paolo Ferrigno, Global Product Manager, paolo.ferrigno@datwyler.com Stevanato Group - Lisa Miles, Investor Relations, lisa.miles@stevanatogroup.com Giacomo Guiducci, Investor Relations, giacomo.guiducci@stevanatogroup.com Caterina Tripepi, Media Relations, caterina.tripepi@stevanatogroup.com Valerio Ravazzolo, Product Manager, Cartridge Platform, valerio.ravazzolo@stevanatogroup.com LTS Device Technologies - Greg Moakes, EVP New Business Development, greg.moakes@ltslohmann.com About DATWYLER In billions of syringes and in every second car around the world, Datwyler components make an important contribution to patient and driver safety. The high-tech company focuses on high-quality, system-critical elastomer components and holds leading positions in attractive global markets such as healthcare, automotive, industries and food & beverage. Datwyler materializes ideas for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable world. Thanks to recognized core competencies, the company offers added value to its customers as a development partner. With 25 production sites on four continents, revenue in over 100 countries and more than 7'500 employees, the company generates annual revenue of more than CHF 1'100 million. Headquartered in Switzerland, Datwyler has been listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 1986. Learn more about Datwyler www.Datwyler.com. About LTS Device Technologies We CARE. We CREATE. We DELIVER. The driving philosophy behind LTS. As a trusted technology partner for the pharmaceutical industry, we develop and manufacture innovative drug delivery systems such as Transdermal Patches ("TTS") and Oral Thin Films ("OTF") as well as wearable drug delivery devices ("OBDS"). LTS' commercial offering encompasses more than 20 marketed products and a diverse pipeline of more than 40 development projects targeting multiple disease indications. LTS's innovation pipeline contains both partner-funded as well as proprietary, LTS-funded projects. LTS maintains its leading position through the continuous refinement of its core TTS and OTF technologies and by advancing emerging drug delivery technologies, including Microneedle Array Patches ("MAP") for the transdermal delivery of small and large molecules, biological actives and vaccines. With its SorrelTM wearable drug delivery platform LTS offers patient friendly solutions for complex drugs delivery at home. Founded in 1984, LTS operates today from four sites: in Andernach, Germany, West Caldwell, NJ, USA, St. Paul, MN, USA and Netanya, Israel. LTS has also a representative office in Shanghai, China. Learn more about LTS www.ltslohmann.com . About Stevanato Group Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery, and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences industries. The Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes, and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle at each of the development, clinical, and commercial stages. Stevanato Group's core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation, and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value-added solutions to clients. For more information, please visit: www.stevanatogroup.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862984/Datwyler_LTS_SG_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/datwyler-lts-device-technologies-and-stevanato-group-collaborate-to-expand-self-delivery-options-for-large-volume-drugs-302662857.html TSX:ORV TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Orvana Minerals Corp. (TSX: ORV) (the "Company" or "Orvana") is pleased to report production and exploration updates for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, ended December 31, 2025 ("Q1 FY2026") as well as an update on the Oxides Stockpile Project at its Don Mario operation in Bolivia. Juan Gavidia, CEO of Orvana, stated: "The first quarter of fiscal 2026 was a strong quarter for Orvana, with operational improvements and grade increases leading to higher gold production at Orovalle. We have also made progress in our exploration program for the Taguas Project in Argentina, and the expansion of the Don Mario Plant in Bolivia is advancing, with initial dore production expected to commence in February, subject to completion of ongoing performance verification activities." Highlights: Orovalle remains on track to meet its FY2026 production guidance, while the Company advances drilling at Taguas and progresses with its Oxides Stockpile Project in Bolivia. Q1 FY2026 Production: 10,576 Gold Equivalent Ounces (1) (9,308 gold ounces, 0.7 million copper pounds and 31,007 silver ounces). 100% of the Company's production for the quarter was generated by Orovalle, the Spanish unit. Q1 FY2026 Exploration: Taguas: Exploration program advancing as scheduled. Geophysical survey completed over the full 4 km area of interest between Cerro Campamento and Cerro Cuarto (part of Cerros Taguas), using a 400 m 400 m grid. Results are currently under evaluation and will be reported in a future update. Based on preliminary geophysical results and the updated geological model, the Company is advancing to the next phase of its exploration program, commencing with the first deep drilling campaign. Mobilization of drilling equipment is underway in preparation for the planned drilling program. The Company expects to drill approximately 4,500 metres through April 2026, targeting areas showing potential copper-gold porphyry indicators. Orovalle: 3,337 metres drilled (1,278 and 1,512 metres infill and brownfield drilling at El Valle Boinas, and 547 metres greenfield drilling at Lidia). Oxides Stockpile Project: The project involves a plant expansion to treat ore stockpiled from previous years of mining activity. The expansion consists of: (i) plant expansion proper, including new circuits for Cu oxides' acid leaching, filtering, solvent extraction and electro-winning to produce Cu cathodes; and Au-Ag and Detox circuits' enhancement, both in terms of throughput and in terms of technological performance; (ii) comprehensive overhaul of pre-existing comminution and thickening circuits; and (iii) business-readiness initiatives, including upgrades to power generation, chemical and metallurgical laboratories, warehouses and workshops; and recruitment - training of new manpower. As previously announced on December 17, 2025, the Company initiated performance verification of the comminution and thickening circuits, originally expected to be completed by mid-January 2026. These activities have taken longer than anticipated and are now expected to continue until early February, primarily due to corrective maintenance identified during testing, including the delivery and installation of certain spare parts. The Company is also working to enhance the desorption and smelting processes for gold and silver, and expects to complete these processes in January 2026. Subject to the completion of the previously detailed works in the Au-Ag circuit, legacy ore from the Las Tojas area that remained on site from prior operations (and is distinct from the Company's oxide stockpiles) is expected to be processed beginning in February into mid-March 2026, and the Company expects initial dore production to commence in February 2026. The copper circuit, part of the Don Mario Plant expansion, whose construction was previously scheduled to be completed in January 2026, is now anticipated to be completed by mid-March, following delays in the delivery of certain materials and services. Subsequent commissioning activities will then be completed, and the connection between the Cu and Ag-Au circuits will be made, with the processing of oxide stockpiles ore expected to begin during April 2026. The on-site pilot test has been completed, and work is now underway on the analytical lab results. Upon assessment of these results, the pilot testing, together with pre-existing metallurgical data, is expected to enable the Company to update its metal production estimates derived from processing the oxide stockpiles at Don Mario. The Company expects to provide updated information once the testing results have been validated. Capital Expenditures are currently under review as the project enters the final stages of construction. The Company expects to provide an update with its first quarter results. Overall, the Don Mario plant expansion is advancing through final construction and commissioning activities. The Company remains focused on implementing a robust and controlled ramp-up of operations, with the timing of completion dependent on the availability of required materials and services for the pending activities. Orovalle - Q1 FY2026 Production Orovalle is on track to meet FY2026 production guidance. The mill processed approximately 129,622 dry tonnes during Q1 FY2026, 28% higher than the prior quarter, supported by increased tonnage mined from parallel operations at El Valle Boinas and Carles mines. 9,308 gold ounces produced in Q1 FY2026, 47% higher than the previous quarter primarily due to 28% higher tonnes milled, 2% higher recoveries and 13% higher gold grade. The higher gold grade was primarily due to a higher percentage of oxides in the blend. 0.7 million copper pounds produced in Q1 FY2026, 9% lower copper than the previous quarter mainly due to 25% lower copper grade and 4% lower recoveries, partially off-set by 28% higher tonnes milled. The decrease in copper grade resulted from a different ore blend, with reduced El Valle Boinas skarn content. Orovalle Q1 FY2026 Q4 FY2025 Q1 FY2025 FY 2026 Guidance Ore milled (tonnes) 129,622 101,140 118,649 Gold equivalent (oz)(1) 10,576 7,587 9,694 Gold Grade (g/t) 2.41 2.13 2.16 Recovery (%) 92.9 91.0 92.7 Production (oz) 9,308 6,317 7,631 34,000 - 37,000 Copper Grade (%) 0.33 0.44 0.48 Recovery (%) 75.4 79.3 85.5 Production (K lbs) 706 773 1,068 2,700 - 3,000 Silver Grade (g/t) 9.43 9.54 10.78 Recovery (%) 78.9 78.2 81.0 Production (oz) 31,007 24,279 33,306 (1) Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEO") is a Non-GAAP Financial Performance Measure. Non-GAAP measures do not have standardized meanings under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures of other issuers. GEO is calculated by converting copper and silver to gold equivalent using the metal prices disclosed below and adding the result to gold ounces produced. The Company believes GEO provides a useful measure to help evaluate production across multiple metals. Refer to the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis for additional information. GEO were calculated using the following average market prices: Q1 FY2026: $4,141.90/oz Au, $54.71/oz Ag, $5.03/lb Cu Q4 FY2025: $3,455.50/oz Au, $39.38/oz Ag, $4.44/lb Cu Q1 FY2025: $2,661.61/oz Au, $31.34/oz Ag, $4.16/lb Cu Orovalle - Life of Mine Plan The Annual Information Form of the Company for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 (the "FY2025 AIF") was filed on December 29, 2025, including Mineral Resource and Reserves estimates for Orovalle with an effective date of September 30, 2025. The FY2025 AIF includes the latest production schedule produced by Orovalle based upon the estimated Mineral Reserves. The schedule includes oxides and skarns ore mined from both the Boinas and Carles underground mines at an average rate of 508,000 tpa for a period of 5 years. The FY2025 AIF can be found on the Company's website at www.orvana.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Orovalle - Q1 FY2026 Drilling Drilled Metres Infill Brownfield Greenfield TOTAL El Valle Boinas Area 208 1,180 1,512 - 2,692 Boinas South 98 - - 98 Lidia - - 547 547 TOTAL 1,278 1,512 547 3,337 Infill-Brownfield The El Valle Boinas program has mainly focused on Area 208, with two key objectives: continuing the exploration initiated in previous months to further define mineralization to the south, and upgrading previously identified inferred resources to the indicated category. A longitudinal section of Area 208 is shown in the following image, including the infill drill holes completed for the resources update. Mineralization in this zone of Area 208 is concentrated within bands, with variable thickness, between 5-10 m, of altered skarn and semi-jasperoid breccias, preferentially along fractures N30E/35SE within the limestone; subsequently, the intrusion of porphyry dikes led to silicification and mineral enrichment of these bands. The mineralized bands are dipping towards the southeast, with potential for further extension in that direction. A total of 2,692 m were drilled in Area 208, of which 1,512 m were completed in 8 brownfield drill holes and 1,180 m in 6 infill drill holes. Brownfield drill holes show the continuity of one of the mineralized bands, extending 40 m to the south and remaining open at depth. Apparently, the mineralized bands tend to narrow towards the south and become less numerous. The infill drilling program confirms the presence of higher-thickness mineralized bands (Figure 1), enabling the conversion of inferred resources into indicated resources. This infill program continues in progress during the second quarter. Greenfield Lidia Project: Orovalle carried out a drilling campaign between fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2022, confirming the presence of gold in the granodiorite. During fiscal 2024, drilling work continued, allowing the northern part of the granodiorite to be defined. For fiscal 2026, a 1,500 m drilling campaign is planned with the objective of defining mineralization at depth and towards the south. 547 m in DDH 25LI008 were drilled during Q1fiscal 2026, which is expected to be completed by mid-January. The drilling program will continue during Q2. Ortosa-Godan Project: a total of 2,945 m were drilled during fiscal 2025 completing three drill holes. Two of them intersected several non-mineralized calcic skarns at deeper levels, showing continuity from surface down to at least 600 m bsl, keeping open the hypothesis of a potential connection between the Godan skarn and the Carles skarn. All lithological information, along with sample analysis, are being reviewed to inform the planning of drill platforms for future programs, which have not yet been defined, with the objective of further defining the skarn potential. Quality Control Greenfield drill hole samples were sent to an external laboratory (ALS Laboratory) for analyses. Infill and brownfield drill holes samples were analyzed in Orovalle's Laboratory. Sample preparation was carried out at the El Valle facility. All diamond core samples have been prepared using the following procedure, once split: The core samples are dried at a temperature of 105C and then crushed through a jaw crusher to 70%<6 mm. The coarse-crushed sample is further reduced to 70%<425 microns using an LM5 bowl-and-puck pulverizer. An Essa rotary splitter is used to take a 450 g to 550 g sub-sample of each split for pulverizing. The remaining reject portion is bagged and stored. The sample is reduced by 85% to a nominal -200 mesh using an LM2 bowl-and-puck pulverizer. 150 g sub-samples are split using a special vertical-sided scoop to cut channels through the sample which has been spread into a pancake on a sampling mat. Samples are then sent to the laboratory for gold and base metal analysis. Leftover pulp is bagged and stored. After sample preparation, 30g samples are analyzed for Au by fire assay with an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish and one-gram samples for Ag, As, Bi, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn by ICP optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) after an aqua regia digestion. Sampling is carried out in batches of a maximum of 30 samples for the fire test and 42 samples for the acid digestion test, with the first and last samples being analyzed twice, also a standard and a blank is inserted in every batch by laboratory personnel. Gold values exceeding 16.7 g/t Au are automatically repeated by the metallic screening method, to confirm the grade of the sample. For A208 orebody core samples is used a 1000 g sub-sample of each split and 250 g sub-samples are split. 50 g samples are twice analyzed. In case of the twice analysis don't match, a metaling screening method is used to confirm the grade. Greenfield drill holes samples are prepared by Orovalle and then sent to an external laboratory (ALS Laboratory) for analyses. 30 g samples are analyzed for Au by fire assay with an atomic absorption (Au AA-25) and 35 elements by ICP (ME-ICP41) after an aqua regia digestion. When Au and Ag values are >100 ppm and Cu and As values are >10,000 ppm, specific analysis methods are used to determinate the final grade. In addition to the controls inserted by laboratory personnel, geologists insert certified reference material (CRM), blanks and duplicate samples into the sample stream. The on-site senior geologist reviews the results prior to acceptance of the assay results. Orovalle repeats the entire batch analysis if the standard falls outside acceptable limits. If a blank or duplicate is observed to fail, 20% of the batch is re-assayed. If the 20% that is re-assayed does not match the original analysis, then the entire batch is re-analyzed. The technical information in this news release, including geological, assay, and drilling interpretation data, has been reviewed and approved by Guadalupe Collar Menendez, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and an employee of Orovalle Minerals S.L., a subsidiary of Orvana. Consolidated Operational and Financial Performance Q1 FY2026 consolidated operational and financial highlights will be released with the first quarter financials, expected mid-February, 2026. ABOUT ORVANA - Orvana is a multi-mine gold-copper-silver company. Orvana's assets consist of the producing Orovalle operation in northern Spain; the Don Mario operation in Bolivia; and the Taguas property located in Argentina. Additional information is available at Orvana's website (www.orvana.com). Cautionary Statements - Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, statements regarding: the timing and completion of commissioning and performance verification activities at Don Mario; the expected timing of initial dore production; the expected timing of completion of the Don Mario copper circuit; the expected timing and outcomes of on-site pilot testing and any resulting update to metal production estimates; the expected timing and scope of drilling at the Taguas Project; the Company's ability to meet FY2026 production guidance at Orovalle; and the anticipated timing of the Company's first quarter financial results. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and are generally identified by words such as "believes", "expects", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "forecasts", "projects", "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will", or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The estimates and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation: (i) timely completion of planned maintenance, commissioning and ramp-up activities; (ii) no material disruptions to operations due to labour, supply chain, power, equipment damage or other events; (iii) permitting, development, operations and expansion activities at Orovalle, Don Mario and Taguas proceeding consistent with the Company's current expectations; (iv) political, regulatory and social conditions in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates remaining broadly consistent with the Company's current expectations; (v) commodity prices and input costs (including labour, energy and key supplies) remaining within ranges consistent with the Company's current expectations; (vi) the accuracy of the Company's current mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; and (vii) the availability of necessary funds to execute the Company's plans. A variety of risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors include, among others: delays or difficulties in obtaining or maintaining necessary permits and authorizations (including environmental and tailings-related authorizations); the impact of global economic and geopolitical conditions; fluctuations in the price of gold, silver and copper; variations in ore grades, metallurgical recoveries and throughput; failure to achieve production estimates or guidance; increases in operating costs (including energy, power and environmental compliance costs); availability of qualified personnel; risks generally associated with mineral exploration and development; the Company's ability to successfully implement and commission processing circuits and ancillary facilities at Don Mario (including the copper circuit and any acid leaching circuit and related facilities); the Company's ability to successfully carry out exploration and development plans at Taguas; the Company's ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms when required; challenges to the Company's property interests and mineral rights; and legislative, regulatory, political, social and economic developments in the countries in which the Company operates. Additional risks are described in the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form, available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions, and except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863206/Orvana_Minerals_Corp__ORVANA_REPORTS_Q1_FY2026_PRODUCTION_AND_EX.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863205/Orvana_Minerals_Corp__ORVANA_REPORTS_Q1_FY2026_PRODUCTION_AND_EX.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/orvana-reports-q1-fy2026-production-and-exploration-results-and-provides-update-on-oxides-stockpile-project-at-don-mario-bolivia-302663252.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging restaurant brands, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest Rosie's Burgers ("Rosie's") restaurant this Saturday, January 17th, in the vibrant city of Waterloo, Ontario, located at 15 King St S, Unit 5. This opening marks Rosie's 12th location and represents another key milestone in the brand's continued national expansion, further strengthening its growing presence across Ontario. Rosie's is a boutique quick-service restaurant brand known for its signature smash burgers, golden fries, poutine, onion rings, and classic milkshakes - delivering nostalgic flavours in vibrant, neighbourhood-driven locations. Happy Belly 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/280609_e57fc2ce14228bfd_002full.jpg "Waterloo is a thriving, high-energy community anchored by two of Canada's most influential university campuses, making it an ideal market for the Rosie's brand," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "With both the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University located just minutes from our new restaurant, and together home to more than 60,000 students across expansive, centrally located campuses, this location benefits from a dense, year-round student population alongside professionals and families. Waterloo's strong population growth, world-class post-secondary institutions, and dynamic food and retail scene create a high-traffic, youthful demographic that aligns exceptionally well with Rosie's neighbourhood-focused smash burger concept." "With 12 locations now open and more than 113 in development across key Canadian provinces, the Rosie's brand is positioned to scale rapidly in the years ahead. These openings contribute to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. Our dual expansion strategy of combining franchised growth with targeted corporate store openings, reinforces our commitment to accelerating our brands development as we advance our mission to become a predictable and disciplined growth company, Canada's #1 restaurant consolidator." Happy Belly 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/280609_e57fc2ce14228bfd_003full.jpg In addition, K2 & Associates ("K2") has converted their $2,000,000 CDN debenture ahead of its three-year term expiring June 10, 2027, into common shares of Happy Belly, further strengthening the Company's balance sheet and eliminating $2,000,000 of convertible debt. K2 is a long-term supporter of Happy Belly and remains a committed shareholder, having increased its equity ownership through this conversion as a demonstration of its confidence in the Company's strategy, leadership team, and long-term growth prospects. "We are just getting started," added Sean Black. About K2 K2 & Associates is a Canadian multi-strategy, event-driven hedge fund manager with a 20+ year track record of successfully managing money, protecting capital, and creating value. K2 built its funds as tools for families -to build wealth while limiting risk. K2 runs an active mandate to surface value and generate returns through strong analysis, strategy and relationships. The firm has a well-earned reputation as a good partner, lead investor and strong sponsor for companies looking for risk capital. About Rosie's Burgers Deliciously handcrafted smashed burgers, golden fries, and classic milkshakes. Rosie's is your neighbourhood burger shop serving up nostalgic flavours you know, love, and crave. From our Smashburger's and French fries to strawberry shakes and onion rings-we're all about keeping things simple and perfecting tradition. Because the classics were made classic for a reason, right? Franchising For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com. About Happy Belly Food Group Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands. The Company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others. Happy Belly 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/280609_e57fc2ce14228bfd_004full.jpg Sean Black Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280609 Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc. Highlights: Thierry's K1 reinterpretation complete and K2 validation nearing completion, integrating over 210,000 metres of drilling. K1 supports a bulk-tonnage model with grades potentially increasing with depth. Recently completed IP survey indicates potential sulphide mineralization between K1 and K2. Higher copper and PGE prices improve potential project economics. Thierry benefits from strong infrastructure, road access and brownfield development aspects. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - XXIX Metal Corp . (TSXV: XXIX) (OTCQB: QCCUF) (FSE: 5LW0) ("XXIX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an overview of the K1 and K2 zones at its Thierry project. XXIX has applied the same data validation and reinterpretation discipline used at Opemiska, where this work materially enhanced understanding of a historical mining camp, to the Thierry Copper Project. Like Opemiska, Thierry is a past-producing system supported by a substantial historical dataset, including more than 210,000 metres of drilling and extensive geological and geophysical data. Over the past two years, XXIX's technical team has converted this legacy information into a modern, validated geological database. This work establishes a robust foundation for resource definition, expansion, and a clearer understanding of system scale, critical prerequisites for value creation. Thierry represents a rare, underappreciated opportunity. Large, multi-billion-pound copper assets in Canada are increasingly scarce, and XXIX controls two of the three largest copper resources in Eastern Canada. Importantly, Thierry is unencumbered and carries no royalties. XXIX's new interpretation departs materially from historical models. The Company now sees potential for a higher-grade underground operation at K2, alongside a large-scale, bulk-tonnage copper-PGE open pit at K1. Updated K1 Model (Cross Section) - Figure 1 Updated K2 3D Model (Looking NW) - Figure 2 Updated K2 3D Model (Looking E) - Figure 3 IP Chargeability Map - Figure 4 Recent IP survey results support this evolving geological model, highlighting compelling targets at K1 and K2 and along the corridor connecting them. The data increasingly suggests sulphide mineralization between the two zones. XXIX plans a targeted drill program to test this potential and define scale. New Geological Interpretation at K1 - Data Validation at K2 XXIX has completed a comprehensive data cleaning and reinterpretation exercise at K1 and is currently reviewing K2's extensive geological database. Together, K1 and K2 represent over 210,000 metres of historical drilling, in addition to historical geological and geophysical surveys conducted. Mineralization at the K1 zone has historically been interpreted as sub-parallel tabular zones. Upon further analysis by XXIX's technical team of the drill data, geology and mining method options, and incorporating additional data previously not considered (including unassayed drill core) the Company interprets K1 under a disseminated mineralization and bulk open pit mining model. The Company also sees an increase in grade corresponding with increasing depth, while the deposit remains open to the east. Updated Economic Parameters and Improved Metals Prices Significant opportunity exists to expand current resources at K1 and K2 under improved metals prices. The existing mineral resource estimates at K1 and K2, completed in 2021, incorporate a copper price of US$3.75/lb, while copper price today is well above $5.00/lb, resulting in lower potential cut-off grades and reducing the threshold for including mineralization previously considered uneconomic under a lower copper pricing environment. Exploration Supported by In Place Infrastructure Thierry benefits from having excellent in place infrastructure, supported by the Town of Pickle Lake, including easy access via well maintained road, power and water, airport and access to rail - positioning Thierry for efficient development. The Company expects to have an active exploration season to further evaluate high-potential targets for follow-up exploration and drilling, and ultimately begin unlocking Thierry's full potential throughout 2026. 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. 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/280583 Source: XXIX Metal Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF) (FSE: 8BN) ("Optimi" or the "Company"), a Canadian GMP-compliant manufacturer of MDMA and psilocybin, today announced a series of equity compensation and marketing initiatives designed to support its growth strategy and enhance market awareness. Equity Incentive Grants Optimi announces that, pursuant to its equity incentive plan and subject to acceptance by the Canadian Securities Exchange, it has approved the grant of an aggregate of 850,000 stock options (the "Options") and 555,000 restricted share rights (the "RSRs") to certain directors, officers, employees, and key individuals associated with the Company (collectively, the "Equity Compensation Grant"). The Options are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of issuance, subject to applicable vesting provisions, at an exercise price of $0.50 per common share. The RSRs will vest and convert into common shares of the Company for no additional consideration, subject to applicable vesting provisions. Any common shares issued pursuant to the Options or RSRs will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day following the date of issuance. Marketing and Sponsored Research Initiatives The Company further announces that it has entered into a research sponsorship agreement with Diamond Equity Research LLC ("DER"), an unregistered equity research firm headquartered in New York, USA. Under the terms of the agreement, DER will provide independent research coverage on the Company, including the preparation of an initiation report outlining the investment opportunity and incorporating at least one financial valuation model. Research coverage and related content are expected to be distributed through various financial and social media platforms, including FactSet, LinkedIn, Yahoo Finance, Google Finance, X (formerly Twitter), Zacks, and Thomson One. Marketing and Investor Awareness Services In addition, Optimi announces that it has engaged Native Ads Inc. ("Native Ads") to provide investor awareness and promotional services, subject to approval by the Canadian Securities Exchange. The digital media and content distribution campaign is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026 and continue for a term of up to 24 months, or until the approved budget is fully expended. Under the agreement, Native Ads will conduct a digital advertising campaign intended to increase awareness and understanding of the Company and its regulated pharmaceutical product portfolio, including its MDMA and psilocybin drug products. The campaign will include advertising across search engines, financial publications, and financial websites. The Company has approved a budget of up to US$350,000 for these services. Native Ads will not receive any securities of the Company as compensation, and the agreement does not include any performance based compensation factors. Native Ads and Optimi are arm's length parties, and neither Native Ads nor its principals hold any direct or indirect interest in the securities of the Company as of the date of the agreement. About Optimi Health Corp. Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF) (FSE: 8BN) is a Canadian Good Manufacturing Practices ("GMP") compliant pharmaceutical drug manufacturer licensed by Health Canada for the handling of controlled substances and GMP production. Operating from two 10,000 squarefoot facilities in British Columbia under a Drug Establishment License issued by Health Canada, Optimi supplies active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms to regulated markets, with products currently available for prescription use in Australia through the Authorized Prescriber Scheme and in Canada through the Special Access Program. For more information, visit www.optimihealth.ca. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, and opinions, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280607 Source: Optimi Health Corp. YouWare has announced the release of YouBase, a backend engine designed to support the deployment of web applications built via its platform. The new infrastructure includes authentication, database management, and global edge functions to facilitate full-stack application development. DOVER, DE / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / YouWare, a platform for AI-assisted web development, has announced the launch of YouBase. This new backend-as-a-service (BaaS) infrastructure is designed to provide users with the technical components necessary to transition web prototypes into functional applications. By integrating backend capabilities directly into the development environment, the platform now supports full-stack execution, including hosting and custom domain integration. Technical Features of YouBase As AI-driven development has evolved, "vibe coding"-the process of using natural language to direct software creation-has empowered a new generation of creators. However, the move from a functional UI prototype to a live, secure business application has historically required complex manual configuration of servers, databases, and authentication protocols. The launch of YouBase solves this "last mile" problem. By integrating a complete cloud backend directly into the YouWare environment, the platform enables small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and prosumers to launch professional-grade products without the need for traditional backend engineering or third-party hosting services. YouBase: Technical Infrastructure for the Modern Creator YouBase provides a suite of integrated cloud services designed to handle the server-side requirements of modern web applications. The infrastructure operates on a global edge network and includes the following core components: Secure Authentication: Enables sign-up, login, and role-based permissions, allowing SMBs to manage teams and customer access with enterprise-grade security. Structured Databases: Provides a reliable system to store and manage the data businesses depend on-from order histories and user profiles to complex analytics-with built-in data protection. Global Edge Functions: Executes server-side logic globally with low latency. This ensures that workflows, such as form validation or automated routing, remain fast and responsive for users regardless of their location. Media & File Storage: Optimized for media-heavy applications, allowing for the high-speed delivery of images, videos, and documents essential for digital catalogs and portfolios. Encrypted Secrets Management: Offers secure storage for API keys and sensitive configurations, ensuring that credentials remain protected and never exposed to the client-side code. Payments Integration: To support revenue generation, YouBase features native integration with Stripe, enabling users to accept payments for products, subscriptions, and memberships directly. Streamlining the Development Lifecycle The introduction of YouBase aims to reduce the technical complexity typically associated with configuring servers, databases, and security protocols. By providing a pre-configured backend environment, the platform allows developers and small businesses to deploy applications without managing separate infrastructure providers. "The goal of YouBase is to provide a stable and predictable technical foundation for projects built on our platform," said Leon Ming, CEO of YouWare. "By integrating these essential backend services, we are enabling users to focus on the functional aspects of their applications while the infrastructure handles the underlying complexity." About YouWare Inc YouWare Inc is a software company that develops AI-driven tools for web creation. The company's platform allows users to build and deploy web applications through natural language interfaces. YouWare Inc focuses on reducing the technical barriers to building websites, web app or internal tools development for independent creators and small-to-medium businesses. Media Contact Organization: YouWare Inc Contact Person Name: Shelley Xie Website: https://www.youware.com Email: marketing@youware.com Address: 8 The Green, Ste R City: Dover State: Delaware Country: United State SOURCE: YouWare Inc View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/youware-launches-youbase-to-support-full-stack-application-development-1128667 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. (TSXV:QZM)(OTCQX:QZMRF) ("Quartz" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a purchase agreement with Wild West Gold Corp. to acquire an additional mineral claim contiguous with the Company's 100%-owned Maestro Project in central British Columbia ("BC"). The acquisition expands Quartz's land position at Maestro to 2,422 hectares and further consolidates prospective mineral host rocks adjacent to the Company's primary project area. Bob Dickinson, Quartz's Chairman commented, "This newly acquired claim now forms part of the Maestro project area, where exploration activities have been underway to advance multiple priority targets. This acquisition is strategic to Quartz and illustrates our strong conviction in the potential of Maestro. Quartz was built with the mission to discover and transact high-value gold-silver-copper projects that are coveted by major operators and this expansion of Maestro contributes to that strategy. The potential for Maestro is significant and we are looking forward to the additional drill programs and survey results coming in 2026. Our Phase 4 drill program is planned to mobilize in early February." Acquisition Highlights The acquired claim comprises approximately 113 hectares immediately adjacent to the east of the current Maestro property claims. The claim acquisition secures ground adjacent to a newly identified, multi-element soil geochemical anomaly on the Maestro Project, providing important area protection. The expanded land position enhances Quartz Mountain's ability to advance exploration across the broader Maestro area, which hosts geological features and a mineralization age similar to the new Blackwater Mine (Artemis Gold) near Vanderhoof. Recent drilling at the Maestro Property (Nov. 3, 2025) has commenced delineating the Prodigy Au-Ag-Mo-Cu discovery, with 8,346 metres completed in 13 holes and a fully funded Phase 4 drill program is planned to commence in February 2026. Transaction Details Quartz has entered into a claim purchase agreement with Wild West Gold Corp. an arms-length Canadian exploration company, to acquire a 100% interest in a mineral claim subject to the approval of the TSX-Venture Exchange and other customary conditions. The consideration consists of 25,000 Quartz shares upon closing of the transaction. About Quartz Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Quartz Mountain Resources (TSXV:QZM)(QTCQX:QZMRF) is a well- funded public company whose successful mine-finding management team is focused on discovering and transacting important-scale gold, silver and copper projects in British Columbia. The Company owns 100% of the Maestro gold-silver project and 100% of the Jake porphyry copper-gold-silver project. Both projects are permitted by the British Columbia government for drilling activities with access to infrastructure and high potential for the development of substantial resources for significant future transactions. Quartz is associated with Hunter Dickinson Inc. (HDI), a company with over 35 years of successfully discovering, developing and transacting mineral projects in Canada and internationally. Former HDI projects in British Columbia included Mount Milligan, Kemess South and Gibraltar all of which are porphyry-coppergold deposits with current-producing or former-producing mines. Recently, Amarc Resources, also an associate of HDI, which is in joint venture with Freeport Minerals Canada Inc., announced the exciting discovery of the high grade, AuRORA gold-copper porphyry deposit in British Columbia. Other well-known projects with HDI involvement include Sisson and Prosperity in Canada, Pebble and Florence in the United States, and Xietongmen in China. Quartz is committed to the advancement of important-scale, critical and essential mining assets while following responsible mineral development principles, including a mandate to employ best-practice approaches in the engagement and involvement of local communities and meeting rigorous environmental standards. About Maestro The Maestro Project, located in central British Columbia, lies adjacent to Highway 16, 15 km north of Houston and 45 km south of Smithers, providing year-round road access to the project and nearby infrastructure including, rail, hydroelectricity, and natural gas. Covering 2,422 hectares, it has a rich exploration history dating back to 1914, primarily focusing on the Lone Pine Mo-Cu porphyry deposit and not the precious metals potential of the surrounding area (see Quartz news release March 19th, 2024, and NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, P&E Mining Consultants Inc., January 21st, 2011). Since acquiring the property, Quartz has conducted comprehensive geochemical and geophysical surveys, including soil/silt sampling, induced polarization geophysics, airborne magnetic surveys, hyperspectral studies, detailed relogging of historical drill core and assaying for gold only 976 pulp samples derived from historical assaying of numerous core holes located across the Maestro Property. Quartz's first ever drill test on its Maestro Property, a Phase One, two-hole drill program at the Prodigy Zone, discovered exciting high-grade Au-Ag lodes and Ag-Au veins which are both hosted within an extensive epithermal Au-Ag system. The Au lodes and Ag veins along with the more disseminated precious metals intersected by the drill holes are all hosted within a large and earlier deposited, Mo-Cu porphyry system. Quartz's second core hole, PR23-02 intersected 102 meters grading 2.22 g/t Au and 104 g/t Ag, including 12 meters grading 1.23 g/t Au and 586 g/t Ag and also 36 meters of 5.73 g/t Au and 87 g/t Ag. Drill results to date indicate high potential for both bulk tonnage and underground high-grade gold and silver mineralization. Three phases of delineation type drilling of the new Prodigy discovery at Maestro have been completed and announced. It is expected that further drilling at Prodigy will be consistently advanced in multiple stages during 2026. Mineralization remains open in multiple directions and at depth, promising significant further potential. About Jake Mineralization at Jake is situated within a prominent rusty coloured gossan measuring 3.5 km long by 1.5 km wide. The combination of extensive historical and recent exploration work has outlined a very expansive altered area at Jake hosting epithermal and porphyry-style sulphide disseminations and veinlets containing Cu-Au-Ag-Zn-Mo and Re. A series of modern surface exploration programs were first completed by Quartz to build on very compelling historical data on the Property developed by legendary porphyry copper explorers, including Kennco, Canadian Superior, Cities Service, Placer Development and Teck Corp. Taken together this comprehensive technical database defined a significant-scale porphyry copper-gold deposit target which Quartz tested with 3,418 meters of drilling in seven 7 holes during 2024. This initial drill program successfully discovered a new porphyry copper-gold-silver system, wide open to expansion. Upon discovery, Quartz acquired a 100% interest in mineral tenures over an entire new BC porphyry copper-gold district surrounding the Jake Property. The next milestone towards a transaction will be delineation drilling of the new Jake discovery, currently being planned to commence after successful delineation drilling being conducted at Maestro over 2025. Qualified Person Farshad Shirmohammad, M.Sc., P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Minerals Projects, who is not independent of Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd., has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release On behalf of the Board of Directors Robert Dickinson Chairman For further information, please contact: Bob Dickinson Email: robertdickinson@hdimining.com Ph: +1 604-684-6365 or: Roger Blair Email: rblair@acuityadvisorycorp.com Ph: +1 604-351-0025 or Jeff Wilson E Mail: jwilson@acuityadvisorycorp.com Ph: +1 604-837-5440 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. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking-statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts 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: the Company's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits, and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of the Company's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Though the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking-statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to future events and third party discretion such as regulatory personnel. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include variations in market prices, continuity of mineralization and exploration success, and potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, 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, and exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories that may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, and 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 the Company, and the risks and uncertainties connected with its business, investors should review the Company's home jurisdiction filings as www.sedarplus.ca and its 20F filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. SOURCE: Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/quartz-mountain-expands-maestro-project-with-claim-acquisition-1128582 205 rural small and Critical Access Hospital IT, clinical, and financial users cite repackaged health-system solutions, misaligned implementation models, and limited vendor responsiveness to Rural Health Transformation Collaboratives NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Black Book Research today released topline findings from a survey of two hundred rural small hospital and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) stakeholders spanning IT professionals and clinical and financial users assessing the value of Rural Health Transformation Collaboratives and whether technology vendors are solving rural-specific challenges or largely adapting solutions built for large urban health systems. Survey results indicate that rural providers continue to support modernization but remain concerned that many vendor solutions assume enterprise staffing, budgets, integration resources, and implementation capacity that are not available in rural markets. "Rural hospitals are not 'small urban systems.' They require rural-fit products, rural-fit implementation models, and rural-fit support," said Doug Brown, President, Black Book Research. "The survey shows progress in intent but persistent gaps in execution and fit." Key Findings from the 2026 Rural IT, Clinical, and Financial User Survey (n=205) "Repackaged urban solutions" remains the dominant perception: 88% say technology vendors often or very often market offerings as "rural-ready" that feel primarily adapted from urban or large health-system designs. Workflow burden is widely reported: 82% say their organizations are more often forced to adapt workflows to the technology than the technology adapts to rural workflows and staffing realities. Confidence in vendor problem-solving is limited: 29% agree vendors are truly solving rural-specific operational problems, while the remainder are neutral or disagree. Implementation complexity drives unplanned cost: 69% report at least one recent technology purchase required unplanned third-party consulting or external services to implement, optimize, or stabilize. Collaboratives are gaining traction: 75% report they are participating in, actively evaluating, or planning involvement in a Rural Health Transformation Collaborative model. Vendor alignment with collaboratives is uneven: 71% say collaboratives improve negotiating leverage, while only 22% agree vendors meaningfully incorporate collaborative and rural-provider input into product roadmaps and delivery models. Also Released Today: Two Black Book Studies to Support Rural Health Transformation Execution In conjunction with the rural IT user survey findings, Black Book Research is also releasing two implementation-focused publications intended to help states, rural hospitals, and regional collaboratives move faster from "award notice" to auditable execution: 1) Rural Health Transformation Program Awards & Implementation Playbook 2026 The playbook provides an execution agenda tied to FY 2026-FY 2030 rural transformation funding and outlines governance and reporting expectations shaping rural technology and service-line investments. Included in the playbook is a national pulse of rural administrators and board members indicating first-year priorities and constraints: 74% identify rural workforce recruitment and retention as a top-two first-year priority. 69% expect cybersecurity and health IT modernization to be among the first initiatives funded. 63% prioritize telehealth and remote monitoring expansion, while 52% report broadband/last-mile connectivity remains limiting. 57% cite procurement timelines and contracting as the largest first-year execution risk. 2) Top Vendors and Technology Enablement for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP): Vendor-Agnostic Survey and Polling Intelligence for FY 2026-2030 Implementation This companion study provides vendor-neutral decision tools designed to reduce fragmentation and accelerate procurement readiness, including standardized evaluation scorecards, contracting clauses, and rural-specific technology enablement guidance. Industry stakeholders are invited to download the gratis reports from https://www.blackbookmarketresearch.com 2026 Rural Health IT vendor performance signals (non-ranked cohorts): Within the 2026 rural IT user inputs informing the companion report, TruBridge (CPSI/Evident) appears in leading cohorts for rural/CAH inpatient EHR and in shortlists for integrated hospital EHR plus patient accounting/RCM suites, reflecting strong rural fit signals in integrated clinical-financial workflows. Juno Health appears as the category leader for ambulatory EHR use in rural clinics/RHCs and rural provider networks, reflecting favorable rural usability and configuration fit in outpatient environments, as well as rated highest among rural hospital EHR replacement buyers. Note: Vendor references in these companion materials are vendor-agnostic signals; cohorts are not ranked and are not endorsements. At a 95% confidence level, results from the n=205 sample have an approximate margin of error of 6.8 percentage points for proportions near 50%. About Black Book Research Black Book Research is an independent healthcare technology and services research firm focused on the purchasing, implementation, and outcomes experience of providers and payers. Since 2011, Black Book has maintained a dedicated research track centered on Small Rural Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), including longitudinal vendor performance reviews informed by frontline executives, clinicians, IT leaders, and governing boards. Over the past 15 years, Black Book's rural market work has consistently highlighted a central reality: rural hospitals and CAHs operate under constraints and conditions that are frequently underrepresented in enterprise-centric evaluations-lean IT staffing, tight margins, network fragility, workforce shortages, and heavy reliance on referrals and transfers. Black Book's rural research program elevates these realities into the core of assessment to help boards and leadership teams distinguish between technologies that are truly "rural-fit" and those that are simply adapted from large-system designs. Black Book's rural methodology underscores the need for rural-specific software options-solutions that are implementable and supportable with small teams, resilient to rural connectivity variability, and aligned to multi-role staffing and CAH workflows. The firm's research is designed to help rural leaders and state-based collaboratives make practical, audit-ready decisions on vendor selection, contracting, implementation governance, and measurable outcomes. Black Book is vendor-agnostic and committed to producing independent research that is free from pay-to-play influence. Its mission is to strengthen healthcare delivery through actionable market intelligence that improves patient care, reliability, safety, workforce sustainability, cybersecurity readiness, and financial performance-especially in rural communities where access and sustainability are most at risk. For more information: www.blackbookmarketresearch.com | research@blackbookmarketresearch.com | 800.863.7590 SOURCE: Black Book Research View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/black-book-research-rural-hospital-survey-finds-health-it-still-too-o-1128592 SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Elektros Inc. (OTC PINK:ELEK), a developer of lithium mining operations in Sierra Leone, announces strategic objectives for its Sierra Leone Lithium mining project. Elektro, Inc. is strategically focused on the advancement and development of its hard-rock lithium project in Sierra Leone, Africa, targeting the critical mineral resources essential for electric vehicle battery production and energy storage solutions. Joint Venture Structure and Regulatory Compliance On August 15, 2024, the Company executed a joint venture ground lease agreement for mineral rights within the Tinkoko Chiefdom of Bo District in southern Sierra Leone. Under this arrangement, our local operating partner will oversee on-site operations, licensing administration, labor management, packaging, and shipment logistics. To ensure full compliance with Sierra Leone's existing regulatory requirements-which stipulate that mining licenses and operational management be held exclusively by Sierra Leonean citizens-the partnership agreement establishes our operating partner as a 25% equity stakeholder, with the Company retaining a 75% controlling interest in the enterprise. As of September 2025, the Company has obtained an artisanal mining license for its lithium project in Sierra Leone. Operational Mission and Current Status The joint venture is focused on the extraction, packaging, and export of raw lithium ore from Sierra Leone to the United States. The Company has currently stockpiled approximately 54 metric tons of hard-rock lithium ore at the mining site, prepared for export pending the securing of adequate capital for shipping costs. Elektro's objective is to establish itself as a reliable supplier to U.S.-based lithium refineries, supporting the conversion of raw materials into battery-grade lithium for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and energy storage markets. Near-Term Strategic Objectives Establish and maintain continuous lithium extraction and export operations from Sierra Leone Execute regular shipments of two to three containers of raw lithium ore on a monthly to bi-monthly basis to the United States Secure long-term offtake agreements with U.S. lithium refineries Position the Company as a strategic participant within the global battery materials supply chain Attract strategic investment partners and scale operations to achieve leadership positioning in the lithium supply sector Recent Demand for Lithium Projects In 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy highlighted surging lithium demand by restructuring a multi-billion-dollar federal loan and taking 5% equity stakes in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass joint venture, a Nevada project slated to produce 40,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually-enough for about 800,000 electric vehicles. At the same time, the European Union launched a 3 billion ResourceEU program to support 25 strategic critical-materials projects, including lithium initiatives to reduce reliance on foreign lithium, cobalt and graphite by 2030. Against this backdrop of strong government investment and tightening supply, we feel Elektros' lithium business direction is well-positioned to serve growing demand from both public and private buyers. About Elektros, Inc. Elektros Inc. (OTC PINK:ELEK) business plan is to develop an artisanal mining operation based in Sierra Leone, Africa. This operation focuses on hard-rock lithium exploration, development, and the eventual exportation of the mined material to lithium refineries in the United States. www.elektros.energy Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking statements" that include information relating to future events and future financial and operating performance. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "can," "believe," "potential," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties. For more details, please refer to the Company's SEC filings at www.sec.gov. Elektros, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Contact: Elektros, Inc. IR and Media Inquiries Email: ElektrosInc@gmail.com SOURCE: Elektros, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/automotive/elektros-outlines-strategic-objectives-for-its-lithium-operations-1128616 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - Gold Runner Exploration Inc. (CSE: GRUN) (FSE: CE70) ("Gold Runner" or the "Company") has issued 40,000 shares to the Falcon Mine Group ("FMG") in respect of its option agreement to purchase 100% of the Falcon Project ("Falcon" or the "Property"). The Company also announces that by mutual agreement between FMG and Gold Runner, the payment date of the cash portion of the Option Payment is amended to, on or before April 30, 2026. The Falcon project under the Option Agreement comprises eighty-seven (87) unpatented lode claims and six (6) patented claims associated with the historic Falcon mine. Subsequent claim staking by the Company expanded the Falcon Project to 124 total claims comprising approximately 883 hectares or 2,183 acres. The property is situated less than 2 kilometers ("km") south of Gold Runner's Rock Creek prospect and southwest of Gold Runner's Dry Creek prospect (see Map 1), placing all three properties in close proximity for a total of 239 claims. Gold Runner's Tuscarora district play (Rock Creek, Dry Creek, and Falcon) is in a highly prospective, prolific gold region (see Map 2). The properties are surrounded on three sides by sizeable, "world-class" gold deposits and mines, including the Midas mine, approximately 35 km to the west-southwest, which has produced more than 2.2 million ounces Au and 26.9 million ounces Ag with proven and probable reserves of an additional 2.73 million Au and 199.92 million ounces Ag from an epithermal Ag (Au) deposit (Hecla Mining Company Website - 2022); the Goldstrike complex, approximately 40 km south, which produced an incredible 47.8 million ounces Au by the end of 2023 from Carlin-type deposits (Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Special Report MI-2023); and the Jerritt Canyon mine, approximately 30 km to the east (further off Carlin Trend than the Tuscarora properties), which has produced 9.7 million ounces Au from a Carlin-type gold deposit (Technical Report on the Jerritt Canyon Mine, Elko County, Nevada, USA Report for NI 43-101 - 2021), with continued exploration ongoing. The information provided herein from neighbouring projects and properties should not be relied upon as indicators for the determination of mineralization or potential results of the Company's properties. The Falcon property occurs in the southwest portion of an Eocene-aged caldera complex, hosted in a sequence of Devonian sedimentary rocks overlain by andesitic, dacitic, and rhyolitic volcanic rocks of the Tuscarora volcanic field (Roney Long, 2000 - The Falcon Mine Project). Our exploration concept at Falcon is very similar to and consistent with our targeting model at Rock Creek and Divide. The historic production and exploration at Falcon focused on silver mineralization in epithermal veins in the upper volcanic sequence. As with the Rock Creek and Dry Creek properties, previous work at the Falcon prospect resulted in stratigraphic interpretations of the surface metasedimentary sequence which indicate the possibility of a Carlin-type host rock at relatively shallow depths (Roney Long, 2000 - The Falcon Mine Project). As such, we see both shallow, high grade silver vein targets and deeper, disseminated Carlin-type Au (Ag) targets at Falcon. MAP 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7042/280567_c3c37ca394f55988_002full.jpg The company is currently scheduling extensive, property wide mapping and sampling at Falcon following up on its initial sampling along 900 meters of float and outcrop of the quartz vein that hosts the historic Falcon Mine. This wide vein (up to 40 feet wide) is one of 18 known veins raking north from the Falcon property up to and along the length of the Rock Creek Property. Thirty-nine samples were collected and submitted for geochemical analysis with detectable gold or silver in all but one sample. Four samples had greater than 25 grams per tonne ("gpt") silver, including samples FAL23_36 at 720 gpt Ag and FAL23_37 at 238 gpt Ag. Both of the highest two silver samples were taken from the Falcon mine area, both had elevated gold, arsenic, and antimony, and both had visible sulfides. Five samples had greater than 0.5 gpt gold, including sample FAL23_13 at 1.131 gpt Au. MAP 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7042/280567_c3c37ca394f55988_003full.jpg Sampling to date by the Company at Falcon and Rock Creek has demonstrated combined, confirmed, continuous strike length of approximately 6 km with an untested interval of approximately 2.5 km between Rock Creek and the Company's Falcon sampling implying potential mineralized strike length of 8.5 km. In addition, the veins are open at both the south and north ends of known mineralization. In addition to the Company's maiden drill program planned for its Rock Creek property just to the north, the Company intends to assess and identify next exploration steps including mapping out its initial drill program for Falcon, over the upcoming exploration season. This News Release was jointly prepared with Dr, Craig J Mach, PhD. Geology, and has been approved by Alan Morris, M.Sc., CPG #10550. Alan J. Morris is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed the scientific and technical disclosure included in this news release. On Behalf of the Board of Directors, Chris Wensley About Gold Runner Exploration Inc: Gold Runner Exploration is an experienced exploration company focused on the exploration of gold and silver properties located in the prolific mining districts of Canada and the USA. The Rock Creek gold project is Gold Runner's flagship asset, with 74 unpatented lode mining claims wholly owned and controlled by the Company. Emboldened by the results coming out of Rock Creek, the Company strategically expanded the land position with the acquisition of the nearby Dry Creek prospect and the acquisition of the Falcon silver-gold prospect in September 2022. Between the three properties, all targeting similar mineralization and likely the same hydrothermal system, Gold Runner Exploration now holds 239 total claims in close proximity of one another. These three gold prospects are situated in a region with proven "world-class" gold deposits (including Midas, Jerritt Canyon, Betze-Post, Meikle, and Gold Quarry), where the potential of finding large, high-grade gold-silver deposits is favourable. Gold Runner also holds a 10% carried interest in the Cimarron project located in the San Antonio Mountains of Nye County, Nevada, and comprises 31 unpatented lode mining claims, including control of 6 historically producing claims associated with the historic San Antonio mine. The property is located in the prolific Walker-Lane trend, approximately 44 km south of the "world-class" Round Mountain deposit. Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, including but not limited to those that address acquisition of any properties and future work thereon, mineral resource and reserve potential, exploration activities and events or developments that the Company expects is forward-looking information. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such 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 statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include the results of the Company's due diligence investigations, market prices, exploration successes, continued availability of capital financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, and those additionally described in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities authorities. 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 information. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company's public filings at www.sedarplus.ca. 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. NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR 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/280567 Source: Gold Runner Exploration Inc. CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Peer To Peer Network, Inc. (OTC:PTOP), the original inventor of the digital business card, hosted a well-attended open shareholder conference call last night, where management provided an in-depth overview of the Company's 2026 strategic roadmap and long-term vision for growth, innovation, and shareholder value creation. During the call, PTOP leadership outlined its core objectives for 2026, including strengthening its position as the original digital business card inventor, accelerating revenue generation, expanding its AI division (PTOP Intelligence Labs), advancing patent enforcement and licensing efforts, pursuing strategic acquisitions, and improving overall market visibility. The Company reaffirmed its commitment to executing a multi-pronged strategy focused on technology leadership, intellectual property monetization, and a focus on becoming profitable prior to the end of 2026. Management also highlighted upcoming product and technology milestones, including the rollout of MobiCard 1.8 and 2.0 feature upgrades, improvements to user interface and performance, delivering enterprise functionality (signing up entire companies at a time), and deeper AI-driven personalization. PTOP plans to expand enterprise and white-label offerings through advanced AI tools to drive revenue quickly. PTOP Intelligence Labs, the Company's AI division, was a key focus of the discussion. Executives shared updates on finalizing beta testing with enterprise clients, converting those users into paying customers, and launching AI products for marketing, lead generation, and automation. The goal is to drive direct revenue into PTOP, with future evaluation of a potential spin-out or secondary public company if revenue targets are achieved. It was disclosed that the AI division should be profitable within the next 30 days. The Company's revenue growth strategy centers on onboarding new B2B and enterprise clients, securing white-label and licensing agreements, expanding subscription-based offerings, and increasing recurring monthly revenue. Management emphasized a target of consistent quarter-over-quarter growth. Patent enforcement and licensing remain a cornerstone of PTOP's competitive advantage. The Company continues working with a specialized patent-infringement law firm to issue enforcement and licensing notices, negotiate licensing and settlement agreements, and monetize its two granted U.S. utility patents while protecting its intellectual property moat. In addition, PTOP outlined its approach to mergers, acquisitions, and industry consolidation, including identifying targets in digital business cards, AI tools, and CRM/SaaS platforms. The Company plans to leverage its patent portfolio and public company status to pursue strategic roll-ups and consolidate market share under the PTOP brand. Capital and financing initiatives were also discussed, with management pursuing strategic investors, institutional interest, and private placements to strengthen the balance sheet and fund product development, marketing, acquisitions, and IP enforcement. To support long-term growth, PTOP is increasing its market visibility through expanded public relations, podcast appearances, media coverage, and investor outreach. The Company is focused on reinforcing its brand authority as the industry's inventor, a patent holder, and a market consolidator. Shareholder communication remains a priority, with plans for regular updates, transparent reporting on revenue progress, legal milestones, and product releases, along with continued investor Q&A calls and improved corporate messaging. PTOP also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining OTC Market compliance, strengthening disclosures, ensuring board alignment, and improving corporate governance structures. Looking beyond 2026, PTOP's long-term vision is to become the dominant digital business card platform and a leading AI solutions provider, capturing a significant share of a projected $300+ billion global market in the digital business card space through revenue growth, IP monetization, and strategic expansion. "We were pleased with the strong turnout and engagement from our shareholders," said Chairman and CEO Joshua Sodaitis. "Our focus remains on execution, innovation, and delivering long-term value to our investors." About Peer To Peer Network, Inc. & PTOP Intelligence Labs Peer To Peer Network, Inc. is the original inventor of the digital business card. With multiple fully granted U.S. utility patents protecting its electronic interactive business card system, PTOP is positioned as the category creator of the digital business cards industry. Its flagship product MOBICARD is currently available on both the Google Play and Apple App Store. PTOP Intelligence Labs, the Company's newly launched AI division is focused on building a suite of artificial intelligence products designed to enhance compliance, automate corporate communications, and strengthen the connection between companies and their customers or investors. PTOP's mission is to deliver scalable, efficient, and modernized solutions that empower organizations to operate at the speed of digital engagement. Sign up for free for the MOBICARD digital business card app here: Android: Mobicard - Apps on Google Play iPhone: ?Mobicard App - App Store Investor Relations Joshua Sodaitis Chairman & CEO Peer To Peer Network, Inc. 617-481-1971 investors@ptopnetwork.com www.ptopnetwork.com Technology Questions Derek McCarthy www.tier1ai.io derek@tier1ai.io Safe Harbor Statement: This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company invokes the protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategies, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings at www.sec.gov. The company is no longer a fully reporting SEC filing company. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. SOURCE: Peer To Peer Network, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/peer-to-peer-network-otc-ptop-reports-productive-turnout-for-open-1128601 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Cryptocurrencies declined in the past 24 hours as markets digested the developments on the regulatory front following a pause in the CLARITY Act's legislative progress. The safe haven demand for cryptocurrencies triggered by renewed geopolitical tensions limited losses. Overall crypto market capitalization has decreased more than 1 percent overnight. Sentiment weakened in crypto markets as the Senate Banking Committee delayed its discussion of the much-anticipated crypto market-structure bill. This followed crypto exchange Coinbase Global Inc. withdrawing support for the latest version of the legislation. However, several industry leaders have voiced support for the Bill. The issue of stablecoin reward programs remains at the center of the dispute. Meanwhile, reports quote Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan as warning that up to $6 trillion in deposits, representing roughly 30 to 35 percent of all U.S. commercial bank deposits, could migrate from the traditional banking system into stablecoins if Congress permits interest payments on the digital tokens under the pending legislation. Crypto market spotlight is on how fast and in what manner the legislation would be enacted. The draft bill which seeks to define how cryptocurrencies would be regulated in the United States, is widely anticipated to remove years of legal ambiguity that have restricted not just investments in the sector but also product development as well as institutional participation. The weakening in the sentiment prevailing in the cryptocurrency market was reflected in the CMC Fear and Greed Index as well. The index, a proprietary tool developed by CoinMarketCap to measure the prevailing sentiment in the cryptocurrency market weakened within the 'neutral' territory with a decline to 50 from 54 a day earlier. Data from Coinglass showed crypto liquidations - forced closure of a trader's leveraged position by an exchange or lending protocol for insufficient funds (margin or collateral) to cover potential losses - softening from the levels a day earlier. Liquidations in the past 24 hours stood at $238 million versus $449 million a day earlier. The liquidations consisted of long positions of $179 million and short positions of $59 million. Bitcoin Spot ETF products in the U.S. witnessed net inflows of $100 million on Thursday, declining from $841 million on Wednesday. Market leader iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) topped with inflows of $316 million whereas Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) topped outflows with $189 million. Ethereum Spot ETF products in the U.S. witnessed net inflows of $164 million on Thursday versus $175 million on Wednesday. iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) topped with net inflows of $149 million. Overall crypto market capitalization is currently at $3.23 trillion, decreasing 1.23 percent overnight. The 24-hour trading volume has also decreased 22.7 percent overnight to $114 billion. Only 7 of the top 100 cryptocurrencies are trading with overnight gains of more than a percent whereas around 58 are trading with overnight losses of more than a percent. Bitcoin has declined 1.2 percent in the past 24 hours to trade at $95,466.37. The current price is around 24 percent below the all-time high of $126,198.07 recorded on October 7, 2025. The original cryptocurrency has rallied 5.9 percent in the past week. The 24-hour trading ranged between $97,108.65 and $95,103.24. Ethereum lost 1.1 percent overnight to trade at $3,308.92. The leading alternate coin is now trading 33 percent below the all-time-high of $4,953.73 recorded on August 25, 2025. The 24-hour trading ranged between $3,382.45 and $3,276.58. Bitcoin continues to be ranked 8th and Ethereum 35th in the global ranking of all assets as per market capitalization published by companiesmarketcap.com. Bitcoin currently dominates 59.07 percent of the overall crypto market. Ethereum's share of the crypto market is currently at 12.35 percent. 4th ranked BNB slipped 0.20 percent overnight resulting in price decreasing to $936.07. BNB is trading 32 percent below the all-time high of $1,370.55 touched on October 13, 2025. 5th ranked XRP slipped 2.1 percent overnight to trade at $2.06, around 46 percent below the all-time high of $3.84 touched on January 4, 2018. The price of 6th ranked Solana decreased 0.94 percent overnight to $143.32. SOL's current price is around 51 percent below its all-time-high of $294.33 recorded on January 19, 2025. TRON ranked 8th overall added 1.1 percent overnight and is currently changing hands at $0.3086. The trading price is 30 percent below the cryptocurrency's all-time high of $0.4407 recorded on December 4, 2024. 9th ranked Dogecoin slipped 4.1 percent overnight and is currently trading at $0.1377. DOGE is now trading 81 percent below the previous peak of $0.7376 recorded on May 8, 2021. 10th ranked Cardano also lost 3.3 percent overnight to trade at $0.3917. ADA is currently trading 87 percent below the record high of $3.10 touched on September 2, 2021. In line with the momentum in privacy coins, 64th ranked Dash (DASH), an open source blockchain that provides stronger privacy and faster transactions topped overnight gains among the top 100 cryptocurrencies with a gain of 8.4 percent. 52nd ranked Sky (SKY) followed with overnight gains of 4.3 percent. 51st ranked Polygon (POL) topped overnight losses among the top 100 cryptocurrencies with a decline of 8.3 percent. 17th ranked Zcash (ZEC) followed with overnight losses of 6.5 percent. For More Cryptocurrency News, visit rttnews.com Copyright(c) 2026 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2026 AFX News CLEVELAND, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE: TDG) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings (collectively "the Companies"), portfolio companies of Vance Street Capital, for approximately $2.2 billion in cash, including certain tax benefits. Jet Parts Engineering Jet Parts Engineering ("JPE"), headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is a leading independent designer and manufacturer of aerospace aftermarket solutions, primarily proprietary OEM-alternative parts and repairs. JPE serves commercial, regional and cargo airline customers, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul ("MRO") providers. JPE's products are highly engineered, proprietary PMA components with a strong presence across major commercial aerospace platforms. Nearly all of JPE's revenue is derived from the commercial aftermarket. In addition to its engineering headquarters in Seattle, Washington, JPE has engineering and component repair locations in Texas, New York, Florida, Alabama and the United Kingdom. JPE employs approximately 300 people. Victor Sierra Aviation Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings ("VSA") is a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of proprietary PMA and other aftermarket parts serving the commercial aerospace end market - primarily the general aviation and business aviation sectors. VSA is a leading collection of brands including McFarlane Aviation, Tempest Aero Group, and Aviation Products Systems. VSA offers a complete line of highly engineered PMA, custom design and OEM products, as well as service and repair stations. Nearly all of VSA's revenue is derived from the commercial aftermarket. VSA primarily operates out of three facilities: Baldwin City, Kansas; Burlington, North Carolina; and Granite City, Illinois. Additional satellite facilities are in Illinois, Texas, Kentucky and Washington to provide support and strategic proximity to customers. VSA employs approximately 400 people. The Companies collectively generated approximately $280 million in revenue for the calendar year ended December 31, 2025. Mike Lisman, TransDigm's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are excited to have an agreement to acquire Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra, two well run, profitable businesses that will fit well within TransDigm. The Companies' highly engineered, proprietary OEM-alternative parts and services generate nearly 100% commercial aftermarket revenue. These businesses offer a unique value proposition to their airline, business, and general aviation end user customers as an alternative to OEM parts and are each growing nicely. We will continue to offer this unique value proposition to customers and grow both companies under TransDigm ownership, where they will operate independently, consistent with our long-term approach to running our businesses. We look forward to working with and continuing to support the Companies' customers. As with all TransDigm acquisitions, we expect these acquisitions to create equity value in-line with our long-term private equity-like return objectives." Nick Howley, TransDigm's Chairman added, "This is a natural progression for TransDigm. We have had a long-term and sizable PMA effort within our existing operating units. Since the formation of TransDigm, we have regularly used our uniquely broad aerospace engineering and market knowledge to design and offer our aftermarket customers a range of well engineered products that provide a mix of improved life, superior performance, and other benefits. Both Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra are good businesses that align well with our model." The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals in the United States and customary closing conditions. About TransDigm Group TransDigm Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a leading global designer, producer and supplier of highly engineered aircraft components for use on nearly all commercial and military aircraft in service today. Major product offerings, substantially all of which are ultimately provided to end-users in the aerospace industry, include mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, engineered latching and locking devices, engineered rods, engineered connectors and elastomer sealing solutions, databus and power controls, cockpit security components and systems, specialized and advanced cockpit displays, engineered audio, radio and antenna systems, specialized lavatory components, seat belts and safety restraints, engineered and customized interior surfaces and related components, advanced sensor products, switches and relay panels, thermal protection and insulation, lighting and control technology, parachutes, high performance hoists, winches and lifting devices, and cargo loading, handling and delivery systems, specialized flight, wind tunnel and jet engine testing services and equipment, electronic components used in the generation, amplification, transmission and reception of microwave signals, and complex testing and instrumentation solutions. Forward-Looking Statements All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause TransDigm Group's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, TransDigm Group. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the sensitivity of our business to the number of flight hours that our customers' planes spend aloft and our customers' profitability, both of which are affected by general economic conditions; supply chain constraints; increases in raw material costs, taxes and labor costs that cannot be recovered in product pricing; failure to complete or successfully integrate acquisitions; our indebtedness; current and future geopolitical or other worldwide events, including, without limitation, wars or conflicts and public health crises; cybersecurity threats; risks related to the transition or physical impacts of climate change and other natural disasters or meeting regulatory requirements; our reliance on certain customers; the United States ("U.S.") defense budget and risks associated with being a government supplier including government audits and investigations; failure to maintain government or industry approvals; risks related to changes in laws and regulations, including increases in compliance costs and potential changes in trade policies and tariffs; potential environmental liabilities; liabilities arising in connection with litigation; risks and costs associated with our international sales and operations; and other factors. Further information regarding the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results can be found in TransDigm Group's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports that TransDigm Group or its subsidiaries have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, TransDigm Group undertakes no obligation to revise or update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Contact: Investor Relations (216) 706-2945 ir@transdigm.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/835315/TransDigm_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/transdigm-announces-acquisition-of-jet-parts-engineering-and-victor-sierra-aviation-holdings-302663343.html LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Pacific Avenue's Alabama Metal Industries Corporation ("AMICO") has announced the acquisition of Accurate Perforating Co., Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary Accurate Metal Fabricating, LLC ("Accurate"), a comprehensive metal fabrication platform serving critical high growth applications across North America. Accurate operates out of two strategically located facilities in Chicago, delivering perforated and fabricated metal solutions to customers in data centers, EV charging, HVAC, filtration, power generation, and architectural building products. "This acquisition demonstrates Pacific Avenue's commitment to long term value creation at our portfolio company, AMICO," said Chris Sznewajs, Founder and Managing Partner of Pacific Avenue. "We are excited to welcome Accurate to the AMICO platform. We will continue to invest in AMICO to ensure we meet the needs of our customers by continuously improving product quality, expanding our product offering, and executing on growth strategies including new product development and highly complementary M&A." Pacific Avenue acquired AMICO in 2021 as a carve-out from Gibraltar Industries and has overseen significant transformation through organic initiatives and add on acquisitions. "We are excited to join forces with AMICO, a recognized leader in expanded and perforated metal products," said Larry Cohen, Chairman of Accurate. "Our team is proud of the proprietary perforating expertise we've built over 80+ years, and we look forward to leveraging AMICO's scale and resources to accelerate growth and better serve our customers." Under Pacific Avenue's ownership, AMICO has seen significant transformation through both organic and inorganic growth, evolving into an industry-leading provider of expanded and perforated metal, fiber-reinforced plastic, and security, architectural, and OEM systems. The acquisition of Accurate contributes meaningfully to AMICO's in-house capabilities and geographic reach. "We are pleased to welcome Accurate into the AMICO family, and thank the Cohen family for their decades of leadership. We are also extremely grateful to Victor Fiszer, Accurate's President, who was instrumental in helping us achieve a successful outcome," said Marec Edgar, Chief Executive Officer of AMICO. "Accurate's perforating and fabrication capabilities are highly complementary to our existing platform, and together we will deliver bundled, value-added solutions across high growth end markets. This combination strengthens our ability to provide best in class products to our existing customers, while also expanding our reach to new end markets." Accurate represents AMICO's second add-on under Pacific Avenue's ownership. AMICO continues to expand its product offering with new, innovative products, and build stronger relationships with suppliers with the goal of better servicing their diverse customer base. AMICO will now operate out of 14 strategically-located facilities across the U.S. and Canada. Accurate was advised by Stout Capital, LLC and Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC. AMICO was advised by McDermott Will & Schulte LLP. About Pacific Avenue Capital Partners Pacific Avenue Capital Partners is a global private equity firm, headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Paris, France. The firm is focused on corporate divestitures and other complex situations in the middle market. Pacific Avenue has extensive M&A and operations experience, allowing the firm to navigate complex transactions and unlock value through operational improvement, capital investment, and accelerated growth. Pacific Avenue takes a collaborative approach in partnering with strong management teams to drive lasting and strategic change while assisting businesses in reaching their full potential. Pacific Avenue has approximately $3.8 billion of Assets Under Management (AUM) as of September 30, 2025. The members of the Pacific Avenue team have closed over 120 transactions, including over 50 corporate divestitures, across a multitude of industries throughout their combined careers. For more information, please visit www.pacificavenuecapital.com. About Alabama Metal Industries Corporation Alabama Metal Industries Corporation ("AMICO") is a leading security, safety and architectural metals platform focused on expanded & perforated metal and fiberglass reinforced plastic ("FRP") products, offering highly differentiated solutions with "best-in-class" quality to a diverse roster of customers. AMICO operates 9 manufacturing facilities and 3 distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada. To learn more, please visit www.amicoglobal.com. About Accurate Perforating Co., Inc. Accurate Perforating Co., Inc. ("APC") and Accurate Metal Fabricating, LLC ("AMF") together form a comprehensive metal fabrication platform serving critical, high growth applications across North America. Founded in 1942, Accurate has built a reputation for precision, innovation, and customer collaboration, delivering engineered solutions that meet the demanding needs of industries ranging from data centers and EV charging infrastructure to HVAC/filtration, power generation, and architectural building products. To learn more please visit www.accurateperforating.com. Contact Information Chris Baddon Managing Director cbaddon@pacificavenuecapital.com SOURCE: Pacific Avenue Capital Partners View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/amico-a-portfolio-company-of-pacific-avenue-capital-partners-expands-1127404 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Whirlpool Foundation, Best Buy Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan are proud to announce the grand opening of a new Best Buy Teen Tech Center powered by Whirlpool Foundation at the Joel E. Smilow Teen Center in Benton Harbor, Mich. A grand opening event showcased the new space and equipment to support exploration, learning and skill development in the following areas: music, photography, videography, Esports, coding and more. Whirlpool Foundation is supporting the Best Buy Teen Tech Center as part of its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life in local communities through education and community development. The center will provide area youth with access to cutting-edge technology, mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities to develop the digital skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. "At Whirlpool Foundation, we believe in empowering the next generation of innovators and creators," said Pamela Klyn, president of Whirlpool Foundation. "By supporting the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, we're helping ensure that young people in Benton Harbor have access to the tools and resources that open doors to new possibilities and future careers." Best Buy Teen Tech Centers, an initiative of the Best Buy Foundation, is a national network of creative, youth-centered spaces where teens can explore technology, build critical skills and connect with supportive mentors. These centers help prepare young people for future careers in technology and beyond by fostering creativity, confidence and community. "This collaboration represents a powerful investment in the future of our youth," said Alloyd Blackmon, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan. "The Teen Tech Center will give young people in Benton Harbor and neighboring communities the chance to explore new technologies, discover their passions, and gain the confidence to reach their full potential." In addition, Maytag, a Whirlpool Corporation brand, has supported Boys & Girls Clubs of America for more than 20 years with a focus on dependability, mentorship and creating opportunities for youth across the country. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan has served youth across the region for more than 25 years, offering after-school tutoring, mentoring, and programs that promote academic success, leadership, and healthy lifestyles. The new Teen Tech Center adds a vital resource to help local teens pursue educational and career goals. Learn more by visiting www.bgcswmi.org/best-buy-teen-tech-center Whirlpool Foundation Since 1952, the Whirlpool Foundation has been making real, positive differences in local communities where Whirlpool Corporation families live and work. This is accomplished through two central pillars: House+Home. "House" supports a decent and affordable place to live and plan for the future, and "Home" focuses on creating thriving, resilient communities with the essential services, quality education, and job training needed to help people dream bigger and do better. The Foundation has an absolute commitment to equality and fairness and takes an innovative approach to social investing that prioritizes impact with measurable results. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Whirlpool on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Whirlpool Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/whirlpool-corporation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Whirlpool View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/whirlpool-foundation-supports-boys-and-girls-clubs-of-greater-southwes-1128670 Vancouver, BC - January 16, 2026 - FintechWerx International Software Services Inc. (CSE: WERX) ("FintechWerx" or the "Company") announces that, pursuant to its news release dated December 2, 2025, it completed its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") pursuant to which it has issued 223,214 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $1.12 per Unit for gross proceeds of $249,999.68 on January 15, 2026. Each Unit is comprised of one common share (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $1.39 per Warrant Share for a period of two years following closing. Proceeds of the Offering will be used for general working capital, research and development and to support sales and marketing efforts of the FintechWerx Platform. There were no finder's fees paid in connection with the Offering. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after closing of the Offering. Certain insiders participated in the Offering and are each considered to be a "related party" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Accordingly, each issuance is considered to be a "related party transaction" within the meaning of MI 61-101 but each is exempt from the valuation requirement of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.5(b) as the Company's common shares are not listed on a specified market and from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value of the consideration of the Units to be issued to each related party does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days in advance of closing the Offering as the terms and participants of the Offering were not settled. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About FintechWerx FintechWerx is a financial technology company providing onboarding, payments, identity verification, fraud mitigation, and data services to merchants, independent sales organizations, and payment service providers, offering an alternative to the need for a patchwork of providers. Additional information is available at www.sedarplus.ca or on the Company's website athttp://www.fintechwerx.comwww.FintechWerx.com. For more information, please contact: Francisco Carasquero Co-Founder and CFO FintechWerx International Software Services Inc. Phone: 778-652-3669 Email: info@FintechWerx.com Website: www.FintechWerx.com Twitter: www.twittter.com/fintechwerx Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements including that: the proceeds of the Offering may not be used as stated in this news release and those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. NEWSLETTER REGISTRIERUNG: Aktuelle Pressemeldungen dieses Unternehmens direkt in Ihr Postfach:http://www.irw-press.com/alert_subscription.php?lang=en&isin=CA31810J2020Mitteilung ubermittelt durch IRW-Press.com. Fur den Inhalt ist der Aussender verantwortlich.Kostenloser Abdruck mit Quellenangabe erlaubt. San Diego Seniors Community Foundation scales education and prevention efforts across San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles with major support from the Wells Fargo Foundation SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / As elder fraud continues to escalate nationwide, the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation (SDSCF) is significantly expanding its Elder Fraud Prevention education efforts across San Diego County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County , supported by a transformational gift of more than $200,000 from the Wells Fargo Foundation. Federal data shows that older adults lose billions of dollars each year to fraud, with losses and victim counts rising sharply as scams become more sophisticated, more targeted, and harder to detect. Investment scams, impersonation schemes, and technology-driven fraud now account for the largest financial losses among older adults. With support from the Wells Fargo Foundation , SDSCF has delivered dozens of in-person and virtual elder fraud prevention events , reaching thousands of seniors, caregivers, and families throughout Southern California. This expanded funding enables SDSCF to deepen its reach, expand into new communities, and increase the frequency of education-based prevention programming. "This Wells Fargo Foundation grant allows us to scale what we know works: education," said Kristoffer Kelly, Director of Partnerships at the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation. "The most effective way to combat elder fraud is not after the fact but before it happens. By educating seniors and their families, we are preventing devastating financial and emotional losses and helping people stay independent and secure." Scammers Are Using AI and Advanced Technology Today's scams are increasingly powered by artificial intelligence, voice cloning, spoofed phone numbers, and highly convincing emails and text messages. Criminals can now impersonate family members, financial institutions, attorneys, and government agencies with alarming accuracy, often creating a sense of urgency designed to override caution. "These scams are no longer obvious," said Paul Downey, Chief Advocacy Officer at the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation. "We're seeing lawyers, doctors, pilots, business owners - highly educated, experienced professionals - fall victim. AI has fundamentally changed the landscape. Anyone can be scammed if the message hits at the right moment." Education as the First Line of Defense SDSCF's Elder Fraud Prevention program is built on a simple principle: education saves people from becoming victims . Through community workshops, webinars, and on-site trainings, participants learn how to recognize red flags, pause before acting, and report suspicious activity. This work is supported through close partnerships with local District Attorney offices, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the FBI Citizens Academy, as well as SDSCF's active participation in the Elder Fraud Task Force, helping align education efforts across agencies and regions. In doing so, the Foundation continues to reinforce the San Diego County District Attorney's Elder Scam Prevention message: "Stop. Hang Up. Tell Someone." "Fraud thrives on fear, urgency, and isolation," Downey added. "When people slow down, disconnect, and talk to someone they trust, many scams end immediately. Education gives seniors permission to pause." Upcoming Elder Fraud Prevention Events The public is encouraged to attend, bring an older adult, or inquire about hosting a session. Orange County January 23, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Fullerton Community Center 340 W Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832 February 27, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Brookhurst Community Center 2271 Crescent Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801 Additional events are being scheduled in Santa Ana and Brea, along with webinars. Los Angeles County March 2026 - In-person event with Pasadena Village May 2026 - Webinar with Pasadena Village May 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM One Generation 17400 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91406 San Diego County Ongoing cybersecurity and technology safety classes at 12 senior center sites Continued in-person workshops and webinars throughout the year Register or Host an Event All events are free and open to seniors, caregivers, families, and community organizations . Senior centers, housing providers, faith communities, and civic groups interested in hosting an Elder Fraud Prevention session are encouraged to reach out. To register for an event near you or request a hosted session, visit: https://sdscf.org/elder-fraud/ About San Diego Seniors Community Foundation The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation (SDSCF) is the first community foundation in the United States dedicated exclusively to seniors. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SDSCF works to strengthen the physical, mental, financial, and social well-being of older adults by addressing the most urgent challenges facing an aging population. Through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, SDSCF focuses on preventing elder fraud, combating senior isolation, supporting healthy aging, and building the infrastructure seniors need to live safely, independently, and with dignity. The Foundation brings together community leaders, service providers, public agencies, and philanthropists to ensure every senior has access to trusted resources, meaningful connection, and someone they can turn to. SDSCF is committed to reimagining how communities support aging, not just extending lifespan, but protecting quality of life for all seniors, today and for generations to come. www.sdscf.org Media Contact: Joice Truban Curry c3 Communications, Inc. 619-540-6611 (cell) joice@c3publicrelations.com 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/transformational-gift-fuels-expanded-elder-fraud-prevention-across-s-1128673 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - Royalties Inc. (CSE: RI) (OTCID: ROYIF) (or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has hired SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. ('SLR') to provide an updated economic analysis based on information in the 2014 PEA using current metal pricing for sensitivity analysis to assess the effect of increased commodity prices on the economics of the Bilbao project. SLR will also carry out a high-level assessment of potential high iron-oxide ore processing technologies to identify suitable methods for extracting value from the oxide portion of the deposit which was excluded from the PEA plan, potentially adding tonnage to the project. A report is expected to be completed within a month. Bilbao Silver-Zinc-Lead Project Royalties Inc., through its Mexican subsidiaries, currently holds a 100% interest in the Bilbao zinc-silver-lead-copper project located approximately 500km northwest of Mexico City in the southeastern part of the State of Zacatecas. Bilbao is a polymetallic, replacement-style, silver-zinc-lead, skarn-type replacement sulphide deposit with a deeply weathered oxide cap. In 2014 Runge Pincock Minarco (Canada) Limited (RPM) delivered an independent Technical Report in accordance with NI 43-101 containing an updated resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment (PEA) on the Bilbao Project based on three year trailing average prices of: Silver US$30.24/ounce, Zinc US$0.94/lb, and Lead US$1.01/lb. This compares to the recent significant increase in spot prices for Silver to US$92 per ounce, Zinc US$1.50/lb, and Lead US$0.93/lb equating to a doubling of the potential annual revenue. The mine plan incorporated in the PEA targeted the extraction of only the lower, unoxidized, sulphide zone based on a production rate of 2,000 tonnes per day, or 720,000 tonnes per year with an average grade of 2.1%, 1.4% and 63.96 g/t of zinc, lead and silver, respectively, over a mine life of approximately eight years. The mineral processing plant described in the PEA projected on average, 16,913 dry tonnes per year of silver-rich lead concentrate, and 26,966 dry tonnes per year of zinc concentrate, constituting an average combined total of approximately 20 million pounds of zinc, 17 million pounds of lead, and one million ounces of silver, per year. "With the silver price tripling over the last year and expected to continue to be strong, it is time to revisit the economics of our Bilbao project and to focus on the high-grade silver potential as well as how to increase tonnage. Also, a review of prior exploration reports and drill results from 2010-2013, identified 8 targets for potential satellite mineralization around the main Bilbao deposit," stated Tim Gallagher, CEO. Qualified Person Scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release was prepared by or under the supervision of and approved by Gerry J. Gauthier, P. Eng., a Director and former President of the Company and a 'qualified person' within the meaning of NI 43-101. About SLR Consulting https://www.slrconsulting.com/ca/sectors/mining/ SLR provides a broad range of social, environmental and engineering consulting services to the mining sector. SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. and its predecessor company Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. has completed many assignments in Mexico, including Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates and audits, Pre-feasibility and Feasibility Studies, due diligence for merger and acquisition purposes, stock exchange filings and regulatory requirements and mineral property valuations. About Royalties Inc. Royalties Inc. owns a 100% interest, subject to a 1.5% NSR owned as a separate asset, on the Bilbao silver-zinc-lead project which needs an update on the impact of the increase in the silver price from US$30 per oz in the 2014 PEA. Royalties Inc. owns 88% of Minera Portree de Zacatecas, S.A. de C.V ("MPZ") which holds a Zacatecas Appeals court confirmed claim to a 2% NSR established in 2002 on five mining concessions called the 'Portree claims', a portion of which is on the Mala Noche Footwall Zone, the main source of production at the Cozamin mine where Capstone Copper Corp. ("Capstone") has been mining since 2010. Capstone attempted to assign this royalty to themselves without the knowledge, consent or proper payment to MPZ, the longstanding and rightful owner since 2002. As a final step in the Mexico legal process, Capstone filed an amparo with the Federal Collegiate Tribunal, which has not yet been officially accepted. Royalties Inc. has a 5% stake in Music Royalties Inc. ("MRI"), which has paid out over $14 million in 72 monthly dividends since 2019 from 31 cash-flowing catalogs with 7,000 songs generating a 7.2% annual yield. For further information contact Royalties Inc. at www.royaltiesinc.com. Neither the CSE, nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of those terms, or other similar words, expressions, and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. Where the Company expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is based on assumptions made in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to: sufficient capital and financing required in order to fulfill the Company's business plans and strategy may not be obtained as expected; that the Company will not be able to pay future dividends; and other risks related to the Company as disclosed in the documents filed on the Company's profile at SEDAR+ at www.SEDARplus.ca. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release and they are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements herein are made as at the date hereof and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations, and opinions of management on such date. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required under applicable securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280617 Source: Royalties Inc. Jakarta, Indonesia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - BINGO4D today announced the official launch of its digital iGaming platform, marking its entry into the global market with a technology-driven system designed to deliver a secure, stable, and reliable online gaming experience. BINGO4D digital iGaming platform interface displaying modern infrastructure, scalable system architecture, and secure technology design. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11790/280037_494508bcb4c22a90_001full.jpg Built on modern infrastructure and optimized system performance, the platform is structured to support consistent functionality across multiple devices while enabling long-term operational growth. The launch represents a significant milestone for BINGO4D as it positions itself within the competitive iGaming sector with a clear focus on scalability, system reliability, and security-first development. The platform has been developed to address increasing digital demands while maintaining operational efficiency and performance consistency. At the core of BINGO4D's platform is a scalable and future-ready technology architecture that enables continuous development and system expansion. The company has placed strong emphasis on responsive system design and efficient platform architecture to ensure stability under varying usage conditions. This approach allows the platform to adapt to evolving technology requirements while supporting sustainable long-term growth. BINGO4D's development framework prioritizes system reliability and performance optimization as foundational elements. Through ongoing infrastructure enhancements and technology upgrades, the platform is designed to maintain consistent performance across devices and environments. This technology-first strategy supports uninterrupted service delivery and positions the platform to scale alongside user growth. Security and data protection are central to BINGO4D's platform strategy. The company has implemented robust security protocols and privacy standards designed to safeguard user information and maintain platform integrity. These measures are aligned with established industry practices and are intended to support a trusted and secure digital gaming ecosystem. "From the outset, our objective has been to build a platform that emphasizes stability, security, and long-term scalability," said Bang Gacor Kbk, Media Relations Representative at BINGO4D. "This launch reflects our commitment to delivering a reliable digital platform supported by modern infrastructure and continuous system optimization." In conjunction with the platform launch, BINGO4D confirmed it has secured strategic funding to accelerate its technology development and infrastructure expansion initiatives. The funding will support system scalability efforts, security enhancements, and ongoing optimization of platform performance. According to the company, the investment reflects confidence in BINGO4D's technical foundation, long-term development roadmap, and strategic vision. The company has also strengthened its operational ecosystem through collaborations with established industry partners. These partnerships contribute to platform diversity and technical integration, supporting a structured and scalable operating environment. BINGO4D views industry collaboration as a key component of its growth strategy. By working with recognized technology and gaming content providers, the platform is positioned to enhance system interoperability while maintaining performance and reliability standards. As part of its broader brand and technology initiatives, BINGO4D recently hosted a digital innovation event showcasing its platform architecture, system performance capabilities, and future technology roadmap. The event brought together technology professionals, partners, and digital industry participants to review the platform's development approach and long-term objectives. During the event, BINGO4D presented system optimization processes, performance stability testing outcomes, and its development strategy focused on long-term sustainability. The event marked an important milestone in strengthening industry engagement and increasing transparency around the platform's technical capabilities. Since entering its development and launch phase, BINGO4D has achieved several key operational milestones, including enhanced system optimization, strengthened security implementation, and consistent platform stability benchmarks. These achievements reflect the company's commitment to delivering a high-quality digital platform supported by continuous improvement. Looking ahead, BINGO4D plans to continue investing in technology upgrades, infrastructure resilience, and platform scalability. The company aims to further strengthen its presence within the iGaming sector through digital innovation initiatives and strategic industry collaborations while maintaining a focus on reliability, performance, and service quality. By prioritizing modern infrastructure, security-first development, and scalable technology, BINGO4D seeks to deliver long-term value within the global iGaming industry as it advances into its next phase of growth. About BINGO4D BINGO4D is a digital iGaming platform focused on delivering a secure, reliable, and technology-driven online gaming experience. Built on modern infrastructure with scalable and future-ready technology, the platform supports continuous development and long-term operational growth. BINGO4D emphasizes system reliability, responsive performance, and robust security standards while strengthening its presence through industry collaboration and digital innovation initiatives. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280037 Source: AMRYTT MEDIA HONG KONG, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 13, WebX held its Global Chain Commerce Launch Conference and the ceremony of Chain Capital. The event, themed "Innovating Together, Connecting the World", brought together more than 1,000 participants. The launch comes as Web3 and AI reshape the global digital economy. Ho Kwan-yiu, Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Zhu Lieyu, Member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and Supervisor of the Supreme People's Court and over 100 guests attended the conference. Thomas Fok, on behalf of the Fok family, sent a floral tribute. And the Guangdong General Chamber of Commerce sent a congratulatory telegram. CHAN Pak-lai, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government, delivered the opening remarks. He said Hong Kong is an ideal partner for mainland enterprises to expand globally and build supply chains. Li Nonghe, President of the World Chinese Business Advancement Association, spoke on the shifting geopolitics and the digital transformation of the real economy. Zhuang Jiyong, Chairman of the Board of WebX, delivered a welcome address. He said WebX aims to create a closed-loop ecosystem integrating industry, capital and traffic. The company is building a "5-in-1" strategic system based on large-model capabilities to link leading industry and capital clusters. Zhuang Jiyong joined CHAN Pak-li, Li Nonghe, Wang Xin (Executive Chairman of the Global Cross-Border E-commerce Association), Guo Weide (Chairman of Global United Investment Group), Xiao Qiuli (General Manager of GGBingo), and 26 other leaders to jointly initiate the official launch. Zhuang said WebX positions itself at the intersection of Web3 and AI integration, with a core mission of "connecting the digital economy and empowering real industries." Zhuang reiterated his strategic focus: "selling products is fundamental." WebX has developed a dual-engine model of "industry & capital," combining the synergy of traditional capital and Web3 digital capital. Wang Xin shared insights on cross-border e-commerce trends, discussing the value of integrating chain-commerce models with cross-border e-commerce amid accelerating global consumer segmentation. Dong De, President of WebX, presented the development plan for Chain Capital, focusing on technology and industry investment opportunities amid differentiation in global capital markets. Geng Yong, Director of WebX's Innovative Industry Cluster Division, introduced the platform's approach to integrating a gaming ecosystem. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863487/288.mp4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863484/WebX_Launches_Global_Chain_Commerce_Platform_Unveils_Chain_Capital_Hong.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/webx-launches-global-chain-commerce-platform-and-unveils-chain-capital-in-hong-kong-302663486.html G&A's Sustainability Highlights ( 01.01.2026 ) NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / While regulatory uncertainty and anti-ESG backlash dominated headlines in 2025, surveys of global C-suite leaders reported an increased commitment to sustainability. In our Top Stories this issue, SustainabilityOnline.com said a new report from Reuters found that 75% of C-suite leaders rate sustainability as a 'top priority,' an increase of six percentage points from six months ago. The Reuters IMPACT: Global Sustainability Report 2025 also found that close to two-thirds (64%) of organizations remain committed to net zero and have not altered their targets. The full Reuters report, which gathered insights from more than 500 global decision-makers, is available for download at the link in our Top Stories below. Among the key findings from the report are: 61% of C-suite leaders cited emerging sustainability-related risks as a main factor for prioritizing sustainability, including risks from climate impacts, supply chain vulnerabilities, and resource constraints. Other operational risks cited include customer expectations, reputational risk, and regulatory changes. Organizations are adapting their strategies including reframing sustainability messaging, with 39% of organizations emphasizing terms like "efficiency" and "resilience" rather than more traditional sustainability terminology. 34% of C-suite leaders reported making no changes to sustainability strategy or communications. Organizations scaling up sustainability goals (30%) outnumbered those scaling down (9%) by more than three to one. The Reuters report closely tracked the findings of the UN Global Compact's 2025 CEO Study published in September 2025, in which 88% of CEOs said that the business case for sustainability is stronger now than it was five years ago. This study, conducted in partnership with the global professional services firm Accenture, is based on a quantitative assessment of nearly 2,000 CEOs across 128 countries, as well as in-depth one-to-one interviews with CEOs, chairpersons, and presidents of UN Global Compact member companies. In another of our Top Stories, BusinessChief.com highlights the findings of the UN Global Compact's report along with Deloitte Global's 2025 C-Suite Sustainability Report, which for the fourth year surveyed more than 2,100 executives across 27 countries. The results of Deloitte's report also indicated that sustainability remains a top-three priority on the C-suite agenda, alongside technology adoption and artificial intelligence (AI). The full Deloitte report is available for download at the link in our Top Stories below. Key findings include: 83% of companies increased sustainability investments in the last year. 66% said their priority actions have a positive impact on revenue generation. 79% are transforming their business model or embedding sustainability throughout their organization. 81% are already using AI to support their sustainability efforts. As we head into 2026, companies are focused on ensuring that their sustainability investments and strategies are delivering tangible results for stakeholders. The G&A team is available to provide counsel to CEOs and the entire C-suite to help your company move your sustainability programs forward. Reach out to us at info@ga-institute.com. This is just the introduction of G&A's Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Governance & Accountability Institute on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Governance & Accountability Institute Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/governance-accountability-institute-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Governance & Accountability Institute View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/c-suite-remains-committed-to-sustainability-as-a-top-priority-he-1128683 WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Renfro Brands announces Jay Robinson as new CEO and President. Robinson has more than thirty years of executive leadership experience in the consumer products and apparel industries, with a strong record of driving profitable growth, expanding the Company's global brand portfolio, and advancing product innovation. His leadership approach combines strategic vision with disciplined execution and a long-standing commitment to building high-performing teams. Robinson has played a key role in Renfro's success. Most recently, he led the Company's Global Brands Division and Innovation Group, which significantly increased the Company's global sales footprint with unique product offerings. "Jay's deep industry expertise, strategic mindset, and long-term commitment to Renfro make him uniquely qualified to lead the Company into its next phase of growth," said Ari Rennert, President of The Renco Group, Inc. (Renfro's ultimate Parent). "He understands our business, our brands, and, most importantly, our people." As President and CEO, Robinson will focus on driving sustainable growth, enhancing Renfro's brand portfolio, and continuing to invest in innovation and talent to support the Company's long-term objectives. "We have a tremendous team here at Renfro Brands and I am honored to be entrusted with guiding our efforts at such an exciting time in the Company's long history," said Robinson. "Renfro's success has always been built on its people, its partnerships, and its commitment to innovation. I look forward to collaborating with our talented teams to build on our momentum, invest in our brands, and drive sustainable, long-term growth." Robinson succeeds Stan Jewell, who is transitioning to another opportunity and will remain available to support a smooth leadership transition. About Renfro Brands Renfro Brands is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of legwear, underwear, sleepwear, and apparel. With a diverse portfolio of owned and licensed brands, the company delivers quality, innovation, and style across men's, women's, and children's categories. Headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina, with global offices in New York City, Amsterdam, and Tokyo, Renfro Brands operates a fully integrated platform serving leading retailers across North America, Europe, Japan, China, and international markets. The company is deeply committed to thoughtful brand stewardship, honoring each brand's heritage while evolving it to meet the needs of today's global consumer. To learn more about Renfro Brands visit Renfro.com . Media Contact Tammy Haynes mediainfo@Renfro.com SOURCE: Renfro Brands View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/renfro-brands-appoints-jay-w.-robinson-as-its-new-president-and-chief-1128706 TAMPERE, Finland, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bioretec Ltd, a pioneer in absorbable orthopedic implants, was granted Transitional Pass-Through Payment (TPT) status by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for its RemeOs Trauma Screw, effective October 1, 2025. CMS subsequently released an update to the HCPCS Level II codes, effective January 1, 2026. Among the revised codes was C1741, the code associated with Bioretec's TPT status. Effective January 1, 2026, the descriptor for HCPCS code C1741 reads: "Anchor/screw bone fixation, absorbable, metallic (implantable)." This revised descriptor explicitly narrows the scope of the code to absorbable metallic bone fixation implants. The updated language aligns directly with the FDA regulatory classification for absorbable metallic bone fixation fasteners (21 CFR 888.3041) and with the regulatory pathway under which the RemeOs Trauma Screwreceived Breakthrough Device Designation and De Novo market authorization. The RemeOs Trauma Screw received TPT status under the CMS alternative pathway for devices that have both Breakthrough Device Designation and FDA market authorization. The TPT payment (HCPCS billing code C1741) provides hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers with additional reimbursement for new and innovative technologies, helping to offset the incremental cost of adopting novel devices compared with existing treatments. This reimbursement mechanism is intended to lower barriers to adoption and supports patient access to the RemeOs Trauma Screw. RemeOs is currently the first and only osteopromotive absorbable metal implant approved and commercially available for orthopedic use in the United States. The implant is designed to support bone healing and gradually degrade as it is replaced by native bone, thereby reducing the long-term risks and costs associated with permanent metallic implants. This revision to the HCPCS code descriptor associated with the TPT status follows the FDA De Novo authorization granted in March 2023 and underscores Bioretec's position as one of the few companies to achieve recognition from both regulators and payors for the clinical and economic value of a breakthrough absorbable metal technology. 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/cms-transitional-pass-through-payment--tpt--description-for-hcpcs-code-c1741-has-been-revised,c4293805 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cms-transitional-pass-through-payment-tpt-description-for-hcpcs-code-c1741-has-been-revised-302663584.html Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - Hemostemix Inc. (TSXV: HEM) (OTCQB: HMTXF) (FSE: 2VF0), the leading autologous stem cell company treating those who suffer in pain from peripheral arterial disease, chronic limb threatening ischemia, angina, ischemic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and vascular dementia, in Florida, Canada, The Bahamas, announces the successful completion of its pre-Investigational New Drug (pre-IND) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hemostemix' team included Thomas Smeenk, CEO; Dr. Ina Sarel, Chief Scientific Officer; Dr. Fraser Henderson, Chief Medical Officer, Professor of Neurosurgery and a practicing neurosurgeon; Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, a triple board-certified transplant surgeon, cardiologist and renowned stem cell researcher; and Dr. William Shankle, a neurologist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's. Basket Protocol The FDA provided guidance indicating that the Company's basket protocol approach is acceptable, subject to the inclusion of clearly defined eligibility criteria, appropriate handling of patient heterogeneity, and rigorous clinical and statistical design. The basket protocol is designed to evaluate ACP-01 across multiple ischemic and vascular-related conditions that share common underlying pathophysiology, while maintaining clinically meaningful cohort definitions and appropriate analytical methods. Hemostemix will address the FDA's guidance in its IND submission; in its clinical practice, and guidelines. Real World Evidence (RWE) The Company also received the FDA's guidance on its plan to capture ACP-01 real-world data in jurisdictions such as Florida, Canada, and The Bahamas. The guidance supports the collection of RWE that is structured in a manner consistent with FDA's publications, which addresses patient privacy, safety and data integrity. Next Regulatory Milestones "The FDA's guidance supports Hemostemix' basket protocol strategy, and collection of RWE, enabling the Company to advance across multiple ischemic diseases," stated Thomas Smeenk, CEO. "We are incorporating the FDA's feedback in our IND submission, data models and statistical analyses of patients treated with ACP-01," Smeenk said. Hemostemix is proceeding with the filing of its IND, including the submission of product comparison validation studies. The Company will news release updates throughout the process. ABOUT HEMOSTEMIX Hemostemix is an autologous stem cell therapy platform company, founded in 2003. A winner of the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer Award, the Company has developed, patented, is scaling and selling autologous (patient's own) blood-based stem cell therapy, VesCell (ACP-01). Hemostemix has completed seven clinical studies of 318 subjects and published its results in eleven peer reviewed publications. ACP-01 is safe, clinically relevant and statistically significant as a treatment for peripheral arterial disease, chronic limb threatening ischemia, non ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, ischemic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and angina. Hemostemix completed its Phase II clinical trial for chronic limb threatening ischemia and published its results in the Journal of Biomedical Research & Environmental Science. As compared to a five year mortality rate of 50% in the CLTI patient population, UBC and U of T reported to the 41st meeting of vascular surgeons: 0% mortality, cessation of pain, wound healing in 83% of patients followed for up to 4.5 years, as a midpoint result. For more information, please visit www.hemostemix.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information in relation to a non brokered private placement and the treatment of conditions of ischemia including via the Phase I basket protocol clinical trial of ACP-01 as a treatment for multiple indications of ischemia including Vascular Dementia, and the treatment of pain in Florida related related to angina, peripheral arterial disease, chronic limb threatening ischemia, ischemic cardiomyopathy, non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, with Angiogenic Cell Precursors (ACP-01), in furtherance of sales of VesCell (ACP-01), and the commercialization of ACP-01 via the sale of compassionate treatments under Florida SB 1768. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects Hemostemix's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Hemostemix and on assumptions Hemostemix believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the underlying value of Hemostemix and its Common Shares; the successful resolution of any litigation that Hemostemix is pursuing or defending (the "Litigation"); the results of ACP-01 research, trials, studies and analyses, including the analysis being equivalent to or better than previous research, trials or studies; the receipt of all required regulatory approvals for research, trials or studies; the level of activity, market acceptance and market trends in the healthcare sector; the economy generally; consumer interest in Hemostemix's services and products; competition and Hemostemix's competitive advantages; and, Hemostemix obtaining satisfactory financing to fund Hemostemix's operations including any research, trials or studies, and any Litigation. 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 Hemostemix to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the ability of Hemostemix to complete clinical trials, complete a satisfactory analyses and file the results of such analyses to gain regulatory approval of a phase II or phase III clinical trial of ACP-01; potential litigation Hemostemix may face; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations including the actual results of future research, trials or studies; competition; changes in legislation affecting Hemostemix; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; long-term capital requirements and future developments in Hemostemix's markets and the markets in which it expects to compete; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; and risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, disruptions to economic activity and financings, disruptions to supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession or depression; the potential impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on Hemostemix which may include a decreased demand for the services that Hemostemix offers; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit Hemostemix's ability to obtain external financing. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in Hemostemix's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Hemostemix 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. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Hemostemix as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, it is Subject to change after such date. However, Hemostemix expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280644 Source: Hemostemix Inc. KEY HIGHLIGHTS: NI 43-101 Compliant Maiden Resource Estimate: 63.91 million tonnes (25.56 Mt Measured, 38.35 Mt Inferred) at 99.6% SiO2. 63.91 million tonnes (25.56 Mt Measured, 38.35 Mt Inferred) at 99.6% SiO2. Consolidated SME Silica Sand Target: >200-million-tonnes of high-purity silica sand across the Company's three directly leased areas in the Santa Maria Eterna (SME) District in Belmonte, Bahia, Brazil. across the Company's three directly leased areas in the Santa Maria Eterna (SME) District in Belmonte, Bahia, Brazil. Fully Permitted Silica Sand Mining Status: across the three leases has been granted by the National Mining Agency (ANM) of Brazil, facilitating commercial extraction. across the three leases has been granted by the National Mining Agency (ANM) of Brazil, facilitating commercial extraction. High Purity Silica Suitability for Multiple High-Value Markets : independently validated by Minerali Industriali Engineering and Dorfner Anzaplan, addressing critical global regulatory trends and positioning the Company as a sustainability leader. : independently validated by Minerali Industriali Engineering and Dorfner Anzaplan, addressing critical global regulatory trends and positioning the Company as a sustainability leader. Production of Antimony-Free Solar Glass: independently validated by Solar Glass technology consultants. independently validated by Solar Glass technology consultants. Advanced 1,000 Tonne-per-day Solar Glass Manufacturing Facility: DTEC Engineering has been engaged for the Bankable Feasibility Study; capital budgets have been received from multiple experienced glass plant engineering organizations; 64 hectares of land for the facilities next to the resources has been secured through a 99-year surface right agreement; and multiple non-binding offtake agreements have been executed at USD $750 per tonne FOB pricing. DTEC Engineering has been engaged for the Bankable Feasibility Study; capital budgets have been received from multiple experienced glass plant engineering organizations; 64 hectares of land for the facilities next to the resources has been secured through a 99-year surface right agreement; and multiple non-binding offtake agreements have been executed at USD $750 per tonne FOB pricing. Established within the Brazilian Government Financing Framework: with Government of Brazil Banks/Funds (BNDES / FINEP), securing access to the US$815 million Strategic Minerals Transformation initiative. with Government of Brazil Banks/Funds (BNDES / FINEP), securing access to the US$815 million Strategic Minerals Transformation initiative. Regional and Infrastructure Support: signed multi-party MOU with CBPM, BahiaGas, SECTI and Municipality of Belmonte for utilities, tax incentives and infrastructure support for the Solar Glass Plant. signed multi-party MOU with CBPM, BahiaGas, SECTI and Municipality of Belmonte for utilities, tax incentives and infrastructure support for the Solar Glass Plant. Acquired Halocell Europe (renamed to Homerun Energy SRL) , securing the AI Energy Management solution, perovskite photovoltaic IP and opening European distribution and revenue streams through a binding agreement to acquire 60% of SeisSolar Fotovoltaic of Spain. , securing the AI Energy Management solution, perovskite photovoltaic IP and opening European distribution and revenue streams through a binding agreement to acquire 60% of SeisSolar Fotovoltaic of Spain. Executed Global IP Agreement with U.S. Department of Energy (NREL) for particle-based long-duration thermal energy storage commercialization and filed new patents for integrated silica-TES systems. for particle-based long-duration thermal energy storage commercialization and filed new patents for integrated silica-TES systems. Corporate Financing in 2025: closed $6.0 million institutional investment from Sorbie Bornholm LP and +$3.0 million private placement at CA$1.00. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - Homerun Resources Inc. (TSXV: HMR) (OTCQB: HMRFF) is pleased to release its 2025 Year in Review, documenting strategic execution and de-risked progress across all four verticals of Homerun's vertically-integrated energy transition platform (Silica, Solar, Energy Storage, Energy Solutions). This comprehensive release demonstrates that despite 2025 share price challenges, Homerun executed a disciplined, transformative roadmap that positions the Company for operational launch and revenue acceleration across four deeply developed segments across the vertical strategy. 2026 flows from the efforts in 2025 toward fundamental shareholder value creation. "2025 was about deep execution and de-risking across our four sectors," stated Brian Leeners, CEO of Homerun Resources. "While equity markets were volatile, we focused on our strategic plan. 2026 is the year we transition from development to leveraging development toward commercial operations and shareholders will see the transition of the last three years of hard work into fundamental value and cash flow." You can view the full 2025 Corporate Overview on our website here: Corporate Overview 2025 EXECUTION SUMMARY: OPERATIONAL READINESS ACHIEVED Q1 2025 - Strategic Recognition and European Expansion Homerun began 2025 with strong market validation, announcing non-binding offtake agreements with Brazilian solar module manufacturers Sengi Solar (minimum 20,000 tonnes/year) and Balfar Solar (minimum 100,000 tonnes/year) at USD 750 per tonne FOB. In March 2025, the Company acquired Halocell Europe SRL (renamed Homerun Energy SRL), securing over a century of perovskite photovoltaic R&D knowledge and IP, access to European revenue generation through established distribution channels serving 2,800+ customers across Southern Europe and North Africa and the AI Energy Management solution. This acquisition positioned Homerun with product and solution development across the new energy sectors for current and future solutions from the Company. Q2 2025 - Resource Definition, Government Partnership, and Institutional Capital In April 2025, Homerun released a NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report validating the Santa Maria Eterna resource base at 63.91 million tonnes (99.6% SiO2 grade), with rigorous QAQC procedures including duplicate analyses, international laboratory cross-validation, and economic beneficiation confirmation. In May 2025, Homerun signed a multi-party Memorandum of Understanding with CBPM, BahiaGas, SECTI and the Municipality of Belmonte, securing tax incentives, expedited licensing and permitting, road paving, stable electricity and natural gas supply, and coordinated support for education and training, effectively anchoring the full value chain from silica extraction through high-value solar glass and HPQ materials in Belmonte. This same month, Homerun secured a binding term sheet for a $6.0 million institutional investment from Sorbie Bornholm LP, demonstrating sophisticated investor confidence in the Company's execution and growth strategy. In June 2025, the Company was selected by BNDES and FINEP for the Strategic Minerals Transformation Detailed Work Plan initiative, positioning Homerun to access a broad suite of Brazilian government funding instruments from the landmark $815 million strategic minerals transformation program. Q3 2025 - Asset Consolidation and Technological Breakthrough In July 2025, Homerun announced a breakthrough research collaboration with UC Davis Materials Science and Engineering, successfully synthesizing Silicon Carbide (SiC) using Homerun's raw Belmonte silica sand and Bahia Graphite Corporation's raw graphite demonstrating access to critical semiconductor and advanced materials inputs without the supply chain vulnerabilities affecting global SiC producers. In September 2025, Homerun signed a binding Letter of Intent with Pedreiras do Brasil S.A. to acquire the third and final CBPM lease, adding another 32 million tonnes of measured resource as filed with the ANM, and consolidating the entire Santa Maria Eterna District across three fully permitted concessions with total target volumes of silica sand exceeding 200 million tonnes. The total capital outlay for all three CBPM leases was approximately US$2.1 million, representing a fraction of implied value for planned end-use applications and demonstrating exceptional capital deployment efficiency. In July 2025, Homerun appointed UK financial advisors to evaluate a dual listing on the London Stock Exchange Main Market, positioning the Company to access deeper international capital pools and enhance European visibility. In August 2025, Homerun Energy began commercialization deployment of EV charging infrastructure integrated with battery energy storage systems in the United Kingdom, launching the first pilot project with one of the Europe's largest automotive manufacturers. Q4 2025 - Mining Permit Issuance, Product Innovation Validation, and Solar Glass Partnership In October 2025, Homerun announced a technological breakthrough, 100% antimony-free solar glass production capability addressing critical global environmental and regulatory trends. Global regulatory bodies (Germany, European Union Ecolabel directive, U.S. EPA) are establishing environmental boundaries restricting antimony in solar glass, and Homerun's exceptionally low iron contamination levels (below 20 ppm) in the Santa Maria Eterna silica sand enable antimony-free production without performance compromises, similar or reduced CAPEX, minor operational adjustments, and reduced OPEX. Independent testing confirmed antimony-free solar glass delivers highest efficiency and resilience against photo-degradation compared to all major glass formats. In December 2025, independent German laboratory Dorfner Anzaplan reported exceptional multi-process metallurgical testing results, confirming that raw Santa Maria Eterna silica sand achieves ultra-high 99.9694% SiO2 with purification routes reducing iron to as low as 0.34 ppm (50+ times better than typical <70 ppm solar glass requirement), exceeding specifications for solar glass, ultra-clear and optical glass, engineered stone, fused silica and SiC production. This multi-market optionality reinforces Homerun's competitive positioning across the energy transition value chain. Shortly after, Homerun Energy USA, Inc. (wholly owned subsidiary) executed a Global Intellectual Property Agreement (option) with the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC (operator of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), covering NREL's particle-based "Enduring" long-duration thermal energy storage technology and patent portfolio. The Company also filed a new patent for a thermal energy storage system integrating silica sand purification and announced plans to integrate Homerun's AI Energy Management System ("The Hub") into NREL's sand-based TES platform, positioning Homerun at the intersection of long-duration energy storage, process-heat decarbonization and AI-driven DC micro-grid optimization. To finish the year, Homerun closed a $3.1 million private placement and finalized the acquisition of the third CBPM lease (January 2026), completing the consolidation of the entire Santa Maria Eterna District with full mining permits and definitive lease agreements. 2026 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: TRANSITION TO COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS Based on 2025 executed deliverables, Homerun's strategic priorities for 2026 include: Mining Operations Initiation - Commence commercial mining of consolidated Belmonte District resources for industrial silica supply and sales. Solar Glass Facility Development - Advance 1,000 tonne-per-day solar glass manufacturing facility through BFS completion, project financing, binding offtakes execution, and construction commencement. Silica Purification Facility Development - Advance ultra-pure silica purification plant development by establishing customer base, securing financing, and preparing for construction. Energy Management System Deployment - Continue pilot-scale demonstrations and integration across EV charging, energy storage and solar applications. Thermal Energy Storage Commercialization - Advance U.S. DoE/NREL partnership on commercial thermal energy storage systems; evaluate and install pilot demonstrations for long-duration grid and industrial heat applications. MANAGEMENT MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS We understand that share price performance in 2025 has been frustrating for many shareholders, and we acknowledge the legitimate concerns around timing and execution expectations. Building a vertically-integrated, multi-continent energy transition materials company is extraordinarily complex, there are many moving parts, regulatory dependencies, capital market cycles, and execution variables than many investors may not have anticipated when they first committed to Homerun. We also recognize that some timelines have shifted, and certain milestones that were projected early in our development have evolved as the business matured and we identified opportunities to de-risk and create more durable competitive advantages. The additions to our business plan have far outweighed the shifted timelines, a balance that will become increasingly clear in 2026 as the density of development across our verticals beyond silica begins to be fully leveraged for value. These adjustments, including deeper government partnership structuring in Brazil, more rigorous technical validation of our antimony-free solar glass capability, and deliberate capital efficiency in resource acquisition were not taken lightly. Each decision was made with a singular focus: what creates the most shareholder value and ensures the longevity and resilience of our Company. Our commitment is unambiguous: every strategic decision, every timeline adjustment, and every capital deployment is executed in the best interests of Homerun and its shareholders, not in the interests of speed for its own sake, or optics for quarterly announcements. Why Strategic Patience Creates Shareholder Value Consider what we've built in 2025: Mining Permits: We didn't just claim mineral rights; we navigated Brazil's ANM permitting process and emerged with full operational mining permits, eliminating one of the highest-risk variables in our business. We didn't just claim mineral rights; we navigated Brazil's ANM permitting process and emerged with full operational mining permits, eliminating one of the highest-risk variables in our business. Product Validation: Rather than declare our antimony-free solar glass innovation with internal testing, we engaged the world's leading independent laboratories (Dorfner Anzaplan, Minerali Industriali Engineering) to validate our capability. That third-party validation is worth multiples of internal data when it comes to financing, offtake negotiations, and customer confidence. Rather than declare our antimony-free solar glass innovation with internal testing, we engaged the world's leading independent laboratories (Dorfner Anzaplan, Minerali Industriali Engineering) to validate our capability. That third-party validation is worth multiples of internal data when it comes to financing, offtake negotiations, and customer confidence. Government Partnerships: We built relationships with BNDES and FINEP, not just to access capital, but to align Brazil's strategic minerals initiative with our business. That alignment reduces regulatory risk, accelerates permitting, and positions us for preferential access to Brazilian government financing instruments. We built relationships with BNDES and FINEP, not just to access capital, but to align Brazil's strategic minerals initiative with our business. That alignment reduces regulatory risk, accelerates permitting, and positions us for preferential access to Brazilian government financing instruments. Capital Efficiency: We consolidated a targeted 200-million-tonne silica sand resource base for US$2.1 million. That's not luck, that's disciplined, patient negotiation with multiple CBPM lessees, careful due diligence, and a willingness to walk away from deals that didn't serve shareholder interests. We bought the asset we needed at a fraction of typical resource sector valuations with minimal future development to extract value across the entire targeted resource for decades. We manage a Company with operations on two continents, four distinct business verticals, multiple binding commercial agreements, partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy, Brazilian government institutions, and European technology leaders. We've acquired a multiple strategic assets including Halocell Europe and the NREL Thermal Energy Storage, while consolidating a unique high purity silica resource base and advancing a bankable feasibility study. We're simultaneously scaling from pre-commercial to operational readiness across all four verticals. This complexity is not a bug in our business model; it's the feature that creates durable competitive advantage and multiple profit centers. But managing it requires deliberation, rigorous governance, and a commitment to quality over speed. When timelines have shifted and we acknowledge that some have, it's because we prioritized getting it right over getting it done fast. In resource development, remedial work, permitting reversals, and financing delays cost multiples of what disciplined front-end engineering saves. Management's job is to allocate capital and human effort to eliminate those back-end risks. 2026 is when shareholders will see the translation of this foundation into tangible operational metrics: mining commencement, construction progress, energy solutions revenue, and early commercial operations across multiple verticals. The work we did in 2025, the permits, the partnerships, the product validation, the capital raises, is now converted into mine production, construction schedules, and revenue recognition. We will not sacrifice long-term shareholder value for short-term optionality. We will not announce milestones we're not confident in achieving even on an adjusted schedule. We will not prioritize press releases over prudent execution. When management commits to a timeline, it will be because we have worked backwards from that deadline, accounted for regulatory variables, built in contingencies, and believe we can execute with high confidence. Thank you to our shareholders and here is to a successful year ahead in 2026. About Homerun (www.homerunresources.com / www.homerunenergy.com) Homerun Resources Inc. (TSXV: HMR) is building the silica-powered backbone of the energy transition across four focused verticals: Silica, Solar, Energy Storage, and Energy Solutions. Anchored by a unique high-purity low-iron silica resource in Bahia, Brazil, Homerun transforms raw silica into essential products and technologies that accelerate clean power adoption and deliver durable shareholder value. Silica: Secure supply and processing of high-purity low-iron silica for mission-critical applications, enabling premium solar glass and advanced energy materials. Solar: Development of Latin America's first dedicated 1,000 tonne per day high-efficiency solar glass plant and the commercialization of antimony-free solar glass designed for next-generation photovoltaic performance. Energy Storage: Advancement of long-duration, silica-based thermal storage systems and related technologies to decarbonize industrial heat and unlock grid flexibility. Energy Solutions: AI-enabled energy management, control systems, and turnkey electrification solutions that reduce costs and optimize renewable generation for commercial and industrial customers. With disciplined execution, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to best-in-class ESG practices, Homerun is focused on converting milestones into markets-creating a scalable, vertically integrated platform for clean energy manufacturing in the Americas. FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280648 Source: Homerun Resources Inc. Emersoft's Books Shopify App with Pubnet integration creates the only complete solution for bookstores managing both online storefronts and physical retail locations through a single platform. ST PETERSBURG, FL / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Emersoft has announced plans to launch a Pubnet electronic ordering integration for the Emersoft Books Shopify App in Q1 2026, creating the only complete commerce solution designed to serve both online booksellers and brick-and-mortar bookstores through a single platform. While existing technology platforms address either ecommerce or physical retail operations, the new integration enables bookstores to manage online storefronts, in-store sales, inventory, and publisher ordering through one system: Shopify plus the Emersoft Books App. The integration solves a fundamental challenge facing independent booksellers who operate both physical stores and online channels. Traditional solutions require separate platforms for ecommerce, point-of-sale, and ordering, forcing retailers to manually reconcile data across systems. The Emersoft solution transforms Shopify into a unified operational hub where every sale-whether at the counter, online, or at events-feeds the same real-time inventory data and purchasing workflow. By connecting Shopify POS for brick-and-mortar locations, Shopify ecommerce for online sales, and Pubnet for Electronic Data Interchange with publishers, the system enables booksellers to manage their entire operation in one place. This represents the first technology platform specifically designed to eliminate the operational divide between online and physical bookstore channels. The system operates through real-time data synchronization across all sales channels. When transactions occur at the counter, online, or at events, inventory updates instantly by location without requiring end-of-day reconciliation. This live inventory data provides staff with immediate visibility into sell-through patterns and reorder requirements, enabling purchasing decisions based on actual sales rather than estimates or buyer intuition. Purchase orders are created directly within Shopify rather than through separate vendor portals. Staff selects titles for reordering, and Emersoft generates purchase orders that are transmitted through Pubnet's Electronic Data Interchange network to the appropriate publishers and distributors. Order acknowledgments, shipping notifications, and invoices flow back into Shopify and attach directly to the originating purchase orders, eliminating the manual tracking and email management traditionally required for order fulfillment. "Every other solution forces booksellers to choose between platforms optimized for online or optimized for brick-and-mortar," said Marcin Ruman, founder of Emersoft. "We built the only system that actually works for both. One system-Shopify plus the Emersoft Books App-manages your physical store, your website, and your publisher relationships. Everything in one place." The system delivers operational benefits for bookstores regardless of whether they operate primarily online, primarily brick-and-mortar, or both. Real-time inventory synchronization means a sale at the physical counter instantly updates the same inventory count that online customers see, eliminating out-of-stock purchases on the website. Purchase orders created for in-store restocking automatically reflect in the online catalog. The same ISBN database, inventory counts, and reorder logic serve both channels without separate management workflows. For brick-and-mortar operations, staff gain immediate visibility into what is selling, what inventory is low, and what requires reordering, grouped by publisher or distributor. This enables newer team members to execute accurate purchasing while senior buyers focus on curation. For online operations, live inventory eliminates customer frustration from ordering unavailable titles and reduces refund requests. Bookstores operating both channels benefit from managing everything through one system rather than reconciling separate ecommerce and point-of-sale platforms. Most book suppliers require terms accounts to accept electronic orders through Pubnet. Emersoft works with MVB, which administers Pubnet services, to help bookstores establish the necessary business credit and convert accounts to terms status. Setup requires a one-time fee of $75, which is waived for American Booksellers Association members, with no ongoing subscription costs for Pubnet access. "Bookstores told us they were tired of managing separate systems for their website and their store, or choosing platforms that only worked well for one channel," added Ruman. "Our solution is simple: Shopify plus the Emersoft Books App. That's it. One system manages everything whether you're online-only, brick-and-mortar-only, or both. This is the only complete solution that actually works for bookstores operating in both worlds." The integration represents part of Emersoft's commitment to supporting the independent bookstore community through both technology development and education. The company hosts regular community-driven webinars where booksellers share experiences and best practices while learning about new platform capabilities and industry developments. Additional information about the Pubnet integration and other Emersoft services for independent bookstores is available online. About Emersoft Emersoft develops technology solutions enabling independent retailers to operate both online and physical locations through unified platforms. The company's Books Shopify App is the only complete commerce solution designed specifically for bookstores managing both ecommerce and brick-and-mortar operations. Learn more about Emersoft. About Pubnet Pubnet provides electronic ordering services connecting bookstores to hundreds of book suppliers through standardized EDI protocols. The service is administered by MVB and serves as industry-standard infrastructure for professional bookselling operations. Media Contact Organization: Emersoft LLC Contact Person Name: Marcin Ruman Website: https://www.emersoft.co Email: marcin@emersoft.co City: St. Petersburg State: FL Country: United States SOURCE: Emersoft LLC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/emersoft-launches-first-complete-commerce-solution-for-online-and-1128835 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Despite the U.S. softening its earlier aggressive position on Iran, crude oil moved higher on Friday as traders weighed the continuing risks after reports indicated that the U.S. is consolidating its forces in the Middle East. WTI Crude Oil for February delivery was last seen trading up by $0.40 (or 0.68%) at $59.59 per barrel. Less than two weeks after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to put him on trial for narco-terrorism charges in the U.S., U.S. President Donald Trump accelerated steps to control the production, refining, and global distribution of Venezuela's oil. Last week, Trump met with senior executives of oil majors in the U.S. and Europe to encourage them to invest around $100 billion in Venezuela to repair and rebuild the depleted oil and energy infrastructure in that country. Trump also announced that the interim government in Venezuela agreed to sell 30-50 million barrels of oil to the U.S. Reportedly, the U.S. has sold its first tranche of crude oil it received from Venezuela, valued at around $500 million. Energy experts feel that the U.S. could wield its control over Venezuela 'indefinitely.' Meanwhile, U.S. forces seized another 'sanctioned oil' tanker (Veronica) in the Caribbean Sea yesterday, bringing the number of 'sanctioned ships' captured so far to six. In the Middle East, major oil producer Iran has been facing pro-democracy protests since December 2025. The uprising started in Tehran and spread to other cities. After an internet blockade, reports communicated via Starlink to the outside world highlighted that the regime was crushing the protests by arresting the demonstrators in the hundreds and sentencing several to death by hanging. While Trump's administration threatened to commence a military offensive in Iran to support the civilians, Iran advised its neighbors not to harbor U.S. bases as it would conduct retaliatory attacks on them. Tensions increased and oil prices rose due to the geopolitical risk premium. However, days ago, Trump suddenly called off the potential strikes, stating that he had reliable reports that 'the killings have stopped' though he warned that the U.S. is monitoring the situation and would step in if necessary. As Iran controls the critical chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 million barrels per day (one-fifth of global production) flows, experts are concerned that in case of a re-escalation, a supply disruption would be inevitable. With Iran producing approximately 3.2 million barrels per day (around 4% of global crude oil), it could impact production too. Though the war-threat is currently off the table, oil prices carried some risk element after Fox News reported that at least one U.S. aircraft carrier is moving toward the Middle East. In Europe, Russia stepped up its attack on Ukraine's power installations, leaving thousands of homes in Ukraine without power and energy this winter. When asked in an interview about the peace plan proposed by the U.S., Trump stated that while Russia is ready to sign the deal, Ukraine is not. However, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refuted this, stating Ukraine has 'never been and will never be' a stumbling block to any peace deal. Yesterday's data from the U.S. revealed that initial jobless claims fell by 9,000 from the previous week to 198,000 for the week ending January 10. Continuing jobless claims decreased to 1,884,000 for the week ending January 3. The four-week average of jobless claims decreased to 205,000 on January 10 from 211,500 in the previous week. Today's data on manufacturing output in the U.S. showed a 0.2% increase month-over-month in December 2025, beating market expectations of a 0.2% drop as well as a 2% increase year-on-year in December 2025, following an upwardly revised 2.2% gain in November. These figures have pushed back expectations of a rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve this month-end. U.S. dollar index firmed up by 0.10% to 99.42, which limited the gains in crude oil prices. Copyright(c) 2026 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2026 AFX News Decision on the merits expected by June 2026 Favorable outcome would contribute to significantly containing the Roundup litigation as the company continues its multi-pronged strategy The U.S. Supreme Court today announced that it will review the Durnell Roundup case. Monsanto petitioned the court to hear Durnell in April 2025 and address the split in authority among federal circuit courts on the application of federal preemption, a cross-cutting issue in the Roundup litigation. The company expects a decision on the merits during the Court's 2026 session, which ends in June. "The Supreme Court decision to take the case is good news for U.S. farmers, who need regulatory clarity," said Bayer CEO Bill Anderson. "It's also an important step in our multi-pronged strategy to significantly contain this litigation. It is time for the U.S. legal system to establish that companies should not be punished under state laws for complying with federal warning label requirements." Every leading regulator worldwide has concluded that glyphosate-based herbicides can be used safely. The Supreme Court previously called for the views of the Solicitor General, who submitted a brief in December on behalf of the United States Government agreeing with the company that the Court should hear the case, resolve the circuit split and rule in the company's favor. In his brief, Solicitor General John Sauer argued that upholding the Durnell decision would allow juries to ignore the expert scientific decisions made by the U.S. EPA regarding the safety of glyphosate, saying, "EPA has repeatedly determined that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic in humans, and the agency has repeatedly approved Roundup labels that did not contain cancer warnings.This Court's intervention is warranted to give FIFRA's preemption provision its proper force." He also warned of the consequences of upholding Durnell, citing a prior Supreme Court holding: writing "where, as here, EPA has specified the health warnings that should appear on a particular pesticide's label, a manufacturer should not be left subject to '50 different labeling regimes prescribing' different requirements." In its petition, the company argues that a split among federal circuit courts in the Roundup litigation warrants review and resolution by the country's top court. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously held in Schaffner that the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) expressly preempts the plaintiff's claims which were based on state failure-to-warn theories like those in Durnell. The Ninth and Eleventh Circuits and Missouri's intermediate appellate court have reached different conclusions, and the petition argues that state and federal courts require guidance that only the U.S. Supreme Court can provide. In October 2023, Durnell was tried in the Missouri Circuit Court for the City of St. Louis and the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff on just one of three claims. The jury found the company failed to warn of the product's risk and awarded 1.25 million US-Dollars, but rejected all other claims and declined to award punitive damages. The company appealed the verdict in August 2024 and the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District upheld the verdict in February 2025. Monsanto promptly filed a writ to transfer the case to the Missouri Supreme Court and it declined review on April 1, making it ripe for U.S. Supreme Court review. Monsanto filed its petition for certiorari just three days later. About Bayer Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, "Health for all, Hunger for none," the company's products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conformthem to future events or developments. Bayer AG is a holding company with operating subsidiaries worldwide. References to "Bayer" or "the company" herein may refer to one or more subsidiaries as context requires. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260116803233/en/ Contacts: Contact for media inquiries: Brian Leake, phone +1 314.370.3285 Email: brian.leake@bayer.com Philipp Blank, phone +49 214 30-20499 Email: philipp.blank@bayer.com Contact for investor inquiries: Bayer Investor Relations Team, phone +49 214 30-72704 Email: ir@bayer.com www.bayer.com/en/investors/ir-team Contact for U.S. investor inquiries: Erica Mulligan, phone +1 314-985-7457 Email: erica.mulligan@bayer.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - Quebec Nickel Corp. (CSE: QNI) (FSE: 7lB) (OTCQB: QNICF) ("QNI" or the "Company") announces that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of $500,000. The Offering was initially announced on December 17, 2025 and subsequently reported as fully allocated on December 29, 2025. Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued 4,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.125 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant is exercisable to acquire one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.225 per share for a period of two years from the date of issuance. The Units were issued pursuant to applicable prospectus exemptions, including the family, friends and business associates exemption, the accredited investor exemption, the existing security holder exemption under British Columbia Instrument 45-534, and equivalent exemptions under applicable Canadian securities laws. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid aggregate cash finder's fees of $4590.00 in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange and applicable securities legislation. No securities were issued as finder's compensation. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for general working capital purposes, including advancing the Company's exploration activities and evaluating strategic opportunities. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws, expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance. The Offering remains subject to final acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange. About Quebec Nickel Corp. Quebec Nickel Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing critical metals (Au-Ni-Cu-Co-PGE) projects in North America. Additional information about Quebec Nickel Corp. is available at www.quebecnickel.com. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. 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. On behalf of the Board of Directors CAUTIONARY AND FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". 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 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 the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market, or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates, and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates, opinions, or other factors should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280697 Source: Quebec Nickel Corp Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - KO Gold Inc. (CSE: KOG) ("KO Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated December 15, 2025 and January 12, 2026, it has closed the first tranche of the non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,980,475.35, representing the issuance of 13,203,169 units (the "Units"). Each Unit was issued at a price of $0.15 and consisted of one common share (each a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"), with each such Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share at an exercise price of C$0.25 for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance. Completion of the Second Tranche of the Private Placement as announced on January 12, 2026, is subject to shareholder approval pursuant to the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, as the issuance of securities under the Private Placement would result in the issuance of securities in excess of 100% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis. The Company is in the process of obtaining the required shareholder approval by written consent of shareholders holding a majority of the outstanding common shares of the Company, as permitted under the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange and will provide an update in due course. Upon receipt of such shareholder approval and all required regulatory approvals, the Company expects to close the second tranche of the Private Placement. The Private Placement is for aggregate gross proceeds of up to approximately $2,439,030, assuming completion of all tranches. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement for general working capital purposes and to fund ongoing exploration and drilling programs in the Otago Gold District, New Zealand. The Company paid finder's fees of $28,735 in cash and issued issue 191,567 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to certain qualified parties upon closing. Each Finder's Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one common share at an exercise price of C$0.25 for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance, being on the same terms as the warrants issued in connection with the first tranche of the Private Placement. All securities issued pursuant to the first tranche are subject to a statutory hold period expiring on May 15, 2026, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities 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 state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available. About KO Gold Inc. KO Gold is a Canadian junior exploration company listed on the CSE under "KOG". The Company's strategy is to acquire and explore highly prospective gold properties within the Otago Gold District in New Zealand. KO Gold presently, has four 100%-owned prospecting and exploration permits within the Otago Gold District for a combined land package of 400 km2 (including the Carrick Range exploration permit application). The Company's Smylers, Hyde and Glenpark EPs are located adjacent to OceanaGold's Macraes Gold Mine and the Carrick EP hosts the historic Carrick Goldfield which holds promise as a significant gold deposit near Santana Minerals' Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project. The Company also has an NSR on three additional permits, Garibaldi, Raggedy Range, and Rough Ridge South totaling 243km2. KO Gold has spent over C$3M in exploration and drilling on its permits in the Otago Gold District over the past five years including RC and diamond drilling on its Smylers EP. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. 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 news release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "propose," "estimate," "may," "will," "would," "potential," or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the completion of the balance of the Private Placement; the receipt of shareholder approval by written consent and other required regulatory approvals; the anticipated timing of such approvals and any additional closings; the intended use of proceeds of the Private Placement; and the payment of finder's fees and issuance of finder's warrants, if any. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates and opinions of management as of the date of this news release and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the risk that shareholder approval may not be obtained or may be delayed; the risk that required regulatory or exchange approvals may not be obtained on a timely basis or at all; changes in market conditions; the Company's ability to complete the Private Placement on the terms announced or at all; and the risk that the proceeds of the Private Placement may not be used as currently anticipated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280646 Source: KO Gold Inc. BEDFORD, NS / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / (TSXV:SSE) - Silver Spruce Resources Inc. ("Silver Spruce" or the "Corporation") announces that the board of directors of the Corporation has approved the grant of an aggregate of 2,100,000 stock options to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation. Each option entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Corporation at a price of $0.30 per share for a period of five years from the date of grant. The options were granted under and are subject to the terms and conditions of the Corporation's stock option plan. About Silver Spruce Resources Silver Spruce Resources Inc. is a Canadian junior exploration company. The Corporation's diversified exploration portfolio now includes: Jackie Au-Ag Project - Early-stage epithermal project with high-grade surface sampling and strong structural targets located <10 kilometres northwest from Minera Alamos' Nicho deposit in eastern Sonora, Mexico Pino de Plata Ag Project - High-grade silver property with historic artisanal mining located 15 kilometres west of Coeur Mining's Palmarejo Mine in western Chihuahua, Mexico Melchett Lake VMS Zn-Ag-Au-Cu Project - Polymetallic project with historical drilling in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario Silver Spruce continues to investigate opportunities that Management has identified or that have been presented to the Corporation for consideration. Contact: Kevin O'Connor, Director (312) 509-5972 info@silverspruceresouces.com www.silverspruceresources.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. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 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. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with mineral exploration and difficulties associated with obtaining financing on acceptable terms. We are not in control of metals prices and these could vary to make development uneconomic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume 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 we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. SOURCE: Silver Spruce Resources, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/silver-spruce-resources-inc.-announces-grant-of-options-1128875 BEDFORD, NS / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / (TSXV:SSE) - Silver Spruce Resources Inc. ("Silver Spruce" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has closed today its previously announced non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $976,000 (the "Offering"). Pursuant to the Offering, the Corporation issued an aggregate of 9,760,000 units of the Corporation ("Units") at an issue price of $0.10 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Corporation (each, a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.15 per Warrant Share for a period of 3 years from the closing of the Offering. The Common Shares and Warrants issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring on May 17, 2026. In connection with the Offering, the Corporation has paid a total of $22,440 in finder fees and issued a total of 224,400 finder warrants (each, a "Finder Warrant") to eligible arm's length finders ("Finders"). Each Finder Warrant will entitle the Finder to purchase one common share of the Corporation for $0.15 for a period of three years following the closing of the Offering. The Finder Warrants will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring on May 17, 2026. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for exploration of the Corporation's mineral projects and general working capital purposes. The Offering is subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended the ("U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Silver Spruce Resources Silver Spruce Resources Inc. is a Canadian junior exploration company. The Corporation's diversified exploration portfolio now includes: Jackie Au-Ag Project - Early-stage epithermal project with high-grade surface sampling and strong structural targets located <10 kilometres northwest from Minera Alamos' Nicho deposit in eastern Sonora, Mexico Pino de Plata Ag Project - High-grade silver property with historic artisanal mining located 15 kilometres west of Coeur Mining's Palmarejo Mine in western Chihuahua, Mexico Melchett Lake VMS Zn-Ag-Au-Cu Project - Polymetallic project with historical drilling in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Ontario Silver Spruce continues to investigate opportunities that Management has identified or that have been presented to the Corporation for consideration. Contact: Kevin O'Connor, Director (312) 509-5972 info@silverspruceresouces.com www.silverspruceresources.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. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 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, including but not limited to, statements regarding the Offering. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with mineral exploration and difficulties associated with obtaining financing on acceptable terms. We are not in control of metals prices and these could vary to make development uneconomic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume 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 we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. SOURCE: Silver Spruce Resources, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/silver-spruce-resources-inc.-announces-closing-of-976-000-non-brokered-private-pl-1128874 Val-d'Or, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2026) - Bonterra Resources Inc. (TSXV: BTR) (OTCQX: BONXF) (FSE: 9BR2) ("Bonterra" or the "Company") announces that the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA") is completing a tax audit (the "Audit") of the Company's renunciation of Canadian exploration expenses ("CEE") in favour of subscribers of the private placements of flow-through shares which closed in December 13, 2019 and October 21, 2021 (the "Flow-Through Financings") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$16.96 million. Renunciations made pursuant to other flow-through offerings by the Company are not affected by the Audit. CRA has notified the Company of CRA's intention to reclassify approximately C$11.05 million of previously renounced CEE on the basis that they did not meet the definition of CEEs, as defined for income tax purposes (the "Proposed Tax Adjustments"). CRA's notification relies on the incorrect assumption that the Moroy Deposit constitutes an extension of the Bachelor Mine, a finding that Bonterra strongly disagrees with. Bonterra has voiced its disagreement with the Proposed Tax Adjustments and the audit process followed by the CRA, and intends to continue to vigorously defend its position by objecting to any forthcoming notice of reassessment. CRA will contact directly the subscribers of the Flow-Through Financings regarding a reassessment of deductions claimed in connection with the related CEEs. It is to be expected that the CRA will begin by providing notice of reassessments to subscribers in the December 2019 flow through financing (TIN#48427 and TIN#48428), with the other reassessment following later this year (TIN#49934). The Company anticipates that the reductions in renounced CEE will be made on a pro rata basis among all subscribers of the same financing. The Company agreed to indemnify subscribers for tax attributable to disallowed renunciations of CEE pursuant to the terms of the subscription and renunciation agreements entered into by the Company and the subscribers in connection with the Flow-Through Financings. The Company invites subscribers of the Flow-Through Financings who receive a notice of reassessment from CRA in connection with the Proposed Tax Adjustments to contact the Company as soon as possible in connection with this right of indemnification for more information about next steps. To support the Company's appeal, subscribers may need to file a notice of objection in respect of their reassessment. The maximum aggregate amount of the Company's exposure with respect to the indemnification obligation from the Flow-Through Financings, together with interest and penalties payable to CRA, and anticipated Part XII.6 tax payable under section 211.91 of the Income Tax Act, is presently estimated to be approximately C$9.5 million, although the initial liability anticipated in respect of the initial reassessment's that will be issued by CRA will be closer to C$3 million. The Company expects to account for this liability in its financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025. This provision does not include any provision for the effect, if any, of the reclassification on provincial tax credits received by the Company. The Company is actively working to address the obligations resulting from the Proposed Tax Adjustments and will provide additional information when available. 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 This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. 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. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include statements regarding the estimated liability resulting to the Company, the allocation of the reductions amongst subscribers, the timing of delivery of reassessments to subscribers of the Flow Through Financings, and the Company's defense of its position. In making these statements, management has relied on a number of assumptions, including the anticipated impact of the reassessments on tax payable by past subscribers, how the reassessments will be allocated, that there will be no changes to CRA's position on the Proposed Tax Adjustments or other CEE renounced by the Company, and that the reclassification will not affect the Company's provincial tax credits and renunciations. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280670 Source: Bonterra Resources Inc. Data from Chinas currency market regulator show that investors in the countrys so-called non-official sector boosted their overseas asset holdings by more than $1 trillion in the first three quarters of last year, more than twice the average annual increase seen over the past decade People visit a market at the tourism site of Qianmen street in Beijing, China, on March 14, 2023. (Representational Photo, Credit: Tingshu Wang/Reuters) Chinas record trade surplus is rippling across global markets, as export earnings that once flowed straight into state reserves are now being channelled into large-scale private investments overseas, spanning securities purchases and business expansion abroad. Instead of parking most of last years $1.2 trillion surplus with the central bank, nearly two-thirds of the foreign assets generated through trade were absorbed by companies, individuals and state-linked lenders. The shift increases the risk of abrupt capital reversals beyond Chinas direct control, particularly at a time when the yuan is permitted greater room to appreciate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Private capital surges overseas Data from Chinas currency market regulator show that investors in the countrys so-called non-official sector boosted their overseas asset holdings by more than $1 trillion in the first three quarters of last year, more than twice the average annual increase seen over the past decade. Putting that money to work last year resulted in a $535 billion surge in Chinese private investment in overseas securities, including US equities, European bonds and mutual funds, according to Bloomberg calculations, even though a detailed country-wise breakdown remains unavailable. A break from Chinas centralised playbook This largely unseen flow of capital into global markets marks a decisive break from Chinas long-standing, centralised approach to managing the wealth generated by its manufacturing and trade dominance. For a world already unsettled by deep trade imbalances, the shift carries a further implication: a global financial system growing steadily more dependent on liquidity originating in China. As Chinas private investment footprint grows, it will inevitably play a larger role in global capital flows, Peiqian Liu, an Asia economist at Fidelity International, told Bloomberg News. Risks of reversal and regulatory blind spots How durable this shift ultimately proves will hinge largely on developments within China itself. What is already clear, however, is that it is building up risks, both for overseas markets and for Chinas own financial system. In the event of a rapid yuan appreciation and fund repatriation, Liu said: We could witness a chain reaction of exporters settling their foreign exchange and capital inflows increasing, leading to a fundamental directional reversal. With greater latitude from Beijing in deploying these funds, Chinese institutions are moving deeper into the core infrastructure of global finance, making them more resilient to sanctions and increasingly difficult for Western regulators to monitor. The government estimates that as much as 70 per cent of flood-control funds may have been lost to corruption in recent years. That translates into over 100 billion pesos ( around $1.7 billion ) a year in wasted or stolen public money A man cleans garbage along a flooded street due to Typhoon Fung-wong and high tide on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Navotas, Philippines. AP There was a time when the Philippines was one of Asias success stories. In the 1960s, it was second only to Japan in wealth. The peso was strong; one US dollar was equivalent to two pesos. Today, one dollar buys nearly 60 pesos. The reasons are many, but corruption sits at the heart of the decline. The latest scandal involving government contractor Sara Discaya has once again exposed how deeply corruption runs and how costly it has become for the economy and ordinary citizens. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who is Sara Discaya? Sara Discaya built a business empire by winning government contracts, especially flood-control projects meant to protect towns from typhoons and heavy rains. Over the years, her companies secured projects across several provinces, often worth hundreds of millions of pesos. She was often showcased as a success story, a self-made entrepreneur who rose through hard work. But behind the scenes, her name regularly came up in whispers about inflated costs, political connections and questionable projects. Those whispers are now part of a formal criminal case. What are the charges? Investigators say Discaya and several government officials approved payments for projects that were either poorly built or did not exist at all. The money, meant to prevent flooding and save lives, ended up in private pockets. What sets this case apart is its sheer scale. The government estimates that as much as 70 per cent of flood-control funds may have been lost to corruption in recent years. That translates into over 100 billion pesos ( around $1.7 billion) a year in wasted or stolen public money. These were funds meant to protect communities from floods and typhoons. Instead, some projects existed only on paper. Others were poorly built and quickly fell apart. The consequences have been deadly. When Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the Visayas late last year, nearly 200 people were killed and millions were affected. Poor or missing flood-control infrastructure made the damage worse. Discaya now faces serious corruption and graft charges. Some of these cases are non-bailable, meaning the court considers them severe enough that the accused cannot walk free while trials are ongoing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Discaya has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty. Economic damage is mounting Philippines economic growth slowed to 4 per cent in the third quarter, the weakest in four years. The government has cut its growth targets for 2026 and 2027. While stock markets across Asia rose, the Philippine stock index ended 2025 in the red. Foreign investors are taking note. Data from the central bank shows foreign direct investment fell nearly 40 per cent year-on-year in October. Investors worry that weak governance makes business risky and unpredictable. Credit ratings have not yet been downgraded, but rating agencies have warned that governance failures and social unrest pose serious risks. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has described corruption as a cancer that requires major surgery. He has ordered lifestyle checks on officials and cut billions of dollars in spending vulnerable to abuse. But critics say these steps are not enough. What Filipinos want to see is accountability, arrests, prosecutions and convictions, especially of powerful people. With prominent families implicated, including figures close to the political elite, the real test will be whether the law applies equally to all. India has begun taking steps to evacuate its nationals from Iran amid the growing unrest, with the first batch to be flow out today. In Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to welcome Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, in Rio de Janeiro. Iranian demonstrators gather in a street during a protest in Tehran, on January 8. Rights groups claim that at least 3,428 people have died in a crackdown on nationwide demostrations. Reuters The protests in Iran have put West Asia on edge. It is uncertain if the US will take action against the regime. Amid this, countries, including India, have asked their nationals to evacuate. However, Iran on Thursday closed its airspace for commercial flights temporarily, making leaving the country difficult. Now, the Indian government has stepped in and is planning to evacuate its citizens. In Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to welcome Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, in Rio de Janeiro. In India, the results for the elections across 29 municipal corporations will be announced today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A verdict is expected in the trial of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for obstruction of justice and related charges. PM Modi is set to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Startup India initiative. Here is all that is set to take place across the world today. Centre to evacuate first batch of Indian students from Iran India is reportedly preparing to evacuate stranded Indian nationals from Iran amid growing concerns over safety amid the ongoing unrest in the country. According to sources, the first batch of evacuees is expected to be flown out today. Parents of Indian students stranded in Iran told CNN-News18 that the first batch has been informed to be ready by 8 am. They said preparations for evacuation are underway, and students have been asked to keep their documents ready. The Indian Embassy in Iran has started collecting details of Indian students stranded in different parts of the country. Brazils Lula to welcome EU and EC heads Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to welcome the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, in Rio de Janeiro today. The meeting is a key diplomatic engagement ahead of the historic signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, scheduled for Saturday in Paraguays Asuncion. Following their discussion, the three leaders are expected to deliver press statements around 13:30 local time (17:30 CET), followed by an official family photo. The agreement between the EU and the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) will create one of the worlds largest free-trade zones, covering more than 700 million people. BMC election results Results for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra are scheduled to be declared today. The counting of votes will begin at 10:00 am at 23 designated locations across Mumbai. Unlike previous years, counting will be performed in a phased manner, with officials indicating that two constituencies will be counted at a time at each location. Meanwhile, real-time updates and ward-wise results will be available online through the Maharashtra State Election Commission portal and major local news outlets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Court to rule on Yoon Suk Yeols obstruction of justice charge The Seoul Central District Court is scheduled to deliver its first-instance verdict in the trial of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for obstruction of justice and related charges. Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk has requested a 10-year prison sentence for these specific charges. This ruling marks the first verdict among the eight criminal trials Yoon currently faces following his failed December 2024 martial law declaration and subsequent removal from office in April 2025. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review his arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors in Seoul, South Korea. File image/Reuters The case centres on allegations that Yoon mobilised presidential security personnel to obstruct his own arrest by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) in early January 2025. Yoon has been in custody since July 2025 and was succeeded by Lee Jae-myung, who won a snap presidential election in June 2025. Trial of Afghan defendant Farhad Noori to begin The trial of Farhad Noori, a 25-year-old Afghan national, will take place today at the Higher Regional Court in Munich. The defendant faces two counts of murder and 44 counts of attempted murder. Prosecutors state that Farhad acted out of exaggerated religious zeal, claiming he felt an obligation to kill people in Germany in response to the suffering of Muslims worldwide. On February 13, 2025, Farhad allegedly drove a car into a crowd of trade union demonstrators in downtown Munich. The attack killed a 37-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter and injured approximately 44 others, many seriously. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD PM Modi to mark a decade of Startup India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in a special programme to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Startup India initiative. The event will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event coincides with National Startup Day, which the Prime Minister officially designated in 2022 to recognise the contribution of entrepreneurs to Indias economy. PM Modi is scheduled to interact with startup founders and innovators. Selected representatives will share insights from their entrepreneurial journeys. He is expected to unveil a roadmap for the next decade of the scheme, with a significant pivot toward encouraging entrepreneurship in future technologies like AI and deep tech. With inputs from agencies Denmark rebuts Trump's Greenland security claims Chinadaily.com.cn) 08:28, January 16, 2026 There are no Chinese warships operating around Greenland and no significant Chinese investments in the region, Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, as he countered United States' threats to seize the Arctic island. Rasmussen, together with Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, had an hourlong meeting with US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House, the first face-to-face meeting between the high-level officials as Washington's talk of taking full control of Greenland has run high. "It was a great opportunity also for Vivian and I to go up against the narrative, because it is not a true narrative that we have, you know, Chinese warships all around the place," Rasmussen told reporters after the meeting. "According to our intelligence, we haven't had a Chinese warship in Greenland for a decade or so," he said at a news conference. "There are no Chinese warships along the coast of Greenland. ... Nor are there any massive Chinese investments in Greenland," Rasmussen was also quoted by AFP as telling the Danish press after talks with US officials. Despite a "frank and constructive" atmosphere, Rasmussen said that the White House meeting failed to change the US position on Greenland, and that a "fundamental disagreement" persists. "It's 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," he said at the news conference. Motzfeldt said they had clearly defined their boundaries, and that from that point, "it will be very good to look forward". US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that China and Russia are seeking to control Greenland when arguing that the US must take over the island for security reasons. Hours before the high-stakes meeting between US and Danish and Greenlandic officials started, Trump said on social media 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", or otherwise Russia or China would "AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" After the talks, Trump again said that Greenland is very important for national security, including that 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," he told reporters at the Oval Office. Days before the Washington meeting, Rasmussen said the US is painting "a false picture of what is happening in Greenland". Speaking after an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Policy Committee on Jan 6, the Danish foreign minister said a picture is being painted that there are a lot of Russian and Chinese ships around Greenland, and that China exerts great influence through investments, Greenlandic public broadcaster KNR reported. "We do not share this image that Greenland is plastered with Chinese investments," Rasmussen was quoted as saying in the report. China's Foreign Ministry said that Washington should not use other countries as an excuse to pursue its own interests. "The Arctic bears on the common interests of the international community. China's activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting the peace, stability and sustainable development of the region. They are in line with the international law," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday. "Countries' right and freedom to carry out activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law need to be fully respected. The US should not use other countries as a pretext for seeking selfish gains," she said. According to the 2025 Chicago Council Survey, conducted between July 18 and 30, more than nine in 10 US citizens opposed using US troops to invade Greenland and make it part of the US. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has presented her award to US President Donald Trump in recognition of his commitment to Venezuelan freedom. But can the award be transferred? Maria Corina Machado presented Donald Trump with her Nobel peace prize medal on Thursday. Reuters Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump. Machado was awarded the prize by the Nobel Committee last year for keeping the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness in Venezuela. During her meeting at the White House on Thursday (15 January), Machado said she gave Trump the award in recognition of Trumps commitment to Venezuelas freedom. I think today is a historic day for us Venezuelans, Machado, who met Trump for the first time, said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The development came weeks after US military forces seized long-time Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in Caracas. Trump, taking to social media, called the move a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. But does this mean the award can be transferred? The BJP-led alliance has won control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The party has bagged 89 seats in the 227-seat civic body and has emerged as the single-largest party. With the Shiv Sena of Shinde winning 29, the two allies crossed the halfway mark of 114 The BJP is all set to take charge of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The BJP-led alliance has won control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). In the BMC, the BJP won 89 out of 227 seats, and the Shiv Sena of Shinde bagged 29. With this, the two allies crossed the halfway mark of 114. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the BJP has won a decisive mandate and that the state has shown full faith in the BJP. The development comes as a blow to the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, whose Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) joined forces after two decades. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Polling for 2,869 seats across 893 wards in the 29 civic bodies was held on Thursday. A voter turnout of 52.94 per cent was recorded. In all, the future of 15,931 candidates, including 1,700 in Mumbai, was up for grabs. But what happened? And why does this matter? Lets take a closer look. What happened? The BJP-led alliance has won the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with the Thackerays losing grip on Mumbais civic body after 25 years. The Mahayuti has come to power in 25 out of 29 civic bodies across Maharashtra. The BJP won 89 out of 227 seats, up from 82 in 2017, and the Shiv Sena of Shinde ended up with 29. With this, the two allies crossed the halfway mark of 114. Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) managed to retain its presence in the city it once ruled, even though its tally fell to 65. In 2017, the undivided Sena, which split in 2022, grabbed 84 seats. The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, with whom Uddhav had joined hands, won six seats while the Congress tally was 24 and the NCP was three. Why this matters Because the BJP is now in charge of Indias richest civic body. The BMCs budget for 202526 stands at Rs 74,400 crore. That is not only a 14 per cent increase from the previous years estimate of around Rs 65,181 crore, but it is more than some of Indias smaller states. Goa, for example, has a budget of Rs 28,162 crore, while Arunachal Pradesh is at Rs 39,842 crore, Sikkim at Rs 16,196 crore, and Tripura at Rs 31,412 crore. There are many reasons why taking charge of the BMC matters. The first is gaining control of the citys infrastructure and civic services. Mumbai, being Indias financial capital, is also a symbol of prestige. The BMC also assigns contracts and infrastructure projects, which in turn result in increased financial clout and political influence. The BJP has also prised apart the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Senas decades-old grip on the BMC. This is despite Uddhav and Raj putting aside a decade of estrangement to come together to take on the BJP-led Mahayuti. This is undoubtedly a blow to the Thackeray brand and shows that support for their Marathi Manoos politics is eroding on its own turf. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has lost its decades-old grip on the BMC. The BJP, on the other hand, has emerged victorious after projecting itself as the party of development. This also lays the groundwork for the BJP ahead of several crucial state and national elections slated for 2026. Meanwhile, the Congress has been further marginalised in Mumbai. The reunion of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawars NCP faction with his uncle Sharad Pawars NCP faction also seems to have flopped. With Mumbais civic machinery now in BJP hands, the party has secured not just a municipal victory, but a strategic urban stronghold that could shape Maharashtras political landscape for years ahead. BJP celebrates, Oppn hits back BJP party leaders are celebrating. Fadnavis has given the credit for the results to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We fought these elections under Prime Minister Modis leadership with a vision of development, which is why we received a record-breaking mandate. These results make it clear that Maharashtra has great confidence in Prime Minister Modi, Fadnavis said. Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane was quoted as saying, Whoever speaks for Hindu interests will rule Maharashtra. Rane also took a dig at Uddhav, saying in a video, Uddhavji ani penguin la Jai Shri Ram. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also praised Fadnavis and Shinde, saying, Under their leadership, we are fully prepared to install our mayor in municipal corporations across Maharashtra. State Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar thanked the citizens of Mumbai. Devendra Fadnavis has given the credit for the results to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. First of all, I want to thank the people of Mumbai for reposing faith in the BJP alliance. This mandate has been given for the development of Mumbai. We have earned the trust of Mumbais residents through key projects like the Metro Rail Network, Coastal Road, and Trans Harbour Link, and this result reflects their desire for the citys progress, Narwekar said. Some in the Shiv Sena (UBT) remain defiant. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that the full results will only be out hours later and that the figures emerging are false. There is a growing clamour that Shiv Sena candidates are winning. Our counting hasnt even begun in 100 places yet. BJPs numbers will gradually decline, Raut claimed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But Shinde slammed Rauts statement on the results, claiming that the Sena leader always blames the Election Commission. Questioning the results is an insult to the public, Shinde said. With inputs from agencies Donald Trump has paused potential US strikes on Iran after days of threats over Tehrans violent crackdown on protesters. Pressure from Gulf allies, appeals from Israels Benjamin Netanyahu, and military readiness concerns have changed Washingtons cautious approach A man shows a sign mentioning US President Donald Trump during a rally in support of nationwide protests in Iran, in Rome, Italy, January 13, 2026. File Image/Reuters United States President Donald Trump has decided to pause potential military action against Iran. The development comes after days of sharp warnings over Tehrans violent crackdown on nationwide protests. While the White House continues to insist that all options remain on the table, diplomatic pressure from Arab allies, appeals from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and concerns over US military positioning appear to have influenced Washingtons current approach. How regional allies pushed Washington to avoid escalation Several US partners in West Asia have urged the Trump administration to refrain from launching military strikes against Iran following the regimes deadly suppression of protesters. According to an Arab diplomat familiar with the matter, senior officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar raised concerns over the past 48 hours that US military intervention could destabilise an already volatile region and disrupt the global economy, reported AP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On January 15, oil prices declined as investors reacted to signals that Trumps tone on Iran had softened after several days of issuing strong threats against Tehran. Despite this apparent shift, the White House has maintained that military options have not been ruled out. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, The truth is only President Trump knows what hes going to do and a very, very small team of advisers are read into his thinking on that. Leavitt also said, He continues to closely monitor the situation on the ground in Iran. Arab officials have not only pressed Washington to avoid military action but have also urged Iranian leaders to end their violent repression of demonstrators. They warned that any retaliation against US or regional targets could have serious consequences for Tehran. At the United Nations, US Ambassador Mike Waltz reinforced the administrations hardline stance, even as diplomatic efforts continued behind the scenes. President Trump is a man of action, not endless talk like we see at the United Nations, Waltz said during a Security Council meeting focused on Irans protests. He has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Trumps own public messaging appeared to soften. He highlighted a _Fox News_ report about the alleged suspension of a death sentence for 26-year-old Iranian shopkeeper Erfan Soltani, writing, This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue! Iranian state media denied that Soltani had been sentenced to death. Judicial authorities said he was being held in a detention facility outside Tehran and had been accused of propaganda activities against the regime. The White House later claimed that Iran had halted 800 scheduled executions. Trump has a record of maintaining ambiguity about military plans. Last June, as Israel carried out strikes on Iran, Leavitt read a message from Trump saying he would decide whether to strike Iran within the next two weeks. Less than two days later, US B-2 bombers carried out attacks on key Iranian nuclear facilities. How Netanyahu stepped in to urge a delay Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also asked Trump to delay potential US strikes on Iran, according to a senior American official cited by The New York Times. The two leaders spoke on the same day Trump said he had heard on good authority that Iranian authorities had stopped killing protesters a statement that suggested a reduced sense of urgency for immediate military action. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the report, Israel informed Washington that while it would support any US decision, it was not actively pushing for a strike at that moment, according to Channel 12. The network added that American officials continued to keep military action as an option while assessing developments. Jerusalem and Washington have been holding daily consultations, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking with Netanyahu for the third time in six days. While the possibility of military action remains, US officials also view the current pause as a potential opening for diplomatic engagement. A US official told Channel 12 that Irans leadership would collapse unless Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei agreed to speak directly with Trump. Within Israel, however, there is disagreement over how to handle Irans internal crisis. Some officials believe the protests have been significantly suppressed and no longer pose an immediate threat to the regime. Others argue for a more aggressive approach. Former strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer, who previously played a leading role in Israels Iran policy, has reportedly been advocating for a tougher stance and communicating that view to American officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Gulf states, Turkey have reacted Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Oman warned Washington that a US attack could trigger a prolonged and uncontrollable conflict across West Asia. These warnings appear to have influenced Trumps decision to hold off on military action late Wednesday. Saudi Arabias caution reportedly extended to denying the US access to its airspace for any potential strikes on Iran. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke by phone with his counterparts from Iran, Oman, and Turkey as diplomatic discussions continued. Iran remains politically distant from the Gulf states due to its support for regional proxy groups, disputes over three Gulf islands claimed by the United Arab Emirates, and its refusal to endorse a two-state solution for Palestine. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has worked to improve relations with Arab capitals. Araghchi visited Bahrain for the first time since 2010 and travelled to Cairo four times last year in an effort to rebuild ties after diplomatic relations were severed in 2016. The Saudi-Iranian relationship, once one of the most tense in the region, has been on a recovery path for three years. Gulf states remain aware of Irans capacity to disrupt maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Araghchi has also sought to convince Gulf leaders that Iran poses less of a threat to regional stability than Israel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This argument gained traction after Israel bombed Doha last September in an attempt to kill Hamas negotiators who had been based in Qatar for nearly a decade. While the primary targets were not hit, five lower-ranking members of the group were reportedly killed. The US was not informed in advance of the Israeli strikes and later apologised directly to Qatars emir, offering new security guarantees to protect Doha from further attacks. Qatar accused Israel of trying to sabotage peace efforts in the region. US special envoy Steve Witkoff supports Qatars role as a global mediator. However, as tensions escalated, Washington withdrew key personnel from the al-Udeid airbase in Qatar after Tehran openly threatened to target US bases in the region if attacked. Iranian officials have claimed that the US ordered Israel to end its 12-day summer assault on Irans leadership and nuclear programme after Iran struck a US base. Araghchi has also used his diplomatic outreach to explain Tehrans rationale for the crackdown to Arab leaders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While many Arab states resent Iranian proxy interference in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, few would welcome the example of an authoritarian regime being toppled by mass protests driven by economic hardship. Several governments in the region remain cautious about the possibility of democratic transitions or the fragmentation of a unified Iranian state. Saudi Arabia has recently suppressed a rebellion in southern Yemen that could have split the country. Egypts military leadership continues to focus on containing calls for human rights reforms. Qatars foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said, The big challenges in the region and we are talking about internal and external challenges in different countries require all of us to return to the negotiating table. Turkeys foreign minister Hakan Fidan echoed that position, saying, Hopefully, the United States and Iran will resolve this issue among themselves whether through mediators, other actors, or direct dialogue. We are closely following these developments. How Trump changed his decision After a late-night Situation Room meeting, senior national security officials believed a decision to strike Iran was approaching. Trump was reportedly influenced by footage showing past executions, raising concerns that similar violence would continue amid the ongoing crackdown on protesters, reported CNN. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By Wednesday morning, after encouraging Iranians to take to the streets and saying help is on its way, the president appeared closer than ever to approving a limited military operation. However, by the following day, Trump surprised his advisers by saying very important sources on the other side had informed him that the killing of protesters had stopped, suggesting there was no immediate need for military action. At that time, US intelligence had not confirmed that the violence had ended. Many officials still believed strikes were likely, and precautionary steps had already been taken, including evacuating non-essential personnel from the largest US airbase in the region. What next for Trump US officials say they continue to prepare for possible military action, including repositioning assets to give the president that option if he chooses to move forward. A carrier strike group believed to be the USS Abraham Lincoln group has been moving toward West Asia from the South China Sea. Such groups typically include an aircraft carrier, guided missile cruisers, anti-aircraft warships, and anti-submarine destroyers or frigates. Trump has expressed a preference for limited strikes rather than extensive military operations that could entangle the US in a broader conflict. However, national security officials remain uncertain whether such limited action would significantly change conditions inside Iran or shift momentum toward the opposition. Jeremy Shapiro, research director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, suggested that the absence of key US military assets may also be influencing the delay. There are currently no US aircraft carriers, considered a critical asset in a significant military operation, in the region, he said. It might be that theyre delaying things and using the time for getting that posture correct. Alongside military preparations, the Trump administration has continued to apply economic pressure on Tehran. New sanctions were announced targeting the secretary of Irans Supreme Council for National Security, whom the Treasury Department accused of being among the first officials to call for violence against protesters. The Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control also sanctioned 18 individuals and companies accused of laundering money from Iranian oil sales through a shadow banking network linked to Bank Melli and Shahr Bank. With inputs from agencies Thousands of Kashmiri students travel to Iran, mostly to pursue medicine. Now the unrest in the Islamic Republic has worried parents, who are urging the Indian government to evacuate them Kashmiri Shi'ite Muslims react as they hold pictures of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as they take part in a pro-Iran rally after Friday prayers outside the Gupkar Astaan-e-Aliya shrine in Srinagar, Kashmir, January 16, 2026. Reuters India is planning to evacuate its citizens from Iran as unrest continues and the threat of US military action looms large. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is preparing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals wishing to return from the West Asian country. Earlier this week, the Indian Embassy urged Indian citizens in Iran to leave the country. The advisory, along with the closure of Iranian airspace on Thursday (January 15) for nearly five hours, has stirred anxiety among parents in India, particularly in Kashmir, whose wards are studying in the Islamic Republic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are about 10,000 Indians in Iran, including students and pilgrims. But why do so many students go to the West Asian country? We take a look. Indian students in Iran 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 MEA. Thousands of Indian students, especially 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. MEAs data in 2022 estimated that about 2,050 Indian students were enrolled in Iran, mostly for medical studies, at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University and Islamic Azad University. Many of these were from Kashmir. About 3,000 to 5,000 Indian students are enrolled in various universities and medical colleges in Iran, according to Hindustan Times (HT). A significant number of Kashmiris pursue medical education in Tehran, while others study Islamic theology in the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, reported Indian Express. Parents in India worry about safety Irans brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters has killed over 2,000 people and injured several others. The Donald Trump administration 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. Amid the ongoing tensions, several countries have asked their nationals to avoid travel to or leave Iran. Indias embassy in Tehran has urged Indian citizens to leave Iran by available means. The government has also strongly advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to the West Asian country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Irans internet blackout and severing of telephone lines abroad have made it difficult for families in India to contact their kin in the West Asian country. Many anxious parents in Srinagar took to the streets on Thursday as their children went incommunicado following the internet shutdown in Iran. They called on the Centre to run special flights to help students leave the Islamic Republic. Altaf Ahmad, a Kashmiri resident whose sister Sobia is an MBBS student at Tehran University, told Indian Express that it has become difficult to contact her due to the communication blockade. There is no internet, and we have been unable to reach them on direct calls when we dial from here. When she calls, we manage to talk for barely a minute or two. Its been an anxious time, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Altaf said that his sister moved to Tehran just a month ago and was still settling in when the situation turned volatile in the Islamic Republic. When I last spoke to her, she said some of the girls from her hostel went out for groceries and came back injured. Since then, no one has gone out. The girls bought a kilo of rice for Rs 2,200. How long will they survive on it? I have not spoken to my daughter for many days now. The Government of Indias advisory to leave the country is futile without providing a window to return. Reports of closure of airspace have panicked us all, Fahmeeda Jan, mother of a student, in Srinagar said, as per The Hindu. Major airlines, including Air India, had to reroute flights on Thursday as Iran closed its airspace to all flights for about five hours amid concerns about possible US military action. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to Hindustan Times (HT), Riyaz Ahmad of Sopore said, I couldnt contact my daughter, who is studying in Tehran. The good news is that some students who reached Kashmir have conveyed [to] us every thing is fine in their colleges. Still due to current situation we are very much perturbed. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Thursday that he spoke to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar about the situation in Iran and was assured of government action to safeguard the interests of people stranded there from the Union Territory. 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. The J&K government has nominated a senior officer to coordinate and liaise with concerned agencies to ensure the welfare of residents and students from the UT living in Iran. The officer has been instructed to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, concerned embassy and consular authorities, and other relevant agencies as required, The Hindu reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD J&K Students Association national convener Nasir Khuehami earlier said that the first evacuation flight carrying Indian students will depart from Tehran to Delhi on Friday morning. However, as per some media reports, the evacuation process was later put on hold as the situation eased in Iran. The evacuation process initiated by the Indian Embassy has been kept on hold until further notice. The earlier evacuation decision was taken purely as a precautionary measure in view of war-related concerns. However, following official confirmation that no war-like situation or further escalation is expected, it is now clear that there is no requirement for evacuation at this time, Khuehami told NDTV. He said that the Indian embassy officials are in direct contact with the students and if an evacuation were needed, they will visit the students and inform them through official channels. Kashmirs connection to Iran Thousands of students from Kashmir go to Iran for higher education. The majority of them choose the West Asian nation for medical studies. Even though the number of medical seats in India has increased from around 51,000 MBBS seats in 2014 to 1.18 lakh in 2024, tens of thousands of students still go abroad for medical education. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The number of candidates taking the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which is mandatory to practice medicine in India after studying overseas, has jumped from 52,000 and 61,616 in 2022 and 2023, respectively, to 79,000 in 2024, as per an Indian Express report. While the number of MBBS seats has increased in the country, the field continues to remain competitive. Students have to get a very good rank to get into government colleges, Dr Pawanindra Lal, former executive director of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, which conducts the FMGE, told the newspaper. Moreover, government seats are limited in India and fees at private institutes can run into crores, Dr Lal said. This is another factor that is making other countries, where the costs are far less, attractive for Indians seeking to study medicine. While Indian students choose different destinations abroad to pursue medical studies, Iran continues to draw people from the Kashmir Valley. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kashmir enjoys cultural and historical ties with Iran. Kashmiri Shiite Muslims hold pictures of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei inside a mosque during a religious gathering on the death anniversary of the seventh Shia Twelver Imam, Imam Musa al-Kazim, in Budgam district, central Kashmir, January 15, 2026. Reuters Kashmir for a very long time has been called Iran-e-Sagheer or Iran Minor. The topography of Kashmir and the culture of Kashmir are similar to that of Iran. In the old times, they always thought Kashmir was a part of Iran in a way. In the 13th century, Meer Sayyed Ahmed Ali Hamadani came to Kashmir from Iran. He brought about 200 Syeds along with him, and those people brought crafts and industry from Iran to Kashmir. They brought carpet, papier-mache, dry fruits and saffron too. Historically, this is the link, Professor Syed Akhtar Hussain, a Persian scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said to Indian Express. Religious affinity also drives the bond. Because there is a Shia element in Kashmir, and Shia presence in Iran, there is that affinity. Iran also feels happy that it has that special space in the heart of Kashmir, he said. Professor Hussain said that Iran has introduced a pargees quota to help Kashmiri students get admission in the country. Iran gives some concessions to Kashmiri students to study there. By virtue of being Shia, they get admission very quickly and easily for Kashmiris in Iran, its less expensive. These religious ties were visible when members of the Shia community on Wednesday organised massive protests in the Shia-majority Kargil district of Ladakh, expressing support for Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and solidarity with the Iranian regime, reported India Today. They also raised slogans against US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of being hostile toward Iran and the broader Muslim world. With inputs from agencies A trade deal, import of Chinese EVs, and pacts on energy, green tech and construction. Canada PM Mark Carney, who is visiting China, is having a successful visit. The two nations are looking to strengthen ties amid pressures from the US Mark Carney is making the first visit to China by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2017. Reuters Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday announced that a preliminary trade deal had been reached with China. Canada has vowed to import 49 000 electric vehicles (EVs) from China at reduced tariff rates of 6.1 per cent, while Beijing has said it will lower tariffs on its canola seed by 1 March. The two countries also signed a number of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on energy, green technology, construction and culture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney claimed a new era is underway when it comes to the relationship between Beijing and Ottawa. Carney, who is currently on a four-day trip to China, is making the first visit to the country by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2017. Ties between the countries had been at a low under the previous Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau. Ties hit a nadir in 2018 when Ottawa arrested the daughter of the Huawei founder and Beijing retaliated by holding two Canadians on espionage charges. The development is in the backdrop of both China and Canada witnessing increased tensions with America under the Donald Trump administration. Carney, prior to the trip, had said he was focused on building an economy that was less dependent on the United States a time of global trade disruption. But what do we know about Carneys trip? What did he get from China? Lets take a closer look. What we know about Carneys trip Carney and his delegation met Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinas Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, head of Chinas legislature. Carney brought several gifts including a spalted birch wood sculpture from BC, and a carving of a crane made from muskox horn symbolising renewal, peace, partnership, and resilience, according to the Prime Ministers Office. Carney and Xi previously met in South Korea in October on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. Xi at the time had said he wanted to restart bilateral cooperation and make up for lost time. Carney on Friday praised the new strategic partnership between the nations. Together we can build on the best of what this relationship has been in the past to create a new one adapted to new global realities, Carney said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Carney said that engagement and cooperation would be the foundation of our new strategic partnership. Agriculture, energy, finance, thats where we can make the most immediate progress, he added. It can be said that our meeting last year opened a new chapter in turning China-Canada relations toward improvement, Xi responded. The healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations serves the common interests of our two countries. I look forward to continuing to work with you, with a sense of responsibility toward history, our peoples, and the world, to improve China-Canada relations further, Xi told Carney. Mark Carney and Xi Jinping previously met in South Korea in October on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. Reuters Were heartened by the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the speed with which our relationship has progressed, Carney told Zhao in a meeting in Beijing. It sets the stage for these important discussions on a wide range of issues where we can be strategic partners from energy to agriculture, to people-to-people ties, multilateralism, to issues on security. Our teams have worked hard, addressing trade irritants and creating platforms for new opportunities, Carney told Premier Li Qiang in a separate meeting. I believe that together, we are bringing this relationship back toward where it should be. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Carney on Friday evening will attend a gala dinner hosted by the Canada-China Business Council. But what did Carney actually get from China? Carney on Friday announced that a preliminary trade deal had been reached by both nations. Canada has vowed to import 49 000 electric vehicles (EVs) from China at reduced tariff rates of 6.1 per cent essentially on most-favoured-nation terms. Canada had previously placed a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese EVs under the Trudeau regime in 2024. Ottawa also put a 25 per cent tariff on Chinese steel and aluminium. China in 2023 had exported 41 678 EVs to Canada. Trudeau had claimed that Chinese manufacturers had an unfair advantage in the global market because they were being subsidised by the state. This, he contended, threatened domestic EV makers in Canada. This is a return to levels prior to recent trade frictions, but under an agreement that promises much more for Canadians, Carney told reporters in Beijing. China is Canadas second-largest trading partner after the United States. In 2024, trade between the two countries touched $84.9 billion (Rs 7.71 lakh crore). However, the US remains by far the biggest market for Canadian goods buying as much as 75 per cent of them in 2024. China, meanwhile, purchased less than four per cent of Canadian exports in 2024. Robotic arms assemble cars in the production line for Leapmotors electric vehicles at a factory in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, China. China Daily via Reuters/File Photo) Meanwhile, China will lower tariffs on its canola seed by 1 March, to a combined rate of about 15 per cent. Canada said China will also remove tariffs on its canola meal, lobsters, crabs and peas till the end of the year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Canada is the worlds largest canola exporter. This change represents a significant drop from current combined tariff levels of 84 per cent, Carney said. He added that China was a $4 billion (Rs 36,328 crore) canola seed market for Canada. The deals will unlock nearly $3 billion (Rs 27,246 crore)) in export orders for Canadian farmers, fish harvesters and processors, Carney said. China had imposed a 100 per cent tariff on Canadian canola oil and canola meal and a 25 per cent levy on pork and seafood. In August 2025, it further levied a 75.8 per cent tariff on canola seed. Canadian industry groups have complained that this effectively shut Canada out of Chinas market. Chinas tariffs resulted in 10.4 per cent fewer Canadian goods being imported. As per reports, Carney during his meeting with Li signed a number of memorandums of understanding including on energy, crime, construction, culture, food safety, and plant and animal health. One of the MoUs vowed to boost exports of Canadian oil and to increase imports of Chinese green energy technology. In 2024, Canada sent just two per cent of its oil exports to China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Carney also met several Chinese CEOs including from investment firm Primavera Capital Group, battery maker CATL, state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation, Alibaba Group, and tech company Envision Group. We will double non-US trade over the next 10 years. That means we are cognisant 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 on Thursday. The conversation has been productive. Prime Minister Carney is here to recalibrate the Canada-China relationship. Carney may already have made a significant start on doing so. With inputs from agencies In Iran and across the world, demonstrators are lighting cigarettes with burning photos of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It started with an Iranian woman, who identifies as Morticia Adams. Now known as cigarette girl, she escaped from the Islamic Republic and has refugee status in Canada This image of a woman using a burning portrait of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to light a cigarette has gone viral as a symbol of defiance in Irans latest protests. Image Courtesy: X Irans nationwide protests, which began on December 28, 2025, seems to be slowing down on Friday under the weight of a brutal crackdown by authorities that has left thousands dead and put tens of thousands in prison. But even as the demonstrations reduce, images of protesters chanting slogans and calling for a regime change are deeply rooted in our minds. Of these, images of women lighting a cigarette to with a picture of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has become iconic, inspiring many others to do the same. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, this evocative image that has grabbed the attention of a world captivated by the Iranian uprisings, wasnt taken in Iran at all. But was taken in Canada and the woman has now been identified as Morticia Addams after the exuberantly creepy matriarch of The Addams Family. The woman behind iconic Iran visual When protests broke out in Iran over the poor condition of the economy and then spiralled into an anti-government demonstration, one visual caught the worlds attention. It showed a woman, wearing a white coat and standing in a snowy setting, setting fire to an A4 picture of Khamenei and using it to re-spark the cigarette already in her mouth. According to a Reuters copy, the video was filmed outside a branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Ontario, Canada, across the street from the Richmond Hill Public Library, which is visible behind. Watch this viral trend sweep Iran: Brave women lighting cigarettes with burning pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. A cigarette, a flame, a revolution. Freedom is burning bright! pic.twitter.com/l3rJLSAO2f Raghu (@IndiaTales7) January 10, 2026 On X, the women identifies herself as a radical feminist and uses the screen name Morticia Addams because of her interest in spooky things, according to an Associated Press report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She has refused to divulge her identity for safety reasons after what she describes as a harrowing journey from being a dissident in Iran where she says she was arrested and abused to safety in Turkey. There, she told The Objective, she obtained a student visa for Canada. Now, in her mid-20s, she said she has refugee status in and lives in Toronto. According to the AP report, it was on January 7, that she filmed whats become known as the cigarette girl video a day before the Iranian regime imposed a near-total internet blackout. I just wanted to tell my friends that my heart, my soul was with them, she said in an interview on CNN-News18. In the interviews, the woman said she was arrested for the first time at 17 during the bloody November protests of 2019, demonstrations that erupted after Trump pulled the US out of the nuclear deal that Iran had struck with world powers that imposed crushing sanctions. I was strongly opposed to the Islamic regime, she told The Objective. Security forces arrested me with tasers and batons. I spent a night in a detention centre without my family knowing where I was or what had happened to me. Her family eventually secured her release by offering a pay slip for bail. I was under surveillance from that moment on. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2022 during the protests after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, she said she participated in a YouTube programme opposing the mandatory hijab and began receiving calls from blocked numbers threatening her. In 2024, after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash, she shared her story about it and was arrested in her home in Isfahan. The woman said she was questioned and subjected to severe humiliation and physical abuse. Then without explanation, she was released on a high bail. She fled to Turkey and began her journey to Canada and, eventually, global notoriety. All my family members are still in Iran, and I havent heard from them in a few days, she said. Im truly worried that the Islamic regime might attack them. A woman lights a cigarette with fire from a burning picture of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Israelis rally in support of the nationwide protests happening in Iran, in Holon, Israel. Reuters The image that sparked a trend The video of Addams lighting Khameneis photo on fire has gone viral since she posted it the video has garnered 1.3 million views. Smoke em if you got em. #Iran, posted Republican US Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana. It has also inspired people across the world. Opponents of the regime lighting cigarettes on photos of the Ayatollah from Israel to Germany and Switzerland to the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It has even inspired stylised artwork as well as AI knockoffs. One of the images of Morticia even replicates the style of the Barack Obama Hope poster of 2008, with the colours of the Iranian flag washing over the image. Even Harry Potter author JK Rowling took note of the image, sharing it on social media and writing: If you claim to support human rights yet cant bring yourself to show solidarity with those fighting for their liberty in Iran, youve revealed yourself. You dont give a damn about people being oppressed and brutalised so long as its being done by the enemies of your enemies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from Associated Press Minneapolis is witnessing renewed unrest after US immigration officers shot a Venezuelan man during a traffic stop, sparking protests and clashes. The incident follows the fatal shooting of US citizen Renee Good and growing anger over aggressive ICE raids, arrests of Americans, and Donald Trumps threat to invoke the Insurrection Act A protesting community member attempts to protect themselves as federal agents fire munitions and pepper balls, as tensions rise after federal law enforcement agents were involved in a shooting incident, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, January 14, 2026. File Image/Reuters Minneapolis has one again erupted after a series of immigration enforcement actions has led to another shooting in the already distraught neighbourhoods. The citys tensions were previously heightened following the fatal shooting of a US citizen by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent earlier this month. A second shooting involving a Venezuelan man, along with aggressive enforcement operations and the arrest of American citizens, has deepened the crisis. Protests have spread across the city, drawing in thousands of residents, while state leaders and federal officials exchange sharp accusations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Minneapolis erupted again The latest escalation occurred on January 14, when a Venezuelan man was shot and wounded by a federal immigration officer following a traffic stop in Minneapolis. According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the man attempted to flee after crashing his vehicle into a parked car during the stop. As temperatures dropped below freezing, the suspect ran from the scene on foot. A pursuing officer caught up with him, and a physical struggle followed. More from Explainers Violent confrontations rise as Trump ramps up immigration enforcement across US cities DHS said the man resisted arrest and became violent toward the officer. During the confrontation, two individuals emerged from a nearby apartment building and attacked the officer using a snow shovel and a broom handle. The Venezuelan man reportedly broke free and struck the officer with one of the tools. The officer then discharged his weapon, hitting the man in the leg. The wounded suspect and the two others retreated into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside before being taken into custody. Both the officer and the man who was shot were hospitalised. A person familiar with the case said the wounded suspect was in stable condition, while the officers medical status was not immediately disclosed. News of the shooting spread quickly, triggering clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers late into the night. Demonstrators threw rocks, chunks of ice, and fireworks, while agents responded with tear gas and other crowd-control munitions. Thick clouds of gas filled the streets, and flashing lights from headlamps and riot equipment illuminated the darkness. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara, appearing alongside Mayor Jacob Frey at a press conference, called on people gathered near the scene to disperse. We do not need this to escalate any further, OHara said. DHS accused Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of encouraging resistance to federal immigration officers through what it described as hateful rhetoric. Frey rejected the claim and warned against further disorder. We cannot counter Donald Trumps chaos with our own brand of chaos, the mayor said. How the city was already shaken by the fatal shooting of Renee Good The January 14 shooting came just one week after a far more serious incident that had already shaken Minneapolis. On January 7, 37-year-old Renee Good, a US citizen and mother of three, was fatally shot while sitting in her car during an encounter with ICE agents. Members of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) respond at the scene, moments after Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman, was shot by a US immigration agent, according to local and federal officials, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, January 7, 2026, in these screengrabs obtained from a social media video. Good had been taking part in a neighbourhood patrol network that monitored and recorded the activities of federal immigration officers. Supporters say she posed no physical threat to law enforcement. They have disputed government claims that the agent who shot her believed she was attempting to run him over. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Her death resulted in anger toward ICE operations in the city and fuelled demands from state and local leaders for the federal government to halt the surge of immigration enforcement agents. Instead, the Trump administration announced it would increase its presence in Minneapolis by sending hundreds more officers to reinforce an already large deployment of about 2,000 agents. In the days following Goods death, Minneapolis experienced chaotic scenes as heavily armed federal agents conducted street stops and arrests across residential neighbourhoods. Activists frequently appeared at these encounters to observe and record what was happening. Governor Tim Walz encouraged residents to document interactions with immigration 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 in a video message posted online. How allegations of misconduct against ICE agents are mounting Accounts from residents, journalists, and activists suggest that federal agents have been carrying out widespread enforcement operations throughout Minneapolis. According to these reports, officers have conducted roving sweeps, detained people without warrants, and operated in full tactical gear. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Many of them also wore face coverings that concealed their identities. These operations were often met with resistance from local residents, who blew whistles, shouted at officers, and tried to follow enforcement teams as they moved through neighbourhoods. Videos circulating online show agents smashing car windows and pulling people out of vehicles. In some cases, chemical irritants were used against protesters, with orange pepper spray fired directly into faces at close range. Flash-bang grenades were also deployed near groups gathered in the streets. There were also reports of agents stopping non-white US citizens and demanding identification, only to leave after confirming their citizenship. These encounters drew angry reactions from bystanders, who accused officers of racial profiling. DHS has denied these accusations, stating that its agents act based on reasonable suspicion that individuals may lack legal immigration status. The department also said officers have increasingly faced physical assaults while attempting to carry out their duties. According to DHS, some US citizens have been arrested for interfering with immigration enforcement operations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How a disabled US citizen was dragged from her car One of the most widely circulated videos involved the arrest of Aliya Rahman, a US citizen who said she was on her way to a medical appointment when she was detained by immigration officers. Rahman said she was travelling to the Traumatic Brain Injury Center for a routine appointment when she encountered federal agents at an intersection. The video appears to show masked officers shouting commands amid the noise of whistles, horns, and protesters yelling. In the footage, one agent smashes Rahmans passenger-side window while others cut her seatbelt and pull her out through the drivers side door. She is then carried by her arms and legs toward an ICE vehicle. Im disabled trying to go to the doctor up there, thats why I didnt move, Rahman said. Her attorney, Alexa Van Brunt of the MacArthur Justice Center, said Rahman was placed in an impossible situation. Her only options were to move her car forward in the direction of ICE officers and risk being accused of trying to harm them which led to Renee Goods death or stay stationary, which in the end led to physical violence and abuse, Van Brunt wrote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rahman said she was taken to a detention centre where she was denied medical care and eventually lost consciousness. Masked agents dragged me from my car and bound me like an animal, even after I told them that I was disabled," Rahman said. It was not until I lost consciousness in my cell that I was finally taken to a hospital, she added. According to her counsel, Rahman was treated for injuries consistent with assault and has since been released from the hospital. They gave me hope when I thought I was going to die, Rahman said, thanking the emergency department staff. DHS disputed Rahmans account, stating that she was an agitator who ignored repeated commands to move her vehicle. The department said she was arrested along with six others, including one person accused of jumping on an officers back. DHS did not specify whether Rahman was charged or address her claims about being denied medical care. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How refugees and children have been caught in the crackdown The nonprofit organisation World Relief reported that dozens of legal refugees, including children, were arrested over a single weekend in Minnesota. The group said these arrests were part of a Trump administration effort to re-vet refugees who had entered the United States under former US President Joe Biden. When asked about these arrests, DHS referred to allegations of fraud involving members of Minnesotas Somali community. The Trump administration will not stand idly by as the US immigration system is weaponised by those seeking to defraud the American people, a DHS spokesperson said. Trump has repeatedly linked the Minneapolis crackdown to these fraud allegations. He has described Somali immigrants in Minnesota as garbage and said he wants them deported. Administration officials have attempted to frame the immigration surge as a response to what they describe as failures by Democratic-led cities to cooperate with federal enforcement. Trump has also threatened to cut off federal funding to any state that includes sanctuary cities. What Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act means Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely used 1807 law that allows the president to deploy the US military or federalise the National Guard to restore order. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont 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, Trump said. The Insurrection Act has been used more than two dozen times in US history, most recently in 1992 when US President George HW Bush deployed troops to Los Angeles following widespread unrest. In that case, local authorities requested federal assistance. Walz urged the president to de-escalate the situation. Im making a direct appeal to the President: Lets turn the temperature down. Stop this campaign of retribution. This is not who we are, Walz said. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said he would challenge any attempt to deploy troops in court. His office is already suing to block the Department of Homeland Securitys Metro Surge operation. DHS says more than 2,500 people have been arrested in the Twin Cities since November 29 as part of the immigration crackdown. The operation expanded significantly in early January when ICE sent about 2,000 officers and agents to the region. With inputs from agencies Ronald Lauder, an 81-year-old billionaire, is said to be the brains behind Trumps Greenland push. Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has said that it was Lauder who planted the idea of buying Greenland in the US presidents head. But who is he and what is his relationship with the American leader? US President Donald Trump and Ronald Lauder at the Mar-a-lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. Reuters Did a cosmetics billionaire encourage US President Donald Trump to acquire Greenland? Ronald Lauder, an 81-year-old billionaire, is said to be the brains behind Trumps Greenland push. Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has said that it was Ronald who planted the idea of buying Greenland in Trumps head. https://youtu.be/AocLthZGroo But who is Ronald? What do we know about the long-time friend of Trump, businessman and philanthropist? Lets take a closer look. Who is Ronald? Ronald was born into a Jewish family in New York City on February 26, 1944. His mother, Estee Lauder, founded the famous cosmetics firm of the same name in 1946. Ronald is her youngest son. Ronald studied at the Bronx High School of Science, after which he attended the Wharton School (BS in International Business). He also went to the University of Paris and the University of Brussels. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ronald grew up in the business. He was just 20 years old in 1964 when he began working in his family firm. He served in a variety of positions, including Chairman of Clinique Laboratories. He was also on the Board of Directors of Estee Lauder from 1968 to 1986, from 1988 to July 2009, and from 2016 to 2025. Lauder served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and Nato policy from 1983 to 1986. That year, then US President Ronald Reagan appointed Lauder as the Ambassador to Austria. Ronald founded the Lauder Foundation after his posting abroad. The organisation is focused on providing resources to Jewish schools, camps and community centres. It currently operates over 50 programmes across 13 nations, including Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine. Ronald Lauder has held several positions in the company, including Chairman of Clinique Laboratories. He was also on the Board of Directors of Estee Lauder for multiple terms. Reuters In 1989, Ronald made an unsuccessful bid for Mayor of New York. Ronald is also President of the World Jewish Congress. Ronald married Jo Carole Knopf in July 1967. They have two children, Aerin and Jane. The family lives in New York. Ronald stepped down from the companys Board of Directors in January 2025. However, he remains Chairman of Clinique Laboratories. Ronalds involvement in the Greenland idea Ronald has known Trump for decades. According to reports, the two men first met at the Wharton Business School. According to Bolton, it was Ronald in 2018, when Trump was in his first term, who pushed the President to acquire Greenland. Trump called me down to the Oval Office, Bolton said to The Guardian. He said a prominent businessman had just suggested the US buy Greenland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While many were mocking Trump for his interest in Greenland in 2018, Ronald called Trump a man of incredible insight and intelligence. Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has said that it was Ronald Lauder who planted the idea of buying Greenland in Trumps mind. AFP He also took to the pages of the _New York Post_ to defend the idea. Trumps Greenland concept was never absurd it was strategic, Lauder claimed. Beneath its ice and rock lies a treasure trove of rare-earth elements essential for AI, advanced weaponry and modern technology. As ice recedes, new maritime routes are emerging, reshaping global trade and security. With Greenland at the epicentre of great-power competition, Lauder said the US should seek a strategic partnership. I have worked closely with Greenlands business and government leaders for years to develop strategic investments there. Lauder also offered himself up as an intermediary between the United States and Denmark, which caused a short-lived rift during Trumps first term. An investor in Greenland According to The Guardian, Ronald has been investing in Greenland since first directing Trumps attention to the semi-autonomous Danish territory. According to corporate records obtained from Denmark, a firm with a New York address and unnamed owners has been investing in the territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ronalds investments in Greenland include boutique drinks firm Greenland Water Bank. His business partner, Jrgen Wver Johansen, is a local branch head of a political party in Nuuk and is married to Greenlands Foreign Affairs Minister, Vivian Motzfeldt. Svend Hardenberg, a businessman from Greenland involved in the venture, told Politiken newspaper that Lauder and his colleagues in the investor group have a very good understanding of and access to the luxury market. The investment is not the most important thing for us, but rather gaining better access to the luxury market where our water should be a natural part, Hardenberg added. Ronald has also invested in Greenland Development Partners, a Delaware-registered investor consortium that has bought into Greenland Investment Group. This firm has shown interest in bidding for a major hydropower project at Lake Tasersiaq, Greenlands largest lake. A man sits on a bench by the sea at Nuuks old harbour, Greenland, January 13, 2026. File Image/Reuters Some have tried to play the investments down. Asked by a local Nuuk newspaper about the relationship with Ronald, Johansen said: I think someone is trying to make something out of nothing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, others are more alarmed. We should not be naive, Marc Jacobsen, Associate Professor at the Institute for Strategy and War Studies at the Royal Danish Defence College, told the Irish Times. Whether these investments ultimately prove profitable is of secondary importance. What matters more is gaining access to the Greenlandic elite and shaping the narrative that the US is a better partner than Denmark. There is reason to be on guard, Rasmus Sinding Sndergaard of the Danish Institute for International Studies told Politiken. Especially when it involves a man like Ronald Lauder. Trump on Wednesday reiterated 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. The remark, which came after a high-stakes meeting between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials, shows that there are still fundamental, if not intractable, differences between how Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk see the political future of the island. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This came as 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. Trump has claimed that the strategically located and mineral-rich island is vital to US 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. Prominent EU countries have backed Denmark, warning that a US military seizure of a territory in Nato could spell the end of the military alliance that Washington leads. With inputs from agencies Aloka, an Indian stray, has now become a peace dog after he joined Buddhist monks on Walk for Peace. He travelled with them for more than 3,000 km across India and is now traversing the United States Aloka, an Indian street dog, is sitting alongside one of the monks. The dog joined the 'Walk of Peace' in India and has now travelled with the monks to the US. Image courtesy: alokathepeacedog/Instagram He is from India, and he has become an ambassador of peace. Meet Aloka, an Indian stray dog who has earned the moniker the peace dog. This story started when the pariah joined a group of barefoot Buddhist monks on a long Walk for Peace in India. It has continued to follow them since, now traversing across the United States. Today, Aloka has become an internet sensation, with a following of thousands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is an illustration of Aloka, the Indian stray dog, who has gone viral after he joined Buddhist Monks on a Walk of Peace. Image courtesy: alokathepeacedog/Instagram How Aloka met the monks Aloka first joined the monks when they were walking near an airport in Kolkata. He is not the first dog to follow them, but he is the only one who has stuck with them. Many dogs follow us when we walk, but they usually drop out Only him Aloka kept coming back, Bhikkhu Pannakara was quoted as saying by The Times of India. The monk decided to name the stray, who became a permanent fixture on their mission. He named the dog Aloka, which means divine light or inner clarity. Aloka walked more than 3,000 kilometres across India. He crossed highways and village roads and endured extreme temperatures. Once when the stray was injured, the monks put him on a truck. However, he jumped off and joined their walk again. Since then, Aloka not left their side. He continued to walk alongside Buddhist monks for more than 100 days in India. His journey is truly specialhe was once a stray wandering in India who began following the Venerable Monks. He walked with them for over 100 days across India, very much like the #WalkForPeace we are on today! Though his exact birthday remains a mystery, his loyalty and peaceful spirit are clear to everyone he meets, a Facebook post on a page dedicated to the stray reads. Little is known about the stray before he joined the monks. According to the Facebook page, Aloka the Peace Dog, which has over 600,000 followers, Aloka is likely to be an Indian pariah dog. Many people often ask about Alokas breed! While we arent exactly sure, we estimate he is about 4 years old and likely an Indian Pariah dog, the post reads. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, the Indian pariah dog is not an ordinary canine. According to an India Express report, it is regarded as one of the oldest landrace breeds. The pariah dog is considered to have existed in the Indian subcontinent for nearly 15,000 years. It is resilient, intelligent, and well-adapted to tropical climates, according to Genetic studies, the report noted. That sounds a lot like Aloka. Aloka has joined Buddhist monks on a 3,700-km Walk for Peace across the US. Image courtesy: alokathepeacedog/Instagram What is the Walk of Peace**?** This peace walk is a major spiritual outreach. Its an awareness march organised by the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Centre across 10 US states. The objective is to deliver the message of peace, prosperity and compassion. Aloka has become both a participant and a mascot in this extraordinary journey. Image courtesy: alokathepeacedog/Instagram After the march in India concluded, the monks decided they could not leave Aloka behind. Pannakara said, He deserved better. If he were left behind in Bodhgaya, he would become a stray dog again. However, taking an Indian stray to the US was an uphill task. It required paperwork, funds, volunteers and a lot more. After Aloka was flown to the US, he was kept in quarantine for 28 days. During this time, vet reports and paperwork were processed. After all of this, the monks flew to New York and then drove the dog in a van to Texas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aloka soon joined a 19-member group for the peace walk from Fort Worth, Texas, last October, which is scheduled to conclude in Washington, DC, in February. The monks are expected to complete the walk in 120 days, covering 3,701 kilometres with Aloka in tow, of course. In a social media post, monks wrote, He (Aloka) is a constant presence, a true disciple of the path, and a living reminder that all beings walk toward peace. When Aloka underwent surgery Alokas adventures have not been without hiccups. The dog underwent surgery for a leg injury in the US. It was treated at the Charleston Veterinary Referral Centre in South Carolina. In a TikTok video, monks explained that this injury occurred when Aloka was in India. The monks told Citizen Times, It [The injury] healed well, and he has been doing great throughout this journey, but we noticed signs of discomfort and wanted to address it immediately so he can fully recover. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The surgery, performed on January 12, was successful, and Aloka has now begun a careful and gradual recovery process, the monks added. Aloka is now recovering. He can walk for up to 10 minutes at a time, and a maximum of six times each day for the first week after the surgery, according to a Facebook post. How Aloka went viral Soon after marching alongside the monks, Alokas photos and videos were shared on social media. People reacted emotionally, calling the dogs journey truly inspirational. Aloka now has a huge social media following; he has 684k Facebook followers and 286k Instagram followers. A map on the Walk for Peace Facebook page provides live updates on Alokas and the monks current whereabouts In a post on Instagram, someone called Aloka a noble guardian! Hes just happy to be there! Bless Aloka and bless the venerable monks always. Aloka is truly the influencer a divided world needs today. With inputs from agencies Donald Trumps clamouring for a Nobel Peace Prize has paid off, somewhat. Venezuelas opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, presented her award to the US president as recognition for his commitment with our freedom. But can the award be transferred? Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is surrounded by press as she departs the US Capitol after meeting with US senators. She also met with US President Donald Trump during which she presented the Nobel Peace Prize to him. AFP Last year, Donald Trump said he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for putting a stop to eight wars. And on Thursday (January 16), he finally became a Nobel prize winner, sort of. Thats because Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented the golden medal to US President Trump after meeting him in the White House, nearly a fortnight after he ordered the abduction of Nicolas Maduro. The extraordinary gesture by Machado was recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. The move comes after the American leader had noted earlier that the award should have gone to him and refusing to back Machado following the January 3 US military operation to capture Maduro. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But many are asking one question can Machado actually transfer the Nobel to Trump? What do the rules say? Machados Nobel gesture to Trump On Thursday, more than 10 days after Trump captured Maduro, Venezuelas leading opposition figure Maria Corina Machado met with the US president at the White House. At the lunch, the 58-year-old presented Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize that she had won last December for keeping the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness. At the time of announcing the award to Machado, the Nobel Committee had hailed the Venezuelan leader for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. On handing the award to Trump, Machado said that it was her recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented the Nobel Peace Prize that she won to Donald Trump at the White House. Image Courtesy: X I presented the president of the United States the medal the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado told reporters. According to a report in TIME magazine, when she handed the award to Trump, she narrated 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 further added that 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 medal in this case a medal of the Nobel Peace Prize and the recognition of his unique commitment to our freedom. Responding to Machados extraordinary gesture, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Machado presented me with her Nobel peace prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. While it is unclear if Trump is keeping the award, a White House official confirmed to Reuters that the US president intends to keep the medal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps Nobel desires and Machados intentions Machado presenting her Nobel to Trump comes as the US president has made no bones about wanting the global recognition. Trump has repeatedly said he deserves the award for ending conflicts around the world. In fact, the day Machado won the award, she called Trump at the White House to tell him she was dedicating the prize to him. Machado also told Fox News 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. A supporter of Venezuelas MarIa Corina Machado waves the Venezuelan flag while chanting libertad on the East Front Plaza on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC ahead of Machados arrival. AFP More notably, Machados move goes beyond just the symbolism. Its almost an attempt by Machado to sway Trump to her side after he dismissed the idea of installing her as Venezuelas leader to replace the deposed Nicolas Maduro. After ousting Maduro, Trump claimed Machado does not have the support or the respect within the country to be leader. And it seems that Trump held this belief right before he met her as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that the US president 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. The presidents assessment was based on realities on the ground. It was a realistic assessment based on what the president was reading and hearing from his national security team. At this moment in time his opinion on that matter has not changed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has, in fact, extended his support to Delcy Rodriguez, the acting president of Venezuela. On Wednesday, Trump said he had spoken with Rodriguez on the phone, calling her a terrific person and saying they were getting along very well. CNNs Kaitlan Collins noted that Machados Nobel handover was, undoubtedly, politically motivated. What it comes down to is why she would do this? And that is because she wants to run Venezuela, said Collins. She obviously was the most popular opposition figure in the last elections that they had when Maduro was still there and was rigging the elections. Rules on transferring the Nobel Machados presentation of the Nobel to Trump has raised questions on whether the award can be transferred. The Nobel Committee explained the rules of transferring the prize in a social media post. It noted that while Nobel Peace Prize medals can be passed on from person to person, the rules are clear: once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time. The Nobel committee has noted that while the Nobel Peace Prize medals can be passed on from person to person, the honour cant be shared, transferred or revoked. File image/Reuters Notably, when Machado had announced last week that she would like to share the honour with Trump, the Norwegian Nobel Institute had stated that its peace prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked. It said that the decision to award a Nobel was final and permanent, citing the statutes of the Nobel Foundation, which do not allow appeals. It also noted that committees awarding the prizes did not comment on the actions or statements of laureates after receiving awards. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Nobel committee noted in their social media post that some Nobel Peace Prize medals have been passed on after the award was given. For instance, Dmitry Muratovs medal was auctioned for over $100 million to support refugees from the war in Ukraine. And the medal displayed at the Nobel Peace Center is actually on loan and originally belonged to Christian Lous Lange, Norways first Peace Prize laureate. Theres also the time when Ernest Hemingway entrusted his Nobel prize in literature to the Catholic Church in Cuba. Furthermore, Leon Lederman, who won the 1988 Nobel prize for physics, sold his after it had spent 20 years sitting on a shelf somewhere. Many other Nobel winners have also sold the gold medal in the past. The Nobel Peace Prize awarded in 1936 to Carlos Saavedra Lamas, a former foreign minister of Argentina, sold it for $1.1 million in 2014. Its to be seen if Machados move sways Trump. But for now, the US president can soak in the fact that hes kind of a Nobel winner now. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota amid ongoing protests demanding justice for the killing of Renee Nicole Good. The act has been used only a handful of times before, but rarely since the 20th Centurys Civil Rights Movement US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents face protesters during a demonstration outside the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US. File image/Reuters Donald Trump would not be the first president to invoke the Insurrection Act, as he has threatened, so that he can send US military forces to Minnesota. But hed be the only commander in chief 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 US citizen. The law, which allows presidents to use the military domestically, has been invoked on more than two dozen occasions but rarely since the 20th Centurys Civil Rights Movement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Federal forces typically are called to quell widespread violence that has broken out on the local level before Washingtons involvement and when local authorities ask for help. When presidents acted without local requests, it was usually to enforce the rights of individuals who were being threatened or not protected by state and local governments. A third scenario is an outright insurrection like the Confederacy during the Civil War. Experts in constitutional and military law say none of that clearly applies in Minneapolis. This would be a flagrant abuse of the Insurrection Act in a way that weve never seen, said Joseph Nunn, an attorney at the Brennan Center for Justices Liberty and National Security Program. None of the criteria have been met. William Banks, a Syracuse University professor emeritus who has written extensively on the domestic use of the military, said the situation is a historical outlier because the violence Trump wants to end is being created by the federal civilian officers he sent there. But he also cautioned Minnesota officials would have a tough argument to win in court, because the judiciary is hesitant to challenge because the courts are typically going to defer to the president on his military decisions. Here is a look at the law, how its been used and comparisons to Minneapolis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The law was originally meant as a way to protect the early republic George Washington signed the first version in 1792, authorizing him to mobilize state militias National Guard forerunners when laws of the United States shall be opposed, or the execution thereof obstructed. He and John Adams used it to quash citizen uprisings against taxes, including liquor levies and property taxes that were deemed essential to the young republics survival. Congress expanded the law in 1807, restating presidential authority to counter insurrection or obstruction of laws. Nunn said the early statutes recognised a fundamental Anglo-American tradition against military intervention in civilian affairs except as a tool of last resort. Trump insists conditions call for the last resort The president argues Minnesota officials and citizens are impeding US law by protesting his agenda and the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Customs and Border Protection officers. Yet early statutes also defined circumstances for the law as unrest too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of law enforcement. US President Donald Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act in Minnesota. File image/Reuters There are between 2,000 and 3,000 federal authorities in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area, compared to Minneapolis, which has fewer than 600 police officers. Protesters and bystanders video, meanwhile, has shown violence initiated by federal officers, with the interactions growing more frequent since Renee Good was shot three times and killed. ICE has the legal authority to enforce federal immigration laws, Nunn said. But what theyre doing is a sort of lawless, violent behavior that goes beyond their legal function and foments the situation Trump wants to suppress. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They cant intentionally create a crisis, then turn around to do a crackdown, he said, adding that the Constitutional requirement for a president to faithfully execute the laws means Trump must wield his power, on immigration and the Insurrection Act, in good faith. Civil War-era changes were for Union interests and civil rights Courts have blocked some of Trumps efforts to deploy the National Guard, but hed argue with the Insurrection Act that he does not need a states permission to send troops. That traces to President Abraham Lincoln, who held in 1861 that Southern states could not legitimately secede. So, he convinced Congress to give him express power to deploy U.S. troops, without asking, into Confederate states he contended were still in the Union. Quite literally, Lincoln used the act as a legal basis to fight the Civil War. Nunn said situations beyond such a clear insurrection as the Confederacy still require a local request or another trigger that Congress added after the Civil War: protecting individual rights. Ulysses S. Grant used that provision to send troops to counter the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacists who ignored the 14th and 15th amendments and civil rights statutes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Workers, immigrants, were at the heart of some deployments During post-war industrialisation, violence erupted around strikes and expanding immigration and governors sought help. President Rutherford B Hayes granted state requests during the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 after striking workers, state forces and local police clashed, leading to dozens of deaths. Grover Cleveland granted a Washington state governors request at that time it was a US territory to help protect Chinese citizens who were being attacked by white rioters. President Woodrow Wilson sent troops to Colorado in 1914 amid a coal strike after workers were killed. Federal troops helped diffuse each situation. Banks stressed that the law then and now presumes that federal resources are needed only when state and local authorities are overwhelmed and Minnesota leaders say their cities would be stable and safe if Trumps feds left. In the 20th-century civil rights movement, a repeat of the Reconstruction approach As Grant had done, mid-20th-century presidents used the act to counter white supremacists. Franklin Roosevelt dispatched 6,000 troops to Detroit more than double the U.S. forces in Minneapolis after race riots that started with whites attacking Black residents. State officials asked for FDRs aid after riots escalated, in part, Nunn said, because white local law enforcement joined in violence against Black residents. Federal troops calmed the city after dozens of deaths, including 17 Black residents killed by local police. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Once the Civil Rights Movement began, presidents sent authorities to Southern states without requests or permission, because local authorities defied U.S. civil rights law and fomented violence themselves. Dwight Eisenhower enforced integration at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas; John F Kennedy sent troops to the University of Mississippi after riots over James Merediths admission and then pre-emptively to ensure no violence upon George Wallaces Stand in the Schoolhouse Door to protest the University of Alabamas integration. There could have been a significant loss of life from the rioters in Mississippi, Nunn said. Lyndon Johnson protected the 1965 Voting Rights March from Selma to Montgomery after Wallaces troopers attacked marchers on their first peaceful attempt. City riots and the last instance in 1992 Johnson also sent troops to multiple US cities in 1967 and 1968 after clashes between residents and police escalated. The same thing happened in Los Angeles in 1992, the last time the Insurrection Act was invoked. Riots erupted after a jury failed to convict four white police officers of excessive use of force despite video showing them beating a Rodney King, a Black man. California Governor Pete Wilson asked President George HW Bush for support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bush authorized about 4,000 troops but after he had publicly expressed displeasure over the trial verdict. He promised to restore order yet directed the Justice Department to open a civil rights investigation, and two of the LA officers were later convicted in federal court. As tensions between the US and Iran continue to rise with Donald Trump dilly-dallying on a decision to strike the Islamic Republic, the Pentagon has ordered the redeployment of one of its largest warships. The USS Abraham Lincoln is moving toward West Asia from the South China Sea The US is stoking fears of a wider conflict West Asia by redirecting the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. File image/Reuters Will he or wont he? Thats the question on everyones mind when it comes to Donald Trump and whether he will launch strikes against Iran. While the US president has seemed to back down on military action against the Islamic Republic, after being informed by very important sources on the other side that the killings had stopped, there are signs that suggest otherwise. One such indicator is the Pentagon redirecting a carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the US Central Command area of responsibility, which includes West Asia. The carrier is reportedly on the move and will take at least a week to reach the West Asian waters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what do we know of this move? What does it signify? We try to decode and get you the answers. US supercarrier USS Abraham Lincoln sails to West Asia The USS Abraham Lincoln has left the South China Sea waters and is making its way to West Asia at a time when Iran is witnessing one of its largest anti-government demonstrations. According to a NewsNation report, the Pentagon ordered for the supercarrier, and its carrier strike group, which includes Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, to leave their position in the South China Sea and sail towards West Asia. 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 four million square miles, spanning Northeast Africa, West Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia. It encompasses 21 countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. As per the US Naval Institutes carrier tracker, as of Monday, there was no US aircraft carrier in the West Asian region. The USS Abraham Lincoln was the closest, operating in the waters near Scarborough Shoal. It is last November that the USS Abraham Lincoln departed its homeport of San Diego and has been in the waters of the South China Sea since last month. A South China Morning Post report noted that before its redeployment to West Asia, the Abraham Lincoln conducted various training activities last week. These included the live-fire drill on January 8, an exercise that involved a Phalanx close-in weapons system an array of mounted turrets designed to counter incoming missiles, aircraft and boats. The drill also involved flight operations, replenishments at sea, damage control training and explosive ordnance disposal drills, according to the service. Significance of redeploying USS Abraham Lincoln The Pentagons order of redirecting the supercarrier which includes fighter jets, guided missile destroyers and at least one attack submarine comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran have spiked amid unrest in Iran over its economy and questions about whether US President Trump will strike the country to aid mass protests challenging the autocratic regime. Some military experts note that moving the carrier suggests preparation for potentially sustained operations rather than a limited strike. 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A woman lights a picture of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Israelis rally in support of the nationwide protests happening in Iran, in Holon, Israel. Reuters Earlier this week, Trump urged demonstrators in Iran to continue their protests, vowing that help is on the way. Iranian patriots, keep protesting take over your institutions!!! help is on its way, Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, a day after the White House press secretary said airstrikes were among many, many options the US president was considering. Trump added that he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stopped. The redeployment of the supercarrier is one among many signs of a possible US strike on Iran. Earlier, on Wednesday, the US asked its personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to evacuate. Speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, the official declined to clarify whether the departure was mandatory, who it affected, or how many were involved, citing operational security. Meanwhile, Qatar said the measures were in response to current tensions and reaffirmed steps to protect citizens, residents, and critical infrastructure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Theres also the fact that Iran issued a Notice to Air Missions, or NOTAM, that flights in and out of Tehran have been restricted. But it seems that Trump is giving mixed signals on Iran. After indicating that strikes were on the horizon, he did a volte-face saying that Tehran had stopped the killing of protesters. 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. When asked 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. Its been reported that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Oman, as well as Israels Benjamin Netanyahu urged Trump not to launch airstrikes against Iran, saying an attack by Washington would lead to a major and intractable conflict across West Asia. The Guardian noted in one report that warnings of chaos from the longstanding US allies appear to have helped persuade Trump to hold off for the moment on a military assault. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The USS Abraham Lincoln is the US navys fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. It is nuclear-powered and among the largest warships in the world. File image/Reuters About USS Abraham Lincoln For those who are unaware, the USS Abraham Lincoln is the US navys fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Nuclear-powered and among the largest warships in the world, this ship is designed to operate for decades and project power far from US shores. With a displacement of more than 100,000 tonnes, the almost 1,100-feet long, USS Abraham Lincoln can also carry a mix of 90 planes and helicopters, including F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets. It also boasts of a speed of 30 knots. The USS Abraham Lincoln also ran reconnaissance and combat air patrols in Iraq and Kuwait, assisting allied and US troops involved with Desert Storm. Morever, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, in 2003, the USS Abraham Lincoln and the carrier battle group and air wing helped deliver the opening salvos and air strikes. And in 2024, the US also deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln during its action against Yemens Houthis in the Red Sea. At the time, the Pentagon also rejected the Houthi claims that the group targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. With inputs from agencies Officials from Greenland, the US and Denmark met on Wednesday (January 14) to discuss Donald Trumps ambitions to take over Greenland. The meeting was attended by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Following the meet, Denmark is sending troops to Greenland to increase security over the Arctic land US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials have met face-to-face to discuss President Donald Trumps 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 islands security. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said after a meeting in Washington on Wednesday with his Greenlandic counterpart, US Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio that a fundamental disagreement remained. He acknowledged that we didnt manage to change the American position but said he hadnt expected to. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Wednesdays events did point to ways ahead. Searching for a compromise Denmark, Greenland, and the US agreed to form a high-level working group to explore if we can find a common way forward, Lokke Rasmussen said. He added that he expects the group to hold its first meeting within a matter of weeks. Danish and Greenlandic officials didnt specify who would be part of the group or give other details. Lokke Rasmussen said the group should focus on how to address US security concerns while respecting Denmarks red lines. The two countries are Nato allies. Whether that is doable, I dont know, he added, holding out hope that the exercise could take down the temperature. He wouldnt 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 its 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 US needs control of Greenland for its national security. He has sought to justify his calls for a US 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. Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt speak at a news conference at the embassy of Denmark. File image/AP The UK 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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 recognise 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 US coming and wanting to take it over. So it complicates the situation for the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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 Greenlands 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 to an announcement of some kind of military activity or deployment under Natos framework, Martisiute said. Otherwise there is indeed a risk that Nato is paralysed, and that would not be good. Days after Renee Nicole Good was shot dead, Aliyah Rahman was hauled by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers (ICE) in Minneapolis while driving to a doctors appointment. Here is what happened Last week, it was Renee Nicole Good; now it is Aliyah Rahman. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents continue their brutal crackdown in Minneapolis. Disturbing videos of the 42-year-old woman being forcefully dragged and pulled out of the car by immigration officers have emerged. The latest incident occurred on Tuesday (January 13), when Rahman was heading for a doctors appointment. This came less than a week after the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, who was shot dead by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Four masked agents pulled Rahman out of her black Ford Fusion car; Rahman cried and screamed, Im disabled, Im trying to go to the doctor up there. However, that did not stop the officers. Aliyah Rahman was driving to a doctors appointment when she was hauled out of her car by ICE. Reuters Rahman was arrested and later released from custody on the same day, The Daily Mail reported, citing her friend. The court records obtained by the media publication revealed that Rahman has a history of interactions with the police. Who is Aliyah Rahman? Aliyah Rahman was born in the United States; her mother is a Wisconsin native, and her father is a Bangladeshi refugee. She spent her growing-up years in Bangladesh but returned to the US for higher studies. Rahman identified herself as queer. She was reportedly dating a transgender man once. One of the other reasons for her decision to move to the US was that homosexuality is criminalised in the Asian nation. She graduated from Purdue University in Indiana, where she received a masters in science, according to her LinkedIn profile. She worked as a high school teacher on Native American reservations in Arizona and later served as a field organiser at the Centre for Community Change in Ohio. She also volunteered with organisations working for LGBTQ rights and racial justice. In 2013, Rahman was appointed field director at the LGBTQ nonprofit Equality Ohio, where she worked on policies addressing issues affecting trans prisoners, healthcare, and poverty. Upon moving to Washington, DC, in 2014, she began working for Code for Progress, a nonprofit focused on increasing diversity in technology, The Daily Mail reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rahman then moved to Minnesota, where she headed the Wellstone organisation, which trains liberal activists and political leaders. Rahman told Tech for Social Justice (T4SJ), Wellstone has gone from being a nice, white people-run organisation to an organisation run by people of colour who are mostly queer, largely immigrant and overwhelmingly femme-identified or gender nonconforming, The Daily Mail reported. She switched to a remote job in 2022. In 2023, she started working with Anywhere Real Estate Inc, an American real estate services firm. Why did ICE go after Rahman? Like Good, who was gunned down by an ICE agent, Rahman is also accused of blocking the agents. In a now-circulated video, Rahman can be seen sitting in her Ford Fusions drivers seat during a heated conversation with ICE agents. Aliyah Rahman has a history of social justice activism and interactions with police. Image courtesy: @tammytabby/X The Daily Mail reported that a masked officer repeatedly told her to move, go, pointing at the blocked road in front of her car. One of the federal agents approached her car and grabbed her seatbelt. While officers were directing her to move, it remained unclear whether they wanted her to drive off or pull her car over. According to the report, Rahman did not comply with the commands of agents, and seconds later, another masked officer smashed the front passenger window. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Then Rahman began to drive away; however, by then several officials had already surrounded her vehicle and detained her. As per media reports, three male officials shoved her and handcuffed her. Protestors urged officers to release Rahman. Stop, stop, they shouted repeatedly. In the arrest video, Rahman can be heard crying and saying, Im disabled. Im trying to go to the doctor up there. She was arrested and later released from custody on the same day. Protestors urged officers to release Rahman. Image courtesy: @tammytabby/X Rahman told Newsweek after the incident, These last few days have been traumatising and overwhelming. First and foremost, I feel lucky to be alive. What I thought would be a routine trip to my appointment at the Traumatic Brain Injury Centre turned into an assault by federal agents. Rahman furthered that ICE agents bound her like an animal." What are Rahmans past run-ins with the law? The techie has had multiple run-ins with police while in a vehicle, the Daily Mail reported, citing court documents. In 2009, during her first traffic offence in Illinois, she was charged with driving without insurance. In 2010, she was charged with driving under the influence. Ohio public records revealed that she pleaded guilty. Rahman was later found guilty of criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, once again, she had found herself on the other side of the law. As officers carried out their law enforcement duties, a significant crowd surrounded them and began impeding law enforcement operations a federal crime, a US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesman. One agitator ignored multiple commands by an officer to move her vehicle away from the scene, and she was arrested for obstruction. Another agitator assaulted an officer by jumping on his back. Six of these agitators were taken into custody for assaulting law enforcement, the statement said, without naming Rahman. With inputs from agencies India marks National Startup Day with ten years of Startup India success, boasting 200,000 ventures driving jobs and tech from metros to Tier III towns. Funds like Rs 10,000 crore FFS and seed schemes fuel growth, while Atal Labs spark school innovation and rural programmes like SVEP build grassroots enterprises. India celebrates decade of Startup India with 200000 ventures fuelling jobs and innovation from cities to villages. National Startup Day on 16 January 2026 celebrates ten years of the Startup India Initiative. This programme, launched in 2016, has built one of the largest startup networks worldwide, sparking entrepreneurship across India. It supports the nations goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 by boosting economic progress and spreading opportunities to every region, with over 200,000 startups active by late 2025. Cities like Bengaluru and Delhi lead the charge, yet half of new ventures now spring from smaller towns, showing how innovation reaches far beyond metros. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Startups fuel economic progress Startups stand at the heart of Indias growth story. They spark new technologies that lift productivity in fields from farming to finance. Jobs multiply quickly, with direct roles in tech and services plus indirect ones in supply chains and gig platforms. Financial access grows as these firms bring digital tools to remote areas, while solutions in health, education and travel narrow gaps between villages and cities. Women lead in over 45% of recognised startups, often with key roles on boards, proving innovation promotes fairness and local empowerment. Startup India builds innovation base Led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Startup India has grown from basic policies into full support for entrepreneurs. Valued unicorns jumped from four in 2014 to over 120 today, worth more than $350 billion combined. The platform aids every step, from ideas to global expansion, linking startups with big firms for tech sharing and market entry. Real world examples include farm tech aiding growers with better sales links and electric vehicle services solving urban delivery needs, creating wide ripple effects. Key funding schemes empower growth Several funds channel money to early ventures. The Fund of Funds for Startups, with Rs 10,000 crore, backs over 140 investment funds that poured Rs 25,500 crore into 1,370 firms. Credit Guarantee covers loans worth over Rs 800 crore for 330 borrowers, easing bank access without collateral. Startup India Seed Fund, at Rs 945 crore, aids 215 incubators for prototypes and market tests. Digital platforms connect ecosystem Online tools unite players in the startup world. The Startup India Hub links founders, investors and mentors on one site. States Startup Ranking Framework scores regions on policies, pushing competition among states and union territories. Mentorship portal MAARG offers guidance nationwide, while Investor Connect matches early stage ideas with venture capital through simple pitches. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Atal mission fosters creativity NITI Aayogs Atal Innovation Mission, with Rs 2,750 crore till 2028, builds innovation culture everywhere. Atal Tinkering Labs in 10,000 schools across 733 districts teach students AI, robotics and design thinking, reaching 11 million kids with 1.6 million projects. Community fellowships train grassroots innovators, and Youth Co:Lab backs young leaders on sustainable goals, including disability focused tech. Aim 2.0 targets new frontiers New efforts fill gaps. Language Inclusive Program sets 30 centres in 22 Indian tongues to aid non English speakers. Frontier initiatives tailor support for Jammu and Kashmir, northeast states and poor districts. Deeptech Reactor tests long term ideas, while international ties take Indian innovations abroad. Sectoral launchpads help ministries buy from startups. Tech schemes drive deep innovation MeitYs GENESIS scales 1,600 deep tech firms in smaller cities with Rs 490 crore. Startup Hub nurtures 6,148 ventures via 517 incubators. TIDE 2.0 funds ICT ideas in health and farming through 51 centres. DSTs NIDHI umbrella supports 12,000 startups and 130,000 jobs, with grants from Rs 10 lakh prototypes to Rs 100 lakh seeds. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rural programmes spark local ventures SVEP under rural missions aided 3.74 lakh village businesses by June 2025, boosting incomes. ASPIRES Livelihood Incubators offer up to Rs 1 crore each for gear and operations in backward areas. PMEGP gives subsidies up to 35% for micro units, favouring women, minorities and hill regions, with caps at Rs 50 lakh for making goods. Future rests on bold innovation India eyes a $7.3 trillion economy by 2030, powered by startups woven into key sectors. This decade marks a shift to lasting scale, blending youth energy, digital backbone and reforms. Ventures now fuel jobs, exports and solutions, anchoring the path to a developed nation by 2047. Indias Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra hosted key American lawmakers as he welcomed the consistent, bipartisan support in the US Congress for the deepening partnership between Washington and New Delhi. India envoy Kwatra hosts 12 US House members at India House to boost trade and defence ties. Indias Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra hosted key American lawmakers as he welcomed the consistent, bipartisan support in the US Congress for the deepening partnership between Washington and New Delhi. This is Kwatras second such meeting with top US lawmakers in as many months amid ongoing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. A special evening at India House. Had the pleasure of hosting 12 Honble Members of the US House of Representatives, Kwatra said in a post on X Thursday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India House is the Ambassadors official residence in Washington. Kwatra said he welcomed the consistent, bipartisan support in the US Congress for the deepening India-US partnershipspanning wide-ranging conversations on trade and economic ties, cutting-edge technology and innovation, robust defence cooperation, and crucial counterterrorism efforts. The Indian envoy added that Indias strong economic growthprojected over 7 per cent in the coming years further strengthens this shared vision for prosperity and security. Kwatra welcomed Congresswoman Deborah Ross and Rep Rob Wittman, who are the co-chairs of the Congressional Study Group on India, an initiative to augment Indias engagement with the US House of Representatives and Senate and is supported by the Association of Former Members of Congress and Roundglass Foundation. He expressed gratitude for the presence of Representatives Jim Costa, Bill Huizenga, Ami Bera, and Donald Norcross and appreciated their perspectives on various aspects of the bilateral relationship. He also welcomed the support of Representatives Ron Estes, Chrissy Houlahan and Jay Obernolte and appreciated their guidance for strengthening the bilateral partnership. Valued the constructive exchanges on key pillars of bilateral cooperation with the new members of the 119th Congress Congressman Nathaniel Moran, Congresswoman Julie Johnson and Congressman Jefferson Shreve, he said. Six rounds of negotiations have been held so far between India and the US for the bilateral trade agreement. The pact includes a framework deal to resolve the 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods entering the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier on December 1, Kwatra held fruitful conversations with a group of influential American lawmakers on strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, defence, and trade. He had then hosted US Senators Lindsey Graham, Richard Blumenthal, Sheldon Whitehouse, Peter Welch, Dan Sullivan, and Markwayne Mullin at India House. Kwatra has been regularly meeting US lawmakers to discuss various bilateral issues. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) India is considering a major overhaul of its defence investment rules, with plans to relax foreign ownership limits to attract global defence firms and strengthen domestic manufacturing, according to a Reuters report citing government sources. A staff cleans Akash, a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). India currently uses the Akash Air defence system, SPYDER air defence system, Barak-8 MK-SAM, Igla-S, 9K33 Osa AK, 2K12 Kub and QRSAM. AFP India is planning to significantly ease rules for foreign investment in defence companies, a move aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, according to a Reuters report citing two government sources familiar with the matter. FDI cap under automatic route set to rise Under the proposed changes, the cap on foreign direct investment in defence firms with existing licences under the automatic route which does not require government approval is expected to be raised to 74 per cent from the current 49 per cent, the sources said to Reuters. At present, foreign investors are permitted to own up to 74 percent under the automatic route only when companies are applying for new defence licences. Modern technology clause under review The government is also considering removing a condition that allows foreign investment beyond 74 per cent only if it results in access to modern technology. Experts have long criticised the clause as vague and ambiguous. Move to allow majority foreign ownership The planned reforms, which have not been reported earlier, are intended to encourage defence firms from partner countries to take majority stakes in Indian ventures, the sources said. The changes could be implemented within the next couple of months. Indias trade and defence ministries did not respond to requests for comment. Export-oriented manufacturing norms may be eased The Reuters report also says that another requirement under review is the mandate for fully export-oriented defence manufacturers to establish domestic maintenance and support facilities. The government is considering dropping this condition, the sources said. This condition forced companies to first set up maintenance bases, which can now be outsourced by export-oriented units, making it easier for them to attract foreign investment, said Amit Cowshish, a former defence ministry official. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Foreign inflows remain limited Several global defence firms already operate in India through joint ventures or strategic partnerships, including Frances Airbus, US-based Lockheed Martin and Israels Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. India also maintains extensive defence ties with Russia. Despite this, foreign equity inflows into Indias defence sector have remained muted, accounting for just $26.5 million out of total foreign inflows of $765 billion over the 25 years through September 2025, according to government data. Push for defence spending and exports The defence ministry has sought a 20 percent increase in its budget for the 202627 financial year over the $75.36 billion allocated for the current year. The government has also set targets to nearly double domestic defence production to $33.25 billion and raise defence exports to $5.5 billion by 2029. Defence exports rose 12 percent year-on-year in 202425 to a record $2.6 billion, as India looks to reduce its long-standing reliance on arms imports. At the end of this year, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum in Delhi is set to open the first of its galleries across 80,000 square metres. When fully functional, this space is expected to surpass Frances Louvre in size Built across the North and South Blocks that surround Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is being developed by the Ministry of Culture. File image/PTI Delhi is soon going to house the worlds largest museum, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum. The 1.55 lakh square metres museum is being developed under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project at the Central Secretariat. The building will be housing more than 30,000 objects showcasing 5,000 years of national history, reported TimeOut. The announcement comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the nation would be led from new headquarters, deliberately distancing itself from the legacy of colonial rule. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all you need to know about the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum. The Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum The Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum will showcase Indias cultural heritage. Meaning Everlasting India, the name Yuge Yugeen Bharat underscores the museums focus on Indias continuous cultural history, from the Indus Valley Civilisation to modern times. Built across the North and South Blocks that surround Rashtrapati Bhawan, the museum is being developed by the Ministry of Culture. According to reports, the museum will house roughly 30 galleries across eight thematic zones, which will delve into the countrys cultural, political, and artistic heritage. An estimated 80,000 to one lakh artefacts from across India will be housed in the museum. To ensure that every aspect of Indias cultural heritage is showcased, we will bring in diverse collections located in national, state, and ASI-run museums and galleries, drawing from a list based on an extensive mapping exercise of nearly 20 lakh objects. Between 80,000 and 1 lakh objects of diverse materials are expected to be displayed at the museum, culture secretary Vivek Aggarwal told the Times Of India. With a display size of over 80,000 square metres for the museum, the first gallery is slated to open by late this year. Once operational, the museum will officially overtake the Louvre to become the largest museum in the world by area. It will replace the existing National Museum at Janpath. Visitors will be expected to experience Indias heritage as exhibits will include ancient manuscripts and inscriptions, coins, sculptures, murals, and scrolls, major archaeological finds, and audio-visual and digital installations. Some of the highlights from the heritage collections will include Indus Valley terracotta artefacts from Kalibangan (25001700 BC), Gupta period sculptures (5th century), and iconic Chola bronzes (10th11th centuries), as reported by news website Moneycontrol. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indo-French collaboration and design The museum is being developed with technical cooperation from France. In a statement, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Delhi said the National Museum and the French Museums Development entered into a technical cooperation agreement on December 19, 2024, for the upcoming museum. Arcop Associates is heading the design effort, with renowned Thai architect Kulapat Yantrasast as principal designer, aiming to merge Indian and French museum design approaches while preserving heritage and meeting modern exhibition needs. Yantrasast has many renowned projects to his credit, including the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, and two new galleries for the redevelopment of the Louvre in Paris. North-South blocks to be connected Officials are considering an underground link between the North and South Blocks to streamline visitor access without compromising security along Kartavya Path. Envisioned as a cultural hub, the subterranean space would enhance the journey between the two buildings, though the idea remains subject to final approvals. This underground area is proposed to be developed into a cultural hub for visitors as they move from one side to the other. TOI reported that the plans remain a work in progress and will need to be firmed up with specific design details for approval. Museums impact on travel and tourism When it opens to the public, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is expected to stand among Indias leading cultural tourism destinations, adding to initiatives such as the PM Museum, National Archives digitisation, and the Cultural Mapping of India project. Speaking to the TOI, Aggarwal said, We expect around 10 million visitors each year once the museum is fully functional. Given the large numbers, we want to ensure the experience is seamless and accessible, especially for persons with disabilities, while ensuring that the heritage character of the area and buildings is not disturbed at all. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Shekhawat was quoted by Indian Express as saying, On ground, work for the museum will begin by year end. By 2027, we will have the first of the eight museum verticals ready. Once ready, we expect a daily footfall of 50,000 at the museum. Kartavya Bhavan-3 will be the governments new address The Kartavya Bhavan-3 is where the central government ministries are being shifted from the Central Secretariat. Inaugurated in August 2025, it is the first modern government office building completed under Indias Central Vista Redevelopment Project in New Delhi. Preparations underway ahead of the inauguration of Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi. File image/PTI According to reports, home and finance ministries have been relocated from the North Block, while only a few offices attached to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are still working from there, which will also shift out soon. The government has begun the process of allocating new office spaces at the Kartavya Bhawan complex to the ministries that operate from the South Block. With inputs from agencies It is only a stable Venezuela which would be able to meet President Trumps intent of re-permitting US players to enter the Venezuelan oil game. Instability, compelling Washington to push boots on the ground, would be the reverse Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is under arrest in the US, facing drug-related charges. He is unlikely to ever return to his nation. The operation to arrest him, Operation Absolute Resolve, was a success. The CIA had managed to bribe senior members of the military hierarchy as also key members of his personal security, thereby ensuring that there was no reaction at local levels from the Venezuelan military during the operation. Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuelas interim president to provide stability to a country long governed by a civilmilitary arrangement rooted in the leftist, populist Chavismo ideology associated with former President Hugo Chavez, though how events unfold remains uncertain. Chavismo ideology implies confrontation with Washington, resistance to US influence and alliances with Washingtons adversaries, Russia, Cuba, Iran and China. The US has now demanded that advisors from these countries be returned. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chavez died from cancer in March 2013, nominating Maduro as his successor. It was Chavismo ideology which pushed the US to consider Venezuela as a security threat, a narco-state and a failed democracy. Chavez nationalised the oil industry in 2007, seizing assets of US companies. Delcy Rodriguez and her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, President of the National Assembly, both close aides of Maduro, represent the civil portion of the regime, while the defence minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, and the interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, represent military interests. Both are members of the armed forces, with Cabello overseeing justice and peace, including police, counterintelligence forces and the colectivos, which are armed groups, linked to the state, that have struck fear amongst Venezuelans. In addition, there are numerous other armed groups and organisations in Venezuela who have their own interests and could react violently depending on how the situation emerges in the coming days. Maduro survived by ensuring that the military controls key institutions and also has a role in exploiting resources, including oil, gold, drugs and mining. Other groups, including the colectivos, all of whom are outside the military, have some hold over natural resources and illicit trade. Many of these groups are armed and also control significant territory, areas where the police and military are banned from entering. They have already begun displaying their power on the streets. There are also guerrilla political groups who prefer capturing local state infrastructure and establishing parallel authority to control illicit markets rather than fighting for political power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Delcy has to balance ties with the US as well as diverse power structures within the country to safeguard its unity and integrity. She is displaying a conciliatory tone towards the US by inviting it to work together on an agenda of cooperation. She has currently been accepted by heads of the military and its associate groups. It should be noted that Chavismo runs deep in Venezuela, especially within the top leadership, and hence Delcy has to traverse carefully. Hatred for the US is visible within the country. There are reports that the Colectivos are hunting US citizens within Venezuela as retaliation for the arrest of their president. The US has warned its citizens to immediately leave the country. Trump, on the other hand, has been applying pressure, announcing threats and placing demands which could work against Delcys attempts at stabilisation. His words include, We will run Venezuela, control the purse strings of Venezuela, and that they will be turning over 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil to the US, which will be sold at its market price, and that money will be controlled by me [Trump]. He has also stated that Delcy would pay a very big price if she doesnt do whats right and cooperate with the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Venezuelan armed forces are about 125,000 strong, though weakened by a poor economy. The country also has a total of 140 different police forces. There is mistrust between some strong police groups and the army, while there is cooperation with some. They avoid interfering in each others areas of control. All institutions benefited from corruption within the regime. Delcy has to manage these forces within the state to ensure that the country does not descend into chaos. She needs cooperation of all groups, none of which would desire a drop in their current power status, exactly the opposite of what the US insists. Trumps intent to control the oil sector as well as other resources would involve a direct clash with these illegal state institutions. The US has no boots on the ground and possibly has no plans for it. However, in case Trump continues with his inflexible demands, including claiming that he is the de facto ruler of the country, the internal scenario could take a different route, adding to insecurity, compelling the US to deploy troops. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In such a case, there could be clashes between those whose powers have been trampled and US forces, commencing a conflict as in other parts of the world where the US attempted regime change. With the US continuing its blockade as also threatening to take over oil sales indefinitely the economy is heading for a freefall. This could result in local unrest further destabilising the country and its economy. If the current government is to stabilise the country, it needs the US to lift sanctions and the blockade and let the nation recommence its oil exports. Delcy was always open to a free economy and would prefer doing so but needs support to be able to achieve it. Common Venezuelans have thus far felt no change from Maduros regime, as, except for him, all others are the same. While some political prisoners are being released, the colectivos roam the streets threatening residents, while the police continue with their roadblocks. Nothing major appears to have changed for the moment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is only a stable Venezuela which would be able to meet Trumps intent of re-permitting US companies to enter the oil market and ensuring they no longer feel threatened. Instability, compelling the US to push boots on the ground, would be the reverse. For this, Delcy needs to be supported, and the current civil-military arrangement needs to continue and be dismantled steadily with time. Elections should not be rushed. But Trump, who believes he can do what he desires and also say what he wishes, including threatening the country, is adding to the confusion. What is required at this stage is maturity, and that is exactly what Trump lacks. If Venezuela descends into chaos, Trump will be the single individual responsible. (The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Africa-first diplomacy remains central to Beijings worldview, but it is now accompanied by sharper risk assessment, a rebalancing from loans to trade and investment, and a clear effort to anchor Chinas role in institutions rather than individual regimes 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/ Reuters When Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi set out on his annual New Year visit to Africa in early January 2026, he was not merely following a diplomatic ritual. For the 36th consecutive year, Africa was the first overseas destination of Chinas foreign minister, a tradition that Beijing takes pains to present as proof of constancy, solidarity, and historical gratitude. But this years trip, to the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, followed by Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho, and notably excluding Somalia at the last moment, revealed something more subtle: a China that is recalibrating its African engagement without retreating from it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The symbolism remains powerful. Wang Yi used the occasion of the ninth China-AU Strategic Dialogue to remind his hosts that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the start of China-Africa diplomatic relations. He spoke, as his predecessors have, of shared struggles against colonialism, of friendship forged in adversity, and of the Global South standing together in an uncertain world. The launch of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with nearly 600 planned activities, reinforced the sense of a relationship that is meant to be societal, not merely transactional. Yet beneath the familiar language of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith lay a more pragmatic message: China is adjusting its methods in Africa to reflect debt fatigue, security volatility, and intensifying great-power competition. Africa remains Chinas first diplomatic stop in the new year for three reasons that Beijing itself articulatesand that still hold. First, habit and history: Chinas leadership genuinely sees the relationship as a political inheritance. Second, policy consistency: Africa is one of the few regions where China can plausibly claim that its broad orientation has not swung wildly with changing governments or crises. With China and Africa together accounting for roughly a third of the worlds population, Beijing argues that global modernisation without Africa is incomplete. But continuity does not mean rigidity. The most telling signal of this years tour was not where Wang Yi went, but where he did not. Somalia was dropped from the itinerary at a late stage. Officially, Beijing reiterated its support for Somalias sovereignty and territorial integrity and its opposition to Somalilands collusion with Taiwan. Substantively, however, the decision to bypass Mogadishu spoke volumes. As analysts have noted, this was a calculated assessment of political, security, and reputational risk. Somalia remains beset by governance challenges, scrutiny over aid diversion at Mogadishu port, and the persistent threat of al-Shabab. For a China that prizes predictability and optics, a high-level visit risked being overshadowed by precisely the kinds of questions Beijing prefers to avoid. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China chose caution over symbolism, supporting Somalia diplomatically from a distance while deferring personal engagement. This approach neatly illustrates Chinas security doctrine in Africa: rhetorical support for sovereignty, selective counterterrorism cooperation, and avoidance of deep military entanglement. It also distinguishes Beijing from Western interventionism and from Russias more muscular, mercenary-driven model. Ethiopia, by contrast, was an indispensable stop. Addis Ababa is not only a key bilateral partner but also the seat of the African Union. Wang Yis meetings there, with Ethiopian leaders and with AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, underscored Chinas preference for working through continental institutions. Ethiopias own economic challenges, particularly debt stress, shaped the tone of discussions. Notably absent were splashy announcements of new mega-loans. Instead, the emphasis was on aligning high-quality Belt and Road projects with Ethiopias development priorities, improving the business environment for Chinese investors, and expanding cooperation into e-commerce, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. This reflects a broader shift. China is not withdrawing from Africa economically; it is correcting course. Infrastructure still matters, but industrialisation, value addition, and market access now dominate the narrative. The most potent tool in this regard is not a railway or a dam, but trade policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD African leaders repeatedly raised the issue of zero tariffs, and Wang Yi was keen to brand Chinas decision to grant 100 per cent zero-tariff treatment to all tariff lines from African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing as a golden calling card. In a world where Western trade regimes are becoming more conditional and protectionist, this unilateral opening gives China a powerful comparative advantage. Tanzania illustrated how the old and the new China-Africa stories now coexist. The visit there focused heavily on reviving the historic Tazara railway, linking the port of Dar es Salaam to Zambias copper belt. Framed as the Tazara Railway Prosperity Belt, the project is intended not only as a nod to revolutionary-era solidarity but also as a strategic counterweight to Western-backed corridors such as the Lobito route. At the same time, discussions centred on doubling Tanzanian exports to China by 2030 and embedding Tanzanian producers more deeply into Chinese supply chains. Infrastructure, in other words, is no longer the end in itself; it is meant to serve trade and industrial upgrading. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lesotho, the final stop, carried a different symbolism. Visiting a small, landlocked country with limited geopolitical weight was a deliberate statement of inclusivity. In the wake of shifts in US trade policy and uncertainty around AGOA, Lesothos export-dependent textile sector has been under pressure. Wang Yis pledge to accelerate zero-tariff access for Lesothos exports was therefore not just diplomatic courtesy but tangible economic relief. It allowed China to present itself as a stabilising partner at a moment when Western trade preferences appear less secure. Across all three stops, China was careful to position itself as a multilateral partner rather than a domineering patron. Support for the AUs Agenda 2063 and Silencing the Guns initiative, the reaffirmation of the One-China principle by African counterparts, and coordination within platforms such as Brics all reinforced this posture. China wants to be seen not as replacing Western influence, but as offering an alternative framework that emphasises sovereignty, development, and policy autonomy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wang Yis 2026 African tour was neither dramatic nor defensive. Africa-first diplomacy remains central to Chinas worldview, but it is now accompanied by sharper risk assessment, a rebalancing from loans to trade and investment, and a clear effort to anchor Chinas role in institutions rather than individual regimes. The omission of Somalia, the emphasis on zero tariffs, and the focus on industrial cooperation all point to the same conclusion: China is not stepping back from Africa but is learning, adapting, and entrenching itself more carefully than before. (The writer is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Asean, and the African Union, and the author of The Mango Flavour: India & Asean After 10 Years of the AEP. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.) Under the new deal, Taiwanese chipmakers such as TSMC expanding in the US will face lower tariffs, dropping from 20% to 15%, and can import some semiconductors and equipment duty-free. The US and Taiwan clinched a trade deal on Thursday that cuts tariffs on many of the semiconductor powerhouses exports, directs new investments in the US technology industry and risks infuriating China. The deal deepens the Trump administrations ties with Taipei at a critical time as China ratchets up pressure on the island, which it views as its own, and Washington has worked to avoid an all-out trade war with Beijing. Under the long-negotiated deal, Taiwanese chipmakers like TSMC that expand US production will be charged a lower tariff on semiconductors or related manufacturing equipment and products they import into the US and can import some duty-free. Broad tariffs that apply to most other Taiwanese exports to the US will fall from 20% to 15%. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Generic pharmaceuticals, aircraft components and unavailable natural resources will face a 0% tariff, the Commerce Department said. The US also committed that Taiwan will be treated no worse than anyone else should chips tariffs be increased later, according to Taiwan. In exchange, Taiwanese companies will invest $250 billion to increase production of semiconductors, energy and artificial intelligence in the US That includes $100 billion already committed by TSMC in 2025, with more to come, according to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Taiwan will also guarantee an additional $250 billion in credit to facilitate further investment, the Trump administration said. Lutnick said in an interview on CNBC on Thursday that the objective was to bring 40% of Taiwans entire chip supply chain and production to the U.S. He said that if they did not build in the US, the tariff was likely to be 100%. Boost for chipmakers major suppliers The boost in chip production will likely provide more business for TSMCs major suppliers, including major chip manufacturing toolmakers such as ASML, Lam Research and Applied Materials. It should also provide a boost to smaller suppliers of chemicals and materials, such as Sumitomo Corp and DuPont spinoff Qnity Electronics. Many of those firms have long had a presence in Arizona due to Intels major operations there, but they have expanded facilities with TSMCs arrival in the state, where it is enlarging an existing manufacturing plant. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shares of chip company Nvidia, which depends on TSMC for manufacturing, rose more than 2%, keeping most of its gains from earlier in the day. Intel shares were modestly lower. Depository receipts and shares of ASML, Lam, Applied Materials and Qnity rose about 4% to 6%. Washington sees computer chips as national security issue Washington has grown increasingly impatient with its reliance on computer chips from abroad, especially an island in Chinas sights. Semiconductors were invented in the US, many are designed there and it remains a top importer of them for everything from consumer gadgets to AI chatbots and advanced weaponry. But many of the most cutting-edge chips are manufactured abroad, especially in Taiwan. Intel and South Koreas Samsung Electronics are also expanding US production capacity. TSMC announced its Arizona factory in 2020, during US. President Donald Trumps first term, and expanded it under his Democratic successor Joe Biden. As it expands further, TSMC risks overspending on a high-flying industry, running into labor and skill shortages, navigating tricky politics around foreign worker immigration and shifting business away from Taiwan at a time of immense geopolitical vulnerability for the island. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China views Taiwan as its own territory, a position Taipei rejects. Washington has formal diplomatic ties with Beijing, but maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and is the islands most important arms supplier. Look, they need to keep our president happy, right, said Lutnick told CNBC, referring to Taiwan. Because our president is the key to protecting their country. Taiwans semiconductor powerhouse set to expand in US Under the agreement, chipmakers that expand in the U.S. will be able to import up to 2.5 times their new capacity of semiconductors and wafers with no extra tariffs during an approved construction period. Preferential treatment will apply to chips that exceed that quota. Dan Hutcheson, vice-chair of technology analysis firm TechInsights, said the deal was likely to drive higher demand in the chipmaking supply chain as Taiwanese firms build US operations. Trump on Wednesday imposed a 25% tariff on certain AI chips, such as the Nvidia H200 AI processor. But the rule includes broad exemptions for those used in US data centers and leaves most other chips untouched, for now. TSMC reported a forecast-smashing 35% jump in fourth-quarter profit earlier on Thursday. CEO CC Wei said the company was applying for permits in Arizona to begin construction on a fourth factory and the first advanced packaging plant. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tariffs on auto parts, timber, lumber and wood products from Taiwan will total no more than 15% under the new deal, which Taipei said was subject to review in Taiwans parliament. The US Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on the presidents authority to impose broad tariffs without congressional approval. It is not clear how the Taiwan or other trade deals Trump struck would change if the court rules many of his tariffs unconstitutional. (Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by the FirstPost staff) A key meeting involving BNPs Tarique Rahman has put the spotlight back on the partys political direction ahead of the upcoming general elections, triggering debate over its future alliances and implications for regional ties, particularly with India. A large poster of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader, Khaleda Zia (L) is seen with her two sons late Arafat Rahman Koko (C) and Tarique Rahman (R) is seen in front of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) office in Dhaka. File Photo/AFP Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has triggered fresh political debate after meeting a retired army officer known for his strong anti-India stance, raising questions about the partys post-election direction ahead of national polls. Rahman met Brigadier General Aman Azmi (retd) in Dhaka on Wednesday evening, according to people familiar with the development. Azmi, a former Bangladesh Army officer, is a known critic of India and the son of Ghulam Azam, the late Jamaat-e-Islami leader whose role during the 1971 Liberation War remains deeply controversial. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The interaction has drawn attention within political and diplomatic circles, with observers questioning whether the BNP leadership is signalling a shift in its political alignment. The meeting has fuelled speculation about the BNPs possible future links with Pakistan and its intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). People familiar with BangladeshIndia relations say such signals could be detrimental to Indias security interests, particularly in the current regional context. While there has been no official confirmation of any such links, the optics of the meeting have raised concerns amid heightened sensitivities ahead of the elections. Rahmans India outreach versus old associations In his current political avatar, Rahman has appeared more receptive towards India, indicating a willingness to pursue a normal partnership if he were to become prime minister. However, Bangladesh watchers caution that his past associations with the ISI and Jamaat-e-Islami could resurface, potentially influencing him towards a pro-Pakistan approach aimed at keeping India in check. His future moves are being closely watched, especially amid suggestions that Jamaat-e-Islami may be eager to join a future BNP-led government to advance its agenda. Ghulam Azams controversial legacy Ghulam Azam was a prominent Jamaat-e-Islami leader during Bangladeshs 1971 Liberation War. He opposed the countrys independence and collaborated with the Pakistani Army by leading pro-Pakistan Peace Committees, which recruited members for paramilitary groups such as the Razakars, Al-Badr and Al-Shams. These groups were responsible for war crimes, genocide and the systematic killing of intellectuals. Azam was later convicted by Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity and sentenced to 90 years in prison. He was spared the death penalty due to his advanced age and died in 2014. Azmis re-emergence after Hasinas ouster Bangladesh watchers say Aman Azmi remained untraced during the latter part of the Sheikh Hasina regime but resurfaced soon after her ouster. He is said to have played a role in cases brought against several senior army officers over alleged kidnappings and murders since August 2024. Election backdrop Bangladesh is scheduled to hold general elections on February 12, 2026. The polls will be the first national election since the ouster of Sheikh Hasinas Awami League government in August 2024 following a student-led uprising. The National Administration of State Secrets Protection has published an article on its social media account about how personnel in the military are increasingly falling victim to honey trapping by foreign intelligence agencies China has issued a warning to officials working in the defence and technology sectors to beware of honey traps after a public official was blackmailed into surrendering state secrets while he was on a foreign trip. The National Administration of State Secrets Protection has published an article on its social media account about how personnel in the military are increasingly falling victim to honey trapping by foreign intelligence agencies. Whats the case? The article details the case of a man identified by his surname, Guo, from a mainland military enterprise. He was on a trip to an unnamed foreign city where he was supposed to accept a project. During his trip, Guo encountered a spy posing as a business representative who approached him via deliberately arranged social occasions. This seemingly accidental encounter was actually a honey trap orchestrated by a foreign intelligence agency, the article said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Guo later had sexual relations with a woman from the foreign spy agency, who later threatened to make his affair public, thereby successfully recruiting him. He later carried out recruitment tasks for the organisation, successfully enlisting a technical expert named Chen and a staff member named Li. According to the report, the trio then funnelled internal intelligence and classified military-industrial secrets from their enterprise to the foreign agency. Throughout the intelligence exchange, Guo acted as the on-site interpreter, the article further read. Call for better security systems The article also calls for the need to better secure internal security management. It proposed a full-cycle management framework for state personnel travelling abroad, covering everything from pre-trip security reviews and active supervision while overseas to post-return observation. It also recommended stricter preventive education and mandatory disclosure policies requiring employees to declare all foreign relationships to improve long-term institutional oversight. [We should] focus on enhancing the awareness and political discernment of personnel visiting abroad through typical cases and interactive experiential education, the article stated. Brazils former president Jair Bolsonaro was on Thursday transferred to prison, where he will serve his sentence for orchestrating a failed coup in more favorable conditions, according to a court order. Former Brazilian President (2019-2022) Jair Bolsonaro leaves the DF Star hospital in Brasilia on September 14, 2025. AFP Brazils former president Jair Bolsonaro was on Thursday transferred to prison, where he will serve his sentence for orchestrating a failed coup in more favorable conditions, according to a court order. The 70-year-old former leader was sentenced to 27 years in prison last year for his attempts to cling to power following his narrow 2022 re-election loss to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaros family has repeatedly complained on podcasts and social media about the conditions in which he was previously being held in a room at police headquarters, including excessive noise from an air conditioner, inadequate space and the food. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes criticized a bid to delegitimize the regular and legal fulfillment of the prison sentence. He elaborated for several pages in his ruling on the dire conditions facing inmates in Brazils overcrowded prisons, highlighting the already exclusive conditions under which Bolsonaro is serving his sentence. He criticized the complaints as apparent demands for Bolsonaros jail time to be converted to a hotel stay or a holiday resort. Bolsonaro had been detained in a 12-square-meter (129.1-square-foot) room with a television, fridge and air-conditioning at police headquarters in Brasilia. He was on Thursday transferred to the Papuda Penitentiary Complex, also in the capital, where he will be held in a special detention unit five times the size of his current room, with a kitchen, private outdoor area and a double bed, according to the court. Moraes said Bolsonaro was being held with complete isolation from the other prisoners in the complex. One of the former presidents sons, Carlos Bolsonaro, accused Moraes of cruelty and slammed the transfer to a harsh prison environment, on the X social network. Bolsonaros lawyers have appealed, in vain, for him to be permitted house arrest, on health grounds. His latest request, filed this week, is pending a medical evaluation. Bolsonaro had been under house arrest before the official start of his sentence, however was moved to prison after he took a soldering iron to his ankle monitoring bracelet in what the court saw as an escape attempt. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Health woes The former army captain, who has suffered serious health complications related to a 2018 stabbing on the campaign trail, spent a week in hospital in December following surgery for a groin hernia and treatment for recurring hiccups. Earlier this month he underwent tests after a fall in prison, but no serious injury was revealed. Brazils Congress late last year passed a law which could dramatically reduce Bolsonaros sentence. Lula vetoed the legislation on January 8, but lawmakers will have the final say, as Congress has the right to override his veto. The 80-year-old president is seeking a fourth term in office in October elections. Bolsonaro has anointed his eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, as his political heir and presidential candidate. China criticised a new USTaiwan trade deal lowering tariffs to 15% in exchange for major Taiwanese investments as Taipei welcomed the pact amid Beijings objections and rising geopolitical and semiconductor stakes. Gantry cranes and shipping containers are seen at the port in Keelung on January 16, 2026.- AFP China on Friday voiced strong opposition to a newly concluded trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan that aims to reduce tariffs on Taiwanese goods and encourage greater Taiwanese investment in the US. Beijing urged Washington to abide by the one-China principle, reiterating that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China consistently and firmly opposes any agreements with Taiwan signed by countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. He criticised the accord during a regular press briefing, stressing that such arrangements carry official and sovereign implications that China rejects. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite Beijings objections, Taiwans premier welcomed the agreement, calling it the most favourable tariff deal granted to economies running trade surpluses with the United States. The deal lowers US tariffs on Taiwanese products to 15 percent in exchange for $250 billion in new investments from Taiwan in the American technology sector. The terms mirror agreements Washington has reached with the European Union and Japan following President Donald Trumps proposal to impose sweeping tariffs on key trading partners. For now, Taiwan has secured the best tariff conditions among countries with trade surpluses with the US, Premier Cho Jung-tai said, adding that the agreement reflects Washingtons view of Taiwan as a key strategic partner. Cho said the talks were aimed at reducing reciprocal tariffs and confirmed that Taiwan had negotiated a 15 percent tariff rate without additional charges. He noted that the rate matches those applied to Japan, South Korea and the European Union. Trump had initially announced a 32 percent tariff on Taiwanese imports, later revising it to 20 percent before settling on the final rate. In Beijing, Guo reiterated Chinas position that it opposes any official agreements with Taiwan involving countries that recognise China diplomatically. The US Department of Commerce said the agreement would establish an economic partnership focused on developing several advanced industrial parks in the United States to strengthen domestic manufacturing. It described the pact as a landmark deal that would significantly boost the reshoring of Americas semiconductor industry. Cho said Taiwan had secured tariff reductions without extra fees for the automotive and wood furniture sectors, while some aerospace components would be exempt from tariffs altogether. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The agreement still requires approval from Taiwans parliament, where opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about its potential impact on the islands semiconductor sector. The deal was announced alongside news from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the worlds largest chipmaker, which said it plans to raise capital spending by nearly 40 percent this year. The company also reported a 35 percent increase in quarterly net profit, driven by strong demand linked to artificial intelligence. TSMC has pledged around $165 billion of investments in the U.S. and said its speeding up construction of new plants in Arizona, looking to create a fabrication plant cluster and meet strong demand from clients. The Commerce Department said that Taiwanese semiconductor producers that invest in the U.S. also will get favourable tariff treatment, including exemptions. Ryan Majerus, a trade official in Trumps first administration and in former President Joe Bidens, said the agreements timing is interesting. The Supreme Court has yet to rule on the legality of Trumps most sweeping tariffs, which he has used to strong-arm concessions out of other U.S. trading partners. The justices could strike down the tariffs as early as this month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But Taiwan, facing ongoing threats from China, was eager to reach a deal and strengthen relations with the United States anyway. Wanting to solidify things with the U.S. probably played a big role here, said Majerus, now a partner at the King & Spalding law firm. With inputs from agencies The top concern of American businesses for 2026 is not President Donald Trumps trade war but the economic slowdown in China, according to a survey. People visit a market at the tourism site of Qianmen street in Beijing, China, on March 14, 2023. (Representational Photo, Credit: Tingshu Wang/Reuters) The top concern of American businesses for 2026 is not President Donald Trumps erratic approach to trade but the economic slowdown in China, according to a survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in China. Even though China reported a record trade surplus of $1.19 trillion in 2025, the broader economy remained troubled. Several key indicators have performed poorly: factory output, retail sales, and fixedasset investment have all declined recently, and factory deflation has now entered its 39th consecutive month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China is expected to grow at 4.9 per cent in 2025, narrowly missing the modest target of 5 per cent, according to a Reuters poll of economists. The same poll found that Chinas growth is further expected to slow to 4.5 per cent in 2026 and maintain that pace in 2027. Of the 368 companies surveyed, 64 per cent cited slowing growth in China as their top concern. By contrast, 58 per cent identified USChina trade tensions as a key challenge. Why American businesses fear Chinas slow growth China is a huge market of 1.4 billion people and any slowdown which could further reduce demand thats already poor is potentially damaging for companies that rely on Chinese consumers as an important market for their goods and services. And, in bad news for businesses counting on continued growth in consumer spending, Chinese consumer demand fell to its lowest level since 2009 in 2025. For much of the year, consumer confidence hovered near historic lows. This was accompanied by a struggling real estate market and stagnant household incomes. The combined effect has been a significant drop in spending. And that is bad news for American exporters. Factory deflation, which refers to the fall in prices for domestically produced goods, entered its 39th consecutive month in December 2025. This suggests that domestic demand remains extremely weak and that the economy is expanding without any real heat, meaning that even when factories produce more, they earn less due to persistent demand weakness and structural overcapacity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD CIA Director John Ratcliffe has travelled to Venezuela to meet with acting President Delcy Rodriguez, becoming the highest ranking Trump administration official to visit the South American country after the U.S. raid that captured former leader Nicolas Maduro. CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Venezuela on Thursday to meet with acting President Delcy Rodriguez, becoming the highest-ranking official from the Trump administration to engage with the country since US forces captured former President Nicolas Maduro. The two-hour meeting in Caracas was described by a US official as aimed at signalling Washingtons interest in improving relations with Venezuela. The official spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the visit occurred at President Donald Trumps urging. It coincided with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presenting her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump in Washington, even as the president has largely sidelined her in policy discussions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ratcliffes visit is likely to be seen as an indication of Trumps willingness to work with Rodriguez, who had served as Maduros second-in-command until the recent U.S. operation that captured the former leader and brought him to the United States to face drug trafficking charges. The CIA played a key role in the operation, providing critical intelligence support and executing a prior drone strike on a cartel-controlled dock, according to U.S. officials. During the talks, Ratcliffe reportedly discussed potential economic collaboration between the United States and Venezuela and emphasised that the country should prevent the return of American adversaries, including drug traffickers. Rodriguez, for her part, used her first state of the union address as acting president on Thursday to advocate for opening Venezuelas state-run oil industry to more foreign investment, following the Trump administrations pledge to seize control of the countrys crude sales. The meeting included a small team of U.S. officials and, according to the U.S. official, was intended to lay the groundwork for additional cooperation between the Trump administration and Venezuelas new leadership. Analysts note that while Machados Nobel recognition highlights opposition voices, Trump appears to be prioritising engagement with the interim administration under Rodriguez as a pragmatic step to stabilise relations. With inputs from agencies US special envoy to Greenland Jeff Landry on Friday said that he believes a deal over the territory could be reached, adding that President Donald Trump is serious about his plans Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry speaks during a christening ceremony for the ECO Liberty at the Port of New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana, US, on June 28, 2025. Reuters File US special envoy to Greenland Jeff Landry on Friday said that he believes a deal over the territory could be reached, adding that President Donald Trump is serious about his plans. I do believe that theres a deal that should and will be made once this plays out, The Guardian quoted Landry as saying, noting that Trump has already communicated his intentions to Denmark. I think hes laid the markers down. Hes told Denmark what hes looking for, and now its a matter of having Secretary Rubio and Vice-President JD Vance make a deal, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Landry also confirmed plans to visit the Danish semiautonomous territory in March as discussions continue. Denmark, Greenland push back The leaders of Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly dismissed the idea of a US takeover of the island. Earlier this week, Denmarks top diplomat, Anders Samuelsen Rasmussen, said the two countries still had fundamental differences over Greenlands future but would continue to talk. Greenland, the worlds largest island located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, is a self-governing Danish territory. President Trump has argued that the US needs control of the largely frozen island for national security, citing geopolitical threats from Russia and China, and has not ruled out military action. Denmark, a member of the US-led Nato alliance, has seen European allies express concern over Trumps rhetoric. On Thursday, Danish troops arrived in Greenland alongside forces from France, Germany, and the Netherlands to strengthen 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, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a social media post Wednesday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday that the presence of European troops doesnt impact Trumps goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all. Earlier this month, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the UK, and Greenland issued a joint statement declaring Greenland belongs to its people, while reaffirming NATOs commitment to Arctic security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US congressional delegation visits Denmark Meanwhile, a bipartisan US Congress delegation began a visit to Copenhagen on Friday to voice support for Denmark and Greenland after President Trump threatened to take over the Arctic islandry. The two-day visit comes alongside a European show of support in the form of a military reconnaissance mission to Greenland. The 11 congressmen and women were to hold talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The group arrived at the Danish employers association Dansk Industri around midday for discussions with business leaders. They were due later to meet members of the Danish parliament, over which the Greenlandic flag was raised on Friday in a show of unity. We are showing bipartisan solidarity with the people of this country and with Greenland. Theyve been our friends and allies for decades, AFP quoted Democratic Senator Dick Durbin as telling reporters. We want them to know we appreciate that very much. And the statements being made by the president do not reflect what the American people feel, he added of Trump. According to AFP, a large black van left Frederiksens office in Copenhagen shortly before noon (1100 GMT) on Friday but her office declined to confirm whether the meeting had taken place. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The delegations visit follows a meeting in Washington on Wednesday at which Danish representatives said Copenhagen and Washington were in fundamental disagreement over the future of Greenland. In Greenlands capital Nuuk, residents welcomed the show of support. (US) Congress would never approve of a military action in Greenland. Its just one idiot speaking, a 39-year-old union representative told AFP. If he does it, hell get impeached or kicked out. If people in Congress want to save their own democracy, they have to step up, said the union rep, speaking on condition of anonymity. With inputs from agencies France has warned the Donald Trump administration of the United States that it should not mess around with Greenland because any military move on the island would cross a line that would create a totally new world. French President Emmanuel Macron looks at US President Donald Trump during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (not pictured) and European leaders amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, August 18, 2025. File Image/Reuters France has warned the Donald Trump administration of the United States not to mess around with Greenland and said that any military move on the island would amount to crossing a line that would create a totally new world. In an interview with the Financial Times, French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said he had told his American counterpart, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, that any attempt to seize Greenland would represent a crossed line and endanger the economic relationship between the United States and the European Union. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Greenland is a sovereign part of a sovereign country that is part of the EU. That shouldnt be messed around [with], Lescure said. If the United States invades Greenland, Lescure warned, it would create a totally new world. The warning came after France joined fellow NATO members Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and Norway in deploying soldiers and military assets to Greenland to bolster its defence in the wake of Trumps threats of invasion and occupation of the island. Trump administration has become a paradox, says France Lescure said the Trump administrations approach to Greenland was the latest example of the paradox it had become sometimes behaving like an ally and at other times as an unpredictable adversary. However, he stressed that ensuring dialogue remained important. When we disagree, its always better to stay engaged, and thats what we are doing. The dialogue has to keep on going as long as lines that shouldnt be crossed are not crossed, Lescure told the FT. Lescures warning came as President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would deploy land, air, and sea assets to Greenland to strengthen the islands defences. Without naming Trump, he also criticised a new colonialism that is at work among some actors in the world. France and Europeans must continue, wherever their interests are threatened, to be present without escalation, but uncompromising on respect for territorial sovereignty, Macron said. Previously, Macron had warned Trump that a military move on Greenland would trigger a cascade of unintended consequences. If the sovereignty of a European ally were affected, the cascading consequences would be unprecedented. France is closely monitoring the situation and will act in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty, a spokesperson quoted Macron as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The first US sale of the Venezuelan crude oil was to a company whose senior member had donated to US President Donald Trumps re-election campaign. The first US sale of the Venezuelan crude oil was to a company whose senior member had donated to US President Donald Trumps re-election campaign. The sale was conducted last week to a company called Vitol, The Financial Times reported. Interestingly, John Addison, a senior trader at Vitol, donated $6 million to political action committees backing Trumps re-election campaign. He also attended the meeting Trump had with oil executives at the White House and was also involved in his companys efforts to secure a $250 million deal for Venezuelan crude. The deal kick-started the S presidents controversial plan to sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It came just weeks after the US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from Caracas. Addisons donations to Trumps re-election campaign included $5 million in October 2024 to Maga Inc., according to a database of donors from OpenSecrets, and more than $1 million to two other Trump-aligned Pacs. Addisons pledge At the meeting, Addison was joined by Ben Marshall, head of Vitols US arm, to address Trump during a high-profile meeting with industry chiefs at the White House last Friday. It is important to note that Vitol was the only company with two top officials at the talks. According to The Financial Times, during the talks, Addison pledged that the company would get the best price possible for Venezuelan oil for the US, so that the influence you have over the Venezuelans will ensure that you get what you want. Meanwhile, Vitol noted that Addisons donations, which made the senior trader one of the most generous Trump supporters in Houston, were made in a private capacity. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said, President Trump always does what is in the best interest of the American people, such as brokering this historic energy deal with Venezuela immediately following the arrest of narcoterrorist Nicolas Maduro. The medias continued attempts to fabricate conflicts of interest are a tired attempt to distract from the incredible work only this president is capable of achieving. Japan, UK and Canada led inflows into US government debt; Chinas holdings fell to the lowest level since September 2008. Foreign ownership of US Treasuries climbed to an all-time high in November, rebounding after two months of declines as investor sentiment improved following the end of the US government shutdown. Data released by the US Treasury Department on Thursday showed that overseas holdings of US government debt rose to $9.355 trillion in November, up from $9.243 trillion in October and 7.2 per cent higher than a year earlier. The rise came after the federal government ended its record 43-day shutdown on November 12, which had rattled markets in October. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Japan remained the largest foreign holder of US Treasuries, increasing its stockpile to $1.202 trillionits highest level since July 2022marking 11 consecutive months of purchases. The United Kingdom, the second-largest holder, also raised its exposure to $888.5 billion, up 1.2 per cent from October. Analysts note that the UK often acts as a custody hub for hedge funds and institutional investors. Canada posted the sharpest rebound, lifting its holdings by 13 per cent to a record $472.2 billion, reversing a steep drop earlier in the year after tariff tensions with the Trump administration. In contrast, China reduced its holdings to $682.6 billion, the lowest level since September 2008, and more than 10 per cent below its position at the start of 2025. China remains the third-largest foreign holder but has steadily cut exposure. On a transaction basis, foreign investors bought $85.6 billion in Treasuries in November, compared with net sales in October. They also purchased $92.2 billion in US equities, signalling renewed appetite for American assets. Overall, the United States recorded net capital inflows of $212 billion in November, reversing outflows seen the previous month. Meanwhile, the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield slipped from 4.107 per cent at the start of November to 4.019 per cent by month-end, reflecting stronger bond demand. Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany party has reportedly intensified its contacts with US President Donald Trumps administration, and his Maga movement, as it attempts to safeguard itself from a ban and a political wall of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. FILE PHOTO: A logo of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is illuminated at AfD headquarters during the 2025 general election, in Berlin, Germany, February 23, 2025. REUTERS/Nadja Wohlleben/File Photo Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany party has reportedly intensified its contacts with US President Donald Trumps administration, and his Make America Great Again Movement (Maga), as it attempts to safeguard itself from a ban and a political wall of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to a report by The Financial Times, dozens of officials from the German far-right party have travelled to the US in recent months to meet senior Republicans. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These visits have aimed to seek common cause over policies such as curbing immigration and jointly combating European efforts to regulate social media. As per the report, about 20 party figures flew to New York in December to attend a gala organised by the New York Young Republican Club, where the AfDs foreign policy spokesperson, Markus Frohnmaier, was honoured with an award. While speaking at the event, Dovid Holtzman, a representative of the Republican club, urged German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to tear down his countrys political firewall aimed at keeping the far-right from power. Meanwhile, Frohnmaier called on American and German patriots to ally to reclaim our culture. He also announced plans to invite US officials, members of Congress and lobbying groups to Berlin in February. AfD attempts to break into Merzs firewall While speaking to The Financial Times, Frohnmaier said that the German party had experienced difficulties in building constructive dialogue during former US President Joe Bidens time in the office. However, he maintained that Trumps return to office last year meant there were now many overlaps in terms of substance, from migration policy to freedom of expression and the role of family in society. Some of the other AfD members on the December trip included Kay Gottschalk, the AfDs spokesman on finance, who met Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican and congresswoman who has courted ties with the European far-right, in Washington. After their meeting, Luna accused German mainstream parties of trying to smear, intimidate and even de-bank the AfD. She praised the far-right group for actually working to strengthen ties with the United States and restore a healthy relationship between our governments. It is pertinent to note that both the Trump administration and the AfD share a similar ideology. This can be reflected by the fact that the Trump administration is strongly opposed to the EUs Digital Services Act, which forces internet companies to better police illegal content. Over the years, the far-right partys popularity grew significantly in Germany. The AfD, which claimed a record second place in Februarys parliamentary elections and now regularly tops opinion polls, was last year officially classified by Germanys domestic intelligence agency as right-wing extremist. However, the move triggered a vigorous political debate about whether Germanys government or parliament should ask the constitutional court to consider outlawing the party. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But not all far-right parties are courting the Trump administration. The prime example of this is Frances Marine Le Pen and her Rassemblement National party, which has been more cautious, in part because of the tradition of anti-Americanism in French politics. The UK government has condemned all acts of violence in Bangladesh and called for peaceful, credible elections after MPs raised concerns over killings of Hindus and other religious minorities ahead of the February polls. The UK government has condemned all forms of violence in Bangladesh and urged the holding of peaceful and credible elections after concerns over the killing of Hindus and other religious minorities were raised in the House of Commons. Opposition Conservative MP Bob Blackman pressed the Labour government on Thursday to step in to protect minority communities and ensure that elections scheduled for February are conducted in a free and fair manner. Raising the issue during a parliamentary exchange, Blackman said he was deeply alarmed by what he described as a deteriorating situation on the ground. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Blackman, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Hindus, told fellow MPs that he was horrified by reports of violence against Hindus, including killings and attacks on homes and places of worship. Hindu men are being killed on the streets, their homes are being set on fire, temples are being burned, and other religious minorities are facing similar attacks, he said. Referring to the upcoming polls, Blackman said elections billed as free and fair were due next month, even as the Awami League a major political party has been barred from participating despite commanding around 30 percent support in opinion polls. He also warned that Islamic extremist groups had called for a referendum that could permanently alter Bangladeshs constitution. Blackman urged Leader of the House Alan Campbell to raise the matter with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and asked for clarity on what steps the UK was taking to ensure inclusive elections and safeguard minority rights. Responding on behalf of the government, Campbell said the UK was actively engaged with the humanitarian situation in Bangladesh and was supporting the interim administration in its efforts to deliver credible and peaceful elections. He reaffirmed Britains long-standing commitment to human rights, saying the government continued to convey these concerns to Bangladeshs interim authorities. We condemn all acts of violence, whether religiously or ethnically motivated, and we welcome the interim head of government Muhammad Yunuss assurances regarding the safety of minorities, including actions taken where arrests have been made, Campbell said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Campbell added that he would draw the Foreign Secretarys attention to Blackmans statement and said the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office would consider issuing a formal response at an appropriate time. Blackmans remarks follow a letter sent last week by Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel to Yvette Cooper, in which she described the situation in Bangladesh as very concerning and called for UK intervention amid a reported rise in violence. Religious freedoms must be protected. The killings of Hindus and the persecution taking place are wrong and must end, Patel said, urging the UK government to use its diplomatic influence to promote stability and protect minority communities. British Hindu organisations, led by the Bengali Hindu Adarsha Sangha UK, have also organised protests in London against the violence in Bangladesh. Demonstrators have condemned what they describe as the unethical arrest of interfaith leader Chinmaya Prabhu, the public lynching of Dipu Das by Islamic extremists, and other reported attacks emerging from Dhaka. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies India is engaging with the United States to ensure that its strategic role at Irans Chabahar Port continues smoothly, as a key sanctions waiver granted by Washington approaches its expiry later this month. India on Friday said it is engaging with the United States to ensure its operations at Irans Chabahar Port continue under a time-bound sanctions waiver granted by Washington, set to expire on April 26. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the US Treasury Department had issued a letter on October 28, 2025, notifying India of an unconditional sanctions waiver. As you are aware, the sanctions waiver we have received is valid until April 26, 2026. We are in discussions with the US side to work within this framework, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Strategic importance of Chabahar The waiver allows India to maintain its development role at Chabahar Port, which New Delhi considers strategically crucial for accessing Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. The port is also seen as a key regional trade and transit hub. Earlier, the US had granted India a six-month exemption for Chabahar-related activities after the previous waiver expired, providing temporary relief to Indias connectivity plans. Long-term agreement with Iran In 2024, India and Iran signed a 10-year agreement for Indian operations at the port, ending years of interim arrangements. The deal was aimed at providing long-term certainty for Indias presence at Chabahar, despite the broader sanctions regime on Iran. Regional connectivity and humanitarian role Chabahar has become a cornerstone of Indias engagement with Afghanistan and Central Asia. In recent years, it has been used to deliver humanitarian aid, including food grains and medical supplies. The port is expected to play a larger role in regional logistics, with plans to link it to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), opening trade routes to Central Asia, Russia and beyond. Countries such as Uzbekistan have also expressed interest in utilising Chabahar. We are leading democracies. We are the major economies of the world. And we have today not just an opportunity but also an obligation, a duty, to shape the global order. And in the current uncertain global situation, its even more important that we work closely towards shared strategic goals, said Jaishankar External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said India and Japan have an obligation to help shape the global order and must prioritise economic security amid global uncertainty. In his opening remarks at the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Jaishankar underscored the importance of economic security, calling it paramount and stressing the need to de-risk both national and global economies amid an uncertain international economic environment. Pleased to co-chair the 18th India - Japan Strategic Dialogue alongside FM Toshimitsu Motegi in New Delhi today. @moteging Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership is on an upward trajectory and holds immense potential for shaping the world order and de-risking the pic.twitter.com/x7NdVhrm8f Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 16, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We are leading democracies. We are the major economies of the world. And we have today not just an opportunity but also an obligation, a duty, to shape the global order. And in the current uncertain global situation, its even more important that we work closely towards shared strategic goals, ANI quoted Jaishankar as saying. Economic security today is particularly paramount. Both our countries attach enormous importance to it. And how to de-risk our own economies and how to de-risk the international economy are both very important. We will be discussing resilient supply chains, critical minerals, and how to address energy, health, and maritime security in our talks today, he added. Jaishankar said India places the highest priority on its partnership with Japan, noting that over the past two decades it has evolved into a broad, comprehensive and strategic relationship. India attaches very great priority to its friendship with Japan. And over the last two decades, we have been successful in transforming the relationship from what was primarily an economic relationship into one that is broad, comprehensive, and strategic in its focus, Jaishankar said, pointing to cooperation on platforms such as the Quad, the United Nations, the G4 grouping and the G20. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Highlighting the shared Indo-Pacific vision, Jaishankar recalled that a former Japanese prime ministers address to the Indian Parliament had laid the foundation for the Indo-Pacific as a political, economic and strategic construct. Much, much time has passed, but the relationship today sees that our initiative, what we call MAHASAGAR and vision for the Indo-Pacific align closely with your free and open Indo-Pacific outlook, the EAM said. The remarks referred to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abes landmark 2007 Confluence of the Two Seas speech in the Indian Parliament, in which he outlined a vision that later evolved into the modern Indo-Pacific framework, emphasising openness, connectivity and shared prosperity across Asia and beyond. In his address, Abe said closer cooperation between Japan and India would help shape a broader Asia into an extensive network spanning the Pacific Ocean, incorporating countries such as the United States and Australia, and envisioned an open and transparent regional order enabling the free flow of people, goods, capital and knowledge. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jaishankar also noted that India and Japan will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations next year, expressing confidence that the special, strategic and global partnership will continue to strengthen. In our bilateral discussions, I hope to address key priorities in our ties, EAM said. EAMs remarks come during his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegis visit to India from January 15 to January 17, as per the Ministry of External Affairs. The meeting follows PM Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichis meeting in Johannesburg earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in South Africa. With inputs from agencies India on Friday said it has sought consular access to Indian nationals held in Iran after reports emerged that several crew members of an Indian-linked oil tanker were detained by Iranian authorities. The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said India has sought consular access to ten Indian nationals currently in Iranian custody. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Indian authorities are in touch with the Iranian side regarding the matter. Ten people have been taken into custody. We have asked for consular access for Indian nationals in Irans custody, he said. The statement follows reports that 16 Indian crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Valiant Roar were detained by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Families of the detained crew, including relatives of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta, have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and help secure their release. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to available information, the MT Valiant Roar was intercepted on December 8, 2025, while sailing in international waters near Dibba Port off the UAE coast. Iranian authorities have alleged that the vessel was involved in the illegal transport of around 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel. A family member of Captain Vijay, who is among those detained, said the vessel was boarded by Iranian naval forces and diverted to Bandar Abbas. The captain reportedly sent a message shortly after the interception seeking help in coordinating with the shipping company. Subsequent attempts to contact him were unsuccessful, and the family was later informed by the operators that the crew had been detained by the Iranian Navy, without any clear explanation. India on Thursday criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing it of misusing UN platforms to push a divisive agenda by raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Eldos Mathew Punnoose, the Indian Charge d'Affaires at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN), speaks at a discussion on conflict-related sexual violence at the UN Security Council on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. (Credit: Permanent Mission of India to the UN) India on Thursday strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations for misusing the platform to push a divisive agenda after Islamabads envoy raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during the General Assembly. Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor at Indias Permanent Mission to the UN, accused Pakistan of spreading baseless allegations and presenting a narrative completely detached from reality. India dismissed Pakistans remarks as inappropriate and disconnected from the ground realities. Pakistans politicisation of multilateral forums Presenting Indias national statement during the UN General Assembly plenary discussion on the Secretary-Generals annual report, Punnoose highlighted Pakistans repeated attempts to politicise multilateral platforms. While the international community is expected to rise above narrow national interests, Pakistan continues to misuse UN mechanisms to advance its agenda, he said, according to PTI. He underlined that Pakistans reference to Jammu and Kashmir was unjustified, reaffirming that the Union Territory is an inseparable part of India. Indias rebuttal comes amid Islamabads ongoing efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue, which New Delhi says have consistently failed to gain wider global support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On self-determination and separatist claims Addressing the principle of self-determination, Punnoose cautioned against its distortion to legitimise separatist movements. While recognising self-determination as a core UN principle, he stressed that it should not be weaponised to encourage fragmentation in democratic and pluralistic societies. He urged Pakistan to refrain from making unfounded allegations that misrepresent reality. Indias broader global concerns Beyond bilateral issues, India highlighted challenges faced by the Global South. Punnoose noted Indias efforts to amplify these concerns at the UN and called for concrete follow-up actions to translate collective sentiment into tangible outcomes. He also expressed concern over the UNs limited effectiveness in addressing ongoing global conflicts, warning that inaction undermines its credibility. With conflicts escalating worldwide, Punnoose emphasised that the international community looks to the UN to alleviate human suffering and restore peace. Greenlands foreign minister became emotional while speaking about the growing pressure faced by the Arctic island after repeated remarks by US President Donald Trump about taking over the autonomous Danish territory. Greenlands foreign minister grew emotional as she described the intense pressure created by repeated statements from US President Donald Trump about taking over the autonomous Danish territory, amid indications from his administration that even military intervention has not been ruled out to acquire the Arctic island. Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen held talks with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House on Wednesday (January 14). The discussions ended in what officials described as a fundamental disagreement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Working under immense strain Speaking to national broadcaster KNR after the meeting, Motzfeldt said her small department had been working under immense strain. We have been working very hard, even though there are not many of us, she said. I would not normally say this, but we are strong and we are doing everything we can. But the last few days, naturally Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt gets emotional on live TV: We are doing our utmost. But the last days, naturally oh, I am getting very emotional. I am overwhelmed. pic.twitter.com/UrfnZ8d23M Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 15, 2026 Foreign minister breaks down during interview She then briefly broke down during the interview, struggling to hold back tears. I am getting very emotional. I am overwhelmed. The last days have been tough. Our preparations and the growing pressure that has been intense, she said. Government vows to protect Greenlanders Motzfeldt underlined that Greenlands government remained resilient and focused on protecting its people. The government is strong, she said, adding that it would continue working to ensure that the Greenlandic people can feel safe and live securely. We are using all our strength to achieve this, she added. White House dismisses impact of European troops Meanwhile, the White House on Thursday (January 15) said the presence of European troops in Greenland would not influence Trumps position. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said such deployments had no impact on the presidents goal of acquiring Greenland. I dont think troops in Europe affect the presidents decision-making process, nor do they affect his goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all, Leavitt told reporters. Denmark rejects idea as unacceptable Denmarks foreign minister responded sharply, telling public broadcaster DR that the idea was unacceptable. This is out of the question. It is not what we want in Denmark, nor in Greenland. It runs counter to all international rules and infringes on sovereignty, he said. Poland warns of Nato fallout Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also weighed in, warning that any attempt by one Nato member to take over another would have devastating consequences. An attempt to take over part of a Nato member state by another Nato member state would be a political disaster, he said at a press conference. It would be the end of the world as we know it a world built on Nato solidarity that has restrained aggression and upheld collective security. The footage that was aired on the state television showed a mourner at the funeral of a security personnel member who was killed during the anti-government protests. The individual was holding a placard with an image of Trumps assassination attempt in 2024 As Donald Trump spars with Tehran over the alleged execution of protestors in Iran, the countrys state TV aired a chilling message to the president. Trump has been threatening Iran with military action, a move that is being pushed back by the Islamic Republic. The footage that was aired on the state television showed a mourner at the funeral of a security personnel member who was killed during the anti-government protests. The individual was holding a placard with an image of Trumps assassination attempt in 2024. The image was accompanied by a text that read, This time it will not miss the target. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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 footage was aired by the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network, a government-backed channel, which was broadcasting the funeral of a security official. This marks the first time Iran has threatened Trump directly during the course of the deadly protests that have killed thousands of protestors in the past couple of weeks. Until now, Tehran has been issuing warnings to the US government, asking it not to interfere with Irans internal matters. Tehran has a long history of orchestrating overseas assassination plots, primarily targeting Iranian dissidents with varying success across several continents. In recent years, however, the threat has escalated to include senior American figures, as Iranian leaders have repeatedly pledged to exact harsh revenge for the January 2020 drone strike, ordered by Trump, that killed General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, US intelligence has tracked multiple specific threats against Trump and his former national security officials, viewing these vows of retaliation as a central pillar of Irans current shadow war strategy. A cleric leading Friday prayers in Irans capital demanded the death penalty for protesters detained in a nationwide crackdown and directly threatened US President Donald Trump, showing the hard-line rage gripping the Islamic Republic after the demonstrations.. A hard-line Iranian cleric has issued one of the sharpest public warnings yet to the United States and Israel since nationwide protests erupted across Iran, openly threatening US President Donald Trump and demanding the execution of detained protesters. The remarks delivered during Friday prayers in Tehran underline the uncompromising mood gripping the Islamic Republic as authorities intensify their crackdown on dissent sparked by the countrys deepening economic crisis. Ahmad Khatami, a senior cleric appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, used his sermon in Irans capital to call for the death penalty for protesters arrested during weeks of unrest. His speech, broadcast on state radio, prompted chants from worshippers including calls for the execution of what he described as armed hypocrites. The language marked an escalation in official rhetoric at a moment when tensions with Washington remain acute. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Khatami directly referenced Trump in his address, linking the protesters to foreign enemies and issuing an explicit warning. Americans and Zionists should not expect peace, he said, asserting that Israel and the United States were behind what he framed as an attempt to destabilise Irans political system. He described demonstrators as Trumps soldiers and butlers of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging that they sought to disintegrate the country. According to Khatami, both leaders should now wait for hard revenge from the system. The comments came even as executions and the killing of peaceful protesters have been cited by Trump as red lines that could trigger US military action. Khatamis demands, therefore, appear to challenge Washington directly at a time of heightened regional tensions. The protests, which began on December 28, were initially driven by anger over Irans worsening economy, including rising prices and unemployment. However, the demonstrations quickly widened into a broader challenge to the Islamic Republics clerical leadership. Crowds in multiple cities openly criticised the countrys theocratic system, prompting a forceful response from security forces. Iranian authorities moved to sharply restrict information as unrest spread. On January 8, access to the internet was cut nationwide, and security operations intensified. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,677 people have been killed during the crackdown. Iranian officials have not released any comprehensive casualty figures, and the Associated Press has said it is unable to independently verify the reported death toll. Khatamis sermon also offered the first nationwide assessment by an Iranian official of the physical damage caused during the unrest. He claimed that protesters had damaged 350 mosques, 126 prayer halls and 20 other religious sites across the country. In addition, he said around 80 homes belonging to Friday prayer leaders had been attacked. Those clerics occupy influential positions within Irans political structure, and the damage to their properties suggests the depth of public anger towards symbols of state authority. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As a member of both Irans Assembly of Experts and its powerful Guardian Council, Khatami holds significant influence within the system. His remarks therefore carry weight beyond fiery rhetoric, reflecting the hard-line factions insistence that the unrest is the result of foreign interference rather than domestic discontent. The framing of protests as externally driven plots has been a consistent theme in official statements, but critics argue that it sidesteps the economic grievances and political frustrations voiced by demonstrators. Calls for executions, however, indicate that the authorities intend to pursue a punitive approach rather than address underlying causes. Khatamis warning to the United States and Israel adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation. While Iran seeks to project resolve domestically, the threat of harsher measures against protesters risks further international isolation at a time when scrutiny of the countrys human rights record is intensifying. For now, the clerics declaration signals that confrontation both at home and abroad remains the prevailing posture of Irans leadership as the crisis continues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The Palestinian committee set to govern Gaza under U.S. supervision met for the first time Friday in Cairo, as its leader pledged to get to work quickly to improve conditions there. Makeshift tents shelter displaced Palestinians stand among buildings destroyed by Israeli air and ground operations in Gaza City Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) The Palestinian committee designated to govern Gaza under U.S. supervision held its first meeting on Friday in Cairo, with its leader pledging to act swiftly to improve conditions in the territory. Ali Shaath, an engineer and former Palestinian Authority official from Gaza, said reconstruction and recovery could take around three years, with immediate attention focused on urgent needs such as shelter. The Palestinian people were looking forward to this committee, its establishment and its work to rescue them, Shaath told Egypts state-owned Al-Qahera News after the meeting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the groups efforts to lead Gaza following the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israeli forces withdrew from parts of Gaza after the ceasefire on October 10 and now remain behind the so-called Yellow Line, while thousands of displaced Palestinians have returned to the remnants of their homes. I am backing a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by the Boards High Representative, to govern Gaza during its transition, Trump wrote in a social media post on Thursday. The committee is set to manage Gazas daily affairs under the oversight of a Trump-led Board of Peace, whose members have yet to be announced. In the West Bank, friends and relatives gathered Friday to mourn the death of a 14-year-old Palestinian boy killed by Israeli forces. The Palestinian Health Ministry, which confirmed his death, said Mohammad Nasan was the first child killed by the army in the occupied West Bank in 2026. Residents said Israeli forces fired stun grenades and tear gas in an unprovoked attack. Israels military said in a statement that the incursion came after Palestinians had hurled rocks at Israelis and set tires aflame. There was gunfire directed at citizens and farmers, the most dangerous of which occurred during the storming of the village as people were leaving the mosques. The streets were crowded with the elderly, children, women, and elders, and they began firing relentlessly, said Ameen Abu Aliya, head of the Al-Mughayyir village council. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The death was the latest episode of violence to hit al-Mughayyir, a village east of Ramallah that has become a flashpoint in the West Bank. Much of the communitys agricultural land falls under Israeli military control. Earlier this year, settlers and Israeli military bulldozers destroyed olive groves in the area, saying they were searching for Palestinian gunmen. A childrens park in al-Mughayyir was also demolished. In 2025, 240 Palestinians including 55 children were killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank, while Palestinians killed 17 Israelis including one child in the region, according to the United Nations. Meanwhile, two children were killed Friday in Gaza, a 7-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy. They were killed in Beith Lahiya, near the Yellow Line, and their bodies taken to al-Shifa Hospital, the hospital said. No further details were immediately available. With inputs from agencies Russian President Putin on Friday spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Iranian President Pezeshkian, the Kremlin said, offering to mediate as protests in Iran raise fears of a wider military confrontation Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on the "special military operation" amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict in Moscow, Russia, on December 29, 2025. Reuters File Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Kremlin said, offering to mediate as protests in Iran raise fears of a wider military confrontation. Independent monitors report that Iranian security forces have killed thousands in a forceful crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests. The unrest has prompted threats of military action from the United States, a key ally of Israel. Iran has repeatedly accused the US and Israel of inciting the protests and attempting to destabilize the Islamic Republic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The latest tensions follow a brief conflict in June, during which Israel launched unprecedented attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, with the US joining in strikes on three major nuclear sites. The situation in the region is highly tense, and the president continues his efforts to facilitate de-escalation, AFP quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying. In his call with Pezeshkian, Putin pledged to further strengthen their countries strategic partnership, the Kremlin said. Pezeshkian meanwhile thanked Putin for Russias support for Iran at the United Nations, the Iranian presidency said. Russia is a strategic partner of Iran and wary of any conflict that could threaten the countrys pro-Moscow leadership, further diminishing its influence in the region. But the call marks the first time Putin has commented on the situation in Iran and the first public outreach to its key Middle Eastern ally since the protests erupted. Russia has also strived for good relations with Israel, though those ties became strained amid Russian criticism of Israels actions in Gaza since October 7, 2023. In a call with Israels Netanyahu on Friday, the Kremlin said Russia had expressed its readiness to continue its mediation efforts. It did not clarify what current efforts were being undertaken. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moscow had previously offered mediation during the June war. Netanyahu said Sunday that he hoped Iran would soon be freed from what he described as the yoke of tyranny, amid the protests. However, the rallies appear to have diminished over the last few days in the face of repression and a week-long internet blackout. A senior Saudi official told AFP on Thursday that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman led efforts to talk US President Donald Trump out of an attack on Iran amid the crackdown on the protestors, fearing grave blowbacks in the region. With inputs from agencies A court in South Korea on Friday sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for charges including obstructing attempts to arrest him following his failed bid to impose martial law. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review his arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors in Seoul, South Korea. File image/Reuters A court in South Korea on Friday sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for charges including obstructing attempts to arrest him following his failed bid to impose martial law. The Seoul Central District Court noted that it found the former South Korean president guilty of obstructing authorities from executing an arrest warrant related to his martial law declaration in December 2024. The whole ruling was shown in a live broadcast. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the hearing, Yoon was also found guilty of charges that include fabricating official documents and failing to comply with the legal process required for martial law. It is pertinent to note that the ruling was the first related to the criminal charges Yoon faces over his botched martial law declaration. It is also open for appeal by a higher court by Yoons legal team. What went down at the hearing During the televised proceedings, Yoon was accused of abusing his enormous influence. The defendant abused his enormous influence as president to prevent the execution of legitimate warrants through officials from the Security Service, which effectively privatised officials loyal to the Republic of Korea for personal safety and personal gain, the lead judge on the three-justice panel said. While speaking outside the court immediately after the judgment, Yoons lawyers, Yoo Jung-hwa, said the former president would appeal the ruling. We express regret that the decision was made in a politicised manner, she said. The ruling is significant since the former South Korean president could face the death sentence in a separate trial on a charge of masterminding an insurrection by declaring martial law without justification. During the hearing, Yoon argued that it was within his powers as president to declare martial law and that the action was aimed at sounding the alarm over the obstruction of government by opposition parties. Yoon, who also denied Fridays charges, could have faced up to 10 years in jail over the obstruction charges related to when he barricaded himself inside his residential compound in January last year and ordered the security service to block investigators. He was finally arrested in a second attempt involving more than 3,000 police officers. Yoons arrest was the first ever for a sitting president in South Korea. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from Reuters Japans political landscape is set for a shake-up as two major opposition forces move to join hands ahead of a possible snap election. The decision signals a fresh attempt to consolidate centrist support and challenge the long-dominant ruling bloc in a closely watched electoral contest. Japans main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) and Komeito, until recently a long-time partner in the ruling coalition, agreed on Thursday to form a new political party ahead of a possible snap election a development that could significantly reshape the balance of power in parliament. Centrist alliance takes shape The agreement, presented as an effort to bring together Japans centrist forces, is aimed at forging a united front against the conservative ruling camp led by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition ally, the Japan Innovation Party. Political realignment under Takaichi The move comes at a time when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi continues to enjoy strong approval ratings in media polls, despite her hawkish views on national security. Her leadership has accelerated signs of political realignment, with opposition parties seeking to consolidate support ahead of an expected election. Snap election timeline According to senior ruling party figures, the general election is likely to be held on February 8, with official campaigning expected to begin on January 27. After meeting CDPJ leader and former prime minister Yoshihiko Noda, Komeito chief Tetsuo Saito told reporters, It is important for centrist forces to rally together, underlining the rationale behind the merger. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How the new party will function Under the arrangement, members of the House of Representatives from both the CDPJ and Komeito will join the new party. However, the two original parties will continue to exist separately for members of the House of Councillors even after the launch of the new entity, Saito said. The Nobel Peace Prize committee on Thursday clarified that the medal can change its owner, but the title will never be altered after Venezuelas opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, said she presented her medal to US President Donald Trump. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado reacts from a balcony of Grand Hotel, after her daughter Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the award on her behalf, in Oslo, Norway December 11, 2025. Reuters After Venezuelas opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated on Thursday that she had presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump, the Nobel Peace Prize organisers clarified that the medal can change its owner, but the title will never be altered. On Thursday, Machado told reporters that she presented the prestigious award she won last year to Trump during a closed-door meeting at the White House. One truth remains. As the Norwegian Nobel Committee states: Once a Nobel Peace Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time, the organisers wrote in a post on X after Machados revelation. A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot, the committee furthered. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The #NobelPeacePrize medal. It measures 6.6 cm in diameter, weighs 196 grams and is struck in gold. On its face, a portrait of Alfred Nobel and on its reverse, three naked men holding around each others shoulders as a sign of brotherhood. A design unchanged for 120 years. Did pic.twitter.com/Jdjgf3Ud2A Nobel Peace Center (@NobelPeaceOslo) January 15, 2026 In the same post, the Norwegian body mentioned how the recipients have passed the Nobel Prize in the past. Did you know that some Nobel Peace Prize medals have been passed on after the award was given? A wellknown case is Dmitry Muratovs medal, which was auctioned for over USD 100 million to support refugees from the war in Ukraine, the Committee noted. And the medal displayed at the Nobel Peace Centre is actually on loan and originally belonged to Christian Lous Lange, Norways first Peace Prize laureate, it furthered. Thank you, Maria: Trump Meanwhile, right after the meeting, Trump took to his social media platform TruthSocial to thank the Venezuelan opposition leader. 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! Trump wrote in the post. The meeting between the two world leaders took place just a fortnight after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after striking Caracas. Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize last year for her struggle against Maduros brutal, authoritarian state. While speaking to the reporters after she met with Trump, the Venezuelan opposition leader said that she had done so in recognition [of] his unique commitment [to] our freedom. However, it is unclear if Trump has accepted the award or not. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the ousting of Maduro, opposition supporters in Venezuela hoped that Trump would recognise the 58-year-old conservative politician as the leader of the Latin American nation. Instead, he gave a nod to the dictators second-in-command, the vice-president Delcy Rodriguez, who was subsequently sworn in as acting president. Hence, many are looking at the move as a bid to appease Trump. I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you! Trump wrote on his Truth Social account US President Donald Trump on Friday expressed gratitude to Irans leadership after the country reportedly cancelled the executions of hundreds of protesters detained during a brutal crackdown. I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you! Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. Over the past two weeks, Trump had repeatedly threatened military action against Iran to support protesters, amid reports from rights groups that Iranian security forces had killed thousands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the president has now indicated he will hold off on intervention, saying on Wednesday that he had been informed the killings had stopped. Trump also dismissed reports on Thursday that Gulf officials specifically from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman had tried to dissuade him from striking Iran. He said it was Irans actions, not external advice, that influenced his decision. Nobody convinced me - I convinced myself, Trump told reporters later Friday as he left the White House to head to Florida for the weekend. They didnt hang anyone. They cancelled the hangings. That had a big impact. With inputs from agencies Trumps healthcare agenda blends active initiatives with previously stalled goals. He aims to lower domestic drug costs by pegging them to international prices and intends to pivot billions in federal funding away from insurance companies directly to citizens US President Donald Trump has unveiled a healthcare proposal that includes cost-cutting ideas but does not provide enough details on replacing the Affordable Care Act. Im calling on Congress to pass this framework into law without delay, have to do it right now, so that we can get immediate relief to the American people, Trump said as he announced the Great Healthcare Plan. However, there is little to no literature on the plan, nor is there a timeline for related congressional action, and it is also unclear whether Republican leaders support the proposal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Therell be ongoing conversations, and we hope to be able to support with specific language for the legislation, Mehmet Oz, one of Trumps top health care deputies, said. What does the plan include? Trumps healthcare agenda blends active initiatives with previously stalled goals. He aims to lower domestic drug costs by pegging them to international prices and intends to pivot billions in federal funding away from insurance companies directly to citizens. Additionally, the plan seeks to reinstate the ACAs cost-sharing reduction subsidies, which he originally cut, while mandating maximum price transparency for both hospitals and insurers. The proposal, at the same time, fails to mention whether there is a replacement for the ACA, the 2010 law that reportedly helped more than 20 million Americans get health coverage. It also falls short of including new ideas to expand Americas health-care system. Trumps proposal arrives as Republicans look to define their platform for the upcoming midterms, elections expected to hinge on cost-of-living concerns like healthcare. With voters increasingly frustrated by soaring premiums and the recent expiration of federal ACA subsidies, the party is under pressure to address the financial strain on American households. Dems criticise plan Meanwhile, the lack of information on the proposal has invited criticism from the Democrats, who have mocked the administrations language for calling his proposal a plan. Sen. Elizabeth Warren told the Washington Post, Donald Trumps new plan is a Band-Aid for the full-blown health care crisis he and Republicans in Congress created. Democrats quickly rejected Trumps proposal as pitiful and stale, arguing that past price-transparency measures have failed to lower costs for families. They contend the framework is a Band-Aid on a bullet hole that ignores the doubling of premiums following the expiration of ACA tax credits. Rather than pursuing concepts of a plan, Democratic leaders are urging Republicans to join their successful House effort to reinstate the subsidies that lapsed on January 1st. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An emergency UN Security Council meeting on Iran has brought renewed global attention to Tehrans handling of nationwide protests, highlighting sharp divisions among major powers even as uncertainty remains over how far the United States is willing to go in response. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held an emergency meeting on Thursday (January 15) at the request of the United States to discuss Irans deadly protests, as tensions rose and US President Donald Trump stopped short of spelling out what action Washington might take against Tehran. The session was convened amid growing international concern over Irans violent crackdown on nationwide protests, which has reportedly left thousands dead. Washington sought the meeting as pressure mounted on Tehran over its use of force against demonstrators. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tehran signals restraint ahead of talks In the lead-up to the meeting, Tehran appeared to adopt a conciliatory tone, in what was seen as an attempt to defuse tensions after Trump warned of possible action to halt further killings, including executions of protesters detained during the crackdown. US backs Iranian protesters Addressing the council, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Washington stood with the brave people of Iran and underlined that President Trump had made it clear that all options are on the table to stop the bloodshed. Trump has repeatedly warned of possible intervention in support of protesters opposing clerical rule. However, on Thursday, he struck a more cautious, wait-and-see note, saying he had been told the violence was easing and that there was no current plan for large-scale executions. President Trump is a man of action, not endless talk like we see at the United Nations. He has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter, Waltz said at the meeting convened by the US. Iran rejects US allegations Waltz dismissed Irans claims that the protests were a foreign-backed plot aimed at justifying military action, saying the regime was spreading such narratives out of fear of its own people. Irans Deputy UN Ambassador Gholamhossein Darzi responded sharply, accusing the US of lies, distortion of facts, and a deliberate misinformation campaign to conceal Washingtons alleged role in fuelling unrest. While insisting Iran did not seek escalation, he warned that any act of aggression direct or indirect would be met with a decisive, proportionate, and lawful response. Russia criticises US move Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the US of using the Security Council to justify blatant aggression and interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. He cautioned against attempts to resolve the Iran issue through strikes aimed at overthrowing an undesirable regime and urged restraint in Washington and other capitals. UN, Denmark call for restraint and dialogue UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for maximum restraint at this sensitive moment, urging all sides to avoid actions that could lead to further loss of life or spark wider regional escalation, senior UN official Martha Pobee told the council. Denmarks UN Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen said the voices of Iranians seeking a better life could no longer be ignored. For too long the leaders in Tehran have not heeded this call. The time has now come for the government of Iran to finally listen and respond to the will of its people through peaceful means, she said. As the tensions in Iran continue to escalate, the United States claimed that the West Asian nation has halted 800 planned executions following pressure from American President Donald Trump. As the tensions in Iran continue to escalate, the United States claimed that the West Asian nation has halted 800 planned executions following pressure from American President Donald Trump. Washington went on to warn that military action remains an option as it opposed the killing of protesters in the country. The president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday. All options remain on the table for the president, she said, adding that Trump had warned Iran of grave consequences if the killing of demonstrators continued. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The White House also maintained that President Donald Trump is closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Iran. The stance from the Trump administration came just days after the president said that the intermediaries from Iran had conveyed guarantees that executions would be halted. Earlier this week, Trump told reporters that the assurances came from very important sources on the other side, even as regional allies grew increasingly concerned that rising tensions could trigger direct confrontation. Meanwhile, a Saudi official also confirmed to AFP that the rhetoric from Washington and Tehran is temporarily softening. Risk of US attack remains On Thursday, the Saudi official told AFP that Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman spearheaded an urgent diplomatic push to restrain Trump, citing fears of grave blowbacks in the region. The official noted that three Gulf states mounted what he described as a long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort to convince President Trump to give Iran a chance to show good intentions, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions. A second Gulf official supported the account, stating that diplomatic outreach also included a warning to Tehran that any strike on US facilities in the region would have consequences. The developments are coming at a time when Iran is continuing with its nationwide internet shutdown that activists fear is intended to conceal the scale of the crackdown. The blackout has now entered its seventh day. Exactly one week ago Iran fell into digital darkness as authorities imposed a national internet blackout, internet monitoring group Netblocks said in a social media post. In light of this, the United States announced a new round of sanctions targeting Iranian officials accused of repressing protests challenging Irans theocratic leadership. Among those who are sanctioned is the secretary of Irans Supreme Council for National Security, whom the US Treasury Department accuses of being among the first officials to call for violence against protesters. Apart from this, the US Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control also designated 18 individuals and entities alleged to be involved in laundering money from Iranian oil sales through a shadow banking network linked to sanctioned institutions Bank Melli and Shahr Bank. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from AFP. The US Supreme Court is set to issue fresh rulings on January 20 with a closely watched decision on President Donald Trumps global tariffs expected to test executive power and carry major implications for global trade. The US Supreme Court is expected to issue its next rulings on January 20 as several major cases remain pending including the legality of President Donald Trumps sweeping global tariffs. The court indicated on its website on Friday that it may release decisions in argued cases next Tuesday when the justices take the bench during a scheduled sitting. The court does not announce in advance what cases will be decided. The Supreme Court on Wednesday held off on deciding challenges to former president Donald Trumps tariffs, delaying clarity on the future of his flagship economic measure until at least next week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The legal battle over the tariffs has emerged as a crucial test of presidential authority and of the Supreme Courts readiness to rein in the expansive powers asserted by the Republican leader since his return to office in January 2025. The ruling is widely seen as having major implications for global trade and the broader world economy. According to Reuters, the dispute centres on Trumps reliance on the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose broad tariffs on trading partners by declaring a series of national emergencies. The law was originally designed for use in exceptional crisis situations. During hearings on November 5, both conservative and liberal justices appeared sceptical about the legality of the tariffs imposed under the emergency statute. The Trump administration is now appealing lower court rulings that found the president had exceeded his legal authority. Trump has openly expressed concern about how the case could be decided. Writing on social media recently, he said, If the Supreme Court rules against the United States of America on this National Security bonanza, WERE SCREWED! The remarks came after weeks of posts in which he cautioned that losing the authority to impose tariffs would severely damage the country. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Reuters that even if the court were to invalidate the tariffs, a scenario he said was unlikely the Treasury has adequate resources to issue any required refunds. However, he cast doubt on whether consumers would actually benefit, saying companies challenging the government might not return the money to customers. It wont be a problem if we have to do it, Bessent said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Venezuelas opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Thursday that she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump as she arrived at the White House. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado exits a vehicle as she arrives near the White House ahead of a meeting with US President Donald Trump, in Washington, DC on January 15, 2026.- AFP Venezuelas opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Thursday that she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump as she arrived at the White House. The meeting between the two world leaders took place just a fortnight after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after striking Caracas. Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize last year for her struggle against Maduros brutal, authoritarian state. While speaking to the reporters after she met with Trump, the Venezuelan opposition leader said that she had done so in recognition [of] his unique commitment [to] our freedom. However, it is unclear if Trump has accepted the award or not. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Machados gesture came just hours after the Nobel organisers posted on X: A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel peace prize laureate cannot. Machado, whose movement is widely believed to have beaten Maduro in Venezuelas 2024 election, was unexpectedly sidelined by Trump after US special forces troops captured her political rival in the early hours of 3 January. Trump sidelines Venezuelan opposition Following the ousting of Maduro, opposition supporters in Venezuela hoped that Trump would recognise the 58-year-old conservative politician as the leader of the Latin American nation. Instead, he gave a nod to the dictators second-in-command, the vice-president Delcy Rodriguez, who was subsequently sworn in as acting president. On Thursday, in an attempt to appease Trump, Machado arrived in the US and told reporters that she had presented her Norwegian medal to the US president during a private meeting. Earlier this week, the organisers of the Nobel Peace Prize announced the award could not be shared or transferred after Machado told Fox News she wished to share it with Trump. The decision is final and stands for all time, they said. Despite this, Machado went ahead with her symbolic gesture, a move analysts believed was an attempt to salvage her movements waning hopes of taking power. Speaking to reporters, Machado compared handing her medal to Trump to how, in 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette sent a gold medal featuring an image of George Washington to the South American independence hero Simon Bolivar. She went on to call Lafayettes gift a sign of the brotherhood between the people of the US and the people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom against tyranny. Trump, however, has been sceptical of Machado and has expressed concerns that her movement would be unable to control the security situation in Venezuela. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In light of this, on Thursday, the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters: The presidents assessment was based on realities on the ground. It was a realistic assessment based on what the president was reading and hearing from his national security team. At this moment in time, his opinion on that matter has not changed. It is pertinent to note that Machado is not the only Nobel laureate to divest themselves of the award. After winning the 1954 Nobel prize in literature, Ernest Hemingway entrusted his medal to the Catholic Church in Cuba, where it was briefly stolen from a sanctuary in 1986 before Raul Castro ordered its return. With inputs from agencies. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that, Trump said during a White House event on health care President Donald Trump on Friday suggested he may impose new tariffs on countries that do not support his bid to take control of Greenland, citing national security concerns. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that, CNN quoted Trump as saying during a White House event on health care. Trump referenced his past use of tariffs to pressure other countries into cooperating on efforts to lower drug prices in the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The presidents push to control Greenland has drawn strong reactions from European nations, which fear the move could strain long-standing transatlantic ties. Greenland, the worlds largest island located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, is a self-governing Danish territory. President Trump has argued that the US needs control of the largely frozen island for national security, citing geopolitical threats from Russia and China, and has not ruled out military action. Denmark, a member of the US-led Nato alliance, has seen European allies express concern over Trumps rhetoric. On Thursday, Danish troops arrived in Greenland alongside forces from France, Germany, and the Netherlands to strengthen 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, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a social media post Wednesday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday that the presence of European troops doesnt impact Trumps goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all. Earlier this month, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the UK, and Greenland issued a joint statement declaring Greenland belongs to its people, while reaffirming Natos commitment to Arctic security. US lawmakers in Denmark Meanwhile, a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers met the leaders of Denmark and Greenland in Copenhagen on Friday, seeking to lower the temperature with assurances of congressional support after President Donald Trumps threats to seize the Arctic island. The 11-member US delegation, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen, as well as Danish and Greenlandic parliamentarians. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Theres a lot of rhetoric, but theres not a lot of reality in the current discussion in Washington, Coons told reporters following the meetings, saying the lawmakers would seek to lower the temperature on returning home. Earlier in the day, Trumps special envoy to Greenland said he planned to visit the Danish territory in March, and that he believed a deal could be done. I do believe that theres a deal that should and will be made once this plays out, Jeff Landry told Fox News in an interview on Friday. The president is serious. I think hes laid the markers down. Hes told Denmark what hes looking for. With inputs from agencies Peter Magyar, a former Fidesz insider turned conservative firebrand, is Orbans main contender. With the election set for April 12, 2026, Magyars Tisza party is currently surging, holding a commanding lead in the polls The political landscape of Europe is bracing for a seismic shift as Hungary prepares for its most consequential election since the fall of Communism. Prime Minister Viktor Orban, often dubbed Hungarys Trump for his populist rhetoric and America First style of nationalism, is facing an unprecedented threat to his 16-year reign. According to a report by Politico, Peter Magyar, a former Fidesz insider turned conservative firebrand, is Orbans main contender. With the election set for April 12, 2026, Magyars Tisza party is currently surging, holding a commanding lead in the polls. As Orban fights to preserve his illiberal democracy, here are the five key questions breaking down the race. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 1. Why does it matter? While Hungary is a nation of only 9.6 million people, its influence on global and European geopolitics is massive. Orban has spent years acting as a veto-player in Brussels, frequently blocking aid to Ukraine and stalling sanctions against Russia. He serves as the ideological godfather to Europes right-wing populist movement; if he falls, allies like Slovakias Robert Fico and Czechias Andrej Babis lose their strongest shield in the European Council. Furthermore, Orban has explicitly modelled his recent campaigns on Donald Trumps strategy, making this a pivotal test for the global illiberal brand. 2. What are the main battlegrounds? The campaign has devolved into a high-stakes war of narratives. Peter Magyar focuses heavily on corruption, accusing the government of bleeding the economy dry to enrich a circle of oligarchs. He argues that Orbans antagonism toward Brussels has cost the country billions in frozen EU funds. Orban counters by framing Magyar as a puppet of the European establishment, specifically targeting Manfred Weber and the Brussels warmongers. With Hungary struggling through a cost-of-living crisis, the opposition is betting that voters will prioritise their wallets over Orbans traditional culture war rhetoric. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 3. How and when does the election take place? The national election is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026. Voters will choose a new 199-seat National Assembly under a complex mixed electoral system. In this setup, 106 MPs are elected in single-member constituencies, while the remaining 93 are chosen from national party lists. POLITICOs Poll of Polls shows the Tisza party leading with approximately 49 per cent support, while Orbans Fidesz trails at 37 per cent, a gap that has persisted for nearly a year. Other parties, including the Democratic Coalition and the satirical Two-Tailed Dog Party, are fighting to stay above the 5 per cent threshold required to stay in the legislature. 4. Can the election be free and fair? Challengers face a system that critics say is heavily tilted in favour of the incumbent. In 2011, Orbans government redrew electoral districts to maximise Fideszs chances. Additionally, the government controls roughly 80 per cent of the media market, ensuring the opposition has virtually no presence in state-controlled outlets. There are also disparities in voting access; ethnic Hungarians in neighbouring countries can vote by mail, whereas those working in Western Europe must travel to embassies. Analysts suggest that while the act of voting itself remains secure, the broader environment makes a fair competition difficult. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 5. How much would a Magyar win really change? A victory for the Tisza party would be welcomed in Brussels, but it wouldnt instantly dismantle Orbans state architecture. Over the past 16 years, Fidesz has embedded loyalists into the judiciary and state-owned companies, potentially making the country difficult to govern for a newcomer. Magyar himself is not a typical pro-Brussels liberal; he has described himself as a Euro-realist and stated he does not believe in a European superstate. While he would likely repair the relationship with the EU to unlock funds, he is expected to maintain a Hungary First approach to national sovereignty. At a press briefing, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the July revolutionists were indemnified for the acts they committed with an aim of political resistance during the uprising under the July Mass Uprising Protection and Accountability Ordinance Bangladeshs Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has approved a bill granting protection to protestors behind the 2024 movement that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government in August. At a press briefing, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the July revolutionists were indemnified for the acts they committed with an aim of political resistance during the uprising under the July Mass Uprising Protection and Accountability Ordinance. We had announced this earlier. It was our commitment to the July revolutionists, he said, emerging from a meeting of the advisory council chaired by Yunus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Protestors who were part of the uprising in 2024 would be able to bypass persecution for overthrowing the Awami League government. Under the draft, the government would withdraw if any case was filed by now, and no new case could be lodged against the July revolutionists, often called July warriors. Nazrul said the political resistance in the case of the ordinance meant the acts committed by July revolutionists to restorea democratic governance system, toppling the fascist government. The adviser, however, added that the law would not spare anyone who murdered others in July and August for any personal or narrow interest. The development came over a week after an inter-ministerial meeting asked the Law Ministry to quickly draft an indemnity ordinance for those involved in the student-led uprising. Meanwhile, Hasina, earlier this month, strongly criticised the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of allowing religious extremism and attacks on minority communities to increase. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Hasina also urged India to stand up for democratic values in the region. Bangladesh is witnessing the rise of religious extremism, mob violence and political opportunism, all enabled by the states current leadership, she said. Hasinas comments came amid broader political uncertainty, including disputes over representation in the upcoming February 12 general elections. Her Awami League remains barred from contesting, and calls have gone out for supporters to abstain from voting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies TECNO Mobile has launched the TECNO Spark Go 3, the companys latest budget 4G smartphone in India, as it had promised. Positioned as a device for everyday go-getters, the smartphone targets students, young professionals, and field workers who require a rugged device for daily usage. Under the brands philosophy of Desh Jaisa Dumdaar, the Spark Go3 is designed to address the unpredictability of daily life, emphasizing build quality and localized features over purely aesthetic trends. Durability and Build The Spark Go3 is engineered to withstand varied environmental conditions. It comes with an IP64 rating, providing resistance against dust and water splashes. Additionally, TECNO states the device features drop-ready durability, aiming to provide reliability for users in active environments such as construction zones, delivery routes, and busy transit areas. There is 5000mAh battery with 15W charging. Display The smartphone features an 6.74 HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This inclusion is designed to offer fluid scrolling and a more responsive touch experience, functionalities often prioritized for media consumption and navigation. Localized AI Assistance To enhance accessibility for a diverse user base, the device integrates Ella AI, TECNOs proprietary voice assistant. A significant feature of this assistant is its linguistic capability; it supports interaction in several regional Indian languages, including: Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi. Connectivity Innovations Addressing the challenge of consistent connectivity, the Spark Go3 includes a feature termed No Network Communication 2.0. This technology is designed to facilitate communication in low or zero-network environments. It is specifically aimed at users working in signal-isolated locations such as basements, factories, warehouses, and rural areas where standard network coverage may be intermittent. TECNO Spark Go 3 specifications 6.74-inch (1600 x 720 pixels) HD+ display with 120Hz Refresh Rate, 20:9 screen aspect ratio 1.8 GHz Octa-Core UNISOC T7250 12nm processor with Mali-G57 MP1 GPU 4GB LPDDR4X RAM, 64GB eMMC 5.1 storage, expandable memory with microSD HiOS 15 based on Android 15 Dual SIM (nano + nano + microSD) 13-megapixel rear camera, f/1.85 aperture, dual-LED flash 8MP front-facing camera Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Infrared sensor Dimensions:165.677.978.19mm Dust and splash resistant (IP64 ratings) Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, USB Type-C 5000mAh battery with 15W charging Pricing and availability The TECNO Spark Go 3 comes in Titanium Grey, Ink Black, Galaxy Blue and Aurora Purple colours, and is priced at Rs. 8,999 for the single 4GB + 64GB model. The phone will be available from Amazon.in and leading retail stores across India starting from January 23rd at 12PM. Commenting on the launch, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India, said: Indias young consumers need smartphones that can keep up with their everyday pace. With TECNO Spark Go3, we are bringing a device that combines strength, intelligence and reliable connectivity, wrapped in a design that feels relevant to their lifestyle. Staying true to our Desh Jaisa Dumdaar philosophy, Spark Go3 is built to deliver consistency and confidence from day one. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. The United States is set to reduce tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15 percent under a new deal, which will also see an investment boost from Taiwanese firms, the Commerce Department says Press release on revoking of accreditation of a staff member of the British Embassy in Moscow 15 January 2026 10:20 34-15-01-2026 On January 15, the Foreign Ministry summoned the United Kingdom's Charge d'Affaires Danae Dholakia to present a strong protest regarding facts revealed by the concerned Russian agencies about the association of one of the embassy diplomats with British intelligence services. Ms Dholakia was informed that that the accreditation of that individual was being revoked in connection with these facts, as well as in accordance with Article 9 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. He must leave the Russian Federation within two weeks. It was reiterated that Moscow would not tolerate undeclared UK security service operatives engaging in activities in Russia, and that Russia's uncompromising stance on this matter would align with its national security interests. A warning was also issued that Russia would retaliate if London opted for escalation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Foreign Ministry Lodges Protest Over UK Intel Agent Employed in British Embassy Sputnik News 20260115 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it had lodged a protest with UK Charge d'Affaires in Moscow Danae Dholakia over information received by Russian authorities about a member of the embassy's diplomatic staff being affiliated with the UK's intel services. "On January 15, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned UK Charge d'Affaires in Moscow Danae Dholakia and issued a strong protest over the information received by Russia's competent authorities that one of the embassy's diplomatic staff is linked to the UK special services," the ministry said in a statement. Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared UK intelligence officers in Russia. "It is stated that Russia's uncompromising line on this issue will continue to be implemented in accordance with the interests of our country's national security. A warning was also issued that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive mirror response," the statement read. Earlier in the day, the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) said that it had identified an undeclared employee of the UK special services who was sent to Russia and posing as secretary of the department of the UK Embassy in Moscow. According to a Sputnik correspondent, Dholakia arrived at the Russian Foreign Ministry around 10.00 a.m. (07:00 GMT) earlier in the day and left in 15 minutes, booed by a large crowd of young people who came to express dissatisfaction with the UK's policy. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Contracts Contracts for Jan. 15, 2026 MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has made an additional 340 awards under the Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, with a ceiling of $151,000,000,000 following the initial 1,014 awards announced Dec. 2, 2025, and the second announcement of 1,086 awards announced Dec. 18, 2025. SHIELD allows MDA and other Department of Defense entities to rapidly compete orders under one flexible enterprise vehicle. Performance will occur across the United States. This contract encompasses a broad range of work areas that allows for the rapid delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter with increased speed and agility, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning enabled applications where pertinent, and maximizing use of digital engineering, open systems architectures, model-based systems engineering, and agile processes in the acquisition, development, and sustainment of these capabilities. If all options are exercised, work will continue through December 2035. No funds will be obligated on the base award; funds will be obligated at the order level. This contract was competitively procured via the System for Award Management website, with 2,463 offers received. MDA, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ085925RE001). ARMY AECOM + Tetra Tech JV, Boston, Massachusetts (W912DY-26-D-A008); Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp., Overland Park, Kansas (W912DY-26-D-A009); Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. Inc., Kansas City, Missouri (W912DY-26-D-A010); Dewberry & Power Engineers MDA JV, Fairfax, Virginia (W912DY-26-D-A011); HDR Architecture Inc., Omaha, Nebraska (W912DY-26-D-A013); Jacobs Government Services Co., Arlington, Virginia (W912DY-26-D-A014); and Michael Baker-Cardno JV, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania (W912DY-26-D-A015), will compete for each order of the $400,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for full spectrum facility engineering and architectural services. Bids were solicited via the internet with nine received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 22, 2033. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Striveworks Inc.,* Austin, Texas, was awarded a $70,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the purchase of Chariot Software Platform licenses. Bids were solicited via the web with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 14, 2028. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W56KGU-26-D-A001). Vita Inclinata Technologies Inc., Broomfield, Colorado, was awarded a $45,604,394 firm-fixed-price contract for the Vita Rescue System - Litter Attachment Starter Kit, extended warranty, and associated sub-components. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2031. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-26-D-0028). Rigid Constructors LLC, Maurice, Louisiana, was awarded a $24,602,400 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of irrigation canal, farm offtakes, siphon structures, gravity turnout, pump turnouts, and associated grading and drainage. The amount of this action is $24,602,400. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Scott, Arkansas, with an estimated completion date of March 16, 2028. Fiscal 2026 civil construction funds in the amount of $24,602,400 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, is the contracting activity (W912EQ-26-C-A004). Benaka Inc., New Brunswick, New Jersey, was awarded a $23,011,552 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction for the maintenance and repair of the Edgemont Army Reserve Center. Bids were solicited via the internet with nine received. Work will be performed in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of May 14, 2028. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance, Army Reserve funds in the amount of $23,011,552 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, is the contracting activity (W912QR-26-C-A011). Butt Construction Co. Inc., Dayton, Ohio, was awarded a $9,081,400 firm-fixed-price contract, with a cumulative total face value of $9,320,800, for the design-build construction of the Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing Research Capability Center. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 26, 2027. Fiscal 2024 and 2025 research, development, test, and evaluation, defense-wide funds in the amount of $9,081,400 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, is the contracting activity (W912QR-26-C-A010). NAVY Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, was awarded a $57,379,638 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-24-C-5131) to exercise options for AEGIS development and test sites operation and maintenance at the Combat Systems Engineering Development Site, SPY-1A Test Facility and Naval Systems Computing Center. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by January 2027. Fiscal 2026 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,497,724 (86%); fiscal 2026 research development test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $845,682 (6%); fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $617,245 (5%); fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Army) funds in the amount of $302,487 (2%); and fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of 160,475 (1%), will be obligated at the time of award, of which $160,475 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 13, 2026) KBR Wyle Services LLC, Lexington Park, Maryland, is awarded $52,634,575 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide support and sustainment of Counter Uncrewed Systems to include systems that provide detection, characterization, identification, mitigation, and assessment of friendly or adversarial platforms for the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWCAD), Aircraft Division, Webster Outlying Field, Airborne Systems Integration (ASI) Division in support of the Navy. Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Maryland, and is expected to be complete by March 2031. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competed, and three offers were received. NAWCAD, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042126D1001). L3Harris Corp., Millersville, Maryland, is awarded a $30,869,447 fixed-price incentive (firm-target) contract (N00024-26-C-6101) for production of Towed Body 29C towed array production, integration and testing. Work will be performed in Millersville, Maryland (57%); Liverpool, New York, (40%); and Ashaway, Rhode Island (3%), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2028. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $3,942,784 (15%); fiscal 2025 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $3,942,784 (15%); and fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $18,573,884 (70%), will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the System for Award Management website, with one offer received. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. JAG Ketchikan LLC, Ketchikan, Alaska, is awarded a $27,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00167-26-D-1001) for the inspection, repair, maintenance, and preservation support services of Southeast Alaska Acoustic Measurement Facility Static Site Service Craft, IX-527 and IX-528. This contract includes a 594-day ordering period, with the maximum value of $27,000,000, if the full contract ceiling is utilized. Work will be performed in Ketchikan, Alaska. Fiscal 2026 service cost center (Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division) funds in the amount of $2,842,806 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 System for Award Management (Sam.gov), with three offers received. Naval Surface Warfare System Carderock Division, Bethesda, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00167-26-D-1001). AIR FORCE Mission Essential Group LLC, New Albany, Ohio, was awarded a $47,920,791 firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement-incentive contract for enterprise support for the Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS). The contract provides for sustainment activities of the IBS-Enterprise Services program. Work will be performed at Fairfax, Virginia, and is expected to be completed Jan. 19, 2031. This contract involves foreign military sales to Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. No funds will be obligated at the time of award but will be incrementally obligated by delivery order prior to the contract start date as funds become available. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8555-26-D-B003). FEDCON-1 LLC, Plano, Texas, was awarded a $31,075,507 firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursable contract for Theater Deployable Communication Contractor Logistics Support. This contract provides for contractor comprehensive sustainment and support services for the Air Force theater deployable communications equipment. Work will be performed at Plano, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 14, 2031. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and two offers were received. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $4,191,966 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity. (FA872626CB002) General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded a face value $14,314,754 cost-plus fixed-fee contract modification (P00018) to previously awarded FA8689-23-C-2013 to exercise an option for continued sustainment for the Italian Air Force MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial System Program fleet currently being serviced under the second option year of the contract that provides logistics support activities and software maintenance services. Work will be performed in Poway, California; Italy; and Kuwait, and is expected to be complete by Jan. 31, 2027. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Italy. FMS in the amount of $14,314,754 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Heartland Manufacturing Inc.,* Brentwood, New York, has been awarded a maximum $45,019,842 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for wool berets. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Jan. 14, 2031. Using military services are Army and Air Force. 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-0021). BAE Systems & Armaments L.P., York, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a minimum $19,827,460 firm-fixed-price contract for Bradley Fighting Vehicle engine fuel tanks. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(2), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-2. This is a one-year, single-purchase contract with no option periods. The performance completion date is Aug. 31, 2027. Using customers are Army and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRRA2-26-C-0006). DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY ARServices Ltd., Falls Church, Virginia, will be awarded a contract modification (HDTRA121C0042 P00037) valued at $26,231,225, for an extension of Program Management Office (PMO) advisory and assistance services (A&AS) with a period of performance of Jan. 16, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027, with two additional 6-month option periods. This effort will provide a bridge of continuity for essential A&AS support and tasks include specific focus areas providing expertise in support of planning, programming, budgeting, and execution of projects, programs and portfolios across the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives spectrum in support of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Countering Emerging Threats missions and objectives. Fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amounts of $1,471,471 and $7,243,952, respectively; and fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,894,000, are being obligated at the time of award. The work will primarily be performed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The authority for this award is Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii)(B), Only one responsible source and no other services will satisfy agency requirements. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, DoDAAC HDTRA1, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Systems Planning and Analysis Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, will be awarded a contract modification (HDTRA121C0054 P00032) valued at $16,496,004 for an extension of scientific & technical (S&T) subject matter expertise (SME) advisory and assistance services (A&AS) with a period of performance of Jan. 16, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027, with two, additional 6-month option periods. This effort will provide a bridge of continuity for essential A&AS support and tasks include providing S&T SME across the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives spectrum in support of countering weapons of mass destruction and countering emerging threats missions and objectives. Fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amounts of $1,206,569 and $6,804,542, respectively, are being obligated at the time of award. The work will primarily be performed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The authority for this award is Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(2)(iii)(B), Only one responsible source and no other services will satisfy agency requirements. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is the contracting activity. *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4380949/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address January 15, 2026 By Air Force Airman 1st Class Rebecca Harima, 86th Airlift Wing Strengthening Partnerships: Air Force, Royal Netherlands Counterparts Collaborate on Aeromedical Training Inside a static C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, airmen assigned to the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron joined NATO partners from the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force in a subject matter exchange at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 6-9, designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen medical evacuation capabilities. The exchange, which included the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force Operational Healthcare Unit, combined hands-on medical training and simulation-based learning while giving attendees insight into each service's patient care kits and equipment. By sharing knowledge and observing each other's methods, both teams gained insight into how allied operations enhance mission execution. "The biggest takeaway was that we can not only work together in tandem, but we can also work together integrated, taking care of the same patients together," said Air Force Senior Airman Joseph Pearson, 86th AES mission management technician. Working shoulder to shoulder, attendees compared techniques, asked questions and walked through various patient care procedures and scenarios. Throughout the week, they operated not as separate units but as partners preparing for the same mission. "Training together prepares us to take care of a large amount of patients in large-scale conflicts," said Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force Captain Ramon Van Belzen, Operational Healthcare Unit section lead. "It felt quite natural to work together, it actually went quite smoothly and quickly [considering we were working] with people we've never worked with before." Medical scenarios performed in low light added another layer of realism, challenging both teams to adapt patient care to conditions that mirror real-life operational environments. Training together in these settings fostered teamwork and communications skills where coordination and clarity are critical. "The most valuable thing that we all received during this training opportunity was learning what our partner forces are able to do," said Air Force Maj. Maria Cruz-Fehr, 86th AES flight nurse. "With us being part of NATO and working with NATO side by side, we actually have a better understanding of our partner's capacity. We know how they work now and how they operate, and we can essentially create mission success in our aeromedical evacuation missions by saving lives." Aeromedical evacuation personnel are required to make quick and complex medical decisions and adapt to changing medical emergencies while ensuring safety. Often working with just a flight nurse and medical technicians aboard an aircraft, 86th AES airmen are trained to provide critical medical care while transporting injured service members from deployed locations. Being able to perform these functions while operating in conjunction with NATO allies is crucial to seamless mission execution. "We were very privileged to be here at Ramstein Air Base and happy to train together," Van Belzen said. "It was nice to be able to make steps forward for the future, and we hope we have more training opportunities together to increase both our proficiency and interoperability, so we can take care of our patients in the air in whatever circumstances that might be." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Peru - Design and Construction at Callao Naval Base NEWS | Jan. 15, 2026 Media/Public Contact: T_Outreach_PM@state.gov Transmittal No. 25-37 WASHINGTON, January 15, 2026 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Peru of Design and Construction at Callao Naval Base and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Peru has requested to buy equipment and services to support the procurement of maritime and onshore facilities at the Callao Naval Base. The following non-Major Defense Equipment items will be included: lifecycle design; construction; project management; engineering studies; engineering services; technical support; facility and infrastructure assessments; surveys; planning; programming; design; acquisition; contract administration; construction management; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $1.5 billion. This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important partner which is a force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South America. The proposed sale will improve Peru's port infrastructure to accommodate current and future naval and logistical operations and requirements. This sale will also provide a safer, more efficient platform for naval operations by reducing civilianmilitary interactions at the existing facility. Peru will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this construction and support will not alter the regional military balance in the region. The principal contractor or contractors will be determined later from a list of approved vendors, likely through a competitive process. 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 or contractors. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of up to twenty U.S. Government or U.S. contractor representatives to Peru for a duration of up to ten years to provide construction management and oversight. 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 EDA hosts shipbuilders, signatory countries for new family of warships European Defence Agency 15 January 2026 The European Defence Agency (EDA) hosted Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal, as well as shipbuilders, on 15 January to determine the design, needs and way forward for a future European Combat Vessel (ECV), a family of new frigates. Europe's navies are facing a growing mix of challenges: ageing fleets, outdated technology and increasingly congested waters. The seven Member States signed a letter of intent in late 2024 to develop a family of frigates to be ready for the 2040s. More EU countries could join the initiative. Spanish naval representative Luis Calvino, who is coordinating the development of requirements for the ECV, told delegates that the ECV will directly contribute to the European Union's security. The ECV aims to address naval shortfalls that include underwater and seabed control, information superiority, cyber defence, above-water warfare including ballistic missile defence, and unmanned and autonomous vehicle-enabled operations. "We need a real commitment from European partners to develop these systems. We've been relying on others, but it is something we cannot do anymore," Calvino said. "It is not realistic to think that a single nation can develop this," he added. By working together, an ECV fleet reduces costs for equipment with economies of scale and could help develop joint naval schools across Europe. ECV: Not a single ship Jurgen Scraback, head of EDA's Maritime Domain Unit, stressed that the project aims to strengthen Europe's maritime security and autonomy. The EDA-hosted ECV initiative will help meet NATO targets and use NATO standards in its requirements. The ECV will also be interoperable with NATO navies and complementary to the EU's the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC). "We will work closely with the industry, because if you don't start by collaborating with the industry from the beginning, the work will not succeed," Scraback said. Once the high-level requirements are agreed, EU industry is due to submit proposals on how to configure the vessels. The ECV is designed not as a single ship but as a family of vessels sharing common technologies and designs while coming in different sizes tailored to specific missions and Member States' needs. Unlike traditional shipbuilding, the ECV follows a so-called systems-to-hull approach: technology comes first, and the ship is built around it. The ECV should also function as a floating command centre, coordinating ships, aircraft, drones, and personnel during operations, for instance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel/Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson European External Action Service (EEAS) 15.01.2026 Brussels, Belgium EEAS Press Team We welcome the announcement of the launch of Phase Two of the United States 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and in particular the nomination of a Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza with the support of the Palestinian Authority. The EU stands ready to continue to support peace in Gaza, through its humanitarian, security, diplomatic and cooperation tools. We look forward to the implementation of the entirety of the Peace Plan, including the disarmament of Hamas, the delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale and the reconstruction of Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Estonia is ready to contribute with boots on the ground to ensure Greenland's security Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15.01.2026 | 15:24 Today, 15 January, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told his Danish counterpart Lars Lkke Rasmussen that Estonia is ready, if necessary, to contribute to Greenland's security with its own troops. "Estonia is taking part in planning a European joint exercise and is ready, if necessary, to contribute to ensuring Greenland's security with its own troops," Tsahkna said. "Estonia is convinced that all challenges related to the security of Greenland and the Arctic can best be addressed within the Alliance, through strengthened collective defence planning and coordination among Allies. Estonia is ready to contribute to this with its own forces," the foreign minister said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss Ukraine peace talks, Greenland, the situation in Iran and key NATO issues Finnish Government Government Communications Department Publication date 15.1.2026 Type:Press release In their meeting on Thursday 15 January, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed support for Ukraine and the ongoing peace process. The President and Ministerial Committee also discussed topical NATO issues and transatlantic relations. In addition, the meeting included a discussion on the current situation concerning Greenland. Finland and its allies are discussing ways to strengthen security in the Arctic region. The President and the Ministerial Committee received a briefing on the situation in Iran. Finland supports the Iranian people's right to express their opinions and assemble peaceably. Recent updates on casualties and detained individuals are highly alarming. The Iranian regime must immediately cease all violence against peaceful demonstrators. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese expert criticizes newly signed Japan-Philippines defense pact for hyping 'China threat'; warns external interference in SCS will lead to serious consequences Global Times By Zhang Wanshi Published: Jan 15, 2026 07:30 PM In another move that risks undermining regional peace and stability, 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, with hyping so-called China "aggression," according to media reports. A Chinese expert said that while the Philippines and Japan each have their own calculations and have hyped the so-called "China threat," any move to introduce external forces into South China Sea issues would only complicate the situation and lead to serious consequences. The pact, Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA), was signed during a meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu in Manila, Philippine news site Inquirer.net reported on Thursday. It allows reciprocal provision of supplies and services during combined exercises, training, disaster response and peacekeeping operations, another Philippine media GMA News online reported. The Associated Press reported the pact between Japan and the Philippines on Thursday and claimed that it allows the two countries to "boost deterrence" against China in the region. In the AP report, both Lazaro and Motegi made cliche claims of "promoting freedom of navigation and overflight, especially in the South China Sea," and opposing "unilateral attempts to change the status quo." The so-called "freedom of overflight" and "freedom of navigation" are just excuse for Japan and the Philippines to deepen cooperation with real target is obviously China and on the South China Sea issues, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Thursday. Behind the defense pact, Japan and the Philippines each have their own calculations. Song noted that the Philippines is playing with fire by introducing external forces into the South China Sea and attempting to exploit regional tensions to gain advantages at the expense of China's maritime rights and interests. Japan, meanwhile, is eager to export its second-hand destroyers to the Philippines, with the real aim of breaking through the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, thereby enabling it to openly export weapons and military equipment abroad and undermine the constraints of its Peace Constitution, said the expert. Under the newly signed pact, Japan would be allowed longer stays at Philippine ports and airports. Although the arrangement is framed as reciprocalallowing the Philippines similar access to Japanese facilitiesthe disparity in capabilities means the reciprocity is unequal in practice, said Song. The Philippines' move to introduce external forces into South China Sea issues will only complicate the situation. While China has so far exercised considerable restraint, any further escalation of provocations in the South China Seaespecially under the illusion of external backingwill inevitably backfire. Should the Philippines persist in challenging China's core interests, it will ultimately bear the full consequences of its miscalculations, Song noted. Japan and the Philippines in 2024 signed a key defense pact, called Reciprocal Access Agreement, which allows the deployment of Japanese forces for joint drills with Filipino troops in the Philippines, GMA News online reported. Answering a question regarding the reciprocal access agreement signed by the Philippines and Japan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in July 2024 that the exchange and cooperation between countries should not undermine the mutual understanding and trust between other countries in the region. It should not threaten regional peace and stability, target any third party, or harm the interests of any third party. The Asia-Pacific region does not need any military bloc, still less groupings that incite bloc confrontation or a new Cold War. Any move that undermines regional peace and stability, and harms regional solidarity and cooperation will be met with vigilance and opposition from people in regional countries. Japan bears serious historical responsibilities for its aggression and colonial rule over the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries during WWII. Japan needs to reflect on that part of history and act prudently in fields related to military and security, the spokesperson added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Authentic chili sauce resonates with diverse appetites Chinadaily.com.cn) 08:32, January 16, 2026 A full shelf of Lao Gan Ma chili sauce is seen at a supermarket in London, the United Kingdom, on Thursday. Wan Jindong / for China Daily Lao Gan Ma, the iconic brand of chili sauce that has been a fixture in Chinese kitchens for decades, continues to enjoy unabated popularity abroad thanks to its distinct taste that has remained unchanged over the years. According to the 2025 Top 100 Enterprises in Guizhou, condiment maker Guiyang Nanming Laoganma Special Flavour Foodstuffs Co, which produces 3 million bottles of the Lao Gan Ma chili sauce daily, posted revenue of 5.39 billion yuan ($754.6 million) in 2024, up slightly from 5.38 billion yuan in 2023. The latest figures mark its third consecutive year of growth, bringing it close to its 2020 revenue peak of 5.4 billion yuan. The company's overseas revenue rose 30 percent in 2023, supported by steady growth in popularity and increased social media visibility. Unlike many food brands expanding internationally, Lao Gan Ma has made few concessions to local tastes, refusing to tweak the recipe that has defined its appeal in China for decades. But the brand's success isn't just about revenue figures. Its real achievement lies in staying true to its roots, offering a bold, spicy and umami-rich flavor that consumers cannot seem to get enough of. Li Miaoxing, general manager and son of company founder Tao Huabi, told Xinhua News Agency in 2024 that the company's chili sauce, "crafted with traditional techniques, is the heart of our brand it's the product that started it all". Lao Gan Ma has today become a symbol of Chinese culinary heritage. Zhu Danpeng, a food industry expert, said, "The brand represents authentic Chinese flavors, rooted in centuries-old agricultural practices and handmade techniques." The authentic taste resonates with consumers worldwide. The traditional Chinese flavor is a hit in diverse markets. "For overseas Chinese, it's a taste of home. For international consumers, it offers a direct link to authentic Chinese culinary experiences," said Zhu. The brand's international expansion has been nothing short of remarkable. Lei Bangchao, head of personnel and administration at the brand's Guiding county branch, said that Lao Gan Ma's exports now account for 10 percent of its total revenue. The sauce is available in more than 160 countries and can be found on the shelves of one-third of all mainstream supermarkets in the United States and Europe. It has also reached South America and Africa, selling in Peru, Brazil, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. The global chili sauce market, valued at $5.72 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $6.52 billion by 2028, according to Euromonitor International, a London-based market research company. Lao Gan Ma's global rise can be attributed to two primary factors: its distinctive flavor and the viral power of social media. Word-of-mouth, particularly among the Chinese diaspora, combined with social media buzz on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, has ensured that Lao Gan Ma's popularity remains intact globally. Influencers, who have described the sauce as a "cupboard staple", have embraced the condiment enthusiastically, experimenting with unconventional pairings such as ice cream and avocado. The brand's journey has not been without challenges. A dip in sales in 2017 and 2018 was linked to the sourcing of peppers. The altered taste did not go down well with consumers. The return of its founder Tao to active management in 2019 helped restore the original recipe and rebuild consumer trust, Beijing Business Today reported. The company's focus on quality ingredients, particularly the chili peppers from Guizhou province, has ensured its flavor consistency. Known for their aromatic complexity and balanced spiciness, these peppers are difficult to replicate. Tao's principles have been key to Lao Gan Ma's steady growth. By focusing solely on chili sauce and avoiding diversification, the company has remained privately held and financially independent. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) Signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines Concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan January 15, 2026 On January 15, in Manila, the capital of the Republic of the Philippines, the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines Concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines ("Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement", or ACSA) was signed by Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Hon. Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines. The Agreement establishes a framework such as the settlement procedures for the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Agreement will facilitate the smooth and prompt provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Agreement will also promote their closer cooperation, and enable them to actively contribute to peace and security of the international community. (Reference) Attachment Japan-Philippines Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) ( English text (PDF) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Working Brunch Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan January 15, 2026 On January 15, commencing at 9:15 a.m. local time (10:15 a.m. Japan time), for approximately 120 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Manila, the Republic of the Philippines, held a Japan-Philippines Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Working Brunch with Hon. Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines. The overview of the Meeting and Working Brunch is as follows: 1. Introduction Minister Lazaro welcomed Minister MOTEGI's visit to the Philippines and stated that the Philippines wishes to further strengthen the cooperation with Japan this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Minister MOTEGI responded by expressing his pleasure at visiting the Philippines at the beginning of this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines as well as is a year when the Philippines bears the important responsibility as the ASEAN Chair. He also expressed his desire to strengthen the bilateral relations even further. In addition, he stated that the importance of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) based on the rule of law has increased amid the strategic environment becoming severer in the region and Japan wishes to deepen cooperation with the Philippines, which is crucial for the realization of a FOIP, in facing various issues in the international community. 2. Bilateral Relations Security and Maritime Cooperation (i) The two Ministers signed the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines Concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines ("Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement", or ACSA) and welcomed that the foundation of the bilateral security cooperation has been strengthened following the entry into force of the Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) last year. (ii) The two Ministers also signed and exchanged notes for Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY2025 project, the first infrastructure project under Japan's OSA program, which constructs boathouses and slipways for rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) for Philippine Navy. They welcomed that the coastal radar systems to be provided through the first OSA project for the Philippines had arrived in the Philippines on January 14, noting that it reinforces the foundation of the bilateral security cooperation. (iii) Moreover, Minister MOTEGI, mentioning the provision of Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) through Official Development Assistance (ODA), expressed the intention to continue contributing to the reinforcement of the Philippines' capabilities in the maritime security area. Economy and Other Cooperation (i) The two Ministers confirmed that the two countries will continue working together to enhance the connectivity in the capital area, including through the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway Project, as well as in flood control and disaster management. (ii) Minister MOTEGI pointed out the urgency to diversify supply chains amid the heightening concern over export control of critical minerals. The two Ministers then confirmed the necessity to deepen cooperation in the field of economic security. (iii) Regarding the Mindanao peace process, Minister MOTEGI stated Japan's intention to continue supporting the stability and development in Mindanao. The two Ministers then welcomed the signing and exchanging of notes concerning the grant assistance to provide wireless communication equipment for the development support of Mindanao during this visit. (iv) In addition, the two Ministers confirmed continued cooperation in the civil nuclear energy field and under the platform of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC). (v) Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI expressed gratitude for the Philippines' participation at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan last year and requested cooperation for the GREENEXPO 2027, which will be held in Yokohama next year. 3. Regional and International Situations Minister MOTEGI stated that the stability of ASEAN is crucial to the prosperity of the entire region and Japan is fully committed to supporting the Philippines' efforts as this year's ASEAN Chair, so that ASEAN is able to exercise its unity and centrality. Minister MOTEGI explained Japan's view on the current situation in the Indo-Pacific. The two Ministers then shared serious concerns over the continuation and the intensification of the unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China sea and the South China sea and concurred to continue closely working together. Moreover, in the face of the current severe international situations, the two Ministers confirmed the strategic importance of deepening Japan-US-Philippines trilateral cooperation and the US engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, in addition to the bilateral efforts, and concurred on promoting concrete cooperation including in the area of maritime security. The two Ministers also discussed the situations in Venezuela and the Middle East including Iran and their policies toward to North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issues. They confirmed their intention to continue collaborating on these matters as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address National Armed Forces Publish Evidence of Belarus's Involvement in the Planning and Organization of Illegal Migration Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence 01/15/2026 - 10:38 In Latvia Information prepared by Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces Information available to the National Armed Forces (NAF) and the State Border Guard, as well as recorded incidents, confirms the involvement of law enforcement and military structures of the Republic of Belarus in directing illegal migrants toward the Latvian state border. Identified cases indicate coordinated actions, including the transportation of illegal migrants using Belarusian military vehicles and the participation of officials in organizing attempted border crossings. During border surveillance operations, documents and communication equipment belonging to a Belarusian servicemember were found in the possession of one of the detained illegal border crossers. Subsequent checks established that these materials belong to a servicemember of the reconnaissance battalion of the 19th Guards Mechanized Infantry Brigade, stationed in the Vitebsk Region. The documents included internal unit documentation, including records of issued materiel and logistical equipment. Mobile devices belonging to detained illegal migrants contained images showing officials of the Belarusian State Border Committee together with illegal migrants, including inside military-type vehicles. Cases have been recorded in which Belarusian border guard officials are involved in transporting migrants to locations from which they are directed to attempt to cross the Latvian state border. Additional cases have also been identified indicating the use of illegal migrants for intelligence-gathering purposes and other elements of hybrid threats. The National Armed Forces and the State Border Guard regularly record manifestations of electronic warfare originating from the territory of the Republic of Belarus, affecting the operation of communication and navigation systems in the border area. Since 2021, the State Border Guard, in cooperation with the National Armed Forces and the State Police, has provided enhanced support to curb illegal migration along the Latvia-Belarus state border. Over these four years, close and effective cooperation has been established among the National Armed Forces, the State Border Guard, and the State Police, jointly strengthening Latvia's security. The organization of illegal migration, the transportation of migrants, and the provision of their accommodation should not be regarded solely as a means of illegal profit. The National Armed Forces emphasize that anyone who directly or indirectly supports the infiltration, transportation, or accommodation of illegal border crossers not only violates Latvian law, but mayoften unknowinglyassist operations organized by the intelligence services of states hostile to Latvia, aimed at conducting reconnaissance, sabotage, or other hostile activities in Latvia and elsewhere in Europe. Residents are urged to report suspicious activities, individuals, or vehicles observed in Latvia's eastern border regions to the emergency services by calling 112, or to the State Border Guard at +371 67913300. Information prepared by: Communications Directorate Information Analysis and Management Department Joint Headquarters of the National Armed Forces NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of National Defence R. Kaunas to meet with Polish counterpart Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2026-01-15 International cooperation | Security and defense policy On January 16 Minister of National Defence will conduct a visit to Warsaw to meet bilaterally with Minister of National Defence of Poland Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz to discuss the regional security situation, the potential training area in Kapciamiestis, the Baltic Defence Line and the East Shield, NATO and EU agenda, and assistance to Ukraine. Minister R. Kaunas will also meet with Chairman of the National Defence Committee of Poland Andrzej Grzyb and visit arms factory where the Piorun short-range air defence systems are manufactured. Lithuania and Poland has built a particularly strong partnership in the area of security and defence in recent years as the countries respond to regional threat developments. Lithuania and Poland actively cooperate in NATO and EU frameworks aiming to strengthening the eastern flank of the Alliance, the cooperation ranging from joint training exercises to infrastructure projects, such as the proposed defence line matching the EU border with Russia and Belarus. Also, Lithuania with Poland, Estonia and Norway are implementing an acquisition of the Piorun Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD) together. The Polish military have been particularly actively contributing to the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states since 2006. Their 13th and so far latest rotation was completed in the summer of 2025. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Suriname reaffirmed on Thursday its "continued support for Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Sahara region," as well as its "full support for the Moroccan autonomy plan as the only credible, serious, and realistic basis for a solution to this issue." Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursday 15 January 2026 This position was highlighted in a joint statement signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation of the Republic of Suriname, Melvin Bouva, on the occasion of his working visit to the Kingdom, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, following the bilateral meeting held in Rabat. In the statement, the Surinamese diplomat "noted with great satisfaction and welcomed the historic adoption on October 31, 2025, of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797, which, enshrines the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, within the framework of the Moroccan sovereignty, as the only serious, credible, and lasting basis for achieving a political solution to this regional dispute." The statement also welcomed the "growing international consensus and the momentum driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, in favor of the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco." In addition, the two ministers encouraged the signing of a "memorandum of understanding on cooperation between twinned cities, namely the Moroccan city of Dakhla and the Commewijne District in the Republic of Suriname." The statement recalls that Suriname opened an embassy in Rabat and a consulate general in Dakhla in May 2022. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela: Accountability and democracy cannot be built on violations of international law, warn UN experts Press releases Multiple Mechanisms 15 January 2026 GENEVA -- UN experts* today said that the only way to restore democracy in Venezuela following the recent violation of its sovereignty and years of authoritarian rule, is to respect the will of the Venezuelan people, ensure accountability and self-determination, and guarantee the sovereign and sustainable use of their natural resources in line with international law. The experts stressed the need for independent, impartial, thorough and prompt investigations and prosecution of human rights violations committed over the past twenty years to ensure justice, truth, accountability, and reparation for all victims, including those abroad. "An absolute priority must be determining the fate and whereabouts of the forcibly disappeared, the unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained, and robust protection against repression for civil society, journalists, human rights defenders including women human rights defenders who face heightened risks of intimidation and violence, and those perceived as opponents" they said. Venezuela faces a severe humanitarian crisis and urgent action is required to establish safe, dignified livelihoods for its people, the experts stated. "The future must be decided by Venezuelans alone, with the full, meaningful and equal participation of women, as well as the inclusion of Indigenous People, afro-Venezuelans and the millions forced to migrate, or seek asylum or refugee status because of the humanitarian crisis, human rights violations and political persecution," they said. The experts unequivocally condemned the US military intervention as a deliberate violation of the UN Charter and international law. "It is gravely concerning that, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, this marks the second time in four years that a Permanent Member of the Security Council has carried out an armed attack in flagrant violation of the UN Charter," they stated. "The prohibition against violating national sovereignty through unprovoked armed attacks applies even in the context of serious human rights violations and restrictions on freedoms such as those documented in Venezuela," they added. The experts noted that any unilateral decision by the US to place Venezuela temporarily under its control would violate international law and human rights, including the right to self-determination, enshrined in Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). "The use of natural resources by the Venezuelan people must consider human rights, particularly those of indigenous peoples, the environment, and climate impacts, while prioritizing the needs of Venezuelans to reverse the complex humanitarian emergency," the experts stated. They recalled that the International Court of Justice has reaffirmed the obligation of States to protect the climate system, warning that the continued extraction and use of fossil fuels may violate international law, and urged all parties with a legitimate interest to promote a just transition, while calling on companies to avoid contributing to the climate emergency and being complicit in human rights violations. UN experts expressed concern about the human rights impact of Venezuela's declaration of a "state of external commotion" on January 3, 2026. During this critical period following the attack, it must be ensured that the state of emergency is implemented in accordance with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination; that it respects non-derogable rights under international law; and that it is not used to intensify aggression and/or the criminalization of individuals perceived as opponents. "Democracy and rule of law cannot be sustainably restored without fundamental freedoms, separation of powers, judicial independence, an autonomous public prosecutor's office, and the demilitarization of civilian government." "A lasting democracy requires accountability for human rights violations, reparations for victims, their participation in credible transitional justice processes, and the implementation of reforms necessary for a secure future and for guaranteeing civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights," they stated. "Latin America is a zone of peace; The obligation to resolve conflicts peacefully and in accordance with international law must be respected. We express our willingness to provide technical support and to engage in constructive dialogue with all relevant actors." *The experts: Gina Romero, Special Rapporteuter on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Astrid Puentes Riano, Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment Paula Gaviria, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Damilola Olawuyi (Chairperson), Robert McCorquodale (Vice-Chairperson), Fernanda Hopenhaym, Lyra Jakuleviciene and Pichamon Yeophantong, Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Balde; Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez, and Mohammed Al-Obaidi, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances Beatriz Miranda Galarza, Special Rapporteur on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy (Hansen's disease) and their family members Cecilia M. Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity Alice Jill Edwards, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment Marcos A. Orellana, Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food Elisa Morgera, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change Claudia Flores(Chair) Ivana Krstic (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi,Working Group on discrimination against women and girls Mariana Katzarova, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation Isabelle Mamadou (Chair), Bina D'Costa, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent Ashwini K.P., Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Olivier De Schutter, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues Margaret Satterthwaite , Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the right to development Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education Ana Brian Nougreres, Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan Elizabeth Salmon, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran Siobhan Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education The Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures' experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The United States must respect right to life and urgently review lethal-force practices at sea, abroad and at home: UN expert Press releases Special Procedures 15 January 2026 GENEVA -- The excessive and unlawful use of lethal force by United States of America security forces both extraterritorially, including on the high seas and in Venezuela, and domestically, in law enforcement operations especially related to immigration enforcement, is gravely concerning, a UN expert said today. "Public statements by State officials signalling a "shoot-to-kill" posture risk lowering the threshold for the use of lethal force," said Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. "There are no exceptions to the absolute and universal prohibition of the arbitrary deprivation of life." "International law does not allow States to kill on the basis of labels, perceptions of how someone appears, or allegations of wrongdoing," Tidball-Binz said. "Whether at sea, abroad, or at home, the use of lethal force must be strictly limited by the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and precaution, and may be used only as a last resort to protect life." Alarmed by lethal strikes against small vessels in international waters by the United States in the context of a so-called "war on narco-terrorism", which have unlawfully killed scores of people since September, Tidball-Binz said he was particularly troubled at indications that some of the vessels could have been intercepted but were destroyed, including with double-tap strikes killing survivors. "Where there is no armed conflict and no basis in international law for the use of military force, States must rely on law enforcement measures consistent with international legal obligations, including human rights and maritime law requirements," the expert said. "The deliberate use of lethal force against persons who do not pose an imminent threat to life is unlawful and violates fundamental United States obligations under international law, and its own domestic laws." Expressing deep concern about the scores of deaths caused by the large-scale United States military action in Venezuela in early January, Tidball-Binz recalled that UN experts have underscored that the unprovoked use of armed force on the sovereign territory of another State is a breach of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. It may also constitute the international crime of aggression attributable to individual political and military leaders involved. "Deaths resulting from such an act of aggression are arbitrary by definition," the Special Rapporteur warned. "Accountability for human rights violations cannot be pursued through unilateral military intervention in violation of the UN Charter," he said. "Respect for the right to life is inseparable from respect for international law, including the prohibition on the use of force." He also expressed grave concern about the fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis on 7 January 2026 during an operation involving federal immigration enforcement officers, stressing that any death involving law enforcement must be subject to a prompt, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigation with those responsible held accountable. Tidball-Binz urged all relevant authorities to fully cooperate to ensure an effective inquiry. "States must ensure a legal and operational framework on the use of force consistent with the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials,"he said. "Where potentially unlawful deaths occur, investigations should comply with the Minnesota Protocol [LINK] and victims' families must have access to truth, justice and reparation," the expert said. Tidball-Binz referred to his report to the General Assembly which addresses unlawful killings by law enforcement officials and sets out practical measures to prevent loss of life and overcome recurrent obstacles to accountability, including in high-risk operational contexts. He called on the United States to urgently review relevant laws, policies, rules of engagement, operational directives and oversight mechanisms governing the use of lethal force domestically and extraterritorially; to clarify the legal bases and safeguards applicable to maritime and extraterritorial operations; and ensure credible, independent and transparent investigations into all allegations of unlawful killing. "The right to life is non-derogable and non- negotiable," he said. "States must never normalise a 'shoot-to-kill' approach which erodes the strict and absolute limits international law places on the use of lethal force." The Special Rapporteur is available to engage with the Government of the United States about these concerns. Morris Tidball-Binz is the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions 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 OIC General Secretariat Strongly Condemns the Storming of the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli Minister of National Security Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 15-01-2026 The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemns the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by the extremist Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces, considering it an extension of the violations and illegal plans aimed at changing the historical and legal status of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. The OIC General Secretariat reaffirms that Israel, the occupying power, has no sovereignty over the occupied city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, and that the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, with its entire area of 144 dunums, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. The General Secretariat also calls on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and compel Israel, the occupying power, to cease all its ongoing crimes and violations throughout the Palestinian territory, including the occupied city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Affairs Secretary Lazaro Holds Bilateral Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs MANILA 15 January 2026 -- Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro held a bilateral meeting today with Japanese Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu, on the occasion of Minister Motegi's official visit to the Philippines. During the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed key developments in Philippines-Japan relations and discussed the improving cooperation in security, economic, and development areas, as well as other priority areas of mutual interest. They reaffirmed the mutual commitment to enhancing the "Strengthened Strategic Partnership" between the two countries. Secretary Lazaro and Minister Motegi also exchanged views on regional and international matters, including this year's ASEAN Chairship of the Philippines and other developments in the region. They expressed commitment to the Trilateral Cooperation framework among the Philippines, Japan and the United States. Secretary Lazaro stated that the Philippines remains ready to host the next Trilateral Maritime Dialogue. Secretary Lazaro and Minister Motegi reiterated the Philippines and Japan's shared commitment to upholding a rules-based order governed by international law, as well as the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and through dialogue. Both sides also emphasized that the rule of law should apply in the maritime domain, especially the South China Sea, where the freedom of navigation and overflight needs to be upheld and not diminished. The meeting was followed by the signing of bilateral agreements, namely the Agreement Concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, otherwise known as the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA), and the Exchange of Notes for Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) for FY 2025, and the Grant Aid for the Establishment of Wireless Broadband Connectivity for BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi). The visit took place as the Philippines and Japan commemorate this year the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations. END NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH, Japan ink defense logistics deal, 2 others Philippine News Agency By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora January 15, 2026, 7:21 pm MANILA -- The Philippines and Japan signed on Thursday three key security and development deals, including the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) that would allow mutual logistics support between their two forces. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu led the signing in a ceremony following their bilateral meeting in Pasay City. Lazaro said the agreement would ultimately enhance the two countries' "mutual military interoperability and readiness," complementary to the recently ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement. Motegi, meanwhile, said the deal would further expand the growing bilateral security cooperation between the two states. The ACSA provides a logistical backbone for the execution of joint military training, operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and other collaborative activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. It is expected to facilitate the exchange of logistical support, such as fuel, food, transportation, medical services, and spare parts between the two forces. OSA, Mindanao connectivity Also signed were Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) for fiscal year 2025 and grant aid to boost connectivity in the Sulu Archipelago. Japan will help the Philippines construct boathouses and slipways for rigid-hull inflatable boats, its first infrastructure project under the 900-million-Japanese-yen OSA program, Motegi said. The new assistance, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs, will boost the country's capacity to secure the Philippine territory and deter threats that compromise peace and stability in the region. Under the same OSA program, Japan has provided 600 million yen for the provision of coastal radar systems, which officially arrived in the Philippines on Jan. 14. "It is believed that such enforcement of bilateral security cooperation will also contribute to the peace and stability of the region," Motegi said. The 1.63-billion-yen Mindanao grant aid, meanwhile, will help connect 40 government network sites and free public internet access points across Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA), and is expected to benefit more than 250,000 transacting individuals. Japan, Motegi said, is also providing wireless communication equipment to the country as part of its continuing effort to support peace and development in Mindanao. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PCG spox blasts China envoy's 'crude, gutter-level' social media posts Philippine News Agency By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz January 15, 2026, 6:49 pm MANILA -- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela, on Thursday criticized the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Manila for his "crude, gutter-level" language in social media posts. In a statement, Tarriela said Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei has markedly shifted to a "far more aggressive, confrontational, and vocal stance". "Mr. Guo Wei, I am beginning to think you are enjoying using the social media platforms here in the Philippines because you do not have such freedom in your country," he said. The change, he said, shows a tacit approval from Beijing and reveals China's "growing annoyance and evident fear that the transparency efforts that the PCG leads are proving increasingly effective." "What is clear is that the Philippine government's steadfast transparency initiatives in the WPS have finally worn down the patience and composure of the Chinese Embassy particularly since the arrival of its new Ambassador," he said. In particular, Tarriela said China Embassy's explicit mention of his name in "abrasive and revisionist" social media posts is a telling sign of the transparency efforts of the PCG against China's "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive (ICAD) actions." "Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we remain steadfast in our commitment: not one square inch of our territory will be surrendered, and neither will our voice. Surrendering that voice would be far worse," he said. Guo earlier called out Tarriela on Facebook for "fallacious remarks on China and the South China Sea" and for having "one, ten, or a hundred" social media "helpers." The envoy has also alleged that Tarriela spreads "twisted, manipulative, and provocative narratives" that push the Philippines into conflict with China. On Monday, a Filipino fishing vessel was harassed by Chinese ships while headed to fishing grounds west of Bajo de Masinloc. A People's Liberation Army Navy vessel (PLAN 621) and a China Coast Guard ship (CCGV 23521) went as close as 30 meters to the fishing boat while blaring sirens and blocking the boat's path at about 16 nautical miles southeast of the shoal. In response, the PCG dispatched BRP Cape San Agustin to secure the boat's crew and took their account of the incident. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Visayas naval units conduct missions in support of ASEAN Summit Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno January 15, 2026, 3:51 pm MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday announced that its naval units in the Visayas have conducted a series of operations from Jan. 12 to 13 aimed at enhancing the security for events related to the country's hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Summit this year. In a statement, the PN said landing craft BRP Manobo (LC-297) and multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC)-482, both assigned at Naval Forces Central (NFC), conducted "sealift mission and maritime security patrols" on the above-mentioned dates. "LC-297 conducted sealift missions in Bohol while ensuring the safe transport of military personnel, rolling cargoes, and various military equipment intended for the ASEAN Summit 2026. The Command's thorough planning and supervision allowed the mission to proceed efficiently while maintaining strict safety protocols," it added. Meanwhile, MPAC-482 conducted maritime security patrol operations to establish naval presence while enroute to Captain Veloso Pier, Naval Base Rafael Ramos, Lapu-Lapu City. "The coordinated efforts of the crew ensured smooth operations and reinforced the Navy's visibility in strategic areas," the PN said. It also said these two missions highlighted the PN and NFC's role in supporting transport and maritime security requirements across various areas in the Visayas in preparation for the conduct of various activities and engagements for the ASEAN Summit 2026 in the region. The 48th ASEAN Leaders' Summit and Related Summits will be held in Cebu from May 8 to 9, and will be followed by the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on Nov. 10 to 12, to be held at the newly-renovated Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. Ahead of the summits, Cebu will host the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM) from Jan. 25 to 29, and the ASEAN Tourism Forum from Jan. 26 to 30. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NMC: China 'personal attacks' on PH execs show weak WPS legal standing Philippine News Agency By Darryl John Esguerra January 15, 2026, 9:29 am MANILA -- The Philippine government has pushed back against China's accusations of alleged "provocations" in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying Beijing's resort to personal attacks against Filipino officials and advocates exposes the weakness of its legal position. National Maritime Council (NMC) spokesperson Undersecretary Alexander Lopez said China's recent statements and social media engagements, particularly those singling out Philippine officials, reflect its inability to counter Manila's claims under international law. "They're trying to discredit some personalities, eh sa atin iyon once you attack a personality ang ibig sabihin lang doon nawawalan kayo ng legal argument kaya tao na iyong binabanatan ninyo (Once you attack a personality, it only means you've lost the legal argument and are now targeting people instead)," Lopez said in a televised Bagong Pilipinas public briefing on Wednesday. His remarks followed repeated statements from the Chinese Embassy in Manila calling out Filipino figures vocal against China's activities in the WPS, including Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, Senator Francis Pangilinan, and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima. No legal basis Lopez rejected China's claim that the presence of Filipino fishers and government vessels in the WPS amounts to provocation, stressing that Philippine actions are anchored on international law. "Ayon kasi sa United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ang coastal state lamang ang may sovereignty, sovereign rights at jurisdiction sa lahat ng resources sa loob ng 200 nautical miles, exclusive economic zone (Under UNCLOS, only the coastal state has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over all resources within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone)," he said. He said vessels of the PCG, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Philippine Navy are conducting lawful patrols to protect civilians and enforce Philippine and international laws. Lopez said China, not the Philippines, has engaged in "illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive" acts, citing water cannoning, ramming, dangerous maneuvers at sea and in the air, harassment of resupply missions, and the use of military-grade laser devices. "Walang basehang legal o sa international law ang akusasyon ng Tsina (China's accusations have no legal or international law basis)," he said. Firm but peaceful Despite rising tensions, Lopez said the Philippines remains committed to a legal and peaceful approach consistent with UNCLOS, international law, and the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims. "All actions of the government are legal, mapayapa, at consistent sa arbitral ruling (legal, peaceful, and consistent with the arbitral ruling)," he said. He said diplomatic channels remain open but stressed that Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights are non-negotiable. Lopez added that the NMC continues to ensure a coherent and unified maritime governance strategy to avoid miscalculations and escalation. "We stick to issues and we do not discuss personalities," he said. He reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to firmly uphold Philippine sovereignty. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas official welcomes US announcement on 2nd phase of Gaza truce Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 January 2026 7:46 AM A senior Hamas official has welcomed the US announcement on the start of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian resistance group and Israel that aimed to end the latter's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. Taher al-Nunu made the remarks on Thursday, one day after US special envoy to West Asia Steve Witkoff declared in an X post the launch of phase two of President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza plan, saying it would move on from the initial deal agreed to late last year to "demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction." Nunu, an advisor to the head of Hamas's political bureau, welcomed the establishment of the technocratic committee and underlined the need for reopening Rafah crossings, allowing the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and securing the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the besieged territory. Israel is seeking not to fulfill its commitments under the Gaza truce, but efforts are underway by mediators to compel the usurping regime to implement the agreement, he added. On Wednesday, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem described Witkoff's announcement as an important and positive development. He further expressed the readiness of the Palestinian resistance group to hand over the administration of Gaza to an independent technocratic committee and facilitate its work. The Palestinian technocratic committee is meant to be overseen by the so-called Board of Peace, a panel which will reportedly be headed by veteran Bulgarian and UN diplomat Nickolay Mladenov. Gaza ceasefire mediators, including Qatar, Turkey and Egypt, welcomed the formation of the technocratic body, which is supposed to take over the day-to-day running of the Palestinian territory for a transition period. They said in a joint statement that the committee would be headed by Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, a former deputy minister of planning in the Palestinian Authority. "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," the statement read. It also stressed that all parties must "fully commit to implementing the agreement in order to achieve a sustainable peace and create the appropriate conditions for the reconstruction" of Gaza, where more than 80 percent of all buildings have been damaged or destroyed in Israeli attacks. The first phase of the Gaza deal began on October 10, 2025 with the exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian abductees, as well as the withdrawal of the occupation soldiers to the so-called yellow line, the lethal ceasefire boundary in Gaza. Since then, however, Israel has kept bombing Gaza and expanded its occupation of the territory in violation of the truce, killing at least 449 Palestinians. Many of the victims were shot by Israeli forces near the yellow line. Israel unleashed its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, but it failed to achieve its declared objectives despite killing more than 71,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring over 171,000 others. 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 Washington finalizes $500 million Venezuelan oil sale after illegal military intervention Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 January 2026 11:24 AM The US has finalized its first $500 million sale of Venezuelan oil, claiming billions are needed to "revive" the country's energy sector following its illegal military intervention in Carcass. According to reports, the first shipment has already been completed, with further sales expected in the coming weeks. More details about the first oil sale were unclear, however, Reuters reported that Venezuelan crude oil was being sold at discount prices to traders in Canada. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's efforts to leverage Venezuelan oil have run into resistance from major US energy firms, which have questioned the feasibility and legal framework for largescale investment. Oil executives gathered at the White House on Friday described Venezuela's oil sector as "uninvestable" under current conditions, citing legal and commercial obstacles. Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, a major US multinational oil company, told US administration officials that Venezuela's existing legal and investment frameworks do not allow American firms to do business in the country. "There are a number of legal and commercial frameworks that would have to be established to even understand what kind of returns we would get on the investment," he said. Several other US oil executives also expressed reluctance in doing business in the Bolivarian state. Decades ago, Venezuela's oil industry was nationalized under leftist governments, most notably during the administration of former president Hugo Chavez, transferring control from foreign companies into the hands of the Venezuelan state and its national oil company. As the Trump administration's efforts to bring US oil executives back into Venezuela's energy sector met with reluctance, Trump dismissed their hesitation as insincere, telling officials that executives were merely "playing cute" instead of investing in the country's oil infrastructure. Trump, who has portrayed himself as the new leader of Venezuela following illegal US military aggression in the country, in which US forces kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, said US oil companies would invest at least $100 billion in Venezuela's oil industry to "very rapidly rebuild its dilapidated infrastructure." White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers reiterated that the administration was facilitating ongoing discussions with companies "ready and willing to make unprecedented investments to restore Venezuela's oil infrastructure." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ranking Member Shaheen, Senator Daines Statement after Meeting with the Foreign Ministers of Denmark and Greenland Senate Foreign Relations Committee Published: January 15, 2026 WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Steve Daines (R-MT),chairman of the Europe and Regional Security Cooperation Subcommittee, released the following statement after their meeting with the Foreign Minister of Denmark, Lars Lkke Rasmussen, and the Foreign Minister of Greenland, Vivian Motzfeldt. "We were pleased to welcome Foreign Ministers Rasmussen and Motzfeldt to the United States Senate today. We discussed the shared security interests of the United States, Greenland and Denmark. Given the many threats around the globe, today's meeting highlights the need for all NATO countries to work together to protect the alliance, especially in the Arctic." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Risch Statement on Meeting with Greenlandic and Danish Foreign Ministers Senate Foreign Relations Committee Published: January 15, 2026 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the statement below on his meeting with the Greenlandic Minister for Foreign Affairs and Research, Ms. Vivian Motzfeldt, and the Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lars Lkke Rasmussen. "I was glad to welcome Ms. Motzfeldt and Mr. Rasmussen to the Capitol today. We discussed the shared interests of the United States, Greenland, and Denmark, including our shared security interests. As Russia continues its assault on Ukraine and threatens sovereign NATO territory, and while China is a looming threat to the region, allied nations must all work together to protect the alliance and the high North. I'm pleased that both sides have agreed to continue regular meetings at a high level and explore all options to get to a resolution of the issues." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement on announcement of appointment of a national committee for the administration of the Gaza Strip Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 009 15 Jan 26 Spain trusts that the appointment of a national committee for the administration of the Gaza Strip will constitute a step forward that contributes to stability and facilitates relief from the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip with the necessary increase in the entry of aid. The appointment of a committee of Palestinian figures to administer the Gaza Strip is a positive step towards the full implementation of the second phase of the peace plan and lays the foundations for the restoration of the unity of the Palestinian State under its National Authority. In this regard, the Government of Spain reaffirms its firm support for the Palestinian National Authority, our only partner for peace, and reiterates its essential and indispensable role in this transitional phase. Spain remains firmly committed to international efforts for peace in Gaza and appreciates the commitment of the mediators, Qatar, Turkiye and Egypt, to advancing the implementation of the peace plan, which, together with the New York Declaration for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, is the path to achieving a just and lasting peace. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Neither Russia, Nor China Ever Announced Aggressive Plans to 'Capture' Greenland - Moscow Sputnik News 20260115 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Neither Russia, nor China have ever announced any aggressive plans to "capture" Greenland, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday. "Neither Russia, nor China announced any such plans [claims to capture Greenland]. There is no factual information that could support such an accusation in any way... At the same time, both Russia and, by the way, China have recently said that they want to develop this region, I mean to develop relations with this region of the world," Zakharova told a briefing, answering a question about statements by US President Donald Trump about the intention to establish control over Greenland to protect it from Moscow and Beijing. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that Greenland should become part of the US, citing its strategic importance for national security and the defense of the "free world," including from China and Russia. Denmark and Greenland's authorities warned the US against seizing the island, noting that they expect respect for their shared territorial integrity. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United States Cardinal Pierre US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 15, 2026 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United States, to discuss shared priorities and opportunities to deepen U.S.-Holy See relations. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the Holy See's ongoing partnership and thanked Cardinal Pierre for his years of service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Secretary statement on the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza News story Foreign Secretary statement on the commitment to move to Phase 2 of the Peace Plan and the announcement of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP Published 15 January 2026 Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: I welcome the commitment to move to Phase 2 of the Peace Plan, including the announcement of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. It's critical we build momentum to sustain the ceasefire, address the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza with increased aid, remove the threat from Hamas, and deliver long-term peace for Israelis and Palestinians. All parties must deliver on their commitments under President Trump's 20 Point Peace Plan. These transitional measures should be delivered with the support of the international community, in accordance with international law, with respect for Palestinian sovereignty and self-determination, and in support of a two-state solution with security and peace for both Israel and Palestine. The UK has been consistently clear that the future of Gaza must be Palestinian-led. 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 15 January 2026 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** Guests All right, good afternoon, everyone. In a short while, we will be joined by our guest Jorge Moreira da Silva, who as you know is 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. Then, tomorrow, we will be joined by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations. He will join us from Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia, to also brief on his recent trip to that same region. ** Priorities Antonio Guterres this morning presented to the General Assembly his priorities during his last year as UN Secretary-General, and he assured the Member States that he will make every day of 2026 count. He said that he is fully committed and fully determined to keep working, to keep fighting and to keep pushing for the better world that we know is possible. The Secretary-General said that we are a world brimming with conflict, impunity, inequality and unpredictability. But even in this turbulence, he added, we have succeeded in claiming space for the United Nations where it was not a given, including in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to financing for development and climate change. He noted that the UN80 Initiative he has presented is about building a UN system that delivers more effectively, more coherently and with greater impact, amid the reality of shrinking resources and rising needs. But he warned that today's situation is totally unsustainable. Either all countries, without exception, honour their financial obligations under the Charter, which no longer seems to be the case, or Member States must overhaul our financial rules to prevent a budget breakdown. The Secretary-General outlined three basic priorities for the year ahead. First, he said, we must adhere to the UN Charter, fully and faithfully. He reiterated that the Charter is not an a la carte menu, it is prix fixe. Second, he said, we must be relentless in our work for peace with justice, peace between nations and peace with nature. He noted, among others, the efforts to push forward with peace processes in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. And last, he said, our priority must be to build unity in an age of division. Our challenge, and our priority, must be to build welcoming societies, not walled-off citadels. Instead of marginalizing migrants and other groups, we must build united societies in a world of united nations, the Secretary-General said. ** Secretary-General's Travel This evening, the Secretary-General will travel to London, where he will take part in a special event, organized by UNA-UK, the UN Association in the United Kingdom, to mark the eightieth anniversary of the first meeting of the General Assembly. On Saturday, the programme will begin with a civic service by Methodist Central Hall Westminster. Shortly after, Mr. Guterres will deliver the keynote address at the UNA-UK conference, entitled, "UNGA at 80: From 1946 to Our Future". You will recall that Central Hall is where the first meeting of the General Assembly took place in 1946. In his remarks, he will say that the General Assembly is the parliament of the family of nations. But it is also a mirror of our world, its divisions and its hopes. Mr. Guterres is expected to add that as we face challenges that are ever more borderless and interconnected, the only way to address them is together. And that requires a robust, responsive and well-resourced multilateral system. The Secretary-General will express his gratitude to the United Kingdom for being such a strong pillar of multilateralism, and his appreciation to UNA-UK and to civil society for honouring history with their eyes firmly fixed on the future. While in London, the Secretary-General will hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer. That meeting will take place tomorrow, and you can expect a readout. He is also scheduled to meet the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, on Saturday. After London, the Secretary-General will arrive in Switzerland on Sunday for two main engagements. He will attend the annual retreat with his special and personal representatives and envoys. He will then travel to Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum, where on Wednesday, 21 January, the Secretary-General will deliver a special address focusing on "Dialogue", as the Forum's 56th Annual Meeting takes place under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue". He is expected to outline four priorities: investing in peace amid record global conflicts; advancing justice and opportunity by tackling extreme inequality and reforming the global financial system; securing a liveable planet through accelerated climate action; and ensuring that technology, particularly AI, serves humanity through global governance and capacity-building. While in Davos, Mr. Guterres is also scheduled to have bilateral meetings with leaders attending the Forum. He will be back in the office on Thursday morning. ** Deputy Secretary-General's Travel This evening, the Deputy Secretary-General will travel to Cannes, in France, to participate in the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Council Retreat. The retreat will convene current and former leaders, policymakers and experts to exchange perspectives on leadership, governance, peace and security, and sustainable development, with a focus on advancing inclusive and accountable governance globally. Following her participation in the Retreat, the Deputy Secretary-General will travel to Switzerland to join the Secretary-General for the annual retreat for his special and personal representatives and envoys. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory The Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, wrapped up his visit to Gaza today. He visited the Gaza Power Plant in Nuseirat, which hasn't functioned since the war began. He was informed about plans to restore electricity to hospitals and wastewater sites if materials and fuel can be accessed. Before leaving Gaza, Dr. Alakbarov visited the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing and saw the fuel being delivered from Egypt into Gaza. Meanwhile, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that thousands of people continue to be affected by recent winter storms in Gaza. As of Tuesday, our partners report that more than 3,000 people are exposed to severe weather after hundreds of tents and makeshift shelters were blown away or severely damaged. More than 60 inhabited buildings could be at risk of collapse in Gaza City. Since the beginning of the winter season and as of Wednesday, seven children have died from hypothermia, according to the Ministry of Health and our health partners. The UN and our partners continue responding to flood alerts by distributing tents, tarpaulins, blankets and warm clothes, as well as nutrition, hygiene and sanitary items across Gaza. Heavy equipment for debris removal, as well as additional plastic sandbags and tools whose entry into Gaza is restricted, are urgently needed. As we've mentioned previously, we and our partners continue to scale up the response, despite impediments. UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) says it has reached more than 280,000 people with cash. The agency says that sustained cash support can help malnourished children consume a variety of food. ** Syria From Syria, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that, as of yesterday, some 58,000 people remain displaced, while nearly 90,000 others have returned to their homes following recent clashes in Aleppo City. We and our humanitarian partners continue to provide food, psychosocial support and other aid to displaced families and those returning. The Syrian Humanitarian Fund and Syrian Cross Border Fund have allocated $2.5 million through national non-governmental organizations' partners to deliver rapid and crucial assistance to those who have been uprooted in Aleppo, Afrin and Idleb. We continue to coordinate with local authorities and humanitarian organizations on the response. ** Sudan Moving to Sudan: As the country marks more than 1,000 days of brutal conflict, the World Food Programme (WFP) says that it continues to deliver food assistance to an average of 4 million people every month, including in previously hard-to-reach areas across the Darfur and Kordofan regions, and Khartoum and Al Jazira States. After more than two years of fighting, more than 21 million people face acute hunger in Sudan. And as you know, famine has been confirmed in parts of the country where months of fighting made access for aid workers largely impossible, and nearly 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes. Today, 3.7 million children and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are also malnourished. Since the resurgence of civil conflict in April 2023, WFP reached over 10 million of the most vulnerable women, men and children in Sudan with emergency food, cash and nutrition assistance. In his speech at the General Assembly this morning, the Secretary-General reiterated that the parties must agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of talks to reach a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process, stressing that civilians must be protected. ** Security Council This morning, the Security Council was briefed in closed consultations by the head of our mission in Cyprus, Khassim Diagne. And this afternoon, the Council will discuss the current situation in Iran in an open briefing. Martha Pobee, the Assistant Secretary-General in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, will brief on our behalf, and we will share her remarks as soon as we get them. ** Honour Roll We are pleased to announce that five more Member States have made this year's Honour Roll. We say thank you to our friends in Canada, Iceland, Latvia, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom for their full payments to the Regular Budget. This brings the number of Member States on the Honour Roll to 14. That's it for me, are there any questions? After I speak, we will, of course, we will get to our guest. Yes, Namo? ** Questions and Answers Question : Thank you, Farhan. A follow-up on Syria. You said 58,000 people remain displaced. Do your people tell you why they remain displaced? Are there obstacles? Deputy Spokesman : Well, the problems have been that they were uprooted by the recent fighting. And, of course, it's difficult to return to your homes even after the fighting has resumed. We're providing assistance as we can get access to the people. But obviously, some of them will have to be able to make their way back once safety has been restored to the areas that had seen the recent fighting. Dezhi? Question : On Iran, first, does the Secretary-General or other UN officials have any contact now with the Iranian Government? Deputy Spokesman : I believe we're exploring the possibility of having some contact with the Iranian Government, but I don't have anything to announce just yet on that. Question : So, UN initiated the request to talk to Iranian Government officials. Is that correct? Deputy Spokesman : We're in discussions about setting up something. But nothing to announce just yet. Question : Okay. So, we know that there are UN staff inside Iran. Can you get any information from those staff there? Deputy Spokesman : Yes. We've been getting information from our staff, and they've been telling us about the process of the different protests and the conditions on the ground. There are staff who have been going back to the office, so it's not a case simply of people staying at their homes right now. But in the last day, there have been people going into the office. Question : So, the tension has been gradually, how to say that, "eased"? Is that correct? That's why I am asking you... [cross talk] Deputy Spokesman : There's still some tension on the ground. I'll refer you over to what the recent statements have been on this including just, I believe, a day ago by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Abdelhamid? And then after that, you can... Question : Thank you, Farhan. The Israeli Knesset approved the application of the death sentence on Palestinians whom they say participated in the 7 October attack. Do you have any thoughts on that? Deputy Spokesman : Well, first of all, as you know, the UN stands against the death penalty everywhere in the world. Beyond that, of course we've raised our concerns about the legal treatment of Palestinians, and we want to make sure that that there is no inequality in laws that are applied to peoples in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Question : My second question today, seven Palestinians were killed in Gaza. And the Israelis' bulldozers are destroying more houses, especially in Rafah and in Deir al-Balah, especially Deir al-Balah. At least 2,500 buildings were erased to the ground since the ceasefire. Probably, you saw the report of The New York Times about that. Deputy Spokesman : Yeah. Question : So, do you have any comment on that? Deputy Spokesman : Well, we stand against the destruction of any of the civilian structures and infrastructure of Gaza. That was true when the fighting was going on, and it's certainly true during the phase of the ceasefire. Yes, please? Question : Thank you, Farhan. Also on Gaza, perhaps a piggyback off my previous colleague's question. Reports indicate that Hamas and other representatives are in Cairo discussing phase two of the Gaza ceasefire deal, including the implementation of the technocratic committee that was outlined in the original deal. Given the Secretary-General's criticism over both insufficient aid access and continued military expansion beyond the yellow line, does he believe that phase one has been sufficiently fulfilled for phase two to even proceed? Thank you. Deputy Spokesman : Well, from our standpoint, we believe that the announcement of phase two is an important step because, certainly, any initiative that contributes to alleviating the suffering of civilians, supporting recovery and reconstruction, and advancing a credible political horizon is a positive development. At the same time, of course, we want to make sure that all efforts are guided by the relevant UN resolutions, including the Security Council resolution 2803 and international law. Pan? Question : Thank you, Farhan. I have several questions. The first one is a follow-up on Iran. The Iranian Foreign Minister sent a letter to the Secretary-General today, and I wonder if you can confirm that he has received a letter and what's his reaction. Thank you. Deputy Spokesman : I believe we have been in contact with the Iranian authorities. If there's a letter to be circulated, we will, of course, circulate that. Question : My second question is that the fifth consultative meeting on efforts to enhance peace in Sudan is held in Cairo. And I wonder if the two warring parties in Sudan were invited to attend the meeting. And can you elaborate a bit about the meeting? Thank you. Deputy Spokesman : Well, what I can tell you, as we mentioned yesterday, our envoy dealing with Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, was in Cairo and in fact has now left Cairo, but he was participating in these talks and trying to move forward with peace efforts for Sudan. And of course, we provided also a readout of his meeting with, I believe, the Foreign Minister of Egypt while he was there. Okay. And one more. Sure. Question : A few European countries have sent troops to Greenland. What's the SG's response to this latest development? Deputy Spokesman : I believe that's a bilateral arrangement between Denmark and the countries involved. Yes? Question : Thank you, Farhan. We know that UN not directly involved in the ceasefire process. But even on the second phase, you don't have any personnel just to observe about the process, or do you have any possibility in the future you may involve in this important process? Deputy Spokesman : Well, we are not ceasefire monitors, and we're not part of the monitoring mechanism that was established. We are willing to play a role as determined by the parties, and we are, of course, in touch with the various parties on the ground. But this is not part of our established responsibility under the ceasefire agreement. And with that, let me turn to see whether we can have our guest online. Can we please... hold on one second. We'll just have to wait for our guest. Stay in your seats and we'll have him up shortly. Oh, wait. Why don't we have a question while we wait? Question : A news report says that there is some conflict inside Afghanistan among Taliban themselves. There is division. I know it's an internal issue, but can you share with us any information coming from Afghanistan? Deputy Spokesman : Well, you're aware of the briefings we've conducted, in which we've talked about our dealings with the de facto authorities. Obviously, we have seen the same BBC report that you saw, but I wouldn't be privy to any particular information to share with you on this. Thanks very much. All right. Sure. Question : Since we're still waiting, I want to ask something about UNOPS. We know that the former ASG [Assistant Secretary-General Vitaly] Vanshelboim, has been approved by the Spanish court to extradite it to US for the bribery case. So, what is the latest development now? Because I remember, I am probably the only one who asked this like, for the past year. Is there any development on this case? Deputy Spokesman : Well, we certainly cooperated with the authorities on this. And we've been supportive of the efforts to make sure that justice is served in the case of Vitaly Vanshelboim, and we'll continue to cooperate as needed. Question : Can the UN get the money back? Because as I understand, you need the money very much. Deputy Spokesman : I believe on that, I will wait for our guest, the Executive Director of UNOPS, to talk to you, which should happen as soon as we get this connection going. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Gaza, 800,000 people now live in dangerous locations prone to flooding 15 January 2026 - Fighting the harsh winter storms in Gaza, Amina stays awake at night, hitting the canvas of the tent above her head to prevent it from collapsing under the pooled water. In her family's shelter, the ground is soaked and her children cannot sleep. "Our situation is extremely difficult, and we want someone to help us, at least by providing us with a tent that shelters us and is a proper tent," Amina told the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) earlier this week. Millions of others like Amina, who are threatened by rain, flooding and ongoing bombing need live-saving aid. A recent Israeli ban of dozens of humanitarian groups, however, makes that assistance out of reach. A move which a group of independent UN human rights experts warned on Thursday is a violation of international law. "This strategy will create conditions that force Palestinians into chronic deprivation, threatening their very survival as a group and further violating the Genocide Convention," the experts said. "It must be stopped." Green light for US Gaza peace plan Later on Thursday, in a statement released by his Spokesperson, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the launch of Phase Two of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan, announced Wednesday. The plan includes the establishment of a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. "Any initiative that contributes to alleviating the suffering of civilians, supporting recovery and reconstruction and advancing a credible political horizon is a positive development," the statement read. Mr. Guterres highlighted that the UN will continue to support all efforts to end the occupation and the conflict leading to the achievement of the two-State solution, in line with previous UN resolutions and international law. 'Uninhabitable' shelters OCHA said that 800,000 people nearly 40 per cent of the population now live in sites prone to flooding, where winter storms and heavy rain have made shelters uninhabitable. As of Tuesday, UN partners reported that hundreds of tents and makeshift shelters were blown away or severely damaged, leaving over 3,000 people exposed to severe weather, while more than 60 inhabited buildings in Gaza City could be at risk of collapse. Prohibited waters OCHA noted that the Israeli military is still deployed in more than half of the Gaza Strip, beyond the "Yellow Line", where access is either restricted or banned to aid facilities, public infrastructure and agricultural land. Detonations of residential buildings have continued, along with bulldozer activity, OCHA said, including near or east of the "Yellow Line". Additionally, access to the sea for Palestinians remains prohibited and there continue to be reports of Palestinian fishermen being killed or detained in the waters just off Gaza. Millions worth of aid blocked Announced as a national security measure on 30 December 2025, Israel's new regulation bans 37 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from operating in Gaza and the West Bank. As of 31 December, nearly $50 million in life-saving aid remained blocked amid repeated ceasefire violations, according to the group of Human Rights Council-appointed independent experts. They are not UN staff and receive no salary for their work. In early December, UN agencies and NGOs were only able to deliver 14,600 tents for 85,000 people, leaving 1.3 million Palestinians without adequate winter shelter. Several people, including six children have already died from hypothermia, drowning or cold-related injuries. "There are no words left to describe what Gaza has become," the experts said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Gaza reels from winter storms as makeshift shelters torn apart OCHA reports that thousands of people continue to be affected by recent winter storms. As of Tuesday, humanitarian partners report that more than 3,000 people are exposed to severe weather after hundreds of tents and makeshift shelters were blown away or severely damaged. More than 60 inhabited buildings could be at risk of collapse in Gaza city. Since the beginning of the winter season and as of Wednesday, seven children have died from hypothermia, according to the Ministry of Health and our health partners. The UN and its partners continue responding to flood alerts by distributing tents, tarpaulins, blankets and warm clothes, as well as nutrition, hygiene and sanitary items across Gaza. Heavy equipment for debris removal, as well as additional plastic sandbags and tools whose entry into Gaza is restricted, are urgently needed. The UN and its partners continue to scale up the response, despite impediments. UNICEF says it has reached more than 280,000 people with cash. The agency says that sustained cash support can help malnourished children consume a variety of food. The Humanitarian Coordinator, Ramiz Alakbarov, wrapped up his visit to Gaza today. He visited the Gaza Power Plant in Nuseirat, which hasn't functioned since the war began, where he heard of plans to restore electricity to hospitals and wastewater sites if materials and fuel can be accessed. Before leaving Gaza, Dr. Alakbarov visited the Kerem Shalom crossing and saw the fuel being delivered from Egypt into Gaza. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza with urgent support. Syria More families return home in Aleppo after clashes OCHA reports that, as of yesterday, some 58,000 people remain displaced, while nearly 90,000 others have returned to their homes following recent clashes in Aleppo City. The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to provide food, psychosocial support and other aid to displaced families and those returning. The Syrian Humanitarian Fund and Syrian Cross Border Fund have allocated $2.5 million through national NGO partners to deliver rapid, life-saving assistance to those who have been uprooted in Aleppo, Afrin and Idleb. OCHA continues to coordinate with local authorities and humanitarian organizations on the response. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Syria with urgent support. Posted on 15 January 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denmark rebuts Trump's Greenland security claims People's Daily Online (Chinadaily.com.cn) 08:28, January 16, 2026 There are no Chinese warships operating around Greenland and no significant Chinese investments in the region, Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, as he countered United States' threats to seize the Arctic island. Rasmussen, together with Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, had an hourlong meeting with US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House, the first face-to-face meeting between the high-level officials as Washington's talk of taking full control of Greenland has run high. "It was a great opportunity also for Vivian and I to go up against the narrative, because it is not a true narrative that we have, you know, Chinese warships all around the place," Rasmussen told reporters after the meeting. "According to our intelligence, we haven't had a Chinese warship in Greenland for a decade or so," he said at a news conference. "There are no Chinese warships along the coast of Greenland. ... Nor are there any massive Chinese investments in Greenland," Rasmussen was also quoted by AFP as telling the Danish press after talks with US officials. Despite a "frank and constructive" atmosphere, Rasmussen said that the White House meeting failed to change the US position on Greenland, and that a "fundamental disagreement" persists. "It's 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," he said at the news conference. Motzfeldt said they had clearly defined their boundaries, and that from that point, "it will be very good to look forward". US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that China and Russia are seeking to control Greenland when arguing that the US must take over the island for security reasons. Hours before the high-stakes meeting between US and Danish and Greenlandic officials started, Trump said on social media 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", or otherwise Russia or China would "AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" After the talks, Trump again said that Greenland is very important for national security, including that 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," he told reporters at the Oval Office. Days before the Washington meeting, Rasmussen said the US is painting "a false picture of what is happening in Greenland". Speaking after an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Policy Committee on Jan 6, the Danish foreign minister said a picture is being painted that there are a lot of Russian and Chinese ships around Greenland, and that China exerts great influence through investments, Greenlandic public broadcaster KNR reported. "We do not share this image that Greenland is plastered with Chinese investments," Rasmussen was quoted as saying in the report. China's Foreign Ministry said that Washington should not use other countries as an excuse to pursue its own interests. "The Arctic bears on the common interests of the international community. China's activities in the Arctic are aimed at promoting the peace, stability and sustainable development of the region. They are in line with the international law," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday. "Countries' right and freedom to carry out activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law need to be fully respected. The US should not use other countries as a pretext for seeking selfish gains," she said. According to the 2025 Chicago Council Survey, conducted between July 18 and 30, more than nine in 10 US citizens opposed using US troops to invade Greenland and make it part of the US. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 15 January 2026 - Day 1422 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that 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 161 combat encounters. The Russian enemy launched two missile and 63 air strikes, fired three missiles and dropped 160 controlled air bombs, carried out 4,876 kamikaze drone strikes and 2464 shelling of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled one attack of Russian invaders. The Russian enemy launched an airstrike, dropped two controlled airstrike bombs and carried out 87 shells, including three from the reactive systems of salpovogo fire. 11 fighting clashes took place in the South Slobozhansky direction - in the areas of the settlements Vovchansk, Prylipka, Tyhe, Staritsya, Vovchansky Khutory and towards the settlements Izbitske, Krugle, Nesterne. Three clashes are currently underway. In the Kupyans komu direction, the Russian enemy carried out five attacks on the position of Ukrainian troops towards Pi any, Kurilivka, Petropavlivka, Boguslavka, two clashes are still ongoing. In the Lyman direction, Russian troops 17 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements of Zarichne, Novoselivka, Torske and towards the settlements of Lyman, Stavki, Druzhelyubivka, Oleksandrivka, Dibrova, Drobisheve. One fight is going on. Ukrainian soldiers today repelled five Russian attacks on Ukrainian positions in the Slovak direction. Units of the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of Siversk, Platonivka and towards Zakitnogo. In the kramators komu direction Ukrainian defenders repelled four attacks in the areas of vasyukivka, fedorivka and towards privilege, minkivka. In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 21 times in the areas of settlements of Konstyantinivka, Ivanopilya, Rusin Yar, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Cherbinivka, Pleschievka and towards Novopavlivka, Stepanivka, Sofiyivka. There is currently one confrontation in progress. In the Pokrovsky direction, the Russian enemy made 41 attempts to submerge Ukrainian units in the areas of the settlements of Nikanorivka, Mirnograd, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udacne, Novosergiivka, Molodetske, Philia and towards Rodinsky, New Shahovoy, Suhetsky. According to preliminary calculations, in this direction Ukrainian warriors have eliminated 87 and wounded 49 Russian invaders, destroyed one motorcycle, three ATVs, 30 unmanned aircraft, two vehicles units, nine special equipment units, one personnel shelter. In addition, six vehicles units, one REB device, a terrestrial robotic complex and nine Russian personnel shelters were affected. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian enemy attacked nine times near Vyshnevy and towards settlements Ivanivka, Oleksandrograd, Yegorivka, Rybne, Zlagoda, Andriyivka-Klevtsove, New Zaporizhia . One battle is going on. In the Gulyaipil direction, Ukrainian soldiers today repelled 25 attacks of the enemy in the areas of Solodky, Gulyaipol and towards Dobropil, Olenokostyantinivka, Zelenoy, Varvarivka. Russian forces launched airstrikes on Rizdvyanivka, Samijlivka, Girkomu, Vozdvizhivka, Zaliznychnou, Gulyaipol. Five combat clashes took place in the Orihiv direction, in the areas of Primorsky, Stepnogirsk, Stepnogiri, Kamiansky. The Russian enemy launched air strikes on the settlements of Orihiv, Tavriyske, Preobrazhenka. In the pridniprovsk direction, the Russian enemy once unsuccessfully tried to approach the positions of Ukrainian defenders. 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. The Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops inflicted fire damage on a mechanised brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a territorial defence brigade have been hit close to Khoten and Miropolye (Sumy region). In Kharkov direction, units of two mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and one territorial defence brigades were hit close to Volchanskiye Khutora, Tikhoye, and Velikiy Burluk (Kharkov region). The AFU lost more than 240 troops, an armoured fighting vehicle, 25 motor vehicles, three field artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations, and two materiel depots. The Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Manpower and military hardware of three mechanised brigades, an assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a national guard brigade were hit near Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic), Petrovka, Grushevka, Blagodatovka, Monachinovka, and Kupyansk-Uzlovoy (Kharkov region). The enemy losses amounted to up to 190 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, 28 motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. Two electronic warfare stations, an AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar, and two ammunition depots were neutralised. The Yug Group's units improved the situation along the front line. Elements of three mechanised brigades, a motorised infantry brigade, a mountain assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a marine brigade, and two territorial defence brigades have been hit near Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, Novotroitskoye, Zakotnoye, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy has lost more than 185 troops, two tanks, six armoured fighting vehicles, four of them foreign-made. Thirteen motor vehicles, six field artillery guns, including two U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery systems, an electronic warfare station, an ammunition depot, and a material depot were neutralised. The Tsentr Group's units improved the tactical situation. In addition, strikes were launched at manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, two jaeger brigades, an airmobile brigade, an air assault brigade, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a marine brigade, and four National Guard brigades close to Belitskoye, Grishino, Zavido-Kudashevo (Donetsk People's Republic), Novopavlovka, Prosyanaya, Mezhevaya, and Novopodgorodnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region). Ukrainian armed formations sustained losses of more than 400 troops, one tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, and one electronic warfare station. The units of the Vostok Group of Forces advanced to the depths of the enemy's defence. They hit manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, two assault brigades, three assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a territorial defence brigade near Rizdvyanka, Zaliznichnoye, Ternovatoye, Lesnoye, Barvinovka, and Zhovtnevoye (Zaporozhye region). Up to 245 troops, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 11 motor vehicles, and three artillery guns including two Western-made artillery guns of the AFU have been neutralised. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on units of a mountain assault brigade, a coastal defence brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a territorial defence brigade near Orekhov, Malokaterinovka (Zaporozhye region) and Antonovka (Kherson region). Up to 50 Ukrainian troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 11 motor vehicles, one electronic warfare station, and one ammunition depot were neutralised. Operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces have inflicted damage on energy and transport infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as command posts and temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries in 162 areas. Air defence systems shot down five guided aerial bombs, one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectile, two Neptune long-range guided missiles, and 265 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 109,190 unmanned aerial vehicles, 645 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,140 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,641 MLRS combat vehicles, 32,596 field artillery guns and mortars, and 51,877 special military vehicles. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Money laundering and terrorist financing reports on Georgia, Montenegro, Poland and Slovakia Council of Europe Follow-up reports issued by the Council of Europe's MONEYVAL MONEYVAL Strasbourg 15 January 2026 The Council of Europe anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing body (MONEYVAL) has published follow-up reports on Georgia, Montenegro, Poland and Slovakia, reassessing their technical compliance with a number of the 40 Financial action task force (FATF) recommendations. Georgia: shortcomings to the tackled In its follow-up report on Georgia, MONEYVAL concludes that the country has taken steps to enhance its anti-money laundering and terrorist financing measures but still needs to tackle certain shortcomings. It has achieved limited progress in addressing some technical compliance deficiencies regarding targeted financial sanctions related to the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The country is rated as compliant on seven recommendations, largely compliant on 24 recommendations, and partially compliant on eight recommendations. It is rated as non-compliant on one recommendation related to non-profit organisations. Montenegro: significant in anti-money laundering measures Montenegro has made significant progress in improving its anti-money laundering and terrorist financing framework and addressing several shortcomings. In its follow-up report, MONEYVAL has upgraded the countrys ratings to largely compliant on 12 recommendations covering targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism and terrorist financing, customer due diligence, new technologies, regulation and supervision of financial institutions, and statistics. It has also upgraded the rating of the recommendation regarding the abuse of non-profit organisations to partly compliant. Montenegro is rated as compliant on two recommendations, largely compliant on 31 recommendations, and partially compliant on seven recommendations. Poland: technical deficiencies are being addressed In its follow-up report on Poland, MONEYVAL finds that progress has been made in addressing, to a large extent, the technical compliance deficiencies affecting the application of the FATF standards to non-profit organisations. The country has partly improved its compliance with the FATF recommendation on new technologies as a result of enacting the EU Regulations on crypto assets markets and prescribing the travel rule in transfers of certain crypto assets. Poland is rated as compliant on three recommendations, largely compliant on 24 recommendations, and partially compliant on 13 recommendations. Slovakia: legislative programme has addressed numerous technical issues MONEYVAL acknowledges significant progress in its follow-up report on the Slovak Republic. It notes that substantial legislative reforms have addressed a wide range of technical compliance deficiencies. As a result, the country has been upgraded on eight recommendations covering customer due diligence, politically exposed persons, correspondent banking, virtual assets and virtual asset service providers, higher-risk countries, and designated non-financial businesses and professions (such as casinos, real estate agents, dealers in precious metals and stones, lawyers, etc.), the financial intelligence unit and cash couriers. The country is rated as compliant with seven recommendations, largely compliant with 29 recommendations, and partially compliant with four recommendations. *** The Committee of experts on the evaluation of anti-money laundering measures and the financing of terrorism (MONEYVAL) is a Council of Europe monitoring body and a Financial action task force-style regional body which assesses compliance with the main international standards to counter money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as the effectiveness of their implementation. It comprises 35 jurisdictions, 32 of which are assessed solely by MONEYVAL. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuelan shot in another federal agent action in U.S. Minneapolis People's Daily Online (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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As the enhancement of governmental dialogues on space was mentioned at the Second Japan-France Foreign and Defense Ministers' Meeting in March 2015, the First Meeting of the Japan-France Comprehensive Dialogue on Space was held in March 2016. The 1st Meeting: March 2016 in Paris The 2nd Meeting: March 2017 in Tokyo The Preliminary Meeting for the 3rd Meeting: November 2020 (online) The 3rd Meeting: January 2023 in Paris Prime Minister Carney meets with Premier of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney January 15, 2026 Beijing, China Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Premier of the People's Republic of China, Li Qiang, as part of his first official visit to China. Prime Minister Carney and Premier Li acknowledged the significant progress in revitalising Canada-China relations over a series of ministerial and leader-level engagements in recent months, culminating in the first official bilateral visit to China by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2017. The leaders discussed the changes in the global economy, including challenges impacting international trade and global supply chains, and the opportunities for Canada and China to cooperate. To this end, they welcomed a series of memorandums of understanding across energy, combatting crime, modern wood construction, culture, and food safety and plant and animal health that provide the foundation for a new strategic partnership. Prime Minister Carney emphasised opportunities for enhanced trade and investment between the two countries and pointed to the potential for greater cooperation in the energy and agriculture sectors. Both sides welcomed the renewal of bilateral engagement across several areas, including economic and financial issues, energy, security, and culture and people-to-people ties. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China Zhao Leji Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney January 15, 2026 Beijing, China Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, Zhao Leji, as part of his first official visit to China. Prime Minister Carney and Chairman Zhao welcomed the opportunity to meet for the first time, recognising the significance of Prime Minister Carney's official visit to revitalise Canada-China relations. Both sides emphasised the importance of ongoing parliamentary exchanges and opportunities for enhanced understanding and communication between the two countries. The leaders also underscored their ongoing support for robust people-to-people relations and cultural exchanges, and welcomed engagement to deepen cooperation, expand trade, and engage pragmatically. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address United States Files Forfeiture Action Against Two Anti-Submarine Warfare Crew Trainers En Route from South Africa to the Chinese Military Thursday, January 15, 2026 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs The Justice Department filed a forfeiture complaint against two mission crew trainers (MCTs) that were interdicted in transit from the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA) to the People's Republic of China's (PRC) People's Liberation Army (PLA). The MCTs are mobile classrooms intended to assist the PLA to train personnel on the use of airborne warning and control system and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. "TFASA masquerades as a civilian flight-training academy when in fact it is a significant enabler of the Chinese air and naval forces and a pipeline for transferring NATO aviation expertise, operational knowledge, and restricted technology directly to the People's Liberation Army," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. "The National Security Division will continue to act decisively to preserve the U.S. military's qualitative edge by preventing U.S. technology from falling into the hands of our adversaries." "This seizure demonstrates the ongoing threat that China and its enablers pose to the national security of the United States through the unlawful procurement of U.S. military technology," said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. "The Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners continue to be steadfast in our commitment to use every lawful tool available to keep this critical technology out of the hands of our adversaries." "The Test Flying Academy of South Africa illegally exported U.S. military flight simulator technology and recruited former NATO pilots for the purpose of training China's military, jeopardizing U.S. national security and placing the lives of American service members at risk," said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. "The U.S. government will pursue every avenue available to defend the homeland, protect our warfighters, and hold accountable anyone who aids our adversaries." "TFASA's continued attempts to leverage our nation's military expertise and software gravely threaten United States' national security interests and the lives of American service members around the globe," said FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Vanessa Tibbits. "May today's disruption reflect the FBI's unwavering commitment to protect our country from foreign adversaries." "This successful interdiction highlights the critical role HSI plays in safeguarding U.S. national security and preventing sensitive technology from reaching adversarial military forces," said Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel of Homeland Security Investigations New York. "By disrupting the transfer of advanced anti-submarine warfare training equipment to the Chinese military, HSI New York and our partners denied adversaries access to vital U.S. tactics and capabilities and, in turn, protected vital American interests. I commend HSI New York and our law enforcement counterparts for their steadfast commitment to countering illicit procurement networks and defending the integrity of U.S. defense technology worldwide." As described in the complaint, TFASA is a South Africa-based company that specialized in military flight testing and training through facilities in South Africa and China. TFASA was founded in 2003 with the support of the South African government to facilitate cooperation with China. According to its website, "TFASA Flight Test Services" trained Chinese military pilots for fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) training standards. According to court documents, the MCTs and associated software were designed and manufactured, using U.S.-origin software and defense technical data, by TFASA. The purpose of the MCT project - dubbed "Project Elgar" by TFASA personnel - was to train PLA aviators on anti-submarine warfare techniques, expanding their capability to locate and track U.S. submarines working in the Pacific. The MCTs' layout was modelled after the P-8 Poseidon, which is manufactured by Boeing and serves as the United States' primary anti-submarine warfare maritime patrol aircraft. The MCTs were designed to run software specially designed by TFASA for Project Elgar. The software used a basic flight simulator program designed and marketed by a U.S. company, which TFASA software engineers then enhanced using technical data relating to Western anti-submarine warfare aircraft, including the P-8 Poseidon. Former NATO aviators with training in anti-submarine warfare techniques were part of TFASA's Project Elgar team. This interdiction is the latest instance implicating TFASA in its role as a primary trainer of the PLA. In June 2023, the Department of Commerce added TFASA and numerous of its subsidiaries and affiliates in South Africa and elsewhere to the Entity List "for providing training to Chinese military pilots using Western and NATO sources," which the Department of Commerce noted was "contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests." This interdiction of the MCTs is a product of the U.S. government's coordinated effort to stop the PLA and its enablers from further threatening U.S. national security. The forfeiture action comes as China, Russia, and Iran began a week of joint naval exercises in South Africa's waters on Saturday, January 10. The FBI and HSI New York Field Offices and the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security are leading the investigation of TFASA and its activities. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven B. Wasserman and Rick Blaylock, Jr. for the District of Columbia and Acting Deputy Chief Sean Heiden of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are litigating the case. The burden to prove forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding is upon the government. MCT Inside Shipping Container Shipping Container Housing MCT Screenshots of Software Designed for MCTs MCT Inside Shipping ContainerShipping Container Housing MCTScreenshots of Software Designed for MCTs Topics: Export Control National Security Component: National Security Division (NSD) Press Release Number: 26-29 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA Information Support Force seeks combat edge through quantum technology and supercomputing: media report Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jan 15, 2026 06:24 PM The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Information Support Force is reportedly developing more than 10 types of experimental equipment, aiming to boost the combat capability of new qualities using quantum technology and supercomputing. A Chinese expert said on Thursday that quantum technology is characterized by high confidentiality, while supercomputers could enable fast intelligence processing and transmission, which provide advantages on the battlefield. In a report about a center under the PLA Information Support Force that has been promoting the military application of the combination of quantum technology and supercomputing, the Science and Technology Daily recently said that works are being carried out at a supercomputing lab of the National University of Defense Technology to wrap up a pre-study project on military intelligence. The report quoted a leader of the center as saying that "speed" and "changes" are defining features of the cyber and information domain. Since its establishment, the center has actively adapted to the changes in warfare, science and technology, and adversaries. It has organically integrated the guidance of operational requirements with the impetus of technological application, and made scientific plans for its development direction, goals, systematic layout and major tasks. In early 2025, the center focused on cutting-edge directions including cloud-native technologies, artificial intelligence and quantum technology, accelerated the establishment of a mechanism for responding to new-domain and new-quality military requirements and designing technical solutions in the cyber and information domain, and advanced the dynamic tracking of frontier technologies, sorting out achievements, and practical application of such technologies in this domain, the Science and Technology Daily reported. It also launched a number of research projects in fields such as quantum technology, took the lead in conducting research and development on more than 10 types of experimental equipment, and organized the trial application and transformation of multiple achievements in frontline mission scenarios, according to the report. Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Thursday that communications using quantum technology are very hard to decrypt, thus providing a high level of confidentiality, which is crucial in combat. Supercomputing, on the other hand, can gather and calculate massive data. Operating on a supercomputing platform allows for highly accurate and rapid generation of conclusions, which in turn facilitates intelligence analysis and data analytics. With the support of sophisticated algorithms, it becomes possible to obtain the latest information and intelligence at the fastest speed, Song said. Warfare hinges on the speed of information acquisition, and it is critical to ensure that intelligence remains unaltered, free from eavesdropping and theft during transmission and when issuing orders. This is why combining quantum technology with supercomputing holds significant meaning, Song said. On the frontline of a certain mission, Liu Wei, an associate research fellow from the center, led a team to conduct in-depth research on the "cyber and information plus perception" empowerment system, and continuously enhanced the capabilities of real-time detection, precise identification, cross-domain integration and rapid support under actual combat conditions, the Science and Technology Daily reported. Taking full advantage of the public service platform system's strengths in system integration and full-domain support, the team built a brand-new model of cyber and information empowerment for battlefield perception, the report said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 15, 2026 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: January 15, 2026 19:46 At the invitation of President of the Republic of Guinea Mamadi Doumbouya, President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zheng Jianbang will attend the president's inauguration ceremony to be held in Guinea's capital Conakry on January 17. TV Tokyo: There have been reports that Japan's 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. It's 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: I'm 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: China's 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, China's 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. What's 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 China's 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 Nvidia's 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 Yi's meeting with Canada's 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. We've 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chancellor's trip to India Germany and India share fundamental values Germany - Federal Government It is his first trip in office to South Asia: Federal Chancellor Merz arrived in India on Monday. There, Prime Minister Modi received him for talks in his home state of Gujarat. The Chancellor also met with representatives of German companies. Monday, 12 January 2026 As the world's largest democracy, India is an important strategic partner for Germany. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has travelled to India for an official visit lasting several days. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Federal Chancellor in his home state of Gujarat for talks - a sign of appreciation and of the closeness of Indo-German relations. "Germany, as the largest state in the European Union, and India, as the world's largest democracy, share fundamental values. Highly dynamic India and high-tech Germany have key interests in common. We are building on this", explained the Chancellor. Germany and India want to deepen their relations. Closer cooperation - on security, the economy and skilled labour In a joint press statement with Prime Minister Modi, Chancellor Merz identified three key areas: international order and closer security cooperation, an expansion of economic relations, and cooperation on education and skilled labour. In 2026, Germany and India will celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations and 25 years of strategic partnership. Government consultations are due to take place in Berlin towards the end of the year. Prime Minister Modi received the Federal Chancellor in the city of Ahmedabad, where they first visited Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram, an early place of work of national hero Mahatma Gandhi. "Mahatma Gandhi's unshakeable belief in the power of freedom and the worth of every human being continues to inspire us today. This legacy of humanity unites Indians and Germans as friends in a world that perhaps needs Gandhi's teachings more than ever", wrote Chancellor Merz in the guest book. The Federal Chancellor and Prime Minister then travelled on to the kite festival, which heralds the arrival of spring in India. Business delegation accompanies the Chancellor From Ahmedabad, the Federal Chancellor is travelling on to Bangalore to meet representatives of German companies, among others. The capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka is known as the "Silicon Valley of India" and is a global technology and start-up centre. One of the focal points of the visit is the deepening of economic relations with India, a rapidly growing economy with enormous potential for innovation. "We will take the next steps in the area of economic policy cooperation", said the Chancellor. He will be accompanied by a large business delegation. More than 2,000 German companies are already active in India, and more and more Indian companies are also investing in Germany. With a bilateral trade volume of almost 50 billion US dollars in goods and services, Germany is India's most important partner in the EU. "German and Indian companies are moving ever closer together, especially in future technologies", says Chancellor Merz. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Germany places a high priority on our partnership with India" Germany - Federal Government Press statements from the Chancellor and India's Prime Minister Modi Chancellor Merz met Prime Minister Modi in India for talks. "Germany and India are two great democracies and two strong economies that have a lot in common," said the Chancellor. Both countries are building on this foundation. Transcript of press conference Monday, 12 January 2026 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his home state of Gujarat at the start of his trip to India. It was a very special honour to be invited, said the Chancellor. Gujarat is considered the cradle of modern India - it was from here that the national hero Mahatma Gandhi led his non-violent struggle for freedom, self-determination and democracy. In the joint press statement with Prime Minister Modi, the Chancellor emphasised that the conditions for the renewed and deepened partnership between Germany and India could hardly be better than at present. "Germany, as the most populous and economically strongest state in the European Union, and India, as the largest democracy in the world, are united by fundamental values," said Merz. "Highly dynamic India and technologically advanced Germany share essential interests." Government consultations are due to take place in Berlin towards the end of the year. Read the most important facts in brief here: International order: Germany and India don't always agree on every issue, but we share a great deal of common ground, said the Chancellor. "We are committed to an international order in which we can live freely and safely," said the Chancellor. In terms of security policy, both countries want to move closer together. A memorandum of understanding was signed in Gujarat that provides for closer cooperation between the defence industries. Germany and India don't always agree on every issue, but we share a great deal of common ground, said the Chancellor. "We are committed to an international order in which we can live freely and safely," said the Chancellor. In terms of security policy, both countries want to move closer together. A memorandum of understanding was signed in Gujarat that provides for closer cooperation between the defence industries. Economic relations: Free trade and open markets - the Chancellor emphasised these principles. Both countries agreed to intensify cooperation in key areas such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence and digitisation. In addition, the negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the EU must now be finalised as a matter of urgency, said the Chancellor. Free trade and open markets - the Chancellor emphasised these principles. Both countries agreed to intensify cooperation in key areas such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence and digitisation. In addition, the negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the EU must now be finalised as a matter of urgency, said the Chancellor. Education and skilled labour: "Well-trained skilled workers secure our prosperity in Germany," said Chancellor Merz. India has excellently trained young people, which is an opportunity for both sides. This is why we are paving paths for legal and orderly migration through dual training and study programmes, targeted visa procedures and partnerships between universities and companies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Federal Chancellor on protests in Iran Iranian regime must stop violence immediately Germany - Federal Government People in Iran have been protesting against the regime since the end of December. Iran's response: brutal violence. The Federal Government is concerned about reports on the actions of the Iranian security forces and condemns the killing of demonstrators. Wednesday, 14 January 2026 "We have seen more and more people from all parts of society taking to the streets across the country over the past two weeks. They are demonstrating peacefully for freedom and for a better life in their country", said the Federal Chancellor during his trip to India from 11 to 13 January. "These people deserve the greatest recognition for the courage with which they are resisting the disproportionate, brutal violence of the Iranian security forces", emphasised the Chancellor. Regime's violence an expression of weakness The Federal Government strongly condemns the violence directed by the leadership in Tehran against its own people: "This violence is not an expression of strength; it is an expression of weakness. This violence must end", demanded Chancellor Merz. He took the opportunity during his trip to India to once again call on the Iranian regime to "stop this violence immediately". If a regime can only hold on to power by force, then it is effectively finished, he said. "I assume that we are currently seeing the last days and weeks of this regime. For the population it has no legitimacy through elections anyway, and the population is now rising up against this regime", the Federal Chancellor continued. In close dialogue with international partners The Chancellor hopes "that there is a way to end this conflict peacefully". The Federal Government is in close dialogue with the US government and European governments. "Foreign policymakers, including foreign ministers, are in very close contact with each other in order to ensure that there can now be a peaceful transition to a democratically legitimised government in Iran", the Federal Chancellor also explained while on his trip to India. The Federal Government had previously made its position clear in a joint declaration on 9 January as part of the E3--Germany, France, United Kingdom, together with Great Britain's Prime Minister Starmer and French President Macron. The Federal Foreign Office also summoned the Iranian ambassador. Further sanctions planned In order to emphasise his demand, the Federal Chancellor said that the Federal Government was working on further EU sanctions. The EU has already adopted several sanctions packages against Iran due to the human rights situation. The Federal Government has expressly supported and promoted them. Sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme are also in effect again - at the initiative of Germany, Great Britain and France. The protests were triggered by the massive economic crisis and a sudden collapse of Iran's currency, the rial. The demonstrations have now spread from the capital Tehran to large parts of the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shanghai bloc condemns terrorist riots in Iran as global support grows Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 January 2026 7:13 PM The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary-General Norlan Yerkembayev has strongly condemned the recent terrorist and subversive activities in Tehran and other Iranian cities, which were exploited during peaceful protests. Yerkembayev on Thursday expressed deep sympathy with the government, people of Iran, and the families of the victims of the recent unrest, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. In a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Yerkembayev discussed regional and international developments, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and cooperation among nations in addressing terrorism and external interference. During the conversation, Araghchi outlined the recent events in Iran, explaining how peaceful protests were hijacked by trained terrorist elements. He stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran would defend its national sovereignty and the security of its citizens from terrorism supported by the Zionist regime and the United States. Araghchi also expressed gratitude for the SCO secretary-general's stance in condemning terrorism and foreign meddling in Iran's internal affairs. He reiterated the collective responsibility of all countries to cooperate in preventing and countering terrorism. Yerkembayev further emphasized the common position shared by SCO member states, advocating for respect for national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefits, and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries. He highlighted that these principles form the basis of stable international relations, alongside a commitment to refrain from the use of force or threats of force in international affairs. The SCO is one of the largest and most influential multinational alliances in the world, accounting for nearly half of the world's population and over 20% of global GDP. With China and Russia at its core, it plays a pivotal role in shaping regional security, economic integration, and geopolitical strategy across Asia and beyond. The condemnation follows a series of international contacts pouring in the wake of the riots, with independent countries expressing solidarity with Iran. Earlier Thursday, Swiss National Security Adviser Gabriel Luscher held a phone call with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani to discuss bilateral relations and the latest regional developments. In the conversation, Larijani highlighted Switzerland's constructive role in resolving tensions and its positive history in peacefully addressing crises. He stressed that while Iran welcomes Switzerland's positive approach, the Islamic Republic will not remain passive in the face of threatening rhetoric from the United States. Luscher reaffirmed Switzerland's full readiness to play a constructive role in reducing current tensions. Notably, Larijani was among several key Iranian officials sanctioned by the US on Thursday, as part of new measures targeting Iranian officials. The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Larijani and other officials, citing what it called their involvement in confronting rioters. Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary under President Donald Trump, stated that the sanctions were imposed by the orders of President Donald Trump, whose threat to "shoot at Iran" in support of protests incited violence as rioters ran amok and wreaked havoc in several cities. The sanctions also affected other Iranian figures, including Mohammadreza Hashemi Far, a police official in Lorestan province, and military commanders in Fars and Lorestan. Despite the sanctions, Switzerland remains among the countries maintaining diplomatic communication with Iran, emphasizing its role as a neutral mediator in the complex relationship between Iran and the West. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran displays naval power, slams external threats during BRICS Plus drills Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 January 2026 6:01 PM Iran has reaffirmed its maritime capabilities and regional influence through its participation in the BRICS Plus joint naval drills, known as "Will for Peace 2026," which kicked off on Saturday off the coast of South Africa. The exercise, part of a broader strategic cooperation among BRICS countries and their partners, includes Iran alongside Russia, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Brazil, Egypt, and the UAE. It underscores the Islamic Republic's growing naval reach and its commitment to strengthening military partnerships with key global players. As part of the naval exercise, the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) deployed its Shahid Naqdi destroyer, the Makran helicopter carrier, and the Shahid Mahdavi frigate, among other assets. The drills, conducted with over 20 naval and aerial units from the participating countries, included live-fire exercises, focusing on semi-heavy weapons to test the operational readiness of the forces. The South African authorities described the exercise as part of the BRICS Plus initiative, aiming to bolster maritime security and ensure the free flow of international trade. For Iran, the drill represents not only a demonstration of its naval prowess but also a crucial moment to showcase the strength and unity it draws from its domestic support. In a speech on Thursday, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the commander of the Iranian Navy, stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran draws its real strength from its people, and this power is visible on the global stage." Admiral Irani noted that external forces have consistently underestimated the resolve of the Iranian people. "The enemies of Iran have underestimated the greatness of our people and their loyalty to the system. Once again, the American 'yellow pig' is wrong about the people of Iran," he said. The remarks also included sharp criticism of the West's approach to Iran's security and sovereignty. "The global arrogance believes that by assassinating our military leaders and nuclear scientists, they can disrupt the course of our revolution. In reality, these actions only strengthen us," Irani added, referencing the US and its allies' efforts to weaken Iran through targeted killings and economic pressure. Iran's participation in the BRICS Plus naval exercise also serves to affirm its centuries-old naval tradition. "Our maritime power dates back 2,500 years, and today, Iranian destroyers are capable of maneuvering in all global waters, ensuring the security of the seas in our region," Admiral Irani proudly stated, referring to Iran's historical naval dominance in the Persian Gulf and beyond. The ongoing drills are also a response to external threats. Irani expressed concern over attempts by the West to destabilize Iran internally, specifically through the manipulation of protests and social unrest. "The last hope of the enemies is to exploit the emotions of the youth, to create instability within our borders," he noted, warning against foreign interference in Iran's domestic affairs. Irani also expressed gratitude and pride for Iran's military forces. "The respect and recognition Iranian naval forces receive worldwide come from the blood of martyrs, the greatness of our people, and the courage of our compatriots who have stood firm against global arrogance throughout this revolution," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China reaffirms support for Iran, Saudi minister calls for diplomacy Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 January 2026 5:22 PM China has reiterated its strong support for Iran's sovereignty, emphasizing its commitment to defending Iran's national security in international forums, particularly the United Nations Security Council. In phone exchange with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored the importance of their strategic partnership, particularly in light of the 25-year cooperation agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the robust cooperation between Iran and China, underscored by their mutual interest in expanding bilateral relations across a wide range of areas. Araghchi provided a detailed update on the recent developments within Iran, particularly the protests that began as peaceful demonstrations but escalated due to the involvement of foreign-backed terrorist groups. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to protecting its citizens from terrorism, including Daesh-like groups supported by the Zionist regime and the United States," he said. Araghchi also praised China's unwavering position against terrorism and foreign interference in Iran's internal affairs. Wang said China has consistently supported Iran's sovereignty and its right to defend its national security against terrorism and outside interference. He also emphasized that China would continue to advocate for Iran's legitimate positions in international forums, including the United Nations Security Council, where it has consistently stood by Tehran's stance on regional security issues. Araghchi also condemned the interventionist policies of the United States, particularly its use of economic pressure and sanctions against Iran. He pointed to former President Trump's threats to impose additional tariffs on Iranian trade as a key example of how the US has misused its economic power to destabilize countries. "The United States continues to misuse economic tools, including tariffs and sanctions, to apply pressure on developing nations such as Iran and China," Araghchi said. He underscored the importance of enhancing South-South cooperation among developing countries to safeguard their mutual interests against such external pressures. Wang echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the principles of international law. "The world should not return to an era where power is displayed through force. Nations must act responsibly and respect the rights of others," he said, calling for a return to a global order based on the respect of sovereignty and equality among nations. Further discussing regional security, both foreign ministers addressed the broader geopolitical challenges facing West Asia. Araghchi warned that any new foreign adventurism could lead to greater instability in the region. Wang reaffirmed China's support for Iran, noting the pivotal role Iran plays in ensuring peace and security in West Asia. In a related development, Araghchi also held discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan about the evolving situation in Iran and the broader region. The Iranian foreign minister reiterated that recent protests, initially sparked by economic and social grievances, had been escalated by terrorist elements linked to the Zionist regime. He stressed the importance of global condemnation of foreign interference in the internal affairs of regional countries, underlining that the Islamic Republic of Iran, backed by national support and insight, would vigorously defend its territorial integrity against any foreign threats. Araghchi also condemned the provocative and interventionist remarks by US officials and emphasized the responsibility of all regional countries to ensure stability and security in the face of destabilizing actions, including the expansionist policies of the Zionist regime. Bin Farhan expressed concern over the current situation in the region and the potential consequences of any escalation, stressing the importance of using diplomatic channels and regional cooperation to maintain peace and security. Both ministers agreed on the necessity of continued consultations and joint efforts to preserve peace and stability in the region. They also emphasized their resolve to strengthen Iran-Saudi relations in all areas of mutual interest. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran calls out US, Israeli roles in Daesh-like violence of rioters in letter to UN Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 January 2026 2:34 PM Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the United States shamefully exploited peaceful protests in Iran, slamming terrorist elements linked to the US and the Israeli regime for turning lawful demonstrations into violent unrest. In a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday, Araghchi drew attention to Daesh-like, terrorist and violent acts experienced by Iranian citizens across the country between January 9 and 10. 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. Araghchi cited acts including beheadings, burning people alive, brutal attacks on law enforcement personnel and civilians, the widespread use of firearms, and the arson and destruction of ambulances, fire engines, medical facilities, residential buildings and religious sites. According to Araghchi, such acts demonstrate a clear pattern showing that peaceful protests were hijacked by terrorists who had been trained in advance for violent actions. He added that a significant number of law enforcement forces were killed or injured during the unrest, stressing that the high number of injured security personnel reflects both the restraint exercised by Iranian forces and the level of violence employed by the perpetrators. The foreign minister also expressed deep concern over irresponsible and provocative statements by current and former US officials that directly incited violence and terrorist acts in Iran. "Such positions, marked by complete disregard for international law and the repeated threats to use force, in fact constitute a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and the provisions of the United Nations Charter, which prohibit incitement to terrorism, encouragement of violence, and interference in the internal affairs of other states," he noted. US President Donald 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." Araghchi referred to an explicit admission by a former US secretary of state that Israeli intelligence operatives were present among rioters, describing it as clear evidence of the Israeli regime's involvement in the terrorist violence. "The shameful exploitation of peaceful protests to achieve political objectives and to endanger the lives of Iranian citizens by US officials is fully consistent with the approach the United States has adopted in imposing economic sanctions against the right to life and the right to economic development, which has led to the emergence of the current situation," he said. The foreign minister described US claims of supporting human rights in Iran as hypocritical, pointing to nationwide rallies held on Monday, which he said conveyed a clear message of the Iranian people's opposition to foreign interference and their support for national unity, law and order. Araghchi emphasized that Iran is fully aware of its human rights obligations, including the right to peaceful assembly, and has exercised maximum restraint in dealing with unrest, while remaining committed to protecting citizens, public order and national security. He called for the condemnation of all terrorist acts committed during the unrest, as well as any provocative foreign interference against Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's judiciary rejects 'fabricated news' by hostile media about death penalty for rioter Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 January 2026 10:12 AM Iran's judiciary has dismissed claims about the death penalty for detained rioter Erfan Soltani as "fabricated news," saying the rumor even deceived Washington. The Judiciary's media center released a statement on Thursday, two days after the US State Department alleged on its Persian-language X account that the death sentence against Soltani will be implemented on January 14. The Judiciary said Soltani, 26, was arrested on January 10 during recent riots and formally charged with "assembly and collusion against the country's internal security," as well as "propaganda activities" against the Islamic Republic. If he is convicted following due legal process, it added, "the punishment would be imprisonment. Fundamentally, the death penalty does not exist in the law for such charges." It further noted that Soltani is currently being held at the central prison of Karaj, a city northwest of the Iranian capital of Tehran. Also in its statement, the Judiciary slammed the "blatant and irregular act of news fabrication" by hostile media that have been supporting terrorists in foreign-linked riots across Iran. The rumor led the US Department of State to adopt an incorrect and misguided position, it said. "The dissemination of such rumors by opposition groups funded by the US, along with their ability to mislead that government, demonstrates that those collaborating with the US administration and supporting Zionist interests are unreliable and even deceive their own financial and political sponsors." Meanwhile, the Judiciary stressed that hostile media have long been engaged in spreading deliberate and false rumors about Iran, citing the latest claims about receiving money from the families of those killed in riots to deliver their bodies and estimates about the number of victims. Some shopkeepers last month staged peaceful protests in different cities over economic issues, but the demonstrations were steered toward violence after public statements by US and Israeli regime figuresamplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outletsencouraged vandalism and disorder. Authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of economic grievances and vowed to address them, while denouncing foreign-backed elements for exploiting people's livelihood concerns, which are directly linked to unilateral US sanctions. Security and judicial bodies say they have dismantled several armed cells and arrested foreignlinked operatives during the unrest, including agents of the Israeli spy agency Mossad. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Sanctions Iranian Officials Over Brutal Crackdown As Trump Says Killing Of Protesters Has Stopped 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 thousands of 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 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. The real number of those killed, analysts say, is likely several times higher. 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." 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 Behnam Ben Taleblu: Iran's Mass Protests Are A 'Social Revolution' Against Clerical Rulers By Kian Sharifi January 15, 2026 Iran has witnessed the biggest protests against the country's 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/RL's Kian Sharifi interviewed Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about whether Iran's clerical rulers will survive this latest round of protests and Washington's possible response to the unrest. RFE/RL: You've said these protests are different. What makes them stand out? Behnam Ben Taleblu: It's 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. 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, it's 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. What's your assessment? Would they help the Islamic republic? Taleblu: I think it's 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] Obama's 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 republic's government or helping it survive the current round of anti-regime protests. *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-us-response- behnam-taleblu/33649733.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 Military adventurism only pushes region into an unpredictable abyss, Chinese diplomat says at UNSC's meeting on Iran Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 16, 2026 09:25 AM Force cannot solve problems; it will only make them more complex and difficult. Any military adventurism will only push the region into an unpredictable abyss, a Chinese diplomat said at the UN Security Council (UNSC)'s emergency meeting on Iran on Thursday local time, who also called on the US to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, abandon its fixation on the use of force, and urge all parties to exercise restraint and jointly play their due role in safeguarding world peace and security. Recently, the domestic situation in Iran has drawn widespread attention. China has noted that the Iranian Foreign Minister has already provided explanations on this matter in a letter to the UN Secretary-General. For some time now, the US has continued to speak out on the situation in Iran and has openly issued threats of the use of force against Iran, leading to gathering clouds of war over the Middle East and an increasingly tense atmosphere, Sun Lei, Charge d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, said at the meeting, according to a readout from the mission. China has consistently advocated upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, opposing the use or threat of force in international relations, opposing the imposition of one country's will on others, and opposing any regression of the world to the "law of the jungle," Sun said. Sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs are fundamental principles of international law and the most basic norms governing modern international relations, Sun added. Iran is an independent sovereign state, and Iran's affairs should be decided by the Iranian people themselves. China supports the safeguarding of Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and calls on the international community to support the Iranian government and people in overcoming current difficulties and in maintaining national security and social stability, Sun said. At present, the Middle East remains the most fragile region in the global security landscape, where the risks of turmoil and war remain persistently high. The people of the region are calling strongly for peace and yearning for development, Sun said. China has noted the grave concerns of the vast majority of regional countries over military confrontation, as well as their sincere expectation for resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means. China hopes that the US and other relevant parties will heed the voices of the international community and regional countries, do more things conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East rather than the opposite, and that all countries will play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and ending conflict, avoiding the escalation of tensions or adding fuel to the fire, Sun added. Calling for peace and seeking development are the shared aspirations of people in all countries, the Chinese diplomat said. History has repeatedly shown that placing blind faith in the use of force, resorting solely to pressure, and engaging in reckless interference will only create more conflict and hatred. No country has the right to decide the fate of another, and no action that places itself above international law can be tolerated, Sun said. We call on the international community to stand on the right side of history and on the side of fairness and justice, and to make unremitting efforts to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East and to uphold world peace and tranquility, Sun added. The US military is moving a carrier strike group to the Middle East region as tensions simmer over protests in Iran, according to a source familiar with the matter, CNN reported on Friday. US President Donald Trump hasn't removed any options for responding to Iran's brutal crackdown on protests, the White House said, warning of "grave consequences" if the repression turns deadly, per CNN. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM calls for peace, restraint in Iran situation amid simmering tension; scale of US intervention has a direct bearing on regional security: expert Global Times By Zhao Yusha Published: Jan 15, 2026 10:53 PM Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called for peace and restraint in Iran situation as tension between the US and Iran keeps simmering. China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes imposing one's own will on others, and opposes a return of the world to the "law of the jungle," Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Thursday. While the tension continues, there also seems to be mixed signals from the US on its threat of military action - Iran had briefly closed its airspace for nearly five hours and the US reportedly deployed three missile destroyers and at least one submarine to the Middle East. Meanwhile, Washington could be lowering rhetoric, as some media put that the US President reportedly 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 Iran's envoy to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam. The Global Times noted it has not been confirmed by the US side as of press time. Earlier, in what Al Jazeera described as signaled a softening of his tone toward Iran, President Donald Trump said that "important sources" in Tehran told the US government that the Iranian government has halted its crackdown on protesters, leaving open the question of whether he intends to order military strikes against Iran after repeated warnings, media reported on Thursday. The Washington Post reported on Wednesday local time that during a White House signing ceremony, Trump said Iran had notified Washington it would no longer carry out hangings of protesters. When asked by a reporter if that meant a US military response was now off the table, he said only, "We're going to watch and see." Since the unrest erupted in Iran, the US has pursued a hybrid pressure campaign, pairing increasingly belligerent rhetoric with an escalation of military intimidation against Tehran, Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times. Liu noted that at the same time, Washington appears to be still evaluating its options. Although Trump has sent a series of hard-line signals, the US remains reluctant to become drawn into a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. That tension, Liu said, helps explain the administration's mixed messaging. Even if the US ultimately decides to strike Iran, it would most likely opt for a limited, short-term and controllable action rather than a full-scale war. Trump has told his national security team that he would want any US military action in Iran to deliver a swift and decisive blow to the regime and not spark a sustained war that can drag on for weeks or months, according to a US official, two people familiar with the discussions and a person close to the White House, NBC reported on Thursday. Simmering tension Amid the tense and fluctuant situation, 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. Trump has reportedly deployed three missile destroyers and at least one submarine to the Middle East, reported 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. 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. 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, according to Xinhua News Agency. Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times that while the possibility of a US military action against Iran cannot be ruled out, Washington currently lacks sufficient justification, conditions and capacity for a large-scale strike. If the US ultimately resorts to the use of force, it is more likely to carry out a limited, punitive operation, with targets like Iran's ballistic missile launch sites and drone production facilities, aimed at preventing Tehran from posing further threats to Israeli and US military bases in the Gulf, said Sun. Sun warned that an overly aggressive campaign, by contrast, would risk drawing the US into a prolonged war of attrition with Iran - a scenario 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 January 15, 2026 Transcript Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Hosted Enhanced Honor Cordon and Bilateral Meeting With Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Well, Minister Koizumi, Shin, thank you for being here, welcome, and thanks for joining us this morning. We got up and showed the actual physical strength of the U.S.-Japanese alliance. We got a chance to work out with the Old Guard, one of our oldest units in the U.S. Army, the president's force and it was just a great demonstration. So, thank you. We'll have to do the same thing back in Japan at some point. We've met a couple of times, a number of times, both in your office personally, but also on the USS George Washington where our president and your prime minister -- had another remarkable show of the strength of this relationship. In fact, our president said it's one of the most remarkable relationships in the entire world, and the U.S.-Japan alliance is exactly that. And our job and our goal here is to continue that, to strengthen that in every way possible. That's why I was also very pleased to see your prime minister commit last year to increasing Japan's defense spending. We see the strength and the investment that Japan is making, and we think that's a really important step and welcome and appreciate that. It's going to be hard-nosed realism, practical commonsense approach that puts both of our vital national interests together and keeps the peace. Strengthening our forces through realistic training and exercises in Japan, across the first island chain, again, is the kind of operational demonstration we need to be capable of showing. It is in order to ensure peace through strength - our president talks about that all the time. We talk about America first, yes, but it doesn't mean America alone; it means with our friends that are investing and standing with us. And that's how we bring peace through strength around the world, here in our hemisphere and everywhere. So, welcome, thank you for being here. Appreciate the continued friendship and partnership and look forward to our conversation today. Thank you. Thank you. JAPANESE MINISTER OF DEFENSE SHINJIRO KOIZUMI: I'm very pleased to see you here in Washington D.C., and thank you very much for the opportunity. This is already our fourth meeting in just three months since I became defense minister in October. Prime Minister Takaichi and President Trump are maintaining extremely close communication. And with the strong relationship between Pete and I added to that, the Japan-U.S. alliance is becoming even more solid and unwavering. And let's continue to closely work together at our level to ensure that Prime Minister Takaichi's planned visit to the U.S. this spring will be successful. During my trip, I spent a lot of time with Admiral Paparo in Honolulu, and I was also able to have very intensive and in-depth discussions about Japanese and American responses to an increasingly severe security environment. I also delivered a speech in Honolulu in which I emphasized that we can further ensure regional peace and prosperity by linking free and open Indo-Pacific, or FOIP, Japan-US alliance and peace through strength. In Los Angeles where you also visited recently, in addition to visiting the company, I attended a reception celebrating the 15th anniversary of Operation Tomodachi, which is the US forces operation during the Great East Japan earthquake. Yesterday, I had a meeting with members of U.S. Congress and directly conveyed my appreciation for the bipartisan support for Japan-U.S. Alliance. And this morning, we had a great PT session and worked up a good sweat. And because the PT session was quite hard and because I gave my best shot, I got a little bit dehydrated, but thanks to the medical check by U.S. personnel, everything turned out fine. And I thought that's exactly what the Japan-U.S. alliance is all about. By Japan demonstrating unwavering resolve and making every effort, the United States provided strong support, and I was able to truly feel that bond of the alliance this morning. You taught me this word the other day, if I may quote Theodore Roosevelt, we must stand as the man in the arena and take the lead in actions in a noble mission of national defense. I'm very much looking forward to our substantive discussion today on the various matters to further enhance deterrence and response capabilities to the Japan-U.S. Alliance. SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Thank you. Amen, thank you very much. Appreciate it. We look forward to it. Thank you all. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4380992/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address January 15, 2026 By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News Hegseth Hosts Japanese Counterpart at Pentagon Secretary of War Pete Hegseth welcomed Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan's defense minister, to Washington today for a bilateral engagement at the Pentagon. At the meeting's outset, both leaders spoke highly of the strong alliance shared between their respective countries. Hegseth told Koizumi the U.S.-Japan alliance is remarkable, as are America's relationships throughout the world, adding, "Our job our goal here is to continue that, to strengthen that in every way possible." He further praised Japan's commitment last spring to increase the country's defense spending, calling it a very important step that the U.S. appreciates. "It's going to be hard-nosed realism; practical, common-sense approach that puts both of our vital national interests together and keeps the peace," Hegseth said, adding that he views the U.S. military conducting realistic training and exercises with the Japan Self-Defense Forces as helping to reestablish deterrence. "[We] talk about America first, yes, but it doesn't mean America alone. It means [working] with our friends [who] are investing [and] standing with us. And that's how we bring peace through strength around the world [and] here in our hemisphere," Hegseth told Koizumi. Before this afternoon's meeting, Hegseth and members of the Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment commonly referred to as The Old Guard joined Koizumi and members of his delegation for a morning physical training session at nearby Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia. In his opening remarks, Koizumi said he views the joint workout session as emblematic of the U.S-Japan alliance. "By Japan demonstrating unwavering results in making every effort [and] the U.S. providing strong support ... I was able to truly feel that bond of the alliance this morning," Koizumi told Hegseth. This was the second time the two leaders met in person, after Hegseth's trip to Japan in October of last year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-France Vice Ministers' Meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan January 15, 2026 On January 15, in Tokyo, Mr. FUNAKOSHI Takehiro, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Ms. Anne-Marie Descotes, Secretary General, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic. The meeting commenced at 11:20 a.m., lasted for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, and included a working lunch. The overview of the meeting is as follows: The two sides confirmed that Japan and France will strengthen bilateral relations in a wide range of fields, such as security and defense, economic and industrial fields including economic security, and cultural exchange, as well as cooperation to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. The two sides also shared the view to further strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen the resilience of the supply chain of critical minerals. The two sides also exchanged views on a wide range of issues such as regional issues, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, as well as cooperation on global issues. The two sides confirmed that Japan and France will further strengthen their ties through bilateral cooperation and discussions in international arena, including under France's G7 presidency this year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MND: Unchecked Japanese Militarist Ambitions Would Bring Catastrophic Disasters Upon Japanese People Global Times By China's Ministry of National Defense Published: Jan 16, 2026 03:21 PM Question: As was reported, some political figures in Japan criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for leading the country to become a "war state". What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: A growing number of people with insights in Japan have realized the serious danger and damages caused by the Japanese government's erroneous actions. In recent years, Japan's increasingly arrogant right-wing conservative forces have been pushing for greater military buildup and remilitarization, leading the nation down a perilous path. History has demonstrated that unchecked Japanese militarist ambitions would pose a grave threat to other Asian nations and ultimately bring catastrophic disasters upon the Japanese people. As clearly stipulated in the Potsdam Proclamation, "There must be eliminated for all time the authority and influence of those who have deceived and misled the people of Japan into embarking on world conquest." China stands ready to work with all peace-loving countries to resolutely contain any dangerous attempts to revive militarism, jointly uphold the outcomes of the victory in World War II, and safeguard peace and stability in the region and beyond. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar's Rohingya people called 'Muslim dogs' before attacks, ICJ hears By Daniel Johnson 15 January 2026 - Hearings continued on Thursday at the UN's top court into the Gambia's claim that Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya people, with allegations that military officials incited violence through hate speech, calling the ethnic minority "Muslim dogs" who should be made "extinct". From Gambia's legal team, Jessica Jones highlighted how the Rohingya faced "longstanding denigration" and hate speech from senior and other members of the Myanmar military. Ms. Jones also referred to a video posted on Facebook in August 2017 featuring a soldier displaying "clear encouragement of genocidal violence against the Rohingya" - actions that would be in clear breach of Myanmar's obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. "He told them, and I quote, 'We will clear the villages where those animals live. We have guns, we have bullets. That's what we came with, with ammunition and the spirit to attack the animals, we have come here. If you can carry a sword, carry a sword. If you can carry a stick, then carry a stick. Carry whatever you can and bravely face these animals'." Gambia, a Muslim-majority nation, alleges that Myanmar's military rulers committed brutal acts of genocide against the Rohingya people from 2016 to 2018 in northern Rakhine State. These violations included mass executions, the indiscriminate killing of up to 10,000 civilians including women and children, widespread sexual violence and the deliberate burning of hundreds of villages. 'Textbook ethnic cleansing' In 2017, then UN rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein described the violence against the Rohingya as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing" that had forced around 700,000 of them flee to neighbouring Bangladesh, where most remain today. In 2020, the international court ordered Myanmar to cease its genocidal acts, following a request from Gambia, which is now seeking to hold Myanmar accountable for its actions and secure restitution and compensation for victims. Myanmar has long denied intentionally persecuting the Rohingya and cited carrying out counter-insurgency operations. Landmark case The case is regarded widely as a watershed, as it is the first time that the ICJ judges are set to rule on a dispute brought by a country not impacted by the alleged crime. Next week, three Rohingya witnesses are scheduled to present their harrowing testimonies to the court as "members of "the wrong group at the wrong time and the wrong place" who witnessed the killing of their spouses and children, Gambia's Philippe Sands said, in concluding remarks. The International Court of Justice is the UN's top judicial body. It settles legal disputes between States and gives advisory opinions on questions of international law. It does not try individuals but determines State responsibility. The hearings at The Hague continue until 29 January. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Several countries 'actively' engaged in talks for JF-17 fighter jets, Pakistani Prime Minister reportedly says Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Jan 15, 2026 06:29 PM Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed on Wednesday that several countries were "actively" engaged in talks with Pakistan for its JF-17 fighter jets, Pakistani media the Dawn reported. A Chinese expert named the China-Pakistan co-developed aircraft's capabilities, which were demonstrated last year in real combat, as a reason behind the increasing international interests. According to the Dawn report, Shehbaz said during a federal cabinet meeting that the demand for Pakistan's fighter jets had increased since Pakistan's victory in a war last year. The Dawn noted that it was ostensibly a reference to the four-day military conflict with India in May 2025. "There are several countries that are actively engaged in talks with Pakistan on this, and this will boost our defense production and benefit our economy," Shehbaz was quoted in the report as saying. Earlier, Pakistan's Defense Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj also told BBC Urdu that Pakistan is engaged in discussions with "multiple" countries for the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, the Dawn noted. When enquired about whether China also received a share from the sale, Harraj was quoted as saying, "A lot of matters are discussed on the table. China is definitely included in them; it should be and it is their right." According to the Dawn report, Bangladesh, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are among countries that are interested in the JF-17. Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times that the JF-17 fighter jet has attracted more foreign interest, primarily due to its outstanding performance. The JF-17 is a top-level fourth-generation fighter jet that has kept receiving upgrades to its radar, weapons and communications systems, while maintaining a considerably low procurement cost, he noted. Especially after the air clash between Pakistan and India in May 2025, in which they demonstrated their capabilities in actual combat, there was growing foreign interest in China-Pakistan co-developed weapons and equipment, Wang said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 15th January 2026 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ladies and Gentlemen Assalam o Alaikum! I welcome you all at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs I will begin with a roundup of the activities over the past one week. Prime Minister's Telephone Call with the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani H.E. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, last evening. During their warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the current trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen these time- tested fraternal bonds. Recent developments in the Middle East were also discussed. The Prime Minister appreciated Qatar's constructive and proactive role in promoting peace, dialogue, and mediation across the region, and acknowledged its meaningful efforts to defuse tensions through diplomatic solutions. He assured the Qatari leadership that Pakistan would also continue to play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the days ahead. As you know the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, is undertaking an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain from 13- 16 January 2026. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation. President Asif Ali Zardari met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Al- Qudaibiya Palace, Manama. He was accorded a guard of honour. Talks covered trade & investment, defence coop, support for the Pakistani community and regional & global issues. The King conferred the President with the Sheikh Isa Award. During the visit, the President is scheduled to hold meetings with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain. The discussions will focus on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. The visit seeks to reinforce Pakistan's longstanding cooperation with the brotherly Gulf nation of Bahrain while expanding opportunities for collaboration in trade and economic partnership, defence and security, and people-to-people ties. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, led the Pakistan delegation at the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers last weekend. The Extraordinary Session was convened on Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In his address, the DPM/FM strongly condemned the illegal and unlawful recognition by Israel of the Somaliland region, as well as the subsequent unwarranted and highly provocative visit of its official to the territory. He termed such acts as "political aggression and a direct assault on Somalia's internationally recognized borders, setting a perilous precedent and threatening peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region, and beyond". He rejected any proposal for the dislocation of the Palestinian people and reaffirmed Pakistan's principled commitment to an independent, contiguous, and sovereign State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al- Sharif as its capital. Appreciating the OIC's principled position and consistent support for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the DPM urged the OIC to step up its efforts towards the realization of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The Extraordinary OIC Session demonstrated the collective determination of OIC Member States on various issues facing Muslim Ummah particularly Somalia and sent a clear message to the international community on upholding the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. On the sidelines of the OIC CFM, the DPM held pull aside meetings with his counterparts from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Maldives and Egypt. He also held meeting with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia and the Secretary General of the OIC. While in Jeddah, the DPM/FM inaugurated the new building of Pakistan's Consulate General. He raised the Pakistani flag on the premises of new chancery building followed by ribbon cutting, unveiling the plaque and tree plantation in the Chancery lawn. In his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister lauded the efforts of Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah and the support provided by the authorities of Saudi Arabia for making the project, a reality. He emphasized that the government is committed to facilitate overseas Pakistanis through provision of effective consular services. After viewing the building and facilities, the DPM expressed satisfaction on the completion of the project and authorized the transfer of operations and Consular services to the new chancery building at the earliest. As you are aware Western Region Saudi Arabia is home to about 1.8 million Pakistanis. The new chancery building and its facilities improves service delivery for the Pakistani community there, make their visits a pleasant experience and provides better venues for community-welfare events and functions. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov. Reaffirming the strong and growing Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations, the two FMs underscored the importance of sustained momentum in political, economic, and cultural engagements, including through continued high-level leadership exchanges. They also agreed to maintain close contact to follow up on ongoing initiatives and explore new avenues for collaboration. Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, also spoke with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi @Araghchi, and discussed current developments in Iran. He reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue and engagement. Both sides agreed to continue to maintain close contact. DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Myanmar's Foreign Minister, H.E. U Than Swe. Both sides underscored the importance of resolving regional issues through peaceful dialogue and agreed to remain in close and constructive engagement on matters of mutual interest. Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Mr. Rosan Roeslani, Minister of Investment & Downstream Industry and Chief Executive Officer of Indonesia's Sovereign Wealth Fund (Danantara). Discussions focused on strengthening economic and investment partnership between Pakistan and Indonesia. Both sides reviewed potential avenues for investment collaboration and mutually beneficial projects. *** (Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): (Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): My question relates to the recent tensions in Iran. It appears that the United States is once again attempting to create unrest or carry out attacks in the region. What is Pakistan's position on this issue? Spokesperson: Pakistan is closely following the developments related to the situation in Iran. We attach great importance to Iran, both as a neighboring country an important member of the international community and global fraternity. Pakistan hopes that peace and stability will prevail and reaffirms its support for all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the situation. As a neighbor, friend, and brotherly country, Pakistan wishes to see a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Iran. The people of Pakistan share deep historical, cultural, and religious bonds with the people of Iran. Iran is a resilient nation that has demonstrated remarkable courage and resolve over the years in overcoming various challenges. We understand that the recent protests in Iran were triggered by economic difficulties faced by ordinary citizens, which have been further exacerbated by international sanctions. Pakistan sincerely hopes that the livelihood and financial support measures announced by the Iranian government for traders and the general public will help alleviate the hardships faced by the people. We extend our best wishes for the success of these efforts. Pakistan remains confident that the Iranian nation will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger. A stable and peaceful Iran, free from domestic unrest or political upheaval, is in Pakistan's interest. We have full confidence in the wisdom of the Iranian people and leadership, rooted in their rich culture, ancient civilization, history, and resilience, to address all the challenges confronting Iran. You may recall that we recently issued a travel advisory. We reiterate that Pakistani citizens who are considering travel should do so with due regard to the advisory and exercise extreme caution to ensure their safety and security. The contact details provided in the advisory should be used. Our Embassy in Tehran, led by Ambassador Mudassar Tipu and his team, is working diligently to ensure that the Pakistanis in Iran are well looked after. (Azaz Syed, GEO News): In the last 24 hours, the U.S. Government has suspended the processing of immigration visas of 75 countries including Pakistan despite Pakistan's claims of having good relations with the U.S. and our Prime Minister having met with the President of the U.S. What is the background of this move and why is that so that India has not been included in the list while Pakistan is a part of it? Spokesperson: We have seen the brief statements by the U.S. State Department on their social media handle about the internal review of processing immigrant visas only. We are in touch with the US. authorities to ascertain further details as it is an evolving news, which we are following. We understand that this is an internal ongoing review process of U.S. immigration policies and system and we hope that the routine processing of immigrant visas will resume soon. (Hussein Raza, PTV): How does Pakistan view the conviction of Asiya Andrabi Sahiba, along with her two associates by a Delhi court in sham trials? Spokesperson: We have seen the news about the conviction. Pakistan strongly condemns the conviction of prominent Kashmiri political leader and activist, Asiya Andrabi Sahiba, along with her two associates, Fehmida Sofi Sahiba and Nahida Nasreen Sahiba, by a Delhi court in yet another fabricated case and after sham trials. This conviction underscores the continued misuse of draconian laws to silence legitimate political voices in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Asiya Andrabi Sahiba has spent several years in incarceration for peacefully advocating the fundamental rights and freedom of the Kashmiri people. Her conviction reflects a broader pattern of reprisals, intimidation, and coercion faced by the genuine Kashmiri leadership. Similarly, the conviction of Fehmida Sofi Sahiba and Nahida Nasreen Sahiba further evidences the consistent and systematic invocation of draconian legal provisions to criminalize legitimate Kashmiri advocacy for human rights and fundamental freedoms, with the manifest objective of entrenching and perpetuating India's illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. The targeting of Kashmiri women leaders is particularly deplorable, as they have endured prolonged detention for peaceful political expression. Asiya Andrabi Sahiba has already languished more than 08 years in prison. This treatment serves as a stark reminder of the suffering of a population subjected to systemic repression while asserting its inalienable right to self-determination. Pakistan remains steadfast in its diplomatic, political, and moral support for the Kashmiri people and their just struggle for the realization of their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in relevant United Nations resolutions. (Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Asia One News): Firstly, the Indian Army Chief has made a public statement, that appears to raise alarm and reinforce a confrontational posture towards Pakistan. How does the Foreign Office or Pakistan view these remarks in context of regional stability? Does Pakistan consider these statements merely a political tool, or do they reflect India's actual military intent? Secondly, we have recently seen engagements with Myanmar, as you have also mentioned in your opening statement. This appears to be a new phase of engagement, as there had been no ministerial- level contact between Pakistan and Myanmar in the last two years. When you say that the emphasis has been on conflict resolution in the region, could you please elaborate on this? Also, should this engagement with Myanmar be viewed in the context of the second phase of elections being held there recently? Spokesperson: Regarding the first question, Pakistan strongly rejects the baseless allegations by the Indian Army Chief regarding the existence of any terror camps in Pakistan. Our unparalleled sacrifices in blood and treasure for combating terrorism are internationally acknowledged and recognized which continue to contribute to peace not only in the region but beyond. The continuing cliched, habitual, delusional Indian rhetoric is a regrettable attempt to exploit the bogey of terrorism for narrow political gains. Such recurring allegations only discredit India more. From the apprehended serving Indian naval officer commander Jadhav, with a proper service book, involved in espionage and terrorism against Pakistan to Indian facilitation and financing of terrorist proxies operating against Pakistan, including from Afghanistan as well as extraterritorial assassinations, Indian state sponsored terrorism against Pakistan is well documented. India would be well advised to refrain from such baseless rhetoric and focus on the growing extremism and religiously motivated terrorism particularly state facilitated Islamophobia within which poses a threat not only to Indian society but its neighbors. India should learn to observe civilized inter-state norms and refrain from such fabricated, irresponsible allegations that have the dangerous potential to further aggravate and vitiate tensions in an already volatile and destabilised environment. With regards to Myanmar, Pakistan has longstanding diplomatic relations with the country. We have engaged with Myanmar both bilaterally and multilaterally. The recent telephonic conversation was a continuation of these engagements. There is no specific domestic development in Myanmar that necessitated the call. Our engagement is conducted on a bilateral basis and is focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries. (Mateen Haider, GTV): The U.S. Special Envoy, Mr. Witkoff has stated in a tweet that the United States is now moving to the second phase of the Gaza Peace Plan, transitioning from ceasefire to demilitarization, reconstruction, and technocratic governance. I would like to seek your comments on this development. Related to this, we are witnessing daily violations of the ceasefire by Israel. According to a UN report, more than 100 Palestinian children have been killed since the ceasefire. In this context, how does the plan envisage a transition from ceasefire to demilitarization? Additionally, does Pakistan have any plans to become part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) on Gaza? Spokesperson: As you are aware, Pakistan has remained engaged in the Gaza Peace Process as part of the group of Arab-Islamic countries since the very beginning of the initiative in September 2025. Pakistan supported the Gaza Peace Plan, and later the UN Security Council resolution endorsing the plan, to save the lives of innocent Palestinian people, maintain the ceasefire, ensure much needed large-scale humanitarian relief to the Palestinians, and to secure the full withdrawal of occupation forces from Gaza. This recent announcement is a developing story. We take note of the announcement of the next phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and express the hope that these steps will lead to further stabilization of the situation, and upscaling of the humanitarian assistance and end to the suffering of the Palestinians. We also hope that these peace efforts will lead to a credible, time-bound political process consistent with international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions to establish an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Regarding International Stabilization Force (ISF), my response remains the same as last week: no decision has been taken so far. As per my understanding, the mandate of the ISF has not been finalized yet. (Tahir Khan, NNI): Last month, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held a press conference in which he directed facilitation in the repatriation of Pakistani students from Afghanistan. According to the figures, more than 200 Pakistani students have been stranded on the Afghan side of the Torkham border. The Afghan Taliban authorities have asked the students to get their lists approved by the Embassy or Consulate in Jalalabad, after which they would allow them to cross the border. However, the students say that despite requesting appointments from the Embassy and the Consulate, they remain stranded. I contacted them today, and they requested that if they are unable to cross through the Torkham border, then a flight should be arranged for them, similar to the arrangements made for students in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Will Pakistan take any steps to evacuate these 200 students? Secondly, there have been reports regarding transfers and postings. Is Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan being changed? Spokesperson: Regarding the students, I have already provided a detailed response last week. I understand that the Embassy is actively working on the matter. I will check the latest figures of students and other Pakistani citizens who have formally approached the Embassy for assistance. It is important to determine that out of the 200 students you report, how many have actually contacted the Embassy seeking facilitation. I will verify these details and revert to you. I can assure that our Embassy remains in contact with the Pakistani community, and assistance is extended to those who approach it. We will explore how these 200 students can be facilitated. It is currently the winter holidays, and many students may be seeking to return during this time. We will review the situation accordingly after receiving updated information from our Embassy. Regarding the reports about the transfer of Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan, this information is incorrect, no such decision has been taken so far. (Carrie Davis, BBC): Will Pakistan be subject to the 25% tariff announced by President Trump for countries/entities that conduct trade/business with Iran? Will Pakistan be affected by this tariff? Spokesperson: This is an evolving news. Pakistan's trade with other countries is conducted in accordance with international trade regulations and international law. We have taken note of the U.S. announcement and Pakistan remains engaged with the U.S. authorities on trade matter. Pakistan has had very positive trade negotiations with the United States. We look forward to the successful culmination in reaching mutually beneficial trade agreements with the U.S. side. (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Could you please provide details about the Crisis Management Unit established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Pakistani students stranded in Iran? How many students have been evacuated, how many are currently in contact with the Embassy, and what are the details regarding flights? (Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Exactly how many Pakistanis are currently in Iran, and out of these, how many have returned so far, including the number of students? Apart from students, can you also share the figures you mentioned the day before yesterday? Spokesperson: We have already shared the relevant figures. The students whose figures were provided the day before yesterday have arrived in Gwadar. The local civil administration in adjoining areas of Balochistan has confirmed their safety and well-being. The 54 students who arrived on Wednesday, along with a few dozen others who returned in the preceding days, have safely arrived in Pakistan and are in good condition. As of this morning, I believe the figures haven't changed significantly. Over the past two to three days, the situation in Iran has somewhat improved, and the initial figure of returnees has since declined. I will check the latest figures for today and revert to you. (Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): As the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been closed for several days, DG ISPR has stated that Pakistan is not incurring losses from the closure and is, in fact, gaining. However, the President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce has stated that our country is suffering significant losses. Is Pakistan facing losses or gains as a result of the border closure? Similarly, with regards to Pakistan - Afghanistan relations, is there any possibility of reconciliation, or is Pakistan planning to suspend diplomatic relations with Afghanistan? (Zafar Mehmood Malik, Mainichi Japanese): Recently, Afghan Minister Anas Haqqani, who was part of a delegation, reportedly recited a Pashto poem, the Urdu translation of which is: "Soon you will see troops in Jhelum; for now, we are dealing with you at Attock, and "when discussions fail, arms must be used." Do you have any response to this statement? Spokesperson: Regarding the first question on gains or losses from border closure, this is all relative and subjective. There is an economic dimension as well as a security dimension. From a trade perspective, some traders have indeed suffered losses due to border closure, and therefore, in economic terms, there has certainly been some deficit. However, from a security standpoint, if the border closure has helped stop incursions from the Afghan side and prevented attacks on border posts, it represents a gain. You may recall that in October there were attacks on border posts, some of which were destroyed, resulting in the loss of Pakistani border guards, security personnel, and civilians. If the closure of gates has prevented such attacks and saved lives, then that is a significant security gain. Therefore, the assessment of gains and losses must be viewed in relative terms. Regarding broader relations with Afghanistan, we hope that these relations will improve. As I have stated in previous press briefings, the only outstanding issue between the two countries is terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. If this issue is addressed, there is significant potential for cooperation and improved relations. Our demandthat Afghan territory should not be used for terrorist attacks inside Pakistanis genuine, legitimate, consistent with international law, and internationally acceptable. We hope that this reasonable demand will be heeded by the authorities in Kabul, leading to peace and improved relations between the two countries. As for the poem or verse attributed to Mr. Anas Haqqani, I have not seen it myself and cannot confirm its attribution to him. Therefore, I am not in a position to comment on it. My earlier remark regarding poetry was made in a lighter vein, suggesting that perhaps he had ventured into Urdu poetry. If you recall, Allama Iqbal expressed many positive sentiments about Afghanistan, which we also endorse. As he said: "Qabail hon millat ki wahdat mein gum, ke ho naam Afghanion ka buland." Yes, we say "Key ho naam Afghanion ka buland" We, too, wish to see the Afghan people prosper. (Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Sir, India has one again given controversial remarks on Azad Kashmir, Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir stating it as inseparable (Atoot Ang) part of India and also made controversial remarks on China Pakistan Economic Corridor in its last briefing. What are your comments? Spokesperson: We reject these assertions. India is the serial violator of the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. It has no locus standi to comment on a bilateral and an important international project between Pakistan and China, focused on development and regional connectivity. India has no locus standi to comment on that. (Czechangez Khan Jadoon, Daily Payam-e-Khayber): There were reports last night that Iran has stated that if its neighbours' air bases (the Gulf states) were used for attack on Iran then those airbases will also be targeted by Iran. Did Pakistan also receive such a message? Spokesperson: No, not to my knowledge. (Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff for any country doing business with Iran. Pakistan is also going to be affected due to the latest move of Donald Trump. Pakistan's bilateral trade is about $3 billion with Iran. At the same time, US remains a main export market of Pakistan, as well as a key player in the external ties. So how Islamabad is seeing this update? Because as the Trump announced 25% tariff with any country doing business with Iran, is Islamabad cool fitted on this and we have an ultimate strategy? Thank you. Spokesperson: I have responded to this question. We hope to have very smooth trade relations with the US. Our trade talks with the US proceeded smoothly. We reached at a very amicable decision, and we hope to continue on it. As regards our trade with Iran, it follows international trade regulations and relevant international law, governing these trades. So, we will continue to engage with both the US and Iran on our trade relations. (Imran Waseem, Aik News): Whether it is the issue of Iran-US relations, conflict between Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Yemen issue, or is it the Gaza issue, DPM/FM Ishaq Dar engages in telephonic conversations to resolve these issues sometimes with Iranian FM Araghchi, with Saudi Arabia or with UAE. But last night when US suspended immigration process for Pakistanis, Ishaq Dar did not had as quick a telephonic conversation as when dealing with others issues. What is the reason behind it as Pakistan is already affected from it. Spokesperson: I don't think it is fair to say that communication process with the US is slow. This development took place last night. We have a time difference of 10 to 12 hours with the US. So, we will follow this development too. I don't think that you should categorize the contacts or coordination between our Foreign Minister/Deputy Prime Minister with his counterparts as slow or fast. I think overall coordination is efficient. There's a telephone call almost every day, and as I list these in my weekly briefings. So, DPM/FM will continue interactions on the same trajectory with all his counterparts, including with the US. (Azaz Syed, Geo News): So, two small questions. One, what is assessment of Pakistan, whether there will be a regime change in Iran. What is our assessment? And have we prepared for that case or otherwise? And second, we saw reports when Pakistani Field Marshal met with the American President and following media reports regarding that Pakistan was playing some kind of mediatory role in Iran. American President had also given a hint in one of his statements. Are we still playing some role between America and Iran to diffuse the situation? Spokesperson: Regarding your question about the assessment, we will not venture into giving our prognosis on Iran. But what I can tell you, as I said in my opening remarks; we remain confident that Iran, with its sagacity, wisdom, its ancient civilization, its resilience over the years, met all these challenges in the past. It can overcome this challenge too. We wish the Iranian people well. As regards the role of Pakistan in US - Iran relations: we had a very positive and principled position between Iran and its partners during the nuclear issue talks that took place early last year, which culminated towards September when the UN Security Council discussed these issues. This position, which was very principled, enabled us to play the role of bridge builder and facilitator for channels of communication. In those days, our Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held numerous telephone conversations with Secretary of State Mr. Marco Rubio and a number of telephone conversations with Foreign Minister Mr. Abbas Araghchi. So yes, in the context of those nuclear talks, we did play a role. We are willing to play such role now. If you recall, for example, in the 80s and the 90s, Pakistan Embassy in Washington D.C. was actually assigned as the Iran focal point for diplomatic engagement with the US. So yes, we have good relations with both Tehran and Washington. We will continue to maintain those relations, and those relations do enable us to play a positive role in Iran - US relationship. (Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Asia One News): Thank you so much, Spokesperson. Following up on Iran, last year, when we saw the American attack on Iran from this very podium, your predecessor was very categorical in the follow up briefing on the 26th of June that Pakistan's airspace was not used, and Pakistan will not allow its airspace to be used by any country against any of its neighbours and that was a policy statement. Given the recent, hostilities or statements that we've been seeing, particularly in context of Iran, does the policy state's position remain the same that Pakistan will not allow its territory or its airspace to be used by any of its neighbors, or is there a change? Spokesperson: Policy statement remains the same. Ditto (Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): It's about last week, or maybe 10 days ago, Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave the statement regarding Saudi - Pak JF-17 Thunder deal. So, has it been finalized? Or what has been done, because the Information Minister asked us to contact you, and you would have the exact information. Spokesperson: I can confirm that these exchanges with different countries on particular platforms take place, particularly with reference to JF-17 Thunder. These talks are taking place. The exact status of these discussions can be checked from Ministry of Defense. We, from this platform, will announce anything when we receive confirmation with respect to their finalization. So, once a deal is finalized, we would be announcing it. (Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Sir, Abraham Accords is talk of the town nowadays. Is it about recognition of Israel only or expansion of its boundaries is to be recognized Because it is being said that due to Abraham Accord all these tensions and issues are arising in the Middle East? Pakistan just signed a deal with Libya. Pakistan recognizes which faction of Libya and with which faction deal was signed? Spokesperson: About Abraham Accord the spirit as I understand Abraham (PBUH) being the common legacy and the forefather to the three great revealed religions, including Judaism is invoked to give a certain context. Our position with respect to it, is that there are certain benchmarks that have to be achieved for Pakistan, which is the creation of a viable contiguous state of Palestine, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif Jerusalem as its capital - and then see how this State of Palestine has relationship with other countries, including potentially Israel. So that is our benchmark. We are not aware, or not concerned about who does or who does not join the Abraham Accord. We view it in a very legal sense of the State of Palestine that we aspire - the contours of that State of Palestine. I have stated now partially and in my previous statements in detail. As regards Libya, Pakistan has age old relations with Libya. Our people have worked there. Any deal that we make will be for the people of Libya and for the betterment of the people of Libya. We do not interfere in their internal affairs, but we remain supportive of a peaceful, united, prosperous Libya. (Mateen Haider, GTV): Mr. Spokesperson. Follow up to what Miss Annie Shirazi asked you regarding Saudi Arabia - Pakistan Defense Cooperation. So I would like to seek more information if you have that, what else other than JF-17 Thunder Pakistan is providing to Saudi Arabia? So is there some more defense equipment, some strategic defense cooperation is also part of that defense deal. If so, please share details. Thank you. Spokesperson: About specific platforms and system, I will refer you to Ministry of Defense. As regards the defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs gets involved in a defense deal on political side, whether we should have defense deals with country A, country B or country C. As regards Saudi Arabia, it is our long trusted partner, and we have a defense SMDA with Saudi Arabia. So, our political clearance (from MoFA) for any deal on Saudi Arabia would be there. Regarding a particular platform, and regarding the status of that deal, I would refer you again to the Ministry of Defense. (Abdul Hadi Mayar, The Pakistan Observer): Thank you, Spokesperson. Further to the question regarding US visa restrictions and countries, including Pakistan. Last night, I spotted pro-India handle describing it a blow to Pakistan's reinvigorated relations with the United States. How would you respond to that? Spokesperson: Sir, please do not get me engaged to comment on social media's pro-India handles. (Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News): India has once again questioned the agreement between Pakistan and China of 1963 and Indian authorities have claimed that they would take back an important valley in the region of Ladakh. I need your comments. Spokesperson: India has no locus standi to comment on our bilateral agreements with China. India's comments have been answered by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The crux of the issue is the Illegal Indian occupation of the portion of the erstwhile territory of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, including Indian occupied Ladakh. India has not allowed the promised plebiscite to determine the will and the wishes of the people to express their opinion. So India's illegal occupation of the part of Jammu and Kashmir, including the Occupied Ladakh is the real problem. This needs to be addressed. India needs to understand that it has to abide by all UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, which are also applicable to the Indian occupied Ladakh. (Tahir Khan, NNI): The Afghan regime sent its Charge d' Affairs to New Delhi few days ago, then Foreign Minister in October and then Health Minister visited New Delhi. India has already opened its Embassy and they will nominate Ambassador soon. You say that it is Pakistan's policy that it will not interfere in bilateral relations of two countries. But it is a fact, when relations improve between Afghanistan and India, then sensitivity is observed here. Pakistan is affected by Afghanistan. Our relations with Afghanistan deteriorated. Where Pakistan's relations stand with Afghanistan and if the relations deteriorated at the current pace then where does Pakistan stand with its relations in Afghanistan? Spokesperson: I have answered this question, and you have yourself said, relationship between India and Afghanistan is a matter between two countries. They can develop their diplomatic relations. We do not necessarily see these relations in a zero-sum game - as long as the Indian support for terrorist elements inside Afghanistan directed against Pakistan is not there. This is our position. Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan, I have also elaborated. We continue to hope for positive messaging; positive signaling in form of written, verifiable assurances, and that demand with Kabul stands on the table. (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Thank you, Spokesperson. In 2025, President Trump tried to stop military conflicts around the world. How do you see President Trump's actions in 2026? Do you see this as the year of peace? Spokesperson: Pakistan is hopeful, sees a positive future, and we hope that 2026 will be a peaceful year for the world. (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Indian PM will visit Germany soon and MoUs and deals will be signed on multiple cooperation. One of such deals is Defence Agreement where Germany will provide military hardware to India and according to DW report, talks on this deal is completed. How Pakistan see this development? Spokesperson: When such development takes place, we will reply. *** NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On 13-14 January 2026, thirteen khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - January 15, 2026 No PR-18/2026-ISPR On 13-14 January 2026, thirteen khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. On reported presence of khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the Security Forces in Bannu District. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and after an intense fire exchange, eight khwarij were sent to hell. Another intelligence based operation was conducted by Security forces in Kurram District. In ensuing fire exchange, five khwarij were effectively neutralised. Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision "Azm e Istehkam" (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Talks with Japan covered Asia-Pacific trade pact, supply chains' KOREA.net Jan 15, 2026 By Yoo Yeon Gyeong President Lee Jae Myung told Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during their bilateral summit this week that Korea seeks to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Cheong Wa Dae said on Jan. 14. National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac told a news conference at a media center in Osaka, "We had discussions on the CPTPP (at the previous summit)," adding, "We reaffirmed our intent to push ahead (with joining)." The CPTPP is a multilateral free trade agreement launched in 2018 by Asia-Pacific countries led by Japan. In September 2021, Korea officially applied to join the alliance but has seen no progress because Tokyo wants Seoul to lift its ban on Japanese seafood imports as a prerequisite to entry. "The Japanese side gave an explanation on food safety," Director Wi said. "This issue requires working-level consultations between departments." Evaluating the latest summit with Japan, he added, "This shows that shuttle diplomacy between the leaders of Korea and Japan, which was resumed in August last year through the president's visit to Japan, has fully settled." "Among the pressing issues we face is international supply chains," he said. "There was a consensus (during the summit) to cooperate on stable supply chains, an important issue in economic and national security policy." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spokesperson's Press Briefing (January 15, 2026) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea Date 2026-01-15 Press Briefing Deputy Spokesperson Lee Moonbae January 15, 2026 14:30 KST Good afternoon. Let me start today's briefing. I have two things to share with you today. Later this afternoon, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun will meet with Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Khaldoon Khalifa Al-Mubarak who is on a visit to Korea. The outcome of the meeting will be available to you later in a press release. Moving on, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun will attend and deliver a keynote speech at the 16th Seoul-Tokyo Forum to be held in Seoul on Saturday, January 17. The Seoul-Tokyo Forum is co-hosted by the Seoul Forum for International Affairs and the Nakasone Peace Institute of Japan for experts of Korea and Japan to discuss ways to bolster the relationship and cooperation between the two countries. In his keynote speech, Foreign Minister Cho will share with the other participants the main results of President Lee Jae Myung's recent visit to Japan as well as the Korean government's efforts and vision for the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations. (A question-and-answer session followed.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Circulating ideas about creating an EU Russia envoy are dangerous Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15.01.2026 | 09:04 Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Circulating ideas about creating an EU Russia envoy are dangerous "There is no proposal on the table in the European Union to create the position of a Russia envoy, but even the mere circulation of such ideas behind the scenes is dangerous. Russia would use separate negotiators to play countries against one another and undermine European unity. At a time when Russia is violating all its international obligations and has shown not the slightest willingness to make concessions, what we need is not dialogue but a significant increase in pressure. We must continue the sanctions and pressure policy put in place after the start of Russia's full-scale aggression, one element of which has been the international isolation of Russia and Putin. This means keeping Russia and its leaders away from important decision-making tables and red carpets. As long as Russia has not changed its actions and objectives in its aggression against Ukraine, it is not possible to engage in talks with Russia, nor should we offer it a way out of isolation. We have seen in the past how countries geographically farther from Russia begin to argue for the need to promote dialogue. We must not repeat mistakes made time and again by restoring relations when Russia has not changed course. The restoration of relations after Russia's invasion of Georgia, as well as the good-faith negotiation and signing of the Minsk agreements, demonstrated that any 'reset' and dialogue are perceived by Russia as concessions and only serve to fuel its appetite. We must not allow ourselves to repeat old mistakes. The EU already has its representatives. Europe's strength lies in unity, not in parallel initiatives." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ceremony for presenting letters of credence Vladimir Putin received the letters of credence from newly appointed ambassadors of foreign nations. The ceremony took place in the St Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. January 15, 2026 16:30 The Kremlin, Moscow The letters of credence were presented to the President of Russia by: Alenka Suhadolnik (Republic of Slovenia), Mohamed Abukar Zubeyr (Federal Republic of Somalia), Sosthene Ndembi (Gabonese Republic), Shobini Kaushala Gunasekera (Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka), Nicolas Louis Marie Olivier de Riviere (French Republic), Stephan Sylvain Sambou (Republic of Senegal), Joseph Nzabamwita (Republic of Rwanda), Daniel Kostoval (Czech Republic), Sidati Cheikh Ould Ahmed Aisha (Islamic Republic of Mauritania), Mawlawi Gul Hassan Hassan (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan), Toufik Djouama (People's Democratic Republic of Algeria), Sara Feronha Martins (Portuguese Republic), Nazrul Islam (People's Republic of Bangladesh), Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos (Federative Republic of Brazil), Heidi Olufsen (Kingdom of Norway), Anna Christina Therese Johannesson (Kingdom of Sweden), Hamdy Shaaban Abdelhalim Mohammed (Arab Republic of Egypt), Jorge Ignacio Zorro Sanchez (Republic of Colombia), Sami Mohammed Al-Sadhan (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Koma Steem Jehu-Appiah (Republic of Ghana), Monica Ndiliawike Nashandi (Republic of Namibia), Gerhard Sailler (Republic of Austria), Enrique Orta Gonzalez (Republic of Cuba), Faisal Niaz Tirmizi (Islamic Republic of Pakistan), Lee Sok-bae (Republic of Korea), Manuel Augusto De Cossio Kluver (Republic of Peru), Maria del Rosario Portell Casanova (Oriental Republic of Uruguay), Bashir Saleh Azzam (Republic of Lebanon), Jurg Stephan Burri (Swiss Confederation), Abdul-Karim Hashim Mostafa (Republic of Iraq), Stefano Beltrame (Italian Republic), and Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef (Republic of Maldives). * * * Speech at the ceremony for presenting letters of credence President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Ladies and gentlemen, First, I would like to warmly welcome you to the Kremlin for this formal ceremony to present your letters of credence. Our meeting comes at the very start of a new year - a time when we all look to the future with our plans and, naturally, with the hope that difficulties, hardships, mutual recriminations, and conflicts will be left behind. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and success in 2026 to you, your families, and the peoples of the nations you represent. You will, I trust, agree that international cooperation is fundamental to humanity's sustainable development and prosperity. In today's diverse and interconnected world, global stability and security depend directly on the ability of states to interact constructively. Open and honest partnerships create the conditions needed to tackle our shared challenges, even the most complex ones. There is a reason why people say that peace does not come by itself. It must be built, day-by-day, and it is a painstaking process. Achieving peace requires effort, a sense of responsibility and the ability to make deliberate choices. This posture is especially relevant today considering the increasingly deteriorating international environment. I think that no one would claim otherwise. Old conflicts are escalating, while new serious hotbeds of tension emerge. At the same time, unilateral and dangerous actions often substitute diplomacy, efforts to come to a compromise or find solutions which would suit everyone. Instead of having states engage in dialogue with one another, there are those relying on the might-makes-right principle to assert their unilateral narratives, those who believe that they can impose their will, lecture others how they must live and issue orders. Dozens of countries across the world have been suffering from the infringement of their sovereign rights, from chaos and lawlessness. They lack the strength and resources to stand up for themselves. Placing a greater emphasis on having all members of the international community respect international law, as well as facilitating the advent of new emerging trends and a fair multipolar world order can be viewed as a reasonable solution. In this world order, all states would have the right to follow their own development models and to define their future independently, without outside interference, while preserving their unique culture and traditions. I would like to note that Russia is sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world. Our country has always pursued and will continue to pursue a balanced, constructive foreign policy course that takes into account both our national interests and the objective trends of global development. We are determined to maintain truly open and mutually advantageous relations with all partners interested in cooperation, deepening ties in politics, the economy and culture, and jointly confronting acute challenges and common threats. Russia advocates for strengthening the key, central role of the United Nations in global affairs, the organisation that celebrated its anniversary last year. Eight decades ago, our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, having emerged victorious in the Second World War, were able to unite, find a balance of interests, and agree on the fundamental rules and principles of international communication, enshrining them in their entirety, completeness, and interconnectedness in the UN Charter. The imperatives of this foundational document, such as equality, respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue, are now more relevant than ever. Most importantly, we must proceed from the understanding that security must be truly comprehensive and, therefore, equal and indivisible, and it cannot be ensured for some at the expense of the security of others. This principle is enshrined in fundamental international legal instruments. Disregarding this basic, vital principle has never led to anything good and never will. This has been clearly demonstrated by the crisis around Ukraine, which became a direct consequence of years of ignoring Russia's legitimate interests and a deliberate policy of creating threats to our security, including the advancement of the NATO bloc towards Russia's borders - contrary to the public promises made to us. I want to emphasise this: contrary to the public promises made to us. Let me remind you that Russia has repeatedly put forward initiatives to build a new, reliable, and fair architecture of European and global security. We have proposed options and rational solutions that could satisfy everyone in America, Europe, Asia, and across the world. We believe it would be worthwhile to return to a substantive discussion of these proposals to establish the conditions under which a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine could be achieved - and the sooner, the better. It is precisely a long-term and sustainable peace, one that reliably ensures the security of all and everyone, that our country strives for. Not everywhere, including in Kiev and the capitals that support it, are they ready for this. But we hope that an awareness of this necessity will come sooner or later. Until then, Russia will continue to consistently pursue its objectives. At the same time, I would like to reiterate and ask you to bear in mind in your activities that Russia is always open to building equal and constructive relations with all international partners for the sake of universal prosperity, well-being, and development. Ladies and gentlemen, Taking part in today's ceremony are ambassadors from 32 countries. Every one of them is an active member of the United Nations and makes their own contribution to addressing essential tasks on the global agenda. Many of you represent countries that are Russia's strategic partners and allies with whom we share relations of friendship, cooperation, and mutual support; countries with which we work actively within large international and regional associations. I am confident that the Brazilian ambassador will agree that our two states, who were the founding members of BRICS, share the same views regarding the necessity to build a truly just multipolar world order. Russia-Brazil cooperation is developing progressively, gaining new mutually beneficial projects across various fields. As you know, just yesterday I had a telephone conversation with President Lula da Silva. This conversation reaffirmed our shared approaches to global and regional processes, as well as the fact that our positions on many key issues either coincide or are very close. I would like to emphasise that Russia and the Republic of Cuba enjoy genuinely strong and friendly relations. We have consistently provided assistance and support to our Cuban friends. Russia stands in solidarity with Cuba's firm determination to defend its sovereignty and independence. The Russian-Cuban alliance has withstood the test of time and is rooted in the sincere mutual goodwill of our peoples. Together, we are implementing projects of critical importance to the Cuban economy in areas such as energy, metallurgy, transport infrastructure, and healthcare, while also expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges. I would also like to underscore that Russia has long maintained close, constructive relations with many countries of Latin America, treating the states of the region with the utmost respect as equal, sovereign partners. This fully applies to the countries represented here today: Colombia, Peru, and Uruguay. We can see significant potential for expanding trade, investment, and business cooperation, as well as collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and professional training. In the same spirit of partnership and mutual trust, Russia remains committed to further strengthening its engagement with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa. A special role in this region is played by Egypt, a friendly country to Russia. Our relations are based on the Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation Agreement. Our two countries are successfully implementing major joint initiatives, such as the construction of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the establishment of a Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal area. In a month, we will mark the centenary of establishing diplomatic relations between Russia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our bilateral partnership has evolved into a comprehensive and steadily expanding relationship. Close coordination within the OPEC Plus format has been established and continues to play a genuinely important role in maintaining stability in the global oil market. We welcome the Kingdom's decision to serve as a guest country at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum to be held in June. Of particular note is Saudi Arabia's intention to host the Intervision International Music Competition, which has been revived at Russia's initiative. Relations with Lebanon and Iraq have traditionally developed in the spirit of mutual respect and goodwill. Russia has consistently supported the unity, sovereignty, and independence of these states and firmly opposes any external interference in their domestic affairs. We maintain close cooperation with Pakistan, a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the largest regional organisation in terms of economic, technological, and human potential. Russian-Pakistani relations are genuinely mutually beneficial. Afghanistan holds observer status in the SCO. In recent years, Russian-Afghan cooperation has gained notable momentum, facilitated by Russia's decision last year to officially recognise the country's new authorities. We are sincerely interested in seeing Afghanistan emerge as a united, independent, and peaceful state, free from war, terrorism, and drug trafficking. Our cooperation with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Republic of Maldives is progressing very effectively. We are successfully expanding engagement in traditional areas such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and energy, while remaining committed to developing cooperation in other spheres of mutual interest. Today's ceremony is attended by a broad representation of ambassadors from friendly African nations: Somalia, Gabon, Senegal, Rwanda, Mauritania, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia. Russia maintains relations with all states on the continent based on genuine partnership, mutual support, and solidarity. The foundations of these relations were forged during the period when African nations were fighting for freedom and independence. Our country made a significant contribution to liberating African states from colonial oppression, to establishing their statehood, to developing their national economies and social sectors, as well as to the training and equipping of their armed forces. We remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding mutual political, economic, and cultural ties. We continue to provide assistance and support to African nations in their pursuit of development and active participation in international affairs. All these matters were discussed in detail at the Russia-Africa summits in Sochi and St Petersburg, as well as at the ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum held a month ago in Cairo. Preparations are underway for the third Russia-Africa Summit, which is scheduled to take place this year. Unfortunately, much of the positive momentum in our relations with the Republic of Korea has been eroded. Yet in the past, by adhering to pragmatic approaches, our countries achieved truly positive results in trade and business. We look forward to restoring relations with the Republic. With each of the European states represented here - Slovenia, France, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy - our relations have deep historical roots and are rich in examples of constructive partnership and mutually enriching cultural cooperation. The current state of bilateral ties between the aforementioned countries and Russia leaves much to be desired. Dialogue and contacts - through no fault of ours, I must emphasise - have been reduced to a minimum, both at the official level and in business and civil society circles. Cooperation on key international and regional issues has been frozen. It is my hope that, in time, the situation will nevertheless change, and our nations will return to normal, constructive dialogue based on respect for national interests and due consideration of legitimate security concerns. Russia has been and remains committed to such approaches and is prepared to restore the required level of relations. More broadly, as I have stated on multiple occasions, we are open to constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries without exception. Naturally, we are keen to ensure that the work of each ambassador present here yields the most fruitful results. Ladies and gentlemen, you may rest assured that all constructive initiatives you propose will receive support from the Russian leadership, executive authorities, the business community, and civil society. Allow me to wish you success and all the best in your endeavours. Thank you for your attention. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address How Important Is Iran For Russia's War Effort? By Ray Furlong January 15, 2026 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 Bloombergreport 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 and...about 90 percent of the entire production cycle of those drones is already fully located in Russia, without Iran's assistance," he told Current Timeon 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 Journalinvestigation 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 Economicslast 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. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-russia- war-ukraine/33648840.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 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.01.16 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Jan. 15 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Jan. 16 (Fri.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 34 sorties of PLA aircraft, 11 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 18 out of 34 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, 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. 1150116_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1150116_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Major boost to pool of skilled former military personnel called upon in crises as UK strengthen preparedness Press release The Armed Forces Bill will grow the pool of former Service personnel who Defence could draw on in times of crisis, in a move welcomed by senior military leaders From: Ministry of Defence, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, Louise Sandher-Jones MP and The Rt Hon John Healey MP Published 15 January 2026 New measures are being introduced through the Armed Forces Bill to strengthen the UK's Strategic Reserve (former Service personnel with an Ex Regular and Recall Reserve liability), to help Defence draw on their valuable skills and experiences in times of crisis. The Ministry of Defence is taking decisive action to boost readiness and deliver on the first duty of government - to keep its citizens safe. The Bill includes measures that will affect our Regular and Volunteer Reserve personnel's liability for recall after they leave service. The key changes will: Increase the maximum age for call from 55 to 65 Align the time for which recall applies across all three services Lower the threshold for recall so that Reservists can be recalled for 'warlike preparations' in addition to the current requirement for 'national danger, great emergency or attack on the UK' Commander Standing Joint Command, Lt General Paul Griffiths, who is leading UK efforts to ensure we are ready to combat the increasing threat, said: As the threat to our nation grows, we must ensure our Armed Forces can draw on the numbers and skills required to meet it. I fully support these measures, which will give us the widest possible pool of experienced personnel to call upon in times of crisis. Our Strategic Reserve represents a wealth of expertise built over years of military and civilian experience - from cyber and intelligence to medicine and communications. 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 to bolster their own resilience." In a move that will complement our excellent volunteer Reserves, these measures will ensure that in times of crisis we can both grow the pool of former Service personnel we call upon and have greater flexibility to draw on their skills and experiences during a transition to war. Members of the Strategic Reserve vary in age and offer diverse and valuable skills from their military and civilian experiences. These critical personnel provide crucial expertise in cyber, medicine, intelligence and communications. Our approach also aligns with the increasing importance NATO allies (including the US, France, Germany and Poland) are placing on their Reserve forces to strengthen their defence and resilience and draw on expertise from outside the Regular military. It also reflects lessons from Ukraine's innovative use of Reserves and whole of society response to Russian aggression. In 2024, more than one in five troops training Ukrainian forces on Operation INTERFLEX - the British-led multinational military operation to train and support the Armed Forces of Ukraine - were Reservists. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Defence Housing Service to transform housing for forces families as Armed Forces Bill backs those who serve Press release New Defence Housing Service to be put into law, turbocharging biggest renewal of military housing in a generation From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP Published 15 January 2026 Military families will benefit from new legislation, introduced today, to create a new, standalone Defence Housing Service to renew tens of thousands of military homes and address years of underinvestment as government vows to renew the nation's contract with those who serve by delivering better housing, services and boosting protections for those who serve. The Armed Forces Bill, introduced to parliament today, will for the first time extend the Armed Forces Covenant across all areas of central government, devolved governments, and local authorities - fulfilling a manifesto promise. This means social care, employment support and other public services will be legally required to consider the unique circumstances faced by forces personnel and their families. Delivering on the 9 billion Defence Housing Strategy announced in November, the government is putting forces families first by establishing a dedicated body focused on delivering the homes military personnel deserve. The legislation will establish the Defence Housing Service, which will turbocharge a generational renewal of nine in ten forces homes while kickstarting the development of 100,000 homes on surplus defence land, with personnel and veterans the first in line. As part of a new Consumer Charter for forces homes, the Ministry of Defence committed to urgently upgrade homes most in need of refurbishment. Rapid improvement works were completed on 1,000 homes ahead of schedule and in time for Christmas as we marked the one-year anniversary of the return to public ownership of more than 36,000 homes. In recognition of the Bill being introduced, the Defence Secretary is in Scotland today, visiting some of the over 200 houses in Helensburgh that are being upgraded under the same programme. Through the Consumer Charter, the Government is implementing robust accommodation standards, modernised policies allowing personalisation of homes, and introduces a named Housing Officer for each family to provide enhanced support. The newly introduced Defence Housing Service will go even further, improving engagement with forces families, overseeing higher standards, and offering a new approach to the development of surplus defence land. New measures are also being introduced through the Armed Forces Bill to strengthen the UK's Strategic Reserve (former Service personnel with an Ex Regular and Recall Reserve liability), to help Defence draw on their valuable skills and experiences in times of crisis. Defence is taking decisive action to boost readiness and deliver on the first duty of government - to keep its citizens safe. The Bill includes measures that will affect our Regular and Volunteer Reserve personnel's liability for recall after they leave service. The key changes will: Increase the maximum age for call from 55 to 65 Align the time for which recall applies across all three services Lower the threshold for recall so that Reservists can be recalled for 'warlike preparations' in addition to the current requirement for 'national danger, great emergency or attack on the UK' With these changes, the UK is aligning with similar measures already used by NATO allies including the United States, France, Germany and Poland. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated how integrating civilian skills with military capability strengthens national defence. Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep this country safe. In return, they deserve homes fit for their families and the support of a nation that proudly values their service. This Bill delivers rapidly on our commitment to renew the nation's contract with those who serve. Through this legislation, a new Defence Housing Service will drive the biggest improvement in forces accommodation for a generation, we will ensure reserve forces can step up when needed and we will extend legal protections so that every part of government considers the needs of our service personnel and their families. The Bill will also strengthen support and protection for victims of the most serious offences, boost protection for any serving person who may be a victim of a serious crime or sexual offence, by both improving guidance and support available to them when they need it most and introducing protections to reduce the risk of further harm. This delivers on the government's manifesto commitment to halving violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade. The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the growing threat posed by uncrewed devices, and it is essential that we have the power and authority to protect our most critical military sites from any current or future threat. The Bill recognises that need by introducing new powers that would see personnel deter, detect and defeat drone incursions over the Defence Estate. The package of measures introduced today builds on the government's commitment to renew the contract with those who serve. It follows personnel being awarded the largest pay rise in over 20 years, the introduction of the Armed Forces Commissioner to act as an independent voice for personnel and families, and the scrapping of 100 outdated recruitment policies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki visits Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland 13.01.2026 Cooperation between the defence industries of Poland and Ukraine, countering disinformation, and supporting Ukraine's EU integration were the main topics of discussion during Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki's visit to Kyiv. The deputy foreign minister was accompanied by representatives of financial institutions and the defence industry. During his visit on 12-13 December 2026, Deputy Minister Marcin Bosacki met with representatives of Ukraine's MFA and the Office of the President of Ukraine. With his counterpart, Deputy Minister Olexandr Mischenko, he discussed the security of Ukraine and of the EU, as well as bilateral cooperation, including in the defence sector. The agenda of the meeting with representatives of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Sergiy Kyslytsya and Iryna Vereshchuk, included the peace process and Poland's participation in international consultations. The deputy head of Polish diplomacy talked with Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka about the most important issues of Ukraine's accession process. Deputy Minister Bosacki emphasised that Poland continues to support Ukraine's integration with the European Union and wants to share with Kyiv its experience of the EU accession process, including the alignment of national legislation with EU law. The Polish delegation also visited the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Deputy Minister Bosacki underlined that Warsaw and Kyiv jointly respond to false information spread across the public space. We have been enhancing bilateral cooperation in countering Russian disinformationRussia's false narrative will not cause the withdrawal of support for Ukraine - said Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki. Poland and Ukraine are actively cooperating to counter disinformation, including at the Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre (JATEC), multilateral formats (e.g. Ukraine Communications Group), and during the organisation of joint study visits of journalists from the Global South to Poland and Ukraine. The Kyiv talks also covered economic cooperation. Deputy Minister Marcin Bosacki and representatives of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A., Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego S.A., PKO BP, and Industrial Development Agency JSC met with Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Denis Bashlyk and Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Alona Shkrum. They talked about the participation of Polish companies in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and the cooperation between the two countries' defence industries. During the visit, the Polish delegation paid tribute to the fallen for Ukraine's freedom and to Polish victims of the NKVD and the Katyn massacre, and laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance and at the Polish military cemetery in Bykivnia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Service remuneration: components and types of payments Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 14 January, 2026, 3:30 PM EET Adequate service remuneration underpins motivation and reflects the state's recognition of each service member's contribution to defending Ukraine's independence. The Ministry of Defence provides clarification on the structure of monthly service remuneration and how combat-related payments are calculated. Structure of service remuneration Service remuneration is a state-guaranteed system of payments established in accordance with applicable legislation and determined by position, military rank, length of service, service conditions, and the tasks performed. Its structure and amounts are determined with due regard to the specific nature of military service. Service remuneration consists of base and additional payments. Base payments These constitute the foundation of monthly service remuneration provided to a service member, irrespective of the performance of specific combat tasks: Base salary: This component is based on the service member's assigned position. Rank pay: A fixed payment determined by the service member's assigned military rank (private, sergeant, officer, etc.). Long service increment: A percentage-based allowance that increases with length of service, ranging from 5% to 50% of the base salary, rank pay, and other allowances. Additional incentive and compensatory payments These payments depend on the specifics of service, qualifications, and service conditions: Allowance for specific service conditions: One of the key components, amounting to no less than 65% of the base salary, rank pay, and long service increment. Allowance for service under restrictive conditions: This allowance applies to service members with clearance to access state secrets. Qualification allowance: Paid in accordance with the assigned qualification class. Bonus: A monthly payment based on a service member's individual contribution to overall service outcomes and compliance with discipline. Remuneration for participation in combat operations This constitutes a separate form of additional remuneration introduced for the duration of martial law pursuant to Government Resolution No. 168 of 28 February 2022. It does not form part of the base service remuneration structure and is calculated based on the actual performance of tasks. Main types of combat-related payments: UAH 100,000 is payable to service members directly involved in combat operations on the line of contact, carrying out enemy fire engagement tasks, or conducting aviation missions, as well as to naval personnel operating in areas of active hostilities. It is calculated in proportion to days of task performance. UAH 50,000 is paid to command personnel performing tasks as part of military command bodies and headquarters responsible for the operational control of units on the line of contact. UAH 30,000 is paid to service members performing combat (special) tasks in accordance with combat orders (directives), calculated on a monthly basis proportionally to the time spent performing such tasks, even if they are not directly on the line of contact, provided they operate within designated combat areas or carry out air defense or support tasks. Important note: Additionally, a one-time remuneration of UAH 70,000 is paid for every 30 cumulatively calculated days (one month) of performing combat tasks directly on the line of contact or within enemy-controlled territory. One-time payments and social guarantees The state also provides a range of payments to support service members in various life situations: One-time financial assistance upon signing the first contract: This payment is made once, following the entry into force of the first contract: - rank-and-file personnel: UAH 26,624 (eight subsistence minimums); - non-commissioned officers: UAH 29,952 (nine subsistence minimums); - officers: UAH 33,280 (ten subsistence minimums). Financial assistance for health improvement: Assistance for health improvement is paid once per year in an amount equivalent to one month of service remuneration. Financial assistance for addressing social and household needs: May be paid once per year upon a service member's request report (subject to the availability of the relevant funds). Service remuneration for defenders should not be viewed as a privilege, but as an expression of the state's responsibility and respect for those who defend Ukraine and risk their lives. Proper material support for personnel is essential to sustaining the military's combat capability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Laptops, charging stations, drones, and more: "Kompiuternyi Vsesvit" (Computer Universe) joins the 'Pluses' Program Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 14 January, 2026, 10:30 AM EET The 'Pluses' support program for service members in the Army+ mobile app has welcomed a new partnerthe electronics retail chain "Kompiuternyi Vsesvit" (Computer Universe). In the 'Shopping' section, service members can receive discounts of up to 40% on tech, gadgets, and accessories. Users of Army+ may generate up to three promo codes per month and use them during checkout in the partner's online store. The discounts apply to laptops, smartphones, power banks, charging stations, drones, and other products. The applicable discount for each category can be verified on the website, and the promo code can be applied at checkout. There are no limits on the purchase amount or the number of items in the cart. Promo codes are single-use, valid in the "Kompiuternyi Vsesvit" (Computer Universe) online store, and may be shared with close contacts. Within a single order, the discount can be applied to items from different categories. "Supporting the Defence Forces of Ukraine has been an integral part of the company's activities since the onset of the full-scale invasion. We consistently engage in initiatives to assist our defenders. Joining the Program and this partnership is a logical continuation of that commitment and another opportunity to make everyday purchases more affordable for service members," said Pavlo Karachevskyi, Chief Executive Officer of the Kompiuternyi Vsesvit (Computer Universe) retail chain. The 'Pluses' Program currently features offers from 17 partners across eight categories: Ukrzaliznytsia (transport); UKRNAFTA, WOG, OKKO, Autotrans, and Parallel (fuel stations); Nova Poshta (delivery); Ukrarmor, Balytyka, Utactic, and BGN Armo (gear); Multiplex and Nash Format (leisure); Lviv Croissants (food and beverages); Darnytsia (medicine); ROZETKA and, most recently, Kompiuternyi Vsesvit (Computer Universe) (shopping). In its first year, the 'Pluses' Program was used by service members millions of times, resulting in total savings of more than UAH 500 million. Additional information about the 'Pluses' Program and all available offers is available on the Army+ website. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kremlin Endorses Trump's Criticism of Zelensky Delaying Ukraine Conflict Resolution Sputnik News 20260115 The Kremlin concurs with US President Donald Trump's statement that Zelensky is delaying the settlement process in Ukraine, according to spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "You can agree with this. It is indeed the case," Peskov said, responding to a reporter's question about Trump's statement. Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to a settlement in Ukraine, and Moscow's position is well known to both Washington and Kiev, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov noted. "President Putin and the Russian side are maintaining their openness. The Russian side's position is well known to both American negotiators and President Trump. It is well known to Kiev and to the leadership of the Kiev regime. This position is consistent," Peskov told reporters. On Thursday, the White House told the media that Moscow is ready to strike a deal, but pointed to Zelensky as the one to blame for the delay in resolving the conflict. Other statements by Dmitry Peskov: Ukraine faces a deteriorating situation daily, and it is time for Zelensky to make a decision Putin will address new foreign ambassadors, focusing on key foreign policy topics Russia considers it necessary and vital to continue dialogue with the United States Communication channels between Russian and US negotiators remain operational, with talks continuing It is crucial that Russia presents its views to the United States regarding the ongoing discussions on Ukraine The Kremlin does not confirm reports that Russia would accept a peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine, even with Chinese and Global South participation Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Over 400 Soldiers in Battles With Russian Forces - MoD Sputnik News 20260115 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated over 400 Ukrainian military personnel over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. "The Ukrainian armed forces lost more than 400 servicepeople, a tank, three armored fighting vehicles, 17 vehicles, two field artillery pieces, and an electronic warfare station," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Vostok has eliminated up to 245 Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry also said, adding that Kiev has lost over 240 military personnel in battles with Russia's Battlegroup Sever. The Russian armed forces liberated eight settlements over the first two weeks of January, with over 115.8 square miles of land coming under Russian control, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov said. "In the first two weeks of January, eight settlements were liberated, and over 300 square kilometers of land came under our control," Gerasimov said during an inspection of Battlegroup Tsentr operations. He added that the most intense fighting had unfolded within the area of responsibility of the Tsentr group. "The offensive by formations and military units of the Joint Group of Forces is being conducted in almost all directions," Gerasimov stated. This Thursday, the Russian chief of the general staff is inspecting the progress of the Tsentr group operating in the Dnepropetrovsk direction in the special military operation zone. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Tried To Show Presence In Liberated Kupyansk, Attempts Thwarted - Russian Chief Of Staff Sputnik News 20260115 Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov inspected the operations of units from the Tsentr battlegroup in the Dnepropetrovsk direction, the Russian Defense Ministry stated. Key points from the statements of the Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov: The offensive is underway in almost all directions Over the first two weeks of January, eight settlements and more than 300 square kilometers of territory were liberated Fighting continues to eliminate Ukrainian units in Konstantinovka The Vostok battlegroup, after liberating Gulyai-Pole, is advancing in the Zaporozhye region and expanding the security buffer zone in the Dnepropetrovsk region The Zapad battlegroup is actively advancing in the Krasny Liman direction The liberation of Kupyansk-Uzlovoy is nearing completion, along with the elimination of Ukrainian formations encircled on the eastern bank of the Oskol River The Sever battlegroup continues to expand the security buffer zone along the border areas of the Sumy and Kharkov regions The Tsentr battlegroup, after liberating Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) and Dimitrov, is continuing its advance and liberating the Donetsk People's Republic The Yug battlegroup is actively advancing westward in the general direction of Slavyansk Forces of the Dnepr battlegroup are advancing toward Zaporozhye Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Names Zelensky as Main Obstacle to Ukraine Deal Reports Sputnik News 20260115 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said that Zelensky is the main impediment to reaching a settlement in the Ukraine conflict, according to Reuters. Trump pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "ready to make a deal," but when asked what is blocking progress, he replied simply: "Zelensky." "We have to get Zelensky to go along with it," Trump said, as quoted by Reuters. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's reckless missile attacks expose its ongoing obstruction of peace efforts: UK statement to the OSCE Speech Ambassador Holland condemns Russia's latest missile and drone barrage, including its use of an intermediate range ballistic missile near NATO territory. Russia is attempting to use false narratives to justify its escalatory attacks and avoid engaging meaningfully in peace negotiations. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Neil Holland Published 15 January 2026 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 15 January 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Neil Holland Thank you, Mr Chair. At the final meeting of the Permanent Council before recess, I expressed a hope that our next meeting would not take place against the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. Regrettably, not only is Russia's war continuing unabated today, but we meet in this extraordinary format following a particularly reckless attack. On the night of 8 January, Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Ukraine. Once again, this attack killed and injured innocent civilians, it resulted in damage to a diplomatic premises, this time belonging to Qatar, and the attack on energy infrastructure left hundreds of thousands without power and heating in the depths of winter. Russia's systematic and cynical tactic of seeking to deprive Ukrainians of warmth and basic necessities at a time of year when temperatures are plummeting to minus 20 and below is deserving of international condemnation. It is barbaric. And we must never allow any participating state to normalise the weaponisation of winter in this way. But what was different last Thursday night was the use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile, which Russia calls Oreshnik. Russia first deployed this missile against Dnipro in November 2024. This time it struck a site in the region of Lviv, just 50 miles from NATO's border. We condemn these irresponsible attacks. It is yet another attempt by President Putin to terrorise the people of Ukraine and to undermine our shared security. Russia has attempted to justify this escalatory action by claiming it was in response to an attack on one of President Putin's residences. The problem is: there was no such attack. This claim was yet another example of Russia seeking to create and manipulate narratives to avoid engaging meaningfully with peace initiatives. Russia not only started this war. It is also doing everything in its power to disrupt efforts to end it. In contrast, the US, Ukraine and its partners have continued to work hard to secure a just and lasting peace. These efforts have reached their most promising stage, which is what Russia fears. Even Russian doublespeak struggles to bridge the chasm between President Putin's professed desire for peace and his actions. President Putin believes he can break the will of the Ukrainian people. He is wrong. The resilience and determination Ukrainians have shown over the nearly four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, remain undimmed. If Russia's escalatory actions are also designed to deter partners from supporting Ukraine - then they shall also fail. Alongside our partners, we will continue to ensure that Ukraine gets the military and financial support it needs to defend itself, whilst we also ramp up the pressure on Russia to engage in meaningful negotiations. UK support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine remains iron-clad. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held talks in Kyiv with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Elisa Spiropali Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 15 January 2026 14:41 On Thursday, 15 January, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, welcomed to Kyiv his counterpart, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, Elisa Spiropali. Andrii Sybiha briefed his colleague on the situation on the battlefield, the consequences of Russian strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and the dynamics of ongoing peace efforts. The ministers agreed that Moscow must be compelled to peace through increased pressure. The foreign ministers held detailed discussions on a broad range of issues of bilateral relations, cooperation on the international stage, and the shared path toward accession to the European Union. Albania remains one of Ukraine's key partners in the region and an active participant in the Ukraine-initiated "Ukraine-Southeast Europe" format. The Head of Ukraine's Foreign Ministry noted Albania's steadfast support in countering Russian aggression and expressed gratitude to the country's Prime Minister, Edi Rama, in particular for Albania's firm position during its membership in the UN Security Council in 2022-2023. Andrii Sybiha recalled that last year Albania opened its embassy in Kyiv, which became the first new diplomatic mission to be inaugurated in Ukraine since the Russia's full-scale invasion. This step is a clear sign of support, unity, and trust. "Ukraine and Albania are united by shared European values and a common vision of the future within a united Europe. On the path toward EU accession, we are complementary partners," the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasized. The ministers devoted particular attention to ensuring accountability for Russia, the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, and other justice mechanisms. According to the Head of the MFA of Ukraine, Ukraine and Albania also have significant potential for cooperation in countering hybrid threats. Albania is one of the most successful front-line states in countering Russian information threats in the Western Balkans region. The foreign ministers agreed to continue political dialogue and cooperation in the security, humanitarian, and economic spheres, as well as to further develop the "Ukraine-Southeast Europe" format. Andrii Sybiha expressed gratitude for Albania's support to Ukrainians who have found refuge from Russian aggression in the Balkans, as well as for assistance in the rehabilitation of Ukrainian children. The Minister added that the development of bilateral relations is also facilitated by the Albanian diaspora in Ukraine, which is most compactly settled in Odesa region. "We will continue working to ensure that ties between Ukraine and Albania, and between our peoples, become even stronger and more substantive," Andrii Sybiha stated. Andriy Sybiha also expressed special appreciation for Albania's participation in the Coalition of the Willing, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, the Air Force Coalition, and other formats aimed at restoring a just peace for Ukraine. "We value the humanitarian assistance, the introduction of sanctions against Russia, and the visa regime for citizens of the aggressor state," the Minister noted. An important part of the visit was the presentation of archival diplomatic documents from the period of Soviet Ukraine and the first years of independence, which were presented to the Albanian delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine kindly provided by the State Archival Service of Ukraine. Presenting the exhibition to Albanian colleagues, Andrii Sybiha emphasized that these documents testify to the long-standing diplomatic and people-to-people ties between Ukraine and Albania. The MFA of Ukraine express its gratitude to the Head of the State Archival Service, Anatolii Khromov, and to the Director of the Central State Archive of Supreme Bodies of Power and Government, Larysa Levchenko, for identifying and preparing the materials for the presentation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It Is Russian Missiles, "Shaheds," and Attempts to Destroy Ukraine That Are Clear Evidence That It Is Not Agreements at All That Russia Is Seeking - Address by the President President of Ukraine 15 January 2026 - 20:46 Fellow Ukrainians! I started the day with a special format - this will be the case every day now, with everyone staying in touch - a special coordination call with everyone responsible for recovery and management under such an emergency. Energy, provision of services in cities and villages. From the Government and the military to the regions, regional authorities and community leaders. Kyiv and the region, Kharkiv and the region, Dnipro region - Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih; Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Chernihiv. Tasks have been defined, and throughout the day the Government must deliver solutions. First and foremost, to increase electricity imports and all possible options for backup supply and support. As for assistance points in cities, there are separate tasks for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including in terms of keeping people really informed. Everyone must be able to contact the 112 hotline and receive assistance, and get information on heating and electricity supply. It is important that state institutions and local authorities maintain full communication with businesses and energy companies - with everyone who can now provide additional resources for our collective resilience. There must be decisions regarding the curfew so that it is easier for entrepreneurs to plan their work. And so that business facilities can be used as assistance points for people. In particular, government officials have already spoken with retail chains. I instructed the Prime Minister of Ukraine and the First Deputy Prime Minister - the Minister of Energy - as well as other government officials to be as active as possible in communicating with the public and to provide maximum support to communities. Separately, we spoke with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine and the Commander of the Air Force regarding the protection of energy facilities and the needs we have. Today there were again severe strikes on Kharkiv - specifically on critical infrastructure, missile strikes. "Shaheds" targeted Kyiv in the morning and are now attacking it again in the evening. The situation is difficult in the border regions. It is important to strengthen the Dnipro region and Odesa as well - we will intensify our engagement with partners. I just spoke with Mark Rutte - in particular, about the PURL initiative and our ability to purchase missiles for air defense. We also discussed diplomatic efforts with America - Ukraine has never been and will never be a stumbling block to peace. It is Russian missiles, Russian "shaheds," and Russia's attempts to destroy Ukraine that are clear evidence that it is not agreements at all that Russia is seeking. When Ukrainians are left without power for 20-30 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. I am grateful to everyone who supports Ukraine in this. We will conduct our diplomatic work far more actively - both public and official, and non-public and unofficial. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Discussed Continued Diplomatic Efforts to Achieve Peace and Protection Against Russian Attacks with NATO Secretary General President of Ukraine 15 January 2026 - 20:32 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The Head of State emphasized that Russian strikes during such a cold winter create serious challenges. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that today there was a Russian strike on an energy facility in Kharkiv, which left hundreds of thousands of people without electricity and heating. The President informed Mark Rutte about these attacks and about Ukraine's needs for protection and bolstering its air defense. The Head of State separately highlighted the importance of the PURL initiative, and Ukraine expects that contributions to it will increase this month. The President and the NATO Secretary General discussed in detail diplomatic efforts and engagement with partners in the United States and Europe. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mark Rutte exchanged views on what the next steps should be. "We have already achieved significant progress, and it is important not to slow down now. Ukraine has never been and will never be an obstacle to achieving peace," the Head of State stressed. The President thanked Mark Rutte for supporting Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kristalina Georgieva Discussed IMF Support for Ukraine President of Ukraine 15 January 2026 - 19:41 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva. The Head of State expressed gratitude for the attention to Ukraine and for the programs that help strengthen Ukraine's economy and resilience, especially now, when Russian strikes and severe winter weather are creating serious challenges. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed about Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector and all critical infrastructure, as well as on residential buildings. Just today, the Russians struck Kharkiv, leaving more than 400,000 people without electricity and heating. "You see that the attacks happen not only at night, but also in the morning and during the day. They are using this period, which is very cold, especially over these two weeks, to attack us as much as possible. In any case, we are grateful for the opportunity to maintain macro-financial stability thanks to our relations with the IMF. We count on the continuation of our relations. We count on a new program," the President said. The IMF Managing Director noted that before the meeting she personally saw one of the energy facilities damaged by Russian strikes. She expressed solidarity with Ukraine. "We admire the strength of the Ukrainian people. And it is an honor to be an institution that can offer you a helping hand," Kristalina Georgieva emphasized. The IMF Managing Director also noted the work that Ukraine is carrying out within its commitments. For her part, she assured that she would continue efforts to implement the new financing program on which the IMF and the Government of Ukraine have been working since last fall. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kristalina Georgieva discussed the preparation of this program. The new program will provide expanded financing for 2026-2029 to maintain macro-financial stability, fund critically important defense and social needs, and enable Ukraine's reconstruction after the war ends. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military Cooperation, EU Integration, and the Development of the PURL Initiative: President Met with Albania's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs President of Ukraine 15 January 2026 - 18:34 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Elisa Spiropali, Albania's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. "You have come at a very challenging time for Ukraine and for our people. In these cold winter days, Russia is increasing the number of strikes, and I believe you can feel this. But your visit is a strong signal of support. We are very grateful to Albania for its support from the very beginning of this war," the Head of State noted. Elisa Spiropali stressed that Russian strikes on critical infrastructure and civilians are a heinous act of war. "We support peace efforts. It must be a just and lasting peace with security guarantees for Ukraine - one that respects the sacrifice of the Ukrainian people over these four years," she said. The President informed her about diplomatic efforts with the American team and partners within the Coalition of the Willing to achieve a dignified peace. In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Elisa Spiropali discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia. The Minister emphasized that sanctions remain a critically important tool for undermining Russia's ability to continue the war. The meeting also addressed the integration of Ukraine and Albania into the European Union, which is a shared goal of both countries. Special attention was paid to defense cooperation and joint production. The Minister confirmed continued cooperation on the rehabilitation of Ukrainian warriors and the provision of equipment for rehabilitation centers. During her visit to Ukraine, Elisa Spiropali will visit a hospital where defenders are recovering from injuries. She also highlighted Albania's possible participation in the PURL initiative this year. The Head of State thanked Albania's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs for supporting Ukraine and awarded Elisa Spiropali the Order of Princess Olga, I class. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK and Ukraine strengthen ties under landmark partnership as 20m accelerated to support energy infrastructure Press release The UK and Ukraine mark the first anniversary of the historic 100 Year Partnership with new initiatives driving security and prosperity in both countries. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, Department for Education, The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP Published 16 January 2026 UK and Ukraine mark first anniversary of the historic 100 Year Partnership with new initiatives driving security and prosperity in both countries. 20 million of new support announced for vital energy infrastructure repairs in Ukraine as Russia's barbaric attacks on innocent civilians intensify. Boost for UK and Ukraine's next generations as successful school twinning programme further expanded, strengthening partnerships on education, research and innovation. The UK has today (Friday 16 January) announced a further 20 million of energy infrastructure support to bolster Ukrainian energy security following callous and intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector. It comes as the UK and Ukraine mark the first year of the landmark 100 year partnership between the two countries in Kyiv today. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, including children and schools have been left without heat and power as temperatures across Ukraine plummet to -20c. The new support announced today will help respond to urgent needs to keep heat and power available for millions of families, children and the elderly after President Zelenskyy announced a state of emergency in Ukraine following prolonged attacks on Ukraine's energy sector. This funding will provide vital emergency support to repair, restore, protect and generate energy supply nationwide, keeping electricity and heating on in homes, hospitals and schools during harsh winter conditions. Celebrating the first anniversary of the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership, the UK is also expanding the successful school twinning programme, with 54,000 British and Ukrainian pupils set to benefit, fostering long term security and growth across both nations. In a boost to the next generation, an additional 300 schools across both countries are set to participate in the landmark 100 Year Partnership schools twinning programme over the next 3 years. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: Our 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine stands for everything Putin is trying to destroy, bringing hope, opportunity and greater security to both our countries. As we mark a year of our unique partnership, we do so in awe of the courage and resilience demonstrated by Ukrainians every day as they repel Russia's barbaric invasion. The people of Ukraine should be in no doubt - we will stand with you today, tomorrow and for the next 100 years, both at home and on the international stage, because what happens in Ukraine matters to us all. The Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: Today we are cementing our future-facing partnership with the expansion of our successful school twinning scheme to over 300 new schools - fostering new connections between our young people and helping build their confidence and skill sets for future success. Our support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Putin's barbaric war is steadfast, and our ongoing support for energy security and resilience will help to keep the lights on and Ukrainian homes warm when vulnerable civilians need it most. Our bilateral ties extend far beyond the conflict, from opening new doors to trade and growth for British businesses, deepening defence cooperation, partnering to drive innovations in science and technology, and deepening our educational and cultural ties, we are building lasting security and shared prosperity for Ukraine, for the UK and for future generations. The UK will continue to give Ukraine our ironclad support, driving forward momentum for peace alongside our international allies to ensure Russia is never able to invade again. As part of the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership, we are working together to ensure long-term energy security and sustainability through projects such as InnovateUkraine which aims to bolster Ukraine's energy security and offer solutions to global clean energy challenges. The additional energy support announced today will help build resilience for the Ukrainian energy system, bringing total UK support for Ukraine's energy sector to over 470 million. Today's announcements follow a landmark year for the UK-Ukraine relationship, with deepened defence cooperation securing a 1.6 billion deal to supply advanced air defence missiles to Ukraine creating 200 jobs in Northern Ireland, a 20% increase in UK exports with further efforts to remove barriers stopping British businesses in sectors such as pharmaceutical and construction and strengthened cultural and educational ties through our pioneering school twinning programme. Last January, the Prime Minister visited Kyiv School Number 219 to launch the partnership, joining a class dialling into All Saints Catholic Primary School in Anfield. He heard firsthand how the partnership delivers brighter futures for children in both countries, fostering cultural exchanges and learning for youngsters. Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: A love of reading can change a child's life - it builds empathy, widens horizons and helps us to see the world through others' eyes. For children in Ukraine, who are facing challenges that many of us can't imagine, this initiative is offering meaningful connection, friendship, and creating lasting links between schools. I'm really pleased that as we mark the start of our National Year of Reading, more pupils in both of our countries will have the opportunity to take part in this brilliant programme. The 100 Year Partnership is a crucial step in supporting Ukraine's long-term security, ensuring Ukrainian's are never again left vulnerable to the kind of brutality inflicted by Russia, as the UK reaffirms its commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a sovereign Ukraine for the next century. Today's announcements build on the achievements delivered across the nine pillars of the 100 Year Partnership set out in Kyiv last year by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming the UK's steadfast commitment to stand with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace, foster a strong relationship and mutual security, resilience and prosperity for generations to come. Notes to Editors: NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary-General's remarks to the General Assembly - on Priorities for 2026 United Nations Secretary-General 15 January 2026 New York, UN Statements | Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General Excellencies, Happy new year. I wish you and your families peace and health in 2026. It is tradition for the Secretary-General to come before the General Assembly and present priorities for the year ahead. Today, I do so for the final time. Let me assure you that I will make every day of 2026 count. I am fully committed and fully determined to keep working, to keep fighting, and to keep pushing for the better world that we know is possible. We already have had the benefit of the President of the General Assembly briefing you yesterday on the agenda for this year. And there is no shortage of urgent tasks before us - especially as we build on the Pact for the Future and the UN80 initiative. So today, I want to use this traditional moment for something slightly non-traditional. I want to look not only to this year, but beyond - and to speak candidly about the larger forces and megatrends shaping our world, and the deeper challenges we must confront. Rather than a checklist, I want to zero in on three principles that must guide our work. But let me begin with the context. Excellencies, let's be clear. The context is chaos. We are a world brimming with conflict, impunity, inequality, and unpredictability. A world marked by self-defeating geopolitical divides ... brazen violations of international law ... and wholesale cuts in development and humanitarian aid. These forces and more are shaking the foundations of global cooperation and testing the resilience of multilateralism itself. That is the paradox of our era: at a time when we need international cooperation the most, we seem to be the least inclined to use it and invest in it. Some seek to put international cooperation on deathwatch. I can assure you: we will not give up. And we are totally committed in the cause of peace in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and far beyond - and tireless in delivering life-saving aid to those so desperate for support. And let's recognize that even in this turbulence, we have succeeded in claiming space for the United Nations where it was not a given. We have stepped forward to help shape the global conversation on artificial intelligence - insisting that these powerful forces serve humanity and uphold human dignity. We have been on the frontlines of efforts to secure fair and sustainable financing for development, pushing for reforms and new mechanisms to leave no country behind. We have been outspoken on the urgent need for climate action, demanding ambition and working to rally governments, businesses and civil society. Everywhere, we have sought to spotlight the needs of the most vulnerable people and countries. And we will keep pushing in all these areas and more this year. In the next few weeks alone, we will: Launch the Independent Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence to provide impartial, evidence-based assessments of AI's opportunities, risks and impacts; Put forward the recommendations of the High-Level Expert Group on Beyond GDP to offer new ways to measure progress and well-being and better reflect what truly matters for people and planet; Begin a series of monthly meetings with you on the UN80 Initiative to foster our ongoing dialogue and cooperation to best equip the UN for the future; Present initial assessments on the potential mergers of UNDP with UNOPS as well as UNWomen with UNFPA to enhance efficiency and coherence in our development work; And advance on the peace operations review to make them more effective, responsive, and fit for today's complex challenges. This is just a small taste of some immediate next steps. Across the board, it is full steam ahead. Excellencies, We are working in a time of dramatic change - and we need to reflect the world as it is. Disruptions don't have to be destructive. They can also be a force of construction. The UN80 Initiative is about building a UN system that delivers more effectively, more coherently, and with greater impact, amid the reality of shrinking resources and rising needs. Yes, reform is about resources - and using those resources effectively and efficiently. Budgets matter - but only if every Member State pays its contributions in full and on time. Today's situation is totally unsustainable. Either all countries, without exception, honour their financial obligations under the Charter -- which no longer seems to be the case. Or Member States must overhaul our financial rules to prevent a budget breakdown. I will be writing to you in more detail on this matter. But reform must be far more than numbers on a spreadsheet. Reform must be about institutions that reflect today's world. 1945 problem-solving will not solve 2026 problems. If structures do not reflect our times, our world, our realities - they will lose legitimacy. Consider the facts: Every day, the share of global GDP held by developed economies shrinks, bit by bit. Every day, emerging economies grow - in size, in strength, in influence. Every day, South-South trade pulls further ahead of North-North trade. Our structures must reflect this changing world. That is why reforming international financial and trade institutions is not just important - it is essential. The same goes for the Security Council. And I would add that it is manifestly in the interests of those who hold the most power to be on the frontlines of reform. Those who try to cling to privileges today risk paying the price tomorrow. And so we must all be bold enough to change. The world is not waiting. Neither should we. Excellencies, As we push forward on reforms, our larger mission must be finding our bearings in this disorienting world. Let me boil it down to three principles that must be at the foundation of all our actions - not just for this year, but for our times. First, we must adhere to the UN Charter - fully and faithfully. No ifs ... no ands ... no buts. The Charter is a compact which binds us all. It is not an a la carte menu, it is prix fixe. The Charter is the foundation of international relations - the bedrock of peace, sustainable development, and human rights. I am honoured to serve as custodian of the Charter. But each one of you has signed up to be a custodian of the Charter, too. When leaders run roughshod over international law - when they pick and choose which rules to follow - they are not only undermining global order, they are setting a perilous precedent. And let's be clear: The erosion of international law is not happening in the shadows. It is unfolding before the eyes of the world, on our screens, live in 4K. People everywhere are witnessing, in real time, the consequences of impunity - the illegal use and threat of force; attacks on civilians, humanitarian workers and UN personnel; unconstitutional changes of government; the trampling of human rights; the silencing of dissent; the plundering of resources. And the dangers do not stop with States or warring parties. They are being amplified by bottomless greed and inequality. The top one percent holds 43 percent of global financial assets. And last year alone, the richest 500 individuals added $2.2 trillion to their fortunes. Increasingly, we see a world where the ultra-wealthiest and the companies they control are calling the shots like never before - wielding outsized influence over economies, information, and even the rules that govern us all. When a handful of individuals can bend global narratives, sway elections, or dictate the terms of public debate, we are not just facing inequality - we are facing the corruption of institutions and our shared values. Look no further than artificial intelligence - and the algorithms shaping our lives. These are too consequential to be controlled only by a few companies, or optimized only to monetize attention and outrage. For instance, how do we protect our children from the tyranny of the algorithm? We must ensure humanity steers technology, not the other way around. I thank you for your support for the Independent Scientific Panel on AI, and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. We need to keep working to build guardrails, accountability, shared standards, and the capacity to bridge the AI divide. The concentration of power and wealth in so few hands is morally indefensible. More than that, it is a clear and present danger to the Charter and the promise of equal rights and dignity for all. That leads to the second principle. We must be relentless in our work for peace with justice - peace between nations and peace with nature. Peace is at the heart of all we do. Yet as we meet today, the snares of conflict have trapped millions of members of the human family in miserable, prolonged cycles of violence, hunger and displacement. The suffering cannot go on. In Gaza - I welcome the start of Phase Two of the ceasefire, announced by the US - and reiterate that humanitarian aid must flow unimpeded, the ceasefire must be implemented in full, and the way must be cleared to an irreversible path to a two-state solution in accordance with international law. In Ukraine - where we must spare no effort to stop the fighting and achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions. In Sudan - where the parties must agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of talks to reach a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process. Civilians must be protected. From Yemen to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from Haiti to the Sahel to Myanmar and around the world, we must never give up in the pursuit for peace. Throughout, we must recognize that silencing the guns is not enough. Peace is more than the absence of war. The root causes of conflict must be addressed. If not, any solution will be precarious. It's no coincidence that nine of the ten countries with the lowest Human Development Indicators are currently in a state of conflict. Sustainable peace requires sustainable development. Yet ten years after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, two-thirds of the targets are lagging. The world is falling short by over $4 trillion a year in the resources developing countries need to deliver on these promises by 2030. And developing countries are being battered and bruised by limited fiscal space, crushing debt burdens and skyrocketing prices. We must advance on last year's Sevilla Commitment, which set out an ambitious agenda to scale up finance, address the debt crisis, and reform the international financial architecture so developing countries can invest in the systems that support development and peace. And peace with justice means peace grounded in international law and on human rights - economic, social, cultural, civil and political - which are inalienable, indivisible and interdependent. We must safeguard freedom of speech and civic space. On that note, I am deeply concerned by the violent repression in Iran. We must open the doors of opportunity for women and girls around the world. And I want to stress that we cannot - and will not - give in to the disturbing pushback on the rights of women - half of humanity -- and the hard-won gains in equality, participation, and protection. I am proud that we achieved for the first time in UN history gender parity at senior levels. We are stronger for it, and we will keep going. We will also build on progress to expand meaningful engagement with young people - full inclusion for persons with disabilities - and real opportunities for indigenous peoples. All of this is essential to build a more equitable, peaceful, just and sustainable future. Excellences, Une paix juste suppose aussi de faire la paix avec la nature. Un monde plonge dans le chaos climatique ne peut etre un monde en paix. Le changement climatique est un multiplicateur de risques, attisant les tensions autour des terres, de l'eau et de la nourriture ; Chassant les populations de leurs foyers ; Et mettant a mal les ecosystemes dont nous dependons tous. C'est aussi une profonde injustice : celles et ceux qui ont le moins contribue sont les premiers et les plus durement touches. Les dirigeants ont echoue a contenir le rechauffement en dessous de 1,5 degre Celsius. Un depassement temporaire de ce seuil est desormais inevitable - mais pas irreversible. Notre mission est de rendre ce depassement aussi faible, aussi bref et aussi sur que possible - et d'inflechir immediatement la courbe pour revenir vers 1,5 degre. Concretement, cela demande : D'aller au-dela des plans climatiques nationaux pour reduire les emissions des maintenant - et continuer a les reduire. Accelerer une transition juste, ordonnee et equitable des combustibles fossiles vers les energies renouvelables. Doubler l'efficacite energetique d'ici a 2030 ; developper les reseaux et les systemes de stockage pour acheminer l'energie propre partout ; reduire les emissions de methane ; et mettre fin a la deforestation. Honorer les promesses en matiere d'adaptation et de pertes et dommages. Et garantir des financements abordables et previsibles, qui parviennent a celles et ceux qui en ont besoin, quand ils en ont besoin. Investir dans la justice climatique, c'est investir dans la paix et la securite. Car la vulnerabilite, ou qu'elle soit, devient un risque partout - avec des repercussions sur les systemes financiers, les chaines d'approvisionnement et la stabilite mondiale. Third, and finally, our priority must be to build unity in an age of division. Around the world, we see the risk of societies breaking down under the weight of racism, nationalist xenophobia, and religious bigotry. These poisons are corroding the fabric of communities, fuelling division and distrust. The dangers are not abstract; they are visible in the daily lives of millions, supercharged by rhetoric and disinformation that seeks to exclude rather than embrace. And it is not enough to denounce these impulses ideologically or to simply say "this is wrong". Many people feel left behind. They see wealth all around them, and yet they struggle to get by. They feel that rapid globalization - together with technological progress -- have undermined their prospects. They look at large movements of people and are told - falsely - that identity is a zero-sum game. Demographic trends heighten the urgency. The demographic dividend cannot materialize if young people don't see the dividends in their own lives. At the same time, aging societies cannot afford to turn inward, to build walls - literally or figuratively. Doing so is a recipe for stagnation, and worse. Every country has the sovereign right within the law to manage its borders and ensure its security. But migrants and refugees also have rights - rights that must be respected and protected, wherever they are. Our challenge - and our priority - must be to build welcoming societies, not walled-off citadels. Societies that invest in the software of social cohesion, inclusion, education and skills, decent jobs and social protection with a new social contract. Societies that build communities where everyone's identity is respected, and all feel they belong and are bound by shared civic values. Harmony is never accidental. It requires deliberate policy, resources and political courage. If we fail to put our common humanity first, we risk losing everything that makes us strong. The choice is clear: inclusion or isolation, renewal or decline. We must build united societies in a world of united nations. Excellencies, I have spoken plainly because the times demand it. We cannot afford complacency, denial or delay. We cannot be bystanders to injustice, indifference, or impunity. And we have the power to chart a different course. The Charter gives us our compass. Our pursuit for peace with justice gives us our purpose. And our common humanity gives us the imperative to act. The world is changing - often in ways that are unsettling, but also in ways that are inspiring. The forces of division and inequality are powerful - but so too is our capacity for solidarity and justice. Even in the rough seas of today, we can anchor our action in peace, dignity, and hope. That takes the best efforts of everyone. Let's never forget who we are and what we represent. The United Nations is a living promise - a promise that despite our differences, we will solve problems together. Let's keep that promise. Let's never give up. The stakes could not be higher, and the time could not be shorter. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vancouver, 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 Prismo Metals Inc. ("Prismo" or the "Company") (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced transaction with Infinitum Copper Corp. (TSXV: INFI) ("Infinitum") whereby Prismo has increased its interest in the Hot Breccia copper project, located in the heart of Arizona's prolific copper belt, from 75% to 95%. In addition, Prismo has obtained an irrevocable option to acquire Infinitum's remaining 5% interest, providing a clear path to 100% interest in the project. Alain Lambert, CEO of Prismo commented: "This transaction marks a significant milestone for Prismo and provides a clear mechanism to securing full ownership of Hot Breccia. It materially improves the strategic flexibility of the project." He added: "Prismo remains firmly committed to advancing Hot Breccia. The recent extension of certain milestone obligations under the option agreement with Walnut Mines LLC, the owner of the Hot Breccia claims, together with the completion of the transaction with Infinitum, provides the Company with additional flexibility as we evaluate a range of strategic alternatives. Each of these pathways' goal is to drill what we consider to be one of the most compelling copper exploration opportunities in Arizona and the broader United States." Dr. Linus Keating, manager of Walnut Mines LLC, enthusiastically commented: "Walnut Mines is solidly in favor of any action that moves Hot Breccia closer to a serious drill program. We are hopeful that this transaction will accomplish that goal in 2026. In our opinion, this property remains one of the best copper exploration opportunities in North America." Under the terms of the transaction, Prismo paid Infinitum CA $185,000 to acquire a 20% additional interest in the Hot Breccia project and assumed all of Infinitum's remaining obligations under the existing option agreement with Walnut to issue shares to Walnut, which has been satisfied by the issuance to Walnut of 450,630 common shares at a deemed issue price of $0.11 per share. Prismo has also agreed to pay Infinitum 5% of any consideration received in connection with a transaction in which Prismo assigns its interest in Hot Breccia to a third party to acquire the 5% interest held by Infinitum. Prismo's Hot Breccia project lies at the heart of the Arizona Copper Belt, which hosts several globally significant porphyry copper deposits. Examples of these significant deposits are Freeport McMoRan's Miami-Inspiration mining complex, BHP's San Manuel mine, Rio Tinto and BHP's Resolution deposit and others (see Figure 1). Figure 1. Location of the Hot Breccia Project in the Arizona Copper Belt. The Company wishes to update its January 12th, 2026 news release to confirm that the Company issued 2,250,000 units for gross proceeds of $225,000 and issued 140,000 Finder's Warrants and paid finder's commissions of $14,000 to a certain qualified finder. Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Share for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of issue at an exercise price of $0.175. Prismo intends to proceed next week a final closing of 1,500,000 Units for gross proceeds of $150,000. About Prismo Metals Inc. Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is a mining exploration company focused on advancing its Hot Breccia copper project in Arizona and its Palos Verdes silver project in Mexico. Please follow @PrismoMetals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube Prismo Metals Inc. 1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6 Phone: (416) 361-0737 Contact: Alain Lambert, Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Gordon Aldcorn, President [email protected] Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward?looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the timing, costs and anticipated results of drilling at Hot Breccia; the ability of Prismo to fund drilling and pursue potential third-party partnerships; the Company's strategic flexibility with respect to the Hot Breccia project going forward; the number of shares issuable by Prismo to Walnut pursuant to the transaction described in this news release; and the Company's expectations regarding mineralization and other qualities of the Hot Breccia project. 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: delays in obtaining or failure to obtain appropriate funding to finance the exploration program at Hot Breccia; the risk that the Company will not enter into a third-party partnership with respect to the Hot Breccia project; the risk that mineralization will not be as anticipated at the project; the risk that the Company will not be able to take advantage of geological information to refine drill targeting; metal prices; market uncertainty; and other risks and uncertainties application to exploration activities and the Company's business as set forth in the Company's disclosure documents available for viewing under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the ability to raise capital to fund the drilling campaign at Hot Breccia and the timing of such drilling campaign; the ability of the Company to enter into a third-party partnership on the project; that the project will have the anticipated mineralization and other qualities; and the Company will be able to take advantage of geological information to refine drill targeting. 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 harbor. Next article: A constitution after my own heart Featured January 7, 2026! - Brig Gen Dan Frimpong (Rtd) writes Brig Gen Dan Frimpong (Rtd) Opinion Jan - 16 - 2026 , 09:57 8 minutes read The morning of Wednesday, January 7, 2026, saw me smiling as I listened to the 6 am news during my walk. The date was interesting and significant for me for two reasons. Firstly, the presenter reminded us, listeners, that it was Constitution Day, as Ghanas Fourth Republican Constitution became operational thirty-three years earlier on January 7, 1993. The smile was occasioned partly by the reminder that I was a member of the Consultative-Assembly, which drafted the Constitution in 1991-1992. Secondly, for Ghanas Millennium-Parade of Friday, January 7, 2000, twenty-six years earlier at the Black-Star Square, the Parade-Commander was Colonel Dan Frimpong, Commanding Officer, Ghana Military Academy, as I was then. The combined effect of these two facts of history dawning on me loosened my facial muscles into that broad smile! Before I continue, I have a correction. In my article last week titled Names of Houses in Secondary Schools, I stated that Achimota School was established by the Anglican Church. I have been corrected by my friend/colleague writer Kofi Otutu Adu Labi Esq that Achimota was established by the State, and not the Anglican Church. However, the first headmaster was an Anglican priest. I apologise for the mistake. Consultative Assembly On July 31, 1991, a Committee of nine Experts, established under PNDC Law 252 (1991), headed by Nana Dr Samuel Kwadwo Boaten (SKB) Asante, presented a 252-page draft report/proposal to the PNDC government to transition it from a military dictatorship to a civilian democratic rule, following intense international pressure, as well as local pressure from the Movement for Freedom and Justice (MFJ), etc. This report formed the basis of the work of the 258-member Consultative Assembly, leading to the Fourth Republican Constitution in April 1992. Originally meant to have 260 members, the Ghana Bar Association and the National Union of Ghana Students refused to send representatives following disagreements. I was one of the eight representatives of the Ghana Armed Forces, comprising four officers and four men in the 258-member Consultative Assembly. The nine-member Committee of Experts was comprised of the following: 1. Nana Dr SKB Asante Chairman, lawyer, academic and Paramount Chief of Asokore-Ashanti. Members were: 2. Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr Agyemang Badu, Omanhene of Dormaa 3. Mrs Justice Annie Jiagge Retired Appeal Court Judge 4. Mr LJ Chinery-Hesse, a Legal draughtsman 5. Ebo Bentsi-Enchill, a lawyer 6. Dr Afari-Gyan, Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Ghana 7. Dr Charles Jebuni, Lecturer in Economics, University of Ghana. 8. Dr EVO Danquah, Law Lecturer, University of Ghana 9. Mrs S Ofori Boateng, Director Legal Drafting, Office of the Attorney-General and Member Secretary. The draft document by the SKB Asante Committee-of-Experts proposed two options for consideration by the Consultative Assembly. They were what became known as the winner-takes-all system and the Proportional Representation. For some reason, which many attributed to a government directive, the Proportional Representation option was not considered at all for discussion. The Speaker of the Consultative Assembly was Pe Rowland Ayagitam II, the Chiana Pio. Justice Robert Hayfrom -Benjamin served as our first Deputy Speaker, while Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo was our Second Deputy Speaker. Working between 1991 and 1992, the Consultative Assembly submitted its draft Constitution to the PNDC on March 30, 1992. Rather controversially, an indemnity clause for PNDC members, which was not discussed, was inserted into the Constitution at the eleventh hour of the last day of our sitting. A referendum on April 28, 1992, approved the draft Constitution with 92%. The 1992 Constitution came into Force on January 7, 1993. Ghanas 1992 Constitution, which is still operational, is currently under review by the Professor H Kwasi Prempeh Constitutional Review Commission (CRC). Earlier, the Professor Fiadjoe Constitution Review Commission, set up in January 2010 by President Attah-Mills, submitted its report in December 2011. Millennium-Parade The second cause of my broad smile on the morning of January 7, 2026, was my recollection of the Millennium-Parade I commanded on January 7, 2000. Worldwide anticipation of the entry into a new millennium, 2000, from December 31, 1999, was fraught with fear, anxiety/speculation, from the scientific to the supernatural to the superstitious. Command of the Millennium Parade was not exempt from these fears. But, for me, as the Commanding Officer of the Ghana Military Academy (CO GMA), busy training cadets, I considered myself safe as there was no precedent of a CO GMA commanding a national parade. So, when I read the letter on December 4, 1999, appointing me the Parade Commander, I sighed, asking, O God, who did this to me and why? Majestic For many years, Majestic majestically dominated Black Star Square parades as Ghanas foremost parade horse. The choice of the name Majestic was apt, as the mighty stallion was majestic in all respects. He was handsome, intelligent, strong and regal, commanding instant respect and admiration. Introducing him to me as my parade-horse when I was tasked in early December 1999 to command the Millennium-Parade a month away, my riding instructor then Sgt (now ex-WO1) Suka, a tough soldier/rider, told me, Sir, Majestic is a very proud horse. You either ride him, or he rides you! He recounted instances in which Majestic had messed up parade commanders in earlier years, with dire consequences to their careers. With this advice/warning, I gave my instructor a blank cheque to do anything to me to ensure a successful parade! Soon, the strenuous killer horsemanship training he subjected me to made me regret my decision. But he toughened me as I lost five-kilograms in a month. Majestic and I soon developed mutual respect and became friends. Having discovered that Majestic had a sweet tooth, I started my day with him at 6 am after my physical training from 5 am, by giving him sugar, which he happily licked from my palm. Thereafter, my instructor and I would ride to our training grounds between Burma Camp, Teshie and the Kpeshie-Lagoon. Today, the whole area now called Tse-Addo is heavily populated with buildings! Fear-of-Snakes An early lesson I learnt the hard way was that, like many humans, horses fear snakes. While training one morning, a snake glided across us. On seeing the snake, Majestic turned back and took off straight for the stables some 3kms away with his mouth wide open and head in the sky. That day, I understood practically the theory Mr Banerjee taught us in Physics at school about what horsepower meant. With a horses strength of more than ten humans combined, no amount of pulling with all my strength could stop him from speeding to the stables. Bad as I thought the snake experience was, it was to prove beneficial later. During the rehearsals at the Black-Star-Square, I warned the Information Services/GBC journalists not to bring any cables close to me, as Majestic would take it for a snake. Unfortunately, on the D-Day, January 7, 2000, a gentleman came out of an Information Services vehicle with a cable roll. Anticipating he was going to throw it in my direction, I quickly jerked Majestics head 45 degrees in the opposite direction. Immediately, he saw the cable thrown, Majestic reared on its hind legs and attempted to take off to his favourite destination for his victims, the Marine-Drive Beach behind the Black-Star-Square. My anticipation paid off when he only succeeded in bringing me to my original position, at great cost to my left shoulder, my sword being in my right hand. Sense-of-Smell Until my very close encounter with Majestic, I did not know that, like dogs, horses have a strong sense-of-smell, though to a lesser degree. My instructor told me they could tell every morning when I was about 3 km away from the stable. On picking my scent, an excited Majestic would start flapping his ears, knowing his sugar would soon arrive. My Manager later complained that Majestic ate all the sugar in our home! My day with Majestic ended with me giving him round-two of sugar before we parted company. Just before I mounted him on January 7, 2000, for the communication gadgets to be fixed on me, I put my arms around his neck/mane and said, Majestic, today is our final day. Be a good boy and lets have a good parade! To my surprise, Majestic nodded in acknowledgement. For confirmation, I repeated what I said, and he again acknowledged it with a nod. The Millennium parade started at 9 am, and three hours later, Majestic and I trotted off the Black-Star-Square, tired, but happy with ourselves from the thunderous applause we received. Like dogs, horses can be very loving and affectionate. Majestic and I remained friends until he died in March 2010 of old-age at 30, which translated into a human age of about 90 years. I have been asked if horses are dangerous. Generally, they are not. However, if approached from the rear, horses sense danger of being attacked. Their hind legs can be a dangerous/fatal weapon when they kick, considering their immense strength. One must, therefore, always approach a horse from the front and never from the rear. Discussion January 7, 2026, brought memories of my role in the drafting of Ghanas Fourth Republican Constitution (1992) and as Parade Commander for the Millennium-Parade (2000). Fellow Ghanaians, if animals like Majestic, my parade-horse, and pets like dogs can be so loving, why do we treat one another with so much disrespect/hatred/cruelty simply because of different viewpoints? Again, why all the corruption/greed manifesting in galamsey poisoning/destroying the environment and human lives when very few of us will live to the 90-years Majestic lived? May Ghanaians learn from the majestic nature of my parade-horse Majestic, and make peace! Let us live in peace in 2026 and beyond! God bless our homeland, Ghana. Leadership, lead by example! Fellow Ghanaians, WAKE UP! Featured China and Canada announce tariffs relief after a high-stakes meeting between Carney and Xi BBC International News Jan - 16 - 2026 , 11:23 5 minutes read Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Canadian PM Mark Carney have announced lower tariffs, signalling a reset in their countries' relationship after a key meeting in Beijing. China is expected to lower levies on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by 1 March, while Ottawa has agreed to tax Chinese electric vehicles at the most-favoured-nation rate, 6.1%, Carney told reporters. The deal is a breakthrough after years of strained ties and tit-for-tat levies. Xi hailed the "turnaround" in their relationship but it is also a win for Carney, the first Canadian leader to visit China in nearly a decade. He has been trying to diversify Canadian trade away from the US, his country's biggest trading partner, following the uncertainty caused by Trump's on-again-off-again tariffs. The deal could also see more Chinese investments in Canada, right on America's doorstep. Carney himself seemed to allude to the fact that this was a result of Trump's tariffs, which have now pushed one of the US's key allies towards its biggest rival. He told reporters that Canada's relationship with China had been more "predictable" in recent month and that he found talks with Beijing "realistic and respectful". He also made clear Ottawa does not agree with Beijing on everything, adding that in his discussions with Xi he made clear Canada's "red lines", including human rights, concerns over election interference and the need for "guardrails". Observers believe Carney's visit could set an example for other countries across the world who are also feeling the pain from Washington's tariffs. In contrast, Xi has been trying to show that China is a stable global partner and has been urging more pragmatic ties - in the words of Beijing, "a win-win" for all. And it seems to be working. The South Korean president and the Irish prime minister have both visited Beijing in recent weeks. The UK prime minister is expected to visit soon and so is the German Chancellor. Carney said the "world has changed dramatically" and how Canada positions itself "will shape our future for decades to come," he added. Earlier in his three-day visit, he had said that the Canada-China partnership sets the two countries up for a "new world order". He later added that the multilateral system had been "eroded, to use a polite term, or undercut". As the Chinese and Canadian delegations sat down in the Great Hall of the People on Friday, Xi said: "The healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations is conducive to world peace, stability, development, and prosperity." Carney in the Great Hall of the People during the meeting with Xi A trade reset Tariffs have been a key sticking point between the two sides. In 2024, Canada imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, following similar US curbs. Last year, Beijing retaliated with tariffs on more than $2bn (1.5bn) of Canadian farm and food products like canola seed and oil. As a result Chinese imports of Canadian goods fell by 10% in 2025. China is Canada's second-largest trading partner, recording more than C$118bn ($85bn; 63bn) in two-way merchandise trade in 2024. That's a long way behind the US, Canada's closest ally, which traded more than $761bn (568bn) worth of goods with Ottawa in 2024. But economic ties with China are increasingly important for Carney, who said ahead of his visit that Canada was focused on building a "more competitive, sustainable and independent economy" in the face of "global trade disruption". Carney, who arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, met senior executives from prominent Chinese businesses, including an electric vehicle battery maker and an energy giant. On Thursday the two countries signed several agreements on energy and trade cooperation. The visit is a "reset of a relationship" that may be "modest in ambition" but "much more realistic about what we can reasonably obtain", said Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat and vice-president at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. A frosty history The last Canadian PM to visit China was Justin Trudeau, who met Xi in Beijing in 2017. That visit took place before the relationship soured in 2018, following Canada's arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer at the Chinese tech giant Huawai, at the request of the US. Days later, China detained Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor on espionage charges - a move critics saw as retaliation for Meng's arrest, which China denied. Meng and both Michaels were released in 2021. Ahead of the Carney-Xi meeting, Michael Kovrig wrote on X that the visit should not just be about warming ties but also "managing leverage". Kovrig described Chinese negotiators as "extremely adroit, calculating, and always looking for leverage". "That's why engagement has to be handled with discipline," he wrote, adding that Carney should also advocate for Canadians imprisoned in China. There are about 100 of them, according to Canadian media. Speaking to reporters, Carney was clear that with countries that do not share the same values, Ottawa will engage on a "narrower, more specific" manner. "We're very clear about where we cooperate, where we differ," he said, adding that Chinese claims over self-governed Taiwan and Hong Kong's jailed pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai came up in "broad discussions". Canada and China have "different systems", he said, which limits the breadth of their cooperation. "But to have an effective relationship, we have direct conversations. We don't grab a megaphone and have the conversations that way." Next article: China and Canada announce tariffs relief after a high-stakes meeting between Carney and Xi Featured Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize winner presents her medal to Trump BBC International News Jan - 16 - 2026 , 11:41 5 minutes read 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. 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." "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". 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." 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. "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. 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. 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." 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. 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." If you attempt to bribe a police officer now, he will disgrace you, he wants promotion - IGP Yohuno Previous article: If you attempt to bribe a police officer now, he will disgrace you, he wants promotion - IGP Yohuno Featured Ebo Noah: Man who predicted world-ending flood granted GH100,000 bail GNA Jan - 16 - 2026 , 17:02 2 minutes read Evans Eshun, also known as Ebo Noah, the 33-year-old security guard and self-acclaimed preacher who claimed that God would destroy the world with a flood on December 25, 2025, has been granted bail by the Adenta Circuit Court. The court, presided over by Mrs Angela Attachie, admitted Eshun to bail in the sum of GH100,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be justified with landed property or a vehicle. The judge further ordered the accused to report to the police once a week. Eshun has been charged with the publication of false news with the intent to cause fear and panic and has pleaded not guilty. When the case was called, defence counsel, Mr Emmanuel Sarpong, requested a copy of the psychiatric assessment report conducted on his client. After the report was made available, the court proceeded to take Eshuns plea. Mr Sarpong subsequently prayed the court to allow his client the option of providing landed property as justification for bail instead of a vehicle. Earlier, the prosecution, led by Chief Inspectors Maxwell Lanyo and Eric Ransford Abban, informed the court that the police had substituted the charge sheet initially filed on January 2, 2026, with a new one dated January 15, 2026. Presenting the facts of the case, the prosecution said the complainant was the Ghana Police Service. It told the court that Eshun, who worked as a security guard in Accra, between August and December 2025, published several videos on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. According to the prosecution, in the videos the accused claimed that the world would be destroyed by a flood on December 25, 2025, and that he was constructing an Ark to accommodate people who wished to be saved. The court heard that on December 31, 2025, following an intelligence-led operation, Eshun was arrested at his hideout at Weija-Gbawe in the Greater Accra Region. In his cautioned statement to the police, Eshun admitted to making and circulating the videos on social media. However, he said he did not own the boat he referred to as an Ark, explaining that it belonged to some fishermen at a boat yard in Edina in the Central Region. The prosecution said Eshun admitted making false claims and conceded that there was no impending flood intended to destroy the world. He further told investigators that he made the videos as content to gain followers on social media. The case has been adjourned. Featured Fugitive former MASLOC CEO detained in U.S., awaiting extradition to Ghana GraphicOnline Jan - 16 - 2026 , 07:50 2 minutes read Sedina Christine Tamakloe-Attionu, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ghanas Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) who was convicted and sentenced in absentia to ten years imprisonment, has been arrested and detained in the United States pending extradition proceedings. The arrest was confirmed in a statement signed by Ghanas Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, and dated Thursday, January 15, 2026. The statement confirms she "is being detained at the Nevada Southern Detention Center" located at 2190 East Mesquite Avenue, Pahrump, Nevada. Ambassador Smith provided specific details of the operation, stating, "My information is that she was detained by US Marshals on January 6th, [2026] and has since been kept at that detention center." He directly linked the arrest to a formal request from Ghanaian authorities, adding, "I am reliably informed that acting on an extradition request sent to the US Authorities sometime in July 2024, US Marshals arrested Mrs. Tamakloe-Attionu and placed her in detention to await her day in court." This development marks a significant step in the long-running case, which saw Tamakloe-Attionu and her former Chief Operating Officer, Daniel Axim, found guilty in April 2024 on 78 counts, including causing financial loss to the state, stealing, conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act. The offences were committed during her tenure between 2013 and 2016. The former CEO was tried in absentia after she absconded while on permission from an Accra High Court to seek medical treatment abroad. Following her conviction, the State successfully applied for an arrest warrant in April 2024 to facilitate her capture and extradition to serve her prison sentence. The courts judgment detailed a litany of financial malfeasance. Among the key findings was that GH500,000 withdrawn as a loan for Obaatampa Savings and Loans was later demanded back and refunded, but never re-entered MASLOCs accounts. The court also established that over GH1.7 million allocated for a national sensitisation exercise was misappropriated, with only GH1,300 used for its intended purpose. Furthermore, funds meant for victims of the Kantamanso fire disaster were partially diverted, with only GH579,800 of GH1.4 million reaching beneficiaries. The conviction also covered the inflated procurement of vehicles and Samsung mobile phones, where bulk purchases were made at prices above prevailing market rates. With her detention in Nevada, the complex process of extradition under the treaty between Ghana and the United States now begins. If successfully extradited, Tamakloe-Attionu will be returned to Ghana to serve her 10-year sentence with hard labour. Next article: Ministry draws line on gender - Recognises only male, female to quell SHS curiculum controversy Featured Fishers to formalise unions to protect rights, promote sustainable fishing Joyce Timbillah Awuni & Samuel Ohene Ewur Jan - 16 - 2026 , 12:57 4 minutes read General Agricultural Workers' Union (GAWU), an affiliate of the TUC Trades Union Congress (TUC), has moved to formalise unions in the fisheries sub-sector to assist them in accessing decent jobs and asserting their worker rights. The formalisation of the unions in the sector will enable them to access credit from financial institutions, technical assistance, and other state support that would help them to improve their livelihoods for players. This came to light at the first National Fishers Conference organised by GAWU to serve as a platform to deepen dialogue on how labour rights can support environmentally sound and socially responsible fisheries management. The conference was held on the theme: Enhancing Sustainable Fisheries through the ILO Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW). It brought together fishers and fish workers from across the country, fisheries associations, academia, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, formal fish producers, development partners and representatives of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Speaking at the conference last Wednesday, the Secretary-General of TUC, Joshua Ansah, called on fishers across the country to formalise their unions. That, he said, was the most critical step to protect their rights and achieve sustainable fishing, which would benefit them, the sector and the country as a whole. Rationale Mr Ansah stressed that organisation through trade unions remained the foundation for dignity, advocacy, and decent work in the fisheries sector. Participants in the National Fisheries Conference. "Organised labour provides structure, legitimacy, and protection for fishers who remain invisible despite the sector's importance to the economy," he said. Mr Ansah also explained that belonging to formalised unions would enable fishers to speak with authority and get deserved benefits. "If you want an organised people, if you want people who have a voice, if you want to meet people who can say things right and rightly, then you must belong to a union, he said. Rights, decent work Mr Ansah also linked unionisation directly to the conference theme on sustainable fisheries, which focused on the application of the International Labour Organisation Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. He cited illegal fishing practices, climate change, child labour and poor working conditions as threats that had left many fishers exposed and voiceless. Sustainable fisheries are not only about managing fish stocks; they are about safeguarding livelihoods, ensuring social justice, and protecting human dignity, Mr Ansah said. Fighting child labour Touching on the persistent issue of child labour in fishing communities, particularly in coastal and inland areas, the General Secretary of GAWU, Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe, said trade unions were playing a key role in national efforts to eliminate the practice. He disclosed that the TUC was part of the national steering committee implementing Ghanas National Plan of Action on child labour, with clearly defined responsibilities for the government, employers and workers. Within the agricultural sector, Mr Tagoe said, unions had over the past two decades piloted several initiatives, including the establishment of child labour-free zones using integrated, area-based approaches. When we organise fishers and bring them together, we can confront child labour directly, because the children involved are their own children, he said. Sharing a personal experience from a training session with fishers in the Volta Region, the chairman??? recounted how many fishers expressed hope that their children would become professionals such as journalists, doctors, lawyers and security officers. However, he said a walk around the community revealed a stark contrast, with children working at the lakeside while classrooms were empty. That was when we realised that for these dreams to be achieved, the children must move from the lakeside to the classroom, he said. He explained that through collaboration with local unions, community leaders, chiefs, district labour officers and child protection committees, unions helped communities take ownership of the change needed to return children to school. Objective Mr Tagoe said the ultimate objective was to ensure that fish consumed in the country was produced without child labour and under decent working conditions for adults. We are working to make every fish we consume in Ghana free from the sweat of any child, he stated, adding that such efforts were also critical to improving Ghanas image internationally. He said that issues related to child labour had, in the past, contributed to Ghana being placed on international watch lists, affecting market access. GAWU is working with government to ensure that we move away from these challenges so that our image internationally will be good, he said. Featured Ghana Navy seizes 7 canoes in Aflao coast operation Benjamin Xornam Glover Jan - 16 - 2026 , 10:31 4 minutes read The Ghana Navy has intercepted seven irregular canoes suspected of being used for illegal fuel bunkering activities in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Aflao. The operation, carried out by Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Aflao last Monday under the command of Lieutenant Commander Albert Brobbey Damoah, formed part of the Navys mandate to secure the countrys maritime domain and ensure the safety of legitimate businesses operating at sea. The interception, which took place one nautical mile off the Aflao coast, led to the seizure of seven canoes, as well as over 400 empty barrels, each with a capacity of about 250 litres, intended for the illegal transportation of fuel into the country. No arrest was made, as the sailors fled before the arrival of the naval vessel. However, the seven wooden dinghies with the empty barrels were towed to the Tema Harbour to allow for further investigations and to establish ownership. Speaking to the media yesterday, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Solomon Aseidu-Larbi, explained that the successful operation was the result of actionable intelligence gathered by the Ghana Navy. Based on the intelligence, he said an operational plan was developed and executed, leading to the deployment of GNS Aflao, which made the crucial interception during its patrol. Threats Commodore Aseidu-Larbi warned that illegal fuel bunkering posed serious economic, environmental, and safety risks to the country. Some of the canoes and empty barrels towed to the Tema Harbour He explained that because the fuel enters the market without inspection, perpetrators evade taxes, denying the government critical revenue needed for national development. He added that the unregulated fuel often failed to meet quality standards, leading to damage to vehicles and machinery. The Commodore also raised concerns about environmental pollution, noting that fuel spillages frequently occur during illegal transfer operations due to the lack of technical expertise among the operators. These spillages pollute the marine environment and negatively affect fish stocks, ultimately harming the livelihoods of fisherfolk and threatening food security, he said. Commodore Aseidu-Larbi further expressed concern that some local fisherfolk participated in the illegal trade without fully appreciating its negative impact on the national economy and the marine ecosystem. To curb the menace, he said the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, has directed the deployment of additional maritime assets to patrol the seas and strengthen operations within Ghanas territorial waters. He noted that the Ghana Navy would maintain a sustained presence at sea, enhance surveillance capabilities, and deploy more drones to support intelligence gathering. Commodore Aseidu-Larbi added that the Navy would continue to intensify community sensitisation efforts, particularly among coastal fishing communities, and encouraged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing information on suspicious activities rather than aiding criminal networks. He assured the public of the Navys commitment to safeguarding Ghanas maritime domain and ensuring that only legally approved petroleum products were distributed along the countrys coastline. The Ghana Navy will continue to do everything within its mandate to protect the nations economy, marine environment and coastal communities, he said. Modus Operandi The Command Operations Officer of the Eastern Naval Command, Commander James Dzigbordi Agrah, explained that the modus operandi of those involved in the illicit fuel trade formed a well-organised network that often involved a mothership stationed on the high seas. Usually, a mothership anchors beyond Ghanas 12-nautical-mile territorial waters with fuel stolen from various sources. Smaller boats or dinghies meet the mothership, where fuel is pumped into drums or directly into the boats. The fuel is then smuggled to landing sites along the coast and distributed on the local market with the assistance of some local fishermen and community members, he said. Next article: 12 To advise President on economy Featured GIADEC, Metalloid, GIBDLC sign $60m agreement to develop Nyinahin mines Daily Graphic Jan - 16 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), Metalloid Resources Investment (Metalloid) and the Ghana Integrated Bauxite Development Limited Company (GIBDLC) have signed a $60 million agreement aimed at advancing mining activities in Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region. The strategic partnership, signed in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), last Wednesday, is part of a broader initiative of GIADEC, a special purpose vehicle, to develop Ghana's aluminium industry, focusing on the exploration and commercialisation of the country's estimated 920 million tonnes of bauxite reserves. The funds will be invested in activities relating to hills one to three, and they will be gradually scaled up to increase production volumes. The facility will support the development of a mine, aligning with GIADEC's vision to create an integrated aluminium industry. This includes the extraction of bauxite ore in the Nyinahin concession, a joint statement said. It said the project was expected to generate over 1,500 jobs, enhance local value addition, and make a significant contribution to Ghana's economic growth. "This partnership marks a crucial step towards realising Ghana's industrialisation ambitions, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIADEC, Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, said. The CEO of Metalloid, Ali Bin Jerais, added that the facility represented a strong vote of confidence in Ghanas long-term aluminium vision and in the Nyinahin bauxite concession as a globally competitive resource. Metalloid is proud to partner with GIADEC and GIBDLC to unlock sustainable value from Ghanas bauxite reserves through disciplined investment, phased development, and international best-practice mining standards, he said. Mr Bin Jerais added that beyond production growth, the project was about building local capability, creating meaningful employment, and laying the foundations for a fully integrated aluminium value chain that delivers enduring economic impact for Ghana. GIADEC in focus GIADEC was established by the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation Act, 2018 (Act 976), to develop and promote a globally competitive Integrated Aluminium Industry in the country. Empowered by its object under the Act 976, GIADEC holds and manages all of the governments current and future interests and investments in the aluminium industry, including the entire production value chain. The corporation currently has GoGs entire shares in two existing companies Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) and Ghana Bauxite Company Limited. GIADEC is seeking to partner with strategic investors, including local participation across the entire bauxite and aluminium value chain mining, refinery, smelter, and downstream industries. The corporation, together with a Ghanaian private partner, shall hold not less than 30 per cent stake in any new aluminium ventures involving a mine, refinery or smelter. The corporation is currently at various stages of development of four aluminium projects, including the Awaso, two mines in Nyinahin-Mpasaaso, and the Akyem mine. Ghana to scrap mining stability pacts, proposes royalties starting at 9% and rising to 12% if... - Commission tells Reuters Next article: Ghana to scrap mining stability pacts, proposes royalties starting at 9% and rising to 12% if... - Commission tells Reuters Featured Ministry draws line on gender - Recognises only male, female to quell SHS curiculum controversy Mohammed Fugu Jan - 16 - 2026 , 12:56 5 minutes read The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has stated that there should be no ambiguity regarding the definition of the male and female genders in any educational literature in the country. He said the ministry recognised 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 followed the controversy regarding alleged LGBTQ-related content being introduced into the countrys Senior High School (SHS) curriculum. Speaking on the sidelines of the opening of a two-day National Master Training on Essential Values for Ghanaians organised by the Ghana Education Service in Tamale yesterday, Mr Iddrisu insisted that the claims were false and misleading. He explained that the mishap, which occurred in a viral document developed in 2024, did not reflect the position of the ministry. Nonetheless, he said the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) had taken an 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. NaCCAs response Meanwhile, NaCCA has stated that the government had no intention to promote, endorse, or introduce Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) content at any level of the educational system. "Our curriculum remains firmly anchored in the socio-cultural fabric of Ghana, Constitutional principles, and child-centred development goals. "We are grateful for the continued support of the public as we take these responsible steps to ensure our educational resources remain a true reflection of our national identity," a statement signed and issued by the Director-General of NaCCA, Professor Samuel Osei O. Ofori Bekoe, stated. The statement was in reaction to an alleged description of "gender" in an elective teacher manual for SHS curriculum on Physical Education and Health, which suggests that, in defining "gender," there is an alternative to male and female. The alleged content has generated a public outburst, creating the impression that the government seeks to promote LGBTQ in the education system. Training and discipline The essential values 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 were essential for fostering a productive learning environment. 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 added. He highlighted the ministrys efforts to uphold national educational standards and ensure consistency in value-based learning and discipline across all schools. Falsehood The NaCCA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, dismissed allegations that LGBTQ-related content has been introduced into the country's SHS curriculum, insisting that the claims are false and misleading. In the statement, the NaCCA stressed that no such content exists within the approved national curriculum. "Our curriculum remains firmly anchored in the socio-cultural fabric of Ghana, Constitutional principles, and child-centred development goals. "We are grateful for the continued support of the public as we take these responsible steps to ensure our educational resources remain a true reflection of our national identity," the statement emphasised. Distinctions Giving a distinction between the curriculum and the teacher manuals, the statement clarified that the national curriculum and teacher support materials served distinct functions. It explained that the curriculum was the official policy document defining the mandatory areas of study for learners. "In contrast, Teacher Manuals are supplementary instructional resources designed to provide pedagogical guidance to teachers. "These manuals do not constitute the curriculum itself, and their use is optional; teachers may deliver the approved curriculum without relying on these specific guides," the statement explained. It said the development of the Secondary Education Curriculum was a dynamic process characterised by rigorous technical review and broad stakeholder consultation. Milestones Clarifying the various milestones, the statement explained that in the 2024/2025 academic year, a new curriculum was introduced at the SHS level. "For the first time in the history of Ghana, a decision was taken for Teacher Manuals to be developed to aid teachers in the implementation of the new curriculum. "NaCCA, therefore, empanelled subject-specific writing teams, in collaboration with Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL), to develop the Manuals in 2024," it said. It added that following a comprehensive internal review, NaCCA determined that the specific definition of "Gender Identity" contained within the Year 2 Physical Education and Health (Elective Teacher Manual) for SHSs was not reflective of Ghanaian culture, norms, and values. "A revised version of the Year 2 Physical Education and Health (Elective Teacher Manual, aligned with national values and biological understanding) has been released, and it is accessible to the public and teachers at https://bit.ly/4jGMyyH," the statement added. Legal tools essential for AI regulation Chinadaily.com.cn) 08:35, January 16, 2026 Strengthening the rule of law in science and technology is crucial for fostering innovation and is a strategic task in advancing China's path to modernization, experts said. The recommendations for formulating China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for economic and social development emphasize technological advancement, particularly in artificial intelligence. Adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee in October, the recommendations call for enhanced law-based governance, ethical guidelines and security measures for science and technology. They also outline the need to strengthen AI governance by improving laws, regulations, policies, standards and ethical norms. "The plan positions AI as a key driver for industrial upgrading and new quality productive forces, while highlighting the need for a supportive legal environment," said Zhou Hui, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Law of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. In an article posted on the institute's website in December, Zhou emphasized synergy between the rule of law and intelligent technology as essential for advancing Chinese modernization. He described a sound legal framework as a "safety valve" for AI's healthy development across sectors, warning that without it, the technology's potential could become a risk. Zhu Wei, an associate professor at China University of Political Science and Law, highlighted the necessity of using legal tools to regulate fast-developing AI. He praised government rules to manage AI use and the revised Cybersecurity Law for including AI content. In late 2025, China's Cyberspace Administration released a draft for governing anthropomorphic AI interaction services for public consultation. To curb AI misuse, it imposed penalties on online accounts using AI to mimic public figures in misleading marketing content. As early as 2023, the authority issued the country's first AI management regulation, mandating legally sourced data and technology models, emphasizing that AI applications must not infringe on legitimate rights. In October, China unveiled its revised Cybersecurity Law, supporting basic AI research and development while improving AI ethics rules, intensifying risk monitoring, and strengthening safety oversight. The law took effect on Jan 1. "These measures demonstrate that a legal framework for AI governance is being built in China, providing room for trial and error in technological innovation through prudent regulation while controlling risks dynamically," said Zhang Yi, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body. In September, the Ministry of Public Security announced the detention of a netizen in Taizhou, Jiangsu province. The individual, surnamed Cao, was accused of using AI to fabricate and spread false information online, claiming that two officials had been punished for disciplinary violations. Authorities stated that Cao's actions severely disrupted public order, leading to the closure of his online account. In another case, two individuals in Shanghai were sentenced to four years and 18 months in prison, respectively, for developing an AI-powered app to produce obscene content for profit. The defendants have appealed to the Shanghai No 1 Intermediate People's Court, with the case currently under review. To keep pace with AI's rapid advancement, experts have advocated for the technology's parallel development and governance. "Attempting to create perfect rules during the early stages of a technology is unrealistic and potentially stifling," said Yan Jun, a judge at the Beijing Internet Court. "We should use legal tools to secure safety while allowing room for innovation." Experts also emphasized the importance of defining the "bottom line" for technology-related regulations, addressing core issues like national security, social order and the protection of personal rights and interests. In areas such as technical standards, industry practices and public services, legal frameworks should set benchmarks to guide healthy innovation, according to Zhang, a national political adviser. Zhang has submitted AI-related proposals for three consecutive years. He stressed the need for a dedicated AI law, noting that current regulations are scattered and lack coordinated oversight. "The development of AI involves complex issues such as liability, ethics and rights protection, requiring a unified legal approach," he said. Zhang also highlighted legal gaps in areas such as liability for accidents involving autonomous vehicles. He pointed out that some courts have ruled on AI-related disputes, including voice rights and copyright infringements through generative AI. "It's essential to determine if these rulings can serve as universal rules," he added. Yan, the judge, noted that judicial rulings in AI cases are crucial for forming governance rules. Such adjudications can help authorities understand technological principles and risks, establishing guiding precedents and principles. "These judicial practices provide a foundation for future legislation and regulation," she said. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) Featured NLC halts JUSAGs intended strike, summons Judicial Service, Finance Ministry Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi Jan - 16 - 2026 , 10:34 2 minutes read The National Labour Commission (NLC) has halted the intended industrial action by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and summoned the Judicial Service and the Ministry of Finance to appear before it on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, over unpaid salary arrears. The directive followed a notice of intended industrial action issued by JUSAG on January 12, 2026, and served on the NNLC on January 13, 2026 in which the association expressed dissatisfaction over the non-payment of eight months salary arrears. In a letter dated January 14, 2026, and signed by its acting Executive Secretary, Dr Bernice A. Welbeck, the commission directed the Judicial Secretary and the Ministry of Finance to apprise it of the status of the workers demands within three working days upon receipt of the summons. It urged the association to stay the intended action and appear before it as scheduled for a hearing of the issues in dispute. The National Labour Commission, in exercise of its powers under Section 139 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), writes to summon the parties to appear before the commission on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. for a hearing of the issues in dispute, the letter read. Background JUSAG had earlier announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike over the failure of government to pay outstanding salary arrears owed to its members. The association said the arrears had remained unpaid despite engagements with the relevant state institutions, prompting it to invoke the provisions of the Labour Act by serving notice of an intended industrial action. JUSAG also maintained that the delay in settling the arrears had placed financial strain on its members. Featured Ghanas Ambassador to Egypt calls for reciprocal visa waiver agreement with Egypt Graphic.com.gh Jan - 15 - 2026 , 23:01 5 minutes read Ghanas Ambassador to Egypt, Professor Justice Solomon Korantwi-Barimah, has proposed a reciprocal visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and service passport holders between Ghana and Egypt. In addition, Ambassador Professor Korantwi-Barimah has requested for the facilitation of appropriate work permit visas for Ghanaian local staff permanently working with Ghanas Mission in Cairo to facilitate their work while ending the tourist visa status currently being given to them. He made the proposal in Cairo when he called on the Chief of Protocol and Assistant Foreign Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Ambassador El Dessouki Youssef, to present his Open Letters. Ghana and Egypt share a strong bond of friendship and common interests, pioneered by the First President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Gamal Abdel Nasser, the First President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, he noted and praised the two former presidents for their key role and the strong foundations laid in African liberation and unity, and championing of Pan-Africanism, as well as other instrumental endeavors for the continent. While extending warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama to his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, Ambassador Prof. Korantwi-Barimah praised the special nature of Ghana-Egypt relations, recalling the historical relations between the two countries, which date back to the 1950s. He also extended warmest felicitation from Ghanas Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel-Aati. Ambassador Prof. Korantwi-Barimah, who is also accredited to Lebanon, Palestine and Sudan, noted that the recent engagements between President Al-Sisi and President Mahama at the AU 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, together with the invitation to attend the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum in November 2025, signal a strengthening of the cordial bilateral relations between Egypt and Ghana. Prof. Korantwi-Barimah reaffirmed Ghanas desire to cooperate with Egypt to continue to leverage their influence within the African Union and as vital partners for peace, security and prosperity in Africa, building on shared history to foster a stronger continental bloc. He added that in the spirit of brotherliness, President Mahama would be honoured to welcome President Al-Sisi to Ghana for an official state visit, which would elevate the relationship to a strategic level. Investment opportunities Ambassador Prof. Korantwi-Barimah mentioned the enormous trade and investment opportunities that abound in Ghana and Egypt and underscored the need to reactivate the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) between the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new areas for cooperation in different fields for mutual benefit. The Ambassador lauded Egypt for its resolve to leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to develop and modernise infrastructure aimed at expanding the economy, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for its rapidly growing population, adding that Ghana embraces Egypts development model and is ready to learn and share useful experiences. Appreciation For his part, Ambassador Al Desouki Youssef, the Chief of Protocol and Assistant Foreign Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt reciprocated the sentiments, conveying the Egyptian presidents appreciation for President Mahamas participation in the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum and indicated that the visit, among others, is expected to strengthen the existing bilateral relations between the two countries and further deepen cooperation. Ambassador Al Youssef, recalled the fond memories of his tenure as the immediate past Ambassador of Egypt to Ghana, noting that bi-lateral relations between Ghana and Egypt have grown over the decades, and assured of plans to reactivate the process for the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) between Egypt and Ghana, which will set the tone to explore new avenues for collaboration in different fields. Concerns The Egyptian envoy, however, raised Egypts concern about Bank of Ghanas 2025 directive to commercial banks to introduce 5% levy on foreign currency cash withdrawals from accounts funded by electronic transfers or cheques, which situation, according to him, negatively affects the operations of the Egyptian Embassy in Accra. He noted that Egypt may be compelled to consider a reciprocal measure to the Ghana Embassy in Cairo, if the situation remains in effect. Ambassador Al Desouk Youssef further advised Ghana to consider a possible relocation of its Embassy to the New Administrative Capital (NAC), noting that prices of land are currently moderate but may see upward review in the coming years. On the proposed visa waiver agreement on diplomatic and service passport holders, Ambassador Al Desouk Youssef mentioned that some level of work had been done on the subject, assuring that the proposal will be forwarded to the relevant Egyptian authorities for consideration. Regarding the issue of work permit visa, the Ambassador informed Ambassador Prof. Korantwi-Barimah that the host Foreign Ministry will liaise with the Ministry of Interior to resolve issues impeding the issuance of appropriate residence permits for Ghanaian local staff of the Mission. Responding to the issue raised about the 5% levy on foreign currency cash withdrawals, Prof. Korantwi-Barimah assured the Chief of Protocol and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs that the Mission will bring the matter to the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant authorities in Ghana for amicable resolution. Ambassador Prof. Korantwi-Barimah reaffirmed Ghanas desire to cooperate with Egypt to further deepen the already existing bilateral relations between the two countries. Next article: Ghanas Ambassador to Egypt calls for reciprocal visa waiver agreement with Egypt Fugitive former MASLOC CEO detained in U.S., awaiting extradition to Ghana Previous article: Fugitive former MASLOC CEO detained in U.S., awaiting extradition to Ghana Featured Police arrest social media personality Ekow Black over viral assault of woman GraphicOnline Jan - 16 - 2026 , 07:30 2 minutes read The Ghana Police Service has arrested a social media personality identified as Christford Affadu Danful, popularly known online as Ekow Black, after a video showing him physically assaulting a woman went viral. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Police said the suspect was picked up on Thursday, January 15, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation by the Inspector-General of Polices Special Cyber Vetting Team. The Ghana Police Service, through the Criminal Investigation Department, has arrested a suspect captured in a viral video physically assaulting a woman, the statement said. The Police said preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect and the woman, who previously lived together, had a troubled relationship marked by repeated disagreements. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect and the woman, who previously lived together, had a history of disagreements that reportedly escalated into verbal confrontations and physical assaults, the statement added. The arrest comes after widespread public outrage on social media, where the video circulated rapidly, drawing condemnation from users and renewed calls for accountability in cases of domestic and gender-based violence, particularly when alleged perpetrators are public figures or online influencers. Danful, who is known for his online presence and content on social media platforms, is currently being held by the Police as investigations continue. Suspect Danful is currently in lawful custody and is expected to be put before the court to face charges in accordance with the law, the Police said. The Police Service used the statement to reaffirm its stance against violence and its resolve to pursue offenders, regardless of their social status or online following. The Ghana Police Service reassures the public of its commitment to protecting lives, upholding the law, and ensuring that acts of violence are dealt with decisively, the statement concluded. The case is expected to proceed to court in the coming days, as the Police prepare charges based on the outcome of investigations. Late last month, the vivo X300 Ultra got certified for sale in Europe, basically confirming its rumored global release. Now, the phone has been certified in Indonesia by TKDN as well. It has the model number V2562, which was confirmed to be attached to the X300 Ultra name all the way back in November. So it's pretty much settled at this point - the X300 Ultra is going global. vivo X200 Ultra The phone is rumored to come with a 6.82-inch LTPO screen with QHD+ resolution, a metal frame, no camera button, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC at the helm, a 200MP main camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto camera, and a battery with at least 7,000 mAh capacity. Via As Samsung is gearing up to announce the new Samsung Galaxy S26 series, some are still wondering whether the Galaxy S26 Edge will replace the Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Pro will take the vanilla S26's place. Earlier rumors said "no" to both questions, and the latest leak, if we can call it that, corroborates those early findings. According to a PDF document about promotions, published by Samsung Colombia, the Galaxy S26 series, which will debut at this year's Galaxy S26 Unpacked event, will be the Galaxy S26, S26+ and the S26 Ultra with no Pro or Edge in sight. That doesn't mean the two handsets are scrapped, though. We might see a delayed launch for the Edge, at least, but for now, all signs point to Samsung giving up on the Edge series. Source Sony is hosting an audio-related product launch event on January 21, and it seems well be getting the brands next-gen LinkBuds earbuds and not the long-awaited WF-1000XM6 flagship. The event is set to kick off at 4PM UTC (8AM PST) and will be livestreamed on YouTube. While the teaser does a good job of concealing the products design, we can spot that the earbuds are attached around the ear of the model in the thumbnail. Furthermore, the Discover a new form of listening tagline for the event implies that the earbuds will feature a less common design than the in-ear format. As discovered by Dealabs, Sony will likely unveil its LinkBuds Clip (WF-LC900), which features an open-ear design with the buds attaching around the earlobe. A listing from an Indonesian retailer revealed the design and key specs of the LinkBuds Clip, which are expected to feature adaptive volume control, 360 Reality Audio support and background music effect found on previous LinkBuds models. The specs also suggest dual microphones, AI noise reduction for calls and bone conduction sensors. They will feature 10-band EQ customization inside the Sony app, simultaneous connection to two devices, and an IPX4 splash-proof design. The leaks suggest 9 hours of playback from the earbuds and an additional 28 hours from the case for a grand total of 37 hours. LinkBuds Clip teasers LinkBuds Clip will be available in four colors, including Black, Beige, Sage, and Lavender. They are expected to retail for $230/200. P.S. For those wondering when well see the flagship WF-1000XM6, rumors suggest those are due to launch at a later date in February. Source (in French) Via Guam airport's longest-serving employee, Jeanette San Nicolas, said the A.B. Won Pat Guam International Airport is a stepping stone for Guam, where tourism, transportation, and economics have expanded and transformed throughout its 50-year history. The airport celebrated its significant 50-year milestone on Friday with its airline partners, service and administrative employees, board members and government officials to commemorate the islands only commercial and civilian airport. San Nicolas started at the airport in 1978 as an accounting clerk for $4.04 per hour. In 48 years, she has worked in the accounting, administration, engineering, and marketing divisions and now the property management office. My first manager was David Tuncap. I started out in accounting and then [recently] they assigned me to manage the airport permit center under the property management office, San Nicolas said. During the celebration, she was called to the forefront, along with the airport's newest employee, Precious Pecson, to unveil the airports new mural, showcasing its tagline, Together We Fly. San Nicolas told PDN that the airport has come a long way from when she started, noting several changes in management and overseeing legislation. She added that different management had different styles, but they all did very efficient work for the benefit of Guam. They work hard for expansion of the airport and for all employees, San Nicolas said. When I started, we were supposed to start with the foundation in 1980, so the main building was opened in 1982, and then the second one in 1998. A lot of changes in people and airlines [since] I started. It was Pan American and Trans World Airlines and Braniff International Airlines, and then Continental, United, and Delta were coming in. Rolenda Faasuamalie, GIAA public information officer, said this is a monumental occasion for Guam. We are the islands only commercial airport. When it took over operation from the Department of Commerce in 1976, there was a small little office, and the old terminal was for military use, Faasuamalie said. It also signified civilian use when we acquired authority in a joint commission with the Navy. That reach of the airport, she added, has only expanded, including new buildings, additional personnel, airport firefighters, a runway crew, and more. According to Faasuamalie, expansions over the last 50 years have involved over $900 million in capital improvement projects. She also said the airports success is partially due to its relationships with island leaders, the private sector, and the Guam Visitors Bureau, allowing it to now service at least five primary markets. John Quinata, GIAA executive manager, especially thanked the airports airline partners United Airlines, Korean Air, Jin Air, Tway, Air Seoul, Air Busan, Philippine Airlines, and Japan Air for their continued service to Guam. Over these past five decades, this airport has developed and grown in tandem with our island. We have been connecting Guam and the people of Guam to the world with all the airlines that served us on our island. Some have come, and some have gonenot only left Guam but totally left the skiesand others have come and are still here today, Quinata said. Faasuamalie added that Fridays celebration was the first of several the airport has planned throughout 2026. This is to kick off yearlong remembering of milestones and looking forward to the future, she said. Our planning doc is full for fiscal year 2026 and beyond. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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In a report published on January 15, 2026, the FJKL deems the decree repressive and presents it as a serious threat to democracy in Haiti, demanding its immediate withdrawal. The FJKL believes that the CPT, with this decree, is encroaching on the legislative power normally vested in Parliament and violating the Constitution and international treaties. According to the Foundation's analysis, this decree contravenes the Haitian Constitution and the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights. The ambiguities surrounding the decree foster arbitrariness and censorship. Articles 4 and 5 use vague terms such as "public order" and "national security" imprecise notions that can serve as a basis for arbitrary interpretations to silence the opposition. Although the decree purports to protect journalists, it actually facilitates their arrest in cases of "flagrant offenses" or even simple complaints, without sufficient legal safeguards. Furthermore, the report denounces a definition of defamation so broad that it prohibits all journalistic criticism. Journalists cannot prove the veracity of their statements to defend themselves. Disproportionate penalties are stipulated, up to three years in prison for defamation and 20 years of forced labor for insulting the symbols of the Republic, with the statute of limitations extended to five years. Article 18 of the decree is particularly concerning. It compels digital platforms to retain and transmit the identifying data of authors of content deemed illegal, in flagrant violation of Article 28-2 of the Constitution, which guarantees the confidentiality of sources. For the FJKL, "This decree is a tool of political repression reminiscent of the darkest periods in Haiti's history." Download the full Decree (PDF in French, 7 pages) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/Decret-la-liberte-dexpression-repression-des-delits-de-diffamation-et-de-presse.pdf See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46595-haiti-politic-the-cpt-and-the-government-decide-on-the-limits-of-freedom-of-expression.html TB/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Warning to Gas Station Owners The Northeast Departmental Directorate of Commerce and Industry urges gas station owners to immediately cease supplying illegal fuel depots in the Northeast Department. Any violator will be subject to arrest in accordance with applicable law. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-46646-icihaiti-trou-du-nord-dismantling-of-an-illegal-fuel-depot.html Jacmel : Major Solar Project On Thursday, January 15, 2026, as part of the "Renewable Energy for All" program, the Ministry of Public Works, through the National Energy Sector Regulatory Authority (ANARSE), signed an agreement with an engineering firm to carry out a major project financed by the World Bank to the tune of $7 million to build a 4 MW photovoltaic solar power plant with grid-connected battery storage in Jacmel. A Mediation Commission proposed A few hours after Mgr. Pierre Andre Dumas announced his withdrawal from the mediation process (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46636-haiti-flash-mgr-dumas-withdraws-from-the-mediation-process-and-explains-his-decision.html), some thirty political parties and civil society organizations, united within the Rally of Organized Forces (RANFOR), proposed the establishment of a mediation commission to conduct an inclusive dialogue. The commission is composed of Religions for Peace, the President of the Court of Cassation (who is also President of the Superior Council of the Judiciary - CSPJ), the Ombudsman, the Federation of Bar Associations, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Haiti. USA : $8 Million for the Arrest of 3 Terrorist Leaders The United States is offering rewards totaling $8 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of three gang leaders operating in Haiti, according to information released by the U.S. Embassy. The three men are Jimmy Cherizier, alias "Barbecue" ($5 million), leader of the "Viv ansamn" coalition; Vitel'Homme Innocent ($2 million), leader of the "Kraze Barye" gang; and Joseph Wilson, alias "Lanmo San Jou" (US$1 million) one of the leaders of the "400 Mawozo" gang coalition. The U.S. Embassy encourages anyone with information to use the FBI's secure channels and anonymous reporting platforms. France Supports Haitian Customs France, through the French Development Agency (AFD), Expertise France, and its European partners, supports the modernization of Haitian customs by funding projects and mobilizing French and Haitian experts. Training : Women and Young Mothers On Thursday, January 15, 2026, Frantzdia Gilles, Chief of Staff of the Ministry for the Status of Women, accompanied by Hemanex Gonzague Desir, Coordinator of the Minister's Office, and other members of the cabinet, met with trainees, women, and young mothers from the Professional Center for the Future of Haitians (CPAH) and the Community Development Center (CEDEC). These trainees in Windows technology, surveillance camera installation, and nail care expressed their gratitude to the government. HL/ HaitiLibre Marlene M. Molyneaux, 70, of Havre, MT, passed away peacefully at Northern Montana Hospital on Tuesday January 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Marlene (Mary Marlene) was born on September 7, 1955, in Havre, MT, to Wayne and Lila Molyneaux. She was a devoted Mom, Gramma, and Great-Gramma. During her younger years she lived in several places all over the state and recently even bragged about a short stint in Oregon. She finally settled down in Havre, where she remained until her passing. Most of her life she worked as a cook and held various other jobs including babysitting her grandchildren. Marlene loved elephants and giraffes and had quite the extensive collection. She was an excellent seamstress and in the last couple of years started making Barbie doll clothes again. This was something that brought her joy and over the years she has made well over 1,000 outfits! Her love language was food. She loved feeding other people and was known for her homemade bread and frybread. Marlene's favorite pastime by far was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a special bond with each one of them and they would often go over just to "hang out" with Gramma. Gramma cherished every one of those visits and looked forward to the next one. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents and step-dad, Richard Tow; daughter Chanette Lucinda; and brothers, Richard, Daniel, Edward, and Terry. She is survived by her children Crystal Anderson and Sheldon (Mikel) Molyneaux; grandchildren, Cole, Chelsey, Zane, Geoffrey, Tristan, Olivia, Lila and Shelby; great-grandchildren, Wesley, Aurora, Ellie Jo and Beau, and sister, Cheryl Ellen Molyneaux. Please join us for a celebration of Marlene's life this Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 at Great Northern Fairgrounds Community Center. This will be casual. There will be a potluck dinner, and we would love for you to all share the many stories we know you have from over the years. Marlene was a jeans (now leggings) and T-shirt person, so please come as you are. Memorials can be made to The Friends of the Havre Animal Shelter or directly to Holland and Bonine Funeral Home to help defray costs. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Marlene's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com. (HedgeCo.Net) After a turbulent late-2025, global crypto markets have staged a notable rebound this week with Bitcoin pushing back above $97,000, broad altcoin strength, and renewed buying interest across major digital assets. This rally is striking given the uneven market backdrop and deep volatility that has characterized the first half of January. Price Moves and Market Sentiment: Bitcoin regained momentum , climbing above $97,000 on Wednesday its strongest showing in months lifting broader market sentiment and confirming renewed appetite among both retail and institutional participants. , climbing above $97,000 on Wednesday its strongest showing in months lifting broader market sentiment and confirming renewed appetite among both retail and institutional participants. According to price data through January 15, Bitcoin has delivered double-digit year-to-date gains, rewarding fresh entrants and compelling investors to reassess the narrative around its macro role. Ethereum, XRP, Solana and other leading tokens showed correlated strength, pulling away from the prolonged range that dominated much of late 2025. Market professionals see three headline drivers behind this rebound: 1. Macro Risk Appetite Rebalancing After a crypto sell-off late in 2025 that erased prior gains, broader risk assets are stabilizing, and digital assets are once again acting as high-beta vehicles for risk tolerance. Even so, some traders caution that the recovery remains fragile until macroeconomic signals align more clearly with sustained growth. 2. Regulatory Clarity in Washington (and Uncertainty) Multiple regulatory efforts in the U.S. have shaped sentiment this month both positive and cautionary underscoring the markets sensitivity to legal frameworks. On one front, long-awaited legislation to define cryptos regulatory perimeter has been introduced in the Senate, aiming to clarify whether tokens are securities, commodities, or new asset categories a step the industry has yearned for. However, theres significant friction around timing and substance: A Senate committee vote on the bill was postponed to late January to secure broader support, signaling both industry and legislative unease. These delays reflect ongoing debates around stablecoin definitions, exchange oversight, and whether intermediaries like DeFi protocols should be legally categorized as money services. Bitcoin as Macro Narrative Institutional positioning has also improved slightly. Large holders, including corporate and endowment allocations, have been rebalancing toward Bitcoin amid its rebound narrative, even as macro risk factors remain unsettled. The combination of policy chatter and renewed demand has helped lift confidence, though most analysts note that not out of the woods yet conditions still apply. Investor Takeaway: Bitcoins recent strength isnt just a technical bounce it reflects broader narratives about institutional allocation, late-cycle risk appetite, and the potential for improved regulatory frameworks. However, markets remain tethered to macro and policy catalysts, making short-term volatility highly probable. For years, millions of Czechs were subjected to a legally mandated surveillance measure that the Supreme Court has now classified as unlawful. In a ruling on January 8 (Case No.: 30 Cdo 2556/2025), the Nejvyssi soud confirmed that the national data retention regulation violates EU law. This marked the end of a long-standing legal process that journalist Jan Cibulka, with the support of the data protection organization IuRe, had pursued against the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Continue after ad The core of the case was the obligation for telecommunications providers to proactively store connection and location data of all users for six months. While the content of communications was not recorded, the data revealed who communicated with whom, when, and from where. According to the court, these metadata allow sensitive inferences to be made about the private lives of almost all citizens. Police and intelligence services could access this information without the need for a specific threat to be present in individual cases. The judges clarified that such indiscriminate and widespread storage is only permissible in exceptional cases, such as in the event of an immediate and real threat to national security. However, since the Czech law mandated data collection indiscriminately and without regard to the security situation, the ruling states that it violates the EU's E-Privacy Directive. The court rejected the state's argument that the current global security situation, such as the war in Ukraine, justified such surveillance. Judges see obligation for damages The Constitutional Court also held that the mere feeling of being monitored and the associated loss of control over one's own data constitute non-pecuniary damage that warrants compensation. For journalists like Cibulka, this intrusion is particularly serious, as the protection of informants could have been undermined by the uncontrolled data storage. As a result of the ruling, the Ministry is now obliged to issue a formal apology to the plaintiff. The decision brings the Czech Republic closer to the data protection standards of other EU states, such as Germany or Belgium, where similar data retention laws have already been stopped or severely restricted by courts. Civil rights advocates are pushing for a swift legislative reform to end mass data collection and limit government access to what is strictly necessary. In Germany, Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) is currently pushing for the indiscriminate data retention of IP addresses. The EU Commission is also planning a new EU-wide initiative in this controversial area. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) already declared a previous relevant directive void years ago and has only partially relaxed its case law over time for example, regarding IP addresses. The Luxembourg judges repeatedly emphasize that such an investigative tool, which is relevant to fundamental rights, must be limited to the absolutely necessary. Continue after ad (mho) 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. Finnish fuel company Teboil has been placed under corporate restructuring following a ruling by the District Court of Western Uusimaa. The decision, listed on the national insolvency register, took effect on Friday. Teboil applied for restructuring in late November. The company cited an inability to meet its financial obligations due to US sanctions imposed on its parent company, Russian oil firm Lukoil. Marines will bring home the remains of Guadalcanal casualty Luther Rhodes Marvin Rhodes holds a photograph of his late brother, Luther, as he and other family members pose for a photograph Thursday. The family gathered this week to learn more about Luthers death during World War II. The remains of Luther Rhodes, a young Marine who died while fighting the Japanese in World War II, will finally return to Edneyville for burial as soon as the family is ready and arrangements can be made. View the Slideshow Related Stories The remains could be returned home for a funeral in as soon as 45 days or possibly later depending on the wishes of the family, Donavan Mansfield, who is the head of the U.S. Marine Corps Repatriation Program, told a group of about 40 family members and friends gathered at Edneyville United Methodist Church on Thursday. Mansfield and Kaley Vincent, a Navy mortician, flew to the area from Quantico, Va., on Thursday to meet with Rhodes brother, Marvin, and other family members for an official Identification Briefing on the status of Rhodess remains. The meeting was the first step in the process of returning the remains to the Rhodes family for a long-delayed funeral. I like to call it coming home ceremonies, Mansfield said. Funerals, they carry this negative connotation. The funerals that take place from what we do, it is more of a celebration because he is bringing his brother home, something we thought may never happen. Mansfield is a civilian representative of the Marine Corps who works with the governments Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to find soldiers who went missing in war. During Thursdays meeting, he explained as much as is known about the circumstances of Rhodes death on Guadalcanal in 1942, how his remains were eventually identified through DNA science and the procedure for bringing those remains home to Edneyville. Luther was the fourth child in a family of 10 siblings five boys and five girls who grew up in Edneyville. Marvin, 83, was the baby of the family, not yet born when Luther, at the age of 17, persuaded his father to sign for him to join the Marines on Nov. 11, 1941. Luther Leru Dusty Rhodes was a private first class serving in the Marines when he was killed less than a year later, on Oct. 7, 1942, while fighting in the battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The bloody battle was Americas first offensive of the war in the Pacific. Mansfield described the harrowing circumstances the Marines faced during the fight for Guadalcanal. A limited number of Marines, who were trying to hold Henderson airfield on the island, repelled repeated Japanese attacks. And their resources were cut by 50 percent during the battle because the Navy ships that carried their supplies were forced to pull away from the area. Whenever I tell these stories, I cant emphasize enough the mettle, the fortitude, Mansfield said. These were Marines, but they were 18-, 19-, 20-year-old kids at the same time and just the things they had to overcome during these engagements and keep going forward and keep going forward and just insurmountable odds and just battle after battle, success after success. If you did the math on it, there is no chance it should have even occurred that way. The fact that the Marines held off the Japanese and won the battle of Guadalcanal attests to the unique character of the men who fought there, he said. I cant emphasize enough how different they were. I tell people all the time that they were just built different, men like Luther. I cant emphasize enough how proud Marvin and the whole Rhodes family should be this week to have that legacy attached to their family name. Its incredible what these young men had to overcome. Luther was killed in action at the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal on Oct. 7, 1942, and buried in the First Marine Division Cemetery on the island. Mansfield said an examination of his remains indicated that Rhodes likely died from small arms fire during the battle. A concussive blast that injured Rhodes lower extremities might have also caused his death, but it was difficult to determine if that injury happened before or after the gunshot wound, he said. First-hand accounts at the time, revealed that Rhodes body was recovered after the battle and buried in a crude Marine cemetery on the island. Mansfield said that during the time Marines were buried on Guadalcanal markers were often lost or offset in a way that made it impossible to identify many of the graves, and casualties such as Rhodes were determined to be unknown. Bodies of the unknown soldiers buried on Guadalcanal were later removed and buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. The cemetery, known as the Punchbowl, is in an extinct volcano near the center of Honolulu, Hawaii. Rhodes body remained at the cemetery until 2019 when advances in DNA technology made officials at the DPAA believe they could identify some of the remains of the Marines who were moved to the Punchbowl from Guadalcanal. Once science caught up and we got to the point where we felt like we could accurately identify these Marines, they were disinterred, Luther being one of them, Mansfield said. Marvin Rhodes had provided the DPAA with a sample of his DNA years earlier but had given up hope a few years ago that his brothers remains would ever be found. Not too long after Marvin gave up on locating his brothers remains, leaders at Hendersonvilles Hedrick-Rhodes VFW Post 5206 decided to take on an effort to locate the 13 soldiers from Henderson County who were missing in action during World War II. Luther Rhodes was the first MIA soldier they set out to find. The VFW leaders contacted U.S. Sen. Tedd Budds office and asked for help. It didn't hurt that a distant relative of Rhodes, Kye Laughter, works for Budd as Western North Carolina regional director. In September, shortly after the senators office became involved, Marvin received the call telling him his brothers remains were found. At the time, he said that he hoped to have a funeral and burial at Edneyville United Methodist Church in the spring. Once a date for the funeral is set, Rhodess remains will be sent to his family. Mansfield explained each step of the journey home to the group gathered Thursday. The skeletal remains will be covered in a green, wool blanket and placed in a casket. A Marine Corps uniform tailored for Rhodes with any medals he earned will be placed over the blanket in the casket. A Marine, probably from North Carolina, will travel to Hawaii and escort the casket while it is flown back to North Carolina. Once the plane lands at an airport in the state, a Marine squadron will be on the tarmac to move the casket from the plane to a waiting hearse that will carry the casket to a funeral home. The Marine squadron will also take part in the funeral. If the airport allows it, Mansfield said he encouraged family and friends to meet the plane and Marine squadron on the tarmac. I hope they will allow everyone in this room to stand there and witness it, he said. Henderson Countys VFW post continues working to locate other soldiers from Henderson County who are missing in action from World War II. Murder defendant is the mother of two alleged poisoning victims Gudrun Linda Jean Casper-Leinenkugel (left) is charged with the murder of Leela Jean Livis (center) and attempted murder of Maija Lacey (right). The 52-year-old Hendersonville woman charged last week with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder is the mother of two women investigators identified as victims in the case, the Hendersonville Lightning has learned. View the Slideshow Related Stories Henderson County sheriffs deputies on Friday charged Gudrun Linda Jean Casper-Leinenkugel with a 2007 murder that had remained unsolved, and the murder of a woman and attempted murder of two more people last year. Sheriffs detectives charged Casper-Leinenkugel with the murder last month of Leela Jean Livis, 32, and the attempted murder of Liviss half-sister, Maija Lacey, and Richard Evan Pegg. Casper-Leinenkugel is also charged with three counts of causing the ingestion (of) a beverage which contained a poisonous chemical. The alleged poisoning of Livis, Lacey and Pegg happened in November, said Sandra Riddle, who is the mother of Casper-Leinenkugels ex-husband, Stacey Shelton, and grandmother of Maija Lacey, They were there to have Thanksgiving dinner at their mothers house, and next thing, Leela was dead, and Maija and her boyfriend (Pegg) was in the hospital, Riddle said in an interview Monday night. I dont know (why). Thats just the strangest part of it. What was to be gained? Facebook pages of both Livis and Lacey identify Casper-Leinenkugel as their mother while the social media biographical sketches name different men as their fathers. Casper-Leinenkugel is listed as Facebook friends of both Livis and Lacey. During the course of the investigation, detectives turned up evidence linking Casper-Leinenkugel to the murder of Michael Schmidt in Henderson County in 2007, the sheriffs office said in a news release issued Friday. Gudrun Linda Jean Casper-Leinenkugel appeared in Henderson County District Court on Tuesday. [AMY B. MCCRAW/Hendersonville Lightning]In court Tuesday morning, District Court Judge Abe Hudson ordered that Casper-Leinenkugel remain held without bond when she appeared before him through a video feed from Henderson Countys jail. Hudson also set Casper-Leinenkugels next court date for Feb. 10 after she told the judge she intended to hire an attorney to represent her on the charges. Presenting the case for no bond, Assistant District Attorney Robert Reeves confirmed the account Riddle gave of what happened to the victims in the case. Livis, Lacey and Pegg were among 12 people who attended a Thanksgiving meal hosted by Casper-Leinenkugel, Reeves said. Hours after the meal, she received a text from her daughter, Leela, saying that she and Pegg were vomiting and feeling unwell. Maija also had gotten sick after the meal, he said. Detectives later learned that the three victims drank from the same bottle of wine during the gathering. Their investigation also determined that Casper-Leinenkugel had asked Google what to do if I accidentally ingest acetonitrile? after learning of the illnesses of the people who attended the meal. She also asked the internet Does wine turn into cyanide? Reeves said. Arrest warrants accuse the defendant of lacing the victims beverages with acetonitrile, and that chemical was found during a search of her home, the prosecutor said. Blood tests revealed that five times the legal dose of the substance was later found in the blood of Leela, who died after the Thanksgiving gathering. Tests also confirmed the other victims had ingested the chemical, he said. Investigators also believe Schmidt was poisoned, he said. Schmidt transferred his property at 15 Schmidt Terrace to Casper-Leinenkugel in 2006, Henderson County land records show. Schmidts death certificate, which a Lightning reporter reviewed on Tuesday, lists cause of death as amended and pending autopsy. Detectives also are working to determine if there might be other victims associated with Casper-Leinenkugel, Reeves told the judge. He argued that the murder defendant should be denied bond because of her connections to other countries including Germany and parts of Central America. House burnt down mysteriously Riddle says Casper-Leinenkugel has left a trail of destruction throughout the 25 years shes known her. I met her as Linda Casper thats all shes ever been to me, Riddle said. Shes the one that changed her name. When her son married Casper-Leinenkugel he adopted Leela, who was about 3 years old. The couple then had a daughter, Mia, whose name is pronounced My-uh. On Facebook, she spells it Maija. Riddle considers both Leela and Maija her granddaughters since Shelton adopted the older girl. I know when Maija was little, (Linda) would use Maijas name and information to get credit cards, Riddle said. Asked whether she had kept up with Casper-Leinenkugel, she said she had not. I dont associate with Linda, she said. When her and my son broke up, he was moving out of the house, and we were helping him move and we went back up to get the rest of the stuff and the house had burnt down mysteriously in the middle of the night. Chemical converts to cyanide An arrest warrant said Casper-Leinenkugel unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did knowingly distributed or otherwise caused to be placed in a position of human accessibility or ingestion a beverage which contained a poisonous chemical, acetonitrile, which might cause death or serious physical injury. A common industrial organic solvent, acetonitrile when ingested is slowly converted to cyanide, resulting in delayed toxicity, the National Institutes of Health said in a report on the deliberate self-poisoning by a 39-year-old woman that resulted in cyanide poisoning 11 hours later. (Doctors saved the womans life by administering concentrated doses of sodium nitrite and thiosulphate.) Riddle says Casper-Leinenkugel now has two more children with a man she currently lives with. She has a little boy about 9, and the little girl looked to be about 3, she said of the womans two younger children. The last time I saw them was at the funeral (of Leela Livis). Somebody needs to check into her mental state. She wasnt grieving. The people she worked with grieved more for her than her mother did. I just thought, maybe shes in a shock or something. When she was talking with a reporter Monday night, Riddle said she would not be able to attend her ex-daughter-in-laws first appearance in Henderson County District Court on Tuesday. Why? She was calling from her hospital room. Thats where she was on Friday, too, when she got word that Casper-Leinenkugel had been charged with killing Leela and trying to kill Maija. I found out about it on the Henderson County Sheriffs Department website when I was in the hospital bed, she said. Her reaction: What in the world? The alleged poisoning was served at the large Thanksgiving gathering that Casper-Leinenkugel tried to make convivial. Wine, Riddle said when asked what contained the chemical. Maija told us the only thing they had in common was they drank some wine. Evan he almost died, she said of Maijas boyfriend. When they got him to the hospital, nobody knew what was wrong with him. A doctor did a quick assessment, so they started treating him for poison and got him over it. Leela will surely be missed Livis, who died on Dec. 1, had earned an MBA from Western Carolina University and was an employee at the school at the time of her death, according to online information from the school and online employment records. Leela was such a joy to talk with, a coworker wrote in a tribute on the website of Moody Connolly Funeral Home in Brevard three days after her death. Leela had such a joy for knowledge and learning, it was always fun to hear what information she had about some new obscure topic, and to share my own as well. Always full of questions, a surprising joke, and a helpful, supportive nature, Leela will surely be missed in all the halls of her life. Maija Lacey is a 2016 graduate of West Henderson High School who lives in Hendersonville. Her Facebook page lists family members that include her father, Shelton, who lives in Hendersonville; and a grandmother, Sarah Casper, a Wisconsin native who lives in Crystal River, Florida. Her parents live in Florida, Riddle said of Casper-Leinenkugel. Theyre good people, as far as I know, when I met them years ago. I can only imagine what theyre going to go through when they hear this. In announcing the arrest, Sheriff Lowell Griffin thanked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the District Attorneys Office and the Jackson County Sheriffs Office for their assistance and collaboration throughout the investigation. Leela Livis died at her home in Jackson County after leaving the Thanksgiving dinner at her mothers home. Griffin did not respond to a phone call from the Lightning on Monday requesting an interview. The sheriffs public information officer said on Friday that in order to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the agency would release no further details pending adjudication in court. The sheriffs department on Tuesday provided two incident reports with some information concerning the two investigations into the deaths of Livis and Schmidt. The report on Livis death indicates that the sheriffs department in Henderson County began investigating her death on Dec. 30. She died at her home in Jackson County on Dec. 1 after attending the gathering at Casper-Leinenkugels home in Hendersonville a day earlier, officials said. An investigation into Schmidts death began after Oct. 29, 2007, after his death earlier in the day at Casper-Leinenkugels home at 15 Schmidt Terrace. The report shows Schmidt as having the same address and lists Casper-Leinenkugel in the others involved section of the report Riddle said she felt the need to set the record straight when she read in a Lightning account of the murder charges that her ex-daughter-in-law and her granddaughters were friends on Facebook. The world needs to know it was not just a friend on Facebook, she said. She was the mother of these girls she tried to kill. * * * * * Anyone who has information relevant to the case was encouraged to contact the sheriffs Violent Crime Unit at 828-694-2938. (JNS) - How does one begin to describe Jane Goodall's legacy to the world? Few people in history have saved more individual animals or wildlife species from extinction and restored or protected more environments. In fact, conservation of the environment has been globally defined by her measures and moral compass. Goodall, who died on Oct. 1 at the age of 91, was a U.N. messenger of peace, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a Dame of the British Empire. She touched millions upon millions of lives and inspired a love of nature for generations. In 65 years of her field research observing c... (JNS) - When award-winning journalist and author Yardena Schwartz began researching the 1929 massacre of Jews in Hebron, she had no idea she was uncovering what she now calls "ground zero" of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Nor did she imagine that nearly a century later, the patterns she identified would reemerge with devastating clarity on Oct. 7, 2023. Her book, "Ghosts of a Holy War," explores how the murder of 67 Jews in Hebron-once considered one of the safest Jewish communities in Mandatory Palestine-set in motion religious incitement, disinformation campaigns and rejectionist politics that,... My name is Marni Mandell, and Im honored to be stepping into the role of CEO of Shalom Orlando and The Roth Family Jewish Community Center. This role is both professional and deeply personal for me. My familys roots in the Orlando Jewish community go back generations, and after many years living in Israel, returning to Orlando over the past couple of years has felt like a homecoming. Im raising my young children here now with my Israeli husband, which makes this work not only about honoring our past, but about shaping a strong, vibrant Jewish future for the next generation. I step into this... (JNS) - Eva Schloss-Geiringer, who was adopted as a child survivor of the Holocaust by the father of Anne Frank, has died in London at the age of 96, the Anne Frank Foundation announced Monday. Otto Frank adopted Schloss-Geiringer, who had lived with her family near the Franks in Amsterdam before its occupation by the Nazis in 1940, after marrying her mother, Fritzi, in 1953. Schloss-Geiringer wrote books about her survival of the Holocaust, including "Eva's Story: A Survivor's Tale," and has spoken countless times before audiences about the need to combat antisemitism. She spoke at a Chabad o... (JNS) Imprisoned Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti should be put to death over his leading role in the 2000-05 Second Intifada terrorist war against Israel, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said. Marwan Barghouti should be taken out, Ben-Gvir declared at a faction meeting of his Otzma Yehudit Party at the Knesset in Jerusalem, responding to a question from JNS about a petition by Alon Liel, a Reichman University lecturer and former Israeli diplomat, calling for the terrorists release. Marwan Barghouti is a murderer, he is a terrorist, the national security minister emphasized. He... (JNS) Just as countries must have borders to exist, the conservative movement needs to delineate what is beyond the pale, and the latter includes Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host who has both denounced core conservative tenets of late and given voice to and failed to denounce antisemites and Holocaust deniers. That was one of the messages Ben Shapiro, a Jewish conservative commentator and Daily Wire cofounder, shared in a Dec. 17 book talk with Kevin Roberts, president of Heritage Foundation. Roberts has drawn criticism after failing to denounce Carlson, and a panel on Jew-hatred tha... (JNS) The longtime Chabad House in Nepal, in the capital of Kathmandu, has been forced to relocate amid growing pressure from its landlord, who demanded that the Jewish center remove all Hebrew signs, Rabbi Chezky Lifshitz said on Sunday. The Chabad House, which serves thousands of Israeli and other Jewish travelers each year, has been in place at the site for the last two decades. We came under a lot of pressure from the landlord, who started by demanding about a month and a half ago that we remove any Hebrew sign or signs connected to Judaism and Israel, due to concern that he would be id... (JNS) It takes Wikipedia nearly 7,500 words into its main entry on China to mention the word genocide, tucked in a section on sociopolitical issues and human rights, and even then, the crowdsourced online encyclopedia hedges. Since 2017, the Chinese government has been engaged in a harsh crackdown in Xinjiang, with around one million Uyghurs and other ethnic and religion minorities being detained in internment camps aimed at changing the political thinking of detainees, their identities and their religious beliefs, in what some described as a genocide or crimes against humanity, Wikipe... (JNS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that anti-regime protests in Iran could be approaching a critical moment, with the Iranian people poised to take their fate into their own hands. We in Israel identify with the struggle of the Iranian people and their aspiration to liberty and justice, Netanyahu said, speaking at a 40-signature debate, which the opposition can call once a month and which the prime minister is obliged to attend. We may be at a critical moment, he said. The premier stressed in his remarks that, in any case, he had repeatedly made clear to t... (JNS) The Jewish community in Pasadena, Calif., is experiencing a mix of emotion as the one-year anniversary approaches of the Eaton Fire, which broke out on Jan. 7, 2025, and killed 19 people and destroyed more than 9,400 structures, including the more than 100-year-old Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center. Melissa Levy, executive director of the Conservative synagogue, told JNS that the community is feeling resilient and hopeful but also still in a period of mourning. Its a mix of emotion, she said. Were mourning the loss of this really important space. Thank God people are safe, but... (JNS) Madrid is prepared to send peacekeeping troops to the Gaza Strip once the opportunity presents itself, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Thursday. Of course, we have not forgotten Palestine and the Gaza Strip, Sanchez told a gathering of Spanish ambassadors in Madrid, El Pais reported. Spain must actively participate in rebuilding hope in Palestine, he added. I will propose to parliament, when the opportunity presents itself, that we send peacekeeping troops to Palestine, once we can see how to advance this task of pacification, the prime minister continued. Sanchez... (JNS) - More than 250 people gathered in Herzliya on Dec. 30, 2025, for "Stronger Together: An Evening of Courage, Compassion and Community" hosted by Telfed, an aliyah organization based in Ra'anana that supports immigrants from Southern Africa. The event brought together an extraordinary cross-section of speakers-all with ties to Southern Africa-who shared their personal stories of tragedy and triumph, heroism and hope in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led terror attacks. Opening the evening, MC Benita Levin, a South African-born journalist who made aliyah with her family and now a... (JNS) Representatives from the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey met Friday in Miami to review implementation of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and to advance preparations for the next stage, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff confirmed on Saturday. Witkoff said the initial phase of the Trump administration-brokered deal had produced progress, including the return of all but one hostage, partial IDF troop withdrawals, a reduction in hostilities and expanded humanitarian assistance to Gaza. In our discussions regarding phase two, we emphasized enabling a governin... (JNS) Far too often in the past 25 years, the United States has hesitated to stand firmly with Israel at the United Nations, allowing bias and double standards to harden into institutional routine. But that has changed. The Obama-Biden era at the world body is no more. The recent actions of Ambassador Tammy Bruce stand out not only as straightforward but principled. Her remarks at her first U.N. Security Council meeting marked a rare moment of honesty in a forum that has a penchant for reflexively condemning democracies while excusing or ignoring the behavior of their adversaries. Bruce spok... (JNS) Far-right political commentator Candace Owenss quest to prove that the Mossad killed Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, on Sept. 10 with the help of a TPUSA staffer and Kirks widow, Erika, hit a wall. They were booed at TPUSAs AmericaFest rally when conservative media commentator Ben Shapiro made it clear that they are not proper examples of conservative discourse. Not a minute went by, it seems, until Owens added yet another hit on the Jews that they controlled the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Wake up and learn the true history of slavery, she implored Black America... (JNS) I lecture frequently and understand that for many audiences, the experience can feel depressing and overwhelming. Rising antisemitism. Palestinian rejectionism. Terrorism. The ring of regional threats around Israel. I can see it in peoples facesthe quiet sense of helplessness, the feeling that the problems are too vast and the individual too small to matter. No single person can resolve the global challenges confronting the Jewish people. But its not true that individuals are powerless. Historyand Jewish history, in particularteaches the opposite. Each of us can make a difference.... (JNS) Just when it appeared that President Donald Trumps most dramatic threat was to the Iranian regime on Friday, he announced on Saturday that U.S. forces had conducted large-scale strikes on Venezuela. Even more jaw-dropping was his confirmation that dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and brought to the United States to face trial. The news reverberated far beyond Caracas. This was not merely a symbolic reckoning for a narco-state spiraling into ruin. Nor was it simply overdue justice for a despot who plundered one of Latin Americas wealthiest nations... Philippines announces 14-day visa-free for Chinese; Manila's contradictory approach to China sparks online doubts over policy sincerity Global Times) 08:54, January 16, 2026 The Philippines will grant visa-free entry to Chinese nationals for up to 14 days starting January 16 in a bid to increase Chinese trade, investments and tourists, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday. The policy applies only to tourists entering through the airports in Manila and Cebu, and the fortnight stay cannot be extended. The visa-free entry arrangement will be in effect for one year and will be reviewed accordingly before it expires. Upon arrival, Chinese nationals need to present a passport valid for at least six months beyond the contemplated stay, confirmed hotel accommodation or booking, and a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination, reads the statement. As the Chinese Spring Festival holidays approach, an insider believes that the new visa-free policy is anticipated to revive the Chinese overseas travel to the Philippines. Xu Xiaolei, marketing manager at CYTS Tours Holding Co, told the Global Times on Thursday that this move represents a positive effort by the Philippines to boost its tourism sector and enhance people-to-people exchanges because visa-free policies are widely recognized as an effective means of facilitating a rapid, phased recovery in tourism. Hopefully the Philippines will make its visa-free policy for Chinese nationals a long-term one and maintain policy stability in the future, Xu added. Chen Xiangmiao, a research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday that following the launch of South China's Hainan Free Trade Port, the Philippines sees strong potential for cooperation with China, with the Marcos administration recognizing the Chinese market as vital due to complementary trade ties between the two countries. Lai, a person who works in foreign trade in Beijing, told the Global Times she had been preparing visa documents for her trip to the Philippines next month. "The visa-free policy has made things so much more convenient," she said. News of Philippines' visa-free policy for Chinese nationals was the second most discussed topic on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo, gaining over 820,998 views as of Thursday afternoon. Many Chinese netizens expressed mixed attitudes toward the new policy. Some netizens thought that the new policy is quite a surprise since the traveling visa from the Philippines used to be one of the most difficult to obtain for Chinese travelers. Another netizen commented that the Philippines' limited appeal to Chinese tourists, unlike that of Thailand or Vietnam, has been due to higher entry barriers rather than a lack of attractions, and the new visa-free policy could boost its popularity among Chinese travelers. On the other hand, many netizens said the current unstable political situation of the country is not suitable for traveling to or living in. Many netizens expressed concerns about the instability of the local government and society. Data from industry information provider Flight Manager shows China-Philippines routes are still below 40 percent of pre-pandemic levels, financial news site Yicai reported. In December 2025, 766 round trips operated - down 61 percent from 2019 - with China Southern Airlines leading carriers but also 40 percent below 2019 levels, the report said. Some Chinese netizens also doubted the intention of the new visa-free policy given that the Philippines has been consistently engaging in provocations against China over the South China Sea issue. Ge Hongliang, a vice dean of the ASEAN College at Guangxi Minzu University, said netizens' concerns are not without basis. He added that these concerns stem from the Marcos administration's stance toward China, with the Philippines repeatedly sensationalizing and criticizing China on South China Sea issues, stigmatizing China's image by exaggerating the "China-related" problems and constantly amplifying these topics to serve domestic political goals. Chen also said that while maintaining its stance on the South China Sea, the Philippines seeks to tap China's lucrative outbound tourism market, a contradictory desire to have both. It can be inferred from the latest US National Security Strategy report that the declining regional attention from the US may also be a partial reason for the Philippines' recalibration of its China policy, Chen said. The Philippines' introduction of a visa-free policy is a positive signal, yet whether this signifies that the country has come to terms with the realities and will adopt a pragmatic approach toward China remains contingent on its future actions, Ge noted. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) Analyses predict deepened AI healthcare commercialization in China in 2026 Xinhua) 09:00, January 16, 2026 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 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. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale announces the appointment of Jerome Arribas as General Manager. Bringing more than two decades of global luxury hospitality leadership and operational expertise, Arribas will guide the iconic desert resort into its next chapter of elevated guest experiences and destination storytelling. Jerome Arribas is a seasoned luxury hospitality executive whose distinguished career spans some of Four Seasons' most celebrated hotels and resorts around the world. With a refined operational mindset, deep brand expertise, and a strong sense of place, he is exceptionally positioned to lead one of the region's most beloved destinations. Since opening in 1999, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale has set the standard for luxury hospitality in the American Southwestoffering seamless access to Scottsdale's cultural, dining, and retail vibrancy while maintaining a fully immersive experience in the serenity and natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Arribas embraces this distinctive duality, focusing on authentic and emotionally resonant guest experiences. Originally from the Loire Valley of France, Jerome's early exposure to culinary excellence, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage deeply shaped his professional philosophy. After extensive international travel, he began his Four Seasons journey in a nontraditional role as Assistant Director of Purchasing at Four Seasons in the Bahamas, demonstrating his competitive drive and commitment to mastering diverse operational disciplines. Throughout his career, Jerome has pursued opportunities that broadened his leadership and operational expertise. He has held task force and leadership roles across multiple properties, including Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, and Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, both Michelin Three Key properties recognized among the world's most exceptional luxury hotels. These experiences strengthened his appreciation for the orchestration required to deliver seamless luxury service in high-profile environments. Jerome's tenure as Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Boston marked a pivotal period in his career, where he helped establish the property within a highly competitive market. Under his leadership, the hotel achieved Forbes Five-Star recognition for both the Hotel and the Spa just two years after opening, an exceptional milestone reflecting excellence in service, culture, and guest experience. He later advanced to General Manager of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, refining his skills in resort operations, seasonal management, and leadership development. His global portfolio also includes leadership roles at Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel; Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca; Four Seasons Resort and Residences Seychelles; Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane; and Four Seasons Resort Exuma at Emerald Bay. Across these properties, Arribas has consistently elevated operations, mentored talent, and upheld Four Seasons' exacting service standards. Now in his tenth Four Seasons assignment, he brings a rare balance of financial acumen, operational depth, and destination-driven hospitality to Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. His leadership reflects a thoughtful evolution of luxury experiencespositioning the resort for continued success while preserving the sense of place that defines its enduring appeal. Mandarin Oriental is pleased to announce the appointment of Philippe Kronberg as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London & AVP Operations, effective from 12 January 2026. Alongside managing Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Kronberg will be supporting Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Mandarin Oriental Paris, and the newly managed Mandarin Oriental Lutetia and Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam, which will be officially operating as a Mandarin Oriental Hotel from 14 January. Philippe Kronberg brings more than 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, spanning operations, finance and commercial strategy. He joins Mandarin Oriental from Shangri-La, where he most recently served as Resort General Manager in Muscat, Oman, overseeing a multi-property beachfront destination comprising three hotels with more than 640 rooms. Previously, Kronberg was General Manager of Shangri-La Sydney, with oversight of the Group's properties across Australasia. His international career also includes General Manager roles across Turkey, China, Thailand and Brisbane, reflecting deep experience across diverse markets and operating environments. Recognised for his strategic vision, operational rigour and commitment to exceptional guest experiences, Kronberg joins Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London at a pivotal moment as the hotel continues to strengthen its position as one of the capital's most iconic luxury addresses, seamlessly balancing heritage with innovation. In his new role, he will oversee all hotel operations, drive service excellence and further enhance the hotel's reputation for refined hospitality, culinary excellence and personalised guest experiences. A French and Australian national fluent in English, French, and German, Philippe began his professional career at London's renowned Ritz Hotel after completing a Diploma in Hotel Management at the prestigious Swiss hospitality school Les Roches. He later earned an Executive MBA from AGSM, the postgraduate business school of the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney. A former paratrooper, Philippe holds a private pilot's licence and enjoys aerobatic flying. A devoted family man with two teenage children, he is also actively committed to fundraising for charitable causes. Take a glimpse into the future of hospitality! Hospitality professionals, get ready! We invite you to join us to celebrate the hard work, creativity and innovation of our 4thyear students during a curated exhibition and live pitch event at Hotelschool The Hague: WE ARE WHAT'S NEXT. This event is an ideal moment to connect with future talent and stay close to emerging industry thinking. Over the past 14 weeks, students have tackled real-world, commissioner-inspired challenges across hospitality, food service, business and society. The result is a set of well-researched and industry-relevant concepts that address current industry questions and developments. This year, 250 + final phase students will present their graduation projects in an exhibition organised around five key themes relevant to today's hospitality industry. For professionals, this offers a valuable opportunity to: discover fresh perspectives and emerging talent engage with the next generation of hospitality professionals exchange ideas with peers from across the industry The afternoon concludes with a Dragon's Den-style final, where the strongest students will pitch their research live to an expert jury. Join senior professionals from organisations such as NBTC, Food Inspiration Magazine, WestCord Hotels, Booking.com, and The Magnum Ice Cream Company (Hertog), alongside experts from Hotelschool The Hague. The event ends with an award ceremony and networking reception until 17:30, allowing time to connect with fellow professionals, students and jury members. A group of industry professionals has already confirmed their attendance, and we invite you to be part of this afternoon as well. Reserve your ticket now and be part of this afternoon of ideas, talent and exchange. Date & Location: 16 January at Hotelschool The Hague, Campus The Hague This event is organized by Hotelschool The Hague For more information please contact Semester Seven Athens, Greece Mitsis today announced the launch of Canvas by Mitsis, a new hospitality brand inspired by the essence of simple, warm, and authentic Greek hospitality. Conceived as a canvas where creation begins, the brand invites guests to celebrate what matters most through meaningful, everyday moments. Guided by the promise Making simple special, Canvas by Mitsis offers effortless, all-inclusive holidays with a focus on comfort, positive energy, and genuine connection. The new brand brings together six 4-star hotels across Greece, each committed to quality and memorable guest experiences: The launch represents a strategic milestone for the Group, strengthening the Mitsis portfolio and aligning with the expectations of modern travellers seeking authenticity. To discover the full brand story and share the news with your guests, visit Mitsis channels and brand communications. About Mitsis Group As Greece's largest privately-owned hotel chain, MITSIS has been a tourism pioneer for over 45 years now, making its own mark on Greece's tourist industry, driven by a customercentred philosophy and the promise of an unparalleled holiday experience. With 21 city, beach and resort hotels of 4* and 5* and 12 Spa and thalassotherapy centres in our portfolio in Athens, Crete, Kamena Vourla, Kos and Rhodes, we aspire to stand out as the preferred portfolio of hotels & resorts in Greece offering excellent service, great locations, impeccable facilities, sophisticated dining and a broad spectrum of options for our clientele. We bring to life-enriching experiences for our guests, making the most of our unparalleled family touch and genuine Greek essence, always seeking to be flexible and adaptable to individual customer needs and the mindset of new generations. Transforming each visitor into a special guest is the key to our success. For its remarkable performance, MITSIS has been awarded several prizes by local and international tour operators and travel organisations in recognition of the high quality of the services provided, its contribution to upgrading local tourism and its respect for the environment. For more information visit www.mitsis.com. WEST PALM BEACH - 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 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 The International Luxury Hotel Association is luxury hospitality's preeminent association promoting, unifying and advancing the industry through insight, opinion, and research. ILHA reaches an audience of more than 500,000 hotel professionals in 90+ countries and produces LUXURY HOTELIERS Magazine, ILHA SmartBrief and the INSPIRE SUMMITS in Europe and North America. They also run LinkedIn's largest hospitality and travel group, which ranks in the top 100 of the more than 10 million professional groups on LinkedIn. Connect with us on luxuryhotelassociation.org, hospitality and travel forum, ILHA Facebook, ILHA Instagram, ILHA Twitter, ILHA YouTube With more than 50 open hotels and 80 in development, comprising close to 12,000 rooms, IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the worlds leading hotel companies, is set to more than triple its estate in India over the next five years. India remains a key growth engine for IHG and delivered a third consecutive year of record signings in 2025. This momentum supports IHGs ambition to reach more than 400 open and in development hotels within the next five years and reflects strong owner confidence in IHGs brand portfolio and enterprise system. IHG currently has hotels opened or signed across eight brands in India - including Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Garner and Staybridge Suites within luxury, premium and midscale categories forming a strong foundation for its next phase of growth in the market. As part of its continued portfolio expansion, IHG will also debut its Vignette Collection brand in early 2026, to further accelerate its presence in the Luxury & Lifestyle category in India. India is one of IHGs strategic markets globally and a key contributor to our long-term growth ambitions. Strong domestic demand, favourable demographics and the depth of confidence owners express in our brands continue to support our expansion here. With a global portfolio of 20 distinct brands, IHG is strategically expanding its presence in India by introducing more choices to the market. The upcoming debut of Vignette Collection and a strong response to newer brands such as Garner highlight the relevance and flexibility of our portfolio in meeting evolving owner and guest needs. Backed by a robust portfolio of hotels in development, we are well positioned to accelerate growth in India while advancing our broader ambition of building scale across key markets. Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: India remains one of IHGs most active markets, supported by an underpenetrated branded hotel landscape and strong demand across business and leisure segments. The introduction of Vignette Collection and rapid growth of the InterContinental and Crowne Plaza brands strengthens our offering across luxury and premium segments, complementing the strong performance of our mainstream brands such as Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express that anchor our scale in India. With 80 hotels in development and an increasing signing momentum, we remain focused on delivering accelerating growth in the country over the next five years. IHGs essentials portfolio continues to underpin presence in India, supported by consistent demand from business and leisure travel, weekend getaways and experience-led stays across urban centres and resort destinations. Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express together account for over 70% of IHGs operating hotels in India, as well as the majority of its hotel currently in development. Holiday Inn Express ranked #1 for signings in its industry category in Q3 2025 year-to-date, reinforcing its strong position within the segment. The launch of Garner in India in 2025 marked the introduction of IHGs newest mid-scale conversion brand to the market. Signings during the year included Garner Etawah (Uttar Pradesh) and Garner Kathua (Jammu & Kashmir), with additional hotels in Garner Kutch and Garner Bhiwadi recently added to the pipeline. The brands early traction underscores growing owner appetite for efficient, branded essentials offerings, and reinforces IHGs focus on conversion-led growth in India. IHG is also seeing healthy momentum across its premium portfolio. Crowne Plaza continues to grow and now represents around 25% of IHG hotels in development in the region. The opening of Crowne Plaza Lucknow in May 2025 marked a significant milestone as IHGs 50th open hotel in India. The company has also recently debuted the voco brand in India, with signings across cities and leisure destinations including Srinagar, Goa, Gurugram, Mumbai, Amritsar and the first voco opening in Jim Corbett National Park. Luxury & Lifestyle brands represent a growing share of IHGs India pipeline. The InterContinental brand continues to expand across key metros such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, as well as alongside resort destinations including Mahabalipuram, Kasauli and Kodaikanal, supported by high-end leisure demand. IHG has further strengthened its luxury presence with the opening of Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan in 2021, and the addition of Six Senses Vana in 2023. Looking ahead, IHG remains focused on disciplined, portfolio-led expansion in India, supported by strong owner partnerships and conversion opportunities. With a balanced presence across mainstream, premium and luxury brands, the company is well positioned to capture the next phase of growth in Indias hospitality sector. IHG currently has 51 hotels operating across six brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express, and a strong portfolio of 80 hotels in development due to open in the next 3-5 years. About IHG IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Hotel SEO for Beginners: How Independent Hotels can Rank Higher on Google - Image Credit Lighthouse Ever searched for your own hotel on Google and found only Booking.com and Expedia links above you? If guests cant find your website, theyll book elsewhere. And for independent hotels, that often means higher commission and fewer direct bookings. When a traveler is looking for accommodation in your city or region, your hotel should appear front and center in the Google search results. For many independent hoteliers competing against big Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and well-known chains, thats easier said than done. At Lighthouse, we often get asked by owners how they can make their property more visible on Google and attract more website visitors. The good news is, you dont need to be an expert web developer to implement Search Engine Optimization (SEO) or spend obscene amounts on ads (Search Engine Advertising or SEA). In fact, making your hotel website rank higher in search engine results goes beyond SEO strategies and SEA campaigns. Whether youre opening a new property, have just launched your new website or simply want more organic website traffic and direct bookings, this guide lays out the key steps to make your hotel easier to find for potential guests. Discover achievable hotel SEO strategies and other practical tips that you can start applying today. Key takeaways Claim and fully optimize your hotels Google Business profile. Show real-time rates, availability and booking links on Google Hotel Search. Collect, manage and respond to guest reviews consistently. Make sure your website adapts to mobile devices, offers user-friendly navigation and matches search intent. Strengthen local SEO with destination content and partnerships. List your hotel on a variety of platforms and keep details consistent everywhere. Stay active with fresh website content, photos and videos. Why online visibility matters for independent hotels Imagine youre planning an upcoming trip. Where do you start? You might have a dream travel destination on your bucket list, but maybe you havent decided on the exact location yet. Or perhaps you dont really know where to go, but youre looking for a specific experience instead. Before travelers are ready to book their accommodation, theyre usually researching destinations. For hotel owners, this early stage in the booking process is crucial to consider. You dont just want travelers to choose your property, you want them to choose your destination first, before they even start looking for a hotel, B&B or holiday home. In a lot of cases nowadays, the travel planning and booking process starts on a search engine like Google. This creates an immense opportunity for you to secure direct bookings, if your website appears high enough in the search results ideally on the first page. The better your hotels search engine rankings, the more potential guests you can reach and convince. Optimize your hotels Google Business Profile Regardless of the size of your property, a complete and well-maintained Google Business Profile for your hotel is a must to be found easily on Google Search and Maps. If you havent yet, claim or create your profile and verify your business details. Pay special attention to your hotels name, address and phone number. These need to be formatted identically on every channel and listing to signal trust to both search engine crawlers and potential guests. Next, complete your profile and keep it updated: Select the category that fits your accommodation type the best: hotel, motel, hostel, bed and breakfast, inn, Ensure practical info like opening hours and contact details are always accurate and consistent with your other channels. Write a clear, detailed description that is both accurate and compelling. Include location-specific phrases guests typically search for (for example boutique hotel in central Lyon). List all amenities and services you offer (WiFi, parking, breakfast, ). Highlight any attributes that set you apart (for example pet-friendly hotel, contactless check-in, rooftop bar). Upload high-quality photos and videos of your property, rooms, amenities and places of interest nearby. Once youve completed your hotels Google listing, it will appear on Maps and Search, and you can react to guest reviews and photos. Drive sales with booking links on Google Hotels Google Hotels is not an OTA (Online Travel Agency) but a metasearch platform, which means it refers users to other sites to complete the booking. To drive reservations through Google, your real-time rates and availability on different channels need to be sent to the platform. This integration is possible with a Google-certified connectivity partner: either a channel manager, booking engine, Central Reservation System (CRS) or Property Management System (PMS). In order to compete with OTAs and reduce commissions, you should also add a direct booking link through a compatible website booking engine. This allows your direct rates, availability and booking link to appear alongside OTAs in Googles hotel search modules, allowing travelers to easily book direct and giving you a fair chance to get hotel bookings without paying commission. Reach out to your current hotel software provider to help you with the technical setup. Actively collect and manage reviews for your hotel Its not just travelers who rely on online reviews. Googles algorithms use review scores, volume and recency as key ranking signals. In simple terms: hotels with more recent, detailed and well-managed reviews tend to appear more often and rank higher in search results. Consistent review management is essential to your hotels success, helping you become more visible on Google and convince travelers to book. Heres how to do it effectively: The timing matters: Ask each guest to leave a review during check-out or right after in person, via email and/or a messaging app like WhatsApp. Offer options and make it super easy: Send guests a direct Google review link, place a scannable QR code that links straight to the right web page in the room and provide one at your front desk or check-out area. Optimize the message: Avoid generic templates, but make it personal and show clients you care about improving their experience. Encourage guests to include details about the location, breakfast, room and services. These simple prompts also give them some guidance and inspiration on what to write, removing another potential barrier. Respond to every review: Replying to reviews shows both Google and potential guests that youre active and attentive. Thank guests for their feedback and respond calmly and professionally to negative comments. Sometimes, how you handle feedback matters more than the rating itself. For more tips on how to increase and improve your reviews, check out our full guide on reputation management for hotels. Apply key SEO strategies to your hotel website Your hotel website doesnt need flashy features, but it does need to meet Googles basic expectations. Google is more likely to show hotel websites that are fast-loading, easy to navigate and relevant to users real search intent. Focus on the SEO fundamentals first and build from there: Google tracks bounce rates, page speed and how users interact with your site. If visitors leave the page immediately (bounce) or need to hunt for information, your keyword rankings can suffer. For an optimal user experience, your website should be mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, load quickly and clearly show how to book with eye-catching Book now buttons. Use internal links in a logical way to make it easier for Google and visitors to understand your website structure. Use important, location-specific keywords in your page titles (headings), meta descriptions and other website content. Keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs or SemRush can help you discover phrases travelers actually search for. Aim for a good mix of short-tail (hotel Munich) and long-tail keywords (family hotel near Munich central station). Avoid vague descriptions or simply listing characteristics, amenities and services. Go into detail and explain the benefits, for example what makes your breakfast special or your location convenient. Add schema markup for hotels to your website. This is a form of structured data a small piece of code that helps Google better understand your hotel and show extra details, so-called rich snippets, like prices or star ratings in search results. Some of these tactics also help you appear in AI-generated answers. Learn more about optimizing your hotel website for AI search engines here. A well-optimized website doesnt just rank better, but converts more visitors into direct bookers. Use local SEO to win high-intent local searches Local SEO is what helps your hotel appear when travelers search for accommodation in a specific area, for example within Google Maps. It puts you in front of a high-intent audience: guests who are ready to book. To strengthen your local SEO: Publish engaging content tied to your destination. Cater to different interests guests might have, by writing about nearby attractions, events and experiences or sharing dining recommendations and travel tips. Articles like Where to eat near our hotel or Best kid-friendly walks around [your town] attract travelers early in their planning phase. Build local partnerships online. Partner with nearby restaurants, tour operators or event venues, asking them to mention and link to your hotel on their website. These local mentions signal relevance and trust to Google. Looking for more visibility-boosting tactics? Discover our in-depth guide on local SEO for hotels. Expand your hotels online presence beyond your website In order for your hotel to be easily found on Google, you need more than a website. Google cross-checks information across different sources to determine how relevant and trustworthy your hotel is. Expand your online presence by getting your property featured on as many reliable channels as possible, with backlinks to your website: Booking platforms (OTAs) Metasearch platforms like TripAdvisor Local tourism or destination websites City or regional hotel associations Social media platforms Online forums Public social posts and threads on popular forums can appear in Google search results. Encourage guests to tag your official account and location on Instagram or other platforms. You can even spark conversations on platforms like Reddit when relevant. Both types of channels are important sources of information and inspiration in travelers booking journey. The key rule here is accuracy. Keep your details consistent everywhere to avoid confusing both Google and potential guests. Refresh your hotel website regularly Google favors websites that show activity. A site that hasnt changed in years can slowly lose visibility, even if the information is still correct. Dont just keep practical info up to date, but regularly refresh photos and create quality content. Small updates can already make a difference: Refresh photos regularly, especially room and exterior images Update seasonal content, packages or local recommendations Publish testimonials from guests, travel directories and things to do articles Upload short videos to showcase rooms, views, food If you want more tips on hotel SEO and content marketing, explore our guide on how to apply marketing tactics on your hotel website. Ready to turn visibility into direct bookings? Your SEO performance makes up an important part of your hotel marketing strategy. However, being visible on Google is only the first step. For your SEO efforts and other digital marketing tactics to truly pay off, travelers need to see accurate rates, book easily and prefer your direct channel over an OTA. Lighthouse helps independent hotels achieve exactly that, with one simple platform that connects pricing, distribution, direct bookings and payments. Explore our complete solution and see how Lighthouse can help your hotel get found and booked, all while saving time. Rather hear it from fellow hotel owners? Discover what they think about our platform for independent hotels. Laure Cremers Laure Cremers is a content specialist at Lighthouse with a focus on hospitality technology for independent hoteliers and B&B owners. Passionate about spotting new trends in the industry, Laure simply loves translating insights into actionable tips for hospitality professionals to boost their efficiency and profitability. About Lighthouse Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight) is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways. Trusted by over 65,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners - their success is our success. This article originally appeared on Lighthouse. IHG Plans to Expand India Portfolio to Over 400 Hotels in Five Years IHG Hotels & Resorts aims to increase its presence in India to over 400 open and in-development hotels within five years, following record signings in 2025 and the introduction of new brands to the market. IHG Hotels & Resorts reported on January 16, 2026, that it plans to expand its India portfolio to more than 400 open and pipeline hotels within the next five years. The company currently has more than 50 open hotels and 80 in development, totaling close to 12,000 rooms. IHG stated that India delivered a third consecutive year of record signings in 2025. The companys current portfolio in India includes hotels across eight brands: Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Garner, and Staybridge Suites. These brands cover luxury, premium, and midscale segments. In 2025, IHG introduced its new mainstream brand, Garner, to the Indian market. Signings for Garner during the year included properties in Etawah (Uttar Pradesh) and Kathua (Jammu & Kashmir), with additional hotels in Kutch and Bhiwadi added to the pipeline. The company also announced that it will debut its Vignette Collection brand in India in early 2026. Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express represent more than 70% of IHGs operating hotels in India and account for the majority of its hotels currently in development. Holiday Inn Express ranked first for signings in its industry category in the first three quarters of 2025. IHGs premium portfolio in India continues to expand, with Crowne Plaza representing about 25% of the companys hotels in development in the region. The opening of Crowne Plaza Lucknow in May 2025 marked IHGs 50th open hotel in India. The voco brand has also been introduced in India, with signings in Srinagar, Goa, Gurugram, Mumbai, Amritsar, and the first voco opening in Jim Corbett National Park. The companys luxury and lifestyle brands are increasing their share of the India pipeline. The InterContinental brand is expanding in cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad, as well as resort destinations including Mahabalipuram, Kasauli, and Kodaikanal. Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan opened in 2021, and Six Senses Vana was added in 2023. As of January 2026, IHG operates 51 hotels across six brands in India and has a pipeline of 80 hotels scheduled to open in the next three to five years. The companys expansion strategy in India focuses on conversion opportunities and maintains a balanced presence across mainstream, premium, and luxury segments. Horst Schulze speaking at the International Luxury Hotel Association conference - Image Credit ILHA The International Luxury Hotel Association's INSPIRE Las Vegas conference focused on technology integration, investment trends, and evolving guest expectations in the luxury hospitality sector. The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) held its INSPIRE Las Vegas conference, bringing together industry leaders to discuss current trends and challenges in luxury hospitality. The event addressed the integration of technology, capital investment strategies, and shifting consumer preferences. The conference opened with a session featuring Horst Schulze, who discussed the importance of maintaining human connection in luxury hospitality. Schulze emphasized practices such as empowering employees to resolve guest issues immediately and focusing on guest care rather than commoditization. A session titled "Boardroom Perspectives: Turning Headwinds into Opportunity" examined the state of investment in luxury hospitality. Panelists noted that luxury assets continue to outperform other asset classes globally, with branded residential components becoming a standard feature in new developments. The discussion also addressed rising construction costs, with ultra-luxury projects exceeding $5 million per key, and the appeal of "trophy assets" in iconic locations. Technology was a recurring theme throughout the conference. In "Beyond Human Hours: How AI Employees Are Transforming Hotel Profitability," speakers discussed the use of AI-driven digital employees to automate tasks such as chargeback processing, commission audits, and no-show fee collection. The session highlighted that automation allows staff to focus more on guest experience. Another session, "Insights for Improvement: Turning Hospitality Data Into Better Guest Experiences, Smarter Operations, and Stronger Sales," featured examples of digital concierge services. Resorts World Las Vegas reported that its digital concierge handled over 259,000 guest requests in the past year, with half completed without human intervention. Panelists discussed the importance of guest choice between technology and personal service, as well as the use of data to personalize guest experiences. The session "Intelligent Luxury: Redefining Guest Experience Through Smart Tech," led by Honeywell, focused on secure and intelligent systems such as Zero Trust networks and Small Language Models. The discussion covered guest privacy, personalization, and operational efficiency. Encore provided audiovisual production and event management for the conference, including stage design and content delivery formats such as podcast and TV studio-style environments. Additional sessions addressed topics such as margin intelligence, wellness, and changing guest expectations. Panels discussed strategies for managing slower revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth, the role of wellness and personalized health programs, and the use of digital storytelling and social media to engage guests. Networking events, including the President's Dinner and Sips & Serenity hosted by Avendra International, provided opportunities for industry professionals to connect. The conference was supported by a range of partners contributing to content, production, and hospitality. The Pittsfield Police Department's grant administrator Margaret Gregory-Bilotta and Elizabeth Freeman Center Executive Director Divya Chaturvedi speak on the domestic violence grant received through the department. Pittsfield Accepts Grant for Domestic Violence Services PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Pittsfield Police Department received more than $66,000 from the state to assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in collaboration with the Elizabeth Freeman Center. On Tuesday, the City Council accepted a $66,826.52 Violence Against Women's Act STOP Grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The longtime Civilian Advocate Program is described as "the critical bridge between victims and law enforcement." "The Civilian Advocate Program brings law enforcement and victim services together to reach survivors sooner and respond more effectively to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Through a collaboration between the Pittsfield Police Department and Elizabeth Freeman Center, this program bridges critical service gaps in our rural community, increasing safety and recovery for victims," the program summary reads. Founded in 2009, the program focuses on creating an integrated and trauma-informed response, ensuring access that meets the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations, cross-training, and making a community impact. The Freeman Center has received more than 3,500 hotline calls in fiscal year 2025 and served nearly 950 Pittsfield survivors. In the past year, 135 clients came through the program, but there was limited capacity and reach, with only part-time hours for the civilian advocate. According to court reports, Berkshire County's rate of protection order filings is 42 percent higher than the state average. "Violence against women is an incredibly important topic, and when you read through the packet, it highlights that here in Berkshire County, our protection rates are 40 percent higher than the national rate," Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said. Divya Chaturvedi, executive director of the Freeman Center, said there is a "crying need" for these services in Berkshire County. Chaturvedi explained that the center and PPD have had a long relationship in serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The grant will allow a trauma-informed EFC counselor to provide victims with resources, as well as a coordinated and comprehensive response from the two entities, she said. Lampiasi pointed out that the grant language focuses on women, and cited federal orders that transpired over the last year from the Trump administration, asking if the program could continue if federal dollars were cut. The North Berkshire School Union Committee spent nearly 2 1/2 hours last week discussing a proposal by Clarksburg to change their assessment structure and interviewing a new business administrator. NBSU Committee Open to Discussing Apportionment Changes CLARKSBURG, Mass. Clarksburg's partners in the North Berkshire School Union agreed to take a look at the assessment structure for the union's administration and the union agreement. Town and school officials have questioned Clarksburg's share of administration costs, which is now more than 50 percent. Select Board Chair Daniel Haskins presented the "super" NBSU School Committee last week with a proposal of a base contribution of 10 percent for each district except for Monroe, which would be 5 percent, and then a ratio based on enrollment. "Over my four years on the Select Board, I've observed a steady increase in presented percentage that Clarksburg contributes to the North Berkshire School Union as our student enrollment has grown," he said. "The reason behind this proposed adjustment is straightforward: The North Berkshire School Union provides services for all member towns. These include oversight of the principals, management of school facilities, food services and special education programs." He also pointed to the state reporting and reviews, preparation of school budgets, and meeting attendance. "For example, the union is not attending five times as many school committee meetings for Clarksburg as it is for Savoy, nor is it overseeing three additional principals for Florida," he said. "While I fully acknowledge that the NBSU staff does spend more time on Clarksburg-related matters than those of the smaller towns, it is worth asking whether the current ratios accurately reflect the difference." The five towns of Clarksburg, Florida, Monroe, Rowe and Savoy share the services of central office that includes the superintendent, assistant/special education director, information technology director, business administrator, support staff, supplies and rent and utilities for the space in North Adams. Of the five, Clarksburg is the largest and central office leans on its financial officers for managing payrolls, insurance and employee benefits. Haskins said the Select Board understood that a decrease in Clarksburg's share would mean an increase in the other towns' contribution, but hoped they could "work collaboratively towards a fair and sustainable solution." The members of the NBSU committee questioned Haskin's proposal but were open to looking at adjustments in the agreement. Judy Oleson, longtime member of the Florida School Committee, said the union was created so the schools could hire good specialists and professionals and share them in a way that the towns couldn't do separately. "I understand your bringing this up, and I'm glad you did, because it's time, every once in a while, we stand and look at this," she said. Smaller school representatives noted that they didn't have the same apportionment of needs that Clarksburg has. "For example, Savoy, as a small school, we don't have the same needs on all of the line items as Clarksburg," said Savoy Chair Arleigh Cooper, who added she was not speaking on her committee's behalf. "I would always reference Clarksburg and Florida, because there's a larger two compared to Savoy." Savoy has an enrollment of 42, Clarksburg around 200. So Clarksburg uses more time with the business administrator because it has more employees, she said. Superintendent John Franzoni said the amount of time the staff spend in the schools and towns can vary. For example, Rowe has the "most active" Finance Committee, requiring multiple meetings, while Savoy does a joint board meeting, and Monroe barely at all. In terms of special education and paraprofessionals, the districts are charged based on the amount of time they spend in each school. But, he noted, the trend has been a decline in enrollment in the smaller schools while Clarksburg has been trending in the opposite direction. Cooper asked where the 10 percent base proposal came from; Haskins said the board had tried to figure out a model to set a "buy-in" for the towns that also recognized Monroe does not have a school building (it sends its children to Rowe.) A 10-percent "base" would mean a big jump in costs for Savoy, Cooper said. "I do see where you're like, alright, there does need to be some sort of adjustment, and I would love to be able to work together to figure out what that could be." Assistant Superintendent Tara Barnes, who has been doing double duty on the school union's finances, did a rough estimate of the towns' share of the $520,000 in shared expenses using Clarksburg's proposal. Savoy would jump around $24,000 to $25,000, Florida by $9,000, Rowe by $19,000 and Monroe $14,000. Clarksburg hopes to save around $70,000. The superintendent said he had spoken with union's attorney, Adam Dupree, who recommended an ad hoc committee to review the agreement which is now seven or eight years old. Clarksburg and Florida have also asked for a review of the voting structure to one that better represents the five districts. The super committee is currently made up of all the school committee members of all the towns, creating a 15-member board. The smaller schools were not as welcoming to that proposal, which would give more weight to Clarksburg and Florida. Oleson asked for an itemized list of the costs to operate central office and what is paid based on each school and Cooper asked Barnes to run the numbers for a 5 percent base, with Monroe at 2.5 percent. In other business, the committee offered the post of business administrator to Jordan Rennell. Rennell is a speech pathologist and director of summer programming, but in her interview she noted the nearly $1 million in grants she has worked on, including the $64,000 Feigenbaum Foundation grant for new playground equipment, and her love and loyalty to Clarksburg. "I really did some soul searching about this position, because I do have a love for students and families and teaching and really being creative in education. In collaboration with some of our admin, they said, 'think about all the grants you've written and think about all the money that you've brought to this program,'" she said. "I really feel strongly about being people-oriented and transparent, clearly with each other, and having a strategic approach to the school operations." Rennell is four courses away from obtaining her master's in education and believed that she could obtain the business administrator certification in 30 months. The committee spent some time debating a salary proposal, noting Rennell did not have a financial background but also the difficulty the union's had in getting a business administrator. They determined to offer a prorated salary of $87,600 effective Feb. 1, with a three-year contract contingent upon Rennell obtaining her certification, at which time she will get a bonus. The contract is expected to be finalized on Tuesday. 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 A new strategic partnership between China and Canada could set both nations up for the new world order, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said during a historic trip to Beijing for trade talks. Mr Carney arrived in Beijing on Wednesday night for a four-day visit designed to repair ties between the two nations as Canada hopes to firm up relations with countries other than the US. Its the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade. "The world has changed much since that last visit. I believe the progress that we have made in the partnership sets us up well for the new world order, Mr Carney said. He told Chinese president Xi Jinping: Well deliver stability, security and prosperity for people on both sides. It is important to start this new strategic partnership at a time of division, Mr Carney told Mr Xi, calling for focus on areas that can bring historic gains for both, such as agriculture, agri-food, energy, and finance. President Xi hailed a turnaround of ties between both nations, which he said was achieved since he met Mr Carney at the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea late last year. Carney meets chair of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress of China Zhao Leji, during the first visit by a Canadian PM to China since 2017 at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, on Thursday ( Reuters ) Mr Xi said he was also pleased with the months of cooperation between the two countries across various fields. The healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations is conducive to world peace, stability, development, and prosperity, Mr Xi told the visiting prime minister. Following a meeting between two leaders, Mr Carney announced that Canada expects China to lower canola tariffs to 15 per cent by 1 March. Ottawa, in return, will allow 49,000 Chinese EVs into the Canadian market. It has been a historic and productive two days, Mr Carney said, delivering a statement to journalists outside a Beijing park Friday afternoon. He added that Canada's relationship with China was "more predictable", when asked to compare the countrys ties with the US. However, his comment about a new world order was met with criticism from some, including Canadian MP, Blaine Calkins. Mr Calkins posted on X: Mark Carney is talking to the communist human rights abusing PRC regime about a "new world order"... WHAT on earth is he talking about? I didn't recognize Canada when Trudeau was the Prime Minister. I didn't think things could get any worse. Mr Carney clarified: The world is still determining what that order is going to be. The multilateral system that has been developing these has been eroded, to use a polite term, or undercut. "Like-minded countries" may start to form coalitions to collaborate on various aspects, the prime minister said. "The expectation is that, rather than being developed through multilateral organisations like the International Monetary Fund or World Trade Organisation, it's going to be coalitions for sub-sectors of the world." Canada has long been one of Washingtons closest allies, geographically and otherwise. But Beijing is hoping that president Donald Trumps economic and military aggression against other countries will erode that longstanding relationship. Mr 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. Mr Trump has hit Canada with tariffs on its exports to the US and suggested the vast, resource-rich country could become Americas 51st state. More than 75 per cent of Canadas exports go to the US, and its fraught ties with Washington have pushed Mr Carney to set a goal of reducing that reliance by doubling the countrys exports to other countries over the next decade. The downturn in China and Canadas relations started with the arrest of a Chinese tech executive in late 2018 at American request and was fuelled more recently by the government of former premier Justin Trudeau, which decided in 2024 to follow then US president Joe Bidens lead in imposing a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles. China retaliated for both that and a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium with its own tariffs on Canadian exports, including canola, seafood and pork. Following the tariff row, Chinas imports from Canada fell 10.4 per cent last year to $41.7bn, according to Chinese trade data. He also held meetings on 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. Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand, who is accompanying Mr 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. The Canadian prime minister is expected to speak to reporters in Beijing later on Friday. 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 A large fire tore through a densely packed settlement of makeshift homes in South Koreas affluent Gangnam district early on Friday, forcing the evacuation of dozens of residents. The blaze broke out shortly after 5am local time in Guryong village, one of Seouls most fire-prone neighbourhoods and often described as last remaining shantytown in the capital. Fire authorities said no injuries were reported, but over 250 residents were evacuated as flames spread rapidly through the settlement. Temporary shelters were set up at nearby schools and accommodation was arranged at local hotels. The fire was brought under control and fully extinguished about eight hours later, fire officials said. "We are relieved that we were able to extinguish the fire without any casualties," the official said in a statement from the National Fire Agency. Nearly 300 firefighters were deployed to the scene, according to a fire official at the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters, as crews worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby forested areas. The alert level was raised to the second-highest category amid concerns the blaze could reach a neighbouring mountain. open image in gallery Smoke rises from a fire in the Guryong village shantytown, Seoul's largest informal settlement, in Seoul ( YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images ) Public broadcaster NHK and local television footage showed thick black smoke rising over southern Seoul as elderly residents wearing face masks fled the area. One resident, Kim Ok-im, 69, told Reuters she had lived in the village for nearly three decades where several disasters have struck. I was asleep until a neighbour called saying there was a fire. I ran out and saw the flames already spreading, she said. A few years ago, a flood swept everything away, and now it feels like fire will take the rest. Fire officials said helicopters could not be deployed due to haze and fine dust blanketing the city, forcing crews to rely on ground operations. A total of 85 fire engines were sent to the scene. South Koreas interior and safety minister, Yun Ho-jung, ordered authorities to mobilise all available personnel and equipment to focus fully on rescuing lives and extinguishing the fire, according to Yonhap News Agency. open image in gallery Firefighters battle a fire in the Guryong village shantytown, Seoul's largest informal settlement, in Seoul ( YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images ) The fire originated in a vacant home in the village and later spread to adjacent areas, according to updates from the National Fire Agency. Smoke from the fire drifted into neighbouring districts, prompting officials to advise residents to keep windows closed and wear masks outdoors. Guryong village lies in the shadow of luxury high-rises in Gangnam and is slated for redevelopment, but hundreds of households remain. The tightly packed homes, often built from vinyl sheets, plywood and Styrofoam, are considered highly vulnerable to fires, according to previous fire department assessments. Authorities said an investigation into the cause and damage would begin once the site was fully secured. 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 Hong Kong police confirmed that 168 people died in the massive fire that tore through an apartment complex in the city last November, bringing the identification process to a close. Police said on Thursday that forensic examinations of all the remains recovered from the site in Tai Po district had been completed, allowing authorities to confirm the final death toll. All remains and bodies from the incident have been identified with nobody unaccounted for," security secretary Chris Tang said. The updated figure is seven higher than previously announced. The victims ranged in age from six months to 98 years. They included one firefighter, five construction workers, two interior decorators, and 10 foreign domestic helpers (nine Indonesians and one Filipina), police said. Fifty-eight of the victims were male and 110 female, according to police. Authorities said the identities of the deceased would not be released at this stage, citing the wishes of bereaved families. Wong, 71, reacts after saying his wife is trapped inside the Wang Fuk Court complex during a major fire in Hong Kong, China ( REUTERS ) The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex built in the 1980s in the northeast of Hong Kong. Home to around 4,600 residents, the estate had a high proportion of elderly people, with nearly 40 per cent aged 65 or above, according to census data cited by the BBC. Thousands of firefighters were deployed to battle the blaze, which burned for over a day. One firefighter, 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, died during the operation. Four victims were pronounced dead after being taken to hospital while the remaining 164 bodies were recovered at the scene. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Officials previously said that a protective mesh installed during renovation work didnt meet fire safety standards, and likely allowed the flames to spread rapidly. Fire alarms at the complex were also reportedly faulty, according to the Japanese broadcaster NHK. Hong Kong leader John Lee said earlier this week that more than 30 people had been arrested so far on suspicion of manslaughter, fraud, and corruption. In the wake of the tragedy, the city government formed an independent committee to investigate the fire. The key task now is to determine the precise cause of the tragedy and tighten supervision to prevent a similar occurrence. 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 Taiwan has reached a new trade agreement with the United States that lowers tariffs on its exports, a deal welcomed in Taipei and criticised by Beijing. Its premier hailed the deal signed on Friday as the best tariff deal enjoyed by countries with trade surpluses with Washington. The agreement cuts US tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15 per cent in exchange for $250bn in new investments in the US tech industry. It is comparable to deals with the European Union and Japan worked out after president Donald Trump proposed sweeping tariffs for many US trading partners. For the time being, we obtained the best tariff deal enjoyed by the countries with trade surplus with the US," said Taiwan premier Cho Jung-tai. "This also shows that the US sees Taiwan as an important strategic partner. Our goal is to lower mutual tariffs Mr Cho said. Therefore, according to the results of the negotiations, Taiwan has successfully obtained 15 per cent in tariffs with no added fees. This is the same tariff imposed on Japan, Korea and the European Union. open image in gallery Flags of Taiwan are seen on a bridge in Taipei on 18 December 2025 ( AFP/Getty Images ) Mr Trump initially set the tariff at 32 per cent on Taiwanese goods but later changed it to 20 per cent. China claims independently governed Taiwan as its territory, and in Beijing, a foreign ministry spokesperson slammed the agreement when asked at a routine news briefing. China always firmly opposes countries having diplomatic relations with China and Chinas Taiwan region signing any agreement that carries sovereign connotations and an official nature with Chinas Taiwan region, said Guo Jiakun. The US Department of Commerce said the deal with Taiwan would establish an economic partnership to create several world-class US-based industrial parks to help increase domestic manufacturing. It's a historic trade deal that will drive a massive reshoring of Americas semiconductor sector, the department said in a statement. Mr Cho said Taiwan had secured 15 per cent tariffs with no additional fees for the automotive and wood furniture industries, and no tariffs for some components used in the aerospace industry. The agreement must be ratified by Taiwans parliament, where opposition lawmakers have expressed concern about the potential impact on the island's domestic semiconductor industry. It coincided with an announcement by Taiwan-based TSMC, the worlds largest computer chip maker, that it plans to increase its capital spending by as much as nearly 40 per cent this year. It reported a 35 per cent jump in its net profit for the latest quarter thanks to the boom in artificial intelligence. TSMC has pledged around $165bn of investments in the US and said its speeding up construction of new plants in Arizona, looking to create a fabrication plant cluster and meet strong demand from clients. open image in gallery Logo of TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) during the Taiwan Innotech Expo at the World Trade Center in Taipei, Taiwan ( AP ) The Commerce Department said that Taiwanese semiconductor producers that invest in the US will get favourable tariff treatment, including exemptions. Ryan Majerus, a trade official in Mr Trumps first administration and in former president Joe Bidens, said the agreements timing is interesting. The Supreme Court has yet to rule on the legality of Mr Trumps most sweeping tariffs, which he has used to strong-arm concessions out of other US trading partners. The justices could strike down the tariffs as early as this month. But Taiwan, facing ongoing threats from China, was eager to reach a deal and strengthen relations with the United States anyway. Wanting to solidify things with the US probably played a big role here, said Mr Majerus. 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 An Air India flight to New York was grounded after it sucked in a baggage container while taxiing at the Delhi airport, the airline said. The incident on Wednesday involved Flight AI101, which had returned to Indias national capital earlier in the day after the closure of Iranian airspace due to ongoing protests in the country forced a change in its planned route. Iran is a key corridor for long-haul flights between India and North America. The aircraft, operated by an Airbus A350, was carrying more than 250 passengers. The airline said it found that one of its engines was damaged as it landed back in the capital. 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, an Air India spokesperson said. The airline said the aircraft was safely positioned at the designated parking stand and that all passengers and crew were unharmed. The aircraft has been grounded for a detailed inspection and repairs, which may lead to disruptions on some A350 routes. Air India said it was arranging alternative travel 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, the spokesperson added. FILE PHOTO: An Air India aircraft flies low as it prepares to land in Mumbai, India, 22 October 2025 ( Reuters ) The engine damage occurred during taxiing a phase of flight where aircraft engines operate at low speeds but still generate powerful suction. Foreign object ingestion, particularly of ground equipment such as baggage containers, can lead to blade damage or internal stress that is not always immediately visible, requiring detailed inspections. Low-visibility conditions such as dense fog can also increase the risk of such incidents, placing greater responsibility on ground-handling teams to ensure that equipment is properly secured and cleared from aircraft movement areas. Indias aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has launched an investigation to determine how the baggage container came to be in the aircrafts path during taxiing. Irans sudden airspace closure disrupted several westbound flights from India, forcing airlines to decide mid-flight whether rerouting was operationally feasible. Other Air India services to Newark and New York were cancelled due to the same disruption. The unrest in Iran started with protests over soaring prices before turning into one of the biggest challenges to the clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The US-based HRANA rights group says it has so far verified the deaths of 2,435 protesters and 153 government-affiliated individuals. US president Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene on behalf of protesters in Iran, where the clerical establishment has cracked down hard on nationwide unrest since 28 December. 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 Aung San Suu Kyi lived a quiet life in the UK, far removed from Myanmars fraught politics, raising two children with her husband. She had no intention of getting into politics even when she returned to her country in 1988 to care for her dying mother. It was only after witnessing the bloody suppression of mass protests by her countrys military rulers that she realised she could not remain on the sidelines. A year later, in the summer of 1989, she was first arrested by the military government. It was the beginning of a cycle of imprisonments, house arrests and periods of release that would come to define her life. This week saw Suu Kyi reach a grim milestone a total of 20 years spent in detention in Myanmar. Her repeated incarcerations, from that first house arrest to her current situation of deep uncertainty, are a testament to the armys determination to retain control of the country at any cost. My mother has spent a cumulative 20 years in military detention for her commitment to a democratic and prosperous Burma, her son Kim Aris says, using the name for the country that predates the military governments unilateral decision in 1989 to switch it to Myanmar. Today, at 80 years old, she remains in prison, in total isolation, buried alive in a system devoid of transparency and justice. Guided by her philosophy of peace and practical steps towards reconciliation, shes the only figure with the moral authority and popular mandate to bridge the nations divides, Aris tells The Independent. The military junta must release her as a first step to bringing back peace in Burma. The military has seen Suu Kyi, daughter of modern Myanmars founding father Aung San, as a threat to its power since she first entered politics. It was during her first detention that Suu Kyi became a global symbol of peaceful resistance. In 1991, while still under house arrest, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights in the Southeast Asian nation. open image in gallery A protester holds a poster with a picture of Aung San Suu Kyi during a candlelight vigil to honour people killed during demonstrations against the military coup in Yangon on 13 March 2021 ( AFP via Getty ) Such was Suu Kyis widespread appeal that despite her isolation, her party, the National League for Democracy, won a landslide victory in the 1990 general election a result the military refused to honour. Suu Kyi was released from house arrest in 1995, but her movement outside Yangon remained restricted. She was arrested again in September 2000 after attempting to travel outside Yangon to meet supporters and was held under house arrest for around 20 months. In May 2003, following an attack at Depayin which saw a pro-military mob ambush her convoy, Suu Kyi spent more than seven years in confinement, including an extended term in 2009 after an American man swam to her lakeside home. She was let out after the 2010 election. Her most recent detention began in February 2021, when the military overthrew her government in a coup and the country descended into a deadly civil war. She has not been heard from in public since. Suu Kyi was ousted after her party secured a landslide election victory. The episode, as well as the collapse in international support that emboldened the military to consolidate its power, features in a documentary by The Independent released in late 2024. open image in gallery Independent candidate Sandar Min, former parliament member from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party, shows off her inked finger after casting her vote at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, on 11 January ( AP ) The same generals are now holding elections that analysts say are designed to cement military rule through proxy parties, after purging their only serious rival Suu Kyis party from the political arena. In the November 2020 elections, the NLD had secured 82 per cent of the contested seats, comfortably defeating the Union Solidarity and Development Party backed by the military. A major turning point in Suu Kyis political career came in 2017, when Myanmars military launched a brutal crackdown against the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. Her global standing as a human rights defender was severely damaged when she not only failed to condemn the operation which led to mass killings and displacement of over 700,000 Rohingya but even defended the military against charges of genocide. Suu Kyi stood before the International Court of Justice at The Hague in 2019 and argued the allegations against the military presented an incomplete and misleading factual picture and instead accused the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, an ethnic militia, of triggering what she described as an internal conflict. Six years later, the court convened this week to hear a landmark case brought by the Gambia in 2019, alleging that Myanmars military deliberately targeted the minority Muslim community. The Independent visited one of the largest Rohingya refugee camps in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh, and heard testimonies of the communitys continuing persecution in Myanmar. Some spoke of their changing views of Suu Kyi, saying that she was a victim of the military like them. Detention Key details 1989-1995 First imprisonment following her emergence as leader of the pro-democracy movement; awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 while still under detention. 20002002 Rearrested after attempting to travel outside Yangon to meet supporters and held for around 20 months. 20032010 Detained after her convoy was ambushed by a pro-military mob in Depayin; detention extended in 2009 after an American man swam to her home. 2021 Arrested following the military coup that overthrew her government; initially held under house arrest and later transferred to a military prison in Nay Pyi Taw. Unlike her previous incarcerations, the situation today is more critical. Almost nothing is known about the state of her health or the conditions in which she is held, though she is thought to be detained in a military prison in the capital Naypyidaw. For all I know she could be dead, Aris said recently. The ruling junta insists that Suu Kyi is in good health. Shes devoted almost 40 years to her countrys struggle for democracy, spending half that time in detention. The military regime has plunged the country into an escalating conflict with dire humanitarian and human rights consequences, for which it must be held accountable. Its sham elections, which are designed solely to legitimise and rebrand the dictatorship, are not the answer, says Benedict Rogers, senior director at Fortify Rights and author of three books on Myanmar. The release of Ms Suu Kyi, all political prisoners, and an end to attacks on civilians are vital first steps if Myanmar is to move forward from this horrific cycle of repression and war. open image in gallery A Rohingya girl sells goods at her stall at a refugee camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, on 21 November 2025 ( AP ) Her son previously told The Independent his mother was suffering from a worsening heart condition. Its deeply distressing to have heard my mothers health has taken a turn for the worse. She has had ongoing heart complications, which have undoubtedly been exacerbated by the conditions under which she is being held, Aris says. She needs to see, and has asked to see, a cardiologist from outside the prison. I have no way of knowing if this has been granted. The National Unity Government, the government-in-exile composed of pro-democracy and anti-junta groups, said the fact that Suu Kyi had spent 20 years in prison was a profound injustice that we feel with a heavy heart every single day. Its a deliberate, slow-motion act of cruelty by a terrorist military that fears her influence even from behind bars. Issuing a call for global action, the government-in-exile said they didnt just want concern from the international community but concrete measures to secure her release. Her release, along with the release of over 20,000 other political prisoners, is a non-negotiable step towards ending this conflict. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Horses can smell fear in humans, scientists have found in a discovery that suggests emotions are contagious between both species. The researchers predict their new findings will affect riders and trainers as well as anyone else who works with horses, warning that humans should be aware of the emotional impact they can have, as people are closely connected with animals. In the study, horses smelled body odour from people watching scary videos and then from those engaging with joyful footage. The animals were found to be more jumpy, have increased heart rates and be less interactive with their handlers after smelling sweat from the former group. If the research holds up in the future, then this suggests fear between humans and horses is contagious. The scientists say the contagious nature of fear could have developed for animals to warn each other of danger, even across different species. Dr Lea Lansade, of the University of Tours in France, told The Guardian: This study shows how closely connected animals and humans are. Unconsciously, we can transmit our emotions to animals, with quite important effects on their own emotions in return. open image in gallery Studies suggest there is growing evidence that emotional signals can cross species boundaries ( Getty ) Smell is among the most common and primitive senses used to communicate, with people picking up on the cocktail of compounds that make up fear in others sweat, even if this is not conscious. However, this research has made the unusual move of focusing on scent signals crossing species barriers. Writing in the journal Plos One, researchers explained that, for the experiment, volunteers wore cotton pads in their armpits while watching clips from content like horror movie Sinister and feel-good film Singing in the Rain. The cotton swabs were then stapled to the horses muzzles directly over their nostrils before tests were carried out, including establishing how often the animals approached and touched their handler, and their reaction to an umbrella suddenly opening. It was found that, when exposed to odours from the frightened people, the horses startled more, had increased peak heart rates, and interacted less with their handlers. In light of the findings, Dr Plotine Jardat, the first author on the study and a researcher at the French Horse and Riding Institute near Tours, warned that those who come into contact with horses should be mindful of the impact their emotions could have. She told The Guardian: Arriving relaxed and in a positive mood can foster a better interaction with the horse, whereas if you are afraid yourself, the horse can feel afraid in response and react more strongly to a potentially scary situation. Prof Biagio DAniello, from the University of Naples Federico II, who has shown that both horses and dogs can smell human fear, added: The findings add to growing evidence that emotional signals can cross species boundaries, with horses reacting to human fear via smell. This raises intriguing questions about how human stress or calmness might shape everyday human-horse interactions, from training to clinical handling. 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 husband who stabbed his wife to death has been jailed for life after their child came forward with new evidence to reveal his plan to get rid of mummy. Robert Rhodes, 52, murdered Dawn in the kitchen of their family home in 2016 after discovering she had been having an affair with a work colleague. In order to cover up his crimes, he wounded their young child, who was under the age of 10, and manipulated them into helping him by pretending that Dawn had been the one to attack them both, and he had acted in self-defence. His ploy initially succeeded as he was acquitted of murder following his Old Bailey trial in 2017, but his web of lies came undone after his child confessed the true events to a therapist. Giving their victim impact statement, the child said: The traumatic experience Robert Rhodes has put me through will never go away. The scar Robert Rhodes left me with when he sliced open my forearm will never go away. My scar is a constant reminder of what Robert Rhodes has done to me. Rhodes has now been jailed for a minimum term of 29 years and six months following a rare double jeopardy trial at Inner London Crown Court, where he was also found guilty of two counts of perjury for false evidence at his Old Bailey trial and in the Family Courts in 2018, perverting the course of justice, and child cruelty. At the start of the hearing, Ms Justice Ellenbogen revealed that Rhodes had refused to leave his prison cell to attend the hearing. open image in gallery Dawn Rhodes was killed in her kitchen at her home in Redhill in 2016 ( PA Media ) He maintains his innocence in these matters and has refused to attend, defence barrister Nina Grahame KC told the court. Describing his actions as wicked and callous, the judge said that he could now add cowardice to his other truly malignant characteristics. Jurors heard that the murder occurred on 2 June after Rhodes filed for divorce following the breakdown of the couples marriage. In the preceding months, internet searches revealed Rhodes had been obsessed with Dawns new relationship, making repeated searches for her new partner and for ways to hack into her devices. He had also searched for household poisons, classified drugs that had the capacity to kill and ways to sedate or hypnotise a person. On 2 June, police received a 999 call from the child who cannot be named for legal reasons at 7.34pm during which Rhodes claimed his wife had attacked him and their child with a knife. Upon the arrival of emergency services, Dawn was found lying on the floor of their home in Redhill, Surrey, with her throat cut. Rhodes claimed to officers that his wife had come at him after flipping like a Hulk and had struck him twice on the back of the head and that he had acted to defend both himself and their child. In order to back up his claims, Rhodes had stabbed himself and inflicted a wound on the childs arms, which he claimed were the actions of his wife. However, four years later, the child spoke to a therapist about their fathers manipulative actions and went to the police to reveal the truth. open image in gallery Rhodes pictured during a police interview. He maintains his innocence ( Surrey Police ) The child revealed that they had been instructed by their father to tell Dawn to close her eyes and wait to be handed a picture. After the child left the room, Rhodes attacked his wife with a knife as she stood with her eyes shut, unaware of the impending attack. It was subsequently disclosed how Rhodes had maintained contact while on bail in 2016 and 2017, giving the child instructions to stick to the plan. Rhodes continued to manipulate and groom the child, including hiding a phone at his mothers house on which he would leave messages for the child, reminding them about the agreement they had made. During his sentencing, the child said they had been left with PTSD, difficulties in building relationships and unable to concentrate in school. They described the process of giving evidence as heartbreaking and distressing and that they had been accused of lying and of being attention-seeking. They also hit out at their father for gaslighting me, parading around as a survivor, while destroying me and my mother. I wish I could say his manipulating and abuse has not ruined my life, but I cant, they told the court. I wish I could say Robert Rhodes did not take everything away from me, but I cant. Dawn Rhodes mother, Liz Spencer, told the court in an impact statement: I have waited nearly 10 years for this result. I dont look upon the result as justice, but I feel for the first time my daughters voice is being heard. She said the trial had highlighted how my daughter Dawn was a victim, adding: Dawn was a loving daughter, sister, and mother. open image in gallery Robert Rhodes was convicted of murder in a rare double jeopardy trial ( PA Archive ) When he was arrested for murder again, he tellingly told officers he had thought this would come back to bite me. His acquittal on the murder charge was quashed in the Court of Appeal, and the Crown Prosecution Service was granted permission by senior judges to bring the case to a second trial. The new evidence that came from the child witness was profoundly shocking and showed just how much careful planning Robert Rhodes had put into murdering his wife, said Libby Clark, from the CPS. He exploited a young child before the murder, explaining his plan to cover up the truth and make it appear as if Dawn had attacked him, so that he could claim that he acted in self-defence. This included Rhodes inflicting injuries on the young childs arm. He continued with his web of lies over the intervening years. It is thanks to the immense bravery of the child in coming forward to explain exactly what happened that night that Robert Rhodes has finally been brought to justice for the murder of Dawn, something he mistakenly thought he could get away with. None of us can even begin to imagine what Rhodes has put the child through over a period of many years. Now though, as a result of their evidence, Dawn can now be remembered by everyone in the right way as a victim of her violent partner. Detective chief inspector Kimball Edey, from the Surrey and Sussex Police major crime team, said: During the first trial, Dawn was portrayed as the villain but had actually been a victim of domestic abuse and coercive control at the hands of her husband for years. The fact that Rhodes not only murdered his wife in cold blood but then manipulated and groomed his own child to play a part in his evil scheme and cover up what he had done is simply despicable not only did he take a life; he irreparably damaged another, as well as the lives of everyone else who loved Dawn. Rhodes, from Withleigh, Devon, denied all the charges against him at his second trial. 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 teenager who plotted a Southport copycat attack told friends he wanted to bomb an Oasis gig and researched local dance schools to target, a court has heard. McKenzie Morgan, who recently turned 18, was sentenced to 14 months detention for possession of information likely to be useful to a terrorist. The teenager admitted having the Al Qaeda Training Manual the same document used by violence-obsessed Southport attacker Axel Rudakubana, who murdered three girls in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town in 2024. Morgan, from Cwmbran in south Wales, told friends he wanted to target the Oasis concert at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 4 July last year and had a note on his phone about a dance school and playground near his home. The Old Bailey heard Morgan, who has autism spectrum disorder, praised Rudakubana in Snapchat messages between 7 April and 2 June last year, when he was still 17. He shared images of the killer, saying that he wanted to engage in a similar terrorist-style attack and was trying to make the deadly poison ricin, prosecutor Corinne Bramwell told the court. open image in gallery Morgan, from south Wales, was sentenced at the Old Bailey ( PA ) One of the people on Snapchat reported Morgan to police, and he was also referred to childrens mental health services due to his mothers concerns. He went on to tell a psychiatric nurse on 2 June that he wanted to hurt others and planned to commit a Rudakubana-style attack, Ms Bramwell said. Morgan said he had been researching bombs and poison and how to stab and kill people, having enjoyed watching terrorist attacks. He was arrested later the same day, and officers seized his mobile phone, on which the terrorist manual was found. Further examination revealed that last April, Morgan had sent a message asking how to burn peoples faces. He had stated: In my head, I now have the motivation to go ahead with some sort of attack. He also sent a picture of a 15cm kitchen knife advertised on Amazon to another Snapchat user with the question: Would this work? Records revealed he had gone on to attempt to buy the knife, without success, the court heard. In a police interview, he told officers he was bored and had just intended to shock. He stated he was unhappy, had been bullied at school and had been experiencing suicidal thoughts. Previously, Morgan could not be identified because of his age, but the restriction was lifted on his 18th birthday. open image in gallery Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar were killed in the attack in Southport ( Merseyside Poice ) Mitigating, Michael Stradling pointed out that Morgan has no history of violence and asserted the greater risk was of self-harm or the defendant suffering harm at the hands of others. The barrister said: I asked him what he wants to say and what I would describe as a true, heartfelt manner, he said that he wanted you to know that he is very sorry. Sentencing Morgan to 14 months in youth detention on Friday, Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC said that although he held no political, religious or racial ideology, his motivation appeared to be to emulate the Southport attack. She said he must serve a further year on licence after his release and also imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order preventing him from attending places where children gather, such as youth classes, or from trying to buy knives. The judge said Morgan was a danger to himself and vulnerable to being bullied, groomed and radicalised. Speaking after the case, detective superintendent Andrew Williams, of Counter Terrorism Policing Wales, said: Mr Morgan was not born bad. He didnt come into the world wanting to be a terrorist or aspiring to one day kill people, let alone children. As a teenager himself when he committed the offence, he was vulnerable to the malign influences that prey on our young people in todays online world. The fact that he was heavily influenced by the perpetrator of one of the most horrific attacks this country has seen in recent times, is a terrifying indictment of the abhorrent commentary, hateful opinion and violent imagery that too many of our young people are exposed to via the myriad of online sites, chat forums, and gaming and social media platforms. open image in gallery A public inquiry into the Southport attack is underway ( PA ) He said the shocking case highlights the need for society to get a grip on this issue and finally stop our young people being exploited in this way. Bethan David, of the CPS, said the conviction shows their determination to prosecute those who possess terrorist material without reasonable excuse. We take the mental health and welfare of young defendants extremely seriously, but where the evidence shows they are fit to stand trial and the public interest is clear, we will pursue prosecution, she added. In this case, while the defendant expressed violent fantasies online, there was no evidence of a real plot or attempt to carry out an attack." 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 leading art history expert who is one of the few people to have studied the Bayeux Tapestry up close has warned that its extremely fragile condition makes it not worth the risk of moving it to the British Museum. Professor Shirley Ann Brown, who has spent decades researching the priceless 11th-century artwork, told The Independent her experience surveying the relic has left her convinced that the risks of transporting it to London from its home in Normandy, France, outweigh any rewards. The tapestry is irreplaceable, she told The Independent. Every physical movement or alteration of its controlled environment has a detrimental effect. No matter the amount of care taken, there is always an element of risk, and its not worth it. The criticism comes after artist David Hockney blasted the plans as madness on Wednesday. Writing exclusively for The Independent, Mr Hockney said moving the tapestry across the channel was reckless and an unnecessary conservation ordeal. The historic tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of 1066, is expected to attract millions of visitors to the British Museum, where it will be put on display as part of a nine-month loan. open image in gallery The Bayeux Tapestry is due to go on display at the British Museum next year ( PA ) But the plans have been subject to scrutiny from historians and conservationists, who say its delicate condition leaves it exposed to irreparable tears, unravelling, and damage. Professor Brown, professor emerita of art history at York University in Toronto, told The Independent that she had the rare opportunity to study the tapestrys condition without its glass protection in 2020. It is an extremely fragile 900-year-old embroidered fabric that has been badly handled and damaged at several points in its existence, and has been repaired and undergone at least a couple of early restorations since it came to public view in the 1730s, she said. Rewards of educational benefits, as well as a potential financial draw for the British Museum, do not outweigh the physical risks involved in transporting the relic, she added. Such hazards include the unpacking and repacking of the artwork from storage boxes several times, which Professor Brown said is where she believes the biggest risk of damage occurs. open image in gallery The Bayeux tapestry has been stored in a purpose-built exhibit since 1983 ( AP ) In spite of all the planning and professionalism involved, there is always an element of risk when physically handling something as extremely fragile as the Bayeux Tapestry, she said. She also warned of the potential for harm to come to the tapestry from protesters who could target it, saying crowd surveillance and security will have to be perfect to ensure it is protected. I certainly see this as a vanity project fuelled by both political forces and competition within the museum world, she added when asked if she agreed with Mr Hockneys claim that the plans are rooted in vanity and symbolic educational value. Exhibition officials insist their conservation experts are experienced and able to manage the daunting prospect of moving the 70-metre-long medieval relic across the English Channel. A British Museum spokesperson previously said: The British Museum has a world-leading conservation and collections management team who are experienced at handling and caring for this type of material; they are working closely with colleagues in France on the tapestrys display. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Serious criminals receiving as much as 800 a month in benefits could soon lose their entitlement under Labour proposals to close a loophole in welfare rules. Under current rules, an offender sentenced to a hospital order is able to be paid a full award for universal credit, despite someone in prison on the same sentence being banned from claiming most benefits. The government has pledged to crack down on this loophole, ensuring that both groups of criminals are subject to the same rules. Prime minister Keir Starmer said: It cannot be right that offenders convicted of the most serious crimes continue to receive benefits they dont need at the expense of the taxpayer. Im determined to do whatever it takes to stand up for victims, protect taxpayers, and ensure support goes to those who genuinely need it. The loophole was previously raised by families of victims of the 2023 Nottingham attacks Grace OMalley-Kumar, Barnaby Webber, and Ian Coates who had called for it to be addressed. open image in gallery Keir Starmer meets with the families of Ian Coates, Grace OMalley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber in February last year ( Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street ) Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden said: I dont think theres a single household in Britain who believes its right that convicted criminals receive thousands of pounds a year in benefits. Its unfair to victims families and to taxpayers whose hard-earned cash ends up in the pockets of offenders, and contrary to our values we dont reward acts of violence. Thats why Im acting to right the wrongs within our benefits system, so it supports people who genuinely need it, while delivering fairness to the taxpayer. Dr Sanjoy Kumar and Dr Sinead OMalley, parents of Grace, said: We are delighted to hear this announcement from the secretary of state. For us, the campaigning families, this is what decisive and bold departmental leadership looks like. Pats actions benefit our country and our communities. As a result, our country now leads many countries across Europe on this issue. open image in gallery Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden says the change will right the wrongs within our benefits system ( PA ) Linda and Leon Westcarr, the mother and uncle of Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, who was murdered by her partner in 2024, said: We welcome this long-overdue reform to the benefits system, which corrects a clear injustice that has caused real harm for too long. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says it will engage with victims groups and mental health experts on the proposals. Offenders will continue to receive free care and mental health support from the NHS following any change. No official estimates of how many offenders will be affected or if the move will save the government anything have been made. An offender on universal credit and its higher health element, living in a single household and over the age of 25, could currently receive around 823 per month. Julian Hendy from the Hundred Families charity, which supports families after mental health-related killings, said: This is very welcome news. We have long argued that paying welfare benefits to people who have committed serious violent crimes is wrong and cannot be justified. Theyre offenders sentenced to hospital orders who have no costs or need for such payments. 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 A top food critic has argued that the normal health and safety rules shouldnt apply to Michelin-starred restaurants and need to modernise. Giles Coren said that such rules dont really apply in the wake of the two-star Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms receiving a one out of five hygiene rating after food safety inspectors visited in November. The luxury establishment in Machynlleth in Wales charges almost 500 per head, with the Michelin Guide describing the restaurant as a truly unique experience. However, the Food Standards Agency found that major improvement to management of food safety was required, while the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building also need to be improved. Speaking on Radio 4s World at One programme, Mr Coren, who visited Ynyshir in 2022, said: It is not little kitchens and pots boiling away, mimsy little things being placed on plates. He is cooking with fire... He stands there in his leather apron and its roaring like fireworks. Youre also, conversely, served quite a lot of raw food. Hes talking about sushi, Japanese techniques. Mr Coren, who is a columnist for The Times, said the rules should probably be modernised. open image in gallery The restaurant Ynyshir received a one out of five hygiene rating in November ( Ynyshir ) The normal health and safety things, I think its fair enough, dont really apply, he said. Its much harder to do. Its not about your fridge and have you put the roast chicken from last night next to the raw chicken, which can lead to bacteria, its a different sort of world. They are clearly doing enough to prevent the spread of bacteria, but if you imagine a hygiene inspector, in his white coat, with his pen in his top pocket, expecting to see a neat provincial fridge, I can see that he would lose his mind. open image in gallery Giles Coren has defended Ynyshir over the hygiene rating ( PA ) The food advisory panel chair of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health said she was disappointed by Mr Corens views and stressed that no food business should see itself as above the law. Coren suggested that the nature of the restaurant, which was the subject of a really low food hygiene rating ... meant that normal health and safety things should not apply, said Una Kane. We are appalled at the suggestion that it should be considered optional for certain kinds of restaurants to meet legal standards. Many restaurants offer a unique experience for diners while meeting the standards of food hygiene legislation. open image in gallery Chef Gareth Ward insisted his restaurant operated at the highest standard in the world ( BBC ) Its insulting to those restaurateurs to imply you can't do both. She denied that food safety inspections were a tick-box exercise and ensured that food was being handled hygienically and to the best standard possible. Ynyshirs top chef Gareth Ward has insisted he is not embarrassed by the rating, and said his restaurant is working at the highest standard in the world. He previously told the BBC: 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. 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 new government scheme will grant emergency cash payouts to people on low-incomes across England. The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), will provide 1bn annually to councils for the next three years from the start of April. This should aid them in planning their support schemes and provision over a longer-term period. Councils will now be able to offer direct access to cash, unlike past schemes, as a way for the government to fulfil their manifesto pledge of ending mass reliance on emergency food parcels. Who is eligible for the government cash payouts? The new rules state that councils can give money to people in financial hardship after there is an unexpected drop in their income, such as from a redundancy, or a sudden expense like a broken boiler. The scheme is open to all whether they currently receive benefits or not. open image in gallery Councils will now be able to offer direct access to cash, unlike past schemes, as a way for the government to fulfil their manifesto pledge of ending mass reliance on emergency food parcels ( PA Archive ) What can the money be used for? The Department for Work and pensions explained the money can be used for three different purposes: Crisis payments Housing payments (unexpected shortfalls) Resilience services for funding charities and local organisations The payments could be useful in scenarios such as losing a job, leaving a toxic, abusive relationship or facing an unexpected bill. The local authorities can choose how they divide their funding between those reasons. How do you apply? Emergency funds can be applied for through local councils. In England, local authorities will have to make applications available to the public by 1 April and transparently publish how they are using the money. Some councils have already been providing a cash-first approach and deliver them through Post Office cash vouchers or Pay-by-Text platforms which allow cash machine withdrawals. Funding will also be granted to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but the authorities will have to decide how the extra money is used. open image in gallery Funding will also be granted to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but the authorities will have to decide how the extra money is used ( Getty/iStock ) What has been the reaction so far? This scheme is a replacement for the temporary Household Support Fund which was set up in 2011 and extended on a rolling basis, but was due to finish at the end of March. The level of funding allocated is a similar amount to the previous scheme, to the disappointment of some councils who wanted more money to be allotted for this. Get a free fractional share worth up to 100. Capital at risk. Terms and conditions apply. Go to website ADVERTISEMENT Get a free fractional share worth up to 100. Capital at risk. Terms and conditions apply. Go to website ADVERTISEMENT Most councils in England do not believe the current funding is sufficient to meet local welfare needs, according to a recent survey conducted by the Local Government Association. Chief executive of the Trussell Trust, a charity which supports foodbanks, Emma Revie, told The Independent: The new Crisis and Resilience Fund is a vital step towards ensuring no-one is forced to turn to a food bank to get by, and represents important progress on the government's manifesto commitment to ending the need for emergency food. We welcome its development, which is based on the evidence and insights from our community of food banks and other experts in the Crisis Support Working Group and we look forward to continuing this work in partnership to help end the need for food banks for good. Childrens charity Barnardos chief executive Lynn Perry said: 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. 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 former Royal Navy engineer who says his hearing was ruined when an American-made fighter jet landed next to him on an aircraft carrier deck is suing the MOD for around 500,000. Harry Jefferson was working on board the HMS Queen Elizabeth supercarrier, refuelling a Merlin helicopter, when the supersonic F-35 stealth fighter landed a few metres from him in June 2021. Although he tried to turn his head away, Mr Jefferson, 27, was exposed to extreme levels of noise and heat as the vertical-landing jet touched down. Having suffered permanent hearing damage, the engineer went on to quit the Navy and is now suing for about 500,000 for the loss of his career in the forces. A colleague who was working with him that day, Reece Colwell, 25, is also suing, although his claim is expected to be considerably smaller as his career was not ended. Their lawyers say they should have been ordered to stay inside or in another safe place when the Mach 1.6 (1,220mph) single-seat fighter came in to land. The MoD has accepted breach of duty in that the pair should not have been working so close to the landing jet, but is set to fight the level of the payouts in a trial at Central London County Court. In a pre-trial hearing, their barrister Stuart McCracken told Judge Jane Evans-Gordon that due to the loss of his career at such a young age, Mr Jefferson's claim could be worth more than 500,000. At the time of the injury, the seaman was on board HMS Queen Elizabeth, the lead ship of the Royal Navy's supercarriers, the largest and most powerful warships ever built for Britain, capable of deploying up to 72 aircraft. One such plane is the American-made Lockheed Martin F-35, known as the Lightning II, a jet which takes off via a short 'ski jump' ramp, but lands vertically. In order to land, the F-35 orientates its engine downward to hover and is stabilised by a large fan behind the cockpit that pulls air from above and forces it underneath. According to court papers, Mr Jefferson, of Gosport, Hants, and Mr Colwell, of Taverham, Norfolk, - both air engineer technicians - were working together in June 2021 when the jet landed. open image in gallery Reece Colwell ( Supplied by Champion News ) The men, who were wearing ear defenders and foam ear plugs, had started to refuel but moved to a safe area due to the incoming F-35, only to be told to go back to their work. "They returned to the same area of the flight deck, attached the hose to the Merlin and began the refuel," said Mr McCracken. "As they were refuelling the Merlin, the F-35 reached the HMS Queen Elizabeth...and began to land. "Its exhaust was down and it was within metres of the claimants' position. It was extremely loud and hot. "The F-35 landed within metres of them. The claimants attempted to turn their heads away from the heat. They experienced pain in their ears, ringing and a change in their hearing." Following the incident, the men were approached by an aircraft handler who said he had seen what happened and encouraged them to make formal reports. Both reported hearing difficulties the following day, with each subsequently diagnosed with "explosive ear trauma," said the barrister. A "defence air safety occurrence report" said they had been exposed to a "high level of noise and heat," leading to them being medically downgraded. open image in gallery Harry Jefferson was working on board the HMS Queen Elizabeth supercarrier ( Supplied by Champion News ) Both men suffered hearing damage, which has left them with permanent tinnitus and difficulties in hearing speech in noise, the barrister continued. Although Mr Colwell was able to continue in the Navy, the court heard that Mr Jefferson felt he had to give up his naval career due to the impact of his ongoing hearing problems. In April 2022, he was declared permanently "medically limited deployable," making it impossible for him to continue as an air engineer technician. "He felt that his promotion prospects were limited," said the barrister, adding that Mr Jefferson went on to terminate his service, citing the impact on his career prospects and frustration with the downgrading and review process. "His condition will be permanent," he continued. "He claims damages for the loss of his congenial employment in the Royal Navy." Mr Colwell however has continued in the Navy, which Mr McCracken said would mean his damages claim is likely to be considerably lower once it has been quantified. In their claim, the men accused the MoD of negligence in having them refuel the helicopter at the same time as the noisy stealth fighter was landing. During the hearing, Judge Evans-Gordon heard that the MoD has admitted breach of duty, but that the level of damages is set to be in dispute at the trial, with Mr Jefferson having given notice himself to end his service. Lawyers' bills in the case are set to be around 326,000 for the two men and another 117,000 on the MoD's side. The case will return to court for a full trial at a later date, unless settled outside court. 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 Upcoming Lord Of The Dance shows are in grave danger of falling apart if Michael Flatley is not permitted to engage with performers, a court in Belfast has heard. The Irish traditional dancer and choreographer rose to international prominence performing Riverdance at Eurovision in 1994, before going on to create the stage show The Lord Of The Dance. The productions 30th Anniversary tour is due to play in Dublins 3 Arena on February 5, continuing in 2026 in a number of countries including the UK, Germany, Croatia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Switzer Consulting is taking legal action in a civil case against the choreographer and dancer for alleged breach of contract, relating to an agreement the firm says was reached to allow it to run the dance shows. Switzer has already secured a temporary injunction to stop Flatley from interfering with the shows. The case was mentioned at The Chancery Court in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Friday, during which legal representatives for Flatley responded to an earlier affidavit submitted on behalf of Switzer Consulting. Flatleys Barrister John Coyle told the court there are shows coming up in two weeks that are in grave danger of falling apart if Flatley cant speak to the dancers on the tour. open image in gallery Michael Flatley in the stands prior to the NatWest 6 Nations match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin (PA) ( PA Archive ) He said the company is solvent and the economic havoc the move would inflict on Flatley would be substantial. Mr Coyle went on to tell the judge that unless Flatley can participate in the show, losses will inevitably be incurred because his artistic direction is a vital component. He also highlighted recent press coverage of the case, producing a copy of a newspaper report, stating its printing would be libellous if it was not a court document. The judge clarified that the affidavit was presented before the court and is therefore in the public domain, adding that he hadnt read the piece and the case is not being heard in front of a jury. Mr Coyle said Flatley is currently not in the jurisdiction but an affidavit from him would be submitted by next Wednesday. The case is scheduled for another hearing on January 27. 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 People have been asked to avoid an area of coastline where a Cold War-era nuclear bunker clinging onto the edge of a cliff could be days away from falling into the sea. The building, found above Tunstall Beach in East Yorkshire, is believed to have been built in 1959 as a lookout post in the event of nuclear war. It is thought to have been decommissioned in the 1990s. Now, coastal erosion between Withernsea and Hornsea an area that the Environment Agency has said is among the UKs fastest eroding coastlines has left the structure teetering on the cliff, around 25 feet above the beach below. Amateur historian Davey Robinson is filming the final days of the bunker and told the BBC: We live on one of the most eroded coastlines in Europe and this bunker hasnt got long left, perhaps just a few days. The East Riding of Yorkshire Council has asked people to avoid the area both at the cliff top and at the beach ( Getty ) Photographs from recent days show the bunker in a precarious position, clinging to the eroded cliff, with little of the bank remaining to support it. An East Riding of Yorkshire Council spokesperson said the local authority has no statutory responsibilities to the building as it is on private land, but advised people to avoid the area around it. A council spokesperson told The Independent: East Riding of Yorkshire 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 management approach for this location remains no active intervention. Therefore, the coast is undefended in this area, which allows coastal processes to continue. 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. According to the Yorkshire Marine Nature Partnership, the cliff-line on the east of the region is retreating by approximately four metres per year. This means that significant quantities of material are released into the sea annually. Though the coastline has been changing for thousands of years, the changes have been accelerated by climate change. Rising sea levels, frequent and severe storms, as well as the warmer sea surface temperature, all increase the likelihood of land-slips, erosion and flooding. 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 Five British families are suing TikTok over the deaths of their children in a landmark US case. The parents, who will attend the hearing in Delaware on Friday, are the first families from the UK to pursue legal action against the company in an American court over the deaths of their children. Ellen Roome, Lisa Kenevan and Liam Walsh are attending on behalf of the families, with Ms Roome saying that parents should not have to cross continents to fight multinational technology companies just to find out what happened to their child after they die. The lawsuit alleges that TikToks algorithms promoted and amplified dangerous content to children, including material linked to the so-called Blackout Challenge. The families claim that this content contributed to their childrens deaths and that the company has repeatedly refused to release the data needed to understand what their children were exposed to in the critical period before they died. Ms Roome, who believes her 14-year-old son Jools died after taking part in an online challenge in April 2022, previously told The Independent: In light of whats happened, Ive learned an awful lot about online activity that I was very naive about before. I thought Jools was merrily watching silly dance videos, or harmless challenges like standing on your hands and pulling your t-shirt upside down. I now know theres masses of harmful and illegal content. [Online safety law changes] cant come soon enough. I dont want any other family going through what we will have to for the rest of our lives. open image in gallery Ellen Roome is among the families fighting for a change in the law to force social media firms to hand over childrens data to bereaved parents after the death of her son Jools ( PA ) Fridays hearing is a motion to dismiss, which is a crucial procedural stage in the case, because, if unsuccessful, the lawsuit will proceed to discovery, where TikTok could be legally compelled to disclose internal records and the childrens account data. Despite multiple requests from bereaved families, they say TikTok has not yet provided this information. A TikTok spokesperson said: Our deepest sympathies remain with these families. We strictly prohibit content that promotes or encourages dangerous behaviour. Using robust detection systems and dedicated enforcement teams to proactively identify and remove this content, we remove 99 per cent that's found to break these rules before it is reported to us. As a company, we comply with the UKs strict data protection laws. The company added that the Blackout Challenge has been blocked on TikTok since 2020, and it has never found evidence that this content was trending on the social media platform, with the challenge pre-dating TikTok. open image in gallery Despite multiple requests from bereaved families, they say TikTok has not yet provided information on what the children viewed before their deaths ( Getty ) Alongside the US litigation, Ms Roome has been campaigning in the UK for Jools Law, a proposal calling for the automatic preservation of a childs online data immediately following their death. The aim is to prevent the permanent loss of potentially critical evidence during the early stages of investigations and inquests. An amendment reflecting this proposal has been tabled by Baroness Beeban Kidron to the Crime and Policing Bill, which is currently progressing through parliament and is due to be debated in the House of Lords later this month. Ms Roome said: When a child dies, parents should not have to cross continents to fight multinational technology companies just to find out what happened to their child. We are attending this hearing because the data that could explain our childrens deaths has been withheld. If platforms have nothing to hide, they should release the data. The families say this hearing marks a significant moment for bereaved families seeking truth, accountability, and systemic change, and could set an important precedent for how social media companies are held responsible for harm to children. The case comes as global concern about the impact of algorithm-driven social media on children and the role of recommender systems in promoting harmful content increases. With calls growing for improved safeguarding for young people online, the lawsuit will be closely watched by policymakers in the UK and internationally, as governments consider stronger regulation and accountability for technology companies operating at scale. 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 yellow fog warning is in place across parts of the UK after swathes of the country were battered with heavy rain. The Met Office issued an overnight warning across north-west England, Wales and the West Midlands, with concerns that fog may cause some disruption to travel during Thursday evening and overnight. The alert has been put in place between 8pm and 7am. Fog patches are set to become more widespread and dense in places during Thursday evening, with visibility falling below 100m in some places. The fog will then thin and lift into low cloud late in the night or early on Friday morning. open image in gallery Thursday night will see the rain clear up as a fog warning strikes other parts of the country ( Met Office ) The forecaster reminded people to avoid delays potentially caused by the thick fog by checking road conditions if driving, leaving extra journey time, or amending plans if necessary. Make sure you know how to switch on your fog lights, and check they are working before setting off on your journey, the Met Office advised. Bus and train services, as well as flights and ferry travel, may also be affected by the fog, as the Met Office advised people to be prepared for the weather warnings to change and follow advice from relevant travel companies. open image in gallery 117 flood alerts remain in place ( Joe Giddens/PA Wire ) It comes as rain pelted parts of the UK, stretching from the East Midlands down south. Outbreaks of rain spread during the day, becoming persistent and heavy at times, before clearing to the North East through the evening and night. Parts of the country saw 20 to 30mm of rain, in some places falling in just a few hours. A few more isolated areas in southern England saw 40 to 50mm. Five flood warnings were issued along the River Severn, the River Ouse, and Kidbrooke Stream amid the downpour, as the Environment Agency warned flooding was expected. Flooding remained a possibility elsewhere as the agency issued 117 alerts across the country. The wet and foggy weather follows a cold start to the year as freezing temperatures hit the country, with a number of weather warnings for snow, rain, ice and wind across the UK. A rare red wind weather warning was put in place across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly last week as the French-named Storm Goretti swept through parts of the country. open image in gallery The north and north east of Scotland saw snowfall, ice and sub-zero temperatures ( PA Wire ) Parts of Scotland saw snow so heavy that children were unable to go to school for a week as wintry showers disrupted life. Temperatures have since returned to average for this time of the year, and low pressure remains in charge of the weather. Met Office five-day forecast Overnight Rain and strong winds in the South East will clear eastwards from England during the first part of the night, leaving clear spells across the UK with showers in the west. Some frost and fog developing with icy stretches in Scotland. Friday Early frost and fog clearing to leave sunshine and showers. Showers heaviest and most frequent in the West and South West, with hail and thunder possible. Breezy, especially in the South West. Outlook for Saturday to Monday A changeable few days. A mix of bright or clear spells and showery outbreaks of rain. Some overnight frost and fog patches, the fog locally freezing and slow to clear. A big round of elections due on 7 May will be by far the most substantial test of national political opinion since the 2024 general election. Real votes in real ballot boxes, as the politicians say. However, a number of councils in England have been offered and some have accepted a delay to polling because of a simultaneous reorganisation of local authorities. Some councils will postpone elections due to the extra administrative burdens and costs being imposed on staff and councillors, or even cancel them altogether in cases where authorities are soon to be abolished. Wholl be voting? Everyone in Scotland and Wales for the Scottish parliament and the Senedd, respectively, plus plenty of mayoralties and local authorities in England, including all the London boroughs. Eligibility for these contests is generally wider than for general elections, so more EU, Commonwealth and other citizens can vote; you can vote twice in different areas if you live in different places (eg, students). In Scotland and Wales, 16- and 17-year-olds can also vote. Photo ID is still needed. Who wont be voting? Estimates of the number of voters affected by delays or cancellations vary from 2.5 million to 4 million although local elections tend to have turnouts of well under 50 per cent. (In Northern Ireland, and areas of England where no contest was due, nobody was voting anyway.) Are there precedents? There are some. Westminster elections were postponed for the duration of the two world wars, for example. In 1985, the last round of elections for the Greater London Council wasnt held because the government had already decided to abolish the authority from 1986 (and, arguably, the contest would have acted as a referendum on the Thatcher administrations decision). But past major reorganisations, in 1974 and in 1995, were better synchronised with the electoral cycle. The current reorganisation of counties, districts and combined authorities is much more piecemeal and gradual. open image in gallery In line with national polls, the Greens are expected to do well in May ( Getty ) Who is still getting elected? Some 5,036 council seats in the 136 English authorities still holding contests are up for grabs, including all 32 London boroughs, 32 metropolitan boroughs, 18 unitary authorities, six county councils, 50 district councils and six directly elected mayors (not London, by the way). Plus 96 members of the Senedd and 129 MSPs for Holyrood. Who is cancelling elections? As far as can be judged theres no central official record more than a third of eligible councils in England have taken up the governments offer of a delay in voting until 2027, probably, by which point the new councils will have been set up. So, of the 63 local authorities eligible for a postponement, 25 have indeed requested a delay, 36 are going ahead, and two havent declared. Most of the areas cancelling polls are Labour-controlled, two are Conservative-controlled, and one is Liberal Democrat. The following 25 are scrapping their poll altogether; in many cases, sitting councillors will simply serve an extra year: Adur Borough Council Basildon Borough Council Blackburn with Darwen Council Burnley Borough Council Cheltenham Borough Council Chorley Borough Council Crawley Borough Council East Sussex County Council Exeter City Council Hastings Borough Council Hyndburn Borough Council Ipswich Borough Council Lincoln City Council Norwich City Council Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Pendle Borough Council Peterborough City Council Preston City Council Redditch Borough Council Rugby Borough Council Stevenage Borough Council Tamworth Borough Council Thurrock Council West Sussex County Council Worthing Borough Council In addition, four new combined authorities with directly elected mayors have been delayed once again, until 2028: Greater Essex; Hampshire and the Solent; Norfolk and Suffolk; and Sussex and Brighton. What will be the political impact? Purely from the pattern of the cancellations, Reform UK is the main loser; it will miss opportunities to extend its influence in local government in England and build more momentum. Nonetheless, it is still set to make some impressive gains across the country, most notably in Wales and, to a lesser degree, Scotland. More broadly, in line with national polls, the Greens will also do well, as will Plaid Cymru; while Labour and the Conservatives will both be hit hard. Thats because they both enjoyed far higher levels of support when the seats were last contested, in 2021 or, mostly, 2022. At that point, the local elections delivered 35 per cent for Labour and 30 per cent for the Tories on an equivalent notional national vote share, versus, say, 15 to 20 per cent in the opinion polls now. The Lib Dems and SNP will probably break even. It is clear that 7 May will be a bit of a disaster for the two main parties, confirming the current multi-party system. 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 Robert Jenrick said Nigel Farage cant even run a five-a-side team as he criticised Reform UK in leaked audio from last year. Mr Jenrick defected to Reform UK on Thursday, declaring that the country needs Mr Farage, hours after he was dramatically sacked from the Conservative frontbench for secretly plotting the move. But in leaked audio from March 2025, Mr Jenrick can be heard criticising his new boss and dismissing Reform UK as not a serious party. Its ultimately our party that is going to rescue this country, he said in a recording obtained by The Telegraph at a dinner at the Aldridge-Brownhills Conservative Association. Its not the Labour Party, its not the Lib Dems, its not actually Reform either. I mean, weve just seen in the last fortnight that Nigel Farage cant even run a five-a-side team, so hes not going to be able to run a country. open image in gallery Robert Jenrick with Nigel Farage at a Reform UK press conference on Thursday ( PA ) Theyre not a serious party. We may have sympathy with some of the things that they say. We may understand why millions of our fellow countrymen and women have gone to Reform, but they are not the answer. On Thursday, however, Mr Jenrick took a different stance, saying most of his former Tory colleagues dont have the stomach for the radical change this country needs. Sitting beside Mr Farage at a Westminster press conference, he instead urged others to rally behind Nigel and Reform right now. It does not take me one blink of an eyelid to say to you that I want Nigel to be our prime minister after the next general election, he said. That is the only way we will save our country, and so patriotic people who share my views have to rally behind Nigel and Reform right now. Kemi Badenoch announced she was sacking Mr Jenrick from the shadow cabinet, removing the whip and suspending his party membership in a post on X (Twitter) on Thursday. open image in gallery The former Tory declared on Thursday that Farage and Reform are the only way we will save our country ( AFP/Getty ) 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, she said. A mole in Mr Jenricks team is believed to have passed on a draft of his resignation speech and media plan for his planned defection to Reform UK, according to reports, after earlier suggestions that the document had been found lying around. But Mr Farage said Ms Badenoch had jumped the gun and that Mr Jenrick might not have joined at all had she not made a move first. He will join Reform UKs frontline team alongside five other MPs, including Danny Kruger, who became the first sitting Conservative MP to defect to the party in September. 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 Michael Gove has warned Robert Jenricks reputation will be scarred by treachery after his dramatic defection to Reform UK. The former Conservative cabinet minister referred to himself as a cautionary tale as he said Mr Jenricks scathing attack on his former party would inflict lasting damage on his reputation. He compared the move to his own notorious betrayal of Boris Johnson in 2016, when Mr Gove sabotaged Mr Johnsons first Tory leadership challenge after helping him win the EU referendum by suddenly announcing his own ill-fated bid. open image in gallery The former Conservative cabinet minister referred to himself as a cautionary tale ( PA ) Lord Gove said it led to him being seen by voters as a traitor to this day and the same fate would befall Mr Jenrick. Irrespective of what I have done in government, the most striking moment in my career was in 2016 when I decided I could no longer support Boris Johnson as a potential leader of the Conservative Party, the former education secretary told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Not only did I withdraw my support, I declared my own candidature. In the eyes of most people at the time, and continuing to this day, it didnt matter what my reasons were: the overall impression was of treachery. open image in gallery Gove compared Jenricks move to his own notorious betrayal of Boris Johnson in 2016 ( PA ) He also said the allegations of plotting surrounding Mr Jenricks defection were turning Reform into a political version of Slytherin house from the Harry Potter novels associated with the dark arts of sinister wizard Voldemort and conniving pupil Draco Malfoy. He said: And while of course Reform have gained a talent, there is a danger and there is a danger for Reform, a double danger. Danger one is that after the defection of Nadhim Zahawi earlier this week, theres a risk that rather than seeming as a fresh force determined to clean up politics, they look rather more like Slytherin house, they look rather more like the home of those that are the intriguers. open image in gallery The defector with Nigel Farage at a Reform UK press conference on Thursday ( PA ) He also suggested Mr Jenrick defected because he figured Kemi Badenoch had cemented her position as leader in recent months, killing off his own ambition of replacing her. If Rob thought he had a chance of becoming leader because the local elections [in May] or other events would undermine Kemi, I think he would have stayed, he said. His conclusion was that Kemi was in a stronger position and, emphatically, because of the way she handled this, she is. Ms Badenoch announced she was sacking Mr Jenrick from the shadow cabinet, removing the whip and suspending his party membership in a post on X (Twitter) on Thursday. open image in gallery Jenrick came second to Kemi Badenoch in the 2024 Tory leadership race but speculation that he planned to replace her continued ( PA ) A mole in Mr Jenricks team is believed to have passed on a draft of his resignation speech and media plan for his planned defection to Reform UK, according to reports, after earlier suggestions that the document had been found lying around. Mr Gove added that the unfolding of events gave the overall impression he was caught mid-plot. This was not a decision he was the master of, so that creates a challenge for him, and it also creates a challenge for Reform, he said. 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. 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 Torrential rain and widespread flooding have claimed the lives of more than 100 people across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, with authorities issuing stark warnings of further severe weather expected to batter several southern African nations. South Africa has confirmed at least 19 fatalities in two of its northern provinces following heavy downpours that commenced last month, triggering extensive flooding. The renowned Kruger National Park saw tourists and staff evacuated by helicopter this week from inundated camps. The park remains closed to visitors, with parts rendered inaccessible due to washed-out roads and bridges, according to South Africa's national parks agency. In neighbouring Mozambique, the Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction reported a staggering 103 deaths during an unusually severe rainy season since late last year. open image in gallery Kruger National Park had to be evacuated ( Getty/iStock ) These fatalities stemmed from various causes, including electrocution by lightning, drowning in floodwaters, infrastructure collapse due to extreme weather, and cholera outbreaks. The World Food Programme indicated that the worst flooding has hit central and southern regions, affecting over 200,000 people, damaging thousands of homes, and necessitating the evacuation of tens of thousands. Zimbabwes disaster management agency has recorded 70 deaths and the destruction of more than 1,000 homes since the beginning of the year, with critical infrastructure such as schools, roads, and bridges collapsing. The island nation of Madagascar, along with Malawi and Zambia, has also been impacted by the deluge, with Madagascar reporting 11 flood-related deaths since late November. The US Famine Early Warning System has noted reported or anticipated flooding in at least seven southern African nations, attributing the phenomenon possibly to La Nina, a weather pattern known to bring heavy rainfall to parts of southeastern Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-stricken areas in the northern Limpopo province on Thursday, revealing that the region had received approximately 400 millimetres (over 15 inches) of rain in less than a week. He described the devastation in one district he toured: "there are 36 houses that have just been wiped away from the face of the Earth. Everything is gone ... the roofs, the walls, the fences, everything." The South African Weather Service has issued a red-level 10 alert for parts of the country for Friday, warning of continued heavy rain and flooding in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, posing a significant threat to life and potential widespread infrastructure damage. open image in gallery Floods have left over 100 dead across southern Africa ( AFP via Getty Images ) Kruger National Park, spanning some 22,000 square kilometres across these provinces, has been severely affected, leading to the evacuation of around 600 tourists and staff to higher ground, according to spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli. He confirmed the park's closure after several rivers burst their banks, flooding camps and other facilities, though no deaths or injuries have been reported within the park. The South African army has deployed helicopters to rescue individuals trapped on rooftops or in trees in the northern parts of the country, including border post and police officers stranded at a flooded checkpoint on the South Africa-Zimbabwe border. Southern Africa has endured a succession of extreme weather events in recent years, from devastating cyclones to scorching droughts that have exacerbated food crises in a region already prone to shortages. The World Food Programme highlighted that over 70,000 hectares (about 173,000 acres) of crops in Mozambique, including staples like rice and maize, have been submerged in the current floods, deepening food insecurity for thousands of small-scale farmers reliant on their harvests. 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 woman is suing a hotel for $10 million after she was allegedly accused of being a man trying to use a female bathroom. The incident unfolded when Ansley Baker and her girlfriend Elizabeth Victor visited the Liberty Hotel in Boston on May 3, last year. Baker said she knew something was wrong when she heard a bang on a stall door shortly after entering the toilet. When she emerged from the cubicle, Baker says a hotel security guard claimed staff had concerns the pair were sharing a stall. Baker said Victor had already left the bathroom at this point. Baker was subsequently removed from the toilet after the guard allegedly accused her of being a man, despite her showing an ID proving her gender. open image in gallery Ansley Baker (left) and Liz Victor were asked to leave the Liberty Hotel in Boston ( CBS News Boston ) In the lawsuit, seen by the Boston Globe, the couples attorney has accused the hotel of ejecting the couple because of what Ms Baker looks like and because they are in a lesbian relationship. The lawsuit also alleges that the hotel panicked when the couple shared their experience on social media, and knowingly promoted a false version of the incident. Instead of simply acknowledging its employees discriminatory conduct and apologizing, the Liberty Hotel executives agreed to craft a defamatory statement, knowing it was false, suggesting Ms. Baker and Ms. Victor were kicked out of the Liberty Hotel because they had been engaging in obscene conduct in a stall, the lawsuit alleges. Speaking to The Boston Globe, the couples lawyer Leonard H. Kesten denied that either woman was ever in the same restroom stall. open image in gallery The incident occurred at the Liberty Hotel in Boston ( Google Street View/The Liberty Hotel ) The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination raised a complaint in connection with the incident, which the hotel agreed to settle in November with a $10,000 donation to an LGBTQ group, among other measures. This outrageous incident at the Liberty Hotel left these two women emotionally shaken, humiliated, and deeply distressed, chairwoman Sunila Thomas George said in a statement announcing the settlement. They were denied services, subjected to demeaning treatment in front of other patrons of the hotel, and falsely accused of actions they did not commit, which is not only degrading, but unjust according to Massachusetts civil rights law. In a statement reported in The Boston Globe, the hotels general manager Mark Fischer said his employer was complying with the MCADs demands. He said his employer had apologized several times to Ms. Baker and Ms. Victor about their experience and has spent months working with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) to address what occurred and strengthen its practices. We recognize that they have a right to bring a lawsuit, but we unequivocally deny discriminating or retaliating against them in any way, he said. We deeply regret that our initial statement may have created unintended impressions about the actions of Ansley and Liz. The Independent has contacted The Liberty Hotel 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 Florida woman with a disability is suing the state after the legislature passed a law allowing pregnant women to use accessible parking spots. The law, which was passed last year, allows expecting mothers to apply for a temporary disabled parking permit for $15. The permits are valid for a year. Floridians' reactions to the bill have been mixed. While some praised it for showing compassion toward expecting mothers, others complained that the permits would take spots away from individuals with mobility issues and other disabilities who rely on the spots. Olivia Keller, a Leon County resident who was born without arms and uses a power wheelchair to get around, is now suing the state over the law. She told WSVN that without access to an accessible spot, she cannot live her life independently. Accessible spots are generally abutted by additional space that allows individuals using wheelerchairs or other mobility devices to exit their vehicles without assistance. A woman in Florida with a disability is suing the state after it passed a law allowing expecting mothers to pay for a permit that allows them to park in accessible parking spaces ( AP2006 ) I cant do my job, I cant go to the grocery store, and for me needing the access aisle, I literally cant get out of my car if I cant find a place to park, Keller said. Theyre not perks. Theyre not our reward for having a disability. These are spaces that we need in order to function in our day-to-day lives. In her lawsuit, Keller notes that there are already a limited number of spots available for individuals with disabilities, and that including pregnant women among those who can access the spots will only "exacerbate these challenges." Federal and state laws require that parking lots make a percentage of the spaces accessible for people who have disabilities. Keller is arguing in the lawsuit that pregnancy does not meet the legal definition of a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and further argues that Florida cannot undermine the federal definition. Its not for our convenience. There is no accommodation that is going to make my life easy. This makes it possible, she said. The new law was passed alongside a broad transportation package SB 462 that saw unanimous support in the Florida House and Senate. Florida state Representative Fiona McFarland, a Republican from Sarasota, came up with the idea when she was nine months pregnant, according to CBS News. During a 2025 session, she recounted how she 'waddled" across parking lots in hot weather while pregnant, and said she wanted to introduce a bill that would help women in similar situations. However, in doing so, she also admitted that she did not believe pregnancy was a disability, which is the crux of Keller's argument. "And rather than complain about a problem without a solution, I realized that I had it within my power to help women like me not have to walk uncomfortably for such a long distance," McFarland, said at the time. "I mean, I feel very strongly that pregnancy is not a disability. I just want to be able to park up front." Other opponents of the law told the broadcaster that they don't want to force expecting mothers to have to fight for spots, but want a separate solution that can address their needs without making life more difficult for individuals with disabilities. Attorneys for Florida filed a motion to dismiss Keller's lawsuit, but a judge rejected the request. 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 Liberian man, Garrison Gibson, has been released for a second time after being repeatedly taken into custody following a dramatic initial arrest where immigration agents in Minnesota used a battering ram. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan had ruled Gibsons initial arrest last weekend unlawful on Thursday, leading to his release. However, he was detained again on Friday at an immigration office, only to be freed later the same day. Concurrently, President Donald Trump appeared to step back from his earlier threat to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act. This law would permit him to deploy troops to suppress protests in Minnesota amid an unprecedented immigration sweep in the Twin Cities. Trump told reporters: "I dont think theres any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, Id use it." His release on Friday came hours after a routine check-in led to his second detention. The immigration crackdown has intensified and grown more confrontational since the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7. ( Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ) In the words of my client, he said that somebody at ICE said they bleeped up and so they re-released him this afternoon and so hes out of custody, Prokosch said, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gibsons arrest is one of more than 2,500 made during a weeklong immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and St. Paul, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The operation has intensified and become more confrontational since the fatal shooting of Renee Good on Jan. 7. Gibson, 37, who fled the civil war in his West African home country as a child, had been ordered removed from the U.S., apparently because of a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed. He has remained in the country legally under whats known as an order of supervision, Prokosch said, and complied with the requirement that he meet regularly with immigration authorities. In his Thursday order, the judge agreed that officials violated regulations by not giving Gibson enough notice that his supervision status had been revoked. Prokosch said he was told by ICE that they are now going through their proper channels" to revoke the order. Native Americans urged to carry IDs Meanwhile, tribal leaders and Native American rights organizations are advising anyone with a tribal ID to carry it with them when out in public in case they are approached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Native Americans across the U.S. have reported being stopped or detained by ICE, and tribal leaders are asking members to report these contacts. Ben Barnes, chief of the Shawnee Tribe in Oklahoma and chair of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, called the reports deeply concerning. Organizers in Minneapolis have set up application booths in the city to assist people needing a tribal ID. Democratic members of Congress held a local meeting Friday to hear from people who say they've had aggressive encounters with immigration agents. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, who is Hmong American, said people are walking around with their passports in case they are challenged, and she has received reports of ICE agents going from door to door asking where the Asian people live. Thousands of Hmong people, largely from the Southeast Asian nation of Laos, have settled in the United States since the 1970s. 911 caller: Good was shot point blank Minneapolis authorities released police and fire dispatch logs and transcripts of 911 calls, all related to the fatal shooting of Good. Firefighters found what appeared to be two gunshot wounds in her right chest, one in her left forearm and a possible gunshot wound on the left side of her head, records show. They shot her, like, cause she wouldnt open her car door, a caller said. Point blank range in her car. Good, 37, was at the wheel of her Honda Pilot, which was partially blocking a street. Video showed an officer approached the SUV, demanded that she open the door and grabbed the handle. Good began to pull forward and turned the vehicle's wheel to the right. Another ICE officer, Jonathan Ross, pulled his gun and fired at close range, jumping back as the SUV moved past him. DHS claims the agent shot Good in self-defense. Arrest in FBI vehicle incident FBI Director Kash Patel said at least one person has been arrested for stealing property from an FBI vehicle in Minneapolis. The SUV was among government vehicles whose windows were broken Wednesday evening. Attorney General Pam Bondi said body armor and weapons were stolen. The destruction occurred when agents were responding to a shooting during an immigration arrest. Trump subsequently said on social media that he would invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials dont stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists there. Minnesotas attorney general responded by saying he would sue if the president acts. 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 Maria Corina Machado has handed her Nobel Peace Prize to Donald Trump during her first in-person meeting with the US president at the White House. The Venezuelan opposition leader was given the award last year but Trump made no secret about the fact that it should have been his a long time ago. After President Nicolas Maduros dramatic overnight capture, many hoped Machado would lead a new democratic government - but she was dismissed by Trump who claimed she lacked respect and support across the country. White House sources said Machado had committed the ultimate sin by accepting the award despite her dedicating it to Trump, according to theWashington Post. open image in gallery Maria Corina Machado became a symbol of resistance in the face of growing authoritarianism in Venezuela ( AP ) If she had turned it down and said, I cant accept it because its Donald Trumps, shed be the president of Venezuela today, they said. Although she did not make it in time for the ceremony, in Oslo, Machado was smuggled out of Venezuela and injured after a three-day journey. Can the Nobel Prize be transferred to Trump? The Nobel committee is unequivocal that a prize cannot be transferred once announced. Once a Nobel prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others, organisers wrote in a statement on 9 January. The decision is final and stands for all time. On Thursday, Nobel organisers wrote a statement on X/Twitter following news of Trump and Machados meeting, saying: A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel peace prize laureate cannot. open image in gallery Machado met with Trump at the White House on Thursday ( The White House/Getty ) What is Machados background? Machado, 58, was born in Caracas on 7 October 1967. Her father was a prominent businessman in Venezuelas steel industry, with her upper-class roots making her a target of criticism from the countrys governing socialist party. Machado is an industrial engineer by training, studying engineering at university before she gained a masters degree in finance, and went on to have a short career in business. In 1992, she also started a foundation for orphaned children living on the streets of Caracas, the Atenea Foundation. But she went on to co-found the vote-monitoring organisation Sumate in 2002, which aims to promote free and fair elections, marking her official entry into politics. open image in gallery President Nicolas Maduros time in office has been marked by a deep economic and social crisis ( AP ) What is Machados political career? In 2010, Machado won a record number of votes to get elected to the National Assembly, where she served from 2011 until the regime expelled her from office in 2014. She later became the national coordinator of the liberal political party Vente Venezuela, which she co-founded in 2012 and currently leads. Five years later, she helped found the Soy Venezuela alliance, aimed at bringing together pro-democracy forces from across the political divide. Machado won a resounding victory in the opposition's primary election in 2023, and her rallies attracted large crowds. However, a ban from holding public office prevented her from running for president against Nicolas Maduro in an election in 2024, and she went into hiding. Mr Gonzalez took her place, having never run for office before. The lead-up to the election saw widespread repression, including disqualifications, arrests and human rights violations, with Maduro's government routinely targeting its real or perceived opponents. open image in gallery The Venezuelan opposition leader addresses supporters at a protest against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas in January ( AP ) The crackdown on dissent only increased after the countrys National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Maduro loyalists, declared him the winner despite credible evidence to the contrary. The election results sparked protests across the country, to which the government responded with force and ended with more than 20 people dead. They also prompted an end to diplomatic relations between Venezuela and various foreign countries, including Argentina. Machado emerged from hiding in January to make a brief appearance during a protest before the inauguration of Maduro whose time in office has been marked by a deep economic and social crisis. She was briefly arrested and then freed. Machado is the 20th woman to win Nobel Peace Prize open image in gallery Machado and Gonzalez join hands during a protest against the result of the presidential election last year ( Getty ) Machado now becomes the 20th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, of the 112 individuals who have been honoured. She advocates for liberal economic reforms, including the privatisation of state-owned enterprises such as PDVSA, Venezuelas oil company. She also supports the creation of welfare programs aimed at aiding the country's poorest citizens. Her political activism has come at a cost, leaving her isolated as nearly all of her senior advisers have been detained or forced to leave the country. Machado herself has accused Maduro's administration of operating as a criminal mafia. Though sometimes criticised for being egotistical, even by her own mother, Machado rarely speaks about herself in public. Instead, she frames her campaign as a collective struggle for redemption and unity, aiming to inspire hope among Venezuelans weary of economic hardship and social decay. 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 McDonalds in downtown Seattle has banned indoor dining by barring the doors and creating an improvised takeout window. The fast-food joint on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Pine Street has seen stabbings, drug use, and even a shooting in which a woman was killed and seven others, including a child, were injured in January 2020. I watched a girl get shot and killed right here, Nick, a 45-year-old who used to do drugs in the area, told the Daily Mail. It was a horrible shooting. The McDonalds, which is located in an area called The Blade, had initially closed its dining room in 2020 to comply with Covid-19 protocols, David Santillanes, the local McDonalds restaurant owner and operator, confirmed to The Independent, but it has remained shuttered to keep its workers safe as the community grapples with crime and poverty. Now, the restaurant's doors are covered in plywood, and theres a makeshift hatch where customers can order their food, according to a photo taken by the Daily Mail. Plexiglass covers most of the top portion of the hatch, leaving a small opening where employees can hand customers their food and receive payment. open image in gallery A McDonalds in downtown Seattle has banned indoor dining by barring the doors and creating an improvised takeout window ( Google Earth ) They do drugs and attack each other, Nick said of the people who loiter outside the restaurant. When its dark, its way worse way more people getting assaulted and robbed. One McDonalds employee told the Daily Mail that hes also seen some physical assaults on the sidewalk outside the food joint. One Seattle police officer told the publication that hes seen three stabbings in front of the McDonalds since the year began. It has been nicknamed McStabbys by locals, according to the Daily Mail. Last year, there were 3,145 aggravated assaults, nearly 1,440 robberies, more than 380 cases of rape and about 30 murders in Seattle, according to the police department. So far this year, there've been 80 cases of violent crime, including about 50 aggravated assaults. open image in gallery The fast-food joint in downtown Seattle has seen stabbings, drug use, and even a shooting ( Brandon Bell/Getty Images ) Santillanes told The Independent, As a small business owner here in Seattle for 24 years, my team and I care deeply about feeding and serving this community. We have implemented security measures at this location to allow us to keep supporting the neighborhood, while ensuring the safety of our people. Despite the challenges in this particular area, we will continue doing what we can to effect positive change, working in close partnership with local community organizations. Santillanes and his team are doing what they can to help their community. During the grand opening of Santillanes Seattle Center McDonalds location, his team presented a $25,000 check to Marys Place, a nonprofit that helps unhoused mothers and children in Seattle. open image in gallery David Santillanes, the local McDonalds restaurant owner and operator, said he and his team care deeply about feeding and serving this community ( Pablo Porciuncula/AFP via Getty Images ) Out of all the states, Washington had the third-highest population of people experiencing homelessness in 2024, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As for law enforcements role in the community, the Seattle Police Department told The Independent that officers patrol the city, especially downtown, on a 24/7 basis. Seattle police officers often do proactive policework and emphasis patrols in crime hotspots such as 3rd Avenue and Pine Street including bike patrols, foot beats, warrant arrests, weapons arrests, and drug enforcement when not responding to emergency calls for service, the department said. 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 Time Out markets have closed in Chicago and Boston as the global food and cultural hall company blames a drop in footfall and rising costs. Customers will have until January 23 to enjoy the Time Out markets before they shutter for good. The Boston market, which takes up 27,000 square feet in the Fenway neighborhood, includes 15 eateries, two bars, a patio and a video-installation wall. The Chicago market is even bigger at 50,000 square feet. Located in the Fulton Market District, the market has 15 eateries, three bars, a rooftop terrace and a video-installation wall. Both markets opened in 2019, but then got hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw stores and restaurants close, at least temporarily, while Americans stayed home to stop the spread of the virus. open image in gallery Time Out markets have closed in Chicago and Boston as the global food and cultural hall company blames a drop in footfall and rising costs ( Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images ) Michael Marlay, CEO of Time Out Market, said in a statement that after the pandemic, the company has seen the Chicago and Boston markets recover and grow, and we have focused on initiatives driving further growth. But Maraly said footfall until today remains inconsistent in the area due to ongoing hybrid working and in addition, operating costs have increased all of which prevents consistent profitability. There are still two Time Out markets in New York City and others around the world. Despite closing its Chicago and Boston locations, Time Out plans to open markets in Vancouver, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Prague. open image in gallery Michael Marlay, CEO of Time Out Market, said in a statement that after the Covid-19 pandemic, the company has seen the Chicago and Boston markets recover, but footfall remains 'inconsistent' and operating costs have risen ( Angela Weis/AFP via Getty Images ) The Independent has reached out to Time Out for comment. It has been an honour to serve Chicago, and we have loved our time hereChicago is a fantastic city with outstanding food and cultural scenes, Time Out said. We want to thank our team, our chefs and restaurateurs who truly are the best of the city. It is thanks to all of them that the Chicago Market has been a wonderful place for our guests whom we also would like to thank wholeheartedly. Time Out gave a nearly identical statement to pay tribute to its Boston market. 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 Several Middle Eastern allies of the United States have urged the Trump administration to hold off on strikes against Iran for the governments deadly crackdown on protesters, according to an Arab diplomat familiar with the matter. Top officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have raised concerns in the last 48 hours that a U.S. military intervention would shake the global economy and destabilize an already volatile region, said the diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the sensitive conversations. Oil prices fell Thursday as the markets appeared to take note of President Donald Trumps shifting tone as a sign that hes leaning away from attacking Iran after days of launching blistering threats at Tehran for its brutal crackdown. Nevertheless, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday maintained that all options remain on the table for Trump as he deals with Iran. Here's the latest: CIA Director John Ratcliffe met for two hours with Venezuelas acting President Delcy Rodriguez That makes him the highest ranking U.S. official to visit the country following the U.S. military strike which captured former leader Nicolas Maduro. Thursdays meeting, first reported by The New York Times, was confirmed Friday by a U.S. government official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The official said the meeting in Caracas came at President Trumps direction and was intended to demonstrate the U.S. desire for a better relationship with Venezuela. The official said Ratcliffe discussed potential economic collaboration with the U.S. and warned that Venezuela can never again allow the presence of American adversaries, including drug traffickers. David Klepper The Trump administration has erased centuries of Justice Department experience As Attorney General Pam Bondi approaches her first year on the job, the firings of Justice Department attorneys have defined her turbulent tenure. The terminations and a larger voluntary exodus of lawyers have erased centuries of combined experience and left the department with fewer career employees to act as a bulwark for the rule of law at a time when President Trump, a Republican, is testing the limits of executive power by demanding prosecutions of his political enemies. Interviews by The Associated Press of more than a half-dozen fired employees offer a snapshot of the toll throughout the department. The departures include lawyers who prosecuted violent attacks on police at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, environmental, civil rights and ethics enforcers, counterterrorism prosecutors, immigration judges and attorneys who defend administration policies. They continued this week, when several prosecutors in Minnesota moved to resign amid turmoil over an investigation into the shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. Read more about firings at the Justice Department How the White House and governors want to fix AI-driven power shortages and price spikes The White House and a bipartisan group of governors are pressuring the operator of the mid-Atlantic power grid to take urgent steps to boost energy supply and curb price hikes, holding a Friday event aimed at addressing a rising concern among voters about the enormous amount of power used for artificial intelligence ahead of elections later this year. The White House said its National Energy Dominance Council and the governors of several states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia, want to try to compel PJM Interconnection to hold a power auction for tech companies to bid on contracts to build new power plants. The Trump administration and governors will sign a statement of principles toward that end Friday. Read more about the administration and AI-driven power shortages Criminal investigation raises key question: Whether Chair Powell leaves Fed in May The Justice Departments investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has brought heightened attention to a key drama that will play out at the central bank in the coming months: Will Powell leave the Fed when his term as chair ends, or will he take the unusual step of remaining a governor? Powells term as Fed chair ends May 15, but because of the central banks complex structure, he has a separate term as one of seven members of its governing board that lasts until January 31, 2028. Historically, nearly all Fed chairs have stepped down from the board when theyre no longer chair. But Powell could be the first in nearly 50 years to stay on as a governor. Many Fed-watchers believe the criminal investigation into Powells testimony about cost overruns for Fed building renovations was intended to intimidate him out of taking that step. If Powell stays on the board, it would deny the White House a chance to gain a majority, undercutting the Trump administrations efforts to seize greater control over what has for decades been an institution largely insulated from day-to-day politics. Read more about Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Trump announces outlines of health care plan he wants Congress to consider Trump on Thursday announced the outlines of a health care plan he wants Congress to take up as Republicans have faced increasing pressure to address rising health costs after lawmakers let subsidies expire. The cornerstone is his proposal to send money directly to Americans for health savings accounts so they can handle insurance and health costs as they see fit. Democrats have rejected the idea as a paltry substitute for the tax credits that had helped lower monthly premiums for many people. Trumps plan also focuses on lowering drug prices and requiring insurers to be more upfront with the public about costs, revenues, rejected claims and wait times for care. Trump has long been dogged by his lack of a comprehensive health care plan as he and Republicans have sought to unwind former President Barack Obamas signature legislation, the Affordable Care Act. Trump was thwarted during his first term in trying to repeal and replace the law. Read more about Trumps health care plan Trump isnt waiting for future generations to name things after him. Its happening now Most American presidents aspire to the kind of greatness that prompts future generations to name important things in their honor. Donald Trump isnt leaving it to future generations. As the first year of his second term wraps up, his Republican administration and allies have put his name on the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center performing arts venue and a new class of battleships. Thats on top of the Trump Accounts for tax-deferred investments, the TrumpRx government website soon to offer direct sales of prescription drugs, the Trump Gold Card visa that costs at least $1 million and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, a transit corridor included in a deal his administration brokered between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On Friday, he plans to attend a ceremony in Florida where local officials will dedicate a 4-mile (6-kilometer) stretch of road from the airport to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach as President Donald J. Trump Boulevard. Read more about Trumps renaming efforts Are Trumps supporters getting what they want from his second term? Heres what a new poll shows Nearly a year into his second term, Trumps work on the economy hasnt lived up to the expectations of many people in his own party, according to a new AP-NORC survey. The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds a significant gap between the economic leadership Americans remembered from Trumps first term and what theyve gotten so far as he creates a stunning level of turmoil at home and abroad. Just 16% of Republicans say Trump has helped a lot in addressing the cost of living, down from 49% in April 2024, when an AP-NORC poll asked Americans the same question about his first term. At the same time, Republicans are overwhelmingly supportive of the presidents leadership on immigration even if some dont like his tactics. There is little sign overall, though, that the Republican base is abandoning Trump. The vast majority of Republicans, about 8 in 10, approve of his job performance, compared with 4 in 10 for adults overall. Read more about the polls findings Middle East allies in blitz of diplomacy urged Trump to hold off on Iran strikes, diplomat says Several Middle Eastern allies of the United States have urged the Trump administration to hold off on strikes against Iran for the governments deadly crackdown on protesters, according to an Arab diplomat familiar with the matter. Top officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have raised concerns in the last 48 hours that a U.S. military intervention would shake the global economy and destabilize an already volatile region, said the diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the sensitive conversations. Oil prices fell on Thursday as the markets appeared to take note of President Donald Trumps shifting tone as a sign that hes leaning away from attacking Iran after days of launching blistering threats at Tehran for its brutal crackdown. Nevertheless, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday maintained that all options remain on the table for Trump as he deals with Iran. Read more about Trump and Iran Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani and Ben Finley 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 CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss pushed a story about an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents alleged injuries following the shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota, despite concern from journalists, according to a report. The news outlet was the first to report Wednesday that Trump administration officials said Jonathan Ross the ICE agent who shot and killed the mother-of-three in Minneapolis on January 7 suffered internal bleeding in his torso, citing two unnamed officials. 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. However, video showed Ross walking around after the shooting before getting into his car and leaving. The report about his injuries sparked internal skepticism at the network according to internal emails obtained by The Guardian. A CBS News spokesperson said the network went through its rigorous editorial process and decided it was reportable based on the reporting, the reporters, and the sourcing. open image in gallery CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss pushed a story about an ICE agents alleged injuries following the shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota, despite concern from journalists at the network ( Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Uber, X and The ) One staffer told the newspaper the report was met with huge internal concern by some, while others viewed the exchanges as standard editorial discussions. According to The Guardian, Weiss expressed a high level of interest in the story on an editorial call the morning of publication. Journalists at the network wanted to probe the Department of Homeland Security further on Rosss alleged injuries, given the agent was seen walking away after the incident. There was big internal dissension about the internal bleeding report here last night, one anonymous staffer told the newspaper. It was viewed as a thinly-veiled, anonymous leak by [the Trump administration] to someone whod carry it online. One medical producer at CBS News reportedly suggested in an email that it would be helpful to ask what type of treatment he received and whether he underwent surgery. CBS News senior vice-president David Reiter also expressed concern about the claims in an email obtained by The Guardian. Im no doctor, but internal bleeding is a very broad term and can range in severity, Reiter reportedly said. A bruise is internal bleeding. But it can also be something serious, Reiter continued, and added that the ICE agent was able to walk away from the incident. Another anonymous network staffer told the newspaper it felt to many here we were carrying water for the admins justifying of the shooting to keep our access to our sources. open image in gallery Jonathan Ross was seen in footage walking away following the confrontation ( Screengrab ) The 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. In the months since Weiss was installed as editor-in-chief of the network, she has faced increasingly intense scrutiny over her editorial decision-making and faced accusations of favoritism towards President Donald Trump and his administration. Trump hailed Weiss the great new leader during his return to the networks 60 Minutes, the iconic news show he had accused of election interference just a year prior. It emerged that Weiss was on location for the interview and approached Trump afterward to introduce herself, sources told The Independent. He was so happy to see her and she was so excited to meet him, they both leaned in and exchanged kisses on the cheek, one source said. Justin Baragona and Brendan Rascius contributed to this report Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice During his November return to 60 Minutes, the iconic news show he had accused of election interference just a year prior, Donald Trump heaped praise on the great new leader who had just been put in charge of CBS News. I don't know her, but I hear she's a great person, the president gushed about Bari Weiss, the anti-woke founder of the neoconservative site The Free Press and recently installed editor-in-chief of the network. Moments after the president lauded Weiss, whom he made a point of saying he didnt personally know, correspondent Norah ODonnell wrapped up the interview and thanked Trump for his time. It was at this point, according to four people familiar with the situation, things got extremely chummy on the set between Weiss and the president. Following the initial end to the sitdown, ODonnell and Trump engaged in a bit of small talk, which saw the president once again express how excited he was about the new leadership at CBS News and how great Weiss would be for the network. Besides praising Weiss during the interview, Trump had also applauded Paramount chief David Ellison, who had recently purchased CBS News parent company and is the son of his close pal Larry Ellison. Unbeknownst to Trump, sources told The Independent, Weiss was actually on location for the interview and quickly approached the president to introduce herself. He was so happy to see her and she was so excited to meet him, they both leaned in and exchanged kisses on the cheek, one source said. open image in gallery Sources told The Independent that Bari Weiss and Donald Trump exchanged kisses on the cheek following the presidents 60 Minutes interview. ( Getty ) Another source pointed out that several people in the room were shocked by the exchange, and that ODonnells jaw dropped over the friendly embrace between the networks top editor and the commander-in-chief. Im still kind of stunned by this, a CBS News reporter said. It reeks of elitism. The Independent has reached out to representatives for CBS News and Weiss for comment. While the White House would not provide an on the record comment for this story, White House communications director Steven Cheung shared a photo of other CBS News executives smiling alongside the president on X, all while not issuing a denial. Here are the other 60 Minutes executives who were having a great time with President Trump, laughing at his jokes, Cheung captioned his tweet, all while sharing a link to this story. Following the pleasantries between Weiss and Trump, the president agreed to the executive producers request to sit back down and allow for ODonnell to ask him a couple more questions, which centered on his pardon of crypto billionaire Changpeng Zhao and the appearance of corruption due to Zhaos business ties with the Trump family. I'd rather not have you ask the question. But I let you ask it. You just came to me and you said, Can I ask another question? And I said, yeah, Trump replied at one point, according to the transcript CBS News posted online. Did I let you do it? I coulda walked away. I didn't have to answer this question. While network staffers aware of the cheek kisses between Trump and Weiss criticized the lack of professionalism displayed in the moment, one high-ranking CBS News insider insisted that it is standard fare for network executives to exchange pleasantries in this manner following presidential interviews. Besides asserting that this was fairly common behavior, the insider added that Weiss wasnt the only one embraced by Trump on set. It wasn't just Bari that he greeted that way. It was everyone, the insider stated. Other CBS News staffers, however, disagreed with that assessment. That absolutely is not a normal news practice. A firm handshake is an acceptable greeting, the reporter declared. Its wildly inappropriate and presents an overly chummy relationship with the president that no real journalist should or would engage in because it suggests a lack of objectivity. That is the president, not a grieving family member. open image in gallery Weiss has been under fire over the editorial direction of CBS News, which critics have said is MAGA-friendly and deferential to the Trump administration. ( Paramount ) A former CBS News producer told The Independent that standard operating procedure is just being professional and everyone taking a photo together, while one source familiar with the exchange snarked that theyve never kissed a head of state on the cheek before. In the months since that 60 Minutes interview, Weiss has faced increasingly intense scrutiny over her editorial decision-making at CBS News and faced accusations of favoritism towards Trump and his administration. Last month, she set off a potential revolt within 60 Minutes when she decided to spike a story about Venezuelan migrants being deported by the Trump administration to the violent El Salvadorian prison CECOT at the last minute. She repeatedly defended the decision, claiming the piece was not ready because it needed a voice from the administration, prompting the reporter on the segment to suggest the move was politically motivated. The reboot of CBS Evening News, now led by Weiss handpicked anchor Tony Dokoupil, has only brought more criticism over the MAGA-coded editorial stance of the network. Whether its the friendly interviews with Trump officials, a largely unchallenging one-on-one with the president, Dokoupils lighthearted salute to ultimate Florida man Marco Rubio, or the Fox News style sign off the anchor recently adopted, critics have savaged the show as state TV while viewers have been tuning out. Even more questions have arisen over Weiss potentially placing her thumb on the scale to boost the administration after CBS News published an anonymously sourced report that the ICE officer who fatally shot Renee Good suffered internal bleeding to the torso following the incident. That story which cited two unnamed U.S. officials briefed on his medical condition quickly gained a lot of traction within the MAGA media sphere, especially as it aligned with the White Houses narrative about the shooting. open image in gallery During the November 60 Minutes interview, Trump heaped praise on Weiss as the new leader of the network. Moments later, she introduced herself to the president and they shared a friendly embrace. ( YouTube ) The Guardian later reported that the story didnt just receive skepticism from media observers, it was also criticized at the network and met with huge internal concern by some. Meanwhile, Weiss expressed a high level of interest in the story during Wednesday mornings editorial call. There was big internal dissension about the internal bleeding report here last night, a CBS source told The Guardian. It was viewed as a thinly-veiled, anonymous leak by [the Trump administration] to someone whod carry it online. It hasnt been lost on media analysts that Weiss pushing for the internal bleeding story to get quickly published despite concerns about sourcing comes as she simultaneously insists that the Inside CECOT story is not ready to air. This vague, anonymous sourcing apparently is fine for stories that suit political purposes of the Trump Administration, Too Much TV writer Rick Ellis observed. But given that Weiss has been arguing that a months-long reported segment on torture at CECOT cant be aired unless there is an on-camera response from the Trump administration, it feels as if there are two sets of rules for what is considered good journalism at CBS News. Ellis added that CBS News insiders told him that while the reporters of the internal bleeding story wanted to wait for additional details, higher-ups at the news division pushed to publish the story. In the end, he noted, those insiders felt this was another indication that Weiss and her newly-installed cronies are attempting to use the news division as a propaganda tool under the guise of improving the quality of journalism. 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 Nearly one in three Canadians fear a military invasion by the United States, a new poll says. The survey found that one in five Americans fears their country could attack its northern neighbor, in light of Donald Trumps military operation in Venezuela and threats towards Greenland. Trumps capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has heightened fears that he may intervene in other countries affairs in a more aggressive manner, with the U.S. president repeatedly claiming he needs the Danish territory despite European resistance. The poll, conducted by Leger, surveyed 1,540 Canadians and 1,011 Americans between January 9 and January 11. Thirty-one percent of Canadian respondents said that they feared a U.S. invasion of their country, with a further 55 percent believing that Greenland was the next country in Trumps sights. open image in gallery Nearly one in three Canadians fear a takeover of their country by the United States, according to a poll ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The survey also found that 51 percent predict that Trump will intervene in Cuba, while 47 percent said he would target Panama next. Only 36 percent thought he would send support to protestors in Iran, despite the president promising that help was on its way. Andrew Enns, executive vice-president for Central Canada, told The Canadian Press that Canadians opinion of the U.S. government was not very high to begin with. However, he added that the new numbers would likely be welcome news for Prime Minister Mark Carney. It kind of keeps those embers of patriotism and that defend Canada burning pretty strong, which I think is helpful for the prime minister and his government at this time, Enns said. Mark Carney was elected on a surge of anti-Trump sentiment in Canada after the president threatened to invade the country with the intention of incorporating it as the U.S.s 51st state. open image in gallery Mark Carney, Canadas Prime Minister, was elected on a wave of anti-Trump feeling ( AP ) After winning the 2024 presidential election, Trump repeatedly referred to the then-Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, as Governor Trudeau, implying he oversaw a U.S. state and not an independent government. Right-wing media outlets backed the idea, with Fox News Jesse Watters claiming it was a "privilege" for Canada to be taken over. That chain of events means that it doesnt take much to worsen Canadians views of the U.S. government, according to Enns. A total of 53 percent of Canadian respondents in the survey viewed any U.S. intervention as being negative, because it is a serious violation of a countrys sovereignty." Only 23 percent had a positive view of Trumps capture of Maduro, with the majority (56 percent) saying it has worsened their view of the American government even further. However, the survey also revealed that most of the country is keeping a close eye on the United States activities. open image in gallery Donald Trump has long floated the idea that the United States could takeover Canada ( AFP via Getty Images ) Around two-thirds of people are following the ongoing situation in Venezuela closely, with that number skyrocketing to 77 percent amongst Canadians aged 55 and older. Around 55 percent of people aged 35 to 54 are also watching the U.S. closely, along with 60 percent of people aged 18 to 34. As tensions between Canada and the United States continue to become increasingly strained, the northern country is increasingly looking elsewhere for trade. Prime Minister Carney told Chinese President Xi Jinping that he expects both nations to make historic gains from a new partnership while visiting Beijing in recent days. Well deliver stability, security and prosperity for people on both sides, Carney added, as he spoke with Trumps nemesis, Xi Jinping. The Chinese president hailed a turnaround of ties between both countries and added that he was pleased with the development. 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 group of Democratic lawmakers is asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Trump Mobile, the cellphone network provider branded by the Trump Organization, for making misleading statements about where the product was manufactured and when it would be sold. The group of 11 members of Congress, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, sent a letter to the regulatory agency Thursday asking it to determine if Trump Mobile engaged in deceptive or unfair business practices by collecting a $100 deposit from consumers who pre-ordered the phone whose release continues to be delayed. Since it was launched in June, Trump Mobile has consistently pushed back its promised delivery date, all while collecting the $100 deposit from customers. At first, the company said the phone would be available in August, then it was pushed to November, then December and now, to sometime in Q1 2026, according to NBC News. Lawmakers are also asking the FTC if Trump Mobile misled consumers by claiming or implying the product was made in the U.S. despite reports indicating it is likely manufactured abroad. Despite once marketing its $499 gold T1 Phone as MADE IN THE USA the Trump Mobile website has slowly removed that language and now claims to be an American Proud Design that is brought to life right here in the USA. open image in gallery A group of Democratic lawmakers are concerned Trump Mobile has participated in deceptive practices by not delivering phones to customers who paid a $100 deposit ( Getty ) Warren and the other lawmakers are also asking the FTC to clarify if it had any discussions with President Donald Trump, the Trump Organization or Trump Mobile since its announcement, as well as how the independent agency is operating separately from Trumps influence. The American people deserve to know that consumer protection laws apply equally to all businesses, regardless of political connections, the lawmakers wrote. Although the Trump Organization does not sell the phone, Trump Mobile uses Trumps branding for its network and phone. The Independent has asked Trump Mobile for comment. Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, the presidents sons, unveiled Trump Mobile last year as an affordable cellphone network provider with branding associated with the president. For $47.45 a month, customers can get unlimited talk and text across the nation, along with other basic benefits. open image in gallery Trump Mobile offers customers various refurbished phones alongside the highly-anticipated T1 Phone ( Trump Mobile ) The companys mobile virtual network operator, Liberty Mobile Wireless, uses T-Mobiles network. Customers can obtain a refurbished iPhone 14 for $489 or a Samsung S23 for $369. But its teased its gold T1 phone, which operates on an Android system, for months. Trump Mobile hasnt given customers who paid the $100 deposit a specific reason for the delayed manufacturing. At one point, they pointed to the government shutdown as a reason; however, it is unclear why that would cause delays. The 11 Democrats are asking the FTC to investigate the matter. They said if the agency declines to probe Trump Mobile, it should provide legal reasoning given the apparent violations. Lawmakers are asking the FTC to respond by February 15. 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 As Immigration and Customs Enforcement continues its crackdown in Minneapolis and President Donald Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act, Democrats are targeting the money Republicans gave to beef up the agency as a way to slow the agencys aggressive deportation push. Some have called on Congress to pull funding for ICE as a way to rein in the agency. The calls have intensified after the shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota by an ICE agent, which sparked protests. The Trump administration has refused ot change tactics and surged even more officers into the area to make deportation arrests. When Republicans passed their One Big, Beautiful Bill, they included massive increases for ICE, including $29.9 billion for enforcement operations and an additional $45 billion to build new detention facilities. So the idea that somehow they're underfunded, everyone knows they're well-funded because they're offering $50,000 signing bonuses to the recruits coming out of police forces and coming out of the local population in places like Michigan, Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), a moderate, told The Independent this week. As The Independent reported earlier this week, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the democratic socialist vanguard from New York, has drilled home the point that the money used to pay for ICE funding in the bill came from cuts to health care. But beyond that, Democrats are split on what exactly to do about ICE and ways to declaw the agency. The Congressional Progressive Caucus got behind Rep. Jimmy Gomezs bill to move that money toward affordable housing. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, a moderate, introduced legislation that would transfer the almost $75 billion toward local law enforcement. She told The Independent that ICE should be funded at its traditional levels of up to $10 billion annually. Democrats want to target the glut of money Republicans gave to IC in the wake of Trumps deportation push in Minnesota. But they are split on how to do it. ( Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ) They don't need the excess funds of $29 billion that the Republicans afforded, she said. That's why I am saying, let's transfer those funds to work with police officers who actually work to keep our community safe. The government is set to run out of money by the end of the month and it could trigger another government shutdown. But instead of the normal process of passing an omnibus bill where all 12 spending bills to keep the government open pass, Republicans in the House pushed to pass individual bills or mini-bus spending bills that couple a few bills together. Ironically, that gives Democrats significant leverage, since they may now want to ensure ICE does not receive any additional money for the annual bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security. I won't go for a penny of funding for ICE until they stop terrorizing Minnesotans, Rep. Angie Craig, who represents the Minneapolis suburbs, told The Independent on Wednesday. Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who earned national headlines last year when he visited El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia after he was mistakenly sent to El Salvador, echoed the sentiment. I will not vote for one more dime for Trump's lawless ICE operations, and that's why they're working to try to rein in those operations, he told The Independent. ICE is unlikely to be defunded, let alone abolished like some progressives would want, especially considering Republicans control Congress and when Trump is president and Stephen Miller is at the presidents side. House Speaker Mike Johnson swatted down the idea of even putting guardrails on the agency and told The Independent that Democrats were playing political games. I think there's a lot of Democrats playing games right now with national security and with law enforcement, Johnson said on Wednesday. The speaker also referenced the killing of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. They are enforcing federal law, Johnson said. They're going and getting dangerous criminals, sometimes in sanctuary cities, where they get too much resistance, and I you know, we've seen the tragic consequences and effects of that, so I don't think we need to be cutting funding right now. Some Democratic advocacy groups are chilly on using the term Abolish ICE. Third Way, a centrist Democratic organization, released a memo called Democrats: Abolish ICE AbusesNot ICE. The current moment has opened a rare window to challenge the status quo in immigration enforcement. Democrats can leverage this moment to push for real, structural improvements that improve public safety for allbut only if they avoid playing into abolitionist frames that opponents will weaponize. Some Democrats believe the party paid a price in 2024 because of the surge in immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border during the Biden administration. In response, some Democrats in swing states and districts voted for Trumps legislation, including the Laken Riley Act, which allowed the Department of Homeland Security to detain immigrants arrested for larceny, burglary, theft and shoplifting in the first weeks of 2025. But now that the tide is shifting against ICE, not just among Democrats but among independents, and the liberal party feels an increased need to show it is doing something to control the agency. 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 website domain Nazis.US appears to have been set up to redirect visitors to the Department of Homeland Securitys homepage. DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told TMZ which first reported the news her agency successfully blocked the redirect as of Thursday morning. However, the domain still appears to be redirecting to the DHS website as of Friday morning. Mediaite reported that the domain was registered to someone with a mailing address in Florida. Now, a congressional candidate in Florida appears to be taking credit for the move. Mark Davis, who says hes running for Republican Representative Vern Buchanans seat in Floridas 16th District, claimed Friday in a social media post that he purchased the domain. open image in gallery A congressional candidate in Florida says he purchased the Nazis.US domain and redirected it to the DHS website ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Because the GOP went full fascist and the democrat establishment still wont name it, Davis wrote. Im not a senator. Dont have a PAC. Not a soul in power thought to actually raise hell. So I did. And now it points to Homeland Security. If establishment dems wont fight Nazis then a nobody f****** will, he added. The Independent has contacted the DHS for comment. When The Independent contacted Davis for comment via email, he replied: I dont have any further comments, other than what I shared online other than f*** Trump and f*** ice. open image in gallery Screenshot from Mark Davis, a Congressional Candidate, who claims to have set up Nazi.US ( Screenshot / Threads ) Some critics have used Nazi comparisons when describing the current administration, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who said in a recent interview with independent journalist Aaron Parnas he has likened what Donald Trump was doing in this country to what was happening in the early days of Nazi Germany. Pritzker has been openly critical of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, particularly after the DHS launched Operation Midway Blitz in the Chicago area last year. Meanwhile, Trump has pushed back on this rhetoric. Look, they call me a Nazi all the time. I'm not a Nazi, Trump told 60 Minutes Norah ODonnell in November. I'm the opposite. I'm somebody that's saving our country. But they call me Nazi. 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 number of international students coming to study in the U.S. dropped for the first time in three years, according to new data. Enrollments of foreign students at U.S. universities is down by 1.4 percent this fall, which is the first time the number has decreased in three years, according to recently released data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The total number of international students across the country decreased by approximately 5,000, Bloomberg reports. The decline was most visible in graduate student programs, where enrollment dropped by 6 percent representing approximately 10,000 students after it exploded by more than 50 percent between 2020 and 2024. Universities in recent years have worked to make themselves more appealing to international students, as they typically pay higher tuition than homegrown students. Many countries will provide funding for students to study in the U.S., and more than half of international students receive all of their funding through their parents rather than student loan programs, according to the Institute of International Education. President Donald Trumps general antagonism toward top universities and student activists, paired with his increasingly restrictive policies on visas and immigration have reportedly contributed to the downward trend. The number of international students enrolling in U.S. universities decreased by 1.4 percent for the 2025-2026 academic year, according to data fro the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center ( PA Wire ) In 2025, Trump ordered federal funding cut or frozen for numerous universities, including Harvard, Cornell, Northwestern, Penn State University, Princeton, Brown, UCLA, and Duke. The cuts or freezes were ostensibly punishments for alleged antisemitism and civil rights violations on the campuses. Harvard University alone lost access to billions of dollars until a judge ruled that Trump's orders were illegal. Earlier this week on X, the Department of State boasted that it had revoked visas for 8,000 international students in an effort to "keep America safe." Enrollment at the undergraduate level grew, but at a much slower pace than it has in previous years. There was a 3.2 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment this academic year, which was down from the 8.4 percent enrollment growth reported the year prior. Harvard was one of the few universities to escape the trend. Its number of foreign students in the fall of 2025 increased slightly to 28 percent, representing about 6,749 students. That's the highest percentage of foreign students at the school since 2002, according to the university. Other schools fared far worse. DePaul University in Chicago reported a 755 student drop in its foreign student population when compared to fall 2024. The number of new graduate students coming from outside the country was also down by almost 62 percent, according to Bloomberg. The school said the decline was caused by visa issues and the "declining desire for international students to study in the U.S." 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 death of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee, who the agency said died after experiencing medical distress, is likely to be ruled a homicide, according to a report. ICE last week announced the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant, and said staff observed him in distress and contacted on-site medical personnel for assistance at the makeshift Texas detention facility Camp East Montana within the Fort Bliss Army base. Lunas Camposs daughter alleged that the El Paso Countys Office of the Medical Examiner told her it is likely going to rule his death a homicide, according to The Washington Post. The newspaper obtained a recording of a conversation between Lunas Camposs daughter, who was not named by the outlet, and an employee of the medical examiners office who allegedly told her a doctor is listing the preliminary cause of death as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression. The staffer allegedly told her, Our doctor is believing that were going to be listing the manner of death as homicide, pending the results of a toxicology report. An inmate at the detention center also told the Post he witnessed Lucas Campos struggle with staff before he died. open image in gallery Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant, died on January 3 at the makeshift Texas detention facility Camp East Montana. Now, a medical examiner is ready to rule his death a homicide, according to reports ( Immigration and Customs Enforcement ) Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, told the newspaper that Lunas Campos died after he attempted to take his own life. Campos violently resisted the security staff and continued to attempt to take his life, McLaughlin told the Post. During the ensuing struggle, Campos stopped breathing and lost consciousness. Medical staff was immediately called and responded. After repeated attempts to resuscitate him, EMTs declared him deceased on the scene. The Independent has contacted the department and ICE for further comment. Lunas Campos is one of four migrants to die in U.S. immigration custody during the first 10 days of 2026. It follows public anger over an ICE agents fatal shooting of Minnesota mom Renee Good, sparking protests and clashes with federal law enforcement in Minneapolis. ICE said Lunas Campos was paroled into the U.S. in 1996. He was arrested in July last year and had a criminal record than spanned from at least 1997 through October 2015, including first-degree sexual abuse involving a child under 11 and aggravated assault with a weapon, according to an ICE news release published last year. Lucas Campos, a father of three, was placed in segregated housing at the Texas facility after becoming disruptive, ICE said in a statement about his death last week. While in segregation, staff observed him in distress and contacted on-site medical personnel for assistance, the statement continued. Medical staff responded, initiated lifesaving measures, and requested emergency medical services. Lunas was pronounced deceased. open image in gallery The family of Lunas Campos, who died at the Fort Bliss facility, alleges a staffer at the El Paso Countys Office of the Medical Examiner said it is likely going to rule his death a homicide ( Getty Images ) Fellow inmate Santos Jesus Flores told the Post he witnessed at least five guards struggling with Lunas Campos after he refused to enter the segregation unit. According to Flores, he saw guards choking Lunas Campos and heard him repeatedly crying, I cant breathe in Spanish. The mother of two of Lunas Camposs children, Jeanette Pagan Lopez, told the newspaper she has been contacted by the FBI, who told her they are investigating the death. I know its a homicide, Lopez told the newspaper. The people that physically harmed him should be held accountable. Use of force is permitted against detainees only after all reasonable efforts to resolve a situation have failed, according to ICE detention standards. Officers shall use only the force necessary to gain control of the detainee; to protect and ensure the safety of detainees, staff, and others; to prevent serious property damage; and to ensure the security and orderly operation of the facility, the regulations state. 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 former Department of Homeland Security official has claimed that animal control officers get more training than Immigration and Customs Enforcement recruits. Proper training of ICE has been a concern amid President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, especially after two recent Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents. In the shootings, which happened over the span of a week, Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was killed, and a man, who DHS identified as a criminal Venezuelan immigrant, was injured. Former D.C. Chief of Homeland Security and Intelligence Donell Harvin accused ICE of not practicing proper police safety. If you take the current DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, at her word, the ICE agent that shot Ms. Good was following his training, his tactics and policies, the ex-DHS official told MS NOWs Ana Cabrera Thursday. open image in gallery A former Department of Homeland Security official has claimed that 'animal control officers' get more training than Immigration and Customs Enforcement recruits ( Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ) If that's the case and you take her at her word, then we have a big problem, because what we have is ICE agents that are not practicing proper police or law enforcement officer safety and survivability, Harvin continued. Noem said that ICE officer Jonathan Ross, who fatally shot Good, was experienced. We have ICE agents that are rolling off the assembly line, so to speak, with far, far less training than the agent involved in Goods death, Harvin said. Harvin said news reporting found that ICE recruits receive 47 days of training. open image in gallery Proper training of ICE has been a concern amid President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, especially after two recent Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents ( Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images ) New ICE officers used to reportedly receive about five months of training, but three unnamed officials told The Atlantic last August that it was shortened to 47 days because Trump is the 47th president. The publication did note that the shortened training was partly due to the elimination of Spanish courses. A senior DHS official told The Washington Examiner that The Atlantics reporting was false. I will tell you that in many states, you can become an animal control officer, but you need twice as much training, Harvin said. So think about that. Your local dog catcher will need more training to carry a firearm and execute warrants and arrest people than an ICE agent. And that's what's concerning. DHS told The Independent that all ICE candidates go through months of training and are taught how to protect themselves and others from potentially violent situations, how to de-escalate situations and other skills. open image in gallery One report said new ICE recruits only need 47 days of training, which a Homeland Security official called false ( Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ) Standard training for recruits involved in enforcement and removal operations is eight weeks, according to DHS. ICE law enforcement officers are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve dangerous situations to prioritize the safety of the public and our officers, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent. Officers are highly trained in de-escalation tactics and regularly receive ongoing use of force training. The agencys current use of force policy is the same as it was in 2023 under President Bidens administration, McLaughlin continued. 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 Several Native Americans have reportedly been swept up in Donald Trumps immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, where federal agents are accused of racially profiling immigrants and citizens alike in rapid, warrantless arrests. Four members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe were arrested and detained last week, according to Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out. Three remain in federal detention, according to the Tribe. At least one other Native American, a member of the Red Lake Nation, was arrested and briefly detained last week. Jose Roberto Beto Ramirez, 20, was forcibly removed from his aunts car and detained by masked officers in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, according to video of his arrest. Officers pulled him from the passengers seat, slammed him on the hood of the car, handcuffed him and hauled him to a detention center, where he spent roughly 10 hours. Native Americans are U.S. citizens, holding dual citizenship rights and responsibilities under both federal and tribal laws. But indigenous leaders fear federal officers surging into the greater Minneapolis area are unlawfully stopping, questioning and detaining Native Minnesotans on the basis of their skin color and names, or racially profiling Tribal members who officers believe are Latino immigrants. open image in gallery Tribal leaders say the Trump administrations immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota is unlawfully targeting Native Americans ( Getty Images ) Native people have been here since time immemorial theres no one that has been a citizen of this country longer than us, according to Minnesotas Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a member of White Earth Nation and the highest-ranking Indigenous woman in statewide elected office, The obvious racial profiling happening to our community is disgraceful, she said this week. My heart breaks to hear about whats happening and it pisses me off. In a letter to Trump administration officials, the Oglala Sioux Tribe noted that the detention of tribal members is unlawful and constitutes a direct violation of binding treaties, federal law, constitutional protections, and the United States' trust responsibility. Three tribal members are detained at a federal building in outskirts of Minneapolis, where scores of people arrested during the Minnesota surge are jailed, according to Star Comes Out. Tribal officials have not identified the men. The Independent has not been able to independently verify their names or confirm their arrests. In a statement to The Independent, Homeland Security claims the agency cannot verify whether officers had even encountered them. Homeland Security officials have asked for basic information on the individuals, such as names and date of birth so that we can run a proper check to provide them with the facts, according to a spokesperson for the agency. open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claims officers are only making targeted arrests despite video footage and witness statements describing indiscriminate arrests that included citizens ( REUTERS ) The Oglala Sioux Tribes memorandum makes clear that tribal citizens are not aliens and are categorically outside immigration jurisdiction, President Star Comes Out said in a statement. Enrolled tribal members are citizens of the United States by statute and citizens of the Oglala Sioux Nation by treaty. He noted the irony of the federal building housing a detention center at the site of Fort Snelling, where, during the Dakota War of 1862 between Native American and white settlers, Indigenous people were imprisoned. Two Dakota leaders were executed at the military fort in 1865. The alleged detention of Native Americans at the facility underscores why treaty obligations and federal accountability matter today, not just in history, Star Comes Out said. Tribal members are first Americans, he wrote in his letter to administration officials. We are not undocumented immigrants, and we are not subject to unlawful, immigration enforcement actions by ICE or Homeland Security, it says. Tribal members are not aliens. They are not subject to immigration enforcement and detention. They are citizens of this land by treaty, by statute, and by history. Our citizenship is not negotiable. Snatching a Native person off the street is not a reckless mistake its a direct assault on Indigenous sovereignty and due process, according to a statement from state lawmakers in the Minnesota Native American Caucus. Native peoples are Indigenous to this country, existing on this continent for thousands of years before the colonization of this nation rendering deportation impossible and absurd, they said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that, despite video footage and witness testimony describing indiscriminate arrests, every situation we are doing targeted enforcement. In response to questions as to why some Americans have been asked to provide proof of citizenship in Minnesota, Noem told reporters Thursday that officers may need to validate the identity of a criminal in their custody. 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 said. Asked Thursday what the Trump administration is doing to ensure citizens arent wrongly arrested in the presidents mass deportation campaign, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt deflected. ICE is focused on detaining individuals who are unlawfully present in the country, Leavitt said. That is their intention and that is their goal. 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 Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who killed a mother of three in Minnesota is an Iraq veteran with a long history of working in anti-immigration operations, according to a report. Federal agent Jonathan Ross fired three shots at Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7 as she was sitting behind the wheel of her maroon Honda Pilot. Good and other neighbors had come out to protest the presence of immigration forces on their streets. The Trump administration has rallied behind Ross, asserting he acted in self-defense and accused the wife and mom of running him over. Ross has yet to speak or appear in public since the shooting, which has sparked protests and clashes with law enforcement in Minneapolis and beyond. It has also led to calls for ICE to slow its aggressive deportation push in Minnesota and other areas. An increase of deportation has been center of President Donald Trumps agenda. A picture of the twice-married agents history is now coming into focus, with one law enforcement officer who has worked with Ross describing him as a thorough agent who would go down rabbit holes in search of undocumented migrants in a New York Times profile. open image in gallery The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who killed a mother of three in Minnesota is an Iraq veteran with a long history of working in anti-immigration operations, according to a profile on the agent ( Screengrab ) Ross is a longtime ICE officer who has been serving his country his entire life, said Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security. After graduating high school in Peoria, Illinois, in 2001, his career began in the National Guard. From there, Ross went on to join the U.S. Border Patrol and Customs in El Paso, Texas, before becoming a member of ICEs special response team, where he has been for the past decade. As a member of the Indiana National Guard, Ross was deployed to Iraq in November 2004 for a year where he served as a gunner in a logistics unit. On his return, he spoke about the war at a Support the Troops event hosted by the College Republicans at Anderson University in Indiana in April 2006, which he attended according to the Times. He graduated with a degree in business administration and psychology in 2007. open image in gallery Ross fired three shots at Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7 as she was sitting behind the wheel of her maroon Honda Pilot ( Facebook ) That year, he joined the U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso and worked as a field intelligence agent, gathering and analyzing information on drug cartels. His duties included line-watching, which involves surveilling and apprehending targets along the border. Ross stayed with Border Patrol until 2015, when he moved to Minnesota after taking a job with ICE and was primarily tasked with identifying and arresting higher value targets, NBC News reported, citing court testimony. The agent had remarried and was living in a large home on a quiet street in the city of Chaska, a 30-minute drive from Minneapolis, according to the Times. Rosss political views are not known but during the presidential election, neighbors on his street claimed they recalled seeing a pro-Trump sign and a Dont Tread on Me Gadsden flag on display outside his home, according to NBC News and the Times. Colleagues of Ross told the Times that he mostly avoided bringing up politics in his workplace. Ross was previously dragged by a fleeing suspect during the arrest of Roberto Carlos Munoz-Guatemala, a Mexican citizen, in Bloomington, Minnesota, in June 2025. open image in gallery Ross has yet to speak or appear in public since the incident, which has sparked protests and clashes with law enforcement in Minneapolis and beyond ( AP ) Munoz-Guatemala, who had previously been convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and was on a detainer, ignored ICE agents commands, prompting Ross to break open a window of his car and try to unlock the door. Munoz-Guatemala then accelerated as Ross was screaming at the top of my lungs for him to stop. Munoz-Guatemala dragged the officer roughly 300 feet before he was knocked from the car. As a result, Ross needed 20 stitches on his arm and 13 more on his hand, The Minnesota Star Tribune first reported. Munoz-Guatemala was later convicted of assaulting an officer. The Department of Homeland Security has refused to name Ross in public statements but maintained he acted according to his training. Ross is reportedly increasingly unlikely to face criminal charges for the killing of Good, whose family has hired the same law firm that represented George Floyds loved ones. Isabel Keane 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 If the 2028 presidential race sees JD Vance square off against California Governor Gavin Newsom, then the vice president would lose the vote of some young MAGA men simply over his looks. JD Vance is subhuman, and Gavin Newsom mogs, online influencer Braden Peters told The Daily Wire in December, using internet slang to mean outclass. [Vance]s got a very short total facial width-to-height ratio, hes obese, very recessed side profile, whereas Newsom is like a six-foot-three chad. Peters told the outlet that he thought Newsom was a liar and a degenerate, but, at the same time, would vote for him 100 times over, based on his looks. The 19-year-old goes by the online persona Clavicular and is part of an emerging internet sub-community of looks-maxxing that values physical looks over all other character traits, and goes to extreme lengths to transform their bodies. open image in gallery An emerging internet sub-community of men values physical looks over all other character traits, and goes to extreme lengths to transform their bodies, or looksmax, to an ideal state, preferring the likes of Gavin Newsom over JD Vance ( AP ) Most aspire to be a chad, which is defined as a dominant or attractive man by members of the online incel [involuntary celibate] community. Techniques to achieve these body goals vary, from soft-maxxing, which involves better hair, skincare, and exercise routines, to hard-maxxing, which can go to much more extreme lengths, including cosmetic surgery, both professional and self-performed. Peters himself has released videos online that involved bashing himself in the face with a hammer, a technique known as bonesmashing, to increase his jaw definition, as well as allegedly taking illegal drugs such as crystal meth to remain skinny. The youngster also sells his plans to looksmax online in the Clavicular System, described as a data-driven framework using experimental methods to surpass genetic potential. open image in gallery Braden Peters aka Clavicular, is one of the foremost influencers pushing the looksmaxxing trends as a way of young men making themselves more attractive to women ( YouTube/ Clavicular ) He also offers exclusive one-on-one programs, which he says use pharmacology, extreme methods and protocols people are too scared to even ask about, as well as steroids. Peters online exploits in the arena have caught the attention of other MAGA adjacent internet personalities, such as white supremacist Nick Fuentes. Fuentes has agreed with Peters about Newsom and Vance, describing the Governor as handsome and the vice president as a fat subhuman. He has also called Peters a total chad. open image in gallery Looks are important to Donald Trump, who regularly points out good looking people in his audiences at rallies and other public events. Conversely he has also described political enemies including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as a fat pig and a big, fat slob, respectively. ( AP ) The rise of such views among young MAGA men is being pushed by Peters, who boasts 111,000 followers on Kick and 690,000 on TikTok and other similar creators, who follow in the hyper-masculine footsteps of influencers such as Andrew Tate. However, looks are important to Donald Trump, who regularly points out good-looking people in his audiences at rallies and other public events. Conversely, he has also described political enemies, including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, as a fat pig and a big, fat slob, respectively. Vances considerable weight loss reportedly factored into Trumps decision to select him as a running mate, with the president having described him as a handsome son of a b**** on numerous occasions. 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 New details about the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week have revealed the chaotic situation on the ground as the emergency services raced to her aid. Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three and poet, was shot dead by federal agent Jonathan Ross just after 9:37 a.m. on Wednesday January 7, while sitting behind the wheel of her maroon Honda Pilot. She and other locals had come out to protest the presence of immigration forces on their streets. Footage of the confrontation that led to Goods death was captured by bystanders on cell phones, who quickly uploaded their videos to social media where it was closely scrutinized around the world, leading to widespread outrage and mass demonstrations in U.S. cities. open image in gallery Renee Nicole Good, who was shot dead by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on a Minneapolis street on Wednesday January 7, 2026 ( Facebook ) Sixty pages of incident reports submitted by the Minneapolis police and fire departments and 911 call logs obtained by The New York Times now reveal precisely how the official response played out. The Times reports that the first panicked 911 calls began coming in at around 9:38 a.m. and continued for the next hour. Theres 15 ICE agents, and they shot her, like, cause she wouldnt open her car door, one of the callers told the operator to whom they spoke. I witnessed it, another person said, confirming that they had seen Good covered in blood in the drivers seat and explaining: She tried to drive away, but crashed into the nearest vehicle that was parked. open image in gallery Stills from a video taken by Ross of Good behind the wheel of her Honda SUV shortly before he fatally shot her ( Jonathan Ross/Alpha News ) The dispatcher responded that lots of help was on the way. It was previously reported by The Minnesota Star Tribune that the ICE agents on sight blocked a person who came forward to identify themselves as a doctor from attending to Good. The new records show that the paramedics duly arrived at 9:42 a.m. to find her in a stricken condition, unresponsive, with blood on her face and torso. They removed her from the car but found she was not breathing and had an irregular pulse. She had two apparent gunshot wounds on the right side of her chest, another on her left forearm and a possible fourth on the left side of her head, the records state. Blood was running from her left ear and her pupils were dilated, they add. open image in gallery Goods vehicle crashed beside the road with emergency responders called to the scene ( Getty ) Good was placed in an ambulance that set off for Hennepin County Medical Center as paramedics performed CPR on her while Ross, who had remained on the scene for around 15 minutes after shooting her, was spirited away to a federal building for his own protection. The outraged protesters who had witnessed the fatal altercation were becoming a source of concern to law enforcement, the records show, prompting an exchange of tense messages alerting one another to the volatility of the situation. NEED CROWD CONTROL AND AREA BLOCKED OFF, one sent at 9:47 a.m. CROWD GETTING HOSTILE, said another from 9:50 a.m. CONTACT WHO IS IN CHARGE OF FEDS AND HAVE THEM LEAVE SCENE, a message from 10:07 a.m. instructed, expressing concern that the situation could escalate further if the ICE agents remained in sight. However, evacuating them proved difficult as a crowd of around 20 people had gathered and attempted to surround them, the records state. open image in gallery Tensions have remained high in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) En route to the hospital, the paramedics were finally forced to abandon their resuscitation efforts on Good at approximately 10:30 a.m. She was pronounced dead on arrival at Hennepin County. ICE BEING SURROUNDED, the emergency services wrote at 11.01 a.m. as protesters continued to rebuke them for their actions and demand that they leave the area. ALL ICE AGENTS HAVE LEFT SCENE, read a relieved message from 11:20 a.m. It was followed by another 18 minutes later that said: CROWD CALMED DOWN NOW THAT ICE IS GONE. In the aftermath of the shooting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem moved quickly to defend Rosss actions without waiting for an investigation. She accused Good of stalking ICE agents in her vehicle and committing an act of domestic terrorism, a position also taken by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The official investigation into the circumstances of the fatal shooting is ongoing. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller has revealed his unlikely next target - Star Trek. Miller took to X to respond to a clip of Paramount+s latest incarnation of Gene Roddenberrys long-running science fiction epic, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Star Trek 2026 Beyond parody, wrote the right-wing account End Wokeness in reaction to the new shows streaming premiere, the poster apparently disgusted by the sight of three female characters having a conversation. The Trump administration official could not resist replying in agreement, going so far as to suggest a plan to fix the beloved saga. Tragic, 40 year-old Miller wrote. But its not too late for Paramount+ to save the franchise. Step 1: Reconcile with William Shatner and give him total creative control. open image in gallery Stephen Miller has outlined how he believes Star Trek can be saved from going woke ( AFP/Getty ) However Shatner, who starred as Captain James T Kirk in the original series that first aired in 1966, may not be quite the sci-fi savior Miller hopes him to be. Now 94-years-old, the actor is as social media users were quick to point out a Canadian citizen and spoke out passionately last year in opposition to President Donald Trumps inflammatory rhetoric about making his homeland the 51st American state. Furthermore, Star Trek, since its inception, has always been well known for its progressive values: emphasizing multicultural harmony, airing the first interracial kiss on U.S. television between Shatners Kirk and Nichelle Nichols Uhura in 1968, and taking a generally optimistic view of human nature. Among those queuing up to make fun of the presidents homeland security adviser was California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who noted the jarring discrepancy between Millers passion for the show and his history of anti-immigrant sentiment. open image in gallery William Shatner as Captain James T Kirk in Star Treks 1960s heyday ( CBS/Paramount ) Stephen Miller saw an alien on the bridge and started drafting an executive order, joked the Democrat. Perhaps Miller (who seems more aligned with Next Generations Borg than the Original Series) cant help but have an issue with a trio of women in charge, wrote Deadline. Several responses to Millers post invoked Elon Musk, with one excitable person commenting: Didnt you hear? We dont need Hollywood! Elon Musk and SpaceX are going to make Star Trek science fact. Four days prior to Millers post, at least two X users had posted an old photograph of him dressed up in a Starship Enterprise uniform as a boy. If only Stephen Miller were still a Star Trek fan, one lamented. A second series of Starfleet Academy, which stars Holly Hunter and Tig Notaro, is reportedly already in production at Pinewood Toronto Studios. 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 team is reportedly discussing other immigration enforcement strategies to increase public support as its operations in Minnesota and other states sour the publics perception. After reviewing private Republican polling that showed declining approval of the administrations immigration agenda, some members of the Trump team have quietly discussed recalibrating their approach, an unnamed senior Trump adviser told Axios. The polling indicated a growing number of independent, moderate and minority voters the voter base that helped the president get elected in 2024 are breaking from the president on the issue of immigration. That group of voters could play a vital role in keeping Republican majorities in the 2026 midterm elections. "[Trump] wants deportations. He wants mass deportations. What he doesn't want is what people are seeing. He doesn't like the way it looks. It looks bad, so he's expressed some discomfort at that, the unnamed adviser told Axios. open image in gallery Public polling shows support for Trumps immigration agenda has declined over the last year among every voter group ( Getty ) Heres the reality: the President campaigned on and won an election based on his promise to carry out the largest mass deportation operation in history hes keeping his promise and the American people are appreciative, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement. The entire Administration is working to carry out the Presidents agenda and push back on Democrats lies, that are often amplified by the media, about our enforcement operations which target the worst of the worst, Jackson added. Over the last year, the public has been inundated with stories, videos, photos and first-hand accounts about how the administrations aggressive immigration enforcement policies are negatively impacting communities and families. From the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to stories of sick children being deported from the U.S. to the video of the fatal shooting of Renee Good voters in the U.S. no longer support Trumps campaign promise to deport criminal undocumented immigrants. A recent AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that only 38 percent of people support Trumps immigration agenda. Half of the polls respondents said the president has gone too far when it comes to deporting immigrants. open image in gallery Despite bragging about deportation numbers and showing off detention facilities, such as Alligator Alcatraz, even Republicans have been less accepting of Trumps immigration agenda ( AFP via Getty Images ) More Republicans have also pushed back on the immigration agenda. October polling from Pew Research Center showed a nine percentage point increase in Republicans who said Trump is doing too much on immigration. Although the administration claims its focusing on deporting the worst of the worst, data reviewed by Trace Reports, the New York Times, CATO and other publications found that the vast majority of those arrested or deported by ICE have no criminal convictions. Yet, the president and his administration continue to push the narrative forward, justifying sending thousands of federal law enforcement officers into Los Angeles, D.C., Chicago, Memphis, Minneapolis, Portland and other cities. The heavy presence of law enforcement has led to protests, some of which have turned violent, multiple deaths, injuries, city disturbances and more. Democratic leaders have called for the administration to pull enforcement out of their cities, arguing it fosters an unsafe environment. But the administration has doubled down on its agenda, accusing Democrats of inciting violent protests, sending in the National Guard to protect federal law enforcement and, most recently, the president threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act. Even if administration officials were to offer alternative suggestions to the president, its unclear if he would accept them. 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 second term has been anything but quiet, yet his approval ratings suggest a remarkable lack of movement among the American public. A recent AP-NORC poll conducted in January indicates that approximately four in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trumps performance, a figure virtually unchanged since March 2025, shortly after he began his second tenure in office. However, the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research does reveal subtle vulnerabilities for the Republican president. Americans appear unconvinced by his economic stewardship, and many are questioning his priorities amid an increasing focus on foreign intervention. Furthermore, approval for his immigration policies, a cornerstone of his platform, has reportedly slipped since he took office. The poll offers a snapshot of how public opinion on Trump has, and hasn't, evolved over the past year. Most Americans have held a critical view of Trump throughout his time in office, and Americans are twice as likely to say he's focused on the wrong priorities than the right ones. ( AFP via Getty Images ) About 4 in 10 Americans consistently approved of Trump's performance Call it a gift or a curse for all his unpredictability, Trump's approval numbers just don't change very much. This was largely the case during his first term in office, too. Early in his first term, 42 percent of Americans approved of how he was handling the presidency. There were some ups and downs over the ensuing years, but he left office with almost the same approval. That level of consistency on presidential approval numbers could be the new normal for U.S. politics or it could be unique to Trump. Gallup polling since the 1950s shows that presidential approval ratings have grown less variable over time. But President Joe Biden had a slightly different experience. Biden, a Democrat, entered the White House with higher approval numbers than Trump has ever received, but those fell rapidly during his first two years in office, then stayed low for the remainder of his term. Most Americans have held a critical view of Trump throughout his time in office, and Americans are twice as likely to say he's focused on the wrong priorities than the right ones. About half of U.S. adults say hes mostly focusing on the wrong priorities one year into his second term, and approximately 2 in 10 say hes mostly focused on the right priorities. Another 2 in 10, roughly, say its been about an even mix, and 14 percent say they don't have an opinion. Challenges on the economy The economy has haunted Trump in his first year back in the White House, despite his insistence that the Trump economic boom has officially begun. Just 37 percent of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the economy. Thats up slightly from 31 percent in December which marked a low point for Trump but Trump started out with low approval on this issue, which doesnt give him a lot of room for error. The economy is a new problem for Trump. His approval rating on this issue in his first term fluctuated, but it was typically higher. Close to half of Americans approved of Trumps economic approach for much of his first White House stint, and hes struggled to adjust to this as a weak point. Americans care a lot more about costs than they did in Trumps first term, and, like Biden, hes persistently asserted that the U.S. economy is not a problem while the vast majority describe it as poor. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Trump has done more to hurt the cost of living in his second term, while only about 2 in 10 say hes done more to help. About one-quarter say he hasn't made an impact. Views of Trumps handling of immigration have declined When Trump entered office, immigration was among his strongest issues. Its since faded, a troubling sign for Trump, who campaigned on both economic prosperity and crackdowns to illegal immigration. Just 38 percent of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling immigration, down from 49 percent in March. The poll was conducted Jan. 8-11, shortly after the death of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. But there are signs that Americans still give Trump some leeway on immigration issues. About half of U.S. adults say Trump has gone too far when it comes to deporting immigrants living in the country illegally, which is unchanged since April, despite an immigration crackdown that spread to cities across the U.S. in the second half of the year. Nearly half of Americans, 45 percent, say Trump has helped immigration and border security a lot or a little in his second term. This is an area where Democrats are more willing to give Trump some credit. About 2 in 10 Democrats say Trump has helped on this issue, higher than the share of Democrats who say he's helped on costs or job creation. As Trump turns to foreign policy, most Americans disapprove of his approach Trump has focused his attention more on foreign policy in his second term, and polling shows most Americans disapprove of his approach. But much like Trump's overall approval, views of his handling of foreign policy have changed little in his second term, despite wide-ranging actions including his push to control Greenland and the recent military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. About 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling the issue of foreign policy, and most Americans, 56 percent, say Trump has gone too far in using the U.S. military to intervene in other countries. Trumps continued focus on global issues could be a liability given its sharp contrast with the America First platform he ran on and Americans growing concern with costs at home. But it could also be hard to shift views on the issue even if Trump takes more dramatic action in the coming months. 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 hes weighing tariffs against countries that dont go along with his push to acquire Greenland. Trump announced the potential tariffs Friday at a rural health roundtable event. The president has repeatedly argued the U.S. must acquire Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark, for national security purposes. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security, Trump said. Trump made the brief remark as he discussed drug prices and tariffs against other nations at the roundtable event. He did not expand further on what Greenland-related tariffs could look like. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. open image in gallery President Donald Trump said hes considering tariffs against countries that dont go along with his push to acquire Greenland ( AP ) When asked on Wednesday about the U.S. acquiring Greenland, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office hes not going to give up options. Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark. 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, Trump added Wednesday. Just 17 percent of Americans approve of Trumps efforts to acquire the territory, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Wednesday. A significant majority of both Republican and Democratic voters also oppose using military force to annex it, the poll revealed. The White House has also floated buying the Arctic island, which could cost the U.S. up to $700 billion which is more than half of the Defense Departments annual budget, according to NBC News. That aside, Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly said that the territory is not for sale, and those living in the territory have no wish for it to be absorbed into America. open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio meet with officials from Denmark and Greenland this week ( AFP/Getty ) Meanwhile, NATO allies are sending military reinforcements to Greenland amid Trumps threats. Several nations, including France and Germany, have already committed to sending personnel. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen has said the plan is to have a military presence in rotation with allies over the coming weeks. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Thursday that an attempt by a NATO member to take over another member would be a political disaster. 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, he added. Closer to home, some of Trumps fellow Republicans have criticized his push for Greenland, including Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell and Nebraska Representative Don Bacon. Danish and Greenlandic officials met with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the White House Wednesday to discuss Trumps claims. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said a fundamental disagreement remained following the talks. We didnt manage to change the American position. Its clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland, Rasmussen told reporters Wednesday. We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the kingdom, he added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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 President Donald Trump on Friday downplayed the possibility he would invoke the Insurrection Act to quell protests in Minnesota, just a day after he threatened to use the emergency law to send the military in as part of his administrations ongoing crackdown on the state. Speaking to reporters as he left the White House for Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said he saw no reason to use the act, which was last invoked in the 1990s. I dont think theres any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, Id use it, Trump said. In a separate post on Truth Social on Friday, President Trump threatened some kind of quick action and repeated his allegation that protesters are paid agitators, even though his administration has not presented any evidence of this. In Minnesota, the Troublemakers, Agitators, and Insurrectionists are, in many cases, highly paid professionals, Trump wrote. The Governor and Mayor dont know what to do, they have totally lost control, and our currently being rendered, USELESS! If, and when, I am forced to act, it will be solved, QUICKLY and EFFECTIVELY! open image in gallery President Trump on Friday walked back his threat to invoke the Insurrection Act and send the military into Minnesota, just a day after he threatened to use the emergency law ( Reuters ) Just yesterday Trump seemed close to calling in the troops. 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, he wrote on Truth Social. Top Trump officials had sounded a similar note throughout the week, like Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. ICE operates in thousands of counties without incident. Men and women doing their jobs, protecting us from criminal aliens, he wrote on X. Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement. Its disgusting. The change in tone comes amid reported internal concerns that GOP support is declining for the administrations military-style immigration tactics, prompting the White House to discuss recalibrating its approach. The President has been consistent and has not changed his position, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told The Independent. He is able to use all tools in the toolbox to address violent riots as he deems appropriate. open image in gallery Federal agents in Minnesota were accused in a suit filed this week of using police-state tactics, racial profiling, and arresting U.S. citizens ( Getty ) Things ratcheted up further with two recent shootings this month: an ICE agent fatally shooting mother Renee Good, and a federal agent shooting a migrant in the leg during an arrest. Minnesota officials have repeatedly called for calm, while criticizing the Trump administrations tactics in the state and arguing video evidence shows that Good, whom the White House accuses of being a domestic terrorist, posed no threat to officers. This week, the ACLU sued the administration, alleging its operation in Minnesota has been defined by police-state tactics and mass racial profiling of Somalis and Latinos. 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 Jimmy Kimmel has compared Donald Trump accepting the Nobel Peace Prize medal from its actual winner to a baby being given a pacifier. Kimmels opening monologue on Thursday nights episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was laced with barbed jokes about Trump accepting the accolade from its 2025 winner, Maria Machado. Venezuelan opposition leader Machado handed the medal to Trump Thursday after weeks of praising him for his interventions in her country. Rarely does a president yank a Nobel prize off of someones neck, Kimmel jabbed. Hes back in the Oval Office sucking on it like a pacifier. open image in gallery Jimmy Kimmel offered up some of his own accolades to the president ( YouTube/Jimmy Kimmel Live! ) Machado was given the prize for leading the resistance against former Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, whom the U.S. military abducted in the first few days of 2026. However, Trump later passed over Machado when naming Maduros successor because he was reportedly furious at not winning the award himself. Kimmel blasted the entire affair in his monologue and pointed out that Machado eventually handing over the award still meant that she left without an endorsement. He did admit, though, that she left with another gift from Trump. Machado didnt leave empty-handed, Kimmel laughed. She was seen leaving the White House with a gift bag. Thanks for the Nobel Prize, he continued. Heres a Make America Great Again mug. We appreciate you stopping by. open image in gallery Maria Machado presented Trump with the medal just weeks after he kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ( The White House/Getty ) Continuing to lampoon Trump for his love of praise and awards, Kimmel wheeled several of his own trophies onto the stage and offered them up to Trump. Mr. President, I have an offer I think youre going to find difficult to refuse, he teased, showing off his 1999 Emmy for Best Game Show Host and his 2015 Soul Train Award for White Person of the Year. Kimmel said that accepting the award came with a caveat, though, as he gestured to the golden trophies. If, and only if, you agree to pull ICE out of Minneapolis and put them back at the borders where they belong, I am prepared to offer you one of the following trophies that I have been honored with over the years, he said. Trumps immigration crackdown in Minneapolis seen widespread backlash after a woman was shot to death by an ICE agent on January 7. Renee Goods killing has sparked a wave of protests in the city and other parts of the country, with local officials demanding that ICE agents withdraw. open image in gallery Machado leads Venezuelas opposition and long supported Trump ( AFP/Getty ) The choice is yours, Kimmel continued, offering up his trophies. I will personally deliver any or even all of these to the Oval Office in exchange for leaving the people of Minneapolis alone. As Kimmel concluded his monologue, he tore into Trump for suggesting that the United States does not need to have midterm elections this year. He suggested that the presidents alleged master plan begins by calling his opponents vermin and the enemy within, while claiming they are members of militia groups such as Antifa. Kimmel claimed that Trumps next step was deploying ICE agents to cities that have not requested them. Step three, when the people inevitably protest being occupied by their own government, you accuse them of starting an insurrection and then step four, you invoke the Insurrection Act, you call out the military, you cancel the elections, and you take charge for good, Kimmel warned. 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 majority of Americans believe President Donald Trumps first year back in the White House has been a failure and that he has spent too much of it focusing on the wrong priorities, according to a new poll. The latest SSRS survey for CNN makes for bleak reading for the president at the outset of a midterm election year, with 58 percent of respondents saying they consider his record back in power unsatisfactory so far. The economy remains the primary concern for many, with 55 percent saying they believe Trumps policies have made matters worse, compared to 32 percent arguing they had made an improvement, a damning verdict on his controversial reciprocal tariffs policy, through which he is attempting to reset the terms of trade with other nations. open image in gallery The latest poll makes dire reading for President Donald Trump as he looks ahead to Novembers midterms ( Getty ) A huge 64 percent said he has not done enough to bring down the cost of living, a key reason many people voted for him in November 2024, with even 42 percent of Republicans saying more needs to be done to lower the price of groceries and everyday goods. Other areas in which Trump was felt to have made things worse included his attempts to play peacemaker on the world stage (47 percent disapproved), bolstering law and order in American cities (42 percent), stopping the weaponization of the Department of Justice (41 percent), and restoring free speech (41 percent). With the publics preference for tackling the economy so clearly emphasized, it was perhaps inevitable that a large proportion of respondents said that Trump was on the wrong track. Just 36 percent said he was pursuing the right issues, down from 45 percent a year ago. A majority also felt he had overstepped the mark in a number of areas, with 62 percent taking exception to him attempting to change the cultural makeup of supposedly liberal institutions like the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian, 58 percent saying he had abused the power of the executive, and 57 percent said he had cut too many government programs a rebuke to DOGEs hacking and slashing at the federal bureaucracy. open image in gallery The president was widely felt to have been pursuing the wrong goals and to have actually made matters worse in a number of areas ( AFP/Getty ) The poll also revealed a shift in perceptions regarding the president as a person, with just one in three telling SSRS/CNN they believed Trump cares about people like them, down from 40 percent in March. Similarly, only 37 percent of those surveyed said they see him as putting the country above his own personal gain and only 32 percent saying they believe he understands the problems average Americans face after a year he spent redecorating the Oval Office in gold, constructing a lavish ballroom and chasing peace prizes. Fewer than half felt the 79-year-old has the stamina and sharpness to serve effectively, with concerns about his health regularly raised in the media, and just 35 percent saying they were proud to have him as president. The poll concluded that Trumps overall job approval was at 39 percent, with support tumbling among independents (29 percent) and in two key demographics, people aged under 35s and Latinos, who were both 41 percent in favor at the start of last year but are now at just 30 percent. open image in gallery Many Americans do not feel the 79 year-old has the ability to serve effectively in his second term ( The White House ) Trump still has the support of almost nine Republicans in 10, according to CNN, but the failure to appeal to those outside of his existing coalition and the loss of support from groups that helped sweep him to victory against Kamala Harris will be a real concern to the president and his team. Earlier this week, another poll from SSRS for CNN asked Americans how they felt about ICE and the presidents crackdown on undocumented migrants in general following the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, in a confrontation with immigration agents in Minneapolis on January 7. More than half of people said they believed the agents were making cities less safe and that the fatal shooting of Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross had been an inappropriate use of force and indicative of wider problems with how the agency conducts itself. Perhaps most noteworthy for Trump as he looks ahead to the midterms was the finding that 52 percent of people now consider his deportation push as having gone too far, up from 45 percent last February. 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 formidable environment, underdeveloped infrastructure, and challenging geology have consistently thwarted attempts to establish mines for the rare earth elements crucial to numerous high-tech products. Even as US President Donald Trump pursues his ambition to acquire the Arctic island, those fundamental obstacles are unlikely to diminish. Mr Trump has made it a priority to dismantle Chinas near-monopoly on the global rare earths supply, particularly after Beijing significantly restricted exports following the widespread US tariffs imposed last spring. His administration has already committed hundreds of millions of dollars and acquired stakes in several companies to this end. Now, the president is once again advocating the idea that wresting control of Greenland from Denmark could provide a solution to the strategic dilemma. "We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not," Mr Trump said last Friday. However, Greenlands capacity to produce rare earths remains uncertain for years, if not indefinitely. While some companies are making efforts, their attempts to unearth a fraction of the estimated 1.5 million tonnes of rare earths embedded in Greenlandic rock have largely remained in the exploratory phase. Greenlands remoteness and lack of infrastructure pose a challenge to any rare earth mining operations ( AFP via Getty Images ) It is plausible that Mr Trumps keen interest in the island nation is driven more by a desire to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, rather than solely securing elements like neodymium and terbium, which are vital for high-powered magnets in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robots, and fighter jets. The fixation on Greenland has always been more about geopolitical posturing a military-strategic interest and stock-promotion narrative than a realistic supply solution for the tech sector, said Tracy Hughes, founder and executive director of the Critical Minerals Institute. The hype far outstrips the hard science and economics behind these critical minerals." Mr Trump confirmed those geopolitical concerns at the White House. We dont want Russia or China going to Greenland, which if we dont take Greenland, you can have Russia or China as your next door neighbour. Thats not going to happen, he said. A lack of instrastructure The main challenge to mine in Greenland is the remoteness, said Diogo Rosa, an economic geology researcher at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland. Even in the south where its populated, there are few roads and no railways, so any mining venture would have to create these accessibilities. Power would also have to be generated locally, and expert manpower would have to be brought in. Another concern is the prospect of mining rare earths in the fragile Arctic environment just as Greenland tries to build a thriving tourism industry, said Patrick Schroder, a senior fellow in the Environment and Society programme at the Chatham House think-tank in London. Toxic chemicals needed to separate the minerals out from the rock, so that can be highly polluting and further downstream as well, the processing," Mr Shroder said. Plus, rare earths are often found alongside radioactive uranium. Besides the unforgiving climate that encases much of Greenland under layers of ice and freezes the northern fjords for much of the year, the rare earths found there tend to be encased in a complex type of rock called eudialyte, and no one has ever developed a profitable process to extract rare earths from that type of rock. Elsewhere, these elements are normally found in different rock formation called carbonatites, and there are proven methods to work with that. If were in a race for resources for critical minerals then we should be focusing on the resources that are most easily able to get to market," said David Abraham, a rare earths expert who has followed the industry for decades and wrote the book The Elements of Power. This week, Critical Metals stock price more than doubled after it said it plans to build a pilot plant in Greenland this year. But that company and more than a dozen others exploring deposits on the island remain far away from actually building a mine and would still need to raise at least hundreds of millions of dollars. A tough business Even the most promising projects can struggle to turn a profit, particularly when China resorts to dumping extra materials onto the market to depress prices and drive competitors out of business as it has done many times in the past. And currently most critical minerals have to be processed in China. The US is scrambling to expand the supply of rare earths outside of China during the one-year reprieve from even tougher restrictions that Mr Trump said Xi Jinping agreed to in October. A number of companies around the world are already producing rare earths or magnets and can deliver more quickly than anything in Greenland, which Mr Trump has threatened to seize with military power if Denmark doesn't agree to sell it. Everybodys just been running to get to this endpoint. And if you go to Greenland, its like youre going back to the beginning, said Ian Lange, an economics professor who focuses on rare earths at the Colorado School of Mines. More promising projects elsewhere Many in the industry, too, think America should focus on helping proven companies instead of trying to build new rare earth mines in Greenland, Ukraine, Africa or elsewhere. A number of other mining projects in the US and friendly nations like Australia are farther along and in much more accessible locations. The US government has invested directly in the company that runs the only rare earths mine in the US, MP Materials, and a lithium miner and a company that recycles batteries and other products with rare earths. Scott Dunn, CEO of Noveon Magnetics, said those investments should do more to reduce China's leverage, but it's hard to change the math quickly when more than 90 per cent of the world's rare earths come from China. There are very few folks that can rely on a track record for delivering anything in each of these instances, and that obviously should be where we start, and especially in my view if youre the US government, said Mr Dunn, whose company is already producing more than 2,000 metric tons of magnets each year at a plant in Texas from elements it gets outside of China. 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 Five men have been charged in Poland with taking part in a Russian-run sabotage plot to send explosive parcels that contained chemicals, massage pillows and sex toys to Britain, the U.S., Canada and other destinations. The four Ukrainian citizens and one Russian were charged "with acting ... on behalf of the intelligence services of the Russian Federation," the National Prosecutor's Office said in a statement. They will face life sentences if convicted, prosecutors said on Friday. The sabotage plot led to three parcels being detonated at courier depots in Britain, Germany and Poland in 2024, a person familiar with the Polish investigation told Reuters last year. Massage pillows were packed with homemade incendiary devices made of a cocktail of chemicals including highly reactive magnesium into the parcels with the cosmetics and sex toys, the source said. There was no immediate reaction from Russia which has regularly denied accusations of stepping up sabotage attacks in the region following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Moscow says the West is trying to stoke anti-Russian feeling. The five were accused of committing or preparing acts of sabotage against logistics and aviation infrastructure, the prosecutors' statement read. open image in gallery The sabotage plot led to three parcels being detonated at courier depots in Britain, Germany and Poland ( Rafael Ben-Ari - stock.adobe.com ) One, named as Vladyslav D., was planning to prepare parcels with hidden incendiary devices and explosives and forward them for shipment to Britain and Poland, the statement said. Another, Viacheslav C., was planning "future sabotage activities" including the sending of two test packages to the U.S. and Canada, it added. A third, Vladyslav B., was accused of receiving, securing and transporting packages between Lithuania's capital Vilnius and its central city of Kaunas, the statement said. The prosecutors said they had presented five bills of indictment to a court which will now take over the case. "The accused face a sentence of life imprisonment," National Prosecutor's Office spokesperson Przemyslaw Nowak said. Last year, Lithuania separately said that detonations of parcels carried by DHL were organised and supervised by Russian citizens with ties to Russian military intelligence. Charges were not formally presented to a sixth suspect Jaroslaw. M., a Russian citizen. Poland has been trying to extradite him from Azerbaijan, prosecutors 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 Kremlin said Russia considers Greenland to be Danish territory, as Donald Trump refuses to back down over his repeated threats against a Nato ally. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the situation was extraordinary from the perspective of international law, despite Moscow itself having been repeatedly accused of breaching international law with its deadly invasion of Ukraine four years ago. On the other hand, given that President Trump is in Washington ... he himself has said that international law is not a priority for him, Peskov added. Trump threatened new tariffs against those who oppose his Greenland plans on Friday, after European allies rallied around Denmark by sending a small number of troops to the territory. open image in gallery Moscows position is that Greenland belongs to Denmark ( AFP/Getty ) Denmarks foreign minister emerged from a summit at the White House this week saying there remained a fundamental disagreement on the issue. The Trump administration argues that the territory is key to security in the Arctic, and charges Denmark with not having done enough to protect it. The US president has not ruled out the use of force to take it, just as Copenhagen maintains it is not for sale. Trump's special envoy to Greenland said he planned to visit the territory in March, and that he believed a deal could be done. I do believe that there's a deal that should and will be made once this plays out, Jeff Landry told Fox News in an interview on Friday. The president is serious. I think he's laid the markers down. He's told Denmark what he's looking for. European nations this week sent small numbers of military personnel to the island at Denmark's request. The White House said it was unlikely to make a difference. open image in gallery The HDMS Knud Rasmussen of the Royal Danish Navy patrols near Nuuk, Greenland, on Thursday ( AP ) 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, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told a briefing. New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the takeover rhetoric undermined Nato and played into the hands of its main adversaries, Russia and China. I know there are real, deep concerns here in Denmark and in Greenland. These concerns are understandable when trust is shaken. But I believe saner heads will prevail, she said. And I believe that because institutions are already acting. On both sides of the aisle in Congress, there is overwhelming support for Nato and for the US-Danish relationship. Cabinet ministers from Denmark and Greenland met on Friday to discuss the island's preparedness, they said in a joint statement. Trump first floated the idea of acquiring Greenland in 2019 during his first term, but faces opposition in Washington, including from within his own party. 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 Britain has announced an urgent 20 million in emergency energy support for Ukraine. It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a state of emergency following sustained Russian attacks on the country's vital power infrastructure. Emergency crews have been working tirelessly to restore heating and electricity in Kyiv and other cities, which have been plunged into darkness and sub-zero temperatures by recent assaults. The additional funding is earmarked to repair, restore, and protect Ukraine's power grid throughout the winter months. It aims to ensure that electricity and heating remain available for homes, hospitals, and schools amidst the harsh conditions. Beyond immediate energy aid, the UK is also expanding its school-twinning scheme under the "100 Year Partnership", committing to add 300 more schools over the next three years. open image in gallery An employee refuels a power generator outside a shop during a scheduled power outage in the centre of Lviv, following Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure ( AFP via Getty Images ) This programme is set to benefit 54,000 pupils across both Britain and Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the 100-year partnership reflects values that Russia is trying to destroy. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper added that the school links will build skills for young people. The latest package brings Britain's total support for Ukraine's energy sector to over 470 million since Russia's invasion. Defence ties also include a 1.6 billion UK deal to supply advanced air-defence missiles to Ukraine. open image in gallery Ukrainians keep warm and charge their devices in a tent set up by the emergency service following Russia's regular air attacks on Kyiv ( AP ) Britain is set to host a partnership event in Kyiv on Friday, bringing together more than 300 participants. Repairs ongoing as temperatures plunge Repairs to thousands of apartment buildings in Ukraine 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 as he announced the state of emergency. Many issues require urgent resolution. Mr Zelensky called for the establishment of more centres where residents can stay warm and charge their electronic devices. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ukraine has fuel reserves for more than 20 days, the countrys energy minister told parliament on Friday as a state of emergency was declared in its ailing energy sector. Denys Shmyhal said the overall energy situation was very difficult as the country grapples with an onslaught of Russian attacks against vital power infrastructure. "There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that the enemy has not attacked, he said, assessing that winter preparations have failed in some cities and regions. Shmyhal, who took office earlier this week, said the most challenging situation remains in the capital Kyiv, the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv and Odesa, and in towns near the frontline, where thousands of homes have been without electricity and heating for days in subzero temperatures. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately exploiting the -20C winter conditions to target power stations and energy storage facilities as he introduced the state of emergency on Wednesday. open image in gallery A woman gets warm with a hot cup of tea at an emergency centre in Boryspil on Wednesday ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) "The consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe," Zelensky wrote on social media. "Overall, a state of emergency will be declared for Ukraines energy sector ... Many issues require urgent resolution." Aid groups warn that struggling families face severe consequences without power as Ukraine endures its harshest winter of the conflict. Jaime Wah, IFRC Deputy Head of Delegation in Ukraine, told the UN press briefing on Friday: Many families we speak to have almost no capacity left to cope. Our research with thousands of households across Ukraine shows that seven in ten people have no more savings. Rising prices for food, fuel, and medicine mean many families are being forced to choose between heating their homes, buying food, or accessing essential healthcare. These are choices no one should make. Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, said this week residents should leave the city if they could to free up critical resources. 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. open image in gallery Electricians carry out emergency repairs after a Russian strike in Kyiv ( AP ) Zelensky 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." Mayor 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." Mainland college students present Kunqu classic "The Peony Pavilion" in Taipei Xinhua) 09:08, January 16, 2026 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) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 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 son of a British couple detained in Iran has said that his parents have been crammed into cells with protesters and offered no clear plan for their release after the embassy closed abruptly over fears of an imminent US attack. Lindsay and Craig Foreman were arrested while travelling in Iran last January and subsequently charged with espionage, which they deny. They are currently being held at Tehrans infamous Evin prison. Ms Foremans son, Joe Bennett, said they are living in hell on repeat, with cells overcrowded because of Irans crackdown on nationwide protests. Its beyond imagination, he told The Independent. They wake up with rats in their beds. Theyve got rats in the kitchen. It sounds like hell on earth. More have been piled into the rooms so theres not as much space, he said, adding that his mother is not leaving her bed at the moment because there's just either no room or she doesn't feel up to it. open image in gallery Lindsay and Craig Foreman were arrested by the Iranian authorities in January last year while on a motorcycle trip around the world ( Family handout ) Mr Bennett, from Folkestone in Kent, said that he has been able to call his mother since the demonstrations broke out, and worries that it is becoming a more dangerous situation. It's just a constant worry. You hang up the phone and your anxiety goes through the roof because you just don't know what's going to happen. There are fights daily and quite explosive ones that I've heard when on the phone to her, which must be absolutely petrifying because you not only don't want to be dragged into it, you don't know what they're fighting over. Its alien. He worries that the closure of the embassy has left them without a clear plan for what to do if they are released. He said the Foreign Office told him they were "assessing the situation". There's a huge possibility that something could happen, he emphasised. Something could happen at any point. He said he has told his parents, Just make sure the plan at the moment doesnt include going to the British Embassy, because theyre not there. open image in gallery Joe Bennett shared his concerns for his mother and Craig Foreman ( Joe Bennett ) The ambassador and consular staff were removed on Wednesday following a security assessment as Donald Trump threatened Iran with military action. Mr Bennett said that he was told that the British authorities would try to organise remote consular assistance while the embassy is closed. That doesnt make any sense, he said. You cant provide consular assistance remotely because you cant go to check their welfare. And theres no internet. So I dont quite understand what that means. It just baffles me. If youre not there, you need to give them something to do in that scenario. Iran imposed a nationwide internet blackout on 8 January as protests against the government intensified. It relaxed some of the restrictions earlier this week by allowing mobile phone calls out of the country, but not in. open image in gallery Iran has been gripped by major protests across the country since the end of December ( Middle East Images ) Mr Bennett has been able to reach Mr and Ms Foreman in prison since their November hunger strike and has been trying to share information with them so that they are better informed as he campaigns for their release. What upsets me is that they're having to live through that and I feel powerless. That's the one thing I hate, is that I feel powerless, he said. He recognised that while he can clear his head and go for a walk or see his friends or family, they cant do any of that. They just live in hell on repeat. It must be torture. open image in gallery Craig and Lindsay have been held in Iranian prisons for more than a year. The family is calling on the government to secure their release ( Joe Bennett ) He said: Were a bit stuck and you try to turn to the people who you think could make a difference and it feels like theres no solidarity. It feels like were trying to convince them to do the right thing. If your quiet diplomacy hasnt worked, publicly defend them. We havent heard our own prime minister whisper their names once. And I think thats scandalous. Were a year on, and yet theres this tendency not to rock a capsized boat. It doesnt make any sense. An FCDO spokesperson told The Independent: "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 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 A single puff of a cigarette has transformed a woman in Canada into a potent symbol of resistance against Iran's brutal suppression of dissent, capturing global attention. A video, which has rapidly gained traction online, depicts the woman identifying herself as an Iranian refugee igniting a photograph of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, with a lighter. As the image burns, she uses the flame to light a cigarette, takes a drag, and then allows the smouldering remnants to fall to the ground. Whether a meticulously planned act or a spontaneous outburst of defiance a point of considerable discussion the footage has emerged as a defining visual of the ongoing protests in Iran. These demonstrations are fuelled by the Islamic Republics struggling economy, occurring as U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly contemplates renewed military action against the nation. The powerful gesture has transcended the digital realm, inspiring opponents of the regime across the globe, from Israel to Germany and Switzerland, to similarly set fire to images of the ayatollah. In the 34 seconds of footage, many across platforms like X, Instagram and Reddit saw one person defy a series of the theocracys laws and norms in a riveting act of autonomy. She wears no hijab, three years after the Women, Life, Freedom protests against the regimes required headscarves. She burns an image of Irans supreme leader, a crime in the Islamic republic punishable by death. Her curly hair cascades yet another transgression in the Iranian governments eyes. She lights a cigarette from the flame a gesture considered immodest in Iran. And in those few seconds, circulated and amplified a million times over, she steps into history. open image in gallery A protester lights a cigarette off a burning poster of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a demonstration in Berlin, Germany, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) In 2026, social media is a central battleground for narrative control over conflicts. Protesters in Iran say the unrest is a demonstration against the regimes strictures and competence. Iran has long cast it as a plot by outsiders like United States and Israel to destabilize the Islamic Republic. And both sides are racing to tell the story of it that will endure. Iranian state media announces wave after wave of arrests by authorities, targeting those it calls terrorists and also apparently looking for Starlink satellite internet dishes, the only way to get videos and images out to the internet. There was evidence on Thursday that the regimes bloody crackdown had somewhat smothered the dissent after activists said it had killed at least 2,615 people. That figure dwarfs the death toll from any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the mayhem of the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Social media has bloomed with photos of people lighting cigarettes from photos of Irans leader. Smoke em if you got em. #Iran, posted Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana. In the age of AI, misinformation and disinformation, theres abundant reason to question emotionally and politically charged images. So when the cigarette girl appeared online this month, plenty of users did just that. It wasnt immediately clear, for example, whether she was lighting up inside Iran or somewhere with free-speech protections as a sign of solidarity. Some spotted a background that seemed to be in Canada. She confirmed that in interviews. But did her collar line up correctly? Was the flame realistic? Would a real woman let her hair get so close to the fire? Many wondered: Is the cigarette girl an example of psyops? That, too, is unclear. Thats a feature of warfare and statecraft as old as human conflict, in which an image or sound is deliberately disseminated by someone with a stake in the outcome. From the allies fake radio broadcasts during World War II to the Cold Wars nuclear missile parades, history is rich with examples. The U.S. Army doesnt even hide it. The 4th Psychological Operations Group out of Ft. Bragg in North Carolina last year released a recruitment video called, Ghost in the Machine 2 thats peppered with references to PSYWAR.And the Gaza war featured a ferocious battle of optics: Hamas forced Israeli hostages to publicly smile and pose before being released, and Israel broadcast their jubilant reunions with family and friends. Whatever the answer, the symbolism of the Iranian woman's act was powerful enough to rocket around the world on social media and inspire people at real-life protests to copy it. open image in gallery A protester burns an image of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with a cigarette during rally in support of the nationwide mass demonstrations in Iran against the government, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 in Zuerich, Switzerland.(Michael Buholzer /Keystone via AP) ( KEYSTONE / MICHAEL BUHOLZER ) The woman did not respond to multiple efforts by The Associated Press to confirm her identity. But she has spoken to other outlets, and AP confirmed the authenticity of those interviews. On X, she calls herself a radical feminist and uses the handle Morticia Addams - after the exuberantly creepy matriarch of The Addams Family sheerly out of her interest in spooky things, the woman said in an interview with the nonprofit outlet The Objective. She doesnt allow her real name to be published for safety reasons after what she describes as a harrowing journey from being a dissident in Iran where she says she was arrested and abused to safety in Turkey. There, she told The Objective, she obtained a student visa for Canada. Now, in her mid-20s, she said she has refugee status in and lives in Toronto. It was there, on Jan. 7, that she filmed whats become known as the cigarette girl video a day before the Iranian regime imposed a near-total internet blackout. I just wanted to tell my friends that my heart, my soul was with them, she said in an interview on CNN-News18, a network affiliate in India. In the interviews, the woman said she was arrested for the first time at 17 during the bloody November protests of 2019, demonstrations that erupted after Trump pulled the U.S. out of the nuclear deal that Iran had struck with world powers that imposed crushing sanctions. I was strongly opposed to the Islamic regime, she told The Objective. Security forces arrested me with tasers and batons. I spent a night in a detention center without my family knowing where I was or what had happened to me. Her family eventually secured her release by offering a pay slip for bail. I was under surveillance from that moment on. In 2022 during the protests after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, she said she participated in a YouTube program opposing the mandatory hijab and began receiving calls from blocked numbers threatening her. In 2024, after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash, she shared her story about it and was arrested in her home in Isfahan. The woman said she was questioned and subjected to severe humiliation and physical abuse. Then without explanation, she was released on a high bail. She fled to Turkey and began her journey to Canada and, eventually, global notoriety. All my family members are still in Iran, and I havent heard from them in a few days, she said in the interview, published Tuesday. Im truly worried that the Islamic regime might attack them. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Irans exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has accused the Tehran regime of killing an Iranian protester every 14 seconds as he declared the slaughter has not stopped. Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah, said that the Islamic Republic will fall soon and called on the international community to support the Iranian people in the face of a brutal crackdown. His comments came after the US moved the nuclear-powered USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier to the Middle East, a signal of mounting tensions between Washington and Iran. Trump has warned the regime to halt the killing of protesters but appeared to step back from military action earlier this week, saying he had received assurances that planned executions were not taking place. open image in gallery Reza Pahlavi has called for action from the international community ( The Independent ) The Iranian people are taking decisive action on the ground. It is now time for the international community to join them fully, Pahlavi said, vowing that he would return to Iran because he is uniquely positioned to ensure a stable transition. The regime will fall. Stand with the people now or watch the cycle of instability continue, he continued. Addressing the international community, he said: My brave compatriots ... we need your urgent help right now. The American warship and its strike group have moved west from the Indo-Pacific region, satellite data from Copernicus shows, carrying with it fighter jets, guided missile destroyers and an attack submarine. The Trump administration had warned Tehran there would be grave consequences if there was further bloodshed in Tehran, after serious unrest in Iran saw the death toll surpass 2,500. Pahlavi claimed that 12,000 Iranians had been killed since the protests began late last month. The protests began over economic grievances before spiralling into some of the most widespread and deadly protests in years. However, the unrest appears to have receded in recent days, largely due to an internet blackout. open image in gallery Iranians engaged in some of the most widespread protests in Irans recent history ( AP ) Fears also grew that hundreds of Iranians were set to be executed by the Iranian regime, which in 2025 carried out nearly twice as many executions as it did in 2024. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Trump had received assurances that 800 scheduled executions were halted, but that the president was keeping all of his options on the table. Erfan Soltani, 26, was named by Norway-based Kurdish human rights organisation Hengaw as the first Iranian scheduled for execution in relation to the protests. His family had been told he faced execution on Wednesday, just days after he was arrested. But Irans judiciary later denied it had scheduled his execution. It said Mr Soltani faced charges of colluding against national security" and propaganda activities, but that neither is punishable by the death penalty, according to state broadcaster IRIB. open image in gallery Tehran has denied that protester Erfan Soltani was due to be executed ( Hengaw ) An internet and phone blackout imposed by the Iranian regime during the protests has meant that information leaving the country since last Thursday has been scarce. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said earlier this week that the blackout would be lifted, without providing a timeframe. It appears to have been partially relaxed, with some Iranians able to call people outside the country, and accounts of the violence are now becoming clearer. Several residents of Tehran said the capital had been quiet since Sunday. They said drones were flying over the city, where theyd seen no sign of protests on Thursday or Friday. One woman in Tehran told Reuters over the phone that her daughter was killed on Friday after joining a demonstration near their home. She was 15 years old. She was not a terrorist, not a rioter. Basij forces followed her as she was trying to return home, she said, referring to a branch of the security forces often used to quell unrest. Hengaw said that there had been no protest gatherings since Sunday, but the security environment remains highly restrictive. open image in gallery More than 2,400 protesters have been killed by Iranian forces ( Middle East Images ) Our independent sources confirm a heavy military and security presence in cities and towns where protests previously took place, as well as in several locations that did not experience major demonstrations, the group said in comments to Reuters. But there have been indications of some minor unrest in certain areas. A nurse was killed by direct gunfire from government forces during protests in Karaj, west of Tehran, according to Hengaw. The state-affiliated Tasnim news outlet reported that rioters set fire to a local education office in Falavarjan County, in central Isfahan Province, on Thursday. An elderly resident of a town in Irans northwestern region, where many Kurdish Iranians live and which has been the focus for many of the biggest flare-ups, said sporadic protests had continued, though not as intensely. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Reza Pahlavi, eldest son of the last shah of Iran, spoke to Independent Persian about his vision for Irans future. Pahlavis name is being chanted in some of the streets of major Iranian cities including Tehran and Mashhad, as part of anti-government protests that have shaken Iran. The process of rebuilding the country and climbing out of the deep pit this regime has unfortunately created and the dire living conditions people face requires a sound approach: a healthy economy, transparency, and the involvement of competent professionals, says Pahlavi. When questioned about how long it might take to see a regime change in Iran, he is emphatic: The sooner, the better. People want to be free as soon as possible. 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 This hotel is a shoreline sensation with Art Deco-inspired interiors, enticing pools and stellar service Location The 16-story Andaz Miami Beach, by Hyatt, occupies a showstopping beach location within the island city of Miami Beach, with a vast runway of golden sand just steps away and mesmerizing views to the Atlantic Ocean horizon. The neighborhood is Mid-Beach, a laid-back hub of sophisticated hotels. Just 1.5 miles to the south is the Art Deco Architectural District. Here, around 800 preserved Art Deco buildings are packed into one strollable, seductive square mile. Among them are eye-catching restaurants. Try vibrant Havana1957 on historic Espanola Way for Cuban classics, or Donatella Restaurant on Collins Avenue for premium pasta, and desserts of epic proportions. Read more: See Miami in a new light: Six neighborhoods that might just surprise you The vibe open image in gallery Andaz Miami Beach, by Hyatt, sits in front of a vast runway of golden sand ( Andaz Miami Beach, by Hyatt ) One of the Andaz Miami Beachs three skyscrapers is a restored Art Deco structure. The property pays homage to the style, which flourished between the 1920s and 1940s. The quietly glamorous interior fuses chic modernity with flourishes that fascinated Art Deco architects curves, recurring motifs in groups of three, and aesthetic nuances that lend buildings a face-like appearance (for example, ledges that resemble eyebrows). Andaz Miami Beach is replete with these visual anchors, from wavy carpets to curvaceous furniture and a pair of tubular lights in the bar/lounge Bar Centro that looks distinctly like a pair of closed eyes. Its 2025 meets 1925, with a slow rhythm around the property that reflects Mid-Beachs laid-back vibe. Service open image in gallery The interior of Andaz Miami Beach contains flourishes that fascinated Art Deco architects curves, recurring motifs in groups of three, and face-like nuances ( Andaz Miami Beach, by Hyatt ) Service came with a smile, every time. And it felt sincere. I was warmly welcomed when I checked in, and restaurant servers would declare that theyre there for anything you need, without it sounding like a disguised plea for a tip. Bed and bath open image in gallery There are 287 rooms in the hotel, including signature suites, such as the 'Andaz' and 'Miami' ( Andaz Miami Beach, by Hyatt ) There are 27 room types in the 287-room hotel, ranging from standard king to signature suites. If youre keen for a soak, request a bathtub upon booking, as only certain rooms have them. Rainfall showers come as standard, though, along with 400-thread-count Sferra linens, bathrobes by Frette and Byredo bath amenities. I was in an Ocean View Balcony Suite divided into a sizeable living room with sliding doors to a bedroom, and an en suite to the side. And the Art Deco theme continued with modishly curvy furniture. Part bedroom, part work of art. Read more: First look at Orlandos highly-anticipated $6bn 750-acre Epic Universe Food and drink open image in gallery Aguasal restaurant, where breakfast and dinner are served ( Andaz Miami Beach, by Hyatt ) The hotels breakfast, served in the inviting Aguasal restaurant, is wonderfully indulgent. I went continental and it was death by pastry basket, with the artisanal baked pastries ($24) option a belt-loosening line-up that included a custard-filled croissant, pain au chocolat filled with olive oil jam, and a scone with cream and jam. The luxurious Greek yoghurt ($22) that followed left me needing a lie down. In the evening, Aguasal becomes a sophisticated seafood restaurant: think shrimps in garlic emulsion ($24) and fried snapper with tartar sauce ($44). In the bar/lounge, there are coffees, juices and pastries available in the mornings, and cocktails and tapas in the evenings. There is also a circular poolside bar that serves drinks and snacks. Facilities open image in gallery Andaz Miami Beach features two outdoor pools and a circular poolside bar ( Andaz Miami Beach, by Hyatt ) The hotels two outdoor pools are the jewels in the facilities crown. There is also a 24-hour fitness center, a spa with ocean views and a beach club in a 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival-style building. Beyond, guests enjoy dedicated beach space with chairs, umbrellas and daybeds. Read more: Chilled-out Pensacola is the underrated Miami alternative everyone should consider Accessibility The hotel has accessible guest rooms with mobility features, and televisions with closed-captioning decoders. Pet policy Pets are allowed, including around the pools, at a cost of $100 per stay. The maximum number of pets allowed per room is two. Check-in/check-out Check-in is from 4pm, check-out is by 11am. Family-friendly? While there are no dedicated facilities for children, its a hotel thats certainly suitable for families: it has a welcoming vibe, and one of the pools is shallower at 3ft 7in (the other is adult-only) and features mini-sized sun loungers with umbrellas. There are also kid-friendly food options such as smash burgers and chicken fingers, and theres an epic strip of sand thats heaven for building sandcastles right on the hotels doorstep. Read more: How I found love at Floridas Walt Disney World At a glance Best thing: The interior design. Perfect for: Sun worshippers of any age. open image in gallery The hotel's ocean-view spa ( Andaz Miami Beach, by Hyatt ) Not right for: Party animals. Instagram from: Your ocean-view balcony. Address: 4041 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140. Phone: +1 305.424.1234. Website: hyatt.com Ted stayed at Andaz Miami Beach as a guest of British Airways Holidays. British Airways Holidays offers three nights at the Andaz Miami Beach by Hyatt, from 1,299pp + $55pp resort fee (payable locally), travelling on selected dates between May 1 - May 31, 2026 inclusive. britishairways.com Read more: I visited Americas only private island resort where there are no TVs, no children and no mobile phones A musician has reacted to a song streamed millions of times that has been banned from Swedens music charts for being created by Artificial Intelligence. The song, Jag vet, du ar inte min has been streamed more than five million times and is currently top of the Spotify playlist of Sweden's most popular songs. The song is great, but unfortunately, its missing one of the most important ingredients, which is emotion, guitarist Joe Matera told ABC News Australia on Friday (16 January). Matera, who is also a well-known rock journalist, said while the song is very good, it is also deceiving. If it's using AI, let people know this was produced with AI, he added. It comes after an Ipsos survey last November found 97 per cent of people failed to distinguish AI-generated tracks. The remains of 32 Cubans killed during the US raid to capture Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro have been returned to Havana in small boxes. Thousands of locals lined the streets to greet the repatriation of colonels, lieutenants, majors and captains who died during the Trump administrations operation on January 3. More than a dozen wounded combatants arrived on another plane hours earlier. The men were all part of a security detail for Maduro. It comes as Cuba faces growing pressure from the Trump administration, with the US president saying the communist nation should make a deal with him before it is too late. Its not clear what type of deal Trump has in mind. Big-name investors could see millions wiped out after East Coast Bakehouse examinership Anne Heraty and Enda OCoineen among the investors in the biscuit maker Husband and wife team Michael Carey and Alison Cowzer in 2015. Photo: Jason Clarke Photography John Mulligan Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 06:30 The former Glanbia chairman Donard Gaynor and Business Post owner Enda OCoineen are among those likely to see their investments in East Coast Bakehouse wiped out, after the Drogheda-based biscuit maker entered interim examinership this week. Dear Vicki: Should the boss have their own office or sit out in the open with the rest of the staff? Judge tells farmer 1.5m in debt the price of milk wont come into it during divorce hearing Man was applying for a Domestic Violence Protection Order against his wife and told the judge the marriage is gone septic The judge told the man that he granted his wife a Protection Order against him last week in the same court. Photo: Stock/Getty Gordon Deegan Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 18:26 A judge has told a farmer 1.5m in debt that the price of milk won't come into it during a divorce process with his wife. Gardai could have taken knife off George Nkencho to avoid fatal shooting, his brother tells inquest Emmanuel Nkencho said his sister was quickly shut down by gardai when she tried to explain about her brothers mental health problemsVideo footage of the fatal shooting captured by a member of the public out walking his dog in a nearby park was shown to the jury George Nkencho Sean McCarthaigh Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 18:15 A brother of George Nkencho has claimed efforts to explain to gardai that his brother had mental health issues were quickly shut down just before he was fatally wounded by armed officers outside their family home in west Dublin five years ago. Elon Musk on Friday called Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary an "utter idiot" who should be fired, escalating a public spat that began after the airline boss ruled out installing Musk's Starlink internet service on Ryanair aircraft. O'Leary on Wednesday dismissed the idea of equipping any of Ryanair's more than 600 jets with Musk's Starlink, citing the impact of fuel costs from drag caused by the antenna and estimating the service would cost the airlines up to 200m a year. I feel my heart has been split in two Gazan women in Ireland plead for husbands to be evacuated Most of the medically evacuated families were reunited in October, but three fathers remain trapped in Gaza Ghada Nabil Abdul Rahim Barakat with her daughter, Jouri. Photo: Gerry Mooney Laura Lynott Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Three fathers remain trapped in Gaza while their wives and children some of whom are facing complex, ongoing medical treatment in Ireland wait for a reunion that has not come. If we win, we swim and we won Kerry man Sean Binder relieved following acquittal in Greece Mr Binder believes that the charges against him and other volunteers were designed to deter humanitarians such as himself Sean Binder Sarah O'Mahony Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 11:47 Kerry man Sean Binder, who faced 20 years in a Greek prison, has said the indictment brought significant personal challenges for him. OPW faces scrutiny for paltry Phoenix Park rents and ex-chairs 40,000 trip PAC calls for review as retired staff pay tiny sums as low as 670 a year More trouble for the OPW as PAC hears of 'nod and wink' property arrangements Mary Regan and Tabitha Monahan Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 06:30 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 Phoenix Park. BREAKING | Utterly unacceptable Taoiseach says Fianna Fail TD caught speeding at 190kmh will face scrutiny by partys rules committee Michael Cahill expresses regret over incident, says I know better Kerry TD embarrassed after being disqualified for driving at 190kmh Ralph Riegel Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 16:43 A sitting TD caught overtaking dangerously at 190kmh has said he will not appeal and will step down as a member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, as the Taoiseach described his speeding as utterly unacceptable. 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 Karoline Leavitt accused Niall Stanage of having a crooked view of immigration enforcement issues White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had a heated exchange with an Irish journalist yesterday during a press briefing. Niall Stanage, who works as a White House Columnist for The Hill, a politics news outlet, questioned Leavitt on the behaviour of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good earlier this month. Im an Irish mum who resisted a Eurocamp family holiday for years but Bella Italia won me over I may never fully embrace organised fun, says our writer, but the Eurocamp bandwagon has officially won me over Eva and family on their Eurocamp break Eva Marie Gibney Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 06:30 What a difference a quarter of a century makes. For years, my attitude to camping holidays in Europe was shaped by a single, traumatic memory: a family trip to France when I was 17. The shift equates to 5,000 aircraft seats a day switching from the US to other destinations As international tourism to the US slumps, aviation analysts have revealed that Canadian airlines are switching many flight plans to Latin America. Traditionally, millions of snowbirds seek to escape the bitter Canadian winter by flying south. California, Nevada and Florida have long been favoured destinations. But new figures from analysts OAG show that in the first three months of 2026, seat capacity from Canada to the US is down by 10pc. Instead, more Canadians seeking warmth are heading for Cuba (up 1.2pc), Mexico (up 5.1pc) and Costa Rica (up 14.5pc). The shift equates to 5,000 aircraft seats a day switching from the US to other destinations. The worst-hit American cities are Las Vegas (82,000 fewer seats over the three months) and Orlando (a decrease of 79,000). All other US gateways, including Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles and New York Newark, have seen a decline. Since beginning his second term, Donald Trump has been highly critical of Americas northern neighbour. On Tuesday he dismissed the trade pact between the US, Canada and Mexico as irrelevant. Air Canada has stepped up capacity to Cancun in Mexico by 20pc, and has added services to San Juan del Cabo at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. The Calgary-based carrier WestJet has launched new routes to Samana and La Romana in the Dominican Republic. OAG analyst John Grant said: Has the US perhaps lost one of its most valuable winter markets to other destinations? Certainly, the product offering in the Caribbean is very competitively priced, and the quality of accommodation is always improving, while hotel rates in the US continue to appear expensive to many international travellers. Should this years snowbirds find their new experiences positive and remain willing to accept additional flight hours, the travel trends observed in the first quarter of 2026 may signal a lasting shift in travel patterns and, notably, in spending habits among a traditionally affluent demographic seeking warmth and sunshine. If so, the resulting effects on relevant US markets could persist well into the future. The latest official figures show that 3.7pc fewer visitors from Western Europe travelled to the US in 2025 compared with the previous year, although Irish visitor numbers remained relatively flat. End-of-year statistics for Canada are not available, but in the first nine months of 2025, Canadian visitor numbers were 22pc down year-on-year. John Downing: As politicians learnt from the Nine Frozen Arses in 1966, ignore rural Ireland at your peril and Mercosur is just another example Farm lobby has diminished, but hasnt gone away, as Government decision on trade deal proves Taoiseach Micheal Martin had hinted that Ireland might support the deal. Photo: PA John Downing Sat 10 Jan 2026 at 06:30 In the early days, it was called the National Farmers Association, or NFA, but when leader Rickard Deasy and eight others sat on the Agriculture Department steps for 21 protest days in the winter of 1966, Dublin wags dubbed them Nine Frozen Arses. Marc Champion: Record numbers of executions in Iran tell the real story of how Khamenei moved to full totalitarian power Whatever Donald Trumps plans are for the country, its clear that only its people can decide their fate A woman holds a poster of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a funeral ceremony in Tehran for a group of security forces killed during anti-government protests. Photo: AP Bloomberg Bloomberg Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 06:30 There are few moments as clarifying as a true crisis, and Irans Islamist regime is in the depths of one. So what are we learning? News reports about the murder of four-year-old Mason OConnell-Conway by his stepmother Tegan McGhee have made for disturbing reading. McGhee (32) was given a mandatory life sentence on Wednesday for killing Mason, who was found critically injured on his bedroom floor in March 2021 and died in hospital three days later. McGhee was named after a Central Criminal Court judge lifted an earlier ban on identifying her, following an application by Irish Independent publishers Mediahuis Ireland, and RTE. The boys father, John Paul OConnell, who is already in jail for neglect and helping to cover up the murder, was also identified. Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the accuseds mistreatment of Mason that culminated in his death was an "appalling breach of trust" and must have been "very frightening and bewildering" for the boy. McGhee, wearing a purple fleece top, sat in the dock staring straight ahead as the mandatory life sentence was handed down. The judge also gave her two concurrent sentences of four years and six months for charges of child cruelty. Speaking outside court, Masons mother, Elizabeth Conway, said that although she had got justice for her beautiful son, it was a bittersweet day as nothing will ever bring Mason back. She described McGhee and OConnell as two very evil people and said she would never forgive herself for trusting them. Today on The Indo Daily, Fionnan Sheahan is joined by Catherine Fegan, Irish Independent special correspondent, and by court reporter Eoin Reynolds, to discuss the tragic story of Mason O'Connell-Conway, and what this case tells us about protecting children who cannot protect themselves. Councillor Peter ODonoghue who is a member of the Fermoy Municipal District has announced that he is joining Aontu as it aligns with the vast majoriy of his personal beliefs and principles. The Kilworth native was first elected to Cork County Council in June 2024 as an Independent councillor. Cllr ODonoghue said he has now joined Aontu because they represent the best chance of restoring democracy, accountability and common sense back to the country. I joined Aontu because I believe they are the best chance our nation has of creating a real and true opposition to the establishment parties and the best chance of restoring democracy, accountability and common sense back to our country. Aontu is a party that is ran from the bottom up by its grassroots members. Cllr ODonoghue said Aontu has a leader in Peadar Toibin who guides rather than dictates and joining the party made sense. It is a party which aligns with the vast majority of my own personal beliefs and principles. It is a party which allows members to be themselves and to speak their own minds. It is a party which has very strong cumann across the country, but especially in Cork. It is a party which is going to help me to be an even better representative for the people of North and East Cork. It just made sense for me in every way to join Aontu. I wont be changing, declared Cllr ODonoghue. Some of you might not be happy with my decision to join a party, but I just want to assure you I wont be changing. I will still be true to myself and to the people I represent, only now I will be part of a very strong and upcoming team. The main reason I joined Aontu is for my children and all the future generations. I want them to live in a free, prosperous and safe society. I believe Aontu is the best party to make this happen. I look forward to the challenge ahead, he added. Cllr ODonoghue revealed that he had been working tirelessly in recent years to try and unite the various Independent councillors, but to no avail. I have been working tirelessly over the last four years to try and unite Independents to come together to provide a real cohesive opposition to the establishment. Unfortunately, whilst coming very close on several occasions this didnt happen. Aontu leader Peadar Toibin hailed Cllr ODonoghue for making a significant impact on Cork County Council. We are absolutely delighted to welcome Councillor Peter ODonoghue as an elected representative for Aontu. Peter has done tremendous work for his community in Fermoy. He has made a significant impact on Cork County Council. Deputy Toibin expressed his belief that Cllr ODonoghue can be elected to Dail Eireann for the Cork East constituency. Peter has been the voice of accountability for the year and a half he has been elected to the Council. He did tremendously in the Local Government Elections, achieving 1700 first preference and transfer votes in that election. Given the great base that we have built in Cork East through the work of Mona Stromsoe, we believe that we can put Peter ODonoghue in the Dail to be a proper voice and to make sure that Cork East gets the investment that it deserves. Aontu is on the march. We will grow and deliver for this country, he added. Only four wastewater treatment plants have been completed out of 243 projects nationwide in the past four years. The slow rate of delivery has been branded as completely unacceptable by a Cork TD who said villages and towns in Cork are being held back because of the programme. Labour Party TD for Cork North Central Eoghan Kenny raised serious concerns about the failure of the Small Towns and Villages Programme to deliver essential wastewater infrastructure, warning that villages like Carraig na bhFear are being held back as a result. Speaking in the Dail on Wednesday, January 14, Deputy Kenny highlighted that just four wastewater treatment plants have been completed out of 243 projects nationally in four years. Mr Kenny described the pace of delivery as completely unacceptable. Carraig na bhFear cannot grow or reach its full potential without the necessary water and wastewater infrastructure. Families want to live here, businesses want to invest here, but development is being stalled because the basic infrastructure simply isnt being delivered. The Small Towns and Villages Programme aims to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. The scheme provides funding for projects that enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of these communities. Deputy Kenny said it is taking Uisce Eireann far too long to progress vital projects under the programme. The Small Towns and Villages Programme is not working as intended. Communities are left waiting year after year while projects crawl along. Four completed projects out of 243 in four years is a clear failure by any measure. The fact it takes seven to ten years to deliver a wastewater treatment plant is staggering. The Cork TD stressed that Carraig na bhFear is a thriving and growing village with enormous potential, but that potential will continue to be constrained unless action is taken urgently. It is a great village with a strong community and a bright future, but it needs the infrastructure to match that ambition. Delays like this are simply not fair on residents or on those who want to contribute to the area. If we do not have the infrastructure, we cannot build the houses. Carraig na bhFear has a new primary school and it is to be hoped there will be an extension to the secondary school, along with a chosen location for a new special school. Growth is the underlying issue for Carraig na bhFear. If we do not have the infrastructure, we cannot grow. Housing is the generational issue of our time. Housing cannot be built in Carrignavar because of the inability of Uisce Eireann to build infrastructure, he added. Deputy Kenny confirmed that he will continue to work closely with Cllr Cathal Rasmussen, who is the local councillor for the area, to ensure the project is progressed. I will work to the very best of my ability, alongside my colleague Cllr Cathal Rasmussen, to deliver for the people of Carraig na bhFear. We will keep the pressure on until this vital infrastructure is delivered, and the village gets the support it deserves. The state grant to help people meet the cost of installing solar panels on the roofs of their homes should be increased and not decreased and phased out as is currently planned, a Fermoy councillor has said. Cllr Peter ODonoghue brought a motion before a Cork County Council meeting this week calling on the local authority to write to the environment minister urging him to increase the grant for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and extend it to all buildings, including new builds. He also asked for battery storage to be included in the grant. Cllr ODonoghue said that when the SEAI Solar PV Scheme was launched in December 2021 the maximum grant available was 2,400. It has now been reduced to 1,800, will be decreased by another 300 next year, and is due to completely expire in 2029. I find it astounding at this current time when the government is pushing extremely hard for large-scale wind and solar energy projects to be developed across the country, that it is at the same time reducing the incentive for homeowners to install solar panels on the roofs of their homes. The government should be doing the opposite and increasing the grant, making it available to all domestic buildings no matter how old or new the building is, he said. He said increasing the grant would reduce the energy costs for the owners of those buildings, and as a result, will put more money back into their pockets and back into the local community. Microgeneration of electrical energy by the building owners of this country to support the existing national grid and reduce energy consumption is the way forward. The motion was widely supported by his fellow councillors. Cllr Isabel Towse said we need to incentivise solar PVs, especially for low- and middle-income families who struggle with their bills and arguably would benefit the most from these panels and from this scheme. Cllr Ann Bambury agreed that restricting the grant to properties built before 2021 is counterproductive. Excluding new builds discourages the integration of solar technology at the most logical and cost-effective stage of development and runs contrary to best practice in sustainable construction, she said. I strongly support the reinstatement of the grant support for battery storage. The battery system significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the solar PV. You can charge your batteries at a lower rate during the night, which is fantastic. I have solar PV installed and the reduction in energy costs has been substantial. The council will now write to the environment minister on foot of Cllr ODonoghues proposal. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Solar PV Scheme provides a grant of up to 1,800 for homeowners, owner management companies and approved housing bodies to install PV panels on their properties, provided the house was built and occupied before 2021. The SEAI said that 34,088 households installed PV panels under the scheme in 2025. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Dublin City Council (DCC) says it currently has around 50 accounts on the X social media platform, and pays annual fees for four of them. A council spokesperson confirmed that there were 20 active accounts directly operated by the body on the controversial social network, which includes official accounts such as the Lord Mayors X account and the Dublin Fire Brigade. The full list of council accounts provided by the body is: dubcitycouncil dubfirebrigade thehughlane dubcilib lordmayordublin dcctraffic LEODublinCity dublincityoflit DublinLitAward LabDCC HomelessDublin smartdublin DCLAReadingRoom DubCivilDefence DCCEconDev DublinCityPPN DCCFinglasBmun DCCclontarf DCC_help DCCdonaghmede Of these, DCC pays annual fees for four of the accounts, at a cost of between 84 and 395 each, to either X or a third party for facilities including analytics, longer-form content, video capabilities and reply prioritisation. On top of the 20 accounts above, the council said approximately 30 further DCC-affiliated accounts are currently the subject of an ongoing exercise to consolidate its social media presence. This, it said, would support the coherent, streamlined identity and tone of voice of the council. It is not immediately clear which accounts make up the additional 30, but the Irish Independent found several accounts not listed above which are linked to the council, such as the Bram Stoker Festival account, which is funded by the council through a tender process. A spokesperson for DCC said the council did not consider the Bram Stoker Festival account to be on the list of 30 accounts linked to the council, despite its full name being the Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival. This is because it is an event managed by an external events company, they said. In tender documents issued by the council for the festival, it is suggested that social media campaigns would be an effective method to promote the events, but they do not specifically mention X, or Twitter, as it was previously known. Other X accounts affiliated with the council include one for Dublin City Council BETA, which the spokesperson said was likely not part of the 30 additional accounts either, 14 Henrietta Street, DCC City Architects and Dublin Festival of History, amongst others. DCC said it would be reviewing its social media presence in the first quarter of the year to ensure that the platforms we use, and our use of them, align with and support the city councils values and brand. It follows an emergency motion from six Green Party councillors, to be discussed by the authoritys Protocol Committee, that called on the council to stop using the platform immediately in all council sectors. "Grok, the AI chatbot of X that was relentlessly pushed out by Elon Musk, has been violating individual rights whilst potentially breaching laws governing child safety and harassment communications, it read. The platform, they said, had become a vehicle for abuse, and the promotion of far-right, racist and divisive politics" and its Grok artificial intelligence tool was being used to nudify images of women and minors. "This feature allows the creation of child sexual abuse material and images of sexual harassment. It comes as pressure grows on the Government over Grok, amid claims that 6,700 nudified images are being generated every hour by users of the chatbot. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme A bunny found sitting outside a Galway supermarket for hours has been brought to safety after a trojan community effort this week. On Tuesday night January 13, a local reported the sighting of a small black rabbit who they had seen sitting outside a supermarket in Currandulla for three hours. The local had tried to coax the animal to safety by offering food and reassurance, but the lost animal refused to come any closer and was at risk of leaping away on a dangerous road. Reporting the sighting to the GSPCA, the animal shelter went to the location to try and bring him to safety only to find he had vanished from his spot. The rabbit was spotted outside the supermarket where he stayed for three hours PIC CREDIT: GSPCA/Facebook Upon investigation, they discovered that the rabbit had been wandering the area for some time and had been sighted in several different locations since Sunday. Sadly there were no lost rabbits reported in the community and nobody had come forward to claim him. However, on Wednesday morning, another sighting of the rabbit at a local school had been reported to the shelter, who headed out in a bid to try and catch the fluffy creature. With the help of the same eagle-eyed local who spotted him initially and the assistance of the school principal, the bunny was eventually brought to safety and corralled behind a sign which allowed the GSPCA team member to grab him and secure him. The rabbit has now been named Fievel and is decompressing in the shelters small animal unit, dry, warm and no longer at risk of eating something dangerous or becoming prey for local wildlife. The bunny is now safe and dry PIC CREDIT: GSPCA/Facebook In a post shared on their social media, the GSPCA said: A huge thank you to his guardian angel and the school principal for going above and beyond to help get this boy to safety. Domestic rabbits have very poor survival skills, and whether Fievel is an escapee or yet another victim of the disposable pet epidemic, it is deeply upsetting that in 2026, when reliable information about animal care is so easily accessible, situations like this still occur. No one should take on any animal without doing proper research first. Animal ownership is a long-term responsibility, not a spur-of-the-moment decision, and simply wanting an animal does not mean it is suitable for your lifestyle, environment, or level of experience. Rabbits are often mistakenly seen as easy pets, but they are not low maintenance. They require appropriate housing and space, specialised veterinary care, daily enrichment, and protection from predators. When these needs are not met, the consequences can be tragic. For now, Fievel is safe and receiving the care he needs. We will continue to look after him while we work through the next steps. Thank you to everyone who kept an eye out, made the calls, and stepped in when it mattered most. An Ardfert man said his new business can help save Kerry firms from paying over the odds on card payment transactions. Colm Griffin, originally from Spa, launched FDCO Ireland last year with the aim of finding businesses the most suitable card payment provider. Mr Griffin said he spoke with over 1,000 business owners in Kerry about card payment transactions. What I found particularly interesting was that about 30 per cent of the businesspeople I spoke with had never seen a card transaction statement from their card payment provider and had no idea how to even access a statement from them, he said. Mr Griffin said he spent 17 years running the online store Purchase.ie, which sold products that helped to reduce energy bills. But due to a range of factors, he realised that he needed to something else to support his young family, including sons, Feidhlim, Donnacha, Cuan and Odhran. I now work with six different payment providers and between them all I usually have the best fit for every business that take card payments. I can sometimes play the providers against each other in order to get the best possible deal for the customer, Mr Griffin said. Putting the customer first is what it is all about for me, he added. Mr Griffin has just launched a new website (www.fdco.ie) which was designed and built by Tralee company Expose Design. He said the website allows people to upload a card transaction statement or an energy bill directly. I get back to people within 24 hours with price comparisons and to pros and cons of moving to other suppliers, Mr Griffin said. There are more payment providers out there now than ever before. More competition is good from a price perspective so the vast majority of businesses will save money by moving to an alternative provider, he added. Technology in payments is advancing all the time too. Speed of transactions, machines with in-built SIM cards meaning Wi-Fi connection is not necessary, card machine integration with tills is all helping businesses run more efficiently. Access to insights on your customers spending behaviour can be very useful for business owners also and can help with sales strategies moving forward if used in the right way. The vibe is easy-going at Listowel Mart as its manager PJ Mulvihill prepares for another day of cattle sales. The mood is very much Mercosur. Brazil might be 8,500 kilometres from Kerry as the crow flies, but it feels closer than a hand in the face to local farmers as potential threats from oversupply of beef and downward pressure on prices looms. Kerry nurses Miriam Hanlon and Roisin Scanlon volunteering in Africa. They have described the experience as life-changing. Miriam Hanlon and Roisin Scanlon in Africa where they spent nine weeks volunteering in Malawi, Kenya and South Sudan in clinics established by Saint Patrick Missionary Society. Miriam Hanlon and Roisin Scanlon in Africa where they spent nine weeks volunteering in Malawi, Kenya and South Sudan in clinics established by Saint Patrick Missionary Society. When Miriam Hanlon and Roisin Scanlon first travelled to Africa in 2024 it changed their lives forever, so much so that they decided to return there again in 2025, and having spent nine weeks helping where they could they have said the experience has once again made them realise what is important in life. Miriam who is from Asdee and Roisin from Currow travelled to Malawi, Kenya and South Sudan to volunteer in clinics established by Saint Patrick Missionary Society. Miriam who is a nurse at UHK and Roisin who is a nurse at The Bons in Tralee wanted to put their skills to good use where needed and said the experience has been one of the most meaningful and formative experiences of their lives. Returning to Ireland after nine weeks in Africa for the second time has left me changed in ways that are difficult to articulate. Africa does that to you. It stretches your heart, dismantles your assumptions, and gently but firmly asks you to reconsider what really matters. "While this journey was physically demanding and emotionally challenging, it has been one of the most meaningful and formative experiences of my life, said Miriam speaking on behalf of the girls. She said she witnessed humanity at its most vulnerable, but also at its most resilient. "We worked alongside missionaries who dedicate their lives to communities living in extreme poverty, instability and conflict. These are places where access to food, healthcare, education and safety cannot be taken for granted, and yet hope remains remarkably alive. She said as nurses their skills were vital. Roisin and I were privileged to use our professional skills in clinics and community settings where resources are scarce and needs are immense. From assisting in under-resourced health facilities to supporting feeding programmes, schools and orphanages, our work reinforced something deeply important: you do not need to be a priest or a sister to answer a calling to serve, said Miriam. "What struck me most throughout this journey was the resilience of the people we met. Many live in conditions nobody should endure in the 21st century. Despite famine, poor governance, unemployment and instability, their faith, joy and sense of community remain intact. "They have very little materially, yet they possess an extraordinary richness of spirit. Their lives are a reminder that happiness is not found in excess, but in connection, purpose and love, continued Miriam. She and Roisin want to thank everyone who helped them raise funds to help others and their generosity has been a great benefit. "Over 24,000 was donated across the three countries, funding clinic renovations, medical equipment, food programmes, school fees, classroom construction, medications, and essential supplies for the most vulnerable. In countries like South Sudan, this level of support is truly life-changing. " To see donations translated directly into education for children, stocked clinics, and food for families who may go days without eating was profoundly moving, said Miriam. She is urging others to consider going and helping. All that is required is a willingness to show up, to listen, and to use whatever skills you have to improve the lives of others. This experience has deepened my gratitude for my profession, my education, my health, and the opportunities I have been given. It has reinforced the responsibility that comes with those privileges. Africa has once again challenged me to live more intentionally, to remain open-hearted, and to continue answering the quiet call to serve wherever and however I can. Junior Marine Minister Timmy Dooley has set up a task force in the wake of the quota cuts The Government has praised the courageous response of the emergency services to this weeks fishing tragedy off the Kerry coast. Minister of State with Responsibility for Fisheries & the Marine Timmy Dooley has also offered his sympathy to the family fisherman who lost in his life on board a Spanish vessel off Valentia Island. A second man was seriously injured in the incident. "This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers faced daily by those who work at sea, and of the bravery and skill of the men and women who protect them, he said in a statement released following the incident yesterday. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving a fishing vessel off the Kerry coast. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the fisherman who has been lost at sea and I wish them strength and comfort during this profoundly difficult time. I also extend my sincere hopes for the full recovery of the crew member who was seriously injured. Read more Fisherman dies off Kerry coast after incident on trawler The alarm for the incident raised just after 9am, yesterday, January 15, when the Coast Guard's Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre in Valentia received a call from Spanish counterparts in Madrid requesting their assistance for a Medivac for two injured fishermen. The men were on board the boat Novo Alborada which was approximately 30 miles southwest of Valentia. It is understood the men were injured when a rope snapped. Valentia Coastguard tasked two Coast Guard helicopters - Rescue 115 from Shannon and 118 from Sligo along with the Coast Guard fixed-wing plane. Valentia Coast Guard said conditions at sea were very challenging for the rescue operation with swells of up to 6 metres and the first attempt to evacuate the two men was unsuccessful. A second attempt led to the removal of the injured man but the deceased remained on board and his was body was brought into Castletownbere yesterday afternoon. Read more Fisherman dies off Kerry coast after incident on trawler Minister Dooley praised the emergency services particularly given the conditions they faced. I want to acknowledge the swift and courageous response of the emergency services and the Coast Guard. The rescue operation, coordinated from Valentia, involved the Coast Guard fixed-wing plane and two helicopters, 115 from Shannon and 118 from Waterford. The dedication and professionalism of all those involved in this operation are commendable, he said. In the region of 200 new jobs are set to come on stream in Longford after US multinational giant Technimark were given the green light for a major multi-million euro expansion. A Longford based US medical equipment multinational giant has been given the green light to create up to 200 new jobs with the creation of a near 10,000 sq m facility on the outskirts of the midlands town. Technimark, a leading supplier of precision-made plastic components and packaging for sectors including healthcare, consumer products, and industrial manufacturing, tabled plans in November to develop a new manufacturing campus at a former Eir depot in Templemichael Business Park. Local authority chiefs offloaded the site to Technimark senior officials last July, thereby paving the way for the long established local employer to ready its own multi-million euro expansion plans. The proposed three storey facility has been designed to span close to 10,000 sq m encompassing clean rooms, a packaging room, warehouse, tool room, quality lab and offices. A permanent fixture in the midlands town since July 2017, the company presently employs 147 staff with the proposed development boosting that overall number by more than 80pc. Longford based Fianna Fail Senator Joe Flaherty said it was his belief the total number of new jobs added to the towns labour force could touch the 200 mark, exceeding earlier estimations of up to 120 new positions being created. "Technimark have been a fantastic addition to Longford town and are a company very much on a growth projectory, he told the Irish Independent. "They have already carried out an expansion of their plant in Longford and the fact they are moving to a second site, albeit across the road from their existing facility represents a huge vote of confidence in the town, in the company and indeed in Longfords workforce. "We are looking at in the region of 200 additional jobs at this site and its great to see the conviction and energy with which the company has moved so swiftly on this project. In planning documents accompanying its submission in November, consultants for Technimark stressed the need for additional cleanroom space was essential in order for the business to reach its desired growth potential. Longford County Councils decision to grant planning approval subject to 16 conditions was made despite the Irish Independent revealing earlier this month of a number of objections being lodged against the plans by local residents. Two submissions raising concerns over traffic impacts and with it the suggested relocation of the sites northern entrance were lodged with planning officials ahead of todays ratification of Technimarks expansion. The latter objection focused on the scale and proximity of the flagged development on existing residential properties, with one local resident contending it would represent an inappropriate form of development in the area. The proposed new entrance road and pathways on The Laurels Road is opportunistic, entirely unjustified and inappropriate given the existing entrance/exit in the Templemichael Business Park, said one local, who added the proposal showed a complete lack of consideration for residents of the Laurels and Laurel Avenue. A motion before the January meeting of Sligo County Council has called on the local authority to contact the HSE, Minister for Health Jennifer Carrol McNeill and the four local TDs to stress the importance of Sligo Airport becoming the base for the new HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) helicopter. In his motion before the council, Cllr Barry Gallagher stated, This is a vital service for the region since the S-92 has now left and replaced by the AW189 operated by Bristow. While the aircraft is approved for both search and rescue and HEMS it is not dual-purpose, at the same time. Addressing his motion Cllr Gallagher explained, The cabin has to be reconfigured depending on the tasking so it cannot carry out S&R and HEMS simultaneously in its normal configuration. If it is set up for rescue work it cannot take medical emergencies. "There is 20-45 minutes for the cabin to switch around between the two set-ups. I understand the HSE met with Sligo Airport before Christmas to discuss the possibility of Sligo becoming the base for the new HEMS helicopter. This is a vital service for the region and should be maintained at all costs. Cllr Gallagher added, "The AW189 is a very capable helicopter but the lack of a true dual role for an area that depends so heavily on rapid access for both S&R and medical emergency services and the change around of 20-45 minutes is too long when someones life depends on minutes alone. Sligo Airport is the only place that makes sense; "Galway is too close to Athlone helicopter base and it does not improve overall coverage it just overlaps on what already exists. Ireland West Airport sits about 600ft above sea level meaning it is often covered in low cloud and fog. This makes it very unreliable for a helicopter that operates under visual flight rules. Sligo is low level and coastal so the weather is far better and far more reliable for emergency flying. Sligo Airport is the only location that makes operational sense for this service. Supporting the motion Cllr Edel McSharry said, When a search and rescue task occurs, for example, maritime or search and rescue, the aircraft cannot also undertake time critical inter-hospital ambulance transfers. Critically, when the aircraft does switch to the HEMS role it takes about 40 minutes to reconfigurate to an ICU level ambulance transfer. In an emergency medicine that delay can be the difference between someones survival or serious harm. "As a member of the board, I do know first hand that we have a proven aviation structure at Sligo Airport and a skilled regional healthcare workforce. The hospitals across the north west are managing increasingly complex and critically ill patients, so we do need this service. This region has no dedicated HEMS service to support adult and pediatric ICU transfers, neo-natal transfers, childrens emergency transfers or rapid access to tertiary care when minutes matter. Sligo Councillors have stressed the importance of Sligo Airport becoming the base for the new Helicopter Emergency Medical Service "It would support Sligo University Hospital, Letterkenny, Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar and Galway University Hospital. Basing the HEMS specific service in Sligo would significantly reduce transfer times, improve fuel efficiency and allow far faster and reliable access to specialist care across the entire north west. International evidence is clear, faster critical care transfer improves outcomes for stroke, trauma, sepsis, cardiac events and critically ill children. It's not about duplicating the search and rescue , its about recognising that air and sea rescue faces impossible choices between sea rescue and life saving medical transfers. A dedicated HEMS base at Sligo Airport would remove that conflict and strengthen the resilience across our hospitals and deliver safer, fairer care for the patients of the north west. Cllr Donal Gilroy also offered his support for the motion saying, It is vital that comes to the north west." He added, There was an incident here in Sligo where there was two advanced paramedics on duty in Strandhill when there was an incident within five kilometres of the airport and the HEMS was assigned to it from Balldonnell. You can think of the time, it didnt matter, the person was deceased. "That just shows these things need to be in the right location and it should be there. It is vital that it is there and it is the busiest of the four helicopter bases in Ireland, covering the largest geographical area and it is vital that it has the support. Both services are equally important but we must insist that both are at some base and there is only place suitable for that in the north west region and that is Sligo Airport. Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Rodrigo Braga of Rathbraughan Park, Sligo was charged with driving without a driving licence and having no insurance on the Link Road, Ballytivnan on November 26, 2024. Mr Tom MacSharry, solicitor (defending), said that his client is a Brazil national who has been living for four years in Ireland. He added that Braga now has his affairs in order. Mr MacSharry asked Judge Eiteain Cunningham to exercise her discretion as his client works in an industry in which his licence is important. He added that the incident will be a very valuable lesson for his client. For driving without insurance, Judge Cunningham convicted and fined Braga 250 but did not disqualify him from driving as he had no previous convictions and the special circumstances outlined by his solicitor. She convicted and fined the defendant 100 for driving without a driving licence. Sinead Gormley, Wedding & Sales Executive at Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa has been announced as the 2026 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Sligo, Leitrim, North Roscommon Branch Employee of the Year. The announcement was made at an awards lunch at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo, where guests gathered to celebrate and recognise seven nominees from hotels and guesthouses across the region who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace. Congratulating Sinead on the award, local IHF Sligo, Leitrim, North Roscommon Branch Chair Kevin McGlynn said that when selecting her as the winner, the judges highlighted her dedication, adaptability and unwavering commitment to creating exceptional experiences. Sinead began her hospitality journey working for another of Hanly Castle Hotel Groups properties, Lough Rynn Castle in Leitrim, where she worked as a Banqueting Attendant during her student days, before completing a Bachelor of Arts at NUIG. Sineads genuine love for hospitality eventually drew her back to the industry, and she rejoined the Hanly Castle Group as a receptionist in Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa in early 2024, before moving into her current role as Wedding and Sales Executive within a few months. Colleagues say that her proactive learning combined with her understanding of hotel operations, position her as a highly versatile member of the team. The judging panel of Mary McGuckin, Department of Marketing, Tourism & Sport in Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo and Joe Corcoran, Sligo Airport and former Chair of Sligo Tourism had the difficult job of selecting a winner from the nominees. Sinead the very best of luck as she goes on to the National IHF Employee of the Year Awards, which will be held during the IHFs Annual Conference at Gleneagle, Killarney, in late February. A number of schools across Co. Wexford are taking part in the expanded Weather Watch programme hosted by ESB which aims to improve energy awareness in young people. ESBN Weather Watch is an innovative educational initiative for Junior Cycle and Transition Year Geography students linking weather patterns to renewable energy generation in an engaging and educational way. Each school receives a free in-class weather station to enable students to track real-time weather conditions and learn how these affect electricity generation and consumption, as well access to educational materials on the subject. The schools taking part in Wexford include Loreto Secondary School, Gorey Educate Together Secondary School, CBS School, Bridgetown College, Colaiste Bride Enniscorthy, Presentation Secondary School and Ramsgrange Community School. Evaluation from last year demonstrated clear educational impact and led to meaningful energy conversations at home, for example: 73 per cent of students showed improved awareness of energy use, understanding of the link between weather and renewable generation rose by 50 per cent, more than 75 per cent could correctly identify peak demand times, up from 33 per cent pre-Weather Watch, and 48 per cent reported discussing electricity use at home within the previous month. This years programme introduces new modules focusing on Irelands wind farms. Using OS maps and aerial imagery, students explore how physical geography influences site selection and evaluate the social and environmental benefits of wind energy. Lindsay Sharpe Customer & Strategy Manager at ESB Networks said they are pleased to see the genuine enthusiasm from students and teachers in classrooms across the country. "Research from participating students and teachers show that students are not only increasing their understanding of the link between energy use and renewable generation, but they are actively engaging on it and starting powerful conversations about energy use in their wider everyday life with family and peers. This awareness shows how ESB Networks Weather Watch has developed from a classroom initiative into an important part of ESB Networks Networks for Net Zero strategy. "We look forward to supporting this continued growth in everyday understanding of energy use and choices, so we can continue to shape a more sustainable future for all, she added Mummy Mokgalo from Schools of Sanctuary, John Michael Porter, principal, Deirdre Toomey, teacher, Denis Whelan WLD, Leah Molyneaux, St Mary's student, Tiffy Allen from Schools of Sanctuary, Olga Rai from Schools of Sanctuary and Gemma Doran, teacher. Photo: Mary Browne Students from secondary schools around Wexford came together in recent days to discuss key issues as part of the School of Sanctuary initiative. Students of the People Are People group in St. Marys Secondary School, New Ross were surrounded by their peers from Our Lady of Lourdes, Kennedy College, Bridgetown Vocational College, Loreto Secondary School and Selskar College, on Monday, January 12, to discuss migration, misinformation and share ideas on being a School of Sanctuary. The events consisted of a range of guest speakers such as Denis Whelan, Community Connection Project worker, who spoke to the students about disinformation and misinformation, and the importance of fact checking information we are exposed to online. Tiffy Allen, the National Co-ordinator of Schools of Sanctuary in Ireland also joined the event, accompanied by two Sanctuary Ambassadors, Mummi and Olga, who shared their experiences of migrating to Ireland from both Botswana and Ukraine, showing students how there are real faces and stories behind the news. The focus of the event was to bring students together to engage in conversation around what they have done in their school to promote School of Sanctuary. Having recently been awarded with their champion school of sanctuary status, St Marys used this opportunity to share their experiences with other schools who may be just beginning their sanctuary journey. Commenting on why the initiative is held in high regard in the school, St Marys teacher, Gemma Doran said: Schools of Sanctuary is an initiative run in many schools around Ireland. Schools engage in learning, acting and sharing ideas and information to be a place of welcome and sanctuary for those who are vulnerable to marginalised or isolation. By becoming a Champion School of Sanctuary, St Marys demonstrates their commitment to taking a visible stance against prejudice and racism, standing in solidarity with those who need sanctuary in our world, Ms Doran said. From the streets of Nigeria to Wexford Meet the man behind Oxfams new education movement Itofa Ivarah, who came to Ireland on a scholarship and now leads Oxfams global education work, says his life experience underpins a new movement aimed at empowering communities across the country Itofa Ivarah, Oxfam Irelands Global Citizenship education officer. Cillian Boggan Wexford People Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 07:40 On Friday, Oxfam Ireland is launching their Global Education Movement (GEM), a ground-breaking initiative designed to advance global citizen education across Ireland. Smurfit Westrock Security Concepts (SWSC), the international high security printing and identity management solutions provider based in Bray, County Wicklow, has announced the promotion of Eddie Ingram to the position of finance manager. The firm said the appointment reflects Mr Ingrams outstanding contributions to the company and his extensive experience in financial leadership. Mr Ingram is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and brings over 30 years of post-qualification expertise across a wide range of industries, including services, retail, wholesale, and manufacturing. His broad professional background and proven track record in financial management make him an exceptional fit for this role. Having joined SWSC in 2010, he has played a key role in supporting the companys financial operations and growth over the past 14 years. In his new position as Finance Manager, he will assume direct day-to-day responsibility for the finance function, overseeing financial planning, reporting, and operational excellence across the business. Managing Director at SWSC, Peter Thomas, said: Eddies depth of experience and commitment to the organisation have been invaluable and we are delighted to see him step into this leadership role. Were confident he will continue to strengthen our financial performance and strategic capabilities. The firm said Mr Ingrams promotion underscores SWSCs commitment to recognising and developing internal talent while ensuring strong financial governance as the company continues to expand its global footprint in security printing and identity management solutions. Working with governments and corporates across the globe, SKSC is based in Pinewood Close, in Bray Industrial Estate. Last October, the firm was awarded a new contract by the Department of Transport to supply a vehicle identification system for Irish motorists, using security features including a hologram strip, bespoke green colour and unique numbering format. Under the term of the deal SWSC will supply highly secure motor vehicle trade plates to meet the growing global requirement for registration plates to facilitate greater functionality by integrating with modern traffic monitoring systems. The plates can only be issued to the motor trade by motor tax offices, to allow the trade to use their stock-in-trade vehicles on the public road temporarily for trade purposes, without the vehicle being taxed or registered. The contract follows the ongoing development by SWSC of new and secure methods to protect and secure motorists and vehicles. The vehicle registration systems can be deployed to work with traditional policing systems, automated detection systems and can incorporate Radio Frequency Identification technology as embedded chips in the registration devices, which can be applied to windscreens, registration plates or onto key parts of vehicles. Wayne and Louise from Kelly's Fruit & Veg shop in Wicklow town with the latest entries for their marmalade making competition. Paddington Bears long-established love of marmalade has inspired a local fruit and veg shop to run a competition to find the best marmalade maker in Wicklow. Paddington Bear's defining trait is his profound love for marmalade, especially in sandwiches, which he often keeps stashed in his hat or suitcase for emergencies. Now Kellys Fruit and Veg in Wicklow town are calling on all marmalade makers to drop in a small jar of their homemade marmalade to be in with a chance of being crowned Wicklows best homemade marmalade producer. Kellys Fruit and Veg was established by Wayne Kelly and Louise Hollingsworth 11 years ago, firstly along the Upper Mall in Wicklow town, before moving to their current location on Main Street in 2020. Marmalade making season is centred around the availability of Seville oranges, and generally lasts from January to February, said Wayne. Its all very seasonal based, and just like we get a real demand for Brussel sprouts during the build-up to Christmas, we get huge demand in January and February from customers making their own homemade marmalade. Its quite the tradition in Wicklow, and generally people would make a batch that would last the whole year. We have hundreds of people looking for Seville oranges at this time of year, and a lot of them use them to make their own marmalade, so we decided it made sense to organise a competition. The story goes that modern marmalade dates back to Scotland many, many years ago when a batch of sour oranges arrived in Scotland. They took the batch in by mistake, and in those days you couldnt return them, so people just started making marmalade from them. The competition final will take place at the end of February and will be judged by Wayne, Louise, Caroline Murphy of East Coast FM and a fourth judge, who will soon be confirmed, with a trophy presented to the overall winner. It doesnt matter if it is bitter, sweet, chunky or a secret-family-recipe level good we want to taste it, added Wayne. We have been receiving loads of great feedback ever since we announced the competition on Facebook, and people have already started to drop in their jars of homemade marmalade. Each jar will be numbered, so the judges wont know who produced it, so the final of the competition will purely be based on taste to ensure fairness for all the entrants. These lighter formulas will colour correct and brighten skin without the cakiness For many years, I didnt really have to worry about the skin around my eyes. I didnt have dark circles or discolouration. Undereye concealer was a foreign concept I didnt need to bother myself with. Then, my smugness caught up with me. Yes, thats right, Ive aged. With ageing comes decreased consistency of skin tone, and for me that means more redness around the eyes. Most of the time, I dont stress about it too much. I am a 43-year-old woman and Im not trying to hide that. However, sometimes you want to look bright and flawless, and so Ive had to figure out which products work for me when it comes to achieving that. The truth is, Im still not a fan of heavy liquid concealers under the eye. I think they work just fine for teenagers and young women who havent laughed enough yet to acquire fine lines, but for those of us who have, they often accentuate them. Of course, there are techniques to minimise this (using as little product as possible, tapping off excess etc), but I prefer to use a lighter formula which acts as a colour corrector rather than a concealer. These light and sheer buys require very little product to neutralise discolouration around the eyes, meaning you can appear fresh and bright, without the cakiness. Often, these products come in pink, apricot, orange and red tones (fair skins suit pink, deep skins suit orange and red), which somehow disappear into the skin and even the skin tone. Does it sound like magic? Sometimes it feels like magic. Charlotte Tilburys Magic Vanish Colour Corrector My current go-to in this category is Charlotte Tilburys Magic Vanish Colour Corrector (35 via brownthomas.com). Available in four shades, this formula is packed with skincare and requires only a tiny amount to brighten the undereye. I use the shade medium, which I would have thought would be too dark for me due to its orange tone, but once tapped onto the skin, it disappears and takes redness with it. Sculpted by Aimees Brighten Up Colour Corrector Another super option is Sculpted by Aimees Brighten Up Colour Corrector (14 sculptedbyaimee.com), which is very similar to the above in terms of product and shade range. The fairest shade is a pale pink, which works best on very fair skin with bluey-green tones peeking through the undereye, while the more orangey-apricot shades neutralise deeper skin tones. Fenty Beauty's Bright Fix Eye Brightener Fenty Beautys Bright Fix Eye Brightener (27 via fentybeauty.com), is a light liquid formula available in a range of shades, including traditional concealer shades alongside Rose Quartz, Peach and Pumpkin, that conceals and colour corrects light, medium and deep skin tones. Its buildable, meaning you can start with the tiniest bit of product and add more to achieve the level of coverage or colour correction required. Saies Hydrabeam Sheer Brightening Undereye Concealer If youre intimidated by the idea of using orange or pink products, Saies Hydrabeam Sheer Brightening Under Eye Concealer (23.95 via cultbeauty.com) is beautifully light and sheer but comes in traditional concealer tones. It melts into the undereye and its dewy finish wont ever leave it looking dry or cakey. Buying Irish Having taken a step back from the business for a period, Marissa Carter is back at the helm of Cocoa Brown, one of Irelands best known tanning brands, and is reintroducing a category the brand first dipped into almost a decade ago: haircare. The Hair Hero range (9.95-12.95 via cocoabrown.ie) includes shampoo, conditioner, a hair mask and heat protector anti-frizz spray. Carters aim was to deliver products that transform damaged follicles through protein and hydration at a price that wont break the bank, and based on my testing so far, shes done a great job. Something old Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Finish There is a long list of Charlotte Tilbury products that have become beauty industry staples since the brand launched in 2013, but Airbrush Flawless Finish (52 via arnotts.ie) pressed powder has got to be near the top. This finely milled, pressed powder leaves the skin looking smooth and blurred, but never dry and dusty. It feels great on the skin thanks to the inclusion of skincare ingredients like rose wax and almond oil hydrate, and means your face can glow without shining. Countless make-up artists and celebs adore this product (it was recently spotted in Taylor Swifts hand in Taylor Swift: The End of an Era), as well as people like me who simply cant be without it. Something new Huda Beautys Easy Bake Pressed Powder Huda Beautys Easy Bake Loose Powder (39 via cultbeauty.com) has long been a hit thanks to its brightening and blurring properties. Its silky texture sets the make-up without making it look unnaturally heavy, and is available in brightening shades like pink and lilac, making it effective on more skin tones. Now, its available in a pressed formula. Easy Bake Pressed Powder (36.95 via cultbeauty.com) delivers the same brightening and blurring effect, but in a more delicate format. This powder can be applied to the skin with a brush, sponge or puff, with the new formula allowing for precise application. Aside from that, you can pop it in your handbag for touch-ups on the go. Dont worry though Easy Bake Loose is still around! Nigel Farage describes move as a big moment Robert Jenrick has accused the Tories of lacking the stomach for the radical change this country needs as he defected to Reform UK after being sacked from Kemi Badenochs front bench. In a scathing attack on his former party, which he said had failed so badly in government, the ex-minister said the Conservatives in Westminster were not sorry and in denial or being dishonest about what they had done. Donald Trump says Zelensky, not Putin, is holding up peace deal US president expresses renewed frustration with the Ukrainian leader Donald Trump during an interview by Reuters White House correspondent Steve Holland. Photo: Reuters Steve Holland Reuters Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 06:30 US president Donald Trump said Ukraine, not Russia, is holding up a potential peace deal. That rhetoric stands in marked contrast to that of Ukraines European allies, who have consistently argued Moscow has little interest in ending its war. European soldiers sent to Greenland amid US row as Denmark plans permanent Nato presence Kremlin says Nato talk of Russo-Chinese threat is a myth that stirs hysteria Greenlanders at home, watching a news item about US designs on their country. Photo: Reuters Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen Reuters Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 06:30 European countries yesterday sent small numbers of military personnel to Greenland, as Denmark said it was pressing on with plans for a larger and more permanent Nato presence to secure the island coveted by US president Donald Trump. LATEST | US tells UN all options on table, Iran warns it will respond to any aggression U.S. stands by Iranian people, all options on the tableIran warns of lawful, proportionate response to any aggressionRussia urges 'hot heads' in Washington to come to their senses People in Tehran Grand Bazaar yesterday. Protests have reportedly abated since Monday. Photo: Reuters Michelle Nichols Reuters Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 08:00 The United States stands by the brave people of Iran, and President Donald Trump "has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday. Fox News host Jesse Watters moaned 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. The crew have left the International Space Station (Nsa via AP) A Nasa astronaut suffering an unknown medical problem has returned to Earth after the space agency launched a medical evacuation of the International Space Station. The ailing astronaut whose identity and health concern remains unknown returned along with three other members of the mission, ending it more than a month early. Demonstrations broke out across the state after the shooting death of a mother last week by an ICE agent Mr Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, yesterday: If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont 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. Delegation led by Senator Chris Coons to meet Danish and Greenlandic leaders Denmark seeks cooperation respecting territorial integrity, says Foreign Minister Rasmussen Trump's Greenland acquisition idea dates back to 2019, faces internal party opposition A bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers will meet with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland on Friday to reassure them of congressional support despite President Donald Trump's threats to seize the Arctic island. Trump has said Greenland is vital to U.S. security because of its strategic location and large supply of minerals and has not ruled out the use of force to take it. European nations this week sent small numbers of military personnel to the island at Denmark's request. T rex took up to 40 years to reach maximum size, growth rings show Study also found the dinosaurs lifespan could have been up to 50 years A T rex could weigh up to eight tonnes Will Dunham Reuters Fri 16 Jan 2026 at 06:30 There is no question that the Tyrannosaurus rex was big. In fact, it may have been Earths biggest land predator of all time. 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. The White House moment and Trumps response Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | US President Donald Trump Why Machado presented the medal to Trump Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | The Nobel Peace Prize has long been an honour Trump has openly expressed admiration for What the noble rules clearly state Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | Trumps role in overseeing a US operation that resulted in the removal of Venezuelan leader What the medal represents and what it does not Nobel medals and past precedents US President Donald Trump described it as a wonderful gesture as he posed for photographs holding a Nobel Peace Prize medal at the White House. The medal was handed to him by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who voluntarily presented her award to the US president during her visit.Trump accepted the medal and called it a gesture of mutual respect. Machado not only handed over the medal but also left it at the White House, marking an unprecedented moment involving a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. It was the first known instance of a laureate voluntarily giving their Nobel Peace Prize medal to another individual.However, while the visual moment attracted global attention, Nobel authorities quickly clarified that the gesture does not alter the official ownership or status of the prize.Trump appeared pleased during the exchange, smiling as he posed cheek-to-cheek with the Nobel Peace Prize medal. He later acknowledged the gesture publicly. In a social media post, Trump wrote that Machado had presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work he had done, calling it a wonderful gesture of mutual respect and thanking her directly.A White House official later confirmed to ABC News that Trump accepted the physical medal. Trump also praised Machado personally, describing her as a wonderful woman who has been through so much.The Nobel Peace Prize has long been an honour Trump has openly expressed admiration for, and he has previously made public remarks indicating his desire to receive it.Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote democratic rights in Venezuela and to push the country away from dictatorship toward democracy. When the award was announced in October 2025, she dedicated the prize to the Venezuelan people and to Trump, crediting his support for Venezuelas democratic movement.Machado later said she chose to give the medal to Trump in recognition of what she described as his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. Speaking to reporters after leaving the White House, she said she had presented the US president with the Nobel Peace Prize medal as recognition for his unique commitment to Venezuelas freedom.Her decision followed Trumps role in overseeing a US operation that resulted in the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Maduro later claimed he had been kidnapped and now faces drug trafficking charges in New York, charges to which he has pleaded not guilty. Several international powers, including China, Russia and Spain, described the operation as an abduction.Days before Machados visit, the Norwegian Nobel Institute had already addressed questions surrounding whether a Nobel Peace Prize could be transferred. On Sunday, the institute reiterated that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked under any circumstances.In an official statement, the institute cited the statutes of the Nobel Foundation, established under Alfred Nobels will. According to these rules, once a Nobel Prize is announced, the decision is final and permanent. The institute also stated that Nobel Committees do not comment on the actions or statements of laureates after the prize is awarded.The Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute jointly emphasised that once awarded, a Nobel Prize cannot be revoked, shared or transferred to others and that the decision stands for all time.While a Nobel laureate is free to do as they wish with the physical medal or prize money, the official honour and title remain permanently with the recipient. This means Machado remains the sole and official 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.Trump may display or possess the medal given to him, but he does not become a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. The Nobel Peace Prize medal itself is a gold disc measuring 6.6 centimetres in width and weighing 196 grams. It features a portrait of Alfred Nobel on the front, with three naked men holding each others shoulders on the reverse, symbolising brotherhood. The design has remained unchanged for over 120 years.Nobel medals have changed hands before without altering ownership of the prize. In 2021, Dmitry Muratov auctioned his Nobel Peace Prize medal for over $100 million to support Ukrainian refugees. Another Nobel Peace Prize medal, originally belonging to Christian Lous Lange, is displayed on loan at the Nobel Peace Center.Despite such cases, Nobel authorities maintain that the prize itself remains permanently tied to the laureate and cannot be transferred under any circumstances. Trump signals tariffs as a tool to advance Greenland plan Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | President Donald Trump has warned of imposing tariffs on countries Diplomatic talks expose persistent disagreements Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | Donald Trump has warned that the United States could impose tariffs on countries Denmark and European allies increase Arctic Military presence Arctic competition and NATOs role Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | The threat reflects a familiar strategy from Trumps past actions Strain on transatlantic relations President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could impose tariffs on countries that refuse to support his push for American control of Greenland, a move that has intensified diplomatic tensions with Denmark and several European allies. The warning signals a sharper turn in Washingtons approach to the strategically important Arctic island and adds economic pressure to an already sensitive geopolitical dispute.Trump made the remarks on Friday, underscoring that tariffs could be used as leverage against countries opposing his Greenland plan. His comments come as diplomatic efforts between the United States, Denmark and Greenland continue, with limited progress reported so far.Speaking at a White House health-related event, Trump openly linked trade penalties to his Greenland ambitions.I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security, he said.The threat reflects a familiar strategy from Trumps past actions, where economic pressure has been used to influence foreign governments. His administration previously imposed punitive measures on countries purchasing Russian oil and enforced broad sanctions targeting nations involved in trade with Iran. The Greenland warning follows the same approach, placing tariffs at the center of US diplomatic pressure.Trump has repeatedly argued that American control of Greenland is essential to safeguard national security, particularly in the context of Arctic competition.In recent days, senior officials from the United States, Denmark and Greenland met in Washington for direct talks aimed at addressing Trumps proposal. Despite the high-level engagement, the discussions failed to bridge key differences.Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said a fundamental disagreement remained following meetings with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasmussen added that Denmark had not expected Washington to shift its stance during the talks.While disagreements persist, all sides agreed to establish a high-level working group to explore potential areas of compromise. According to Rasmussen, the group will focus on addressing US security concerns while respecting Denmarks red lines. He emphasized that Denmark and the United States remain NATO allies, even as differences over Greenland continue.As diplomatic efforts continue, Denmark has moved to reinforce its military presence in Greenland. Several European allies have joined the effort, describing their actions as symbolic but intentional demonstrations of support for Copenhagen.France, Germany, Norway and Sweden confirmed they are sending small numbers of troops to Greenland. Britain and Germany also announced limited deployments tied to Arctic security exercises. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the objective is to move toward a more permanent military presence and expand joint exercises with allied forces in the Arctic in the coming weeks.These steps reflect growing concern among European countries over security developments in the region.The Greenland dispute is unfolding against the backdrop of broader worries about rising strategic competition in the Arctic. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on NATO to establish a coordinated presence in the region, arguing that collective action is needed to manage tensions and counter interference by other actors.Trump has consistently maintained that US control of Greenland would prevent Russia or China from establishing a foothold on the mineral-rich island. Both Denmark and Greenland rejected this claim during the recent talks. Russia has denied posing any threat to Greenland, while China has accused Washington of using other countries as a justification to pursue its own interests.Analysts warn that the combination of tariff threats, stalled diplomacy and symbolic troop deployments could further strain transatlantic relations. European leaders continue to push for Arctic security to be managed collectively through NATO, rather than through unilateral actions.As the situation stands, Trumps tariff warning adds a new layer of pressure to an already complex geopolitical issue, with Greenland at the center of competing security, economic and diplomatic interests. TikTok has entered its cosy era This viral TikTok trend is less about identity and more about embracing a lifestyle inspired by traditional Chinese habits. Think hot water, winter wellness, gut health, and living like a calm, moisturised main character. The name might sound wild at first, but the vibes? Immaculate. Image credit : Pinterest/Glow Notes By Ava | The trend began with Chinese creators sharing everyday cultural routines, from seasonal food choices to traditional health practices and Douyin-style makeup looks. What becoming Chinese actually means The trend began with Chinese creators sharing everyday cultural routines, from seasonal food choices to traditional health practices and Douyin-style makeup looks. Non-Chinese viewers then jokingly declared they were also becoming Chinese as they adopted these habits. Chinese American creator Sherry, one of the trends biggest faces, playfully told her followers that they were turning Chinese, framing it as an inevitable lifestyle upgrade rather than a cultural shift. Her humour, mixed with genuine cultural insight, made the trend feel welcoming instead of awkward. Surprisingly, the internet did not cancel it. In fact, the Chinese community gave it a collective green flag. Image credit : X/girl__virus | Surprisingly, the internet did not cancel it. In fact, the Chinese community gave it a collective green flag. Appreciation, not appropriation Unlike many culture-based trends, this one has been praised for its respectful tone. Chinese creators are leading the conversation, sharing traditions openly and encouraging others to learn. Commenters have pointed out that the trend focuses on appreciation rather than claiming ownership of the culture. It is about enjoying the practices, not rebranding them. Sherry later shared that seeing people embrace these habits seriously meant a lot to her, especially when followers started asking genuine questions about food, health, and seasonal routines. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AnthroDorphins by Elemental Productions (@anthrodorphins) If your For You Page has suddenly swapped dance challenges for steaming mugs, simmering apples, and people whispering about warm energy, do not panic. You have not broken the algorithm. You have simply entered your becoming Chinese era.This viral TikTok trend is less about identity and more about embracing a lifestyle inspired by traditional Chinese habits. Think hot water, winter wellness, gut health, and living like a calm, moisturised main character. The name might sound wild at first, but the vibes? Immaculate.The trend began with Chinese creators sharing everyday cultural routines, from seasonal food choices to traditional health practices and Douyin-style makeup looks. Non-Chinese viewers then jokingly declared they were also becoming Chinese as they adopted these habits.Chinese American creator Sherry, one of the trends biggest faces, playfully told her followers that they were turning Chinese, framing it as an inevitable lifestyle upgrade rather than a cultural shift. Her humour, mixed with genuine cultural insight, made the trend feel welcoming instead of awkward.Surprisingly, the internet did not cancel it. In fact, the Chinese community gave it a collective green flag.Unlike many culture-based trends, this one has been praised for its respectful tone. Chinese creators are leading the conversation, sharing traditions openly and encouraging others to learn.Commenters have pointed out that the trend focuses on appreciation rather than claiming ownership of the culture. It is about enjoying the practices, not rebranding them.Sherry later shared that seeing people embrace these habits seriously meant a lot to her, especially when followers started asking genuine questions about food, health, and seasonal routines. How to enter your Chinese era Image credit : AI generated via Freepik | For Chinese people, boiled apples are the star of the show. Simmered with goji berries and red dates, they are the ultimate cosy-girl snack for gut health. The soft life, but make it Chinese If January has left you feeling cold, tired, and emotionally fragile, this trend is basically a warm hug.First rule: ditch the iced drinks. Cold water is considered bad for digestion, so hot water becomes your new personality.Second: winter is Yin season. That means slow living, rest, and warm meals. Raw salads? Out. Stews, beans, and porridge? In.Third: boiled apples are the star of the show. Simmered with goji berries and red dates, they are the ultimate cosy-girl snack for gut health.Fourth: protect your energy. Forget intense workouts. Yoga, sleep, and relaxation are the new flex.And finally, never walk barefoot on cold floors. Your kidneys deserve peace.At its core, the becoming Chinese trend is about slowing down, listening to your body, and romanticising the little things. It is wellness, but make it warm, gentle, and slightly dramatic. During a debate in Parliament on national issues raised by three independent MPs - Michalis Chournakis, Rena Dourou and Theodora Tzakri, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis emphasised that "in discussions with Turkiye, issues of sovereignty will not be discussed. Our sovereignty is non-negotiable. "Gerapetritis described the questioning of Greece's sovereignty in its territorial waters as a "red line."He also stressed that dialogue with Turkiye cannot take place today because Greece insists, and will always insist, that the only issue that can be brought before international jurisdiction is the delimitation of the EEZ and the continental shelf. Regarding Cyprus, he said that "it has always been the immediate and major priority of national foreign policy and will never be abandoned." He also expressed the Greek side's unreserved support for the electrical interconnection and the lifting of the island's energy isolation. Gerapetritis added that, for the first time since the metapolitefsi, Greece has gained a strong international presence, emphasising that this was achieved by the current government. Referring specifically to Greek-Turkish relations, Gerapetritis pointed out that "Turkiye's claims against Greece are illegal and unfounded. The blue homeland, demilitarisation and grey zones date back to the 1990s. Yes, indeed, Turkiye has not backed down from these positions. However, the Greek position is unyielding. Today, Greece has arguments that it never had on the table before. The blue homeland may not have disappeared from public discourse in Turkiye, but there is now the maritime spatial plan, which is our position for Greece and records positions on maritime zones not only with a national will, but at the level of the European acquis. In 2025, this government introduced maritime spatial planning, which is now at the core of our claim, and we will not back down from this," Gerapetritis stressed. He also said that, for the first time, the dialogue with Turkiye is taking place in a structured manner, on a legal basis, under the Athens Declaration, and has produced results.As a result, Gerapetritis reported a dramatic reduction in Turkish violations, irregular migration flows, and highlighted significant commercial achievements.Gerapetritis noted that in the new Greek-Turkish dialogue that will begin, discussions will concern "issues relating to bilateral relations, but also the positions of the two countries in the world." "We will never discuss issues of national sovereignty. These are non-negotiable, and I pledge before Parliament that there will never be any discussion of sovereignty. Absolutely no discussion, and absolutely no compromise on our national positions.""We are not discussing sovereignty today, nor are we discussing maritime zones, the continental shelf, or the Exclusive Economic Zone. It is necessary to discuss these with Turkiye, but our focus is always on our national position, which is a joint commitment in The Hague for the delimitation of the EEZ and continental shelf, which are our sovereign rights, and therefore this remains our sovereign position. Today, the conditions for this discussion do not exist because Greece insists - and will always insist - that there is only one issue that can be brought before an international court, and that is the delimitation of the EEZ and continental shelf. Turkiye believes that there are ancillary issues, which is unacceptable, and therefore there can be no discussion," said Gerapetritis. iefimerida.gr A Greek court on Thursday acquitted 24 humanitarian workers and volunteers accused of espionage and facilitating illegal migration, ending a grueling seven-year legal battle that human rights groups condemned as the criminalization of saving lives. The Three-Member Felony Appeals Court of the Northern Aegean cleared all defendants, including prominent activists Sarah Mardini and Sean Binder, of charges related to their search-and-rescue operations on the island of Lesbos between 2016 and 2018. Mr. Binder, a trained diver, and Ms. Mardini, a Syrian refugee whose journey inspired a Netflix film, faced potential prison sentences of up to 20 years. Prosecutors had alleged their nonprofit, Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI), functioned as a smuggling ring. However, the judges accepted the defenses argumentsupported by the prosecutors final recommendationthat the group acted solely to prevent loss of life during the height of the refugee crisis. The court found no evidence of financial gain or criminal intent. This decision is a vindication, said Nassos Karakitsos, a co-defendant who had spent months in pre-trial detention. Mr. Karakitsos and his colleagues had long argued the trial was politically motivated. The UN Human Rights Office previously warned the prosecution could have a "chilling effect" on humanitarian work at Europes borders. While the felony chapter is closed, the ruling marks a significant pushback against the prosecution of aid workers in the Mediterranean, reinforcing that lifesaving assistance is not a crime. iefimerida.gr Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama sparked a diplomatic furor at a global sustainability summit, launching a personal tirade against a Greek American moderator and declaring that modern Greeks are not the heirs of Plato and Aristotle. The outburst occurred during a panel at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, moderated by veteran journalist John Defterios. The exchange began when Mr. Defterios mispronounced the names of Mr. Rama and fellow panelist Milojko Spajic, the prime minister of Montenegro. While Mr. Spajic corrected the error calmly, the Albanian leader appeared visibly agitated. Mr. Rama immediately attributed the mistake to the journalists ethnicity, accusing him of a uniquely Greek arrogance. This is what you doyou always belittle people because you think you have a monopoly on philosophy, Mr. Rama told Mr. Defterios in front of a stunned audience. You think you are the direct heirs of Plato and Aristotle, but you are not. Calculating like a Greek The confrontation escalated as the discussion turned to economics. When Mr. Defterios cited a $1 billion investment figure for a project in Albania, Mr. Rama interrupted to correct him, using the moment to invoke stereotypes about Greek financial reliability. You are calculating like a Greek again, Mr. Rama said. When you talk about your own money, you add three zeros. When you talk about other peoples money, you subtract three zeros. That is what you do. That is why the EU loves you so much. The tension on stage culminated in a sarcastic and factually baffling assertion regarding neighboring Montenegro. Standing beside Mr. Spajic, whose country has a population of approximately 630,000, Mr. Rama proclaimed it the "largest country in the region." It has 50 million citizens; we are a small country, Mr. Rama said, a comment that drew scattered, confused laughter from the crowd. Mr. Defterios, a former CNN anchor with decades of experience in the region, attempted to defuse the situation with humor but did not respond directly to the insults. The incident comes at a delicate moment for Greek-Albanian relations, which remain strained over issues involving ethnic minority rights and maritime borders. Mr. Ramas rhetoric, often characterized by a combative populist style, has drawn sharp rebukes from Athens in the past. Greek officials have not yet issued a formal response to the remarks. However, analysts warn that such personalized attacks at high-level international forums risk deepening the diplomatic rift between Tirana and Athens. iefimerida.gr The Hellenic Navys first modern Belharraclass frigate, HS Kimon (F601), has arrived in Greek waters, heralding a significant shift in naval capabilities and strategic balance in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. Petsas reacts sharply to the Albanian prime ministers pointed statements international repercussions and diplomatic shock Keywords An ex-presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has said it is possible to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election if the opposition gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) close monitoring. Momodu made the remark during an interview on Channels Televisions The Morning Brief on Thursday, stressing that removing President Tinubu from office is not impossible. According to the politician, who recently announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition needs candidates with the political strength and capacity to challenge the ruling party. Advertisement I dont know why people think its impossible that Asiwaju is not removable. Trust me, as long as we give INEC close marking, and that is why you need candidates who will be able to generate the firepower, he said. Momodu explained that the ADC has several prominent figures capable of giving President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) a serious challenge. He listed former Governor of Sokoto State and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; and former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as some of the partys key figures. So we have a lot of people, a rich and robust lineup in the ADC. For me, its not about one man. Of course, Mr Peter Obi, who INEC recorded as coming third, may be controversial, while Atiku Abubakar came second, he added. Momodu further emphasized that the ADC is well-positioned because, out of the top three candidates in the last election, the party already parades twoAtiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. That should tell us that if we manage our affairs very well, we will already have overwhelming votes to torpedo the APC, he said. The ADC chieftain maintained that the opposition has the momentum to challenge the APC on its own turf, insisting that such an outcome is not an impossibility. Momodu also noted that globally, once the electoral process is properly managed in a professional and transparent manner, elections tend to run smoothly. Abba Abubakar, son of former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, pledging to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The defection, announced on Thursday at the National Assembly, Abuja, is being viewed within political circles as a symbolic and strategic blow to Atikus presidential ambition and a major boost to the APCs consolidation efforts, particularly in the North-East. Popularly known as Abba, the younger Atiku was formally received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, alongside key APC leaders from the North-East geopolitical zone, in what party leaders described as a significant political realignment. Advertisement Addressing party leaders and supporters at the event, Abubakar announced his resignation from the PDP and declared his full alignment with the APC, describing the move as historic and deeply personal. He also directed all coordinators and members of his political structure, formerly known as the Haske Atiku Organisation, which he founded in 2022, to immediately join the APC and mobilise support for President Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda. 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. Today, Im here to formally announce my exit from my former party to the APC following the outstanding leadership style and quality of His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin. With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027. To this effect, Im directing all coordinators of my association, to join APC and work for President Tinubu. Welcoming him into the party, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustapha Salihu, described the defection as both symbolic and far-reaching, saying it reflected a new phase of politics without borders. Salihu said, 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 stressed that the APC was driven by ideology and policy direction rather than personal ambition, assuring Abba of full rights and equal opportunities within the party. In his remarks, Senator Barau congratulated the new APC entrant for what he described as a bold, wise and principled decision, assuring him and his supporters of maximum support from the party leadership. Barau said, 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. The Deputy Senate President disclosed that Abba, who had been closely following political developments from the United States, was impressed by the Tinubu administrations reforms and outreach efforts, prompting his return to Nigeria and decision to join the ruling party. He is young, focused and determined to contribute to shaping the future of our country. This is the kind of youth Nigeria needs, Barau added. Also speaking at the event, a presidential aide, Alhaji Mahmoud Abdullahi, assured Abubakar of President Tinubus acceptance and backing within the party. Just like Atiku, Tinubu is also your father. Your decision is like returning home. You and your coordinators have a future in this party, Abdullahi said. On behalf of the defecting group, the Kano State Coordinator, Mubarak Musa, described the move as strategic, noting that all political activities of the group would now be coordinated through Senator Barau. We have worked around the clock for our former platform. We will double our efforts and deliver for the APC in 2027, Musa said. He described Senator Barau as their political father and a key pillar of the APC in the North. The high point of the event was the formal renaming of Abbas political structure from Haske Atiku Organisation to Haske Bola Tinubu Organisation, signalling a complete political realignment and a clear declaration of support for President Tinubus second-term bid ahead of 2027. A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim order preventing the Chief Judge of Rivers State from accepting an impeachment notice directed at Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu. The Rivers State House of Assembly had asked the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The lawmakers requested on Friday through a unanimous vote, insisting that the impeachment process would proceed despite what they described as attempts by the governor to intimidate and blackmail the legislature. Advertisement In a statement by the Speaker of the House, Martins Chike Amaewhule, and forwarded to the Chief Judge on January 16, the assembly formally called for the establishment of the investigative panel in line with constitutional provisions. In the twist of event, the Rivers State High Court, in a document, restrained the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi from receiving, forwarding, considering or acting on any request resolution, articles of impeachment or other documents or communications for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the purported allegations of misconduct against Governor Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu for seven days. Presiding judge, Justice F.A. Fiberesima, in a ruling on a motion ex parte in two separate suits filed by Governor Fubara and Mrs Odu, also granted leave to the claimants/applicants to serve the interim order and the originating processes in Suit No. OYHC/7CS/2026 and Suit No. OYHC/6/CS/2026, as well as all subsequent processes meant for the first to 31st defendants at the gate of the Rivers State Assembly quarters. Veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, has become the latest addition to the African Democratic Congress train by officially declaring his membership in the party months after dumping the opposition Peoples Democratic Party. The former presidential aspirant declared his ADC membership in Benin City on Thursday, Momodu while putting to bed possible questions on where his political ambitions lie by stating that he doesnt have interest in becoming a senator or governor in his hometown, Edo State. People have asked me, What do you want? Do you want to be governor or senator? No, he said. I just want to promote the best interests of our people, he said. Advertisement It is hard to imagine the pride I feel at this moment as I undertake my self-led event in DC to pick up the membership card of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the new opposition coalition in Nigeria, Africas most populous nation. This is only the first and most important leg of this political journey. Momodu continued by stating that his mission after joining the ADC is to rescue Nigeria from one-party dominance. My mission in politics is to join hands of fellowship with citizens of like minds to rescue, recover, and reset Nigeria. Nigeria must be rescued from a one-party state and one parliament, Momodu said. Speaking on his connection to his ancestral roots, Momodu said, It took me a long time, over 30 years, before I could discover my ancestral home. Let me thank one of my fathers who is present here today, Senator Isa Raymond. From the very first day he met me, he adopted me as a child. When I came home for the first time, he coordinated everything. Momodu also revealed that his move to the ADC was driven by his desire to play a meaningful role in Edos political development and to keep the peoples welfare at the heart of government. It took me over 50 years you wont believe it of excruciating hard work and meticulous planning to plant roots for my modest income in the United States . Today, nobody can say I have no roots in the United States. But today, I am standing before you as I firmly reintegrate myself into the political process of my state, he said. Punch reported that Ovation Magazine founder announced his resignation from the PDP in July 2025, citing what he described as the partys hijack by antidemocratic forces in a letter addressed to the Chairman of PDP Ward 4 in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. My reason is simple and straightforward. Our party has been unarguably hijacked by antidemocratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight, the letter read. He added, It is, therefore, honourable to abandon the carcass of the party to them while the majority of us earnestly sign up with the new coalition party known as the African Democratic Congress. Former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has said that Nigerians must rise to resist terrorists, bandits and other criminals terrorising the country. Sani stated this on Thursday at the public presentation of his two books, The Councillor and The Perilous Path to Europe, on Thursday in Abuja. He noted that no foreign power will free the country from the challenge, emphasizing that if people were united and enlightened and supported by state apparatus, they can defeat those who feel that they own the land and can use the force of arms to subdue everyone. Advertisement We should not think that a foreign power will come here and free us from these bandits. We are to do it ourselves, he added. The ex-Senator explained that Nigeria has a track record of restoring peace in other countries, adding that America cannot solve her problems. At Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution, a printing press from the Biblioteca Nacional de Chile (National Library of Chile) in Santiago is part of the exhibition "The Declaration's Journey." The museum received a $2.2 million NEH grant. Read more Despite recent cuts and an uncertain future, the National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded about $3 million in new grants to Philadelphia groups. The local awards are part of $75.1 million in new grants announced this month by the NEH for 84 projects across the nation. The biggest local award went to the Museum of the American Revolution, which is receiving $2,247,435 for the planning and production of a conference, podcast series, exhibition catalog, digital interactive, and activities related to the museums current exhibition about the Declaration of Independence, "The Declarations Journey." Advertisement The NEHs latest round of grants reflects the federal agencys ongoing ideological shift to align with President Trumps agenda. In April, the NEH announced that future awards will, among other things, be merit-based, awarded to projects that do not promote extreme ideologies based upon race or gender. Critics say grants canceled by the Trump administration last year were revoked because they represented viewpoints such as diversity, equity, and inclusion. U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D., Maine) raised the concern in a November letter to acting NEH chairman Michael McDonald that the agency is now making awards in some cases without peer review, giving massive grants through questionable non-competitive processes. Moving forward, the NEHs April statement said, the agency is especially interested in projects on the nations semiquincentennial and U.S. history more generally. That directive connects to projects of all six of the new recipients in Philadelphia. READ MORE: Americas 250th birthday is the moment Philly museums have been waiting for The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts is receiving $349,927 over two years to fund its preservation field services for small- to mid-sized organizations around the country. The program provides assessments and education to groups like museums, libraries, archives, and historical societies as well as individuals on how to care for their collections. A $200,210 NEH grant to the American Philosophical Society will help fund These Truths: The Declarations of Independence, an exhibition at the societys museum opening in April. It explores the first 50 years of the document and its evolution from a pronouncement of news, [to] political tool, [to] national symbol, says an exhibition description. The show includes 19 early printings of the Declaration from 1776 through 1824 and the Windsor chair in which Thomas Jefferson sat while writing the document. The NEH grant will go toward the exhibition, its catalog, and a related conference in June. The NEH was among the federal agencies whose budgets and staffs were slashed last year by the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by billionaire Elon Musk. Arts and culture groups in Philadelphia and across the country had grants revoked from the NEH, National Endowment for the Arts, and Institute for Museum and Library Services. Some grants were restored without explanation. A $750,000 IMLS grant to the Woodmere Art Museum was rescinded, and, a little more than a week after the Woodmere filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, was reinstated. In this new round of funding, three other NEH grants were awarded locally, each for $100,000: to Eastern State Penitentiary, the National Liberty Museum, and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. A truck tows a car along Market Street near 6th on Monday, June 3, 2024. Read more Philadelphia police are investigating whether the separate slayings of three men, all of whom worked in the citys towing industry, are connected, authorities said this week. Two of the men, who were shot and killed in December and January respectively, worked as truck operators for the Jenkintown-based company 448 Towing and Recovery, according to police. Advertisement The other man, who was shot and killed in November, is connected to a different towing company and worked as a wreck spotter. Investigators began looking at a possible connection between the killings after the shooting death of 25-year-old Aaron Whitfield Jr. on Sunday, according to Lt. Thomas Walsh of the departments homicide unit. On the surface, theres obviously some sort of connection, Walsh said. Whitfield was in a tow truck with his girlfriend outside of a Northeast Philadelphia smoke shop near Bustleton Avenue and Knorr Street that evening when two men pulled up in another vehicle. They fired at least a dozen shots at the truck before speeding off. Whitfield died at the scene, while the woman was hospitalized with gunshot wounds to the leg. The shooting came after another 448 Towing and Recovery driver, David Garcia-Morales, was shot on Dec. 22 while in a tow truck on the 4200 block of Torresdale Avenue, according to police. Police arrived to find Morales, 20, had been struck multiple times. They rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries on Dec. 26. While Walsh could not conclusively say whether investigators believe the killings were carried out by the same person or by multiple individuals, he noted that two different vehicles had been used in the crimes. One of those vehicles, a silver Honda Accord used in the shooting of Whitfield, was recovered earlier this week after police found it abandoned in West Philadelphia, Walsh said. Meanwhile, police are investigating whether the shooting death of 26-year-old Aaron Smith-Sims in November may also be connected to the killings of Whitfield and Garcia-Morales. Smith-Sims, who Walsh said was connected to a different towing company, died after he was shot multiple times on the 2700 block of North Hicks Street in North Philadelphia the morning of Nov. 23. Investigators are now looking to question the owners of both towing companies involved, according to Walsh. So far, they have failed to make contact with the owner of 448 Towing and Recovery. Obviously the victims families are cooperating, Walsh said. Theyre supplying all the information that they have. An industry that draws suspicion Philadelphias towing industry can appear like something out of the Wild West, with operators fiercely competing to arrive first at car wrecks and secure the business involved with towing or impounding vehicles. Police began imposing some order on the process in 2007, introducing a rotational system in which responding officers cycle through a list of licensed towing operators to dispatch to accident scenes. But tow operators often skirt that system, employing wreck spotters those like Smith-Sims to roam the city and listen to police scanners for accidents, convincing those involved to use their service before officers arrive. The predatory nature of the industry and, in some cases, its historic ties to organized crime make it rife with exploitative business practices and even criminal activity. But Walsh cautioned the public against jumping to conspiracy theories about the killings, which have proliferated on social media in the days after Whitfields death and the news of a possible connection between the murders. Those suspicions arent entirely unwarranted. In 2017, several employees who worked for the Philadelphia towing company A. Bobs Towing were shot within 24 hours of one another two of them fatally. Police and federal investigators later arrested Ernest Pressley, 42, a contract killer who was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to killing six people between 2016 and 2019. Pressley admitted to accepting payment in exchange for killing one of the towing employees, 28-year-old Khayyan Fruster, who had been preparing to testify as a witness in an assault trial. Pressley shot Fruster in his tow truck on the 6600 block of Hegerman Street, killing him and injuring one of his coworkers. And in an effort to mask the killing and to make it appear as if it had been the result of a feud between towing operators Pressley earlier shot and killed one of Frusters coworkers at A. Bobs Towing at random, according to prosecutors. Police investigate the shooting on the 1500 block of Etting Street on July 7, 2025. Read more No one can say for certain what caused the first loud pop to echo down a South Philadelphia block a single gunshot, a car backfiring, or something else entirely. But within seconds, at least 15 people attending a party on the 1500 block of South Etting Street pulled out guns and started shooting, a chain reaction that left three people dead and 10 others wounded. Advertisement In the weeks that followed the July 7 mass shooting, police said they identified four people who fired weapons that night: Daquan Brown, 21, Terrell Frazier, 22, Brandon Fisher, 17, and Dieve Jardine, 45. Prosecutors charged each with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, conspiracy, and related crimes. READ MORE: Her youngest son was killed in a mass shooting. Now, her eldest is charged with committing one. Municipal Court Judge Francis W. McCloskey Jr. on Thursday ruled that the cases against the four men could move forward to trial on charges of third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and inciting a riot. He dismissed all counts of attempted murder and causing a catastrophe. Throughout the nearly five-hour hearing, prosecutors, using a compilation of video and social media evidence, laid out in greatest detail yet how the shooting unfolded. Dozens of people had gathered on the street the night of July 7, the second block party in as many days. Gunfire erupted just before 1 a.m. Assistant District Attorney Cydney Pope said the shooting was driven in part by paranoia. Frazier and other young men at the party had been going back and forth with people on social media, she said, challenging someone who threatened to shoot up the party to go ahead in an Instagram Live video. Less than 10 minutes later, she said, surveillance video showed a single loud pop that appeared to scare partygoers, who started to run down the block. Eight seconds later, she said, at least 15 people at the party pulled out their guns and shot more than 120 bullets toward the end of the block. But theres no evidence anyone ever shot into the party, she said. The sound they believed was gunfire, she said, was likely a car backfiring. This is a tragedy because all of these defendants shot and killed their friends, she said. Three men were killed. Zahir Wylie, 23, was struck in the chest, and Jason Reese, 19, was shot in the head. Azir Harris, 27, who used a wheelchair after being paralyzed in an earlier shooting, was struck in the back as he sought cover between two cars. Homicide Detective Joseph Cremen said he identified the four gunmen by combing surveillance video, phone, and social media records, and interviewing witnesses. Fisher, he said, was seen on the porch of one of the homes using a gun with a switch attachment that caused him to spray dozens of bullets down the street, appearing at times as if he couldnt control his weapon. In the teens phone, he said, were pictures of him with multiple guns, as well as the clothes he was wearing the night of the shooting and messages indicating he was selling firearms. And Frazier, he said, talked about the shooting in text messages. About 12 hours after the shooting, he said, someone asked Frazier where he was when Wylie was struck. I was banging back, Frazier wrote. He said the shooting was bad, and that Wylie died from us. He died from a stray, he said, according to the texts. Cremen said Brown admitted that he fired two shots with his legally owned gun, then when he realized he wasnt shooting at anything, he stopped and took cover. And Jardine, also known as Dieve Drumgoole, also told investigators he fired two or three shots after he saw someone come out of an alley on the block with a green laser attachment on a gun, the detective said. Cremen didnt recover video that showed anyone using a gun with a green laser beam. Defense attorneys for the four men all argued that their clients were acting in self-defense, and only fired their guns because they believed someone was shooting at them. Police still do not know and may never know whose bullets struck each victim. There is no evidence that he struck anyone, theres no evidence that he intended to strike anyone, said Gina Amoriello, who represents Brown. In all my years, Ive never seen a case overcharged like this. This is extreme. John Francis McCaul, Jardines lawyer, said the father was protecting his family on the porch. Jardines son and nephew were also injured in the shooting. No one, he said, intended to kill anyone by firing their guns. The judge disagreed. The intent goes where the bullet goes, said McCloskey. The intent is established by producing the gun, pointing the gun, and pulling the trigger. He said it would be up to a jury or judge later on to determine whether or not the men were acting in self defense. At this preliminary stage, he said, prosecutors provided enough evidence to uphold a third-degree murder charge. Prosecutors plan to address charges against a fifth person, Jihad Gray, who had been charged with the shooting at a hearing next week. A sixth person, Christopher Battle, 24, remains at-large. After the hearing, the families of the victims struggled to make sense of what they had just watched friends killing friends. Its really hard to digest, said Troy Harris, whose son, Azir, was killed. It was shocking. It was life changing to us. ... This domino effect can hurt generations and generations. I still dont even get it, said Markeisha Manigault, the mother to Zahir Wylie. I dont understand why ... my son lost his life. It was just unnecessary. A 22-year-old man was charged with sexually assaulting a woman in her 90s during one of four home break-ins last year in Montgomery County, authorities said Thursday. John Vernon Gray of Telford was arrested Jan. 10 and was charged with rape and related offenses. He was being held without bail at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Advertisement The four nighttime break-ins occurred around Towamencin Township and involved four women who Gray allegedly believed were living alone, authorities said. On May 10, around 2:25 a.m., a 79-year-old woman was awakened by a man trying to enter her house on Dock Drive through her bedroom window, authorities said. She screamed and scared him away. About an hour later, a man entered a residence in the Dock Woods Senior Living Community and sexually assaulted the occupant, a woman in her 90s, authorities said. On Nov. 8, two more break-ins occurred. Police responded around 3 a.m. to a home on Dock Drive where a 72-year-old woman reported being awakened by a man in her bedroom who attempted to lift her nightgown, authorities said. The woman screamed and the man fled. About 30 minutes later, a man entered a residence on Crosshill Court in Towamencin Township through a rear sliding glass door, entered the bedroom, and touched a 46-year-old woman, authorities said. The man fled when the woman screamed for her husband. Aaron Deede a resident of Inglis House, is starting classes at Community College of Philadelphia this week. Read more In 2000, Aaron Deede was an 18-year-old Delaware college student who enjoyed acting and had dreams of becoming a playwright. But a car accident left him paraplegic with a traumatic brain injury that upended his plans. Advertisement It was a little detour, Deede said. Now, at 43, he is returning to college along with four other residents of Inglis House, a nursing facility in Philadelphias Wynnefield section for people with severe physical disabilities who use wheelchairs and have conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, or challenges following strokes. Deede and three other Inglis residents on Monday started online classes some may go in person in subsequent semesters at Community College of Philadelphia, with a fifth student scheduled to start this summer. Inglis pays for the students education from a donor-supported fund. I love it. I cant wait, Deede said Friday during a celebration Inglis held for the new students at its Belmont Avenue complex, giving each of them a backpack to start their journey. Dozens of Inglis residents who range in age from 18 to their 70s have taken college classes over the years, and some have earned degrees. But this is the largest group to start together since the 1990s, said Jacklyn Monaco, Inglis director of therapeutic and life enrichment. READ MORE: The choice should be there. More colleges enroll students with intellectual disabilities Things sort of ebb and flow as far as the types of resident who move in and their personal goals, she said. Sometimes theyre recreational goals. Sometimes theyre physical goals. Sometimes theyre educational goals. At this point in time we have a lot of younger folks who are really interested in pursuing higher education. Nikos Rapach, 21, had been planning to join either the Army or the Coast Guard when he was in a car accident and lost the use of his legs and the mobility of his fingers. Im not going to be able to swing a hammer, so I have to start using my brain more, said Rapach, who is from Hazleton. He is taking English and trigonometry classes at CCP. He will use the computers at Inglis that have adaptive technology to assist with note-taking. Everything here is a stepping stone for me, said Rapach, who moved to Inglis in May. I want to go back home. I want to get a job. I basically want to get my life back on track. He aspires to become a history teacher, he said. READ MORE: West Chester University opens campus convenience store staffed by students with autism Like they say, if you dont know your history, you are doomed to repeat it, he said. Deede, who came to Inglis in 2023, also would like to become a teacher, preferably at the elementary level. Another resident who is taking classes at CCP aims to become a social worker at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, said Jeremy Ault, Inglis therapeutic education instructor. Another hopes to become an Urdu-to-English translator. Stephanie Shea, 59, who is from Maryland and has a genetic neuromuscular condition, is taking liberal arts classes with the goal of getting a degree. Its kind of a bucket-list thing, said Shea, who recently got married to another resident. Its something Ive always wanted to have. Founded in 1877, Inglis House currently serves about 180 residents, nearly 40% of whom are involved in educational activities not just college. Classes are offered at Inglis in subjects such as history, law, science, poetry, and creative writing, as well as foundational skills like reading and personal finance. Inglis staff accompanied the students to CCPs campus to take their placement tests, register for classes, and visits CCPs Center on Disability, the office that helps students with disabilities. We suggest accommodations based on their needs, said Lisa Papurt, coordinator of disability services at the center, which typically serves 400 to 500 students with disabilities per semester. Those services could include extra time for tests or technology to assist with note-taking or assistance in communicating with professors. Papurt said she is excited to see the Inglis students start their educational journey. I hope to be able to support them through getting degrees, graduating, and moving on to a four-year institution, she said. When students entered their surprise celebration Friday, Ault, the therapeutic education instructor, told them it was time for them to celebrate. Im so proud of you guys for doing so well this past year, he said. You guys have been such a pleasure to teach and be part of your lives really. Ault is helping students prepare for entry into college. Im working on my writing skills and grammar, Rapach said. Jeremy has been giving me essay prompts to help me be a better writer so that when I get to college, Im not trying to relearn everything. He said hes excited to get started. I feel good, he said. Im ready for it. The Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne. A group seeking to open a charter school on its campus has withdrawn its application. Read more A group seeking to open a charter school on the Valley Forge Military Academy campus has withdrawn its application, citing a move by Radnor Township to take some of the land by eminent domain. The board of the proposed Valley Forge Public Service Academy says it plans to resubmit its application to the Radnor school board once the townships plan to take 14 acres by eminent domain has been clarified sufficiently to ensure the welfare and safety of potential students and staff. Advertisement The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners voted last week to authorize the townships solicitor to acquire the land from the military academy, which is set to close in May amid financial turmoil and abuse allegations. Township officials say they want to prevent more development around North Wayne. At a meeting last week, Radnor Commissioner Jack Larkin said the township had reached out to military academy officials to negotiate a deal, but had not heard back. Alan Wohlstetter, a charter school consultant who is backing the proposed Valley Forge charter, said the move to use eminent domain was clearly not something we could have anticipated. Clarification is now needed on a number of items in order for us to proceed with our application, Wohlstetter said in a statement Thursday. Plans for the charter which was proposed to open this fall and enroll up to 150 students had been in the works since last year, even before the military academy announced its closure. The once-storied academy, which has struggled with declining enrollment, mounting costs, and a series of abuse scandals, had discussed renting its campus to the proposed new charter. It was the latest plan for a charter school a school that is publicly funded but privately managed to rent facilities from the military academy. The Radnor school board which like other Pennsylvania school boards has the power to approve or deny applications for new charters seeking to open in their districts has rejected two previous charter proposals at the military academy campus. The board held its first hearing on the latest proposal in December and a second hearing had been scheduled for this month. The academy spans about 70 acres. In December, Eastern University entered an agreement to buy 33 acres of the property. In pursuing eminent domain, Radnor officials say they are considering taking 14 acres to build a replacement for the townships recreation center, along with a park. While Larkin said he did not believe the plan would conflict with the proposed charter school, Wohlstetter said the charters backers needed clarity on which acres would be affected, and how the plan would impact traffic and parking. The uncertainty impairs the charters ability to pre-enroll students, Wohlstetter said adding that the charter wants to be good partners to the Radnor community. Wohlstetter said the charter would resubmit its application to the school board at a future date. The proposed charter would enroll students in grades six to 12, with a focus on preparing them for careers in public service fields like law enforcement, firefighting and EMS. Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration abruptly rescinded funding for thousands of grants dealing with mental health and addiction treatment late Tuesday, then restored them after pushback. Read more Physicians Zsofi Szep and Judy Chertok have spent the last three years working to connect Penn Medicine patients with addiction treatment with the help of a federal grant that they learned was terminated in a form letter Tuesday. They rushed to find a way to keep caring for their patients, many with HIV or hepatitis C and needing supports such as housing and food after treatment. The salaries of two staffers helping to connect people with such resources had been entirely grant-funded. Advertisement To stop this from one day to the next was obviously devastating, Szep said. Its not possible to stop patient care. We continued to do what we were doing. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration had abruptly rescinded funding for thousands of grants dealing with mental health and addiction treatment, only to reverse itself a day later with little explanation. NPR reported that some $2 billion in grants were cut off, and grantees like Szep and Chertok received form letters that said only that their projects no longer aligned with agency priorities. The move sparked immediate outrage from providers and legislators alike. U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D., Montgomery) helped marshal 100 congressional representatives to sign a bipartisan letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., demanding the funding be restored. By Wednesday night, it had been, The Associated Press reported still with little explanation from federal officials. HHS did not return a request for comment Thursday. The agency also declined to answer questions about the reasons for the rescissions from The Associated Press. But providers at the programs affected by the whiplash of rescinded, then restored, funding said they were shaken by a chaotic 24 hours and worried about what the move signaled. Since President Donald Trump took office last January, his administration has fired thousands of federal workers and attempted to slash federal grants at unprecedented levels, creating chaos among researchers, health providers, and nonprofits. As of late Thursday, one Philadelphia provider who receives SAMHSA grants said she had not yet received notice from the agency that funding had been restored. Its a message that what were doing is not important, said Barbara Schindler, the medical director of the womens addiction treatment program Caring Together. The people that work day to day on the front lines, were dealing with folks that are living on the edge and need all the help they can get. To feel like your rug can get pulled out from underneath you at any one point, both as a provider as well as a participant, is very upsetting. Uncertainty amid attempted cuts Its unclear how many programs in the Philadelphia area were affected. Gaudenzia, an addiction treatment provider with locations across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, had grants rescinded, then restored, that were related to expanding treatment access, addiction prevention, and support services, a spokesperson said. Gaudenzias president and CEO, Deja Gilbert, said she understood the need for fiscal responsibility at the federal level, but funding changes should be made in collaboration with providers. Abrupt funding actions even when reversed create uncertainty for providers and the people we serve," she said in a statement. Szep and Chertoks program at Penn, which has served about 125 patients over the last few years, is aimed at some of the health systems most vulnerable patients, connecting patients in the hospital or outpatient clinics with addiction treatment. Its a very sick and complicated group of patients, who are specifically referred to an extra-specialized team, Chertok said. They were relieved when their funding was restored on Thursday but remain worried about the future. So many other people have similar grants in our city through SAMHSA the amount of people that are getting care through these types of programs is really dramatic, and we dont have other ways of getting them care, Chertok said. Schindler, a professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at Drexel University, said SAMHSA funding through two grants allows her 36-year-old clinic to support medication for women with opioid use disorder and a reentry program for women incarcerated for drug-related crimes. It allows us to have more addiction counselors and staff that can address the incredible needs these ladies have, she said. It really enhances the program. She said she was on pins and needles waiting to hear that her funding had been restored. Incompetence and cruelty Dean said she learned of the cuts when a staffer pulled her aside to share a news article, reporting that SAMHSA had abruptly rescinded $2 billion in funding from more than 2,000 grants. Almost immediately afterward, the head of a Pennsylvania network of addiction treatment providers called her. They began working to determine how many local grants had been affected, an effort thats still ongoing. Immediately, what I thought was, this will cost lives. People will die as a result of this level of incompetence and cruelty, Dean said. She said she had not received answers from the administration on the reasoning behind the cuts. Dean called the terminations hypocritical, noting that President Donald Trump has justified military operations in Venezuela as an effort to combat drug trafficking even as his administration attempted to cut billions in drug treatment funding at home. Its incompetent, illegal, unconstitutional, and we got no notice, she said. Dean said she was pleased that programs were seeing their funding restored, although she was still unsure what had prompted the decision, and was concerned about the precedent the move set. Im of the mind that it will happen again. And there is real harm I dont care if the interruption is 24 hours, she said. Interruptions can have large impacts. Lt. Col. Louis E. Roemer, 43, of Wilmington, Del., died while being held as a prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II. Read more A Wilmington native who died while being held as a prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II has been positively identified through analysis of his remains, U.S. military officials said this week. Army Lt. Col. Louis E. Roemer was taken prisoner in the Philippines when the Japanese captured the island fortress of Corregidor in May 1942 after American forces lost the Bataan Peninsula, according to historical news accounts. Advertisement He remained a POW in the Philippines until late 1944, when the Japanese began to move prisoners as an American invasion force retook the occupied territory. Roemer may have survived transport on two Japanese hell ships which had reputations for inhumane conditions and cruel treatment that were both attacked by Allied forces, only to die afterward of an illness, reportedly on Jan. 22, 1945. He was 43. He had been loaded in Manila onto the transport ship Oryoku Maru, destined for Japan. However, U.S. carrier-borne aircraft attacked the Oryoku Maru, and it eventually sank in Subic Bay on Dec. 15, 1944. Roemer was then transported to Formosa, now known as Taiwan, aboard the Enoura Maru. While that ship was docked at the Port of Takao in Formosa and still loaded with prisoners of war, it was hit by Allied aircraft on Jan. 9, 1945. Approximately 400 Allied POWs were killed. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, the Japanese reported that after the Enoura Maru was attacked, Roemer was placed aboard the Brazil Maru, bound for Moji, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Roemer reportedly died of acute colitis during the last stage of transport, the Japanese reported. However, since historical and contemporary evidence indicate that the Japanese government-reported Brazil Maru casualties list contains errors, he conceivably could have died at any point during this December 1944 to January 1945 POW transport, including the Jan. 9 attack on the Enoura Maru, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said. In 1946, a U.S. military search-and-recovery team exhumed a mass grave on a beach at Takao in Formosa and recovered 311 bodies. Attempts to identify the remains were unsuccessful, and they were buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In 2022 and 2023, remains linked to the Enoura Maru were disinterred from the Punchbowl for analysis. Scientists used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said. Scientists also used mitochondrial, Y-chromosome, and autosomal DNA analysis. Roemer was officially accounted for on July 28, 2025, the agency said Wednesday. The announcement was made after Roemers family received a briefing on his identification. Roemer will be buried in Pittsburgh, the agency said. According to historical news accounts, Roemer was one of three brothers who served as high-ranking military officers during World War II. He was born in Wilmington and graduated from the University of Delaware in 1922 with a chemical engineering degree. He was inducted into the Army through the ROTC. Before the war, he was assigned to the Chemical Warfare Service on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines under Maj. Gen. Jonathan M. Wainwright. Japan attacked the Philippines just hours after Pearl Harbor. On April 9, 1942, American and Filipino forces surrendered on the Bataan Peninsula, and Corregidor fell about a month later. Roemer was subjected to the notorious Bataan Death March, which led to the death of thousands of POWs. His family did not know what had happened to him until December 1942, when they were notified by the U.S. War Department that he was a prisoner of war in the Philippines. Roemer was able to send a couple of postcards to his family through a system facilitated by the International Red Cross, and on one occasion a freed POW was able to communicate a message to Roemers family he had heard through a POW grapevine. Col. Louis D. Hutson wrote to Roemers wife, Mary, and said Roemer was in very good health and quite cheerful and he asked in case I were returned to the States before he returned that I write you and send you and his boys and his mother all his love, the Wilmington News Journal reported on March 30, 1945. At that point, Roemer had already been dead for at least two months. His family did not learn about his death for about five more months. Roemer was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star Medal with V device and the Legion of Merit award. Colonel Roemer saved hundreds of lives during the famed Bataan Death March, but it was for his service before the surrender of American troops that he was decorated, a 1947 News Journal article said. Another news story relayed an account by Sgt. Alfred Torrisi, who said that during the Bataan Death March, Roemer often slipped out of camp at night into the jungle to get wood for charcoal, from which he made the only soothing medicine available for the sick men. Torrisi said Roemer was in charge of hospital service at the Cabanatuan prison camp, where practically everyone was a patient. This image provided by the New York State Attorney General's office shows body camera footage of correction officers beating a handcuffed man, Robert Brooks, at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County, N.Y., in 2024. Read more UTICA, N.Y. A New York prison guard who failed to intervene as he watched an inmate being beaten to death should be convicted of manslaughter, a prosecutor told a jury Thursday in the final trial of correctional officers whose pummeling, recorded by body-cameras, provoked outrage. For seven minutes seven gut-churning, nauseating, disgusting minutes he stood in that room close enough to touch him and he did nothing, special prosecutor William Fitzpatrick told jurors during closing arguments. The jury began deliberating Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Former corrections officer Michael Fisher, 55, is charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Robert Brooks, who was beaten by guards upon his arrival at Marcy Correctional Facility on the night of Dec. 9, 2024, his agony recorded silently on the guards body cameras. Fishers attorney, Scott Iseman, said his client entered the infirmary after the beating began and could not have known the extent of his injuries. Fisher was among 10 guards indicted in February. Three more agreed to plead guilty to reduced charges in return for cooperating with prosecutors. Of the 10 officers indicted in February, six pleaded guilty to manslaughter or lesser charges. Four rejected plea deals. One was convicted of murder, and two were acquitted in the first trial last fall. Fisher, standing alone, is the last of the guards to face a jury. The trial closes a chapter in a high-profile case led to reforms in New Yorks prisons. But advocates say the prisons remain plagued by understaffing and other problems, especially since a wildcat strike by guards last year. Officials took action amid outrage over the images of the guards beating the 43-year-old Black man in the prisons infirmary. Officers could be seen striking Brooks in the chest with a shoe, lifting him by the neck and dropping him. Video shown to the jury during closing arguments Thursday indicates Fisher stood by the doorway and didnt intervene. Did Michael Fisher recklessly cause the death of Robert Brooks? Of course he did. Not by himself. He had plenty of other helpers, said Fitzpatrick, the Onondaga County district attorney. Iseman asked jurors looking at the footage to consider what Fisher could have known at the time without the benefit of 2020 hindsight. Michael Fisher did not have a rewind button. He did not have the ability to enhance. He did not have the ability to pause. He did not have the ability to get a different perspective of what was happening in the room, Iseman said. Even before Brooks death, critics claimed the prison system was beset by problems that included brutality, overworked staff and inconsistent services. By the time criminal indictments were unsealed in February, the system was reeling from an illegal three-week wildcat strike by corrections officers who were upset over working conditions. Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed National Guard troops to maintain operations. More than 2,000 guards were fired. Prison deaths during the strike included Messiah Nantwi on March 1 at Mid-State Correctional Facility, which is across the road from the Marcy prison. 10 other guards were indicted in Nantwis death in April, including two charged with murder. There are still about 3,000 National Guard members serving the state prison system, according to state officials. The absence of staff in critical positions is affecting literally every aspect of prison operations. And I think the experience for incarcerated people is neglect, Jennifer Scaife, executive director of the Correctional Association of New York, an independent monitoring group, said on the eve of Fishers trial. Hochul last month announced a broad reform agreement with lawmakers that includes a requirement that cameras be installed in all facilities and that video recordings related to deaths behind bars be promptly released to state investigators. The state also lowered the hiring age for correction officers from 21 to 18 years of age. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is part of the bipartisan group of governors that is pressuring the operator of the Mid-Atlantic power grid to take urgent steps to boost energy supply and curb price hikes. Read more Washington The Trump administration and a bipartisan group of governors on Friday tried to step up pressure on the operator of the nations largest electric grid to take urgent steps to boost power supplies and keep electricity bills from rising even higher. Administration officials said doing so is essential to win the artificial-intelligence race against China, even as voters raise concerns about the enormous amount of power data centers use and analysts warn of the growing possibility of blackouts in the Mid-Atlantic grid in the coming years. Advertisement We know that with the demands of AI and the power and the productivity that comes with that, its going to transform every job and every company and every industry, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told reporters at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House. But we need to be able to power that in the race that we are in against China. Trump administration says it has the answer The White House and governors want the Mid-Atlantic grid operator to hold a power auction for tech companies to bid on contracts to build new power plants, so that data center operators, not regular consumers, pay for their power needs. They also want the operator, PJM Interconnection, to contain consumer costs by extending a cap that it imposed last year, under pressure from governors, that limited the increase of wholesale electricity payments to power plant owners. The cap applied to payments through mid-2028. Our message today is just to try and push PJM ... to say, we know the answer. The answer is we need to be able to build new generation to accommodate new jobs and new growth, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said. READ MORE: Rise of data centers prompts Pennsylvania to seek more say in regional grid operations Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Glenn Youngkin of Virginia, and Wes Moore of Maryland appeared with Burgum and Wright and expressed frustration with PJM. We need more energy on the grid and we need it fast, Shapiro said. He accused PJM of being too damn slow to bring new power generation online as demand is surging. Shapiro said the agreement could save the 65 million Americans reliant on that grid $27 billion over the next several years. He warned Pennsylvania would leave the PJM market if the grid operator does not align with the agreement, a departure that would threaten to create even steeper price challenges for the region. PJM wasnt invited to the event. Grid operator is preparing its own plan to meet demand However, PJMs board is nearing the release of its own plan after months of work and will review recommendations from the White House and governors to assess how they align with its decision, a spokesperson said Friday. PJM has searched for ways to meet rising electricity demand, including trying to fast-track new power plants and suggesting that utilities should bump data centers off the grid during power emergencies. The tech industry opposed the idea. The White House and governors dont have direct authority over PJM, but grid operators are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is chaired by an appointee of President Donald Trump. Trump and governors are under pressure to insulate consumers and businesses alike from the costs of feeding Big Techs data centers. Meanwhile, more Americans are falling behind on their electricity bills as rates rise faster than inflation in many parts of the U.S. READ MORE: Human reporters explain why AI data centers are so controversial in the Philly suburbs and beyond In some areas, bills have risen because of strained natural gas supplies or expensive upgrades to transmission systems, to harden them against more extreme weather or wildfires. But energy-hungry data centers are also a factor in some areas, consumer advocates say. Ratepayers in the Mid-Atlantic grid which encompasses all or parts of 13 states stretching from New Jersey to Illinois, as well as Washington, D.C. are already paying billions more to underwrite power supplies to data centers, some of which havent been built yet, analysts say. Critics also say these extra billions arent resulting in the construction of new power plants needed to meet the rising demand. Tech giants say theyre working to lower consumer costs Technology industry groups have said their members are willing to pay their fair share of electricity costs. On Friday, the Information Technology Industry Council, which represents tech giants Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon, said it welcomed the White Houses announcement and the opportunity to craft solutions to lower electricity bills. It said the tech industry is committed to making investments to modernize the grid and working to offset costs for ratepayers. READ MORE: What Pecos new CEO has to say about your electric bill, AI data centers, and coal in Pa. The Edison Electric Institute, which represents investor-owned electric companies, said it supports having tech companies bid and pay for contracts to build new power plants. The idea is a new and creative one, said Rob Gramlich, president of Grid Strategies LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based energy markets and transmission consultancy. But its not clear how or if itll work, or how it fits into the existing industry structure or state and federal regulations, Gramlich said. READ MORE: How Pennsylvanians really feel about AI data centers, according to a new survey Part of PJMs problem in keeping up with power demand is that getting industrial construction permits typically takes longer in the Mid-Atlantic region than, say, Texas, which is also seeing strong energy demand from data centers, Gramlich said. In addition, utilities in many PJM states that deregulated the energy industry were not signing up power plants to long-term contracts, Gramlich said. That meant that the electricity was available to tech companies and data center developers that had large power needs and bought the electricity, putting additional stress on the Mid-Atlantic grid, Gramlich said. States and consumers in the region thought that power was there for them, but the problem is they hadnt bought it, Gramlich said. Associated Press writer Matthew Daly and The Washington Post contributed to this article. A postal worker at the USPS Philadelphia Processing and Distribution Center uses a machine to sort packages in this December photo. Read more HARRISBURG Gov. Josh Shapiros administration has sued a former vendor for failing to deliver 3.4 million pieces of state agency mail to residents, resulting in a statewide debacle with some residents losing access to their public benefits. Shapiro called the situation absolutely unacceptable in his first public remarks on the matter during a Wednesday appearance at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Advertisement The Pennsylvania Department of General Services earlier this month filed suit in Dauphin County Court against the Harrisburg-based Capitol Presort Services, a mail presort company, for damages totaling more than $220,000 for its failure to deliver critical state agency communications from the Department of Human Services, Department of Transportation, and more. The lawsuit alleges that the owner of Capitol Presort Services told the state he had been forced to reduce staff due to the 135-day state budget impasse, during which outside vendors were not paid. But the owner, Phil Gray, never told the state his company could not fulfill its contractual obligations, according to the states filing. Gray systematically reviewed the mail entering his facility and elected to process the mail that was most easily traced, to hide that he was falling behind, according to a letter sent to lawmakers last week by DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. The unsent mail went undetected by the state for one month before it was discovered, and Capitol Presort Services was swiftly fired. The state found another vendor through an emergency contract with technology solution company Pitney Bowes for $1 million. Shapiro said his administration has been working overtime to ensure no benefits were lost, and if they were, were going to make it right. The vendor failed. It was caught, it was addressed, were suing them, and were going to do everything we can to recover for the people of Pennsylvania, Shapiro said. Its not OK. The mail delay has become an early point of attack against Shapiro as he runs for reelection and is likely to face Treasurer Stacy Garrity, the Pennsylvania Republican Partys endorsed candidate. Following Shapiros reelection campaign announcement last week, the state GOP claimed that Shapiro has even failed at the easy stuff, like sending out millions of letters from state agencies, causing vulnerable residents to lose their healthcare without notice. Why the state sued The state hired Capitol Presort in 2021 to tray and sort some of the states mail, in order to save money on postage. Its latest purchase order for 2024-25, according to the suit, totaled nearly $5.3 million to deliver millions of state agency communications to residents. The state alleges in the suit that the vendor continued to deliver trackable mail while not delivering untracked mail, arguing that this was evidence of an active and fraudulent concealment and an affirmative misrepresentation that it was performing its obligations under the contract. Capitol Presort Services allegedly continued to pick up mail daily throughout the month of November, and Gray did not communicate to the state when asked on Dec. 4 that he could not meet his contractual obligations, McNeil said in his letter to lawmakers. However, Gray allegedly told the state that he had reduced his staff since July due to the impact of the budget impasse, which lasted 135 days, or nearly five months. Outside vendors are not paid during budget impasses but are expected to meet their contractual obligations. Many critical contractors continued to provide services to the commonwealth, without payment, throughout the lengthy budget delay, but this vendor hid the problem and at no point advised DGS or worked cooperatively to resolve it, McNeil told the lawmakers. Gray could not be reached for comment Thursday and did not have an attorney listed on the lawsuit. Ongoing impact Community Legal Services reported last month that the failure to deliver state agency mail, which went undetected from Nov. 3 to Dec. 3, had resulted in approximately two dozen clients losing access to their benefits. The total number of residents affected by the mail delay remains unclear. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has said it is extending its appeal deadlines by 45 days, while any Medicaid, CHIP, or TANF cash assistance recipients whose benefits were reduced or ended are getting their cases reopened. SNAP recipients who lost access to their food assistance due to the mail delay must file an appeal, submit missing documents, or reapply to become eligible again under federal rules. PennDot, for its part, has received few reports of issues due to the mail delay and does not anticipate much of an impact on residents, Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll said in a letter to legislators sent last week. All of its legal and time-sensitive mailings, like suspension notices, were not affected. The state will likely ask for more than $220,000 in damages, adding in the suit that the full cost for the failure to deliver a months worth of agency mail cannot yet be determined. As of last week, DHS alone has spent that much on unplanned communications and mailing costs to notify affected Pennsylvanians, according to a letter from DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh to state lawmakers. UN chief stresses adherence to UN charter, peace, unity for 2026 Xinhua) 09:19, January 16, 2026 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the UN General Assembly on priorities for 2026 at the UN headquarters in New York, Jan. 15, 2026. Guterres emphasized three principles that guide the world body's work in 2026: adherence to the UN Charter, peace with justice -- peace between nations and peace with nature, and unity in an age of division. (Manuel Elas/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized three principles that guide the world body's work in 2026: adherence to the UN Charter, peace with justice -- peace between nations and peace with nature, and unity in an age of division. In remarks to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on priorities for 2026, Guterres said the world today is brimming with conflict, impunity, inequality and unpredictability, marked by self-defeating geopolitical divides, brazen violations of international law, and wholesale cuts in development and humanitarian aid. "These forces and more are shaking the foundations of global cooperation and testing the resilience of multilateralism itself," he said. Noting that "some seek to put international cooperation on deathwatch," the UN chief stated, "I can assure you: we will not give up." Guterres noted that even in this turbulence, the United Nations has succeeded in claiming space for the organization where it was not a given, in areas such as artificial intelligence, financing for development and climate action. The secretary-general highlighted three principles "that must be at the foundation of all our actions -- not just for this year, but for our times": adhering to the UN Charter fully and faithfully, working relentlessly for peace with justice -- peace between nations and peace with nature, and building unity in an age of division. "The Charter is a compact which binds us all," said Guterres, adding that "it is not an a la carte menu, it is prix fixe." Underlining that the UN Charter is the foundation of international relations -- the bedrock of peace, sustainable development, and human rights, he proclaimed, "I am honored to serve as custodian of the Charter." He said peace is "at the heart of all we do," pointing to the snares of conflict that have trapped millions of members of the human family in miserable, prolonged cycles of violence, hunger and displacement. On unity, Guterres said around the world, societies risk breaking down under the weight of racism, nationalist xenophobia, and religious bigotry. "These poisons are corroding the fabric of communities, fuelling division and distrust." "The dangers are not abstract; they are visible in the daily lives of millions, supercharged by rhetoric and disinformation that seeks to exclude rather than embrace," he said, adding that "our challenge -- and our priority -- must be to build welcoming societies, not walled-off citadels." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the UN General Assembly on priorities for 2026 at the UN headquarters in New York, Jan. 15, 2026. Guterres emphasized three principles that guide the world body's work in 2026: adherence to the UN Charter, peace with justice -- peace between nations and peace with nature, and unity in an age of division. (Manuel Elas/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) DoorDash Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. have deprived New York delivery workers of more than $550 million in tips after changing the interfaces on their apps, according to findings released in a report from a city agency. Mayor Zohran Mamdanis administration said the companies moved tipping prompts to less prominent locations in their apps after new pay standards for delivery workers took effect in December 2023. At the time, the apps raised customers service fees to subsidize the new pay rate and moved the in-app tipping function to after checkout so that the upfront delivery costs would seem lower. Under Mayor Mamdani, the biggest corporations in the world will no longer be able to rake in record profits on the backs of workers and consumers, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine said in a statement. If these companies do not follow new tipping laws going into effect later this month, they will face significant consequences. A spokesperson for DoorDash called the DCWP report flat out wrong, adding that their delivery workers always recieve 100% of tips placed through the app. Moving tipping to after checkout isnt novel or nefarious its how tipping works in many areas of life, said John Horton, the companys head of North America public policy, in an emailed statement. Forcing people to tip may as well be a tax. It should be up to consumers, not politicians, whether they want to tip more in New York after already paying for a billion-dollar raise for workers. A representative for Uber did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Average tips on both platforms fell to $0.93 per delivery from $3.66 within a week of the adjustments, the report released Tuesday said. Over the course of 18 months, the shift resulted in a $554 million loss in tip income or roughly $5,800 per worker annually. Mamdani had campaigned during his mayoral run for better working conditions and treatment of delivery workers. After he took office earlier this month, he signed an executive order that cracked down on junk fees and misleading subscriptions in an event that named Uber and DoorDash as culprits. His push builds on a string of labor changes enacted under the administration of former mayor Eric Adams that were designed to support delivery workers. That includes new amendments to the citys delivery worker laws, which require apps to provide more prominent tipping options, including allowing customers to tip during checkout and offering a selectable 10% tip suggestion. DoorDash and Uber jointly sued the city to block the requirements which are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 26 arguing they violate their free speech rights under the First Amendment. The laws force them to advocate for and implicitly endorse the citys preferred message, the companies said in their complaint at the time. With new laws protecting workers tips taking effect in 2026, DCWP is committed to full transparency about how predatory delivery app companies have profited at the expense of workers and consumers, the agency said in an emailed statement. We look forward to enforcing these protections to ensure workers receive the pay they deserve and that consumers regain the ability to tip freely, without barriers. With assistance from Natalie Lung. Top Photo: A delivery worker carries a DoorDash bag during a delivery in New York.Bloomberg photo. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Personal Auto Sharing Economy Ridesharing A Rhode Island man who ran public adjuster and property restoration businesses and who was previously twice convicted for federal tax charges was sentenced this week in U.S. District Court for tax evasion. U.S. Attorney Charles Calenda reported that William N. LEuropa was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay $1,367,336.08 in restitution to the IRS for unpaid taxes, penalties, fees, and interest owed for the years 2007 through 2013. The sentencing came after LEuropa pleaded guilty on August 14, 2025, to tax evasion, admitting that he failed to pay more than $1.3 million owed to the IRS, according to Calenda. According to court documents, LEuropa was previously convicted in 2012 of conspiracy to defraud the United States and filing a false tax return after he and his business partner, John J. McCauley, Jr., a former state legislator, underreported business receipts for tax years 2007 through 2010 by nearly $1.8 million, resulting in the underpayment of more than $500,000 in federal taxes. In January 2013, LEuropa was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. LEuropas business partner McCauley was similarly sentenced. According to signed plea agreements, McCauley and LEuropa were ordered to file accurate, amended federal tax returns for tax years 2007 2011. After release from prison, the IRS issued deficiency notices to LEuropa for payment of the over $500,000 he owed. Court records showed that in March 2019, LEuropa submitted documentation to the IRS falsely indicating that he had little or no income. As a result, the IRS did not pursue collections of taxes due at that time. Further, in 2022 LEuropa signed an offer to lower his liability for taxes owed for calendar years 2007-2013, knowing that he was understating his actual personal income. The IRS determined that, in fact, LEuropa manipulated the finances and business records for a business for which he worked to have it under report his income and conceal his personal expenditures, including over $10,000 on a motorcycle, $100,000 to discharge a debt owed the state of Rhode Island, $12,000 downpayment on a new truck for his wife, and other personal expenditures paid for through the use of a business credit card paid off with funds from business accounts. His evasion of payment resulted in growth of his tax debt to $1,367,336.08. LEuropa was a co-operator of McCauley and LEuropa Public Adjusters, LLC and PIA Restoration, LLC in Providence. He also ran LEuropa Auto Repair in North Providence. Source: U.S. Attorney Topics Fraud Tracey Fallon has been named office president for wholesale insurance broker CRC Groups first Virginia office. Fallon will lead CRC Specialtys recently opened Richmond office, strengthening CRCs presence in the Mid-Atlantic region. Fallon has over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, with a background in excess and surplus underwriting, binding authority, and commercial risk placement. She joined CRC Group in 2020, most recently serving as a select underwriting senior team leader at CRCs Charlotte, North Carolina headquarters. She earned recognition as a top producer. CRC has offices across the United States, Canada, and the UK and places more than $30 billion in annual premium across property/casualty and employee benefits. Topics Virginia A federal judge on Thursday cleared Norwegian offshore wind developer Equinor to resume work on its New York Empire Wind project, which President Donald Trumps administration halted along with four other projects last month. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols in Washington is the second legal setback for Trumps offshore wind pause this week, after a judge in the same court on Monday ruled Danish energy company Orsted could restart work on a project off the coast of Rhode Island. The victories give Equinor and Orsted what could be a temporary reprieve to continue work on their multi-billion-dollar projects, while their underlying lawsuits proceed. A federal judge in Virginia on Friday will consider a request by another project, Dominions Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, to block Trumps offshore wind pause. Trump has spent the last year seeking to block expansion of offshore wind in federal waters. He has repeatedly said he considers the technology expensive, unreliable and ugly. The Interior Department, which ordered the pause, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. Government attorneys argued in court that the December 22 halt was justified by new, classified information regarding offshore winds impact on national security. The Defense Department raised the new concerns, which relate to radar interference, to Interior officials in November. But Nichols, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, said the governments national security concerns did not outweigh the irreparable harm Empire Wind would suffer if it could not resume construction. The order threatens Empire Winds entire existence, Nichols said, by limiting its access to rare vessels it needs to finish the project. Equinor has spent $4 billion on the project, which is 60% complete and is expected to produce enough power for 500,000 New York homes. Empire Wind will now focus on safely restarting construction activities that were halted during the suspension period, Equinor said in a statement. In addition, the project will continue to engage with the U.S. government to ensure the safe, secure and responsible execution of its operations. Nichols said he would consider the merits of the underlying lawsuit on an expedited basis. (Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington and Nichola Groom in Los AngelesEditing by Rod Nickel and Aurora Ellis) Empire Wind construction site. Equinor photo. Topics Legislation New York Poland fought off a wave of cyber threats from Russia which targeted its energy infrastructure in December, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said. A series of attacks in the last days of the month hit two power plants and renewable energy facilities, he told reporters on Thursday. The attacks werent massive and wouldnt have caused a total blackout, but had they succeeded 500,000 people would have lost electricity, according to the premier. Read more: Polands Tusk Says Act of Sabotage Behind Railway Explosion Tusk said he had no doubt about who was ultimately responsible. There are many indications that these attacks had been prepared by groups directly linked to the Russian special services, he told a news conference in Warsaw, though stressed the difficulty of identifying the culprits. Concerns over hybrid threats from Moscow are especially acute in Poland, a frontline member of the European Union and NATOs eastern flank which shares borders with Russia and Kremlin ally Belarus. The country is a staunch supporter of Kyiv and became a vital artery for military aid flowing to Ukraine following Russias full-scale invasion in 2022. Since then hacker groups, which the Polish authorities said were often linked to the Kremlin, have repeatedly targeted critical infrastructure across the country, hitting hospitals, water treatment facilities and the sewage system. Tensions escalated last September when a swarm of Russian drones breached Polish airspace, underscoring growing alarm over Moscows willingness to test NATOs resolve. In November, Warsaw accused Moscow of orchestrating explosions along a key rail link to Ukraine. Poland is now one of the most exposed countries when it comes to cyberattacks. It ranks third globally for ransomware attacks and second for malicious email threats, according to a report by cybersecurity firm Eset covering the second half of 2025. Separate findings from Microsofts 2025 Digital Defense Report place Poland as the third most-targeted country in Europe for politically-motivated cyberattacks behind only Ukraine and the UK. When asked about the impact of Decembers cyberattacks, Polands grid operator PSE told Bloomberg News it had not observed any cybersecurity incidents that could have significantly impacted energy supply across the country. Photograph: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk; Photo credit: Omar Marques/Getty Related: Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Cyber Russia Venezuelas oil industry is running its day-to-day operations via phone calls and handwritten reports in the month since a cyberattack on state-owned oil giant Petroleos de Venezuela SA. A Dec. 15 attack shut down PDVSAs system, leaving the company to run its business outside its own technological networks, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly. Thats slowed payments to contractors and employees, and information on production data, three of the people said. Its unclear who carried out the cyberattack. The US which is pushing to indefinitely control future sales of Venezuelan oil after capturing leader Nicolas Maduro has not taken responsibility. Read more: Companies Work to Handle Safety Challenges of New Venezuelan Oil Exports: Sources The incident highlights just how frail the the countrys technological infrastructure is, even in the industry most responsible for its revenue. Decades of disinvestment and corruption have marred PDVSA, and US sanctions have prevented the company from buying what it needs to update its systems. Venezuelas oil ministry and PDVSA did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The attack also hit PDVSAs operational platform known as SCADA, which runs processes in refineries, compression plants and pipelines. The companys SAP software is still down and many processes are being done manually, the people said. The company still cannot access system platforms on which accounting, payments and production data run. Internal email is also down, restricting official communication. Employees working in legal, finance, engineering and health departments in Caracas, Barinas, Puerto La Cruz and El Tigre are communicating internally via WhatsApp or Telegram. Within PDVSAs Orinoco Belt operations, employees are communicating via Telegram and Gmail for now. Employees are also in the dark on payments. A PDVSA retiree said he couldnt verify his pension deposit in January as the access to his historic account at the companys portal was down. He was asked to submit his personal information by hand to a clerk at PDVSA headquarters in Caracas, who then proceeded with payments via a different account. Photograph: An oil tank at the Petroleos de Venezuela SA Petropiar facility in El Tigre, Venezuela. Photo credit: Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg Topics Cyber Energy Oil Gas Greensill Bank, a subsidiary of collapsed finance firm Greensill Capital, is suing Britains business department for just over 330 million pounds ($441.7 million) after it canceled guarantees for COVID-19 business loans, court documents showed. The administrators of the German-based bank sued Britains Department of Business and Trade (DBT) last year after the government terminated guarantees for loans made by Greensill Capital to businesses linked by commodities tycoon Sanjeev Gupta. Greensill Bank is seeking 331 million pounds which it says is payable under two guarantee agreements reached in 2020, months after the pandemic began. But the British governments lawyers said in court documents, produced for a hearing at Londons High Court on Thursday [Jan. 15], that it was entitled to terminate the guarantees because Greensill Bank breached the terms of the scheme. Six of the borrowers, each of which was ultimately owned by Gupta, were granted a total of 300 million pounds when the COVID-19 loans scheme only allowed 50 million pounds to be given to a single group, DBTs lawyers argue. The lawsuit is the latest concerning the 2021 collapse of Greensill, which caused heavy losses for investors and prompted lawsuits and regulatory probes. Greensills largest client was Guptas GFG Alliance, which has been refinancing its businesses in steel, aluminum and energy after Greensill filed for insolvency in 2021. The government took control of Yorkshire-based Speciality Steel UK, one of Britains largest steelworks, last year. ($1 = 0.7472 pounds) (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Susan Fenton) Photograph: AdobeStock. Generated with AI Lloyds, the insurance and reinsurance marketplace, announced that Jim Bichard has been appointed as chief financial officer. He will start in April 2026 and will become a member of Lloyds Executive Team, reporting directly to Patrick Tiernan, chief executive, and will join the Council of Lloyds. He will replace Alexandra Cliff who is leaving Lloyds to pursue other opportunities. Bichard currently leads PwCs global insurance practice, overseeing services to clients across all industry segments. With 30 years at PwC, including five in New York, he has deep expertise in technology-enabled transformation across finance, operations, and front office. Bichard also advises on innovative insurance and broker deals including transactions for innovative capital structures. He started his career in audit and moved into advisory roles including leading the capital, risk and regulatory practice in UK & EMEA. He previously headed PwCs UK insurance practice and the Lloyds, London market and broking business. Im delighted to welcome Jim to Lloyds. He brings a deep knowledge of the global insurance industry, as well as a clear-eyed view of how capital, risk and clients intersect in a changing world, commented Tiernan. Lloyds is entering an exciting phase, as we launch a new strategy with greater global ambition, strong momentum behind our market and a growing opportunity to support the global economy through innovation, Tiernan added. Jims caliber, standing in the market and experience will be invaluable as we continue to build an exceptional leadership team for the future of Lloyds. Tiernan went on to thank Cliff for her significant contribution to Lloyds over the years. Her leadership has been important in strengthening the financial foundations of the Corporation and the market, he added. In her time at Lloyds the finance team has sharpened our discipline and enhanced Lloyds appeal to an increasingly diverse and global pool of capital. I and the rest of the leadership team wish her all the very best for the next phase of her career. Cliffs appointment is subject to UK regulatory approval. (For international people moves) Topics Excess Surplus Lloyd's AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to A+ (Superior) from A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) to aa- (Superior) from a (Excellent) of Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company based in Lansing, Michigan, a newly added subsidiary of Western National Insurance Pool (Western National). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) has been revised to stable from positive. The ratings reflect Michigan Millers balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. Concurrently, these rating assignments follow a regulatory approval and reflect the participation of Michigan Millers as a member in the pooling agreement of Western National, effective Jan. 1, 2026, and the assignment of a p reinsurance affiliation code. Michigan Millers will continue to operate as a key entity within the Western National Insurance Group, bringing expertise in commercial and specialty lines of business. Western Nationals ratings have been extended to Michigan Millers due to the significant level of reinsurance support provided to Michigan Millers by Western National. The current ratings of Western Nationals affiliates, FSR of A+ (Superior) and Long-Term ICRs of aa- (Superior), remain unchanged. Topics AM Best Michigan Trump administration officials vowed to keep US coal power plants operating, casting it as an imperative to meet surging electricity demand and drive a revival of the nations industrial base. The goal is 100% open, said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Thats the standard were operating against. Burgums comment came during the first meeting of Trumps newly reconstituted National Coal Council, an advisory panel that Joe Biden let lapse during his presidency. President Donald Trump, by contrast, has sought to engineer a coal resurgence in his second term, including byrequiring some power plants to keep burning the fuel. The bullish Trump administration predictions for Americas coal and the power plants that rely on it contrast with a more skeptical view from analysts who point to generation from natural gas and renewables. The message comes as the Trump administration addresses concerns about rising electricity prices and consumer costs, an issue that weighs heavily on Republicans bid to keep control of the House and Senate in Novembers elections. Focusing on the existing coal fleet works better as a short-term strategy, according to Andy Blumenfeld, director of data analytics at McCloskey by Opis. While theyre generating power now, many of the plants are old and will require significant maintenance if the administration expects them to remain in service for a while. And in the meantime, utilities will be able to turn to gas and nuclear capacity that will likely become more widely available over the next several years. We need the power, and the coal units are there now, said Blumenfeld. But in the long term, theyre up against an aging coal fleet. In a move aimed at addressing some of these issues, the Energy Department is putting aside as much as $525 million to upgrade or build coal-fired power plants, a move criticized by environmental groups. Trump has moved quickly to dial back regulations and subsidies that have encouraged emissions-free renewable power. Under Trump, the Energy Department also has issued emergency orders requiring some coal plants to keep running, and the Environmental Protection Agency recently rejected a bid by Colorado to force the closing of one of its coal plants in the central part of the state. Meanwhile, the Interior Department has also moved to open more federal land for coal leasing in North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Seventeen gigawatts of coal generation are open today that would not have been open, said Energy Secretary Chris Wright, attributing some of that shift to the short-termemergency ordersforcing plants to operate. You will not see those coal plants close during this administration. Wright said utilities are now calling the Energy Department in a bid to keep plants running, despite some states pushing to shutter the facilities. Burgum, who leads Trumps National Energy Dominance Council, went even further, predicting new coal plant construction though many analysts have foreclosed the possibility. The National Coal Council meeting on Thursday included discussion of options for maintaining and growing the nations fleet of coal plants, as well as opportunities to expand exports of the fossil fuel. The roughly 60-member panel includes executives from some of the nations top coal producers, such as Peabody Energy, Warrior Met Coal Inc., Hallador Energy Co. and Nacco Industries Inc.,as well as power utilities and co-operatives such as FirstEnergy Corp. and Norfolk Southern Corp. Joe Craft, chief executive officer of Alliance Resource Partners, a Trump donor, is a member; Jim Grech, CEO of Peabody Energy is chairing the group; and Jimmy Brock, CEO of Core Natural Resources Inc., is vice-chair. US coal consumption has declined for years as utilities increasingly shift toward cheaper natural gas and renewables. Coal once accounted for more than half of the countrys electricity generation, but that share fell to about 17% in 2025 and is expected to slip to 15% this year. A boom in US electricity demand, however, has provided a near-term tailwind for coal producers. Utilities have delayed retirement of coal-fired power plants, while federal orders keep others running, supporting demand and contributing to a modest rebound in 2025. Electric generation from coal climbed 13% last year, driven largely by higher gas prices. The downward trajectory is expected to resume in 2026, according to government forecasts. During Thursdays meeting, coal and utility executives warned about overdependence on natural gas as a US power source. Some urged doing more to protect Americas mines, others emphasized the need to keep rising electricity prices in check. Wright linked coal power to a thriving manufacturing sector, and Burgum said its intertwined with US efforts to win the artificial intelligence competition with China both Trump administration goals. The immediate focus now is ensuring theres enough electricity, especially for the data centers that are key to developing AI capabilities, said Randall Atkins, CEO of coal supplier Ramaco Resources Inc. and a member of the council who attended the meeting Thursday. The objective is the data centers, and how were going to figure out how to power them, Atkins said in an interview. Separately, Wright warned that if courts compel some of the worlds largest asset managers to divest coal-related assets, it could undermine efforts to buttress coal mining and electricity generation. Thats the potential outcome of a lawsuit alleging that BlackRock Inc., Vanguard Group Inc. and the asset management arm of State Street Corp. colluded to reduce coal output. Republican state attorneys general, led by Texas Ken Paxton, say the firms violated antitrust laws by using environmental, social and governance-related initiatives, including carbon-reduction alliances, to suppress production. Read More: BlackRock, State Street, Vanguard Must Face Antitrust Suit Fossil fuel advocates have criticized ESG initiatives as forcing capital away from oil, gas and coal. But former Trump Energy Secretary and Texas Governor Rick Perry has predicted that if successful, the lawsuit would take an estimated $18 billion in coal holdings off the asset managers books. He said that outcome would pose a direct threat to coal companies ability to raise capital, finance infrastructure and support jobs. Photo: The PacifiCorp Hunter coal-fired electrical generation plant in Castle Dale, Utah. Photographer: George Frey/Bloomberg Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics USA Texas state health officials have proposed raising licensing fees by as much as 13,000% for some hemp businesses, among a slate of changes that many industry members and advocates say will shutter small operations in favor of large out-of-state companies. Supporters of this change say this is necessary to strengthen oversight on an industry that they say has grown out of control. Late last month, the Texas Department of State Health Services published a set of proposed rules to tighten regulations on consumable hemp products, including establishing a minimum purchasing age of 21, along with age verification requirements and mandatory product recalls, which are measures that the hemp industry supports. However, two of the proposed rules that have caused the most heartburn among advocates and businesses are new testing requirements and increases in licensing fees. Manufacturer licenses would increase from $250 to $25,000 per facility per year and retail registrations from $150 to $20,000 per location per year, an increase of over 13,000%. Industry members say the new requirements on testing THC levels in consumable hemp products would eliminate the use of the hemp flower in manufacturing products like edibles and smokeables because hemp flowers naturally contain THC levels higher than the new limit. They say eliminating the use of hemp flowers would allow certain synthetically derived THC to flourish. The proposed rules wipe out about 80% of what all shops sell, including ours, which is natural hemp flower, and the total THC rule would definitely just wipe that out, Scott Stubb, owner of Kemah-based Sublingwell Cannabinoids and Euphorics, told the state health agency during a public hearing on the rules Friday. Then you add the fees being $20,000 for each shop, I dont know, honestly, how we would be able to stay open. Hemp distributors said the new licensing fee is a fundamental restructuring of who can afford to operate legally in Texas. DSHSs fiscal analysis assumes that nearly all currently registered retailers will pay the proposed $20,000 fee, generating more than $200 million in annual revenue. This assumption is unrealistic. Many small businesses simply cannot absorb this level of cost and will be forced to shut down rather than renew, said Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, in a statement submitted for public comment. Fazio said the licensing and registration fees should be structured to recover the reasonable costs of effective regulation, not to function as a revenue mechanism that drives businesses out of the regulated market. The departments own estimates show that the increased costs of administering these rules are minimal. In that context, it is unclear why such dramatic fee increases are necessary or justified, she said. Supporters of the licensing fee increase said this is a necessary step to protect children from hemp products and want more enforcement of penalties on hemp stores that operate without a license. Cannabis advocates say this is a billion-dollar industry. Its fair and appropriate for the people who profit from selling a billion dollars in intoxicating products to create fees that help cover the cost associated with the regulation and societal burden of the product, Betsy Jones, director of policy and strategy at Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth, told the state health agency. Aubree Adams, director of Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Texas, called for more regulations on the industry, including raising the minimum age to purchase to 25 and requiring that hemp businesses also help pay for public education, data collection, treatment, infrastructure, and more. This issue before the state is the normalization and promotion of retail THC driven by chemical manipulation and misleading information, she said Multiple veterans also spoke out against eliminating products naturally derived from hemp flower because many rely on them to sleep or address issues like PTSD and anxiety. I spent 16 months overseas and used a lot of different pharmaceuticals that were dangerous and caused seizures and physical harm to me. These health products have given me my life back and allowed me to go back to work, said Adam Peterson, a combat veteran from San Antonio. A total ban on the THC will basically eliminate access to good medicine that is actually helpful for me. Fazio said removing regulated access to hemp flower will not eliminate consumer demand. It will just push people back into the unregulated market. The outcome runs counter to the public-health objectives these rules are meant to advance, she said. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the Texas Department of State Health Services have both proposed new rules aimed at regulating the consumable hemp market to fulfill an executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott. The two agencies are working together because neither has jurisdiction over the entire landscape of retailers that sell consumable hemp products. For example, TABC rules wouldnt apply to 8,000 licensed hemp retailers who fall under the Department of State Health Services, including smoke shops, gas stations, and online retailers that do not sell liquor and presumably do not hold a liquor license. The same can be said for 60,000 TABC license holders, such as restaurants and liquor stores. TABC has not yet proposed any changes to their licensing fees for businesses selling consumable hemp products. The executive order came after the Texas Legislature spent the better part of last year debating whether to ban consumable hemp products or just provide stricter regulations over the industry. A total ban approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate was vetoed by Abbott last summer. The governor then put THC regulation on the agenda for two consecutive special sessions, but lawmakers were unable to find a compromise before the end of the second session. Rather than call a third special session, Abbott issued his executive order, bypassing the Legislature. The decision has put Abbott at odds with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has been an ardent supporter of a ban on consumable hemp products. After months of uncertainty over the Legislatures consideration of a total ban, THC industry representatives largely celebrated Abbotts order at the time, saying it would allow THC to further establish itself as a legitimate industry in the state. However, some members of the industry consider the proposed rules very similar to a ban. When the governor vetoed that bill, he was amplifying our voices and adopting the fee structure from that same bill undermines that outcome, Hayden Meek, owner of Denton-based Delta Denton, said. A $20,000 fee is dropped in the bucket for multi-state corporations; for a single location shop like mine, its a death by 20,000 cuts. The public comment portion is expected to end on Jan. 26, but its unclear when these rules will be implemented if approved. This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune. Topics Texas Cannabis Allstate can move forward in its recovery of $4.7 million it paid to settle fraudulent medical claims with a Houston, Texas medical facility, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said. The federal appellate court reversed a lower courts ruling that Allstates RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) claims failed because the insurer didnt sufficiently allege that it relied on fraudulent bills when settling the claims. Rather, the Fifth Circuit said Allstate adequately showed it was the victim of a RICO scheme involving more than 600 claimants. Beginning in 2018, Dr. Akash Bhagat and defendants entered into agreements with personal injury attorneys to refer clients to Memorial Heights Emergency Center under letters of protection guaranteeing payment from future insurance settlements, court proceedings say. Defendants charged car accident patients at emergency billing codes, rates nearly triple those normally charged. Visits to Memorial Heights soon doubled, with some patients driving more than 90 miles and bypassing other medical centers to reach the inconspicuous facility in a modest shopping center far away from any major thoroughfares. Patients received expensive diagnostic tests, including CT scans, only to be discharged without further treatment, court proceedings say. Memorial Heights would then forward bills to the personal injury attorneys, who then presented the bills to Allstate as part of settlement agreements. By November 2022, Allstate had settled with 635 claimants. Allstate discovered the scheme and sued the defendants to recover $4.7 million plus treble damages and attorney fees. A district court dismissed Allstates suit, arguing that Allstate did not adequately allege that it relied on the fraudulent bills when settling the claims, and that the insurer did not adequately plead that the fraudulent bills directly or proximately caused injury. The court held that Allstate was complicit because it knew about the fraud but continued to engage in settlement agreements. On appeal, a three-judge panel from the Fifth Circuit ruled that the district court erred in dismissing Allstates RICO claims. The appellate court ruled that Allstate satisfied federal and Texas common-law fraud claims by sufficiently alleging the Memorial Heights scheme caused it to pay for fraudulently billed services. Significantly, Allstate met the but-for causation burden, in which a plaintiff must show only that the harm would not have occurred absent the defendants conduct. It pled that but for the allegedly fraudulent bills, it would not have paid money to settle the claims for those bills, the court wrote. The Fifth Circuit remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with its opinion. Topics Texas Less than a month after Stonetrust Commercial Insurance announced it had expanded into North Carolina, the workers compensation carrier has added South Carolina to its sphere of influence. Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Stonetrust now writes workers comp and employers liability in 14 states, the company said in a news release. It is now accepting submissions from appointed independent insurance agencies for accounts in South Carolina, with an effective date of Jan. 15. Stonetrust pays 25% commission on new business in 2026. Agencies interested in a Stonetrust appointment can inquire by clicking on the agent portal on the Stonetrust website. Stonetrust was founded in 1993 as a self-insurance fund. Michael Dileo is CEO. And Amwins, a wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, announced it has added Ricksmith Lawyers Professional Liability to its portfolio of products. Ricksmith was launched in 2023 and has been led by John Muller. The coverage will be part of Amwins Program Underwriters and will expand Amwins excess and quota-share placements, the company said. Topics South Carolina Georgias governor said Wednesday that he wants to spend $1.8 billion to unclog one of traffic-choked Atlantas notorious chokepoints on the most important highway between the Midwest and Florida. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, serving his last year in office, says he wants to spend $1.8 billion to build additional toll express lanes on Interstate 75 in Atlantas southern suburbs. Right now, 12 miles (19 kilometers) of I-75 in Henry and Clayton counties have reversible express lanes, but Kemp is proposing the state build a lane in each direction. While some states have turned to transit and other options, Kemp says Georgia has to keep building highways to promote economic growth in Atlanta, Georgias economic engine. After a decline during the pandemic, congestion has returned in force in the metro area of more than 6 million people. The state is already spending to build other toll lanes and rebuild major interchanges on Interstate 285, Atlantas loop highway. These issues are also undermining our economic development prospects, with business leaders questioning whether their workers will want to live and commute in that environment, Kemp said. When it comes to traffic congestion, we cant let our competitors have the upper hand. Kemp said more toll lanes could increase traffic throughput on I-75 by as much as 70%. Kemp told Georgia Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium that hes proposing that legislators approve a total of $2.4 billion more in infrastructure spending. The money would come in an amendment to the current years budget, drawing on Georgias $9 billion in surplus cash. That would also include $200 million to continue improving Georgia 316, a highway between Atlanta and Kemps hometown of Athens. The state has been turning the four-lane highway into an access-controlled freeway, and Kemp says he wants to building a true, safe expressway. Kemp said he also wants to distribute an additional $250 million to local governments for road improvements, $100 million to improve bridges and rural communities and $35 million to extend natural gas lines in rural areas. Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Georgia Palo Alto, California-based NEXT Insurance will now be operating as ERGO NEXT Insurance, a new brand identity that the company says reflects its next phase of growth as a small businesses insurance provider. The updated brand follows NEXTs integration with ERGO, the primary insurance company of Munich Re, as part of the groups international expansion strategy. Agents and small businesses will see the visual rebrand live on ERGO NEXTs digital channels, including its website, social media, and brand communications starting immediately, with a broader rollout over the coming months. ERGO NEXT will continue to operate as a digital-first insurer, providing coverage for small businesses nationwide. The firm offer a range of small business insurance including, general liability, business owners policy, workers compensation and professional liability. The firm was acquired by Munich Re in 2025 to become a part of their ERGO Group global insurance network. ERGO operates in more than 20 countries. The company offers customers all the main classes of insurance as well as comprehensive assistance and other services. Three units operate under the umbrella of ERGO Group AG: ERGO Deutschland AG, ERGO International AG and ERGO Technology & Services Management AG. Topics California Nearly 1,000 households displaced by catastrophic wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui are anxiously awaiting word on whether federal assistance helping them stay housed will be left to expire, forcing them to find new housing or pay more for it in one of the tightest and most expensive rental environments in the country. For 2 1/2 years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been key to assisting those residents. But FEMA, facing a broader Trump administration effort to diminish the agencys role and shift more responsibility to states, is set to choose in the coming weeks whether to end the funding. Related: Hawaii Building Fires Are on the Rise and Safety Inspections Arent Keeping Up Advocates say evicting renters and taking away financial assistance will undermine progress toward bringing residents back to Lahaina, the West Maui town that was largely razed by a massive fire on Aug. 8, 2023, and could lead to a new wave of homelessness and more departures from the island. All of them entering into our already impacted rental market in February scares me a lot, said Nicole Huguenin, executive director and co-founder of the mutual aid organization Maui Rapid Response. The fires in Lahaina and Kula, in Mauis upcountry region, destroyed 2,200 structures and killed 102 people. Then-President Joe Biden declared a major disaster, unlocking FEMA assistance to help 12,000 displaced people, 89% of whom were renters at the time of the fires. His administration eventually extended the 18-month program until February 2026. But with few homes rebuilt and rental inventory nearing zero, the state requested another extension in May with a decision due before the end of January. Related: Studies Tie Unrecognized Deaths, Health Problems to Hawaii And LA Wildfires The uncertainty comes against the backdrop of greater upheaval surrounding FEMAs future role in disaster recovery. President Donald Trump has frequently floated the idea of eliminating the agency, saying he wants states to take on more responsibility handling disasters. While its not clear whether that change in approach will influence the decision on the housing assistance, it is weighing on residents. It falls into the hands of the current administration and Im not sure if theyre fond of the amount of money weve had to use, said Kukui Keahi, a Lahaina fire survivor who rents an apartment through FEMA after living in her car and couch-surfing after the fire. If the program expires, all housing-related financial assistance to fire survivors would cease and any units being leased directly through FEMA must be vacated, according to an agency notice. The request is currently under review, according to FEMA spokesperson Daniel Llargues. Maui County spokesperson Laksmi Abraham said the county is working with the state and FEMA toward an extension and is optimistic it will be granted. A Unique Megafire While megafires in other states have destroyed more homes, Mauis fires created a unique crisis. Limited housing stock and the islands remote location from the mainland U.S. made relocating survivors and rebuilding exceptionally difficult. FEMA, the state, county, and nonprofits all scrambled to find solutions to house the displaced, most of whom were desperate to stay near Lahaina to be close to work, schools and the community. After working with the Red Cross to house 8,000 residents in hotels and other temporary shelters in the initial weeks, FEMA slowly transitioned families to other forms of housing assistance. It offered money for rent, installed temporary shelters on burned properties, and leased thousands of units itself to rent back to survivors, though some complained of burdensome eligibility requirements and having to move several times. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helped FEMA build Kilohana, a 167-unit modular housing complex on a lot overlooking Lahaina town. The investment required blasting hard rock to grade the state-owned land and installing new electric, water and sewer infrastructure. The first family moved in 14 months ago. Unaffordable Rent If rental assistance ends, the roughly 190 households living in modular units, 470 in the direct lease program and 280 relying on financial assistance will be thrust into an already stressed housing market that has seen little improvement since the fires. Mauis rental vacancy rate is under 2% and as of mid-2025 there were zero available units priced at or below what the federal government deems fair market rent, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, or HIEMA. Displaced survivors faced rent increases of 50-60% after the fires, according to the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. Two- and three-bedroom units still cost nearly double what they did before the fires. Critics have partially blamed those increases on FEMAs own housing programs, which often leased properties for well above fair-market prices to incentivize landlord participation, though the islands housing shortage predated the fires. My goal is to (pay) what I was before and I cant, theres no way, said Keahi, the displaced resident who is also program deputy at the Hawaiian Council, a nonprofit administering multiple recovery initiatives on Maui. The slow recovery of Mauis tourism-dependent economy is also limiting what tenants can afford. To confront the supply challenges, the county passed a bill last month banning short-term rentals in apartment-zoned properties beginning in 2029, despite strong opposition from some concerned about the impact to tourism and jobs. Rebuilding is also gaining momentum, with 109 residential construction projects completed and about 300 in process. The tough part on the island is everything needs to be shipped in, said HIEMA Administrator James Barros. Optimism, With Contingency Plans Barros said if an extension is granted, FEMA could impose some new milestones for the state to meet to speed along its recovery. FEMA has taken on prolonged housing assistance missions in the past, for both large disasters like Hurricane Katrina and smaller events, depending on the needs. Extensions are typically based on factors like unit availability and the number of households in need, as well as progress made by both households and local governments to find alternative solutions. The county and state have been working on contingency plans for months if FEMA assistance ended, including possibly taking over Kilohana, Barros said. Next door to Kilohana is Ka Lai Ola, another community of 450 modular units created through a state-philanthropic partnership. Its residents do not pay rent yet, and they are allowed to stay up to five years. Kimo Carvalho, CEO of the housing nonprofit Home Aid Hawaii which manages Ka Lai Ola, said a Kilohana resident recently called saying his housing might expire and asking if he could apply to Ka Lai Ola. The community is already full, Carvalho told The Associated Press, with a long waitlist. Photo: Burned cars and propane tanks with markings on them sit outside a house destroyed by wildfire, Dec. 8, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File) Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics FEMA January Vigil by George Saunders (Bloomsbury) The author of the masterful Lincoln in the Bardo explores a similarly liminal milieu in his latest novel. Jill Doll Blaine is an otherworldly emissary tasked with helping souls transition into the next life but she finds her patience tested by an unrepentant oil executive. The Nowhere Girls by Carmel Harrington (Headline) Investigative journalist Vega puts her whole life on the line to discover the fate of two girls found abandoned at a train station in Dublin three decades previously. February Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (Eriu) The Dublin-based American impressed with her debut novel The Polite Act of Drowning, published in 2023. Michigan native Sarah becomes Saoirse, finding the freedom reflected in her Irish name when she forges a new life as an artist in Donegal, but success and fame threaten to bring her secrets to the surface. Hooked by Asako Yuzuki (Fourth Estate) Translated from the Japanese by Polly Barton, this new novel from the author of the hugely successful Butter follows trader Eriko whose seemingly perfect life belies a gnawing loneliness. When she befriends Shoko, a happily married lifestyle blogger, things take an obsessive turn. Banshee: Mythological Irish Women Retold by Ailbhe Malone (John Murray) This anthology features a selection of Irish writers revisiting ancient Irish myths through a female lens, upgrading women from supporting roles and casting them in a new light. Prolific Wexford writer Colm Toibin will publish a collection of short stories in March. Picture: Karlis Dzjamko March The Keeper by Tana French (Viking) The American writer has called Ireland her home for more than three decades, and has amassed a large and admiring following for her accomplished crime fiction. She returns with the third and final volume of the Cal Hooper series, following The Searcher and The Hunter. In the latest instalment, the retired Chicago detective gets caught up in the aftershock of a young womans murder in an Irish village. The Woman in the Water by Henrietta McKervey (Hachette) This Gothic thriller from the Irish author takes its inspiration from the identity of the mysterious woman in Daphne Du Mauriers iconic novel Rebecca. Pearl Day becomes embroiled in a scandalous murder trial when she witnesses Lady Eleanor Nicholson shoot her lover. With her friend behind bars, she sees a change to escape their warped entanglement but its not that easy. The Visit by Neil Tully (Eriu) A real-life event is the background for this intriguing novel from the Cork-based debut author. Sergeant Jim Field is on duty in New Ross as the town prepares to welcome US president John F Kennedy to his ancestral home. However, he is preoccupied with his feelings of guilt and obligation towards Patrick Hatten, a young man struggling to find his place in the world. The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent (Penguin) Nugent has the magic touch when it comes to dark and gripping psychological thrillers and her latest looks like another triumphant addition to her impressive catalogue. Sisters Ruby and Erin Cooper deal with the reverberations of one shocking incident in their youth. Nugent, as ever, keeps the reader guessing to the end. The News From Dublin by Colm Toibin (Picador) The prolific Wexford writer can turn his hand to any genre and here he showcases his short story chops. The collection explores the lives of ordinary people navigating extraordinary moments in history, from a Galway woman learning of her sons death in the First World War to an undocumented worker preparing to leave the US. April Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone by Louise ONeill (Bantam) The Clonakilty native has been busy since the publication of her last book Idol in 2022, returning with this novel ahead of the publication of her eagerly awaited memoir later this year. Twins Chelsea and Madeline Stone share the spotlight as stars of a sitcom until Chelsea nabs a coveted role and Madeline goes missing. Almost two decades later, Chelsea must face up to her past and the truth of what happened to her sister. Go Gentle by Maria Semple (Orion) Fans of the wonderfully sharp and witty Whered You Go, Bernadette will be hoping for more of the same from Semples latest. It follows Adora Hazzard, a divorcee on Manhattans Upper West Side, who works as a tutor to a wealthy family and is pulled into a world of intrigue when she meets a handsome man at the ballet. A River Red with Blood by John Connolly (Hodder and Stoughton) Another great premise from the Irish author, with his detective Charlie Parker confronting a new level of amorality amid a twisted game where players must abduct and kill a stranger without getting caught. Doireann Ni Ghriofas novel Said the Dead is one of the most eagerly awaited books of the year. May Said the Dead by Doireann Ni Ghriofa (Faber) One of the most eagerly awaited books of the year and justifiably so. The Cork-based writer wowed readers and critics alike with her previous book, A Ghost in the Throat, a brilliant blend of memoir, essay, history, and poetry inspired by the famous 18th century lament Caoineadh Airt Ui Laoghaire. In her own distinct and indefinable style, Ni Ghriofa marshals a chorus of ghostly voices awoken by the redevelopment of a former asylum in Cork city. John of John by Douglas Stuart (Picador) Expectations are also high for the third novel from the Scottish author, who won the Booker Prize with his debut Shuggie Bain. An art school graduate returns to his family home in the Hebrides to help care for his grandmother, facing the judgment of his sheep farmer father and the close-knit community. The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout (Viking) An apt title for a book by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who excels in excavating the inner lives of her brilliantly realised characters. A chance incident prompts Artie Dam, a beloved high school teacher, to completely reappraise his life. June Land by Maggie OFarrell (Tinder Press) The author is riding high on the success of her novel Hamnet as it reaches a whole new audience on screen. In her latest novel, OFarrell turns her attention to her native Ireland and a story inspired by her own family history. Tomas and his son Liam are working on the Ordnance Survey project to map the whole of Ireland, just a few years after the country has been ravaged by the Great Hunger. She describes it as the novel she has always wanted to write, and given her gift for storytelling, there is sure to be no shortage of people who want to read it. July The Nun of Ravensbruck by Cathi Fleming (Hachette) This novel is inspired by the remarkable true story of the Cork-born Franciscan nun Sister Kate McCarthy, who saved hundreds of lives as a member of the French Resistance and was later imprisoned by the Nazis. The retelling is the result of many years of research by Fleming, a retired primary school teacher from Kildare. SOME 250 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ireland annually. In 90% of those cases, the cancer is caused by the prolonged presence of the HPV virus in cervical cells. Does this mean that you are more at risk of cancer if you get infected with HPV? Its a little bit more complicated than that, according to Dr Noirin Russell, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and clinical director of the Irish cervical screening programme, CervicalCheck. HPV, or the human papilloma virus, is a really common group of viruses, she says. At least 80% of people are infected with HPV at some point, usually through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Most experience no symptoms and clear the infection from their body within a year or two without ever being aware of it. "But the infection persists in some womens cervical cells. If that happens, and if the type of HPV that persists is one that can cause cancer, those womens risk of developing cancer increases. Over time, their HPV infection can lead to them developing pre-cancerous abnormalities and cervical cancer. But efforts are under way to reduce the cervical cancer risk posed by HPV. In 2018, the WHO called for global action to eliminate cervical cancer. In response, Ireland devised its Cervical Action Elimination Plan and it aims to eliminate the cancer by 2040. The Marie Keating Associations assistant director of nursing, Bernie Carter, stresses that elimination does not mean total eradication but is instead defined as less than four cases of cervical cancer per 100,000. Dr Noirin Russell: 'At least 80% of people are infected by HPV at some point.' Picture: Darragh Kane The HPV vaccination programme is key to achieving this goal. The HPV vaccine was first launched in the US in 2006 followed by Canada, Australia, and European nations, says Carter. We now have 20 years of evidence as to its effectiveness, with a 2020 Swedish study finding an 87% reduction in invasive cervical cancer and a 97% reduction in high-grade precancerous lesions among young women who received the vaccine aged 12 or 13. Since 2010, all students in first year in Ireland have been offered the Gardasil 9 vaccine free of charge. It protects them from nine of the HPV viruses that cause cancer. Dr Cara Martin is a Trinity College Dublin associate professor in molecular pathology, tumour biology and cancer screening and the co-lead of the CERVIVA consortium, which focuses on the early detection and prevention of cancers caused by HPV. She explains why the decision was made to focus on this age group. The vaccine works best if given before the onset of sexual activity that is likely to lead to HPV exposure and the immune response to the vaccine is stronger in young people." They only need one dose of the vaccine for long-lasting protection from HPV. Vaccination is already having an impact. Russell says data show that the cohort of 25-year-olds vaccinated at 13 now presenting for their first cervical screening have a 60% lower rate of abnormal pre-cancerous cells than previous cohorts of 25-year-olds. Irelands Cervical Action Elimination Plan aims for 90% of girls to be vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15. That target had not been reached when those currently aged 25 received their vaccinations and the vaccination rate is still only 82.7%, according to statistics from 2023. Russell expects the cancer-preventing impact of the vaccine to be even more significant once the 90% target is reached. What about older people? If the vaccine is so effective, should it be offered to older people? Russell says the evidence does not support such a move. You prevent one case of cancer for every 202 13-year-olds you vaccinate, she says. To achieve that same success rate in 25 to 45-year-olds, you have to vaccinate 6,500. The ship has sailed at that point. You might be lucky and be the one in 6,500 but the odds are that you wont. However, some older people do benefit from vaccination. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee recommends that men who have sex with other men be given the vaccine up to the age of 45, and the vaccine is offered for free to women up to the age of 26 who are living with HIV. If vaccination is one of the keys to eliminating cervical cancer, screening is another. Anyone with a cervix aged between 25 and 65 should attend regular cervical screening tests, even if they have been vaccinated, says Russell. Currently, women aged between 25 and 29, the age group that tends to have the highest rates of HPV, are called for screening every three years. Those aged from 30 to 65 are called every five years. Screening is key for the 50+ age group Russell reminds women in the 50+ age group that screening is still important. Many think that they neednt bother once they stop menstruating, but it isnt until youre over 65 that your risk of cervical cancer declines, she says. The screening test is free and carried out in minutes at GP surgeries and sexual health clinics nationwide. A small sample of cells is taken from a womans cervix and sent to a laboratory. That sample is tested for HPV, says Martin. If there is none, theres no need for further testing. If HPV is detected, the cells are then checked for pre-cancerous abnormalities. Marie Keating Foundation assistant director of nursing Bernie Carter: 'Vital to get your symptoms checked.' "If there arent any, the woman is advised to return for another screening in a years time to see if the HPV infection has cleared. If abnormalities are detected at any point, the woman is referred for a colposcopy, which involves a more detailed examination of the cervix and a possible biopsy of the cells. The results of this procedure determine the need for further treatment." Besides vaccination and screening, there are two other ways we can reduce our chances of contracting HPV and developing HPV-related cancers. Not smoking is the biggest one, says Russell. Smoking makes it harder for the immune system to clear HPV, which means smokers tend to have more persistent HPV infections. Practising safe sex is the other. Using condoms, limiting your number of sexual partners, and avoiding sexual activity with people who have had many other sexual partners can help lower your risk of exposure to HPV, says Carter. Martin believes Ireland can eliminate cervical cancer. Having a vaccine and a screening tool gives us a real opportunity to make it a rare disease, she says. And vaccination wont just impact cervical cancer rates. HPV also causes vulval, vaginal, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancer. Vaccination will also protect against them. Cervical cancer symptoms If you or anyone you know experiences the following symptoms, Bernie Carter urges you to get them checked with your GP, regardless of whether or not you have recently attended a cervical screening: 1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. This includes bleeding outside of your normal periods, during or after sex or after you have been through menopause. 2. Unusual discharge or vaginal spotting. 3. Pain or discomfort during sex. 4. Pain or discomfort anywhere between your belly button and the top of your thighs. These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions, she says. Having them does not mean you have cervical cancer. But its important to get them checked because if they are caused by cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week runs from January 19 to 25 Enoch Burke arrived outside Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath for the second day in a row, having been released from prison earlier this week. Mr Burke was again prevented from entering the school grounds by a security guard. He was released from prison on Wednesday 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 arrived at the school on Thursday and again on Friday morning. He 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. On Thursday, barrister Rosemary Mallon told the High Court that less than 24 hours after being released from prison, Mr Burke had returned 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 Justice Cregan granted Ms Mallon permission to serve the proceedings via Mr Burke's email address and adjourned the matter to tomorrow afternoon. The judge said he "would expect to see you and/or Mr Burke" at the court on Friday. Mr Burke arrived at the school at approximately 9am this morning, when parents and children were arriving for the day. A man has been taken to the hospital after being assaulted with a "glass implement" in Dublin. The assault occurred on the Oscar Traynor Road in Dublin 5 on Thursday, shortly after 6.30pm. How to kill in three seconds appeared on the web history search of the man who denies murdering his ex-girlfriend. The Central Criminal Court in Cork heard that five minutes earlier he had texted his sister in Brazil to say: Ive kind of decided what I will do and I wont tell anyone. Sergeant Brian Barron gave this evidence from the phone records of Miller Pacheco at his trial 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. Sgt Barron told the jury of five men and seven women that an analysis of Mr Pachecos Samsung phone found text messages to his family and friends as well as to Bruna Fonseca, with whom he had been in a relationship which ended days after his arrival in Cork in December 2022. Among the messages they found was one that Miller sent to his sister, Millena, in Brazil just before midnight on December 19, 2022, in which he asked her to look after his Shih Tzu dog, Deagle before telling her: Ive kind of decided what I will do and I wont tell anyone. Sgt Barron said he did not expand on what he meant by that comment, but the analysis of his phone showed that five minutes later, he visited a website entitled How to kill in three seconds which gave details of the massacre of a Brazilian family in Spain. The analysis also revealed that just three minutes after that, there was a visit to another website entitled What are the necessary conditions to kill someone and then a minute after that there was a visit to another website Three ways to fight well with knives. Communication with Bruna Fonseca On December 16, 2022, Miller texted Bruna where he complained that she was putting him through hell. She replied: You didnt understand that theres no love left, no admiration in the relationship and still you chose to stay. She told him to move on, repeating that the relationship was over. Miller texted: I must deserve hell because thats where you brought me and chose for me to be here and for me to live in it and now you hurt me and the others who are good people and I am trash. In another, he texted: I wish you a lot of pleasure and happiness with the S.O.B you chose and met in three weeks and made me look like trash, being that you loved men and that we had a plan and that you led me to believe that here all our dreams would be wonderful and all our dreams with Deagle. In some texts to Bruna, the pet dog is referred to by Miller as their "child". Miller sent an audio message: You dont feel anything, you dont feel anything about me really, only wish to hurt me, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt and more and more and more and then go and be with someone else instead of me, thats what you feel it can only be that . Go f*** yourself. You really want to get away and disappear and leave me alone without anything I was left without anything, I sold everything and now I have nothing, really nothing thats what you want for me, thats what you want for me, the father of your child (a reference to their pet dog). Two days later, he said Bruna has stopped following him on Instagram, and says she is moving on with your life in a cold way. Bruna Fonseca (pictured) had told Miller Pacheco to move on, repeating that the relationship was over. Bruna texted back: Miller, I am very sorry for everything that happened. I made a lot of mistakes and there are no words to describe how that hurts me and how much I regret it. But, unfortunately or fortunately I dont know it helped me realise that we are not good for each other. "I didnt lie when I said I was happy you were coming (to Cork) and everything happened so fast here, you have been living this experience, things happen at maximum speed and intensity. "But I dont love you and I cant be with someone out of pity, thats why I need to distance myself because for you, any sign of help is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I cant give you hope because I dont want us to get back together. She added: There was no one else he wasnt the reason I broke up I was. Me and me alone I hope you will be alright, if you decide to go back (to Brazil), know your family will support you. In another exchange, Miller texted: My problem, Bruna, is having loved you and loving you like this and not wanting to forget you and move on without you. I apologise to everybody and if I hurt you, but in fact this time, there is no way to win this battle. I am going day by day until when I see that I can take the ton of things I am carrying but it gets heavier every day and the more far from me you are, the weaker I get and the heavier the burden is. I apologise for everything and yes, I didnt want to want you like this and love you like this. Goodbye. Bruna Fonseca (pictured) said in one text to the murder accused: 'I just want peace, tranquillity, now.' On December 24, they are in company at a Christmas Eve party and Bruna texted him saying she will leave if he doesnt drop his sad face. He texts back: What face do you want me to have, Bruna? You want to choose the way I look. Tell me if I have any reason to look as if everything is fine. You may have reasons to be happy, but I dont. After more exchanges that continue into the early hours of Christmas Day, Bruna texts him: Dont talk to me, never look for me again, you will never know about me. If possible, send news about Deagle to my mother. He blames her again but she replies: Miller, for Gods sake, stop all of this you are doing its ridiculous, no one can stand it anymore. Later on Christmas Day at 2.15pm Miller asks to know whether she is at home or working. She refers to him asking others for her address and tells him to stop because this looks like stalking. On December 29, Bruna texted: Miller, this isnt our moment anymore. You will not get me back like this, needing me every day. In another she said: I just want peace, tranquillity, now. Brunas finger was nicked when she took a knife from Miller because she was concerned that he would harm himself. Miller referred to her cut in a text on New Years Eve: I am not that monster, I would never hurt you physically or mentally. Im sorry. But its not and never was my intention. Bruna replied: I know you didnt mean it. The trial continues on Monday, January 19. A judge has ordered that teacher Enoch Burke be arrested and brought before the High Court on Monday to say why he should not be sent back to prison after he again breached an order not to trespass on Wilson's Hospital School in Westmeath. On Friday afternoon, Mr Justice Brian Cregan said he was prepared to order his attachment, or arrest, so he can be brought by gardai to the court which will then decide whether to commit him back to Mountjoy Jail. It followed an application by Rosemary Mallon BL, for the school, who said Mr Burke was not in court for the Friday afternoon application because less than an hour earlier he was still at the school. Ms Mallon said at one point he went past the boundary wall before a security man employed by the school stopped him from going any farther. Ms Mallon said there was now a clear situation where yet again, a member of the regulated teaching profession, no matter what is said to him "continues to turn his back on the rule of law". This had, she said, resulted in an unprecedented impact on the work of the school. If one thought about it, it meant the principal had to do things like re-engage security at short notice, address issues raised by pupils, parents and others who had to get in past protests at the gate and having to deal with solicitors for this case. "None of that is what a principal should be doing and it is my submission and with great regret that yet again that I ask the Mr Burke be committed," she said. The judge said he was satisfied Mr Burke had yet again breached a 2023 order permanently prohibiting him from trespassing on the school and he ordered he be brought before the court on Monday. "Depending on what he says, I will then make an order for his committal," he said. Case background Mr Burke was released from prison by the judge on Wednesday having spent more than 560 days there, over different periods over the last three years, for similar breaches. His release on Wednesday was ordered despite Mr Burke telling the judge in no uncertain terms he would be back at the school immediately. The judge had ordered his release to give him what he said was an opportunity to prepare a new case he is bringing in relation to the composition of an appeal panel which will hear an appeal against his dismissal. His dismissal arose out of 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. He has repeatedly said he has been put in jail because of his views on transgenderism in breach of his religious and constitutional rights. A number of judges have told him he was jailed for breaching a court order not to trespass on the school and it was not about his religious or constitutional rights but a matter of the rule of law. A TD has been disqualified for two years and fined 500 after being found guilty of dangerous driving on his way to a public event. Michael Cahill, of Rossbeigh, Glenbeigh, Co Kerry, overtook an unmarked garda car and was later observed driving at speeds in excess of 190km/h and very close to 200km/h while travelling southbound on the M8 near Mitchelstown. Fermoy District Court, sitting in front of Judge Colm Roberts, heard Garda Peter OLoughlin recalled how he saw Mr Cahills brown Audi Q5 overtake him and then drive extremely close and aggressively behind a van in the overtaking lane on March 13 last year. Garda OLoughlin said Mr Cahills SUV overtook me at high speed and came up behind a van aggressively. He said Mr Cahill was so close that the driver of the van pulled into the inside lane to let Mr Cahill pass. He came up extremely close behind and practically forced him into the lane, he said. The Fianna Fail deputy, who was on his way to an event he had organised at a special school in his Kerry constituency, attended the hearing and was represented by solicitor Ciaran OKeeffe. Informed that Mr Cahill is a public representative, Judge Roberts asked what did he think he was representing on the day he was caught driving dangerously. Addressing the issue of speed, Judge Roberts said: Speed kills and he will have heard that his own constituents are dying as a result of speed. He should be aware that the number of deaths on the road is going up. The lack of lane discipline is frightening. He said he does not drive dangerously himself because he is a judge and we have to show good example, like parliamentarians. Mr OKeeffe said Mr Cahill accepts the evidence against him, saying he misjudged it as he had to go to an event in Kerry. But he also said that it would be his duty as a solicitor to challenge the evidence as it was uncorroborated, because the garda was the only person in the Garda car. Judge Roberts said: The difficulty for your client is that you are dealing with an experienced member of the gardai, and someone who is not regarded as a zealot. He always gives very fair evidence on people and its always very measured. His evidence today was measured. He said that given the consequences for Mr Cahill for his actions and the potential consequences to other road users, he should have thought about [them] before he turned on his engine. When Mr OKeeffe referenced his client as driving in the fast lane, the judge interrupted him, and said: You see one of the failures here is its not the fast lane. Its the overtaking lane. Everybody thinks its the racing lane and thats what causes deaths. After convicting him and disqualifying him for two years, the judge said the evidence against Mr Cahill was compelling. Afterwards, Mr Cahill told reporters: I am sorry this has happened. I know better, but things just went against me on the day. I am apologising and I have apologised. My wife and children are annoyed with me for being here at all and I am embarrassed. Asked if he planned to appeal, he said he would discuss that with his solicitor. Mr Cahill has been a TD since 2024. He issued a formal apology on Friday night, saying he would not appeal the conviction and would be stepping down from the Oireachtas Justice Committee. "I wish to offer my sincere and unreserved apology for driving at an unacceptable speed on the M8 between Mitchelstown and Fermoy last year. "At the time, I was travelling from Leinster House to a meeting at St Mary of the Angels in St Francis' Special School in Beaufort, County Kerry, when I was stopped by a member of An Garda Siochana. "I am very sorry. There is no excuse for my actions. I am acutely aware of the number of serious and fatal accidents on our roads, the devastating impact these tragedies have on families and the fact that excessive speed is a major contributory factor. "I will not appeal the conviction, and furthermore I have informed the Taoiseach of my intention to step back as a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration." A book of evidence is being prepared in the case against a man accused of non-fatal strangulation and making a death threat where he allegedly held a knife to a young womans neck and threatened: I will kill you. Sergeant Gearoid Davis applied on Friday for an adjournment of the case against Kevin Buckley of 5C Shanakiel, Blarney Road, Cork, at Cork District Court, to allow time for preparation and service of a book of evidence. Defence solicitor Aoife Buttimer said the accused would consent to longer than a two-week remand in custody. Mr Buckley consented to four weeks. Judge John King then remanded him in custody until February 12 to allow time for service of a book of evidence. Garda Barry OShea outlined details of the allegations in an objection to bail when the matter first came before the court. Case background Garda OShea said gardai were called to the scene of an incident in which it is alleged that Kevin Buckley had choked the young woman a number of times stating, "I will kill you". The parties are known to each other. Kevin Buckley proceeded to grab a knife and hold it to her neck threatening again to kill her. There were a number of marks visible on her neck. She stated that he held a knife to her throat. There are also red marks which she alleged were from choking. She also had bruising to her left arm. Kevin Buckley was highly irate and became verbally aggressive with gardai. Kevin Buckley began to threaten gardai at the scene. Having received a report from the injured party, gardai arrested Kevin Buckley and detained him. Kevin Buckley resisted arrest and attempted to spit at gardai a number of times. Kevin Buckley was later interviewed in Togher Garda Station where he denied the allegations. He stated he only pointed the knife He admitted in interview that he threatened to kill himself, Garda OShea said in the course of an objection to bail. The initial charges against the 26-year-old were of assault causing harm, production of a knife and wilfully resisting arrest. Added to that later were charges of threatening to kill the young woman, and non-fatal strangulation or suffocation, during the alleged incident on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Carrigrohane apartments, Riverside Farm, Cork. Labour TD Alan Kelly has confirmed that X has turned down a request to appear before the Oireachtas media committee. The committees chair said how X has behaved over the Grok controversy has been disgraceful. The attitude adopted by X is deeply concerning, particularly given that the minister has expressed that 'concerns remain' following meeting with officials from X today, Mr Kelly said. X officials should have presented themselves to the Committee, to give the public and legislators an understanding of what happened and what steps are being taken to safeguard against any form of inappropriate and illegal use of AI. It comes as AI minister Niamh Smyth said the Government still has concerns about the AI chatbot Grok, despite X disabling its nudification functions. Ms Smyth met with the social media firm X on Friday, where executives informed her that functionality allowing Grok to remove clothing from images of people has been disabled worldwide. At the meeting, Ms Smyth welcomed the disabling of the technology but sought assurances from the company that it would not be reactivated. I made clear that such activity will not be tolerated. Concerns remain regarding Grok as a standalone app, and this is something Government will examine further, Ms Smyth said. The Grok tool has been used to generate explicit images of women and children through what has been described as a nudification function. Ms Smyth told X executives about existing legal protections that outlaw non-consensual intimate imagery and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). She said she would continue to monitor the situation closely, adding that she would hold a follow-up meeting with X in the near future. This meeting is intended to to ensure adequate and enduring protections remain in place. I look forward to discussing this matter further with my colleagues from across Government on Monday, Ms Smyth said. Earlier this week, foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee called for the Grok AI tool to be banned. 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 HSE is used to criticisms; this week figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) point to 708 people waiting for beds. Today I want to tell a different story, a positive one about the Breast Check Clinic. On October 1 of last year, I was called for a routine mammogram. I thought nothing of it, even when the nurse said I might be called back to attend the Breast Check Clinic in Vincents. A week later I had that invitation. A small matter, I thought, and I arrived at the hospital with a book and headphones. The letter said the appointment might take the whole morning, so I presumed there would be long periods of waiting. I was wrong. What I was not prepared for was the onslaught for three hours. I was greeted by a smiling nurse who brought me into the consultancy rooms. I was pointed towards a cubicle where I undressed my upper half and put everything into a shopping basket. I had been given a poncho which fastened up in front. I still spent several minutes trying to find the non-existent arms. In another room with similarly garbed women, I discovered we had all searched for arms. We looked like a gaggle of handmaidens. I had mammograms where my right breast was vigorously pummelled into shape. Then I was examined using ultrasound. About 60 minutes in I said, This is not nothing? No, indeed it was not. There was a small pea-shaped lump which they suspected was cancer. Back to the mammogram room where I was set up for biopsy, again flattened in the machine. It took three women to pin the offending breast down. Once satisfied they could see the lump, they took a biopsy and inserted a marker. All the while another nurse held my hand and told me not to look. Three weeks later, on October 31, I was back in Vincents to see my surgeon and get the results of the biopsy. A top plastic surgeon, he carefully explained they had found cancer, but it was very small and early. He spoke kindly, so much so, it took me about five minutes to understand it was cancer. Oh, so Ive got cancer, I said, comprehension dawning. He continued explaining and answering my many questions. On November 13 I got my invite to surgery. The Breast Check unit is administered under the private wing of the hospital, and I was to attend on Tuesday, December 2. Prior to that, I had another appointment to have a mag-seed inserted into my right breast to make sure the surgeon could find it a tiny pulsating X that marked the spot. Now I was in full cancer mode. I told a lot of people and had strange dreams, including one in which John Banville, man of letters, praised my bosom. It wasnt rude, just mad and artistic. Looking at my diary, I see I had entered a quote from Einstein in late November nothing happens until something moves and this was happening for sure. December 2 arrived fast. Everything about my experience was like cancer on steroids: things happened quickly. I was admitted and, like the handmaids from before, found pockets of conversation with women. We didnt jump right in, but once we talked, we went deep. I met women who were very scared and women who were confident. I was pulled into surgery before lunch. I was now in the scared variety. There seemed to be a lot of people in the theatre, but the anaesthetist talked to me and my surgeon greeted me, asking how I was. I was fine. I was fine some hours later when I woke. I was brought back to my room, settled in, and slept. A doctor from the surgical team came in and said they were happy. Later that evening my surgeon popped in and said he was happy. I was so happy at this stage; I told him he was fine. I had to wait until December 17 to get my results. The news was great. They got the cancer. It had not spread. I was technically cancer-free. Yes, this year I will need to be assessed for radiotherapy, to see what preventive treatment I may need. I will also require medication and regular monitoring. The Breast Check health system picked up the cancer randomly and then pushed me through a system that left my head spinning. Everyone I met from the receptionist to the nurses, the surgical team and my lovely surgeon were exceptional. Kindness exemplified their treatment. The speed at which I was looked after was phenomenal, and the results were amazing at every stage. I know not everyone will have such a light brush with cancer, but I was in good hands. Not every HSE story is a bad one. Jillian Godsil is a freelance journalist KILLARNEYS town centre International Hotel, a four-star historic hotel has been sold for 22m, in what marks a 50 year loop of coincidence in the Kerry town. The 98 bed high-end hotel owned by the Coyne family has just found a very local buyer, the ODonoghue Ring family, bringing to five the number of Kerry hotels now owned by that powerful family, with four to date alone in Killarney, as well as other hotels in the UK as well as owning Munster Joinery. In a neat sense of revolving doors, the ODonoghue Ring Collection of hotels started day one, with a deal struck with the late Killarney auctioneer and businessman, Sean Coyne, back in 1976. The highly-regarded International Hotel was sold this week by Sean Coynes family: when they themselves bought it back in 1976, Sean Coyne decided to concentrate on his new buy: he sold the hotels adjacent staff house, East Avenue House to the ODonoghue Ring family, who had just started the now-monster windows and doors company Munster Joinery in 1973. Today, Munster Joinery employs over 1,800 in Ireland and hundreds more in their UK factory. The 1976 East Avenue sell-on by the Coynes also marked the start of Kerrys ODonoghue Ring Collection, now totalling about 500 hotel beds in Irelands busiest tourism town: East Avenue House was turned into a hotel in 1978, and the ODonoghue Rings went on to develop whats now Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, the Killarney Avenue Hotel, the Killarney Towers Hotel and the River Island Hotel in Castleisland. On Thursday, The International Hotel has joined that fold. It started with a deal struck in 1976 by the late Sean Coyne and Donie Ring, whose respective families ran hotels for 50 years, into next generation ownership. Half a century on, those mens wives, Mrs Frankie Coyne and Mrs Noreen Ring, have just signed the papers to conclude a sale of the International, put at 22m by the International Hotels GM Tracy Coyne, one of four sisters who became directors of the 98-bed town central hotel by Killarney House, the International. Despite the hotel sale getting national and international inquiries including local but largely baseless rumours of Trump Hotel International hovering for a second Irish swoop - the Killarney prize wasnt going to be allowed leave local ownership. Apart from the fistful of five strong hotel brands, and associated restaurants, bars and function facilities, the ODonoghue Ring family also own Munster Joinery at Ballydesmond on the Kerry-Cork border, and one of Europes largest manufacturers of windows and doors, with massive plants on the Cork-Kerry border and in the UK. Their new hotel purchase, the International Hotel has hospitality roots going back to the Victorian mid-1800s heyday of Killarney tourism, with the current building dating to 1906 and with its bedrooms tally brought to 98 by the addition of a Celtic Tiger times rear wing with 21 more bedrooms. International Hotel Killarney bought by O'Donoghue Ring family for 22 million via agents CBRE It went to the open market in September and a sale has now taken place within a swift four months, via agents John Hughes and Paul Collins of CBRE Hotels who had launched it with a 18m -20 million price guide. Key to the strong sale was the central Killarney setting, and local pedigree which now continues, in different Kerry clan hands. CBRE selling agent John Hughes said the hotel offer had sparked interest from near and far, with locals to the fore. Vendors the Coyne family said the sale marks a dignified and fitting conclusion to Coyne hospitality, and the legacy built on continuous reinvestment, care for staff, and a lifelong commitment by Sean Coyne to the International Hotel and to Killarney. For the ODonoghue Ring family, it represents both an expansion and a homecoming the acquisition of the hotel that, in some way, started it all. The family added we are really delighted to be handing the reins to Donie and his family group and are confident that as the International Hotel enters its next chapter, there is a real sense of continuity and tradition. Its future is now in the hands of the ODonoghue Ring family who understand not only the business of hospitality, but the heart of it too. Its the strongest sale locally for some time, with CBRE noting back in September it was almost decade since a substantial Killarney hotel came up for public sale: that was the Nama-promoted sale in 2014 of the far bigger 172-bed Malton Hotel (formerly the Great Southern) to the Scally family, owners of Corks Hayfield Manor, for 15m. The International Hotels new owners the ODonoghue Ring family had plans in the early 2000s for a Cork city centre hotel on Cornmarket Street (the Guy & Co building) but switched to 80 apartments and retail, including a Lidl, after the hotel was refused planning due to local objections. Cork City Council has been granted permission to acquire a derelict property after the owner made "no demonstrable efforts" to redevelop the site or bring it out of dereliction. In October last year, local planners applied for a compulsory acquisition of 7 St. Patrick's Terrace on Lower Glanmire Road, which has been listed on the derelict sites register since January 2022. Owners of the property, Connecticut Real Estate Ltd, who objected to the application, told Cork City Council in 2024 that it had started to redevelop the property but had to pause works while a structural survey was carried out. The company said it intended to place the property on the rental market once it was redeveloped. In November 2024, Nicholas Cushnahan, acting as agent for Connecticut Real Estate Ltd, provided a six-month timeframe for the submitted schedule of works, which included clearing the gardens and house, underpinning works, new floors, new roof joists, new windows, plumbing and electrical works, insulation, plastering and a new kitchen. Mr Cushnahan said work on the property would begin in February 2025, but later told the council that this would be delayed until the following April. Refurbishment delays In June, Cork City Council wrote to Mr Cushnahan, informing him that they had visited the property, taken photographs and determined that no works or site clearance had commenced, and that the site remained in a state of dereliction. A formal application for consent to acquire the property was submitted to An Coimisiun Pleanala in the following October. Objecting to the application, Mr Cushnahan wrote to the council stating that finance was concluded in the prior weeks, that the property would be refurbished and rented and that the works would be completed by the end of January 2026. Cork City Council responded that they would proceed with its application. In its report, An Coimisiun Pleanala inspector Carol Smyth said the property was "vacant and has a neglected, unsightly and objectionable appearance from the public road." Front-facing windows were noted as being in disrepair, with one of them completely broken. Ripped curtains hanging from the broken window could be seen from outside the property, while the ground-floor window and front door were boarded up. The front gutter was also reported to be broken, with "extensive vegetation" growing up the gable wall and over the chimney and road. 'Neglected, unsightly and objectionable appearance' The report also noted correspondence between Cork City Council and the occupants of the property's neighbouring No. 8, St. Patrick's Terrace, complaining about damp in their home and vegetation on the walls, roof and garden, which was encroaching into their property and now behind the external plaster of their house. "The house is vacant and has a neglected, unsightly and objectionable appearance from the public road. The windows on the front facade are in a state of disrepair," Ms Smyth noted. The inspector also said Connecticut Real Estate Ltd had "more than sufficient time" to commence the works on the property and that Cork City Council had given the owner "a number of opportunities" to progress the site. "Given that the site has been on the derelict sites register since 2022, it is my view that no demonstrable efforts have been made to redevelop the dwelling or clear the site to bring it out of dereliction," Ms Smyth said. In accordance with the inspector's report, the planning commission approved the council's application, granting consent for the compulsory acquisition of the derelict property without modification. In its decision, An Coimisiun Pleanala said the dwelling's "derelict, unsightly and objectionable" condition detracted from the amenity, character and appearance of land in the neighbourhood." French president Emmanuel Macron has joked about a completely harmless eye condition during a New Year address to Frances armed forces. Please pardon the unsightly appearance of my eye, Mr Macron said at the beginning of his speech. It is, of course, something completely harmless. Mr Macron appeared with a puffy, red eye during his speech at the military base in Istres, in southern France. He earlier wore sunglasses during an outdoor troop inspection. Mr Macron visited the Istres military air force base in southern France (Pool/AP) Simply see an unintentional reference to the Eye of the Tiger For those who catch the reference, it is a sign of determination, he joked, in an apparent reference to the name of the hit theme song by American rock band Survivor from the 1982 Rocky III movie starring Sylvester Stallone. Mr Macrons speech addressed key challenges for the military in 2026, from Frances accelerated rearmament and continued support for Ukraine, to the decision to send troops to Greenland in a show of support for Denmark. Breaking with the United States, Canada has agreed to cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products, the countrys prime minister Mark Carney said. Mr Carney made the announcement after two days of meetings with Chinese leaders. He said there would be an initial cap of 49,000 vehicles on Chinese EV exports to Canada, growing to 70,000 over five years. The Canada-China relationship has created prosperity and opportunities on both sides of the Pacific. Today, were forging a new strategic partnership. It builds on the best of our past and reflects the world as it is today to the benefit of both of our peoples: Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) January 16, 2026 China will reduce its tariff on canola seeds, a major Canadian export, from about 84% to about 15%, he told reporters. It has been a historic and productive two days, Mr Carney said, speaking outside against the backdrop of a traditional pavilion and a frozen pond at a Beijing park. We have to understand the differences between Canada and other countries, and focus our efforts to work together where were aligned. The deal breaks with the US on tariffs (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) Earlier on Friday, Mr Carney and Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged to improve relations between their two nations after years of acrimony. Mr Xi told Mr Carney in a meeting at the Great Hall of the People that he is willing to continue working to improve ties, noting that talks have been under way on restoring and restarting cooperation since the two held an initial meeting in October on the sidelines of a regional economic conference in South Korea. It can be said that our meeting last year opened a new chapter in turning ChinaCanada relations toward improvement, Chinas top leader said. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused an Irish reporter of being a left-wing activist during a heated confrontation on Thursday over the killing of Renee Good by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent last week. Beginning his question during the press briefing, Belfast-born Niall Stanage, a White House columnist for The Hill, referred to the Trump administrations staunch defence of ICE agents and the assertion by the homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, that ICE are doing everything correctly. He pointed to statistics showing that last year, 32 people died in ICE custody and 170 US citizens were detained by ICE, before noting that Ms Good was shot in the head and killed by an ICE agent. Read More A slain mother and the triumph of Trump's lies How does that equate to them doing everything correctly? he asked Ms Leavitt. Why was Renee Good unfortunately and tragically killed? Ms Leavitt asked. Mr Stanage asked whether Ms Leavitt was asking him his opinion, to which she said: Yeah. Mr Stanage replied: Because an ICE agent acted recklessly and killed her unjustifiably. Ms Leavitt then shot back: OK, so youre a biased reporter with a left-wing opinion Because youre a left-wing hack. Youre not a reporter, posing in this room as a journalist. And its so clear by the premise of your question. "And you and the people of the media who have such biases but fake like youre a journalist, you shouldnt even be sitting in that seat. She went on: But youre pretending like youre a journalist, but youre a left-wing activist. And the question that you just raised and your answer proves youre biased. You should be reporting on the facts. You should be reporting on the cases. Ms Leavitt told him he should be more focused on how many American citizens were killed by illegal immigrants. I bet you didnt even read up on those stories, she said. I bet you never even read about Laken Riley or Jocelyn Nungaray or all of the innocent Americans who were killed at the hand 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 communities safer. "And shame on people like you in the media who have a crooked view and have a biased view and pretend like youre a real, honest journalist." Ms Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement raid on 7 January. Her killing has sparked impassioned protests and condemnation across the country, as well as ongoing political debate over the basic facts of the incident, which was captured on video. The Trump administration has staunchly defended the agent, who has been identified as Jonathan Ross, claiming that he fired multiple shots at Ms Good in self-defense as she tried to ram him and other officers with her car. The FBI has only just begun investigating the incident. Donald Trump falsely said in an interview with The New York Times that Ms Good ran him over, while Ms Noem accused Ms Good of domestic terrorism. JD Vance wrote on X that Mr Ross was defending his life against a deranged leftist who tried to run him over. US officials have also alleged that Ms Ross suffered internal bleeding when he was hit by her vehicle. However, video reconstruction of the event by the New York Times seems to indicate that the car did not strike Ross and that Good was attempting to flee the area rather than run officers over. With thousands of federal immigration agents still in Minneapolis after Goods killing, the city erupted in protests once again following the shooting of a man in the leg during an enforcement operation in a northern neighbourhood on Wednesday, prompting Minnesotas governor, Tim Walz, to call on Trump to turn the temperature down. In a statement, he asked the president to stop this campaign of retribution and urged demonstrating Minnesotans to speak out loudly, urgently, but also peacefully. President Donald Trump has suggested he may punish countries with tariffs if they do not back the US controlling Greenland. His message came as a US congressional delegation met Danish and Greenlandic politicians in Copenhagen and sought to lower tensions. 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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 San Francisco (Special to Informed Comment) Three images taken from videos of the slaying of Renee Nicole Good make it clear that she was not trying to run down an ICE agent when he shot her three times and killed her. Videos taken by different people from various angles (see CNN, ABC and the New York Times) show what happened, including one in slow motion. We see ICE agents apparently attempting to force Good out of her vehicle, Good backing up, then Good trying escape by turning the wheels to the right and driving forward. And we see ICE agent Jonathan Ross firing a first shot at Good from near the front of the car, then firing two more shots from alongside the car. Common sense tells us that ICE shooter Ross never considered himself in danger of being run over, since he deliberately stepped in front of the car. Consider these two screen captures from seconds 9 and 10 of the video. In the first, Ross appears to be in front of the vehicle and he is drawing his gun. Please enable JavaScript play-sharp-fill Embed Copy and paste this HTML code into your webpage to embed. Videos Contradict Trump Administration Account of ICE Shooting in Minneapolis This clip begins at 2:10. Advance it to 2:11. The vehicle had been moving backward just one second earlier, so the vehicles forward movement was still slow. If Ross thought the car might hit him, he had only to step to his right (our left) to get out of the cars path. Instead he draws his gun, aims and fires. In the second photo we see the puff of vapor that accompanies the first shot. We also see that both of Rosss feet are to the left of the car. Ross is not in the path of the car when he takes his first shot. He is not saving himself from being run down. Shots two and three are even more obviously not in self-defense. As shown in the slow motion video and the screen shot below, the car has moved forward and the ICE agent is alongside the vehicle when he stretches out his arm and shoots Renee Good in the head. He fires at point-blank range, through the drivers side window. Now advance the video to 2:12 to see him standing off to the side of the car and shooting into it. What you see is not a man being run down. What you see is not self-defense. It is an execution. Neither President Trump nor Homeland Security head Kristi Noem have acknowledged that agent Jonathan Ross should not have taken out his gun and killed a law-abiding citizen who only sought to escape from aggressive ICE agents. Neither even said a terrible mistake had been made. They endorsed and excused the killing, and claimed she was a domestic terrorist. The execution of Renee Nicole Good was part of a practice of unnecessary and excessive force which Trump and Noem approve of and support. ICE agents have fired their guns at people in cars at least ten times, and short of murder, ICE agents routinely attack and brutalize those they seize. Violence against observers and reporters represent efforts to conceal such lawless ICE conduct. The contention that an ICE shooting victim tried to run them over has become the ICE equivalent of the German Nazi claim that slain opponents were shot while attempting to escape. Renee Good, approximately 26 seconds before the shooting, 9 January 2026. Extracted from video of killer Jonathan Ross. Public Domain. Via Wikimedia Commons . No evidence supports any terrorism claim, but DHS Secretary Kristi Noem asserted that Good had been stalking ICE. President Trump pointed to a further wrong: At a very minimum, said Trump, that woman was very, very disrespectful to law enforcement. Citizens of a democracy are entitled to observe ICE agents, to deter them from lawless activity, and citizens of a democracy are not required to be respectful of law enforcement. If the Department of Homeland Security can with impunity kill citizens for exercising those rights, America will not long remain a free nation. 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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pacifica Silver Corp. ("Pacifica" or the "Company") (CSE: PISL) (OTCQB: PAGFF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Raymond James Ltd., as sole bookrunner and lead agent, on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively, the "Agents"), in connection with a brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") of 6,900,000 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $1.45 per Common Share (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to $10,005,000. The Company has agreed to grant the Agents an option, exercisable, in part or in whole at the Agents' sole discretion, up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date (as defined below), to offer for sale up to an additional 1,035,000 Common Shares which is equal to 15% of the Common Shares comprising the Offering at the Offering Price. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to advance exploration and drilling activity at the Company's Claudia Project (the "Project"), located in Durango, Mexico, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Common Shares issued under the Offering will be issued and sold to eligible purchasers pursuant to the 'listed issuer financing exemption' under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "LIFE Exemption"), will be issued to purchasers in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and other qualifying jurisdictions, including the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to available exemptions from the registration requirements under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"). The Common Shares to be issued and sold under the Offering will not be subject to resale restrictions pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.pacificasilver.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision concerning the Common Shares. The Offering is expected to close on or about January 23, 2026 (the "Closing Date") and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the conditional listing approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") and the applicable securities regulatory authorities. The Offering is subject to final acceptance of the CSE. The Common Shares have not been registered and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. Persons" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Pacifica Silver Corp. Pacifica Silver Corp. is a Canadian resource company led by a proven management team with decades of mining and exploration experience in Mexico. The Company is focused on its 100% owned Project located in Durango, Mexico. Spanning 11,876 hectares, the Project encompasses most of the historic El Papanton Mining District where at least nine small mines operated throughout the 20th century. Since 1990, sampling and drilling within have returned high-grade silver and gold intercepts across multiple vein systems, with approximately 10% of over 30 kilometres of known veins having been drilled. Today, the Project is a prime target for modern exploration and holds exceptional potential for new high-grade discoveries. "Todd Anthony" Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Todd Anthony Phone: 778-999-2627 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the perceived merit of the Project, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals and the potential size of the mineralized zone; the closing of the Offering; the timing of the Closing Date; the intended use of proceeds of the Offering; and regulatory approval of the Offering. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: the price of gold and silver; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting, as well as in respect of the Offering; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties; the closing of the Offering on the anticipated terms or at all; and the Company using the net proceeds of the Offering as anticipated. Consequently, there can be no assurances 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 involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: the Offering does not close on the anticipated timing or at all; the Company raises less than the maximum amount of gross proceeds of the Offering; the Company does not use the proceeds from the Offering as expected; risks related to not receiving regulatory approval of the Offering; risks associated with the business of the Company, including the execution of the Company's objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities; environmental risks; title risks, including concession renewal; commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations; delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits; risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. 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, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Achieves 2025 consolidated copper production guidance Mantoverde posts record monthly copper output of 10,747 tonnes in December Mantos Blancos delivers record quarterly copper production in Q4 VANCOUVER, British Columbia / Jan 15, 2026 / Business Wire / Capstone Copper Corp. (Capstone or the Company) (TSX:CS) (ASX:CSC) today announces consolidated copper production for 2025 and provides an update on Mantoverde labour negotiations. All amounts in US$ unless otherwise indicated. On a consolidated basis, Capstone achieved its annual copper production guidance for 2025, delivering record annual copper production of 224,764 tonnes. Consolidated copper production increased by 22% compared to 2024 and by 37% compared to 2023 driven by the ramp-up of the Mantoverde Development Project (MVDP) and the Mantos Blancos debottlenecking project. For Q4 2025, Capstone also achieved record quarterly consolidated copper production of 58,273 tonnes. Cashel Meagher, President and CEO of Capstone, commented, 2025 marked an inflection point for Capstone, with the successful execution of several key catalysts delivering transformational copper growth. For the fourth year in a row, we achieved record consolidated copper production, driving a 22% increase in output year-over-year. 2025 consolidated copper production of 224,764 tonnes finished within our guidance range, as we navigated ramp-ups at our two mines in Chile and a severe drought in central Arizona. During 2025, we delivered a number of milestones supporting our growth trajectory, including sanctioning construction of the Mantoverde Optimized Project, announcing a partner for the Santo Domingo Project, reporting strong results from the first phase of a new exploration program initiated in the Mantoverde-Santo Domingo district, and completing our balance sheet re-financing strategy. In 2026, we are focused on disciplined execution and reliable results, positioning the Company for its next phase of value-accretive growth. 2025 Consolidated Copper Production Highlights Capstone produced record quarterly consolidated copper production of 58,273 tonnes in Q4 2025 and record annual consolidated copper production of 224,764 tonnes in 2025, delivering production within the annual guidance range. Summary of 2025 Copper Production: Q4 2025 Copper Production (tonnes) Full Year 2025 Copper Production (tonnes) Sulphide Business Mantoverde1 14,314 62,308 Mantos Blancos 14,985 54,793 Pinto Valley 11,423 42,382 Cozamin 6,170 25,348 Total Sulphides 46,891 184,830 Cathode Business Mantoverde1 9,506 32,807 Mantos Blancos 1,876 7,126 Total Cathodes 11,382 39,934 Consolidated Copper Production 58,273 224,764 Table footnotes: 1 Mantoverde production shown on a 100% basis. Mantoverde achieved quarterly copper production of 23,819 tonnes in Q4, with an average sulphide plant throughput of 23,425 tonnes of ore per day (tpd), copper grades of 0.79% and copper recoveries of 83.7%. Production was impacted by downtime due to repairs conducted on the mill motors throughout October and November, enabling the sulphide plant to achieve record average throughput of 36,761 tpd in December. Total copper production in December of 10,747 tonnes set a new monthly record. Annual copper production at Mantoverde was 95,115 tonnes in 2025, a 65% increase over 2024 driven by the successful ramp-up of the sulphide concentrator. Mantos Blancos achieved record quarterly copper production of 16,861 tonnes in Q4, with an average sulphide plant throughput of approximately 21,391 tpd, exceeding design throughput levels for the second quarter in 2025. Total plant throughput averaged approximately 19,981 tpd in 2025, representing a 25% increase over 2024 driven by the successful ramp-up after the debottlenecking initiative. Annual copper production at Mantos Blancos was 61,919 tonnes, surpassing its 2025 production guidance range following a year of strong operations, and representing a 39% increase over 2024. Pinto Valley achieved its strongest quarter of production during 2025 in Q4, producing 11,423 tonnes of copper. Annual copper production for Pinto Valley was 42,382 tonnes, primarily impacted by a prolonged period of severe drought conditions in central Arizona which resulted in lower throughput levels. Cozamin achieved another quarter of solid performance in Q4 producing 6,170 tonnes. Total production of 25,348 tonnes in 2025 finished towards the high end of its production guidance range and marks the third year in a row of increased annual copper production at Cozamin. Update on Mantoverde Labour Negotiations On January 1, 2026, the Company announced that mediation with Mantoverdes Union #2, which represents approximately 22% of the total workforce or 50% of employees, ended without an agreement and the workers commenced strike action effective January 2. Union #2 currently remains on strike. Mantoverde has continued to operate successfully since the initiation of the strike, with copper production maintained at approximately 75% of normal levels to date. Additionally, critical works continue to be executed at Mantoverde to protect onsite personnel, the operation and the environment. During the strike, the Company now expects to continue operations at Mantoverde at a level between 50% to 75% of normal production. During 2025, the Company was able to successfully negotiate new three-year collective bargaining agreements with the three other unions at Mantoverde. Capstone Copper remains willing to engage in discussions to seek a resolution with Union #2. The Company will continue to comply with all applicable legal processes, respect the rights of all its employees, encourage constructive engagement with the union, and cooperate fully with the relevant authorities by providing any requested information. Capstone Copper is committed to the highest standards for integrity and transparency and looks forward to continuing its focus on safe and responsible mining at Mantoverde, which brings great benefits to the workforce and surrounding communities. 2025 Year-end Results Announcement and Conference Call Capstone will release its 2025 full-year results on Monday, March 2, 2026, after market close. The announcement will be followed by an investor conference call the same day at 5:00pm Eastern Time / 2:00pm Pacific Time (Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 9:00am Australian Eastern Time). 2025 Year-end Webcast and Conference Call Details Conference call webcast link: https://app.webinar.net/ZN9xeEYeRlz To connect by phone: To instantly join the conference call by phone, please use the following URL https://emportal.ink/4qVROl2 to easily register yourself and be connected into the conference call automatically. You can also dial direct to be entered to the call by the operator: Toronto: 1-437-900-0527 Australia: 61-280-171-385 North America toll free: 1-888-510-2154 An audio replay of the conference call will be available until March 9, 2026. Replay Dial-in Numbers Toronto: 1-289-819-1450 North America toll free: 1-888-660-6345 Code: 57545# After the replay expiration, an audio file will be available on Capstones website at Capstone Copper - Events and Presentations. Further information is available at www.capstonecopper.com ABOUT CAPSTONE COPPER CORP. Capstone Copper Corp. is an Americas-focused copper mining company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Capstones operating portfolio of assets includes the Pinto Valley copper mine located in Arizona, USA, the Cozamin copper-silver mine located in Zacatecas, Mexico, the Mantos Blancos copper-silver mine located in the Antofagasta region, Chile, and the Mantoverde copper-gold mine, located in the Atacama region, Chile. Capstones growth pipeline includes the fully permitted Santo Domingo copper-iron-gold project, located approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Mantoverde in the Atacama region, Chile, as well as a portfolio of exploration properties in the Americas. Capstone Coppers strategy is to unlock transformational copper production growth while executing on cost and operational improvements through innovation, optimization and safe and responsible production throughout our portfolio of assets. We focus on profitability and disciplined capital allocation to surface stakeholder value. We are committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of our people and local communities, while delivering compelling returns to investors by responsibly producing copper to meet the worlds growing needs. Further information is available at www.capstonecopper.com CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This document may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, forward-looking statements). These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the Company's expectations or beliefs regarding future events. The Company's Sustainable Development Strategy goals and strategies are based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to, the reliability of data sources; the biodiversity and climate-change consequences; availability and effectiveness of technologies needed to achieve the Company's sustainability goals and priorities; availability of land or other opportunities for conservation, rehabilitation or capacity building on commercially reasonable terms and the Company's ability to obtain any required external approvals or consensus for such opportunities; the availability of clean energy sources and zero-emissions alternatives for transportation on reasonable terms; availability of resources to achieve the goals in a timely manner, the Company's ability to successfully implement new technology; and the performance of new technologies in accordance with the Company's expectations. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, the results of the Optimized Mantoverde Development Project ("MV Optimized FS") and Mantoverde Phase II study, the timing, cost and success of the Optimized Mantoverde Development Project, the timing and results of PV District Growth Study (as defined below), the timing and results of Mantos Blancos Phase II Feasibility Study, the timing and success of the Mantoverde - Santo Domingo Cobalt Feasibility Study, the results of the Santo Domingo FS Update and success of incorporating synergies previously identified in the Mantoverde - Santo Domingo District Integration Plan, the timing and results of exploration and potential opportunities at Sierra Norte, the realization of Mineral Reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the costs of production and capital expenditures and reclamation, the timing and costs of the Minto obligations and other obligations related to the closure of the Minto Mine, the budgets for exploration at Cozamin, Santo Domingo, Pinto Valley, Mantos Blancos, Mantoverde, and other exploration projects, the timing and success of the Copper Cities project, the success of the Company's mining operations, the continuing success of mineral exploration, the estimations for potential quantities and grade of inferred resources and exploration targets, the Company's ability to fund future exploration activities, the Company's ability to finance the Santo Domingo development project, environmental and geotechnical risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses and title disputes, the success of the synergies and catalysts related to prior transactions, in particular but not limited to, the potential synergies with Mantoverde and Santo Domingo, the anticipated future production, costs of production, including the cost of sulphuric acid and oil and other fuel, capital expenditures and reclamation of Companys operations and development projects, the Company's estimates of available liquidity, and the risks included in the Company's continuous disclosure filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The impact of global events such as pandemics, geopolitical conflict, or other events, to Capstone Copper is dependent on a number of factors outside of the Company's control and knowledge, including the effectiveness of the measures taken by public health and governmental authorities to combat the spread of diseases, global economic uncertainties and outlook due to widespread diseases or geopolitical events or conflicts, supply chain delays resulting in lack of availability of supplies, goods and equipment, and evolving restrictions relating to mining activities and to travel in certain jurisdictions in which we operate. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as anticipates, approximately, believes, budget, estimates, expects, forecasts, guidance, intends, plans, scheduled, target, or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results be achieved, could, may, might, occur, should, will be taken or would or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. In this document certain forward-looking statements are identified by words including anticipated, expected, guidance and plan. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Companys expectations regarding operations during the strike and its approach to resolution and procedures regarding the strike. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, amongst others, risks related to the inability to resolve the labour disruption, the inability to operate at expected capacity during the strike, risks related to inherent hazards associated with mining operations and closure of mining projects, future prices of copper and other metals, compliance with financial covenants, inflation, surety bonding, the Company's ability to raise capital, Capstone Coppers ability to acquire properties for growth, counterparty risks associated with sales of the Company's metals, use of financial derivative instruments and associated counterparty risks, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, market access restrictions or tariffs, changes in U.S. laws and policies regulating international trade including but not limited to changes to or implementation of tariffs, trade restrictions, or responsive measures of foreign and domestic governments, changes to cost and availability of goods and raw materials, along with supply, logistics and transportation constraints, changes in general economic conditions including market volatility due to uncertain trade policies and tariffs, availability and quality of water and power resources, accuracy of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates, operating in foreign jurisdictions with risk of changes to governmental regulation, compliance with governmental regulations and stock exchange rules, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, reliance on approvals, licences and permits from governmental authorities and potential legal challenges to permit applications, contractual risks including but not limited to, the Company's ability to meet the requirements under the Cozamin Silver Stream Agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. ("Wheaton"), the Company's ability to meet certain closing conditions under the Santo Domingo Gold Stream Agreement with Wheaton, acting as Indemnitor for Minto Metals Corp.s surety bond obligations, impact of climate change and changes to climatic conditions at the Company's operations and projects, changes in regulatory requirements and policy related to climate change and greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, land reclamation and mine closure obligations, introduction or increase in carbon or other "green" taxes, aboriginal title claims and rights to consultation and accommodation, risks relating to widespread epidemics or pandemic outbreaks; the impact of communicable disease outbreaks on the Company's workforce, risks related to construction activities at the Company's operations and development projects, suppliers and other essential resources and what effect those impacts, if they occur, would have on the Company's business, including the Company's ability to access goods and supplies, the ability to transport the Company's products and impacts on employee productivity, the risks in connection with the operations, cash flow and results of Capstone Copper relating to the unknown duration and impact of the epidemics or pandemics, impacts of inflation, geopolitical events and the effects of global supply chain disruptions, uncertainties and risks related to the potential development of the Santo Domingo development project, risks related to the Mantoverde Development Project ("MVDP"), increased operating and capital costs, increased cost of reclamation, challenges to title to the Company's mineral properties, increased taxes in jurisdictions the Company operates or is subject to tax, changes in tax regimes we are subject to and any changes in law or interpretation of law may be difficult to react to in an efficient manner, maintaining ongoing social licence to operate, seismicity and its effects on the Company's operations and communities in which we operate, dependence on key management personnel, Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") listing compliance requirements, potential conflicts of interest involving the Company's directors and officers, corruption and bribery, limitations inherent in the Company's insurance coverage, labour relations, increasing input costs such as those related to sulphuric acid, electricity, fuel and supplies, increasing inflation rates, competition in the mining industry including but not limited to competition for skilled labour, risks associated with joint venture partners and non-controlling shareholders or associates, the Company's ability to integrate new acquisitions and new technology into the Company's operations, cybersecurity threats, legal proceedings, the volatility of the price of the common shares, the uncertainty of maintaining a liquid trading market for the common shares, risks related to dilution to existing shareholders if stock options or other convertible securities are exercised, the history of Capstone Copper with respect to not paying dividends and anticipation of not paying dividends in the foreseeable future and sales of common shares by existing shareholders can reduce trading prices, and other risks of the mining industry as well as those factors detailed from time to time in the Companys interim and annual financial statements and MD&A of those statements and Annual Information Form, all of which are filed and available for review under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in the Company's forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause the Company's results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that the Company's forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Myanmar on Friday dismissed as "unsubstantiated" allegations that it committed genocide against its Rohingya minority, telling the International Court of Justice that its brutal crackdown was a "counter-terrorism operation." Myanmar is defending itself at the United Nations top court from accusations brought by The Gambia that its actions against the Rohingya breached the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. "This case will be decided on the basis of proven facts, not unsubstantiated allegations. Emotional language and blurry factual pictures are not a substitute for a rigorous presentation of facts," Ko Ko Hlaing, a minister in the president's office, told the court. Myanmar has always maintained the 2017 crackdown by its armed forces, known as the Tatmadaw, was justified to root out Rohingya insurgents after a series of attacks left a dozen security personnel dead. "Myanmar was not obliged to remain idle and allow terrorists to have free reign of northern Rakhine states," Hlaing told the judges. "These attacks were the reasons for the clearance operations, which is a military term referring to counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism operations," added Hlaing. Judges are hearing three weeks of evidence before deciding whether Myanmar was in breach of the Genocide Convention with its violent actions against the Rohingya. Under this convention, any state can drag any other before the ICJ, which settles disputes between countries, if it believes a breach has occurred. A final decision could take months or even years, and while the ICJ has no means of enforcing its decisions, a ruling in favour of The Gambia would heap more political pressure on Myanmar. "A finding of genocide would place an indelible stain on my country and its people," said Hlaing. "These proceedings are of the fundamental importance for my country's reputation and future." - 'Genocidal intent' Before Myanmar took the stand, representatives from The Gambia laid bare days of harrowing evidence about the crackdown, including mass rape, indiscriminate murder, and torture. The Rohingya were "targeted for destruction", The Gambia's justice minister told the judges. "When the court considers... all of the evidence taken together, the only reasonable conclusion to reach is that a genocidal intent permeated and informed Myanmar's myriad of state-led actions against the Rohingya," said Philippe Sands, arguing for The Gambia. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fled violence by the Myanmar army and Buddhist militias, escaping to neighbouring Bangladesh and bringing harrowing accounts of mass atrocities. Today, 1.17 million Rohingya live crammed into dilapidated camps spread over 8,000 acres in Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh. "Let me also clear that Myanmar is committed to achieving the repatriation to Myanmar of persons from Rakhine State currently living in camps in Bangladesh," said Hlaing. Legal experts are watching proceedings closely as it may give clues for how the court will handle similar accusations against Israel over its military campaign in Gaza, in a case brought to the ICJ by South Africa. The ICJ hearings wrap up on January 29. Judges will hear evidence from victims in a closed session before both sides make final statements. The ICJ is not the only court looking into possible genocide against the Rohingya -- other cases are underway at the International Criminal Court and in Argentina under the principle of universal jurisdiction. The capture of Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores by U.S. forces placed Venezuela at the centre of international attention. The debate has focused on international law and the sovereignty of peoples, leaving aside the crimes in which the Chavez and the Maduro regimes would be involved. For the world, this is a complicated piece of news because it implies, in a way, the failure of the mechanisms and instances of conflict resolution offered by international law, explains Paola de Aleman, doctor in political science and director of the Institute of Political Studies Forma, Venezuela. The question is not why Donald Trump acted this way, but why a person like Maduro remained in power before the complicit gaze of everyone, she emphasizes. Narcoterrorism: a continuity of evidence The action executed on January 3 by U.S. forces was preceded by a formal accusation presented before a federal court in New York. President Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and other Venezuelans high officials face charges of conspiracy to traffic cocaine into the United States, of narco-terrorist conspiracy and of conspiracy to use and possess automatic weapons. His possible link with criminal organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel or the Tren de Aragua is highlighted in the charges, as well as his connection with proven and previously prosecuted schemes, says Venezuelan journalist and activist Luis Carlos Diaz. He recalls a judicial precedent before a court in New York: the trial of Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, sentenced to life in 2019, that included abundant evidence on narco-criminal logistics. That continuity of evidence and the fact that the United States considered Maduro an illegitimate president after the elections of July 28, 2024, explain why the case moved quickly to the pre-trial stage, where it is defined what evidence will reach the courtroom. The removal of the accusation that he was heading the Cartel of the Suns has reached public opinion. The original 2020 accusation included that characterization, but the version presented in 2026 eliminated it. Not because the cartel does not exist, clarifies Diaz, who has been following the justice and transition processes of Venezuela for years, but because it was not efficient for this trial. You do not accuse someone for belonging to a cartel, but for the crimes you commit by being part of it, he summarizes. If there is no agreement between Maduro and the State, that accuses him, the trial will continue before a jury; if there is a conviction, there will come the sentencing and eventual appeal before a higher federal court. None of this depends on the political outcome in Caracas. From narco to crimes against humanity In The Hague, the International Criminal Court (ICC), for its part, investigates crimes against humanity such as arbitrary detentions, torture and other generalized abuses linked to state repression in 2014 and 2017. The Situation of Venezuela I passed the preliminary examination that evaluated the competence of the Court and is in the investigation phase. The Court not only focuses on whether the crimes occurred or not, it determines who gave the orders, who has the highest responsibilities in these crimes, indicates Diaz. The Venezuelan State has shown gestures of cooperation, but it has become clear that its ultimate purpose was to slow down the process. Caracas also submitted a Situation Venezuela II before the Hague court to investigate U.S. sanctions, but the request is still in preliminary examination. In the investigation phase, the ICC must find one or more concrete cases where the chain of decisions that led to the execution of these crimes can be demonstrated. Once the Prosecutors Office assembles that puzzle, arrest warrants would then come. There is a possibility that warrants already exist but are sealed, explains Diaz. This may be a strategy that opts to give them to intelligence agencies instead of making them public. It is not to protect the criminals, it is rather to catch them, he continues. What lies ahead is the most decisive stretch of the process: the capture or surrender of the accused, the confirmation of charges hearing and, if those thresholds are surpassed, the trial, the sentencing, the appeals and the reparations to victims. Precisely these reparations measures make it so different from the process that takes place in the United States. While that prosecution pursues crimes that affect its national security and seeks punishment, The Hague investigates crimes that affect victims of a community and may order reparations. This is key because it opens a step towards transitional justice: which includes recognition, memory and guarantees of non-repetition, not just punishment. Argentina: what else can it do? The third judicial front occurs in Argentina and has a particularity: it arose from two different initiatives that finally converged into a single case. First, on January 18, 2023, the Argentine Forum for the Defense of Democracy (FADD) filed a criminal complaint with the Argentine Federal Court against Nicolas Maduro for crimes such as torture and political persecution in Venezuela. The case was expedited because Maduro was planning a trip to Buenos Aires, and in September 2024, the court issued an arrest warrant for the president, generating media headlines and leading him to cancel his visit. It was one of the first symbolic victories for victims in the international arena, recalls Diaz. In June 2023, the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) filed a complaint in Argentina focused exclusively on extrajudicial killings as crimes against humanity. It does not cover torture or arbitrary detentions, crimes already included in the previous complaint and which are also part of the case before the ICC. The Argentine judges decided to unite both cases into one under the principle of universal jurisdiction and have already completed the investigation, issued more than a dozen arrest warrants, and triggered a request for the extradition of Maduro. For Diaz, this is probably the most advanced case in the history of Argentina under universal jurisdiction, and the one that has achieved the most in concrete terms for Venezuelan victims. Diaz highlights that it does not compete with the ICC but complements it, because it speaks of other crimes and adds new responsible parties to the list. Three political scenarios in the face of the unprecedented The capture of Maduro generates concern regarding what will come next and for de Aleman it is too early to give a balance. However, she does see three possible political scenarios, some more probable than others. The first is that of a dictatorship tutored by a foreign force, where Delcy Rodriguez governs under U.S. supervision and makes economic reforms without real political opening. This path could stabilize the country, but in no way would it lead to a democracy, she says. De Aleman views the viability of this scenario with suspicion for two reasons: the corruption networks that exist inside the regime which are so corrosive and demand so much revenue, that they are incompatible with economic development; and the political cost for President Donald Trump. If it is already complicated to explain what happened on January 3, how would he explain that it did not lead to a democracy that respects the will of the people, she adds. A second scenario would be that of a somewhat more open authoritarianism, where chavismo once again participates and wins elections after improving economic conditions and releasing certain political valves. We return a bit to chavismo before 2013, de Aleman describes, with a system where electoral competition exists but power remains concentrated in the same hands. The third scenario is the one that would indeed enable a democratic transition: the opening of an electoral process with guarantees, release of prisoners, return of exiles and reactivation of civic life. This, in her opinion, is the only scenario in which the judicial processes that are currently initiated could move towards true transitional justice. In Venezuela the suffering has been such and so much that when a window of oxygen opens in which Venezuelans are going to be able to tell everything that we have suffered, that will be an avalanche of thirst for justice and the political and legal institutions of our country and of the international community will have to find the way to process it, she says. In that context, the cases in the United States, The Hague and Argentina would not compete among themselves, she says, but would operate in a complementary way: one attributing individual responsibilities for drug trafficking, another establishing superior responsibility and reparations to victims of crimes against humanity, and the third documenting and prosecuting other crimes such as extrajudicial executions and political persecution. At this point, it is difficult to look to the future with certainty, analysts say. Only ten days have passed, and the information coming from Washington still does not show what the Venezuelan oppositions integration into this process will be, or if it will exist at all. The political transition will depend on many factors, and there is still a long way to go before even considering domestic justice. The trial of three men over an alleged secession attempt in northern Kosovo that claimed the lives of one police officer and three attackers began in Pristina on Friday. With dozens of other suspects still on the run after the deadly shoot-out, the trial finally went ahead in Pristina after an attempt to try 42 co-accused in absentia was abandoned. The defendants are charged with "preparing and committing terrorist acts" over their alleged role in a 2023 ambush of police at the Banjska monastery near Kosovo's border with Serbia. "Acting according to a well-organised plan, they tried to secede the northern part of Kosovo -- the Serbian-majority municipalities -- and unite it with Serbia," said the indictment, seen by AFP. "Kosovo anti-terrorist units broke up the attack, forcing the group to retreat into Serbia, where it had come from." The indictment also accused Belgrade of arming and supporting the group. The initial stages of the trio's trial, which began in 2025, had to be restarted due to the decision to split the trials of those in court and those still on the run. Two of the men did not enter a plea, while the third pleaded not guilty. The group's alleged leader, Kosovo Serb businessman Milan Radoicic, was last seen in Serbia. Serbian media reported that Radoicic has previously admitted to authorities in Belgrade that he led the attack, but it remains unclear whether he is under investigation in Serbia. Radoicic also has an outstanding warrant over alleged war crimes during Kosovo's 1990s conflict. The 1998-1999 Kosovo war between independence-seeking guerrillas and Serbian armed forces ended after a NATO air campaign ousted Serbian military and police from the territory. Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have remained fraught since the end of the war, which killed around 13,000 people, with Pristina declaring independence in 2008 -- a move Belgrade refuses to recognise. From rural towns to global partners, engaging with and improving Kansas communities is ingrained in Kansas State Universitys land-grant DNA. Since 2010, K-State has earned the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teachings Community Engagement Classification, an elective national designation that recognizes excellence among universities for building meaningful, long-term partnerships that impact real community needs. This month, the Carnegie Foundation renewed K-State's classification, with K-State being one of 237 institutions and one of only three in Kansas to receive the designation this cycle. Meaningful things happen when universities and communities learn and solve challenges together, said Marshall Stewart, executive vice president for external engagement and chief of staff. This classification validates the standard were setting for what an engaged, next-generation land-grant university can and should be. Embracing the opportunity to do good for Kansas As a next-generation land-grant university, K-State is committed to positively affecting Kansas communities while creating global impact. This national recognition validates the universitys mission, strengthens its credibility and opens new opportunities for partnerships and collaboration. Most importantly, it reinforces K-States role as a place where academic work is closely tied to real-world needs and the public good, allowing the university to make a deep, focused impact in key areas such as community health and well-being, sustainability, global food security and biosecurity, and enabling technologies. Enabling Kansas City's next generation of skilled technologists K-State Olathe recently officially opened the Bulk Solids Technology Center a next-generation facility that will strengthen and grow the regions advanced manufacturing ecosystem The Bulk Solids Technology Center at K-State Olathe is a powerful step forward in workforce training, applied research and industry collaboration. The center the only university-centered facility and staff in North America dedicated to powder and bulk solids provides knowledge, training and independent testing services for industrial clients in food, pet and animal food, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, minerals and mining and construction. It anchors the new Advanced Manufacturing Hub and reflects K-State Olathes strategic vision to strengthen and grow the regions advanced manufacturing ecosystem all while engaging and developing solutions alongside community partners and industry leaders. The center is training a next-generation workforce as advanced manufacturing in the Greater Kansas City area an industry valued at $45 billion in 2024 surges and demands thousands of new, highly trained workers each year. Read more about the Advanced Manufacturing Hub. Developing producers' informed irrigation insights into solutions for sustainability K-State's Testing Ag Performance Solutions program provides farmers with proven, cost-cutting irrigation practices and strategies. Through the Testing Ag Performance Systems program, faculty like Daran Rudnick, professor and director of sustainable irrigation, work side by side with producers in western Kansas, testing farmer-driven irrigation ideas using cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence. TAPS brings everybody together, Rudnick said. Industry can offer their solutions in a more controlled environment, which is easier for them. Producers are exposed to new technology, so instead of a 30-minute highlight, they actually get to use it, make decisions and see how it plays out. The result is a living laboratory where competition fuels discovery, data becomes action and sustainability meets profitability. By connecting expertise across engineering, agriculture and data science and across state lines K-State is helping producers make smarter decisions today while stewarding water, land and livelihoods for the future. Read more about the TAPS program. Crafting community connections that support military families' well-being K-State's programs and partnerships for military families at Fort Riley have led to several national distinctions. When Lt. Col. Scott Hutchison was looking for a place to work on his doctorate, K-State made the process easy for him and his family. "I was stationed at Fort Riley, and choosing K-State meant Id get a great education without having to uproot my family," said Hutchison, now an assistant professor of computer science at the U.S. Military Academy. Kansas State University and Fort Riley maintain a long-standing, mission-driven partnership that advances community engagement, education, outreach, and workforce development in service to military-connected populations and the broader region. Through coordinated engagement, K-State expands educational access for soldiers, veterans, and military family members via flexible degree pathways, academic advising, and educational programming that accommodates service commitments. The partnership also drives workforce development and economic impact by supporting credentialing, leadership development, and career transition pathways for service members and military spouses," said Cheryl Grice, director of community engagement. "These efforts align with state workforce priorities, strengthen regional talent pipelines, and support employer readiness across Kansas. Learn more about K-State's nationally-recognized partnership with Fort Riley. Springboarding local solutions to address food security nationally Grocery stores are the glue that helps rural communities stick together, and K-State's Rural Grocery Initiative helps them keep the shelves stocked. In small-town Kansas, K-State leverages its Rural Grocery Initiative to test solutions to one of the most urgent challenges in food security: keeping reliable access to fresh, affordable food in small communities. Towns like Axtell become real-world laboratories where community-driven experiments reveal what it takes for rural grocery stores to survive and thrive. With the guidance of the Rural Grocery Initiative, Axtell residents several years ago created a road map for a locally-owned, grocery storefront. More than just survive, the store has thrived as a source for accessible, nutritious and fresh food and as a model for other communities around the country to emulate. The stakes for rural communities are high, and weve seen that a rural grocery store can serve as a barometer for the vibrancy of a small town, said Rial Carver, rural grocery extension specialist and RGI program leader. The Rural Grocery Initiative is the national leader in supporting rural grocery stores and rural food access. Read more about K-State's Rural Grocery Initiative. K-State is all in on community engagement K-States Community Engagement application highlights 14 signature partnerships in total, each reflecting the universitys long-standing commitment to meaningful, sustained collaboration. Together, they span a wide range of impact areas, illustrating how community engagement is integrated into everything that K-State does, said Tim Steffensmeier, assistant vice president and director for engagement and outreach. Across everything we do at K-State, we define community engagement not as an office or a specific program, but as a core tenet of what it means to lead as a next-generation land-grant university, Steffensmeier said. J-10 fighter jets in flight training China Military Online) 09:49, January 16, 2026 J-10 fighter jets attached to an aviation unit with the air force under the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command taxi on the runway before takeoff during a flight training exercise on January 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wang Zixiao) A pilot assigned to an aviation unit with the air force under the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command gesticulates at the ground crew members in the cockpit during a flight training exercise on January 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wang Zixiao) A J-10 fighter jet attached to a unit with the air force under the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command soars into the sky during a flight training exercise on January 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wang Zixiao) A J-10 fighter jet attached to a unit with the air force under the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command soars into the sky during a flight training exercise on January 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wang Zixiao) A pilot assigned to an aviation unit with the air force under the Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command looks out of the cockpit during a flight training exercise on January 5, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wang Zixiao) (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Former Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) CEO, Ezekiel Mutua, has come out strongly in defense of Empowerment Christian Church (ECC) leader, Reverend Lucy Natasha, following criticism over her decision to shut down her physical church at Biashara Plaza and transition fully to online services. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, Mutua described Natashas move as a sign of foresight and strategic leadership rather than weakness. Ive seen some people mocking Rev. Lucy Natashas decision to shift her church viewing it as a sign of weakness, he wrote, insisting that running a church carries the same financial obligations as any legal business entity. Mutua explained that churches, like businesses, must contend with rent, staff salaries, and operational costs, all of which have been strained by tough economic times. He noted that paying rent in Nairobi is especially challenging unless the land is owned outright, forcing many ministers to either pivot online or close their doors. From my experience working with numerous church ministers, paying rent in the city is incredibly tough. Many church leaders have made similar pivots; some have shuttered their doors entirely, he shared. He further pointed out that even churches with large properties are grappling with rising maintenance costs, urging leaders to diversify income streams and rethink operational models. Soon, even those with big church buildings will grapple with maintenance costs and may pivot to alternative ventures for sustainability, Mutua warned. Highlighting Natashas decision as timely, Mutua emphasized that moving services online allows the church to continue ministering without overstretching resources. Rev. Lucys decision isnt weakness - its inspiration and an eye-opener, he wrote, adding that other institutions, from media houses to law firms, face similar challenges. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, January 15, 2026 - Emotions ran high at a court session after nominated Kirinyaga Member of County Assembly, Lucy Njeri, came face to face with the man suspected of killing her only daughter, Seth Nyakio. Seth Nyakio was found murdered in 2024 inside a rented house in Biafra Estate, Thika, in a case that shocked many Kenyans. The suspect, who had been on the run for over a year, was arrested last month near the Kenya-Uganda border. Following his arraignment, Lucy Njeri shared photos of the suspect on her Facebook page, expressing hope that justice will finally be served for her late daughter. She described the court encounter as emotionally overwhelming but said she remains committed to seeing the legal process through. During the session, the court directed that the suspect undergoes a mental assessment before further proceedings, as part of the judicial process. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Media personality, Kamene Goro, has marked her sixth anniversary with her husband, Deejay Bonez, with a heartfelt tribute that captured both the joys and struggles of their journey together. Year number 6! Happy Anniversary, Husband! It definitely has not been easy, but doing it with you has been the prize, my COVID love @deejaybonez254, the man who made me his wife, my best friend, the one who wipes my tears, who always reminds me who I am and holds me in his heart, Kamene wrote on Instagram. Reflecting on their relationship, she emphasized the resilience they have built over time. For 6 years of being together, weathering it together. And to a lifetime of so many more, she said. Kamene acknowledged that their bond has been tested privately, adding, Only we know the depth and struggle of our journey and why we still keep at it. She ended her post with a playful declaration of commitment: Hatuwachani, mtangoja! The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, January 15, 2026 - A small-scale trader from Kiambu has openly mocked Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi following the demolition of his businesses near Nyayo Stadium. In a video shared online, the woman is seen erupting in joy as she points to demolished stalls, saying they were once the source of livelihood for many traders. She recalls how the County Government, under Governor Wamatangis leadership, ordered the demolition of their stalls, arguing that they had been constructed on County land. According to the trader, the demolitions left many families jobless and struggling, with no compensation provided. Ironically, Governor Wamatangi is now facing a similar ordeal after the Government demolished his businesses near Nyayo Stadium, citing encroachment on Kenya Railways land. Watch the video>>> below Kiambu Mama Mboga Laughs at Kimani Wamatangi Reminding him How he Demolished their Buildings!!Wacha Kulia Sasa! pic.twitter.com/l6qqk92IPP Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) January 14, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Kenyan influencer and digital content creator, Naomi Kuria, has candidly shared how her battle with bhang nearly cost her career. Speaking in an interview with Oga Obinna, Naomi revealed that she walked away from a lucrative Ksh 600,000 brand deal after failing to deliver due to substance use. W33d ilikuwa inafanya na get lazy. I remember I terminated a very good contract with Uber because they told me to redo a video, and I had already smoked, and I was so lazy to retake the video, and they were paying around Ksh 600,000. I was like, Im not doing it, I was just lazing around on my couch, she disclosed. Naomi admitted that her journey into content creation in 2020 came with financial comfort that pushed her deeper into drugs. YouTube used to pay us well, and that comfort made me sink so much into drugs, she said, adding, I started smoking a lot of w33d, cigarettes and chew miraa. I was not doing alcohol because my body ilikuwa inakata, so by the fact I was not drinking nilikuwa najipata na consume hizi zengine sana. She confessed that quitting was a painful process. I got into depression because I wanted to quit because it used to bother me I was not doing the right thing Naomi revealed. Beyond laziness and lack of motivation, she noted bhang affected her memory, speech and appearance. Ilifanya mtu akuwe lazy I was struggling to make a speech I was having dark lips and red eyes, she added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, January 15, 2026 - Kenyan men have opened up about the interesting reasons they list mothers as next of kin instead of wives, sparking a heated debate on a popular morning radio show. The conversation was triggered by a woman married for 40 years who revealed her husband had hidden property and investments, leaving her with nothing despite decades of partnership. Callers flooded the airwaves, with many men candidly explaining why wives are often excluded from inheritance plans. Some argued that such decisions stem from deep conflicts or mistrust within marriages. One caller insisted, for a man to shut out a partner of 40 years, there must have been something very serious. Others emphasized loyalty to mothers, describing them as permanent figures compared to wives who can leave any time. Children also emerged as a recurring theme, with men claiming they are more vulnerable and should be prioritized in succession planning. A few contributors admitted men sometimes hide property for safety, fearing their wives might harm them if they knew the full inheritance. Others framed it as titfortat, noting that women also fail to list husbands as next of kin. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, January 15, 2026 - Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, has for the first time opened up about his wife, offering rare insights into his private life away from the political spotlight. Known for his sharp debating skills and fiery tongue in Parliament, Sifuna revealed that at home, the dynamics are very different. Speaking on the Mic Cheque podcast, the Senator shared that his wife, also a lawyer, is way smarter than him and holds a Masters degree. I dont even argue. You just agree to what she says. She is a lawyer, she has a Masters degree, shes a writer, and she was a KWS prosecutor, he said. He went on to describe her impressive career path as an environmental lawyer, recalling her time as a prosecutor with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Sifuna went on to give a hilarious reason why he doesnt argue with his wife at home. Shes the only one in the house who knows how to use firearms, so this is not a person that you should argue with, he quipped. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Kapseret MP, Oscar Kipchumba Sudi, has publicly mocked Keiyo South MP, Gideon Kimaiyo, popularly known as Sonko, poking fun at his bachelor status during a public function. Speaking in a light-hearted manner, Sudi challenged Kimaiyo to settle down, warning that fellow lawmakers will step in if he fails to marry before the end of the current parliamentary term. "If you dont marry by the end of this term, we will get you a wife - even if it is a single mother with three children," Sudi quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd. Sudi questioned why the 37-year-old MP, despite being wealthy and holding a powerful political position, has been unable to find a wife. He further jokingly wondered whether Kimaiyo might be afraid to approach women. Watch the video>>> If you dont marry by the end of this term.... pic.twitter.com/oZowQ1i10L DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) January 14, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, January 15, 2026 - A man identified as James Opande is facing widespread public backlash after a video circulating online showed him doing the unthinkable to an intoxicated lady inside a club. In the now-viral footage, the man is seen lifting the womans short dress, exposing her badly, as she appears visibly drunk and unable to resist. The woman is believed to be his side chick. Instead of protecting her, the man took advantage of her vulnerable state and recorded the incident, before sharing the video online. The video has since sparked outrage across social media platforms, with many Kenyans condemning the act. Watch the video through this LINK>>> The Kenyan DAILY POST A COUPLE who are looking to open a first service station in Allen in five years will have to wait less than two months to discover whether their ambitious plan will get the go-ahead from the planners. Joseph Hpoan and Helena Boyd have submitted plans to Kildare County Council for an eight-bay service station on a 1.03Ha (2.5ac) at Allen Cross on the main Newbridge-Allenwood Road (R415). The plan includes for a single storey services building to contain a neighbourhood convenience store, an off-licence, a deli counter and kitchen, a coffee dock, some offices and a place for tourist information, as it is less than a kilometre from the summit of the historic Hill of Allen. For the exterior, there will be a canopy over the eight fuelling bays, and the couple are planning a picnic area, a kids play area, bike and car parking, EV charge points, and a single bay for HGV refuelling. The total floor space of the shop will not exceed 100sqm in line with retail planning policy, they expect to be able to employ up to 20 staff, and projected opening hours will be from 7am to 10pm. While their application was only submitted on 15 December, the planners have offered a very optimistic prediction on their decision, saying it should be due by just 17 February. The build will be under the professional hands of Terry and OFlanagan Architects from Oak Road, Dublin 12. In their Context and Location Justification statement to the planners, the applicants note: Allen is a small community with no local services such as a shop supporting the neighbourhood. The only filling station, an older-style one with pumps along the Main Street and a small shop, closed five years ago [and] since then the village has had to rely on Kilmeague, though even there, options remain very limited. The nearest functioning filling station is located six kilometres to the north in Allenwood. In this context, the design of a new, multi-service facility that also includes a deli, a mini-market, and EV charging becomes particularly important, they argue. In rural areas, these expanded service stations can act as essential local shops, helping to fill a gap in the local retail landscape. The outdoor areas will be fully landscaped, and the building will be clad in a composite wood covering, which gives the building a warm, organic feel that connects it to its rural landscape rather than standing out as an industrial structure. Unlike the typical illuminated station designs found in city centres and motorways, which rely on bright colours and bold advertising to stand out, this design avoids such elements to prevent overwhelming the tranquil setting. In a peaceful rural landscape, the presence of a brightly-coloured, attention-grabbing station would disrupt the serenity, and clash with the natural surroundings. Instead, the station adopts a more understated and subtle design that harmonises with its environment. James Cox White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called an Irish journalist a "left-wing hack" in a heated exchange after he asked her a question about the killing of Renee Good by a US immigration agent last week. Niall Stanage, a White House columnist for The Hill and a native of Belfast, asked a question about the Trump administration's defence of the acts of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Mr Stanage referred to statistics which show 32 people died in ICE custody and 170 US citizens were detained by ICE in the last year, while Ms Good was shot in the head and killed by an ICE agent. How does that equate to them doing everything correctly? he asked. Why was Renee Good unfortunately and tragically killed? Ms Leavitt replied. When Mr Stanage asked if she wanted his opinion, Ms Leavitt said she was. Because an Ice agent acted recklessly and killed her unjustifiably, Mr Stanage replied. A visibly angry Ms Leavitt then launched into a tirade against the journalist. 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. And you and the people of the media who have such biases but fake like youre a journalist, you shouldnt even be sitting in that seat. But youre pretending like youre a journalist, but youre a left-wing activist. And the question that you just raised and your answer proves youre biased. You should be reporting on the facts. You should be reporting on the cases. Journalist Niall Stanage looks on during the news briefing. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images She continued, telling Mr Stanage he should be more concerned about how many American citizens were killed by "illegal" immigrants. I bet you didnt even read up on those stories... I bet you never even read about Laken Riley or Jocelyn Nungaray or all of the innocent Americans who were killed at the hand 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 communities safer. And shame on people like you in the media who have a crooked view and have a biased view and pretend like youre a real, honest journalist. The exchange has gone viral in the US and elsewhere, highlighting the Trump administration's staunch defence of ICE, despite opinion polls showing the American public are increasingly unhappy with their conduct. Protests have raged in Minnesota, where Ms Good was killed, and in cities across the US since the incident. US president Donald Trump has even threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would allow him to send the military in to Minnesota. You can watch the exchange between Ms Leavitt and Mr Stanage below. Some of Kilkennys best up and coming craft and design businesses will be part of over 100 companies from across Ireland who will get a chance to meet with buyers from all over the world as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at the 2026 showcase event in the RDS, running from January 18 to 20. An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, the Local Enterprise Showcase, is a special area at Showcase that houses a range of Irelands newest design talent; Gail Daniels of Bo Bar Soap, a family-run business dedicated to creating natural, sustainable, handmade products of handmade cows milk soap, and Cait Mackey Maher of Yellow Deer Designs, an Irish illustration brand on a heartfelt mission: to pass paper joy and create meaningful connections through art. A pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar, Showcase Ireland will open its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa, generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. Recent participants from Kilkenny include the likes of Andriana Tsankova of Valley of Roses and Heather Byrne of Wildflower Designs. In 2025 there were thousands of national and international buyers in attendance at the event in the RDS and it is expected this will increase again in 2026. Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny has been working with Bo Bar Soap and Yellow Deer Designs on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the three-day event. Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise in Kilkenny County Councils Local Enterprise Office believes this is an opportunity like no other for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that break through. To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business starting out. If things go well at this event, a business could fill their book for the year and may well establish a partnership that could extend longer than that and help them grow. While that wont happen for every business, just to be here, see other clients, get new ideas and develop their skills in marketing and sales will stand by them going forward. TAP HERE FOR MORE WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY This year all Local Enterprise Showcase clients were entered into the Business of Craft Awards. This is the third year of the awards that celebrate the business behind the amazing craft and design products that are created across the country. The awards have three categories; Best Newcomer for the best craft and design business who is exhibiting for the first time, One to Watch for the best craft and design business who has excellent export and international potential and finally Sustainability Champion for the best craft and design business who is excelling in sustainability. We are delighted to congratulate Bo Bar Soap on their shortlisting as a finalist in this years awards. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices and the supports they can provide, please visit LocalEnterprise.ie/Kilkenny Kilkenny residents have until Sunday (January 18) 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 Kilkenny in partnership with Kilkenny County Council. Landowners, schools and community groups in Kilkenny 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. Kilkenny is one of nine counties involved in The Hares Corner project this year, with the others being Limerick, Offaly, Donegal, Monaghan, Kerry, Sligo, Louth and Wexford. Applications close on Sunday, January 18th and 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. TAP HERE FOR MORE WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY 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 (5 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 advisor 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 advisors in their own counties. One of Irelands most beloved bands, The Frames, are returning to Kilkenny to pay tribute to a local venue that played a vital role in shaping their early career. The band will play Cleeres on February 11 as part of a series of intimate shows in local venues. Other shows will be played in the Spirit Store, Dundalk; Dolans Warehouse, Limerick and DeBarras, Clonakilty. At a time when Irish artists continue to excel on the world stage, these shows shine a spotlight on the small and medium-sized venues that form the foundation of Irelands live music ecosystem, and which are now under increasing threat. These grassroots venues are the training grounds for artists, technicians, promoters, and crews. They are cultural hubs, employers, tourism drivers, and community spaces. Yet across Ireland - as across the UK, Europe and the US - many are operating on unsustainable margins, facing rising costs, reduced touring circuits, and mounting financial pressure. This Frames tour has been organised by the venues and band to act as a wake-up call. It aims to be part of a wider ongoing conversation about the real hurdles these venues face to keep delivering quality shows. For The Frames, these shows are an opportunity to give something back to the venues that helped shape their journey. These are the rooms where we learn to tell stories and learn the magic of the intimate spaces, said Glen Hansard. Only from there can we take it to a bigger stage with any confidence. The Frames live line-up includes Glen Hansard (vocals, guitar), Colm Mac Con Iomaire (violin), Joseph Doyle (bass), Robert Bochnik (guitar) and Graham Hopkins (drums). In the spirit of the tour, a different local upcoming artist will be offered to support The Frames on each of the nights in each respective venue. With strictly limited capacity, these shows offer fans a rare opportunity to see The Frames up close, while underscoring the role small to medium sized venues play in Irelands rich cultural life. Tickets from www.cleeres.com 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. TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Peter Chap Cleere has welcomed clarification from An Garda Siochana that the non-consensual sharing or threatening to share intimate images generated by artificial intelligence is illegal in Ireland. The confirmation was provided during questioning of Gardai from the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau before the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications and Culture and Sport. Barry Walsh, Detective Chief Superintendent with An Garda Siochana, confirmed that existing legislation under Cocos Law applies to AI-generated intimate images in the same way as other non-consensual intimate material. Recent media coverage of the misuse of Grok AI to undress individuals and circulate manipulated images on platforms such as X has caused widespread public concern and significant distress for victims. Until now, uncertainty had existed around whether current legislation extended to images created using AI technology. SEE ALSO: Kilkenny Court told man accused of sending grossly offensive, menacing messages - Kilkenny Live Speaking on the confirmation, Deputy Cleere said: As a father of four young daughters, what came to light last week about Grok was deeply sickening to me and I know that feeling is shared by parents across the country. The clarity that those abusing this powerful technology for their own sexual gratification can be prosecuted under existing law gives legislators greater certainty in addressing this issue and in holding big tech companies to account, he added. Mr Walsh also confirmed that Gardai are currently investigating 200 images generated by Grok AI. He further noted that approximately 25,000 cases involving suspicious online images or videos were referred to An Garda Siochana last year, a significant increase on the approximately 13,000 cases referred in 2024. Deputy Cleere continued: As is often the case with new technology, innovation moves faster than the law. That is the challenge for legislators who are trying to keep pace with developments that are advancing at an exponential rate. The primary responsibility must rest with big tech companies. They have a duty to society, and especially to children, to prevent the creation and circulation of this deplorable content. These are powerful tools developed by multinational companies and they cannot ignore how they are being exploited. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Research aircraft HALO in its parking position at Shannon airport. With its nose boom, it conducts airborne atmospheric pressure measurements. (Photo: Tuule Muursepp, ETH Zurich) Strong winds, heavy precipitation, and cold air outbreaks are high-impact weather events that tend to occur frequently in the cold winter months and can cause exceptional situations even in Germany as recently experienced when winter storm Elli struck the country. In order to advance our understanding of the underlying processes, the NAWDIC measurement campaign, coordinated by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), was launched on January 13, 2026 over the North Atlantic. Data collected during extensive aircraft and ground measurements should enable the researchers in cooperation with other national and international partners to better understand the processes and optimize weather-forecast models so that high-impact weather events can be predicted more accurately. Winter storms developing over the North Atlantic Ocean and extending to the shores of Western Europe tend to reach hurricane-like wind speeds, cause damage in the million range and, in extreme cases, put the life of people at risk. Last week, winter storm Elli showed the impact such weather systems can have even in Germany: train cancellations, traffic chaos, and school closures. So far, its very challenging to accurately predict where and when such extreme weather events will strike and how strong their impact will be, says Dr. Annika Oertel from KITs Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research Troposphere Research (IMKTRO). Many of the physical processes that result in high-impact weather events in Europe have their origin over the Atlantic Ocean an area insufficiently monitored by conventional observation systems so far. The large-scale measurement campaign NAWDIC (North Atlantic Waveguide, Dry Intrusion, and Downstream Impact Campaign) aims to contribute to more reliable weather forecasts and climate models based on detailed data collected by aircraft and ground-based observation. We are planning to take our measurements exactly in those regions for which indications suggest systematic shortcomings in our models, says Dr. Andreas Schafler from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), whose responsibilities include the coordination of the research flights. How does the Atlantic Ocean Shape the Weather in Europe? In particular, the researchers want to know how dry, cool air sinking downward from high altitudes also termed dry intrusions affects atmospheric circulation, cloud structures, and wind development. If these dry air masses break through to the ground, they can produce strong gusts, turbulences, and severe weather, says Dr. Julian Quinting from the Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology of the University of Cologne. The North Atlantic plays a key role as a source of moisture for much of the precipitation in Europe. We know, however, that the processes involved with moisture absorption over the Atlantic Ocean, especially during dry intrusion events, have not been represented accurately in weather-forecast models yet. We want to change that, adds Quinting. Searching for Clues over the Atlantic Ocean The campaign relies on the German research aircraft HALO, which is operated by the DLR. State-of-the-art remote sensing instruments, such as the WALES water vapor Lidar and the HEDWIG wind Lidar, measure moisture and wind beneath the aircraft up to a height of approx. 13 kilometers. This way, they document both the water vapor transport rate and the interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean. Advantageously, HALO is a long-range aircraft so that weather systems across the Atlantic Ocean can be sampled. Ground-based observations with KITcube, KITs mobile atmosphere observation system, which has been in operation already since November in Brittany, add to the aircraft measurements. KITcube is a network of remote sensing instruments that can capture atmospheric processes in a height ranging from a few meters up to 10 kilometers. More than one hundred national and international scientists will be busy during the next weeks, planning the flights taking off from Ireland, monitoring measuring devices, and coordinating the activities with international partners. HALO in the air near the French Atlantic coast on its way to fly over KITcube, KITs mobile ground measuring station in Brittany, France. (Photo: Simone Scheer, KIT) Thanks to the long-term planning over the last six years, in coordination with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the researchers managed to link up NAWDIC with other meteorological measurement campaigns in Northern America. Thus, up to ten research aircraft will be operating simultaneously in January and February between the Pacific Ocean and Europe. This is a unique opportunity to comprehensively analyze the dynamics and the interactions of weather systems, says Oertel. About NAWDIC The IMKTRO manages the operation of HALO during the NAWDIC campaign and conducts the HALO flights in cooperation with the DLR, the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), the LMU Munich, and the Forschungszentrum Julich. NAWDIC further consists of other independent components that involve more than 30 institutions in Europe and Northern America. The project is officially endorsed by the WMO. About HALO HALO (High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft) is a joint initiative of German environmental and climate research institutions. HALO was funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the Helmholtz Association, the Max Planck Society (MPG), the Free State of Bavaria, Forschungszentrum Julich (FZI), KIT, and the DLR. The operation of HALO is borne by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the MPG, the DLR, the FZJ, KIT and the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research in Leipzig. DLR (German Aerospace Center) owns and operates the aircraft. (era) More information More information on the KIT Center Climate, Environment and Resources It is reported that Iran has massacred 12,000 pro-freedom protesters in less than a fortnight: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/least-12-000-possibly-20-185320083.html Where is everyone who has been protesting Israels actions weekly over the past two years? The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa accused Israel of genocide three days after the Iranian-funded massacre of Israeli civilians on October 7, before Israel had even started its military response in Gaza. But needless to say it has said nothing about Irans murder of its own people. Peace Action Wellington continued to call for sanctions on Israel on its Facebook page on 14 January 2026, yet has not at the time of writing called for sanctions on Iran or said anything about the massacre. I also have yet to see a single media outlet describe Irans actions towards its own people as a genocide, even though the total death toll in Iran now in the space of a fortnight comes to 20% of the total death toll in Gaza over a two year period including combatants (according to Hamas own figures). The hypocrisy is limitless. 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. 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. Police have decided to drop attempted murder and aggravated assault charges against South Korean actress Nana, concluding she acted in self-defense during a November home invasion. The Guri Police Station announced its decision on January 16, determining that Nana's actions were necessary to protect herself and her family from danger. The case drew public attention after the suspect filed a countersuit against the actress while in detention, claiming she injured him without cause. The incident occurred on November 15, 2025, when a man in his 30s broke into Nana's home in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, carrying a weapon, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily. Using a ladder to reach the building's balcony, he forced his way inside and threatened both Nana and her mother while demanding money and valuables. The intruder assaulted Nana's mother by choking her, according to investigators. Nana woke up after hearing her mother's screams and intervened to stop the attack. During the physical struggle that followed, the man sustained a cut to his jaw from his own weapon. Both Nana and her mother were injured in the confrontation, with her mother requiring hospital treatment for strangulation injuries. Police initially recognized Nana's actions as self-defense and arrested the man on robbery and assault charges, mk reported. However, while detained, the suspect filed a complaint accusing Nana of attempted murder and aggravated assault, claiming he had been stabbed without justification. He alleged in handwritten letters that he had not carried a weapon and that Nana struck him with a household object. The suspect's claims contradicted police findings. Investigators confirmed he entered the home with a knife in a sheath and threatened the victims while refusing to drop the weapon during the struggle. Nana's agency, Sublime, rejected his accusations and stated they would pursue legal action against him for filing false claims. In response to the case, Nana shared that she has been carrying pepper spray since the home robbery attempt and expressed determination to move forward. Her agency criticized the suspect for exploiting her celebrity status to cause additional harm, as per Koreaboo. Prosecutors did not pursue charges against Nana, and the case was dismissed after police concluded her defensive actions fell within the legal scope of self-protection. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. David Raleigh A woman, who is on trial for allegedly attempting to murder her daughter, wept in court on Friday, after a consultant psychiatrist told the court that, in his opinion, insanity could not be used as a defence in the case. The woman, who cannot be named, has denied the attempted murder of the girl (8) at a temporary accommodation centre, Co Clare, on September 22nd, 2022. The girl sustained more than 70 stab wounds to her chest, back, arms and legs; however, she survived after gardai and paramedics raced to the scene and kept her from bleeding out, the court previously heard. On Friday, prosecution witness, Dr Richard Church, a UK forensic psychiatrist, gave evidence that after interviewing the accused and considering other expert opinions as well as the accuseds past psychiatric medical history, he was of the view that insanity could not be used by the accused as a defence in the case. Dr Church said that, while he agreed with forensic psychiatrist Dr Paul OConnell, Central Mental Hospital, a witness for the defence, that the accused was aware of what she was doing, he said he differed from Dr OConnells continuing view that the accused did not know that what she was doing was wrong. Dr Church said he took great care in considering the insanity defence, but he said he was not satisfied the accused did not know what she was doing was wrong. Overall, I am not satisfied that the defence of insanity is applicable in this case, Dr Church told the court. The accused wet in court, prompting a short recess in the trial. Continuing his evidence after proceedings resumed, Dr Church said that, in his view, the evidence of the accuseds behavior on the morning of the attack including that she had allegedly concealed the knife used in the attack and had locked the door to the room where the alleged attack occurred are behaviours indicating that she knew that what she was about to do was wrong. The court heard the accused had previously accessed psychiatric hospital services in her native Russia, where she was diagnosed with bipolar active disorder. In March 2022, six months prior to the attack on the girl, the accused and her daughter fled the war in Ukraine to Ireland, and they stayed in a number of temporary accommodation premises. Dr Church said his view was, that at the time of the attack on the girl, the accused was suffering with an adjustment disorder in addition to a personality disorder, which manifested in a severe response to her circumstances. He said he believed the accused was suffering from a number of stresses in her life at the time; that she had poor coping skills and suffered emotional outbursts. Dr Church said that, during his interview with the accused, in October 2025, when he asked her if she had had any flashbacks or intrusive memories of the attack on her daughter, the accused clenched her fists and replied: Im thinking constantly about her, I don't know what to do. The trial has heard that the girl would have certainly died had it not been for the intervention of doctors at University Hospital Limerick. The girl was later transferred to Crumlins Childrens Hospital, where she underwent emergency open-heart surgery to repair a large stab wound in her chest. Following her arrest, the accused told gardai she stabbed the girl multiple times with a kitchen knife and had tried to strangle her. She said that she had been having suicidal thoughts and was out of my mind at the time. The accused said she had become paranoid that others thought she was a poor mother and that Tusla, the child and family agency, would come and take her daughter from her. She said she had contemplated drowning herself and her daughter in the ocean due to overwhelming intrusive thoughts. During interviews with gardai the accused confirmed that a knife they showed her, which had been seized from the scene, was the knife she said she used to stab her daughter. I started choking her...I started cutting her with the knife, I dont know how many times I cut her, she told gardai. She said she had also contemplated using a hairdryer in water to try to electrocute herself and her daughter: Chaos took over my mind. The court heard the accused was taken from the scene by ambulance to the hospital for a suspected overdose of prescribed drugs and spent several months in psychiatric services. The accuseds barrister, senior counsel, Mark Nicholas, argued that, if the jury accepted Dr OConnells view that the accused had not been aware that what she was doing was wrong, they could consider that the accused was not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial continues next Tuesday. MIDLAND Regional Hospital Portlaoise has announced the appointment of Eileen Burke as the new Hospital Manager. Eileen brings nearly two decades of experience in healthcare leadership, having served in senior management positions across Irelands health services for nearly two decades. Eileen said she is delighted to take on the role, and that her priority will be to provide excellent care for patients while supporting the hospitals dedicated staff as they work together to meet the growing needs of the local community. She continued: Since joining Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, I have been warmly welcomed by staff and witnessed first-hand their dedication and the challenges they face every day. I am confident that, together, we can make meaningful improvements. Eileen said her focus will be three key areas: patient and staff safety, access to care, and digital innovation. She added: Looking ahead, I am committed to fostering strong partnerships with academic institutions, community organisations, and policy leaders to advance integrated healthcare and drive initiatives that improve patient care and enhance the experience for all service users at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Her previous roles include senior positions in Older Person Services, the Acute Drugs Management Programme, National Scheduled Care Programme, Cork University Hospital, and the Healthcare Pricing Office, as well as regional coordination for the North Dublin Regional Drug Task Force. Carole Broadbank, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager of HSE Midlands, welcomed Eileen to the new role, and added: [Eileens] proven track record and commitment to improving healthcare services will be invaluable to our hospital and the community we serve. Eileens appointment reflects our commitment to strong leadership and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery. Her experience and vision will play a key role in ensuring Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise continues to provide exceptional care for our patients and service users. Two Laois 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. 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 Co 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, 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 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 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 today/yesterday (THURS), 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. 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. < ends > < add- additional evidence > 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. 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 remains of the 32 Cuban soldiers killed by the U.S. in Venezuela during the operation that captured authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro were returned to their country in boxes smaller than coffins. Images broadcast on state television showed the remains being received by a military band during a ceremony overseen by President Miguel Diaz-Canel and former leader Raul Castro, as well as top military officials. General Lazaro Alberto Alvarez said those fallen represented the country's support for the country and its allies. "If this painful chapter of history has demonstrated anything, it is that imperialism may possess the most sophisticated weapons, may impose immense material wealth, 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. The remain were taken by a motorcade to the armed forces ministry through the country's main boulevards. Thousands paid their respects by saluting and waving Cuban flags. Overall, 32 Cuban soldiers died in the operation that ended with the capture of Maduro. One survivor recently described the scenes that unfolded during the early hours of January 3. Maduro had expanded the role of Cuban bodyguards in his security detail over the past months as U.S. pressure on his regime intensified, The New York Times detailed. In a TV interview, the soldier noted that he, along with fellow troops, were "carrying out our mission in Venezuela, supporting the country in its defense against imperialism." He went on to detail the moment when the attack began, calling it "disproportionate." "It involved planes, bombs, drones, as well as two Apache helicopters that strafed indiscriminately the area where we were, seeking to leave no one alive." "They showed particular brutality toward our companions. Evidently, their purpose was ending the life of all of us who were in that place," he added. Elsewhere, an AFP report quoted a former officer of the Venezuelan army saying that Cuban intelligence convinced the Maduro regime that the U.S. would never attack the South American country, a notion that played a significant role in his capture. Once the operation already began, different factors contributed to its success. The New York Times detailed that the country's advanced air defense systems bought from Russia were not connected to the radar when U.S. forces descended in Caracas. The outlet claimed that the military's "incompetence" played a large role in the success of the operation, as its antiaircraft systems were practically disconnected during the operation. Moreover, it's possible they have not worked for years, according to analysts and former officials cited by the NYT. Videos and satellite imagery reviewed by the outlet determined that some components were still in storage at the time of the attack. Originally published on Latin Times The Mexican government is seeking answers about the death of a citizen under ICE custody in Georgia, with the country's consulate saying it is "closely monitoring" the situation. Concretely, the country's consulate in Atlanta said it is requesting that the "circumstances of the incident be clarified" and clarified that it is "collaborating on the necessary procedures to ensure that the investigation is conducted promptly and transparently." The name of the person has not been released, with officials saying they are planning to return their remains to the country as soon as possible. The Department of Homeland Security detailed this week that four migrants died while in ICE custody in the first 10 days of the year. The individuals Parady La, 46; Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz, 68; Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres, 42; and Geraldo Lunas Campos, 55 died between Jan. 3 and Jan. 9. DHS said La became unresponsive after experiencing severe drug withdrawal symptoms while held at a federal detention center in Philadelphia. He was hospitalized on Jan. 7 with an anoxic brain injury, cardiac arrest and multiple organ failure, and died two days later. Family members were notified and visited him at the hospital, DHS said. Yanez-Cruz died Jan. 6 after being transported to a hospital in Indio, California, for chest pain, while Nunez Caceres was pronounced dead Jan. 5 in Houston after treatment for chronic heart-related conditions, as The Hill reports. Lunas Campos died in Montana after experiencing medical distress; his cause of death remains under investigation, according to DHS. In a statement after the death of Lunas Campos, the department stated that ICE is committed to providing medical care to detainees: "Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay. All people in ICE custody receive medical, dental and mental health intake screenings within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility; a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility; access to medical appointments; and 24-hour emergency care." The Mexican person would be at least the fifth death so far this year. At least 30 people died in ICE custody last year, the highest annual total in two decades, according to a Reuters analysis published earlier this month. Human rights groups and former detainees have repeatedly raised concerns about conditions inside detention facilities, including access to medical care. The renewed scrutiny comes as ICE moves to significantly expand detention capacity. In December, the Washington Post reported that the agency is seeking contractors to convert industrial warehouses into large-scale detention and processing centers capable of holding more than 80,000 people nationwide. Originally published on Latin Times Traditional coal hub emerges as unlikely global gateway for budget-savvy youth Xinhua) 10:14, January 16, 2026 TAIYUAN, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- On a recent biting winter afternoon, the departure hall at Datong Yungang International Airport in north China's Shanxi Province was abuzz with travelers. Xiao Dong (pseudonym), a university student from the neighboring Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, stood amid the bustling crowd, suitcase in hand and beaming with excitement about her upcoming trip to Hong Kong. "I bought a one-way direct ticket for just 173 yuan (about 24.7 U.S. dollars). At that price, what more could you ask for?" she said. "I just grabbed my suitcase and came to Datong for the flight." Xiao Dong is among a rising wave of young Chinese travelers who are choosing to bypass established mega aviation hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Instead, they are opting to set off from the city of Datong, as the former coal-industry stronghold is transforming into a trendy, budget-friendly launchpad for global adventures. "LOW-FARE SANCTUARY" Behind this transformation is a strategic push from local government to reshape the city's identity. For decades, Datong powered China's economic takeoff with its massive coal output. However, aiming to shed its image as a polluted industrial base, the city has in recent years been pivoting toward cleaner industries, and tourism has emerged as a major pillar of its economic transition. As part of this strategy, the city government has introduced airline subsidies to boost connectivity and attract traffic. This has effectively lowered operating costs, allowing for the highly competitive ticket prices that now attract youth from across the nation. But the move aims far beyond tourism -- with these subsidies, Datong seeks to elevate its international profile, opening vital channels for global investment and cross-border exchange. Datong's geographic location has also worked in its favor. The city is just a two-hour high-speed train journey from Beijing, making it easily accessible for travelers from the Chinese capital and the surrounding Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Since late 2024, Datong Yungang International Airport has launched direct routes to Hong Kong and overseas destinations such as Bangkok, Ulaanbaatar, Moscow and Seoul. And for budget-conscious young people, the price difference is irresistible. During off-peak travel periods, a round-trip ticket from Beijing to Seoul typically costs around 2,000 yuan. In contrast, flying from Datong can cost less than 500 yuan. This stark price gap has earned the city the moniker of "low-fare sanctuary" on Chinese social media. On lifestyle app Rednote, key terms like "Datong cheap flights" have trended often, appealing to young users eager to see the world on a shoestring budget. "The viral effect on social media was completely beyond our expectations," said Yin Xiqian, deputy general manager of the Datong airport. Data from Shanxi's provincial border control authorities shows that the airport has become a magnet for travelers from outside the province. On its Bangkok route, for example, over 52 percent of passengers come from outside Shanxi. The demographic of its new routes is decidedly young, with over 56 percent of passengers on these routes aged between 20 and 45. CULTURAL STOPOVER But affordability alone does not tell the whole story. For many Gen Z travelers, the travel experience matters as much as the destination. Many are now turning a stopover in Datong into an opportunity to explore the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Once the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) and the eastern tip of the Silk Road in the fifth century, Datong has historically been a melting pot where diverse ethnic groups from north China mingled and Chinese civilization engaged in vibrant exchange with foreign cultures. Today, this legacy is preserved in the city's 3,000-plus immovable cultural artifacts. Its crown jewel is the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring over 50,000 Buddhist stone sculptures. These ancient masterpieces, which blend Chinese styles with Indian and Greek elements, stand as testimonies to an enduring spirit of openness and inclusivity. "Last time I flew from Datong, I arrived two days before my flight just to explore the city's historical sites," said a tourist surnamed Liu from Shaanxi Province, who was flying abroad from Datong for the second time. "This time, I set aside some time specifically to try the local specialty lamb noodle soup." For these travelers, a stopover in Datong offers a rich cultural experience before they head to destinations outside the Chinese mainland. Many now choose to enjoy the local cuisine and visit historical sites like the Yungang Grottoes before catching their flights. Li Qiang, an official with the Datong border inspection station, noted that the occupancy rate of the Datong-Hong Kong route has hovered at around 85 percent since its launch. "The route attracts more travelers from Hong Kong to Datong for our food and culture, creating new opportunities for business cooperation," Li said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) An Allentown man is jailed on drug charges after investigators said they seized fentanyl, crack cocaine, a handgun and thousands in cash following a raid on a city home. Alexis Rivera, 22, is charged with two counts felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; one count misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance; and one count misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Rivera was arraigned Thursday afternoon before District Judge Rashid Santiago, who set bail at $150,000. In lieu of bail, he was taken to the Lehigh County Jail. Court records did not immediately show any attorney information for Rivera. Detectives with Allentown Police Departments Vice and Intelligence Unit, along with members of the departments Emergency Response Team and uniformed patrol officers, traveled to a home in the 2100 block of West Liberty Street just after 6 a.m. Thursday. They obtained and executed a search warrant. Investigators seized a 9mm handgun with magazines and ammunition; approximately 169 grams of fentanyl; approximately 100 grams of crack cocaine, and $13,289 in cash. Also found were packaging materials and a money counter, police said. Police did not specify the street value of the drugs or if Rivera was the focus of the investigation. Rivera is due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Jan. 23 before Santiago. A judge will then determine if theres sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. Armchair Lehigh Valley content is published on lehighvalleylive.com as part of a partnership with the website, which aims to give voters nonpartisan factual information. Armchair Lehigh Valley is run by publisher Katherine Reinhard and editor Robert H. Orenstein. For more information, or to subscribe, visit armchairlehighvalley.substack.com. As the midterm election year takes off, the field of Democratic candidates has grown to seven in the 7th Congressional District, adding a striking dynamic to a race where the winner will face freshman Republican Ryan Mackenzie in November. Five candidates Bob Brooks, a retired firefighter and state union president; Ryan Crosswell, a former federal prosecutor; Carol Derstine-Obando, a former aide to then U.S. Sen Bob Casey Jr.; Lamont McClure, a former Northampton County executive, and Mark Pinsley, Lehigh Countys controller had campaign announcements on the books by the fall. Then, in early January, two other candidates emerged Aiden Gonzalez, the 27-year-old vice president of the newly reformed Lehigh Valley Young Democrats, and Lewis Shupe, a self-described renegade Democrat from Allentown. Its not unusual to see multiple candidates vying for a nomination in a primary. Democrat Susan Wild, who was defeated by Mackenzie in a run for a fourth term in Congress in 2024, faced five opponents when she won the primary in 2018, the year she was first elected. Republican incumbent Charlie Dent opened a door to Democrats that year when he announced he was not seeking reelection after 13 years in office. 2018 was also President Donald Trumps first midterm election. Historically, the party controlling the White House has lost ground in Congress when the presidents popularity has waned. Democrats took control of the House with a net gain of 40 seats. The May 19 primary is taking place under a similar scenario with Wilds loss creating a chance for a new Democrat to be elected in the 7th and Trumps approval ratings in the low 40s. Democrats think they can do a repeat of 2018, seeing Mackenzie as vulnerable because he defeated Wild by 1%, one of the slimmest House win margins that year. Sam Chen, a Republican strategist and founder of the Lehigh Valley-based Liddell Group, said the Democratic contenders have their work cut out for them. It is the most exciting and toughest place to run a campaign, whether youre a Republican or a Democrat, said Chen. The voters here split their tickets. That makes it really tricky because you really have to earn their vote. Crafting a message The 7th covers Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties and a sliver of Monroe County. Democrats hold a slight registration edge with 41% of the voters versus 38% for Republicans. Another 20% are mostly unaffiliated with a small number belonging to third parties. So its crafting that narrative. Its knowing your district inside and out enough to know what youre going to say to whom and then to do it in those incremental bits, Chen said. He learned this when he was Republican Kevin Dellickers campaign manager for his unsuccessful primary runs in the 7th in 2022 and 2024. Brit Crampsie, owner of an eponymously named communications company specializing in advocacy groups, said candidates need a seasoned campaign team behind them. Youre going to rely on the messages that come out of your campaign, that external communication, things like your mailers, your digital ads, your website, your TV commercials, those are the things that reach more people than you will be able to individually, she said. With a crowded race, Chen said messaging can be tricky. Negative campaigning gets a lot harder. Candidates have limited funds and bandwidth and going negative on [all] candidates will be hard and, likely, unwise. Look for candidates to sell themselves instead of criticizing each other, he said. To stand out in such a crowded field, candidates need to build coalitions and find a vein to run in which candidates are progressive, which ones are moderate, whos the outsider candidate, who pulls the veterans or the educators or the labor unions, etc. Christopher Borick, director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion, said having a candidate zero in on a faction of voters can end up hurting party outcomes. He said the winner in multicandidate races doesnt need 50% of the vote but can land on the top of the ballot with a plurality. For example, Wild won in 2018 with 33.5% of the vote. The problem with crowded primaries for the political party is that they can produce candidates that arent well suited for a general election, Borick said. As an example, Borick cited the 2022 gubernatorial race where state Sen. Doug Mastriano won the eight-candidate Republican primary with 43.8% of the vote by appealing to the partys populist base. But when matching up against a more moderate Democrat in the form of Josh Shapiro in the General Election, he was trounced, appearing too extreme for a broader electorate, Borick said. Borick said Shapiros endorsement of Brooks likely reflects worries that an unelectable candidate will win the primary and that the governors imprimatur will sway voters to vote for him. Still a lot of unknowns With the 7ths reputation as a swing district, the seven Democrats are running under a national lens. Its going to be one of the most closely watched and best funded races in the entire country, said Crampsie whose experience in campaigns includes being a field worker in 2010 for then Democratic Bethlehem Mayor John Callahans unsuccessful run against Dent. The balance of Congress essentially hinges on this seat and a couple of others in Pennsylvania, Crampsie said. The other must-win House seats for both parties are the 1st in Bucks and part of Montgomery counties, held by Republican Brian Fitzpatrick; the 8th in the states Northeast, held by Republican Rob Bresnahan; and the 10th in Central Pennsylvania, held by Republican Scott Perry. The next two months will tell a lot where the primary race is headed. The deadline for filing the 2025 campaign finance report is Feb. 2, giving a good idea on where support is picking up or slipping. For the first nine months of 2025, the Democrats raised a combined $1.87 million, an amount that nearly matches Mackenzies $1.92 million. In 2024, the 7th District race clocked in at $37 million, the most expensive House campaign in Pennsylvania. Starting Feb. 17, the candidates will have until March 10 to collect 1,000 signatures from voters in the 7th to get on the Democratic ballot no easy task with seven candidates in the running. Chen noted that voters can only sign one nomination petition in the race, meaning candidates will collectively have to get 7,000 valid signatures. One thing to watch is whether all the candidates are able to make the ballot, especially those without a campaign infrastructure in place, Chen said. Candidates with strong campaign teams will be skilled in getting valid signatures. They also will be going over petitions line by line looking for ways to legally challenge them to keep opponents off the ballot. Given the fundraising needs and nomination petition process, Crampsie said, I think that by the time we get to the primary, I dont know if all of these people are going to be on the ballot. Whoever lands on top, she said, party members will coalesce around the May 19 winner. They will support whoever the winner of the primary is. The number one goal is to beat Ryan Mackenzie, Crampsie said. Lehigh County Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi and nine other co-defendants in an alleged interstate drug ring will have their day in court Friday morning after a Lehigh County judge ruled that they were entitled to challenge the evidence against them. The Lehigh County District Attorneys office has charged 41 people following a three-year grand jury investigation into an alleged marijuana drug ring. But in an unusual move, authorities have not publicly disclosed any of the underlying allegations supporting the charges in the four-and-a-half months since filing charges. Defendants and their attorneys were only provided a presentment outlining their alleged crimes in December but cannot publicly discuss the presentments contents, even with their families. District Attorney Gavin Holihan has declined to explain why the investigation is surrounded in so much secrecy, saying that to do so would release sensitive information that must be protected. Normally, a preliminary hearing in magisterial district court is the first opportunity for defendants to hear the evidence against them and for defense counsel to argue that charges should be reduced or dropped. But prosecutors argued Thursday that they should be allowed to bypass that standard step. 2,700 pieces of evidence In Lehigh County Court on Thursday, Chief Deputy District Attorney Craig Scheetz argued that the complexity of the case and the sheer amount of evidence collected made a preliminary hearing unmanageable. South Whitehall Township police Detective Chadbourne Ellis testified that the grand jury examined 130 exhibits including nearly 2,700 pieces of evidence. Presenting that all in court would take about 80 hours of testimony, he said and that wouldnt include time the defense would spend cross-examining the witnesses. While state law dictates that preliminary hearings should proceed after a grand jury indictment, the law also allows judges to waive that if prosecutors can present good cause, Scheetz said. Given the burden a two-week preliminary hearing would present a typical hearing may last 30 minutes or less Scheetz argued that the hearing should be waived in the name of judicial resources. Instead, Scheetz said, the hearings should be bypassed. The defense would still have an opportunity to challenge the evidence in Lehigh County Court. Judge Thomas Caffrey noted that would delay the hearings at least a month, and possibly longer, given the complications of the case. Scheetzs arguments didnt sit well with the six defense attorneys present. Several noted that prosecutors have failed to take any steps to ease the burden the hearings may have on the court system. Authorities had not arranged to move the hearings to a larger courtroom that could better accommodate the proceedings or requested a senior judge who wouldnt have to balance lengthy proceedings with their other responsibilities. And even if the case creates an inconvenience for the court, they said, thats hardly a priority for the accused. Seven of the 10 defendants who were in court Thursday are still jailed and have not had an opportunity to argue the evidence against them doesnt support their bail. I dont know of any case law that says court efficiency trumps defendants rights, argued defense attorney Todd Fiore. Cole-Borghis case Defense attorney Gary Asteak, representing Cole-Borghi, said the prosecutions argument made even less sense for his client. Cole-Borghi is the only defendant of the 41 not charged with being part of a criminal organization. Given that, theres no need for prosecutors to tie the elected county commissioner to the other defendants, Asteak said. After hearing two hours of testimony and argument, Caffrey agreed with the defense. While I believe that holding the preliminary hearings will present difficulties and take some time, I dont see an exceptional cause for the bypass, he said. He denied a motion by Asteak to separate Cole-Borghis preliminary hearing from the others. The 10 defendants who challenged the bypass have their hearing set to begin at 9 a.m. Friday in the Lehigh County Courthouse. Twenty-seven others have waived their hearings, allowing their cases to proceed directly to Lehigh County Court. Scheetz said Thursday that two other co-defendants were recently taken into custody while another two remain at large. Scheetz declined to comment following the hearing. The most prominent defendant is Cole-Borghi, a county commissioner from Bethlehem who started his second term in office earlier this month. He is charged with possession with the intent to deliver a pound of marijuana and possession of marijuana. He has denied the charges and won re-election despite the accusations against him. Following the hearing Thursday, Cole-Borghi accused prosecutors of trying to avoid his preliminary hearing because they were too lazy to do their job. Im happy the judge denied the motion. Im happy to finally challenge the lack of evidence they have against me, he said. Authorities this week seized multiple firearms and explosive devices from a Bethlehem Township home and arrested a 69-year-old man who lived there, police said. Daniel Allen Bissey, of the 3800 block of Lehigh Street, is charged with three counts misdemeanor making terroristic threats; three counts misdemeanor reckless endangerment; and misdemeanor simple assault. Bissey was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Robert Christian Weber, who set bail at 10% of $5,000. In lieu of bail, he was taken to Northampton County Prison. No attorney information was immediately listed for Bissey. Township Police Chief Gregory Gottschall said the most recent incident unfolded just after 5 p.m. Thursday in the 3800 block of Lehigh Street. It involved a heavy police presence, including Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, Northampton County Deputy Sheriffs, and the Bethlehem Bomb Squad. Residents living near Lehigh and 12th streets received a Nixle alert shortly before 7:30 p.m. asking them to avoid the area. (Theres) no immediate danger to the public, the alert stated. The chief said officers first responded to Bisseys home Tuesday night for an alleged domestic-related assault. Court records state his wife reported the couple began arguing over a can of food left in the sink. Bissey allegedly threw the can at the woman, causing injuries to her face and right shoulder. Bissey reportedly stated, Im going to kill everyone multiple times, court records say. At the time, another adult woman and a juvenile child were at the home. Bissey told the two women he had 200 bullets and threatened police, court records state. As his wife began packing items to leave the home, Bissey grabbed a 9 mm handgun and held it as she packed, the affidavit of probable cause states. The court record lays out evidence and witness testimony against a defendant. That incident led to the arrest of Bissey. Gottschall confirmed some of the alleged threats were made to officers. Investigators on Tuesday seized over 20 firearms from the home, he said. On Thursday, investigators obtained a search warrant and raided the Lehigh Street home. Investigators seized several more firearms and multiple quantities of explosive devices and materials from the residence. Due to public safety considerations, access to the neighborhood area was temporarily restricted until the Bomb Squad safely removed the explosive materials, Gottschall said. Officers cleared the area at approximately 8:15 p.m. Thursday and the access restrictions to the area were lifted. An investigation related to the recovered explosive materials remains ongoing. Bissey is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. Jan. 26 before District Judge Sandra McClure. A judge will then determine if theres sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. 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. Phillipsburg police found a body near Shappell Park early Friday Police said the 63-year-old man was found dead at 7:49 a.m. Friday, according to a post on the department Facebook page. His name was withheld pending notification of next of kin. This incident does not appear to be suspicious and there is no threat to the public, police said. Our thoughts are with the victims family during this difficult time, police said. Police moved a school bus stop near the park while they investigated, but that stop was moved back Friday afternoon. A potent arctic air mass is sweeping through the Lehigh Valley, bringing bitterly cold temperatures and the potential for light snow on Saturday morning. Wind chills could plummet below zero in the southern Poconos, creating dangerous cold conditions for residents. The National Weather Service forecasts light snow early Saturday, with accumulations primarily near and northwest of the I-95 corridor. Areas north of I-78, including the Lehigh Valley and northwest New Jersey, could see one to two inches of snow, with up to three inches possible in higher elevations of the southern Poconos. The snow is expected to transition to rain for most locations by mid-morning. Wind chills will remain in the single digits and teens through Friday morning, with westerly winds gusting to 20 to 25 mph across the region. Temperatures will struggle to reach the mid-30s during the day, with persistent breezes keeping wind chills in the 20s. Saturdays high temperature is forecast in the upper 30s, which is seasonable for mid-January in the Lehigh Valley. A prolonged cold spell will follow, however, with below-normal temperatures expected from Sunday through Wednesday. The coldest period is anticipated Monday night through Tuesday night, when wind chills could drop below zero. Daytime highs on Tuesday are projected to be in the upper teens and low 20s. Residents are advised to take precautions against the extreme cold, including protecting exposed skin, wearing multiple layers and limiting time outdoors. By Thursday, the arctic trough may begin to lift, allowing temperatures to moderate closer to normal seasonal conditions. However, the early to mid-week period will remain significantly colder than typical January temperatures in the Lehigh Valley. Current weather radar A well-known Laois radio DJ has co-directed a moving short film that highlights the kindness of nurses in the last hours of palliative care. Former Midlands 103 host Ann-Marie Kelly has teamed up with fellow Abbeyleix native Cabrini Cahill to co-direct their new short film 'Poulastore'. The film is based off a short story written by co-director Cabrini Cahill, inspired by the experiences of palliative care nurse Sharon O'Brien. Ms O'Brien plays nurse Sorcha Bracken in the film, which is her first acting role. She stars alongside Fair City actor Charlie Hughes as John O'Hanlon, a man seeking comfort and conversation while he faces the final hours of his life. Pictured: Charlie Hughes starring in Poulastore The film is named after Poulastore cave at Kilone Hill in The Heath, and was shot across several Laois locations. "Art is great for showing an audience how they might react to a situation, Poulastore is giving us that moment to think about who we have around us. What have we done in our lives, what have we not done?" co-director Ann-Marie Kelly told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "It's a relationship based on the kindness of a stranger, the best thing any human can do. Allowing someone to be a human being for their last couple of hours. "That value isn't given to nurses across the world, they aren't recognised enough for how they hold someone's hand at the end of their life, how they so carefully wash them and take care of them. "We all want that love and care at the end of our lives, that is what I wanted from the film. We will all go through it ourselves, and will have someone belonging to us who will die, and we'd like to think that we are not on our own," she said. Above: a sneak peek of Poulastore, starring Charlie Hughes and Sharon O'Brien, co-directed by Cabrini Cahill and Ann-Marie Kelly, produced by Mark de Carreau. Ms Kelly approached Ms Cahill to turn her short story into a short film, and the pair teamed up to source a film crew. They applied for Laois County Council's short film grant, and were awarded it. "I knew a few people in the industry but not many, and we wanted the film to look good. We were looking for a crew that knew what they were doing," Ms Kelly explained. "We found Sean Weiss from Portarlington, he's in the film industry and he's very good. He put us in touch with producer Mark de Carreau, who helped us find our soundman. It all came together very well, we all had a similar vision," she said. The film was shot in several locations, including Abbeyleix's Meuller and O'Connell's and the home of Stradbally brewer David Walsh-Kemmis. Ms Kelly praised those involved for their enthusiasm and kindness in the production of this film. Pictured: Poulastore cast and crew on set "We knew that David's home is very timeless and could be set in any era, his house is incredible. David was so lovely and kind, he allowed us to throw the family out of the house for two days to film!" Ann-Marie laughed. "For health and safety reasons there were caves we couldn't film in, so we shot scenes in Dunmore cave in Kilkenny. Wellington Da Silva of Meuller and O'Connell was very obliging with us in allowing us to shoot there, he has a cameo in the film too!" she said. It was a chance encounter that led to actor Charlie Hughes starring in this film. As Ms Cahill had written the original story based on Ms O'Brien, the crew knew that no other actress would do the character justice. "I was working one day and I heard a voice next door, when I asked who it belonged to, my workmate said 'that's Charlie, an actor.' I thought he had a fantastic voice, so I popped next door and asked him to audition for our short film," she laughed. Pictured: Cabrini Cahill, Charlie Hughes, Sharon O'Brien and Ann-Marie Kelly on set "We were a bit concerned over him being too young, but we had a brilliant makeup artist and he got into the role very well. The story was based off Sharon's experiences, so Cabrini asked the real Sharon O'Brien to take the role, she was fantastic," Ann-Marie praised. "We shot the film beginning to end, it was a really special set. It's a very sad film, and it all felt very sacred. We were all very tight together in a room and went through the emotions with the actors," she said. The film will premiere in Portlaoise's Dunamaise Arts Centre on February 7, and the cast and crew are looking forward to it. "I'm not very 'showy-offy', I'm not good with praise. I find it hard to sit there and hear it, I would rather hide away, but if Poulastore helps any person take something away emotionally, or on getting a grant and making a film, I would be delighted," Ms Kelly said. "It has happened a few times where someone has come back and said that my documentaries have helped them, and I'm excited about that. Pictured: Shooting on Kilone Hill, The Heath. "If it happens on the night that someone can share how they feel, I'd look forward to that part. I always get a bit nervous around showing off my work- it's a vulnerable thing to do, it feels a bit like you're showing off your underwear," Ann-Marie laughed. "So many people can be rude, these days people don't think and they have no filter. We're all very fragile, which is a fact that made this film even better- showing those unseen hours that you think nobody can see. Seeing that everybody has to die, and thinking, 'I really hope someone will hold my hand'". While audiences may walk away with a new appreciation for selfless acts of kindness, the co-director experienced her own revelations through the production of the film. "I think Poulastore is a start for me to believe that I can make films. I've made documentaries throughout my career, and I had a realisation that if you have a great crew, and with good stories and good actresses, you can do anything," she said. "If you put so much of your heart and soul into it, it is damaging but so worth it. If you come out with something that tells a story that is uncomfortable, it makes me very happy. They're the best ones," the DJ explained. "Changing a mood is a hard thing to do for an audience, and changing a mood or perspective on something is always my goal. If you can change someone's mind it's a success, that's how I measure that film. I learned a lot more about myself and working with people," she said. Pictured: The crew filming at Ballykilcavan Ms Kelly said one of the highlights of making this film was seeing how helpful Laois locals can be. "We never came across people that said no, whether it's making food or lifting boxes, standing in on the set or driving around. I found that people wanted to make something good, maybe that's an energy around production," she mused. "People do want to help it, especially in Laois. I think they like to see that Laois can get some attention, there was a lot of good will around it and positive energy," Ms Kelly finished. Join the cast and crew for the screening of Poulastore at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Saturday February 7 at 8pm. Tickets are available here. Laois woman and broadcaster Claire Byrne joins The Late Late Show line-up this week, where her move from RTE to Newstalk is sure to be a top of conversation with host Patrick Kielty. Claire returns to the RTE studios on Friday for the first time since she stepped away from the national broadcaster to embark on a new chapter in her illustrious career with a return to Newstalk Radio. The Mountrath native, who was hotly tipped to host the Late Late Show after Ryan Tubridy's departure and was inspired by Gay Byrne, is due to take over from Pat Kenny shortly as the host of the weekday morning show on Newstalk. "Shell chat about why now felt like the right time to make the move, what listeners can expect from the new show and the fresh challenge of going headtohead with former colleagues and friends on the airwaves," said a statement from RTE. Claire, who turned 50 in 2025, spoke about her career pivot in an interview with the Leinster Express published magazine Laois Life. MORE BELOW PICTURE. It is a new challenge, it is exciting, its a real buzz doing something new and the closer it comes, the more excited I am about it. That tells me that I made the right decision. In August, I turned 50, and that was a monumental moment. You really do look at things and ask: What am I going to do for the next 15 years? That helped inform my choice, she said. She elaborated on what her decision came down to. I said to myself, you can continue on doing what you are doing perfectly happily, or you can turn it up a notch, put the heat on yourself and see where it goes', she said. She told Laois Life that she had a great 15 years at RTE. I enjoyed every minute of it. I had some wonderful opportunities in RTE and got to present programmes that I never thought I would be doing. I am very grateful for all of that, and I leave RTE as a friend of the place and still have lots of friends there whom I will keep in contact with in the years to come, she said. She is rejoining Newstalk to take over from Pat Kenny, who is moving to the station's weekend schedule. Claire previously worked for Newstalk from 2003 to 2010 before joining RTE, where she presented Prime Time and Claire Byrne Live on TV. She took over the hosting of the Today show in 2020. Today with Claire Byrne had 354,000 listeners when she departed in November 2025. READ ALSO: Golden Globe winner Jesse Buckley has Laois roots Claire will present on Newstalk daily from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 noon. This will see her go head-to-head in the competition for listeners with David McCullagh between 9 am and 11 am, and Oliver Callan, whose show now runs from 11 am to 1 pm. The daughter of Tom and Breda Byrne grew up on the family farm and was educated locally at the Brigidine Convent in Mountrath. The now mum of three children and wife of Gerry, later studied Politics, Sociology and Social Science at University College Dublin and she subsequently attended the Rathmines College of Further Education, where she studied journalism A Northern Ireland man charged with terror offences linked to a cross-border police investigation into a planned attack on a Galway mosque has appeared again in court. Connor Pollock, from Croob Park in Ballynahinch, Co Down, appeared via videolink from HMP Maghaberry at Downpatrick Magistrates Court on Thursday. The 38-year-old, who is charged with three offences under the UK Terrorism Act, was told he will appear before the court again on January 29. The charges relate to an alleged plot by a group styling itself as the Irish Defence Army (IDA) to attack the mosque and also target accommodation facilities used to house migrants. The court was previously told there was a 15-point plan for the proposed attack on the mosque, which also contained code names and specific roles for five members of an active service unit of the IDA. Pollock is charged with having information that would be of assistance in preventing an act of terrorism, possessing information likely to be useful to a person committing or planning an act of terrorism and possessing a phone that was connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism. Two men, including Pollocks brother Garrett, have appeared before courts in the Republic of Ireland charged in connection with the alleged planned attack. The alleged plot was uncovered when Laois Gardai searched a car and discovered a number of suspicious items last November. Laois Gardai contacted An Garda Siochana's Special Detective Unit who in turn contacted the PSNI and searches were carried out in Co Down. A man in his 30s was arrested and released without charge in connection with the investigation in mid November. In December another man in his 30s was arrested in Limerick in connection with the investigation. He too was later released without charge. The HSE has appealed to the public to comply with extensive visiting restrictions at Portlaoise hospital to reduce the risk of flu spread and other respiratory illnesses there. The HSE Dublin and Midlands appealed to the people of Laois and other counties who have family or friends in the hospital in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is currently experiencing a high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses such as influenza which are circulating in the community. "As a precautionary measure, visiting restrictions have been implemented across all hospital departments to help reduce the spread of the virus within the healthcare setting," said the statement. The HSE said on Friday, January 16, that visiting to the Portlaoise facilty is "restricted on all wards with immediate effect". MORE DETAILS BELOW PHOTO. It added that compassionate and critical visits in exceptional circumstances will be accommodated by contacting the Clinical Nurse Manager or Nurse in Charge of the relevant ward. The statement added that paediatric services (including SBCU) are limited to one parent at a time. It said exceptions would be considered on a case-by-case basis. The HSE said that maternity services visits are limited to the birthing partner only. It added that exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. The statement continued. "The hospital apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation. "Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise continues to experience a surge in attendances and increasing numbers of people requiring admission which is affecting bed capacity. Patients who are presenting at the ED with non-urgent conditions are experiencing very long waiting times to be seen," it said. READ ALSO: New Portlaoise hospital wing active for flu season Hospital management is also asking patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as their local Pharmacy, GP, GP out of hours service, or a local injury unit. The HSE urges people to visit http://www.hse.ie/injuryunits to find your nearest injury unit and their opening hours. If you require urgent medical attention out of hours, you can visit https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/ A Laois man has been appointed president of the Irish Exports Association (IEA) for 2026. Ballacolla native Liam Hyland is the Director of Export and International Trade at FoodEx Ireland, part of the Musgrave Group. Musgrave Group own leading food brands such as Supervalu, Centra and Mace, with Mr Hyland overseeing the export of products internationally. The son of former Fianna Fail TD Liam Hyland, Mr Hyland has been a National Council member of the IEA since 2020 and takes over from Gabrielle White, Executive Director, Head of Supply Chain and Logistics with PTC Therapeutics. "I have been on the IEA board for the last five years, and I was appointed as Vice-President last year, so I'm delighted and honoured to be President for 2026," Mr Hyland told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "I am delighted to be in this role, when there is plenty happening with global trade. It's an exciting time to be involved with the association, our members are going through challenging times so I am glad to be part of the system supporting them," the president said. Originally from Ballacolla and now living in Abbeyleix, Mr Hyland's new role revolves around providing support to companies exporting goods internationally. "We support our members and advocate on policies with the various stakeholders and trade bodies, it's a busy job at the moment. There's plenty to do, it's challenging but exciting at the same time," he explained. Mr Hyland has worked in the export industry for his entire professional career, working as the sales and marketing manager with Glanbia's meat division for over 16 years. He then went on to work as the managing director of Feile foods until March of 2012, when he became the export director of Green Isle foods. Mr Hyland has been the director of export and international trade with Musgrave group since 2017. "I began with the IEA through being a user of the service, asking the association for help with different problems or support in the softening of regulations that may have caused some difficulties. The association's president is always from the export industry, and I have been involved in exports for over 30 years. It should be an interesting and busy year," Mr Hyland said. "We are seeing the rulebooks being torn up at the minute, and no day is the same in the industry. What may have once been predictable is now far more volatile, which is a problem and a challenge- it certainly isn't a boring role!" Mr Hyland laughed. "At a time of increasing complexity in international trade, the work of the IEA in supporting exporters has never been more important," Mr Hyland said. "I am committed to working closely with the IEA team to advocate for policies that enhance competitiveness and that support our members as they navigate regulatory and geopolitical challenges. Together we will focus on enhancing export capability, deepening strategic partnerships, and ensuring Irish exporters are well positioned to succeed on the international stage," he said. It is crucial that the IEA remains prominent in voicing the needs of its members to government and key stakeholder groups, ensuring that the Irish exporting industry can continue to grow sustainably in worldwide markets," Mr Hyland finished. Mr Simon McKeever, Chief Executive of the IEA, welcomed Mr Hyland's appointment to this role. I am delighted to welcome Liam Hyland as President of the Irish Exporters Association for 2026. Liam brings deep international trade expertise, along with a proven dedication to customers that is central to his approach," Mr McKeever said in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "That same customer-focused mindset, combined with his strong focus on export capability development and strategic partnerships, will be instrumental in supporting our members and driving the continued growth of the IEA. "In 2026 it will be critical that we work closely with our members to support them to navigate the day-to-day challenges they face such as market access, competitiveness and supply-chain resilience, while also advocating strongly on the broader international trade issues impacting Ireland. "Liams experience and collaborative approach will be key to ensuring our members voices are heard and their export ambitions are realised," Mr McKeever finished. An all-island initiative to tackle bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is taking place as scientists work towards eradicating the disease. BTB incidence levels across Ireland are high, with 6% of herds in the Republic and 11% of herds in Northern Ireland affected, with the disease imposing a significant burden on both farmers and government. Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) Minister Andrew Muir has previously revealed the spend in Northern Ireland on bTB compensation for the 2025/2026 financial year is over 56 million. A research symposium is bringing together officials, scientists and academics from both North and South, working across animal health science to share insights and help to inform policy makers tasked with eradication of bTB. It is the second such meeting after an inaugural event held in Celbridge, Co Kildare, in December 2024. Mr Muir said North-South collaboration has yielded important insights into TB persistence and spread. Future collaboration on this shared problem will yield further benefits and will contribute to the successful delivery of many key objectives detailed in the TB Partnership Steering Groups Blueprint for TB Eradication, which I launched in April last year, he said. Irish Minister Martin Heydon, from the Department of Agriculture, welcomed the second all-island research symposium on bovine tuberculosis. He said: This collaborative approach to TB research will create synergies which will streamline research efforts providing evidence for future policy interventions necessary for the eradication of bovine TB. Cllr Sean McGowan asked Leitrim County Council to call on Iarnrod Eireann and the NTA to provide an early morning commuter train service, Monday to Friday, between Longford and Sligo to "cater for the large number of people who work, attend college, or hospital appointments etc. on a daily basis. There is a demand for such a service, and it would be extensively used and would be welcomed by the communities who live along or close to the Sligo - Dublin Line." READ MORE: Leitrim teacher supports 'bursts of physical activity throughout the school day' initiative Cllr McGowan appealed to groups within the county such as Tidy Towns groups, the Chamber of Commerce and business associations to contact Iarnrod Eireann CEO Mary Considine in relation to the route. He said that publicity from organisations in Longford, Roscommon, Sligo as well as Leitrim, was needed to push things forward. "There is a need for this service and we need to get funding from the NTA to get it across the line." Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Cllr McGowan said: "There is a loop in Carrick-on-Shannon but they never use it; there used to be a crossing point in Carrick-on-Shannon and there needs to be another one in Ballymote. It's a long stretch from Sligo to Boyle so if there was a train waiting to go to Sligo, they have other train arrives back up so if there was a crossing point at Ballymote, it certainly would help." Last year Cllr McGowan put forward a similar motion and got a response from NTA's Interim Chief Executive Hugh Creegan who said that "the provision of a regular commuter early morning and evening service between Longford and Sligo has merit and the proposal will be considered as part of our planning work for the 2025 rail timetable revision" however he has yet to hear back about the proposed service. READ MORE: Imelda May kicks off 2026 Irish tour at Carrick-on-Shannon venue Cllr Felim Gurn supported the motion saying he recently got the train from Dromod and it was "packed on the way back to the point people were standing. I think it will take the pressure off other zones such as Sligo IT where there's a shortage of space for people to commute on the train." He noted that 10 billion is to be spent on a MetroLink rail line in Dubin so "surely to God, we should be looking for more services from Sligo to Dublin. It makes sense and it's a great service. It's something we have to fight for." Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn also supported the motion and added that she believes Iarnrod Eireann should include Sligo on the fast track line set to be installed in Mullingar. READ MORE: Three hospitalised following multi-vehicle collision in Leitrim Cllr Roisin Kenny fully supported the motion and she said that she was aware of individuals taking courses in Sligo "who can't get down there before 9am. I think it's essential that a train is available for those working at 9am and that facility is there. It would also take pressure off the housing situation in Sligo and many people could sent their children to college or maybe even return to education if there was a train service there, they could rely on." Cllr Enda McGloin recalled a meeting with Irish Rail executives last year who supported Cllr McGowan's initiative as did Cllr Justin Warnock who said that "if it rail infrastructure in North West of Ireland is improved, we're going nowhere. This region is in transition and we need to improve the infrastructure to get people in and out, especially our young people." Cllr Irene Guckian-Rabbitte also supported the motion who said that investment was needed in the Dublin-Sligo line with Cllr Cormac Flynn also voicing his support. Schools are being encouraged to get involved in a four-week initiative to encourage bursts of physical activity throughout the school day and Leitrim councillor James Gilmartin told the Leitrim Observer that's it's an effective way for children to get exercise through the day. "I think it's a great idea and encourages activity. As I used to say when I was in the classroom, if you take the students out for a walk and take away the walls, they stop climbing them. They need short bursts of activity and to get out and get some fresh air." Schools can sign up to the 'Active Break Every Day' programme which begins on 19 January and supports teachers to build short movement breaks into daily class routines. The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Health, and the GAA. He continued: "I remember from Covid, there used to be mass breaks where you could go out for a short walk around the building just to get out of the classroom and it was very beneficial because it got them out into fresh air for some movement and oxygen and got the brain cells going. It keeps them active and it's really important to create good habits." READ MORE: Imelda May kicks off 2026 Irish tour at Carrick-on-Shannon venue Cllr Gilmartin recalled another initiative developed by the government called 'Drop Everything and Read' (D.E.A.R.); a literacy initiative "where everyone stops all other activities to read for a set time. Every now and then during the week, a school bell would go and every class would take out a book. I thought that was another great addition so it's something along the same lines but this is more about activity. It has huge potential to encourage good habits and everyone feels better and gets a break from the classroom." Participating schools will be given short, classroom-based movement break videos in English and Irish each week. READ MORE: Residents in North Leitrim town advised of temporary water outage Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan welcomes a high-level delegation from the MCC at the start of their mission to advance Liberias second MCC compact. STAFF at Abbeyfeale's automotive production firm Kostal are expecting to hear next month how many people will be impacted by its move to transfer production of one of its lines to China. As previously reported, this will result in the potential loss of hundreds of jobs in the town on the Limerick-Kerry border. The news, which came from an internal communication from management to workers, comes as the main trade union at the plant, Siptu, plan to hold talks. READ MORE: Limerick man charged with murder pleads guilty to a shooting while in Dundon McCarthy gang They are working to minimise any compulsory redundancies arising from the firms decision to move the production of on-board chargers east. Union organiser Eva Mitchell says the decision has caused much unease and shock to the estimated 420 people working there. She added: Siptu will also be in contact with the Enterprise Minister Peter Burke and the IDA in order to seek their engagement in the process, with the aim of protecting as many of the high-quality jobs provided by the plant as possible. Ms Mitchell pledged that Siptu representatives will keep communication with the company and its members open at all times. It has been estimated up to 150 staff may lose their jobs as part of the move. Previously Kostal has said as much as is possible that it hopes to have news about the transfer early next month, including the impact on the number of workers and the timeline for their departure from the Abbeyfeale plant. News of the redundancies represents a blow to the west Limerick-north Kerry area, with the matter being raised in both Dail Eireann and Seanad Eireann. Based in west Limerick, Sinn Fein Senator Joanne Collins has previously warned of a devastating downward spiral in employment across Limerick and the wider region, following a series of factory closures. A FORMER deputy commissioner of An Garda Siochana told the trial of a retired superintendent and four serving gardai that "you don't just do what you're asked". Retired deputy commissioner John Twomey was giving evidence at the trial of retired superintendent Eamon ONeill, Garda Colm Geary, Garda Tom McGlinchey, Sergeant Michelle Leahy and Sergeant Anne-Marie Hassett. READ ALSO: Late teens family honoured with Limerick Person of the Month Award after raising 222k for charity He told the Limerick Circuit Court that in the "ordinary run of the mill" when a senior garda gives a direction to do something, it is not questioned. However, Mr Twomey stressed that if the task was outside the parameters of ordinary duty, that "there is a line". The head of the garda press office and most senior garda in that office, superintendent Liam Geraghty said that investigations involving senior members of An Garda Siochana are a "matter of national interest". Barrister Felix McEnroy SC questioned Mr Geraghty on press releases issued in May 2019 when the home shared by Eamon O'Neill and Sgt Anne-Marie Hassett was raided under warrant. This was in relation to Mr O'Neill and an alleged offence contrary to section 62 of the Garda Siochana Act 2005. No criminal charges arose out of this alleged offence. Mr ONeill, then still a superintendent, was alleged to have disclosed information obtained in the course of his work for the gardai. Mr Geraghty confirmed that four press releases were issued at the time in relation to Mr O'Neill and two other high ranking gardai. He said that these were issued on May 16 and 17 - the day of the arrest and the day after. Mr Geraghty told the jury of eight men and four women "there were conversations" about what information would be sent out to the media. He said that he would have been in contact with now retired detective chief superintendent Walter O'Sullivan concerning the continued detention or otherwise of the gardai involved and that he "had conversations with him". This contradicts the jury being told in previous evidence that Mr O'Sullivan "had no involvement in the press briefing". Mr Geraghty clarified that a press release will "never name a person", in relation to Mr O'Neill possibly being identified by the press releases. It was also clarified by barrister for the State, Carl Hanahoe SC that at the time there were more than 150 superintendents in Ireland and the press release did not identify or name any one person, it did not identify an arresting location and the only location identified was Ireland. Mr Hanahoe also stated that the garda press office in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has run three high profile campaigns in relation to wearing seatbelts, addressing excessive speeding and the use of mobile phones while driving and that these are primarily directed at young men. Mr Geraghty replied that there is "certainly a high volume of road deaths in that population". He added: "There is significant public interest in investigations involving members of An Garda Siochana" stressing that the arrest of senior officers is a "significant event". The trial of five accused started at the beginning of November and was initially expected to last six weeks. Each of them have pleaded not guilty to a total of 39 charges, which all relate to attempting to pervert the course of justice over Fixed Charge Penalty Notices (FCPN) relating to road traffic offences. These offences are alleged to have occurred between October 2016 and September 2019. They include squaring away of penalties for offences including speeding, holding a mobile phone while driving, having no insurance and not wearing a seatbelt. The trial continues at Limerick Circuit Court on Mulgrave Street next week. THE SISTER of Limerick child killer Tegan McGhee said she hopes she "rots in hell" and is an evil monster". "No amount of words can describe how cold and cruel she is," wrote Shannon McGhee in a Facebook post. Tegan McGhee, aged 32, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday for the murder of Mason OConnell-Conway at a house she was renting with the boy's father in Rathbane, Limerick city on March 16, 2021. Masons dad, John Paul O'Connell, was previously sentenced to seven years in prison having pleaded guilty to endangerment, neglect and impeding Tegan McGhee's apprehension or prosecution, knowing or believing she had murdered his son. Mason, aged 4, was found with serious injuries at a house in Limerick city on March 13, 2021. He was pronounced dead three days later. It emerged during the court case that Mason had been subjected to physical abuse for weeks and spent four days grounded in his room before his stepmother shook him and struck his head off the floor. He had also suffered a blunt force injury to his abdomen that lacerated his liver. A pathologist found that either injury to the head or the liver would have caused death on their own. READ NEXT: 'I have never heard so much evil in all my life': Limerick mum speaks out after son's murderer is jailed When Tegan McGhee was being led away by prison officers in the Central Criminal Court, it has been reported her sister Shannon shouted, I hope you rot in hell. Shannon later posted on her Facebook page, above a photo of Mason in a Manchester jersey, that she wasnt going to say anything about this but she refuses 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. Shann said she couldnt understand how the person she knew and loved her whole life was someone she 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. We believed he had fallen from a bunk bed as did everyone else. "When Mason died, we also lost him - he was a beautiful little boy who brought so much joy to our lives and we mourn him everyday. Shannon said justice has finally been served. Although no amount of time can ever compare to the life she stole from Mason. 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, concluded Shannon in the post. Dozens of people have commented underneath the post in support of Shannon. One wrote: Shannon ye dont need to be ashamed of their actions. It was out of everyones control - no one made them do what they did. Your family most certainly have suffered as well because of their pure evilness. PLANS for a new wind farm near Coolcappa village are back on the table, with a senior government minister having his say on them. Ballynisky Green Energy has confirmed it has resubmitted an application for the project to council planners. It comes after the first submission was deemed to be incomplete last year. The firm is seeking permission to construct six wind turbines with an overall height of 158 metres near the village. READ MORE: Limerick man wanted for alleged human trafficking says Greek prisons 'an affront to human dignity' But locals - who have long been campaigning against the proposals - have criticised the timing of the application submission - just days before Christmas. In a year when people hoped Santa might leave peace and quiet under the tree, it turned out Coolcappa received something else entirely: another planning application to unwrap, the community action group wrote in a statement. Its meant should any residents wish to write to council with concerns, they only have until next Thursday, January 22. As of this Tuesday, just two people had written to council. In that number is Communications Minister and local TD Patrick ODonovan. He wrote locals are worried about the impact of the wind farm, pointing to set-back distance, noise, engagement with the community through the process, traffic, grid capacity and shadow flicker. Shadow flicker takes place when the sun is low enough in the sky - in evenings and mornings - that wind turbines pass across it, causing a brief shadow of landscapes and buildings every few seconds. For its part, Ballynisky Green Energy has said the turbines are designed with technology which will minimise this. In a statement, the firm said residents are encouraged to discuss the project with a dedicated community liaison officer via telephone at 061-975200, or www.ballyniskygreenenergy.ie. A judge has ordered Enoch Burke be arrested so he can be brought to court on Monday morning to hear whether he will be sent back to prison for breaching a court order. On Tuesday the High Court heard how Mr Burke trespassed at Wilsons Hospital School for a second day in a row after being released from Mountjoy Prison. On Wednesday, Mr Justice Brian Cregan 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, told the court Mr Burke had trespassed again on Friday morning. Mr Burke did not appear in court and Ms Mallon said a secretary for Mason Hayes and Curran had confirmed she had emailed him, at his personal address, about the hearing and had not received a bounce back. Speaking outside the school after the hearing, Mr Burke said: I teach here, Im not trespassing. He added that he was there to work. Judge Creagan knew exactly what was going to happen today, and yesterday, Mr Burke told reporters. Responding to questions, he described his potential return to prison as a monstrosity, adding its a terrible place to be, in prison. Ms Mallon said Mr Burkes presence at the school had caused an unprecedented and significant impact on the work of the school. She said the schools principal Noel Cunningham had to rearrange security at short notice, liaise with the security, address issues in the school which arose from students, parents and teachers dealing with protesters and contact the schools solicitors at short notice. None of that is what a principal should be doing, she added. The judge made an order of attachment instructing Mr Burke be brought to court on Monday to give his version of events. It is at that hearing Mr Cregan will decide whether Mr Burke should be returned to prison. He also instructed Ms Mallon to submit an affidavit from the principal Mr Cunningham outlining the events of this week. Mr Burke had 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 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. THE OWNERS of one the biggest and most modern equestrian facilities in the south-west have been directed to cease the use of the site for commercial use permanently. The move comes after they were refused retention permission for the development, which included the provision of equestrian facilities within an existing equine estate. Hollypark Stables was built on the doorstep of popular forest park Curraghchase. It has been developed over the last five years into a state-of-the-art training facility in Kilcornan hosting a number of well-attended events. READ MORE: 'Unremarkable' Limerick man receives fourth conviction for driving without insurance Built on more than 17 acres, the centre is understood to have the capacity to host large-scale national level horse competitions. However, much of the facility was constructed without planning permission from Limerick City and County Council. Now, Limerick council planners have refused a bid by Bice Limited - whose directors are Bernadette and Emma Roche - to retain the structures. They were seeking retention permission for the development. The council has issued the landowners with an enforcement notice directing the owners of the site to remedy any unauthorised activity within a specific timeframe. Reacting to the planning decision, Bernadette Roche said the stables were "disappointed" by the council's decision. "The facility provides an international-standard showjumping arena, along with proven horse development and sport horsemanship programmes developed over many years, supporting youth sport and attracting tourism to west Limerick and the wider country throughout the year. While disappointed, we recognise the role of the planning authority and will continue to work positively to meet the councils requirements, supporting local jobs, investment and community benefit. One of the directions of the enforcement notice is for the landowners to cease the use of the site for commercial use permanently. However, this Tuesday, training events at Hollypark were still advertised on the Facebook page of the stables for both January and February, with more than 5,000 worth of prizes on offer. The development they sought retention permission for consists of sand-based training and competition arenas, covered spectator areas and judges cabins. They are also seeking to keep a rider welfare cabin with a toilet. The landowners have until next Monday, January 19, to appeal against this decision to An Coimisiun Pleanala. But if the national planning authority agrees with Limerick councils ruling, they may face having to demolish the buildings. Agents representing the developers have, in documents submitted to council, wrote that the proposal is based on the family's love for equestrian sport. On top of this, the agent outlined that their clients already keep mixed-breed ponies on their property for breeding and training for the purposes of eventing, dressage and hunting. The proposal is/was not intended as a commercial venture in terms of maximising profitability to attract fee-paying members of the public, per se. Such an activity in the magnitude which it has occurred does not generate substantial profit, they added. The agents stated the proposal is "ancillary" to the home of the Roches, where over time, and without intent, they have facilitated a number of equestrian events in the absence of a suitable facility within the south-west region and demand for a high-quality eventing arena for horses and ponies. They also described the use of the facility as periodic and seasonal accommodating local horse and pony league events. Planners outlined reasons for rejecting the plans to retain the structures. While recognising the importance of the equine industry, planners believe this project represents an overdevelopment of the site which goes against the local development plan. A Karnataka high court order on 13 January has effectively locked" a block of Aakash Educational Services Ltd's (AESL) shares allegedly linked to Byju Raveendran, creating fresh compliance and legal questions around the coaching firms recently concluded rights issue. Though there is no immediate threat to AESL's 100 crore rights issue closed in December, according to lawyers, the order draws sharper scrutiny on who ultimately owns and benefits from the shares. The court order also raises the question of whether AESL can produce a clean paper trailshareholding records, beneficial ownership declarations, and the full allotment trailif the court asks for it. Mint explains: How did the AESL rights issue land in legal trouble? AESL allowed Beeaar Investco Pte. Ltd, a little-known Singapore vehicle wholly owned by Raveendran, to participate in its first 100-crore tranche of the 250-crore rights issue, even as its board blocked the subscription of Byjus parent, Think & Learn Pvt. Ltd (TLPL), to keep Raveendran at bayexposing the exercise to potential legal challenges, Mint reported on 5 December. To be sure, TLPL is currently undergoing insolvency proceedings and is being run by a committee of creditors, in which US-based GLAS Trust Companyan administrative agent for Byjus $1.2 billion term loan Bholds about 99% of the voting rights, according to records before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The same AESL shares held through Beeaar are alleged to be at the heart of Qatar Investment Authority Holding Llcs (QIA), the Gulf countrys sovereign wealth fund, arbitration award and global freezing orders issued by the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) in connection with its $150 million loan to Byjus Investments Pte. Ltd (BIPL), another Singapore-based company partly owned by Raveendran, in 2022. But filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), reviewed by Mint in December, showed that Bisy Philip, a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based businesswoman, has subscribed to around 32.2 million shares worth 16.09 crorethe exact same stake that AESL announced in the 28 November statement was picked up by Beeaar Investco Pte. Ltdraising questions whether the subscription ultimately sat with Beeaar, transferred, or was structured through a connected person route. Notably, Bisy Philip is the wife of Rajendran Vellapalath, who is linked to the Dubai- and UAE-based tech firm Voizzit and has been named in US court filings related to allegations involving Byjus US assets. What does the Karnataka high court have to do with it? The question of who ultimately received the rights-issue shares ties back to QIA's enforcement case against Raveendran. Qatar Holding, an arm of QIA, asked the Karnataka high court to recognize the arbitration award as a decree and help execute it against Indian assets, turning AESL's cap table into a potential enforcement ground. The Karnataka high court has now flagged the AESL stake held through Beeaar Investco as beneficially owned" by Raveendran. This means that even if Beeaar is the recorded holder, the court is proceeding on the basis that Raveendran is the person who ultimately controls or benefits from them. View Full Image The Karnataka high court has deemed the AESL stake via Beeaar Investco to be effectively owned by Byju Raveendran. (Bloomberg) The court also passed an ad-interim attachment to protect that alleged beneficial interest, meaning a temporary, stop-gap freeze order that can be changed after the other sides file objections and the court hears them in detail. The court has also issued notice on the interim application to Beeaar Investco and AESL for the next hearing, which it has directed be listed after two weeks" (i.e., around late January). Also Read | US bankruptcy court reverses $1 bn damages against Byju Raveendran This dispute traces back to the September 2022 financing transaction in which QIA Holding advanced $150 million to BIPL for an AESL-linked share purchase, backed by Raveendrans personal guarantee. After alleging repeated defaults, QIA Holding terminated the deal in February 2024 and invoked a clause that allowed it to demand an immediate, fixed payout of $235 million, instead of waiting for the original repayment timeline, triggering arbitration in Singapore. How does this affect AESLs rights issue? At its core, the share attachment is meant to prevent the disputed shareholding from being moved while the court considers QIAs request. The Karnataka high courts ad-interim attachment is, at this stage, a protective measure aimed at ring-fencing Raveendrans alleged beneficial interest in AESL shares, and does not automatically unsettle a rights issue that has already concluded, unless the allotment itself is shown to be a device to defeat creditor claims," said Sunayana Basu Mallik, partner at King Stubb & Kasiva, advocates and attorneys. She added that a completed rights issue is not void merely because there is a parallel attachment dispute. For it to be reopened or stayed, QIA would need to demonstrate that the allotment involved suppression of beneficial ownership, fraud, or a deliberate circumvention of the courts restraint," Mallik said. This distinction matters because it separates two questions: whether AESL followed the corporate process in issuing shares, and whether any disputed economic interest behind a particular set of shares can still be locked" as it is currently being examined by the courts. Where does the real risk sit for AESL? Lawyers said the immediate risk is less about the fundraising being reversed, and more about compliance and record-keeping once the company is on notice. For Aakash, the risk is not the rights issue is void by default, but court-compliance and governance risk," said Alay Razvi, managing partner, Accord Juris. Razvi said the company must ensure it does not register transactions or corporate actions that could be seen as helping anyone bypass the attachment. He also pointed to a practical problem: If the court starts examining who ultimately funded, controlled or benefited from the shares, AESL may need to show a clean, consistent paper trail. Tushar Kumar, an advocate with the Supreme Court of India, framed it as a governance issue under the Companies Act. The principal risk for AESL seemingly lies in the accuracy and completeness of its compliance under Sections 89 and 90 of the Companies Act, 2013," Kumar said. He added that once a constitutional court begins examining beneficial ownership behind a pool of shares, the issuers registers, board papers, and disclosure trails become critical. Sections 89 and 90 of the Companies Act, 2013, are disclosure rules that require companies (and the relevant individuals) to declare who really benefits from or controls shares. What could courts may look for next? The Karnataka high court order itself flags QIAs concern that subsequent changes to the shares held by Raveendran could defeat the restraint, while the respondents side (Raveendran) has claimed the transfers relate to pre-existing agreements and that QIA was aware. How the court views the Beeaars eventual ownership trailif it exists in the AESL share allotmentcould therefore become central. Razvi said the default" outcome is not a blanket stay or reopening of the entire rights issue. So, the practical risk is less the issue is reopened, and more the disputed slice becomes court-locked regardless of whose name it is currently in'," he said. Ashima Obhan, senior partner at Obhan & Associates, said the order signals that courts will look through layers to identify the ultimate beneficial owner, and that issuers must be able to demonstrate correct recording and compliance. Could the rights issue itself be re-opened or stayed? That is a high threshold," she said. Obhan said QIAs realistic next steps may include seeking continuation of the attachment, disclosures on oath and, in some circumstances, appointment of a receiver, along with directions to maintain the status quo. This simply means QIA can now request the court to keep the freeze in place, and if the court feels the asset needs tighter supervision, appoint an independent court officer (a receiver") to take custody and control of the disputed shares. Overall, the message is clear: courts will not allow corporate structuring or rights issues to be used as a shield against enforcement," Obhan said. China and Canada reached a wide-ranging agreement to lower trade barriers and rebuild ties, signaling a pivot in Canadian foreign policy and a break from alignment with President Donald Trumps trade agenda. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he expects China to cut tariffs on Canadian rapeseed, also known as canola, after meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday, in the first visit by a Canadian leader to Beijing in eight years. In tandem, Canada will allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its market at a tariff rate of about 6%, down from the current rate of 100%. China will also offer visa-free travel to Canadians, Carney said. The moves marked a sharp reversal from the era of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Under the previous administration, ties between Canada and China all but collapsed following the 2018 extradition spat involving a senior Huawei executive. Chinas subsequent detention of two Canadians and years of retaliatory trade measures turned the relationship into a deep freeze. Now, Carneys warming to Xi suggests a new strategic direction for a nation long considered Washingtons closest partner. If this marks a genuine about-face for Canada and not just another reactionary flip-flop then we should acknowledge it as a possible inflection point, said Josef Gregory Mahoney, a professor of international relations at Shanghais East China Normal University. The centerpieces of the agreement are tariff concessions. Carney anticipates a drop in canola tariffs from more than 80% to about 15% combined by March 1, citing a high degree of confidence that thats going to happen. Following the announcement, canola futures in New York extended gains to 2.6%, reaching their highest level since early December, before paring gains. Traders see more demand from Canadas second-largest market. Carney also said Beijing will suspend anti-discrimination duties on other farm products. This includes canola meal and lobsters, with the suspension expected to last from March through at least the end of 2026. The reduction in electric vehicle tariffs is perhaps the most striking component of the deal. In 2024, Canada matched the Biden administrations 100% levy to align with US trade policy, but Carneys move suggests he will chart an independent course. The number of Chinese EVs being allowed at the lower tariff rate is small it amounts to less than 3% of the Canadian vehicle market but the decision still brought a negative reaction within Canada. China now has a foothold in the Canadian market and will use it to their full advantage at the expense of Canadian workers, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said. Carney hailed his strategic partnership with Xi, touting the importance of their ties in the face of a new world order. This was a veiled reference to the global instability caused by President Trumps foreign policy swings and disruptive trade agenda. Im extremely pleased that we are moving ahead with our new strategic partnership, Carney told Xi on Friday. A day earlier, he told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that their strengthening relationship sets us up well for the new world order. Asked whether he still sees China as Canadas top security threat at a press conference on Friday, Carney said the security landscape continues to change. The multilateral system has been eroded and it remains to be seen what gets built in its place, he added. Dylan Loh, an associate professor at Nanyang Technological University, called Carneys comments an endorsement of China and an indictment of the US. I wont go so far as to say its a break with the US, but it will certainly displease Trump, he said. But Trumps public reaction wasnt negative. Thats OK, thats what he should be doing, the president said of Carney at the White House on Friday afternoon. Its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China you should do that. USMCA Review The detente between Canada and China comes in the midst of Trumps trade war that has seen the US put tariffs on goods from American allies and adversaries alike. At the same time, the president has brought Russias Vladimir Putin out of isolation, stunned the world by deposing Venezuelas leader and made invasion threats toward Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark. Carneys trip overseas is happening just as Canada and Mexico gear up for difficult negotiations with Trump on the North American free trade pact known as USMCA. US officials have put pressure on its neighbors to erect barriers to Chinese products ahead of those talks. The threat against Greenland is a threat against Canada, Mahoney added. He suggested that by drawing closer to China, Carney may be looking for leverage to use in the talks with Washington. Carney, who frequently talks about the Canada-US relationship as having suffered a historic rupture, called for a new approach to China, adapted to new global realities, in his meeting with Xi. Xi expressed optimism, noting positive results in restoring ties. The healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations serves the common interests of our two countries and is also conducive to world peace, stability and prosperity, he said. A joint statement released by both governments says that they will expand trade, strengthen investment and deepen cooperation in various fields, including energy, finance, public security and people-to-people exchange. Canada reaffirmed its commitment to its long-standing One-China Policy, according to the statement. Under that approach, Canada recognizes the Peoples Republic as the sole legitimate government of China without endorsing or challenging the Chinese position on Taiwan, the self-ruled democracy claimed by Beijing. Despite the warming tone, Carney is walking a fine line. Vina Nadjibulla of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada described the visit as a move toward a pragmatic foreign policy that focuses on economics while deprioritizing traditional irritants. He wants to engage selectively, Nadjibulla told Bloomberg Television. The focus is on laying foundations for economic and trade relations, while keeping certain sectors like defense and artificial intelligence behind strict guardrails, she added. Carney is among a stream of leaders including the UKs Keir Starmer and Germanys Friedrich Merz making trips to Beijing early this year to rebuild ties after the US and China stabilized relations with a trade truce. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly, who as foreign minister in 2022 labeled China an increasingly disruptive global power, said the goal now is to bring stability to the relationship between the two nations. You know what? The conversations here have been more predictable and stable than sometimes with other countries, including our neighbor, she said. With assistance from Hallie Gu, Derek Decloet, Haslinda Amin, Laura Dhillon Kane, Courtney Subramanian and Melissa Shin. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. The Delhi high court has refused a plea by Natasha Oberoi, daughter of late hotelier P.R.S. Oberoi, to send her dispute with family members over her fathers estate to arbitration. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, in a 15 January order released on Friday, ruled that disputes involving Wills, inheritance, and family succession cannot be decided by private arbitrators and must be settled by civil courts. The court also noted that Natasha, who is the managing director of Oberoi Hotels Pvt. Ltd, but not a shareholder, cannot rely on the arbitration clause in the companys Articles of Association. Also Read | IndiGo Chaos: How a pilot fatigue row landed DGCA in high court The case arises from a deepening rift in the Oberoi family following the death of P.R.S. Oberoi, popularly known as Biki Oberoi, in November 2023. He was the former executive chairman of ElH Ltd and the patriarch of the Oberoi Group, one of India's most prominent luxury hospitality chains, with substantial shareholding and interests in ElH Ltd, Oberoi Hotels Pvt. Ltd, and Oberoi Properties. Two Wills At the heart of the dispute are two sets of Wills. One side is led by Anastasia Mirjana Jojic Oberoi, P.R.S. Oberois daughter from his second marriage. She relies on a Will dated 25 October 2021, along with a codicil from 27 August 2022, which she says was her fathers final Will. According to her, these documents make her and certain family trusts key beneficiaries of the estate, including valuable shareholdings in Oberoi group companies. On the other side are Vikramjit Singh Oberoi, managing director and chief executive of EIH Ltd, his sister Natasha Oberoi, and their cousin Arjun Singh Oberoi, executive chairman of EIH. They dispute the 2021 Will and instead rely on an older Will from 20 March 1992. Vikramjit has argued that the shares in Oberoi Hotels and Oberoi Properties were held by his father in trust for him and his cousin Arjun, and were meant to pass to them upon his fathers death, and therefore should not form part of the estate under the later will claimed by Anastasia. Also Read | Priya Kapur, son in driving seat at family trust behind Sona Comstar However, Natashas move to seek arbitration followed a board resolution passed on 6 June 2025 by Oberoi Hotels Pvt. Ltd. This resolution authorized a person named Tejaswi Dixit to handle all legal matters related to P.R.S. Oberois estate, including filing and defending court cases. Natasha alleged that Dixit was a stranger to the company and had been wrongly empowered by Vikramjit and Arjun by bypassing proper board procedures. She claimed the move was aimed at taking control of litigation over the estate and sidelining other family members. Based on this, Natasha argued that the dispute was really about company management and internal control and should therefore be sent to arbitration under existing corporate agreements. The court, however, disagreed. It said the real issue was not corporate governance but who is entitled to inherit P.R.S. Oberois assets and which Will is valid. Such matters, the court held, involve personal law and public interest and must be decided by civil courts, not by private arbitral tribunals. NEW DELHI : The Supreme Courts landmark ruling upholding capital gains tax on US-based investor Tiger Global Management Llc for its 2018 exit from Indian e-commerce platform Flipkart has prompted a reassessment among foreign investors, particularly funds that rely on tax treaties with jurisdictions such as Mauritius, Singapore, and the Netherlands. A bench comprising Justices R. Mahadevan and J.B. Pardiwala accepted the tax departments argument that Tiger Global had used Mauritius primarily as a conduit to claim treaty benefits, with real control and decision-making resting in the US. While the main judgment was authored by Justice Mahadevan, Justice Pardiwala wrote a separate concurring opinion that went beyond the facts of the case and stressed the importance of national sovereignty in international taxation. Justice Pardiwala, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in May 2022 from the Gujarat high court, is slated to take over as the Chief Justice of India in May 2028 and will serve until his retirement on 11 August 2030, giving him a tenure of over two years, one of the longest among the current line-up of judges. Also Read | The Tiger-Flipkart ruling will echo way beyond Tiger and Flipkart He has authored more than 300 judgments so far and has recently made headlines for key rulings, including those on the relocation of stray dogs in the National Capital Region and for fixing timelines for governors and the President to grant assent to state Bills. Mint explains Justice Pardiwala's stand. What is the Tiger Global-Flipkart case? The case relates to Walmart Inc.s 2018 purchase of about 77% of Flipkart for around $16 billion. Tiger Global, one of Flipkarts early investors, sold part of its stake in this deal, reportedly for about $1.6 billion. However, court records showed that its three Mauritius-based companies together received around 14,440 crore. The investment firm invested in Flipkart between 2011 and 2015 through Mauritian entities and claimed the profits were tax-free under the IndiaMauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, because the investments were made before 1 April 2017. The tax department argued that these Mauritius firms were used only as a conduit and that the real control was in the US. Tiger Global first approached the Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR), which in 2021 rejected its claim, finding the structure appeared to be tax avoidance. The Delhi high court later gave relief to the global investor in 2024. The tax department then appealed to the Supreme Court. What did the Supreme Court rule? In a judgment written by Justice R. Mahadevan, the top court ruled that Tiger Global is liable to pay capital gains tax in India. It set aside the Delhi high court ruling and held that the Mauritian companies were only conduit entities with no real business substance and that the real decision-making was in the US. The court said a Tax Residency Certificate is not a magic wand" that automatically gives treaty benefits. Authorities can examine who actually controls the company and whether the structure was created primarily to save on taxes. Referring to the 2016 amendment to the India-Mauritius tax treaty and the introduction of the General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) from 1 April 2017, the court said these changes were intended to curb treaty shopping, round-tripping, and the use of shell companies. Even investments made before the cut-off date, the court said, can be examined if the arrangement is mainly for tax benefit and lacks real economic substance. What did Justice Pardiwala say in his separate note? In his concurring opinion, Justice Pardiwala placed the case in a larger national and global context. He said taxation is a core part of national sovereignty, and a countrys strength depends on its ability to tax income arising from its own soil. Today, he said, threats to sovereignty are not only military but also economic. Taxing an income arising out of its own country is an inherent sovereign right. Any dilution of this is a threat to a nations long-term interest," he observed. He said tax treaties are meant to avoid double taxation, not to allow income to escape tax altogether through shell or routing companies. Economic independence, he added, is as important as political independence, and giving up taxing rights in the name of investment can harm national interest. He also warned against allowing external pressures, multinational corporations or international bodies to influence domestic tax policy choices. Emphasising a dynamic, substance-over-form approach, he noted that with rapidly changing global trade patterns, treaty interpretation must remain context-sensitive and forward-looking. When current trade affairs are so dynamic, a contextual and meaningful interpretation of such instruments would not only make it currently relevant, but also vibrant, matching with the progressive global business dynamics," he said, adding that outdated or overly rigid readings that undermine a nations taxing rights should be avoided. What safeguards did Justice Pardiwala suggest for future treaties? Limitation of Benefits (LOB) clauses to stop treaty shopping GAAR override to deny benefits to tax-avoidance structures Taxing the digital economy through significant economic presence" Strong source-based taxation rights for capital gains, royalties, interest, and business profits Tax credit instead of a full exemption to avoid double non-taxation Exit and renegotiation clauses in treaties Avoiding Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clauses Clear Permanent Establishment rules Alignment with the Constitution and domestic tax law Proper costbenefit analysis before signing treaties Regular review of treaties Why does Justice Pardiwalas opinion matter? His separate note could shape how courts interpret tax treaties going forward, according to lawyers. Justice Pardiwalas separate opinion offers important guidance for Indias future tax treaty negotiations and renegotiations. He supports a framework that prioritizes source-based taxation, strong LOB clauses and allows anti-avoidance rules to override abusive claims," said Alay Razvi, managing partner at Accord Juris. Also Read | Why Walmart-backed Flipkart is finally moving its headquarters to India For foreign investors, private equity, and venture capital funds, the ruling and the concurring opinion together signal a tougher, substance-based approach and a stronger assertion of Indias tax sovereignty in cross-border deals. There is a new app that everyone in China seems to be talking about. Called Are you dead, it is designed to check on people who live alone and has suddenly gone viral, drawing tons of downloads and widespread chatter on social media. This sudden popularity has pushed the app's creator to introduce a subscription fee and rebrand it with a new name to make it more suitable for users outside China, as it prepares for a global audience. The digital platform, called Sileme in Chinese, which translates to "Are you dead?" in English, is described by its developers as a lightweight safety tool created for solo dwellers, such as students, office workers or anyone who chooses a solitary lifestyle. It was launched in May last year, but the app only started receiving attention in recent weeks with many young people, who live alone in Chinese cities, downloading it in bulk. This has propelled it to become the most downloaded paid app in the country. How does the application work? The app works by asking users to set up a single emergency contact and automatically sends notifications to that person if the user fails to check in on the app for several days in a row. This process helps ensure that someone is notified in case the user faces any issues or if something goes wrong. The company also notified the subscribers on Sunday that it would launch an eight yuan ($1.15) payment scheme to help cover increasing costs. The app is already available on Apple's app store under the name Demumu' and charges users HK$8 to download it. The app has increasingly gained traction in China as the country is home to a large number of single residents. China may have as many as 200 million one-person households, with a solo living rate exceeding 30%, state newspaper the Global Times said. Are you dead app gets new name Sileme said on its official Weibo account on Tuesday that the company will roll out the global brand name Demumu in its new version soon. It is already called Demumu on Apple's paid app chart, where it is currently sitting at number two, after surging to the top earlier in the week. Thanks to all netizens for their enthusiastic support. We were originally just an unknown small team, co-founded and operated independently by three born after 1995, Sileme was quoted as saying by Reuters. Also Read | Chinese AI developers say they cant beat America without better chips Netizens on different social media platforms, including Weibo, urged Sileme not to change the app's name, while others suggested options like Are you alive, Are you online or Are you there. Wikimedia Foundation announced on 15 January that it had signed artificial intelligence deals with a number of AI companies on its 25th anniversary, as per an AP report. The Wikimedia Foundation is the parent of the online crowdsourced encyclopedia and free internet knowledge bastion, Wikipedia. The deals signed are with leading AI firms, including Amazon, France's Mistral AI, Meta Platforms, Microsoft and Perplexity, it added. This comes after the non-profit first signed a deal with Google in 2022, and other smaller players such as Ecosia in 2025, the AP report noted. Why is this significant? Free to use, Wikipedia is the ninth most-visited website on the internet. It has over 65 million articles in 300 languages, edited by around 2,50,000 volunteers. These deals with AI companies are significant because, in 2024, Wikipedia reported an 8% decline in human pageviews caused by increasing generative AI (gen AI) providing answers on search engines that do not direct readers to individual websites. The Wikimedia Foundation had then noted that evolving internet trends and sophisticated bot traffic are reshaping how people access information globally. It is also significant because, as the AP report noted, Wikipedia remains among the last standing bastions of the early internet, whose vision of a free online space has been muddied by the dominance of Big Tech, gen AI and AI chatbots trained on content scraped from the web. There is an increasingly bigger question about who pays for the AI boom amid aggressive data collection methods used by AI developers, including from Wikipedia's vast repository of free knowledge. Wikipedia's new AI deals: What we know Wikipedia's new deals will help the platform monetise heavy traffic from AI companies. AI companies as they pay to access Wikipedia content at a volume and speed designed specifically for their needs, the foundation said. Further details were not provided. Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales: Happy AI is training on human-curated data Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales said he welcomes this turn of events. I'm very happy personally that AI models are training on Wikipedia data because its human-curated. I wouldnt really want to use an AI thats trained only on X, you know, like a very angry AI, Wales told AP in an interview. He was referring to billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform, which rebranded from Twitter and hosts his AI bot Grok. Wales said Wikipedia will not block AI companies, but wants to work with them, provided the compensation is fair. You (AI companies) should probably chip in and pay for your fair share of the cost that youre putting on us. Notably, across the world, aggressive scraping and training of chatbots by AI companies has been met with lawsuits and IP contests alleging copyright and payment issues. How does Wikipedia plan to benefit from AI deals? Speaking to AP from Johannesburg, South Africa, Wikimedia Foundation CEO Maryana Iskander said the bulk of Wikipedia's funding comes from 8 million individual donors. Iskander will step down from her role on 20 January, with Bernadette Meehan set to take her place. But our infrastructure is not free, right? It costs money to maintain servers and other infrastructure that allows both individuals and tech companies to draw data from Wikipedia, she pointed out. Wales added, They're not donating in order to subsidise these huge AI companies. They're saying, You know what, actually you cant just smash our website. You have to sort of come in the right way. The foundation also sees benefits for editors and users as Wales outlined a strategy to use AI tools to reduce tedious tasks, such as updating dead links and finding additional sources online. There is also a search benefit: migrating from the traditional keyword method to chatbot suggestions instead. Wales explained: You can imagine a world where you can ask the Wikipedia search box a question and it will quote to you from Wikipedia. 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. Jimmy Wales says Elon Musk's Grokipedia not a real threat Commenting on Elon Musk's Grokipedia, which was launched in 2025 amid criticism from the world's richest man that Wikipedia is filled with propaganda, Wales said he does not consider Grokipedia a real threat because it's based on large language models (LLMs). Large language models arent good enough to write really quality reference material. So a lot of it is just regurgitated Wikipedia. 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 stated. He added that his criticism was not directed only at Grokipedia, but rather just the way LLMs work. (With inputs from AP) JEE Main exam date for West Bengal was recently rescheduled by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The testing agency has postponed the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026 exam slated for January 23 in view of clash with the auspicious festival of Saraswati Puja. As per the initial schedule, the national-level exam was scheduled between 21 and 29 January. According to the notification issued on Thursday, 15 January, a revised exam date for the state will be announced soon. In a post X, NTA stated, In view of the representations received from candidates in the state of West Bengal regarding the celebration of Saraswati Puja on 23 January 2026, it has been decided that all candidates scheduled to appear for JEE (Main) in West Bengal on 23 January 2026 shall be allotted another date of examination among the advertised dates for JEE (Main) 2026 Session 1 examination. For any queries, candidates may DM @NTA_Helpdesk or write to us at jeemain@nta.ac.in,or contact us at 011-40759000. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed responsibility for the rescheduling of the JEE Main exam in West Bengal. Taking credit for rescheduling the exam, Mamata Banerjee in a social media post on X alleged that she lobbied for the interest of the students appearing in the engineering exam this year. Since, the examination has been postponed she asserted that the students will be able to celebrate the festival and offer prayer to Goddess Saraswati. The post states, Earlier GOI/ National Testing Agency had scheduled Joint Entrance Examination on 23 January, which happens to be Netajis birthday and Saraswati Puja, which the students are expected and habituated to celebrate with respect. This put our students into difficulty and I intervened to protest and seek a change.Due to my intervention, GOI/ National Testing Agency has arranged to give an alternative examination date for our boys and girls; so they will have scope to pray to Goddess Saraswati on that day! Best wishes! JEE Main 2026 admit card On 8 January 2026, the JEE Main 2026 advance intimation slip for Allotment of Examination City was released at the official website, jeemain.nta.nic.in. The dates for both Paper 1 (B.E./B. Tech) and Paper 2 of Session 1 were also released. The Testing Agency will soon release the JEE Main 2026 Admit Card. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday thanked voters for "giving a grand victory" to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the saffron party and its ally, the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, inched closer to winning the Maharashtra civic bodies' election. He claimed that Maharashtra relies on PM Modi a lot. We faced these elections with a vision of development under the leadership of PM Modi... That is why we got a record-breaking mandate in these elections... These results have clarified that Maharashtra relies a lot on PM Modi, news agency ANI quoted Fadnavis as saying. CM Fadnavis' comments come as the BJP-led Mahayuti appears set for a sweeping victory in Maharashtra with a commanding lead across most of the states 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai (BMC), Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kalyan-Dombivali, Nashik, Thane and Navi Mumbai. Mahayuti to have '25 mayors CM Fadnavis said that 'BJP and Mahayuti are going to form their 25 mayors after the elections. First of all, I want to thank the citizens of Maharashtra for giving a grand victory to the BJP in the municipal elections. BJP and Mahayuti are going to form their 25 mayors after these elections, said the Maharashtra CM. BMC Election Results 2026 According to official results, the BJP has won 56 wards, while the Shiv Sena won 22 out of Mumbai's 227 wards. The Shiv Sena (UBT) emerged victorious in 44 wards, according to the figures reported around 5 PM. With counting still underway, television channels reported the BJP leading in 98 wards, with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena ahead in 26 wards. The BMC elections were held after a four-year delay and are the first since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena. The undivided party had controlled Indias richest civic body for 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. The BMC has an annual budget exceeding 74,400 crore. According to the State Election Commission, the overall voter turnout across civic bodies was estimated at 4650%. Mumbai, which alone saw nearly 1,700 candidates in the fray, recorded about 50% pollinglower than the turnout in the 2017 BMC elections. BMC ward wise election result LIVE: The BJP and its ally, the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, are ahead in the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, as per early trends after vote counting commenced on Friday. According to data collected by HT, as of 10:45pm, BJP is ahead in 88 wards, followed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leading on 64 wards in BMC. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena, is leading in 29 wards, while Congress is leading in 24 wards. Speaking of the overall poll results, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday won 19 of the 29 civic wards in Maharashtra, while the Shiv Sena won 2 and Congress won 3, reported HT, citing data collected around 9:25pm. BMC ward wise election result LIVE: Ward-wise winner list Ward Number Name of Winner Party Ward no. 1 Rekha Yadav Shiv Sena Ward no. 2 Tejaswini Ghosalkar BJP Ward no. 3 Prakash Darekar BJP Ward no. 4 Mangesh Pangare Shiv Sena Ward no. 5 Ward no. 6 Ward no. 7 Ward no. 8 Ward no. 9 Shivanand Shetty BJP Ward no. 10 Jitendra Patel BJP Ward no. 11 Ward no. 12 Ward no. 13 Ward no. 14 Ward no. 15 Ward no. 16 Ward no. 17 Ward no. 18 Ward no. 19 Ward no. 20 Deepak Tavde BJP Ward no. 21 Lina Deherkar BJP Ward no. 22 Ward no. 23 Shivkumar Jha BJP Ward no. 24 Ward no. 25 Ward no. 26 Ward no. 27 Ward no. 28 Ward no. 29 Ward no. 30 Ward no. 31 Ward no. 32 Geeta Bhandari Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 33 Kamarjha Siddiqui Congress Ward no. 34 Ward no. 35 Yogesh Verma BJP Ward no. 36 Siddharth Sharma BJP Ward no. 37 Yogita Kadam Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 38 Surekha Parab MNS Ward no. 39 Pushpa Ramesh Kamble Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 40 Ward no. 41 Ward no. 42 Ward no. 43 Ward no. 44 Ward no. 45 Ward no. 46 Ward no. 47 Tejinder Tiwana BJP Ward no. 48 Ward no. 49 Ward no. 50 Vikram Rajput BJP Ward no. 51 Varsha Tembwalkar Shiv Sena Ward no. 52 Priti Satam BJP Ward no. 53 Jeetendra Valvi Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 54 Ward no. 55 Ward no. 56 Ward no. 57 Ward no. 58 Ward no. 59 Ward no. 60 Sayali Kulkarni BJP Ward no. 61 Ward no. 62 Ward no. 63 Ward no. 64 Ward no. 65 Ward no. 66 Ward no. 67 Ward no. 68 Ward no. 69 Ward no. 70 Ward no. 71 Ward no. 72 Ward no. 73 Ward no. 74 Ward no. 75 Ward no. 76 Ward no. 77 Ward no. 78 Ward no. 79 Ward no. 80 Ward no. 81 Ward no. 82 Ward no. 83 Sonali Samir Save Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 84 Ward no. 85 Ward no. 86 Ward no. 87 Ward no. 88 Ward no. 89 Ward no. 90 Tulip Miranda Congress Ward no. 91 Ward no. 92 Ward no. 93 Ward no. 94 Ward no. 95 Ward no. 96 Ward no. 97 Ward no. 98 Ward no. 99 Ward no. 100 Ward no. 101 Ward no. 102 Ward no. 103 Hetal Gala Morvakar BJP Ward no. 104 Prakash Gangadhare BJP Ward no. 105 Ward no. 106 Ward no. 107 Ward no. 108 Ward no. 109 Ward no. 110 Ward no. 111 Ward no. 112 Ward no. 113 Ward no. 114 Ward no. 115 Ward no. 116 Ward no. 117 Ward no. 118 Ward no. 119 Ward no. 120 Ward no. 121 Ward no. 122 Ward no. 123 Ward no. 124 Ayub Shaikh Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 125 Ward no. 126 Ward no. 127 Ward no. 128 Ward no. 129 Ward no. 130 Ward no. 131 Ward no. 132 Ward no. 133 Ward no. 134 Mehzabin Khan AIMIM Ward no. 135 Navnath Ban BJP Ward no. 136 Ward no. 137 Ward no. 138 Ward no. 139 Ward no. 140 Ward no. 141 Ward no. 142 Ward no. 143 Ward no. 144 Ward no. 145 Khairunisa Akbar Husain AIMIM Ward no. 146 Ward no. 147 Pragya Sadafule Shiv Sena Ward no. 148 Ward no. 149 Ward no. 150 Ward no. 151 Ward no. 152 Ward no. 153 Ward no. 154 Ward no. 155 Ward no. 156 Ashwini Matekar Shiv Sena Ward no. 157 Ward no. 158 Ward no. 159 Ward no. 160 Ward no. 161 Ward no. 162 Ward no. 163 Shaila Lande Shiv Sena Ward no. 164 Ward no. 165 Ashraf Azmi Congress Ward no. 166 Ward no. 167 Ward no. 168 Ward no. 169 Ward no. 170 Ward no. 171 Ward no. 172 Rajashree Shirwadkar BJP Ward no. 173 Shilpa Keluskar BJP Ward no. 174 Ward no. 175 Ward no. 176 Ward no. 177 Ward no. 178 Ward no. 179 Ward no. 180 Ward no. 181 Ward no. 182 Milind Vidya Shiv Sena Ward no. 183 Asha Kale Congress Ward no. 184 Sajidani Babu Khan Congress Ward no. 185 T M Jagdish Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 186 Archana Shinde Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 187 Joseph Koli Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 188 Bhaskar R Shetty Shiv Sena Ward no. 189 Ward no. 190 Ward no. 191 Ward no. 192 Ward no. 193 Hemangi Harish Worlikar Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 194 Nishikant Shinde Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 195 Vijay Bhange Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 196 Ashish Chemburkar Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 197 Ward no. 198 Ward no. 199 Kishori Pednekar Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 200 Ward no. 201 Iram Siddiqui Samajwadi Party Ward no. 202 Ward no. 203 Ward no. 204 Ward no. 205 Ward no. 206 Ward no. 207 Rohidas Lokhande BJP Ward no. 208 Ramakant Rahate Shiv Sena (UBT) Ward no. 209 Yamini Jadhav Shiv Sena Ward no. 210 Ward no. 211 Ward no. 212 Ward no. 213 Ward no. 214 Ajit Patil BJP Ward no. 215 Ward no. 216 Ward no. 217 Gaurang C Jhaveri BJP Ward no. 218 Ward no. 219 Ward no. 220 Ward no. 221 Ward no. 222 Ward no. 223 Ward no. 224 Ward no. 225 Ward no. 226 Ward no. 227 Thackeray cousins trail in Mumbai The reunited Thackeray cousins appeared to be trailing the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Mumbai. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) was reportedly leading in 10 wards, while Raj Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) was ahead in six. In Thane, considered a stronghold of Eknath Shinde, his party was leading in nine of 131 wards, marginally ahead of the BJP, which was leading in six, according to early trends. BJP dominates early trends in Pune In Pune, the BJP appeared to be outperforming its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The BJP was leading in 32 of 165 wards, while the NCP, led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, was ahead in 14. Exit polls have predicted a sweeping victory for the ruling Mahayuti alliance across the 29 municipal corporations that went to polls on Thursday. Lower turnout, high political stakes Mumbai recorded a voter turnout of 52.94 per cent, down from 55.53 per cent in the 2017 civic elections, officials said. The BMC elections were held after a four-year delay and are the first since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena. The undivided party had controlled Indias richest civic body for 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. The BMC has an annual budget exceeding 74,400 crore. Statewide civic polls after long gap Elections were held across 29 municipal corporations after the expiry of terms between 2020 and 2023. Nine of these corporations are located in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Indias most urbanised belt. The Mahayuti alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has expanded its lead in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with the trends from preliminary data indicating that the alliance is leading in 118 wards in Mumbai. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is trailing on 78 seats. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading on 86 seats, Shiv Sena is leading in 31 seats in Mumbai, as per trends shown on TV. The Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance has managed to cross the 78 mark, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) only leading in 9, and UBT Sena leading in 58, and NCP (SP) leading only in 1. Similarly, the Ajit Pawar's NCP is also leading in 1 seat, while the Congress party continued to have a dismal performance with leads in only 10 seats. According to the BMC, UBT's Foram Parmar is trailing in ward 1, while the party candidate Gita Bhandari is leading in ward 32. Shinde's Shiv Sena candidate Varsha Tembelkar is leading in Ward 51. Meanwhile in BJP camp, Deepak Tavde, Ujjwal Veti, and Neil Somaiya are leading in their respective wards. Congress' Asha Deepak Kale also won the ward number 183 in Mumbai's Dharavi. In the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) the BJP has displaced the Pawars with leads in 50 of 165 seats, while the two NCP factions lead in 5 and Congress-UBT alliance in 7. According to the official data from PMC, BJP has 47 leads while the NCP factions lead in 8 and the Congress in 5 wards. In Pune's first results, from Ward No. 20 in the Shankar Maharaj Math-Bibewadi area, three BJP candidates, Rajendra Shilimkar, Tanvi Divekar, and Mansi Deshpande, were elected, while NCP's Gaurav Ghule also emerged victorious, defeating BJP's Mahendra Sundecha. In Thane Municipal Corporation, the home seat of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde BJP led in 21 of 131 wards, with the NCP at 6 and UBT-MNS-NCP(SP) at 6 leads. The BMC elections concluded on Thursday, recording a voter turnout of 52.94 per cent, according to the data released by the State Election Commissioner (SEC) today. The elections for India's richest municipal corporations were marred by allegations by the Shiv Sena (UBT)- MNS alliance, and subsequently refuted by the SEC. The elections marked a significant civic exercise for Mumbai after a gap of eight years. The elections, which were conducted after a gap of eight years, marked a significant civic exercise for Mumbai. The previous BMC elections were held in 2017, while the term of the last elected mayor, Kishori Pednekar, ended in March 2022. With the completion of the polls, Mumbai is set to get a new mayor after nearly four years. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, put up a stellar show in the Maharashtra civic body elections. Held after a nine-year hiatus, the Maharashtra civic poll results on Friday saw the Mahayuti nearly poised for a sweep, the Congress' solo act, and the temporary merger of two rival NCP factions, among others. The election results also saw four former mayors emerging victorious in the Mumbai civic polls, along with three former deputy mayors. Here are the five key takeaways from the Maharashtra civic body election results: Mahayuti roars past majority mark in Mumbai Mahayuti had already crossed the majority mark leading on 117 wards out of Mumbai's 227 wards early trends showed, with counting still underway. According to data collected by HT, as of 10:45pm, BJP was ahead in 88 seats, followed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leading on 64 seats in BMC. Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, is leading in 29 seats while Congress is leading in 24 seats. Saffron surge in Maharashtra? Dismissing allegations of vote theft and overcoming disputes over indelible ink, the BJP pulled far ahead of its main rivals the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS and NCP (SP) with a particularly strong show in Pune, long seen as the Pawar familys bastion. Even with Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar closing ranks to defend their turf, the BJP outperformed the combined NCP and NCP (SP) in both the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations. As counting continued, the saffron party also surged ahead in civic bodies across western Maharashtra, including Kolhapur, Satara, Solapur and Sangli. Four former mayors, three deputy mayors win Several familiar faces emerged victorious in the BMC elections on Friday, with four former mayors Kishori Pednekar, Shraddha Jadhav, Vishakha Raut and Milind Vaidya and three exdeputy mayors winning. Pednekar won from Ward 192, Jadhav from Ward 202, Raut from Ward 191 and Vaidya from Ward 182. All four belong to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Former deputy mayors Suhas Wadkar won from Ward 41, Hemangi Waralikar from Ward 193, and Alka Kerkar won from Ward 98. While Wadkar and Waralikar are from the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena, Kerkar belongs to the BJP. Congress' solo act The Congress, which contested the local body elections on its own, failed to make a mark in Mumbai. However, its overall performance across Maharashtras civic polls outpaced that of both the Thackeray cousins alliance and the rival Pawar factions. Despite fielding candidates in just 528 of the 2,869 seats, the Congress secured 226 seats across various civic bodies, as per data collected by HT. Notably, this marked the partys first solo outing in local elections since 1999, a decision driven by shifting alliances and questions over political legacy. Counting for the high-stakes Mumbai municipal corporation elections started on Friday, 16 January. The BJP and ally Shiv Sena were ahead in as per trends in 210 of 227 wards. There was no official confirmation from the State Election Commission, but TV channels said the BJP was leading in majority wards across Thane and Nagpur, with the Shinde Sena following close behind. TMC Election Result Early trends suggested a saffron wave in the Thane Municipal Corporation, which has 13 wards. Voting for the TMC elections were held on 15 January, and the results will be declared on 16 January, the counting of which has already begun. In the last TMC election held in 2017, a total of 131 seats were contested in the Thane Municipal Corporation. Shiv Sena won the elections with 67 seats, while the Nationalist Congress Party secured 35 seats. The BJP had won in 23 wards at the time. Nagpur (NMC) Election result The NMC election result has also caught eyes. Main contenders for the Nagpur corporation include the Mahayuti alliance comprising Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Nagpur has a trong BJP influence and is home to influential leaders like Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. As expected, BJP is leading in majority seats of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. WASHINGTONPresident Trump was advised that a large-scale strike against Iran was unlikely to make the government fall and could spark a wider conflict, U.S. officials said, and for now will monitor how Tehran handles protesters before deciding on the scope of a potential attack. The U.S. would need more military firepower in the Middle East both to launch a large-scale strike, protect American forces in the region and allies like Israel should Iran retaliate, the advisers told Trump, the officials said. The U.S. officials and Middle Eastern partners told the White House the regime was unlikely to fall after a massive bombing campaign, which could instead spark a broader conflict. Smaller assault packages, meanwhile, could boost morale among protesters but ultimately not change the regimes crackdown against dissenters, the officials said. Trump, without making a final decision on which action he would take, asked for military assets to be in place should he order a big attack, the officials said. The president and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday. She said the U.S. learned of Iranian plans to execute 800 people Wednesday, which didnt happen. She also confirmed Trump had a recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but didnt disclose specifics of their discussion. She didnt say when the conversation took place. NBC earlier reported that Trumps advisers couldnt guarantee that the Iranian regime would quickly collapse after a U.S. strike. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) told reporters Thursday that the size of an operation against Iran is still in question. Should it be bigger or smaller? Im in the camp of bigger. Time will tell," said the staunch Trump ally, adding he hopes the regimes days are numbered." Iranian officials in recent days called the governments of Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman to warn them that if attacked Iran would strike American bases in the region, according to a diplomat familiar with the talks. The official said the most likely target for possible Iranian retaliation was the large American military base in Qatar, which Tehran has previously targeted with missiles and drones during times of tension with Washington. The U.S. moved some troops off the base this week as a precaution. Some troops were sent to hotels, according to an official familiar with the situation. Key U.S. allies in the region including Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have urged Trump in recent days not to attack Iran. Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan, who has been calling and meeting regional leaders including Iranian officials, said hes working to avoid a military escalation. We do not want an intervention here," he told a news conference in Istanbul on Thursday. Still, Trump is expected to order the Pentagon to send an aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, from the South China Sea to the Middle East, according to two U.S. officials and another person familiar with the move. Once it begins, the journey is expected to last about a week, the people said. View Full Image The USS Abraham Lincoln The internal discussions show the complications of enforcing Trumps red line that Iran couldnt kill protesters en masse. Tehrans heavy crackdown has killed thousands of people and forced demonstrators off the streets in some cities. Now the president is left with options that fall short of quick victory over the regime and firmly supporting the uprising. Trump said Tuesday that help is on its way," urging protesters to keep pressuring the regime. The next day he told reporters that Iran had said it would stop killing and wouldnt execute protesters, a sign that he might not order strikes as long as the crackdown stops. On Thursday morning Trump appeared pleased with reports that Iran wasnt going to execute demonstrators. Good news," he posted on social media. Hopefully, it will continue!" U.S. and Middle Eastern officials said Trump might be stalling for time as military assets move toward the Middle East. One Qatari official said the U.S. might need five to seven days to prepare a full offensive. Last June, the president said he was open to a two-week negotiation with Iran over its nuclear program despite already approving an attack plan. Write to Alexander Ward at alex.ward@wsj.com, Lara Seligman at lara.seligman@wsj.com and Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com Bank holiday today, 16 January: The ongoing week has been seeing multiple bank holidays across several states in India on the occasion of various harvest festivals and other observations. Since there are so many bank holidays this week, it has led to the question whether banks are open or closed today, 16 January. There is a bank holiday on 16 January, Friday, in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day and Kanuma. This means that all public and private sector banks, including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and PNB will be closed in these two states. Bank holidays may differ from region to region depending on the festival or other important events. They are determined by the Reserve Bank of India, which shares the dates in the RBI bank holiday calendar. On national holidays like Independence Day and Republic day, a bank holiday is observed across the nation. What is Thiruvalluvar Day? Tamil Nadu will observe a bank holiday for Thiruvalluvar Day, a public holiday in the state to mark the contributions of the great Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, author of the Thirukkural. The day is celebrated along with Pongal festivities. It is to celebrate his profound work, the Thirukkural, which comprises 1,330 couplets on virtues (Dharma), wealth (Artha), and love (Kama). People remember him through events, cultural discussions and by reflecting on his verses. What is Kanuma? Kanuma is a significant harvest festival celebrated mostly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. On this day, people honour cattle, especially bulls and cows, for their contribution to agriculture. Kanuma is marked with festivities like rituals, decorations, and community gatherings. Remaining bank holidays in January There were up to 16 bank holidays in January, many of which have been used up already. The 16 bank holidays this month includes weekends. Here are the rest of the bank holidays in January 17 January Banks in Tamil Nadu will be closed due to Uzhavar Thirunal. 23 January Banks will be closed in West Bengal, Odisha and Tripura due to the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose / Saraswati Puja (Shree Panchami) / Vir Surendrasai Jayanti / Basanta Panchami. 26 January Banks will be closed across all states and Union Territories of India due to Republic Day. The remaining bank holidays fall on weekends specifically, the second and fourth Saturdays and all four Sundays. The Centres plans for a new mobile phone security framework have unsettled smartphone makers and digital rights groups, opening a fresh debate over how far the state should go in regulating consumer technology. At the centre of the concern is a proposal, first reported by Reuters earlier this month, that could require smartphone manufacturers to make their source code available for official review. While the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) says consultations are ongoing and has denied seeking access to source code, the issue has emerged as a flashpoint between the government and the global technology industry. Also Read | Smartphone makers are betting big on AI features. Consumers see them as gimmicks The unease has been sharpened by Indias telecom security framework, particularly the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR), a set of standards drawn up by the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) under the Department of Telecommunications. ITSAR documents covering telecom and mobile equipment, including 5G access gear, state that source code shall be made available either at the Telecom Security Testing Laboratory (TSTL) premises or at a mutually agreed location for source code review by the designated TSTL". The unease has been sharpened by Indias telecom security framework, particularly the Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSAR), a set of standards drawn up by the National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) under the Department of Telecommunications. ITSAR documents covering telecom and mobile equipment, including 5G access gear, state that source code shall be made available either at the Telecom Security Testing Laboratory (TSTL) premises or at a mutually agreed location for source code review by the designated TSTL". While these requirements currently apply to specified telecom equipment, similar provisions are being discussed in draft form for smartphones, a shift that would bring consumer devices under a regulatory approach traditionally reserved for network infrastructure. With 85% of Indian households owning at least one smartphone in 2025, according to the ministry of statistics and programme implementation, the government argues that tighter oversight is needed to protect users from cyber threats and digital fraud. Smartphone makers counter that mandatory access to source code cuts close to their most valuable intellectual property and could ultimately weaken device security. Mint takes a closer look. Why has the source code issue surfaced now? The debate reflects Indias broader effort to expand telecom-style security oversight beyond networks to end-user devices. ITSAR, which until recently focused on core telecom equipment such as routers and optical devices, is now being extended in draft form to smartphones. This signals a shift in how the government views consumer devices, not merely as personal gadgets, but as part of the countrys critical digital infrastructure. According to the Reuters report, the government is considering a package of 83 security requirements for smartphones sold in India, aimed at introducing device-level assurances similar to those that already apply to telecom network equipment. The proposed rules include advance notification of major operating system updates and security patches, mandatory system logging for at least 12 months, periodic malware scans, tighter controls on access to microphones, cameras and sensors, protections against unauthorized rollback to older software versions, and provisions allowing users to uninstall pre-loaded applications. Taken together, the proposals would place smartphones under a certification and compliance regime closer to that applied to telecom infrastructure. The governments case is that in a market projected to have more than one billion smartphone users in 2025, according to the Internet and Mobile Association of India, such oversight is necessary to reduce systemic risk in digital payments, banking and government services. What is source codeand why does it matter? Source code is the human-readable set of instructions that governs how software functions. In smartphones, it controls everything from system boot-up and memory management to encryption, hardware access and permission controls. Modern smartphone operating systems run into tens of millions of lines of code. While some components are open source, large portions, particularly those related to security, hardware integration and optimization, are proprietary, determining how biometric data is protected, how updates are authenticated and how vulnerabilities are blocked. For companies such as Apple, Samsung and Google, this code represents years of engineering effort and billions of dollars in research and development, as well as a key source of competitive advantage. This is why access to source code differs fundamentally from hardware inspections or black-box security tests, which assess how a device behaves without exposing its internal design. Source code review offers deep visibility into system architecture, including the logic underpinning security defences. Whats the argument for source code review? From the governments perspective, source code review would allow independent verification that devices function as claimed and do not contain hidden vulnerabilities or backdoors that could be exploited at scale. At present, there is no routine, market-wide third-party certification required before smartphones are sold in India, with security assurance largely resting on manufacturers internal testing and platform controls. Source code access is seen as enabling deeper scrutiny of safeguards such as malware detection, sensor controls and update mechanisms. Why are manufacturers and civil society pushing back? The primary concern for manufacturers is intellectual property. Smartphone operating systems contain proprietary algorithms and design choices treated as trade secrets. Even limited disclosure to testing laboratories raises fears of leaks, reverse-engineering or misuse, particularly in a global supply chain spanning multiple jurisdictions. Manufacturers also argue that widening access to sensitive system code could weaken security rather than strengthen it, since modern device security depends on limiting deep system visibility alongside rapid patching. There are operational concerns too. Smartphones receive frequent updates, including emergency fixes, and any requirement for prior review risks delaying patches and leaving users exposed. Civil-society groups have raised parallel privacy concerns, warning that deeper state involvement in device software raises questions about surveillance and safeguards. How have other countries approached this? Globally, governments have moved to strengthen smartphone and software security, but few have required routine access to proprietary source code for consumer devices. In the US, smartphone security is governed by a patchwork of laws and standards rather than a single certification regime, including secure-by-design rules, supply-chain requirements and consumer-protection enforcement. There is no blanket mandate for source code disclosure before devices are sold. The European Union has taken a similar approach, with laws such as the Cyber Resilience Act focusing on secure design, conformity assessments and vulnerability reporting rather than source-code access. China is often cited as more intrusive, but even there access to source code has been contested. Apple has resisted regulatory pressure to provide iOS source code, with the dispute ending in compromises such as local data storage rather than routine access. Across major markets, governments have relied on audits and targeted reviews, not sweeping mandates for consumer handset source code. What happens next? The government has pushed back against claims that it plans to force companies to hand over source code. The Press Information Bureau has said no such mandate has been proposed, even as groups such as the Internet Freedom Foundation point out that ITSAR documents explicitly mention source code testing. In a public statement, the IFF said, However, this denial stands in stark contrast to the existence of detailed technical documents available on a government websiteA simple denial via social media cannot erase the existence of policy drafts that are already in the public domain or under active discussion." Also Read | Inside the race to be Indias top smartphone in 2025 MeitY officials have said consultations are ongoing and that industry feedback will be considered. According to Reuters, MeitY is now leading these discussions rather than the telecom department. There are precedents for course correction. In late 2025, the government faced backlash over a directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi mobile security app on smartphones, and later clarified that the app would not be mandatory. India accounts for roughly one in five smartphones sold globally, with brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi and Apple competing aggressively for market share. Any move to mandate deep access to device software would therefore have implications far beyond India. For now, consultations continue. What is clear is that as smartphones become central to economic and social life, decisions about security, privacy and control will shape Indias digital ecosystem for years to come. Bengaluru: Alcohol industry associations have urged the Telangana government to repay long-pending dues of 3,900 crore to state suppliers ahead of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, saying the issue threatens to deter capital inflows and dent investor confidence. In a joint statement on 16 January, the Brewers Association of India (BAI), the International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI), and the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) said the Telangana State Beverages Corporation Limiteds (TGBCLs) dues had crossed 3,900 crore, with about 900 crore pending for over a year. The alcohol 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," the three associations said in their joint statement. Together, they represent nearly all major alcohol makers in India including Diageo, Pernod Ricard, AB InBev, United Breweries, Allied Blenders, Radico Khaitan and Sula Vineyards. Also Read | Indias liquor market needs the right kick The latest warning comes amid growing stress in Telanganas alcohol supply chain, as Mint reported in October 2025, when industry bodies flagged 3,151 crore in unpaid dues to suppliers and cautioned that delays could disrupt liquor availability during the festive season spanning Diwali, Christmas and the New Year, when sales typically peak. The long-standing issue has already dented investor confidence. Industrial investments in the state more than halved to 13,730 crore in 2024-25 from 28,100 crore in the previous year. Telanganas excise revenues have increased more than four-fold over the past decade, from around 9,000 crore in 2013-14 to nearly 38,000 crore in 2023-24, the statement said. The state also collected more than 3,000 crore in October 2025 alone through application fees for liquor retail licences, and excise revenue in December 2025 was an all-time high, it added. Telangana is among Indias top five alcohol-consuming states, making steady supply crucial for revenue and market stability. Liquor pricing, taxation and distribution fall entirely under state governments in India, and excise constitutes a key revenue source. The sector is especially important to Telangana as the third largest contributor to its revenues, bringing in about 2,300-2,600 crore every month. It also supports around 70,000 direct and indirect jobs across brewing, distillation, packaging, logistics and retail, according to the joint statement. Telangana is among Indias top five alcohol-consuming states, making supply continuity critical both for revenues and market stability. Precarious situation Senior executives and analysts familiar with the developments said the state had initially paid its monthly dues on time, but that only lasted a short while. Alcohol industry CEOs and representative bodies had met the Telangana chief minister in July 2024 and he had asked for up to three months to resolve the issue and ensure payments are made on time," a senior alcohol industry executive told Mint, requesting anonymity. By January 2025, these payments had stopped again. This has now become a slightly precarious situation. We had asked the government to offset some of the pending dues with the proceeds from their retail license auctions," the executive added. This is simply a state government fiscal problem," an analyst tracking the developments told Mint, who also requested anonymity. There are multiple departments that have not been paid their dues by the Telangana government. Some suppliers had stopped selling to Telangana for a short while to try and recover some of their dues. But major suppliers cannot afford to ignore Telangana when sales of spirits are hurting in Maharashtra and of beer in Karnataka." Spirits sales in Maharashtra have been suffering due to a hike in taxes, and the introduction of a Maharashtra Made Liquor (MML) policy last year made national alco-bev makers wary. Meanwhile, Karnataka hiked taxes on beer, hurting the sales of all major brewers in the state. Telangana accounted for 9% of total Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) spirit volumes as of FY23, equities brokerage firm Jefferies said in a report in September 2025. Use auction proceeds Industry associations had earlier urged the government to use the proceeds of retail liquor licence auctions, which are expected to raise around 3,000 crore, to clear pending payments and ease working-capital stress, while also seeking a temporary reduction in advance excise duty. Financial strain in the sector has since intensified. Mint reported on 8 January that United Breweries Ltd, which controls nearly 70% of Telanganas beer market, suspended supplies to the state-run Telangana State Beverages Corporation Ltd (TGBCL), citing sustained operating losses, unpaid dues, and the lack of a price revision since FY20 despite sharp increases in input costs. Beer prices in Telangana remain significantly lower than in neighbouring states, squeezing manufacturers margins. TGBCL, set up after the states creation in 2014, has not revised prices or cleared backlogs despite repeated representations by industry players. The delays were linked to the states fiscal pressures in early 2024, when revenues lagged projections even as expenditure rose because of welfare commitments, Mint reported. Soumya Gupta contributed to this report. Silver prices declined on Friday after the US refrained from putting import tariffs on critical minerals. Gold prices also traded lower as US dollar strengthened after weaker-than-expected weekly jobless claims and President Donald Trump moderating tone on Iran. Silver rate today fell 0.8% to $91.6861 an ounce, but was still up 15% for the week on surging demand for precious metals. Gold rate dipped 0.3% to $4,603.49, but was up more than 2% for the week US President Donald Trump said the administration would pursue bilateral agreements to secure adequate supplies of critical minerals, Bloomberg reported. He also floated the idea of imposing price floors on importsrather than percentage-based tariffsto support the development of supply chains, while not ruling out the possibility of levies at a later stage. Also Read | Robert Kiyosaki warns of silver price crash, plans to trade metal for gold Meanwhile, gold prices also declined after hitting a record high in the previous session. Safe-haven demand for the precious metal eased amid reduced concerns over US tariffs, a softer tone from President Donald Trump on the Federal Reserve chair and Iran, and profit booking by investors. Can MCX Silver Hit 4 lakh level? MCX gold and silver prices continued their bull run and hit a record high in the previous session. SAMCO Securities has made a prediction that MCX silver prices could rise to 3.94 lakh per kg, continuing its record rally after prices have already risen over 25% in 2026. The earlier resistance zone around 2,59,574 has now turned into an important support area in the event of any interim pullbacks. From a projection standpoint, Fibonacci extensions from the prior base indicate higher price objectives ahead. The 2.618 Fibonacci extension aligns near the 2,96,737 zone, which becomes the first major medium term target, said Apurva Sheth, Head of Market Perspectives & Research, SAMCO. Beyond this, the 3.618 Fibonacci extension points towards the 3,56,871 region, while an extended move in a strong momentum environment could even open up levels closer to 3,94,034 over time, she added. It is not just precious metals, the entire commodity basket is going through a supercycle, the analyst said. (Bloomberg) -- Shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac extended days-long losing streaks amid mounting unease about the impact of President Donald Trumps policy moves on efforts to release the mortgage-finance giants from government control. Fannie and Freddie common stock both sank around 10% in Friday trading to the lowest intraday levels since late November, with Fannie falling for a fifth day and Freddie down for a seventh day. Both stocks have tumbled more than 40% from peaks reached in September, but still remain up over 60% from year-ago levels. Optimism about upcoming IPOs had fueled notable 2025 gains for the two companies, which have been under Washingtons control since the financial crisis. Momentum crested after word in August that the administration was contemplating an IPO that could value the enterprises at around $500 billion or more, involving selling 5% to 15% of their stock to raise about $30 billion. Recent proposals including requiring Fannie and Freddie to purchase mortgage bonds and remarks casting doubt on an offering anytime soon have further damped that optimism. For Matthew Aks at Evercore ISI, the IPO dead narrative is getting a lot of attention but its not the full story. I have heard some anecdotes of people who have been in this trade for a year and are up a good bit already just deciding now is the time to take profits and get out, the strategist said. He still sees a path forward for the investors, which he described as not quite full IPO but still a way where there is more upside. In recent weeks, investors have been assessing a slew of housing-linked proposals from Trump, including directing Fannie and Freddie to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds, a move he cast as part of an effort to bring down housing costs. There is also speculation about what the president may say regarding housing next week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trumps mortgage-bond directive adds risk to the balance sheet in the event of future losses, JPMorgan global economist Joseph Lupton writes in a note. To the extent the administration has talked in the past about letting the GSEs go private, levering them up in this way could delay their release from government control, he said, referring to Fannie and Freddie as government-sponsored enterprises. On Thursday, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte hailed Trumps decision not to sell the mortgage-finance companies during his first term. Thanks to President Trumps decision to not sell these companies for $100 billion in his first term, Fannie and Freddie are getting stronger every day, he wrote in a post. Earlier this month, Pulte had said Trump would decide on the next steps for the IPOs of Fannie and Freddie in the next month or two. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Infosys Ltd delivered sequential constant currency (CC) revenue growth of 0.6% in the December quarter (Q3FY26), beating the consensus estimate of 0.3%, despite seasonality and a drop in third-party revenue. The improvement was led by growth in communications, manufacturing, and financial services verticals. Large deal wins were strong. Total contract value in Q3 rose to $4.85 billion from $3.1 billion in Q2, with a net new deal component at around 57%. Infosys Ltd delivered sequential constant currency (CC) revenue growth of 0.6% in the December quarter (Q3FY26), beating the consensus estimate of 0.3%, despite seasonality and a drop in third-party revenue. Infosys Ltd delivered sequential constant currency (CC) revenue growth of 0.6% in the December quarter (Q3FY26), beating the consensus estimate of 0.3%, despite seasonality and a drop in third-party revenue. The improvement was led by growth in communications, manufacturing, and financial services verticals. Large deal wins were strong. Total contract value in Q3 rose to $4.85 billion from $3.1 billion in Q2, with a net new deal component at around 57%. Among the significant large deals was a $1.6 billion deal with the National Health Service in the UK. It bagged 26 large deals in Q3 (versus 23 deals in Q2). Strong deal wins aid medium-term revenue visibility. Unsurprisingly, Infosys raised FY26 year-on-year CC growth guidance from 2-3% to 3-3.5%. This excludes any revenue from the joint venture with Telstra. The lower end of the revised band assumes elevated levels of macro uncertainty, and the higher end assumes some macro improvement, the management said. Also Read | TCS and Infosys scramble as top clients trim budgets In reaction, Infosyss American Depository Receipts rose 10% in New York on 14 January. Indian stock exchanges were closed on 15 January due to the Municipal Corporation Elections in Maharashtra. AI momentum The ask rate for the top-end of guidance in Q4FY26 is now flat versus earlier expectations of 1% decline, said Motilal Oswal Financial Services. The exit rate for Q4 will be crucial in setting the base for the FY27 revenue trajectory. Infosyss guidance upgrade implies 5.4% on-year CC growth in Q4. We believe FY27E growth rates could improve to 6%+ on-year in organic CC terms," added Motilal Oswal. The management highlighted strong AI momentum with 4,600-plus AI projects. It sees six value pools of opportunity in AI services: AI engineering services; data for AI; agents for operations; AI software development and legacy modernization; AI deployed in physical devices; and AI trust and risk services. AI adoption is now embedded across most service offerings and is not deflationary at the company level, the management said. Last week, Infosys announced a strategic collaboration with Cognition to deploy Devin, its AI software engineer, across its internal engineering teams and global client engagements. Based on deal wins and AI partnerships, Infosys expects revenue growth acceleration in BFSI, energy, utilities, resources, and services verticals in FY27. However, the outlook for retail and CPG remains cautious amid tariff and geopolitical uncertainty. Manufacturing discretionary spending also remains under pressure. Infosys has seen some earnings upgrades as it is poised to benefit from enterprise-wide AI spending, given its discretionary heavy services offerings mix. We raise our FY26-28 revenue estimates by 1% and expect Infosys to deliver ~3%/5% CC revenue growth in FY26/27," said a Jefferies India report dated 14 January. Also Read | Four stocks where promoters see value despite market volatility Earnings before interest and tax margins, adjusted for new labour code provisions, rose 20 basis points sequentially to 21.2%, aided by foreign exchange tailwinds and Project Maximus. Infosys has maintained its FY26 margin guidance of 20-22%. Stumbling blocks On the flipside, one of the companys top three clients, Daimler, seeks new suppliers for software and equipment services, and that can be a risk. The Infosys management has indicated that the contract remains in place until December. The potential loss of business from Daimler could present a 1.5% revenue headwind over FY27-28E, estimates Motilal. Here, revival in short-cycle deals could help Infosys compensate for the loss to some extent. Meanwhile, Infosys stock declined 13% in 2025 amid muted discretionary technology spending. It now trades at a FY27 price-to-earnings multiple of 22x, which is largely in line with its historical average, as per Bloomberg consensus. Also Read | Will the stock market crash in 2026? Budget 2026: All eyes are on the mega-policy eventthe Union Budget 2026. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth budget on Sunday, February 1, and is expected to reinforce the governments focus on accelerating economic growth while maintaining fiscal prudence. In this context, the Centre is likely to step up spending on the infrastructure sector to boost growth, generate employment, and further advance the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" goal. As hopes for a significant push into the infrastructure sector rise, experts are turning more positive about the sector. "A Budget that sustains infrastructure capex, strengthens export support and enhances sector-specific competitiveness will both bolster domestic growth and signal confidence to investors," said Sreeram Ramdas, Vice President at Green Portfolio PMS. Budget to increase infra outlay? Experts believe the government will announce an increase in infrastructure spending in the Budget 2026. According to Radhika Rao, Senior Economist and Executive Director at DBS Bank, the Budget will likely announce higher capital expenditure outlays for infrastructure, which includes railways, roads, highways, defence, and transfers to states, collectively representing around 80% of effective capex. Sujan Hajra, Chief Economist and Executive Director at Anand Rathi Group, believes that while overall capex should remain strong, its distribution is likely to change. "While geopolitical risks persist, we expect the growth in defence outlays to moderate. This does not mean defence spending will decline, but its growth rate could slow. As a result, sectors such as energy and other infrastructure segments could see relatively higher increases in allocation," said Hajra. Ajitabh Bharti, the co-founder and executive director of CapitalXB, underscored that over the past few years, sustained public investment in highways, railways, logistics corridors, and urban infrastructure has materially improved connectivity and reduced friction across supply chains. Bharti said the government may further increase the outlay for the infrastructure sector in the Budget, with a continued focus on transport, logistics, and urban assets. "Alongside physical infrastructure, sharper attention to digital public platforms, institutional capability, and human capital will be critical to improving productivity and supporting long-term, sustainable growthparticularly for MSMEs that remain central to economic activity," said Bharti. "The Indian government is widely expected to step up infrastructure spending in the Union Budget 202627, reinforcing its strategy of using public investment as a core driver of economic growth," said Seema Srivastava, Senior Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities. Srivastava underscored that over the past few years, infrastructure-led capex has become the backbone of Indias growth model, particularly at a time when global uncertainty and cautious corporate sentiment have constrained private investment. "The upcoming budget is likely to continue this approach, with meaningful implications for growth, employment, and long-term competitiveness," said Srivastava. Srivastava believes that for FY27, central government capital expenditure may rise to around 3.13.2% of GDP, translating into a year-on-year increase of roughly 712% compared to FY26. "Roads and highways are likely to continue receiving strong support to expand national connectivity. Railways should see increased investment for modernisation and capacity enhancement. Renewable energy, ports and logistics infrastructure are expected to attract greater focus, aligning with Indias energy transition goals and export ambitions," said Srivastava. Infra stocks to buy Experts appear upbeat about the infrastructure sector but suggest picking stocks with strong fundamentals from the sector. Drumil Vithlani, Technical Analyst at Bonanza, said investors can consider Hindustan Construction Company (HCC, GMR Airports, Kalpataru Projects International, Larsen and Toubro, and Dilip Buildcon from the sector. Ajit Mishra, SVP of Research at Religare Broking, recommends Ultratech and Dalmia Bharat from the cement space, and KEC International from the power EPC segment. Mishra is also positive on Power Grid from the power transmission segment and NCC from the infrastructure space. Read all Budget-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar Indian stock markets wrapped up the week largely flat as investors parsed the first batch of December-quarter earnings, finding no clear cues to take fresh positions in the week ahead. The Nifty 50 closed the week at 25,693.85 and the BSE Sensex at 83,556.87, as global volatility eroded investor confidence and triggered profit booking, capping gains through the week. Sentiment got a mild boost after the commerce secretary on 15 January said the first tranche of the IndiaUS trade deal was nearing finalisation. Separately, easing USIran tensions after reports said Washington assured Tehran of no imminent strikes helped soothe investor nerves. Still, buying stayed selective in heavyweights, while broader sentiment remained cautious, experts said. Metals topped the charts with nearly 5% weekly gains, trailed by IT at 2.7%. Sentiment in tech was boosted by Infosys, which jumped 5.6% on Friday after its better-than-expected results and an upward revision to its full-year revenue guidance. Also Read | Direct retail share in cash market falls to lowest in a decade Banks also rose around 2% as mid-cap lenders delivered better-than-expected Q3 prints with improving asset quality and margins. On the flip side, capital goods, consumer durables and realty remained under pressure, keeping the broader market locked in a narrow range. The cautious tone in domestic markets is also due to the gap between India and its emerging-market peers in foreign investment. South Korea and Taiwan emerged as top gainers, drawing foreign flows for a third straight week. South Korea and Taiwan sit at the centre of the artificial intelligence hardware and semiconductor value chain, benefiting from sustained earnings upgrades and solid order books, said Robin Arya, smallcase manager and founder at GoalFi, a Sebi-registered corporate research analysis firm. India lags due to foreign investor outflows and lingering earnings doubts, compounded by its limited AI-linked exposure, he added. Also Read | Intraday trades generate gains in large cap stocks, though the edge has dulled Market outlook Analysts expect market sentiment to remain fragile and see a further downside, flagging that Q3 earnings may not yet mark a broad-based upcycle. As the December quarter results kicked in this week, a Mint analysis of 82 companies (that declared their Q3 results so far) showed a 5.4% year-on-year drop in combined profitsa seven-quarter low. In contrast, revenue growth hit a five-quarter high of 14%, albeit on a low base. Analysts expect stock-specific moves to dominate the market going ahead, as seen in Groww and State Bank of India this week. Both stocks outperformed the broader market over the past month, with Groww gaining 8% and SBI 4% this week. Growws rally has been supported by a 580 crore investment from State Street Global Advisors in its asset management business, stronger-than-expected Q3 numbers and bullish brokerage views, despite heightened volatility since its listing two months ago. However, Arya cautioned that the earnings of capital market-linked stocks will stay cyclical, moving in line with market volumes and sentiment. Valuations are expensive across the board, making stock selection and earnings visibility crucial, he added. SBI, meanwhile, has emerged as a core compounder amongst investors rather than a tactical trade, noted Arya. Investors have confidence in its asset-quality improvements, stable margins, solid balance-sheet metrics and consistent profitability, he said. As a result, the stock hit a 52-week high this week. Markets are expected to remain range-bound in the coming week, with Q3 results and trade-deal progress driving stock-specific action, while geopolitical tensions remain a key overhang. Also Read | SBI taps CD market as deposit growth lags credit demand Q3 results today: The earnings season has finally begun with around 30 companies scheduled to report their financial results for the quarter ending on December 31, 2026, on Friday, January 16. Analysts and investors are closely tracking the third quarter of FY26 for indications of strong growth after the goods and services tax cuts announced on 22 September 2025, while also assessing how geopolitical uncertainty is affecting companies with global operations. Reliance Industries, Wipro, Tata Technologies, Tech Mahindra, L&T Finance, Poonawalla Fincorp, JSW Infrastructure among marquee companies to release their Q3 FY26 results today. Reliance Industries Q3 preview RILs consolidated revenue is likely to post around 8% year-on-year growth in Q3, with profit after tax estimated to rise roughly 7% from the same period last year. Consolidated EBITDA is forecast to increase by nearly 9% YoY, alongside a marginal improvement on a sequential basis, as per market analysts. According to Kotak Equities, O2C EBITDA is expected to jump about 15% YoY and 10% QoQ, aided by stronger refining margins. Digital EBITDA is projected to grow 16.5% YoY, although quarter-on-quarter growth is seen to remain modest at around 2.7%, driven by slightly higher ARPU and an expanding subscriber base. Wipro Q3 results preview Brokerage firm Axis Securities expects the IT major to report 2% QoQ revenue growth, driven by stability in the European business and partial contribution from the Harman acquisition. EBIT margins are expected to improve by 28 bps QoQ, supported by cost control measures and acquisition integration. Key monitorables include (a) deal TCV and pipeline, (b) performance of the European business, (c) Phoenix deal ramp-up, and (d) the Harman acquisition, the firm said in a note. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends 5 shares to buy today Here's a list of companies to declare Q3 earnings today, Friday, January 16 - No. Company Name Stock Symbol 1 Ador Welding Ltd ADOR 2 Amal Ltd AMAL 3 Atlas Cycles (Haryana) Ltd ATLASCYCLE 4 Bajaj Healthcare Ltd BAJAJHCARE 5 Capital India Finance Ltd CAPFIN 6 Central Bank of India CENTRALBK 7 Chembond Chemicals Ltd CHEMBOND 8 Continental Containers Ltd CONTICON 9 Damodar Industries Ltd DAMODARIND 10 Emerald Finance Ltd EMERALD 11 Federal Bank Ltd FEDERALBNK 12 GEE Ltd GEE 13 Geojit Financial Services Ltd GEOJITFSL 14 Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd HSCL 15 Indo Borax & Chemicals Ltd INDOBORAX 16 Jayatma Industries Ltd JAYATMA 17 JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd JBCHEPHARM 18 Jindal SAW Ltd JINDALSAW 19 JSW Infrastructure Ltd JSWINFRA 20 Kesoram Industries Ltd KESORAMIND 21 Keynote Corporate Services Ltd KEYCORP 22 L&T Finance Ltd LTF 23 Maharashtra EPC Ltd MAHEPC 24 Maharashtra Polybutenes Ltd MAPROIN 25 Nephro Care India Ltd NEPLOG 26 Nitin Fire Protection Industries Ltd NITINFIRE 27 Onward Technologies Ltd ONWARDTEC 28 Polycab India Ltd POLYCAB 29 Poonawalla Fincorp Ltd POONAWALLA 30 Reliance Industries Ltd RELIANCE 31 SML Isuzu Ltd SMLMAH 32 Sobha Ltd SOBHA 33 Sunraj Diamond Exports Ltd SUNRINV 34 Suraj Ltd SURAJLTD 35 Tata Technologies Ltd TATATECH 36 Tech Mahindra Ltd TECHM 37 The Leela Ventures Ltd THELEELA 38 Tree House Education & Accessories Ltd TREEHOUSE 39 Viji Finance Ltd VIJIFIN 40 Waaree Industries Ltd WAAREEINDO 41 Walchandnagar Industries Ltd WALCHPF 42 Wipro Ltd WIPRO Stock market today: The Indian stock market ended marginally lower on Wednesday as cautious sentiment prevailed amid persistent global macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds. Uncertainty over U.S. trade and tariff developments, along with escalating civilian unrest in Iran and rising prospects of U.S. military interventionpotentially heightening tensions across the Middle Eastcontinued to weigh on risk appetite and limit fresh buying interest. Overall, market action remained driven primarily by external cues, with investors remaining cautious and selective rather than aggressive in their positioning. Silver rate today In the international market, silver price today is under pressure. The COMEX silver price has opened with a downside gap and currently quoting $90.620 per ounce, 1.85% lower from yesterday's close. On Thursday, MCX silver rate finished 1.59% higher at 2,92,601 per kg. Gold rate today In the international market, gold price today is under pressure. The COMEX gold price has opened with a downside gap and currently quoting $4,606 per ounce, 0.38% lower from yesterday's close. On Thursday, MCX gold rate finished fkat at 1,43,120 per 10 fm. US-Iran latest news Amid escalating tension between the US and Iran, the UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss Iran's deadly protests at the request of the United States. This has left the entire world guessing about the US President Donald Trump's next move on Iran. On Thursday, Donald Trump changed his stance on Iran while talking to BBC, "We've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping," he said. "And there's no plan for executions I've been told that on good authority." Global markets: Asian market today Asian markets are showing a mixed trend in early tradeJapanese and Chinese indices are trading with mild losses, while South Korean equities are showing relative strength, highlighting a divided regional sentiment. While the evolving crisis in the Middle East will be closely monitoredparticularly for any potential disruption to oil supplies and the resulting impact on pricestodays market action is expected to remain largely stock-specific, driven by December-quarter earnings announcements and management commentary. Stock market today On the outlook of the Indian stock market, Ponmudi R, CERO at Enrich Money, said, The Indian stock market is set to begin the session on a cautious and range-bound note as multiple global headwinds continue to cap risk appetite. Ongoing geopolitical developments and tariff-related uncertainties are clouding near-term visibility, keeping investors from taking aggressive positions. Sentiment also remains restrained due to persistent FII outflows and mixed reactions to Q3 earnings, which have made participants more selective and defensive in their approach. Speaking on the outlook of the Nifty 50 index, Ponmudi R, CEO at Enrich Money, said, After a flat-to-soft opening on Wednesday, the Nifty 50 index gradually drifted lower through the session, retesting key support zones before a modest late recovery attempt. Buying interest once again emerged near the previous days low around 25,603, enabling the index to defend the 25,600 zone and attempt a move toward 25,700. However, follow-through buying remained absent, and the index failed to sustain higher levels. The Enrich Money expert stated that repeated rejection near the 25,900 zone continues to cap the upside, with immediate resistance now positioned around 25,800. On the downside, a decisive break below 25,600 could open the door for further weakness toward 25,50025,450. Momentum indicators remain weakRSI near 40 reflects a bearish bias without oversold conditions, while MACD stays in negative territory. Intraday structure indicates that bears continue to dominate on rallies, even as selective buying emerges at lower support levels, Ponmudi R of Enrich Money added. On the outlook of the Bank Nifty index, Ponmudi said, The Bank Nifty index opened on a negative note and remained under pressure during the early part of the session. Although the index attempted an intraday recovery, the move was decisively rejected near the 59,70059,800 supply zone, reaffirming this area as a strong overhead resistance. Technically, prices continue to trade below the falling trendline, keeping the broader structure weak and suggesting that todays rebound was corrective rather than trend-reversing. Repeated failure to sustain above 59,75059,800 highlights persistent supply at higher levels. Immediate support is seen at 59,40059,350, while the 59,00059,100 zone remains a key demand area. A sustained breakout above 59,800 would be required to shift momentum positively, whereas a decisive breakdown below 59,350 could invite renewed selling pressure toward 59,000, Ponmudi added. Stocks to buy today Regarding stocks to buy today, stock market experts Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking; Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Anand Rathi; and Shiju Koothupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, recommended these eight intraday stocks for today: NTPC, PNB, Mankind Pharma, LT, SAIL, hBL Engineering, BEML, and Indian Bank. Sumeet Bagadia's stock recommendations today 1] NTPC: Buy at 349.10, Target 380, Stop Loss 310. NTPC share price is trading above its key 20, 50, 100, and 200 EMAs, reinforcing the bullish bias. Momentum indicators also support the uptrend, with RSI at 65.62, having recently broken out from an oversold phase and now taking support near the 50 level, signalling sustained momentum. 2] PNB: Buy at 128.68, Target 142, Stop Loss 122. PNB share price has recently marked a fresh 52-week high and is consistently moving higher, signalling trend continuation rather than exhaustion, supported by an improving price structure. The stock is trading comfortably above its key 20, 50, 100, and 200-day EMAs, highlighting a strong bullish bias and reinforcing the positive outlook. Ganesh Dongre's buy or sell stocks 3] Mankind Pharma: Buy at 2240, Target 2320, Stop Loss 2180. In the recent short-term trend analysis of the stock, a notable bullish reversal pattern has emerged. This technical pattern suggests the possibility of a temporary retracement in the stock's price, potentially reaching around 2320. 4] LT: Buy at 3868, Target 4050, Stop Loss 3800. The stock has exhibited a strong, notable, and continuous bullish pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. The stock is currently priced at 3868 and is maintaining a strong support at 3800. The technical setup suggests a potential price retracement towards the 4050 level. 5] SAIL: Buy at 152, Target 162, Stop Loss 145. The stock has exhibited a strong, notable, and continuous bullish pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. Shiju Koothupalakkal's intraday stocks for today 6] HBL Engineering: Buy at 878, Target 930, Stop Loss 860. The stock, after witnessing a short period of correction, has taken support near the 838 zone with a higher bottom formation on the daily chart, currently indicating a significant revival, as evidenced by a positive candle formation that improves the bias. We expect a further rise in the coming days. 7] BEML: Buy at 1812, Target 1910, Stop Loss 1775. The stock, after slipping down from the 1915 zone, has consolidated near the 1760 level, taking support, and has currently picked up with a positive candle formation, accompanied by decent volume participation, which improves the bias and anticipates a further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI is currently well-positioned, indicating a positive trend reversal that signals a buy, and can be expected to continue with the positive move, with upside potential visible. 8] Indian Bank: Buy at 846, Target 900, Stop Loss 828. The stock has recently witnessed a good run-up and, after a short period of correction, has once again gained strength, currently taking support near the important 50-DEMA level at the 816 zone, which has indicated a positive candle formation with significant volume participation to improve the bias and is expected to rise further in the coming sessions. Stock market today: The Indian stock market is likely to open on a mixed note on Friday, January 16, tracking mixed cues from global cues. Asian markets traded mixed on Friday, meanwhile, US stocks closed in green on the back of solid economic data. Early trends from Gift Nifty pointed towards flat-to-negative opening, was trading marginally down by 6 points or 0.02% at 25,780. "Indian equity markets are set to begin the session on a cautious and range-bound note as multiple global headwinds continue to cap risk appetite. Ongoing geopolitical developments and tariff-related uncertainties are clouding near-term visibility, keeping investors from taking aggressive positions. Sentiment also remains restrained due to persistent FII outflows and mixed reactions to Q3 earnings, which have made participants more selective and defensive in their approach. Asian markets are showing a mixed trend in early tradeJapanese and Chinese indices are trading with mild losses, while South Korean equities are showing relative strength, highlighting a divided regional sentiment," said Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money. On Wednesday, benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty 50 declined for a second straight session amid ongoing uncertainty around an IndiaUS trade deal, mixed Q3 earnings, and sustained foreign fund outflows dampened investor sentiment. The Sensex slipped 245 points, or 0.29%, to close at 83,382.71, while the Nifty 50 shed 67 points, or 0.26%, ending at 25,665.60. In contrast, broader markets fared better, with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices rising 0.16% and 0.25%, respectively. Stocks to watch Against this backdrop, here's a list of stocks that may attract investor interest and are likely to move today. Reliance Industries, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Tata Technologies Shares of Reliance Industries, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Tata Technologies will remain in focus as companies will be declaring their third quarterly results on Friday. Infosys The IT major reported a 2% decline in net profit to 6,654 crore from 6,806 crore. Revenue increased 2.2% quarter-on-quarter to 45,479 crore, slightly beating estimates, while EBIT stood at 9,479 crore with an operating margin of 20.8%. Jio Financial Services The company posted a consolidated profit of 269 crore for Q3, marking an 8.8% decline from a year ago, even as total income surged to 901 crore, more than doubling year-on-year. Biocon The company said it raised 4,150 crore via a Qualified Institutional Placement, issuing 11.26 crore equity shares at 368.35 each, which represents a 2.8% discount to the previous closing price. HDB Financial Services The company posted a 36.3% year-on-year jump in net profit to 644 crore for the December quarter, alongside a 22.1% increase in net interest income to 2,285 crore. Bharat Heavy Electricals BHEL has begun supplying underslung traction transformers for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project, signalling its strategic foray into the semi-high-speed propulsion segment. Zydus Lifesciences The company has secured final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for Eltrombopag tablets, a medication used to treat thrombocytopenia, or low platelet counts, associated with certain blood disorders. RailTel Corporation The company has secured a Letter of Acceptance from Central Railway for an 88.66 crore project that entails the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of IP-MPLS network equipment across multiple stations in the Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Bhusawal, and Nagpur divisions. The project is aimed at enabling unified communication for Indian Railways. Also Read | Day trading guide for Nifty 50 to gold and silver; eight stocks to buy or sell NBCC India The company has secured a 55.02 crore contract from Indian Overseas Bank for the planning, design, execution, and successful completion and handover of the IOB New Regional Office building in Raipur. Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services The company has signed a referral agreement with Jio Credit, under which Zaggle will direct its corporate clients to Jio Credit to access leasing solutions as part of Zaggles Device Leasing Program. Tata Tech Q3 results: Tata Technologies, on Friday, January 16, reported a steep 96% year-on-year (YoY) fall in its consolidated profit for the December quarter of the current financial year (Q3FY26) due to the impact of new labour codes. According to the company's exchange filing, Tata Technologies' consolidated profit (attributable to the shareholders of the company) stood at 6.64 crore for Q3FY26 compared to 168.64 crore in the same quarter last year and 165.50 crore in Q2FY26. The sharp decline in the company's profit was largely due to a statutory impact of 139.87 crore during the quarter arising from new labour codes. Consolidated revenue from operations for the quarter rose 3.7% YoY to 1,365.73 crore from 1,317.38 crore in the same quarter last year. Operating EBITDA stood at 192.9 crore, down 17.6% YoY and 7.2% QoQ, while operating EBITDA margin for the quarter under review dropped to 14.1% from 17.8% YoY and 15.7% QoQ. The company added 178 employees during the quarter, as the total headcount by the end of Q3FY26 stood at 12,580 compared to 12,402 by the end of Q2FY26. Last twelve months voluntary attrition was 15.8% in Q3FY26 compared to 15.1% in Q2FY26 and 12.9% in Q3FY25. Q3 demonstrated the resilience and strength of our business, delivering growth despite seasonal softness and temporary headwinds. With strong vertical performance, six strategic deal wins, and continued investment in delivery capacity, we are poised for a sharp acceleration in Q4," said Warren Harris, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Technologies. "We expect sequential revenue growth of over 10%, signalling a clear inflection point. More importantly, the structural changes weve driven portfolio diversification, reduced concentration risk, and the Es-Tec acquisition have transformed our growth engine into one that is broader and stickier, Harris said. We made steady progress on our strategic priorities during the quarter. ES-Tec integration is on track and already creating joint opportunities. Margin headwinds from Q3 are behind us, and we expect to return toand exceedthe Q2 adjusted margin run-rate," said Uttam Gujrati, Chief Financial Officer, Tata Technologies. I wonder if Vir Das was a fan of Scrubs. So much in Happy Patel reminded me of Zach Braffs sitcom: the cutaways and inserts, the sheer number of throwaway gags, the gravitation towards sweetness and light. This sort of busy, packed, self-aware comedy has a robust tradition in American film and TV. But we dont see it much in Indiawhich makes Happy Patel a bit of a curiosity, as foreign-returned as its protagonist. The film opens with two British agents carrying out an extraction in Goa, which goes terribly wrong when local don Mario (Aamir Khan, this film's producer, enjoying himself a little too much) crashes the party. They just about survive, taking with them Happy, the baby son of their domestic worker, whos caught in the crossfire. This prologue is pure farce, funny while it lasts, but it doesn't have the heft to give the film an obvious emotional throughlinethat the daughter of Mario, whos fatally shot, will swear revenge on Happy, whos adopted by the agents and raised in England. Also Read | 75 breakfasts worth waking up for If the objective is get Happy to India in as few steps as possible, Das, co-writer Amogh Ranadive and co-director Kavi Shastri do an exemplary job. In double quick time, Happy (Das) is undergoing India training at MI7 (bargaining over groceries, watching Shah Rukh movies, all the essentials), and then hes in Goa. He meets his contact, Geet (Sharib Hashmi), the far more competent Roxy (Srushti Tawde), who rents him a dusty apartment, and falls instantly in love with Rupa (Mithila Palkar), as bad a dancer as he is a secret agent. The idea that Happy has been taught Hindi in a few weeks shoulders a lot of the comic weight. Every line he utters is a mistake or a malapropismgorey (white) becomes ghodey (horse), chhath (roof) becomes [redacted]. The film doubles down on this by including all the mistakes in the subtitles, which just makes them dirtier. On the other hand, the recurring gagsHappy pronouncing tum as tom and a white man named Tom appearing, the parodic jingle for his catering venture back in England whenever he cooks anythingfeel too much like American sitcoms and grate after a while (Das' standup instincts sometimes take precedence over his duties as film writer and director). After Chhaya Kadams Kanchan Kombdi in Madgaon Express (2024), Happy Patel gives us another singular female don in Goa. Mama (Mona Singh) is an unsmiling, fairness cream-selling, Sanjeev Kapoor-watching tyrant. The unassuming Happy believes his mission is to rescue one of the skincare scientists shes holding captive, but its really a setup (this whole plotline seems to exist only to allow for an Imran Khan cameo, greedily teased in the films promotions). A perennially disappointed villain is always funny, even though the messy final confrontation wastes both Singh and Das. Theres always drama at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, and not just because the art can be a mixed bag of the inspired and the incomprehensible. Were a month into the sixth edition and Bose Krishnamachari, president of the biennale, has resigned from his position as well as from the board. Previous editions have been plagued with financial troubles, poor infrastructure and planning, and disputes over artistic freedom. Last month, the curators took down a painting by Tom Vattakuzhy after religious groups decided their sentiments had been hurt. This years theme is for the time being and, as always, the curation spans the poignant to the strange. Theres a lot of ground to cover22 venues and more than 60 artists until 31 March. If youre strapped for time but want to see the best of the biennale, we suggest book marking this list. CHERRY-PICKING AT ASPINWALL If you dont have the time to explore all of Aspinwall House, head to the Panjeri Artists Unions corner. Theyre a group of artists, academics, activists and students concerned with the changing nature of ordinary lives confronted by economic, social and political challenges. Next to it is Dhiraj Rabhas The Quiet Weight of Shadows, based on his own experience of militancy in Assam, to reflect on resistance, surveillance and displacement. Go across the courtyard to see Bhasha Chakrabartis textile art, Diasporic Transcriptions, which evokes ideas of womens work, the sisterhood that grows around unpaid labour, shared chores and housework. BAZAR ROADS BOUNTY Old wooden chairs from public institutions across Kerala, repaired by local carpenters, fill a room in Anand Warehouse on Bazar Road, arranged in a half-elliptical shape like youd see in a durbar of old. The walls are papered with discarded sacks sewn together by women from Kochi. Ibrahim Mahamas Parliament of Ghosts is a comment on the conversations by those in power even as they neglect the real concerns of people who labour, trade and make a living outside of government institutions. Its a critique but its also a soaring space of joy, and part of an international series by the Ghanaian artist. Across the road, as part of Edam, which features the diverse art of Kerala, are the powerful, imaginative paintings Tom Vattakuzhy has done as magazine illustrations for various Malayalam short story writers in the course of his career. Edam continues at Cube Art Space fur ther down Bazar Road, with a show about the many meanings that can be drawn from the final moments of M.K. Gandhis life. A short distance away in Jew Town is Monsoon Collectives The Emperors New Clothes, which shows how clothing has shaped history and identity in Kerala. View full Image Ephemera of Floating Bubbles by Panjeri Artists Union LISTENING AT GINGER HOUSE Walking through a massive antique store with life-sized theyyam figurines and winged creatures to enter Ginger House creates a mood thats the antithesis to Shilpa Guptas Listening Air (2019-23). Youre brought right back down to earth at her first installation, Sound on My Skin, a flapboard that looks like its announcing flight arrivals and departures. Instead, it whirs and flips to show seemingly disconnected words and phrases that you slowly realise are a political statement on the law, blind acquiescence and all the circumstances that lead you to cancel your protest for your own safety. The truly outstanding work is Listening Air, an installation with protest songs, microphones and speakers, and stools set in a circle. Entering the dark room from the brightness outside creates a sense of apprehension, the kind youd feel walking into a protest, unsure of what will come to be. Protest anthems from around the world play, Bella Ciao, Hum Dekhenge, No nos moveran, and the unease is slowly replaced with the joyful fraternity and hopeless camaraderie of having a cause that will most likely be crushed. This is a show that demands a lot from the viewer, so a restorative fresh lime water at the sea-facing Museum Hotel cafe next door is a good idea before dashing off to the next stop. IDEAS AT ISLAND WAREHOUSE Opposite the Water Metro station at Willingdon Island is a 20,000 sq. ft space with massive installations by LaToya Ruby Frazier, Marina Abramovic and Arti Kadam, reminding us to pay more atten tion to whats in front of us. The one that truly captivates is Mme, Mmu, Bhumi, Bhumi by South Africas Dineo Seshee Bopape. The anthill-like forms made from dung, which also resemble huts, are sacred in her culture, and look very much like the large anthills worshipped in India too. Its a reminder of shared culture at a time when the world seems more fractured than ever. The Palakkad-based Lakshmi Nivas Collectives work too has themes of nature and restoration, and invites you to linger a bit. View full Image Dhiraj Rabhas The Quiet Weight of Shadows New Delhi: Even as the government has begun pruning its quality control orders to improve compliance costs, it has notified a fresh onethis time covering aluminium cookware and beverage cans. Wrought aluminium utensils and aluminium cans for beverages will now require compulsory certification and use of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark for the specified products, according to the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026, notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade on Friday, replacing the 2025 order. The phased rollout extends up to April 2027 for micro enterprises. Also Read | In the works, QCO for food processing machines as China imports surge The QCOs apply to goods imported into India for the domestic market to ensure they meet quality standards. However, the government withdrew around 50 QCOs over the past two months, following recommendations from a NITI Aayog committee chaired by former Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. The Centre withdraws QCOs notified over the past few years, responding to industry concerns around overlapping regulations, compliance readiness and implementation costs. India now has 712 quality control orders (QCOs), compared with a peak of 761. Narrower focus The aluminium cookware and beverage cans order fits into this narrower focus on products with direct consumer health and safety implications, even as the broader QCO framework undergoes review and consolidation, said Jaijit Bhattacharya, founder and president, Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research (C-DEP), a policy think tank. Under the latest order covering aluminium cookware, general manufacturers other than micro and small enterprises will be required to comply from 1 October 2026, while small enterprises will get time until 1 January 2027, and micro enterprises until 1 April 2027. Both domestic manufacturers and importers will be covered, though goods manufactured in India exclusively for export have been exempted from the requirements. The notification also provides a six-month sell-through window for existing stock manufactured or imported before the respective implementation dates, subject to a declaration certified by a chartered accountant and submitted to the Bureau of Indian Standards. Products imported already filled with solid, liquid or gaseous material have been kept outside the scope of the order, while manufacturers will be allowed to import up to 200 units annually for research and development purposes, provided such goods are not sold commercially and are disposed of as scrap. Automatically applicable The applicable standards include IS 1660:2024 for wrought aluminium utensils and IS 14407:2023 for aluminium cans for beverages, with the latest versions and amendments notified by BIS to apply automatically. BIS will act as both the certifying and enforcement authority under the order, the notification said. Imports of products under the aluminium QCo rose to $66.65 million in FY25 from $57.28 million in FY24, according to commerce ministry data. The products were mainly imported from the UK, the UAE, China, Thailand, the US and Sri Lanka, among others. The Centre today blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links as part of increased enforcement actions following the passage of the Online Gaming Act, government sources said. They said that action taken today reflects the Government's commitment to protect users especially youth, and to curb financial and social harm caused by illegal online betting and gambling platforms "So far, over 7,800 illegal betting and gambling websites have been taken down, with a significant increase in enforcement actions after the passage of the Online Gaming Act," a source said. President Droupadi Murmu had given her assent to The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, that was passed by Parliament in August last year. The legislation marked a strong move to shield citizens from the menace of online money games while promoting and regulating other kinds of online games. The legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that thrive on misleading promises of quick wealth, a release said, adding that it reflects the Government's resolve to safeguard families while guiding the digital economy towards safe and constructive growth. The seriousness of the issue is recognised globally. The World Health Organization classifies gaming disorder as a health condition in its International Classification of Diseases, describing it as a pattern of play marked by loss of control, neglect of other daily activities, and persistence despite harmful consequences. The release said online money gaming platforms have caused widespread harm. Families have lost their savings. Young people have fallen into addiction. In some heartbreaking cases, financial distress linked to these games has even led to suicides. The Government responded to the situation by recognizing these dangers. The Act strikes a balance and recognizes the online gaming sector as one of the most dynamic segments of the digital and creative economy, with significant opportunities for innovation, cognitive development, employment generation, technological advancement and global competitiveness. The local body elections across Maharashtra have once again proved that the BJP is still the powerhouse party in the state, with it managing to wrest away the BMC from the Shiv Sena after more than 25 years. However, the results also showed that there are signs of encouragement for the Congress. The Congress decided to fight the Maharashtra local body polls solo this year, and chose to concentrate their machinery in areas they were confident of winning. Out of the total 2,869 seats that were up for grabs this time, the Grand Old Party of India decided to contest in only 528. Out of these, they won more than half - 226 seats. As per trends till 18:30 pm on Friday, the Congress is at the fourth position among parties in terms of seats won in Mumbai. When it comes to seats won across all the local body polls in the state today, the party is in the third position after the BJP and the Shiv Sena. How many seats did the Congress contest in? The Congress contested in select seats across Maharashtra. It fielded 167 candidates out of 227 seats in Mumbai. Congress fielded 101 candidates in Thane, while 100 of its candidates contested in the local body elections in Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The party fielded 60 candidates in Pimpri-Chinchwad. In which civic bodies is the Congress leading? The Congress is leading in Bhiwandi Nizampur, Latur, Amravati, Kolhapur, and Chandrapur. The results are more encouraging for the Congress since this is the first time since 1999 that they are contesting the Maharashtra civic bodies' polls without getting into an alliance with regional outfits. Why did the Congress decide to go solo? The Congress parted ways from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which also comprised of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP) in the wake of the UBT joining forces with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Uddhav Thackeray's cousin, Raj. The Congress had earlier criticised the strongman approach of the MNS, as they had physically assaulted people over the Marathi vs Hindi issue in Mumbai. After freezing Vodafone Ideas adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues at 87,695 crore, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) aims to complete the reassessment of the amount by the end of February, it informed its field units and the company in a 15 January letter. The telecom department has already started the reassessment of the AGR dues of the cash-strapped telecom operator from FY07 to FY19. In a seven-week exercise, the DoT along with the Controller of Communication Accounts (CCAs) will reassess the licence fee and spectrum usage charges that have been paid based on AGR by the telecom operator for the period under review. Also Read | Vodafone Idea promoters agree on 5,836 crore infusion CCAs are DoTs regional offices that handle financial checks, payments, and verification of telecom operators dues. In the letter seen by Mint, the DoT said that the targeted timeline to complete the reassessment by 27 February depends on Vodafone Ideas timely response and submission of the required documents. After SC ruling The reassessment exercise by DoT came after the Supreme Court rulings in October and November had allowed the government to reassess and recalculate the AGR dues of the company. Following the Supreme Court order, the Union Cabinet on 31 December took the decision to provide a breather to the telecom operator, which involved freezing its 87,695 crore AGR as of December-end. The government had approved the payment plan for the company to clear its frozen AGR dues between FY32 and FY41. As per the decision of the competent authority, the AGR dues of Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) for the period FY 2006-07 to FY 2018-19 (excluding those dues of FY2017-18 and FY2018-19 which stand finalised by the Supreme Court dated 1 September 2020) shall be reassessed for all deductions disallowed by DoT by applying Deduction Verification guidelines of 3 February 2020 and applying the audit reports not so for acted upon, the DoT said in the letter. Also Read | Vodafone Idea moves Supreme Court against additional 9,450 cr AGR dues demand Based on the reassessment exercise, the final AGR dues of the company could reduce, officials in the know said, requesting anonymity. Shares of Vodafone Idea on Friday ended 2.5% lower at 10.8 apiece on the National Stock Exchange. After the AGR dues freeze, the telecom companys total outgo towards AGR payments over the next six years from March 2026 to March 2031 would be at 744 crore, a maximum of 124 crore per year. It will also have to pay 100 crore annually over four years, from March 2032 to March 2035. The remaining AGR dues have to be paid in equal instalments annually over 6 years, i.e. March 2036 to March 2041, Vodafone Idea had said in an exchange filing on 9 January. Deduction verification guidelines are rules used by the DoT to check and approve revenue exclusions before finalising AGR dues. Breather from pressure With the freeze on its AGR dues, the telecom operator has got a breather from a significant financial pressure which would have come from March onwards with annual installments of about 18,000 crore in the absence of such relief. The telecom operator had previously warned that it wont survive FY27 without raising funds, and banks are hesitant to lend without a generous bailout or clarity on the AGR dues. Even as the company got a breather on the timeline to pay AGR dues, the concerns remain over its spectrum dues of 1.17 trillion and clarity on final AGR amount post reassessment, analysts said. While the relief package addresses AGR dues, Vi (Vodafone Idea) also has 1.2 trillion of deferred payment obligations toward spectrum, with significant scheduled payments between FY26 and FY44. The current Ebitda is insufficient to meet the capital expenditure (capex) or spectrum debt repayment requirements. The company will need additional relief/funding to alleviate such challenges, brokerage Emkay Global said in a note dated 1 January. India has issued a fresh safety advisory for its citizens in Israel as violence escalated in Gaza, even as the United States announced progress towards the second phase of a ceasefire framework aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Embassy of India in Israel urged all Indian nationals in the country to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety guidelines issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command. Citizens were also advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel amid what the advisory described as the prevailing situation in the region. In case of emergency, Indian nationals have been asked to contact the embassys 247 helpline at +972-54-7520711 or +972-54-3278392, or email cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in Gaza strikes continue despite ceasefire phase two push The advisory came as Israeli military operations intensified across Gaza. On January 16, Israeli strikes killed at least 10 Palestinians, according to local reports, underscoring continued volatility despite diplomatic moves towards the next phase of a ceasefire agreement. Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeeras Ibrahim al-Khalili said a senior figure of the Qassam Brigades had been killed, adding that the strike signalled Israels intent to shape the second phase of the ceasefire on its terms. The Israeli military later confirmed that one of those killed was Muhammad al-Hawli, whom it identified as a commander in the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas. Air strikes hit central Gaza, residents panic Israel has stepped up air strikes across the enclave, with the latest attacks concentrated on the central city of Deir el-Balah. At least six Palestinians were killed in the strikes, with many more wounded, according to local sources. The renewed attacks have fuelled panic among residents, many of whom had hoped the second phase of the ceasefire would bring increased humanitarian aid and the reopening of border crossings. Instead, residents reported drones hovering at low altitude, spreading fear among already traumatised communities. For hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians, the humanitarian situation remains bleak, with the latest violence casting doubt on any immediate easing of conditions on the ground. What we know about phase two of the ceasefire plan On Wednesday, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said phase two of President Donald Trumps 20-point plan had been launched, shifting from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction. Hamas leaders and representatives of other Palestinian factions are currently in Cairo for talks focused on the second phase. Witkoff said the plan envisages the disarmament of unauthorised personnel and the deployment of an international stabilisation force to secure Gaza and train Palestinian police. A new technocratic body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, has been established to manage day-to-day governance. Former Palestinian Authority official Ali Shaath has been appointed to lead the committee, which is meeting in Egypt ahead of its proposed entry into Gaza. Phase one of the framework had mandated a halt in fighting, a freeze in frontlines, and the exchange of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners. However, major uncertainties remain over the second phase, including funding for Gazas reconstruction, the extent and timing of Israeli military withdrawal, and the scale of humanitarian access. Regional uncertainty drives travel warning Against this backdrop of continued military action and unresolved diplomatic questions, Indian authorities have cautioned citizens against unnecessary travel to Israel, signalling concern that the security situation could deteriorate further even as negotiations proceed. Noida schools will remain closed till 18 January as the authorities have announced two-day holiday due to dense fog and cold weather conditions. All schools up to Class 8 will remain closed from 16 to 17 January, as per latest notice issued by Gautam Buddh Nagar Education Officer. As per the official circular the winter vacations have been extended by two days. Since, 18 January is Sunday, classes will resume from 19 January. However, the teachers and staff members need to report to school in accordance with the usual schedule. Gautam Buddh Nagar Office of the District Basic Education Officer in its notification dated 16 January stated, In view of the prevailing fog and cold weather conditions, all schools (from Nursery to Class 8) affiliated with all boards (CBSE/ICSE/IB, UP Board and others) operating in Gautam Buddh Nagar district will remain closed from January 16 to January 17, 2026. This order must be strictly followed. The order, issued by Basic Education Officer Rahul Panwar added, Teachers and staff of government/aided/private schools will report to school as usual. The decision about the extension of holidays was taken in compliance with the directions of the district magistrate in view of prevailing weather conditions, the order said. The Supreme Court of India on January 16 dismissed a petition filed by Yashwant Varma, an Allahabad High Court judge, challenging the constitutionality of a parliamentary committee set up to probe corruption allegations against him, according to news agency ANI and legal news portal Bar and Bench. The court rejected Justice Varmas plea seeking to quash the decision of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to set up a three-member inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act as part of impeachment proceedings. The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma, which had reserved its verdict on January 8, 2026. Also Read | SC reserves verdict on plea of Justice Yashwant Varma plea Justice Varma had argued that the Speakers action was procedurally flawed, contending that a motion seeking his removal had earlier been rejected by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He maintained that, since impeachment notices had been submitted in both Houses of Parliament, the proviso to Section 3 of the Judges (Inquiry) Act required joint consultation between the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman before any inquiry committee could be constituted. Opposing the plea, the Lok Sabhas Secretary General submitted that the Rajya Sabha had not admitted the impeachment motion. He said the motion was rejected by the Deputy Chairman on August 11, 2025, after the then Rajya Sabha Chairman, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, resigned in July. As a result, the proviso invoked by Justice Varma did not apply, and the Speaker was entitled to proceed independently with the impeachment process. During the hearings, the Supreme Court questioned whether any law prevented the Lok Sabha Speaker from continuing impeachment proceedings merely because a similar motion had been rejected in the Rajya Sabha. The bench also expressed prima facie disagreement with the argument that such a rejection would automatically defeat the impeachment process. The corruption allegations against Justice Varma arose after a fire at his residence on March 14, 2025, during which firefighters reportedly recovered unaccounted cash. Although Justice Varma denied any wrongdoing, he was subsequently transferred from the Delhi High Court to his parent Allahabad High Court and divested of judicial work pending further action. Also Read | Cash discovery row: Govt weighs probe into allegations against Justice Varma An in-house inquiry was initiated by the then Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, who later asked Justice Varma to resign or face impeachment proceedings. Justice Varma declined to step down. In August, the Lok Sabha Speaker admitted an impeachment motion moved by Members of Parliament and constituted a three-member committee to investigate the allegations under the Judges (Inquiry) Act. Justice Varma then approached the Supreme Court challenging the legality of this process. India launched a surveillance drive following the identification of two suspected cases of Nipah virus (NiV) in West Bengal on 11 January. With two patientsboth nursesunder observation at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Kalyani in West Bengal, the Central government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) in New Delhi. A National Joint Outbreak Response Team has been deployed to prevent the spread of the virus. Given the high fatality rate and the absence of a licensed vaccine, understanding this threat is critical for public safety. What is the Nipah virus and why is it dangerous? The Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus, one that spreads from animals to humans. It is considered a major public health threat because of its high fatality rate, which typically ranges from 40% to 75%, and, in some cases, exceeds 90%. The virus causes a rapid, terrifying progression from mild flu-like symptoms to acute respiratory distress and fatal encephalitis, which is a severe inflammation of the brain that can lead to a coma within 24 to 48 hours. Nipah virus is a major public health threat due to its high fatality ratetypically 40% to 75%, and in some cases over 90%. How does the virus spread from animals to humans and between people? The natural reservoirs of the virus are fruit bats, specifically the Pteropus species or "flying foxes." Humans typically catch the virus by consuming food contaminated with bat secretions, such as drinking raw date palm sap or eating fruits bitten by bats. Also Read | India seeks pharma firms' partnership to develop indigenous Nipah virus antibody Once a human is infected, the virus can spread to others through close contact with bodily fluidsblood, urine, or saliva. This transmission is particularly dangerous in hospital settings, where healthcare workers may be exposed to respiratory droplets or secretions while providing care without personal protective equipment. What is the history of the virus in India and abroad? The Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1998, and it has emerged as a recurring zoonotic threat in India and Bangladesh. In India, the virus first appeared in Siliguri in West Bengal in 2001, where 66 people were affected primarily through hospital-based transmission. A second outbreak occurred in the Nadia district of West Bengal in 2007. Since 2018, there have been repeated outbreaks in Kerala, with one of the deadliest occurring in 2018 resulting in 17 deaths. These patterns suggest that while the virus is geographically constrained, the "spillover" from bats to humans is becoming more frequent due to environmental changes. What does the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) say about potential treatments? According to ICMR, India is working to develop indigenous countermeasures to infections by the virus as there is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment. The most promising candidate is the m102.4 monoclonal antibody that prevents the virus from entering cells. The antibody has shown strong protection in animal models and was found safe in Phase 1 clinical trials. While definitive human efficacy data is still being gathered, the antibody has been used under compassionate use protocols in Australia and was made available to Kerala during recent outbreaks. ICMR is looking for Indian companies to make these antibodies indigenously. Also Read | Health tech startups deploy AI to overcome Indias preventive care apathy Experts said the symptoms of Nipah infection can initially look like a routine viral fever, but neurological signs or breathing difficulty are red flags. Samples must be handled with extreme caution. RT-PCR testing and close coordination with reference labs are essential to confirm cases without delay," said Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, founder and designated partner of City Imaging & Clinical Labs, a medical diagnostics company in New Delhi. What is the government doing to combat the virus? The government has activated the PHEOC and deployed experts from the National Institute of Virology and the National Centre for Disease Control to conduct rigorous contact tracing. Current efforts focus on early diagnosis, strict isolation and public awareness, reflecting the lessons learned from past sudden escalations. In the past, the government contained outbreaks through aggressive "test-track-treat" strategies and by upgrading safety protocols at medical colleges, providing protective gear to professionals and implementing stringent infection control. Why is the West Bengal case of concern? The situation in West Bengal has sparked high-level alerts because the suspected patients are healthcare workers. This echoes the 2001 Siliguri outbreak, where 75% of the 66 cases were hospital-acquired. When the virus spreads in a clinical environment, it necessitates the immediate activation of biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) protocols and the strict isolation of primary contacts to prevent a wider outbreak. BSL-4 is the highest level of biological containment, reserved for work with extremely dangerous and often fatal pathogens for which there are no known vaccines or treatments. Treatment remains largely supportive, focusing on symptom management and preventing complications. Vigilance, early diagnosis, strict isolation, and public awareness remain the strongest tools to prevent a limited outbreak from escalating into a larger health crisis," said Dr. Pranjit Bhowmik, chairman-internal medicine (Unit-I) of the Faridabad-based Asian Institute of Medical Sciences. What began as a fairly harmless exchange between two outspoken corporate leaders quickly turned messy, with the discussions spiralling into name-calling and public insults. In the latest twist to the Starlink row, Elon Musk has escalated the war of words with the billionaire CEO of Europe's biggest airline, Michael OLeary. The CEO of Ryanair Holdings on Wednesday ruled out the proposal of installing SpaceXs Starlink internet across the low-cost airlines fleet because of fuel costs from the weight and drag of the antenna mounted on the roof of the cabin. You need to put antenna on fuselage it comes with a 2% fuel penalty because of the weight and drag, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary told Reuters. We don't think our passengers are willing to pay for WiFi for an average 1-hour flight. The Irish executive's remarks drew a swift response from the worlds richest person, Elon Musk, who said on his X platform that OLeary was misinformed and warned that Ryanair would lose passengers to rival airlines that have already signed up for the service. Ugly brawl between billionaires While the real question should have been whether budget-conscious passengers even want high-speed internet on short flights across Europe, the focus instead shifted to the high-profile public spat between the two business leaders. What began as a fairly harmless exchange between two outspoken corporate leaders quickly turned messy, with the discussions spiralling into name-calling and public insults. In the latest twist to the Starlink row, Elon Musk has escalated the war of words with the billionaire CEO of Europe's biggest airline, Michael OLeary. The CEO of Ryanair Holdings on Wednesday ruled out the proposal of installing SpaceXs Starlink internet across the low-cost airlines fleet because of fuel costs from the weight and drag of the antenna mounted on the roof of the cabin. You need to put antenna on fuselage it comes with a 2% fuel penalty because of the weight and drag, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary told Reuters. We don't think our passengers are willing to pay for WiFi for an average 1-hour flight. The Irish executive's remarks drew a swift response from the worlds richest person, Elon Musk, who said on his X platform that OLeary was misinformed and warned that Ryanair would lose passengers to rival airlines that have already signed up for the service. Ugly brawl between billionaires While the real question should have been whether budget-conscious passengers even want high-speed internet on short flights across Europe, the focus instead shifted to the high-profile public spat between the two business leaders. After Ryanair's chief executives decided to opt out of Starlink, the exchange only went downhill from there, with OLeary telling Irish radio station Newstalk on Thursday that Musk knows zero about flights and aircraft drag. He also claimed that Starlink would cost Ryanair as much as $250 million a year to operate. I would pay no attention whatsoever to Elon MuskHes an idiot, very wealthy, but hes still an idiot. OLeary said during the show. Musk then hit back sharply on Friday, responding to OLeary's remarks by calling him an utter idiot and saying that he be fired from his job, further escalating the brawl. A person responded to Musk's tweet saying, Just buy Ryanair and fire him yourself, to which Musk replied, Good idea. O'Leary set to receive $116 million bonus for his performance OLeary, who is set to receive a $116 million bonus in 2028 for meeting performance targets, still commands a fraction of the wealth of Musk, whose vast fortune spans ventures ranging from space exploration to his role as the chief executive of Tesla Inc, according to Bloomberg data. Also Read | Ryanair scraps loyalty program after losing nearly 2 million euros in 8 months Musk then hit back sharply on Friday, responding to OLeary's remarks by calling him an utter idiot and saying that he be fired from his job, further escalating the brawl. A person responded to Musk's tweet saying, Just buy Ryanair and fire him yourself, to which Musk replied, Good idea. O'Leary set to receive $116 million bonus for his performance OLeary, who is set to receive a $116 million bonus in 2028 for meeting performance targets, still commands a fraction of the wealth of Musk, whose vast fortune spans ventures ranging from space exploration to his role as the chief executive of Tesla Inc, according to Bloomberg data. X, previously known as Twitter, experienced a widespread outage worldwide on Friday, 16 January. Thousands of users in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, as well as in the US and UK, reported that the web platform and its app did not load for some time on Friday, with many seeing only a blank screen. While the social media platform is now working for several users across the globe, some are still complaining about an outage. Social media users react Here is what social media users are saying One of the users wrote, X is down worldwide. Now I see how addicted I am to this platform Another questioned , X seems down or is it just my connection? A sais, X is down. I first thought Elon suspended my account. Twitter went down for like an hour and it was literal hell I can't stand my own thoughts! another user said. X outage on Friday By 10:22 am ET, over 62,000 users in the United States had reported problems with the social media platform, according to Downdetector, which collects outage reports from various sources. In the UK, approximately 11,000 incidents were recorded, and Down Detector noted a significant increase in problem reports at X around 3pm local time, which is 9pm IST. Meanwhile, users in India reported over 3,000 issues. However, the tracking website noted that the actual number of affected users might differ from the reported figures, since these reports are submitted by users. Second outage this week Disruption to X's operations on Friday comes after the social media platform reportedly suffered another outage three days ago on 13 January. US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a Gaza Board of Peace, marking the formal launch of phase two of a United Statesbacked framework aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory. The announcement, made Thursday, signals a shift from ceasefire management to post-war governance and reconstruction, even as major political and security disputes remain unresolved. Peace board unveiled on Truth Social Trump revealed the development in a post on the Truth Social platform, framing the Peace Board as both historic and prestigious. It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed. 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trump first proposed the Board of Peace in 2025 as a transitional authority to oversee Gazas reconstruction and supervise a technocratic panel of Palestinian administrators tasked with day-to-day governance. Trump backs Palestinian technocratic government and demands Hamas disarmament Donald Trump said the United States had officially entered the next phase of its 20-point Gaza peace plan, outlining a transition towards technocratic Palestinian governance and demanding the full demilitarisation of Hamas. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the shift to the new phase followed what he described as record levels of humanitarian assistance delivered to Gaza since the ceasefire, claiming aid had reached civilians at an historic speed and scale. He added that the United Nations had acknowledged the effort as UNPRECEDENTED. Trump said the humanitarian progress had laid the groundwork for the transition phase, under which Gaza would be governed by a newly appointed Palestinian technocratic body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. He said the committee would operate under the supervision of the Board of Peace, which he chairs, and would be supported by the boards High Representative. Describing the Palestinian leaders involved as unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future, Trump said the interim arrangement was intended to guide Gaza through a period of political and administrative transition. The US president also reiterated demands for the complete demilitarisation of Hamas, saying Washington was working with Egypt, Turkey and Qatar to secure what he called a COMPREHENSIVE Demilitarization Agreement. This would include the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of every tunnel in Gaza. Trump said Hamas must IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments, including the return of what he described as the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay towards full disarmament. Repeating a warning he has issued previously, Trump said Hamas could comply the easy way, or the hard way. The people of Gaza have suffered long enough, he wrote. The time is NOW. Structure and international role According to officials familiar with the plan quoted by AFP, the Peace Board for Gaza is expected to include international figures, with representation from Arab states, and Trump has indicated he intends to chair it himself. The body would exercise oversight over a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee, designed to operate independently of armed factions. Also Read | US to unveil Gaza governance plan despite concerns over Hamas Trump had earlier suggested that former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair would be involved, but Blair later withdrew from the initiative following criticism, particularly over concerns that the framework sidelines Palestinian self-determination. The proposal has faced pushback from Palestinian groups and international observers who argue that it risks imposing external governance on Gaza without a clear pathway to an independent Palestinian state. Phase two begins amid unresolved tensions The Board of Peace announcement comes as the broader US-backed plan formally enters its second phase, despite lingering disputes between Israel and Hamas over alleged ceasefire violations and obligations left unmet during the first stage. Phase one, part of a 20-point proposal unveiled by Trump, began on 10 October last year and focused on halting hostilities, facilitating humanitarian aid and securing the return of hostages held by Hamas and allied Palestinian militant groups. All hostages have now been returned, with one exception: the remains of Israeli Ran Gvili. Also Read | Gaza ceasefire: Hamas backs technocratic rule but gives no timeline Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the handover of Gvilis body, while Hamas has said the extensive destruction in Gaza has complicated recovery efforts. Gvilis family urged mediators to delay the transition to phase two. Moving on breaks my heart. Have we given up? Ran did not give up on anyone, his sister, Shira Gvili, said after mediators confirmed the move. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said efforts to recover the remains would continue, but has not publicly commented on the launch of the second phase. Ceasefire violations and humanitarian concerns Hamas has accused Israel of repeated ceasefire violations, including air strikes, firing on civilians and advancing the so-called Yellow Line, an informal boundary separating areas under Israeli military control from those under Hamas authority. Gazas Hamas-run health ministry said Israeli forces had killed 451 people since the ceasefire took effect. Israels military has said it targeted suspected militants who crossed into restricted zones near the Yellow Line, adding that militants also killed three Israeli soldiers during the same period. Humanitarian agencies say Israel has not permitted the volume of aid envisaged under phase one, a claim Israel rejects. Gaza continues to face acute shortages of food, clean water, medicine and fuel, with Israel and the United Nations disputing figures on the number of aid trucks allowed into the territory. Governance and disarmament at the heart of phase two in Gaza Under phase two, Gaza is to be administered by a Palestinian technocratic committee operating under the supervision of the Board of Peace. Hamas has signalled conditional support for the committees role. The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee, Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader, said on Thursday. Mediators Egypt, Turkey and Qatar have said Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority, has been appointed to lead the committee. Egyptian state television later reported that all committee members had arrived in Egypt and begun preparatory meetings ahead of entry into Gaza. Also Read | The war in Gaza is paused but the battle over aid rages on Al-Qahera News, which is close to Egypts state intelligence services, said the move followed US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoffs announcement on Wednesday of the start of the second phase and what was agreed upon at the meeting of Palestinian factions in Cairo yesterday. Shaath has said the committee would rely on brains rather than weapons and would not coordinate with armed groups. Demilitarisation and withdrawal remain sticking points Steve Witkoff has said phase two of the Gaza peace plan aims for the full demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza, including the disarmament of all unauthorised armed factions. He added that Washington expected Hamas to meet its remaining obligations, including the return of Gvilis body, warning that failure to do so would bring serious consequences. The plan also envisages the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force to secure Gaza and train vetted Palestinian police units. Former US Senator Kyrsten Sinema allegedly had a romantic relationship with a member of her security team, which, according to his ex-wife, led to breaking up of the mans marriage. Heather Ammel is seeking at least $75,000 from Sinema in a lawsuit. She further accused her of seducing him, according to New York Times. Matthew and Heather Ammel had a good and loving marriage with genuine love and affection before Sinema became involved, Heather Ammel claims in her legal filing, asserting that Sinema pursued Matthew despite knowing he was married. The lawsuit states that the Arizona lawmakers head of security hired Matthew Ammel after his retirement from the Army in 2022, and that he travelled with Sinema to locations including Napa Valley, California; Las Vegas; and Saudi Arabia, according to AP. In early 2024, Ammels wife discovered romantic and lascivious" messages he had exchanged with Sinema via the Signal messaging app. That summer, he stopped wearing his wedding ring, and Sinema gave him a position as a national security fellow in her Senate office while he continued serving as a bodyguard for her campaign, the lawsuit alleges. The lawsuit also claims that Sinema paid for psychedelic treatment for Ammel, who has faced challenges with post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and traumatic brain injuries linked to his military service in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Sinema and her attorney did not respond to AP's requests for comment. The lawsuit was quietly filed late last year in Moore County, North Carolina, and drew worldwide attention this week after being transferred to federal court. Also Read | Senator Warren Praises Decision Forcing Vought to Fund CFPB Who is Kyrsten Sinema? Born on July 12, 1976, Kyrsten Lea Sinema is an American politician, lawyer and former social worker who served as a United States senator from Arizona from 2019 to 2025. Initially a member of the Democratic Party, she switched to become an independent in December 2022. Sinemas parents separated during her childhood, after which her mother, who had custody, remarried. Sinema later moved with her mother, stepfather and siblings to DeFuniak Springs, a small town in Floridas Panhandle. She won the 2018 Senate race to succeed retiring Senator Jeff Flake, defeating Republican candidate Martha McSally. As an independent, Sinema was one of four nonparty-affiliated senators, along with Bernie Sanders, Angus King and Joe Manchin, all of whom caucused with the Democrats. She emerged as a crucial swing vote during the closely divided 117th and 118th Congresses. Sinema announced she would not run for reelection on March 5, 2024, and was later succeeded by Democrat Ruben Gallego. In January 2025, Sinema joined Coinbases Global Advisory Council, where she took on a role advocating for the cryptocurrency sector and helping the company engage with US lawmakers. Two months later, in March 2025, she became a senior advisor at the law and lobbying firm Hogan Lovells. Sinema unsuccessfully sought to lobby the city council of a Phoenix-area suburb to approve the development of an AI data center in October 2025, during which she disclosed her alignment with the Trump administrations approach to building AI infrastructure. Earlier that year, she had founded the AI Infrastructure Coalition and assumed the role of its co-chair. DUBAIWith a decision on military action on pause, the U.S. turned to economic pressure on Iran, rolling out a host of new sanctions on officials it said were responsible for the bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. Top of the U.S. Treasury Departments new sanctions list was Ali Larijani, the head of Irans national security council and a close counterpart to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The Treasury Department accused Larijani of coordinating the crackdown, which human rights groups estimate has left thousands dead. The death toll has risen past 2,600, according to U.S. nonprofit Human Rights Activists in Iran, with more than 19,000 arrests. President Trump had repeatedly threatened to attack Iran if it launched a violent crackdown against protesters, and he has encouraged Iranians to remain in the streets and take over the countrys institutions. But after being advised the U.S. didnt have enough forces in the region to deal a substantial blow to the regime and counter any retaliatory strikes, he opted to hold off until more firepower could be brought to bear, officials told The Wall Street Journal. Trump hasnt decided whether to exercise a military option, they said. The presidents advisers had also presented him with a range of other options, from cyberattacks to economic pressure. At the direction of President Trump, the Treasury Department is sanctioning key Iranian leaders involved in the brutal crackdown against the Iranian people," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. The sanctions hit a number of officials, including commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful branch in Irans military, and several senior police officials. The sanctions effectively cut their targets off from the U.S. financial system. Sanctions also targeted entities the Treasury Department says help launder the proceeds of Iranian oil through a shadow banking network. They included companies based in the United Arab Emirates that allegedly serve as fronts and support Irans oil sales. Iran has used its Arab neighbor, a U.S. security partner, to launder funds, evade sanctions and finance its proxies in the region, including Hezbollah, the Journal has reported. The U.A.E. foreign ministry and Irans United Nations mission didnt respond to requests for comment. Larijani, a conservative trusted by Supreme Leader Khamenei for the most sensitive missions, is considered too moderate by some hard-liners in Iran. Yet like many of the relatively more open-minded elite, his once-flexible positions have hardened during the unrest, which has posed the stiffest challenge to the regime in decades. Larijani recently called Arab countries in the region, threatening them with retaliation against U.S. military bases on their soil if Washington were to attack, according to Middle East officials. Iran has publicly made the same threat. Gulf states, fearing unrest in Iran and retaliatory strikes on their territory, have urgently lobbied the U.S. not to carry out a strike. An attack appeared to be imminent midweek, as the U.S. moved some personnel out of the key Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, Iran shut its airspace and Gulf officials braced for a strike. While relieved it didnt happen, Gulf officials said they still think a strike is likely once the U.S. has forces in place. Trump is monitoring how Tehran treats the protesters before deciding on a course of action. The protests, ignited last month by a worsening economic crisis and fueled by general discontent with the regime, spread beyond Tehran to much of the country. Protesters have called for regime change, chanting death to the dictator" and support for the son of the late shah, who was overthrown in the 1979 revolution. The Iranian government has cracked down hard, including with live ammunition, protesters and human rights groups say. While an internet shutdown has choked back the information that reaches the outside world, verified footage from Iran has shown rows of corpses in body bags. On Monday, President Trump said the U.S. will place a 25% tariff on countries that continue to do business with Iran, a message Treasury Secretary Bessent reiterated in a video statement while announcing the fresh sanctions Thursday. It isnt clear how the tariffs would affect Americas business and security partners in the region. Billions of dollars in trade flow annually between Iran and the Gulf, where countries host key U.S. military facilities. Turkey, a NATO member, is also a significant trading partner of Iran. Write to Omar Abdel-Baqui at omar.abdel-baqui@wsj.com An Eastern Airlines plane carrying 231 Venezuelan migrants deported from the US city of Phoenix landed in Venezuela on Friday, nearly two weeks after former president Nicolas Maduro was captured by US authorities and taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges. The aircraft touched down at an airport near the capital, Caracas, signaling the resumption of deportation flights after Washington, as per Venezuelan officials unilaterally halted direct air transfers in mid-December, according to AP. The last such direct flight from the United States had taken place on December 10. View full Image Bolivarian National Police officers stand guard while an Eastern Airlines plane carrying Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States lands at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, on January 16, 2026. A new flight carrying 231 Venezuelans deported by the United States arrived on January 16 at the airport serving Caracas, the first since the military incursion that overthrew and captured President Nicolas Maduro. (Photo by Federico PARRA / AFP) ( AFP ) Return flights for deported migrants had been regularised since late March as part of transfer agreements reached by both governments. However, the process was repeatedly disrupted as tensions escalated after US military forces launched a series of deadly operations against boats suspected of drug smuggling in international waters of the Caribbean and Pacific, including several vessels the United States said had set sail from Venezuela. Trump has made a tough stance on undocumented immigration a central focus of his second term, overseeing widespread immigration raids and the deportation of migrants. Also Read | Venezuela Diaspora in Miami Names Road for Oppositions Machado Maduro also consistently claimed that Trump could order military action aimed at toppling him. Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Friday that her country is beginning a "true transition" to democracy and that Venezuela will become free with support from the United States and Trump. However, Trump has sidelined Nobel laureate Machado and instead supported former vice president Delcy Rodriguez as the interim leader of the oil-rich nation following the January 3 US military operation that captured President Nicolas Maduro. "We are definitely now into the first steps of a true transition to democracy," Machado said at an event in Washington, adding that it will have an "immense impact in the lives of all Venezuelans" as well as across the region and the world. "Venezuela is going to be free, and that's going to be achieved with the support of the people of the United States and the president, Donald Trump," she said. Her party has provided evidence alleging that Maduro stole the 2024 election claims backed by Washington and much of the international community. Trump, however, has stated that Machado lacks sufficient support among Venezuelans and has chosen to back Rodriguez, provided she ensures US access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Machado said on Friday that Rodriguez is "following orders" rather than acting independently. Amid the US calling for a takeover of Greenland for its security concerns, Russia has announced that they consider Greenland a part of Denmark. This is the first time Moscow has directly opposed the US' attempts at a potential acquisition of the world's biggest island. It has said that the security situation surrounding the island was "extraordinary" from the perspective of international law. Moscow said this week that its was unacceptable for the West to keep claiming that Russia and China threatened Greenland, and said that the crisis over the territory showed the double standards of Western powers which claimed moral superiority. Maria Zakharova, the Director of the Department of Information and Press at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has slammed the 'rules-based international order', which is a philosophy propagated by the West, in the wake of the tensions surrounding Greenland. In an X post, she said that the current scenario shows how flawed Denmark's "subordination" to the US is. In a post on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia quoted Zakharova as saying, "Surrent tensions over Greenland sharply expose the failure of the West's so-called 'rules-based international order'. It is plainly visible that Copenhagen's long-standing policy of unconditional subordination to the US is fundamentally flawed." Also Read | NATO allies send troops to Greenland as Trump doubles down on potential takeover Not only Russia, but also Denmark's NATO allies have sent troops to Greenland as a show of support to the country amid sustained US pressure. Among the countries who have sent troops are France, Germany, and England. This moves comes after a high-level meeting between the representatives of Denmark and Greenland with US Vice President J D Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks brought a "fundamental disagreement" between how the US and its allies in Europe see the situation, as per a report by Al Jazeera. However, the number of soldiers these countries have sent is symbolic rather than acting as a practical and viable deterrence to US military pressure. While France has sent 15 soldiers, Germany has sent 13 to the island. The French mission has been described as a recognition-of-the-territory exercise with troops to plant the European Union's flag on Greenland as a symbolic act, as per Al Jazeera. "The first French military elements are already en route", and "others will follow", French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday (local time) as French authorities said soldiers from the country's mountain infantry unit were already in Nuuk, Greenland's capital. Meanwhile, Germany's Ministry of Defence said it was deploying a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel to Greenland on Thursday. Denmark said it plans to increase its military presence in Greenland on Wednesday as the Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers met with White House representatives in Washington DC, to discuss Trump's intentions to take over the semiautonomous Danish territory to tap its mineral resources amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. A major fire erupted in a deprived area of the upmarket Gangnam district of southern Seoul, South Korea, early Friday, a fire official said. As many as 47 residents were evacuated while no casualties had been reported so far, an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters told Reuters. According to local media, Seoul fire officials are working to contain a large fire that broke out early Friday at the Guryong village in Gangnam-gu, southern Seoul. Also Read | Switzerland bar fire: Lausanne hospital races to grow skin for burn survivors Authorities received a report of the fire around 5 am (local time), issuing a Level-1 emergency response shortly after, the Korean Herald reported. This (Level-1) refers to a lower-level disaster that can be handled by the fire response team in the area, as 234 firefighters, 70 police officials, and 120 district officials have been deployed so far, the report added. Also Read | Fire scare as smoke erupts in Golden Globes backstage press room | Video Officials will investigate after the flames have been extinguished. The person who reported the case was quoted as saying, "An empty house had caught fire." Restrictions imposed Traffic in three lanes connecting the village to the adjacent Guryong Tunnel was restricted. Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung ordered officials to mobilise all available capacities to put out the fire, along with the evacuation of the residents in the area, according to the Korean Herald. China, EU's proper handling of EV case carries positive significance: commerce ministry Xinhua) 10:19, January 16, 2026 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Trump on Friday expressed gratitude to the Iranian leadership for refraining from executing what he said would have been hundreds of political prisoners. Trump his team had warned the Iranian government that continued killings would have grave consequences, according to the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a press briefing on Thursday. She stated that the President is keeping all options on the table" and added that the situation is being closely monitored. I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you! Trump said on Truth Social. The tone appeared to pull back from Trumps recent repeated suggestions that the US might strike Iran militarily if its government carried out mass killings amid the widespread protests that had swept the country but have since quieted. Over the past two days, several US allies in the Middle East had urged the Trump administration to refrain from taking military action, warning that it could destabilise an already volatile region and disrupt the global economy. Also Read | US carrier strike group moves to Middle East as Iran tensions escalate Iran protests The protests, which began on December 28 over economic difficulties, quickly grew into widespread demonstrations demanding an end to clerical rule, culminating in severe violence late last week. Opposition groups and an Iranian official stated that more than 2,000 people were killed, marking the deadliest domestic unrest in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Also Read | With military action on hold, the US puts new sanctions on Iran Several Tehran residents contacted by Reuters mentioned the capital had been relatively calm for the past four days. Although drones were seen flying over the city, no significant protests were observed on Thursday or Friday. A resident from a northern city along the Caspian Sea also reported that the streets there appeared quiet. The residents requested anonymity for safety reasons. A video circulating online, which Reuters confirmed was recorded at a forensic medical center in Tehran, showed dozens of bodies on floors and stretchers, most in bags while some remained uncovered. It could not independently verify when the video was taken. State-owned Press TV quoted Irans police chief as saying that calm had been restored throughout the country. United States President Donald Trump on Friday threatened tariffs on countries that don't support his Greenland takeover dreams. "I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," Trump stated at a health roundtable at the White House, according to AFP. Trump earlier said the US requires control of Greenland for national security reasons, stating that the territory is critical to the Golden Dome defense system his administration is developing. He said that North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) should take the lead in supporting US efforts to secure Greenland, warning that if Washington does not do so, Russia or China could step in, an outcome he said would be unacceptable. He also claimed that NATOs military effectiveness depends heavily on US power, much of which he said was built up during his first term and is now being strengthened further. Without the US, he mentioned, the alliance would lack real deterrent capability. According to Trump, NATO would become significantly stronger and more effective if Greenland were under US control, insisting that any alternative arrangement would fall short. After holding talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday, Rasmussen and Motzfeldt announced that the US and Denmark will set up a working group to address a wide range of issues related to Greenland. The group is expected to convene in the coming weeks. He said Denmark and Greenland were open to the idea of the United States establishing additional military bases on the island, but stressed that there were certain red lines that Washington could not overstep. "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 stated. Also Read | NATO allies send troops to Greenland as Trump doubles down on potential takeover The president is serious Trumps special envoy to Greenland said he intends to visit the Danish territory in March and expressed confidence that an agreement can be reached, according to Reuters. "I do believe that there's a deal that should and will be made once this plays out," Jeff Landry told Fox News on Friday, as a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers was preparing to hold meetings with leaders in Greenland and Denmark. Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado said on Thursday she "presented" her Nobel Peace Prize medal to United States President Donald Trump in a bid to win him over. Trump has sidelined Machado since overthrowing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. "I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize," AFP quoted Machado as she spoke outside the US Capitol, where she met with lawmakers after having lunch with Trump at the White House. Also Read | Trump says Venezuelan oppn leader might give him her Nobel Peace Prize next week Machado, 58, said it was recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. Trump reacts Trump took to TRUTH social media to confirm the development. He said, 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! The Norwegian Nobel Committee says its prizes cannot be transferred. Machado's extraordinary gesture comes after Trump said the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize should have gone to him instead and after he refused to back Machado following the 3 January US military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro. Trump instead backed Maduro's Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, so long as she toes Washington's line, particularly on access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Not afraid Trump had campaigned hard to win last year's Nobel Peace Prize for what he said were his efforts to stop eight wars. Instead, it went to Machado, who appeared in Oslo last month to collect her prize following a daring escape from Venezuela by boat and then dedicated it to Trump. Venezuela's opposition has argued and presented evidence that Maduro stole the 2024 election from the candidate of Machado's party, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, claims supported by Washington. But Trump has said that Machado does not have enough support among Venezuelans and opted to stick with Maduro loyalist Rodriguez. Trump and Rodriguez had their first telephone call on Wednesday, and the White House said Thursday he "likes what he's seeing" with Venezuela's interim leaders. Rodriguez said, however, on Thursday that her government was "not afraid" of a diplomatic clash with Washington. "We know they are very powerful. We know they are a lethal nuclear power... We are not afraid to confront them diplomatically, through political dialogue," said Rodriguez. Rodriguez was delivering Maduro's state of the nation address to parliament while the toppled Venezuelan leader is in a New York jail facing drug trafficking charges. By contrast, Machado, who campaigned for years to end leftist Maduro's rule, was greeted by jubilant supporters as she left the White House. And her meeting with Trump was an opportunity for her to bring the issue of a democratic transition back into the foreground. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, as lunch started, that Machado was a "remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela." But while Leavitt said Trump was "committed to hopefully seeing elections in Venezuela one day," she would not give a timeline. Sixth tanker seizure Since Maduro's capture, Trump has said the United States will "run" Venezuela exerting pressure through a naval blockade and threats of further attacks but has appeared content to let Rodriguez remain in power so long as oil keeps flowing. US forces on Thursday seized a sixth oil tanker in their campaign to control the South American country's critical fossil fuel sector. Separately, the first US-brokered sale of Venezuelan oil, worth around $500 million, has been finalised, a US official told AFP on Thursday without identifying the buyer. Rodriguez, in her speech, also announced plans for legal reforms to Venezuela's oil sector, which currently limits the involvement of foreign entities, but did not provide specific details. Washington has also hailed the release of dozens of political prisoners in the past week, though hundreds remain behind bars. Meanwhile, the shockwaves from the lightning US raid that toppled Maduro continue to reverberate. X, formerly Twitter, has gone down across the globe, in what appears to be a major outage. For thousands of users across UK, US, major cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, among others the Elon Musk-led site and its app did not load at all for sometime on Friday, with many visitors seeing a blank screen. According to a report by Forbes, most users facing disruptionsaround 56%reported problems with Xs mobile app. Another 33% said they were unable to access the platforms website, while about 10% cited server connectivity issues. X down: 62k+ disruptions in US, India reports 3k+ issues In the United States, more than 62,000 users had reported issues with the social media platform by 10:22 am ET, according to Downdetector which aggregates outage reports from multiple sources. In UK, around 11,000 incidents were logged with Down Detector showing a huge spike in reports of problems at X at around 3pm (local time), i.e. 9pm IST. Meanwhile, users in India reported over 3,000 issues. The tracking website however mentioned that the actual number of affected users may differ from what is shown on the platform, as the reports are submitted by users. Second outage in 3 days? Friday's (16 January) X outage comes after the microblog suffered another outage on 13 January. X reportedly suffered a widespread outage on Tuesday (13 January) evening, with users in India and the US reporting issues accessing the app and website. Downdetector showed thousands of complaints, with major cities in both US, India among the worst affected. Cloudfare issues While attempting to log into X on Friday, many users could see Cloudfare issues. Cloudflare protects this website. But, something went wrong trying to reach it. If the problem isnt resolved in the next few minutes, its most likely an issue with the web server you were trying to reach. Cloudflare is a global network that secures websites, applications, remote teams, and networks. We help build a better Internet through a focus on security and speed, the message read. not another cyberattack As news of the outage spread, many users took to multiple platforms including X to express their frustration. X is down. What is the cause? It was working until 15 minutes ago. Let's hope it's not another cyberattack. Quite unusual. How is it on your end? I tried both mobile and web and both have issues, one user posted on X. The official visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India on 12-13 January, his first to the Indo-Pacific since taking office, coincided with the 75th anniversary year of diplomatic ties, providing renewed momentum to the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. The visit reinforced strategic alignment across political, economic and technological domains and precedes the anticipated European Union-India Summit, expected to push forward negotiations on an India-EU trade agreement. Amid increasing geopolitical fragmentation, renewed emphasis on tech sovereignty and techno-nationalism, with the strategic control and weaponization of technologies a new reality, India and Germany share comprehensive relations dating back to a pact on Cooperation in Scientific Research and Technological Development that is over half a century old. Also Read | Rahul Jacob: Global alliances have changed and so have German policies India and Germany share a future-oriented partnership in science and technology, rooted in trust, shared democratic values and a strong commitment to innovation. This cooperation spans several priority areas, including mega science, space research, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, green hydrogen, renewable energy, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and sustainable mobility. This collaboration is supported by robust institutional mechanisms, joint research programmes and academic and research exchanges. By aiming to link research institutions, universities, startups and industry, the Indo-German partnership can strengthen innovation ecosystems and create skilled employment. By combining Germanys tech strengths with Indias scale, talent and digital capabilities, we are well placed to drive economic growth and address common challenges such as climate change and the related energy transition, apart from those posed by rare-earth scarcity and gaps in health and security. Together, we could deliver solutions with global impact that advance the cause of sustainable and inclusive development. The partnership extends to triangular technology cooperation projects in countries such as Cameroon, Malawi and Peru, focusing on agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and geospatial planning. Merzs visit strengthened the Innovation and Technology Partnership Roadmap. Several agreements and MoUs were adopted in emerging and critical technology domains that are vital for economic competitiveness and strategic autonomy, including semiconductors, critical minerals, telecom, AI and digital technologies. Both countries aim to diversify supply chains and build resilience against potential disruptions, even as they plan to harness AI for sustainable development by adopting an innovation-led, inclusive and human-centric approach to AI governance. There is ample scope for joint efforts in shaping global AI norms, standards and applications, given Germanys participation in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence and Indias hosting of the AI Impact Summit this February. A call for enhanced space industry level engagements could help accelerate innovation and the commercialization of advanced space technologies. As for the green agenda, initiatives like the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, Green Hydrogen Roadmap and the Indo-Germany Energy Forum are expected to facilitate collaboration on renewables, climate mitigation and a just energy transition. Deeper engagement is also possible through the Global Biofuel Alliance, launched during Indias G20 Presidency to ensure that sustainability goals are closely linked with energy security and climate commitments. Other joint strides were taken on an R&D programme for bioeconomic progress. Others include the Semiconductor Ecosystem partnership. There was further good news in a five-year extension of the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre, an institutional mechanism that advances collaboration in basic and applied research through a unique 2+2 academia-industry model that fosters innovation on a public-private partnership basis. Also Read | The US climate cop-out should galvanize the world to rally around the planet At 75 years, the India-Germany relations have evolved into a mature, institutionalized and future-oriented partnership. Given how the world is shaping up, all of this is essential.By aligning science, technology and innovation cooperation with sustainability imperatives, both countries are set to deepen bilateral ties and collaboratively shape responses to global challenges. Chancellor Merzs visit did not just reflect continuity and a renewed momentum, it underlined a shared vision. Indias growing STEM diaspora in Germany is acting as another bridge between the two countries, with knowledge diffusion between the two a key aspect of it. With collaborative research, talent mobility and tech partnerships on firm ground, the two have much to offer each other and the rest of the world. The authors are, respectively, science consultant and consultant, Research and Information System for Developing Countries. The Supreme Court judgement in the case of Tiger Globals tax liability has, contrary to expectations, gone against the assessee and in favour of Indias revenue authorities. In 2009, the private equity firm had invested in the Singapore-based holding company of e-commerce major Flipkart, and then increased its exposure over the next two years to about $1 billiona 20% stake. In 2017, it sold part of its holding to SoftBank Group, and in 2018, it sold most of its shares to Walmart. This sale triggered the tax dispute. Also Read | What Justice Pardiwalas sovereignty note in the Tiger Global case means The holding structure was complex. It was Tiger Global Mauritius (TGM) that held equity in Flipkart Singapore, which in turn had a stake in Flipkart India, and what was sold to Walmart in 2018 was TGMs stake in Flipkart Singapore. As such, this was not a sale of a company in India. This offers a parallel with the Vodafone case: in 2007, Hong Kong-based Hutchison Group had sold its stake in overseas holding firms (including one in Mauritius) that controlled Hutchison Essar in India to UK-based Vodafone. In TGMs case, though, the sale was by a Mauritius company of shares in a Singapore firm. Since 1992, Article 13 of an India-Mauritius tax treaty had offered a capital gains exemption till it was amended with effect from 1 April 2017. Consider the historical background. In 1991, India had to reform its economic policies after running short of foreign exchange and New Delhi liberalized rules for foreign investment inflows. Around the same time, Mauritius passed the Mauritius Offshore Business Activities Act, which brought into effect the tax treaty with India that gave tax exemption on the sale of shares by companies resident there. It was obviously designed to attract foreign investment to India via Mauritius. However, a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) regime arose that allowed treaty benefits to be claimed by obtaining a TRC in Mauritius. Also Read | The Tiger-Flipkart ruling will echo way beyond Tiger and Flipkart As Circular No. 682 of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDC) dated 30 March 1994 states: Any resident of Mauritius deriving income from alienation of shares of Indian companies will be liable to capital gains tax only in Mauritius as per Mauritius tax law and will not have any capital gains tax liability in India." In August 2016, Sections 3A) and 3B) were inserted in Article 13 of the treaty: 3A) Gains from the alienation of shares acquired on or after April 1, 2017 in a company which is resident of a Contracting State may be taxed in that Stage; 3B) However, the tax rate on the gains referred to in Paragraph 3A of this Article and arising during the period beginning on April 1, 2017 and ending on March 31, 2019 shall not exceed 50% of the tax rate applicable on such gains in the State of residence of the company whose shares are being alienated." It would be obvious that shares acquired up to 31 March 2017 should get the benefit of the earlier exemption. In April 2000, the CBDT issued Circular No. 789, clarifying that a TRC issued by Mauritius is sufficient evidence for taxpayer residence status. On its basis, in the Azadi Bachao Andolan case, on 7 October 2003 the Supreme Court held that if a valid TRC is provided, the treaty benefit cannot be denied. That judgement also stated that the 2000 circular was within the CBDCs powers to issue. The Mauritius route clearly had the governments approval and the TRC had deemed" substance because the purpose of the treaty was to lure foreign investment. But unfortunately, endless doublespeak over three decades has acted as a dampener for investors. One would assume the Supreme Court was acquainted with that context. Yet, it ruled against Tiger Global and its use of tax grandfatheringnotably, the transactions under scrutiny involved shares acquired before before 1 April 2017. The tax department had still pressed for a capital-gains levy and the top court focused on substance over form and the fact that underlying business was in India to uphold the tax claim. Here are some larger issues: First, the governments keenness to attract foreign investment was clear in its use of the Mauritius treaty and CBDT circulars to convey its intent to honour the tax exemption. Yet, strangely, the government chose to press for the levy. Second, what are the signals this sends to foreign investors? Especially in todays context, as we face geopolitical headwinds and uneven capital inflows. All of this raises a question. Should the Supreme Court not have considered the larger picture, including the CBDT circulars and intent to allow the grandfathering of shares acquired pre-April 2017? This judgement against Tiger Globals exemption claim has cast a long and dark shadow on the certainty of law, sanctity of tax treaties and the credibility of government promises (even if only implied). Overall, it has sent negative signals to foreign investors, particularly private equity players. While there may be few other cases of its kind, the ruling raises the risk of deals long-concluded being reopened. It also casts into uncertainty cases covered by other treaties with a similar provision, such as one with Singapore, as well as cases under the India-Dutch treaty, which has its own form of exemption. One can only hope that some kind of resolution will emerge and positive signals will be sent by the Centre to mitigate the impact of this judgement. Sneha Mahnot contributed to the article. The author is founder of Katalyst Advisors Pvt Ltd. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will announce the name of its new national president on 20 January, the party said on Friday, with reports suggesting that the saffron party's national working president Nitin Nabin is set to take over. The organizational poll schedule released by BJP national returning officer K Laxman showed that the nomination for the election of the party chief can be filed between 2 pm and 4 pm on January 19, and the nominations can be withdrawn between 5 pm and 6 pm on the same day. Scrutiny of the nomination papers will be carried out between 4 pm and 5 pm on January 19. "Polling will be held if needed on January 20, and an official announcement of the name of the new BJP national president will be made the same day," Laxman said. Around 300 national office-bearers of the BJP from across India, mandated to vote in the election of the saffron party's national president, are expected to reach Delhi over the weekend to be part of the poll process, reported Indian Express. Currently, Union Health Minister J P Nadda holds the BJP national president post. Nadda was appointed in June 2019 as the BJP's national working president and was elected unopposed again on 20 January 2020, replacing Amit Shah as the saffron party's chief. Who is Nitin Nabin? Sources cited by news agency PTI have said that Nitin Nabin is set to be elected unopposed to the post, and is most likely to replace Nadda. The son of late BJP veteran and former MLA Nabin Kishore Prasad Sinha, 45-year-old Nitin is seen within the saffron party as a dynamic leader who is ideologically rooted and deeply committed to the organization, reported PTI. Nabin comes from an RSS background. The 45-year-old represents Bankipur Assembly constituency in Bihar and has served as a minister in the Bihar government twice. SINGAPOREAfter a year of gung-ho news about Chinas gains in artificial intelligence, some elite Chinese AI researchers are coming to a more pessimistic conclusion. The countrys chances of catching up to the U.S. are slim in the short run, they say, because of a bottleneck in chips . The truth may be that the gap is actually widening," Tang Jie, founder of Chinese AI startup Zhipu, said at a conference last weekend in Beijing. While were doing well in certain areas, we must still acknowledge the challenges and the disparities we face." One illustration: When AI chip leader Nvidia introduced its next-generation Rubin hardware in January, it named a number of American companies as customers, but no Chinese AI developer was named because U.S. rules block direct sales to China. Chinese companies have started discussions about renting computing power at data centers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East to get access to Rubin chips, according to people involved in the talks. That follows companies efforts last year to access chips in Nvidias Blackwell series. View Full Image Chinese companies such as Alibaba are making progress in the field of AI. Gilles Sabrie for WSJ Deals by Chinese companies to use Nvidia chips in third countries are generally viewed as legal. But they require circuitous arrangements and typically leave Chinese AI developers with fewer chips and more inconvenience compared with well-funded American competitors. Justin Lin, who heads development of Alibabas AI model Qwen, was asked at the Beijing conference about the chance of any Chinese company leapfrogging the likes of OpenAI and Anthropic over the next three to five years. His on-the-spot guess was 20% or less. Washingtons export controls limiting Chinas access to the worlds most advanced AI chips have dissuaded many Chinese companies from pursuing state-of-the-art AI, which consumes a huge amount of computing power. Instead, they apply the technology for everyday uses, while American firms invest in the latest chips to push the boundaries. A massive amount of compute at OpenAI and other American companies is dedicated to next-generation research, whereas we are stretched thin," said Alibabas Lin. Just meeting delivery demands consumes most of our resources." UBS analysts estimate that the combined capital spending of Chinas internet leadersmuch of it for AIwas equivalent to around $57 billion last year. That is roughly one-tenth of U.S. peers. View Full Image ... No one is counting China out yet, because developers such as DeepSeek have shown skill at adapting to limited resources. Two other AI developersZhipu, formally known as Knowledge Atlas Technology, and MiniMaxraised more than $1 billion combined in Hong Kong this month in initial public offerings. MiniMaxs share price more than doubled from its IPO price in just two trading days. Despite a more challenging operating environment, investors continue to price in the possibility of technological catch-up or breakthrough," said Alyssa Lee, a veteran tech investor who now works at an AI startup. That optimism itself speaks to the level of innovation Chinese companies have demonstrated." Since it turned heads in the U.S. with a high-quality AI model a year ago, DeepSeek has been publishing techniques to improve the efficiency of AI development, some of which have been adopted by Western researchers. DeepSeek published two research papers this month discussing a new training architecture that allows for development of larger models using fewer chips, and a memory design that makes models run more efficiently. This year, models developed by DeepSeek and Alibaba have narrowed the gap with the best U.S. models to as little as four months, compared with an average gap of seven months in recent years, according to nonprofit researcher Epoch AI. Many of Chinas leading models are open-sourcemeaning they are free for users to download and modify. That is helping Chinese firms raise their global profile while top American models remain closed-source. Yet DeepSeek has run into snafus. Last year, when it was developing its new flagship model, it tried using less-advanced chips from Huawei and other domestic vendors but the results were unacceptable, so it turned to Nvidia chips for some training workloads, said people familiar with the development. DeepSeek then made progress, and it is preparing to introduce the model in coming weeks, they said. In recent years, Huawei and many Chinese chip startups have made headway with their productsZhipu said Wednesday it created an open-source image-generation model using only Huawei chipsbut the performance gap with the best American chips remains wide. China is barred by Washington from acquiring top-of-the-line chip-making technology. Companies cant tap leading chip manufacturers in Asia such as Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to produce many advanced chips, but have to rely on less-advanced imported and domestic machines to ramp up capacity. The primary bottleneck is chip-manufacturing capacity," said Yao Shunyu of Chinese internet giant Tencent at the Beijing event. Yao recently left OpenAI to lead Tencents AI push. Washingtons recent decision to allow Nvidia to sell its H200 chip in China isnt likely to be a game-changer in helping Chinese companies catch up, said people in the industry. Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang has said Chinese demand for the chip is high, but people at Chinese tech companies said the chip, which is two generations behind the Rubin series, has become insufficient for training state-of-the-art AI. Companies are still waiting for Beijings approval to purchase the H200s. Chinese officials have recently told some companies that any purchases should be for necessary" uses such as advanced AI research, people familiar with the guidance said. They said China would continue to push adoption of domestic chips. Write to Raffaele Huang at raffaele.huang@wsj.com and Tracy Qu at tracy.qu@wsj.com Selecting the ideal frost-free refrigerator for your home involves navigating through a landscape filled with cutting-edge technological features. This guide to the top 10 options marries convenience with efficiency, presenting models that redefine kitchen utility. These refrigerators, celebrated for their ability to prevent ice build-up, encapsulate the essence of modern living with smart, energy-saving functionalities. They come equipped with varied temperature zones, connectivity options for remote control, and voice command capabilities, catering to diverse household needs. Our Picks FAQs Our Picks Product Rating Price Haier 520L 3Star Lumiere French Door 4-Door Side by Side Frost Free Refrigerator|Convertible|Wi-Fi|Inverter|Colourful Display Panel|My zone|Sun Lit Interior (HRB-600MGU1, Mirror Glass) View Details GET PRICE Samsung 550 L, Convertible, Digital Inverter, Frost Free French Door Refrigerator (RF57A5032S9/TL, Silver, Refined Inox) View Details GET PRICE Samsung 653 L, 3 Star, Frost Free, Double Door, Convertible 5-in-1 Digital Inverter, Side By Side AI Enabled Smart Refrigerator with WiFi (RS76CG8003B1HL, Black Matte/Black DOI) View Details GET PRICE Whirlpool 240 L Frost Free Triple-Door Refrigerator(FP 263D Protton Roy, Alpha Steel) View Details GET PRICE Godrej 564 L Multi Air Flow System, With Advanced Controls Frost Free Side-By-Side Refrigerator(RS EONVELVET 579 RFD GL BK, Glass Black) View Details GET PRICE View More Research-Backed Choices Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research. Whether your priority is ample storage for family use or a sleek design for compact spaces, our selections cater to every requirement. These units excel in silent operation and feature minimalist designs that elevate kitchen aesthetics. Each model showcases the progress in refrigeration technology, emphasizing durability, advanced cooling systems, and intuitive interfaces. Our exploration into these refrigerators reveals more than just their utility; they act as the cornerstone of the kitchen, promising to keep your provisions fresher for longer while bringing order and convenience to your culinary space. Discover refrigerators that not only keep food at its best but also integrate seamlessly with the rhythm of your daily life, making them indispensable in the modern home. The Haier 4-Door Refrigerator combines modern design with efficient cooling. Its spacious compartments allow organised storage of fresh and frozen items. Convertible technology lets you switch between fridge and freezer modes as needed. Multi-airflow cooling maintains consistent temperatures, keeping food fresh longer. Sleek and stylish, it fits well in contemporary kitchens. Easy-to-use controls and energy-efficient performance make it a reliable choice for families seeking convenience, space, and advanced refrigeration features. Specifications of Haier 4-Door Refrigerator: Capacity: 600 L Type: 4-Door Refrigerator Colour: Silver Features: Convertible Cooling Technology Energy Efficiency: 4 Star Special Features: Multi-Airflow Cooling Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid Large storage space Bulky for small kitchens Energy efficient Premium price 2. Samsung 580 L Our Principles Full Transparency Every product review clearly lists the Pros and Cons, giving you a balanced view. Brand Confidence We focus on products from brands with a proven reputation and long-standing market trust. This spacious French door refrigerator makes cooling and storing groceries simple. The 381 liter fresh food compartment has three adjustable toughened glass shelves, two drawers and an anti-bacterial gasket to keep food fresh for longer. The 199 liter freezer compartment provides ample storage for frozen goods. An automatic defrost function means no more ice buildup or having to defrost the freezer manually. The digital inverter compressor automatically adjusts its speed based on cooling demand, resulting in less energy use, less noise, and a more durable lifespan. The non-plumbing water and ice dispenser lets you easily fill glasses with cold filtered water, all from the convenience of the door. Overall, this Samsung fridge's features, energy efficiency and ample storage make it a practical and sensible choice for large families with many cold storage needs. Specifications of Samsung 580 L, Inverter, Frost-Free French Door Side-By-Side Refrigerator Capacity: 580 Liters Type: French Door Side-By-Side Colour: Refined Inox Features: Convertible, Digital Inverter Technology Energy Efficiency: High Efficiency Inverter Compressor Special Features: Spacious Interior, Ice Maker, LED Lighting Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Spacious interior Higher price point Energy-efficient inverter Bulky design may not suit smaller spaces Samsung's Convertible 5in1 Side by Side freezer gives you endless storage options - from Normal mode for everyday use to Vacation mode to keep food fresh while you're away. The 653 liter capacity fits groceries for a family of five with ease, while features like Twin Cooling Plus maintain moisture and freshness in both compartments. But what really sets this refrigerator apart is its Digital Inverter Compressor. It automatically adjusts speed for optimal cooling while using up to 50% less energy - plus it's backed by a 20 year warranty! The spacious freezer has ample room for bulk purchases while the refrigerator features 4 adjustable shelves, 2 crisper drawers and 6 bottle pockets. Simply put, this refrigerator combines innovative technology, versatile storage and energy efficiency in a sleek black matte finish that elevates any kitchen. Specifications of Samsung 653 L: Capacity: 653 Liters Type: Side by Side Colour: Black Matt Features: 5-in-1 Convertible, Wi-Fi Enabled, Digital Inverter Energy Efficiency: Smart Energy Saving Special Features: Power Cool/Freeze, Deodorizing Filter Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Large capacity High energy consumption Wi-Fi enabled for smart control Expensive The Whirlpool 240 L Frost Free Triple-Door Refrigerator sets a benchmark for energy efficiency in its class, outperforming a 60W CFL in energy conservation. Ideal for medium-sized families, this model boasts unique features like Zeolite and Moisture Retention Technology, ensuring your food stays fresher for longer. The stabilizer-free operation amidst high voltage fluctuations highlights its reliability. The inclusion of a fruit crisper and deli zone, along with a 32 L large storage, caters to all your storage needs, making it an outstanding choice for those seeking a blend of sophistication and functionality. Specifications of Whirlpool 240 L Frost Free Triple-Door Refrigerator Capacity: 240 litres Energy Efficiency: Higher than a 60 watt CFL Special Features: Stabilizer-free operation, Zeolite Technology, Moisture Retention Technology Warranty: 1 year on product, 10 years on compressor Storage: Frost Free cooling, Toughened Glass shelves, Reciprocatory compressor Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Exceptional energy efficiency May not be suitable for larger families Advanced food preservation technology This frost-free refrigerator from Godrej features an auto-defrost function that prevents ice buildup, keeping food fresher for longer. With a large 564 liter capacity, it is perfect for families with five or more members. The multi air flow system distributes cool air evenly throughout the fridge and freezer, maintaining a consistent temperature that helps prolong food freshness. You also get customized temperature settings, allowing you to select the cooling level that suits you with options to set the freezer between -24 to -14 degrees Celsius and the fridge between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. Storage includes a 348 liter fresh food compartment and 216 liter freezer, as well as toughened glass shelves and a large aqua space for 2-liter bottles. Additionally, three intelligent modes optimize temperature for different occasions, ensuring food stays at its best whether you're at home or away on holiday. Specifications of Godrej 564 L Multi Air Flow System Capacity: 564 Liters Type: Side-By-Side Colour: Glass Black Features: Frost Free, Advanced Controls, Multi Air Flow System Energy Efficiency: High Efficiency Compressor Special Features: Large Vegetable Box, Anti-Bacterial Gasket Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Advanced control options Limited brand presence in some regions Multi Air Flow System for even cooling Glass finish may require frequent cleaning The Bosch Max Flex 3 Star Convertible refrigerator combines three separate temperature zones to give you maximum storage flexibility. With Vario Inverter Compressor and VitaFresh technology, it keeps your food fresher for longer while the FreshSense humidity controller and FreshAir filter maintain optimal conditions. The 184-liter fresh food capacity means plenty of room for your groceries while the 82-liter freezer offers ample space for frozen favorites. The glass shelves are sturdy yet scratch-resistant, so you can easily see what's inside. With a 1-year comprehensive warranty and 10-year compressor warranty, you can shop with confidence knowing this refrigerator is built to last. Its flexible design, advanced features and versatile storage make it a clever choice for any home, helping you keep your food in tip-top shape no matter what you have in stock. Specifications of Bosch Max Flex 3 Star Capacity: 332 Liters Type: Triple Door Colour: Steel Features: Convertible, Inverter Technology Energy Efficiency: 3 Star Rating Special Features: VarioInverter, VitaFresh Technology Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Compact size suitable for smaller kitchens Smaller capacity may not be ideal for large families 3 Star energy efficiency Limited advanced features The Whirlpool 300 L model elevates the standard of medium-sized family refrigerators with its advanced energy-saving technology, rivaling the efficiency of a 60W CFL. This frost-free, triple-door refrigerator not only ensures optimal cooling but also integrates Zeolite and Moisture Retention Technology for prolonged freshness of perishables. The stabilizer-free functionality during voltage fluctuations and generous 300 litres capacity make it both a practical and stylish addition to any kitchen. With specialized zones for fruits and deli items, plus an air booster for even cooling, it's designed for those who prioritize food quality and storage flexibility. Specifications of Whirlpool 300 L Frost Free Triple-Door Refrigerator Capacity: 300 litres Energy Efficiency: Competes with a 60 watt CFL Special Features: Stabilizer-free operation, Zeolite Technology, Moisture Retention Technology Warranty: 1 year on product, 10 years on compressor Storage: Frost Free cooling, Thermostat display, Toughened Glass shelves Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Digital Inverter Technology for energy saving Lower capacity Sleek and modern design May lack some advanced features This Samsung refrigerator is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The Luxe Black finish and large digital display give it a sleek, futuristic vibe that elevates any kitchen, while the powerful digital inverter compressor keeps foods fresh for longer in near silence. The Frost Free technology means no more manual defrosting, and the convertible freezer lets you adjust storage as needed. The refrigerator's spacious 203-liter fresh food capacity and 53-liter freezer capacity provide ample storage for large families, with useful features like an anti-bacterial gasket, bottle storage, and a vegetable drawer to keep fruits and veggies crisp. Best of all, Samsung backs it all with a comprehensive 1-year warranty and an impressive 20-year warranty on the compressor, giving you years of reliable, energy-efficient cooling performance. Specifications of Samsung 256 L, 3 Star Capacity: 256 Liters Type: Double Door Colour: Luxe Black Features: Convertible, Digital Inverter, with Display Energy Efficiency: 3 Star Rating Special Features: Cool Wall Technology, Moist Fresh Zone Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Convertible for flexible storage Slightly higher price for its size Luxe Black finish adds elegance Limited capacity for larger households This LG refrigerator brings high-tech style and efficiency to your kitchen. The 322-liter capacity offers ample room for your groceries while the frost-free design means youll never have to defrost again. The smart inverter compressor runs quietly and efficiently to keep foods fresh for longer, and the 3-star energy rating helps lower utility bills. Interior features include tempered glass shelves, a vegetable box, an egg tray, an anti-bacterial gasket, and anti-rat bite protection to keep foods safe. The convertible freezer gives you flexibility to suit your storage needs. The multi-airflow cooling system circulates air evenly throughout, while the express freeze mode chills items quickly. The micom temperature control and smart diagnosis system monitor performance to ensure optimal cooling. In short, this refrigerator combines the essentials you need with clever extras you'll love, all wrapped up in a dazzling steel finish. Specifications of LG 322 L 3 Star Frost-Free Smart Inverter Double Door Refrigerator Capacity: 322 Litres Type: Double Door Colour: Dazzle Steel Features: Frost-Free, Smart Inverter, Convertible with Express Freeze Energy Efficiency: 3 Star Rating Special Features: Smart Diagnosis, Auto Smart Connect Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Smart Inverter for efficient operation Limited innovative features Convertible with Express Freeze Standard design The stylish Shiny Steel finish and large 343L capacity make it perfect for families. The 81L freezer and 262L fresh food compartments provide ample space for all your food storage needs. The Multi Air Flow technology circulates cool air evenly so food stays fresh, while the Express Freeze quickly lowers temperatures to preserve food quality. The Smart Inverter Compressor operates efficiently and quietly while the Smart Diagnosis system detects problems automatically. The Total No Frost feature prevents annoying ice buildup so that your fridge always looks and works great. With convertible freezer and fridge modes, you get maximum versatility. The Trimless Tempered Glass shelves, anti-bacterial gasket, and anti rat bite protection provide enhanced hygiene. This energy-efficient 3-star refrigerator delivers performance, convenience, and style for your home. Specifications of LG 343 L 3 Star Frost-Free Smart Inverter Double Door Refrigerator Capacity: 343 Litres Type: Double Door Colour: Shiny Steel Features: Frost-Free, Smart Inverter, Convertible with Express Freeze Energy Efficiency: 3 Star Rating Special Features: Multi Air Flow Cooling, Moist Balance Crisper Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Spacious capacity May be large for compact spaces Smart Inverter Compressor for energy efficiency Higher price point Top 3 features for you Product Name Capacity Energy Efficiency Unique Features Haier 4-Door Refrigerator 520 L 3 Star Convertible, Wi-Fi, Inverter, Colourful Display Panel Samsung 580 L (Rf57A5032S9/Tl) 580 L High Digital Inverter Technology, Triple Cooling, Smart Connect Samsung 653 L (RS76CG8003B1HL) 653 L High SpaceMax Technology, In-Door Ice Maker, Twin Cooling Plus Whirlpool 240 L Frost Free Triple-Door 240 L Moderate Zeolite Technology, Moisture Retention, Custom Cooling Zones Godrej 564 L (RS EONVELVET 579 RFD GL BK) 564 L High Anti-B Technology, Thick PUF Insulation, Intelligent Mode Bosch Max Flex 332 L (CMC33S05NI) 332 L High VarioInverter, VitaFresh Technology, EasyAccess Shelf Whirlpool 300 L Frost Free Triple-Door 300 L Moderate MicroBlock Technology, FreshFlow Air Tower, Active Deo Samsung 256 L (RT30C3733BX/HL) 256 L Moderate All-around Cooling, Digital Inverter Compressor, Power Freeze LG 322 L (GL-S342SDSX) 322 L High Smart Inverter Compressor, Multi Air Flow, Smart Diagnosis LG 343 L (GL-S382SPZX) 343 L High LINEARCooling, DoorCooling+, SmartThinQ Technology Best value for money Samsung 653 L, Frost Free Convertible 5In1, Digital Inverter, Wi-Fi Enabled Side by Side Refrigerator helps you optimize storage and keep food fresher longer. The Convertible 5-in-1 mode lets you switch between Normal, Seasonal, Extra Fridge, Vacation and Home Alone modes to best suit your needs at any time. It uses 50% less energy thanks to the digital inverter compressor while still providing whisper-quiet operation and a 20-year compressor warranty. The spacious 653 liter capacity with separate 409 liter fresh food and 244 liter freezer compartments provide plenty of room for a large family. Features like the toughened glass shelves, anti-bacterial gasket, six bottle storage spots and Twin Cooling Plus technology help keep food fresher for longer by preventing odor transfer and maintaining ideal humidity. Best overall product The Samsung 580 L (Rf57A5032S9/Tl) is the standout choice for the best overall product. Its substantial capacity caters to larger families or those needing more storage space. The refrigerator's Digital Inverter Technology and Triple Cooling System ensure energy efficiency and precise temperature control, while Smart Connect features offer convenience. This model exemplifies the perfect blend of innovative technology, performance, and design, making it a top-tier option for discerning homeowners. How to find the best frost-free refrigerators? Selecting the best frost-free refrigerator available today requires a combination of study, comprehension of individual needs, and consideration of essential criteria. Start by measuring the space in your kitchen or other designated location to be sure the refrigerator you've picked will fit perfectly. Subsequently, determine your unique requirements, including but not limited to capacity demands, preferred styles (such as side-by-side or French doors), and extra features (such as water dispensers or smart connections). It might be crucial to investigate reliable brands and their past performance. Seek for companies with a reputation for dependability, durability, and post-purchase support. Reviews from professionals and other customers provide insightful information about how different models work in the real world by emphasising their advantages and possible disadvantages. Take energy efficiency ratings into account as well. Energy-efficient models have an excellent environmental effect in addition to helping lower power expenses. Evaluate the refrigerator's features in addition to its chilling ability. Seek drawers with humidity control, shelves that can be adjusted, and sections designed to meet specific storage requirements. For even more ease, investigate technology innovations such as touchscreens, smart sensors, and connection choices. Making the most of your investment is ensured by comparing pricing across several platforms or sellers. To guarantee long-term contentment with your selected refrigerator, take advantage of deals, discounts, or promotions while taking warranty durations and after-sales support into consideration. Ashley St Clair, mother of one of Elon Musk's children, has sued the billionaire's xAI for allegedly generating explicit deepfake images of her using Grok AI chatbot. Notably, the chatbot has been in the middle of controversy for a few days for generating nude images of women and sometimes children without their consent. xAIs product Grok, a generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, uses AI to undress, humiliate, and sexually exploit victims, St Clair said in her suit. She lives in fear that nude and sexual images of herself, including of her as a child, will continue to be created by xAI and that she will not be safe from the people who consume these images, it added. As per a CNN report, St Clair also claimed that the chatbot generated and distributed countless sexually abusive, intimate, and degrading deepfake content of her at the behest of users. The political commentator is reportedly seeking a jury trial along with compensation, stating that she suffered emotional distress and a loss of privacy. Meanwhile, xAI is also said to have filed its own case against St Clair in the Northern District of Texas, alleging that she breached her contract with the company by bringing the dispute to a different court when the tech giant's terms of service state that claims must be filed in a Texas court, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. xAI's Grok problems The lawsuit by St Clair comes shortly after xAI said it would stop X from editing images of users. Meanwhile, Musk said that he was not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok while insisting that there were literally zero such instances. Musk also sought to put the blame on the heads of users who created these images and suggested that the platform should not suffer the consequences. Meanwhile, the recent explicit images generated by Musk's AI chatbot Grok have landed X in trouble, with some countries considering banning both X and Grok. Indonesia and Malaysia have already banned the chatbot due to the risk of fake pornographic content. Other countries, like the UK, have threatened to ban the chatbot if xAI does not build the necessary guardrails. The Indian government had also sought a response from xAI regarding the explicit images being generated by Grok. Motorola has confirmed that its all-new flagship device, the Motorola Signature, will be debuting in India on 23 January. The phone was showcased by the company during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this month, and the brand has now said that the device will be coming to India via Flipkart while also sharing many of the key specifications of the flagship phone. Motorola Signature specifications: Motorola Signature is confirmed to come in Pantone Carbon and Pantone Martini Olive colour variants. It will feature a thickness of just 6.99mm while weighing 186 grams. The device will feature an aluminium frame with a triple camera setup and Moto logo on the back. The upcoming device will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, which is the same SoC we have earlier seen on the OnePlus 15R. It will also come with an ArcticMesh cooling system and feature up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Motorola Signature will feature a 165Hz LTPO AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, just like the OnePlus 15R. It will feature a peak brightness of 6,200 nits and features a speaker setup with Sound by Bose. The phone will run on Motorola's own skin based on Android 16 with a promise of 7 years of OS updates and 7 years of security patches. It will pack a 5,200mAh battery with support for 90W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. Motorola is also promising a few AI features with the phone like AI Signature Style to add a new effect to images, AI Adaptive Stabilisation for stabilising moving objects during video recording, and AI Action Shot for keeping moving shots steady. Motorola hasn't confirmed the complete specifications of the camera setup. However, the company says one of the cameras will feature the Sony LYTIA 828 sensor and there will be support for Dolby Vision along with 8K video recording. The company is also launching a new Signature Club service with the device to provide assistance across travel, dining, wellness, lifestyle, and exclusive club access. Since the phone has already debuted at CES, we can expect the device to come with a 50MP Sony LYTIA 828 primary sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens. On the front, it is also expected to feature a 50MP shooter with autofocus support. OpenAI has launched a new AI-powered tool called ChatGPT Translate to take on the might of Google Translate. While ChatGPT already possessed the ability to translate to and from languages, the company has now created a separate web platform which looks an awful lot like Google Translate. Also Read | Google Translate takes on Duolingo with new Practice Mode, Gemini powered AI The first thing that one would notice are the two big boxes for pasting the raw text and then the second one for getting the translated version. OpenAI says users can get the text translated to and from across 50+ languages including Spanish, English, Japanese and Arabic. Translate text, voice, or images with accuracy that captures meaning, not just words, the company writes on the website. How to use ChatGPT Translate? The new tool can be accessed by going to chatgpt.com/translate. The website currently does not require users to log in in order to begin translation. Users can simply select the source language of their text and the translated language and ChatGPT will translate it for them. ChatGPT Translate features: OpenAI says ChatGPT understands the tone, idioms, and context of the text to give a better translation. Moreover, the company has also added an extra twist where users can ask for formal, casual, or regional phrasing to the translation by simply clicking on icons like Translate this and make it sound more fluent, Translate this and make it more business formal, Translate this as if you're explaining it to a child and so on. The company also says that users can upload menus and signs to get grammar tips or ask follow-up questions using the power of ChatGPT. However, the new website does not currently seem to have the option to receive image inputs. It also does not have any options for uploading PDFs or any other document formats for easy translation, along with the ability to receive real-time voice inputs for translation. Meanwhile, not only has Google Translate already possessed these features for years, the app has also recently gained many new features thanks to Gemini. Google had recently unveiled a new Live Speech-to-Speech Translation feature in beta which lets the app act as a live translator while connecting to a headphone. The AI not only translates the speech in real time but also keeps the original speaker's tone, emphasis, and rhythm. The tech giant had also recently confirmed that it was using Gemini in order to improve the contextual accuracy of translation by working on better idioms, slang, and local expressions. More than 60 local, national and international artists joined community representatives at the recent Longford Lights Seminar, marking a key milestone in preparations for the festivals return to Longford Town from Thursday to Sunday, February 19 - 22. Funded by Longford County Council, Creative Ireland, and the Arts Council of Ireland, Longford Lights is Irelands largest community-based arts festival, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually. This year promises an even more ambitious programme. Hosted at Backstage Theatre, the festivals partner venue, the seminar featured artists from Finland, Poland, Italy and across Ireland. Local groups included Longford ICA Federation, Longford Indian Group, TY students, Longford Scouts, and participating schools. Attendees met the artistic team led by Artistic Director Caroline Conway, previewed works for the festival, and took part in a lantern-making workshop. Following the seminar, artists, community groups and schools will collaborate on large-scale installations using light, projections and sound. These works will form the heart of the festivals immersive environments. Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "Longford Lights 2026 is shaping up to be spectacular. The creativity and collaboration on display are inspiring. Its wonderful to see schools and community groups so involved this is what makes the festival special. Now is the time to book your tickets and plan your visit." Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, "Through the Arts Service, Longford County Council is proud to support this unique event. Longford Lights brings people together and showcases our town as a vibrant cultural hub. We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far." Arts Officer and Festival Producer Shane Crossan said, "Longford Lights has grown into Irelands biggest community-based arts festival. This year were raising the bar with more artists, more installations and deeper community engagement. Its going to be unforgettable." Assistant Artistic Director Tommy Casby noted that it was an ideal opportunity for people to connect, share ideas and build the creative partnerships that make Longford Lights so distinctive. Longford Lights 2026 runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, Thursday, 19 to Sunday, 22 February. Large crowds are expected, so book early at www.longfordlights.ie Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Read More: 'Now open' Longford Tourism invites applications for Regional Festival & Events Fund 2026 From Strokestown to Drumlish, to England to Canada and to find a final resting place in Lanesboro were the life travels of Leona Cox, when along with her husband Ned they made their home Tullyvrane, Lanesboro in the former home of Neds sister Mae and the late Frank Casey. Leona, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 25, was predeceased by her parents Charlie and May Lohan, Moher, Strokestown. Leona was a nurse by profession and she epitomised the acknowledged vision of a nurse as a compassionate, kind, gentle, skilled, trustworthy heroes who are the backbone and of the healthcare system. Also read: America beckons! Longford student to compete in US following win at Young Scientist Exhibition Since settling in Lanesboro Leona worked in St Josephs, Longford and Innis Ree Nursing Home where she was received the highest of acclaim from staff and residents alike. She had a wonderful community spirit and she was very involved with the local Social Service Whist nights and also with the church. She was a lady of great style and elegance she carried her style and elegance in her own inimitable quiet and gentle manner. Leona was a caring mother and loving mother and grandmother especially to her three grandchildren that she doted upon. She will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her and especially by the many that have spoken so highly of her. Also read: RIP: Longford community bids sad farewell to Owen Johnston 'a man of vision and determination' Leona reposed in Glennons Funeral Home, Longford on Monday, December 29. On Tuesday Mass of the Resurrection took place in St Marys Church, Lanesboro and following Mass she was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery. To her husband Ned, her son Aron, her grandchildren Amy, Sarah and Daniel, daughter in law Patricia, her sisters Mary, Loretta and Charlette, her brother Tom, Mae Casey, Dette Cox, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy. PICTURES | Lovely Nollaig na mBan celebration in Longford Arms Hotel There is increasing hope that Longford is on track to be selected for a new Family Resource Centre. An application was submitted to Tusla -the Child and Family Agency last July when Longford town was one of 49 nationwide submissions which were reviewed. During that time the Needs Assessment Report for the development of a Family Resource Centre in Longford Town was published and The Attic House on the Ballinalee Road was identified as the premises for a new FRC. However, there was disappointment last September when it emerged Longford narrowly missed out and the county town was not one of five locations chosen for the facility. Minister for Children and Disabilities Norma Foley is due to visit Longford town next Thursday morning and there is increasing confidence that Longford town may be successful this time around. Longford TD Micheal Carrigy, who was part of the Longford Family Resource Centre steering committee, said he is confident the county town is well placed to be selected. The Ballinalee native stated there was significant work done by various agencies and individuals during the past 18-24 months and during the unsuccessful application in 2017-2018. He is confident Longford has the best possible chance given the huge work that has been undertaken. "The Attic committee put in fantastic work over a long number of years to benefit the facility there. "The committee that came together chaired by Veronica [Brennan], along with other agencies, has put together an application that is second top none. "It's fantastic, it's needed and the compliments need to go to go to the people that have been working away over the last number of years on it. "The various agencies that came together, done the needs assessment, the local authority have been involved, the community civic partnership, other agencies to put their shoulder to the wheel and the people that put their names forward to take on roles in the boards of management to manage this facility into the future. " The needs assessment report outlined Longford town now has one of the highest levels of deprivation in the country with almost 35% of residents born overseas, 6% identifying as members of the Traveller community and over 24% of residents living with a disability. Local Fianna Fail Senator Joe Flaherty said he is very hopeful that when Minister Foley observes the Attic and the location it will help to secure the resource for Longford. "We are about 15 years pursuing this project in Longford, [Last September] that was the second time that that we went to the well and we came back disappointed. Then obviously it's Minister Foley's department and whilst she funds it, she doesn't necessarily look at the scoring system. There were 15 centres put forward by TUSLA and the top five then got funded and unfortunately Longford wasn't in the top five. "Since that happened I've been fairly unrelenting in contacting the Minister and impressed upon her the need for this. Senator Flaherty said the Minister has also been in Longford before in her capacity as Minister for Education. "She is very familiar with the challenges that do pertain to Longford town both socio and economically and the Minister is a great champion and she's a great supporter of the Family Resource Centre. "She see's it really as the gateway for communities like Longford in terms of breaking down deprivation, in terms of breaking down a societal and cultural norm and to get this support as quick as possible into a local community, the best way to do that is through a Family Resource Centre." READ NEXT: Award winning make-up artist helps Longford students beat the January blues READ NEXT: Work to begin on pedestrian crossing at a Longford school and community centre The flags of seven Kurdish opposition parties that are active in northwestern Iran and have supported protests against the Tehran regime. (Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan on X) Kurdish opposition groups in northwestern Iran have actively supported protests against the Iranian regime during the first two weeks of January. They have issued statements backing the protests against the government in Tehran and worked to unify their stance in response to the regimes crackdown. One group, the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), also claimed that its armed fighters have carried out attacks against the Iranian regimes Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iranian officials do not appear to have singled out the role of Kurdish opposition groups directly in official statements on the recent civil unrest. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi has accused terrorist entities and separatist groups of infiltrating protests in Iran and serving the interests of Mossad and the United States of America, according to the pro-Iranian Al Mayadeen news channel. From the perspective of Iranian authorities, the biggest Kurdish threat does not stem from civil society groups but rather exiled opposition groups across the border [in Iraq], Amwaj Media, a UK-based organization that covers Iran and Iraq, asserted on January 14. There are a number of Kurdish opposition groups active in northwestern Iran. Among them is the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), which was founded in 1945 and has been active the longest. There is also the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), which was founded in 2004 and is an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) also operated in Iran, and it gained extensive military experience fighting the Islamic State in Iraq between 2014 and 2017. A fourth group, Komala, and several of its breakaway factions are also active in Iran. Many of these opposition groups have supporters among Kurds who fled Iran for the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq. In the past, the Tehran regime has targeted Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq, using missiles, drones, and artillery against them. Iraqi Shiite political parties, many of which are supportive of Iran, said on January 15 that they rejected the use of Iraqi territory for attacks on Iran. On December 31, after protests broke out in Iran, PDKI said that it expressed its support for the new wave of protests and demonstrations by bazaar merchants and the deprived peoples of Iran. The statement noted that people had taken to the streets in peaceful protest in response to economic hardships. The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan supports the new wave of protests and demonstrations by bazaar merchants and impoverished Iranians. However, the party believes that unless all social classes and groups unite and intensify their efforts to free themselves from this criminal regime, the Islamic Republic will continue to rule and suppress the people, the statement said. Protests continued to grow in Iran after the statement, followed by a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. On January 2, the PDKI issued a second statement calling for peaceful demonstrations and sanctions on Iranian officials responsible for abuses. On January 5, the PDKI said that seven Kurdish-Iranian parties had gathered for a high-level meeting under the auspices of a Dialogue Center for Inter-Party Cooperation. A subsequent PDKI statement noted that the groups discussed the situation in Iran. The participants expressed their full support for the nationwide protests and popular uprisings against the Islamic Republic, the group stated. Two days later, on January 7, the PDKI said that the seven Iranian Kurdish parties had called for a general strike on January 8. The Komala group also put out a statement supporting the strike. In both the PDKI and Komala statements, the flags of various Kurdish groups were displayed, including those of PDKI, PAK, PJAK, and Komala, signaling coordination between Kurdish opposition groups. Neither the PDKI nor a Rudaw report identified the participants in the meeting. However, the other three flags shown in the statement appear to include two smaller factions linked to Komala. The PAK party has been vocal against the Tehran regime over the first two weeks of January, also claiming that it is carrying out operations against Irans security forces. It has described its fighters in Iran as members of the Kurdistan National Army (SMK), which is the groups armed wing. On January 13, PAK claimed an attack on an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps position in Kermanshah. It also said on January 11 that it carried out operations in Kermanshah and Isfahan. Other Kurdish parties have also publicly opposed the Iranian regime. PJAK released a statement on January 11 condemning Irans crackdown on protests as a crime against humanity. The Komala party has also condemned the killings of protesters in Iran, according to a January 14 post by the groups representative in the US. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). A Roslindale man was sentenced to 15 to 18 years in prison in connection with the shooting death of a man during the 2022 Caribbean Carnival in Boston. Tony Vance, 41, was convicted by a jury on Wednesday of second-degree murder, as well as possession of a loaded firearm without a license to carry, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. In August 2022, Vance got into a verbal altercation with people at the annual Caribbean Carnival at Franklin Park, according to prosecutors. Vance later drove by and opened fire on the crowd, hitting Derrell Russell, 33, in the torso. Russell, a Brighton resident, was taken to Boston Medical Center, where he died. During Vances sentencing on Thursday, Russells fiancee gave a victim impact statement, saying Russells death left a void that cannot be filled. Our youngest child, who I was seven months pregnant with at the time, will never get to meet him or experience him the way we did, she said. She will never hear his voice, feel his protection, or know firsthand the love he had to give. This is a lifelong loss she did nothing to deserve. A person was seriously injured Thursday afternoon in a multi-car crash on I-93 in Boston, according to Massachusetts State Police. The collision happened around 3:30 p.m. on the southbound side of the highway near exit 15, State Police said. Several people were injured in the crash, and one person is in serious condition. The two leftmost lanes of the highway were closed as of 6 p.m., and drivers should expect delays, State Police said. Previous reports indicated that a person had died in the crash, but State Police corrected this information. Investigators are still active at the crash scene, State Police said. No further information has been released. SPRINGFIELD CRRC-MA will lay off employees for two months starting March 16 because needed subway-car shells from China are still held up at ports by American customs. CRRCs news release says 161 employees will be laid off. They are 57 members of Sheet Metal Workers Local 63, 76 members of Electrical Workers Local 7 and 28 nonunion supervisors and other white-collar workers. Chinese-owned CRRC, which has 406 workers at its plant in East Springfield, announced Friday afternoon a 60-day notice. The plant makes subway cars for Bostons MBTA and for the Los Angeles Metro ahead of the Olympics. CRRC said it plans to continue employees health-care benefits during the two months. A new Orange Line car, manufactured at CRRC's Springfield plant, sits inside the Wellington Yard car house in Medford on Sept. 9, 2022. (Chris Van Buskirk/MassLive) I recently had the opportunity to speak with labor and the workforce at the Springfield plant to share with these highly skilled employees who build our cars all that is being done to address this matter and how important they are to us, CRRC, and the Springfield community, said interim Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng in a written statement. We recognize the impact the uncertainty has on the workforce, and we are deeply appreciative of their dedication. In May, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service agents blocked the delivery of car shells and assorted parts at the Port of Philadelphia. They had concerns that the shells and parts CRRC is using parts and materials created by child laborers or by the forced labor of members of the Uyghur ethnic minority. Mica mined by child laborers in Madagascar has ended up in the supply chains of CRRC and other Chinese manufacturers, according to reporting by NBC News in 2019. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, has intervened in Washington before on CRRCs behalf, citing the importance of local manufacturing jobs. This is clearly the result of trade policies being implemented by the Trump Administration, and it is putting the hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in economic impact generated by CRRC at risk. I have been in frequent contact with the MBTA and officials from Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol regarding this matter, Neal said in a written statement. My priority has always been supporting the hundreds of good-paying, union jobs at CRRC. That is why I am committed to continue working with all parties involved to reach a resolution. The customs seizure in May triggered a response and CRRC said it created a task force comprised of 80 internal and external professional and legal experts. Teams made more than 100 on-site supplier visits and held more than 1,000 planning sessions. As a result, CRRCs legal counsel has submitted over 2,000 files, totaling 2.1 GB of data. If those 2,100 files were standard text documents or PDFs, 2.1 GB would represent roughly 100,000 to 150,000 pages of information. By staying laser-focused on answering CBPs outstanding questions, we remain confident that car shipments will be allowed to resume. the MBTAs Eng said in his statement. In 2024 Philadelphias SEPTA already canceled its $185 million order for CRRC rail cars that were to be assembled in Springfield over concerns CRRC cannot prove it was using enough U.S.-made parts. Double-decker cars are still stored in Springfield. Friday, the MBTA said it understands U.S. Customs and Border Protection Services need to verify the documentation, and the MBTA will continue to work closely with CRRC MA to identify the use of alternative international suppliers of the materials and components needed for the cars. The T said CRRC is also identifying alternative sources of materials. We all want to avoid or minimize any potential impacts on the plants labor force, which has been producing high-performing subway cars, Eng said in his statement. CRRC said it hopes that its parts and shells will be released so it can recall the furloughed employees. The company thanked Springfield for welcoming it here in 2015. In 2014, Massachusetts went without federal money on the Red Line and Orange Line car replacements. The administration of under then-Gov. Deval Patrick wanted to mandate that assembly be done in the state and create a transit car industry here. CRRC won the bid over other competitors including Hyundai, which unsuccessfully sued over the deal, and build an $80 million factory. But the plant was plagued by scheduling and quality concerns. But the MBTA started doing more monitoring at the Springfield plant. In March 2024, the MBTA modified its contract with CRRC giving it more time and more money, upping payments by $148 million to over $1 billion. CRRC delivered the last pair of Orange Line cars to the MBTA Dec. 18, closing out the 152-car order. The plant continues to make Red Line subway cars. Production continues at the facility, with 58 of the ordered 252 cars delivered to the MBTA. Those cars are expected to be delivered by the end of 2027. Last fall, the worlds richest and most popular search engine exhibited a moral compass of sorts when it banned advertisements for machines often used to make dangerous counterfeit pills. As of Sept. 1, 2025, Google updated its dangerous products or services policies to prohibit advertisements for pill presses and their related components, both of which are widely available for purchase online with little regulation. Theyre often shipped from China, where many suppliers are located, into the hands of illicit drug or counterfeit pill manufacturers operating inconspicuously in communities across Massachusetts and the U.S. A MassLive investigation in 2024 uncovered the presence of pill press operations in the Bay State, part of a larger national wave fueling domestic illicit pill production and overdose deaths. Googles action was viewed as proactive, as the federal government has increasingly gone after online marketplaces for selling the machines. The search engine giant is a global dominator, holding 90% of the market share. However, months of tracking by the Washington, D.C.based Partnership for Safe Medicines suggests Googles policy change hadnt fully taken hold at the turn of the new year. Advertisements for pill presses were still appearing regularly. Im just disappointed this has happened, and you have to wonder how many deadly pills have been made during this time where compliance has let these ads slip through, Shabbir J. Safdar, executive director of Partnership for Safe Medicines, said, calling Googles policy change a half-baked rollout. MassLives searches this week for pill press and tablet press on Google Shopping turned up dozens of advertised machines. They ranged from desktop-sized hand-crank presses to large motorized versions that can produce thousands of pills per hour. But after a MassLive reporter contacted Google for this story, a spokesperson on Thursday evening said the company investigated this issue and took the appropriate action. We prohibit ads for pill presses and encapsulating machines, and listings violating our policies will be removed, the spokesperson said. As of Thursday night, no ads appeared on Google Shopping for pill presses or tablet presses when searched. In fact, the searches returned entirely blank webpages. While advertisements seem to be suspended, pill presses for sale still appear on Google Images and periodically on the general search page. On Thursday, Jan. 15, a Google Shopping search for "pill press" yielded no results after a MassLive reporter contacted Google about the issue. Screenshot Highlighting the urgency behind Googles policy change is an example just this week of the machines penetration into mainstream pop culture. A pill press at work made an appearance in the first 10 seconds of the trailer for season three of the enormously popular HBO Max show Euphoria." Why it matters in Massachusetts and beyond MassLives award-winning series on pill presses revealed the increasing dangers of counterfeit pills made with fentanyl and methamphetamine that often look identical to pharmaceutical-grade medication such as Oxycodone, Adderall and Xanax. Fentanyl in counterfeit pills was a driving factor behind an average of 22 drug overdose deaths per week among U.S. adolescents ages 14 to 18, The New England Journal of Medicine reported in 2022. The series demonstrated how pill presses and their availability online have shifted drug production from imported pills to domestic manufacturing and the operations often take place in residential neighborhoods. In the aftermath of MassLives 2024 reporting, two state legislators filed bills on Beacon Hill to regulate the machines and establish specific criminal penalties. Both bills are currently sitting in the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. Massachusetts and a majority of other U.S. states dont regulate pill press machines and thats because they historically werent considered nefarious. Their use originates with pharmacists, and only in the last 10 or so years have they found popularity in the illicit drug trade. Current U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration regulations can easily be circumvented by buyers with illicit intentions and sellers who turn a blind eye, as MassLive reported when it purchased its own pill press from China as part of its investigation. A pill press purchased by MassLive is pictured in its newsroom after delivery in December 2024. Sebastian Restrepo Even basic controls, such as the DEAs mandated machine registration, dont necessarily prevent someone from using a pill press to make illegal drugs, MassLive found. In October 2024, when MassLive published its investigation, pill presses had been found or suspected in at least 25 cities and towns across the state since 2019, according to court documents and law enforcement records. The true numbers are likely much higher because law enforcement often makes covert seizures as part of larger investigations that they dont publicly disclose. Obviously a whack-a-mole In February 2024, eBay agreed to pay $59 million to settle allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act by selling thousands of pill presses through its platform. Amazon and Etsy have also banned the sale of pill presses. At the time of eBays settlement, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said, eBay and other e-commerce platforms must do their part to protect the public. And when they do not, DEA will hold them accountable. The Partnership for Safe Medicines, an industry group comprised of more than 45 nonprofits, made pill presses a research focus in recent years as they watched the machines contribute to a rapid rise in domestic illegal pill production. The group, which advocates for prescription drug safety, publishes regular reports on the national and global landscape of pill presses and, last fall, decided to monitor Googles self-imposed deadline to prohibit advertisements. We congratulated Google on its announcement, Safdar said. We thought it was a good move, and it is a good move. A screenshot of Google's initial announcement that it was changing its policies to prohibit pill press machines from being advertised for sale on its platform. Google Screenshot It quickly became evident that, while Google may have installed a block of sorts, some ads were still slipping through the cracks. Google promised a full rollout of enforcement within six weeks of Sept. 1, 2025, telling potential violators theyd be issued a warning at least seven days before account suspension. Google didnt answer a question from MassLive about how many warnings have been given out or accounts suspended since the policy went into effect. As of Jan. 6, the Partnership for Safe Medicines counted at least six companies running advertisements for pill press sales on Google Shopping, and the less common term tablet press returned several additional ads. Its obviously whack-a-mole, but Google has a big footprint in the world of online sales, Safdar said. Google ads are ascendant. Google enforces its policies using a combination of technology and manual review by its trust and safety teams, according to the company. It uses the latest advanced AI models to evolve tactics and stay ahead of bad actors, and it works to improve its detection capabilities. The company also said it provides tools for users to flag ads or free listings on the shopping platform that they believe violate company policies. Role of the pill press While the presence of fentanyl in pills appears to have decreased over the last year or so, according to the DEAs 2025 national threat assessment, the flow into the U.S. of pill presses and their accessories dies and molds that stamp and shape pills hasnt let up. The Partnership for Safe Medicines analyzed forfeiture records for the first half of 2025 and found a notable increase in seizures of pill presses and related parts by Customs and Border Protection. And that data only includes the machines that were detected and intercepted. Pill presses have developed a harm footprint that goes far beyond the fentanyl crisis, Safdar said, citing fake blood thinners manufactured in Mexico that are made to look like the real thing. Many Americans seek to buy cheaper medications from Mexico, making them vulnerable to counterfeit pharmaceuticals. The risks have prompted warnings from the U.S. State Department and Mexicos drug regulator. Safdars organization opposes foreign medicine importation entirely, including current efforts in Congress to legally allow prescription drugs from Canada. Illegal online pharmacies masquerading as legitimate are increasingly setting up shop around the globe. In 2022, law enforcement raided an illicit pill press operation in Massachusetts believed to be a supplier for two international online pharmacy websites based out of India. A massive criminal case out of New York last year dismantled an international pill mill connected to at least nine deaths. The operation, according to federal law enforcement, supplied counterfeit pills to fake online pharmacies that were purchased by tens of thousands of victims. In May 2024, Massachusetts law enforcement discovered a pill press operation in the finished basement of a home in Lawrence. Essex County District Attorney's Office Prosecution of pill press cases When drug cases involve a pill press, the machine is rarely included in the prosecution because of its murky legal status. So if a suspected drug trafficker is arrested with a kilo (2.2 pounds) of fentanyl and a pill press, theyll likely only be charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. As a result, people who traffic in pill press machines often avoid criminal prosecution. However, federal law enforcement took a significant step in December 2024 when it announced the prosecution of a Chinese national charged with distributing pill press equipment in the U.S. The woman ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 52 months in prison in October 2025. The U.S. Attorneys Office in the Western District of Texas followed the case with an April 2025 indictment of CapsulCN International Co. Ltd. and three of its employees also Chinese nationals accused of illegally importing pill presses and related accessories. The indictment claims the company and its employees knew the machines would be used for illegal purposes when they sold them to customers via websites, e-commerce platforms and social media accounts. This indictment and todays domain seizures send an unmistakable message to criminals in the Peoples Republic of China and across the world the Department will use every weapon in its arsenal to combat those who facilitate the manufacture and distribution of deadly drugs in the United States, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement in May. If either of the proposed pill press-related bills currently under consideration by Massachusetts lawmakers passes muster, it would become a felony crime to possess, purchase, or sell a pill press with the reasonable knowledge it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance or counterfeit controlled substance. One of the bills goes a step further, directing the state Board of Registration in Pharmacy to adopt rules and regulations for the legal use and licensing of pill press machines. A Republican lawmaker has warned that the GOP could impeach President Donald Trump if he does one thing. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said that the Republican party could seek to remove him from office should he attempt to take Greenland by force, according to the Omaha World-Herald. 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, who voted against impeaching Trump twice during his first term, said an invasion of the self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark and NATO ally would be catastrophic and the worst idea ever. He needs to know: The off-ramp is realizing Republicans arent going to tolerate this and hes going to have to back off, he continued. 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 take control of Greenland as a matter of national security. This week, the president said that anything less than full U.S. control of Greenland is unacceptable. Greenlandic officials, meanwhile, have made it clear that the country will remain a part of Denmark. On Thursday, European countries, including France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, sent military troops to Greenland to support Denmark, according to Reuters. Bacon, who is not seeking re-election, did not make it clear whether he would vote to impeach Trump over Greenland, but he said hed strongly consider it, according to Omaha World-Herald. 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. Its just the worst idea ever in my view. Public opinion remains largely against Trumps goal to control Greenland. A CNN poll conducted by SSRS found that 75% of U.S. adults oppose the idea of taking control of the territory. Lawyers for former Massachusetts State Police trooper Michael Proctor wrote in a court filing Friday that he denies participating in a conspiracy to frame Karen Read for the death of her boyfriend and claimed that his actions as a law enforcement officer were protected by qualified immunity. Proctor is the first of the eight defendants to respond to the lawsuit. Read has sued over supposed civil rights violations during the criminal investigation and prosecutions of her. The case is pending in federal court for the District of Massachusetts. Along with Proctor, Read has sued two of his bosses, Yuriy Bukhenik and Brian Tully, as well as five other people who testified against her: Brian and Nicole Albert, Jennifer and Matt McCabe and Brian Higgins. All five were with Read and her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, in the hours leading up to his death. In her lawsuit, Read repeats the claim she made during her criminal trials: that Proctor, the lead investigator into OKeefes death, conspired with the Alberts, McCabes and Higgins to frame Read for his death because of the families connections to law enforcement. Brian Albert was a Boston Police officer and Higgins worked for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Read has long claimed OKeefe died inside Brian and Nicole Alberts Canton home. She was accused of running him over with her SUV and leaving him to die in the snow. For his part, Proctor denies most of the claims brought by Read in the complaint. Denied that Proctor shielded the House Defendants by intentionally sidestepping fundamental investigatory procedures, his answer reads. Proctor also denies there was an unwritten rule of protecting their own. Proctor was fired from the State Police last March for his conduct in the Read investigation. In the early stages of the investigation, Proctor sent demeaning text messages about Read, calling her a whack job (expletive), saying she leaks poo, and joking about searching her phone for naked photos. He also said he wished she would kill herself. The filing says the texts speak for themselves. In the filing, Proctor asserts a number of affirmative defenses arguing that even if Reads claims are true, he cant be held responsible. Among them is that he acted in good faith, without malice and without corruption during the investigation. Proctor also claims his actions were protected by qualified immunity a legal doctrine protecting law enforcement and government officials from lawsuits such as Reads unless they violated a clearly established statutory or constitutional right. At no time was Proctors conduct extreme, outrageous or beyond the bounds of decency, his answer reads. Proctor dubs Reads complaint frivolous and asks a judge to dismiss the lawsuit entirely. He also seeks a jury trial on all claims that could go to trial. Responses from the rest of the defendants in the civil suit are due on Jan. 23. Before filing the civil rights suit, Read was hit with a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the OKeefe family in 2024 after her first criminal trial ended in a mistrial. The case was largely paused until Reads acquittal last June. A hearing on that lawsuit is scheduled for early February. Reads lawyers have expressed interest in potentially combining the two cases for trial. Messages between two young adults from Massachusetts started like many online flirtations do impulsive and complimentary, quickly turning into FaceTime calls and latenight chats. But the Facebook Dating connection soon spiraled into a series of sexual assaults, which ended with a man recorded saying he would smile in the back of the cop car if he beat and killed an 18-year-old woman for not giving him what he wanted. Mohamed Salieu Jalloh, 25, of East Bridgewater, has been accused of repeatedly raping an 18-year-old woman in his parents home over the course of five days until New Years Eve. He plied the teenager with alcohol, threatened to beat and kill her, shoved her and blocked his bedroom door to stop her from leaving, according to an East Bridgewater police report on the incident. Jalloh faces charges including five counts of rape, one of kidnapping, threats to commit a crime and providing alcohol to minors. He was held without bail after his Jan. 2 arraignment in Brockton District Court and is expected back in court for a probable cause hearing on Feb. 4. Jalloh and the 18yearold met on Facebook Dating about two weeks before the incidents unfolded, after he messaged her while commenting on a photo she posted, according to the police report. She told him she wanted to take things slowly and he agreed. After a few days of messaging and FaceTime calls, the teenager went to his East Bridgewater home around 4 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2025. When she arrived, he gave her eight shots of Don Julio tequila. Despite her reluctance as she had not eaten, rarely drank and felt it was a lot of alcohol she did not want to upset Jalloh since she had just arrived, according to the report. Within about a half hour, he attempted to take off her clothes and despite her efforts to get him to play UNO with her instead, he did not listen and raped her, the report said. Jalloh gave her more alcohol afterwards and she fell asleep then woke up to Jalloh raping her again. She told him, Stop, let me go, it really hurts. She told detectives that he heard me say it, and he did not stop, the report reads. He then told her she could not leave because his father could not know she was there and left her in the room for several hours. When he did not respond to her repeated texts asking to use the bathroom, she ended up urinating into a cup in the room. After Jalloh returned, he raped her again and covered her mouth with his hand when she told him to stop, police said. Though he finally let her leave afterwards, Jalloh convinced the 18-year-old to come back to the house on Dec. 31. He again gave her alcohol as soon as she arrived. After she said no to sexual intercourse, he held her hands behind her back and assaulted her in his bedroom, the report stated. Jalloh then told her to check on a Chinese food order and she ran into his father outside the front door. Jallohs father said something to the effect of do not come back here, I know you are here for my son, the report reads. She went back into the bedroom and Jalloh yelled at her that she was dumb for talking to his dad because that could get him kicked out of the house. She tried to apologize and he said the only way to make it up to him was sex. She refused, according to police. He became angry and said he would hurt her if she did not have sex with him. Jalloh went on to say multiple threats, including, I am going to beat you up so bad that no one will recognize you, and said he would have other people that will come hurt and kill her, police said. The teenager took video during his threats. She recorded Jalloh saying that he is in fact threatening her, he would beat the (expletive) out her and that he would smile in the back of the cop car for doing it, the report read. She picked up her things and tried to leave, but called her mother when Jalloh wouldnt let her leave the bedroom, pushing her aside from the door when she tried to get out. Her mother asked on the speaker phone if she needed to call the police. And after that, Jalloh let the teenager leave and she went to a police station to report the incidents. When police spoke with her mother on Jan. 1, she and her boyfriend who was present during the call reported that the teenager said, Mom, Im scared, heard Jalloh tell her he was going to kill her if she tried to leave and said multiple times youre not going anywhere, the report reads. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Jallohs home later that day and found a cup with yellow liquid in it, bottles of Don Julio, Chinese food bags and her pajama pants, along with other pieces of evidence. At the time of Jallohs arrest, he was out on bail which was revoked during his arraignment with GPS monitoring in unrelated pending cases, the district attorneys office said. https://www.masslive.com/news/2026/01/east-bridgewater-man-accused-of-raping-kidnapping-teen-he-met-on-dating-app.html Longtime Today host Jenna Bush Hager announced she will be working on a major new project for NBC. According to NBC, Bush Hager will be working on the drama series Protection as an executive producer, working alongside Josh Safran. Who knew I would ever do something like this, ladies and gentlemen? Bush Hager said during a January 14 episode of Today with Jenna and Sheinelle. Protection is about a U.S. Marshal who falls in the line of duty and a seemingly cut-and-dry case turns into a deadly conspiracy as a family of law enforcement agents becomes the target of a mysterious assassin, according to Deadline. As the daughter of former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, the morning host said that the plot of Protection hits close to home. Its about different levels of law enforcement, some based on Secret Service, Bush Hager said during her show. So, yall know I know about that. She continued, So were hopefully going to start shooting this spring, cross your fingers, yall... Im so excited. The television host first joined Today in 2009 as a correspondent, according to The Hill. A world leader of a European nation had some strong words for President Donald Trump. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that an American attempt to acquire Greenland would be a political disaster for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as European leaders rally behind Denmark following renewed threats from President Donald Trump, the Daily Mail reported. Tusk emphasized that a takeover attempt between member states would mark 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 announced Thursday that while Poland will not participate in sending soldiers to the territory, the move by the United States threatens to shatter the 75-year alliance. The diplomatic rift intensified after a Wednesday meeting at the White House between Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio failed to resolve what Rasmussen described as a fundamental disagreement over the islands sovereignty, according to The Associated Press. Following a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, Trump argued that control of Greenland is vital to national security to prevent Russia or China from occupying the Arctic territory in the future. In response, several European nations, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, have deployed troops to Greenland to ensure Arctic security and support Danish interests, according to euronews.com. The White House has not ruled out the use of military force, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating earlier this month that the military is always an option, according to npr.org. Trump has maintained that NATO should assist the United States in obtaining the island, which holds an estimated 25% of the worlds rare earth minerals, according to csis.org. Im the one who SAVED NATO!!! Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Monday, even as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any attempt to secure the island by force would mean the end of the NATO alliance according to apnews.com. While Rubio noted the U.S. remains interested in purchasing the island, Greenlandic officials have repeatedly stated the territory is not for sale. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told reporters in Copenhagen on Tuesday that if we have to choose between the U.S. and Denmark here and now, then we choose Denmark, according to wbur.org. Trump later responded to the comments, stating his disagreement and adding that Nielsens stance is going to be a big problem for him, according to Reuters. A recent CNN poll indicates 75% of Americans oppose the United States attempting to take over Greenland. Asbestos abatement in Essex, a PFAS filtration system for Newburyport, child sex abuse prevention resources for Northampton and repairs to Monsons fire station. These are among the 93 projects across Massachusetts that will share in $92.7 million in newly approved federal funding, according to a list shared exclusively with MassLive by all 11 members of the Bay States Capitol Hill delegation. From Provincetown to Williamstown, from Chelsea to Chicopee, its critical that we bring federal resources to our communities to make life better for everyone who calls the Bay State home, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., whose office rode point on the funding in the Senate, said in a statement. The money, included in annual spending bills, previously cleared the majority-Republican U.S. House of Representatives. On Thursday, the Senate, also controlled by Republicans, gave its approval to a trio of annual funding bills that totaled roughly $180 billion, putting them on course for President Donald Trumps signature, Roll Call reported. The Senates 82-15 vote came ahead of a weeklong recess, according to Roll Call. The legislation heading to Trump is a compromise bill that rolls in funding for an array of federally funded projects across the government. The 93 projects span six regions of the state, from water infrastructure improvements to public safety upgrades. Here is the full list, provided by Markeys office: North Shore (13 projects, $11.59 million) $550,000 for the City of Lynn for an urban forestry program $250,000 for Gloucester Adventure to preservation work on the National Historic Landmark Dory Fishing Schooner Adventure $786,000 for Endicott College to expand the research capacity of its engineering program by investing in new instrumentation for its laboratories $461,000 for the House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association to preserve and protect The House of the Seven Gables and its campus. $1.09 million for the City of Gloucester to make upgrades to the Riverdale Park Pump Station to address deteriorating equipment and vulnerability to moisture and corrosion. $807,000 for the Town of Marblehead for the municipal wastewater treatment system, managing stormwater, and improving surface water quality. $1.09 million for the Town of Nahant to construct a new force main, assess the Wharf Road pump station, and improve stormwater drainage to reduce flooding and increase resilience $1.09 million for the City of Newburyport to design a new PFAS filtration system. $1.09 million for the Town of Essex to support the replacement of aging asbestos cement pipes. $1.09 million for the Town of Hamilton to extend new water piping and upgrade meters and infrastructure to improve water pressure, increase supply reliability, and prevent contamination from aging pipes. $1.09 million for the Town of Ipswich to replace two aging municipal groundwater wells. $1.09 million for the Town of Middleton to design and engineer a new water distribution system to address PFAS contamination $1.09 million for the Town of Topsfield to replace 6,400 feet of water main, remove asbestos cement pipe, and install new valves, hydrants, and fittings to protect public health and ensure safe, reliable water distribution. Southeastern Mass and South Shore (13 projects, $13.6 million) $2.02 million for the City of Fall River to implement a phosphorus deactivation program at the South Watuppa Pond. $700,000 for Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility to conduct a prospective health assessment and establish a monitoring system to assess particle radiation releases associated with decommissioning Plymouths Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant. $350,000 for the Town of Dighton for improvements to the Power Plant Pump Station. $1.09 million for the Town of Swansea for the Route 6 corridor sewer collection system. $1.09 million for the City of Fall River to replace lead-contaminated service lines and pipes. $1.09 million for the Town of Foxborough for the Chestnut Street PFAS water treatment plant. $1 million for the Town of Freetown to meet the newest drinking water standards and protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS. $1.09 million for the Town of Plainville for a water treatment plant. $906,560 for the Town of Sharon lead water service and cast iron and asbestos concrete water main project $1.09 million for the Town of Rockland to fund the first phase of the towns comprehensive upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant. $1.09 million for the Town of Wareham for improvements to the existing water pollution control facility. $1.09 million for the Town of Westport to construct trunk sewer phases to provide sewer service and clean water to adjacent residential neighborhoods. $1.03 million for the New Bedford Police Department, in conjunction with the New Bedford Port Authority proposal, for a new Harbor Safety Police Vessel for the Port of New Bedford. Greater Boston (24 projects, $20.3 million) $1.66 million for Roca, Inc. in Chelsea to engage 220 of Massachusetts highest-risk young people in an enhanced employment training program. $500,000 for the Charles River Watershed Association in Boston to identify effective flood reduction opportunities and work with communities to advance them. $286,000 for Revolutionary Spaces in Boston to stabilize Bostons Old State Houses sub-basement to preserve this historic and irreplaceable building. $250,000 for Justice for Housing to provide permanent housing to justice-involved individuals and their families in Boston. $375,000 for the American Association of State Climatologists to fund critical equipment and software to enable the states recently created Office of Climate Science (OCS) to support the implementation of the 2023 ResilientMass Plan. $1.09 million for the City of Cambridge to provide primary disinfection of drinking water. $1.09 million for the Town of Randolph to construct a new water standpipe for public health and public safety. $1.03 million for Eastie Farm to expand their Climate Corps fellowships. $275,000 for BMA TenPoint to establish a community-based violence and crime intervention and reduction project. $1.09 million for the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute to expand its violence intervention programming. $1.03 million for the City of Boston to reduce flooding and prevent pollution at affordable housing developments in Boston. $1.03 million for the Childrens Advocacy Center of Suffolk County to upgrade technology and equipment required to respond quickly and effectively to children who are victims of crimes. $1.03 million for the American City Coalition to fund the Roxbury Worx program, which would connect formerly incarcerated individuals with workforce development and job connections. $682,000 for the Phoenix for the expansion of recovery resources. $1.03 million for the City of Brockton for equipment for Brocktons new Public Safety Complex. $1.03 million for the Suffolk County Sheriffs Department for a facility to deliver behavioral health care and substance use disorder treatment for criminal justice-involved individuals. $852,500 for the City of Melrose to manage flooding and improve water. $1.09 million for the Town of Arlington for small-scale, cost-effective installations that manage stormwater regionally along the Mystic River Watershed. $1.09 million for the City of Woburn to upgrade the water treatment plant. $1.03 million to the Town of Natick to support the construction of a water booster pump station at the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA). $1 million for the Town of Lexington to improve tree cover in and around the Mystic River Watershed communities. $1 million for the Town of Wellesley to increase urban tree canopy, improve stormwater management using infrastructure, and protect and restore the ecological health of the Charles River Watershed region. $1.09 million for the Town of Needham for a stormwater management project to reduce phosphorus and support restoration of the Charles River watershed. $200,000 for the Town of Wayland to replace an existing sewer system in Wayland that is aging and undersized, leading to potential failures. Cape & Islands (8 projects, $10 million) $3 million for Barnstable County to address Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) requirements and implement groundwater remediation measures to prevent further PFAS release into Cape Cods sole-source aquifer. $1 million for the Nantucket Resource Partnership to transform an existing facility into a central food hub. $800,000 for the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth to fund the development of a dedicated soil carbon measurement program. $1 million for the Town of Yarmouth to replace a culvert that is currently restricting water flow in an important wetlands resource area. $1 million for the Hyannis Public Library Association for construction, rehabilitation, and improvements of public facilities to enhance the Library as a neighborhood center and hub for community activities. $1.5 million for the Town of Provincetown for the construction of resiliency measures for the central vacuum station that serves the downtown municipal wastewater system. $1.87 million for the Coonamessett Farm Foundation in Falmouth to propose a research fleet that will improve the resiliency of the states seafood sector by developing best management practices for emerging fisheries and stock enhancement for existing fisheries. $350,000 for the Nantucket Police Department to purchase a police and port safety vessel for the Nantucket Police Departments Marine Division to better patrol and enforce the law in Nantucket Harbor and in surrounding waters. Merrimack Valley (8 projects, $9.17 million) $1.95 million for the Tyngsborough Sewer Commission to upgrade the Phalanx Street pump station $1 million for the City of Haverhill to construct the states first municipal radial collector riverbank well system. $1.09 million for the City of Lowell to support the completion of the first phases of the separation of the Humphreys Brook and Billings Street Wetlands combined sewer system in the Centralville neighborhood of Lowell. $1.09 millionfor the City of Littleton to support the construction of a new sewer system to support economic development in the Town of Littleton. $1.09 million for the Town of Groton to bring clean potable municipal drinking water to the Groton-Dunstable Regional High School and surrounding properties. $1.09 million for the Town of Westford for the construction of two new treatment facilities to remove PFAS contaminants from drinking water. $750,000 for The Phoenix to enhance a comprehensive reentry and wellness effort that serves both justice-involved individuals and law enforcement personnel. $1.09 million for the Town of Merrimac to support engineering for critical upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant. Pioneer Valley / Western Massachusetts (15 projects, $17.66 million) $1.97 million for the Town of Agawam to address portions of the downtown area that have inadequate and deteriorated stormwater infrastructure. $879,000 for Stop It Now! in Northampton to increase the awareness, availability, and effectiveness of child sex abuse prevention resources, including expansion of helplines. $1.09 million for the City of Chicopee to improve the nitrogen removal capabilities of the Chicopee Water Pollution Control Facility. $1.5 million for the Williamstown Meetinghouse Preservation Fund to renovate, bring into ADA compliance, and preserve the Williamstown Meetinghouse building $1 million for the Town of Monson to renovate, add on to and repair the existing fire station. $3.7 million for the Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee to provide a new concrete taxiway surface. $800,000 for the City of Holyoke for the Combined Sewer Overflow system $1.09 million for the Town of Blandford for upgrades to the Water Treatment Facility and distribution system. $1.09 million for the Town of West Brookfield to construct a new water treatment facility. $735,000 for the Berkshire Innovation Center Security Operations Center, a centralized hub for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats within manufacturing facilities. $599,000 for the Town of Charlemont to purchase a fire engine. $1.01 million for the Berkshire South Regional Community Center expand the building to address needs and enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. $750,000 for the Town of Middlefield for improvements to the Middlefield Senior Center, including HVAC upgrades and construction improvements to meet ADA requirements. $1.45 million for the Army Corps of Engineers for operation and maintenance of Knightville Dam. $165,000 for Shea Theater Arts Center to renovate Franklin Countys only large, publicly owned performing arts venue. $700,000 for the Town of Conway to purchase a replacement pumper fire truck for its volunteer fire department. Central Massachusetts (12 projects, $10.37 million) $1.5 million for Worcester Polytechnic Institute to build a continuous flow reactor for the destruction of PFAS in contaminated soils and the plants that grow in them. $188,000 for the Town of Ashby to add on to and repair the existing building, suffering from structural damage. $1 million for the Town of Princeton to pay for the construction of a new public safety building. $1.01 million for the George Marston Whitin Memorial Community Association to renovate a historic building to create an essential community facility with a childcare center. $1 million for the Town of Colrain to construct a shared disposal system for wastewater to service single and multifamily homes that may be condemned without a sustainable solution. $950,000 for the Town of Leicester to build a water interconnection with the City of Worcester. $1.09 million for the Town of Holliston to build wastewater infrastructure in its growing downtown area. $960,000 for the Town of Mendon for a water system expansion. $200,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers for operation and maintenance of Barre Falls Dam. $1.42 million for the Army Corps of Engineers for operation and maintenance of Tully Lake. $160,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers for operation and maintenance of West Hill Dam. In his statement, Markey said he was proud to have worked with the entire Massachusetts delegation to secure over $92 million in funding this year for projects that will make our water cleaner, our environment healthier, our workforce stronger, and expand justice in our communities. STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, Jan. 15, 2026.....In the showdown over local property taxes, the Senate on Thursday advanced a relief bill and delivered a formal rebuke to Boston Mayor Michelle Wus tax shift plan. Senators voted 37-1 to pass the so-called tax shock bill and rejected an amendment that mirrored Wus home rule petition on a 33-5 vote. The majority of the Boston delegation supported the amendment. The bill, sponsored by Sens. Nick Collins of South Boston and William Brownsberger of Belmont, allows cities and towns to offer targeted rebates and credits to taxpayers during years when the residential property tax levy increases by more than 10%. Supporters framed it as a way to protect vulnerable homeowners from sudden spikes in tax bills without altering the states existing property tax classification system. The Senate rejected a version of Wus proposal, offered as a Sen. Michael Rush amendment, which would have temporarily shifted a greater share of Bostons tax burden to commercial property owners in fiscal years 2027 through 2029. Voting in favor were Sens. Rush, Lydia Edwards, Liz Miranda and Sal DiDomenico, all of whom represent parts of Boston, along with Sen. Pat Jehlen, who is not seeking reelection and whose district includes Somerville and parts of Cambridge, Medford and Winchester. Wus amendment would have allowed Boston to adjust its property tax classification if residential properties were set to bear a higher share of the total levy than in fiscal year 2025, with maximum shift levels capped at 181.5% in fiscal 2027, 180% in fiscal 2028, and 178% in fiscal 2029. The vote marked the Senates first formal rejection of the mayors tax shift plan after over a year of opposing the measure without taking a recorded vote. Brownsberger and Collins have been the leading voices behind the Senates opposition to Wus proposal, with Brownsberger whose district includes parts of Boston speaking for more than 15 minutes during debate on the amendment. Brownsberger said it was about time the Senate held a full debate on the issue so lawmakers could move on past this issue to work with our municipal partners on all the goals we truly share. He emphasized that his opposition was not personal, saying he respects Wu and the Boston City Council and understands the motivation behind the proposal. The vote comes amid escalating political tensions between Wu and Senate leadership. The mayor is backing a challenger to Brownsberger in the 2026 Democratic primary her senior aide, Daniel Lander and is also supporting a primary opponent to Collins. Brownsberger argued that the tax shift proposal risked producing unintended and inequitable outcomes. One narrative, one example, would be, well, Ive got a struggling homeowner thats benefiting from it. Thats good, and Ive got an office tower whose private equity owners are paying more taxes. Maybe that narrative makes sense in some cases, Brownsberger said. But on the other hand, the truth is, were lowering taxes for your very wealthy single family homeowner, perhaps living in something of a mansion in the most tony neighborhood of the city. And youre raising taxes on your little garage owner trying to make things work. Rush, a West Roxbury Democrat, framed the amendment as a direct response to what he described as a mounting affordability crisis for Boston homeowners, particularly seniors and working families. Rush said the amendment was filed at the request of Wu and the Boston City Council and closely mirrored a home rule petition approved by the council and first filed with the Legislature in 2024. He pointed to rising residential values, lagging commercial property values and statutory limits on municipal tax increases as drivers of recent spikes in Boston tax bills. Rush said the average tax bill for a family home rose by more than $500 in 2025 and is expected to increase by more than $700 in 2026, while commercial tax rates have continued to decline. He said those increases have disproportionately affected seniors on fixed incomes, particularly in his district, which he said has the highest density of senior citizens of any Boston Senate district. The amendment, Rush said, would give Boston temporary flexibility to blunt those increases while state and city officials work on longer-term solutions. Brownsberger responded by placing the debate within a broader discussion of the Legislatures role in regulating municipal finances for what he described as the common good of a single, interconnected state. He argued that the states property tax classification limits function as guardrails, rooted in decades-old reforms aimed at ending politically driven and inequitable assessments that once favored certain neighborhoods and disproportionately burdened businesses. Allowing Boston to exceed those limits, he said, would invite similar requests from more than 100 other communities that use classification, undermining what he described as a carefully balanced statewide system. Edwards, an East Boston Democrat and former city councilor, pushed back on that framing, saying the amendment reflected the immediate reality facing Boston residents and the calls city councilors continue to receive from constituents struggling with rising tax bills. I think its very important that we, or someone in this body, address the fact that Boston does have unique needs in this time, she said. And Im not just talking about fiscal needs... I dont know too many other cities and towns whose housing authorities were denied hundreds of millions of dollars from the Trump administration. I dont know, but you can correct me, too many cities and towns that are facing lawsuit after lawsuit from this Trump administration. Addressing concerns raised about impacts on small businesses, Edwards said the amendment was narrowly focused on shifting tax burden in the short term and not on economic development policy, while noting that the city has deployed a range of other tools including grants, planning initiatives and licensing reforms to support neighborhood businesses. Edwards also argued that Bostons challenges extend beyond fiscal pressures, pointing to what she described as heightened scrutiny and legal challenges facing the city at the federal level. She said it was important for the Legislature to acknowledge those pressures even while disagreeing on the tax policy question. She urged colleagues to view the amendment as consistent with instances in which lawmakers have granted Boston flexibility and autonomy in decision making through home rule petitions, including on liquor licenses, development policy and linkage fees, and questioned why the city should be treated differently in this case. Despite the amendments defeat, Edwards thanked colleagues for what she characterized as a respectful debate, while reiterating her support for the citys request. Later, Edwards delivered gifts to some senators in the chamber who opposed the amendment, including Senate President Karen Spilka. The bill heads to a House that has previously been more receptive to the mayors proposal. Wus home rule petition won support in the chamber last session, and lawmakers have sparred over the competing versions of tax shock relief, setting the stage for another potentially contentious debate over the measures fate. A Republican member of Congress, who voted against past impeachments, indicated he would lean towards ousting the president for this catastrophic idea. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) warned that a U.S. invasion of Greenland would likely trigger bipartisan impeachment proceedings and end the Trump presidency in an interview on Wednesday with Omaha World-Herald. Bacon called the presidents fixation on acquiring the autonomous territory utter buffoonery and urged the administration to find an off-ramp. If he went through with the threats, I think it would be the end of his presidency, Bacon told the newspaper. Despite voting against both previous sets of impeachment articles during Donald Trumps first term, Bacon indicated he would lean in favor of doing so if a Greenland invasion occurred, stating that Republicans would not tolerate the move. Bacon noted that the geopolitical tension is already impacting his constituents, telling the Omaha World-Herald that some Omaha businesses have lost Canadian clients who are angry over the threats. He described the prospect of invading an ally as catastrophic and the worst idea ever. The friction comes as several European countries, including France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, have deployed troops to the region or pledged military exercises to support Denmark, according to France 24. The military mission aims to ensure Arctic security after U.S. and Danish talks failed to resolve the dispute, NBC News reported. Despite the presidents claims that the acquisition would strengthen NATO, Danish officials reported a fundamental disagreement following a meeting at the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Al Jazeera). Denmark is a founding member of the alliance, and critics have warned that seizing territory by force could cause the alliance to collapse. Public opinion remains largely opposed to the move. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only one in five Americans support the effort to acquire Greenland. Local sentiment on the island is even lower, with a 2025 poll showing only 6% of Greenlanders in favor of joining the United States. For Jane Peirce, the cataclysmic flooding and massive displacement of thousands of people that turned the Swift River Valley into the Quabbin Reservoir isnt just a page torn from the history books. Its her familys story, told and retold over the decades, one that is a source of both nostalgia and ongoing pain. And helping to preserve the Quabbin watershed, which is the source of clean drinking water for millions of people in eastern Massachusetts, is also a part of her lifes work. My dad left the town of Prescott with his family and their whole community in 1938, Peirce told MassLive, referring to one of the four towns that were demolished to make way for the reservoir in the 1930s. It was a big deal for people who had to leave the Valley. They left their homes and their families and their communities and everything, Peirce, a former state Department of Environmental Protection employee who now serves as a member of Oranges select board, continued. And its not an uncommon experience out here to find someone like me, who can say, Oh, yeah, my whole family came from there too, she said. Now, after 88 years of seeing their growth and development constrained because of the 120,000-acre watershed, and facing a water crisis of their own, the descendants of the people who gave everything so that Boston could have clean water are asking their neighbors to the east to give back. Earlier this month, local officials from across a dozen Western Massachusetts communities penned an extraordinary open letter, pleading for help. Across three pages, they outlined the history of the region, its contributions to the growth of the eastern half of the state and the very particular economic and environmental challenges they face. The cruel irony is inescapable: Our people cannot drink the Quabbin water that we protect. Private wells throughout our region are dry or are tainted with PFAS, leaving our residents without reliable access to clean water, the local leaders wrote. Meanwhile, we are often unable to fully fund our schools, police or fire departments, or maintain our roads, bridges and public buildings. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, which manages the reservoir on behalf of the state, said it understood the concerns that local officials were raising. The agency pays whats known as a payment in lieu of taxes for property around the reservoir thats come off the tax rolls in the affected communities. That payment is based on the highest tax rate in that community. That means, for instance, that if the commercial property tax rate is higher, then it pays at that level. The agency said it has built in a hold harmless clause, guaranteeing that its payments will never decrease. The locals say the money isnt enough to cover what theyve lost. The back story The 412-billion-gallon reservoir, straddling parts of Central and Western Massachusetts, spans 39 square miles. It boasts 181 miles of scenic shoreline that teems with wildlife, providing water to some 2.7 million people in Greater Boston and to four towns in Western Massachusetts. It takes its name from a Nipmuc word meaning meeting of the waters, which is used to describe the Swift River Valley, according to a NASA history of the vanished towns of Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott. All told, more than 1,100 structures including 650 homes were dismantled and 7,600 graves were exhumed to make way for the reservoir. Workers also tore up 31 miles of north-south railway tracks, The Rabbit Run, which made daily stops on its route between Athol and Springfield. At street level Bob Agoglia, the chairperson of Pelhams select board, lives with the watershed and its local impact every day. One of the things that a town like us is affected by we have a good amount of land, (there are) many acres that cannot be developed. Our town cant grow," he told MassLive. Our town in particular is hampered by the lack of developable land within our borders, he continued. All kinds of water conditions wetlands, streams (and) grades, very little developable land. If we have one new house go up every two years, that is a lot. The letter from the local officials asks eastern Massachusetts residents to contact their state lawmakers to ask them to back companion state House and Senate proposals that would authorize a small surcharge on local water bills to help support the Quabbin communities. The Senates version of the bill, sponsored by Sen. Joanne M. Comerford, D-Hampshire/Franklin/Worcester, cleared the Legislatures Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources last August. Its now before the Senates Ways and Means Committee, which is typically a bills last stop before its sent to the Senate floor for a vote. Comerford met with top committee staff this week to reinforce the fact that the bill remains a priority for her during the Legislatures current two-year session. A spokesperson for the committee told MassLive that it is actively reviewing the legislation. The Northampton Democrat, meanwhile, said she was so deeply inspired by towns organizing themselves to reach their counterparts in Boston. I wish you could have been at some of their meetings. Their appeal is so heartfelt. It is so genuine. They believe that if people understood the consequences of taking four towns and the inequities they face, they would pay more to have water untainted with PFAS and better education, Comerford continued. The higher needs are endless when you start to talk to residents and the people who have been stewarding the watershed restrictions for their communities. If it eventually wins approval from the state House, which, like the Senate, is controlled by Democrats, the bill will have to get a signature from Gov. Maura Healey. The MRWA greatly values the partnership of communities and residents across our watersheds, and appreciates their advocacy, the agency said in a statement to MassLive. This collaborative partnership has helped to create and protect the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs some of Massachusetts most important natural resources." Comerford remains optimistic that the bill eventually will be signed into law. I really do think this is one of the harms that has been done to Western Mass that must be healed. It must be addressed, she said. Otherwise, we will continue to feel that we have this extractive relationship with Boston we need reciprocity and fair recompense. For Peirce, whose family history spans the history of the Quabbin, a rebalancing of the scales is long overdue. Its the equity of it. If people in the east would acknowledge that its okay for their water bill to go up by a few cents per, you know, 100 gallons or 100 cubic feet, or whatever their rate is, that money would go back to the communities that are providing the water to them, she said. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. If youre refreshing your running gear for the new year or prepping for winter training, the Brooks Winter Sale is offering meaningful discounts on some of its most popular running shoes. For a limited time, runners can save up to about 35% on select footwear, with a mix of road and trail styles at reduced prices directly at Brooks. Brooks is widely recommended by podiatrists for its combination of cushioning, support, and durability, and many of the sale models include features designed for comfort during colder weather runs. Glycerin 22 $165 $125 Sale! Buy Now at Brooks Brooks has built a strong reputation among runners of all levels thanks to balanced cushioning, thoughtful support systems, and durability that holds up through many training cycles. Several Brooks models carry the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which highlights their design features that promote foot health and proper gait mechanics, a notable advantage when youre logging frequent miles. Many of the shoes included in the winter sale also feature Brooks proprietary midsole foams, like DNA LOFT and GuideRails technology, which are designed to reduce impact and help reduce injury risk over time. That makes them appealing not only for runners, but also for walkers and everyday wearers who want comfort plus performance. Whether youre building or updating your running shoe rotation, the Brooks Winter Sale presents a strong opportunity to pick up comfortable, high-quality running shoes at up to about 35% off. Check out the entire sale here. Brooks on sale More Brooks deals here. Sign up for MassLives Shopping Newsletter: A recap of the biggest online deals and sales from the week, curated by MassLives expert e-commerce writer, Jessica Day. The Trump administration reversed course hours after notifying state agencies and nonprofit groups that their mental health and substance use treatment grants would be terminated. That includes funding that flows to Western Massachusetts programs and organizations. Late Wednesday, Gov. Maura Healey announced the state Departments of Public Health and Mental Health were notified that more than $5 million in grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration had been terminated. Healeys office also said the grants pay for programs run by nonprofit health care and human service providers, municipalities and other organizations across the state, bringing the effect of the grant terminations in Massachusetts to tens of millions of dollars. The grant cuts were effective immediately on Jan. 13, according to a letter SAMHSA sent notifying agencies and programs that was obtained by the State House News Service. On Thursday, a Trump administration official confirmed that all grant terminations in Massachusetts had been reversed. The official did not immediately respond to follow up questions on the reversal. Though funds were restored, grantees still felt the effects. It was pretty traumatic, Kathy Mague, a senior vice president at the Behavioral Health Network, said of learning about the cuts, which for 24 hours affected one of the organizations programs. It was incredibly disruptive. People were shocked. BHN works with the University of Massachusetts on a program that helps people who are homeless, have mental health issues, and are battling substance use disorder. BHN subcontracts on the program to work with 20 to 30 people in the Greater Springfield area, Mague said. BHN was notified of the cut, and then funds were reinstated. The situation was stressful, though. BHN was notified out of nowhere that the funding was cut, and the organization had to figure out what it meant for employees and clients, Mague said. The panic and chaos that ensued as a result of that was unnecessary, Mague said. Theres ways to make changes that cause a whole lot less disruption. Though the cuts were reversed, it worries Mague about what could be next for federal funding cuts. It feels highly unpredictable, and some would say like whack-a-mole you never know where its going to strike next, she said. The Hampden County Sheriffs Department also received notice that federal grant funding for a re-entry program with partner Baystate Health was being terminated because the program no longer effectuate(s) program goals or agency priorities, Robert Rizzuto, a Sheriffs Department spokesperson, said in a statement. The funds, which go to Baystate to support those incarcerated in Hampden County, were restored a day later, Rizzuto said. The program starts before people are released and follows them for months after to ensure they have access to mental health support and substance use treatment, Rizzuto said. Programs and ones like it are about making sure people dont fall through the cracks the moment they walk out our doors, Rizzuto said in a statement. If this funding had been cut permanently, it would have meant fewer supports, gaps in treatment, and a higher risk of relapse at the exact moment continuity of care matters most. We need to make sure they follow through Gov. Healey called the original grant terminations cruel and callous. I cant believe Donald Trump is cutting funding for mental health and addiction services. I dont know a family in America that hasnt been touched by one or both of these issues, Healey said. On Thursday, she was relieved the grants were reinstated. Its hard to believe anything that comes out of the Trump administration, she said in a statement to the News Service. Im glad that theyre saying theyre reversing their cuts to mental health and substance use disorder grants that would have stopped care for families who need it, but we need to make sure they follow through. The state grants that were marked for termination include: $2 million to the DPH for promoting the integration of primary and behavioral health care; $1.47 million to the DPH for MA Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Program; $850,000 to the DPH for preventing prescription drug/opioid overdose-related deaths; $499,999 to the DMH for psychosis prevention; and $384,000 to the DPH for a strategic framework for prescription drugs. Gandara Center receives some of the federal funding that flows through the state. Because the decision was quickly reversed, the organization was not affected, Uduak Enyiema, a spokesperson for Gandara, said in an email. We are relieved that the decision was reversed, Enyiema wrote. These funds matter. Without them, access to addiction and mental health services in our communities would be affected. Caroline Whitehouse, a spokesperson for Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, said the state heard directly from providers and trade groups about their canceled grants. In the letter notifying states and organizations of the grant terminations, SAMHSA said it is adjusting its grant award portfolio to better prioritize agency resources to its current priorities. These priorities include: focusing resources on programs and interventions that address the rising rates of mental illness and substance use, overdoses and suicides, as well as their connections to chronic diseases, homelessness, among other challenges. On Jan. 13, SAMHSA also announced a $231 million funding opportunity to administer the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is a national network of more than 200 local crisis contact centers. NORTHAMPTON A Western Massachusetts news organization is alleging a local production company stole close to $40,000 from it, claiming the funds intended for the media company, related to its annual Asparagus Festival in Hadley. New England Public Media filed a lawsuit against Laudable Productions LLC and Kyle Homstead, manager of the limited liability corporation, alleging that Homstead took $39,203.17 intended for the media company at the festival in the summer 2024. The complaint was filed in Northampton District Court in November 2025. There is an upcoming motion hearing on Jan. 29. NEPM is represented by Lauren Ostberg, partner at Bulkley Richardson, a Springfield law firm. Ostberg declined to comment on pending litigation. When reached for comment, an NEPM spokesperson said the media organization does not comment on pending litigation. The media company alleges Homstead unjustly enriched himself using the funds; that he acted intentionally to interfere with the funds to harm NEPM; that he acted deceptively or unfairly when conducting business; and that he was fraudulent. A reporter could not immediately reach Homstead for comment. Homstead and his company are represented by David A. Lavenburg in Springfield. Lavenburg also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Laudable Productions, according to its website, is a marketing and community engagement agency based in Florence, a village of Northampton. New England Public Media at 44 Hampden St. in Springfield, MA on Monday, July 21, 2025. (Dave Roback photo) Dave Roback Annually, the public media station holds a daylong festival in the early summer in Hadley to celebrate the regions rich asparagus farms and agricultural history. Hadley is considered the asparagus capital of the world. The lawsuit alleges that at the 2024 festival, Laudable Productions, which helped produce the festival, collected the funds. In August 2024, Homstead requested NEPM send him an invoice for the $39,203.17. The complaint, filed by NEPM, alleges Homstead brought a check in that amount of money, but allegedly said he was having cash flow issues, and requested NEPM hold off on cashing the check until after NEPM had paid Homstead for his work. The media organization said that it then paid Homstead and his company for its work, in a timely manner. Then, in November 2024, when the media company tried to deposit the check, it found that there were allegedly insufficient funds in Laudables account to pay the check effectively, Laudable allegedly did not have enough money in its account to pay NEPM back thousands of dollars it owed. Later that month, the lawsuit alleges NEPM informed Homstead that the check did not get cashed as a result of this, and in December 2024, Homstead allegedly told NEPM he had switched banks in the meantime and that he would assess the situation and get back to (NEPM). NEPM says it followed up with Homstead several times but did not hear back from him. In January 2025, Homstead allegedly told the public radio companys executive staff that he had every intension (sic) of paying off the debt, the complaint said. The lawsuit claims the debt is the close to $40,000 that was intended for NEPM. After several more weeks of allegedly making promises to NEPM that he would pay the money back, the public media company says he did not. As of the date of todays complaint, Laudable has made no payment on the $39,203.17 invoiced to it by NEPM, or on the check it wrote to NEPM in the same amount, the complaint, filed Nov. 21, 2025, alleges. NEPM asks a District Court judge to rule in its favor, and it asks for damages in the owed amount plus multiple damages, interest and attorneys fees, the lawsuit said. NEPM is requesting a jury trial. The following editorial is from the opinion page of The Republican newspaper in Springfield. It reflects views of the newspapers leadership and not necessarily those of MassLive. Readers are invited to share their opinions by emailing to letters@repub.com. Electric power generated by offshore wind turbines is increasingly crucial to the energy security of Massachusetts and New England, as demonstrated by the regional grid operator, ISO New England, in study after study over the past 10 years. But President Trump of course knows better than the energy experts and the capitalists shelling out billions to develop this new energy source. His war on wind energy relies on a combination of flawed information and abuse of big government power. In two recent decisions, federal courts have stopped Trumps effort to shut down the commonwealths well-coordinated plan to increase reliance on locally generated wind energy. The first prong of President Trumps war on wind energy the misinformation he peddles about this technology was again on display Jan. 9 in the Oval Office, when he lectured U.S. oil executives that China doesnt use wind energy for its domestic electric demand: They [China] use coal and they use oil and gas and some nuclear, not much. But they dont have windmills. They make them and sell them to suckers like Europe and suckers like the United States before. China is in fact ambitiously growing its wind energy capability. China uses more wind power than coal and natural gas combined, according to one study. The megaproject Gansu Wind Farm alone provides electric power for 8.7 million homes. As energy expert Matt Randolph recently summarized in Forbes magazine, China has deployed more wind turbines than any other country in the world. As the U.S. oil executives listening to President Trump breezily misstated the facts, did they know about Chinas ambitious wind energy program? Of course they did. Conoco Phillips, one of Americas top three oil producers, actually runs a joint venture with the Chinese government to develop a large offshore wind farm in China. Conoco Phillips CEO Ryan Lance attended the Jan. 9 Oval Office meeting. In Massachusetts, energy planners and private industry have been working for more than 15 years on an ambitious plan to exploit this reliable, clean technology. Take the SouthCoast Wind Project, 23 miles south of Nantucket, as an example. Based on its farm of up to 141 wind turbine generators, this massive investment is planned to provide electric power for 1.4 million homes in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, according to court files. The private developer behind SouthCoast Wind, having sunk more than $600 million into the project, was within an eyelash of getting final government approvals (after more than seven years of environmental, permitting and mitigation studies) when the Trump administration, wielding the big government club, in January 2025 issued an indefinite moratorium against new wind energy leases in federal waters. Because this executive order was a likely death knell for the SouthCoast project, Massachusetts joined in a lawsuit filed by the State of New York to vacate Trumps executive action. In December, the federal district court in Boston did just that, finding the Trump administration had violated the law with its indefinite moratorium. The SouthCoast Wind Project is but one of three large offshore wind projects that Massachusetts has approved since 2019. These projects SouthCoast, Vineyard Wind I and New England Wind form the backbone of the commonwealths clean energy future. All three were in jeopardy of being permanently stopped by Trumps executive action. Riding this win streak against Trump, the owners of Vineyard Wind I also filed suit on Thursday. That project is 95% finished. The commonwealth has also invested more than $330 million to partner with private industry to launch this new energy source, by, for example, building specialized marine facilities in New Bedford to facilitate the work of private developers. Contrary to misinformation from the Trump administration, court records show that wind energy in Massachusetts will reduce winter season electric rate spikes and will be materially cheaper than buying electric power on the current open market. It will keep Massachusetts money at home by reducing dependence on out-of-state natural gas generators and is crucial to the commonwealths effort to achieve its net zero emissions policy by 2050 as mandated by law. Trumps war on wind also targeted projects that the federal government had already fully approved, such as the Revolution Wind Project also off the coast of Nantucket. On Aug. 22, Trumps Interior Department issued a stop work order requiring Revolution Wind to halt all ongoing activities based on unexplained concerns over national security. But the project was already 87% finished, had obtained more than 20 approvals from state and federal regulators and was on the cusp of providing power to more than 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. In September, the federal court in Washington, D.C., ruled in favor of New York and Massachusetts, finding that the Trump administration has broken the law by trying to stop an already permitted project. In spite of that court ruling, the Trump Interior Department issued another stop work order against the Revolution Wind Project in December, but this big government action was also judicially overruled by court order dated Jan. 12, 2026. Like the hero in the classic novel Don Quixote, who mistook windmills for giants and charged them with his lance in a futile battle against imaginary enemies (tilting at windmills), so too is President Donald Trumps war on wind a pointless crusade. For those in the area who take advantage of the states open burning season from Jan. 15 to May 1, each local fire department has its own policies to ensure the publics safety. Westfield Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Prevention Officer Christopher King offered what could be the most important advice for those burning. Its important to make sure the fire is always attended. Dont start it and walk away, King said. And there should always be a water hose or water source nearby, he said. Being a good neighbor is also important. You should remember your neighbors to make sure smoke doesnt create an issue, he said, adding that most burning complaints are from neighbors. And burn barrels are not allowed, according to the states Department of Environmental Protection. The Westfield Fire Department uses a web-based system that maintains a real-time map of every burn within town and city limits. Westfield residents who wish to burn outdoors must take several steps to pull a permit, and it starts online at www.cityofwestfield.org/371/Burning-Permits. That page links to a separate website, westfield.firepermits.com, where people can review the rules, apply for and purchase a permit, then activate it on the day they are actually burning, King said Each permit requires a one-time $25 fee, according to King. Seasonal burning permit He explained that when paying for the permit, there will be a link that will take residents to a third-party vendor that processes the payment. Residents do not need to register with the vendor to pay. They can simply pay as a guest. Always use the guest option, King said. After paying and receiving a permit, when residents are ready to burn, they must return to westfield.firepermits.com on the day of the burn and click on the Activate Burn button. This has created some confusion for residents in the past. When activating their burn, residents will be asked to enter the address where the fire will take place. What the department found since the new system was implemented was that residents were only putting in their house or residence number and street, and not including the correct city, Westfield, Mass. Because the system uses a Google-based map, when residents began typing in their address, the mapping system would show a drop-down listing of all the addresses that match the street number and street name throughout the country. Some residents click on the first address that appears, but that address may have been in another city and state. It is recommended that residents also put a comma after their address; it should be typed in like this, King said: 123 Broad St., Westfield, MA. There were a few burns in the city last year that mapped to locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and Illinois, Kane said. Another issue that has popped up was residents trying to activate a burn before 9 a.m. The system is only open from 9 a.m. to noon, King said. Another issue is residents calling 911 when trying to learn if the weather conditions allow for a burn that day. Dont call 911 unless you have an emergency. If you have questions about burning, call the department directly, at 413-562-2329, King said. In Southwick, residents who want to take advantage of open burn season have a new step they must take before lighting up: a site inspection. We just want to make sure that who would like to burn qualifies, said Fire Chief Richard Stefanowicz, who added that permits are still free. He suggested contacting the department as soon as possible to schedule a site inspection. Several residents, he said, have already had their burn pits inspected. Southwick residents seeking a burning permit should visit www.southwickfire.org and click on the Open Burning Registration page. That will take residents to a form that must be filled out. Within a few days of filling out the form, applicants will receive an email detailing the permit number and a copy of the rules and regulations, according to the departments website. Once a permit, which is free, is secured, residents must call the department at 413-569-6363 on the day they wish to burn to learn if the conditions will allow it. Residents dont have to register online. They can visit the department to fill out the application form. Granville Fire Department Chief Matt Ripley, like King, also said residents who pull burning permits need to follow the rules. Its important to do everything correctly and not burn things you shouldnt, like brush or leaves, Ripley said. Granville uses a similar system to Westfields, he said. Using the system, we can see all the people burning during any day, Ripley said. Granville residents can apply for a burning permit online, which is free, by visiting gfd.burnpermits.com, the departments permit portal, or pick up a paper application at the department. If you need help, please dont hesitate to call us at 413-357-8572, Ripley said. Once Granville residents secure a permit, they must still call 855-793-1007 to alert the department to burning and to learn if the conditions allow it. In Russell, residents must stop by Town Hall and fill out the application form for a permit. Once approved, residents should check out www.townofrussell.us/fire-department/news/daily-open-burning-restrictions. During the burning season, the site updates daily to let residents know if conditions allow outdoor fires that day. In Montgomery, residents can call the fire department at 413-862-4505 to secure a permit at least 48 hours before burning. When calling, leave an address, contact name and phone number. The department said the permit can be revoked at any time because of dry conditions and air quality. All the departments said it is important to follow the rules established by the state DEP. They are: Fires must be a minimum of 75 feet away from any dwelling. Fires may be conducted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Jan. 15 to May 1. Fires should take place on the land closest to the source of material to be burned. Before starting a fire, permit holders must ensure air quality conditions are acceptable for burning by calling the DEP Air Quality Hotline at 617-556-1021 or by visiting MassAir Online at www.eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/dep/massair/web. The DEP also mandates that outdoor fires are restricted to brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris (excluding commercial or industrial land clearing operations); agricultural materials such as fruit tree and bush prunings, raspberry stalks and infected bee hives for disease control; trees and brush resulting from agricultural land clearing; and fungus-infected elm wood, if no other acceptable means of disposal is available. Outdoor burns cannot include brush, trees, cane and driftwood from commercial or industrial land clearing; grass, hay, leaves and stumps; tires; or construction material and debris. A school bus sat on a dead-end road in Grafton with its engine off and cameras dark, as a 5-year-old boy cried in his seat. He was the only passenger left on the bus, it was below freezing outside and it was getting late just three days before Christmas after a long day at school but the driver didnt take him home. Instead, police say the bus lingered for up to 20 minutes before the driver finally started the engine and headed toward the boys stop, nearly half an hour late. 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. Gace was ordered held on a $50,000 bail after his arraignment on Wednesday. If he posts bail, he is ordered to wear a GPS monitor and to stay away from the victims, court records show. Gace, who worked for a bus company contracted with the Grafton School District, is accused of taking a 5-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl off their designated routes in separate incidents on Dec. 18 and Dec. 22. He stopped on Abby Road each time before continuing to the childrens stops, causing them to be late, according to a Grafton police report. Gace had disabled the buss interior cameras on Dec. 4 with the intention of ceasing any digital documentation of the events that would transpire on that bus in the days following, police said. He also covered a front-facing exterior camera but another exterior camera was functional and recording, along with GPS data and camera audio from inside the bus. During the suspected incident with the 5-year-old boy, who is nonverbal, Gace deviated from his assigned route after school on Dec. 22 and made an unauthorized stop on Abby Road in Grafton, then turned off the bus, the report read. The 5-year-old could be heard crying in various stages and making sounds of being scared and in fear on the bus audio between 3:14 p.m. and 3:25 p.m., until the cameras automatically shut off about 10 minutes after the bus was turned off, the report read. The video resumed at 3:42 p.m. and showed the bus on Carroll Road, en route to the childs bus stop. The child was 29 minutes late for his assigned home drop off time, the report read, prompting his parents to contact the school. The school then contacted the bus company, which brought the issue to Grafton police. The incident with the 3-year-old girl on Dec. 18 was similar Gace deviated from the route to Abby Road and turned off the bus, the report read. He again had just the 3-year-old girl on the bus and at 3:17 p.m., the bus was turned off. At 3:21, the child can be heard saying she wants to go home. Gace started the bus again and dropped her off at 3:26 p.m., six minutes later than her assigned drop-off time, the report read. Gace had lied to the parent of one of the students as to why he was running late and said there had been another student late being picked up, police said. He also lied to investigators after Grafton police opened the case and said hed never been on Abby Road contradictory to the bus companys GPS monitoring. He also said he made the stop on Dec. 22 to return a call to his attorney, but there was no record of that call on his phone, police said. There is no valid explanation why Gace brought two different students to a location which the bus had no reason to be and was not authorized by the school or bus company, the report read. Gace is no longer employed by the bus company he worked for doing non-traditional student transportation with the Grafton School District, 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 Grafton 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. Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej met H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, First Lady of Mozambique and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative MFFLI Summit 2025. The Summit which was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, First Lady of Mozambique and Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Nigeria, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, It was a pleasure meeting my dear sister H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, First Lady of Mozambique and officially appoint her to be the Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother at 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative MFFLI Summit 2025. During our meeting, we underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing 100 scholarships for local Mozambican doctors in 42 critical and underserved specialties, through our long-term partnership. We also discussed about addressing critical social and health issues in the country including breaking the infertility stigma and supporting girl education. We also signed an MoU to underscore our long-term partnership. H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, First Lady of Mozambique & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother stated, It was indeed a great pleasure to be a part of the prestigious conference together with my dear sisters, First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and hearing from them about the impact of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries. I am proud to share that 20 scholarships have been provided to our local doctors for Diabetes, Endocrinology, Acute Medicine, Infectious diseases, and Pain Management. We plan to provide a total of 100 scholarships through our partnership. Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Mozambique & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/49sipOM Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) receiving H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, First Lady of Mozambique & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother: https://apo-opa.co/4buZTI7 On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed. Le Dr Mahend Gungapersad, ministre de lEducation, a preside une reunion consultative au Sir Harilal Vaghjee Memorial Hall cet apres-midi. Sous le theme Transformation du secteur educatif mauricien , cette session fait suite aux Assises de lEducation de 2025 pour definir un systeme dadmission plus equitable et inclusif. Priorite au bien-etre des eleves Lobjectif central est de reduire la pression competitive qui pese sur les apprenants. Le ministre a souligne que la reforme, riche de plus de 150 mesures, repose sur le consensus plutot que limposition. Face a la hausse des demandes de transferts et a lattractivite disproportionnee de certains etablissements, le ministere explore de nouveaux modeles dadmission presentes par le Chief Technical Officer, Ricaud Auckbur. Defis techniques et pedagogiques Outre lacces aux colleges, plusieurs points critiques sont a letude : -Mode de calcul des resultats : Revision de lagregation des notes pour eviter les disparites entre scores identiques. -Performance scolaire : Inquietude des examinateurs sur la gestion des questions complexes par les eleves. -Mixite : Debat sur les ecoles mixtes par rapport aux ecoles non-mixtes. Le ministre Gungapersad a reaffirme que les consultations se poursuivront avec les parents, les eleves et les partenaires de Rodrigues pour garantir une transition sereine vers ce nouveau plan directeur. English Resume Education Minister Dr. Mahend Gungapersad chaired a consultative meeting this afternoon at Sir Harilal Vaghjee Memorial Hall. The session, themed Transforming Mauritiuss Education Sector, sought to establish a fairer, more inclusive admissions system, building on the 2025 Education Conferences. Education Minister Dr. Mahend Gungapersad chaired a consultative meeting this afternoon at Sir Harilal Vaghjee Memorial Hall. The session, themed Transforming Mauritiuss Education Sector, sought to establish a fairer, more inclusive admissions system, building on the 2025 Education Conferences. **Prioritizing Student Well-being** The primary goal is to reduce competitive pressure on students. The Minister stressed that the reforms over 150 measures are consensus-driven, not imposed. Due to rising transfer requests and disproportionate appeal of certain institutions, the Ministry, via Chief Technical Officer Ricaud Auckbur, is exploring new admission models. **Technical and Pedagogical Challenges** Key issues under review, beyond college access, include: Result calculation: Revising grade aggregation to prevent identical scores from yielding disparate outcomes. Student performance: Examiners concerns about students ability to handle complex questions. Co-education: Debating co-ed versus single-sex schools. Minister Gungapersad confirmed ongoing consultations with parents, students, and Rodrigues stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new master plan. The Organic Mayo KT Group met in Westport recently to launch a collection of farm safety tools. Part of the BeSafe Project, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the knowledge transfer (KT) group worked with some of the projects key findings and developed them into practical tools to raise farm safety awareness and address risks. Speaking at the event, farmer member Michael Holmes said: You have to talk to farmers, to get an understanding of what happens on farms, in order to find ways to address and improve things. A farmer-centred approach was a key aspect of the BeSafe Project, explained by Dr Aine Macken-Walsh who led the co-design process for BeSafe. The BeSafe scientific team identified key risks based on evidence. Farmers in this innovative KT group took a selection of those risks and used their decades of farming experience to contextualise them to real-life farming scenarios and develop practical tools to address them, the Teagasc researcher said. Organic Advisor, KT Group Facilitator and acting Mayo Regional Manager, John Noonan emphasised the importance of making farm safety an everyday part of farming life: When were doing a job, with sheep or cattle or whatever, do we think, is this safe? This should be an automatic consideration, to think of safety. It should be part of the plan. The group developed prototypes, which a team of animators and graphic designers developed into finished versions. An updated, interactive farm safety map was produced by the group, highlighting common hazards on farms. Further tools designed by the group are an animation, showing a farm of the future with labour-saving and data-based technology for improved farm safety; and a prototype job planning app that builds farm safety to all relevant steps. Referring to the tools, farmer member Martin Kerrigan explained: Visuals are important to help remind farmers at all times that there are safety risks with almost every job on a farm. A further tool was developed with Teagasc, Moorepark and Teagasc Dairy Advisors to support better time management on farms, reflecting the relationship between time pressure and risk of farm accidents. READ MORE: Well try and keep ahead of the thief - Mayo farmers combat farm theft Farmer member PJ Foy, whose young son attended the launch, explained: The older you get, the more near misses you experience, the more aware you are. The more you pinch your fingers in gates, and more serious things, the more sense you get. We need to share that sense of safety with our younger farmers. Young people need to be more aware at a younger age, and tools like this can share and widen common lessons and experience. Teagasc Farm Health and Safety Specialist, Francis Bligh further emphasised the vital importance of engendering awareness of farm safety among youth both youth who live on farms and those who dont, as a high proportion of all youth live, visit and may consider future careers on farms. The BeSafe project (DAFM, 17/S/269) undertook research on farm safety in Ireland and then developed practical farm safety approaches to effect positive, lasting change. The BeSafe Project was led by Dr David Meredith (Teagasc) with the co-design work undertaken by Dr Aine Macken-Walsh and Dr Marion Beecher (Teagasc) and involved colleagues at the University of Galway and University College Dublin. The scientific team was complemented by the expertise of extension specialists Dr John MacNamara and Francis Bligh from Teagasc, regulatory specialists from the Health and Safety Authority and was supported by the Farm Safety Partnership. Dr John McNamara, Senior Specialist Advisor in Occupational Safety and Health Teagasc, said: The BeSafe tools complement a diverse range of initiatives and practical tools that are informed by scientific research but for direct use by farmers they are suitable for wide circulation in farming circles and use in discussion groups, which will enhance their impact. Dr David Meredith, coordinator of the BeSafe Project, highlighted the effectiveness of taking a farmer-centred, multi-actor approach: BeSafe has shown that placing co-design of solutions intended for farmers use in the hands of farmers themselves is an effective way of developing impactful approaches for policy and practice we are continuing and expanding this approach in the EU funded SafeHabitus Project and other nationally funded projects that are in the pipeline. Pictured above front row (l to r): Gerard Doyle; Micheal Holmes; Shane OHaire; Ben Foy; Aine Macken-Walsh; Julie Hughes; Micheal OGrady; Sean Kelly; Vincent Hennelly. Back row (l to r): Martin Kerrigan; Anthony Walsh; John Noonan; Edward Rowland, Jacinta ONeill, Peter Gibbons, Patrick OToole and PJ Foy. Missing from picture: Maura Doherty and Fiona Heneghan. Westport woman Maura Kiely, Chief Executive Officer of Leave No Trace Ireland, has been awarded Environmental Leader of the Year by The All Island Business Foundation at a ceremony held at Croke Park. The annual All Island Business Foundation Awards brought together hundreds of attendees to celebrate purpose-led organisations from across Ireland just before Christmas. Among the honourees, Kiely stood out for her leadership in advancing environmental stewardship and expanding the reach of outdoor conservation efforts throughout the country. The recognition highlights Kiely's work in transforming Leave No Trace Ireland into a movement that balances outdoor recreation with environmental preservation. Under her leadership, the organisation has forged strategic partnerships and mobilised communities across the island to become active environmental stewards. "This recognition is huge for our whole team, our partners, and everyone who has supported us along the way," the organisation shared in response to the award. "Not because of the accolade itself, but because it amplifies the mission we wake up for every single day: protecting our natural spaces and inspiring others to do the same." Leave No Trace Ireland operates on the principle that outdoor spaces can be enjoyed responsibly while being preserved for future generations. The organisation's expanded reach under Kiely's guidance has made it a leading voice in Irish environmental conservation. The All Island Business Foundation, which recognises leaders championing conservation through purpose-driven business models, praised the selection as "such a special recognition," noting that it celebrates environmental leadership rooted in real action and long-term impact. As 2025 draws to a close, Leave No Trace Ireland's team expressed gratitude for the recognition while reaffirming their commitment to ongoing conservation work across Ireland's trails and natural spaces. Westport TD Keira Keogh has highlighted ongoing gaps in public transport connectivity across Mayo, despite significant funding increases and new initiatives in the county. Speaking in the Dail, Deputy Keogh called for TFI Anseo to be expanded into Erris and Westport. The Fine Gael Deputy emphasised that while investment in rural transport has grown substantially, many communities still face significant challenges accessing essential services. "When we look at the map of Local Link in Mayo, it looks like we are really connected," Deputy Keogh said, before illustrating the practical difficulties faced by residents. She cited the example of a woman in her 60s from Fahy outside Westport who has just one transport option per week a Friday service that leaves her with over three hours in town between arrival and departure. READ MORE: Achill pilot project to 'transform' future of Mayo rural transport "She has one option to go to Westport on a Friday morning at 12.10pm, but she has three hours and 20 minutes in town before she has to be back on the bus for 3.30pm," the Mayo TD explained. Minister of State Jerry Buttimer acknowledged the challenges while highlighting recent achievements. He noted that funding for Mayo's rural transport increased by 56 percent between 2023 and 2024 to more than 2 million, with passenger numbers growing by 72 percent. "We have seen funding increase by 56 percent between 2023 and 2024, with passenger numbers increasing by 72 percent," Minister Buttimer stated, adding that there is now 31 million ring-fenced nationally for rural transport, representing a 38 percent increase on the previous year. The Minister pointed to recent innovations, including the launch of Ireland's first smart demand responsive transport service, TFI Anseo, in Achill last July. The service has since been expanded, with operating hours extended from 7am to 8pm in October 2025. Deputy Keogh welcomed these developments but called for the model to be expanded to other areas. "With TFI Anseo doing so well, it would be great to see that expanded into Erris and Westport so that people do not necessarily have to plan ahead," she said. She also highlighted infrastructure challenges, noting that areas like Knockrooskey lack basic amenities such as footpaths and lighting, preventing the installation of additional bus stops despite buses passing through the area. "We need to box clever when we are looking at it," Deputy Keogh argued, calling for a more flexible and adaptive approach to meeting constituents' needs. Minister Buttimer agreed with the need for a coordinated strategy. "It is about that joined-up approach in terms of the local authority with footpaths, the NTA and Bus Eireann," he said, committing to work with Deputy Keogh to address the gaps in service provision. The Minister concluded by reaffirming the Government's commitment to enhancing Local Link services, describing Deputy Keogh as "a champion" for rural transport in Mayo. 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. Beatrix Szoregi of Knockranny House Hotel and Spa has been named the 2025/2026 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Mayo Branch Employee of the Year. The announcement was made at a celebratory awards lunch in the Knock House Hotel, where representatives from hotels and guesthouses across the county gathered to recognise 11 nominees who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplaces. Ms Szoregi was nominated by her employer. She has worked at Knockranny House Hotel and Spa for nine years and currently works as a spa therapist. Judges praised her commitment to exceptional customer service, her analytical approach to improving the spa experience for guests, and her strong collaborative work with colleagues across departments. Mayo Chair Declan Heneghan said the judging panel was impressed by Ms Szoregis consistent professionalism and dedication to enhancing the guest experience. Beatrix demonstrates an outstanding commitment to customer service and continually looks for ways to improve how the spa operates for the benefit of guests. Her collaborative approach with team members across the hotel was also a key factor in the decision, he said. READ MORE: Westport Bluegrass Festival announces programme for 20th anniversary edition Pictured at the announcement of this year's awards were winners and nominees, back, from left: Ebenezer Okewumni (Ashford Castle); Cedric Begue (The Lodge at Ashford Castle); Oisin Coen (Breaffy House Resort), winner of Rising Star Award and Weronika Formanek (Clew Bay Hotel). Front row: Michael Magner, Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) National President; Breifne Loftus (Westport Plaza Hotel); Ann McHale (Knock House Hotel), winner of Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Profession Award; Beatrix Szoregi (Knockranny House Hotel and Spa), IHF Mayo Branch Employee of the Year; Siofra Barrett (Great National Hotel Ballina); Maria Rodulfo (The Grace, Westport Estate); Deirdre Fitzsimons, IHF Director of People Services and Declan Heneghan, IHF Mayo Branch Chair. Pic: Conor McKeown Colleagues at Knockranny House Hotel & Spa described Ms Szoregi as someone who goes out of her way to welcome guests to the spa with a warm and genuine caring manner, adding that she is always willing to adapt treatments at short notice to ensure guests receive what they need on the day. IHF President Michael Magner also congratulated all nominees at the event, highlighting the strength of the hospitality sector nationally and in Mayo. Our nominees represent the very best of our profession that thrives on dedication, innovation and the development of its people. There has never been a better time to start a career in tourism and hospitality in a sector that employs 69,000 people nationwide, including around 6,000 in Mayo, he said. Ms Szoregi will now go on to represent the Mayo branch at the National IHF Employee of the Year Awards, which will take place during the IHF Annual Conference in Gleneagle, Killarney, in late February. The Irish tourism and hospitality sector remains one of the countrys largest indigenous employers, supporting approximately 270,000 livelihoods across 20,000 businesses nationwide, generating around 10 billion in annual revenue and more than 2.9 billion in tax contributions to the State. India has always been a secular state, one that is diverse in its use of languages. It is known for seeing at least a minor switch in dialect every few hundred meters. In this diversity also lies controversy, one that Aamir Khan seems to have added himself to. As many celebrities go to cast their votes for the BMC elections, they are also trying to spread awareness for the importance of casting one's vote. Expect, language plays a much bigger tool than many might realise. Aamir Khan Made a Controversial Statement About Marathi Aamir Khan Productions When Aamir Khan went to cast his vote, the paparazzi and reporters present at the booth were talking to him. There, he showed off his finger, proving that he voted. The media wanted him to motivate other people to also vote. When the actor spoke in Marathi, they urged him to speak in Hindi because this would be shown in Delhi as well. The actor replied, "Hindi mein? Ye Maharashtra hai, bhai. (In Hindi? This is Maharashtra, brother.)" When the media informed him that the video will air in other places too, he switched up, "Oh, it will go to Delhi as well? Very good arrangements have been made. I would appeal to everyone: come and cast your valuable vote." Unfortunately, social media hasn't taken it kindly. Fans are Upset with Aamir Khan Instagram/aamirkhanproductions Maharashtra has been under a lot of pressure with regards to language. When Hindi was made a compulsory third language in schools, the backlash was so intense that it had to be revoked. It started a whole wave of people pressurising others to communicate in Marathi. Young designer breathes new life into mulberry paper in NW China's Xinjiang Xinhua) 10:39, January 16, 2026 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. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) 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. 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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) (Photo: Toyota Material Handling UK) Toyota Material Handling UK says its drive to cut waste across its operations is delivering tangible benefits for customers, as it applies the principles of the Toyota Production System far beyond the factory floor. The business said the approach, which is rooted in Toyotas long-established production philosophy, underpins how it operates day to day, shaping everything from internal processes to the support it offers customers. Originally developed by Taiichi Ohno in 1948, the Toyota Production System is widely recognised as the foundation of what is now known as lean manufacturing. Its core aim is to eliminate waste and inconsistency, while designing processes that flow smoothly without overburdening people or equipment. Toyota Material Handling UK said the system focuses on continuous improvement at every stage, from production through to delivery and aftersales, to maximise value while reducing unnecessary use of time, effort and resources. Central to the approach is the elimination of muda, the Japanese term for waste or inefficiency, ensuring that activity only takes place where it adds value. At its heart, TPS is about creating a continuous, uninterrupted flow in every process, said Hazel Philips, TPS trainer at Toyota Material Handling UK. Whether its assembling a vehicle or making a cup of tea, the same logic applies, she said. TPS encourages us to look closely at each step, find bottlenecks, and make improvements so we can deliver value to our customers with less waste and less effort. The company said the system is not just a set of tools, but a mindset built around continuous improvement, known as Kaizen, and respect for people. Employees across all departments and levels are encouraged to identify inefficiencies and work together on solutions, embedding improvement into everyday working practices. We make improvement a team sport, Hazel said. Everyones contribution counts, and that collective effort is what drives us forward. Toyota Material Handling UK said this people-focused culture helps create long-term value for customers by ensuring staff are engaged, empowered and aligned with the companys purpose. The business said open communication and transparency support stronger partnerships with customers, rather than purely transactional relationships. Alongside performance gains, the company said the approach supports its wider responsibility goals, including more sustainable ways of working. Improvements range from simplifying paper-based workflows to adopting practices designed to reduce environmental impact. Our philosophy shows that business success and sustainability dont have to be mutually exclusive, Hazel said. By respecting value in all its forms, we build a resilient business that benefits our customers, supports our employees, and minimises our environmental impact. Toyota Material Handling UK said the ongoing application of the Toyota Production System continues to shape how it develops products and services, with a focus on quality, reliability and operational excellence. The company said reducing waste remains central to enhancing the value it delivers to customers on a daily basis. A nonpartisan watchdog has expanded its lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), claiming it has continually refused to expedite and produce records pertaining to President Donald Trump ally Edward Ed Martin. American Oversight, the nonprofit group that since its 2017 launch has obtained and published tens of thousands of government documents, said Wednesday that its amended lawsuit against the Trump administration is a response to the institutions ongoing failure in response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests involving Martin. Efforts in recent weeks including court battles legally pursuing the DOJ to produce and expedite the records, however, have not come to fruition. American Oversight alleges that the DOJ has not proven intent to preserve potentially damning materials related to Martin. The original lawsuit targeting Martinthe DOJs pardon attorney and Weaponization Working Group directorwas filed Dec. 3, 2025, shortly after allegations from Democrats that Martin violated federal law by concealing and destroying official communications related to the Working Groups so-called politically-motivated probes. Ed Martin, right center, ex-president of the Phyllis Schlafly Eagles, a conservative political organization based in St. Louis, Mo., speaks outside the Republican National Committee headquarters, as Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin, far left, stands by in opposition, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) When senior Justice Department officials who openly acknowledge carrying out the presidents personal agenda in directing retaliatory criminal probes face credible allegations of record destruction, transparency becomes more essential than ever to the rule of law, Chioma Chukwu, executive director of American Oversight, said in a statement. The public has a right to know how Ed Martin is wielding power at the DOJ to advance Trumps political retribution campaign. A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment to Military.com on the lawsuit. A source familiar with the lawsuit who spoke to Military.com on background described Martin as a central figure in many of the administrations most controversial DOJ effortsincluding using the DOJ to go after the presidents perceived enemies, to chase election fraud conspiracies related to 2020, etc. He may not be a household name but he has far-reaching impact, the source said. Who Is Ed Martin? Ed Martin may not be a household name within the Trump administration, though he does wield power and influence. The New Jersey native and former acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia was appointed a U.S. pardon attorney by President Donald Trump on May 14, 2025. He has no previous prosecutorial experience, however, and was vocal in Trumps favor as part of the Stop the Steal contingent claiming Trump won the 2020 election. Martin was also chosen by Trump to serve as the director of the DOJs Weaponization Working Group, established last February by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi with Martin tasked to look into the previous four years of alleged political improprieties within the justice system against Trump. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Todd Blanche talk after an event with President Donald Trump to honor the 2025 Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) The Working Group, in turn, has investigated key figures who have been Trumps ire in the past. They include former special counsel Jack Smith, New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Smith previously investigated Trump for his alleged involvement in the events of Jan. 6, 2021, while James secured a multi-million-dollar judgment in a fraud case against Trump and his organization. Others, like Bragg, brought forward the ultimately successful criminal case against the president that alleged improper relations with, and hush money payments to, adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Allegations of Stealing, Destroying Evidence The amended 145-page lawsuit filed Jan. 14 alleges that American Oversight submitted several requests to DOJ over the past two months but has not received either no determination or denials in response to its requests for expedited processing, and no records in response to any of its FOIA requests. Those requests were sent to the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, as well as the Office of Pardon Attorney and the Office of Information Policy. American Oversight certified the requested records are urgently needed to inform the public concerning actual or alleged government activity. American Oversight further certified that the requested records concern a matter of widespread and exceptional media interest in which there exist possible questions about the governments integrity which affect public confidence. The lawsuit stems from allegations made by Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, who on Nov. 17, 2025, demanded that Martin preserve and produce records following credible allegations that Martin has violated federal law by concealing and destroying official communications related to the groups politically-motivated probes. Raskin said then that he and his staff received credible allegations that [Martin has] been using personal devices, platforms and applications that do not adhere to federal laws and DOJ policies regarding records retention to conduct official DOJ business. It was described as a deliberate evasion of relevant rules of record retention. It was also called a cover-up with Martin at the center, allegedly using personal devices and encrypted messaging platformsincluding disappearing messagesto conduct official DOJ business in an effort to evade federal records laws. The Weaponization Working Group you lead operates without any transparency or accountability. We do not know how many personnel are assigned to the Weaponization Working Group, what investigations it is conducting, or anything about its budget. -- Jamie Raskin That dark wall of secrecy is profoundly troubling given that the Weaponization Working Group is apparently being used to pursue politically motivated investigations of President Trumps perceived enemies," Raskin added. Denmark and Greenland are stepping up lobbying of U.S. lawmakers in an effort to head off President Donald Trumps push to take control of Greenland. A group of U.S. senators is set to meet members of the Danish parliament in Copenhagen on Friday. The trip follows a week of meetings in Washington by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen with members of Congress on the heels of talks with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Greenlands foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, also participated. What Copenhagen and Nuuk are seeking to achieve is support from Capitol Hill that could help constrain any future moves by the White House to threaten Greenland, given lawmakers control over federal spending. High-level talks between Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. earlier this week ended in a stalemate over the future of the worlds largest island, though officials agreed to set up a working group to manage the diplomatic dispute. Trump has repeatedly insisted the U.S. needs to control the territory, an ambition that remains unresolved and has been rejected time and again by both Copenhagen and Nuuk. Among the senators traveling to Denmark is Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, a veteran of Arctic affairs who has emerged as one of the most prominent congressional critics of Trumps Greenland ambitions. Earlier this week, Murkowski and New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen introduced legislation that would bar the use of U.S. government funds to occupy or annex the territory of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization member state without its consent. We are operating in times where were having conversations about things that we never thought even possible, Murkowski told reporters on Wednesday in Washington DC following a meeting with the Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers. Its important to send the message that here in the Congress we recognize and support the sovereignty of the people of Greenland, that we show respect for them as a people, she said. Trump could veto the legislation even if it passes Congress. Still, Congress can impose restrictions on how Trump can use federal funds when it passes annual spending packages for the U.S. government. Asked by reporters on Thursday whether the bill was symbolic or could actually be used to stop Trump from attacking Greenland, Shaheen said that its important to express the bipartisan support for NATO and for the relationship with Denmark and Greenland. And thats what the legislation does. Meanwhile European countries are sending military staff to Greenland, with a contingent of 13 Germans due to arrive on Friday along with other allies, including France, the U.K., Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands. Theyre preparing for a military exercise that is intended to become permanent, Denmark has said. The decision to dispatch reinforcements to the Arctic territory as early as this week highlights the urgency with which European nations seek to respond to U.S. threats over Greenland, with Trump repeatedly stating the U.S. needs the land for national security. The a semi-autonomous territory is covered under NATOs Article 5 collective defense clause as its part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Thats why its also in principle is covered by the mutual solidarity clause in article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union, European Commission spokeswoman Anita Hipper said on Thursday. There is strong support for the transatlantic alliance within the Republican partys establishment wing, particularly in the U.S. Senate. Still, most Republican lawmakers have been reluctant to directly challenge Trump. Former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell warned Trump in a Senate floor speech Wednesday against incinerating the hard-won trust of loyal allies by taking actions to seize Greenland from NATO ally Denmark. This is about more than Greenland. Its about more than Americas relationship with its highly capable Nordic allies. 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. The bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to Copenhagen is led by Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat representing Delaware, who is set to be joined by Murkowski and Shaheen, as well as senators including North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis and Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin. Representatives Gregory Meeks, a New York Democrat, Madeleine Dean a Pennsylvania Democrat, Sara Jacobs, a California Democrat and Sarah McBride, a Delaware Democrat, are also due to be present. Rasmussen, the Danish foreign minister, hosted almost 40 house members at the embassy for dinner on Wednesday. Lawmakers hes spoken to recognize that the kingdom of Denmark and U.S. are close allies, we have had uninterrupted relations for 225 years, Rasmussen said. The U.S. has no ally with a longer uninterrupted relationship and we should build on that. --------- With assistance from Mike Dorning, Jamie Tarabay and Jorge Valero. ___ 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A majority of Americans oppose U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and Greenland, along with other nations, according to a new poll. The latest Marist Poll published Friday shows varied opinions on the role of the U.S. abroad based mainly on political partisanship, with the majority of Democratic and independent voters discouraging a U.S. military presence in Venezuela, Greenland, Iran, Cuba and Mexico while most Republican voters are in favor. Roughly 56% of survey respondents either strongly oppose or oppose the U.S. taking military action in Venezuela, while 43% either strongly support or support such action. Opposition grows when respondents were asked about Greenland, where nearly seven in 10 Americans (69%) either strongly oppose or oppose U.S. military involvement in the country. Just 29% either strongly support or support a U.S. military footprint in the semi-autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, center, walks with soldiers carrying photos of Cuban officers killed during the U.S. operation in Venezuela that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, during a march to the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (Yamil Lage/Pool photo via AP) When it comes to Iran, 57% strongly oppose or oppose military action while 42% either strongly support or support it. Theres a margin of opposition of 61%-37% when asked about Cuba, with more in opposition, and similar results when asked about Mexico (60%-38%). Results fell along party lines. More than 8-in-10 Democrats and more than 6-in-10 independents voice opposition to U.S. military action with numbers nearly flipped for Republicans, who favor U.S. military operations in Venezuela (83%), Iran (75%), Mexico (74%), Cuba (71%) and Greenland (57%). The national survey of 1,408 adults aged 18 years and older was conducted via phone, text and online between Jan. 12-13. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.3.%. Busy Few Weeks All eyes remain on the Trump administration, which last week captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. On Friday, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented President Donald Trump with her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. The U.S. has been heavily involved there for months, notably due to attacking alleged narco-traffickers amid new efforts to have a stake in the nations oil reserves. Police speak to demonstrators as they hold placards, banner and flags as they protest outside the Iranian Embassy in London, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Protests against the current Iranian regime continue in the Middle East, though have reportedly been subdued in the past couple days due to national officials ordering countless arrests of demonstrators and Iranian state media flushing out outside opposition. The U.S. recently announced new sanctions on Iranian officials accused of suppressing free speech. Greenland remains a hot-button issue, for both the Trump administration as well as adversaries like China and Russia. Trump has called the United States acquisition of the territory vital and is supported by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, among others who assert that the territory has important national security implications. US Global Standing, Trump's Economy The survey also delved into whether Congress should approve military action in foreign countries, if and how the United States global role has diminished, and Trumps economic approval numbers. When it comes to congressional approval being required, 70% of Americans told Marist that should be the standard while 29% said the opposite. Most Democrats (91%), 78% of independents, and 36% of Republicans said the U.S. should not engage in military operations without consulting Congress. But 62% of Republicans said Congress does not need to approve such action. From left, Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, Danish and Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, stand with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., amid President Donald Trump's ambitions to take control of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, during a meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) A war powers resolution in the U.S. Senate requiring congressional approval over military action was voted down by the Republican majority earlier this week. Partisanship remains on display when asked about the United States global standing. While most respondents (57%-43% overall) linked Trumps foreign policy decisions to a weakened U.S. global presence, the numbers are essentially identical politically. About 90% of Democrats cited a weakened international role of the U.S. while 89% of Republicans said it has been strengthened. That is as Trumps foreign policy approval rating has dipped from 41% in July 2025 polling to its current 37% level. Domestically, Trumps economic approval ratings are still at major lows. Roughly 36% of Americans approve of his economic handling and 57% disapprove, and the 36% number remains unchanged from December 2025 polling. SEOUL, South Korea A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison Friday in the first verdict from eight criminal trials over the martial law debacle that forced him out of office and other allegations. Yoon was impeached, arrested and dismissed as president after his short-lived imposition of martial law in December 2024 triggered huge public protests calling for his ouster. The most significant criminal charge against him alleges that his martial law enforcement amounted to a rebellion, An independent counsel has requested the death sentence over that charge, and the Seoul Central District Court will decide on that in a ruling on Feb. 19. Yoon has maintained he didnt intend to place the country under military rule for an extended period, saying his decree was only meant to inform the people about the danger of the liberal-controlled parliament obstructing his agenda. But investigators have viewed Yoons decree as an attempt to bolster and prolong his rule, charging him with rebellion, abuse of power and other criminal offenses. Yoon gets 5-year prison term in 1st verdict from 8 trials In Fridays case, the Seoul court sentenced Yoon for defying attempts to detain him, fabricating the martial law proclamation and sidestepping a legally mandated full Cabinet meeting, depriving some Cabinet members who were not convened of their rights to deliberate on his decree. Judge Baek Dae-hyun said in the televised ruling that imposing a heavy punishment was necessary because Yoon hasnt shown remorse and has only repeated hard-to-comprehend excuses. The judge also said restoring legal systems damaged by Yoons action was necessary. Yoons defense team said they will appeal the ruling, which they believe was politicized and reflected the unliberal arguments by the independent counsel. Yoons defense team argued the ruling oversimplified the boundary between the exercise of the presidents constitutional powers and criminal liability. Yoon will likely avoid death sentence in rebellion trial Park SungBae, a lawyer who specializes in criminal law, said there is little chance the court would decide Yoon should face the death penalty in the rebellion case. He said the court will likely issue a life sentence or a sentence of 30 years or more in prison. South Korea has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 1997 and courts rarely hand down death sentences. Park said the court would take into account that Yoons decree didnt cause casualties and didnt last long, although Yoon hasnt shown genuine remorse for his action. South Korea has a history of pardoning former presidents who were jailed over diverse crimes in the name of promoting national unity. Those pardoned include strongman Chun Doo-hwan, who received the death penalty at a district court over his 1979 coup, the bloody 1980 crackdowns of pro-democracy protests that killed about 200 people, and other crimes. Even if Yoon is spared the death penalty or life imprisonment at the rebellion trial, he may still face other prison sentences in the multiple smaller trials he faces. Some observers say Yoon is likely retaining a defiant attitude in the ongoing trials to maintain his support base in the belief that he cannot avoid a lengthy sentence but could be pardoned in the future. Yoon's decree plunged South Korea into political turmoil On the night of Dec. 3, 2024, Yoon abruptly declared martial law in a televised speech, saying he would eliminate anti-state forces and protect the constitutional democratic order. Yoon sent troops and police officers to encircle the National Assembly, but many apparently didnt aggressively cordon off the area, allowing enough lawmakers to get into an assembly hall to vote down Yoons decree. No major violence occurred, but Yoon's decree caused the biggest political crisis in South Korea in decades and rattled its diplomacy and financial markets. For many, his decree, the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea, brought back harrowing memories of past dictatorships in the 1970s and 1980s, when military-backed leaders used martial law and emergency measures to deploy soldiers and tanks on the streets to suppress demonstrations. After Yoon's ouster, his liberal rival Lee Jae Myung became president via a snap election last June. After taking office, Lee appointed three independent counsels to look into allegations involving Yoon, his wife and associates. Yoon's other trials deal with charges like ordering drone flights over North Korea to deliberately inflame animosities to look for a pretext to declare martial law. Other charges accuse Yoon of manipulating the investigation into a marines drowning in 2023 and receiving free opinion surveys from an election broker in return for a political favor. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Friday that he may punish countries with tariffs if they dont back the U.S. controlling Greenland, a message that came as a bipartisan Congressional delegation sought to lower tensions in the Danish capital. Trump for months has insisted that the U.S. should control Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in U.S. hands would be unacceptable. During an unrelated event at the White House about rural health care, he recounted Friday how he had threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals. I may do that for Greenland too, Trump said. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that, he said. He had not previously mentioned using tariffs to try to force the issue. Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met in Washington this week with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. That encounter didnt resolve the deep differences, but did produce an agreement to set up a working group on whose purpose Denmark and the White House then offered sharply diverging public views. European leaders have insisted that is only for Denmark and Greenland to decide on matters concerning the territory, and Denmark said this week that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland in cooperation with allies. A relationship that we need to nurture In Copenhagen, a group of senators and members of the House of Representatives met Friday with Danish and Greenlandic lawmakers, and with leaders including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Delegation leader Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, thanked the groups hosts for 225 years of being a good and trusted ally and partner and said that we had a strong and robust dialog about how we extend that into the future. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, said after meeting lawmakers that the visit reflected a strong relationship over decades and it is one that we need to nurture. She told reporters that Greenland needs to be viewed as our ally, not as an asset, and I think thats what youre hearing with this delegation. The tone contrasted with that emanating from the White House. Trump 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. The White House hasnt ruled out taking the territory by force. We have heard so many lies, to be honest and so much exaggeration on the threats towards Greenland, said Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic politician and member of the Danish parliament who took part in Fridays meetings. And mostly, I would say the threats that were seeing right now is from the U.S. side. Murkowski emphasized the role of Congress in spending and in conveying messages from constituents. I think it is important to underscore that when you ask the American people whether or not they think it is a good idea for the United States to acquire Greenland, the vast majority, some 75%, will say, we do not think that that is a good idea, she said. Along with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, Murkowski has introduced bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the use of U.S. Defense or State department funds to annex or take control of Greenland or the sovereign territory of any NATO member state without that allys consent or authorization from the North Atlantic Council. Inuit council criticizes White House statements The dispute is looming large in the lives of Greenlanders. Greenlands prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said on Tuesday that if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU. The chair of the Nuuk, Greenland-based Inuit Circumpolar Council, which represents around 180,000 Inuit from Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russias Chukotka region on international issues, said persistent statements from the White House that the U.S. must own Greenland offer a clear picture of how the US administration views the people of Greenland, how the U.S. administration views Indigenous peoples, and peoples that are few in numbers. Sara Olsvig told The Associated Press in Nuuk that the issue is how one of the biggest powers in the world views other peoples that are less powerful than them. And that really is concerning. Indigenous Inuit in Greenland do not want to be colonized again, she said. ___ Superville reported from Washington. Emma Burrows in Nuuk, Greenland and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report. U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Larry Martens, 21, and Lance Cpl. Rodney Rocky Padilla, 19, were found brutally murdered on Sept. 7, 1980. More than 45 years later, the cold case remains on peoples minds while DNA evidence could unseal truths long held below the surface. A new episode of the true crime podcast APB Cold Case revisits the two military service members deaths and how no culprits to this day have been held responsible for what happened that fateful night in Hawaii. The episode, titled The K-Bay Killings, examines and explores how Martens and Padillaboth stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaiiwere found beaten and shot near Maunalua Bay Beach Park just hours after leaving their base for a night out. The podcast, hosted by career law enforcement officer Mark Spawn and his wife and TV producer, Jeanna, paints the picture of the crimes against the tropical backdrop of Oahu in the late 1970s and early 1980sdelving into the relationships between local communities and military personnel, and the lingering questions of the Marines deaths that for decades have not been answered. A new episode from the true crime APB podcast explores the deaths of two Marines--Lance Corporal Larry Martens and Lance Corporal Rodney Rocky Padilla--in 1980. (APB) For us at APB Cold Case, we seek out cases like the K-Bay Killings to tell the story of decades-old investigations that need to be told in order to bring renewed attention from the listening public in hope of leveraging the lead needed by police to solve the case, Mark Spawn told Military.com. Our podcasts feature original interviews with detectives and family members of murder victims and missing persons. Families of the victims continue to cling onto hope, as well as the power of technology. Newer DNA and forensic techniques nonexistent decades ago may be a way to crack the case. NCIS Remains 'Committed' to Justice Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) reopened its investigation and is using forensic technology in its quest for answers, though officials said the two Marines' murders have never been forgotten. NCIS has worked tirelessly throughout this investigation, actively pursuing all leads and incorporating advanced and emerging investigative technologies to uncover the facts surrounding the tragic deaths of Lance Cpls. Larry Martens and Rodney Padilla, Meredith March, spokesperson for the Office of Strategic Communications at NCIS, told Military.com. NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain committed to ensuring the perpetrators of this crime are held to account. To this date, no murder suspects have ever been identified even though Honolulu Police investigated the matter in 1980. It was a Saturday night, and he was looking for somebody to go out in town with thats the last time I ever saw him alive, former Marine Sgt. Dan Boatman, a friend of Martens, told APB. U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band take part in a change of command ceremony at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 16, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rachel Mason) Investigators now believe the two Marines were killed around 2 a.m. that September morning, which equates to an approximate five-hour window between when Martens and Padilla left their base and when they lost their lives. Officials said the victims wallets were not taken, the car they used was not stolen, and no gunshots were reported in the vicinity. We know there was a witness, NCIS Special Agent James Curry told ABP in the podcast episode that also features interviews with former Marines, investigators and family members. Even if that witness is no longer with us, they probably told their family, their, their child or somebody who would now be of an adult age." We need that person to come forward. - NCIS Special Agent James Curry One of those family members is Padillas older brother, Joe, who is a retired law enforcement officer who for decades has advocated for officials and investigators to revisit the case. He and his elderly mother remain optimistic, to a point. Id like to see some movement while she can still appreciate it, Padilla told ABP. We just want to know what happened. When asked about Currys remarks regarding witnesses, as well as how many leads investigators have received over the years, March said no further information regarding the case would be released out of respect for the investigative process. $10,000 Reward Mark Spawn said he came across this particular cold case due to a law enforcement colleague who referred him to Joe Padilla, a commander at the Denver Colorado Police Department who ,like Spawn, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Joe shared the story with me and provided background about the case, Spawn said. My wife and I developed interviews with former platoon mates of the victim Marines, as well as interviews with NCIS. He acknowledged that the longer a case remains cold, the harder it is to crackfor often myriad reasons. As you can imagine, the typical challenge with cold cases is fading memories, witnesses who pass away, deteriorated or lost evidence, etc., he said. But there can also be shifting of loyalty and allegiances involving perpetrators who might now be willing to talk with police. And of course, the advances in forensic science since the murders, particularly in DNA, now allows for the smallest traces of a suspects biological evidence to be traced. Detectives today are hoping for bothfor a witness who they believe was present to come forward, and for DNA to identify a suspect(s). The military wants all the help they can get. NCIS is asking anyone with information to come forward, offering a $10,000 reward for details leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murders. Tips can be submitted by calling CrimeStoppers Hawaii at (808) 955-8300 or by submitting information at NCIS.navy.mil. The paperwork is finished. The decision is not. A Staten Island soldiers Medal of Honor case has reached the presidents desk more than a decade after his death in Afghanistan, placing the final call in the hands of President Donald Trump. Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, a Staten Island native assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, was killed Aug. 28, 2013, at Forward Operating Base Ghazni in Afghanistan after shielding a Polish officer from a suicide bomber. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Crossthe Armys second-highest valor honor. But his family, lawmakers and veterans have spent years pushing for an upgrade to the Medal of Honor. In December 2025, the Army completed its review and formally sent the recommendation to the White House, leaving the final decision solely with the president. Were cautiously optimistic, mother Linda Ollis told Military.com. We understand how far this has come, and we just pray it is finally signed. Military.com reached out for comment to the White House, the Department of Defense and U.S. Army. A Long Wait The case has moved through Army awards boards, senior command channels and congressional offices across multiple administrations as part of a process supporters say reflects caution in revisiting valor decisions rather than doubt about what Ollis did that day. Early recognition focused on a posthumous Silver Star recommendation tied to the Aug. 28, 2013, attack at FOB Ghazni, where he was killed defending coalition forces during the suicide bombing. Later reporting described his actions as a split-second decision to shield a Polish Army officer, a moment that became central to the case as advocates sought higher recognition for what they argue was conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. New York lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), urged Army leadership to support the upgrade, citing eyewitness accounts, battlefield documentation and allied testimony. Schumer called the act the definition of selfless bravery during a Staten Island remembrance ceremony in May 2024. Malliotakis said at a district news conference in December 2025 that Ollis gave his life so others could live. Advocates point to broader frustration with how rarely the military revisits valor awards once they are finalized, even when new accounts or pressure campaigns emerge. In December 2025, the Army formally endorsed the upgrade recommendation, clearing the final internal hurdle. 'It's About Michael's Story' The moment feels both hopeful and heavy, a combination the family says has followed nearly every milestone since their son was killed in Afghanistan. This has never been about ceremony, Linda Ollis said. Its about making sure Michaels story is told the right way. U.S Army Staff Sgt. Michael Harold Ollis parents, Robert and Linda Ollis, sister Kelly Manzolillo, and the Polish Army officer whose life he saved, Lt. Karol Cierpika, joined to unveil his portrait and memorial plaque tribute during a ceremony to rename the dining facility Staff Sgt. Michael Harold Ollis Warrior Grill, Oct. 27, 2023, at Camp Kosciuszko, Poland. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Karen Sampson) They spoke with pride about Michaels legacy, gratitude for the Staten Island community that never stopped remembering him and the exhaustion of watching the case move through years of reviews, leadership changes and unanswered timelines. We wanted people to really understand what Michael did that day. He didnt just save one life. He saved many. - Linda Ollis Robert Ollis, the father, said the family initially struggled to grasp the full scope of what had happened. They kept telling us he was a hero, he said. At first, we thought they must say that to every family. Then they explained what Michael actually did. The parents said recognition would not change the choice their son made in those final moments, but it would shape how the nation remembers. The wait was never about a ceremony, Robert said. It was about honor. The Case for the Medal The effort to upgrade Ollis award began within months of his death, after his parents reviewed after-action reports and spoke with service members who witnessed the attack. Ollis was credited with pushing a Polish officer out of the path of a suicide bomber moments before the explosion. Witness statements later showed his movement also shielded additional soldiers positioned nearby, limiting casualties in an area crowded with coalition forces. Members of a Polish army infantry unit, assigned to Forward Operating Base Ghazni, load an injured service member onto a UH-60 helicopter during training, Nov. 4. The training was conduct by General Support Aviation Battalion flight medics assigned to FOB Ghazni, Afghanistan. The medics conducted training on procedures for proper loading and unloading of causalities onto waiting aircraft. (Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Corey/Combined Joint Task Force - 82) Supporters say the delay never reflected doubt about his valor, only the caution of a system that rarely reopens closed awards decisions. After multiple reviews, board findings and command endorsements, the Army completed its review in December 2025 and forwarded the recommendation to the White House. Now the President Decides Only the president can approve a Medal of Honor. Authority rests with the White House after military reviews are complete and the secretary of the Army signs off on the recommendation. No deadline exists. No public explanation is required. The decision can come quickly or remain unresolved. Uncertainty has become the final stage of a journey that began more than a decade ago. We dont know when, Linda said. We dont know how it will happen. We just know its there now. Casualty increases and new sanctions are reshaping Washingtons response to Irans nationwide protests, as the White House signals it is keeping both diplomacy and force in play. Widespread demonstrations across Iran have entered a third week, with human rights organizations reporting that thousands have been killed or detained. Meanwhile, the Trump administration weighs diplomatic outreach, economic pressure, and potential military responses to the unrest. Military.com reached out to the White House, Defense Department, State Department and Treasury Department for comment. Only the White House and Treasury responded before publication. White House Signals Pressure Without Deadlines The administration continues to frame its strategy as a blend of restraint and warning. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Jan. 12 that diplomacy remains President Donald Trumps preferred route but confirmed that military action remains part of the administrations planning. President Donald Trump talks in the Oval Office after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Air strikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the commander in chief, Leavitt told the press. Leavitt added that communications with Iranian officials behind closed doors sharply contrast with Tehrans public tone. He certainly doesnt want to see people being killed in the streets of Tehran, she said. Trump has echoed that mix of encouragement, pressure and ambiguity in his own public remarks. He told Iranian protesters that help is on its way, a phrase he later declined to define. He also urged Tehran to show humanity as reports of civilian deaths mounted. Together, the remarks illustrate a strategy built around pressure without deadlines, combining sanctions, diplomacy and the implicit threat of force while Washington waits to see whether Tehran alters its course. Death Toll, Detentions Climb Human rights organizations such as Iran Human Rights and the Human Rights Activists News Agency estimate the death toll has surged beyond 2,500 nationwide. Thousands more have been arrested as Iranian authorities continue sweeping internet restrictions that limit independent verification and slow the flow of information from inside the country. Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi speaks during a news conference on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Irans government declared a three-day national mourning period this week, portraying fallen security personnel as martyrs while dismissing international criticism of its tactics. State media have framed the protests as foreign-driven unrest, even as video footage and eyewitness accounts show security forces using lethal force against demonstrators in multiple cities. Sanctions, Diplomatic Pressures Intensify The U.S. Treasury Department announced new Iran-related sanctions this week targeting officials and entities tied to the crackdown, expanding financial pressure as Washington coordinates with European partners. Diplomats said the measures are designed to isolate individuals involved in repression while signaling that further economic steps remain possible. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Jan. 14 that the rising casualty figures were horrifying and that the European Union would swiftly propose additional sanctions on those responsible for repression. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group ships cruise in formation during an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier, Sept. 19, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Stephen D. Doyle II) At the United Nations, Western representatives condemned Irans use of force and urged accountability mechanisms to document alleged abuses. During an emergency Security Council session requested by the United States, the U.S. ambassador said Washington stands by the brave people of Iran and warned that all options remain on the table. Russia and China urged restraint and cautioned against outside intervention, underscoring the diplomatic divide that continues to shield Tehran from unified international action. Military Posture Quietly Shifts Some personnel at the U.S. militarys Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were advised earlier this week to relocate as a precautionary posture change, a US official said, due to escalating regional tensions tied to Iran. Officials stressed the move was not a formal evacuation order but reflected growing concern about potential spillover risks in the Gulf. U.S. military planners have repeatedly repositioned ships and aircraft during past Iran-linked crises, including accelerating carrier movements, shifting surveillance assets, and adjusting tanker support to protect forces and reassure allies. Trump has previously paired sharp warnings to Tehran with assurances that U.S. forces were maintaining a defensive posture designed to deter escalation while preserving freedom of action. Defense officials have not announced new deployments tied directly to the current unrest, though planners are closely monitoring developments as diplomatic pressure builds. The National Iranian American Council said members of the diaspora are urging U.S. leaders to prioritize civilian protection and transparency. Human rights organizations said restricted access inside Iran continues to limit independent documentation of deaths, detentions and judicial proceedings. Groups including Human Rights Watch and United for Iran have called for international monitoring mechanisms to preserve evidence and protect detainees from abuse. They warn that delayed accountability could allow repression to continue largely out of public view. Army troops from the 29th Chemical Decontamination Company backed several trucks onto LST-353 at 3:08 p.m. on May 21, 1944. The soldiers were moving 4.2-inch mortar ammunition from a smaller craft onto the ship's elevator. None had received training in handling explosives. The sudden blast killed everyone near the bow. No witnesses survived to explain what triggered the detonation. A fireball erupted from the ship's forward section. Burning debris showered across West Loch at Pearl Harbor. Within three minutes, gasoline drums ignited on neighboring vessels. The chain reaction was catastrophic. Official casualty figures list 163 dead and 396 wounded. There is ongoing debate about those numbers. Some estimate over 1,000 were killed. The Navy's move to keep the incident secret ensured it remained relatively unknown to the public, even to this day. Pearl Harbor naval base. The West Loch is the arm of Pearl Harbor on the left side of the image. (Wikimedia Commons) The Pacific War The impending Operation Forager demanded a rushed loading schedule. American planners needed the Mariana Islands by mid-1944. Saipan sat 1,500 miles from Tokyo. Capturing it would place the new B-29 Superfortress bomber within striking range of Japanese cities. The entire strategic bombing campaign against Japan hinged on securing these islands. More than 300 ships and 300,000 personnel prepared for the invasion, with many stopping at Pearl Harbor before moving across the Pacific. The assault on Saipan was scheduled for June 15. Every LST carried critical supplies for the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions. West Loch's staging area crammed 34 LSTs into a confined space. Twenty-nine ships moored beam-to-beam at six berths. The vessels nested in groups of six or seven, their bows tied together in star formations. Each LST carried roughly 90 drums of high-octane gasoline. Ammunition of various types filled the decks. The ships also held 200,000 gallons of fuel in their tanks. The 29th Chemical Decontamination Company's primary mission involved decontaminating personnel and equipment after chemical attacks. The segregated unit mostly handled manual labor assignments. That Sunday afternoon, approximately 100 enlisted men and one officer from the company worked aboard LST-353 unloading mortar rounds. Tech 5 James Caldwell stooped to pick up an ammunition box when he noticed a bright yellow flame. A deafening noise followed. The explosion hurled him away from the elevator. Private James R. Cleveland described being thrown into the air inside the landing craft. Metal fragments flew up with him. When he hit the deck, flames surrounded everything. "I could see fire all around, just nothing but fire all around me," Cleveland said later. "I thought I was dead." Tech 5 Clarence Henry Morgan witnessed a massive fireball rise from LST-353 from a nearby vessel. The blast killed countless soldiers and sailors instantly. Those who survived the initial explosion jumped into the water. Fire spread across the harbor's surface as burning oil spread the flames across the water. The burned hulk of LST-39 on 21 May 1944. (Wikimedia Commons) The Explosions The second explosion struck three minutes later at 3:11 p.m. Gasoline drums on multiple ships detonated simultaneously. Flames engulfed men and machinery across the staging area. Burning fragments rained down throughout West Loch. Harbor surface fires spread as more fuel leaked from the damaged vessels. Eleven wooden buildings on shore exploded. Vehicles flipped over. Twenty buildings sustained damage. Within minutes, 200 men had been blown into the water. Some LSTs further from the initial blast managed to organize damage control parties. Others closer to Tare 8 began sinking immediately. Crews fought to cast off mooring lines. Heat prevented many from reaching the forward cables. Some inexperienced crews abandoned ship immediately. Others stayed aboard trying to save their vessels. One burning LST rammed into a pier, setting another ship ablaze. The third and largest explosion sent burning debris over a 1,000-yard radius. Windows shook 15 miles away. A mushroom cloud rose above the harbor. The blast created showers of burning metal and shrapnel. Service members running on shore died when shrapnel struck them. LST-39 drifted toward other berthing areas. Tugs rushed in despite continuous explosions. Fire boats arrived from Honolulu Harbor, 14 miles away. Small landing craft pulled survivors from the smoke-filled waters while flames continued spreading. The cargo ship Joseph B. Francis sat at the ammunition depot unloading 350 tons of explosives. A phosphorous shell landed on her deck and detonated. The crew extinguished the fire. The shell reignited minutes later. They fought it again. Burning LSTs drifted toward the depot. The wrecks stopped 500 feet away. A final explosion occurred at 10:30 p.m. Several ships continued burning through the night. LST-39 caught fire again at 7:39 p.m. LST-480 reignited at 1:30 a.m. By 8:00 a.m. on May 22, all fires were either contained or extinguished. Some ships burned for days afterward. LST-480 burns again on 23 May 1944. The sunken LST-353 where the disaster originated lies off her starboard bow. (Wikimedia Commons) The Losses at West Loch The Navy's official count of 163 killed and 396 wounded has been debated ever since. Lieutenant Phil Kierl from LST-480 wrote that reports circulated at the time placing total casualties above 2,000. Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class William C. Johnson of LST-69 managed to send an uncensored letter home days after the disaster. He estimated over 1,000 men lost. Nearly one-third of the 163 documented and confirmed casualties came from the 29th Chemical Decontamination Company. The segregated unit lost approximately 58 men. The exact number remains uncertain. The Naval Board of Inquiry's report did not include a complete roster of Army casualties. Marine Corps losses may have ranged between 80 and 300 dead. Scattered records and the rapid departure for Saipan made precise accounting impossible. Six LSTs sank completely. LST-353, LST-39, LST-43, LST-69, LST-179, and LST-480 all went down. Four additional LSTs suffered damage too severe to make the invasion. Three smaller landing craft were destroyed along with 17 amphibious tractors and eight 155mm howitzers. Eleven harbor tugs sustained damage during firefighting operations. The tugs Osceola, Hoga, and Geronimo, the net tender Tamaha, the chartered tug Mikioi, and smaller yard tugs all suffered casualties or equipment damage while battling the flames. Despite the losses, reserve LSTs appeared within days. The invasion fleet departed Pearl Harbor only one day behind schedule. The ships reached Saipan in time for the June 15 assault. The campaign proceeded as planned. LST-480 on 22 May 1944. (Wikimedia Commons) The Investigation A Naval Board of Inquiry under Rear Admiral John F. Shafroth Jr. convened the following morning. Investigators dismissed early theories of a Japanese submarine attack. West Loch's shallow depth and anti-submarine nets made such an assault impractical. The executive officer of LST-353 testified that Army stevedores were unloading mortar ammunition immediately before the explosion. The inquiry learned that M2 mortars fired inaccurately from landing craft, prompting the transfer of ammunition back to LSTs. The unit assigned to move the mortar rounds had received no training for the task. Eighty drums of gasoline sat 15 feet from the elevator being used to unload ammunition. The board concluded a mortar round likely exploded aboard LST-353, sparking the chain reaction. Two explanations seemed plausible. Someone may have dropped a shell during the transfer. Alternatively, gasoline vapors could have ignited from cigarettes or welding work, detonating nearby ammunition. The inquiry could not determine the actual cause. Everyone nearest the initial blast had died. The board's report stated the disaster resulted from poor organization, inadequate training, and dangerous storage practices. One passage noted a deplorable lack of elementary safety precautions regarding open lights on several LSTs. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz ordered a complete press blackout. Four days after the explosion, authorities released a single paragraph. The statement acknowledged "some loss of life" and damage to "several small vessels." Survivors received orders not to mention the incident in letters. The Navy classified all details as Top Secret. The classification remained until 1960. Even after declassification, the disaster remained largely forgotten. Rear Admiral John F. Shafroth, USN. A World War II period photograph taken after October 1941. (Wikimedia Commons) Heroism During the Salvage Navy dive teams worked through 1944 clearing sunken LST hulls from West Loch. On February 17, 1945, two divers tunneled beneath a wreck using jet nozzles. They washed away mud and sediment from under the vessel. The steel wreckage collapsed. The cave-in trapped both men under 40 feet of water and 20 feet of mud. Tangled lifelines and air hoses left them buried. Other divers attempted to rescue them but stirred up more sediment. The situation seemed hopeless. Even a specialized dive team refused to attempt to save them. Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Owen Francis Patrick Hammerberg volunteered. The 24-year-old from Michigan descended into pitch-black underwater conditions. He worked for hours creating a tunnel through the sediment. Hammerberg reached the first trapped diver and freed his lines. The man safely reached the surface. Exhausted but determined, Hammerberg pushed deeper under the buried hull. He reached a position above the second diver when another cave-in occurred. Heavy steel plating pinned him crosswise over his shipmate. His body shielded the man beneath from further injury while bearing the full weight. The man was able to escape unharmed thanks to Hammerberg. Hammerberg died 18 hours after entering the water. His actions contributed to saving both trapped divers. The Navy posthumously awarded him the Medal of Honor. He became the only World War II service member to receive the medal for a noncombat action. Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Owen Francis Patrick Hammerberg, USN, who was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for heroism in saving the lives of two fellow divers during salvage operations in the West Loch, Pearl Harbor, on 17 February 1945. (Wikimedia Commons) Twin Disasters Drive Reform Two months after West Loch, an even deadlier explosion struck Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California. On July 17, 1944, munitions being loaded onto cargo ships detonated. The blast killed 320 sailors and wounded 390. Most casualties were Black enlisted men assigned to loading operations. Port Chicago survivors refused to resume loading under the same unsafe conditions. The Navy charged 258 men for refusing orders. Fifty faced mutiny trials. The proceedings drew national attention to discriminatory practices and inadequate safety standards. The combined disasters forced comprehensive reforms across the military. The Navy mandated full training for all personnel handling explosives. Facilities for loading gasoline and ammunition required complete separation. Mooring berths received redesign to prevent fire spread. Ships could no longer nest together during operations involving the movement of munitions. Smoking bans near munitions became strictly enforced. Equipment underwent redesign for safer handling. Operational manuals incorporated new procedures. The regulations became standard across all military branches. The disasters also accelerated military desegregation. Disproportionate casualties among Black service members highlighted discriminatory assignment practices. African American units routinely drew hazardous duties without training equivalent to white personnel. African American sailors of an ordnance battalion preparing 5-inch shells for packing at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in 1943. (Wikimedia Commons) The Forgotten Losses While the true losses at West Loch are still unknown, the military claims 163 died in the blast, with almost 400 injured. Because of inaccurate record keeping and the chaotic conditions at the base that day, the true number was likely much higher. Bodies too badly burned for identification went to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Original headstones simply read "Unknown." Congress mandated changes to this in the 2000s. The markers now read "Unknown, West Loch Disaster, May 21, 1944." The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency began exhuming remains in October 2024. Forty-eight unknown service members currently await identification. Modern forensic techniques may return names to the fallen after 80 years. The rusting remains of LST-480 at West Loch. (Wikimedia Commons) Only LST-480's rusting bow remains visible in West Loch. The hull sits where it beached during the disaster. Annual memorial ceremonies mark the anniversary. Navy personnel and veterans lay wreaths at the site. The reforms implemented after West Loch and Port Chicago continue influencing military operations today. Training standards, safety protocols, and equipment design all changed because of the lessons learned in 1944. Those changes helped prevent similar catastrophes in the decades since. Testing the Limits In January 2026, Senator Mark Kelly filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, challenging the Department of Defenses decision to formally censure him and initiate proceedings that could reduce his retired military rank and pension. Kelly, a retired Navy captain, alleges the Pentagons actions were retaliation for his political speech and legislative oversight activity rather than any misconduct during his military service. The lawsuit places a rarely litigated question squarely before a federal court: whether the executive branch can use military retirement law to discipline a sitting senator for speech made years after leaving active duty. The dispute arises from a video released in late 2025 in which Kelly and several other lawmakers with military experience issued a vague reminder to servicemembers regarding their legal duty to refuse unlawful orders. That principle is well established in military law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, but the video drew intense criticism from the Trump administration. President Donald Trump publicly denounced the message as seditious, and Hegseth followed with sharp condemnation of Kellys role in the video. From Political Disagreement To Formal Pentagon Sanctions After the video circulated, Hegseth issued Kelly a Secretarial Letter of Censure, an executive branch administrative reprimand that the Defense Department has used against both active duty servicemembers and retirees. More consequentially, the Department of Defense initiated a retirement-grade review to determine whether Kelly served satisfactorily in his final rank, a determination that could result in his demotion on the retired list and a reduction in retirement pay. The Pentagon relied on its interpretation of retirement statutes to justify reopening Kellys retired status more than a decade after he left active duty. Kellys lawsuit contends that this sequence of events demonstrates retaliation rather than neutral enforcement of military standards. He retired from the Navy in 2011 and has received retirement pay ever since. His complaint argues the Pentagons actions were triggered solely by his speech as a civilian senator, not by any newly discovered misconduct related to his military service. The complaint alleges the Departments actions threaten to alter military retirement from an earned benefit into a conditional privilege dependent on political compliance. The First Amendment Retaliation Claim At The Core Of The Case At the heart of Kellys lawsuit is a First Amendment retaliation claim. Kelly argues his participation in the video constituted protected speech on a matter of public concern and the proceedings amount to punishment for expressing views disfavored by the executive branch. Under longstanding constitutional doctrine, government officials may not impose adverse consequences in response to protected speech unless they can meet demanding legal standards, particularly where the speech involves public policy and oversight. Kellys filing frames the Pentagons conduct as an attempt to chill political expression by threatening financial harm tied to retirement benefits. Kelly argues that by targeting a retired officer who is no longer subject to military command, the Department has stepped outside the traditional deference courts afford to military discipline. Sen. Mark Kelly and U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thomas Allan, acting vice commandant of the Coast Guard, speak before the Navy League National Capital Council's congressional sea service award ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 3, 2025. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabriel Wisdom. Source: DVIDS Legislative Independence And The Speech Or Debate Clause Kellys lawsuit also raises separation-of-powers concerns grounded in the Constitutions Speech or Debate Clause, which protects members of Congress from being questioned elsewhere for legislative acts. While Kellys video was not delivered on the Senate floor, his complaint argues it was closely tied to his role as a legislator engaged in oversight of executive branch conduct and national security policy. According to coverage by CBS News, Kelly contends that allowing the Pentagon to punish a sitting senator for such speech would undermine legislative independence and invite executive intimidation of lawmakers. This aspect of the case situates the dispute beyond an ordinary employment or benefits disagreement. Kelly argues that if the executive branch can discipline legislators indirectly through military retirement mechanisms, it can circumvent constitutional safeguards designed to preserve Congresss ability to criticize and oversee the executive without fear of reprisal. Questions About The Pentagons Statutory Authority Another central issue is whether the Pentagon has statutory authority to do what it is attempting. Military law experts have questioned whether retirement-grade determinations under 10 U.S.C. 1370, which tie a retired officers grade to the highest rank in which the officer served on active duty satisfactorily, can be reopened based on post-retirement political speech rather than conduct during active service, particularly given that related retirement pay provisions such as 10 U.S.C. 8323 incorporate that same active duty service standard. Kellys complaint argues the Pentagons interpretation stretches retirement law beyond its text and purpose, creating serious constitutional problems in the process. Courts generally avoid statutory readings that raise grave First Amendment concerns unless Congress has clearly authorized them. Kelly contends there is no such authorization here. Broader Implications For Retirees And Civil-Military Norms Observers have noted the case could have consequences far beyond Kelly himself. If the Pentagons theory prevails, retired officers who receive pensions could face financial retaliation for political advocacy, media commentary, or academic work that displeases current leadership. Such a precedent would chill speech by veterans and blur the line between civilian political participation and military discipline. Kellys lawsuit frames the issue as one of basic democratic accountability. He argues that retired servicemembers should not be placed under perpetual threat of punishment for engaging in public debate, particularly when that debate concerns the legality of military orders and the conduct of elected officials. What The Court Will Decide Next The case is moving quickly. Kelly has sought injunctive relief to halt the retirement-grade proceedings while the court considers the merits of his claims. The court has scheduled hearings to address whether the Pentagon may proceed while the lawsuit is pending. At stake is not only Kellys retired rank and pension, but a broader question about how far executive authority over the military extends once a servicemember leaves active duty and enters public life. The courts resolution will help define whether military retirement law can be repurposed as a political enforcement tool or whether constitutional limits draw a firm line against that practice. Googles Information Centers Achieve Major Landmark in Water Preservation Efforts . (Googles Data Centers Achieve Major Milestone in Water Conservation Efforts) The web feels insubstantial. We touch, scroll, and stream without a reservation concerning the physical equipments making it all feasible. Yet behind every search results page, every video buffer, every cloud conserve, theres a massive infrastructure humming away. Googles information facilities, the engine areas of its international services, need tremendous resources to operate, especially cooling down. Historically, that implied gulping down shocking quantities of water. Today, Google revealed something large: theyve struck a significant target in lowering that water usage. This isnt simply good PR; its a crucial step in making the digital world more sustainable. Lets study what this milestone implies. 1. What Googles Water Preservation Goal Actually Indicates . Google set its sights high: achieving water stewardship across its data center procedures. This surpasses just using less water. It indicates coming to be water positive by 2030. Sounds excellent, but what does it really include? Essentially, Google wishes to replenish even more water than it takes in throughout all its offices and data facilities internationally. The recent landmark concentrates especially on the information facilities. They accomplished an essential part of this strategy by lowering their reliance on safe and clean water (thats tidy drinking water) for air conditioning. They hit a target for making use of alternative water sources. Think about it like exchanging out mineral water for recycled or rainwater any place possible at these enormous sites. This button dramatically cuts the need on local freshwater supplies, especially in places currently feeling the pinch of water stress and anxiety. Its a concrete action in the direction of that bigger water positive vision. 2. Why Information Centers Need So Much Water to start with . Think of thousands upon countless powerful computer systems packed firmly together, running non-stop. All that processing produces enormous warm. If it isnt handled, the web servers overheat and stop working. Thats where air conditioning comes in. Think of it like the radiator in your vehicle, however on a colossal range. Lots of data facilities, specifically older ones, count heavily on evaporative cooling systems. These systems make use of water to take in the heat. Hot air from the servers overlooks awesome water; the water evaporates, taking the heat with it. Its effective, however it takes in huge amounts of water. Were chatting countless gallons yearly per big center enough to fill up numerous Olympic swimming pools. This thirst taxes local water sources. In regions experiencing dry spells or with restricted freshwater, this dependence comes to be a major environmental and neighborhood problem. Google recognized this could not proceed unchecked. 3. How Google Cut Water Use Without Compromising Performance . So, how did Google handle to diminish its data centers water impact? It wasnt magic; it was clever engineering and a willingness to introduce. The cornerstone of their approach is shifting away from safe and clean water for cooling. Rather, they boldy went after choices:. Non-Potable Water: Where available, they tap into treated wastewater (redeemed water) or stormwater collected onsite. This water doesnt meet alcohol consumption standards however is completely fine for cooling down towers. Seawater: For coastal information facilities, using seawater for cooling is a feasible choice, eliminating freshwater usage completely for that function. Air-Based Air Conditioning: Most importantly, Google leveraged its knowledge in AI and artificial intelligence to optimize cooling systems. Their AI continuously assesses weather prediction, moisture levels, and server lots in real-time. As opposed to skipping to water-based cooling, the AI maximizes free air conditioning whenever possible. This suggests using outdoors air directly (if its awesome and completely dry sufficient) or employing extremely effective air-cooled systems. Just when the outdoors air is also warm or damp does the system intelligently blend in water-based cooling, utilizing non-potable sources first. Its a dynamic, responsive approach that keeps servers humming while minimizing water waste. Consider it like a clever thermostat for the entire information facility. 4. Where These Water Savings Are Making the Largest Impact . The benefits of these water savings arent simply theoretical; theyre being really felt on the ground, specifically in water-stressed areas. Google purposefully concentrated its preservation initiatives in locations facing considerable water obstacles. Places like the American Southwest, parts of Europe experiencing summertime dry spells, and specific locations in Asia are seeing actual relief. By drastically decreasing or removing their use local drinking water materials for cooling, Googles data centers ease the problem on municipal systems and neighborhood aquifers. This indicates more water continues to be offered for crucial neighborhood demands: drinking, sanitation, agriculture, and supporting local ecological communities like rivers and marshes. Its a direct payment to water security in locations where every drop truly counts. Google also companions on regional water restoration tasks, even more contributing to replenishment initiatives in these areas. 5. Common Concerns Concerning Technology Giants and Water Stewardship . This accomplishment elevates some more comprehensive inquiries concerning the tech markets function in resource use. Do all tech companies use this much water? Essentially, yes. Any type of business running massive information centers deals with comparable cooling demands. Cooling is fundamental to their operation. Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and others all grapple with this difficulty. Googles public dedication and progression in water stewardship established a benchmark others are increasingly following. Is utilizing non-potable water secure? Definitely. The systems are designed to manage it. Making use of treated wastewater or salt water for air conditioning is a well-established practice in other sectors as well. It doesnt compromise the data centers procedures or safety. Does AI truly assist in saving water? Considerably. Google attributes its custom-developed AI cooling systems as a major factor in hitting this target. The AI enables much finer control and optimization than older hands-on systems. It continuously seeks the most reliable air conditioning method, decreasing water use without risking server integrity. What about water made use of in power generation for data facilities? Thats a legitimate point usually increased. Getting the huge quantities of power needed by information centers likewise consumes water (for cooling power plants, processing fuel). Google addresses this through its separate commitment to run entirely on carbon-free power by 2030. Moving to renewables like solar and wind, which have very little water footprints contrasted to fossil fuels, takes on that indirect water usage. (Googles Data Centers Achieve Major Milestone in Water Conservation Efforts) Is water positive attainable? Its an enthusiastic objective. Reaching it calls for continued technology in water decrease at data centers and offices, plus significant investment in jobs that restore landmarks and restore water sources. Striking this data facility milestone is an essential evidence factor that reveals progress is feasible. The sector is viewing. DEAR ABBY: I am a senior woman in great shape. I am active, and I have never had a problem attracting men. Five years ago, I married a man I had known for many years. We used to have a pretty active sex life, but it has been four years since he has touched me in an intimate way. He says he doesnt know why, and that it is due to lack of confidence. Im afraid that if I dont leave, Ill never know the loving arms of a man around me again. In other ways, we get along fine, but as time has progressed, I no longer find him attractive. If he did make a move today, I think I would reject it because too much hurt has happened. Financially, leaving would be a disaster. Our friends and family think we are a great couple, but no one knows the truth. I feel like I am sinking into a morass with each long, lonely day. Please advise. -- UNTOUCHED IN COSTA RICA DEAR UNTOUCHED: Before you sink further into depression, I urge you to discuss this with your doctor and get a referral to a licensed psychotherapist. Make no hard-and-fast decisions about your marriage until you are feeling better. I dont know what caused your husbands problem. Neither do you, and its possible that neither does he. Is your husband aware of how strongly you feel about this and that you are seriously considering leaving? If he isnt, would he be willing to explore possible solutions and perhaps heal your relationship? And, finally, if he is, would YOU be willing to try again? I know I am giving you more questions than answers, but they are worth considering. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. NILES TOWNSHIP, MI -- Indecisive Niles Township voters have spoken. The response is a lawsuit -- with potentially more to come. More than 20 marijuana businesses announced plans to open in the community of nearly 15,000 residents after elected officials in April passed an ordinance allowing for an unlimited number of marijuana shops in the township. Niles Townships location along the Indiana border makes it highly desirable, due to the potential for significant sales to out-of-state customers. Marijuana businesses began purchasing property, submitting applications and making plans. Growing concerns over the influx spurred a voter-led ballot initiative to ban all marijuana businesses in the township. In November, 58% of Niles Township voters cast ballots to reverse course. They passed the ban. The community has flip-flopped multiple times related to marijuana licensing. In 2019, Niles Township officials passed an ordinance banning marijuana business. In 2022, voters rejected a ballot initiative to overturn that ban. In November 2024, about 52% of voters passed a ballot initiative to allow marijuana. The passage required the township issue a minimum of four retailer licenses. With the ban in place, some businesses claim theyve unfairly and illegally lost their investments. Haze, a company that had plans to open two Niles Township locations, filed a lawsuit against the township in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan on Friday, Jan. 16. The Haze lawsuit claims the township granted its two locations conditional licenses in June. As long as Haze received a state operating license and certificate occupancy within one year, the Township was required to grant an operating license, the lawsuit said. The business completed the first step in the state licensing process by obtaining a pre-qualification and spent over $600,000 on property deposits, construction, application and other state and local fees. After the voter referendum passed in November, the township issued a letter to all applicants notifying them that the application process had been halted. The township must respect the will of the voters ... the letter said. This prohibition on marijuana establishments shall remain in effect unless a future vote of the people demand otherwise. Haze attorneys contend the township hasnt offered any meaningful and legally required opportunity to contest the decision. The lawsuit said the township violated due process rights by interfering with the companys property rights without a rational connection to public health, safety or welfare. Attorney Robert E. Thrall, who represents the township, said on Friday that officials had not been served the lawsuit and he was not prepared to comment. Haze isnt alone. Following the November election, MLive spoke with multiple property owners whose plans to sell land and buildings to marijuana businesses fell apart. James Jorgenson expected to retire following the sale of the motorcycle shop hes owned for nearly 20 years, and Mark Godsey planned the same after entering a sales agreement with a pot shop for his bowling alley. With a marijuana ban in place, both men said there is little demand for their properties. I had a purchase agreement, (the township) gave out building permits, Godsey said. If you can just get a petition and get it put back on the ballot and voted down, Id be a little nervous in other towns that have pot stores already built. Under one-third of Metro Detroit 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 30.27% of the 2017-2018 graduating class in Metro Detroit, or 14,245 students, earned a four-year degree within six years following graduation. Thats slightly below the statewide total of 31.73%. The five Metro Detroit districts with the highest percent of students from the 2017-2018 graduating class who earned a four-year degree are: Bloomfield Hills Schools at 72% Northville Public Schools at 70% Novi Community School District at 67% Birmingham Public Schools at 64% Troy School District at 63% These districts, and many others around the state with top degree-earning rates, are also among the highest in terms of median family income. Michigans largest school district, Detroit Public Schools Community District, saw 15.8% of its 2017-2018 graduating class earn a four-year degree within six years. The second-largest district, Utica Community Schools in Macomb County, had a 46.7% rate and the third-largest district, Dearborn City School District in Wayne County, had a 36.6% rate. Heres a look at every school district in Metro Detroit and what percent of students in the 2017-2018 graduating class obtained a four-year degree within six years. A bachelors degree is generally associated with higher earnings and lower unemployment rates compared to 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. 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. SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - The last freighter to make it through the Soo Locks before the huge system closed Thursday night for its annual winter maintenance was a 1,004-foot ship that has been a Great Lakes workhorse for nearly a half a century. The American Spirit, loaded with iron ore pellets, had departed Two Harbors, Minnesota at sunrise Wednesday and motored across Lake Superior to reach the Soo Locks early Thursday evening. After locking through, the big downbound freighter was headed to unload in Conneaut, Ohio on Lake Erie. After that, the freighter is expected to head to Toledo for her winter layup. Want to see a video of the American Spirit locking through? DRE Designs, a great site for ship enthusiasts, has a nice one on its social media site here. The ship is part of the American Steamship Company fleet, headquartered near Buffalo, New York. Built in 1978, the American Spirit is known as a long-haul ore carrier. Earlier in the day Thursday, the second to last downbound ship was a tug-and-barge combination. The U.S. Army Corps shared its icy photo, which you can see below: The Clyde S. VanEnkevort/Erie Trader is carrying its last load of iron ore from Duluth, Minnesota heading to Cleveland, Ohio. the Soo Locks team said. The Clyde S. VanEnkevort/Erie Trader carrying its last load of iron ore from Duluth, Minnesota, heading to Cleveland, Ohio. It went through the Soo Locks on Thursday, Jan. 15. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers While there was no dramatic race-to-the-finish-line this year with the closing of the Soo Locks, ice building up near the locks and in the Great Lakes has been slowing shipping traffic for the last couple of weeks. U.S. Coast Guard cutters have been busy freeing freighters stuck in the ice fields - even working to free a shipping channel buoy that had been dragged into a shipping lane by heavy ice. READ MORE: Video: Freighter glides through icy Soo Locks like a true Great Lakes legend One of the last ice dramas near Lake Superior came on Wednesday, with the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay working to help the big upbound Lee A. Tregurtha freighter power through 6 to 8 inches of brash ice that had built up in the St. Marys River. This kind of ice is chunky and free-floating and can pile around freighters as they move through the water. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay breaking a path for the freighter Lee A. Tregurtha in the St. Marys River on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard The Neah Bay escorted the Lee A. Tregurtha up the river channel and to the Soo Locks area. Th freighter was then headed across Lake Superior to Superior, Wisconsin for its winter layup. The crew aboard the Neah Bay is a prime example of our commitment to safeguard the marine industry and keep commercial waterways open through the winter season, the Coast Guard said. Lovable Michigan Fun Fact. The Coast Guard shared this fascinating historical tidbit about the Lee A. Tregurtha: The Lee A. Tregurtha is a historic ship built in 1942, formally known as the USS Chiwawa, earning two battle stars while serving as an oil tanker in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters during the second world war. In 1961, the Chiwawa was purchased by Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company and transformed for service on the Great Lakes. The massive Soo Locks system will remain closed for its seasonal maintenance window through 12:01 a.m. on March 25. During the closure, a long list of annual maintenance projects can be done. Of the original four locks, only the big Poe Lock and the smaller MacArthur Lock are still in use. This engineering system raises and lowers ships and other vessels, allowing them to transit between the higher-level Lake Superior and the lower level of the St. Marys River, which leads into Lake Huron and the lower Great Lakes. Every year, our lock and dam operators transition from assisting vessels through the Soo Locks to performing maintenance on the locks, Operations Branch Chief Jeff Harrington said. The team works alongside Soo Project Office maintenance crews to provide 100% effort in completing all critical maintenance during the 10-week shutdown. They work long hours in harsh Northern Michigan winter conditions to complete a significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period. This year, the big Poe Lock will will be dewatered so maintenance crews can inspect the inside and make repairs where needed. This is the most heavily-used lock, as it is the only one that can accommodate the 1,000-foot freighters. The smaller MacArthur Lock will not be drained of its water this year. It will also re-open later, likely by the end of April. MACOMB COUNTY, MI A 19-year-old Warren man is facing felony charges after he allegedly threatened a student with a pneumatic gun inside a high school. Demarcus Desean Green-Todd was arraigned Wednesday, Jan. 14, in 37th District Court, according to the Macomb County Prosecutors Office. Green-Todd was accused of bringing a pneumatic gun to Warren Cousino High School and threatening a student on Monday, Jan. 12, in an incident that was captured on video footage from the school. Prosecutors said Green-Todd was let into the school by a juvenile accomplice, and the pair approached the student victim in the school hallway. The 19-year-old allegedly pushed the victim into a corner and pushed the barrel of the pneumatic gun, which looked like a real handgun, into the students stomach. Green-Todd was later apprehended and admitted to the assault, prosecutors said. The juvenile accomplice is also being charged. Green-Todd was charged with the following: Intentional Threat to Commit Act of Violence Against School, School Employees, or Students with Specific Intent to Carry Out Overt Act, a felony punishable up to 10 years. Dangerous Weapon Carrying With Unlawful Intent, a felony punishable up to 5 years. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, a felony punishable up to 4 years. Assault and Battery, a misdemeanor punishable up to 93 days. Trespass, a misdemeanor punishable up to 30 days. The safety and well-being of our children is our absolute top priority. Especially when they are in school! said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. These charges reflect our commitment to holding offenders accountable, to the fullest extent of the law to ensure justice for our most vulnerable members, their families, and the community as a whole. Green-Todds bond was set at $25,000 cash/surety. If bond is posted, he is prohibited from going to Warren Consolidated Schools, carrying a weapon, or making contact with the victim. He will next appear in court Tuesday, Jan. 27, for a probable cause conference. Six Michigan cities are getting help from the state to transform their public spaces and improve walkability and vibrancy in an effort to attract new residents. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Thursday, Jan. 15, it would be granting over $23.9 million to the six communities through the Michigan Talent Partnership (MTP) Program. The six recipient cities are Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Lansing and Mt. Pleasant. The goal of the program is to support placemaking projects that will help improve the quality of life in local communities to attract and retain talent for Michigans long-term growth. Some of the projects being supported by the funds include a farmers market pavilion, streetscape and sidewalk improvements, incubator spaces, small business and entrepreneurial support, and parks, according to an MEDC news release. Michigans future depends on strong communities and a growing population, said Jonathan Smith, senior chief deputy director for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The Michigan Talent Partnership is about giving local leaders the tools to attract people, create opportunity, and build places where young people want to put down roots. When we invest in communities, we invest in Michigans long-term growth. Heres how the six cities plan to use their funds: Applicant Funding Granted Project Details Ann Arbor $4,300,000 Cultivate Midtown: Funds will support the implementation of the 350 Transit Hub including streetscape improvements, public art, and revitalization of the Blake Transit Center as the center of a transformative, regional bus rapid transit network. Detroit $4,346,474 Connecting Campus and Community: The Livernois Streetscape Extension will create a unified, walkable district along Livernois connecting McNichols and the Avenue of Fashion corridors, hubs of innovation and vibrancy in Northwest Detroit. Grand Rapids $4,300,000 Monroe North: Work will be done to remove outdated, car-centric infrastructure and reclaim space for multi-modal transportation, high-quality infill, vibrant greenspaces and hillside access along Division and Ionia Avenues while supporting safe pedestrian spaces and transit opportunities. Houghton $3,855,000 North Landing - A Waterfront Talent District: Funding will support the rehabilitation of a downtown building into a business and creative incubator space, strengthen multimodal connections between Houghtons natural, cultural and business assets and expand spaces for cultural connection and community engagement. Lansing $4,350,000 REO Town - Flowing with Innovation: Various improvements throughout the REO Town neighborhood include district wayfinding, lighting and placemaking projects, multimodal transportation updates for safer pedestrian, transit and bike access, park and river access improvements and small business and entrepreneurial support. Mt. Pleasant $2,790,000 The Central Market and Main District: Grant support will reconstruct and modernize the Farmers Market Pavilion, transforming it into a year-round community and business hub that includes an incubator kitchen and will serve as a central gathering place, blending local food, entrepreneurship and cultural programming. Each city will have to meet certain milestones and reporting requirements as part of the performance-based grant requirements, the MEDC said. Officials from the six recipient cities said creating vibrant, walkable communities is key to attracting and retaining talent. In Grand Rapids, the funding will support improvements in the citys Monroe North area, which spans from the banks of the Grand River to the Belknap Hill area in the northeast part of downtown. City officials say the area has some of the citys highest numbers of young professionals. "The Monroe North Talent Plan is about more than infrastructure, its about creating an ecosystem where people and businesses succeed together, said Sarah Rainero, the citys economic development director, in a statement. With one of the highest concentrations of young professionals in our city, this district is primed for continued growth. These improvements will unlock opportunities for locally owned businesses, enhance quality of life, and strengthen our ability to attract and retain the next generation of talent. Houghton City Manager Eric Waara said the MEDC funds will be used for multiple projects aimed at improving walkability and vibrancy to make Houghton the place where people want to be. Downtown and crosstown nonmotorized mobility will be better year-round, he said. Visitor and shopper experience will be enhanced with more public gathering and restroom space. Small non-high tech startup businesses will have access to space and resources to launch and grow where they can eventually take their place alongside our other downtown businesses in their own spaces. This is Part 3 of a four-part MLive investigation into the killing of an unidentified man whose body was found by a 9-year-old boy on a remote Jackson County hill in 1986. The case quickly and quietly faded from public view, even after authorities ruled it a homicide. Nearly 40 years later, the victim has been identified, and police have renewed their efforts to find the killer. Part 1: A 9-year-old boy and the skeleton in the grass Part 2: He left to pick up his paycheck and never came home Part 3: A mother waited years for her missing son to call Part 4: I wake up and feel like hes floating above me A dead body on a hill. A missing man. They didnt add up yet. As the years passed, investigators chased dead-end leads and unfounded rumors that 25-year-old Robert Stuewe, the steakhouse cook who went missing in Ann Arbor in 1986, had fled in fear for his life or run off with a woman. But he remained a ghost. I didnt feel in my heart that he was dead or anything like that, said sister Lori-Ann Stuewe. I guess I thought maybe he could be in the Witness Protection Program. I tried to always think of something other than the bad alternative. Stuewe never showed up for subsequent court hearings related to his unresolved 1985 felony larceny arrest. Court records show he was on probation. A bench warrant for noncompliance was issued by the Washtenaw County Circuit Court in July 1986. On Nov. 15, 1986, Stuewes name appeared in the Ann Arbor News among a list of area residents who had uncollected IRS returns. By the spring of 1987, friends say they heard Stuewe moved to Florida, where his oldest brother, Kurt Stuewe Jr., had previously lived. Former roommate and coworker Darrell Cole remembers Stuewes younger brother, Paul, saying that he had tracked Bob down to Florida and he had a girl who came from money or something. Close friend Steven Spehar similarly said: Paul was the one mentioning to me that he probably went to Florida. Lori-Ann doesnt recall hearing this. (Paul) was sick to death because his brother was gone, she said. He would have told me that too. Later in 1987, reports indicate one Ann Arbor police investigator was thinking along similar lines that Stuewe was alive and left town. Sgt. OGrady surmised that Mr. Stuewe probably fled the area to avoid prosecution on the felony charge and directed that the entry be cancelled, said an Ann Arbor police report dated Nov. 3, 1987. The investigation went dormant for the next year and a half, according to Ann Arbor police reports. Lori-Ann said there were rumors that Stuewe may have become involved shes not clear in what capacity with a large drug bust involving two semis that occurred near Brighton about a month prior to Stuewes disappearance. The first mention of a large drug bust appears in an Ann Arbor police report from June 30, 1986. Stuewes mother said that her son (Paul) had told her that Robert may have had something to do with the recent arrests in Brighton area for cocaine sale/possession, the report said. In May 1989, Stuewes mother walked into the Ann Arbor Police Department to discuss the status of her sons case. During the meeting, she again brought up the possibility of her son being in in a witness program due to the drug raid in Brighton, the report said. The officer checked with an area FBI agent who said he had no records on this case, and a state trooper who said it didnt sound familiar. In that same police report, an Ann Arbor detective noted that on April 24, 1989, he followed up with Detective John Southworth of the Jackson County Sheriffs Office about the three-year-old lead involving an unidentified body in Norvell Township. Sgt. Southworth (redacted) was called and he confirmed deceased mentioned in Sept. 86 was not Stuewe, the 1989 report said. The word not was underlined. Today, Southworth doesnt remember telling an Ann Arbor police officer that the John Doe wasnt Stuewe. Thats a hell of an assumption that I would have made, Southworth told MLive in a recent interview. There has to be more to that -- either a poor assumption on his part, or real, real bad call on my part. Southworth believes there are missing records that could explain what unfolded and why he said the John Doe wasnt Stuewe. Jackson County Sheriffs Office Detective Sgt. Bryan Huttenlocker said its a possibility. Like any cold case, the pre-1993 reporting system was not computerized, so reports are difficult to locate, Huttenlocker said. I have been advised that, at some point, our records room was at the courthouse, the room flooded, and that some of the paper reports were destroyed. Past news reports indicate a pipe burst inside the Jackson County courthouse in 2006 and flooded a section of the building where records were stored. Childhood photo of Robert L. Stuewe, who was born in Ann Arbor and was reported as a missing person in June 1986. Photo is courtesy of sister Lori-Ann Stuewe. Courtesy of Lori-Ann Stuewe BABY TEETH In June 1989, Ann Arbor police sent a second request for Stuewes dental records, though reports dont make clear why. Theyd already collected dental records shortly after the disappearance. The request went to pediatric dentist Dr. Arnold Morawa, who died in 2024 . The office manager sent back a letter stating that it had been more than 15 years since Stuewe was a patient. At the time that he was a patient in our practice he was at the age of having only primary teeth, she wrote. Since these primary teeth have since been lost, any records that we might have would not indicate the current fillings or extractions. The records police had been using to compare Stuewe to unidentified remains over the three prior years were useless they were his baby teeth, according to that letter. Investigators needed Stuewes adult dental records. With the help of Stuewes mother, they began seeking them from the U.S. Army. A military memo dated July 5, 1989, reviewed by MLive shows Ann Arbor police thought they had a lead a mans body found in the Upper Peninsula. It was the basis for the dental records request. During October 1987, the skeletal remains of a white male similar in age and size of subject were located in Newberry, Michigan, the memo said. Ann Arbor Police Department investigators now believe the above mentioned remains may be that of Stuewe; however, insufficient medical and dental records exist concerning Stuewe for positive identification. It didnt mention the Norvell Township John Doe. Michigan state police sketch artist drawing of the John Doe discovered in Norvell Township Aug. 25, 1986. The sketch is dated December 2011. Courtesy of Jackson County Sheriff's Office IT WAS KIND OF WEIRD Throughout the years, various reports indicate Ann Arbor police reviewed the case, sometimes reaching out to family or Janet Cole Sopp, who owned the home where Stuewe last lived, to confirm Stuewe was still missing. According to Ann Arbor police reports, investigators never spoke to one key witness: Paul Stuewe. He was the last family member to reportedly see Stuewe, the originator of the drug-bust rumors and claims Stuewe disappeared to Florida, according to reports, friends and family. MLive asked Ann Arbor police whether investigators interviewed Paul and received no response. Paul moved to Florida around 1989, according to Lori-Ann. He died at age 26 on April 1, 1990, after a collision with a milk truck, she said. MLive confirmed the death with staff from the Florida medical examiners office. Paul Stuewes obituary, published on April 22, 1990, in the Ann Arbor News, notes one surviving brother, Kurt Jr., and one surviving sister, Lori-Ann. Theres no mention of Robert Stuewe. We kind of kept that out, Lori-Ann said. I dont know why my mom decided to do that. Its kind of weird. An undated picture of Robert Stuewe, who enlisted in the U.S. Army before graduating from high school. Courtesy of Lori-Ann Stuewe WAITING FOR A PHONE CALL In March of 1991, Ann Arbor police received Stuewes adult dental records from the military, but theres no indication they were compared with either of the previously mentioned unidentified remains case the man found in Norvell Township or the Upper Peninsula discovery in Newberry. Ann Arbor police were asked about this but did not reply. That same year, Stuewes parents and sister moved to Ocala, Florida, where the family had owned a vacation home since the 1980s, Lori-Ann said. It broke my moms heart, she said. My mom had a hard time because Bobby wouldnt know the phone number, he wouldnt know the address if he ever came around looking. Time slipped by. Lori-Ann said her mother tried to keep tabs on the case. But every time she would call, they would just kind of dismiss her, Lori-Ann said. In January 1998, police ran a law enforcement database check on Stuewe to see if hed turned up. He hadnt. They also spoke to Sopp, who recalled Stuewe left to pick up his paycheck but never made it and never returned home. He left all his property and money behind at her home, the police report said. The assigned detective couldnt reach Stuewes parents. They hadnt updated their contact information, the police report said. Stuewes mother died of emphysema and congestive heart failure in April of that year, according to her daughter. She more or less spent about 11 years sitting by the phone, waiting for a phone call that never came, Lori-Ann said. Lore G. Stuewes obituary unlike Pauls did list Robert Stuewe of Ann Arbor as a surviving child. In 2002, the Ann Arbor News named Stuewe among a dozen others in a story about long-term missing persons in the area. Vanished read the header. Stuewes old friend reflected on what he thought as the years went by. I had heard that he went to Florida, Spehar said. And everyone assumed, since no one could get ahold of him, that something happened in Florida. Ann Arbor police Robert Stuewe missing person photo and Jackson County John Doe composite sketch NAMING JOHN DOE According to the paper trail, the case remained in limbo from 1998 until October 2018, when Ann Arbor Police Service Specialist Jamie Giordano stumbled upon Robert Stuewes name while looking into an unrelated case. On March 25, 2019, she spoke with Nina Cook, the current wife of Kurt Stuewe Sr., whos now in his late-80s and still lives in Florida. Cook confirmed that Stuewe was still missing. With that verification, Giordano uploaded Stuewes information into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMUS), a Department of Justice database that allows comparison with unidentified remains nationwide. The database was launched in 2008, but Stuewes missing person information had never been entered. Within hours, there was a hit, one that would have been familiar to the original investigators: The system flagged an unidentified remains case out of Jackson Countys Norvell Township. It was the same body Ann Arbor police heard about from Jackson County Sheriffs Office back in September 1986, the same one a Jackson County detective confirmed was not Stuewe 1989. However, Giordano now had a strong hunch they were wrong; this John Doe was her missing person. She tracked down Lori-Ann, now 60, who said she spent much of her adult life traveling the nation operating painting businesses before settling in Missouri, where she has worked at a family-style restaurant and leased land on a farm. When contacted by Ann Arbor police after years of hearing nothing, Lori-Ann shared details that might help ID her brother. He had brown eyes, blond hair, a Garfield tattoo on his upper-left arm, a scar near his eye, often wore flannel shirts, contracted scarlet fever as a child and broke his collarbone in a car accident. Lori-Ann told Giordano about her brothers living arrangement with the Cole family. According to Giordanos police report: Lori-Ann advised that her brother (Paul Andrew Stuewe) was the last family member to see Robert. Lori-Ann told Giordano that Paul dropped Robert off at the Secretary of State to get his drivers license early in the morning on June 19, 1986. Stuewe was going to walk to Mountain Jacks and pick up his check, since it was payday, according to the report. According to Lori-Anns police statement, Paul planned to meet Stuewe back at Coles house. When Paul arrived at the Cole home, Stuewe wasnt there. Paul learned that Stuewe had never picked up his paycheck, Lori-Ann said, according to the police report. Lori-Ann disputed the 2019 police report when reached by phone in October. They either heard it wrong or wrote it wrong, Lori-Ann said. I was the one who dropped him off at the Secretary of State. I watched him go in and then I left I thought it was kind of weird -- why he wouldnt pick up his paycheck first and then go there. A week after the conversation with Lori-Ann, Michigan State University Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Joseph T. Hefner was able to use Stuewes military dental records to solve a couple of mysteries. Stuewe wasnt missing. He was dead. Hed been strangled and left on that mound of dirt that came to be known as Dead Mans Hill. Police could now put a name to the body that had been stored in a morgue cooler for the past 32 years. This was no longer a missing person case. It was a homicide investigation. Next up: The investigation was reignited for a short time in 2020 then COVID hit. Now the case has once again been renewed. But what have detectives learned? Check out the final installment of Body on the Hill this Sunday. A franchisee who owns 136 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurants has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Court documents show the franchisee, Sailormen Inc., filed for protection Thursday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Miami. As part of the filing, David Baker, chief restructuring officer and managing partner at Aurora Management Partners, claimed Sailormen suffered a net operating loss of over $18 million in 2025 alone, despite reporting over $223 million in sales. Aurora has been appointed as Sailormens chief restructuring officer. Sailormen currently operates 136 restaurants in Florida and Georgia and employs more than 3,300 people. The franchisee reported over $232 million in assets, but more than $342 million in liabilities. Last month, Sailormens largest lender, BMO Bank, filed a complaint in New York that called for a federal receiver to control Sailormens assets. However, the franchisee elected to file for Chapter 11 rather than allow that to happen. In court filings, Baker wrote that Sailormen believes the Debtor, creditors and estate will fare far better in a chapter 11 case with the Debtor remaining a debtor-in-possession acting as a fiduciary for the benefits of all creditors and parties in interest, and not just for the benefit of the Lenders. Sailormens financial struggles have been attributed to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased rates for borrowing money, changes in consumer habits and more. Previously, the company attempted to sell 16 restaurants to help alleviate the financial problems, but the sale fell through. As of now, it does not appear that any of Sailormens Popeyes locations are closing as a result of the bankruptcy. As the use of artificial intelligence rises, Google has updated Gmail to include new AI features available to most users. With the updates, millions of Gmail users must now decide if they want to use the helpful, but possibly intrusive features. The update, launched on Jan. 8, includes AI overview, Help Me Write, and other AI-powered features that are designed to streamline email. AI can now summarize the contents of your Gmail account to point out the most important emails, suggest how to respond, give quick summaries of the contents and more. Much like when you search a term or phrase on Google, the AI overview feature produces a summary of the contents with a few key points listed. So, if you have an email chain that includes multiple people or dozens of replies, the program will summarize the entire thread to create key points of information the reader should know. The feature can also be used to scan through old emails without needing specific keywords. And when you ask your inbox a question, we use Gemini to generate a simple AI Overview with the answer, Google explained in a blog announcing the updates. Instead of hunting for keywords or digging through a year of emails, just use natural language, like Who was the plumber that gave me a quote for the bathroom renovation last year? Geminis advanced reasoning pulls the answer, instantly summarizing the exact details you need. The ability to ask questions of AI overview is only available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. AI will also make suggestions on when to reply to emails or suggest actions such as scheduling an appointment. When the user is ready to reply, the Help Me Write tool will offer AI-produced guidance on crafting an email. The AI can also instantly create a draft that is written in the tone and style of the user, based on writing samples the AI scans in the email. AI-driven proofreading and grammar features are also available to users who pay for Google AI Pro and Ultra services. For users whose inbox is always full, the AI Inbox feature will separate emails into different categories based on perceived importance. Those categories can be things like must-do or catch up on, etc. This gives users a better idea of whats in their email that needs immediate attention and what can wait. Users who prefer the old style do not have to utilize the features, but may see the option to use them while in their email. To turn the features off completely, open your Gmail and go to settings. Scroll to the various Smart sections and deselect the boxes for the AI services you dont want to use. Google says it will continue to unveil AI-powered features for Gmail in the coming months. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A federal judge last week allowed a lawsuit accusing a West Michigan blueberry farm of forced labor and trafficking to largely move forward. U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney issued a Jan. 2 opinion after defendants First Pick Farms and its associated businesses asked for the case to be thrown out. The June 2023 lawsuit was originally brought in the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Michigan by two Mexican farmworkers, Luis Guzman Rojas and Feliciano Velasco Rojas, who are represented by the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. They claimed they were illegally transported to Michigan to pick blueberries for long hours and they had to live in squalid housing conditions. Related: Finally justice, Guatemalan farmworkers win trafficking trial against Michigan company Maloney ruled the farmworkers alleged sufficient facts that their employer violated trafficking, labor and migrant worker laws. But he dismissed some claims, including that the defendants knew about the grueling schedule and substandard housing. The lawsuit, which is seeking unspecified damages, can now proceed in federal court. This opinion not only allows our clients to move forward but also affirms that agricultural businesses cant outsource their responsibility under the law, by using supervisors or recruiters who engage in practices like human trafficking, said Christine Sauve, a spokesperson for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. No one, regardless of what they look like or where theyre from, should be forced to work under threat from their employer. Lawyers for First Pick Farms, a blueberry farm near the Lake Michigan shoreline in West Olive, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit says Guzman Rojas and Velasco Rojas were supposed to work on North Carolina farm in 2017. They arrived to the United States legally through the H-2A temporary agricultural visa program. But their time was cut short. After only a few weeks, they were woken up in the middle of the night and put on a bus to work in Michigan. It claims Antonio Sanchez, who the lawsuit says was a First Pick Farms recruiter, took their pictures to make fake identities for the new jobs. He then allegedly charged the farmworkers for these documents and the transportation. After getting to Michigan, Guzman Rojas and Velasco Rojas say they worked 12-hour days picking blueberries and lived in a 1,500-square-foot house with 28 other workers. The house was unfurnished, the lawsuit claims, with only one kitchen and bathroom. They also had to pay rent, even though H-2A employers are required to provide housing for workers. During this time, Sanchez threated to call immigration authorities if anyone complained about the working conditions. The lawsuit says their immigration status was violated because work visas are tied to specific employers and First Pick Farms did not have H-2A work orders in 2017. Related: The invisible workforce behind Michigans $125B agriculture industry In a motion to dismiss, the defendants argued theyre not responsible because Sanchez initiated the trafficking and they did not authorize him to do anything that would violate the law. But Maloney wrote that under federal law, a business can be liable for being either a perpetrator or a beneficiary of labor trafficking. Maloney threw out most of perpetrator claims, keeping one over the farm allegedly attempting to obtain forced labor, but ruled its enough to allege there was a continuous business relationship between First Pick Farms and Sanchez for the case to continue. A claim that First Pick Farms violated migrant and seasonal agricultural worker laws also survived. A follow-up court hearing has yet to be scheduled. Another recent labor trafficking case in Michigan ended up going to a rare federal trial last summer. Five H-2A farmworkers from Guatemala claimed they were coerced into working long hours harvesting asparagus, zucchini, apples and pumpkins after their employer, Purpose Point Harvesting, took their passports, charged steep recruitment fees, underpaid them and threatened them with retaliation. A jury found the defendants liable of violating state and federal anti-trafficking laws, wage laws and breaching contract. The decision brought damages totaling $582,924. DETROIT, MI - As hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to attend the Detroit Auto Show starting this weekend, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging consumers to stay alert for a range of potential scams, price gouging, and other risks tied to large-scale events. Nessel said while higher prices for hotels and parking are common during high-demand events, Michigan law prohibits businesses from charging prices that exceed what others charge for the same goods or services. While some higher prices during the Detroit Auto Show are to be expected, the event should not come with unfair costs to consumers, Nessel said in a statement. I encourage all attendees to do their homework and compare prices before heading down to the event or booking a hotel, and to report suspicions of price gouging to my office. The attorney generals office is also warning attendees about scams that often accompany major events, including phishing emails, fraudulent text messages and credit-card skimming at ATMs. Scam messages may appear to come from legitimate sources, such as Auto Show organizers or the City of Detroit, and may include links designed to steal personal or financial information. Consumers are advised not to click suspicious links, download attachments, reply to unsolicited messages, or provide personal information over the phone. Attendees are also encouraged to monitor bank and credit-card statements closely and to avoid using stand-alone ATMs when possible. Another concern highlighted ahead of the event is QR code hijacking, in which scammers place fraudulent QR code stickers over legitimate ones in public spaces. When scanned, the altered codes can redirect users to phishing websites. Nessel advised visitors not to scan QR codes that appear tampered with, covered, or placed on stickers. In addition to financial scams, the attorney general is reminding the public to be aware of the signs of human trafficking, which officials say can increase around large gatherings. Warning signs may include individuals who appear fearful, show signs of abuse, are not in control of their own money or identification, or are unable to speak for themselves. Human trafficking continues to be one of the most profitable and pervasive industries worldwide, and Michigan is not immune, Nessel said in a statement. During the Detroit Auto Show and beyond, we can all do our part to recognize the signs, report suspicious activity and support survivors. The Auto Show runs Jan. 1725 at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. Consumers who believe they have been overcharged or targeted by scams can file complaints with the Michigan Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Team. Suspected human trafficking can be reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888 or by texting 233733. Michigan residents can also call 855-MICH-TIP for assistance. DETROIT Members of the media were offered a sneak preview of the Detroit Auto Show on Wednesday and Thursday, including new vehicle models, tech demonstrations and more. New for this year were the Ford Bronco RTR, updated concept cars from Cadillac and Chevrolet, and the debut of Formula One cars tied to U.S. manufacturers Ford and General Motors. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg were keynote speakers at the event. Both were critical of comments made and policies celebrated by President Donald Trump at the Detroit Economic Club on the eve of the show. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson visited several automakers booths Wednesday before stopping by the Subaru Loves Pets adoption event and taking home a 2-month old puppy. The U.S. Army stole the show downstairs with their prototype M1E3 tank. MLive photographer Jacob Hamilton was there for all the action, from adorable puppies to futuristic concept cars and even a prototype tank. Check out some of our favorite photos from the event below, or click here for the full gallery. 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. The Ford Bronco RTR, unveiled during a Ford Motor Company event ahead of the Detroit Auto Show at Huntinton Place in Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 13 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Dodge CEO Mat McAlear poses in front of the Dodge Charger after it was named North American Car of the Year during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 13 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com 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 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 The Corvette CX concept car during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 14 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Cadillacs Formula One car on display during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 14 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com 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 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 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 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 Inside the Jeep Wrangler 85th Anniversary during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Thursday, Jan. 15 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com LANSING, MI - Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie has ended his campaign for secretary of state after Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II entered the race on Monday, Jan. 12. Gilchrist dropped out of the gubernatorial race to pursue the secretary of state position, which is opening because Jocelyn Benson is term limited and running for governor. Benson is seeking the Democratic nomination with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also term limited. In a video on X, Edevbie, an attorney and voting rights advocate, said he had been confident he would emerge at the April convention as the Democratic nominee for secretary of state. However, the lieutenant governors entry into the race has changed that calculus, he said. I spent the last week since word broke of his impending candidacy evaluating our prospects and searching my heart. I no longer believe there is a viable path to the nomination. I fully expect Garlin Gilchrist to be our nominee, and for the sake of party unity and our democracy, I put my support behind him. He became deputy secretary of state on March 6, 2023 Edevbie said supporters had helped raise over $350,000 for his campaign and that he had received over 70 endorsements. He urged the Democratic Party to deliver for ordinary people in ways that meaningfully impact their everyday lives. I know we need to get better. Be better listeners, truly embrace rural America, stand with working-class people, and give people of color a real and legitimate seat at the table. He and Gilchrist are Black. On a personal note, it also means rejecting the cynical assumption that the people of Michigan are too racist to elect someone with a unique name to high office. Because were not. The people of our state are fundamentally good and our party can appeal to their better angels. I am deeply committed to the work ahead and I hope youll stay engaged in this fight. LANSING, MI Chelsie Boles, a Lapeer County farmer who raises poultry, pork and dairy cows, said small farmers are frustrated with the red tape and financial burden necessary to sell farm products. Small agriculture is suffering from overregulation on food, disguised as a means of public safety, she said during a Michigan House committee hearing held on Thursday, Jan. 15. Boles and several other Michigan farmers who spoke on Thursday believe there is one way to begin easing that burden a new law that would amend the states ban on raw milk sales, allowing farmers to sell directly to consumers. We have no ability to compete within the parameters that were meant for big ag[riculture], Boles said. Passing this bill would allow small farms a method by which to make food available outside of the traditional channels we cant afford to participate in. When it comes to the well-studied risk of raw milk, the same farmers said there are safety measures they can take to reduce it. They said consumers will understand and accept the risk. But for the agriculture groups who opposed the bill, the change signals a significant public health concern. The process of pasteurizing, or heating milk to a particular temperature to remove microorganisms, was first used in the 1860s by microbiologist Louis Pasteur. By the early 1920s, it was routinely used in the U.S. Prior to World War II, it was estimated that milk-related outbreaks accounted for around 25% of all food and water-related disease outbreaks, while today that number is less than 1%. The sale of unpasteurized milk has been opposed by regulatory and health organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. In 1987, the FDA prohibited the interstate sale of raw milk, though the federal government agency does not regulate its sale on a state-by-state basis. We urge consumers who purchase raw milk to understand the health risks involved, an FDA website reads. While raw milk puts all consumers at risk, the elderly, immune-compromised people, children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the hazards of raw milk consumption. But in recent years, a small number of raw milk advocates has appeared to grow. In recent months, the trend has been bolstered by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who said he drinks raw milk and has criticized the FDAs aggressive suppression of raw milk production. Advocates say the pasteurization process depletes milk of beneficial nutrients, and that raw milk can have health benefits, like reducing asthma and allergies. These claims have been disputed by public health officials. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 1998 to 2018, there were 202 outbreaks linked to drinking raw milk, causing 2,645 illnesses and 228 hospitalizations. In response, Ashley Armstrong, a southwest Michigan farmer, said she believes the change is about respecting consumer freedom of choice. Adults are currently allowed to make informed decisions involving known risks every single day, Armstrong said. Alcohol, vape pens, sushi with raw fish, raw oysters, and even raw cookie dough. In those cases, the government doesnt ban access. Instead, it provides information and allows adults to decide for themselves. Morgen Baer, a Kalamazoo mother of two, wrote to the committee that she doesnt trust most of whats available at the grocery store today, and between heavy processing requirements and long ingredient lists, it feels like food has become more about regulation and shelf life than nourishment. I trust farmers, especially farmers I know, far more than I trust a heavily regulated system that requires food to be altered and processed before it ever reaches my family, she said in support of the bill. I want the freedom to buy a wide variety of farm-fresh foods directly from those farmers, not just raw milk, but raw dairy products, bread, meat, eggs and other minimally processed foods that align with how humans have eaten for generations. Currently, around 20 states allow the sale of raw milk to consumers, and around a dozen more allow retail sales. While Michigan doesnt allow direct sales, the state does have one loophole called herdsharing that allows customers to buy a portion of a farmers dairy herd and receive raw milk in exchange. Groups like the Michigan Farm Bureau said they believe the states existing model allows individuals to make choices through these arrangements while maintaining a clear prohibition on commercial sales, a balance the group said appropriately limits public health exposure while preserving regulatory clarity. But the bill, introduced last year by state Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford, would allow farmers to sell raw milk and milk products directly to consumers. The bill has not yet been voted out of committee, and a second hearing date has not been set. The products would not be able to be sold at retail establishments, like grocery stores or restaurants, and would have to be packaged in food-grade containers with dated warning labels. They could also be sold at farmers markets and farm stands, but would have to be frozen or refrigerated. The sale would be accompanied by some temperature requirements, like cooling the milk to 45 Fahrenheit or below within two hours after milking, and bacterial limits. The herd animals must also be tested for some ailments, like tuberculosis, at least once every 12 months, and milk would be tested quarterly for common foodborne pathogens. Accompanying legislation would exempt farm-to-customer producers from some licensing and evaluation provisions, not including a requirement that they register with the state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) at least 90 days before they begin selling raw milk products. MDARD said the change would likely increase work for its milk and food safety programs, factoring in the likelihood of more complaints, investigations and enforcement actions associated with foodborne illness and food contamination. Groups like the Dairy Farmers of America also opposed the bill, arguing that direct to consumer sales would harm its nearly 9,500 farmer-owners across the U.S., including 184 farmers in Michigan. Dairy farmers harvest one of natures most wholesome and nutritious products each and every day, the groups opposition letter read. Raw milk, however, is also the perfect host for many harmful and dangerous pathogens. When consumers become ill due to consuming raw milk, regardless of the dairys size or nature of incident, the entire industry is negatively impacted, they said. These cases not only hurt dairy farmers, dairy processors and manufacturers, but they also undermine the publics trust in the dairy products they consume daily. According to the Michigan Dairy Foods Association, 11.74 billion pounds of milk were produced in the state in 2022, at a value of $2.88 billion. That ranks Michigan sixth in the nation, with its dairy farms contributing an estimated $15.7 billion to the economy. But farmers who testified in favor of the bill said they believe small farms have more incentive to maintain sanitary conditions. Armstrong said if farmers dont produce safe milk, customers will not come back. And Fowlerville farmer Rick Hitchcock said things like proper herd hygiene, the speed at which fresh milk is cooled and regular milk testing are all things that can take raw milk from a risk to a highly-controlled, carefully-managed food. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - A class action lawsuit against a Grand Rapids-based company for running what officials called a subleasing scheme has been filed in Washtenaw County. Despite advertising that it would help renters with low credit repair their scores, Washtenaw County prosecutors alleged that Innovative Apartment Group instead engaged in predatory subleasing and debt collection, according to the prosecutors offices complaint filed against the company Jan. 12 in Washtenaw County Circuit Court. The group used confusing and deceptive organization and tactics to act as extractive middlemen, prosecutors argued. The business would sublease apartments and homes in Washtenaw County to renters who have low credit but are otherwise able to make payments, the lawsuit alleges. The subleases, however, allegedly contained thousands of dollars of fees and upcharges. In some cases, tenants were paying roughly $300 per month above the market price, in addition to a risk fee around $1,000, the complaint states. Requests for comment to members of the Innovative Apartment Group were not returned. The group also often failed to pay the landlord, despite receiving money from the tenants, leading to evictions, the lawsuit alleges. The business would then allegedly use aggressive debt collection techniques, including in some cases where allegedly no debt was owed. Every renter in Michigan deserves to be treated fairly, said Eli Savit, prosecutor for Washtenaw County, in a statement announcing the lawsuit. Companies and landlords who take advantage of the housing crisis and unfair tenant screening practices to mislead renters, place them at greater risk of eviction, and torpedo their credit scores are in violation of Michigan law. One of the renters listed in the lawsuit, a single mother from Clinton Township, paid roughly $3,000 above the market rent in surcharges and fees, attorneys allege. She later received an eviction notice because Innovative Apartment Group did not pay the traditional landlord, despite receiving money from her. She was able to work with the actual landlord to pay them directly, remaining in the apartment, the lawsuit reads. The Center for Civil Justice and the National Consumer Law Center are representing the tenants. Despite promising to help Michigan families to obtain stable housing, Innovative Apartment Group exploits the very families they claim to be helping, said Jennifer Wagner, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, in a statement. Renters are coming out of these rental agreements with less money and lower credit scores than when they started. The lawsuit alleges the group violated the Michigans Consumer Protection Act, Credit Services Protection Act, Regulation of Collection Practices Act, and Occupational Code. Court records did not indicate when a hearing would take place. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. FLINT, MI -- Paul Visser, the last Flint mayor elected under the citys 1929 charter, has died at 89. Visser, who worked for decades for the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, served as mayor from 1973 to 1975, the years immediately preceding Flints transition to a strong mayor system of government. He died on Jan. 8. Before his colleagues elected him mayor, Visser served as an assistant to former U.S. Rep. Donald Riegle from 1966 to 1971. Riegle went on to serve in the U.S. Senate until 1994. He was a terrific public servant, Riegle said of Visser, crediting him with high-level constituent service work and for his commitment to establishing the University of Michigan-Flint as an anchor institution in the city. We waged a fight to bring it downtown, the former senator said. It really saved downtown Flint. The UM-Flint campus moved to its current location in the late 1970s after it was established as Flint Senior College in 1956 at the current location of Mott Community College. Visser became the first of two former Riegle staffers to win election as mayor of Flint. Eight years after his term ended, the late James Sharp became Flints first popularly elected Black mayor, serving from 1983 to 1987. In addition to his work in City Hall, Visser held leadership roles with United Way, Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army, and the Flint Rotary Club, according to his obituary. He was the founding chairman of the Flint Cultural Center Corporation and named C.S. Mott Citizen of the Year in 1998 by the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2022, the Flint native was inducted into the Kearsley High School Hall of Fame. His wife, Margaret Visser, said her husband was committed to Flint and its institutions, spending years to help financially solidify the Flint Cultural Center as the citys tax base and population began downward spirals. Through negotiations, Visser helped establish the Flint Cultural Center Corporation, and by 1993, the Flint Board of Education agreed to turn the management of the Cultural Center institutions over to the new corporation. Visser told The Flint Journal in 1995 that the work required patience and a thick skin. Margaret Visser said her husband was proud of the behind-the-scenes work required to make the change, once writing about it as the community involvement that gave me the greatest satisfaction of all. Larry Ford, a friend of Visser, said the former mayor was deeply involved in the community and worked tirelessly to elect Riegle to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was a good leader -- very smart, Ford said. He did (so many) things in the community because he appreciated and loved Flint. Paul Visser was really a cheerleader for Flint, said Ford, a businessman and former president of the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce. He was involved across the board. He led the charge on a lot of things. A memorial service for Visser has been scheduled at Tyrone Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fenton on Friday, Jan. 23, with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service beginning at 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be made in Vissers honor to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, the American Lung Association, or Tyrone Covenant Presbyterian Church. FLINT, MI -- The federal government has denied and deflected responsibility for its role in the Flint water crisis for too long, U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin said on Thursday, Jan. 15, in remarks on the floor of the Senate. Slotkins comments come on the tenth anniversary of former President Barack Obamas declaration of a federal emergency in response to the water crisis and less than two weeks before a bellwether trial brought by three Flint children against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA was supposed to be the backstop for everything as lead, bacteria, heavy metals and cancer-causing chemicals thrived in Flints water system during parts of 2014 and 2015, the Holly Democrat said. But the agency consistently buried reports of lead poisoning instead of holding officials accountable, she said. The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Slotkins remarks on Thursday. The EPA has maintained it is not responsible for the water crisis, saying the city and the former Michigan Department of Environmental Quality caused it by using the Flint River as a drinking water source without appropriate studies and corrosion control to prevent lead from leaching from transmission lines. While other entities, including the state of Michigan and the city of Flint, settled pending lawsuits against them, the EPA has continued to litigate cases that allege it was negligent in its oversight. Both the EPA and the Department of Justice have previously declined to comment on the lawsuits against it, including the case of the three children, who claim they were damaged by Flint water while the agency allowed the crisis to linger longer than necessary. Slotkin cited the work of Miguel Del Toral, an EPA water specialist who authored an interim report warning of high levels of lead in Flint water on June 24, 2015. However, the final version of the memo left out Del Torals criticisms that Flint was failing to follow federal regulations on corrosion control chemicals and testing for lead. Months earlier, other EPA officials also warned Michigan regulators that the chemistry of Flint River water appeared to be causing transmission pipes to leach lead and iron into the water supply. By January 2016, Susan Hedman, regional administrator for the EPAs Chicago-based Region 5, resigned amid mounting outrage over Flint. Obamas Flint declaration came in the same month as that resignation, following a request from former Gov. Rick Snyder. Later in 2016, Congress approved the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, including language that made Flint the only community eligible for $100 million in new federal drinking water funds. But Slotkin said the fallout from the water crisis has continued. Flint is a community still in pain, still seeking justice, still seeking accountability, she said, advising EPA to take its day in court or settle the Flint cases against it fairly. Slotkin joins other past and present congressional officials who have urged the EPA to accept accountability for what theyve described as lax oversight in Flint. In September, U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City, called on the federal government to acknowledge its failures during the water crisis and to negotiate a settlement with city residents. Flint residents who filed claims against other government agencies and private companies that funded a historic $626.25 million settlement began receiving payments just last month. The settlement provides 30 different compensation categories covering a wide range of claims of injury and damage, including claims for minors and adults, and claims for personal injuries, property damage and business loss. Payments are expected to vary widely and many will be modest, according to information posted on the U.S. District Court water settlement website. GRAND HAVEN, MI -- A Holland mother who sliced her teen sons throat because he wanted to die is expected to spend decades in prison. Katie Austin Lee, 40, will go before a Grand Haven judge Monday, Jan. 19 and is expected to receive a sentence of 60-90 years in prison. Lee in October pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and admitted she cut her sons arms and neck after he became unconscious from medication. They were inside their Holland apartment Feb. 21, 2025 and, according to earlier released evidence, both wanted to die. Related: Chilling 911 call adds details to adventurous teens tragic death allegedly at hands of his mom About 4:15 a.m., Lee called 911 herself in what could be described as a bizarre conversation with a confused dispatcher. The dispatcher started out by asking Whats going on? to get details of any problem. My son wont stop breathing, Lee replied. Lee went on to explain that her son had a birthday the next day and that he didnt want to turn 18. She told the dispatcher they both took medication the day before, hoping to overdose. Here are four things to know about Lees case: Lee initially was charged with first-degree murder, but her attorney and prosecutors worked out an agreement where she would plead to second-degree murder and get a minimum 60-year sentence. At her plea hearing, Ottawa County Circuit Judge Jon Hulsing asked her if she realized she would be at least 100 years old before being released. She said yes. Austin Pikaarts family, in his obituary, described him as someone who had a patient, gentle, kind-hearted soul. They said he had an adventurous spirit and a love for cats, science, books, fishing with his dad, rollercoasters and video games. Katie Lees attorney sought a competency exam not long after she was charged with murder. Exams are typically done at the state Center for Forensic Psychiatry in the Ypsilanti area. Using a center-generated report, a judge in April deemed Lee competent for trial. When Holland police officers arrived at Lees apartment on Feb. 21, she was holding a knife. She threw the knife, but then tried to get it again. Officers used a Taser to subdue her. She told officers that they were supposed to kill her so that she could be with her son. GRAND RAPIDS, MI- In high school, I supplemented my small allowance with cash babysitting for five attorneys. I still remember this one couples kids love for Mrs. Pauls Fish Sticks and macaroni and cheese. His home was my first introduction to Amway products. Raised in the Carolinas, I had never heard of the Ada-based company. When I moved to Grand Rapids I learned more about the history of the global leader in the direct selling industry. The family in Columbia, SC, primarily used their detergent and other household cleaning products. Readers were highly interested in Brian McVicars article about an international tribunal dismissing Amways request for $3 billion in damages after the Mexican government seized a 692-acre organic farm owned by the global company in 2022. Mexico granted the El Petacal farm to communal landowners citing a 1939 resolution. Amway was ordered to pay Mexico $1.3 million in legal fees. The tribunal ruled in November that Amway didnt have jurisdiction under a provision of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Brian also reported the rapper with the nickname Pitbull is set to perform at Acrisure Amphitheater on Thursday, Sept. 10. The Grammy award winners real name is Armando Christian Perez. He will appear at the riverfront venue alongside rapper Lil Jon as part of his Im Back Tour. Tickets to see Mr. 305, another name fans of Pitbull know him by for his Miami roots, officially go on sale to the public on Friday, Jan. 30 at 10 a.m. People will need to sign up on Monday, Jan. 26 to join the Artist Presale going live Wednesday, the 28th at 10 a.m. The announcement about Pitbull, whose music blends hip-hop, Latin music and dance-pop, came s after readers learned from Brian that John Mellencamp is kicking off The Dancing Words Tour: The Greatest Hits on Friday, July 10 at amphitheater. In other news that resonated with readers, there was interest in a court case involving ex-CEO, Nkechy Ezeh, the former Aquinas College professor who founded the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC). Ezeh was in federal court on Wednesday regarding a wire fraud in a scheme that forced the nonprofit to close. The nonprofit, based in Grand Rapids, funded and supported agencies that provided early learning opportunities for disadvantaged children in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. Ezeh pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion in Lansing. She will be sentenced May 13. Agar also shared the sobering news about a woman whose body washed up on the Lake Michigan shore in Park Township. The victim was a 48-year-old Holland Township woman, Ottawa County sheriffs deputies said she an autopsy by the medical examiners office determined her death was caused by drowning and the manner of death to be suicide. Those are just some of the stories in the Grand Rapids area this week that interested our readers. Monica Scott is the editor for MLive Media Groups The Grand Rapids Press and Muskegon Chronicle. She was previously a reporter who covered the city, county and schools in Grand Rapids. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Art installations from around the world are making winter strolls through downtown Grand Rapids a bit brighter. The seventh annual World of Winter, which still lays claim to the largest outdoor winter festival in the United States, opened last weekend with its Fire and Ice show. Designed to bring folks outside during the depths of Michigans winter, the free festival is hosting events across downtown Grand Rapids until Sunday, March 1. Between periodic festival events, interactive attractions shine. Art hangs from recognizable buildings, casts color onto high-traffic foot bridges, and provides pleasant surprises rounding corners. MLive/Grand Rapids Press took an evening stroll through downtown to find the best of the playful and interactive art installations. See the gallery below, or click here for a direct link to the gallery. 30 1 / 30 Largest winter festival in U.S. brightens winter nights in Michigan with colorful art The Anooki, two curious and timid figures created by Moetu Batlle and David Passegand, are recurring characters who have lost their home. While their antics are pure fun and friendship, the characters deliver a message about the fragility of the planet and climate change. Les Tubulents can be found at Ah-Nab-Awen Park and Les Timid outside DeVos Place. Anooki: Les Timides by Moetu Batlle and David Passegand during World of Winter, the largest outdoor winter festival in the United States, outside DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com Two fascinating interactive displays are Emergence by artist This is Loop and Somnius by Illumaphonium. Both are best enjoyed after dark. Emergence is completely covered in reflective mirror units, creating new ways of seeing the surrounding space while reflecting on the balance between order and chaos Visits walk in, around and through a wheelchair-accessible pavilion featuring approximately 14,000 individually addressed LEDs and an audio track by the NYX: Electronic Drone Choir. Somnius by Illumaphonium during World of Winter, the largest outdoor winter festival in the United States, at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com Somnius is a large, glowing hexagonal structure, made of over half a million lights, floating like icicles just overhead. The installation responds to movements like dancing, jumping and waving, and then plays a unique concert and light show based on those movements. For more on World of Winter, see MLives guide here. For a full list of art installations, visit the official website here. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Amanda Stauffer wants to bring a slice of whimsy to West Michigan. Thats why she decided to open Slutty Buns, a pop-up bakery in Grand Rapids East Hills neighborhood that only operates in the evenings, dishing out filled pastries in various flavors. Its just one of those things where you know life is heavy, and I feel like people need something light, Stauffer said. Stauffer has already grown a following, despite just learning how to bake a boxed cake mix less than six months ago. Slutty Buns officially opened inside the incubator kitchen Chef Shack on Nov. 21, 2025, to a line of people that wrapped around the building at 1003 Lake Drive SE. Stauffer had previous entrepreneurial experience owning an online and brick-and-mortar clothing store in the Eastown neighborhood for eight years, which closed in 2021. She managed a friends law firm for about a year before becoming a general manager at wax salon locations. She stepped away from working at the salons halfway through December 2025 to go full-time with Slutty Buns. I thought for a very brief period of time I would be able to do both, but when I opened Slutty Buns, I realized right away that I would be doing that full-time, Stauffer said. Slutty Buns will host brunch and other events monthly. (Photo/Skyla Jewell-Hammie) Skyla Jewell-Hammie She came up with the idea for the late-night bakery on a drive home from the Coast Guard Festival last summer. I thought to myself, I wish we could order dessert to have ready to pick up on our drive back into Grand Rapids. The entire concept came to me within the 45-minute drive home, Stauffer said. As she developed it more, she brought it up to her mother, who happened to be in town for a visit. I knew if I could get her, my 61-year-old conservative mother, on board with Slutty Buns, then I could go forward, she said. Shes a CFO and pretty critical of business concepts, so I was nervous because it was pushing the bounds a little bit. But her mom ended up loving the idea, affirming for Stauffer that she was making the right decision. She hit the ground running on Slutty Buns. She initially was set to offer the homemade rolls at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, running out orders to the Logan Street entrance, but had to shift gears once she found out a space at Chef Shack opened up. A few days after I got licensed at the Downtown Market, Chef Shack reached out and said they had space for us, which was about only a week or two before we opened, Stauffer said. We had a massive shift directly before we opened, but it was exactly the space that I wanted it to be, so it was perfect timing. Chef Shack is a shared commercial kitchen and pop-up retail space for small businesses. Stauffer found out that no merchants were utilizing the space during the evenings, so she opted for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. I thought about a food truck or food trailer, but Im just kind of taking my time and seeing how things go, Stauffer said. I want to do what Im doing now well and move forward with that, so if it leads us in that direction, thats where well go. She told MLive what makes the Slutty Buns concept important is that its sex positive and community-focused. Slutty Buns opened in November 2025 inside the shared commercial kitchen Chef Shack, 1003 Lake Dr. SE in Grand Rapids. (Photo/Skyla Jewell-Hammie) Skyla Jewell-Hammie Its like an escape from everyday life to just be silly, she said. People standing in line are laughing and having fun, talking about the ridiculous names. With all the serious stuff going on, its nice to have this little sliver of non-serious. The namesake of the business doesnt deter anyone from stopping in for a filling dessert. Stauffer said parents have stood in line with their kids, and grandmas and grandpas have stopped by for a bite too. There are about 15 rotating staples, but there are new options that debut each week. Prices range from $11-$13. The top orders include: Cin-A-Slut: The original brioche cinnamon roll swirled with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with rich vanilla buttercream. Biscoff Baddie: Sweetly spiced brioche roll filled with crushed Biscoff cookies. Good Girl: Funfetti with white chocolate. Double Stuffed: Chocolate dough with Oreo crumbles. Nut Me: Caramel, toasted nuts and sea salt. Pictured is the top-selling cinnamon roll that started it all: Cinn-A-Slut. (Photo/Skyla Jewell-Hammie) Skyla Jewell-Hammie I try to have a couple of cinnamon or nut ones and a chocolate one or fruity ones. I try to do a variety, Stauffer said. She expected to make 100 rolls per night once opened, not 600, like shes doing currently. Even though some people have had their feathers ruffled by the bakerys business concept, it hasnt stopped the lines from growing each week. Because of the popularity, Slutty Buns hosted its first Slutty Brunch on Jan. 11. Customers got a taste of new offerings, including Stauffers take on biscuits and gravy. A brunch event is planned in the future for the second Sunday of every month. There is also a themed bowling event in the works. Stauffer wants to assure customers the name Slutty Buns is just the name of the business. If kids say it while they are waiting in line, so be it. I just want to destigmatize some things that shouldnt be stigmatized, she said. My whole life, I remember as a kid calling my besties a slut. Its a term of endearment, and its supposed to be fun, not shameful. Stauffer said overall, the feedback has been positive. She plans to keep the personable experience while increasing production, but not to the point of mass volume. Its just been incredible the amount of support that I receive, she said. People are just happy and silly when they come in. The lines are part of the experience. I just want people to feel lighter and feel the novelty, just escape from real life. The hours of operation for Slutty Buns are from 8 p.m. until sellout, which is usually around 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. To learn more and stay updated, visit the businesss Instagram page. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- Ottawa County leaders want to look at restructuring the Community Mental Health department because of state funding issues leading to budget deficits. County commissioners on Tuesday, Jan. 13, voted to set three public hearings to take public comment on transitioning CMH to an authority, instead of a county department. The move, which could take up to a year to accomplish, would insulate the county from financial liability because of budget deficits. The authority would be a separate entity from the county and be governed by a board of directors. All but five Michigan counties now are part of mental health authorities. CMH is predominantly funded by Medicaid, but Ottawa County leaders say the monies provided fall below the departments budget. The 2025 CMH budget, while not yet closed, is projected to have a $5 million budget deficit. County leaders blame a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services funding model for the problem and say it punishes Ottawa County for having a relatively low number of Medicaid recipients needing CMH care. They advocate for a needs based system where care is reimbursed based on the cost of services provided. Under an authority, the state would be liable for covering CMH budget deficits. While a majority of county commissioners on Tuesday supported setting the public hearings, several raised concerns. County administrators in December conducted a survey of CMH employees, learning that many are concerned about job security. The survey showed that employees realize their current benefits and wages are better than other mental health authorities across Michigan. They dont want to lose that advantage. Ottawa County CMH employees also say there is higher per-employee caseloads with authorities and higher burnout. According to the 2024 Ottawa County CMH annual report, the department served about 4,500 individuals that year. Among those, 1,827 were adults with mental illness, 1,040 were adults with substance use disorders, 917 were children with emotional disturbances, 707 were persons with an intellectual or developmental disability and 10 were children with substance use disorder. Commissioner Joe Moss said he would rather spend time on advocating for changes in the state funding formula rather than reconfiguring everything were doing to try to fix the states problem. But Commissioner John Teeples said the county needs liability protection. I think the community needs to understand this is a real problem, he said. We cannot ignore this. Ottawa County CMH has dozens of contractors, he said. If they dont get paid, who are they going to sue? Theyre going to sue us, he said. Teeples said he wants to hear what the public has to say about switching to an authority. Even if county commissioners later vote to establish an authority, they could back out at any time before the state approves the move. The public hearing dates set to take comment on the issue are as follows: -- 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Spring Lake Community Center, 15549 Cleveland St. -- 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Georgetown Township Public Library, 1525 Baldwin St. -- 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Ottawa County Department of Public Health building in Holland Township, 12251 James St. JACKSON, MI A 13-year-old accused of killing a 16-year-old boy is being held without bond in the Jackson County Youth Center. He is charged as a juvenile because the county prosecutors office cannot, by state law, charge him as an adult, Prosecutor Kelsey Guernsey said. The boy is not old enough; he would have to be at least 14. The teen appeared via Zoom on Friday morning before Jackson County Referee Kalle Lauer for an inquiry hearing, what in adult court would be called an arraignment. Juvenile case records are not public and a referee did not permit a reporter to remain in the courtroom. In a statement, Guernsey said the boy is accused of first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, armed robbery, firearm larceny and carrying a firearm to commit a felony. He allegedly shot Isaiah Ramos-Bostwick of Jackson early Thursday, Jan. 15, at 514 Harris St., northeast of downtown Jackson. MLive/the Jackson Citizen Patriot is not publishing the boys name because he is a juvenile, and the prosecutors office did not release it. The boy has never previously been in trouble, his mother said as she stood just inside the courtroom entrance. She said the night of the shooting he was with his adult sister while his mother was at work. Its a terrible situation, and all the people thats involved and mothers. Its hard, she said. She said he did not have access to a weapon. He does not carry weapons and is not around them, she said. She said what her son told her is totally different than others story. I just know its not adding up. The teens aunt, who was also at the courthouse, said she just wants the truth to come out. No assuming, she said. In an email, Guernsey said the case against the boy will proceed in a special way, by designating the juvenile petition. This means the proceedings will occur in juvenile court, but he will be entitled to all of the hearings like an adult would be, she wrote. At the end of the case, if a plea occurs or a jury finds him guilty of a crime or crimes, the presiding family court judge will have the option to sentence him as an adult, a juvenile, or some version of a blended sentence between the two, she said. State law allows a family court judge to waive jurisdiction if a juvenile 14 or older is accused of an act that if committed by an adult would be a felony. After the waiver, the juvenile may be tried in the court having general criminal jurisdiction of the offense, Michigan law says. A 15-year-old who also fled the scene was released to a parent, Jackson police said. The two teens fled on foot, police said. A dog from the Jackson County Sheriffs office tracked them to the 1300 block of Leroy Street, about a mile by city streets from the shooting site. Police surrounded a residence and the suspects were called out and arrested without incident. The 13-year-old remains at the youth center, a secure juvenile detention facility. He did not have an attorney as of Friday morning. A next hearing was scheduled for Jan. 26 before Jackson County Probate and Family Court Judge Jennifer Kelly. JACKSON, MI The mother of a child accused of murder in the shooting death of a 16-year-old in Jackson said her son did not have access to a weapon. I know for a fact my son dont carry weapons or be around any. We dont have them either, she said Friday, Jan. 16, during a brief interview at the Jackson County Courthouse. Her son, held at the Jackson County Youth Center, is accused of first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, armed robbery, larceny of a firearm and carrying a firearm in the commission of a felony, county Prosecutor Kelsey A. Guernsey said in a statement. The boy allegedly shot Isaiah Ramos-Bostwick, 16, who died at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, Jackson police reported. How he allegedly obtained the gun is still under investigation, Jackson Police Chief Chris Simpson said Friday afternoon. A person younger than 18 cannot legally possess a firearm in public without direct adult supervision in Michigan. Authorities have not released the 13-year-olds name because he is a juvenile and MLive/the Jackson Citizen Patriot is not including the names of his relatives because they could reveal his identity. Officers were called about 1 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, to Harris Street, northeast of downtown, for the shooting. Police said a Jackson County Sheriffs dog tracked the 13-year-old and another fleeing teen, 15, to the 1300 block of Leroy Street, about a mile by city streets from the shooting site. The 15-year-old was released to a parent, Jackson police reported. An aunt of the 13-year-old said authorities never should have let the 15-year-old go. When asked what would happen to the 15-year-old, Guernsey said, at this time, no other petition requests have been submitted to the office. The 15-year-olds role is still being investigated, Simpson said. Fewer than 48 hours have passed since the shooting and officers are still doing interviews. If in the course of the investigation there is evidence to show any adult or child has any responsibility in the crime, the police department would send the information to the prosecutors office to consider charges, Simpson said when asked whether an adult or parent could be implicated. There have been no further arrests, of juveniles or adults, as of Friday, Simpson said. I just want the truth to come out. No assuming, the 13-year-olds aunt said. The 13-year-olds mother said he was to be with his sister while his mother was at work on Wednesday night or early Thursday. He remained there until he texted his mother about going to another persons house to help her out. She said her son had never before been in any trouble. Its just a terrible situation, she said. Her son is charged as a juvenile and appeared before Referee Kalle Lauer on Friday for an inquiry hearing, what in adult court would be called an arraignment. Juvenile case records are not public, and a referee did not permit a reporter to remain in the courtroom. The boy is too young to be charged as an adult. State law allows a family court judge to waive jurisdiction if a juvenile 14 or older is accused of an act that, if committed by an adult, would be a felony. After the waiver, the juvenile may be tried in the court having general criminal jurisdiction of the offense, Michigan law says. A next hearing was scheduled for Jan. 26 before Jackson County Probate and Family Court Judge Jennifer Kelly. The boy did not have an attorney as of Friday morning and remained at the youth center, a secure juvenile detention facility. In an email, Guernsey said the case against the boy will proceed in a special way, by designating the juvenile petition. This means the proceedings will occur in juvenile court, but he will be entitled to all the hearings an adult would be, she wrote. At the end of the case, if he takes a plea or a jury finds him guilty of a crime or crimes, the presiding family court judge will have the option to sentence him as an adult, a juvenile, or give him some version of a blended sentence between the two, she said. First-degree murder, for an adult over 20, carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Judges, however, cannot give juveniles mandatory sentences of life without parole, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled. ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI A 20-year-old woman was killed Wednesday, Jan. 14, in a crash when her car struck a guardrail and collided with an oncoming pickup truck, sheriffs deputies said. The victims name has not been released. The crash happened Wednesday evening on Constantine Road near Shorewood Drive in Fabius Township, south of Three Rivers. The victim was driving a 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt north on Constantine Road when she lost control of her car on a bridge and struck the guardrail. Her car went into the southbound lane and was struck in the drivers side by an oncoming Chevrolet Silverado. Ice and snow were likely factors in the crash. Deputies believe that the victim was not wearing a seat belt. State police and Three Rivers police and firefighters assisted at the scene. SPRING LAKE, MI A popular Lakeshore bar and restaurant suffered the worst health inspection it ever had last month, but the owner says everything has been 100% corrected. An Ottawa County Department of Public Health inspection on Dec. 30 found 13 health code violations at Fuel Bar + Refuge at 288 W Savidge St. in Spring Lake. Typically, restaurant inspections uncover 2-3 violations, according to the health department. The violations included food being held at inappropriate temperatures for cooling and heating, ice intended for beverages being used for storage and lack of paper towels at the employee handwashing sink. Food items such as cut leafy greens, cut tomatoes, cooked meats, roasted peppers and cheeses were found in the front prep cooler at 43F-45 degrees Fahrenheit. Mashed potatoes in the front warmer were holding at 95F-115 degrees, according to the report. All potentially hazardous items must be held cold below 41 degrees or hot above 135 degrees to limit the growth of harmful bacteria, the report stated. Staff were unclear of the exact time food had been removed from heat and the cooling process started, according to the report. The report also found equipment such as hot holding units and sanitizer not functioning properly. The bars back door was propped open, allowing for pests to enter. Inadequate ventilation was noted around the pizza oven, leading to smoke accumulation. The report shocked owner Jennifer Keaney, who has been in the restaurant industry for over 20 years. This is probably the worst health inspection that we have had, she said. We do take it very, very seriously. Even though they were things that were easy to correct, they still needed correcting, and Im confident to say that theyve been 100% corrected. A follow-up inspection on Jan. 7 found all but two violations had been resolved. The restaurant incurred two repeat violations involving a dish that had been improperly cooled. Soup that had been cooked and cooled the day prior was 43F-46 degrees. All potentially hazardous items must be cooled from 135-70 degrees within two hours and 70-41 degrees within four hours to limit the growth of harmful bacteria, the report stated. Keaney said the improper cooling came from a maintenance issue with the cooler, which has since been fixed. Workers also are now required to take a time stamp of food once it is removed from heat to avoid future confusion, she said. We log temperatures for all of our equipment on a daily basis, so we knew about it, we just needed to call somebody in to maintenance the cooler, she said. A health department spokesperson told MLive/the Grand Rapids Press in an email that the restaurant has until Jan. 31 to provide proof of correction for the cooling violation. Otherwise, it will be issued a $312 fee for a follow up inspection. Keaney said she is confident the restaurant will get a glowing review at that time. The business has had no complaints of customer illness. Fuel Bar + Refuge has been a favorite neighborhood spot since 2019. Keaney, along with her brother Andrew Harris and family friend James Curtis, took ownership of the establishment in November 2023. The Ottawa County Department of Public Health encountered another high level of violations in October at a breakfast spot in Jenison. New Beginnings, located at 2722 Port Sheldon St. in Georgetown Township, received 15 violations during an Oct. 9 routine inspection. The violations included improper cleaning procedures for utensils, and improper handling procedures such as not storing food at proper temperatures or storing raw food above ready-to-eat foods. The restaurant complied with all the highest-level violations by Oct. 31, after two paid follow-up inspections, according to health department records. LANSING, MI Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined 11 other state attorneys general in suing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over a policy that conditions federal funding on compliance with a presidential executive order related to transgender people. The lawsuit challenges an HHS policy requiring recipients of federal health, education and research funding to certify compliance with the executive order. The coalition argues HHS lacks authority to impose these conditions and is illegally using federal funding to coerce states into discriminating against their residents. The Trump Administration continues their playbook to illegally condition congressionally appropriated funding, the states own taxpayer funds, to advance their political agenda, Nessel said in a statement. My office has fought back against these attempts repeatedly last year, and were continuing to protect Michigans federal funding. The policy requires states, public universities, health agencies, hospitals and other recipients of federal funds to certify compliance with Title IX protections, which HHS characterizes as including requirements of the presidential executive order. HHS has warned that recipients could face termination of grants, repayment of funds and even civil or criminal liability if found out of compliance. The policy applies to both new and existing grants. The attorneys general argue the policy violates the U.S. Constitution by overriding Congress power of the purse, breaks federal law by attaching vague and retroactive conditions to funding, and violates the Administrative Procedure Act by imposing a major policy change without notice or explanation. They also contend the policy contradicts decades of court opinions and federal guidance recognizing that Title IX protects people from discrimination based on gender identity. The coalition is asking the court to declare the policy unlawful and block HHS from enforcing it. Joining Nessel in the lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. ROSCOMMON COUNTY, MI A mid-Michigan woman has been accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old minor in 2023. Kristina Whiteman, 48, of Alma, was arraigned Jan. 8 on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in Roscommon Countys 82nd District Court, Michigan State Police (MSP) said in a news release. MSP began investigating the alleged sexual assault in December 2024. Police said the assault occurred in Prudenville in March 2023 and involved a 15-year-old. Whiteman was arrested on Jan. 7. She was given a $50,000 cash or surety bond at her arraignment last week. Her next scheduled court appearance is at 9 a.m. on Jan. 21. LANSING, MI House Speaker Matt Hall said affordability is going to be the focus for his chamber this year, with healthcare costs key among a list that also includes housing and energy prices and property tax reform. I think weve got a lot of work to do on healthcare, said Hall, R-Richland Township, who spoke this week ahead of the first legislative session day of 2026. Its not just hospitals. Its drug companies, its insurance, he said. I mean, everyone has a role in the high cost of healthcare, but this is really one of the biggest issues facing our state. Hall said hes taking cues from President Donald Trump, who first mentioned during a Detroit visit on Tuesday that he planned to announce a new healthcare affordability framework, focused on reducing premiums and prescription drug costs. Trump spoke at an event at the Motorcity Casino hosted by the Detroit Economic Club. The federal announcement signals the latest push by the White House to address rising insurance and medical costs, as the extension of recently-lapsed federal healthcare subsidies faces an uncertain future before Congress. At the state level, Hall said he too wants to address what he described as a bloated healthcare system in Michigan, referencing drug companies, insurance providers and health systems that have gotten way too big. House Republicans are looking at a new commission to assess what hospitals are doing to lower costs, Hall said, looking at finances and determining if the health systems are overspending on things like infrastructure. This new commission will have the authority to look at their prices and make sure theyre keeping their prices in line with affordability, he said. Hall did not provide more details. Democratic candidate for governor Jocelyn Benson, now serving as the Secretary of State, pitched a similar concept for tackling prescription drug affordability this month, reviving a past priority of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. While Hall spoke mainly about reducing costs for Michiganders, he also talked about the need to draw down more federal dollars for Michigans rural hospitals. Michigan has 75 of its 83 counties classified in whole or in part as rural, according to the state, the seventh-highest rural population in the nation. Around 1.7 million rural Michiganders live in a county with a shortage of primary care doctors, and 91% of rural Michigan counties have a primary care shortage. In December, the state was awarded over $173 million from the federal government, part of a $50 billion initiative created in Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill to strengthen rural health through expanded preventative, primary, maternal and behavioral health services. Hall said House Republicans were disappointed with the rural health funds application submitted by the state, however. The program received a mixed national reaction when it was created, with some lawmakers and rural health advocates concerned that receiving a portion of funds was based on the promise to pass health care policies favored by the Trump administration. In an attempt to get better scores on their applications and more funding, several states made promises to change their laws to restrict low-income people from using food benefits to buy junk food or to expand telehealth, according to reporting by Politico. Michigan initially requested $200 million and got $173 million, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). They left, I think, hundreds of millions of dollars on the table that they could have gotten for Michigan because they arent adopting a lot of these MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) principles, Hall said, referencing the moniker adopted for U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jrs lifestyle initiative. Before submitting its application, MDHHS hosted an online survey and two listening sessions to gather input on how the funding could help rural providers. MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said the approved proposal focused on enhancing the long-term sustainability of rural providers while supporting their growth and continued service to their communities. MDHHS did not return a subsequent request for comment asking how Trump administration requirements factored into the state determining its proposal. Hall said looking into 2026, House Republicans will prioritize legislation that could earn the state more rural health funding, giving the example of restricting the purchase of soda from those using government benefits to buy food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). There are approximately 1.4 million SNAP recipients in Michigan, around 13% of households in the state. According to December reporting by BBC, five states so far in 2026 have banned the purchase of items, like soda and candy, from being purchased with SNAP funds. If you do things to encourage healthier lifestyles, healthier eating, healthier habits, you can get more rural health funding, Hall said. Hall also spoke about enacting a bipartisan Senate package that would require hospitals to publicly disclose the cost of treatments and operations, also prohibiting the collection of debts if a hospital is not in compliance with price transparency laws. The legislation, which has passed through both chambers with some changes, is awaiting another vote in the Senate, which Hall said hes hopeful will come early. This is one of those funny bills where when you put it up for a vote, everybody votes for it, Hall said, but theres so much posturing behind the scenes from the politicians to stop it. Other than healthcare, Hall said affordability reforming property taxes and bringing down housing costs and energy prices is going to be the focus of the House going into 2026. I dont care that its an election year, he said. Were gonna take risks. Were gonna do bold things. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Patients at a Portland, Oregon, childrens hospital are becoming fashion designers with the help of a Nike partnership. This years Doernbecher Freestyle Program Collection features six uniquely designed shoes in addition to shirts and a cardigan. All of the products go live on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. ET. Prices range from $32 to $230. Since 2004, Nikes Doernbecher Freestyle Program has allowed young patients to design sneakers and apparel with 100% of the profit going back to OHSU Doernbecher Childrens Hospital. More than $44 million has been raised since the program started. Each shoe tells the story of a patient, like Oli, who designed a pair of Air Force 1 shoes inspired by his love for food and cooking. Theres also Raegan, who designed a pair of Air Max Dn8s inspired by her return to softball, complete with the dates of her surgery, first game back and a message that says I can do hard things. These are just a few of the inspiring stories told on the shoe canvas. Check out the rest of them on the Doernbecher Freestyle Program Collection website. If you cant decide, opt for one of the shirts or the cardigan, which feature a little bit of every shoe design. Max90 Shirt Nike Max90 x Doernbecher Freestyle Big Kids' T-Shirt $32 on Nike Max90 Shirt Nike Max90 x Doernbecher Freestyle Men's T-Shirt $45 on Nike Nike Club Cardigan Nike Club x Doernbecher Freestyle Men's Cardigan $90 on Nike Air Force 1 '07 Nike Air Force 1 '07 x Doernbecher Freestyle Oli $120 on Nike V2K Run Women's V2K Run x Doernbecher Freestyle Khovny $130 on Nike Vomero Plus Nike Women's Vomero Plus x Doernbecher Freestyle Molly $165 on Nike Air Max Plus Nike Air Max Plus x Doernbecher Freestyle Sergio $180 on Nike Air Max Dn8 Nike Women's Air Max Dn8 x Doernbecher Freestyle Raegan $210 on Nike Air Jordan 17 Nike Air Jordan 17 x Doernbecher Freestyle Zach $230 on Nike Plan to be online early come launch day. Most Nike shoes already sell out within minutes of being launched, but these limited-edition shoes made by young designers could go even faster. DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers have signed right-handed pitcher Jalen Evans to a minor-league deal. Evans, 27, is joining an affiliated organization for the first time in his career after four seasons of independent ball. A Detroit native who went to Warren Mott High School in Warren, Evans played college ball at Western Oklahoma and Texas Wesleyan. Since then, hes logged time in four different indy leagues between gigs as an Amazon warehouse associate and cell-phone sales rep. One of the most electric free agent arms at Tread didn't even make it to Pro Day before being signed. Congrats to Jalen Evans on signing with the Detroit Tigers. Coach: @CraigStem#TreadFam pic.twitter.com/xBI8w9D9U1 Tread Athletics (@TreadHQ) January 15, 2026 Evans announced the signing on his Instagram page. From starting off playing on the west side of Detroit to signing with my hometown team and representing my city is still crazy to me, he wrote. TIGERS NOTABLE MINOR-LEAGUE SIGNINGS Its kind of like weather chaos across Michigan now because the lake-effect areas are socked in with snow while the eastern side of the state will get lighter snow. Watch Monday with me for a potentially very hazardous travel day, to even possibly impassable on the west side of Michigan. Here are the take-aways from my morning video update. The video is above. Heavy Lake Effect Snow Targets Western Michigan Through Weekend A significant lake effect snow event is underway along Michigans Lake Michigan shoreline, with the heaviest impacts from southern Lake Michigan through Traverse City up to Petoskey. These areas can expect 3 to 7 inches of heavy lake effect snow today, while most other locations across lower Michigan will see 1 to 2 inches. An unusual southwest-oriented lake effect band will particularly impact Muskegon through Big Rapids, with 6 to 12 inches possible through Saturday. The pattern continues through the weekend with persistent heavy snow bands affecting Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Cadillac, and the entire western third of the state, while southeastern Michigan including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Monroe will see less than an inch. Sneaky Freezing Drizzle Creates Hazardous Conditions Between snow bands, freezing drizzle has occurred this morning across central Michigan, This happens when cloud condensation nuclei that form snowflakes strip away, but moisture remains in the air with cold temperatures. The freezing drizzle is especially dangerous because its difficult to see on radar and can create unexpected icy conditions on roadways. Motorists should exercise extreme caution in areas where snow has moved out but conditions remain cold, as this sneaky precipitation can quickly make roads treacherous without warning. Monday Emerges as Potentially Dangerous Travel Day Monday is shaping up to be a particularly hazardous day across Michigan that may warrant travel plan adjustments. An Arctic front will bring wind gusts between 30 and 45 mph, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline and US-31 corridor. Combined with lake effect snow bands drifting across the state, falling temperatures into the single digits, and all the fluffy snow accumulated over the weekend available for blowing, conditions could meet blizzard warning criteria. I specifically think US-31 along Lake Michigan should be avoided Monday, and no roads in Michigan will likely be safe for travel. Those needing to travel should consider leaving Sunday before the system arrives. Arctic Blast Brings Brutal Cold Tuesday and Wednesday The coldest temperatures of the winter season are expected Tuesday morning, with lows ranging from a couple degrees below zero to possibly 10-15 degrees below zero away from the lakes. Wednesday morning will remain dangerously cold as the Arctic air becomes entrenched across the region. The lakes, still relatively mild at 35-40 degrees, will continue producing heavy lake effect snow as the extreme cold air masses move across the warmer water. This temperature pattern will persist through the week with no immediate relief in sight, marking a significant shift to a true winter pattern for Michigan. Extended Cold Pattern May Last Into Early February Long-range models indicate the Arctic cold and active lake effect snow pattern will continue through the end of January with little relief. The position of this cold air will determine whether Michigan sees a major widespread snowstorm late next week or if storm systems track south through Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky instead. Some extended models are beginning to suggest the Arctic cold may finally lift somewhat in the first week of February, though these long-range forecasts should be taken with caution. Until then, western Michigan can expect snow to continue piling up with a couple inches every day due to persistent lake effect from the cold Arctic air. Generative AI was used to bring my live video to text for this story, based on my live broadcast video this morning. I used the text as a foundation of the article. 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 Follow us on: Loans up to Aamir Khan reignites language debate, says 'Yeh Maharashtra hai bhai' after being asked to make a statement in Hindi during BMC elections 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. Did our AI summary help? Ragini Jaiswal Entertainment journalist and content writer with 3+ years of experience covering Bollywood, lifestyle trends, and celebrity stories across leading digital platforms. Did our AI summary help? Did our AI summary help? Taking to Instagram on Friday, Priyanka shared glimpses of Maltis fourth birthday bash, which was beautifully themed around Disney princesses. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to When Vijay Sethupathi was accused of asking for caravan favours from a female co-actor Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Supreme Court to consider Priya Kapur's plea demanding a copy of divorce settlement between Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Bharti Singh reveals her first pregnancy was an unexpected surprise: We were having beers and Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Andhra Pradesh to get worlds largest green ammonia project at Kakinada Metals prices were broadly steadying already on Thursday after powerful gains at the start of 2026 The insurance industrys foremost demand relates to the tax treatment of annuities and pension products Reliance confirmed that the central utility and control block for its solar manufacturing ecosystem is already operational. 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 The government has the enviable job to reduce income inequality 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 Overall, goods exports rose to $38.51 billion in December, up 1.9 percent on-year. Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. [L to R]: Piyush Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India; Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India; Manohar Lal, Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India; Ghanshyam Prasad, chairman, Central Electricity Authority; Dr RK Tyagi, Power Grid Corporation of India CMD Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. Can IT sector see market re-rating amid positive AI commentary by Infosys after TCS? Analysts say 'evidence of monetisation' needed Among sectors poised to benefit, Kumar highlighted textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, aquaculture, and fisheries. He said India had previously missed the textile opportunity after China exited the space, with Bangladesh gaining ground due to Indias policy constraints but that could change. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Govt to ease rules to boost FDI in domestic defence firms, says report Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to SEBI plans simpler KYC and Re-KYC rules to end repeated paperwork for investors, mandate 5-year review at KRAs Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Stocks to Watch Today: Infosys, ICICI Prudential AMC, HDB Financial, Zydus Life, Shriram Finance, Zaggle Prepaid, Transrail Lighting in focus on 16 January Hiral Thanawala is a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, he covers financial planning, banking and fintech segments from personal finance team for Moneycontrol. 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. China reports decline in workplace fatalities, enhanced disaster resilience in 2025 Xinhua) 10:44, January 16, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's efforts to strengthen accident prevention and enforcement led to a decline in both the number of production safety accidents and fatalities in 2025. Official data released by the Ministry of Emergency Management on Thursday shows that 18,261 people died in 19,884 workplace safety accidents nationwide last year, representing year-on-year decreases of 7 percent in deaths and 8.7 percent in accident numbers. A key highlight of the 2025 data was the total absence of extraordinarily serious accidents. Under national regulations, this category refers to incidents that result in at least 30 deaths, 100 serious injuries, or 100 million yuan (about 14.2 million U.S. dollars) in direct economic losses. This improvement in workplace safety is the result of a systemic shift toward a prevention-oriented safety governance model, according to the ministry. In 2025, the State Council Work Safety Committee deployed 22 central-level inspection teams. These teams identified over 17,000 safety hazards, including 585 major accident risks, and supervised the handling of problems and hidden risks reported by both employees and the public. Last year, China faced natural disasters including floods, geological hazards, earthquakes, typhoons and hailstorms, which affected 67.03 million people and caused direct economic losses of 241.62 billion yuan. The year saw 24 national-level disaster emergency responses, the highest in nearly a decade. To enhance resilience, the ministry implemented an innovative relief logistics model described as "county-managed, township-stored, village-utilized." By allocating in advance nearly 400,000 relief items to 400 counties with high disaster risks, the country ensured the immediate delivery of relief supplies in the event of extreme conditions in which roads, electricity and communications are entirely severed, according to the ministry. The efficiency of this people-centered approach was proven following the 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Dingri, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, in early 2025. Despite the remote location, the first batch of central relief funds and supplies reached the disaster zone in just six hours, ensuring basic necessities for the affected residents. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to TCIL blacklists Cisco from participating in its tenders for 2 years over KSWAN 3.0 dispute Armaan Bhatnagar is a news editor with nearly 14 years of experience in digital media across leading organisations including The Times of India, Microsoft, and Network18. Over the years, Armaan has reported extensively on Indian politics, global affairs, economy, and business. He has led coverage of landmark events ranging from three Lok Sabha elections and multiple state polls to historic Supreme Court judgments. He has closely followed geopolitical developments across US and Pakistan, the Middle East, as well as South Asia. He has also helped build innovative newsroom products, including COVID dashboards, election trackers, economy meters, and a range of data-driven properties. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Amit Shah hails BJP-Shiv Sena's 'resounding victory' in Maharashtra civic polls: 'People have faith in PM Modi' Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All BJP takes rasmalai jibe at Raj Thackeray as saffron camp surges in Maharashtra civic polls Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray joined hands to take on the BJP-led Mahayuti. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All 'Can't discuss in public': DK Shivakumar's cryptic response over Delhi visit grabs attention In the last LMC polls in 2017, the BJP won 36 seats with the Congress coming a close second with victory in 33 wards. Local political observers believe Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan's controversial remarks on Congress stalwart and late Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who hailed from Latur, days before polling consolidated votes in favour of the Grand Old Party. The Congress secured 43 seats, followed by the BJP (22), Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (4) and the Nationalist Congress Party (1), according to elections officials. Voting for the LMC was held on Thursday and counting was completed on Friday afternoon. Addressing BJP workers at a poll campaign rally in Latur, Chavan said memories of late Vilasrao Deshmukh, a two-time CM and a popular politician from the Marathwada region, would be "wiped out" from his hometown Latur. Chavan's remarks, for which he later apologised, had drawn sharp criticism from citizens and political parties across the state. Of the five mayors since the corporation's formation in 2011, four were in the fray this time and two of them won. Congress's first mayor of Latur, Smita Khanapure, suffered a setback, losing to BJP spokesperson Prerana Honrao in Ward No. 15. Another former mayor from the party, Vikrant Gojamgunde, who quit the Congress ahead of civic polls and joined the NCP, won from Ward No. 5 with a 4,729-vote margin. Former mayor from the Congress, Deepak Sul, retained his influence by winning Ward No. 10 with 5,451 votes. Former BJP mayor Suresh Pawar, contesting from Ward No. 6 on a Shiv Sena ticket, lost to the BJP candidate. In the last LMC polls in 2017, the BJP won 36 seats with the Congress coming a close second with victory in 33 wards. He is currently lodged in jail under judicial custody. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All ED says Mehul Choksi's son Rohan was 'actively' involved in money laundering: Report Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Eknath Shinde thanks public for Mahayuti's massive mandate, claims triple engine government in Mumbai Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Ex-Air Force personnel rapes daughter for years, told her 'Every father loves his daughter this way' The Indian embassy in Tehran on Wednesday urged all Indian nationals including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists to leave Iran by available means of transport Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Jodhpur shocker: Man rapes daughter for 12 years, assault began when she was 6 Mumbais BMC shifts hands, BJP leads big across key corporations; Congress breaks the pattern only in Latur. Maharashtra civic polls: Congress shows why it is still a force to reckon with despite Mumbai damp squib Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Mahayuti will elect Mumbai mayor, says BJP's Satam; calls verdict victory for Hindutva The Sharad PawarAjit Pawar reunion pitch falls flat as BJP takes big leads in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls, denting NCPs bastions. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Red Fort set to get 150 CCTV cameras for heightened security post Delhi terror attack A favourable tax regime for new ventures is the need of the hour. Reema Arya is Consultant at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. Views are personal, and do not represent the stance of this publication. Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Arjun Kumar is a heritage explorer by inclination with a penchant for seeking obscure sites. A brand consultant by profession, he tweets @HiddenHeritage. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. As dense fog blanketed Delhi-NCR on Tuesday morning, the Delhi Airport issued an advisory, warning travellers about the possible flight delays. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for low visibility, warning travellers of possible disruptions. Delhi airport authorities reported that flights are operating under CAT III conditions, which allow landing in very low visibility but may result in delays. Passengers have been advised to arrive early and monitor their flight status with airlines. Airline helplines for travellers The Airports Authority of India (AAI) have released airline customer support for travellers. They can reach out to the following airline customer support for updates and assistance: IndiGo: 0124 497 3838 Air India: 011 6932 9333 SpiceJet: +91 124 498 3410 / +91 124 710 1600 Air India Express: +91 124 443 5600 / +91 124 693 5600 Akasa Air: 9606112131 Alliance Air: 044 3511 3511 IndiaOne Air: 6358881040 Star Air: 022 5079 9555 / 9970555111 Fly91: 8668919191 IndiGo also issued a travel advisory as it warned of impact on flight schedules. Low visibility and fog over #Delhi may impact flight schedules. We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly. We request that you stay updated on your flight status via our website or app. Please be assured that our teams are here to assist you at every step and provide full support, the advisory said. Meanwhile, SpiceJet in its travel advisory stated, Due to bad weather in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via http://spicejet.com/#status. Cold spell and foggy mornings The morning fog coincides with a dip in temperatures across the region. Delhis maximum and minimum temperatures are expected around 20C and 8C, respectively. Safdarjung Observatory recorded the coldest February day in four years on Monday, with a maximum of just 17.5C. Partly cloudy skies are expected on Tuesday, but dense fog is likely to persist in the early mornings. A recent western disturbance and light rain have kept moisture levels high, intensifying the fog and reducing visibility further. The poor visibility is affecting road traffic as well, with drivers urged to exercise caution during early hours. Over 300 flights were delayed on Monday due to the fog, and similar disruptions are expected in the coming days. Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. As the subsidiaries are newly formed, details such as acquisition timelines or consideration do not apply. Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. OnlyFans creator Sophie Rain called the proposal a clout grab and warned it could drive creators from Florida. (Image credit: @75secondes/X) Nagpur-born Dutch mayor continues search for biological mother after 4 decades: 'Just want to tell her...' The White House has not clarified the meaning of the post. (Image credit: ANI) Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Zohran Mamdani's plan to install bidet at Gracie Mansion termed 'desi' by netizens. Watch Researchers in northern Saudi Arabia have uncovered naturally mummified cheetahs, some dating back 1,800 years, in caves near Arar. The discovery includes seven preserved mummies and bones of at least 54 others. DNA analysis shows they are related to modern Asian and northwest African cheetahs. The findings shed light on Arabias lost wildlife, reveal how extreme environments preserve large animals, and could inform future conservation or reintroduction efforts for the species that has long disappeared from the region. Did our AI summary help? Comet 3I/ATLAS, a rare interstellar visitor discovered in 2025, is making its final journey through the solar system. Identified as only the third known object from another star system, the comet is now receding from the sun. Astronomers confirm it behaves like a normal comet, dismissing alien claims, and are offering one last opportunity for observation before it disappears into interstellar space. Did our AI summary help? Four International Space Station crew members safely returned to Earth after NASA ordered the first medical evacuation in the stations history. The SpaceX capsule splashed down off California, with all astronauts stable. NASA said privacy rules prevent identifying the affected crew member, but lingering medical uncertainty prompted the early return. The mission underscored the ISSs preparedness for emergencies and the continuing cooperation between international space agencies. 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 Abu Dhabi named Worlds Best Cruise Destination 2025. From cultural districts to island escapes, discover why cruise travellers are flocking to the UAE capital! 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. US Congressman Rich McCormick praised Indias Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission for its low cost and precision, lauded PM Modis nationalistic policies, and highlighted Indias growing economic role compared to Pakistan amid ongoing India-US policy differences. Did our AI summary help? Amid political tensions and quality concerns, Indian pharmaceutical exports are rapidly replacing Pakistani medicines in Afghanistan, filling shortages and gaining market share as India expands aid and investment in the countrys healthcare sector. Did our AI summary help? U.S. President Trump meets with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in Washington Pakistans PM Shehbaz Sharif hosted hardline clerics at the PMs Office, signaling a state-backed revival of jihadist messaging against India. The move aims to legitimize Kashmir jihad, deflect internal failures, and consolidate support by mobilizing religious fervor. Did our AI summary help? U.S. President Trump meets with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in the Oval Office, during which she presented the President with her Nobel Peace Prize, in Washington, D.C, U.S., released January 15, 2026. Daniel Torok/The White House/Handout via REUTERS A man holds up a poster that reads 'Yoon Again' as he and other supporters of South Korea's ousted former leader Yoon Suk Yeol attend a protest in Seoul on December 6, 2025, three days after the one year anniversary of his short-lived martial law declaration. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP) Unrest in Iran and new US tariffs threaten Indias $500 million Chabahar Port project, risking its key access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Instability could slow progress, invite Chinese influence, and force India to weigh strategic gains against economic risks. Did our AI summary help? Pakistan promotes the JF-17 fighter jet as proof of its defence export ambitions, but the reality is limited sales, dependence on China, and targeting vulnerable buyers. The campaign reflects economic desperation more than industrial maturity or strategic breakthrough. 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. Instability or regime change in Iran threatens Indias strategic access via Chabahar Port, weakens a counterweight to Pakistan, and risks increased Chinese influence, forcing New Delhi to safeguard its interests amid shifting regional dynamics and rival ambitions. Did our AI summary help? Iran continues to operate the US-made F-14 Tomcat fighter jets decades after the US retired them, maintaining a small fleet through local repairs and improvisation. The jets symbolize Irans past alliance with the US and its resilience amid sanctions and isolation. Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump announces formation of Board of Peace in Gaza under phase two of US-backed plan The new agreement slashes the tariff rate to 15 per cent, the same as levied on other US trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region such as Japan and South Kore Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Venezuela's Machado says she presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal: 'Recognition for his...' Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Why Chinese universities are climbing global rankings while US schools slip Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Why US and Denmark are giving different accounts of Greenland talks Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Why US is parking Venezuelan oil money in a Qatari bank January 16, 2026 Iran The Ragtag Network Of Activists Run By The State Department As the recent regime change operation in Iran has now evidently failed the media are allowed to revile some details of the powers behind it. Inside the Fight to Keep Iran Online (archived) NY Times, Jan 16 2026 Activists spent years preparing for a communications blackout in Iran, smuggling in Starlink satellite internet systems and making digital shutdowns harder for the authorities to enforce. Irans communications blackout last week seemed complete. Internet and cellular networks had been shut down by the authorities. Online banking, shopping and text messaging services stopped working. Information about the growing protests was scarce. Yet a ragtag network of activists, developers and engineers pierced Irans digital barricades. Using thousands of Starlink satellite internet systems that they had quietly smuggled into the country, they got online and spread images of troops firing into the streets and families searching for bodies. A ragtag network of activists Lets see who, according to the piece, belongs to it: You need to plan to have that infrastructure in place, said Fereidoon Bashar, the executive director of ASL19, a digital rights group focused on Iran. This is because of years of planning and work among different groups. ASL19 is an Iranian regime change group in Canada. Its website says: We build innovative solutions to advance human rights and civil liberty in Iran Its About page says nothing about who is behind it or how the group is financed. A Wikipedia page about the organization leaves some doubt about the its integrity: ASL19 (Persian: ) is an independent technology organisation that works toward practical responses for online access to information. Their work has been mired in allegations of sexual abuse and workplace harassment. Based in Toronto, ASL19 was founded in 2012 with the support of the University of Torontos Citizen Lab. The University of Toronto has sought to distance themselves from the organisation since controversy about the organization was raised in 2017. An investigative reportage by The Verge and an open letter from anonymous former female employees alleged workplace abuse and harassment existed within the organization. A freedom of information request from Ontario human rights tribunal demonstrated that an allegation of abuse and sexual assault had occurred within the workplace, while ASL19 managing staffs were allegedly complicit in covering up the alleged abuse. In the one reported case the organisation reportedly sought out a non-disclosure agreement. Digital rights organisation Access Now terminated their partnership with ASL19 for their RightsCon summit series in December 2017. Back to the NY Times piece: This is the most severe internet shutdown that we have experienced, said Ahmad Ahmadian, an exiled activist who was also involved in smuggling the satellite internet systems into Iran. Starlink is a lifeline. Hmm: Ahmad Ahmadian is President and CEO of Holistic Resilience, a U.S.-based nonprofit that develops technologies to deliver uncensored information and counter state surveillance, with a primary focus on Iran. Holisticresilience.us has a one page website with some blubber but no real information on it. None of the projects Ahmad Ahmadian claims to lead is mentioned. There is a contact form without any name on it. There is also a donation page leading to a fundraisup.com page which says that it has $17,392.70 raised of $1M USD goal to buy Starlink antennas. An Ahmad Ahmadian Twitter account, launched in 2009, follows 995 person but is itself followed by only 650 other users. A related joinNASNET (NasNet l ) tweets a lot about Starlink in Farsi. It is following 49 others and has about 10,100 followers. Onto a another ragtag activists in the NY Times piece: [O]n Jan. 8, as mass protests swelled, Iranian officials turned off the internet altogether, sending the country of 90 million people into a digital blackout. VPNs stopped working. Irans internet traffic dropped 99 percent, according to the monitoring group Netblocks. The government panicked, said Amir Rashidi, a cybersecurity expert with Miaan, a digital rights group focused on Iran. Miaan.org has at least some pages on its website. Its About page says that: Miaan is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity headquartered in Austin with staff and activities across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. It mentions 11 people working for it. There is zero information on how Miaan is financed. But we do not have to guess much about that. We are now down at the 18th paragraph of NY Times piece on a ragtag network of activists which finally hints to who is organizing and financing it: The State Department coordinated with SpaceX on the sanctions exemption for digital communication tools in Iran. It also provided support to civil society groups about how to hide the systems from government detection, according to a Biden administration official involved in the plans. It is the U.S. government which provided the various regime change groups with the money to smuggle some 50,000 Starlink terminals into Iran. But the whole costly endeavor did not play out as planned. Starlink terminals use GPS to define their own position which they need to know to be able to find and connect to Starlinks satellites. GPS signals are weak and easy to fake. The Iranian government is spoofing GPS signals giving fake locations which confuses the Starlink terminals. They can not find and connect to the satellites they need. (There are additional ways to detect and locate single active Starlink terminals. But to disable a large number of them GPS spoofing is currently the best way to go.) With Starlink out the foreign coordinators of the armed rioters on the ground in Iran have no longer the means to control them. The media regime change influencers no longer receive the fresh horror videos to keep the public anti-Iran campaign going. AI created fake videos spread by bot-accounts are only a sad replacement (archived): The internet blackout in Iran has stanched the flow of reliable information about the political unrest roiling the country. Filling the void has been a deluge of propaganda, disinformation and influence campaigns from countries or parties trying to shape the outcome of the conflict. Inauthentic accounts online also known as bots have spread false and conflicting narratives on X, Instagram and other social media platforms in recent days, according to several experts in disinformation flow and the Iranian information ecosystem. The bots have shared misleading or artificially generated photographs and videos, further muddling what is actually happening on the ground. A report published in October by the Citizen Lab, a cybersecurity watchdog group, concluded that a network of more than 50 inauthentic profiles on X, the social media platform, was organized by the Israeli government or a closely supervised subcontractor. The network, according to researchers, started ramping up its use of artificial intelligence early last year to spread narratives encouraging Iranians to revolt. A separate campaign on X has sought to bolster support for Mr. Pahlavi, the scion of the dynasty that once ruled Iran, according to Philip Mai, senior researcher of the Social Media Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. (Other researchers and journalists have recently linked Israeli influence operations to online content that is written in Persian and supportive of Mr. Pahlavi, a figure known to have close ties with Israel.) Having watched several regime change attempts over the years I find interesting and somewhat surprising that communication is the major weak point for such operations. Iran has proved that by shutting that it down, temporarily, can stop the immediate action. Comments Yves here. We wrote yesterday about the gimmick of Trumps pretense that he will cap interest on credit cards at 10% for only a year. Not only wont it happen because that change would require legislation, but more important because it is a terrible idea. We explained long form that it would hurt ordinary citizens, particularly the most financially stressed and merely inconvenience banks by making them have to rearrange their businesses so as to preserve their rents. There are ways to tackle bank predation by lending to weak borrowers and getting them on an extractive treadmill, but this is not that. Trump has offered a new page from his bad playbook, of a sketchy healthcare scheme that might look good at a great distance, but falls apart, not just in delivering real benefits but actually working at all. However, it is disappointing to see reform advocates continue to tout Medicare for All. Medicare is better than a lot of US insurance, but its unduly complex with many gaps and is being downgraded to something more like threadbare Medicare Advantage plans. Twitter is full of catcalls from the peanut gallery. A sample: BREAKING Donald Trump has revealed The Great Healthcare Plan which will give families $2,000 annually to purchase their own health insurance. The average annual health insurance premium for a family is $26,000. His proposal will cover 28 days of health insurance pic.twitter.com/uAHoM68Oju The Green Dragon Tavern (@greendragonhq) January 15, 2026 The Trump administrations proposal to redirect health subsidies into direct cash payments is not a substitute for a healthcare plan. The Affordable Care Acts protections for people with pre-existing conditions are not symbolic they are the product of enforceable rules such as pic.twitter.com/myo7pvzh4L Gavriel E. Toviel (@GavrielEToviel) January 15, 2026 By Brett Wilkins, a staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a Great Healthcare Plan that critics panned for being short on details, arguing thatcontrary to White House claimsthe scheme will lead to higher consumer costs and less care. Trump called on Congress to pass his proposal, which he said will lower drug prices, lower insurance premiums, hold big insurance companies accountable, and maximize price transparency. However, the advocacy group Protect Our Care called the proposal a joke healthcare plan and a sad attempt to continue gaslighting the American people. Since taking office, President Trump and his cronies in Congress have taken a hammer to American healthcare to enrich billionaires and big corporations, the group said. First, they slashed $1 trillion dollars from Medicaid, and then they doubled, tripled, and quadrupled health premiums for nearly 22 million Americans already struggling to get by in Trumps unaffordable America. Now that it is clear that busting working families budgets is bad policy and bad politics, Trump is scrambling for a lifeline, Protect Our Care added. The solution to ending the Trump-GOP premium disaster isnt rocket science. It is the three-year, clean extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits that the House passed. This commonsense solution that Trump callously threatened to veto is now sitting on Senate Republican Leader John Thunes (SD) desk. The Senatewhich last month voted down a similar three-year-extension to what House lawmakers passedhas yet to schedule a vote on the extension. An attempt to advance the bill through a unanimous consent agreement was blockedby Republicans on Wednesday. Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), ranking member of the House Budget Committee, said in a statement Thursday that Trumps half-baked healthcare plan is a con that does nothing to help Americans facing soaring costs and would raise healthcare expenses while cutting coverage. Thats no surprise from a president who is taking healthcare away from 15 million Americans to pay for tax breaks for billionaires, he added. If the White House is serious about lowering healthcare costs right now, they should support legislation to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that already passed the House with bipartisan support. The American people deserve real solutions, not gimmicks. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that a three-year extension of the enhanced ACA premium tax credits would increase the number of Americans with health insurance by millions, including approximately 3 million in 2027 and 4 million in 2028. Trump's new health care plan if it was honest: https://t.co/j0HczIQ44C pic.twitter.com/9n68wMEkgH Rep. Brendan Boyle (@CongBoyle) January 15, 2026 Eagan Kemp, healthcare policy advocate at the consumer watchdog group Public Citizen, said in a statement Thursday that Trumps Great Healthcare Plan is impressive only in the fact that it isnt great, wouldnt substantively improve healthcare, and isnt even detailed enough to be considered a plan. Trump and his cronies have had more than a decade to come up with something beyond concepts of a plan but have failed time and time again, Kemp continued. The American people are suffering under a broken healthcare system that has been made worse by Trump and his MAGA allies. By passing tax cuts for billionaires and paying for them through healthcare cuts for tens of millions of people, Trump and Republicans showed their disdain for everyday Americans. In the short run, the Senate must follow the lead of the House and pass a clean three-year extension of the ACA subsidies, he said. In the longer term, Kemp added, we must finally pass Medicare for All, an actually great healthcare plan, to finally guarantee everyone in the US can get the care they need throughout their lives without financial barriers. The UK government has no intention of changing course. But can the resistance grow? For a prime minister who enjoys a massive majority in the House of Commons, Keir Starmer is developing a serious habit of flip-flopping. His latest big U-turn, announced three days ago, involved rolling back his recent proposal to impose mandatory digital ID for job checks. For opponents of digital ID, the announcement represents merely a symbolic victory, at least for now, since the Starmer government has no intention of abandoning its plans for digital ID it is just going to take a more gradualist approach to get there. That said, it clearly represents another embarrassing setback for Starmers deeply unpopular government. Both Starmer and his mentor, Tony Blair, seemingly believed that the UK publics innate fear of immigration, much of it stoked by politicians and the media, would be enough to get the digital ID legislation over the line. That hasnt happened. The BBC reported that the government has dropped plans to make it compulsory to have digital ID in order to prove a right to work. The Guardians headline: The UK Rolls Back a Key Part of Digital ID Plans. And from the Times of London: Keir Starmer Abandons Plans for Compulsory Digital ID. As Simple As That It was at the Global Progress Action Summit in late September that Starmer first announced his plans for compulsory digital ID. Striking an authoritative pose (or at least trying to), he said: Let me spell that out. You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have Digital ID. Its as simple as that. But it clearly hasnt been simple at all. By insisting that digital ID would become mandatory for anyone wanting to work, Starmer instantly made the issue a lot more toxic. As we noted in late September, just days before Starmer made the announcement, opposition to the UKs digital ID plans was already on the rise: There are major security concerns about all the additional data that would be harvested by and for the digital identity system. The UK has already suffered hugely costly data breaches in recent years, including the Afghan data leak whose total expected cost the government is currently unable to calculate but is likely to run into the billions. [T]he governments cavalier approach to security for its rapidly expanding digital governance and identity systems should be enough to give all UK citizens pause. According to a new poll, two-thirds of UK citizens do not trust the government to keep their data secure. What is perhaps most surprising is that one-third of the respondents said they do. Even the New York Times recently asked whether Britain had gone too far with its digital controls under Starmer, describing the countrys embrace of digital surveillance and internet regulation as one of the most sweeping of any Western democracy. If your national government is drawing flak from the NYT for surveillance overreach, it means it probably crossed the line a long, long time ago. In response to the governments digital ID plans, a petition was launched on the UK parliaments website. Calling for the government to commit to not launching a digital ID, the petition quickly garnered close to 3 million signatures, making it the fourth largest petition in British history. Meanwhile, net support for digital identity had cratered from 35% in the early summer to -14% in early October, according to polling by More in Common. As we noted a few months ago, one potential silver lining of the governments rush to launch a digital identity system and compel mass adoption as quickly as possible is Keir Starmers reverse Midas touch: If anyone can turn the entire country off the idea of digital identity, tarnishing it forever, it is Starmer, who managed to establish himself as Britains most unpopular prime minister on record in just over 12 months. And so it has proven. As the FT reports, ministers will continue to press ahead with compulsory digital right-to-work checks for employers, but are planning to allow workers to offer other types of proof such as passports or commercial verification products. The U-turn comes as the government tries to argue for digital ID as a way to make life more convenient for Britons and drive reform of public services. Senior Labour MPs had privately expressed concern about the proposed mandatory element and ministers have concluded it would get in the way of efforts to persuade voters to support it, according to people familiar with the matter. However, the decision will add to a mounting tally of U-turns by Starmers government, which has been criticised by senior ministers. While that may be true, it is clear the UK governments attempts to foist digital ID on the British public had nothing to do with tackling illegal migration. It is equally obvious that restricting the right to work is not really the purpose of digital ID, as Iain M Davis pointed out in his September article, The BritCard Digital ID Psyop. In the governments own words: A new digital ID scheme will make it easier for people across the UK to use vital government services. The roll-out will in time make it easier to apply for government and private sector services, such as helping renters to quickly prove their identity to landlords, improving access to welfare and other benefits, and making it easier for parents to apply for free childcare. Digital Identity for Everything In other words, as Davis points out, in time, we will supposedly need digital ID to access services like child care, to receive welfare and other benefits, and to rent a home: But thats not all. We will also need it to access private sector services such as those offered by banks. Youll need your government approved digital ID to buy a home too, in time. In short, a state issued digital ID gives the state total control over your life and, to a great extent, the economy. Nonetheless, Starmers U-turn, while largely symbolic, is still important, for the simple fact that digital identity systems, and digital public infrastructure in general (more on them later), are among the most important questions todays societies could possibly grapple with, since they promise to transform our worlds and lives beyond recognition. As such, they should be under discussion in every parliament of every land, and every dinner table in every country. But they arent. In many countries, there is no public discussion of any kind. Thats largely because the rollout of DPI is being driven at a global level, primarily by the United Nations and its strategic partner, the World Economic Forum and its corporate members and sponsors. Digital identity was set as a global objective by the United Nations as SDG 16.9 in 2016. The EU, for instance, adopted digital identity legislation in 2024 without even the slightest pretence of public debate, awareness or acceptance. I would wager that even today most EU citizens and residents still dont know that an EU-wide digital ID is on its way, or what it could mean for them. And that, unfortunately, is the norm in most jurisdictions. The UK is one of the few outliers in this sense, having had a relatively open debate on the issue. The reason for this is that the UK, like Ireland and the US, does not have a national ID card system, so adopting a digital identity system is a much more contentious move, requiring at least some semblance of public buy-in. And the public is not buying in. However, while the government is trying to give the impression that it is abandoning its commitment to mandatory digital ID, nothing of real substance has actually changed. Digital identity is still being rolled out, just somewhat less forcefully, and that can change at any moment. In short, the government has staged a tactical retreat from the most coercive use-case, presumably in the hope that it will defuse the immediate backlash. But the digital ID system itself is still going ahead. Indeed, One Login, the governments centralised digital identity platform, is already up and running, and has 12 million sign-ups, roughly equivalent to one out of four English citizens. Once fully operational, One Login will underpin the forthcoming Gov.uk Wallet, which will be used to deliver digital versions of key government documents, such as driving licences, birth certificates and passports as well as private sector credentials. Security Issues One Login already has well-documented security issues. Computer Weekly reported in April that the platform is still not compliant with cyber standards for critical services and has lost its certification against the governments own digital identity system trust framework. A recent simulated hack revealed that attackers could gain privileged access without detection, as The Telegraphs Andrew Orlowski explains in the clip below. DIGITAL ID: You may be completely exposed to identity fraud because of One Login @AndrewOrlowski The security flaws in One Login are deeply concerning. Company directors, there is a way to avoid One Login please see our toolkit for full details:https://t.co/5HHOMVF9Fu pic.twitter.com/5Qe9K3Gdgo Together (@Togetherdec) November 23, 2025 The One Login system is also not exactly what youd call user-friendly. Long-time NC reader Revenant recently shared his experience trying to register on it: I just tried to use One Login today to file a confirmation statement. The app will not run on my mobile (eOS fork of Android, without Google spyware). Lol! So I tried the web interface. It only allows you one attempt to be linked. I chose the wrong address (I have more than one) and it threw its hands up and said it would not be able to confirm my identity. I think this is because it uses credit bureau data (which I expected) and I now believe the electoral roll, which I have left in recent years (because I refuse to show ID to vote and all the choices are execreable). Using electoral roll data for validation is a very poor choice. So I had to obtain a letter (really a QR code) via the website, take it to a post office, have them read my passport biometric data electronically AND photograph it AND then photograph me. This is overkill, it would have been enough for the postmistress to eyeball me and my passport and validate me as IDd. This is all lawyers and accountants do for identifying you legally, including ironically for passport applications. Stupid, broken, information greedy, anti-human system. Fortunately it will be badly written and die on live television in the near future, just watch! Big Brother Watch, one of the digital rights organisations that led the push back against the UKs digital ID plans, warns what while mandatory digital ID may have been defeated (for now), the fight is far from over, especially given how easily voluntary systems can become de facto mandatory. We've DEFEATED mandatory digital ID "We should recognise this as a win we've been warning about the dangers of a digital ID + 3 million members of the population made their voices heard" Jasleen Chaggar But the fight is not over we're watching the watchers pic.twitter.com/76zcpg1W2N Big Brother Watch (@BigBrotherWatch) January 14, 2026 This is precisely what happened in countries that already have full-fledged digital identity systems, such as India and Estonia. They started off by assuring citizens that digital identity was totally optional until it became necessary for just about everything. In India, access issues to the Aadhaar system have locked millions out of their legitimate benefits, even resulting in deaths. In the UK, it is already as good as mandatory for business owners to register with Companies House via One Login. Thats an additional six million people who will be corralled into the system unless, of course, they refuse to or find work-arounds. The stated reason for this new requirement is to attract investment to the UK by bolstering transparency as well as provide greater protection against fraud. While business registration processes could do with being beefed up, forcing business owners to register on One Login risks exposing millions of people to much greater fraud risk, warns Info-Security magazine: Michael Perez, director at managed service provider Ekco, warned that the One Login ID verification service used by the government is itself a security risk. He claimed it has failed to meet all government Cyber Assessment Framework outcomes and has historically been plagued by issues including software vulnerabilities and insecure logins. Requesting millions of individuals to submit sensitive identity documents via a platform that hasnt fully adopted secure-by-design principles introduces significant risk, Perez argued. It concentrates vulnerability and could expose users to breaches at a time when public confidence in digital systems is already under pressure. These system and data security vulnerabilities are just two of many problems posed by digital identity. As already mentioned, digital identity is intended as the foundation for all other digital public infrastructure, or DPI. They include the programmable central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) that dozens of central banks are in the process of piloting and which threaten to transform the very nature of money, including by using algorithms to impose expiry dates or geographic limits on stimulus funds as well as limits on how we spend our money, or indeed whether we can actually spend it at all. A Technocratic Central Planners Dream The EUs recent imposition of financial sanctions on the retired Swiss colonel (and EU resident) Jacques Baud for criticising NATOs proxy war with Russia in Ukraine, freezing his assets within the eurozone and prohibiting EU citizens and companies from making financial transactions with him, is a mere foretaste of what could be in store with a programmable digital euro. In his 2022 article Just Say No to CBDCs, Washington-based blogger and policy analyst NS Lyons warned that CBDCs, if not deliberately and carefully constrained in advance by law, have the potential to become even more than a technocratic central planners dream. They could represent the single greatest expansion of totalitarian power in history. Oracle Films Phil Wiseman offers a solid overview of some of the other core issues with DPI: New subscriber benefit! Copied to clipboard Out of gifts for the month Unfortunately you've used all of your gifts this month. Your counter will reset on the first day of next month. Share this article paywall-free The lower levels of the Nashville Public Librarys downtown parking garage could soon reopen, a move that would come more than eight months after a fire caused the closures of both the garage and the library's main branch. However, an opening date for the library itself, the main address for which is 615 Church St., remains unannounced. Officials with the Nashville Department of Transportation and Metro Legal gave details at a Metro Traffic and Parking Commission meeting on Jan. 12, noting the fire caused extensive damage to the concrete and steel component of the garage. NDOT official Jon Boghozian said this includes spalling, cracking, crazing and discoloration of the concrete as well as warping and discoloration to the steel. He said temporary restorations to parts of the structure began in December so that further evaluations of the damage could take place. There is no specific date for the reopening of the garage, which offers access from both Sixth and Seventh avenues. (See the Seventh Avenue entrance here.) But Boghozian said some of the lower floors of the structure could "soon" be open to the public. Our intent is to attempt to open some of the lower levels of the garage for parking operations, Boghozian said during the meeting. Our hope is that well evaluate and continue to shore and address structural concerns so that any of the bottom floors could be opened as we move forward with the repairs. The number of parking spots available in the soon-to-be-reopened lower levels has not been finalized. Downtown Library Closure Extended Third party to complete safety review following June 10 fire in main branch's garage The June 10 fire started in a fourth-floor storage room in the seven-story garage, a space in which flammable gas containers were later discovered. An investigation found that an electrical failure was likely the cause, though no official determination has been made. The fire caused a ramp connecting the fourth and fifth floors to collapse and led to additional damage to the floors above. Due to these factors, Boghozian said he expects a partial demolition and reconstruction of the garages top four floors. He said the reconstruction could come with modernization efforts to the garage, including features like electric vehicle charging stations. Several vehicles have been stuck in the parking garage since June, with a few parked on the upper levels unable to be removed due to the ramp collapse. Metro Law Department Deputy Director Tom Cross said at the Jan. 12 meeting that multiple cars were damaged beyond operability. Questions have swirled around who exactly bears responsibility and legal liability for the fire. Some point to the Nashville Downtown Partnership (NDP), which operates the garage through a contract with Metro. However, Metro attorneys approved liability insurance and fire insurance policies in the lease. NDP has said Block by Block, a subcontractor that used the fourth-floor storage space, is to blame for the incident. Regarding the status of the main library, uncertainty remains as to when the downtown cultural facility could reopen to the public. We remain in close contact with the restoration company leading NPL through the reopening process of the Main Library," spokesperson Andrea Fanta told Scene sister publication Nashville Post on Jan. 14, "and are eager to reopen this flagship location as soon as they tell us its safe to do so. A version of this article was first published by our sister publication Nashville Post. East China's Suzhou to host 32nd APEC trade ministers' meeting in May 2026 Xinhua) 10:48, January 16, 2026 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Expanded school-based tobacco use prevention program linked to lower youth smoking and vaping in California University of California San Diego researchers found that students in schools with Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) funding had 20% lower overall tobacco use and 23% lower vaping rates than students in non-TUPE schools. The program's expansion followed voter-approved Proposition 56 in 2016, which increased tobacco taxes and generated new funding for school-based prevention and statewide media campaigns. Findings were based on data from more than 160,000 students in grades 8, 10 and 12 who participated in the 20192020 California Student Tobacco Survey across 358 public schools. Students in TUPE-funded schools were more likely to receive prevention education, participate in anti-tobacco activities and have access to trained counselors factors linked to lower tobacco and vaping rates. Independent experts and study authors say the consistent results show that sustained, high-quality school-based prevention is a critical complement to broader tobacco control policies in reducing youth addiction. An expanded, school-based tobacco prevention program in California has been linked to significantly lower rates of smoking and vaping among middle and high school students, according to new research from the University of California San Diego. The study published Monday, Jan. 12, in the Journal of Adolescent Health evaluated the impact of California's Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program following a major funding increase approved by voters in 2016. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the program is a state-funded initiative aimed at reducing youth tobacco use through education, prevention and cessation strategies. It focuses on school-based programs, community outreach and policy advocacy to discourage smoking and vaping among young people. Researchers analyzed data from more than 160,000 students across the state, drawing on responses from the 20192020 California Student Tobacco Survey. The survey included eight-, tenth- and twelfth-grade students from 358 public schools and provided one of the most comprehensive looks at youth tobacco use following a major expansion of prevention funding. That expansion was made possible by Proposition 56, a ballot initiative approved by California voters in 2016 that raised taxes on cigarettes, vapes and other tobacco products. The measure generated new revenue for tobacco control efforts, including a significant increase in funding for TUPE, which is administered by the California Department of Education. While Proposition 56 also funded statewide media campaigns that reached nearly all adolescents, TUPE resources were directed toward more intensive, school-based strategies in selected districts. These included classroom instruction, youth-led anti-tobacco activities and access to cessation services. In line with this, the study found that students attending schools receiving TUPE funding were substantially less likely to use tobacco products than their peers in schools without the program. Overall, tobacco use was about 20% lower, while vaping rates were 23% lower in TUPE-funded schools. How anti-tobacco programs are making a difference To determine whether TUPE provided added benefits beyond California's broader tobacco control environment, researchers compared students in TUPE-funded and non-funded schools. They found that students in both groups reported similar exposure to tobacco advertising and similar perceptions of how easy it was to obtain tobacco products, suggesting comparable external influences. The differences, researchers said, appeared inside the schools. Students in TUPE-funded schools were more likely to receive tobacco prevention education (71% compared with 63.8%) and to participate in anti-tobacco activities such as tobacco-free events or creating prevention materials (15.2% compared with 10.6%). These schools were also more likely to provide access to counselors or staff trained to address substance use concerns. Those factors were associated with lower rates of tobacco use. Overall, 6.5% of students in TUPE-funded schools reported using tobacco, compared with 8.1% in non-TUPE schools. Vaping, the most common form of youth tobacco use, was reported by 5.4% of students in TUPE-funded schools, versus 7% elsewhere. Furthermore, the association between TUPE funding and reduced tobacco use remained significant even after researchers accounted for variables such as grade level, region, race and ethnicity, parental education, mental health status and whether students lived with someone who used tobacco. Experts: Sustained investment in school-based prevention key to reducing youth tobacco use Michael Ong, M.D., Ph.D., a health economist and professor at the University of California Los Angeles, who was not involved in the study, said the findings underscore the importance of sustained investment in prevention. "Studies like this show how important it is to keep investing in strategies that workand that protect young people from becoming addicted," said Ong, who chairs the California Department of Public Health's Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee, which advises the state on tobacco prevention and control. Ong added that Proposition 56 allowed California to strengthen and modernize its prevention efforts at a time when vaping products were rapidly evolving. "This study shows that when schools are given the resources to implement sustained, high-quality prevention education, students are more likely to reject these enticing new products." Senior study author Shu-Hong Zhu echoed a similar stance. He concluded that the consistency of the findings across multiple measures strengthens the evidence that school-based prevention programs play a critical role in reducing youth tobacco use as part of a comprehensive statewide strategy. "School-based programs are not a replacement for strong policy and media, but they are a critical complement," Zhu said. "This study suggests that sustained investment in prevention education at the school level can help protect young people from becoming addicted to tobacco." Watch this motivational video on how to quit smoking. This video is from the Healthy Life Tips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: MedicalExpress.com ScienceDirect.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Digital purge: Meta deletes 550,000 accounts as Australias social media ID law reshapes the internet Australia's draconian social media ban for users under 16 forced Meta to delete 550,000 accounts (330K Instagram, 173K Facebook, 40K Threads) within weeks. Platforms face fines if they fail to enforce age verification, pushing companies like Meta to err on the side of mass deletions rather than risk penalties Canberra government justifies the ban as protecting youth from online harms, yet no evidence suggests banning social media improves mental health while isolation, lost support networks and migration to unmoderated spaces (as even Meta admits) may worsen outcomes. The law mandates ID or biometric verification to participate in mainstream platforms, eroding online anonymitya core pillar of free speech. Algorithmic age-inference tools (analyzing photos/behavior) and government-linked digital IDs are now normalized, paving the way for social credit systems. Australia's law is not an isolated case but a test run for worldwide adoption. The speed of enforcement (550K accounts deleted in weeks) proves how easily governments can reshape behavior overnight when paired with corporate compliance. Resistance is growing (e.g., Reddit's lawsuit), but the framework for total digital control where dissent is erased under "safety" pretexts is now in place. Australia's bold experiment in online regulation has moved from theory to reality with a staggering, immediate impact. In the wake of the nation's groundbreaking social media age verification law taking effect, tech giant Meta has revealed a massive purge, deleting nearly 550,000 accounts it says may have belonged to users under 16. The deletions represent one of the most tangible consequences of the law that went into force on Dec. 10, 2025. The legislation requires ten major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Twitch to verify users' ages using government-issued ID or face penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33 million). Meta's data provides a first look at the scale of the disruption: Approximately 330,000 Instagram profiles, 173,000 Facebook accounts and 40,000 on Threads were removed. The company framed the action as part of its compliance, but simultaneously voiced deep reservations about the new digital frontier. "Ongoing compliance with the law will be a multi-layered process that we will continue to refine," Meta wrote, adding a critical caveat: "though our concerns about determining age online without an industry standard remain." The policy, championed by the government as a necessary shield for youth mental health, effectively establishes a digital ID system for social media participation. Users who refuse to provide identification or biometric data lose access and their accounts, along with all associated photos, messages and stored information, are terminated. Years of personal digital history can vanish overnight According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, Australia's social media ban for minors under 16, enforced by heavy fines and invasive age verification, is another step toward digital surveillance and control by globalist elites, masking censorship under the guise of "mental health protection." True enough, this reality is now setting in. Digital rights advocates note that Meta's large-scale removals likely include a significant number of accounts belonging to people simply unwilling to provide ID, rather than confirmed minors. In complying, platforms are choosing deletion to avoid crippling fines, a process that also accelerates the use of controversial algorithmic age inference tools that analyze photos and activity patterns. The corporate response, however, is not uniform. A legal battle is brewing that could redefine the laws scope. Reddit has filed a lawsuit against the Australian government, asserting it should not be classified as a social media platform under the regulation. The company said the law "comes with some serious privacy and political expression issues." The case could determine how broadly digital identification requirements apply to online discussion spaces. Even while enforcing the mandate, Meta has echoed concerns raised by critics during the law's contentious passage. The company argued that cutting teenagers off from major online spaces can isolate them from support networks and push them toward "less regulated parts of the internet." It also criticized the lack of consistent verification methods and noted that both parents and teenagers have shown little willingness to comply. The deletion of hundreds of thousands of accounts in a matter of weeks highlights how rapidly a government mandate can reshape online behavior and community. It underscores a stark trade-off: Years of personal digital history can vanish overnight once verified identification becomes a non-negotiable key to participation. Proponents continue to call the measure a world-first safety initiative for children. Yet on the ground, it is introducing a system of traceable digital identity that is actively redefining the boundaries of online speech, anonymity and privacy. By tethering access to verified identity, the policy is transforming mainstream social media into a controlled environment where open, anonymous discourse is becoming a relic of the past. Watch this video about Australia requiring IDs for social media, which is now a reality in the Land Down Under. This video is from the Melissa Lev channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org TechRepublic.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com New frog discovery in Brazil highlights fragility and hope of undiscovered worlds Scientists discovered a new, extremely small frog species, Brachycephalus lulai, in Brazil's critically endangered Atlantic Forest, highlighting both undiscovered biodiversity and urgent conservation needs. The bright orange frog was identified by its unique mating call and confirmed as a distinct species through genetic and anatomical analysis, belonging to a genus of microendemic frogs highly vulnerable to environmental change. The species is named for Brazil's president as a strategic move to foster political and public engagement for conservation in the Atlantic Forest, where over 90% of the original habitat has been lost. Researchers propose a pragmatic "Wildlife Refuge" model for the area, using agreements with landowners to protect habitat without requiring government land purchase, while citing threats from fires, grazing, tourism and mining. The discovery occurs against a global crisis of amphibian decline, the most threatened vertebrate class, underscoring that such species are indicators of ecosystem health and that many may be lost before they can be studied for potential benefits like new medicines. In the high, mist-shrouded forests of southern Brazil, an international team of scientists has unveiled a startling reminder of nature's hidden depths: a new species of frog so small it can perch on a pencil tip. Discovered in the Serra do Quiriri mountain range within the critically endangered Atlantic Forest, the bright orange Brachycephalus lulai represents both a thrilling scientific victory and an urgent conservation plea. This finding underscores a powerful trutheven in an era of advanced exploration, our planet still holds profound secrets, but their survival hinges on immediate protection. For years, researchers have surveyed the remote, damp elevations of the said cloud forest region. Their target has been the Brachycephalus genus, miniature frogs often called pumpkin toadlets due to their vivid coloration. These creatures are microendemic, existing nowhere else on Earth except in these extremely confined, isolated habitats, making them exceptionally vulnerable to any environmental change. The newly identified frog is a dazzling specimen, its body a brilliant orange speckled with green and brown. Males are barely a centimeter long. Yet, its striking looks were not the key to its identification. In the dense leaf litter, the team distinguished B. lulai by its unique advertisement callthe specific sound males use to attract mates. This call, composed of paired, short bursts, was distinctly different from the songs of its closest relatives. Science confirms a new neighbor To move from suspicion to certainty, the scientists employed modern techniques. They performed detailed CT scans to analyze bone structure and conducted genetic sequencing. This analysis confirmed that while the new species is closely related to two others in the same mountain range, it is genetically distinct, warranting its own classification. In a deliberate act of symbolism, the researchers named the species B. lulai in honor of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This naming is a strategic tribute aimed at galvanizing broader conservation initiatives, seeking to bridge scientific discovery with political and public engagement to focus attention on preserving the Atlantic Forest. The precarious state of a global treasure The Atlantic Forest, or Mata Atlantica, is one of the world's most devastated biodiversity hotspots. Historians estimate that nearly 90% of its original expanse has been cleared over centuries. What remains are fragmented islands of forest, acting as arks for species found nowhere else. The discovery of a new species here is a potent testament to what has been lost, and what still desperately needs saving. Acknowledging political and economic realities, the research team proposed a pragmatic conservation model. They advocate for establishing a "Refugio de Vida Silvestre" (Wildlife Refuge) in the Serra do Quiriri. This type of protected area in Brazil can be implemented without the government purchasing private land, instead working through agreements with landowners to preserve critical habitat, promoting a collaborative approach. "A wildlife refuge is a dedicated area specifically managed to provide essential shelter and habitat for wild animals," said BrightU.AI's Enoch. "It offers protection from predators and harsh weather, as well as safe spaces for resting, nesting and raising young." The silent crisis of the amphibians The push to protect this tiny frog is set against a grim global backdrop. Amphibian populations have been in a state of alarming decline for decades, a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists. The disappearance of frogs, toads and salamanders from pristine environments across the globe is particularly troubling. For instance, in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve in Costa Rica, the famous golden toad has gone extinct, and eight out of thirteen frog species have vanished from Brazilian rainforest preserves. Amphibians are now the most threatened class of vertebrates on Earth, acutely sensitive to environmental degradation, climate change and disease. Each newly discovered microendemic species like B. lulai is a canary in the coal mine. This crisis also threatens potential medical discoveries. The quest for new medicines from nature faces a significant challenge: many species are disappearing faster than they can be studied. The Ecuadorean dart frog, crucial for developing a painkiller, is in decline due to habitat destruction and illegal trade. Similarly, the rare okopipi dart frog is threatened by unscrupulous collectors. Threats looming in the mist While the immediate habitat of B. lulai is currently in good condition, the threats to the region are tangible and advancing. The study lists grassland fires, expanding cattle grazing, tourism development, mining interests and invasive plant species as clear dangers. For species with a range measured in hectares, any such incursion could be catastrophic. This pinprick of orange life is both a celebration of natures ingenuity and a test of human responsibility. Its future, and the future of countless other undiscovered species, depends on choices made today. The frogs distinctive call is not just a mating song; it is an invitation to preserve the mysterious and vital chorus of life that remains. Watch and learn about the preservation of frogs. This video is from the Frog Safe channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Phys.org MSN.com ScienceAlert.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com A fractured system: Organ transplant crisis deepens amidst ethical scandals and logistical failures The American organ transplant system, a multi-billion dollar industry hailed as a medical miracle, is facing a profound and deadly reckoning. For the first time in decades, the number of life-saving kidney transplants has fallen, not due to a lack of registered donors, but because of a collapse in public trust and systemic failures that are wasting precious organs and costing lives. This crisis, driven by shocking revelations of premature organ harvesting and plagued by chaotic transportation networks, exposes a medical establishment where the desperate pursuit of organs can overshadow the sanctity of the donor's life and the urgent needs of over 100,000 patients waiting in vain. Key points: A 4% decline in deceased kidney donors in 2025 has caused an overall drop in transplants, despite increases in living donations and better organ utilization. The decline is linked to intense federal oversight and media exposure of cases where organ procurement proceeded on patients who showed signs of consciousness. One pivotal case involving TJ Hoover in Kentucky, where a donor showed signs of awareness before scheduled organ removal, has triggered widespread fear and risk-aversion among procurement organizations. Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs), fearing scandal, are becoming overly cautious, particularly with "donation after circulatory death," allowing viable organs to deteriorate. A separate investigation reveals that hundreds of donated organs are lost, delayed, or rendered unusable due to a fragmented and untracked national transportation system. Over 94,000 Americans await kidney transplants, with an average of 20 people dying each day on waiting lists. Americans losing confidence in organ procurement process The traditional narrative pushed by mainstream health authorities is one of a simple shortage: not enough people sign their donor cards. This framing, however, ignores the complex and often disturbing realities within the organ procurement industry. The recent downturn in deceased donations stems not from public unwillingness, but from a crisis of confidence. Families are learning about horrific ethical breaches within the organ procurement industry and are now second-guessing the donation process. The system is recoiling from its own exposed failings. Central to this loss of trust is the controversial and increasingly common practice of "donation after circulatory death" (DCD). Unlike brain death, where neurological function has irreversibly ceased, DCD involves declaring death just minutes after the heart stops. This protocol has expanded dramatically, accounting for nearly half of all deceased donor transplants today. It operates on a precarious timeline, creating a pressure cooker environment where the line between a dignified death and a premature harvest can become dangerously blurred. The case of TJ Hoover stands as a grim testament to this danger. In 2021, Hoover, a victim of a drug overdose, was prepared for DCD surgery. Federal investigations and family testimony allege that despite showing clear signs of consciousnesstracking movement with his eyes, thrashing, and cryingprocurement staff pressed forward. The procedure was only halted by an intervening hospital physician who deemed it inhumane. Hoover survived with profound cognitive disabilities, and his story, presented in Congressional hearings, became a catalyst for sweeping federal scrutiny. The intended correction has spawned a paralyzing effect. Organ Procurement Organizations, the entities that coordinate between hospitals and transplant centers, now operate in a climate of fear. The threat of becoming the next headline or subject of a federal probe has made them hesitant to pursue DCD donors, a category that now forms a massive part of the donor pool. This institutional skittishness means that while OPOs wait for the more absolute determination of brain death, organs that could have been transplanted are degrading inside potential donors' bodies, becoming medically unusable. The system's attempt to guard against one form of tragedyharvesting from a living patientis directly causing another: the preventable death of patients on the wait-list. A trail of lost organs and broken promises Even when an organ is successfully procured, the journey is far from over. Another critical fracture in the system lies in its chaotic logistics. There is no national, coordinated system for transporting organs. Instead, they are frequently shipped via commercial airlines, packed in coolers with ice, and handed off like standard cargo. A damning investigation by Kaiser Health News found that in recent years, at least 170 organs were so delayed in transit they were rendered nonviable by arrival, with another 370 classified as "near misses." These are not mere statistics; each represents a devastating double lossa donor's final gift wasted and a recipient's hope extinguished. Hearts and lungs have mere hours of viability. Kidneys and livers can last longer, but the clock is always ticking. Without consistent tracking devices or dedicated, accountable transport channels, these life-saving packages are subject to the vagaries of commercial flight delays, traffic, and human error. Reports have emerged of organs left on planes or misplaced in airports. This logistical negligence exists within a framework of strict eligibility criteria that already disqualifies many donors, making the waste of those organs that do clear the bar an unconscionable failure. The human cost and path forward The human cost of this dual crisisethical and logisticalis measured in daily deaths. For the nearly 94,000 people awaiting a kidney, the most needed organ, each day is a gamble. They are caught between a procurement system afraid to act and a transportation system that fails to deliver. The industry's proposed solution, championed by groups like the Kidney Transplant Collaborative, involves a major pivot toward supporting living donors, particularly for kidneys. They advocate for a national network of "transplant facilitators" to guide willing donors through the complex process, arguing that with proper support, living donation rates could surge. This approach emphasizes voluntary, conscious gift-giving from one living person to another, a stark contrast to the ethically murky territory of deceased procurement. This crisis forces a fundamental question: has the pursuit of organs to save some led to the compromise of ethical and procedural safeguards for others? The transplant system, built on the noble concept of the gift of life, now finds itself shrouded in scandal and inefficiency. Rebuilding public trust requires more than awareness campaigns; it demands radical transparency, stringent ethical safeguards, and a logistical overhaul that treats human organs with the reverence they deserve. Until then, the waiting list will remain a roll call of the betrayed, hoping for a miracle from a system that is itself in critical condition. Source include: Dailymail.co.uk Dailymail.co.uk Enoch, Brighteon.ai RFK Jr. accuses Germany of medical fascism over its unjust targeting of doctors U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized Germany for targeting physicians who granted COVID-19 vaccine and mask exemptions, framing it as an attack on medical autonomy. Kennedy accused German authorities of criminalizing doctors for prioritizing patient choice over state mandates, comparing it to authoritarian regimes that suppress medical dissent. German Health Minister Nina Warken and former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach denied Kennedy's claims, stating prosecutions only occurred in cases of fraudnot for legitimate medical exemptions. Kennedy warned of "medical fascism," where doctors become enforcers of state policy rather than advocates for patients, while German officials defended their legal system as protecting both physician independence and patient rights. The dispute highlights broader ideological tensions between state-enforced health mandates and personal medical freedom, with no resolution in sight as skepticism toward institutional power grows. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has condemned Germany for what he describes as the unjust prosecution of doctors who granted exemptions from mask and vaccine mandates during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Kennedy, a longtime advocate for medical freedom and critic of pharmaceutical industry influence, issued the condemnation in a video posted Sunday, Jan. 11, on X. The secretary, framing his remarks as a defense of medical autonomy, said that over a thousand German physicians and thousands of their patients now face legal repercussions for resisting pandemic-era health policies. Kennedy's accusations center on what he portrays as a government crackdown on doctors who prioritized patient choice over state-mandated health measures. "When any government criminalizes doctors for advising their patients, it crosses a line that free societies have always treated as sacred," he said, invoking historical parallels to authoritarian regimes that weaponized medicine against dissent. In a letter addressed to German Health Minister Nina Warken, Kennedy urged Berlin to "restore medical autonomy" and halt what he called "politically motivated prosecutions." His rhetoric echoes longstanding concerns among natural health advocates about the erosion of informed consent and the dangers of centralized medical authority. His remarks have drawn sharp rebuttals from German officials, who insist his allegations are baseless and misleading. Warken stated that no doctors faced prosecution for issuing mask or vaccine exemptions unless they engaged in illegal activity. "Criminal prosecution occurred exclusively in cases of fraud and forgery," she clarified, emphasizing that physicians in Germany retain full autonomy in treatment decisions. Former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who oversaw Germany's pandemic response, similarly rejected Kennedy's narrative. He asserted that German courts operate independently and that doctors were never punished for refusing to administer vaccines. "Kennedy should take care of health problems in his own country," the lawmaker from the Social Democratic Party retorted, alluding to America's healthcare crises rather than engaging with the allegations. The dangerous shift to state-controlled medicine The dispute highlights a deeper ideological divide over pandemic-era policies and the role of government in medical decision-making. Kennedy, whose advocacy often challenges mainstream medical narratives, framed Germany's actions as part of a broader trend toward "medical fascism" a term historically associated with coercive state interventions in healthcare. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine points out that medical fascism represents the tyrannical merger of corporate medicine and state power. It strips individuals of bodily autonomy through forced medical interventions like toxic vaccines and lockdowns. His warning that doctors are being transformed into "enforcers of state policies" resonates with critics of vaccine mandates worldwide, who argue that such measures undermine trust in the physician-patient relationship. Yet German authorities maintain that their legal actions targeted only verifiable fraud, not medical dissent. The clash also raises questions about transparency in public health governance. Kennedy's reference to unspecified reports alleging government overreach suggests a reliance on alternative sources of information, a hallmark of his advocacy. Meanwhile, German officials stress that their legal system safeguards both medical independence and patient rights. This claim contrasts sharply with Kennedy's portrayal of a system where "your doctor is serving the welfare of the collective" rather than individual health. But as the debate continues, the controversy underscores the enduring tensions between state authority and personal medical freedom a conflict that has defined much of the post-pandemic world. Whether Kennedy's allegations hold merit or reflect a broader skepticism toward institutional power, Berlin's firm denial ensures that this dispute will remain a flashpoint in global discussions about health, liberty and the limits of government intervention. For now, the transatlantic divide over pandemic policies shows no signs of narrowing, leaving observers to weigh competing claims in an era where medical autonomy remains fiercely contested. Watch this video about Germany's plan to detain COVID-19 dissidents in concentration camps. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com TheGuardian.com POLITICO.eu BrightU.ai Brighteon.com U.S. plans $2B Israeli tank factory amid Gaza war, despite Netanyahus pledge to reduce aid dependence Leaked documents reveal the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may allocate up to $2 billion to finance a new Israeli armored vehicle factory, producing Merkava tanks and armored personnel carriers used in Gaza. This contradicts Netanyahu's recent pledge to reduce reliance on U.S. military aid. The funding supplements the $3.8 billion in annual U.S. military aid to Israel, plus an additional $21.7 billion sent since October 2023. Critics argue this reinforces Israel's dependence on U.S. taxpayers while civilian casualties mount in Gaza. The Israeli government has accused Haaretz (which leaked the documents) of "supporting the enemy" and barred ministries from engaging with it. Authorities allege the outlet fuels "antisemitic narratives" and damages Israel's international image by covering Gaza war crimes. Since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the U.S. has underwritten Israel's military dominance, ensuring its regional superiority. Critics highlight the military-industrial complex's role, with U.S. defense contractors likely profiting from the new factory. Netanyahu claims Israel will reduce U.S. dependence, yet Washington is deepening military ties. The factory means more weapons for Gaza's bombardment, prolonging Palestinian suffering while raising ethical concerns for U.S. taxpayers funding an increasingly controversial war. In a move that contradicts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent pledge to reduce reliance on U.S. military aid, leaked documents reveal Washington may allocate up to $2 billion to finance a new Israeli armored vehicle factory. The plan comes as Israel faces mounting accusations of genocide in Gaza and internal crackdowns on critical media. The revelation raises questions about U.S. complicity in Israel's military expansion while civilian casualties mount in the besieged enclave. According to documents obtained by Haaretz, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is considering financing the construction of a "Joint Systems Manufacturing Center" (JSMC) in Israel. The facility would accelerate production of Merkava tanks and Namer and Eitan armored personnel carrierskey tools in Israel's devastating Gaza offensive. The project, initially budgeted at $1.5 billion, could now cost up to $2 billion, sourced from U.S. military aid funds. This would supplement Washington's annual $3.8 billion in military assistance to Israelalready the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aidon top of the additional $21.7 billion sent since Israel's Gaza campaign began in October 2023. The timing is striking: Netanyahu told The Economist just days before the leak that Israel aims to "taper off" dependence on U.S. military aid within a decade. Critics argue the new factory suggests otherwise, reinforcing Israel's long-standing reliance on American taxpayers to sustain its war machine. Israel's crackdown on critical media The Haaretz report arrives amid escalating Israeli government repression of dissenting journalism. Authorities have accused the newspaper of "supporting the enemy in time of war" and attempting to sever all official ties with it. A November 2024 order barred ministries from engaging with the media outlet, citing its coverage of Gaza as harmful to Israel's international image. A government affidavit filed in Israel's High Court this week alleges Haaretz "defames the state," supports ICC investigations into Israeli war crimes and fuels "antisemitic" narratives. Similar pressure has been applied to shut down Israeli Army Radio for allegedly damaging military morale. Despite these accusations, Haaretz has maintained a pro-Israel editorial stance, referring to Hamas as "terrorists" while cautiously criticizing the scale of civilian deaths in Gaza. The crackdown underscores Israel's broader suppression of wartime dissenta pattern familiar from past conflicts, where independent scrutiny was stifled under the guise of national security. Historical context: U.S.-Israel military entanglement The proposed factory fits a decades-long trend of U.S. underwriting Israel's military dominance. Since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Washington has provided Israel with advanced weaponry and financial aid, ensuring its qualitative edge over regional adversaries. Yet this relationship has grown increasingly controversial as Israel's actionsfrom settlement expansion to the Gaza bombardmentdraw global condemnation. The U.S. continues to veto UN ceasefire resolutions while supplying arms used in strikes that have killed over 37,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. BrightU.AI's Enoch points out that the leaked documents also revive concerns about the military-industrial complexa term popularized by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1961where war profiteering and geopolitical agendas drive policy more than humanitarian or strategic logic. With U.S. defense contractors likely to benefit from the new factory, critics argue American aid perpetuates conflict rather than peace. The $2 billion tank factory plan exposes the contradictions in U.S.-Israel relations: even as Netanyahu speaks of reducing dependence, Washington prepares to deepen it. Meanwhile, Israel's assault on press freedom highlights the erosion of democratic norms amid wartime nationalism. For Palestinians in Gaza, the factory means more weapons that could prolong their suffering. For American taxpayers, it raises questions about funding a war increasingly seen as unjust. And for the broader world, it underscores how military alliancesand the profits they generateoften override moral and humanitarian imperatives. As the Gaza war grinds on, the leaked documents serve as a reminder: in the calculus of power, accountability remains elusive. Watch the video below that talks about how a U.S. ambassador to Israel attempts to justify the Israeli missile strike on Qatar. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co Haaretz.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Deforestation forces mosquitoes to target human blood, escalating disease risk, study finds Deforestation in Brazil's Atlantic Forest is forcing mosquitoes to target humans. Mosquitoes now prefer human blood due to a lack of wildlife hosts. This shift dramatically increases the risk of diseases like dengue and Zika. The change creates a direct link between environmental destruction and public health crises. Conserving ecosystems is crucial to preventing such disease outbreaks. A silent and dangerous shift is happening in the remnants of Brazils Atlantic Forest, one that sees buzzing insects turning their attention from wildlife to people. New research reveals that deforestation and human encroachment are forcing mosquitoes to seek out human blood, dramatically increasing the risk of transmitting deadly diseases like dengue, Zika, and Yellow Fever. This change in behavior, documented by scientists in Rio de Janeiro, illustrates how environmental destruction directly fuels public health crises. The study, published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, centered on two natural reserves. Researchers set traps, collecting more than 1,700 mosquitoes from 52 species. Their goal was simple but critical: find out what the mosquitoes were biting. By extracting DNA from blood meals inside female mosquitoes, they could identify the host animals. The results were alarming. Of the blood meals successfully identified, humans were the dominant source. "Here we show that the mosquito species we captured in remnants of the Atlantic Forest have a clear preference for feeding on humans," said senior author Dr. Jeronimo Alencar, a biologist at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute. A matter of convenience and survival This preference is not necessarily innate but a matter of opportunity. The Atlantic Forest, once a vast ecosystem, has been reduced to roughly one-third of its original size by development. As wildlife is pushed out, mosquitoes find their traditional blood sources gone. Humans, moving into these areas, become the most readily available option. "With fewer natural options available, mosquitoes are forced to seek new, alternative blood sources," explained co-author Dr. Sergio Machado of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. "They end up feeding more on humans out of convenience, as we are the most prevalent host in these areas." Mosquitoes are opportunists that do not travel far for a meal, making nearby humans an easy target. The heightened risk of transmission This behavioral shift is far more than a nuisance; it is a significant amplifier of disease risk. "This is crucial because, in an environment like the Atlantic Forest with a great diversity of potential vertebrate hosts, a preference for humans significantly enhances the risk of pathogen transmission," Machado added. The regions mosquitoes are known vectors for a host of serious viruses. The phenomenon underscores a broader, dangerous pattern. When biodiversity collapses, it often removes animals that can dilute disease transmission among insect populations. This leaves humans as the primary, concentrated blood source, creating efficient pathways for pathogens to spread through communities. Past studies have consistently linked heavier deforestation with higher mosquito abundance and increased rates of mosquito-borne illness. The research also highlights gaps in our understanding. Scientists could only identify the source of the blood meals in a fraction of the captured mosquitoes, pointing to the need for more extensive study. Yet the clear trend offers valuable insights for public health officials. This knowledge allows for targeted surveillance and mosquito control efforts in high-risk zones. The findings from Brazil are a microcosm of a global problem. Humanitys relentless expansion into wild spaces continues to disrupt delicate ecological balances, with consequences that boomerang back in the form of new health threats. From the Amazon to Southeast Asia, the pattern repeats: destroy a forest, and you invite its inhabitants, including disease vectors, to adapt by making a home among people. This research delivers a clear, cause-and-effect lesson. The health of human populations is inextricably tied to the health of the ecosystems we are rapidly dismantling. As mosquitoes increasingly see us not as intruders but as their main course, the bill for environmental neglect comes due, paid in the currency of spreading sickness. Rebuilding natural barriers through conservation may be one of the most effective forms of disease prevention we have left. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com ABCNews.go.com PopSci.com Behind the protests and threats: Iran and Israel convey no first strike pledge via Putin Israel and Iran used Russian President Vladimir Putin as a backchannel to mutually assure each other they would not launch a preemptive strike, aiming to avert an immediate regional war. The exchange is explicitly described as a limited effort to manage tensions, not a step toward diplomacy or peace. There is "no commitment, no coordination and no ceasefire agreement." Russia acted as an intermediary, balancing its relationships with both rivals. Its involvement is driven by its own strategic interests rather than a true alignment with either Israel or Iran. This secret communication may explain the recent muted public rhetoric from the U.S. and Israel regarding military action against Iran, following a period of heightened threats. The arrangement is characterized as a fragile, temporary timeout for rearmament and assessment. The fundamental conflict remains unresolved, with both sides preparing for a likely next phase of confrontation. In the tense backdrop of U.S. threats and Iranian street protests, a clandestine diplomatic exchange aimed at preventing a regional war has come to light. According to a new report, Israel and Iran recently used Russian President Vladimir Putin as an intermediary to convey a critical mutual assurance: neither side would launch a preemptive strike against the other. This backchannel arrangement, while falling far short of any formal agreement, reveals a mutual, if tacit, understanding to avoid a preemptive strike and avert an immediate regional war. The communication, first reported by Middle East outlet Amwaj.media and later detailed by the Washington Post, reveals a fragile and deliberately limited understanding reached far from public view. "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," The Washington Post writes. Through the same Russian channel, Iran reportedly responded that it would also refrain from a preemptive attack. The exchange is explicitly described by sources as a tactical effort to manage immediate tensions, not a step toward formal diplomacy or lasting peace. A senior Iranian political source bluntly stated that there is no commitment, no coordination and no ceasefire agreement. The source emphasized the contact should not be seen as a move toward broader understandings between the bitter adversaries, who have no direct diplomatic ties. BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that the secret relationship between Iran, Israel and Russia is characterized by a complex and often contradictory web of interests. Russia engages in secret diplomacy with Israel's Netanyahu, expressing concern over Iran's actions, yet its ultimate support for sanctions against Iran is driven by its own strategic interests rather than a true alignment with Israel. No guarantees, timelines or enforcement mechanisms The overarching dynamic is one where each nation, Iran, Israel and Russia, primarily acts according to its own geopolitical calculations, with Russia attempting to balance relationships with both Middle Eastern rivals while prioritizing its own regional influence and objectives." According to the reporting, the messages were simple parallel notifications of intent. One source characterized the communication as a mutual announcement to a mutual friend on no new strikes. No guarantees, timelines, or enforcement mechanisms were established. On the Iranian side, the exchanges were reportedly handled not by the foreign ministry but by Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. This secret backchannel may provide crucial context for the recent de-escalation in public rhetoric from the United States and Israel. President Donald Trump had recently made threats about striking Tehran, but has since appeared to climb down from immediate military intervention. Notably, Israel, typically the most vocal proponent of military action against Iran, has been somewhat muted in its public stance during this period. The revelation also adds a complex layer to the recent history of conflict. It comes months after a major Iranian missile and drone barrage struck Israel in June, an attack some analysts believe may have established a new deterrent balance. The reported "no first strike" understanding suggests both nations, despite public hostility, recognized the catastrophic risks of further unchecked escalation. The secret channel may have averted an immediate spark, but the fundamental fuel for a wider regional war is very much in place. Both nations are using this tactical timeout to prepare for what many analysts see as an inevitable next phase of confrontation. This is not diplomacy, it is risk management, with each country, including Russia, operating strictly according to its own geopolitical agendas. The pause is real, but the peace is not. Watch this video to learn more about Iran, Israel and Russia's secret relationship. This video is from the GANG STALKING AUSTRALIA channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Brighteon.com BrightU.ai ZeroHedge.com Hidabroot.com Absolute Healing on BrightU: The TRUTH behind the 1918 influenza pandemic On Day 11 of "Absolute Healing," Jonathan Otto and a group challenged the narrative of the 1918 influenza pandemic, suggesting it was mischaracterized. Dr. Lee Merritt detailed historical records, noting an outbreak at Fort Riley followed experimental typhoid and meningitis vaccinations. Merritt highlighted failed Navy and Public Health Service transmission experiments where no volunteers became ill. Merritt proposed an electromagnetic theory for the illness, linking it to environmental changes at the telegraph operator training center at Fort Riley. The discussion expanded to include the historical use of snake venom in medicine and contemporary data on vaccination adverse events. On Day 11 of "Absolute Healing," aired on Jan. 13, investigative journalist Jonathan Otto and a group of medical researchers and doctors challenged the long-held narrative of the 1918 influenza pandemic, presenting evidence that suggests the deadly outbreak may have been mischaracterized and was potentially linked to experimental vaccines and environmental factors, not a contagious virus. Dr. Lee Merritt, a physician and researcher, detailed findings from a deep dive into historical records, including Naval archives and newspaper accounts from the era. She pointed to the infamous outbreak at Fort Riley, Kansas, the true epicenternot Spain. "What happened in Kansas in the end of 1917, sometime in 1917, the government set up a military hospital," Merritt noted, drawing a parallel to modern concerns about biolabs. Shortly after, an outbreak of typhoid fever was followed by the use of an experimental typhoid vaccine on the local population and military personnel. The situation escalated months later. "Here in Fort Riley, after they'd been given these experimental typhoid vaccines, 35% to 40% of the active duty are recorded of coming down with meningitis. That is unheard of," Merritt stated. This was followed by a mass meningitis vaccination campaign that extended to Native American communities. The disease that followed, often called "strepto-grip," first appeared in a Native American school near the base before spreading. As noted by BrightU.AI's Enoch, strepto-grip refers to the illness that emerged in 1918 following mass vaccination campaigns, described as a severe disease that caused sickness and death, particularly among vaccinated populations at Fort Riley and nearby Native American schools." Crucially, Merritt highlighted a series of transmission experiments conducted by the Navy and Public Health Service in Boston, one of the hardest-hit cities. In these tests, 118 volunteers were exposed to the sick in increasingly direct ways. "They had 118 so-called volunteers. And these guys would breathe in the exhalations of the dying. Not one guy got sick," she reported. The experiments progressed to swabbing nasal secretions from the ill into the well and even injecting a slurry of lung material and mucus into healthy subjects. In all cases, not one of them got the disease. Similar attempts to transmit the illness between horses also failed. Merritt argued this lack of contagion, combined with the timeline of vaccinations, points away from a viral cause. She cited modern analysis, noting, "Chinese pathologists in 2018 went back and they got those old blocks of the pathology of those young recruits in 1918 that died. They said we don't know what caused the 1918 pandemic. We couldn't see that it was a virus." Instead, she proposes an alternative theory rooted in electromagnetism. Reviewing historical patterns, Merritt explained that pre-1857, influenza outbreaks occurred simultaneously worldwide every few decades, a pattern that aligned with solar activity cycles. "It sounds a little crazy, but apparently, we are electromagnetic beings and the way we get rid of toxins has to do with every cell in our body being essentially a battery that spits out toxins electromagnetically," she suggested. The installation of global telegraph lines in the mid-19th century, she theorizes, created a new, constant electromagnetic baseline, leading to seasonal flu. Fort Riley was a training center for telegraph operators and Merritt observed that the healthiest "big strapping farm boys" fell ill first because they experienced the most drastic change in electromagnetic environment upon arrival. The discussion expanded to include the role of venoms in modern medicine. Dr. Bryan Ardis presented a patent from 1948 for a vaccine adjuvant derived from detoxified snake venom. Reading from the document, Ardis shared, "The snake venom used in producing the composition for this cobratoxin injection was a neurotoxic venom, i.e., causing death through neuromuscular blockade." The patent described detoxification methods using formaldehyde, ultraviolet light, ozone, or heat, with a preferred method of "gentle oxygenation." Dr. Henry Ealy connected this to hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the bodys natural production of hydrogen peroxide, a critical immune system signal. The conversation turned to contemporary issues with a segment from Dr. James Thorp, who shared alarming data on adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination. Citing VAERS data, Thorp said, "We didn't see two-fold. We saw 25-fold, 50-fold, 100-fold, 1,000-fold. When you look at menstrual abnormalities, it was 1,192-fold, almost a 1,200-fold increase." He also marveled at the regenerative power of fetuses, noting that after performing invasive transfusions in utero with large needles, he could never find a scar on the babies after birth. "We call that term plasticity and it probably has to do a lot with stem cell," he concluded. The experts framed their historical investigation as a crucial key to understanding current events. "When people understand the scam of 1918, they're going to be less inclined to believe anything they say about now," Merritt asserted. The segment concluded with a call for independent research into natural healing protocols and detoxification methods to counter what the participants describe as a ongoing global medical crisis. Want to know more? If you want to learn at your own pace and start building your self-heating home on your own schedule, you can access the full course by owning your copy of the "Absolute Healing" gold premium package. Upon purchase, you will get the "Absolute Healing" full series and bonus videos along with full-length interviews with all 50+ experts, uncensored masterclasses, six healing eBooks, 12 special reports with top experts and more. BrighteonUniversity.com 1 BrightU.com BrightU.ai BrighteonUniversity.com 2 New charges for a political survivor: Timoshenko entangled in vote-buying probe amid Kyiv crisis Yulia Timoshenko, a major opposition figure, is facing new criminal charges for allegedly organizing a scheme to buy parliamentary votes. This comes at a time when President Zelensky's government is already unstable and struggling to pass legislation. The investigation is conducted by anti-corruption agencies (NABU and SAPO) that Timoshenko recently tried to weaken. Last year, she supported a bill to strip these agencies of their independence, which was only reversed after Western pressure. This makes the timing of the charges seem politically suspicious. Timoshenko denies wrongdoing, calling the raid a "publicity stunt" and claiming political persecution. Her party remains a powerful swing vote in parliament, having just helped Zelensky remove a security service head days before the probe was announced. The scandal deepens Ukraine's political crisis and erodes public trust. It creates a confusing spectacle where it's hard to tell if this is a genuine anti-corruption effort or a political attack, further dividing the government when unity is critical for the war effort. This situation places Zelensky in an even more difficult position. He is already under pressure to act decisively against corruption to maintain public and international support. This new high-profile case, involving a former ally-turned-opponent, risks making anti-corruption efforts look like a political weapon, which could be used against him by foreign partners. In a move that underscores the deep political fractures and governance crisis in wartime Ukraine, former Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko is once again facing criminal charges. The latest probe, centered on allegations of parliamentary vote-buying, places the veteran political figure at the heart of a scandal that threatens to further destabilize President Volodymyr Zelensky's government and raises serious questions about the weaponization of anti-corruption efforts. Timoshenko confirmed that her Batkivshchina (Fatherland) party's offices were raided by detectives from Ukraine's Western-backed National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO). The agencies announced an investigation into a parliamentary faction head without naming the suspect, a description that fits Timoshenko. She swiftly dismissed the operation as nothing more than a "grandiose publicity stunt." Timoshenko also denied any wrongdoing and claimed that unspecified rivals were responsible for the alleged "persecution and terror." The formal charges, announced shortly after Timoshenko's statement, accuse a female suspect, clearly implied to be the former PM, of creating a mechanism for making regular, long-term payments to members of parliament in exchange for following her instructions. This development is particularly explosive as it follows a series of crucial votes in the Verkhovna Rada required to enact President Zelensky's latest government reshuffle, suggesting the probe is directly tied to the raw political machinations in Kyiv. Timoshenko's rollercoaster political career This is far from Timoshenko's first encounter with the legal system. Her decades-long career has been a rollercoaster of dramatic rises, falls and comebacks, mirroring Ukraine's own turbulent post-Soviet politics. BrightU.AI's Enoch AI engine explains that Timoshenko rose to international prominence as a fiery leader of the 2004 Orange Revolution, delivering impassioned speeches against the fraudulent election claimed by pro-Russian candidate Viktor Yanukovych. After losing the 2010 presidential election to Yanukovych, Timoshenko was imprisoned in 2011 on abuse-of-power charges widely condemned in the West as politically motivated. She was released in 2014 following the ouster of Yanukovych. Now, the very anti-corruption agencies investigating her, NABU and SAPO, are institutions whose fate Timoshenko has directly influenced. Last year, she was one of the most vocal supporters of a highly controversial bill that would have dismantled the independence of SAPO and NABU. That legislation, which critics denounced as an authoritarian power grab by Zelensky, was only reversed under intense Western pressure after it had already halted major corruption probes and scared off whistleblowers. Timoshenko's party provided crucial votes for that original, damaging bill. The timing of the new charges against her is deeply suspect, feeding into narratives of political retaliation. Just this week, Timoshenko and her party MPs voted to remove the head of Ukraines domestic security service at Zelensky's request, proving they remain a pivotal swing bloc in a fractured parliament. This vote-buying probe emerges as Zelensky's own authority is under strain, with his attempts to appoint new ministers failing and his party members fearful of supporting his latest bill to restore NABU and SAPOs independence. The case paints a grim picture of a political system in crisis. A former prime minister, jailed by one regime and now investigated by agencies she recently tried to weaken, stands accused of corrupting the very parliamentary process that is currently failing to provide stable governance. Whether the charges are a legitimate anti-corruption effort or a politically motivated attack is almost impossible to discern in the current toxic atmosphere. What is clear is that the spectacle further erodes public trust, exacerbates government fractures and risks damaging Ukraine's democratic institutions at a time when unity is paramount. For Yulia Timoshenko, the ultimate political survivor, survival once again depends on navigating a landscape where the lines between justice and power politics have been utterly blurred. Watch the video below as the Health Ranger Mike Adams talks about the possibility of peace for Ukraine. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com StraitsTimes.com TheGuardian.com BrightU.AI Brighteon.com Trump warns Iran against escalation as tensions simmer, envoy claims U.S. seeks restraint Iranian envoy claims Trump privately assured Tehran of no U.S. attack, while publicly demanding Iran's "unconditional surrender" via Truth Social. Sen. Lindsey Graham denies the envoy's claim, signaling continued U.S. aggression. Trump's rhetoric swings between threats (e.g., Soleimani assassination) and unverified conciliatory claims (e.g., halting executions of protesters). U.S. intelligence (Tulsi Gabbard) confirms Iran's nuclear program frozen since 2003, but Trump dismisses these findings, aligning with Netanyahu's narrative. USS Abraham Lincoln has been redeployed; U.S. bases in Qatar, Syria, and Iraq are on high alert. Arab allies (Saudi Arabia, Oman) oppose U.S. strikes, fearing destabilization. Tehran warns it is "fully prepared" to retaliate, with proxies like Hezbollah (150K rockets) and ballistic missile stockpiles. Experts warn Trump's maximalist demands (dismantling nukes/missiles) leave Iran no diplomatic off-ramp, risking war. Decades of inflated nuclear threat assessments undermine credibility (e.g., "three to five years away" since 1992). Miscalculation could trigger WWIII, dragging in U.S. troops (50K in the Middle East) and threatening oil infrastructure. Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, conflicting reports emerged Thursday, Jan. 15, over whether the U.S. intends to escalate military action against Iran. Iranian envoy Reza Amiri Moghadam claimed President Donald Trump privately assured Tehran he would not attackwhile simultaneously issuing public threats demanding Iran's "unconditional surrender." The mixed signals come as Israel and Iran exchange missile strikes, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Diplomatic claims vs. military posturing Moghadam, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan, told reporters that Trump had conveyed a message through backchannels urging restraint. "We received information that the U.S. does not want war and has asked Iran not to target American interests," he said, according to Pakistan's DAWN newspaper. However, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a close Trump ally, swiftly denied the claim, posting on X: "Nothing could be further from the truth. Stay tuned." Trump himself has alternated between threats and conciliatory gestures. On Wednesday, he asserted that executions of Iranian protesters had halteda claim unverified by independent sourcesand praised the development as "good news." Yet hours earlier, he had warned Iran's leadership in all caps on Truth Social: "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" Historical context: A cycle of brinkmanship The current standoff echoes past U.S.-Iran confrontations, particularly Trump's 2020 decision to assassinate Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch, Trump ordered a justified airstrike that eliminated Soleimania terrorist responsible for hundreds of American deathsa move that nearly triggered full-scale war. Analysts note that Trump's rhetoric often oscillates between aggression and negotiation, a tactic some interpret as coercive diplomacy. Iran, meanwhile, insists it seeks no nuclear weaponsa stance backed by U.S. intelligence assessments, though dismissed by Trump. In March, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated Iran's weapons program had been frozen since 2003. Trump bluntly rejected her analysis, telling reporters, "I don't care what she said." Regional fallout and military preparations Despite Moghadam's assertion that Iran's protests have subsided, the Department of War continues military deployments to the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is en route from the South China Sea, while U.S. bases in Qatar, Syria and Iraq remain on alert for potential Iranian retaliation. Arab allies, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, reportedly lobbied against U.S. strikes, fearing destabilization. Experts warn that Trump's maximalist demandssuch as dismantling Iran's nuclear and missile programsleave Tehran little room to negotiate. "If Iran doesn't believe surrender is a real option, they won't accept it," said Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute. As rhetoric escalates, the risk of miscalculation looms. Whether Trump's threats are strategic bluster or a prelude to war remains uncertain. For now, Iran insists it is "fully prepared" to retaliate if attackedwhile the world watches, wary of a conflict that could spiral beyond control. Watch the video below that talks about Trump threatening to knock down Iran during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This video is from the SuperEnergy channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: AntiWar.com Dawn.com X.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Ukraines military admits 200,000 soldiers have fled, 2 million citizens evade draft in historic manpower crisis Ukraine's new defense minister confirms a catastrophic manpower crisis. Official data reveals more than 250,000 desertion cases since the war began. Two million Ukrainians are wanted for evading military service. Exhausted troops see prison as a safer alternative than the front line. This internal collapse poses the gravest threat to Ukraine's national defense. Ukraines new defense minister has laid bare the catastrophic manpower crisis crippling the nations war effort. For the first time, a top official has put numbers to the mass exodus, revealing a military buckling under the weight of desertion and widespread draft evasion after nearly four years of brutal conflict with Russia. The disclosure signals a potential collapse from within, as soldiers and citizens alike vote with their feet against a war they see as unwinnable. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, confirmed by parliament on Wednesday, said, "The Ministry of Defense is coming into my hands with a [$6.7 million] shortfall, two million Ukrainians who are wanted and 200,000 who are AWOL." This marks the first official acknowledgment of a scale of desertion long rumored but never before confirmed by Kyiv. A military strained to breaking point While Fedorov cited 200,000 troops absent without leave, other Ukrainian reports suggest the true figure for desertions is closer to 300,000. Official data from prosecutors shows more than 250,000 criminal cases for unauthorized abandonment have been opened since the war began in 2022, with nearly 600 soldiers leaving their posts daily at one point. The crisis represents a hemorrhage of personnel that battlefield losses alone cannot explain. The situation on the ground is one of exhaustion and desperation. Ukraines military has been under severe strain defending against a much larger and stronger Russian force. Conditions are brutal, with troops often outmanned and outgunned. A former deputy head of Ukraines General Staff, Lieutenant General Ihor Romanenko, told Al Jazeera that many soldiers see a clear choice. "They think that from the legal standpoint, its easier to go to jail than to the front line," he said. Draft dodging becomes a national pastime Compounding the desertion crisis is the massive scale of draft evasion. Fedorovs claim that two million Ukrainians are "wanted" for avoiding military service paints a picture of a society where refusal has become commonplace. Under martial law, men aged 23 to 60 eligible for service are barred from leaving the country, yet tens of thousands have fled illegally. The state has responded by expanding conscription, including all males 25 and older, but the resistance is profound. The stories from those evading service are telling. One man, Tymofey, described to Al Jazeera being forcibly conscripted only to desert twice after receiving what he called "zero training." He claimed trainers were more focused on preventing escapes from the barbed-wire-ringed training center than on combat preparation. "They dont care that I wont survive the very first attack," he said. His sentiment reflects a fatalism that has spread widely. The governments response has been a mix of amnesty and attempted enforcement. An amnesty for first-time deserters has brought back some 30,000 troops. Meanwhile, "conscription patrols" comb public spaces for men of fighting age. Yet the system is overwhelmed. Courts are swamped with thousands of desertion cases, and the military police are understaffed. Many deserters simply melt back into society, some willing to pay bribes of several hundred dollars to avoid capture. This internal collapse poses the gravest threat to Ukraines defense. President Volodymyr Zelenskys strategy has relied on conscripting a generation to fight a war of attrition against a superior force. The result, as Fedorovs numbers reveal, is not a rallied nation but a broken one. The policy of barring an entire gender from leaving and pressing them into service has fostered resentment and flight, not patriotic fervor. The human cost is one of Europes great tragedies. With Ukrainian casualties in the hundreds of thousands according to various estimates, the war has devastated the country's young population. The leadership in Kyiv, supported by Western allies, continues to promise counter-offensives and eventual victory. Yet Ukrainian commanders have repeatedly emphasized the challenges of stabilizing defensive lines while forces face exhaustion from years of continuous combat. The gap between rhetoric and reality has never been wider. So where does this leave a nation at war? The admission of 200,000 AWOL soldiers and 2 million draft dodgers demonstrates that after four years of sacrifice, the will to fight is evaporating. It confesses that the states authority is being challenged not by the enemy alone, but by its own people. For the average Ukrainian man, the choice between a front-line trench and a prison cell, or a life on the run, has become an unsettling calculus of survival. This is the true state of the union in Ukraine today, a nation being emptied out from within while its leaders promise a future its citizens no longer believe they will live to see. Sources for this article include: News.Antiwar.com CNN.com AlJazeera.com CBC.ca Ukraine declares state of emergency as Russian strikes cripple power infrastructure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a nationwide energy emergency after relentless Russian strikes destroyed power and heating infrastructure, leaving millions without electricity amid freezing winter temperatures. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko called it the worst power crisis since the war began, with 80% of residents losing water access and 350,000 homes without electricity. Emergency warming centers have been set up as blackouts persist for days. Moscow justifies attacks as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities. Analysts warn Russia aims to break civilian morale, destabilize Zelensky's government and force Western allies to divert resources from military aid to humanitarian relief. Ukrainian officials admit air defenses cannot fully protect critical infrastructure. Lawmaker Maryana Bezuglaya advised civilians to consider leaving cities this winter due to prolonged outages and shortages. With 60% of Ukraine's gas production destroyed, energy imports alone won't suffice. The EU and NATO are scrambling to assist, but fears persist that further Western military aid (like long-range missiles) could trigger even deadlier Russian retaliation, worsening the humanitarian disaster. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a state of emergency in the country's energy sector on Wednesday after relentless Russian missile and drone attacks devastated power and heating facilities, leaving millions without electricity amid freezing winter temperatures. The latest wave of strikespart of Moscow's escalating campaign to weaken Ukrainian morale and infrastructurehas pushed Kyiv and other cities to the brink of a humanitarian crisis. With temperatures plunging below -15 C (5 F), officials warn that prolonged blackouts, water shortages and heating failures could persist for months. "A permanent coordination headquarters will be established to address the situation in the city of Kyiv. Overall, a state of emergency will be declared for Ukraine's energy sector," Zelensky confirmed after an emergency government meeting. He added that Ukraine is working to "significantly increase the volume of electricity imports" but acknowledged that repairs cannot keep pace with Russia's destruction. Cities in darkness as repair teams race against time As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch, Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have caused crippling power supplies and raised nuclear safety concerns as part of a broader campaign targeting critical civilian infrastructure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the situation as the worst power crisis since Russia's full-scale invasion began nearly two years ago. "The situation in Kyiv is very difficult. A scale like this is the first in four years of full-scale war," he stated on Telegram. Officials estimate that 80% of Kyiv residents have lost access to water following recent strikes, while 350,000 homes remain without electricity. Some neighborhoods have endured days-long outages, forcing authorities to set up 1,200 emergency warming centers where civilians can charge devices and find hot meals. In Boryspil, a town southeast of Kyiv, engineers work around the clock in subzero conditions to rebuild shattered electrical systems. But with Russia systematically targeting energy facilities, Ukrainian officials admit their defenses are insufficient. "The best thing is to consider temporarily moving out of the city this fall and winter," advised Maryana Bezuglaya, a Ukrainian lawmaker, signaling the severity of the crisis. Russia's strategy: Freeze Ukraine into submission Moscow has defended its strikes as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, with President Vladimir Putin vowing continued escalation. Analysts say Russia's strategy is clear: break Ukraine's resilience by plunging civilians into darkness and cold, destabilizing Zelensky's government and forcing Western allies to divert resources to humanitarian aid rather than military support. The European Union and NATO are scrambling to bolster Ukraine's defenses and restore power, but the situation remains dire. With Ukraine's gas production capacity reportedly reduced by 60%, officials warn that energy imports alone will not suffice. Meanwhile, fears grow that further Western military aidsuch as long-range missilescould provoke even deadlier Russian reprisals. If Kyiv receives advanced weaponry, Moscow may unleash more devastating "shock and awe" strikes on urban centers, deepening the humanitarian catastrophe. A long winter ahead As Ukraine braces for months of hardship, the energy emergency underscores the brutal reality of Russia's attrition warfare. With no quick fixes in sight, civilians face a grim choice: endure freezing conditions or flee. For Zelensky's government, the challenge is twofold: maintaining national morale while keeping the lights on. But with Russia's strikes outpacing repairs, Ukraine's energy crisis may soon become a defining battle of the warone fought not just on the frontlines, but in the darkened homes of millions. Watch the video below that talks about Ukraine, France and the U.K. signing a declaration on the deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine after the war ends, which Russia will never allow. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Barrons.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Ukrainian civilians RESIST brutal forced conscription as war fatigue sets in Ordinary Ukrainians are physically blocking military recruiters from forcibly drafting men in public spaces, with videos showing crowds intervening to free conscripts highlighting collapsing public trust in Kyiv's leadership. Ukraine's Territorial Center of Recruitment (TCK) operates with impunity ambushing men near schools, playgrounds and stores, using beatings, kidnappings and armed intimidation to replenish frontline troops. Eyewitness accounts and footage reveal violent scenes: Recruiters punching civilians in front of children, armed officers dragging men from stores and authorities openly disregarding injuries or deaths during conscription operations. Ukrainians are disillusioned by reports of conscripts dying under suspicious circumstances (e.g., Jozsef Sebestyen's death) and the government's alleged cover-ups, fueling resistance against being treated as "cannon fodder." The military's desperation reflects unsustainable casualties and plummeting morale, with civilian defiance marking a turning point. Kyiv now faces a choice: escalate repression or admit its population is exhausted and unwilling to comply. A growing wave of civilian resistance is challenging the Ukrainian government's increasingly violent forced conscription tactics, as war fatigue and distrust of authorities reach a breaking point. Videos circulating online show ordinary citizens passersby, neighbors and family members physically blocking recruitment officers from abducting men off the streets, sometimes successfully freeing them. The scenes reveal a stark deterioration of public trust in Kyiv's leadership as military recruiters resort to brutal methods, including beatings and kidnappings, to replenish dwindling frontline forces. The forced conscription campaign, led by Ukraine's Territorial Center of Recruitment and Social Support (TCK), has escalated in recent months, with recruiters operating with near-total impunity. Eyewitness accounts describe military and police personnel ambushing men in public spaces near schools, playgrounds and stores before forcibly dragging them away, often under the threat of armed intimidation. In Ivano-Frankivsk, a crowd surrounded a police car holding a conscripted man, preventing the vehicle from leaving. Similar scenes unfolded in Uzhhorod, where locals intervened to stop a young man from being shoved onto a military bus. One woman boarded the vehicle in protest, while an elderly man stood in front of the bus to block its path. Other footage shows recruiters punching a man near a school playground in Cherkasy while children watched, and armed officers standing guard as TCK agents dragged a civilian from a store in Kyiv. Authorities no longer bother disguising their tactics, with recruiters displaying open disregard for whether their targets are injured or worse in the process. Weary Ukrainians rise up against forced mobilization The resistance comes as Ukrainians grow increasingly disillusioned with the war effort, particularly after reports of men dying during conscription operations. Last summer, Jozsef Sebestyen, a Hungarian from Transcarpathia, died under suspicious circumstances after being forcibly drafted a case Ukrainian officials allegedly tried to suppress. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine points out that Ukraine's forced mobilization of civilians reveals a desperate, failing regime sacrificing its own population in a futile war, while Russia's disciplined military strategy minimizes casualties and maintains strong morale. This brutal conscription underscores Kyiv's corruption and Western-backed collapse, further exposing the globalist agenda of using Ukraine as a pawn to weaken Russia and destabilize the region. The military's desperation for fresh troops underscores the unsustainable toll of the conflict, now entering its third year with no clear resolution. As casualties mount and morale plummets, Ukrainians are no longer willing to passively accept the forced removal of their loved ones. While some interventions have succeeded in freeing conscripts, the broader trend reveals a government losing its grip on public compliance. The scenes of civilian defiance mark a turning point in Ukraine's wartime narrative one where the state's heavy-handed tactics risk alienating the very population it claims to defend. With resistance spreading, Kyiv faces an impossible choice. It can either escalate repression further, or confront the reality that its people are exhausted, unwilling and increasingly unafraid to fight back. Watch this clip of a man being saved by passersby from Ukrainian conscription officers, with the would-be recruit managing to run away. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com RMX.news MagyarNemzet.hu BrightU.ai Brighteon.com A slap in the face: Verizon customers blast $20 credit after nationwide network failure A massive nationwide Verizon outage left customers disconnected for hours. The company offered a $20 account credit as compensation. Customers widely criticized the credit as insulting and inadequate. Many reported losing significant income and business due to the failure. This outage repeats a pattern of recent network vulnerabilities for Verizon. If you are one of the millions who rely on Verizon, your connection to the world vanished for most of Wednesday. A massive, hours-long nationwide outage left customers from coast to coast staring at "SOS" on their phones, unable to work, communicate, or conduct business. Now, the telecommunications giant's attempt at amends in the form of a $20 account credit has ignited a firestorm of backlash, revealing a deep rift between corporate apologies and the real-world consequences of systemic failure. The disruption began around noon Eastern Time on January 15. Within hours, outage-tracking website Downdetector logged a peak of more than 170,000 concurrent reports. Phones were reduced to emergency-only devices, cutting off a vital lifeline for millions. Verizon eventually resolved the issue that night, attributing it to a "software issue," according to company spokeswoman Christina Moon Ashraf. She stated the company was conducting a full review, admitting, "We did not meet the standard of excellence our customers expect." On Thursday, Verizon announced the compensation: a $20 credit for affected customers, redeemable by manually logging into the myVerizon app. The company framed it as a gesture, not a solution. "This credit isnt meant to make up for what happened. No credit really can," Verizon said in a public statement. They argued the sum "covers multiple days of service." For a vast number of customers, that calculation fell painfully short. The reaction on social media platforms like X was swift and severe. The sentiment was summed up by many who labeled the offer "ridiculous" and "a slap in the face." For customers facing monthly bills often exceeding $250, the credit was a pittance. "How about an explanation as to why the outage occurred in the first place?" one user demanded. Another pointed out the inconvenience of the redemption process: "Why do we need to redeem it? You guys messed up. Apply it to everyone affected automatically." Real costs and lost income For many, the outrage was not about a days prorated service fee, but about tangible economic harm. The outage struck at the heart of modern productivity. "I lost thousands of dollars of business yesterday because of this. This is an insult," one customer alleged. Civil rights lawyer Jim Garrity of Tallahassee, Florida, was questioning witnesses in a discrimination case when his service dropped. "The disruption severely interfered with my ability to conduct examinations throughout the day," he said. He called the $20 credit a "poor solution," suggesting a month of free service would send a more meaningful message. The problems extended beyond Wednesday. Throughout Thursday, customers continued reporting spotty service, contradicting the companys declaration that the issue was resolved. "The outages are still happening, you fixed nothing," an X user claimed. Another in Arizona reported, "For whatever reason, the internet works, but the cell service is not working." Verizons repeated advice was for users to restart their devices. This incident is not isolated. It echoes a similar nationwide Verizon outage in September 2024 that affected more than 100,000 users. That event previously drew scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission, which had earlier that year secured a $1 million-plus settlement from Verizon for 911 outages in six states. This pattern highlights a troubling vulnerability within essential infrastructure that consumers are forced to trust. Furthermore, the companys communications during and after the crisis were criticized as lacking. Nichole Gantshar, a remote worker in North Carolina, said the credit was "a nice, but hollow, gesture." She added, "More important to me as a customer, I want to know what happened, what they are going to do to prevent this in the future." Jim Garrity noted a disconnect between Verizons corporate statements and information at the store level, recounting how a store representative rolled her eyes when he mentioned the companys online resolution update. In the end, Verizons $20 credit has served less as a balm and more as a spotlight. It illuminates the profound dependency society has on a handful of corporate-controlled communication grids and the minimal accountability when they fail. For customers, it was a jarring reminder that their professional livelihoods and personal safety are often at the mercy of unseen software codes. While the immediate network may be restored, the breach of trust with consumers appears to be a longer-term outage, one that no automated credit can fix. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk NYTimes.com FoxBusiness.com ABCNews.go.com Free LPG stoves and cylinders were distributed to 251 Municipal Corporation of Delhi employees under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana at a special event held at the Civic Centre. Union Minister Raj Bhushan Chaudhary emphasized the scheme's role in improving women's health and empowerment, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva highlighted the transformation over 12 years, stating the scheme has freed women from smoke-filled kitchens and contributed to a pollution-free Delhi. The event was attended by Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh and other MCD officials, who reiterated the commitment to extending the scheme's benefits. Free gas stoves & cylinders distributed to 251 MCD employees in Delhi under PM Ujjwala Yojana, highlighting women's health & empowerment. New Delhi, Jan 16 Free gas stoves and LPG cylinders were distributed to 251 Municipal Corporation of Delhi employees on Friday under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, an official said. The special distribution programme was held at the Civic Centre, the MCD headquarters, he said. Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary said that the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is a significant initiative aimed at improving women's health and empowering them. He stated that the scheme reflects the work being carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the interest of farmers, labourers and the poor. During the programme, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva and Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh were present. On this occasion, Deputy Mayor Jaibhagwan Yadav, Chairperson of the Standing Committee Satya Sharma, Chairman of the Environment Management Committee Sandeep Kapoor, Chairman of the Education Committee of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Yogesh Verma, former Mayor Avtar Singh, Convener of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Rakesh Prajapati, along with other office-bearers and hundreds of beneficiaries, were present. Union Minister Chaudhary said that earlier, especially during the monsoon season, women faced great difficulties while cooking food, but after the implementation of the Ujjwala Yojana, this problem has largely been resolved. The smoke from firewood and traditional stoves caused harm to both health and the environment, and this scheme has helped in reducing those adverse effects. Delhi BJP chief Sachdeva said that over the past 12 years, the country has witnessed extensive transformation. Understanding the hardships faced by women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced schemes such as clean cooking fuel, ensuring that women today do not face difficulties in the kitchen. He added that the PMUY has made a significant contribution to the mission of a pollution-free Delhi. Sachdeva said that the development of a nation is possible only when it begins in the kitchen of the household. He added that for decades, women from poor families were forced to cook on smoke-filled stoves, leading to serious health problems. Through the Ujjwala Yojana, PM Modi has provided clean fuel and freed women from this hardship. Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh said that under the PMUY, gas cylinders have been provided to 251 municipal corporation employees. He said that under the leadership of PM Modi, the MCD is continuously working to ensure that women in Delhi benefit from this scheme. Programme conveners Sandeep Kapoor and Yogesh Verma said that due to the Ujjwala Yojana, women's health has improved, time has been saved, and their lives have become safer and more dignified. - IANS The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth concluded in New Delhi with a renewed commitment to making democratic institutions more people-centric. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlighted transparency and inclusivity as key to sustaining public trust and institutional legitimacy. The conference featured discussions on responsible AI use in parliaments, social media impact, and citizen engagement beyond elections. The chairmanship was handed to UK Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for the next conference in London. The 28th CSPOC ended with a commitment to make democratic institutions more transparent, inclusive, and responsive through technology and cooperation. New Delhi, January 16 The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday concluded today with a renewed commitment to make democratic institutions more people-centric. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivered the valedictory address at the three-day conference. He handed over the chairmanship of 29th CSPOC to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons during the valedictory session and wished him best for the success of the next CSPOC in London. Birla noted that democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people. He observed that transparency fosters public trust by ensuring openness in decision-making, while inclusivity guarantees that every voice--especially those on the margins--is heard and respected in the democratic process. Together, these principles sustain the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the enduring bond between the citizen and the State, he opined. Recalling the vision behind the establishment of CSPOC, 56 years ago, Birla said that the Conference was conceived to ensure continuous dialogue among democratic legislatures of the Commonwealth and to explore new ways of enhancing parliamentary efficiency and responsiveness. He stated that the 28th CSPOC had carried this legacy forward with renewed vigour and substance. The unprecedented participation of the largest number of countries in CSPOC's history was highlighted by the Speaker as a defining feature of this Conference. This wide and inclusive representation, he said, would ensure that the New Delhi Conference is remembered as a significant milestone in the history of Commonwealth parliamentary cooperation. Reflecting on the substantive sessions of the Conference, the Lok Sabha Speaker noted that discussions on responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in Parliaments, the impact of social media, citizen engagement beyond elections, and the health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff were particularly thought-provoking. These deliberations, he said, helped Presiding Officers gain greater clarity about their evolving roles and responsibilities at a critical juncture where democratic traditions intersect with rapid technological change. He highlighted that technology, inclusion and global partnerships would shape the new world order and expressed confidence that the bilateral meetings and informal interactions held during the Conference had further strengthened bonds of friendship and understanding among member countries. The Lok Sabha Speaker expressed deep appreciation for the active participation, enthusiasm and constructive spirit of all delegations, which made the Conference both meaningful and memorable. He observed that the discussions reflected the enduring relevance of CSPOC as a unique platform for collective reflection on making Parliaments more people-centric, accountable and effective. He said PM Modi's address eloquently highlighted India's rich democratic heritage and its steadfast commitment to standing by the global community in times of challenge. He also acknowledged the valuable presence and contributions of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, whose participation further enriched the deliberations. The 28th CSPOC concluded in New Delhi on a note of optimism, solidarity and renewed resolve to strengthen parliamentary democracy through dialogue, cooperation and innovation, a release said. The two-day Conference was marked by substantive, forward-looking deliberations held in an atmosphere of mutual respect, shared democratic values and positive engagement. - ANI The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) entered its third day in New Delhi, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Delegates from 42 nations are discussing modern parliamentary practices, public engagement, and the challenges of misinformation and artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the conference, highlighting India's democratic strength derived from its diversity. The day will feature a formal handover of the CSPOC chairmanship from Om Birla to the UK's Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The 28th CSPOC conference in New Delhi, chaired by Om Birla, brings together Speakers from 42 Commonwealth nations to discuss democracy, AI, and citizen engagement. New Delhi, January 16 The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth entered its third day on Friday, with delegates from across the Commonwealth arriving at the Parliament House to participate in key discussions aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and modern parliamentary practices. The high-level conference, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, has brought together 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, underscoring the event's global significance. Today, the sessions include a discussion on innovative strategies to improve public understanding of Parliament and enhance citizen participation beyond voting, to be addressed by Manzoor Nadir, Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana. A keynote address on "Security, Health and Wellbeing of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Staff" will also be delivered by Francis Scarpaleggia, Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, among other topics of discussion. The day will also mark the formal handover of the CSPOC chairmanship, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla passing the baton to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, who will host the 29th CSPOC. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the conference and addressed the session at the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan. PM Modi, during his address, said 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. "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," the Prime Minister said. Birla also addressed the gathering on Thursday, calling for a "collective responsibility" among Commonwealth nations to address challenges such as misinformation, cybercrime, and social division, while noting the "unprecedented" transformation in global technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). Several international dignitaries highlighted the importance of India hosting the conference. Jamaican High Commissioner to India, Jason Keats Matthew Hall, said it was fitting for India--the world's largest democracy--to host such a gathering. "It is very significant for India to host such an important meeting, especially given that India is home to the largest democracy, the largest parliament, and the largest political process in the world," Hall said, adding that the conference provided an opportunity to deliberate on "significant and meaningful subjects related to democracy in the 21st century." In discussions on artificial intelligence, Hall stressed the need for a regulatory framework, noting that while AI represents technological advancement, it must be governed responsibly to prevent misuse and ensure it benefits society. UK Member of Parliament and Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said it was "wonderful" to be back in India and described the conference as "a family coming together to speak about the democratic world we represent." Speaker of Parliament of Malawi, Sameer Gaffar Suleman, attending his first Commonwealth meeting, expressed gratitude to the Indian authorities and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the warm welcome, calling the sessions "a great learning experience". According to an official release, CSPOC is deliberating on a range of contemporary parliamentary issues, including the evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers, technological innovation in parliamentary functioning, and enhancing citizen engagement in democratic processes. - ANI Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has confidently predicted a victory for the BJP-JD(S) alliance in the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority elections, citing the Mahayuti alliance's strong performance in Maharashtra's civic polls. He extended congratulations to key national and state BJP leaders for their role in the Maharashtra results. The elections in Maharashtra, covering 29 civic bodies, were held amidst allegations from the Thackeray camp about the use of erasable ink, though Shiv Sena rejected these claims. Exit polls have indicated a landslide victory for the BJP and Shiv Sena in the Maharashtra polls. Former CM Basavaraj Bommai forecasts BJP-JD(S) victory in Greater Bengaluru Authority polls following Mahayuti's success in Maharashtra civic elections. Bengaluru, Jan 16 As trends predicted a thumping victory for the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra civic polls, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has stated that the BJP and JD alliance will achieve a win in the Greater Bengaluru Authority elections. Taking to social media X on Friday, BJP MP Bommai stated, "The BJP and the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) have registered massive victories in urban local body elections across Maharashtra, including the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, as well as Pune and Nagpur." Bommai extended "heartfelt" congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who played a key role in this "unprecedented victory", Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister and BJP National President J. P. Nadda, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. "In the upcoming elections to the five municipal corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits, the victory of the BJP-JD (S) alliance is certain. With this election, the beginning of the end for Congress has started," Bommai said. Trends indicate that Mahayuti has crossed the halfway mark in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, while the Thackeray camp fell short of expectations. Polling for a total of 2,869 seats across 893 wards in the 29 civic bodies in Maharashtra was held on Thursday. The political fortune of 15,931 candidates, including nearly 1,700 contestants in Mumbai alone, was decided by the electorate on Thursday. Exit polls have predicted a landslide victory for the BJP and Shiv Sena in the civic polls in Maharashtra. Notably, allegations surfaced during polling regarding the use of marker pens or "erasable ink," with some voters claiming the ink could be removed using hand sanitisers. The Thackeray camp made the erasable ink claim, alleging irregularities. However, Shiv Sena rejected the claim. - IANS Air India is deploying its brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft on the Mumbai-Frankfurt route starting February, featuring fully upgraded products. This move is part of the airline's broader fleet transformation program, which will continue with more widebody deliveries and retrofits through 2026. Simultaneously, Air India has signed a significant codeshare agreement with Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, to boost connectivity between the two countries. The partnership will allow passengers seamless travel to numerous destinations across India and Saudi Arabia, catering to tourism, business, and diaspora travel. Air India enhances Mumbai-Frankfurt flights with new B787-9 aircraft and signs a strategic codeshare agreement with Saudia for improved India-Saudi connectivity. New Delhi Januar, y 16 Air India, India's leading global airline has announced deployment of brand-new B787-9 for Mumbai-Frankfurt flights from February with 100% new or upgraded products. This enhancement will be done on its Mumbai-Frankfurt route. "These upgrades reflect Air India's ongoing fleet transformation, which will see additional widebody deliveries and retrofits throughout 2026, delivering modernised interiors to a significant portion of the long-haul fleet", says the press release by Air India. Air India maintains an active codeshare partnership with Lufthansa, which enables the passengers to take connections beyond Frankfurt to 29 destinations across Europe and select points in North America and South America. Air India has also recently signed a codeshare agreement with Saudia Group, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. "The agreement introduces a range of benefits for Air India's and Saudia's guests, boosting connectivity, enhancing travel experience, strengthening network access, maximising flight options, and supporting growing demand across tourism, business travel, and wider guest segments", says Air India in its press release. People travelling to Middle East will now be able to take flights to Jeddah or Riyadh with Air India and onward connections on Saudia-operated flights to Dammam, Abha, Gassim, Gizan, Madinah, and Taif, the release stated. The codeshare will also provide Saudia's passengers access to major cities across India via Mumbai and Delhi, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, and Jaipur and more than 15 other destinations as interline. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said, "Saudi Arabia is amongst our most important markets in the Middle East, with the country fast transforming into a major international gateway to the region. We are happy to be partnering with Saudia to provide greater access to the large Indian diaspora spread across Saudi Arabia as well as to open up the Kingdom's rapidly evolving and diverse tourism offerings and remarkable destinations to holidaymakers from India." H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said, "The codeshare agreement with Air India marks a strategic step forward, given both airlines' long histories and their shared commitment to increasing connectivity within their home markets and between their countries, while offering guests broader access to more destinations through simplified travel procedures that elevate the overall travel experience." - ANI Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced that all enclosures for the Republic Day parade will be named after Indian rivers, a move intended to end VIP culture. Enclosures for the Beating Retreat ceremony will similarly be named after musical instruments. The announcement included a post-event cleanliness campaign involving NCC cadets and volunteers. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be the Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Defence Secretary announces Republic Day parade enclosures named after Indian rivers and Beating Retreat enclosures after musical instruments to end VIP culture. New Delhi, January 16 Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday announced a move to end the "VIP culture" during the annual parade at Kratavya Path, as they would now be named after Indian rivers. Enclosures for the Beating Retreat will be named after musical instruments. "This year, to end the VIP culture, we have named all our enclosures for the Republic Day parade after Indian rivers and the enclosures for the Beating Retreat ceremony after musical instruments", he said. Furthermore, he highlighted the commitment to cleanliness by announcing that a campaign would run after the events on January 26 and 30. "NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers would remove the waste from the Kratavya Path and surrounding areas", he added. India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with elaborate parades, cultural displays, and a showcase of India's defence capabilities. The event is expected to attract thousands of spectators, both in-person and via live broadcasts. Rehearsals for the parade are underway on Kartavya Path as preparations continue for the national celebrations. Meanwhile, the sale of tickets for the Republic Day parade, the full dress rehearsal of the Beating Retreat, and the main Beating Retreat ceremony commenced on January 5. For the Republic Day parade, tickets are priced at Rs 20 and Rs 100. Tickets for the full dress rehearsal of Beating Retreat will be available at Rs 20, while tickets for the Beating Retreat ceremony are priced at Rs 100. European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will pay a three-day visit to India from January 25 to 27 and will be Chief Guests on Republic Day. During the visit, the leaders will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit to be held on January 27. They will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 3rd International Kite Festival in Delhi, proposing the city become the national center for the event. He urged the Delhi government and DDA to form a committee to expand the festival and boost public participation for a grand nationwide celebration. Shah connected kites to India's freedom struggle, recalling how they were used to protest the Simon Commission with "Simon Go Back" messages. He also spoke at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, emphasizing the enduring strength of Indian culture and the temple's resilience. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates kite festival, urges making Delhi a national hub and recalls kites' role in freedom movement. New Delhi, January 16 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the 3rd International Kite Festival, urging the Delhi government and Delhi Development Authority to form a committee to make the city the national hub for kite festivities, expand the event, and encourage public participation for a grand nationwide celebration. Addressing the 3rd International Kite Festival- 2026 in Delhi, Shah said, "The kite festival will connect people across the entire country, and in the future, it can become a national festival. I urge the Delhi administration and the DDA to form a committee to make Delhi the centre of the kite festival for the whole country, and to work to expand it and ensure public participation to make it a truly grand celebration." Shah also referenced the richness of India's festival culture, quoting poet Kalidasa, "Utsav-priya janah," meaning the people of India are fond of festivals. He said that throughout the year, people across the country celebrate festivals, which bring society together and foster a collective vision, adding that Uttarayan is an integral part of this tradition. He recalled the role of kites in India's freedom movement, saying the Simon Commission faced strong opposition across the country, with the slogan "Simon Go Back" becoming a key symbol of resistance. "The most powerful protest happened during Uttarayan, when people all over the country flew kites with 'Simon Go Back' written on them, filling the sky and demonstrating their strength to the British," Shah said. Speaking about Somnath Swabhiman Parv to mark the 1000th anniversary of the first attack on the Somnath temple, Amit Shah said that those who destroyed Somnath are gone, but the temple stands proud. "PM Modi has created the Somnath Swabhiman Parv to mark the 1000th anniversary of the first attack on the Somnath temple. Now, the Indian government and several state governments have also decided to observe a Somnath Swabhiman Varsh." He highlighted the resilience of the temple, stating,"The power of those who build is far greater than that of those who destroy. Those who destroyed it Mahmud of Ghazni, Mahmud Begada, Alauddin Khilji are nowhere to be seen on the world map today. The Somnath temple stands proudly in the same place, visible to the entire world. This is a symbol of the eternal nature and immortality of Sanatana Dharma, and that the fundamental elements of Indian culture are immortal," Shah said. - ANI Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the state's rapidly growing startup movement, driven by focused policy and institutional support. A key milestone is the incubation of 615 startups through the NEST programme since 2021. The government has established a Rs 200 crore Assam Venture Capital Fund to provide crucial early-stage financial backing to promising enterprises. The initiative aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem across diverse sectors like agri-tech and healthcare, positioning Assam as an emerging startup hub. Assam CM launches Rs 200 crore venture fund, incubates 615 startups to fuel youth innovation and economic growth in the Northeast. Guwahati, Jan 16 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the state is witnessing a fast-growing startup movement, driven by focused policy support, institutional backing and a strong emphasis on youth-led innovation. Highlighting key milestones achieved under the Assam Startup initiative, CM Sarma said that 615 startups have been incubated through the NEST incubation programme since 2021, providing young innovators with mentoring, infrastructure and access to funding. He said the initiative has helped transform innovative ideas into scalable enterprises across diverse sectors. The Chief Minister said the state government has also created a Rs 200 crore Assam Venture Capital Fund to provide critical financial backing to promising startups during their early and growth stages. The fund, he added, is aimed at bridging the gap between innovation and investment, enabling local entrepreneurs to compete at the national level without having to migrate to other states. CM Sarma further highlighted the role of the Chief Minister's Aatmanirbhar Assam Abhijan (CMAAA), which has been supporting thousands of young entrepreneurs by offering financial assistance, skill development and market linkages. He said the programme has played a vital role in encouraging self-employment and enterprise creation, particularly among the youth in rural and semi-urban areas. "On National Startup Day, we celebrate the spirit of innovation and enterprise that is shaping India's future," CM Sarma said, adding that Assam remains committed to nurturing a vibrant and inclusive startup ecosystem. He said the government is focused on creating an enabling environment where young people can innovate, take risks and create sustainable impact. The Chief Minister said Assam's startup ecosystem is steadily expanding beyond traditional sectors into areas such as agri-tech, food processing, healthcare, education technology and green enterprises. He added that the government is working to strengthen incubation infrastructure, improve ease of doing business and enhance collaboration between academia, industry and startups. CM Sarma said the state views startups as key drivers of economic growth, employment generation and technological advancement. With sustained policy support and growing entrepreneurial energy, he said Assam is positioning itself as an emerging startup hub in the Northeast and beyond. - IANS The President of the Baloch American Congress, Tara Chand, has publicly called on former US President Donald Trump to formally recognize Balochistan as a region of strategic importance to the United States. He argues that Pakistan, with China's support, occupies Balochistan, creating a global security threat due to its critical location near the Strait of Hormuz and its vast resources. Chand emphasizes the Baloch people's desire for freedom and positions the region as essential for future US security. This appeal follows recent accusations by activist Hakeem Baloch that Pakistan's security forces are intensifying enforced disappearances, including of women and children. Baloch American Congress President urges US to recognize Balochistan as strategically vital, citing Chinese-Pakistani occupation and regional threats. Washington DC, January 16 Baloch American Congress, President Tara Chand on Friday said in a statement that US President Donald Trump should recognise Balochistan as strategically important to the United States, just like Greenland. Chand said that Pakistan, with China's support has occupied Balochistan, and has become a security threat. In a post on X, he said, "President Trump should recognize Balochistan as strategically important to the United States, just like Greenland, because Balochistan has a critical geopolitical location and major mineral and coastal resources. Pakistan, with China's support, has occupied Balochistan, creating a serious security threat not only to America but to the wider world. Balochistan's location near the Strait of Hormuz also makes it extremely important for regional and global security." Chand pointed out that China and Pakistan were expanding their presence in the region, and must be taken seriously. "Balochistan holds major geopolitical and defense value, and the United States should pay close attention to it. Pakistan and China are expanding their influence across the region, and this must be taken seriously. The Baloch people are an ancient nation with thousands of years of history. They are secular, progressive, and open-minded, and they seek freedom, peace, and a better future for their region and the world," he said. He added, "Therefore, the United States should support Balochistan and recognize that Balochistan is essential to America's future security." Earlier on January 11, Baloch activist Hakeem Baloch has accused Pakistan's security establishment of continuing to rely on enforced disappearances as its "primary tool of control" in Balochistan, despite years of international scrutiny. He argued that these abductions, now increasingly involving women and children, reflect a deepening phase of state repression. In an interview with ANI, Baloch said that more than eight to ten Baloch women and girls were abducted in the past year alone, including a 15-year-old and an eight-month pregnant woman. - ANI The BJP's decisive solo victories in Maharashtra's municipal corporation elections have sent a strong signal of its intent to achieve complete political dominance in the state. This success raises significant alarm for its allies, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, who now must scramble to retain their political relevance. The BJP has systematically reversed decades-old political equations and built a robust organizational network, even in areas historically controlled by its partners. Analysts note the party treated these local polls with general election intensity, successfully dismantling traditional bastions of the Shiv Sena and NCP. BJP's solo victories in Maharashtra civic polls signal its push for total dominance, raising alarm for allies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar's factions. Mumbai, Jan 16 The results of elections across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra have sent a clear signal that the BJP will step up its efforts to achieve its "shat pratishat" rule in Maharashtra in the next Assembly elections slated for 2029. However, the BJP's victory on its own in more than 16 municipal corporations has raised alarm bells for allies, including the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, who will have to pull up their socks to stay relevant while increasing their presence. While the BJP initially utilised Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar to topple the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government by splitting the Shiv Sena and the NCP, the latest data suggest the party is now systematically establishing dominance within its allies' traditional strongholds. Following the formation of the MVA government under Uddhav Thackeray, the BJP camp was initially gripped by disappointment. However, within two and a half years, the party successfully brought Eknath Shinde into its fold to seize power. While Shinde was satisfied with the Chief Minister's post, the BJP's long-term strategy involved more than just a change in leadership. Despite a setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP managed to maintain its momentum in the Assembly polls. By leveraging the support of the Shinde and Pawar factions, the party has significantly bolstered its grassroots presence across the state. The BJP has effectively overturned decades-old political equations. During its 25-30-year alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena, the Sena typically contested 171 seats to the BJP's 117. Today, the BJP has reversed this formula, building a robust organisational network across all 288 constituencies, even in areas historically dominated by its partners. According to political analysts, the BJP deployed a calculated strategy wherein ministers, MLAs and MPs were given specific responsibilities to weaken the grip of Shinde and Pawar in regions like Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai and Konkan. The party treated municipal and zilla parishad elections with the same intensity as general elections, ensuring meticulous planning at the booth level. The results indicate that while the BJP formed alliances in municipal corporations where it was not confident of a solo victory, the benefits of these tie-ups did not flow back to the Shinde faction. Instead, the BJP has established undisputed dominance in major urban hubs including Mumbai, Pune, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivli. By dismantling the traditional bastions of the Shiv Sena and the NCP, the BJP has signalled that its primary goal remains total political hegemony, leaving its "younger brothers" struggling to protect their own turf. The Shinde faction, which repeatedly claimed it is the "real Sena", will have to strive to maintain its status as the party was outpaced by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in Mumbai and by the BJP in other civic bodies, whether fighting together or solo. Similarly, it is a wake-up call for the NCP led by Ajit Pawar, whose decision to aggressively take on the BJP while going solo in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad did not pay off. The BJP, with its organisational might, outsmarted the NCP and also sent a strong signal to Ajit Pawar that he will have no option but to remain in the Mahayuti till the next Assembly elections. The BJP has not liked Ajit Pawar's move to align with his uncle Sharad Pawar-led NCP in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. In a nutshell, the mighty BJP will strongly pursue its goal of gaining power on its own, while making the Shiv Sena and the NCP chart their own paths to retain political relevance. (Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in) - IANS The BJP-led alliance has crossed the majority mark in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, leading in 119 wards. Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS combined were ahead in only 70 wards, falling short of expectations. The polls, held after a delay of nearly nine years, are crucial due to the BMC's massive annual budget and political significance. Beyond Mumbai, the BJP alliance showed strong dominance in trends across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. BJP alliance crosses majority in Mumbai's BMC elections, outpacing the Thackeray cousins. Results reshape Maharashtra's urban political landscape. New Delhi, Jan 16 The BJP-led alliance has surged past the majority mark in the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, according to counting trends, dealing a setback to the Thackeray cousins' efforts to retain control of India's richest civic body. As votes were counted for elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest force in Mumbai's civic polls, with its alliance gaining a decisive edge. In the BMC, the BJP-led combine was ahead in 119 wards, with the BJP leading in 88 wards and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction ahead in 31. In contrast, the Thackeray family's combined strength appeared to fall short of expectations. Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) was leading in 64 wards, while Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) was ahead in six, taking the combined tally of the cousins to 70 wards. Despite their attempts at political consolidation, the duo appeared sluggish in matching the BJP alliance's momentum. The BMC election is being closely watched due to the civic body's immense political and financial significance. With an annual budget exceeding Rs 74,400 crore, control of the BMC has long been a key prize in Maharashtra politics. The polls were held after a prolonged delay of nearly nine years, adding to their importance. Beyond Mumbai, trends across the state also tilted strongly in favour of the BJP-led alliance. In the 29 municipal corporations, the BJP was leading in 909 wards, while its ally, the Shiv Sena led by Shinde, was ahead in 237 wards, reinforcing the ruling alliance's dominance in urban local bodies. Pune emerged as another major battleground, where the two rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) - led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his uncle, Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Pawar - joined hands for the municipal polls. The outcome in Pune is being seen as a test of the alliance's electoral viability at the grassroots level. Polling for a total of 2,869 seats across 893 wards in the 29 civic bodies was held on Thursday. Around 3.48 crore voters were eligible to cast their ballots, deciding the political fate of 15,931 candidates, including nearly 1,700 contestants in Mumbai alone. The final results are expected to significantly reshape Maharashtra's urban political landscape. - IANS BJP candidate Shilpa Keluskar secured victory from Ward 173 in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, thanking voters for their decisive mandate. The BJP-Shiv Sena 'Mahayuti' alliance is leading comfortably in the BMC, with the BJP poised to be the single largest party. The alliance is also performing strongly in other major municipal corporations like Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagpur, and Nashik. State leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have hailed the emerging trends as a victory for the ruling coalition. BJP's Shilpa Keluskar wins BMC Ward 173 as BJP-Shiv Sena alliance leads in Mumbai, Pune, and other major Maharashtra municipal corporations. Mumbai, January 16 In a show of gratitude towards voters in the Maharashtra civic body elections, BJP's winning candidate, Shilpa Keluskar, on Friday thanked them after winning from the ward 173 in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. She stated that the decisive mandate in the polls is a result of the voters' trust. "I thank all the voters. I am here with such a decisive mandate due to their trust", she said. As per the latest trends at 5 pm, the BJP-Shiv Sena saffron alliance was leading on 130 of 227 seats in the BMC polls, leaving the Thackeray brothers behind on 71. The BJP is emerging as the largest party in India's richest municipality, with 93 seats, while its alliance partner, the Shiv Sena, has 27. Shiv Sena (UBT) was leading on 62 seats, with MNS on 9. Congress was leading on 14 seats, while NCP (SP) led on one. BJP-Shiv Sena have managed to outrun the uncle-nephew duo of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In Pune, the BJP was leading on 90 seats out of the total 162, with Shiv Sena leading on two seats, and Mahayuti well above the majority mark. NCP was leading on 20 seats while NCP (SP) was struggling to open its account in Pune. In Pimpri-Chinchwad, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance leads with 90 seats, while the NCP leads with 37 seats. Mahayuti is also emerging well above the majority marks in Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Jalna and Vasai-Virar. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane hailed the trends, stating that the Mahayuti will occupy mayor's seats in most of the Municipal Corporations in the state. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also called up State BJP chief Ravindra Chavan to congratulate him, as the BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti is emerging victorious in Maharashtra civic polls. A total of 29 Municipal Corporations in Maharashtra held polling on Thursday, with voting counting on Friday. - ANI Bulgaria will hold snap parliamentary elections after the final attempt to form a government within the current legislature failed. President Rumen Radev offered the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms the mandate, but they declined, following similar refusals from the two largest groups. The president must now appoint a caretaker prime minister and government within two months, a process complicated by recent constitutional amendments. This follows the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's coalition government in December amid protests, continuing a cycle of political instability. Bulgaria heads to early elections after all parliamentary groups decline to form a government. President Rumen Radev must now appoint a caretaker administration. Sofia, Jan 16 Bulgaria will hold early parliamentary elections after the third and final attempt to form a new government within the current legislature failed on Friday. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev offered the parliamentary group "Alliance for Rights and Freedoms" (ARF) to form a government on Friday, but it declined the request for the third time this week. The two largest parliamentary groups, GERB-UDF and PP-DB, also declined to do so earlier this week, Xinhua News Agency reported. The need for a new cabinet emerged in December, following the resignation of the coalition government led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov amid large-scale protests over the economic policy of the ruling majority. "Consciously, responsibly, our parliamentary group authorized me to return the third exploratory mandate unfulfilled, so that we can realize, with all our common efforts, fair, free, transparent, democratic elections," said Hayri Sadakov, chairperson of the ARF parliamentary group. According to the Bulgarian Constitution, after a third failure, Radev, following consultations with parliamentary groups, is required to appoint a caretaker prime minister and government, and to schedule new elections within two months. However, the process is not straightforward. Due to amendments to the constitution adopted at the end of 2023, Radev can appoint a caretaker prime minister only from specific positions: the speaker of parliament, the governor or deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, the president or vice president of the Bulgarian National Audit Office, or the Ombudsman or their deputy. However, no one from these positions is obligated to accept the responsibility. Additionally, Radev must appoint a caretaker cabinet proposed by the caretaker prime minister, though he may not agree with the proposal. A similar situation occurred before the last parliamentary elections. In August 2024, Radev appointed Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva as caretaker prime minister, tasking her with proposing a caretaker government. However, Radev disagreed with her choice for interior minister. When she refused to nominate another candidate, the president appointed a different caretaker Prime Minister. Zhelyazkov's government was sworn in on Jan. 16, 2025, following snap elections in October 2024 -- the seventh parliamentary election in Bulgaria in just three and a half years. - IANS Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has condemned Iran after learning a Canadian citizen was killed by Iranian authorities amid ongoing protests. She expressed condolences to the family and called for an immediate end to the regime's violence against peaceful demonstrators. The condemnation was part of a broader joint statement from the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, and the European Union, which commended Iranian citizens' bravery and denounced the crackdown. The nations called on Iran to cease using excessive force and to uphold rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Canadian FM Anita Anand condemns Iran after a Canadian citizen is killed by authorities amid widespread anti-regime protests. Ottawa, January 16 Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand expressed condolences at the death of a Canadian citizen at the hands of Iranian authorities. Anand joined the voices across the world that are condemning Iranian brutality in an attempt to douse the anti-regime protests that continue to spread like wildfire. In a post on X, she said, "I have just learned that a Canadian citizen has died in Iran at the hands of the Iranian authorities. Our consular officials are in contact with the victim's family in Canada and my deepest condolences are with them at this time. 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. This violence must end. Canada condemns and calls for an immediate end to the Iranian regime's violence." World leaders on January 10 condemned the killing and arrest of protesters as they gripped Iran as threat looms over the administration. In a joint statement, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union lauded the bravery displayed by the citizens of Iran and condemned the reported crackdown by the regime. "We commend the bravery of the Iranian people as they stand up for their dignity and their fundamental right to peaceful protest. We strongly condemn the killing of protestors, the use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people," the statement read. The nations called on Iranian government to end the use of aggressive force against the protesters and preserve their right to freedom of expression. "Iran must immediately end the use of excessive and lethal force by its security forces including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij against protestors. Too many lives - over 40 to date - have already been lost. The Iranian regime has the responsibility to protect its own population and must allow for the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal," as per the statement. - ANI The Indian government has blocked access to 242 illegal betting and gambling website links in a significant enforcement action. This crackdown is part of strengthened measures following the passage of the Online Gaming Act, which received presidential assent in 2025. The legislation aims to shield citizens, particularly youth, from addiction and financial ruin caused by predatory online money games. It also seeks to promote safe online gaming, e-sports, and constructive digital recreation while curbing harmful platforms. Government cracks down on 242 illegal betting sites to protect youth and curb financial harm, following the new Online Gaming Act. Over 7,800 sites taken down. New Delhi, January 16 The Centre today blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links as part of increased enforcement actions following the passage of the Online Gaming Act, government sources said. They said that action taken today reflects the Government's commitment to protect users especially youth, and to curb financial and social harm caused by illegal online betting and gambling platforms "So far, over 7,800 illegal betting and gambling websites have been taken down, with a significant increase in enforcement actions after the passage of the Online Gaming Act," a source said. President Dropadi Murmu had given her assent to The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, that was passed by Parliament in August last year. The legislation marked a strong move to shield citizens from the menace of online money games while promoting and regulating other kinds of online games. The legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that thrive on misleading promises of quick wealth, a release said, adding that it reflects the Government's resolve to safeguard families while guiding the digital economy towards safe and constructive growth. The seriousness of the issue is recognised globally. The World Health Organization classifies gaming disorder as a health condition in its International Classification of Diseases, describing it as a pattern of play marked by loss of control, neglect of other daily activities, and persistence despite harmful consequences. The release said online money gaming platforms have caused widespread harm. Families have lost their savings. Young people have fallen into addiction. In some heartbreaking cases, financial distress linked to these games has even led to suicides. The Government responded to the situation by recognizing these dangers. The Act strikes a balance and recognizes the online gaming sector as one of the most dynamic segments of the digital and creative economy, with significant opportunities for innovation, cognitive development, employment generation, technological advancement and global competitiveness. It encourages e-sports, which are organised competitive video games, and promotes safe online social and educational games. It separates constructive digital recreation from betting, gambling and fantasy money games that exploit users with false promises of profit. - ANI Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has proposed a new Seed Act to protect farmers from counterfeit and substandard seeds. The legislation mandates QR codes on all seed packets for full traceability and requires compulsory registration for seed companies. It introduces stringent penalties, including fines up to Rs 30 lakh, for selling inferior seeds. The minister assured that the law will not interfere with traditional farmer practices like saving and locally exchanging seeds. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveils new Seed Act with mandatory registration, QR codes for traceability, and heavy fines to protect farmers. New Delhi, Jan 16 Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday unveiled the proposals of the new Seed Act, which include mandatory registration of seed companies and a penalty of up to Rs 30 lakh for selling substandard seeds. The minister said the proposed legislation is a historic step aimed at ensuring farmers' protection, seed quality, and transparency across the system. Every seed packet will carry a QR code, which, when scanned, will allow farmers to access complete information about its origin. This will not only prevent the sale of fake or substandard seeds but will also enable swift action against those responsible if such seeds enter the market. Chouhan said a nationwide seed traceability system will now be established. "We have tried to create a system through which it can be known where the seed was produced, which dealer supplied it, and who sold it," he remarked. He said every seed company will now have to be registered, making it clear which companies are authorised to operate. "Details of registered companies will be available, and no unauthorised seller will be allowed to sell seeds," he said. This will eliminate fake companies from the market and ensure that farmers receive seeds only from credible sources. The Agriculture Minister said once traceability is implemented, fake or poor-quality seeds will be identified immediately. "Inferior seeds will not come into the system, and even if they do, they will be caught. Those who supply such seeds will be penalised," he said. This will put an end to the arbitrary practices of companies and dealers who mislead farmers. Chouhan said there will be zero tolerance for negligence in seed quality. "Earlier, the penalty was up to Rs 500. Now, there is a proposal to impose a fine of up to Rs 30 lakh, and if someone deliberately commits an offence, there will also be a provision for punishment," he said. The minister said the Seed Act has provisions at three levels: the public sector (Indian Council of Agricultural Research, agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras), domestic companies that produce high-quality seeds, and a proper evaluation mechanism for foreign seeds. "Seeds imported from abroad will be approved only after thorough testing and evaluation. Our public institutions and domestic private sector will be strengthened so that quality seeds reach farmers," he said. The minister also dispelled concerns that the new law would impose restrictions on traditional seeds used by farmers. "Farmers can sow their own seeds and share seeds with other farmers. The traditional system of seed exchange at the local level will continue without any problem," he said. He cited the example of rural areas where farmers exchange seeds during sowing and return them later with an additional quantity, adding that such practices will remain unaffected. - IANS Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin offered floral tributes to poet Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day, observed in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage, urging people to read the Tirukkural. Meanwhile, DMK Minister TRB Rajaa engaged in a spat with the BJP, criticizing the central government for a lack of genuine understanding of Tamil culture. The minister highlighted a calendar discrepancy, arguing that local traditions, not fixed English dates, should determine festival observance. CM MK Stalin and PM Modi honor poet Thiruvalluvar. DMK minister TRB Rajaa criticizes BJP's understanding of Tamil culture in a political spat. Chennai, January 16 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin offered floral tributes to the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day on Friday. The day, observed on January 16 (on Leap Year as per Tamil Calendar) in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, commemorates Thiruvalluvar's contribution to Tamil literature and philosophy. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the famous Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day. In his post on X, PM Modi, said, "Today, on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the versatile Thiruvalluvar, whose works and ideals inspire innumerable people. He believed in a society that is harmonious and compassionate. He personifies the best of Tamil culture. I urge you all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of the great Thiruvalluvar." Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, Minister TRB Rajaa on Thursday 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. "Tamil does not need ceremonial praise. It asks for knowledge and understanding. And Delhi should try to start with that. Happy Pongal to Hon HM and everyone in Delhi and am sure you can see that you can't trust your local unit or your partner's here for info on Tamils and to actually show what Tamils are in their full complex and astounding glory," he responded to Shah on X. 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," the post read. - ANI Chief Minister Mohan Yadav transferred the 32nd instalment of the Ladli Behna Yojana, disbursing Rs 1,836 crore to over 1.25 crore women beneficiaries. Each eligible woman received Rs 1,500 directly into her bank account during the event in Narmadapuram district. He also transferred over Rs 90 crore for Ujjwala gas cylinder refills and inaugurated development projects worth more than Rs 206 crore. The scheme, initiated under former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has now seen total transfers exceed Rs 50,468 crore since its launch. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav transfers the 32nd Ladli Behna instalment of Rs 1,836 crore to over 1.25 crore women beneficiaries, raising total disbursals over Rs 50,468 crore. Bhopal, Jan 16 Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday transferred the 32nd instalment of the Ladli Behna Yojana, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Madhya Pradesh government's flagship welfare initiative for women. The Chief Minister transferred Rs 1,836 crore through a single click into the bank accounts of more than 1.25 crore eligible beneficiaries of the scheme during a ceremonial event held in Makhan Nagar in Narmadapuram district. This is the first instalment of Ladli Behna Yojana in the year - 2026, and each eligible beneficiary (woman) under the scheme will receive Rs 1,500 on their bank accounts. In addition, the Chief Minister also transferred more than Rs 90 crore into the bank accounts of 29 lakh beneficiaries for gas cylinder refilling assistance under the Ujwala Yojana introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016. On the occasion, he also laid the foundation stones and inaugurated various development projects worth over 206 crore for the district. Makhan Nagar in Narmadapuram, previously known as Hoshangabad, located on the bank of the river Narmada, is the birthplace of the legendary freedom fighter, poet and journalist (late) Pt. Makhanlal Chaturvedi. Upon reaching the venue, Chief Minister Yadav offered a floral tribute to the statue of Pt. Makhanlal Chaturvedi. After releasing the amount in the presence of a large gathering of people from Narmadauram district, Chief Minister Yadav also interacted with several beneficiaries to know how this scheme transformed their lives through Ladli Behna Yajana and many other flagships introduced by the Centre and the state governments. The scheme was implemented with a monthly instalment of Rs 1,000 during the tenure of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (now Union Agriculture Minister), a few months ahead of the Assembly elections in 2023. Later, the amount was increased to Rs 1,250 in September 2023. Chief Minister Yadav had earlier stated that the amount will be increased to Rs 3,000 by 2028. According to the state government, from June 2023 to December 2025, a total amount of Rs 48,632.70 crore has been transferred to beneficiaries' accounts under the scheme. Now, with the 32nd instalment transferred on Friday, the total amount for this scheme rose over Rs 50,468 crore. - IANS The Bharatiya Janata Party will elect its new national president on January 20, following the publication of internal electoral rolls. The process involves nomination, scrutiny, and potential voting, with current working president Nitin Nabin widely expected to succeed outgoing president JP Nadda. The election follows constitutional rules requiring nominees to be active members for 15 years and allowing any 20 electoral college members to propose a candidate. The event will see the attendance of senior leaders, including chief ministers and state presidents, in Delhi. The BJP will elect its new national president on January 20, with working president Nitin Nabin expected to succeed JP Nadda. Follow the election process. New Delhi, January 16 The Bharatiya Janata Party is set to elect its new president on January 20 after they publish their internal party electoral rolls later today. According to the official notification issued by the party's national returning officer and Rajya Sabha MP K Laxman, the electoral rolls of the party will be published at 12 noon and the enrolment process for the candidates will start on January 19. Beginning at 2 PM on January 19, the process will go on till two hours. From 4 PM to 5 PM, the scrutiny of the nomination papers will be held, and afterwards all the candidates will have an hour's time (5 PM to 6 PM) to withdraw their names, if needed. The official announcement, or the necessary voting will take place on January 20. Currently, Nitin Nabin is serving as the party's working president, and is expected to succeed Union Minister JP Nadda, who assumed office in January 2020. Nadda was also the first national working president of the party. According to Article 21 of the BJP constitution, any eligible member can hold the post of the president for 2 consecutive terms for 3 years each. According to Article 19, the election of the party president happens through the electoral college consisting of Members of the National Council, Members of the sate councils. The election will take place in accordance with the rules framed by the National Executive. Any twenty members of the electoral college of the party can jointly propose a name for the party president. The person nominated needs to be an active member for four terms, and has 15 years of total membership. If no other nomination is given by the electoral college, the new party president will assume office without voting. The BJP's national council consists of members elected by the state council; 10 per cent of Parliament members, to be elected by the party members in Parliament. The elected members cannot be less than 10, and if they are, then all of them will be elected. Other members also include all former national presidents, all state presidents, leaders of the party in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and leaders of party in State assemblies and councils. The party's state council include elected members by the district units; 10 per cent of party legislators; 10 per cent of Parliament members from the state; all members of the national council from state; all former state presidents; all members of the state executive' leaders of the party is state assembly and councils; nominated members (not more than 25 by state presidents and others. According to the sources, all Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, all state BJP presidents, national office bearers, and senior BJP leaders have been asked to be present in Delhi for the election. Three sets of nominations will be filed for the national president's post. One set will have the signatures of more than 20 elected state BJP presidents. One set will have the signatures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda. BJP had appointed Bihar Minister and five-term MLA Nitin Nabin as the party's working president in December of last year. Union Minister JP Nadda currently helms the national party. The appointment of Nabin is seen as the party focusing on youth leadership. Since his appointment as the National Working President, Nitin Nabin has been deeply engaged in the party's preparations for the upcoming state assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry. Recently, Nitin Nabin visited Tamil Nadu to review party preparations to face Chief Minister MK Stalin-led DMK. Before Tamil Nadu, he was in Assam, where BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma is going to face a tough competition from Congress. - ANI The Defence Procurement Board has approved a proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation. The proposal will now be considered by the Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with final approval expected from the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This move follows last year's deal for 26 Rafale-M jets for the Indian Navy and includes a significant manufacturing component in India through Tata Advanced Systems. The first fuselage sections from the Tata facility in Hyderabad are expected by FY2028. Defence Procurement Board approves plan to buy 114 Rafale jets from France. Deal awaits final clearance from DAC and CCS, boosting IAF capabilities. New Delhi, Jan 16 In a key booster for India's defence capabilities, the Defence Procurement Board on Friday approved the proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from French aviation manufacturer Dassault. According to defence sources, the proposal will now be taken up for clearance at the next Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Sources further stated that the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is likely to give the final approval. Last year, the Indian Air Force had moved a formal proposal to the Defence Ministry, seeking 114 more Rafale fighter jets. According to sources, India and France may sign the final agreement on 114 fighter jets as soon as next month. In April last year, India signed a landmark Rs 63,000 crore deal with France to buy 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets to give added punch to the Indian Navy. The procurement will proceed under an Inter-Governmental Agreement, ensuring direct deliveries without any intermediaries. The deal has been signed for 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater trainers, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2031. In June, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited signed four production transfer agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the country's aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains. The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month. Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. - IANS A Dehradun-based entrepreneur, Rajat Jain, highlights the transformative impact of the Startup India initiative as it completes ten years. He founded a startup creating portable ECG devices aimed at making heart diagnosis affordable in smaller cities. Jain credits the initiative for providing crucial support, from patents to seed funding through a government-backed incubator. A key moment was receiving validation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a virtual interaction, which boosted his confidence. Rajat Jain shares how Startup India helped his portable ECG startup thrive. Learn about his journey and virtual meeting with PM Modi. New Delhi, Jan 16 As the startup landscape completed a historic milestone with completion of 10 years of the 'Startup India' initiative on Friday, a Dehradun-based entrepreneur shared the transformative impact of the scheme in his and fellow startup founders' life, while also reminiscing about a virtual yet highly motivating interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi extended best wishes to citizens on the occasion by taking to social media platform X while highlighting the need to power India's rise in the global Startup ecosystem. He said that this day is about celebrating the courage, spirit of innovation, and entrepreneurial zeal of the people, especially the youth. Modi Story, a popular social media handle on X, shared the entrepreneurial journey of Dehradun resident Rajat Jain, with the latter recounting arduous challenges, uphill tasks and also how government support helped him overcome all obstacles and found a self-sustaining startup enterprise. Rajat Jain, a novice in the health landscape, launched a startup dealing in portable ECG device and kept his focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Initially, he found it immensely challenging because in a city with no existing startup ecosystem, he had to first learn know-how of the business and then due guidance. The portable ECG device, developed and marketed by his startup, are aimed at making early heart diagnosis more accessible and affordable, especially beyond major urban centres. From filing his first trademark and patent to receiving seed funding through a Department of Science and Technology-supported incubator, Rajat Jain saw all these works routing through the Startup India. As part of the Startup India delegation, Rajat Jain attended the World Economic Forum twice. In 2018, his interaction with PM Modi through a video call, followed by a one-on-one meeting, became a major moment of validation for him. Recalling the conversation, Rajat Jain says, "Public appreciation from the Prime Minister gave me confidence during the uncertain early phase of entrepreneurship." Notably, the Start-up India initiative was launched on January 16, 2016, marking a new chapter in India's approach to entrepreneurship and innovation, placing young Indians at the centre of nation-building. Over the past one decade, the ambitious programme has helped build trust and credibility for startup founders across the country, enabling young innovators to build with confidence and contribute meaningfully to India's journey towards a 'Viksit Bharat'. - IANS Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra has ordered officials to expedite action to provide social security to unorganised, gig, and construction workers. He chaired a review meeting on implementing rules under the Code on Social Security, 2020. Mishra directed that Delhi's rules be aligned with Central Government rules to ensure uniformity and avoid inconvenience. He emphasised that worker welfare is the top priority and instructed officials to finalise all rules promptly. Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra directs officials to fast-track social security rules for unorganised, gig, and construction workers. New Delhi, Jan 16 Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra on Friday ordered early action to bring unorganised sector workers, gig and platform workers, and construction workers under the ambit of social security, in line with the Central Government rules. On Friday, the Labour Minister chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparedness related to the publication and notification of rules framed under the Code on Social Security, 2020, aimed at extending various welfare benefits to these workers, said an official statement. The Code on Social Security provides for the constitution of Welfare Boards for unorganised and construction workers and for the formulation of welfare schemes for them. During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister was briefed on the preparedness related to the publication and notification of rules framed under all four Labour Codes, including the Code on Social Security, 2020. The meeting was attended by the Labour Commissioner and other senior officers of the department. The Labour Minister directed that it be ensured that the benefits of schemes reach unorganised workers, gig and platform workers, and construction workers swiftly and transparently. Mishra stated that the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has consolidated 29 existing labour laws into four Labour Codes - the Code on Wages, the Code on Industrial Relations, the Code on Social Security, and the Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, the statement said. The objective of these Labour Codes is to protect workers' rights, promote Ease of Doing Business, and expand social security coverage. Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, unorganised workers and gig/platform workers have been included to extend various social security benefits to them. Similarly, construction workers who were earlier covered under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996, have now been brought under the ambit of the Code on Social Security, 2020. Mishra directed that the rules pre-published by the Central Government be studied in detail and, wherever necessary, Delhi's rules be aligned with the Central rules to maintain uniformity across the country and to avoid any inconvenience to workers. The Labour Minister instructed officials to finalise all rules at the earliest so that maximum benefits under all four Labour Codes can be made available to workers in Delhi in a timely manner. He emphasised that the welfare and interests of workers are the highest priority of the Delhi Government and that no delay in this regard will be tolerated. - IANS Haryana Legislative Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan inaugurated the second 'Haryana Youth Dialogue', emphasizing India's journey to becoming the world's largest democracy despite a difficult colonial past. He credited the Constitution and citizen unity for the nation's continuous development and called for collective effort to achieve PM Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. The Speaker highlighted the importance of women's empowerment and the historic women's reservation bill. The event featured sessions on sustainable development and industrial policy, with several legislators and advisors addressing the participating youth. Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan addresses youth, crediting Constitution and unity for India's status as world's largest democracy. Chandigarh, Jan 16 The second edition of the two-day 'Haryana Youth Dialogue' began on Friday at the Haryana Legislative Assembly here, which saw the attendance of 65 participants from 13 states. Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan inaugurated the event, which is being organised in collaboration with the Rajdhani Yuva Sansad Sansthan, by lighting a lamp. Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Kalyan said, "India endured a long and difficult period of colonialism, during which attempts were made to undermine our rich culture and values. Despite this, India is today the world's largest democracy and is on a path of continuous development. This is a testament to the strength of our Constitution and the unity of our citizens." "The Constitution teaches us that India's true strength lies in its people. We must all work together to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed nation by 2047," he said. The Speaker said India "is a country of diversity. While there are different languages, traditions and cultures, they all share a common goal: the progress of the nation and the state. While the languages of the various state legislatures may differ, the objective of all public representatives is to create effective and welfare programmes for every segment of society". Removing the difficulties of the people and meeting their needs is the true goal, he said. The Speaker told the youth that today "they are sitting in the same Vidhan Sabha building from where many prominent MLAs and leaders of the state have played a crucial role in lawmaking and the overall development of Haryana". He hoped that the youth present here would advance democratic traditions when they find opportunities to become public representatives in the future and participate in active and meaningful discussions in the House. He said diversity of ideas "is natural in democracy, but the youth should move forward towards solutions with positive thinking so that society and the country can get a new direction". The Speaker said that if the country "is to progress, it is essential to empower women socially, politically, and economically. To this end, a historic Bill providing 33 per cent reservation for women has been passed". Sharing his experience of the Commonwealth Parliament held in New Delhi, he said the Speakers of many countries were surprised that India "is moving forward so strongly despite hundreds of languages, customs and cultural diversities". In the programme, legislator Pooja Chaudhary, Advisor to Haryana Legislative Assembly Speaker, Ram Narayan Yadav, Co-Founder of Haryana Yuva Samvad, Jai Saini, and Isha Kapoor addressed the youth and expressed their views on the freedom movement, experiences of the constituent Assembly, democratic values, leadership ability and the role of the youth. The second phase of the programme included a question hour and was followed by two special sessions. The first session was focused on 'Sustainable Development of Haryana: Industrial Expansion, Environmental Protection, and Balanced Use of Natural Resources', while the second session was on the need for industrial expansion, challenges and the Haryana Industrial Policy 2025 in detail to achieve Vision 2030. - IANS Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presented a four-point action plan to strengthen Odisha's education system during a high-level review meeting in Bhubaneswar. His key suggestions include prioritizing the NIPUN Bharat mission for foundational literacy and numeracy and promoting mother-tongue-based education. The state government plans to introduce 55 newly developed and contextualized textbooks for Classes I to VIII starting in the 2026-27 academic year. To ensure a smooth rollout, over 1,000 Master Resource Persons have been trained to subsequently train more than 1.66 lakh primary teachers across the state. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan offers a four-point action plan to strengthen Odisha's education, focusing on NEP 2020, mother-tongue learning, and new textbooks. Bhubaneswar, Jan 16 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday suggested a four-point key action plan to strengthen the education system in Odisha. Pradhan offered the suggestions during a high-level review meeting held here in Bhubaneswar on curriculum reform and textbook development in Odisha. The meeting focused on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the state's preparedness for introducing new textbooks aligned with the national curriculum framework. According to an official statement, the Union Education Minister, during the high-level meeting, reviewed the progress of curriculum development and capacity building of Master Resource Persons across districts. Pradhan, during his interactions, also advised district-level officials to actively engage students and parents to create awareness and enthusiasm about the new textbooks. On the occasion, the Union Minister gave four key suggestions to strengthen the education system in the state. He advised the state government officials to give priority to the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) Bharat, launched by the Indian government in July 2021, and strengthen Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). He also suggested the promotion of mother-tongue-based education at least up to Class V, further strengthening of the PM-POSHAN scheme with emphasis on student nutrition, and expansion of the implementation of 10 bagless school days per year for students of Classes VI to X as envisaged in NEP 2020. During the meeting, the state government informed that, in line with NEP 2020, Odisha is developing new textbooks and plans to introduce 55 newly developed textbooks for Classes I to VIII from the academic year 2026-27. These textbooks have been translated and contextualised from NCERT materials to reflect Odisha's local needs, culture, and heritage. Notably, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has completed the translation and contextualisation of all 55 new textbooks, which will be implemented in all schools from the academic year 2026-27. To ensure smooth rollout, 1,000 Master Resource Persons have been trained in four batches across four zones of the state. These Master Resource Persons will subsequently train over 1.66 lakh primary teachers from the School and Mass Education Department and the ST&SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department at the district level. - IANS Pakistani media outlets anticipated U.S. visa restrictions as early as the first months of 2025, based on leaks and expert analysis about tightening security protocols. The speculation preceded the official U.S. announcement of a suspension of immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, including Pakistan. The move is linked to broader U.S. immigration policy shifts driven by stricter security vetting requirements. Pakistan's government has expressed hope the suspension is temporary and does not affect visitor visas. Reports from Pakistani media in early 2025 speculated on US visa curbs, later confirmed by a State Department suspension affecting Pakistan and others. New Delhi, Jan 16 Pakistan's media had last year anticipated certain visa curbs by the United States, largely due to escalating security and immigration concerns reflecting Washington's move towards policy changes and domestic speculations before the recent official announcement. Media outlets like Samaa and Ary News had, in early 2025, speculated such a move. There were similar reports elsewhere, and thereafter, others picked it up despite Islamabad's desperate overtures at keeping US President Donald Trump in good humour. Trump's reiteration of his "Favourite Field Marshal", Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's repeated visits to the US, reported American interest in Pakistani crypto-currency and rare-earth minerals, as well as Islamabad's offer to Washington for the development of Pasni port in Balochistan -- all appear to have led to nought. Before the US officially suspended immigrant visa processing for Pakistani nationals and citizens of other countries, officials in Islamabad and the media highlighted uncertainty and awaited official confirmation, at times differentiating between speculation and government statements. These reports mainly emerged from leaks, expert analyses, and speculation around US visa policy shifts linked to security vetting criteria. Now, a US State Department spokesperson has announced that the Trump administration is suspending processing for immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, beginning January 21. This will impact applicants from certain countries in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America, the Balkan regions, and South Asia, with Pakistan and Bangladesh included in the list. Islamabad has pointed out that Washington's Wednesday announcement does not impact those applying for a visitor visa, expressing hope for "routine processing" to resume soon. Reacting to the announcement of US visa curbs, Pakistan's Foreign Office has reportedly expressed hope that the suspension is temporary, with possible resumption in usual processing in the near future. Until then, the backlog of applications is expected to grow, with approvals delayed despite historically strong demand. Pakistan's media began reporting on potential US visa restrictions as early as the first months of 2025, amid general global chatter about Washington tightening immigration rules for nationals of certain countries, including Pakistan. These media reports underscored that the potential US visa curb was connected to broader immigration policy developments driven by stricter security measures. Such measures included demands for more information from visa applicants, such as public social media profiles, to vet non-immigrant visa applications more thoroughly. Also, the Trump administration's concerns about meeting specific security requirements had triggered warnings that Pakistan might face partial visa suspensions unless compliance improved. Media reports had also reflected the political context, including prior US immigration crackdowns and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to clarify and negotiate visa-related issues with Washington. Pakistan's media framed these developments within broader bilateral relations and global immigration trends, explaining why visa issuance numbers were fluctuating and why demand remained high despite restrictions. The reports anticipated certain visa curbs by Washington based on early signals of heightened security protocols recently adopted by the US, ongoing diplomatic communications, and speculative reports before official confirmation. The anticipation was rooted in concerns over compliance with US security standards and reflected through detailed coverage of policy changes and their implications for Pakistani travellers and immigrants. - IANS The Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS, Dr Uma Kumar, issued a strong warning against using AI tools like ChatGPT for self-diagnosis, citing a case where a patient caused himself harm. She emphasized that professional diagnosis works by exclusion and investigation, not by AI-generated suggestions. This warning was echoed by Dr Abhijat Sheth of the National Medical Commission, who stated AI must complement, not replace, doctors while preserving clinical ethics. In response to this evolving field, the NBEMS has launched a free AI awareness course for medical trainees. AIIMS specialist shares a patient harmed by ChatGPT self-diagnosis. Medical leaders caution AI cannot replace doctors' clinical judgment and ethics. New Delhi, January 16 AIIMS Rheumatology Department HoD, Dr Uma Kumar, on Friday warned against using artificial intelligence for self-diagnosing. Kumar addressed the issue of false medication information using ChatGPT and shared a patient story as a cautionary tale. "One of our patients self-diagnosed his back pain using ChatGPT and started taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which caused bleeding", she said. Explaining the process of professional diagnosing, she said, "All ailments are diagnosed by exclusion, and we advise medicines according to the investigation." She strongly advised against using AI for symptom treatment due to associated risks. "Do not use AI for self-diagnosis or self-treatment", she emphasised. On January 1, the National Medical Commission (NMC) Chairperson and President of National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), Dr Abhijat Sheth, shared his views on AI and its integration into medical science. He cautioned that the use of AI should not impact the doctors' values: "We must make sure that while practising AI in healthcare, the ethical and clinical values must not be compromised." Sheth maintained his stance on AI being useful but cannot replace real doctors. "AI is a huge complement to progress in medicine, but we have to realise it must not replace the real doctors. We must value our physical presence and not become too dependent on AI." He cautioned about over-dependency on Artificial intelligence for students, but maintained that it is undoubtedly a prominent inclusion into healthcare and that "its importance cannot be understated". Additionally, he also explained the purpose behind the free AI course for doctors launched by NBEMS on December 30, 2025. "We felt that this is an evolving area and awareness should be increased among the trainees in undergraduates and postgraduates." - ANI A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 2.8 struck the East Garo Hills district of Meghalaya on Friday morning. The National Centre for Seismology reported the quake occurred at 10:45 am IST at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. The precise epicenter was located at latitude 25.73 North and longitude 90.83 East. There are no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the seismic event. A minor earthquake of magnitude 2.8 struck East Garo Hills, Meghalaya, at a depth of 10 km. No damage reported. Details from NCS. Shillong, January 16 A minor earthquake measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale struck East Garo Hills in Meghalaya on Friday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology. According to the NCS, the earthquake occurred at 10: 45 am (IST) at a depth of 10 kilometres. The latitude of the earthquake was reported to be 25.73 North, and the longitude was 90.83 East. In a post on X, the NCS provided the details of the quake, stating, "EQ of M: 2.8, On: 16/01/2026 10:14:47 IST, Lat: 25.73 N, Long: 90.83 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: East Garo Hills, Meghalaya." More details awaited. - ANI Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur has publicly supported Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh, praising his efficient three-year tenure. Thakur urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to address the concerns Singh raised regarding officers through dialogue to prevent escalation. Separately, Thakur flagged off a five-day educational tour to Amritsar for 96 children with special needs. He emphasized the importance of such exposure trips to ensure inclusive education. Education Minister Rohit Thakur praises PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh's 3-year tenure and urges Chief Minister Sukhu to address officer-related concerns. Shimla, January 16 Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur, on Friday, voiced strong support for Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh, praising his performance over the past three years and urging Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to resolve the issue related to officers that was recently raised by the PWD minister. Speaking to the media and later to ANI in Shimla, Thakur said Vikramaditya Singh has proved to be an efficient and successful minister during his three-year tenure. He added that the concerns expressed by the PWD minister regarding officials should be addressed through dialogue at the level of the Chief Minister. "I have already spoken on this issue. In the development of Himachal Pradesh, officers from outside the state, including All India cadre officers, have also made valuable contributions, just as state officers have. As far as negative thinking is concerned, such officers and people can be found both within the state and outside. This cannot be generalised," Thakur said. Backing Vikramaditya Singh's remarks, the Education Minister added, "It is true that at every place there are some officers who create difficulties, whether they belong to state services or All India services. Vikramaditya Singh is our young minister and his tenure has been efficient. Whatever doubts or concerns have arisen from his statement should be clarified by the Chief Minister, who is the head of our government, so that the matter does not escalate." Earlier in the day, Thakur flagged off a special educational tour for 96 children with special needs from Shimla. The five-day exposure tour, organised by the Samagra Shiksha Department, will take the students to Amritsar. "Today, through the Samagra Shiksha Department of our Education Department, around 96 children are going to Amritsar. These children have come here from all districts of the state, and all are children with special needs. Such programmes are organised to give them exposure. Similar programmes have been organised in the past as well. With this thinking, we want to ensure that our special children do not lag behind in any subject," Thakur said while speaking with ANI. He further added that special educators will accompany the children throughout the five-day tour to ensure their safety and learning. - ANI Emilia Clarke shared a joyful surprise reunion with her former 'Game of Thrones' co-star Jason Momoa in her New York dressing room. She posted a warm photo of the pair on Instagram, captioning it with her affectionate nickname for Momoa, "mydragondaddy." The actors played the iconic married couple Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo in the epic fantasy series. The reunion served as a perfect highlight of Clarke's trip to New York. Emilia Clarke shares a surprise reunion with her 'Game of Thrones' co-star Jason Momoa, calling him her "dragon daddy" in a heartwarming Instagram post. Mumbai, Jan 16 Actress Emilia Clarke had a surprise moment to cherish during her New York visit when her former "Game of Thrones" co-star Jason Momoa dropped by her dressing room. Clarke took to Instagram to share her excitement, expressing gratitude for everything New York had offered her on the trip, and calling the unexpected reunion the perfect highlight. The actress, best known for portraying Daenerys Targaryen in the epic fantasy series, shared a picture with Jason Momoa, who played her on-screen husband Khal Drogo. In the image, Momoa has his arm wrapped around Clarke, as she smiles brightly at the camera and leans in close, capturing the easy warmth and enduring bond between the former co-stars. Referring to Momoa fondly as her "dragon daddy," the actress wrote in the caption: "New York has given me so many things to be grateful for on this trip and just when I thought it couldn't be better...look who walked into my dressing room. #mydragondaddy #westillgotit @kellyclarksonshow." "Game of Thrones" is created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. It is the first adaptation of the A Song of Ice and Fire franchise, a series of high fantasy novels by George R. R. Martin. Set on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, Game of Thrones has a large ensemble cast and follows several story arcs throughout the course of the show. The first major arc revolves around the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, marked by a web of political conflicts among the noble families, as they vie to claim the throne or fight for independence. The second major arc centers on the last descendant of the realm's deposed ruling dynasty, who has been exiled to Essos and is plotting a return to reclaim the throne. The third follows the Night's Watch, a military order defending the realm against threats from beyond the Seven Kingdoms' northern border. A prequel series, House of the Dragon, premiered in 2022. A second prequel currently in production, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is scheduled to debut in 2026. - IANS Jailed Awami Itihaad Party MP Engineer Rashid has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging immediate evacuation of Kashmiri students from protest-hit Iran. The plea highlights the distress of families and the deteriorating security situation in Iran. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also spoken with Jaishankar, receiving assurances about safeguarding people from Jammu and Kashmir. The MEA has already advised Indians to avoid travel to Iran and for those present to leave via commercial flights. Jailed MP Engineer Rashid writes to EAM Jaishankar for urgent evacuation of Kashmiri students from protest-hit Iran. Omar Abdullah also seeks assurance. Srinagar, January 16 Amid unrest in Iran, Jammu and Kashmir Awami Itihaad Party MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, aka Engineer Rashid, has written a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, seeking his urgent intervention for the rescue and safe evacuation of Kashmiri students from the Islamic Republic. Earlier, the MEA issued an advisory urging Indian citizens to avoid travel to Iran until further notice and asked those already in Iran to leave immediately via available commercial flights. Rashid, lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged terror funding, has expressed concern in the letter over the safety of students and urged EAM Jaishankar for immediate evacuation, party spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said on Friday. "This is with reference to rescuing hundreds of Kashmiri, mostly students, from various parts of Iran where the situation has deteriorated drastically, and uncertainty unfortunately seems unending," Rashid wrote in the letter. Engineer Rashid further conveyed the distress of students' families back home, stating, "The families & relatives are very much worried about the fate & safety of their beloved ones... The concerns are genuine, the threat seems real, and your intervention is the only hope for the families." "Please treat this letter as an 'SOS' call on behalf of the trapped Kashmiris & ensure their safety, including evacuation from various parts of Iran, before it gets too late," the letter added. Party spokesperson Inam Un Nabi added that AIP is ready to provide any assistance required to families in Kashmir for coordination and support. This call for evacuation comes amid the rising unrest in Iran, with ongoing protests over rising living costs, and authorities imposing internet restrictions. According to sources, the MEA is preparing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Iran amid the evolving situation there. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday also spoke to External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, who assured him that steps will be taken to safeguard the interests and lives of students and other people from Jammu and Kashmir who are in Iran now. 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. On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar 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 asked those already in Iran to leave immediately via available commercial flights. The unrest in Iran began in December 2025. - ANI Actress Eva Mendes has described 2016 as one of the most challenging and transformative years of her life. She revealed she was secretly pregnant with her second child while grieving the loss of her brother, John. Mendes shared that the birth of her youngest daughter provided crucial strength and healing for her family during that difficult period. The actress reflected on this pivotal year, which also included significant business decisions and career milestones. Eva Mendes opens up about 2016's challenges: her brother's passing, hiding her second pregnancy, and how her child's birth brought healing. Mumbai, Jan 16 Actress Eva Mendes has described 2016 as one of the most challenging yet transformative years of her life. She kept her second pregnancy away from the public eye while quietly making several important business decisions during that period. The actress took to Instagram, where she shared a string of images from a decade ago. She mentioned the year 2016 was also marked by personal tragedy with the passing of her brother, John, a loss that deeply affected the family. Dropping a string of images, the actress showcased pictures of her hidden bump, her late brother and the achievements she made. She also shared that the birth of her youngest child brought much-needed strength and healing at a time when they were struggling to cope. For the caption, she wrote: "2016 - I was hiding my second pregnancy from the public, made some pretty cool biz moves, and heartbreakingly, my brother John passed. Thank God my youngest was born and saved the family." Looking back, she also recalls a moment close to her heart, seeing her father proudly hold her Latina magazine cover. She added: "And also shoutout to my proud Papi holding my Latina magazine cover." Mendes, who is married to actor Ryan Gosling, began her career in the late 1990s with a series of roles in films such as Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror and Urban Legends: Final Cut. Mendes's performance in Training Day marked a turning point in her career and led to roles in commercially successful films such as All About the Benjamins, 2 Fast 2 Furious and Hitch. She went on to star in Ghost Rider and The Spirit, both comic book adaptations, and was later seen in dramatic roles in films including We Own the Night, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, Last Night and The Place Beyond the Pines. Her other notable films include Out of Time, The Women, The Other Guys and Girl in Progress. - IANS Doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi successfully performed a living donor liver transplant on a one-year-old boy from Uzbekistan suffering from the rare genetic Alagille syndrome. The child's father donated a portion of his liver after the baby's condition worsened following an initial misdiagnosis and a Kasai procedure. The surgery was complex due to an associated heart condition, requiring a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Ajitabh Srivastava. The hospital reports the child is now recovering well, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. A father from Uzbekistan donates part of his liver to save his 1-year-old son suffering from rare Alagille syndrome at a Delhi hospital. By Shalini Bhardwaj, New Delhi, January 16 Doctors at a private hospital in Delhi have successfully treated a one-year-old baby boy from Uzbekistan suffering from a rare genetic liver disorder by performing a living donor liver transplant, with the child's father donating a part of his liver. The timely intervention helped save the baby's life after months of worsening illness. According to the hospital, the baby had developed jaundice soon after birth and required neonatal intensive care. At two months of age, he was misdiagnosed with biliary atresia, a condition that blocks the normal flow of bile from the liver, and underwent a Kasai procedure- a surgery performed in infancy to help restore bile flow from the liver. However, over the following months, his condition continued to worsen. He suffered from persistent jaundice, severe itching, poor weight gain, delayed growth, and pale stools, all indicating progressive liver failure. The family sought specialised liver care in India after the child's condition started deteriorating. At Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, doctors undertook a detailed assessment of the child and detected a serious heart ailment, suggesting that the illness was not limited to the liver alone. Detailed investigations confirmed Alagille syndrome, a rare inherited condition that can affect multiple organs, including the liver and heart. Further assessment revealed an associated heart condition, significantly increasing the risks involved in major surgery. Given the child's deteriorating liver function and added cardiac risk, the case was reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors. It was identified that a liver transplant was the only viable option and that it needed to be performed urgently. According to the Max Super Speciality Hospital, with no time to lose, the child's father stepped forward to donate a portion of his own liver. After extensive evaluation to ensure the safety of both donor and child, the living donor liver transplant was successfully performed by a specialised liver transplant team led by Dr. Ajitabh Srivastava, Director - HPB Surgery and Liver Transplant, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj. Commenting on the case, Dr. Ajitabh Srivastava said, "Infants with prolonged jaundice are commonly evaluated for biliary atresia, for which the Kasai procedure is an early surgical treatment aimed at restoring bile flow and delaying the need for liver transplantation. However, rare genetic conditions such as Alagille syndrome can closely mimic biliary atresia in early infancy. In such cases, the Kasai procedure may not provide lasting benefit because the underlying problem is genetic rather than structural, and, in fact, the wrong procedure (Kasai) worsens the child's condition. As the liver disease progressed despite early surgery, a timely living donor liver transplant became the only life-saving option". The hospital said, "The child is on a steady path to recovery- a reminder that early diagnosis, coordinated medical care, and a parent's decision at a critical moment can together change the outcome of even the most challenging childhood illnesses". - ANI A fire broke out at the home of a Hindu school teacher in Bangladesh's Sylhet district, causing significant property damage. Police and the homeowner, Bikash Ranjan Deb, attributed the blaze to an electrical short circuit, explicitly ruling out foul play or communal motives. The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened concern over attacks against minorities in Bangladesh. India's Ministry of External Affairs has called for such communal incidents to be dealt with "swiftly and firmly." A fire caused by a short circuit destroys a Hindu teacher's home in Sylhet. The homeowner and police rule out foul play, citing communal harmony. Dhaka, January 16 A fire incident occurred at a Hindu household in Gowainghat, in the Sylhet district of eastern Bangladesh. The fire incident took place at the house of Bikash Ranjan Deb, a teacher at Gowainghat High School, on Thursday at 3:50pm (local time). After inspecting the site, police sub-inspector Didar informed ANI over the phone that the fire broke out due to an electrical short circuit. The homeowner, Bikash Ranjan Deb, also informed the police that he has no personal or family enemies and that the area is inhabited by both Hindus and Muslims living in harmony. Therefore, he believes the incident was purely an accident caused by the short circuit. After the fire, the police from Gowainghat visited Bikash Ranjan Deb's home and spoke with him. They recorded a video of the conversation and shared it to ANI. In the footage, Bikash Ranjan Deb mentions that about 5 million takas' worth of belongings were burned in the fire. However, he does not blame anyone for the incident, as he believes he has no enemies. He thinks the fire started from an electrical short circuit. Thanks to the help of local residents and the fire service, the fire was brought under control, preventing further damage. The incident comes as a wave of communal violence cases have gripped the nation. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal spoke on the recurring attacks taking place against minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting the need to deal with these incidents "swiftly and firmly". He made the remarks during the weekly press briefing. Responding to a query on the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, the MEA Spokesperson said, "We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities as well as their homes and businesses by extremists in Bangladesh. Such communal incidents need to be dealt with swiftly and firmly." - ANI Due to severe cold and foggy conditions, all schools from Nursery to Class 8 in Gautam Buddha Nagar district are ordered to remain closed on January 16 and 17. The order was issued by District Basic Education Officer Rahul Pawar, who emphasized strict compliance, though teachers and staff must report to work. Concurrently, Chandigarh has also extended its revised school timings and winter vacation for all schools until January 17, 2026, due to similar weather. These decisions aim to protect students from the harsh winter, with temperatures in Gautam Buddha Nagar reported around 6 degrees Celsius. Schools from Nursery to Class 8 in Gautam Buddha Nagar are closed Jan 16-17 due to severe cold and fog. Get the official order details here. Gautam Buddha Nagar, January 16 In view of the prevailing fog and cold weather conditions in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, the District Basic Education Officer, Rahul Pawar, issued an order for all schools affiliated with all boards from Nursery to Class 8 to remain closed for Friday and Saturday. He emphasised that the official order, issued on Friday, must be strictly followed. The official order also stated that teachers and staff of council/aided/government schools will report to their respective district schools as usual. As of Friday, the temperature in Gautam Buddha Nagar is reported to be around 6 degrees Celsius, according to the IMD. With weather conditions likely to be foggy or misty. Even in Chandigarh, in view of the prevailing cold and foggy weather, the District Education Office of the Union Territory extended the revised school timings and winter vacation for all government, government-aided, and recognised private schools across the UT till January 17, 2026, according to an official order. According to an official order issued by the District Education Officer, Rajan Jain, the extension continued the earlier orders dated January 3 and January 9, 2026. The order stated that the same schedule and instructions as in the January 3 directive will remain in effect for the extended period. The decision was made with the ongoing severe winter conditions in mind. All heads of Government and Government-Aided schools in Chandigarh have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order. The order was issued on January 12, 2026, and signed by the District Education Officer, UT Chandigarh. - ANI The inaugural Global Economic Cooperation 2026 summit will be held in Mumbai from February 17-19, 2026, convening senior policymakers, global CEOs, and multilateral leaders. Organized by the Future Economic Cooperation Council with Indian government partners, it aims to address structural shifts in global commerce, investment, and technology governance. The forum will focus on practical cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and digital connectivity to counter fragmentation and protectionism. It will also launch an Emerging Leaders Circle to engage the next generation of business minds. Global leaders convene in Mumbai for GEC 2026 to shape economic diplomacy, investment, and tech cooperation in a multipolar world. Mumbai, January 16 Senior policymakers, global CEOs, investors and leaders of multilateral institutions from India and abroad will convene in Mumbai from 17-19 February 2026 for the inaugural Global Economic Cooperation 2026, a high-level, invitation-only forum designed to examine how economic diplomacy, cooperation and capital alignment must evolve in an increasingly multipolar world. The summit is convened by the Future Economic Cooperation Council (FECC), a non-profit platform, in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the Government of Maharashtra. The Council is guided by a governing body comprising Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who serves as Chief Patron, Vijay Chauthaiwale, in-charge, Foreign Affairs, Bharatiya Janata Party, as Director, and Priyam Gandhi-Mody, Founder of Vishwamitra Research Foundation, as Director and Curator. Positioned at a moment of global economic transition, GEC 2026 is designed to address the deeper structural shifts reshaping global commerce, investment flows and economic governance. With structured engagement across infrastructure financing, advanced manufacturing, technology systems, energy transitions and resilient supply chains, the event will underscore cooperation beyond trade. High-level plenaries and closed-door dialogues will focus on economic corridors, investment partnerships, digital connectivity, ESG frameworks and the governance of emerging technologies, which are areas now central to economic sovereignty and global stability. Speaking on the vision for GEC 2026, Priyam Gandhi-Mody, Director, Future Economic Cooperation Council, said, "The global economy is entering a decisive decade where economies need to protect themselves against the threats of fragmentation, protectionism and uncertainty. Through Global Economic Cooperation 2026, India is stepping forward to convene governments, investors and industry leaders to shape practical pathways for cooperation across capital, infrastructure, technology and energy that reflect the realities of a multipolar world and our shared responsibility for global prosperity." Vijay Chauthaiwale, in-charge, Foreign Affairs, Bharatiya Janata Party, said, "Under the able guidance of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has built durable partnerships with global leaders that have stood the test of time in an increasingly multipolar world. Today, economic engagement is inseparable from geopolitics. At a time like this, we're hosting GEC 2026, which further underscores India's commitment to shaping cooperative, rules-based economic frameworks that advance national interest while strengthening global stability." On the third day of the summit, GEC 2026 will also see the launch of the Emerging Leaders Circle, a dedicated platform engaging young business minds and future business leaders through curated panels and discussions on global economic change and innovation. The Emerging Leaders Circle will be convened in collaboration with leading academic institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and Columbia University, underscoring the forum's emphasis on nurturing the next generation of global economic leadership. The Global Economic Cooperation platform envisions a world where economic corridors become conduits of cooperation, and where fair access to trade, connectivity and inclusivity drive peace, prosperity and shared progress. Envisaged as an annual convening, the forum will bring together ministerial leadership, sovereign and institutional investors, and CEOs from critical sectors including infrastructure, logistics, ports, clean energy, AI, fintech and advanced manufacturing. The inaugural edition aims to lay the foundation for renewed approaches to global economic cooperation. - ANI Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha stated the government is working to improve the education system with a core objective of morally strengthening students. He urged teachers to focus on enriching children's moral knowledge beyond textbooks and emphasized the importance of physical fitness and cultural understanding. The CM linked this educational vision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, outlining a parallel mission for 'Viksit Tripura'. He also highlighted the role of the youth and women's empowerment in the state's development. Tripura CM Manik Saha emphasizes moral education, teacher roles, and women's empowerment for building a developed Tripura and Viksit Bharat by 2047. Agartala, January 17 Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said that the Tripura government is working to improve the quality of the education system in the state, with the main objective of strengthening students morally. He said that teachers should pay special attention to enriching children's moral knowledge beyond textbooks. CM Saha said this at the annual prize distribution ceremony organised at Shankaracharya Vidyaniketan Girls' School in Agartala today on the occasion of its foundation day. Speaking at the ceremony, CM Saha said that everyone eagerly waits for this day in the school. "This day is a special joy not only for the students, but also for those associated with teaching and education, as well as for parents. It is not only necessary to read books; children should also be physically fit and have a special understanding of culture and agriculture," he said. The Chief Minister said that the Tripura government is continuously trying to improve the quality of the education system. "A few days ago, a conference titled 'Prabashi Tripura' was organised, where representatives from foreign countries and other states participated. These are the worthy children of this state who have now established themselves in their respective places. About 85 people attended the conference. They were also looking for a platform to do something for Tripura. It is possible to build a 'Srestha Tripura' through the mentality of pulling each other up. After learning about this conference, many have expressed their desire to come to Tripura. In the future, they can play a major role in making Tripura a developed and model state in the country," he said. During the discussion, the Chief Minister said that education is a subject through which one can establish oneself socially and economically. "Everyone listens to a person who possesses education with values. For this, proper education is necessary. Children must be enriched with moral knowledge beyond textbooks. Teachers need to pay special attention to this. Education is endless. We still have to study, as changes are happening every day in the field of education. Therefore, we must keep ourselves updated," CM Saha said. At the event, CM Saha reiterated that the main objective is to strengthen students morally. "Youth between the ages of 18 and 35 are now a great force for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These human resources are our children. Based on them, India will stand tall as one of the most powerful countries in the world in the future. Therefore, their future must be strengthened. About 50 percent of the population is women, and our government is working with special emphasis on women's empowerment," he said. In his speech, he also said that education is the bridge between ignorance and knowledge. "Through education, one can move from darkness to light. The Prime Minister is talking about building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. In that direction, we are also moving forward towards the goal of 'Viksit Tripura 2047'," he added. Director of Education NC Sharma, Municipal Corporation Corporator Shampa Sarkar Chowdhury, Chairman of the Red Cross Society Bimal Kanti Roy, President of the School Management Committee Swapan Kumar Das, Principal of the School Mousumi Bhattacharya, social worker Shyamal Kumar Deb, and other prominent persons were present as distinguished guests at the event. - ANI US President Donald Trump met with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House, where she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal as a symbolic gesture. Machado framed the act as a historic parallel to when French General Lafayette gave a George Washington medal to Venezuelan liberator Simon Bolivar. The Norwegian Nobel Institute clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred or shared once awarded. Following the meeting, Machado held a bipartisan session with US senators, who praised her courage while some critiqued the administration's Venezuela policy. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump in a symbolic White House meeting. Washington, Jan 16 US President Donald Trump has described his meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as a "great honour", saying she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize during their closed-door talks at the White House. "It was my Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today," Trump said in a social media post after the meeting. "She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much." Trump said Machado presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize "for the work I have done", calling it "such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect". He added: "Thank you Maria!" The meeting, held over lunch in the White House's Private Dining Room, marked the first in-person encounter between Trump and Machado. Machado later told reporters that she had presented Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize medal, framing the act as a symbolic gesture rooted in shared democratic traditions between Venezuela and the United States. She said she told Trump that 200 years ago, French General Marquis de Lafayette presented Venezuelan independence leader Simon Bolivar with a medal bearing the likeness of George Washington, which Bolivar kept for the rest of his life. "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 to our freedom," Machado said. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has said that once awarded, the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked. Following her White House meeting, Machado headed to Capitol Hill for a bipartisan session with US senators hosted by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen. "Maria Corina Machado is an extraordinary person who is completely deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize after having risked her life to bring about change to the Venezuelan government and people," Durbin said. Shaheen warned that "removing a dictator is not the same as restoring democracy," adding that the United States must ensure Venezuela does not "simply transition from one authoritarian to another". Republican and Democratic senators alike praised Machado's leadership and courage, while some also criticised the Trump administration's approach to Venezuela following the removal of Nicolas Maduro. Machado's US visit followed a private meeting earlier this week with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where she sought his intercession for the release of political prisoners. She reemerged publicly in December after 11 months in hiding to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. - IANS Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed district collectors to build a stronger, more responsive system for public grievance redressal at the district level. He emphasized that issues should be resolved locally without citizens needing to approach state offices, and urged close monitoring of government scheme implementation through regular field visits. The CM assured no shortage of funds for development and called for collective work among collectors to ensure uniform service delivery. The conference also saw officials stress the need for operationalizing new taluka offices and capacity building to simplify revenue processes. CM Bhupendra Patel instructs district collectors to prioritize field visits, swift grievance redressal, and quality execution of govt schemes with available funds. Gandhinagar, Jan 16 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged district Collectors across Gujarat to build a stronger, more responsive system at the district level for hearing public grievances and ensuring swift, honest resolutions. He emphasised that public trust is earned by understanding the concerns of citizens who approach the administration and responding with empathy, clarity and support. Issues that can be resolved within the district, he said, should never force people to approach state-level offices or departments. Addressing the Collector Conference in Gandhinagar, the Chief Minister asked district collectors to prioritise field visits and closely monitor the on-ground implementation of government schemes. He called on them to lead their districts based on honesty, integrity, competence and overall administrative effectiveness. This responsibility, he noted, is an opportunity to genuinely serve the people by providing timely solutions to everyday problems. Highlighting Gujarat's strong financial management, CM Patel said there is no shortage of funds for development work. Collectors should therefore ensure the timely execution of ongoing projects, maintain strict supervision and uphold quality standards under various schemes. He urged all Collectors to work collectively, consult one another and maintain uniformity in the interpretation of government rules and circulars so that citizens do not face inconsistencies in service delivery across districts. Reassuring the administration of full government support, the Chief Minister encouraged Collectors to lead fearlessly and wisely-ensuring that genuine citizens are never troubled, and wrongdoing is not allowed to affect the public. He also called for greater promotion of natural farming, describing it as key to a healthier lifestyle and a priority under the state's newly launched mission. Minister of State for Revenue Sanjaysinh Mahida said the conference, held under the Chief Minister's leadership, would strengthen the overall functioning of the Revenue Department. He urged Collectors to act promptly on representations received from elected officials, expedite the distribution of property cards under the Swamitva Yojana, enhance district-level feedback mechanisms and conduct regular reviews of digital governance platforms. The minister also stressed the need to quickly operationalise government offices in newly formed talukas to ensure citizens receive timely services. Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue, Dr Jayanti Ravi, outlined the objectives of the conference. She emphasised that under the Chief Minister's leadership, Gujarat has taken people-centric steps to simplify revenue processes. She urged district Collectors to invest in capacity building and training of district-level karmayogis to ensure reforms reach the grassroots. She also noted the recent creation of Inspector of Land Reforms posts at the taluka level-an important step that requires focused attention from Collectors to reduce land-related pendency. The conference was attended by Chief Secretary M. K. Das, senior secretaries, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Vikrant Pandey, district Collectors and senior officials of the Revenue Department. The one-day session included detailed reviews of pending matters across iORA/E-Dhara, iRCMS, DCLR/ALT and discussions on key issues related to the Health Department. - IANS Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed district collectors to establish a more effective system for resolving public representations swiftly and honestly at the local level. He emphasized that collectors must operate with empathy, integrity, and competence to build public trust and ensure people do not need to approach higher authorities for solvable issues. Patel highlighted that with strong state finances, there is no fund shortage, so collectors must lead teams to complete development works to a high standard. The conference also focused on promoting natural farming and streamlining revenue department operations for better public service delivery. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel instructs district collectors to resolve issues locally with empathy, transparency, and speed to build public trust and confidence. Gandhinagar, January 16 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged the district collectors of the state to develop a more robust system at the district level for speedy and honest resolution after listening to people's representations. In this context, he stated that public trust and confidence can be earned only by understanding the difficulties of the person who is coming with a representation in the district and responding with empathy and support, according to a release. He especially emphasised that for issues that can be resolved at the district level, people should not have to approach the government or departments, and that collectors should ensure such issues are resolved locally in a speedy, transparent and effective manner. Addressing the Collector Conference held in Gandhinagar, he instructed district collectors to prioritise field visits and monitor the effective implementation of government schemes. He also urged collectors to lead the overall functioning of the district in line with the core principles of honesty, integrity, competence, and effectiveness. Chief Minister emphasised that the responsibility entrusted to the District Collectors as heads of the districts is a significant opportunity to serve the public by addressing and resolving the problems of the common man. He added that, due to strong financial management in the state, there is no longer a shortage of funds for development work. In such circumstances, collectors should lead district teams and ensure proper supervision so that ongoing development works under various schemes are completed swiftly and to a high standard. He urged all district collectors of the state to work together through teamwork and mutual consultation, and said that collectors should function responsibly so that circulars and rules are not interpreted differently across districts, and people experience ease in getting their work done. The Chief Minister stated that the government stands with them and, with prudent judgment, will ensure that no genuine person is harassed and that no wrongdoer creates difficulties for anyone. Collectors should fearlessly lead their district teams in pursuing good and noble work. The Chief Minister also said that natural farming is important for a healthy lifestyle. The state government has launched a mission for natural farming. He urged district collectors to promote natural farming in their respective districts and accomplish this mission, the release noted. Minister of State for Revenue Sanjaysinh Mahida stated that this conference, being held under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, will further accelerate the holistic functioning of the Revenue Department. He suggested that district collectors take appropriate action on representations from public representatives, expedite the distribution of property cards to property holders under the Swamitva Yojana, and further streamline the district-level feedback mechanism. He also advocated for periodic reviews of portals used for online operations. He also made suggestions in the meeting to ensure that government offices at newly created taluka headquarters become operational at the earliest so that people receive quick services, and to hold district-wise review meetings in the coming times under the guidance of the Chief Minister. Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Dr. Jayanti Ravi clarified the objective of the conference and stated that under the leadership of CM Bhupendra Patel, the state government has taken people-centric steps for revenue simplification. District collectors should take responsibility for capacity building and training of district-level karmayogis so that the benefits of these measures reach the grassroots. He added that the Chief Minister has recently taken an important decision by approving posts of Inspector of Land Reforms at the taluka level, and collectors need to pay special attention so that the pendency of land-related issues is reduced. According to a release, this conference was attended by Chief Secretary MK Das, senior secretaries, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Vikrant Pandey, District Collectors, and officials of the Revenue Department. In this one-day conference, in particular, reviews of pending cases for iORA/E-Dhara, iRCMS, DCLR/ALT, and discussions on issues related to the Health Department were held. - ANI Gujarat has secured a record 5,492 Memorandums of Understanding worth Rs 5.78 lakh crore at its recent regional summit in Rajkot. These investment commitments are projected to create over 6.26 lakh new employment opportunities across the state. The Kutch district led with the highest investment value, while the Power, Oil, and Gas sector attracted the largest share of funds. State officials highlighted the summit as a milestone in consolidating Gujarat's position as a premier global investment destination. Gujarat's regional summit secures 5,492 MoUs worth Rs 5.78 lakh crore, promising over 6.26 lakh new jobs, led by Kutch and Bhavnagar investments. Gandhinagar, Jan 16 Gujarat is poised for a major industrial leap forward, with more than 6.26 lakh new jobs expected to be created across the state following a record number of investment commitments at the recent Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summit held in Rajkot. Briefing the media after the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, government spokesperson and minister Jitu Vaghani shared detailed outcomes of the two-day summit. According to Vaghani, the Kutch-Saurashtra Regional Summit, organised as a precursor to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, has proved to be a milestone in the state's industrial growth story. Across the two days, the summit secured 5,492 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for potential investments worth Rs 5,78,330 crore in the Kutch and Saurashtra regions. "These MoUs collectively translate into 6,26,253 employment opportunities across Gujarat," Vaghani said, calling it one of the most successful regional summits organised so far. Kutch district emerged as the top investment destination at the summit, signing 458 MoUs worth Rs 1,25,017 crore. These projects alone are expected to generate employment for 48,419 people in the district. Bhavnagar ranked second, receiving Rs 60,000 crore in proposed investments across 306 projects. In addition, Amreli saw 62 MoUs valued at Rs 36,000 crore, while Rajkot district stood out with the highest number of projects - 2,921 MoUs - worth Rs 23,000 crore. Among all sectors represented at the summit, Power, Oil and Gas dominated the investment landscape, drawing commitments worth Rs 4,55,065 crore - the single largest sectoral share. Beyond the regional commitments, another 59 MoUs worth Rs 2,62,293 crore were signed at various locations across the state. These additional projects are expected to create around 1,81,143 jobs, further strengthening Gujarat's employment ecosystem. Vaghani emphasised that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat is steadily advancing toward its goal of becoming a "global destination for investment." He noted that the projects announced at the regional summit will play a crucial role in consolidating the state's industrial footprint and accelerating broad-based economic development. With billions in investment and thousands of new jobs on the horizon, the 2026 Regional Summit reinforces Gujarat's reputation as one of India's most attractive and business-friendly states. - IANS HD Construction Equipment has announced ambitious first-year financial targets following its integration, aiming for 8.72 trillion won in revenue. The company plans to leverage merger synergies to drive global growth and outperform the market. It has secured significant orders across Africa and Asia, including a major contract for excavators at an Ethiopian gold mine. Further expansion includes large-scale equipment supplies to Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan for infrastructure projects. HD Hyundai's construction machinery unit sets ambitious first-year targets, leveraging merger synergies and major global orders for growth. Seoul, January 16 HD Construction Equipment targets USD 5.9 billion in revenue in its first year. HD Hyundai Construction Equipment Co., the integrated construction machinery unit of South Korea's HD Hyundai Co., established its inaugural annual goals at 8.72 trillion won in revenue and 439.6 billion won in operating profit. The company disclosed these financial objectives during a briefing held for domestic and overseas institutional investors on Wednesday in Seoul. According to a report by Pulse, the English service of Maeil Business News Korea, the entity intends to leverage its recent integration to drive global growth and profitability. During the investor meeting, the company outlined its strategy to capitalize on the synergies created by the merger of its machinery divisions. "We will achieve results that outperform market growth through the rapid execution of our mid- to long-term strategy and the synergies created by integration," the report quoted Moon Jae-young, president of HD Construction Equipment. "We will also actively pursue facility investment and technology development to secure the fundamental competitiveness of our construction machinery business." The company recently reported a strong start to the year with significant order acquisitions across the African continent. HD Construction Equipment secured a major contract for equipment to be deployed at a gold-mining site in Ethiopia. This specific order consisted of 70 units of 36-ton Develon excavators and 50 units of 34-ton Hyundai excavators. The firm noted that the deployment of both brands at a single site reflects its new integrated sales strategy. The company highlighted that its 30-ton class excavators maintained high demand in the region due to their durability in harsh resource-development environments. Further expansion into emerging markets included large-scale orders from Southeast Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). In Vietnam, the company obtained contracts for a total of 71 units to support government and national projects. This included 20 units of 20-ton class wheel excavators designated for the Vietnamese government's emergency disaster preparedness initiatives. Additionally, the order featured 20 to 30-ton class crawler excavators intended for national infrastructure expansion projects across the country. In Central Asia, HD Construction Equipment signed a deal to supply 41 units of heavy machinery to Kyrgyzstan. The fleet for this project included 52-ton large excavators and 38-ton mid-to-large excavators. These machines were scheduled for use in the development of transportation networks and real estate construction projects. The company stated that it planned to strengthen its customer support system by leveraging the sales synergies of its highly recognized Hyundai and Develon brands in Africa and other key regions. It also aimed to establish a cooperative framework to respond to expanding equipment demand in key countries, further solidifying its local presence. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Delhi Development Authority's International Kite Festival at the Baansera grasslands on the Yamuna floodplains. Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, the Guest of Honour, detailed the site's transformation from a polluted, garbage-filled area into a green oasis with thousands of bamboo trees. The restoration, inspired by PM Modi's land restoration vision, was completed within 18 months and now hosts cultural events. The park is presented as a model for ecological revival and a new recreational destination for Delhi residents. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates the International Kite Festival at Delhi's restored Baansera park on the Yamuna floodplains. New Delhi, Jan 16 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. 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. Earlier on Thursday, 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." "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. "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 added. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah paid tributes to the ancient Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day via social media. They highlighted his works, the Tirukkural, and his ideals of a harmonious and compassionate society. Thiruvalluvar, believed to have lived around two thousand years ago, is celebrated for his couplets on morality, governance, and love. He is revered as a saint and his work is considered one of the greatest in Tamil literature. PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah paid homage to Thiruvalluvar, the ancient Tamil poet-philosopher, on Thiruvalluvar Day, urging people to read the Tirukkural. New Delhi, Jan 16 On the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday by paying tributes to the Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar whose works and ideals continue to inspire innumerable people across generations. In a post on social media platform X, Home Minister Shah said, "On Thiruvalluvar Day, I offer my solemn tributes to the great sage. Thiruvalluvar Ji's life and works epitomised highest virtues of our civilisation and illuminated the path to pious life and harmonious society. His legacy will continue to guide us on our journey to greatness." The Prime Minister also took to his official X account and said, "Today, on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the versatile Thiruvalluvar, whose works and ideals inspire innumerable people. He believed in a society that is harmonious and compassionate. He personifies the best of Tamil culture. I urge you all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of the great Thiruvalluvar." Thiruvalluvar flourished around two thousand years ago in Mylapore, present-day Chennai. He was a born Siddha and poet, known simply as Valluvar, or more commonly as Thiruvalluvar, meaning 'the devotee of the Valluva caste'. The Valluvas traditionally belonged to the Pariah community, now referred to as Harijans, and their vocation involved proclaiming royal orders by beating drums. According to tradition, Thiruvalluvar was the son of Bhagavan, a Brahmin, and Adi, a Pariah woman whom he married. There are differing accounts regarding Thiruvalluvar's birthplace and period. While some traditions state that he was born in Madurai, the capital of the Pandyas, his period has been variously dated between the 4th century BCE and the early 6th century CE. Scholar Maraimalai Adigal dated his birth to 31 BCE, whereas Tamil scholar Kamil Zvelebil suggested that Thiruvalluvar and the Tirukkural likely belonged to the period between 500 and 600 CE. Thiruvalluvar is regarded by many as an incarnation of Brahma. His wife, Vasuki, is remembered as a chaste and devoted woman, considered the ideal wife who faithfully carried out her husband's wishes. Through his life and teachings, Thiruvalluvar demonstrated that one could lead a divine life of purity and sanctity while remaining a householder. He showed that renunciation of family life was not necessary to achieve spiritual excellence. Also known simply as Valluvar, he was one of the most celebrated Tamil philosopher-poets. His magnum opus, the Tirukkural, is a collection of 1,330 couplets dealing with morality, governance, economics, and love. The text is regarded as one of the greatest works of Tamil literature and is admired for its universal values and ethical clarity. In January 1935, the Tamil Nadu government officially recognised 31 BCE as the birth year of Thiruvalluvar. Scholars generally believe that Valluvar may have been associated with either Jainism or Hinduism. During his time, Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism flourished across the Indian subcontinent. Thiruvalluvar is considered one of the greatest poet-philosophers of the Sangam period. His work is held in such high esteem that it has been referred to by several names, including Tirukkural, Uttaravedam, Tamil Veda, Teyvanul (the divine book), and Potumarai (the common Veda). Across southern India, Thiruvalluvar is revered as a saint and, in some traditions, as a deity. Many Shaivite communities regard him as the 64th Nayanmar, especially in regions such as Mylapore and Tiruchuli. Several temples dedicated exclusively to Thiruvalluvar exist in South India, with the most famous located in Chennai's Mylapore, built in the early 16th century within the Ekambareeswara-Kamakshi temple complex. - IANS Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to seek special relaxations for hill states under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme. He argued that the current population criteria limit the scheme's benefits to only Shimla, excluding other growing urban centers. The CM requested revised funding and reduced daily mileage targets to account for the state's difficult terrain and ensure operational viability. He also sought land for integrating the state power corporation's offices. Himachal CM Sukhu meets Union Minister Khattar, requests special relaxations in population criteria & funding for PM e-Bus Sewa in hill states. New Delhi, January 16 Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday called on Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, at New Delhi and urged him to provide special relaxations for hill states under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, citing operational challenges arising from difficult geographical conditions. The Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister that no specific relaxations have been extended to hill states under the scheme, which has limited Himachal Pradesh's ability to avail its benefits despite the State's strong commitment towards green and sustainable mobility. He informed that under the existing norms of the scheme, only Shimla is eligible for coverage, as it applies to cities with a population of over ten lakh. He emphasised that several urban local bodies in the State, including Dharamshala, Mandi, Solan, Palampur, Hamirpur, Una and Baddi, are rapidly emerging as major hubs of economic activity and human resource development. He requested that suitable relaxations be made in the population criteria to enable Himachal Pradesh to benefit comprehensively from the scheme. The Chief Minister stated that the State Government aims to replace diesel buses on feasible routes with electric buses to reduce air and noise pollution. He informed that the Government has resolved to replace 1,500 diesel buses with electric buses in a phased manner. As part of this initiative, the State is in the process of procuring 297 electric buses during the current year under the CAPEX model from its own resources. Highlighting operational challenges in hilly terrain, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to reduce the daily assured mileage under the OPEX model to 150 kilometres per bus in Himachal Pradesh to ensure realistic and achievable targets. He further requested a revision of the current operational assistance of Rs. 22 per kilometre to Rs. 52 per kilometre for hill states, enabling State transport undertakings to operate electric buses without incurring operational losses. He also urged for a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from BBMB for transfer and allotment of 47 bigha of surplus vacant land at Sundernagar for the 'Integrated office' of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) to ease its functioning, as it is located in different locations of the State as of now. He also suggested that capital assistance should be linked to the actual mileage achieved in order to incentivise better performance and ensure equitable reimbursement. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar assured the Chief Minister of all possible assistance to the State. Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar and other senior officers of the State Government accompanied the Chief Minister during the meeting. - ANI A US appeals court panel has struck down a lower court's decision to release pro-Hamas activist Mahmoud Khalil, calling the ruling a major victory for the Trump administration. The court held that the federal court lacked jurisdiction, meaning jurisdiction lies with immigration courts, which could lead to Khalil's re-detention and deportation. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and graduate student, was detained over his criticism of Israel, a move rights groups say violates free speech. The activist plans to appeal, and civil liberties groups have criticized the decision for weakening federal court oversight of constitutional violations. A US appeals court overturned a release order for activist Mahmoud Khalil, calling it a victory for the Trump administration's immigration enforcement. Washington DC, January 16 An appeals Court in the United States has struck down the decision made by an activist judge to release pro-Hamas activist Mahmoud Khalil and called it a "huge victory" for the Trump administration. In a post shared on X, the Department of State wrote, "The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down the decision made by an activist judge to release pro-Hamas activist Mahmoud Khalil. This is a huge win for the Trump Administration. We will not allow terrorist supporters to endanger the national security of the United States". An appeals court panel in the United States has moved to dismiss a petition filed by Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil challenging his detention and deportation, in a decision that strengthens the position of President Donald Trump's administration, Al Jazeera reported. In a 2-1 ruling delivered on Thursday, the judges held that the federal court which had ordered Khalil's release last year did not have jurisdiction over the case. The decision could open the door for Khalil's re-arrest by immigration authorities, though the order will not take effect immediately and Khalil has indicated that he plans to appeal. "Today's ruling is deeply disappointing, but it does not break our resolve," Khalil said in a statement. "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, who missed the birth of his first child while in detention last year, was born in Syria, holds Algerian citizenship and is a lawful permanent resident of the United States. He is married to a US citizen and was pursuing a graduate degree at Columbia University in New York when immigration authorities detained him, Al Jazeera reported. He is among dozens of foreign students targeted by the Trump administration for deportation over their criticism of Israel, a move that rights groups say violates free speech protections under the US Constitution. Reacting to the ruling, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed concern, saying Khalil's arrest last year amounted to political repression. "Mahmoud is free - and must remain free," Mamdani wrote on X, Al Jazeera reported. Khalil's legal challenge had been proceeding on two tracks, a habeas corpus petition in federal court contesting the legality of his detention, and removal proceedings in the administrative immigration courts. The appeals panel agreed with the government's position that jurisdiction lay exclusively with the immigration courts under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Al Jazeera reported. "Our holdings vindicate essential principles of habeas and immigration law," the court said, adding that Congress had provided a separate legal mechanism for Khalil to raise his claims following a final order of removal. Immigration courts function under the US Justice Department rather than the independent judiciary, raising concerns over whether Khalil can receive a fair hearing. An immigration judge has already ruled that he is deportable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cited a rarely used provision of the INA, asserting authority to deport individuals deemed to pose "adverse foreign policy consequences" to the United States, to justify action against Khalil and other pro-Palestine students. In a dissenting opinion, Judge Arianna Freeman warned that the immigration system may not adequately address Khalil's constitutional claims. "Khalil claims that the government violated his fundamental constitutional rights. He has also alleged-- andproven --irreparable injuries during his detention," Freeman wrote. Khalil's legal team may now seek a review by the full Third Circuit Court before potentially approaching the US Supreme Court. Civil liberties groups have criticised the ruling, arguing it weakens the role of federal courts in preventing constitutional violations, Al Jazeera reported. - ANI The Embassy of India in Riyadh commemorated Armed Forces Veterans' Day, honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans. Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan addressed the gathering, praising the veteran community's strength and India's role in UN peacekeeping. The event featured patriotic cultural performances by students from local Indian schools and the presentation of commemorative gifts to veterans. Concurrently, an exhibition titled "Human Cost of Terrorism" was inaugurated to highlight the impact of terrorism and India's counter-terrorism efforts. Indian Embassy in Riyadh commemorates Veterans' Day, honors service members, and inaugurates exhibition on the human cost of terrorism. Riyadh, January 17 The Embassy of India in Riyadh commemorated Armed Forces Veterans' Day, paying tribute to India's Veer Yodhas, the veterans of the Indian Armed Forces, for their selfless service, sacrifice, and enduring contribution to nation-building. The event was graced by Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with distinguished veterans and their family members, members of the Indian community, school children from Indian schools in Riyadh, and officials of the Embassy, according to a release. Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan, in his address, underscored the strength and continued relevance of India's veteran community. He commended the international contributions of the Indian contingents in UN peacekeeping missions. The event featured heartfelt messages from veterans, who reminisced about their experience in the forces and shared insights into their lives in Saudi Arabia. A special highlight of the programme was the patriotic cultural performances by students from Indian schools in Riyadh, who paid heartfelt tribute to the veterans through patriotic songs, dance performances, and a skit depicting the courage, sacrifice, and values of the Indian Armed Forces. As a mark of respect and appreciation, the Ambassador presented commemorative gifts and the latest Samman magazine to the veterans in attendance, acknowledging their distinguished service and lifelong commitment to the nation, according to the release. Alongside this event, a photo exhibition on "Human Cost of Terrorism" was inaugurated by Ambassador Khan, as a tribute to the victims of terrorism. The exhibition highlighted the often unseen impact of the scourge of terrorism on individuals and communities while underlining India's efforts to counter the menace of terrorism. - ANI The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced a landmark policy to extend key export incentives to goods shipped via India's postal system, effective January 2026. This move aims to integrate small-scale and remote exporters into global trade by allowing them to claim benefits under schemes like Duty Drawback and RoDTEP. The initiative leverages existing infrastructure, including 28 Foreign Post Offices and over 1,000 Dak Niryat Kendras, to facilitate the booking and processing of export parcels. The government states this will significantly enhance MSME competitiveness and promote inclusive growth in India's export sector. CBIC extends Duty Drawback, RoDTEP & RoSCTL schemes to postal exports from 2026, empowering small-scale exporters and boosting e-commerce. New Delhi, January 16 The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has announced a major policy shift aimed at strengthening India's e-commerce landscape by extending key export incentives to goods shipped via the postal route. Effective from January 15, 2026, this move is designed to integrate small-scale exporters into the mainstream global trade network. Described by the government as a "landmark measure", the update allows exporters to access benefits under the Duty Drawback, Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), and Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) schemes. By including the postal mode in electronic form, the CBIC aims "to provide a level playing field for exporters using the postal channel and to create a conducive and inclusive ecosystem for the growth of cross-border e-commerce." The financial implications are expected to be particularly beneficial for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). According to the Ministry of Finance, the initiative is "expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of MSME exporters, especially those located in smaller towns and remote areas, and give a major fillip to postal exports." To facilitate this, the CBIC has approved specific amendments to the Postal Export (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022. This regulatory change builds upon existing infrastructure, such as the 28 notified Foreign Post Offices and the innovative 'Hub and Spoke' model launched in collaboration with the Department of Posts. This model utilises over 1,000 Dak Niryat Kendras (DNKs) across the country to assist with the booking and processing of export parcels. The government views this expansion of incentives as a critical step in its broader economic strategy. The release concludes that "the extension of export incentives to postal shipments marks another important milestone in the Government's ongoing efforts to simplify procedures, reduce costs, and promote inclusive growth of India's exports," ultimately strengthening India's standing in the global digital economy. - ANI India has strongly criticized Pakistan at the UN General Assembly for repeatedly misusing platforms to push a divisive agenda on Kashmir. Indian diplomat Eldos Punoose stated that the right to self-determination must not be abused to undermine pluralistic democracies like India. He asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, dismissing Pakistan's references as baseless allegations detached from reality. The exchange occurred as Pakistan's envoy attempted to link Kashmir to discussions on self-determination, despite the issue being largely ignored by other member states. India criticizes Pakistan for abusing UN platforms with falsehoods on Kashmir, defending its sovereignty and pluralistic democracy. United Nations, Jan 16 India has slammed Pakistan for misusing the concept of self-determination to attack democratic and pluralistic nations by harping on Kashmir with falsehoods. "At a time when member states have to rise beyond their narrow considerations, Pakistan continues to misuse all platforms and processes in the UN to drive their divisive agenda", Eldos Punoose, a counsellor at India's UN Mission, said on Thursday at the General Assembly. "The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle enshrined in the UN Charter. However, this right must not be abused to encourage secession in pluralistic and democratic states," he said. Punoose declared, "Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, an integral and inalienable part of India". He was responding to Pakistan's Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who referred to Kashmir when the Assembly was discussing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's report on the work of the UN in the past year. Regardless of the topic on the agenda, Pakistan repeatedly brings up Kashmir, even though other members ignore its fulminations, letting them slip into irrelevance. "This forum is no exception either, and Pakistan made an unwarranted reference to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, an integral and inalienable part of India", Punoose said. "Though habituated, Pakistan would do well if they do not resort to baseless allegations and falsehoods and portrays a picture that is completely detached from reality," he added. Ahmad, as he has done before, spoke of self-determination for the Palestinian people and sneaked in a reference to Kashmir. He spoke about respect for UN resolutions. However, Security Council Resolution 47, adopted on April 21, 1948, demands that Pakistan withdraw its forces and infiltrators from all of Kashmir. India maintains that a plebiscite in Kashmir is now irrelevant because the people of Kashmir have made clear their allegiance to India by participating in elections and by electing the leaders of the territory. Ahmad repeated Pakistan's opposition to expanding the Security Council's permanent membership solely because of its animosity towards India. It puts its odds with the majority of UN members, especially the African countries, who have been denied permanent representation because of the colonial hold over the formation of the world organisation. - IANS India has reiterated its position supporting an inclusive and fair electoral process in Myanmar with the participation of all stakeholders. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared updates on the ongoing multi-phase elections being conducted under the military junta. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, reviewing bilateral ties and expressing India's readiness to support Myanmar's development. India continues to advocate for a Myanmar-led peace process and the return of stability to the country. India reiterates support for a democratic transition in Myanmar, advocating for inclusive elections with participation from all stakeholders. New Delhi, January 16 India on Friday reiterated that it supports an inclusive and fair electoral process in Myanmar with the participation of all stakeholders. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing the weekly press briefing in the national capital, said, "On elections in Myanmar, we have said what our position is. We want inclusive, fair elections in which all stakeholders participate." Sharing an update on the election process, Jaiswal said, "We have seen reports that two rounds of elections have been held. Further rounds will be held subsequently." He also commented on reports of Indians travelling to Myanmar during this period, saying, "We do have people who have travelled from India, but these are individuals who have gone there in their private capacity." Myanmar is holding general elections for seats in the Amyotha Hluttaw and the Pyithu Hluttaw of the Assembly of the Union in three phases, starting on December 28, 2025, and ending on January 25, 2026. The elections are being conducted under the military junta that assumed power after the 2021 coup. Military ruler Min Aung Hlaing had earlier indicated that polls would be held by August 2023, but the process was repeatedly delayed amid escalating violence. India's comments on Friday mirror its earlier position. On December 26, 2025, India reiterated support for democratic transition in Myanmar and backed the holding of free, fair and inclusive elections. At a weekly media briefing in New Delhi at that time, Jaiswal said India supports peace, stability and the return of normalcy in Myanmar. Jaiswal had said, "On Myanmar, we stand for democratic transition in the country. Elections are to be held. We support free, fair and inclusive elections in which everybody participates and India stands for peace and stability and return of normalcy in the country." On August 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Myanmar's State Security and Peace Commission Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, where the two sides reviewed bilateral ties and discussed avenues for cooperation. During the interaction, PM Modi reiterated India's readiness to support Myanmar's developmental requirements and said New Delhi attaches importance to relations with Myanmar as part of its Neighbourhood First, Act East and Indo-Pacific policies. In a post on X, the MEA said: "PM Narendra Modi met with Senior General Mr. Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of Myanmar, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. The leaders reviewed India-Myanmar ties and discussed the way forward on several aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, development partnership, defence and security and border management. PM reiterated India's readiness to support the developmental need of Myanmar." PM Modi also expressed hope that elections in Myanmar would be conducted in a fair and inclusive manner with the participation of all stakeholders. He said India supports a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process, and that peaceful dialogue and consultation remain the only way forward, according to the MEA statement. - ANI The Indian community in Oman, supported by the Indian Embassy, hosted a grand welcome in Muscat for the crew of INSV KAUNDINYA following its historic voyage from Gujarat. The event highlighted the ship's symbolic importance, representing 5,000 years of maritime history and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to revive this heritage. The celebration featured cultural performances and aimed to inspire young Indian students through interactions with the crew. The voyage coincides with the 70th anniversary of India-Oman diplomatic relations, further strengthening people-to-people bonds. Indian diaspora in Muscat celebrates the historic voyage of the stitched ship INSV KAUNDINYA, strengthening India-Oman maritime and cultural ties. By Amrit Prakash, Muscat, January 16 The Indian community in Oman, under the aegis of the Indian Embassy in the Sultanate, organised a grand programme in Muscat to celebrate the successful and historic voyage of INSV KAUNDINYA - The Stitched Ship of India, which sailed from Porbandar in Gujarat on December 29, 2025, and reached Muscat on January 14, 2026. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the welcome programme for the crew, Tavishi Behel Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Muscat, described the ship's arrival as an emotional and inspiring moment for the community. "It was yesterday when I saw INSV KAUNDINYA live for the first time... it literally gave me goosebumps once I actually saw it, because the ship is symbolic of 5,000 years of history," she said, adding that the large turnout of the Indian community reflected enthusiasm that went far beyond official or diplomatic circles.Pandey said interactions with the crew allowed community members to understand the challenges faced during the voyage and how they were overcome. She particularly highlighted the presence of Indian school students at the event. "What caught my attention was that there were a lot of Indian school students as well who were participating... they got their signatures of the real-life heroes and their ideals. So, it was a very heartwarming sight for me," she said, noting that the embassy plans to facilitate more structured interactions between students and the crew to keep young minds inspired. Underscoring the project's diplomatic and cultural importance, Pandey said the voyage held special significance for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to revive India's maritime heritage. "This has been a very special project for the Prime Minister...when he was here in Muscat in December, he coined the term 'Maitri', and the 'M' meant Maritime Heritage," she said, adding that India-Oman ties are rooted in geography, trust and centuries-old people-to-people links. She noted that the arrival of INSV KAUNDINYA further strengthened these bonds and coincided with the culmination of celebrations marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. Pandey also highlighted the embassy's efforts to actively engage the Indian community, particularly students, in the maritime heritage initiative. She said competitions encouraging poems, stories and essays on INSV KAUNDINYA were organised during Vishwi Hindi Divas to spark curiosity and research among participants. Plans are also underway to arrange guided ship visits for students and community members, subject to port restrictions. The welcome programme also featured a special cultural presentation by a 10-member Gujarati folk dance troupe, led by renowned folk artist Shri Rajendrakumar D. Rawal. The troupe captivated the audience with vibrant performances of traditional Gujarati dance forms, including Kerbano Vesh (Bhavai), Hudo (Bharwad tribal dance), Mishra Raas, Talwar Raas, and Garbo, offering a colourful glimpse into Gujarat's rich folk heritage. INSV KAUNDINYA, a carefully reconstructed ancient stitched vessel inspired by India's early maritime traditions, completed the trans-oceanic voyage with a crew of 18 Indian Navy personnel. The expedition also included Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, who was part of the historic sailing team. The journey is widely seen as a tribute to India's nearly 5,000-year-old seafaring legacy and its pivotal role in early trade and cultural exchanges across the Indian Ocean region. - ANI Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra hosted a bipartisan group of 12 members of the US House of Representatives at India House in Washington DC. The discussions centered on deepening the strategic partnership across trade, cutting-edge technology, defense cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts. Kwatra highlighted that India's projected economic growth of over 7% strengthens the shared vision for mutual prosperity and security. The envoy also held a separate meeting with US Senator Steve Daines to discuss the evolving bilateral relationship and global landscape. Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra hosts bipartisan US House members to discuss trade, tech, defense, and counterterrorism cooperation. Washington DC, January 16 Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Thursday hosted 12 Members of the US House of Representatives and held talks on deepening India-US partnership spanning wide-ranging conversations. Kwatra said that India's strong economic growth projections strengthens this shared vision of prosperity. "A special evening at India House. Had the pleasure of hosting 12 Hon'ble Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Welcomed the consistent, bipartisan support in the US Congress for the deepening India-US partnership--spanning wide-ranging conversations on trade and economic ties, cutting-edge technology and innovation, robust defence cooperation, and crucial counterterrorism efforts. India's strong economic growth--projected around 7%+ in the coming years--further strengthens this shared vision for prosperity and security," he said. Kwatra shared some glimpses of his interaction with the representatives. "Welcomed Deborah Ross and Rob Wittman, co-chairs of the Congressional Study Group on India. This is an initiative to augment India's engagement with the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and is supported by the Association of Former Members of Congress and Roundglass Foundation," he said in a post on X. "Grateful for the presence of Jim Costa, Bill Huizenga, Ami Bera, and Donald Norcross. Appreciated their perspectives on various aspects of the bilateral relationship," he said. "Welcomed the support of Ron Estes, Chrissy Houlahan, Jay Obernolte and their guidance for strengthening our partnership," he added. "Valued the constructive exchanges on key pillars of bilateral cooperation with the new members of the 119th Congress Nathaniel Moran, Julie Johnson, and Jefferson Shreve," he said. Earlier on Thursday, Kwatra met US Senator Steve Daines and discussed bilateral relationship. In a post on X, he said, "Honored to welcome and host Senator Steve Daines at India House. We discussed various facets of our bilateral partnership including developments in trade, technology and innovation and evolving global landscape. Deeply appreciate and value his useful insights and strong support to the bilateral relationship." - ANI India's fintech sector secured $2.4 billion in funding in 2025, maintaining its position as the third-largest globally. While late-stage funding declined, early-stage investments saw a massive 78% surge to $1.2 billion. The sector created three new unicorns, though acquisitions and IPOs saw a decrease. Bengaluru and Mumbai remained the dominant hubs, capturing 42% and 29% of total funding respectively. India's fintech sector raised $2.4 billion in 2025, ranking 3rd globally. Early-stage funding surged 78%, while Bengaluru led as top hub. New Delhi, Jan 16 India's fintech sector raised a total of $2.4 billion in 2025, marking a 2 per cent increase from $2.3 billion in 2024, and ranked third globally behind the US and the UK, a report said on Friday. The report from market intelligence platform Tracxn said that earlystage funding showed a huge surge to $1.2 billion in 2025, up 78 per cent from $667 million in 2024 and up 56 per cent from $762 million in 2023. The funding trends varied across stages, with seedstage funding at $177 million, down 40 per cent from $295 million in 2024 and 30 per cent from $253 million in 2023, the report said. Latestage funding fell to $1 billion in 2025, marking a 26 per cent decline from $1.4 billion in both 2024 and 2023, the report said. In 2025, the finTech sector witnessed four $100 millionplus rounds, led by a brokerage and finance platform, the report said. In 2025, India's fintech sector recorded 22 acquisitions, a 21 per cent decline compared to 28 acquisitions in 2024 and a 31 per cent drop from 32 acquisitions in 2023. On exits, the sector recorded four IPOs in 2025, marking a 50 per cent drop from eight in 2024. "India's fintech ecosystem continues to demonstrate resilience amid a period of funding moderation. While overall investments have seen a dip, the consistent activity at the early stage and the emergence of new unicorns highlight sustained investor confidence in the sector's long-term potential," said Neha Singh, CoFounder of Tracxn. "The continued dominance of Bengaluru and Mumbai as key innovation hubs underlines the maturity of India's startup ecosystem. As the industry evolves, we expect to see increased focus, deeper technological innovation, and stronger participation from both domestic and global investors," Singh added. There were three unicorns created in 2025, marking a 50 per cent increase over two unicorns in 2024 and a 200 per cent rise compared to one unicorn in 2023, the report said. Bengaluru maintained its dominance as the premier hub, accounting for 42 per cent of all funding seen by fintech firms in India, followed by Mumbai at 29 per cent. - IANS The Andhra Pradesh government has announced India's first and the world's largest green ammonia project in Kakinada, led by AM Green with a $10 billion investment. The project will have a capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum and is expected to generate 8,000 jobs during construction while creating high-skill employment in operations and allied industries. Green ammonia produced will be exported to global markets like Germany, Japan, and Singapore for use as clean shipping fuel and power generation. The integrated system includes 7.5 GW of solar and wind energy, electrolyser capacity, and pumped hydro storage, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a comprehensive clean-energy hub. Andhra Pradesh launches India's first green ammonia project in Kakinada, a $10 billion investment set to create 8,000 jobs and export clean energy globally. Amaravati, Jan 16 The government of Andhra Pradesh led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced that the State will host India's first and the world's largest green ammonia project. AM Green is setting up a Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia Complex with a planned capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) at Kakinada. The first major equipment erection ceremony of AM Green's plant is scheduled on Saturday. The event will be attended by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. With a total investment of $10 billion, the AM Green project represents one of the largest clean-energy investments ever made in India, said an official statement. The project will generate up to 8,000 jobs during the construction phase, besides creating large-scale, high-skill employment during operations and across allied industries such as renewables, logistics, storage, and port services. For the first time in India's history, green energy molecules produced domestically will be exported to global markets, including Germany, Japan, and Singapore, firmly positioning India - and Andhra Pradesh - as a clean-energy exporter on the world stage. Minister for Information Technology Nara Lokesh posted on 'X' that Andhra Pradesh will move closer to becoming the Saudi Arabia of green energy. The project is being developed through the brownfield conversion of an existing ammonia-urea complex. The project will be commissioned in three phases reaching 1.5 MTPA by 2030. AM Green has already entered into long-term supply agreements with leading global players, including Uniper (Germany), and is engaged with major companies in Japan and Singapore. Green ammonia from Kakinada will be used globally for clean shipping fuel, power generation, and as a pathway to green hydrogen, supporting international decarbonisation goals. This project uniquely demonstrates Andhra Pradesh's capability to offer the entire clean-energy value chain from a single state, a first for India. The State will have large-scale renewable energy generation (solar and wind), round-the-clock power enabled by pumped hydro storage, green hydrogen production, green ammonia manufacturing and port-based export infrastructure for global markets The integrated system includes 7.5 GW of solar and wind energy, 1,950 MW of electrolyser capacity, and 2 GW of round-the-clock renewable power, supported by pumped hydro storage, including India's first such project at Pinnapuram. - IANS The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has praised the recent India-Germany Joint Statement as a transformative step for the strategic partnership. The agreement, signed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit, focuses on expanding cooperation in trade, advanced manufacturing, green energy, and digital technologies. Key outcomes include a visa-free transit facility for Indian passport holders and a comprehensive roadmap for higher education collaboration. The partnership is seen as elevating climate and tech issues to the level of economic security and geopolitical alliance. New Indo-German agreement focuses on trade, green tech, and visa-free transit, unlocking opportunities for businesses and talent mobility. New Delhi, January 16 The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has hailed the recent India-Germany Joint Statement as a transformative step toward deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Issued during the inaugural official visit of German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India, the statement underscores a robust commitment to expanding cooperation in critical economic and technological sectors. Rajeev Juneja, President of PHDCCI, emphasised that the focus on trade, investment, and innovation will unlock immense potential for the private sector. "The renewed emphasis placed by both governments on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, innovation, green and sustainable development partnership and research & development collaboration," Juneja stated. "Enhanced engagement in priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, digital and emerging technologies, green energy, and Industry 4.0 is expected to create substantial opportunities for businesses, startups, and MSMEs, while fostering innovation-led and sustainable economic growth in both economies", he said. The economic ties between the two countries have reached record highs, with bilateral trade in goods and services exceeding USD 50 billion in 2024. Germany currently accounts for over 25% of the European Union's total trade volume. Furthermore, Germany is the 9th-largest investor in India, with cumulative FDI inflows of $15.63 billion between April 2000 and March 2025. Reflecting on the broader impact of this cooperation, Juneja noted, "The deepening of India-Germany economic cooperation is poised to act as a catalyst for further expanding India-EU trade and investment flows in the coming years." He specifically cited the Joint Declaration of Intent signed through the German-Indian CEO Forum, which aims to "deepen bilateral economic cooperation by fostering stronger industry partnerships, leveraging the enduring presence of businesses in both India and Germany." A key highlight of the visit was the announcement of visa-free transit for Indian passport holders through Germany, a move expected to streamline travel for professionals and researchers. "We appreciate the announcement of visa-free transit for Indian passport holders through Germany, a forward-looking initiative that will significantly ease mobility for business professionals, students, researchers, and skilled workers," Juneja said, noting that such measures are vital for "deeper economic, academic, and technological engagement between India and Europe." The partnership is also set to reshape the academic landscape through the Indo-German Comprehensive Roadmap on Higher Education. This initiative focuses on institutional linkages and joint degree programs aligned with modern industry needs. According to PHDCCI, the roadmap will be "vital in building future-ready talent, enhancing academic mobility, and aligning higher education with industry 4.0 and innovation needs." Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General of PHDCCI, characterised the agreement as a strategic shift that elevates environmental and technological concerns to the level of national security. "The joint statement signals a fundamental shift in Indo-German cooperation, where climate finance, green hydrogen, semiconductors, and critical minerals are no longer incidental issues but key pillars of economic security and geopolitical alliance in the Indo-Pacific and beyond," Dr. Mehta remarked. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, paid an official visit to India from 12-13 January 2026. The Chancellor was accompanied by a high-level delegation including 23 leading German CEOs and industry leaders. This was Chancellor Merz's first official visit to India and his first to Asia as Federal Chancellor, underscoring the high priority Germany places on India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific. The visit followed the successful 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) held in New Delhi on 25 October 2024, and comes at a high point in the journey of bilateral ties between the two countries, with the completion of 25 years of India-Germany Strategic Partnership in 2025, and commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Both leaders sincerely appreciated the renewed momentum in bilateral engagement across government, business, civil society, and academia, which has played an instrumental role in advancing and deepening the Strategic Partnership. - ANI The Indian community in Oman, supported by the Indian Embassy, organized a grand event to celebrate the successful voyage of INSV Kaundinya. Deputy Chief of Mission Tavishi Behal described the stitched ship as a powerful symbol of India's 5,000-year history. Sanjeev Sanyal detailed the project's origins, which aimed to reconstruct an ocean-going vessel using ancient Indian techniques and drew inspiration from sources like Omani reconstructions. The ship, crewed by 18 Indian Navy personnel, sailed from Gujarat to Muscat, honoring India's ancient seafaring legacy and trade links across the Indian Ocean. Indian Embassy in Oman celebrates INSV Kaundinya's historic voyage, a stitched ship reviving ancient maritime traditions and cultural legacy. Muscat, January 16 The Indian Diaspora, supported by the Indian Embassy in Oman, organised a programme to celebrate the successful voyage of INSV Kaundinya on Thursday. On this occasion, Tavishi Behal, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Embassy of India, Muscat, stated that INSV Kaundinya is a symbol of India's 5,000-year history. She told ANI, "Yesterday I saw Kaundinya live for the first time... it literally gave me goosebumps... it is the symbol of 5,000 years of history, and today this event shows that it was not only in the government, political, and diplomatic quarters that there was enthusiasm, but even the Indian community, which participated in large numbers yesterday for the arrival reception ceremony, and today it is their way of presenting a very warm welcome to the valiant crew. I think they are all inspired and enthusiastic about the journey that the crew has taken... it has been a wonderful experience and a wonderful learning experience as well." Member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM), Sanjeev Sanyal, while speaking at the event, recounted the early days of the ambitious project. He said, "The aim of the project was to reconstruct an ocean-going ship using the ancient Indian stitching technique and to revive cultural memories of ancient Indian maritime heritage... The first thing we did was draw a line drawing of what the Ajanta painting looked like, then see if we could correlate it with whatever serving-board building traditions existed," he said. Sanyal also said that they looked into Omani ways of reconstruction, recounting that this project began in 2022. "We also looked into Omani reconstruction... There was an Omani reconstruction called the Jewel of Muscat about 15 years ago. We also looked at that, and we got very helpful input from Captain Saleh, who had saved it... The project's conceptualisation took place in 2021-22.... By chance, I met Commander Hemant, who is a naval architect, and he is here with part of the crew... with his help, we got this line drawing made... We removed the three-mast model to a two-mast one because that would be much more practical. And we arrived at what would be a reasonable set of dimensions for the ship. The length is 21 meters, breadth 6.5 meters, depth 3.3 meters, approximately 50 tons, and a crew of about 18... This is all the detailing we started in 2022," he added. The Indian community in Oman, under the aegis of the Indian Embassy in the Sultanate, organised a grand programme in Muscat to celebrate the successful and historic voyage of INSV KAUNDINYA - The Stitched Ship of India, which sailed from Porbandar in Gujarat on December 29, 2025, and reached Muscat on January 14, 2026. INSV KAUNDINYA, a carefully reconstructed ancient stitched vessel inspired by India's early maritime traditions, completed the trans-oceanic voyage with a crew of 18 Indian Navy personnel. The expedition also included Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, who was part of the historic sailing team. The journey is widely seen as a tribute to India's nearly 5,000-year-old seafaring legacy and its pivotal role in early trade and cultural exchanges across the Indian Ocean region. - ANI A former top commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has declared the country's armed forces are fully prepared to deliver a "crushing response" to any new US aggression. Mohsen Rezaei issued the warning directly to President Trump, stating American bases in the region are within Iran's reach and would become legitimate targets. He claimed recent domestic protests were steered toward violence by foreign actors as part of a plot to attack Iran from within. Iranian officials assert that ongoing external pressure only fuels advances in the country's military and security capabilities. Former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei warns the US that Iran's armed forces are ready to deliver a devastating response if attacked, citing regional reach and historical resolve. Tehran, January 16 A former chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has stated the Iranian Armed Forces are fully prepared to deliver a "crushing response" if the United States carries out any fresh act of aggression against Iran, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported. Rezaei made the remarks in an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) on Thursday after US President Donald Trump stepped back from earlier threats of attacking Iran, under what the report described as the pretext of supporting foreign-linked rioters. Referring to the 1980s Iraq-imposed war, Rezaei said that by the second year of the conflict, Iranian forces had liberated over 90 per cent of occupied areas, entered Iraq and remained there until the war ended, despite appeals from the United States and the Soviet Union to halt operations. According to Press TV, Rezaei claimed the move ensured Iran's security for "40 to 50 years." "We advise you to step back and not advance any further... You do not pay attention to our restraint and strategic patience in the face of the damage you have inflicted on us over the past 50 years," he said, addressing Trump. "If we are forced to return to the kind of Sacred Defense period we experienced from the second year onward, rest assured you will face serious problems," he added. Rezaei, who currently serves as a member of Iran's Expediency Council, also said Iranians do not want a war but would respond collectively if attacked. "We will maintain our brotherhood and friendship with all countries, but your bases are within our reach. Your bases are at half the distance between us and the Israeli-occupied territories; you will be harmed," he warned, referring to American bases in West Asia, as per the report. He further claimed that wars, assassinations and coups targeting Iran had pushed the country to advance significantly in intelligence and security, adding that ongoing pressure would also contribute to progress in economic and military technology fields, Press TV reported. "Trump has said his finger is on the trigger. God willing, we will cut off that finger so it becomes a lesson in US history," he warned. Rezaei also alleged that the Americans were waiting for public unrest in Iran to stage an attack from within the internal turmoil. He said Monday's "million-strong rallies" across Iran in support of the Islamic Republic had foiled the alleged US plot. "The situation is critical, but our armed forces are prepared," he said, adding that "our finger is on the trigger." The report said some shopkeepers last month staged peaceful demonstrations in several cities over economic issues, but the protests were steered towards violence after public statements by US and Israeli figures, amplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outlets, encouraged vandalism and disorder. The authorities, the report added, acknowledged economic grievances and promised corrective action, while accusing foreign-backed elements of exploiting livelihood concerns linked to unilateral US sanctions. Security and judicial bodies have claimed they dismantled armed cells and arrested foreign-backed operatives during the unrest, including alleged agents of the Israeli spy agency Mossad. Press TV further reported that Trump has, in recent days, repeatedly threatened military action against Iran if, as he claimed, the country kills what he described as "peaceful protesters." Iranian officials and military commanders have issued warnings in response, stating that any attack on Iran would turn American bases and assets in the region into "legitimate" targets. - ANI Kashmiri Shia Muslims staged demonstrations in Srinagar and Budgam, protesting against the United States and Israel, whom they accuse of fomenting unrest in Iran. A local Shia leader and protesters expressed solidarity with Iran's leadership. Meanwhile, Indian authorities are taking steps to ensure the safety and potential evacuation of Kashmiri students in Iran. On the diplomatic front, India is engaged with the US to secure a continuation of the sanctions waiver critical for the Chabahar Port project. Kashmiri Shia Muslims demonstrate against US & Israel over Iran unrest. India engages US on Chabahar Port waiver and works to safeguard students in Iran. Srinagar, January 16 Kashmiri Shia Muslims in Srinagar and Budgam staged demonstrations in support of Iran and protested against the United States and Israel amid the ongoing unrest in the Islamic Republic. Iran is currently witnessing anti-government protests, and US President Donald Trump has encouraged them, stating over the weekend that Washington DC stands ready to help. Aga Syed Hasan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, President of the Anjuman Sharie Shian in Jammu and Kashmir, accused the US and Israel of "spreading terror" in Iran. He said, "It wants to spread terror across the country. So, we are protesting against them (the US and Israel). We will protest against atrocity and injustice." A protester told ANI, "Israel and the US do not let people live in peace. So, we are protesting against those enemies. Every country should be able to thrive. We are with Khamenei sahab and his people. We will continue to protest against the atrocity. We will sacrifice ourselves, but we will keep protecting Islam." J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who assured him that steps will be taken to safeguard the interests and lives of students and other people from Jammu and Kashmir who are in Iran now. Earlier on Friday, Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, aka Engineer Rashid, wrote to Jaishankar, seeking his urgent intervention for the rescue and safe evacuation of Kashmiri students from the Islamic Republic. According to sources, the MEA is preparing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Iran amid the evolving situation there. India on Friday stated that it is engaging with the US to ensure that work linked to India's projects at Iran's Chabahar Port continues under a time-bound sanctions waiver from Washington, which is set to expire on April 26 this year. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a weekly media briefing, told reporters, "On the question of Chabahar, on October 28, 2025, as you are aware, the US Department of the Treasury had issued a letter outlining guidance, the guidance on the Conditional Sanctions Waiver, which is valid until April 26, 2026. We remain engaged with the US side in working out this arrangement." India proposed developing the Chabahar Port in 2003 to provide an alternative route for Indian goods to reach landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia via road and rail connectivity under the International North-South Transport Corridor, bypassing Pakistan. The progress on the project had slowed earlier due to US sanctions on Iran linked to its suspected nuclear programme. - ANI Kathua Police, in a joint operation with other security forces, has busted three terrorist hideouts in the Billawar area. The operation was launched on January 7 based on specific intelligence about anti-national elements in the forest. During the search, unknown terrorists opened fire, leading to an exchange that lasted throughout the night. The recovered items from the hideouts include ammunition, food supplies, and personal gear, with the search operation still ongoing. Kathua Police and security forces bust three terrorist hideouts in Billawar after a firefight and recover supplies. Search operation continues. Kathua, January 16 Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua Police, in coordination with other security forces, busted three terrorist hideouts in the Billawar area of Kathua district, officials said on Friday. According to the police, reliable intelligence was received on January 7 regarding the movement of anti-national elements in the forest area of Kamaad Nallah, Kalaban, Dhanu Parole in Billawar. Acting on the specific intelligence input, joint teams of security forces launched a massive search operation in the area to neutralise the terrorists. During the operation, unknown terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces, following which an exchange of fire took place. The firing continued throughout the night, officials added. During the search operation, security forces detected a terrorist hideout from where several items were recovered, including two empty cartridges of an M4 rifle, a plastic box containing desi ghee, a polythene packet of almonds, hand gloves, a cap, a blanket, a tarpaulin sheet, a small pouch and one polythene bag. In continuation of the ongoing search operation, on 16 January 2026, two more terrorist hideouts were busted by the joint teams in Kalikhad and Kalaban areas of Billawar. Items recovered from the subsequent hideouts included cooking gas cylinder, cooking oil, charger wire, hand gloves, cooking and eating utensils, empty oil gallon, large plastic bags, torch, blankets, container, wrappers of eatables and other miscellaneous items. Mohita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kathua, has stated that the search operation is still underway and Kathua Police remains fully committed to maintaining peace and security in the district. - ANI Japan's Foreign Minister chose India for his first overseas visit of 2025, signaling the high priority Tokyo places on the relationship. Officials from both nations emphasized India's role as a "natural partner" with shared strategic interests. The talks focused on advancing concrete agreements from last year's summit, particularly in economic security, resilient supply chains, and launching a new AI dialogue. The discussions also aimed to align positions on regional and global developments, reinforcing their converging visions for the Indo-Pacific. Japan's Foreign Minister visits India, highlighting shared strategic interests, economic security, and AI cooperation as key pillars of the partnership. New Delhi, January 16 Japan on Friday said it sees India as a "natural partner" and attaches strong importance to ties with "like-minded countries like India" during Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi's visit to the country. Highlighting the significance of the India visit, Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura said Motegi's trip marks his first foreign visit this year and reflects Japan's priority on strengthening partnerships with countries like India. "This is the first foreign trip this year. We strongly believe that a relationship with like-minded countries like India is important. We believe in a strong partnership with the global south. He has chosen India as a natural partner," Kitamura said. Explaining what Tokyo aims to achieve through the visit, Kitamura said Japan and India share "common and strategic interests" and that the trip is focused on ensuring progress on the concrete agreements taken forward after PM Modi's visit to Japan last year. "We are sharing the common and strategic interests. He held the very first 2+2 meeting. To follow up on the concrete agreements decided by the two leaders after PM Modi's visit to Japan last year. We would like to make sure that progress is being made," he said. Beyond reviewing bilateral cooperation, he said the discussions are also aimed at aligning views on wider global developments. "Second purpose was to discuss the regional and international situation and share our understandings and positions on these issues and try to align the understanding of the two countries," Kitamura said. In this context, Kitamura highlighted that economic security is a key focus area, with both sides looking at public and private sector engagement, including efforts to strengthen supply chains. "We would like to hold the very first private sector dialogue on economic security. We are also trying to hold a second economic security dialogue between the two governments based on the possible outcomes of the private sector's economic dialogue. We also tried to hold a JWG on critical minerals to establish a resilient supply chains," he said. Kitamura said the agenda also includes technology-focused cooperation, including in Artificial Intelligence and research exchanges, along with initiatives to promote startups. "These are the tangible outcomes issued from the meeting between the two ministers. Also to hold conversations on Al, to have concrete actions in this regard and to launch a concrete dialogue on Al. Promote joint researcher exchange between Japan-India Al dialogue. Inquire solutions utilising Al to address problems both countries are facing. We also gave our support to the Al Impact summit. Agreed to promote the start-ups of both countries through the cooperation of both governments," he added. The priority accorded to economic security was also underlined by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who described it as "paramount" amid an uncertain international economic environment. Speaking during his opening remarks at the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Jaishankar said India places a very high priority on its partnership with Japan, which has expanded over the past two decades into a broad, comprehensive and strategic relationship. "India attaches very great priority to its friendship with Japan. And over the last two decades, we have been successful in transforming the relationship from what was primarily an economic relationship into one that is broad, comprehensive, and strategic in its focus," Jaishankar said, referring to cooperation in platforms such as the Quad, the United Nations, the G4 grouping and the G20. Linking the broader strategic partnership to regional cooperation, Jaishankar said India's Indo-Pacific approach aligns closely with Japan's outlook and recalled a former Japanese prime minister's address to the Indian Parliament as laying an early foundation for the Indo-Pacific construct. "Much, much time has passed, but the relationship today sees that our initiative, what we call MAHASAGAR and vision for the Indo-Pacific align closely with your free and open Indo-Pacific outlook," the EAM said. Jaishankar was referring to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's "Confluence of the Two Seas" speech at the Indian Parliament in 2007, where he outlined a vision that later evolved into the modern Indo-Pacific framework, emphasising openness, connectivity and shared prosperity. In his address, Abe said that closer cooperation between Japan and India would help shape a "broader Asia" into an extensive network spanning the Pacific Ocean, incorporating countries such as the United States and Australia. He envisioned an open and transparent regional order that would enable the free flow of people, goods, capital and knowledge. Building on this shared outlook, Jaishankar said India and Japan, as leading democracies and major global economies, have a responsibility to help shape the global order. "We are leading democracies. We are the major economies of the world. And we have today not just an opportunity but also an obligation, a duty, to shape the global order. And in the current uncertain global situation, it's even more important that we work closely towards shared strategic goals," the EAM said. Echoing Kitamura's emphasis, Jaishankar said the dialogue would focus on economic security-related priorities and key areas of cooperation. "Economic security today is particularly paramount. Both our countries attach enormous importance to it. And how to de-risk our own economies and how to de-risk the international economy are both very important. We will be discussing resilient supply chains, critical minerals, and how to address energy, health, and maritime security in our talks today," he added. Jaishankar also noted that India and Japan will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations next year, and expressed confidence that the special, strategic and global partnership will continue to strengthen. "In our bilateral discussions, I hope to address key priorities in our ties," the EAM said. The meeting follows PM Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's meeting in Johannesburg earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa. - ANI Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy has formally urged Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to expedite the state's takeover of Hyderabad Metro Rail's first phase from L&T. This step is a prerequisite for the Centre to begin work on the project's second phase, for which it has already given in-principle approval. A key delay is the state government's failure to nominate its two officials to a crucial joint coordination committee with the Centre. Kishan Reddy emphasized that immediate action is needed to move the expansion forward for the benefit of Hyderabad's citizens. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy urges CM Revanth Reddy to complete the takeover of Hyderabad Metro Phase-I to enable the start of Phase-II expansion. Hyderabad, Jan 16 Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Friday urged Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to complete the takeover of Hyderabad Metro Rail's first phase from Larsen and Tourbo to pave the way for the second phase of the project, which the Centre is ready to undertake along with the state government. He requested the State government to take over Phase-I as soon as possible and send the necessary proposals for the construction of Phase-II to the Central government. Kishan Reddy wrote a letter to the Chief Minister raising concerns over delays in moving forward with Hyderabad Metro Phase-II. The Central minister stated that the Union Government has already agreed in principle to Phase-II, with the understanding that the takeover of Phase-I is completed first, and coordination begins through the Joint Committee as agreed earlier. He urged the Telangana Chief Minister to nominate Telangana officials to the Joint Committee, so that coordination can commence without delay and Metro expansion can progress in the larger interest of the people of Hyderabad. Kishan Reddy wrote that he met Union Minister for Urban Development Manohar Lal Khattar and discussed the construction of the second phase of the Metro. Manohar Lal Khattar also reminded that the Central government has already agreed to the construction of the Phase-II. "Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also told me that the State Government has decided to take over the first phase of the Metro and to form a joint committee with the Central Government and the State Government for the preparation of the second phase," wrote Kishan Reddy. He quoted Khattar as saying that it has been decided to form a committee with two officials from the State government and two from the Central government. The State government was asked to send the names of two officials, but it has not yet proposed the names. Kishan Reddy requested Revanth Reddy to immediately send the names of two officials and make an effort to hold a meeting. - IANS Intelligence inputs reveal a high-level meeting in Lahore, Pakistan, where the ISI and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) devised a plan to flood India's Punjab state with drugs, arms, and ammunition. The strategy aims to use narcotics and money to recruit youth for the Khalistan movement, as ideological appeals have failed to gain traction. Consignments are reportedly stockpiled in Pakistani warehouses for smuggling across the border, with part of the contraband intended for onward movement to Jammu and Kashmir. The ISI is pushing various Khalistani terror groups to unite and is reactivating training camps to scale up operations against India. Intel reveals Pakistan's ISI & Babbar Khalsa plan to flood Punjab with drugs and arms to fund terror and revive the Khalistan movement. New Delhi, Jan 16 Fresh Intelligence inputs suggest that Pakistan-based actors are trying to flood the Punjab market with drugs, arms and ammunition. At a recent meeting that was held in Lahore, it was decided that the Babbar Khalsa International would lead this operation. The modus operandi is to flood Punjab with drugs, arms and ammunition. While this would help the ISI further its Khalistan movement in the state, the rest of the contraband would be moved into Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence Bureau officials say that the ISI has come under pressure from the Khalistan elements operating out of Canada and other countries since their Punjab plans are not taking off. The central agencies and the Punjab Police have managed to keep these elements out of Punjab successfully. The official further adds that the youth are clearly not buying the idea of a separate Khalistan nation. Various attempts at radicalising the youth have failed and this is largely to do with the elders in the state who have spoken about the ill-effects of this movement. The BKI feels that if the ideology is not working, then money should be used to recruit youth in Punjab. The meeting that was held at the Gulbarg locality in Lahore discussed in detail the need to make a fresh push in Punjab. The drug problem has been immense in the state. It was decided to lure the youth into the Khalistan movement by using both drugs and money, since the ideology is clearly not working. Intelligence agencies have learnt that the BKI has stocked up huge amounts of drugs, arms and ammunition at the warehouses that it has been provided by the ISI. The BKI has these facilities set up in Lahore, Islamabad and Faizabad. Over the last couple of months huge consignments have entered these warehouses and attempts are being made to send the same to India. Of late, it has been noticed that the Khalistanis are not gaining traction in Punjab. However, its international campaigns have been largely successful with terror groups such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) carrying out referendums in addition to spreading hate against India by using the social media. The international players are now questioning the ISI as to why their India operations have not been scaled up. These elements need the support of Pakistan to scale up operations in India. Another official added that the ISI has been actively training Khalistani elements so that they can scale up operations. Training camps have been activated at Attock, Not Lakhpat, Chakwal and Gujranwala, the Intelligence agencies have learnt. During the recent meeting held at the Gulbarg locality, it was once again reiterated by the ISI that all Khalistani terror groups should work as one entity. The same strategy is being adopted in the case of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The ISI has told these groups that working together would have a deeper impact and there would be no competition. Further it would also ensure there would be no rivalry between the group. While the ISI did take time to convince these terror outfit, it had no such problem when it came to the Khalistani terror groups, official have learnt. While the revival of the Khalistan movement is the main agenda behind this fresh push, the agencies also warn that this strategy also includes Jammu and Kashmir. The ISI has been finding it hard to smuggle drugs, arms and ammunition into the Union Territory owing to high security along the Line of Control. Several infiltration bids, too, have been foiled in recent months. Now, Pakistan seeks to send in consignments in large numbers into Punjab and later smuggle it into Jammu and Kashmir by road. In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, the ISI has been trying to nurture homegrown terrorists. However it has been finding it hard to send funds to these people. By enhancing operations along the Punjab border, it is attempting to kill two birds with one stone i.e. revive Khalistan and fund terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, officials have learnt. - IANS Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha revealed that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed interest in supplying Assam's surplus electricity to Bangladesh, using Tripura's existing infrastructure. Tripura itself has been supplying over 100 MW of power to Bangladesh since 2016 under an MoU set to expire in March, with discussions underway for its renewal and a potential increase to 250 MW. The two Chief Ministers also discussed the urgent need to widen the congested National Highway connecting Assam and Tripura to ease the movement of goods and passengers. Furthermore, Tripura is exploring plans to export power to Nepal, pending central government approval, while also investing in new technologies to enhance its own power generation efficiency. Assam CM expresses interest in supplying surplus electricity to Bangladesh through Tripura, as Tripura's existing power export MoU with Bangladesh nears expiry. Agartala, Jan 16 After Tripura, the Assam government is also keen to supply its surplus electricity to Bangladesh, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said here on Friday, referring to his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma. Assam Chief Minister Sarma, who arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit to Tripura, had dinner with his Tripura counterpart at the latter's official bungalow on Thursday night, during which they discussed various issues concerning the two states. "During our discussion, Sarma expressed his willingness to share excess electricity from Assam with Bangladesh through Tripura. Since 2016, Tripura has been supplying electricity to Bangladesh, and the term of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard will expire in March this year. We may extend the tenure of the MoU further," the Tripura Chief Minister told the media. CM Saha said that he also discussed the widening of the National Highway connecting Tripura and Assam. "Recently, I visited Churaibari in north Tripura along the Assam border and saw that the narrow National Highway between the two states poses serious difficulties for the movement of goods-laden trucks, passenger buses and other vehicles. "This vital highway needs to be widened for the smooth movement of all kinds of vehicles," he said. Churaibari, located around 170 km from Agartala, is the entry point to Tripura. The area witnesses massive traffic congestion every day, with thousands of vehicles of various types plying through it. Meanwhile, Tripura, which shares an 856-km-long border with Bangladesh, is currently supplying over 100 MW of electricity to the neighbouring country. Tripura began supplying 100 MW of power to Bangladesh from the state-owned ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) power plant in southern Tripura's Gomati district in March 2016. The supply sometimes goes up to 160 MW, an official of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) said. "After the first agreement in 2016, we subsequently renewed the agreement twice to continue the supply of electricity to Bangladesh," the official added. He said that the Bangladesh government has recently requested the TSECL to supply at least 250 MW of electricity to help meet its growing power demand. The final decision on Bangladesh's fresh proposal has not yet been taken, the official said. Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath recently said that the state is also keen to supply power to Nepal. He said that a plan is underway to export power from Tripura to Nepal and that a meeting was held earlier in New Delhi, as the Central government will take the final call on the matter. Though Tripura does not share a border with Nepal, the Himalayan nation shares a 1,751-km-long border with five Indian states - Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Nath said that with the availability of natural gas declining, the TSECL is introducing new technologies to enhance power generation efficiency. "With the help of the World Bank, Rs 935 crore is being invested to double power generation using the same amount of gas through combined-cycle gas turbine technology at Rokhia in Sepahijala district. "We have also decided to set up an 800 MW pumped storage power project at Chawmanu in Dhalai district, and the preparation of the Detailed Project Report is underway," he said. The minister added that a 400 kV sub-station will be set up at Suryamani Nagar, near here, as Tripura continues to supply power to Bangladesh. - IANS BJP Karnataka leaders B.Y. Vijayendra and R. Ashoka have hailed the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance's performance in the Maharashtra civic polls, including major wins in Mumbai and Pune. They expressed strong confidence that this victory will be replicated in the upcoming elections for Bengaluru's municipal corporations. The leaders credited the win to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the efforts of party workers. They also predicted that the forthcoming local body elections in Karnataka would mark the beginning of the Congress party's decline in the state. BJP leaders Vijayendra and Ashoka celebrate the Mahayuti alliance's victory in Maharashtra civic polls and express confidence for upcoming Bengaluru elections. Bengaluru, Jan 16 Commenting on the victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in the Maharashtra civic polls, including in Mumbai, BJP Karnataka State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashoka on Friday expressed confidence of repeating the victory in the Bengaluru civic polls. Opposition leader Ashoka stated: "After the unprecedented victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP-Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) alliance has once again sounded a resounding victory bugle in the elections to prestigious urban local bodies in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as well as Pune, Nagpur and all major city municipal corporations in the state. "This emphatic mandate reflects the people's renewed endorsement of the BJP's politics of development." "Heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President J.P. Nadda, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and all the workers of BJP Maharashtra, who have been the architects of this historic victory," he said. Just as the people of Mumbai have extended their support to the BJP, the people of Bengaluru too will bless the party in a big way in the upcoming elections to the five municipal corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), he stated. Through the forthcoming local body elections, the path towards the decline of the Congress party in Karnataka is certain to begin, Ashoka underlined. BJP Karnataka State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra said: "The people of Maharashtra have delivered a resounding verdict in the Urban Local Body elections, decisively in favour of the BJP-led alliance across the state, including the major city of Mumbai." This verdict reflects the trust placed in the leadership of PM Narendra Modi at the Centre and the governance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the state, Vijayendra said. "I also extend my congratulations to the dedicated karyakartas of the BJP in Maharashtra, the true backbone of our party, whose tireless efforts made this emphatic success possible," he said. "This mandate clearly captures the public mood and will be repeated in Karnataka when our state's local bodies go to the polls," Vijayendra stated. - IANS The BJP-Shiv Sena 'Yuti' alliance is close to securing a majority in Mumbai's BMC, having won 110 of 204 declared seats. The Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS alliance trailed significantly, securing 65 seats. The alliance also secured commanding victories in Pune, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, and Thane, while the Pawar-led NCP factions performed poorly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attributed the sweeping victory to the NDA's pro-people governance and development agenda. BJP-Shiv Sena alliance nears majority in BMC, wins big across Maharashtra civic polls. Thackeray factions and Pawar's NCP face setbacks. Mumbai, January 16 The Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena Yuti is heading towards the halfway mark of 114 seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, as the State Election Commission declared the results for 204 out of 227 seats for India's richest civic body. The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance has won 110 seats. The BJP has emerged as the largest party in the BMC polls, winning 85 seats while alliance partner Shiv Sena led on 25. The Thackeray brothers, who joined hands for the Mumbai local body polls to contest on the Marathi manoos plank, trailed behind at 65 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) doing the heavy lifting, winning 60 seats. Congress has won 19 seats, NCP (SP) one, NCP two, and others seven. According to Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and other BJP leaders, the Yuti recorded such a sweeping victory in the state civic polls due to the "development agenda". While Uddhav and Raj Thackeray tried to consolidate votes over the Marathi language and the revival of the Marathi manoos identity plank, the saffron Yuti's development work, including the Metro Aqua Line and Coastal Road, helped them gain a lead in the BMC polls. In response to MNS chief Raj Thackeray's 'rasamalai' jibe against Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai, Mumbai BJP chief spokesperson Niranjan Shetty and others celebrated the party's victory by distributing rasmalai. Raj Thackeray took a sharp jibe at the BJP leader, whom he mockingly referred to as 'rasmalai'. The uncle-nephew duo of Sharad and Ajit Pawar, bringing the two NCP factions together, failed to consolidate in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Results for 135 of 165 seats have been announced in Pune. The BJP won 96 seats while the NCP could manage only 20, along with three seats won by NCP (SP). Congress won 15 seats here. Of the 127 seats declared in Pimpri-Chinchwad, the Yuti won 90 seats, with the BJP winning 84, helping the alliance clear the majority mark. Ajit Pawar's NCP won 36, while political stalwart and NCP's patriarch Sharad Pawar failed to open an account in Pimpri-Chinchwad. In Nagpur, Devendra Fadnavis' hometown, the BJP won big, taking 102 of the total 151 seats, defeating the Congress with just 34. Meanwhile, in the Navi Mumbai civic body polls, the Yuti won by a thumping majority, with the BJP winning 65 seats and Shiv Sena winning 42 of the total 111 seats. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP won 37 seats, and its alliance partner, the Shinde Sena, won 36 of 78 seats. In Panvel and Dhule, the BJP has cleared the majority mark for the Mahayuti single-handedly, winning 55 out of 78 seats and 50 out of 74 seats, respectively, while the Sena won two and five seats, respectively. Saffron ruled in Jalgaon, with the BJP winning 46 seats and the Sena 22 of 75. In Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, the BJP alone crossed the majority mark, winning 39 of 78 seats while Shiv Sena and NCP won two and 16 seats respectively. Congress won 18 seats here. In Jalna, the BJP-Sena won 53 of 65 seats, defeating Congress, which won only nine. Congress managed to win Latur, gaining 43 of 70 seats, over the BJP's 22 and the NCP's 1. While Congress gave a tough fight, winning 34 seats in Kolhapur, the saffron alliance clinched it, with the BJP winning 26 and Shiv Sena winning 15 out of the total 81 seats. In Eknath Shinde's Thane, the Shiv Sena pulled off a victory for the Yuti, winning 75 of 131 seats, while the BJP won 28. The alliance won 104 of 122 seats in Kalyan-Dombivali, easily claiming the victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led victory in the Maharashtra civic polls, attributing the win to the "pro-people good governance" agenda. Expressing gratitude to the electors, PM Modi said that the NDA's "vision for development has struck a chord" with the people of the state. He wrote on X, "Thank you, Maharashtra! The dynamic people of the state bless the NDA's pro-people, good governance agenda! The results of various municipal corporation elections indicate that the NDA's bond with the people of Maharashtra has further deepened. Our track record and vision for development have struck a chord. My gratitude to the people across Maharashtra. This is a vote to add momentum to progress and celebrate the glorious culture the state is associated with." He also lauded the NDA workers for the win, calling it a "countering the lies of the Opposition." "I am very proud of every NDA Karyakarta who worked tirelessly among people across Maharashtra. They talked about our alliance's track record, highlighted our vision for the future, and effectively countered the Opposition's lies. My best wishes to them," the Prime Minister wrote. Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah hailed the victory, stating that the win shows people's faith in the development policies of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In an X post, Amit Shah attributed the win to the state government's development and welfare work. He wrote, "The resounding victory of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the Maharashtra municipal elections demonstrates that the people across the country have unwavering faith only in the development policies of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This historic success is a clear endorsement by the people of the development and welfare work undertaken by the Mahayuti government in the state. Heartfelt gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for this overwhelming support." Addressing the BJP workers at the party office in Mumbai, Devendra Fadnavis said, "BJP and Mahayuti are going to form their 25 mayors after these elections." After the Mahayuti recorded a landslide win in the state assembly polls, Fadnavis said that the victory in the civic polls was a testament to people's trust in PM Modi. "We faced these elections with a vision of development in the leadership of Modi ji. And voters have reciprocated well to our development agenda. And that is why we have a record-breaking mandate in several civic bodies. It is clear that people have certified that they want an agenda of development. These results have also clarified that Maharashtra still trusts Modi ji. I also remember Balasaheb Thackeray on the occasion," he said. Further, he said that the alliance will "transform" the cities and will work for the poor and the middle class. The Chief Minister said, "We will transform the cities wherever we rule, and we will try to change the lives of all the poor and middle-class people of those cities. The soul of our work and our thought is Hindutva, and we are very proud of it. So for us, development and Hindutva cannot be separated. Our soul of being Hindu has taken us to the people of Maharashtra, and we are not those who believe in narrow-minded Hindutva, but we believe in an expanded form of Hindutva. Our Hindutva is inclusive of all those who believe themselves to be part of the Indian civilisation." Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule hailed the "double-engine" government for the BJP-Shiv Sena's emerging victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, stating that the people voted for the development of the city. Expressing confidence, Bawankule claimed that the BJP will win a two-thirds majority across 29 Municipal Corporations. Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, the BJP leader said, "I believe the BJP will win two-thirds of the majority in the state. People have shown trust in Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde's Mahayuti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led double-engine government. People in Mumbai have voted for development. Devendra Fadnavis has prepared the vision for development in Mumbai. Metro railway, Coastal Road... Both (state and Centre) governments believe in developing the city." Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar thanked the people of Mumbai for reposing faith in the BJP alliance following the civic body elections, stating that the mandate reflects their desire for the city's development. Maharashtra's three Kolhe family members, Lalit Kolhe, Sindhutai Kolhe and Piyush Lalit Kolhe shared an emotional moment in Jalgaon after each of them secured a win in the Jalgaon Municipal Corporation (JMC). Lalit Kolhe, the Shiv Sena candidate, had contested from jail after he was arrested in September in relation to a fake call centre scam. While being a member of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Lalit Kolhe had also served as the mayor of Jalgaon in 2018. Afterwards, the BJP leader Seema Bhole took charge as mayor from 2018 to 2021. Since 2021, Jayshree Mahajan of Shiv Sena has been the mayor of JMC. Speaking to ANI while celebrating, Piyush Kolhe, who won ward number 4 in Jalgaon, said that they have achieved a victory after a lot of people "tried to pull us down". "Three members of our family won the election. As my mother said, voters have shown their love for Lalit Kolhe. For the past 15-20 days, people tried to pull us down, but truth always triumphs," Piyush Kolhe told ANI. Sarita Kolhe, the mother of the accused, Lalit Kolhe, had pledged not to wear slippers until her son is out of jail. In a show of gratitude towards voters, BJP's winning candidate, Shilpa Keluskar, on Friday thanked them after winning from the ward 173 in the BMC elections. A total of 29 municipal corporations went to the polls on Thursday, with counting for all of the local bodies happening today. - ANI The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections concluded with a 52.94% voter turnout, ending an eight-year gap since the last polls. Mumbai is now set to elect a new mayor after nearly four years, with the last mayor's term ending in March 2022. Multiple exit polls project a victory for the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance, with the Thackeray-led alliance posing the main opposition. Vote counting has commenced across 23 centers in the city to decide the 227-seat civic body. Mumbai's BMC elections recorded a 52.94% voter turnout. Exit polls predict a BJP-Shiv Sena alliance win as the city prepares to elect a new mayor. Mumbai, January 16 The recently concluded Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation recorded a voter turnout of 52.94 per cent, according to the data released by the State Election Commissioner on Friday. The elections for India's richest municipal corporations, which concluded on Thursday, were marred with allegations by the Shiv Sena- MNS alliance, and subsequently refuted by the SEC. The elections, which were conducted after a gap of eight years, marked a significant civic exercise for Mumbai. The previous BMC elections were held in 2017, while the term of the last elected mayor, Kishori Pednekar, ended in March 2022. With the completion of the polls, Mumbai is set to get a new mayor after nearly four years. According to the data released, the highest turnout was recorded in Ward 114, at around 65.53 per cent, whereas the lowest turnout was recorded in Ward 227, at 20.88 per cent. Out of the total 1,03,44,315 voters in the electoral roll, a total of 54,76,043 exercised their right to vote. In total numbers of voters, around 3.7 lakh men exercised their franchise compared to women. A total of 29,23,433 men voted across the 277 wards, 25,52,359 women, and 251 transgender electors also cast their votes. However, male voters outnumber female voters by 6.9 lakh. According to the percentages, around 52.2 per cent of men voted, while 52.8 per cent of women voters cast their votes. The exit polls have predicted a victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, with the Thackeray brothers finishing second and Congress and its allies failing to put up a strong show. According to Axis My India's predictions, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is poised to win 131-151 seats; the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS-NCP (SP) alliance 58-68 seats; the Congress-VBA-RSP alliance 12-16 seats; and others 6-12 seats. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls were held for 227 seats, and a party or alliance needs 114 seats for a simple majority. The Axis My India also made vote-share predictions, projecting a 42% vote share for the Mahayuti allies (BJP 28%, Shiv Sena 14%). It predicted Shiv Sena (UBT) getting 24 per cent votes, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) 7 per cent and NCP (SP) one per cent. The three parties fought the polls as allies. The Congress has tied up with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and Rashtriya Samaj Paksh (RSP) for the civic polls. According to DV Research, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is poised to win 107-122 seats; the Thackeray brothers' alliance 68-83 seats; the Congress-led alliance 18-25 seats; and others 8-15 seats. In the capital city, Mumbai, voting took place in 227 wards, with approximately 1,700 candidates in the fray. According to the Janmat exit poll, the BJP and Shiv Sena are poised to win 138 seats; the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS-NCP (SP) alliance 62 seats; the Congress-led alliance 20 seats; and others 7 seats. The poll has predicted a margin of error of plus or minus five seats. The undivided Shiv Sena was a strong force in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It won 84 seats in the last polls held in 2007, and the BJP won 82 seats. However, the party split in 2022, causing Eknath Shinde, the now deputy chief minister, to break away from the party. The Bharatiya Janata Party contested the BMC elections in alliance with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. With a coordinated campaign and the BJP's mammoth election backroom machinery behind the Mahayuti, the election was also being perceived as a vote for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' mega development pitch. However, giving them a contest, the estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray allied for the polls, running on a plank of protecting Marathi identity. The counting of votes for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will begin today at 10.00 am across 23 designated counting centres in Mumbai. - ANI The BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance is emerging victorious in Maharashtra's civic body polls, leading decisively in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated state BJP chief Ravindra Chavan and Mumbai president Ameet Satam on the performance. The alliance is also dominating other major municipal corporations including Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagpur, and Nashik. Minister Nitesh Rane stated the trends indicate Mahayuti will occupy most mayor's seats in the state. BJP-Shiv Sena alliance leads in Mumbai, Pune & other civic bodies. CM Fadnavis congratulates state & city BJP chiefs on Mahayuti's victory. Mumbai, January 16 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday called up State BJP chief Ravindra Chavan to congratulate him, as the BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti is emerging victorious in Maharashtra civic polls. CM Fadnavis also called up Mumbai BJP President Ameet Satam and congratulated him on the BJP-Shiv Sena's emerging victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. As per the latest trends at 5 pm, the BJP-Shiv Sena's saffron alliance was leading on 130 out of 227 seats in the BMC polls, leaving the Thackeray brothers behind at 71. The BJP is emerging as the largest party in India's richest municipality, with 93 seats, while its alliance partner, the Shiv Sena, has 27. Shiv Sena (UBT) was leading on 62 seats, with MNS on 9. Congress was leading on 14 seats, while NCP (SP) led on one. BJP-Shiv Sena have managed to outrun the uncle-nephew duo of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In Pune, the BJP was leading on 90 seats out of the total 162, with Shiv Sena leading on two seats, and Mahayuti well above the majority mark. NCP was leading on 20 seats while NCP (SP) was struggling to open its account in Pune. In Pimpri-Chinchwad, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance stands at 90 seats, while the NCP leads on 37 seats. Mahayuti is also emerging well above the majority marks in Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Jalna and Vasai-Virar. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane hailed the trends, stating that the Mahayuti will occupy mayor's seats in most of the Municipal Corporations in the state. In a social media video, Rane said, "It seems that everything is being prepared for people with the 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'I Love Mahadev' mindset, and those belonging to the Mahayuti alliance, to occupy most of the mayor's seats." A total of 29 Municipal Corporations in Maharashtra held polling on Thursday, with voting counting today. - ANI Three members of the Kolhe family secured victories in the Jalgaon Municipal Corporation elections, sharing an emotional moment during celebrations. Lalit Kolhe, a Shiv Sena candidate, contested and won while in jail after being arrested in connection with a fake call centre scam. His mother, Sarita Kolhe, had pledged not to wear slippers until her son's release, a vow the family maintained during their victory celebration. The elections coincided with broader municipal polls across Maharashtra, where the Mahayuti alliance of BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena was performing strongly. Three Kolhe family members win Jalgaon municipal elections. Shiv Sena's Lalit Kolhe contested from jail, while family celebrates emotional victory. Jalgaon, January 16 Maharashtra's three Kolhe family members; Lalit Kolhe, Sindhutai Kolhe and Piyush Lalit Kolhe shared an emotional moment in Jalgaon after each of them secured a win the Jalgaon Municipal Corporation on Friday. Lalit Kolhe, the Shiv Sena candidate, had contested from jail after he was arrested in September in relation to a fake call centre scam. While being a member of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Lalit Kolhe had also served as the mayor of Jalgaon in 2018. Afterwards, the BJP leader Seema Bhole took charge as mayor from 2018 to 2021. Since 2021, Jayshree Mahajan of Shiv Sena has been the mayor of JMC. Speaking to ANI while celebrating, Piyush Kolhe, who won ward number 4 in Jalgaon said that they have achieved a victory after a lot of people "tried to pull us down". "Three members of our family won the election. Like my mother said, voters have shown their love for Lalit Kolhe. For the past 15-20 days, people tried to pull us down but truth always triumphs," Piyush Kolhe told ANI. Sarita Kolhe, the mother of accused Lalit Kolhe had pleged to not wear slippers until her son is out of jail. While celebrating the win, she thanked the public for making her family members win the election, adding, "He is in jail. Disgusting allegations were made against him. Our voters have broken down the doors of the jail. They showered their blessings on us in the form of votes... Shiv Sena candidates from ward no. 11, including Sindhutai Kolhe and Lalit Kolhe. Piyush Kolhe from ward no. 4. My son, husband and mother-in-law have won the election." "You can see that neither of us has even worn slippers (as they had pledged)...We have not worn slippers since he (Lalit Kolhe) was arrested. I had said that I will wear slippers once he comes back, but public made everything possible," she added. A total of 29 municipal corporations went to polls on Thursday, with counting for all of the local bodies happening today. The Mahayuti alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has expanded its lead in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with the trends from preliminary data indicating that the alliance is leading in 117 wards in Mumbai. While the BJP is leading in 86 seats, Shiv Sena is leading in 31 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance has managed to cross the 68 mark, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) only leading in 9, and UBT Sena leading in 58, and NCP (SP) leading only in 1. Similarly, the Ajit Pawar's NCP is also leading in 1 seat, while the Congress party continued to have a dismal performance. - ANI The BJP and Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti alliance secured sweeping victories in several key municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Navi Mumbai, Panvel, and Jalgaon. The BJP demonstrated particular strength, winning majorities single-handedly in corporations like Panvel and Dhule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the win, thanking the people of Maharashtra and attributing the success to the NDA's pro-people governance and development vision. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated the alliance is poised to form mayors in 25 out of the 29 corporations where counting occurred. BJP-Shiv Sena alliance sweeps Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Jalgaon & other civic polls. PM Modi and CM Fadnavis credit development agenda for the victory. Mumbai, January 16 The Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti on Friday recorded sweeping victories in Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Dhule, Panvel, Jalgaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad and Jalna municipal corporations, out of the 29 municipal corporations undergoing vote counting in Maharashtra. In the Navi Mumbai civic body polls, the Yuti won by a thumping majority, with the BJP winning 65 seats and Shiv Sena winning 43 of the total 111 seats. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP won 37 seats, and the alliance partner Shinde Sena won 36 out of 78 seats. In Panvel and Dhule, the BJP got a majority for the Mahayuti single-handedly, winning 55 out of 78 seats and 50 out of 74 seats respectively, while the Sena won two and five seats respectively. Saffron ruled in Jalgaon as the BJP won 46 and the Sena won 22 of 75 seats. In Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, the BJP alone crossed the majority mark, winning 39 of 78 seats while Shiv Sena and NCP won two and 16 seats respectively. Congress won 18 seats here. In Jalna, the BJP-Sena won 53 of 65 seats, defeating Congress, which won only nine. In Bhivandi-Nizampur civic polls, no alliance could cross the majority mark of 45 as Congress won 32 seats, NCP (SP) 12, BJP 22 and Shiv Sena 12. Similarly, in Malegaon, Shiv Sena emerged as the largest party with 18 seats, while no major player crossed the majority line. The BJP won 25 seats in Ahilyanagar, while Ajit Pawar's NCP won 27, Sena won 10, Congress two and Shiv Sena (UBT) one. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led victory in the Maharashtra civic polls, attributing the win to the "pro-people good governance" agenda. Expressing gratitude to the electors, PM Modi said that the NDA's "vision for development has struck a chord" with the people of the state. He wrote on X, "Thank you, Maharashtra! The dynamic people of the state bless the NDA's agenda of pro-people, good governance! The results of various municipal corporation elections indicate that the NDA's bond with the people of Maharashtra has further deepened. Our track record and vision for development have struck a chord. My gratitude to the people across Maharashtra. This is a vote to add momentum to progress and celebrate the glorious culture the state is associated with." He also lauded the NDA workers for the win for "countering the lies of the Opposition. "I am very proud of every NDA Karyakarta who worked tirelessly among people across Maharashtra. They talked about our alliance's track record, highlighted our vision for the coming times and also effectively countered the lies of the Opposition. My best wishes to them," the Prime Minister wrote. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis attributed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti's sweeping victory in the civic polls to the "development agenda", while stating that the alliance will form Mayors in 25 of 29 Municipal Corporations. - ANI 20260110 1US calls Argentina peso bet a 'homerun deal' - US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said his risky US gamble on Argentina's currency has paid off. Bessent said American financial support had been repaid and the US no longer held any Argentine pesos in its exchange stabilisation fund. The US had purchased the then-plunging currency last year in an effort to stave off further turmoil and boost the party of President Javier Milei, a key ally of President Donald Trump, in the run-up to national midterm elections. ... "It's been a short term success - Bessent got his money back," he said. "I do remain worried that the Argentines are relying too heavily on the expectation that Secretary Bessent will ride to the rescue ... and therefore aren't showing enough urgency in their plans to rebuild their own reserves." https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyngv1keq7o 200 2Trump seeks $100bn for Venezuela oil, but Exxon boss says country 'uninvestable' - US President Donald Trump has asked for at least $100bn (75bn) in oil industry spending for Venezuela, but received a lukewarm response at the White House as one executive warned the South American country was currently "uninvestable". Bosses of the biggest US oil firms who attended the meeting acknowledged that Venezuela, sitting on vast energy reserves, represented an enticing opportunity. But they said significant changes would be needed to make the region an attractive investment. No major financial commitments were immediately forthcoming. Trump has said he will unleash the South American nation's oil after US forces seized its leader Nicolas Maduro in a 3 January raid on its capital. "One of the things the United States gets out of this will be even lower energy prices," Trump said in Friday's meeting at the White House. But the oil bosses present expressed caution. Exxon's chief executive Darren Woods said: "We have 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 we've historically seen and what is currently the state." "Today it's uninvestable." Venezuela has had a complicated relationship with international oil firms since oil was discovered in its territory more than 100 years ago. Chevron is the last remaining major American oil firm still operating in the country. A handful of companies from other countries, including Spain's Repsol and Italy's Eni, both of which were represented at the White House meeting, are also active. Trump said his administration would decide which firms would be allowed to operate. "You're dealing with us directly. You're not dealing with Venezuela at all. We don't want you to deal with Venezuela," he said. ... While smaller companies might be more eager to jump in and help boost Venezuela's oil production over the next year, he said those investments would likely hover in the $50m range - far from the "fantastical" $100bn figure that Trump has floated. Rystad Energy estimates it would take $8bn to $9bn in new investments per year for production to triple by 2040. Trump's suggested $100bn of investment into Venezuela could have a major impact on production - if it were to materialise, said the firm's chief economist, Claudio Galimberti. He said companies would only be likely to invest on that scale with subsidies - and political stability. Americans should not expect the situation in Venezuela to lower oil prices anytime soon, he added. "It's going to be difficult to see big commitments before we have a fully stabilised political situation and that is anybody's guess when that happens," he said. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c205dx61x76o 3 'Out of stock': What went wrong at luxury retailer Saks? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czdq1z73pv9o Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the ancient Tamil poet and philosopher. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also offered floral tributes to commemorate the day. Meanwhile, DMK Minister TRB Rajaa criticized the central BJP government for offering only "ceremonial praise" without genuinely understanding Tamil culture and its calendar traditions. The remarks highlight ongoing political and cultural tensions between the DMK and the BJP in Tamil Nadu. Congress, BJP leaders pay tribute to poet Thiruvalluvar as DMK minister criticizes Centre's "ceremonial praise" of Tamil culture. New Delhi, January 16 Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended greetings on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, paying tribute to the famous Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. In a post on X, Kharge said, "Warm greetings on Thiruvalluvar Day. Today, we bow in reverent homage to Thiruvalluvar -- an enduring fountain of ethical, social, political, economic, religious, philosophical, and spiritual wisdom. His timeless Tirukkural stands as a rare and radiant guide, inspiring humanity with its clarity, compassion, and truth." The day, observed on January 16 (on Leap Year as per Tamil Calendar) in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, commemorates Thiruvalluvar's contribution to Tamil literature and philosophy. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin offered floral tributes to the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the famous Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day. In his post on X, PM Modi, said, "Today, on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the versatile Thiruvalluvar, whose works and ideals inspire innumerable people. He believed in a society that is harmonious and compassionate. He personifies the best of Tamil culture. I urge you all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of the great Thiruvalluvar." Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, Minister TRB Rajaa on Thursday 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. "Tamil does not need ceremonial praise. It asks for knowledge and understanding. And Delhi should try to start with that. Happy Pongal to Hon HM and everyone in Delhi and am sure you can see that you can't trust your local unit or your partner's here for info on Tamils and to actually show what Tamils are in their full complex and astounding glory," he responded to Shah on X. 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," the post read. - ANI Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has called the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election trends "inaccurate" as counting continues. He suggested the high-stakes contest could end in a draw, noting vote counting had not started in about 100 wards. The BJP has emerged as the largest single party in the BMC with 85 seats, while its alliance with the Shiv Sena has won 110 seats total. Meanwhile, the Mahayuti alliance secured commanding victories in several other Maharashtra civic bodies, including Navi Mumbai and Jalgaon. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claims BMC poll trends are inaccurate, suggesting the match could end in a draw as counting continues. Mumbai, January 16 Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Friday claimed that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections "could end in a draw" as the final results for India's richest municipality are yet to be declared. The results for 204 out of 227 seats have been declared, and the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance has won 110 seats, closing down on the majority mark of 114. The BJP has emerged as the largest party in the BMC polls, winning 85 seats while alliance partner Shiv Sena led on 25. The Thackeray brothers trailed behind at 65 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) doing the heavy lifting, winning 60 seats. Speaking to reporters, Sanjay Raut called the trends "inaccurate" while calling the polls a close contest. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said, "The time to react has not yet come. Given how the vote counting is progressing in Mumbai, the final results won't be available until midnight. The figures being released are inaccurate. Vote counting hasn't even started in approximately 100 wards yet. Although I will admit that it's a close contest. The competition is fierce. But it's not true that the Shiv Sena (UBT) is far behind, as some are claiming." "The figures you are seeing now will change. Our 60 corporators joined the Shinde faction. Almost all of them lost... Perhaps this match could end in a draw," he said. In Mumbai, Congress has won 19 seats, NCP two, NCP (SP) one, and others won seven seats. Meanwhile, in the Navi Mumbai civic body polls, the Yuti won by a thumping majority, with the BJP winning 65 seats and Shiv Sena winning 43 of the total 111 seats. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP won 37 seats, and the alliance partner Shinde Sena won 36 out of 78 seats. In Panvel and Dhule, the BJP got a majority for the Mahayuti alliance single-handedly, winning 55 out of 78 seats and 50 out of 74 seats respectively, while the Sena won two and five seats respectively. Saffron ruled in Jalgaon as well, with the BJP winning 46 seats and the Sena 22 of 75 seats. In Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, the BJP alone crossed the majority mark, winning 39 of 78 seats while Shiv Sena and NCP won two and 16 seats respectively. Congress won 18 seats here. In Jalna, the BJP-Sena won 53 of 65 seats, defeating Congress, which won only nine. - ANI US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that oppose Washington's plans to acquire Greenland, which he deems critical for national security against Russia and China. Denmark and other NATO allies have refused the territorial demand, with European nations even sending troops to bolster Greenland's security. A recent meeting between Danish, Greenlandic, and US officials failed to change the stance of key American figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Russia has seized on the tension to criticize the West's international order as Denmark plans to increase its military presence in Greenland. US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on countries opposing the US acquisition of Greenland, citing national security against Russia and China. Washington DC, January 17 US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries opposing Washington's plans to acquire Greenland for "national security" reasons. "I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," he said. Trump has repeatedly asserted that Greenland is important to safeguard the US from Russia and China's presence in the Arctic Ocean, and has demanded that the Kingdom of Denmark sell the self-governed territory. However, Denmark and other NATO allies have refused to cede the territory to the US, with France, Germany and other European countries sending their troops to Greenland to help boost the security. Earlier, speaking to the reporters on the South Lawn, Trump emphasised the necessity of acquiring Greenland and also talked about the US's military power, citing their recent operations in Venezuela and Iran. "NATO has been dealing with us on Greenland. We need Greenland for national security very badly. If we don't have it, we have a big hole in national security, especially when it comes to what we're doing in terms of the Golden Dome and all of the other things," he said. "We have a lot of investments in the military. We have the strongest military in the world, and it's only getting stronger. And you saw that with Venezuela. You saw that with the attack on Iran, with the knocking out of their nuclear capabilities," he added. Russia, which has maintained that it has no intention of acquiring Greenland, called out the West over the recent development for its "failure" to maintain a rule-based International order. In a post on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia quoted Zakharova as saying, "Current tensions over Greenland sharply expose the failure of the West's so-called 'rules-based international order'. It is plainly visible that Copenhagen's long-standing policy of unconditional subordination to the US is fundamentally flawed." On Wednesday, Denmark said it plans to increase its military presence in Greenland after the Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers met with White House representatives in Washington DC, to discuss Trump's intentions to take over the semiautonomous Danish territory to tap its mineral resources amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. But the meeting could not budge US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance from their stance, as per Al Jazeera. - ANI Union Minister Ramdas Athawale expressed confidence that the Mumbai Mayor will come from the ruling Mahayuti alliance, citing early vote-counting trends. He attributed Uddhav Thackeray's long hold on power in Mumbai to his past alliances with the BJP and RPI(A), which have now ended. Preliminary data shows the Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, leading in 117 wards. In contrast, the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance and Congress are trailing significantly in the early counts. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale confident Mahayuti alliance will secure Mumbai Mayor post as early BMC election trends show them leading. Pune, January 16 Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Friday expressed confidence that the Mayor of Mumbai will come from the Mahayuti alliance, saying most seats in the BMC elections are going to the Mahayuti alliance. Athawale said that while Uddhav Thackeray's alliances with the BJP and the RPI(A) helped him remain in power in Mumbai for decades. Speaking to ANI, Athawale said, "Today, vote counting is underway for the municipal elections across Maharashtra. As far as Mumbai is concerned, Uddhav Thackeray was in power for 25-30 years. He was in power because he was in an alliance with the BJP. Today, the BJP is the number one party in the country." "The RPI(A) was with Uddhav Thackeray since 2012, which is why he remained in power, but today neither the BJP nor the RPI(A) is with him. Uddhav Thackeray has now formed an alliance with Raj Thackeray, which seems to be giving him some advantage in certain Marathi-speaking areas, but most of the seats are going to the Mahayuti alliance. The Mayor of Mumbai will be from the Mahayuti alliance, and will be a Marathi speaker," he said. The Mahayuti alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, has expanded its lead in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with the trends from preliminary data indicating that the alliance is leading in 117 wards in Mumbai. While the BJP is leading in 86 seats, Shiv Sena is leading in 31 seats in Mumbai. The Shiv Sena (UBT) alliance has managed to cross the 68 mark, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) only leading in 9, and UBT Sena leading in 58, and NCP (SP) leading only in 1. Similarly, Ajit Pawar's NCP is also leading in 1 seat, while the Congress party continued to have a dismal performance with leads in only 10 seats. - ANI India has reiterated its firm position that the Shaksgam Valley is an integral part of its territory, rejecting China's infrastructure activities there under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as illegal and invalid. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson referenced previous statements, confirming India has never recognized the 1963 boundary agreement between China and Pakistan. China's Foreign Ministry defended its construction as legitimate, claiming the territory belongs to China, a stance India consistently protests. The valley's strategic location near the Siachen Glacier and Karakoram Pass makes it critically important for India's security vis-a-vis both China and Pakistan. India reiterates its position, terming China's CPEC activity in the Shaksgam Valley illegal and invalid, reaffirming the region as part of India. New Delhi, January 16 India on Friday reiterated that it has already made its position clear on the Shaksgam Valley issue. Addressing the weekly press briefing in the national capital, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "On the Shaksgam issue, we have already clarified what our position is, so I will refer you to our comments that we made in the last press briefing." India's remarks came days after it had rejected China's infrastructure buildup through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the Shaksgam Valley, terming it "illegal and invalid", while noting that the region is an "integral and inalienable part" of India. During the weekly press briefing on January 9, Jaiswal said India has never recognised the "so-called" China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963 or the "so-called" CPEC. "Shaksgam Valley is an Indian territory. We have never recognised the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement of 1963. We have consistently maintained that the agreement is illegal and invalid. We do not recognise the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor either, which passes through Indian territory, which is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan," Jaiswal said. He further reaffirmed that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India, noting that New Delhi has "consistently protested" to the Chinese side on the matter and has further reserved the right to safeguard its interests. "The entire UTs of J&K and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India. This has been clearly conveyed to the Chinese and Pakistani authorities several times. We have consistently protested against the Chinese side's attempts to alter the ground reality in the Shaksgam Valley. We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests," the MEA spokesperson added. The Shaksgam Valley lies close to the Siachen Glacier, borders China's Xinjiang in the north, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the south and west, making it highly sensitive for India's security. Shaksgam Valley, also known as the Trans Karakoram Tract, lies in the Hunza-Gilgit region under Pakistan's occupation, north of the Siachen Glacier. Covering over 5,000 sq km, its harsh terrain limits habitation. Although claimed by India, Pakistan controlled the area until 1963, while China earlier asserted influence by building a highway through Aksai Chin linking Tibet and Xinjiang. Shaksgam Valley holds critical importance for India due to its proximity to the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, and its access to the Karakoram Pass. From Siachen, India can closely monitor Pakistan's military movements, while the Karakoram Pass allows observation of Chinese manoeuvres. As a result, developments in the Shaksgam Valley have direct implications for India's security along both the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday rejected India's objections, claiming its construction activities are legitimate. "The territory you mentioned belongs to China. It's fully justified for China to conduct infrastructure construction on its own territory," Mao said when asked about border issues and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, this stance exposes a contradiction: while China calls Kashmir a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, it continues strategic development in areas of Kashmir under Pakistan's illegal occupation. She further said that China and Pakistan had signed a boundary agreement in the 1960s and demarcated borders between the two countries, calling the settlement an exercise of the rights of two sovereign states. Geostrategists have warned that China's "salami slicing" strategy in Shaksgam is nearing a tipping point. China's "salami slicing" strategy is a tactic of achieving territorial expansion or greater influence through a series of small, incremental actions. These actions, individually minor, cumulatively create significant shifts in control, often in disputed areas. By mid-2024, China reportedly completed a road across the 4,805-metre Aghil Pass into Lower Shaksgam Valley, bringing Chinese construction teams--and potentially military patrols--within 50 km of India-controlled Siachen at Indira Col. Shaksgam Valley, part of the Hunza-Gilgit region, came under China's control in 1963 following a so-called boundary agreement with Pakistan, although India objected. India maintains that Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq km of the Shaksgam Valley to China under a 1963 agreement, which New Delhi has never recognised. The territory was part of Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistan's illegal occupation. The Ministry of External Affairs asserted thatthe Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory and stated that India reserves the right to take "necessary measures" to safeguard its interests. In 1963, Pakistan formally ceded the Yarkand River region and Shaksgam Valley to China, despite lacking legal authority to transfer Indian territory. - ANI The Ministry of External Affairs has stated it has no role in filmmaking ventures like the upcoming movie 'Battle of Galwan'. The film, starring Salman Khan and directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes between Indian and Chinese troops. China's state-run Global Times has criticized the project, accusing it of distorting facts. The teaser was released on Salman Khan's birthday, and the film is scheduled for an April theatrical release. MEA clarifies it has no involvement in the 'Battle of Galwan' movie starring Salman Khan, as China's media criticizes the film's portrayal of the 2020 clash. New Delhi, January 16 Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday responded to queries on the movie 'Battle of Galwan' and clarified that the MEA has no role in such ventures. He made the remarks during the weekly press briefing in the national capital. "We understand that a film of this nature is being planned. Issues related to filmmaking in India are handled by the relevant authorities. As far as we are concerned, MEA has no role in this or in such ventures," Jaiswal stated. The remarks come amid growing attention around Salman Khan starrer 'Battle of Galwan', which has been making headlines in India and globally following the release of its teaser on December 27, coinciding with the actor's birthday. The film has also drawn criticism from China's state-run media outlet Global Times, which claimed that it was "distorting facts". According to the paper, Chinese experts alleged that no matter how "over-the-top" a drama may be, a nation's sacred territory will never be affected by a film, as per the outlet. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, features Salman Khan in an Indian Army uniform and is based on the Galwan Valley clashes at the India-China border in 2020. Twenty Indian soldiers had died during the Galwan Valley clash on June 16, 2020, five years ago, while the Chinese side also faced heavy casualties. Following the clashes, tensions between India and China rose, with the army deploying formations near the Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, and undertaking activities such as surveying border areas to stop a "possible" Chinese aggression. Since the clashes, India and China have steadily disengaged from various border areas and have also created buffer zones in several locations. Against this backdrop, the teaser of the film was unveiled on the occasion of 'Bhaijaan's' birthday. Taking to his Instagram account, Salman Khan shared the film's teaser. The teaser shows Salman playing an Indian Army officer and depicts him in a serious and restrained look. The visuals depict rough terrain, cold weather, and close combat, offering a glimpse of the challenges soldiers face at high altitude. Actor Chitrangda Singh has been paired opposite Salman in the film. It is set to hit theatres on April 17. Meanwhile, on December 7, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the "Galwan War Memorial", paying tribute to the 20 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the Galwan Valley clash. - ANI Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla concluded the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi, highlighting meaningful exchanges that strengthen Commonwealth bonds. He held multiple bilateral meetings, prominently discussing India's landmark legislation for 33% reservation for women in legislatures with leaders like Senator Julie LaShell Adderley of The Bahamas. Discussions also centered on parliamentary excellence, South-South cooperation championed by PM Modi, and strengthening strategic partnerships with countries like Singapore, Guyana, and Malaysia. The conference served as a platform to reaffirm commitments to transparent, people-centric governance across the Commonwealth family. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla discusses India's 33% women's quota and parliamentary excellence with global counterparts at the Commonwealth Speakers' Conference. New Delhi, January 17 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday said that meaningful exchanges at Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, that concluded here on Friday, would strengthen the bonds within the Commonwealth family and pave the way for excellence in governance. He interacted with Speakers of various Commonwealth countries on the sidelines of CSPOC. In his meeting with Senator Julie LaShell Adderley, President of the Senate of The Bahamas, Birla discussed India's legislation providing 33% reservation for women. "A truly moving bilateral meeting with Senator Julie LaShell Adderley, President of the Senate of The Bahamas. We discussed India's landmark legislation providing 33% reservation for women, a significant step that mirrors our shared global commitment to gender-inclusive governance," he said in a post on X. Birla said it was heartening to note that both Houses of the Bahamian Parliament are currently led by women presiding officers. "Deeply touched by the President's sentiments regarding the profound inspiration and warmth she experienced during her visit to India. As the Mother of Democracy, India remains committed to leading by example and strengthening our age-old ties with our partners in The Bahamas through mutual respect and parliamentary excellence." Birla said that his interaction with Dr Tulia Ackson and Dr Christopher Kalila from CPA Secretariat was engaging "As we deliberate on the future of legislatures, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to parliamentary excellence, transparency, and people-centric governance. The leaders highly praised PM Shri @narendramodi for his visionary efforts in promoting South-South Cooperation and emphasized the need for a dedicated international platform to further this mission. Together, we are working to empower the voices of citizens across the Commonwealth and the Global South," Birla said in a post on X. The Lok Sabha Speaker said he had a fruitful discussion with Tlohang Sekhamane, Speaker of Lesotho's National Assembly and Ms Mamonaheng Mokitimi, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Lesotho. "I was honoured by their appreciation of my experience and India's democratic framework. Such meaningful exchanges at CSPOC 2026 strengthen the bonds within the Commonwealth family and pave the way for excellence in governance," he said. Birla said he had wonderful meeting with Tan Sri Dato' (Dr) Johari Abdul, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia. "Deeply appreciate his kind words on my political journey. We discussed the immense potential of our partnership, from boosting tourism and mutual investment to the incredible contribution of the Indian Diaspora. Inspired by his mention of the 'Silicon Valley success', where over 60% of engineers are Indians; we committed to strengthening our parliamentary and people-to-people connect," he said. Birla and Guyana Speaker Manzoor Nadir discussed ways to strengthen democratic institutions. "Delighted to meet the Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana, Mr Manzoor Nadir. We had an insightful discussion on how his rich experience from the grass-roots can help strengthen our democratic institutions. His vision for inclusive governance is inspiring for the youth of the Commonwealth. India and Guyana share a deep-rooted bond of friendship and mutual respect," Birla said in post on X. The Lok Sabha Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Singapore discussed the strengthening of Strategic Partnership between the two countries. "Nice meeting with Mr. Xie Yao Quan, Deputy Speaker of Singapore at #CSPOC2026. I expressed admiration of his discipline, having served 6 years in the army and even trained in Uttar Pradesh. His young leadership is an inspiration for the youth worldwide. We discussed the leaps in development under PM @narendramodi & the strengthening of our Strategic Partnership since his 2024 visit. Looking forward to deepening our friendship groups," he said. In his meeting with Speaker of Solomon Islands, Birla discussed ways to boost people-to-people ties. "Warm interaction with Mr Patteson John Oti, Speaker of the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands, at a bilateral at #CSPOC2026. India has always stood by the Solomon Islands during catastrophes and difficult times. We reaffirmed our commitment to this enduring friendship and discussed the MoU on Visa Exemption to ease our people-to-people connect. As an experienced administrator, Speaker Oti's focus on parliamentary innovation is commendable. I have invited their MPs and staff to leverage our PRIDE institute for specialized training in legislative best practices," he said. Referring to his meeting with Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of Rwanda, Birla said they discussed shared democratic ties between the two countries. "Delighted to meet Ms Uwineza Beline, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of Rwanda, at #CSPOC26. Rwanda is a global beacon for gender equality in governance, with nearly 64% women's representation in their Parliament. We discussed how our shared democratic ties and long parliamentary experience can benefit not just our people, but the global community at large," he said in a post on X. Birla referred to his fruitful meeting with Ms Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, President of the Senate of Belize and Mr Marconi Leal Jr., Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. "From reinforcing our 40-year-old diplomatic ties to discussing the future of the Global South, our conversation highlighted a shared vision for robust governance. We are committed to sharing democratic values and leveraging digital innovations to better our legislative structures," he said. Birla said he was delighted to host Mr Joseph Isaac, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Dominica, for a bilateral meeting. "We discussed strengthening our trade-based relationship and the potential of our Committee System to serve as an inspirational model for legislative excellence. Speaker Isaac expressed deep admiration for Indian civilization and the resilience displayed at the National War Memorial. He was particularly inspired by our use of AI & Technology for real-time translation into 22 languages, a vital step in making governance truly inclusive and enhancing citizen participation." Referring to his meeting with Mr Helder Ernesto Injojo, First Vice President of the National Assembly of Mozambique, Birla said the two countries share ancient ties that pre-date the colonial era. "We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening these bonds through increased parliamentary exchanges and South-South Diplomacy, as envisioned by PM Shri @narendramodi ji. Deeply appreciate the First Vice President's praise for the Indian diaspora, whose hard work significantly enriches Mozambique's trade and economy. We look forward to sharing our legislative experience and the success of our Committee System to further our mutual democratic goals." The Lok Sabha Speaker said India and St. Kitts and Nevis share long-standing ties as partners in the Global South. "Delighted to welcome Ms. Lanein Blanchette, Speaker of the National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Ms. Latoya Jones, Deputy Speaker, for a bilateral meeting. Our nations share long-standing ties as partners in the Global South. We discussed augmenting our relations through the parliamentary platform, echoing the vision of PM Shri @narendramodi ji for a stronger and more unified Global South," he said. "The delegation, which beautifully combines youth and experience, expressed their appreciation for the warmth and hospitality of the Indian Parliament. Through these dialogues, we are committed to buttressing our bilateral ties and working together for a more inclusive future," he added. The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, concluded today with a renewed commitment to make democratic institutions more people-centric. Birla delivered the valedictory address at the three-day conference. He handed over the chairmanship of the 29th CSPOC to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, during the valedictory session and wished him the best for the success of the next CSPOC in London. Birla noted that democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people. He observed that transparency fosters public trust by ensuring openness in decision-making, while inclusivity guarantees that every voice--especially those on the margins--is heard and respected in the democratic process. Together, these principles sustain the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the enduring bond between the citizen and the State, he opined. Recalling the vision behind the establishment of CSPOC, 56 years ago, Birla said that the Conference was conceived to ensure continuous dialogue among democratic legislatures of the Commonwealth and to explore new ways of enhancing parliamentary efficiency and responsiveness. He stated that the 28th CSPOC had carried this legacy forward with renewed vigour and substance. The unprecedented participation of the largest number of countries in CSPOC's history was highlighted by the Speaker as a defining feature of this Conference. This wide and inclusive representation, he said, would ensure that the New Delhi Conference is remembered as a significant milestone in the history of Commonwealth parliamentary cooperation. - ANI The Meghalaya Cabinet has decided to table the report of the Expert Committee on the State Job Reservation Policy, 1972, during the upcoming Budget Session in February. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated the comprehensive report is sensitive and requires legislative deliberation before its contents are disclosed. Separately, the government is exploring legal avenues to address the rehabilitation of teachers tagged as "tainted" from the 2008-09 'White Ink Scam' recruitment case. The CM assured action on genuine wrongful impacts, following court directions and a fresh review petition filed in the High Court. Meghalaya Cabinet decides to table Expert Committee report on Job Reservation Policy in Feb Budget Session. CM also addresses 'White Ink Scam' teacher rehabilitation. Shillong, Jan 16 The Meghalaya Cabinet on Friday decided to table the report of the Expert Committee on the Meghalaya State Job Reservation Policy, 1972, during the upcoming Budget Session of the Assembly, likely to be held from February 16 to 27. Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting here, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Friday that the report was discussed in detail and the Cabinet agreed that it should be placed before the House for deliberation. He said the state government has already proposed to the Governor to convene the Budget Session in mid-February, and the final dates would be formalised after receiving approval. The Chief Minister said it would not be appropriate to disclose the contents of the report before it is tabled in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. He added that the document is comprehensive and sensitive in nature, and therefore requires careful consideration and discussion by the legislators. Earlier, Sangma had stated that the report had been thoroughly examined by officials and was ready for presentation before the Assembly. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also addressed the long-pending issue of teachers tagged as "tainted" in the so-called "White Ink Scam", following the collapse of the criminal case linked to alleged irregularities in lower primary teacher recruitment in 2008-09. Sangma said the state government is exploring possible ways forward and has asked the Chief Secretary to examine all available legal and administrative options. However, he clarified that any action would be strictly guided by court directions. Referring to earlier court-mandated reviews, Sangma said around 140 teachers were reinstated in the first phase, while another four to five were reinstated later after being found not directly involved. He said the government has again approached the Meghalaya High Court seeking permission to conduct a fresh review. The criminal proceedings against former Education Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and others were quashed by the High Court last year, but several teachers continue to carry the "tainted" label. The issue has triggered demands from organisations such as the Hynniewtrep Youths' Council for the rehabilitation of affected teachers. Assuring corrective action, the Chief Minister said the government would be willing to address genuine cases where teachers were wrongfully impacted. - IANS PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti stated that India and Iran have historically shared close relations, while criticizing US interference in Muslim nations. Separately, jailed AIP MP Engineer Rashid has written an urgent letter to EAM S Jaishankar pleading for the evacuation of Kashmiri students from unrest-hit Iran. Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also spoke with Jaishankar, who assured steps for the safety of people from the region in Iran. The MEA has issued an advisory against travel to Iran and is facilitating the return of Indian nationals amid the deteriorating situation. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticizes US role in Muslim nations, speaks on India-Iran ties. Engineer Rashid & Omar Abdullah seek evacuation of Kashmiris from unrest-hit Iran. Srinagar, January 16 Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said that India and Iran have traditionally shared very close relations, adding that Iran has also had longstanding ties with Kashmir. Speaking to ANI here on Friday, she said, "Iran and India have had very close relations. Iran has also had very close relations with Kashmir, but ever since the BJP government came to power in India, the entire system in the country has changed. Whichever Muslim country America has meddled in, it has ruined that country. America has always interfered in these countries in the name of restoring democracy. The people of Iran should not get involved in this. They should stand with their government." Earlier, amid unrest in Iran, Jammu and Kashmir Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, aka Engineer Rashid, has written a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, seeking his urgent intervention for the rescue and safe evacuation of Kashmiri students from the Islamic Republic. Earlier, the MEA issued an advisory urging Indian citizens to avoid travel to Iran until further notice and asked those already in Iran to leave immediately via available commercial flights. Rashid, lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged terror funding, has expressed concern in the letter over the safety of students and urged EAM Jaishankar for immediate evacuation, party spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said on Friday. "This is with reference to rescuing hundreds of Kashmiri, mostly students, from various parts of Iran where the situation has deteriorated drastically, and uncertainty unfortunately seems unending," Rashid wrote in the letter. Engineer Rashid further conveyed the distress of students' families back home, stating, "The families & relatives are very much worried about the fate & safety of their beloved ones. The concerns are genuine, the threat seems real, and your intervention is the only hope for the families." "Please treat this letter as an 'SOS' call on behalf of the trapped Kashmiris and ensure their safety, including evacuation from various parts of Iran, before it gets too late," the letter added. Party spokesperson Inam Un Nabi added that AIP is ready to provide any assistance required to families in Kashmir for coordination and support. This call for evacuation comes amid the rising unrest in Iran, with ongoing protests over rising living costs, and authorities imposing internet restrictions. According to sources, the MEA is preparing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Iran amid the evolving situation there. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday also spoke to External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, who assured him that steps will be taken to safeguard the interests and lives of students and other people from Jammu and Kashmir who are in Iran now. 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. On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar 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 asked those already in Iran to leave immediately via available commercial flights. The unrest in Iran began in December 2025. - ANI The Uttarardh Mahotsav 2026 will be held on January 17-18 at the iconic Modhera Sun Temple in Gujarat's Mehsana district. The two-day festival will showcase performances by renowned artists across seven classical Indian dance forms, including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak. It is timed to coincide with the celestial period of Uttarayan, symbolizing renewal. The event is organized by the state's cultural department and district administration to celebrate India's dance heritage. A 2-day classical dance festival at the ancient Modhera Sun Temple, featuring Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak & more on Jan 17-18, 2026. Mehsana, Jan 16 The iconic and ancient Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat's Mehsana district is set to come alive with classical dance traditions as the state prepares to host the two-day 'Uttarardh Mahotsav 2026' on January 17 and 18. Organised by the state's Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department, the Office of the Commissioner of Youth Services and Cultural Activities, and the district administration, the festival celebrates India's revered guru-shishya dance heritage. The festival, which begins at 6:30 p.m. on both evenings, will bring together some of the country's most renowned classical dancers, offering art enthusiasts an opportunity to witness exquisite performances against the spectacular backdrop of Modhera's Sun Temple. As part of the Uttarardh Mahotsav, artists will present a rich array of classical dance forms, including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Sattriya. On January 17, the opening day of the festival, audiences will witness an impressive lineup of classical performances, including Odissi by Raminder Khurana, Bharatanatyam by Meenakshi Shrian and Peri Krishna Harshita, Kathak by Maya Kulshreshtha, Manipuri by Shruti Bandopadhyay, and Kuchipudi by Beena Mehta. The celebration continues on January 18 with equally captivating presentations: Kathakali by Manikandan A., Kathak by Khushbu Panchal, Bharatanatyam by Jugnu Kiran Kapadia, Kuchipudi by Madhuri Majmudar, Sattriya by Dimple Saikia, and Odissi performances by Pushpita Mishra and Arya Nande. Uttarardh Mahotsav is traditionally held at Modhera to mark a special celestial moment -- the period between the Sun's transit from Sagittarius to Capricorn, when uttarayan has begun and days gradually lengthen. Historically, this time symbolised renewal and the Sun's upward movement. The Modhera Sun Temple, celebrated for its extraordinary ancient engineering aligned with solar geometry, provides a fitting sacred stage for this classical arts festival and embodies Gujarat's rich cultural legacy. To ensure smooth execution of the festival, a review meeting was recently held at Modhera Sun Temple under the guidance of District Collector S.K. Prajapati and chaired by Resident Additional Collector Jaswant K. Jegoda. Officials were directed to ensure seamless arrangements and a memorable experience for artists and audiences alike. The district administration has extended an open invitation to the people to attend and immerse themselves in this divine celebration of classical dance at one of Gujarat's most historic and spiritually significant heritage sites. - IANS China donates medical supplies to Burundi Xinhua) 13:37, January 16, 2026 BUJUMBURA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Burundi on Thursday donated medical supplies to the Burundian government to help the East African nation achieve sustainable development goals as well as its development vision. The handover ceremony was held at Prince Regent Charles Hospital in Bujumbura, Burundi's economic capital, with the facility being one of three beneficiaries. The other two include Gitega Regional Hospital in Gitega Province, central Burundi, and Mpanda General Hospital in Bujumbura Province, western Burundi. "This donation of medical equipment comes at the right time. It will strengthen the technical capacity of the three health facilities," Pierre Sinarinzi, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, said, noting that the donated equipment is worth over 319 million Burundi francs (about 108,000 U.S. dollars). Sinarinzi pointed out that the medical equipment aims to reduce the burden of Burundian citizens who have been facing challenges related to the insufficiency of adequate medical equipment. "On behalf of the Burundian government, I would like to express my deep gratitude towards China for continuous and multifaceted support to Burundian development, particularly in the health sector. This offer testifies excellent relations of friendship and solidarity uniting both nations and peoples," he said. Fang Guoqing, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Burundi, said the donation is made up of 244 categories of medicines and 288 categories of medical equipment, which aims to improve the healthcare of Burundian people and to help the three hospitals better respond to local medical needs. Since 1987, 544 Chinese medical doctors have come to Burundi, said Fang, adding that China will continue to deepen and extend cooperation with Burundi in the health sector and in other priority sectors. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 45% have at least one female director Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes on National Startup Day, marking a decade since the launch of the Startup India initiative. He highlighted the program's role in celebrating the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of India's youth. The initiative has fostered over 200,000 recognized startups, significantly boosting job creation and economic growth. The ecosystem now features over 120 unicorns and shows strong participation from women entrepreneurs and ventures beyond major metros. PM Modi celebrates National Startup Day, highlighting a decade of Startup India's success in fostering innovation, job creation, and youth-led entrepreneurship. New Delhi, Jan 16 On the occasion of National StartUp Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his best wishes to everyone associated with the startup ecosystem and said the day celebrates the courage, spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial zeal of the people of India. Taking to the social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Best wishes to everyone associated with the world of StartUps on the occasion of National StartUp Day. Today is special because we mark a decade since the launch of StartUp India. This day is about celebrating the courage, spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial zeal of our people, especially our youth, who have powered India's rise in the global StartUp ecosystem." PM Modi will participate in an event to mark a decade of the Startup India initiative at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. During the programme, the Prime Minister will interact with members of India's vibrant startup ecosystem. Select startup representatives will share insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, highlighting challenges, innovations and success stories. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion. The Startup India initiative was launched by the Prime Minister on this day in 2016 as a transformative national programme aimed at nurturing innovation, promoting entrepreneurship and enabling investment-driven growth. The initiative was launched with the objective of making India a nation of job creators rather than job seekers. Over the past decade, Startup India has emerged as a cornerstone of the country's economic and innovation architecture. It has strengthened institutional mechanisms, expanded access to capital and mentorship, and fostered an enabling environment for startups to grow and scale across sectors and geographies. India's startup ecosystem has witnessed unprecedented expansion during this period, with more than 2,00,000 startups recognised across the country. These startups have emerged as significant drivers of employment generation, innovation-led economic growth and the strengthening of domestic value chains across diverse sectors. 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. Aligned with India's march towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the movement has had a transformative impact on India's 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 Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has evolved from a policy-focused framework into a comprehensive, multi-dimensional platform supporting startups at every stage from ideation to scaling operations. This progress is reflected in India's 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 launch on January 16, 2016, the Startup India initiative has transformed from a policy framework into one of the world's 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. The States' 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. - IANS The Bharatiya Janata Party has secured a decisive victory in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The win is a major triumph for Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, who directly challenged Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. Naik managed the campaign independently, securing a sixth consecutive term in power for his camp. This result solidifies his 25-year political dominance in the region. BJP secures majority in NMMC as Forest Minister Ganesh Naik defeats Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in a prestige battle, cementing his 25-year local dominance. Navi Mumbai, Jan 16 In a high-stakes battle for control over the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the Bharatiya Janata Party has achieved a decisive victory, dealing a major blow to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. The election, which turned into a prestige battle between two political heavyweights -- Eknath Shinde and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik -- ended with Naik proving once again that he remains the undisputed "Hero of Navi Mumbai". The BJP leadership had entrusted the entire election responsibility to Ganesh Naik. Managing the campaign single-handedly for 107 out of the 111 seats, Naik successfully crossed the majority mark of 56 seats, securing a consecutive sixth term in power for his camp. While Shinde's Shiv Sena campaigned with the slogan "New Government in Navi Mumbai" and attempted to court the Sangh Parivar and disgruntled BJP leaders, Naik countered with the slogan "Old is Gold for Navi Mumbaikars". From the beginning, Naik was adamant about contesting the elections independently of the alliance (Mahayuti), despite seat-sharing talks in neighbouring Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan-Dombivli. "Give me complete freedom in this election, and I will ensure a BJP Mayor is elected," Naik had reportedly told Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and State President Ravindra Chavan. This strategy paid off. Even amid internal pressure from party MLA Manda Mhatre regarding candidate selection in the Belapur constituency, Naik secured tickets for his supporters and even facilitated the return of his son, Sandeep Naik, to the party just days before the list was announced. The campaign saw an uncharacteristically aggressive Ganesh Naik, who directly challenged Eknath Shinde. Naik targeted the Shinde faction over issues like water supply and land allotments, labelling them a "gang of land grabbers". While many expected Shinde to be the aggressor, Naik took the lead from day one, using sharp rhetoric against Shinde and MP Naresh Mhaske to energise his cadre. Despite rumours of unrest within a section of the BJP, Naik successfully reached out to the RSS and other affiliated groups, turning the election into a matter of local pride and prestige. Ganesh Naik has maintained a grip on the NMMC for 25 years since its inception. While his supporters joined the BJP in 2019, this was the first time they contested a municipal election under the 'Lotus' symbol, as elections had been delayed since the Covid-19 pandemic. By crossing the majority mark, Naik has cemented his legacy and demonstrated that his local influence remains unshaken. - IANS Nigerian delegation chair Ayokunle Ibrahim Isiaka praised the arrangements of the 28th CSPOC conference and called for the adoption of concrete guidance on artificial intelligence. He emphasized the dual-use potential of AI and highlighted the program's coverage of women's inclusion, youth, and the global economy. On the sidelines, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla interacted with counterparts, including the UK's Sir Lindsay Hoyle, discussing parliamentary cooperation and innovation. Birla highlighted India's focus on AI and technology-driven research while reaffirming commitments to boosting two-way investment with the UK. Nigerian delegation head Ayokunle Ibrahim urges concrete AI guidance at CSPOC 2026, highlighting women's inclusion and global economy. New Delhi, January 16 Chairperson of Nigerian Delegation, Ayokunle Ibrahim Isiaka hailed the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, 2026, as a "deeply captivating" and called for concrete guidance on AI. Speaking with ANI, Isiaka said, "...I don't know if this is the largest number of members from participating countries you've had recently. Even from the House of Commons, I could see all of them there. I'm highly excited and deeply captivated by the program's arrangements... Many subjects are also mentioned. Look at AI and robotics... We can use it to advance many things... it can also be used to destroy many things. I'm afraid... efforts must be taken, concrete guidance must be adopted, especially in this program..." He further said, "Then, women's inclusion... and youth... Then the global economy and other areas of human endeavour have been so encapsulated and put into the program. We are now receiving diverse opinions and advice from nearly every nook and cranny of the world... Whatever the outcome, we are able to walk the talk, measure progress, and review our strengths. If there are some weaknesses, we go back and address them... By the time we have another two or three sessions. Definitely, the Commonwealth meeting has achieved more than 100% of its aims, objectives, and goals." Meanwhile, 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. - ANI BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin hosted a Dahi-Chura feast at his Patna residence for Makar Sankranti, attended by a host of senior NDA leaders. The event saw the presence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputies, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, among others. Leaders praised the gathering as a reflection of Bihar's cultural traditions and social harmony. The feast is part of a wider trend of political celebrations for the festival, with Nitin Nabin, a key young BJP leader, set to assume the party's national presidency. BJP's Nitin Nabin hosts Dahi-Chura feast in Patna attended by CM Nitish Kumar and senior NDA leaders, showcasing political unity and Bihar's culture. Patna, Jan 16 BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin hosted a grand Dahi-Chura feast at his official residence in Patna on Friday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The event witnessed the presence of several senior leaders from the NDA, reflecting political warmth and cultural unity. Among the prominent attendees were Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, along with several ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior NDA leaders. Nitin Nabin arrived in Patna on Thursday for a two-day visit, and the feast marked one of the key events of his schedule. After attending the programme, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary shared a post on his official X handle. He wrote: "In Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other NDA leaders participated in a Dahi-Chura feast organised by BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin and extended greetings on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. This cordial event showcased the beautiful essence of Bihar's cultural unity, traditions, and social harmony." Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also praised the event, stating: "This warm, simple, and culturally rich programme reflected a wonderful blend of Bihar's traditions, social harmony, and mutual unity. My heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Bihar on the occasion of Makar Sankranti." The Makar Sankranti Dahi-Chura feasts are being widely celebrated across Bihar, particularly in political circles. This year, several NDA leaders and parties organised similar events in Patna, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, JD(U) MLA Ratnesh Sada, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, and the BJP Kisan Morcha. One of the most discussed feasts this season was organised by Jan Shakti Janata Dal National President Tej Pratap Yadav, which drew considerable political attention. Nitin Nabin, considered one of the young and prominent leaders of Bihar, currently holds the post of BJP National Working President and is expected to assume charge as the party's National President on January 20. If so, he would become the youngest National President in the party's history. Nitin Nabin is a five-time MLA from the Bakipur Assembly constituency in Patna district. - IANS Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, appointed as the Congress's observer for Assam, expressed full confidence in the party's victory in the upcoming state elections. He stated that the party would ensure there is no polarisation and would deliver a clear message to the people of Assam. Shivakumar's remarks came after a meeting in Delhi with the national leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, to discuss election strategy. His visit to Delhi also sparked speculation about private discussions regarding the leadership tussle in Karnataka, which he clarified is an internal party matter. Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, as Assam election observer, exudes confidence in Congress victory, promises a "guarantee government" and no polarisation. New Delhi, Jan 17 Expressing confidence of victory, Karnataka State Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said in Delhi on Friday that there would be no polarisation in the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam. "We will ensure that there is a full swing in Assam," he underlined. Shivakumar has been appointed as the Assam election observer by the AICC. He was speaking to reporters after a meeting with the national leadership held at the residence of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. The meeting was attended by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, General Secretary and Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh, Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of the Assam Congress Legislative Party Debabratha Saikia, Bhupesh Baghel, Bandhu Tirkey and others. Shivakumar said: "We have received many suggestions. The PCC, the in-charge General Secretary, and other leaders briefed us about the situation on the ground and the work being carried out in Assam. All of us have considerable experience in managing elections. We will work together, and it is certain that we are receiving feedback from the ground indicating that a change is coming." He further stated: "The rule in Assam will change and Congress will come to power. A guarantee government will be formed in the state again. There will be no polarisation, and we will deliver a clear message. We will reach out to the people of Assam and convey our programmes." "The entire party is united. Discipline is most important. There is enough young blood in the party, and as leaders, all of them are cooperating. This unity must prevail, and that message is clear within the Congress party," Shivakumar said. "Our AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have given a clear mandate. We will ensure that there is a full swing in the state," he added. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports stated that Shivakumar had a brief private interaction with Rahul Gandhi after the meeting and discussed the leadership tussle. However, this information has not been confirmed. Shivakumar clarified earlier on Friday that the issue of the Chief Minister's post is a matter between him, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party high command, and not something to be discussed in public. Responding to questions from the media after his arrival in Delhi, Shivakumar made the remark when asked whether there had been any discussion with Rahul Gandhi regarding the Karnataka Chief Minister's post. When asked about the agenda of the meeting with high command leaders in connection with the Assam elections scheduled for the day, he said: "How is it possible to disclose our party's plans? These matters will be discussed only at the party level, not in public. If any information is to be shared, our party's general secretaries are there, and they will do so." Replying to a question on whether he would be meeting high command leaders during this visit, Shivakumar said: "I have come to Delhi with the intention of meeting party leaders. Let us see." When asked whether he would meet Union Ministers, he said: "There are some important legal issues related to irrigation projects that need to be discussed. Therefore, I will be meeting legal experts as well as Union Ministers." Shivakumar will be staying in Delhi and return to Bengaluru on Saturday. His visit has raised speculation amid a leadership tussle in the state. He is hopeful of having a private meeting with Rahul Gandhi over the matter. - IANS The National Stock Exchange will hold a live trading session on February 1, 2026, coinciding with the Union Budget presentation. A pre-Budget survey by ASSOCHAM identifies strengthening domestic manufacturing as the top priority for industry stakeholders. The survey found that a majority of respondents are optimistic about the business outlook for the coming year. The government has concluded multiple rounds of pre-Budget consultations with states, economists, and other stakeholders ahead of the presentation. NSE confirms live trading on Feb 1 for Budget 2026-27. ASSOCHAM survey reveals boosting domestic manufacturing is top industry priority. Mumbai, January 16 The National Stock Exchange of India on Friday announced that it will conduct a live trading session on February 1, 2026 on account of the presentation of the Union Budget. In a circular issued by the Futures & Options Department, NSE said the live trading session will be held in accordance with standard market timings. As per the schedule, the normal market session will run from 09:15 hrs to 15:30 hrs. The exchange also informed that the trade modification end time will be 16:15 hrs. According to a pre-Budget survey recently conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), a majority of industry stakeholders have identified boosting domestic manufacturing and strengthening the 'Make in India' initiative as the top priority for the Union Budget 2026-27, citing high compliance burden, logistics and energy costs, and limited access to long-term capital as key constraints to scaling up manufacturing in the country, The survey, conducted among professionals across manufacturing, services, infrastructure, IT/ITeS, start-ups and allied sectors, found that 55 per cent of respondents remain optimistic about the business outlook over the next 12 months, while 32 per cent maintain a neutral stance and only 13 per cent expressed a pessimistic outlook. Boosting domestic manufacturing emerged as the single most important Budget priority to advance the vision of an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, followed by strengthening MSMEs and simplifying tax and compliance systems. Last week, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the meeting on Pre-Budget Consultation with States and Union Territories (with Legislature) for the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27 in New Delhi. Notably, as of now, Finance Minister held 10 rounds of Pre-Budget Consultations as part of the preparations for the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also chaired a pre-Budget meeting with leading economists. The Budget for 2026-27 will be presented on February 1, as is the convention. - ANI Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has publicly called for decisive and timely action from the United States to support the Iranian people's protest movement. He argued that targeted measures, such as sanctions on leadership and secure communications tools, could degrade the regime's repressive capacity without requiring a military invasion. Pahlavi expressed faith in President Trump's word but emphasized that the struggle for freedom would continue regardless of international help. He framed US support as aligning with global stability, warning that the current Iranian system has produced decades of exported terror. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi calls for targeted US measures to support Iranian protesters and degrade the regime's security apparatus. Washington, Jan 17 Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday said he expected decisive action from President Donald Trump and the United States to support the Iranian people, arguing that timely and targeted steps by Washington could hasten the collapse of Iran's ruling establishment and save lives. At a news conference here in Washington, Pahlavi said there was a strong expectation among Iranians that the US President would stand by earlier commitments. "The Iranian people have taken his word as a man of his words," he said, adding that President Trump was "not about to do the same thing" as previous US leaders who, he said, had abandoned Iranians in critical moments. Pahlavi said President Trump had warned the Iranian leadership of consequences if violence against civilians escalated. "President Trump did say that if the regime was to hit the Iranian people hard, they will face with serious consequences," he said, calling that message "very encouraging and empowering" for protesters inside Iran. Asked whether delays in US action risked weakening momentum, Pahlavi said timing mattered but stressed that the struggle would continue regardless. "With or without the world's help, the regime will fall," he said. "The quicker the action happens, the more lives can be saved." He rejected suggestions that he was losing faith in the US President. "I believe the President is a man of his word," Pahlavi said. "How many days it might take, who knows, hopefully sooner than later." Pahlavi repeatedly emphasised that he was not calling for a full-scale military intervention. "This does not require putting boots on the ground," he said. "The Iranian people's boots are already on ground." Instead, he called for what he described as targeted measures to weaken Iran's security apparatus. "Protect the Iranian people by degrading the regime's repressive capacity, including targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard leadership and its command and control infrastructure," he said. He said such actions would "equalise the playing field" for unarmed civilians facing state violence. "The Iranian people are defenceless on the streets, unarmed against a regime that is unleashing on them with military weapons," he said. Pahlavi said Washington could also help by tightening economic pressure. "Block their assets worldwide, target and dismantle their fleet of ghost tankers," he said, while urging the US to help restore communications inside Iran. "Deploy Starlink and other secure communications tools widely across Iran," he said. He argued that US action was not interference but aligned with global stability. "Supporting the Iranian people is not an act of charity, nor is it unwarranted interference," he said, warning that the current system had produced "47 years of exported terror." On whether American inaction could undermine the movement, Pahlavi said the responsibility ultimately rested with the Iranians themselves. "Any fight for freedom doesn't have a deadline," he said. "We will fight until we win." He added that international backing, particularly from the United States, could shorten the conflict. "It'll fall sooner, and more lives will be saved if the world turns its words into action," he said. The United States has had a fraught relationship with Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, marked by sanctions, diplomatic rupture and periodic military tensions. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance's strong performance in the Maharashtra civic polls, attributing the victory to the NDA's pro-people and good governance agenda. The alliance is leading toward a majority in the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and holds commanding leads in Pune, Thane, and Nagpur. Modi expressed gratitude to voters and praised NDA workers for effectively countering the opposition's narrative. The results indicate a significant setback for the NCP factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, who failed to secure majorities in key civic bodies. PM Modi credits NDA's pro-people governance for BJP-Shiv Sena alliance's sweeping victory across Maharashtra's municipal corporations. New Delhi, January 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led victory in the Maharashtra civic polls, attributing the win to the "pro-people good governance" agenda. In Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, India's richest municipality, the BJP-Sena are heading towards a majority while leading on 105 seats of 227. The BJP was leading on 79 seats, while the Shinde Sena was leading on 26. As per trends, the alliance was also leading with a thumping majority in Pune, Thane, Nagpur, Nashik and Ulhasnagar, among the 29 municipal corporations that went to polling on Thursday. Expressing gratitude to the electors, PM Modi said that the NDA's "vision for development has struck a chord" with the people of the state. He wrote on X, "Thank you, Maharashtra! The dynamic people of the state bless the NDA's agenda of pro-people, good governance! The results of various municipal corporation elections indicate that the NDA's bond with the people of Maharashtra has further deepened. Our track record and vision for development have struck a chord. My gratitude to the people across Maharashtra. This is a vote to add momentum to progress and celebrate the glorious culture the state is associated with." He also lauded the NDA workers for the win for "countering the lies of the Opposition." "I am very proud of every NDA Karyakarta who worked tirelessly among people across Maharashtra. They talked about our alliance's track record, highlighted our vision for the coming times and also effectively countered the lies of the Opposition. My best wishes to them," the Prime Minister wrote. As per the trends, the uncle-nephew duo of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar have failed to touch the majority mark in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In Pune, the BJP was leading on 108 seats, while Ajit Pawar, who left the Mahayuti to unite the two NCP factions, led on 30 seats with NCP (SP) on five. In Pimpri-Chinchwad, the BJP-Sena alliance led on 91 seats, with the BJP gaining 85, while the NCP led on 36. Earlier today, Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis attributed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti's sweeping victory in the civic polls to the "development agenda", while stating that the alliance will form Mayors in 25 of 29 Municipal Corporations. A total of 29 Municipal Corporations in Maharashtra underwent polling on Thursday, with the counting of votes today. - ANI BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule hailed the emerging victory of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, stating it was a vote for the city's development. He credited the win to public trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state's Mahayuti alliance under Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde. Bawankule dismissed allegations of EVM malfunctions from the opposition, while acknowledging a separate electoral loss for the BJP in the Latur Municipal Corporation. The latest trends showed the BJP leading as the largest single party in the crucial Mumbai civic polls. BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule credits BJP-Shiv Sena's BMC lead to public trust in PM Modi's double-engine government and Mumbai's development vision. Nagpur, January 16 Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule hailed the "double-engine" government for BJP-Shiv Sena's emerging victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, stating that the people voted for the development of the city. Expressing confidence, Bawankule claimed that the BJP will win a two-thirds majority across 29 Municipal Corporations. Addressing a press conference in Nagpur, the BJP leader said, "I believe the BJP will win two-thirds of the majority in the state. People have shown trust in Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde's Mahayuti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led double-engine government. People in Mumbai have voted for development. Devendra Fadnavis has prepared the vision for development in Mumbai. Metro railway, Coastal Road... Both (state and Centre) governments believe in developing the city." According to the latest trends, the BJP and Shiv Sena were leading in 126 seats, with the BJP emerging as the largest party, leading on 97 seats in the BMC polls. Shiv Sena (UBT) was leading on 61 seats while its ally MNS on eight seats. Congress was leading on 13 seats, while NCP (SP) was ahead on just one seat. Further, hitting back at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's allegation of malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Bawankule said, "The machine is good where Raj and Uddhav Thackeray's candidates won? People only care about development." As Congress leads over the BJP in the Latur Municipal Corporation elections, Bawankule stated that the party will "contemplate" the loss. "We have suffered loss in Latur, we have won 22, while Congress got more than 40 seats. We will contemplate it," the Maharashtra minister said. In Latur, the BJP was leading on 22 seats, while the Congress was ahead on 43 of the total 70 seats. - ANI Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of the PESA Act in the state. He emphasized the Act's significance for tribal empowerment and called for extensive sensitization of communities about its benefits. The meeting reviewed key issues including the financial status of PESA Gram Sabhas, forest village conversions, and tendu leaf payments. Officials presented updates on achievements, challenges, and the encouraging success of local peace committees in resolving disputes. Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel reviews PESA Act implementation, calling it a significant step for tribal development and social harmony. Bhopal, Jan 16 Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel on Friday chaired a joint meeting of the Panchayat and Rural Development and Tribal Affairs departments and reviewed the progress in implementation of the PESA Act in the state. During the meeting held at Lok Bhavan (Governor's House), a detailed review was conducted on several key aspects, including the financial status of PESA Gram Sabhas, conversion of forest villages into revenue villages, preparation of nazri maps of Gram Sabhas, pending proposals, status of pattas, tendu leaf collection payments and other related issues. Madhya Pradesh Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, who also joined the meeting, presented a detailed report on efforts regarding effective publicity of the 'PESA' rules, forthcoming targets, achievements, challenges and their practical solutions, according to a press note issued by the Governor's office. The Governor said that the PESA Act is a highly significant step towards tribal empowerment and emphasised the need for extensive sensitisation of tribal communities and Gram Sabhas regarding the benefits under the scheme introduced by the Centre. He stated that the initiative (PESA Act) has opened new avenues for development in the social, economic and cultural lives of tribal communities. "The success of peace and dispute resolution committees constituted under the 'PESA' rules in resolving disputes at the local level is highly encouraging. These committees are strengthening social harmony and fraternity, while also freeing tribal communities from unnecessary litigation and financial burdens," the Governor said in a statement. He directed the concerned departments to ensure extensive publicity of the successful implementation and achievements of PESA, and to adopt innovative methods to take the notable successes of Gram Sabhas and PESA committees to the grassroots. Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Panchayat and Rural Development) Deepali Rastogi and Principal Secretary (Tribal Affairs) Gulshan Bamra, attended the review meeting and presented detailed updates on the agenda points. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of noted industrialist Mohan Lal Mittal, remembering him as a distinguished figure passionate about Indian culture and philanthropy. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also condoled the death, highlighting Mittal's business legacy and resilience. Separately, PM Modi marked the 10th anniversary of the Startup India initiative, declaring it has become a major revolution. He highlighted that India is now the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, a transformation from a decade ago. PM Narendra Modi and Piyush Goyal mourn industrialist Mohan Lal Mittal. Modi also marks 10 years of Startup India, highlighting its revolutionary success. New Delhi, January 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the death of noted industrialist Mohan Lal Mittal, remembering him as a man who "distinguished himself" in the world of industry, and was "very passionate about Indian culture." PM Modi took to X to pay his condolences, saying, "Shri Mohan Lal Mittal Ji distinguished himself in the world of industry. At the same time, he was very passionate about Indian culture. He supported various philanthropic efforts, reflecting his passion for societal progress. Pained by his passing. I will cherish our various interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti." Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also remembered the industrialist and spoke about his notable contributions. "Saddened by the demise of Shri Mohan Lal Mittal ji. A distinguished industrialist, he made notable contributions to the world of enterprise by laying the foundation of a powerful business legacy. His resilience and philanthropic activities will continue to inspire generations. Condolences to his family and loved ones in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!", Goyal posted on X. Earlier in the day, PM Modi attended an event that marked 10 years of StartUp India at Bharat Mandapam and highlighted that the Startup India initiative has turned into a major revolution over the past decade, helping India emerge as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem Addressing the programme, he said, "Remember, what the situation was like 10 years ago... There was no scope for individual effort and innovation at all. We challenged those circumstances, we launched Startup India, and we gave the youth an open sky, and today the result is in front of us. In just 10 years, the Startup India mission has become a revolution. India is today the world's third-largest startup ecosystem."The Prime Minister praised young innovators on the completion of 10 years of the Startup India initiative, calling the journey a celebration of thousands of dreams turning into reality. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Startup India movement on National Startup Day. He highlighted the courage and innovative spirit of India's youth, who have powered the country's rise in the global startup ecosystem. The Prime Minister credited systemic reforms for creating a conducive environment for startups to venture into new areas like space and defence. Over the past decade, the initiative has recognized over 200,000 startups, becoming a cornerstone of India's economic and innovation architecture. PM Narendra Modi marks a decade of Startup India, praising the entrepreneurial spirit of youth and reforms powering growth in space, defence & more. New Delhi, January 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi today celebrated a historic milestone as the Startup India Movement marked its tenth anniversary. On National Startup Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated all the stakeholders associated with India's Startup industry. Posting on his social media account, he wrote, "Today is special because we mark a decade since the launch of Startup India. This day is about celebrating the courage, spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial zeal of our people, especially our youth, who have powered India's rise in the global Startup ecosystem." PM Modi also spoke about India's commitments to strengthen India's startups ecosystem by working with all the stakeholders involved. Talking about the reforms, he said, "The Reform Express that India has embarked on has created a very conducive atmosphere for StartUps to venture into areas previously unthinkable, be it space, defence and more." He also spoke about how Indian startups are contributing to the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat by Indian youth taking risks and becoming problem solvers. Also, talking about the ecosystem, he mentioned the role of mentors, incubators, investors, academic institutions and others who support Startups. "Their support and insights go a long way in encouraging our youth as they innovate and contribute to growth", he noted. Startup India was launched on 16 January 2016 by the Prime Minister as a transformative national programme to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship and enable investment-driven growth, to make India a nation of job creators rather than job seekers. Over the past decade, it has emerged as a cornerstone of India's economic and innovation architecture. It has strengthened institutional mechanisms, expanded access to capital and mentorship, and fostered an enabling environment for startups to grow and scale across sectors and geographies. India's startup ecosystem has witnessed unprecedented expansion during this period, with more than 2,00,000 startups recognised across the country. These enterprises have become significant drivers of employment generation, innovation-led economic growth and the strengthening of domestic value chains in diverse sectors. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 10th anniversary of the Startup India initiative, declaring its evolution from a mission into a national revolution. He highlighted the pivotal role of women, noting that over 45% of Indian startups have at least one woman director or founder, making India the world's second-largest ecosystem for women-led startup funding. Modi called upon entrepreneurs to expand their focus from digital services to manufacturing and creating world-class products. He also outlined government efforts to foster innovation through trust, transparency, and decriminalizing over 180 compliance provisions. PM Modi marks Startup India's 10-year anniversary, praising its evolution into a revolution and highlighting women-led startups. He calls for a new focus on manufacturing. New Delhi, January 16 Marking a decade of the Startup India initiative on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mission's evolution into a "revolution" in the last 10 years. He lauded the increasing number of women in leadership roles and encouraged entrepreneurs to expand to move towards manufacturing. Addressing a programme marking the 10-year anniversary of the Startup India initiative on National Startup Day at Bharat Mandapam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the contribution of women to the success of Startup India and noted that over 45 per cent of Indian startups have at least one woman director or founder. The Prime Minister noted that women have played a major role in transforming India's startup ecosystem. "Daughters of the country have played a major role in this transformation," he added. He also emphasised India becoming the world's second-largest ecosystem in women-led startup funding, underlining that this inclusive momentum is further strengthening India's potential. "Currently, over 45 per cent of recognised startups in India have at least one female director or partner. In terms of women-led startup funding, India boasts the second-largest ecosystem in the world. This growing inclusivity within the startup sector is enhancing the country's potential. Today, India sees its future in the ongoing startup revolution," PM Modi said. Startup India was launched on January 16, 2016, by the Prime Minister as a national programme to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship and enable investment-driven growth, with the objective of making India a nation of job creators rather than job seekers. Today marked the 10th anniversary of National Startup Day, and on this occasion Prime Minister spoke about the Indian startup ecosystem's growth trajectory. PM Modi further said, "Remember, what the situation was like 10 years ago... There was no scope for individual effort and innovation at all. We challenged those circumstances, we launched Startup India, and we gave the youth an open sky, and today the result is in front of us. In just 10 years, the Startup India mission has become a revolution. India is today the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. "The Prime Minister praised young innovators on the completion of 10 years of the Startup India initiative, calling the journey a celebration of thousands of dreams turning into reality. "To our young innovators, who have shown the courage to dream new dreams, I deeply appreciate each and every one of you. Today, we are celebrating the 10-year milestone of Startup India. This 10-year journey is not just the story of a government initiative's success; it is the journey of thousands and lakhs of dreams like yours. It is the journey of countless dreams coming to life," he said. He called upon the Indian startup ecosystem to focus more on manufacturing and to create new, high-quality products for the world. "Over the past decades, we have done quite remarkable work in digital startups and the service sector. Now is the time for our startups to focus even more on manufacturing. We will have to create new products. We will have to create products of the world's best quality," PM Modi said, addressing the ten years of the Startup India programme. In technology, too, the prime minister said Indian startups will have to take the lead by working on unique ideas. "The future belongs to this. I assure you, the government stands with you in every effort of yours," he assured the Indian startups. Previously, the fear of compliance requirements, lengthy approval cycles, and inspector raj were major obstacles to innovation, he noted. "To address this, we created an environment of trust and transparency. Under the Jan Vishwas initiative, more than 180 provisions have been decriminalised. We have streamlined processes to save your time, allowing you to focus on innovation rather than getting entangled in litigation," PM Modi said. In particular, startups now benefit from self-certification facilities across numerous laws. Additionally, procedures for mergers and acquisitions have been simplified, making it easier for businesses to grow and innovate. He described Startup India as a 'Rainbow Vision' that aims to connect different sectors with new opportunities. He also lauded the risk appetite of India's startups. "I have consistently emphasised risk-taking, because it has also been my long-standing habit. Tasks that no one was ready to take up, tasks that previous governments avoided for decades because they feared losing elections or power -- I have always considered it my responsibility to take them on. Like you, I too believe that whatever work is necessary for the country must be done by someone. Someone has to take the risk," he said. Previously, risk-taking was discouraged, but today it has become mainstream, he said. People who look beyond their monthly salaries are not only accepted but also respected. Risk-taking ideas that were once considered fringe are now becoming fashionable, he noted. India's startup landscape has reached a historic milestone as the nation celebrates ten years of the Startup India initiative, with official data revealing that over 50 new startups are now being recognised across the country every single day. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, on Friday took to his social media account to mark the occasion by highlighting the transformative impact of the past decade on the nation's economy. He noted, "The proof of the stellar success of PM @NarendraModi ji's pathbreaking initiative is the over 2 lakh @DPIITGoI recognised startups in the country that have generated over 21 lakh job opportunities." Minister Goyal also stated that India is now the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world, with Rs 15 lakh crore funding boosting the industry He said the most significant change in "resurgent and new India" is the self-confidence displayed by young Indians."Earlier, there was hesitation, fear and a fixed mindset score certain marks, choose a particular stream, or be labelled a failure," he said, recalling how career choices were once rigidly defined by academic scores. Highlighting the impact of the National Education Policy, Goyal said, "Students today have the freedom to experiment with entrepreneurship, open learning, interdisciplinary education or even choosing not to attend college immediately after school. There is trust in the government, and trust in oneself to explore the unknown and go the extra mile to succeed." - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the ancient Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day, urging the public to read his seminal work, the Tirukkural. Thiruvalluvar, who lived around two millennia ago, is celebrated for his couplets on ethics, governance, and love. His background and exact period are subjects of scholarly debate, with birth dates suggested between the 4th century BCE and 6th century CE. Revered as a saint and a literary giant, his work is considered a divine text and a foundational pillar of Tamil culture and universal values. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to read the Tirukkural, calling poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar an inspiration whose ideals promote a harmonious society. New Delhi, Jan 16 On the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid homage to the revered Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar and said that his works and ideals continue to inspire innumerable people across generations. The Prime Minister took to the social media platform X and wrote, "Today, on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the versatile Thiruvalluvar, whose works and ideals inspire innumerable people. He believed in a society that is harmonious and compassionate. He personifies the best of Tamil culture. I urge you all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of the great Thiruvalluvar." Thiruvalluvar flourished around two thousand years ago in Mylapore, present-day Chennai. He was a born Siddha and poet, known simply as Valluvar, or more commonly as Thiruvalluvar, meaning 'the devotee of the Valluva caste'. The Valluvas traditionally belonged to the Pariah community, now referred to as Harijans, and their vocation involved proclaiming royal orders by beating drums. According to tradition, Thiruvalluvar was the son of Bhagavan, a Brahmin, and Adi, a Pariah woman whom he married. There are differing accounts regarding Thiruvalluvar's birthplace and period. While some traditions state that he was born in Madurai, the capital of the Pandyas, his period has been variously dated between the 4th century BCE and the early 6th century CE. Scholar Maraimalai Adigal dated his birth to 31 BCE, whereas Tamil scholar Kamil Zvelebil suggested that Thiruvalluvar and the Tirukkural likely belonged to the period between 500 and 600 CE. Thiruvalluvar is regarded by many as an incarnation of Brahma. His wife, Vasuki, is remembered as a chaste and devoted woman, considered the ideal wife who faithfully carried out her husband's wishes. Through his life and teachings, Thiruvalluvar demonstrated that one could lead a divine life of purity and sanctity while remaining a householder. He showed that renunciation of family life was not necessary to achieve spiritual excellence. Also known simply as Valluvar, he was one of the most celebrated Tamil philosopher-poets. His magnum opus, the Tirukkural, is a collection of 1,330 couplets dealing with morality, governance, economics, and love. The text is regarded as one of the greatest works of Tamil literature and is admired for its universal values and ethical clarity. In January 1935, the Tamil Nadu government officially recognised 31 BCE as the birth year of Thiruvalluvar. Scholars generally believe that Valluvar may have been associated with either Jainism or Hinduism. During his time, Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism flourished across the Indian subcontinent. Thiruvalluvar is considered one of the greatest poet-philosophers of the Sangam period. His work is held in such high esteem that it has been referred to by several names, including Tirukkural, Uttaravedam, Tamil Veda, Teyvanul (the divine book), and Potumarai (the common Veda). Across southern India, Thiruvalluvar is revered as a saint and, in some traditions, as a deity. Many Shaivite communities regard him as the 64th Nayanmar, especially in regions such as Mylapore and Tiruchuli. Several temples dedicated exclusively to Thiruvalluvar exist in South India, with the most famous located in Chennai's Mylapore, built in the early 16th century within the Ekambareeswara-Kamakshi temple complex. - IANS Early trends from the Pune Municipal Corporation elections indicate a strong lead for the BJP, dealing a potential blow to the Pawar family's political influence in the city. In Mumbai's BMC polls, the BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance is also leading in numerous wards based on initial counts. The elections, conducted after an eight-year gap, mark a significant civic exercise for Maharashtra's major cities. The results suggest a fragmented performance from opposition parties, including the Congress and the divided NCP factions. Early trends show BJP leading in Pune and Mumbai civic polls, with the combined Pawar factions struggling. Get the latest seat counts and analysis. Pune, January 16 The early trends for the recently concluded Pune Municipal Corporation elections show the Bharatiya Janata Party leading in 38 seats in the city, which saw the Pawar family come together to contest together. While Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Sharad Pawar-led NCP had allied to contest in the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad corporation elections, their combined might not have been effective in consolidating the party's vote base, which was split after Ajit Pawar had broken away to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Early trends show NCP leading in 5 seats till now, while Congress has not opened a lead in any of the seats. The last elections of both PMC and PCMC were held in 2017, eight years ago. Murlidhar Mohol, who is currently the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, served as the mayor of Pune till November 2019. Meanwhile in Mumbai, early trends being reported from the counting of votes in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections showed the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance leading in around 75 wards as of 11 am, based on preliminary data. According to the data being reported, the BJP leads in 49 seats, and the Shiv Sena leads in 26. This means that the Fadnavis-led BJP is currently batting at a strike rate of 36%, having contested 135 wards. Shinde's Sena is batting at a strike rate of 29%, having contested 90 wards. Shiv Sena (UBT) is reported to be leading in 40 seats. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, is currently leading in 8 seats. The Congress has 7 leads from the initial count, while Ajit Pawar's NCP faction has 1 lead. Meanwhile, official trends from the BMC's electoral offices show the Bharatiya Janata Party leading in 9 wards, followed by Shiv Sena with 3 leads, Shiv Sena (UBT) has leads in 4 wards while AIMIM leads in two wards as counting for the 227 BMC seats is underway. The elections for India's richest municipal corporations, which concluded on Thursday, were marred by allegations by the Shiv Sena (UBT)- MNS alliance, and subsequently refuted by the SEC. The elections, which were conducted after a gap of eight years, marked a significant civic exercise for Mumbai. The previous BMC elections were held in 2017, while the term of the last elected mayor, Kishori Pednekar, ended in March 2022. With the completion of the polls, Mumbai is set to get a new mayor after nearly four years. Out of the total 1,03,44,315 voters in the electoral roll, a total of 54,76,043 exercised their right to vote. In total numbers of voters, around 3.7 lakh men exercised their franchise compared to women. A total of 29,23,433 men voted across the 277 wards, 25,52,359 women, and 251 transgender electors also cast their votes. In the 2017 elections, the undivided Shiv Sena had secured 84 seats out of the total 227. While being in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party at that point, the alliance had secured the halfway mark of 114 seats, with the BJP winning 82 seats. In 2017, the BJP had ruled in 15 Municipal corporations, including Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Amravati, Latur and more. The then undivided Shiv Sena led by corporations, including Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan Dombivli, Ahilya Nagar and more. Congress also led five municipalities, namely Bhiwandi Nijampur, Malegaon, Kolhapur, Parbhani, and Nanded - ANI President Droupadi Murmu visited Jaipur for a one-day trip centered on spiritual engagement. She participated in the concluding ceremonies of the 1008-Kundiya Hanuman Mahayagya, offering the final prayers in a sacred havan. The event was attended by Rajasthan's Governor, Chief Minister, and other senior state dignitaries. Her visit highlighted the blending of India's spiritual heritage with the dignity of her constitutional office. President Droupadi Murmu participated in the 1008-Kundiya Hanuman Mahayagya in Jaipur, offering prayers for national peace and prosperity. Jaipur, Jan 16 President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Jaipur on Friday on a one-day visit to Rajasthan, during which she participated in the 1008-Kundiya Hanuman Mahayagya and Shri Ram Katha organised at the Neendar residential scheme on Sikar Road. The visit blended constitutional dignity with spiritual devotion, drawing the presence of senior state leadership and spiritual figures. On her arrival at Jaipur International Airport, the President was warmly received by Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, who welcomed her with a bouquet of flowers. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also extended a formal welcome at the airport, along with several senior dignitaries and officials. Among those present were Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Dr Premchand Bairwa, Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar Sharma, and other senior officers. Following her arrival, President Murmu proceeded to the Neendar Housing Scheme, where she took part in the concluding ceremonies of the 1008-Kundiya Hanuman Mahayagya, organised under the guidance of Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji Maharaj. In a spiritually charged atmosphere marked by Vedic chants and rituals, the President offered the final oblations (purnahuti) in the sacred havan, praying for the peace, prosperity and welfare of the nation, the state of Rajasthan, and the entire world. Governor Haribhau Bagde and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma were present alongside the President during the religious proceedings. After the havan, the President, Governor and Chief Minister circumambulated the yagyashala, symbolising reverence and devotion. During the event, President Murmu also met and greeted Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji, expressing respect for his spiritual guidance and contribution. The Mahayagya and Shri Ram Katha have drawn large numbers of devotees and dignitaries over the past several days. President Murmu's visit underscored the harmonious blend of India's spiritual heritage and constitutional values, leaving a lasting impression on devotees and citizens before her return later in the day. - IANS President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Jaipur on a daylong visit to Rajasthan. Her schedule includes a program at Lok Bhavan and attending the concluding ceremony of a Shri Ram Katha and a large-scale Hanuman Mahayagya in Harmada. The city police have implemented significant traffic diversions on major roads, including New Sanganer Road and Sikar Road, to facilitate her secure movement. Authorities have completed all security preparations and urged public cooperation to ensure the visit proceeds smoothly. President Droupadi Murmu visits Jaipur for Hanuman Mahayagya. Check traffic diversions on key routes and event details for 16 January. Jaipur, Jan 16 President Droupadi Murmu will arrive in Jaipur on Friday on a daylong visit to Rajasthan, during which she will participate in the '1008 Kundiya Hanuman Mahayagya' at the Neendar Housing Scheme, Harmada. In view of the President's visit and associated VIP movement, the city police have announced traffic diversions on several major roads this afternoon. According to the official schedule, the President will land at Jaipur International Airport at 1:40 p.m. From there, she will travel by road to Lok Bhavan, Civil Lines, reaching at 2:10 p.m., where a scheduled programme will be held. Later, at 3:50 p.m., President Murmu will depart from Lok Bhavan and proceed to the Neendar Housing Scheme, Harmada, where she will attend the concluding ceremony of the Shri Ram Katha and participate in the 1008 Kundiya Hanuman Mahayagya, organised by the Ramanand Mission. The religious event has been underway since January 8, under the guidance of Tulsipithadhishwar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. A large number of dignitaries and devotees are expected to attend the 'Mahayagya'. The district administration, police and organisers have completed all security and logistical preparations. For security reasons, normal traffic will be temporarily halted along the President's route during her movement. According to the advisory issued by the Traffic Police, vehicles can be stopped on New Sanganer Road, Expressway and Sikar Road, and parking will be prohibited on these routes. Heavy vehicles from Ajmer Road towards the expressway will be diverted via the Ring Road. Heavy vehicles coming from Sikar Road will be rerouted via New TP Nagar (before Todi Mod) towards Daulatpura Expressway. Heavy vehicles from Delhi Road towards Ajmer Expressway will be diverted via Chandwaji and Delhi Road Transport Nagar. The movement of ambulances, fire tenders and other essential services will remain uninterrupted. After the programme, President Murmu will depart from Jaipur International Airport at 5:50 p.m. for Palam Airport, Delhi. Authorities remain on high alert, and citizens have been urged to cooperate and follow traffic advisories to ensure the smooth conduct of the visit. - IANS She is also set to star in Krrish 4 and The Bluff Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas celebrated their daughter Malti Marie's fourth birthday with an underwater-themed party inspired by *The Little Mermaid*. Both parents shared heartfelt messages on social media, with Nick expressing disbelief at how quickly she is growing. Malti was born via surrogacy in January 2022 and spent over 100 days in the NICU after being born prematurely. Professionally, Priyanka is currently shooting for SS Rajamouli's upcoming film with Mahesh Babu and has projects like *Krrish 4* and *The Bluff* in the pipeline. Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas mark daughter Malti's fourth birthday with a Little Mermaid-themed party and loving social media tributes. Mumbai, Jan 16 Global head-turner Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her American pop star husband, Nick Jonas, marked a special milestone as their daughter, Malti Marie, turned four. Priyanka took to her Instagram Stories to share a glimpse from Malti's birthday party. Going by the image, it appeared that Malti had a "The Little Mermaid"-themed celebration, complete with a cake featuring Ariel and Sebastian, the beloved Jamaican-accented crustacean. The party also included mermaid-shaped cookies, while the decor was inspired by the seafloor, with conch shells adding to the undersea theme. Priyanka wrote as the caption: "She's 4." Nick shared a stunning picture of Malti but covered her face with a birthday cake emoji. "I can't believe it. Our little angel is four." Joining in the celebrations, Priyanka's mother, Madhu Chopra, also penned a loving message for her granddaughter. He wrote: "You made me a grandmom and filled my life with magic. Happy fourth birthday, my angel." Priyanka and Nick welcomed their daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas in January 2022 via surrogacy. The couple had later revealed how Malti Marie was born prematurely and spent over 100 days in the NICU before coming home. The couple had met for the first time at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, where he expressed his feelings for the Indian actress. At the Met Gala, the two made their primary public appearance as a couple, and in 2018, reports of Priyanka and Nick being romantically involved started surfacing on the internet. Nick finally proposed to Priyanka for marriage on her birthday in July 2018, in London, and the actress immediately said yes. It was in December 2018, the couple married at Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur in traditional Hindu and Christian ceremonies. Talking about her film work, Priyanka is currently in Hyderabad for the shoot of her upcoming movie starring South star Mahesh Babu, helmed by SS Rajamouli. Priyanka, who has been feted with two National Film Awards and a Padma Shri, will next be seen sharing screen space with Mahesh Babu for the first time in her next in the upcoming tentatively titled film "SSMB29". In addition to this, she has also been roped in for the latest instalment in the popular franchise "Krrish 4", marking Hrithik Roshan's debut as a director. The 42-year-old actress, who is the winner of the Miss World 2000 pageant, will also be seen as a 19th-century Caribbean pirate in the forthcoming swashbuckler action drama, "The Bluff". She was last seen in "Heads Of State" directed by Ilya Naishuller. It stars Idris Elba and John Cena as the UK Prime Minister and US President, respectively. - IANS Protesters gathered in Cape Town to condemn the US military action that detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The demonstration, organized by the South African BDS Coalition, called for their immediate release and broader resistance to US foreign policy. Participants labeled the US action as illegal and a symptom of global imperialist aggression. The rally also promoted an upcoming International Day of Action in solidarity with Venezuela and Palestine. Protesters in Cape Town condemn the US for detaining Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and call for international solidarity against imperialism. Cape Town, Jan 16 A protest was held on Friday in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, against US military action in Venezuela, with demonstrators calling for the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The United States launched a military strike on Venezuela on January 3, forcibly taking the South American country's president and his wife and placing them in custody in New York, an action that has drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. Around midday on Friday, protesters gathered on Adderley Street in Cape Town's city centre, holding placards reading "Wipe out US imperialism" and "US out of Venezuela." They chanted slogans such as "Free Venezuela!" and "Free Maduro!" and called on passersby to support a planned February 6 International Day of Action against US Imperialism, in solidarity with the Palestinian and Venezuelan people. As the organiser, the South African BDS Coalition, a network of Palestine solidarity groups, called for "a broad alliance to demand the immediate release of Maduro and Flores, and to stand firm against the onslaught of unmasked US imperial aggression, which is dragging the world toward all-out war, widespread socio-economic collapse, and complete planetary demise," Xinhua news agency reported. Michael Titus, a 75-year-old retired pharmacist who joined the rally, told Xinhua that the US action against Venezuela is "illegal," calling it "only a symptom of what America is doing in the rest of the world." "They promote imperialism, and America is an imperialist bully of the world. It goes anywhere and has the impunity to do what it wants to," he said. "We must keep up the pressure to prevent America from bullying the rest of the world. The people of the world are not free because of America. We will keep on demonstrating and protesting to get America out of people's backyards," Titus added. Faariq Theba, a university student and a member of the organising group, said the US action against Venezuela was "outside the confines of international law." "We don't know who is next, but I think it is good for us to know that anyone can be next, even South Africa," Theba said. "I think Venezuela is just the beginning. I don't know when it will end, but I do hope that we will see more solidarity from countries, especially in the Global South," Theba added. - IANS Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma held a pre-budget consultation with women from Rajeevika self-help groups, emphasizing their crucial role in the state's development. He highlighted that 13 lakh women have become 'Lakhpati Didis' and over Rs 2,000 crore has been extended for livelihood promotion. The government has enhanced several women-centric schemes, including increased financial assistance for maternity and girls' education. The dialogue aimed to gather suggestions for the upcoming budget on strengthening SHGs and expanding livelihood opportunities. CM Bhajan Lal Sharma discusses women's empowerment & schemes with Rajeevika SHGs, highlighting lakhpati didis and budget suggestions. Jaipur, Jan 16 Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is witnessing a new era of women's empowerment. In Rajasthan, women associated with Rajeevika are playing a decisive role in the state's development journey by becoming economically self-reliant and strengthening their families. Addressing a pre-budget dialogue with women of Rajeevika self-help groups at Birla Auditorium, the Chief Minister said that every Rajeevika sister is contributing to increased household income and social empowerment. He noted that Indian culture reveres Goddess Lakshmi (prosperity), Goddess Saraswati (knowledge) and Goddess Durga (strength) -- all of which are embodied in women. He added that the double-engine government is ensuring women-centric benefits through schemes ranging from housing to LPG subsidies. CM Sharma said that the participation of women -- nearly half the population -- is crucial for building a developed Rajasthan. Around 13 lakh Rajeevika women have become 'Lakhpati Didis'. He said self-help groups have proved that women are efficient managers and successful entrepreneurs, while also freeing families from the burden of high-interest loans. The Chief Minister highlighted that 51 lakh rural families in the state are connected to over 4 lakh self-help groups. A robust Rajeevika network has been created through 32,000 village organisations and over 1,000 cluster-level federations. Under livelihood promotion programmes, nearly 36 lakh families are engaged in agriculture- and animal husbandry-based activities. Sharma said that more than Rs 2,000 crore has been extended to self-help group women for livelihood promotion through Rajeevika. Over 3,500 producer groups have been formed to strengthen agriculture, animal husbandry and non-farm activities, benefiting nearly 3 lakh families. Acknowledging the role of women in dairy farming, he said the state government is providing a subsidy of Rs 5 per litre of milk to dairy farmers. The Chief Minister said the assistance under the Lado Protsahan Yojana has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh, while the benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has been enhanced from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,500. Under the scheme, around Rs 531 crore has been disbursed to nearly 10 lakh pregnant women. Through the Maa Voucher Scheme, 2.26 lakh women have benefited from free sonography services. Additionally, under Shiksha Setu Yojana, more than 90,000 women and girls have received employment-oriented training. For women's safety, 500 Kalika patrolling units are actively functioning across the state. CM Sharma said the government has so far provided appointments to over 1 lakh posts, while recruitment for 1.44 lakh posts is currently underway. On Youth Day (January 12), a recruitment examination calendar for 1 lakh posts was released for the year, offering significant employment opportunities for women as well. He added that the state's newly launched Youth Policy will further support women in self-employment and entrepreneurship. Emphasising participatory governance, the Chief Minister said Rajeevika women have achieved financial independence by connecting with banks, markets and government schemes, and are now selling products through online platforms. He urged them to share valuable suggestions for the Rajasthan Budget, particularly on strengthening self-help groups, expanding livelihood opportunities, boosting product marketing, and enhancing training and skill development. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, Rural Development Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena, Minister of State for Rural Development Ota Ram Dewasi, Additional Chief Secretary Rural Development Shreya Guha, Principal Secretary Finance Vaibhav Galaria, State Mission Director (Self-Help Groups) Neha Giri, senior officials and a large number of Rajeevika women were present on the occasion. - IANS Actor-producer Ravi Mohan shared a heartfelt Pongal wish on social media, encouraging people to reject procrastination and negative thoughts. He emphasized choosing love, kindness, and respect for oneself and others in the coming year. Mohan also expressed gratitude to his supporters and outlined plans for more personal and professional work. His performance as the antagonist in the new film 'Parasakthi' has been widely appreciated, with co-star Sivakarthikeyan publicly thanking him. Actor Ravi Mohan urges fans to choose love, kindness, and self-respect in his Pongal wish, while reflecting on his acclaimed role in 'Parasakthi'. Chennai, Jan 16 Urging people to choose love, kindness, focus and respect over procrastination, negative thoughts, and disbelief, actor Ravi Mohan on Friday asked people to choose respect first for oneself and then for one another. In his Pongal wish, which he shared on social media on Friday, actor and producer Ravi Mohan wrote, "A day late, because I took yesterday for myself and my inner child. And today, from the bottom of my heart, I wish each one of you that you have the most positive, happy and prosperous year." The actor went on to say, "Just like the water and rice boiled out of all our pots yesterday, may your lives overflow the same and more with unconditional happiness. Reject procrastination, negative thoughts, and disbelief in you. Choose love, kindness, focus and respect first for yourself and then for one another." Ravi Mohan then went on to spell out his plans for the year ahead. He wrote, "I'm going to do more - more work on myself, more work in the movies, and the most on sharing my heart with you guys this year. I stand truly grateful for all your love and respect despite everything I have been through this far, for all who are standing by me just with the mere trust of my truth, I will make sure I make you proud of the person my parents brought me up to be." He ended his Pongal greeting, saying, "Have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Pongal and all the days to come." Ravi Mohan has had a great start to the new year, with his performance as the antagonist in the just released film 'Parasakthi' coming in for a lot of appreciation from both the audiences and critics. In fact, actor Sivakarthikeyan, who plays the lead in the film, had thanked actor Ravi Mohan in one of the pre-release events. Sivakarthikeyan had said, "Ravi Mohan sir, Thank you for accepting to play this role. It is easy for a hero to listen to a script and decide whether he wants to do it or not. But for someone who has successfully played a hero for all these years, playing a villain is a tough decision. So, when he took that decision and said "Okay" (to play villain), this is what I thought. For me, you are a villain only in the film. You are still the hero I saw when I was in college. And that is how you must be in my film set and in my film. That is how I will always think sir." - IANS Royal Challengers Bangalore has formally proposed installing 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The technology, provided in partnership with Staqu, will enable real-time crowd monitoring, detect incidents like violence, and track entries and exits. RCB has committed to bearing the entire estimated one-time cost of 4.5 crore for the initiative. The system aims to significantly enhance fan safety and streamline law enforcement response during matches. RCB proposes installing 300+ AI cameras at Chinnaswamy Stadium for crowd management and fan safety, bearing the 4.5 crore cost. Bengaluru, January 16 In a formal communication to the KSCA, RCB has proposed the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, according to a release. The advanced surveillance technology will empower the KSCA and law enforcement agencies to efficiently manage crowd movement, ensure disciplined queueing, monitor unauthorised access through real-time tracking of entries and exits, and significantly enhance overall fan safety. The solution leverages advanced analysis of video, audio and text data to accelerate investigations and enable faster, more accurate decision-making. Its real-time AI video analytics capability enables early detection of incidents such as violence, unauthorised access and intrusion, facilitating swift and effective law-enforcement response. RCB has further committed to bearing the entire one-time cost of this initiative, estimated at approximately 4.5 crore. RCB has partnered with Staqu, a technology company with a proven track record in enhancing public safety through automation and data-driven intelligence. Staqu's state-of-the-art facial recognition technology and intelligent monitoring of objects, crowd, perimeters and vehicles have assisted many State Police forces in their regular monitoring and investigations. The solution leverages advanced analysis of video, audio and text data to accelerate investigations and enable faster, more accurate decision-making. Its real-time AI video analytics capability enables early detection of incidents such as violence, unauthorised access and intrusion, facilitating swift and effective law-enforcement response. The integration of this advanced technology will elevate crowd management standards and reinforce a safe, secure and seamless matchday experience for all fans. - ANI Reliance Industries reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 18,645 crore for the October-December quarter of FY26, marking a marginal year-on-year increase. The company's revenue from operations saw a stronger growth of 10.5%, reaching Rs 2.69 lakh crore. Its telecom arm, Jio Platforms, reported a significant jump in EBITDA and saw its 5G subscriber base cross the 250 million milestone. Meanwhile, Reliance Retail posted a 3% rise in net profit, with the demerger of its consumer products business taking effect during the quarter. Reliance Industries reports a net profit of Rs 18,645 crore in Q3 FY26, with Jio's 5G subscriber base crossing 250 million and retail revenue growing. New Delhi, Jan 16 Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 18,645 crore in the October-December quarter of the financial year 2025-26, which representsa 0.56 per cent increase compared to the corresponding figure of Rs 18,540 crore for the same quarter of the previous financial year. The company's revenue from operations, however, rose 10.5 per cent year-on-year to Rs 269,496 crore during the third quarter, from Rs 243,865 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. The company's consolidated EBIDTA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) for the quarter stood at Rs 50,932 crore, which represents a 6.1 per cent increase year-on-year. However, the EBIDTA margin declined to 17.3 per cent compared with 18 per cent during the third quarter of 2024-25. The company's telecom arm Jio Platforms reported a 16.4 per cent year-on-year jump in EBITDA at Rs 19,303 crore during the quarter. While its 5G subscribers crossed 250 million, the fixed broadband base crossed 25 million. Reliance Retail reported a 3 per cent rise in net profit at Rs 3,551 crore while revenue rose 9.2 per cent year-on-year. Reliance's capital expenditure for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, stood at Rs 33,826 crore ($ 3.8 billion), driven by investments in ongoing growth projects in O2C and New Energy businesses; and continued capital outlay towards strengthening and expansion of the Jio and Retail network and infrastructure, according to the company statement. "Reliance's consolidated performance in Q3FY26 reflects consistent financial delivery and operational resilience across businesses," Reliance Industries Limited Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani said. "Jio's digital ecosystem is deepening its roots in Indian households. Through our mobility and broadband products, we are connecting mobile phones, homes, appliances and enterprises," he added. The company's retail business also had an eventful quarter, strengthening its portfolio with the onboarding of fresh new brands and product ranges. The demerger of the consumer products business came into effect this quarter, he noted. - IANS Russian diplomat Maria Zakharova has mocked Denmark's "fundamentally flawed" policy of subordination to the United States amid rising tensions over Greenland. The crisis was triggered by the Trump administration's expressed intentions to take over the semiautonomous Danish territory for its mineral resources. In response, European nations including France and Germany have begun deploying troops to Greenland for a symbolic recognition-of-territory exercise. A meeting between Danish officials and White House representatives failed to change the US stance, highlighting a fundamental disagreement between Washington and its European allies. Russia criticizes West's "rules-based order" as EU troops deploy to Greenland after Trump's threats to acquire the Danish territory. Moscow, January 16 Director of the Department of Information and Press at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova called out the failure of 'rules-based international order', a philosophy propagated by the West. Zakharova said that the current scenario shows how Denmark's subordination to the US was "flawed". In a post on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia quoted Zakharova as saying, "Surrent tensions over Greenland sharply expose the failure of the West's so-called 'rules-based international order'. It is plainly visible that Copenhagen's long-standing policy of unconditional subordination to the US is fundamentally flawed." France, Germany and other European countries have begun sending their troops to Greenland to help boost Greenland's security after talks involving Denmark, Greenland and the US highlighted "fundamental disagreement" between US President Donald Trump's administration and its European allies, Al Jazeera reported. France has already sent 15 soldiers and Germany 13. Norway and Sweden are also participating. The mission has been described as a recognition-of-the-territory exercise with troops to plant the European Union's flag on Greenland as a symbolic act, as per Al Jazeera. "The first French military elements are already en route", and "others will follow", French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday (local time) as French authorities said soldiers from the country's mountain infantry unit were already in Nuuk, Greenland's capital. France said the two-day mission is a way to show that EU troops can be quickly deployed if needed. Meanwhile, Germany's Ministry of Defence said it was deploying a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel to Greenland on Thursday. Denmark said it plans to increase its military presence in Greenland on Wednesday as the Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers met with White House representatives in Washington DC, to discuss Trump's intentions to take over the semiautonomous Danish territory to tap its mineral resources amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. But the meeting could not budge US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance from their stance, as per Al Jazeera. - ANI The Haryana Human Rights Commission has ruled that citizens' safe use of public roads is an integral part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. It stated that negligence in road infrastructure is a direct human rights violation, not just an administrative lapse. The Commission has directed multiple authorities, including NHAI and state departments, to submit comprehensive compliance reports on safety measures. It emphasized the crucial role of traffic police in enforcement and called for specific improvements like maintaining dividers and installing cat-eyes on major roads. Haryana Human Rights Commission declares safe road infrastructure integral to right to life under Article 21, issues directives to authorities. Chandigarh, Jan 16 The Haryana Human Rights Commission, taking a firm stand on issues related to road safety, has categorically held that the safe use of public roads by citizens is an integral part of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Commission observed that negligence in road infrastructure is not merely an administrative lapse but a direct violation of human rights. While hearing a complaint, the full Commission, comprising Justice Lalit Batra, Chairperson, noted that at several locations issues have arisen regarding interdepartmental jurisdiction and responsibility for road signage, thermoplastic road markings, cat-eyes, dividers, and other safety measures. In view of this, the Commission has sought updated and comprehensive reports from all authorities concerned, including NHAI, the PWD, the Haryana State Roads and Bridges Development Corporation (HSRDC) and Urban Local Bodies. Referring to the role and responsibilities of the Additional Director General of Police, Traffic and Highways, and the Karnal Police Department, the Commission observed in its order that it is the constitutional duty of the state to protect the life and safety of its citizens. In the discharge of this duty, the Police Department, particularly the traffic police, plays a crucial and facilitative role in enforcing road safety. The responsibilities of the police department include: effective regulation of traffic and strict enforcement of traffic rules; preventing rash and negligent driving, including over-speeding, wrong-side driving, misuse of high-beam lights, and lane discipline violations; taking effective action against violators; and identification of accident-prone and vulnerable road stretches, junctions, and "black spots". The Commission has issued directions to ensure proper development and regular maintenance of central verges and dividers on all major roads across Haryana, on wide carriageways and multi-lane roads with two to six lanes. It has called for installing and maintaining adequate numbers of cat-eyes and retro-reflective road studs at proper intervals across all lanes to ensure clear lane demarcation, especially during night-time; and on roads having six or more lanes, including six-lane and eight-lane roads, install delineators on both sides of the central divider and verge to provide clear road identification and improved visual guidance to drivers. Commission Assistant Registrar Puneet Arora said on Friday that, as per the orders of the Commission, the right of citizens to use public roads in a safe and secure manner is an inseparable component of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Safe road infrastructure is not merely an administrative responsibility but a human rights imperative. Any lapse in this regard adversely affects the human right of citizens to safely use public roads, he said. All authorities concerned have been directed to submit compliance reports supported by photographic evidence at least one week before the next date of hearing on April 9. - IANS The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced the SWAGAT-FI framework to simplify compliance for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs). This initiative creates a single-window, automated system to unify registration across various investment routes and cut down on repetitive paperwork. Eligible investors, including sovereign wealth funds and regulated financial institutions, can benefit from these streamlined processes. The new provisions, stemming from recent amendments to SEBI regulations, are set to take effect on June 1, 2026, aiming to reduce regulatory hurdles and make India more attractive to global capital. SEBI introduces SWAGAT-FI, a unified registration framework for FPIs & FVCIs to reduce paperwork and boost India's investment appeal. Effective June 2026. Mumbai, January 16 SEBI issues circulars on the Single Window Automatic and Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors framework for Foreign Portfolio Investors and Foreign Venture Capital Investors. According to the SEBI statement, the framework aims to enhance ease of compliance and doing business for SEBI-registered FPIs. Its key features include enabling a unified registration process across multiple investment routes and minimising repeated compliance requirements and documentation for such investors. These benefits can be availed by existing and new FPIs that meet the specified eligibility criteria. FPIs registered with SEBI, such as central banks, sovereign wealth funds, appropriately regulated and broad-based mutual funds, and insurance companies and pension funds, will be the beneficiaries of these changes, the SEBI said. Earlier, SEBI (FPI) Regulations, 2019 and SEBI (FVCI) Regulations, 2000, were amended to provide for the introduction of the SWAGAT-FI framework for FPIs and FVCIs. This key measure would reduce regulatory complexity and enhance India's globalcompetitiveness as an investor-friendly destination. The provisions of the circulars come into effect from June 1, 2026. - ANI India's startup ecosystem is being transformed by a surge in youth self-confidence, supportive policy reforms like the National Education Policy, and a societal shift that now celebrates entrepreneurship. Founders highlight how this "New India" allows founders to share stages with national leaders and build globally respected brands. Initiatives like Startup India are reversing brain drain, with top graduates returning to launch ventures. The collective ambition marks a decisive break from the past, setting the stage for India's next economic growth phase. Union Minister Piyush Goyal and top founders like Aman Gupta and Ritesh Agarwal highlight how self-confidence and policy reforms are fueling India's startup revolution. New Delhi Januar, y 16 India's startup ecosystem has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, driven by rising self-confidence among youth, progressive policy reforms and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes toward entrepreneurship, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and leading startup founders said on National Startup Day. Speaking at the event, Minister Goyal said the most significant change in "resurgent and new India" is the self-confidence displayed by young Indians. "Earlier, there was hesitation, fear and a fixed mindset score certain marks, choose a particular stream, or be labelled a failure," he said, recalling how career choices were once rigidly defined by academic scores. Highlighting the impact of the National Education Policy, Goyal said, "Students today have the freedom to experiment with entrepreneurship, open learning, interdisciplinary education or even choosing not to attend college immediately after school. There is trust in the government, and trust in oneself to explore the unknown and go the extra mile to succeed." Speaking at the same event, founders of leading startups have highlighted that the self-confidence, policy reforms and startup culture are defining the'New India'. Aman Gupta, Co-founder of boAt, said the presence of startup founders alongside senior ministers symbolises the changing face of India. "This is the new India, where startup founders share the stage with the Prime Minister and ministers. It's a matter of national pride," he said, calling National Startup Day a celebration of founders who hustle, pitch, fail and rise again. OYO Founder Ritesh Agarwal shared his personal journey from a small town in Odisha to building a global hospitality company. Inspired by entrepreneurship at a young age, Agarwal said he chose to experiment after completing Class 12, a decision that changed his life. He recalled receiving USD 100,000 in funding from Peter Thiel through an online application, which enabled him to travel to Silicon Valley and scale his ideas. Agarwal noted a broader societal shift in how entrepreneurs are perceived. "Earlier, families worried about entrepreneurship being a 'wrong association'. Today, entrepreneurs are among the most respected profiles, even on matrimonial websites. India's GDP has more than doubled and startup founders now command global recognition." He also credited the Startup India initiative for reversing brain drain. "A significant portion of Indians studying at Harvard and Stanford now want to return not to work in large corporates, but to start companies or work with startups," Agarwal said, urging young people from small towns across India to think big about the next decade. Further, Mohit Yadav, Co-founder of The Minimalist, echoed similar sentiments, describing his journey as one marked by repeated failures. "The harder you work, the luckier you get. Growing consumer awareness and knowledge parity across metros, tier-two and tier-three cities, driven by social media and digital connectivity," he said. He noted that investor mindset has also evolved significantly. "Five years ago, investors questioned whether a Rs 100-crore brand could be built online. Today, the question is how fast you can reach Rs 1,000 crore," Yadav said, calling it a clear shift in ambition and belief. Emphasising the global acceptance of Indian brands, Yadav said the 'Made in India' label is no longer seen as inferior. "Today, 25% of our business comes from exports. People are not just talking about 'Made in India for the world', they are living it," he said. Collectively, the leaders said rising confidence, policy support, digital access and global ambition are fuelling India's startup momentum marking a decisive break from the constraints of the past and setting the stage for the country's next phase of economic growth. - ANI In a major upset, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has won the Parbhani Municipal Corporation elections, becoming the single largest party. This victory marks the first time Uddhav Thackeray's faction will directly govern the Parbhani civic body, ending nearly two decades of control by the NCP and Congress. The win is credited to the local influence of MP Sanjay Jadhav and MLA Rahul Patil, overcoming a high-decibel campaign by BJP state leaders. The result provides a significant psychological boost for Uddhav Thackeray, demonstrating his party's resilience in specific regional strongholds against the ruling alliance. Shiv Sena UBT wins Parbhani Municipal Corporation, emerging as the single largest party and ending nearly two decades of NCP-Congress dominance in the region. Mumbai, Jan 16 While the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has swept several municipal corporations across Maharashtra on Friday, Parbhani from the underdeveloped Marathwada region has emerged as a major outlier. In a significant blow to the ruling alliance, Uddhav Thackeray's "Sainiks" have successfully halted the BJP's momentum, marking a historic victory for the Shiv Sena (UBT). Amidst a statewide wave favouring the BJP and the Mahayuti alliance, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has secured a stunning victory in the Parbhani Municipal Corporation (PMC). This victory marks the first time that Uddhav Thackeray's party will directly govern the Parbhani civic body, ending nearly two decades of dominance by the NCP and Congress. In a hard-fought contest, the Shiv Sena (UBT) emerged as the single largest party, significantly outperforming the ruling Mahayuti partners. Shiv Sena UBT won 25 seats, Congress 12, BJP 12, NCP (Ajit Pawar) 11, Jan Surajya Party 3, Yashwant Sena 1 and independent 1. Shiv Sena UBT and Congress, together with the support of other parties, are expected to claim the Mayor's post. The last time the Shiv Sena held the Mayoral post in Parbhani was in 2007 (when it was a Municipal Council). Since the council was elevated to a Municipal Corporation in 2011, power had remained with the NCP and later the Congress. This win marks the return of the Shiv Sena UBT to Parbhani after a gap of 19 years. The victory is being credited to the unified leadership of Parbhani MP Sanjay Jadhav and MLA DrnRahul Patil. While the BJP deployed heavyweights including CM Devendra Fadnavis, State President Ravindra Chavan, and Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, for over 200 rallies and meetings, the Thackeray faction relied almost entirely on the local influence of Jadhav and Patil. The Shiv Sena (UBT) contested 48 seats and maintained a strategic "friendly fight" or alliance with the Congress in others, a move that successfully prevented the splitting of the anti-Mahayuti vote. The Mahayuti partners-BJP, Shinde's Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP-failed to translate their state-level momentum into local success here. Despite a high-decibel campaign by Guardian Minister Meghna Bordikar and Industrial Minister Uday Samant, the alliance could not cross the 25-seat mark combined. Reacting to the results, BJP leader Meghna Bordikar stated, "While Devendra Fadnavis's charisma has worked across the rest of the state, we have fallen short in Parbhani. We will deeply introspect and analyse the reasons behind this defeat." Analysts suggest that the deep-rooted personal connect of MP Sanjay Jadhav, combined with a local sentiment of "regional pride" over state-directed campaigns, allowed the Thackeray faction to hold its ground. For Uddhav Thackeray, this victory provides a vital psychological boost, proving that his faction can still defeat the combined might of the BJP-Shinde-Ajit Pawar alliance in specific regional strongholds. (Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in) - IANS Startup founders credited crucial government grants and policy support for enabling their deep-tech ventures at the National Startup Day event. Founders like Aishwarya Karnataki of Glovatrix stated their startups would not have begun without non-dilutive state backing. Samuel John of mistEO emphasized that India's support for startups is unparalleled globally, advocating for building technology for the domestic market first. The founders expressed optimism that continued enlightened policy and patient capital will position India as a global leader in deep-tech and accessibility solutions. Startup founders highlight strategic government grants and policy support for deep-tech innovation at National Startup Day, crediting PM Modi's backing. New Delhi, January 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with entrepreneurs at the Bharat Mandapam on Friday to mark National Startup Day and the tenth anniversary of the Startup India initiative, as founders credited government backing for enabling deep-tech innovation. The event highlighted the growth of the domestic ecosystem, which has transitioned from a policy framework into a global innovation hub over the last decade. Speaking to ANI at the sidelines of the Startup India initiative in Bharat Mandapam, startup founders shared insights into their entrepreneurial journeys and the impact of state-led support. Aishwarya Karnataki, Founder and CEO of Glovatrix, noted that the last decade has been "incredibly helpful not just for my startup but for the entire startup ecosystem." Having raised over one crore rupees in non-dilutive government grants over five years, she emphasized that her venture, which developed an AI-powered glove for the speech-impaired, would not have started without this assistance. "Nobody was willing to take risk in us initially, but then the government backed us up and five years later here is where we are," she said. The Pune-based founder explained that her product, 5th Sense, translates sign language to voice to ensure "every deaf person can communicate with independence and dignity." Karnataki also highlighted the global recognition received by Indian startups, noting that her firm was the first Indian startup to win global awards in Geneva and Croatia by the UN and WorldSkills. Recalling her interaction with the Prime Minister at the event, she said, "He came to my stall and he asked me about my startup, saw my demo, listened to what I had to say with a lot of focus and gave me words of encouragement." Samuel John, Founder and CEO of weather forecasting company mistEO, remarked that India offers unparalleled support for new ventures compared to global standards. "Nowhere in the world startups are so supported other than India. India is where startups are supported really fully," John said, adding that while Europe may offer grants, Indian support often provides significantly higher capital. His Trivandrum-based company, established in 2019, pivoted during the pandemic to build an indigenous livestock heat load index and now works with the Indian Air Force and NABARD. John stressed the importance of technological sovereignty and building for the domestic market. "We need to ensure that we develop for India first, we use it in India first, then we take it to the world," he stated. He noted that the next decade would see India moving ahead of the curve in technology adoption and funding, provided there is a continued push for "patient capital" and "enlightened policy" to support deep-tech and aspirational technology startups. Commander Sudheesh TM (retd), Chief Technology Officer of mistEO and a Navy veteran, spoke about the transition from military meteorology to the startup ecosystem. He described the move as a "huge risk" but a necessary challenge to convert weather forecasts into intelligence that protects "economic interest, life and livestock from the extreme weather events." Reflecting on his interaction with the Prime Minister, Sudheesh said the experience was "invoking to work more towards solving the problems of the society rather than only going towards just completing the projects and products." The founders also suggested further reforms in the upcoming budget, including simpler regulatory laws for agile organizations and reserved grants for innovative "moonshot" startups that traditional investors may avoid. The founders expressed optimism that the integration of deep tech and accessibility-related ventures will position India as a global leader in these sectors over the next decade. - ANI India's Startup India initiative marks its 10th anniversary with over 200,000 recognized startups that have created more than 2.1 million jobs. The ecosystem, now the world's third largest, sees about 50 new startups officially recognized each day. Nearly half of these startups now originate from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, indicating a significant geographical democratization of entrepreneurship. Union Minister Piyush Goyal credited the growth to consistent government policy focused on removing bureaucratic hurdles and scaling innovative ideas. India celebrates 10 years of Startup India with over 2 lakh recognized startups generating 21 lakh jobs and 50 new startups recognized daily. New Delhi, January 16 India's startup landscape has reached a historic milestone as the nation celebrates ten years of the Startup India initiative, with official data revealing that over 50 new startups are now being recognised across the country every single day. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, on Friday took to his social media account to mark the occasion by highlighting the transformative impact of the past decade on the nation's economy. He noted, "The proof of the stellar success of PM @NarendraModi ji's pathbreaking initiative is the over 2 lakh @DPIITGoI recognised startups in the country that have generated over 21 lakh job opportunities." Minister Goyal also stated that India is now the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world with Rs 15 lakh crore funding boosting the industry. The rapid growth is attributed to a series of strategic reforms designed to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and provide financial lifelines to budding entrepreneurs. Reflecting on the government's role in this evolution, the Minister shared that "in the past decade, the Government has adopted timely and agile policy interventions to make the startup ecosystem robust and business-friendly." He further emphasised that the core strategy has remained consistent: "The focus has been on encouraging innovative ideas and helping them scale." The initiative, which began in 2016, has grown from a handful of ventures into a massive network of over 200,000 recognised entities. This expansion is no longer limited to major metropolitan hubs like Bengaluru or Delhi; today, 48% of these startups emerge from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, democratising opportunity across the Indian heartland. Goyal also expressed optimism about the next phase, stating, "Now, with India's strengthening trade partnerships with countries globally, more avenues will open for our Startups to expand their markets, create global impact, and build the next generation of Indian success stories." - ANI Bollywood star Sunny Deol was seen enjoying a woodfire pizza on a chilly night while expressing gratitude to fans for their love for the 'Border 2' trailer. He recently visited INS Vikrant, sharing a patriotic post calling India his pride and honor. During a song launch, Deol revealed he agreed to the original 'Border' film because he was inspired by his father Dharmendra's movie 'Haqeeqat'. The upcoming sequel, slated for January 2026, also stars Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. Sunny Deol thanks fans for Border 2 trailer love, shares chilly pizza night and patriotic visit to INS Vikrant. Sequel stars Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh. Mumbai, Jan 16 Bollywood star Sunny Deol was seen enjoying a woodfire pizza in the chilly weather. The actor was seen draped in a shawl as he looked grappled with cold. The actor was seen thanking his fans for showering love on the trailer of his upcoming movie Border 2. He said, "All of you who loved and applauded the trailer of Border 2, I am extremely thankful to each one of you." On January 23, the actor had decided to spend some time with the country's Indian Army officers as he paid a visit to INS Vikrant. Sunny had taken to his social media account to post 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. Expressing his love for the motherland, Sunny had written in his caption, "Hindustan Meri Jaan...Meri Aan...Meri Shaan...Hindustan. Pride. Honour. Bravery! #INSVikrant #IndianNavy. (sic)" 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. Addressing the media present, "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". Along with Sunny Deol, the sequel will also star Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty as the primary cast. Talking about "Border 2", the movie 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 Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gathered outside the White House ahead of her meeting with former US President Donald Trump. The demonstrators expressed gratitude to Machado, Trump, and Senator Marco Rubio for supporting their cause for freedom and political change in Venezuela. The meeting occurs in the context of the US conducting its first $500 million sale of Venezuelan oil following the capture of former leader Nicolas Maduro. Trump has previously stated the US intends to take control of Venezuela's oil reserves and recruit American investment to rebuild its industry. Supporters gather as Trump meets Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Rally calls for political change and thanks US for action against Maduro. Washington, DC, January 16 Ahead of the meeting between Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and Donald Trump, supporters gathered outside the White House on Thursday, urging action against Venezuela's current regime. US President Donald Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado will meet today at White House. Supporters gathered in the US capital, waving flags and chants echoing calls for freedom and political change in their homeland. A supporter, Adriana Molinero, told ANI, "I have been here in the US for three years, and I'm here right now because I just want to go back and be part of the reconstruction of my country. I have a lot of friends who fought, who died, who are in prison right now just because they want to think differently... We just want freedom and want to express ourselves. I want to thank Maria Corina Machado. She has been the greatest leader in Venezuela right now, and to Donald Trump and Marco Rubio for helping our cause." Another supporter, Isabel Hayek, told ANI, "I truly trust in Maria Corina Machado. She's a big representation of the belief of all Venezuelans. She's a real leader... She is going to make President Trump understand that the people respect her, and the people respect him, and unfortunately, the current usurper of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, is not the person that Venezuela needs, wants, and deserves. We deserve Donald Trump, we deserve Maria Corina Machado, we thank Marco Rubio." Addressing reporters earlier, the US President described her as a "very nice woman," but said she "doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country" required to lead the nation. Machado, for her part, had earlier said on the Fox News programme Hannity that she wanted to "personally" thank Trump for the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Meanwhile, 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. - ANI Sussanne Khan shared an emotional social media post from her Phuket trip, honoring her late mother Zarine Khan who passed away in November. She thanked her mother for her genetic legacy and expressed feeling her presence everywhere. The trip included her brother Zayed Khan, beau Arslan Goni, and a photo with actor Kunal Kapoor. Sussanne also maintains a supportive relationship with her ex-husband Hrithik Roshan, recently wishing him and his girlfriend well. Sussanne Khan shares emotional tribute to late mother Zarine Khan from Phuket trip, reflecting on her enduring legacy and family bonds. Mumbai, Jan 16 Entrepreneur Sussanne Khan remembered her late mother Zarine Khan as she uploaded glimpses of her Phuket trip on social media. Thanking her mother for passing on the genes that have shaped her into the person she is today, Sussanne said that she feels her mother's presence everywhere she goes. Carrying on her mother's legacy through her, Sussanner penned on the photo-sharing app, "To me it's Mother Ocean... thank you Mummsy for giving me your genetic code to be the person i am, here is to a celebration of the Love, the beautiful bonds and the best energy that you surround me with...mummsy you saw Phuket through our souls n you embraced me with your warmth at a time when i needed it most..your always with me everywhere and in everything i do.. from here till eternity u live on through my eyes...my Angel Mummsy (sic)." Zarine Khan passed away on November 7 at the age of 81 after suffering from age-related issues. She is survived by her husband, Sanjay Khan, and kids-- Zayed Khan, Sussanne Khan, Farah Khan Ali, and Simone Arora. During her recent visit to Phuket, the interior designer was accompanied by beau Arslan Goni, brother, Zayed Khan. One of the pics also had Sussanne posing with Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor. Sussanne was previously married to Hrithik Roshan and has two sons with him, Hrehaan and Hridhaan Roshan. Despite having gone their separate ways, the two continue to maintain a good relationship and are often seen supporting one another. In her recent birthday post for Hrithik, she also wished him and his current girlfriend, Saba Azad, endless love and best of life. "Coz you will always be the Sky full of stars to all of us... happy birthday Rye.. wish you and Saboo endless love and the best of life... from here to beyond eternity let us all be connected beyond family n heart monsters... we are all blessed n the universe will protect all of us", Sussanne's post read. - IANS Senior Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu are meeting the party's top leadership in Delhi to formulate strategy for the 2026 Assembly elections. The discussions will center on organisational readiness and crucial seat-sharing arrangements with long-term ally DMK. Congress MP Manickam Tagore emphasized the need for early seat negotiations to maintain a strong alliance perception. The party's state in-charge highlighted the focus on grassroots worker participation and a strategic campaign with a detailed manifesto. Senior Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu to meet top brass in Delhi to discuss 2026 election strategy, seat-sharing with DMK, and organisational preparedness. By Siddharth Sharma, New Delhi, January 16 With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections drawing closer, senior Congress leaders from the state are scheduled to meet the party's top leadership at Indira Bhawan in the national capital on January 17 at 4 pm to deliberate on election strategy, organisational preparedness and seat-sharing arrangements. Earlier, speaking to ANI, Congress MP Manickam Tagore described the proposed meeting as important, noting that there is pressure within the party to secure more tickets and a meaningful share in power. He, however, sought to downplay speculation about any rift within the ruling alliance in the state. On January 7, Tagore had said that reports of differences between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Congress over seat-sharing were being exaggerated. "I don't think there will be any discussions about changing allied partners. Congress is a long-term ally of the DMK. Congress leaders want seat negotiations to be completed early, as any delay may affect the perception of the alliance," he told ANI. Speaking about the number of seats the Congress contested in previous Assembly elections, Tagore noted that the party's share has fluctuated over the years. "In 2006, Congress contested 48 seats; in 2011, 63 seats; in 2016, 41 seats; and in 2021, the number was reduced to 25 seats. As for 2026, I cannot say how many seats will be contested, as I was not present at the meeting. The chairman is negotiating the number, and it is being conveyed to the DMK, and the number will be approved by the Congress President Mallikarjun Khadge," he added. Reiterating the importance of Tamil Nadu within the broader opposition framework, the Congress MP said the state remains a crucial pillar of the INDIA bloc. Manickam Tagore added, "Tamil Nadu is an important state, and we all know that the India Alliance is a significant alliance, with Congress being a part of it and the DMK as its major partner. We have contested eight elections together, as the DMK is a long-term ally of Congress..." Tamil Nadu AICC In-charge Girish Chodankar emphasised the party's preparation ahead of the elections, highlighting the role of party workers. "We want more time to prepare ourselves properly so that we can understand our strengths... We haven't been in power for the last 58 years, but the workers are working very hard and not expecting anything in return... We want every worker of our party to be a part of this democratic process, where elections are like a big festival... We don't ask them for money because it's the party's own affair, and they have struggled for it... Every worker in the party should feel free and happy to participate," he said. Chodankar also stressed Congress's focus on a strategic campaign. "Elections are fought using complete strategies. We will have a full-fledged manifesto committee, a vision for Tamil Nadu and our leaders will come to the state and announce various guarantees... To fulfil the promises in the manifesto and the vision, naturally, we have to be a part of the government." Tamil Nadu is scheduled to go to the polls in the first half of 2026, and the upcoming meeting in Delhi is expected to play a key role in shaping the Congress party's approach in the state. - ANI Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Chief Minister MK Stalin paid floral tributes to Thiruvalluvar on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day. National leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended greetings, praising the poet's timeless wisdom in the Tirukkural. The day sparked political commentary, with DMK Minister TRB Rajaa urging the central government to move beyond ceremonial praise to genuine understanding of Tamil culture. The day is observed in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to commemorate Thiruvalluvar's immense contribution to literature and philosophy. Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, CM MK Stalin, PM Narendra Modi, and others paid floral tributes and extended greetings on Thiruvalluvar Day, honoring the ancient poet. Chennai, January 16 Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Friday paid floral tributes to the statue of Thiruvalluvar on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day at Lok Bhavan in Guindy. The day, observed on January 16 (on Leap Year as per Tamil Calendar) in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, commemorates Thiruvalluvar's contribution to Tamil literature and philosophy. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin offered floral tributes to the Tamil poet. Tributes on Thiruvalluvar day poured in from across the nation, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extending greetings on the occasion and paying tribute to the famous Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. In a post on X, Kharge said, "Warm greetings on Thiruvalluvar Day. Today, we bow in reverent homage to Thiruvalluvar -- an enduring fountain of ethical, social, political, economic, religious, philosophical, and spiritual wisdom. His timeless Tirukkural stands as a rare and radiant guide, inspiring humanity with its clarity, compassion, and truth." Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the famous Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day. In his post on X, PM Modi said, "Today, on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the versatile Thiruvalluvar, whose works and ideals inspire innumerable people. He believed in a society that is harmonious and compassionate. He personifies the best of Tamil culture. I urge you all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of the great Thiruvalluvar." Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, Minister TRB Rajaa on Thursday 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. - ANI Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has defended his frequent meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating they are solely to secure funds and permissions for the state's development. He criticized the previous BRS government for neglecting to bring central funds, causing significant debt and losses for Telangana. Reddy appealed for public support for the Congress party in upcoming municipal elections, expressing confidence in its continued rule. He also inaugurated irrigation projects and announced plans for an airport and industrial park in the Adilabad region. Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy defends his meetings with PM Modi, stating they are for state development funds, not personal agenda, while criticizing former BRS rule. Hyderabad, Jan 16 Brushing aside the criticism from opposition BRS over his meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday said that he is ready to meet anyone for the development of the State and claimed that he has no personal agenda. The CM said he was meeting the Prime Minister once every three months and meeting Central Ministers once every 10 days for the permissions and funds that have to come from Delhi. The Chief Minister made it clear that there is no politics of any kind in this. "I will not hesitate to meet anyone for the sake of the people and the development of the region. I will not go to anyone for personal favours. I have no personal agendas," he said. He was addressing a public meeting in Nirmal after launching two irrigation projects in Nirmal and Adilabad districts. "Some people are criticising that I am meeting Modi time and again. Who sanctions funds and projects for the State? Is it not the Prime Minister?" he asked. Revanth Reddy alleged that the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), during its 10-year rule, did not tell the Centre what the State needed. He said this caused a huge loss to Telangana. "I am ready to meet PM Modi, Amit Shah or anyone for the State's development and funds. Politics is only at the time of elections. After elections, development should be everybody's goal," he said. The CM urged the BJP leadership from the State to meet PM Modi and get the projects and funds to the state. He alleged that because of the negligence by leaders who ruled for 10 years, Telangana suffered irreparable losses. The State felt the burden of Rs. 8.11 lakh crore in debts, as the funds that should have been brought from the Centre were not secured. He remarked that debts turned into a noose around the neck of the Telangana people. The Chief Minister appealed to people to support the Congress party in the upcoming municipal elections. He urged them to elect leaders who work among the people. Stating that the Congress party secured the number one position in the recent sarpanch elections with 66 per cent votes, he exuded confidence that the Congress party will be in power till 2034. Revanth Reddy slammed BRS president and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) for calling the government 'real estate broker'. "Does KCR, with 40 years of political experience, have no better words to say. If development is happening, he should bless it with the experience he has, but calling the government real estate brokers is not right," he said. The Chief Minister said that even though a university was sanctioned for the Adilabad district, the establishment of the university was delayed because everyone wanted it to be located in their area. He sought the cooperation of all for establishing the university at Basara IIT. He said the government would not only build an airport in Adilabad but would also establish a large industrial park. He called for acquiring 10,000 acres to develop the region industrially. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Sadarmat Barrage at Ponkal village in Mamda Mandal, Nirmal district, and released water for the Yasangi (Rabi) crop. He also inaugurated the Chanaka-Korata Barrage Pump House at Hatighat in Bhoraj Mandal, Adilabad district. On the occasion, he released water into the main canal of the Lower Penganga Project and performed 'harathi'. - IANS US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a "Board of Peace" as part of Phase Two of his Gaza peace plan. The phase shifts focus from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction, with Trump serving as Chairman. The plan backs a Palestinian technocratic body, the NCAG, to govern Gaza during a transition, demanding Hamas surrender weapons. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the launch, warning of consequences for non-compliance by Hamas. US President Trump unveils Phase Two of Gaza peace plan, forming a Board of Peace to oversee demilitarization and a technocratic government. Washington DC, January 16 US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the formation of a "Board of Peace" as part of Phase Two of his 20-Point Peace Plan to end the Gaza conflict, shifting the focus from ceasefire to demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States has "officially entered the next phase" of the Gaza peace plan following what he described as record levels of humanitarian aid delivered during the ceasefire period. "Since the ceasefire, my team has helped deliver record levels of humanitarian aid to Gaza, reaching civilians at historic speed and scale. Even the United Nations has acknowledged this achievement as unprecedented," Trump said. Trump said he would serve as Chairman of the newly created Board of Peace, which will back a Palestinian technocratic government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), to govern the territory during its transition period. "As Chairman of the Board of Peace, I am backing a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by the Board's High Representative, to govern Gaza during its transition," he said, adding that the leadership is committed to a peaceful future. According to Trump's post, with the support of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, the next phase will aim to secure a comprehensive demilitarisation agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of all tunnels. "Hamas must IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay to full Demilitarization," Trump said, warning that the group could do so "the easy way, or the hard way." "The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," Trump added. This comes after US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, in a post on X on Wednesday, formally announced the launch of Phase Two on behalf of the US President. "Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and begins the full demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorised personnel," Witkoff said. He added that the United States expects Hamas to fully comply with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage, warning that failure to do so would result in "serious consequences". Witkoff said Phase One of the plan had maintained the ceasefire, facilitated the return of all living hostages, and enabled the recovery of the remains of 27 of the 28 deceased hostages, while delivering humanitarian aid at an unprecedented scale. He also expressed gratitude to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their mediation efforts, calling them "indispensable" to the progress achieved so far. The US-backed Gaza peace plan was implemented on October 10, 2025, resulting in the return of all hostages held by Hamas and bringing an end to the conflict in the embattled region. - ANI UK MP Bob Blackman raised serious concerns in Parliament about the murder of Hindus and burning of temples in Bangladesh. He called on the UK government to take action to ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections next month, noting the banning of the major Awami League party. Another UK MP condemned all acts of violence and affirmed engagement with Bangladesh's interim government on credible polls. India's MEA spokesperson also highlighted the "disturbing pattern" of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, stating such incidents must be dealt with swiftly. UK MP Bob Blackman raises concerns in Parliament over murders of Hindus, temple burnings in Bangladesh, urges action for free elections. London, January 16 UK MP Bob Blackman raised his concerns on Bangladesh and murder of Hindus there on Friday. Speaking at the UK parliament, Blackman called on the government to take appropriate action to protect the minorities and ensure free and fair elections. "Now, at the pre-recess adjournment debates, I raised the situation of Bangladesh, and the leader quite rightly wrote to the Foreign Secretary about the disastrous situation that is there now. Hindu men are being murdered on the streets, their houses being burnt, the temples are being burnt, and other religious minorities are suffering similar fates," he said. Blackman raised concerns that Awami League, a major political party in the nation, has been banned, while they command 30% in opinion polls. "Next month there are due to be so-called free and fair elections. The Awami League, are a major political party in Bangladesh, are banned from competing in those elections despite the fact they command something like 30% in the opinion polls. Equally, the Islamic extremists have called for a referendum which would change the constitution of Bangladesh forever. So could we have a statement from the Foreign Secretary next week on what action the government is going to take to make sure that there are free, fair and inclusive elections and minorities are protected," he said. Another MP said that the UK condemned the violence in the country, and expressed "We actively engage with the humanitarian situation and support the interim government on peaceful and credible elections. We have a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, and we continue to stress this to the interim government of Bangladesh. We condemn all acts of violence, whether they're religious or ethnic-based, and we welcome the commitments of the interim head of government to the safety of minorities, um where arrests are made," he said. The statement from MP Blackman and the ensuing short debate in the UK parliaments comes as a wave of communal violence cases have gripped the nation. Earlier, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal spoke on the recurring attacks taking place against minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting the need to deal with these incidents "swiftly and firmly". He made the remarks during the weekly press briefing. Responding to a query on the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, the MEA Spokesperson said, "We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities as well as their homes and businesses by extremists in Bangladesh. Such communal incidents need to be dealt with swiftly and firmly." - ANI The BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance has secured sweeping victories in multiple Maharashtra municipal corporations, including Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, and Jalgaon. Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the win a clear public endorsement of the development policies of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The alliance crossed the majority mark in several civic bodies, with the BJP winning decisively in Panvel and Dhule. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated the alliance will form Mayors in 25 of 29 Municipal Corporations, attributing the success to their development agenda. Amit Shah hails BJP-Shiv Sena's sweeping victory in Maharashtra municipal elections, calling it a mandate for PM Modi's development policies. New Delhi, January 16 Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah on Friday hailed the BJP-Shiv Sena's victory in the Maharashtra civic polls, stating that the win shows people's faith in the development policies of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Mahayuti recorded sweeping victories in Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Dhule, Panvel, Jalgaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad and Jalna municipal corporations while also touching the majority mark in the emerging trends of the BMC polls. In an X post, Amit Shah attributed the win to the state government's development and welfare work. He wrote, "The resounding victory of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the Maharashtra municipal elections demonstrates that the people across the country have unwavering faith only in the development policies of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This historic success is a clear endorsement by the people of the development and welfare work undertaken by the Mahayuti government in the state. Heartfelt gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for this overwhelming support." "Heartiest congratulations to Chief Minister Devevendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP State President Ravindra Chavan, and all the BJP-Shiv Sena workers on this victory," the X post added. In the Navi Mumbai civic body polls, the Yuti won by a thumping majority, with the BJP winning 65 seats and Shiv Sena winning 43 of the total 111 seats. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP won 37 seats, and the alliance partner Shinde Sena won 36 out of 78 seats. In Panvel and Dhule, the BJP got a majority for the Mahayuti single-handedly, winning 55 out of 78 seats and 50 out of 74 seats respectively, while the Sena won two and five seats respectively. Saffron ruled in Jalgaon as the BJP won 46 and the Sena won 22 of 75 seats. In Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, the BJP alone crossed the majority mark, winning 39 of 78 seats while Shiv Sena and NCP won two and 16 seats respectively. Congress won 18 seats here. In Jalna, the BJP-Sena won 53 of 65 seats, defeating Congress, which won only nine. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis attributed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti's sweeping victory in the civic polls to the "development agenda", while stating that the alliance will form Mayors in 25 of 29 Municipal Corporations. - ANI New US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has begun his tenure with a visit to Mumbai and a clear agenda to strengthen the bilateral partnership. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor views Gor's arrival as a pivotal moment to reset ties strained by trade disputes and geopolitical differences. Gor's early actions include facilitating India's inclusion in the US-led Pax Silica advanced technology supply chain initiative. His direct access to President Donald Trump is seen as a significant asset for cutting through bureaucracy and delivering tangible outcomes. New US Ambassador Sergio Gor begins India mission, focusing on trade, tech & security. Shashi Tharoor sees a pivotal moment to reset bilateral ties. New Delhi, Jan 16 Sergio Gor, the new American Ambassador to India, on Friday visited the US Consulate in Mumbai on his first visit to the Indian city. "Excited to kick off my first visit to Mumbai with a visit to our Consulate! Our dedicated team working hard to bolster the US-India partnership," Gor posted on X. Gor presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 14. "Today, I presented my credentials as US Ambassador to India to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. I am grateful to President Trump for his trust and confidence, and proud to carry forward his Administration's priorities. Together, we will strengthen our partnership in security, trade, energy, and technology, building the US-India partnership that will define the 21st century," he posted on X on Wednesday. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor 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. 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. 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 also 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 on Wednesday. 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. - IANS US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has commenced his first official visit to Mumbai, starting at the US Consulate. His visit follows his recent presentation of credentials to President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. Ambassador Gor emphasized strengthening the strategic partnership across security, trade, energy, and technology, noting the "real" friendship between former President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed his mission to elevate bilateral relations between the world's oldest and largest democracies. New US Ambassador Sergio Gor begins Mumbai visit, emphasizes strengthening strategic ties in defense, trade, and tech under Trump administration. Mumbai, January 16 Sergio Gor, the newly appointed United States Ambassador to India, on Friday visited the US Consulate in Mumbai during his first trip to the city. Sharing an update on social media platform X, Gor wrote, "Excited to kick off my first visit to Mumbai with a visit to our Consulate! Our dedicated team working hard to bolster the US-India partnership." Gor's Mumbai visit comes days after he presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 14. In a post on X on Wednesday, he said, "Today, I presented my credentials as US Ambassador to India to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. I am grateful to President Trump for his trust and confidence, and proud to carry forward his Administration's priorities. Together, we will strengthen our partnership in security, trade, energy, and technology, building the US-India partnership that will define the 21st century." Ambassador Gor said, "It is an honour to present my credentials to President Murmu and to serve in India at a time of such promise and opportunity in the U.S.-India relationship. I look forward to working closely with the Government of India and the Indian people to advance our shared priorities in defense, trade, technology, and critical minerals, and to further strengthen the partnership between our two great democracies." In a separate 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." Gor's presentation of credentials came days after he took charge in New Delhi. On Monday, he took the oath of office as the new U.S. Ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in the national capital. Addressing the gathering at the Embassy, Gor said he attested to Trump's friendship with PM Modi as "real" and said that real friends can resolve their differences. "I have travelled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real. The United States and India are bound not just by shared interests but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels. Real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end," he said. "It is great to be here as the United States' Ambassador. I come to this remarkable nation with profound respect and a clear mission: to take the partnership between our two nations to the next level. This is the intersection between the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy. During my last dinner with him, President Trump recounted his recent visit to India and his close friendship with the Prime Minister of India. I hope the President will visit us soon, ideally within the next year or two. President Trump has a habit of calling at 2 in the morning, and with the time difference in New Delhi, it might work out pretty well," he added. Gor emphasised the importance of the strategic relationship with India and said he intends to pursue an ambitious agenda. Prior to assuming his duties in New Delhi, Ambassador Gor served as Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House. Gor is a prominent American businessman and political operative who has worked across multiple government organisations in communications. He served as a communication and research analyst for the Republican National Committee, Director of Outreach for Americans for Limited Government, Press Secretary for the Office of Representative Michele Bachmann, and Communications Director for Randy Forbes for Congress. Gor graduated from The George Washington University and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Affairs in 2008. - ANI Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during a private White House lunch, framing it as a historic return of a symbolic gesture for freedom. The meeting occurred despite Trump's previous public skepticism about Machado's ability to lead Venezuela, as he has also praised the country's interim leadership. Following the White House visit, Machado received bipartisan praise at a Capitol Hill session with U.S. senators who acknowledged her courage while some criticized the administration's Venezuela policy. The Norwegian Nobel Institute states the prize cannot be transferred, leaving it unclear if Trump formally accepted the medal. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Trump in a symbolic gesture for freedom. Washington, Jan 16 Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado said she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a closed-door meeting at the White House, framing the gesture as a historic symbol of shared struggles for freedom between the two nations. "I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize," Machado told reporters in Washington after the meeting. She said she recounted to Trump an episode from two centuries ago, when French General Marquis de Lafayette gifted Venezuelan independence leader Simon Bolivar a medal bearing the likeness of George Washington. "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," Machado told reporters. The meeting took place over lunch in the Private Dining Room of the White House. It marked the first in-person encounter between Trump and Machado. Before the meeting, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the president was "looking forward to this meeting" and expected it to be "a good and positive discussion." She described Machado as "a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela," adding that Trump was eager to hear her assessment of "the realities on the ground in the country and what is taking place." Leavitt also noted that the administration has maintained regular contact with Venezuela's interim leadership under Delcy Rodriguez, saying US officials have found them "extremely cooperative." She cited a $500 million energy deal and the release of political prisoners, including five Americans, as signs of that cooperation. It remains unclear whether Trump formally accepted the Nobel medal. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has previously stated that once awarded, a Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked. Machado's White House visit came amid mixed signals from Trump about her political future. Earlier this month, he told reporters it would be "very tough" for her to lead Venezuela, saying she "doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country." The president has also publicly praised Rodriguez, calling her a "terrific person" after a recent phone call, even as lawmakers from both parties have urged continued US backing for a democratic transition in Venezuela. Following her White House meeting, Machado headed to Capitol Hill for a bipartisan session with US senators hosted by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen. "Maria Corina Machado is an extraordinary person who is completely deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize after having risked her life to bring about change to the Venezuelan government and people," Durbin said. Shaheen warned that "removing a dictator is not the same as restoring democracy," adding that the United States must ensure Venezuela does not "simply transition from one authoritarian to another." Republican and Democratic senators alike praised Machado's leadership and courage, while some also criticized the Trump administration's approach to Venezuela following the removal of Nicolas Maduro. Machado's US visit followed a private meeting earlier this week with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where she sought his intercession for the release of political prisoners. She reemerged publicly in December after 11 months in hiding to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. - IANS Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, thanking him for the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. During the meeting, Machado offered her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump and expressed reliance on him for Venezuela's freedom. Supporters of the opposition gathered outside, praising Machado and Trump while condemning the current Venezuelan regime. The meeting coincided with the US administration's first sale of seized Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado meets President Trump, offers her Nobel medal, and thanks him for the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Washington, DC January 16 Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, marking their first face-to-face encounter since Trump directed a US military operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Al Jazeera reported. Leaving the White House after meeting with Trump, Machado said, "We are counting on President Trump for the freedom of Venezuela". She offered her Nobel Peace Prize medal to the United States president, Al Jazeera reported. Meanwhile, supporters gathered outside the White House on Thursday (local time), urging action against Venezuela's current regime. They were waving flags calling for freedom and political change in their homeland. A supporter, Adriana Molinero, told ANI, "I have been here in the US for three years, and I'm here right now because I just want to go back and be part of the reconstruction of my country. I have a lot of friends who fought, who died, who are in prison right now just because they want to think differently... We just want freedom and want to express ourselves. I want to thank Maria Corina Machado. She has been the greatest leader in Venezuela right now, and to Donald Trump and Marco Rubio for helping our cause." Another supporter, Isabel Hayek, told ANI, "I truly trust in Maria Corina Machado. She's a big representation of the belief of all Venezuelans. She's a real leader... She is going to make President Trump understand that the people respect her, and the people respect him, and unfortunately, the current usurper of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, is not the person that Venezuela needs, wants, and deserves. We deserve Donald Trump, we deserve Maria Corina Machado, we thank Marco Rubio." Addressing reporters earlier, the US President described her as a "very nice woman," but said she "doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country" required to lead the nation. Machado, for her part, had earlier said on the Fox News programme Hannity that she wanted to "personally" thank Trump for the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Meanwhile, 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. - ANI Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez has condemned the US military operation that captured former President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, labeling it an invasion and kidnapping. Addressing the National Assembly, she called the event a "stain" on bilateral relations that must be resolved through diplomacy. Rodriguez called for national unity to confront external pressure while highlighting Venezuela's economic progress and 2026 strategic plan. Maduro and Flores were captured in early January and face trial in the US on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez condemns the US operation that captured Nicolas Maduro, calling it an invasion and kidnapping that must be resolved diplomatically. Caracas, January 16 Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday stated that the US had invaded and kidnapped its former President Nicolas Maduro and the First Lady, Cilian Flores, calling the operation a "stain on relations" between the two countries and saying it must be resolved through diplomacy. Addressing the National Assembly in her first major annual speech since assuming leadership, Rodriguez said the US military operation that resulted in Maduro's capture and transfer to the United States has damaged bilateral ties. "They invaded and kidnapped President Maduro and the First Lady. It is a stain on the relations between the United States and Venezuela, and we said that we were going to resolve that stain diplomatically," she was quoted as saying by media house, El Cooperante. Rodriguez, who was also presenting the country's 2025 annual report, also called for national unity to confront external pressure and reiterated Venezuela's readiness to engage with the United States through political dialogue, despite acknowledging Washington's global power. "Venezuela is under threat and, for that reason, I call for national unity so that we can wage the diplomatic battle. And I say to you: if the day ever comes when it falls to me, as interim president, to go to Washington, I will do so standing tall, walking, not dragged there," she stated. In her address, Rodriguez highlighted the current government's 2026 strategic plan, aimed at preserving the people's aspirations amid ongoing political and economic tensions with the United States. She also called for unity to wage what she described as a "diplomatic battle". Rodriguez also pointed to economic progress, saying Venezuela achieved 8.5 per cent growth in 2025 and reported daily oil production of 1.2 million barrels in December, underscoring targets for economic resilience, as reported by El Cooperante. Her remarks come almost two weeks after the US launched strikes on Venezuela's capital, Caracas and captured Maduro. On January 3, the US launched a "large-scale strike" in the South American country, which led to the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. 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. - ANI Vice President CP Radhakrishnan held a substantive meeting with UK House of Lords Speaker Lord McFall on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Speakers' conference in New Delhi. He highlighted the shared parliamentary heritage and democratic values between the two nations, inspired by the Westminster model. The discussions emphasized collaboration on digital innovation for transparency and citizen engagement in parliamentary processes. The Vice President also proposed joint initiatives on global priorities like climate resilience and women's political participation. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan meets UK's Lord Speaker McFall, discussing democratic values, tech collaboration, and Commonwealth ties. New Delhi, January 16 Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Friday held a cordial and substantive meeting with Lord McFall of Alcluith PC, the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom Parliament, at the Parliament House in New Delhi, according to a release. The interaction took place on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), being hosted by India from January 14 to 16. Welcoming the Lord Speaker to the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President expressed pleasure at his participation in the conference and said his presence underscored the continuing friendship and strong parliamentary ties between the two countries. He said the visit would be productive and enjoyable and would offer an opportunity to engage closely with India's parliamentary traditions, culture and democratic ethos. During the meeting, the Vice President said India and the United Kingdom share a long and complex history, including parliamentary traditions that have evolved over centuries. He noted that India's parliamentary system has drawn inspiration from the Westminster model while evolving organically to reflect India's unique democratic framework. Highlighting common democratic values, the Vice President underlined the shared commitment of both Parliaments to the rule of law, parliamentary privilege and effective democratic oversight of the executive. In the Indian context, he emphasised the importance of freedom of speech with responsibility and cautioned that it cannot be used for disruptive activities. He said these common principles form a solid foundation for mutual learning. The Vice President emphasised the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a cornerstone of Commonwealth relations and reaffirmed India's commitment to exchange programmes for parliamentary delegations. He said India has hosted and participated in numerous inter-parliamentary delegations and suggested that it would be fruitful to discuss avenues for joint workshops, training programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The Vice President said digital innovation has transformed parliamentary operations globally and that India has integrated e-parliament systems, live streaming, and digitised records into its parliamentary processes. He expressed interest in the House of Lords' experience implementing digital initiatives, particularly in enhancing accessibility, promoting transparency, and fostering public engagement. He highlighted the potential benefits of collaboration in leveraging technology to support legislative drafting, facilitate committee deliberations and encourage citizen participation, the release said. The Vice President said the Commonwealth provides a unique platform for parliamentarians to share ideas, learn from each other and uphold democratic standards. He added that presiding officers bear a shared responsibility to ensure that parliamentary democracy continues to deliver effectively for all sections of society. The Vice President suggested that India and the United Kingdom could collaborate to advance key global priorities in parliamentary and multilateral forums. These include promoting women's political participation, strengthening climate resilience through legislative action, coordinating education, especially higher education, as a tool of soft power, and harnessing technology to make governance more inclusive, transparent, and citizen-centric. Concluding the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed India's steadfast commitment to democratic values and said it provides a strong foundation for continued engagement between the two countries. He expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen bonds and inspire joint initiatives that can serve as a model for the Commonwealth and the world, the release stated. Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, was also present at the meeting. - ANI AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan expressed confidence in his party's performance ahead of the BMC poll results, dismissing exit poll projections as not always accurate. Multiple exit polls predict a victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, with the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS-NCP(SP) alliance coming in second. The polls are highly significant as they are the first BMC elections following the split in the Shiv Sena in 2022. Votes for the 227-seat Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will be counted on Friday. AIMIM's Waris Pathan expresses confidence ahead of BMC poll results, as exit polls predict a BJP-Shiv Sena alliance victory. Key details and seat projections inside. Mumbai, January 16 All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen National Spokesperson Waris Pathan on Thursday expressed confidence that the party would achieve "great success" in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls. Speaking to ANI, Waris Pathan said, "This is an exit poll, not an accurate poll, and whatever is being shown, this isn't the first time it's happened. It's happened many times before that something was shown in the poll, and in the end, it turned out to be something else. Tomorrow is the vote counting, so tomorrow the results will come out. By tomorrow evening, everything will be clear. Who won, who lost, everything will be known... We are confident that the people have blessed us with their votes... We will achieve great success..." The exit polls released after the BMC polls on Thursday predicted a victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, with the Thackeray brothers finishing second and Congress and its allies not putting up a strong show. According to Axis My India's predictions, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is poised to win 131-151 seats; the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS-NCP (SP) alliance 58-68 seats; the Congress-VBA-RSP alliance 12-16 seats; and others 6-12 seats. BMC polls were held for 227 seats, and a party or alliance needs 114 seats for simple majority. The Axis My India also made vote-share predictions, projecting a 42% vote share for the Mahayuti allies (BJP 28%, Shiv Sena 14%). It predicted Shiv Sena (UBT) getting 24 per cent votes, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) 7 per cent and NCP (SP) one per cent. The three parties fought the polls as allies. The Congress has tied up with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and Rashtriya Samaj Paksh (RSP) for the civic polls. According to DV Research, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is poised to win 107-122 seats; the Thackeray brothers' alliance 68-83 seats; the Congress-led alliance 18-25 seats; and others 8-15 seats. According to the Janmat exit poll, the BJP and Shiv Sena are poised to win 138 seats; the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS-NCP (SP) alliance 62 seats; the Congress-led alliance 20 seats; and others 7 seats. The poll has predicted a margin of error of plus or minus five seats. The Saam TV exit poll predicted 84 seats for the BJP, 35 for its ally Shiv Sena, 65 for Shiv Sena (UBT), two for NCP (SP), ten for MNS. It said the Congress-led alliance would get 23 seats, the NCP three seats and others five seats. 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. The undivided Shiv Sena was a strong force in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It won 84 seats in the last polls held in 2007 and the BJP won 82 seats. This is the first BMC election following the split in Shiv Sena in 2022. - ANI West Bengal Police have firmly rejected allegations of security lapses during the recently concluded Gangasagar mela, stating the event passed peacefully. They detailed a massive security operation involving 15,000 personnel and advanced technology like CCTV cameras and thermal drones. A Trinamool Congress minister also praised the state government's arrangements, including fire safety measures. Authorities emphasized their commitment to ensuring all festivals in the state are conducted safely. West Bengal Police dismiss allegations of security failures at Gangasagar mela, detailing deployment of 15,000 personnel and 1,300+ CCTV cameras. New Delhi, January 16 West Bengal police on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safety and security during festivals, following allegations of security lapses at the Gangasagar mela. In a post on X, the police stated that the mela concluded peacefully without causing harm to anyone. "Malicious efforts are being made from certain quarters to point fingers at the safety and security arrangements of the Gangasagar mela, which has recently ended without any untoward incident, barring an accidental fire that had caused no harm to anyone," the post noted. The post further shed light on the heavy security deployment and technological measures implemented to ensure safety at the mela. "A workforce of 15000 police personnel toiled 24*7 under the supervision of hundreds of senior officers to ensure that this annual congregation of millions of pilgrims from all across the country passes off peacefully. Safety issues were further bolstered by cutting-edge technology, featuring 1,300+ CCTV cameras and thermal-imaging drones," the post stated. The post concluded with the state police's commitment to maintaining the safety of all such festivals. "West Bengal Police continues to remain wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that all festivals in the state pass off safely and peacefully," the post read. Earlier today, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Minister of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services emphasised that all the state government's arrangements had been praised. He claimed that he spoke with some of the visitors regarding the arrangements. He stated that there were no major issues and that the situation at the premises was under control. According to him, many people from and outside the country came for the holy dip at the site. Speaking to ANI, he said, "The experience of taking a dip in the Ganges River is always great. In Rudranagar, we have 18 fire stations for this Mela (fair). 7 outside the premises and the other 11 temporary fire stations. For this mela, more than 450 officials are working here to ensure fire safety. Ensuring safety is my duty, and I will fulfil it. There are no big issues until now, 1 to 2 incidents have occured but it's okay. The situation is under control. Many people have arrived from abroad. Mostly, people appreciate the arrangements. I have talked with 1 and 2 people, and they said that our government's arrangements are good." - ANI Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta praised the 3rd International Kite Festival as a unifying event reflecting the city's vibrant culture. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena pledged grander future editions to attract global visitors and create jobs. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the festival, urging authorities to form a committee to establish Delhi as the national hub for kite festivities. He emphasized the festival's potential to connect people across India and become a major national celebration. Delhi CM, LG, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah envision the Kite Festival as a national celebration boosting unity, tourism, and employment. New Delhi, January 16 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday described the 3rd International Kite Festival as a wonderful event, saying it brings people together and reflects Delhi's vibrant festival culture. Speaking to the reporters, Gupta said, "Delhi is the capital of festivals, and today, thousands of people will gather in this Bansera park for the kite festival and enjoy the celebrations. I am very grateful to the Lieutenant Governor, who initiated this kite festival three years ago. Since then, thousands of people from Delhi have participated in it. It's a wonderful event that brings us all together." Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said that future editions of the International Kite Festival will be grander, attract visitors from across the country, gain global recognition, and create employment opportunities. "...I assure you that the next Kite Festival will be very grand. People will come here from every corner of the country... Such a foundation will be laid that Delhi's Kite Festival will be known all over the world... The Kite Festival will also become a major means of providing employment to people... In the coming times, more such programs will be organised," Saxena said. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 3rd International Kite Festival, urging the Delhi government and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to form a committee to make the city the national hub for kite festivities, expand the event, and encourage public participation for a grand nationwide celebration. Addressing the 3rd International Kite Festival- 2026 in Delhi, Shah said, "The kite festival will connect people across the entire country, and in the future, it can become a national festival. I urge the Delhi administration and the DDA to form a committee to make Delhi the centre of the kite festival for the whole country, and to work to expand it and ensure public participation to make it a truly grand celebration." Shah also referenced the richness of India's festival culture, quoting poet Kalidasa, "Utsav-priya janah," meaning the people of India are fond of festivals. He said that throughout the year, people across the country celebrate festivals, which bring society together and foster a collective vision, adding that Uttarayan is an integral part of this tradition. - ANI Radha Yadav's superb half-century of 66 runs anchored Royal Challengers Bengaluru's innings after a disastrous start that saw them at 45/4 within six overs. She forged a crucial 100-run partnership with wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh to stabilize the RCB innings. Despite the early collapse, RCB managed to post a competitive total of 182/7 in their 20 overs. Sophie Devine was the pick of the Gujarat Giants bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/31. Radha Yadav's brilliant 66 and a 100-run stand with Richa Ghosh helped RCB recover from 45/4 to post 182/7 against Gujarat Giants in WPL 2026. Navi Mumbai, January 16 A brilliant half-century by Radha Yadav took Royal Challengers Bengaluru and took them to 182/7 in 20 overs against the Gujarat Giants in the ninth match of the ongoing Women's Premier League 2026 at the DY Patil Stadium on Friday. Batting first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were off to a fantastic start after speedster Renuka Singh conceded 23 runs in the first over of the match. Twenty-three runs by Renuka Singh were also the most runs off the first over of an innings in WPL. However, in the next over, pacer Kashvee Gautam removed opener Grace Harris, who was adjudged LBW. Harris made 17 off eight balls with the help of four boundaries. After the end of three overs, Bengaluru reached 30/1. Kashvee struck once again during the fourth over. The pacer dismissed Shivani Singh for four runs. In the very next over, RCB lost their captain, Smriti Mandhana, who was dismissed by Renkua Singh. Mandhana made just five runs. The wickets kept falling as Bengaluru lost Gautami Naik during the third ball of the sixth over. Sophie Devine picked up the wicket of Naik, who scored nine runs, including two fours. Bengaluru, who scored 23 runs in the first over, slumped to 45/4 at the end of six overs. Notably, this was the second time that Royal Challengers Bengaluru lost four wickets within the first six overs in the WPL tournament, after they'd scored 47/4 versus Mumbai Indians in this phase at Brabourne in 2023. Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav stabilised Bengaluru's innings as they reached 80/4 at the end of 10 overs. During the 12th over, Radha Yadav and Richa Ghosh completed their 50-run stand for the fifth wicket. During the last ball of the 15th over, Radha Yadav completed her fifty in 36 deliveries. RCB reached 131/4. The duo rescued RCB's innings as they stitched their 100-run partnership during the last ball of the 16th over. Spinner Georgia Wareham broke the much-needed partnership after she dismissed Richa Ghosh during the third ball of the 17th over. During the 19th over, Kashvee conceded 22 runs as RCB reached 178/5. Sophie Devine, who was bowling the 20th over of the first innings, picked up two wickets. She removed Nadine de Klerk (26 off 12 balls, with the help of four boundaries) and Radha Yadav, who played a fantastic knock of 66 off 47 deliveries, including six fours and three sixes, as RCB posted 182/7 on the board. Sophie Devine (3/31), Kashvee Gautam (2/42), Renuka Singh (1/41) and Georgia Wareham (1/35) were among the wicket-takers. Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bengaluru 182/7 in 20 overs (Radha Yadav 66, Richa Ghosh 44; Sophie Devine 3/31) vs Gujarat Giants. - ANI Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council has appointed Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani as the country's new prime minister, tasking him with forming a new government. The move follows the acceptance of former PM Salem Bin Buraik's resignation, who was reassigned as an advisor. The council also replaced two members affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council, reflecting ongoing political realignments. These developments occur against the backdrop of Yemen's prolonged conflict and severe humanitarian crisis. Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council names Foreign Minister Shaya al-Zindani as new PM, tasked with forming a government amid ongoing conflict. Sanaa, January 16 Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council on Thursday appointed its Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani as the country's new prime minister, following the approval of the resignation of Salem Bin Buraik, Xinhua reported, citing the state-run Saba News Agency. According to Xinhua, citing Saba, at a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the PLC tasked al-Zindani with forming a new government in accordance with Yemen's constitution and relevant laws. Bin Buraik was appointed as advisor to PLC President Rashad al-Alimi on financial and economic affairs. Al-Alimi also issued a decree appointing Al-Zandani as the country's new Prime Minister and tasking him with forming a new cabinet. According to the decree, Al-Alimi formalised the appointment in line with Yemen's Constitution, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative, and the 2022 Declaration of Transfer of Power. Under the decree, the current government will remain in a caretaker capacity, excluding appointments and dismissals, until the new cabinet is formed. The decree also stipulates that it comes into force from the date of issuance and will be published in Yemen's Official Gazette. The appointments come amid the PLC's efforts to strengthen state institutions and advance political reforms, as Yemen continues to face prolonged economic and humanitarian challenges stemming from years of conflict. Earlier on Thursday, the PLC also replaced two members affiliated with the pro-secession Southern Transitional Council (STC), appointing former Defence Minister Mahmoud al-Subaihi and Hadramout Governor Salem al-Khanbashi, according to Xinhua, citing Saba. The move follows escalating tensions in southern Yemen in December 2025, when STC forces seized parts of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah, prompting Saudi airstrikes that forced the group to withdraw. The STC's remaining territory, including its seat in Yemen's Aden, was lost by early January. A dispute over the group's future arose after an STC delegation in Riyadh announced its intention to dissolve. However, the STC's spokesperson, Anwar Al-Tamimi and senior officials rejected the announcement as "null and void", insisting the STC remains legitimate and operational, Xinhua reported. Yemen has been engulfed in conflict since 2014, when Iran-aligned Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 in support of the government, but the ongoing war has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. - ANI News / National by Gideon Madzikatidze HARARE - President Emmerson Mnangagwa's reported bid to extend his term beyond 2028 has encountered resistance, with several former security chiefs declining to endorse the initiative. The ExSecurity Members for Economic Development (XSECM4ED), a recently formed ZANUPF affiliate, is alleged to be struggling to recruit retired members of the Central Intelligence Organisation, the military and the police, reportedly due to concerns linked to their previous oaths of service.The development has drawn scrutiny from opposition figures, who argue that former security leaders should not be involved in political mobilisation."It is unethical for former bosses to compromise their positions and influence currently serving members of the force," said Agency Gumbo, CCC MP for Hatcliffe.Peace and security analyst Sydicks Muradzikwa said the emergence of XSECM4ED reflects attempts to draw former security networks into civilian political processes."That blurring of civilian and security roles raises quiet risks to political neutrality and stability. From a peace lens, such groupings can intimidate communities without ever issuing an open threat," Muradzikwa said.He added that such formations could normalise mobilisation structures outside formal party frameworks."In relation to the 2030 termextension argument, such groups are framed as loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and meant to manufacture consent rather than legality," he said.Muradzikwa noted that Zimbabwe's Constitution clearly outlines presidential term limits, adding that amendments cannot be achieved through political pressure alone."The real danger is not a legal extension but the erosion of restraint around succession norms. Whether the plot succeeds depends less on slogans and more on elite cohesion within the state," he said.He warned that if factionalism deepens, such groups could become rallying points for hardline political mobilisation.Meanwhile, XSECM4ED national chairperson Innocent Chidhumo, popularly known as "Cde 2030 Zvoga", dismissed claims that the organisation had failed to attract influential former security leaders."Our organisation is doing well and it has the blessings of powerful retired military, police and intelligence personnel. Those claiming that we have failed to lure former security chiefs are daydreaming," Chidhumo said.He said the group's push for a term extension was based on its belief in Mnangagwa's development agenda, adding that membership had surpassed 3 500.Vice President General (Rtd) Constantino Chiwenga, widely viewed as a key figure in succession debates, has not publicly opposed the termextension calls. However, he has repeatedly emphasised the need to uphold constitutionalism and has spoken strongly against corruption.Zimbabwe's Constitution remains explicit on presidential term limits, and analysts say amendments would require broad political consensus.Mnangagwa's reported bid is seen as a test of elite cohesion within the state, with the stance of security actors expected to play a decisive role. Observers warn that if internal divisions widen, groups such as XSECM4ED could become focal points for more assertive political mobilisation. 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. News / National by Stephen Jakes A dramatic fallout within Vendors4ED has escalated into alleged violence, with former Bulawayo Vendors4ED patron Tendai Charuka accused of hiring thugs and paying them US$2 500 to assassinate newly elected Vendors4ED national chairperson Sawu Jere. The alleged assassination attempt comes after Jere and the organisations new secretarygeneral, Albi Marima, announced the expulsion of former chairperson Samora Chisvo, former secretary Bright Kwinjo and the suspension of five Bulawayo members for allegedly conniving to misuse part of a US$200 000 empowerment fund meant to benefit all ten provinces.In a letter to ZANUPF Bulawayo Province, Jere and Marima said the suspended members had worked with Chisvo, Kwinjo and Charuka in the alleged abuse of funds.Vendors4ED said three suspects have since been arrested for attempting to kill Jere following his exposure of the alleged financial misconduct.As former Bulawayo Vendors4ED patron, Charuka allegedly hired thugs and paid them US$2 500 to assassinate the newly nominated Vendors4ED national chair Jere. The three thugs will appear in court tomorrow, 17 January, the organisation said in an update.The group further alleged that Charuka stole Vendors4ED empowerment funds and bribed himself out of custody, claiming he remained free while three of the suspects were detained.In Bulawayo, Jere and Marima said Sindisiwe Moyo and several others were suspended for working with Kwinjo, Chisvo and other members to misuse empowerment funds for personal gain.The Vendors4ED National Executive Committee set up a structure for further investigation into the disappearance of empowerment funds. Suspended members until further notice are Sindisiwe Moyo, Sekai Nyoni, Florence Ncube, Kelvin Mavura, Simelenkosi Ncube and Tendai Charuka, the letter stated.Charuka was the ZANUPF aspiring MP for Bulawayo Central in the 2023 elections.Jere and Marima said the former Bulawayo Vendors4ED executive had lied and connived with Charuka to misuse funds, despite Charuka not being part of the official Vendors4ED structures. They also claimed no funds had been received since the 25 June 2026 disbursement date.The organisation announced leadership changes, appointing Jonas Chiro as the new Vendors4ED Bulawayo provincial chairperson. Nyarai Simenti from Midlands remains national vicechair, while Janet Munyoro from Masvingo becomes treasurer and Albi Marima from Manicaland takes over as secretary. New national estimates reveal historic gains in cancer survival and millions of deaths averted, while exposing stark inequities and warning that policy decisions today could determine whether progress continues or stalls. Study: Cancer statistics, 2026. Image credit: Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock.com The American Cancer Society ( ACS ) has published the 2026 cancer statistics in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians , covering new cancer cases and deaths in the United States. The compiled report highlights significant improvements in cancer outcomes in recent years, even for the most fatal malignancies, while noting that progress has been uneven across cancer types and populations. National cancer burden shaped by progress and persistent gaps Cancer is the leading cause of death among people younger than 85 years, and the second-leading cause of death overall in the United States. Although cancer mortality has reduced significantly in the country, several challenges still exist. Such challenges include increasing occurrence of common cancers, persistent socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic inequalities, and a potential increase in advanced-stage diagnoses due to coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) pandemic-related delays in detection. This 2026 report provides estimates of new cancer cases and deaths in the United States, as well as a comprehensive overview of cancer incidence and mortality, by compiling the most recent population-based cancer incidence and mortality data collected by central cancer registries and the National Center for Health Statistics. The authors emphasize that these national estimates are model-based projections and should not be used to track year-to-year cancer trends, as observed incidence and mortality trends rely on delayed, finalized registry data. Cancer survival reaches historic highs across stages The study predictions indicate that approximately 2,114,850 new cancer cases and 626,140 cancer deaths will occur in the United States in 2026. These estimates are equivalent to about 5800 cases and 1720 deaths per day. For all cancers, the 5-year survival increased from 49 % during the mid-1970s to 70 % during 20152021. For regional-stage cancers, survival increased from 54 % during the mid-1990s to 69 % during 20152021. For distant-stage cancers, survival increased from 17 % to 35 % during the same period. Survival was highest for thyroid, prostate, testis, and skin cancers, and lowest for lung, liver, esophagus, and pancreatic cancers, with pancreatic cancer continuing to show particularly limited survival gains despite recent advances. The highest survival benefits were observed for patients with high-mortality cancers and advanced-stage cancers. Between the mid-1990s and 20152021, 5-year survival increased from 32 % to 62 % for myeloma, from 7 % to 22 % for liver cancer, from 16 % to 35 % for metastatic melanoma, from 8 % to 18 % for metastatic rectal cancer, from 20 % to 37 % for regional lung cancer, and from 2 % to 10 % for metastatic lung cancer, reflecting the impact of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and improved treatment delivery. Regarding cancer mortality, the study found an increase during most of the 20th century, which might be due to the rapid increase in lung cancer incidence among men as a consequence of excessive tobacco smoking. According to the predictions, lung cancer will cause more deaths in 2026, compared to the second-ranking colorectal cancer and third-ranking pancreatic cancer combined, reinforcing its continued dominance as the leading cause of cancer death. However, a 34 % reduction in the overall cancer mortality rate from 1991 through 2023 was observed, which could be attributed to reduced smoking rates, earlier detection, and therapeutic advancement, with the relative contribution of these factors varying by cancer type and population. This reduction in cancer mortality has prevented 4.8 million deaths since 1991. Racial and ethnic inequalities in cancer incidence and mortality The highest rates of cancer incidence and mortality were observed among American Indian and Alaska Native ( AIAN ) people overall and in women. Conversely, Black men had the highest sex-specific rates. The authors caution that misclassification of race and ethnicity in cancer surveillance data may lead to underestimation of cancer burden in some populations, particularly among AIAN people, and that aggregated racial and ethnic categories can mask important subgroup differences. The disproportionate mortality burden in AIAN people might be due to the highest death rates for kidney, liver, stomach, and cervical cancers compared to White people. High mortality rates in Black men might be attributed to 24-fold higher prostate cancer mortality rates compared to all other men. These cancer inequalities are largely attributed to a higher prevalence of risk factors, medical mistrust, structural and socioeconomic barriers, and lack of insurance, which limit access to high-quality health care, including timely diagnosis and optimal treatment. Lower survival rates were observed among Black people compared to White people for nearly every cancer type. The largest contributor to this gap is reduced access to high-quality care. The study also highlights the roles of unconscious bias and unequal treatment delivery in widening survival gaps. Lack of diversity in clinical trials further contributes to racial and ethnic disparities in cancer treatment, potentially limiting the generalizability of clinical advances. Existing evidence indicates that Asian, Black, and Hispanic people are less likely to receive a physician recommendation for cancer screening and recommended germline genetic testing. Cancer in children and adolescents Cancer is the second most common cause of death among children aged 114 years and the fourth most common cause of death among adolescents aged 1519 years. Approximately 9680 and 5660 cancer cases, and 1090 and 730 cancer deaths, are predicted to occur among children and adolescents, respectively, in 2026 in the United States. Unlike incidence rates, childhood cancer mortality has reduced significantly from 6 per 100,000 in 1970 to 2 per 100,000 in 2023. Among adolescents, mortality decreased from 7 per 100,000 in 1970 to 3 per 100,000 in 2023, reflecting decades of therapeutic progress and improvements in supportive care. In childhood cancer, long-term survivors frequently experience severe treatment-related health adversities with aging. A threefold higher overall mortality risk has been observed among 7500 childhood cancer survivors aged 50 years or older compared to the general population. This excess mortality is largely driven by subsequent cancers and late effects of prior cancer treatment, particularly radiation therapy, highlighting survivorship as an emerging public health priority and the need for appropriate long-term care plans. Take-home message By analyzing high-quality, population-based cancer registry data, the study provides a valid estimate of the contemporary cancer burden. The findings indicate a significant reduction in mortality and improvement in survival among people with even the most fatal cancers, while emphasizing that gains have not been uniform across all cancers or demographic groups. These improvements are largely due to decades of scientific investment and resulting diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. However, the authors raise concern about proposed federal cuts to cancer research and health insurance, which could hinder continued progress and limit access to life-saving cancer treatment, particularly for populations already experiencing a disproportionate cancer burden. Download your PDF copy now! In the largest Medicare Advantage fraud settlement to date, Kaiser Permanente has agreed to pay $556 million to settle Justice Department allegations that it billed the government for medical conditions patients didn't have. The settlement, announced Jan. 14, resolves whistleblower lawsuits that accused the giant health insurer of mounting a years-long scheme in which it overstated how sick patients were to illegally boost revenues. "Medicare Advantage is a vital program that must serve patients' needs, not corporate profits," said U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian for the Northern District of California, in announcing the settlement. "Fraud on Medicare costs the public billions annually, so when a health plan knowingly submits false information to obtain higher payments, everyone from beneficiaries to taxpayers loses," he said. Medicare Advantage plans offer seniors a private alternative to original Medicare. The insurance plans have grown dramatically in recent years and now enroll about 34 million members, more than half of the people eligible for Medicare. About 2 million Medicare members are enrolled in KP plans. Attorney Max Voldman, who represents whistleblower James Taylor, said the case shows the need for a "continued effort to fight fraud in health care." "It's important to send a signal to the industry, and this number hopefully does that," he said. Taylor, a longtime Kaiser Permanente physician, filed his suit against the company in October 2014. "It was a long, hard-fought case," Voldman said. The Justice Department took over his case, bundled with others, in July 2021. In court filings, the government argued the health plan "pressured" doctors in Colorado and California to add diagnoses "regardless of whether these conditions were actually considered or addressed by the physician during the patient visits," policies that violated Medicare requirements. From 2009 through 2018, KP added roughly half a million diagnoses that generated about $1 billion in improper payments to the health plan, according to the complaint. The government pays Medicare Advantage plans higher rates to cover sicker patients. But over the past decade, dozens of whistleblower lawsuits, government audits, and other investigations have alleged that health plans exaggerate how sick patients are to pocket payments they don't deserve, a tactic known in the industry as "upcoding." The Justice Department alleged that Kaiser Permanente officials knew its practices were "widespread and unlawful" but that the company "ignored numerous red flags and internal warnings that it was violating" Medicare rules. In settling the case, KP did not admit any wrongdoing. In a statement posted on its website, the company said it settled the case "to avoid the delay, uncertainty, and cost of prolonged litigation." The company noted that other health plans had "faced similar government scrutiny" over Medicare Advantage billing practices. It said the whistleblower cases "involved a dispute about how to interpret" Medicare's billing requirements. The civil suits were filed under the False Claims Act, a federal law that permits private citizens to sue on behalf of the government and share any money collected as a result. In all, six whistleblowers filed cases against Kaiser Permanente. In June 2021, the District Court for the Northern District of California consolidated the cases into two, one brought by Taylor and the other by Ronda Osinek, also a former KP employee. Osinek, who trained physicians on medical coding guidelines, filed her case in August 2013. In her suit, she alleged that Kaiser Permanente inflated claims submitted to Medicare by having doctors amend medical files, often months after a patient's visit, to slap on diagnoses that were not treated at the time or didn't exist. Under the settlement, the whistleblowers, known as "relators," are set to receive a combined $95 million, according to the Justice Department. The KP settlement comes on the heels of a Senate report this month that accused UnitedHealth Group of "gaming" the Medicare Advantage payment system, which is called "risk adjustment." "My investigation has shown UnitedHealth Group appears to be gaming the system and abusing the risk adjustment process to turn a steep profit," Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said in a statement accompanying the report's release. Grassley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, said his findings were based on a review of more than 50,000 pages of internal company documents. UnitedHealth Group disputed the findings and has long denied that its coding practice triggers improper payments. The report cited several medical conditions that have repeatedly been linked to overbilling by Medicare Advantage plans, such as coding for opioid dependence disorder in patients who are taking their medications as directed for pain. The Senate report also alleged that Medicare Advantage plans have improperly diagnosed dementia. The report said that Medicare removed dementia from its list of codes in 2014 partly due to concerns over upcoding. After the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reintroduced the code in 2020, researchers found that "annual incident dementia diagnosis rates in MA increased by 11.5%" relative to traditional Medicare, the report said. "Medicare Advantage is an important option for America's seniors, but as the program adds more patients and spends billions in taxpayer dollars, Congress has a responsibility to conduct aggressive oversight," Grassley said. "Bloated federal spending to UnitedHealth Group is not only hurting the Medicare Advantage program, it's harming the American taxpayer." Leading genomic health experts from Monash University are calling for urgent government funding to progress the development of a national preventive genomic testing program that would save thousands of Australians from conditions like cancer and heart disease. This call to action follows a Monash-led nationwide pilot study recently completed, offering free genomic screening to 10,000 Australians aged 18 to 40. The pilot tested for 10 medically actionable genes linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, Lynch syndrome, and familial hypercholesterolemia. The findings are published today in the inaugural edition of the new academic journal Nature Health. The pilot study was led by Professor Paul Lacaze and Dr. Jane Tiller from Monash University, on behalf of a national network of leading clinicians, researchers and public health experts. The study found an estimated one in 50 young Australians carries a high risk genetic variant for breast and ovarian cancer, Lynch syndrome, and familial hypercholesterolemia, making genomic testing and preventative treatment a top priority. But publicly funded DNA testing is currently only available to a limited group of Australians and strict eligibility criteria excludes those who need it most. In fact, around 9 in 10 Australians at high genetic risk remain undetected. Monash's DNA Screen program is working to develop a national screening program that could be available to all adult Australians through the public health system, and is calling on the government to fund the next stage of this vital work. Project co-lead and Monash legal and genomic expert Dr. Jane Tiller said it is a case of life or death for thousands of Australians. We must move towards using genomic information to prevent disease, and giving all adult Australians access to this type of screening. Population genomic screening aims to identify adults at high genetic risk of serious but preventable conditions before symptoms appear. Without this life-saving testing, thousands of Australians miss out on this critical health information and are unable to prevent disease until it is too late." Dr. Jane Tiller, Monash University Researchers are now urging the government to fund the next stage of the project: a 100,000 person translational phase that will help determine the best way to implement a program at a national scale. It would be a lifeline to Australians like Zoe, who was just 12 years old when she lost her mum to breast cancer. In her 20s, Zoe was told she was too young to start breast surveillance, and wasn't eligible for testing to determine if she had inherited a genetic risk of developing the disease. It was only after she enrolled in the DNA Screen program that Zoe discovered she had a high-risk BRCA2 gene variant. She was this week diagnosed with stage 2 cancer and is scheduled for a double mastectomy. "Without genomic testing, I wouldn't have had the backing to be able to push for the increased screening in the first place," she said. "The cancer likely would have gone undetected for a lot longer, particularly as I don't have any symptoms, noticeable lumps, or any abnormalities or changes in my breasts that would have otherwise given them a cause to investigate further. "This has really demonstrated just how important screening is, and I am so grateful that I had a way to access that through DNA Screen. It might just have saved my life." Professor Paul Lacaze, DNA Screen lead and Monash's Head of Public Health Genomics, said there is a clear desire from young Australians with high genetic risk of preventive disease to access public screening, with tens of thousands signing up for the DNA Screen pilot study. "Most of the participants would not have qualified for existing government funded genomic testing," Professor Lacaze said. "If we can identify people early, before disease develops, we can intervene, save lives, and reduce future healthcare costs. "DNA screening has the potential to transform public health in Australia." Monash experts have worked tirelessly for more than a decade to lay the groundwork for a national adult genetic screening program. Dr. Tiller has been instrumental in ensuring protection of sensitive genomic health information and worked closely with the government on the recently introduced legislation to ban genetic discrimination in life insurance, paving the way for programs that increase access to preventive genomic information. To support the campaign for funding to expand the DNA Screen program, visit https://dna-screen.good.do/dnascreeningforall/ Of all the types of breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and lacks specific therapies. TNBC also is more likely to metastasize, or travel through the blood stream to spread to other organs, which causes most of breast cancer-related deaths each year. Until now, tracking circulating tumor cells (CTC), a powerful indicator of cancer metastasis, has been challenging because there are very few markers that specifically identify these cells. Looking to find a better way to follow metastasis progression, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a procedure to enhance the detection of TNBC cells collected from a simple blood draw, sometimes called a 'liquid biopsy,' offering a minimally invasive way to monitor cancer in near real time. This new approach led to the identification of four new proteins on the surface of live CTCs that specifically identify these cells. Capturing live cells is important because it allows scientists to analyze the genetic material of single cells, helping them understand how cancer spreads and how it might be stopped. The study appeared in Cancer Research Communications, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. "We developed a new workflow to isolate and analyze live CTCs, focusing first on mouse models of metastatic TNBC and then testing our findings in patient samples," said first author Dr. Bree M. Lege, former graduate student in the laboratory of corresponding author Dr. Chonghui Cheng, professor of molecular and human genetics and molecular and cellular biology and in the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor. Cheng also is a member of Baylor's Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. The team began by capturing live CTCs, which typically are very few, from blood of tumorbearing mice by separating the tumor cells from normal blood cells. Next, they isolated individual tumor cells and analyzed them using singlecell RNA sequencing, which measures gene activity in each cell. This allowed the researchers to see which genes and importantly, which cellsurface proteins were present in TNBC CTCs. The analysis allowed them to identify four new markers, AHNAK2, CAVIN1, ODR4 and TRIML2, that were present on the surface of CTCs but not in normal blood cells. We are very pleased with our approach to identify CTCs in blood. The new markers detected cells that standard methods missed. When the four new markers were combined, detection improved substantially. Importantly, the new markers on CTCs showed very little overlap with markers on normal blood cells, reducing the risk of false positives." Dr. Chonghui Cheng, professor of molecular and human genetics and molecular and cellular biology and in the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor "We were excited with the results with blood from patients with metastatic TNBC," Cheng said. "In these patients, tumor cells were frequently undetectable using standard markers but became clearly visible when we applied the new marker combination." This study addresses a major limitation in liquid biopsy technology for aggressive breast cancers. Being able to reliably detect TNBC CTCs could help doctors monitor disease progression and treatment response more accurately. Because these markers allow live CTC capture, researchers can study the genetic expression of tumor cells in unprecedented detail, helping uncover how metastasis occurs and why some tumors resist treatment. "Another exciting finding is that the newly identified markers are also expressed in other cancer types, suggesting that this strategy could improve CTC detection across multiple cancers," Cheng said. BCM has a provisional patent on the Enhanced Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Other contributors to this work include Khushali J. Patel, Brendan Panici, Ping Gong, Michael T. Lewis and Matthew J. Ellis, all at Baylor College of Medicine. This project was supported by grants from Department of Defense (HT94252310753), NIH (R01CA276432) and a CPRIT Cancer Research fellowship (RR160009). The work also was supported by the Patient-Derived Xenograft Core part of the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine with funding from a CPRIT Core Facility Award (RP220646) and P30 Cancer Center Support Grant (NCI-CA125123), and by the Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core at Baylor College of Medicine with funding from a CPRIT Core Facility Support Award (CPRIT-RP180672) and the NIH (P30 CA125123 and S10 RR024574). The PRoRota-project will use probiotics, improved education in hygiene and advanced mathematical models to prevent children from dying of diarrhea in low and middle-income countries. Diarrhea kills nearly two million lives every year and is one of the main causes of child deaths globally. Rotavirus is one of the most important causes of childhood diarrhea, and vaccines against the virus have reduced the incidences of diarrhea: However, the vaccines efficacies remain significantly lower in developing countries compared to high income countries." Sabrina Moyo, researcher from the Tropical Infectious Diseases Group, Department of Clinical Science, UiB She is the project leader of the project PRoRota, who just recently was given 5 300 000 Euros from the EU over four years, to try to enhance the efficacy of the vaccines in low to middle income countries. From the Tropical Infectious Diseases Group, Sabrina Moyo, Nina Langeland and Bjrn Blomberg are the main researchers in the project. Used of probiotics to improve infants' gut microbiota The project hypothesis is that the low vaccine efficacy is related to the children's gut microbiota. Moyo explains: "In our guts we have both "good" and "bad" bacteria. The microbiota in our guts is affected by both hygiene and nutrition, and other factors". In a previous study performed at children in Tanzania, the research group found a high rate of resistant bacteria in the gut of children less than three months old. In a later project, they tested the effect of giving probiotic to infants. The hypothesis was that the intake of probiotics would increase the number of "good" bacteria, and reduce the amount of multi-resistant bacteria in the gut: "We observed that those who had received probiotics daily for one month, had a reduction of resistant bacteria in the gut, compared to the control group", says Moyo. The children also had an increased proportion of "good" bacteria in the gut compared to the control group. However, stool samples taken 6 months after the intervention showed that the effect was relatively short-lived. Could probiotics also increase vaccine immune responses? Now, the researchers are eager to see if repeated doses of probiotics prior to standard childhood immunization enhances the effect of the rotavirus vaccination. "Very few studies have looked at how probiotic affects vaccination. In PRoRota we will give probiotics from birth, and for longer periods", Moyo explains. "Our hypothesis is that probiotics can, through improving a destabilized gut microbiome, increase the vaccine immune responses". To test this, the researchers will conduct a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 4000 newborns across Tanzania, Malawi, and the Ivory Coast. The infants included will be randomized to receive four-week courses of probiotics or placebo at birth and at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age, and followed until 6 months to measure diarrhea incidence (primary outcome), immune response to the rotavirus vaccine, and risk of multidrug-resistant bacterial gut colonization (secondary outcomes). The study includes five international partners, from the four countries involved in the project (Norway, Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Malawi). Better hygiene education The project also includes a work package where the researchers will look at the implementation of training for better hygiene routines for the caretakers. "We know that hygiene and sanitation not optimal", says Moyo. Routinely the mothers are given what the researchers call "Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene" (WASH) education, but they have seen that the implementation of the routine is not good enough: "In the study, all groups will receive an enhanced "WASH" education, and we will study what is needed to make the WASH-education work", Moyo explains. Improved cost effectiveness Together with this the group will also look at the cost effectiveness of the different measures. Researcher Amani Mori at the Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care is responsible for this part of the PRoRota project. How will the intervention improve the health costs in the countries? "We know that care takers of sick children spend more time going to and from the hospital and less time working", says the researcher. Sick children will also increase the pressure on an already pressed health economy in these low to middle-income countries. A mathematical tool to predict future outbreaks Another work package includes making a prediction tool to foresee rotavirus outbreaks. Professor Iain Johnston at the Faculty of Science and Technology at the UiB will use temperature and precipitation data coupled with rotavirus infection data in Tanzania, Malawi and the Ivory Coast during the period 2015-2025 to develop a model that could predict the future: "The creation of early-warning systems for outbreak prediction, could be an important tool for the Health Administration of these three countries", says Moyo. The main goal of the project is, however, to reduce diarrhea incidence, reduce the number of drug-resistant bacteria in the gut of the children, and improve the immune response to rotavirus. None of this would be possible without the generous support of the EU, as Moyo confirms: "This funding means that we are able realize all our plans". Partners in the PRoRota project: 1. Coordinator: University of Bergen, Norway 2. Partner: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania 3. Partner: National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania 4. Partner: Association PAC-Ci CI IC, Ivory Couast ASSOCIATION PAC-CI CI IC; Ivory Coast 5. Partner: Training & Research Unit of Excellence Limited, Malawi. Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is one of the most serious complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). It can rapidly progress to multiorgan failure, yet current diagnosis still relies largely on clinical symptoms and histological confirmation once tissue damage has already occurred. As a result, clinicians often miss the optimal window for intervention, and the lack of sensitive, specific early biomarkers has long been a major obstacle to effective aGVHD management. In a study recently published in hLife, Dr. Shunqing Wang and colleagues from the Department of Hematology at Guangzhou First People's Hospital carried out longitudinal immune monitoring in 111 alloHSCT recipients for up to 100 days after transplant. By tracking multiple lymphocyte subsets over time, they found that a distinct population of activated CD38+HLADR+CD8+ T cells expanded dramatically in patients who went on to develop aGVHD. When the proportion of these cells in peripheral blood rose above 36.6% within the first month after transplantation, it served as a highly accurate early warning signal for subsequent aGVHD. To test whether this subset could also guide treatment, the team further analyzed 20 patients with established aGVHD. They observed that in responders who achieved complete or partial remission, the frequency of CD38+HLADR+CD8+ T cells fell markedly as clinical symptoms improved. In contrast, in nonresponders or patients with progressive disease, this population remained persistently elevated despite therapy. These findings suggest that simple, repeated flowcytometric measurement of this subset could function as a "realtime dashboard" to monitor therapeutic efficacy and support timely adjustment of immunosuppressive regimens. The researchers then asked whether directly eliminating these pathogenic cells might offer a new treatment strategy. Using a mouse model of aGVHD, they administered the antiCD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab, which is already approved for multiple myeloma, to selectively deplete CD38expressing CD8+ T cells. Daratumumab treatment efficiently cleared the culprit cells, alleviated tissue damage, and significantly improved survival in the animals, highlighting the translational potential of repurposing CD38targeted therapy for aGVHD. Mechanistic experiments revealed that these activated CD8+ T cells do not rely on classical Tcell receptor (TCR) recognition of alloantigen. Instead, inflammatory cytokine IL15 drives "bystander" activation of CD8+ T cells via the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway. Once activated, the cells upregulate the activating receptor NKG2D and recognize stressinduced ligands such as MIC on target tissues, unleashing potent, innatelike cytotoxicity that contributes to tissue injury. This IL15/PI3K/mTOR/NKG2D axis provides a mechanistic explanation for how CD38+HLADR+CD8+ T cells can mediate damage even in the absence of strong TCR stimulation. Taken together, the study establishes CD38+HLADR+CD8+ T cells as a central hub linking prediction, mechanism, and therapy in aGVHD. A simple percentage cutoff of 36.6% in the first month after transplant can identify patients at high risk before symptoms appear; dynamic tracking of this subset reflects treatment response; and CD38targeted depletion offers a promising avenue for precise intervention. By shifting immune surveillance for aGVHD from "after symptoms" to "before symptoms", this work provides a new paradigm for managing transplantrelated immune complications and may inspire similar strategies in other Tcellmediated diseases. Delhi Blast Case: NIA Court sends Dr Shaheen, five others to judicial custody Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 22:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], January 16 (ANI): A special NIA court at Patiala House on Friday remanded six accused, including Dr Shaheen Saeed, Mufti Irfan, Dr Adeel Ahmed, Jasir Bilal Wani, Dr Muzammil and Yasir Ahmed Dar, in judicial custody till February 13. They were produced after 3 days of NIA custody in the Delhi Blast case.Another accused, Nasir Bilal Mallas judicial custody also extended.Duty NIA Judge Prashant Sharma remanded all six accused to judicial custody after NIA interrogation. They were produced before the court after three days of NIA custody.NIA moved an application seeking 28 days of judicial custody for them. Last month, these accused were remanded in judicial custody.On January 13, Principal District and Sessions (Special NIA) Judge Anju Bajaj Chandana granted 3 days custody of Dr. Shaheen, Mufti Irfan Ahmed, Jasir Bilal Wani, Dr. Adeel Ahmed, Yasir Ahmed Dar and Dr. Muzammil Shakeel to NIA.The court had granted custody, saying, the gravity of offences, nature of investigation and details mentioned in the application as well as in the affidavit, I am of the opinion that it is appropriate and justified if accused persons are further given to the custody of NIA for a period of three (03) days to carry out the necessary part of the investigation."NIA had sought further custody of these five accused in light of the custodial interrogation of the accused persons to explain the code words.It was also submitted that custody of the accused was required for other incriminating material that had surfaced subsequently, following the forensic examination of their digital devices and the data recovered at the instance of the accused persons during their previous police custody period.All these accused were arrested in connection with the blast occured near the Red Fort on November 11. After the NIA interrogation, the accused persons were remanded to judicial custody. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 22:15 IST News agency-feeds Delhi Blast Case: NIA Court sends Dr Shaheen, five others to judicial custody 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... HPC on Ladakh to hold meeting in February, first since Sep 24 clashes Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 22:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) The High Powered Committee (HPC) on Union Territory of Ladakh will hold its first meeting, after the September clashes last year, on February 4, marking the resumption of suspended deliberations between the Centre and representatives from the Union territory. The meeting to be chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai will take place here as Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) continue to stick to their core demands, seeking constitutional safeguards and greater political autonomy for the Union territory created in 2019. The talks were suspended following the violent clashes on September 24 between security forces and protesters demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, leaving four civilians dead and 90 injured. it is conveyed that the next meeting of the High Powered Committee for the UT of Ladakh under the Chairmanship of Shri Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, GoI will be held on 04.02.2026 at 4.00 PM," a notice issued by Deputy Secretary Ruchika Katyal on Friday said. A meeting between leaders of Ladakh and home ministry representatives took place in October 2025 for sub-committee level talks, where the Ladakh representatives had demanded an immediate release of all arrested leaders, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuck, the widely recognised face of the agitation. Wangchuck, arrested under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail. The NSA empowers the Centre and states to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner prejudicial to the defence of India." The maximum detention period under the NSA is 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier. The LAB and KDA have been demanding full statehood with its own legislative assembly to ensure greater political representation and self-governance, to protect the unique culture, fragile ecosystem and land rights of the predominantly tribal population by granting autonomous district councils, two Lok Sabha seats and the formation of a dedicated recruitment body to tackle high unemployment among the local youth, and ensure job reservations for Ladakh residents. On June 3, 2025, following a meeting of the HPC on May 27, the home ministry announced new reservation and domicile policies for Ladakh, reserving 85 per cent of jobs for locals and one-third of the total number of seats in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils for women. Under the new rules, those who have resided for a period of 15 years in the UT or studied for a period of seven years and appeared in Class 10 or 12 examination in an educational institution located in the UT shall be domicile of Ladakh for the purposes of appointment to any post under the UT or under a local or other authority other than cantonment board. PTI ABS ABS AMJ AMJ News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 22:15 IST News agency-feeds HPC on Ladakh to hold meeting in February, first since Sep 24 clashes 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... Investing.com -- U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer criticized Canadas decision to allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a low tariff rate, calling the move "problematic" in comments made to CNBC on Thursday. "I think its problematic for Canada," Greer said. "Theres a reason why we dont sell a lot of Chinese cars in the United States. Its because we have tariffs to protect American auto workers and Americans from those vehicles." The U.S. trade official noted that Canada was seeking agriculture tariff relief as part of the electric vehicle agreement with China. Greer expressed skepticism about the long-term benefits of the deal for Canada, stating, "I think in the long run, theyre not going to like having made that deal." Related articles Canadas EV deal with China "problematic," says U.S. trade official Bowman: Fed should be ready to cut rates again if needed Markets react as Trump moves to keep Kevin Hassett at NEC, not Federal Reserve Pakistan determined to defeat terrorism: PM Shehbaz Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 22:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Islamabad, Jan 16 (PTI) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that Pakistan was determined to defeat terrorism, asserting that the menace of militancy would be thrown into the Indian Ocean". He made the comments during a meeting with senior clerics, representing the National Paigham-i-Aman Committee. We are determined to defeat terrorism, and with the support of the people, we will throw it into the Indian Ocean," he said. He said that militants were supported by the enemies of Pakistan". Noting that more than 100,000 Pakistanis have been killed due to terrorism, Shehbaz said that the international community should acknowledge Pakistans immense sacrifices. He also said that Pakistan demonstrated its strength in May 2025 during a four-day conflict with India. Shehbaz said Pakistan was blessed with vast natural resources worth trillions of dollars, which, if explored effectively, could help overcome challenges such as poverty and unemployment. He said if we use the hidden treasures, all our problems will end. The committee comprising clerics was set up last year to counter extremism, hate speech, terrorism and sectarianism in the country. It has strongly condemned the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan as well as the Afghan Taliban, stressing that terrorism has no justification under any circumstances. PM Shehbaz hoped that the committee would play a pivotal role in strengthening the national narrative against extremism and terrorism. PTI SH ZH ZH News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 22:30 IST News agency-feeds Pakistan determined to defeat terrorism: PM Shehbaz 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 health minister calls for united fight against tobacco Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 22:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chandigarh, Jan 16 (PTI) In an appeal to the young population of the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh on Friday called for a united and youth-led fight against tobacco, describing the states youth as the ultimate architects of a healthier future. Chairing a youth conclave titled Building a tobacco-free generation through promotion, adoption and implementation of new initiatives" here, the health minister exhorted students and young leaders to become role models and carry the momentum of tobacco control from campuses to communities and digital spaces. Punjabs strength lies in its youth. When young minds reject tobacco, the future of the state automatically becomes healthier, stronger and more productive," he asserted. Singh highlighted that tobacco not only affects the human body, but also severely affects the human mind. Tobacco use leads to other harmful addictions of drugs as well as to crime, therefore, we all should come forward to nip the evil in the bud and save our society," he said, according to an official statement. The minister underlined Punjabs pioneering achievements in tobacco control, noting that the state has the lowest prevalence of tobacco use in the country as per the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). He credited this success to stringent enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), early action against e-cigarettes, a permanent ban on hookah bars, and the establishment of free tobacco cessation centres in all districts. These numbers reflect policy success, but the real victory will be when tobacco use becomes socially unacceptable. That change can only be driven by informed and empowered youth," Singh remarked. He also released a comprehensive 10-state study titled Youth Perception in India Towards Creating a Tobacco-Free Generation" to underscore the importance of youth-centric strategies. The minister concluded with a clarion call for a united front, urging every citizen, especially the youth, to pledge for a tobacco-free lifestyle. Let us all resolve to build a tobacco-free Punjab. Our collective resolve today will determine the health and prosperity of our generations tomorrow," he said. PTI SUN MNK MNK News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 22:15 IST News agency-feeds Punjab health minister calls for united fight against tobacco 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... Steel tycoon Lakshmi N Mittal pays tribute to father Mohan Lal Mittal Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 00:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London, Jan 16 (PTI) NRI steel tycoon Lakshmi N Mittal paid tribute to his father, Mohan Lal Mittal, who passed away in London aged 99. He said his beloved father" died peacefully on Thursday evening in London, surrounded by his family; at the incredible" age of 99 and only few months short of reaching his 100th birthday. My father was an extraordinary man, whose strong religious belief and work ethic stayed with him his whole life. He was born into a loving and modest family in a small village named Rajgarh, Rajasthan. Always someone to make the most of his circumstances, he believed that hard work was usually, if not always the answer," he said. The Arcelor Mittal chief said his father studied hard at school and had a strong affinity for commerce. He was a natural entrepreneur, with a vision that was in many ways well ahead of his time. He inspired us to be bold and extend our horizons beyond what was safe. Throughout my life I would seek his counsel and wisdom and even till his last days as his mental strength never wavered. I never stopped discussing business issues and challenges with him he always encouraged me to be bold and ahead of time. For all his business success, he was a great friend to me all the time, remembering cherishing and celebrating all the important milestones in our lives. Family was everything to him, he is survived by 5 children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren and their spouses, and also 22 great grandchildren. He would always call and remember and when he could be present at each ones birthday, wedding anniversary, graduation, you name it he was there. For those who knew him personally, he was incredibly charismatic and a great raconteur, and maintained many close friendships which had been built over the course of his very long life," he said. We all love him, miss him deeply, and also we celebrate his extraordinary, very full life and his considerable legacy," he added. PTI AK GSP GSP News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 17, 2026, 00:30 IST News agency-feeds Steel tycoon Lakshmi N Mittal pays tribute to father Mohan Lal Mittal 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... UK MP flags Hindus' killing in Bangladesh, calls on govt to ensure fair polls Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 12:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London [UK], January 16 (ANI): UK MP Bob Blackman raised his concerns on Bangladesh and murder of Hindus there on Friday (local time).Speaking at the UK parliament, Blackman called on the government to take appropriate action to protect the minorities and ensure free and fair elections. Today, I raised my concerns on Bangladesh.With elections looming, the Awami League are still banned. I am also horrified to see that Hindus are murdered and their temples burned. I called on the Govt to act to protect minorities and ensure free and fair elections. pic.twitter.com/DTTCCgcN2S Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) January 15, 2026 Now, at the pre-recess adjournment debates, I raised the situation of Bangladesh, and the leader quite rightly wrote to the Foreign Secretary about the disastrous situation that is there now. Hindu men are being murdered on the streets, their houses being burnt, the temples are being burnt, and other religious minorities are suffering similar fates," he said.Blackman raised concerns that Awami League, a major political party in the nation, has been banned, while they command 30% in opinion polls.Next month there are due to be so-called free and fair elections. The Awami League, are a major political party in Bangladesh, are banned from competing in those elections despite the fact they command something like 30% in the opinion polls. Equally, the Islamic extremists have called for a referendum which would change the constitution of Bangladesh forever. So could we have a statement from the Foreign Secretary next week on what action the government is going to take to make sure that there are free, fair and inclusive elections and minorities are protected," he said.Another MP said that the UK condemned the violence in the country, and expressedWe actively engage with the humanitarian situation and support the interim government on peaceful and credible elections. We have a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, and we continue to stress this to the interim government of Bangladesh. We condemn all acts of violence, whether theyre religious or ethnic-based, and we welcome the commitments of the interim head of government to the safety of minorities, um where arrests are made," he said.The statement from MP Blackman and the ensuing short debate in the UK parliaments comes as a wave of communal violence cases have gripped the nation.Earlier, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal spoke on the recurring attacks taking place against minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting the need to deal with these incidents swiftly and firmly".He made the remarks during the weekly press briefing.Responding to a query on the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, the MEA Spokesperson said, We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities as well as their homes and businesses by extremists in Bangladesh. Such communal incidents need to be dealt with swiftly and firmly." (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 12:45 IST News agency-feeds UK MP flags Hindus' killing in Bangladesh, calls on govt to ensure fair 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... US imposes new sanctions amid nationwide unrest in Iran Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 05:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington DC [US], January 16 (ANI): Amid the nationwide unrest in Iran, the United States is sanctioning several Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS), the US Department of State said in a statementThe statement noted that, 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"In response, the United States is designating the notorious Fardis Prison, an institution where women have endured cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment," it added.Simultaneously, the Department of the Treasury is sanctioning several Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security (SCNS). Additionally, Treasury is designating 18 individuals and entities tied to Irans shadow banking" networks that have laundered proceeds from Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales. This action also further implements National Security Presidential Memorandum-2 of 2025," it added.The United States stands with the Iranian people, who are protesting for their natural rights. The regime continues to fund destabilizing and malign activities around the world, rather than investing in the welfare of its people at home. We will continue to deny the regime access to financial networks and the global banking system while it continues to oppress the Iranian people," it noted.White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday (local time) said that the US President Donald Trump and his team were closely monitoring the situation in Iran.Addressing a press briefing, White House Press Secretary said, all options remain on the table for the President"The President and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences. The President understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted. The President and his team are closely monitoring this situation, and all options remain on the table for the President," the White House Press Secretary said.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 hed 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) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 05:15 IST News agency-feeds US imposes new sanctions amid nationwide unrest in 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... Uttarakhand govt official, his PA held for accepting bribe Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 00:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dehradun, Jan 16 (PTI) The Uttarakhand Vigilance Department on Friday arrested a government official and his personal assistant, allegedly while accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000. The Vigilance Department stated that it had been receiving information for a long time regarding the corrupt practices of Haridwar District Supply Officer Shyam Arya and his personal assistant Gaurav Sharma. Following a complaint from a ration dealer, the department initiated an investigation and laid a trap. According to officials, both Arya and Sharma were caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000, and the Vigilance team promptly arrested them. The department confirmed that both accused individuals are currently being interrogated intensively at the Haridwar District Supply Office. In addition, the office records and other documents are being thoroughly examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a statement, reiterated the state governments commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. He emphasised that strict instructions have been issued to the Vigilance Department, the Special Task Force (STF), and other investigative agencies to take action against corruption with complete autonomy. The government has been running a continuous campaign against corruption in recent years, which has helped in strengthening the publics trust in the administration," Dhami said. He also appealed to the people of the state to report any instances of corruption through the appropriate channels, assuring them that their identity would be kept confidential. The chief minister further stated that swift and impartial action would be taken against those involved in corrupt practices. PTI DPT HIG HIG News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 17, 2026, 00:45 IST News agency-feeds Uttarakhand govt official, his PA held for accepting bribe 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... Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado meets Trump at White House Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 05:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, DC [US] January 16 (ANI): Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday (local time), marking their first face-to-face encounter since Trump directed a US military operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Al Jazeera reported.Leaving the White House after meeting with Trump, Machado said, We are counting on President Trump for the freedom of Venezuela". She offered her Nobel Peace Prize medal to the United States president, Al Jazeera reported.Meanwhile, supporters gathered outside the White House on Thursday (local time), urging action against Venezuelas current regime. They were waving flags calling for freedom and political change in their homeland.A supporter, Adriana Molinero, told ANI, I have been here in the US for three years, and Im here right now because I just want to go back and be part of the reconstruction of my country. I have a lot of friends who fought, who died, who are in prison right now just because they want to think differently We just want freedom and want to express ourselves. I want to thank Maria Corina Machado. She has been the greatest leader in Venezuela right now, and to Donald Trump and Marco Rubio for helping our cause."Another supporter, Isabel Hayek, told ANI, I truly trust in Maria Corina Machado. Shes a big representation of the belief of all Venezuelans. Shes a real leader She is going to make President Trump understand that the people respect her, and the people respect him, and unfortunately, the current usurper of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, is not the person that Venezuela needs, wants, and deserves. We deserve Donald Trump, we deserve Maria Corina Machado, we thank Marco Rubio."Addressing reporters earlier, the US President described her as a very nice woman," but said she doesnt have the support within or the respect within the country" required to lead the nation.Machado, for her part, had earlier said on the Fox News programme Hannity that she wanted to personally" thank Trump for the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.Meanwhile, 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 Venezuelas oil reserves and recruit American companies to invest billions of dollars to refurbish the countrys gutted oil industry, CNN had reported. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 05:15 IST News agency-feeds Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado meets Trump at White House Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... West Bengal police dismisses security lapses allegations at Gangasagar mela Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 12:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], January 16 (ANI): West Bengal police on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safety and security during festivals, following allegations of security lapses at the Gangasagar mela. In a post on X, the police stated that the mela concluded peacefully without causing harm to anyone. Malicious efforts are being made from certain quarters to point fingers at the safety and security arrangements of the Gangasagar mela, which has recently ended without any untoward incident, barring an accidental fire that had caused no harm to anyone," the post noted. The post further shed light on the heavy security deployment and technological measures implemented to ensure safety at the mela. A workforce of 15000 police personnel toiled 24*7 under the supervision of hundreds of senior officers to ensure that this annual congregation of millions of pilgrims from all across the country passes off peacefully. Safety issues were further bolstered by cutting-edge technology, featuring 1,300+ CCTV cameras and thermal-imaging drones," the post stated. The post concluded with the state polices commitment to maintaining the safety of all such festivals. West Bengal Police continues to remain wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that all festivals in the state pass off safely and peacefully," the post read. Earlier today, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Minister of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services emphasised that all the state governments arrangements had been praised. He claimed that he spoke with some of the visitors regarding the arrangements. He stated that there were no major issues and that the situation at the premises was under control. According to him, many people from and outside the country came for the holy dip at the site.Speaking to ANI, he said, The experience of taking a dip in the Ganges River is always great. In Rudranagar, we have 18 fire stations for this Mela (fair). 7 outside the premises and the other 11 temporary fire stations. For this mela, more than 450 officials are working here to ensure fire safety. Ensuring safety is my duty, and I will fulfil it. There are no big issues until now, 1 to 2 incidents have occured but its okay. The situation is under control. Many people have arrived from abroad. Mostly, people appreciate the arrangements. I have talked with 1 and 2 people, and they said that our governments arrangements are good." (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 12:45 IST News agency-feeds West Bengal police dismisses security lapses allegations at Gangasagar mela 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... Is Today, January 16, A Bank Holiday? See Which States Have Banks Closed Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 09:58 IST Banks in Tamil Nadu will remain closed on January 16 for Thiruvalluvar Day, while banks in Andhra Pradesh will be shut for the Kanuma festival. Tamil Nadu will also have a bank holiday tomorrow, January 17.(Representative Image) Some bank branches across the country will be closed today, January 16, due to state-specific holidays. Customers planning to visit their local branch are advised to check in advance whether services are available in their area. While banks in many states are operating as usual, certain regions are observing closures in honour of local festivals. These closures affect only specific states and regions, not the entire country. Banks Closed Today In These States On Friday, January 16, banks will be closed in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Tamil Nadu observes the holiday for Thiruvalluvar Day, while Andhra Pradesh marks the Kanuma festival. In all other states, bank branches will remain open, and regular services will continue as usual. The Reason Behind Thiruvalluvar Day In Tamil Nadu Thiruvalluvar Day is celebrated to honour the Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. He is known for writing the Tirukkural, a collection of short verses that focus on values, ethics, and everyday life. Tamil scholars widely regard him as one of the most important figures in Tamil history. To mark his contribution to the language and culture, the day is observed across Tamil Nadu, and banks remain closed. Why Banks Are Closed In Andhra Pradesh Kanuma is an important festival in Andhra Pradesh and is closely linked to farming life. It is marked on the third day of the Makar Sankranti harvest festival. On this day, cattle are worshipped as a sign of respect for their role in agriculture. Farmers celebrate Kanuma with great enthusiasm, which is why banks in the state remain closed. Bank Holidays Coming Up Later In January There are several other bank holidays scheduled for the rest of January 2026: On January 17, banks in Tamil Nadu will remain closed again for Uzhavar Thirunal. On January 23, banks will be shut in Tripura, Odisha, and West Bengal for occasions such as Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses birth anniversary, Saraswati Puja, Vir Surendrasai Jayanti, and Basanta Panchami. On January 26, banks across India will be closed to mark Republic Day. State-Wise Bank Holidays In January 2026 Banks in India follow the Reserve Bank of Indias holiday calendar, and not all states observe the same holidays in January 2026. Apart from regular off days like Sundays and certain Saturdays, many state-specific closures are scheduled because of local festivals and celebrations. For example, some cities have closures for Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and harvest festivals. Others will have holidays on days like Netaji Subhas Chandra Boses birthday or Basanta Panchami. Republic Day on January 26 is a bank holiday across the whole country, while other dates may only apply to specific cities or regions. Customers are advised to consult the official RBI list before planning bank visits to know which days branches will be closed in their area. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 09:58 IST News business Is Today, January 16, A Bank Holiday? See Which States Have Banks Closed 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... Infosys Shares Gain 5% After Guidance Raise, ADR Jumps Sharply Post Q3 Results; Buy, Sell Or Hold? Reported By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 10:01 IST Infosys ADRs were the first to react to the third-quarter earnings, closing nearly 10 per cent higher on Wall Street on Wednesday. Infosys Share Price Today Infosys Share Price: Shares of IT bellwether Infosys Ltd., Indias second-largest IT services company, were trading 5% higher in early trade on Friday, January 16, after the company announced its quarterly results post-market hours on Wednesday. Infosys American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) were the first to react, ending nearly 10 per cent higher on Wall Street. In the domestic market, the stock had closed 0.62 per cent higher at Rs 1,608.90 ahead of the results announcement. The company reported constant-currency revenue growth of 0.6 per cent quarter-on-quarter, beating expectations of flat growth. Infosys also raised its FY26 constant-currency revenue growth guidance to 33.5 per cent from the earlier range of 23 per cent. Adjusted EBIT margin stood at 21.2 per cent, broadly in line with estimates, while reported margins were at 18.4 per cent. The company also disclosed a one-time Labour Code impact of Rs 1,289 crore during the quarter. Net profit declined 9.7 per cent year-on-year to Rs 6,654 crore from Rs 7,365 crore in the year-ago period. Deal momentum remained strong, with total deal wins of $4.8 billion in the third quarter, of which 57 per cent were net new. This marked a sharp increase from $3.1 billion in the previous quarter, aided partly by a large contract win from NHS UK. Infosys also reported its highest headcount in 11 quarters, adding 11,246 employees over the last two quarters. How brokerages reacted HSBC HSBC, which has a Buy rating on Infosys with a price target of Rs 1,870, said the companys Q2 performance was marginally ahead of expectations, while Q3 delivered a much stronger beat. This led to a surprise 75-basis-point upward revision to the mid-point of its FY revenue growth guidance. The brokerage said demand commentary improved, especially in banking and energy verticals, and added that greater clarity on AI impact and improving US corporate sentiment are supporting IT demand. CLSA CLSA has an Outperform rating with a target price of Rs 1,779. It said the revenue surprise was driven mainly by the ramp-up of the NHS contract and sustained discretionary spending in the BFSI segment. CLSA also highlighted managements confidence in demand acceleration across BFSI and energy and utilities in FY27, supported by AI-led projects. The brokerage raised its constant-currency revenue growth forecasts for FY26 and FY27 to 3.4 per cent and 6.3 per cent from 3.1 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively, citing better exit rates and improved demand visibility. Jefferies Jefferies maintained its Buy rating with a price target of Rs 1,880. It said the higher growth guidance appears to be driven by Q3 outperformance rather than expectations of a stronger Q4, although management commentary remained upbeat. Jefferies raised its estimates by up to 1 per cent and expects Infosys to deliver a 7.5 per cent recurring EPS CAGR over FY2628. Nuvama Nuvama reiterated its Buy rating and raised its target price to Rs 1,900. The brokerage said Infosys has delivered two consecutive quarters of strong deal wins and growth, providing high visibility for upcoming quarters. It added that FY27 growth will now depend on how the March quarter shapes up, with potential for a better exit rate compared with the past two years. Out of 51 analysts tracking Infosys, 36 have a Buy rating, 13 recommend Hold, and two have a Sell call on the stock. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 08:55 IST News business markets Infosys Shares Gain 5% After Guidance Raise, ADR Jumps Sharply Post Q3 Results; Buy, Sell Or Hold? 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... Given the personal history of Aung San Suu Kyi and that of the country she has worked for so long to make free, it is no surprise that she has reached a grim milestone in her detention at the hands of the military junta that runs Myanmar, with little news about her, let alone signs of her release. She has now, on and off, spent a total of 20 of her 80 years in some sort of captivity or confinement, and sometimes in the most appalling of conditions. That is for two reasons. First, she has long represented the most potent democratic threat to the military rule that has been the normal state of affairs for most of the last six decades. Second, she is, as far as we know, still alive and has not been disposed of by the generals because she is simply too powerful and popular to be dealt with as they might and do treat any other prominent campaigner. Her survival in such circumstances is as much a testament to the latent power she yields as it is her own resilience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By rights, if she wished it, she should still be the leader of her nations government now, and standing for another term of office in the current rounds of elections. But she was deposed as state counsellor (effectively president) in 2021, and it is widely known that the polls are being rigged. Her party, the popular National League for Democracy, is banned from putting up candidates; the political wing of the government, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, is bound to win, greatly helped by the constitutional guarantee of one-quarter of the seats in parliament being reserved for the generals cronies. It is a sham election, as they so often are. This is a story of multiple tragedies. It is Ms Suu Kyi who has won the few free and fair elections held in the country since the first military coup in 1958, some years after her father, Aung San, was assassinated just months before seeing independence from the British in 1948. Instead of democratic parties trying to balance ethnic and economic interests constructively, the country has been riven with tensions and even genocides for decades. Ms Suu Kyi herself has not escaped accusations for her comments about the fate of the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state, many fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh for their lives and giving first-hand accounts of mass killings. For a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, her defence of the Myanmar military before the International Court of Justice in The Hague in 2019 was a misstep, even though UK ambassadors have given the view that this was a potential trap set by the military junta to discredit her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a moment that deserves scrutiny. The naive assumption her critics make is that if she, as head of the civilian government, had somehow defied the generals, resigned or led a campaign against them, then it would have stopped their murderous rampage, and full human rights for all would have been secured. She herself ordered an inquiry into what happened. A supporter kisses Suu Kyi as she visits polling stations in her constituency, Kawhmu, in 2012 (Getty) That was clearly not an option. Outright opposition might have triggered yet more suffering. Her choice, she could argue, was to try to restrain the army as much as she could, or to collapse whatever passed for democracy at that time. Such a debate should be had. Certainly, Ms Suu Kyi should be accountable for her time in government, even if the generals who perpetrated the killings are not. She cannot do any of that from her rumoured confinement in a military prison in the capital, Naypyidaw. At her age, she must be frail and may be unwell, but no one has any real idea about her welfare. Not even her own son, Kim Aris, is told what is going on. For all I know, she could be dead, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Key is the uncomfortable fact that the military regime is being supported by China and has given no indication of any intention to allow free democratic votes and rights. Nothing symbolises this repression more than Ms Suu Kyis illegal, rigged internment. The tragedy of Myanmar is inextricably tied up with that of its most promising and politically gifted leader, whose family have suffered enormous sacrifice her father was assassinated, and her own husband was forced to stay away from seeing her when he was dying. In a parallel history of what was known as Burma, the country could be much more like its neighbours imperfect but functioning democracies, their emerging economies gradually lifting people out of abject poverty. The foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, should therefore follow the example of previous foreign secretaries like William Hague and David Lammy to mobilise allies to pressure the Myanmar regime with sanctions and other diplomatic pressure to release Ms Suu Kyi and order free elections and with urgency. As a pen holder for Myanmar in the UN Security Council, Britain does have some leverage in this matter. There is not that much time left for Ms Suu Kyi to complete the mission of her life to bring freedom to the country she loves. National Startup Day 2026: How Indias Startups Are Shaping The Future Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 07:00 IST National Startup Day highlights Indias thriving startup ecosystem, celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation driven by founders, unicorns and Startup India mission National Startup Day 2026 honours Indian startups, entrepreneurs and innovators driving economic growth and job creation. National Startup Day 2026: Indias startup ecosystem has evolved into one of the worlds most vibrant and promising innovation hubs. To recognise the contribution of entrepreneurs, founders and startups transforming ideas into impactful solutions, National Startup Day is observed every year on January 16 across the country. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, the day celebrates visionary entrepreneurs who play a crucial role in economic growth, employment generation and technological advancement. National Startup Day serves as a reminder that innovation, backed by determination and policy support, can reshape society and create global impact. National Startup Day 2026 Theme The official theme for National Startup Day 2026 is yet to be announced. However, the core focus areas are expected to revolve around: Innovation and emerging technologies Entrepreneurship and leadership Self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) Startup India Mission Youth empowerment Job creation How Startups Are Shaping Indias Future India currently ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with over 1.59 lakh startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of early 2025. Backed by 100+ unicorns, the ecosystem continues to grow rapidly. Metro cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR lead this expansion, while Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are emerging as new innovation centres, adding diversity and scale to Indias entrepreneurial journey. Startups across fintech, edtech, health-tech, e-commerce and deep-tech are addressing real-world challenges and gaining global recognition. Technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain and IoT are increasingly driving innovation, according to Startup India ecosystem reports. Industry-Wise Startup Impact DPIIT-recognised startups have generated over 16.6 lakh direct jobs across sectors as of October 31, 2024, strengthening Indias employment landscape. IT Services: 2.04 lakh jobs Healthcare & Life Sciences: 1.47 lakh jobs Commercial & Professional Services: 94,000 jobs Through the Startup India initiative, the government continues to focus on skill development, funding access, ecosystem collaboration and global outreach. Key Initiatives Under Startup India Capacity building and mentorship Outreach and awareness programmes Ecosystem development events International exposure and global linkages Collaboration between startups, corporates and institutions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 07:00 IST News business National Startup Day 2026: How Indias Startups Are Shaping The Future Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Rain' Check: Top OnlyFans Star Hits Back As Florida GOP Candidate Proposes 50% 'Sin Tax' For Site Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 05:35 IST Sophie Rain, who reportedly earned millions last year, dismissed James Fishback's move as a blatant 'clout grab' According to Fishback, the proceeds from this targeted tax would be diverted towards increasing public school teacher salaries, improving the quality of school lunches, and funding crisis pregnancy centres. (Photo: X) A provocative new proposal in the Florida gubernatorial race has ignited a fierce debate over digital labour, morality, and the boundaries of state taxation. James Fishback, a Republican candidate and investment firm CEO contesting the 2026 GOP primary, has announced a plan to implement a staggering 50 per cent sin tax" on all income derived from OnlyFans. Labelling the site an online degeneracy platform", Fishback argues that the levy is designed to provide a financial deterrent to keep young women from selling their bodies" while simultaneously generating hundreds of millions of pounds in revenue for the states public services. According to Fishback, the proceeds from this targeted tax would be diverted towards increasing public school teacher salaries, improving the quality of school lunches, and funding crisis pregnancy centres. He has also proposed the creation of a mental health czar" for men, suggesting that the consumption of such content rewires" the brains of young men and leads to cultural degradation. By framing the policy as a sin tax"traditionally reserved for products like tobacco and alcoholFishback explicitly aims to use the fiscal machinery of the state to enforce a specific moral standard on the Florida electorate. The proposal has met with a scathing response from Sophie Rain, one of the platforms highest-earning creators and a lifelong Florida resident. Rain, who reportedly earned millions last year, dismissed the move as a blatant clout grab" intended to spark viral controversy for a candidate trailing in the polls. She challenged the moral basis of the tax, questioning how a state can impose a sin tax" on a Christian who believes her work is a personal, empowered choice. Rain also pointed out the logistical and economic flaws in the plan, noting that such a steep levy would likely drive high-earning creators out of Florida, ultimately depriving the state of existing tax contributions. Beyond the personal beef", legal experts have raised serious questions regarding the constitutionality of Fishbacks plan. Floridas state constitution explicitly prohibits a personal income tax, and targeting a specific digital platform for a 50 per cent seizure of revenue could face significant hurdles in the courts. Critics argue that the proposal unfairly penalises independent contractors who already pay substantial federal taxes. As the August primary approaches, the OnlyFans Tax" has become a central flashpoint, highlighting the deep divide between traditionalist social policies and the burgeoning reality of the digital creator economy in the Sunshine State. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 05:33 IST News tax 'Rain' Check: Top OnlyFans Star Hits Back As Florida GOP Candidate Proposes 50% 'Sin Tax' For Site Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Is Humanitarian Trade And Why Indias Iran Exports May Escape US Tariffs | Explained Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 14:07 IST For India, the strategy is to maintain a centuries-old civilisational and economic relationship with Iran without inviting economic retaliation from the US Rapid Read India no longer imports Iranian crude oil and does not export weapons or military artillery to Iran. (AI-Generated Image) When US President Donald Trump announced that any country continuing trade with Iran would face an additional 25% tariff, the declaration sent ripples across global markets. In India, questions quickly arose over the countrys exposure, that how much does India trade with Iran, what goods are involved, and could Indian exports be hit? Asked about the possible impact, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal played down concerns, saying that India had not received details from the US on what items the tariffs apply to. In any case, Indias trade with Iran is limited and largely humanitarian", he said. That clarification has put the spotlight on a term often used but rarely explained, humanitarian trade. Q. What is humanitarian trade? A: Humanitarian trade refers to the exchange of essential goods meant to sustain civilian life, not to generate profit or support a governments military or strategic interests. Under international law and UN-sanction regimes, even countries under the harshest economic sanctions are allowed to import and export certain categories of goods. These exemptions exist to ensure civilians, particularly children, the sick, and vulnerable populations, do not suffer shortages of food or medical care. Goods falling under this category are not subject to punitive tariffs or sanctions. Q: Why are tariffs or sanctions not applied to humanitarian trade? A: International humanitarian law draws a clear distinction between governments and civilian populations. Even during geopolitical conflicts, economic wars, or sanction regimes, the principle is that ordinary people should not pay the price for political disputes. The United Nations and allied bodies monitor sanctions to ensure they do not trigger famine, disease outbreaks, or humanitarian crises. Blocking food and medicine would violate these norms, which is why such trade is generally protected. Q: What items are covered under humanitarian trade? A: Humanitarian trade excludes luxury or non-essential goods. It typically includes basic food grains, edible items, drinking water, life-saving medicines, vaccines, surgical equipment, medical devices, seeds, and fertilisers, goods that allow a country to feed its population and keep its healthcare system running. Q: What does humanitarian trade mean for Indias trade with Iran? A: Indias remaining trade with Iran falls almost entirely within this protected category. Indian exports include rice, tea, sugar, and other essential food items. The pharmaceutical sector supplies affordable generic medicines for cancer, diabetes, and other critical illnesses to Iran. Surgical instruments and hospital equipment also form part of this exchange. Because these exports are humanitarian in nature, they are not expected to attract additional tariffs. Q: How will India avoid US tariffs under the new announcement? A: India no longer imports Iranian crude oil and does not export weapons or military artillery to Iran. With trade limited to food and medicine, Indias position is that punitive tariffs cannot legally or morally be imposed on such shipments. This argument is likely to hold weight even in the US, as the US itself would be reluctant to be seen as obstructing essential supplies to civilians. That said, Indian officials have indicated they will closely study the final US tariff framework once details are formally notified. For India, the strategy is to maintain a centuries-old civilisational and economic relationship with Iran without inviting economic retaliation from the US. Even as it navigates trade uncertainty with the US, India is simultaneously advancing talks with the European Union. Trade Secretary Aggarwal has confirmed that India and the EU are close to finalising a long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with negotiations entering their final stage. The EUs top leadership is scheduled to visit India around Republic Day on January 26, and officials indicate the agreement could be sealed during those engagements. Why does the India-EU FTA matter? For Europe, the prize is access to Indias vast and growing market of 1.4 billion consumers and an expanding middle class. European automobiles, high-end machinery, wines, and advanced technologies stand to gain easier entry into India. For India, the benefits run just as deep. Key sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, and IT services are expected to receive duty-free or reduced-tariff access to the affluent markets of the EUs 27 member states. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 14:07 IST News business What Is Humanitarian Trade And Why Indias Iran Exports May Escape US Tariffs | Explained 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... Couldnt Handle Breakup: 63 Year-Old Married Man Kills Girlfriend, Hangs Self Curated By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 12:30 IST Police say the killing was not accidental. Early findings suggest the act was deliberate, driven by a mix of jealousy, anger, and fear of losing control over the situation. The man, Veerabhadriah, already married twice, was believed to be deeply emotionally invested in the affair and struggled to accept its end. (Image used for representational purposes only) Crimes that grow out of personal relationships often stay hidden from public view until they suddenly erupt into tragedy. What begins as a private dispute can, in a matter of hours, turn into a story that shocks an entire neighbourhood. In many such cases, the warning signs become clear only after everything has already gone wrong. One such incident unfolded in the outskirts of Bengaluru this week, leaving behind two deaths and a trail of unanswered questions. What happened on January 12 According to police, the tragedy began on January 12, when a 63-year-old married man allegedly murdered his girlfriend after tensions escalated between them. Investigators say the woman, Dakshayini had decided to distance herself from the relationship and move on with another partner, a choice that reportedly became the trigger for the violent act. Officers handling the case say the relationship had been strained for some time. The man, Veerabhadriah, already married twice, was believed to be deeply emotionally invested in the affair and struggled to accept its end. On the morning of January 12, he allegedly confronted the woman. What followed was a violent altercation that ended with her death. From murder to suicide Police say the killing was not accidental. Early findings suggest the act was deliberate, driven by a mix of jealousy, anger, and fear of losing control over the situation. After the murder, the man did flee the area. But then, he reportedly returned home and remained there for several hours. Later that night, at around 11 pm, he was found hanging. Investigators believe this marked the final act in what they describe as a case of murder followed by suicide. The motive police uncovered During the course of the investigation, police found that the relationship was complicated not only by emotions but also by financial matters. The man had allegedly supported the woman financially at different points, and disputes over money had added pressure to an already volatile situation. Officers say the accused feared that both the affair and the financial dealings could soon come to light, threatening his family life and social standing. That fear, combined with rejection, is believed to have played a significant role in pushing him toward violence. A neighbourhood left shaken Residents of the area say they are still struggling to process what happened. Many described the man as quiet and reserved, making the sudden turn to violence all the more disturbing. The incident has left neighbours shaken, forcing them to confront how quickly private turmoil can spill into public tragedy. For the police, the case stands as a grim reminder of how obsession and an inability to accept rejection can lead to irreversible consequences. With both the accused and the victim now dead, investigators are completing procedural formalities and recording statements from family members and locals to close the file. Yet beyond the official process, the incident raises deeper questions about emotional dependence, control, and how heartbreak, when mixed with fear and entitlement, can destroy more than one life in a single night. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 12:30 IST News cities bengaluru-news Couldnt Handle Breakup: 63 Year-Old Married Man Kills Girlfriend, Hangs Self 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... Knives Out: 22-Year-Old Man Dies After Being Stabbed 16 Times By 6 Minors In Delhi's Bawana Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 05:07 IST The man was allegedly stabbed after refusing to provide information to the assailants about another minor they were targeting The Outer North Delhi Police have since apprehended three of the six juveniles involved in the crime. Representational pic/PTI A 22-year-old man has been brutally murdered in Delhis Bawana area, allegedly by a group of six minors. The victim, identified as Ranjan, also known as Goppa, was a resident of the JJ Colony in Bawana. According to the Delhi Police, the savage attack occurred around 6.30 pm on Wednesday near the Chhar Ghat area in Narela Industrial Area, where the young man was stabbed at least 16 times after refusing to provide information to the assailants about another individual they were targeting. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group of juveniles had approached Ranjan looking for another minor with whom they had a long-standing personal enmity. When Ranjan refused to disclose his friends whereabouts, a brief scuffle ensued, which quickly escalated into a fatal assault. The suspects reportedly inflicted multiple wounds on Ranjans neck, chest, and limbs before fleeing the scene. He was rushed to Maharishi Valmiki Hospital in Pooth Khurd by his friends, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. The Outer North Delhi Police, led by Deputy Commissioner Hareshwar Swami, have since apprehended three of the six juveniles involved in the crime. The apprehended suspects, aged between 15 and 17 years, were tracked down using a combination of technical surveillance and local intelligence from a slum colony in the Bawana area. During questioning, the juveniles allegedly admitted to their involvement and disclosed the identities of their three accomplices, all of whom are also minors. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) units were summoned to the crime scene, where they recovered a bloodstained knife and other critical physical evidence. An FIR has been registered at the Narela Industrial Area police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to murder and common intention, based on a complaint filed by the victims brother, Raja. While three suspects are currently in custody, special police teams are conducting raids across the city to nab the remaining three minors who are still at large. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 05:07 IST News cities Knives Out: 22-Year-Old Man Dies After Being Stabbed 16 Times By 6 Minors In Delhi's Bawana 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... Lucknow Woman's Jewellery Worth Rs 1.5 Crore Missing From SBI Locker, Cops Probe Gold Loan Angle Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 13:09 IST Babita Sinha of Aliganj has alleged that jewellery worth Rs 1.5 crore went missing from her SBI locker. Police are probing a possible gold loan link Rapid Read Aliganj Inspector Ashok Kumar Sonkar said that initial investigations have found no signs of tampering with the locker. Jewellery worth approximately Rs 1.5 crore has reportedly gone missing from a locker at the State Bank of Indias Kapurthala branch in Lucknow. The incident has raised serious questions about locker security. The locker holder, Babita Sinha, a resident of Sopan Enclave in Aliganj, lodged an FIR at Aliganj police station against unknown bank employees. She stated that she had stored jewellery worth around Rs 1.5 crore in the locker. Jewellery Found Missing During Locker Check According to Babita Sinha, she visited the bank to check her locker on January 12, only to discover that the jewellery was missing. She immediately reported the matter to the police. Police revealed that Babita Sinhas husband, businessman Rajesh Sinha, who passed away some time ago, had reportedly taken a gold loan. Investigators are examining whether the jewellery was removed from the locker for this purpose. Babita Sinha has denied having any information about her husband taking a gold loan. She maintains that the jewellery was intact when it was last stored in the locker. No Signs Of Locker Tampering Found Aliganj Inspector Ashok Kumar Sonkar said that a case has been registered against unknown persons based on the womans complaint. He added that initial investigations have found no signs of tampering with the locker. CIBIL Records Under Scrutiny Police stated that Rajesh Sinhas CIBIL records indicate a gold loan transaction. Authorities are now verifying whether the jewellery in question was used as collateral. This is not the first case of jewellery going missing from a bank locker in Lucknow. Earlier, jewellery worth Rs 1 crore had reportedly disappeared from a locker at the Bank of Barodas Koneshwar branch. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 13:09 IST News lucknow-news Lucknow Woman's Jewellery Worth Rs 1.5 Crore Missing From SBI Locker, Cops Probe Gold Loan Angle 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... Mortar Shell Recovered In Jammu And Kashmir's Baramulla, Safely Defused By Army Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 15:11 IST A mortar shell was recovered in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. The Armys bomb disposal team safely defused it in Rampur. No damage or injuries were reported. The recovered mortar shell was destroyed by security forces. (File photo) Security forces on Friday recovered a mortar shell in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, which was later safely defused by the Armys bomb disposal team, officials said. The live shell was discovered during digging work near an Army unit in Rampur area of north Kashmir. The site was immediately secured, and local police were notified about the recovery, news agency PTI reported. Information was received telephonically by PS Boniyar from an Indian Army unit regarding the detection of one 51 mm live mortar shell during digging in an army units rear HQ at Rampur Boniyar, within the jurisdiction of PS Boniyar," a police spokesman said in a statement, according to a report in the news outlet Greater Kashmir. The Armys bomb disposal squad carried out a controlled defusal of the shell in the presence of police. Officials confirmed that the operation was completed without any damage to life or property. The live mortar shell was safely disposed of by an Army BDDS team in the presence of SHO Boniyar, Insp Hilal Ahmad. There was no loss of life or damage to property during the operation," he added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Baramula (Baramulla), India, India First Published: January 16, 2026, 15:11 IST News cities Mortar Shell Recovered In Jammu And Kashmir's Baramulla, Safely Defused By Army 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 Election Results: Aaditya Thackerays Worli In Mumbai Witnesses 7 Close Fights Curated By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 12:46 IST BMC election results: BDD chawls, redevelopment to Marathi manoos, a look at the key fights in Aaditya Thackeray's Worli Rapid Read BMC election results: Aaditya Thackeray is the MLA from Worli. (PTI) As the counting of votes for the Mumbais Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) results is underway, Uddhav Thackerays son and MLA Aaditya Thackerays Worli is set for seven key fights. Worli is a unique region in Mumbai, which sees a mix of mill workers, BDD residents and the elite. With a high population of Marathi voters, the support is likely to be divided between the Thackerays and Eknath Shindes Sena. While the BJP-Shinde Sena has been speaking about Hindus and Marathis, the Thackerays have made this election about Marathi manoos and pride. ALSO READ | BMC Elections LIVE RESULTS Worli demographics Local class religious power in Worli Marathi speakers: 55-60% Muslims: 20-25% North Indian / Gujarati / Other: 15-20% The major battles in Worli 1. Ward 193: Shanti Nagar Arthur Road Jail Hemangi Worlikar, former corporator and Thackerays candidate again Suryakant Koli an independent, Thackerays branch chief. Pralhad Worlikar, Shinde Sena Abhijit Nagvekar, NCP Ajit Pawar Group The contest: It is mainly a three-way fight between Hemangi Worlikar, Koli and Pralhad Worlikar. The redevelopment issue, and the menace of slum mafia, are leading to increasing religious and regional attacks in Koliwada. The Marathi percentage in this area is 60%. 2. Ward 194: Parel BDD Chawls Nishikant Shinde (UBT) Samadhan Saravankar (SS) Puja Pawar (NCP) The contest: While Saravankar is a key candidate, BDD chawl redevelopment is a prime focus here. 3. Ward 195: Ranjeet Studio Naigaum BDD Chawl Vijay Bhange Thackerays branch chief in the fray Rajesh Kamble of BJP The contest: Marathi percentage 65%; Gujarati 25%; there is also considerable Telugu speaking population. Kamble is an active BJP worker and is well-known in the area known as Upper Worli, Lower Parel. The neighborhood is a mix of middle-class and upper-class. Mill workers live in this area, BDD colonies are in this constituency. BDD redevelopment is underway, but the battle for credit continues 4. Ward 196: Naigaum Police Parade Ground BPT Hospital Ashish Chemburkar was a corporator for 25 years, now his wife Padmaja Chemburkar has entered the election fray from UBT Nilam Kamble (NCP) Sonali Sawant (BJP) The contest: The Marathi percentage in this constituency is the highest at 70%, while Muslims are 15%. Prem Nagar, Siddharth Nagar redevelopment projects are among the key issues. The area also houses high-rises, with tall buildings, Police Colony, Government Colony. 5. Ward 197: Mahatma Gandhi Hospital Bhoiwada Datta Narwankar first switched to Uddhav Thackeray from MNS, now his wife Vanita Datta Narwankar is contesting from Shinde Sena Rachna Vikas Salvi from MNS Shrawani Desai is a rebel of Thackeray Sena, the entire branch has rebelled here. The contest: Jijamata Nagar is an area with a large number of Muslim voters (20%). Redevelopment, Race Course Development, Madras Wadi, Mahatmaphule Nagar Redevelopment remain the key issues. 6. Ward 198: Indian United Mills Nare Park Thackeray groups Snehal Ambekar was a corporator for 10 years. With a change in reservation, the candidate has changed. Aboli Gopal Khadye, UBT Vandana Gawli, Shinde Sena The contest: The main issue is the redevelopment of the chawls, both candidates are outsiders. Delisle Road, BDD Chawl area, redevelopment issue, mill workers area are also the concerns. 7. Ward 199: KEM Hospital Raj Kamal Studio Kishore Pednekar, former corporator and mayor, is now a candidate from UBT Rupal Rajesh Kusale, Shinde Sena. She was earlier the branch chief. The contest: In the Marathi-dominated area, the main fight is between the two. Dhobi Ghat and chawl redevelopment are among the issues. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 12:20 IST News cities mumbai-news BMC Election Results: Aaditya Thackerays Worli In Mumbai Witnesses 7 Close Fights 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... Dahisar BMC Election Results: Tejasvee Ghosalkar, Whose Husband Was Shot Dead During FB Live, Wins Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 18:38 IST Dahisar Mumbai BMC Election Results: On February 8, 2024, Abhishek Ghosalkar was shot dead during a Facebook Live session in Borivali. Who is Tejasvee Ghosalkar? Rapid Read Tejasvee Ghosalkar with BJP's Piyush Goyal. (Instagram) Dahisar Mumbai BMC Election Results: In what was seen an emotional victory, Tejasvee Ghosalkar of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose husband was shot dead during a Facebook Live, has won the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections from ward number 2 of Mumbais Dahisar. The result has drawn public attention and sympathy. Ghosalkar faced Dhanashree Kolge (UBT) and Menka Singh of the Congress. Who is Tejasvee Ghosalkar? She was a BMC corporator originally elected in 2017 from Ward 1 on a Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-UBT faction ticket. Tejasvee also served as head of the Shiv Sena (UBT) womens wing in the Dahisar assembly segment. In December 2025, she quit the Shiv Sena (UBT) and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just ahead of the BMC elections, in a move considered a political setback for the Thackeray-led faction. She is the daughter-in-law of senior Shiv Sena leader and former MLA Vinod Ghosalkar. Abhishek Ghosalkar murder On February 8, 2024, Abhishek Ghosalkar was shot dead during a Facebook Live session in Borivali (West), Mumbai. He was livestreaming with Mauris Noronha, a local businessman with whom he had a long-standing rivalry. During the broadcast, Noronha suddenly fired multiple shots at him, and Ghosalkar was hit in the stomach, shoulder and other parts of his body. Ghosalkar was rushed to Karuna Hospital but died of his injuries. Immediately after shooting Ghosalkar, Noronha died by suicide at the scene. The Mumbai police initially registered the case at the Borivali West police station and later transferred it to the Mumbai Crime Branch. A chargesheet was later filed, based on evidence including CCTV footage and statements from many witnesses, which confirmed that Noronha shot Ghosalkar. The police also arrested Amarendra Mishra, Noronhas bodyguard, on suspicion that the firearm used in the murder belonged to him. The Bombay High Court found lapses in the Crime Branch investigation, noting that some important angles werent explored fully. On High Court orders, the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a more thorough and impartial probe. The CBI has re-registered the FIR and taken over the investigation, examining broader aspects of motive and conspiracy beyond the immediate shooting. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 16:28 IST News cities mumbai-news Dahisar BMC Election Results: Tejasvee Ghosalkar, Whose Husband Was Shot Dead During FB Live, Wins 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... 'People Have Rejected Anti-Development Politics': Eknath Shinde On NDA's Maharashtra Civic Poll Win Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 20:16 IST Eknath Shinde says BMC election results show Mumbai voters rejected anti-development politics, endorsing Mahayutis growth model and for the citys transformation. Eknath Shinde says BMC election results show Mumbai voters rejected anti-development politics, endorsing Mahayutis growth model and for the citys transformation. (PTI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, speaking to CNN-News18, said the BMC election results showed that voters had decisively rejected anti-development politics and endorsed a governance model centred on growth, infrastructure and urban transformation, following the Mahayuti alliances landslide victory. The people of Mumbai have rejected anti-development politics that plagued them for over 25 years, and have welcomed the Mahayutis development politics," he said. #Exclusive | People have rewarded Mahayuti govt for our work in the last 3 years. The triple engine govt will work for the development of Mumbai. We will make Mumbai global financial hub: @mieknathshinde, Dy Maharashtra CM#BMCElections2026 #Mumbai | @RShivshankar pic.twitter.com/nVyEE37kNG News18 (@CNNnews18) January 16, 2026 The Shiv Sena chief also accused the previous administrations of prioritising corruption over development, saying Mumbai had suffered due to stalled infrastructure projects, lack of health facilities, delays in sewage treatment plants, and repeated delays on key projects like the Metro and coastal road. For 25 years, corruption came first. For us, Mumbais development comes first," he said. Shinde said repeated attempts by the Thackeray brothers to unite and stop the Mahayuti had failed. They threw everything they had to stop us and reclaim the official Shiv Sena tag, but the people proved them wrong," he added. #Exclusive | Citizens of Mumbai have proved that work was not done in the last 25 years, only stays were given. Our govt is for development, people want that. People have rejected those who are not for vikas: @mieknathshinde, Dy Maharashtra CM#BMCElections2026 | @RShivshankar pic.twitter.com/GRWVbe2ZvF News18 (@CNNnews18) January 16, 2026 Contrasting past governance with the present, Shinde said the city had moved from a stagnant government" to a progress-oriented government." He added that the Mahayuti would now focus on delivering what Mumbaikars want and developing the city into an international metropolis. On questions about political realignments and the Pawar family coming together against the Mahayuti, Shinde said the verdict showed that emotional or identity-based politics no longer works. People have accepted those who deliver development and rejected those who oppose it. Development politics will work, not emotional politics," he said. Responding to speculation about future alliances in Mumbai, Shinde said decisions would be taken after the results but stressed that unity between the BJP and Shiv Sena was essential for Mumbais growth. The hurdles are gone. Now the focus is only on Mumbais development," he added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 20:15 IST News cities mumbai-news 'People Have Rejected Anti-Development Politics': Eknath Shinde On NDA's Maharashtra Civic Poll Win Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Municipal Corporation Results Indicate NDA's Bond With Maharashtra Has Deepened: PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 19:21 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Maharashtra for strong NDA results in municipal elections, highlighting deepening public support for NDAs governance and development agenda. INDIA-AIRPORT/ Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the NDAs performance in Maharashtras municipal corporation elections, saying the results reflected growing public support for the alliances agenda of pro-people good governance". Thank you Maharashtra! The dynamic people of the state bless the NDAs agenda of pro-people good governance," the Prime Minister said in a post on X, adding that the results of various civic polls indicated that the NDAs bond with the people of Maharashtra had further deepened". PM Modi said the alliances track record and vision for development had struck a chord with voters. My gratitude to the people across Maharashtra. This is a vote to add momentum to progress and celebrate the glorious culture the state is associated with," he said. In a separate post, the Prime Minister praised NDA workers for their efforts on the ground during the campaign. I am very proud of every NDA karyakarta who worked tirelessly among people across Maharashtra. They talked about our alliances track record, highlighted our vision for the coming times and also effectively countered the lies of the Opposition. My best wishes to them," he said. BJP breaks Sena dominance in Mumbai, surges elsewhere The Prime Ministers remarks came as counting trends indicated a strong showing by the BJP-led alliance across key urban centres in Maharashtra. In Mumbai, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena in Indias richest civic body. The BJP-led alliance was set to win around 125 of the 227 seats in the BMC, whose budget for 202526 stands at Rs 74,427 crore. Coupled with a strong performance by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena, the BJP is now in a commanding position to govern the cash-rich civic body. The high-stakes BMC contest had seen the Thackeray cousins reunite after two decades, but early results suggested their efforts failed to stem the BJPs advance. In Pune and neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad, the BJP also surged ahead, moving towards a massive victory and leaving the alliance of rival Nationalist Congress Party factions trailing. Other cities and broader trends In Nagpur, home turf of Chief Minister Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, trends suggested the BJP was on course to surpass its 2017 tally of 108 seats in the 151-member Nagpur Municipal Corporation, with the Congress struggling to make major gains. The Congress, however, registered a notable victory in Latur, winning a clear majority in the 70-member municipal corporation and pushing the BJP to second place. Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra were held on January 15 after a gap of several years, with counting underway on Friday. These included key urban centres such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad and others across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and beyond. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 19:02 IST News mumbai-news Municipal Corporation Results Indicate NDA's Bond With Maharashtra Has Deepened: PM Modi 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 More Traffic Fine Hassles: Pay Instantly With QR Codes Across Delhi Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 11:14 IST Delhi Traffic Police now lets you pay challans instantly via QR code and UPI, updating the system in real time to make the process faster and hassle-free Rapid Read This new system is expected to simplify fine payments, increase cashless transactions, and enhance transparency, as all records are digital. The Delhi Traffic Police has launched a new system aimed at making the payment of traffic fines much easier. DCP Traffic Headquarters S K Singh explained that the primary objective is to enhance convenience for citizens and streamline the payment process. Previously, citizens often faced difficulties while paying fines through government or court portals. Payments were sometimes declined, and people frequently had to repeatedly check the portal or wait in court for their payments to be processed. This caused frustration and delays in updating fine records in the system. QR Code Payments For Instant Clearance The new system allows fines to be paid instantly by scanning a QR code using UPI apps such as Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm. Once the payment is completed, it is reflected in the system immediately. Officials have confirmed that approximately 1,500 QR code scanners will be installed across Delhi to facilitate this process. When a traffic cop issues a fine, the violator receives a message on their registered mobile number. To pay immediately, the cop generates a QR code, which can be scanned with a UPI app. Payment is transferred instantly, a receipt is generated, and the system is updated within seconds. Alternative Payment Through UPI App If you receive a fine notification later, you can also pay via your UPI app linked to your vehicle registration number: Open the app and check the list of pending fines. Select the fine you wish to pay. Complete the payment. Receive a confirmation message on your mobile. In both cases, the payment status is updated instantly on the official government website. Official Warning Against Fraud The Delhi Traffic Police has cautioned the public to avoid fraudulent platforms and only pay fines through the official government or court portals. This new system is expected to simplify fine payments, increase cashless transactions, and enhance transparency, as all records are digital. Last year, millions of fines and notices were pending in Delhi. This system will significantly help in reducing the backlog. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 11:14 IST News new-delhi-news No More Traffic Fine Hassles: Pay Instantly With QR Codes Across Delhi 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... Pune Civic Election First Results Out: BJPs Dominance In Bibewadi, NCP Retains Seat Curated By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 12:51 IST Pune civic election results: Rajendra Shilimkar, Tanvi Divekar and Mansi Deshpande from BJP win, Gaurav Ghule of NCP retains seat. The Congress opens account in ward number 18 Rapid Read Pune civic election results: A total of 165 corporators will be elected from 41 wards of the city. (PTI) The first result of the Pune Municipal Corporation election has come out. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has maintained its dominance in Shankar Maharaj Math, Bibewadi or ward number 20 with three wins, Nationalist Congress Partys Gaurav Ghule also registered a victory. Rajendra Shilimkar, Tanvi Divekar and Mansi Deshpande from the BJP have won. Ghule of NCP has retained his seat. The Congress, too, has opened its account in Pune with Sahil Kedaris win from ward number 18. ALSO READ | BMC Elections LIVE RESULTS The State Election Commission in Maharashtra has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. After nine years, the city residents got the opportunity to cast their votes for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections. A total of 165 corporators will be elected from 41 wards of the city. The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP came together for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections, promising a major push for traffic relief, healthcare, water supply, and affordable public transport. The two rival factions of the NCP came into an alliance for the PMC election and projected a united development agenda for Pune, despite their political differences at the state and national levels. The manifesto promised to fix 33 missing road links across the city to reduce congestion, widen key roads and improve overall traffic flow. The parties said strengthening public transport would be a priority, including a proposal for free travel on buses and the metro, inspired by European cities. This is the first time Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule shared the stage since the NCP split in 2023. Ajit Pawar said that if voters hand over control of the PMC to the NCP alliance, the party would deliver results, not just promises," adding that there would be no elections for the next three and a half years, giving the administration enough time to work. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 12:48 IST News cities pune Pune Civic Election First Results Out: BJPs Dominance In Bibewadi, NCP Retains Seat 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... Bihar Board BSEB 12th Admit Card 2026 Out, Know How To Download Hall Ticket Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 10:28 IST The Bihar School Examination Board has released the Class 12 admit cards for the 2026 theory exams. Schools can download hall tickets online and distribute them to students. Bihar Board 12th Admit Cards are available on the above window. (Screenshot from intermediate.biharboardonline.com) Bihar Board BSEB 12th Admit Card 2026: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has released the admit cards for the Class 12 board examinations 2026. Students appearing for the Intermediate Annual Theory Examination can now access their hall tickets through the official website, intermediate.biharboardonline.com. However, students should note that the admit cards cannot be downloaded individually. The responsibility of downloading the hall tickets lies with the respective schools and colleges. Educational institutions will have to log in using their school or user ID and password to download the admit cards and distribute them to students after affixing the required signature and official seal. The Bihar Board Class 12 theory examinations will be conducted from February 2 to February 13, 2026. The exams will be held in two shifts each day. The morning shift will take place from 9.30 am to 12.45 pm, while the afternoon shift is scheduled from 2 pm to 5.15 pm. How To Check And Download BSEB Class 12 Admit Card 2026? Schools and colleges can follow the steps below to download the admit cards: Visit the official website at intermediate.biharboardonline.com. Click on the Intermediate Annual Examination 2026 Theory Admit Card" link. Enter the valid user ID and password. The Bihar Board Class 12 hall ticket will appear on the screen. Download and take a printout for distribution to students. Downlaod Link Students are advised to collect their admit cards from their respective institutions well before the examination dates and verify all details mentioned on the hall ticket. Bihar Board Class 12 Exam Time Table 2026 Date Day 1st Shift (9:30 AM 12:45 PM) 2nd Shift (2:00 PM 5:15 PM) February 2, 2026 Monday I.Sc 119 Biology; I.A 320 Philosophy I.A 326 Economics; I.Com 219 Economics February 3, 2026 Tuesday I.Sc 121 Mathematics; I.A 327 Mathematics I.A 322 Political Science; Voc 402 Foundation Course February 5, 2026 Thursday I.Sc 117 Physics I.A 323 Geography; I.Com 217 Business Studies February 6, 2026 Friday I.Sc 105/124 English; I.Com 205/223 English I.A 306/331 Hindi; Voc 401 Hindi February 7, 2026 Saturday I.Sc 118 Chemistry I.A 305/330 English; Voc 403 English February 9, 2026 Monday I.Sc 106/125 Hindi; I.Com 206/224 Hindi I.A 321 History; I.Sc 120 Agriculture; Voc Elective (404430) February 10, 2026 Tuesday I.Sc 107116 Bangla; I.Com 207216 Bangla; I.A 307316 Bangla I.A 324 Psychology; I.Com 218 Entrepreneurship February 11, 2026 Wednesday I.A 318 Music I.A 319 Home Science; Voc Elective Trade Paper2 February 12, 2026 Thursday I.A 325 Sociology; I.Com 220 Accountancy I.Sc 136 Security to 144 IT/ITES; I.A 342 Security to 350 IT/ITES February 13, 2026 Friday I.Sc 126135 Bangla; I.Com 225234 Bangla; I.A 332 Urdu to 341 Bangla I.Sc 122 Computer Science; 123 Multimedia & Web Tech; I.Com 221 Computer Science; 222 Multimedia & Web Tech; I.A 317 Yoga & Physical Education; 328 Computer Science; 329 Multimedia & Web Tech; Voc 485 Physics to 512 Bangla News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 10:28 IST News education-career Bihar Board BSEB 12th Admit Card 2026 Out, Know How To Download Hall Ticket 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... UGC Draft Proposes Counsellor-Student Ratio, Mental Health Centres In HEIs Curated By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 12:32 IST A UGC panel has proposed counsellorstudent ratios and dedicated mental health centres in colleges and universities. UGC panel proposes counsellor norms and dedicated mental health centres for campuses. A panel set up by the University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed clear norms for student counselling and mental health support in colleges and universities, including specific counsellor-to-student ratios and the creation of dedicated mental health centres on campuses. According to officials, the panel has recommended one counsellor for every 500 students in larger institutions and one counsellor for every 100 students in smaller institutions. It has also suggested that higher educational institutions (HEIs) hold regular awareness programmes on stress and anxiety to strengthen student-support systems. Draft Guidelines For Uniform Mental Health Policy The recommendations are part of the UGC panels draft guidelines titled UGC Guidelines on Uniform Policy on Mental Health & Well-Being for Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). These guidelines are meant to be followed by colleges and universities across the country. The HEIs shall establish a dedicated Mental Health & Well-being Centre with all required physical infrastructure. The infrastructure will include dedicated rooms/spaces that will provide privacy while making or waiting for appointments," the draft guidelines said. The panel has also stressed the need for periodic awareness programmes on stress and anxiety. Record-Keeping And Data Protection The guidelines also lay down norms for documentation and data handling at these centres. The Centres will have facilities for documentation of sessions held, which will be coded or anonymised for storage. Clinical records may be destroyed as per the rules of the HEIs after a period of one year after the student graduates, as per norms," the recommendations said. Data related to service utilisation may be stored. Contact details for the Centre need to be visibly displayed throughout the campus and the details available on the website as well," it added. Panel Formed After Supreme Court Directions The UGC constituted the committee following the Supreme Courts directions on July 25, 2025, to frame a uniform mental health policy for higher educational institutions in India. The panel is headed by Rajinder K Dhamija, Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi. Under the draft norms, the UGC has been given a central role in overseeing and supporting the implementation of the policy across all HEIs. Monitoring Through MANASSETU Portal The commission will monitor progress through a dedicated portal called MANASSETU. This portal will be used to collect annual reports and feedback to assess whether key objectives, such as improving student well-being and reducing attrition or loss of life, are being achieved. The UGC will also support continuous capacity-building initiatives, recognise evidence-based interventions, and collaborate with the National Research Foundation (NRF), ICMR, ICSSR, and WHO, among others, to develop effective strategies and interventions," the recommendations said. ALSO READ: Bihar Board BSEB 12th Admit Card 2026 Out, Know How To Download Hall Ticket Focus On Crisis Management And Suicide Prevention The draft guidelines also call for strong preparedness and crisis management systems on campuses. By reviewing policies annually and identifying challenges in their adoption, the UGC will also ensure that mental health policies translate into tangible outcomes on the ground," it said. The panel has urged HEIs to strengthen suicide prevention measures as well. Under suicide prevention infrastructure, peers, faculty, and staff should be trained to recognise signs of distress in behaviour and communication, such as abrupt changes in interaction, behaviour or class attendance," the draft said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 12:32 IST News education-career UGC Draft Proposes Counsellor-Student Ratio, Mental Health Centres In HEIs 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... Why UGC Equity Rules Aimed At Ending Caste Discrimination Face Criticism Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 16:18 IST UGCs new equity rules aimed at ending caste discrimination have sparked criticism, with concerns over broad definitions and academic freedom. UGCs equity rules on caste discrimination spark debate on social media. (Image: UGC) The University Grants Commissions newly notified University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 have sparked a debate on social media, with critics questioning whether the rules, aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination, could also affect academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The regulations apply to all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India and seek to ensure equal treatment of students, teachers and staff. What The New Rules Say Under the regulations, caste-based discrimination refers to any unfair treatment of a person solely on the basis of caste or tribe. It covers discrimination against students, teachers and staff belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, whether direct or indirect, and is prohibited in all higher education institutions. The notification also defines discrimination as any unfair, differential, or biased treatment" against any stakeholder, whether explicit or implicit, on grounds such as religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth or disability. It further includes any distinction, exclusion, limitation, or preference" that has the effect of impairing equality of treatment in education or imposing conditions incompatible with human dignity". What Institutions Must Do All institutions have been directed to stop discriminatory practices and promote equity by ensuring fair access to rights and opportunities. The head of each institution will be responsible for implementation and compliance. Every HEI must establish an Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC) to provide academic, social and financial guidance, examine complaints and maintain an online reporting system. An Equity Committee under the EOC will handle complaints, meet promptly and submit its findings to the institution head, with representation from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, women and persons with disabilities. Institutions must also run a 24-hour Equity Helpline, and complaints involving criminal offences will be referred to the police. Monitoring And Action By UGC The UGC will monitor compliance through institutional reports, data collection and campus visits, and will also set up a national-level committee to oversee discrimination-related issues. Institutions that fail to comply may face action, including being barred from UGC schemes, suspension of degree programmes, stoppage of online and distance learning courses, or removal from the official UGC list. What Led To The Criticism Of The New Regulations Online criticism has focused on terms such as implicit", distinction", exclusion", limitation" and human dignity" used in the definition of discrimination. Critics argue that the wording shifts the focus from intent to the effect of an action, raising concerns about subjective interpretation. Definition of discrimination in the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) act of 2012 versus of 2026.See how definitions were changed, made vague, and the act was made more lethal.@EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @MUKUNDAckpura @ArunKumRSS @blsanthosh pic.twitter.com/X8aGOHih3l Harshil () (@MehHarshil) January 16, 2026 Some have expressed concern that routine academic decisions, including grading, discipline, classroom discussions or administrative rules, could be challenged if they are seen as creating a distinction" or limitation" for a particular group. Critics have also argued that such provisions may push teachers into defensive practices, weaken academic rigour and encourage grievance-driven scrutiny, affecting merit-based evaluation and free academic inquiry. UGC Plays Equity" FraudThe University Grants Commission (UGC) issued the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 on 13 January 2026 (link given below). The purported aim of these regulations is to promote equity and M. Nageswara Rao IPS (Retired) (@MNageswarRaoIPS) January 15, 2026 Others have warned that the rules may encourage peer reporting and excessive caution, leading to what they describe as surveillance campuses" and a chilling effect on free speech, academic debate and institutional independence. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 16:16 IST News education-career Why UGC Equity Rules Aimed At Ending Caste Discrimination Face Criticism 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 16, 2026, 21:43 IST BMC Election Result 2026 Highlights: The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance has crossed the majority mark in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), securing a total of 120 seats in the 227-member civic body. Of these, the BJP alone has won 93 seats, while its ally Shiv Sena has secured 27 seats. On the other side, the Shiv Sena (UBT)-led alliance has won a total of 73 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) accounting for 63 seats. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has emerged with 10 seats, while the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and the NCP have failed to open their accounts, winning zero seats each. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis thanked voters across the state, describing the outcome as a historic and record-breaking mandate in municipal bodies. He said the results reflect public support for the Mahayuti alliances governance and credited the victory to the development-focused agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fadnavis also announced that the Mahayuti flag would be unfurled at the BMC headquarters to mark the alliances success in Mumbai. Assuring inclusive governance, the Chief Minister said the Mahayuti government would work for every section of society and remain committed to development-driven policies. He added that the verdict demonstrates peoples confidence in the alliances leadership and vision for Maharashtras urban growth. Calling the result a significant moment for the BJP in the state, Fadnavis said the victory symbolises the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and reflects the aspirations of citizens for progress, stability and effective administration. Maharashtra Civic Elections: Amravati Shocker For Devendra Fadnavis As Kin Loses To Congress Curated By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 13:42 IST Maharashtra civic elections: While CM Devendra Fadnavis relative Vivek Kaloti lost, MLA Shrikant Bhartiya's brother Vivek Bhartiya has also been defeated in Amravati ward Rapid Read The most prestigious contest of the Amravati Municipal Corporation was that of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis relative Vivek Kaloti. (File) In what was considered one of the most prestigious fights in the Maharashtra civic elections to 29 municipal bodies, chief minister Devendra Fadnaviss kin Vivek Kaloti has lost to the Congress from Amravati. All four Congress candidates in the ward won with resounding votes. The most prestigious contest of the Amravati Municipal Corporation was that of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis relative Vivek Kaloti. Fadnavis has suffered a double blow as MLA Shrikant Bhartiyas brother Vivek Bhartiya has also been defeated. ALSO READ | BMC Elections LIVE RESULTS There are a total of 87 wards in the Amravati Municipal Corporation. One corporator is elected from each ward. Any party or alliance needs 44 seats to form the government. In 2017, the Bharatiya Janata Party was the largest party with 45 seats. It is estimated that the BJP can cross the majority mark even now. BJPs Vivek Kaloti was elected unopposed as the standing committee chairman of the Amravati Municipal Corporation in 2018. Elections to 29 municipal corporations are being held after a gap of over six years, with their terms having ended between 2020 and 2023. Of these, nine fall within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the most urbanised belt in India. The battlegrounds include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Mumbai, Solapur, Amravati, Akola, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Ulhasnagar, Thane, Chandrapur, Parbhani, Mira-Bhayandar, Nanded-Waghala, Panvel, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Latur, Malegaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Jalgaon, Ahilyanagar, Dhule, Jalna and Ichalkaranji. Chief Minister Fadnavis, along with his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, campaigned extensively across Maharashtra, while cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray concentrated their efforts on Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where Uddhav held a rally. Fadnavis on Thursday appealed to the people to turn out in large numbers to vote in the civic polls, saying widespread participation was key to building better cities. Speaking to reporters after exercising his franchise in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation polls, Fadnavis said not voting amounts to a dereliction of responsibility. I appeal to everyone to come out and vote to create better cities," he said. ALSO READ | BMC Election Results: Aaditya Thackerays Worli In Mumbai Witnesses 7 Close Fights Fadnavis slammed the Opposition for casting doubts on institutions like the State Election Commission. They should write a new script and stop practising what they will speak tomorrow after defeat. Our win is sure in all the 29 corporations," the senior BJP leader said. Fadnavis also said that the Oppositions criticism of the Printing Auxiliary Display (PAD) units during the civic elections was unnecessary, and asserted that the machines will be used if the EVMs do not function. There will be data stored in the PAD units, he added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 13:36 IST News elections Maharashtra Civic Elections: Amravati Shocker For Devendra Fadnavis As Kin Loses To Congress 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... My Jailed Son, Husband & Mother-In-Law Have Won: Jalgaon Familys Emotional Celebration Goes Viral Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 14:58 IST Maharashtra civic elections: Lalit Kolhe, who contested from jail, Sindhutai Kolhe and Piyush Lalit Kolhe secured a win in the Jalgaon Municipal Corporation (JMC) Rapid Read Maharashtra civic elections: The Kolhes celebrate their win. Maharashtras Kolhe family shared an emotional moment as three from the family jailed Lalit Kolhe, Sindhutai Kolhe and Piyush Lalit Kolhe secured a win in the Jalgaon Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Friday. Lalit Kolhe, the Shiv Sena candidate, had contested from jail after he was arrested in September in relation to a fake call centre scam. While being a member of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Lalit Kolhe had also served as the mayor of Jalgaon in 2018. ALSO READ | Sanglis Couple Of Joys In Maharashtra Civic Polls: Husband, Wife Contest On Congress Tickets, Win BJP leader Seema Bhole took charge as mayor from 2018 to 2021. Since 2021, Jayshree Mahajan of Shiv Sena has been the mayor of JMC. Speaking to ANI while celebrating, Piyush Kolhe, who won ward number 4 in Jalgaon, said that they have achieved a victory after a lot of people tried to pull us down". Three members of our family won the election. Like my mother said, voters have shown their love for Lalit Kolhe. For the past 15-20 days, people tried to pull us down but truth always triumphs," Piyush Kolhe told ANI. Sarita Kolhe, the mother of accused Lalit Kolhe had pleged to not wear slippers until her son is out of jail. While celebrating the win, she thanked the public for making her family members win the election, adding, He is in jail. Disgusting allegations were made against him. Our voters have broken down the doors of the jail. They showered their blessings on us in the form of votes Shiv Sena candidates from ward no. 11, including Sindhutai Kolhe and Lalit Kolhe. Piyush Kolhe from ward no. 4. My son, husband and mother-in-law have won the election." You can see that neither of us has even worn slippers (as they had pledged)We have not worn slippers since he (Lalit Kolhe) was arrested. I had said that I will wear slippers once he comes back, but public made everything possible," she added. ALSO READ | Maharashtra Civic Elections: Amravati Shocker For Devendra Fadnavis As Kin Loses To Congress A total of 29 municipal corporations went to polls on Thursday, with counting for all of the local bodies happening today. With ANI Inputs News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Jalgaon, India, India First Published: January 16, 2026, 14:44 IST News elections My Jailed Son, Husband & Mother-In-Law Have Won: Jalgaon Familys Emotional Celebration 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... Saffron Skies Over Maharashtra Metro Cities As BJP Packs Off Thackeray Rule Into The Sunset Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 07:42 IST The ruling side says this sweep is expected to fast-track several stalled urban infrastructure projects, including new metro lines and coastal road extensions The alliance successfully crossed the halfway mark in the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), ending decades of unilateral dominance by the Thackeray family and marking a historic shift in the administration of India's richest civic body. (File pic/PTI) The political landscape of urban Maharashtra underwent a significant realignment on Friday as the ruling Mahayuti alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a resounding victory across the states major municipal corporations. Following a high-stakes polling day on Thursday, the counting of votes revealed a clear urban mandate in favour of the ruling side. The alliance successfully crossed the halfway mark in the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), ending decades of unilateral dominance by the Thackeray family and marking a historic shift in the administration of Indias richest civic body. The BJP emerged as the undisputed big brother" of the alliance, demonstrating formidable strength in the states secondary urban hubs. In Nagpur, the party maintained its traditional stronghold, leading in over 80 wards and leaving the Congress a distant second. Similar trends were observed in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune, where the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party had broken away from the Mahayuti to fight the polls with uncle Sharad Pawars NCP (SP). The BJP-led combine successfully warded off their spirited challenge and Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT). Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, celebrating the results at the state BJP headquarters in Mumbai, described the victory as a mahavijay" (grand victory) and a testament to the voters faith in the development-led politics championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The results provide a crucial lifeline for Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whose faction of the Shiv Sena performed strongly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The Shinde-led Sena recorded significant wins in Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, and several wards in suburban Mumbai, effectively challenging the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) in its own backyard. Shinde remarked that the mandate proves the real" Shiv Sena is the one focused on development and ground-level connectivity rather than legacy alone. The alliances performance in Navi Mumbai was equally dominant, with the BJP crossing the majority mark independently in the 109-member house, further cementing its grip on the industrial and satellite towns surrounding Mumbai. For the opposition, the urban results present a sobering reality check. Despite a high-decibel campaign and a rare show of unity between cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray in Mumbai, the combine struggled to convert crowd enthusiasm into seats. While the Shiv Sena (UBT) maintained a respectable presence in central Mumbai and parts of the Konkan belt, the Congress and the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP were largely confined to specific pockets like Latur and parts of Kolhapur. The opposition has raised concerns over the indelible ink" controversy and alleged electronic voting machine (EVM) irregularities, but the State Election Commission has largely dismissed these claims, noting that the voter turnout of nearly 53 per cent reflected a healthy democratic engagement. As the final tallies are formalised, the Mahayutis control over 25 out of the 29 municipal corporations that went to polls signals a massive consolidation of power ahead of the next legislative cycle. The ruling side says this sweep is expected to fast-track several stalled urban infrastructure projects, including new metro lines and coastal road extensions, which were centrepieces of the alliances manifesto. For the residents of Maharashtras bustling metros, the 2026 civic polls have delivered a clear verdict: a preference for the stability and resource-backing of the ruling coalition, effectively redrawing the map of urban power in the state for the next five years. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 18:24 IST News elections Saffron Skies Over Maharashtra Metro Cities As BJP Packs Off Thackeray Rule Into The Sunset Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Chinese flavors win hearts worldwide People's Daily Online) 13:40, January 16, 2026 Chinese specialty delicacies, once relatively unknown abroad, are winning over consumers worldwide with their unique flavors as they make their mark in international markets. River snail rice noodles rise from street snack to global delicacy As night settles over Johor Bahru, Malaysia, the streets remain alive with energy, with the mouthwatering scent of river snail rice noodles drifting from a restaurant. Inside, 11 waiters navigate between tables, serving diners. To cater to the tastes of consumers in ASEAN countries, the restaurant has introduced stir-fried river snail rice noodles and chilled river snail rice noodles, both of which have become very popular, said Qiu Qihao, brand general manager and founder of Huangguanluo, a river snail rice noodle brand in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Photo shows a river snail rice noodle restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo/Zhang Zhongmou) "I've opened 15 river snail rice noodle restaurants in Malaysia and Vietnam, and we're currently scouting locations for one in Singapore," Qiu said. In China, more than 50,000 Liuzhou river snail rice noodle restaurants are in operation, and the pre-packaged version is sold in over 30 countries and regions. From 2021 to 2024, exports of river snail rice noodles rose from 52.56 million yuan ($7.5 million) to over 87.32 million yuan. In the R&D lab of Guangxi Luobawang Food Co., Ltd., Chairman Yao Hanlin presents a new recipe where the broth, previously sour and spicy, has been adjusted to better suit European tastes. "We've fine-tuned the flavor to meet European standards, and the cooking time for the packaged rice noodles is now just five minutes. Our goal is to keep the Liuzhou flavor while making it easier for foreign consumers to enjoy," said Yao. Today, Luobawang has established a sales network spanning over 30 countries and regions, with total exports reaching approximately $20 million. Liuzhou has implemented a series of policies in recent years to assist river snail rice noodle producers in navigating international trade standards. "Liuzhou River Snail Rice Noodle" has been registered as a geographical indication and international trademark in 26 countries. Meanwhile, over 300 related brands are leveraging this global recognition to expand overseas. Preserved eggs win big market Right after the New Year's holiday, the production workshop at Hubei Shendan Health Food Co., Ltd. in Anlu, central China's Hubei Province, was buzzing with activity. Duck eggs are cleaned and pickled, and after more than 60 days, they are transformed into preserved eggs. The company exports 20 percent of its preserved eggs to overseas markets, said Yuan Jinyou, factory manager at the company. International students taste preserved eggs at Hubei Shendan Health Food Co., Ltd. in Anlu, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo/Zhang Susheng) At the company's ecological farm, the ducks are active and lively. "To ensure the ducks have space to move freely, each one gets around 0.4 square meters, which is seven times the space of conventional caged ducks," said Tian Chuanwu, the company's duck farm manager. The ducks are housed in clean, carefully controlled conditions, with their feed precisely balanced and their drinking water purified. The quality of the ducks directly affects the quality of the eggs, which in turn guarantees the exceptional taste of the preserved eggs. Because of their superior quality, the company's preserved eggs are priced slightly higher than similar products. "A box of six preserved eggs sells for $2.99, while others sell theirs for $1.99," explained Yuan. The company now offers over 100 products and is rapidly expanding its global presence. "In 2025, we exported preserved eggs to over 30 countries and regions, with export sales reaching $10 million," said Tang Jianhong, deputy general manager of the company. Fermented bean curd captivates hearts of consumers worldwide "At first, I found the taste of fermented bean curd a bit odd, but after trying it a few times, I discovered it has a unique flavor. Spread it on bread, and it's just as delicious as cheese," said Lisa from the U.K., enjoying fermented bean curd at a restaurant in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province. For many in Shaoxing, breakfast just wouldn't be the same without the local favorite, Xianheng fermented bean curd. Infused with the distinctive flavor of Shaoxing rice wine, Xianheng fermented bean curd has built a solid reputation and has become a beloved dish among foreign consumers as well. "This is our newest low-salt fermented bean curd, and the market response has been fantastic," said Li Hua, general manager of Shaoxing Xianheng Food Co., Ltd. To enhance both texture and flavor, the company has drastically reduced the salt content during fermentation. The new low-salt version cuts salt by 30 percent, with each block containing less than 0.55 grams of salt. Photo shows fermented bean curd made by Shaoxing Xianheng Food Co., Ltd. in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo courtesy of Shaoxing Xianheng Food Co., Ltd.) In the company's showroom, Yu Minying, the foreign trade manager, presents a sauce that has become a hit in Spain. "For seafood enthusiasts in Europe, this seasoning brings a perfect balance of salty and savory with a touch of sweetness. We're confident it will be a standout product in international markets," Yu said. Today, Shaoxing Xianheng Food Co., Ltd. continues to refine its fermentation techniques while expanding its reach globally. The brand is now present in over 10 countries and regions, including Europe, the U.S. and Southeast Asia. In 2025, the company exported around 1,000 tonnes of fermented bean curd, with overseas revenue surpassing 20 million yuan. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Maharashtra Civic Elections: How Devendra Fadnavis, Ravindra Chavan Engineered BJPs Sweep Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 09:15 IST Political observers note that the seamless sync between Fadnaviss administration and Chavans organisational machinery was a decisive factor behind this unprecedented performance Chavans grasp of urban politics and his emphasis on preparedness complement Fadnavis governance-driven leadership style. Image/News18 The results of the municipal corporation elections have delivered a clear political message from urban Maharashtra. Voters have decisively endorsed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis vision of a Developed Maharashtra", rewarding not just promises, but a leadership model that combines governance with political clarity. This was not a routine civic victoryit was a statement of confidence in direction, delivery, and decisiveness. Equally central to this success has been the role of BJP Maharashtra president Ravindra Chavan, whose deep understanding of urban voter behaviour and organisational discipline shaped the partys campaign on the ground. When Chavan took charge of the state unit last January, he set an ambitious target of enrolling 1.5 crore primary members. Achieving that goal early ensured the party entered the civic elections with a strong organisational base, effectively winning half the battle even before polling began. The BJPs strength has always rested on its ability to align policy with execution. From candidate selection to booth-level planning, and from rally scheduling to identifying opposition vulnerabilities, the coordination between the government and the party organisation stood out. Political observers note that the seamless sync between Fadnaviss administration and Chavans organisational machinery was a decisive factor behind this unprecedented performance. Throughout the campaign, Ravindra Chavan faced repeated personal attacks from the oppositionranging from his statements to his appearance. However, he chose not to be distracted. Instead, he allowed the opposition to remain trapped in non-issues while the BJP stayed focused on development, governance, and voter outreach. The election results have made it clear that such personal criticism carried little weight with the electorate. With over 25 years in public life, Chavan has steadily evolved through criticism and challenge. His tenure as Public Works Minister, during which he travelled extensively across Maharashtra, helped him build strong grassroots networks. Those connectionsformed through development work and constant engagementproved invaluable during the civic polls, especially in urban pockets where organisational strength often determines outcomes. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is aware of the value of a party president who is available 24/7, politically alert, and permanently election-ready. Chavans grasp of urban politics and his emphasis on preparedness complement Fadnavis governance-driven leadership style. Together, they represent a political model that blends vision with execution. In a landmark outcome in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the BJP, along with its ally Shiv Sena, secured control of Indias wealthiest civic body on Friday. The BJP also emerged as the single-largest party in 19 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra, taking the total number of urban civic bodies where it is poised to install a mayor to 20. With the support of its allies, the BJP-led NDA has secured a majority in 23 of the 29 municipal corporations that went to polls on Thursday. Among the major wins were Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where the BJP outperformed its own allythe Ajit Pawar-led NCPwhich had contested in alliance with the Opposition NCP (SP) headed by Sharad Pawar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked voters in Mumbai and across Maharashtra, describing the city as the pride of the nation" and a symbol of aspiration and growth. In a post on X, he said Mumbai reflects the best of Maharashtras vibrant culture and assured citizens of good governance and improved ease of living under the NDA. In a separate message, Modi expressed gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for endorsing the NDAs development agenda. He said the municipal results showed a deepening bond between the alliance and the electorate, adding that the mandate reflected trust in the governments track record and vision for progress. The BJPs performance marked a significant improvement over its 2017 showing, when it had won 15 municipal corporations between 2015 and 2018. At the time, in alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena, the BJP controlled 20 of the states 27 municipal corporations. In the BMC specifically, the BJP won 89 of the 227 seats, up from 82 in 2017, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 29 seats. Together, the two allies crossed the majority mark of 114. The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, retained a substantial presence in Mumbai with 65 seats, though this was a drop from the 84 seats won by the undivided party in 2017, before the 2022 split. The Congress finished with 24 seats in the BMC, while the Nationalist Congress Party won three. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, led by Raj Thackeray and allied with Uddhav Thackeray, secured six seats. The Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM won a total of 95 seats across the 29 municipal corporations, including eight in Mumbai. The results mark a decisive shift in Maharashtras urban political landscape, significantly strengthening the BJP-led alliances hold over key civic institutions in the state. The figures also show that BJPs civic triumph is not accidental. It is the result of Fadnavis strategic leadership and Chavans organisational foresightmaking them the principal architects of this historic mandate in urban Maharashtra. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 20:55 IST News elections Maharashtra Civic Elections: How Devendra Fadnavis, Ravindra Chavan Engineered BJPs Sweep 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... Ward No. 227 (A Ward) Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Election Result 2026 LIVE Updates: Counting to Begin at 10.00 AM Curated By : Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 15:06 IST Follow this page for Ward No. 227 (A Ward) result of the 2026 BMC election and know who is leading, who is trailing, who has won, who has lost by what margin and who will be the new Ward No. 227 (A Ward) corporator. Ward No. 227 (A Ward) in the 2026 BMC election. (Image: News18 Elections) In the Ward No. 227 (A Ward), counting of votes for the 2026 Maharashtra Municipal Corporation is scheduled to start at 10.00 AM. Stay tuned to the News18 Live Results Hub for the fastest and most-accurate updates as soon as the first trends are available. Follow this page for the live election result of Ward No. 227 (A Ward) in the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Marathi. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this ward. The counting of votes for the Ward No. 227 (A Ward) took place on January 16, 2026. There were a total of four candidates in the fray to be elected as the next corporator of this ward. Click here for the live result tally for each of the 29 Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra. Click here for ward-wise live election results for each of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards. CONTESTING CANDIDATES In the BMC Ward No. 227 (A Ward) election 2026, there were a total of four contesting candidates. List of candidates contesting in the 2026 election: Dr. Gauravi Shivalkar Narvekar, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rehana Gafur Sheikh, Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (SSUBT) Sushma Bhagwan Salvi, Janata Dal Secular (JDS) Dr. Lora Timothy DSouza, Independent (IND) ABOUT Ward No. 227 (A Ward) is one of the 227 wards of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Indias largest Municipal Corporation. This ward is reserved for General (Women) and has a total population of 60695, of which 2656 belong to the Scheduled Castes and 228 belong to the Scheduled Tribes. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the BMC Ward No. 227 (A Ward) was issued on December 15, 2025 (Monday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was January 2, 2026 (Friday). This ward voted on Thursday, January 15, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Friday, January 16, 2026. LOCATION & EXTENT The extent of the ward as published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette is as follows: A line starting from the junction of Nathalal Parekh Marg (Wood House Road) and B.E.S.T Marg at Revrand Father John Rodriks Chowk and running eastwards along the southside of B.E.S.T Marg upto its junction with Shahid Bhagatsingh Marg (Colaba Causeway Marg); thence southwards along the westside of Shahid Bhagatsingh Road upto its junction with Narayan Atamaram Sawant Marg (Victoria Bunder Road); thence eastwards along the southside of Narayan Atamaram Sawant Marg upto its junction with Sea-Shore; alongwith Sea Cadet Jetty thence southwards along the Sea-Shore westwards of Coloba Dandi and northwards of Geeta Nagar upto its junction with A Road leading to Geeta Nagar; thence eastwards along the southside of the said Road upto its junction with northern compound wall of Military Embarkation Head Quarter; thence eastwards along the south side of said compound wall upto its junction with Captain Parakash Pethe Marg excluding Ganesh Murtti Nagar; thence northwords along the eastside of Captain Prakash Pethe Marg upto its junction with Nathalal Parekh Marg; thence northwords along the eastside of Nathalal Parekh Marg upto its junction with B.E.S.T Marg the starting point. In this ward major location / colony / Cities are Geeta Nagar, Afghan Church Navy Nagar, Sea Cadet Jetty North Ward No. 225 (Best Marg) East Ward No. (Sea shore) South Ward No. (Sea shore) West Ward No. (Sea shore) PREVIOUS BMC ELECTION RESULT The last Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections were held on February 21, 2017, in which Shiv Sena was the single largest party with 84 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party won 82 seats. Indian National Congress secured 31 seats, Nationalist Congress Party won nine, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena won seven seats. Other parties included Samajwadi Party, which won six seats; the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen won two seats and the Akhil Bhartiya Sena won a single seat. Five Independent candidates also won seats in the election. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 08:34 IST News elections Ward No. 227 (A Ward) Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Election Result 2026 LIVE Updates: Counting to Begin at 10.00 AM 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... Ward No. 25A BMC Election Result 2026 Highlights: Sau. Swapnali Nitin Pandit of BJP Wins Curated By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 18:04 IST Follow this page for Ward No. 25A result of the 2026 PMC election and know who is leading, who is trailing, who has won, who has lost by what margin and who will be the new Ward No. 25A corporator. Ward No. 25A in the 2026 PMC election. (Image: News18 Elections) In the Ward No. 25A in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election 2026, Sau. Swapnali Nitin Pandit of BJP has won and is the new Ward No. 25A corporator-elect. Follow this page for the live election result of Ward No. 25A in the 2026 Pune Municipal Corporation. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Marathi. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this ward. The counting of votes for the PMC Ward No. 25A took place on January 16, 2026. There were a total of three candidates in the fray to be elected as the next corporator of this ward. Click here for the live result tally for each of the 29 Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra. Click here for ward-wise live election results for each of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) wards. CONTESTING CANDIDATES In the PMC Ward No. 25A election 2026, there were a total of three contesting candidates. List of candidates contesting in the 2026 election: Sau. Swapnali Nitin Pandit, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Adv. Rupali Patil-Thombare, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Bhokare Amruta Ganesh, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ABOUT 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. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the PMC Ward No. 25A was issued on December 15, 2025 (Monday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was January 2, 2026 (Friday). This ward voted on Thursday, January 15, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Friday, January 16, 2026. LOCATION & EXTENT The extent of Ward No. 25 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. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 10:57 IST News elections Ward No. 25A BMC Election Result 2026 Highlights: Sau. Swapnali Nitin Pandit of BJP Wins 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... Ward No. 25B BMC Election Result 2026 Highlights: Raghavendra (Bappu) Mankar of BJP Wins Curated By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 18:04 IST Follow this page for Ward No. 25B result of the 2026 PMC election and know who is leading, who is trailing, who has won, who has lost by what margin and who will be the new Ward No. 25B corporator. Ward No. 25B in the 2026 PMC election. (Image: News18 Elections) In the Ward No. 25B in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election 2026, Raghavendra (Bappu) Mankar of BJP has won and is the new Ward No. 25B corporator-elect. Follow this page for the live election result of Ward No. 25B in the 2026 Pune Municipal Corporation. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Marathi. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this ward. The counting of votes for the PMC Ward No. 25B took place on January 16, 2026. There were a total of four candidates in the fray to be elected as the next corporator of this ward. Click here for the live result tally for each of the 29 Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra. Click here for ward-wise live election results for each of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) wards. CONTESTING CANDIDATES In the PMC Ward No. 25B election 2026, there were a total of four contesting candidates. List of candidates contesting in the 2026 election: Samir Manohar Gaikwad, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (SSUBT) Raghavendra (Bappu) Mankar, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mandar Ramchandra Karande, Independent (IND) Manoj Rajendra Patil, Independent (IND) ABOUT Ward No. 25B 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. 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. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the PMC Ward No. 25B was issued on December 15, 2025 (Monday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was January 2, 2026 (Friday). This ward voted on Thursday, January 15, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Friday, January 16, 2026. LOCATION & EXTENT The extent of Ward No. 25 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. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 10:58 IST News elections Ward No. 25B BMC Election Result 2026 Highlights: Raghavendra (Bappu) Mankar of BJP Wins 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... Ward No. 25C BMC Election Result 2026 Highlights: Swarada Gaurav Bapat of BJP Wins Curated By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 18:04 IST Follow this page for Ward No. 25C result of the 2026 PMC election and know who is leading, who is trailing, who has won, who has lost by what margin and who will be the new Ward No. 25C corporator. Ward No. 25C in the 2026 PMC election. (Image: News18 Elections) In the Ward No. 25C in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election 2026, Swarada Gaurav Bapat of BJP has won and is the new Ward No. 25C corporator-elect. Follow this page for the live election result of Ward No. 25C in the 2026 Pune Municipal Corporation. The headline and description of this live updating article will reflect the latest trends as received by News18 Marathi. Keep following this page for all realtime updates on the election result for this ward. The counting of votes for the PMC Ward No. 25C took place on January 16, 2026. There were a total of eight candidates in the fray to be elected as the next corporator of this ward. Click here for the live result tally for each of the 29 Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra. Click here for ward-wise live election results for each of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) wards. CONTESTING CANDIDATES In the PMC Ward No. 25C election 2026, there were a total of eight contesting candidates. List of candidates contesting in the 2026 election: Siddhesh Santosh Kamthe, Shiv Sena (SS) Adv. Radhika Ulhas Kulkarni, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sau. Akshata Nilesh Dhumal, Shiv Sena (SS) Paygude Sheetal Rahul, Nationalist Congress Party Sharadchandra Pawar (NCPSP) Swarada Gaurav Bapat, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Riddhima Abhijeet Yeole, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (SSUBT) Trupti Manoj Tare, All India Hindu Mahasabha (AIHM) Sau. Solapure Anjali Sunil, Independent (IND) ABOUT Ward No. 25C 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 General (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. POLL DATES The gazette notification for the PMC Ward No. 25C was issued on December 15, 2025 (Monday), the last date of scrutiny of nominations was December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) and the last date of withdrawal of nominations was January 2, 2026 (Friday). This ward voted on Thursday, January 15, 2026 and the counting of votes is happening on Friday, January 16, 2026. LOCATION & EXTENT The extent of Ward No. 25 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. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 10:58 IST News elections Ward No. 25C BMC Election Result 2026 Highlights: Swarada Gaurav Bapat of BJP Wins 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... NEET-PG Cut-Off Controversy: Merit, Money And Vacant Seats | Explained Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 22:53 IST As the government defends the decision to widen counselling eligibility, aspirants and experts say it exposes structural flaws in medical education Last week, the Union health ministry sharply lowered the NEET-PG 2025 qualifying cut-off, including reducing it to zero percentile for certain categories. (Representational image) When Abhishek Kashyap, an MBBS graduate working at a reputed medical college in Lucknow, read the revised NEET-PG 2025 cut-off notification, he felt that years of preparation had collapsed into uncertainty. He had scored positive marks but narrowly missed the earlier qualifying threshold. The revised cutoffwhich allows candidates with even negative scores to participate in counsellinghas left him questioning whether effort still counts. He is now considering options abroad, even though he knows the pathway has become narrower and far more expensive. I am exhausted, and it feels like, why did I choose to become a doctor? I scored positive marks, studied hard while working double shifts, and still feel like the system has moved against all that hard work. Right now, it feels like money matters more than merit." Another aspirant, Raghav Bansal, working at a hospital based in New Delhi, who missed out despite scoring above zero, has decided to reattempt NEET-PG next year. This no longer feels like a merit-based system," he said. It feels like money and timing matter more. I have no option but to re-attempt next year." On Friday, the Medical Counselling Committee released the schedule for Round 3 counselling, with choice filling open from January 16 to January 26. The seat allotment process will begin on January 27, and results for MD and MS admissions are scheduled to be announced on January 29. What exactly has changedand why the government says it had to act Last week, the Union health ministry sharply lowered the NEET-PG 2025 qualifying cut-off, including reducing it to zero percentile for certain categories. In effect, candidates with negative marks (-40) are now eligible to enter counselling if seats remain vacant. Central government officials told News18 that the decision is final and not unprecedented, arguing that cut-offs have been lowered to zero percentile in earlier years as well. The only change this year was the notification by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, specifically mentioning negative 40 instead of just zero percentile. This is the reason why the usual notification became a controversy," said an official privy to the development. Its not the first time the cut-offs have been lowered to zero percentile. Its a usual move, nothing new here." According to officials, the revision aims to ensure optimal utilisation of postgraduate medical seats, which are critical for expanding Indias pool of trained medical specialists. Leaving such seats vacant undermines healthcare delivery and leads to the loss of valuable educational resources," he pointed out. No impact on the quality of doctors: Govt officials Officials at the union health ministry as well as at the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences emphasise that all NEET-PG candidates are MBBS-qualified doctors who have completed their degrees and internships, and that the exam primarily serves as a ranking mechanism to enable transparent, merit-based seat allocation through centralised counselling. Those who are not capable will get filtered out. First, during counselling, even in private colleges, they are likely to be offered only non-clinical seats based on their marks. Second, even if they enter a clinical branch, they may not be able to clear the PG course and could drop out midway. Finally, if they do complete the PG course with good ranks and marks, it would mean they are fully trained by then. In that case, how would their negative scores matter?" said the official quoted above. Another senior official from the Ministry of Health, who spoke to News18 on condition of anonymity, said, The cut-offs have been lowered only to open the doors for counselling; no one is being offered seats directly. There is a long journey from sitting in counselling to entering the operation theatre. It takes many years, and anyone who is mediocre will fall off along the way and will not be able to sustain." Why does the issue tilt towards money versus merit? Critics argue that the vacancy problem is not evenly spread across the system but is concentrated largely in private medical colleges, where postgraduate fees can start at around Rs 75 lakh and climb steeply depending on the speciality. According to government data, around 18,000 seats are left vacant after two rounds of counselling. At least half of these seats are in private medical colleges, whereas the remaining seats in government colleges are for non-clinical subjects including anatomy, microbiology, pathology, etc. the subject least in demand by medical students as it takes away the opportunity to do medical practice but pushes more into academic or teaching front. Hence, aspirants are likely to chase the clinical seats available now only with private medical collegesalbeit at higher prices. Seats in private medical colleges remain unfilled because candidates either cannot afford the cost or do not believe the training exposure justifies the price. Why going abroad is no longer an option? With the overseas option increasingly out of reach and private postgraduate seats financially prohibitive, more than half a dozen aspirants told News18 that they feel trapped between repeating an uncertain exam cycle and paying unaffordable feesturning what was once a test of merit into a test of endurance. Before 2017, fees at private medical colleges were around Rs 35 lakh for the complete PG course, but today one needs more than Rs 75 lakh to complete the same. Earlier, students had the option of going to China, Russia or other smaller countries to pursue medical degrees and then return to India. Those doors are now closed, as India has tightened its regulations and degrees from many of these countriesdue to differences in syllabus, language or training structureno longer make students eligible for a licence to practise in India," said DN Trivedy, an education consultant who earlier dealt with the preparation of foreign medical graduates examination. Under current regulatory norms, overseas medical degrees are recognised for practice in India only if they meet prescribed curriculum, duration, internship and licensing requirements, effectively closing off many of the routes that existed earlier. Viable destinations are now limited to a small group of countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where entry is highly competitive, and costs can exceed Rs 78 crore," Trivedy explained. Neeraj Chaurasiya from Delhi-based Gurukul Education Consultancy also echoed similar views. In the majority of countries, Indian students are not eligible to sit for licensing exams in the host countries. They can complete a degree, but cant work there. This creates a dead-end situation for students who are studying or planning to study abroad, as they may neither be able to return and work in India nor practise in the country where they studied." Meanwhile, the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has criticised the sharp cut-off reduction, arguing that repeatedly diluting qualifying thresholds undermines the credibility of NEET-PG and demoralises aspirants who prepare for years. The doctors body said the focus should be on fixing structural issues such as high fees, seat distribution and counselling design, rather than lowering standards to fill vacancies and threatening to go on nationwide protest. Also, the Federation of Resident Doctors Associations (FORDA) has expressed concern, saying the decision reflects poor long-term planning in postgraduate medical education. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 22:53 IST News explainers NEET-PG Cut-Off Controversy: Merit, Money And Vacant Seats | Explained 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... 5 Men Follow Bus, Drag Passenger To Dhaba, Then Gang Rape Her In Haryana; CCTV Captures Assault Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 09:18 IST Within eight hours of the crime, four men, residents of Bahadurgarh originally from Bihar and living in rented accommodation, were arrested. A 42-year-old woman was allegedly gangraped at a deserted roadside dhaba in Bahadurgarh. (Representative Image) A 42-year-old woman was allegedly gangraped on Monday at a deserted roadside dhaba in Bahadurgarh by a group of men who had followed the bus she was travelling in. Four of the five accused have been arrested, while one suspect is still absconding. According to the Jhajjar Police Commissioner, Rajshree Singh, the woman, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, had come to Bahadurgarh with her uncle to look for a job. The two got off the bus at Pandit Shree Ram Sharma metro station on Delhi Metros Green Line around 2 am on January 12, she said in her statement to the police. Her cousin had come to pick them up when they noticed the five men following them, The Times of India reported. After a few minutes, the men, following them, allegedly separated the woman from her uncle and cousin, and took her to a deserted dhaba on Delhi-Rohtak Road, approximately 100 metres from the metro station, where she was sexually assaulted. Following the incident, the family approached the police and an FIR was registered at the City police station in Bahadurgarh. Initially, the woman had told officers that some belongings were stolen and did not mention the assault. However, investigators later recovered the digital video recorder (DVR) of a CCTV camera from the dhaba, which captured the sexual assault. She agreed to give a detailed statement, and her uncle subsequently filed a complaint," the commissioner said. During the investigation, the police revealed that shortly before the assault, the accused had purchased liquor from a nearby shop, paying Rs 100 in cash and the remaining Rs 30 through UPI. This digital payment account helped police identify the suspects. Local Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) teams also analysed CCTV footage from the dhaba and surrounding areas to track the movements of the accused. Within eight hours of the crime, four men, residents of Bahadurgarh originally from Bihar and living in rented accommodation in the Chhotu Ramnagar area, were arrested. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fifth suspect. Commissioner Singh said that strict action will be taken against those involved in crimes against women, and no offender will be spared. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Bahadurgarh, India, India First Published: January 16, 2026, 09:18 IST News india 5 Men Follow Bus, Drag Passenger To Dhaba, Then Gang Rape Her In Haryana; CCTV Captures Assault Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Did India Withdraw From Chabahar Port? MEA Reacts To Sanctions, Says Talks On With US Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 17:49 IST Donald Trump said on January 12 that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States. The United States reimposed sanctions on Chabahar from September 29, 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India remains in touch with the United States to work out arrangements related to the sanctions waiver for Irans Chabahar port. Responding to reports that Indias role in developing the strategic port had effectively collapsed, the MEA said the United States Department of the Treasury issued a letter on October 28, 2025, outlining guidance on a conditional sanctions waiver that remains valid until April 26, 2026. As you are aware, on 28 October 2025, the US Department of Treasury had issued a letter outlining the guidance on the conditional sanctions waiver valid till 26 April 2026," the MEA said, adding, We remain engaged with the US side in working out this arrangement." The clarification follows an Economic Times report that said Indias strategic play at Chabahar port had been severely undermined after US President Donald Trump said on January 12 that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States. The United States reimposed sanctions on Chabahar port from September 29, 2025. However, based on details submitted by India on how it planned to wind down activities at the port, including at the Shahid Beheshti terminal, the Office of Foreign Assets Control granted a six-month exemption. The waiver came into effect on October 29, 2025 and remains valid until April 26 this year. The MEA also said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken to Irans foreign minister, during which the Iranian side shared developments from the recent past related to Chabahar port. The United States has imposed and tightened sanctions on Iran largely as part of a long-running effort to curb Tehrans nuclear ambitions and limit its influence in the region. Washington withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)- the nuclear deal- and reimposed wide-ranging economic penalties, arguing that Irans nuclear programme and related activities were not sufficiently constrained and posed a proliferation threat. Donald Trumps maximum pressure" campaign has included tariffs on countries trading with Iran, asset freezes and restrictions on Iranian oil exports. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 17:43 IST News india Did India Withdraw From Chabahar Port? MEA Reacts To Sanctions, Says Talks On With US Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Guns To Grain: How Bastars Villages Are Choosing Life Over War Written By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 20:03 IST The challenge for the government machinery is ensuring that the confidence of the people is not shaken and no chance is given to CPI (Maoist) to regroup Hidma's house and a freshly painted anganwadi in his village, Puvarthi. Image/News18 The pin of my rice machine has broken down. Even the machine given to stitch together leaves and make bowls stopped working after three months. People are poor here, yet I would earn 20-30 rupees per person. I am requesting the ministers to repair these so that I can earn something," Sukhi Koram from Irakbhatti village told CNN-News18. Her neighbour Maria chimes in, The machine had made our lives easier. Now we are back to hand pounding the rice, the kodo and kutki (millets). It takes a lot of time. The machine helped women in all villages here." At first glance, the request might seem ordinary, the kind you would hear from villagers anywhere in India. Except that Irakbhatti is in Abujmad. Sukhi has lived all her life seeing pamphlets, messages, and posters decrying the state and central government. The only government she and fellow villagers knew was the Jantana Sarkar of CPI (Maoist). All governance issues were taken to Maoist courts and decided. But today, expectations from the government in Raipur and Delhi are growing. This change symbolises the Naxal ideology losing its pull among its core supporters, the residents of Bastar. Surrendered Naxal Sunita acknowledges the change. Paristhiti ab sashastra sangharsh ki nahi hai (Things are not the same as before. Our commander said armed struggle will not succeed now)," she tells CNN-News18 at the Livelihood College in Narayanpur. Sunita was one of the 250 Naxals who had surrendered with their commander Rupesh soon after the partys spokesperson Malujalo Venugopal Rao alias Sonu gave up arms and called his comrades to do the same. About 200 kilometres away, Barse Sanna echoes the same thought. Brother of PLGA Battalion 1 commander Barse Deva, Sanna was a comrade-in-arms of one of the most dreaded Naxals, Hidma. He surrendered in 2025 and still has concerns about his jal, jungle, zameen but is willing to give the government a chance. Aspatal bana rahe hain ye acha hai. Par dekhna padega ki ye humare jal, jungle, zameen ko kaise surakshit rakhte hain," he says. The state government has just sanctioned an 89-bed hospital at Deva and Hidmas village Puvarthi. When CNN-News18 reached Puvarthi, Barse Devas mother was queuing up at the freshly painted anganwadi to get her photo clicked for SIR. Devas sister works at the anganwadi. The family hopes the police will allow Barse Deva to return home. He surrendered before the Telangana Police in the first week of January. Let him come back home. He will till the land here and lead a peaceful life," Devas mother said. Barse Deva and Hidma were not just from the same village but also friends, comrades who had planned numerous killings of forces and politicians together. Hidmas death and Devas surrender mean the end of PLGA Battalion 1, the wing of CPI (Maoist) that had created the entire zone from Chintawagu to Talperu rivers, from Sukma to Bijapur, as a liberated zone. Today, however, a Gurukul operates in the CRPF camp set up at Puvarthi. Parents brought an infant to the medical facility inside the camp. Earlier, we had no access to medicines or doctors. We just braved whatever happened at home. This time my wife insisted that we take my daughter to the camp since her fever was just not going down," the father (who didnt want to be identified) told CNN-News18. While security camps have played a huge role in reclaiming the forest of Bastar, the popular support for such initiatives is also unmistakable. Paparao is one of the remaining Naxal commanders who is still at large. Estimates suggest about 150 armed cadre might still be holding sway in south Bastar under Paparao. But the ground for shelter is shrinking fast. Not far from Puvarthi is the Silgair camp. The proposal for the camp had seen seven-month-long sit-in protests from locals. A CRPF jawan was also abducted when tensions were high in the area. Today, from Silgair to Puvarthi, the winds of change are blowing. The challenge for the government machinery is ensuring that the confidence of the people is not shaken and no chance is given to CPI (Maoist) to regroup. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Bastar, India, India First Published: January 16, 2026, 20:03 IST News india From Guns To Grain: How Bastars Villages Are Choosing Life Over War Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Fugitive Diamantaire Mehul Choksi's Son Played Active Role With Him In Money Laundering: ED Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 10:34 IST ED accuses Rohan of aiding Mehul Choksi in money laundering, contesting his plea over Walkeshwar Road property attachment; ATFP orders reconsideration amid ongoing legal dispute. Mehul Choksi is currently in Belgium, facing extradition proceedings. (File pic/AFP) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), for the first time, has accused Rohan Choksi, son of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, of being actively" involved in money laundering alongside his father. Mehul Choksi is accused of having cheated Indian banks of thousands of crores of rupees and is currently in Belgium, facing extradition proceedings. EDs legal team raised the allegation before the Appellate Tribunal for Forfeited Property (ATFP) in Delhi while contesting Rohan Choksis plea against the attachment of a Mumbai property in 2018. Rohan, however, has insisted that the Walkeshwar Road property was acquired by his family trust back in 1994, according to a report in Hindustan Times. ED argued that Mehul Choksi transferred the property to Rohans name in 2013 as a calculated move" in anticipation of possible attachment in case his fraud was detected. While ED has attached several properties linked to Mehul Choksi and his companies, an adjudicating authority (AA) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) confirmed the attachment of a Dadar East flat in August 2018 but did not include the Walkeshwar property. In an order passed on January 8, ATFP members Balesh Kumar and Rajesh Malhotra referred the matter back to the adjudicating authority, asking it to correct the omission and reconsider the Walkeshwar property. Rohan Choksi argued before the tribunal that the property was acquired long before the alleged predicate offence, which he said took place between 2015 and 2017. He also contended that he has not been named in any FIR or charge sheet filed by either the ED or the CBI, and that he was merely a beneficiary of a family trust created in 1993, prior to the enactment of the PMLA. Countering this, ED stated that evidence on record suggested Rohan Choksis active involvement in laundering proceeds of crime after the commission of the predicate offence, adding that even properties purchased earlier could be attached as value thereof in the absence of direct proceeds of crime. Responding to EDs claims, Rohan Choksis lawyer Vijay Aggarwal said the attachment was driven by personal bias" and amounted to malice in law," arguing that investigative agencies must not extend probes unnecessarily to family members. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 10:55 IST News india Fugitive Diamantaire Mehul Choksi's Son Played Active Role With Him In Money Laundering: ED 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... Money gets tighter as you get older, not looser. The mortgage may be paid off, but the property taxes keep climbing. Medicare premiums go up. Groceries cost more every single month. A lot of older adults just try to make it work on Social Security and savings. They skip meds, put off dental care, or help their kids instead of spending on themselves. They also hate feeling like theyre asking for handouts. Heres the part most people dont realize: there are thousands of dollars in benefits and discounts that seniors qualify for but never claim. Some are automatic once you apply. Others take a couple of forms and one annoying phone call. Advertisement Advertisement Here are the big ones to check, one by one. 1. Senior property tax breaks you may already qualify for Image credit: Tierra Mallorca via Unsplash If you own your home, theres a good chance your city or state offers special tax breaks once you hit a certain age (often 60 or 65). These can look like homestead exemptions, circuit breaker credits that refund part of your property tax bill, or caps that limit how fast your bill can rise each year (for example, some over-65 circuit breaker credits limit annual increases to 2%. Some states send the relief as a refundable income tax credit, so you only see the money if you file a tax return, even with low income. What to do: call your county tax assessor or local senior services office and ask what property tax breaks exist for homeowners over your age and income level. Ask specifically about senior homestead exemptions, circuit breaker credits, and property tax deferrals. If youre not comfortable calling yourself, ask a trusted family member, social worker, or senior center staffer to help you pull the forms and fill them out. 2. Medicare Savings Programs that pay your Part B bill Image credit: Marek Studzinski via Unsplash Medicare Part B premiums hit hard on a fixed income. Many people have no idea there are special Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) that can pay those premiums for you, and sometimes cover deductibles and coinsurance too. Advertisement Advertisement In 2025, an example income limit for one MSP is around $1,781 per month for a single person, with separate limits on savings and investments (not counting your home or one car). Many states set even higher limits. If you qualify, the state pays your Part B premium directly and may protect you from some out-of-pocket Medicare costs. What to do: call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased help checking if you qualify. You can also search Medicare Savings Program + your state or visit your state Medicaid website. This is not charity; its a built-in Medicare benefit that millions of eligible seniors never claim. 3. Extra Help to slash Medicare Part D drug costs Image credit: Richard Bell via Unsplash If youve ever walked out of the pharmacy stunned by a copay, this one matters. Extra Help (also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy) is a federal program that lowers or even wipes out your Medicare drug plan premiums, deductibles, and copays. In 20252026, people with incomes up to about 150% of the federal poverty level and limited savings can qualify. Many who qualify pay no Part D premium, no deductible, and small copays (for example, around $5$12 per covered prescription. Once youre on an MSP (previous item), youre usually auto-enrolled in Extra Help. Advertisement Advertisement What to do: you can apply online through Social Security. or get help from SHIP or your local senior center. Have a list of your medications and your latest bank statements ready. Even if you think your income is a little too high, its worth checking, many people are wrong about that. 4. SNAP food benefits older adults leave on the table Image credit: Victoriano Izquierdo via Unsplash SNAP (the program formerly known as food stamps) isnt just for families with kids. Older adults with low or moderate income can use it to stretch their grocery budget every month. The benefit loads onto a card you swipe like a debit card at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. Heres the wild part: while about 88% of all eligible people get SNAP, only about 42% of eligible seniors are enrolled. Thats millions of older adults skipping money theyre entitled to, often because they feel embarrassed or assume they wont qualify. What to do: contact your local social services office, dial 2-1-1, or use an online tool like BenefitsCheckUp to see if you qualify. Ask if your state offers a simplified SNAP form for seniors or people with disabilities. If paperwork is hard, ask a caseworker, family member, or senior center volunteer to sit with you while you apply. 5. Home-delivered and community meals through senior programs Image Credit: Shutterstock If cooking is getting harder, or your budget is tight, you may be eligible for home-delivered Meals on Wheels style meals or low-cost lunches at a local senior center. Under the Older Americans Act, many communities offer daily home-delivered meals for adults 60+ who cant easily shop or cook on their own. Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, the Meals on Wheels network delivers millions of meals each year to older adults and often provides safety checks and brief social contact at the door. Many senior centers also serve congregate meals, hot, sit-down lunches in a group setting, usually free or for a small suggested donation. What to do: call your local Area Agency on Aging and ask about home-delivered meals and congregate meals near you. Dont assume you dont look old enough or arent poor enough. Let the intake worker decide based on the rules. 6. Help with energy bills and home weatherization Image Credit: Shutterstock Heating and cooling costs are brutal on a fixed income. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help pay part of your utility bills, deal with shut-off notices, and sometimes repair or replace unsafe heating systems. Many states also offer Weatherization Assistance to add insulation, seal drafts, and improve energy efficiency, which can lower bills for years. Seniors are often a priority group. Some older adults in public housing or subsidized housing can still qualify, depending on state rules. Advertisement Advertisement What to do: call your local community action agency, social services office, or 2-1-1 and say, I want to apply for LIHEAP and weatherization. Ask what proof of income and utility bills you need to bring. If you live in a building with a shared boiler or landlord-paid heat, ask specifically how that affects your eligibility. 7. Cheap or door-to-door rides through transit and paratransit Image Credit: Shutterstock If youve stopped driving or cut way back, transportation can quietly shrink your world. In most of the U.S., public transit systems that get federal money must offer at least half-price fares to riders 65 and older during off-peak hours. If you cant safely use buses or trains because of age-related disabilities, you may qualify for ADA complementary paratransit: door-to-door or curb-to-curb rides in small vans within mile of a regular bus or rail route, usually for no more than twice the regular fare. Some counties even fund extra senior ride programs for medical visits, grocery trips, or senior center outings. What to do: check your local transit website for senior reduced fare, senior pass, or paratransit. Youll usually need to fill out a short form and provide proof of age; paratransit may require a medical certification. If websites are overwhelming, call the transit customer service number and tell them your age and mobility issues; theyll route you to the right program. 8. State programs that help with prescription drug costs Image credit: Caglar Oskay via Unsplash On top of Medicare and Extra Help, many states run State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) that help certain groups, often older adults, pay for prescriptions. Advertisement Advertisement These programs may pay your Part D premium, help with copays, or cover drugs that fall into coverage gaps. Each state sets its own rules: some are for all seniors below a certain income, some are only for people with specific illnesses, and some coordinate directly with Medicare Part D so you see savings at the pharmacy instead of through a rebate later. What to do: search [your state] prescription assistance program or check the SPAP list linked above. You can also ask your local SHIP counselor or pharmacist whether your state has one. If youre on expensive brand-name meds, ask about drug manufacturer patient assistance programs too, many will give deep discounts or even free medication if your income is low. 9. Phone and internet discounts through Lifeline Image Credit: Shutterstock Staying connected is not a luxury when youre older; its safety. The federal Lifeline program gives eligible low-income households a monthly discount on phone or internet service, up to $9.25 off per month, or up to $34.25 if you live on Tribal lands. You may qualify automatically if youre already on programs like Medicaid or SNAP, or based on your income. Lifeline works through participating phone and internet companies; you dont get cash, but your bill is lower. Some companies also offer low-cost or refurbished smartphones and basic data plans for Lifeline customers. Advertisement Advertisement What to do: go to the Lifeline site above or call your current phone/internet provider and say, I want to see if Im eligible for the federal Lifeline discount. If you change companies, make sure your Lifeline benefit moves with you. Do not sign up for anything that sounds like a loan or equipment lease just to get service, stick to simple, discounted plans. 10. National park and recreation deals once you hit 62 Image credit: Micah & Sammie Chaffin via Unsplash If you enjoy the outdoors, the Senior Pass might be the best $80 you ever spend. U.S. citizens and residents age 62+ can buy a Lifetime Senior Pass for $80 or an annual senior pass for $20. The pass gets you into more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and often gets you 50% off certain camping, swimming, or boat launch fees. In many cases, one pass covers everyone in your car at per-vehicle sites, which makes you very popular with kids and grandkids. What to do: you can buy the pass online at the USGS store, or in person at many federal recreation sites. Youll need proof of age and citizenship or residency. While youre at it, ask your city or county parks department if they offer senior discounts on local pools, classes, or recreation centers; many do, but you have to ask. 11. Free legal help for seniors with money and housing issues Image credit: Jonas Kakaroto via Unsplash Lawyers are expensive, so a lot of older adults simply give up when they hit a legal problem: a shady contractor, a landlord issue, debt collectors, or trouble with benefits. Under the Legal Services for Older Americans program, many communities offer free civil legal help to people 60+ with issues like housing, public benefits, abuse, or long-term care. Advertisement Advertisement On top of that, the Legal Services Corporation funds local legal aid offices all over the country that help low-income people of all ages with civil legal problems. Many have special hotlines or clinics just for seniors. These lawyers cant take every case, but they can often give advice, write letters, or represent you if your housing or income is at risk. What to do: use the Find Legal Help tool at the LSC website or call your local Area Agency on Aging and ask for senior legal services referrals. Be clear that youre over 60 (or whatever the local age cutoff is) and briefly explain the issue, my landlord isnt fixing heat, my benefits were cut, Im being harassed over a debt. Dont wait until a court date is tomorrow. 12. Tax credits and extra deductions for people 65 and older Image credit: Markus Winkler via Unsplash Even if you dont owe much income tax, its worth checking what the IRS offers once you hit 65. Older taxpayers can get: A higher standard deduction amount than younger filers A special Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled, usually worth between $3,750 and $7,500, if you meet certain income rules. Advertisement Advertisement Recent tax law changes also created an additional bonus deduction available to people 65+ for a limited set of years, on top of the regular standard deduction. The details can change with new laws, which is why it helps to review them at least once a year. What to do: when you file taxes, tell your preparer or tax software your correct age and disability status and make sure Schedule R (Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled) is checked if you might qualify. If your income is low, look for free tax prep through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs in your area. 'No Internet, Dangerous Protests': Indians Return From Iran Amid Unrest, Thank Govt For Support Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 10:38 IST Returning students and pilgrims recount unrest, communication blackouts and thank Indian authorities for support in leaving Iran. Indian nationals arriving from Iran describe worsening conditions and say government and embassy coordination helped them return amid nationwide protests. (IMAGE: ANI) Several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi late Friday after returning from Iran amid a deteriorating security situation in the country. The first flight carrying Indians from Iran, Mahan Air flight W5-071 from Tehran, landed safely at the Delhi airport, officials said. Families of those returning gathered at the terminal to receive their relatives, including pilgrims who had been stranded amid the unrest. The arrivals come after the Indian government advised its nationals in Iran to consider leaving the country in view of the volatile situation. The Ministry of External Affairs has said it is closely monitoring developments and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian citizens. One Indian national who returned from Iran described the situation as worsening and expressed gratitude to Indian authorities. The conditions are bad there. The Government of India is cooperating a lot, and the Embassy provided us with information on leaving Iran as early as possible. Modi ji hai toh har cheez mumkin hai," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Another returnee said communication had become difficult due to restrictions. We were there for a month, but we faced problems mainly in the last one or two weeks. When we went outside, protesters would come in front of the car and cause some trouble. The internet was shut down, which is why we couldnt tell our families anything and were worried. We couldnt even contact the embassy," the passenger told ANI. A third Indian national from Jammu and Kashmir said the situation had turned dangerous. I am a resident of Jammu and Kashmir The protests there were dangerous. The Indian government has made a very good effort and brought the students back," he was quoted as saying by ANI. Government sources told CNN-News18 that preparations are underway to respond depending on the situation on the ground, including facilitating the return of Indian nationals who wish to travel back. Officials said plans are being reviewed regularly as developments unfold. MEA sources confirmed that details of Indian students stranded across different parts of Iran are being collected, though communication has been slowed due to internet blackouts in several regions. Protests in Iran erupted late last month after the national currency plunged to record lows. What began as demonstrations over economic hardship spread across all 31 provinces, turning into demands for political change. Rights groups say thousands have been killed in a crackdown carried out under a prolonged internet shutdown, making independent verification difficult. While monitors say the protest movement has subsided following the crackdown, concerns remain over the safety of foreign nationals amid continued uncertainty. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 17, 2026, 03:37 IST News india 'No Internet, Dangerous Protests': Indians Return From Iran Amid Unrest, Thank Govt For Support 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... Karismas Lawyer Calls Priyas Plea For Sunjay Kapurs Divorce Papers Not Maintainable Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 18:05 IST Rs 30,000-crore inheritance dispute: Sunjay Kapurs sister Mandhira Kapur Smith, while speaking to News18, said that Priyas plea in the SC is a ridiculous act Rapid Read Sunjay Kapur died in June 2025 while playing a polo match in England, reportedly due to a heart attack triggered by an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Karisma Kapoors lawyer has opposed Sunjay Kapoors widow Priya Kapur Sachdevs plea seeking her husbands divorce documents with the actor. The family of industrialist Sunjay Kapur his mother Rani and sister Mandhira Kapur Smith, ex-wife actor Karisma Kapoor and her two children, and current wife Priya Sachdev Kapur is embroiled in a legal battle over the inheritance of his property, approximately worth Rs 30,000 crore. Kapur, 53, died on June 12, following a heart attack during a polo match triggered allegedly by a bee sting. Karismas counsel told the court that the petition is not maintainable". Karismas counsel alleged that Priya is a third party to the divorce proceedings and hence the petition is not maintainable The court, however, has asked Karismas counsel to file a response to the petition within two weeks. The court has kept the question of maintainability open. The matter was heard in the chambers by justice AS Chandurkar. Who is she? Sunjay Kapurs sister Mandhira Kapur Smith calls Priyas plea ridiculous Sunjay Kapurs sister Mandhira Kapur Smith, while speaking to News18, said that Priyas plea in the SC is a ridiculous act". She questioned the need for Karisma-Sunjays divorce documents. I have full trust in the judiciary of the country," she said. On Priyas claim that Karismas children and Sunjays mother Rani Kapur received substantial amount in trust, Mandhira said, Who is she? Its not hers to give, it belonged to my brother." ALSO READ | Sunjay Kapur Succession Dispute: The Saas-Bahu Saga At Sona Comstar Goes International Sunjay Kapur was the chairman of Sona Comstar, a leading automotive components firm with global operations, including manufacturing for EVs across India, China, Mexico, Serbia, and the US. His net worth was estimated at $1.2 billion (Rs 10,300 crore) by Forbes in 2024, with a high point valuation of $1.6 billion (Rs 13,000 crore). Sona Comstar was founded by his father, Surinder Kapur, in 1997. After Surinders death in 2015, Sunjay Kapur had taken over the reins. The dispute Karismas children have approached the Delhi High Court seeking a share in the estate of their late father. The petition primarily challenges the claim of Priya Kapur, Kapurs third wife, whom he married following his divorce from Karisma Kapoor. The siblings, Samaira Kapur and Kiaan Raj Kapur, have alleged that the will disclosed to them after their fathers death was forged and fabricated." Sunjay Kapur and Karisma Kapoor were married in September 2003 and had two children before divorcing in June 2016. Sunjay Kapur bought bonds worth Rs 14 crore for both his children with an interest payment of Rs 10 lakh. He also gave ownership of a house, which was owned by his father, to Karisma. Kapur later married Priya Kapur in April 2017, and they had one child together. The executor has informed Karisma that neither she nor her children are named beneficiaries, though she has been offered the option to inspect the will at Suris office. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 16:01 IST News india Karismas Lawyer Calls Priyas Plea For Sunjay Kapurs Divorce Papers Not Maintainable 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... Op Sindoor Ongoing, Were Watching Enemys Every Move: Army Chief General Dwivedi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 00:56 IST The Army chief said Operation Sindoor remains active, with Indian forces maintaining close surveillance while security conditions stay under control. Rapid Read General Dwivedi said joint strikes on terror camps and sustained vigilance continue as part of Operation Sindoor. (IMAGE: PTI) Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi this week said Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, with Indian forces closely monitoring every move by the enemy even as the overall security situation remains under control. Speaking at an investiture ceremony at the South Western Command in Jaipur on Wednesday, Dwivedi said the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force jointly struck nine terrorist camps and infrastructure targets in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, completing the operation with precision in just 22 minutes, according to PTI. Dwivedi said the operation followed the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, after which a clear decision" was taken at the highest level to respond decisively. Within 88 hours, our precision, professionalism and operational superiority forced Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire," he said, calling it a demonstration of Indias capability to protect national sovereignty and interests. The Army chief said global armed conflicts have increased sharply in both number and intensity over the past year, underscoring the need for constant preparedness. Only those nations that are prepared succeed," he said. On border security, Dwivedi said the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains stable, though sustained vigilance is essential. He said troop deployment is balanced and robust, while capacity building and infrastructure development are progressing under a whole-of-nation approach. Dwivedi said the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is sensitive but firmly under control, adding that development-led initiatives have pushed terrorist recruitment to its lowest-ever levels. He cited the peaceful conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra as a sign of growing confidence and normalcy. Referring to the Northeast, the Army chief said the security situation, particularly in Manipur, has improved significantly due to proactive government measures and decisive action by security forces. Cultural events such as the Shirui Lily festival, the resumption of the Durand Cup, and the restoration of the Suspension of Operations agreement were cited as indicators of stabilisation. Dwivedi said future wars cannot be won by a single force alone and require a coordinated national effort. He said the Army is accelerating modernisation, operational preparedness and organisational efficiency in line with the Prime Ministers emphasis on jointness, self-reliance and innovation. He added that steps are being taken to strengthen force structures, including the formation of the Rudra Brigade, Bhairav Battalion and Shaktiban Regiment. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 17, 2026, 00:56 IST News india Op Sindoor Ongoing, Were Watching Enemys Every Move: Army Chief General Dwivedi 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... Republic Day Parade 2026 Plans Unveiled: Heres What The Celebrations Will Include Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 18:59 IST The parade will feature 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands. Special contingents such as the Ladakh Scouts and the Bhairav contingent are scheduled to take part. The flypast will include multiple formations of frontline fighter jets, helicopters and transport aircraft. Republic Day 2026 is set to be marked by large-scale military, cultural and citizen-focused events, with the government pitching the celebrations as more inclusive, narrative-driven and digitally enabled. From a thematic focus on Vande Mataram to a reworked parade format and expanded public participation, the days programme reflects a shift away from formality towards storytelling and engagement. What Is Theme Of Republic Day 2026? Republic Day 2026 will mark 150 years of Vande Mataram, which will serve as the central theme across celebrations, tableaux and cultural performances. The theme will be reflected in visual displays, music and dance performances. Who Are Chief Guests This Year? The President of the European Council Antonio Costa and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will attend the Republic Day celebrations as chief guests, highlighting Indias growing strategic engagement with the European Union. What Will Be The Main Parade Highlights? A key highlight of the Republic Day Parade will be the Indian Armys phased Battle Array, presented with live commentary to explain how military operations unfold in real time. An aerial battle array will also be showcased, along with animal contingents featuring Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels. The parade will focus on operational realism, showing how reconnaissance, logistics, long-range weapon systems and air power are integrated during combat. What Aircraft Will Feature In Flypast? The flypast will include multiple formations of frontline fighter jets, helicopters and transport aircraft. These will include Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, Apache, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Mi-17, P-8I maritime aircraft, C-130 and C-295 transport aircraft. The parade will feature 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands. Special contingents such as the Ladakh Scouts and the Bhairav contingent are scheduled to take part. What Will Tableaux Showcase? A total of 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path- 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from ministries and services. The tableaux will be based on the themes Swatantrata ka Mantra and Samriddhi ka Mantra, showcasing Indias journey from independence to development. A mega cultural performance involving around 2,500 artists will be staged, celebrating Vande Mataram through classical, folk and tribal dance forms from across India. What Is The Digital Push For Republic Day? The government has rolled out the Rashtraparv portal and mobile app to provide real-time information on traffic, parking and seating. QR-code based access and navigation systems will be used across venues to streamline entry and movement. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 18:59 IST News india Republic Day Parade 2026 Plans Unveiled: Heres What The Celebrations Will Include 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... 'Speed Up': PM Modi Reviews Bangalore Suburban Rail Project, Telangana Irrigation Scheme | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 09:19 IST The Bangalore Suburban Railway Project has been on discussion table for four decades. It was sanctioned in 2020 and was aimed for completion in 2023 but is still far from complete PM Modi has asked the states for quick progress in these projects. (PMO) Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his recent PRAGATI meeting reviewed two mega projects in Opposition-ruled states, Karnataka and Telangana, that have been delayed for many years with big cost escalations. PM Modi has asked the states for quick progress in these projects. At the meeting held on December 31, 2025, the PM reviewed Bangalore Suburban Railway Project and the J Chokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme in Telangana, as per details accessed by CNN-NEWS18. The Bangalore Suburban Railway Project has been on the discussion table for four decades. It was finally sanctioned in 2020 and was aimed for completion in 2023 but is still far from complete. This project would have ensured connectivity from the city to Bengaluru Airport a major pain point for Bengaluru people. The project spans nearly 148 km across four corridors linking the city, suburbs, and the airport. The cost of this project has gone up by nearly Rs 1,020 crore from Rs 15,767 crore to Rs 16,876 crore. PM Modi had laid the foundation stone of this project in 2023 with a 40-month deadline for completion. This project is expected to cater to 10 lakh people daily. The J Chokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme in Telangana was conceived in 2001 under the then-chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu of undivided Andhra Pradesh. The project will irrigate 5.57 lakh acres across Warangal, Karimnagar, and Nalgonda districts in Telangana. It is the second biggest project of its kind in Asia. This project is aimed for completion by 2027. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 09:19 IST News india 'Speed Up': PM Modi Reviews Bangalore Suburban Rail Project, Telangana Irrigation Scheme | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Supreme Court Rejects Justice Yashwant Varmas Plea Against Parliamentary Panel Probe In Cash Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 11:42 IST Supreme Court dismisses Justice Yashwant Varma's petition against parliamentary panel probing corruption charges against him. The Supreme Court dismissed Justice Yashwant Varma's petition over Parliamentary Panel. (File image/PTI) In a big setback to Justice Yashwant Varma, the Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed his petition challenging the Lok Sabha Speakers decision to admit a motion seeking his removal following reports of unaccounted cash found at his official residence in Delhi last year, and to constitute an inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The top courts decision came after the Allahabad High Court judge challenged the validity of a Parliamentary Committee constituted by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to probe corruption charges against him. The bench of justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma rejected Justice Varmas contentions that a joint committee was mandatory under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The bench had last week reserved its judgment after hearing detailed arguments on whether the procedure adopted under the 1968 law was legally valid, particularly in a situation where removal motions were moved in both Houses of Parliament on the same day. The apex court on December 16, 2025, decided to examine the petition filed by Justice Varma assailing the action of the Lok Sabha Speaker to unilaterally" constitute a committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act. Justice Varma, represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, argued that the constitution of the committee under Section 3(2) of the 1968 Act violated both his right to be treated and protected equally by the law. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in August 2025 announced a three-member panel to probe allegations against Justice Varma, from whose residence a large cash stash was recovered. In March last year, stacks of cash were found at Justice Varmas official residence in Delhi following a massive fire. The then Chief Justice took cognisance of the incident and transferred Justice Varma from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 11:01 IST News india Supreme Court Rejects Justice Yashwant Varmas Plea Against Parliamentary Panel Probe In Cash Row 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... Booker Prize Winner Kiran Desai Reflects On Why Slowness Is Her Sharpest Creative Choice Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 10:56 IST At JLF 2026, Booker Prizewinner Kiran Desai reflects on slowness, solitude and why her 20-year wait made The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny possible. Kiran Desai at Day 1 of Jaipur Literature Festival 2026. In a literary culture addicted to immediacy constant visibility, rapid output, relentless commentary Kiran Desais return feels almost defiant. On Day One of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, the Booker Prize-winning author stepped into the spotlight not as a writer staging a comeback, but as one who never believed she had left. Her session, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, was less about release cycles and more about what it means to honour the slow, stubborn rhythms of creative life. Held at Hotel Clarks Amer, the opening day of the Jaipur Literature Festival set the tone for five days of dialogue and reflection, and Desais conversation with Nandini Nair stood out for its inwardness. There was no grand thesis, no performance of urgency just a deep excavation of time, memory and the long labour of attention. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny arrives nearly two decades after Desais Booker Prize-winning The Inheritance of Loss. Yet the new novel resists the scale and drama often expected from a return. Instead, it turns towards the domestic, the overlooked, the emotionally peripheral Delhi basements, unanswered phone calls, the muted ache of diasporic lives lived between places. The novel was already shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2025 even before its release. At the Festival, Desai spoke to News18 about slow writing as an artistic choice, one that allows stories to mature beyond urgency and expectation. Her answer reframed patience not as delay, but as artistic discipline. Its the idea of waiting until the material develops and your thinking develops," she reflected. She added, Time allows a writer to deepen their work so it can exist on several planes, with a story behind the story behind the story." For Desai, writing is not just an accumulation of words, but a gradual sharpening of perception. She illustrated this belief with a revealing anecdote from just days before coming to the Jaipur Literature Festival. On a drive from the airport to the forests of Dehradun, she said, the novels ending suddenly came into focus. I suddenly found the perfect ending for The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny," she shared, before adding with gentle self-awareness, I thought if only Id deleted one more year, this idea would have come to me. I could have calibrated it like this. It would have been so much more subtle." The moment captured Desais long-held faith in time as collaborator. Slowness, in her telling, is not idle or indulgent. It is an active form of listening, a willingness to let insight arrive when it is ready. I allowed myself the luxury of this time, and Im glad I did. I did not notice the years passing by, to be honest," she said. As Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 unfolds, Desais session lingers as a reminder that some of the most meaningful conversations begin in silence and that sometimes, the bravest thing a writer can do is wait. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 16, 2026, 10:56 IST News lifestyle Booker Prize Winner Kiran Desai Reflects On Why Slowness Is Her Sharpest Creative Choice How Indian Chefs Are Eyeing Dubai As The Next Big Cloud Kitchen Frontier Reported By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 08:40 IST Dubai is emerging as a global cuisine hub and a prime cloud kitchen frontier for Indian chefs, offering scalable growth, diverse audiences and a tech-driven food delivery ecosystem Dubais kitchens are going digital, where Indian flavours, cloud innovation, and global ambition come together on one plate. Dubai has quietly but decisively positioned itself as one of the worlds most fertile grounds for culinary entrepreneurship and Indian chefs are taking note. With its globally curious population, strong purchasing power, and tech-enabled food ecosystem, the city is emerging as a natural next step for chefs looking to scale beyond borders, particularly through cloud kitchens. Shivani Sharma, Chefpreneur and founder, Gourmestan, Dubais biggest strength lies in its adaptability to different business visions. What sets Dubai apart as a culinary-friendly metropolis is the ease with which you can grow your business the way you want," she explains. From choosing the right operational format to finding budget-aligned infrastructure, the city offers flexible options that suit varied business requirements. Sharma highlights the markets openness as a major advantage. Dubais audience is not only diverse but also eager to explore cuisines beyond familiar preferences. This creates space for chefs to experiment, whether by introducing lesser-known regional Indian flavours or reinterpreting classics in contemporary formats. You fix the pricing, and you will get the customers," she notes, pointing to the citys wide range of budget brackets and strong consumer demand. The rise of cloud kitchens further strengthens Dubais appeal. Much like other global metros, the city has a robust food delivery culture, which works seamlessly in favour of delivery-first brands. Customers can order from cloud kitchens effortlessly, while operators benefit from significantly lower overheads compared to traditional restaurants. As Sharma explains, savings on rent and front-end operations can be redirected into technology, delivery efficiency, product testing, and traceability, elements that are increasingly critical to building scalable food brands today. Adding to this perspective, Chef Ishijyot Surri, founder, Mulk & SJI Gourmet, believes Dubai is on track to become the most exciting cloud kitchen frontier for Indian chefs in 2025. Its diverse, globally curious population is hungry for authentic yet innovative Indian flavours," he says, crediting the citys tech-forward ecosystem and the expansive reach of food aggregators for making digital-first scaling remarkably seamless. Surri also points to the relatively lower entry barriers, strong delivery infrastructure, and a premium audience willing to pay for quality as a perfect storm of opportunity." For Indian chefs, he argues, Dubai is no longer just an expansion market, it is a global stage. One where regional Indian cuisines can be reimagined, modern desi-food brands can be built, and Indian culinary narratives can travel across borders without the constraints of geography. Together, these insights underline a clear shift: Dubai is not just consuming global cuisine, it is actively shaping the future of how food brands are built, scaled, and experienced. For Indian chefs with ambition and vision, the city offers both a testing ground and a launchpad to the world. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 08:40 IST News lifestyle food How Indian Chefs Are Eyeing Dubai As The Next Big Cloud Kitchen Frontier Thiruvalluvar Day 2026: Famous Quotes And Life Lessons From The Tamil Poet Published By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 07:15 IST Thiruvalluvar Day is observed on January 16. Discover the Tamil poets famous quotes, teachings on virtue, love, and wealth, and timeless life lessons. Thiruvalluvar Day 2026: The wisdom of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar continues to inspire generations. (Image: Shutterstock) Thiruvalluvar is a highly regarded poet and philosopher, especially among the Tamils. The cultural icons timeless work, which includes the popular Tirukkural, continues to inspire millions of people with its wisdom on virtue, love, and governance. Being deeply relevant, his thoughts and beliefs offer life lessons that transcend centuries. Who was Thiruvalluvar? While nothing much is known about Thiruvalluvars life except for his work, most of the speculations are either by deducing his work, Thirukkural or other Tamil texts. It is often said that Thiruvalluvar lived in the town of Mylapore, currently a neighbourhood in Chennai. A temple dedicated to him was established within the Ekambareswarar temple complex in Mylapore during the early 16th century. It is often believed by locals that he was born in Mylapore, underneath the tree that is situated within the temple complex. Besides this, a historical monument, named Valluvar Kottam, came up in Chennai in 1976, and there is a 133-foot-tall statue of Thiruvalluvar in Kanyakumari. The last statue of the Tamil poet was unveiled in Ulsoor, near Bengaluru, in 2009. Usually, it is said that he lived between the 8th and 9th centuries, but exact details are not known. Among Thiruvalluvars primary works is Thirukkural, which is divided into 133 chapters and comprises 1,330 verses (kurals). The text remains divided into three major parts: virtue, wealth, and love. Thiruvalluvar Day 2026: Date To honour his significant contribution, Thiruvalluvar Day is observed either on January 15 or 16, coinciding with the Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu. Earlier, Thiruvalluvar Day used to be observed on either May 17 or May 18 during the 1930s. As per the official holidays announced by the Tamil Nadu government, Thiruvalluvar Day will be observed on Friday, January 16 this year. Thiruvalluvar Day 2026: Famous Quotes From The Tamil Poet If the married life possesses love and virtue, these will be both its duty and reward." Although an act of help done timely, might be small in nature, it is truly larger than the world itself." Real kindness seeks no return." Uttering foul words, while there are the sweetest of words, is like going for the unripe fruits while there are a lot of ripe ones." There is no greater wealth than virtue, and no greater loss than to forget it." Life Lessons From Thiruvalluvar Not just being poetic, Thiruvalluvars teachings are practical guidelines to look forward to living a meaningful life. In his book Lives of Saints, Swami Sivanandaji wrote that Thiruvalluvar showed people how to lead the life of a Grihastha or householder together with the life of purity and sanctity. Through his work, he often emphasised that virtue is the foundation of human existence and remains more valuable than wealth or power. His couplets urged people to be kind. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 07:15 IST News lifestyle Thiruvalluvar Day 2026: Famous Quotes And Life Lessons From The Tamil Poet Aamir Khan Reignites Language Row, Reacts When Asked To Speak In Hindi: 'Yeh Maharashtra Hai' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 09:11 IST Soon after the video was shared, several social media users reacted to it. While some expressed disappointment, others claimed that the actor was only being sarcastic. Aamir Khan stepped out to cast his vote for BMC elections on January 15. Aamir Khan reignited the language row as he stepped out to vote during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in Mumbai on Thursday, January 15. After casting his vote, the Bollywood superstar interacted with the media and was seen flaunting his inked finger. Aamir then spoke in Marathi and urged his fellow Mumbaikars to vote. However, when one of the media persons asked Aamir to repeat his message in Hindi, Aamir said, Hindi mein? yeh Maharashtra hai, bhai (In Hindi? This is Maharashtra)." However, when the media told the actor that his message would also be aired in Delhi, the actor added, Oh, it will go to Delhi as well? Very good arrangements have been made. I would appeal to everyone: come and cast your valuable vote." Soon after the video was shared, several social media users reacted to it. While some expressed disappointment, others claimed that the actor was only being sarcastic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SARCASMICGAG Harsh Chaudhary (@sarcasmicgag) Aamir Khans comment comes at a time when a new debate over language is brewing in Maharashtra speak Marathi if you live in the state. It all started in April 2025 when the Maharashtra government passed a decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in schools. While the decision was rolled back, several incidents have been reported where alleged MNS workers got into a heated argument with people in Mumbai and Pune who refused to speak Marathi. Previously, Kajol also left everyone shocked when she refused to talk in Hindi at an event in Mumbai. It happened when a paparazzo asked the actress to say something in Hindi since she was addressing the media in Marathi. This seemingly left Kajol annoyed, who reacted angrily and said, Should I say it in Hindi now? Whoever wants to understand, will understand!" Meanwhile, actress Renuka Shahane recently expressed her opinion on the rising issues of the language conflict and said, If you are in a place for a very long time, its a good thing to understand the local language, the local culture and be respectful more than anything elseIts not about the speaking of it, much more than the intention of wanting to, you know, respect it. I do not like people who do not feel the necessity to be accommodating of the local language and local culture." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 09:11 IST News movies bollywood Aamir Khan Reignites Language Row, Reacts When Asked To Speak In Hindi: 'Yeh Maharashtra Hai' If youre a frequent traveler or spend a lot of time scrolling in search of flight deals, you may, on an exceptionally rare occasion, stumble upon a fare so deeply discounted that it seems too good to be true. These needle-in-a-haystack flight dealssay, an international flight like New York City to Singapore for under $200 one-wayare what insiders refer to as mistake fares or glitch fares. Mistake fares hit record levels in 2025, according to Going.com, a flight deal site that uncovered 16 of these types of glitches in 2025. In his predictions for 2026, Scott Keyes, the sites founder and chief flight expert, predicted: Although I would be thrilled to be wrong, in 2026, I think well see fewer. With a little luck, adventurous travelers who are willing to let a mistake fare dictate your next adventure, you may want to jump on the deal, because these types of fares are fleeting. Advertisement Advertisement Ahead, learn how to spot a mistake fare, why they occur, and how to increase your chances of booking one that sticks. What is a mistake fare? Mistake fares usually happen when something goes wrong in the airline pricing process. That can include human error (like a missing digit), currency conversion mistakes, technology glitches in automated pricing systems, or taxes and fees accidentally being left out. Because airfare pricing is complex and often automated, even major airlines arent immune to these errors. While mistake fares may only pop up every few weeks, they can be deeply discounted, often as much as 60 to 90% off what the price should actually be. Theyre different from normal sales, which airlines run intentionally, whether to launch a new route or fill seats during an off-season. Advertisement Advertisement Mistake fares, on the other hand, were never meant to be advertised. But if you manage to book one before the price is corrected, it can turn into a finders keepers situation, and you could score a seriously cheap flight. Real examples of mistake fares Singapore is one of many international destinations that has appeared in rare mistake fare deals, sometimes offering flights for a fraction of their usual cost. (rusm via Getty Images) Mistake fares can show up as deeply discounted one-way trips, round-trips, or suspiciously low prices for a business class seat. Going.com notified its members of several mistake fares in 2025 and shared some examples of the deals the site found. Heres just a handful of the examples: NYC to Vienna, Prague, Hamburg, Munich, Zurich, or Berlin for $250$310 roundtrip in economy ($420$500 roundtrip in premium economy also available) (regular: $800 roundtrip up to 69% off) NYC to Hong Kong for $244 one-way (regular: $1,000 76% off) Providence to Puerto Rico for $98 roundtrip (regular: $500 roundtrip 80% off) 11 US airports to Madrid for $603 roundtrip in premium economy (regular: $2,500 roundtrip 76% off) NYC to Singapore for $171 one-way (regular: $1,000 83% off) How to book a mistake fare before it disappears The good news is that mistake fares have led to trips to some pretty incredible places, with departures to destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. If youre a flexible traveler looking to score a rare deal, heres how to book a mistake fare before it vanishes from the booking site. Act fast Once an airline realizes it has made an error in its pricing, the fare is usually corrected quickly. Thats why its important to move fast and book before the window closes. Book through the airline directly The golden rule of booking mistake fares is to book directly with the airline. Airlines typically issue tickets immediately, meaning youll receive a confirmed booking faster, according to Going.com. Online travel agencies (or OTAs), on the other hand, must communicate with the airline to finalize your ticket, which can give the airline time to fix the fare before its confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Booking directly with the airline also usually comes with a 24-hour grace period. This allows you to lock in an unusually low faresay, a cheap flight to Europewhile giving yourself some time to make sure it actually works with your schedule and travel plans. Wait to book hotels Its best to hold off on booking hotels, tours, rental cars, or any other nonrefundable parts of your trip. Theres always a chance the airline wont honor the mistake fare, in which case youd receive a refund for the ticket. Going.com recommends waiting a couple of weeks before booking anything else that cant be refunded. Keyes estimates that somewhere between 10 to 20% of mistake fares are cancelled. A 2015 measure passed by the Department of Labor states that airlines are not required to honor mistake fares. However, the rule also notes that airlines are responsible for reimbursing travelers for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses made in reliance on the ticket, such as nonrefundable hotel reservations, tour packages, or airfare for connecting flights. Best websites that help find mistake fares Given that mistake fares are so rare, its unlikely youll spot one by casually searching flight deals. Thats why it helps to get alerts from websites that are searching for deeply discounted flights. Advertisement Advertisement Heres some sites that can alert you to major fare drops: Mistake Fares FAQ Mistake fares can slash flight prices by up to 90%. Heres how to spot these rare airline pricing errors and book cheap flights fast. Do airlines usually honor mistake fares? It depends. Some airlines choose to honor mistake fares as a goodwill gesture, while others cancel them once the error is discovered. According to flight deal experts, most mistake fares are honored when you book them through the airline. About 10 to 20% are eventually canceled and refunded. How long do mistake fares last? Mistake fares are extremely short-lived. Some disappear within minutes, while others may stick around for a few hours. Its rare for a true mistake fare to last more than a day, which is why speed and flexibility are key when booking. Can mistake fares be canceled after booking? Yes. Even after you receive a confirmation email, an airline can still cancel a mistake fare if it decides not to honor the price. If that happens, youre entitled to a full refund of the ticket, and in some cases reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses tied to the booking. Are mistake fares the same as flight sales or flash deals? No. Flight sales and flash deals are intentional promotions run by airlines to boost demand or launch new routes. Mistake fares are unintentional pricing errors and were never meant to be offered to the public. Do mistake fares apply to business or first class flights? Yes, and those are often the most dramatic deals. Some mistake fares have resulted in business- or first-class tickets being sold for the price of economy tickets or even less. Dhurandhar 2: Revisiting Rehman Dakaits Death Amid Akshaye Khanna's Comeback Rumours Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 01:46 IST With Akshaye Khanna rumoured to appear in Dhurandhar 2, revisit how his character Rehman Dakait was killed in Aditya Dhars spy thriller. Akshaye Khanna played Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar. (Photo Credit: X) With just two months left for the release of Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar Part 2, post-production work on the spy thriller is currently in full swing. The sequel is set to continue the high-stakes narrative following the death of Rehman Dakait, the menacing antagonist played by Akshaye Khanna in the first installment. While Ranveer Singhs Hamza Ali Mazari will now face a new threat in the form of Bade Sahab, whose identity remains under wraps, recent reports suggest that Akshaye Khanna may still be part of Dhurandhar 2, albeit through flashback sequences. Though details about his appearance remain tightly guarded, the buzz has prompted fans to revisit the events that led to Rehman Dakaits dramatic demise in Part 1. How Does Rehman Dakait Die In Dhurandhar? The story follows Hamza Ali Mazari, an Indian spy operating undercover in Pakistan. Hamza skillfully infiltrates Rehman Dakaits inner circle, gaining the trust of the gangster and his men. He subtly plants the idea of capturing Lyari, gradually pushing Rehman toward greater political and criminal ambitions. Initially, Jameel Jamali (played by Rakesh Bedi) appears to be Hamzas ally. However, as political tensions escalate, Jameel becomes Rehmans adversary. Rehmans closest alliance is with Major Iqbal, with whom he conspires to plan the Mumbai 26/11 attacks. Seeking revenge for the terror unleashed in India, Hamza carefully manipulates Jameel by fueling his resentment toward Rehman. To further cement his position, Hamza marries Jameels daughter, winning the politicians confidence. Alongside SP Chaudhary (Sanjay Dutt), a feared encounter specialist, Hamza orchestrates the final plan to eliminate Rehman Dakait. Hamzas Secret Mission And The Final Twist Trusting Hamza completely, Rehman accompanies him in a car, unaware of the betrayal awaiting him. When suspicion sets in, it is already too late. Hamza brutally kills Rehman and stages the act as an assassination attempt. He rushes him to the hospital in an auto-rickshaw, but Rehman is declared dead on arrival. The news is passed on to Uzair Baloch (Danish Pandor), Rehmans cousin, who rises as the new face of the gang and consolidates his power. The climax delivers a chilling revelation when Hamza opens his secret diary, striking off Rehmans name with invisible ink. It is revealed that Hamzas real identity is Jaskirat Singh Rangi, a man on death row trained by Ajay Sanyal to lead Operation Dhurandhar. Dhurandhar Part 2 is slated for release on March 19 and also stars Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, along with the returning ensemble cast. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 17, 2026, 01:46 IST News movies bollywood Dhurandhar 2: Revisiting Rehman Dakaits Death Amid Akshaye Khanna's Comeback Rumours Espresso Martinis To Tiramisu, Inside Hrithik Roshan & Saba Azads Barcelona Food Trail Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 15:09 IST Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azads latest Instagram post gives fans a delicious peek into their Barcelona food adventures. Hrithik and Saba shared the second episode of Ro & Sa Recommend. (Photo Credit: Instagram) Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad are one of Bollywoods most loved couples. Their paparazzi videos and Instagram posts are simply too cute to handle. Recently, they kicked off a fun series called Ro & Sa Recommend, where they share their favourite restaurants around the world with fans. The first episode had them sharing Ramen vibes from Barcelona. Now, theyre back with the second episode, recommending a Mediterranean restaurant, giving fans even more foodie spots to swoon over. Hrithik And Sabas Foodie Adventures Hrithik and Saba dropped a fun Instagram reel, starting with playful mirror selfies in chic outfits. The reel then moves inside the Mediterranean restaurant, giving fans a peek at the food, decor, and vibe. The caption read, In the next edition of Ro & Sa recommend (the Barcelona Chapter), we found ourselves at a cosy little Mediterranean joint Soma for Sas (Saba) birthday dinner. The place was suggested by our local friends and it didnt disappoint." The caption then described the couples indulgent dining experience. They wrote that they started with delicious espresso martinis, which they said were a must-order. Standout dishes included burrata and eggplant, along with other favourites such as chicken croquettes, bread with tomato, meat served on carrot puree, and patatas bravas. For Saba and Hrithik, the highlight of the meal were the desserts, including flan, chocolate ganache, and tiramisu. The post ended with the message, Keep eating, foodies." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan) The Beginning Of The Foodie Series View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saba Azad (@sabazad) While the second episode of Ro & Sa recommends Spanish dishes, the first episode featured a ramen spot. The caption of the post went into great detail about the place. Describing their experience, Hrithik and Saba shared how much they loved the restaurant, mentioning that they even went back for seconds and stood in line for an hour. They also recommended specific dishes, making it a lovely post for fans to seek out a tiny Japanese ramen spot in a city like Barcelona. Well, this series is clearly a great creative idea. After all, who wouldnt want to try out spots recommended by Saba and Hrithik themselves, right? News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 15:09 IST News movies bollywood Espresso Martinis To Tiramisu, Inside Hrithik Roshan & Saba Azads Barcelona Food Trail Garima Garg Reaffirms Unyielding 'Pursuit Of Truth' In Zubeen Garg Death Case Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 04:17 IST Singapore authorities have said that there was no suspicion of foul play and that the inquiry was likely to conclude the death during a yacht outing was a case of 'misadventure' Zubeen Garg died in a tragic scuba diving incident in Singapore. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Garima Saikia Garg, wife of late Assamese music legend Zubeen Garg, has issued a firm public statement following proceedings in Singapores Coroners Court, asserting that her familys pursuit of the full truth behind his death remains uncompromising and ongoing across jurisdictions. Her statement follows the January 14 hearing in Singapore, where authorities disclosed that Zubeen Garg drowned on September 19, 2025, near Lazarus Island during a private yacht outing. Evidence presented indicated that Garg had allegedly consumed alcohol at levels exceeding four times the legal limit, declined to wear a properly fitted life jacket, and entered the sea alone. Singapore authorities told the court that toxicology reports showed prescription medication for hypertension and epilepsy, with no illicit substances detected. They reiterated that there was no suspicion of foul play and that the inquiry is likely to conclude the death as a case of misadventure". In her statement, Garima Garg emphasised that the familys actions have been lawful, relentless, and ongoing", stressing that there would be no hesitation, no compromise" in seeking accountability. She said the family chose to place facts transparently before the public in response to widespread concern and unresolved questions surrounding the incident. Garima drew attention to the Assam Police Special Investigation Teams findings, noting that a chargesheet exceeding 2,500 pages has been filed invoking murder-related provisions against seven accused, including event organisers, the artists manager, and others. The SIT has alleged financial motives behind the acts leading to Gargs death. She urged the Government of India and the Assam government to monitor the Singapore proceedings at the highest levels, pursue appropriate diplomatic and legal measures to ensure all relevant facts are placed before the court, and expedite prosecution in India based on the SITs conclusions. At the Singapore hearing, Zubeen Gargs uncle, Manoj Kumar Borthakur, submitted detailed questions regarding the planning of the yacht outing, safety compliance, delays in medical response, and the evidentiary basis for ruling out foul play. The matter continues on parallel legal tracks: a coroners inquiry in Singapore, limited to determining the cause of death, and criminal proceedings in Assam examining culpability and motive. Garima Gargs statement has renewed public scrutiny and intensified the #JusticeForZubeenGarg campaign across social media platforms, as calls for accountability continue in both jurisdictions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Guwahati [Gauhati], India, India First Published: January 16, 2026, 04:17 IST News bollywood Garima Garg Reaffirms Unyielding 'Pursuit Of Truth' In Zubeen Garg Death Case Global Watch | From Newsrooms To Courtrooms: Pakistans Media Under Military Rule Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 16:53 IST Gen Asim Munir may currently hold all the levers of power, but history offers a sobering lesson: Authority sustained through repression rarely sustains beyond a point Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir (AP File Photo) Pakistan is living through one of its bleakest democratic moments, and the source of this suffocation is no mystery. Power in the country has steadily migrated away from elected institutions and settled firmly in the hands of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir. What remains of civilian rule exists largely for show, a thin constitutional curtain behind which the military calls the shots. Parliament debates, courts issue verdicts, and government leaders make speechesbut none of it matters unless it aligns with the will of the man in uniform. Under Gen Munir, this imbalance has hardened into something far more dangerous: a system built on fear, coercion and punishment. Dissent is no longer treated as disagreement; it is framed as treason. Criticism is rebranded as terrorism. And loyalty to jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has become the ultimate crime. The dismantling of civilian authority did not happen overnight. It has been methodical. First, political engineering ensured a weak government in Islamabad. Then the judiciary was tamed through pressure, selective accountability, and unmistakable signals about what kind of verdicts were acceptable. Today, few judges dare to pretend independence when cases touch the military or Imran Khan. Sentences have grown harsher and outcomes increasingly predictable. The result is a dysfunctional state that operates like a command structure with no accountability for the ruling elite that largely comprises the military. When Journalism Becomes a Crime The latest victims of this tightening grip are journalists, analysts, and former military officers who dared to speak publicly against the armys dictatorship and political purge. In January 2026, an Anti-Terrorism Court sentenced seven Pakistanis to life imprisonment for what it called digital terrorism related to the protests of May 9, 2023. None of the accused were present in court. All live abroad. Several were never even informed that proceedings were underway. This was not justice; it was theatre of the absurd. This was a message crafted not for the defendants, but for those still inside Pakistan desperately trying to find a space for free expression. Among those sentenced are some of the most seasoned voices in Pakistani journalism. Shaheen Sehbai, with nearly five decades of experience and former editor of The News International, has long criticised the militarys dominance over civilian life. His crime was intellectual honesty and an unwillingness to pretend that todays generals possess any vision or restraint. At his age, sentencing him to life imprisonment is not just punitiveit is vindictive. Wajahat Saeed Khan, an investigative journalist respected for his work on security affairs, was reportedly never summoned or notified of any charges. His trial happened without his knowledge, underscoring how irrelevant Pakistans judicial process has become. Sabir Shakir, a veteran broadcaster who left Pakistan after alleged threats from the previous army chief, now finds himself branded a terrorist for doing what journalists are meant to do: ask uncomfortable questions. Analyst Moeed Peerzadas case adds an even darker edge. Living in the United States, he incurred the militarys wrath by citing international media reports that contradicted official Pakistani claims during a military episode. Days after his conviction, his home in the US mysteriously caught fire. While no direct accusations have been made, the symbolism is chilling. Critics of the army, it seems, are no longer safe even beyond Pakistans borders. The remaining threeformer army officers turned YouTubershad already been court-martialled, stripped of rank, and sentenced to long prison terms for exposing internal misconduct. The Anti-Terrorism Courts decision to pile life sentences on top of military punishment reveals Munirs insecurity. An institution confident in its legitimacy does not fear YouTube channels speaking the truth. Together, these cases mark a decisive shift in Pakistans media space, as journalists are now equated with criminals. The purpose is not merely to silence specific individuals, but to terrify everyone else into submission. If respected journalists and commentators based in countries other than Pakistan can be condemned as terrorists without being heard, what hope remains for media persons inside Pakistan? The Prisoner Who Still Threatens Power At the centre of this crackdown lies one man: Imran Khan. For General Munir, Khan is not just a political rival; he is an existential threat. Unlike other leaders who clashed with the military and then quietly left the country, Khan stayed. He faced arrest, imprisonment, humiliationand refused to break. Despite being behind bars, Khan continues to shape Pakistans political landscape. His influence within his partyPakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)remains intact. His word still determines the opposition strategy. His popularity, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has survived relentless propaganda, mass arrests, party defections, and legal assaults. This endurance explains the severity of the response against anyone perceived as sympathetic to him. Under Munirs command, neutrality is no longer enough, and even silence can be suspicious. Any positive mention of Khanby a journalist, analyst, or former officeris treated as alignment with an enemy camp. The governments occasional talk of dialogue" with the opposition is widely understood as a cosmetic gesture with no serious intent. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may speak of harmony and national unity, but no serious negotiation can proceed without the armys consent. And there is one non-negotiable issue that ensures talks will never mature: Imran Khans freedom. The ruling coalition knows that Munir will not permit Khans release under any circumstances. At the same time, the opposition cannot abandon its central demand without losing credibility. This guarantees stalemate. Dialogue is more of a performance, not policy, as Khan continues to unsettle the system. His nomination of Mehmood Khan Achakzai as leader of the opposition in the National Assembly shows that his political instincts remain sharp. It also demonstrates that PTI, despite being battered, has not collapsed. For a military leadership obsessed with total control, this lingering defiance is intolerable. A Country Held Hostage Pakistan today is not merely experiencing a political crisis; it is experiencing a collective collapse of freedoms. The press is muzzled. Courts are coerced. Politicians are managed. Fear has replaced debate, and punishment has replaced persuasion. Munir may currently hold all the levers of power, but history offers a sobering lesson: authority sustained through repression rarely sustains beyond a point. The journalists sentenced to life imprisonment may be physically absent from Pakistan, but their cases are now permanently etched into another dark chapter of its democratic decline. Imran Khan languishes in jail. Journalists face threats and punishment. And the military remains unchecked. For now, the silence may appear complete. But beneath it, resentment is growing as Pakistan waits to implode. The writer is an author and columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect News18s views. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 16:53 IST News opinion Global Watch | From Newsrooms To Courtrooms: Pakistans Media Under Military Rule 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... India-EU FTA Ready? Why Europe Is Betting Big On India In The Trump Era | Finepoint Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 15:34 IST India's free trade deal with the European Union is set to come to fruition with Trumps aggression playing the catalyst. As Trump upends alliances, weaponises tariffs, and treats decades-old partnerships as transactional inconveniences, Europe needs to prepare for a world where America is no longer a dependable anchor. India and the European Union are closing in on a major free trade agreement which could be finalised as early as the end of this month. Reports say that January 27th could be the day of signing, while the final deal may exclude agriculture. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU Council President Antonio Costa are visiting India as the chief guests on Republic Day. German Chancellor Friedrick Merz was in India this week to push the trade deal. Being the largest EU member, Germany is at the core of this trade deal, and the Germans say yes to it. But this was not always the case. The EUIndia free trade agreement is among the longest-running unfinished projects in global trade diplomacy. Negotiations began in 2007, stalled in 2013, languished for nearly a decade, and were formally revived only in 2022. For almost 18 years, the deal was paralysed by disagreements over tariffs on automobiles and alcohol, intellectual property protections, labour and environmental clauses, and market access for services. It is striking the speed with which things began to move in 2025. The EU is infamous for being a divided house that drags its feet more often than not. But in 2025, negotiations were accelerated at a pace previously thought impossible. Technical chapters were closed in rapid succession. Political resistance softened. And timelines emerged where none had existed before. This did not happen because Europe and India resolved old differences overnight. The fast-changing global strategic environment has forced Europe to act. From the Russia-Ukraine war, to Trumps cold shoulder to Chinas growing dominance, Europe has met a rude awakening. It needs to step up its game. As Trump upends alliances, weaponises tariffs, and treats decades-old partnerships as transactional inconveniences, Europe needs to prepare for a world where America is no longer a dependable anchor. And in that world, India looks indispensable a rare window of opportunity that cannot be missed. Trump has openly undermined NATOs credibility, questioned security guarantees to allies, weaponised tariffs against friends and foes alike, and even floated the use of force to acquire Greenland despite Denmark being a NATO member. His 2025 National Security Strategy makes clear that Europe is no longer the centre of American strategic attention, nor the beneficiary of automatic solidarity. For Europe, this is existential. The European project was built on a transatlantic bargain: American security guarantees in exchange for political alignment and economic openness. That bargain is now conditional, transactional, and volatile. Europe is discovering what India has long known, that dependency masquerading as partnership eventually becomes vulnerability. The EU-India trade deal is, therefore, not a repudiation of America, but one of the key ways to hedge against American unpredictability. India is a promising great power 4th largest in the world today, registering the fastest GDP growth rates, with a burgeoning consumer market, a young population and a growing defence budget. India offers scale in manufacturing and skilled workers. India has already done a trade deal with the UK, and the EU does not want to be left behind Meanwhile, for India, which is facing 50 per cent tariffs from the United States and political perils of an elusive trade deal, the EU, which is technically the second largest economy in the world, is an economic superpower on its own and therefore, a major opportunity. It is Indias largest trading partner, accounting for 17 per cent of Indias total exports. India has roughly a $20 billion trade surplus here, and there is extreme potential for a better deal. China is often cited as the reason Europe needs India and that is partly true. Theres no such deal between them, and the one they negotiated collapsed in five months in 2021 and has been in the freezer since then. But China dominates trade, with a surplus well over $300 billion favouring Beijing. Europes overdependence on China has exposed deep vulnerabilities, especially for Germany. But China is a structural problem; Trump is an immediate one. For Europe, India becomes attractive precisely because it is not America and not China. India offers Europe diversification. And that is why Merz calls India a partner of choice. At a deeper level, Europe and India are converging on a shared worldview: that the future cannot belong to one power, one alliance, or one axis. Macrons calls to resist spheres of influence" echo Jaishankars insistence on strategic autonomy.Frances flirtations forums like BRICS, once dismissed as peripheral, reflects a recognition that global power is dispersing, not consolidating. Indias leadership role in the Global South, its presidency of major multilateral forums, and its ability to engage Washington, Moscow, Beijing and Brussels without becoming captive to any of them, is increasingly attractive to a Europe seeking relevance in a post-American-centric order. Can Europe learn to live with Indias strategic autonomy? Thats an ongoing debate. There are differences, mainly on Russia, Ukraine, energy sourcing, and regulation. But under Trumps shadow, these differences are being managed, not magnified. The question now is, will this alignment grow and outlast Trump? By making a deal, both India and Europe elevate their negotiating powers. Europe needs it to cap vulnerability against the US and China, while providing a boost to its economy. Meanwhile, India seeks to increase capability not merely to sell more goods, but to upgrade its economic architecture by pulling in European capital, technology, standards, forcing domestic firms to move up the value chain, improving competitiveness in high-regulation markets, and converting trade access into industrial strength. All in all, the EUIndia free trade deal is set to come to fruition with Trumps aggression playing the catalyst. But China remains the long-term backdrop in this scheme. And India, increasingly, is Europes safe bet in an unsafe world. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 15:34 IST News opinion India-EU FTA Ready? Why Europe Is Betting Big On India In The Trump Era | Finepoint 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... IMF Calls India 'Growth Engine For The World', BJP Says 'Terrible News For Rahul Gandhi' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 09:41 IST India is the key growth engine for the world, IMF said on Thursday, noting that the country's third-quarter growth came out stronger than expected. Congress leader and LoP Rahul Gandhi. (Image: PTI/File) As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday noted that India is the key growth engine for the world and the countrys third-quarter growth came out stronger than expected, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday attacked Rahul Gandhi, terming it as terrible news for the Congress leader who has claimed that the Indian economy is dead". Hitting out at the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya targeted Rahul Gandhi and said, This is terrible news for Rahul Gandhi, who declared Indias economy dead." The IMF says otherwise. Far from collapsing, Indias economy is roaring, resilient, growing, and outperforming expectations. Yet again, the pessimism of the Congress leadership stands exposed, contradicted by global institutions and hard data," he said in a post on X. This is terrible news for Rahul Gandhi, who declared Indias economy dead."The IMF says otherwise. Far from collapsing, Indias economy is roaring, resilient, growing, and outperforming expectations. Yet again, the pessimism of the Congress leadership stands exposed, https://t.co/LBRT8biZ2o Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 16, 2026 BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also slammed Rahul Gandhi, stating that the IMF has again fact-checked the Congress leader for saying that the Indian economy is dead. He further called Rahul Gandhi a modern-day Pinocchio and named him as Bharat Badnami brigade leader". Rahul Gandhi fact checked againSays Indian economy is dead but IMF differs !! Rahul is modern day Pinocchio Bharat Badnami brigade leader = Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/HFNdOhdgdp Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) January 16, 2026 IMF Says India Is A Key Growth Engine For The World" India is the key growth engine for the world, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday, noting that the countrys 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 IMFs Communications Department, told reporters at a news conference here on Thursday. She was responding to a query on the IMFs assessment of Indias growth story in 2025. Kozack said the IMFs most recent assessment, conducted as part of its Article IV Staff Report, had projected Indias growth for the 202526 fiscal year at 6.6 per cent, largely anchored in strong domestic consumption. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 09:39 IST News politics IMF Calls India 'Growth Engine For The World', BJP Says 'Terrible News For Rahul Gandhi' 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... 'Does INDI Alliance Exist Any More?' BJP's Jibe At Opposition After BMC Poll Win Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 14:54 IST Sudhanshu Trivedi said the election results reflected a clear endorsement of the partys development agenda and leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi speaks on BMC Poll win. (Image: PTI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) struck a triumphant note on Tuesday after its strong showing in the Maharashtra civic polls, using the occasion to question the very relevance of the oppositions INDIA alliance. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said the election results reflected a clear endorsement of the partys development agenda and leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Does the INDIA bloc still exist or not," Trivedi asked, arguing that the civic poll outcomes had exposed deep cracks within the opposition. Those who allege vote chori must answer who has stolen your allies Modi or Shah," he added. He said the people of Maharashtra had set the seal for a new era of development aimed at cultural pride and economic prosperity," signalling growing acceptance of the BJP-led NDA and its allies across urban India. VIDEO | Delhi: Addressing a press conference, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi (@SudhanshuTrived), says, You all have witnessed that today BJP and alliance parties Mahayuti has registered a great victory in BMC polls. This shows that BJP and NDAs acceptance is ever increasing pic.twitter.com/i5xx2aypnM Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 16, 2026 Highlighting the partys performance, Trivedi pointed to the BJP-led Mahayutis victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), describing it as arguably Asias biggest municipal corporation." You all have witnessed that today BJP and alliance parties Mahayuti have registered a great victory in BMC polls. This shows that BJP and NDAs acceptance is ever increasing under the leadership of PM Modi," he said. In a sharp attack at Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), Trivedi said, This BMC Poll outcome should be the reason for Shiv Sena to introspect. Are they with those who are building Babri Masjid in Murshidabad in Bengal or not? Uddhav doesnt represent Balasahebs legacy." The BJP leader also drew attention to recent municipal gains outside Maharashtra to underline what he called a broader national trend. Recently, we won a majority for the first time in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala Municipal Corporation polls," Trivedi noted, adding that successive victories were evidence of the partys expanding footprint even in regions traditionally considered difficult terrain. Trivedi credited young voters for the outcome, saying, Gen Z voted for Viksit Bharat." According to him, the youth had responded positively to the BJPs promise of infrastructure-led growth, job creation, and a strong national identity. He said the results showed that first-time and young voters were increasingly aligning with the partys vision for a developed India. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 14:22 IST News politics 'Does INDI Alliance Exist Any More?' BJP's Jibe At Opposition After BMC Poll Win Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Governance In West Bengal Collapsing': BJP Attacks TMC Over Protests In Murshidabad's Beldanga Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 15:24 IST The protest in Murshidabad erupted after news spread about the death of a native who had migrated to Jharkhand for work. Locals in Murshidabad block NH-12 to protest against 'attacks' on migrants outside Bengal. Locals in West Bengals Murshidabad blocked National Highway 12 and burnt tyres on Friday to protest against the alleged attacks on migrant workers from the district in other states. The highway was blocked at Maheshpur in the Beldanga 1 area, triggering traffic snarls on the arterial road connecting the northern part of the state with the southern cities in West Bengal. In view of the situation, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya took to X and raised concerns over the ongoing violent situation in the state. West Bengal is descending into widespread violence and lawlessness, spreading rapidly from Farakka to Chakulia," he wrote in a post on X. In Beldanga, Murshidabad district, the National Highway has been completely blocked by anti-social elements for nearly three hours. Stone-pelting continues unchecked, trains have been forcibly stopped, and the area remains under the control of hooligans and goons, with no sign of police intervention so far," he added. The BJP leader further attacked the TMC government in Bengal and stated that the ongoing situation is a clear indication that governance in West Bengal is collapsing". Anti-social elements and rioters, enjoying the patronage of the ruling TMC, have been given a free hand to disrupt normal life at will, pushing the state towards chaos," he added. West Bengal is descending into widespread violence and lawlessness, spreading rapidly from Farakka to Chakulia.In Beldanga, Murshidabad district, the National Highway has been completely blocked by anti-social elements for nearly three hours. Stone-pelting continues unchecked, pic.twitter.com/ieiBHeMadx Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 16, 2026 Protests In Murshidabad The demonstrators alleged repeated attacks and unsafe conditions faced by migrants from the district in other states for speaking Bengali. The protest erupted after news spread about the death of a Murshidabad native who had migrated to Jharkhand for work. Migrants from Murshidadbad are being branded Bangladeshis outside West Bengal. They have been facing atrocities for speaking Bengali. We want exemplary punishment for those involved in such attacks," a protester said. The demonstrators demanded stringent action against those responsible for the death, immediate compensation for the victims family, and a permanent administrative mechanism to ensure the safety of migrant labourers from Murshidabad. (With agency inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 15:24 IST News politics 'Governance In West Bengal Collapsing': BJP Attacks TMC Over Protests In Murshidabad's Beldanga 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... Charging The Bots: Wikipedia Turns 25, Finally Decides To Send Big Tech The Bill Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 06:00 IST For years, AI developers have scraped Wikipedias 65 million articles across 300 languages for free to train Large Language Models (LLMs) As the foundation prepares for a leadership transition on January 20, when outgoing CEO Maryana Iskander will be replaced by Bernadette Meehan, these AI deals serve as a cornerstone for Wikipedias future sustainability. File image Wikipedia, the worlds largest online encyclopedia, celebrated its 25th anniversary on Thursday by announcing a significant expansion of its commercial partnerships with the artificial intelligence sector. Marking two and a half decades since its founding in 2001, the Wikimedia Foundation revealed new business deals with several industry leaders, including Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Perplexity, and the French AI startup Mistral AI. These companies have joined the Wikimedia Enterprise" platform, a commercial arm designed to provide large-scale reusers with high-speed, structured access to the sites vast repository of human-curated knowledge. The move signals a strategic shift for the nonprofit as it seeks to monetise the heavy traffic generated by AI companies. For years, AI developers have scraped Wikipedias 65 million articles across 300 languages for free to train Large Language Models (LLMs). However, the foundation has recently sounded the alarm over the relentless" strain this puts on its infrastructure. By formalising these relationships, the foundation ensures that Big Tech" contributes to the cost of maintaining the servers and volunteers that make the data possible. While Google was one of the first to sign such an agreement in 2022, the 2026 expansion covers almost every major player in the current AI boom. Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales expressed his support for AI training during anniversary interviews, noting that he personally welcomes models trained on Wikipedia because the content is human-curated and neutral. He famously contrasted this with models trained on social media platforms like X, which he described as potentially creating a very angry AI". Wales emphasised that the goal is not to block tech companies but to ensure they chip in and pay their fair share". This revenue is becoming increasingly critical as the foundation reported an 8 per cent drop in human traffic over the past yeara trend attributed to AI chatbots providing direct answers instead of referring users to Wikipedias links. The anniversary celebrations also featured the launch of a digital time capsule" and a docuseries profiling eight volunteer editors, including Dr Netha Hussain, an Indian medical doctor recognised for her vital contributions to COVID-19 information. As the foundation prepares for a leadership transition on 20 January, when outgoing CEO Maryana Iskander will be replaced by Bernadette Meehan, these AI deals serve as a cornerstone for Wikipedias future sustainability. By marrying its early-internet vision of open knowledge with the commercial realities of the AI age, Wikipedia aims to remain a trusted, human-powered hub for the next 25 years. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 06:00 IST News tech Charging The Bots: Wikipedia Turns 25, Finally Decides To Send Big Tech The Bill Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UP Boy, 10, Carries Dead HIV+ Mothers Body Alone For Autopsy; Village Shuns Family Post-Dad's AIDS Reveal Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 15:46 IST The mother was undergoing treatment for tuberculosis and HIV. The mother was undergoing treatment for tuberculosis and HIV. (Photo Credit: X) In a heartbreaking incident, a 10-year-old boy carried his mothers dead body alone for a post-mortem examination in Uttar Pradeshs Etah district. The tragedy unfolded after the boys mother, aged 52, died on Wednesday during treatment of tuberculosis and HIV at a district hospital. Her teary-eyed son, accompanied by only the medical staff, went to the post-mortem facility on Thursday after no help came from relatives or neighbours. Photos of the child sitting on the floor beside his mothers body have gone viral. The boy sat beside his mothers remains for hours, until local police reached the hospital after learning about the incident. They also assisted in arranging the womans autopsy and burial. Heartbreaking | A 10 year old boy sits beside his mothers mortal remains in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. She died during treatment for tuberculosis and HIV; his father passed away from HIV last year.When papa contracted AIDS, everyone stopped talking to us," the boy told TOI. pic.twitter.com/FEzwOLswrI Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) January 16, 2026 How Did The Boys Parents Die? The woman was admitted to the Veerangana Avanti Bai Medical College in Etah, as per a Times of India report. The boys father passed away last year due to HIV. The 10-year-old told TOI how his fathers HIV diagnosis impacted the familys social standing, as everyone stopped speaking to them. The child revealed that he used to go to school earlier, but left his studies after his mother fell ill following his fathers demise. I looked after Mummy. She was being treated in Etah and was even taken to Kanpur and Lohia Hospital in Farrukhabad. My uncle didnt even know she died," the boy explained. District health officials revealed that the woman had been treated for tuberculosis in 2017 and received all possible aid in the matter. The administration said that they are reviewing the present situation. Police reached the hospital after being alerted to the situation by locals. People at the hospital told the outlet that the boy refused to leave his mothers corpse until officials arrived. We were informed that a child was alone with the body. I sent a sub-inspector and a constable to the spot. The boy had no one, and we arranged for her last rites," Jaithra SHO Ritesh Kumar told TOI. Later on, a few distant relatives from Kasganj, 60 km away, arrived at the mortuary, allowing the post-mortem to be completed. Child Expresses Fear For His Life According to a Bhaskar English report, the 10-year-old has alleged that he is facing a threat from his relatives who want to usurp his land". He also alleged that his relatives knew about his mothers health condition but did not help the family. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 16, 2026, 14:54 IST News viral UP Boy, 10, Carries Dead HIV+ Mothers Body Alone For Autopsy; Village Shuns Family Post-Dad's AIDS Reveal 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... Air India Passenger Slams Airline For Narrow Seat With No Window Or Elbow Room: And I Paid Extra Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 13:48 IST In his post, the man mentioned that he had selected the best available seat, a front-row XL window seat, during ticket booking. Air India said that the matter would be reviewed internally. (Photo Credit: X) An Air India passenger flying to London slammed the airline for the bizarre" seat he was given despite paying extra for the best available option. A post circulating on X (formerly Twitter) shows the narrow seat in the front row with no windows or elbow room. While Air India commented on the post and promised the matter would be reviewed internally, the photos have stirred up a discussion on X, with many people describing similar experiences with the airline. In a post, journalist Rahul Srivastava tagged the airline and wrote, Fly @airindia & SUFFER. I had to dash down to London. Chose from available-best seat XL-front row window seat shown at the time of seat selection. Paid extra. Now see the seat. No window. So extra leg room seat has NO ELBOW ROOM. Knees knocking at the aircraft door & buttons. From lazy the airline has moved to bizarre. Lesson learnt- fly British Airways or others who treat u like passengers not CATTLE." Fly @airindia & SUFFER. I had to dash down to London. Chose from available-best seat XL-front row window seat shown at the time of seat selection. Paid extra. Now see the seat. No window. So extra leg room seat has NO ELBOW ROOM. Knees knocking at the aircraft door & buttons. pic.twitter.com/sOOL9TB61o Rahul Shrivastava (@Rahulshrivstv) January 15, 2026 What Did Air India Say? The airline thanked the user for bringing the matter to their attention. We will get this reviewed internally," the airline added. Dear Mr. Shrivastava, thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will get this reviewed internally. Air India (@airindia) January 15, 2026 The passenger replied that airline bosses need to reflect on their service. In a reply to another person, he said that he blamed Air India for the seat mishap as the seat configuration is their responsibility. Usually in this row there are two seats. There is no scooped-out window, and the little gap between the window and the armrest. So I will blame," he added. No the seat configuration is done by airline. Usually in this row there are two seats. There is no scooped out window and the little gap between the window and the arm rest. So I will blame Rahul Shrivastava (@Rahulshrivstv) January 15, 2026 Social Media Slams Air India Many people agreed with the post and recalled similar experiences that they faced. I had a similar experience on Air India in December(same seat/destination), its the curvature that makes sitting straight not possible for a tall person, so had to sit at an angle throughout the 10-hour flight. Not sure if its a design issue because of the emergency exit," a user wrote. Others pointed out that the user was eligible for compensation. Its a clear case of deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, making you eligible for a refund and compensation," another advised. Some pointed out that the user had made a mistake in picking the seat. You picked the wrong seat man! Better check out before .. yet the airline must get rid of that stupid seat. It seems they forcefully put it there." A comment read, Its wild how people already know Air India is trash, still book the cheapest ticket like their life depends on it..and then act shocked when the experience feels like a government office on wings. Paid extra."" The debate continues on social media, with many people slamming the airline for its service. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 16, 2026, 13:46 IST News viral Air India Passenger Slams Airline For Narrow Seat With No Window Or Elbow Room: And I Paid Extra 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... Andhras High-Tech Doctor Zaps Potholes, Goes Viral With Only Babu I Like Shoutout To CM How Road Hero Works Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 10:06 IST The Road Doctor can detect and repair potholes within minutes. It is Indias first-of-its-kind mechanised pothole repair system. The Road Doctor moving from one pothole to another with precision.(Photo Credit: X) Commuters in India face a constant challenge: Potholes. Not only do they cause traffic delays but are also dangerous. In a bid to tackle this persisting problem, Kakinada city in Andhra Pradesh has rolled out a tech-driven solution: a specialised pothole-repairing vehicle popularly called the Road Doctor." The innovative vehicle can reportedly detect and repair potholes within minutes. A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) shows the machine in action which has left viewers impressed with its speed and efficiency. Andhra Pradeshs Road Doctor In Action The clip captures the Road Doctor at work. It moves from one pothole to another with precision. A carrier van is seen stationed mid-road as workers unload the compact machine, which heats, fill,s and levels damaged road stretches almost instantly. According to Odisha TV, quoting Kakinada Municipal Corporation, The Road Doctor is Indias first-of-its-kind mechanised pothole repair system. Watch The Clip Here Internet Praise The Initiative The Road Doctor has caught the attention of people across the country with social media users praising the innovation and its potential impact on road safety and maintenance. Heres what some of them had to say: One user commented, What starts in Andhra Pradesh is now inspiring the nation. Citizens across India are calling for Road Doctorlike solutions, showcasing the impact of CM N. Chandrababu Naidus forward-thinking governance." What starts in Andhra Pradesh is now inspiring the nation.Citizens across India are calling for Road Doctorlike solutions, showcasing the impact of CM N. Chandrababu Naidus forward-thinking governance https://t.co/GpVQ7GSayU I Love India (@Iloveindia_007) January 15, 2026 Another added, This road doctor machine can save massive costs. Around 100 potholes can be repaired for Rs 1 crore, while rebuilding the same road after pothole damage can cost Rs 10 crore." This road doctor machine can save massive costs.Around 100 potholes can be repaired for 1 crore, while rebuilding the same road after pothole damage can cost 10 crore. pic.twitter.com/pwaslHspEZ UP 10T Economic Goal (@up_10t_army) January 15, 2026 Residents from other cities also wished for similar solutions in their areas. Instead of giving excuses, why cant the Silicon Valley of India at least follow Andhra Pradeshs example? Bengaluru needs these road doctors," someone else said. Instead of giving excuses, why cant the Silicon Valley of India atleast follow Andhra Pradeshs example? Bengaluru needs these road doctors @kiranshaw https://t.co/vvKJUkWhwR ParuChirps (@ParuChirps) January 15, 2026 A viewer sarcastically commented, Hopefully this happens in Chennai in another 500 years." Hopefully this happens in chennai in another 500 years https://t.co/paJq2U7YZB Walkable Chennai (@janani242526) January 15, 2026 An individual jokingly wrote, The only Babu I like," while other simply said Commendable" in Hindi. The only Babu I like https://t.co/RxR2keahk0 Sharad Kumar Yadav UPPSS (@SKY_UPPSS) January 15, 2026 Not Everyone Was impressed Some critics questioned the approach and suggested bigger systemic changes with one user pointing out, Dont insult doctors for something thats a bare minimum responsibility." Dont insult Doctors for something thats a bare minimum responsibility Alyasa Haider Khan (@alyasaonchain) January 15, 2026 Make good quality roads so that these regular repairs are not required," another added. Make good quality roads so that these regular repairs are not required. FuTo (@Funnttoo) January 15, 2026 How Does The Road Doctor Work Exactly? Heres a closer look at how the Road Doctor detects and repairs potholes so quickly and efficiently: The Road Doctor is equipped with cameras and sensors that help it spot potholes while moving along the road. Potholes are often detected using onboard cameras with AI systems analysing the road surface to spot any bumps or damage. Once a damaged patch is detected, the machine activates its repair system where it fills the pothole without stopping traffic. Advanced technology like LiDAR, lasers or accelerometers may be used to scan the road surface and measure bumps or irregularities. LiDAR sensors, like 2D laser scanners, can scan and map the road surface even when the vehicle is moving at speeds up to 80 km/h. Accelerometers and gyroscopes detect bumps and tilts in the road. The data is then sent to the system so repairs can start immediately. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 16, 2026, 10:05 IST News viral Andhras High-Tech Doctor Zaps Potholes, Goes Viral With Only Babu I Like Shoutout To CM How Road Hero Works 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... Jimmy Kimmel Trolls Trump For Taking Nobel Medal, Jokes Its Like A Pacifier For The US President Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 02:30 IST The late-night host mocked Donald Trump during his opening monologue after the US President accepted the Nobel Peace Prize medal from its 2025 laureate. Rapid Read Jimmy Kimmel took aim at Trump on his show, joking about the Nobel medal episode during a sharp opening monologue. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel on Thursday mocked Donald Trump over his acceptance of a Nobel Peace Prize medal from its 2025 laureate, likening the moment to a baby being given a pacifier". During the opening monologue of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel took aim at Trump after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado handed over the medal during a White House meeting earlier in the day. Rarely does a president yank a Nobel Prize off of someones neck," Kimmel said, adding that Trump was now back in the Oval Office with it, like a pacifier". Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for leading resistance efforts against former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, presented the medal to Trump after publicly praising his interventions related to Venezuela. The move drew global attention as Nobel authorities later reiterated that a prize cannot be transferred, even if the physical medal changes hands. The comedian later wheeled out his own trophies on stage, offering them to Trump in jest. Displaying an Emmy and a Soul Train Award, Kimmel joked that he would part with them if, and only if" Trump agreed to withdraw Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel from Minneapolis. Jimmy Kimmel offers to let Trump have one of his trophies if he will pull ICE out of Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/OhbQitGZYU Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) January 16, 2026 The remarks referenced ongoing criticism of Trumps immigration enforcement policies, which have triggered protests following the January 7 killing of Renee Good during an ICE operation, according to US media reports. The choice is yours. I will personally deliver any or even all of these to the Oval Office in exchange for leaving the people of Minneapolis alone," Kimmel continued, offering up his awards that he earned throughout his career in show business. Kimmel said the episode underscored Trumps long-standing fixation with awards and public validation, joking that while Machado left without a political endorsement, she did receive a parting gift. Thanks for the Nobel Prize," Kimmel quipped, mimicking Trump. Heres a Make America Great Again mug. We appreciate you stopping by." 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 17, 2026, 02:30 IST News viral Jimmy Kimmel Trolls Trump For Taking Nobel Medal, Jokes Its Like A Pacifier For The US President Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Married Yet Searching For A Second Partner? This App Finds A New Match Every 7 Seconds! Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 09:12 IST A controversial dating app in Japan is stirring debate as married users seek secret companionship. With over 350,000 downloads, it has reignited concerns over digital infidelity Rapid Read This dating app represents more than just a trend, it reflects shifting relationship dynamics, growing loneliness, and the pressures of modern life in Japan. Marriage often appears perfect from the outside: happy family moments, smiling photographs, and a carefully curated sense of contentment. Yet behind closed doors, some married individuals find themselves drawn to someone else. For many, the real shock comes when they discover their spouse is secretly searching for a second partner on a dating app, an experience that can be deeply unsettling. A New Dating App Raises Eyebrows In Japan A similar situation is unfolding in Japan, where a dating app created exclusively for married people is rapidly gaining popularity. The platform allows users to seek an additional companion while remaining in their existing marriages. According to a recent report by Project Nightfall, the app has been downloaded by over 350,000 users, despite almost no advertising. Even more striking, the app reportedly creates a new match every seven seconds, signalling the rapid formation of new connections. Growing Fears Of Digital Cheating As these figures emerged, concern spread among Japans middle class, social workers, and relationship experts. Many view the app as a symbol of rising digital infidelity, where emotional and romantic connections form online without physical involvement. The app promotes itself as a secure space for discreet companionship. Users can remain completely anonymous, create hidden profiles, and rely on strict privacy controls. These features make it nearly impossible to identify who is on the other side, one of the main reasons many married users feel safe opening up to strangers. Divided Opinions Across Society Public opinion in Japan remains sharply divided. Supporters argue that the countrys demanding work culture, long hours, chronic exhaustion, and social isolation, often creates emotional distance between couples. From this perspective, the app is not creating a new issue but exposing an uncomfortable reality already present in society. Opponents see the platform as a direct challenge to the sanctity of marriage and family values. Many fear that such technology could redefine loyalty for future generations, weakening long-held social norms around commitment and responsibility. A Debate That Goes Beyond An App The controversy has spilled onto social media, where debates continue to intensify. Some argue that people naturally seek happiness when it is missing from their relationships. Others view the app as an easy escape from marital responsibilities. Ultimately, this dating app represents more than just a trend, it reflects shifting relationship dynamics, growing loneliness, and the pressures of modern life in Japan. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Japan First Published: January 16, 2026, 08:25 IST News viral Married Yet Searching For A Second Partner? This App Finds A New Match Every 7 Seconds! 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... Nagpurs Abandoned Infant, Now Dutch Mayor, Returns For Biological Mom: Need To Tell Her I Grew Up Loved Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 12:49 IST Abandoned in Nagpur as a newborn, Dutch mayor Falgun Binnendijk returns again to trace his mother and his roots. Falgun Binnendijk during his visit to Nagpur, the city where he was born. (Photo Credit: X) Falgun Binnendijk was only three days old when his mother walked into Matru Sewa Sangh on Ambazari Road and left him there. It was February 1985. Records show his mother was 21, unmarried and had no support. The shelter kept him for about a month. A nurse gave him a name taken from the month of his birth Falgun. Forty years later, Falgun Binnendijk stands in Nagpur again, looking for the woman who made that choice and disappeared. He has done this before. This is his third return to the city where his life began and then broke apart. This is a moving story that appeared in @TOIIndiaNews about Falgun Binnendijk. Falgun Binnendijk is the Mayor of Heemstede in the Netherlands. He was abandoned as a three-day-old infant in Nagpur, India, in 1985. He was brought up by a nurse in a shelter. Later, he was pic.twitter.com/40VlYZwiC1 D Prasanth Nair (@DPrasanthNair) January 15, 2026 Adopted, But Never Kept In The Dark Weeks after he was surrendered, adoption papers were cleared. Falgun Binnendijk was taken to Mumbai, then flown to the Netherlands by a Dutch couple. He grew up in comfort. India stayed abstract, a place on a school map. His adoption was never hidden from him. It was like an open book," he told TOI during his visit last month. His first trip back came in 2006, when he was 18. He travelled as a tourist, moved through cities, headed south. Something felt familiar. People would walk up to me and start speaking in Hindi. They assumed I was Indian," he explained. Years later, reading the Mahabharata pushed him further. Karnas story stayed with him. Every Karna deserves and must have the right to meet his Kunti," he said. The Search That Wont End In 2017, Falgun Binnendijk returned with purpose. He went to Matru Sewa Sangh. Files were pulled, dates were matched and his biological mothers name appeared but the addresses didnt. Time had erased the trail. We tried, but we couldnt reach her. At that point, I felt maybe this is it," he said. Life moved on. He married. He became a father of four. He entered politics and was elected Mayor of Heemstede, near Amsterdam. Everything in my life was complete, but there was something unfinished," he said. His wife pushed him to try again. He came back in August 2024, this time with official backing. Municipal and district officers opened old registers. The search stalled again. In December 2025, persistence paid off in an unexpected way. Officials traced a retired nurse from Matru Sewa Sangh. When Falgun Binnendijk met her, recognition hit both sides. She was the one who had named him. He realised he was sitting with one of the first people from his life. They cried. When he speaks of his mother now, there is no anger. I believe she may be living in guilt, thinking she had done something unpardonable. I just want to meet her once and tell her that I am okay, I have a beautiful life and that her child grew up loved," Binnendijk says. Falgun Binnendijk has named his children with Indian and Dutch names. One daughter carries his biological mothers name. He plans to return next year and his search continues. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 12:48 IST News viral Nagpurs Abandoned Infant, Now Dutch Mayor, Returns For Biological Mom: Need To Tell Her I Grew Up Loved 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... 'America Can't Even...': US Congressman Praises India's '$80 Million' Moon Mission Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 15:10 IST US Congressman Rich McCormick praised India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, saying America can't even make a building with ISRO's budget for the project. Rapid Read US Congressman Rich McCormick speaking at an event on India-US partnership. (Photo: X) US Congressman Rich McCormick lauded Indias Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, expressing amazement that the country managed to land a spaceship on the dark side of the Moon with a budget of $80 million. Speaking at the event at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on the India-US partnership, McCormick said, India put a spaceship on the dark side of the moon for under $80 million. Not $80 billion. $80 million. America cant even make a building at that price." US Congressman Rich McCormick praises Indias space capability and said" They put a spaceship on the dark side of moon for under $80 million dollarsnot billionmillion dollars". We cant even build a building to talk about putting a space ship on the Dark Side of Moon for pic.twitter.com/CsaP70XmMR THE UNKNOWN MAN (@Theunk5555) January 16, 2026 Chandrayaan-3 was an ambitious mission launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at a cost of Rs 615 crore ($75 million), designed specifically to demonstrate a safe and soft landing on the Moon. Chandrayaan-3s Vikram lander and Pragyan rover became the first to land near the lunar South Pole. The mission marked a historic achievement for India in the space sector as it became the first country to land near the Moons south pole. It also became the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to successfully soft-land on the Moon. Congressman Praises PM Modi: Extremely Nationalistic The US Congressman also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him extremely nationalistic in a good way" who really wants what is best for the country. He also defended Indias purchase of Russian oil. PM Modi is extremely nationalistic in a good way. Hes looking out for his country. When India buys cheap Russian oil, America hates that. But he is doing it in the best interest of his country," he said. PM Modi is extremely nationalistic in a good way. Hes looking out for his country. When India buys cheap Russian oil, America hates that. But he is doing it in the best interest of his country," says US Congressman Rich McCormick at CSISpic.twitter.com/DVgKr0GZMT Navroop Singh (@TheNavroopSingh) January 16, 2026 McCormicks remarks came as India-US relations were strained over US President Donald Trumps 25% extra tariffs on Indian products for purchasing Russian oil, which Washington says fuels Moscows war in Ukraine. India has denied these allegations and pointed towards the US and EUs own imports from Russia. The Congressman also drew comparisons between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is a country with 300 million people. But you dont see it bringing investments into America. India not only take investment, it also brings investments into the United States," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 14:57 IST News world 'America Can't Even...': US Congressman Praises India's '$80 Million' Moon Mission 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... Ashley St. Clair Sues Elon Musks xAI Over Alleged Deepfake Images Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 17:33 IST The legal complaint states that Grok allowed users to digitally manipulate images, including features that could remove or replace clothing. Tesla owner Elon Musk Ashley St. Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musks children, has filed a lawsuit against xAI, the artificial intelligence company founded by the billionaire, accusing it of negligence and causing emotional harm. The lawsuit was filed on Thursday and centres on the alleged misuse of xAIs chatbot, Grok, to create sexually explicit deepfake images of her. According to a report by NBC News, St. Clair claims that users of Grok were able to generate nonconsensual and explicit AI-generated images using her likeness. She alleges that the company failed to act decisively even after she raised repeated concerns about the misuse of the tool. The legal complaint states that Grok allowed users to digitally manipulate images, including features that could remove or replace clothing. St. Clair argues that these capabilities made it easy to create harmful deepfake content. Her lawsuit was first filed in a New York state court but was later transferred to the US District Court for the Southern District of New York at xAIs request. In the filing, St. Clair says she informed xAI that Grok users were producing illegal deepfake images of her. These included depictions of her as a child stripped down to a string bikini" and as an adult in sexually explicit poses." She requested safeguards to stop the creation of such content. The lawsuit notes that xAI assured her that her images will not be used or altered without explicit consent in any future generations or responses." Despite this assurance, the complaint alleges that Grok continued to generate explicit AI images involving her likeness. It further claims that xAI retaliated by demonetising her account on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The lawsuit describes Groks image-generation abilities as a serious design flaw. It argues that xAI should have foreseen the risk of the tool being used to harass individuals and create unlawful content. The filing states that those targeted by the deepfakes, including St. Clair, suffered severe emotional distress. It adds, Defendant engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct, exceeding all bounds of decency and utterly intolerable in a civilized society." On the same day, xAI filed a separate lawsuit against St. Clair in a federal court in Texas. The company alleges she breached its terms of service and is seeking damages of more than $75,000. xAI argues that any legal claims against it must be filed in federal court in the Northern District of Texas or in state courts in Tarrant County, Texas. Last week, X limited the @Grok reply bots ability to generate images that nonconsensually depict identifiable individuals in revealing clothing. However, similar image-generation features were still accessible through the Grok app, its website, and the Grok tab on X at the time of reporting. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 17:33 IST News world Ashley St. Clair Sues Elon Musks xAI Over Alleged Deepfake Images 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... BLA's Coordinated Attack In Balochistan's Kharan: Banks Looted, Police Station Overrun Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 09:13 IST Security officials said Pakistans forces managed to foil the attack, killing at least 12 BLA fighters and arresting three key suspects linked to the assault. According to local sources, heavily armed BLA fighters overran the Kharan City Police Station late on Tuesday night, freeing multiple detained companions before moving through parts of the town. The remote Kharan district of Pakistans Balochistan province witnessed intense violence after fighters of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched a coordinated assault on key state installations, triggering a massive counter-operation by Pakistans security forces, sources told CNN-News18. Exclusive visuals accessed by CNN-News18 show the scale of the confrontation as security forces continue clearance operations in the area. According to local sources, heavily armed BLA fighters overran the Kharan City Police Station late on Tuesday night, freeing multiple detained companions before moving through parts of the town. In a significant escalation, the attackers allegedly looted at least three banks the National Bank of Pakistan, Meezan Bank, and Bank Al Habib. The exact amount of cash looted remains unknown. The BLA has claimed responsibility for the attack and alleged that five Pakistani soldiers were killed during the clashes. However, Pakistani government sources have disputed this figure, stating that two security personnel were killed and five others injured during the ongoing operation. Security officials said that Pakistans forces managed to foil what they described as a coordinated terrorist attack," killing at least 12 BLA fighters and arresting three key suspects linked to the assault. The operation, according to officials, continued late into the night on Tuesday amid intense exchanges of gunfire between separatist fighters and security personnel. As the situation deteriorated, authorities imposed a communication blackout across Kharan and surrounding areas. Mobile phone services and other communication networks were suspended, a move typically employed during high-intensity counterterror operations in Balochistan to prevent militant coordination. Balochistan has long been the epicentre of a low-intensity insurgency led by Baloch separatist groups, including the BLA, who accuse the Pakistani state of exploiting the provinces vast natural resources while marginalising the local population. Islamabad, meanwhile, labels the BLA a terrorist organisation and alleges it receives external support. As clearance operations continue, authorities remain on high alert amid fears of further retaliatory strikes. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 09:13 IST News world BLA's Coordinated Attack In Balochistan's Kharan: Banks Looted, Police Station Overrun 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 The Nobel Prize Be Shared Or Transferred? Committee Clarifies After Machados Trump Gesture Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 08:52 IST Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump during their meeting at the White House on Thursday. Venezuelan leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Prize to US President Donald Trump. (Photo: X) Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado made headlines after she handed over her Nobel Peace Prize 2025 medal to US President Donald Trump, who graciously accepted it, calling the moment a wonderful gesture of mutual respect". However, before the medal changes too many hands, a nagging question demands attention: Can a Nobel Peace Prize actually be shared, revoked, or transferred? The Nobel Committee runs a tight ship. According to the rules laid down by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, once a prize is announced, its set in stone. 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," the Nobel Peace Center said in a post on X. The #NobelPeacePrize medal.It measures 6.6 cm in diameter, weighs 196 grams and is struck in gold. On its face, a portrait of Alfred Nobel and on its reverse, three naked men holding around each others shoulders as a sign of brotherhood. A design unchanged for 120 years. Did pic.twitter.com/Jdjgf3Ud2A Nobel Peace Center (@NobelPeaceOslo) January 15, 2026 The Nobel Committees remarks came after the Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump during their meeting at the White House on Thursday. Following this, a White House official confirmed that the gold medal now remains in Trumps possession. Machado had won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting democratic rights and a peaceful transition in Venezuela. Is It It Possible To Revoke A Nobel Peace Prize? It is not possible to revoke a Nobel Peace Prize. Neither Alfred Nobels will nor the Statutes of the Nobel Foundation mention any such possibility. According to the Statutes of the Nobel Foundation, 10, No appeals may be made against the decision of a prize-awarding body with regard to the award of a prize." None of the prize awarding committees in Stockholm and Oslo has ever considered revoking a prize once awarded. As a matter of principle, the Norwegian Nobel Committee will not comment upon what the Peace Prize Laureates may say and do after they have been awarded the prize. The Committees mandate is restricted to evaluating the work and efforts of the nominated candidates up to the moment it is decided who shall be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for a given year. A Nobel Prize can neither be revoked, shared, nor transferred to others. Once the announcement has been made, the decision stands for all time. This does not prevent the Committee from following the future endeavours of laureates closely, even though it expresses neither its concerns nor its acclamation. Trumps Nobel Peace Prize Bid Trump, had time and again claimed that he should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Courtesy his claims of stopping eight wars. The POTUS said one should get a Nobel Prize for every war you stopped. These were major wars. These were wars that nobody thought could have stopped". 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, 08:23 IST News world Can The Nobel Prize Be Shared Or Transferred? Committee Clarifies After Machados Trump Gesture 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 Approves Proposal To Acquire 114 Rafale Fighter Jets Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 21:07 IST The move advances the Indian Air Forces long-pending plan to bolster squadron strength, though further clearances are still needed. Rapid Read The Defence Procurement Board has cleared the proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets. Further approvals will be required before the deal can move ahead. (IMAGE: PTI FILE) The Defence Procurement Board has approved a proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter aircraft, defence sources said on Friday. If cleared at subsequent stages, the acquisition is expected to help bridge the gap between the Indian Air Forces required operational squadron strength and its current levels, the sources told News18. The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets and remains short of its overall sanctioned squadron strength. The IAF had recommended the aircraft as it is already operating and maintaining the Rafale fleet, the sources said. The proposal includes the integration of Indian weapons on the aircraft and the transfer of technology for production in the country. The Defence Procurement Board, which is headed by the Defence Secretary, clears cases before they are forwarded to the Defence Acquisition Council for further approval. The sources said the latest clearance marks a key step in the acquisition process, though further approvals are required before the deal can move ahead. If cleared, the deal would bring the total number of Rafale fighter jets in Indias defence fleet to 176. Proposal under review since September 2025 In September 2025, the Ministry of Defence had begun examining a major proposal from the Indian Air Force to acquire 114 Made in India Rafale fighter jets. That report said the project, estimated to be worth over 2 lakh crore, envisaged French defence firm Dassault Aviation working in partnership with Indian aerospace companies. Defence officials speaking to news agency ANI at the time had indicated that the proposal involved more than 60 percent indigenous content and had the potential to become the largest defence deal ever signed by the Indian government. At the time, officials said the proposal would be taken up by the Defence Procurement Board before being sent to the Defence Acquisition Council for final clearance, in line with the established defence procurement process. The proposal comes shortly after Rafale fighter jets were praised for their strong performance during Operation Sindoor, where they reportedly outmatched Pakistans Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles using their advanced Spectra electronic warfare system. The new jets to be made in India are also expected to feature longer-range air-to-ground missiles compared to the Scalp missile, which was used effectively in recent operations. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 21:05 IST News world Centre Approves Proposal To Acquire 114 Rafale Fighter Jets 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 incident comes just weeks after several houses belonging to Hindu families were set on fire in Bangladesh. In what was suspected to be a targeted attack on minorities, a house was set on fire in Dumritala village in Pirojpur district on December 28, over a week after 29-year-old garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was attacked by a mob, lynched, and his body set on fire over blasphemy allegations in Mymensingh on December 18, according to a report in NDTV. Earlier on December 23, the homes of two expatriate Hindu families were set on fire in Chittagongs Raozan after attackers allegedly locked the families inside, according to a TOI report. Around eight people narrowly escaped the blaze, marking the sixth arson attack targeting the minority community in the area within five days. Residents said they were jolted awake as smoke filled their homes but were unable to flee because the doors had been locked from outside. We escaped by cutting through the tin roof and bamboo fencing," a survivor told the outlet. The incident occurred between 3:15 am and 4 am in Sultanpur village. New Delhi-Dhaka Ties Sour Attacks against the Hindu community have increased in Bangladesh amid the countrys shifting political climate. A series of attacks against minorities has taken place since last month, with Dipu Chandra Dass killing by a mob over blasphemy allegations, triggering protests across the world. The attacks have further strained ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, with India last week strongly criticising the Muhammad Yunusled interim government for attempting to whitewash the communal nature of the crimes. In response, the Yunus-led administration sought to downplay reports of the incidents, including the killings, describing them as attempts to destroy communal harmony through false propaganda." 'All Options On Table': US To UN After Trump Softens Tone On Iran, Gulf Allies Step In | Top Points Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 08:13 IST The US warned that all options, including military action, were on the table against Iran as President Donald Trump signalled a softer tone on Tehran amid protests. Rapid Read Members of the UN Security Council meet on Iran at the request of the United States. (Reuters) Amid violent protests in Iran that kept the world on edge, US and Iranian officials faced off during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, where the American envoy warned that all options were on the table against the Islamic Republic despite President Donald Trumps softer tone on Tehran. Colleagues, let me be clear: President Trump is a man of action, not endless talk like we see at the United Nations," said Mike Waltz, the US Ambassador to the UN. 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." Waltzs remarks came as uncertainty looms over possible US action against Iran over the protests, in which thousands of dissenters have been killed in a brutal crackdown by the Islamic Republics security forces. Protests in Iran have largely abated, as per reports, as the internet blackout continues. Death toll figures have varied, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) saying it has verified the deaths of 2,435 protesters and 153 government-affiliated individuals. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said Iranian security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters. Iran Fires Back At US, Warns Of Aggression At the UNSC Meeting, Irans Deputy UN Ambassador Gholamhossein Darzi said Iran does not seek escalation or confrontation and accused Waltz of resorting to lies, distortion of facts, and a deliberate misinformation campaign to conceal his countrys direct involvement in steering unrest in Iran to violence." However, any act of aggression direct or indirect will be met with a decisive, proportionate, and lawful response," he told the Security Council. This is not a threat; it is a statement of legal reality." Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia also accused the United States of convening the Security Council in a bid to justify blatant aggression and interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state" and threats to solve the Iranian problem in its favourite way: through strikes aimed at overthrowing an undesirable regime." Trumps Softer Tone On Iran Earlier, Trump adopted a waitandsee posture, saying he had been told that the killings were easing and that he believed there was no current plan for large-scale executions. He 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. 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 White House said Iran halted 800 executions under pressure from Trump, but military action remains an option. Additionally, US Senator Lindsey Graham rejected media reports claiming Trump had ruled out military action against Iran, calling the coverage beyond inaccurate". He said the circumstances around the decisive action against the evil" Iranian regime have nothing to do with President Trumps will or determination. On the other hand, Irans envoy to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said Trump has informed Iran that he does not intend to attack and has asked Tehran to exercise restraint. Moghadam said he received the information on Wednesday, indicating that Trump did not want war. Gulf Allies Urge Trump Against Strikes Meanwhile, top officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar urged Trump to hold off on strikes against Iran, citing concerns over the impact on global economy and regional stability. The Gulf trio led a long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort to convince President Trump to give Iran a chance to show good intentions," an unnamed Saudi official told AFP. A second Gulf official confirmed the talks, adding that a message was also conveyed to Iran that attacking US regional facilities would have consequences". The New York Times reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also warned Trump against strikes. 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. New Sanctions Against Iranian Officials Meanwhile, the US announced new sanctions on Iranian officials accused of suppressing the protests. G7 partners and the European Union also said they too were looking at new sanctions to ratchet up the pressure on Irans theocratic government. The US Treasury Department targeted Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme Council for National Security, for using force against demonstrators. 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. (with inputs from agencies) 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 16, 2026, 08:13 IST News world 'All Options On Table': US To UN After Trump Softens Tone On Iran, Gulf Allies Step In | 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... Nobel Prize And Laureate Are Inseparable: Committee After Machados Move To Gift Trump Her Medal Curated By : Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 00:02 IST The Nobel Institute confirmed the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred or shared, after Trump claimed Maria Corina Machado gave him her prize during a White House meeting. Rapid Read News18 The Norwegian Nobel Committee has reiterated that a Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked, after US President Donald Trump praised Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for presenting him with what he described as her Nobel Peace Prize". In a statement outlining long-standing rules, the Nobel Institute on Friday said that the prize and the laureate are inseparable, and that it is always the original recipient who is recorded in history as the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Regardless of what may happen to the medal, the diploma, or the prize money, it is and remains the original laureate who is recorded in history as the recipient of the prize," the Nobel Institute said. The statement clarified that a Nobel Peace Prize cannot be shared with others, transferred once announced, or revoked at any stage. The decision is final and applies for all time," it said. Trump had earlier said Machado presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done" during a meeting at the White House, calling it a wonderful gesture of mutual respect". In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Machado as a wonderful woman who has been through so much". The Nobel Institute, however, underlined that while there are no restrictions on what a laureate may do with the physical items associated with the prize including keeping, giving away, selling, or donating the medal, diploma, or prize money such actions do not change who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. "The Nobel Prize and the Laureate Are Inseparable."Read the full press release from the Norwegian Nobel Committee here:https://t.co/YLGniNg6lq Nobel Peace Center (@NobelPeaceOslo) January 16, 2026 The Committee also said it does not comment on the subsequent statements, decisions, or political actions of Nobel Peace Prize laureates, stressing that the award is based on a laureates contributions at the time the decision is made. Committee Shares Historical Examples In its press release, the Norwegian Nobel Committee cited several historical examples to underline that while Nobel medals may change hands, the identity of the laureate never does. Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001, had his medal and diploma donated in February 2024 by his widow Nane Annan to the United Nations Office in Geneva, where they are now permanently displayed. The Peace Prize medal of Christian Lous Lange, awarded in 1921, has been on long-term loan from his family to the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo since 2005. Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, the 2021 Peace Prize laureate, sold his medal in 2022 for USD 103.5 million and donated the entire amount to UNICEF for Ukrainian refugee children the highest price ever paid for a Nobel medal. The Committee also cited cases involving physicists David Thouless and Leon Lederman, as well as controversial precedents such as author Knut Hamsun, whose medals whereabouts remain unknown. The Committee said these examples show that possession of a medal does not alter who is recorded in history as a Nobel laureate. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Oslo, Norway First Published: January 16, 2026, 23:19 IST News world Nobel Prize And Laureate Are Inseparable: Committee After Machados Move To Gift Trump Her Medal 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... Revival Of 'Kashmir Narrative': Pakistans State-Terror Symbiosis Reaches PMO | Exclusive Details Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 18:48 IST Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a high-level delegation of religious clerics at the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) on Friday During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif reiterated the militarys 'principled position' on Kashmir and vowed to 'drown terrorism in the Indian Ocean'. Image/News18 In a move that signals a hardening of Pakistans regional stance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a high-level delegation of religious clerics at the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) on Friday. The meeting, which followed a similar outreach by the militarys media wing (ISPR), marks an overt attempt by the state to co-opt religious leaders into a renewed information warfare" effort. Top intelligence sources suggest that the primary objective is to revitalise the Kashmir jihad narrative and establish a state-sanctioned religious justification for hostilities against India, framing the struggle as a battle for truth". The delegation was led by Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Chairman of the National Paigham-i-Aman Committee (NPAC), who was recently reappointed by Sharif as a special coordinator. Ashrafi and several members of the NPAC have long-standing, documented proximity to banned jihadist outfits, including Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. By bringing these figures into the PMO, the government appears to be providing a platform for legitimised jihad", with plans to use mosque sermons and Friday prayers across the country to disseminate a coordinated anti-India message. During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif reiterated the militarys principled position" on Kashmir and vowed to drown terrorism in the Indian Ocean". However, his rhetoric shifted significantly when discussing internal security. Sharif alleged a nexus" between the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Afghan Taliban, claiming both are funded and resourced by India and Afghanistan to destabilise Pakistan. Sources close to the PMO indicate that this narrative is a deliberate attempt to redirect public anger over Pakistans internal security failures toward external enemies", specifically targeting Indias diplomatic influence in the region. This synchronised outreach by both the civilian government and the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) underscores a deepening state-terror symbiosis. Rather than dismantling the infrastructure of extremism, Islamabad is once again leveraging religious scholars to establish a Jihadi Narrative" for the Kashmir cause. Intelligence sources in New Delhi view this as a desperate tactical shift following Operation Sindoor, intended to consolidate domestic support through religious fervour while maintaining plausible deniability on the international stage. By assuring full cooperation to these Mullahs", the Pakistani state is effectively outsourcing its foreign policy to the very extremist elements it claims to be fighting. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 18:48 IST News world Revival Of 'Kashmir Narrative': Pakistans State-Terror Symbiosis Reaches PMO | Exclusive Details Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'I Respect The Fact': Trump Thanks Iran, Says It Has Called Off Planned Execution Of Protesters Curated By : Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 00:27 IST Donald Trump thanked Iran's leadership for cancelling the scheduled executions of over 800 protesters, expressing respect on his Truth Social network. USA-TRUMP/ US President Donald Trump on Friday thanked Irans leadership after saying Tehran had cancelled the planned executions of hundreds of protesters detained during a sweeping crackdown. I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Trumps remarks came amid ongoing protests in Iran, which have been met with a heavy security response by authorities. Earlier this week, on Wednesday, Trump said killings linked to Irans crackdown on nationwide protests appeared to be subsiding and that he believed there was no plan for large-scale executions of protesters. Speaking during an Oval Office event, Trump said very important sources on the other side" had indicated a slowdown in violence and a shift away from mass executions. However, he did not rule out the possibility of US military intervention, amid rising tensions in the Middle East and repeated warnings from Washington. The protests are widely seen as the most serious domestic challenge faced by Irans clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with demonstrators demanding the governments ouster and clashing with security forces across several cities. Iranian authorities have said more than 2,000 people have died since the protests erupted on December 28, while rights groups have put the toll at over 3,500. The wave of protests that rocked Iran in recent weeks left thousands dead, according to monitors and rights groups, but discrepencies exist for the toll which according to some estimates could be as high as 20,000. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Fox News the death toll was hundreds", denying the figures reported by the groups abroad as an exaggeration" and a misinformation campaign" to draw US President Donald Trump into making good on a threat to strike Iran if protesters were killed. Trump also dismissed comments by Gulf officials on Thursday that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman led efforts to talk him out of an attack, and said that it was Irans actions that swayed him. Nobody convinced me I convinced myself," Trump told reporters later Friday as he left the White House to head to Florida for the weekend. They didnt hang anyone. They cancelled the hangings. That had a big impact." 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, 23:40 IST News world 'I Respect The Fact': Trump Thanks Iran, Says It Has Called Off Planned Execution Of Protesters 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 Announces Formation Of Gaza Board Of Peace Under Phase Two Of US-Backed Plan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 07:47 IST Trump announced the formation of a Gaza board of peace, describing it as a key Phase Two step in a US-backed plan aimed at ending the war in the region. US President Donald Trump (Credits: X) US President Donald Trumps Foreign Envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced the launch of Phase Two of the Presidents 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. This marks a shift from a ceasefire arrangement to demilitarisation", technocratic governance" and large-scale reconstruction in Gaza". In a post on X, Witkoff said Phase Two provides for the creation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will oversee governance during the transitional period. He underlined that the United States expects Hamas to fully comply with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences," the US envoy wrote. He further highlighted the achievements of the earlier stage and said Phase One had delivered historic humanitarian aid," ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire. 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 Trump Announces Formation Of Board Of Peace US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the formation of a Gaza board of peace, describing it as a key Phase Two step in a US-backed plan aimed at ending the war in the region. The members of the group will be announced soon. According to the plan, the board would oversee a technocratic committee responsible for managing Gazas day-to-day affairs as part of a broader ceasefire framework. It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed. 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. Notably, the Board of Peace was first proposed by Trump in 2024 as a transitional authority that would oversee Gazas reconstruction and supervise a technocratic panel of Palestinian administrators. The Peace Board for Gaza is expected to include international figures and Trump has indicated that he intends to chair it himself, AFP reported, citing officials. The Gaza Board of Peace has been formed to supervise Gazas governance after the war and guide political and security decisions during the transition period. 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, 07:10 IST News world Trump Announces Formation Of Gaza Board Of Peace Under Phase Two Of US-Backed Plan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Moving Carrier Strike Group To Middle East Amid Tensions With Iran. What Can It Do? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 10:14 IST This significant transfer of American military hardware comes amid developments related to unrest in Iran and the possibility of US action. Rapid Read USS Abraham Lincoln may take up to a week to reach the Middle East. (US Navy/File) The United States is moving a carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the US Central Command area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East, as tensions escalate between the Trump administration and Iran, according to several reports. Moving the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East is expected to take about a week, a source told CNN. This significant transfer of American military hardware comes amid developments related to unrest in Iran and questions about whether the White House will use military force in support of protesters who challenged Irans clerical regime. The US Central Commands area of responsibility" encompasses Northeast Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia, and includes 21 countries, such as Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. What Is USS Abraham Lincoln? The USS Abraham Lincoln is a carrier strike group, which is a naval formation centred around an aircraft carrier, with a variety of other vessels, including at least one attack submarine. The strike group can bring dozens of fighter jets and Tomahawk cruise missiles to the region. According to the US Naval Institutes fleet tracker, the Abraham Lincoln is accompanied by three guided-missile destroyers. Along with providing air and submarine defence for the carrier, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are armed with dozens of Tomahawk cruise missiles, which can hit targets up to 1,000 miles away. Weighing more than 100,000 tons and almost 1,100 feet long, the Abraham Lincoln can carry a mix of 90 planes and helicopters, including F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets. The carrier functions as a mobile airfield in international waters, projecting power safely. The air wing launches fighters that can deploy standoff weapons far from the Iranian coast, ensuring the ship remains out of danger. Tensions Over Iran The movement of USS Abraham Lincoln comes amid rising tensions in the region over ongoing protests in Iran, fueling speculation of a possible US military intervention. Iran on Wednesday issued a Notice to Air Missions," or NOTAM, that flights in and out of Tehran have been restricted. All flights, except international flights, were barred from operating in the Iranian airspace. Some personnel at a key US military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate as tensions escalated. The United Kingdom and India have advised against all but essential travel to Israel, which exchanged missile strikes with Iran last year. US President Donald Trump has issued a series of unusually direct messages to both the Iranian leadership and protesters. Iran accused the US President of encouraging political instability, stoking violence, and undermining the countrys sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security. Iranian authorities have warned that any aggression would be met with a forceful" response, including strikes on US military installations in the region and on Israel. The US State Department issued a security alert advising additional precautions for staff or American residents in Qatar. 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 16, 2026, 10:14 IST News world US Moving Carrier Strike Group To Middle East Amid Tensions With Iran. What Can It Do? 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... Were Talking To NATO: Trump Says Discussions On Greenland Underway With Bloc Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 17, 2026, 02:59 IST European nations who are members of NATO have in recent days shown their support for Denmark and Greenland over Trump's escalating threats, including by sending troops there. Rapid Read Trump says the US is engaging NATO on Greenland, calling the territory vital to national security and raising the possibility of tariffs against countries that oppose Washingtons position. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump on Friday said Greenland is critical to US national security and confirmed that Washington is in talks with NATO over the strategically located territory. NATO has been dealing with us on Greenland. We need Greenland for national security very badly," Trump told reporters. If we dont have it, we have a big hole in national security, especially when it comes to what were doing in terms of the Golden Dome and all of the other things," he said. Trump did not spell out the military or security initiatives he was referring to but said the US was actively engaging the alliance on the issue. Were talking to NATO," he added. Earlier in the day, Trump said he was considering using tariffs as leverage against countries that oppose US interests linked to Greenland. I may do that for Greenland, too," he said, referring to the possibility of imposing trade penalties. Trump recalled a past exchange with Emmanuel Macron, saying he had previously threatened a sweeping 25 percent tariff to push France to raise drug prices. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," he told an event at the White House. PRESIDENT TRUMP: "NATO has been dealing with us on Greenland. We need Greenland for national security very badly. If we don't have it, we have a big hole in national security." pic.twitter.com/QpiW5yPUGu Fox News (@FoxNews) January 16, 2026 Last week, Trump said the United States must acquire" Greenland to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence over the autonomous territory, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Both Greenland and Denmark have rejected any suggestion of selling the island, reaffirming Danish sovereignty. Senior Danish officials met JD Vance and Marco Rubio at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the issue. After the meeting, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the talks were frank and constructive" but acknowledged that fundamental disagreements" remain. But the United States, Denmark and Greenland had agreed to set up a working group to continue talks every two to three weeks, the White House said on Thursday. Britain, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have announced the deployment of small numbers of military personnel to prepare for future exercises in the Arctic. 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 17, 2026, 02:59 IST News world Were Talking To NATO: Trump Says Discussions On Greenland Underway With Bloc 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... Who Is Nisha Verma, The Indian-Origin Doctor Grilled By US Senators During Abortion Hearing? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 11:57 IST Dr Nisha Verma, an Indian-American doctor, gained attention at a US Senate hearing on abortion pills for her response to questions on "male pregnancy" and reproductive healthcare. Rapid Read Dr Nisha Verma was born to Indian immigrant parents in North Carolina. (Image: X) An Indian-American doctor has come under the spotlight for her response to a question on male pregnancy" during a US Senate hearing on abortion pills. Dr Nisha Verma, who provides reproductive healthcare in Georgia and Massachusetts, faced questions from Senators Ashley Moody and Josh Hawley about whether men could become pregnant. Verma was testifying before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee on the safety and regulation of the abortion pill mifepristone, addressing issues such as potential misuse or coercion. When asked whether men could get pregnant", she did not give a simple yes-or-no answer. Explaining her hesitation, she said it depended on how the conversation was going or what the goal was," noting that she treats patients across a range of gender identities. Senator Hawley pressed that the question was about biological facts, asserting that men do not get pregnant, to which Verma replied: Science and evidence should guide medicine. But I also think yes or no questions like this are political tools." Who Is Nisha Verma? Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Indian immigrant parents, Verma pursued a bachelors degree in biology and anthropology before earning her medical degree (MD) from the University of North Carolina. She completed her OB/GYN (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and went on to finish a Complex Family Planning Fellowship, alongside earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Emory University, according to information available on US Congress website. Verma is double-board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, with a subspecialty in complex family planning. She practices comprehensive reproductive healthcare in Georgia and serves as a fellow with Physicians for Reproductive Health. In addition, she is Senior Advisor for Reproductive Health Policy and Advocacy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and holds an academic appointment as Adjunct Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: January 16, 2026, 11:57 IST News world Who Is Nisha Verma, The Indian-Origin Doctor Grilled By US Senators During 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... Wonderful Gesture: Trump Thanks Venezuelas Machado After She Presents Him Her Nobel Peace Prize Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 08:30 IST Machado presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize during their meeting in the White House in an apparent bid to gain influence over the future direction of Venezuela. Venezuelan leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Prize to US President Donald Trump. (Photo: X) US President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) thanked Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for presenting him with her Nobel Peace Prize, calling it a wonderful gesture of mutual respect". Machado met Trump at the White House in a high-stakes encounter that could affect how the United States seeks to shape Venezuelas political future after capturing its previous leader Nicolas Maduro. Speaking to reporters in Washington, Machado said she handed the medal to Trump but did not say whether he accepted it. 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!" Trump later said on Truth Social. 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. Her gesture of presenting the Nobel Prize to Trump is seen as an attempt to gain influence over the future direction of her country. What Did Nobel Committee Say? Trump has openly coveted the prize, saying he deserves the Nobel for resolving several wars in his second term. However, the Nobel Committee has already said the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked. Even if Trump accepts the award, it will officially belong to Machado. Shortly after Machados gesture, the Nobel Peace Centre said, 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." The #NobelPeacePrize medal.It measures 6.6 cm in diameter, weighs 196 grams and is struck in gold. On its face, a portrait of Alfred Nobel and on its reverse, three naked men holding around each others shoulders as a sign of brotherhood. A design unchanged for 120 years. Did pic.twitter.com/Jdjgf3Ud2A Nobel Peace Center (@NobelPeaceOslo) January 15, 2026 According to the Statutes of the Nobel Foundation, 10, No appeals may be made against the decision of a prize-awarding body with regard to the award of a prize". None of the prize awarding committees in Stockholm and Oslo has ever considered revoking a prize once awarded. Machado said she would present her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump after the latter expressed scepticism about her political standing within Venezuela, following an audacious raid by the American military that culminated in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. A Washington Post report said Trump was reluctant to back Machado after she accepted the award last year. The Venezuelan leader 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. Machado has publicly praised Donald Trump for his role in recent US actions against the Venezuelan government. She said she had not spoken to Donald Trump since October, when her Nobel award was announced, but expressed deep gratitude for what she described as his decisive intervention in Venezuela. During his visit to the US, 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. Machado was banned from running in Venezuelas 2024 presidential election by a top court stacked with Maduro allies. 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, 07:01 IST News world Wonderful Gesture: Trump Thanks Venezuelas Machado After She Presents Him Her Nobel Peace Prize 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... Democrats may be riding high now, but one of their top strategists says the party is on track to crash in 2028 unless it overhauls itself fast. In a New York Times op-ed, David Plouffewho helped run three recent Democratic presidential campaigns, including Kamala Harris' 2024 bidargues that despite strong showings against President Trump and MAGA-aligned candidates, Democrats have "no credible path" to long-term control of the White House and Senate. Plouffe warns that Electoral College shifts after the next census could make the map even harsher: A Democrat could win every state Harris took, plus Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, and still miss 270 electoral votes, he writes. That matters, he says, because sustained power is needed to shape the Supreme Court, which could otherwise drift toward an 8-1 conservative majority over the next decade. The party's task, in his telling: Stop coasting on Trump's unpopularity and rebuild a brand that can win "in politically unforgiving, even hostile, territory." His prescription is blunt and policy-heavy. Step one: Tie Trump and congressional Republicans to everyday frustrationsprices, wars, economic turbulenceand make them "own everything." Step two, which he calls harder: Confront how Democrats are perceived and offer a sharply focused agenda that voters see as immediately useful, not ideological. That means simple, easily communicated plans to cut living costs, from housing to child care to home health costs; aggressively build the workforce with needed jobs ( such as nurses, teachers, mechanics, plumbers); and regulate AI before it accelerates job loss, misinformation, and higher energy use. Plouffe even envisions campaign ads that accuse Republicans of siding with "AI greed" and billionaire tech interests. He also urges Democrats to stop acting like guardians of a distrusted system. He calls for an anti-corruption pushterm limits, lifetime lobbying bans, trading restrictions for lawmakers, even reconsidering presidential pardonsand for candidates to openly challenge their own party's leadership, programs, and red tape. Voters, he argues, want reformers who will "blow the whistle" on broken policies and prove they can spend new tax revenue effectively. Both parties, in his view, are in deep holes. The difference, he says, is that MAGA is stuck as long as Trump dominates it. Democrats, he concludes, have a brief window to move while their opponent can't. More here. Mosquitoes appear to be acquiring a stronger taste for human blood, out of necessity. A new study out of Brazil suggests that as forests are cut down and wildlife vanishes, local mosquitoes are switching from feeding on animals to feeding on people, reports Popular Science . It's more than an annoyance: The shift has the potential to boost the spread of viruses like dengue, Zika, and yellow fever. The research in the journal Frontiers focused on two areas in Rio de Janeiro state that were part of Brazil's Atlantic Forest, now reduced to about 29% of its original size by deforestation and development. In those previously uninhabited landscapes, human blood turned up in nine mosquito species, the study found. "Mosquitoes that are normally feeding on other hosts within the habitat can shift to humans if the habitat is no longer suitable for those hosts and they leave," Laura Harrington, an entomology professor at Cornell University, tells ABC News. Co-author Sergio Lisboa Machado of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro called mosquitoes "opportunists" that rarely travel far, meaning they take what's nearby rather than burn energy searching for wildlife. Prior research has already linked heavy deforestation to higher mosquito numbers and more mosquito-borne disease, in part because disturbed areas favor hardy species that thrive near people. At the same time, deforestation removes animals that can dilute disease transmission, leaving humans as the main blood source. Of the roughly 3,500 mosquito species worldwide, Harrington notes that only a small number are strongly drawn to humans. But habitat change can tip that balance. "Manipulating the landscape can alter mosquito feeding patterns and sometimes shift feeding patterns towards humans," she says. A young woman seen in video holding a champagne bottle with a pyrotechnic attached just before a Swiss nightclub went up in flames had no safety training and did not know the ceiling was a fire risk, her family says. Lawyer Sophie Haenni, speaking for the relatives of 24-year-old employee Cyane Panine, told the BBC that the French woman "simply followed the instructions given" at Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve. Panine, widely identified as the staff member wearing a helmet and carrying bottles with lit sparklers when the ceiling ignited, "wasn't supposed to be serving tables" but had been called downstairs to cope with a rush on bottle service, the lawyer said. Panine, who died in the fire, was never warned about the materials overhead, according to the family's statement. She was seen sitting on the shoulders of a DJ while wearing a promotional helmet from Dom Perignon, the Times of London reports. Her family says she was told to wear the helmet, which may have prevented her from seeing that the sparklers were so close to the ceiling. The fire killed 40 people and injured 116, and the bar's French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under investigation on suspicion of manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson through negligence Initial findings indicate that sparklers set fire to soundproof foam on the ceiling; authorities have admitted the venue had gone five years without safety inspections. Haenni said that if building standards and required checks had been met, the scale of the disaster "could have been avoided," calling Panine "undoubtedly a victim." The lawyer says she "felt used," was unhappy with her working conditions, and was troubled by what she saw as a lack of empathy from her employers. A Swiss court has ordered travel restrictions on Jessica Moretti instead of placing her in pretrial detention; she surrendered her passport and must report to police daily after prosecutors cited a flight risk. She has previously described the blaze as an "unthinkable tragedy." Her husband, Jacques, is being held in custody for an initial 90 days. In the aftermath of the fire, the Swiss canton of Valais banned pyrotechnics in indoor venues. Cuba on Thursday publicly received the remains of 32 citizens killed in the US military operation that toppled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, turning Havana's main airport into a stage for grief and political messaging. State television carried live images of small flag-draped boxes arriving from Venezuela on Thursday, as top officials including President Miguel Diaz-Canel looked on, the New York Times reports. "The enemy speaks euphorically of high-precision operations," said Maj. Gen. Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas, the interior minister. "We, on the other hand, speak of faces, of families who lost their father, their son, their husband, their brother." The Cubans killed were among thousands the nation has long sent to Venezuela in exchange for subsidized oil. Officially, many serve as doctors and teachers, but they have also included security and intelligence personnel. As US pressure on him increased, Maduro had bolstered his personal security with more Cuban bodyguards and embedded additional Cuban counterintelligence officers in Venezuela's armed forces. The remains were taken Thursday to the Ministry of the Armed Forces in Havana, per the BBC, where people waited in the rain to pay their respects. Maduro's ouster has hit Havana hard, per the Times. Venezuelan fuel shipments, once covering about a third of Cuba's daily needs, have all but stopped. Energy expert Jorge Pinon of the University of Texas at Austin called the loss of that oil catastrophic for Cuba's already battered economy, which analysts say is in free fall. President Trump has pledged to enforce a strict break between Caracas and Havana, declaring on social media that "no more oil or money" will flow to Cuba from Venezuela and that the US military would help enforce that separation. Cubans plan what they say will be a large demonstration Friday across from the US Embassy in Havana, per the AP. After weeks of escalating tension, US and Iranian officials faced each other Thursday at the UN Security Council, and a dissident dramatically told the body of her government's attempts to kill her. In the meeting, the US envoy renewed threats against the Islamic Republic despite President Trump's earlier efforts to lower the temperature between the two adversaries, the AP reports. And Iran's deputy UN ambassador accused the US of "direct involvement in steering unrest in Iran to violence," per Deutsche Welle. Gholam Hossein Darzi argued that the US is "laying the groundwork for political destabilization and military intervention" in the Middle Eastern nation." Former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is at the center of a North Carolina "homewrecker" lawsuit that accuses her of having an affair with a married member of her security detail and wrecking his 14-year marriage, USA Today reports. In a civil complaint seeking more than $25,000 in damages, Heather Ammel alleges that Sinema carried on a romantic relationship with her husband, Army veteran and former Sinema security guard Matthew Ammel, while the Arizona lawmaker was still in office. The filing says Ammel joined Sinema on high-end trips to Napa Valley, Saudi Arabia, and Las Vegas, where he allegedly drank Dom Perignon with Sinema and Cindy McCain. The suit claims Sinema sent him a towel-clad photo, engaged in sexually suggestive messaging, per the Hill, once asked him to bring the recreational drug MDMA along on a work trip so she could lead him through a psychedelic experience. Filed under North Carolina's "alienation of affection" statuteoften dubbed a homewrecker lawthe lawsuit portrays the Ammels' marriage, which began in 2010 and produced three children, as loving until Sinema's alleged involvement. The state is one of just a few that allows such lawsuits, the Guardian reports. Ammel began working on Sinema's security team in 2022, a job that ultimately paid him about $121,000 plus travel reimbursements, according to campaign records. The Ammels separated in 2024 after a trip Ammel took with Sinema to Saudi Arabia, the lawsuit says. It also describes Ammel as a combat veteran dealing with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and substance abuse. The complaint ties the personal allegations to Sinema's public work, noting that she pushed Arizona lawmakers to allocate $5 million in state funds for clinical trials of ibogaine, a psychedelic drug in which her then-employer, Hogan Lovells, had once invested. Ammel appeared with Sinema at the state Legislature during that lobbying effort and later turned up alongside her at an Arizona State University security forum; ASU lists him as a fellow. Sinema, who left the Senate in January 2025 after switching from Democrat to independent and declining to seek reelection, has since donated $3 million in leftover campaign cash to support research at ASU into artificial intelligence, an industry she now works in. She has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. Verizon is offering a $20 bill credit to customers hit by a major wireless service outage this week , but it's still not saying exactly when the money will show up. The carrier confirmed to USA Today that affected users will see a one-time $20 credit in the myVerizon mobile app, with notifications going out by text. As of midafternoon Thursday, some Verizon customers, including USA Today staffers, reported they had not yet received the credit, and the company has not provided a specific date or time for when all credits will be applied. Wednesday's disruption began around 12:30pm ET and lasted roughly seven hours, according to outage tracker Downdetector, which logged more than 1.5 million reports. The problems were reported nationwide, with heavy concentrations in New York City, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Houston. Verizon said there's no sign the incident was caused by a cyberattack; instead, it is blaming a software issue and says it is conducting a full review. CNN rounds up stories from those affected, who recount being unable to get in touch with doctors, access any website that requires two-factor authentication, use Google Maps, or, in some cases, perform their jobs. The event follows a similar large-scale Verizon outage in September 2024 that affected more than 100,000 users and reportedly drew scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission. Verizon has not said whether regulators are examining the latest failure. As the New York Times reports, some customers are not impressed with the offer of a $20 credit: Says a lawyer who was unable to communicate with a client all day, "I would rather a month of free service, for example, where the actual cost to Verizon of extending that is probably nominal, but where the message to methat the company acknowledges the harm that 10 or 12 hours of service failure can causeis more meaningful." UPDATE Jan 16, 2026 12:25 PM CST A Liberian man in Minnesota who has been shuttled in and out of custody since immigration agents in Minnesota broke down his door with a battering ram was released again Friday, hours after a routine check-in with authorities led to his second arrest. The dramatic initial arrest of Garrison Gibson last weekend was captured on video. US District Judge Jeffrey Bryan ruled the arrest unlawful Thursday and freed him, but Gibson was detained again Friday when he appeared at an immigration office. A few hours later, Gibson was free again, attorney Marc Prokosch said, per the AP. "In the words of my client, he said that somebody at ICE said they bleeped up and so they re-released him this afternoon and so he's out of custody." Jan 16, 2026 2:00 AM CST A federal judge in Minnesota on Thursday ordered the release of a Liberian man four days after heavily armed immigration agents broke into his home using a battering ram and arrested him. US District Judge Jeffrey Bryan said in his ruling that the agents violated Garrison Gibson's Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful search and seizure, the AP reports. "To arrest him, Respondents forcibly entered Garrison G.'s home without his consent and without a judicial warrant," he said. The Department of Homeland Security has been ramping up immigration arrests in Minnesota in what the department has called its largest enforcement operation. DHS says its officers have arrested more than 2,500 people since Nov. 29. CBS News didn't just stir up debate on social media with its report about an ICE officer's injuries in Minneapolis, it set off a fight inside its own newsroom. On Wednesday, the network posted an "exclusive" on X and its website saying officer Jonathan Ross, who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, had "internal bleeding to the torso," citing two unnamed US officials briefed on his condition. The claim drew immediate scrutiny over its vague wording and reliance on anonymous government sources, especially given that video from the scene shows Ross walking away after the shooting, the Guardian reports. Emails reviewed by the Guardian show some CBS staffers were uneasy before and after publication. A medical producer urged colleagues to pin down what "internal bleeding" actually meantdid Ross need surgery or any treatment at all? Senior vice president David Reiter noted in an internal email that "internal bleeding" can describe anything from a bruise to a life-threatening injury and reminded colleagues they had footage of Ross leaving the scene under his own power. One staffer said there was "huge internal concern" and described the report as looking like a leak from the Trump administration; another said it felt like CBS was helping justify the shooting to maintain access to sources. Others in the newsroom saw the back-and-forth as normal editorial vetting. A CBS spokesperson defended the decision, saying the story went through the network's "rigorous editorial process" and was judged reportable based on the sourcing and reporters. ABC News repeated the injury claim briefly in a live blog, also citing unnamed officials but offering no further medical detail. Outlets including the New York Times and Fox News mentioned it as well, with Fox quoting a Homeland Security spokesperson while noting the severity of the bleeding was unclear. The AP reports that a Homeland Security source said the officer was injured "but 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." Ross attorney Chris Madel, a Republican who is running for governor of Minnesota, declined to comment to the AP on the reported injuries. The dispute comes as CBS faces broader questions about its coverage of the Trump administration under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, who took over in October, the Guardian notes. The network, now under Paramount Skydance, backed by Trump ally and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, recently landed an exclusive interview in which Trump suggested CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil wouldn't have his job if Kamala Harris had won the 2024 election. UPDATE Jan 24, 2026 6:30 AM CST Spanish prosecutors have dropped a sexual abuse probe into singer Julio Iglesias, saying that the supposed crimes took place in the Caribbean, and that Spain therefore wouldn't have jurisdiction. In a written statement, the prosecutors noted that "all of the allegedly criminal acts would have occurred outside Spanish territory, specifically in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas," per the New York Times. They added that the two accusers "neither reside in Spain nor maintain their center of life, interests, or activity in this country." The 82-year-old singer had previously denied all charges. According to Women's Link Worldwide, the NGO representing the two women, it's not clear if investigations have been started against Iglesias in the DR and Bahamas, per the AP. Jan 16, 2026 7:04 AM CST Julio Iglesias is publicly rejecting allegations that he sexually abused two women who worked in his Caribbean homes, calling their claims "absolutely false" and insisting he has never "abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman." The 82-year-old singer responded on Instagram Friday after a Spanish domestic worker and a physical therapist, identified by the pseudonyms "Rebeca" and "Laura," filed a complaint with Spain's National Court accusing him of sexual assault and human trafficking, per the Guardian. Prosecutors there have opened a preliminary investigation. Iglesias said he would defend his dignity "against this serious affront" and thanked supporters for their messages. New York City's nurses are still on the picket line, and they're talking about safety as well as pay. Five days into a strike involving nearly 15,000 nurses at three major systemsNewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and Montefioreonly NewYork-Presbyterian had returned to the bargaining table by Thursday night, and those talks ended without a deal, the New York Times reports. A hospital spokesperson said the union's demands were "unreasonable" but insisted the system is negotiating in good faith and already has strong staffing. Mount Sinai's CEO said there had been "no progress" and no new talks were scheduled there or at Montefiore. The union says the walkout is about staffing levels, wages, and safety. On the safety front, nurses describe workplaces where they feel physically at risk. A Mount Sinai nurse practitioner recalled leaving the hospital in November as a gunman threatened the emergency department, saying staff received little formal guidance and relied on word-of-mouth in the moment. At NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist last week, police fatally shot a 62-year-old patient who, officials say, had barricaded himself with a security guard and another patient while armed with a "sharp weapon," the Times reports. Nurses say such incidents are part of a larger pattern of violence and inadequate protection. At a union rally Thursday, Mount Sinai nurse Sheryl Ostroff said nurses are often targeted by frustrated patients, the AP reports. "I've been scratched in the face. I have been bitten in multiple places. I have been kicked in the ribs where it leaves bruises, spit on, pushed, punched, sexually assaultedyou name it," she said. "It's not acceptable, and we want our hospitals to protect us. Why is that a hard ask?" She said she hasn't quit the profession because she sees the "humanity" in patients. In an opinion piece at the New York Daily News, Linda H. Aiken, founding director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, says nurses "did not walk out lightly. They are sounding an alarm about unsafe nurse staffing risking patients' wellbeing and violence impacting staff, which are related because delays and missed care can trigger reactions similar to road rage in tense medical situations." Strikes, she writes, are "almost always a last resort. They happen when nurses believe patient safety has been pushed to a breaking point." Hospitals counter that they are not ignoring the problem. Montefiore points to police presence, trained security, and wearable panic buttons. Mount Sinai says it launched a five-year safety plan in 2024, including more security staff and weapon detection. NewYork-Presbyterian says it is "constantly" upgrading security, and the head of the Greater New York Hospital Association called the union's claims "extraordinarily misleading," noting that hospitals backed a new state law requiring violence-prevention plans. The New York State Nurses Association, however, says hospitals have rejected some of their suggestions for preventing violence. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined nurses on a picket line Monday. Europe's top diplomat appears to be feeling the strain of global crisesenough to joke that now might be the moment to take up drinking. Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief and former Estonian prime minister, reportedly told senior members of the European Parliament in a closed-door meeting that she doesn't usually drink alcohol, but given the state of world affairs, it might be a "good moment" to start. The remark, originally reported by Politico and not publicly denied by Kallas' team, came as she briefed Parliament group leaders on a series of overlapping conflicts and diplomatic headaches. Kallas is juggling the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, US military operations in Venezuela, and mass protests against Iran's government. She also faces the challenge of steering a 27-member bloc that often moves slowly, even as events accelerate, per the Telegraph. The mood in the room was described as grim, with Denmark's status as both an EU member and the sovereign power over strategically important Greenland adding to concerns. The comment coincided with Danish and Greenlandic officials meeting at the White House amid renewed talk from President Trump about acquiring Greenlanda move with implications for Arctic security, rare-earth minerals, and the US Pituffik Space Base. Kallas' quip prompted lighthearted responses from other European officials. Latvia's foreign minister suggested a domestic gin, while a Finnish MEP recommended a strong Finnish beer, "if you really have to," while stressing the need to stay focused because conditions are unlikely to improve soon. Behind the humor, Kallas is pushing for a new package of EU sanctions against Iran, per Euronews, targeting officials involved in suppressing protests. She also told lawmakers that some member states are blocking efforts to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, despite a call from the European Parliament to do so; Italy and France have been reported as among the holdouts. Ashley St. Clair, the mother of one of Elon Musk's children, is taking his artificial intelligence company xAI to federal court, accusing it of enabling sexualized deepfake images of her and then failing to stop them. In a lawsuit now in the Southern District of New York, St. Clair says xAI's Grok bot allowed users to upload photos of her and generate nonconsensual images, including depictions of her as a child in a string bikini and as an adult in explicit poses, per NBC News . The 27-year-old alleges she alerted xAI and was told her images would no longer be used or altered without her consent, but that Grok continued to produce explicit content featuring her. The suit also claims that instead of addressing the problem, the company retaliated by cutting off monetization of her X account. The legal fight quickly became a two-way battle. On the same day St. Clair sued, xAI filed its own complaint in federal court in Texas, accusing her of violating its terms of service and seeking more than $75,000 in damages. The company argues that any claims against it must be brought in Texas courts, not in New York. X and xAI didn't immediately comment on either lawsuit. St. Clair's complaint lands amid broader scrutiny of Grok's imaging tools, which researchers say have been used to churn out thousands of sexualized AI images per hour, many featuring real people and shared publicly on X. After public criticism, X appeared to limit the @Grok reply bot's ability to generate swimsuit and underwear deepfakes of identifiable individuals, but similar functionality reportedly remains available in the stand-alone Grok app, website, and dedicated tab on X. California's attorney general opened an investigation into Grok this week, as Gov. Gavin Newsom accused xAI on X of hosting a "breeding ground" for nonconsensual explicit deepfakes, including images digitally undressing children. St. Clair's lawsuit characterizes Grok's deepfake feature as a defective design that foreseeably enabled harassment, noting that those targeted, including her, have suffered "extreme distress," per NBC. Musk, meanwhile, has been framing the issue as one of "free speech" and "censorship." He posted on X earlier his week that he plans to seek full custody of the young son he shares with St. Clair, per CNN. Canada's prime minister is betting a trade deal with Beijing is worth a fight with Washington. Mark Carney, on a visit to Beijing, announced a "preliminary but landmark" deal that will reopen Canada's market to Chinese-made EVs, reversing tariffs that effectively shut them out in 2025. Ottawa will now allow up to 49,000 Chinese EVs a year at a 6.1% tariffrising to 70,000 by year fivelevels Carney said would restore imports to roughly where they were before Canada joined a US-led 100% tariff, Politico reports. In return, China will sharply scale back its own punitive duties on Canadian canola, cutting a combined rate of about 85% down to roughly 15% by March 1. The deal will also remove Chinese tariffs on Canadian products including lobster, crab, and peas, the CBC reports. The move comes as Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping try to reset a strained relationship and as Ottawa looks to reduce its reliance on an increasingly volatile United States under President Trump. Carney told reporters the relationship with China has become "more predictable," even as he stressed that ties with the US remain "more multifaceted, much deeper, much broader." His government has set a target of doubling Canada's trade with non-US partners within a decade, pushing harder into China and the Middle East for both exports and investment. The EV shift puts Canada at odds with both Washington and Mexico, which recently hiked its own tariff on Chinese electric cars to 50%. US and Canadian lawmakers and unions have long warned that low-cost Chinese vehicles threaten North America's auto industry, a concern echoed by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who urged Carney to keep tariffs unless China builds cars in Canada and hires local workers. Carney noted that even with the new quotas, Chinese EVs would represent only a small fraction of Canada's 1.8 million annual auto sales. He said China is expected to start investing in the Canadian auto industry within three years, the AP reports. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, tells the CBC that he likes some of the "guardrails" in the EV agreement, including a requirement to meet Canadian safety standards. The deal, however, is at odds with Carney's push to "buy Canadian," says Volpe, a member of Carney's council on US-Canada relations. "The concern is we're mostly export-oriented, and we're trying to return to build Canada for Canada because, of course, we've got our friction, let's call it, with the Americans," he says. "So every single sale counts. It's much better to get that sale from a company that's manufacturing here, that's buying supplies here and employing Canadians here." A hardline cleric leading Friday prayers in Iran's capital demanded the death penalty for protesters detained in a nationwide crackdown and directly threatened President Trump, showing the rage gripping authorities in the Islamic Republic over demonstrations that have challenged their authority. Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami's sermon, carried by Iranian state radio, sparked chants from those gathered for prayers, including, "Armed hypocrites should be put to death!" Executions, as well as the killing of peaceful protesters, are two of the red lines laid down by Trump for possible military action against Iran over the protests, which began Dec. 28 over Iran's ailing economy and soon morphed into protests directly challenging the country's theocracy, per the AP . Iranian authorities cut off access to the internet on Jan. 8 and intensified a bloody crackdown on all dissent, which the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports has killed at least 2,677 people. Khatami, appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a member of both the country's Assembly of Experts and its Guardian Council, described the protesters as the "butlers" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "Trump's soldiers." He insisted their plans "imagined disintegrating the country." "They should wait for hard revenge from the system," Khatami said of Netanyahu and Trump. "Americans and Zionists should not expect peace." Khatami has long been known for his hardline views in Iran, including in 2007, when he said a fatwa calling for the death of writer Salman Rushdie remained in effect. He also threatened Israel in a 2018 speech by saying Iran could "raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground" with its missile arsenal. His fiery speech came as allies of Iran and the United States alike sought to defuse tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke Friday to both Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israel's Netanyahu, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that "the situation in the region is quite tense, and the president is continuing his efforts to help deescalate it." More here. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado handed her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Trump on Thursday, a move Norwegians called "absurd" and "pathetic." "This is completely unheard of," Janne Haaland Matlary, a professor at the University of Oslo, told public broadcaster NRK. She called Machado's move "a total lack of respect for the award" and labeled the gesture "meaningless," reports Bloomberg. "This is, above all, absurd. The peace prize cannot be given away," said Kirsti Bergst, the leader of Norway's Socialist Left party, per the Guardian. She added that Trump's "repeated threats toward Greenland clearly demonstrate why it would have been madness to award him the prize." In a post on X Thursday, the Nobel Peace Center noted that some Nobel Peace Prize medals have been passed on to others. In 2022, Dmitry Muratov auctioned off his medal for more than $100 million to help Ukrainian refugees. "But one truth remains," the center said. "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." Machado, who has been sidelined from Venezuela's transition process since US forces ousted Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3 but left his regime structure intact, described the gift as honoring Trump's "unique commitment with our freedom." In Norway, the gesture is being interpreted very differently, reports Bloomberg. Raymond Johansen, a former Oslo mayor from the ruling Labor Party, wrote on Facebook that the episode is "unbelievably embarrassing and damaging" to one of the world's most prominent prizes, warning that the growing politicization of the award could "easily legitimize an anti-peace prize development." Delcy Rodriguez, the Venezuelan interim leader who has won praise from Trump, made what the New York Times sees as a "thinly veiled reference" to Machado's White House visit in remarks Thursday. "And if one day, as acting president, I have to go to Washington, I will do so with my head held high, not on my knees," she said. Jimmy Kimmel, meanwhile, offered to give Trump some of his own awards on the condition that he pulls ICE out of Minneapolis, Deadline reports. On his show Thursday night, Kimmel displayed his Daytime Emmy, Clio, Webby, and Writer's Guild of America awards and quipped: "Or, best of all, I'm willing to hand over my 2015 Soul Train award for 'white person of the year.'" A Republican lawmaker is warning that any move to seize Greenland by force could put President Trump on a collision course with impeachment. Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, who's retiring at the end of his current term, said he'd consider supporting Trump's removal from office if the United States tried to invade the Arctic territory, calling the idea "utter buffoonery" and an insult to key allies. "When the president talks about taking Greenland one way or the other ... I felt like I needed to make a statement that Republicans disagree," he told the Omaha World-Herald . "You don't treat allies that way ... don't treat your best friends like a piece of s---." Bacon added that Trump contemplating a Greenland invasion is "the dumbest thing I've ever heard," per Politico. Trump has floated the idea of annexing Greenlanda semi-autonomous territory of Denmarkfor what he describes as national security reasons, per the Hill. The island hosts a US Space Force base and is rich in resources, but Greenland, Denmark, and other NATO partners have pushed back sharply, per the Hill. Bacon said using pressure or threats amounts to bullying, not strategy. Other Republicans, including some still seeking reelection, are signaling they'd resist attempts to claim Greenland against the wishes of Denmark and its residents. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina predicted "substantial opposition in Congress" to any "taking of a sovereign territory." Maine Sen. Susan Collins said she opposes annexation by force or over local objections, though she'd support expanding the existing US military footprint there via negotiations. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma was more blunt: "We cannot do military action in Greenland. Should not, cannot." Bacon has also crossed the aisle to co-sponsor the No Funds for NATO Invasion Act, a bill barring the use of federal money for any invasion of a NATO country or NATO-shielded territory, a category that includes Greenland. He notes that "there's so many Republicans mad about this," and that if Trump "went through with the threats, I think it would be the end of his presidency," per the World-Herald. About 1 in 5 Americans support Trump's push to take over Greenland, per a recent poll cited by USA Today. President Trump suggested on Friday that he may punish countries with tariffs if they don't back the United States controlling Greenland, a message that came as a bipartisan Congressional delegation sought to lower tensions in the Danish capital. Trump for months has insisted that the US should control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in US hands would be "unacceptable." During an unrelated event at the White House about rural health care, he recounted on Friday how he'd threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals. "I may do that for Greenland, too," Trump said. "I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that." He hadn't previously mentioned using tariffs to try to force the issue. Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. That encounter didn't resolve the deep differences, but it did produce an agreement to set up a working groupon whose purpose Denmark and the White House then offered sharply diverging public views. European leaders have insisted that only Denmark and Greenland should decide on matters concerning the territory, and Denmark said this week that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland in cooperation with allies. In Copenhagen, a group of senators and members of the House of Representatives met Friday with Danish and Greenlandic lawmakers, and with leaders including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Delegation leader Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, thanked the group's hosts for "225 years of being a good and trusted ally and partner" and said that "we had a strong and robust dialog about how we extend that into the future." Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, said after meeting lawmakers that the visit reflected a strong relationship over decades, and that "it is one that we need to nurture." She told reporters that "Greenland needs to be viewed as our ally, not as an asset, and I think that's what you're hearing with this delegation." Billy Long said he meant it as a punchline, but not everyone in Iceland is amused. A petition in Iceland has drawn thousands of signatures after reports that Long, President Trump's nominee for US ambassador to the country, joked that Iceland would become the 52nd US state and that he'd be its governor. Politico relayed the remark in a newsletter, saying it was made on the House floor the night before high-level US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials met about Trump's stated interest in taking over Greenland, the Guardian reports. Long is a former House member. Iceland's foreign ministry quickly asked the US Embassy in Reykjavik to confirm what was said. Petition organizers urged Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir to reject Long as ambassador, calling the comment offensive to the people of a nation that "has had to fight for their freedom while remaining a close US ally. Within hours, more than 3,200 people had signed, urging Washington to pick someone who shows "greater respect" for Icelandic sovereignty. Long told Arctic Today he was joking in a private conversation sparked by banter about Jeff Landry, Trump's special envoy to Greenland, becoming "governor" there. "There was nothing serious about that," Long said, adding that if anyone was offended, "then I apologize." He repeated that he looks forward to working with Icelanders. Lawmaker Sigmar Gumundsson called it "not a particularly funny joke" made at an awkward time. "We need to understand that all the security arguments made by the US regarding Greenland, also apply to Iceland," he said, per the Hill. Long was "probably having some fun," Senate Majority Leader John Thune said, per Politico. President Trump is preparing to roll out a housing pitch built around Americans' retirement savings. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Friday that Trump will unveil a proposal at next week's World Economic Forum in Davos that would let people tap their 401(k) accounts to help cover a down payment on a home, Bloomberg reports. The idea, Hassett told Fox Business, is that a portion of the home's equity would then be treated as an asset inside the 401(k), allowing the retirement account to keep growing over time. Details are still being hammered out, including how such withdrawals would avoid the current tangle of taxes and penalties that often accompany early use of retirement funds. Housing costs remain a frontline political issue, with 30-year mortgage rates roughly twice what they were before the pandemic. Hassett linked the new proposal to recent steps by Trump aimed at the mortgage market, including a directive for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities to try to narrow the rate spread on home loans. First-time home buyers under age 59 can take up to $10,000 out of their individual retirement accounts to buy a home without paying a penalty, per the Wall Street Journal. But 401(k)s and similar employer-based accounts don't allow those early withdrawals unless a 10% penalty is paid. "Fewer people are buying homes right now than we've seen pretty much in my lifetime," Hassett said, arguing that the announcement has already produced a noticeable market response. He suggested White House officials believe the effort could proceed without legislation. VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 16, 2026 /CNW/ - Vancouver City Council has approved zoning for a landmark VGH+ health care redevelopment at 900 and 990 West 12 Avenue, setting a new national benchmark for how health care infrastructure can be delivered in Canada. Renderings of the proposed VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation redevelopment at 900 and 990 West 12 Avenue (CNW Group/VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation) Led by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, the project is a cornerstone of the Foundation's bold approach to catalyzing health care innovation in BC. Upon completion, it will provide much-needed space for long-term care beds, create an opportunity to consolidate medical teams and programs of Vancouver Coastal Health currently dispersed in multiple leased locations across Vancouver, as well as create a new modern, purpose-built outpatient diagnostic and clinical space to better serve patients, families and care teams. Purchased by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in 2022, this property -- located directly across from VGH -- is part of an ambitious vision that would add much needed health care infrastructure in support of VGH. A defining feature of this project is VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation's unprecedented investment in acquiring and developing the property, representing the largest investment of its kind in health care infrastructure in Canada. This unique ownership model creates long-term flexibility and sustainability -- and ensures donor generosity delivers impact not just once, but again and again. "This is VGH+ in action," says Angela Chapman, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. "We're taking bold, practical action to strengthen public health care -- accelerating solutions that expand access, modernize care and create lasting impact to patients and their families. By investing in and owning this site, we've built a circular philanthropic model that keeps giving -- fueling world-class care, groundbreaking research and future cures for generations." The proposed redevelopment significantly strengthens seniors' care and specialized services while building long-term capacity to VGH. The first phase of the planned development includes a 26-storey tower, featuring state-of-the-art clinical and research spaces, physician offices, with a modernized structure to better serve patients and meet growing demands. A cornerstone of the project is 280 state-of-the-art long-term care beds to support seniors and families across Vancouver and beyond. The project's innovative philanthropic funding model allows critical health care infrastructure to move forward in a sustainable way that puts critically needed dollars into the system without drawing on capital budgets. This approach accelerates delivery, strengthens publicly funded care and helps relieve pressure on acute-care hospitals -- while ensuring donations directly fuel patient-centred impact where it's needed most. Mayor Ken Sim emphasizes the importance of the project for the city and its residents. "This VGH & UBC Foundation project is a major investment in the health and well-being of people living in Vancouver and the province," says Mayor Sim. "By approving this project, the City is supporting innovative, forward-looking solutions that expand seniors' care, modernize health care infrastructure and strengthen essential services. It's a great example of how the Foundation is delivering lasting benefits for our community." With zoning approval secured, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation moves into the next phases of planning and development -- advancing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to add critical health care infrastructure in Vancouver through catalytic philanthropy, innovation and partnership. About VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is the leading charity investing in health care innovation in BC. As Vancouver Coastal Health's primary philanthropic partner, the Foundation raises essential funds for VGH, UBC Hospital, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre and Vancouver Community Health Services. Donations fund groundbreaking research, world-class health care teams and life-saving treatments for the most complex cases across the province. For more information, please visit: vghfoundation.ca. SOURCE VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation For media inquiries, please contact: Niall Fields, Edelman Canada, 236-982-2146, [email protected] Microsoft just made a historic commitment to let unions shape AI development in Australian workplaces. Heres why this deal matters for your job security and future. Whats Happening: Microsoft Australia has signed a historic agreement with the Australian Council of Trade Unions that gives workers and unions a formal say in how AI systems are designed and used in Australian workplaces. Why This Matters: With artificial intelligence reshaping workplaces at extraordinary pace, securing worker voices now determines whether the technology creates better jobs or displaces existing ones. Microsoft Australia has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding and Framework Agreement with the Australian Council of Trade Unions that establishes new benchmarks for worker rights in the technology sector. The MOU, also signed by the Australian Services Union, Professionals Australia and the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association, represents a significant departure from how global technology companies have traditionally operated in Australia. For the first time, a major global tech firm has formally committed to recognising workers rights to join and be represented by their union and affirmed the rights of workplace delegates to fulfil their representative functions. Microsoft Australias commitments to recognise the fundamental workplace rights of its workers and engage meaningfully with their unions is a first for global technology companies operating in Australia, said Joseph Mitchell, ACTU Assistant Secretary. This represents a genuine shift in how the tech sector relates to working people. The agreement moves beyond symbolic union recognition. Microsoft has committed to embedding formal mechanisms that elevate workers voices in actual decision-making during the development and deployment of new and existing AI products. This means workers will have structured pathways to shape how AI systems are designed before they are implemented in workplaces, rather than being asked to adapt to systems already in place. What workers are actually getting The practical elements of the agreement centre on three key commitments that directly affect how AI reaches Australian workplaces. First, Microsoft will work jointly with the ACTU to develop and deploy resources supporting workers access to training and skills development for working with artificial intelligence systems and products. These resources will be delivered through unions, ensuring workers can develop the technical and practical skills to engage with AI systems being implemented in their workplace. Critically, this enables workers to contribute more effectively to the design and implementation of AI systems rather than simply operating them once deployed. For workers to benefit from AI, we must be central to the process, and this MOU is another positive step towards realising that, Mitchell explained. This partnership ensures workers will be able to access resources through their unions to better engage with and contribute to the design of AI systems in their workplaces. Second, workers through their unions have consistently raised concerns that AI is being developed without their voices being heard. The agreement addresses this directly by establishing formal knowledge-sharing arrangements during the development and deployment of AI products. This gives workers genuine input into critical decisions about how technology operates in their day-to-day working lives. Rather than discovering new AI systems when they arrive, workers will have opportunities to shape them before rollout. Third, the agreement explicitly protects the rights of creative and media workers. Microsoft has pledged to respect the rights of creative and media workers and the vital role they play in Australian society, culture and democracy. This recognition addresses direct concerns within creative industries about AIs potential impact on jobs, intellectual property and artistic autonomy. Creative professionals worried about job displacement now have contractual protection for their rights and input. Importantly, Microsoft has also committed to respecting the rights of creative and media workers and the vital role they play in Australian society, culture and democracy, Mitchell said. These protections are fundamental to ensuring that Australian creative workers are not left behind as AI transforms industries. Steven Miller, Area Vice President of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, positioned the agreement as part of Microsofts broader approach to responsible AI deployment. Australians deserve AI that helps people thrive. This agreement signals our commitment to ensure workers voices are at the heart of Australias AI transformation and no one is left out of the national opportunity this technology presents. Why this agreement matters now The timing of this agreement reflects the extraordinary pace at which AI is already reshaping Australian workplaces. Microsoft has exceeded by 30 percent its commitment to train one million Australians and New Zealanders in AI by the end of 2025, demonstrating the scale at which the technology is already rolling out across the economy. Australia faces a generational economic opportunity, with AI projected to unlock a $115 billion economic opportunity by the end of the decade. However, realising this opportunity depends on how responsibly the technology is deployed. When workers are excluded from design and implementation decisions, AI can displace jobs, create safety risks and bypass important fairness considerations. Historically, technology rollouts have moved rapidly without meaningful worker input. Workers discover new systems on their first day encountering them, leaving little room for feedback or adjustment. This agreement fundamentally changes that dynamic by requiring worker consultation before systems go live. Its time for other big tech and large employers to catch up and get on board with a similar collaborative approach to AI, with workers at the heart of planning and implementation, not simply left to grapple with ill-conceived and enforced changes, Mitchell said. The Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, the Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP, signalled government support for the partnership. When businesses and unions work together it is Australians who ultimately benefit the most. Labor will always back efforts to ensure new technology works for people, and not the other way around. Our adoption of AI should embrace the timeless principle of the fair go, the ideal that no-one should be held back or left behind on Australias journey. The agreement mirrors Microsofts existing partnership with the AFL-CIO in the United States, which has shaped high-impact skilling programmes for American workers. Over the coming year, Microsoft Australia and the ACTU will launch joint learning sessions, establish regular worker input mechanisms and identify priority sectors for practical pilots demonstrating AIs genuine benefits for productivity, job quality, safety and inclusion. The deal represents a shift in how global technology companies engage with labour in Australia and places pressure on other major tech employers and large corporations to adopt similar collaborative approaches to AI deployment. For workers worried about their role in an AI-driven future, this agreement signals that their voices will be heard before change arrives. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. European media, influencer delegation explores Harbin's intangible cultural heritage, ice-snow wonder People's Daily Online) 16:18, January 16, 2026 A tour by European media professionals and influencers kicked off on Jan. 13 in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau, with support from the Harbin Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism. The group, comprising 21 travel journalists and influencers from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, gathered in China's "ice city" to experience the deep integration of intangible cultural heritage with ice and snow culture. On the second day of the tour, delegation members visited the Heilongjiang Vocational College of Art to appreciate the distinctive charm of China's intangible cultural heritage. At the college's paper-cutting studio, neatly arranged works displayed on shelves immediately drew the visitors' attention. From architectural themes showcasing Harbin's unique character to traditional patterns depicting northeast China's folk customs and zodiac stories, the exquisite paper-cutting pieces left the European guests in awe. European media professionals and influencers experience paper cutting at Heilongjiang Vocational College of Art in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Shang Cheng) During the visit, Ni Xiumei, a national-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, demonstrated traditional window paper-cutting techniques for the delegation. Under Ni's guidance, the European visitors tried their hand at creating their own pieces. As delegation members stepped into the city's Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo park, they seemed to enter a crystalline fairytale world. Spread across 1.5 million square meters, more than 260 snow sculpture installations dotted the landscape. The main snow sculpture, "Mr. Snowman," towering over 20 meters high, drew gasps of amazement from the European guests, who raised their cameras to capture the spectacular scene. Photo shows European travel vloggers in front of "Mr. Snowman" at the Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Expo park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (People's Daily Online/Shang Cheng) The profound fusion of intangible cultural heritage and ice and snow culture offered the delegation a distinctive cross-border cultural experience. European media journalists and travel vloggers alike experienced the charm of Harbin, awarded by U.N. Tourism for its leadership and excellence in the development of ice and snow tourism. They said they would share their observations and experiences in Harbin with European audiences through their lenses, allowing more people to discover the city's rich ice and snow resources and profound cultural heritage. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) The suspects of an online scam ring are escorted by police from Cambodia to Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Tuyen Quang police Vietnamese and Cambodian police have dismantled one of the largest cross-border online scam networks ever uncovered, arresting 205 people at multiple compounds in the Cambodian border city of Bavet. The suspects, all Vietnamese nationals, were found working for online fraud operations run by Chinese ringleaders during coordinated raids on Jan. 12 at the Kim Sa 1, Kim Sa 3, Titan and Tam Thai Tu areas in Svay Rieng Province. Police seized dozens of computers, mobile phones and other equipment used in the scams. According to investigators, the network targeted thousands of victims across Vietnam using sophisticated impersonation tactics. Scammers posed as police officers, electricity company staff or tax officials, calling victims and sending malicious links under the pretext of installing electronic household registration apps or resolving utility issues. Once victims clicked the links, the criminals gained control of their phones and emptied bank accounts through mobile banking apps. On Jan. 15, police brought 74 of the suspects back to Vietnam through the Moc Bai international border gate for further investigation. Authorities said the case stemmed from a major operation by police in Tuyen Quang Province, which borders China, against a transnational high-tech crime syndicate that caused losses estimated at hundreds of billions of dong. "This is the largest scam ring ever dismantled by Tuyen Quang police," investigators said, adding that raiding overseas bases shows a determination to crack down on crimes that have sparked widespread public concern. Police are continuing to screen the remaining suspects and expand the investigation. The case is part of a broader regional crackdown on Vietnamese-run scam networks operating abroad, particularly in the Golden Triangle area. In recent months, police have dismantled multiple rings in Laos and Cambodia involving fraud, human trafficking and illegal border crossings, arresting hundreds of suspects and recovering large volumes of evidence. 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) Editor: ZAD Prosecutors are seeking to dismiss indictments against Atlantic City Schools Superintendent LaQuetta Small and Atlantic City High School Principal Constance DaysChapman, ending the remaining criminal cases tied to child abuse allegations against Mayor Marty Small Sr. The move comes weeks after the mayor was acquitted on all charges involving his teenage daughter. Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds said Friday that a judge will now decide whether to formally drop the indictments. LaQuetta Small and DaysChapman had been facing separate trials connected to an alleged pattern of abuse involving the mayors daughter. Prosecutors accused LaQuetta Small, the mayors wife, of participating in the physical and emotional abuse of their daughter between December 2023 and January 2024. DaysChapman, who was charged with official misconduct, had been accused of informing the Smalls directly about the teens claims instead of reporting them to child welfare authorities. She has been on paid administrative leave while awaiting the outcome of her case. LaQuetta Smalls trial, originally scheduled for this month, had been pushed to April. DaysChapmans case was still pending before the New Jersey Supreme Court on a motion to dismiss her indictment. Reynolds said both dismissals were sought at the request of the teen. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. speaks after his aquittal at Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media After Mayor Small was found not guilty in December following a roughly twoweek trial, the prosecutor indicated he expected decisions on the related cases early this year. Based on her wishes, keeping in mind the prior not guilty verdict, and in an attempt not to revictimize [the teenager] again with trials against her mother and longtime family friend, we believe it is prudent and responsible to dismiss the remaining indictments, Reynolds said in a statement. The prosecutors office said the cases were expected to be formally dismissed on either Friday or next Tuesday. The announcement also follows an investigation into a recent threat directed at the teenager. Just last week, the victim received a threat, racial in tone, on one of her social media accounts pertaining to her accusations she made against her father, Reynolds said. While we actively investigate this threat, we believe it is no longer in her best interest, both emotionally and perhaps even physically, for us to continue with our cases against LaQuetta Small and Constance Days-Chapman at this time, he added. The mayor and superintendent were charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Mayor Small also faced charges of terroristic threats, aggravated assault, and witness tampering. He risked up to 25 years in prison if convicted and the likely end of his political career, which began in 2003 when he was first elected to city council. He became mayor in 2019 and won reelection in November while under indictment. The mayor did not immediately respond to a request for comment. All three defendantswho have played central roles in the mayors reelection campaignshad previously failed in their attempts to have the charges dismissed before trial. Michael Schreiber, attorney for LaQuetta Small, said findings from a separate investigation by the states Division of Child Protection and Permanency still need to be resolved. Im very happy that the prosecutor finally did the right thing, Schreiber said, adding that he believed the matter belonged in family court, not criminal court. Atlantic City Public Schools did not immediately respond to a request for comment. DaysChapmans attorney, Lee Vartan, said the defense will now seek her immediate reinstatement as principal. We have said from the beginning that this was a political prosecution, and [DaysChapman] was collateral damage, Vartan said in a statement. The prosecutor knew that when the jury heard all the facts, [DaysChapman] would be acquitted," he added. That is why he dismissed the case. This is complete and total vindication for [DaysChapman], and she looks forward to returning to Atlantic City High School, where she belongsand is beloved. Principal Constance Days-Chapman speaks during Atlantic City High School's graduation at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com The investigation came to light after authorities executed a search warrant at the mayors home. Marty Small repeatedly described the matter as a family issue, denying political motivations. During the mayors trial, his daughter testified that she was struck with a broom and punched in the legs, injuries that led to hospitalization. The mayor denied the allegations, saying they stemmed from tensions over strict parenting and the familys disapproval of her boyfriend. A Saddle River residents dog was attacked by a coyote and dragged into the woods on Wednesday, police said. It was unclear exactly where the incident occurred, but the Saddle River Police Department said in a Nixle alert that it involved a resident of Burning Hollow Road. As of Thursday evening, the dog has not been found and police and Tyco Animal Control were still investigating the incident. January through March is coyote mating season in New Jersey and police warned that males can be more aggressive during this time. Residents are asked not to leave their children or pets alone outside. Police said that items such as an air horn, whistle or stick are good tools to have in case a coyote is encountered. Police said to report any aggressive or sick wildlife to them at 201-327-5300. Coyote attacks are not uncommon in Saddle River. On Oct. 21, 2025, a rabid coyote attacked a borough resident outside of his home, police said. He was working in his yard in the area of Oak Road when he was knocked to the ground and bitten multiple times. Separately, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections Fish and Wildlife Division reported that a coyote tested positive for rabies after it bit a man on the leg while he was on a ladder at 4 Dogwood Drive also in Saddle River on the same day. Just a day earlier, a 31-year-old housekeeper and a dog were attacked by a coyote in the backyard of a home in neighboring Woodcliff Lake. 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) Editor: Xiong Jian Several people were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Thursday morning while they were waiting for food at a pantry in Cumberland County, a spokesperson from the Salvation Army said. The individuals were in a parking lot adjacent to the Salvation Armys Bridgeton Corps Community Center in Bridgeton, according to Nick Wheeler, director of external communications. The facility is located on Commerce Street. Wheeler said on Friday that no ICE agents entered or requested to enter the Salvation Army property. However, hours after the Salvation Army confirmed that several people were detained, Bridgeton Police Chief James Battavio disputed the claim. In a message posted Friday, Battavio said he contacted Salvation Army personnel after seeing social media claims and was told this incident DID NOT TAKE PLACE. Salvation Army personnel advised me that no one in line was approached, spoken to or arrested. Everyone who was there was able to get their food items uninterrupted, Battavio said, adding that while ICE conducted operations in a nearby park area, they did not disrupt the food line or target anyone getting food items. A spokesman for the Salvation Army could not immediately be reached for comment on the chiefs statement. Earlier in the day, Wheeler told NJ Advance Media that several people were detained by ICE agents yesterday morning in a public parking lot adjacent to our Bridgeton Corps Community Center while they were waiting to collect food from our food pantry. The chiefs statement asserts no one in the food line was approached or arrested, while the Salvation Armys account indicates people waiting for food in a public lot adjacent to the center were detained. Both agree ICE operations were underway nearby. Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly did not return a request for comment. The Community Foodbank of New Jersey issued a memo to its partners on Friday, alerting them to what happened and giving them clear, practical information to respond to an ICE event. They advised them to develop response plans and designate points of contact. In addition, many pantries have adjusted operations by welcoming neighbors indoors rather than forming outdoor lines, which may help reduce visibility and congestion outside the site, the letter stated. Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said that she could not confirm that anyone was detained by ICE outside the Salvation Army, as her office was not consulted. What I can confirm is that information such as this creates a chilling effect which discourages families from accessing basic necessary services like medical care (at hospitals), protection (at police stations and courthouses) and social safety net items (like food, clothing or other services typically dispensed by non-profits), Webb-McRae said in a statement. This makes families (including those with children) less healthy and more vulnerable. The arrests come after numerous other raids throughout New Jersey this week, some of which were conducted in very public places. Two men were detained in Princeton early Thursday morning one of them was a father who had just dropped his child off at elementary school. On Sunday, 10 people including a high school student, were detained after an ICE raid at a laundromat and other businesses in Morristown. Reporter Matt Gray contributed to this report. Donald Trump couldnt help but take a swipe at our neighbor to the North when the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers visited the White House on Thursday. You denied Canada the Stanley Cup for the 32nd straight year, Trump said of the Panthers, who beat the Edmonton Oilers in six games to win their second straight Cup. We have a little competition with Canada. No, theyre great people, though. Were doing much better than Canada, but thats okay, right? Donald Trump with the Florida Panthers: You denied Canada the Stanley Cup for the 32nd straight year. We have a little competition with Canada. No, they're great people, though. Were doing much better than Canada, but that's okay, right? Almost half the Panthers' roster is pic.twitter.com/5SZIiCxSwy Harrison Faulkner (@Harry__Faulkner) January 15, 2026 There was awkward laughter as Trump made the comments. The Panthers have 10 Canadians on their current roster. Matthew Tkachuk, a native of Arizona, praised Trump and said he was so proud to be an American. The two Cups was pretty good, but that walk with you mightve Trumped it all, he said. ... Nothing beats this. Im so proud to be an American, and so proud to be here with you. In October Trump abruptly terminated all trade negotiations with Canada after he bashed an ad from the Ontario government that featured the voice of former President Ronald Reagan speaking out against U.S. tariffs. Trump described the video as fake and accused Canada of fraud. Trump also announced that he was adding an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports in the wake of the ad. Lauren Sforza of NJ Advance Media contributed reporting. A newly uncovered $15 million budget gap has pushed the Hackensack School District into a financial crisis that could force major cuts, local officials said this week. Current board members in the Bergen County school district are blaming the massive shortfall on decisions made under prior leadership. At a Hackensack Board of Education meeting Wednesday night, school board president Jennifer Harris said concerns about the districts finances surfaced shortly after a leadership change in January 2025, when some of the current board members started their terms. The leadership transition continued in June, when then-Hackensack Superintendent Thomas McBryde was suspended and replaced by Assistant Superintendent Andrea Oates-Parchment without a public explanation. It was not until last summer that board members began receiving complete and accurate financial information about the budget, they said. The board then hired a new independent auditing firm. An audit of the 202425 school year, along with a review of the current budget, ultimately revealed the estimated $15 million deficit, officials said. This problem was not created overnight, Harris said. Rather, it is the culmination of improper budgeting practices over the past several years. Board members sought answers about the budget problems from former board leadership, but the questions were not answered, Harris said. Harris pointed to decisions made under former school board president Scott James-Vickery, along with updated information tied to rising health insurance premiums and changes in state grant funding, as contributing to the deficit. But James-Vickery pushed back on that narrative Thursday, saying responsibility is shared among board members and that budgeting decisions are not made by any one person. The board president does not have any additional powers beyond other board members, James-Vickery told NJ Advance Media in a phone interview. My vote equals their vote. The former president said he does not know how the deficit occurred, adding that New Jerseys school budgeting process includes multiple layers of oversight including being reviewed by an auditing firm and the county superintendent before a final public vote. He also noted that at least three current board members have served for multiple years and said it is misleading to place the blame solely on former leadership. There are so many layers to this, he said. I dont understand trying to lay the blame on a former board. That narrative takes the heat off them, when the focus should be on finding a solution. According to NorthJersey.com, James-Vickery abruptly resigned in December 2024 after delivering an hour-long, emotional final public report in which he described years of harassment and threats directed at him and his family. He had one year remaining in his second term when he stepped down. Hackensack is a public school district in Bergen County serving about 5,300 students in grades pre-K through 12 across six schools. No action was taken on the financial crisis at Wednesdays school board meeting. Auditors are scheduled to publicly present their findings and answer questions at the districts next meeting on Wednesday. Administrators said they will present a proposed corrective action plan and will follow up with a vote on Jan. 28. District leaders warned that closing the gap will require difficult decisions, including spending reductions that could affect staffing and school resources. This news is deeply troubling and disappointing, Harris said. Please know that this board does not take these decisions lightly. Statewide, New Jersey allocated more than $12 billion in K-12 school aid for the 202526 school year, an increase of more than $387 million from the prior year. Hackensack received roughly $40.6 million in state aid, a nearly 6% increase compared to the previous year. Still, multiple districts across New Jersey have reported financial strain this school year, with some officials blaming the states school funding formula, which critics argue does not fairly distribute aid. During the public comment section of the school board meeting, multiple speakers asked for more transparency on the budget and cautioned against cuts that could affect students and staff. Hackensack High School Assistant Principal Patricia Lozano, who said she has worked in the district for more than two decades, asked the board to carefully consider the impact of any reductions. The news of a $15 million-plus deficit and possible staffing cuts is devastating, Lozano said. These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They represent people. People who care deeply for our children. Michelle Tavares, president of the districts PTA Council, questioned how the deficit went unnoticed. How does a district find itself facing a $15 million shortfall without anyone currently in the district knowing this was coming? she asked. A massive warehouse project in Gloucester County was granted preliminary approval this month despite outcry from residents who worry it could be a first step toward a future AI data center. The Monroe Township Planning Board unanimously approved a preliminary site plan for two warehouses totaling 1.6 million square feet on Jan. 8. The project would be built on about 95 acres of vacant farmland along Black Horse Pike, with room for truck parking, loading docks and internal roadways. The applicant and property owner, Hexa Builders, has not identified a tenant for the proposed warehouses or submitted detailed final plans. But residents say they are worried an AI data center could be coming to the site because of a recent zoning ordinance change. In March, the Monroe Township Council updated the Hexa sites redevelopment plan to allow additional uses, including data centers. Many of the more than 20 residents who spoke during the nearly four-hour hearing on Jan. 8 said the zoning change was enough to raise alarms. No one wants this, multiple people repeated during public comment section of the meeting. Monroes mayor and other officials said there is no plan for an AI data center before local officials at the moment. But they did not rule out a possible proposal in the future. Its not a done deal, Monroe Planning Board Chairman Andrew Helsel said. They have to come in front of the board and meet all the requirements before this can move to the next step. Thats all we can do. If they meet all the requirements, technically we have to say yes," he added. Hexa Builders representatives did not immediately respond to a request to comment. The property sits near wetlands, tributaries and residential wells. Residents at the Jan. 8 meeting pointed to potential environmental issues, saying the plan would clear large stretches of farmland and woods. They argued it could also disrupt wildlife, including barred owls and red-headed woodpeckers, and put added pressure on nearby water resources. Others raised concerns about air quality and increased truck traffic along Route 322. Some residents said their fear was a potential bait and switch, in which local officials approving warehouses now, then return later with a plan for an AI data center with major energy needs. Monroe Mayor Greg Wolfe, who sits on the planning board, said the Jan. 8 vote granted only preliminary approval and did not authorize construction. The project met the townships land use requirements and could not be rejected solely based on personal objections, he added. The development would still need approvals from multiple outside agencies, including the Pinelands Commission, the state Department of Transportation, the municipal utilities authority and the county soil conservation district in order to move forward, town officials said. However, Wolfe did not rule out the possibility of a data center in the future. If developers pursue that route, he said, they would have to submit a new application and go through another public hearing process. That could happen. And this board would then have to make those decisions, Wolfe said. But thats not the application thats before this board this evening. He also addressed concerns about the developers previous request to use more than 1.4 million gallons of water. The mayor said that request was tied to an earlier plan to build a bottling company, which is no longer under consideration. The Monroe Township project comes amid growing debate over AI data center development across the country. While data centers often resemble warehouses externally, they house massive servers that consume significant amounts of electricity and water. Nationwide, demand for data centers is expected to more than triple by 2030, driven by artificial intelligence and other data-intensive technologies, according to a report by McKinsey & Company, a global management and consulting company. New Jersey currently has about 77 data centers, most of them located in the northern half of the state. But as interest expands into South Jersey, opposition has grown in some towns where residents say they are being left out of the process. In Vineland, a 2.6 million-square-foot AI data center is nearing completion. The project includes six buildings and a 300-megawatt power capacity. It is expected to use 20 million gallons of water each year. Residents say it has advanced through the local approval process with little public notice or input. In South Brunswick, a proposed 341,000-square-foot data center on a former historic farming site has sparked major pushback from residents and environmental groups, who fear the loss of open space and long-term environmental harm. One couple who lives nearby is suing to stop the project, saying it threatens their crops and the surrounding ecosystem. Going into the 2025-26 open enrollment period for people shopping for health insurance through GetCoveredNJ, the outlook was grim. Insurance regulators said the average premium would rise by 16%. And with Congress in December refusing to renew the money needed for tax credits that helped middle-income New Jerseyans dramatically reduce their premiums during the pandemic, the sticker shock for thousands of New Jerseyans was expected to be enormous. But Meghan Blair insists the news is not all bad. Some federal tax credits remain in effect for people in the lower-income categories, said Blair a health care navigator from the New Jersey Hospital Association who helps people find coverage on the state marketplace. The state of New Jersey also has kicked in more than $215 million this year, similar to what it has spent in previous years, to help soften the blow of soaring costs, according to the Department of Banking and Insurance. And for the first time, Blair said, more health plans sold on the state marketplace offer a health savings account, which allows people to save tax-free for big expenses. Blair said shes spent a lot of time educating consumers about whats actually happening and dispelling the misinformation that all tax credits are gone. There are so many plans with GetCoveredNJ they are qualified for when we look at the prices and the different managed care providers, Blair said. What Washington did The original Affordable Care Act has always included financial assistance for lower-income consumers who earned too much to qualify for Medicaid. But at the height of the pandemic in 2021, the amount of help offered to the lower-income group rose, plus for the first time, middle-income enrollees with income above 400% of federal poverty line became eligible for assistance. In 2025 dollars, a single person earning $62,600 and a family of four earning $128,600 qualified for assistance in paying for their premiums. In 2025, the average amount of federal and state aid that New Jerseyans received was $604 per month or $7,248 a year, according to the state. These enhanced tax credits for the middle-income earners expired Dec. 31. (The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill to renew them for three years, but the Senate has yet to act.) The Department remains ready to act as quickly as possible, at any time, if and when Congress takes action to extend the federal enhanced premium tax credits, state Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Justin Zimmerman said. The sticker shock is huge. Without the federal tax credits, for instance, a family of four earning $45,000 or 140% of the federal poverty level who paid no premiums in 2025 will see their premiums rise this year to $1,607, according to an analysis by the Bipartisan Policy Center. In New Jersey, the federal tax credits still remain for people making 138% of the poverty level. That means a single adult making $21,597 and a family of four living on $44,367 still qualify. What New Jersey has to offer Since 2021, Gov. Phil Murphys Administration cumulatively has dedicated about $1 billion to the New Jersey Health Plan Savings program to help reduce premium costs, state Banking and Insurance spokeswoman Dawn Thomas said. But New Jersey has always counted on the federal government to cover the majority of the assistance, with the state providing $240 to $1,200 per person a year depending upon their income, Thomas said. Last year, 461,040 consumers received state aid, Thomas said. As of Dec. 12 six weeks before open enrollment closes on Jan. 31 408,867 consumers who enrolled in plans qualified for state subsidies this year, Thomas said. While no state in the nation, to our knowledge, can make up the lost federal funding, New Jersey will continue to provide state support to lower costs, Zimmerman said. Through the creation of State subsidies and dedication of over $1 billion of state funding since our launch, New Jersey has made it easier for residents to access coverage. More market options There are five insurance carriers offering plans in New Jersey: Ambetter from WellCare of New Jersey; AmeriHealth; Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; Oscar and UnitedHealthcare. For the first time, Blair said, most carriers are offering health savings accounts for people who choose bronze plans, which typically charge the least expensive premiums but come with the most expensive deductibles that are felt once someone gets sick or otherwise needs to use their insurance. Health savings accounts deduct money tax free from a persons paycheck and places it into an account that can be used for qualified medical expenses. Unspent money rolls over each year. Four of the five carriers offer health savings accounts in bronze plans, a cursory search of the state website found. Theres definitely more shopping around this year, Blair said. There are a lot of options they didnt consider last year, like possibly going into a bronze plan, which they are finding more affordable. Open enrollment for the year closes Jan. 31. For more information about shopping for health coverage, visit GetCoveredNJ www.nj.gov/getcoverednj. To find free help from a broker or assister shopping for a plan, visit GetCoverednj/help or www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/help/local. A 34-year-old man was sentenced to state prison on Monday after officials found child sexual abuse materials in his home. Eduardo Duran-Carrasco, of Alexandria Township, will serve three years in state prison, according to the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office. Duran-Carrasco pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child for being in possession of child sexual abuse material, which related to his charges in Hunterdon County, police said. Duran-Carrasco also pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child, which related to his charges in Middlesex County, officials said. Sentencing for both guilty pleas was consolidated in Hunterdon County, according to authorities. The investigation into Duran-Carrasco stemmed from a tip from the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, police said. Child sexual abuse materials were found in Duran-Carrascos residence after a search warrant was executed on April 12, 2024, officials said. Members of the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office, the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, New Jersey State Police Kingwood Barracks and the Sayreville Police Department assisted in searching Duran-Carrascos residence. A man has been sentenced to prison in a child sexual abuse material case that was investigated by authorities in multiple states. Seth Maguire, 29, of Bloomsbury, was sentenced to five years in state prison on Thursday, the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. Prosecutors said he previously pleaded guilty to second-degree endangering the welfare of children for possessing child sexual abuse material, as well as two third-degree counts of endangering for engaging in sexual contact with a child. Maguire was arrested in June 2024 following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and investigation by authorities in New Jersey, Kentucky and North Carolina. At the time of his arrest, he was also charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a children for what prosecutors described as directing child sexual abuse material. On Thursday, prosecutors did not say what led to the most serious charge being dropped. As part of his sentence, Maguire must register as a sex offender under Megans Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life. Maguires attorney could not be immediately reached for comment. Multiple people were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers Thursday morning in Princeton, including a father who had just dropped his child off at school, according to a statement from Resistencia En Accion N.J., a grassroots migrant advocacy group. The group was alerted to ICE activity around 8:30 a.m. after it was called in by a school district crossing guard who witnessed the agents between John Street and Birch Avenue, around the corner from Community Park Elementary School. Princeton officials confirmed that two men were detained in the borough by ICE officers and said they had received no advance notice of the operation. They also noted that local police do not take part in federal immigration enforcement and that ICE did not provide any information about why the men were detained. The municipality shares the concerns many in our community feel in response to this and similar actions, the town said in a statement. We remain committed to keeping residents informed and will continue to share verified information as it becomes available. U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12th Dist., said in a statement Thursday evening that her office has been flooded with calls, emails and messages from constituents outraged by what they say is the administrations use of ICE agents to intimidate and harass lawabiding residents. Today, ICE agents have taken two Princeton residents into custody including a father of four after he dropped off his son at school, Watson Coleman said. Yet again, it appears the misguided priorities and failed practices of ICE have led not to improvements in community safety but to the breaking up of families, she added. State Sen. Andrew Zwicker, D-16, said in a statement posted on social media that the father who was detained was a 40-year-old man, who had taken his 9-year-old to school while his wife stayed at home with their newborn. Schools kept students indoors, not for a drill or a threat from a stranger, but because federal agents rolled into town to terrorize our neighbors, he said. Resistencia En Accion said the officers left the area when volunteers from the organization arrived after receiving the call from the crossing guard. However, they said two people were detained around 9 a.m. the father after drop-off and another individual was reported to have been abducted on John Street. At 11:30 a.m., the organization received another report of ICE officers on Jefferson Road near Princeton High School, but volunteers could not locate any officers in the area, according to the statement. A message sent by the superintendent of Princeton Public Schools, Dr. Michael LaSusa, to the community Thursday afternoon said that some of the districts schools were the subject of rumors. LaSusa said the district was functioning as normal but that the district decided to hold Princeton High School students on campus for the day rather than letting them leave for breaks, as is typical. He did not mention ICE activity in his communication, but said that the district would notify parents in the event of an emergent issue. As our municipal partners reported, there was ICE activity in our community, LaSusa told NJ Advance Media Thursday night. The school district carried on with school and our first priority is always the safety and wellbeing of every one of our students. Resistanca En Accion spoke to a family member of one of the men detained who told them his cousin came to the U.S. for better opportunities. My cousin was heading to work. He was no criminal, a relative of one of the men detained Thursday told Resistencia En Accion. Wed always meet for coffee in the morning but he never came; he was taken in a van. He came here to find better opportunities, and now hes been taken. Since President Donald Trump entered office in January 2025 for his second term, ICE has cracked down hard on people living in the country illegally. On Sunday, a father in Morristown was detained by ICE officers while picking up food that he ordered for his 6-year-old daughter. The little girl was found outside, looking for her father, the girls mother, who was at work at the time, told NJ Advance Media. In July 2025, ICE officers pulled a van over and detained 15 men who were on their way to work. An ICE spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mikie Sherrill works the rope line after the Get Out The Vote Rally in Newark on Nov. 1. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrills transition team is hosting several celebratory programs leading up to her inauguration on Tuesday, including one that offers free admission at 12 New Jersey museums. Guests will be accommodated for entry between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, Jennifer Holdsworth, a spokesperson for Mission to Deliver New Jersey, told NJ Advance Media on Friday. The program covers 230 guests at each location, according to Mission to Deliver New Jersey, the nonprofit hosting Sherrills inaugural events. The nonprofit is spending $20,000 on the initiative, Holdsworth said. The participating facilities include: Liberty Science Center, NJ Aviation Hall of Fame, The Hermitage, Battleship NJ, Edelman Fossil Park, Red Mill Museum, Northlandz, NJ State Museum, Paranormal Museum, Monmouth Museum, Sterling Hill Mine, NJ Maritime Museum. Monmouth Museum will be included in a free-admission program despite publicly stating earlier that it had yet to confirm participation. The reversal comes after the Lincroft-based museum, which opened in the 1970s, commented on the governor-elects Facebook page that it had not confirmed participation as a small non profit, directing patrons to its website and social media pages for more information. Were really happy to support Mikie Sherrill, Erika Schaefer, executive director of Monmouth Museum said. Were really happy to support any of our elected officials who are in office. Its unclear why the museum did not immediately confirm its participation. When asked if there was any confusion over the museums inclusion, Shaeffer said, Theres really no confusion there. We are confirmed to participate for the first 230 guests. The celebratory event is one of several that Sherrill and her running mate in Novembers election, Dale Caldwell, will attend beginning Friday, as both are four days away from being sworn in. Caldwell will visit both the New Jersey State Museum and Battleship New Jersey on Saturday, according to Sherrills transition team. At a time when partisanship and division are rising, I look forward to bringing people together, honoring our states proud history, and continuing the long tradition of peaceful transfers of power in our state, Sherrill said in a statement. Sherrill, a Democratic former congresswoman, handily won Novembers election and will become New Jerseys 57th governor Tuesday. Mission to Deliver New Jersey is also hosting the incoming governors black-tie inaugural ball at the American Dream in the Meadowlands. An 18-year-old Morris County high school student detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while doing laundry last weekend was ordered released from an Elizabeth detention center on Thursday. Juan Daniel Mendoza Sanabria, a student at Morristown High School, was picked up with about 10 people Sunday when ICE agents raided a laundromat and other businesses in Morristown. ICE agents targeted the laundromat on Speedwell Avenue near Henry Street, officials said. On Thursday, the students attorney filed court papers challenging the students detention at a facility in Elizabeth without a bond hearing. A U.S. District Court judge determined the detention was unlawful and ordered Mendoza Sanabrias release on Thursday, court records show. He is back home in Morristown, Mayor Tim Dougherty said Friday. Court records show Mendoza Sanabria came to the United States in 2024 as an unaccompanied child. A GoFundMe established to help with his legal fight had raised more than $93,000 as of Friday morning. The fundraiser was created by community members who refused to stay silent as families like this are torn apart, the organizers stated. The student and several others were taken into custody inside the laundromat and at nearby businesses, Dougherty said. Morristown was not notified in advance and did not participate in or assist with this federal action, Dougherty said. Dougherty, who said his administration supports the towns diverse and immigrant communities, expressed concern about the enforcement action. Morristown is a community built by generations of immigrants, and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, Dougherty said. 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) Editor: WSH Cultural exhibitions, activities and festivals are bringing together Muslims and residents across the state as New Jersey celebrates Muslim Heritage Month. In 2023, lawmakers designated January as Muslim Heritage Month. According to the Council of American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey, many other states also recognize Muslim Heritage Month, though some observe it in different months. The state has one of the largest Muslim communities in the nation, with over 300,000 practitioners of the religion across the state. The New Jersey Muslim Heritage Month Coalition has compiled a list of events that will be held throughout the month. To find an activity near you, visit their event page here. Apple has agreed to pay the state a $150,000 penalty and agreed to change its business practices to resolve allegations that certain New Jersey locations did not properly display prices. The penalty is the largest a company has ever paid to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs for violating the Merchandise Pricing Act, the state Attorney Generals Office said in a statement on Thursday. A total of 11 Apple stores across New Jersey were accused of not properly displaying prices, state authorities said. At a time when prices are skyrocketing, consumers deserve to know what theyre paying for products on the shelves. Once again, Apple has violated the law by failing to display the prices for products in their retail storeskeeping consumers in the dark, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. In 2017, Apple and the state Division of Consumer Affairs agreed to a consent order, which required the re-inspection of the 11 stores. The consent order was meant to resolve allegations that in-store digital pricing systems at the locations violated consumer protection laws. The office did not say where the 11 Apple stores are located. When the stores were reinspected, numerous display tables lacked pricing information, investigators said. In addition, products such as charging cables, protective cases and audio devices were being offered for sale with no price displayed near them, authorities said. Several stores also failed to display their refund policies, the state said. As a result of the re-inspections, the Division of Consumer Affairs determined that Apple was violating the Merchandise Pricing Act. The $150,000 penalty was assessed against Apple in a new consent order. The order also demands that the 11 Apple stores make several businesses changes, including only offering items for sale that are clearly marked with a price, not requiring customers to interact with an electronic device in order to determine the price and clearly posting refund policies. Apple could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday night. Adam Hamawy, a former Army combat physician whose career has spanned the battlefields of Iraq and Gaza and the operating rooms of South Brunswick, announced Thursday that he is running in the Democratic primary to represent New Jerseys 12th Congressional District. He is seeking to succeed Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, who announced in November that she would retire after six terms. Hamawy, 56, grew up in Old Bridge as the son of Egyptian immigrants and served eight years in the U.S. Army, including a nine-month deployment to Baghdad during the Iraq War. He operated on hundreds of service members and civilians, among them now-U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who credited him with helping save her life in 2004 after her helicopter was shot down. The Illinois senator endorsed Hamawys campaign on Friday, calling him a leader and a friend. Recalling their shared experience in Iraq, Hamawy said Duckworths focus on the people around her left a lasting impression. The last thing I heard her say that day was asking if her crew was OK, he said. Thats what leadership is not about yourself, but about the people youre taking care of. After leaving the military, Hamawy built a career as a reconstructive plastic surgeon. His practice is based in Princeton. More recently, he drew attention for traveling to the Gaza Strip in May 2024 as part of a volunteer mission organized by the Palestinian American Medical Association and the World Health Organization. For three weeks, he worked as part of a medical team of 19 in the besieged enclave, where he told the Associated Press he performed 120 surgeries, more than half of them on children. In Gaza, Hamawy said he witnessed the toll of civilian suffering. I saw both the worst of humanity and the best of humanity there, he said. It makes you appreciate what we have and fight for what we believe in and try to make this world a better place. After Israel sealed the Rafah border crossing shortly after he arrived, Hamawy was offered the chance to evacuate with other U.S. citizens. But he refused, saying he wouldnt leave anyone on his team, some of whom were from other countries. When you go in as a team, you leave as a team, he said. Thats the right thing to do, and thats what was bred into us [in the Army]. Duckworth was among those who called for the trapped doctors to be allowed to leave Gaza, with the Illinois senator delivering a letter written by Hamawy to the White House. He and his team eventually departed safely. Hamawys campaign will center on issues like health care reform, he said, drawn from his time around New Jerseys hospitals, where he sees patients struggle every day. I see people with insurance who still cant afford the premiums, and others who cant get care at all, he said. He criticized what he called bureaucratic barriers from insurers, saying he wants to take on the insurance companies. Adam Hamawy during his time in the U.S. Army and today. Courtesy of Dr. Adam Hamawy for Congress His platform will also focus on greater support for veterans and the redirection of federal spending from military engagements abroad back home, where we really should be spending it. In announcing his candidacy, Hamawy praised Watson Coleman. Its very tough to fill her shoes, but I want to try, he said, describing her as a very spiritual and ethical person who, in his view, shows that you dont have to sell your soul when you go to Congress. Watson Coleman has not yet endorsed a candidate in the race to succeed her, but Hamawy has been on the 80-year-olds radar since his time in Gaza. She said then that she was deeply relieved by his safe exit, and later invited him to be her guest at President Donald Trumps address to Congress. Hamawys entrance in the race was first reported Thursday by the New Jersey Globe. Hamawy is the latest contender in a Democratic primary that has already drawn a dozen candidates. New Jerseys 12th District, which stretches from Trenton to Plainfield, has long been a Democratic stronghold. The area has not been represented by a Republican since 1999, when Mike Pappas left office. Hamawy said he wants to be a voice for New Jerseyans who feel unheard in Washington. I work with people every single day, and I know how they feel, he said. I will fight for them, and I wont be afraid to speak up and hold people accountable. Conservative pundit Scott Jennings was caught rolling his eyes during his daily CNN appearance on Thursday. Jennings, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, defended the presidents controversial immigration policies during the latest CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip. Political activist Lev Parnas took a swipe at him after Phillip played a video of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents asking a woman in Minneapolis whether she was born in the United States. Phillip said the video is just one of the many examples of one of the things that has riled up the Minnesotan community so much. A woman apparently walking in her neighborhood stopped and pressed to prove her citizenship, or not even to prove her citizenship, to prove whether she was born in the United States, which doesnt necessarily indicate if you were a citizen, she added. Parnas then weighed in on the video, comparing ICE tactics to the Soviet Union. To me its like PTSD. I mean, remembering growing up in the Soviet Union back in 89, 90, going back there and then watching, basically you couldnt walk the streets without being pulled over by the police asking you for your documentation, Parnas said. And now were seeing the same thing play out here. I mean, hes getting his great rules and learning from the best, Putin, you know, and hes following in his footsteps, he added. Jennings could be seen rolling his eyes at Parnas statement. Parnas then jabbed Jennings over his defense of Trump, suggesting that he could replace White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. I know Scott doesnt like it, but hes auditioning for Karoline Leavitts job, you know, when she leaves. Hes going to be the next press secretary, he said. Earlier in the segment, Jennings defended Trumps deportation agenda. In recent weeks, ICE has descended on Minneapolis to detain those living in the country illegally. He ran on it and hes doing it. And hes going to be the president for the next three years, and theyre going to continue to do it. Theyve deported 2.6 million people. About 2 million have actually self-deported, Jennings said. To me, the greatest question here is, why does it and why is it that Democrats in the state of Minnesota believe that they should be immune from or not applicable to federal immigration law that has been on the books for years? he added. Minneapolis has been thrust into the national spotlight after protests began in the wake of the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good last week. Local and state officials have disputed the federal governments claim that the officer shot and killed Good out of self-defense. On Thursday, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and send troops to Minnesota to quell the demonstrations. Trump has repeatedly threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, a 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. In 2020, for example, he threatened to use the act to quell protests after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police, and in recent months he threatened to use it for immigration protests. 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. 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 asked for the assistance. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel offered a shocking deal to President Donald Trump in exchange for removing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from Minneapolis. Kimmel, a sharp critic of the president, poked fun at Trump for happily accepting a Nobel Peace medallion from Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on Thursday. Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize last year as Trump has repeatedly complained about not receiving one. Look at how happy he is. Have you ever seen anyone happier than that for winning this prize, he didnt even win? Kimmel said during Thursdays show. He then joked that Trump loves awards, adding that giving the president an award is the only way to get him to do anything. He then proceeded to offer some of his own awards to Trump in exchange for him removing ICE from Minneapolis, where a federal immigration officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman last week. And with that said, Mr. President, I have an offer I think youre going to find difficult to refuse, if you and only if you agreed to pull ICE out of Minneapolis and put them back at the borders where they belong, Kimmel said. I am prepared to offer you one of the following trophies that I have been honored with over the years, he continued. He then showed a display of five trophies, including a Daytime Emmy for best game show host. First off, the Daytime Emmy, I won for best game show host in 1999 that could be yours. Or perhaps you would prefer my Clio award for my work selling crap to people. Or my Webby Award, the most prestigious award the internet can give. Or my Writers Guild Award. This is a good one. You can see it looks nice, Kimmel said. Or, best of all, Im willing to hand over my 2015 Soul Train award for white person of the year, he added. He concluded by telling Trump that the choice is yours. I will personally deliver any or even all of these to the Oval Office in exchange for leaving the people of Minneapolis alone, he added. Minneapolis has been thrust into the national spotlight after protests began in the wake of the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good last week. Local and state officials have disputed the federal governments claim that the officer shot and killed Good out of self-defense. On Thursday, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and send troops to Minnesota to quell the demonstrations. Trump has repeatedly threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, a 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. In 2020, for example, he threatened to use the act to quell protests after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police, and in recent months he threatened to use it for immigration protests. 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. 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 asked for the assistance. The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Donald Trumps approval ratings remain underwater as he approaches the one-year mark of his second term in office, according to CNN data analyst Harry Enten. Trumps net approval rating has been negative for 310 consecutive days, according to Entens aggregate of polls. Enten highlighted recent polls from AP-NORC Center, Ipsos, Yahoo and Quinnipiac University that all show Trump with a negative approval rating. Just look at Donald Trumps net approval rating: Negative, negative, negative, negative! Negative 14, Negative 16, Negative 17 and Negative 19, according to AP-NORC, with no real change in the aggregate, from where we were last month, Enten said in a clip shared on X on Thursday. He then appeared to take a jab at the New York Jets, instead calling them the New Jersey Jets. Trump is underwater like the New Jersey Jets, he said. Enten then explained that it is no surprise that Trump is still underwater. Because just take a look at the days that Trump has been underwater. We are talking about every single day in my aggregate of polls since March 12 of 2025. In terms of days in a row, were talking about 310 days in a row that Donald Trumps net approval rating has been in the negative, Enten said. Enten explained that Trump is polling poorly across multiple issues, including immigration. He said Trump has a negative 11-point approval rating on immigration, a negative 14-point approval rating on foreign policy, a negative 16-point approval rating on the economy and a negative 18-point approval rating on trade and tariffs. He also noted that Trump has a negative 38-point approval rating on his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Entens analysis comes as a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center found that half of respondents said the country as a whole and the economy have become somewhat or much worse off since the beginning of Trumps second term. About 40% said the same about themself and their family and their own personal finances. The poll also showed that the public believed Trump has done more harm than good on creating jobs, the cost of living and the cost of health care. State lawmakers are moving forward with a pilot program that would allow hallucinogenic magic mushrooms to be used for behavioral health treatment options across New Jersey. The bill, known as the Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act, or S2283, would authorize licensed facilities in the state to administer medical sessions for adults 21 and older. The measure would also appropriate $6 million for the program. Psilocybin is the psychedelic compound found in some mushrooms. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, called magic mushrooms or shrooms, are most commonly known as recreational drugs. But they can be used for medical reasons. The mushroom bill was approved by the state Assembly in a 48-23 vote and by the Senate in a 35-4 vote earlier this week before it went to Gov. Phil Murphy for his signature. Murphy has not said if he plans to sign it into law before leaving office next week. The bill comes in the wake of the state legalizing cannabis back in 2021. During that time, legislators also lessened penalties for possession of magic mushrooms. Under the new legislation, the state Department of Health would oversee a regulated market of psilocybin manufacturers, testing laboratories and service centers. Trained and certified facilitators would guide participants through each session, which would include screening, informed consent and supervised administration of the drug. The measure also creates an advisory board to recommend policies, review emerging research and monitor the rollout of the program. The legislation received bipartisan approval and was sponsored by state Senate President Nick Scutari, D-Union, who also sponsored the legislation that legalized cannabis. Scientific research is showing that psilocybin can be a safe and effective treatment for severe depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders, Scutari said in 2024, when the bill first passed a committee. The legislation would also sanction state research using magic mushrooms. The bill really restricts it to clinical setting, said state Sen. Michael Testa, R-Cumberland. To me that seems like a smart way to handle it. Some critics, including state Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, R-Sussex, claimed the bills true intentions had little to do with medical treatment. Once you create a state research program, you create advisory boards, university contracts, nonprofit grants, consultants and recurring appropriations, she said. The $6 million isnt really about mushrooms. Its seed money for a whole new government ecosystem that will keep getting funded year after year. Fantasia said she could not support the bill in its current form. If this were really about helping veterans with PTSD or people with treatment-resistant depression, we could move straight to tightly regulated clinical access using existing science, Fantasia added. We would not need to light millions of taxpayer dollars on fire to rediscover what we already know. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is facing criticism on social media over an exchange about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The governor who has been floated as a top contender among Democrats for president in 2028 was pressed on his podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro over language his team used to describe the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota earlier this month. STATE. SPONSORED. TERRORISM, Newsoms official press office account posted on X in the aftermath of the incident. During an episode of the podcast released Thursday, Shapiro confronted Newsom about the comment from his office while claiming that sort of thing makes our politics worse. Newsom responded in agreement as Shapiro said that ICE officers are obviously not terrorists and the situation is not state-sponsored terrorism. Yeah, I think thats fair, Newsom replied. Newsom went on to say that California has probably cooperated with ICE more than any other state later adding that he doesnt believe the agency should not be abolished. We have over 10,000 that Ive cooperated with since Ive been governor of California, Newsom said. We work very directly with ICE as it relates to the [California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation]. The Daily Wire, which was co-founded by Shapiro, posted a video of the exchange on X, writing that Newsom WALKS BACK calling ICE operations state-sponsored terrorism. The exchange prompted immediate backlash from Democrats. This man cannot be our 2028 candidate, Internet personality Matt Bernstein wrote in response. Political commentator Adam Cochran advised Newsoms communications director to please talk some sense into the governor. We all know he wants a presidential run, Cochran said. Being afraid to say hard things, and flip flopping on this moment wont get him there. There is no reason to not rise to this moment. Progressive journalist Mehdi Hasan added: Not sure why Newsom is trying to wreck his otherwise very strong chance of winning the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination by doing this self destructive podcast where he allows rightwing guests to walk all over him and then promote clips online of them walking all over him. Liberal pundit Krystal Ball posted that This is pathetic but unsurprising from Gavin. ICEs deployments are the definition of state-sponsored terrorism, she continued. They are literally intended to terrorize communities Trump wants to punish. A different user said in a post, Remember this when Newsom asks for your vote and Democrats say you have to give it to him. Minnesota and the Twin Cities sued the Trump administration earlier this week in an effort to try to stop an immigration enforcement surge as protests rock the region. A man was separately shot and wounded this week by an immigration officer who had been attacked with a shovel and broom handle, according to officials. In a post on Truth Social, Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law that allows the president to deploy the U.S. military or federalize the National Guard for domestic law enforcement. The president warned whom he characterized as the corrupt politicians of Minnesota to obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E. Critics of President Donald Trump piled on backlash on social media after Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. In a post from the White House, Machado stood next to Trump on Thursday as he held up the medal in a large frame. It says it recognizes the U.S. president for his Extraordinary Leadership in Promoting Peace through Strength, Advancing Diplomacy, and Defending Liberty and Prosperity. The move came after Machado offered to share her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize with Trump, which she was awarded in October, as he has long-sought the award. Trump and his allies have claimed that he deserves the prize for resolving several wars during his second term and Machado dedicated the recognition to him when she initially received it. Her latest proposal followed the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife. The Nobel Committee, however, previously said in a statement that the prize cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others, adding that the decision is final and stands for all time. A number of Trumps critics quickly slammed him for accepting the award. Trump salivates over a prize that will never ever be his, and the brave woman who earned it, has to bend the knee and give it to him, Democratic strategist Maria Cardona wrote on X. How laughable is this? Really, how embarrassing and cringe is this on the world stage? Another user said that If you ever feel like youve humiliated yourself past the point of no return look at this photo and remember theres a bottom you havent touched. Dan Pfeiffer, a co-host of Pod Save America, added: I cant believe they dont realize how f---ing pathetic this looks. What an incredible humiliation for our country, posted Gregg Nunziata, the executive director of the Society for the Rule of Law and veteran of the conservative legal movement. Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, wrote that he doesnt understand how Trump feels no embarrassment over accepting someone elses prize. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado greets supporters on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) AP Trump confirmed Machado had presented the medal to him in a post on Truth Social. She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much, the president wrote as he called the move such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. After meeting with Trump, Machado compared the exchange to a past moment in history. Two hundred years ago, General Lafayette gave Simon Bolivar a medal with George Washingtons face on it, she told reporters. Bolivar said he kept that medal for the rest of his life. During an interview with Fox News earlier this month, Machado, who is widely seen as Maduros credible opponent, appeared to seek support from Trump, who has not backed her to lead the country in the aftermath of the strike. I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader, Trump said during a press conference on the same day of the raid. She doesnt have the support within or the respect within the country. Shes a very nice woman, but she doesnt have the respect. Trump has instead indicated that he is willing to work with Delcy Rodriguez, the now former vice president of Venezuela who was recently sworn in as the countrys interim president. He told NBC News this month that Machado should not have won the Nobel Peace Prize, but said it has nothing to do with his decision. During the interview, Machado said the opposition side will win by over 90% of the votes if elections were to be held. January 3 will go down in history as the day justice defeated tyranny, Machado said. Its a milestone, and its not only huge for the Venezuelan people and our future, I think its a huge step for humanity, for freedom and human dignity. A Colorado man accused of driving drunk the wrong way on a New Jersey highway, causing a crash that killed four teenagers, agreed Friday to remain in jail while awaiting trial. Christopher Neff, 41, of Westminster, appeared briefly for the hearing by livestream from the Salem County jail. Prosecutors say that on Oct. 19, 2025, after spending hours drinking at a bar near the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Neff drove onto the wrong side of the New Jersey Turnpike and crashed headon into an SUV driven by 19yearold Yaakov Kilberg. The SUV then careened into a tractortrailer. Three 18yearolds Aharon Lebovits, Shlomo Cohen and Chaim Grossman were riding with Kilberg. The four teens were pronounced dead at the scene. Grossman was a Fallsburg, New York, resident, while the other teens were from Lakewood. The tractor-trailers driver, a 29-year-old man from Nova Scotia, Canada, was not injured, police said. Police said Neff was drinking alcohol at the Turnpike Inn in Carneys Point for about two hours before he drove off in his pickup truck. Minutes later, he proceeded into the Turnpikes southbound lanes, driving northward and colliding with the SUV around milepost 1.3. Neffs blood alcohol content measured 0.22% at the time of the crash nearly three times New Jerseys 0.08% legal limit according to an affidavit of probable cause. Neff agreed to remain in jail, but preserved his ability to request a detention review at a later date. His attorney, Robert Perry, told the judge he may eventually move to revoke the order. Ive explained to Mr. Neff that we can always reopen it, but given the posture of the case, at this point, we felt that it would be best to consent to the states application, Perry said at the hearing. Neff is scheduled to appear for a pre-indictment conference in March, New Jersey court records show. Perry declined to comment when reached by NJ Advance Media. Police also discovered that Neff had firearms in his pickup, including an ARstyle rifle with a suppressor and hollowpoint ammunition, according to the probable cause statement. He also had psilocybin mushrooms and methadone. Neff is charged with aggravated manslaughter and reckless death by auto, as well as weapons charges. Leading Ukrainian investment company Dragon Capital has announced the successful first closing of its new private equity fund, the Rebuild Ukraine Fund (REBUF), at $105 million, against a target size of $250 million, and the launch of investment activity across the country. "Our company invested $20 million. The remaining five investors are international financial institutions development finance institutions (DFIs) from European countries. Unfortunately, there are no private investors yet: many are watching, but are not ready to make such investments with a 10-year horizon while the war is ongoing," Dragon Capital founder Tomas Fiala said on Friday during a discussion hosted by the Centre for Economic Strategy on the key trends of the year for Ukraine's economy. The release notes that this is the first fund since the start of the full-scale war that has been able to raise capital for investment in real assets in Ukraine. "The fund's investment focus covers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as larger companies in Ukraine, in sectors critical to economic resilience and recovery," the document says. These include, in particular, consumer goods and services, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, agribusiness-related sectors, building materials production, retail, and technology. "Small- and medium-sized businesses form the backbone of Ukraine's economy, but due to the war they are facing a severe shortage of capital," said Andriy Nosok, Managing Director and Head of Private Equity at Dragon Capital. The first closing was made possible thanks to strong support from leading development finance institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Norfund, BIO the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries, among others, together with Dragon Capital. Fiala noted that the actual amount of financing could be significantly higher, as the equity capital invested by the fund can be used as leverage to attract additional funding. Nosok said at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome in July 2025 that Dragon Capital has been engaged in private equity investments in Ukraine for 25 years and has managed private equity funds since 2010. REBUF is the third such fund, following the same strategy as its predecessors. According to the REBUF presentation, investment sizes per company range from $7 million to $30 million. IFC and the EBRD previously announced they would each invest $25 million in the REBUF fund, while Norfund committed $15 million. Dragon Capital is one of Ukraine's largest investment groups in the investment and financial services sector, providing a full range of investment banking and brokerage services, private equity, and asset management for institutional, corporate, and private clients. The company was founded in Kyiv in 2000. According to its founder and CEO Fiala, the group's investment portfolio currently includes nearly 50 different companies or real estate projects. Between 2015 and 2021, the company invested about $700 million in Ukraine, excluding reinvestments. A now-former 44-year-old elementary school principal in New Jersey is accused of choking and hitting a child with a belt at his home earlier this month, according to a court document. Dion L. Patterson, of Fanwood, is charged with abuse/endangering the welfare of a child and neglect by a caregiver, court records state. Patterson has resigned as the principal of Madison Elementary School in Rahway, the district said in a letter emailed to parents. Pattersons attorney said his client will fight the charges. Dr. Patterson maintains his innocence, and we look forward to our day in court and clearing his name, Brett Rosen said in a statement emailed to NJ Advance Media. An affidavit of probable cause says a child living at Pattersons home reported the incident to a school nurse in Fanwood on Jan. 6, two days after the alleged assault. Rahway school officials confirmed the alleged victim is not a student in the district. We are aware that there are criminal charges pending against Dr. Patterson. We would like to assure the community that the charges do not involve any students of the Rahway Public School District and are unrelated to any incidents or events involving the district. Meanwhile, the charging document states the child was folding clothes when Patterson entered the room and yelled at the child for being on the phone. Patterson briefly walked out, but then returned with a black belt and hit the child once on the buttocks. Patterson then dragged the child off the bed, causing the childs head to strike the floor, court papers allege. Next, Patterson allegedly knelt next to the child, placed both hands around the childs neck and began choking the juvenile. The child was unable to speak but gave Patterson a thumbs up to request he stop, according to court documents. The child told authorities it was the first time he or she was choked by Patterson but not the first time physical discipline had been administered. The Union County Prosecutors Office declined to comment. Autumn Special Read. Know. Act. $3 for 3 months! (90 days) Offer expires 12/30/2020 Don't hesitate! Start your digital-only membership today and not only receive full access to our premier news website NNY360.com but also to the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times eEdition! Photo: https://www.facebook.com Great Britain announced the allocation of an additional GBP 20 million to Ukraine to restore and protect the countrys critical energy infrastructure, a decision made amid the first anniversary of the 100-year partnership between the states and increased Russian attacks on the energy sector of Ukraine. "UK and Ukraine mark first anniversary of the historic 100 Year Partnership with new initiatives driving security and prosperity in both countries. GBP 20 million of new support announced for vital energy infrastructure repairs in Ukraine as Russias barbaric attacks on innocent civilians intensify," according to a press release published on the UK governments official website on Friday. The assistance is aimed at meeting the urgent needs of Ukrainian families, children and the elderly left without heat and electricity due to sustained attacks on the energy sector. The funding will support repairs, restoration, protection and energy generation nationwide, ensuring electricity and heating for homes, hospitals and schools during harsh winter conditions. "As we mark a year of our unique partnership, we do so in awe of the courage and resilience demonstrated by Ukrainians every day as they repel Russias barbaric invasion. The people of Ukraine should be in no doubt - we will stand with you today, tomorrow and for the next 100 years, both at home and on the international stage, because what happens in Ukraine matters to us all," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. Celebrating the first anniversary of the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership, the UK is also expanding the successful school twinning programme, "with 54,000 British and Ukrainian pupils set to benefit, fostering long term security and growth across both nations. In a boost to the next generation, an additional 300 schools across both countries are set to participate in the landmark 100 Year Partnership schools twinning programme over the next 3 years." "Our support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Putins barbaric war is steadfast, and our ongoing support for energy security and resilience will help to keep the lights on and Ukrainian homes warm when vulnerable civilians need it most," the Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said. As part of the 100-year partnership, both countries also implement projects such as InnovateUkraine, aimed at strengthening Ukraines energy security and sustainable development. Helena Moreno takes the oath of office, administered by former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, during her inauguration as mayor of New Orleans at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo by Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune) First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Energy of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal appealed to business to reduce electricity consumption to save it. "I am separately appealing to business with a strong request to turn off signs, screens, backlights. If you have excess electricity, give it to people. This will be your contribution to the stability of the energy system," he said during the Question Hour to the Government in the Verkhovna Rada on Friday. Jason Maloy is a professor and the Kaliste Saloom Endowed Chair in Political Science at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The Russian Federations top military command is engaging in wishful thinking and significantly exaggerating the numbers of its territorial gains in the war of aggression against Ukraine, stated Dmytro Lykhovy, spokesman for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, responding to the General Staffs latest statement on the size of the territory seized by the occupiers. "Without actually achieving any significant successes on the battlefield, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Gerasimov cited a figure of square kilometers of Ukrainian territory captured since the beginning of January that is twice the actual figure. He also overestimated the size of the territory occupied by Russia during 2025," the spokesperson emphasized. Lykhovy noted that the Russian army is enjoying tactical success, but is conquering every meter of Ukrainian territory at the cost of enormous losses of its personnel. Thus, in the first 15 days of 2026, Russia has already lost 14,120 of its troops killed and wounded. "For Gerasimov, his soldiers are expendable, whereas for Ukraine, the life of every defender is the highest value. At the same time, while retreating in places under pressure from a significantly superior enemy, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have avoided any strategic territorial losses since the beginning of 2026 and throughout the past year," the General Staff stated. As the spokesperson emphasized, Ukrainian units are also conducting counteroffensive operations. "Thus, during 2025, our troops liberated approximately 300 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory," the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported. Lykhovy also noted that "no matter how difficult it is, Kyiv and Ukraine will endure." "Gerasimov can report to his dictator with any number of figures, while also trying to influence Ukraines Western partners. But this is definitely not a case where he that has a tongue in his head may find his way anywhere," the spokesperson stated. According to Russian media, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Army Valeriy Gerasimov stated that in the first half of January, Russian troops took control of more than 300 square kilometers in Ukraine. Gerasimov also claims that 6,640 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory were seized over the past year. Torbay residents are being invited to meet local police officers and raise any concerns at a community drop-in surgery later this month. The Torquay Neighbourhood Police Team will be at the former O2 mobile phone shop at 77 Union Street on Wednesday 21 January, between 11am and 2pm. Police said the event is aimed particularly at people with questions or concerns around anti-social behaviour (ASB), and will offer an opportunity to speak directly with officers and partner agencies. Inspector Rob Harvey, from the Torquay Neighbourhood Police Team, said the pop-up surgery was part of efforts to increase visibility and accessibility within the town centre. The Torquay Neighbourhood Police Team are always looking at different ways to be more visible and accessible to the communities of Torquay, he said. This is our first pop-up community surgery for Torquay town centre in 2026 and it has a particular focus on anti-social behaviour. He added that the event will be attended by Devon & Cornwall Police anti-social behaviour legal expert Machaela OBrien, alongside key members of Torbay Council. The ASB delivery manager and the lead for the Community Safety Partnership will be with us between 11am and 2pm, he said. This is a great opportunity to speak to the right people about any ASB concerns or issues you may have. Visitors will also be able to have bicycles security marked and collect crime prevention items during the event. Torquay Town Centre Manager Darryn Brown, who oversees the town centre officers, will also be supporting the surgery. Torquay is one of Devon & Cornwall Polices designated hotspot policing areas, which has received Home Office funding to support additional high-visibility foot patrols aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and increasing public confidence. Residents can also sign up to the Devon & Cornwall Police Community Messaging scheme to receive local incident updates, crime prevention advice and information about community events. Updates are also shared via the Torquay Police Facebook page. Opposition parties in Exeter have united to urge the Local Government Minister to allow council elections to go ahead in May 2026, warning that postponing the vote would undermine local democracy. The intervention follows a nearly three-hour full council meeting on 13 January, after which Exeter City Council leader Philip Bialyk formally requested that the elections be delayed by one year amid preparations for local government reorganisation (LGR). In a joint letter to Local Government Minister Jim McGovern, the leaders of all opposition groups on the council said the Labour administrations request lacked sufficient evidence and did not reflect the views expressed during the debate. The letter is signed by representatives of the Green Party, Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Equity Independent Group and Reform UK. Cllr Bialyk has argued that postponing the elections would release essential capacity for the effective delivery of LGR, and asked the Secretary of State to make an order delaying the vote. However, the opposition leaders said they had low confidence that his letter on behalf of Exeter City Council would fairly represent the range of views raised at the meeting. They said councillors had not been presented with any report showing the authority lacked the capacity to deliver both the elections and the reorganisation programme. At the meeting, councillors were presented with a report from the councils chief executive recommending that the leader respond to the government by 15 January on whether to request a postponement. The report said delaying the elections could save 265,000, which could be allocated to other projects, including LGR, or returned to general reserves. However, the opposition letter states that since LGR proposals were first developed, councillors had never once been presented with evidence suggesting the council could not manage both processes. It also notes that when questioned at the meeting, the chief executive said staff would do everything they can to deliver LGR, and confirmed that preparations for the elections had already begun. The opposition leaders said annual elections were already included in the councils medium-term financial plan, approved at the same meeting. They argued that without clear evidence that postponement was necessary, the decision appeared not evidence based and risked placing party interests above the need for a democratic mandate. Green group leader Councillor Diana Moore said capacity concerns had not been identified in the LGR proposal, transition plan or risk register. She said: The council undertakes its elections in thirds, and annual elections are a right, not a privilege for our residents. Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Michael Mitchell described the proposal as an attempt to avoid public scrutiny. He said it would deny Exeter residents for the last time before the new councils come into being the opportunity to express their views on the councils performance. He also pointed to an offer from Devon County Council to assist with capacity to ensure the elections could go ahead. Conservative group leader Councillor Peter Holland said there were no compelling reasons to cancel the vote. He said: It is morally and ethically wrong to cancel residents democratic rights to vote on a four-year cycle outside of a national emergency such as war or a pandemic. Equity Independent Group councillors Zoe Hughes and Lucy Haigh warned that postponement would damage public trust. Cllr Hughes said residents absolutely do not want the elections cancelled and warned the impact on trust in elected officials would be immense. Ms Haigh said while LGR presented challenges, elections remained essential, adding that government should ensure councils were funded to deliver both. Reform UK councillor Tony Payne said he was concerned opposition views would not be heard and described the council meeting as an exercise in how democracy doesnt work. The issue has also drawn criticism from outside the city. Devon County Council Conservative group leader Councillor Andrew Leadbetter questioned why elections were proceeding elsewhere. Plymouth and Exeter are only 50 miles apart, he said. Why are voters in Plymouth permitted to vote this year, but voters in Exeter denied? He added that Exeter residents deserved the right to elect their representatives, particularly while Devons future local government arrangements remain unclear. The government will decide whether to approve Exeter City Councils request to postpone the elections. A major social care provider has launched its biggest-ever recruitment campaign in Devon to attract a new generation of people into social care. Lifeways Group, the UKs largest company providing support to adults with complex needs in the community, has launched an initiative called Youre Not Just Anyone, with the aim of inspiring people to work in the sector. Lifeways has a team of 10,000 people supporting more than 4,000 people across the UK to live independent and fulfilling lives in their communities. The campaign is designed to reach beyond traditional audiences, appealing to career changers, retirees, military veterans, hospitality leavers, NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training), and those returning to work. It responds to the challenges facing the social care sector, from overseas recruitment and competitive job markets to the ongoing pressures on pay and conditions. By reaching into every corner of the UK, Youre Not Just Anyone is designed to inspire people from all walks of life to consider a career in care even if theyve never thought about it before. James Westwood-Beere, chief people officer at Lifeways, said: Were excited to bring Youre Not Just Anyone to Devon. Its our biggest and most ambitious recruitment drive ever and it sends a powerful message that not just anyone can do this job. We know it takes people with empathy, compassion and resilience. But we also know that those qualities can come from all walks of life. Demand for more support workers is growing and we know there are people who are looking for more purpose in their working lives. Thats where we come in. At the heart of the campaign is a short film that highlights the life-changing impact of social care, featuring Jessie and Caroline two people supported by Lifeways. You can watch the full video online on Lifeways YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=suVcHXmx-II As well as competitive pay, Lifeways has a strong benefits package, training and development programme and teams that make people feel valued, supported and able to have impact. The Youre Not Just Anyone campaign will run throughout 2026 across social media, local press and community events across the county of Devon. You can find out more at this website: www.lifeways.co.uk/careers During his visit to Ukraine, the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, visited the hospital in Vynnyky, Lviv region, where he met with doctors and the wounded, and also reported on the assistance of Czech companies in restoring the energy sector in Ukraine. "Hospital classrooms for children and specialized rehabilitation clinics with prosthetic centers have become a regular part of the local healthcare system. The Czech Republic financially contributed to the renovation of the surgical department and operating rooms in Vynnyky, where Czech doctors visit throughout the year as part of the MEDEVAC program. In addition, the determination of Ukrainians to defend their country can be measured in numbers: more than half of war veterans return to the front after treatment," Pavel wrote on X on Friday. The president also noted that Czech companies are already participating in the restoration of Ukraines energy sector. "Two days ago, a state of emergency was declared in Ukraines energy sector. Czech companies specializing in natural gas extraction, renewable energy, and heating and hot water systems are taking part in its recovery. This is an excellent example of aid and economic cooperation going hand in hand. At a time when darkness and cold are used as forms of pressure, the Czechs act here not only as businesspeople but, above all, as partners and allies," Pavel wrote. Note: Animation shows movements of ships from 8 a.m. on Jan. 9 to midnight on Jan. 12 local time. China quietly mobilized thousands of fishing boats twice in recent weeks to form massive floating barriers of at least 200 miles long, showing a new level of coordination that could give Beijing more ways to impose control in contested seas. The two recent operations unfolded largely unnoticed. An analysis of ship-tracking data by The New York Times reveals the scale and complexity of the maneuvers for the first time. Last week, about 1,400 Chinese vessels abruptly dropped their usual fishing activities or sailed out of their home ports and congregated in the East China Sea. By Jan. 11, they had assembled into a rectangle stretching more than 200 miles. The formation was so dense that some approaching cargo ships appeared to skirt around them or had to zigzag through, ship-tracking data showed. Ship formation on Jan. 11 Busan SOUTH KOREA Fukuoka JAPAN More than 1,400 ships stayed in the area on Jan. 11. Shanghai 200 miles CHINA JAPAN Okinawa Taipei TAIWAN 100 miles Fukuoka JAPAN More than 1,400 ships stayed in the area on Jan. 11. Shanghai 200 miles CHINA East China Sea JAPAN Okinawa Taipei 100 miles TAIWAN SOUTH KOREA More than 1,400 ships stayed in the area on Jan. 11. Shanghai CHINA 200 miles Okinawa JAPAN Taipei TAIWAN 100 miles Note: Ships are represented by their last known positions on 2 p.m. on Jan. 11 local time. Maritime and military experts said the maneuvers suggested that China was strengthening its maritime militia, which is made up of civilian fishing boats trained to join in military operations. They said the maneuvers show that Beijing can rapidly muster large numbers of the boats in disputed seas. The Jan. 11 maneuver followed a similar operation last month, when about 2,000 Chinese fishing boats assembled in two long, parallel formations on Christmas Day in the East China Sea. Each stretched 290 miles long, about the distance from New York City to Buffalo, forming a reverse L shape, ship-position data indicates. The two gatherings, weeks apart in the same waters, suggested a coordinated effort, analysts said. Ship formation on Dec. 25 Busan SOUTH KOREA Fukuoka More than 2,000 ships stayed in the area on Christmas Day. JAPAN Shanghai 290 miles CHINA JAPAN Okinawa East China Sea Taipei TAIWAN 100 miles More than 2,000 ships stayed in the area on Christmas Day. JAPAN Shanghai 290 miles CHINA JAPAN Okinawa East China Sea 100 miles SOUTH KOREA SOUTH KOREA More than 2,000 ships stayed in the area on Christmas Day. Shanghai Shanghai 290 miles CHINA CHINA Okinawa Okinawa East China Sea JAPAN JAPAN Taipei Taipei TAIWAN TAIWAN 100 miles Note: Ships are represented by their last known positions on at 10 p.m. on Dec. 25 local time. The unusual formations were spotted by Jason Wang, the chief operating officer of ingeniSPACE, a company that analyzes data, and were independently confirmed by The Times using ship-location data provided by Starboard Maritime Intelligence. I was thinking to myself, This is not right, he said, describing his response when he spotted the fishing boats on Christmas Day. I mean Ive seen like a couple hundred lets say high hundreds, he said, referring to Chinese boats he has previously tracked, but nothing of this scale or of this distinctive formation. In a conflict or crisis, for instance over Taiwan, China could mobilize tens of thousands of civilian ships, including fishing boats, to clog sea lanes and complicate military and supply operations of its opponents. Chinese fishing boats would be too small to effectively enforce a blockade. But they could possibly obstruct movement by American warships, said Lonnie Henley, a former U.S. intelligence officer who has studied Chinas maritime militia. The masses of the smaller boats could also act as missile and torpedo decoys, overwhelming radars or drone sensors with too many targets, said Thomas Shugart, a former U.S. naval officer now at the Center for a New American Security. Satellite imagery from Jan. 10, the day before the formation, shows fishing vessels sailing toward the area. One ship 1 mile One ship 1 mile One ship 1 mile One ship 1 mile Note: Image was captured around 11 a.m. on Jan. 10 local time. Some ships may not be Chinese fishing vessels. Source: Satellite image by Planet Labs Analysts tracking the ships were struck by the scale of the maneuvers, even given Chinas record of mobilizing civilian boats, which has involved anchoring boats for weeks on contested reefs, for instance, to project Beijings claims in territorial disputes. The sight of that many vessels operating in concert is staggering, said Mark Douglas, an analyst at Starboard, a company with offices in New Zealand and the United States. Mr. Douglas said that he and his colleagues had never seen a formation of this size and discipline before. The level of coordination to get that many vessels into a formation like this is significant, he said. The assembled boats held relatively steady positions, rather than sailing in patterns typical of fishing, such as paths that loop or go back and forth, analysts said. The ship-location data draws on navigation signals broadcast by the vessels. Jan. 11 formation Area of detail Each line represents a ships movements. ZHELINGYU21677 These ships stayed in place for 30 hours. ZHERUIYU17056 East China Sea ZHELINGYU29867 0.5 miles ZHERUIYU12666 Jan. 11 formation Area of detail Each line represents a ships movements. ZHELINGYU21677 These ships stayed in place for 30 hours. ZHERUIYU17056 MINFUDINGYU07799 East China Sea ZHELINGYU29867 0.5 miles ZHERUIYU12666 Jan. 11 formation Area of detail ZHELINGYU21677 These ships stayed in place for 30 hours. MINFUDINGYU07799 East China Sea Each line represents a ships movements. 0.5 miles Note: Ship paths are estimated from position data over 30 hours starting Jan. 10, 2026 10 p.m. local time. The operations appeared to mark a bold step in Chinas efforts to train fishing boats to gather en masse, in order to impede or monitor other countries ships, or to help Beijing assert its territorial claims by establishing a perimeter, said Mr. Wang of ingeniSPACE. Theyre scaling up, and that scaling indicates their ability to do better command and control of civilian ships, he said. The Chinese government has not said anything publicly about the fishing boats activities. The ship-signals data appeared to be reliable and not spoofed that is, manipulated to create false impressions of the boats locations Mr. Wang and Mr. Douglas both said. Researchers at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, when approached by The Times with these findings, confirmed that they had observed the same packs of boats with their own ship-location analysis. They are almost certainly not fishing, and I cant think of any explanation that isnt state-directed, Gregory Poling, the director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at C.S.I.S., wrote in emailed comments. The fishing boats assembled in the East China Sea, near major shipping lanes that branch out from Shanghai, among the worlds busiest ports. Cargo ships crisscross the sea daily, including ones carrying Chinese exports to the United States. These are maritime arteries that China would seek to control in a clash with the United States or its Asian allies, including in a possible crisis over Taiwan, the island-democracy that Beijing claims as its territory. My best guess is this was an exercise to see how the civilians would do if told to muster at scale in a future contingency, perhaps in support of quarantine, blockade, or other pressure tactics against Taiwan, Mr. Poling wrote. A quarantine means a sea operation to seal off an area that is meant to fall short of an act of war. The boat maneuvers in January took place shortly after Beijing held two days of military exercises around Taiwan, including practicing naval maneuvers to blockade the island. Beijing is also in a bitter dispute with Japan over its support for Taiwan. The fishing boat operations could have been held to signal opposition to Japan or practice for possible confrontations with Japan or Taiwan, said Andrew S. Erickson, a professor at the U.S. Naval War College who studies Chinas maritime activities. He noted that he spoke for himself, not for his college or the navy. Japans Ministry of Defense and coast guard both declined to comment on the Chinese fishing boats, citing the need to protect their information-gathering capabilities. Some of the fishing boats had taken part in previous maritime militia activities or belonged to fishing fleets known to be involved in militia activities, based on a scan of Chinese state media reports. China does not publish the names of most vessels in its maritime militia, making it difficult to identify the status of the boats involved. But the tight coordination of the boats showed it was probably an at-sea mobilization and exercise of maritime militia forces, Professor Erickson said. Chinese-flagged ships anchored in contested waters of the South China Sea in 2023. Jes Aznar for The New York Times China has in recent years used maritime militia fishing boats in dozens or even hundreds to support its navy, sometimes by swarming, maneuvering dangerously close, and physically bumping other boats in disputes with other countries. The recent massing of boats appeared to show that maritime militia units are becoming more organized and better equipped with navigation and communications technology. It does mark an improvement in their ability to marshal and control a large number of militia vessels, said Mr. Henley, the former U.S. intelligence officer, who is now a non-resident senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in Philadelphia. Thats one of the main challenges to making the maritime militia a useful tool for either combat support or sovereignty protection. Choe Sang-Hun contributed reporting from Seoul and Javier C. Hernandez and Kiuko Notoya contributed reporting from Tokyo. Data source: Starboard Maritime Intelligence. About the data: We analyzed automatic identification systems (AIS) data of ships that broadcast positions near the formation in the 24-hour periods of Dec. 25, 2025 and Jan. 11, 2026 that either follow Chinas fishing ship naming convention or are registered as China-flagged fishing vessels. Ships do not always transmit information and may transmit incorrect information. The positions shown in maps are last known positions at the specific times. Chinese vice premier to attend World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, visit Switzerland Xinhua) 16:27, January 16, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos and visit Switzerland from Jan. 19 to 22, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Friday. He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is invited by the World Economic Forum and the government of the Swiss Confederation, the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has arrived in Ukraine on a visit, according to Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Valeriy Zaluzhny. "This visit is further evidence of the intensive cooperation between our countries, the central element of which was the signing of the Centenary Partnership Agreement. This occurred exactly one year ago. Today, we will jointly host the Centenary Partnership Forum and discuss the specific content of future cooperation between Ukraine and the UK. This will cover various areas from economics and reconstruction to education. And, of course, with a special emphasis on security," Zaluzhny wrote on Telegram. He also thanked the UK for its assistance and active position in defending Ukraines interests. The unnamed man was in his 50s and had over 30 years of driving experience when he crashed his car into a shop on his way to work, without even hitting the brakes on his car. First responders found him disoriented, and subsequent tests showed that he suffered from severe anemia, cerebral cortical atrophy, and abnormal kidney function. He was transferred to the nephrology department for further investigations. Nephrologist Hung Yung-hsiang recently presented the mans case on a television program in Taiwan as a cautionary tale, warning people to change their water bottles or thermal mugs from time to time. While trying to learn more about the patients condition, Hung Yung-hsiangs team learned that he had been experiencing fatigue recently and that his sense of taste had changed, often feeling that food was not salty enough. All these symptoms pointed to lead poisoning, a condition confirmed by his blood tests. While trying to figure out the source of the poisoning, doctors found that the man had been using the same thermos almost every day for almost two decades. It turned out that the inner layer of the mug had rusted and was leaking lead into the acidic coffee every day. The man subsequently developed degenerative symptoms similar to dementia, and his health continued to decline. He later developed aspiration pneumonia due to choking and died only about a year after the car accident. Acidic or alkaline drinks such as fruit juice, coffee, tea, and traditional Chinese medicine may increase the risk of heavy metal leaching if left in old or damaged insulated cups for extended periods. Hung Yung-hsiang advised people to regularly check the condition of their thermal mugs to avoid potentially deadly health complications. A Chinese teenager was recently sentenced to six years behind bars for exploiting a refund loophole that allowed him to recover his money without returning the products. Last year, a 17-year-old from Shanghai received a painful verdict for the crime of stealing over $600,000 in makeup products from an online commerce platform after discovering a loophole. The unnamed teen reportedly noticed that he could fill in fake courier numbers in his product return request and automatically receive a refund without actually returning the products. If the young man had abused the loophole once or twice, its likely that no one would have bothered to report him, but the protagonist of this story saw his discovery as an opportunity to make a fortune and proceeded to do just that. Over several months, the teenager made 11,900 fake refund applications without returning the goods, which he later sold on second-hand shopping platforms. Prosecutors accused the teenager of receiving products worth 4.76 million yuan ($680,000), which he then proceeded to sell for 4.01 million yuan ($574,000) in profit, after also getting a full refund. He spent all that money on phones, expensive clothes, video games, and treating his friends before finally getting arrested. Chinese media reported that the 17-year-old received just six years behind bars on account of being a minor when he committed the crime. Not a Subscriber? Join O'Dwyer's & Get RFP Access Stop wasting time tracking down RFPs. O'Dwyer's connects you with organizations looking for PR firms & services. Get new business with O'Dwyer's! Join O'Dwyer's The Pollack Group is named AOR for Tower Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit advancing cancer research, supporting patients and families, and educating communities to improve cancer care across the U.S. TPG will lead brand and message development, earned media and public relations, and thought leadership initiatives designed to generate authoritative third-party coverage and expert commentary tied to clinical trials, research breakthroughs, partnerships, and key events. Founded in Southern California in 1996, Tower Cancer Research Foundation has funded multiple critical scientific studies and clinical trials, enhancing the understanding of cancer progression and leading to the development of more effective treatments. Tower selected TPG for its ability to translate complex, mission-driven work into credible national visibility, unify scientific and human stories under a clear strategic narrative, and build long-term trust through earned media, thought leadership, and reputation stewardship. Firecracker PR signs on as agency of record to represent high-luxury lifestyle brand Magnifica and its parent corporation CIG Companies, which develops, builds and funds large sustainable and real estate projects. Magnifica offers residences, resorts, air travel services and live-work-play communities. Firecracker PRs efforts for the client will focus on raising awareness for their philosophy of "To Know and Be Known, targeting Florida, national travel and global media. MMGY Wagstaff, the hospitality-lifestyle arm of MMGY Global, is engaged by wine producer Gerard Bertrand Group as PR and marketing agency of record for the US market. The agency will lead strategic public relations, influencer and media buying activity. Its initial efforts will focus on campaigns for Cote des Roses and the Gerard Bertrand Groups prestige portfolio, as well as its three flagship estatesVilla Soleilla, Clos dOra and Clos du Temple. MMGY Wagstaff will additionally represent La Grande Bleue, a Mediterranean white blend; the Groups orange wine range; and a new collection set to launch this year. Partnering with MMGY Wagstaff allows us to share our vision, our passion for inspiring brands, biodynamic winemaking, and the spirit of our terroirs with an exceptional team rooted from coast to coast, said Bertrand. Laura Davidson Public Relations, a New York-based travel PR firm, is appointed public relations agency of record for Castle Hill Inn in Newport, RI. LDPR will be handling all US media/ influencer relations for the property. Situated on a 40-acre peninsula overlooking Narragansett Bay, Castle Hill Inn is a member of Relais & Chateaux, a worldwide collection of 580 independently operated hotels and restaurants, and has received Two Key distinction from the MICHELIN Guide. LDPR also has staff in Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago. While the danger of being on the presidents bad side is seen as a major source of concern for brands, the potential negative effects of artificial intelligence pose an even greater reputational threat. Thats the consensus of the Global Situation Rooms Global Risk Advisory Council in the Q4 2025 edition of its Reputation Risk Index, which put AI at the top of its list and moved Donald Trump (who was at #1 in Q3) into second place. On a scale from 1 to 10 (10 representing the most severe threat), 77 percent of the Council members said AI misuse is a major risk, ranking it at a 6 or above. More than half (53 percent) ranked it at 8 or higher. As AI regulation lags behind the technologys maturation, the report notes, harmful applicationsfrom biased decision-making to manipulative useare rampant. The Reputation Risk Index cautions organizations against using AI without adequate oversight, saying that the result can be immediate damage to their credibility and perhaps lasting damage to their most valuable asset: public trust. When it comes to the power of a thumbs-down from the president, things are, as might be expected, more divided. While more than half (51 percent) put his risk ranking at 9 or 10, a full 15 percent gave him a score of 1, indicating the lowest level of reputational threat. Nonetheless, the report said that negative attention from President Trump and other high-profile politicians can trigger regulatory investigations, customer boycotts, and market volatility that operate outside of standard business frameworks. The remainder of the top 10 includes such issues as data privacy violations (#3), child safety/harm (#4), anticompetitiveness/antitrust (#5) and fraud (#6). A few risks dropped out of the top 10, such as CEO controversy, organizational ethics failures, Elon Musk and racial discrimination. The index also revealed a drop in the public perception of global health companies. Almost three-quarters (71 percent) of Council members said trust in the pharmaceutical industry had declined dramatically in 2025. A large majority also think that medicines and vaccines will be on the hot seat in the coming year. Over nine in 10 think that political attacks on those will rise in 2026, with more than three quarters (77 percent) thinking it is at least somewhat likely that Trump administration anti-vaccine policies will spread to other countries. These risks dont exist in isolation and the stakes are higher than ever, said Global Risk Advisory Council chair Isabel Casillas Guzman. Public perception and trust can shift in the blink of an eye. The old playbook for managing reputational risk is officially obsolete. THE father of the four-year-old Edenderry boy killed in a firebomb attack last month will be sentenced for a serious drugs offence on January 27. Aaron Holt (27), Castleview Park, Edenderry, also faces the activation of a suspended sentence previously imposed on him for an assault, unconnected with the latest offence. A sentencing hearing in Tullamore Circuit Court today (Thursday, January 15) heard how Mr Holt and a co-accused, Shane O'Neill (26), with an address at Killane Court, Edenderry, but now living in Tullamore, were investigated by gardai. CCTV footage at Castleview Park, admissions by Mr O'Neill after his arrest, and the content of messages on TikTok eventually led to both men pleading guilty last year to having 32,910 worth of heroin for sale or supply on May 8, 2024. The sentencing hearing was told by Detective Garda Trevor Mullins that gardai viewed CCTV footage of Mr O'Neill retrieving a package from behind a hedge at a lane at Castleview Park on the morning of May 8 and then entering the home of Mr Holt in Castleview Park. Mr O'Neill was then captured on camera leaving that house and concealing the package in the lane again. READ NEXT: Worker seconds away from being hit by train in Offaly Detective Garda Mullins said gardai retrieved the package and at 4.05am the following morning Mr Holt sent Mr O'Neill a message on TikTok asking him to bring gear to him and he would give him 5p. Mr O'Neill replied Swear and after further messages from Mr Holt to Mr O'Neill, Mr Holt messaged: On my kids' life, I need it, and the scales. CCTV footage of the lane captured both men searching the lane from 4.40am for several hours and audio recorded Mr Holt saying Where is the brown? and There's going to be war boys. Shane Geraghty, BL, prosecuting, told the court that after failing to find the package Mr Holt reached out to third parties for CCTV covering the area to find the drugs. The court was also told that gardai got warrants to search Mr Holt's property where they found a tick list under his bed and baggies for packaging drugs in a press, along with mobile phones. Mr O'Neill was lying on a couch when gardai arrived at his residence and a tick list was also recovered there, but Mr O'Neill said it had been given to him by Mr Holt. Mr O'Neill gave the gardai the access code for his phone and they viewed the TikTok messages between the two men on it, including one where Mr Holt messaged the other man saying Don't forget a bit of gear. Mr Holt was subsequently interviewed four times but gardai got nothing of evidential value from him. Mr O'Neill was described as forthright when gardai questioned him and said he had started a job in construction the previous night, May 8, and while he was a user of drugs, having been on coke for ages, he had never sold drugs. His role involved hiding and meeting people with stuff and he would hand over heroin and weed. Asked about his dealings with Mr Holt, Mr O'Neill told gardai: He'd ask me to come to the house also. He doesn't respect his house either. He admitted hiding drugs on the lane and said it was a stupid mistake. He would only be paid 50 quid for what he had done. Asked about a tick list found in his house Mr O'Neill said it was Mr Holt's. Mr Holt gave it to him because He's always getting raided. A figure of 99,455 was written in Mr Holt's handwriting, Mr O'Neill told gardai, saying that amount was owed to Mr Holt. The tick list also had names with numbers beside them such as 10,000 and 5,000. The court was told by Seoirse O Dunlaing, SC, for Mr Holt, that the man had left school at 14 and then had some form of employment with the Acorn Project in Edenderry until he was 18 or 19. It was then he got involved in illicit drugs and had been in and out of the judicial system. A father of three, his youngest had died at the age of four in what Mr O Dunlaing said was a serious criminal incident and his mother was still in hospital as a result of that incident. He had missed his own son's funeral because he was not permitted to leave prison for hit and the events had hit him like a train coming down the tracks. In a letter to the court, he apologised for the mistakes he had made over the years and said the past month had been the most painful period of his life. The court also heard that Mr Holt had 59 previous convictions and 12 of those were under the Misuse of Drugs Act, including three for having drugs for sale or supply. David Nugent, BL, for Mr O'Neill, a man with no previous convictions, said he was aged 24 at the time of the offence and had recently got married. He had taken the matter very seriously and provided the code to his phone which helped the gardai to thread together the evidence. It was his first time ever to be in contact with the gardai and he understood it was a very serious matter. He had learned in therapy since that people were making use of him and he felt useful himself as a result. He had completed a 20-week addiction treatment programme at Cuan Mhuire this year and was now going to NA meetings regularly and was clean from drugs. He had started using cannabis and tablets when he was in his 20s but had engaged fully with services and was now working as a digger driver and hoped to go on to drive teleporters. In a letter to the court Mr O'Neill said he had learned how there were consequences for what he was doing and he knew he had made poor choices. He also knew he did not need drink or drugs to be happy and had moved out of Edenderry. Mr Nugent told Judge Keenan Johnson that Mr O'Neill should be very proud of where he had got to, having rebuilt his life from the ground up. Judge Johnson said that because he had a lot of information to consider he would adjourn both matters and finalise sentence on January 27 at a sitting of Mullingar Circuit Court. He said the this case disturbingly illustrates the scourge of illicit drugs and their adverse impact on society. He added: The size of the tick list alone, 100,000 due on it, shows how deep rooted drug abuse has become in our society. Judge Johnson also extended sympathy to Mr Holt on the tragic death of his son and his aunt. Mary Holt (60), died along with Tadgh Farrell as a result of the attack on the house in Castleview Park on December 6 last. A family originally from Tullamore gathered together from all around Ireland for a special reunion. The well-known Tullamore Scully family, originally from Clontarf Road, gathered from different parts of Ireland for a reunion before the end of 2025 in the recently re-opened Annie Kelly's Bar on Harbour St in the Offaly county town. Siblings journeyed from Banagher/Meelick, Clonaslee, Kilkenny, Westmeath, Belfast and Dublin to meet with their Tullamore based family members for the enjoyable occasion. Pictured (from left) are Anne, Eileen, Michael, Dolores, James, Joan, John, Paul, Noel, Tony and Terese READ NEXT: Hugely popular Offaly GAA hall of famers rekindle golden memories of 1980s at awards We want your photos to feature on our website. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether its a party, wedding, graduation, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the this page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official The United States and Ukraine are interested in ending the war, and it is Russia that is postponing the signing of the peace agreement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said, commenting on the statement of US President Donald Trump. "In general, it is clear that the US wants to end the war tomorrow. And we want to do it today. Both sides are interested. And we understand that the postponement of the signing and the end of the war comes from Russia," Zelensky said during a press conference in Kyiv with his Czech counterpart Petr Pavel on Friday. The president gave the example of the fact that at the end of last year there was an agreement on the exchange of a thousand for a thousand, but it is Russia that is delaying all processes, in particular the humanitarian one, and postponing the exchanges. "The question is not about desire, but about pressure. We need sufficient pressure on Russia, and everything will end. I believe that we are very close to this," Zelensky stressed. As reported, US President Donald Trump in an exclusive interview with Reuters on Wednesday said that Vladimir Putin is allegedly ready to end the war in opposition to Zelensyky. "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 negotiations have not yet resolved the largest military conflict in Europe, Trump replied: "Zelenskyy." Three schools in Offaly are set to take part in this year's expanded Weather Watch Programme as ESB Networks aims to bring energy awareness education to more students across the county. ESB Networks Weather Watch is an innovative educational initiative for Junior Cycle and Transition Year Geography students linking weather patterns to renewable energy generation in an engaging and educational way. The schools taking part in the latest edition of the programme from Offaly include St Mary's Secondary School in Edenderry, Ardscoil Chiarain Naofa in Clara and Sacred Heart School in Tullamore. Each school receives a free in-class weather station to enable students to track real-time weather conditions and learn how these affect electricity generation and consumption, as well access to educational materials on the subject. READ MORE: Offaly TD 'deeply alarmed' over alleged breakdown between Uisce Eireann and local authories Last year's Weather Watch Programme demonstrated clear educational impact among participants as 73% of students showed improved awareness of energy use and 48% of students reported discussing electricity use at home. Other benefits for students from last year's edition consisted of the understanding of the link between weather and renewable generation rising by 50% and more than 75% of students could correctly identify peak demand times. This years programme will introduce new modules focusing on Irelands wind farms. Students will use OS maps and aerial imagery to explore how physical geography influences site selection and evaluate the social and environmental benefits of wind energy. Lindsay Sharpe, Customer & Strategy Manager at ESB Networks said: "We are pleased to expand the ESB Networks Weather Watch Programme this year and to see the genuine enthusiasm from students and teachers in classrooms across the country." Sharpe praised the impact of the initiative stating: "Research from participating students and teachers show that students are not only increasing their understanding of the link between energy use and renewable generation, but they are actively engaging on it and starting powerful conversations about energy use in their wider everyday life with family and peers." The Customer & Strategy Manager concluded: "This awareness shows how ESB Networks Weather Watch has developed from a classroom initiative into an important part of ESB Networks Networks for Net Zero strategy. We look forward to supporting this continued growth in everyday understanding of energy use and choices, so we can continue to shape a more sustainable future for all." THE Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG) Power Plant in Shannonbridge still hasn't been called upon to supply emergency power to avert potential blackouts across the State. Construction work on the TEG started in early 2023 in the midst of the former West Offaly Power Station, which was built in 2005 for 240 million Euros and was shut down in December 2020, remaining empty since. In April 2024 a public meeting in Shannonbridge Community Hall was told that locals' fears about possible sound pollution had been allayed when ESB officials showed them the sound barrier wall that had been constructed around the TEG. However, the meeting was also told that locals remained concerned about the possible adverse health affects of emissions from the TEG's chimneys. Since then those fears have abated. A local recently told The Midland Tribune that safety testing is carried out on a monthly basis on the Plant. I believe, he commented, that small amounts of emissions have been released across the bog, but it is not a matter of concern. I've also been told that the Plant hasn't been called upon yet by the powers that be to supply an electricity supply to the National Grid during critical situations and emergencies. Last September the ESB placed an advert in local newspapers stating that the construction of the TEG had been completed and expressions of interest for funding were now being accepted from not-for-profit community and voluntary organisations, for projects which were within 5 kilometres of the TEG site. The advert said the building project had been progressed by the ESB on behalf of EirGrid, and with support from the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), and the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE). A Community Benefit Fund (CBF) has been established as part of the development with the aim of fostering interaction and engagement with communities living in close proximity to the project. The Categories considered for funding included: Sports and Recreation, Health and Wellbeing, Environment and Conservation, Culture and Heritage, Education, Children, and Young People and the Elderly. The qualifying organisations included Registered Charities, Community Development Groups, Tidy Towns Committees, Sports and Recreation Clubs, Primary and Secondary Schools. The TEG includes eight open-cycle gas turbine units, fuelled by diesel oil, which will have the capacity to generate some 264MW of temporary emergency electricity on 9.22 hectares within the West Offaly Power Station site. The Plant also includes eight 30-metre tall steel exhaust stacks and two 11kV generator step-up transformers.The emergency plant has a maximum running time of 500 hours per annum, and, in keeping with its emergency status, will operate only intermittently to meet emergency supply needs. The former West Offaly Power Station is due to be demolished during 2026. READ NEXT: ESB planning to demolish Shannonbridge Power Station in 2026 Tipperary's Labour Party TD and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport Committee Alan Kelly has called for more robust legislation to deal with online platforms in the wake of the X Grok scandal. Deputy Kelly told the Tribune he plans to question representatives from X directly next month. It is unbelievable that it has taken X as long as it has to make a statement regarding the use of its AI. To reproduce images in a sexual or nudified manner is an utter violation of a persons right, it is appalling to hear the stories of those who have come forward to share their experience. "It should not have happened, and it can never be allowed to happen again," the Portroe native said. There has been enormous backlash against it, an exodus of people from the platform and countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have moved to ban the platform. "Labour is calling on the Minister to work now to strengthen the legislation currently in place to sexualised images and child pornography. READ NEXT: 'An ecological disaster' - Councillors sound alarm over Shannon pipeline When it comes to sexualised or nudified images its clear that moderation alone simply will not work. AI tools that edit and produce such images should simply not be allowed. This scandal has shown us that the most need legislation to deal with this today and into the future. While X may finally have taken action, its only a matter of time before another platform develops similar technology. "While there are laws in place like Cocos Law, which the Labour Party was central in implementing, these laws may need to be revisited to protect children and all people against these images," the Tipperary TD said. READ NEXT: Film screening to assist Roscrea's Bernie's SuperValu Next February 4th, I expect X to present to the Oireachtas Committee where we will put a series of questions to them to understand what they are doing to address this into the future. "Ultimately there must be a legislative basis in place in Ireland to ensure nothing like this can ever happen again, Deputy Kelly said. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On January 9, a ceasefire was in effect from 3 am. to 9 am. in order to allow for the safe evacuation of the Syrian Defense Forces (SDF) fighters who were embedded in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods of Aleppo, Syria's largest city and industrial capital. The Ministry of Defense declared a ceasefire "out of concern for civilian safety and to prevent further military escalation within residential neighborhoods." According to the statement, the ceasefire granted Kurdish fighters a deadline to withdraw from the neighborhoods until 9:00 a.m. Fighters were permitted to carry only light personal weapons, with assurances of safe passage and escorted transfer to northeastern Syria. The ceasefire was later extended to facilitate the implementation of an agreement brokered under international, Arab, and regional sponsorship. However, the rows of waiting buses drove away in the afternoon empty, after the SDF fighters refused to leave, and signaled their intentions to remain in Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood to continue their fight against the Syrian government who are attempting to consolidate security forces in coordination with the US brokered March agreement signed in Damascus. The Syrian state-run Al-Ikhbariyah TV reported that buses had arrived to transport SDF fighters from Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud to northeastern Syria. The Aleppo Media Directorate confirmed that government institutions are preparing to enter the neighborhoods to restore services, while response committees are coordinating civilian returns after security operations, mine clearance, and road reopening are completed. On Friday, local authorities in Aleppo announced that Kurdish fighters besieged in the city would be transferred within hours to areas under Kurdish self-administration in northeastern Syria. The Aleppo Governorate's Media Directorate stated that "elements of the SDF will be transferred with light individual weapons to east of the Euphrates," following a ceasefire declared by the Syrian Ministry of Defense after days of deadly clashes in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, which forced thousands of civilians to flee. Aleppo has witnessed rapid military and humanitarian developments after factions affiliated with the transitional government announced full control over the Ashrafieh neighborhood, following three days of intense fighting with the SDF. The clashes involved direct confrontations and heavy artillery shelling that struck densely populated residential areas. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented the deaths of 43 people since the escalation began, including 25 civilians-- among them seven women and five children-- and injuries to 98 civilians, most of them women and children. Civilian fatalities were recorded with 19 civilians in Sheikh Maqsoud, and four civilians in the Midan neighborhood, and two medical staff members killed at Othman Hospital in Ashrafieh. Heavy weapons, including rockets and artillery, were used during the fighting, alongside reinforcements involving tanks and armored vehicles. The clashes caused widespread destruction of residential buildings and infrastructure and brought civilian life in the affected areas to a near standstill. Humanitarian conditions deteriorated sharply after the Shahid Khaled Fajr Hospital in Sheikh Maqsoud was shelled for the fourth time, knocking out electricity and forcing it out of service, despite being the only remaining facility providing emergency care to residents of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh. Othman Hospital in Ashrafieh was also directly targeted, exacerbating the health crisis and raising fears of a complete collapse in medical response capacity. Local reports indicate that tens of thousands of civilians were displaced from the affected neighborhoods. Temporary humanitarian corridors were opened for evacuations, amid accusations that SDF forces prevented some civilians from leaving areas under their control during the early hours of the escalation. The Syrian government held the SDF responsible for the recent escalation, asserting that the violation of an agreement signed on April 1 directly triggered the unrest. It demanded the removal of armed presence from certain Aleppo neighborhoods, emphasizing that securing Aleppo's surroundings, protecting civilians, and preventing disruptions to the political process remain top priorities. Internationally, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack welcomed the temporary ceasefire in Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud, expressing hope that it would lead to sustained calm and deeper dialogue. He said the truce "launches vital work to guide Syria's diverse paths toward a shared road of security, inclusiveness, and lasting peace," adding that Washington is working to extend the ceasefire beyond Friday morning. US President Donald Trump has met with President al-Sharaa twice, once in Saudi Arabia and the second time in the Oval Office. Trump is supporting Syria in its return to the international community following the ouster of the dictator Assad. The SDF were supported by the US military who partnered with them in the fight against and defeat of ISIS. However, the SDF had agreed to merge forces with the Syrian military under a US supported agreement, which was due to be completed by end of 2025. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Czech President Petr Pavel has said that he believes that the documents on achieving peace contain a number of painful concessions that Ukraine must make and is ready to make on condition that this will lead to peace. During a press conference in Kyiv, Pavel said that he had discussed the content of the documents on achieving peace with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "I believe that Ukraine has done a lot on the way to proposing a solution that would be acceptable. I believe that there are a number of painful concessions that Ukraine must make and is ready to make on condition that this will lead to peace," he noted. According to the Czech President, joint efforts are needed "so that all this work that was done during the preparation of these documents is not in vain, because Russia will immediately reject it." "Russia will reject until we start putting pressure together. This pressure can be both primarily economic and political today," Pavel emphasized. Photo by Jongsun Lee on Unsplash (Image by Jongsun Lee) Details DMCA Having finally settled into our newly adopted home state of Washington, my wife and I had the opportunity in November to venture out to our first concert at Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena. Appropriately, Heart, a band formed in Seattle, was the headlining act. As the lights dimmed and the band prepared to take the stage, a video appeared on the front curtain. Celebrating Heart's long history, the video counted up from their formation in 1973, displaying a single image from each year, each framed as something "you never forget." It began politically, with 1973 represented by Roe V. Wade. However, most of the years were represented by their cultural signposts, like Star Wars (1977) or the death of Kurt Cobain (1994). The image I found most provocative, though, was a shot of a solar eclipse representing 2024. As only a passive fan of the band, I had not realized that Heart had played "Total Eclipse of the Heart" on the roof of Jimmy Fallon's studio as the moon moved in front of the sun. As I watched the video, I could not help but interpret it through the lens of the current political moment. To many, the election of Trump for a second stint in the White House felt like the sun had been blocked from view, or as I described at the beginning of the year, "impending doom." Driving the point home, the image hovered longer than the other in the timeline, the eclipse staying on the screen even after the text had faded out. After it reached its totality, it too faded and was replaced with the text "And as for 2025-- With the year now completed, what image should be inserted to represent what has happened on that voyage around the sun? Trump's monopolization of 2025's headlines would make him an obvious candidate, but would it be the man himself or a representation of one of the many effects he has had on the people of this country, if not the world? Trump's immigration policies dominated much of the year, and the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia represents how far those policies have tested the rule of law and respect for humanity. Concerns about democratic erosion could be represented by the ongoing manipulation of electoral maps. Tensions around dissent were evident when Trump took control of the National Guard in an attempt to end protests against his policies in Los Angeles. The record-breaking shutdown underscored Trump's willingness to target the vulnerable. Maybe Trump, pictured in the shade of Epstein's portrait, would best capture the instability beneath this administration. Heart's video noted how the years in which Princess Diana, Robin Williams, and Heath Ledger hung heavily over the years they died. Last year, we lost the Godfather of metal music, Ozzy Osbourne. Gen-X music fans were shocked by the death of Limp Bizkit's bassist, Sam Rivers. The murder of Charlie Kirk, a polarizing political figure, hung heavy over the political landscape. Images of two unnamed men clinging to the wreckage of their civilian watercraft while under attack foreshadowed the administration's posture towards Venezuela. With the legally questionable attack on Venezuela during the first days of the new year, we were reminded how quickly the narrative shifts in Trump's America. In such a fluid landscape, any attempt to identify a single defining moment of the year may be a lesson in futility. Perhaps the real answer will not be apparent until the considerable amount of airborne dust has settled. What follows is a look back at what I wrote throughout 2025, a year of turmoil in the country and profound change in my personal life. January As he prepares for his second inauguration, Trump's actions in the wake of Carter's death provided a sharp contrast between the two leaders. February Can the Constitution survive if Co-Presidents Trump and Musk usurp the other branches of government and nobody has the guts to stand up? Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The purpose of the sacrifice is to restore harmony to the community, to reinforce the social fabric. Rene Girard, Violence and the Sacred Palace de la Bourse - Bourdeaux - France (Image by xosediego from flickr) Details DMCA Historian Greg Grandin writes of the wars oversees as acting as a "prism, refracting the color line aboard back home." In other words, the wars in Cuba, in the Dominican Republic, in the Philippines, in Nicaragua, and in Haiti have something in common with the enslavement in the US of Africans and their descendants, with the forceful dismantling of Reconstruction and the commencement of Jim Crow. Americans in the 20th Century fought for "liberty, valor, self-sacrifice, camaraderie" overseas as they did in the US Civil War. Overseas and within the US, Southerner "values" were no longer limited to the states considered the South. American soldiers were at home, any and everywhere, "putting down people of color." There was something to maintain, and in order to do so, something had to be sacrificed. In the battle to free "a trampled-down people," Americans, writes Grandin, killed 15 thousand Haitians between 1915-1935. "Tens of thousands of Dominicans" were killed between 1916-1924. In Nicaragua, fifty thousand were killed between 1912-1933 while "thousands upon thousands of Filipinos between 1898-1846" were killed. So much for the idea of bring democracy to savages and barbarians! If not democracy and freedom, what is being sent to these people? What is it that these people are to learn about the greatness of the US? What is it that Black Americans learned during and after enslavement? What did the Indigenous people learn? When the wars were over and the people "freed" for American capitalism to thrive in thievery, soldiers noted "the color of the people they were sent to liberate," writes Grandin. Their letters, reflecting their bafflement, serve as witness to a narrative that speaks of the supremacy of the conquerors. In the letters, the white American soldiers referred to "niggers" everywhere. The "niggers" in Haiti, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic looked like the ones at back in the US. The soldiers, Grandin continues, write home of shooting "'niggers,' lynch 'niggers,' releasing 'niggers' into the swamp to die, water-torture 'n-word,' and using 'n-word' for target practice." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The other night I listened to a prominent journalist I have followed and admired, being interviewed, and saying: "I'm distraught." Apparently that journalist's belief that No. 47 had been sincere, if not very intelligible, in his intention to bring an end to the wars and make America, well, you know, has just been shattered by the Good murder. And I thought, as I have lately with several otherwise competent sources currently being "community-noted", "deep-faked", relegated to "independent" media, and even de-banked: Wait, you're figuring this out now? I'm not a capital or lowercase journalist, I'm just an old guy who can't do the many different kinds of physical labor he used to do, and has turned to writing it all down. I turned to writing it down when I hit a certain age, around 2008. Here's something I wrote early in 2020. In case you skip it here, you won't have missed much, because almost everything going on today is in it... Fascism-- The Convergence of Government and Business War has now become business-as-usual. The war market is organized around predictable expectations of profit and loss. Business used to thrive on competition in the marketplace. Now it seeks only to crush all competition and take over the marketplace. As Commander-in-Chief, the 45th President of the United States announced the withdrawal of American forces from Syria at the end of 2018. He had not notified the military, or anyone else, of this sudden decision. The troops did not immediately depart Syria, lock, stock and barrel. But the significance of the announcement was clear to those with reason to understand it. In explaining that America's allies were not paying enough for the American soldiers to be fighting their wars for them, the President was announcing that henceforth, the American military was for hire. The Volunteer Army became the Mercenary Army, in one brief moment of Presidential twittery. Considering the number of private contractors protecting the troops in war zones, and their much higher pay scale, it was only a matter of time before the Army was reduced to training fighters for the highly-paid and much less accountable corporate armies. Wait. Protecting the troops? Yes, that's what we were told those contractors are doing over there" "Following Orders" was rejected as a Nazi defense at the Nuremburg Trials, and hangings followed. U.S. military personnel are required by law to refuse illegal orders, and they take an oath to protect the Constitution from threats "foreign and domestic". What will be required of a contract military? Mercenaries are bound by law to whatever is in their contracts. Ancient texts on strategy such as "The Art of War" and "The Book of Five Rings" have long been marketed as essential reading for business people. The requirements for successful business are seen as identical to the requirements for victory in war. The language of modern business is the triumphal language of violent conquest. Competitors are enemies. Corporate mergers and acquisitions may determine the fate of millions of people as much as any war. Business is War, and War is Business. The only good competitor is a bankrupt competitor. It's not that war is a big part of our economy. It's the "economy stupid". The stupid economy. In a Democracy, government and business are separate and distinct, for good reason: there's no Profit in caring for the poor, maintaining roads and bridges and waterways and sanitation systems and national parklands. There's no Profit in regulating for safe foods and drugs and chemical industries. There no Profit in regulating honest business practices. If government didn't provide for the common good, business wouldn't cover it. The word for a government that is "run like a business" is Fascism. Americans, British, Australians, Europeans, Russians, Africans and many other groups fought and died in World War II to defeat Fascism. Surviving families were left with trauma that haunts us to this day. By 2019 the President had replaced the heads of all Federal agencies with individuals who were openly hostile to the functioning of those same agencies (some were replaced twice, when the first one proved too crooked or crazy to sustain even the pretense of leading a Federal agency). Former lobbyists were given responsibility to regulate their former employers. This put Business in charge of regulating Business. Then the President refused to sign a funding bill unless it had funds for a wall on the Mexican border. This stopped the paychecks of almost a million government employees and all government contractors for over a month. There was pandemonium at airports. The Coast Guard went without pay. The National Parks were staffed by local volunteers. Food programs ran out of food. The National Weather Service shut down, in the midst of a wave of extreme weather events. In addition, the President had announced withdrawal from nuclear disarmament treaties, slapped tariffs on essential trade commodities like steel, and the auctioning of environmentally-sensitive, formerly-protected areas for unlimited oil and gas drilling. Healthcare, social safety-nets, civil rights laws, education, across the board, the benefits of Citizenship are being withdrawn - or priced beyond the means of most. Taxes have been "reformed" in a massive transfer of wealth to the already-wealthy. The pattern is consistent with a plan to "privatize" the entire Federal government. It is being disabled and put into the hands of corporations with no accountability to the people they are supposed to serve, and who pay for it, while it is openly sabotaged and then blamed for being unworkable. This is a domestic version of the foreign policy applied to sovereign nations that happen to be sitting on large amounts of fossil fuels. They are subjected to trade embargoes and heavy financial sanctions, and demonized in the general media. When their economies collapse, elected leaders are blamed and labeled as dictators. According to this plan, "regime change" is sure to follow. Typically, the US military is sent in if the government doesn't collapse. The Federal regulatory agencies of the US Government are controlled by the industries they are supposed to regulate; the government is being disabled in preparation to sell off even more of its operations to private corporations; the US Military is openly for hire as a mercenary force. The President is surrounded by lawsuits and investigations, but he personally is only needed as long as he's useful to those who are reaping astronomical profits under cover of all the chaos and terror. It's as if an international cabal of powerful men have finally decided to just take everything for themselves, and lock the rest of humanity out. As if. When this was written, we were about to experience a violent insurrection-- if you think it was "a riot" it's fine, but there was an armed mob breaking down the doors of Congress, beating law enforcement officers to the ground with blunt objects, and chanting "Hang Mike Pence" while our elected officials evacuated in terror for their lives; just sayin'-- then we would have a sort of interim presidential term-on-hold while the "conservative" thinktanks got their act together and wrote the script that is now operational. There is a difference I think significant. Back then there was no talk of genocide. There was lots of genocide going on, but in the public discourse it was inconspicuously absent, even while Israel was "mowing the grass". Mike Rivage-Seul has written an insightful article in which he notes the clutching of pearls about the safety of Iranian protesters after more than two years of livestreaming horror from Gaza going nearly unremarked. All this demands, especially of writers and journalists: are you on some new sleep medication? What is it that has you rolling over and sliding back into somnolence after each new mass atrocity? How come the clear announcement of impending war knocks you out? This is not normal, it's pathological. The canary isn't just a weak canary, it's a dead canary. A late canary. A canary that is no more (apologies to Cleese). e again being told-- urgently and with familiar moral certainty-- that we must side with Benjamin Netanyahu's Israel and Donald Trump's America in condemning alleged mass killings by Iranian security forces. We are invited to clutch our pearls over reports that "thousands" may have died in Iran in the past week alone. The irony would be breathtaking if it were not so grotesque. For over two years, Israel, with full political and military backing from the United States, has devastated Gaza. Tens of thousands of Palestinians-- mostly women and children-- have been killed. Hospitals, schools, and water systems have been systematically destroyed. Starvation has been used as a weapon. Yet U.S. officials have largely remained silent, or even actively shielded Israel from accountability in international forums. Now those same officials present themselves as guardians of human rights, suddenly appalled by civilian deaths. What most forget however is that moral authority is not something that can be turned on and off at political convenience. By enabling mass slaughter in Gaza, Israel and the United States have forfeited any claim to be neutral or trustworthy narrators of human rights abuses elsewhere. When they point the finger at Iran, they do so with hands still soaked in blood. What is most troubling, however, is that much of what passes for the American "left" appears ready-- once again-- to follow their lead. Even progressive outlets that have long criticized U.S. imperialism are amplifying claims about Iran with little scrutiny, as if we have learned nothing from Iraq, Libya, or Syria. The familiar script is rolled out: heroic protesters, savage security forces, and a population yearning for Western-style liberation. But we have seen this movie before. And we know how it ends. Consider a striking example from just this week. On Democracy Now, Amy Goodman interviewed the acclaimed Iranian filmmaker, Jafar Panahi. During the interview, Panahi acknowledged something crucial: because of internet shutdowns and information blackouts, he said, "I do not have any trustworthy news from inside Iran. I don't know what is happening. I don't know where my colleagues are, where my family is. It is only the bits and pieces that you hear." And yet moments later, he spoke confidently of thousands-- perhaps 2,000, perhaps even 20,000-- killed by Iranian security forces. The interviewer did not challenge the figures, ask for sourcing, or remind viewers that casualty estimates in politicized conflicts are often wildly inflated during the early stages of unrest. This is not serious journalism. It is narrative reinforcement. None of this is to deny that Iran represses dissent or that many Iranians have legitimate grievances. It is simply to insist that repression alone does not explain why certain countries suddenly dominate Western headlines, while others-- such as Israel-- are insulated from scrutiny even when their actions are far more destructive. The difference is not morality. It is geopolitics. Immediately after 9/11, General Wesley Clark publicly revealed that the Pentagon had drawn up plans for regime change in seven countries: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, Libya, Sudan, and Iran. While the timeline shifted, the strategic objective did not. Iran has remained a top target of U.S. and Israeli policy for decades, regardless of which party occupies the White House. Political scientists such as John Mearsheimer have described how these operations follow a consistent pattern: First, economic sanctions that drive up prices, cripple daily life and undermine public confidence in the government. Second, support for opposition movements, often including covert funding and even the arming of provocateurs to escalate unrest. Third, aggressive information warfare, in which unverified or exaggerated claims are circulated locally and internationally to delegitimize the targeted regime. Finally, threats of military intervention-- or actual intervention-- once instability has been sufficiently inflamed. This is not speculation. It is documented policy history. Libya followed this script. Syria followed this script. Iraq followed this script with catastrophic results. And now Iran appears to be entering another familiar phase. Sanctions, in particular, deserve far more attention than they receive in Western reporting. They are not "smart" tools that surgically target political elites. They are blunt-force attacks on entire populations, restricting access to food, medicine, banking systems, and basic imports. They produce precisely the social desperation that then gets cited as proof of governmental illegitimacy. In effect, we help create the crisis, then point to the crisis as justification for further intervention. All of this would already warrant deep skepticism. But after Gaza, skepticism becomes a moral obligation. If Western leaders truly cared about civilian lives, Gaza would not now be an open-air graveyard. If they were committed to international law, Israel would not enjoy absolute immunity for actions that would have triggered war crimes prosecutions had any other country committed them. Selective outrage is not accidental. It is functional. It serves strategic objectives while preserving the illusion of moral consistency. This is why claims about Iran must be treated with extreme caution-- not dismissed, but interrogated. Who benefits from these narratives? Who controls the flow of information? And why are casualty figures treated as settled facts when even regime change advocates admit they lack reliable data? What is perhaps most disheartening is how easily progressive voices are drawn into amplifying the early stages of these campaigns. Figures who would never accept Pentagon talking points about Latin America or Vietnam sometimes seem willing to accept them when the target is Iran. Good intentions do not protect anyone from becoming useful to empire. True solidarity with the Iranian people would begin by acknowledging that Western economic warfare is a major driver of their suffering. It would oppose both domestic repression and foreign destabilization. And it would reject the deadly fantasy that U.S.-backed regime change produces democracy rather than chaos. Iraq and Libya are not success stories. They are warnings. We are not obligated to choose between authoritarian governments and imperial intervention. That is a false choice imposed by those who benefit from perpetual war. The real alternative is to oppose repression wherever it occurs while refusing to serve as an echo chamber for propaganda that prepares the ground for yet another catastrophe. If the American left wishes to remain worthy of the name, it must relearn a difficult lesson: power always shapes the stories it tells, and humanitarian language is often the preferred cover for imperialism. Do not be taken in by sudden moral awakenings from those who have slept through genocide. Do not accept casualty figures that emerge fully formed from information blackouts and intelligence pipelines that have lied to us before. And do not imagine that aligning ourselves with Netanyahu and Trump-- of all people-- will somehow advance justice in Iran. It will not. This essay connects to themes explored in my recent ChatGPT-assisted political novella, Against All Odds: How Zohran Mamdani Became President and Changed America Forever, which uses storytelling to examine how media narratives, economic coercion, and permanent war distort democracy at home and abroad. Both the novella and the Arc of Justice Alliance / Project 2029 project argue that real security comes not from regime change or military dominance, but from building a "Republic of Care" grounded in democratic accountability and human dignity. As I am sure everyone is aware of by now, or should be, the head of the powerful Jewish AIPAC lobby, Les Wexner, is also the real head of Jeffrey Epstein's pedophilia blackmail operations, going back many decades. (1) After reading that the U.S. Congress has agreed to pass into law, Les Wexner's change in the definition of "anti-Semitism" to include all and any expression of low opinions of Jewish people and the state of Israel regardless of whether the reasons are based on, or stem from, legitimate assessments of content of character most particularly with regards to egregious and genocidal behavior towards other human beings, I fail to see how this new definition of "anti-Semitism" is compatible with Martin Luther King's dream of a society that judges people only by their content-of-character. And I will not be participating in upholding, or bowing down to Les Wexner's new restrictions on expressions of thought. It is time for a some clarification about what "anti-Semitism" is, and maybe even what "Semitism" itself is too. First off, "hate speech" is when you demonize and dehumanize another person or group of people to cause them harm. But judging a person by their content of character which entails discussing their deeds towards others, is not hate speech -- rather, it is Martin Luther King Jr's dream. As of late, we live in a society where women who dare to say 'no' to a man's demand that the rest of us call him a woman and allow him to change his clothes in women's locker rooms, etc., are also being accused of "hate speech" mainly by the Democrat party and the loudspeaker media to justify the now globalized Antifa violence towards women who say 'no.' (2) So it makes me extremely nervous to read about "hate speech," especially in regards to genocide, which, by the way, is the ultimate expression of racism and should be protested against in ALL cases, regardless of who is committing the genocide or their religious beliefs or religious justifications for it. Again, genocide and mass murder of ANY group of people based on their genetic heritage is the ultimate expression of racism. And a genocide is most certainly being perpetrated against the Palestinian in Gaza. (3) Doctors in Gaza are reporting back unprecedented numbers of babies and toddlers being shot in the head by the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) soldiers. (4) And IDF soldiers are routinely committing heinous crimes of sadistic rape against Palestinian people, of all ages. (5) Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers are never held accountable in Israel for their sadistic crimes against humanity, even after being caught by their own surveillance cameras, torturing and raping Palestinian men. When some IDF soldiers were briefly detained in Israel for brutally raping Palestinian men, an angry mob of Israelis demanded their release, and praised the IDF rapists as "heroes" while screaming about their "god-given right" as Jews, to rape whoever they want. (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Clearly, these Israelis do not adhere to the central edict of their most famous ancient Rabbi Hillel, mainly that, if you don't want it done to you, then don't do it to others. (11) IDF soldiers are even filming themselves committing their atrocities against the Palestinian people, regularly posting online, videos of themselves committing all variety of sickening, heinous crimes against humanity in Gaza. (12) One justice group Hind Rajab Foundation is now using these videos as hard evidence in the national and international courts, in their tireless effort to bring every dual-citizen-IDF psychopath to justice for their heinous crimes in Gaza. (13) Despite all of this, American tax-dollars continue to flow to Israel -- over $63 million PER DAY, as of this writing. (14) Click Here This is because the Les Wexner-controlled AIPAC lobby wants it that way and works hard ensure that every elected member of Congress and the Senate continues to approve of sending more and more of America's hard earned tax-dollars to the state of Israel. (15) I can think of better ways to spend our American tax-dollars, can you? But any objection to the ever-increasing flow of American tax-dollars to the funding Israel's genocidal and mass rape crimes against Palestinians is rabidly condemned by the majority of American Jews as "anti-Semitic," especially in the media outlets. (16) And they have the full support of the multi-billionaire tech moguls who own and control our social media, (17) as well as other media outlets, and they dutifully censor and label any criticism of Israel as "anti-Semitic" too. Worse, these big-tech moguls have been outright facilitating "Israel's right to defend itself" in Gaza with their military technology, for years. As reported by Mint Press News, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Either this nation shall kill racism, or racism shall kill this nation." (S. Jonas, August 2018) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "How do you spell ICE in German? GESTAPO." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. "Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. "Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. "Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me." Pastor Martin Niemoller (c. 1946) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am posting this column on the morning of January 16, 2026. Five days ago, (Jan. 12) I walked into the office of one of the medical specialists who provides routine care and health-status monitoring for me on a regular six-monthly basis. Before any part of the examination started, he said to me "it's over." This practitioner is what I would describe as a left-wing Democrat, who has a particularly strong interest in politics and what is going on in our nation. But hardly is he a specialist in U.S. government and history. We always spend time during our visit on current politics (and he knows well my position and perspective). But that discussion usually comes after at least sometime through the exam. This time it came first. A bell was rung and I have been working-on/thinking-about this column all week. Many questions and concerns have arisen during it, following the Minneapolis Murder that took place on Jan. 7. Underlying at least some of the discussion/analysis that has occurred is the question stated in the title of this column. And so, here are some notes on various aspects of the events, that the President is, and is not, doing, and what some of the political responses have been. Here is a comment that I posted on a Steve Schmidt Video/Substack on Jan. 14, 2026: "Most considerations of the First Civil War set its date of beginning as April 21, 1861, when what would become the 'Confederate' forces opened the shelling of Fort Sumter in Charleston, S.C. Harbor. However, another consideration is that it actually began with the (un-Constitutional) secession of South Carolina from the United States of America on December 20, 1860, which in effect declared that a State of War (not yet violent) between (some of) the slave states and what came to be called The Union. Our nation is currently descending into what may become the Second Civil War. If that does happen, the start of this one will dated to Jan. 7, 2026, the date of the first ICE murder, in Minneapolis --- the existence of ICE as currently constituted by the Trump Administration, with role it has been given --- being entirely Unconstitutional." (For openers see the 1st and 4th Amendments, e.g., Free Speech and Probable cause). While I did not quote them in that Comment, here are the relevant sections of the Constitution (which both Trump and key members of his Administration and principal outside-of-government-advisors have either not read or [more likely] have decided just not to pay any attention to them): AMENDMENT I: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." AMENDMENT IV: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." As for the fascist state that what I call the TrumpRepubloFascists are attempting to impose, here is a definition of "fascism" that I have used for quite some time: "There is a single, all-powerful executive branch of government, in service of an industrial/financial/sales-and-marketing/communications ruling class, that controls, for the most part, the functions of production, distribution, finance, and exchange. There is no separation of the principal governmental powers: executive, legislative, and judicial. They are all held by the Executive branch. There is no independent judiciary/civil/criminal/justice system. There are no independent media. There is a single national ideology, based on some combination of racism, misogyny, religious bigotry, authoritarianism, homophobia, and xenophobia. There is a political party supporting the movement. There is a state propaganda machine using the big and little lie techniques. There may be a full-blown dictatorship, a charismatic leader, engagement in foreign wars, and the use of the mob/private armies to enforce governmental control." Presently, the main engine of their revolution is, as is very well-known, the unit of the Department of Homeland Security (how ironic is that name now) that is "Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE for short. I first posted a description of ICE late July 2025, under the title "How do you Spell ICE in German: G-E-S-T-A-P-O": "In the governments of democratic states, there are established constitutional/-legislated powers to: 1) arrest persons for suspected crimes; 2) subject those persons to some kind of criminal procedures, in which the accused is to have: certain rights before the law, such as the right to know of the charges against them in some detail, the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to be subject to a defined, written due-process-of-law; and 3) imprison persons convicted of crimes, again following a defined due-process-of-law. "The Nazi-German Gestapo had the power to arrest anyone they deemed liable to arrest, with a legally-sanctioned 'probable cause' or not; decide on the guilt or innocence of that person in re the crime being charged, without the person being subject to an established-in-law judicial procedure; and then upon determining, on their terms, whether or not a crime (as they defined it) had been committed, decide upon and mete out punishment as they deemed fit. ICE has similar, discretionary, powers". Am I going too far here? Well, consider this very brief statement on the "situation" in Minneapolis, MN, by the of the Trump Administration's Stephen Miller, with the oh-so-innocent sounding title of "Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy:" "To all ICE officers: You have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties, and anybody who lays a hand on you, or tries to stop you, or tries to obstruct you, is committing a felony . . . You have immunity to perform your duties and no one-- no city official, no state official, no illegal alien, no leftist agitator or domestic insurrectionist-- can prevent you from fulfilling your legal obligations and duties. 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." As it happens. on foreign policy as well, Miller is considered to most right-wing-radical voice in the Administration: " 'We live in a world in which you can talk all you want about international niceties and everything else, but we live in a world, in the real world, that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power,' he argued in an interview with CNN on January 5, in which he defended the United States' claim to Greenland because 'we're a superpower.' The United States is in charge. But obviously that doesn't mean President Trump is setting the bus fare schedule inside the country [even if he is Acting President of one, like, say Venezuela, Stephen?] We are in charge because we have the United States military stationed outside the country [in this case, Venezuela indeed]. We set the terms and conditions. . .'" So, as of now, both at home and abroad, Trump is acting with impunity. He has no Congressional authority to do what he is doing, nor is he seeking it (as for foreign wars he needs do under Art. II of the Constitution) and he is either ignoring the courts or announcing broadly, by his actions at least, his intent to ignore them. As is well-known, he is threatening to "send Federal troops," under the provisions of an early 19th Century statue called the "Insurrection Act," into Minneapolis, or more broadly Minnesota. A key provision of that Act is that it: "empowers the President of the United States to nationally deploy the U.S. military and to federalize the National Guard units of the individual states in specific circumstances, such as the suppression of civil disorder, of insurrection, and of armed rebellion against the federal government of the U.S." And so on and so forth. And so, are we staring down the barrels of numerous guns at a Second Civil War? A) it is clear that the Trump Administration is paying no attention to the law in regard to what ICE is doing on the ground in Minneapolis and has made clear that it has no intention of doing so. B) They are, for example, preventing the local and state law enforcement authorities in Minnesota from conducting this own investigation of the ICS shooting/killing that occurred on Jan. 7, and (e.g.) Miller's increasingly bellicose statements on what ICE is doing and the powers it has (according to himself). C) The sides of a potential such war are getting evermore clearly defined, as in: the Constitutionalists vs. the TrumpRepubloFascist/P2025/Second-American-Revolution-ers. D) Neither of the political Parties (most especially, of course, the Republicans-in-awe-and-in-the-awbit-of-Trump) is doing much to try to stop him (even if they could). E) Generally, the Dems. aren't doing much better (although their powers in Congress are very limited). And E) Trump is moving evermore quickly in the direction of open dictatorship, e.g., from what he is doing in Minneapolis to his threats to invade Greenland, (which clearly would be done without a whiff of Congressional authorization). (In re the European response to the "Greenland threat," who would have thought that any of us old enough to have "seen the news" during the Second World War would have been very happy to see the word "Luftwaffe" on the side of an aircraft? Which indeed it was, right there on a German military transport on its way to provide support for the Government of Greenland against the TrumpImperialist threat.) In sum, in my view (and most certainly of others) the chances of a Second Civil War increase with every passing day. This is a subject that has a wide variety of parameters, perspectives, and strategic/tactical considerations. It is one to which I shall (obviously) return. As my friend and physician said: "It's over." Or is it? (Article changed on Jan 16, 2026 at 9:17 AM EST) Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents take people they detained earlier to a parking lot before transferring them to an ICE facility in Chicago on Oct. 31 (Image by exit78 from flickr) Details DMCA On January 7, gang members -- gathered in Minneapolis for the purpose of abducting immigrants and cowing the state's population -- menaced motorist Renee Nicole Good, then murdered her when she attempted to flee. This wasn't the ICE gang's first murder, and won't likely be its last. ICE, its allied gangs -- "Homeland Security," "Customs and Border Protection," et al. -- and its shot-callers (e.g. Kristi "Ice Barbie" Noem, Greg "Lying Poltroon" Bovino, and Tom "$50k Cash in a Paper Bag Isn't a Bribe" Homan) are at war. They're at war with America, and they're waging that war on Americans. The presence of immigrants on US soil is the excuse, not the point. How should Americans go about defeating this armed and dangerous domestic enemy? The first thing to understand about the conflict is that it's "asymmetric." The evildoers are a centrally commanded paramilitary force. Yes, they're violent wannabes who are too lazy, incompetent, or evil to find real jobs, but their sociopath bosses give them effectively unlimited funding and access to advanced weaponry. The forces of good, on the other hand, are everyday Americans (and immigrants) who'd really rather be left alone to make their livings doing productive work. No central command. No guaranteed paychecks courtesy of the nation's tax slaves. Few automatic weapons. Believe it or not, that asymmetry can actually work to the benefit of the good guys. As satisfying -- and as justified -- as it would be to send these hoodlums home in body bags when they get violent, another recent incident in the Minneapolis area shows a more peaceful, and more effective, way forward. "If you are with DHS or immigration, let us know as we will have to cancel your reservation," read a January 2 email from Lakeville's Hampton Inn Hilton (the ICE gang redacted the identity of the recipient in its whining post on X). "Please pass on this info to your coworkers that we are not allowing any immigration agents to house on our property." Unfortunately, the hotel's owners, Everpeak Hospitality, backed down, and Hilton Hotels apologized, groveled, and canceled its franchise agreement with Everspeak. As Hilton likes to tell us, "It Matters Where You Stay." I can't help but wonder if Renee Nicole Good's murderer spent the night before his crime enjoying Hampton's "light and warmth of hospitality." Setting this specific murder aside for a moment, given the high proportion of immigrants who work in the hospitality industry, why would ANY hotelier want to host a violent gang which focuses on targeting its employees? And why would any non-violent, non-gang-affiliated patron want to rent a room there? Ostracism can be more effective than violence. If ICE gang-bangers start finding that they can't rent hotel rooms, get served at coffee shops, receive communion at churches, or find play dates for their kids with decent people's kids, they'll be incentivized modify their behavior, abandon the thug life, and seek real jobs. But getting there will take some peaceful pressure from normal people ... perhaps starting with a boycott of Hilton-affiliated hotels. Barber is a Professor Emeritus of Social Science at the University of Tennessee and holds a PhD. He began work in Gaza in 1994, after an invitation from Brigham Young University to consult on the study of Palestinian families. Over the past thirty years, Barber has connected with more than 10,000 Palestinian households in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. For people unfamiliar with the timeline of events in 1948, Barber delineates that when the "State of Israel was created," approximately 700,000 to 750,000 Palestinians were either expelled or fled for safety. Four hundred villages were demolished. By the end of 1948, when a return to their former homes was not permitted by Israel, UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) was created. Tents eventually evolved into adobe structures, and then into cinder block. Camps familiar from the war, such as Khan Younis and Rafah, are described. There are eight camps in the Strip, housing over two-thirds of Gaza's Palestinian refugees. Barber clarifies that this comprises the "original refugees" from 1948, plus "two generations of descendants." Barber traces developments in the Gaza Strip from the end of the 1948 war through the 1967 war and the seizure of Gaza. He notes that in 1971, "Israel began developing Jewish settlements in Gaza." To demonstrate how the lives of his subjects, Hammam, Khalil, and Hussam were shaped by the FirstIntifada (1987-1993), he gives a backstory on the regulations implemented over Palestinian life. This included Israeli control over the population, from the economy and culture to legal matters and land/water rights. Part of the approach included a psychological attrition-- through censorship of media, changing the names of streets and towns from Arabic to Hebrew, the destruction of historical sites, and the repression of symbols of Palestinian identity. Barber stated, "The Intifada was very important because that's when the youth took to the streets in high numbers. To understand Palestinians, you must understand the Intifada. It was Palestinians asserting themselves. There was a lack of honest support by other Arab countries. They had to do this themselves." The Iron Fist policy of collective punishment, introduced by Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin on August 4, 1985, used home demolitions, administrative detention, and disproportionate force. Hammam, Khalil, and Hussam were born after the Six-Day War and have known nothing but Israeli occupation. Their stories include triumph and tragedy within the context of a reality in Gaza marked by limited job opportunities, restricted movement, violence, and surveillance. Barber emphasizes the younger generation's extensive involvement to illustrate the impact of that period, when twenty-five percent of young Palestinian men were detained or imprisoned. I spoke with Barber about his efforts to bring the story of Gaza to the public. "No one else has taken readers to the micro level for three decades," he told me. He chose his subjects in 2014 based on accessibility, their varied "personalities and approach to resisting the occupation," and their ease with English. He then transformed the interviews into "narrative prose." Barber also had access to women and children in culturally appropriate settings, which rounded out his portrayal. Barber has written: "The publicity almost always stereotypes Gaza as a pathetic and vile place and its people as angry and vengeful. It is not and they are not." Our conversation also included the role of Egypt in the Gaza blockade; calls to Palestinian homes from Israeli commanders warning of imminent bombings ("Israel knows every detail of Gazan life," Barber said); and Israel's support of Hamas to ensure that there would be no negotiating partner. Barber's portrayals are: Hammam, The Social Man; Khalil, The Defender of Human Rights; and Hussam, The Educator. Each reveals a personal evolution over four to five decades. Their stories can be seen as a microcosm of others. Here is one: Hussam In 1986, Hussam was 13. He had spent years absorbing his grandmother's stories about the Nakba. She told him of the military offensives in 1948 and the march to Gaza from the south with 250,000 other people. Settling in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, the family restarted their lives. Wanting to learn more, Hussam went to the public library in Gaza to expand his knowledge. Information had been banned in Gaza since 1967. The word Palestine (or variations) was not allowed in school books, nor were any maps referencing the original territory. To share his discoveries with his classmates, Hussam made a poster about "Palestine Across the Ages" to display on the wall. It was welcomed with interest by his peers, but the head Arabic teacher told him to take it down. "Don't you know the soldiers could send me to prison for allowing such a thing in my classroom?" he said. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Just two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, quiet but significant steps toward rebuilding parts of the Gaza Strip began-- without any formal public announcement, contractual framework, or reference to disarmament. These developments have raised serious political and security questions inside Israel and across the region. According to an article by Israeli journalist Anna Barsky published in Maariv, the Qatar Fund for Development announced the resumption of operations at the Hamad Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Hospital in northern Gaza, while simultaneously opening a new branch in the southern part of the Strip. The move has triggered intense debate within Israel over what is increasingly perceived as an undeclared transition toward a second phase in Gaza's post-war reality. The hospital, named after the former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, resumed operations following what Qatari officials described as a "forced suspension" due to Israeli military operations in September 2025. According to official statements, the facility has restarted services for war victims and people with disabilities, including the reactivation of its CT scan unit-- the only such device operating in northern Gaza. The hospital is expected to operate three main departments: prosthetics, hearing and balance, and physical rehabilitation, alongside outpatient services and inpatient rehabilitation for war victims, stroke patients, and individuals with neurological and muscular disorders. At the same time, a new branch was inaugurated in southern Gaza, officially framed as a response to the "severe deterioration of the healthcare system" and growing humanitarian needs. Since its opening in April 2019 through October 2025, the hospital has reportedly treated around 52,000 patients, with nearly 100 individuals receiving prosthetic limbs since March alone. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Chairman of the Hospital's Board and CEO of the Qatar Fund for Development, stated that operations resumed "despite the enormous challenges created by the war," emphasizing that the institution's humanitarian mission outweighs all obstacles. He added that Qatar remains committed to mobilizing all available resources to ensure high-quality healthcare for Gaza's population. However, Israeli officials view the timing with suspicion. According to Israeli sources cited by Maariv, the move is widely perceived in political circles as an implicit "green light" following Netanyahu's meeting with Trump. "This is being framed as purely humanitarian, which makes it difficult to oppose," said an Israeli government source. "But we must remember that Hamas previously exploited the Qatari hospital infrastructure for operational purposes. Tunnels were dug nearby, and the facility itself was used as a logistical base." The source added that the issue extends beyond a single hospital, warning of a broader reconstruction process being implemented without any discussion of disarmament, the return of Israeli captives-- including the late Ran Gvili-- or formal political agreements. "This is reconstruction in practice, without conditions," the source said. Aid, Commerce, and Contradictions A separate investigation by The Guardian revealed that Israel has quietly allowed commercial traders to bring goods into Gaza that are otherwise prohibited for humanitarian organizations. These include items classified as "dual-use," such as generators and metal platforms, which Israel claims could be repurposed for military use. While humanitarian agencies remain blocked from importing such materials, commercial traders have been allowed to sell them openly in Gaza markets after passing through the same Israeli checkpoints. A diplomatic source told The Guardian that it was "inconceivable" Israeli authorities were unaware of these shipments, describing the situation as deeply contradictory. The policy has limited the capacity of humanitarian organizations while benefiting traders with access permits. The issue was reportedly discussed with the commander of a newly established U.S. military base in southern Israel. The base coordinates civil-military operations related to the ceasefire brokered by President Trump and planning for Gaza's future. However, no clear U.S. position has been publicly articulated. Tania Hary, Executive Director of the Israeli human rights group Gisha, said Israel has a long record of using access to Gaza as a political tool. Mounting Political Tensions Inside Israel Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The US, under the leadership of Donald Trump, just ousted Venezuelan Dictator Nicholas Maduro. Many narratives about the removal are circulating in the media right now. Sure, Maduro was an authoritarian dictator who has no respect for democratic values that the US and its allies hold dear. Twenty percent of the country fled Venezuela under his rule, and his election victory in 2024 was bogus. In addition, his government was involved in drug trafficking, a reason the administration cited for his removal. In many ways, no sane person would want him to stay. However, let's look at it from another perspective - it's a violation of international law to force regime change. The Trump Administration's actions might have consequences in our hemisphere and around the world. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Monday he would "take up arms" against the US if it attacks his country. Trump suggested his country might be next in his war on drugs. "Although I have not been a military man, I know about war and clandestinity," Petro wrote in a post on X. "I swore not to touch a weapon again since the 1989 Peace Pact, but for the Homeland I will take up arms again that I do not want." Then there's the matter of Greenland, which Trump has hinted we might take control of, with force if necessary. Leading Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he did not think it would be "appropriate" for the U.S. to use military action to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory controlled by Denmark. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., also rejected the idea. In addition to the option of force, Trump also suggested purchasing Greenland. Perhaps we don't take Greenland; maybe it's Trumpian bluster. However, the administration's words are sparking reactions. The foreign policy bureaucracy of Greenland and Denmark has said the country is not for sale. The world we see emerging is what an international relations theorist would call spheres of influence. A world where great powers dominate their sphere. This isn't something those who believe in peace through international law should accept, because each power dominates its hemisphere with little or no cooperation from other powers, and each power - suspicious of each other - will balance one another. Of course, this means an increase in military spending for all the world's powers. There is something even more dangerous in this than just the spheres of influence: each power is or might act as it pleases within that sphere. Russia invaded Ukraine, the US has changed Venezuela's leadership, and maybe China will invade Taiwan. In power dynamics like this, the strong - at least in any given sphere of influence - will dominate the weak, not a recipe for a lawful world. The world's three main powers - the US, Russia, and China - are seeking to dominate their own spheres in a way that's unacceptable. What's a better plan? Franklin Delano Roosevelt's original plan for the United Nations, which he called the four policemen, or what an international relations theorist would call a concert of power. Under this model, the world's main powers agree to police their spheres and keep countries from invading each other, but the powers wouldn't act as bullies and invade other countries in their hemispheres. Something for the world's powers to consider, weaker powers have a way of pushing back against stronger ones; history proves it. The US had to withdraw from a poor peasant country, Vietnam, and the Soviet Union had to withdraw from another poor country, Afghanistan. How do we go from regional bullies and spheres of influence to a concert of power? Politics must change. Authoritarianism must be defeated. Jason Sibert is the Lead Writer of the Peace Economy Project The Czech Republic supplies 50% of ammunition to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and will be able to supply approximately the same amount as before, the countrys President Petr Pavel has said. "The Czech Republic has been engaged in the ammunition initiative for a long time and supplies 50% of ammunition to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and I am glad that the current government has continued this initiative. We will be able to provide approximately the same amount of ammunition as before, so that the Armed Forces of Ukraine do not suffer from a shortage," Pavel said at a press conference in Kyiv on Friday. He also said that the Czech Republic plans to provide assistance under the Ukraine Facility to modernize Ukrainian hospitals. In addition, ways are being sought to expand cooperation between the countries in the energy and defense sectors. "I am confident that the efforts that President Zelenskyy is personally making will lead in the near future to a united position of the US and Europe in joint peace negotiations and will create joint pressure on Russia, which will finally begin negotiations," the Czech President noted. In a brazen display of nationalist hubris and short-sighted arrogance, the Trump administration has once again plunged the United States into isolation, announcing its withdrawal from no fewer than 31 United Nations entities and 35 non-UN international organizations. This mass exodus, totaling a staggering 66 bodies, isn't just a policy shift-- it's a full-throated assault on the very ideals of multilateralism, human rights, and collective progress that define a just and equitable world. As progressives, we must call this what it is: a dangerous capitulation to far-right extremism that endangers millions, accelerates climate catastrophe, and undermines decades of hard-won global solidarity. Let's be clear: Donald Trump's "America First" mantra has always been code for "America Alone," a toxic blend of xenophobia and corporate greed that prioritizes billionaire tax cuts over the welfare of the planet's most vulnerable. By pulling out of critical UN agencies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Trump is effectively flipping the bird to the existential threat of global warming. These bodies aren't bureaucratic boondoggles-- they're lifelines for coordinating international efforts to combat rising seas, extreme weather, and environmental injustice that disproportionately hammer poor nations and communities of color. Without U.S. participation and funding, we're not just slowing progress; we're condemning future generations to a hotter, more unstable world. And for what? To appease fossil fuel barons who line the pockets of MAGA politicians? But the carnage doesn't stop at the environment. Trump's hit list includes the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a vital organization that champions reproductive rights, maternal health, and gender equality worldwide. This withdrawal is a direct attack on women's autonomy, echoing the administration's domestic war on abortion rights and bodily sovereignty. In places like sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, where UNFPA provides essential services to prevent maternal deaths and empower women, the U.S. absence will mean more suffering, more inequality, and a rollback of feminist gains that liberals have fought for tirelessly. It's no coincidence that this move aligns with the religious right's crusade against sexual and reproductive health-- Trump is exporting evangelical extremism at the expense of global human dignity. Then there's the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), another casualty in this orgy of withdrawals. UNCTAD works to level the playing field for developing economies, advocating for fair trade practices that counter the predatory capitalism Trump adores. By ditching it, the administration is signaling its contempt for economic justice, preferring a world where multinational corporations exploit workers in the Global South without oversight. This isn't leadership; it's neocolonial abandonment, leaving poorer nations to fend for themselves against the ravages of unregulated globalization. Progressives know that true prosperity comes from lifting all boats, not just the yachts of the elite. The non-UN organizations on the chopping block are equally egregious. From treaties on arms control to bodies promoting cultural exchange and scientific collaboration, Trump's purge isolates America from the intellectual and moral currents of the international community. Take the Open Skies Treaty, which fosters transparency in military activities-- scrapping it heightens the risk of nuclear escalation in an already volatile world. Or the Paris Agreement, which Trump infamously exited before; re-withdrawing cements his legacy as the climate denier-in-chief. These moves don't make America stronger; they make us pariahs, eroding alliances and emboldening autocrats like Putin and Xi who thrive on division. Critics might argue that these organizations are "wasteful" or "ineffective," parroting the administration's talking points. But that's a smokescreen for ideological sabotage. The U.S. has historically shaped these institutions to reflect democratic values-- human rights, equality, and peace. By walking away, Trump isn't draining the swamp; he's poisoning the well, allowing regressive forces to fill the void. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres rightly lamented this as a violation of legal obligations, but let's go further: it's a moral betrayal. In a time of pandemics, migration crises, and rising fascism, we need more cooperation, not less. Liberals and leftists have long championed internationalism as the antidote to nationalism's poisons-- think of the New Deal's global extension through the UN's founding principles. This isn't just about Trump; it's about the Republican Party's descent into isolationist fanaticism, fueled by white grievance and anti-globalist conspiracy theories. Progressives must rally against this: through protests, advocacy, and electoral mobilization. We need leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who understand that America's strength lies in solidarity with the world, not in building walls-- literal or figurative. In the end, Trump's great withdrawal is a confession of weakness, a retreat from the responsibilities of power. It harms the planet, empowers tyrants, and abandons the oppressed. But we won't let it stand unchallenged. The fight for a just, interconnected world continues-- and history will judge those who chose isolation over humanity harshly. America's political culture is rotting from the top down, as evidenced by our response to tragedy. When Charlie Kirk was killed, the reactions revealed not just partisan divides but a deeper erosion of empathy and civic norms. I was called out after Kirk's murder because someone close to me felt I had cheered his death in a Facebook post. I assured them that I oppose all senseless gun deaths and hoped that the shooter would be found and punished. But I also reiterated the point of my post; it was hard to feel compassion for someone who had made light of the brutal attack on Nancy Pelosi's 82-year-old husband. While Kirk did not deserve to die, his murder did not qualify him for sainthood. Some on the left did dance on Kirk's grave, going beyond condemning his hateful speech to celebrating his murder. MAGA-world sought retribution for what they considered offensive speech with targeted attacks. Claiming that the Republican Party does not "believe in political violence" but does "believe in civility," Vice President J.D. Vance urged his followers to call out those who celebrated the death of Kirk, saying, "Hell, call their employer." Vance's belief in civility was nowhere to be found following the murder of cultural icon Rob Reiner. The Vice President was ready to hunt down every teacher, firefighter, and member of the military who disparaged Charlie Kirk's hateful legacy, but was completely silent after the President of the United States tied Reiner's murder to his own fragile ego: Given the chance to walk back these words, Trump, instead, piled on: While most people would instinctively offer sympathy to the grieving family of two parents killed, allegedly by their mentally ill son, Trump instead fixated on the fact that Reiner had opposed him and his policies. Referring to himself narcissistically in the third person, the President placed himself at the center of someone else's family tragedy. If one of a leader's responsibilities is to help pull people together in times of tragedy, Trump's comments underscore why historians consistently rank him at or near the bottom of U.S. Presidents. Rob Reiner was a cultural icon, and his loss is felt by many. The son of Carl Reiner, himself a towering figure in American comedy, Rob Reiner first entered the national spotlight as Michael "Meathead" Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family. Beginning with This Is Spinal Tap in 1984 (one of my favorite movies) and continuing through 1992, he directed an extraordinary run of culturally significant films, including Stand By Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally" (1989), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992). Unable to handle the truth that the majority of Americans do not approve of his job performance, Trump constantly attacks people like Reiner who publicly state their criticisms of his actions. Given the tragedy, it was time to put his personal feelings aside and put the country first. It would have been easy to simply mark Reiner's significant accomplishments. At the very least, he could have followed every mother's adage: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Instead, he verbally attacked a man as his family dealt with the unbelievable grief of the sudden loss. Trump has long shown an inability to put aside feuds with people who have died. John McCain was a war hero who suffered lifelong injuries during his service to the country, but a year after his death, Trump was attacking him with the false claim that he graduated "last in his class" from the Naval Academy. The day after Colin Powell died, from COVID-19 complications, Trump noted that the country's first Black Secretary of State had "made plenty of mistakes, but anyway, may he rest in peace!" He refused to pay his respects to Civil Rights hero John Lewis as he lay in state at the U.S. Capitol in 2020. Following the lead of Trump, others in the MAGAsphere feel emboldened to cast aside social norms, degrading the political health of our country. In the aftermath of Kirk's killing, members of Turning Point USA, the organization he founded, should understand better than anyone that careless words can feel like salt in a wound. Still, they followed Steve Bannon's lead and booed Reiner at an event last week. After belittling Reiner's impressive body of work as "a handful of crappy movies," Bannon showed how much the rot has taken root in our country: Proving once again that every accusation is a confession, Trump unveiled a plaque this week under a portrait of Obama that refers to him "as one of the most divisive political figures in American history." With slightly more than three years left in Trump's presidency, there is still a lot of room for him to expand our political divisions. Portions of the White House have already fallen. Will the country follow? Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Growing number of cord-cutters turn to internet-based television for flexible access to live sports, Canadian channels, and on-demand content Toronto, Canada - January 16, 2025 - The company is now offering 24/7 towing service in Brisbane across 25 key regions, offering timely help during breakdowns, accidents, residential tow needs, and business A 58-year-old man was sentenced Thursday to more than two years in prison for exporting an air navigation and flight control system from Oregon to Russia through his home country of India. U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut issued a two and a half year sentence to Sanjay Kaushik. It was a calculated, profit-driven scheme involving repeated transactions, substantial gains, and coordination with foreign co-conspirators, including sanctioned Russian entities, Oregon U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford said in a statement. Kaushik illegally obtained the aerospace technology from an Oregon-based supplier and sent it to Russia starting in early September 2023. The products were bought under the false pretense that they would be supplied to Kaushik and his Indian company, Arezo Aviation Services Limited, for use in a civilian helicopter, when in fact they were destined for Russians, according to prosecutors. The navigation system required a federal license to export to certain countries, including Russia. After Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed new license requirements on exports to Russia. In response, Russian procurement agents have sought out people and companies in countries that have more favorable trade relations with the United States, such as India, the United Arab Emirates and certain European countries, to procure technology on their behalf, according to agent Matthew Peterson, of the U.S. Department of Commerces Bureau of Industry and Security. Peterson works in the departments Office of Export Enforcement in Portland. Kaushiks arrest came as part of a federal investigation into an alleged conspiracy involving Kaushik, a citizen of India and managing partner of Arezo Aviation Services Limited known as AREZO, Markus Kaltenegger, a citizen of Austria and owner of the Austrian company Yoracraft, and others to procure export-controlled aerospace technology on behalf of Russia in violation of U.S. smuggling laws, according to Peterson. Kaushik was arrested in Miami, Florida, in mid-October 2024. He pleaded guilty in October to conspiring to sell export-controlled aviation components with dual civilian and military applications to users in Russia. No federal charges have been filed against Kaltenegger, records show. Its unclear if hes been arrested in the case or not. Defense lawyer Per C. Olson said when Kaushik provided the Northrup Grumman LCR-100 Gyrocompass Attitude Heading Reference System to Russians, he did not provide anything to the country that they didnt already have. Olson unsuccessfully sought a sentence of time served for the year and three months his client has already spent in custody, arguing the average and the median sentence imposed on similarly-situated defendants convicted of the same crime is a year. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Nyhus said Kaushik and Kaltenegger bought more than $1.7 million in aviation components on behalf of a Russian procurement agent and sought a three year and one month sentence. Kaushik worked with others to routinely exploit his position in India and take advantage of Indias favored status to circumvent U.S. national security and export controls the effect of which directly or indirectly supported Russias invasion of Ukraine," Nyhus wrote in a sentencing memo. The U.S. Department of Commerces Bureau of Industry and Security investigated the case, with help from Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A 56-year-old man who shot his girlfriend and then dumped her body in the Mount Hood National Forest was sentenced to life in prison with the chance of parole in 25 years. William G. Blake pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Wednesday in Clackamas County Circuit Court for shooting his girlfriend, Jennifer Stuart, 38, at his Oregon City home on Aug. 14. Surveillance camera footage showed Blake purchasing a plastic storage box, garbage bags and gloves at a hardware store, while his car was seen near the makeshift burial ground off South Hillockburn Road, south of Estacada, prosecutors say. He later panicked and retrieved the storage container from the woods, fearing it contained trace evidence that would lead investigators back to him. Hunters found Stuarts body after noticing an unusual gathering of turkey vultures Sept. 1. Stuart was identified by her fingerprints. A medical examiner determined she had been shot once in the lower left side of her body, prosecutors say. While other charges against Blake were dismissed under the terms of the plea deal, neighbors suspected he assaulted his girlfriend regularly, according to the district attorneys office. Blake confessed to the killing following his arrest in October, the district attorneys office said. In court, Stuarts mother, Elizabeth Stuart, castigated the killer, calling Blake a rabid, savage beast. To end up being shot, crammed into a plastic container, prosecutors said Elizabeth Stuart told the court, is unfathomable. Clackamas County Judge Michael Wetzel presided over the sentencing hearing. A Jackson County woman is facing 88 felony charges after police entered her home earlier this month and found 30 dead dogs and 58 more in need of rescuing, according to the local district attorney. Jana Tepper of Eagle Point remains in jail on $100,000 bail. Eagle Point police executed a search warrant on the 74-year-old womans home on Jan. 6. An officer described the conditions: Upon entering the residence I observed inches of feces on the ground and in excess of 40 dogs. These dogs were urinating and defecating freely in the home. Multiple dogs appeared to be malnourished. Upon searching the residence, I located at least 10 deceased dogs which were stored in the freezer at the residence. The dogs were wrapped in towels and stored in miscellaneous containers. Police continued to investigate and later updated the number of dead dogs allegedly in the womans home. A grand jury indicted her Tuesday on one count of first-degree aggravated animal abuse, 29 counts of first-degree animal neglect and 58 counts of second-degree animal neglect. A call to Teppers defense attorney wasnt immediately returned. College didnt always seem attainable for Michaela Loggins, a first-generation student at Portland State University. Now, shes pursuing a masters degree. Loggins went to Tualatin High School before being accepted into PSU. It was there that she discovered TRIO, a program that provides college supports for low-income students, students with disabilities, or students whose parents did not earn a bachelors degree. Though Loggins initially thought college was too expensive for her to pursue, TRIO helped her prepare scholarship applications and imagine a future where she didnt have to empty her wallet for higher education. It also offered workshops, tutoring and summer programs to help her prepare. TRIO gave me an opportunity to look at college with a different lensto be like, oh yeah, like, this is possible, she said. Since 1964, TRIO has helped students facing financial or academic disadvantages pursue higher education. Its programs offer a support system to help high school students apply to and pay for college and a community of people to help them succeed after they get there. TRIO, which currently serves over 12,000 high school and college students in Oregon, has so far mostly managed to withstand the uncertain federal funding picture of the Trump administration. Over the past year, the U.S. Department of Education has cut funding aimed at supporting disadvantaged students, including the College Assistance Migrant Program, which helped support the children of farmworkers during their first year in college. It also ended grants that funded a college prep program called GEAR UP at several universities. TRIO, which relies entirely on federal funding, faced uncertainty, too. Last May, the Trump administration proposed eliminating the program in the 2026 budget and a delay in funding authorization led to some temporary layoffs, Oregon TRIO director Matt Bisek said. Lawmakers, however, have recommended funding TRIO in the final federal budget, which lawmakers are still haggling over. Funding through August 2026 is guaranteed, said Bisek. And in the 2025-26 school year, TRIO was able to renew funding to 22 of its existing college programs and fund four more, expanding services to another 560 students, Bisek said. This is a significant development in the higher education landscape especially in rural and underserved communities at a time when many federal education programs are facing cuts, Bisek said in an email. TRIO stands out as a federal investment that continues to expand opportunities and create long-term impact in our local communities. Approximately 17% of Oregon college or university students in 2023 were the first in their families to participate in higher education. Almost 40% of them couldnt afford the cost of their college or university, according to data from the states Higher Education Coordinating Commission. National research has found that TRIO helps students complete secondary education. In Oregon, just 50% of high school students completed a federal financial aid form called the FAFSA in 2024, but 85% of TRIO students completed that form, Oregon TRIO reports. About 74% of TRIO students enrolled in college in 2023-24, compared to a statewide average around 55%. And 86% of TRIO students stayed in college, a higher retention rate than the average at Oregons colleges or universities. TRIOs high school programs including Upward Bound offer tutoring and counseling to help get students set up for college. Students who continue with TRIO into higher education participate in the Student Support Services program, which provides academic advising and financial literacy help. Jasmin Reyes Contreras, a senior at Roosevelt High School, started in the TRIO Upward Bound program her sophomore year. She said that TRIO helped her write college essays, took her on college campus tours and created time outside of school for her to enroll in college. With the help of the TRIO program, she said she received a $20,000 college scholarship. I definitely feel like it helped my confidence, she said. I have people that support me. Four new colleges and universities earned federal funding for TRIO Student Support Services programs this year, Bisek said, including Central Oregon Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Eastern Oregon University and Pacific University. First-generation and low-income students attending college can lack stable financial footing or an understanding of the ins and outs of college processes, says Linda Liu, who directs some TRIO programs at Portland State University. The current political climate has added some barriers too, Liu said. Some students have parents who are staying home from work because they are not documented, or parents who have been detained, so students must work or take care of younger siblings on top of their education.The Student Support Services program offers students mentors and advisers, and a community full of peers who share similar ambitions. Our advisors are all about developing relationships and trust with students in order for them to, you know, confide in us and say: this is what Im going through and this is how its impacting my ability to do well in school, Liu said. Loggins, the Portland State student, says that without TRIO, she likely wouldnt have graduated. Loggins college journey wasnt a straight path. She moved from PSU to Western Oregon University and back. She also changed her major. Throughout these transitions, Loggins says that her TRIO advisers helped her plan her next moves step-by-step. She praises TRIO for helping her move forward with her studies and while also providing support for her personal life. The program connected Loggins with a job on campus and an advisor helped her get into the social work graduate program. Loggins, who is in her first year of graduate school, now helps students on campus as a CARES advocate with PSU. She does one-on-one case management with PSU students who are facing hurdles that impact their personal and academic lives. I give back by referring students to TRIO, so that they, too, can build family and curate their sense of belonging on campus as I did, Loggins said. TRIO was the only program that stayed with me through it all. Youth Voices reporter Angela Britton is a sophomore at Grant High School. She is in her first year on staff as a reporter for Grant Magazine. VICTORIA, British Columbia Canadas Pacific coast province of British Columbia is ending its three-year experiment in decriminalizing possession of small amounts of drugs. British Columbia Health Minister Josie Osborne announced Wednesday the province is not seeking an extension of its agreement with Canadas federal health agency that allowed the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs for personal possession. Osborne said the goal of the three-year pilot project slated to end Jan. 31 was to make it easier for people to come forward and seek help, but it hasnt delivered the results officials hoped for. Oregons first-in-the-United States experiment with drug decriminalization ended in 2024, when possessing small amounts of hard drugs will once again became a crime. Oregon voted in 2020 to decriminalize. British Columbias decriminalization project began in January 2023, after Health Canada granted the province an exemption under the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. It initially allowed adults to possess up to 2.5 grams cumulatively of opioids, crack and powdered cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA. But in 2024, the exemption was amended to restrict such possession to private homes and places where homeless people are legally sheltering, as well as designated health-care clinics and overdose prevention, drug checking and supervised consumption sites. With the end of decriminalization, Osborne said the government is focused on strengthening the approaches that are helping people get timely, appropriate care. We are building a more complete and comprehensive system of mental-health and addictions care in B.C., including prevention, treatment and recovery, harm reduction and aftercare, she said in a statement. In 2001, Portugal became the first country in the world to decriminalize the consumption of all drugs. --The Associated Press PORTLAND A group of mostly Democratic U.S. senators sent a letter Thursday to the U.S. Postal Service, voicing concern that mail processing changes could affect postmark dates for mail-in ballots during an election year that will determine control of Congress. Updated agency policy says postmarks might not indicate the first day the Postal Service received the mail but rather the day it was handled in one of its processing centers. Those centers are increasingly likely to be further away from certain communities because of recent USPS consolidations, which could further delay postmarks, the 16 senators wrote. Postmark delays are especially problematic in states that vote entirely or largely by mail, they wrote to Postmaster General David Steiner, noting that many states use postmark dates to determine whether a mail ballot can be counted. These changes will only increase the likelihood of voter disenfranchisement. The consequences could be particularly acute in rural areas where mail has to travel farther to reach regional processing centers, they added. In theory, a rural voter could submit their ballot in time according to their state law, but due to the changes you are implementing, their legally-cast ballot would not be counted as it sits in a local post office, they wrote. As we enter a year with many local and federal elections, the risk of disrupting this vital democratic process demands your attention and action. The Postal Service has received the letter and will respond directly to those who sent it, spokesperson Martha Johnson said. The agency addresses the issue on its website. While we are not changing our postmarking practices, we have made adjustments to our transportation operations that will result in some mailpieces not arriving at our originating processing facilities on the same day that they are mailed, its website says. This means that the date on the postmarks applied at our processing facilities will not necessarily match the date on which the customers mailpiece was collected by a letter carrier or dropped off at a retail location. Johnson said the language in the final rule does not change any existing postal operations or postmarking practices. She added that the agency looked forward to clarifying the senators misunderstanding. Our public filing was made to enhance public understanding of exactly what a postmark represents, its relationship to the date of mailing and when a postmark is applied in the process, she said. People dropping off mail at a post office can request that a postmark be applied manually, ensuring the postmark date matches the mailing date, the Postal Services website says. Manual postmarks are free of charge. The agency said the lack of alignment between the mailing date and postmark date will become more common as it implements its initiative to overhaul processing and transportation networks with an emphasis on regional hubs. The aim of the initiative is to cut costs for the agency, which has grappled with losses in the billions of dollars in recent years. Under the plan, the Postal Service got rid of twice-daily mail dispatches from local post offices to regional processing centers. That means mail received after the only transfer truck leaves sits overnight until the next daily transfer, the senators wrote. Election officials in states that rely heavily on voting by mail expressed concern with the change. Not being able to have faith that the Postal Service will mark ballots on the day they are submitted and mail them in a timely manner undermines vote-by-mail voting, in turn undermining California and other elections, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber said in a statement. She said her office will amplify messaging to voters who use mailed ballots that they must return their ballots early if they plan to use the post office. Election officials in Washington state, where voting is done almost entirely by mail, are recommending that those who return their ballot within a week of Election Day do so at a drop box or voting center. Given the operational and logistical priorities recently set by the USPS, there is no guarantee that ballots returned via mail will be postmarked by the USPS the same day they are mailed, the secretary of states office said in a statement. The senators urged Steiner to restore timely postmarks and fully stand up an election mail task force. The lawmakers who signed the letter represented California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Maine, Connecticut, New Jersey and Maryland. All are Democrats but one, an independent who typically aligns with the Democratic Party. --By Claire Rush/The Associated Press The Ukrainian delegation is currently on its way to the United States, and these days there will be meetings with representatives of US President Donald Trump regarding documents that are already practically ready, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "The Ukrainian team is actively working with representatives of the US President these days, there will be meetings of our Ukrainian representatives in the US. The Ukrainian delegation is currently on its way to the US, and we hope that there will be more clarity, both regarding the documents that we have already actually prepared with the American side, and regarding Russias response to all this diplomatic work that is taking place," Zelenskyy said during a press conference in Kyiv with his Czech counterpart Petr Pavel on Friday. Even a prominent indie filmmaker like Portlands Gus Van Sant, the two-time Oscar-nominated director of films such as Good Will Hunting and Milk, can have a hard time getting a project off the ground these days. But that wasnt the case with Dead Mans Wire, which tells the story of a real-life 1977 Indianapolis hostage stand-off and stars Bill Skarsgard, Colman Domingo and Al Pacino. The movie was already set up when Van Sant came on board as one of the final pieces of the puzzle, and the crime drama is now in theaters. (Producer) Cassian Elwes was putting it together; he had set it up in Louisville, Kentucky, and his director and actor had fallen out of it. And he ran into me and he said, Do you want to do this? We have to do it, like, right away, and that was sort of charming and interesting, says Van Sant, on a Zoom call from his home in Los Angeles last week. So I was like, OK, great! Financing can often be the hardest element for a production to secure, but with the money already in place Dead Mans Wire has close to 100 financiers, and is credited to 24 production companies, 14 producers and 63 executive producers Van Sant was able to avoid the difficult part about launching a project and get right to work. He started on it roughly a week after he signed on to do the film. Dead Mans Wire stars Skarsgard as Tony Kiritsis, an Indianapolis resident who has fallen behind on his mortgage payments and decides to kidnap his mortgage broker (Dacre Montgomery) and hold him hostage, tying a shotgun around his neck, while he attempts to sort out his financial situation. The fashions and set designs may be a throwback, but the storys themes of hard-working citizens drowning in the system feel very rooted in the present. Its Van Sants first movie since 2018s Dont Worry, He Wont Get Far on Foot, marking his longest gap between big-screen projects since he broke out 40 years ago with his debut film Mala Noche. But he hasnt been kicking his feet up and relaxing; he took on a seven-part miniseries for Gucci in 2020, and he directed six of the eight episodes for Capote vs. the Swans, the second season of FXs Feud, in 2024. Part of the allure of Dead Mans Wire was it sent Van Sant, 73, back to his home state of Kentucky. It was like, oh, I get to go back to the place I was born, says Van Sant, whos lived and worked in Portland for decades. And then there was the script by Austin Kolodney, which drew him in, and had similarities to Van Sants 1989 breakout Drugstore Cowboy, another 70s-set story with a crime theme. Set and filmed in Portland, Drugstore Cowboy follows a crew of junkie thieves (played by Matt Dillon, Heather Graham, James LeGros and Kelly Lynch, the fourth of whom has a role in Dead Mans Wire) who become a sort of family over the course of the film, a throughline that connects most of Van Sants films, he says. The main thing Ive noticed (in my films) is theyre pretty much exclusively about people that are forming ad hoc families, he says. The two couples in Drugstore Cowboy become a little family. The kids in Idaho (1991s My Own Private Idaho) and Cowgirls (1993s Even Cowgirls Get the Blues), its a family. And To Die For, theyre like a little group, they kind of have their own family. And so on. That comes from Van Sant moving around a lot as a child, he says. It was like there was always a new city I was living in and finding new friends, he says. Hes gone on to create that sense of temporary family on film sets throughout his career; Dead Mans Wire is his 18th feature, and hes hoping to soon start movie No. 19, but is still working to secure the projects funding. As a filmmaker, Van Sant has had commercial and critical successes (Good Will Hunting), commercial and critical duds (his 1998 remake of Psycho) and cult films that have been admired by a small but loving audience (2003s Gerry). And then there are movies like To Die For which were seen as ahead of their time in identifying trends and where were heading as a society. Van Sant, who paints when hes not making films, says hes pleased whenever his films continue to be discussed. Im very happy theyre still relevant, he says, because theyre always about very different things, and maybe those things become relevant at different times. WASHINGTON Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during a meeting with him at the White House on Thursday, as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. Machado did not provide further details, however, and the White House didnt immediately say if Trump accepted the medal, or provide more clarity. The Nobel Institute, which awarded the prize, had said Machado couldnt give it to Trump. The White House said before the meeting that, if she tried to do that, whether he accepted it would be entirely up to Trump. Even if it was just symbolic, however, Machados gesture was extraordinary given that Trump has dismissed Machados credibility to take over leadership of Venezuela after an audacious U.S. military raid that captured then-President Nicolas Maduro. Visiting Trump presented something of a physical risk for Machado, whose whereabouts have been largely unknown since she left her country last year after being briefly detained in Caracas. Nevertheless, after a closed-door discussion with 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 didnt elaborate. Trump hasnt commented on the meeting. But the jubilant scene stood in contrast to Trump having repeatedly raised doubts about Machado and his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in Venezuela. He has signaled his willingness to work with acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who was Maduros No. 2. Along with others in the deposed leaders inner circle, Rodriguez remains in charge of day-to-day government operations and delivered her first state of the union speech during Machados Washington trip. In endorsing Rodriguez so far, Trump sidelined Machado, who has long been a face of resistance in Venezuela. Thats despite Machado seeking to cultivate relationships with the president and key administration voices like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a gamble to ally herself with the U.S. government and some of its top conservatives. While Trump and Machados meeting was still going on, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called Venezuelas opposition leader a remarkable and brave voice, but also said that the meeting didnt mean Trumps opinion of her changed, calling it a realistic assessment. Trump has said it would be difficult 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 2024 elections rejected by Maduro. Leavitt went on to say that Trump supported new Venezuelan elections when the time is right but did not say when he thought that might be. Trump administration plays down meeting expectations Leavitt said Machado sought the face-to-face meeting without setting expectations for what would occur. Machado previously offered to share with Trump the Nobel Peace Prize she won last year, an honor he has coveted. 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. All told, Machado spent about two and a half hours at the White House but left without answering questions on whether shed offered to give her Nobel prize to Trump, saying only gracias. It wasnt clear shed heard the question as she hugged and her waiting supporters. Machado also went to Capitol Hill, for a closed-door meeting with a bipartisan group of senators. She detailed having presented Trump with the medal in comments to reporters outside the Capitol. Her Washington stop began after U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea seized another sanctioned oil tanker that the Trump administration says had ties to Venezuela. It is part of a broader U.S. effort to take control of the South American countrys oil after U.S. forces seized Maduro and his wife at a heavily guarded compound in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and brought them to New York to stand trial on drug trafficking charges. Leavitt said Venezuelas interim authorities have been fully cooperating with the Trump administration and that Rodriguezs government said it planned to release more prisoners detained under Maduro. Among those released were five Americans this week. Rodriguez has adopted a less strident position toward Trump then she did immediately after Maduros ouster, suggesting that she can make the Republican administrations America First policies toward the Western Hemisphere, work for Venezuela at least for now. 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 said during an Oval Office bill signing. And I think were getting along very well with Venezuela. Machado doesnt get the nod from Trump Even before indicating the willingness to work with Venezuelas interim government, Trump was quick to snub Machado. Just hours after Maduros capture, Trump said of Machado that it would be very tough for her to be the leader. Machado has steered a careful course to avoid offending Trump, notably after winning the peace prize. She has since thanked Trump and had offered to share the honor with him prior to Thursday. Machado remained in hiding even after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. She missed the ceremony but briefly reappeared in Oslo, Norway, in December after her daughter received the award on her behalf. The industrial engineer and daughter of a steel magnate, Machado began challenging the ruling party in 2004, when the nongovernmental organization she co-founded, Sumate, promoted a referendum to recall then-President Hugo Chavez. The initiative failed, and Machado and other Sumate executives were charged with conspiracy. A year later, she drew the anger of Chavez and his allies again for traveling to Washington to meet President George W. Bush. A photo showing her shaking hands with Bush in the Oval Office lives in the collective memory. Chavez considered Bush an adversary. Almost two decades later, she marshaled millions of Venezuelans to reject Chavezs successor, Maduro, for another term in the 2024 election. But ruling party-loyal electoral authorities declared him the winner despite ample credible evidence to the contrary. Ensuing anti-government protests ended in a brutal crackdown by state security forces. --By Will Weissert, Joey Cappelletti and Regina Garcia Cano/The Associated Press President Donald Trump has asserted that the only limit to his power is his own morality, clearly indicating that he has elevated himself to emperor status. Look at all the damage his administration has inflicted upon the American people and the world: weaponizing research funding to universities, scaring citizens of color from spending time outside lest they be confronted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, undoing the gains made against climate change, having quacks run the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Defense and the FBI. How and when will this nightmare end? Clearly the Republican-led Congress is totally under Trumps thumb, with the exception of a few isolated members who vote against his wishes. This is not the same GOP that acted with integrity during Watergate. For voters, that means waiting until the midterm elections and hoping for a blue wave. Fortunately, many judges, even those appointed by Trump, do the right thing and return judgments against him when appropriate. But justice moves slowly, allows endless appeals and is powerless when he defies judicial orders. To top it all, the U.S. Supreme Court is in his back pocket. This leaves me with a small hope under a very specific scenario. If Dr. Strangelove decides to invade Greenland, I pray that the military brass would rise up against him and refuse to carry out his illegal orders. Vidya Kale, Beaverton Regarding Gov. Tina Koteks push to repeal the recently-passed transportation package, it is shameful that Democrats cannot raise taxes even with supermajorities in both chambers, (Gov. Tina Kotek calls for repeal of controversial transportation package she championed, Jan. 7). Despite historic wealth inequality, Democrats cannot bring themselves to tax the rich. Is it because so many of them are beholden to moneyed interests and care more about their seats than about rational governance? In an interview with a Bloomberg podcaster in mid-January, Jensen Huang CEO of Nvidia and the eighth or ninth richest person in the world said he is perfectly fine with a proposed one-time 5% wealth tax on billionaires in California. His own tax bill would be about $8 billion, yet Huang said he had "not thought about it even once." So why are the corporate Democrats so fearful of the T word? Fortunately, some of us will soon have a chance to do something concrete about this fecklessness. In May, voters in Oregon House District 27 (Beaverton, West Slope and Cedar Hills) can vote for Dr. Tammy Carpenter in the Democratic primary. She is the only candidate who has unequivocally called for taxing the rich. Even if you dont live in this district, Carpenter deserves your support. Policies enacted by the Legislature affect all of us, regardless of what district we live in. Au Nguyen, Portland Oregons Department of Human Services is asking the state Legislature this year to pony up $6.8 million to launch a mass replacement of food stamp benefit cards so they can be embedded with new security chips. The chips are meant to hinder thieves who at an increasing pace have been using hidden card skimmers that they discreetly place over payment stations at grocery store checkouts. The skimmers then collect card information and drain the accounts of low-income people receiving money from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The thieves have stolen more than $4 million from 10,625 cardholders in the past three years, according to DHS. DHS officials told a state legislative committee this week that if they approve the money and the transition to chip-embedded cards is launched by September, the federal government will provide about $5.8 million toward the project, which will cost a total of about $12.6 million. SNAP cards, also known as Oregon Trail Cards or food stamps, contain a magnetic strip. But the security chips that would be embedded in the new cards would make it much more difficult for card-skimming thieves to be successful. The higher security chipped cards are already commonplace in credit cards or debit cards issued by banks. California is the only state to have switched to chip-embedded SNAP cards, but six other states are in the process of doing so, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the distribution of SNAP benefits to states. About 757,000 Oregonians rely on the program for food. Once a thief skims their SNAP cards and empties all the cash in their accounts, the money is gone. Oregon says it has been unable to replace the stolen funds since federal funding to do so ran out in late 2024. Late last fall, as it became clear that Keith Wilson would likely achieve his ambitious pledge to set up 1,500 new shelter beds by Dec. 1, Portlands first-term mayor began to pivot toward another daunting task: Tackling the citys extreme shortage of places for people to permanently live. We must, with equal effort, not only focus on shelter, we must focus on housing, Wilson told The Oregonian/OregonLive in mid-November, laying the groundwork of what he said would be a top priority during his second year in office. Two months later, the mayor unveiled to the Portland City Council what appeared to be a hastily assembled goal of 20,000 new housing units over the next eight years, an effort that would require Portland to dramatically ramp up its current homebuilding pace. That number, announced Thursday after Wilsons office hesitated for more than a week to outline his housing targets in response to repeated inquiries from The Oregonian/OregonLive, would demand Portland to permit an average of 2,500 new homes annually. Preliminary data shows the city permitted just under 800 last year through August. Its a challenge Ive already made to myself, and I want you all to join me, Wilson told councilors during a work session on homelessness and housing. Under questioning by the City Council, he declined to go into specifics, saying he planned to meet with members at a later date. Wilsons seemingly new housing objective echoes one that his predecessor had floated but largely failed to make progress on. In 2022, then-Mayor Ted Wheeler launched an initiative to build the same number of homes within 10 years focused exclusively on affordable housing, while Wilsons target includes market-rate and affordable units. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson tells the City Council on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 that he wants to see 20,000 new homes built in the city over the next eight years City of Portland Wilsons office on Jan. 7 declined a request by The Oregonian/OregonLive for an interview with the mayor about his housing goals for this year. Officials said the mayor would not be ready to discuss them in detail for at least several more weeks. Were working on this, Taylor Zajonc, Wilsons deputy chief of staff, said at the time. But we have to run it by (City) Council and have some of those conversations with representatives and developers and other providers before we get too far ahead of ourselves. In written responses to questions from The Oregonian/OregonLive on Jan. 9, the mayor sidestepped questions about performance metrics but reiterated his desire to help spur the creation of new homes and reduce the shocking number of vacancies in existing affordable units. Homelessness is a housing problem, plain and simple, he said. At the end of the day, Portlanders are counting on us to get unhoused neighbors off the streets, into shelter, and moved through the continuum to permanent housing. Wilson has consistently stressed the need for organizing work around clear, measurable objectives in both the private and public sectors. Speaking to The Oregonian/OregonLive in October 2024 as a candidate, he credited far-reaching and achievable goals for his ability as a CEO to weather three recessions while creating the states first fossil-fuel-free trucking company. During his first year at Portland City Hall, Wilson remained almost singularly focused on one deliverable outcome that he believed would indicate the city was working on its seemingly intractable homelessness crisis: a vast expansion of the citys shelter capacity by a specific date. The mayor largely fulfilled his promise. As of his self-imposed Dec. 1 deadline, the city had either opened or secured 1,186 new shelter beds, mostly overnight-only. Another 380 beds are on stand-by and can be set up within 24 hours to be used if needed. A one-year goal forced us to move fast, learn fast and deliver results fast, he told the states top political and business leaders at the Oregon Leadership summit last month. But Wilsons goal for housing production would extend into what would be his third term in office a tenure that no mayor has experienced since Vera Katz more than two decades ago. Its perhaps a reflection that the mayor has far less control over spurring housing development by private builders and an acknowledgment of the reputational and economic headwinds that Portland still faces in the aftermath of the pandemic. Wilsons laser focus on shelter beds has also suggested to some city councilors that the mayor may be a one-note elected leader whose obsession has precluded progress in other areas. Pretty much the only thing I know about the mayor is that he has a priority of adding more shelter beds. I dont know enough about the rest of the mayors agenda, Councilor Steve Novick said during a recent public meeting. I think that we should ask him to engage with us and sort of spell out more of his vision with the city and hear about his priorities as well as ours. As for the City Councils own housing benchmarks and priorities, they remain a work in progress under an emerging plan dubbed the Unified Housing Strategy that Councilor Candace Avalos is developing. Avalos, chair of the councils Homelessness and Housing Committee, intends to release a plan with specific goals and metrics by June, said her chief of staff Jamey Evenstar. Housing goals, difficult to attain, could still have value Wilson ended his first year as mayor with an aim to redirect the power of his office from shelter beds to housing. But homebuilding, the many-headed hydra of Oregon politics, is a far different beast. Its slower to develop and open, taking years to go from renderings and financing to shovels in the ground and ribbon cuttings. Even using units under development is a tough benchmark to meet a lesson Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek learned the hard way. Upon taking office in 2023, she established the ambitious goal that Oregon should build 36,000 units a year. Annual construction in her first three years in office has never come close. By 2030, near the end of Koteks second term if she secures it, Oregon is forecast to build at most 20,000 to 25,000 units a year, according to estimates from her own office. Despite that, housing industry leaders praised Koteks target as a means to galvanize Oregonians around new construction and focus lawmakers energy on ways to make it happen. In subsequent sessions, lawmakers passed a raft of pro-housing legislation geared toward stimulating construction, even if it wont have as much bite until the next building cycle picks up. Portland has just over 304,000 housing units, more than half of them single-family homes and about a third apartments, according to a report from the Portland Housing Bureau. So-called middle housing such as townhomes and duplexes, increasingly popular among advocates and city planners who view it as a means to assuage the citys housing shortage, make up around 14%. Just over half of housed Portlanders (57%) are homeowners, while the rest are renters. Portland needs another 120,000 new units by 2045 to keep pace with forecast population gains, translating to an average 5,000 units per year, according to last years report. Its not clear if that forecast takes into account Portlands recent slump in new residents. But the city has also experienced setbacks as reports emerge of people experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County struggling to transition into housing and regulated, low-income units sitting empty. Wilson has found a key ally in Kotek a stark shift from the icy relationship that formed between predecessors Ted Wheeler and Kate Brown. That has proven advantageous as the two seek to notch legislative wins in Salem and Portland. Their partnership has already borne small victories for developers, such as a waiver on development fees championed by the governor and mayor and passed in July by the City Council. Portland remains a hard sell for many investors Mike Wilkerson, a partner at public policy firm ECONorthwest, said legislation like the fee waiver is precisely what Portland needs to double down on in order to continue removing cost barriers to construction in 2026. To the question of goals, Wilkerson said one place to start would be permitting 500 units in Portlands central city this year, advancing toward a target of 2,500 new units in the urban core by 2030. A report drawn up by the Portland Central City Task Force convened by Kotek outlines that goal. Wilson has previously put his support behind the 2030 benchmark. And, some ideas have not generated strong returns. At a time when 36% of downtown offices are empty, according to real estate firm CBRE, efforts to convert them into apartments have fallen flat, with only a few scattered projects emerging. Seeking to encourage such conversions, City Hall in 2023 eased seismic requirements and waived so-called system development charges when developers complete the earthquake-resilience upgrades. The waiver maxes out at $3 million. In his statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive, Wilson touted the planned conversion of the Oregon Casket building at 403 N.W. Fifth Ave. in Old Town-Chinatown into 34 apartments and ground-floor retail. Permits for that project are under review, records show. Were starting the first of our commercial-to-residential conversion projects, Wilson said, nearly three years after the incentive went into effect. Drastic action likely needed to tame crisis Adding to City Halls housing dilemma is the recent revelation that 1,900 of Portlands affordable housing units are sitting empty. That poses a complex challenge for the mayor and City Council. It also reflects how demand is bifurcated across different kinds of apartments and populations. Portland has gone through a period where rents have remained somewhat stable in many, but not all, apartments, Wilkerson said, which has made it more difficult for developers to make new projects financially feasible. Market rents are so cheap in studio apartments, for example, that some low-income tenants are fleeing comparable regulated units where rents have been on the rise for market-rate apartments. Because of that, administrative stumbles and increasing evictions in the citys affordable housing stock, those empty units account for 7% of the roughly 25,000 total affordable units in Portland, according to data from real estate firm CoStar. Wilson said his housing task force is working to figure out which units are sitting empty and fill them. Portland hired an organization to evaluate its supply of affordable housing funded by the city or regulated by the Portland Housing Bureau, covering some 19,000 units. It found more than half didnt generate enough income to cover operating costs and mortgages in 2023, up from 29% of properties in 2019, according to a staff presentation to the City Council Finance Committee on Jan. 5. The Housing Bureau is poised to send $6 million to two unnamed affordable housing properties with more than 100 units to pay down their mortgages, so that the owners can lower rents, according to the presentation, a move affordable landlords have called for to ease their rising costs. (A Housing Bureau spokesperson declined to name the projects and said details remained in progress.) Wilkerson said a time of relative stability for many market-rate tenants may be coming to an end, as early signs emerge of new apartments filling up quickly. The question of how much, he said, depends on the level of construction that the government and developers can muster in the next few years. Portland needs drastic action, Wilkerson said, adding it would have to be at a faster pace than seen in any other jurisdiction, if the hope is to actually increase production in the short run. On Thursday, Wilson said he planned to waste no time getting to work on his 8-year target. Were not waiting, he said. Were taking action. Lillian Mongeau Hughes contributed to this report. The quaint tree-lined streets of Ladds Addition will soon point Southeast Portland residents toward one of the citys most beloved Burmese restaurants. Rangoon Bistro announced Friday that it would close its original location at 2311 S.E. 50th Ave. but for a good reason. The restaurant already has plans to move into a larger space, still in Southeast Portland, that until last year housed the cocktail bar Deadshot. >> Business opening or closing in your neighborhood? Email the reporter at vnocera@oregonian.com. Were moving to 2133 S.E. 11th Ave. in March, Rangoon Bistro wrote in an Instagram post, just a few minutes down (Southeast) Division (Street) from our current location. The last day to dine at the Southeast 50th Avenue location will be Feb. 28. In its new space located within the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood, just west of historic Ladds Addition Rangoon Bistro will nearly triple its capacity. While the original location within the Breathe Building could seat only 30 or so customers, the new spot will fit around 75 indoor and 15 outdoor seats, according to a liquor license application filed this month. Former patrons may recognize the 2133 S.E. 11th Ave. building as the old Deadshot space. The cocktail bar closed last year after one final run of its annual holiday pop-up concept, Miracle. Perhaps a bit of the buildings boozy history will live on through Rangoon Bistro. The new shop will have much more space and a bar, the restaurant teased on Instagram, so keep an eye out for an improved cocktail program. That new drink menu will be crafted with the help of Tulip Shop Tavern, according to the post, a North Portland bar beloved for its craft cocktails and smash burgers. David Sai (from left), Alex Saw and Khefri Azure work together in the kitchen at Rangoon Bistro. Mims Copeland | The Oregonian Co-owners Nick Sherbo, David Sai and Alex Saw first launched Rangoon Bistro as a farmers market stand in 2017 the latter two chefs having met while working at an upscale Italian restaurant in Malaysia. They opened their first brick-and-mortar in 2022, followed by a second location at 3747 N. Mississippi Ave. and next-door bar, Bone Sine. Rangoon Bistro previously appeared on The Oregonian/OregonLives list of best new restaurants of 2022. Once known as the Hobby of the Kings, coin collecting is a global pastime open to anyone with an appetite for accumulation. Coins can be appreciated due to their artwork, their rarity or their historical significance. Some coin enthusiasts, formally referred to as numismatists, aim to complete sets of a specific design or denominations. Others chase minting oddities and short-run issues. Minting errors, like doubled images or off-center strikes, can transform an everyday coin into a desirable rarity. The 50 State Quarters series, issued by the United States Mint from 1999 through 2008, has been credited with reinvigorating the hobby of coin collecting. Issued at the rate of five per year, 56 Quarters were designed to honor all fifty states heritage and history. (The series also honored U.S. territories and the District of Columbia) The program encouraged millions of Americans to collect coins and ushered in a new generation of collectors. Website CoinWeek noted that a 2005 Mint survey found that approximately half of all Americans, or 147 million people, were collecting state quarters to one degree or another. Most of these quarters remain worth their face value of 25 cents, but a handful have become collectible due to mint errors, limited production runs, or exceptional grading condition. Grading is important. A grade of MS-70 is the perfect coin. According to the American Numismatic Association, it has a very attractive sharp strike and original luster of the highest quality for the date and mint. No contact marks are visible under magnification. Meanwhile, an MS-69 rating is near-perfect but has up to two small identifiable marks or flaws. An MS-68 has up to four flaws, etc. etc. The rating number goes down as the flaws go up. Earlier this week, FinanceBuzz released a report showcasing the 8 most valuable state quarters from the collection. Its recommended to consult a professional grading service if you happen upon one of these to ascertain the true value. As with all collectibles, condition, scarcity and demand are all key in determining what cash value a coin might fetch among collectors. 2008-D Alaska state quarter A 2008-D Alaska state quarter in MS69 condition was auctioned for over $2,000 in 2017. The D means they were minted in Denver. Typical uncirculated 2008-D quarters are worth a few dollars. This particular coin drew collector demand because of its rarity in pristine form. Estimated worth: $2,350 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck quarter This quarter features a rare mint error with a broadstrike. The P means they were printed in Philadelphia. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), coins with this truly rare experimental planchet error are worth over $4,000. Estimated worth: $4,362 1999-S Delaware quarter They can go for over $1,000 each at auction if in perfect condition. They feature an S, which represents a mint mark from San Francisco, Calif. 1999 in the coins description refers to the year it was minted which was the first year of the U.S. State Quarter Program. Estimated worth: $500-$1000 2005 Doubled Die Minnesota quarter Many versions of the 2005 Minnesota quarter were printed incorrectly with an extra or partial tree to the right of the state outline. They may be worth between $500 and $700 if found in pristine condition with the production flaw. Estimated worth: $500-$700 2000 New Hampshire quarter The Mint produced over 673 million of these coins. Most are not valuable. However, a pristine version could be worth over $500. One with a MS64 conditon grade sold for a record $2,128 in 2025. Estimated worth: $500 1999-S New Jersey quarter Scarce proof varieties have reached auction prices well above face value according to the PCGS. Estimated worth: $500 2000 South Carolina quarter The 2000 South Carolina quarter was one of the first State quarters to be released. It may have extra value if it has extra strikes during the minting process instead of one strike. A 2000-P 25C South Carolina (Regular Strike) had an auction record of over $3,000, according to the PCGS, valued due to its MS69 grade. Very few coins in this condition exist. Estimated worth: $500-$2,500 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarter If the coin is in excellent condition and has an extra ear of corn, which looks like a leaf, that may mean about $1,000 in sale value. Some variations of this coin have the extra leaf printed low or high, indicating which way the extra leaf points on the coin. Estimated worth: $1,000 Find one of these in your change jar? A quick google search shows ten coin shops in the Portland Metro Area. Any of them can guide you to professional grading services that can authenticate and help preserve your coins by encapsulating them in protective holders that reflect their condition. The first Centre Court matchup that day was between the Russian Andrey Rublev (the world number seven) a Walt Disneys Carousel of Progress is often described as a revolutionary theatrical experience.We would notice some sort o It was exciting to identify the hibre-qal and suddenly realize that a couplet that seemed to be about piles and piles of fish lying in the wilderness is actually a jab at a Adrienne Raphel is the author of Thinking Inside the Box: Adventures with Crosswords and the Puzzling People Who Cant Live Without Them.its the same: heres where Grants army Photo: https://t.me/svyrydenkoy Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, on behalf of the president, held a special selector on the emergency situation in the energy sector with all ministries and services involved. "Recovery work is ongoing, complicated by severe weather conditions and frost. 24 high-power generators for residential areas have been connected on the left bank of Kyiv. As of now, 17 transformer substations have been powered thanks to them," Svyrydenko said on Telegram following the meeting. She reported that the State Emergency Service is deploying new Invincibility Points throughout the country. Additional tents are also being deployed in the capital, currently more than 1,300 of them are operating in Kyiv. In addition, from January 16, 50 mobile kitchens with hot food will begin operating in areas where the situation remains difficult. Curfew relaxation is allowed in territories with an emergency situation in the energy sector. This means that you can be on the streets and in public places near the Invincibility and Heating Points, as well as travel to them by private transport. 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Were y Finland is sending Ukraine its 31st defense aid package, the value of the supplies currently being sent is approximately EUR 98 million, the country's Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen has said. "This time, we have put together the package on an accelerated schedule to help meet the most urgent needs at the moment. The procurement program to support Ukraine from the domestic defense industry is also progressing according to plan for this year. Finland will continue to support Ukraine with defense equipment, as this is the most effective way to contribute to a just peace The assistance takes into account both Ukraine's needs and the resource situation of the Finnish Armed Forces," the minister said. He added that for operational reasons and to ensure the safe delivery of the aid, detailed information on the specific content, delivery method and delivery schedule of the aid will not be provided. Correction This story was updated at 8:45 p.m. Jan. 15 to reflect the correct date AAUP's statement was issued. The American Association of University Professors issued a statement Thursday condemning OU for removing the graduate instructor who gave a failing grade to a students Bible-based essay. In late November, OU junior Samantha Fulnecky publicly contested a grade she received on an essay that cited the Bible. Fulnecky claimed Mel Curth, the graduate instructor who gave the grade, discriminated against her on the basis of religion. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... Curth was placed on administrative leave immediately following the appeal. On Dec. 22, the university announced Curth would no longer have instructional duties. Brittany Stewart, a self-employed civil rights attorney representing Curth, wrote in a Bluesky statement Dec. 30 that Curth submitted an appeal against the university's decision that she engaged in arbitrary grading and religious discrimination. In the statement, AAUP President Todd Wolfson wrote the suspension of Curth is a violation of academic freedom and due process. The suspension of Mel Curth, a graduate instructor at the University of Oklahoma (OU), stemming from a grading dispute with a student, is an egregious violation of widely accepted principles of academic freedom and due process, Wolfson wrote. An administrative officer's unilaterally changing a course grade originally assigned by the instructor of record constitutes an unacceptable departure from the normative academic standards supported by the AAUP. Wolfson wrote the situation is concerning, mentioning OUs recently implemented policy which immediately suspends instructors who receive student complaints until an investigation is concluded. The policy was quietly enacted by OU last month, according to OU professor John Schmeltzer, who participated in discussions surrounding the policy at a Faculty Senate meeting. Faculty Senate Chair Sarah Robbins wrote in an email to Faculty Senate members that its Executive Committee met with Hollye Hunt, vice president of executive affairs and chief of staff, and with OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. to discuss the policy, but no further information has been released. OUs recently implemented policy of suspending instructors immediately upon a student complaint flies in the face of long-established academic due-process protections. The adoption of this policy invites a flood of politically motivated accusations by those wishing to censor classroom discussion on any topics with which individuals disagree, Wolfsons statement reads. The AAUP echoed its OU chapters Jan. 2 statement calling on the university to release full details on the processes that resulted in Curths suspension, urging the university to affirm the right of faculty and instructors to grade, teach and research without external pressures. It also asks to work with the campus community to develop a Harassment Response and Prevention Plan that would include clear guidelines in responding to political attacks. The Daily reached out to OU Marketing and Communications twice via email on Dec. 12 for more information about the formal timeline of academic appeals, the status of Fulneckys religious discrimination appeal, and whether her grade appeal was expedited. OU Daily asked the following questions: How many grade appeals have been filed so far this academic year? What colleges have these appeals come from? How many grade appeals were filed last academic year? How long does the grade appeal process traditionally take? Many believe Samantha Fulnecky's grade appeal process was expedited. Can OU confirm or deny these beliefs? Does OU have a statement or comment on the status of Fulnecky's religious discrimination appeal at this time? An OU spokesperson referred the Daily to OUs open records website and said to file a request for more information regarding the questions. Background Fulnecky contested a grade on an essay assignment in an OU psychology course, stating she believed she received the grade because of her religious beliefs. Fulnecky reportedly received zero out of 25 points for the assignment. Fulnecky also filed a formal claim of illegal discrimination based on religious beliefs. In the essay, which was published by The Oklahoman, Fulnecky cites the Bible to argue traditional gender roles should not be considered stereotypes. She wrote eliminating gender would put people farther from Gods original plan for humans. The instructor stated the grade was based on the essays lack of empirical evidence and said parts of the essay were offensive, according to reporting by The Oklahoman. Fulnecky reportedly asked her instructor to reconsider the grade, stating she met the requirements of the essay, but the instructor denied the request. Fulneckys appeal has drawn state and national attention. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt posted on the social platform X on Nov. 30 that the situation was deeply concerning and called on the OU Board of Regents to review the results of the investigation. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis referred to the situation as an example of intellectual rot in higher education in a post on X. Around 250 supporters of Curth held a protest on the universitys campus Dec. 5, calling for university administration to protect its professors under political attacks. OU announced in a statement Dec. 22 that Curth would no longer have instructional duties at the university after the conclusion of the investigation. Grade appeal process On Dec. 9, OUs AAUP chapter called for the university to publicly disclose all facts regarding Curth being placed on administrative leave, claiming the universitys public statement gave no defense to the instructors academic freedom. Michael Givel, OU political science professor and OU-AAUP president, told the Daily that OU students must first attempt to resolve disputed grades informally with instructors before they can file a grade appeal. According to Givel, if a student wishes to continue the appeal process after appealing to the department chair, a student may request a hearing from their colleges academic board. Givel said in Fulneckys case, the next steps following speaking with the instructor would be to contact department leadership. You need to contact them and try to resolve this informally, Givel said. If that doesn't work, then the next route of appeal is the department chair, (in this case), the chair of the psychology department. Givel said time constraints and staff commitments often stretch an appeal into a weeks-long process. He said that due to these traditional time constraints, Fulneckys grade appeal results being released quickly was unusual. There is usually a time lag in terms of when people can meet with you, Givel said. Doing it within 24 hours or 48 hours is ordinarily not what happens in reality. Givel said that Fulnecky effectively waived at least some of her FERPA protections after talking with local and national media about her essay. Givel added that the expedition of Fulneckys grade appeal raises questions about the manner and nature of the appeal. Ordinarily, grade appeals take several weeks, Givel said. A reasonable question of this is, Why was this expedited so quickly? particularly when it became public information at The Oklahoman and the governor is talking about (it). Givel said the local, national and international attention Fulneckys appeal brought to OU could have been a factor in its expedition. Suddenly, this became very politically and publicly hot, Givel said. So did OU decide they were going to move quickly because of that? Are they making public statements about employment status and that sort of thing? That's a really good question. I suggest you ask them. This story was edited by Anusha Fathepure, Audrey McClour and Macey Thaxton. Washington, DC, US (PANA) - An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team has held discussions with the authorities of Djibouti on its economic outlook amidst regional tensions Grenadier Packaging Acquires MM Packaging Leeuwarden in the Netherlands MM Packaging Leeuwarden is a long-established operation with a strong reputation for quality folding carton production across the Dutch and broader European market. MM Packaging Leeuwarden is a long-established operation with a strong reputation for quality folding carton production across the Dutch and broader European market. Jan. 16, 2026 - Grenadier Packaging announced the acquisition of MM Packaging Leeuwarden from Mayr-Melnhof Karton ("MM") on December 31, 2025. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. MM Packaging Leeuwarden is a long-established operation with a strong reputation for quality folding carton production and long-standing customer relationships across the Dutch and broader European market. Under Grenadier Packaging's ownership, the Leeuwarden business will continue to operate as a dedicated standalone operation from its existing site in the Netherlands, with a clear focus on long-term stability and investment and full continuity of supply, product quality, and service for customers. MM Packaging Leeuwarden employs 52 people. The acquisition builds on Grenadier Packaging's six acquisitions completed to-date and a continued focus on pursuing further strategic opportunities. "We are acquiring MM Packaging Leeuwarden with a long-term view and a strong respect for the business that already exists," said Aidan Cahill, Joint Managing Director of Grenadier Packaging. "This acquisition represents a considered step in extending Grenadier Packaging's footprint beyond the UK, allowing us to better support customers operating across European markets and to build a more resilient, diversified packaging group. "Our focus remains on continuity giving our support to the existing team, maintaining service levels, and investing responsibly over time," Cahill added. According to Grenadier, the Leeuwarden site will remain focused on its current product portfolio and customer base, with no immediate changes planned to day-to-day operations, management structure, or supplier relationships. Ross Diamond, Joint Managing Director of Grenadier Packaging, explained, "Leeuwarden is a well-run, capable operation with clear strengths. Our priority through the transition is stability - ensuring customers, employees, and suppliers experience business as usual while the site benefits from the backing of a long-term owner." All employees at the Leeuwarden facility are expected to transfer as part of the transaction, and all existing customer agreements will continue without disruption. Grenadier Packaging noted that it will engage closely with employees, works council representatives, customers, and suppliers throughout the transition period to ensure clarity and confidence. Grenadier Packaging is a leading UK-based packaging group operating across both the corrugated and folding carton sectors. Through its subsidiaries the company delivers high-quality, innovative, and sustainable packaging solutions. SOURCE: Grenadier Packaging Kelheim Fibres Preparing for Orderly Phase-out of Production by the End of March Kelheim Fibres produces about 35,000 tons per year of specialty viscose fibres that are mainly used for (feminine) hygiene products, specialty papers and technical applications. Kelheim Fibres produces about 35,000 tons per year of specialty viscose fibres that are mainly used for (feminine) hygiene products, specialty papers and technical applications. Jan. 16, 2026 - Kelheim Fibres in December 2025 announced that it is now preparing for an orderly phase-out of production by the end of March 2026 after a potential investor pulled out a purchase agreement. In early-November 2025, Munich-based financial investor LEO III Fonds signed a notarial purchase agreement with Kelheim Fibres with the agreement becoming part of Kelheim's ongoing self-administered insolvency proceedings. But three weeks later Kelheim reported that the investor withdrew from the deal. In a written statement, Kelheim Fibres explained, "The transaction process pursued as part of the ongoing self-administered insolvency proceedings with the Munich-based LEO III Fund, who had previously signed an agreement to purchase Kelheim Fibres, could not be successfully completed due to the non-fulfillment of essential closing conditions in particular, the absence of binding volume commitments from several major customers for the year 2026. As a result, the investor was compelled to withdraw from the agreement, as a viable business model could not be secured. "Despite broad support from the majority of customers and the restructuring measures already successfully implemented, the currently binding order volume is not sufficient to economically justify a regular continuation of operations beyond 31 December 2025," Kelhiem said. However, and currently, Kelheim said that a potential strategic investor has entered the M&A process at very short notice. "This investor had not previously participated in the process and is currently reviewing a possible investment in or acquisition of Kelheim Fibres. The assessment is still at an early stage, and the outcome of this review process remains open. The company's management supports any realistic option for the continuation of operations," the company stated. "Employees will continue to be informed regularly and transparently about the current status. At the same time, management is aware that both the successful execution of an orderly phase-out and any potential transaction depend to a significant extent on the commitment, support and cooperation of the employees," Kelheim Fibres added. Kelheim Fibres produces about 35,000 tons per year of specialty viscose fibres that are mainly used for (feminine) hygiene products, specialty papers and technical applications. The company is located in the town of Kelheim, in Bavaria, Germany. SOURCE: Kelheim Fibres Albany County plans to shut down its Children's Mental Health Clinic due to ongoing staffing challenges, the New York State Office of Mental Health confirmed Thursday. The clinic, located on South Pearl Street, has been in operation since 2004 and provides emergency services for children aged 5 to 18. Services include scheduled appointments, therapy evaluations, outpatient treatment, consultations, and medication management with prescriptions. Staffing Crisis Forces Clinic Closure By mid-December, the clinic had been reduced to one part-time staff member assisting just three families. The county notified the Office of Mental Health last year of its intention to proceed with the closure. The clinic is currently not accepting new patients, according to the Times Union. The Office of Mental Health has offered assistance with recruitment efforts and stated it will collaborate with the county to ensure families do not experience a disruption in care. County representatives have not responded to requests for comment. Officials have indicated that alternative resources and referrals will be provided to affected families during the transition period. This closure follows a broader pattern of mental health service reductions in the region. Ellis Hospital previously had to shut down its inpatient adolescent mental health unit due to insufficient staffing. Additionally, the Center for Disability Services recently announced it would discontinue psychiatric services at the end of December 2025, affecting approximately 600 patients, cfdsny reported. Healthcare officials cite a significant shortage of mental health professionals available for hire across the region. The challenges may be related to salary issues or the demanding nature of the work. Burnout among mental health workers has intensified the recruitment problem. State and Federal Response The announcement comes as Governor Kathy Hochul has been promoting initiatives to tackle the youth behavioral health crisis in New York State. Her proposals include expanding school-based mental health clinics and community-based treatment options. Last summer, Albany County initiated a street psychiatry program aimed at enhancing behavioral health services, with partial funding from the Albany police department's budget to address issues related to the city's homeless population. The timing also coincides with federal funding challenges, as the Trump administration moved to eliminate $12 million in funding allocated for children's health programs, though a federal judge has ordered the restoration of those funds to the American Academy of Pediatrics, as per US News. Mental health advocates have expressed concern about the loss, noting that waiting lists for mental health services in the region are already extensive and that Albany lacks a mobile crisis unit specifically for children and teenagers. A federal judge on Friday rejected a request from a former Cumberland County man to delay his prison start date on Friday to give him time to remove surgically implanted spikes on his head. Jeremy Pauley, 43, who moved from Cumberland County to Wayne County after he was criminally charged, was described as a critical middleman in a national scheme to funnel stolen body parts to collectors. His attorney on Thursday asked the judge to allow him 30 more days to remove the rest of his transdermal piercings, which could be considered contraband in prison. He had 19 implanted and so far, had six removed, leaving 13. Since he was sentenced Dec. 22, he said he had been working diligently to get them removed. But Judge Matthew W. Brann Friday morning in a one-sentence order denied Pauleys motion to delay by 30 days the date to begin serving his sentence. That means Pauley must report to the satellite camp at the Canaan federal prison in Wayne County by 2 p.m. In his request for the delay, Pauley explained the process of removing the spikes, which requires a minor incision and results in stitches that take approximately five to seven days to heal. A concern that is expressed in Pauleys motion is that the Bureau of Prisons might consider them contraband that would result in him being held in isolation until they are surgically removed. A spokesperson said the prison would develop a plan for those with transdermal piercings or other body modifications. In cases of a small transdermal piercing, an inmate may be sent out to a community specialists office to have the piercing removed, ensuring the safety of both the patient and other individuals incarcerated at the facility, he said. He admitted buying and selling stolen body parts in his federal case and, in a recorded FBI interview, said it is his living and he made $180,000 doing so in 2022. He told PennLive this week he did not know the parts were stolen, but that he should have better vetted the source who sold him the items. Pauley also pleaded guilty in Cumberland County to possessing stolen body parts and was placed on two years probation. The remains had been stolen from the morgue at Harvard Medical School and a cremation business in Arkansas that had a contract with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The cadavers had been donated through anatomical gift programs for research and educational use. When that use was completed, the remains were to be returned to the donor or cremated. Pauley is appealing his federal conviction. Police in Lancaster County last weekend arrested a 48-year-old man after he attacked an officer while intoxicated and bloodied the back of a police cruiser by slamming his head for several minutes, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Around 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10, an officer with the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police was dispatched to a Giant grocery store on Lititz Pike for suspicious activity. The officer, who arrived at the store less than a minute after being dispatched, saw a man stumbling in the parking lot and getting into a white SUV, police said. The man later identified as Keith B. Ulmer, of Lititz then stumbled out of the SUV with a bottle of soda and a bottle of whiskey in his hands. The officer noted the whiskey bottle was about 25% full. After struggling to close the SUVs door, Ulmer walked away from the officer while yelling obscenities at him. When the officer instructed Ulmer to sit on the curb, Ulmer stood up and fell backward onto a patch of grass. As Ulmer got up, he lunged toward the officers left leg and ducked his head down in an attempt to low tackle the officer, the affidavit said. Ulmer then resisted arrest while trying to bite the officers other leg. Police said Ulmer smelled strongly of whiskey, had bloodshot eyes and spoke incoherently throughout the incident. While in the back of the police cruiser, Ulmer repeatedly slammed his head against the walls of the vehicle for at least eight minutes, splattering blood over the back seat area. He also yelled a string of profanities while the officer tried to reason with him. When police tried to remove Ulmer from the cruiser, he kicked a corporal at least four times, the affidavit said. Ulmer then received treatment at Lancaster General Hospital, where he kicked a police officer, a nurse and a security guard multiple times while handcuffed to the bed. Ulmer is charged with three counts of aggravated assault a first-degree felony as well as simple assault, resisting arrest and DUI. He also faces charges of institutional vandalism, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21. Ulmers bail was set at $75,000. In the wake of dozens of grave robberies at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Delaware County, a nonprofit organization that helps maintain the cemeterys grounds is fundraising to make repairs and security improvements. The Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery on Thursday issued a press release thanking law enforcement officials and announcing the fundraising campaign. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors of the Friends of Mount Moriah, I would like to thank all local authorities and law enforcement officers involved in the capture of the individual allegedly responsible for the desecration of various gravesites within the burial grounds. The past eight weeks have been incredibly difficult for all of us, The Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery President John R. Schmehl Jr. said. The Friends of Mount Moriah formed shortly after the grounds were abandoned by their owner in 2011. Mount Moriah, the largest cemetery in Pennsylvania since its founding in 1855, spans approximately 200 acres in Southwest Philadelphia and Yeadon Borough. Police last week arrested 34-year-old Jonathan Gerlach, of Ephrata, and charged him with more than 550 offenses related to vandalism and thefts from at least 26 mausoleums and underground vaults at the cemetery. Yeadon Borough detectives on Jan. 6 caught Gerlach as he was leaving the cemetery with a burlap sack and a crowbar. The sack contained the mummified remains of two children, three skulls and several loose bones, detectives said. Gerlach was arrested near his vehicle, which had human remains scattered across the back seat. The remains stolen include human bones, headless torsos, skulls, mummified feet, a skeleton with a pacemaker still attached and the body of a 12-year-old girl who died in 1869. According to police, 25 of the vaults and mausoleums targeted in the thefts have stood for over 100 years. Investigators later discovered human remains on shelves and hanging from the ceiling in Gerlachs Ephrata home on the 100 block of Washington Avenue. In response to the recent thefts and vandalism, the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery have already expedited the installation of a new camera network, started repairs on fencing around the perimeter, and initiated random patrols of the grounds. Mount Moriah is more than just a cemetery; its a repository and final resting place for members of our families loved ones. Recent events have proven to be a wake-up call in terms of our aging infrastructure no longer being reliable enough to protect this large and sprawling site, Schmehl said. As of Thursday, the cemetery has spent approximately $20,000 on security upgrades and repairs at targeted mausoleums and vaults. That represents nearly 25% of the nonprofits $90,000 annual operating budget. The nonprofit hopes to fully secure the cemeterys perimeter, but cannot do so without donations. The cemetery received a $9,000 quote for a 600-foot section of fence, the fundraiser said. As a non-profit that relies entirely on donations, we are currently at a crossroads. We want to move forward with these vital infrastructure improvements, but our current funds are stretched thin by these unforeseen emergencies, the GoFundMe said. As of 9 p.m. Thursday, the GoFundMe had raised over $3,500 toward its $100,000 goal. The nonprofits $100,000 fundraising goal breaks down as follows: The nonprofits fundraising goal breaks down as follows: Replacing the fencing along 61st Street (approximately $10,000) Install fencing along the Yeadon Borough side (approximately $12,000) Repair and replace fencing along Kingsessing Avenue and crumbling brick pillars (approximately $20,000) Repair and replace fencing along 63rd/Avondale Avenue (approximately $15,000) Install actively monitored cameras throughout both sides of the cemetery (approximately $43,000) Donations can also be made by sending a check payable to The Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery, Inc. at P.O. Box 5321, Philadelphia, PA 19142, or via PayPal on the nonprofits website. If you have loved ones here, or if you simply value the preservation of this historic landmark, please consider a tax-deductible donation today. Every dollar stays directly on these grounds to restore, maintain, and preserve this historical cemetery, the GoFundMe said. Re-identifying the human remains stolen from Mount Moriah could take years and may end with some still nameless, experts say. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Advisor to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, former Deputy Prime Minister for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and Minister of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov, and discussed with him aspects of the emergency energy situation in Ukrainian cities. "It is important that all of us in the Ukraine team are ready to work together and as effectively as possible for the sake of common results. We discussed some aspects of the emergency energy situation in Ukrainian cities and communities, the prospects of our cooperation with partners to strengthen the resilience and infrastructure development of Ukraine. There are things that we are preparing to implement," Zelenskyy said in the Telegram channel on Friday. Kubrakov called the conversation with the head of state "frank and constructive." "In these critical days for the entire country, it is especially important to work together to support and protect people. I am ready to direct all my expertise and experience to the implementation of projects that strengthen the resilience of our economy and infrastructure. We are working for results," he said on Facebook. WILLIAMSPORT A self-described dirty old man in Lycoming County is accused of possessing more than 1,100 images and/or videos of child sexual abuse material. Steven Carter-Hicks, 69, of Williamsport, was arraigned a second time last Thursday and committed to the county prison in lieu of $750,000 bail. He had been charged last October with 23 counts of possession of child abuse material, including those of minors engaging in prohibited sex acts. He waived his preliminary hearing on those charges and, according to online court records, is scheduled for a plea court Feb. 2. The new counts were filed following further review of the files on Carter-Hicks computer and cell phones that were seized in October. Among the 1,119 additional images and videos discovered were 534 of minors under the age of 18 engaged in prohibited sex acts, the charges state. The investigation began last August when police said they received a tip that child sexual abuse material had been flagged on an IP address that was traced to Carter-Hicks. Agent Christopher Salisbury stated in an arrest affidavit that when he went to Carter-Hickss apartment in October with a search warrant, he discovered a laptop computer with child sexual abuse material on the screen. The accused claimed he began viewing child pornography daily about 30 years ago after his divorce, the agent said. According to the affidavit, Carter-Hicks attributed his affinity for young girls to 13-year-old girls not paying any attention to him as a teenager. Im just a dirty old man, he told Salisbury. Editors note: The images seen in the photos taken inside the oddities shop might be disturbing to some readers. Days before Jeremy Pauley reports to prison for transporting stolen human remains taken from Harvard Medical School, hes talking publicly for the first time, saying he thinks the human remains market desperately needs to be regulated. Pauley, 43, also revealed a connection between his collection of remains and the man arrested in a recent revolting series of grave burglaries: Jonathan Gerlach, of Ephrata. Pauley pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 72 months in prison for transporting stolen property after a federal investigation showed he bought and sold human remains that were supposed to be cremated and returned to families. He was scheduled to start his prison sentence Friday. Throughout his criminal case, Pauley and his attorney argued he had no idea the body parts he sold were stolen, but he is resigned to his prison sentence. He sat down with PennLive Wednesday, sharing his side of things after keeping quiet for years, worried it could impact his case. Facts about the case have been both distorted and sensationalized, like crazy, Pauley said. The general public definitely got their own idea of how this went down. And I couldnt say anything. I couldnt go out there and defend myself. I couldnt do an interview to combat that narrative. A call for more regulation Its legal in Pennsylvania and most states to buy and sell human remains. Those sales are not regulated, despite the ethical issues of sourcing and consent surrounding peoples bodies or body parts. Many deals are carried out over Facebook buy-and-sell groups. Pauley said thats part of how he ended up with stolen remains. Theres no paperwork or anything for this kind of stuff. So, usually, its just knowing your seller, Pauley said. Not only are there no regulations, there is no tracking in most states of human remains being sold, according to a 2017 Reuters investigation. In one state that provides data, Oklahoma, nearly 18,000 body parts were sold between 2012 and 2016, many to out-of-state buyers. Theres pretty much no one watching human remains trade, especially when its compared to other markets, like the U.S. organ donation market for living organs from donors, which is governed through federal law, managed by the United Network for Organ Sharing and overseen by the Health Resources and Services Administration. But even though recent high-profile cases like Pauleys have ballooned into the national spotlight, no regulations have been put into place for remains of the dead. The lack of oversight can lead to problems determining the source of remains, especially because theyre often sold over social media markets or word of mouth. Thats part of how investigators were tipped off to Gerlachs collection of human remains: through a Facebook shout out. As it turns out, there is a connection between the shocking cases of Gerlach and Pauley. The Gerlach connection Gerlachs case shocked people across the country after investigators found more than 100 human remains in his Lancaster County home. Pauley said he was shocked, too. To do what he was doing at the volume he was doing, I cant fathom. What would possess someone to do that? Pauley said. As it turns out, Pauley knew Gerlach from the beginning of his own criminal case: Gerlach ended up with some items from Pauleys personal collection through Pauleys ex-wife. Pauleys ex-wife, Sarah Marie Pauley, filed for divorce in 2022 and took out a PFA against him, claiming years of physical, mental and emotional abuse, including a recording she made of Pauley threatening to chop her up into pieces if she left him, she said. That meant Pauley had to leave his home, which still held the oddities he collected. Sarah Marie Pauley first met Gerlach when she was around 18 years old, from hanging around malls with groups of other friends. She said they never had a private conversation back then, but in her adulthood, she casually reconnected with him over Facebook when she saw he was in the oddities market. At that point, he was only posting animal skulls and animal taxidermy. After Jeremy Pauley moved out, Sarah Marie Pauley decided to sell some of the items in the home. It was her understanding that she could sell items obtained when they were married, as marital property, as long as she gave half of the proceeds to Pauley. So, she told Gerlach she had some things to sell, and he told her he knew someone who would be interested in buying it. Gerlach came to Pauleys former home with the man who bought the items, since the man didnt know where he was going. Gerlach did not buy any of the items, but he did end up with some of them: Sarah Marie Pauley wonders if the buyer gave him some items as a thank you for setting up the deal. The man picked what he wanted, they hauled it out, and they left. Jon [Gerlach] didnt buy anything himself, Sarah Marie Pauley said. Pauley saw some of the items posted on Gerlachs page, and texted him. Gerlach said he didnt know the items werent supposed to be sold. Jeremy Pauley told the FBI about Gerlach, and thinks officials couldve caught him earlier if they had listened. I think they should have looked into half of the things I was telling them constantly, Pauley said. Gerlachs brokering of the sale of some of Pauleys goods is the only connection between the two cases, besides the fact that both were dealing in stolen human remains. While Gerlachs criminal case is just beginning, Pauleys is finished. Jeremy Pauley in his store, The Wunderkammer Olde Curiosities Shoppe in Honesdale. Jan. 9, 2026. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Didnt think I could get a fair shake I pled guilty because I wanted it to be over, Pauley said of his decision despite his belief the case against him was inflated. Pauley insists his biggest mistake was in not vetting Candace Scott, a mortuary worker who stole and sold body parts, thoroughly enough and not checking with the morgue where she worked to make sure everything was above board. He said he was financially strained from the divorce proceedings and the cost of a federal attorney, so he took the plea partially because he had no money to continue to trial. At that point, if I went to trial, I didnt think I could get a fair shake, Pauley said. Because my face was blasted from here to Australia. His body modifications made him the face of the national crime ring, unfairly, he said. Pauley has transdermal head piercings that look like horns on the top of his shaved head, and half of his face is completely tattooed, including one of his eyes. His appearance and the infamous nature of his case would make it hard to find jury members who could remain impartial, he said. Scott approached Pauley in a way that kept his guard down, he said, adding that he accepts responsibility for not researching her more. But, he said that he was glad the national ring got busted. If what happened to me opened up the eyes to the world that there are people out there doing this, its better to get that handled, and if that means more regulations, if that means more, even within the institutions themselves, better security, thats a good thing, Pauley said. It sucks for me, but at the end of the day, if that not only benefits this community, but also the community at large, Im OK with that. Jeremy Pauley outside his store, The Wunderkammer Olde Curiosities Shoppe in Honesdale. Jan. 9, 2026. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com He sees this as my fault Pauleys case started four years ago when his ex-wife called police about body parts Jeremy Pauley had in their home. She called about a month after he moved out, which is when she said she discovered the remains. The body parts were in the basement, on the opposite side of the washer and dryer. Sarah Marie Pauley said Jeremy told her to stay out of his workstation in the basement, because it was his space. When youre in a marriage like that, you just pick your battles, and you run away, she said. After he moved out, one of Pauleys exes contacted her and asked if she could come and look for some items she had left in the basement across the room from the washer and dryer. She came over with her boyfriend, and when they left, they told Sarah Marie Pauley the other side of the basement was disgusting. In the next week, Sarah Marie Pauley decided to go into the work station. She opened the lid of a bucket and saw what she thought were organs. And Im just thinking, they dont look old. Anything we dealt with before was in an antique specimen jar, sealed, from like the 60s or something, Sarah Marie Pauley said. She took photos of the buckets and called police. She looked at Jeremy Pauleys laptop still in the home and found messages between him and Scott, which she gave to the FBI. Sarah Marie Pauley said she finds it hard to believe Jeremy didnt know the remains were stolen. She was 21 and he was 35 when they met, and after a five-year marriage, she said she finally got the nerve to slowly pack essentials in a closet and leave. He is a criminal conman to the core. He took my 20s from me, Sarah Marie Pauley said. Thats why I didnt talk to anyone [about the case] for a long time. I lived it. I lived the nightmare. Pauley and his fiance, Sophie Mae Vee, said Sarah Marie Pauley went on a full smear campaign and made egregious claims. Jeremy said he told the FBI to look into Sarah Marie Pauley because a package with human remains arrived at his house after he moved out, and it somehow made its way into the basement. He also said it made no sense whatsoever that she found the buckets in the basement. He sees this as my fault, Sarah Marie Pauley said. Hes trying to make it sound like I stole his stuff and sold it to [Gerlach.] Hes trying to make those connections needed to make someone look my way. Sarah Marie Pauley was charged with perjury because she said on a civil discovery sheet listing Pauleys assets that she did not know where some of the artifacts were, or that the FBI had them, when she had sold them. I remember thinking, Dont say anything, dont tell him anything, work it out between your attorneys It was a stupid train of thought, Sarah Marie Pauley said. I kind of clammed up and shut down. I was barely listening to the questions and Im an idiot for that. A skeleton in a casket on display at The Wunderkammer Olde Curiosities Shoppe in Honesdale. Jan. 9, 2026. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com The appeal of human remains Pauleys and Gerlachs cases illustrate the increasing popularity and interest of human remains and oddities across the globe. Pauley said his interest started when he was young. I was always interested in the strange and unusual, and through networking and meeting other collectors over the years, once you start to collect certain items and people realize thats your niche, other people will contact you, Pauley said. Pauley has been collecting for around 15 years. He said that as unique collections become more popular, the market has leaned more toward artists. Pauley said theres no shortage of legal remains, and he believes grave robbers arent true collectors with an artistic or historic vision. He doesnt believe graveyards are targeted often because many have trail cameras and security systems. He said bad actors in the community are similar to any other industry: No one knows theres a bad egg until something happens. A shrunken head on display at The Wunderkammer Olde Curiosities Shoppe in Honesdale. Jan. 9, 2026. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Pauley said he has wrestled with the complicated ethics of dealing in human remains for years, but cautions people not have a knee-jerk reaction to things that are different. I want to respect your opinion, and I will, but then you have to respect mine, and ethics simply are subjective to you, Pauley said. Your ethics does not make it right or wrong. Most of the people who collect and purchase oddities look like ordinary people. Pauley might be covered in tattoos, but his customer base usually is not. Its definitely not the subculture that it appears to be, Pauley said. Its not the goth kids you think it is; its people that look like you. In the middle of Jeremys legal battles, he and his fiancee opened an oddities shop in Honesdale, called The Wunderkammer Olde Curiosities Shoppe. One step inside opens a world of the unusual: Yes, there are human remains, including two full skeletons that were used for medical research and a shrunken head, but there are also tribal artifacts, animal skulls and an elephant hide with a sign telling customers theyre welcome to touch it. Speaking from his shop, Pauley explained the reasoning behind launching the business while he was still being prosecuted. Its like, well, what else am I supposed to do? There was no end in sight. I didnt know when I was getting sentenced, any of that. How long was I supposed to just sit there and twiddle my thumbs before I tried to build a life again? Pauley said. Pauley said he asked the district attorney if he was allowed to sell legal remains, and the district attorney told him yes, but a federal prosecutor then used the shop to try to show Pauley had no remorse. Pauley said he doesnt operate the shop with a grotesque fascination, but with an appreciation for history and a focus on restoration. To me, thats respect, thats taking care of them. Like, the shrunken head here, the dark history surrounding shrunken heads is unfathomable, Pauley said. I cant go back and change what happened to that woman, but I can revere her and appreciate her till the end of my days. The Wunderkammer Olde Curiosities Shoppe in Honesdale. Jan. 9, 2026. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Looking ahead When Pauley goes to prison, his fiancee will take over the shop and continue collecting. When he is eventually released, Pauley would like to build a brick-and-mortar museum of oddities. He used to operate a nonprofit, the Memento Mori Museum, but said he doesnt have most of the items because Sarah Marie Pauley sold it all. Jeremy Pauley and Sophie Mae Vee in their store, The Wunderkammer Olde Curiosities Shoppe in Honesdale. Jan. 9, 2026. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com He encourages people to do their own research on his case and form their own opinion on the ethics of the oddity community while respecting others. Not everything is for everybody. Just because something makes you uncomfortable doesnt make it right or wrong, Pauley said. Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking to an unlikely role model to improve literacy rates in the commonwealth: Mississippi. For the past several years, the state of Mississippi has been recognized by educational leaders for the unusual success it has had helping its youngest students learn to read, despite having high rates of poverty and relatively low levels of education spending. Pennsylvania needs inspiration after Pennsylvania politicians passed regulations last year that will require schools and districts to adopt evidence-backed reading curriculums by 2027. Dozens of other states passed similar legislation after a series of stories by APM Reports in 2022 found schools across the country were not following best practices on the science of reading. But questions remain about what Pennsylvania needs to do to match Mississippis results and how feasible these results are. Education experts who spoke at a Senate policy committee hearing Monday agreed that follow-through and implementation will be key but there wasnt consensus on what that should look like. Sen. Dave Argall, Republican chair of the committee, said most public policy improvements are slow. He wants to know whether what is happening in Mississippi is different. What Im reading in the New York Times yesterday on this new way of helping teachers help our students to learn to read is more revolutionary than incremental, he said. Is this new way of learning truly revolutionary? The New York Times story, which was cited several times during Mondays hearing by lawmakers and educators, highlighted several key features of the Mississippi miracle: Adoption of science of reading curriculums that include phonics instruction. Holding back students who dont pass their state reading test in 3rd grade for another year. State control over which literacy curriculums local districts can adopt. Ongoing support from literacy experts to teach teachers at struggling schools. Accountability on standardized tests, including grading schools on a scale from F - A. Incentives for making improvements among the bottom 25% of students. Increased capacity at the state education department, including a literacy coordinator. Mississippi didnt just know the research, they built the systems, the structures, the training, the leadership capacity and the accountability needed to live it every single day, testified Candace Hall, a board member at the International Dyslexia Foundation, at Mondays hearing. The suite of policies in Mississippi is appealing to conservatives, because it comes from a state that spends less on education, has weak teachers unions and doesnt require a massive financial investment. But it also emphasizes liberal ideas like stronger state control over local control over local education matters. Sen. Dave Argall wants to know whether the reading skill improvements in Mississippi can be replicated in Pennsylvania. Courtesy image We also want to honor Pennsylvanias tradition of local control, Hall said. But with that comes the states responsibility to provide guardrails that ensure every child receives high quality instruction, no matter the zip code. The policy is popular among some liberals because it focuses on the growth of all students, no matter the circumstances they have come from. Mississippi has been particularly effective at raising test scores for the most disadvantaged children in one of the highest poverty states in the country. But the policies emphasize accountability to a larger degree than adding resources. I unfortunately regularly visit classrooms with unopened boxes shrink wrapped of brand new materials because the teachers werent given any time to learn the new curriculum that their district paid for, testified Kendall LaPora, a research associate with the nonprofit Research for Action. Despite the focus on Mississippis unusual success, several speakers at Mondays hearing championed more traditional liberal and conservative talking points that Pennsylvania. either needs more resources for its schools or needs more school choices for parents. Rachel Langan, an education policy analyst at the conservative Commonwealth Foundation, said she didnt think individual programs could lead to lasting change and that, instead, lawmakers should focus on the conservative education priorities: vouchers and tax credits that would fund children at whatever school their parents want to send them to. Curriculum reforms and efforts to improve literacy are necessary and commendable, but they are not enough to produce steady improvement in academic achievement, Langan said. Some of the other speakers at Mondays hearing focused on areas they work in, such as early childhood literacy, adult literacy and regional intermediate units that support schools. Donna Gafney, the director of organizational learning and professional development for Montgomery Countys intermediate unit, said state leaders should continue to invest in early childhood education, invest in ongoing professional development and to leverage organizations like hers, that are focused on providing professional development. Intermediate units, she said, are built to be the scalable bridge connecting policy to real consistent classroom impact. Toward the end of the meeting the chairman, Argall, said that future efforts by Pennsylvania may need to focus more on accountability. So far Pennsylvania has only adopted part of the Mississippi model, he said. It seems like weve done more of the carrot and less of the stick. And so the New York Times article yesterday seemed to argue that you gotta do the whole thing. Rock legend John Mellencamp offered a heartbreaking update on his daughter, Teddi Mellencamp, and her battle against cancer while appearing on the Joe Rogan Experience this week. Teddi, 44, a former star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has shared her battle for more than a year after stage 4 cancer spread to her brain and lungs. And, at times, it appeared the she had made miraculous improvements. John Mellencamp indicated that is no longer the case. The 74-year-old told Rogan that his daughter is really sick. Its not (expletive) fun, he said. Shes got cancer in the brain, and shes suffering right now. This comes after Teddi said in October that her cancer was gone. Just to give a little life update to you guys, I had my immunotherapy yesterday and I did my scans and at this point there is no detectable cancer, she said then. When they told me, I was in such shock. I was like, numb. Im still going to be having days when Im feeling sick and stuff because I still am in immunotherapy, so Im still fighting because you have to be, she added. She did say at the time that she would remain on immunotherapy for year because, Im not considered in remission or anything like that. The way the (doctors) said it works, its like one year, then two years, then at three years youre allowed to be considered in remission, she said. Her October revelation came just months after she said she was making end-of-life plans. I have multiple tumors in my brain that werent able to be removed via surgery, she wrote back in March 2025. I also have 2 tumors in my lung. These are all metastases of my melanoma. She was first diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma on her shoulder in 2023 and had surgery to remove it. A well-known family operated pretzel company in central Pennsylvania has closed. Shueys Pretzels at 702 E. Lehman St. in Lebanon announced Friday on Facebook it has closed after nearly 100 years in operation. Many have heard/seen rumors and unfortunately at this time we are closed. We ask that everyone respects our privacy and for everyone to eliminate the rumors/chatter, they said. Shueys specialized in pretzels baked in a coal-fired brick oven. Raymond Shuey opened the business in 1927 at Sixth and Maple streets in Lebanon. The business moved to its current location in 1941. The family said its unsure of whats next for the brand. At this time we dont know what the next chapter will bring. The Shuey family wants to thank all of their loyal customers for their support and business the past 99 years, they said. If youre a Costco member, heres something amazing you might be missing out on. Theres something called an electronic device trade-in program the grocery store is offering. Its a membership perk where members can trade in old electronics that are no longer in use. The program, powered by Phobio a specialist in the trade-in industry offers rewards for devices that are traded in, which can range up to $2,550 for laptops, and Costco accepts a variety of brands, including Apple, Google and Samsung. Members can trade in products within the six categories: phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, media players and smart watches. Interested Costco members should head to Phobios website to fill out a form and provide some basic details, such as the brand, the original purchase date of the item, and its condition to receive an instant quote. Once thats done, print out a shipping label and prepare the device for shipment. Bee sure to clean the item beforehand, pack it securely and ship it through a shipping service. Costco and Phobio should then receive the device, evaluate it and then prep your payout. Once completed, youll receive a Digital Costco Shop Card that you can use toward your Costco purchases, whether at any location or online. The duration of the entire process takes around nine to 15 business days. What Costco member wouldnt want to take part in such an exchange if they have unused electronics? Its a win, win for both parties. But more importantly, Costcos program delivers cost savings and helps curb demand for newly mined minerals used in electronics production, per TCD. By Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News (TNS) President Trump Friday threatened to slap higher tariffs on imports from countries that oppose his push to take over Greenland. Speaking at an event that was supposed to be focused on rural health care, Trump said he wouldnt tolerate allies or rivals seeking to block his effort to control the Arctic island, which is a semi-autonomous overseas territory of NATO ally Denmark. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, he said, without providing any details. We need Greenland for national security. Trump had not previously mentioned using tariffs to try to leverage support for his proposed Greenland seizure. He has not ruled out using force to seize the vast mineral-rich island, which sits at the maritime approach to North America. The Supreme Court is considering a suit challenging the legality of Trumps tariffs, which are supposed to address an economic emergency of high trade deficits, not geopolitical disputes like Greenland. The new threat came as a bipartisan congressional delegation arrived in Denmark for talks with Danish and Greenlandic officials. Several Republicans have joined virtually all Democratic lawmakers in opposing Trumps Greenland move. Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada Friday also slammed the idea of the U.S. buying or invading Greenland, saying the islands 57,000 people have the right to determine their own future. The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland held chilly talks in Washington this week with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but failed to bridge their wide gap on the issue. They did agree to set up a high-level working group to keep communication open with the U.S. Several NATO allies, including France, Germany and Sweden have sent contingents of troops to Greenland, along with Denmark. The Europeans have warned a U.S. attack on Greenland would result in the collapse of the NATO alliance, which is designed to provide mutual protection for the member states. By KEVIN FREKING, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) Congress is halfway home in approving government funding for the current budget year that began Oct. 1 after the Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a three-bill package. Now comes the hard part. Lawmakers still must negotiate a spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security amid soaring tensions on Capitol Hill after the fatal shooting of a Minnesota woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. Lawmakers are working to complete passage of all 12 annual spending bills before Jan. 30, the deadline set in a funding patch that ended a 43-day government shutdown in November. With the Senates action on Thursday, six of those bills have passed through both chambers of Congress. The measure before the Senate passed by a broadly bipartisan vote of 82-15. It goes to President Donald Trump to be signed into law. That recent success would greatly reduce the impact of a shutdown, in the unlikely event that there is one at the end of January, since lawmakers have provided full-year funding for such agencies as the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior and Justice. Lawmakers from both parties are determined to prevent another lapse in funding for the remaining agencies. Our goal, Mr. President is to get all of these bills signed into law. No continuing resolutions that lock in previous priorities and dont reflect todays realities, said Sen. Susan Collins, the Republican chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. No more disastrous government shutdowns that are totally unnecessary and so harmful. ICE shooting inflames debate on funding The biggest hurdle ahead is the funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The plan was to bring that bill before the House this week, but Rep. Tom Cole, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said the decision was made to pull the bill and buy some time as lawmakers respond to the Minneapolis shooting. Democrats are seeking what Rep. Rosa DeLauro called guardrails that would come with funding for ICE. We cant deal with the lawlessness and terrorizing of communities, said DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. Were going back and forth with offers, and thats where we are. Trumps deportation crackdown, focused on cities in Democratic-leaning states, has incensed many House Democrats who demand a strong legislative response. Last week, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer killed Renee Good in a shooting that federal officials said was an act of self-defense but that the mayor described as reckless and unnecessary. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks with reporters at the White House, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP Some 70 Democrats have signed onto an effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Others are seeking specific changes to how the agency operates, such as requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras. There are a variety of different things that can be done that we have put on the table and will continue to put on the table to get ICE under control so that they are actually conducting themselves like every other law enforcement agency in the country, as opposed to operating as if theyre above the law, somehow thinking theyve got absolute immunity, said Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. The Congressional Progressive Caucus, which includes nearly 100 Democratic members, announced opposition to any funding to immigration enforcement agencies within the Department of Homeland Security unless there are meaningful and significant reforms to immigration enforcement practices. Looking for a solution Cole said any changes to the Homeland Security funding bill would need sign-on from the White House. He said one possible answer would be to let Democrats have a separate vote on the Homeland Security bill. If passed, it would then be combined with some other spending bills for transmittal to the Senate. Republicans used a similar procedural tactic to get a previous spending package over the finish line in the House. The options for Democrats on Homeland Security are all rather bleak. If Congress passes a continuing resolution to fund the agency at current levels, that gives the Trump administration more discretion to spend the money as it wants. Meanwhile, any vote to eliminate funding for ICE wont stop massive sums from flowing to the agency because Trumps tax cut and border security bill, passed last summer, injects roughly $170 billion into immigration enforcement over the next four years. Also, any vote to eliminate funding could put some Democrats in tough reelection battles in a difficult position this fall as Republicans accuse them of insufficiently supporting law enforcement. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on Thursday approved a $35,000 settlement with a local plumbing company after a Susquehanna Township home exploded, injuring two people, destroying a house and damaging two others. Around 9 a.m. Dec. 13, 2022, a Pronto Plumbing employee operating a backhoe struck and damaged a natural gas line at 3204 Crest Road while attempting to service a sewer line. The line caught fire and exploded about 30 minutes later. 28 1 / 28 Home explosion in Dauphin Countysean The PUCs investigation said the plumbing company violated Pennsylvanias One Call Law, which requires anyone planning to dig or demolish to call 811 at least three business days before starting work. Pronto Plumbing also failed to use proper excavation techniques, such as hand-digging near marked utility lines, and did not notify the facility owner or the Pennsylvania One Call system of the damaged gas line, the PUC said. Under the settlement, Pronto Plumbing is required to do the following: Pay a penalty of $35,000 to the state Complete compliance training for the Pennsylvania One Call system Participate in in-person excavation safety and tolerance-zone training Update internal policies to ensure all excavation employees receive One Call training Meet with a One Call representative to review best practices The settlement resolves the PUCs complaint against Pronto Plumbing and will avoid further litigation. Separate enforcement related to UGI, which operates the gas line, is pending and not resolved by Pronto Plumbings settlement. UPDATE: Judge wont delay prison start date for man convicted in stolen body parts case WILLIAMSPORT The former Cumberland County resident described as a critical middleman in a national scheme to funnel stolen body parts to oddity collectors is seeking to delay reporting to prison so he can have surgically implanted spikes on his head removed. Jeremy Lee Pauley, 43, of Honesdale, is scheduled to report Friday by 2 p.m. to the satellite camp at the Canaan federal prison in Wayne County to begin serving a six-year sentence. In a motion filed Thursday in the U.S. Middle District Court, he asked for a 30-day delay until Feb. 16. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin opposes the extension. Pauley points out he has various body modifications, including the transdermal piercing (spikes). He had 19, but six have been removed, he said. Jeremy Pauley in his store, The Wunderkammer Olde Curiosities Shoppe in Honesdale. Jan. 9, 2026. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Since he was sentenced Dec. 22, he says he has been working diligently to have them removed. That process, he explains, requires a minor incision and results in stitches that take approximately five to seven days to heal. A concern that is expressed in Pauleys motion is that the Bureau of Prisons might consider them contraband that would result in him being held in isolation until they are surgically removed. The Bureau of Prisons does not discuss conditions of confinement for any inmate. However, a spokesperson said the prison would develop a plan for those with transdermal piercings or other body modifications. In cases of a small transdermal piercing, an inmate may be sent out to a community specialists office to have the piercing removed, ensuring the safety of both the patient and other individuals incarcerated at the facility, he said. While he has no appointment currently scheduled, Pauley says he believes 30 days would be sufficient time to have the rest removed. In arguing for an extension, he notes he was released on pretrial supervision after his indictment in 2023 without a violation. He pleaded guilty that September to interstate transportation of stolen property and a corresponding conspiracy count. He admitted buying and selling stolen body parts and, in a recorded FBI interview, said it is his living and he made $180,000 doing so in 2022. Pauley also pleaded guilty in Cumberland County to possessing stolen body parts and was placed on two years probation. The remains had been stolen from the morgue at Harvard Medical School and a cremation business in Arkansas that had a contract with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The cadavers had been donated through anatomical gift programs for research and educational use. When that use was completed, the remains were to be returned to the donor or cremated. Cedric Lodge, who admitted stealing remains from the Harvard morgue where he was manager for 28 years, was sentenced to eight years. His wife, Denise Lodge, who admitted negotiating sales of the body parts her husband stole, got a year and a day. Each pleaded guilty to a charge of interstate transportation of stolen property. They are to report on Friday to begin serving their sentences. The New Hampshire couple is appealing their convictions, as is Pauley. Pauley and his fiancee Sophie Mae Vee continue to operate a brick-and-mortar oddities shop in Honesdale. She posted on Facebook that, after Pauleys sentencing, he didnt know the items he bought were stolen and that selling human remains is not illegal. She contended that Pauley legally acquired many human remains over the years for the purpose of conservation and restoration. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reported on a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom David Lammy, during which he discussed with him Russia's attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and how to strengthen protection against them. "We are grateful for the decision of the United Kingdom to allocate an energy support package for Ukraine right now, when it is most needed," Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Friday following the meeting. The parties also discussed the situation in diplomacy and sanctions policy against Russia. "I informed the Minister in detail about the situation on the battlefield and Russian losses. We also see how Russia is actively recruiting foreign citizens, in particular from the countries of the Global South, for its criminal war. There should be more coordination of partners to prevent such incidents," Zelenskyy said. Ex-Navy Seal turned popular podcaster Shawn Ryan says he voted for Donald Trump, and he also sounds like he a man who is seriously regretting that decision. Ryan had Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) on his most recent podcast to discuss the push for the release of the Epstein files, and he absolutely shredded the Trump White House. Ryan played a snippet of video of Trump lashing out at a reporter for asking about the Epstein files before he really lit into the president. I (expletive) voted for this (expletive), Ryan said. I voted to get these damn files released, and its like a total 180 just happened. Why is the White House protecting pedophiles? Ryan asked. Why is the White House protecting pedophiles? I just dont understand it. Ro, I cant (expletive) get it through my head, why we would protect pedophiles. The other thing is, this country has the biggest (expletive) problem with sex exploitation and sex trafficking in the world. We cant talk about (expletive) Venezuela and Mexico and Ukraine and Russia and (expletive) China and waste, fraud, and abuse and (expletive) liberals and Democrats this and Republicans and we have a pedophile problem. We have a (expletive) pedophile problem in this country and nobodys doing anything about it in government except (Khanna) and Thomas Massie, Ryan added. What the (expletive) is going on? I dont understand who theyre trying to protect because I keep saying its not about Trump, Khanna replied. Theres so many people, Democrats, Republicans who were involved in all of this. Just release the files. Ryan wasnt done going after Trump during the podcast. Later, he brought up Marjorie Taylor Greens claim that the president told her that releasing the files could hurt his friends. How about the (expletive) kids? Ryan said. Kids. Hurting your friends? Who gives a (expletive) about your (expletive) friends? We give a (expletive) about kids. The killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis by an ICE agent sparked outrage and protests nationally and has prompted local officials to consider their involvement with federal immigration agents. Harrisburg City Council member Robert Lawson called for a moment of silence at the opening of its meeting this week. I would like to take a moment just to think of individuals right now who may be feeling a little uneasy with whats been happening in our nation, especially those of our immigrant communities, whether they be documented or undocumented, Lawson said. Right now, a lot of people are feeling a lot of unease, and we want to give them a moment of solidarity. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, is a federal agency with unique, but limited powers. While it remains unclear how many local police departments have agreements to work directly with ICE, experts warn tensions are escalating quickly. Harrisburg officials acknowledge their residents are scared. General council Neil Grover confirmed during the councils meeting this week that Harrisburg no longer has an agreement with ICE. A previous agreement with ICE allowed the federal agency to deputize local police to work as immigration officers. It was narrow and allowed officers to help ICE investigate and make arrests for counterfeit goods, Grover said. That agreement was signed in 2016 but lapsed sometime before 2019, as confirmed by an email obtained by PennLive from the former deputy chief to a police supervisor in 2019 stating there is no current MOU [memorandum of understanding] with DHS-ICE. The Bucks County sheriff this week withdrew his office from a collaboration agreement with ICE, citing public safety concerns and a need to reestablish trust between local law enforcement and the countys more than 50,000 immigrant residents, according to WHYY. When large numbers of our residents are afraid to call 911, or come to court and testify, that makes our entire community less safe, Ceisler told a small crowd Wednesday, according to WHYY. This is not a public safety problem for immigrants. This is a public safety problem for everyone. Sheriffs deputies there are prohibited from asking crime victims, witnesses and court observers about their immigration status. A few months ago, Dauphin County commissioners rejected a resolution that would have restricted county assistance to ICE. Commissioner Justin Douglas advocated that the resolution would not limit the sheriffs ability to issue criminal warrants but would address civil detainers, or requests to hold someone in custody for an additional 48 hours past their release time, so that ICE can take them into custody. Commissioners Mike Pries and George Hartwick voted against it. Harrisburg council member Jocelyn Rawls this week asked Grover what the council could do to ensure the safety of immigrants in the city. Grover said they could pass a resolution publicly stating the position of the body to not work with ICE, but he added it would likely not be binding and could draw backlash from the Trump administration. I cant tell you what the federal government will do under its current management, Grover said. What can ICE do, not do? While Harrisburg Police do not have a formal agreement with ICE, they still cooperate with the agency, according to Gautsch. That would include responding to help if ICE officers are assaulted, crowd control when needed or other assistance to deal with problems that may arise while ICE is in the city, which would normally involve local police. Gautsch told PennLive the department similarly works collaboratively with several federal agencies, like the FBI and U.S. Marshals, and provides police assistance to them. Harrisburg Police do not enforce immigration laws or do the work of any federal agencies, he said, noting the department has its own job to do. Similarly, ICE is limited in what laws its officers are allowed to enforce, according to Lauren Bonds, executive director of the National Police Accountability Project. Unless theres some MOU between local law enforcement agencies and ICE, they cant carry out any enforcement of state laws, Bonds said. This means ICE agents are not allowed to pull people over for speeding or arrest someone for shoplifting. ICEs jurisdiction is largely restricted to enforcing federal immigration law, Bonds said. ICE officers can make arrests if people interfere with them or obstruct their operations. However, Bonds explained federal law requires interference to be more than monitoring or recording ICE, making noise while ICE makes an arrest or even protesting what ICE is doing. Criminal interference has to legitimately obstruct ICE from making an arrest or perform other legal duties. That hasnt stopped officers from going beyond their scope, Bonds said. Were seeing them go beyond ICE immigration, detention and arrest and engaging in use of force and other acts like that in large part because theres [unofficial] authorization to do it, she said. Theyre getting support from their leadership and their supervisors that its OK to ram a car, its OK to break a window, its OK to fire a weapon. As with any law enforcement agency, people have a right to safely monitor, record and protest ICE, Bonds said. If confronted by an ICE officer, she said that people whether a citizen or an immigrant have constitutional rights. That includes the right to remain silent and not answer any questions without an attorney present. Bonds said people have the right to ask why they are being stopped, if they are being detained and if they are not being detained, to freely walk away. The National Immigration Project provides resources on immigration issues across the country. On a local level, the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition and the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center have resources for people involved with immigration, including information for pro bono attorneys and contact information for rapid response teams meant to deploy resources quickly to a local area where ICE enforcement is happening. I think weve seen how brutal and ruthless ICE has been in its interactions with civilians, Bonds said. I just think its important from a safety perspective to know that things can and often are escalating really quickly and do what you can to protect yourself. Staff writer Juliette Rihl contributed to this report. Editors note: A previous version of this article erroneously stated the National Immigration Project was operated by the National Lawyers Guild. While the National Immigration Project began as a committee of the National Lawyers Guild, it has been a fully independent non-profit since 1981. WILLIAMSPORT Six employees of a Harrisburg-based health care provider for prisons have been dismissed from a federal wrongful death lawsuit over a 2022 suicide in the Northumberland County Jail. Jasmine Deitz, Kendra Maddox, Heather Kellagher, Kelly Butler, Emma Conville and Christine Dimm were among the defendants in an amended complaint filed in January 2025 death of Megan K. McAndrew. They were employed by PrimeCare Medical Inc. at the time. McAndrew, 41, who had Mount Carmel and York addresses, was found hanging with a sheet around her neck in her cell early on Feb. 11, 2022, three hours after she was last observed by corrections officers. She was pronounced dead in a hospital. She had been committed to the prison on a bench warrant five days earlier and placed on suicide watch that required 15-minute checks. U.S. Middle District Judge Keli M. Neary on Wednesday granted a defense motion to dismiss the five licensed practical nurses and one medical assistant finding they had not been served with the complaint within the required time limit. An attempt to serve was not made until May 15 when the six filed their motion to dismiss, the judge pointed out. The McAndrew estate failed to show good cause why the court should extend time for service, she wrote. The estate has had more than three years to make specific claims against the medical defendants and failed to do, Neary noted. Then, it failed to serve them appropriately, she added. At this point, it would be contrary to the interests of justice to force the medical defendants to remain parties to this suit, the judge wrote. Northumberland County brought PrimeCare into the litigation in February 2024 claiming the death was the result of its negligence, which the business denies. The county also denies the estates allegations but contends if liability is found PrimeCare should share in it. The warden and the three county commissioners were among the initial defendants, but they were dropped in 2023. Harrisburg-area U.S. Rep. Scott Perry declined to speculate Thursday about President Donald Trumps threatened seizure of Greenland, just a few weeks after Perry and most of his GOP colleagues voted against a war powers resolution directed at Trumps actions in Venezuela. Perry, speaking briefly with PennLive after an appearance with federal officials at the Farm Show, said he didnt expect the issue to go beyond diplomatic negotiations, and downplayed concerns that Trump would follow through on using force. I think its going to be a continued negotiation, and thats what I expect, Perry said of the Greenland issue. I dont think its going to be anything more than that, but I think theres a national security component, and I think its a reasonable and appropriate conversation. Over the past two weeks, Trumps rhetoric regarding Greenland the massive Arctic island owned by Denmark has become more strident. Originally pledging to buy the territory from the Danes, Trump is now saying he will acquire the island one way or the other and that military force is on the table. Several European countries who are otherwise key U.S. allies have sent military liaisons to the island as a result. Asked what would happen if Congressional oversight of military force became necessary, Perry said Im not getting into hypothetical questions about that. Perry, the former chairman of the hard-right Freedom Caucus and close ally of Trump, voted against a war powers resolution that would have required Trump to get explicit authorization for further actions in Venezuela. A similar measure was also voted down in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this month, the President launched airstrikes against the South American nation as U.S. special forces successfully captured Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelas president. Trump initially said the U.S. would run the country, but Maduros vice president has since taken power and no further military action has occurred as Trump works on deals to broker the countrys oil. The relative calm from Republicans, despite Trumps mixed signals, stands in contrast to the situation a decade ago when former President Barack Obama expanded operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria and considered bombing the forces of then-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Perry and other members of Congress insisted that Obama seek Congressional authorization - an authorization which Perry said at the time he was hesitant to give. Obama was acting without a cohesive strategy that involves partners, Perry said of the proposed Syria bombings in 2013. Two years later Perry warned that we dont know what victory looks like in regard to the anti-ISIS operations. Its revolting but apparently true, anyone can buy and sell body remains in Pennsylvania. Yes, its legal to wear the skulls, eyes, fingers, or toes of people who have died, and worse yet, its legal for hospitals to auction them to the highest bidder. Apparently, there is a bustling market for body parts, especially around Halloween. Thats what reporting by PennLives DaniRae Renno has uncovered, and its disgusting. It ought to be illegal. All of this has come to light after reports on two gruesome cases involving men who trafficked in dead bodies. At least 30 sets of human remains were found inside Jonathan Gerlach's home on the 100 block of Washington Avenue in Ephrata, Lancaster County, authorities said. Police said he stole the remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery in Delaware County and sold some online. (Zahriah Balentine, for PennLive) Zahriah Balentine Jonathan Gerlach, of Ephrata, was arraigned earlier this month on more than 550 counts of robbing graves. And Jeremy Pauley, 43, of Honesdale, was sentenced in December for his role in reselling human flesh, brains, two human fetuses and other human remains taken from morgues. What they did is illegal. But if a hospital decides to sell the bodies of people who gave them for scientific research, thats ok. And it seems to be ok for just anyone to buy them, even to hang in a tree as a Halloween skeleton. Jeremy Pauley, formerly of East Pennsboro Township and now living in Susquehanna County, arrives at the Cumberland County courthouse. Pauley is accused of illegally buying and selling human remains. March 5, 2024. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Renno interviewed one dealer in human remains who said he doesnt condone grave robbing. But he says purchasing them from a hospital or dentist is ok, even if they will not be used for scientific or medical purposes. These dealers say there are enough places to purchase body parts legally. The market is saturated, one said. And its lucrative. Were told one distributor, Skulls Unlimited, charges around $2,000 to nearly $7,000 for a human skull. Theyre even advertised and sold online. How bizarre is that? Its not only bizarre; its downright morbid. The bodies of people who donated them for scientific research should not be treated with such disrespect. In answer to a question someone raised in Rennos story: No. It is never ok to use a dead childs spine as a handbag handle. Dead bodies or any part of them should not be used for fashion or to satisfy someones perverse idea of art or fun. Exemptions can be made to allow resale of body parts for scientific research, but not for mere fun and games. Its somewhat comforting to know several states have instituted broad bans on selling human body parts, but all need to do so. And that includes Pennsylvania. We thank Renno for making our community aware of this detestable marketing of body parts for profit. And we call on the medical profession to work with legislators now to pass laws to stop it. Quality local journalism has never been more important. You deserve the best. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman is criticizing a pro-Palestinian event for Philadelphia students scheduled to be held Monday on Martin Luther King Day. Martin Luther King Day should be reserved to teach and celebrate his profound legacy to our nation, Fetterman wrote in an X post on Tuesday. I strongly reject indoctrination steeped in antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric, normalizing violence under the auspice of resistance. Fetterman, a staunch supporter of Israel, was responding to a Fox News report that Philadelphia teachers are slated to participate in a teach-in on Monday titled From Philly To Palestine: How Our Struggles Intertwine. The report was based on an online post by the North American Values Institute (NAVI), which tracks extremism, that also shared that New York City teachers were expected to hold a similar event on Monday. NAVI reported that Philadelphia Educators for Palestine and Students For Justice in Palestine Philadelphia Coalition would be holding the all-ages teach-in off school property. Racial Justice Philly promoted the three-hour event on its Instagram account, listing the planned topics as weapons manufacturers in Philly fueling massacres, lack of state funding for public schools as our taxes fund genocide & occupation and student experiences with racism & Islamophobia in Philly schools. Fetterman has consistently backed Israel and its military offensive into Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attack. A Republican lawmaker said that President Donald Trump could face impeachment from his own party if he took major military action widely viewed as dangerous. Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, said moving forward with a military plan to take over Greenland an island that is part of Denmark could end Trumps presidency. Trump has talked about wanting the United States to control Greenland. He says it is important for U.S. national security. But Denmark and most Greenlanders do not want to become part of the United States. Bacon and some other lawmakers think forcing that change by military action would be a very bad idea. In an interview with a local Nebraska newspaper, Bacon said he and many Republicans are upset about the talk of invading Greenland. He called the idea utter buffoonery. Bacon said if Trump went ahead with a military invasion, many Republicans might vote to impeach him. Impeachment is a process where the House of Representatives can charge a president with wrongdoing. If the House votes to impeach, the Senate holds a trial to decide if the president should be removed from office. Trump has been impeached twice before by the House, but he was not removed from office. Bacon said he would personally lean toward supporting impeachment if Trump tried to use force against Greenland. He added that many members of his party are worried about what such an action could do to Americas relationships with allies Denmark is a longtime partner of the United States and part of the NATO alliance. Bacon is not seeking reelection this year, but his comments show a growing split in the Republican Party over Trumps actions. Some Republicans have publicly disagreed with Trump on other issues, but it is rare for a member of his own party to openly discuss impeachment. Many experts say that a military invasion of a friendly nations territory could have serious consequences, including diplomatic fights, economic penalties, and possible war. Polls show most Americans do not support such action. At this point, Trump has not changed his position on Greenland. Bacons warning adds to the ongoing debate within Congress and across the country about how far leaders should go in foreign policy. Harrisburg City Council on Friday asked a Dauphin County judge assigned to a lawsuit filed against them by Mayor Wanda Williams to step aside because one of Williams attorneys previously represented the judge, posing a conflict. Council members said Michael McAuliffe Miller of Eckert Seamans represented Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Engle as recently as 2018 in a civil lawsuit, arising from a 2007 matter. Engle and Miller also split solicitor duties for the Susquehanna Township School District in 2014 when the district contracted with both lawyers, according to PennLives archive. Councils filing brings up the 2018 lawsuit, saying the mayor would agree that members of the public may reasonably question the courts impartiality because of the history between Miller and Engle. Williams lead lawyer, Renardo Hicks from Eckert Seamans, didnt respond to multiple requests for comment. A spokesperson for the mayor also declined to comment. Attorney Mark Schwartz, who has practiced law for at least four decades but is not involved in this litigation, said he didnt think the connection was problematic. That was almost 10 years ago, Schwartz told PennLive. Harrisburgs a pretty small place when it comes to lawyers and particularly public sector lawyering. Does that mean that he cant be impartial now? I dont think so. Schwartz has a history with the city: He represented the council about 15 years ago when Harrisburg tried to file for bankruptcy before going into state receivership. Schwartz himself ended up suing the city after it never paid him for his legal work. He settled for a third of what he was owed. But he said he still wants to help the city. Hes already let the city solicitor know that he would mediate for Williams and the council, if they choose to go down that route, for a less costly rate of $200 an hour. Courts dont get into political questions between one branch of government and another branch of government, Schwartz said. I fear that at the end of the day, a lot of legal work is going to be done and a lot of fees are going to be incurred and the parties are still going to have to talk to each other. Its been eight days since Williams first sued the council. So far, lawyers for both parties have filed 149 pages in court filings. For a weeks worth of full-time work, Williams lawyers would make $10,600, and City Councils lawyers would make $14,000. These figures only represent one lawyers costs on each side; combined, both parties have a total of eight private attorneys working on the taxpayers dime. Williams filed the lawsuit after the council voted to defund four key positions in her administration. Council overrode the mayors vetoes of the defunding, resulting in three people losing their jobs at the start of this new year. One of them is former Interim Business Administrator Sam Sulkosky whose position is required by law. The citys state-appointed financial monitor is the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, chaired by Doug Hill. While the organization is not a regulatory body and cannot direct the city to do anything, Hill told PennLive he was asked to testify at the first court hearing happening at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 21 in the Dauphin County Courthouse. Councils lead lawyer, Casey Coyle, declined to comment for this story. Michael Miller from the mayors attorney team also declined to comment. Council also cited Pennsylvania Judicial Code of Ethics, which says that a judge should step aside whenever he has any doubt as to his ability to preside impartially or whenever he believed his impartiality can be reasonably questioned. But Judge Engle has final say over whether he will recuse himself from the case. Engle did not respond to requests for comment. Philip Hensley-Robin, executive director of the good-government group Common Cause, echoed Schwartz in his sentiment that the case revolved around politics more than anything. Its clearly regrettable, Hensley-Robin said. Its clearly a sign of political dysfunction to have two branches of government going after each other in court like this. A progressive Pennsylvania group that has already pledged to back a primary opponent against Sen. John Fetterman in 2028 has unveiled a website that aims to help unhappy donors get refunds for their contributions to him. The Pennsylvania Working Families Party on Friday said PrimaryFetterman.com will be the hub for its efforts to oust the first-term Democratic senator who has alienated many Democrats with his views on Israel and support for its Gaza military offensive, votes for Trump administration officials and support of Trump policies. While Senator John Fetterman is supporting Trumps use of American tax dollars to run Venezuela or buy Greenland, 500,000 Pennsylvanians are about to see their healthcare premiums rise because of the Republican budget bill he supported, WFPs mid-Atlantic communications director Nick Gavio said in a statement. Gavio, a former Fetterman 2022 campaign staffer who later served on the senators communications team, said people across Pennsylvania did not put time, money and energy into supporting his campaign just to elect a Democrat who votes against our interests time and time again. We need new leadership. In November, the WFP announced that it would actively recruit candidates to challenge Fetterman in the 2028 Democratic primary. The new website offers what the WFP called a unique tool allowing deceived Fetterman donors to request refunds for their contributions to his campaign with just a few clicks. Additionally, the website offers the Fetterman Sell Out Tracker, which will monitor his voters and positions. The tracker will be continuously updated with new information as the senator supplies it which occurs regularly, the WFP said in a statement. WFP also said that it would back digital ads to put the refund tool onto social media platforms. The party launched an online portal and plans on holding recruitment and training events across the state for various offices, including the Senate seat. President Donald Trump on Thursday finally got the Nobel Peace Prize he has long coveted. In a way, at least. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gifted her Peace Prize to Trump in a meeting at the White House, according to The Washington Post. Machado won the prize last year for her efforts to foster democracy in Venezuela, according to The New York Times. She told reporters that she presented the prize to Trump as a unique recognition for his unique commitment to our freedom. President Donald Trump stands with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado while holding Nobel Peace Prize. (White House photo) White House Trump thanked Machado on social media, according to the Times. Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done, he wrote. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria! Trump has been speaking for months about the prize and his desire for it, according to the Times. He has said he deserves it, arguing he ended several wars. He has also chastised Nobel officials for overlooking him. Machado is among those vying for leadership in Venezuela after the U.S. operation that ousted Nicolas Maduro in January, according to CNN. Trump instead backed Maduros former vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, as acting president, despite her ties to Maduros regime. After Machado gave Trump the award, the Oslo-based Nobel Peace Center reiterated that the medals cannot be shared or transferred, according to CNN. Trump has previously described Machado as a freedom fighter, but rejected the notion of appointing her to lead Venezuela, according to the BBC. He argued that she lacks sufficient domestic support. After the military operation that ousted Maduro and took him into custody, Trump said the U.S. would be running Venezuela for some time. Maduro is facing narco-terrorism charges in the U.S. Photo: Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Ukraine's Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, Oleksiy Sobolev, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Muhindo Nzangi Butondo, have signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at strengthening food security and developing agriculture. "The signing of the memorandum is a practical step toward strengthening Ukraine's role in ensuring global food security and expanding the international presence of Ukraine's agro-industrial sector. We are interested not only in supplying raw materials, but also in developing joint projects in processing, logistics, and the introduction of modern agricultural technologies," the Ministry of Economy quoted Sobolev as saying on its website. According to him, cooperation with the Democratic Republic of the Congo opens new markets for Ukrainian producers, creates investment opportunities, and helps build sustainable food supply chains. The document is concluded for a five-year term with automatic extension. According to the Ministry of Economy, the areas of cooperation include the creation of a logistics agri-hub for the reception, storage, and distribution of grain crops; the development of a food processing and distribution center, including for social programs and school cafeterias; seed production and the supply of high-quality certified seeds of key crops. The cooperation also covers agricultural research and technologies (precision farming, irrigation methods); fertilizer production and land reclamation; crop production and livestock farming, aquaculture, veterinary products and related technologies; agricultural education for Congolese citizens; and the processing of agricultural products. The ministry said that a joint commission comprising representatives of Ukraine and the Congo will be established to implement the provisions of the memorandum. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Lifetime is bringing one of the most infamous true-crime stories of the 1990s back into the spotlight with I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco, a powerful new movie told for the first time from Mary Jos own perspective. Airing Saturday, January 17 at 8 p.m. ET, the film revisits the shocking shooting that made national headlines, and the decades-long journey of survival that followed. More than a retelling of a tabloid scandal, I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco centers on resilience, motherhood, and reclaiming ones story after unimaginable trauma. How to watch I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco Without Cable Cord cutters looking to stream the premiere live can watch Lifetime through several popular live TV streaming services including Philo, DIRECTV, and Sling. More about DIRECTV Viewers interested in trying a streaming service before committing can take advantage of a free trial through DIRECTV. DIRECTV provides access to 90+ live TV channels, along with user-friendly features like unlimited cloud DVR. The service offers four base packages starting at $89.99 per month, plus the option to further tailor your channel lineup with genre packs, helping cut down on unnecessary channels. New subscribers can also take advantage of a five-day free trial, and for a limited time, DIRECTV is offering a $40 off the first month, bringing the starting cost down to just $49 for new users. More about Philo For those searching for a more budget-friendly option, Philo is widely regarded as one of the most affordable cable alternatives available. Priced at $33 per month (or $25 for the first month), Philo includes 70+ popular channels, such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, and Investigation Discovery. Subscribers also have the option to access Max (formerly HBO Max) and discovery+ content with their Philo subscription. More About Sling Another solid choice is Sling, which offers a flexible and streamlined alternative to traditional cable. Sling features a strong lineup of widely watched channels and recently introduced day, week, and weekend passes, allowing viewers to pay only for the access they need. Monthly plans begin at $45.99 after the fist month, while the new short-term passes start at $4.99. About the Movie For the first time ever, Mary Jo Buttafuoco tells her story in her own words. In May 1992, the then-37-year-old mother of two was shot in the head outside her Long Island home by 17-year-old Amy Fisher, the teenage mistress of her husband, Joey Buttafuoco. In I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco, based on the true story, Mary Jo recounts the moment Fisher appeared at her Massapequa, New York, doorstep claiming her sister was having an affair with Joey. Moments later, Fisher pulled a gun and shot Mary Jo in the face. The .25-caliber bullet caused permanent facial paralysis and hearing loss, and remains lodged in her head to this day. The Lifetime movie goes beyond the crime itself, focusing on Mary Jos long road to recovery from devastating physical injuries, emotional trauma, and relentless public scrutiny. A fixture in tabloid headlines for years, she endured the collapse of her marriage - eventually divorcing Joey in 2003 - while raising her children and rebuilding her life. Cast: Chloe Lanier, Dillon Casey, Maddy Hillis, Mary Jo Buttafuoco Confucius Institute at Philippines' Angeles University Foundation marks 15th anniversary Xinhua) 16:56, January 16, 2026 MANILA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at Angeles University Foundation (CI-AUF) in the Philippines held a ceremony on Thursday to mark its 15th anniversary in Angeles City, about 80 km north of Manila. In his speech, AUF President Joseph Angeles said that over the years, the CI-AUF has opened doors for countless learners, fostering curiosity, cultural appreciation, and global understanding. "As we look back on this remarkable journey, we do so with deep gratitude and pride, celebrating not only the milestones achieved, but also the meaningful connections forged among our institutions, our communities, and our peoples," Angeles said. For her part, former Philippine President Gloria Arroyo said the CI-AUF has demonstrated its culture of excellence in Chinese language teaching, making it the most widely implemented foreign language program in the public secondary schools of the country. Arroyo expressed the hope that for the next 15 years, the CI-AUF would continue to fulfill its mission and brings Chinese language and culture more accessible to a wider audience, and continue to serve as a bridge between the two countries. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan said in his speech that China and the Philippines are geographically close, culturally connected, and economically complementary, with enormous potential for cooperation. Jing hoped that students could use language to open more opportunities in life and use Chinese to open a bright future for China-Philippines ties. The CI-AUF was inaugurated in January 2010 through cooperation between Fujian Normal University in China and Angeles University Foundation in the Philippines. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Speaker of the Latvian Saeima Daiga Mierine, during which they discussed the negotiation process to achieve peace, the diplomatic situation and support programs for Ukraine. As reported on the presidential website on Friday, the meeting discussed in detail the negotiation process to achieve peace. Mierine said Latvia fully supports Ukraine's efforts and assured her country of full assistance. "We will continue to do everything we can to help you become a full member of the European Union. And in all our rhetoric, we always talk about NATO as well. We see you as a NATO member country. We see a place for you in this alliance, and we believe that you should be in it for the security of all of us," she said. The parties also discussed cooperation with partners within the Coalition of the Willing, Latvia's further participation in the PURL initiative, co-production within the SAFE program, and areas of partnership in advanced technologies where Ukraine can share its experience. Ukrainian and U.S. negotiation teams will hold another round of talks in Miami on Saturday, January 17, to finalize documents that are being prepared for signing at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanishyna has said. "Tomorrow in Miami, the Ukrainian and American negotiation teams will have another round of discussions. The Ukrainian delegation includes NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov, Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov, and Davyd Arakhamia, MP, Chairman of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction," she said on the X social network on Friday. Stefanishyna recalled the words of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the Ukrainian team is working "on two key documents: agreements on security guarantees and Ukraines economic prosperity which may be signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The purpose of the visit is to refine these agreements with American partners." Zelenskyy, reportedly, announced the meetings of the Ukrainian delegation with representatives of Donald Trump in the United States these days. The Head of State of Ukraine noted that it is necessary to finalize some materials related to security guarantees and the recovery package. According to him, if everything is finalized, then the signing of agreements is possible during the World Economic Forum in Davos next week. However, it is necessary that the security guarantees are permanent, and that Ukraine has real financial support. Brandon Sheils Kicks Off 2026 With a GUKPT High Roller Victory Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link The Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) is currently in London for the first leg of its 2026 tour. Several events have crowned their champions, including the 2,500 No-Limit Hold'em High Roller. Seventy-two players entered the mix, and Brandon Sheils emerged victorious, taking home 49,560. Sheils, a high-volume and popular grinder, entered 2026 full of confidence, having enjoyed his best year in terms of prize money. According to The Hendon Mob Database, the man from Birmingham amassed $696,389 last year, an impressive sum, helped by his fifth-place finish in the $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em 6-Handed event at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP). This latest victory pushes Sheils' live earnings ever closer to the $2.5 million mark. 2,500 GUKPT London High Roller Final Table Results Rank Player Prize 1 Brandon Sheils 49,560 2 Ryan Fronda 33,030 3 Medhi Chaoui 22,030 4 James Mitchell 15,260 5 S.S. 11,320 6 Conor O'Driscoll 8,500 7 Bryan Taylor 6,610 8 Adria Dalmau 5,820 9 Keith Johnson 5,190 Only the final nine players received a share of the 157,310 prize pool. Seasoned pro Keith Johnson was the first player to cash after his ace-jack lost to the once-dominated ace-ten of James Mitchell, courtesy of a ten on the flop. Spaniard Adria Dalmau bowed out in eighth place after a battle of the blinds didn't go as planned. Conor O'Driscoll open-shoved from the small blind with the lowly ten-five, and Dalmau called off his eight big blind stack with ace-jack. Dalmau paired his ace, but O'Driscoll improved to trip tens on the river. Next to fall was Scotland's Bryan Taylor, the champion of the GUKPT Edinburgh Main Event in October 2025. Taylro was down to six big blinds when he pushed all-in with ace-eight. Sheils called with king-ten and proceeded to spike a ten on the river to leave the Scotsman void of chips. Ireland's O'Driscoll headed to the exits in sixth place and was the last player not to receive a five-figure payday. O'Driscoll needed the luck of the Irish when his seven big blind shove with ten-nine of diamonds was called by Mitchell holding pocket tens. No such luck arrived, and O'Driscoll was gone. A player wishing to remain under the shroud of anonymity crashed out in fifth before the dangerous Mitchell fell foul of Sheils. Mitchell got his last 14 big blinds into the middle of the felt while holding ace-queen, only for Sheils to turn up with the dominating ace-king. Sheils improved to trips, and Mitchell headed to the cashier's desk to collect 15,260 to go with the 47,700 he scooped earlier in the week for triumphing in the inaugural G500 event. The 2,500 GUKPT London High Roller progressed to heads-up following the demise of Morocco's Mehdi Chaoui. The Moroccan continued his impressive vein of form, one that saw him win more than $1.9 million in 2025 alone. Chaoui came unstuck when he committed his last 6.5 big blinds with queen-ten, which couldn't get there against Ryan Fronda's ace-eight. Grosvenor Poker Announces Exciting NPL Updates Alongside Full 2026 Schedule Learn more Heads-up pitted Sheils against the veteran Fronda, the latter having cashed in the first-ever GUKPT season and now racking up a cash in the 20th season. Unfortunately for Fronda, he couldn't mark the occasion with a win, and had to console himself with a 33,030 runner-up prize, the second-largest of his career, after his king-eight failed to beat Sheils' ace-eight when it mattered. Sheils immediately entered Day 1a of the 1,250 buy-in, 250,000 guaranteed GUKPT London Main Event. The 83-strong crowd was whittled to only 26 by the close of play, and Sheils found himself near the top of the chip counts. He bagged and tagged 135,400, trailing only Joseph Bold (187,000), Maximilian Sanders (162,500), and Longmao Fan (136,300). Remaining 2026 GUKPT London Schedule Date Time Tournament Guarantee Fri 16 Jan 12:00 p.m. 140 Main Event Satellite 12:00 p.m. 1,250 NLHE Main Event Day 1b 250,000 9:00 p.m. 1,250 NLHE Main Event Day 1c Turbo 250,000 Sat 17 Jan 12:00 p.m. 1,250 NLHE Main Event Day 2 250,000 1:00 p.m. 550 NLHE GUKPT Cup Day 1 50,000 Sun 18 Jan 12:00 p.m. Main Event Day 3 250,000 12:30 p.m. 550 NLHE GUKPT Cup Day 2 50,000 1:00 p.m. 330 PLO Bounty 3:00 p.m. 200 NLHE Closer Mon 19 Jan 7:00 p.m. 110 Online Closer 20,000 Tue 20 Jan 7:00 p.m. Online Closer Day 2 20,000 Share this article Aiken, SC (29801) Today A few passing clouds. Cold. Low around 25F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Cold. Low around 25F. Winds light and variable. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects productive results from meetings within the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week. "We are preparing for next week so that the meetings in Davos are productive, correct, we need a clear content the content of the meetings, the content of the documents. Now is definitely not the time for loud and empty talk, for formal meetings. We need to have results for real people for Ukrainians, for all Europeans, for Americans," Zelenskyy said in an evening video address on Friday. According to him, peace and real security "are needed by everyone, normal economic development is also needed by everyone." "And all this should be reflected in the relevant documents that we are preparing, in particular with the American side," the president said. He reported on a meeting with government officials and the team of the President's Office. "Our representatives: Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov and David Arakhamia are currently on their way to the United States of America. We expect meetings with American colleagues in the near future," Zelenskyy said. 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. Food & Dining Editor Parker Milner is the Food Editor of The Post and Courier. He is a Boston College graduate and former professional hockey player who joined The Post and Courier after leading the Charleston City Paper's food section. Russian occupiers are preparing a series of new massive strikes on Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, citing intelligence data. "We now have information from intelligence that the Russians are preparing for new massive strikes. We are honestly talking with partners about air defense missiles, about systems that we need so much. The supply is not enough. We are trying to speed up, and it is important that partners hear us. A lot is being done now at the level of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. But still, please pay attention to air alerts," Zelenskyy said in an evening video address on Friday. The president called on citizens to help loved ones and those who need support. According to him, all over Ukraine, maximum resources have been deployed to eliminate the consequences of the emergency in the energy sector caused by the Russian strikes. "Literally tens of thousands of people are now working in repair teams, in utility services, in energy companies, and it is necessary that such joint work continues at all levels of government and between the government and business, all institutions, all services. I want to thank all community leaders who are really effective, really with their people and helping," Zelenskyy said. The head of state said the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is deploying a larger number of Invincibility Points, and the government "is working with energy companies and partners to have more equipment and more reserves." "But the key thing is that the world does not remain silent about this. Wars do not end without pressure. And it is precisely because there is not enough pressure that the Russians are doing all this. We must change this," Zelenskyy said. This paid press release is brought to you from our partnership with EZ Newswire. The Post and Courier news staff was not involved in its creation. China launches new remote-sensing satellite Xinhua) 08:30, January 16, 2026 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) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-16 04:00:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 470 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have untilJanuary 26, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. ("Alexandria" or the "Company") (NYSE:ARE), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between January 27, 2025 to October 27, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Alexandria and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-are/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byJanuary 26, 2026 .About the LawsuitAlexandria and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On October 27, 2025, post-market, the Company disclosed financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025 that were below expectations, including cuts to its FFO guidance for the full-year 2025, due to lower occupancy rates, slower leasing activity and most notably, a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its LIC property.On this news, the price of Alexandria's shares fell from a closing market price of $77.87 per share on October 27, 2025 to $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025, a decline of about 19% in the span of just a single day.The case is Warren Hern v. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-11319.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-16 21:18:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 624 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Leading international securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Alexandria Real Estate, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/alexandria-real-estate-class-action-lawsuit Investors have until January 26, 2026, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Alexandria Real Estate securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and is captioned Hern v. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., et al., No. 2:25-cv- 11319.Why is Alexandria Real Estate Being Sued For Securities Fraud?Alexandria Real Estate is a real estate investment trust. Its tenants are concentrated in life science industries, such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.During the relevant period, Alexandria Real Estate touted its leasing volume and development pipeline, specifically regarding a property in Long Island City, New York, stating that leasing volume was "solid" and its pipeline was "well positioned to capture future demand when expansion needs arise." As alleged, in truth, Alexandria Real Estate was experiencing lower occupancy rates and slower leasing activity such that it was required to take a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its Long Island City property.Why did Alexandria Real Estate's Stock Drop?On October 27, 2025, Alexandria Real Estate announced results below expectations for 3Q 2025 and cut guidance for the remainder of the fiscal year. The company attributed the results to lower occupancy rates and slower leasing activity. It also announced a real estate impairment charge of $323.9 million with $206 million attributed to its Long Island City property, stating that the property was not a life science destination that could scale. Alexandria Real Estate also announced additional impairment charges that may be recognized in 4Q 25 ranging from $0 to $685 million. This news caused the price of Alexandria Real Estate stock to drop $14.93 per share, or more than 19%, from a closing price of $77.87 per share on October 27, 2025, to $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/alexandria-real-estate-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in Alexandria Real Estate you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Adam McCall adam@ bfalaw.com 212.789.3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-16 13:45:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 876 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 205 rural small and Critical Access Hospital IT, clinical, and financial users cite repackaged health-system solutions, misaligned implementation models, and limited vendor responsiveness to Rural Health Transformation CollaborativesNASHVILLE, TENNESSEE / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Black Book Research today released topline findings from a survey of two hundred rural small hospital and Critical Access Hospital (CAH) stakeholders spanning IT professionals and clinical and financial users assessing the value of Rural Health Transformation Collaboratives and whether technology vendors are solving rural-specific challenges or largely adapting solutions built for large urban health systems.Survey results indicate that rural providers continue to support modernization but remain concerned that many vendor solutions assume enterprise staffing, budgets, integration resources, and implementation capacity that are not available in rural markets."Rural hospitals are not small urban systems.' They require rural-fit products, rural-fit implementation models, and rural-fit support," said Doug Brown, President, Black Book Research. "The survey shows progress in intent but persistent gaps in execution and fit." Key Findings from the 2026 Rural IT, Clinical, and Financial User Survey (n=205)"Repackaged urban solutions" remains the dominant perception: 88% say technology vendors often or very often market offerings as "rural-ready" that feel primarily adapted from urban or large health-system designs.Workflow burden is widely reported: 82% say their organizations are more often forced to adapt workflows to the technology than the technology adapts to rural workflows and staffing realities.Confidence in vendor problem-solving is limited: 29% agree vendors are truly solving rural-specific operational problems, while the remainder are neutral or disagree.Implementation complexity drives unplanned cost: 69% report at least one recent technology purchase required unplanned third-party consulting or external services to implement, optimize, or stabilize.Collaboratives are gaining traction: 75% report they are participating in, actively evaluating, or planning involvement in a Rural Health Transformation Collaborative model.Vendor alignment with collaboratives is uneven: 71% say collaboratives improve negotiating leverage, while only 22% agree vendors meaningfully incorporate collaborative and rural-provider input into product roadmaps and delivery models.Also Released Today: Two Black Book Studies to Support Rural Health Transformation ExecutionIn conjunction with the rural IT user survey findings, Black Book Research is also releasing two implementation-focused publications intended to help states, rural hospitals, and regional collaboratives move faster from "award notice" to auditable execution:1) Rural Health Transformation Program Awards & Implementation Playbook 2026The playbook provides an execution agenda tied to FY 2026-FY 2030 rural transformation funding and outlines governance and reporting expectations shaping rural technology and service-line investments.Included in the playbook is a national pulse of rural administrators and board members indicating first-year priorities and constraints:74% identify rural workforce recruitment and retention as a top-two first-year priority.69% expect cybersecurity and health IT modernization to be among the first initiatives funded.63% prioritize telehealth and remote monitoring expansion, while 52% report broadband/last-mile connectivity remains limiting.57% cite procurement timelines and contracting as the largest first-year execution risk.2) Top Vendors and Technology Enablement for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP): Vendor-Agnostic Survey and Polling Intelligence for FY 2026-2030 ImplementationThis companion study provides vendor-neutral decision tools designed to reduce fragmentation and accelerate procurement readiness, including standardized evaluation scorecards, contracting clauses, and rural-specific technology enablement guidance.Industry stakeholders are invited to download the gratis reports from https://www.blackbookmarketresearch.com 2026 Rural Health IT vendor performance signals (non-ranked cohorts): Within the 2026 rural IT user inputs informing the companion report, TruBridge (CPSI/Evident) appears in leading cohorts for rural/CAH inpatient EHR and in shortlists for integrated hospital EHR plus patient accounting/RCM suites, reflecting strong rural fit signals in integrated clinical-financial workflows. Juno Health appears as the category leader for ambulatory EHR use in rural clinics/RHCs and rural provider networks, reflecting favorable rural usability and configuration fit in outpatient environments, as well as rated highest among rural hospital EHR replacement buyers.Note: Vendor references in these companion materials are vendor-agnostic signals; cohorts are not ranked and are not endorsements. At a 95% confidence level, results from the n=205 sample have an approximate margin of error of 6.8 percentage points for proportions near 50%.About Black Book ResearchBlack Book Research is an independent healthcare technology and services research firm focused on the purchasing, implementation, and outcomes experience of providers and payers. Since 2011, Black Book has maintained a dedicated research track centered on Small Rural Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), including longitudinal vendor performance reviews informed by frontline executives, clinicians, IT leaders, and governing boards.Over the past 15 years, Black Book's rural market work has consistently highlighted a central reality: rural hospitals and CAHs operate under constraints and conditions that are frequently underrepresented in enterprise-centric evaluations-lean IT staffing, tight margins, network fragility, workforce shortages, and heavy reliance on referrals and transfers. Black Book's rural research program elevates these realities into the core of assessment to help boards and leadership teams distinguish between technologies that are truly "rural-fit" and those that are simply adapted from large-system designs.Black Book's rural methodology underscores the need for rural-specific software options-solutions that are implementable and supportable with small teams, resilient to rural connectivity variability, and aligned to multi-role staffing and CAH workflows. The firm's research is designed to help rural leaders and state-based collaboratives make practical, audit-ready decisions on vendor selection, contracting, implementation governance, and measurable outcomes.Black Book is vendor-agnostic and commit PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-16 04:30:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 892 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Accelerated overseas strategy as an integral part of brand transformationHONG KONG, HK AND BANGKOK, TH / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 /Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited ("Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group", the "Group" or the "Company"; SEHK stock code: 1929), the global Chinese luxury group built on a nearly-century old legacy of trust and innovation, announces the opening of a key strategic store in Bangkok, Thailand, within the iconic Siam Paragon, as well as the appointment of acclaimed Chinese actor Yang Yang as its Global Brand Ambassador. These initiatives mark significant milestones in the Group's brand transformation journey as it redefines global luxury through Chinese craftmanship and artistry.The Group, which operates over 5,000 stores globally with a market capitalisation of approximately HK$122 billion, equivalent to US$16 billion, (as of 31 December 2025), is strengthening its presence in luxury destinations across international markets as part of its brand transformation. The new store at a Southeast Asian luxury retail landmark showcases Chow Tai Fook Jewellery's blend of modern sophistication with the richness imbued by cultural heritage.In addition, the appointment of Global Brand Ambassador Yang Yang reflects the commitment to engaging new audiences and deepening emotional resonance with overseas consumers. Yang Yang, a renowned globally recognised Chinese actor, is set to strengthen the brand's presence in key international markets, positioning it as a modern, elegant embodiment of Chinese luxury on the world stage.A New Expression of Heritage and Modern LuxuryThe new Siam Paragon store features the brand's iconic "Chow Tai Fook Timeless Red" throughout. The space celebrates the beauty of Chinese craftsmanship and artistry with the use of refined materials and thoughtful lighting that create a warm, gallery-like ambience. To build connections and emotional resonance, the Group is introducing a selection of Thai-exclusive pieces that honour local culture."As we advance our dynamic brand transformation journey, curating exceptional retail experiences in international markets is pivotal in Chow Tai Fook Jewellery's overseas expansion strategy. This expansion is part of our ambition to establish Chow Tai Fook Jewellery as a leading force in global luxury, while reinforcing our legacy of innovation, excellence, and cultural resonance," said Ms Sonia Cheng, Vice-chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group .She further remarked: "Another key aspect of our strategic vision is the appointment of Yang Yang as our Global Brand Ambassador. Through this alliance, we will cultivate a refined and contemporary identity for a Chinese luxury brand on the world stage." Accelerating Global Reach to Redefine Luxury Across BordersChow Tai Fook Jewellery's international business expansion is guided by a two-pronged approach: revitalising key existing markets and expanding into high-potential new territories for sustainable growth. With around 60 points of sales across international markets in 1HFY2026 (April to September 2025), the Group's retail sales in Other Markets segment (including China duty-free) grew nearly 17% year-on-year.The opening of the Siam Paragon store follows the debut of the Group's first newly designed store in Southeast Asia, which opened at Singapore Changi Airport in November 2025. Building on this momentum, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery is set to further expand its international retail network, with plans to open its first store in Australia and an additional store in Canada by the end of June 2026. The Group also intends to expand into the Middle East market within two years.Redefining Global Luxury Through Chinese ArtistryIn celebration of its 95 th anniversary, the Group embarked on a brand transformation journey in 2024 to redefine global luxury. By blending heritage with contemporary iconic designs, the Group showcases the beauty of China to the world through exquisite jewellery that honours tradition while embracing modern elegance.Chow Tai Fook Jewellery is the first Chinese jewellery brand to appoint a Creative Director with international perspectives and exposure, underscoring its commitment to innovative design and narrative-driven branding. Led by Creative Director of High Jewellery, Nicholas Lieou, the Group introduced its signature collections, including the CTF Rouge and CTF Joie Collections.###Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group LimitedSince its founding in 1929, CHOW TAI FOOK, the flagship brand of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, has been celebrated for its bold designs and meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has made us synonymous with excellence, value, and authenticity.As the global Chinese luxury group, we blend contemporary designs with traditional techniques to create timeless pieces. Each collection reflects our customers' stories and lives, celebrating their special moments. We aspire to inspire and captivate generations to come, weaving the story of CHOW TAI FOOK into their own.Our brand portfolio includes the iconic CHOW TAI FOOK flagship brand, HEARTS ON FIRE, ENZO, and MONOLOGUE, offering a wide variety of products that also includes an expanding range of cutting-edge IP collaborations. With over 5,000 stores worldwide, we offer a seamless client journey across all touchpoints that includes a network across China as well as a growing number of global locations.Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (SEHK: 1929) has been listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since December 2011. We are committed to delivering sustainable long-term value for our stakeholders by continually enhancing earnings quality and driving higher value growth.Media Enquiries:Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group LimitedHaide NgAssociate Director, Corporate Communications Tel: (852) 3115 4402Email:haideng@ chowtaifook.com Acky ChanSenior Manager, Corporate CommunicationsTel: (852) 3115 4403Email:ackychan@ chowtaifook.com SOURCE: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-16 04:00:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 492 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have untilFebruary 17, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between May 7, 2025 and December 16, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). These actions are pending in the United States District Courts for the Northern District of California and Western District of Washington.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Coupang and would like to discuss your legal rights and how these cases might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-cpng/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in the class actions, you must petition the Courts byFebruary 17, 2026 .About the LawsuitsCoupang and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) the Company had inadequate cybersecurity protocols that allowed a former employee to access sensitive customer information for nearly six months without being detected; (ii) this subjected the Company to a materially heightened risk of regulatory and legal scrutiny; (iii) when defendants became aware that the Company had been subjected to this data breach, they did not report it in a current report filing in compliance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission reporting rules; and (iv) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all times.The first-filed case is Barry v. Coupang, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-10795. A subsequent case, Lee v. Coupang, Inc., et al., No. 26-cv-00047, expanded the class period.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 23:15:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 726 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 WHITE PLAINS, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / FRMO Corp. (the "Company" or "FRMO") (OTCID:FRMO) today announced that shareholders and others should not rely upon certain of the Company's previously issued financial statements and that it will delay filing its condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended November 30, 2025.The Company will file a Notification of Late Filing for the period ended November 30, 2025 to provide for additional time to prepare the Company's financial statements and related filings as well as restatements of previously issued financial statements. However, the Company does not believe that the amendments will have any impact on the Company's cash and cash equivalents, total assets, net income or loss from operations before the provision of income taxes, cash paid for income taxes, or cash flows from operations.On January 15, 2026, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee") of FRMO, in consultation with the Company's management and CBIZ CPAs P.C. ("CBIZ"), the Company's current independent registered public accounting firm, concluded that the Company's previously issued consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024 should no longer be relied upon. As set forth below, it was determined that a restatement is required to correct the valuation of deferred tax liabilities and the provision for income taxes in the Company's financial statements. As noted above, the Company does not believe that this change will impact cash and cash equivalents, total assets, net income or loss from operations before the provision of income taxes, cash paid for income taxes, or cash flows from operations.Additionally the Company's previously issued unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three, six and nine months ended, August 31, 2024, November 30, 2024, and February 28, 2025, respectively, during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, and as of and for the three months ended August 31, 2025, should no longer be relied upon (the "Affected Periods"). Similarly, press releases, earnings releases or other communications describing the Company's financial statements and other related financial information covering the aforementioned periods should no longer be relied upon.The Company intends to restate the aforementioned financial statements by restating the Company's consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements during those periods.The Audit Committee determined that the Company's accounting for deferred income taxes in the Affected Periods did not comply with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes. As a result of these preliminary findings, the Audit Committee has determined that the valuation of deferred tax liabilities related to unrealized gains from investments, equity securities, and digital assets was incorrect. The Audit Committee has determined that these misstatements are material for the Affected Periods and that the correction of deferred income taxes will impact each of those financial statements.The Audit Committee and management of the Company have discussed the matters disclosed in this press release with CBIZ.About FRMO Corp. FRMO Corp. is an intellectual capital firm that provides consulting and advisory services in the asset management sector and engages in the mining of digital assets.For more information, visit our website at www.frmocorp.com Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 - With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words like "believe," "expect" and "anticipate" mean that these are our best estimates as of this writing, but that there can be no assurances that expected or anticipated results or events will actually take place, so our actual future results could differ significantly from those statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: our ability to maintain our competitive advantages, the general economics of the financial industry, our ability to finance growth, our ability to identify and close acquisitions on terms favorable to the Company, and a sustainable market.Further information on our risk factors is contained in our quarterly and annual reports as filed on our website www.frmocorp.com and on www.otcmarkets.com/stock/FRMO/filings ContactTherese ByarsCorporate SecretaryEmail: tbyars@ frmocorp.com Telephone: 646-495-7337 www.frmocorp.com SOURCE: FRMO Corp PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 22:30:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 601 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 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 GoMyHireGoMyHire 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 ContactOrganization: GoMyHireContact Person Name: Wilson TehWebsite: https://gomyhire.com/ Email: general@ gomhire.com City: Kuala LumpurCountry: MalaysiaSOURCE: GoMyHire PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-16 14:00:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 920 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 / Peer To Peer Network, Inc. (OTC:PTOP), the original inventor of the digital business card, hosted a well-attended open shareholder conference call last night, where management provided an in-depth overview of the Company's 2026 strategic roadmap and long-term vision for growth, innovation, and shareholder value creation.During the call, PTOP leadership outlined its core objectives for 2026, including strengthening its position as the original digital business card inventor, accelerating revenue generation, expanding its AI division (PTOP Intelligence Labs), advancing patent enforcement and licensing efforts, pursuing strategic acquisitions, and improving overall market visibility. The Company reaffirmed its commitment to executing a multi-pronged strategy focused on technology leadership, intellectual property monetization, and a focus on becoming profitable prior to the end of 2026.Management also highlighted upcoming product and technology milestones, including the rollout of MobiCard 1.8 and 2.0 feature upgrades, improvements to user interface and performance, delivering enterprise functionality (signing up entire companies at a time), and deeper AI-driven personalization. PTOP plans to expand enterprise and white-label offerings through advanced AI tools to drive revenue quickly.PTOP Intelligence Labs, the Company's AI division, was a key focus of the discussion. Executives shared updates on finalizing beta testing with enterprise clients, converting those users into paying customers, and launching AI products for marketing, lead generation, and automation. The goal is to drive direct revenue into PTOP, with future evaluation of a potential spin-out or secondary public company if revenue targets are achieved. It was disclosed that the AI division should be profitable within the next 30 days.The Company's revenue growth strategy centers on onboarding new B2B and enterprise clients, securing white-label and licensing agreements, expanding subscription-based offerings, and increasing recurring monthly revenue. Management emphasized a target of consistent quarter-over-quarter growth.Patent enforcement and licensing remain a cornerstone of PTOP's competitive advantage. The Company continues working with a specialized patent-infringement law firm to issue enforcement and licensing notices, negotiate licensing and settlement agreements, and monetize its two granted U.S. utility patents while protecting its intellectual property moat.In addition, PTOP outlined its approach to mergers, acquisitions, and industry consolidation, including identifying targets in digital business cards, AI tools, and CRM/SaaS platforms. The Company plans to leverage its patent portfolio and public company status to pursue strategic roll-ups and consolidate market share under the PTOP brand.Capital and financing initiatives were also discussed, with management pursuing strategic investors, institutional interest, and private placements to strengthen the balance sheet and fund product development, marketing, acquisitions, and IP enforcement.To support long-term growth, PTOP is increasing its market visibility through expanded public relations, podcast appearances, media coverage, and investor outreach. The Company is focused on reinforcing its brand authority as the industry's inventor, a patent holder, and a market consolidator.Shareholder communication remains a priority, with plans for regular updates, transparent reporting on revenue progress, legal milestones, and product releases, along with continued investor Q&A calls and improved corporate messaging. PTOP also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining OTC Market compliance, strengthening disclosures, ensuring board alignment, and improving corporate governance structures.Looking beyond 2026, PTOP's long-term vision is to become the dominant digital business card platform and a leading AI solutions provider, capturing a significant share of a projected $300+ billion global market in the digital business card space through revenue growth, IP monetization, and strategic expansion."We were pleased with the strong turnout and engagement from our shareholders," said Chairman and CEO Joshua Sodaitis. "Our focus remains on execution, innovation, and delivering long-term value to our investors." About Peer To Peer Network, Inc. & PTOP Intelligence LabsPeer To Peer Network, Inc. is the original inventor of the digital business card. With multiple fully granted U.S. utility patents protecting its electronic interactive business card system, PTOP is positioned as the category creator of the digital business cards industry. Its flagship product MOBICARD is currently available on both the Google Play and Apple App Store.PTOP Intelligence Labs, the Company's newly launched AI division is focused on building a suite of artificial intelligence products designed to enhance compliance, automate corporate communications, and strengthen the connection between companies and their customers or investors.PTOP's mission is to deliver scalable, efficient, and modernized solutions that empower organizations to operate at the speed of digital engagement.Sign up for free for the MOBICARD digital business card app here:Android: Mobicard - Apps on Google PlayiPhone: Mobicard App - App StoreInvestor RelationsJoshua SodaitisChairman & CEOPeer To Peer Network, Inc.617-481-1971 investors@ ptopnetwork.comwww.ptopnetwork.com Technology QuestionsDerek McCarthy www.tier1ai.ioderek@tier1ai.io Safe Harbor Statement: This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company invokes the protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategies, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-16 00:36:05 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 672 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 /WHY: New York, N.Y., January 15, 2026. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) between January 27, 2025 and October 27, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important January 26, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Alexandria Real Estate securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Alexandria Real Estate Equities class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48531 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 26, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Alexandria Real Estate's expected revenue and funds from operations ("FFO") growth for the 2025 fiscal year, particularly as it related to the growth of Alexandria Real Estate's real estate operations. The defendants' statements included, among other things, confidence in Alexandria Real Estate Equities' lease activity, occupancy stability, and ability to develop its tenant pipeline.According to the lawsuit, defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of its Long Island City ("LIC") property. In particular, Alexandria Real Estate's claims and confidence about the leasing value of the LIC property as a life-science destination. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Alexandria Real Estate class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48531 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. China's top legislator meets Canadian PM Xinhua) 10:27, January 16, 2026 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) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-16 15:25:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1095 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 16, 2026 /Silver North Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:SNAG) "Silver North" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that as a result of strong investor demand, the Company and Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") have agreed to increase the maximum gross proceeds of its previously announced "best efforts" private placement (the "Marketed Offering") from C$5,000,000 to C$7,000,000. Pursuant to the upsized Marketed Offering, the Company has agreed to sell (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 8,928,572 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. Red Cloud is acting as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with the Offering.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 Amended 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 amended and restated offering document (the "Amended Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.silvernorthres.com . Prospective investors should read this Amended 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 CEOSandrine Lam, Shareholder CommunicationsTel: (604) 807-7217Fax: (888) 889-4874To learn more visit: www.silvernorthres.comTwitter:https://twitter.com/SilverNorthResLinkedIn: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 POLICI PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 23:30:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 620 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 /WHY: New York, N.Y., January 15, 2026. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of StubHub Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:STUB) pursuant and/or traceable to the Registration Statement issued in connection with StubHub's September 2025 initial public offering (the "IPO"), of the important January 23, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased StubHub common stock 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 StubHub class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48412or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information. 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 23, 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 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, the Registration Statement was materially false and misleading and omitted to state that: (1) StubHub was experiencing changes in the timing of payments to vendors; (2) those changes had a significant adverse impact on free cash flow, including trailing twelve months ("TTM") free cash flow; (3) as a result, StubHub's free cash flow reports were materially misleading, and that; (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about StubHub's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the StubHub class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48412or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has outlined the agenda for repositioning Nigerias upstream petroleum sector, with a focus on production optimisation, revenue expansion and regulatory efficiency. Mrs Eyesan disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday following a stakeholders meeting in Lagos. She said her vision for the upstream sector rests on three pillars: production optimisation and revenue expansion; regulatory predictability and speed; and safe, governed and sustainable operations. According to her, the agenda aligns with President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope initiative and the administrations production targets of two million barrels of oil per day by 2027 and three million barrels per day by 2030. In December, President Tinubu replaced the chief executives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the NUPRC as part of ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector. The shake-up at the two regulatory agencies followed allegations of corruption and economic sabotage levelled against the former NMDPRA chief, Farouk Ahmed, by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote. Mrs Eyesan succeeded Gbenga Komolafe, who was appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and confirmed by the Senate. Reforms At the meeting, Mrs Eyesan said her plan to boost output and revenue would be driven by the recovery of shut-in volumes with economic value, arresting production decline, reducing losses and accelerating time-to-first oil, without increasing regulatory burdens or transaction costs. She noted that the strategy was already yielding results, citing the recent reactivation of a long shut-in asset, which she described as turning on the light. The meeting was attended by members of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), emerging players and other key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry. Mrs Eyesan said regulatory predictability and speed would be achieved by running regulation as a service, enforcing rules transparently and making timely, time-bound decisions. She also pledged to strengthen governance, process safety, host community outcomes and decarbonisation efforts through safe, governed and sustainable operations. Going forward, the Commission will be measured on the following key success metrics -Faster, predictable regulatory approvals, higher, more secure and sustainable production, credible licensing and disciplined acreage performance, world-class HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) and process safety outcomes, trusted measurement, transparency, governance and data integrity, she said. Mrs Eyesan added that the commission would enhance regulatory efficiency and predictability by publishing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for all major approvals. She said timelines to production would be shortened through proactive engagement on required approvals, the implementation of stage-gate processes and mutually agreed timelines between operators and the commission. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their projects for consideration. For matured opportunities, please submit your request at the latest end of Q1, 2026. This would provide a simplified and holistic framework that creates obligations for both operators and the Commission, the statement said. She also announced plans to launch a digital workflow for permitting, reporting and data submissions, adding that the NUPRC would work with industry players to identify capacity gaps and develop tiered interventions in critical areas to improve regulatory efficiency, while harmonising internal processes to reduce friction. Mrs Eyesan disclosed that the commissions internal transformation programme, driven through a project management office, was already underway. I will provide more details on this in the coming days, she noted. She further announced the creation of a CCEOperators Leadership Forum for monthly engagements involving all operators, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), OPTS, IPPG and emerging players. According to her, the forum will focus on approval timelines, production restoration, infrastructure integrity, and gas monetisation and development, enabling the commission to identify systemic bottlenecks and improve predictability. Mrs Eyesan also stressed the need to strengthen hydrocarbon accounting and measurement by tracking every barrel produced and addressing discrepancies or losses promptly. On host communities, she urged operators to work closely with the commission as it plans its first engagement with host community leaders to reaffirm commitment to Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) implementation. She said one of her key priorities is to achieve full compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act within 12 months, adding that progress would be monitored by a dedicated team in her office. The commission going forward will issue quarterly progress reports. Let therefore bring all high impact shut in fields for approval. On the Commissions part, a 90-day program to fast track approvals for near-ready FDPs, well interventions, rig mobilisation and other quick-win opportunities have commenced, the CCE stated. The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reiterated the statutory deadline of 31 January 2026 for all employers of labour in Lagos State to fulfil their statutory obligation to file their annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year. The LIRS issued the reminder in a statement by its chairman, Ayodele Subair, on Thursday, reminding Lagos employers that the obligation to file annual returns is in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 (NTAA). Mr Subair explained that employers are required to file detailed returns on emoluments and compensation paid to their employees, as well as payments made to their service providers, vendors and consultants. The LIRS boss stated that the effort is to ensure that all applicable taxes due for the year 2025 are fully remitted. He emphasised that filing of annual returns is a mandatory legal obligation, and warned that failure to comply will result in statutory sanctions, including administrative penalties, as prescribed under the new tax law. Mr Subair added that employers are required to file detailed annual returns of all emoluments paid to employees, citing Section 14 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 (NTAA). According to him, the filing includes taxes deducted and remitted to relevant tax authorities, insisting such returns must be filed and submitted not later than 31 January each year. Employers must prioritise the timely filing of their annual income tax returns. Compliance should be part of our everyday business practice. Early and accurate filing not only ensures adherence to the law as required by the Nigerian Constitution. But it also supports effective revenue tracking, which is important to Lagos States fiscal planning and sustainability, the LIRS chairperson stated. Electronic filing He further noted that in Lagos State, electronic filing via the LIRS eTax platform remains the only approved and acceptable mode of filing, as manual submissions have been completely phased out. This measure, according to him, is aimed at simplifying and standardising tax administration processes in the State. Employers are therefore required to submit their annual tax returns exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal: https://etax.lirs.net. Mr Subair described the LIRS eTax platform as secure, user-friendly, accessible 24/7, and designed to provide employers with a convenient and efficient means of fulfilling their tax obligations. The LIRS chairperson advised that employers should ensure that the TaxID (Tax Identification Number) of all employees is correctly captured in their filings, noting that employees without a TaxID must generate one promptly to avoid disruptions during the filing process. Geregu Power Plc has recommended the payment of a dividend of N9 per share for the 2025 financial year, subject to the approval of shareholders at the next annual general meeting. The power generation company made the disclosure in a regulatory filing on Friday as part of the outcome of a Thursday board meeting at which its audited financial statements for last year were approved. The planned cash distribution translates into a total payout of N22.5 billion, representing a 5.9 per cent increase over the amount it paid shareholders for the 2024 financial year. The closed period earlier communicated for trading in the shares of the company by Insiders and their connected persons will be lifted twenty-four (24) hours after the release of the Audited Financial Statements and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025, the statement said. Last month, Femi Otedola, the chairman of First HoldCo Plc, sold its majority shareholding in the power utility to Abuja-based Maam Energy Limited in a deal valued at $750 million. According to insiders, a group of lenders led by Zenith Bank facilitated the transaction, with BlackBirch Capital acting as the financial adviser. Geregu Power reported a 3.8 per cent jump in profit after tax to N25.1 billion for the first nine months of 2025, compared to the same period of 2024. Revenue for the period leapt by 16.8 per cent to N131.5 billion on the back of a moderate improvement in the income from energy sold. Profit before tax slightly climbed to N37.5 billion from N36.3 billion a year earlier. Assets totalled N273.2 billion at the end of the review period, up by 21.4 per cent from N243.5 billion as of December 2024. Geregu Power is backed by the Africa Export and Import Banks Fund for Export Development in Africa and the State Grid Corporation of China. Market capitalisation at the end of trade on Friday stood at N2.9 trillion. Film producer and director James Abinibi has confirmed the death of James Akaie, a special effects and pyrotechnics artist, following a fatal explosion on a movie set in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Mr Akaie was known for his outstanding special effects makeup work on several major Nollywood movies. His credits include Mai Martaba, The Night of June 7th, Dark October, Ireke, among others. In a statement posted on his Instagram page on Friday, Abinibi disclosed that Akaie died after an explosion occurred during filming. He described the deceased as a brilliant and deeply passionate special effects and pyrotechnics professional, whose creativity, dedication and love for his craft inspired everyone who had the privilege of working with him. Recounting how the tragic incident occurred, Abinibi said: It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we confirm a tragic accident occurred on location in Abeokuta set of our film as filming was coming to a wrap, resulting in the death of our esteemed colleague and friend, James Akaie. During a filming session, a sudden and unexpected explosion occurred in a designated effects preparation area outside of the film set where James was experimenting on an unauthorised Pyrotechnic stimulation involving a gas cylinder alongside his two assistants. Other victims He said Akaie died at the hospital where he was rushed after sustaining severe injuries. Mr Abinibi added that two other aides suffered burns and were immediately taken to a specialist hospital, where they received prompt medical attention. He confirmed that they were in stable condition and were continuing to receive treatment. The specific circumstances leading to the explosion are currently under a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities. We are cooperating fully with this investigation as we further conduct our own internal review. Out of respect for Jamess family and the investigative process, we cannot provide further details at this time. Jamess innovative spirit and commitment to artistic excellence were unmatched. He consistently sought to elevate every project with his talent, a testament to his deep passion for filmmaking. We will remember him not only for his exceptional skill but for the vibrant presence he brought to our set every day, said Abinibi. He appealed to the public to respect the privacy of Akaies family and crew as they come to terms with the unimaginable loss. Further updates will be provided as appropriate. Akaies last Instagram post was on 11 January, when he wrote, I have come again in the name of He that you cant resist. The police in Lagos on Friday, charged two men before a Chief Magistrates Court in Ikeja, Lagos State, for allegedly raping an 11- year-old girl. The defendants are: Prince Tomnyie, 40; a businessman, who resides at Agege, and Micheal Adenuga, 24, a furniture maker, who resides at Atere Street in Lekki. They are standing trial on charges of defilement, and had each pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor, Adegoke Ademigbuji, an assistant superintendent of police, told the court that the defendants committed the offence sometime in December 2024, and September 2025, at Langbasa Ajah and Igbara Lekki, Lagos . The prosecutor alleged that the victims father had taken his daughter for medical check and it was discovered that the minor had been defiled. The prosecution alleged that the victim had told her father that his friend, Tomnyie, defiled her some time ago. Mr Ademigbuji alleged that the victim also mentioned the second defendants name who lives in their neighbourhood. The offence contravenes the provisions of section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015. The Chief Magistrate, L. A Owolabi, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N600,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum. He adjourned the case until 5 March for mention. (NAN) For more than two months, public hospitals across Nigeria have struggled to function amid an indefinite strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), leaving patients stranded, essential services paralysed, and doctors and nurses operating with little institutional support. Visits by PREMIUM TIMES reporters to health facilities in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos during the week revealed a health system operating on skeletal services, with laboratories, pharmacies, medical records, and diagnostic units shut. The strike, which began on 15 November, stems from a long-standing dispute with the federal government over delayed salary adjustments under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and what the union describes as years of neglect and discriminatory treatment compared to doctors. Despite a federal government directive enforcing a no work, no pay policy and instructing hospitals to sustain essential services, JOHESU has insisted that the strike will continue until its demands are met. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) also intervened on Wednesday, issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government to withdraw the no work, no pay directive, noting that the policy could escalate the dispute while negotiations are still ongoing. Locked doors, deserted wards in Abuja At the National Hospital, Abuja, the impact of the strike was evident. The main entrance leading to the emergency unit was locked, with a notice informing patients that full treatment would not be available due to the strike. Access to the unit was only possible through a back entrance. The Records and Visits Department, which serves as the first point of contact for most patients, was also shut. A security officer explained that record officers now resume briefly in the morning and leave at the same time, also in the morning. If you come after 11 or 12 noon, you wont meet anyone there, he said. Patients are usually directed straight to the General Out-Patient Department (GOPD). Checks by PREMIUM TIMES showed that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) unit was also closed, leaving insured patients unable to access care. Without NHIS, I cant afford to pay from my pocket, said a patient who declined to be named. The pharmacy serving the private and inpatient wings was partially open, but service windows were shut. Only one staff member was seen inside and declined to comment. Another patient, who identified as Israel, expressed frustration over the situation.The staff may have their reasons, but its the poor that are suffering, he said. If you dont have money for a private hospital, you are stuck. At Maitama District Hospital, usually bustling outpatient corridors were almost empty at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Seats lining the corridors were empty, with no queues, consultations or visible signs of routine medical services across several departments. Doctors are around, but without other support staff, only a few patients can be attended to, a health worker said, requesting anonymity. At Asokoro District Hospital, some units were observed to be operational, while others were shut. The maternal and child care units, eye clinics and immunisation services were operational, but the laboratory was closed. At the GOPD, a patient said she had waited nearly an hour for doctors who had yet to arrive. At Wuse District Hospital, skeletal services were observed across the facility. Notices announcing the strike were pasted at key service points, including the pharmacy and radiology units. Please be informed that the Joint Health Sector Union of the FCTA hospitals is on indefinite strike action, one notice read. Strain on Akwa Ibom hospital In Akwa Ibom State, services remained crippled at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital as the strike led to the shutdown of key departments. When PREMIUM TIMES visited on Thursday morning, only skeletal services were available. Doctors and nurses attended to patients, but laboratories, radiology units, pharmacies, health records, physiotherapy and nutrition departments were shut. Patients were forced to seek these services outside the hospital at higher costs. A hospital staff member, who pleaded anonymity, described the situation as a sad era in the healthcare sector. Our people are bearing the brunt of a strike caused by the governments failure to implement agreements reached as far back as 2014, the staff member said. The source explained that many patients were unable to access their medical records and were therefore assessed as first-time patients. After seeing the doctor, they leave the hospital to access services outside at exorbitant rates and still return, the source said, warning that maternal and infant mortality could rise. Three patient relatives who spoke with our reporter lamented the cost of transporting their relatives outside the hospital to access services affected by the strike. Comfort Akpan, a relative, said her mother paid for prescription glasses before the strike but had not received them. For two months now, my mother has not gotten her glasses because optometrists are not available, she said. Kaduna hospitals run on skeletal services Skeletal services were also maintained at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika-Zaria. The chairman of JOHESU at the hospital, Tofik Olayinka, said members could not completely shut down services but were offering minimal support. All we are asking for is fairness and equity, Mr Olayinka said. CONMESS has been adjusted three times, while CONHESS has not been adjusted for years. Mr Olayinka, who also serves as secretary of JOHESU in Kaduna State, said the union had struggled with the government since 2014 without success. At the hospitals haematology department, a few workers were seen attending to emergencies. The laboratory and pharmacy units were closed, while the blood bank remained operational. A consultant at the Medical Emergency Unit stated that health workers, particularly doctors and nurses, are working fully and attending to patients. Long waits in Kano At Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), services were visibly disrupted. On Wednesday, PREMIUM TIMES observed that nurses were present in the early hours of the day but later left, leaving doctors to attend to patients alone. We are doing both our work and theirs, a doctor said. We cant attend to as many patients as before. A woman said she managed to get her mother treated only because she knew a doctor. An NHIS staff member said JOHESU leaders paraded the hospital to enforce compliance with the strike. They were very serious, he said. Anyone who was supposed to be on strike but came to work was sent away. Patients and their relatives at the Accident and Emergency unit expressed concern about the situation. A father, Zulhairu Alhaji-Malam, said he spent an entire day trying to secure a bed for his daughter, who needed a blood transfusion. They keep sending me from one department to another. Even paying for services has become an insurmountable hurdle, let alone accessing the actual medical treatment my daughter needs, he said. The impact of the strike is equally visible at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala-Kano. One of JOHESUs members in the state, Shehu Adamu, said the strike had gained momentum despite the governments threats. The no work, no pay policy has strengthened our resolve because we believe this struggle is ultimately for the long-term benefit of health workers, the patients, and the government itself, Mr Adamu said. Overstretched hospitals in Lagos At the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, the medical emergency unit was overwhelmed. The number of patients far exceeded the available doctors and nurses on duty. Elizabeth Bayo, a relative of one of the patients receiving emergency care, said the strike is putting pressure on the available doctors and patients.The doctors and nurses are available, but the strike is really felt, she said. There are fewer people working, yet patients keep coming in. You can see how overwhelmed they are. A pregnant woman receiving antenatal care, who identified herself simply as Zainab, said patients had been asked to improvise by using exercise books to record their details. For weeks now, we have been told to buy exercise books and write our names there, she said. That is what we now take to the doctors. The e-system and other records are on hold. She added that the process had been stressful, as patients often had to search through several books to locate their records. My next appointment is in February. I hope they resume before then, she said. At Alimosho General Hospital, pharmacies and laboratories were shut. Patients were directed outside the hospital to purchase drugs. For over one month now, I have been buying my drugs outside, said Mummy David, an elderly patient. Why the strike persists The strike stems from a long-running dispute over salary adjustments and welfare conditions. JOHESU argues that while doctors under CONMESS have received multiple salary reviews, non-doctor health workers under CONHESS have been neglected. In November 2025, the union issued a 15-day ultimatum, which expired without action, prompting the nationwide strike on 15 November. Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, JOHESU National Chairman Kabiru Minjibir said the union had a single core demand: the adjustment of CONHESS, the salary structure. Mr Minjibir explained that the unions have been agitating for the adjustment for the past 12 years, arguing that while medical doctors benefit from the CONMESS, non-doctor health workers have been left behind. He said the strike would be suspended if the government puts the salary adjustment in a circular, issues an implementation table and releases a payment plan for arrears. Despite the no work, no pay directive, he said members voted to continue the strike. In Lagos, JOHESU Secretary Adegboyega Kabiawu said members make up about 85 per cent of the health workforce. He said local demands for health care workers in Lagos include the domestication of consultancy pharmacy, establishment of a medical laboratory services directorate, equitable allowances and improved staff transportation. The Nigerian government has said the country recorded 1,148 confirmed cases and 215 deaths of Lassa fever across 22 states from epidemiological week one to week 52 of 2025. This was revealed in the latest Lassa Fever Situation Report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The report shows a decline in the number of confirmed cases recorded in 2025 when compared with 1,309 cases reported during the same period in 2024. However, fatalities increased, with the case fatality rate (CFR) rising to 18.7 per cent in 2025, higher than the 16.3 per cent recorded in 2024. Cumulatively, from week one to week 52 of 2025, the report noted that 215 deaths were recorded, with a CFR of 18.7 per cent, compared with 214 deaths and a CFR of 16.3 per cent during the same period in 2024. The report also noted that the total number of suspected cases recorded in 2025 stood at 9,389, a decrease from 10,098 in 2024. According to the report, the number of new confirmed cases in epidemiological week 52 increased from 21 in the previous week to 27. The infections were reported from Bauchi, Ondo, Ebonyi, Taraba and Nasarawa states. It added that no healthcare worker was affected during the reporting week. More details In total, NCDC noted that 22 states recorded at least one confirmed case across 107 local government areas in 2025. Of all confirmed Lassa fever cases, 89 per cent were reported from Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba and Edo State. The NCDC said the most affected age group remains those aged 2130 years, with cases ranging from one to 96 years and a median age of 30 years. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases was 1:0.8, suggesting slightly higher infection rates among males. Challenges and recommendations The NCDC identified late presentation of cases, poor health-seeking behaviour driven by high treatment costs, poor environmental sanitation, and low awareness in high-burden communities as key factors contributing to the high fatality rate. It urged state governments to intensify year-round community engagement on Lassa fever prevention, called on healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and initiate timely referral and treatment, and emphasised the need for stronger state capacity to prevent, detect and respond promptly to outbreaks. READ ALSO: Candidate Lassa fever vaccine enters human trials as global health partners outline plans for Nigeria Lassa fever Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rats. It can also spread from person to person through contact with bodily fluids. The disease often begins with fever, weakness, and headache, and may progress to more severe symptoms such as bleeding, difficulty breathing, swelling, and organ failure. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with Ribavirin are critical for improving survival. The Supreme Court has set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal that discharged former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido and his sons, Mustapha and Aminu, of money laundering charges. A fivemember panel of the Supreme Court handed down the decision in a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday in separate appeals filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In the lead judgment read by a member of the panel, Abubakar Umar, the Supreme Court set aside the 25 July 2023 rulings of the Court of Appeal in Abuja and affirmed the earlier decision of Judge Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ruled that Mr Lamido and his co-defendants had a case to answer. The Supreme Court ordered that the matter be returned to the Federal High Court for continuation of trial. Background EFCC in 2015, charged Mr Lamido, his two sons and their companies before the Federal High Court in Abuja with 37 counts of money laundering involving about N1.35 billion allegedly siphoned from the state in a money laundering scheme. Mr Lamido and his co-defendants allegedly committed the offences during his time as the governor of the state. The commission said he abused his office between 2007 and 2015 to launder funds received as kickbacks from state government contracts. Other defendants in the case are his sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, Aminu Wada Abubakar, and their companies, Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd. After EFCC called more than 16 witnesses before closing its case, the defendants filed a nocase submission, arguing that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence to require them to open their defence. But trial judge Ojukwu dismissed the submission and ordered them to enter defence in November 2022. Mr Lamido, who recently indicated interest in becoming the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), went on appeal against the ruling. READ ALSO: Former Senate minority leader defects to APC In July 2023, the Court of Appeal upheld the nocase submission and ruled that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked territorial jurisdiction to sit on the case in the first place. The Court of Appeal held that the trial should have been conducted in Jigawa State, where the alleged offences occurred. However, in August 2023, EFCC asked the Supreme Court to overturn the appellate courts decision, leading to todays Judgement. Approaching his 97th birthday, the Chilean artist has published a book with Taschen in which he reviews his career, almost as boundless as it is surreal: My most important work is tying my shoelaces with my teeth On February 17, Alejandro Jodorowsky born in Tocopilla, Chile in 1929 will turn 97. His birthday was still a few weeks away at the time of this interview, but the artist said he already knew the three wishes hell make when he blows out the candles: time, time, and more time. I want to live 15 more years to continue doing what Im doing: living pleasantly, he explained in a video conference from his home in Paris. He has so many projects in the works that its hard for him to list them all. Ask my wife, he said, pointing to his wife, the artist Pascale Montandon, who was by his side throughout the interview. Alejandro is working on several books and comics, exhibitions, films, noted Montandon, who is 43 years younger than the artist, and has been his wife and collaborator for more than two decades. Jodorowskys most recent project is Alejandro Jodorowsky. Art Sin Fin (Taschen), two volumes in which he reviews his career, almost as boundless as it is surreal. Curated by editor and academic Donatien Grau, director of contemporary programs at the Louvre, this monograph is a work of art in itself and a manifesto that captures Jodorowskys kaleidoscopic, mysterious, and dreamlike creative spirit across all his universes, from film and theater to poetry and comics, by way of philosophy and tarot. It also includes a chapter on psychomagic, a non-scientific technique he created and practices that combines shamanism, tarot, psychoanalysis and dramaturgy, and which, he claims, serves to resolve psychological conflicts and heal the spirit. 'PascALEjandro, PascALEjandro forever', a 2021 work by the artist combining ink, watercolor, pencil, and collage with a photo of the creator and his wife, Pascale Montandon. Cedida por Taschen His version of the Tarot of Marseille. Jodo Camoin (Cedida por Taschen) The artist during the filming of The Holy Mountain in 1972. Harry Cohn (Alejandro and Pascal (Cedida por Taschen) I find psychoanalysis amusing. Ive read Freud, Fromm, JungIve studied them all, said Jodorowsky, recalling that as a young man he studied philosophy and psychology for two years at the University of Chile. But psychoanalysis believes it works with the truth, and thats a mistake. We are millions of miles away from the truth. There are millions of truths. We seek to get closer to it, and that is already a great step, he adds in his characteristic cryptic style. Despite his advanced age, he continues to practice psychomagic. He also continues to read tarot cards for free. I dont charge. Now they charge you for everything, even for food. Look at the restaurants, they charge. Food should be free. Art should be free. Like a riddle, his work is intricate, sometimes incomprehensible. The first volume of Art Sin Fin is a visual feast of fold-out pages, film stills, scenes from his performances, collages, drawings, and rare photographs from his personal archive. The book spans his career from the beginnings, when, at age 23, he arrived in Paris to study pantomime and, incidentally, save surrealism alongside Fernando Arrabal and Roland Topor. It also includes references to artistic milestones such as El Topo, his 1970 acid western; the hallucinatory and dreamlike The Holy Mountain from 1973; and his legendary, unfinished adaptation of Dune. The second volume shifts from image to voice, collecting Jodorowskys own reflections and confessions about his work and life. In his singular stylephilosophical, scandalous, unrestrainedhe maps out his obsessions, triumphs, and failures. A scene from the iconic film The Holy Mountain. ABKCO Films (Cedida por Taschen) One of Chris Foss' illustrations for Jodorowsky's aborted adaptation of Dune from 1976. ChrisFossArt.com / VG Bild-Kunst (Cedida por Taschen) Scene from Endless Poetry (2016), in which Jodorowsky recounts his childhood and youth in Chile. Le Pacte / Sombraluz Films (Cedida por Taschen) His ideas are often as hypnotic as they are indecipherable, always oscillating between the purest sanity and the most grotesque absurdity, between the logic of a child and the madness of an old man. When did he discover he wanted to be an artist? When my mother gave birth to me, he replied. What was his first artistic creation? Reading the ABCs. His most important work? Tying my shoelaces with my teeth. I take the lace in my mouth and make a really pretty knot, like a rose. Thats the best thing Ive ever done. What things make him happy? You, my wife, and me. Those are the three things that make me happiest right now. When asked how he stays in such good shape as he approaches his 97th birthday, he replied, No effort at all. Then the artist, who has had three wives and five children, added, To reach 97, you have to have a lot of women. Well, in that case I wont live long because Im gay. Are you gay? Thats fantastic. Im not homosexual, Im trentisexual. Then his wife Pascale Montandon chimed in with a laugh: Alejandro doesnt have 30 women, he only has one. Its not easy to tell when Jodorowsky is serious and when hes joking. He said hed like to live to 100, like his father, but that he isnt afraid of death. Ive thought about it since the day I was born. It doesnt scare me. If we dont think about death, we arent living, he reflected. He doesnt believe in GodIf he exists, he believes in meand defines himself as a mystical atheist. Everything about his work and his life is a contradiction, and yet everything he says rings true. He is an invention in himself, a grand magic trick that began in his childhood in the town of Tocopilla. There, in the Chilean region of Antofagasta, where mutilated coal miners drank to forget their lost limbs and dead fish swam along the coast, little Alejandro began to dream and to dream himself. Tocopilla was a village built facing the sea and the Andes. Now it seems magical to me. Every Tocopilla native is a magical being. I was a brilliant child. At four years old I started reading and I threw myself into creating. Everything I was able to do as an adult I was able to do as a child, he said. The son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, he had a relatively comfortable childhood. His father, a merchant by trade, sympathized with communism. He wasnt a communist, he practiced communism. Its something else entirely, he quipped, preferring not to comment on his own ideology: My ideology is cinema. He also didnt want to talk about the resurgence of right-wing politics in his two homelands, Chile and France. For me, politics isnt reality. Neither is religion. Nor did he want to comment on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. I dont live in that reality. Im Jewish because I was born Jewish, but Im not Jewish. Thats how it is. Jodorowsky at 27 years old, in Mexico. Alejandro and Pascale Jodorowsky (Cedida por Taschen) Jodorowsky has been playing a game of misdirection since childhood. At age 10, he moved with his family to Santiago, Chile. In 1945, he published his first poems and collaborated with Nicanor Parra and Enrique Lihn. Asked about Pablo Neruda, he hesitated. A poet in politics is a very difficult thing. Hes no longer a poet, hes an animal, he remarked. He then became interested in puppetry, pantomime and theater. At 17, he debuted as an actor, and a year later, he founded his own company. In 1953, he left Chile. In Paris, he made his film debut with the mime short film La Cravate, which was praised by Jean Cocteau. He met Andre Breton and Salvador Dali and mingled with the Surrealists. He formed the Panic Movement with Arrabal and Topor. The group, specializing in ephemeral and transgressive performances, lasted for a few years. Im still in touch with Arrabal, although we havent seen each other for 20 years. He sometimes sends me a message. Hes very nice, but I dont understand what he does, he confided. There are people who dont understand what Jodorowsky does either. The big question is whether he himself knows. Hes not going to answer that, either. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Supreme Court, on Friday, affirmed the conviction of 44-year-old Aminu Sule Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, for failing to declare $40,000 found on him at the airport in Kano in 2012. A five-member panel of the Supreme Court delivered the unanimous judgement dismissing Aminus appeal challenging his conviction by the Federal High Court in Kano. In the lead judgement written by Adamu Jauro but read by Abubakar Umar, the court held that Aminus appeal lacked merit. After resolving all the three central issues in the case against him, the court affirmed the earlier judgement of the Court of Appeal, Kaduna, which had upheld the decision of the Federal High Court, Kano. It was a double whammy for Lamidos, particularly Aminu, on Friday, with the Supreme Court earlier delivering a judgement reversing their acquittal in a separate money laundering trial. Former Governor Lamido and his two sons, including Aminu, are among the defendants in the trial in which they earlier secured an acquittal handed down by the Court of Appeal in July 2023. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the Supreme Court held on Friday that they had a case to answer in the money laundering trial involving allegations of diverting N1.35 billion belonging to Jigawa State while Mr Lamido was governor, and ordered them to return to the Federal High Court in Abuja to continue facing trial. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is the prosecuting agency in the N1.35 billion diversion and undeclared $40,000 cases, both of which were brought under the money laundering law. Background Aminu was arrested on 11 December 2012 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano over false currency declaration allegations as he prepared to travel to Cairo, Egypt. Prosecutors said he declared $10,000 to the Nigeria Customs Service but was found with an additional $40,000 that was not disclosed on his currency declaration form. EFCC charged Aminu, who was 34 years old at the time, before the Federal High Court in Kano with one count brought under the Money Laundering Act. In July 2015, the trial court convicted him and ordered him to forfeit 25 per cent of the undeclared sum to the federal government. Mr Lamido appealed the conviction at the Court of Appeal in Kaduna. In December 2015, the appellate court dismissed his appeal and upheld the decision of the trial court. Dissatisfied with the rulings of the lower courts, he approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn his conviction and set aside the forfeiture order. A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim injunction restraining the state assembly from going ahead with its impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. Justice F. A. Fiberesima gave the ruling on Friday while granting motions ex parte in the two suits filed by Governor Fubara and Mrs Odu, a professor. The two separate suits filed by the governor and his deputy were marked in Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026 and OYHC/6/CS/2026. The 27 lawmakers, including the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, the clerk of the House, and the chief judge, were listed as defendants in the suits. The court specifically restrained the Speaker of the assembly, Mr Amaewhule, and 32 others, including the clerk of the House, from sending any correspondence to the Chief Judge of the state, Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the House, on Friday, asked Mr Chibuzor-Amadi to set up a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy. But in the Friday ruling, Justice Fiberesima restrained Mr Chibuzor-Amadi from receiving, forwarding, considering or acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment or any form of communication from the 1st to the 27th defendants (the lawmakers) for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct against the governor and his deputy for a period of seven days. The court also granted leave to the governor and his deputy to serve the interim orders and originating processes on the 1st to the 31st defendants by pasting them at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters. The court further directed that the interim orders and originating processes be served on the 32nd defendant, the chief judge of Rivers State, through any staff member of the judiciary at the Chief Judges Chambers within the high court premises. The matter was thereafter adjourned to 23 January for the hearing of the motion on notice. Background On 8 January, Rivers State House of Assembly began impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Mrs Odu, over alleged gross misconduct. This is the third attempt by the lawmakers to impeach the Rivers governor since he was elected into office in 2023. The impeachment move came shortly after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FT), Nyesom Wike, accused the governor of reneging on the terms of a peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu in June last year. A faction of the All Progressives Congress, aligned with Mr Fubara, immediately rejected the impeachment plot against the governor, calling for a political resolution to the crisis. The call appeared to have yielded results when four lawmakers withdrew from the impeachment move against Governor Fubara. On 15 January, the assembly failed to reconvene despite earlier shifting its sitting until the day. This fuelled speculations that the lawmakers might drop the impeachment move. But on 16 January, the lawmakers announced that the impeachment process would proceed as earlier planned. Even the four lawmakers, who earlier withdrew their support, have again expressed their support for it. The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, has pledged to pursue justice relentlessly for members of Nigerias Armed Forces killed in the line of duty, describing their deaths as a supreme sacrifice for the nation. In a statement commemorating the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day on Thursday, Mr Oyedepo paid tributes to the fallen soldiers, noting that their sacrifice ensured the safety of Nigerians and the continuity of the country. The deceased were not just soldiers; they were fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands, and wives who chose duty over personal safety and service over self-interest, Mr Oyedepo said. They stood as a barrier between terror and innocent citizens, confronting danger head-on so that Nigerians could live and sleep in peace. Mr Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Ngieria (SAN) who assumed office as DPP in December 2025 following approval by President Bola Tinubu, reaffirmed his commitment as the nations chief federal prosecutor. He promised that all acts of terrorism, banditry, treason, and violent crime linked to the deaths of these soldiers would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to their logical conclusion. I promise to do my very best within the ambit of the law, he said, adding that the criminal justice system would not be allowed to rest and that the blood of the fallen heroes will not cry out in vain. The DPP also addressed the families of the deceased, acknowledging the irreparable loss but assuring them that their loved ones names were permanently etched in Nigerias history of courage. Mr Oyedepo further commended soldiers still serving on the frontlines, praising their resilience and bravery. They carry not only weapons but the dreams of millions of Nigerians who long for a safer and stronger nation, he said. His statement comes amid heightened concerns over terrorism and violent crime in Nigeria, where government efforts to prosecute terror suspects remain active and the military continues to battle armed groups across several states. Mr Oyedepo ended with prayers for eternal rest for the fallen, comfort for their families, and renewed strength for those defending the country against insecurity. The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has paid tribute to Nigerias fallen soldiers, praising their sacrifices in defence of the countrys sovereignty while urging the federal government to urgently improve the welfare and operational capacity of the armed forces amid worsening insecurity nationwide. In a statement on Thursday, jointly signed by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda; the Minority Whip, Ali Isa; the Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki; and the Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi, the caucus marked this years Armed Forces Remembrance Day with a solemn reflection on the courage and commitment of past and present military personnel. Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed annually on 15 January, is dedicated to honouring officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty. The day commemorates the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. It serves as a national moment of reflection on the sacrifices made by military personnel in defending the countrys unity, territorial integrity, and democratic institutions. It also provides an opportunity for Nigerians to celebrate serving officers and veterans, while reaffirming national gratitude to the families of fallen heroes. According to the Minority Caucus, the annual remembrance offers citizens an opportunity for deep introspection, particularly on the need for harmonious relationships, peaceful coexistence and national cohesion, especially amid persistent and evolving security challenges confronting the country. Acknowledging the rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria, the caucus commended the armed forces for their resilience and courage in confronting terrorism, banditry, insurgency and other criminal activities. It, however, urged military officers and men to remain steadfast and not rest on their oars, while assuring them of the continued prayers and goodwill of Nigerians. It noted that insecurity continues to undermine economic growth and national development, warning that sustainable progress would remain difficult without decisive action to strengthen the military. The caucus, therefore, called on the federal government to urgently review and enhance welfare schemes for personnel, alongside the provision of modern security b, arms and ammunition. Conscious of the effects of insecurity on economic growth and national development, the Caucus urges the federal government to evolve necessary measures towards improving the welfare schemes of the armed forces, and the provision of enhanced security equipment, arms and ammunition that will enable the military to effectively and efficiently curtail, and possibly wipe out the purveyors of varied insecurity in the country, the statement read. READ ALSO: Woman allegedly hacks husband to death with machete Such measures, the caucus said, are essential to enabling the armed forces to effectively curtail and possibly eliminate the various forms of insecurity threatening lives and property across the country. Reaffirming their responsibility as lawmakers, the caucus pledged to deploy legislative instruments where necessary to support the armed forces. It assured Nigerians that it would pursue relevant legislative actions to ensure that the military has the resources required to fulfil its constitutional mandate of safeguarding national security. The former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has accused operatives enforcing a demolition exercise in the state of assaulting residents, unlawfully detaining victims and destroying evidence of alleged abuses. Mr Rhodes-Vivour, who defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) last year, made the allegations in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday, following his visit to the affected community in Jakande Housing Estate, in Ilesan, Lagos State, on Wednesday. According to him, security operatives and suspected government agents violently attacked residents during the operation, including a man he identified as Engineer Maro, whom he said was beaten until he collapsed. I visited the site on Wednesday. Maro is the person Im talking about. He was beaten into a coma and is currently in detention, Mr Rhodes-Vivour said. They are now demanding that we produce senior civil servants as sureties before he can be granted bail. He said he personally witnessed several assaults during the operation, estimating that between 15 and 20 residents were attacked. I directly saw two to three people being assaulted. Multiple people used sticks to beat one man until he fell to the ground and passed out, he said. Mr Rhodes-Vivour, also alleged that operatives destroyed phones belonging to residents who attempted to document the incident. They snatched a mans phone and destroyed it. That is something they are very good at, he said, adding that similar incidents occurred during previous confrontations involving demolition exercises in the state. He accused the Lagos State Government of acting in defiance of court orders restraining the demolition. There was an injunction by the court stopping the demolition, but it was completely disobeyed. This is a lawless government that expects citizens to be law-abiding, he said. The former governorship candidate further alleged that the demolition was driven by land grabbing and profit rather than public interest, arguing that compensation offered to affected residents was inadequate. People are turned overnight from landlords into homeless persons, with compensation that cannot secure rent in the same area. Meanwhile, the land taken from them will later be sold for hundreds of millions of naira, he said. He maintained that the cleared land was not intended for affordable housing but for luxury developments, adding that similar demolitions had occurred in Makoko and other waterfront communities. These are communities that have existed since the 1800s. Indigenous Lagosians who have lived there for generations are being displaced, while profit is prioritised over their well-being, he said. Mr Rhodes-Vivour called on Nigerians and civil society organisations to challenge what he described as growing impunity by the Lagos State Government. This aggression against residents and land grabbing must be reported, resisted and challenged, he said. How it started In a post on X on Thursday, Mr Rhodes-Vivour said he visited Jakande Housing Estate, in Ilesan, Lagos State, where he alleged that operatives enforcing the demolition ignored a court injunction and assaulted residents. He accused the government of worsening homelessness and the cost-of-living crisis by demolishing public housing originally built for low-income earners under the late former Lagos State Governor, Lateef Jakande. In a separate post on Friday, he reiterated that the Lagos State Government continued to disregard court orders and violate property rights, citing similar demolitions in Otodo-Gbame, Makoko, Oworo and Jakande. He referenced Section 28 of the Land Use Act, which provides that land may only be acquired for overriding public interest and that owners must be fairly compensated, arguing that the demolitions served private commercial interests. Mr Rhodes-Vivour has repeatedly criticised the Lagos State Government over demolition exercises across the state, accusing it of prioritising elite interests over the welfare of low-income residents. In October 2025, Mr Rhodes-Vivour condemned demolitions carried out in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos. In a post on X, he accused the government of conducting the exercise at midnight without giving residents adequate time to evacuate their belongings. Government cannot exist solely for the interest of the rich in a state that is over 75 per cent poor, he wrote. He further alleged that lands cleared during such exercises were later appropriated and sold for large sums, calling on the government to ensure transparency and implement dignified relocation programmes for displaced residents. Earlier, in September 2024, Mr Rhodes-Vivour called on the Lagos State Government to halt demolitions of waterfront communities, citing alleged demolitions in Okobaba and Ayetoro. He warned that the actions would worsen poverty, homelessness and insecurity in the state. Describing the governments approach to urban development as inhumane, he said demolishing informal settlements without providing viable alternatives amounted to a systemic failure. He referenced demolitions in Okobaba, Ayetoro, Sogunro and Iwaya waterfronts and accused the government of misrepresenting the legality of some settlements, citing historical commitments by the late Mr Jakande to provide low-cost housing for affected communities. In May 2024, Mr Rhodes-Vivour also criticised the states demolition policy in an opinion article responding to comments by the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, who had said that about 80 per cent of buildings in Ibeju-Lekki lacked government approval and would be demolished. While the state justified the demolitions on the grounds of planning violations and right-of-way encroachments, Mr Rhodes-Vivour argued that years of institutional failure, corruption and poor urban planning had created the crisis, warning that demolitions should not be the governments default response. The Lagos State Government has yet to issue a statement or publicly respond to the allegations as of press time. The University of Lagos (UNILAG) is set to graduate 16,506 undergraduate and postgraduate students at its 56th convocation ceremony, scheduled to hold from 19 January to 23 January. According to the university Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola, a professor, 709 of the graduating students finished with a first class honours and distinction for postgraduate students. Ms Ogunsola disclosed this during a pre-convocation press conference on Wednesday. The pre-convocation press conference set in motion a series of week-long events to celebrate the 56th convocation of the university where first degrees, diplomas, certificates, postgraduate diplomas, masters and doctoral degrees, as well as honorary awards will be awarded. The week-long convocation activities begins on Friday, 16 January, with a Jumaat Service at the University Central Mosque and ends with a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Christ Our Light, University of Lagos on Sunday 25 January. Statistics Ms Ogunsola said the university will be graduating 16,506 students, out of which 10,584 students will receive first degrees and diplomas while 5,782 will be awarded postgraduate degrees and 140 will graduate from the UNILAG business School (ULBS). According to the vice-chancellor, 4,543 undergraduate students will graduate with second class upper honours and 3,910 with second class lower. She added 479 students will also receive Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD), 5,184 Masters degree, 119 Doctorates, 112 ULBS Masters and 28 ULBS Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). Best students The overall best graduating student, Ms Ogunsola said, is Chukwuzubelu Umeozo who earned a perfect score of 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), also graduating as the best student in the Humanities, from the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences. The best graduating student from the Sciences is Deborah Oloton from the Department of Architecture, with a 4.91 CGPA. The overall best PhD Thesis award would be presented to Haruna Abubakar, who obtained his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Structures option), while the best PhD thesis (Humanities) is Beatice Zuhumnen in Educational Psychology. At the ULBS, the best PhD thesis (DBA) is by Oyeyemi Adebamowo. Week-long event Ms Ogunsola explained that the week-long convocation activities will begin on Friday, 16 January, with a Jumaat Service at the University Central Mosque. On Monday, 19 January, the university will unveil the UNILAG multimedia Library studio, followed by an exhibition showcasing innovations and creative works by staff and students. The library studio facility was funded through a World Bank Centre of Excellence project to empower students and researchers to document Nigerias rich cultural heritage on digital media. On the same day, the convocation lecture will be delivered by the founder of Slum2School Africa and pioneer of the first Virtual Learning Classroom in Sub-Saharan Africa, Orondaam Otto. The convocation lecture is titled Maximising Nigerias Demographic Dividend through Urgent Education Reform for Global Competitiveness in the 21st Century. The lecture will be chaired by the President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Rahamon Bello, a professor who served as the universitys 11th vice-chancellor. On Tuesday, 20 January, the university will confer first degrees, diplomas, certificates, and prizes on graduands from the Faculties of Arts, Architecture, Communication and Media Studies, Creative Arts, Education, Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical and Earth Sciences, Computing and Informatics, and Social Sciences. On Wednesday, 21 January, degree awards will be conferred on graduates from the College of Medicine, covering Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, and Health Professions, as well as the Faculties of Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, Pharmacy, and the Distance Learning Institute. On Thursday, 22 January, the university will confer postgraduate diplomas, masters and doctoral degrees, including DBA and EMBA, on graduates of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the University of Lagos Business School. On the same day, the university will honour two retired academics as Emeritus Professors. They are: James Olowokujdejo, a professor at the Department of Botany and Duro Oni, also a professor at the Department of Theatre Arts. In recognition of their sustained service to the university and the nation, UNILAG will also confer a title of a Distinguished Professor to Akisanya Osibogun, a professor and Gold Medals to Ayoka Olusakin, a professor of Counselling Psychology, and Taiwo Ipaye, the Director of the Office of Advancement, President of the University of Lagos Women society. The university will also confer honourary doctorate of business degree on Jubril Tinubu and honourary doctorate of laws degree on Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. On Friday, 23 January, the university will hold a luncheon with the Doyen and the Long Service Award ceremony, followed by the Convocation Play. This years production, in continuation with our focus on our history, is Ola Rotimis Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, to be staged at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium at 4:00 p.m. The 56th convocation ceremonies will formally conclude on Sunday, 25 January, with a thanksgiving Service at 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Christ Our Light, University of Lagos, the vice-chancellor said. Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric celebrated for protecting hundreds of Christians during a 2018 communal violence in Plateau State, has died. He was 92. Mr Abubakar, the chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, died on Thursday, family and community sources said. He received national and international praise in June 2018 after he opened his mosque and home to people fleeing deadly attacks by armed assailants in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities. At the height of the violence, he reportedly sheltered about 300 Christians, refusing demands by attackers to hand them over. He also mobilised local youths to help guard those taking refuge, an act widely praised as a rare display of courage and interfaith solidarity. His actions drew commendations from across Nigeria and beyond, with political leaders, religious bodies and civil society organisations hailing him as a symbol of peace in a region frequently rocked by ethno-religious conflict. In 2019, the United States government honoured him with the International Religious Freedom Award, while the Nigerian government also announced plans to recognise his humanitarian intervention. READ ALSO: Imo Commissioner declares State ready for 2nd Niger Delta Games Plateau State officials and community leaders have described his death as a major loss, noting that his life and legacy embodied peaceful coexistence and the moral authority of religious leadership in times of crisis. Details of burial arrangements were yet to be announced as of the time of filing this report. Four members of Rivers House of Assembly, who had earlier withdrawn from the impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, have backtracked and are now in support of it. The assembly members disclosed this in a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Friday, 16 January. The lawmakers are the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, who represents Omuma State Constituency, Peter Abbey, the member representing Degema State Constituency, Barile Nwakoh, who represents Khana State Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor State Constituency II, where the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, hails from. Last week, they announced their withdrawal from the impeachment move against Governor Fubara and his deputy and appealed for an amicable resolution of the crisis. No sign of remorse Speaking during the press conference on Friday, the four lawmakers explained that they decided to reverse their stance because Governor Fubara and his deputy, Mrs Odu, a professor, failed to show any remorse. The Minority Leader, Mr Nwankwo, claimed that the lawmakers found out that the governor and his deputy have employed their media aides to attack the Rivers House of Assembly, rather than seeking a political solution. Youll recall that on the 12th day of January, my colleague and I, Honourable Peter Abbey, addressed the press, wherein we made a plea to our colleagues to seek a political solution to the crisis between the assembly and the governor of Rivers State. During the time of this appeal, we found out that the governor and deputy governor have employed their media boys and aides to continuously attack the Rivers State House of Assembly, instead of seeking a political solution which we offered, he said. It is on this basis that my colleague, Peter Abbey, and I are saying that the impeachment proceeding should continue. We have rescinded our plea. The Deputy Minority Leader, Mrs Nwakoh, also claimed that the governor and deputy governor have sent signals that they are not prepared to retrace their steps and govern in line with the Nigerian Constitution. They (the governor and deputy) are adamant. We are now convinced that their strategy is to intimidate us into withdrawing the impeachment process for the third time, while they continue their infractions on the Constitution and the law, she said. Continuing, Mrs Nwakoh said: They are insisting that we will not perform our oversight functions like other state legislatures in the federation. This is very bad for our democracy. On this note, we are proceeding with the impeachment process. And while we thank Mr President for his fatherly effort so far, the governor and his deputy have both disregarded. On her part, Mrs Amadi equally reiterated that she and her colleagues have now reversed their stance and joined the move to impeach Mr Fubara and his deputy. Background On 8 January, the Rivers assembly initiated a third impeachment proceedings against Mr Fubara. The impeachment move came shortly after the FCT minister, Mr Wike, accused the governor of reneging on the terms of a peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu in June last year. The House, two days later, refuted reports suggesting 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 impeachment move is linked to the protracted feud between Messrs Fubara and Wike. The Rivers lawmakers are loyal to the FCT minister. Two police operatives were killed on Thursday in Enugu State when gunmen attacked a police team in the South-eastern state. The incident, PREMIUM TIMES gathered, occurred at about 9 p.m. along Agbani Road in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state. The attack happened just opposite a police college and a few miles to the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Enugu. This newspaper gathered that the police team attacked by the hoodlums was the Distress Response Squad, which was set up to check insecurity in the state. A vehicle belonging to the police team was razed by the hoodlums during the attack, witnesses said. A video clip, recorded shortly after the attack and obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, showed the vehicle in flames. Police speak The police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the attack and killing of the officers in a statement on Friday. Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, claimed suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) carried out the attack. The criminals suddenly opened fire on the police team without provocation. The operatives responded promptly, forcing the assailants to flee with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. During the exchange of gunfire, the teams operational vehicle caught fire, while two police officers sustained severe gunshot injuries, he said. The injured officers were taken to the hospital for urgent medical attention but were later confirmed dead by the attending medical personnel. Mr Ndukwe did not, however, did not give the identities of the slain operatives. The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, has ordered police operatives to deploy available resources and leverage actionable intelligence to track down the attackers. Mr Giwa, he said, confirmed that a Lexus 330 SUV, earlier snatched from its owner by the hoodlums and used for the attack, has been recovered by the police. The police chief appealed to Enugu State residents to provide credible information that would aid the arrest and prosecution of the hoodlums. He assured that the police in the state would be resolute and committed to arresting and prosecuting the criminals in line with the law. IPOB, which is seeking the secession of South-east and some parts of the South-south from Nigeria, is often blamed for the insecurity in the South-east, but it has repeatedly denied its involvement in the deadly attacks in the region. The Rivers State House of Assembly has asked the Chief Judge of the state, Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi, to set up a panel to investigate the gross misconduct allegations against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The assembly made the request in two separate letters to the chief judge, signed by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the assembly, on Friday, passed a resolution requesting the chief judge to set up the investigative panel as part of the impeachment process against the governor and his deputy. Setting up the panel I write to request that you appoint a panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct against His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, pursuant to section 188(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Mr Amaewhule stated in the first letter dated 16 January 2026. The speaker told the chief judge that he attached to the letter an acknowledged copy of the notice of alleged gross misconduct against the governor. He said he had attached to the letter copies of the Rivers State Impeachment Panel (Conduct of Investigations) Procedure, 2025, and newspaper publications regarding the impeachment notice. In the second letter, also dated 16 January, Mr Amaewhule requested that the chief judge establish another panel of seven to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the Deputy Governor, Mrs Odu, a professor. On the 60th legislative day of the third session of the 10th Assembly, the House resolved in compliance with section 188(4) of the Constitution that these allegations be investigated, he stated. The speaker told the chief judge that he had attached to the letter an acknowledged copy of the notice of alleged gross misconduct against the deputy governor He added that he had also attached to the letter copies of the Rivers State Impeachment Panel (Conduct of Investigations) Procedure, 2025, and newspaper publications about the impeachment notice against her. Background On 8 January, Rivers House of Assembly began impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Mrs Odu, over alleged gross misconduct. This is the third attempt by the lawmakers to impeach the Rivers governor since he was elected into office in 2023. 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. A faction of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers, which supports Mr Fubara, immediately rejected the impeachment plot against the governor, calling for a political resolution of the crisis. The call appeared to have yielded results when four lawmakers withdrew from the impeachment move. The assembly failed to reconvene on 15 January. This fuelled speculations that the lawmakers may drop the impeachment move. But on 16 January, the lawmakers announced that the impeachment process would proceed as planned. Even the four lawmakers who earlier withdrew their support for the impeachment move have again declared their support for it. The preventive immunization Nous-209 works in an initial trial with patients who have 17 times the risk of developing tumors compared to the general population Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez has spent more than 10 years pursuing a goal that seemed very distant, but which he now sees as a little closer: to develop a preventive vaccine against cancer. The physician and researcher is leading a study that presented the first promising results of a colon cancer vaccine in a small group of patients suffering from a rare disease that makes them 17 times more likely to develop colon cancer than the general population. The trial results show that precancerous lesions had not grown a year after receiving the treatment and, more importantly, no new lesions had appeared. This is a first indication that the vaccine, Nous-209, can help prevent cancer before it appears, according to a statement released Wednesday by the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, USA, where Vilar Sanchez works. It is an initial step for the field, but we have shown that the development of preventive vaccines against cancer is feasible, the 46-year-old Madrid-born doctor explains to EL PAIS. The trial focuses on a very small and specific population: patients with Lynch syndrome. This inherited genetic disorder affects approximately one in 270 people and significantly increases their risk of developing recurrent colon cancer throughout their lives. The trial involved 45 patients with this syndrome who, at the time, had not developed colon cancer, but did have potentially precancerous lesions known as polyps. The Nous-209 vaccine consists of an inactivated monkey adenovirus that carries 209 antigens (proteins) that are frequently found in tumors of the colon, stomach and endometrium. In theory, this treatment helps the immune system recognize cancer cells. The vaccine was well tolerated, with no serious treatment-related side effects. All participants developed robust T-cell immune responses capable of recognizing and attacking cancer-related targets, and these responses increased further with annual re-administration. In laboratory tests, the vaccine-induced T cells were able to eliminate tumor cells and showed signs of long-lasting immune memory. One year after treatment, researchers observed fewer precancerous lesions and no new advanced polyps in 85% of participants, providing early evidence that NOUS-209 could help stop cancer before it develops. The results are published in Nature Medicine. This vaccine, or others like it, could be applicable to the general population. The tumors that develop in these patients are characterized by two DNA lesions known as mismatch repair deficiency and microsatellite instability. These same types of lesions appear in 15% of colon tumors, 20% of endometrial tumors, and 5% of bladder and stomach tumors. Vilar-Sanchez discusses the implications of the results. Clearly, the direct applicability is to the population with Lynch syndrome, which is relatively large, representing 3% of all colon cancers [there are one million patients with the syndrome in the United States alone]. In the future, it would also be applicable to the prevention of these cancers in the general population. Now, the challenge lies in identifying the risk groups, and thats where the trick lies, because the development of preventive vaccines must go hand in hand with the development of risk identification strategies. The important thing is that we are taking a significant first step in this entire field, he underscores. The vaccine was developed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Nouscom. The company and its U.S. medical team are already preparing larger clinical trials to compare the effectiveness of the immunization with randomized control groups in order to clarify the true effectiveness of the treatment. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A bank official on Friday told the FCT High Court in Abuja that the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS), during the tenure of Governor Yahaya Bello, transferred over N1.1 billion to a private company. Led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the ninth prosecution witness, David Ajoma, said the money was transferred to Bespoque Business Solutions Limited (BBSL). Mr Ajoma, a compliance officer with Sterling Bank, continued his testimony from Thursdays court proceedings. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the witness had opened his testimony, detailing transfers of funds from KSIRS to BBLS and how the companys name had surfaced in previous witness testimonies. Meanwhile, the connection between the transfers from KSIRS to BBLS and Mr Bello along with his co-defendants in the N110 billion fraud case, is not clear yet at the current stage of the trial. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mr Bello alongside two co-defendants on 16 counts of diverting N110 billion belonging to the Kogi State Government. The former governor faces the charges alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, with whom he allegedly conspired to perpetrate the alleged fraud. Mr Bello, who served two terms as the governor of Kogi from January 2016 to January 2024, allegedly committed the offences alongside his co-defendants during his tenure in office. The anti-graft agency said Mr Bello dishonestly used the stolen funds to acquire properties located in choice areas of Abuja and one in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All the defendants denied the charges. During Thursdays proceedings, the EFCC presented BBSLs account statement through the witness. Breakdown of the transfer of funds Giving a breakdown of the cashflow on the BBSLs account, the witness, Mr Ajoma, recalled on Friday that the balance on the bank account was only N2 million just before it began to receive a surge of inflows amounting to N99.5 million from KSIRS between 2 January and 28 February 2019. EFCC has questioned the legitimacy of the transfers. Similarly, the witness said KSIRS transferred over N960 million to the company from 1 March to August 2019. The witness also stated that there was a cash withdrawal pattern by Philip Kuma after there was an inflow from KSIRS. Mr Kumas identity is unknown. EFCCs lawyer, Mr Pinheiro, asked the witness if some of the cash withdrawals by Mr Kuma exceeded the limits prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The witness answered affirmatively, From the statement of account before me, I can see multiple cash withdrawals with the maximum exceeding N10 million, he said. Mr Pinheiro also inquired if the bank (Sterling Bank) filed a Suspicious Transaction Report (STR); the witness replied, I believe the bank did; I do not have that information. Under cross-examination by Mr Bello and Orichas defence lawyer, Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the witness noted that he had no record of Cash Transactions Report (CTR) or STR filed on the account. Answering a question raised by Mr Hudus lawyer, A.M Aliyu, a SAN, the witness said the bank never blocked BBSLs account, nor were the cash withdrawals from Mr Kuma considered wrong. There is nothing wrong with the withdrawals of cash by Philip Kuma, he said. Comparing transactions before the KSIRS transfers The lawyer also asked the witness to peruse the BBSL account statement, comparing the records from the period KSIRS credited the company (January to August 2019) with the prior six months entries. Mr Ajoma told the court that KSIRS made no transfer during the six months preceding January 2019. He also noted that Mr Kuma did not withdraw above N1 million prior to the KSIRS transfer. But after KSIRS credited BBSL, Mr Kuma withdrew a total of N950 million from January to August 2019. However, during cross-examination, Mr Ajoma admitted he knew neither the signatories to BBSLs account nor the nature of the firms business. He further noted that the Kogi State Government was not reflected in any of the transaction narrations. When Messrs Bello and Orichas lawyer, Mr Daudu asked the witness if he knew the difference between Kogi State Government and KSIRS, he replied, The government is a separate entity from KSIRS. The witness also testified that aside from Mr Kuma, there were other beneficiaries in the account statement. Mr Daudu asked Mr Ajoma to look at the faces of the defendants who were all present in court, say their names aloud and identify if their names were captured on the list of beneficiaries. The witness responded that their names were not on the list. Meanwhile, the third prosecution witness, Abimbola Williams, a UBA compliance officer at the United Bank for Africa (UBA), testified in October 2025, that the third defendant, Mr Hudu who served as the Kogi State Government House accountant withdrew over N1 billion from the Government Houses bank account within nine months. Ms Williams testified during the October 2025 proceedings that her bank filed an STR because each withdrawal exceeded the legal threshold. In contrast, Mr Ajoma told the court on Friday that he was not certain whether his bank filed an STR regarding the transactions his testimony dwelled on. After the defence lawyers concluded cross-examining Mr Ajoma on Friday, trial judge Maryanne Anenih adjourned further proceedings until 10 February. Unidentified individuals and companies The identities of several individuals and companies whose names have featured in other witnesses testimonies are not clear yet. Nevertheless, further developments in the case may bring these details into focus. Two witnesses from Efab Properties Limited (EPL) have testified in the trial. The first was the chairperson of the firm, Fabian Nworah, and the second was an employee. They were called to testify on a property sold to Shehu Bello with Bello Ohiani written on the agreement. However, none of the witnesses mentioned the name of the former governor or the other defendants names in the dealings. Since their testimonies, subpoenaed staff members across several banks have taken turns to testify. A compliance officer at Ecobank, Jesutomi Akoni, appeared as the fourth prosecution and gave evidence on the account statement of Moses Wanzu, whose relationship with the case is still unclear. Ms Akoni told the court that the account holder, Mr Wanzu, as well as Abdulwahab Sabo and Shehu Bello deposited millions into the account. But Ms Akoni denied knowing their identities. The fifth prosecution witness, Victoria Oluwafemi, confirmed that Bello Shehu made multiple electronic transfers of N250 million and N150 million to SFC Foods Limited and JIT Agric Limited, respectively. In October, Mr Mshelia stated that Mr Hudu withdrew over N707 million from the government houses bank account within two days in January 2018. He also said that over N200 million was transferred from the KSIRS to the BBLS account during Mr Bellos tenure as state governor. The police in Lagos on Friday, charged a 25yearold man, Christopher Monday, before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates Court, over alleged sexual assault on his neighbours four-year-old daughter. The defendant, who resides at No.13 Surulere St, in Dopemu, Agege, is standing trial on one count of sexual assault. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor, Adegoke Ademigbuji, an assistant supritendent of police, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on 17 October 2025 at 8 Surulere St. Dopemu, Agege. He alleged that the defendant lured the minor into his room, and fondled with her private parts. He said that the girl later reported the situation to her mother, and the defendant was consequently arrested. The prosecutor said that the offence contravenes the provision of section 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. ALSO READ: Court remands security guard over alleged sexual assault on teenager The Chief Magistrate, M.F. Onamusi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of one million naira, with two sureties in like sum. The court adjourned the case until 30 January for mention. (NAN) 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. Nearly a decade ago, Nigeria erupted over the abduction and alleged forced conversion of Ese Oruru, a Christian girl, to Islam. Today, a Muslim girl is alleged to have been abducted, raped, and forcibly converted to Christianity by a state security operative. Will this case attract the same volume of condemnation? The same moral panic? The same international attention? Or will it be quietly processed because it does not fit a preferred narrative? I have always resisted being dragged into ethnoreligious arguments. Not because the issues are trivial, but because many of the loudest voices in such debates are not merely passionate they are fanatical. Some are so blinded by affiliation that they excuse injustice, flirt with heresy, or even justify violence in the defence of identity. In recent months, especially after US President Donald Trumps inflammatory threats against Nigerian Muslims over an alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, I found myself losing respect for some elders, friends, and colleagues. Their positions were so reckless and prejudiced that they made me question whether our long-standing relationships had ever been grounded in sincerity. It was against this background that recent media reports jolted my memory: a State Security Service (SSS) operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, had been arrested for allegedly abducting, raping, and forcibly converting a Muslim girl to Christianity. Instantly, my mind travelled back to 2016 the traumatic case of Ese Oruru and Yunusa Dahiru, popularly known as Yellow. That episode dominated newspapers, television screens, social media timelines, and the commentary of self-styled influencers who fed hungrily on outrage. In March 2016, precisely 10 years ago I intervened in that heated national debate with an article titled Ese Oruru: From Delta to Northern Savannah. Drawing from my positive 1992 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience in Delta State, I contrasted a past era of inter-ethnic openness with the poisonous divisions that surfaced during the Ese OruruYunusa Dahiru saga. Ese, a teenage girl from Bayelsa, and Yunusa, a young Kano-born artisan living in Yenagoa, became unwilling symbols in a storm whipped up by sensationalist media, political opportunists, and religious bigots. My argument then was simple but unpopular: What should have been treated as a grave but personal criminal matter an ill-advised and unlawful teenage elopement was irresponsibly reframed into a national crisis of religion and ethnicity. The case was weaponised. Hypocrisy flourished. Sectarian outrage drowned nuance. And anyone who urged restraint or perspective was branded a traitor. The facts of that case are well known. Ese Oruru, a teenager, was taken from Bayelsa to Kano by Yunusa Dahiru, who claimed to be her boyfriend. She was allegedly forced to convert to Islam and married without parental consent. Following intense public pressure, she was rescued in 2016 while pregnant. In 2020, a Federal High Court sentenced Yunusa to 26 years in prison for child trafficking and sexual exploitation. On appeal, the sentence was reduced to seven years, accounting for time already spent in custody. What received far less attention, however, was what happened afterwards. Yunusa reportedly completed his secondary education while incarcerated and was described by the Nigerian Correctional Service as a well-behaved and reform-minded inmate and was released in 2023. Ese Oruru, on the other hand, despite the trauma and stigma, returned to school and later gained admission to the University of Ilorin, from where she graduated in 2025. These outcomes did not erase the crime, but they reminded us that justice, rehabilitation, and human recovery can coexist. Fast-forward to the present. The SSS has confirmed the arrest of its operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, following a petition alleging that he abducted a Muslim girl, Walida Abdulhadi, kept her in a SSS residence for two years, sexually exploited her, and forcibly converted her to Christianity. According to her family, they searched desperately for Walida during this period and reportedly lost her mother to the trauma. They only learnt of her whereabouts when the suspect allegedly called her father on New Years Day 2026, claiming Walida had given birth to his child and that he intended to marry her. The familys lawyers have rightly described the case as a grave abuse of office and demanded prosecution and an independent investigation of the SSS facility involved. To its credit, the SSS confirmed the arrest, condemned the alleged conduct as a violation of its code of ethics, and announced that a full investigation is underway, with assurances that the findings will be made public. And yet, here lies the uncomfortable question: Where is the outrage? Nearly a decade ago, Nigeria erupted over the abduction and alleged forced conversion of Ese Oruru, a Christian girl, to Islam. Today, a Muslim girl is alleged to have been abducted, raped, and forcibly converted to Christianity by a state security operative. Will this case attract the same volume of condemnation? The same moral panic? The same international attention? Or will it be quietly processed because it does not fit a preferred narrative? When I wrote in 2016, I was almost crucified for refusing to dance to the drums of sectarian hysteria. Today, faced with a disturbingly similar incident, I find myself cautious almost hesitant to speak, knowing how easily principled arguments can be twisted into accusations of bias. But silence, too, is a position. Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of An Encounter with the Spymaster and can be reached via [email protected]. Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, it appears the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may not be slowing down on the expansion of its sphere of influence into hitherto hostile parts of Nigeria in its journey to possible one party dominance of the country. In addition to making successful inroad into the South South geo-political zone and greater parts of the Middle Belt, the South East geo-political zone is in the cusp of its political history, where a tectonic shift from its allegiance to the former ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC is about to be actualised. Since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Nigerias South-East geo-political, which is also the homeland of the Igbo, one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria, has been the major artery of support for the PDP. The support of Ndigbo for the PDP was such that every Onye Igbo was associated with the party as though their umbilical cords were tied together. Even when one of theirs and a prominent founding father of the PDP, former vice president Alex Ekueme lost the presidential nomination bid of the party to Olusegun Obasanjo, a Yoruba from Nigerias south west, Ndigbo still voted massively for the former ruling party in the 1999 presidential election. And despite the age long quest for a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction, Ndigbo voted massively for Umar Musa YarAdua, a northerner who was the presidential candidate of the PDP in 2027, against Odumegwu Ojukwu, a fellow Igbo man because in the estimation of most people of the South East, the Southern part of Nigeria had its turn in Obasanjos eight year rule and it was the turn of the North in compliance with the zoning and rotation principle of the party. It was in keeping faith with the principles of zoning and rotation of presidential power between the North and North even when they werent direct beneficiaries yet, that then chairman of the PDP, Vincent Ogboluafor, an Igbo man from the south east declared unequivocally that the presidency of Nigeria remains in the north upon the death of former President YarAdua one year to the end of his first four year tenure and warning ALL southerners in the party, including the sitting president Goodluck Jonathan to leave the stage for the 2011 presidential race for ONLY northerners. Ogbuluafor was to pay a steep price for this most principled stand on behalf of northern Nigeria because unbeknownst to him, President Jonathan, had the ambition to run against the principle of zoning. For standing for the principle of equity, justice and fairness for northern Nigeria, Vincent Ogbuluafor was forced out of office as party chairman and put on trial for trumped up charges of corruption. Not done with their principled stand on the right direction for the party presidential nomination, Ekwesilieze Nwodo,another Igbo man from the south east who succeeded Ogbuluafor as PDP national chairman, turned out to be an ally of former vice president Atiku Abubabakar, who was the northern consensus candidate to challenge President Jonathan for the 2011 presidential nominee. Accused of working stealthily for the emergence of Atiku Abubakar, Chairman Nwodo was unceremoniously eased out of office and since no Igbo man can be trusted to betray the partys principles of zoning and rotation that clearly favoured the North, Bello Mohammed Haliru, a northerner was appointed chairman of PDP in his stead. It was Bello Haliru that conducted the primary election that threw up Goodluck Jonathan, a southerner at time the candidacy of the party was due north. Thus began the beginning of the end of the PDP. But despite their effort to save the party from itself, Ndigbo again voted massively for the PDP in the 2011 presidential election. However, the best the South East and its people have to offer the PDP was yet to come until the party fell from power in 2015. Apparently seeing through Muhammadu Buharis incompetence, divisiveness, bigotry and unbridled clannishness, Nidigbo rejected APC twice in 2015 and 2019 with an uncommon tenacity of courage that strengthened the PDP in opposition. And in rejecting President Buhari a second time, Ndigbo did not do so for a fellow Igbo man. They voted against President Buhari in 2019 in favour of Atiku Abubakar, a Hausa speaking Fulani Muslim from northern Nigeria like the then president to underscore the point that in rejecting APCs Muhammadu Buhari, it was about his personality not his region, religion or ethnicity. Unfortunately, after a dedicated 24 years of unalloyed loyalty, faithfulness and commitment to the PDP, when it was expected that the party will reward this south east geo-political zone with the presidential candidacy of the party going into the 2023 presidential election, the northern wing of the party led by former vice president Atiku Abubakar though otherwise. In what may go down as a classic case of grand betrayal of trust, loyalty and friendship, the northern wing of the PDP, for which Ndigbo have made political life threatening sacrifices and massive support decided to violate the zoning of the presidency to the south in general and the south east geo-political zone in particular. To make matters worse, it was Atiku Abubakar, a man who had enjoyed massive support from Ndigbo in the course of his political journey in the Fourth Republic that will mindlessly lead the prevention of the emergence of a PDP presidential candidate of Igbo extraction by taking it for himself. But as I warned on this page on the perils of violating zoning going into the 2023 presidential election, the PDP has found itself on the wrong side of history of Ndigbo in the 4th Republic. In an article titled That PDP May not Sail against the Wind, I warned; that the PDP may not sail against the strong wind of presidency that is blowing south, will be for the party to field a southern candidate as its presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election. For the PDP, 2023 presidential election is not just about winnability but actual survival. While the APC is dominant in the north and the PDPs strongest support base is in the south, the move by the APC to field a southern candidate in the 2023 presidential election will torpedo the PDP from the region if the party fields a northern candidate. And if the PDP goes ahead to sail against the wind in 2023 by fielding a northern candidate, the ship of the party will capsize, sink into oblivion as the party will lose in the north and in the south to the APC and go into extinction in post Buhari Nigeria. True to this prediction, PDPs Atiku Abubakar lost in the North to APCs Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a southerner and LPs Peter Obi, a southerner in the south. Again, the PDP is currently sinking into oblivion as it has lost influence in the south, which used to be its strongest support base. But most importantly, the sinking PDP is being TORPEDOED from the south particularly the South East by the APC, which threw up a Nigerian president of southern Nigeria extraction in the person of Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Therefore, the strategic realignment of individuals, groups and geo-political interests, beginning with massive defections in the south east from the PDP into the APC, which eventually culminated into the recent South East regional endorsement of President Tinubu and adoption of the APC as the mainstream political party of the region is simply a matter of cause and effect as previously predicted. Interestingly, President Tinubu, a grandmaster of establishment politics has also adopted the right approach of peaceful overture, reconciliation and inclusion despite losing massively in the region in the 2023 presidential election. So, the Izu Umunna Enugu gathering of APC Chieftains, where an impressive array of Governors, federal law makers, federal government appointees and supporters of the ruling party collectively endorsed President Tinubu for a second term indeed marks a paradigm shift grounded in pragmatism according to the host Governor Peter Mbah. Majeed Dahiru, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja and can be reached through [email protected]. Yesterday was Armed Forces Remembrance Day signalling the emergence of the military sixty years ago. On the 15th of January 1966 to be precise, a certain Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu addressed Nigerians through Radio Kaduna announcing martial law and the takeover of power by the Supreme Council of the Revolution. The aim of their action, he said, was to establish a strong, united and prosperous nation free of corruption and internal strife. Our method of achieving this is purely military, he arrogantly said. By the end of the day, a significant part of the political class in the North and the West had been wiped out and the military had taken over the political system. In his column in Daily Times (3/2/1966), the late anti-corruption crusader, Tai Solarin, blasted the civilian political class for destroying Nigerian politics through their twin evil practices of corruption and election rigging. He confidently boasted that: Now we have been saved and we want to stay saved. Eight years later, on 4th October 1974, Tai Solarin returned to the theme in his famous declaration: The Beginning of the End. The occasion was the announcement by General Yakubu Gowon that the armed forces was no longer ready to hand over power back to civilians in 1976 as had been programmed. Tai Solarin, seething with anger wrote that: There was nothing whatsoever today to justify the elongation by a single day, of the army regime over this federation. His reason was simple; the military had become more corrupt than the civilians they overthrew for corruption. At the time of the coup, the African military had a good reputation. Following the publication of Samuel Huntingtons book The Soldier and the State in 1957, the political science establishment in the United States and Europe had been pushing the idea of the military as the most modern, disciplined and organised institution in Africa that could play the modernising role that the Turkish military had played in their own country. Huntington, who died in 2009 after a long career of supporting militarism, was very influential in creating the ideological basis for supporting military rule. He created the myth of the military as the African Cincinnatus. In Roman mythology, Cincinnatus was the model par excellence of human selfless service and civic consciousness. He had been invited by the representatives of the people in a period of national decay to carry out a fundamental civic responsibility repair and reconstruct the decomposing political institutions and structures. Having brilliantly carried out his civic duty, he scorned the glory of power and the appeals for him to remain as ruler and left the scene. In contrast to the mythical Roman hero, the soldiers in power in Nigeria and elsewhere were unwilling to relinquish power. In January 1966, General Aguiyi Ironsi declared that he was a temporary impartial arbiter accepting the responsibility of power only for the short time. He promised that his sojourn in power was necessary to reorganise the world of civilian politics, which would then take back the power that belongs to it. It was the memory of the betrayal of that promise that pushed Tai Solarin to make the declaration of the beginning of the end. As successive military regimes were transforming themselves into natural rulers, the responsibility fell on what we now call Nigerian civil society to oppose military rule and fight for a return to democratic rule. Those in the forefront were anti-corruption crusaders, human rights activists and their organisations. Tai Solarin, Bala Usman, Gani Fawehinmi, Wole Soyinka, S G Ikoku, Usman Bugaje, Alao Aka Bashorun, Baba Omojola etc were part of the first generation of such activists and many others followed them. The struggle against military rule was not completely unproblematic. It appeared that a certain form of political ethical code was thus imposed on the Nigerian military by civil society in the 1970s and 1980s. That the military could organise occasional coup detats for the resolution of acute political crisis, the reorganisation of structures and institutions and the organisation of elections but they should not try to perpetuate their rule. That code has been broken since the commencement of the Fourth Republic and there can be no excuse for the return of military rule. Nonetheless, the Military had ruled Nigeria for almost thirty years and has impacted strongly on the countrys culture and institutions. As we reflect of the meaning of January 15th 1966 for our political system, it is clear to me that military rule ultimately impacts negatively on society by generalising its authoritarian values, which are in essence anti-social and destructive of democratic politics. Politics in this sense is understood as the art of negotiating conflicts related to the exercise of power. Military regimes have succeeded in permeating civil society with their values both the formal military values of centralisation and authoritarianism and the informal lumpen values associated with barrack culture and brutality that were derived from the colonial army. If today, our political class are as crass, crude, violent and corrupt as they are, it is not unrelated to the fact that they have been acquiring a lot of barrack culture over the past few decades. Sadly, the exercise of barrack culture by politicians of the Fourth Republic has become a threat to the sustenance of our hard-fought democracy. Unlike previous Republics, the Fourth has endured for 26 years but the quality of governance has declined considerably. After two retired generals and three civilian elected presidents, the result is that corruption remains the winner. Corruption anchored poor governance has led to the erosion of state authority and competence and the outcome is the spread of small arms and light weapons among a young civilian generation that are using them to kill, kidnap and attack both security agencies and their civilian neighbours. Violence has become the order of the day as insurrectionist movements, Jihadi groups, secessionists and bandit-terrorists define a life for the people that is brutish, nasty and short. For two decades, the armed forces have been called upon to re-establish state authority, peace and order. This task has been difficult because the governing class has been losing legitimacy due to its endemic corruption. Fewer people are ready to FIGHT FOR Nigeria as self-service becomes the new ethos. In this context, both the military and the civilian governing class need to change their ways and rededicate themselves to public service. Are they ready to do that? Are citizens able to activate an all-inclusive combat to ensure that all public officers with a corrupt past and/or present be prosecuted and appropriately punished if found to be guilty. Can we clean up the political process? If we can, we would need to note that contrary to Nzeogwus belief, the method cannot be military, it must be based on democratic principles and the rule of law. A professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES. In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful All praise is due to Allah, the Master of the Day of Judgment, who raised the rank of His servant and His Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) above all those who came before and after. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger. May Allah send abundant peace and blessings upon him. To Proceed: Dear brothers and sisters! With Ramadan fast approaching, many of us are thinking about how to make the most of it. How to truly ready our hearts, homes, and routines for the most blessed month of the year. In Islam, this preparation doesnt begin with the first sighting of the crescent moon. It actually starts much earlier. In fact, the Sahabah, the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), even prepared for it six months in advance! In our busy, unpredictable lives, half a year ahead might be hard to plan around. But even with two months to Ramadan, theres still a lot we can do to prepare well. The two months before Ramadan, Rajab and Shaaban, provide us with many opportunities to cleanse our hearts with worship and discipline, and build habits that flourish in the Holiest month. Imam Abubakar al-Warraq al-Balkhi (RA) said: Rajab is the month of planting the seeds, Shaaban is the month of irrigating them, and Ramadan is the month of harvesting the crop. Rajab holds a special position in the Islamic calendar. As one of the four sacred months, it carries extra weight in both worship and conduct. Allah Almighty says: Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve four of them are sacred. [Quran, 9:36] A Hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari further identifies these months: Dhul-Qaadah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. In these sacred months, good deeds are elevated while sinful actions are more serious. Fighting was traditionally prohibited during this time, a reminder of the sanctity and peace associated with these periods. Rajab is also remembered for significant historical and spiritual moments: Birth of Ali (RA): Born on the 13th of Rajab, he was both a cousin and close companion of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Al Isra wal Miraj: The miraculous night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), commonly believed to have occurred on the 27th of Rajab. Battle of Tabuk (9 AH): A major campaign where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) led 30,000 Muslims against the Roman forces, resulting in the Romans retreating and a peaceful resolution. Liberation of Jerusalem (1187 CE): Salahuddin al-Ayyubi reclaimed Jerusalem in Rajab after 88 years under Crusader occupation. Rajab offers a precious chance to build momentum for Ramadan by nurturing ones character, repentance, and devotion. While no specific obligatory worship is prescribed for the month of Rajab, many Muslims increase their voluntary acts during this sacred period. Recommended practices include: 1. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. 2. Fasting on the White Days (13th, 14th, 15th of each lunar month). 3. Increasing Dua, Sadaqah Jariyah, and voluntary prayers. Beloved brothers and sisters! If Rajab is for planting, Shaaban is the month when those seeds are tenderly cared for. It is a month often overlooked, yet the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) paid it great attention. Aisha (RA) said: I never saw the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) fasting more in any month than in Shaaban. [Sahih al-Bukhari] Good Deeds to Prioritise in the month of Shaaban are as follows: 1. Increase Voluntary Fasting Following the Sunnah, try to fast as much as is manageable, especially on Mondays and Thursdays and the White Days (13th, 14th, 15th). However, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) instructed not to fast one or two days before Ramadan begins, unless it is part of ones regular routine. Those who habitually fast may continue even in the second half of Shaaban, and it is also permissible to complete missed fasts from the previous Ramadan. 2. Recite More Quran Shaaban was known as the month of Quran reciters. Increasing your recitation now helps you enter Ramadan with spiritual focus and stamina. 3. Make Abundant Dua and Zikr Use this time to refresh your relationship with Allah Almighty. Simple daily Duas and tasbih can gradually expand your worship habits before Ramadan starts. 4. Perform Voluntary Prayers Night prayer (Tahajjud) is especially powerful. Beginning this practice in Shaaban makes it easier to maintain during Ramadan. 5. Prepare Your Charity Charity given in Shaaban can be a meaningful source of blessing. As the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was most generous in Ramadan, so Shaaban is an ideal time to: Calculate your Zakat. Organise your Sadaqah plan. Set aside funds for Ramadan giving. Shaaban sits between Rajab and Ramadan a time when many people become distracted. But the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) reminded us that: It is a month to which people do not pay much attention, between Rajab and Ramadan [An-Nasai] By honouring this time, you strengthen your spiritual foundation, boost your Ibadah (worship), and prepare your heart for the mercy, forgiveness, and salvation that Ramadan brings. Rajab and Shaaban are precious months to strengthen our spirituality for the most blessed month of the year. By engaging in worship, fasting, charity, Quran recitation, and sincere repentance, we prepare ourselves not only for Ramadan but for deeper connection with Allah Almighty throughout the year. Respected brothers and sisters! As mentioned above, Rajab and Shaaban are crucial Islamic months for spiritual preparation for Ramadan, often described as planting (Rajab), watering (Shaaban), and harvesting (Ramadan). To prepare, increase voluntary fasts especially on Mondays, Thursdays, White Days, boost Quran reading, give charity, make sincere Dua and start shedding bad habits, setting the stage for Ramadans spiritual harvest. Rajab is a sacred month for spiritual cultivation, building good habits, seeking forgiveness, and increasing voluntary prayers. Shaaban is a month to nurture the seeds planted in Rajab, following the Prophets Sunnah, and making up missed fasts, as its the direct prelude to Ramadan. Recite the following prayer: O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Shaaban and allow us to reach Ramadan. Fast Mondays and Thursdays, and the White Days/Ayyamul Bid (13th, 14th, 15th of the lunar month) to build stamina. Aim to read more, potentially completing the Quran once or twice before Ramadan begins. Be generous with your time, help, and wealth. Renew your commitment to Allah and set specific faith goals for Ramadan. Start letting go of one negative habit now, like gossip or excessive screen time, to ease into Ramadan. By gradually building these practices in Rajab and Shaaban, you avoid burnout in Ramadan, allowing you to fully reap its immense blessings and rewards. May Allah bless our Rajab and Shaaban, allow us to reach Ramadan, and help us reap its rewards, ameen Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum! All praise is due only to The Almighty Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), the final Messenger and the seal of Prophets. Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okenes Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected] or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217. This Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Rajab 26, 1447 AH (January 16, 2026). Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Thursday flagged off the disbursement of N21 billion accrued liability for life and death benefits to workers of the state and local governments at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina. The payment, covering benefits up to October 2025, brings the total amount released by the administration since inception to N45.89 billion for 14,560 beneficiaries across the state and local governments. Speaking at the event, Governor Radda explained that settling outstanding pension liabilities was one of his cardinal visions before contesting for office, emphasising the need to treat retirees with dignity and respect. From the time I started nursing the idea to contest for the seat of Katsina State Governor, one of my main visions was how to develop a workable strategy to settle all outstanding liabilities of benefits to workers that retired and those that died while in active service, Mr Radda stated. The governor disclosed that the State and Local Government Pension Reform Committee verified a total liability of N23.99 billion as of August 2023, comprising N10.35 billion for state staff and N13.64 billion for local government and local education authority workers. He revealed that from inception to date, N18.56 billion was approved for 4,743 state beneficiaries, while N27.33 billion was released for 9,817 local government and local education authority beneficiaries. Governor Radda announced the signing of the New Contributory Pension Law 2025, describing it as a historic reform aligned with global best practices to eliminate administrative bottlenecks and ensure prompt payment of benefits. He inaugurated the Katsina State Pension Bureau, chaired by Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi, and the Katsina State Pension Transition Board, chaired by Garba Sanda, to oversee the implementation of the new pension scheme. The governor disclosed that as of 31 December 2025, the Pension Bureau had collected over N19 billion in combined employer and employee contributions, generating more than N668 million in investment income since June 2025. Mr Radda commended the states civil service, describing it as vibrant, professional, and efficient, while assuring workers of continuous improvements in conditions of service, timely promotions, and expanded training opportunities. He also acknowledged the resuscitation and strengthening of the Local Government Service Commission to ensure full career development privileges for local government workers. Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Civil Service of Katsina State, Falalu Bawale, commended Governor Radda for releasing N46 billion to settle gratuity liabilities owed to retired and deceased civil servants. Mr Bawale assured the Governor that workers across the state local governments and local education authorities would reciprocate the gesture through patriotism, commitment to duty, and support for the administrations development agenda. He equally praised the administrations worker-friendly policies, particularly the new merit-based criteria for selecting Permanent Secretaries. He also commended organised labour in the state for their critical role in stabilizing the civil service and providing constructive suggestions for development. Speaking at the event, Katsina State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Hussaini Hamisu Yanduna, commended Governor Radda for demonstrating uncommon political will and commitment to workers welfare. As Nigeria Labour Congress, we commend His Excellency for demonstrating uncommon political will and sincere commitment to workers welfare. This reflects leadership that understands that governments strength is built on the welfare of its people, especially those who have labored tirelessly in public service, Mr Yanduna said. Equally speaking, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Godwin Abumisi, recalled the governors gesture since assuming office in 2023, noting that Mr Radda had released N44 billion previously and another N21 billion to clear pension arrears. Mr Abumisi commended the governor for providing free healthcare for state pensioners and subsidizing goods through the Consumers Shop initiative, describing pensioners in Katsina State as blessed under the administration. He, however, appealed to the governor to direct the commencement of 1% check-off dues deduction from pensioners monthly pensions as enshrined in the Trade Union Act 2004, noting that the current N100 flat rate was inadequate to sustain the unions financial obligations. Delivering his vote of thanks, the Executive Secretary of the State and Local Government Pension Transition Board, Muktar Ammani Aliyu, expressed gratitude to the governor for his untiring efforts in infrastructural and human capital development. Mr Aliyu, making his first public appearance in the new role, thanked Governor Radda for ensuring prompt monthly salary and pension payments while some states owed 90 months of pension arrears. He acknowledged the efforts of the State and Local Government Pension and Gratuity Reform Committee under Dr. Farouk Aminus leadership for ensuring the success of the disbursement. Governor Radda assured that the final payment of accrued liabilities marked a new beginning, pledging that no retired worker would leave service with unfulfilled entitlements or lingering uncertainties. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Speaker Hon Nasir Yahaya Daura, Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Garba Faskari, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, members of the State Executive Council, and State House of Assembly and thousands of beneficiaries from across the states 34 local government areas. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administrations commitment to supporting the nations security architecture and ensuring veterans are not left behind. Governor Radda made the pledge on Thursday during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day parade and wreath laying ceremony held at the Peoples Square, Katsina. He described the occasion as a solemn tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of fallen heroes who laid down their lives for Nigerias peace, unity, and dignity. He also acknowledged living veterans and active-duty personnel whose daily commitment continues to shield the nation from internal and external threats. In Katsina State, we hold this day with profound reverence. Our soil has known the footsteps of many gallant soldierssome who returned as heroes, others whose names now grace memorials, and countless more whose sacrifices remain unspoken but never forgotten, Mr Radda said. He commended the armed forces for their exceptional heroism in confronting insurgency, banditry, and other security challenges facing the nation. He noted that troops have demonstrated dedication by patrolling rural communities, rescuing hostages, securing schools, and restoring hope to displaced families across Katsina State. Mr Radda disclosed that his administration has strengthened collaboration with security agencies through intelligence sharing, logistical support, and welfare interventions for service personnel and their families. He assured that the state government would continue to invest in community-based security initiatives to complement military efforts. Addressing veterans, the governor said their legacy remains the foundation of the nations peace, while urging active troops to sustain their sacrifice for future security. He also expressed condolences to families of fallen heroes, describing their loss as a collective sorrow and their resilience as an inspiration to all. True remembrance is not confined to wreaths and silence. It demands actionto build a Nigeria worthy of their sacrifice, where peace is not just declared but lived, and where justice, opportunity, and dignity are guaranteed for all, Governor Radda stated. He prayed for the repose of the souls of departed heroes and asked God to grant strength to serving personnel. The event featured wreath laying ceremonies and prayers for the nations peace and security. Top government officials at the event include Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Nasir Yahaya Daura; Commander 17 Brigade Nigeria Army, Babatunde Omopariola a brigadier-general; representative of the Emir of Katsina; Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu and the Commander of 213 Forward Operating Base Nigerian Air Force, CI Illoh an air commodore. Others are the Chairperson, Nigerian Legion, Katsina Chapter Ahmed Hussaini,a retired warrant officer; Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu and representative of widows of the fallen heroes. Olam Agri has been recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer 2026 in Nigeria for the sixth consecutive year, reinforcing Olam Agris sustained commitment to creating a high-performing workplace through data-driven people strategies, independent validation, and a clear focus on practices that drive business performance, employee engagement and growth. The Top Employers Institute also recognised Olam Agri as a Top Employer across the African continent for the sixth consecutive year, with certifications in nine other countries including Cameroon, Cote dIvoire, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Australia, The Netherlands, and Switzerland. This recognition underscores Olam Agris position as an employer of choice, where employees are empowered to grow meaningful careers within a purpose-driven organisation that values performance, inclusion, collaboration, and long-term impact. Active in 131 countries/regions, Top Employers Institute is the global authority in HR certification, benchmarking and advisory. Its Programme certifies organisations based on the results of its HR Best Practices Survey which covers six domains including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing. Speaking on the significance of the consecutive recognitions, Jaideep Biswas, Senior Vice President & Regional Head of Human Resources, Olam Agri, said, To have secured the Top Employer Certification for the sixth consecutive year reinforces our focus and intentionality on building and maintaining an engaged, inspired and satisfied workforce. Our team is our greatest asset, and we continuously deploy cross-cutting programmes to ensure excellence and shared learning. Anil Nair, Olam Agri in Nigeria Country Head, explained, As we strive to ensure a food-secure world, we also ensure our world-class workforce finds fulfilment in their roles. Thanks to our human resource department leaders inputs, we keep recording positive employee sentiment and high retention rates. The sixth consecutive Top Employee certification will spur us to do more to maintain a well-equipped and inspired workforce as the world of work transforms. Olam Agri is committed to building an inspiring and high-performing organisation where passionate employees drive business growth, contribute to a sustainable future, and build fulfilling careers through: 1. A culture of excellence: that encourages collaboration and teamwork, rewards meritocracy and entrepreneurial spirit that allows intelligent risk-taking, and a diverse and inclusive workplace built on trust and autonomy. Easy access to senior leadership further empowers employees, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and fostering agile decision-making. 2. Making a difference: a purpose driven workplace that has sustainability at its heart. It gives us an opportunity to play our part in strengthening global food security, improving access to better nutrition, enhancing the livelihood of communities, as well as tackling climate change. 3. Opportunity to flourish: a global footprint allowing careers that are truly global. This allows people to take on challenging assignments that broaden their experience and help shape and guide their own careers matching their aspirations. Everyone feels valued, recognised and supported to reach their full potential. Top Employers Institute CEO Adrian Seligman commented: Achieving a Top Employer Certification for 2026 reflects Olam Agris dedication to building an outstanding workplace that enables sustained business performance. Their strong alignment between people strategy and organisational goals, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement, demonstrates the impact of their transformative practices. We are proud to recognise Olam Agri for their meaningful contribution to a better world of work. The former president of Brazil will be moved from the police station where he is being held to a larger cell in the military wing of the Papuda penitentiary complex Constant complaints from the Bolsonaro family about the conditions in which the family patriarch is being held at a police station in Brasilia have led Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to order his immediate transfer. The magistrate ordered on Thursday that former President Jair Bolsonaro, a retired army captain, be transferred to the maximum-security prison complex in Papuda, also in the Brazilian capital. The far-right politician will initially be placed in a wing designated for military personnel and officials, but will first undergo a medical examination to determine if he should be transferred to the prison hospital. The former president will be held in the Military Police battalion at the Papuda complex. De Moraes underscored that Bolsonaro will have more space because he will be in a larger cell with a capacity for four inmates, but which he will not share with anyone else. Furthermore, he will now be able to undergo physical therapy and go out to the yard to enjoy some sunlight. Another inmate in that special wing for uniformed personnel, known as Papudinha, is one of Bolsonaros accomplices in the scheme to conduct a coup despite his 2022 electoral defeat: his former minister, Anderson Torres, a military police officer. Papuda is one of the most heavily guarded prisons in Brazil. Many of the politicians imprisoned in the Lava Jato and Mensalao scandals have passed through its gates, and now members of the PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital) leadership and prominent leaders of other organized crime groups are incarcerated there. Bolsonaro was sentenced in September to 27 years in prison for leading the coup plot. In November, after exhausting all legal appeals, he entered Brasilias main police station to serve his sentence. These conditions were virtually identical to those experienced by current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva while serving a sentence for corruption, which was later overturned. Bolsonaro suffers from various health problems that led to his hospitalization for a week between Christmas and New Years for hernia surgery and treatment to alleviate his hiccups. Days later, he suffered a mild concussion after a fall. His lawyers have filed a series of appeals requesting that Moraes allow him to serve his sentence under house arrest. His wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, even met with a veteran Supreme Court justice to personally convey her concerns, according to the news outlet G1. But Justice Moraes has consistently refused. The former president had already attempted to remove the electronic ankle monitor that was tracking his movements, during an episode of hallucination. Both the former presidents wife and his children have repeatedly complained that the conditions at the police station were inadequate given his fragile health and emotional state. Given Bolsonaros health problems, the justice authorized 24-hour medical attention, immediate transfer to the hospital in case of emergency, five meals a day especially prepared for him, and visits from his wife and all his children, except Eduardo, who went to the United States to lobby for his father and is being prosecuted for obstruction of justice. His eldest son, Flavio, has been designated by his father to run against President Lula in elections this October. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Ogun State Government has assured residents of adequate funding and logistics support for the forthcoming measlesrubella vaccination campaign scheduled to commence on 27 January and end on 5 February 2026. The Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who also chairs the State Task Force on Primary Health Care, gave the assurance during a meeting of the task force held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. In her remarks, Mrs Salako-Oyedele commended the Ministry of Health, health sector stakeholders, and development partnersparticularly UNICEFfor their continued support, including the provision of ambulance boats to enhance healthcare delivery in riverine communities. She praised their efforts in sustaining a resilient primary healthcare system despite existing challenges and reaffirmed the administrations commitment, as well as Governor Dapo Abioduns continued support, to all primary healthcare interventions. She acknowledged challenges highlighted in the report presented at the meeting and assured that they would be escalated to the governor for urgent attention. The deputy governor also called on religious bodies, Community Development Associations, women groups, the National Orientation Agency, and the media to intensify sensitisation efforts, urging them to leverage social media platforms and influencers to effectively reach parents and young people. According to her, the state government would do everything necessary to ensure the success of the measlesrubella campaign. The request for funding has been made, and we are confident it will be approved promptly to enable us to meet our responsibilities in this very intensive exercise, she said. Earlier, in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, applauded development partners, religious leaders, community-based organisations, and other stakeholders for their consistent collaboration with the state government in strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level. She noted that the task force meeting provided an opportunity to review progress across the states primary healthcare system and align strategies ahead of the statewide immunisation exercise. Also in his presentation at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola, delivered a detailed report on the boards achievements and challenges in 2025. He disclosed that most local governments recorded improvements across key health indicators, although some setbacks persisted, largely due to infrastructure and logistics gaps. Dr Ogunsola further revealed that the measlesrubella immunisation campaign would run for 10 days and target children aged nine months to 14 years, describing it as one of the widest age-range vaccination exercises ever undertaken in the state. He added that over 8,000 health workers would be deployed across schools, health facilities, and communities to ensure full coverage. Speaking on behalf of development partners, UNICEF representative Mrs Moloku commended the Ogun State Government for its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery, noting that the initiative aligns with the global goal of ending preventable diseases in Africa. She assured of UNICEFs continued technical and financial support for the successful implementation of the vaccination campaign. A bank official on Thursday narrated to the FCT High Court in Abuja how a private company received large transfers of funds from the Kogi State Internal Revenue Services (KSIRS) during the tenure of Governor Yahaya Bello. The ninth prosecution witness, David Ajoma, a compliance officer with Sterling Bank, confirmed six separate transfers amounting to millions from KSIRS to Bespoque Business Solutions Limited (BBSL). While the name BBSL has surfaced in previous witness testimony, its exact relationship to the alleged N110 billion fraud case remains unverified as of press time. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mr Bello alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on charges of diversion of Kogi States funds. Mr Bello, who served as the governor of the North-central state for two terms, spanning eight years from January 2016 to January 2024 is facing trial alongside his co-defendants on 16 counts of diverting more than N110 billion entrusted in his care as the governor. According to the EFCC, Mr Bello dishonestly used the stolen funds to acquire properties located in choice areas of Abuja and one in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the allegedly stolen funds. All the defendants denied the allegations. Led in evidence on Thursday by the EFCCs prosecution lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the witness gave a breakdown of the transactions considered to be suspicious by the EFCC from KSIRS to BBSL. The breakdown was admitted in evidence despite objections from Mr Hudus lawyer, A.M Aliyu, a SAN. He anchored his objection on lack of compliance with both the Evidence Act and the Bankers Act. Details of funds transferred According to the witness, BBSLs account statement showed KSIRS transferred over N57.9 million on 5 March 2019. Mr Ajoma said, on 4 April 2019, BBSL received over N138 million with the narration Kogi State commission for March. He added that N126.8 million and N97 million were also transferred on 3 May 2019 and 6 June 2019, respectively. On 6 August 2019, the witness said, BBSL received N183.6 million for payment of contractors and N242.2million for the purchase of OPBEH from KSIRS. After Mr Ajoma finished the narration, the judge adjourned the case until 16 January for continuation of the hearing. Sixth witness speaks on BBSL Earlier on Thursday, the sixth witness, Arhyel Mshelia, whose cross-examination was continued from November 2025, told the court that transactions from KSIRS to BBSLs account at Zenith Bank indicated no purpose. Mr Mshelia also noted that Mr Bellos name did not appear as a beneficiary of the transactions. The witness further noted that while Mr Hudus name appeared multiple times on Kogi States account statements, his role was defined to the bank as Kogi States accountant. The proceedings heated up at some point as Mr Hudus lawyer, Z.E Abbas, asked if the third defendant, having been introduced to the bank, was carrying out the objectives of his superiors by the withdrawals. Mr Pinheiro objected to the question, noting that the witness, being a staff member of Zenith Bank, was not privy to the internal workings of Kogi State. The judge sustained the objection. Funds for security and offsec Continuing his testimony under cross-examination, Mr Mshelia noted that the government account saw a series of transfers and withdrawals earmarked for security purposes, Offsec funds and Sec funds. Another argument ensued when Mr Abbas asked the witness if Sec Funds meant security funds. Mr Pinheiro objected to the question, noting that Sec could mean secretary. He asked Mr Abbas to stick to rather than assume. Thereafter, Mr Abbas asked if Sec was a standard abbreviation from the bank, to which Mr Mshelia replied no. Seventh and eighth prosecution witnesses testimony EFCC also presented the account statement of Dantata and Sawoe Constructions through the seventh prosecution witness, Mohammed Bello, an Executive Trainee with Key Stone Bank. Again, Mr Abbas objected to the admissibility of the documents on grounds earlier cited. The witness told the court that between 17 and 22 February 2021, there was a transfer of N100 million into Dantata and Sawoes account with Keystone Bank. Nine of the transfers were from Maigari Murtala and one from Yusuf Mubarak; their identities are unclear, and the witness also denied knowing any of them. Again, EFCC presented the account statement of Kun FayaKun Global Limited through Gabriel Oche, a compliance officer with FCMB. Mr Oche, the eighth witness, noted there was a transfer of N30 million from the account to American International School /Abdul Bashir on 1 November 2021. On 2 November 2021, N34 million was transferred to American School /China Payment. Mr Aliyu asked the defendant to confirm if American School was the same as American International School. The witness replied, No. The witness also clarified that the names of Messrs Bello and Oricha were not mentioned in the transaction. Mr Msehlia mentioned the name of the American International School in a previous testimony. He said that $11,000 was transferred from a Whale Oil and Gas US dollar account. The payment was purportedly made to the American International School for Academic Services linked to Farida Oricha. The American International School has been linked to the former governor. The former governor reportedly paid the tuition fees of his children in dollars upfront for yet unspent academic sessions, a witness testified in a twin case before the Federal High Court. Highlights of the witnesses testimonies so far There has yet to be clarity regarding the specific individuals and companies mentioned in the witnesses testimonies. Nevertheless, further developments in the case are expected to bring these details into focus. Two witnesses from Efab Properties Limited (EPL) have testified in the trial. The first was the chairperson of the firm, Fabian Nworah, and the second was an employee. They were called to testify on a property sold to Shehu Bello with Bello Ohiani written on the agreement. However, none of the witnesses mentioned the name of the former governor or the other defendants names in the dealings. Since their testimonies, subpoenaed staff members across several banks have taken turns to testify. Both Abimbola Williams, who is a compliance officer at UBA and Mr Mshelias testimonies reflect a systematic pattern of recurring withdrawals for Special Security funds. Ms Williams, the third witness, testified about multiple cash withdrawals from Kogi State Government accounts. A compliance officer at Ecobank, Jesutomi Akoni, appeared as the fourth prosecution and gave evidence on the account statement of Moses Wanzu, whose relationship with the case is still unclear. Ms Akoni told the court that the account holder, Mr Wanzu, Abdulwahab Sabo and Shehu Bello deposited millions into the account, but she denied knowing their identities. The fifth prosecution witness, Victoria Oluwafemi, confirmed that Bello Shehu made multiple electronic transfers of N250 million and N150 million to SFC Foods Limited and JIT Agric Limited, respectively. In October, Mr Mshelia stated that Mr Hudu withdrew over N707 million from the government houses bank account within two days in January 2018. He also said that over N200 million was transferred from the KSIRS to the BBLS account during Mr Bellos tenure as state governor. A former Senate Minority Leader, Simon Mwadkwon, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Mwadkwon represented Plateau North in the 10th National Assembly and briefly served as Senate Minority Leader in 2023. He announced his defection during a visit to APC elders in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Tuesday. I am here to formally announce my entry into the APC and to seek the counsel of party elders at the grassroots, he said. Mr Mwadkwon said his decision followed extensive consultations with constituents, political stakeholders, family members and associates across Plateau North, which comprises Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos North, Jos South, Jos East and Bassa local government areas. He described the move as a strategic realignment aimed at strengthening political collaboration and ensuring better representation of his constituents at the national level. This decision is driven by the desire to work more effectively with leaders who share a commitment to improving governance and ensuring that the voices of our people are heard at key decision-making levels, he said. Mr Mwadkwon told party leaders that his defection was not merely symbolic but part of a broader effort to build and strengthen the APC in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general elections. He also informed the elders of his intention to contest for the Senate seat in the 2027 elections. Mr Mwadkwon had won the Plateau North senatorial election in 2023 on the platform of the PDP. However, his victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which nullified the election and ordered a rerun. The subsequent bye-election produced the current senator, Dachungyang Mwadkon, on the platform of the Action Democratic Party (ADP). Welcoming Mr Mwadkwon into the APC, the chairman of the APC Elders Council in Barkin Ladi, Solomon Bature, said the party remained open to all Nigerians willing to abide by its principles. Mr Bature urged party members to remain loyal and committed to the growth of the APC, describing the former minority leaders defection as a positive development for the party. Party elders also offered prayers for Mr Mwadkwon and wished him success in his political aspirations. He was accompanied by several supporters, including former local government officials and party loyalists. Mr Mwadkwons defection is expected to boost the APCs profile in Plateau State as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has refuted claims by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that he was consulted on the introduction of a rotational chairmanship for the states Council of Obas and Chiefs. In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, the palace said the king neither met with the governor nor agreed to any arrangement that would rotate the leadership of the council among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomosoland. The response followed Governor Makindes remarks at the inauguration of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday, where he announced the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as chairman. The development marked the end of Alaafins run as the permanent chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs under an old law that was recently amended to put the rotational arrangement in place. The governor had said the decision was reached after consultations with the three foremost traditional rulers in the state and that they agreed the chairmanship should commence with the Olubadan. 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, the governor said. But dismissing the claim, the Alaafins palace said no such meeting ever took place. The attention of the Alaafins Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to Governor Seyi Makinde that he consulted with the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs. At no time did His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, hold any meeting with the governor or with any of the traditional rulers mentioned. The Alaafin did not convey to the governor, directly or indirectly, any endorsement of a rotational chairmanship, the statement read. According to the statement, the stance of the Alaafin and the people of Oyo on the matter was contained in a memorandum earlier submitted to the governor through the Oyo Council of Elders. READ ALSO: Police react to deadly attack on forest rangers in Oyo Also the Alaafin did not tell the Governor or make a categorical statement on his endorsement of rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers in the State, the statement added. The Alaafins recent statement appears to offer an insight into his absence from the inauguration of the reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs held in Ibadan on Thursday. But the statement did not address his absence from the event. The ceremony marked the official take-off of the council under the amended Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, 2025, passed by the State House of Assembly. The new law, however, changed the leadership structure of the council by removing the Alaafin as its permanent chairman. The amended law repealed the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law of 2000, which named the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent, though largely ceremonial, chairman of the council. Under the new arrangement, the chairmanship will rotate among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Soun of Ogbomosoland. 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. Agnes Denes, Desert X AlUla 2026 Artist, Courtesy of Lance Gerber 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 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. Flor de Cana Rum Portfolio 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 CO 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 Applications now open for the 14th annual entrepreneurial contest to find the next winning brick-and-mortar small business DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TechTown Detroit and Comerica Bank have announced the return of the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown, a small business competition that awards $100,000 in startup funding as well as support services to one entrepreneur seeking to open a brick-and-mortar storefront in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park. The competition, first launched in 2011, hatches small business development in Detroit and takes place over the next four months, with the winning business crowned in May. Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe earned the $100,000 grand prize as part of the 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown. Applications are now open for the 14th annual entrepreneurial contest to find the next winning brick-and-mortar small business in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park. (PRNewsfoto/Comerica Bank) Applications are now available on HatchDetroit.com and close on Friday, Feb. 27. Entrepreneurs with a retail concept looking to establish their first brick-and-mortar location in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park are eligible to apply. "Detroit's entrepreneurial ecosystem thrives because of the creativity and determination of its small business owners, and TechTown is honored to champion that innovation through the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest," said Christianne Malone, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and Chief Program Officer of TechTown Detroit. "We're committed to fueling that momentum through entrepreneurial support, meaningful partnerships and accessible funding opportunities." Entrepreneurs interested in applying to the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown are invited to attend information sessions on Wednesday, Jan. 28 and Wednesday, Feb. 11. Public Voting and Hatch Off The small business contest includes two rounds of public voting to determine the Top 4 and help the judges choose the winner, allowing the community to vote and support their next favorite business to open a brick-and-mortal retail location. The competition culminates on Wednesday, May 13 at Wayne State University's Industry Innovation Center with the annual Hatch Off, during which the Top 4 entrepreneurs present their business plans to a panel of judges and a live audience. There, the winner will receive the $100,000 grand prize that also includes a business support package from TechTown, Wayne State's entrepreneurship hub. Comerica Bank's Small Business Commitment For nearly 15 years, Hatch Detroit has become one of the area's most innovative initiatives nurturing small businesses backed by Comerica's commitment to helping small business and entrepreneurs thrive through the annual contest. For the second consecutive year, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation are committing $200,000 to TechTown's Hatch Detroit program to support Detroit's small business economy. In addition to its financial commitment, Comerica works alongside TechTown to provide in-kind support, such as technical services for contestants, during the contest. "Hatch Detroit and TechTown Detroit continue to drive entrepreneurial and small business growth, and the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown has become a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to further develop, gain exposure and receive critical resources to help them become viable," said Steve Davis, Comerica Bank Michigan Market President. "Comerica has proudly supported the Hatch Detroit Contest since 2012, and we look forward to joining with TechTown again this year to build on the legacy that has become one of Detroit's most successful business incubation programs." On Oct. 6, 2025, Fifth Third Bancorp and Comerica Incorporated announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. The material regulatory and shareholder approvals to merge have been received, and the transaction is expected to close on February 1, 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining customary closing conditions. The merger will not affect the competition, and it will remain the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown through 2026. "Both Comerica and Fifth Third believe that small businesses strengthen neighborhoods and communities, and Hatch Detroit cultivates the advancement of small businesses from ideas to thriving retail ventures in Detroit," Davis said. Since 2019, Comerica Bank has provided the grand prize for the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown winner and will do so again this year. Like last year, Comerica Bank will also be contributing an additional $50,000, in tandem with a $50,000 grant from the Comerica Charitable Foundation, to TechTown for organizational support of the Hatch Detroit program to assist with its ongoing incubation of small businesses. Including this year's contributions and grants, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have collectively committed over $1.5 million into Hatch Detroit since first supporting the small business program in 2012. TechTown's Commitment to Small Businesses and Hatch Detroit TechTown has served Detroit as a vital incubator for small businesses and entrepreneurs for more than 20 years. Hatch Detroit was integrated into TechTown's suite of entrepreneurial programs and services in 2022. The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown has helped create some of Detroit's most successful and well-known small businesses, including winners Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe (2025), G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs (2024), Bouncing Around The Motor City (2023), Little Liberia (2022), 27th Letter Books (2019), Baobab Fare (2017), Meta Physica Massage (2016), Sister Pie (2014), Batch Brewery Company (2013) and La Feria (2012). Recent Hatch Detroit alumni have opened businesses including: Craig's Coffee, JP Makes and Bakes, K Walker Initiative, Lily's & Elise, Next Chapter Books, Shell Shock'd Tacos and Sepia Coffee Project. In 2025, Lauren Ellis, owner and pastry chef of Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe, won the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown. Walter Pat's is a seasonally driven, small-batch, Black woman-owned bakery. It offers classics as well as new, unique flavor combinations inspired by a Midwest upbringing and Southern influence. Together, Hatch Detroit alumni have opened more than 60 businesses, employ more than 500 people and have invested more than $12 million in their businesses. Key Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest Dates: Jan. 15: Applications open Jan. 28: Information Session Feb. 11: Information Sessions Feb. 27: Applications close at 11:59 p.m. March 11: Top 25 contestants notified April 21: Top 10 contestants revealed April 22-April 29: Top 10 public voting takes place April 29: Top 4 announced April 29-May 13: Top 4 public voting takes place Wednesday, May 13: Winner announced at Hatch Off Comerica Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), which is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank and Wealth Management. Comerica, one of the 25 largest commercial U.S. financial holding companies, focuses on building relationships and helping people and businesses be successful. Comerica provides banking centers across the country with locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Texas. Founded on Aug. 17, 1849, in Detroit, Michigan, Comerica has offices in 15 states and services 13 of the 15 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, as well as Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $77.4 billion at Sept. 30, 2025. Learn more about how Comerica is raising expectations of what a bank can be by visiting www.comerica.com, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University's entrepreneurship hub, is a nonprofit business service organization that provides programs, education and resources for early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs. By building bridges for entrepreneurs to succeed, TechTown is accelerating an inclusive economy for Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Since 2007, TechTown has supported 7,000 companies, which created more than 3,000 jobs and raised more than $480 million in startup and growth capital. For more information, visit techtowndetroit.org. Hatch Detroit supports both existing and new retail initiatives in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. Hatch Detroit was founded in 2011 to give residents and aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to have a voice in neighborhood retail development and joined TechTown Detroit's suite of entrepreneurial programs and services in 2022. Beyond the contest, Hatch Detroit provides funding, exposure and mentoring in support of its alumni entrepreneurs. With support from Hatch Detroit, 60 alumni have opened businesses. They employ over 500 people and have invested over $12 million in economic development. To learn more, visit hatchdetroit.com. SOURCE Comerica Bank SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --During the 2026 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference (JPM), the 2026 China FIC Innovation & Collaboration Summit was successfully held in San Francisco, the United States. Organized by the ZFIC Alliance, the summit brought together leading Chinese innovative pharmaceutical companies including Youngen Biotech, a company in which Hotgen Biotech holds a minority stake, and Sungen Biomed, in which Hotgen Biotech holds a majority stake, showcasing their cutting-edge technology platforms and key R&D pipelines in a concentrated manner and drawing extensive attention from the global biopharmaceutical industry. 2026 China FIC Innovation and Collaboration Summit Held in San Francisco, Chinese Pharmaceutical Companies Showcase Innovative Achievements Speed Speed At the summit, Dr. Li Zili, Chief Strategy Officer of the ZFIC Alliance, delivered a keynote speech entitled "China Biotech Innovation: A Regulatory Perspective," analyzing the development path of China's biopharmaceutical innovation from a regulatory standpoint. Li Xinxin, Chief Consultant for Overseas Markets at Pharmcube,delivered a themed presentation titled Insights into China's Innovative Drug R&D and Transaction Trends, interpreting the latest trends in China's innovative drug R&D and deal-making, and providing a valuable reference for the development of the biopharmaceutical industry. At the event, attending guests engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics including the evolving landscape of global pharmaceutical innovation, the international development pathways for Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises, and the exploration of cross-border collaboration models, generating vibrant exchanges of ideas. Youngen Biotech delivered a presentation titled "The Rising Power of China in RNAi Therapeutics," highlighting China's growing innovative strength in the field of small nucleic acid drugs and noting that China has entered the global front ranks in RNAi drug innovation. Sungen Biomed , meanwhile, presented "High-Quality Clinical Trials Support Innovative Drug Development SGC001, the World's First Antibody Drug for Myocardial Infarction," demonstrating the high efficiency of China's innovative drug clinical development through the clinical development practice of SGC001, the world's first monoclonal antibody drug for myocardial infarction. At the summit, multiple Chinese pharmaceutical companies collectively showcased their core technology platforms and key R&D pipelines, demonstrating the robust R&D strength of China's biopharmaceutical sector. Youngen Biotech presented its independently developed Kardia Shuttle Cardiac Targeted Delivery Technology Platform, which explores precise targeted delivery of therapeutics such as siRNA and ASOs to cardiac tissue. Based on this platform, the company is advancing cardiac-targeted drug development, with relevant pipelines having completed pharmacodynamic validation from mouse models to large animals, pushing the research into a new stage. Sungen Biomed has established a diversified matrix of technology platforms to support pharmaceutical R&D. At the summit, the company officially unveiled its self-developed "SG Linker-Payload" antibodydrug conjugate (ADC) technology platform. Featuring a highly hydrophilic linkerpayload structure in molecular design, the platform is expected to enhance drug stability, prolong in vivo half-life, and reduce the risk of non-specific clearance, offering a new technological pathway for ADC drug development. During the summit, Sungen Biomed also announced progress on two key drug candidates, attracting significant industry attention. Its antibody drug SGC001 for acute myocardial infarction has officially entered Phase II clinical trials. Another major oncology pipeline, SGT003, released its preclinical research results for the first time. With a dual mechanism of "precise depletion of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment and activation of antitumor immunity," SGT003 aims to reduce the immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with traditional CTLA-4 antibodies, and is planned to initiate simultaneous IND filings for the drug in China and the United States in 2026. Lin Changqing, Chairman of Hotgen Biotech, stated at the summit that the company has consistently focused on the development of original innovative drugs targeting novel targets and mechanisms of action. Upholding an innovation chain characterized by "first discovery by Chinese scientists, first translational development by Chinese enterprises, and first clinical research conducted by Chinese hospitals," Hotgen Biotech is committed to translating innovation into real-world applications through novel technologies and therapeutic pathways. According to Lin, Hotgen Biotech's strategically controlled subsidiary Sungen Biomed and equity-invested company Youngen Biotech place strong emphasis on improving efficiency and pursuing differentiated development throughout the R&D process. They adopt "racing against time to shorten development cycles" as a guiding principle, while building competitiveness through differentiated innovation based on their core strengths. Adhering to independent innovation, these enterprises also uphold a global vision of open cooperation and actively conduct cross-border exchanges and collaborations.Notably, Youngen Biotech was invited to participate in Bayer Co.Lab co-creation platform activities, while Sungen Biomed appeared at BIO-Europe 2025, promoting the integration of China's pharmaceutical innovation achievements into the global healthcare ecosystem through technological collaboration and knowledge sharing. Looking ahead, participants generally agreed that the advancement of pharmaceutical innovation in China requires concerted efforts from policymakers, enterprises, and the broader industry to jointly promote high-quality development. At the policy level, it is necessary to further improve supporting policies and optimize the innovation environment to provide full-chain support for drug R&D, transformation, and commercialization. At the enterprise level, companies should continue to strengthen talent development and platform construction, advance R&D with a clinical-needs-oriented approach, and deliver more innovations with clear clinical value. At the industry level, a collaborative innovation system integrating government, industry, academia, research, and clinical application should be established, fostering deep collaboration among universities, research institutions, enterprises, and hospitals to accelerate the translation of innovative achievements, while building international cooperation platforms to support the global expansion of China's pharmaceutical innovations. The global pharmaceutical industry is entering a new phase of innovation driven by novel targets and mechanisms, with FIC innovation becoming the core competitive arena. As cross-border technological collaboration and industrial integration accelerate, the global innovation landscape is being reshaped, providing Chinese pharmaceutical companies with a broad stage to participate in global competition and achieve leapfrog development. From target discovery to technology translation, and from clinical research to market application, the boundaries of innovation continue to expand, driving the industry toward greater precision and efficiency. In China, the combined empowerment of policy, industry, and capital has laid a solid foundation for pharmaceutical innovation. China has formed an industrial ecosystem characterized by deep integration of talent, capital, and technology. A complete industrial chain spanning early-stage R&D to clinical production is gradually taking shape, while a cohort of biotechnology companies with global vision is rapidly emerging, providing full-chain support for innovative drug development. From their collective presence at the San Francisco summit to the high level of attention from the global industry, Chinese biopharmaceutical companies are actively engaging in global pharmaceutical innovation competition. Driven by supportive policies, enterprise-level commitment, and industrial collaboration, China's pharmaceutical industry is poised to assume a more prominent role in the global innovation landscape, injecting new vitality into the development of the global pharmaceutical industry. TEL: +86 400-815-1117 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Beijing Hotgen Biotech Co., Ltd. The Middle East region features a typical desert climate with minimal annual rainfall, abundant year-round sunshine, and the highest irradiance levels globally, with summer temperatures reaching 50C. These unique natural conditions create a vast stage for PV projects while imposing stringent performance requirements on modules under sand shading and extreme heat. ABC modules exhibit a superior temperature coefficient of -0.26%/, minimizing power degradation from high-temperature operation. Their partial shading optimization and high-temperature suppression functions significantly reduce power loss and hot spot risks from shading, ensuring safe and stable operation. At this exhibition, AIKO showcased its complete lineup of ABC Infinite modules in 54, 60, and 72-cell formats. This Infinite technology enables comprehensive scenario coverage, allowing a broader range of customers to enjoy the unique value delivered by AIKO's ABC "black technology." By employing precision overlapping soldering to eliminate cell gaps and hide busbars, AIKO's ABC Infinite modules maximize cell coverage across the module surface, delivering a pure black front side that perfectly meets aesthetic demands while pioneering mass production efficiency above 25%. Taking the 72-cell format as an example, AIKO's ABC Infinite modules achieve a 1.6% increase in effective power generation area, with power output reaching 680W to 685W30-50W higher than TOPCon modules. In terms of safety, the glass thickness is increased by 60% compared to TOPCon double-glass modules, providing enhanced micro-crack resistance. Combined with excellent high-temperature suppression performance, this significantly reduces hot spot risks from partial shading, ensuring long-term safe and stable operation under extreme conditions. Thanks to its outstanding fire-resistant performance, AIKO's ABC modules have also received the world's first "module-level fire risk prevention" certificate issued by TUV Rheinland. While continuously pushing module efficiency toward its limits, AIKO's exploration of PV product value extends to refined O&M for power plants. The company also presented its Anti-dust product specifically designed to address soiling challenges faced by high-emission enterprises, commercial & industrial users, enclosed scenarios, and functional buildings. Through a patented short-frame design without A-side dust accumulation surfaces, the ABC anti-dust modules provide enhanced value through strong self-cleaning capability, high-load compatibility, and low-tilt advantages. This enables users to truly achieve reduced O&M (less dust accumulation, lower cleaning frequency), high reliability (no high-temperature risk from shading), and increased yield (less shading, over 2% more generation), while also incorporating five superior performance features: partial shading optimization, lower power degradation, better temperature coefficient, high-temperature suppression, and micro-crack resistance. Alongside the upgraded product matrix, a series of ingeniously designed demonstration experiments were presented: high-temperature suppression comparison tests, micro-crack resistance comparison tests... scientifically and intuitively illustrating the unique advantages of AIKO's ABC modules in maintaining efficient and stable power generation under complex operating conditions, safeguarding customer plant interests. Since March 2023, AIKO has ranked No. 1 in mass production efficiency on the TaiyangNews module efficiency ranking for 35 consecutive months, solidifying its "Efficiency King" position. With technological disruption, superior yield, and guaranteed safety, AIKO's ABC modules have continued to receive widespread acclaim and rapidly enhanced market recognition. At the exhibition, AIKO signed strategic framework and supply agreements with over 15 Channel Partners across the region and multiple utility customers, achieving on-site signings a total of 1.5GW Shipment commitment for 2026. This demonstrates AIKO's ABC expanding influence and outstanding reputation in the Middle East market and Africa Market. During the event, AIKO invited numerous partners to the booth for impressive case-sharing presentations, showcasing the industry's full recognition of AIKO's efforts in driving technological innovation and supporting green development. At the "Illuminating Tomorrow, Powering Partnerships2026 AIKO NIGHT" gala dinner held on the first day of the exhibition, E. Ulrich DEDO, Head of Channel Development and C&I for Middle East and Africa Region at AIKO, stated in his speech: [At WFES, we are showcasing our new-generation product built on advanced BC technology. Compared with the previous generation, this product delivers two major upgrades. First, we have eliminated cell spacing, increasing the effective front-side surface area by 0.5%. This enables greater sunlight capture and results in a 10W power increase, reinforcing AIKO's leadership in market-leading efficiency while helping customers reduce BOS costs and overall capital expenditure. Second, we have further enhanced the bifacial rate. Following our previous upgrade from 40% to 75%, the bifacial rate has now been increased to 80%, significantly improving energy yield and overall project value. We are confident that these innovations will strongly support customer projects across the Middle East. In parallel, we have introduced a transparent and clearly defined channel partnership program, ensuring our partners can engage with AIKO in the region with confidence. Innovation and long-term partnerships remain core advantages for AIKO, and they will continue to be key focus areas for us in 2026. ]. This stunning debut at WFES 2026 represents another vivid demonstration of AIKO's innovative spirit and zero-carbon vision. Moving forward, AIKO will continue to uphold innovation-driven development, effectively translating leading PV technologies into incremental returns to be shared with customers, and further leveraging the important role of ABC technology as a new quality productive force in the PV industry. By building a sustainable ABC commercial ecosystem that injects new momentum into the solar sector, AIKO will lead human society into the zero-carbon era. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863345/image_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863346/2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863347/3.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863348/4.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863349/5.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863350/6.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863351/7.jpg Organization Demonstrates Well-Being Leadership for Employees and Community GRAND FORKS, N.D., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Altru Health System is celebrating a major achievement in its multi-year effort to enhance employee well-beingbecoming the first organization in North Dakota to earn Certified Blue Zones Worksite status. Through evidence-based improvements to workplace policies, environments, and culture, Altru has made healthy choices more accessible for associates, visitors, and patients alike. This commitment has led to measurable gains, including reduced first-year turnover, lower tobacco waiver utilization, and improvements across physical, social, and purpose well-being indicators. These organization-level improvements in employee well-being contributed to a 26.4% reduction in healthcare costs. These improvements come at a time in the nation when burnout and stress in health care are at detrimental highs. Thanks to a concerted effort, Altru has empowered its employees to move more, eat better, connect, de-stress, and find their purpose by achieving the following milestones: Altru Health System First in North Dakota to Earn Certified Blue Zones Worksite Status Post this Altru New Hospital 847 employees participated in Blue Zones activities by joining walking groups, attending Purpose Workshops, or completing a volunteer event 115 Altru leaders completed Leading Well-Being Workshops 1,785 employees completed a Blue Zones well-being assessment Indoor and outdoor walking path signage increased daily activity across the campus Vending machines received a healthy makeover Downshift rooms for staff to relax, decompress, or pray were established on campus Altru Eatery became a Blue Zones Project Approved restaurant offering an array of healthy plant-based options Blue Zones is the nationally recognized leader in well-being transformation, and its Worksite Certification model draws upon 20 years of experience in community and longevity science to empower organizations to cultivate thriving work environments. In Grand Forks, the in-depth, multi-year commitment integrated the Blue Zones approach into Altru's culturealigning people, spaces, and policiesto foster lasting change. "Through our work with the Blue Zones team, Altru has strengthened a culture where the health and well-being of our workforce is a true priority," said Meghan Compton, Chief Administrative Officer of Altru Health System. "This designation reflects the dedication of our colleagues who show up every day to care for our community with excellence and compassion, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together." Employees at all levels of the organization have achieved great results as they came together to create a cultural shift and environmental changes to make healthy choices easier. The most recent data shows that the entire workforce is more engaged, has more pride in their workplace, and Altru has reduced medical costs over its three-year Blue Zones worksite implementation period. "Health care employers are experiencing some of the toughest workplace well-being challenges in the nation. By adopting the Blue Zones approach more than three years ago, Altru has strengthened its ability to support its workforce and is now well-positioned to build on that progress," said Ben Leedle, CEO of Blue Zones. "We commend Altru and its leadership for their dedication and achievements, and we wish them continued success as they advance well-being for their team and community." About Blue Zones Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live better, longer. The company's work is rooted in explorations and research done by founder and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner in blue zones regions around the world, where people live extraordinarily long and/or happy lives. The original research and findings were released in Buettner's bestselling books The Blue Zones Solution, The Blue Zones of Happiness, The Blue Zones, Thrive, and Blue Zones Kitchenall published by National Geographic books. A hit docuseries, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, was released on Netflix in 2023. Using original Blue Zones research, Blue Zones works with cities and counties to make healthy choices easier through permanent and semi-permanent changes to our human-made surroundings. Participating communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco use and have saved millions of dollars in healthcare costs. For more information, visit www.bluezones.com. About Altru Based in Grand Forks, N.D., Altru is an independent, non-profit healthcare organization. We are physician-led, with over 300 providers and 65 specialties of care. Altru boasts an acute care hospital, specialty hospital, level II trauma center and twenty practice locations throughout northwest Minnesota and northeast North Dakota. Altru was the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, extending Mayo Clinic expertise to the patients we serve. Altru employs over 3,400 staff and providers who are empowered to fulfill Altru's mission making a difference for those we care for. For more information, visit altru.org. Contact: Blue Zones Naomi Imatome-Yun [email protected] Altru [email protected] SOURCE Blue Zones The acting president told Parliament that the US aggression is a stain on the relationship between the two countries Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, said Thursday that the invasive aggression carried out by the United States against the country on January 3 constitutes a stain on the relationship between the two countries. She added that, in the current political context, her government has decided to choose the diplomatic path to resolve the conflict. We have the right to have diplomatic relations with China, with Russia, with Iran, with Cuba, with all the peoples of the world. Also with the United States. We are a sovereign nation, she said. Rodriguez made these statements during the annual presentation of the executives performance to Parliament, a constitutional ritual held at the beginning of each year in the Federal Legislative Palace. Several foreign ambassadors, governors, and ruling party officials attended the session. The interim president, who in her latest statements has indicated that the country is entering a new political era, dedicated a significant portion of her address to honoring Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores, who were captured during the U.S. operation on January 3, and to boosting the morale of the revolutionary movement following the attack. Rodriguez reaffirmed her commitment to the fundamental principles of Chavismo, the political movement founded by former president Hugo Chavez. This work belongs to President Maduro, she said while presenting the document on the governments performance. Delcy Rodriguez appears at the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas this Thursday. Ivan Mc Gregor (Anadolu via Getty Images) Rodriguez vowed to work for the release of Maduro and Flores and asked for a minute of applause for the Venezuelan and Cuban soldiers who died in clashes with U.S. troops. Lets not be afraid of the contradiction. Lets confront it, she said, referring to the oil agreements with the United States announced by Donald Trump himself after Maduro and Flores arrest. Both Delcy Rodriguez and her brother Jorge Rodriguez, the president of the National Assembly, adopted a conciliatory tone toward the opposition. The two emphasized the importance of fostering political coexistence and assumed, at least partially, the responsibility of working to consolidate a better political climate in the country. Rodriguez warned the opposition: Rodriguez warned the opposition: Do not confuse the substitute measures taken with some individuals who are being prosecuted and our interest in easing the pressure on the political climate with weakness. Make no mistake about this. It is time to banish fascist extremism. We are all going to rectify this. Rodriguez added: It is not that the acting president is afraid because she is being threatened. No. All of Venezuela is being threatened, and with sovereignty at stake, we will fight the diplomatic battle. Delcy Rodriguez (center) upon her arrival at the Federal Legislative Palace in Caracas. Ronald Pena R. (EFE) The interim president criticized the historical foundations of U.S. diplomacy, stating that the United States has historically maneuvered and openly schemed to expand its sphere of influence in Latin America, undermine its independence, and exploit its natural resources. The Monroe Doctrine and the Bolivarianism that we advocate and defend are completely opposing projects; they are antithetical, she said. In a direct allusion to the recent talks between Donald Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, Rodriguez commented: If one day I have to go to Washington as interim president, I will do so with dignity, standing tall, walking with my head held high and carrying the tricolor flag. I will go standing tall, never crawling. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bailey Equipment & Intralogistics, a third-generation, family-owned forklift dealership with more than 75 years of experience, proudly announces its acquisition of Equipment Depot's Washington state operation. This strategic move marks Bailey's official entry into the Washington market as the authorized Logisnext dealer for Cat Lift Trucks, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, and Jungheinrichthree of the most trusted names in material handling. Bailey over Mt. Rainier Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Bailey has grown into a leading material handling solutions provider with 10 locations across Tennessee, North Georgia, and Kentucky. With this expansion, Bailey brings its One Material Handling Solution approach to Washington, offering a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to optimize efficiency and performance for businesses statewide. Bailey will be establishing its regional headquarters in Kent, WA in the greater Seattle region. Deep Roots and Local Leadership Bailey's ownership team has longstanding ties to Washington and is committed to long-term investment. Lakota Holder, Director of Operations, brings 14 years of sales, service, and leadership experience with Bailey. Born and raised in Washington, his deep local connections and experience make him uniquely suited to ensuring customers get outstanding customer service the Bailey way from day one. A Perfect Fit for Washington's Values Bailey is proud to be the nation's first TRUE certified zero waste forklift dealership, reflecting its deep commitment to sustainabilitya value that resonates strongly with Washington businesses and communities. This certification underscores Bailey's dedication to environmental stewardship and operational excellence. Investing to Win in Washington "Our expansion into Washington is more than a business decisionit's a commitment," said Justin Bailey, President of Bailey Equipment & Intralogistics. "We're here to build lasting partnerships, deliver world-class service, and help Washington businesses thrive with innovative material handling solutions." About Bailey Equipment & Intralogistics Since 1949, Bailey has been a trusted name in material handling, offering forklifts, warehouse solutions, and intralogistics expertise. As a family-owned and -operated business for three generations, Bailey combines decades of experience with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and technology. Learn more at www.baileycompany.com. Media Contact: Jenna Roberts, (615) 242-0351, [email protected] SOURCE The Bailey Company Bryan Blackburn, CFP, Joins Alluvial Private Wealth for greater growth opportunities and enhanced client experience MIAMI, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanctuary Wealth (Sanctuary), providing elite financial advisors the freedom, flexibility, control and choice to thrive in an evolving industry, welcomes Bryan Blackburn, CFP, to its network through Enterprise Partner Firm Alluvial Private Wealth (Alluvial), headquartered in Marion, Ohio. Blackburn, an independent wealth advisor formerly with Carnegie Investment Counsel, where he managed over $190 million in total client assets, joins Alluvial as Vice President, Wealth Advisor, and co-owner of the firm's Cleveland business. Alluvial Private Wealth, founded by Lars Olson, CFP, launched with Sanctuary in January 2021 after leaving Merrill Lynch with his $435 million book. With the addition of Blackburn's practice, Alluvial now boasts over $1.2 billion in total client assets between its two locations. "Bringing Bryan on as a co-owner of our Cleveland business is an exciting step in Alluvial's strategic growth plan, where we look to add at least one successful practice to our team every year," said Olson. "As an independent advisor, Bryan has built an impressive business in Ohio, and we look forward to him using his talents to help us take our Cleveland business to the next level. We are grateful for the guidance and support we received through Sanctuary's Enterprise Partner Program that made this deal a reality and enabled me to continue running my business while ensuring a smooth transition." Sanctuary's Enterprise Partner Program accelerates its Partner Firms' inorganic growth strategies by providing hands-on operational and financial support to add new advisors to existing firms and by helping source new expansion opportunities. Olson was among the first to earn the firm's Enterprise Partner accreditation and continues expanding his business through acquisitions and partnerships through the program. "When Sanctuary introduced me to Lars and his Alluvial team, I knew we were a perfect match both culturally and from an investment management standpoint," said Blackburn. "We share a holistic financial planning approach and a focus on helping clients approach wealth management decisions with confidence as opposed to leaving them to chance," he continued. "The resources I now have, from comprehensive tax services to multi-generational wealth transfer, will empower me to enhance my services to existing clients while attracting new ones." With nearly 20 years of financial services experience, Blackburn has helped clients seek their financial goals at Charles Schwab and Wells Fargo before going independent. He provides comprehensive wealth management advice to individuals, families and institutions by focusing on each client's specific needs and leveraging his knowledge of the markets and the financial planning process. Vince Fertitta, President of Sanctuary Wealth, added, "Many of our partner firms have studied the demographics of the industry and see tremendous opportunity in building an enterprise over the next decade. We launched our Enterprise Partner Program and have made capital available to them to help them achieve this vision. Bryan is an outstanding financial professional who has achieved success at every stage of his early career. We were pleased to introduce him to Lars Olson and facilitate his joining Alluvial." Adam Malamed, Sanctuary's CEO, concluded, "With Sanctuary's partnered independence support and Lars' continued embrace of our Enterprise Partner Program, Alluvial is positioned to thrive as the wealth management industry continues to evolve. Bryan made a great choice for his future and that of his clients by joining the leadership of Alluvial." About Sanctuary Wealth Sanctuary is a leading hybrid RIA, delivering comprehensive wealth management solutions, platform partnerships, and strategic capital investments to sophisticated independent wealth management firms. It is committed to providing partner firms with unequaled freedom, flexibility, control and choice through an ecosystem of partnered independence that offers a complete technology, and operations infrastructure, support from a community of like-minded advisors, the resources of invaluable affiliated businesses and a robust solutions platform. Sanctuary Wealth expanded its affiliation options by acquiring tru independence (tru) in 2024, offering partner firms multiple models to best serve their unique needs. Currently, the Sanctuary Wealth network includes more than 125 partner firms in 32 states nationwide, with over $55 billion in assets on and in transition to the platform. Sanctuary Wealth consists of the wholly owned subsidiaries: Sanctuary Advisors LLC, SEC-registered investment advisers, Sanctuary Securities, Inc., a FINRA member broker-dealer, as well as Sanctuary Alternative Holdings, Sanctuary Asset Management, Sanctuary Insurance Solutions, Sanctuary Global, Sanctuary Global Family Office and tru. Media Contact for Sanctuary Wealth: Donald Cutler Haven Tower Group +1 424-317-4864 [email protected] SOURCE Sanctuary Wealth Activist federal judges once again demonstrate bias against Trump administration policies WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of public interest organizations involved in an ongoing lawsuit to stop construction of the massive Virginia offshore wind project is condemning a federal district court judge's decision to overturn an order of the Department of the Interior pausing construction of the project based on national security concerns. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project is located 25 miles off the coast of Norfolk, VA, which is home to the largest military complex in the world. On Friday, Judge Jamar Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia issued an injunction lifting the Department of the Interior's order suspending construction on the project. The U.S. Navy has issued a series of classified reports over the last decade strongly objecting to offshore wind development as endangering national security and hampering military readiness and operations, arguing that most of the waters off Norfolk, for those reasons, were unsuitable for offshore wind development. Notwithstanding these objections, the Biden and Obama administrations forced the Department of Defense (now Department of War) to sign off on the construction of the CVOW. In 2024, the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), the Heartland Institute, and the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) sued the Biden administration to halt construction of Virginia Wind, citing violations of numerous environmental and administrative permits. That suit is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The following comments may be used for attribution. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Judy Kent, Director of Media Relations for CFACT, at [email protected], or call/text 703-477-7476. "Instead of showing deference to well-documented military objections, a single federal judge, without any expertise in national security, has taken it upon himself to substitute his judgment for the considered opinion of military professionals. To make matters worse, the federal district court does not even have jurisdiction to decide this matter, since it is essentially a contract dispute between the government and a wind developer. These types of disputes can only be heard in the Court of Federal Claims, which does not have the authority to issue injunctions. The Department of the Interior should appeal this decision immediately." Craig Rucker President CFACT "This is an erroneous decision which ignores long-standing U.S. Navy objections to offshore wind and its clear threat to national security interests. This decision is also made by the wrong court. As the DC Court of Appeals has recently ruled, disputes between a government contractor and a federal agency must be heard in the Court of Federal Claims, which has no jurisdiction to issue injunctions. We trust DOI will promptly appeal this decision." Paul Kamenar Counsel National Legal and Policy Center "This ruling is poorly reasoned and legally deficient, but unsurprising, considering the political leanings of those who appointed this judge. There are ample grounds, based on threats to national security and endangered species for cancelling this improperly vetted and rushed project. Clever forum shopping put this case in a U.S. District Court favorable to Dominion Energy, when it should have been heard in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims." H. Sterling Burnett, Ph.D. Director Arthur B. Robinson Center on Climate and Environmental Policy The Heartland Institute MEDIA CONTACT Judy Kent 703-477-7476 [email protected] SOURCE Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow KRAKOW, Poland, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Comarch, a global provider of advanced IT systems, today announced it has signed a new contract with ExxonMobil to implement its loyalty management solutions in Europe. This agreement marks a significant expansion of the existing cooperation between the two companies, which began in the United States. The new project will see Comarch deploy its technology to enhance ExxonMobil's loyalty initiatives across key European countries. A Strategic Expansion for Enhanced Customer Engagement ExxonMobil sought to renew its loyalty platform to ensure technical readiness for evolving business needs and to offer a better customer experience. This new contract provides a modern loyalty platform with a wide range of functionalities, strengthening ExxonMobil's customer engagement capabilities in the region. Delivering a Modern, Scalable Loyalty Framework The solution includes the Comarch CLM Enterprise platform and Comarch Mobile Application. This technology suite provides ExxonMobil with a robust, scalable framework to manage its loyalty programs, optimize business processes, and deliver a seamless experience to its customers. The project underscores Comarch's expertise in supporting global corporations with complex, large-scale loyalty initiatives. "This expansion of our partnership with ExxonMobil into Europe is a testament to the trust they place in our technology and our global expertise," said Wojciech Krawczyk, Sales Director at Comarch. "We are committed to providing ExxonMobil with a modern, scalable loyalty platform that ensures technical readiness and enhances their customer engagement across critical European markets." "We are happy to extend our current cooperation with Comarch in the USA to European countries. Europe is a critical market for us, and we look forward to developing a stronger loyalty offering for our customers by leveraging Comarch's loyalty platform and services," said Otto Nijdam, EAME Loyalty & Digital Marketing Manager at ExxonMobil. "By moving to Comarch's advanced platform, we're transforming our loyalty program into a more dynamic, future-ready solution with expanded technical possibilities," added Stefan Pavlovic, EAME Digital Loyalty Operations Manager at ExxonMobil. About Comarch Comarch is one of the biggest IT company in Europe and carries out projects for the leading global brands in the most important sectors of the economy. Tens of thousands of well-known brands in over 100 countries across 6 continents have used Comarch services, including Allianz, Auchan, BNP Paribas Fortis, BP, Carrefour, Heathrow Airport, Heineken, ING, LG U+, Orange, Telefonica, T-Mobile, and Vodafone. CONTACT: [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1120901/COMARCH_Logo.jpg Enables convenient on-body delivery of higher dose therapies like anti-cancer treatments and monoclonal antibodies Utilizes a pre-verified large-volume platform solution to speed time to market Meets evolving industry needs amid shift from hospital to home administration PARIS, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Datwyler (Middletown, Delaware) a leading provider of high-value, system-critical elastomer components, announced a collaboration with LTS Device Technologies, a developer of smart wearable devices for drug delivery, and Stevanato Group (NYSE: STVN), a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery, and diagnostic solutions. Together the companies aim to broaden the scope of large-volume subcutaneous drug delivery by enabling convenient on-body administration of larger volumes meeting the evolving needs of patients, alongside market demands. The three companies will unveil their platform solution at a joint Learning Lab presentation: When Size Matters: The Evolution of Self-Delivery Solutions for Subcutaneous Administration at Pharmapack, Jan 21-22,2026 in Paris, France. Supporting Patient-Centric Healthcare for Large-Volume Self Administration The pharmaceutical landscape for subcutaneous drug delivery is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the increasing use of biologics and other sensitive therapeutics in clinical practice. According to Precedence Research, the U.S. biologics market is projected to reach $483 billion by 2034, as small molecule research and development productivity declines. At the same time, patient preferences are changing. A recent Mayo Clinic study (Mayo Clinic's) found that 73% of participants favored in-home self-administration after 24 weeks of therapy underscoring the need for solutions that support decentralized, convenient patient-centric healthcare versus hospitals or other medical settings. "By enabling patients to self-administer therapies at home, subcutaneous drug administration facilitates a growing shift towards more accessible personalized healthcare. Datwyler's spray coated NeoFlex plungers increase the functional reliability of large volume injection systems and promote greater comfort and safety for the patients," said Paolo Ferrigno, Product Manager, PFS & Cartridges, Datwyler. Overcoming the Challenges of On-body Delivery for Large-Volume Therapies Transitioning from hospital-based administration to at-home delivery for large volume, highly sensitive biologics, and other formulations present unique challenges, such as: Pain, tissue tolerability, and absorption kinetics for high-volume therapies have limited subcutaneous injections to lower volumes, typically 2mL or less. High-dose therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, oncology treatments, and long-acting neurologic formulations, often exceed the limits of conventional low-volume delivery. The design of a new custom delivery solution may not always be feasible for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in a competitive market. Riccardo Marcon, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing of Drug Containment Solutions with Stevanato Group commented, "There is a pressing market need for innovative solutions to support larger volumes of up to 20mL in a self-administered setting while strictly maintaining safety, therapeutic efficacy, and patient compliance. For pharma companies, EZ-fill Large Volume Cartridges have been the ideal solution to reduce their complex operations for more than a decade. Our market-leading ready-to-use, EZ-fill containers are supplied pre-washed, pre-siliconized, pre-assembled with front stoppers, packed in Nest & Tub and pre-sterilized." Collaborating for Solutions Anticipating these market challenges, the collaboration has joined forces to offer a pre-verified ecosystem for faster market access, featuring: Datwyler's extended range of NeoFlex plungers for larger volume containers to enable slow, controlled drug delivery and support a wider range of self-administration devices. Stevanato Group's market-leading large-volume, ready-to-use EZ-fill cartridges to address the unique challenges in sensitive therapies, and, cartridges to address the unique challenges in sensitive therapies, and, LTS Device Technologies' Sorrel Platform, capable of delivering from 10 and 20mL cartridges, hence an appropriate choice to demonstrate the capabilities of the NeoFlex plungers and large-volume, ready-to-use EZ-fill cartridges. The companies will showcase the collaboration to evolve container closure system (CCS) development by optimizing pre-verified platform solutions at Pharmapack with a learning lab presentation: "When Size Matters: The Evolution of Self-Delivery Solutions for Subcutaneous Administration," which will be held on Thursday, January 22 at 12:50 p.m. CET in the Learning Labs - 4A89. Presenters include: Paolo Ferrigno, Product Manager, PFS & Cartridges, Datwyler Valerio Ravazzolo, Product Manager, Cartridge Platform, Stevanato Group Greg Moakes, EVP, New Business Development, LTS Device Technologies For more information and registration, click here . To learn more about the collaborative efforts, visit their individual booths or book a joint meeting for end-to-end support. Please contact: About DATWYLER In billions of syringes and in every second car around the world, Datwyler components make an important contribution to patient and driver safety. The high-tech company focuses on high-quality, system-critical elastomer components and holds leading positions in attractive global markets such as healthcare, automotive, industries and food & beverage. Datwyler materializes ideas for a safer, smarter, and more sustainable world. Thanks to recognized core competencies, the company offers added value to its customers as a development partner. With 25 production sites on four continents, revenue in over 100 countries and more than 7'500 employees, the company generates annual revenue of more than CHF 1'100 million. Headquartered in Switzerland, Datwyler has been listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange since 1986. Learn more about Datwyler www.Datwyler.com. About LTS Device Technologies We CARE. We CREATE. We DELIVER. The driving philosophy behind LTS. As a trusted technology partner for the pharmaceutical industry, we develop and manufacture innovative drug delivery systems such as Transdermal Patches ("TTS") and Oral Thin Films ("OTF") as well as wearable drug delivery devices ("OBDS"). LTS commercial offering encompasses more than 20 marketed products and a diverse pipeline of more than 40 development projects targeting multiple disease indications. LTS's innovation pipeline contains both partner-funded as well as proprietary, LTS-funded projects. LTS maintains its leading position through the continuous refinement of its core TTS and OTF technologies and by advancing emerging drug delivery technologies, including Microneedle Array Patches ("MAP") for the transdermal delivery of small and large molecules, biological actives and vaccines. With its SorrelTM wearable drug delivery platform LTS offers patient friendly solutions for complex drugs delivery at home. Founded in 1984, LTS operates today from four sites: in Andernach, Germany, West Caldwell, NJ, USA, St. Paul, MN, USA and Netanya, Israel. LTS has also a representative office in Shanghai, China. Learn more about LTS www.ltslohmann.com . About Stevanato Group Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery, and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences industries. The Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes, and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle at each of the development, clinical, and commercial stages. Stevanato Group's core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation, and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value-added solutions to clients. For more information, please visit: www.stevanatogroup.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862984/Datwyler_LTS_SG_Logo.jpg Award-Winning Skincare Water Filtration Brand Debuts their new Accessible Essential Collection in Target Stores Rolling Out to 1,800+ Locations in January 2026 LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Filterbaby, the award-winning skincare water filtration brand and leader in dermatologist-recommended water filters, today announces its national retail debut at Target. Filterbaby's new Essential Collection is now shoppable in a full chainwide rollout to more than 1,800 Target stores and on Target.com. The Target launch includes faucet and shower filters, specially crafted for mass retail while maintaining the brand's high standards for skin-safe efficacy, award-winning design and dermatologist backing. Award-Winning Skincare Water Filtration Brand Filterbaby Debuts their new Accessible Essential Collection in Target Post this Filterbaby Essential now at Target "Our mission has always been to make clean, healthy water more accessible, because better water means better skin," said Xin Shui, Founder and CEO of Filterbaby. "Partnering with Target allows us to reach more households and bring the best dermatologist-approved water filtration to people where they shop every day. We created the Filterbaby Essential Collection to offer a more accessible version of our flagship technology without compromising on what matters: real results, quality, and care." A New Essential for Skincare Routines Nationwide Filterbaby is best known for pioneering the link between water quality and skin health. Its filters are trusted by leading dermatologists and developed by skincare experts with over 90 years of combined experience. The brand's faucet and shower filters are lab tested to remove up to 99.9% of chlorine, chloramine, certain heavy metals, microplastics, and over 40+ skin-irritating contaminants, supporting healthier skin and hair from the very first rinse. The new Essential Collection for Target offers a slightly simplified version of Filterbaby's signature designs, while still using high-quality filtration materials that exceed NSF standards. FAUCET FILTER ESSENTIAL: $69.99 Colorways: White, Pink, Black #1 Dermatologist-Recommended Faucet Filter for Skincare* Removes up to 99.9% of chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals & more** Clinically tested to support skin hydration, reduce sensitivity, and improve skin barrier function Features premium Japanese ultra-filtration & activated carbon Easy 5-minute install; fits 99% of round aerator tip faucets SHOWER FILTER ESSENTIAL: $49.99 Colorways: Chrome, Pink, Black #1 Dermatologist-Recommended Shower Filter for Skin & Hair* Removes up to 99.9% of chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals & microplastics** Helps reduce dryness, itchiness, and improve hair shine Innovative refill system reduces plastic waste by up to 80% Quick install; fits all standard showers Making Clean Water a Daily Beauty Essential Filterbaby has become a leader in the beauty-meets-wellness space, continuing to lead with education, innovation, and accessibility as consumer awareness grows around the impact of water quality on skin health. The brand was recently named one of Glossy's 2025 Brand of the Year, won a 2025 NewBeauty Award for best shower filter and has been featured twice as one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2024 and 2025. ABOUT FILTERBABY Filterbaby is the leader in clinically and in-vitro tested water filtration for skincare, pioneering a new standard in skin health. Built on the belief that what you rinse with matters as much as what you apply, Filterbaby creates cutting-edge filters that remove up to 99.9% chlorine, heavy metals and microplastics right from the tap. Trusted by dermatologists and backed by rigorous lab testing, our patented technology (40+ patents granted and pending worldwide) delivers real, data-backed results. The brand's growing impact at the intersection of clean beauty and wellness has been recognized by leading industry voices, with recent honors including wins in the Glossy Pop Awards Brand of the Year, NewBeauty Beauty Awards Best Shower Filter and a two time winner of Time's list of the Best Inventions of 2024 for best filterede shower head and 2025 for best bath filter. With an unwavering focus on efficacy, innovation and sustainability, Filterbaby is redefining the link between water, wellness and beauty, one drop at a time. To learn more, visit www.filterbaby.com or follow @thefilterbaby on Instagram. ABOUT TARGET Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at nearly 2,000 stores and at Target.com , with the purpose of helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. Since 1946, Target has given 5% of its profit to communities, which today equals millions of dollars a week. Additional company information can be found by visiting the corporate website and press center . Disclaimers: *Ranked #1 dermatologist recommended in a blind 3rd-party consumer study. **3rd-party lab certified to remove up to 99.9% of chlorine, chloramine, and select heavy metals and contaminants. When used and replaced as directed. 6% efficacy fluctuation from lab certified testing. In vitro study demonstrated up to +126.6% increase in skin barrier lipids, +69.1% skin repair, and +20.61% healthy skin cell growth with Filterbaby Faucet Filter. SOURCE Filterbaby MIAMI, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chealse Sophia Howell, a former Miss Canada titleholder, Miss Universe Canada delegate, international model, and entrepreneur, has filed a civil lawsuit according to court filings, in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida, alleging defamation and tortious interference against Grant Cardone and Cardone Capital, LLC. In the complaint, Ms. Howell alleges Grant Cardone engaged in a coordinated campaign to publish and disseminate false and damaging statements about her across widely viewed social media platforms, including Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook. The lawsuit asserts that these statements falsely accused Ms. Howell of serious criminal conduct, including human trafficking in the Middle East, allegations she denies. The complaint further alleges the statements were amplified to millions of viewers through the defendants' substantial social media reach and marketing platforms, allegedly resulting in significant and irreparable harm to Ms. Howell's personal and professional reputation. Ms. Howell further claims that the alleged conduct caused the loss of business opportunities, endorsement relationships, and professional contracts, as well as severe emotional distress and concerns for her personal safety and well-being. According to the filing, Mr. Cardone's alleged conduct was intentional, malicious, and designed to intimidate and damage Ms. Howell personally and professionally. Ms. Howell's complaint asserts multiple causes of action, including defamation per se, defamation per quod, defamation by implication, tortious interference with advantageous business relationships, and tortious interference with contractual relations. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages totaling $500 million, along with injunctive relief to prevent further alleged defamatory conduct, attorneys' fees, and costs. Ms. Howell has also demanded a jury trial. "This case is about the real-world consequences of digital defamation through social media," said Ms. Howell's Miami attorney, Douglas J. Jeffrey. "When an individual with significant public influence uses social media in a manner that causes harm, the law provides a clear path for recourse. We intend to vindicate Ms. Howell's good name and reputation to ensure that the truth is the final word in this matter." Chealse Sophia Howell v. Grant Cardone and Cardone Capital, LLC, Miami-Dade County Case No. 25-024299-CA-01 Filing Date December 11, 2025 https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/civil-court.page This press release contains allegations from a civil complaint. All claims remain allegations, and no findings of fact have been made by the court. Media Contact: [email protected] About Chealse Sophia Howell founded a talent agency and a beauty product company. She has worked with global brands and publications throughout her career. https://www.hauteagency.net/ https://www.instagram.com/hauteagency?igsh=N255OXhhcGN5NG9l http://www.shop-sophia.net https://www.instagram.com/shop.sophia?igsh=bjQ3bHVrZnB2MnZh SOURCE TMedia Partners In alignment with that intention, ACRC Surrogacy donated toys for children of various age groups along with thoughtfully prepared gift sets for mothers. For the team, the most meaningful moment came not from the act of giving itself, but from watching children light up as they received their gifts and seeing mothers smile, knowing their families were being supported during the holiday season. "Our work has always been about families," said Leo Li, CEO of ACRC Surrogacy. "We support people as they grow their families through surrogacy and donation programs, and being part of this toy drive allowed us to share that same care and love beyond our programs. Seeing the joy on the faces of children and their mothers was truly the highlight of the event." Connecting Community Support to Family Building Values The LBX Christmas Market brought together families, local businesses, and community organizations from across Long Beach and surrounding areas. For ACRC Surrogacy, the event provided an opportunity to connect directly with parents and caregivers in a relaxed, community setting outside of a clinical or program environment. Through its participation, ACRC Surrogacy donated toys and gift items with an estimated total value of over $2000 , reinforcing the organization's commitment to supporting families through meaningful, hands on engagement. "Whether a family is being built through surrogacy, adoption, or traditional parenting, support matters," Li added. "Showing up in our community reflects the values that guide our work every day." Team members from ACRC Surrogacy spent time speaking with event organizers, parents, and volunteers, reinforcing the organization's belief that family support extends beyond medical or legal processes and into everyday life. A Purposeful Step Toward Deeper Community Connection While ACRC Surrogacy does not regularly host charitable events, the organization views community participation as a natural extension of its role as a family building agency. This holiday initiative represents a thoughtful step toward greater involvement in programs that uplift mothers and children. Insights gained from the LBX event will help inform future outreach efforts that align with ACRC Surrogacy's mission, with a focus on supporting maternal wellbeing, children's needs, and family stability. "We want to be intentional about how we give back," said a spokesperson from ACRC Surrogacy. "When we participate in community events, it's because they reflect who we are and the families we work with every day." As more families explore different paths to parenthood, including surrogacy and donor programs, there is growing recognition that family support extends beyond medical and legal processes. Community based moments like the LBX Christmas Market reflect a broader shift toward more holistic, human centered approaches to supporting parents, caregivers, and children at every stage of the family journey. About ACRC Surrogacy ACRC Surrogacy is a full service surrogacy agency that helps Intended Parents build families through surrogacy, egg donation, and sperm donation. With a family centered approach and global experience, ACRC Surrogacy works closely with Intended Parents, Surrogates, and Donors to provide guidance, care, and support throughout every step of the journey. To learn more about ACRC Surrogacy's family building programs, educational resources, and stories, visit https://www.acrcglobal.com/ Media Contact: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/acrcglobal/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@acrcglobal?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Facebook https://www.facebook.com/acrcsurrogacy Website https://www.acrcglobal.com/ About ACRC Global ACRC Global | Surrogacy and Egg Donation is an international family-building agency headquartered in Irvine, California , with offices across major U.S. cities and in global hubs including Tokyo, Singapore, Vancouver, and Taipei. With more than a decade of experience, a 96% surro-baby live birth rate , and over 1,200 successful family journeys , the organization is recognized as a trusted leader in surrogacy, IVF concierge support, and egg and sperm donation services. Through ACRC Surrogacy, the agency supports Intended Parents, Surrogates, and Donors at every step of their family-building journey from matching and screening to medical coordination, pregnancy care, legal support, and postpartum guidance. Learn more about ACRC Surrogacy and join our growing community at: https://www.acrcglobal.com CONTACT: Leo Li, [email protected] SOURCE ACRC Global CHONGQING, China, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently announced the latest members of its Global Lighthouse Networks 2026, with HiTHIUM's Chongqing manufacturing base successfully selected. The factory becomes the world's first Lighthouse Factory for energy storage batteries, marking a major milestone for the global energy storage industry. HiTHIUMs Chongqing manufacturing base The factory is also the world's first mass-production facility dedicated to kAh long-duration energy storage (LDES) battery. Through systematic breakthroughs in intelligent manufacturing and digital transformation, the Chongqing manufacturing base sets a new benchmark for high-quality development across the global energy storage value chain. The Global Lighthouse Network is a World Economic Forum initiative recognizing best-in-class operational sites and value chains that have achieved exceptional performance in productivity, supply chain resilience, customer centricity, sustainability and talent. The initiative was co-founded with McKinsey & Company and is counselled by an advisory board of industry leaders working together to shape the future of global manufacturing. As of today, 224 Lighthouse Factories have been recognized globally, with HiTHIUM being the first to represent the energy storage battery sector. "Competitiveness today is no longer defined by efficiency alone, but by the ability to sense, adapt and respond at speed," said Kiva Allgood, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. "This year's industrial transformation sites show how intelligence-led operations are being scaled to place resilience and sustainability at the core of how industry operates." A "Thinking" Factory Redefining Energy Storage Manufacturing As lithium-ion energy storage plays an increasingly vital role in renewable energy integration and grid stability, the industry is experiencing rapid growth alongside mounting challenges. These include surging demand, intensified cost pressures, and increasingly stringent requirements for battery consistency. Traditional manufacturing models are no longer sufficient to meet these demands. In response, HiTHIUM's Chongqing manufacturing base has advanced a comprehensive intelligent manufacturing strategy focused on near-zero-defect production, systematic cost optimization, and intelligent operations. Through continuous exploration of lean production and advanced manufacturing practices, the base has achieved significant improvements in yield, production capacity, and overall equipment effectiveness. At the core of HiTHIUM's intelligent manufacturing approach is a factory that can truly "think." The Chongqing manufacturing base has deployed more than 40 digital solutions, deeply integrating generative artificial intelligence, machine learning, and AIoT technologies. These innovations enable full-lifecycle intelligent control spanning R&D, material selection, manufacturing, and final inspection. By establishing a closed-loop, data-driven management system across the entire production chain, the base ensures exceptional product consistency, laying a solid foundation for high safety, reliability, and performance in energy storage batteries. Forward-Looking Deployment to Lead LDES Building on the growing maturity of its intelligent manufacturing system, HiTHIUM continues to advance forward-looking production layouts tailored specifically for LDES applications. The Chongqing manufacturing base has steadily expanded the adaptability of intelligent manufacturing across different technical pathways and application scenarios, reinforcing its role in supporting the industrialization of LDES. The base has also established the world's first production line dedicated to LDES batteries. In June 2025, HiTHIUM's Cell 1175Ah LDES battery entered mass production. In October, the Power 6.25MWh 4h LDES BESS, powered by this battery, began global deliveries. In December, the system was selected as the sole representative from the energy storage sector at a national-level exhibition highlighting advancements in Chinese manufacturing. Looking ahead, HiTHIUM will further leverage the lighthouse factory's demonstrative role in intelligent R&D, smart manufacturing, and the development of agile and resilient supply chain networks. As an industry chain leader, the company will also drive digital transformation across upstream and downstream partners, fostering a highly collaborative and efficient industrial ecosystem. By continuously exporting scalable intelligent manufacturing practices and industrialization capabilities, HiTHIUM aims to support the large-scale, high-quality, safe, and efficient deployment of LDES batteries and systemscontributing a robust Chinese solution to the global transition toward green and sustainable energy. SOURCE HiTHIUM DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets, the Hyperspectral Imaging Systems Market is projected to reach USD 1.83 billion by 2030 from USD 0.92 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 14.7% during the forecast period. Browse 150 market data Tables and 40 Figures spread through 210 Pages and in-depth TOC on " Hyperspectral Imaging Systems Market - Global Forecast to 2030" Hyperspectral Imaging Systems Market Size & Forecast: Market Size Available for Years: 20212030 20212030 2025 Market Size: USD 0.92 billion USD 0.92 billion 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 1.83 billion USD 1.83 billion CAGR (20252030): 14.7% Hyperspectral Imaging Systems Market Trends & Insights: The hyperspectral imaging systems market is expected to expand as governments and enterprises increase their investments in advanced sensing and imaging technologies for defense, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and industrial inspection, which require detailed spectral analysis and high data accuracy. By wavelength, the visible& NIR segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of ~913% during the forecast period. By type, the cameras segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of ~1012% during the forecast period. By technology, the pushbroom/ line scan segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. By region, North America is expected to dominate the hyperspectral imaging systems market with a share of ~35-37% in terms of value in 2025. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=246979343 The key factor propelling the growth of the hyperspectral imaging systems market is the continued adoption of sophisticated sensing and analysis technologies in the defense, agronomic, environmental, healthcare, industrial, and research sectors worldwide. Organizations worldwide are increasingly adopting hyperspectral imaging systems for successful material detection, quality analysis, and real-time decision-making. Furthermore, AI and machine learning have also been adding value to the hyperspectral imaging data analysis process, thereby increasing accuracy, automation, and overall scalability, which is leading to widespread adoption. Additionally, increased spending on airborne, UAV, and CubeSat systems for hyperspectral imaging has improved overall data access and cost-effectiveness worldwide. Apart from these developments, additional investments in government spending, modernization initiatives in space and defense, and greater inter-company, institutional, and governmental collaborations in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific collectively continue to strengthen the robust market performance in the global hyperspectral imaging systems market. Based on application, the research & diagnostics segment is projected to register the highest CAGR in the hyperspectral imaging systems market during the forecast period. As organizations worldwide prioritize efficiency and accuracy in research and diagnostic workflows, hyperspectral imaging is gaining global traction for its ability to detect subtle material and biological variations that are difficult to identify using conventional imaging techniques. Ongoing technological advancements are enhancing the resolution, speed, and scalability of hyperspectral imaging systems, making them increasingly valuable for research institutions, laboratories, and medical facilities across both developed and emerging markets, which seek advanced solutions for analysis and diagnosis. Snapshot segment to witness the highest CAGR in the hyperspectral imaging systems market by technology during the forecast period. The snapshot hyperspectral imaging technology enables the capture of complete spectral data in a single exposure, eliminating the need for scanning and significantly reducing acquisition time. At a global level, this makes snapshot systems well-suited for real-time and high-throughput applications such as medical diagnostics, food inspection, and industrial quality control. Continued advancements in sensor design and manufacturing are enhancing the performance and affordability of snapshot hyperspectral systems, driving their adoption across various industries worldwide that seek fast, efficient, and cost-effective imaging solutions. Visible & NIR segment to account for the largest share of the hyperspectral imaging systems market, by wavelength, during the forecast period. Visible and NIR hyperspectral cameras offer high versatility and a broad range of applications across global markets, enabling detailed spectral capture across both visible and near-infrared bands. These wavelength ranges are widely adopted in agriculture, environmental monitoring, food inspection, and industrial quality control worldwide. The combined use of visible and NIR spectra enhances analytical depth, allowing organizations to derive actionable insights that support improved decision-making, quality assurance, and process optimization across diverse industries. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=246979343 The US is expected to account for the largest share of the North America hyperspectral imaging systems market during the forecast period. The US is expected to hold the largest share in the North America hyperspectral imaging systems industry due to its strong defense and aerospace spending, extensive adoption of advanced sensing technologies, and early commercialization of hyperspectral solutions across various industries. The presence of leading hyperspectral imaging companies, research institutions, and system integrators accelerates innovation and deployment. Large-scale government programs, including defense surveillance, space missions, and environmental monitoring initiatives, further drive sustained demand. Additionally, widespread use of hyperspectral imaging in precision agriculture, healthcare research, and industrial inspection reinforces the US' dominant market position. Key Players The hyperspectral imaging systems companies includes many major Tier I and II players like Corning Incorporated (US), HORIBA (Japan), BaySpec, Inc. (US), SPECIM, SPECTRAL IMAGING LTD. (Finland), and Malvern Panalytical Ltd. (UK), and others. These players have a strong market presence in advanced packaging across various countries in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=246979343 Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting See More Latest Semiconductor Reports: Gesture Recognition and Touchless Sensing Market by Technology (Touch-based, Touchless), Touchless Sensing Product (Touchless Biometric Equipment, Touchless Sanitary Equipment), Gesture Recognition, Industry, and Region - Global Forecast to 2032 Augmented and Virtual Reality Market by Enterprise, Technology (Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality), Offering (Hardware, Software), Device Type (HMDs, HUDs, Gesture Tracking Devices), Application, and Region -Global Forecast to 2032 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. 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Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/hyperspectral-imaging-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/hyperspectral-imaging.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets "New Monroe Doctrine" never needed in today's world 08:25, January 16, 2026 By Huan Yuping ( People's Daily A series of recent actions taken by the United States against Venezuelafrom military strikes and forcible capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, to open declarations of intent to "run" Venezuela and gain control over its oil resourceshave laid bare the underlying logic of domination and power politics that define the so-called "new Monroe Doctrine." These measures not only constitute a blatant violation of Venezuela's sovereignty, but also challenge and undermine the international law and basic norms governing international relations enshrined in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. I. The "new Monroe Doctrine" is by no means a novel concept. Rather, it represents the continuation and a dangerous escalation of the United States' traditional hegemonic policy in the contemporary era. An article published on the website of Spain's El Pais observed, "By intervening in Venezuela, Washington is reviving the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine," noting that the U.S. approach amounts to a "gunboat diplomacy 2.0." At the end of 2025, the White House released the 2025 National Security Strategy, explicitly stating: "After years of neglect, the United States will reassert and enforce the Monroe Doctrine to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, and to protect our homeland and our access to key geographies throughout the region." Recent actions, including military action against Venezuela, threats directed toward Latin American countries like Cuba, and overt territorial ambitions expressed toward Greenland, a Danish territory, have given the international community a clearer picture of the trajectory of U.S. policy and heightened concerns over the regional and global consequences that this "new Monroe Doctrine" may bring. What exactly does the "new Monroe Doctrine" entail? The United States' own words and deeds provide a stark answer. Its objective is to ensure that the Western Hemisphere becomes what U.S. politicians have termed "our hemisphere," subordinating territories, resources, and sea lanes of regional countries to U.S. interests, and aligning their domestic and foreign policies with the United States' will. The United States is discarding all pretenses and openly relying on brute-force methods, including military strikes, intimidation and coercion, economic pressure, and efforts to instigate regime change. Guided by doctrines prioritizing "might makes right" and "America First," the United States demonstrates a willingness to pursue its self-serving interests with minimal restraint. What will the "new Monroe Doctrine" bring to the region? History offers a clear warning. "All the way back to 1823, James Monroe established the Monroe Doctrine. You are a part of it now, you are a part of that legacy." A U.S. politician recently declared. This amounts to an open admission that today's United States is inheriting and perpetuating a historical tradition of intervention and exploitation that once caused immense suffering to the peoples of Latin America. From seizing more than half of Mexico's territory in 1848, to occupying Haiti with troops in 1915, to invading the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Panama during the Cold War, the record is long and grim. As The Guardian has pointed out, "Almost every country in the region has experienced some form of U.S. intervention, overt or covert." Historically, Monroe Doctrine implementation reduced Latin America to a long-term "strategic backyard," a "supplier of raw materials," a "dumping ground for goods," and a "cultural colony" of the United States. The development trajectories of Latin American countries were repeatedly disrupted, and their peoples endured extensive suffering. As Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano revealed in his book Open Veins of Latin America, this pattern of "externalized development" remains a recurring script: the underground wealth of other nations must fuel the U.S. hegemony. II. When assessing the current situation, a U.S. scholar has asserted that Venezuela has become a springboard for the 21st-century Monroe Doctrine. As the United States reasserts the Western Hemisphere as a foreign policy priority, Latin America and the Caribbean are likely to face potential disruptions to peace, stability, and development, with regional autonomy significantly constrained. The United States has justified its increased military presence in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific as part of its efforts to combat "narco-terrorism," yet its recent escalation to direct military action against Venezuela highlights a troubling pattern of manufacturing security crises in the region. Such interventions pose a significant threat to the Latin American people's pursuit of peaceful lives. Through overt interference in the internal affairs of Latin American nations, the United States has intensified political divisions, creating serious risks to the region's political stability. By imposing asset seizures and tariffs, the United States is siphoning development resources from the entire region northward, depriving regional countries of their right to independent development and severely impacting local economies and livelihoods. By stoking confrontation between so-called "pro-U.S." and "autonomous" camps in the region, the United States undermines regional unity and self-reliance, obstructing regional integration eventually. The harm caused by the "new Monroe Doctrine" extends far beyond Latin America. Following the U.S. military action against Venezuela, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that such actions had set a "dangerous precedent." At its core, the doctrine represents a fundamental clash between hegemony and justice, "spheres of influence" and sovereign equality, and unilateral dominance and mutual respect. It directly contradicts international law and basic norms governing international relations, violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the foundation of international relations, and threatens to undermine fairness and justice on a global scale. When the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on the U.S. military action against Venezuela, U.S. politicians responded that "they didn't care what the UN says," bluntly exposing the United States' contempt for the UN, for multilateralism, and for the international order. Undermining international norms endangers all nations. Hegemony, by its nature, does not restrain itself. By openly placing brute force above justice, it breeds insecurity and instability across the world. Indeed, the expansionist ambitions and predatory mindset now on display in the United States reflect a striking sense of being "out of sync with the times," alarming and unsettling the global community. Some analysts pointed out that the "new Monroe Doctrine" is not a revival but a "dangerous escalation." The Washington Post has warned that if such barbaric behavior becomes normalized, the consequences would be disastrous, with "might makes right" becoming the sole rule. III. The world does not need a "new Monroe Doctrine," and history will inevitably consign it to the dustbin. The UN Charter clearly states that "The Organization is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members," and that "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the UN." In today's international relations, sovereign equality is the prerequisite for peaceful coexistence, while the rule of international law is the fundamental safeguard and the backbone of fairness and justice. These most basic principles underpin the long-term peace and stability of the world and must be jointly upheld by the international community. In response to the U.S. action against Venezuela and the rising "new Monroe Doctrine," the strongest and broadest consensus within the international community is to defend international law and basic norms governing international relations, and to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Voices from around the world have noted that "the United States is willing to disregard long-established international legal principles to achieve its own goals," that it "poses a serious threat to the international order established after World War II," and that it has "effectively erased the very existence of international law." The "new Monroe Doctrine" and the global condemnation it has received act as a mirror, reflecting both the limits of hegemonic powers' global expansion and their reckless use of localized force. It also underscores the ongoing shift toward a multipolar world and the democratization of international relationsalong with the inevitable twists and turns along this path. Temporary advantage lies in power, but lasting victory lies in justice. History moves forward, and justice will ultimately prevail over brute force. In the face of hegemony, the international community must firmly stand on the right side of history, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and ensure that righteousness prevails and the world remains upright and bright. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Honduran President Xiomara Castro has reluctantly ordered the start of the transition of power in Honduras to conservative politician Nasry Asfura, declared the winner of last Novembers presidential elections after a long and chaotic vote recount process that plunged the Central American country into uncertainty. I order that the transition and transfer of power be organized to the de facto government declared by the National Electoral Council [CNE] and the Electoral Court, which failed to count more than a million votes at all three levels of the electoral process, said Castro, who claimed that Asfuras victory stems from a monstrous electoral fraud. The decision comes after weeks of political chaos in Honduras, where the ruling party has refused to recognize Asfuras victory. He won the elections with the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre), founded by Castros husband, former president Manuel Zelaya, has denounced massive fraud in the presidential vote and has demanded a new vote count, claiming that electoral authorities manipulated the ballots. Libres leadership has described the situation as an electoral coup, a characterization echoed by other branches of the state. The National Congress approved a legislative decree ordering the National Electoral Council to count the votes and tally sheets from the November 30 elections. The measure was passed with the participation of only 69 pro-government lawmakers and their allies. Castro supported the initiative and argued that electoral authorities had unjustifiably refused to scrutinize 4,774 tally sheets, representing the votes of 1,558,689 citizens. This omission usurps popular sovereignty by disregarding, without legal cause, the votes of Hondurans who went to the polls, and constitutes a serious violation of the Constitution of the Republic, which I am obligated to uphold and defend, said Castro. She also recalled on the social network X that Trumps statements in favor of Asfura negatively influenced the development of the democratic process and affected our candidate, referring to Rixi Moncada, who received just 19% of the vote. Castro has been forced to shift her stance at a tense moment in Latin America, as Washington has launched a policy of intervention in the region. On January 3, the United States carried out an attack against Venezuela and captured president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, generating fear among Central American governments that have taken positions opposed to the White House, such as Honduras and the regime of Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua. On Thursday, the Honduran president toned down the ruling partys confrontational rhetoric and said, I reiterate that I will not remain [in the presidency] one day longer or one day less. The president announced the start of the transition during a ceremony marking the 144th anniversary of the founding of the Honduran National Police, which she also used as a kind of farewell to the term she assumed on January 27, 2022, when she took office from former president Juan Orlando Hernandez. Hernandez was sentenced in the United States to 45 years in prison for his links to drug trafficking and was later pardoned by Trump. I declare that my love for Central America dies with me, said Castro. I wish success to the youth, who are called upon to give life to this country, which I leave with regret for being left in anarchy by the two-party system, and I hope they will emulate my example of acting firmly and never remaining silent against the monstrous electoral fraud that they have unfortunately imposed today, added Castro in a final effort to discredit Asfuras administration. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents across Austin can learn about all of the different schools available for their kids on Saturday, Jan. 31all in one room. The Austin School fair starts at 11:00 AM at Bullock Texas State History Museum, and more than 40 public, charter, and private schools will have representatives available to talk with families about their school options. The event, organized by Families Empowered in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. It will take place at the Bullock Texas State History Museum (1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701) from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. In addition to searching for schools, attendees can enjoy balloon art, face painting, and complimentary snacks. "Families Empowered has been serving Austin families for over a decade," said Colleen Dippel, Founder and CEO of Families Empowered. "We are thrilled to be able to host another school choice week event this year at the Bullock Museum." 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 https://schoolchoiceweek.com/events/austin-school-fair/ or contact Colleen Dippel at [email protected] or 936-689-6505. 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 LAS CRUCES, N.M., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents across New Mexico can learn about all of the different schools available for their kids on Saturday, Jan. 31all in one room. The Las Cruces School fair starts at 11:00 AM at the Mesilla Valley Mall. Representatives from public charter schools, private schools, traditional and magnet schools, and homeschooling resources will be available to talk with families about their school options. The event, organized by Public Charter Schools of New Mexico in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. It will take place at Mesilla Valley Mall (700 S. Telshor Blvd. Las Cruces, NM 88011) from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026. In addition to searching for schools, attendees can enjoy family friendly activities and complimentary snacks. "This event is a great opportunity for parents to explore what's available and for students to feel seen, supported, and excited about learning because it's a true celebration of school choice in New Mexico," said Angela Lopez, Field Director of Public Charter Schools of New Mexico. "From charter and magnet schools to private and homeschool programs, families can discover all the incredible ways students are learning, growing, and thriving." 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/las-cruces-school-fair . 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 NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents across Nashville can learn about all of the different schools available for their kids on Saturday, Jan. 31all in one room. he Nashville School fair starts at 11:00 AM at the The Venue @ Rocketown, and will feature magnets, public charters, and private schools which will have representatives available to talk with families about their school options. The event, organized by AFC Growth Fund-Tennessee and the Beacon Center of Tennessee in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. It will take place at The Venue @ Rocketown from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026. In addition to searching for schools, attendees can enjoy balloon art, face painting, and complimentary snacks. "The main goal of the school fair is to bring families together to learn about school options in their area," said Bill Phillips, National Director of Government Affairs at AFC Growth Fund-Tennessee. "Parents in Tennessee have more choice than ever before with the launch of the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) program, and connecting them to their school options in Middle Tennessee will ensure they can find the right fit for their family." 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/nashville-school-fair 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 Expo to Welcome 1,000+ Attendees for School Discovery and Free Family Fun During School Choice Week NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents across New Haven can learn about all of the different schools available for their kids on Saturday, Jan. 31-all in one location. The New Haven School Choice Expo starts at 10:00 AM at Wilbur Cross High School, and more than 30 public and charter schools will have representatives available to talk with families about their school options. The event, organized by New Haven Public Schools in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. It will take place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Wilbur Cross High School (181 Mitchell Drive, New Haven, CT 06511). In addition to searching for schools, attendees can enjoy balloon art, face painting, games, and complimentary snacks. "The School Choice Expo is designed as a true celebration of family and community," said Danielle Gregory-Williams, Magnet Recruitment Coordinator for the Office of School Choice & Enrollment at New Haven Public Schools. "We believe that exploring school options should be an empowering and enjoyable experience, which is why the day features not only critical information but also family fun, treats, games, and music. This year, we are especially focused on equipping families with the knowledge they need. Attendees will get a detailed walkthrough of the School Choice application process and will benefit from our partnership with ConnCAN. As an advocacy organization, ConnCAN will help ensure every family understands their options, available resources, and how they can get involved." 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 or to RSVP, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/new-haven-school-fair . 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 Students and educators to celebrate educational options during School Choice Week HELENA, Mont., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of students, parents, and teachers will rally at the Montana State Capitol in Helena on Friday, Jan. 30 to highlight the success and challenges of school choice for Montana families. The event, organized by the Montana Family Institute in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. It will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Friday, Jan. 30 at the Montana State Capitol (1301 E. 6th Ave., Helena, MT 59601) in the Rotunda. The event provides the public with an opportunity to hear from State leaders and every-day Montanans about how school choice has impacted their lives and what it means to their community. "Our goal for school choice in Montana is to empower parents to find the best education for their children," said a representative of the Montana Family Institute. "Montana children deserve to be placed in a school that will facilitate the absolute best for their future." 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/helena-capitol-celebration The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K12 school choice can change their children's lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children's needs. Our three charitable programsNational School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolaresraise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government. SOURCE National School Choice Week LAS VEGAS, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- During CES 2026, Infinix, an innovation-driven technology brand, captured the global spotlight, winning the Innovation Award 2026 from internationally authoritative tech media Trusted Reviews, the "Best of CES 2026" title from renowned veteran tech outlet Android Headlines, as well as multiple "Best of CES 2026" honors from leading mainstream technology media. The accolades highlight industry recognition of Infinix's latest innovations across satellite communication, sustained performance, personalized expression, and AI ecosystem products. The awards received by Infinix A glittering collection of awards celebrating Infinixs breakthrough achievements at CES 2026 Centered on the theme "Joy Tech, Beyond Limit," Infinix showcased a series of breakthrough technologies that redefine connectivity, sustained performance, and personalized expression, ushering in a new era of mobile innovation. The highlight was Infinix's first seamless two-way satellite communication solution, bringing satellite connectivity to consumer-grade smartphones in an unprecedented way and further expanding the boundaries of network versatility. Powered by a high-performance satellite modem, the system delivers two-way voice and messaging across nearly two-thirds of the Earth's surface, with seamless automatic switching between terrestrial and satellite networks. This technology will make its commercial debut in the upcoming Infinix NOTE 60 Series, bringing high-end connectivity to a broader global audience. Other major innovations include industry-leading thermal efficiency achieved through the HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture and Piezoelectric Fan integrated directly into the smartphone's thermal path, overcoming the physical limits of passive cooling and ensuring stable high performance even under heavy loads, delivering an exceptional mobile gaming experience. The Active Visual Backplate Technology turns the smartphone backplate into a dynamic visual canvas without drawing additional power. Its patterns and colors shift with viewing angle, temperature, and lighting, while also offering continuous animations and glass-free 3D effects. The Infinix AI GLASSES Pro features a dual-chip architecture, enabling high-performance first-person capture and comprehensive, low-power intelligent interaction. The AI Module, a magnetic expansion ecosystem, evolves the smartphone into an AI creative hub, showcasing Infinix's vision for the future intelligent ecosystem. Throughout the event, the Infinix showcase became a hub for global tech media, attracting coverage from The Verge, Wired, ZDNet, GSMArena, Gizmochina, Stuff, Android Police, and more, while earning authoritative "Best of CES 2026" honors across multiple categories: As the curtains fall on CES 2026, Infinix will continue to champion the "Joy Tech, Beyond Limit" philosophy, exploring the limitless possibilities of technology and pushing the boundaries of connectivity, creativity, and freedom in smart devices. By bridging forward-looking concepts with real-world applications, Infinix is setting a new benchmark for the smartphone ecosystem, ensuring that every innovation delivers a more connected, creative, and liberating experience for users worldwide. About Infinix Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/ SOURCE Infinix JERICHO, N.Y., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gary Gordon Scholarship for Entrepreneurs announces its opening application period for undergraduate students nationwide who demonstrate exceptional commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and business leadership. Established by Gary Gordon, a distinguished financial services executive with over three decades of experience in broker-dealer, clearing, and registered investment advisory platforms, the scholarship reflects a commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent across the United States. entrepreneurship. The Gary Gordon Scholarship for Entrepreneurs welcomes applications from undergraduate students enrolled at accredited institutions throughout the country. The program seeks candidates who possess a genuine passion for entrepreneurship and display the potential to develop ventures that address real-world challenges while contributing to economic and social progress. Eligibility Requirements and Application Process To qualify for consideration, applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate students at accredited colleges or universities. Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship and business leadership through their academic pursuits, extracurricular involvement, or practical experience. The application requires submission of an original essay responding to the following prompt: "Describe your entrepreneurial goals, the strategies you plan to implement to achieve them, and how your ideas can create meaningful impact in your community or industry." All applications must be submitted electronically to [email protected] by September 15, 2026. The scholarship recipient will be announced on October 15, 2026, providing recognition to a student whose entrepreneurial vision and strategic approach demonstrate exceptional promise. Program Impact and Vision The Gary Gordon Scholarship for Entrepreneurs represents an investment in students who aspire to become catalysts for innovation and positive change. By supporting undergraduate education and entrepreneurial development, the program aims to equip emerging business leaders with resources that enable them to pursue their goals with confidence and clarity. Gary Gordon recognizes that entrepreneurship requires not only creative thinking but also disciplined execution, strategic planning, and a commitment to creating value beyond financial returns. For additional information about the Gary Gordon Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, including detailed application guidelines and program updates, interested students and academic advisors should visit https://garygordonscholarship.com/. SOURCE Gary Gordon Scholarship "The launch of these four new energy drinks reflects our dedication to developing formulations with health benefits and great taste. We are thrilled to expand our distribution online nationally and begin our specialty retail distribution with select retailers in the San Francisco Bay Area," said Josie's Founder and Chief Energy Officer (CEO). "I founded Josie Beverages due to my love of adaptogens as alternatives to heavily caffeinated beverages, which I'm highly sensitive to as an avid beverage consumer." The brand specializes in clean energy drinks formulated with nootropics and adaptogens utilizing lion's mane and cordyceps. The energy drink line is comprised of four flavor profiles including Tangerine, Lemon Lime, Mixed Berry and Cucumber. This line of sophisticated, functional sparkling energy drinks are now available online and via specialty retailers in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. To meet with Josie Beverages about additional distribution at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California, contact [email protected]. About Josie Beverages Everywhere the Josie team looked, energy drinks were overloaded with sugar, artificial junk, and a flavor profile that felt more like a dare than a delight. So, they created Josie: a better energy drink made for people who want to feel good - not wired, jittery, or crashing by 3 PM. Josie's blend of lion's mane, cordyceps, and vitamin B12 is highly functional and tastes delicious. Think of it like fuel for your brain and body that actually supports your energy system, not just blasts it with caffeine and hope. It's clarity without chaos, focus without the fallout. To learn more about Josie Beverages and their line of energy drinks, visit drinkjosie.com. Media Contact: Frank Tortorici VP of Media Relations Marketing Maven Public Relations, Inc. [email protected] Phone: (908) 875-8908 SOURCE Josie Beverages Maryland Vineyard Honors Half a Century with Special Events and Promotions MOUNT AIRY, Md., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Half a century ago, a vision took root in the rolling hills of Frederick County. Today, Linganore Winecellars, a pioneer of the Maryland wine industry, is proud to announce the celebration of its 50th Anniversary. Founded in 1976 by Jack and Lucille Aellen, the winery has grown from a humble family farm into one of the East Coast's most iconic viticultural destinations. To honor five decades of award winning wines, their family legacy, and to show appreciation for community support, Linganore Winecellars is rolling out a year-long calendar of commemorative events and throwback offerings. Linganore Wincellars: then vs now Eric Aellen, second generation Co-Owner and Vineyard Manager, reflects back over the last 50 years of working on his family's vineyard, "Celebrating the 50th anniversary of our winery is deeply personal for me. I grew up on this farm, learning its rhythms, values, and stories alongside my family, and those roots have shaped who I am." He goes on to say, "Seeing the next generationmy son and my niecestep forward to carry on the winery's legacy fills me with pride and gratitude, knowing that the land, the work, and the passion we built together will continue to thrive for years to come." Co-Owner and Executive Winemaker Anthony Aellen adds, "People look at us and say we 'own a 230-acre farm.' Well, not really. You get to be the caretaker of the land for the time you are here, and with that, you are given the responsibility to leave the land in better condition when it becomes someone else's. This has been going on for thousands of years, from generation to generation. It's really fulfilling to see what we have had the opportunity to build here, and just hope it is as successful for everyone down the line." To kick off the golden anniversary, the Maryland winery is excited to announce these special offerings in 2026: 4th Monday of Each Month - $2 Bar Tastings: A throwback to where it all began. On the 4th Monday of each month, enjoy Linganore Winecellars' original bar tasting price: five signature wines for just $2. Free Tour Fridays! 2PM & 4PM | 1st Friday of Every Month: Step behind the scenes with Free Tour Fridays! Starting this February, join Linganore Winecellars for a complimentary winery tour at 2PM or 4PM and discover the history & heart that goes into each bottle. Following your tour, visit the Tasting Room to purchase a Bar Tasting or a bottle of your favorite Linganore wine. Open to ages 21+ only, pre-reservation is encouraged as space is limited. Around the Family Table: Kicking off this February, join Linganore Winecellars for intimate, bi-monthly story time sessions hosted by second-generation family members Anthony and Eric Aellen. This is your invitation to a warm, inviting afternoon best enjoyed with a glass of wine in hand, where the Aellen brothers share behind-the-scenes tales, fun winery facts, and stories from five decades of passion. The anniversary celebration will continue to evolve throughout the year. Linganore Winecellars has big plans for its legendary festivals and other special events throughout 2026, featuring exclusive anniversary themes and limited edition releases. To stay informed on these upcoming celebrations and be the first to know about new event announcements, the winery encourages fans to join their email list at https://www.linganorewines.com/email-signup/ Linganore Winecellars is a family-owned and operated winery located in Mt. Airy, Maryland. Since 1976, the Aellen family has been committed to producing high-quality wines while fostering a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. With over 70 acres of vineyards and a diverse portfolio ranging from classic vinifera to unique fruit wines, Linganore remains a cornerstone of Maryland's rich agricultural and winemaking history. SOURCE Linganore Winecellars CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Metallus (NYSE: MTUS), a leader in high-quality specialty metals, manufactured components, and supply chain solutions, and the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1123 have reached a new tentative agreement for a four-year contract after members rejected previous agreements on October 30 and December 18, 2025. The date of the next vote will be set and announced by the union. "We have reached a new tentative agreement that reflects our ongoing effort to balance both the needs of our employees and the priorities of the company," said Mike Williams, chief executive officer of Metallus. "The tentative contract offers a fair and reasonable resolution, and we value the constructive cooperation from all parties to reach a solution that benefits our employees, maintains job stability, and supports Metallus' future success." To allow time for the union to communicate with its members and schedule the next vote, the current labor contract has been extended for an additional 14 days until February 12, 2026. Operations will continue as normal during this period. The contract covers approximately 1,200 bargaining employees at the company's Canton, Ohio operations. ABOUT METALLUS INC. Metallus (NYSE: MTUS) manufactures high-performance specialty metals from recycled scrap metal in Canton, OH, serving demanding applications in industrial, automotive, aerospace & defense and energy end-markets. The company is a premier U.S. producer of alloy steel bars (up to 16 inches in diameter), seamless mechanical tubing and manufactured components. In the business of making high-quality steel for more than 100 years, Metallus' proven expertise contributes to the performance of our customers' products. The company employs approximately 1,850 people and had sales of $1.1 billion in 2024. For more information, please visit us at www.metallus.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. You can generally identify the company's forward-looking statements by words such as "will," "anticipate," "aspire," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "outlook," "intend," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "target," "should," "would," "strategy," or "strategic direction" or other similar words, phrases or expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. The company cautions readers that actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the company due to a variety of factors, such as: (1) the effects of fluctuations in customer demand on sales, product mix and prices in the industries in which the company operates, including the ability of the company to respond to rapid changes in customer demand including but not limited to changes in domestic and worldwide political and economic conditions due to, among other factors, U.S. and foreign trade policies and the impact on economic conditions, changes in customer operating schedules due to supply chain constraints or unplanned work stoppages, the ability of customers to obtain financing to purchase the company's products or equipment that contains its products, the effects of customer bankruptcies or liquidations, the impact of changes in industrial business cycles, and whether conditions of fair trade exist in U.S. markets; (2) changes in operating costs, including the effect of changes in the company's manufacturing processes, changes in costs associated with varying levels of operations and manufacturing capacity, availability of raw materials and energy, the company's ability to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in raw materials and energy costs and the effectiveness of its surcharge mechanism, changes in the expected costs associated with product warranty claims, changes resulting from inventory management, cost reduction initiatives and different levels of customer demands, the effects of unplanned work stoppages, availability of skilled labor and changes in the cost of labor and benefits; (3) the success of the company's operating plans, announced programs, initiatives and capital investments, the consistency to meet demand levels following unplanned downtime, and the company's ability to maintain appropriate relations with the union that represents its associates in certain locations in order to avoid disruptions of business; (4) whether the company is able to successfully implement actions designed to improve profitability on anticipated terms and timetables and whether the company is able to fully realize the expected benefits of such actions; (5) the company's pension obligations and investment performance; (6) with respect to the company's ability to achieve its sustainability goals, including its 2030 environmental goals, the ability to meet such goals within the expected timeframe, changes in laws, regulations, prevailing standards or public policy, the alignment of the scientific community on measurement and reporting approaches, the complexity of commodity supply chains and the evolution of and adoption of new technology, including traceability practices, tools and processes; (7) availability of property insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates or insufficient insurance coverage to cover claims or damages; (8) the availability of financing and interest rates, which affect the company's cost of funds and/or ability to raise capital; (9) the impacts from any repurchases of our common shares, including the timing and amount of any repurchases; (10) competitive factors, including changes in market penetration, increasing price competition by existing or new foreign and domestic competitors, the introduction of new products by existing and new competitors, and new technology that may impact the way the company's products are sold or distributed; (11) deterioration in global economic conditions, or in economic conditions in any of the geographic regions in which the company conducts business, including additional adverse effects from global economic slowdown, terrorism or hostilities, including political risks associated with the potential instability of governments and legal systems in countries in which the company or its customers conduct business, and changes in currency valuations; (12) the impact of global conflicts on the economy, sourcing of raw materials, and commodity prices; (13) climate-related risks, including environmental and severe weather caused by climate changes, and legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing global climate change or other environmental concerns; (14) unanticipated litigation, claims or assessments, including claims or problems related to intellectual property, product liability or warranty, employment matters, regulatory compliance and environmental issues and taxes, among other matters; (15) cyber-related risks, including information technology system failures, interruptions and security breaches; (16) the potential impact of pandemics, epidemics, widespread illness or other health issues; and (17) with respect to the equipment investments to support the U.S. Army's mission of ramping up munitions production in the coming years, whether the funding awarded to support these investments is received on the anticipated timetable, whether the company is able to successfully complete the installation and commissioning of the new assets on the targeted budget and timetable, and whether the anticipated increase in throughput is achieved. Further, this news release represents our current policy and intent and is not intended to create legal rights or obligations. Certain standards of measurement and performance contained in this news release are developing and based on assumptions, and no assurance can be given that any plan, objective, initiative, projection, goal, mission, commitment, expectation or prospect set forth in this news release can or will be achieved. Inclusion of information in this news release is not an indication that the subject or information is material to our business or operating results. Additional risks relating to the company's business, the industries in which the company operates, or the company's common shares may be described from time to time in the company's filings with the SEC. All of these risk factors are difficult to predict, are subject to material uncertainties that may affect actual results and may be beyond the company's control. Readers are cautioned that it is not possible to predict or identify all of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect future results and that the above list should not be considered to be a complete list. Except as required by the federal securities laws, the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Metallus Inc. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has insisted that her movement will play a role in Venezuelas future, and that after an orderly transition, her country will be the best ally the United States has ever had. Regarding the United States support for continuity in Venezuela, as represented by interim president Delcy Rodriguez, Macahdo argued that its not a choice between her and me, but between the cartel and justice. I am just one person within a larger movement. The politician and activist who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize appeared before the Washington press on Friday at the headquarters of the ultraconservative think tank Heritage Foundation, the day after her meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House a highly anticipated event that the U.S. government tried to keep lowprofile and that left more questions than answers. The opposition leader who has expressed her intention to return to Venezuela as soon as possible asserted that she has the unwavering support of the United States for her country. Venezuela will be free, let no one doubt it, and that will be thanks to President Donald Trump. If anything has united the people of the United States, it is Venezuela. She downplayed Washingtons support for Rodriguezs continued leadership, arguing that she is only following orders. Rodriguez is not comfortable in her current role, said Machado. There are things Rodriguez can give up, because she is terrified of President Trump. But others she will never be able to achieve: trust, the rule of law, reconciliation, citizen participation, and support. Therefore, this is not sustainable, and she knows it. Machados decision to gift Trump her Nobel Peace Prize medal, which she received in Oslo last December a move that has sparked outrage among the Norwegian organizers of the award overshadowed her meeting with Trump. After the meeting, it was clear that the president had succeeded in acquiring a medal he coveted not the prize itself, which is non-transferable. Far less clear was what Machado had achieved: while the two spoke for two hours in the Oval Office and the adjoining dining room, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt essentially stated that realities on the ground meant that Trump would continue supporting Delcy Rodriguez to lead Venezuela, not the Nobel laureate. I didnt come here looking for anything for myself, Machado explained at her press conference, when asked what she had gained from her conversation at the White House. I came representing the people of Venezuela, who gave us a mandate [in the 2023 opposition primaries and the 2024 presidential elections]. I came to receive the message that we have the support of the United States for a very complex process. A complex process where, she admitted, there may be things we didnt expect, or that we dont like. The opposition leader declined to reveal the content of her conversation with Trump, calling it a private conversation. However, she did share her feelings about the meeting: I felt enormous respect for the people of Venezuela when I entered the Oval Office. We discussed all the issues with great respect, but also with honesty and frankness. I was struck by the concern he conveyed about the situation of Venezuelans: the young people, the children, the families, the healthcare system. I was able to have a conversation with a human being. I left truly convinced that what we need is in the White House and will serve as an example for other world leaders. Machado also emphasized that this is a process we are part of and to which we are contributing. We are prepared to do whatever is necessary, as the legitimate government, at this stage. We have a great deal of work ahead of us: preparing our teams around the world and in Venezuela to take charge of the government when the time comes. The meeting at the White House took place a day after the Republican spoke by phone with Rodriguez, who he described as a terrific person. Rodriguez has been in charge of Venezuela after a U.S. military operation captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both face charges of narcoterrorism and trafficking of cocaine and weapons. The meeting between Trump and Machado which she had worked tirelessly to secure in recent days also took place as the White House spokesperson briefed reporters in the same venue, saying that the U.S. president has not changed his view of Machados ability to lead the transition (she doesnt have the support within or the respect within the country, Trump said on the day of Maduros capture), and again praising Rodriguezs willingness to cooperate. According to Trump, the interim president is working very well with Washington, as it oversees South American country and keeps a close eye on its vast oil reserves. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New initiative prepares global executives to navigate complexity, lead across borders, and drive impact SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Minerva University , with major support from the Nippon Foundation , today announced the launch of its World Wise Executive Leadership Development Program , a new initiative designed to prepare global leaders to navigate complexity and drive impact through an immersive, cross-cultural learning experience. The World Wise Program introduces a new offering within Minerva's curriculum for mid-to senior-level professionals across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, focused on strengthening leadership skills, cultural intelligence, and measurable organizational impact. "At both the graduate and undergraduate levels, Minerva has developed leaders from more than 100 countries who thrive in complex, rapidly changing, global environments," said President Mike Magee. "This expansion into executive leadership programs builds on our mission to develop globally adaptive, ethically grounded leaders at pivotal career moments." Over six months, participants, known as "World Wise Executives," will participate in weekly classes where they will learn to lead teams across borders, develop adaptive communication techniques, and make high-stakes decisions in interdependent systems. The program blends online coursework, in-person components, and ongoing community engagement, including a kickoff in Tokyo, modular executive courses, and, following the completion of the courses, a one-week immersive in-person World Wise Leadership Accelerator. An optional Professional English Discussion Bootcamp will be offered prior to the program start. "In Japan, developing leaders who can address complex challenges across sectors and organizational boundaries is increasingly important. Minerva University's practice-based, dialogue-driven approach offers valuable insights for developing the next generation of leaders in Japan and across Asia," said Jumpei Sasakawa, President of the Nippon Foundation. Designed for a volatile and interconnected world, the initiative equips leaders to lead responsibly across borders. Organized around a regional cohort model, the program deepens cultural intelligence and peer learning. Applications are now open at https://www.minerva.edu/apply/ , with the inaugural East Asia pilot cohort beginning in June 2026 and additional regions to follow. About Minerva University Minerva University is redefining global higher education through a bold, outcomes-focused model designed to empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Headquartered in San Francisco and operating across four continents, Minerva offers an intensive undergraduate experience that combines rigorous academics, real-world engagement, and a global rotation that immerses students in diverse cultural and professional contexts. Minerva's interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, and global collaboration. Through fully active, discussion-based seminars and applied learning projects in major cities around the world, students develop the habits of mind and practical skills needed to address the most pressing challenges of our time. The university has built a vibrant, international student body representing over 100 nations, and graduates have gone on to launch high-impact startups, lead civic initiatives, earn Rhodes, Schwarzman, and Knight-Hennessy scholarships, and pursue graduate study at institutions such as Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford. Minerva also offers a graduate program focused on equipping working professionals with the tools to drive innovation and impact in their fields. Ranked the #1 Most Innovative University for four consecutive years by the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) , Minerva is pioneering a scalable, equitable, and transformative model of higher education for the 21st century. About The Nippon Foundation: Share the Pain. Share the Hope. Share the Future. Founded in 1962, The Nippon Foundation is one of Japan's largest philanthropic organizations. Its activities are funded primarily through allocations from revenues generated by Japan's public boat racing system, a government-regulated framework established for public benefit. Working across borders, cultures, and sectors, the Foundation supports a broad range of initiativesincluding programs for children, persons with disabilities, disaster response, ocean-related issues, and humanitarian assistanceboth in Japan and globally, with the aim of addressing social challenges and shaping a more inclusive future. For media inquiries, contact: Minerva University [email protected] SOURCE Minerva University SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- (IICA) Muhammad Ibrahim assumed office as the new Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in a ceremony witnessed by ministers and senior officials of more than thirty countries. The Guyanese agronomist pledged to work for all regions of the Americas, striving to build more competitive and efficient science-based agrifood systems. Muhammad Ibrahim has assumed office as the IICA General Director for the 2026-2030 period. Mary Munive Angermuller, Vice-President of Costa Rica; Arnoldo Tinoco and Alejandro Solano, Minister and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, the country where IICA Headquarters is located; Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture of Guyana; and Cleber Soares, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil, were seated on the main platform during the ceremony in which outgoing Director General, Manuel Otero, handed over the reins of the institution to his successor. Also present at the inauguration ceremony were officials from the United Statesrepresenting the State Department and the Secretariat of Agricultureand from Argentina. Ibrahim boasts extensive experience in agricultural development, international cooperation and public policy and has occupied various leadership positions in academic institutions and international organizations, establishing himself as an authority in issues related to sustainable agriculture and rural development. On the other hand, IICA, which has a presence in thirty-four countries of the Americas, plays a fundamental role in providing support to governments to design and implement public policies to boost agricultural productivity and resilience. Cleber Soareswho was representing Minister of Agriculture of Brazil and current Chair of IICA's highest governing body, the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), Carlos Favarowas tasked with swearing in Ibrahim as the new Director General. "I accept this tremendous responsibility with gratitude, humility and a profound sense of purpose", said the Guyanese agronomist. "I am going to be a Director General for all the Americas, recognizing that we need differentiated strategies for each region of the hemisphere". "I promise to raise the bar of excellence of the Institute even more, to strengthen joint work with the countries and to close the gaps to ensure more sustainable agrifood systems. I will foster an environment in which collaboration, partnerships and technical capacities can flourish, guided by transparency, financial prudence and accountability", he added. He also acknowledged the work of his predecessor Manuel Otero, whose tenure had positioned IICA as a benchmark institution in providing technical support for agricultural and rural development in the countries. The outgoing Director General, in turn, stated, "I had the honor of leading an institution with history, prestige and a future, that plays a critical role in transforming our countries". He also underscored the priority given to farmers and their quality of life in the Institute's work. In attendance at the ceremony of inauguration were Victor Carvajal, Rodwell Ferguson and Ignacia Fernandez, ministers of Agriculture of Costa Rica, Belize and Chile, respectively; and Silvia Massruha, President of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), among other high-level officials. Former IICA Directors General Victor Villalobos of Mexico, Chelston Brathwaite of Barbados and Martin Pineiro of Argentina also participated in person. A message on behalf of the U.S. government noted that, "IICA delivers tangible results in the hemisphere, strengthening the agrifood systems that support farmers and ranchers, thereby facilitating international trade and enhancing the sovereignty and resilience of its Member States. During Dr. Otero's eight-year tenure, relationships and partnerships were strengthened for the benefit of the Western Hemisphere, agriculture was positioned as a strategic sector, and cooperation in the Americas was enhanced based on science and trust". "The challenges facing agriculture today and in the future require a renewed approach. Agriculture will need to be viewed as a priority for national security, in order to enhance resilient exports and empower consumers. We look forward to working with Dr. Ibrahim in the Member States to ensure that agriculture remains a pillar for security, prosperity and opportunities. We have the land, the people and the expertise, and when we put farmers first, we win", he added. Agustin Tejeda, Deputy Secretary of Agrifood Markets at the Secretariat of Agriculture of Argentina, highlighted Ibrahim's "professional and technical experience and profound knowledge of the region, which provide a solid foundation for leading IICA during a key phase in which production and international trade must be strengthened". "At present, agriculture in our region faces the great challenge of improving productivity, advancing toward a more efficient use of inputs and resources, incorporating innovation, and fully capitalizing on the opportunities afforded by international markets. Within this context, IICA plays a fundamental role as a technical cooperation agency, assisting countries in designing and implementing science- and evidence-based public policies aimed at reducing costs, eliminating distortions and improving competitiveness", he added. Senior officials from all countries in the Western Hemisphere watched the ceremony online. Speaking from Georgetown, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, delivered remarks via a video message in which he referred to IICA's "critical role" in generating agricultural value added and supporting development. He also congratulated his fellow countryman Ibrahim on the responsibility he was assuming. "Agriculture is the backbone of rural prosperity. It stabilizes our economy, which is why IICA plays such a vital role. I congratulate Muhammad Ibrahim and recognize IICA's importance as a pillar for development and for strengthening partnerships to achieve a competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture sector", remarked the president. Minister Mustapha, who is also Chair of the Ministerial Task Force on Agriculture of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), congratulated Ibrahim on becoming "the first Guyanese to lead this prestigious institution" and highlighted the fact that "his career, both in our homeland and on this global stage, is a testament to the tremendous potential that exists in our region". The Minister commended Manuel Otero on his tenure and stated that the new IICA Director General's "proven capacity to integrate science, policies and practical actions represents the type of leadership needed to address the complex agricultural and food security scenario". SOURCE Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture Bringing the Human Edge to AI Transformation, the global workforce leader joins world leaders to advance practical solutions and close the skills gap. MILWAUKEE, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As artificial intelligence reshapes every industry, a critical gap is emerging. Seventy percent of the skills needed for the average job are expected to change by 2030, yet 55% of employees say they received no workplace training in the past year. The future of work will be shaped in Davos. And ManpowerGroup will be there. Speed Speed At this pivotal moment, ManpowerGroup will join world leaders at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland from January 1923 to share workforce insights and practical solutions that help organizations navigate the dual challenge of running today's business while preparing their people for tomorrow. "The impact of AI will be determined less by the capability of technology and more by the skills, process design and culture of the organizations that deploy it," said Jonas Prising, Chair & CEO of ManpowerGroup. "At the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting this week, we will focus on how to keep humans at the heart of AI, using technology to augment, not replace, human capability. Avoiding jobless growth requires leadership that can turn AI potential into real economic and human progress. That starts with investing in skills, redesigning work, and enabling people to grow alongside technology so businesses, workers, and societies can all move forward together." Key ManpowerGroup Events at Davos: Where Policy, Business, and Work Converge Preventing Jobless Growth Wednesday, January 21, 9:15 AM CET Congress Centre, Aspen 2 | Livestreamed Prising will join European Commission Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S., AFL-CIO President Elizabeth Shuler, UC Berkeley economist Laura D'Andrea Tyson, and Stanford Digital Economy Lab Director Erik Brynjolfsson for a livestreamed discussion on how leaders can ensure AI-driven productivity gains translate into shared prosperity. Prising will join European Commission Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S., AFL-CIO President Elizabeth Shuler, UC Berkeley economist Laura D'Andrea Tyson, and Stanford Digital Economy Lab Director Erik Brynjolfsson for a livestreamed discussion on how leaders can ensure AI-driven productivity gains translate into shared prosperity. Closing the Manufacturing Talent Gap in the U.S. and Beyond Wednesday, January 21, 11:00 AM CET Kurpark Village, Briefing Centre ManpowerGroup President & Chief Strategy Officer Becky Frankiewicz will join U.S. Governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Rockwell Automation Chairman & CEO Blake Moret, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, and Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra for the public launch of SmartStart USA, a national initiative to equip 1 million young people with the skills needed to power advanced manufacturing and supply chains by 2035. The initiative responds to mounting workforce gaps that threaten long-term manufacturing competitiveness in the U.S. and globally. ManpowerGroup President & Chief Strategy Officer Becky Frankiewicz will join U.S. Governors Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Rockwell Automation Chairman & CEO Blake Moret, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, and Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra for the public launch of SmartStart USA, a national initiative to equip 1 million young people with the skills needed to power advanced manufacturing and supply chains by 2035. The initiative responds to mounting workforce gaps that threaten long-term manufacturing competitiveness in the U.S. and globally. Leadership for the Next Decade Wednesday, January 21, 12:30 PM CET CNBC House, Promenade 68 Prising will join EY Global Chair & CEO Janet Truncale and MIT Professor & Future of Life Institute President Max Tegmark for a live discussion on how leaders are building resilient, future-ready workforces as technology, demographics, and global uncertainty redefine how and where we work. The session will be moderated by CNBC's Carolin Roth. Prising will join EY Global Chair & CEO Janet Truncale and MIT Professor & Future of Life Institute President Max Tegmark for a live discussion on how leaders are building resilient, future-ready workforces as technology, demographics, and global uncertainty redefine how and where we work. The session will be moderated by CNBC's Carolin Roth. The Human Edge: Leading People and Technology Through the Now and Next Wednesday, January 21, 3:30 PM CET Ice Village, Dome 1 In ManpowerGroup's signature session, Frankiewicz will host a leadership debate exploring how organizations can keep their workforce match fit as AI becomes part of the team. Moderated by former CNBC Lead Anchor Geoff Cutmore, the conversation will feature Schneider Electric Executive Vice President Frederic Godemel, Cisco EVP and Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer Francine Katsoudas, and SAP Industries & Experiences President Andre Bechtold. In ManpowerGroup's signature session, Frankiewicz will host a leadership debate exploring how organizations can keep their workforce match fit as AI becomes part of the team. Moderated by former CNBC Lead Anchor Geoff Cutmore, the conversation will feature Schneider Electric Executive Vice President Frederic Godemel, Cisco EVP and Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer Francine Katsoudas, and SAP Industries & Experiences President Andre Bechtold. Shaping the Future: Leadership, Innovation, and Trust in the Age of AI Transformation Wednesday, January 21, 4:00 PM CET Mountain Plaza Hotel, Davos ManpowerGroup Chief Growth Officer Valerie Beaulieu-James will join a panel moderated by Global Women in Tech President & Founder Simona Sandru, alongside NEOM Chief Investment Officer Dr. Manar Al Moneef, EY Global Vice Chair Julie Linn Teigland, Euroclear Chief Risk Officer Florine Moraes, and JA Europe CEO Diana Filip. The discussion will explore how leaders can drive inclusive, sustainable growth in an AI-first world. New Research During the week, ManpowerGroup will unveil The Human Edge: Global Future of Work Trends, a comprehensive report identifying 16 trends across four driving forcesHybrid Super Teams, Rapid Relearning, Changing Norms, and The Succession Crisisshaping the workforce in 2026 and beyond. Drawing on insights from surveys of more than 12,000 workers and 40,000 employers across 41 countries, the report provides actionable guidance for leaders navigating AI integration, talent scarcity, and evolving workplace expectations. The company will also release findings from its 2026 Global Talent Barometer, which reveals a workforce in wait modecautious, committed, but uncertain. The data highlights a shift toward job hugging, with 64% of workers saying they plan to stay with their current employer while waiting for a clearer bridge between their current skills and future opportunities. The research also shows worker confidence has dipped four percentage points for the first time in three years, signaling that burnout and uncertainty remain elevated. Additionally, ManpowerGroup will share data from the forthcoming 2026 Talent Shortage Survey, confirming that 72% of employers worldwide continue to struggle to find the skilled talent they need, reinforcing that talent scarcity is a persistent structural challenge rather than a short-term economic cycle. For updates, insights, and to follow ManpowerGroup at the World Economic Forum's 2026 Annual Meeting, visit go.manpowergroup.com/wef ABOUT MANPOWERGROUP ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across more than 70 countries and territories and has done so for more than 75 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality, and Disability, and in 2025 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 16th time all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent. For more information, visit www.manpowergroup.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook , and Bluesky. SOURCE ManpowerGroup ASTON, Pa., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Neumann University has received a $5 million gift the largest in its history by an individual from William Fegley, Jr., and his wife Jacquelyn to support undergraduate nursing students in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. The family has designated $4.5 million for undergraduate nursing student scholarships and $500,000 for state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. In recognition of the gift, the university's BSN and graduate nursing programs were named The Jacquelyn Wilson Fegley '71 College of Nursing at a January 16 ceremony at Neumann's suburban Philadelphia campus. Born and raised in Chester, Pennsylvania, Jacquelyn Wilson Fegley entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia after graduating high school in 1962, spending ten years in service and teaching before earning a nursing degree from Our Lady of Angels College (now Neumann University) in 1971. She went on to a nursing career, while her husband, William Fegley, built a career in public accounting and served as an adjunct professor and lecturer. The couple married in 1974. Today, they have five children and 11 grandchildren. Neumann University will begin awarding the Fegley scholarships this fall. Criteria include academic achievement and financial need. Fifteen new students each year will benefit, receiving $6,000 annually ($24,000 over four years). Nursing is the largest undergraduate major at Neumann University, with approximately 120 students per year accepted into the program. Over the last four years, Neumann's nursing graduates have achieved an impressive 96.9% first-time test-takers pass rate on the exam required for licensure as a Registered Nurse. During the same four-year period, the first-time test-takers pass rate was 89.98% in Pennsylvania and 86.33% nationally. "This extraordinarily generous gift comes at a time when the demand for highly competent, practice-ready nurses continues to grow nationwide," said Dr. Chris Domes, president of Neumann University. "The Fegley nursing scholarships will help transform the lives of countless aspiring nurses, including many first-generation college students, by supporting their academic journey to a lifelong professional career." Neumann University is an independent, Catholic college, committed to providing students with opportunities for success through rigorous academic majors, leadership opportunities, and professional internships. The campus culture emphasizes the Franciscan values of reverence, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship. With more than 60% of students as the first in their families to attend college, Neumann has been recognized for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report for six consecutive years. SOURCE Neumann University Request supports continued infrastructure investments, expanded customer assistance, and a plan to return tax-related savings to customers CAMDEN, N.J., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey American Water today filed a request with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for new rates to support over $1.4 billion in ongoing water and wastewater service system investments through December 2026. The request reinforces the company's commitment to implementing critical system upgrades and continuing to improve water quality and reliability for approximately 2.9 million people served statewide. "As we continue to invest in our infrastructure, we're strengthening our systems, enhancing reliability, and improving water quality from treatment to the tap for the communities that count on us," stated New Jersey American Water President Mark McDonough. "These improvements reflect our commitment to providing our customers with affordable, high-quality service made possible by our dedicated employees, who remain focused on protecting the health and safety of the people and communities we serve." The proposed request will support the company's continued investment to modernize and strengthen its water and wastewater systems in communities across New Jersey, including the replacement or rehabilitation of nearly 120 miles of aging infrastructure, the ongoing replacement of lead service lines, and investments to address emerging contaminants such as PFAS in drinking water. Under the company's proposal, if approved, the typical average residential water customer would see an increase of approximately $10 per month. Customers served by sanitary wastewater systems would see an average increase of $8 per month. Expanding Access to Customer Assistance New Jersey American Water is seeking approval to make monthly bill discounts more accessible for customers who already receive energy assistance through LIHEAP and USF. If approved, this would make New Jersey American Water the only water utility in New Jersey to offer this level of support. "Our customers deserve reliable, affordable water service," shared McDonough. "We're proud to build on our assistance programs so more families can get the help they need." New Jersey American Water remains committed to affordability and offers programs to assist income-eligible customers, including its H2O Help to Others assistance program, budget billing options and flexible payment plans. More details can be found at www.newjerseyamwater.com/h2oprogram. Proposed Gross Receipts Tax Refund Pass-Back Additionally, New Jersey American Water is seeking permission to return savings from a Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) refund directly to customers. The company is seeking approval to offset other regulatory expenses with the refund, then spread the remaining balance back to customers. "This proposal will help ensure that customers benefit from tax-related savings," added McDonough. "By passing back the GRT refund through our rates, we're helping to keep water service affordable and fair for our customers." To learn more about New Jersey American Water's rate filing and the regulatory process behind it, visit newjerseyamwater.com/fromtreatmenttotap. For details on infrastructure investments in your community - including upgrades to treatment plants, water mains, and service lines - explore its Infrastructure Investment page. The company's request for new rates undergoes extensive scrutiny by the BPU, the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel, and the Office of Administrative Law. This robust review process includes examinations, public hearings and evidentiary hearings and can take nine months or more. This review process offers opportunities for customer involvement through written comments and attendance at public input hearings. All rate changes require BPU approval. If approved, the company's new rates would take effect the second half of the year. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About New Jersey American Water New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, with over 950 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people. AWK-IR SOURCE American Water Combination Update: Satisfaction of China Antitrust Condition and Timetable Update DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AAM (NYSE: AXL) and Dowlais are pleased to announce that the China State Administration for Market Regulation has issued a formal notice approving the Combination. As a result, AAM and Dowlais are pleased to confirm that all Conditions relating to the receipt of regulatory or antitrust approvals have now been satisfied. Next Steps The Combination remains subject to the Court sanctioning the Scheme at the Court Hearing, the delivery of the Court Order to the Registrar of Companies and the satisfaction or (if capable of waiver) the waiver of the remaining Conditions to the Scheme (as set out in the Scheme Document). Full details of the Combination are set out in the Scheme Document. The Court Hearing has been scheduled to take place on 30 January 2026 and that the Scheme is expected to become effective on 3 February 2026. The AAM Prospectus, to be published in connection with the Secondary Listing, is expected to be published shortly after the Court Hearing. Forward-looking statements In this announcement, AAM makes statements concerning its and Dowlais' expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and future events or performance, including, but not limited to, certain statements related to the ability of AAM and Dowlais to consummate AAM's business combination with Dowlais (the "Business Combination") in a timely manner or at all; future capital expenditures, expenses, revenues, economic performance, synergies, financial conditions, market growth, dividend policy, losses and future prospects and business; and management strategies and the expansion and growth of AAM's and the combined company's operations. Such statements are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and relate to trends and events that may affect AAM's or the combined company's future financial position and operating results. The terms such as "will," "may," "could," "would," "plan," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "project," "target," and similar words or expressions, as well as statements in future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These risks and uncertainties related to AAM include factors detailed in the reports AAM files with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including those described under "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication. AAM expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in its or Dowlais' expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. No Offer or Solicitation This announcement is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Contacts For AAM For Dowlais Investor Contact Investor Contact: David H. Lim Pier Falcione Head of Investor Relations +44 (0) 7855 185420 +1 313 758 2006 [email protected] Media Contact Barclays Bank PLC, acting through its Investment Bank ("Barclays") (Financial adviser and corporate broker to Dowlais) Christopher M. Son Guy Bomford / Adrian Beidas / Neal West (Corporate Broking) Vice President, Marketing & Communications +44 (0) 20 7623 2323 +1 313 758 4814 [email protected] Rothschild & Co (Financial adviser to Dowlais ) J.P. Morgan (Exclusive financial adviser to AAM) Ravi Gupta / Charlotte Ward Ian MacAllister / Michael Murphy +44 (0) 20 7280 5000 +1 (212) 270 6000 Investec Bank plc (Joint corporate broker to Dowlais) Carlton Nelson / Christopher Baird Robert Constant / Jonty Edwards +44 (0) 20 7597 5970 +44 (0) 203 493 8000 Montfort Communications (PR adviser to Dowlais) FGS Global (PR adviser to AAM) Nick Miles Jim Barron +44 (0) 7739 701634 +1 212 687 8080 [email protected] Neil Craven Charlie Chichester/Rory King +44 (0) 7876 475419 +44 20 7251 3801 [email protected] [email protected] Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP is acting as legal adviser to AAM in connection with the Combination. Slaughter and May is acting as legal adviser to Dowlais. SOURCE American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. Cold-weather gear donation helps protect Alaska families and workers rebuilding after catastrophic flooding DAHLONEGA, Ga., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RefrigiWear, the leading manufacturer of insulated industrial workwear and personal protective equipment for extreme cold, is supporting recovery efforts in Western Alaska following the devastation caused by Typhoon Halong. The company has donated more than $18,000 in high-performance insulated gear to help protect recovery workers and displaced families as winter conditions set in. RefrigiWear's contribution is being coordinated through 6th Avenue Outfitters, a Native Alaskan-owned cooperative in Anchorage that is leading the on-the-ground effort to collect, prepare, and distribute critical cold-weather supplies in partnership with the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) and the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP). 6th Avenue Outfitters has organized a $30,000 donation of outdoor clothing and equipment, including $25,000 in winter boots and jackets, to assist families and workers displaced by the storm. RefrigiWear's gear donation adds to that effort, helping recovery teams stay safe and warm while they rebuild flood-damaged homes and infrastructure across the YukonKuskokwim Delta and other coastal communities. Gear Built for Alaska's Toughest Conditions RefrigiWear's donation includes Freezer Edge Jackets, Freezer Edge Bib Overalls, and Insulated Abrasion Safety Gloves. The garments are comfort-rated for temperatures as low as -30F and feature wind-tight, water-repellent ripstop outershells, high-visibility reflective materials, and durable insulation to withstand long hours of work in freezing, wet, and windy environments. "After nearly four decades outfitting Alaskans for the cold, we know RefrigiWear gear meets their needs perfectly," says Kate Mauldin, owner of 6th Avenue Outfitters. "It's exactly what people working and living in Alaska's harshest conditions need to stay protected and keep going." The first shipment of gear is being distributed through 6th Avenue Outfitters and AVCP to recovery crews in Western Alaska. RefrigiWear's donation has also been sent to Calista Corporation to support additional workers assisting with cleanup and rebuilding efforts throughout the region. All of the donated gear was sized specifically for the individual workers receiving it, ensuring proper fit and full protection in severe winter conditions. AVCP was selected as a partner because of its established network of 56 village councils throughout the YukonKuskokwim Delta. This network will help donated supplies reach the communities most directly impacted by the storm quickly and efficiently. Additional deliveries are planned as families are relocated to Bethel, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. In Anchorage, several hundred displaced residents have already received more than $5,000 in donated gloves, hats, and neck warmers through 6th Avenue Outfitters' relief center. Leigh Stadelmeier, Vice President of B2B Outdoor Sales for RefrigiWear, says the company is proud to play a part in protecting those doing difficult recovery work. "In disaster recovery, the work is demanding, and the conditions are unforgiving," explains Stadelmeier. "Our mission is to protect those who show up to do the hardest work, whether they are rebuilding their own community or helping their neighbors recover. Partnering with 6th Avenue Outfitters allows us to get this gear directly to the people who need it most." Statewide Effort to Keep Communities Warm and Working Typhoon Halong left widespread flooding across Alaska's western coastline, destroying homes and displacing hundreds of families just weeks before freezing temperatures arrived. With cleanup underway and recovery crews facing months of difficult work, properly insulated gear is vital to ensure safety and comfort in harsh conditions. Stadelmeier adds, "These are some of the toughest working conditions anywhere. Our role is to support the people putting in the effort to get their communities back on their feet." To view and download hi-res images, please visit refrigiwear.greenhousedigitalpr.com/western-alaska-flood-donations. About RefrigiWear, LLC Founded in 1954 by Myron Breakstone, RefrigiWear makes the toughest workwear for the toughest workers and for the coldest conditions. With a long history rooted in real-world experience, RefrigiWear understands the challenges of working in extreme cold, helping the company deliver high-quality insulated workwear that stands up to the coldest, dirtiest, harshest conditions imaginable. All RefrigiWear brands focus on providing the highest-quality workwear and best overall value. RefrigiWear products are available online in the U.S. and through the LineDrive distributor network across the U.S and Canada. All RefrigiWear brands focus on providing the highest-quality workwear and best overall value. RefrigiWear is based in Dahlonega, GA. Learn more at Pro.RefrigiWear.com. Contact: Paula Glover RefrigiWear, LLC [email protected] 54 Breakstone Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533 Agency Contacts: Madelyn Young Riley Hosman Greenhouse Digital + PR [email protected] [email protected] 708-428-6385 SOURCE RefrigiWear, LLC Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH operating across stores and ecommerce experiences, honoring all customer programs and policies Facilitates go-forward payments to brand partners and acceleration of inventory flow NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Saks Global Enterprises LLC ("Saks Global" or the "Company"), a leading luxury retail company, today announced that it has access to an initial tranche of approximately $500 million of $1.75 billion in committed capital , providing sufficient liquidity to support operations and transformation initiatives across the portfolio. Importantly, this funding will facilitate go-forward payments to brand partners and the acceleration of inventory flow. Under newly appointed CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Saks Global will move through the chapter 11 process efficiently with a renewed focus on expertly curated assortments, trusted relationships with brand partners and an unwavering commitment to loyal customers. "Access to this significant capital is instrumental as we work to strengthen our financial foundation and best position Saks Global for the future. Our stores and ecommerce experiences are open and focused on delivering exceptional products, elevated luxury experiences and highly personalized service to our customers," said van Raemdonck. "Saks Global continues to play a distinct and enduring role in the luxury retail industry and, through this process, we will have the opportunity to build a more resilient company, primed for lasting financial and operational stability. Our employees, brand partners, customers and vendors remain at the heart of everything we do, and we thank them for their ongoing support." This funding follows Saks Global's successful first day court hearing, marking the first major milestone in its chapter 11 cases. At the hearing's conclusion, orders were entered facilitating continued operations in the ordinary course, including maintenance of payroll and benefits as usual and fulfillment of go-forward obligations to partners and vendors. As Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow continue to serve customers in the ordinary course, the retailers will honor all customer programs and policies, including credit cards, gift cards and loyalty programs. With the addition of new executive strength including van Raemdonck, Darcy Penick, President, Chief Commercial Officer, and Lana Todorovich, Chief Global Brand Partnerships Officer, and its experienced existing management team including Brandy Richardson, Chief Financial Officer, the Company is well positioned for continued long-term leadership in luxury retail in service of brands and customers. Advisors Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Haynes and Boone, LLP are serving as legal counsel, PJT Partners LP is serving as investment banker, Berkeley Research Group is serving as financial advisor, and C Street Advisory Group is serving as strategic communications advisor to the Company. About Saks Global Saks Global is the largest multi-brand luxury retailer in the world, comprising Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow. Its retail portfolio includes 70 full-line luxury locations, additional off-price locations and five distinct e-commerce experiences. With talented colleagues focused on delivering on our strategic vision, The Art of You, Saks Global is redefining luxury shopping by offering each customer a personalized experience that is unmistakably their own. By leveraging the most comprehensive luxury customer data platform in North America, cutting-edge technology, and strong partnerships with the world's most esteemed brands, Saks Global is shaping the future of luxury retail. Saks Global Properties & Investments includes Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus flagship properties and represents nearly 13 million square feet of prime U.S. real estate holdings and investments in luxury markets. For more information, visit SaksGlobal.com and follow Saks Global on LinkedIn. SOURCE Saks Global NEW YORK and LONDON, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Moody Aldrich Partners (MAP), a private investment firm based in Boston, has committed US$300 million to funds managed by Sandglass Capital, an investment firm specializing in emerging market special opportunities. Founded in 1988, MAP is a fiduciary for discreet families and institutions with a legacy of supporting high-calibre, specialist managers known for their expertise and disciplined execution. Sandglass Capital, founded in 2013, concentrates on event-driven investments in sovereign and corporate credit and equity opportunities in Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and South Asia. Ranked in Global Investment Report's Top 50 Hedge Funds, Sandglass has more than quadrupled the returns of the Barclay Hedge Emerging Market Index over the past five years and outpaced the S&P 500 over that period. "We are honoured to have been selected by MAP, an astute long-term investor whom we deeply respect," notes Genna Lozovsky, Sandglass Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer, "Their commitment enables us to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities in emerging markets in the coming years." Sandglass co-founder Michelle Kelner adds, "This commitment by MAP adds Sandglass to a very short list of firms to receive its backing over their 37 years of investing. We look forward to a mutually rewarding partnership for years to come." Bill Moody, MAP Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer shared, "Uncovering overlooked emerging markets sovereign and corporate opportunities requires the acumen, judgment and expertise we found most evident in Sandglass Capital." MAP's Chief Investment Officer and Co-Executive Officer Eli Kent corroborates, "Sandglass has built an exceptional team. Their acute understanding of and ability to capitalize upon restructurings, turnarounds and market dislocations -- as well as their ability to engage with local decision makers and mitigate systemic risks -- were some of the many factors that inspired our conviction and decision to invest in the firm." About Moody Aldrich Partners (MAP) MAP is a Boston-based, SEC-registered investment advisor formed in 1988 as a private investment office for its founding principals with substantial long-term capital. Established to protect and compound their capital, MAP adheres to a highly selective discipline to identify, invest in, and cultivate distinctive, niche investment opportunities. MAP is an active, strategically aligned capital partner deriving benefit from the manager's returns while providing anchor capital for distinct opportunities and leveraging its discreet global network of qualified investors to invest into the manager alongside the partners of MAP. About Sandglass Capital Sandglass Capital is a global investment management firm that specializes in emerging market distressed and stressed credit. It concentrates on event-driven investments in sovereign and corporate credit, particularly restructurings, turnarounds and market dislocations. Founded in 2013, Sandglass manages a suite of funds investing in public and private securities and in companies and countries facing special situations, focusing on Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. Sandglass has offices in New York, London and Dubai. SOURCE Moody Aldrich Partners MIAMI , Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- South Florida real estate recorded the second-most $10M & up home sales in its history in 2025 as Miami-Dade total transactions, single-family and condo sales increased year-over-year, according to December 2025 statistics released by the MIAMI Association of Realtors (MIAMI) and the MIAMI Southeast Florida Multiple Listing Service (SEFMLS). In 2025, South Florida posted 361 $10M and up home sales, which only ranks behind the record 444 set in the pandemic home-buying craze of 2021. To put the 2025 number in perspective: consider Miami sold a $10M and up home about every day last year --- 2X what it did in 2020. "The surge in South Florida ultra luxury home sales illustrates our massive wealth migration," MIAMI Chairman of the Board Alfredo Pujol said. "The wealthy, including billionaire Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, are moving to Miami not just because of taxes. They are coming here because of our growing FinTech hub, weather, lifestyle, beaches and more. Miami is the city of the future." South Florida market fundamentals point to more growth in 2026: Rising Population: Florida gains a new taxpayer every two minutes. California loses a taxpayer every minute via the National Taxpayer Union Foundation Florida gains a new taxpayer every two minutes. California loses a taxpayer every minute via the National Taxpayer Union Foundation Job Growth: Over the six-year period from August 2019 through August 2025, the Miami MSA saw a cumulative 9.5% increase in non-farm employment compared to 5.5% nationally. Over the six-year period from August 2019 through August 2025, the Miami MSA saw a cumulative 9.5% increase in non-farm employment compared to 5.5% nationally. Rising Multifamily Permits: Miami ranks No. 7 in the U.S. in multifamily permits via RealPage. Miami had 10,695 multifamily units permitted year-ending August 2025, a year-over-year increase of 43.9%. Miami ranks No. 7 in the U.S. in multifamily permits via RealPage. Miami had 10,695 multifamily units permitted year-ending August 2025, a year-over-year increase of 43.9%. Rising Wealth Migration: Out-of-state job movers typically earn more in the destination job in the Miami Metro Area than in-state job switchers, led by job movers from Washington ($190,656), and California ($186,004) in 2024 Q2 (latest data) Miami Total Sales & $1M and Up Home Sales Rise Total Miami-Dade sales increased 5.9% year-over-year in December 2025, from 1,764 to 1,869. Miami-Dade single-family $1M and up home sales increased 12% year-over-year in December 2025, from 208 to 233. Miami-Dade $1M and up condo sales climbed 2.45% year-over-year in December, from 163 to 167. The sales total doesn't include South Florida's new construction, pre-construction and condo conversion sales because they are largely not reported in the MLS. But MIAMI led the charge to publish two new construction reports. International buyers purchased 49% of new South Florida construction, pre-construction and condo conversion sales over an 18-month period ending in July 2025, according to MIAMI REALTORS first-ever New Construction Global Sales Report in collaboration with industry leaders. Our second New Construction Global Sales Report, published in November 2025, showed an increase in global sales and buyers from 73 countries, according to the MIAMI REALTORS November 2025 Global Sales Report in collaboration with industry leaders. Miami-Dade Single-Family Home and Condo Sales Increase Miami single-family home sales increased for the fourth consecutive month. Miami single-family home sales increased 3.74% year-over-year in December 2025, from 829 to 860. Miami existing condo sales increased 7.91% year-over-year in December 2025, from 935 to 1,009. Miami condo sales have risen year-over-year in three of the last four months. Sales for affordable Miami-Dade condos priced between $400,000 to $600,000 increased 2.97% year-over-year in December 2025, from 236 to 243 sales. The lack of Federal Housing Administration loans for many existing Miami condominium buildings is preventing further market strengthening. Of the 2,397 condominium buildings in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, only 21 are approved for FHA loans, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Just 0.9% of South Florida condo buildings are approved for FHA loans. Florida is the only state in the U.S. that requires a client to put down 25% for a limited review if the condo building doesn't have enough in reserves. The requirement for every other state is 10%. Miami-Dade Condominium Sale Prices Have Appreciated 102% in the Last 10 Years Miami condo prices have risen 102% from December 2015 to December 2025, from $207,500 to $420,000. While Miami existing condo median prices decreased 2.33% year-over-year in December 2025, from $430,000 to $420,000, the price appreciation remains among the highest in the nation. Miami condo median prices have stayed even or increased in 162 of the last 175 months, a span that covers 14.5 years. Miami-Dade County single-family home median sale prices decreased 2.22% year-over-year in December 2025, from $675,000 to $660,000. Miami single-family median prices have risen in 167 of the last 169 months (14 years). Miami single-family prices have risen 144.8% from December 2015 to December 2025, from $278,500 to $660,000. Miami's surging multifamily market and the Florida Live Local Act should boost affordability in the future. Miami ranks No. 7 in the U.S. in multifamily permits via RealPage. Miami had 10,695 multifamily units permitted year-ending August 2025, a year-over-year increase of 43.9%. This is important because it adds more overall housing/apartment supply to a city, creates more affordability and adds to Miami's economic growth. Florida's Live Local Act, which was passed in 2023 and amended in May 2024, is encouraging developers to build more affordable housing. The Live Local Act gives developers the highest density allowed in a local area if they allocate 40% of its units for affordable housing. The state law defines an affordable unit as being at or below 120% of an area's median income. Miami remains a bargain in comparison to other global cities. For $1M, homebuyers can purchase 58 square meters of prime property in Miami, according to the 2025 Knight Frank Wealth Report. That is almost four times more than Monaco (19 square meters), nearly two times more than New York (34) and London (34) and more than Paris, Sydney, Tokyo and more. Miami Real Estate Home Equity & Appreciation is Nearly 2X the National Figure Home equity is crucial for wealth building, provides a financial safety net, investment opportunities, refinancing options and more. Miami's home equity gains are nearly two times the national figure. Home equity gains on a Miami single-family home purchased in Q4 2009 and sold in Q4 2024 is $555,900 versus the U.S. average at $306,600, according to MIAMI REALTORS Research. Home equity gains on a Miami condo purchased in Q4 2009 and sold in Q4 2024 is $342,600 versus the U.S. average of $252,000. Over the last five years, the average homeowner's wealth has increased by $140,900, according to NAR. Research also shows a growing wealth gap between owners and renters: Based on the latest Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finance, NAR projected in March that homeowners' median net worth would reach $430,000 in 2025 versus $10,000 for renters. Mortgage Rates Declining Mortgage rates, which were above 7% at the start of 2025, are trending down after the third Fed rate cut of the year in December 2025. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.19% in December 2025. "Bolstered by declining mortgage rates, Southeast Florida's housing market finished strong in December 2025, with both single-family and condominium sales up a remarkable 14% from one year ago," MIAMI REALTORS Chief Economist Gay Cororaton said. "This momentum is likely to pick up further in 2026, leading to heightened buyer competition and higher prices as demand intensifies." Total Miami Inventory is 17% Below Pre-Pandemic; New Listings Drop New listings are trending down and active listings are not growing as fast as they were at the start of the year. Total Miami-Dade inventory (17,266) is 17.3% below December 2019 pre-pandemic inventory (20,898) Total active listings at the end of December 2025 increased 8.3% year-over-year, from 15,939 to 17,266. Homebuyers are in a great position to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Inventory of single-family homes increased 12.13% year-over-year in December 2025 from 4,683 active listings last year to 5,251 last month. Condominium inventory increased 6.74% year-over-year in December 2025, from 11,256 to 12,015 listings during the same period in 2024, but the total is still significantly below pre-pandemic. Current Miami condo inventory (12,015) is 18% below December 2019 pre-pandemic inventory (14,662). Months' supply of inventory for single-family homes is 6.2 months, which indicates a balanced market. Inventory for existing condominiums is 13.2 months, which indicates a buyer's market. A balanced market between buyers and sellers offers between six- and nine-months supply. Nationally, total housing inventory is 1.18 million units, according to NAR. That is up 3.5% from December 2024 (1.14million). There is 3.3-month supply of unsold inventory, up from 4.2 months in December 2024. Miami Real Estate: $241 Million in Local Economic Impact Every time a home is sold it impacts the economy: income generated from real estate industries (commissions, fees and moving expenses), expenditures related to home purchase (furniture and remodeling expenses), multiplier of housing related expenditures (income earned as a result of a home sale is re-circulated into the economy) and new construction (additional home sales induce added home production). The total economic impact of a typical Florida home sale is $129,000, according to NAR. Miami-Dade sold 1,869 homes in December 2025 for a local economic impact of $241 million. Miami-Dade total dollar volume increased 14% year-over-year in December 2025 to $1.9 billion. Single-family home dollar volume increased 13.67% year-over-year to $1.1 billion. Condo dollar volume increased 14.60% year-over-year to $818 million. Miami Distressed Sales Remain at Historic Lows, Reflecting Healthy Market Only 2.4% of all closed residential sales in Miami were distressed last month, including REO (bank-owned properties) and short sales. In 2009, distressed sales comprised 70% of Miami sales. Short sales and REOs accounted for 0.2% and 2.1%, respectively, of total Miami sales in December 2025. National and State Statistics In Florida, closed sales of single-family homes statewide totaled 22,007 in December 2025, up 5.9% year-over-year, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 7,911 up 10.4%. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes was $415,000, even year-over-year, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Last month's statewide median price for condo-townhouse units was $310,000, down 1.6% vs. last year. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Nationally, total existing home sales increased 5.1% year-over-year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.35 million, according to NAR. Median existing home prices increased to $405,400, up 0.4% from one year ago ($403,700) the 30th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases. Miami Real Estate Attracting Near List Price The median percent of original list price received for single-family homes was 95% in December 2025. The median percent of original list price received for existing condominiums was 93%. The median number of days between listing and contract dates for Miami single-family home sales was 45 days, up from 43 days last year. The median time to sale for single-family homes was 85 days, up from 83 days last year. The median number of days between the listing date and contract date for condos was 72 days, up from 58 days. The median number of days to sale for condos was 109 days, up from 96 days. Miami Cash Sales More than National Figure Cash sales represented 40% of Miami closed sales in December 2025, compared to 40.4% in December 2024. About 27% of U.S. home sales are made in cash, according to the latest NAR statistics. Cash buyers are not deterred by rising rates. The high percentage of cash buyers reflects Miami's top position as the preeminent American real estate market for foreign buyers, who tend to purchase with all cash as well as some moving from more expensive U.S. markets who can buy more with their profits from real estate sales. Cash sales accounted for 50.9% of all Miami existing condo sales and 27.2% of single-family transactions. To access December 2025 Miami-Dade Statistical Reports, visit http://www.SFMarketIntel.com Note: Statistics in this news release may vary depending on reporting dates. MIAMI reports exact statistics directly from its MLS system. About the MIAMI Association of REALTORS The MIAMI Association of REALTORS (MIAMI) was chartered by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS in 1920, and is celebrating 106 years of service to REALTOR members, the buying and selling public, and the communities in South Florida. Composed of six boards: MIAMI- RESIDENTIAL, MIAMI- COMMERCIAL; BROWARD-MIAMI, a division of MIAMI REALTORS; JTHS-MIAMI, a division of MIAMI REALTORS in the Jupiter-Tequesta-Hobe Sound area; MIAMI YPN, our Young Professionals Network Council; and the Corporate Board of Directors. MIAMI REALTORS represent 58,000 total real estate professionals in all aspects of real estate sales, marketing, and brokerage. It is the largest local REALTOR association in the U.S. and has official partnerships with 299 international organizations worldwide. MIAMI's official website is www.MiamiRealtors.com SOURCE MIAMI Association of REALTORS The Mexican government has dealt another blow to drug trafficking. In separate operations across three statesSinaloa, Sonora, and Guerreroauthorities reported the seizure of more than 41,000 liters and 12 tons of chemicals to be used in drug production. The announcement includes the dismantling of a clandestine laboratory in Guerrero and 11 other methamphetamine production sites in Sonora. In Sonora, between the towns of Culiacan and Mexicali, a vehicle containing 212 kilograms of methamphetamine was seized by the Army and the National Guard. Mexicos efforts to combat drug trafficking have intensified, coinciding with increased pressure from the United States in recent weeks for more results in the fight against drug cartels. One of the blows to criminal organizations announced this Thursday is apparently linked to Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. Authorities connected the seizure of approximately 25,000 liters and more than 12 tons of chemicals in Guerrero, and the dismantling of a clandestine camp for the simultaneous production of methamphetamines, designer drugs known as tusi, and synthetic opioids, to Ines Omar Coronel Aispuro, alias Coronel. Aispuro is one of the people who helped El Chapo Guzman escape from the Altiplano prison in 2015 through a tunnel, the second time he managed to escape from a maximum-security prison. Coronel, who is the brother of Guzmans wife, Emma Coronel, has a criminal record for drug-related offenses, including the production, storage, and trafficking of marijuana, and for firearms possession. Drug lab dismantled in Guerrero. SSPC The tense relationship with the U.S., whose president has repeatedly asserted that Mexico is governed by cartels, had its latest episode on Monday with a 15-minute phone call between Claudia Sheinbaum and Donald Trump. Following the call, the Mexican president reiterated that the threat of U.S. intervention on Mexican soil is not a possibility, having rejected Trumps proposal once again. [He] didnt insist either; it was more along the lines of, If you want us to help you more with our forces in Mexico..., No, Ive already told you before thats not on the table, she said. The U.S. has remained silent on the matter. So far, Trump has not commented on the call. Through his social media accounts, Mexicos security czar Omar Garcia Harfuch emphasized that the operation in Guerrero directly impacts the financial and operational capabilities of criminal groups and prevents millions of doses of drugs from reaching the streets. Mexicos Security Cabinet also announced on Thursday the capture of a member of the Sinaloa Cartel. According to the authorities statement, Daniel Alfredo N., aka El Cubano, was arrested in Sinaloa. He is accused of leading a criminal cell affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel and of being responsible for distributing synthetic drugs to the United States. The government indicated that Daniel Alfredo N., who is wanted by the FBI, is subject to an extradition order for drug trafficking, money laundering and organized crime. Despite large drug seizures and even the extradition of major Mexican drug lords to the U.S., the pressure continues. The Mexican government insists on emphasizing cooperation with its neighbor and framing the relationship within a cordial tone, but Mondays meeting also demonstrated that the demands are not diminishing. In her morning press conference on Monday, the president acknowledged that the U.S. president had demanded greater results. He felt that more could be done, and I said, Yes, indeed, more can be done, but we continue to work on it, Sheinbaum stated. Information published this Thursday by The New York Times indicates that Washingtons pressure is also intensifying for Mexico to allow the entry of U.S. special forces into its territory. According to government sources consulted by the newspaper, the Trump administration is interested in carrying out drone strikes, especially to destroy clandestine laboratories. A source quoted by the newspaper indicated that Trump had suggested the participation of U.S. personnel in operations in Mexico, which would be led by the Mexican military, as early as last year. The proposal was reportedly revived by the president after the U.S. incursion into Venezuela on January 3. The presence of U.S. troops in Mexico is a sensitive issue in a country that is constantly defending its sovereignty. In an attempt to appease its northern neighbor, The New York Times reported that Mexico has offered more information sharing and a greater role in command centers for the U.S. Since his second inauguration on January 20, 2025, Trump has been clear that Mexico is not doing enough to combat drug trafficking. The president has stated that this causes the deaths of between 250,000 and 300,000 people annually in his country, referring to deaths from overdoses, primarily from fentanyl and other opioids. Thus, while the administration announces a new crackdown on organized crime, the Republicans obsession with drugs and cartels keeps the tension with Mexico alive. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Ammaar's Toyota Vacaville provides local truck enthusiasts with the latest 2026 Toyota Tacoma research to help them find the perfect pickup for Northern California adventures. VACAVILLE, Calif., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the automotive landscape shifts toward more versatile and rugged transportation, Ammaar's Toyota Vacaville is proud to announce the availability of comprehensive 2026 Toyota Tacoma research for local drivers. This new digital resource helps enthusiasts and commuters alike understand the capabilities of the latest mid-size pickup. Furthermore, the dealership currently has the 2026 Toyota Tacoma for sale near Vacaville, allowing customers to move from the screen to the driver's seat today. Mastering the Trails with New Insights The latest iteration of this iconic truck brings a variety of powertrain options and interior technology to Northern California roads. Because making an informed decision is vital, the dealership's team has compiled extensive 2026 Toyota Tacoma specs and features to highlight towing capacities, engine efficiency, and off-road capabilities. First, potential buyers can explore how the i-FORCE engines provide the necessary torque for heavy hauls. Additionally, the research delves into the updated safety suites that come standard across the lineup. Lastly, the guide provides transparency regarding 2026 Toyota Tacoma pricing via online inventory to help families and professionals plan their budgets effectively. A Commitment to Customer Excellence Ammaar's Toyota Vacaville is a newer dealership, but that status comes with distinct advantages for the community. Since the team is working to prove itself, they put extra time and dedication into pleasing every customer. This commitment led the dealership to receive the Toyota President's Award in its very first year of operation. "We are so excited to bring this new research to our customers," says Gul Parpia, Media Contact at Ammaar's Toyota Vacaville. "The 2026 Toyota Tacoma is a legendary vehicle, and we want to make sure our community has all the information they need to find the perfect truck for their lifestyle." Visit the Premier Toyota Dealership in Vacaville Beyond providing 2026 Toyota Tacoma research, the dealership offers a full suite of automotive solutions. Whether a visitor needs assistance with finance, parts, or expert service, the staff is ready to help. Key features of the new 2026 Toyota Tacoma inventory include: Advanced multimedia touchscreen interfaces. Multi-Terrain Select and CRAWL Control for off-road stability. Enhanced suspension systems tailored for different driving styles. Hybrid powertrain options for those seeking power with efficiency. About Ammaar's Toyota of Vacaville For those ready to experience the latest in Toyota engineering, Ammaar's Toyota Vacaville invites everyone to explore the website at https://www.toyotavacaville.com/or visit the showroom at 500 Orange Dr., Vacaville, CA 95687. PR Contact: Gul Parpia 707-446-7000 [email protected] SOURCE Ammaar's Toyota Vacaville QUITO, Ecuador, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Ecuador (the "Republic") announces today that it has commenced an offer to purchase for cash (the "Offer") from each registered holder or beneficial owner (each, a "Holder" and, collectively, the "Holders") of the notes listed in the table below (collectively, the "Notes") such that the maximum amount to be paid for the outstanding principal amount of each series of Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer, not including interest accrued and unpaid thereon, is to be determined by the Republic in its sole discretion (such amount for each series, the "Maximum Aggregate Purchase Price"). The terms and conditions of the Offer are set forth in the offer to purchase, dated January 16, 2026 (the "Offer to Purchase"). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Offer to Purchase. The Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum participation of any series of the Notes, but is conditioned, among other things, on the concurrent (or earlier) closing of an issuance by the Republic of new global notes (the "New Notes"), in an aggregate principal amount sufficient to fund the Offer, with pricing and on terms and conditions acceptable to the Republic's sole discretion (the "New Notes Offering"). Even if the New Notes Offering is consummated, the Republic is not under any obligation to accept for purchase any Notes tendered pursuant to the Offer. The New Notes Offering is being made solely by means of an offering circular relating to the offering of the New Notes, and neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes. The purchase price to be paid per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of each series of Notes that are accepted pursuant to the Offer will be an amount equal to the fixed price indicated in the table below (such amount for each series, the "Purchase Price"). In addition to the Purchase Price, Holders whose Notes are accepted for purchase in the Offer will also receive any accrued and unpaid interest from, and including, the last applicable interest payment date for such Notes up to, but excluding, the Settlement Date (as defined below) (the "Accrued Interest"). If the aggregate Purchase Price for all validly tendered Notes of a series (the "Tendered Aggregate Purchase Price") would exceed the Maximum Aggregate Purchase Price for such series, then the Republic will, in its sole discretion, apply a proration factor to the tenders of such series. Title of Notes(1) ISIN and Common Codes Acceptance Priority Current Outstanding Aggregate Principal Amount Purchase Price (per Outstanding U.S.$1,000 Principal Amount)(2) Step-Up Coupon Notes due 2030 XS2214237807 / 221423780 XS2214238102 / 221423810 1 U.S.$3,041,124,264 U.S.$1,000.00 Step-Up Coupon Notes due 2035 XS2214238441 / 221423844 XS2214238524 / 221423852 2 U.S.$6,502,790,692 U.S.$900.00 (1) The Step-Up Coupon Notes due 2030 and the Step-Up Coupon Notes due 2035 are admitted to trading on the Euro MTF Market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. (2) In addition, Holders will receive Accrued Interest, as described above. Holders who wish to tender their Notes and subscribe for New Notes may obtain a priority allocation code ("Priority Allocation Code") by contacting any of the Dealer Managers (as defined herein), and should include their Priority Allocation Code in their Automated Tender Program or valid electronic acceptance instruction. A Priority Allocation Code is not required to tender the Notes. Tendering Holders who wish to subscribe for New Notes should include their Priority Allocation Code when subscribing for New Notes. The Republic will review Tenders received on or prior to the Expiration Time and may give priority to those investors with a Priority Allocation Code in connection with the allocation of New Notes. However, no assurances can be given that any Holder that Tenders Notes will be given an allocation of New Notes at the levels it may subscribe for, or at all. Notes may be tendered only in the principal amount equal to the minimum authorized denomination of such series as set forth in the Offer to Purchase (the "Minimum Denomination"), or equal to the applicable Minimum Denomination for such series of Notes plus, in each case, integral multiples of U.S.$1.00 in excess thereof. Holders who tender less than all of their Notes must continue to hold Notes in at least the Minimum Denomination of such series of Notes. The Republic reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept any valid orders to tender any series of Notes in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Offer ("Tenders"), to modify the Purchase Price for any series of the Notes, or to terminate the Offer for any reason. In the event of a termination of the Offer, the tendered Notes will be returned to the tendering Holder. If the Republic accepts all or a portion of a Holder's Tender, the Holder will be entitled to receive for such Notes the applicable Purchase Price plus Accrued Interest, which will be paid on the Settlement Date (as defined below), if the conditions of the Offer are met. The Offer commenced on Friday, January 16, 2026 and, unless extended or earlier terminated by the Republic in its sole discretion, the Offer will expire at 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on Friday, January 23, 2026 (the "Expiration Time"). Holders who have validly tendered their Notes may withdraw such Notes at any time at or prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on Friday, January 23, 2026, unless earlier terminated or extended (the "Withdrawal Deadline"). Any Tender may be withdrawn or revised prior to the Withdrawal Deadline by withdrawing the Tender in accordance with the procedures established by, and within the respective deadlines of, Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg (each as defined below), as the case may be. The settlement of the Offer is expected to occur on Thursday, January 29, 2026 (the "Settlement Date"). At or around 9:00 a.m. (New York City time) on January 26, 2026, subject to change without notice, the Republic expects to announce the aggregate principal amount of Tenders of each series of the Notes that have been received on or prior to the Expiration Time. At or around 9:00 a.m. (New York City time) on January 27, 2026, subject to change without notice, the Republic expects to announce: (i) its decision of whether to accept (subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Offer, including the closing of the New Notes Offering, on or prior to the Settlement Date) valid Tenders pursuant to the Offer and, if so accepted, (ii) the Maximum Aggregate Purchase Price for each series, (iii) the Tendered Aggregate Purchase Price for each series, (iv) the aggregate principal amount of Tenders of each series of the Notes that have been accepted, and (v) any proration factor of Tenders of the Notes for each series. Such announcement may be conditioned on the consummation of the New Notes Offering, in an aggregate principal amount, with pricing and on terms and conditions acceptable to the Republic in its sole discretion. The Offer is subject to the Republic's right, at its sole discretion and subject to applicable law to extend, terminate, withdraw, amend or waive any condition of the Offer at any time. The Republic reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept any offers to tender Notes for any reason. Tenders for Notes must be submitted through a direct participant ("Direct Participant") in Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. ("Euroclear") or Clearstream Banking S.A. ("Clearstream, Luxembourg" and together with Euroclear, the "Clearing Systems" and each, a "Clearing System") systems, in accordance with the procedures and deadlines established by each such Clearing System. If Notes are held by a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee (each, a "Nominee"), a beneficial owner of the Notes must contact the Nominee and instruct such Nominee, as the Holder of the Notes, to tender the Notes on such beneficial owner's behalf. Accordingly, beneficial owners wishing to participate in the Offer are advised to contact their Nominee as soon as possible in order to determine the deadlines by which such Nominee would require receipt of instructions from the beneficial owner to participate in the Offer in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Offer described in the Offer to Purchase in order to meet the deadlines set forth in the Offer to Purchase. The deadlines set by Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any Nominee or any such intermediary may be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in the Offer to Purchase. See "The OfferTender Procedures" in the Offer to Purchase. A separate tender instruction must be completed on behalf of each beneficial owner with respect to each series of Notes due to potential proration. There is no letter of transmittal or guaranteed delivery procedures for the Offer. This announcement does not contain the full terms and conditions of the Offer. The complete terms and conditions of the Offer are set forth in the Offer to Purchase, together with any amendments or supplements thereto, which Holders are urged to read carefully before making any decision with respect to the Offer. The Republic is making the Offer only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. See "Certain Legal Restrictions" in the Offer to Purchase. Announcements in connection with the Offer will be made: (i) by press release issued to news media in accordance with applicable law and by an announcement on an international news service; (ii) through the Clearing Systems for communication to Direct Participants; (iii) on the Information and Tender Agent's Transaction Website, https://projects.sodali.com/ecuador, subject to eligibility confirmation and registration; and (iv) on the website of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange at https://www.luxse.com. Morrow Sodali International LLC, trading as Sodali & Co is the information and tender agent in connection with the Offer (the "Information and Tender Agent"), and BofA Securities, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. are acting as Dealer Managers (the "Dealer Managers") for the Offer. The Offer to Purchase and other announcements may be downloaded from the Information and Tender Agent's Transaction Website, https://projects.sodali.com/ecuador, subject to eligibility confirmation and registration, or obtained from the Information and Tender Agent at the contact below: Information and Tender Agent Sodali & Co Ltd. In London: In Stamford: The Leadenhall Building 122 Leadenhall Street London, EC3V 4AB United Kingdom Telephone: +44 20 4513 6933 333 Ludlow Street South Tower, 5th Floor Stamford, CT 06902 United States Telephone: +1 203 658 9457 Email: [email protected] Transaction Website: https://projects.sodali.com/ecuador Holders may also contact the Dealer Managers at the telephone numbers provided below for information concerning the Offer. Dealer Managers BofA Securities, Inc. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. One Bryant Park, 9th Floor New York, New York 10036 United States Attn: Liability Management In the United States, call toll-free: +1 800-292-0070 Outside the United States, call collect: +1 646-855-8988 388 Greenwich Street, Trading 4th Floor New York, New York 10013 United States Attn: Liability Management Group Toll Free: 1-800-558-3745 Collect: 1-212-723-6106 Email: [email protected] Disclaimer This announcement does not contain the full terms and conditions of the Offer. The terms and conditions of the Offer are contained in the Offer to Purchase, and are subject to certain legal restrictions set out below and more fully described therein. No Recommendation The Purchase Price, if paid by the Republic with respect to the Notes of any series accepted for purchase, will not necessarily reflect the actual value of such Notes. Holders should independently analyze the value of the Notes of each series and make an independent assessment of the terms of the Offer. None of the Republic, the Dealer Managers or the Information and Tender Agent has or will express any opinion as to whether the terms of the Offer are fair. None of the Republic, the Dealer Managers or the Information and Tender Agent makes any recommendation that Holders should submit an offer to sell or tender Notes or refrain from doing so pursuant to the Offer, and no one has been authorized by any of them to make any such recommendation. Certain Legal Restrictions The New Notes Offering will be made solely by means of the offering circular relating to that offering. Before you invest, you should read the offering circular for more complete information about the Republic and the New Notes Offering. You may not participate in the New Notes Offering unless you have received and reviewed the offering circular for the New Notes Offering. Under no circumstances may you participate in the New Notes Offering in reliance on, or on the basis of, this announcement. The New Notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes. The Offer will be made only by and pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time. Neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase constitute an offer to participate in the Offer in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or for there to be such participation under applicable securities laws. The distribution of the Offer to Purchase in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession the Offer to Purchase comes are required by the Republic, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions. If a jurisdiction requires that the Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the Offer shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or such affiliate on behalf of the Republic in that jurisdiction. In addition, each Holder participating in the Offer will also be deemed to give certain representations as set out in "Holders' Representations, Warranties and Undertakings" of the Offer to Purchase. Any Tender of Notes from a Holder that is unable to make these representations will not be accepted. Each of the Republic, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to investigate, in relation to any Tender of Notes pursuant to the Offer, whether any such representation given by a Holder is correct and, if such investigation is undertaken and as a result the Republic determines (for any reason) that such representation is not correct, such Tender shall not be accepted. The acceptance of any Tender shall not be deemed to be a representation or a warranty by the Republic, the Dealer Managers or the Information and Tender Agent or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or affiliates that it has undertaken any such investigation and/or that any such representation to any person underwriting any such Notes is correct. Stabilization/FCA In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, this communication is only addressed to and directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. The communication of the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer are not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the United Kingdom (the "FSMA"). Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is only directed at and may be communicated to (l) those persons who are existing creditors of the Republic within Article 43(2) of the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, and (2) to any other persons to whom these documents and/or materials may lawfully be communicated. Forward-Looking Statements This announcement may contain forward-looking statements which represent the Republic's expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on the Republic's current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Republic undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events, including changes in the Republic's economic policy or budgeted expenditures, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results or performance of the Republic to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the Republic's financial condition, including its ability to increase revenues and reduce expenditures; (ii) volatility in international capital markets for emerging market issuers, including due to conditions in other emerging markets or policy changes by the Republic's trading partners, which could affect the Republic's ability to borrow; (iii) global geopolitical shocks affecting key trading partners that disrupt trade flows, supply chains or financial conditions; and (iv) other factors identified in the Offer to Purchase. No assurance can be given that the transactions described herein will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. SOURCE The Republic of Ecuador ROME, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tour Guy, Europe's most trusted and reliable tour operator, today announces the launch of several new, expertly curated day trips designed to help travelers experience some of the continent's most iconic destinations with ease, insight, and authenticity. As demand continues to grow for high-quality, well-organized travel experiences, The Tour Guy is expanding its portfolio with tours that go beyond sightseeing offering meaningful connections to history, culture, and place, all led by expert local guides. Sintra "Our travelers want more than just a checklist of attractions," said Sean Finelli, CEO and co-founder of The Tour Guy. "They want context, stories, and unforgettable moments all packaged with great customer service and these new tours deliver exactly that." The newly launched experiences include: Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon Just outside Lisbon lies Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its vibrant palaces and stunning landscapes. This guided day trip includes highlights such as Pena Palace, charming town centers, and scenic coastal viewpoints all with seamless transportation and expert commentary. Normandy Day Tour from Paris A powerful and moving journey to Normandy, where travelers visit the historic D-Day landing beaches and key World War II sites. This full-day tour from Paris offers historical depth and thoughtful storytelling that brings one of history's most significant moments to life. Mont Saint-Michel Day Trip from Paris Rising dramatically from the sea, Mont Saint-Michel is one of France's most awe-inspiring landmarks. This full-day experience from Paris allows guests to explore the medieval abbey, wander cobblestone streets, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding bay. Tuscany Day Trip from Rome Experience the rolling hills of Tuscany on this scenic day trip from Rome, featuring a visit to a charming vineyard in Montepulciano, a traditional lunch, and a wine tasting. Travelers enjoy the best of Tuscan culture, cuisine, and landscapes in one immersive and unforgettable day. Each tour reflects The Tour Guy's commitment to quality, with small group sizes, seamless logistics, and knowledgeable guides who elevate every experience. About The Tour Guy The Tour Guy is Europe's most trusted and reliable tour operator, offering high-quality, curated tours, activities, and experiences across the continent's most iconic destinations. Known for expert guides and a seamless customer experience, The Tour Guy specializes in creating unforgettable moments whether skipping the lines at the Vatican in Rome, exploring Versailles near Paris, or savoring the best local cuisine on a food tour in Florence, Italy. With a commitment to excellence and thousands of happy customers, The Tour Guy has become synonymous with exceptional travel experiences. From small-group tours to private adventures, each offering is designed to connect travelers with the history, culture, and hidden gems of Europe. For more information, visit: https://thetourguy.com CONTACT: Alessia M. Vitale [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE The Tour Guy Delivers one-stop initiatives to enhance citizens' health in collaboration with partner companies TOKYO, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Basic Policy for the Comprehensive Promotion of National Health Improvement, issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, calls on local governments, companies, and organizations to strengthen health-related initiatives to build a sustainable society where all Japanese citizens can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Since 2013, Japan has been promoting health initiatives under this policy, known as Health Japan 21. To further advance these efforts, the government launched the National Health Promotion Movement: Health Japan 21 (the third term), which runs from 2024 to 2035. To support this initiative, transcosmos introduced a new service designed to help local governments manage and promote citizen health improvements in collaboration with partner companies. Health promotion project banner Service image (for illustration purposes only) Case study: Large-scale healthcare project using Pay For Success (PFS) model transcosmos provides a comprehensive, one-stop solution covering all essential administrative functions for health promotion projects as well as touchpoints with citizens. The service includes development of health promotion plans, promotional campaigns, app development tailored for health promotion, citizen support services, and performance verification. Using specialized applications, transcosmos will implement incentive programs that utilize health point systems and integrate these with regional digital currency systems. This approach helps local governments not only encourage healthier lifestyles but also revitalize communities and foster intergenerational communication. Additionally, transcosmos will organize smartphone classes for elderly citizens and other generational groups unfamiliar with using digital technologies. This new service is directly linked to Health Japan 21 (the third term)*, the Basic Policy for the Comprehensive Promotion of National Health Improvement, led by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Looking ahead, transcosmos, together with its partner companies, plans to expand its offerings to include: visualization of the impact of lifestyle habits on health, personalized suggestions for improving lifestyle habits to reduce health risks, and predictive analysis of potential health risks based on health checkups and lifestyle data. As an example of health promotion for local governments, Kunitachi City, Tokyo, launched Kunitachi City Health Promotion Plan using the Pay For Success (PFS) model in October 2024. transcosmos participates in this project as a BPO service provider. The project incorporates various health point systems to encourage behavioral changes among citizens. It also includes mechanisms that contribute to community revitalization, such as converting points to regional digital currency. transcosmos will help local governments achieve optimal healthcare transformation and contribute to creating a sustainable society by delivering services leveraging digital transformation (DX). *Visit here for Health Japan 21 (the third term) (no translation available): https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/kenkounippon21_00006.html *transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. *Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. About transcosmos inc. transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have united superior "people" with up-to-date "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 184 bases across 36 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the "Global Digital Transformation Partner" of our clients, supporting the clients' transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/ SOURCE transcosmos inc. 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. 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. Zelira Therapeutics Ltd (ASX:ZLD, OTCQB:ZLDAF) has secured a major funding milestone after its HOPE 1 special purpose vehicle (SPV) signed definitive agreements to raise US$32.98 million (AU$49.21m), strengthening the companys balance sheet and accelerating its lead autism drug candidate toward US FDA approval. The fundraising values the HOPE 1 SPV at a post-money valuation of US$65.96 million and assigns Zeliras retained interest in the vehicle a post-money value of US$26.19 million, underlining growing institutional confidence in the programs clinical and regulatory pathway. ThirdGate Capital emerges as cornerstone investor Under the transaction, TGC Biotechnology Fund, P.S. (ThirdGate Capital) will hold a 50.00% fully diluted interest in the HOPE 1 SPV at close. Zelira will retain a 39.70% interest, with existing investors holding 5.42% and a management incentive pool accounting for 4.88%. The capital raise brings total equity issued by the SPV to US$36.56 million and provides funding to execute a comprehensive FDA development program, including Phase 1/2 and Phase 3 clinical trials. Zelira said the funding represents a significant step forward for HOPE 1, a proprietary cannabinoid-based medicine being developed for autism spectrum disorder, beginning with the rare genetic condition Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. CEO highlights endorsement of science and strategy Zelira CEO Dr Oludare Odumosu said the transaction validated both the companys scientific approach and its regulatory strategy. This transformative Fundraising directly into the HOPE 1 SPV represents a compelling endorsement of our vision, our science, and the significant potential of HOPE 1. We welcome ThirdGate Capital as our partner and its recognition of what we have always believed: that HOPE 1 stands to revolutionise the treatment landscape for individuals living with autism, including rare and underserved forms, starting with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. "The fundraising provides the SPV with sufficient capital to complete its accelerated regulatory pathway strategy utilising the United States FDA 505(b)(2) pathway. "We are energised by the path forward and remain committed to delivering real solutions for autism patients, families and physicians/healthcare professionals who treat autism, while ensuring value for our shareholders. Funding aligned with accelerated FDA pathway The HOPE 1 SPV plans to deploy the capital toward a staged FDA program, with US$17.69 million allocated to Phase 1/2 clinical trials and US$14.07 million earmarked for Phase 3 studies. All trials will be conducted exclusively with iNGENu CRO. Zelira has already completed a Pre-IND meeting with the US FDA, which confirmed that the initial target indicationPhelan-McDermid Syndrome with comorbid autismis appropriate for the proposed clinical plan. The FDA also agreed that Phelan-McDermid Syndrome qualifies as a rare disease, positioning the program to seek Orphan Drug Designation. If granted, Orphan Drug status would provide regulatory incentives and seven years of data exclusivity, running concurrently with HOPE 1s patent protection. ThirdGate cites confidence in regulatory clarity and data ThirdGate Capital senior partner Cynthia Parrish said the investment was underpinned by strong clinical and regulatory fundamentals. We are excited to partner with Zelira on this transformative journey to bring HOPE 1 through the FDA approval process. The compelling real-world patient data, combined with the clear regulatory pathway established through the Pre-IND meeting, gives us confidence in HOPE 1s potential to address a significant unmet need for patients with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Next steps: IND submission and first-in-human dosing With funding secured, the SPV is now focused on submitting an Investigational New Drug application to the FDA, initiating its Phase 1 clinical trial and filing for Orphan Drug Designation. Zelira chairman Osagie Imasogie, who has been appointed executive chairman of the SPV, said the funding marked a critical inflection point for the program. I am thrilled to build on our relationship with the ThirdGate Capital Team to get HOPE through the FDA process in the most efficient and expeditious manner. We are grateful for ThirdGate Capitals funding and investment and that of The 2011 Forman Investment Trust and Mr. Malik Majeed, who were our first institutional/Family Office investors into the SPV. Their initial funding was crucial in getting the SPV to the inflection point at which we were able to attract ThirdGate Capitals interest and transformative funding investment. With this funding secured, we are now laser focused on progressing our HOPE FDA clinical program. SPV structure preserves long-term value Zelira established the HOPE 1 SPV in 2023 to fund US clinical development and commercialisation while retaining significant equity exposure. The company has contributed intellectual property and real-world data in exchange for its 39.70% stake, and Zelira and ThirdGate have confirmed there is no current intention to spin out or list the SPV. The transaction positions Zelira to advance HOPE 1 through a clearly defined FDA pathway while maintaining meaningful upside for shareholders as the program progresses. Cyprium Metals Ltd (ASX:CYM, OTCQB:CYPMF) has entered 2026 with momentum, approving the Phase 1 restart of copper cathode production at the Nifty Copper Complex and securing the funding and approvals needed to transition from developer to near-term producer. During the December 2025 quarter, the company completed a transformational A$80 million capital raise, refinanced its senior debt facility and maintained a strong cash position of A$75.0 million, providing a clear runway toward first cathode production targeted for mid-2026. Board approves Phase 1 cathode restart A major milestone was achieved in November 2025 when Cypriums board formally approved the Phase 1 Cathode Restart Project at Nifty, authorising key expenditures to maintain the project schedule. The restart strategy is structured around four workstreams: re-establishing heap leach infrastructure, recommencing leaching activities, refurbishing the solvent extraction and electrowinning (SXEW) plant, and preparing site-wide operational systems. During the quarter, Cyprium materially progressed refurbishment of drainage systems and leach solution ponds adjacent to the heap leach pads, addressing degradation from weathering and historical operations. Early works also included foundations for new acid storage and distribution infrastructure, while long-lead items were ordered to support plant refurbishment in the first half of 2026. Project execution gathers pace Operational readiness advanced across multiple fronts, with Cyprium completing detailed project execution planning, establishing project governance systems and identifying the critical path to first production. The company also progressed installation of pit dewatering systems, enhanced its mine safety management systems and recruited key personnel and consultants to support the restart. In a further step toward execution, Cyprium executed a construction contract with DECMIL, a subsidiary of Macmahon, for refurbishment of the SXEW plant. The contract has an estimated value of A$27 million, plus standard margins and incentives. Regulatory risk was also removed during the quarter, with the Western Australian Department of Energy and Economic Diversification approving Cypriums Notice to Proceed in November. This represented the final administrative approval required under the State Agreement before cathode operations can recommence. Chairman highlights transition toward production Commenting on the December 2025 quarter, Cyprium executive chairman Matt Fifield said: Cyprium enters 2026 with the Nifty Phase 1 Cathode Restart well underway following completion of our transformational $80 million capital raise and the refinancing of our existing debt facility. Across the quarter we made significant progress preparing the heap leach infrastructure to be ready to operate, and ordered the long lead items that will allow our extended team to refurbish the SXEW plant across the first half of this year. This next half year is continued focus on project execution and preparing ourselves to transition from developer to producer. "As our first project starts to deliver, we are naturally increasing our focus on growing our business rapidly. We continuing to advance all workstreams around the next phase of the Nifty Copper Complex which involves designing and building a surface mine to access the permitted shallow open-pit oxide ores and the sulphide ores beneath it. "We have also increased our focus on resources outside of the Nifty Copper Complex that could quickly come into a production plan. Now that we have regained control of the Paterson Exploration Project from IGO, there is significant potential to leverage exploration data from the past into potentially meaningful developments for Cyprium as we continue to build Australias next great copper company. Exploration pipeline builds beyond Nifty Alongside restart activities, Cyprium continued advancing studies for Phase 2 open-pit mining at Nifty, focusing on sequencing options to optimise capital intensity by leveraging existing infrastructure and approvals. The company also progressed near-mine exploration targeting extensions of sediment-hosted copper mineralisation up-dip and along strike from the former underground mine, while designing drill programs to test conceptual targets around the complex. Following the dissolution of its joint venture with IGO, Cyprium regained full control of the Paterson Exploration Project and received extensive exploration data from IGOs A$24 million expenditure, opening up new opportunities for value creation. At the Cue Copper-Gold Project, drilling is scheduled to commence in January 2026 at the Heeler and Eelya South prospects, subject to contractor availability. Balance sheet strengthened for execution Cyprium finished the quarter with A$75 million in cash, supported by completion of the A$80 million equity raising and refinancing of its senior secured loan facility with Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund II LP. The refinancing extended loan maturity to December 2029 and improved balance sheet flexibility. The company also completed the sale of surplus generators, receiving total proceeds of US$6.4 million, and finalised a 1-for-10 share consolidation following shareholder approval. Focus turns to delivery in 2026 Looking ahead to the March 2026 quarter, Cyprium will focus on delivering the Phase 1 cathode restart, advancing open-pit restart planning and progressing high-value exploration opportunities across its portfolio. With funding secured, approvals in place and copper prices supportive, Cyprium is positioned to execute its phased restart strategy at Nifty and take the next step toward becoming Australias next copper producer. If I were to write a chapter of this story, I would imagine that both leaders are capable of building a free and sovereign country Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed Before Hugo Chavez came to power, Venezuela was known worldwide for its beauty queens, soap operas, and oil. Today, in Venezuelas shocking and chaotic political drama, two women lead the opposing political blocs. Delcy Rodriguez and Maria Corina Machado are not characters in a television melodrama innocently vying for the affections of a leading man; rather, they are two figures who have had to resort to cunning, like modern-day Scheherazades, to survive in a landscape dominated by an external sultan: Donald Trump. There is something extraordinary about this story. For the first time, the most visible leadership roles in the Venezuelan conflict are held by women who dont ask permission to speak of their ambitions, but who must maneuver against the weight of a superpower whose president has decided to treat Venezuela as the gateway to his backyard. Delcy Rodriguez, the first woman to hold the highest office in Venezuela even though she was never elected, had to wait for Hugo Chavez to die to rise within the Socialism of the 21st Century, a project that in discourse vindicates the people and women, but in practice reproduces patriarchal logics, privileges and inequalities. Maria Corina Machado, for her part, challenged the traditional parties, all led by men who seemed stuck in a time warp. She overwhelmingly won opposition primaries on October 22, 2023, winning over 90% of the vote, only to face disqualification and relentless persecution that cut short her candidacy. Their trajectories, though opposite in origin, reveal some of the tensions within Venezuelan society. Rodriguez comes from a left-leaning family marked by tragedy: the murder of her father, tortured after his involvement in the kidnapping of U.S. executive William Niehous. Machado, on the other hand, is heir to an industrial tradition that stretches back three centuries. In a country where corruption has eroded public trust, she embodies the oxymoron of being perceived as rich, but honest. One had her father, Jorge Rodriguez, taken away during the democratic era; the other lost the family business, Sivensa, and her rights, during the Chavez era. Both women break the mold. Rodriguez is not a mother; Machado has three children, but has dedicated much of her life to public life. Both have partners but are not married, another sign of how they also defy conventions in their private lives. If the United States were governed by a woman, the metaphor would be different. But Trump makes the exercise easier: a powerful, misogynistic white man who, according to press reports, so desperately wants the Nobel Peace Prize that he accepts the gesture Machado was forced to make. In the same way, he covets Venezuelan oil and mineral resources so intensely that he has even threatened Rodriguez, only to later claim they get along very well. The blond man is faced with two women with mestizo features, who must deploy strategies to navigate an environment full of flatterers and the fearful. He has belittled both of them. Neither of them has it easy. Machado, despite her close ties to conservative sectors in the United States, is a figure with nationalist convictions. Rodriguez, although educated in the anti-imperialist tradition, is comfortable with the privileges of the champagne socialists. Neither fits entirely into the classic left-right spectrum, because in Venezuela there is a cultural egalitarianism that transcends ideological categories. Its as if Trump had two Scheherazades. Each must survive night after night, while also navigating internal power struggles. Rodriguez sustains, and is the architect of, an authoritarian structure. Machado persists in a near-suicidal mission: to restore democracy to a country without controling its territory, and without significant influence in the Armed Forces, the true pillar of the regime. While Trump observes them with the condescension of a colonizer, they play their cards. Rodriguez attempts to present herself as the moderate of the authoritarian regime, who can negotiate with Washington and buy time a constant tactic of the dictatorship. Machado, for her part, is trying to get on Trumps radar and be considered in a potential democratic transition. Her recent visit to the White House extended her political lifespan. Both are playing hard, have capable teams, and based on their performance, are talented and hardworking. Of course, given what Ive told you, its clear that I hope Machado succeeds in leveling the playing field to pave the way for a democratic transition, and thereby also serve as a global example that democracy is indispensable and that in the face of authoritarianism, one must not only be brave and bold but also firm when the nations interests are at stake. Like many others, I support the wish of Jrgen Watne Frydnes, president of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, for Venezuela to once again be a peaceful and democratic country. But above all, and knowing full well that Venezuelan history has more twists and turns than the best Latin American soap opera, I only hope that neither Machado nor Rodriguez are disposable, and much less that they marry the sultan. If I were to write a chapter of this story, I would imagine as the writer Federico Vegas did that both leaders meet and are able to agree on an agenda to build a free and sovereign country. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition For Jersey Oil and Gas PLC (AIM:JOG, OTC:JYOGF), the recent reset of the UK fiscal framework does more than tidy up an awkward policy legacy. It materially improves the odds that its flagship Buchan redevelopment finally makes the jump from paper studies to steel in the water. What distinguishes Jersey from many AIM-listed explorers is how narrow and advanced its focus has become. Buchan is not a speculative frontier prospect. It is a previously producing North Sea field, discovered decades ago, with well-defined reservoirs and a development concept built around modern subsea and drilling techniques rather than heroic engineering. In oil and gas terms, this is about as de-risked as an undeveloped asset gets. Missing ingredient The missing ingredient has been confidence. Offshore projects demand large upfront capital and long payback periods. When the Energy Profits Levy was introduced and then repeatedly adjusted, the industrys problem was not the headline rate but the absence of a credible endpoint. Investors could not tell whether the tax regime in place at sanction would bear any resemblance to the one in force when production began. For a company of Jerseys size, that uncertainty shut down funding discussions before they properly began. Cavendishs recent analysis puts numbers around why the new regime changes the picture. Under the current rules, capital invested before the end of the levy in March 2030 attracts tax offsets of 84.25% for tax-paying companies. In practice, that means the after-tax cost of development spending is extraordinarily low by international standards. Cavendish argues that an optimal development for Buchan would deliberately lean into this window, maximising spend while relief is highest, then bringing production on stream after 2030 when only the permanent 40% tax rate applies. Timing matters here, and Buchans long-cycle nature works in Jerseys favour. Even on an efficient schedule, first production is likely to fall into the post-levy period. Maximum relief That places costs into the period of maximum relief and revenues into a lower and more predictable tax environment. It is hard to design a more attractive fiscal profile for a capital-intensive redevelopment. There is also a balance sheet dimension that deserves attention. Having successfully farmed out the Buchan development, retaining a significant 20% carried interest through to first oil, at the end of 2024, Jersey cut its annual cash costs in half to about 1.5 million and had 11 million of cash at the end of 2025. That gives the company time to see the project progress without the pressure of near-term fundraising. Additionally, on approval of a final development plan, Jersey is due a further 15 million ($20 million) in cash payments from its joint venture partners, NEO Energy and Serica Energy. Full carry That full carry is central to Jerseys ability to reach production without repeated equity dilution. It means the bulk of development capital is provided by larger partners with operating scale, while Jersey retains its economic interest. Cavendish also points out that the company holds more than 100 million of UK tax losses, which can be used most effectively once the tax rate falls back to 40% after 2030, further improving project economics. Operational work continues in parallel. An addendum to the Buchan environmental impact assessment is being prepared to reflect updated guidance on Scope 3 emissions and to set out the socio-economic benefits of the project. At the same time, value engineering is focused on drilling and subsea infrastructure, with the aim of reducing capital intensity without undermining recoveries. These are the practical steps that move a project from concept towards sanction. The joint venture backdrop has also improved. Both NEO Energy and Serica expanded their UK North Sea portfolios during 2025 through acquisitions, underlining their commitment to the basin. Cavendish sees their continued engagement on Buchan as encouraging, particularly given the projects role as a potential source of medium-term growth. Execution risk? None of this removes execution risk. Offshore developments are complex, and Jerseys valuation will continue to reflect the long wait for cash flow. But the nature of the proposition has changed. Investors are no longer being asked to take a view on shifting fiscal policy. They are being asked whether a small, financially disciplined company, with a carried interest in a known field and committed partners, can deliver a sanctioned development. That is a much clearer test. And for Jersey Oil & Gas, clarity itself may turn out to be the most valuable asset on the balance sheet. 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 Washington, Jan 16 : President Donald Trump is keeping "all of his options on the table" on Iran as the White House weighs how to respond to the regime's violent crackdown on nationwide protests, even as lawmakers from both parties urged caution against US military strikes that could escalate the crisis. Washington, Jan 16 (IANS) President Donald Trump is keeping "all of his options on the table" on Iran as the White House weighs how to respond to the regime's violent crackdown on nationwide protests, even as lawmakers from both parties urged caution against US military strikes that could escalate the crisis. Asked how close the president was to launching strikes and whether Gulf states had dissuaded him, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed what she called speculative reporting based on anonymous sources. "The truth is only President Trump knows what he's going to do and a very, very small team of advisers are read into his thinking on that," Leavitt told reporters. She said the president continues to closely monitor developments inside Iran while keeping military options available. Leavitt added that Trump had been informed that planned executions in Iran would stop, and that "we have seen 800 people, their lives have been spared as a result of that." "The president continues to closely monitor, but also keep all of his options on the table," she said. The administration's posture comes amid mounting political debate in Washington over how far the United States should go as protests spread across Iran and the regime responds with lethal force, mass arrests and communications blackouts. House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks warned that US military action could undermine the protest movement rather than support it. "I stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, who are making their voices heard in opposition to a brutal regime," Meeks said. He cautioned that military action "risks doing the opposite: silencing an organic movement, strengthening the regime's narrative, and inflicting civilian harm." Meeks argued that "any lasting change in Iran will come from the courage of the Iranian people marching for dignity and freedoms, not from US military strikes," and urged the administration to fully consult Congress before taking any action. He also raised concerns about the risk of Iranian retaliation, the safety of US troops and diplomats in the region, and coordination with allies, "particularly Israel," warning of the danger of a broader regional conflict. In contrast, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso voiced strong support for Trump's pressure campaign and framed the protests as a turning point for the regime. "I rise today to stand with the brave people of Iran," Barrasso said on the Senate floor, noting that protests had spread to "185 cities in all 31 provinces of Iran." He accused the Iranian leadership of unleashing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against civilians and said "credible reports estimate that thousands perhaps tens of thousands are dead." Barrasso praised Trump's record, saying, "I applaud President Trump's leadership on Iran. His strategy has brought Iran to this breaking point." He cited the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal, the rebuilding of sanctions and the "Maximum Pressure" campaign as factors weakening the regime. "A weak Iran is a safer America," he said, calling for tougher enforcement against Iran's so-called "Ghost Fleet" of oil-smuggling vessels and warning that "every dollar we deny the Iranian government is one less bullet they can fire at their own people." Beyond the debate over military force, lawmakers are also pressing the administration to act against Iran's communications blackout, which has cut protesters off from the outside world. In a bipartisan letter led by Reps. Dave Min and Claudia Tenney, lawmakers urged Trump to direct the executive branch to expand support for internet-freedom technologies, including virtual private networks and emerging tools that could bypass state-imposed shutdowns. Separately, Rep. Randy Weber led a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling on the State Department to continue publicly condemning the regime's violent repression, including reported attacks on hospitals and medical facilities, which lawmakers said could constitute serious violations of international law. The White House has said Trump recently spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but has not disclosed details of that conversation. Leavitt confirmed the contact but declined to say when it occurred or what was discussed. Publicly, Trump has signaled that his response could hinge on the regime's behavior. After saying earlier that "help is on its way," he later welcomed reports that Iran would halt executions, posting "Good news" and adding, "Hopefully, it will continue!" Washington, Jan 16 : The White House strongly defended US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following violent unrest in Minneapolis, accusing Democratic leaders and sections of the media of inciting hostility against federal law enforcement officers carrying out immigration operations. Addressing reporters at a packed White House briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said ICE agents were enforcing immigration law and acting to protect themselves during a targeted operation in Minneapolis that escalated into violence. "This is some of the most disturbing crimes you will ever read about," Leavitt said, referring to the individuals ICE was seeking to detain. "And there's only a few reporters in this room who will actually talk about these individuals." Leavitt rejected media reports suggesting that federal agents acted improperly, saying the administration would not tolerate what it views as misleading coverage. "If you want to know the truth, you can look at what the Department of Homeland Security released," she said. According to Leavitt, ICE agents were conducting "a targeted operation against a Venezuelan illegal alien who was unlawfully present in the country." She said when agents attempted to detain the individual, "three more of his comrades came rushing out of a house and started ambushing and attacking the ICE agent." "They used a shovel or a broom to smash his face in," she said. "And so, yes, that agent had to use self-defense and take up his weapon to protect his own life." Leavitt said the administration believes inflammatory rhetoric from Democratic officials has contributed to violence against federal officers. "These Democrat governors and mayors in not just Minnesota but in states across the country essentially who've referred to ICE agents who, again, are brave men and women," she said, accusing them of being demeaned and targeted. She said such language has had real-world consequences. "They've even referred to them as Nazis and as the Gestapo, and that is absolutely leading to the violence we're seeing in the streets," Leavitt said. Responding to questions about protests and vandalism linked to the incident, Leavitt blamed elected officials in so-called sanctuary jurisdictions. "That's what's happening on the streets of Minneapolis," she said. "That's what's happening on the streets, unfortunately, of these Democrat-run cities and states, where you have elected officials who are encouraging such violence against our brave men and women in law enforcement." Leavitt also accused the media of playing a role in inflaming tensions. "The media is absolutely complicit in this violence," she said, citing what she described as inaccurate headlines about the incident. During a heated exchange with a reporter who challenged the administration's characterization of ICE actions, Leavitt accused the journalist of bias. "You're a left-wing hack. You're not a reporter," she said. "You should be reporting on the facts. You should be reporting on the cases." She went on to defend ICE more broadly, saying agents are enforcing the law under direction from their superiors. "These are great patriotic men and women who have families, who put on the uniform every day and are following our nation's immigration laws," Leavitt said. On the broader immigration enforcement push, Leavitt said ICE remains focused on detaining individuals unlawfully present in the United States. "ICE is focused on detaining individuals who are unlawfully present in the country," she said, noting that "hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens have been arrested and detained and deported from this country by ICE over the course of the last year." She said that remains the administration's goal. "That's their intention and that is their goal," Leavitt said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, Jan 16 : India's upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi will be anchored around three core themes - people, planet and progress - with the aim of shifting global artificial intelligence discussions from principles to practical outcomes, India's Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, Namgya Khampa, said. Washington, Jan 16 (IANS) India's upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi will be anchored around three core themes people, planet and progress with the aim of shifting global artificial intelligence discussions from principles to practical outcomes, India's Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, Namgya Khampa, said. Khampa's remarks came at "US-India Strategic Cooperation on AI," a discussion organised by Observer Research Foundation America (ORF America), the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), and the Embassy of India, at the US Capitol that brought together policymakers and experts to outline shared priorities ahead of the summit. Khampa said artificial intelligence was no longer a niche technology but had become the operating context shaping economic competitiveness, geopolitical power and societal outcomes. She said India's approach to AI was grounded in its experience with digital public infrastructure, which had demonstrated how inclusive, interoperable and low-cost technology could transform governance at a population scale. She noted population-scale platforms such as Aadhaar and the unified payments interface had expanded access to public services, finance and identity for more than 1.4 billion Indians. India, Khampa said, viewed AI not as a standalone solution but as a "force multiplier" layered on top of its digital public infrastructure, making systems "smarter, more responsive, more productive and more accessible," and helping shift AI "from the abstract to the everyday and from innovation to transformation." Khampa said the AI Impact Summit would be the first major global AI summit hosted by a country from the Global South. She said the summit sought to correct imbalances in global AI governance by broadening participation and ownership, rather than by lowering standards. Outlining the summit's framework, she said the three themes people, planet and progress reflected India's vision of "AI for all." AI, she said, must empower individuals rather than marginalise them, be resource-efficient and aligned with sustainability goals, and support equitable economic growth, particularly in healthcare, education, agriculture and public service delivery. Noting that sharper geopolitics and the weaponisation of technology supply chains had made technological resilience central to national strategy, she pointed to the India-US trust initiative as a mechanism to move cooperation from ideas to concrete projects across research, standards, skilling and next-generation technologies. India's linguistic diversity and population-scale digital platforms, she said, offered an unparalleled environment to build inclusive, multilingual AI systems, while the United States brought frontier research, capital and advanced use cases that could be tested in India and scaled globally. Dhruva Janshankar of ORF America said India was increasingly positioning itself as a bridge between global debates on AI safety and the need for large-scale, real-world deployment, particularly for developing countries. He said much of the early global AI conversation had been dominated by abstract or existential risks, while countries in the Global South were more focused on whether AI could deliver tangible improvements in healthcare, education, public services and economic opportunity. Janshankar said many developing countries, despite regional differences, shared common challenges such as limited access to technology, fiscal constraints, and the risk of marginalisation in global rule-setting. He also warned that global competition in AI deployment was already underway in emerging markets. If democratic countries failed to offer affordable, scalable and trusted AI solutions, he said, others would fill that gap. Janshankar said deeper US-India cooperation could help deliver interoperable AI platforms aligned with democratic values, while ensuring that developing countries were not locked into technologies that did not reflect their interests. India will host the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next month, bringing together governments, industry and civil society to focus on inclusive, development-oriented AI deployment, with particular emphasis on the priorities of the Global South. Canberra, Jan 16 : Over 4.7 million accounts belonging to children were deactivated in the first days of Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s, the federal government said on Friday. Data released by the government's eSafety commissioner revealed that social media companies removed access to around 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16 in the days after the ban took effect on December 10. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that it was encouraging that social media companies were making a 'meaningful effort' to comply with the ban. "Change doesn't happen overnight. But these early signs show it's important we've acted to make this change," he said. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said in a statement that she was 'very pleased' with the preliminary results, but acknowledged reports of some accounts belonging to children under the age limit remaining active. "While some kids may find creative ways to stay on social media, it's important to remember that just like other safety laws we have in society, success is measured by reduction in harm and in re-setting cultural norms," she said. The government did not reveal how many accounts were deactivated by each of the 10 platforms covered by the ban, including TikTok, X and YouTube. Meta announced on Monday that it had deactivated over 544,000 accounts across its platforms Facebook, Instagram and Threads as of December 11. Under laws passed by the federal parliament in 2024, social media companies that fail to take reasonable steps to enforce the ban will face fines worth up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about $33.17 million). On December 10, Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s came into effect, with 10 major platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and X, required to prevent them from holding accounts. In a video message to students around Australia on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had said that the government has made the change to support children who have grown up with algorithms, endless social media feeds and the pressure they bring. Uiseong, Jan 16 : A South Korean court sentenced two men to suspended prison terms on Friday for starting the nation's worst-ever wildfires last year, which ravaged southeastern parts of the country for nearly a week and left over two dozen dead. The Uiseong branch of the Daegu District Court handed down a two-year prison term, suspended for three years, for one of the defendants, surnamed Shin, and a 2 and half year prison term, suspended for three years, for the other, surnamed Jeong. Both were ordered 120 hours of community service. Shin, 55, was indicted on charges of violating the Forest Protection Act by causing a fire while trying to burn off a sapling growing on a family grave on a hill in the southeastern county of Uiseong on March 22. Jeong, 63, was charged for starting a fire the same day while trying to burn byproducts from an orchard in the same county. Driven by strong winds and a dry spell, the separate fires spread rapidly to four nearby counties and cities, becoming the largest-ever wildfire disaster on record in South Korea. The wildfires left 26 people dead and 31 others injured, ravaged through 99,289 hectares of land, and forced some 3,500 people to flee their homes. Authorities brought the flames under control 149 hours after they began. While the court noted the 'grave' damage from the wildfires, it said the defendants could not predict the conditions from the extremely dry weather, adding the evidence presented did not clearly prove their acts directly caused the casualties, Yonhap news agency reported. "In order to connect the injuries and the deaths (from the wildfires) to the defendants' acts, a significant causal relationship has to be proven without reasonable doubt, but the presented evidence cannot be seen as clearly doing so," it said. Opinion articles written in the style of their author. These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. All opinion articles written by individuals from outside the staff of EL PAIS shall feature, along with the authors name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed We all keep neighborhood trophies, from back when we won a little contest at the end-of-year party or our children received a swimming badge. They are intimate treasures gathering dust in drawers at home, proof of a life punctuated by flashes of joy greater than any lottery win. Not that they were small steps for the individual and giant leaps for humanity, quite the opposite: they are insignificant to others, but represent pure unadulterated joy for the personal stories of the people we love. None of this resembles a Nobel Peace Prize, thats true, but we would defend it tooth and nail in any case. Woe to any aliens who might want to invade us. Thats why the humiliation of Maria Corina Machado is so grotesque, as we watched her handing over her award to the emperor of this new absolutist regime, bowing down in exchange for a pittance, or for nothing at all. And this isnt an award winner generously parting with the trophy to dedicate it to the victims she is fighting for; no, this is vassalage, surrendering to the autocrat who will dictate Venezuelas future. Its called flattery, bribery, indecency. No one is spared in this display of collective humiliation, in this public auction at the bazaar called the White House in exchange for favors. Far more valuable than an award, Delcy Rodriguez has handed over President Maduro to Trump (ex ante or ex post) and, above all, millions of barrels of oil that will flow into bank accounts that have nothing to do with Venezuela. A gold-plated medal can hardly compete with such a bounty. The opposition, democrats worldwide, and all of us who long for freedom in Venezuela have been completely baffled. Lets get this straight: for Trump to turn against Delcy Rodriguez, all we have to do is promote a Nobel Peace Prize for the acting president of Venezuela. Thats the only way the autocrat will become enraged and, perhaps then, find another jail cell for her in New York. And heres a lesson for everyone: the class clown, the one we laughed at for humiliating himself to the point of degradation, is the one who wins in todays world. A world of ICE brutes, new gladiators at the service of Trumps cruelty, the world of Elon Musks arbitrary actions, and the power of tech companies allied with the new autocracy that wants to crush the weak. The law of the strongest is back, and whoever bribes the best wins. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Washington, Jan 16 : US President Donald Trump has described his meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as a "great honour", saying she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize during their closed-door talks at the White House. "It was my Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today," Trump said in a social media post after the meeting. "She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much." Trump said Machado presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize "for the work I have done", calling it "such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect". He added: "Thank you Maria!" The meeting, held over lunch in the White House's Private Dining Room, marked the first in-person encounter between Trump and Machado. Machado later told reporters that she had presented Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize medal, framing the act as a symbolic gesture rooted in shared democratic traditions between Venezuela and the United States. She said she told Trump that 200 years ago, French General Marquis de Lafayette presented Venezuelan independence leader Simon Bolivar with a medal bearing the likeness of George Washington, which Bolivar kept for the rest of his life. "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 to our freedom," Machado said. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has said that once awarded, the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred, shared, or revoked. Following her White House meeting, Machado headed to Capitol Hill for a bipartisan session with US senators hosted by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen. "Maria Corina Machado is an extraordinary person who is completely deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize after having risked her life to bring about change to the Venezuelan government and people," Durbin said. Shaheen warned that "removing a dictator is not the same as restoring democracy," adding that the United States must ensure Venezuela does not "simply transition from one authoritarian to another". Republican and Democratic senators alike praised Machado's leadership and courage, while some also criticised the Trump administration's approach to Venezuela following the removal of Nicolas Maduro. Machado's US visit followed a private meeting earlier this week with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where she sought his intercession for the release of political prisoners. She reemerged publicly in December after 11 months in hiding to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. -- Syndicated from IANS New Delhi, Jan 16 : On the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid homage to the revered Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar and said that his works and ideals continue to inspire innumerable people across generations. The Prime Minister took to the social media platform X and wrote, aToday, on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the versatile Thiruvalluvar, whose works and ideals inspire innumerable people. He believed in a society that is harmonious and compassionate. He personifies the best of Tamil culture. I urge you all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of the great Thiruvalluvar." Thiruvalluvar flourished around two thousand years ago in Mylapore, present-day Chennai. He was a born Siddha and poet, known simply as Valluvar, or more commonly as Thiruvalluvar, meaning athe devotee of the Valluva castea. The Valluvas traditionally belonged to the Pariah community, now referred to as Harijans, and their vocation involved proclaiming royal orders by beating drums. According to tradition, Thiruvalluvar was the son of Bhagavan, a Brahmin, and Adi, a Pariah woman whom he married. There are differing accounts regarding Thiruvalluvaras birthplace and period. While some traditions state that he was born in Madurai, the capital of the Pandyas, his period has been variously dated between the 4th century BCE and the early 6th century CE. Scholar Maraimalai Adigal dated his birth to 31 BCE, whereas Tamil scholar Kamil Zvelebil suggested that Thiruvalluvar and the Tirukkural likely belonged to the period between 500 and 600 CE. Thiruvalluvar is regarded by many as an incarnation of Brahma. His wife, Vasuki, is remembered as a chaste and devoted woman, considered the ideal wife who faithfully carried out her husbandas wishes. Through his life and teachings, Thiruvalluvar demonstrated that one could lead a divine life of purity and sanctity while remaining a householder. He showed that renunciation of family life was not necessary to achieve spiritual excellence. Also known simply as Valluvar, he was one of the most celebrated Tamil philosopher-poets. His magnum opus, the Tirukkural, is a collection of 1,330 couplets dealing with morality, governance, economics, and love. The text is regarded as one of the greatest works of Tamil literature and is admired for its universal values and ethical clarity. In January 1935, the Tamil Nadu government officially recognised 31 BCE as the birth year of Thiruvalluvar. Scholars generally believe that Valluvar may have been associated with either Jainism or Hinduism. During his time, Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism flourished across the Indian subcontinent. Thiruvalluvar is considered one of the greatest poet-philosophers of the Sangam period. His work is held in such high esteem that it has been referred to by several names, including Tirukkural, Uttaravedam, Tamil Veda, Teyvanul (the divine book), and Potumarai (the common Veda). Across southern India, Thiruvalluvar is revered as a saint and, in some traditions, as a deity. Many Shaivite communities regard him as the 64th Nayanmar, especially in regions such as Mylapore and Tiruchuli. Several temples dedicated exclusively to Thiruvalluvar exist in South India, with the most famous located in Chennaias Mylapore, built in the early 16th century within the Ekambareeswara-Kamakshi temple complex. New Delhi, Jan 16 : The air quality deteriorated sharply on Friday morning in Delhi-NCR, with several areas recording Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the "very poor" category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The worsening pollution coincided with cold wave conditions and dense fog across the city, adding to health and travel concerns. At 7 a.m., Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 354, placing it firmly in the "very poor" category. Other pollution hotspots also reported alarming levels, with Ashok Vihar at 367, ITO at 362, RK Puram at 374, and Patparganj at 372. Wazirpur and Chandni Chowk recorded AQI readings of 374 and 370, respectively, while Dwarka Sector 8 stood at 369. An AQI reading between 301 and 400 is classified as "very poor" and can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. According to the AQI scale, values between 050 are considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. The spike in pollution levels has come amid cold wave conditions prevailing over the national capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Delhi experienced minimum temperatures significantly below normal for mid-January. While temperatures hovered around 5.4 degrees Celsius in parts of the city, some areas recorded lows close to 3 degrees Celsius. The IMD has warned that cold wave conditions are very likely at isolated places over Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh, while cold day conditions may persist in pockets of the region. Dense fog during the early morning hours also reduced visibility in several areas. Weather officials said the sky is expected to remain mainly clear during the day, turning partly cloudy towards evening. The adverse weather conditions also impacted flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. In an advisory issued on X, airport authorities stated that flights were being operated under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which could result in delays. Passengers were advised to contact their respective airlines for updated flight information, while airport officials assured that ground staff were available across terminals to assist travellers. Health experts have advised residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities until air quality improves. -- Syndicated from IANS Sofia, Jan 16 : One day after flu epidemic measures were introduced in Bulgaria's Varna District for the first time this season, neighbouring Dobrich District decided to follow suit. The measures in the northeastern Bulgarian region will be in effect from January 19 to January 23, local media reported on Thursday. During the five-day period, in-person classes in all schools will be suspended. Hospital visits, planned surgeries, child immunisations, and pediatric consultations will also be halted. The decision was prompted by a sharp rise in the registered incidence rate, which reached 207 cases per 10,000 people in the January 5-11 week, compared with 47 cases per 10,000 in the previous week. Bulgaria's Chief Health Inspector Angel Kunchev told reporters on Wednesday that the country was on the verge of a flu epidemic, with infection rates also rising in regions such as Silistra, Burgas, Yambol, Haskovo and Pernik. According to Kunchev, the positive sign is that the epidemic wave is subsiding as quickly as it is growing. He said he expects the situation to normalise in most regions by February. Seasonal influenza (the flu) is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It is common in all parts of the world. Most people recover without treatment. Influenza spreads easily between people when they cough or sneeze. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease. Symptoms of influenza include acute onset of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. Treatment should aim to relieve symptoms. People with the flu should rest and drink plenty of liquids. Most people will recover on their own within a week. Medical care may be needed in severe cases and for people with risk factors. There are 4 types of influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D. Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics of disease. Influenza can worsen symptoms of other chronic diseases. In severe cases influenza can lead to pneumonia and sepsis. People with other medical issues or who have severe symptoms should seek medical care. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text United Nations, Jan 16 : India has slammed Pakistan for misusing the concept of self-determination to attack democratic and pluralistic nations by harping on Kashmir with falsehoods. "At a time when member states have to rise beyond their narrow considerations, Pakistan continues to misuse all platforms and processes in the UN to drive their divisive agenda", Eldos Punoose, a counsellor at India's UN Mission, said on Thursday at the General Assembly. "The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle enshrined in the UN Charter. However, this right must not be abused to encourage secession in pluralistic and democratic states," he said. Punoose declared, "Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, an integral and inalienable part of India". He was responding to Pakistan's Permanent Representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, who referred to Kashmir when the Assembly was discussing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's report on the work of the UN in the past year. Regardless of the topic on the agenda, Pakistan repeatedly brings up Kashmir, even though other members ignore its fulminations, letting them slip into irrelevance. "This forum is no exception either, and Pakistan made an unwarranted reference to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, an integral and inalienable part of India", Punoose said. "Though habituated, Pakistan would do well if they do not resort to baseless allegations and falsehoods and portrays a picture that is completely detached from reality," he added. Ahmad, as he has done before, spoke of self-determination for the Palestinian people and sneaked in a reference to Kashmir. He spoke about respect for UN resolutions. However, Security Council Resolution 47, adopted on April 21, 1948, demands that Pakistan withdraw its forces and infiltrators from all of Kashmir. India maintains that a plebiscite in Kashmir is now irrelevant because the people of Kashmir have made clear their allegiance to India by participating in elections and by electing the leaders of the territory. Ahmad repeated Pakistan's opposition to expanding the Security Council's permanent membership solely because of its animosity towards India. It puts its odds with the majority of UN members, especially the African countries, who have been denied permanent representation because of the colonial hold over the formation of the world organisation. Mumbai, Jan 16 : Counting of votes for elections to Maharashtra's 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), began on Friday amid tight security arrangements. The State Election Commission will announce the results of the high-stakes civic body elections. The Maharashtra municipal election results are being declared a day after polling was held for 2,869 seats across 893 wards. Heavy police deployment has been made in and around the counting centres as well as the offices of the State Election Commission to maintain law and order. Election officials, political party workers and supporters have gathered at the counting venues, where the counting process began in the morning. Among the most prominent municipal corporations in the fray is Mumbai's BMC, considered one of the richest civic bodies in Asia. Other municipal corporations where elections were held include 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. Key municipal corporations being closely watched include Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayandar, Ulhasnagar and Navi Mumbai, among others. The elections have attracted considerable attention due to major shifts in political alliances. Former allies have parted ways, while erstwhile rivals have come together for the civic polls. The Thackeray cousins, Raj and Uddhav, who ended their long-standing rivalry in June last year, have joined forces for the upcoming municipal elections. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is contesting alongside Sharad Pawar's NCP faction in two key corporations - Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is headed for a thumping victory in the 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 the Thackeray brothers falling behind by a significant margin, while the Congress-led alliance is seen headed for another poor showing. According to Exit polls, the Mahayuti alliance has emerged as the favourite choice for the 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, the BJP-Sena alliance is expected to register victory in 138 wards while Shiv Sena-UBT is likely to win 59 wards. The Congress-led alliance may win 23 wards, according to the polls. Axis My India polls predicted victory in 131-151 wards for the BJP-Sena combine, while projecting 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 the edge over the Thackeray brothers, but by a slender margin. According to the polling agency, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance could register a victory in 119 wards while the Shiv Sena-UBT could win 75. Congress tally is projected to fall 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, chief of Shiv Sena-UBT and MNS president Raj Thackeray, set aside their long-standing rift in a bid to overcome an audacious challenge from the BJP-Shiv Sena combine for the BMC polls. Shiv Sena-UBT contested about 160 wards, while the MNS fielded candidates in about 53 seats. Notably, BMC is the country's richest civic body, which went to the polls on Thursday, along with 28 municipal corporations across Maharashtra. Polling began at 7:30 a.m. and concluded at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. While official voter turnout figures are awaited, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare reportedly said turnout across the 29 civic bodies ranged between 46 and 50 per cent. By 3:30 p.m., Kolhapur recorded the highest turnout at 50.85 per cent, followed by Parbhani, Thane, Vasai-Virar and Panvel. Meanwhile, allegations surfaced during polling regarding the use of marker pens or "erasable ink," with some voters claiming the ink could be removed using hand sanitisers. London, Jan 16 : The United Kingdom Conservative Party leader and MP Bob Blackman raised grave concerns over what he described as a disastrous situation in Bangladesh, citing escalating violence against minorities, where Hindus are being murdered on the streets, their houses and temples set ablaze, and other religious minorities are being subjected to similar violence. Speaking at the House of Commons, Blackman said, "At the pre-recess Adjournment debate, I raised the situation in Bangladesh, and the Leader of the House quite rightly wrote to the Foreign Secretary about the disastrous situation there. Hindu men are being murdered on the streets; their houses are being burned; the temples are being burned; and other religious minorities are suffering similar fates." The British Parliamentarian warned that the February 12 national elections in Bangladesh are unfolding amid democratic concerns, with the major political party, Awami League, banned from participating and Islamic extremists seeking a referendum to bring changes to the country's constitution. "Next month, there are due to be so-called free and fair elections. The Awami League, which is a major political party in Bangladesh, is banned from competing in those elections, despite commanding about 30 per cent in the opinion polls. Equally, the Islamic extremists have called for a referendum which would change the constitution of Bangladesh forever," he added. Blackman also called for a statement from the British Foreign Secretary next week outlining what action the UK Government will take to safeguard minorities across Bangladesh and ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections in the South Asian nation. Last week, four UK parliamentarians expressed serious concerns about the ban on widely supported political parties under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh ahead of the February polls, saying the move disregards guidance from the United Nations, as well as from the UK and the South Asian nation's other longstanding allies. In their joint statement, the British lawmakers from across party lines, including Bob Blackman, Jim Shannon, Jas Athwal, and Chris Law, stressed that the Yunus-led "unelected" interim government should not have imposed such restrictions on Bangladeshi voters and warned that any election excluding major political parties cannot be considered democratic. Guwahati, Jan 16 : Eyeing a big push into the renewable energy sector, the Assam government aims to generate at least 3,500 MW of solar power during the next five years. According to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the ambitious target of achieving 3,500 MW of solar power capacity by 2030 underlined the government's strong push towards clean, renewable and sustainable energy. He said that solar power will play a central role in meeting the state's future energy needs while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. He said the target reflects Assam's commitment to align with India's national climate goals and transition towards a low-carbon economy. According to the Chief Minister, the state government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to scale up solar generation, including utility-scale solar parks, rooftop solar installations and decentralised solar solutions for rural and remote areas. He said Assam's geographical potential, coupled with improved policy support, places the state in a favourable position to rapidly expand its solar footprint. CM Sarma said the government is encouraging large-scale investments in solar projects through investor-friendly policies, streamlined approvals and improved grid infrastructure. He added that public sector undertakings, private developers and central agencies are being actively engaged to accelerate capacity addition across districts. A major focus area, he said, is the promotion of rooftop solar systems on government buildings, educational institutions and healthcare facilities. These initiatives are expected to reduce power costs for public infrastructure while also demonstrating the viability of clean energy solutions at the grassroots level. The Chief Minister said solar energy expansion will also generate employment opportunities, particularly for local youth, technicians and entrepreneurs involved in installation, maintenance and allied services. He added that the push for renewables complements Assam's broader goals of economic growth, environmental protection and energy security. Officials said the Assam government is also exploring hybrid renewable models, integrating solar with other clean energy sources, while strengthening transmission and distribution networks to support higher renewable penetration. He said the state's solar mission is not just about megawatts but about building a resilient and future-ready energy system. "With a clear target of 3,500 MW by 2030, Assam is determined to emerge as a leading renewable energy state in the Northeast," he said, adding that the transition will benefit both present and future generations. Mumbai, Jan 16 : Hollywood star Sharon Stone has welcomed a new member into her family, a puppy. The 67-year-old took to Instagram, where she shared a string of pictures and clips from her experience at the 9th Annual Astra Film Awards. In the shared glimpses, the "Basic Instinct" star wore a gold sleeveless turtleneck and a fringed skirt with a thigh-high slit. She paired it with cheetah-print stockings and a fringed tan jacket. The actress was holding a tiny puppy with spots all over, including a big brown spot over one eye, as she posed for the shutterbugs at the event. In one image, the star is seen holding two cute puppies. "In case you forgot, now you know (feat. our newest member of the family)," Sharon wrote as the caption. The actress' latest release is "Nobody 2". The film is a 2025 American action thriller directed by Timo Tjahjanto. It is a sequel to Nobody. Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, Colin Salmon, Gage Munroe, Paisley Cadorath, and Christopher Lloyd reprise their roles from the first film, while John Ortiz, Colin Hank,s and Sharon Stone play new characters. The film follows a workaholic assassin, Hutch Mansell, who takes his family on a much-needed vacation to the small tourist town of Plummerville. However, he soon finds himself in the crosshairs of a corrupt theme-park operator, a shady sheri,ff and a bloodthirsty crime boss. Stone is known for primarily playing femmes fatales and women of mystery on film and television. She became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1990s. She has won several honours, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, and has received a nomination for an Academy Award. She made her film debut as an extra in Stardust Memories and played her first speaking part in the horror film Deadly Blessing in 1981. She had a breakthrough with her part in Paul Verhoeven's science fiction film Total Recall, before rising to international recognition with Basic Instinct. Hyderabad, Jan 16 : Hyderabad Police have arrested the suspect involved in damaging a flexi banner and an idol in a temple premises at Puranapul, which triggered tension in the area. Police announced late on Thursday night that they achieved a breakthrough within 24 hours of the incident at Puranapul Darwaza Mysamma Temple. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rajendra Nagar, said that police are currently investigating the case and interrogating the suspect to collect further evidence. This operation was conducted under the direct supervision of the Hyderabad Police Commissioner. Police are likely to announce details of the progress in the investigation later on Friday. Meanwhile, police conducted a flag march in the Purnapul area to instil confidence among people. Personnel of the City Armed Reserve, along with Rapid Action Force, conducted the flag march with riot gear. Heavy police deployment continued in Purnapul and the surrounding areas, which are considered communally sensitive. Police said the situation remained peaceful in the area. No untoward incident was reported after Wednesday night's vandalism at two religious structures and the clash between a mob and police. Police stepped up patrolling in the area in view of Friday prayers. Senior officials were monitoring the situation. Police have registered cases in connection with the vandalism at a temple premises and the subsequent attack by a mob on a religious structure. According to police, an unidentified individual entered the temple on Wednesday night and partially damaged a flexi banner and an idol in the temple veranda. Following this incident, a mob of approximately 300 people gathered and vandalised a nearby 'Chilla'. 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 said. The DCP clarified that only the flexi and the 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 did not enter the main temple. There is absolutely no truth to the rumours being spread that the main idol was destroyed," the DCP said. The US president threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act to control protests against his immigration policy, while state and local leaders urge the public to remain calm after two shootings by federal agents It didnt matter that the temperature was below freezing. Nor that Donald Trump has threatened to send troops to the city to quell the protests. This Thursday, in the snow, a group of demonstrators gathered outside the Minneapolis federal building where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) maintains the central base of its massive immigration operation in the city. Throughout the day, they shouted at the masked agents who came and went from the building. On several occasions, they endured tear gas and pepper balls fired to disperse them. Every so often, when the wind picked up, they coughed and choked on the lingering chemical agents. A handful were arrested. It has taken just over a week of daily protests for Trump to consider invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow him to use the military to quell an internal uprising or invasion, to control the situation in Minnesota, now the epicenter of citizen resistance against the presidents immigration policies. The tension, however, is far from dissipating on the streets of Minneapolis, especially after Wednesday night when there was a second shooting in a week by a federal agent. 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 Thursday on his social media platform, Truth, in response to clashes between federal agents and protesters on Wednesday night after a Venezuelan migrant was shot in the leg during his arrest. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that the agent who fired the shot acted in self-defense after being beaten by the detainee, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, and two other undocumented migrants who allegedly attacked the officer with shovels and broomsticks. Clashes outside the Bishop Henry Whipple federal building this Thursday. Adam Gray (AP) Faced with the presidents threat, state and local leaders urged the public to remain calm and demonstrate peacefully to avoid the feared scenario of U.S. troops showing up in Minneapolis. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee who lost the election, addressed Trump directly, saying, Lets turn the temperature down. Stop this campaign of retribution. This is not who we are. He also appealed to the states residents: I know this is scary. We canwe mustspeak out loudly, urgently, but also peacefully. We cannot fan the flames of chaos. Thats what he wants, he posted on X. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, also a Democrat, flatly rejected the possibility of Trump invoking the Insurrection Act. Minnesota needs ICE to leave, not an escalation that brings additional federal troops beyond the 3,000 already here, he stated on social media. The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows the president to deploy the U.S. Armed Forces within the country or take control of the National Guard, which is normally under the command of each state, to combat an internal armed uprising. It was last invoked in 1992, when the then-governor of California asked President George H.W. Bush for help in controlling the riots that erupted in Los Angeles after four white police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King, an African American man. Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff and the mastermind behind the Trump administrations anti-immigrant offensive, asserted on a right-wing radio program that what is happening in Minneapolis is clearly an insurrection against the federal government, which would justify the presidents deployment of the military. Trump has already threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to respond to protests against his immigration agenda in other Democratic-run cities where he has sent immigration agents, such as Chicago and Portland, but so far he has not done so. In Minneapolis, the Trump administration is accusing state and local officials of stirring up protests and promoting violence against immigration agents. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that the presidents statements about potentially invoking the Insurrection Act in Minnesota 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. Karoline Leavitt at the White House, Washington, this Thursday. Evelyn Hockstein (REUTERS) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters at the White House that she hopes Minnesota will begin working with the federal government to get criminals off the streets. If anything doesnt change with Governor Walz, I dont anticipate the that the streets will get any safer or more peaceful. Governor Walz and his leadership team need to come to us and find out how we can work together like we have in many other states, she added. The high-ranking official again defended ICEs actions in the city, despite the fact that an immigration agents fatally shot Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, last week in broad daylight. The government has repeatedly stated in recent days that immigration agents have total immunity. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Amaravati, Jan 16 : YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday reacted strongly to the murder of a YSRCP activist allegedly by TDP men in Andhra Pradesh's Palnadu district, warning Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that he will "certainly have to pay the price". Jagan accused Chief Minister Naidu of indulging in the politics of violence. "Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, the people will never forgive you for indulging in the politics of violence. You will certainly have to pay the price for such incidents. Never forget that what you sow today will inevitably be reaped tomorrow," YS Jagan posted on 'X'. The YSRCP leader was reacting to the death of Manda Salman in Pinneli village under Gurazala Assembly constituency after he was allegedly assaulted by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers and leaders. Salman was grievously injured, slipped into a coma, and, after battling for life in the hospital for three days, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday. "Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, are you even fit to govern? How many lives will you sacrifice for a political vendetta? Even while holding the Chief Minister's post, will you indulge in such lawlessness under the guise of the Red Book Constitution and political governance?" asked the former Chief Minister. "What answer do you have for the murder of our party worker from Pinnelli village in the Gurazala constituency, Manda Salman, a Dalit and a poor man, who became a victim of your vindictive rule? Is it a crime for Salman to visit his native village to see his ailing wife, warranting his brutal murder by being beaten with iron rods? On top of that, is it justified to file a false complaint against Salman himself? Is this what you came to power for, to commit such heinous acts? This incident is clearly part of a series of politically motivated violent attacks being carried out by you, your party leaders, and certain police officials to intimidate and suppress the YSRCP," reads the post. The former Chief Minister alleged that in complete violation of democracy, through coercion and abuse of power, "your people, your MLAs, and your police have threatened that anyone who does not toe your line in the village will be killed." He claimed that hundreds of YSRCP activist families from Pinnelli village have fled to other areas, living in constant fear for their lives. "This is not an isolated incident. Since the Assembly elections concluded, several such incidents have been occurring continuously across Palnadu and the entire state. Despite all this, you have shamelessly encouraged and promoted violence and bloodshed. Is it not your responsibility to ensure the safety of citizens and allow them to live their lives freely and without fear?" YS Jagan asked. "Is it not immoral that you have failed in this duty and instead, for your personal vendetta, have yourself destroyed law and order and stood in support of murderous politics? Is this not a constitutional violation committed by you while being the Chief Minister?" he added. Jagan stated that YSRCP stands firmly with the family of Salman, who was "murdered at the hands of TDP", and will support and protect them. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi, Jan 16 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday attended the third International Kite Festival 2026 in the national capital and said that Makar Sankranti has become a powerful example of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,' reflecting India's cultural unity amid diversity. The event was also attended by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with several senior officials and a large gathering of citizens. Addressing the gathering, Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings to the people of the country, particularly farmers, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and other harvest festivals celebrated across India. "I want to congratulate the countrymen, especially our farmers, on the festivals of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu, and Uttarayan. Uttarayan is celebrated under different names in different parts of the country. It is an important festival because we all depend immensely on the Lord Sun," he said. Explaining the significance of the festival, HM Shah said that Makar Sankranti is celebrated when the sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn. "In many parts of the country, this day is also known as 'Khichdi Utsav'. It is primarily a festival of farmers. From this day, farmers begin their New Year, marking a new agricultural cycle," he added. The Home Minister praised the efforts of the Delhi government and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for organising the third edition of the International Kite Festival. He said the initiative needs to be expanded and popularised through sustained efforts. "The beginning that has been made should be taken forward in a way that makes the Kite Festival more accessible to the public. This festival has the potential to connect people from all over the country to Delhi and, in the future, become a nationwide celebration," Shah said. He suggested forming a dedicated committee to expand the festival, enhance public participation, and transform it into a grand and comprehensive cultural event. "Delhi's Kite Festival should become the centre of kite festivals across the country," he added. Referring to the venue, Baansera, the Home Minister said it exemplifies how determination can transform a vision into reality. "Baansera is a demonstration of how strong resolve can turn an idea into a beautiful, tangible space. Today, it has become a very attractive place for the people of Delhi. The Delhi government has ensured proper arrangements to encourage more visitors and greater public use of this natural site," he said. He also noted that a themed pavilion showcasing the history of kites, including their role during wartime, has been set up at the festival venue. Quoting the great Sanskrit poet Kalidas, HM Shah said that Indians have always been fond of festivals and celebrate them across all seasons. "India is a land of festivals. Today, the DDA has organised the third International Kite Festival, and there is a strong need to make it an even grander event in the coming years," he said. Highlighting the historical importance of kites, the Home Minister recalled the role they played during the freedom struggle. "During the Simon Commission movement, the entire country opposed British rule. On Uttarayan, the Indian people filled the sky with kites carrying the message 'Go Back Simon', demonstrating their strength and unity to the British. Kites played a significant role during the freedom movement," he said. He added that Makar Sankranti, celebrated as Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Makar Sankranti in states such as Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, truly reflects the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. Shah expressed hope that the Kite Festival would gain popularity nationally and internationally, attracting visitors from across the world. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also addressed the gathering and said the occasion connects people deeply with Indian culture and traditions. "While the kite festival is new to Delhi in this format, every child in the city has grown up flying kites from streets, rooftops, or terraces. This festival revives and preserves those cherished memories. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for this event," she said. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the Home Minister's presence added special significance to the event. "Kite flying is one of India's oldest traditions and a unique form of art associated with seasonal festivals. This festival marks the Uttarayan of the Sun, and in our country, the sun rises first in the eastern regions," he said. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar clarified on Friday that the issue of the CM's post is a matter between himself, CM Siddaramaiah and the party high command, and not something to be discussed in public. Responding to questions from the media in Delhi, Shivakumar made this remark when asked whether there has been any discussion with Rahul Gandhi regarding the Karnataka Chief Minister's post. When asked about the agenda of a meeting with high command leaders in connection with the Assam elections scheduled for the day, he said, "How is it possible to disclose our party's plans? These matters will be discussed only at the party level, not in public. If any information is to be shared, our party's general secretaries are there, and they will do so." Replying to a question on whether he would be meeting high command leaders during this visit, Shivakumar said, "I have come to Delhi with the intention of meeting party leaders. Let us see." When asked whether he would meet Union Ministers, he said, "There are some important legal issues related to irrigation projects that need to be discussed. Therefore, I will be meeting legal experts as well as Union Ministers." Shivakumar will be staying in Delhi and return to Bengaluru on Saturday. His visit has raised speculations amid a leadership tussle in the state. He is hopeful of having a private meeting with Rahul Gandhi over the matter. The Deputy CM on Thursday said that meeting Rahul Gandhi is nothing new for him and is a "natural process". Commenting on the talks surrounding his cryptic social media post, which said that "efforts may fail but prayers won't', Shivakumar maintained that there was no point in interpreting it differently. The post, which came after a meeting and a private chat with Rahul Gandhi, had led to many speculations. On whether his supporters and MLAs of his camp were happy after he met with Rahul Gandhi at the Mysuru airport, Shivakumar said: "Rahul Gandhi is our party leader. Meeting our party leaders and the president, and holding discussions over the phone, is a natural process. We do not discuss such matters publicly." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Jan 16 : Pakistan's media had last year anticipated certain visa curbs by the United States, largely due to escalating security and immigration concerns reflecting Washington's move towards policy changes and domestic speculations before the recent official announcement. New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) Pakistanas media had last year anticipated certain visa curbs by the United States, largely due to escalating security and immigration concerns reflecting Washingtonas move towards policy changes and domestic speculations before the recent official announcement. Media outlets like Samaa and Ary News had, in early 2025, speculated such a move. There were similar reports elsewhere, and thereafter, others picked it up despite Islamabadas desperate overtures at keeping US President Donald Trump in good humour. Trumpas reiteration of his "Favourite Field Marshal", Pakistan Army chief Asim Muniras repeated visits to the US, reported American interest in Pakistani crypto-currency and rare-earth minerals, as well as Islamabadas offer to Washington for the development of Pasni port in Balochistan -- all appear to have led to nought. Before the US officially suspended immigrant visa processing for Pakistani nationals and citizens of other countries, officials in Islamabad and the media highlighted uncertainty and awaited official confirmation, at times differentiating between speculation and government statements. These reports mainly emerged from leaks, expert analyses, and speculation around US visa policy shifts linked to security vetting criteria. Now, a US State Department spokesperson has announced that the Trump administration is suspending processing for immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, beginning January 21. This will impact applicants from certain countries in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Latin America, the Balkan regions, and South Asia, with Pakistan and Bangladesh included in the list. Islamabad has pointed out that Washingtonas Wednesday announcement does not impact those applying for a visitor visa, expressing hope for "routine processing" to resume soon. Reacting to the announcement of US visa curbs, Pakistanas Foreign Office has reportedly expressed hope that the suspension is temporary, with possible resumption in usual processing in the near future. Until then, the backlog of applications is expected to grow, with approvals delayed despite historically strong demand. Pakistanas media began reporting on potential US visa restrictions as early as the first months of 2025, amid general global chatter about Washington tightening immigration rules for nationals of certain countries, including Pakistan. These media reports underscored that the potential US visa curb was connected to broader immigration policy developments driven by stricter security measures. Such measures included demands for more information from visa applicants, such as public social media profiles, to vet non-immigrant visa applications more thoroughly. Also, the Trump administrationas concerns about meeting specific security requirements had triggered warnings that Pakistan might face partial visa suspensions unless compliance improved. Media reports had also reflected the political context, including prior US immigration crackdowns and Pakistanas diplomatic efforts to clarify and negotiate visa-related issues with Washington. Pakistanas media framed these developments within broader bilateral relations and global immigration trends, explaining why visa issuance numbers were fluctuating and why demand remained high despite restrictions. The reports anticipated certain visa curbs by Washington based on early signals of heightened security protocols recently adopted by the US, ongoing diplomatic communications, and speculative reports before official confirmation. The anticipation was rooted in concerns over compliance with US security standards and reflected through detailed coverage of policy changes and their implications for Pakistani travellers and immigrants. Seoul, Jan 16 : A bus plowed into pedestrians after veering off a road in western Seoul on Friday, leaving two people seriously hurt and another 11 injured, rescue officials said. The intracity bus drove off the road at an intersection near Seodaemun Station at 1:15 p.m. before ramming into the pedestrians and crashing into a building, according to the officials, Yonhap News Agency reported. The two people seriously hurt include a pedestrian in her 50s who suffered a broken leg and another 30-something pedestrian who was bleeding from his head. They were moved to the hospital along with six others. Police have not found signs of drunk driving but plan to test the 50-something bus driver, who was also injured, for drugs. A witness at the scene said the bus was going straight forward before suddenly hitting a car, a motorcycle and people. The woman in her 50s said she heard a loud noise as if on a "battlefield" before fleeing the scene. Authorities plan to investigate the exact cause of the accident. They are currently working to relocate the bus and have dispatched 271 personnel and 18 vehicles to secure the area. On January 10, five people were killed in multiple accidents on a highway in the southeastern province of North Gyeongsang suspected to have been caused by black ice, authorities said. One of the accidents happened at 6:20 am near an interchange in the Sangju section of the Seosan-Yeongdeok Expressway, when a truck tumbled out of the road after ramming into a guardrail while trying to avoid a vehicle that had stopped. The truck driver was killed. Other accidents reported in the area include a sedan crash that killed all four people on board. Police are investigating whether the accident is connected to another pileup reported in the area involving a trailer vehicle. In another accident, a sport utility vehicle erupted into flames after colliding with a truck and crashing into a guardrail near the interchange at 6:35 am As of 11 am, the death stood at five with multiple people injured. Police believe more than 20 vehicles were involved in the accidents. Due to the accidents, traffic on parts of the highway was temporarily restricted. Authorities are investigating the crashes and suspects they were caused by black ice formed when snow or rain freezes. Malappuram : , Jan 16 (IANS) A 14-year-old girl was found murdered in Kerala's Malappuram on Friday, sparking widespread shock in the local community. The body of the Class 9 student was discovered in a bushy area adjoining the railway track between Vaniyambalam and Thodiyapulath. She had left home for school the previous day but did not return. Police have taken a minor boy, reportedly her friend, into custody in connection with the case. According to police, the girl got down from a bus at the Karuvarakundu school junction at around 9.30 a.m. She was not seen thereafter. Her body was later recovered in a bushy area at Pullippadam. The girlas hands were tied together, and she was still wearing her school uniform. The police have detained a 16-year-old Plus One student, and there are indications that he has confessed to the crime. Authorities said that when taken into custody on suspicion, the accused himself led them to the spot where the body had been dumped. Investigations revealed that the murder was committed by strangulation, and the accused has reportedly admitted to sexually assaulting the girl. Reacting to the tragedy, a family member of the deceased said: "The boy who has been apprehended was warned by the police not to follow the girl after we raised complaints about it. We want a detailed probe into what has happened." The family has demanded a thorough investigation to clarify the circumstances leading to the incident and ensure accountability. The Malappuram police have confirmed that the case is under active investigation and have urged anyone with information to come forward to aid the probe. The community has expressed deep grief over the incident, raising concerns about student safety and the protection of minors in the area. Authorities are reviewing police records and prior complaints regarding the accused minor, while forensic teams continue to examine evidence from the crime scene. Investigators have emphasised that the probe will be conducted in a detailed and transparent manner to prevent any lapses in the case. Kabul, Jan 16 : Pakistani police has increased arrests of Afghan refugees in Islamabad, shifting dozens, including a journalist, to temporary camps amid deportation operations, local media reported. Pakistani police have been arresting and forcibly deporting Afghan asylum seekers, further increasing pressure on displaced communities in Kabul, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported citing sources in Islamabad. On Wednesday, police arrested several Afghan refugees from Islamabad's B-17 area and shifted them to a temporary camps known as Haji Camp. According to sources, a journalist was among those who was arrested, sparking concerns regarding press freedom and the treatment of media personnel in Pakistan. Previously, Afghan refugees have complained of harassment, extortion and arbitrary raids by Pakistani police, especially in areas like Faisal Town, where officers allegedly carried out operations round the clock, often in casual clothes. Rights activists have said that such actions have increased fear among refugees, many of whom have resided in Pakistan for years and do not have legal protection, Khaama Press reported. Human rights groups have repeatedly urged Pakistan to follow due process and international refugee obligations, stressing that forced deportation could expose Afghans to serious risks. Last week, leading human rights organisation Amnesty International urged the Pakistani government to protect Afghan refugees staying in their territory from harassment and unlawful torture by security agencies. In an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it expressed grave concerns over unlawful detention, harassment and deportation of Afghan refugees living there, highlighting the fact that they remain vulnerable and deserve state protection. The organisation demanded that Pakistani authorities take proactive steps to halt the deportation of Afghan refugees and ensure that they are safeguarded as per international human rights law. "Pakistani authorities must ensure that the rights of Afghan refugees are protected, particularly protection from arbitrary detention and eviction from refugee camps and their accommodations," the letter to Pak PM read. Citing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) data, Amnesty International stated that around 110,000 refugees and asylum seekers were faced with direct threats of deportation and therefore require protection. It also shifted the focus to the vulnerability of women, journalists, and human rights activists if forcibly returned to Afghanistan. Notably, Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for over 40 years, sheltering hundreds of thousands who fled conflict and political upheaval. However, since the launch of the "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan" in September 2023, Pakistan stepped up efforts to deport undocumented and unverified Afghans, including some with legal refugee status. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), 1,495,851 Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan since the deportation campaign began, with nearly half, 778,739, returning in 2025 alone. Also, similar deportation drives are taking place in nations like Iran. According to estimates, more than four million Afghans have been deported or forced to return from Pakistan and Iran since September 2023, including more than 2.6 million in 2025. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Fresh Intelligence inputs suggest that Pakistan-based actors are trying to flood the Punjab market with drugs, arms and ammunition. At a recent meeting that was held in Lahore, it was decided that the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) would lead this operation. The modus operandi is to flood Punjab with drugs, arms and ammunition. While this would help the ISI further its Khalistan movement in the state, the rest of the contraband would be moved into Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence Bureau officials say that the ISI has come under pressure from the Khalistan elements operating out of Canada and other countries since their Punjab plans are not taking off. The central agencies and the Punjab Police have managed to keep these elements out of Punjab successfully. The official further adds that the youth are clearly not buying the idea of a separate Khalistan nation. Various attempts at radicalising the youth have failed and this is largely to do with the elders in the state who have spoken about the ill-effects of this movement. The BKI feels that if the ideology is not working, then money should be used to recruit youth in Punjab. The meeting that was held at the Gulbarg locality in Lahore discussed in detail the need to make a fresh push in Punjab. The drug problem has been immense in the state. It was decided to lure the youth into the Khalistan movement by using both drugs and money, since the ideology is clearly not working. Intelligence agencies have learnt that the BKI has stocked up huge amounts of drugs, arms and ammunition at the warehouses that it has been provided by the ISI. The BKI has these facilities set up in Lahore, Islamabad and Faizabad. Over the last couple of months huge consignments have entered these warehouses and attempts are being made to send the same to India. Of late, it has been noticed that the Khalistanis are not gaining traction in Punjab. However, its international campaigns have been largely successful with terror groups such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) carrying out referendums in addition to spreading hate against India by using the social media. The international players are now questioning the ISI as to why their India operations have not been scaled up. These elements need the support of Pakistan to scale up operations in India. Another official added that the ISI has been actively training Khalistani elements so that they can scale up operations. Training camps have been activated at Attock, Not Lakhpat, Chakwal and Gujranwala, the Intelligence agencies have learnt. During the recent meeting held at the Gulbarg locality, it was once again reiterated by the ISI that all Khalistani terror groups should work as one entity. The same strategy is being adopted in the case of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The ISI has told these groups that working together would have a deeper impact and there would be no competition. Further it would also ensure there would be no rivalry between the group. While the ISI did take time to convince these terror outfit, it had no such problem when it came to the Khalistani terror groups, official have learnt. While the revival of the Khalistan movement is the main agenda behind this fresh push, the agencies also warn that this strategy also includes Jammu and Kashmir. The ISI has been finding it hard to smuggle drugs, arms and ammunition into the Union Territory owing to high security along the Line of Control. Several infiltration bids, too, have been foiled in recent months. Now, Pakistan seeks to send in consignments in large numbers into Punjab and later smuggle it into Jammu and Kashmir by road. In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, the ISI has been trying to nurture homegrown terrorists. However it has been finding it hard to send funds to these people. By enhancing operations along the Punjab border, it is attempting to kill two birds with one stone i.e. revive Khalistan and fund terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, officials have learnt. Bengaluru, Jan 16 : As trends predicted a thumping victory for the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra civic polls, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has stated that the BJP and JD(S) alliance will achieve a win in the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections. Taking to social media X on Friday, BJP MP Bommai stated, "The BJP and the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) have registered massive victories in urban local body elections across Maharashtra, including the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, as well as Pune and Nagpur." Bommai extended "heartfelt" congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who played a key role in this "unprecedented victory", Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister and BJP National President J. P. Nadda, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. "In the upcoming elections to the five municipal corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits, the victory of the BJPa"JD (S) alliance is certain. With this election, the beginning of the end for Congress has started," Bommai said. Trends indicate that Mahayuti has crossed the halfway mark in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, while the Thackeray camp fell short of expectations. Polling for a total of 2,869 seats across 893 wards in the 29 civic bodies in Maharashtra was held on Thursday. The political fortune of 15,931 candidates, including nearly 1,700 contestants in Mumbai alone, was decided by the electorate on Thursday. Exit polls have predicted a landslide victory for the BJP and Shiv Sena in the civic polls in Maharashtra. Notably, allegations surfaced during polling regarding the use of marker pens or "erasable ink," with some voters claiming the ink could be removed using hand sanitisers. The Thackeray camp made the erasable ink claim, alleging irregularities. However, Shiv Sena rejected the claim. Indore, Jan 16 : In an interesting turn of politics in Madhya Pradesh on Friday, State Congress President Jitu Patwari reached out to veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in Indore. Indore Congress District (Urban) President Chintu Choukse accompanied Patwari during a meeting held at Mahajan's residence in Indore. The photos of the meeting shared by the State Congress Media Cell shows the trio had a healthy discussion. "Today, I visited Sumitra Mahajan (Tai ji) and discussed contaminated water and some other important issues," Patwari later said in a statement. Notably, people from across the political parties called Mahajan 'Tai' (elder sister) as a mark of respect. Mahajan is among those countable from the BJP leaders, who raised apprehensions of the tragic contaminated water deaths incident in Indore's Bhagirathpura area. Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Uma Bharti had also criticised the state government over the Bhagirathpura tragedy. On Wednesday, Mahajan had termed the incident 'a wake-up call' for the ruling BJP. She had described the incident as 'very painful' and said that it is the BJP that nurtured Indore over the past many years to become the cleanest city of India. Interestingly, this meeting came a day before Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to arrive at Indore's Bhagirathpura where more than 15 people died and several others were affected due to consumption of contaminated water. According to the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee, Rahul Gandhi would arrive in Indore around 11 a.m. on Saturday and will directly visit the Bombay Hospital to meet the patients and their family members. Later on Saturday, he will also visit Bhagirathpura to meet families and patients affected by the vomiting and diarrhoea outbreak linked to water contamination. The State Congress unit claimed that at least 24 people have died due to contaminated water in Bhagirathpura. However, the Madhya Pradesh government in a fresh status report submitted before the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court said on Thursday that it paid compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the families of 21 people in Indore's Bhagirathpura area who might have died, though all were not medically corroborated to have been caused by water contamination. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed The US president called the gift a wonderful gesture of mutual respect but made no mention of the opposition leaders possible involvement in the Venezuelan transition A gold-plated medal, weighing 196 grams and measuring 6.6 centimeters in diameter, was the star of the highly anticipated meeting between Maria Corina Machado and Donald Trump. As she had previously announced, the Venezuelan opposition leader presented her Nobel Peace Prize to the U.S. president in recognition of his assistance in Venezuela. It was the genuine article, not a replica. The gesture was intended to curry favor with the Republican president, who had openly acknowledged his desire to receive the award and who, just the day before, had praised Machados main adversary, Venezuelas acting president Delcy Rodriguez. Trump confirmed that he had accepted the gift, which he described as a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. I presented the Nobel Peace Prize medal to the President of the United States, Machado confirmed in a chaotic statement to the media outside the Capitol. For his part, Trump, who the day before had heaped praise on Rodriguez, made no mention of the content of his conversation with Machado, nor of the possibility that the opposition leader might play a role in Venezuelas transition. He didnt even refer to her as the leader of the opposition, even though his own government recognizes the movement led by Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner of the July 2024 elections. Apparently in response to the anticipation surrounding the meeting between Trump and Machado, the Nobel Committee reminded everyone on social media this Thursday that the prize cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others, although the medals owner can do more or less as they wish with it. They can give it away, leave it to their heirs, or even auction it off. A well-known example is that of Dmitri Muratovs medal, which was auctioned for over $100 million to support refugees from the war in Ukraine. But the Committee leaves no room for doubt: a medal can change hands, but the title of Nobel Peace Prize winner cannot. Machado, who in November escaped from her hiding place in Venezuela to travel to Oslo to receive the award, had declared in an interview with Fox News television host Sean Hannity that she would offer to share the award. Nobel Prize Medal Fernando Vergara (AP) What is the justification for what someincluding Venezuelas acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, who on Thursday accused Machado of kneeling before Trumpconsider an act of subservience? According to the opposition leader, there is a historical reason dating back to the wars of independence in the Americas. The Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who enlisted in the ranks of the American army during the American Revolutionary War, presented a medal to Simon Bolivar, the great hero of the independence of Venezuela and other Latin American countries, 200 years ago. That medal bore the likeness of George Washington, who led the rebel troops and became the first president of the newly formed American nation. Bolivar kept that medal for the rest of his life. In fact, when you see his portraits, you can see the medal, Machado noted in her news conference. According to Machado, Lafayette gave it to him as a symbol of brotherhood between the people of the United States and the people of Venezuela in the fight against tyranny. Two hundred years later, the people of Bolivar are returning a medal to the leader of Washington. In this case, the Nobel Peace Prize medal, as a recognition for his unique commitment to our freedom. Whether the opposition leader would present him with her award was one of the great intrigues of Thursdays meeting, which took place behind closed doors. Part of the conversation was held in the Oval Office. The rest, the lunch break, was in the small breakfast room adjacent to the Oval Office. Maria Corina Machado (center), surrounded by journalists and admirers as she leaves the Capitol after her visit. ZUMA via Europa Press (ZUMA via Europa Press) But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt seemed to pour cold water on the opposition leaders hopes of playing a significant role in the transition process, at least in its early stages. Machado is a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela, she noted. But Trump has decided to support the continuity represented by the government headed by Delcy Rodriguez, after concluding that the opposition leader could not guarantee the loyalty of the Armed Forces and other key institutions. In Leavitts words, Trump made a realistic assessment in supporting the continuity represented by Rodriguez. That assessment has not changed at this time, according to the press secretary. The realities on the ground discussed by the two leaders mattered little to the opposition leaders supporters, dozens of whom gathered in Lafayette Square, across from the White Houses north entrance, to show their support with Venezuelan flags and chants. Upon leaving the presidential residence, Machado came out to embrace them and assure them that we are counting on the president for the freedom of Venezuela. The same warmth was shown to her by her supporters after the event that concluded her activities for Thursday in Washington: a meeting with U.S. senators and congressmembers from both parties at the Capitol. The crowd was so large that it prevented Machado from reaching the designated spot for a news conference. While her supporters begged her for a photo, a remark, just one more glance, the Capitol Police and her personal security detail guided her through a river of people toward her vehicle and drove off without any further statements from Machado. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New Delhi, Jan 16 : The BJP on Friday criticised Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, after he accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of 'gaslighting' voters amid a controversy over the quality of 'indelible' ink used in marker pens during the Maharashtra civic body elections. Responding to Gandhi's remarks, BJP leaders said his statements clearly indicate that the Congress party is heading towards a major defeat. They further alleged that Rahul Gandhi has a habit of blaming institutions or individuals whenever election results do not go in his favour. Speaking to IANS, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that Rahul Gandhi's social media post accusing the system of 'vote theft' reflects his inability to accept electoral outcomes. "Rahul Gandhi has posted on the social media platform X that vote theft is an anti-national act. Rahul Gandhi himself is anti-national, and whenever election results do not go in his favour, he always tries to blame someone else for the loss," Bhandari said. He added that emerging trends in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections indicate a major setback for the Congress. "The trends in the BMC elections and Rahul Gandhi's post indicate that the Congress party is set to face a heavy defeat. Earlier, it was... sometimes the SIR, sometimes the EVMs, and sometimes the Election Commission ... that he blamed. Whenever he takes these allegations to the court of public opinion, the people of the country continue to keep the Congress in the opposition, as they see it as an anti-national party," Bhandari told IANS. He further claimed that when such allegations reach the courts of law, they are consistently proven false. "Today, the Congress party has been exposed as a major liar and a highly corrupt party, both in the court of public opinion and the court of law," he added. Another BJP spokesperson, Ajay Alok, also launched a sharp attack on the Congress leader, accusing him of repeatedly creating baseless narratives. "Rahul Gandhi is no longer just stubborn; he has become the embodiment of stubbornness. Whatever he says makes no sense. They keep inventing excuses -- sometimes the ink is weak, sometimes votes are stolen, sometimes EVMs are faulty, and sometimes the voter lists are flawed," Alok said. He added that the Congress party has failed to recognise its own shortcomings. "They fail to understand that the problem lies with them. They have already failed, and the public has repeatedly and decisively rejected them," he said. Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi shared an article from a Mumbai-based daily that highlighted concerns raised by voters over the quality of indelible ink. In a post on X, he alleged that vote theft was an anti-national act and accused the Election Commission of eroding public trust. "Election commission gaslighting citizens is how trust has collapsed in our democracy. Vote Chori is an anti-national act," he wrote. This is not the first time that Rahul Gandhi has accused authorities of vote theft. In the past, he has raised similar allegations in Bihar, Haryana, and several other states following electoral defeats. Notably, a major controversy erupted on Thursday over multiple claims that indelible ink applied to voters after polling was getting erased easily, thus opening the space for compromising the elections. Opposition leaders, including local Congress leaders, claimed that at multiple booths, markers and not ink were being used to mark voters, and these marks were getting wiped off with sanitiser. As the issue snowballed into a bigger row, the State Election Commission, though initially hesitant, ordered a probe into the matter and told the media that a detailed enquiry would be conducted to ascertain the viral video claims and also to check whether they were genuine or mischievous. It also told the media that there was no deviation from standard practice, and the same ink was being used in the BMC elections. Meanwhile, early trends from the Maharashtra civic body elections indicate a favourable outcome for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. As of 2.50 p.m., the BJP was leading in 1,122 wards, while its ally, the Shiv Sena, was ahead in 283 wards across 29 civic bodies. The spotlight remains on Mumbai, where the reunited Thackeray brothers are contesting together in an attempt to reclaim their political base against the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. According to early leads, the BJP-led alliance is ahead in 118 wards in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, while the Thackeray brothers are leading in 78 wards. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Bhopal/Anuppur, Jan 16 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has taken serious note of the shocking alleged assault on a postgraduate student from Assam at the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) in Lalpur, Pushprajgarh Amarkantak, Anuppur district. Expressing strong condemnation, the Chief Minister posted on his X handle that the university administration has promptly initiated disciplinary measures against the accused students, making it clear that "no one involved will be spared" and that strict action will be ensured to uphold justice and campus safety. The victim, Hiros Jyoti Das, a 22-year-old first-year Master's student in Economics and a cadet of NCC, resident of village Kamari, Balipara (Assam), was brutally attacked in the early hours of January 13, around 3-4 a.m., inside his room at the Guru Gobind Boys' Hostel (GGBH). According to Das's detailed statement to the police, he had briefly stepped out to use the bathroom and returned to find several unknown men already inside his room. They began interrogating him aggressively about his name, background, and place of origin. Upon learning he was from Assam and had completed his undergraduate studies at the same university before enrolling in the postgraduate programme, the situation turned violent. The assailants, who were reportedly heavily under the influence of some intoxicant, allegedly bound his hands, punched and kicked him repeatedly in the face, and issued chilling life threats. The assault resulted in severe injuries, including a fractured nose, swelling and blood clots in both eyes, Das stated before police. Traumatised and in pain, Das first received initial treatment at the university dispensary before being transferred to the district hospital in Gaurela, Chhattisgarh (located closer to the campus than the Anuppur facility) for advanced medical care. Speaking to IANS, Moti Ur Rahman, Superintendent of Police (SP), said, medical report has not confirmed any fracture. The students have been served summons, and have been rusticated from the university. A challan will be put up before the court against the five accused -- Anurag Pandey, Jatin Singh, Rajnish Tripathi, Vishal Yadav, and Utkarsh Singh -- all local residents of Anuppur district. The incident sparked immediate and intense protests on the IGNTU campus, with students reaching the administrative building, surrounding the registrar's office, and demanding swift justice. The university administration launched an internal inquiry, aided by CCTV footage from the hostel premises, which helped identify the perpetrators. As a result, police registered an FIR at the Amarkantak police station late on January 14 (shortly before midnight) based on Das's complaint, charging the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including voluntarily causing hurt (Section 115(2)), obscene acts and words (Section 296), criminal intimidation (Section 351(3)), and common intention (Section 3(5)). "No arrests had been made as punishment is less than seven years; also, they are students," the police officer said. Meanwhile Leader of Opposition in the MP Assembly and senior Congress leader, Umang Singhar, posted on his X handle that in the hostel of the university, which has become a "stronghold of the BJP and the RSS, some unruly students made racist remarks against Jyoti Das, and when he protested, he was severely beaten." The students allege that some unruly youths associated with the ruling party consume drugs on campus, engage in violence against students, and the university administration merely goes through the motions in the name of taking action, he said. However, in FIR, Das has made no statement regarding racial discrimination. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Kolkata, Jan 16 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Friday, accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of deliberately targeting the minority voters for deletion through the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state. She also claimed that around 90,000 voters in the minority-dominated Malda district are slated to be deleted in the final voters' list. "The grievance of the people from the minority community is quite justified. The voters from this community are specially targeted. I heard that the names of 90,000 voters in Malda district alone are being considered for deletion. Besides the voters from the minority community, the voters from backward class communities like Matuas, Rajvansis, and tribal communities are also being targeted. They are not sparing even acclaimed persons like Amartya Sen and poet Joy Goswami, among others," the Chief Minister told media persons at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata before leaving for North Bengal. The Chief Minister is slated to inaugurate the Mahakal temple at Matigara-Naxalbari in Darjeeling district later on Friday. Referring to the ongoing tension at Beldanga in Murshidabad district since Friday morning after the return of a local migrant worker allegedly killed in the neighbouring Jharkhand, the Chief Minister Banerjee asked the protesters to maintain restraint. "We all know who is behind instigating the people at Beldanga. But I am appealing to all the people to maintain peace. Do not get trapped in any kind of provocation. There is a deliberate attempt to spread violence in West Bengal. The BJP is behind all these. At the same time, the central agencies are also used in this controversy," the Chief Minister said. Speaking on the occasion, she also said that the migrant workers from West Bengal are specially targeted and killed in the BJP-ruled states. "I am looking into such matters. My (Trinamool Congress) government is standing in solidarity with the families of such migrant workers," the Chief Minister said. However, she did not comment on the developments at the Supreme Court on Thursday when the apex court stayed the FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in connection with the recent searches at the premises of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its co-founder Pratik Jain in Kolkata. Saying that the petitions raise serious questions of alleged interference by state agencies in a central investigation, a bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi issued a notice to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma and others on the ED's pleas alleging obstruction during the search operations conducted last week. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Bengaluru, Jan 16 : After the resounding victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies in the local body elections in Maharashtra, celebrations were held on Friday near the Karnataka BJP office in Bengaluru, with firecrackers burst and sweets distributed. BJP Central Parliamentary Board member and former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following the massive lead secured by the BJP and its allies in the local body elections in Maharashtra. He said the people have delivered this victory in appreciation of the "pro-people" programmes implemented by the NDA government at the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and by the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. He expressed his gratitude to the enlightened voters who supported the BJP, as well as to all the party workers and leaders who worked hard for the victory. He also congratulated the victorious candidates in Maharashtra local body polls. Speaking to the media, Bengaluru North district BJP President S. Harish said the BJP and its allies have registered a massive lead in Brihanmumbai municipal corporation (BMC), Mumbai's largest civic body. He termed it a moment of great joy and took a swipe at the Congress, saying the latter used to claim they would win if elections were held using ballot papers, yet they have lost, including in their own state. He remarked sarcastically that they would now once again allege EVM hacking. He said it was extremely gratifying that the BJP would take charge of the BMC Mayor's post after 30 years. He added that the BJP had also won in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation and said this was due to the work being done by Prime Minister Modi. BJP leader Harish said people everywhere are accepting that there is no alternative to the BJP. He congratulated the people of Mumbai as well as the BJP leaders and Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Bengaluru Central district BJP President, Saptagiri Gowda, said the BJP-led alliance has won the BMC, the richest municipal body in the country. He said the people of Mumbai have shown who the real Shiv Sena and alleged that there had been a lot of deception carried out in the name of Shiv Sena. He said the people have set aside all the allegations made by the Thackeray family against the BJP and have decided who the real Shiv Sena is and who should lead the nation forward. He described the BMC results as a true victory of democracy and congratulated BJP workers and leaders. Karnataka BJP Spokesperson Prakash Shesharaghavachar said Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray had carried out a hate-filled campaigning, but the enlightened voters of Mumbai have delivered a fitting rebuke to both and handed the BJP an unprecedented victory. State BJP spokesperson H.N. Chandrashekhar, Bengaluru North district general secretary Bhanu Rangaswamy, senior leader Gangahanumaiah, party leaders, former Municipal Councillors and party workers were also present. Hyderabad, Jan 16 : All flyovers in Hyderabad will remain closed on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday in view of 'Shab-e-Meraj'. Hyderabad, Jan 16 (IANS) All flyovers in Hyderabad will remain closed on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday in view of aShab-e-Meraja. Traffic police announced that Necklace Road around Hussain Sagar lake and all flyovers will be closed after 10 p.m. to regulate traffic and to ensure road safety. D. Joel Davis, Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic said Greenlandas Flyover, PVNR Expressway and Langar House flyovers will not be shut. Further, Telangana Talli, Shaikpet, Manmohan Singh and Bahadurpura X Road flyovers will be closed on need basis. He requested all citizens to take note of the diversions and take alternate routes to reach their destinations and cooperate with the Hyderabad Traffic Police. Commuters have been requested to follow the traffic updates on Hyderabad Traffic Policeas social media platforms. In case of any emergency in travel, commuters may contact traffic helpline 9010203626 for travel assistance. The intervening night of Friday and Saturday holds special significance for Muslims. Special congregations are held at mosques to mark aShab-e-Meraja, a significant event in Islamic history. It is celebrated on the 27th day of the month of Rajjab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. Literally meaning night of ascent, aShab-e-Meraja marks the journey of Prophet Muhammad from Grand Mosque in Mecca to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and from there to the heavens. Meanwhile, Hyderabad police are making elaborate security arrangements to maintain peace and law and order. Police personnel will be deployed near places of worship in communally-sensitive areas in the old city. A tight vigil will be maintained in view of the recent communal tension in Puranapul area following vandalism at two religious structures on the night of January 14. According to police, an unidentified individual entered Puranapul Darwaza Mysamma Temple and partially damaged a flexi banner and an idol located in the temple veranda. Following this incident, a mob of approximately 300 people gathered and vandalized 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. Police have registered separate cases in connection with both the incidents and arrested a suspect involved in damaging of a flexi banner and a POP idol in the temple premises. New Delhi, Jan 16 : The Sahitya Akademi invited eminent Malayalam writer K.P. Ramanunni to the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 as it organised a face-to-face programme and a panel discussion on India's intellectual traditions, an official said on Friday. Ramanunni, a Sahitya Akademi Award-winner, participated and shared insights from his literary life and work on Thursday, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Culture. The author from Kerala's Kozhikode read excerpts from his Malayalam short story 'MTP' -- the medical term for termination of pregnancy -- which was translated into English by Abu Bakar Kaba, a statement said. Written in the form of a play and divided into seven segments, the story explores the intense human drama surrounding a medical termination of pregnancy, drawing from the author's own life experiences. Reflecting on his literary journey, Ramanunni spoke about his formative years, saying that as a teenager he was simultaneously reading spiritual and communist literature, which led to inner conflict and psychiatric consultation. Although the treatment proved futile, the experience inspired him to find solace and expression through writing, he said. The face-to-face programme at the Fair was followed by a panel discussion on Indiaas intellectual traditions, with Rawail Singh, Harekrishna Satapathy, and Basavaraj Kalgudi as panellists. Rawail Singh discussed Punjab's intellectual heritage, tracing it from the ancient centre of learning at Takshashila to Nath Yogis, Sufism, and Sikhism. Harekrishna Satapathy compared ancient and contemporary education systems, referring to Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh as the Aadigurus, and recited a shloka from the Vedas. Basavaraj Kalgudi spoke on peripheral knowledge systems, categorising them into oral and written traditions, and highlighted the significance of tribal and agrarian wisdom traditions in ancient India. Both programmes were well received by the audience, comprising students, teachers, writers, and literature enthusiasts, and witnessed meaningful interaction and discussion. Sandeep Kaur, Assistant Editor, proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of Sahitya Akademi, the statement added. Hyderabad, Jan 16 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao on Friday said that NITI Aayog's praise for TS-iPASS policy, designed during his party's rule, as the best in the country, is a matter of great pride for all of Telangana. He recalled that the policy was designed by then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) with the intention of transforming the State into a hub of industrial revolution. The former minister took to 'X' to hail NITI Aayog's praise for the Telangana State Industrial Project Approval and Self-Certification System (TS-iPASS). "The Central institution's statement that TS-iPASS played a crucial role in transforming Telangana, which was achieved through struggle, into an industrial benchmark for the entire country within just 10 years, and that it is a model worthy of emulation at the national level, is a testament to KCR's visionary leadership," wrote the BRS leader. "Attracting investments worth 2.6 lakh crore in the MSME sector, in addition to large-scale industries, and creating dignified employment opportunities for over 25 lakh youth is a golden chapter in the history of the country," said Rama Rao. He claimed that the credit for completely and permanently eliminating the countless obstacles to setting up industries and providing all permissions through a single window goes to the BRS government. "These prestigious results and national recognition were possible only because the government not only designed a highly transparent policy that provided all permissions within just 15 to 30 days and left no room for corruption, but also implemented it successfully with the same sincerity for a decade," he said. "Even after more than 10 years since its introduction, the revolutionary TS-iPASS policy, which instilled immense confidence in investors, attracting everyone from global giants to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to Telangana, continues to resonate with prestige far and wide," he added. He recalled that previously schemes like Rythu Bandhu, Mission Bhagiratha, Mission Kakatiya, and T-Hub implemented by KCR for the first time in the history of independent India earned the praise from NITI Aayog He said now that NITI Aayog has declared that the Telangana model is also the most viable for industrial progress, it would be better if the anarchic forces living under the illusion of erasing KCR's legacy come to their senses. Chandigarh, Jan 16 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday underscored the need to strengthen trade relations with Canada, particularly British Columbia, to expand cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for businesses and people on both sides. At a meeting with the Premier of British Columbia, David Eby, CM Mann said, "Canada has always been a strong partner for India and Punjab, and we deeply value this relationship. We appreciate the strong trade and investment ties between Canada and Punjab and look forward to strengthening this foundation further." He added, "Punjab is fully prepared and enthusiastic to collaborate with Canadian businesses in sectors of mutual importance." Highlighting the state's economic strengths, the Chief Minister said, "Punjab is a leader in agro-processing, textiles, engineering goods, IT services, and renewable energy. With robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce proficient in the English language, Punjab offers an ideal destination for Canadian investors." He further said, "Punjab ranks among the leading states in the country in ease-of-doing business, and through Invest Punjab, we provide a single-window clearance system along with comprehensive investor support." The Chief Minister pointed out that British Columbia's expertise aligns closely with Punjab's development priorities. "British Columbia's strengths in sustainable farming, food security, and greenhouse technologies align perfectly with Punjab's agricultural modernisation goals. We foresee significant opportunities in precision farming, post-harvest systems, and value-added food processing," he said. On education, CM Mann said, "Education and skill development are another promising area where partnerships with Canadian universities in research and vocational training can have a transformative impact." Stressing the role of the diaspora, the Chief Minister said the Punjabi diaspora in Canada "serves as a strong bridge for commercial and cultural exchange. The Punjab government aims to deepen these ties further through cultural and educational programmes". Inviting Canada to participate as a partner country at the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit -- 2026, he said the summit would include special business delegations, sectoral sessions, and high-level roundtable conferences, further strengthening trade and cultural exchange. The Chief Minister also invited leading Canadian universities to explore establishing campuses in Mohali. Meanwhile, the Premier of British Columbia thanked the Chief Minister for the warm hospitality. "The hospitality extended by Punjab has made my visit truly memorable," he said. Emphasising people-to-people ties, he added, "Punjab always resides in the hearts of Punjabis living in British Columbia, and this relationship between our people should be further strengthened." Expressing enthusiasm for closer engagement, the Premier said, "We are keen to strengthen business ties with Punjab and will work to explore opportunities for mutual exchange in areas such as skill development, energy, and other sectors." Navi Mumbai, Jan 16 : In a high-stakes battle for control over the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has achieved a decisive victory, dealing a major blow to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. The election, which turned into a prestige battle between two political heavyweights -- Eknath Shinde and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik -- ended with Naik proving once again that he remains the undisputed "Hero of Navi Mumbai". The BJP leadership had entrusted the entire election responsibility to Ganesh Naik. Managing the campaign single-handedly for 107 out of the 111 seats, Naik successfully crossed the majority mark of 56 seats, securing a consecutive sixth term in power for his camp. While Shinde's Shiv Sena campaigned with the slogan "New Government in Navi Mumbai" and attempted to court the Sangh Parivar and disgruntled BJP leaders, Naik countered with the slogan "Old is Gold for Navi Mumbaikars". From the beginning, Naik was adamant about contesting the elections independently of the alliance (Mahayuti), despite seat-sharing talks in neighbouring Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan-Dombivli. "Give me complete freedom in this election, and I will ensure a BJP Mayor is elected," Naik had reportedly told Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and State President Ravindra Chavan. This strategy paid off. Even amid internal pressure from party MLA Manda Mhatre regarding candidate selection in the Belapur constituency, Naik secured tickets for his supporters and even facilitated the return of his son, Sandeep Naik, to the party just days before the list was announced. The campaign saw an uncharacteristically aggressive Ganesh Naik, who directly challenged Eknath Shinde. Naik targeted the Shinde faction over issues like water supply and land allotments, labelling them a "gang of land grabbers". While many expected Shinde to be the aggressor, Naik took the lead from day one, using sharp rhetoric against Shinde and MP Naresh Mhaske to energise his cadre. Despite rumours of unrest within a section of the BJP, Naik successfully reached out to the RSS and other affiliated groups, turning the election into a matter of local pride and prestige. Ganesh Naik has maintained a grip on the NMMC for 25 years since its inception. While his supporters joined the BJP in 2019, this was the first time they contested a municipal election under the 'Lotus' symbol, as elections had been delayed since the Covid-19 pandemic. By crossing the majority mark, Naik has cemented his legacy and demonstrated that his local influence remains unshaken. Ahmedabad, Jan 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent three-day visit to Gujarat, especially his participation in the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv', has been hailed as a landmark moment for the state. The Gujarat Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, reviewed the visit in detail during a meeting in Gandhinagar and praised the state administration for its flawless execution of the large-scale events. Briefing the media after the meeting, Gujarat government spokesperson and Minister Jitu Vaghani described the visit as an extraordinary blend of cultural pride, spiritual devotion, and national sentiment. According to Vaghani, the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' was far more than a festive gathering -- it emerged as a powerful expression of India's heritage and collective faith. The atmosphere at Somnath was electric, with Vedic chants reverberating across the ancient temple complex and thousands of devotees filling the pathways, temple courtyard, and surrounding areas to welcome the Prime Minister. The immense turnout, Minister Vaghani said, symbolised the people's deep trust and unwavering affection for PM Modi. The state Cabinet formally acknowledged this overwhelming public response with pride. A key highlight of the briefing was Minister Vaghani's announcement that Prime Minister Modi has declared a year-long nationwide celebration of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. This initiative seeks to honour the valour of those who defended the Somnath temple across centuries and to celebrate Somnath's enduring cultural legacy. Gujarat, Minister Vaghani added, is fully committed to ensuring that devotional and patriotic activities continue throughout the year, carrying the message of Somnath's resilience to every corner of India. The Minister also emphasised the remarkable efficiency of the state administration, which organised a large-scale, high-security event in Somnath within an exceptionally tight timeframe of just four to five days. Under the leadership of the Chief Minister Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, officials delivered swift and precise coordination -- an achievement Minister Vaghani described as a testament to the "dynamic governance" of Gujarat. The state Cabinet unanimously praised the government officials who worked round-the-clock to ensure the programme's success. Prime Minister Modi's Gujarat itinerary also included key engagements beyond Somnath. He inaugurated the Kutch-Saurashtra regional edition of the Vibrant Gujarat summit in Rajkot, launched the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, visited the historic Sabarmati Ashram, held a bilateral meeting with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Gandhinagar, and flagged off new metro routes from Mahatma Mandir. Together, these events underscored Gujarat's growing cultural prominence and development momentum. The one-year countdown event for the 33rd #FISU #WinterWorldUniversityGames was held on Thursday. The 33rd FISU Winter Universiade will be held from January 15 to 25, 2027, with competition venues divided into the main venue in Changchun and the sub-venue in Jilin City. Bengaluru, Jan 16 : BJP Rajya Sabha Member from Karnataka, Lahar Singh Siroya, stated on Friday that the overall performance of the government in Karnataka is down and revenue targets are not being met, according it's own assessment. Lahar Singh, quoting a news report, stated on Friday that the government in Karnataka will fail to meet its revenue targets for the financial year 2025-26. The state government's own estimates say that between now and March 2026, when the financial year ends, it will be possible to raise only a small part of the remaining Rs 65,000 crore. Referring to individual departments, the news report says, it is being estimated that there may be a loss of Rs 9,000 crore in commercial tax collection itself, he noted. He further said, "The government under the stewardship of Siddaramaiah as both Chief Minister and Finance Minister had set a revenue target of Rs 2.03 lakh crore. So far, between March and December 2025 the government has apparently been able to raise only Rs 1.38 lakh crore." The transport department has said it may fall short by 10 per cent of its revenue targets. The stamps and registration department has met only 65 per cent of its target so far, he said. The only department that feels confident of meeting its target is the excise department. Although the consumption of beer has come down, it is said the sale of hard liquor has gone up, he said. "It is common knowledge that the five guarantees have emptied the state coffers. Even with the guarantees the state government has not been consistent in their disbursal," he slammed. According to another news report, the overall progress made by the government in governance terms (utilisation and disbursal of funds and grants across various departments) is only 51.6 per cent. This performance level is 6 per cent lesser than the government's performance last year around the same time, he stated. This assessment was made in a meeting presided over by the state's chief secretary in December 2025, Siroya underlined. Only a few days back CM Siddaramaiah was comparing himself to former CM late Devaraj Urs as longest serving chief minister. His sycophants have also been loudly speaking about his record as finance minister. Now it is clear that Siddaramaiah's records have not served the people of the state but only himself, Siroya slammed. Mumbai, Jan 16 : In a significant shift in Maharashtra's urban political landscape, the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has registered a powerful performance in the 2026 Municipal Corporation elections. According to the latest data, the party has successfully elected 95 corporators across 13 municipal bodies in the state, marking its strongest-ever presence in Maharashtra's local self-governing bodies. Mumbai, Jan 16 (IANS) In a significant shift in Maharashtraas urban political landscape, the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has registered a powerful performance in the 2026 Municipal Corporation elections. According to the latest data, the party has successfully elected 95 corporators across 13 municipal bodies in the state, marking its strongest-ever presence in Maharashtra's local self-governing bodies. AIMIM has posed a serious challenge to the Samajwadi Party in Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra through its gains. The party hopes to increase its presence across the state ahead of Assembly elections slated for 2029. Further, the Congress party will have to step up efforts to regain its fast-depleting support from Muslims and minorities, especially in the wake of AIMIMas consolidation. AIMIM has significantly expanded its footprint beyond its traditional strongholds, successfully challenging established players in several key regions. The "strong push" mentioned by analysts suggests that AIMIM has consolidated its vote share in Marathwada and Western Maharashtra, particularly. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which has been AIMIMas stronghold, it has secured the highest concentration of its corporators, defeating the Shiv Sena factions. Early results indicate that AIMIM has also made inroads into the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), picking up crucial seats in minority-dominated pockets where they displaced traditional Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar) candidates. The party has made significant gains also in Solapur and Dhule. In Mumbai, the party has improved upon its 2017 performance (where it held 2 seats), aiming to play a vocal role in the opposition benches of the BMC. AIMIM leader Khairunisa Akbar Husain, who won from Ward No 145 in Mumbai, said, "The victory is of the people, not mine alone... We will work on all the issues that we had raised." Political observers note that the AIMIMas strategy focused on local infrastructure and representation issues rather than just national rhetoric. By winning 95 seats, the party has positioned itself as a "kingmaker" in several smaller municipal councils where no single alliance (Mahayuti or MVA) has reached a clear majority. AIMIM recently hogged the headlines after it joined hands with the BJP in the Akot Municipal Council. However, the association did not last long after the BJP walked out of it following outrage and strong criticism by Congress, Shiv Sena-UBT and MNS. AIMIM had recorded a notable performance in Nagar Parishad and Nagar Panchayat elections held in December last year in Maharashtra by winning 83 seats. The party also secured one Nagar Parishad presidentas post. It said the results reflect public support for its political approach. The party said that its success in the Maharashtra Municipal Council elections shows that people stand with development, justice, and strong leadership. It also described the outcome as a reflection of grassroots efforts and long-standing political work at the local level. It further stated that this electoral performance represents the triumph of grassroots struggles and honest politics. The party said the results amplify the voice of the oppressed and suppressed sections. The emphasis remained on local-level engagement and sustained political outreach rather than short-term campaigning. Through its message, AIMIM linked its municipal success to broader social and political goals. (Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in) Bhubaneswar, Jan 16 : A day after the suspension of two MLAs, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday suspended two senior leaders in the Jajpur district over charges of involvement in anti-party activities. The party president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Friday suspended both the party president and vice president of the Jajpur district. Ganeswar Baral, Vice President, Zilla Parishad, Jajpur District, is hereby suspended from Biju Janata Dal for his involvement in anti-party activities, with immediate effect, reads an order issued by party vice president Pratap Jena. According to another order, Nalini Prabha Jena, President, Zilla Parishad, Jajpur District, was suspended from Biju Janata Dal with immediate effect for her involvement in anti-party activities. On Thursday, BJP President Naveen Patnaik suspended Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra and Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud over their alleged involvement in anti-party activities. Arvind Mohapatra and Sanatan Mahakud, both MLAs, were suspended from Biju Janata Dal with immediate effect for their involvement in anti-party activities, a statement issued on Thursday read. After the suspension of the two MLAs from the party, BJD spokesperson and Media Coordinator Lenin Mohanty stated, "Naveen Patnaik never tolerates corrupt traitors. The Members of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Arvind Mohapatra and Sanatan Mahakud, have breached these guidelines. Following careful deliberation and due process, both have been suspended from the party with immediate effect." The BJD spokesperson further added that party workers across Odisha wholeheartedly welcomed Patnaik's decision to suspend Mohapatra and Mahakud on Thursday evening. He stated that all party members are expected to adhere to the party's constitution and established guidelines, and that the BJD leadership has consistently taken firm action against the violators. Meanwhile, senior BJD leader and the party's chief whip, Pramila Mallik, welcomed the decision, calling it a move to "clear the dirt" from the party. Mehsana, Jan 16 : The iconic and ancient Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat's Mehsana district is set to come alive with classical dance traditions as the state prepares to host the two-day 'Uttarardh Mahotsav 2026' on January 17 and 18. Organised by the state's Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department, the Office of the Commissioner of Youth Services and Cultural Activities, and the district administration, the festival celebrates India's revered gurua"shishya dance heritage. The festival, which begins at 6:30 p.m. on both evenings, will bring together some of the country's most renowned classical dancers, offering art enthusiasts an opportunity to witness exquisite performances against the spectacular backdrop of Modhera's Sun Temple. As part of the Uttarardh Mahotsav, artists will present a rich array of classical dance forms, including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Sattriya. On January 17, the opening day of the festival, audiences will witness an impressive lineup of classical performances, including Odissi by Raminder Khurana, Bharatanatyam by Meenakshi Shrian and Peri Krishna Harshita, Kathak by Maya Kulshreshtha, Manipuri by Shruti Bandopadhyay, and Kuchipudi by Beena Mehta. The celebration continues on January 18 with equally captivating presentations: Kathakali by Manikandan A., Kathak by Khushbu Panchal, Bharatanatyam by Jugnu Kiran Kapadia, Kuchipudi by Madhuri Majmudar, Sattriya by Dimple Saikia, and Odissi performances by Pushpita Mishra and Arya Nande. Uttarardh Mahotsav is traditionally held at Modhera to mark a special celestial moment -- the period between the Sun's transit from Sagittarius to Capricorn, when uttarayan has begun and days gradually lengthen. Historically, this time symbolised renewal and the Sun's upward movement. The Modhera Sun Temple, celebrated for its extraordinary ancient engineering aligned with solar geometry, provides a fitting sacred stage for this classical arts festival and embodies Gujarat's rich cultural legacy. To ensure smooth execution of the festival, a review meeting was recently held at Modhera Sun Temple under the guidance of District Collector S.K. Prajapati and chaired by Resident Additional Collector Jaswant K. Jegoda. Officials were directed to ensure seamless arrangements and a memorable experience for artists and audiences alike. The district administration has extended an open invitation to the people to attend and immerse themselves in this divine celebration of classical dance at one of Gujarat's most historic and spiritually significant heritage sites. Panaji, Jan 16 : The Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) Panaji Zonal Office on Friday conducted search operations at 26 premises across multiple states, including Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, and Delhi, in connection with an international narcotics trafficking and money laundering case, an official statement said. Panaji, Jan 16 (IANS) The Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) Panaji Zonal Office on Friday conducted search operations at 26 premises across multiple states, including Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, and Delhi, in connection with an international narcotics trafficking and money laundering case, an official statement said. The searches, carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), followed the registration of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) based on an FIR lodged by the Anti-Narcotics Cell of the Goa Police under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, involving the trafficking of narcotic substances in commercial quantities. The ED said the search operations have uncovered a well-organised inter-state drug trafficking syndicate. Investigations have traced the distribution of narcotic substances on a business-to-business (B2B) basis across several states, including Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Kerala. During the searches, the agency seized a substantial amount of cash, narcotic substances, including charas and other contraband, as well as incriminating documents and digital devices. Analysis of the seized digital devices and documents has revealed evidence of a large-scale supply of narcotics such as MDMA, Ecstasy, Hash, Kush, Shrooms, Rashol Cream, Cocaine and Super Cream across multiple states and within India. The investigation has also revealed the systematic use of courier and postal channels for transporting narcotics, along with the routing of proceeds of crime through UPI, bank transfers, cryptocurrency, and cash transactions. The ED further noted instances of layering and concealment of illicit proceeds through complex financial channels. According to the agency, the probe has established linkages with suppliers and the active involvement of multiple associates and facilitators in the narcotics supply chain and the laundering of proceeds of crime. The ED said it is sharing relevant inputs emerging from the investigation with other law enforcement agencies for appropriate action as per the law. It reiterated its commitment to dismantling organised drug trafficking networks and choking the financial channels used to launder proceeds of crime. Patna, Jan 16 : BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin hosted a grand Dahi-Chura (curd and flattened rice) feast at his official residence in Patna on Friday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The event witnessed the presence of several senior leaders from the NDA, reflecting political warmth and cultural unity. Among the prominent attendees were Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, along with several ministers, MPs, MLAs, and senior NDA leaders. Nitin Nabin arrived in Patna on Thursday for a two-day visit, and the feast marked one of the key events of his schedule. After attending the programme, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary shared a post on his official X handle. He wrote: "In Patna, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other NDA leaders participated in a Dahi-Chura feast organised by BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin and extended greetings on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. This cordial event showcased the beautiful essence of Bihar's cultural unity, traditions, and social harmony." Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also praised the event, stating: "This warm, simple, and culturally rich programme reflected a wonderful blend of Bihar's traditions, social harmony, and mutual unity. My heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Bihar on the occasion of Makar Sankranti." The Makar Sankranti Dahi-Chura feasts are being widely celebrated across Bihar, particularly in political circles. This year, several NDA leaders and parties organised similar events in Patna, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, JD(U) MLA Ratnesh Sada, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan, and the BJP Kisan Morcha. One of the most discussed feasts this season was organised by Jan Shakti Janata Dal National President Tej Pratap Yadav, which drew considerable political attention. Nitin Nabin, considered one of the young and prominent leaders of Bihar, currently holds the post of BJP National Working President and is expected to assume charge as the party's National President on January 20. If so, he would become the youngest National President in the party's history. Nitin Nabin is a five-time MLA from the Bakipur Assembly constituency in Patna district. Srinagar, Jan 16 : Massive post-Friday prayer protests broke out in different parts of Kashmir to show solidarity with Iran and to condemn Israel. A large demonstration was taken out today after Friday prayers in Budgam town as hundreds of Muslims gathered to express solidarity with Iran, the Iranian people, and with Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei. The protesters strongly condemned what they described as systematic and deliberate attempts by the United States and Israel to foment unrest and destabilise Iran. Addressing the large gathering, Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian President, Aga Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, strongly criticised the US and Israel for pursuing policies aimed at undermining Iranas sovereignty, stability, and internal peace. He said that sustained economic pressure, media warfare and subversive tactics employed to weaken Iran have failed in the past and will continue to collapse in the face of the Iranian nationas resolve, awareness, and steadfast resistance. Aga Syed Hassan congratulated the Iranian people for their unwavering support, trust and loyalty to the leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei, describing it as a clear reflection of Iranas political maturity, religious consciousness, and principled resistance against arrogant and hegemonic powers. He remarked that the Iranian nation has once again demonstrated that it will not bow before external pressure, propaganda, or engineered unrest. Clarifying the current situation, Aga Syed Hassan asserted that the recent disturbances have been effectively curbed and that peace has been fully restored, with the situation now calm and under control. He stressed the urgent need for restraint, prudence and responsible conduct by all stakeholders, and appealed to the media to adhere to responsible and factual reporting, avoiding sensationalism, misinformation and narratives that could inflame tensions. He further stated that the voices raised in Budgam today echo the collective conscience of the Muslim Ummah and convey an unambiguous message that interference, domination and conspiracies by anti-Islam forces will not be tolerated. Holding the United States and Israel responsible for instability in the region and across the Muslim world, he urged the international community to take serious note of their aggressive and destabilising policies. The protest concluded peacefully, with participants raising powerful slogans in solidarity with Iran, against imperialist forces, and in support of oppressed nations. The demonstrators reaffirmed their firm rejection of any foreign interference in Iranas internal affairs and reiterated their commitment to justice, sovereignty and resistance against oppression. Similar protests in favour of Iran and condemning Israel and the US were held at some other places in the Valley as well. Kolkata, Jan 16 : Amid continuing tension at Beldanga in Murshidabad district of West Bengal since Friday morning, after the return of the body of a local migrant worker allegedly killed in neighbouring Jharkhand, Trinamool Congress general secretary and the party's Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee called up Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, seeking strong legal action against the alleged killers from that state. "Our general secretary spoke to the Jharkhand Chief Minister in the matter and the latter has assured that the Jharkhand Police is taking the matter seriously and taking all necessary action," said a senior party leader close to Abhishek Banerjee. The Jharkhand Chief Minister also reportedly told Abhishek Banerjee that the police have already launched a thorough investigation into the matter. Former West Bengal Congress president and former five-time Lok Sabha member from Baharampur constituency in Murshidabad district, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, went to the residence of the slain migrant worker, Alauddin Sheikh, at Sujarpur-Kamarpur village panchayat under Beldanga, met his family members and assured them of all necessary cooperation. He also said that he would contact the Jharkhand administration, seeking a proper and unbiased investigation into the matter. At the time this report was filed, the tension at Beldanga had cooled down to a great extent, with the rail and road blockade agitations being withdrawn. Local train services there have also resumed. Meanwhile, Murshidabad District Magistrate Nitin Singhania announced that the state government will provide a job to one family member of the deceased migrant worker from Beldanga. The state government has also decided to pay financial compensation to the family of the deceased migrant worker. At the same time, considering that a large number of migrant workers staying in other states are from Murshidabad district, the district administration has decided to open a 24-hour control room where migrant workers from the district in other states can call in case they face any difficulty. New Delhi, Jan 16 : India on Friday once again expressed support for inclusive and fair elections in Myanmar, having participation of all the stakeholders. "On elections in Myanmar, we have said what our position is. We want that there will be inclusive and fair elections in which all stakeholders participate. We understand, as you rightly said, and we have seen reports, that two rounds of elections have been held. Further rounds will be held subsequently. We do have people who have travelled from India, but these are individuals who have gone there in their private capacity," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated while addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday. The multiparty general election in Myanmar is being held in three phases. Voting for the second phase of General Election in Myanmar concluded in 100 townships across 12 of the 14 regions and states on January 11, Xinhua News Agency reported. The first phase of elections was held in 102 townships on December 28 and the third phase is scheduled to be held on January 25 in 63 townships. After the first phase of the polls, the Union Election Commission (UEC) announced the lists of more than 100 elected representatives to the Pyithu Hluttaw, over 30 to the Amyotha Hluttaw and more than 100 to the State and Region Hluttaws. On January 11, Leader of the Information Team of Myanmar's National Defence and Security Council, Zaw Min Tun, said, "We will convene the parliament in March. In April, the new government will take office. We will do it according to the same format as before." Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Myanmar's State Security and Peace Commission Chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Tianjin to review bilateral ties and discuss the way forward on several aspects of bilateral cooperation. PM Modi reiterated India's readiness to support the developmental needs of Myanmar. He noted that India attaches importance to its ties with Myanmar as part of its Neighbourhood First, Act East, and Indo-Pacific policies. "PM Narendra Modi met with Senior General Mr. Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of Myanmar, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. The leaders reviewed India-Myanmar ties and discussed the way forward on several aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, development partnership, defence and security and border management. PM reiterated India's readiness to support the developmental needs of Myanmar," the MEA stated after the meeting. PM Modi had expressed hope that the forthcoming elections in Myanmar will be held in a fair and inclusive manner involving all stakeholders. He underlined that India supports a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process, for which peaceful dialogue and consultation are the only way forward. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and his wife, Anne Applebaum, will be on a visit to India from January 17-19, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. Sikorski is scheduled to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Monday. Radoslaw Sikorski and his wife will arrive in Jaipur on Saturday, where he is scheduled to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival. After concluding his engagements in Jaipur, he will travel to New Delhi on Sunday. India and Poland held the 11th round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi last month and agreed to expedite cooperation in the sectors of defence and security, science and technology, cyber security and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Secretary (West) at the MEA, Sibi George and Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski co-chaired the meeting. During the discussions, the two sides reiterated their commitment towards fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The Polish side expressed its support for early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and European Union. "The 11th round of India-Poland Foreign Office Consultations was co-chaired by Secretary(West) Sibi George and Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski in New Delhi today. Both sides took stock of progress under the India-Poland Strategic Partnership, particularly with reference to the Five Year Action Plan (2024-2028) agreed during the visit of PM Narendra Modi to Poland in August 2024," the MEA stated after the meeting. "They also agreed to expedite cooperation in the areas of defence and security, science and technology, cyber security and AI. Both sides reiterated their commitment towards fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Poland is the largest trading partner of India in Central and Eastern Europe. The Polish side further reiterated its support for an early conclusion of India-EU FTA," the statement added. In September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski, reiterating India's stance for an early cessation of hostilities and an enduring solution to the conflict in Ukraine. "Spoke to Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski of Poland today. He shared his concern about recent developments pertaining to Poland's security. I underlined that India favors an early end to hostilities and a durable solution for the Ukraine conflict," the EAM posted on X after the phone call. 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) Haridwar, Jan 16 : Amid the growing demand for prohibiting entry of non-Hindus in Haridwar's Har ki Pauri, posters came up at the world-famous religious site which unambiguously designate the area as "off-limits for non-Hindus." Haridwar, Jan 16 (IANS) Amid the growing demand for prohibiting entry of non-Hindus in Haridwaras Har ki Pauri, posters came up at the world-famous religious site which unambiguously designate the area as aoff-limits for non-Hindus." The posters, declaring the Har ki Pauri area a purely aHindu zonea is set to deepen the controversy and set to ignite a fresh round of sparring between various stakeholders. The posters, put up by Shri Ganga Sabha, read, "Non-Hindus Prohibited Entry Zone." However, the outfit has claimed that the purpose behind this move is to simply inform people and doesnat have any ill intentions. Shri Ganga Sabha President Nitin Gautam, speaking to IANS about the development, said, "Basic knowledge of the law is essential for every citizen. After some incidents that have come to light recently, the Ganga Sabha felt that it had become very important to make people aware of the rules and regulations. With this objective, awareness boards have been put up at major public places in Haridwar so that the general public, devotees, and tourists can be informed about the law and also be able to obtain information from relevant authorities." Nitin Gautam further said that two to three incidents occurred in the recent past, which showed that the lack of correct information was the real reason behind the dispute and discord. He said that the purpose of these banners was to make people aware of their rights and duties, so that law and order are strengthened, and peace and harmony prevail in society. Notably, the demand to ban the entry of non-Hindus in Haridwar has been raised for a long time, particularly in light of the upcoming Ardh Kumbh festival next year. Earlier, Shri Ganga Sabha President Nitin Gautam had mentioned the bylaws in an interview. He had said that the British government, under the leadership of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, had created municipal bylaws for Haridwar and the Ganges, and that laws for Haridwar should still be made according to those same municipal bylaws. Before Haridwar, temples in South India, such as the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Guruvayur Temple, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and Lingaraj Temple, have prohibited the entry of non-Hindus, while some temples require devotees to take an oath in the name of faith, demonstrating their devotion to the deity. Bhopal, Jan 16 : A day before the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha and Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to arrive in Indore, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on Friday, launched a scathing attack on him, reiterating his allegation that Congress leaders were playing politics over the death of several people who died in Bhagirathpura area due to contaminated water. The Chief Minister said that several people died in Congress-ruled states -- Hyderabad (Telangana) and Himachal Pradesh, but Rahul Gandhi didn't visit these places. "Rahul Gandhi isn't coming to wipe the tears of people in Indore's Bhagirathpura, he is playing politics on deaths of human lives," he added. Chief Minister Yadav made this remark while addressing an event in Narmadapuram district, during which he transferred the 32nd instalment (nearly Rs 1,836 crore) of Ladli Behna Yojana to more than 1.25 crore beneficiaries of the scheme on Friday. He also released more than Rs 90 crore to 29 lakh beneficiaries for gas cylinder refilling assistance under the Ujwala Yojana. Addressing the event, Chief Minister Yadav said that he has felt the pain of people in Bhagirathpura and has taken exemplary action and suspended an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer responsible for the Indore water tragedy. He was referring to the suspension of Rohit Sisoniya, a 2017 batch IAS officer, who was the Additional Commissioner of Indore Municipal Corporation. Hitting further at the Congress, Chief Minister Yadav mentioned that thousands of people died in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (on December 3, 1984) which occurred during the then Congress government and the then Chief Minister late Arjun Singh had facilitated the departure of Warren Anderson, the CEO of Union Carbide Corporation, under the instructions of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. "Rahul Gandhi should apologise for the sins of his father (former PM Rajiv Gandhi) and his grandmother Indira Gandhi. They (Congress) questioned the existence of Lord Ram and opposed the temple in Ayodhya. If the Congress goes with the same trend, people of Madhya Pradesh won't forgive them," CM Yadav said. Rahul Gandhi will arrive in Indore on Saturday around 11 a.m. and he will be meeting the patients admitted in the Bombay Hospital followed by a visit to Indore's Bhagirathpura. Nearly a dozen people are still being treated in hospitals and six of them are currently in the ICU. Bengaluru, Jan 16 : Allaying fears of differences between the BJP and JD(S) in local body polls, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, announced that there is no confusion about an alliance in the Bengaluru civic polls. Kumaraswamy made the statement while speaking at a meeting held at the party office in the presence of the party's National President and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda on the Greater Bengaluru elections. He further stressed that party workers and leaders must work in a manner that does not harm the alliance in the upcoming Greater Bengaluru elections. He urged everyone to work unitedly with the objective of securing victories in more wards. Kumaraswamy said that if there are any local issues or misunderstandings, leaders should not make public statements about them. "Bring such matters to our notice. Do not give statements in public," he cautioned. Referring to the Maharashtra local body elections, Kumaraswamy said the NDA alliance has performed well and expressed confidence that the same results would be repeated in Bengaluru as well. He called upon BJP and JD(S) workers and leaders to work together to achieve this outcome. He said people are fed up with the ruling Congress party's misgovernance in the state. "They have destroyed Bengaluru's infrastructure. Potholes are visible everywhere you step. Through taxes and price hikes, people are being looted. People are ready to teach them a fitting lesson. We must make the people aware of this," Kumaraswamy advised. H.D. Deve Gowda addressed the gathering and said leaders and workers must strengthen the party at the ward and booth levels. "Our party has a strong base in Bengaluru. I have contributed to the city's development as Chief Minister and Prime Minister. Convey this to the people. We brought Cauvery water to Bengaluru, built the Sirsi Circle flyover, promoted the IT sector, and gave tax concessions to that sector. "Explain all these achievements of our party to the people of the city," he instructed party leaders and workers. Youth Janata Dal State President Nikhil Kumaraswamy, Core Committee Chairman M. Krishnareddy, Legislature Party Leader Suresh Babu, MP Mallesh Babu, along with leaders from all Bengaluru city constituencies and former MLAs, were present on the occasion. Aizawl, Jan 16 : Mizoram suffered a financial loss of around Rs 115 crore between March and December 2025 due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), officials said on Friday. An official of Mizoramas Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (AHVD) said that ASF killed over 9,710 pigs between March and December 2025, while over 3,620 other pigs were culled during the same period to prevent further spread of the highly infectious disease. Due to the deaths and culling, farmers in the state suffered a financial loss of Rs 115 crore, the official said. In view of the prevailing winter season, the intensity of the ASF outbreak in Mizoram has currently declined sharply. According to the official, the ASF outbreak was first reported at Lungsen village in southern Mizoramas Lunglei district, near the Bangladesh border, on March 21, 2021. Since March 2021, over 72,000 pigs have died due to ASF, affecting more than 12,500 pig-rearing families and causing a cumulative financial loss of Rs 1,011.27 crore over the past nearly five years. The official said that a total of 52,980 pigs have been culled since 2021 to prevent further spread of the disease. The Central government has so far provided Rs 14.51 crore as compensation to affected pig farmers, while the state government has submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking compensation of Rs 24.94 crore. The state government has also provided compensation to affected families from its end. Mizoram suffered the highest losses due to ASF in 2024, with pig farmers incurring losses estimated at Rs 336.40 crore, followed by Rs 334.14 crore in 2021 and Rs 210.32 crore in 2022. In 2025, Siaha district in southern Mizoram remains the worst affected, with over 3,645 pig deaths reported from 45 villages and localities, affecting around 1,370 families. Around 970 pigs have also been culled in the district as a containment measure. Besides Siaha, other major affected districts include Lawngtlai, Khawzawl, Hnahthial, Lunglei, Aizawl, Mamit and Champhai. The Mizoram government has been urging farmers to remain vigilant and cooperate with AHVD officials in efforts to curb the spread of ASF. As the highly communicable virus continues to pose a serious threat to the stateas pig population, preventive measures remain a top priority for the authorities. Several AHVD teams are regularly visiting affected areas to closely monitor the situation and take immediate steps to contain the disease. Experts said that ASF is a highly dangerous and easily transmissible disease with a very high fatality rate, causing up to 100 per cent mortality in infected animals. It affects domestic pigs and wild boars, and there is no treatment or vaccine available to prevent or control the disease. However, ASF does not affect humans. Pork is among the most widely consumed meats among both tribal and non-tribal communities in the eight northeastern states. With heavy demand for pork, the annual business in the region is estimated at around Rs 8,000-10,000 crore, with Assam being the largest supplier. As Myanmaras Chin state shares an unfenced border with six Mizoram districts -- Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual and Serchhip -- while the Bangladesh border is also unfenced, experts said that cross-border movement of pigs and pork could be one of the reasons behind the ASF outbreak in the state. Chandigarh, Jan 16 : BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Friday said the order of the Jalandhar court "is in no manner a final verdict, but merely an interim order that is entirely based on a forensic report prepared under the control of the Bhagwant Mann government". Chandigarh, Jan 16 (IANS) BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Friday said the order of the Jalandhar court "is in no manner a final verdict, but merely an interim order that is entirely based on a forensic report prepared under the control of the Bhagwant Mann government". He said certain sections are deliberately attempting to create confusion by portraying this interim order as a conclusive decision, whereas the reality is that it neither establishes guilt nor finally determines any factual issue. Chugh said "it is astonishing that the forensic report relied upon for passing this interim order contains no reference to the chain of custody, no examination of possible tampering, no opportunity for the report to be challenged before the court, and no detailed discussion on procedural safeguards. There was neither any opposing witness nor any response placed on record, and conclusions were drawn without transparency or due process". He further said the order does not clarify the scientific parameters on which the forensic examination was conducted. "There is no mention of audio waveform analysis, metadata examination, frame-by-frame scrutiny, or timeline synchronisation, which raises serious questions about the credibility and depth of the forensic exercise and about what material was actually examined". Chugh said the most serious question is that if the official video record of Delhi legislative Assembly proceedings was never summoned, then which video and which source were actually examined. He said proceedings on the floor of the Assembly constitute an official record, particularly when AAP leader Atishi made objectionable remarks concerning Gurus in the Assembly, and bypassing that official record to draw conclusions from other material goes against the very spirit of judicial fairness and due process. Chugh said that on one hand the Mann government is seeking time in Delhi in matters related to false cases linked to Assembly proceedings, while on the other hand it is misleading the court by securing interim orders on the basis of reports prepared by agencies under its own control. He said politicising an extremely sensitive issue like the dignity of Gurus and constructing narratives through incomplete and opaque processes is not only improper, but dangerous for democracy and justice. Chugh demanded that a swift and impartial investigation be conducted into the matter of insult to Gurus. He warned that any government in Punjab that attempts to protect or provide cover to those who insult Gurus will not be tolerated, and such actions will be firmly opposed. Meanwhile, the Delhi Assembly Secretariat asked the Punjab government to submit by January 22 the forensic report on a video related to AAP leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Atishi. The development coincided with Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta hinting that a special session of the House may be convened on the matter. Delhi Assembly Secretary Ranjeet Singh, in a letter sent to Punjab government's Forensic Science Laboratory in SAS Nagar (Mohali), said, "Enclosed is a copy of the press statement stated to have been issued by the Jalandhar Commissionerate of Police. It mentions that a FIR has been lodged in the matter of a video clip of the proceedings of the Delhi Assembly dated January 6, 2026." He added: "The press statement issued in Punjab also stated that the video was forensically examined and found to have been deliberately doctored. The press statement was brought to the notice of the Assembly Speaker during the sitting of the House held on January 9, 2026." "In view of the facts, you are hereby directed to submit a written statement in this regard along with the complete records, including the application received from the police authorities and the report issued by your office, to the undersigned on or before January 22, 2026." Addressing the media in Delhi, Assembly Speaker Gupta said, "In view of the gravity of the issue, the dignity of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, and the need to uphold democratic accountability, a special session of the House may be convened if required, as all decisions in this matter must be taken by the House itself and nowhere else." He said the Committee on Privileges of the Delhi Assembly has initiated proceedings in the matter. --IANS vg/pgh Dhaka, Jan 16 : Bangladesh's interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus has appointed Omar bin Hadi, brother of slain Islamist leader Osman bin Hadi, as a Second Secretary at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in United Kingdom's Birmingham on a three-year contractual basis, local media reported on Friday. The appointment was announced through a notification signed by Abul Hayat Rafique, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration, Bangladesh's leading daily Dhaka Tribune reported. According to the notification, Omar bin Hadi will not be allowed to engage in any other profession, business, or have any employment ties with any government, semi-government, private institution or organisation. Other terms and conditions regarding the appointment will be mentioned in a relevant contract. Omar's brother Osman Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 when assailants fired from a moving motorcycle at the rickshaw he was riding on Paltan Road in Dhaka. He was later airlifted to Singapore for medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries on December 18. Hadi (32) served as a spokesperson for Inqilab Moncho and gained national attention during the 2024 Julya"August mass protests that ultimately led to the collapse of the government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He was also a parliamentary candidate for the upcoming February 12 elections and known for spreading Islamist and anti-India narratives in the South Asian nation. On December 23, Omar bin Hadi accused a vested quarter within the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of orchestrating the killing of his brother to derail the February 2026 polls, local media reported. Slamming the interim government, during a programme organised by Inqilab Moncho outside the National Museum in Dhaka, Omar Hadi said, "It is you who had Osman Hadi killed, and now you are trying to foil the election by using this as an issue." Omar added that his brother supported holding the national election by February and called on the Bangladeshi authorities not to hinder the election environment, Bangladesh's Daily Star reported. "Ensure a speedy trial of the killers so the election environment is not harmed. The government has failed to show us any visible progress. If justice for Osman Hadi is not delivered, you too will be compelled to flee Bangladesh one day," Omar Hadi stated. Bangladesh has witnessed alarming violence targetting minorities, media houses, cultural institutions and diplomatic missions under the Yunus-led interim government. Hyderabad, Jan 16 : Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Friday highlighted a national initiative to formally recognise and engage tribal healers as collaborative partners within the public health ecosystem, an official said. Addressing the Capacity Building Programme for Tribal Healers on Strengthening Health Outreach in Tribal Areas, Oram said that even colonial rule could not eradicate Indiaas indigenous medicinal traditions passed down through generations. Sharing personal experiences, he highlighted the effectiveness of indigenous healing practices with the participants, including nearly 400 tribal healers from across the country, the official said in a statement. He noted that technical sessions led by experts from AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Jodhpur, ICMR Bhubaneswar, WHO, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Ministry of AYUSH, and the All India Institute of Ayurveda would significantly enhance the technical knowledge and service delivery capacities of tribal healers. The Minister encouraged states to explore market linkages and partnerships with FMCG and pharmaceutical companies to generate livelihood opportunities around traditional medicine. He reiterated the Ministryas sustained focus on addressing tribal health disparities through initiatives such as the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, PM-JANMAN, and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA). Tribal Affairs Secretary Ranjana Chopra underscored the pivotal role of tribal healers in mainstreaming community-based and community-led health solutions. She noted that such approaches are cost-effective, sustainable, and grounded in local realities. Highlighting the continued prevalence of communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and leprosy in several tribal districts, she called for a final, targeted push to eliminate these diseases from endemic tribal geographies. Additional Secretary Manish Thakur said that tribal healers command generations of trust and social legitimacy within their communities. He emphasised that the Ministry now envisions tribal healers as collaborative partners across its health programmes, particularly in preventive care, early identification of illness, and timely referral. He highlighted that geographical, cultural, and systemic barriers continue to limit tribal communitiesa access to formal healthcare, and that the active engagement of trusted healers can significantly strengthen last-mile service delivery. Durgadas Uikey, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, stated that Scheduled Tribes are integral to the vision of Viksit Bharat. While communicable and non-communicable diseases continue to affect tribal areas, he noted that tribal communities have preserved rich generational knowledge of traditional medicine and nature-based living. Emphasising the rise of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, he called for an integrated approach combining ancient wisdom, modern science, technology, and welfare schemes. He observed that the sustainable lifestyles of tribal communities offer valuable lessons in resilience, immunity, and responsible consumption for wider society. The session on Orientation of Tribal Healers to Public Health Systems, led by Kannan P., Consultant, National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, outlined the continuum of care from Sub-Centres to District Hospitals and positioned tribal healers as critical connectors to bridge trust, navigation, and referral gaps. A global perspective was provided in the session on Global Case Studies in Strengthening Health Services Outreach through Tribal Healers, presented by Dr Dilip Singh Mairembam, National Professional Officer, WHO. International experiences highlighted the importance of clear role definition, cultural safety, and functional referral pathways, reinforcing the effectiveness of engaging healers as community mobilisers and referral agents. Seoul, Jan 16 : South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that Seoul and Tokyo have to seek mutually beneficial relations by improving bilateral ties. In a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Lee said South Korea and Japan are neighbours using a front yard together. "It is desirable to find out as many areas as possible where the two countries cooperate, so as to create a mutually beneficial relationship" Lee said, Yonhap News Agency reported. Lee's meeting with the former Japanese prime minister came as he took a trip to Japan earlier this week for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on ways to broaden and deepen bilateral cooperation amid tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. The president 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." Lee said his meeting with Aso right after the summit talks is making Korean people think that Seoul-Tokyo relations may be abruptly leveled up. Aso said the second summit between the leaders of Japan and South Korea in less than three months is very meaningful. "The international situation surrounding Japan and South Korea is changing, and close cooperation is mutually beneficial to both Japan and South Korea," Aso said. On January 14, South Korean 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 denuclearization 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. Cape Town, Jan 16 : A protest was held on Friday in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, against US military action in Venezuela, with demonstrators calling for the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The United States launched a military strike on Venezuela on January 3, forcibly taking the South American country's president and his wife and placing them in custody in New York, an action that has drawn worldwide condemnation and concern. Around midday on Friday, protesters gathered on Adderley Street in Cape Town's city centre, holding placards reading "Wipe out US imperialism" and "US out of Venezuela." They chanted slogans such as "Free Venezuela!" and "Free Maduro!" and called on passersby to support a planned February 6 International Day of Action against US Imperialism, in solidarity with the Palestinian and Venezuelan people. As the organiser, the South African BDS Coalition, a network of Palestine solidarity groups, called for "a broad alliance to demand the immediate release of Maduro and Flores, and to stand firm against the onslaught of unmasked US imperial aggression, which is dragging the world toward all-out war, widespread socio-economic collapse, and complete planetary demise," Xinhua news agency reported. Michael Titus, a 75-year-old retired pharmacist who joined the rally, told Xinhua that the US action against Venezuela is "illegal," calling it "only a symptom of what America is doing in the rest of the world." "They promote imperialism, and America is an imperialist bully of the world. It goes anywhere and has the impunity to do what it wants to," he said. "We must keep up the pressure to prevent America from bullying the rest of the world. The people of the world are not free because of America. We will keep on demonstrating and protesting to get America out of people's backyards," Titus added. Faariq Theba, a university student and a member of the organising group, said the US action against Venezuela was "outside the confines of international law." "We don't know who is next, but I think it is good for us to know that anyone can be next, even South Africa," Theba said. "I think Venezuela is just the beginning. I don't know when it will end, but I do hope that we will see more solidarity from countries, especially in the Global South," Theba added. New Delhi, Jan 16 : In a key booster for India's defence capabilities, the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) on Friday approved the proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from French aviation manufacturer Dassault. New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) In a key booster for Indiaas defence capabilities, the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) on Friday approved the proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from French aviation manufacturer Dassault. According to defence sources, the proposal will now be taken up for clearance at the next Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Sources further stated that the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is likely to give the final approval. Last year, the Indian Air Force had moved a formal proposal to the Defence Ministry, seeking 114 more Rafale fighter jets. According to sources, India and France may sign the final agreement on 114 fighter jets as soon as next month. In April last year, India signed a landmark Rs 63,000 crore deal with France to buy 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets to give added punch to the Indian Navy. The procurement will proceed under an Inter-Governmental Agreement, ensuring direct deliveries without any intermediaries. The deal has been signed for 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater trainers, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2031. In June, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited signed four production transfer agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the countryas aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains. The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY2028, with the facility expected to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month. Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad for the manufacture of key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday strongly condemned the Israeli authorities' unlawful entry into a UN property in occupied East Jerusalem on Jan. 12 and the order of its temporary closure, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN chief, said in a statement. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Jerusalem Health Centre, which serves hundreds of Palestine refugee patients every day, is, for most of them, their only possibility of having access to primary healthcare, the statement said. The statement said the action follows the seizure by the Israeli authorities of the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound and the adoption and amendment by the Israeli parliament of the Law to Cease UNRWA Operations in the Territory of the State of Israel. The secretary-general expressed his grave concerns to the Israeli prime minister and has brought those actions to the attention of the president of the UN General Assembly and the president of the Security Council. The secretary-general is also deeply concerned that UNRWA has been informed that utility providers will soon cease supplying electricity and water services to multiple UNRWA facilities in occupied East Jerusalem, the statement added. "These measures are a violation of the inviolability of United Nations premises, and an obstacle to the implementation of the clear mandate of the General Assembly for UNRWA's continued operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem," the statement said. The secretary-general urged the Israeli government to immediately take steps to return and restore the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound and the UNRWA Jerusalem Health Centre, and to ensure that essential utilities to UNRWA premises are maintained. Jaipur, Jan 16 : BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh, on Friday, praised Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's style of functioning, saying that he is working with dedication and commitment. He also launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of indulging in destructive and negative politics that has been repeatedly rejected by the people. Addressing a press conference at the state BJP office in Jaipur, Singh said the recent electoral outcomes reflect people's renewed faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development-oriented politics. He said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and NDA's decisive victories in the Assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi and Bihar, as well as the historic win in the Brihanmumbai municipal corporation (BMC) and other municipal elections in Maharashtra, demonstrate growing public support for the NDA. He expressed gratitude to the voters for what he termed a mandate for good governance and development. Referring to the controversy around MGNREGA, BJP leader Singh said the Congress is deliberately spreading misinformation about the welfare scheme being discontinued, whereas in reality, a new law has been enacted after removing its shortcomings. He alleged that MGNREGA during the Congress-led UPA government had become synonymous with corruption. "There were reports of potholes being filled repeatedly on paper. If their measurements were added up, the area would exceed that of an entire Assembly constituency -- clear proof of corruption," he claimed. He said that under the 'VB-G RAM G' scheme, rural labourers will now receive 125 days of employment instead of 100 days, along with wages within 15 days, failing which unemployment allowance will be provided. "This law ensures accountability and will raise the standard of living in villages while accelerating rural development," he said. BJP leader Singh alleged that Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, are opposing the scheme to protect corrupt elements, adding that earlier social audits were either absent or ineffective, whereas corruption will no longer go unchecked under the new system. He also said that the Gram Sabhas will now decide priority development works, enabling projects such as schools, warehouses, skill development centres, nursing homes and ponds. This, he said, will strengthen villages and help realise Prime Minister Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. Taking a swipe at Congress, BJP leader Singh said the grand old party opposes anything associated with Lord Ram, be it Ram Setu, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya or now the VB-G RAM G scheme, merely because it carries the name of Lord Ram. Praising the 'double-engine' government in Rajasthan, Singh said Chief Minister Sharma is working with dedication and integrity. He claimed that issues such as recruitment paper leaks, examination-related internet shutdowns and irregularities have ended, examinations are now conducted transparently, results are declared on time, and youth are getting employment. He also highlighted the state government's various welfare initiatives, calling them evidence of people-centric governance. Mumbai, Jan 16 : The electoral results from the 28 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, barring Mumbai, showed the Bharatiya Janata Party emerging as the most successful party across cities, winning clear majorities or finishing as the single-largest party in several corporations, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena retained control in a few key centres. The Congress, different factions of the Nationalist Congress Party, AIMIM and local parties managed victories in select pockets, reflecting a mixed but BJP-dominated verdict in urban Maharashtra. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, in the 115-member civic body, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party by winning 58 seats. AIMIM followed with 33 seats. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 12 seats, while Shiv Sena (UBT) and VBA secured six and four seats, respectively. In Navi Mumbai, the BJP, led by Minister Ganesh Naik, won a clear majority in the 111-member corporation with 66 seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena emerged as the main opposition with 42 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) won two seats and the MNS one. In Vasai-Virar, the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi, led by former MLA Hitendra Thakur, returned to power with a clear majority, winning 71 of the 115 seats. The BJP won the remaining 44 seats. In Kalyan-Dombivli, in the 122-member civic body, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena emerged as the single-largest party with 55 seats, while ally BJP won 51 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) won nine seats, followed by MNS with five and Congress with two. In Kolhapur, Congress emerged as the single-largest party in the 81-member corporation with 35 seats. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, however, secured a majority together, with the BJP winning 25 seats, Shinde-led Shiv Sena 15, Ajit Pawar-led NCP four and Jansurajya one seat. Shiv Sena (UBT) won one seat. In Nagpur, in the 151-member civic body, the BJP was leading with 102 seats and was set to win a clear majority. Congress finished second with 33 seats. In Solapur, the BJP registered a sweeping victory in the 102-member corporation, winning 87 seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena won four seats, while Congress secured two. In Amravati, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party in the 87-member civic body with 25 seats. Ajit Pawar-led NCP won 16 seats, AIMIM 15 and Congress 14. The local Yuva Swabhiman party secured 10 seats. In Akola, in the 80-member corporation, the BJP finished on top with 36 seats, followed by Congress with 21. Shiv Sena (UBT) won seven seats, while VBA secured five. NCP-SP, NCP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena won two seats each. In Nashik, the BJP secured a clear majority in the 122-member civic body with 72 seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 26 seats, while Shiv Sena (UBT) got 15. Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Congress won four and three seats respectively. In Pimpri-Chinchwad, the BJP won a convincing victory in the 128-member corporation, securing 84 seats. Ajit Pawar-led NCP finished second with 37 seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena won six seats and one Independent was elected. In Pune, the BJP posted a comprehensive win in the 165-member Pune Municipal Corporation, winning 123 seats. Ajit Pawar-led NCP won 21 seats, Congress 16 and Sharad Pawar-led NCP three. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) won one seat each. In Ulhasnagar, in the 78-member corporation, the BJP edged past ally Shinde-led Shiv Sena by winning 37 seats, compared to Senaas 36. In Thane, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde retained control of his home turf, with the Shiv Sena winning 50 of the 131 seats. The BJP, which contested in alliance, won 30 seats. Sharad Pawar-led NCP secured around 11 seats. In Chandrapur, Congress emerged as the single-largest party in the 66-member civic body with 32 seats. Shiv Sena (UBT) won six seats. The BJP, which had controlled the corporation earlier, was reduced to 23 seats. In Parbhani, in the 65-member corporation, Shiv Sena (UBT) emerged as the single-largest party with 25 seats. Congress won 12 seats, while the BJP also secured 12. Ajit Pawar-led NCP won 11 seats. In Latur, Congress won a clear majority in the 70-member civic body, securing 43 seats. Its ally Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi won four seats. The BJP won 22 seats, while Ajit Pawar-led NCP secured one. In Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Congress emerged as the single-largest party in the 90-member corporation with 30 seats. The BJP won 22 seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar-led NCP won 12 seats each. Congress and NCP-SP are set to form the civic body. In Malegaon, in the 84-member corporation, local party ISLAM won 35 seats, followed by AIMIM with 21. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 18 seats, while Congress won three. In Panvel, the BJP won a clear majority in the 78-member civic body with 55 seats. Opposition parties together secured 18 seats. In Mira-Bhayandar, the BJP registered a big win by securing 78 of the 95 seats in the corporation. Congress finished second with 13 seats. In Nanded-Waghala, in the 81-member civic body, the BJP crossed the majority mark with 45 seats under the leadership of Ashok Chavan. AIMIM emerged as the second-largest party with 13 seats, followed by Congress with 12. VBA won five seats, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena won four. In Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party in the 78-member corporation with 39 seats. Congress won 18 seats. In Jalgaon, the BJP secured a majority in the 75-member civic body with 46 seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 22 seats, while Shiv Sena (UBT) secured five. In Ahilyanagar, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP emerged as the single-largest party in the 68-member corporation with 27 seats. Ally BJP won 25 seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured 10 seats, while Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) won two and one seat respectively. In Dhule, the BJP won a clear majority in the 74-member civic body with 50 seats. AIMIM secured 10 seats, while Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena won eight and five seats respectively. In Jalna, in the newly formed 65-member Jalna corporation, the BJP secured a clear majority with 41 seats. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 12 seats, while Congress secured nine. In the newly formed Ichalkaranji municipal corporation, the BJP won a clear majority with 43 of the 65 seats. A local opposition front won 17 seats. Kabul, Jan 16 : A leading Afghan media watchdog has expressed deep concern over the repeated arrest of Afghan journalists in Pakistan and demanded immediate release of three detained reporters, local media reported on Friday. In a statement, Afghanistan Media Support Organisation (AMSO) said that two journalists were arrested in Islamabad while another was arrested in Peshawar, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported. The names of journalists who have been arrested in Pakistan are - Abdulrahman Mangal, Asma Mohammadi and Samim Naimi. The organisation stated that the arrest of Afghan journalists in Pakistan, many of whom face deportation, puts their lives at risk, especially if they are forced to return to Afghanistan. The group termed the arrests a clear violation of freedom of expression, journalistic principles and human rights and urged Pakistani police to stop the harassment, arrest and forced deportation of Afghan journalists. Furthermore, the AMSO urged United Nations and other international organisations to intervene in the matter. Pakistan has repatriated thousands of Afghan migrants over the past year as part of a nationwide crackdown, with journalists and human rights activists being among those impacted. Many Afghan journalists fled to Pakistan as they faced threats and restrictions on independent media activity after Taliban seized power in 2021. Last week, Amnesty International, a leading human rights organisation, urged the Pakistani government to protect Afghan refugees, staying in their territory, from harassment and unlawful torture by security agencies. In an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it expressed grave concerns over unlawful detention, harassment and deportation of Afghan refugees living there, highlighting the fact that they remain vulnerable and deserve state protection. It demanded that Pakistani authorities take proactive steps to halt the deportation of Afghan refugees and ensure that they are safeguarded as per international human rights law. "Pakistani authorities must ensure that the rights of Afghan refugees are protected, particularly protection from arbitrary detention and eviction from refugee camps and their accommodations," the letter to Pak PM said. Citing the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) data, Amnesty International stated that around 110,000 refugees and asylum seekers were faced with direct threats of deportation and therefore require protection. It also shifted the focus to the vulnerability of women, journalists, and human rights activists if forcibly returned to Afghanistan. Notably, Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for over 40 years, sheltering hundreds of thousands who fled conflict and political upheaval. However, since the launch of the "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan" in September 2023, Pakistan stepped up efforts to repatriate undocumented and unverified Afghans, including some with legal refugee status. According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), 1,495,851 Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan since the deportation campaign began, with nearly half, 778,739, returning in 2025 alone. Also, similar deportation drives are taking place in nations like Iran. According to estimates, more than four million Afghans have been deported or forced to return from Pakistan and Iran since September 2023, including more than 2.6 million in 2025. Kathmandu, Jan 16 : School infrastructure will be built in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City of Rupandehi district and Jayaprithivi Municipality of Bajhang district in Nepal with Indian assistance, as the foundation stones for the projects were laid at two locations on Friday. The Indian Embassy said in a statement on Friday that the foundation stone for the construction of the Nayagaun Secondary School building in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City, Rupandehi, was laid on Friday. Suman Shekhar, First Secretary at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and Khel Raj Pandey, Mayor of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City, jointly laid the foundation stone for the construction of the project. According to the Embassy, Indian assistance of around NPR 44 million will be provided for the construction of this infrastructure. Likewise, the foundation stone for the construction of the Shree Satyavadi Secondary School administration and hostel buildings at Bhojpur in Jayaprithivi Municipality, Bajhang, was laid by Narayan Singh, another First Secretary at the Indian Embassy, and Chet Raj Bajal, Mayor of Jayaprithivi Municipality. According to the Embassy, financial assistance of around NPR 139 million from the Indian government will be provided for the construction of these school infrastructures. The new facilities will include a three-storeyed administrative block, separate hostels for girls and boys with toilets, and other allied structures. Both projects have been taken up as High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), and the concerned municipalities will be responsible for implementing them, the Embassy said. HICDPs have emerged as a significant facet of the IndiaNepal development partnership since their inception in 2003. Initially the scheme was known as Small Grant Projects. These projects are implemented at the grassroots level through local authorities in priority sectors of the Government of Nepal, including health, education, drinking water, sanitation and drainage, rural electrification, hydropower, embankment and river training, among others. "As close neighbours and development partners, India and Nepal have wide-ranging and multi-sectoral cooperation," the Embassy said. "The implementation of the HICDPs reflects the continued support of the Government of India in reinforcing the efforts of the Government of Nepal in achieving growth and development." Patna, Jan 16 : The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Friday held a review meeting at the Patna residence of Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav to deliberate on the party's future course of action. The meeting was chaired by Tejashwi Yadav and attended by all four RJD Lok Sabha MPs -- Misa Bharti, Abhay Kushwaha, Sudhakar Singh, and Surendra Prasad Yadav -- along with Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha, Sanjay Yadav, and other senior leaders of the RJD's Bihar unit. RJD Lok Sabha MP from Buxar, Sudhakar Singh, said the meeting focused on strategy for the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament and the Bihar Assembly. "We discussed the issues that we will raise during the Budget Session in Parliament. These include demands such as special status or a special package for Bihar. Similarly, we also discussed issues to be raised in the Bihar Assembly," Sudhakar Singh said. When asked whether the party reviewed the reasons behind its electoral defeat, Singh said the matter had already been discussed in earlier meetings. "The state president, Mangni Lal Mandal, has been holding review meetings for the past one month. Those issues have already been deliberated," he said. On Tejashwi Yadav's proposed statewide yatra, Sudhakar Singh said: "After the Budget Session, we will sit together and finalise the programme for his statewide yatra." The meeting comes amid renewed political activity by Tejashwi Yadav, who had largely remained away from public engagements following the RJD's crushing defeat in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. His return to active politics has drawn attention within party circles. However, the review meeting also sparked internal criticism. Tejashwi Yadav's sister, Rohini Acharya, took to social media to question the intent of the exercise, describing it as a "show". She advised her brother to focus on introspection and decisive action instead of symbolic meetings. "Introspection and taking responsibility are more important than putting on a show of a review meeting. The relevance of any review will be proven only when there is the courage to deal with the vultures who have surrounded you. The public understands everything," she wrote, in an apparent reference to senior party leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav. The comments have added to speculation about internal differences within the RJD as the party attempts to regroup after its electoral setback. Chandigarh, Jan 16 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said during the tenure of the AAP government in Punjab, the condition of the state has deteriorated even further compared to the period of Congress rule. He stated that Punjab has fallen far behind in law and order, development, and public welfare. CM Saini was addressing the media at the Punjab BJP state office in Chandigarh, where several leaders joined the party in his presence. They included former Member of Parliament Jagmeet Singh Brar, former Kotkapura MLA Ripujit Singh Brar, senior Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjeet) leader Charanjit Singh Brar, former OSD to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Onkar Singh, farmer leader Pritpal Singh, who provided free diesel to farmers during the farmersa movement, Kulwant Singh, who contested the Lok Sabha elections from Faridkot on a Lok Bhalai Party ticket, Jaskaran Singh, Mehat President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), along with several other leaders. CM Saini said that the sense of insecurity among the people of Punjab is steadily increasing. He claimed that the fear prevalent in 2014 continued to persist even today, with no substantial improvement in the situation. He asserted that only the Bharatiya Janata Party can free Punjab from this atmosphere of fear. He further alleged that law and order in Punjab has completely collapsed under the AAP government. Highlighting the achievements of the Haryana government, CM Saini said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the double-engine government is rapidly advancing development in the state. He said that thousands of crores of rupees are being spent on healthcare, benefiting a large section of the population. Free treatment facilities are also being provided for kidney patients. On agriculture, he said that the Haryana government is providing minimum support price (MSP) on all crops and vegetables, and farmers are being given per-acre incentives for not burning stubble. Bengaluru, Jan 16 : The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appealed to the Chief Secretary to initiate strict action against those who abuse and attempt to assault government officials. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka submitted a memorandum in this regard to Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh on Friday. Ashoka had called her to his office to discuss the matter. "Under the Congress administration, there is no protection for officials. We have told the Chief Secretary to take strict action against those who abuse and attempt to assault officials, and to protect the officials," said Ashoka. He said that even though Congress leader Rajeev Gowda abused Sidlaghatta Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda using abusive words, Minister K.H. Muniyappa justified it. He claimed that Muniyappa said Rajeev Gowda is a good person and that it was the fault of the female officer. Ashoka alleged that in the last two years of Congress rule, many officials have committed suicide. "Congress goons have turned government offices into party offices. Therefore, I called the government's Chief Secretary to the office, discussed it, and conveyed my opposition to her. I told her that it is your duty to protect the officials. The police have given an opportunity for those who spoke like this to escape. The police are also involved in this case," he charged. "If this continues, there will be no protection for officials. We have told the Chief Secretary to take action to punish the guilty," he said. "No action has been taken against the culprits in the PSI Parashuram suicide case, SDI Rudranna Yadavannanavar suicide case, librarian Bhagyavati suicide, MLA Balakrishna threatening to beat the tehsildar, and so on," he criticised. Officials have to either protest or commit suicide, Ashoka alleged. He said there is no rule that if someone assaults an official, they should not go to the media. If an official who has no faith in the government goes to the media, there is no fault in that, Ashoka defended Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda for speaking to the media in protest against the Congress leader. In the case of BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, they arrested him and made him wander in the forest. But here, no one has been arrested, Ashoka said. Ravi was arrested allegedly for using objectionable language against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. "I will visit Ballari on Saturday (Jan 17) and protest. Law and order has deteriorated to the extent that bullets are fired at MLAs' houses. There is no funding for the Home Department, and it is not possible to provide security. That is why law and order has been affected. If the law and order situation is proper, new industries will come. But due to the lack of law and order, development is not possible," he said. The BJP has won the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections, and victory will come in Bengaluru in the same manner, he said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the EVMs but has not provided any evidence. They say vote theft only where Congress has lost. They did not accuse anyone when they won in Karnataka and Telangana, he added. Therefore, his words are like a worthless coin, Ashoka said. Election officials are removing Bangladeshi residents from the voter list through special revision, he claimed. He further alleged that two crore Bangladeshi citizens have come to India and are engaging in criminal activities. Congress is using such people for votes. If special revision is done in Karnataka, the BJP will support it, Ashoka said. Bhubaneswar, Jan 16 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Bhubaneswar Zonal Office, on Friday conducted a massive search operation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), across numerous locations linked to mafias involved in illegal and unauthorized excavation and sale of minor minerals such as sand and black stone in the Ganjam district. According to a press note issued by the central agency, the accused mafias engaged in illegal mining are connected to each other as business partners. "These premises covered are of brokers, mafias having serious criminal antecedents and other connected business partners of them. These includes the gangsters and Bahubalis who by using their muscle powers forcibly conducting illegal mining of minor minerals by exploiting and terrorizing people in their areas," informed the ED in the press note. Referring to a recent report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the ED noted that the CAG report has flagged rampant illegal mining along the riverbeds of Rushikulya, Bahuda, and Bada Rivers in Ganjam district, causing a huge loss to the government exchequer. "During the course of search, an almirah full of liquid cash in crores, high-end benami vehicles and documents with respect to immovable properties, agreements, and mining lease executed by these miscreants were recovered which will be seized," the central agency further added. The agency also noted that the search operation is underway, and the exact figure of the cash seized, as well as other details regarding the case, will be disclosed after the completion of the search. The ED is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter of illegal mining in the State of Odisha. Meanwhile, local sources claimed that the list of mafias who came under the ED scanner is linked to prominent political parties. These mafias have reportedly earned a huge amount of money through illegal mining of sand and black stone in Ganjam. Mumbai, Jan 16 : Mumbai BJP chief and legislator Ameet Satam on Friday said that the victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti in the BMC elections is a win for the Marathi people, and also a win for Mumbaikars. "It is a victory of the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is a victory of the revolutionary transformation brought in Mumbai by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis under PM Modi's leadership," Satam said. Speaking to reporters, Satam said that this is a victory of the tireless efforts of the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party. "Mumbaikars have identified the conspiracies being carried out in other international cities and have defeated all forces that were attempting to change the colour of Mumbai. This is a victory of Hindutva. During the Covid-19 period, BJP workers risked their lives to serve Mumbaikars, and 56 workers sacrificed their lives. This victory is dedicated to them," he noted. Satam further said: "I express my heartfelt gratitude to BJP National President J.P. Nadda, National Working President Nitin Nabin, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Organisation General Secretary B.L. Santhosh, and National Co-Organisation General Secretary Shiv Prakash for their guidance." "In the coming period, we resolve that the BJP-led Mahayuti will continue to work to provide a corruption-free administration to the BMC, drive the development of Mumbai, and ensure that the city's security remains intact," he said. Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the BJP-Shiv Sena combine's performance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as a massive mandate for development. CM Fadnavis was speaking to reporters at the state BJP headquarters after participating in the celebrations over its stellar performance in Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra in the civic body elections. The celebration was attended by BJP state president Ravindra Chavan and Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam. "The public has responded overwhelmingly to the issues on which we fought the municipal elections across the state. Therefore, our future agenda will remain solely focused on development. We dedicate this victory to bringing about a major transformation in the lives of the poor and the middle class through development," said CM Fadnavis. Agartala, Jan 16 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said that the state government is working to improve the overall quality of the education system, with a special focus on strengthening moral values among students. Addressing the annual prize distribution ceremony of Shankaracharya Vidyaniketan Girls' School in Agartala on the occasion of its foundation day, the Chief Minister said education should go beyond textbooks and help students grow into morally sound, socially responsible individuals. He emphasised that teachers must play a proactive role in enriching children with moral knowledge, cultural awareness and life skills, in addition to academic learning. "It is not only necessary to read books. Children should also be physically fit and have a sound understanding of culture and agriculture," said Saha, who also holds the Elementary and Secondary Education Departments. The Chief Minister noted that the foundation day is a moment of joy not only for students but also for teachers, parents and all those associated with the field of education. He reiterated that the Tripura government is continuously striving to enhance the standard of education across the state. Referring to the recently held 'Prabashi Tripura' conference, the Chief Minister said that many accomplished people from Tripura, now settled in other states and abroad, are keen to contribute to the state's development. "About 85 representatives attended the conference and expressed their desire to work for Tripura. With a collective mindset of uplifting each other, it is possible to build a 'Srestha Tripura'. In the future, they can play a major role in making Tripura a developed and model state," he said. Saha described education as a powerful tool for social and economic empowerment. "A person who possesses education with values is respected by society. Education is endless, and with rapid changes taking place, teachers and students alike must continuously update themselves," he said. Reiterating that strengthening students morally remains the government's main objective, the Chief Minister said the youth population between 18 and 35 years is a great strength for the nation, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "These young people will help India emerge as one of the most powerful countries in the world. Nearly 50 per cent of our population is women, and our government is giving special emphasis to women's empowerment," he added. Highlighting the transformative power of education, Saha said it serves as a bridge between ignorance and knowledge. "The Prime Minister has set the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. In that direction, we are also moving forward with the goal of achieving 'Viksit Tripura 2047'," he said. Director of the Education Department N.C. Sharma, Agartala Municipal Corporation Corporator Shampa Sarkar Chowdhury, Chairman of the Red Cross Society Bimal Kanti Roy, President of the School Management Committee Swapan Kumar Das, Principal Mousumi Bhattacharya, social worker Shyamal Kumar Deb and several other distinguished guests were present at the programme. Three questions for Japan: Unmasking its so-called 'pacifist nation' image 13:19, January 16, 2026 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily Recently, as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sought momentum for revising the country's three security documents, she claimed that the move was intended to strengthen Japan's "independence and peace" and to "protect the lives and livelihoods of the people." Preaching "peace" while pressing ahead with military expansion, however, reveals a glaring contradiction between words and deeds. This stark disparity not only tears away the mask of Japan's self-styled image as a "pacifist nation," but also fully exposes the dangerous direction of the country's current strategic trajectory. For a long time, Japan has carefully cultivated a "pacifist nation" persona on the international stage, attempting to whitewash the crimes of militarist aggression through a web of rhetoric and cosmetic gestures, and to deceive the international community into granting it trust. Yet many of Japan's actions in reality leave little choice but to question its true intentions. Why would a so-called "pacifist nation" regard its "pacifist constitution" as a thorn in the eye and be eager to discard it? Japan's "pacifist constitution" clearly stipulates that the country forever renounces war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes, and that it will never maintain land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, nor recognize the right of belligerency of the state. This laid the domestic legal cornerstone for Japan's postwar path of peaceful development. Since coming into force in 1947, the "pacifist constitution" has restrained Japan's impulses toward military expansion and sent a clear signal of non-war to Asian neighbors that once suffered from Japanese aggression, playing an important role in improving Japan's relations with countries in the region. However, Japan's right wing has long portrayed the "pacifist constitution" as an obstacle to so-called "national normalization," and in recent years has accelerated efforts to hollow it out: lifting the ban on the exercise of collective self-defense, enacting the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets, formulating new security laws, rapidly increasing military spending, developing so-called "counterstrike capabilities," and loosening restrictions on arms exports. These moves run counter to the original intent of the pacifist constitution, render the principle of "exclusively defense-oriented policy" hollow in name only, tacitly recognize "the right of belligerency," and in effect push Japan toward "neo-militarism." Why would a so-called "pacifist nation" attempt to revise the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles?" This just lays bare its ambition to possess nuclear weapons. As the only country in the world to have suffered nuclear attacks, Japan should have stood firmly in defense of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Yet senior Japanese officials have put forward fallacious arguments advocating "nuclear armament," and have shown growing eagerness to revise the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles." Such behavior is not only a betrayal of Japan's own pledges to peace, but also an open challenge to the postwar international order and the authority of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Japan is a typical "nuclear-threshold state," having long produced and stockpiled plutonium far in excess of what is actually required for civilian nuclear energy. For this very reason, any loosening of Japan's nuclear policy would deliver a severe shock to the regional security landscape and global strategic stability. In response to the Japanese government's current pro-nuclear tendencies, some Japanese media have raised pointed questions: if even the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" are cast aside, it would be the worst possible outcome -- just how far does this hawkish administration intend to go in exposing its true nature? Why does a so-called "pacifist nation" repeatedly stir up trouble and undermine regional peace and stability? The Takaichi administration has repeatedly made mischief over the Taiwan question, openly interfering in China's internal affairs and even issuing military threats against China, plunging China-Japan relations into serious difficulty. This is by no means an isolated case. In recent years, Japan's right wing has constantly hyped the so-called "China threat," deliberately fanning the flames and creating troubles on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue. Japan has also been beset by frequent frictions and conflicts in its relations with other regional countries, including the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. More dangerously, Japan is working hard to serve as a "vanguard" for countries outside the region, pushing for the creation of a so-called "Asia-Pacific version of NATO" and attempting to import bloc confrontation into Asia. This seriously undermines mutual trust among regional countries and creates major risks to regional peace and stability. Japan's own history of belligerence and war fever offers a stark and recent warning, making any return to militarism and reckless adventurism something the international community must be on guard against. Looking back at World War II, Japan once cloaked its aggression with the false slogan of "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere," relied on diplomatic smokescreens to deceive others, and launched a war through a brazen surprise attack on the Pearl Harbor. Today, Japan once again wraps itself in the cloak of "peace," while in practice pursuing military expansion and policies that undermine regional peace and stability. Such words and deeds mirror the sinister tactics employed by Japanese militarism before and during the outbreak of World War II. The purpose is to mislead the international community and create conditions and conveniences for strategic speculation and adventurism. In 1954, Japan presented a "Peace Bell" to the United Nations, which bears the inscription "Long live absolute world peace." The irony could hardly be greater. Today, Japan's right wing is striding ever further down the perilous path of "neo-militarism." In the face of the Takaichi administration's profoundly wrong and extremely dangerous strategic direction, the international community must stay vigilant, see clearly through the false mask of this so-called "pacifist nation," and take resolute action to jointly safeguard regional and international peace and stability. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) MACAO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A three-day coffee cultural festival opened in Macao on Friday, bringing together local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and international brands as the city steps up efforts to diversify its economy. The event featured 60 exhibitors from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and overseas, with more than two-thirds being local SMEs, according to the organizer. Live-streaming and e-commerce channels were leveraged onsite to help the brands expand their market reach. Ivan Pun, owner of a local coffee shop, told Xinhua that he was "excited" about the festival. "We're happy to showcase our exclusively roasted coffee here for so many people to taste," he said, adding that the event was a great opportunity for more people to get to know them. Toni Wong, for his part, brought some tastes from Hong Kong. He said that many internationally well-known peers were seen at the festival, which was impressive. "It feels just like a gathering of friends." Taking part in such activities in Macao for the first time, Ye Han Kim, from South Korea, expressed her curiosity about the coffee community and industry here. "I like the city and am happy to make friends with local people," she said. Washington, Jan 16 : Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday said a future democratic Iran would seek close and cooperative relations with India, citing long-standing cultural, civilizational, and historical ties between the two countries. Pahlavi at a crowded news conference here recalled that relations between India and Iran "go a long time" and said the connection extended well beyond modern diplomacy. "Culturally, it was many, many years," he said, adding that Iran and India had enjoyed good relations in modern history as well. He said a democratic Iran would be committed to building partnerships based on shared values. "It's natural, as I said, that a democratic Iran is committed to having the best possible relationship in the context of sovereignty and liberty to have the best possible relationship with any country that adheres to the same values and can work with us and can partner with us in many different domains," he said. Pahlavi praised India's civilizational heritage and said both countries could take pride in their histories. "It's a rich culture and the rich history that we observe in India as well," he said. "I think we can, as nations, be very proud of our heritage, and this could be a natural path to a very good bond and cooperation." He argued that global challenges required deeper international collaboration and said India would be an important partner in addressing them. "We have so many challenges to face on our planet. We have issues of energy, and we have issues of population. We have issues of energy shortages. We have water crisis," he said. Pahlavi said such challenges could not be addressed in isolation. "The four corners of this world have to remain connected. We cannot be introverted, we cannot be isolationists. We need to be able to work together," he said. Highlighting India's technological strengths, he said, "India is one of the leading countries when it comes to technology, when it comes to expertise. I think these are the kind of things that will help us in every area that we need to focus on." He said cooperation could extend to new and renewable energy and other emerging sectors, adding that he looked forward to closer engagement between experts, entrepreneurs and business communities in both countries. "I'm looking forward to have our experts, our entrepreneurs, our business sector, and anybody else working very closely with our Indian counterpart," he said. Pahlavi said such engagement would be possible after political change in Iran. "Hopefully once we are freed, we can start an entirely new chapter," he said. Earlier in the news conference, Pahlavi declared that he would lead a transition away from Iran's current system and called on the international community to support the Iranian people. He outlined what he described as a plan for a democratic transition and urged foreign governments to act against what he called the regime's "repressive capacity." Iran and India share centuries-old cultural links, including literary, linguistic and trade connections, and maintained close ties during much of the 20th century. Relations have evolved since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, shaped in recent years by regional politics, sanctions and energy considerations. Mumbai, Jan 16 : In the high-stakes battle for the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the BJP, in alliance with the Shiv Sena, achieved its Mission Mumbai. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party by winning 88 seats. While it holds a significant lead over its rivals, the numbers suggest that no single party has crossed the magic halfway mark on its own (114 out of 227 seats), pointing towards the necessity of alliances to control the civic body. However, the BJP, with the Shiv Sena's 28 corporators, is in a comfortable position to secure the mayoral post which the party has aimed for over many years. One of the most critical storylines in this election is the split between the two Sena factions. Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, has shown strong resilience, leading in 65 seats, and remains the primary challenger to the BJP. Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) is leading in 28 seats. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which had claimed to be the "real" Sena following its wins in the state Assembly elections and the recent polls held for nagar parishads and nagar panchayats, failed to keep its victory march at the same speed. This is despite giving entry to former corporators affiliated with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena into the party fold. The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, which fought the elections together with the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), currently holds more than double the leads of the Shinde faction, suggesting that a larger portion of the traditional Sena voter base may have remained with the Thackeray camp in this specific count. Although the two brothers reached out to voters flagging the cause of Marathi identity and Marathi Manoos, they were unable to cross the halfway mark of 114 seats. However, the Thackeray brothers together gave a tough fight to the BJPShiv Sena combine in the race for a majority till the results of the last seat were announced. Dominating the tally, the BJP has consolidated its position as the heavyweight in Mumbai politics. However, it failed to meet its 150-plus target despite focusing on strengthening the mandal-level party network and an extensive outreach to voters. The BJP, in particular, countered the Thackeray brothers' emotional appeal with the development plank, urging Mumbaikars to vote for a triple-engine government to expedite the city's growth in an uninterrupted manner. The Congress, which contested the elections in an alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, has been relegated to the fourth position. While still a factor, its influence appears diminished compared to the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT). AIMIM sprang a surprise by winning eight seats, compared to two seats won by the Samajwadi Party. The party has hinted at consolidating its presence in Mumbai and the rest of Maharashtra ahead of the next Assembly polls slated for 2029. It holds a significant pocket of influence that could be vital in specific wards. Raj Thackeray's party won six seats, maintaining a small but potentially decisive presence. However, the party will have to increase its focus on strengthening its organisational network while keeping its alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT) intact. The two NCP factions (NCP and NCPSharad Pawar) together have won four seats, indicating a limited footprint in the Mumbai municipal area compared to other parts of Maharashtra. (Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in) Guwahati, Jan 16 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Congress and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, accusing the party of compromising Assam's interests and identity by pandering to what he described as a "particular community" for narrow political gains. Guwahati, Jan 16 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Congress and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, accusing the party of compromising Assam's interests and identity by pandering to what he described as a "particular community" for narrow political gains. Addressing the public through a Facebook Live, Sarma alleged that such political conduct was being carried out at the cost of the state's welfare and cultural identity. He claimed that details relating to an Assam MP allegedly maintaining covert links with Pakistan and displaying "special affection" towards a specific community would be made public before the end of the month. While the Chief Minister did not name Gogoi directly in this context, the BJP has repeatedly accused the Congress MP from Jorhat, who is also the party's deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, of having links with the neighbouring country. "The Congress has chosen to kneel before a particular community. Had it been for social harmony, it would have been different. But this is being done by compromising the interests of our motherland and the identity of our people," Sarma said, adding that such politics could not be accepted. He warned that what he termed "special affection for a particular community" and alleged "secret contact with Pakistan" posed serious threats to Assam. "Our jati is under threat. We are trying to protect it, but vested interests are attempting to weaken us. Unity alone will ensure victory in this fight for identity," he said. Sarma also referred to the controversy surrounding remarks made by former All Assam Minority Students' Union (AAMSU) president Rejaul Karim Sarkar at the time of his joining the Congress on January 11, in the presence of Gogoi. Sarkar later resigned from the party on January 14. The Chief Minister said objections arose after Sarkar made controversial remarks suggesting the transformation of Sivasagar into Dhubri and vice versa. Sarma asserted that the two regions have distinct demographic, cultural and historical identities that cannot be altered. Describing Sivasagar as the cultural and historical core of Assam, Sarma highlighted its legacy as the first capital of the Ahom dynasty, the birthplace of Assam's first newspaper Orunudoi, and home to heritage landmarks such as Charaideo Maidam and the Shivadol. He alleged that Gogoi failed to intervene or disassociate the party from Sarkar's remarks, questioning the Congress leadership's accountability. The Chief Minister also accused Gogoi of remaining silent on other controversial demands made by party leaders, including calls for religion-based reservation, claiming such inaction reflected weak leadership and compromised principles. Patna, Jan 17 : Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday said that the alleged obstruction of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials by the West Bengal Chief Minister warrants a high-level inquiry. Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office in Patna, Prasad said the issue was heard by the Supreme Court on Thursday and raised serious concerns regarding the functioning of the state administration. According to Prasad, the Solicitor General of India informed the Supreme Court during the hearing that suspicious evidence of money laundering amounting to Rs 20 crore in the alleged coal scam had been found with the I-PAC company, making a detailed investigation necessary. He said the matter is linked to an alleged coal scam worth around Rs 3,000 crore. "The brutal manner in which the Bengal government tried to stop ED officials was heard by the Supreme Court yesterday. The court's observations have raised several serious questions," Prasad said. He further alleged that coal is being smuggled from West Bengal and that money generated from the illegal activity is routed back from abroad through hawala channels. "This coal scam is of approximately Rs 3,000 crore and involves large-scale money laundering," he claimed. Referring to the alleged incident, Prasad said that the West Bengal Chief Minister arrived at the spot where the ED action was underway and obstructed the proceedings. "A strange and disturbing scene unfolded when police officers were seen running behind her carrying files. The Director General of Police and the Kolkata Police Commissioner were also present, which raises serious questions about the role of the administration," he alleged. Prasad said that, as a former Union Coal Minister, he is familiar with the functioning of coal mines in West Bengal. "But under the Trinamool Congress regime, the situation has worsened significantly. Since law and order falls under the state government, the investigation was underway. The Solicitor General clearly told the Supreme Court that the ED action was linked to the investigation into the coal scam," he said. The BJP leader maintained that the alleged incident and the revelations made before the Supreme Court underline the need for a thorough and impartial inquiry into the matter. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, Jan 17 : Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday said he was prepared to lead a transition to democracy in Iran, claiming growing support among civilians and members of the country's security forces. "The Iranian people have called for me to lead," Pahlavi said at a news conference in Washington. "I reaffirm my lifelong pledge by stepping in to lead the movement that will take back our country." He said his connection with Iranians predated exile. "The bond between me and the Iranian people is not new. It's been with me since birth," he said, adding, "I pledged my life to the service of the Iranian nation." Pahlavi said he believed he could ensure an orderly transition. "I am uniquely positioned to ensure a stable transition," he said, asserting that "large sections of the army and security forces have already refused to participate in the killing of civilians." According to Pahlavi, defections were already underway. "Tens of thousands have already signalled their readiness to defect," he said, adding that many were from the police, military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "We are vetting them as we are speaking," he said. He said his approach was aimed at avoiding chaos. "We're not talking about disintegration. We're not talking about a failed state," he said, stressing that security forces would be needed to maintain order and protect civilians during the transition. Pahlavi outlined a post-regime roadmap beginning with a transitional government. He said that after the regime's collapse, a temporary authority would oversee basic services, stabilise the country and organise a democratic process. "The minute the regime collapses, the transitional government takes control," he said, explaining that a referendum would allow Iranians to decide the future system of governance. "Whatever the majority of the Iranian people decide," he said, would determine whether the country becomes a republic or a monarchy. He said a constitutional assembly would draft a new constitution, which would be submitted to the public for approval. "The nation will have the opportunity to either ratify that proposed constitution, or if not, send it back," he said. Pahlavi stressed that his role would end once the process was complete. "The transitional government dissolves itself and passes over the responsibility and the authority to the newly elected government," he said. Iran has been governed as an Islamic republic since the overthrow of the monarchy in 1979, with power concentrated in clerical institutions and the supreme leadership. Opposition movements inside and outside the country have long debated potential pathways for political change. New Delhi, Jan 17 : Expressing confidence of victory, Karnataka State Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said in Delhi on Friday that there would be no polarisation in the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam. "We will ensure that there is a full swing in Assam," he underlined. Shivakumar has been appointed as the Assam election observer by the AICC. New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS) Expressing confidence of victory, Karnataka State Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said in Delhi on Friday that there would be no polarisation in the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam. "We will ensure that there is a full swing in Assam," he underlined. Shivakumar has been appointed as the Assam election observer by the AICC. He was speaking to reporters after a meeting with the national leadership held at the residence of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. The meeting was attended by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, General Secretary and Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh, Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of the Assam Congress Legislative Party Debabratha Saikia, Bhupesh Baghel, Bandhu Tirkey and others. Shivakumar said: "We have received many suggestions. The PCC, the in-charge General Secretary, and other leaders briefed us about the situation on the ground and the work being carried out in Assam. All of us have considerable experience in managing elections. We will work together, and it is certain that we are receiving feedback from the ground indicating that a change is coming." He further stated: "The rule in Assam will change and Congress will come to power. A guarantee government will be formed in the state again. There will be no polarisation, and we will deliver a clear message. We will reach out to the people of Assam and convey our programmes." "The entire party is united. Discipline is most important. There is enough young blood in the party, and as leaders, all of them are cooperating. This unity must prevail, and that message is clear within the Congress party," Shivakumar said. "Our AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have given a clear mandate. We will ensure that there is a full swing in the state," he added. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports stated that Shivakumar had a brief private interaction with Rahul Gandhi after the meeting and discussed the leadership tussle. However, this information has not been confirmed. Shivakumar clarified earlier on Friday that the issue of the Chief Minister's post is a matter between him, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party high command, and not something to be discussed in public. Responding to questions from the media after his arrival in Delhi, Shivakumar made the remark when asked whether there had been any discussion with Rahul Gandhi regarding the Karnataka Chief Minister's post. When asked about the agenda of the meeting with high command leaders in connection with the Assam elections scheduled for the day, he said: "How is it possible to disclose our party's plans? These matters will be discussed only at the party level, not in public. If any information is to be shared, our party's general secretaries are there, and they will do so." Replying to a question on whether he would be meeting high command leaders during this visit, Shivakumar said: "I have come to Delhi with the intention of meeting party leaders. Let us see." When asked whether he would meet Union Ministers, he said: "There are some important legal issues related to irrigation projects that need to be discussed. Therefore, I will be meeting legal experts as well as Union Ministers." Shivakumar will be staying in Delhi and return to Bengaluru on Saturday. His visit has raised speculation amid a leadership tussle in the state. He is hopeful of having a private meeting with Rahul Gandhi over the matter. Washington, Jan 17 : Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday said he expected decisive action from President Donald Trump and the United States to support the Iranian people, arguing that timely and targeted steps by Washington could hasten the collapse of Iran's ruling establishment and save lives. At a news conference here in Washington, Pahlavi said there was a strong expectation among Iranians that the US President would stand by earlier commitments. "The Iranian people have taken his word as a man of his words," he said, adding that President Trump was "not about to do the same thing" as previous US leaders who, he said, had abandoned Iranians in critical moments. Pahlavi said President Trump had warned the Iranian leadership of consequences if violence against civilians escalated. "President Trump did say that if the regime was to hit the Iranian people hard, they will face with serious consequences," he said, calling that message "very encouraging and empowering" for protesters inside Iran. Asked whether delays in US action risked weakening momentum, Pahlavi said timing mattered but stressed that the struggle would continue regardless. "With or without the world's help, the regime will fall," he said. "The quicker the action happens, the more lives can be saved." He rejected suggestions that he was losing faith in the US President. "I believe the President is a man of his word," Pahlavi said. "How many days it might take, who knows, hopefully sooner than later." Pahlavi repeatedly emphasised that he was not calling for a full-scale military intervention. "This does not require putting boots on the ground," he said. "The Iranian people's boots are already on ground." Instead, he called for what he described as targeted measures to weaken Iran's security apparatus. "Protect the Iranian people by degrading the regime's repressive capacity, including targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard leadership and its command and control infrastructure," he said. He said such actions would "equalise the playing field" for unarmed civilians facing state violence. "The Iranian people are defenceless on the streets, unarmed against a regime that is unleashing on them with military weapons," he said. Pahlavi said Washington could also help by tightening economic pressure. "Block their assets worldwide, target and dismantle their fleet of ghost tankers," he said, while urging the US to help restore communications inside Iran. "Deploy Starlink and other secure communications tools widely across Iran," he said. He argued that US action was not interference but aligned with global stability. "Supporting the Iranian people is not an act of charity, nor is it unwarranted interference," he said, warning that the current system had produced "47 years of exported terror." On whether American inaction could undermine the movement, Pahlavi said the responsibility ultimately rested with the Iranians themselves. "Any fight for freedom doesn't have a deadline," he said. "We will fight until we win." He added that international backing, particularly from the United States, could shorten the conflict. "It'll fall sooner, and more lives will be saved if the world turns its words into action," he said. The United States has had a fraught relationship with Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, marked by sanctions, diplomatic rupture and periodic military tensions. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Itanagar, Jan 17 : The Army, in coordination with the police and the civil administration, on Friday successfully retrieved two tourists from the frozen Sela Lake in Arunachal Pradesh, one of whom was found dead, while search operations are underway to locate a third missing individual, officials said. Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said that on Friday, an unfortunate incident occurred at Sela Lake in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district, located at an altitude of approximately 13,700 feet above mean sea level, involving a group of seven tourists. He said that during their visit, one tourist reportedly moved towards the centre of the frozen lake, where the ice gave way, resulting in the individual being submerged. Another two tourists attempted a rescue, but they were also submerged in the freezing waters, he added. On receipt of information, an Indian Army rescue team from Gajraj Corps was immediately mobilised. Despite extreme weather conditions, sub-zero temperatures, and high-altitude area challenges, Army divers, along with police and civil administration, conducted prompt rescue operations and successfully retrieved two individuals from the frozen lake. "One individual was revived after receiving immediate medical assistance, while another was found dead. Search operations for the third missing tourist are underway," Lt Col Rawat said. All remaining tourists have been safely accommodated at Army camps in the area and are being provided with the necessary care and assistance. "The Indian Army reiterates its commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance and advises all visitors to exercise utmost caution as per the guidelines of Civil administration," the Army said in a statement. A police official in Itanagar said that the tourists came from Kerala to visit the tourism hotspot Sela Lake in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Imphal, Jan 17 : The Army, along with the Assam Rifles and other security forces, has launched a massive joint counter-insurgency operation in Manipur's hilly Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, officials said on Friday. Imphal, Jan 17 (IANS) The Army, along with the Assam Rifles and other security forces, has launched a massive joint counter-insurgency operation in Manipuras hilly Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, officials said on Friday. An official said late on Friday night that intelligence inputs suggest that militants of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), armed with heavy weapons, are moving in the hilly areas of the two districts. The UKNA has not signed any Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government, although several other Kuki outfits entered into SoO agreements with the Central government in 2008. Police sources said that the UKNA has around 450 cadres and possesses over 300 sophisticated weapons, making it larger than any individual armed group currently under the SoO framework. The outfit has reportedly set up camps both within Manipur and across the international border in Myanmar. According to officials, UKNA cadres have allegedly been involved in firing incidents targeting the houses of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence, who were recently resettled under Phase I of the governmentas rehabilitation initiative. Under the extensive operation, which began on Friday morning, helicopters have been deployed to locate the movement of militants and to identify their hideouts and camps in the difficult terrain. Meanwhile, in November last year, officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and representatives of Kuki-Zo armed groups under the SoO frameworka"the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United Peopleas Front (UPF)a"held two-day talks in New Delhi. The discussions focused on the core demand for a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly for the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur. In a joint statement, the KNO and UPF said that during the meeting, A.K. Mishra, Adviser (Northeast Affairs), MHA, reiterated that while the government of India is sensitive to the plight of the Kuki-Zo people, the current policy does not support the creation of new Union Territories. Mishra also reportedly emphasised the need for wider consultations with other communities in Manipur. Internet DataVare Launches Robust MSG Converter to Streamline Email Conversions DataVare has been providing email utility and data management software in the industry for quite some time. The company's new MSG Converter is a powerful tool for transforming email messages from one format to another quickly and easily, reducing errors associated with these types of conversions. As a result, users can now easily and accurately convert their Outlook MSG files into multiple formats without the risk of damaging or losing any data. With the growing importance of email for business communication, business email archives, and compliance, it is now more important than ever for businesses to be able to accurately manage their MSG files. To meet this need, DataVare has developed a comprehensive MSG Converter to help companies streamline their workflow. This tool provides users with the ability to easily retrieve email data, move it between various systems, and store it in a way that is best suited to a customer's specific requirements, all using a single product. 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About DataVare DataVare is a leading provider of software development services with expertise in email migration (IMAP), file conversion, and data management solutions. DataVare has developed innovative and reliable products for many years to improve our customers' experience with managing digital data through efficient management, secure access, and secure protection. To learn more about DataVare products, including the DataVare MSG Converter, check out the official DataVare website. Media Contact: UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on the United States to abandon its fixation on the use of force against Iran. Recent developments in Iran have drawn widespread attention. The United States has continued to make statements on the situation in Iran and has openly threatened Iran with the use of force. As a result, clouds of war are gathering over the Middle East, and tensions continue to escalate, said Sun Lei, the charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. "The use of force can never solve problems, but rather will only make them more complex and intractable. Any military adventurism would only push the region toward an unpredictable abyss," he told an emergency meeting of the Security Council. "We urge the United States to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, abandon its fixation on the use of force. We call on all parties to exercise restraint and work together to play their due role in maintaining international peace and security," he said. History has repeatedly proved that an obsession with force, relentless pressure and wanton interference only generates more conflict and hatred. No country has the power to dictate the future of another, and no action that defies international law can be tolerated, he added. "We call on the international community to stand on the right side of history and on the side of fairness and justice, and work tirelessly for peace and stability in the Middle East and peace and tranquility in the world," he said. Sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs are basic principles of international law and the most fundamental norms governing modern international relations. Iran is an independent sovereign state. Iran's affairs should be decided independently by the Iranian people, said Sun. China supports efforts to safeguard Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and calls on the international community to support the Iranian government and people in overcoming current difficulties and in maintaining national security and social stability, he said. Enidtem Just as booksellers in Washington, D.C. and Chicago faced hardship when the Trump administration sent National Guard members and federal agents to their cities, Minneapolis and St. Pauls indie booksellers say they have been negatively impacted by the deployment of ICE agents that began in December and accelerated after the holidays. While most of the dozen booksellers that PW spoke to this past week report that the financial impact has been minimal, as sales typically slow down in January, every bookseller stressed the emotional toll the experience has taken on them and their customers, especially following the murder of poet Renee Good by an ICE agent on a residential street in Minneapolis on January 7. All of the booksellers PW spoke to emphasized their commitment to serving as a community hub, where information about ones Constitutional rights and resources for non-citizens are readily available. Every bookstore is currently handing out free whistles; some are also giving away anti-ICE posters and signs and participating in patrolling and protesting. Inkwell Booksellers, located in a large industrial space across the Mississippi River from downtown, has established itself as a place for activists to drop off and pick up deliveries. We have the space, owner Elizabeth Foster told PW. A few Minneapolis booksellers requested anonymity: one bookseller expressed concerns for the stores more vulnerable customers, saying that ICE is harassing and detaining Indigenous people, as well as children. One of the concerns that we have about talking, an employee at one bookstore in the vicinity of Good's murder said, is we don't want the stuff that we are doing to make our store and our staff a target. Like every bookstore PW reached out to, this bookstore is maintaining regular hours and an unlocked door, with signage stating that all are welcome to enter except for ICE agents. There has not been any decrease in foot traffic, according to the bookseller, who said there may even be an increase, as people come in looking for information, resources, and whistles. Others, she added, simply want to come into a space where they feel safe and where theres a sense of community and they know that they don't have to worry about the outside world. The co-manager of another indie told PW that its much quieter in her neighborhood than before ICE showed up, but she and the rest of the stores employees remain committed to the craft of bookselling. She gave a shout out to her stores customersespecially the young people, the queer kids, taking a risk just showing up at the storeand to UPS and FedEx drivers who continue to deliver cartons of books despite threats to their safety. Theres so much labor behind the scenes, she observed, and they arent missing a beat. Foot traffic, sales down Meanwhile, Beth Thompson of Big Hill Books in Minneapoliss Bryn Mawr neighborhood says that sales and foot traffic actually started dropping at her store in December, as the Trump administration lobbed insults at the states Somali community. We have Somali customers, she said, and we have seen hardly any of them in the last six weeks. Thompson noted that ICE activity is less intense in Bryn Mawr than in areas like Uptown, where Devin Abraham of Once Upon a Crime says that sales have plummeted 30-40% in the past two weeks. Im trying to survive, she said, People have been coming in to support a local business, but its still not getting us to where we need to be. As for childrens stores Wild Rumpus and Red Balloon, both said they were adversely impacted this past week by author cancellations. Jasmine Warga postponed her January 9 stop in the Twin Cities; the middle grade author was scheduled to appear in-store at Red Balloon in St. Paul and also visit local schools. Another "high-profile author" whom Timothy Otte, a co-owner of Wild Rumpus declined to identify, canceled on Wednesday an upcoming stop in Minneapolis to visit local schools, and "explicitly named ICE's presence as the reason for the cancellation," Otte said. "Our education programming was one of the biggest areas of growth for us in 2025, so to start 2026 by losing a major author stings," he added. Sales are also down at Uncle Hugos and Uncle Edgars, known as the Uncles, according to owner Don Blyly. A lot of people are demonstrating instead of reading books, Blyly said, adding that sales last Saturday, usually the stores biggest day of the week, were down two-thirds. A lot of my customers are afraid to leave their houses, Byly said, and theres a lot going over on Lake Streeta major artery through Minneapolis a block away from the Uncles that's lined with Latinx restaurants, markets, and other businesses. Across the street from the Uncles, Moon Palace Books co-owner Angela Schwesnedl said that sales and foot traffic have decreased at her store as well. But she and store co-owner Jamie Schwesnedl said they have been preparing for this for a couple of months and are connecting with other businesses to conduct as many trainings as we can on how proprietors can effectively protect employees and customers. Schwesnedl mentioned that she attended a session on creating mutual aid spaces at Heartland Fall Forum in October and came out of it more prepared. Speaking with Chicago booksellers during the conference about their anti-ICE strategies was also very helpful, she said. Twin Cities bookstores that are further away from ICE activity have been supportive, Schwesnedl noted. Theyve got our backs, she said, theyll support us no matter what happens. This is a bookselling community that takes care of each other, you know? An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the children's book author who canceled their upcoming visits to local schools, sponsored by Wild Rumpus. As library vendors onboard new clients and refine their operations for a smooth 2026 in the wake of the collapse of Baker & Taylor, Ingram Library Services has announced it has partnered with Backstage Library Works to better customize and deliver shelf-ready books to its library customers. The agreement with Backstage, a cataloging and metadata provider with 35 years of experience in libraries, archives, and museums, will help ILS increase its processing capabilities, per the announcement. "Historically, our shelf-ready workflows were optimized for high-touch, professional cataloging," Backstage VP of library services Jake Bastian said. "While we have had discussions with Ingram over the years, our infrastructure wasn't specifically designed for the requirements of the broader public library market at the scale Ingram manages," but the company recently expanded to prepare for work with high-volume, quick-turnaround needs. Under the partnership, ILS will ship purchased books and materials to Backstage facilities in Provo, Utah, and Bethlehem, Pa. Each item will be inventoried, assigned machine-readable cataloging (MARC) data, and packaged with customizable covers, labels, stamps, and tags. Finished materials will be shipped to libraries central locations or branches, ready to circulate. In a December interview, Ingram VP of library services Carolyn Morris told PW that Ingram had received an incredible increase in the volume of new account requests and order units coming our way, and had hired 100 warehouse staffers to meet the demand. The partnership with Backstage aims to enable ILS to expand its cataloging and processing services still further. "The increase in demand weve seen over the last few weeks definitely tracks with the trends across the industry," Bastian agreed. He's hearing from "new customers needing immediate help with processing backlogs" and long-term clients for Backstage services who "are now looking to us for physical processing as well." Backstage Library Works president Nate Cothran told PW that while the company already works with libraries of all sizes, it will increase capacity to work with ILS. This new partnership does require Backstage to scale up to meet the needs of larger library systems, especially for those requiring some level of physical processing, Cothran said. Cothran added that Backstage is working to maximize the existing spaces across three offices, and coordinating with Ingrams distribution centers, as the partnership launches. We have considered opening new facilities nearby as well as expanding further into our respective neighborhoods, he said. RAWA NEWS, January 15, 2026 On January 5, 2026, a young woman named Mehr Sana was shot and killed by her former husband in front of Afghanistans Ministry of Finance in Kabul. The ministry is located near the Presidential Palace, in one of the citys busiest areas with heavy daily pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Despite the areas proximity to key government buildings and its high visibility, the attacker managed to escape after the shooting. The killing underscores the persistent dangers faced by women even after separation or divorce. Violence by former spouses remains a serious threat, while protection mechanisms for women facing such risks are limited. The incident reflects the broader pattern of violence against women in Afghanistan, where domestic abuse and targeted killings continue amid weak accountability and inadequate timely intervention. The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum convening in Davos on January 19-23 will be the first without its founder, Klaus Schwab. WEFs new organizers should use the occasion to distance themselves from Schwabs worst ideas: stakeholder capitalism, ESG investing and the net-zero energy paradigm. Stakeholder capitalism is a concept invented by Schwab. Schwabs argued for years that capitalism governed by shareholders would be vastly improved by systematically elevating the inputs of other stakeholders, like employees, supply chains, community values and the environment. ESG investing is the analytic framework upon which stakeholder capitalism largely depends. ESG rating agents use non-financial metrics to identify the best and worst companies to overweight, underweight or exclude in investment portfolios. Stakeholder capitalists broadly embraced the net-zero energy paradigm, aka Paris +1.5C by 2050 at all costs. Net-zero commitments led many European countries to spend trillions on wind and solar investments at the expense of more reliable, more resilient and considerably cheaper energy alternatives, including fossil fuels. WEFs acolytes have cheered them on as they did. All of these concepts have harmed humanity. Its crucial to understand how and to stop misrepresenting them. Stakeholder capitalism wrongly places responsibility for market failures on corporations. But corporations dont define market opportunities: consumers and regulators do. Stakeholder capitalists have told oil and gas companies to stop production even when demand for their products and services continued to grow unabated. Stakeholder capitalists instruct companies to do things those company owners do not want or support. Thats not capitalism: thats communism. Private companies perpetually debate how and where societal values and their financial valuations align. No company can succeed without keeping their customers loyal and happy. Bureaucratic regulations and quixotic ESG metrics provide no useful information about how companies can better serve their clients: in fact, they often give destructive advice. The infamous Bud Light commercial that was meant to expand its appeal among marginalized communities resulted in a 25% market share decline. Milton Friedman claimed in his defining treatise, The Social Responsibility of Business, corporations must broadly reflect the ethics and priorities of those they serve. To not do so is self-immolating. Friedman was and remains 100% correct. Embracing values not widely shared destroys financial valuations for no tangible social gain. By prioritizing stakeholder needs, environmental, social and governance investment mandates pledged to generate superior market returns alongside tangible societal benefit. They failed to deliver either. As opposed to impact investing, which verifiably brings about change intended by the investor, ESG investing has neither done much good nor very well. ESGs broad underperformance was presciently anticipated by Vanguards fabled founder, John Bogle. Bogle rightly observed that, to optimize long-run investment performance, investors should own the whole market at the cheapest possible price. ESG investment funds willfully violate both of these common sense principles. Companies that consistently operate in their shareholders best long-term interests are legally, financially and morally superior to those which attempt to prioritize other, more amorphous priorities. Investors who want their capital to improve environmental and social outcomes should abandon ESG investing and embrace impact investing. Trillions of dollars of public capital invested in solar and wind farms have saddled European consumers with electricity bills that are four times higher than those born by their counterparts in the US and China. Over-reliance on renewables also created energy intermittency that led to the deaths of seven Spanish and one Portuguese citizen in April 2025. All-of-the-above national energy strategies which embrace fossil fuels, nuclear and renewables create greater reliability, resilience and affordability. No country should abandon fossil fuels unless and until they have found more reliable, more abundant and cheaper alternatives. In the closing paragraphs of the General Theory, John Maynard Keynes observed The ideas of economists and political theorists both when they are right and when they are wrong - are more powerful than is commonly understood. For WEF to best serve the common good, they should repudiate the wrong ideas their founder Klaus Schwab helped popularize. WEF will never be a respected voice for human flourishing until the forum returns to time-honored, proven ideas: free market principles coupled with effective philanthropy, authentic impact investment and sound public policy. Terrence R Keeley is the CEO of the Impact Evaluation Lab and Author of Sustainable: Moving Beyond ESG to Impact Investing. Defense and security cooperation between Canada and South Korea has long been treated as strategically secondary, often overshadowed by each countrys primary alliance commitments and regional priorities. For Canada, NATO and continental defense have traditionally dominated strategic thinking, while for South Korea the alliance with the United States and deterrence against North Korea remain existential concerns. Yet this tendency to view bilateral cooperation as peripheral is increasingly outdated. In an era defined by systemic rivalry, contested maritime domains, and the erosion of international norms, CanadaSouth Korea defense cooperation is no longer optional. It is becoming strategically necessary, precisely because the two countries operate in different regions but face structurally similar challenges. Both Canada and South Korea are middle powers whose security and prosperity depend heavily on maritime trade, alliance credibility, and the stability of a rules-based international order. Neither seeks to overturn the existing system, yet both are increasingly exposed to gray-zone coercion, cyber threats, supply-chain disruptions, and the militarization of new domains such as space and the seabed. These shared vulnerabilities create a strong basis for cooperation that is pragmatic rather than ideological. More importantly, they highlight how regional security dynamics have become deeply interconnected. What happens in the Indo-Pacific increasingly affects Canadas security, just as developments in the Arctic and northern maritime domains shape the broader global balance that matters to South Korea. This interconnection opens up a particularly important, yet underdeveloped, logic of mutual support. South Korea is well positioned to assist Canadas growing efforts to contribute to the maintenance of the Indo-Pacific maritime security order. Canadas Indo-Pacific engagement has increased in recent years, but it remains constrained by distance, limited assets, and competing commitments in Europe and the Arctic. South Korea, by contrast, brings advanced naval capabilities, sustained regional presence, and operational experience in highly contested maritime environments. Cooperation with South Korea can therefore act as a force multiplier for Canada, allowing Ottawa to anchor its Indo-Pacific strategy more firmly in regional realities through joint naval activities, information sharing, and coordination on issues such as sanctions enforcement against North Korea. At the same time, the logic of support runs in the opposite direction as well. Canada possesses deep expertise in Arctic and northern maritime security, including cold-weather operations, undersea infrastructure protection, maritime governance, and the management of strategic competition in a sensitive and rapidly changing region. As climate change accelerates Arctic accessibility and geopolitical interest, South Koreas stake in northern security is quietly growing. Seoul depends increasingly on Arctic sea routes, global energy flows, and the stability of northern maritime commons, yet it lacks long-standing operational and governance experience in the region. Canada is therefore uniquely positioned to help South Korea think more systematically about how a non-Arctic state can contribute responsibly to Arctic and northern maritime security without undermining existing governance frameworks or exacerbating regional tensions. Maritime security emerges naturally as the core pillar of this bilateral relationship. Both countries face threats that fall below the threshold of open conflict, including gray-zone activities, sabotage of undersea cables, and challenges to freedom of navigation. Canadas participation in UN sanctions enforcement against North Korea demonstrates growing willingness to act, but sustained effectiveness requires close cooperation with capable regional partners. South Korea provides exactly that kind of partnership. Conversely, South Koreas expanding naval profile and global maritime ambitions would benefit from Canadian perspectives on Arctic operations, maritime domain awareness in extreme environments, and coordination among like-minded states in northern waters. The real value of cooperation lies less in large-scale joint exercises than in interoperability, shared situational awareness, and alignment in niche but strategically significant capabilities. Despite this strong strategic logic, defense-industrial cooperation remains one of the weakest links in the relationship. This is paradoxical given South Koreas emergence as a major defense manufacturing power and Canadas persistent struggles with procurement delays, cost overruns, and limited industrial capacity. In theory, the two economies are complementary: South Korea offers speed, scale, and production efficiency, while Canada brings advanced technologies, Arctic testing environments, and access to North American defense ecosystems. In practice, however, regulatory barriers, political caution, and divergent procurement cultures continue to limit progress. Without a clearer framework for co-development or joint sustainmentparticularly in maritime and dual-use technologiesdefense-industrial cooperation risks remaining ad hoc and politically sensitive rather than strategically transformative. There are, of course, real constraints. Canadas defense resources are stretched across NATO commitments, Arctic security, and domestic priorities, while South Korea cannot afford to dilute its focus on deterrence against North Korea. There is also a risk that bilateral cooperation becomes overly derivative of U.S. strategic priorities rather than grounded in an independent CanadaSouth Korea logic. Moreover, without institutionalized mechanisms, cooperation may remain episodic and personality-driven, vulnerable to shifts in political attention. Yet these constraints do not negate the strategic case. On the contrary, they underscore the need for a more focused, realistic approach. CanadaSouth Korea defense cooperation matters not because the two countries face identical threats, but because they face interconnected ones. South Korea can help Canada become a more credible and effective contributor to Indo-Pacific maritime security, while Canada can help South Korea better understand and engage with emerging Arctic and northern maritime security dynamics. This form of cross-regional complementarity offers a quiet but powerful model of middle-power cooperationone that does not seek to replicate alliances, but to reinforce global stability through practical, capability-driven partnership in an increasingly complex security environment. Jihoon Yu is the director of external cooperation and an associate research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. After the successful and audacious military operation to capture Venezuelas narco-terrorist dictator, Nicolas Maduro, attention has unexpectedly shifted north to Greenland. This reignited a debate that few Americans, and nobody in NATO, want. President Trump first floated the prospect of acquiring Greenland during his first term, only to abandon it after the proposal proved deeply unpopular. Now, early in his second term, the idea has resurfacedthis time with more momentum. The timing is curious, particularly given that President Trumps recently released National Security Strategy emphasizes U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere but does not mention the Arctic at all. Greenland, despite its strategic location, is entirely absent from the document. But President Trump is right about one thing: Greenland matters to U.S. national security. Its geographic position in the High North makes it indispensable for early-warning radar, missile defense, and monitoring airborne threats approaching North America. These capabilities are critical to protecting the U.S. homeland and why the U.S. operates an airbase in the country. Fortunately, the United States already achieves these objectives without annexing Greenland. A U.S.Denmark defense agreement dating back to 1951 establishes America as the primary security guarantor of the island. In addition, through its association with Denmark, Greenland falls within NATOs area of responsibility. Despite frequent claims to the contrary, Greenland is not encircled by hostile forces. Russian naval activity in the broader region is long-standing and has occurred periodically since the Cold War. The United States and its NATO allies have tried-and-tested practices in place to monitor and track this activity. Anyway, the best way to weaken any Russian threat in the Arctic is to help the Ukrainians fight them in Ukrainesomething that President Trump seems reluctant to do. As for China, there are legitimate reasons to worry about Beijings growing role in Arctic affairs, but Chinas presence in Greenland is not one of themat least for now. There are no Chinese naval vessels operating in waters near Greenland, and Chinese economic involvement on the island remains limited. While Greenland maintains a trading relationship with China, primarily involving seafood exports, there is no meaningful Chinese strategic footprint. China does not operate a single mine in Greenland, and Beijings previous attempts to finance airport construction or purchase a former U.S.Danish military installation were blocked, demonstrating that existing safeguards are working. There is also a persistent misconception that Denmark lacks a legitimate claim to Greenland. In reality, Danish sovereignty over Greenland dates back to 1721 and has been recognized repeatedly by the United States. Today, Greenland is an autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of Denmark. The Greenlandic government now exercises authority over nearly all domestic policy areas, with foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy remaining under Danish responsibility. The islands roughly 57,000 residents are spread across dozens of communities, with the capital, Nuuk, home to about one-third of the population. No two towns or villages are connected by a road. Greenlands long-term political aspiration is full independence from Denmarkan outcome Copenhagen has said it would support when Greenlanders believe the time is right. Importantly, no major political party in Greenland currently supports joining the United States. Their wishes should be respected. If Washington wants to deepen its relationship with Greenland, it has many constructive options. It can deploy additional military assets under existing agreements, expand economic and trade ties, support direct flights from North America, and finally establish a direct shipping route between Greenland and the U.S. East Coastan idea discussed for years but never realized. If access to rare earth minerals is a genuine priority, the United States could pursue a cooperative resource agreement with Greenland similar to its arrangement with Ukraine. Arguing that Greenland lies in Americas backyard, that its people are dissatisfied with their governance, or that U.S. security requires territorial control echoes the same justifications Russia uses when speaking about Ukraine. That is not an analogy the United States should embrace. If the U.S. is worried about a growing security threat in Arctic, the solution is to help its ally Denmarknot to annex Greenland. However, if one day Greenland becomes independent and later seeks a closer association with the United States, that conversation can take place then. Until that time, annexation rhetoric is premature and counterproductive. At a moment when transatlantic unity is essentialparticularly as Russia continues its war against Ukraineunnecessary divisions serve no one but Moscow and Beijing. Luke Coffey is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute. His work at Hudson analyzes national security and foreign policy, with a focus on Europe, Eurasia, NATO, and transatlantic relations. Instagram / Veronica Rodriguez By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/15/2026 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. alum Veronica Rodriguez and fiance Seth Daryoushfar are no longer facing domestic violence charges.Court records indicate Veronica's charge of misdemeanor domestic violence and Seth's charge of misdemeanor assault on a female have been dismissed, Starcasm reported The charges were dropped by the prosecutor on January 12 because neither Veronica or Seth wanted to testify against the other.Both witnesses reportedly cited their Fifth Amendment rights when refusing to testify.Both cases were ruled voluntary dismissals without leave by the DA, which means the prosecutor chose to drop their case without court approval and an option for the case to be reinstated later, unless new charges are filed separately.Veronica and Seth were both arrested in North Carolina for domestic violence on December 15.However, the couple -- who got engaged in September 2025 in Italy -- bonded out and were released from jail on that same day.Veronica was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence after she allegedly used "physical force" on Seth and struck him in the face.Seth, for his part, was charged with assault on a female after Veronica had reportedly accused him of holding and grabbing her, "causing scratches" to her "wrists and thighs."The alum paid a $500 bond before her release, and she was reportedly instructed not to "assault, threaten or harass" Seth.Seth, meanwhile, had to post a $2,500 bond, and he was also told to leave Veronica alone.Veronica and Seth originally had a court date scheduled for March 3, 2026.One day before the pair was arrested, Veronica gushed about how 2025 was "the best year yet" and she was looking forward to spending more time with Seth.Veronica, who is star Tim Malcolm's ex-fiance and has appeared on multiple spinoffs on TLC, got engaged on her 40th birthday.Veronica told Us Weekly at the time that her engagement was "the most unforgettable gift" for her birthday.Veronica went Instagram official with Seth in January 2025, although it remains unclear how long they've been dating.After making their public debut, Veronica and Seth traveled to the Grand Canyon, New York City, Las Vegas and more.Veronica, however, wrote on social media how Seth's love felt like "home" to her.Veronica has appeared on : Before the 90 Days, 90 Day: The Single Life, and : Pillow Talk.Veronica was initially part of Tim's storyline, given they were previously engaged, on : Before the 90 Days in 2019. The pair remained good friends and decided to co-parent her daughter Chloe Sanchez together.Veronica filmed Season 3 of 90 Day: The Single Life, which aired on TLC in 2022, with her ex-boyfriend Justin Foster.The couple split during an October 2022 episode when Justin had decided to move to Florida to be closer to his kids and their mother. Veronica didn't want to move, and so the pair opted to part ways.Veronica was then shown dating : Happily Ever After? star Kim Menzies' son Jamal on Season 4 of The Single Life, which aired on TLC in early 2024, but it didn't take long for their romance to fizzle out.This is not the first time Veronica has been taken into custody.Veronica was arrested in Florida for multiple felonies, including 3 battery charges, in 2006, Starcasm reported.Veronica allegedly struck a police officer and paramedic following a traffic accident.Two of Veronica's felony charges were reportedly dismissed, and the other two were eventually dropped to misdemeanor charges.The misdemeanor charges were later dismissed in April 2006 after the DA's office decided not to prosecute.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! Instagram / Haley Ferguson The Bachelor alum Haley Ferguson has announced she and husband Oula Palve are expecting their second child together. BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese capital Beijing saw 5.48 million inbound tourism trips in 2025, up 39 percent year on year, raking in an inbound tourism spending of 50.56 billion yuan (about 7.21 billion U.S. dollars), up 44.7 percent year on year, official data showed on Friday. Of these trips, 923,500 were made by tourists from China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, up 26.7 percent year on year, while 4.557 million were made by foreigners, up 41.8 percent year on year, according to data from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. Among the trips made by foreigners, 2.01 million were made by those from Asia, 1.562 million by those from Europe and 641,000 by those from the Americas, up 43 percent, 47.9 percent and 35.6 percent, respectively. Beijing has enhanced services for inbound travelers by facilitating visa and customs clearance, payments, shopping and tax refunds. The city has also introduced innovative tourism offerings, including 10 themed travel routes and tours to world heritage sites and historic hutongs. According to the bureau, in 2026, Beijing plans to further enhance refined services for inbound tourists and develop new offerings involving intangible cultural heritage and traditional Chinese medicine. Images by Patrick McCarthy / Match Grade Media What started in 2018 as the SIG SUAER P365, a micro-compact pistol sporting an industry-shocking 10-round magazine, has become something totally different 7 years later. Since that original release, SIG has sent from their doors a dozen different sizes and flavors of the P365 going from the micro-compact P365 release to the P365X, XL, MACRO. MACRO-Comp, all the way to the nearly-full-suze FUSE. Now, far larger than a full-size pistol, we have the P365-FLUX, a PDW with brace, muzzle shroud, 6 barrel, and optic. What started as 10+1 is now 25+1+25 with the extra magazine slot forward of the grip. The weirdest part? The P365-FLUX still fits in your pants and is entirely concealable. P365-FLUX SPECS CALIBER: 9mm Luger PISTOLSIZE: Compact PDW MAGS INCLUDED: (2) 17rd / (1) 25rd Steel Mags SIGHTS: XRAY3 Day/Night Sights OPTIC READY: Yes SIGHT RADIUS: 5.6 in SLIDEFINISH: Nitron SLIDE MATERIAL: Stainless Steel ELECTRO-OPTIC INSTALLED: Yes TRIGGER ACTION: Striker TRIGGER TYPE: Flat Faced MANUAL SAFETY: Yes FRAME MATERIAL: Stainless Steel GRIP MODULE: FLUX P365 Chassis GRIP MATERIAL: Standard Polymer GRIP COLOR: Black ACCESSORY RAIL: 1913 Picatinny Rail FCU MATERIAL: Stainless Steel BARRELLENGTH: 6 in [152.4 mm] THREADED BARREL: No BARREL MATERIAL: Carbon Steel OVERALL LENGTH: 19.1 in [486 mm] OVERALL WIDTH: 1.34 in Deployed / 1.52 in Folded [34 mm / 39 mm] HEIGHT: 7.75 in WEIGHT: 49.2 oz [1395 g] FLUX DEFENSE AND SIG SAUER Credit for the P365-FLUX doesnt have much to do with SIG Sauer and is almost entirely due to Flux Defense, the inventors of the P320 Raider X and Raider 365 chassis. First offered in Aluminum, the Raider 365 was a DIY upgrade for a P365 giving you the option of turning your boring EDC micro-compact into a fancy PDW with a lot more sex appeal. SIG Sauer isnt known for partnering with outside brands, but it seems Flux was too good to ignore because not long after the Raider 365 hit the market, SIG announced the P365-FLUX. This package, direct from SIG, took the DIY chassis and turned it into a complete factory product straight from SIG. Weve covered the standalone Flux Defense Raider 365 chassis before, but its worth talking about again. Because the SIG P365 uses a serialized Fire Control Unit as the true firearm part, it has the ability to change grip modules at will. The Flux chassis is, effectively, a new grip module that the P365 FCU drops into. The normal chassis then pairs with a normal P365 slide and barrel assembly, and youre good to go. The version direct from SIG comes as a completed package with the FCU installed in a Flux Ultralight chassis, P365 slide, special 6 barrel, and Romeo X Enclosed redot mounted on top. The Flux chassis major features are the same from SIG as the DIY version from Flux Defense. Fitted with a pistol brace that folds down flat, its easy to release with just a press forward on a right-side-mounted button conveniently near your index finger. Even drawing from a holster, this is easy to press and deploy in a smooth draw stroke. The brace is spring-loaded and is assisted in opening by a piece of bungee cord. Less authoritative than it could be, but the brace deploys quickly enough. Forward of the pistol grip is a magazine attachment point for storing a spare magazine. Behind this extra mag well is a magazine release that will drop the forward spare mag with a soft press, or drop both the forward magazine and the primary magazine with a harder press of the button. This nifty little feature is patented by Flux. 6 of barrel ends up sitting out from the slide, but this extra barrel is hidden and protected by a shroud. The shroud allows for a good C-clamp grip if you so choose, but Im not convinced thats really the best option here. 1913 Picatinny railing is set under the barrel shroud for mounting lights. Something full-size like a Streamlight TLR-7 or SureFire X300 wont fit due to the pistol brace needing to fold flush with the end of the muzzle, but slightly smaller lights like the Streamlight TLR-7 or TLR-7 SUB fit perfectly. PCC, PDW, SBR, OH MY In the firearms world, names tend to have a lot of different meanings, and sometimes no meaning at all. While the final definitions and differences between a Personal Defense Weapon and Pistol Caliber Carbine are fuzzy at best, something that is legally defined is Short Barreled Rifle. Since the P365-FLUX has a wire thingy that folds out, you might think its an SBR. But we live in an age where names are what you make of them, and just like it says right on the side of the chassis, its a brace not a stock. The legalities of brace vs. stock are confusing and ill-defined, but the bottom line is that since this is a brace, its not a stock. And since its not a stock, it cant be a short barreled rifle. If youre new to this and already confused, thats normal. The deeper you go down this rabbit hole, the worse your symptoms will get. Before you get to the mygrain level, lets just make it simple and say that the P365-FLUX is produced and sold by SIG SAUER, and their lawyers feel confident that this is a braced pistol and is not subject to the NFA. P365-FLUX ON THE RANGE From the first trigger pull, its clear that this isnt a pistol, and this isnt a pistol caliber carbine either. PDW is what Flux and SIG both call it, but Im not even sure its that, but its close enough. If you focus on the gun, it feels weird. The red dot is really close to your face, the slide is uncomfortably close to your nose, the braces frame digs into your cheek, and slaps you in the face when you pull the trigger. The trigger itself feels like a defensive pistols trigger and not like a smooth PCC trigger. Your support hand is confused at best because you dont grip it like a pistol, but you have a shroud over the barrel so you can C-clamp it But with a light attached, its ergonomically compromised, and if you do try to C-clamp the forend, you now have your own hand in your sight picture. Whenever a new firearm comes in for review, the first thing that happens is some dry fire sessions. In dry fire, the P365-FLUX feels wrong in almost every way. But the review doesnt stop there. The first range session with the P365-FLUX wasnt to plink around and get to know the gun. Instead, it was a local steel match with stages designed much like USPSA, but with steel targets. This makes for a fast and friendly match that doesnt require much resetting and zero taping. From the first beep on the first stage, all of those quirks found in dry fire evaporated. Sure, the P365-FLUX still isnt the most comfortable gun to shoot. But if you let it, it will run like a scalded cat. Everything about shooting the P365-FLUX is different than a normal PCC or a normal pistol, but it runs fast and makes precision hits. Even going up against shooters with real race-gun PCCs like customized MP5s, JP-5s, and MeanArms uppers my little P365-FLUX didnt do too bad, pulling 3rd overall at a match dominated by PCCs. That being said, this isnt a competition gun. You can use it in competition, but that isnt the main goal. This is a personal defense weapon, and it shines in that role. Small enough with the brace collapsed to be carried concealed, this is a lot of firearm to be packed in such a small format. The brace doesnt turn this into the perfect PCC, but it does enhance the P365 into something far more controllable and shootable than what a basic P365 gives you. I dont see myself ever carrying this in the holster for EDC, but for a Get Home bag or something of the like, this is a great option. HOLSTERS AND EXTRAS Holsters for the P365-FLUX and the Raider 365 chassis in general are offered from a few sources, but not many. Just recently, Flux Defense released their 2.0 version holster, and its proven to be a huge step up from the first design. This second holster works both for in-waistband and outside-waistband carry, concealed or open. With a generous number of mounting points, its easy to add whatever hardware the heart desires to make this holster fit whatever is needed. Mine was rigged with a Safariland QLS fork to use on my competition/training belt that sees the most use. The Flux holster is simple, but it works well. No active retention or fancy features, its just polymer and screws to make a shell that fits snuggly but doesnt grip the P365-FLUX too tightly. Also available are two versions of a Flux magwell: Carry and Full-Size. A slightly larger magwell is never a bad thing, and these work as expected. Maybe not a required addition, but its nice to have the option available. LOOSE ROUNDS The worst part about the P365-FLUX is the price. While SIG doesnt publish MSRP anymore, it looks like the MSRP for this is about $1,650. That is a lot. But the Flux Defense chassis on its own is $520 for the Aluminum version and $500 for the Ultralight. A $500 chassis plus a P365 pistol with a special barrel, plus the enclosed Romeo X red dot, and the price tag makes sense. Its still a lot of money, but it makes sense. And compared to other good PDWs on the market, $1,650 isnt as harsh as it sounds. Springfield Kuna runs $1,000, B&T TP9 is close to $2,500, a decent MP5 clone is about $1,000. And none of those come with a red dot, and none of them have the same form factor that the P365-FLUX has. After putting a case of ammo through the P365-FLUX and getting to know it, I dig it a lot. Its not a pistol, its not a PCC, but its better in most ways than either one. MANILA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at Angeles University Foundation (CI-AUF) in the Philippines held a ceremony on Thursday to mark its 15th anniversary in Angeles City, about 80 km north of Manila. In his speech, AUF President Joseph Angeles said that over the years, the CI-AUF has opened doors for countless learners, fostering curiosity, cultural appreciation, and global understanding. "As we look back on this remarkable journey, we do so with deep gratitude and pride, celebrating not only the milestones achieved, but also the meaningful connections forged among our institutions, our communities, and our peoples," Angeles said. For her part, former Philippine President Gloria Arroyo said the CI-AUF has demonstrated its culture of excellence in Chinese language teaching, making it the most widely implemented foreign language program in the public secondary schools of the country. Arroyo expressed the hope that for the next 15 years, the CI-AUF would continue to fulfill its mission and brings Chinese language and culture more accessible to a wider audience, and continue to serve as a bridge between the two countries. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan said in his speech that China and the Philippines are geographically close, culturally connected, and economically complementary, with enormous potential for cooperation. Jing hoped that students could use language to open more opportunities in life and use Chinese to open a bright future for China-Philippines ties. The CI-AUF was inaugurated in January 2010 through cooperation between Fujian Normal University in China and Angeles University Foundation in the Philippines. Eighteen new-age technology firms went public during the year, a near triple increase from the five firms that debuted in 2023 and 38 per cent more than 2024s tally of 13. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Indias long-stalled technology initial public offering (IPO) market continued the strong revival march in 2025, as venture-backed companies demonstrated that the path to public markets now runs through profitability rather than growth at any cost. Eighteen new-age technology firms went public during the year, a near triple increase from the five firms that debuted in 2023 and 38 per cent more than 2024s tally of 13. Together, they raised 41,283 crore ($4.9 billion), with companies including e-commerce platform Meesho, electric-vehicle maker Ather Energy and eyewear retailer Lenskart tapping buoyant investor demand. The revival march reflects a fundamental strategic shift among founders and their backers following the funding frenzy of 2021-2022. Companies that once prioritised user acquisition and market share above all else have retooled operations around unit economics, leaner cost structures and clear paths to profitability -- attributes that public-market investors increasingly demand. Founders are focusing on fixing their unit economics, adopting leaner operations, cutting cash burn, and establishing clear pathways to profitability, said Neha Singh, co-founder of research firm Tracxn. This operational discipline has prepared them for public markets where investors prioritise stable growth and financial discipline over scale at all costs approach, she said. Gopal Jain, managing director and chief executive at Gaja Capital, said that after the 2022-23 correction, companies were forced to recalibrate growth, cut discretionary burn, and demonstrate contribution margin discipline. By 202425, many scaled startups were either Ebitda-positive or on a clear, time-bound path to profitability. Jain said that between January 2024 and December 2025, there were 67 PE or VC-backed IPOs, of which roughly 80 per cent reported positive Ebitda (Earnings before profit, tax, depreciation and amortisation) with growth at the time of listing. This improvement was not cosmetic; it was driven by lower customer acquisition costs, better pricing power, and operating leverage, said Jain. He said governance and disclosure standards improved significantly. Companies approaching IPO in 2025 had already institutionalised boards, audit discipline, and internal controls, often under the scrutiny of late-stage private equity investors preparing for public markets. This reduced execution risk for public investors and narrowed the credibility gap that had affected earlier cohorts. Meesho exemplifies shift Abhimanyu Bhattacharya, partner at law firm Khaitan & Co, said that after the first wave of tech listings, investors demanded profitable or near-profitable models, cleaner unit economics and far more granular key performance indicator (KPI) disclosures. Securities and exchange board of Indias (SEBI) tighter regime on KPI and ongoing disclosure standards reinforced that discipline. At the same time, Bhattacharya said India settled into a structural IPO run-rate that gave quality startups confidence that there is deep, repeat capital available onshore, rather than a one-off window. E-commerce firm Meesho exemplified the shift. The company raised $604 million in its IPO and made a strong market debut in December, with shares jumping roughly 46 per cent on listing. Urban Company, the home services platform, raised 1,900 crore in September with bids 104 times the offer size. The Gurugram-based company, which operates across 47 Indian cities, turned profitable in 2024-25, reporting 240 crore net profit compared with a 93 crore loss the previous year. Nithin Kaimal, partner and chief operating officer, Bessemer Venture Partners India, said that listed Indian companies are now significantly owned by retail and domestic institutional investors and this bodes well for long term stability of the markets. This is a healthy evolution that will lead to many more PE and VC-backed companies listing in the public markets, he said. Market conditions also mattered Strong domestic flows into Indian equities, particularly mid- and small-caps, created depth and risk appetite that absorbed new-age issuers without excessive valuation compression. Reflecting this, Jain of Gaja Capital said approximately 57 per cent of PE or VC-backed IPOs over this period traded above their offer price, indicating selective but supportive public-market reception. The improvement in business metrics bodes well and, in my view, is durable. But pockets of froth remain, especially around smaller, momentum-driven issues, where post-listing corrections have already indicated that markets will test projections, said Bhattacharya of Khaitan & Co. Not every marquee listing lived up to pre-IPO expectations Lenskart, one of Indias most closely watched consumer-tech offerings, drew strong interest ahead of its listing but delivered a more restrained market debut than many investors had anticipated. The stocks early performance reflected heightened scrutiny of valuation and profitability, underscoring that public markets in 2025 were willing to reward scale and executionbut with greater discipline on price. Lenskarts much-anticipated 7,278 crore IPO, priced at 402 per share, got off to a subdued start in late 2025, opening at a modest discount of about 3 per cent around 390-395 and closing the session marginally higher at 403.3. New Crop of IPOs Jain of Gaja Capital said India today has approximately 25,000 unlisted PE or VC-backed companies, of which around 15,000 have been operating for more than seven years. Within this universe, roughly 10 per cent, or about 1,500 companies, have crossed the $10 million revenue mark with positive Ebitda. About one-third of these, or roughly 450500 companies, are growing at rates exceeding 25 percent and can be thought of as IPO ready. From an IPO-readiness perspective, this suggests a sizeable but finite pool of companies that meet basic scale, profitability, and governance thresholds, said Jain of Gaja Capital. At the current pace of roughly 3035 PE or VC-backed IPOs per year, this represents a healthy, multi-year pipeline from private to public markets. A related structural shift is the growing trend of corporate flip-backs. Over the last five years, 11 companies have flipped back to India to position themselves for Indian IPOs, with five of these occurring in 2025 alone. This trend reflects confidence in Indian public markets and is likely to continue, said Jain. Looking at current filings and deal pipelines, there are a handful of Indian startups today which are 'public-market ready'. We may see a second category of issuers companies pushed towards listing by fund-life pressures and the search for liquidity. However, this cohort could face pricing pressures and post-listing volatility, said Bhattacharya of Khaitan & Co. The pipeline is overweight consumer internet, fintech and asset-light platforms. Valuation corrections could occur in B2C models with weak cash flows and excessive customer acquisition spend. The public markets will favour quality of revenue not just top-line growth. Jain of Gaja Capital said only a minority of late-stage startups combine sufficient scale, predictable cash flows, and governance maturity to withstand public-market scrutiny without relying on favourable sentiment. These companies typically have diversified revenue streams, operating leverage, and experienced management teams. The lessons from 2025 are clear. Public markets reward predictability, transparency, and discipline far more than narratives. We advise companies to prepare for IPOs as if they will remain public for decades, not as an exit event, said Jain. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has, in principle, agreed to the proposed settlement of the long-pending colocation and dark fibre cases filed by the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said on Wednesday. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Speaking on the sidelines of the AIBI Annual Convention, Pandey said the settlement proposal is currently under examination by Sebis internal committees. It (the settlement) is under the process of our different committees. "But in principle, we agree with the settlement, he said. In its application submitted around JuneJuly 2025, NSE offered to pay Rs 1,388 crore under Sebis settlement regulations to resolve the colocation and dark fibre matters. If approved, this would be the largest settlement ever reached with the market regulator. In the second quarter (JulySeptember/Q2) of 202526, NSE recognised a provision of Rs 1,297 crore, including interest, towards the settlement of matters related to the colocation and dark fibre cases. The exchange had noted that this provisioning was in addition to the Rs 100 crore penalty imposed by the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) in the colocation order passed by a Sebi whole-time member, which had already been adjusted against the amount deposited by NSE with Sebi during 202223. The proposed settlement is seen as a key step towards clearing regulatory hurdles for NSEs long-awaited initial public offering (IPO). Last week, the Sebi chairman said the regulator was likely to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) for NSEs IPO within this month. Once the NOC is granted, the exchange will be able to formally initiate the IPO process and refile its draft red herring prospectus after nearly a decade. Market participants said the resolution of the prolonged legal disputes is critical for regulatory approval of the public issue. The colocation case currently pending before the Supreme Court (SC) relates to allegations that certain brokers received preferential access to NSEs trading servers between 2015 and 2016. If Sebi clears the settlement, it will be required to file an affidavit in the apex court to withdraw its appeal in the matter. In January 2023, SAT upheld non-monetary penalties against NSE but set aside a disgorgement order, instead imposing a fine of around Rs 100 crore for lapses in due diligence. Later that year, the SC directed Sebi to refund about Rs 300 crore to NSE in connection with the case. Amid expectations of a listing, NSEs shareholder base has expanded sharply. The exchange had 183,621 public shareholders at the end of 2025, of which retail investors accounted for 171,563, collectively holding about a 12.3 per cent stake. Shares of NSE have also gained in the unlisted market over the past week. With deep sorrow we mourn the death on Thursday morning of long-time Rediff Columnist Mr N Sathiya Moorthy after a brief illness. This is Mr Sathiya Moorthy's final column which he filed before he was admitted to hospital. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhaynidhi Stalin, at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of the Tamil Nadu Hajj House at Nanganallur in Chennai, December 16, 2025. Photograph: @Udhaystalin X/ANI Photo Even as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M K Stalin indicated that the millions of beneficiaries of his social sector initiatives -- derisively dubbed by some as freebies -- are a committed vote-bank for his kind of 'Dravidian model' leadership, he seems unaware that the 'silver sieve' is leaking at the bottom, and heavily. If you call it a 'golden sieve' instead, the situation can only worsen in electoral terms. If however, many commentators give his DMK combine a better chance of winning this year's assembly polls in an emerging four-cornered contest, it owes to the perception that they remain united whereas the Opposition AIADMK-BJP alliance is at sixes and sevens even as actor-politician Vijay's new-found TVK is still groping in the dark, clueless, directionless. True, the DMK alliance is a victorious war-machine through three elections in a row -- 2019 and 2024 (Lok Sabha) and 2021 (state assembly). Yes, the chances of major hiccups in seat-sharing talks are also remote, if not non-existent. However, the anti-incumbency attaching to the four-plus years of DMK rule impacts them all in elections as much despite any of them not having any share in power -- nor a share in accompanying responsibility. IMAGE: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami. Photograph: AIADMK/ANI Photo In comparison, rival AIADMK boss and chief ministerial aspirant Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has not made things easier for self, the party and the BJP-NDA ally owing to his adamant attitude at multiple levels. One is his refusal to work with AIADMK veterans he had sacked, as desired by his second-rung, and also the BJP ally, starting with party chief strategist and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This has lost for the combine the benefits otherwise accruing to it from EPS' early whirlwind state-wide campaign, that too rightly over anti-incumbency affecting the DMK big time. In doing so, EPS also lost the great opportunity to rework the relations between the second-rung leaders and cadres of the AIADMK and the BJP. Their understanding was broken after EPS forced the AIADMK to walk out of the BJP combine ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, only for both to draw a blank separately. But throughout his campaign tour, he was the only main speaker, there was no place on the dais or elsewhere for his BJP and other allies. Despite reviving the alliance in April 2025, a full year ahead of the assembly polls, the two leaderships have failed to assuage AIADMK cadres' continued suspicions over the ideological and electoral outcomes of the BJP's hard-line Hindutva agenda. The 'Thiruparamkundram Deepa Thoon controversy' was only the latest, not necessarily the last one before the polls. At heart, AIADMK cadres, too, are opposed to hardline Hindutva, as communal harmony -- different from caste violence -- has penetrated into every village through centuries. But they also understand the impossibility of their electoral situation, as proved by the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Neither the AIADMK nor the BJP-NDA, contesting separately, could win a single seat. The former polled the lowest ever 20 per cent vote-share, worse than the 21 per cent for Jayalalithaa in 1996. The BJP-NDA obtained a total of 18.5 per cent. Without providing for shrinkage but only for possible accretion, Shah has put their collective score at an arithmetically accurate 41.50 per cent, enough to have a run for the top slot in a four-cornered contest. EPS has since started quoting Shah to his cadres without acknowledging the authorship, if it's one. Yet, this 20 per cent for the AIADMK is a committed vote-bank at least for the upcoming poll. The NDA figures are misleading. While the contest still continues over the actual vote-share of the BJP leader, the total includes those of allies, especially sacked AIADMK veterans O Pannerselvam (OPS) and T T V Dhinakaran, with his own Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMA). Shah's strategy is to convince/force-argue EPS into letting the likes of them return to the NDA fold even if granting them re-admittance into the AIADMK. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kuppusamy Annamalai during the Namma Uru Modi Pongal festival in Tenkasi, January 13, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo But that is only one side of the demoralisation coin for the AIADMK-NDA combine. The BJP is yet to regain the missing enthusiasm that went away with the sacked state unit president K Annamalai, again in April 2025. As party chief, he was not without flaws, especially in humiliating and at times 'hitting below the belt' of perceived challengers within the state party. He has to take his share of the blame even more for insulting AIADMK icons like MGR and Jayalalithaa, and giving EPS an extra handle to demand his removal for the revival of poll alliance that Amit Shah desired. Yet, Annamalai is one of the very few Opposition leaders in recent times who went hammer and tongs against his political target once fixed. The DMK was his assignment from the top, and not a day went by without Annamalai capturing media headlines with something new against the ruling DMK on the corruption front -- at times accompanied by volumes of documents that he claimed was proof and evidence. None questioned him, none verified them. During his forced vana vasam, Annamalai still remains the most talked about state BJP leader. He has also finally realied that it is difficult for a third front to win assembly elections in the state. Of course, he is targeting actor-politician Vijay's TVK, but this was the leitmotif behind his targeting the AIADMK and EPS when they were together. That is to say, by running down the two Dravidian majors (with a little help from central agencies), he could lead a third, reworked BJP-NDA front to electoral success. He has finally given up his hopes on the matter, at least for now. IMAGE: Months after the Karur stampede, Vijay returned to political rallies in Tamil Nadu on December 17, 2025. Photograph: TVK/ANI Photo By ensuring that Annamalai's place was taken by one-time AIADMK minister, Nainar Nagendran, and at the same time, losing the initial steam on state-wide anti-incumbency campaign, in favour of internal shenanigans even more, EPS has lost the plot, if at all he had any to begin with. Now that the elections are possibly just around hundred days away, the two party leaderships would get busy with seat-sharing talks of multiple kinds at multiple levels. That takes energy and more so, their time. They may recover the campaign plot, but might have lost precious time, which anyway they actually had but not anymore. After all the hullabaloo kicked off by the TVK since birth in February 2024, the post-Karur stampede dust, too, seems to be settling down for Vijay. He cannot get away with his customary ten-minute public speeches, which are also few and far in between -- cinematic punch-dialogues, one-liners and disrespectful teasers at the chief minister ('Stalin Uncle'/'Stalin Sir), none of which has made the 30-35 per cent of the state's swing voters to look up at him with any kind of seriousness. Likewise, despite AIADMK veteran K Sengottiyan crossing over to the TVK, it is anybody's guess if Vijay and his front-line yes-men from the past months have learnt their basic lessons in politics and poll management -- or, has given the other his time, space and access to the supreme leader as often required. The recent Puducherry public rally, the first one after the Karur tragedy, 72 days earlier, gave the impression that Vijay may not be as much of a crowd-puller as his free-for-all road-shows had shown. IMAGE: BJP's state President Nainar Nagendran being offered sweets by former party state president K Annamalai in Chennai. Photograph: ANI Photo Against all these, NTK's actor-politician founder Seeman has been ploughing a lone furrow and consciously so. Seeman should get the credit of contesting without allies, one election after another, on his own, increasing his vote share at every turn though with no hope of winning a seat. Through all this, he has displayed the kind of 'staying power' that no other party or leader had shown in Dravidian Tamil Nadu in the past three-plus decades. This is questionable in the case of Vijay and the TVK, as none inside or outside the party has seriously thought about the possibility of their losing the assembly elections, not badly but with a promising vote-share, with or without seats. It would be a different scenario especially if Vijay is quitting films after the release of Jana Nayakan. Down the years, when the party would have to face future elections, new-generation film fans may flock to another popular actor of their times, leaving Vijay with his present-day Gen Z, who too would be busy with their life, aspirations and commitments. This happened to 'super-star' Rajinikanth, who talked about active politics from the mid-nineties (as if to fool his fans) and came out of his shell only ahead of the 2021 elections. Only then, he found out that the world around him had changed and moved faster ahead than expected. IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party National President J P Nadda with state president Nainar Nagendran chairs the BJP's Tamil Nadu core committee meeting in Chennai. Photograph: ANI Photo Through all this and more, the Tamil Nadu voter is getting a mixed and at times confused view of things, distracted as he already is by every-day chores that are more and different from those of his parental generation. For instance, despite a majority of local analysts claiming a comfortable position for the DMK combine, it is not so. There are two factors. On the alliance front, despite rumours to the contrary, Stalin is capable of stitching together a seat-sharing pact with the clear message that he was working only for a stand-alone DMK government once again, and not coalitions of the kind that the BJP has pushed down the throat of rival AIADMK. In doing so, he has to silently market to the voter how only a single-party government can ensure 'political stability', which his rivals lacked, even at commencement. The second rider goes beyond Stalin's social welfare offerings that will continue until the Election Commission announces the Model Code of Conduct, but will be taken into the DMK's poll manifesto (as in the case of the rest). Stalin's strategists in the party and government seem to have overlooked the fact that the targeted groups have become habituated with the welfare schemes -- an average monthly benefit valued at Rs 5,000 for every family -- and they will now need more. This habituation with 'freebies' has also made the voter to take a closer look at other aspects of governance, starting with delivery mechanisms of schemes already in operation/or announced. It looks as if every time the CM announces a new welfare scheme targeted at individual age and gender-groups, the bureaucracy is overwhelmed by the additional work on hand. The misses and mistakes are unavoidable, especially in the case of welfare schemes, but the beneficiary groups do not care. IMAGE: M K Stalin distributes welfare assistance, including scooters and wheelchairs fitted with connecting wheels and hearing aids, to 400 differently-abled individuals on World Disability Day in Chennai. Photograph: Udhayanidhi Stalin X/ANI Photo Likewise, women commuters have not stopped thanking Stalin for the free bus-ride to their work-place and wherever they want to go. They are now ridiculing the abominable state of government buses, whether in the villages or capital city, Chennai. It is not only about women. Every-day curses on rickety roads, law and order, starting with women's safety, wanton delays even in e-environment, unpaid salaries, pension benefits for thousands, and inadequate recruitment for new jobs, continue across the board. Worse still, people see a hidden hand, a purpose, a motive. Every time the Opposition flags such issues, there are no convincing answers. Compared to what they see and experience every day, for the common man complicated ideas like governmental debt and other economic terminologies may go way above his head. Yet, from sections of social media, the voter knows that the State has run the highest debt of Rs 9.5 lakh crores even as it is celebrating the highest growth rate of 16 per cent for any state in the country. He also knows that freebies cost a lot -- but is not convinced that all the debt-money has taken that route or the infrastructure/development path. Interestingly, no Opposition party has made any serious and persistent issue on the debt front. If hence the government thinks that the voters don't care about the source of funding of freebies, and not their final destination, it's the other way round. Very long ago, they came to the philosophical conclusion that at the end of it all, the rulers and aspirants would still have to come back to them, the voters, periodically -- and that's when they pronounced their verdict, silently yet effectively. Until then, the ruling party has the luxury of believing that Stalin's welfare schemes and alliance-stability would see them through. The latter is more dependable than the former, as the silver-sieve on which the CM has placed them all, one above the other, is leaking at the bottom -- and it stinks of corruption and maladministration, which all the fragrance will not sweeten. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Namma Ooru Modi Pongal festival celebration in Tiruchirappalli, Januaty 5, 2026. Photograph: @annamalai_k X/ANI Photo Independent of politics and elections, if someone should be learning something out of the TN experience, it should be the BJP's MoShah combo. Unless they decide to tighten the screws even more, they may have learnt that Dravidian leaders, whether allies or adversaries, do not give into threats and realities of raids by central agencies. It is not because they do not fear arrests and imprisonment -- the DMK's Senthil Balaji went through the ordeal for 400 days before the Supreme Court granted him bail, but did not spill the beans, if any. But it owes to the inherent loyalty attached to Dravidian politics and politicians, whose families and communities are greater votaries than maybe those individual leaders. It is not known outside the state, hence not experienced by the Delhi leadership, either. You can read N Sathiya Moorthy's earlier columns here. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff An eight-year-old boy found himself alone at a hospital as he arranged the postmortem examination of his mother, who died of HIV-related infection, until local police stepped in to help him with legal formalities and the last rites in Uttar Pradesh Etah. Shani accompanied his mother's body to the morgue for the autopsy, telling officials he had no one else with him, police said. Neelam (40), wife of Surendra, died during treatment at Virangana Avantibai Medical College on Thursday. At the time of her death, only her minor son Shani was with her, police said. According to Jalesar Circle Officer (CO) Ritesh Thakur, Neelam had been suffering from complications caused by HIV infection for nearly a month, and was staying at her parental home in Farrukhabad for treatment. As her condition deteriorated, she returned to her native village Nagla Dheeraj under Jethra police station limits five days ago, and was later admitted to the Etah medical college, where she succumbed during treatment early Thursday. Hospital officials informed police, following which personnel were deputed to conduct inquest proceedings and complete other legal formalities. The boy told police and mediapersons that he had no contact number of any relative and was unable to reach out for help. His elder sister, Rakhi (15), lives at their maternal grandparents' home in Farrukhabad's Narayanpur village. Later, through villagers, Neelam's father was informed, while police also alerted her in-laws, who reached the village after getting the news. At the morgue, Shani broke down, repeatedly saying he was alone and had brought his mother all by himself. He also alleged that his uncles wanted to harm him over a land dispute. Police confirmed that Neelam's husband Surendra had died around eight months ago while undergoing treatment for HIV infection, and Neelam was also HIV-positive. Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajendra Prasad said both husband and wife were infected with HIV. On whether the children were infected, he said it depends on whether the mother was HIV-positive during childbirth, and only tests could confirm their status. The station house officer said all necessary arrangements for Neelam's last rites were made by the police. The cremation was performed around 1 pm in the presence of family members, villagers and police personnel. CO Thukur dismissed any threat to the child's life, stating that the uncles live in Delhi and had returned only after receiving news of the death. He said the family is extremely poor and, with no earning member left, the children's only support appears to be their maternal relatives. The tactical alliance between the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) may not have aided the Thackeray cousins to win the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, but the pact helped them keep intact their traditional strongholds. IMAGE: MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, at Shiv Sena Bhavan in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo The Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS combine has managed to take decisive lead in Marathi speakers' strongholds in civic wards spread across assembly segments of Mahim, Sewree, Worli in the island city, besides Bhandup and Vikhroli in eastern suburbs. According to data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation at 7.30 pm on Friday, the BJP was leading in 67 seats, followed by the Shiv Sena (18), the Shiv Sena-UBT (55), the MNS (5), the Congress (14), the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (7), the Nationalist Congress Party (2), and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (1). Elections for the 227-member civic body, India's largest and richest, were held on Thursday and counting was taken up on Friday. However, the alliance, announced a few days before the January 15 polls, failed to make any impact in satellite cities of Mumbai -- Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayander, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Ulhasnagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar and Panvel -- all part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) -- one of the most urbanised belts of the country. A total of 29 municipal corporations went to polls. The alliance also failed to make any impact in cities like Nashik and Pune. After the debacle in the 2024 state assembly polls, Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray came together for civic elections, burying their 20-year old rivalry for 'Marathi manoos' and for the betterment of Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena-UBT won 20 seats in the state assembly, while the MNS drew a blank. Political analyst Prakash Akolkar, who has authored a book on the Shiv Sena, blamed the Thackerays for not campaigning enough in run up to the polls to mobilize support for their alliance. He noted both brothers wasted crucial time since they came together for the first time on July 5, 2025, to celebrate the 'victory' after the BJP-led Mahayuti government withdrew the contentious GRs on three-language formula for students from Classes 1-5 and made Hindi 'mandatory'. The coming together of the two cousins created a momentum and generated a lot of talks in political circles, but they could not capitalise on it, Akolkar maintained. The veteran analyst pointed that the Thackeray cousins addressed only three joint rallies -- in Mumbai, Nashik and Thane -- contrary to the announcement of holding multiple sabhas (gatherings). As per the original plan, the Thackerays were to address nine rallies -- three in Mumbai, one each in Kalyan, Dombivali, Mira-Bhayander, Thane, Pune and Nashik. They instead resorted to visiting 'shakhas' (local units of Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS), seeking to make personal connect. "Visiting shakhas may not necessarily help you connect with new voters," Akolkar opined. An MNS leader concurred with Akolkar. "Raj saheb's one rally in which he made a presentation against industrialists created quite a buzz both in the city and elsewhere. There should have been more such rallies," the MNS leader stressed. The leader said after the 2024 assembly debacle, the main intention behind the two cousins coming together was to salvage their parties and consolidate votes of Marathi speakers. "The MNS was on a ventilator and we wanted it to be off. The Shiv Sena-UBT which is in the ICU could be shifted to the general ward," the MNS leader remarked. The Shiv Sena-UBT has been witnessing a series of desertions since the 2022 split in the undivided Shiv Sena. More than half of the 84 BMC corporators of the undivided Shiv Sena elected in 2017 switched to the party led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, significantly eroding the support base of Uddhav Thackeray. The MNS, which won seven seats in the 2017 civic body polls, was reduced to just corporator as six switched loyalties and joined the undivided Shiv Sena. The MNS leader, however, pointed out that the Raj Thackeray-led party was on the backfoot ever since seat-sharing talks with the Shiv Sena (UBT) began. "The party (MNS) got a raw deal and was allotted difficult seats where the BJP had dominance," he insisted. The Bhairav Battalion is positioned between the Para Special Forces and regular infantry units to meet modern warfare requirements, especially in view of drone-intensive warfare. IMAGE: The Bhairav Battalion in action on 78th Army Day in Jaipur, January 15, 2026. Photograph: Kind courtesy ADGPI-INDIAN ARMY/YouTube The Indian Army on Thursday showcased its military might during the 78th Army Day parade in Jaipur, with the Bhairav Battalion, a new-generation high-speed offensive combat unit constituted after Operation Sindoor, making its first public appearance. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi reviewed the ceremonial parade. The pink city turned into olive green as personnel, weapons and advanced missiles marched through the streets, marking the first instance when a parade was held outside a cantonment area. The parade drew applause from residents, creating an energetic atmosphere along the route. 'Celebrating Army Day in Jaipur reflects our effort to take the Indian Army closer to the citizens,' the army chief said, noting that Operation Sindoor 'established a new normal' and demonstrated the army's ability to respond with speed, coordination and precision through firm and responsible action. General Dwivedi said the army is restructuring for future warfare through new formations such as Ashni platoons, Shaktiban regiments and Divyastra batteries, stressing that indigenisation is now a strategic necessity. The next two years, the COAS added, will focus on "networking and data-centric operations" to build a future-ready force. Operation Sindoor Gallantry Medals Presented on Army Day IMAGE: Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi presents a gallantry award (posthumous) to the mother of a soldier who lost his life in the line of duty. Photograph: @adgpi X/ANI Photo The army chief awarded the Sena Medal (posthumous) to the families of Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Hawaldar Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Lance Naik Subhash Kumar and Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar in recognition of their gallantry during Operation Sindoor. IMAGE: The Bhairav Battalion salutes General Dwivedi. Photograph: Kind courtesy ADGPI-INDIAN ARMY/YouTube A key highlight of the parade was the newly-formed Bhairav Battalion, which is positioned between the Para Special Forces and regular infantry units to meet modern warfare requirements, especially in view of drone-intensive warfare. These battalions will be trained for drone-enabled and multi-domain operations to provide precise offensive operations against enemy threats. IMAGE: The Indian Army showcases robot dogs during the Army Day Parade. Photograph: @BhajanlalBjpX/ANI Photo A strong focus was placed on emerging technologies, showcasing robot dogs, all-terrain vehicles and the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System, which detects aerial threats and neutralises them through kinetic or electronic means. The Drone Shakti initiative was also highlighted, underscoring efforts to integrate artificial intelligence, robotics and indigenous drone manufacturing. IMAGE: A human pyramid atop roaring motorcycles hoists the Tiranga during the parade. Photograph: ANI Photo Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff The Bharatiya Janata Party was on Friday set to seize power in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for the fourth time in a row, helped by its strong organisation and influence of top leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Nitin Gadkari and Chandrashekhar Bawankule. IMAGE: BJP workers celebrate their party's victory in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections, in Nagpur on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo As the counting was underway, the saffron party claimed that it had won 97 of the 151 seats and was leading in another 10 seats. The party has remained unassailable in Nagpur, home to the headquarters of its ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, since 2007. While the BJP contested 143 seats this time, its ally, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena contested eight. The Congress contested all 151 seats on its own. In the last NMC elections, the saffron party had won 108 seats. Senior Journalist Vivek Deshpande told PTI that it was wrong to believe that any anti-incumbency sentiment prevailed in the city before the polls. As Chief Minister Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and state minister Bawankule hailed from the city, there was no question of any let-up in the party's continuing influence on voters, he said. The three leaders frequently visited the city and made their presence visible. The Congress and other opposition parties, on the other hand, made no concerted efforts to rebuild their depleted base and were missing from the scene, Deshpande noted. The people did not seem to face any major civic issue, and the opposition was also hobbled by the lack of financial, human and organisational resources compared to the BJP, he said. City BJP chief and former Nagpur Mayor Dayashankar Tiwari told PTI that Union minister Gadkari, chief minister Fadnavis and revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule did not make the people realise that there were no elected representatives for the last three years (after the term of the previous civic body expired), and kept development projects going in Nagpur. Party workers and former corporators were active on the ground and in touch with the people, he said. Gadkari addressed more than 30 public meetings while Fadnavis addressed five public meetings, road shows and talk shows, he noted. Senior political journalist Nitin Totewar said despite a Congress-led government ruling the state between 2007 to 2012, BJP retained power in the Nagpur civic body which reflected the strength of its organisation. The party changed nearly half of its candidates, offered new faces, and managed internal disgruntlement well, he added. BJP spokesperson Chandan Goswami said the party fulfilled the hopes of the people of Nagpur and connected with them. MINSK, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A comprehensive inspection of the Belarusian armed forces has started, State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Alexander Volfovich said on Friday. The inspection, ordered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, is being conducted in multiple stages with a focus on operational readiness, Volfovich said. The inspection is comprehensive and features a surprise element, including assessments of unit security, countermeasures against precision-guided munitions and defenses against unmanned aerial systems, the official said. The first unit under review is a major technical support unit responsible for the storage and maintenance of a wide range of armored vehicles and military equipment. Lukashenko is expected to personally participate in the inspection, though neither the date nor the specific location of his visit has been disclosed. The Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena alliance has taken decisive strides towards wresting the control of India's richest civic body from the Thackerays after nearly 25 years, blunting the combined challenge of Uddhav and Raj, who had allied for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls after almost two decades. IMAGE: Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray at Shiv Sena Bhavan in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo The results dealt an embarrassing blow to the cousins, who projected themselves as the sole custodians of Marathi manoos and regional 'asmita' (pride). Their emotive campaign revolved around the emotive issue of Marathi pride, the inseparability of Mumbai and Maharashtra, and the 'conspiracy' by the BJP to sever the city from the state. Counting of votes for elections to Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations, including Pune, was held on Friday, a day after the polling saw a 54.77 per cent turnout. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, with an annual budget exceeding Rs 74,400 crore, plays a critical role in Mumbai's infrastructure development, public health services and civic administration, making control of the body both politically and administratively crucial. The outcome marks a dramatic realignment in Mumbai's civic politics, with the BJP, long a junior partner in the undivided Shiv Sena's BMC rule, now emerging as the central force, backed by the Shinde-led faction that split from the Sena in 2022. The undivided Shiv Sena dominated the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation since the late 1990s. For the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, the results point to its weakest performance in the civic body in over two decades. The trends and results indicate that the 'Thackeray brand' partially succeeded at the hustings, raising questions over the political survival of especially Raj Thackeray, who heads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Founded by Bal Thackeray, the Shiv Sena first came to power in the BMC in 1997, winning 103 seats and dislodging the Congress, which secured 49 seats. The BJP won 26 seats, while the Samajwadi Party emerged victorious in 21 wards. In the previous elections in 2017, the undivided Shiv Sena had emerged as the single largest party with 84 seats, followed closely by the BJP which won 82 seats. The Congress had won 31 seats, the Nationalist Congress Party (undivided) nine, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) seven, and the Samajwadi Party six. Although the BJP and Shiv Sena were allies at the time, they had contested separately and formed an alliance after the polls. In the run-up to the current elections, the MNS and the Shiv Sena-UBT contested together, attempting to consolidate Marathi votes amid a fragmented Sena legacy. However, these efforts proved insufficient to retain Uddhav Thackeray's long-standing civic stronghold. Political observers and officials said the results signal a significant reshaping of Mumbai's civic political landscape, with the centre of power shifting away from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena and strengthening the BJP's footprint in the financial capital. As many as 1,700 candidates -- 878 women and 822 men -- contested the polls, while 1,03,44,315 voters, including 55,15,707 men, 48,26,509 women and 1,099 others, were eligible to cast their ballots. A voter turnout of 52.94 per cent was recorded in the elections held on Thursday, amid a major controversy over claims that the ink applied on voters' fingers could be easily removed. The voter turnout was marginally lower than the 2017 civic polls, which had logged 55.28 per cent, the highest in over three decades. The BJP contested 137 seats, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena 90, while the NCP, headed by Ajit Pawar, fielded candidates separately on 94 seats. The Shiv Sena-UBT had fielded 163 candidates, the MNS 52, the Congress 143, and the VBA (Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi) 46. While the long-awaited Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election saw Mumbaikars come out in vigour to exercise their franchise, a ward in the upscale Colaba area recorded a dismal turnout of 20.88 per cent, keeping up its tradition of muted participation in past polls. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI video grab According to final polling data, civic ward 227, which covers parts of Colaba, logged 20.88 per cent turnout, the lowest among Mumbai's 227 civic wards. The civic ward was unable to manage even half of Mumbai's overall voter turnout of 52.94 per cent, which means only 9,614 residents of the total 46,036 exercised their franchise. The other two wards in the upmarket area -- 226 and 225 -- recorded a turnout of 50.69 per cent and 45.59 per cent respectively. Incidentally, Maharashtra assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar's brother, BJP candidate Makarand Narwekar, the richest candidate in the elections, contested from ward 226, while his relative, Gauravi Shivalkar Narwekar, was fielded in ward 227. ECI had flagged Colaba's voter apathy Colaba, which largely falls under civic wards 225, 226 and 227, is one of Mumbai's most diverse localities, comprising Marathi-speaking families, Parsis, Muslims, Christians and Sindhis, as well as defence personnel, owing to the presence of naval establishments. The area boasts of heritage precincts and upscale residences that coexist alongside older housing colonies and chawls, shaping distinct civic concerns. Ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections in September 2024, the Election Commission of India had raised concerns about voter apathy in Colaba. Former Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had at the time highlighted low turnout in urban areas such as Colaba and Kalyan West, and pointed out the stark disparity between these constituencies and Naxal-hit Gadchiroli and Chhattisgarh's Bastar, which recorded turnout of 78 per cent and 68 per cent, respectively, in the last polls. Civic ward 227, which stretches from the Electric House to the southernmost tip of Mumbai, houses wealthy businessmen and several defence personnel, and it is also home to the famous Sassoon Dock, the BEST undertaking's headquarters, the IMD office, TIFR, and the Indian Navy's hospital INS Ashwini, along with iconic religious places such as the Afghan Church. Breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday emerged victorious in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and also vanquished the alliance of Nationalist Congress Party factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in the Pune civic body. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis celebrates with BJP and its alliance party leaders after the victory in the municipal corporation elections, in Mumbai on Friday. Photograph: @Dev_Fadnavis on X/ANI Photo Results of elections in all the 227 wards in Mumbai were declared around midnight. The BJP won 89 and ally Shiv Sena bagged 29 seats, while Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray got 65 and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena six seats. The Congress, which fought in alliance with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, bagged 24 seats, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen 8, the Nationalist Congress Party 3, the Samajwadi Party 2 and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar got just one seat. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is set to come to power in 25 of the 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, where elections were held on January 15, Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis said, addressing jubilant party workers in south Mumbai in the evening. Follow latest numbers HERE Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the voters over the emphatic victory of BJP and allies in the civic polls. 'Thank you, Maharashtra! The dynamic people of the state bless the NDA's agenda of pro-people good governance,' Modi posted on X. Counting of votes in elections in Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations, held on January 15, commenced Friday morning and continued till late in the night. Results in 2,833 of the 2,868 seats in these 29 civic bodies were also declared. There was no official statement from the SEC on the remaining 35 seats till midnight. The BJP won 1,400 and ally Shiv Sena bagged 397 seats, while the Shiv Sena-UBT got 153 and the MNS 13 seats in the state. The Congress bagged 324 seats. The BJP-led alliance bagged 118 seats to surpass the 114-seat majority mark in the 227-member BMC, which is India's richest civic body, whose budget for 2025-26 is a whopping Rs 74,427 crore. Coupled with a decent performance by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, the BJP is now in the driver's seat to govern the cash-rich Mumbai civic body. In Thane, the home turf of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, his Shiv Sena pulled off a victory for the Mahayuti, winning 75 of the 131 seats, while ally BJP won 28 seats. The State Election Commission said the polling percentage in the 29 civic bodies was 54.77. The high-stakes battle for BMC saw the Thackeray cousins reunite after two decades, only to see their hopes dashed as the results announced so far indicated. In Pune and neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation polls, the BJP is heading towards a massive victory, way ahead of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and NCP-SP alliance. Fadnavis has emerged as the man of the moment, with the BJP under his leadership surpassing its previous high of 82 seats in the 2017 BMC elections. The success of BJP's 'Mission Mumbai' has now firmly established it as the key political force in the financial capital. The result marks a significant shift in Mumbai's power structure. For years, the BMC was considered the invincible fortress of the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. With the BJP's victory, the narrative of Mumbai politics has moved from the traditional identity-based 'Marathi asmita' to a mandate for the BJP's plank of vikas' (development) and urban infrastructure. Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane said the BJP and Shiv Sena's strong showing in the BMC polls amounted to a clear mandate for its Hindutva pitch during the campaign, as the alliance surged ahead in the race. "Hindutva has always been our soul; one cannot differentiate our Hindutva from development," Fadnavis said. Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the 2017 murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, was elected a corporator in the Jalna Municipal Corporation, winning the elections as an independent candidate. In Nagpur, home turf of CM Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, results showed the Congress struggling to make significant inroads despite an aggressive campaign. Results of all the 151 seats in the 151-member Nagpur civic body have been declared. The BJP got 102 seats, while the Congress got 34 seats. The Congress, which contested the polls in alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, won elections to the Latur Municipal Corporation, bagging a clear majority with 43 seats in the 70-member body, leaving the BJP a distant second at 22. In a significant political turn of events ahead of the elections, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reunited last month and rival NCP factions -- the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and NCP-SP headed by Sharad Pawar, also forged a local alliance in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The BJP won 96 seats in Pune, while the NCP bagged 20 seats and NCP-SP managed to secure just three. In Pimpri Chinchwad, the BJP won 84 seats, while the NCP was relegated to the second spot, bagging 37 seats. The NCP (SP) could not win even a single seat there. In Mumbai, a sour insult turned into a sweet victory for BJP candidates that party leader K Annamalai campaigned for in the BMC polls, as they emerged triumphant, in a befitting reply to MNS chief Raj Thackeray's 'rasmalai' jibe against the Tamil Nadu politician. While campaigning in Mumbai for the BMC elections, Annamalai had said the city didn't belong to Maharashtra alone as it was an international city. The remarks triggered a sharp exchange from MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who slammed Annamalai, mocking him as 'rasmalai' and questioning his authority to comment on Mumbai. Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut said that had Maharashtra Deputy Chief Eknath Shinde not betrayed the party, Mumbai would have never seen a BJP mayor. In a post on X, Raut drew parallel to Jaichand, a 12th century king, who has become a metaphor for treachery. 'Had Eknath Shinde not been a Jaichand to Shiv Sena, Mumbai would not have seen a BJP mayor. Marathi people will always remember Shinde as Jaichand,' Raut said. In an apparent collapse of its urban base, the Congress touched a new low in the BMC elections, and won less than 10 per cent of the seats. Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) emerged as the dark horse in the civic polls, registering notable gains in Muslim-dominated wards across the state. AIMIM's former MP Imtiaz Jaleel said the party was set to win in 100 seats across the state and received strong support in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dhule, Amravati, Jalna, Malegaon, and Parbhani, besides garnering a few seats in Mumbai. As many as 19 independents also won from the 29 civic bodies, where elections were 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. The elections were held 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. The Enforcement Directorate on Friday said it has attached the land and building of Haryana-based Al Falah University, worth about Rs 140 crore, that came under the radar of the security agencies following the November 10 Red Fort area blast, and filed a charge sheet against Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui and his charitable trust. IMAGE: A view of the entrance of the Al Falah University, in Faridabad, Haryana. Photograph: ANI Photo The 54-acre land of the university based in Dhauj area of Faridabad, its buildings including those belonging to various schools and departments apart from student hostels have been attached as part of a provisional order issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. The value of these properties is Rs 139.97 crore, it said in a statement. PTI had first reported early this week that the ED may attach these properties, owned by the Al Falah Trust, categorising them as "proceeds of crime". The ED said a charge sheet has also been filed against Siddiqui and the Al Falah Charitable Trust before a special PMLA court located in Delhi. The two entities have been arraigned as accused and the ED has sought their prosecution under the anti-money laundering law, officials said. Siddiqui was arrested by the ED in November on money laundering charges linked to cheating with students of the educational institutions run by his trust (Al Falah Charitable). It was claimed by the agency that the educational institutes did not have the required valid accreditation for teaching. The trust, according to the ED, routed more than Rs 110 crore to family-controlled firms of Siddiqui. He is currently lodged in jail under judicial custody. "Active role of Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui has been found during investigation. "He exercised dominant control over Al-Falah Charitable Trust, Al-Falah University (including Al-Falah School of Medical Sciences and Research Centre) and related entities, and is found to be a key beneficiary of the unlawful proceeds," the agency said. An attachment is done under the PMLA to ensure that the proceeds of crime are not dissipated, sold off or transacted. Officials had said that a government-appointed receiver can be restituted or vested with the administration of the University campus after the provisional attachment attains finality. This way, the education of the students will not suffer even as the criminal action and prosecution may continue, the officials had said. The agency, while seeking the remand of Siddiqui in November from a court, had informed that the university and its controlling trust, under the direction of Siddiqui, generated "proceeds of crime", which have now been quantified at Rs 493.24 crore. This was done, according to the ED's court submissions, by "dishonestly" inducing students and parents to part with money on the basis of false accreditation and recognition claims of their educational institutions. The university's role emerged during probe into a 'white-collar' terror module in which more than 10 people including three doctors, have been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Jammu and Kashmir Police. One of the doctors at the varsity-cum-hospital, Dr Umar-un-Nabi, is alleged to have become a suicide bomber while he was driving an explosive-laden car on November 10 that blasted outside Red Fort killing 15 people. The ED has taken cognisance of two Delhi Police FIRs to register its case against Siddiqui and the Al Falah Group on November 14 under the anti-money laundering law. Siddiqui's lawyer told the court after his arrest that his client was falsely implicated in the present matter and the two Delhi Police FIRs were "false and fabricated." The agency claimed he layered illicit funds through family-controlled entities. "Institutional funds were routed through family-owned entities including Amla Enterprises LLP, Karkun Construction & Developers, Diyala Construction and Developers Pvt. Ltd., etc.," it said. About Rs 4 crore worth foreign remittances (Rs 3 crore to his wife and Rs 1 crore to his son) are alleged to have been made by Siddiqui. "Investigation has found that charitable/educational institutions were used as instruments for personal/family/commercial benefit," the agency claimed. The ED has alleged that the Al-Falah University falsely claimed that it was a UGC recognised university and misrepresented its NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) accreditation status. NAAC is an autonomous body funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India that assesses and accredits higher education institutions in the country. Multi-cornered contests, deep divisions within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, reflected in the Congress and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray fighting separately and lack of a robust plan among its rivals helped the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mumbai polls as it looks poised to rule India's richest civic body for the first time. IMAGE: BJP workers celebrating the party lead in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections (BMC) on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo As per trends telecast by TV news channels on Friday evening for 210 of the total 227 seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the BJP was leading in 90 seats followed by the Shiv Sena (28), the Shiv Sena-UBT (57), the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (9), the Congress (15), the Nationalist Congress Party (3) and others 8. The BJP contested the January 15 polls in an alliance with the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, while Shiv Sena-UBT and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), headed by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, respectively, had a pre-poll pact. The Congress, part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) along with the Shiv Sena-UBT and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchadra Pawar at the state level, tied with the Prakash Ambedkar-led Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksh (RSP). The underwhelming performance of the Shiv Sena-UBT and Congress has dealt a severe blow to the MVA, exposing deep organisational weaknesses and raising questions about the Opposition bloc's ability to challenge the BJP-led ruling dispensation in Maharashtra. Political observers pointed out that internal contradictions within the MVA, ideological differences between the Congress and the Shiv Sena-UBT, personality clashes, and lack of coordinated strategy have undermined the alliance's effectiveness in the polls. The split in the original Shiv Sena and the NCP, coupled with the Congress's decision to contest independently, effectively diluted anti-BJP vote share across nearly 200 wards. The poor showing of the Congress and the Shiv Sena-UBT in Mumbai, once considered their stronghold, marks a significant political setback for both parties. For Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena-UBT, the outcome represents nothing short of a political disaster. The loss of Mumbai, the city that was the launchpad of the original Shiv Sena movement and remained under the party's control for over two decades, symbolizes the dramatic decline in the outfit since the 2022 split. The analysts said if trends transform into final results, they will vindicate Shinde's claim to being the 'real' inheritor of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's legacy and suggest that a significant section of traditional party voters have shifted allegiance to the ruling alliance constituent. The debacle could marginalise Uddhav Thackeray within the Opposition bloc. If the MVA regroups later, Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, whose party NCP-SP is also a partner in the alliance, could be sidelined as the Congress has joined hands with VBA and RSP, they said. The Congress's poor show underscored its continued inability to connect with urban voters, particularly in cosmopolitan Mumbai. Despite being fulcrum of the Opposition alliance at the Centre through the INDIA bloc, the party has failed to translate national-level unity among anti-BJP parties into electoral gains at local level. Party insiders admitted that organizational decay, lack of credible local leadership, and failure to address urban issues have contributed to its lacklustre showing. The setback has precipitated an existential crisis for the MVA alliance. With both major partners, the Shiv Sena-UBT and Congress, performing poorly, the coalition's claim to being a credible alternative to the ruling Mahayuti alliance appears increasingly hollow. Both Shiv Sena-UBT and Congress now face the daunting task of organisational rebuilding and strategic rethinking. For Uddhav Thackeray, the challenge is to prove his faction's continued relevance in Maharashtra politics beyond being a partner in the MVA. According to the observers, the final outcome in BMC polls, could trigger realignment within the Opposition camp, with smaller parties potentially reconsidering their alliance options based on the perceived viability of partners. The analysts pointed to a singular, decisive factor behind the BJP-led Mahayuti's surge past the 100-seat mark -- a fragmented Opposition that turned the contest into a series of 'friendly fights' and multi-cornered battles. The most glaring division occurred in the traditional Marathi heartlands. While the Shiv Sena-UBT and the MNS formed a tactical front, they were countered not just by the BJP, but by Shinde's Shiv Sena also. In over 80 wards, the two Senas engaged in a slugfest for the same 'bow and arrow' legacy. The Congress's refusal to join the Shiv Sena UBT-MNS combine proved to be the second major blow to the Opposition's prospects. By contesting alone, the Congress aimed to consolidate its minority and Dalit voter base. However, this strategy only served to create a three-way split in secular votes, according to the observers. In several pockets, the presence of Congress candidates, alongside the VBA and the Samajwadi Party (SP), appeared to have acted as a 'spoiler' for the Sena-UBT. This fragmentation ensured that the 'anti-Mahayuti' sentiment never reached a critical mass, they said. Reports indicated at least 15 'friendly fights' occurred where alliance partners (anti-BJP parties) fielded candidates against each other. These internal frictions not only confused the electorate but also depleted the Opposition's resources, diverting their focus from challenging the BJP. The Bharatiya Janata Party swept the Jalna civic polls winning 41 out of 65 seats, marking the first time the party has won a majority in the city known for its steel re-rolling, seed and agro industries. IMAGE: Journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh murder accused Shrikant Pangarkar wins in Jalna civic poll as independent. Photograph: ANI video grab Among the more talked about victories from Jalna is that of Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the 2017 killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh. He won as an independent from electoral ward No. 13 defeating Raosaheb Dhoble of the BJP. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena was second with 12 wins. The polls in Jalna had turned into a prestige battle between Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar and his arch rival Kailash Gorantyal, who had joined the BJP from the Congress recently. The Congress, which once dominated the municipal council in Jalna before it was upgraded to a municipal corporation, suffered a major setback, managing to win only nine seats. The party contested the election without a clear local leadership following Gorantyal's exit, observers said. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-UBT failed to open its account despite fielding contestants on 12 seats. The party's prospects were weakened after its district president Bhaskar Ambekar joined the Eknath Shinde faction. Both Nationalist Congress Party factions, under Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, were routed. The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, which contested 17 seats, failed to open its account. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, which contested 17 seats, won from two. Political observers said the BJP's move to give tickets to four Muslims split the minority votes. Of the four, Mazhar Sayyed emerged victorious. Prominent winners included Sangeeta Gorantyal and Akshya Gorantyal, wife and son, respectively, of Kailash Gorantyal, and Darshana Khotkar, daughter of MLA Arjun Khotkar. BJP leader Bhaskar Danve, cousin of former Union minister Raosaheb Danve, and his wife Sushila Danve were also elected. Amid the row over the quality of 'indelible' ink used in marker pens in Maharashtra civic polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday asserted that "vote chori is an anti-national act" and accused the Election Commission of gaslighting citizens. IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi has been attacking the Election Commission for alleged irregularities in the election process. Photograph: AICC/ANI Photo Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on Thursday said it would conduct a thorough probe into the quality of the 'indelible' ink in marker pens used for the civic polls, after opposition leaders alleged that the mark on a voter's finger could be removed easily, enabling bogus voting. Amid polling for 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, social media was flooded with videos claiming to demonstrate how the ink could be removed using chemicals such as acetone, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the claims. Gandhi shared on X a media report on the row which stated that "opposition, voters cry foul over fading ink markers". "Election commission gaslighting citizens is how trust has collapsed in our democracy. Vote Chori is an anti-national act," Gandhi said in his post on X. Speaking with PTI, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said that in view of the controversy, the SEC will not use marker pens for the coming Zilla Parishad elections but revert to the traditional ink -- produced by Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited, a company of the Karnataka government -- used in assembly and Lok Sabha elections. "The SEC has decided to conduct a probe.....it will cover not only the ink quality but also the videos which were circulated throughout the day. The probe into videos is to ascertain whether the ink was applied on the finger while voting or in a mischievous way," Waghmare said. "We will do a random sampling of marker pens used today across the state and verify the quality of the ink supplied to us. The formula for the quality of the ink is finalised by the Election commission of India and a private company supplied the pens to the SEC," the state election commissioner said. "We have been using these pens since 2011 for all local body elections," he added. Another SEC official said Kores (India) Ltd had supplied the marker pens, and those were as per the commission's specifications. Three marker pens were provided for each polling booth, he added. Reacting sharply to Gandhi's remarks, the BJP attacked Gandhi with a "khandani chor" barb, accusing him of misleading people by discrediting the Maharashtra civic poll process while the counting of votes was underway. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, in a post on X, said, "Bahana (excuse) brigade back! Accepting defeat before counting ends?" "Rahul Back to doing what he does best -- discredit, distort and disinform. 'Khandani chor' now regurgitating claims of Thackerays," he charged. Poonawalla also sought to know what came out of Gandhi's 'vote chori' allegations on the Bihar elections. The BJP has on various occasions slammed Gandhi for his vote theft allegation, terming it "baseless" and an attempt at "hiding his failures". It has also asked Gandhi and other leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc why they did not file any petition in court or on other platforms challenging the Bihar polls results. Earlier, Mumbai Congress leader and Lok Sabha member Varsha Gaikwad posted a video of her party colleague using acetone to wipe off the ink from his finger. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray also raised the issue after casting his vote in Dadar. Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray said he too received reports of ink being washed away. "This is shocking," the former chief minister said, accusing SEC Waghmare of siding with the ruling BJP-led alliance and demanding his suspension. Maharashtra Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar made the same allegation. Notably, state minister and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat too endorsed the claim about the ink coming off fingers easily. The SEC, however, claimed that even if someone tried to vote again by removing the ink mark, it was not possible as other safeguards were in place. A four-year-old girl sitting in her mother's lap died after a nilgai (blue bull) crashed into their moving car, shattering the windshield, in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district, officials said on Friday. Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The freak incident occurred around 6.45 pm on Wednesday near the Bilonia village, they said. Guna resident Sonu Jat was driving with his wife and daughter Tanya to their ancestral village, Magrada, to celebrate Makar Sankranti. Nilgai crashed through the windshield and landed inside the car As their car crossed the Do Khambha area on the Guna bypass, two nilgai suddenly came running onto the road, police said. Before Sonu could react, one nilgai leapt, crashed through the windshield, and landed inside the car. The animal's legs struck the head of Tanya, who was sitting in her mother's lap, said Cantonment police station in-charge TI Anoop Bhargava. The girl suffered fatal wounds due to the impact, while her parents also sustained injuries, he said. Locals and forest staff rushed her parents to the district hospital, where they are undergoing treatment, the official said. Meanwhile, the forest department rescued the nilgai trapped inside the car after considerable efforts. The nilgai is reported to be in a critical condition. India is mulling various options on its engagement in the development of the strategically-located Chabahar port in Iran against the backdrop of the Trump administration threatening a 25 percent additional tariff on countries doing business with Tehran. IMAGE: A view of the Chabahar port in Iran. Photograph: Courtesy @India_in_Iran/X India is a major partner in development of the Chabahar port, located in the Sistan-Balochistan province Iran's southern coast. In September last year, the US imposed crippling economic sanctions on Iran but had granted India a six-month exemption from the punitive measures on the Chabahar port project. The waiver will come to an end on April 26. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said New India is engaged with the US on the issue. His remarks in answering a question came amid reports that New Delhi is looking at withdrawing from it in view of fresh American tariffs on nations having trade relations with Iran. "As you are aware, on October 28, the US Department of Treasury had issued a letter outlining the guidance on the conditional sanctions waiver valid till April 26, 2026. We remain engaged with the US side in working out this arrangement," Jaiswal said. Jaiswal also mentioned India's long-standing relations with Iran and said New Delhi is closely following the evolving situation in the country. Iran has been witnessing massive anti-government protests in which over 2,500 people were killed. It is learnt that India is in the process of transferring approximately $120 million -- the amount it committed for the project -- as part of a move to end its direct exposure to the Chabahar port project, people familiar with the matter said. A possibility to create a new entity to carry forward the development of the Chabahar port is also being considered, they said. This option will end the Indian government's exposure to the project, but in a way it will ensure continuation of New Delhi's support, the people explained. In September last year, the Trump administration announced its decision to revoke the 2018 sanctions waiver with regard to the Chabahar port in Iran. Weeks after announcing the revocation of the sanctions, Washington said it is extending six months' waiver from the punitive measures to India. As tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated again, President Donald Trump announced a fresh 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran. The new tariff is likely to have a "minimal impact" on India, government sources said on Tuesday. Jaiswal said the volume of two-way trade between India and Iran was $1.6 billion last year. Out of the total, India's exports was to the tune of $1.2 billion and import was of $0.4 billion. The Chabahar port is being developed by India and Iran to boost connectivity and trade ties. Both the countries are also strongly pitching for making Chabahar port an integral part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode transport project for moving freight among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe. Jaiswal also said that the Indian embassy in Tehran is in touch with the Indians in Iran. "We are keeping a close watch on the situation there, and as far as our citizens are concerned, we are committed to doing whatever is necessary for their well-being," he said. "Approximately 9,000 of our citizens are currently residing in Iran. The majority of them are students," he said. India has already issued a number of advisories to the Indian nationals in view of the current situation in that country. "In these advisories, we have advised our citizens in India not to travel to Iran at this time, and we have advised Indian citizens residing in Iran to leave the country by whatever means are available," he said. India on Wednesday asked all its nationals currently residing in Iran to leave by available means after the security situation deteriorated further. New Delhi also strongly advised its nationals to avoid travelling to Iran. There has been rising tensions in Iran and the region after US President Donald Trump indicated military action if Tehran continues its crackdown on the protesters. "If they hang them, you're going to see some things...We will take very strong action if they do such a thing," the US president told CBS News. In a message to the protesters, Trump said on Tuesday that "help is on the way". The 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. Activists of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday staged a protest in Hazratganj in Lucknow, alleging illegal religious conversion activities at King George's Medical University (KGMU) and demanding swift and strict action against those involved. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The protest came a day after police arrested KGMU intern Mohammad Adil in an alleged rape and blackmail case involving a nursing student. A large number of VHP leaders and workers took to the streets, raising slogans such as "stop love jihad" and accusing the authorities of failing to curb what they claimed were suspicious activities on the KGMU campus. The protesters urged the Special Task Force (STF), which is probing the case, to expedite the investigation and ensure stringent action against the guilty. Local VHP leader Vijay Pratap alleged that the incidents pointed to an organised attempt at religious conversion. "The efforts of the VHP and the Bajrang Dal workers have led to this revelation. There are more people behind this conspiracy who need to be brought to book," he told PTI Videos, also demanding the removal of certain KGMU officials and a comprehensive probe into the entire matter. According to police, Adil, who lived in a flat in Kaiserbagh, was arrested on Thursday and sent to jail. Police said the woman, a resident of a paying guest accommodation in Aliganj, alleged that Adil befriended her, sexually assaulted her on the promise of marriage and recorded objectionable videos. When she pressed him to marry her, he allegedly refused and threatened to circulate the videos on social media. An FIR was lodged on December 29, and her statement was later recorded before a magistrate. Officials said the allegations are similar in nature to the larger KGMU sexual exploitation and alleged religious conversion case, but clarified that no direct link has been established so far. Police are probing whether Adil had any contact with Ramizuddin Naik, a junior resident doctor at KGMU who was expelled after being accused of sexual exploitation and religious conversion and is currently in jail. Officials said further action would be taken if any connection is found. Meanwhile, a senior officer said the police will move to seek Naik's custody as part of its probe into the suspected ring of organised religious conversion in the state capital. The developments are the latest in a series of controversies surrounding KGMU after Naik was arrested earlier this month on charges of sexually exploiting a woman doctor on the promise of marriage, forcing her to undergo an abortion, threatening her and pressuring her to convert her religion. The Uttar Pradesh Police is also examining the case as a possible organised religious conversion racket. Following the allegations, KGMU decided to expel Naik from the MD course after an internal inquiry, including a Vishakha Committee report, which prima facie found the charges to be true. The university's vice chancellor had briefed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the findings and the action taken. Police have also questioned a Muslim cleric from Pilibhit in connection with the case and said further investigation is underway to ascertain the sequence of events and the possible involvement of other people. SOFIA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria will hold early parliamentary elections after the third and final attempt to form a new government within the current legislature failed on Friday. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev offered the parliamentary group "Alliance for Rights and Freedoms" (ARF) to form a government on Friday, but it declined the request for the third time this week. The two largest parliamentary groups, GERB-UDF and PP-DB, also declined to do so earlier this week. The need for a new cabinet emerged in December, following the resignation of the coalition government led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov amid large-scale protests over the economic policy of the ruling majority. "Consciously, responsibly, our parliamentary group authorized me to return the third exploratory mandate unfulfilled, so that we can realize, with all our common efforts, fair, free, transparent, democratic elections," said Hayri Sadakov, chairperson of the ARF parliamentary group. According to the Bulgarian Constitution, after a third failure, Radev, following consultations with parliamentary groups, is required to appoint a caretaker prime minister and government, and to schedule new elections within two months. However, the process is not straightforward. Due to amendments to the constitution adopted at the end of 2023, Radev can appoint a caretaker prime minister only from specific positions: the speaker of parliament, the governor or deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, the president or vice president of the Bulgarian National Audit Office, or the Ombudsman or their deputy. However, no one from these positions is obligated to accept the responsibility. Additionally, Radev must appoint a caretaker cabinet proposed by the caretaker prime minister, though he may not agree with the proposal. A similar situation occurred before the last parliamentary elections. In August 2024, Radev appointed Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva as caretaker prime minister, tasking her with proposing a caretaker government. However, Radev disagreed with her choice for interior minister. When she refused to nominate another candidate, the president appointed a different caretaker prime minister. Zhelyazkov's government was sworn in on Jan. 16, 2025, following snap elections in October 2024 -- the seventh parliamentary election in Bulgaria in just three and a half years. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump, who described it as a wonderful gesture of mutual respect." IMAGE: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is pictured arriving for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, shown attending a separate event later in the day, in this combination of images taken at the White House in Washington, DC. Photograph: Kylie Coope/Reuters Machado, who has on previous occasions said that she would give her Nobel prize to Trump, met the American President in the White House Thursday, a closely-watched meeting that came days after the US carried out a military strike in Venezuela and captured its leader Nicolas Maduro. It was my Great Honour 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! Trump said in a post on Truth Social. A photograph released on social media shows Machado standing in the Oval Office with Trump, who is holding a frame that contains the Nobel Peace Prize, with a caption the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Medal awarded to Maria Corina Machado. "To President Donald J Trump - In gratitude for your extraordinary leadership in promoting peace through strength, advancing diplomacy and defending liberty and prosperity, a message accompanying the medal said. Presented as a personal symbol of gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan people in recognition of President Trump's principled and decisive action to secure a free Venezuela,". The courage of America and its president Donald J. Trump will never be forgotten by the Venezuelan people, the message, signed by Machado and dated Washington, January 15, 2026 said. After her meeting, Machado told reporters that she presented the President of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize... medal of the Nobel Peace Prize as recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. Trump has long coveted the Nobel Peace Prize, an honour that was bestowed on former US President Barack Obama within months of his presidency in 2009. Trump has repeatedly taken credit for ending eight wars, including the May 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan, in as many months of the first year of his second term in the White House. He has said that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for each of the eight wars that he has ended. Trump has also questioned why Obama was given the Nobel Prize, saying the former president did not do anything to deserve the honour. Last week, Trump said that no one in history is more deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize than him since he has stopped eight wars. He rebuked Obama for the getting the Nobel Peace Prize shortly after assuming office in 2009 even though he didn't do anything. I can't think of anybody in history that should get the Nobel Prize more than me and I don't want to be bragging, but nobody else settled wars. Obama got the Nobel Prize. He had no idea why. He still has no idea. He walks around, he says, I got the Nobel Prize'. Why did he get a Nobel Prize? He got it almost immediately upon attaining office, and he didn't do anything, and he was a bad president, Trump had said. Trump asserted that one should get a Nobel Prize for "every war you stopped. These were major wars. These were wars that nobody thought could be stopped...So in theory, you should get the Nobel Prize for every war you stopped. Every one of them was major. But I don't care about that. What I care about is saving lives. I've saved tens of millions of lives, he had said. Nobel Peace Centre, the museum about the Nobel Peace Prize, in a post on X, quoted the Norwegian Nobel Committee as saying that the Nobel prize cannot be transferred to others. Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time, the Committee has said. Noting that one truth remains, the Nobel Peace Centre added that a medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot. WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the Board of Peace for Gaza has been established and that he is backing Palestinian leaders to govern Gaza during the transition. "It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed," Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social. "The Members of the Board will be announced shortly." In a separate post, Trump said that as chairman of the board, "I am backing a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by the Board's High Representative, to govern Gaza during its transition." "These Palestinian leaders are unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future!" he said. Trump said the United States is working with Egypt, Turkiye and Qatar to secure a comprehensive demilitarization agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of its tunnel network. "Hamas must IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay to full Demilitarization," Trump said, warning that Hamas "can do this the easy way, or the hard way" but "time is NOW". Trump's remarks came one day after his special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza peace deal, which focuses on demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction of the conflict-torn Gaza Strip, and stipulates that the Board of Peace will be chaired by Trump himself. Also on Wednesday, Egypt, Qatar and Turkiye announced the completion of forming the Palestinian Technocratic Government, voicing hope that the committee will pave the way for the implementation of the second phase of the peace deal, and help to cement calm and prevent a return to escalation. 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. Norman Mallory, who was found guilty Thursday of repeated sexual assault over five years, sits with his attorneys, Albert Fox and Amanda Mowle, during his four-day trial in Windham Superior Court, Criminal Division, this week. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Dwight Boerem and Joe Winrich represent the Windham Region on the Vermont School Boards Association. The opinions expressed by columnists and op-ed writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. The teenage son of Chechnya's Moscow-backed leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, Adam Kadyrov, is reportedly in serious condition following a car accident in the republic's capital, Grozny. Sources told RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service that following the January 16 accident, Adam Kadyrov, 18, was "in intensive care" and had been taken to Chechnya's largest medical facility, Republican Hospital in Grozny, and nearby roads closed. "He is reportedly in intensive care and unconscious. We do not know for certain what is going on with Kadyrov's son," one of the sources in Grozny said. "The roads to the hospital are closed because Adam was brought there." "The car lost control while in motion and then crashed into some kind of barrier," he explained. Another source, a representative of the Chechen diaspora, told RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service a similar account. Later in the day, a different source said that Adam Kadyrov had regained consciousness, adding that the plane with teenager was about to take off to Moscow for medical treatment. Local opposition movement NIYSO has also reported the accident, saying Adam Kadyrov's convoy "was moving at high speed, car after car, when it suddenly encountered an obstacle." "As a result, the cars began crashing into one another, which is why we are receiving information that there are many injured," NIYSO wrote in a Telegram post. "But the commotion was specifically because of Adam." In a comment to RFE/RL's North Caucasus Service, a representative of the movement said the information had come to them from various sources, but underlined they cannot yet speak with certainty about the condition of the Chechen leader's son. He later added one person was dead following the accident and "around 20 people" were heavily injured. "But we cannot say for sure whether it was the driver of another car or someone from [Kadyrov's] convoy," he said. Exiled Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta Europe reported that the driver of another car was hit by a vehicle from the convoy and died in the accident. According to the report, the crash occurred because "the driver of the lead car in the convoy ignored a red traffic light at an intersection." RFE/RL cannot independently verify the claim. One of the many children of Ramzan Kadyrov, a staunch ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Adam Kadyrov has gained significant attention in recent years. That prominence is largely the result of coverage by state media in Chechnya, where he is portrayed as a brave youth who has fought in Russia's war against Ukraine and has excelled in sporting and military competitions. His notoriety surged after a video was posted online showing him, then 15 years old, beating Nikita Zhuravel, a Russian political prisoner who had who had been accused of burning a Koran and arrested. Following the incident, Adam Kadyrov was showered with awards, including the title of Hero of the Republic of Chechnya, the region's highest honor, and received further accolades from several Russian regions. In recent years, Ramzan Kadyrov has promoted several of his children to high-ranking positions in Chechnya's government. In April 2025, Adam was named secretary of the regional Security Council, stoking speculation that Kadyrov could be grooming him as a potential successor. It was also partly fueled by rumors about the Chechen leader's ill health. Later in 2025, the 17-year-old celebrated his wedding at an undisclosed location. Kadyrov later posted a note on his Telegram account thanking Putin for congratulating Adam, writing: "You still remain his most devoted FRIEND, preserving this beautiful male tradition." Security forces are reportedly maintaining a heavy presence on the streets in parts of Iran as more than two weeks of protests ease following a crackdown that has left thousands of Iranians dead and an ongoing Internet blackout. Reports appear to indicate that the massive protests, along the brutal crackdown authorities unleashed to quell the unrest, have abated. "Our independent sources confirm a heavy military and security presence in cities and towns where protests previously took place, as well as in several locations that did not experience major demonstrations," the Norway-based rights group Hengaw said. Iranian authorities have waged one of their most violent 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. With a near total Internet blackout in its eighth day, according to watchdog NetBlocks, tensions remain high and information scarce. NetBlocks noted that the outage exceeds the core duration of a shutdown during protests in 2019. "In 2019, it was only after connectivity was restored that the scale of the brutal crackdown became known," it added. Rights groups say there is growing evidence of mass killings of protesters by Iran's security forces after the nationwide demonstrations escalated on January 8. The independent US-based rights monitor HRANA said that according to its confirmed and verified data on January 15 the death toll in the protests had risen to 2,677 protesters, with more than 19,000 others detained. Norway-based Iran Human Rights said its research showed at least 3,428 protesters have been killed. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch reported that, starting on January 8, "security forces scaled up their deadly crackdown in a coordinated mannerresulting in large-scale killings and injuries of protesters and bystanders across the country." It also said the severe restrictions on communications have limited independent verification of the full scale of the atrocities. Many groups have said the actual death toll is likely several times higher that the figures reported so far. Across the Middle East, tensions have also eased over the possibility of US strikes on Iran over the crackdown. The White House said on January 15 that US President Donald Trump and other officials had warned Tehran there would be "grave consequences" if there is further bloodshed. Reports had said 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. Rights groups said the execution did not take place after a warning by Trump, as he later thanked the "Iranian leadership" for what he called the cancellation of "over 800 executions." "I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran," Trump wrote in Truth Social on January 16. The Iranian Judiciary Media Center later said the 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. On January 16, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, who was ousted from power in 1979, said he was still confident the Islamic republic and its regime will fall in the face of mass protests. "The Islamic republic will fall -- not if, but when," he told a news conference in Washington. "I will return to Iran." The former crown prince has emerged as a leading opposition figure during the current unrest, with the broader opposition as a whole fragmented and unorganized. In recent weeks, Pahlavi has repeatedly called for intervention by Trump. At the news conference, he once again appealed for greater international pressure to aid protesters and ratchet up pressure on Tehran. "Iranian people are taking decisive actions on the ground. It is now time for the international community to join them fully," he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been silent on uprising since it started. On January 16, the Kremlin said Putin discussed the situation in Iran in separate calls with Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and said Moscow was willing to mediate in the region. Russia has long been an ally of Tehran, which in turn has supported Moscow in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, especially with supplies of military hardware such as drones. KYIV -- Electricity for a few hours daily at best. Apartments without heat for days. Power generators whirring on snowy sidewalks. On-and-off running water in homes. The coldest temperatures in years. Nerves are fraying, patience is thinning, and Kyiv is freezing as Ukrainians struggle to cope with relentless Russian attacks that have destroyed vast parts of the country's energy infrastructure. One week after an especially large Russian barrage on January 9, many homes in the capital remain without heat or other utilities. While Russia's bombardment of civilian energy and heating targets is far from a new strategy, this winter's barrage feels more relentless and punishing than past year. "It's 15 degrees (Celsius) in my apartment," one woman said while walking on a Kyiv street not far from her apartment building. "I dress warmly and I tell [Mayor Vitali] Klitschko to hurry up. Of course, I can't hurry myself, given my age. I drink a lot of hot tea." "It's all a pity that we weren't more prepared for this," she said in an interview with Current Time. Another man, trundling through central Kyiv, said his home lost heat for three days, during which time his wife turned on all the burners on their gas stove: "Thank God we had gas." Ukrainians are exhausted from nearly four years of Russia's all-out assault on their country. For many, morale has waxed and waned as the Ukrainian military's battlefield fortunes have twisted and turned. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other elected officials have tried to keep Ukrainians' spirits up -- while also keeping up Western allied support and a steady flow of Western weaponry that has powered the military's fight. That includes air defenses to shoot down incoming missiles and drones. This winter, Russia has made no secret that its strategy is to target Ukraine's already-battered electricity grid and power plant facilities, along with municipal heating plants, which supply heat and hot water to many, if not most, buildings in Kyiv and other Ukrainian towns and cities. "There is not a single power plant in Ukraine that has not been hit by the Russians during the war," Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal told lawmakers on January 16. But Ukraine has only a limited number of anti-aircraft defense to shoot down drones and missiles. Officials have imposed rolling outages through the city and surrounding regions -- for example, three hours of power per 12-hour period -- as utility workers scramble to repair the damage and keep the lights and heat on. "There is a lot of damage," a worker from DTEK, Ukraine's largest private utility company, said in a video it released. "Broken wires, broken insulators, broken poles. Fields, clearings, roads swept away, where no equipment can reach. To find the breaks, the guys walk for hours in the cold." Ukrainians are getting impatient and are starting to lash out at local and national officials. Particularly in Kyiv. "Kyiv, unfortunately, has done much less; very little has been done in the capital. And even these days I don't see much intensity," Zelenskyy said, acknowledging the struggle workers have had in keeping homes warm and lit. That prompted a sharp retort from Kyiv's mayor, who has feuded with Zelenskyy in the past. "What 'intensity' does the president not see in the work in Kyiv, in this crisis situation, in recent days in particular, as he said?" Klitschko said in a post to Telegram on January 14. "At least I'm speaking honestly and warning people about an extremely difficult situation. And I don't care about any ratings or phantom elections," said Klitschko, who had advised Kyiv residents to leave the city amid the energy crisis and find shelter with relatives or friends elsewhere. Emergency officials have set up inflatable heating tents in Kyiv's worst-affected neighborhoods where people can warm up and charge their phones and computers. Inna, a mother of three, including a 3-week-old, said her family made it through the first night after heat and power were knocked out. By the second, however, the inside temperature had dropped to 15 degrees, and they started to suffer in the cold. "We dressed the youngest in two onesies and a warm sweater. A neighbor brought over a wool sweater from the 1940s," she said. "And I grabbed a fur from the maternity hospital, which I also put on him. "I haven't had power for around 55 hours already, so I just laugh to to keep from crying," said Anna, a woman playing cards at another warming center. "We want negotiations. But it seems to me Russia doesn't want any negotiations. And what's next? I don't know," said yet another exhausted woman at the center. "I want to live in Ukraine." Laws Of Armed Conflict The decision to target Ukraine's civilian population began in earnest several months after the start of the invasion in February 2022. Since then, a growing number of international legal experts have concluded that the effort is a clear war crime, a violation of international humanitarian law prohibiting the deliberate targeting of civilians. "These attacks are timed not to coincide with military offensives but with the onset of winter. The foreseeable effect -- and arguably the intent -- is to plunge civilians into darkness and deprivation, using winter as a weapon," one group of lawyers wrote in a paper published in November. "The scale of civilian suffering caused by these strikes far exceeds any conceivable military advantage, violating the rule of proportionality," the said. "And the deliberate use of cold and darkness to break morale indicates an intent to terrorize, which is explicitly prohibited under the laws of war." In March 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for two top Russian military officers -- a Black Sea naval admiral an air force general -- for orchestrating the campaign to target civilian targets. "We're freezing cold, but what are you going to do?" another woman, who lives in a district on the eastern banks of the Dnieper River, said as she walked in central Kyiv. She told Current Time she had been without heat for four days and that she stays warm "with blankets, clothes, and tea, but we don't have any cooking gas." "Can't you do anything for us, sir?" she said, appealing to the government. With reporting by Current Time correspondents Borys Sachalko and Andrei Kuzakov BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes any form of official exchanges between countries having diplomatic relations with China and the Taiwan region, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday. Guo made the remarks at a daily press briefing when commenting on the visit to Taiwan by Japan's former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu. There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, Guo said. He urged Japan to abide by the one-China principle and stop sending any wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. The top priority for Japan now is to retract its prime minister's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, he said. KYIV -- A Kyiv court has ordered former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to pay $760,000 bail to avoid detention on charges of offering bribes to lawmakers. The January 16 ruling followed an announcement by Ukraine's anti-corruption authorities two days previously that Tymoshenko was suspected of organizing "a systemic mechanism for providing improper benefits in exchange for loyal behavior during voting." If found guilty, she could face five to 10 years in prison. Tymoshenko, the charismatic leader of the opposition Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) party and three-time presidential candidate, has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to prove the evidence against her was falsified. In a social media post on January 15, she said her bank accounts had been blocked, making her unable to post bail. But Tymoshenko's lawyers are preparing an appeal against the bail order and she does not have to pay while the appeal is considered. She was not sent to a detention center or ordered to wear an electronic bracelet. However, some restrictions are already in place. She is not allowed to leave the Kyiv region or communicate with a large number of legislators, for instance. She also has to inform authorities about any change of her job or place of residence. On the morning of January 14, after a search at the Batkivshchyna offices in Kyiv, Tymoshenko said the actions against her were the result of a "political order." Her party is the third largest in parliament. In court on January 16, the judge issued Tymoshenko a warning after she repeatedly interrupted prosecutors who said there was a risk she could attempt "destruction of material evidence and influence on witnesses" if allowed to remain at liberty. Tymoshenko was a key figure in Ukraine's 2004 pro-democracy Orange Revolution and a controversial figure in the country's lucrative gas industry. Prime minister for five months in 2005 and then from 2007-2010, she was jailed under abuse of power charges during the presidency of pro-Moscow leader Viktor Yanukovych. Many international organizations said the case against Tymoshenko was politically motivated, and she was released following mass protests that toppled Yanukovych in 2014. Having been defeated in presidential elections in 2010 by Yanukovych, she ran again in 2016 but came a distant second with just 13 percent of the vote -- losing to Petro Poroshenko. In the next election, in 2019, when Volodymyr Zelenskyy was elected president, Tymoshenko came third. GAZA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian technocratic committee was formed on Wednesday to temporarily administer the post-war Gaza Strip, as the U.S. administration announced the launch of the second phase of its Gaza peace plan. The ceasefire in Gaza has reached another critical juncture, offering signs of progress while leaving major obstacles unresolved. Analysts note that the newly formed committee may face difficulties in operating effectively amid deep political constraints. PALESTINIAN SUPPORT Hamas on Thursday reaffirmed its readiness to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to the committee and to facilitate its mission. It 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." The Palestinian presidency on Wednesday announced its support for the committee, emphasizing the importance of linking institutions in the West Bank and Gaza and rejecting the establishment of parallel administrative, legal, or security systems that could deepen division. "It can not be said that what existed in the Gaza Strip during the war was a government; rather, it can be described as a committee for running citizens' day-to-day affairs. What actually operated on the ground in Gaza during the war were municipalities and similar working committees," Mustafa Ibrahim, a political analyst from Gaza, told Xinhua. Analysts said that after being weakened both militarily and politically, Hamas lacks both the capacity and conditions to govern Gaza in the post-war period. "Hamas can not, under any circumstances, be capable of governing or administering the Gaza Strip after the devastating war that lasted for two years. The challenge is far greater than Hamas's capacities and those of its regional allies," Palestinian political analyst Nazzal Nazzal told Xinhua. Raed Al-Debiy, a scholar from An-Najah National University in the West Bank, told Xinhua that "Hamas has very limited options. Relinquishing its rule is a clear component of the ceasefire agreement imposed by the U.S. administration and accepted by the movement as a result of the outcomes of the war and explicit pressure from Hamas's allies." "Hamas must agree to step down from governance amid the suffocating humanitarian crisis and the absence of all basic services in the Gaza Strip. Without this step, it is not possible to alleviate the suffering of the population or achieve even relative stability," Al-Debiy added. UNCERTAINTY REMAINS Headed by Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, a veteran engineer and former deputy planning minister in the Palestinian Authority, the technocratic committee consists of 15 members. It will oversee key sectors including health, education, justice and civil services. "This committee was formed as part of a transitional phase, and its tasks are service-oriented, covering agriculture, health and education. It is still unclear to what extent the committee will be able to carry out all these tasks without financial budgets or a security force to protect it," Ibrahim said. "I believe the responsibilities are heavy and remain unclear, and there is ambiguity surrounding many issues, such as reconstruction and the management of the Rafah crossing," Ibrahim added. Despite political backing, questions persist over the committee's authority, resources and ability to function under continued occupation and internal divisions. "Challenges facing the committee are immense, foremost among them the continuation of Israeli control, in addition to Hamas's position and whatever power or weaponry it may retain, which could hinder the committee's work," Palestinian political analyst Akram Atallah told Xinhua. "Moreover, Israel shows no real intention of withdrawing from the Gaza Strip, meaning that obstacles imposed by Israel will be far greater than internal ones," Atallah said. Al-Debiy said that "the committee has no political authority and mandate to speak on ending the (Israeli) occupation or achieving self-determination. Rather, it is a body tasked with managing daily life in Gaza." "This is important and a top priority, but there is concern that the committee could become permanent, which would lead to the marginalization of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the evasion of the core issue: ending the (Israeli) occupation, withdrawing Israeli forces, lifting the siege on the Gaza Strip," Al-Debiy said. OBSTACLES AHEAD Beyond administrative challenges, analysts said that whether Hamas will disarm and whether Israeli forces will withdraw from the Gaza Strip remain the two central questions facing the peace process, with no significant progress on either front. Clarifying the movement's position, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said on Wednesday that "Hamas is ready to engage in internal Palestinian discussions on the issue of resistance weapons. The movement's priority now is to begin a genuine relief effort to save cities in the Gaza Strip." "To date, Hamas continues to maneuver on this (disarmament) issue. What remains in its hands are individual weapons held by its members. Therefore, even if the political leadership were to decide to hand over weapons, I doubt that this could be implemented precisely, and Israel may use this as a pretext to obstruct the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip," Al-Debiy said. Analysts said an Israeli withdrawal was unlikely under the current government. "I do not expect the Israeli army to withdraw from Gaza under the current government led by Netanyahu; it will continue to control areas within the strip," Al-Debiy said. "Hamas wants the second phase to be comprehensive. Its main priorities are a comprehensive ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. These two issues are political in nature, and Netanyahu will not engage with them, as doing so would cost him the support of the Israeli public and the right wing in the upcoming elections," Nazzal said. Analysts noted that regarding the positions of Hamas and Israel on the second phase, neither side has appeared genuinely inclined to move toward its implementation. "In reality, the parties driving efforts toward the second phase are the United States and the mediators, while both Hamas and Israel remain hesitant. Each side has its own reservations," Atallah said. "I believe that the issue of disarmament or dismantling armed capabilities will constitute a central crisis in the coming phase." Olivia Kelleher A man accused of murdering his former girlfriend had a web history which included visits to websites entitled How to kill in three seconds and Three ways to fight well with knives, a trial has heard. Miller Pacheco (32) of Formiga in Brazil denies murdering Bruna Fonseca (28) at his flat in Liberty Street in Cork city on New Years Day in 2023. Mr Pacheco is on trial at a sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Cork. The trial previously heard that Miller moved to Ireland in November 2022 to be with Bruna, who had left for Ireland two months previously. The couple split within days of his arrival in Cork, having previously broken up for a period earlier that year The jury has heard that gardai carried out an analysis of Mr Pachecos phone. This involved looking at a large number of messages Miller sent to Bruna, as well as text exchanges with family and friends in Brazil. Sgt Brian Barron said that the accused sent a message to his sister Millena shortly before midnight on December 19th, 2022, in which he asked her to look after his dog DEagle. He then texted that he had kind of decided what he was going to do, but wont tell anyone. Search website Miller did not make any further comment on this remark. His web history showed that five minutes after he sent this text to his sister, he visited a website entitled: How to kill in three seconds. The website was about the massacre of a Brazilian family in Spain. A further three minutes later his web history indicated that he visited a website entitled What are the necessary conditions to kill someone?. A minute later, there was a visit to the Three ways to fight well with knives website. Sgt Barron was cross-examined by Ray Boland, SC, for the accused. Mr Boland said that his client told him that he had carried out a web search in relation to ending his own life. Sgt Barron agreed with Mr Boland that Miller had undertaken web searches on how much it would cost to transport a body back to his native Brazil. Sgt Barron also said that he could not give an indication as to what search terms the accused used to get to the websites he had cited or whether Miller typed a term that brought him to one website and then clicked on a hyperlink which took him to the other sites. Text messages Meanwhile, the jury of seven women and five men heard extensive evidence in relation to the texts exchanged by Miller and the late Bruna Fonseca. Miller arrived in Cork on November 18th, 2022. He sent her almost 2,000 texts from that date until her death on January 1st, 2023. On December 6th, 2022, Miller accused Bruna of liking seeing him angry and furious. In a text ten days later, he said that he had been replaced like garbage. He accused Bruna of trying to hurt him. She responded telling him that there was no love left and no admiration. She appealed to him to move on repeatedly saying that the relationship was over. On the same date, December 16th, 202,2 Miller texted her accused her of ruining his life. We had a plan and you led me to believe that here all our dreams would be wonderful and all our dreams (with their dog) Deagle. "Thank you so much, really. Later that day, he sent her an audio message saying that she wanted to be with someone else instead of him. You really want to get away and disappear and leave me alone without anything I was left without anything, I sold everything and now I have nothing, really nothing thats what you want for me, thats what you want for me, the father of your child (Deagle the dog), thats what you want, thats what I deserve, right ? On December 18th, 2022, he texted her about her decision to unfollow him on Instagram. He said that she was moving on with her life in a cold way. Bruna texted that she was very sorry for what had happened, but that they were not good for each other. I didnt lie when I said I was happy you were coming, and everything happened so fast here, you have been living this experience, things happen at maximum speed and intensity. "But I dont love you, and I cant be with someone out of pity, thats why I need to distance myself, because for you, any sign of help is a light at the end of the tunnel, and I cant give you hope because I dont want us to get back together. In the days that followed, Miller sent various messages to Bruna as well as photographs and videos of their dog. On December 23rd, 2022, Bruna told him to focus on work, and that would help him to move on. He replied that he didn't want to forget her and move on in life without her. I am going day by day until when I see that I can take the ton of things I am carrying but it gets heavier everyday and the more far from me you are, the weaker I get and the heavier the burden is I apologise for everything and yes, I didnt want to want you like this and love you like this. Christmas On Christmas Eve 2022, Miller texted Bruna and said that if their roles were reversed, she would only feel anger hate and sadness. On Christmas Day 2022, Bruna texted Miller saying that he was playing the victim: and that the terrorising of him was too much. She asked him not to talk to her or look for her again. She asked him to stop all that he was doing as no one can stand it anymore. On two occasions that day, he texted Bruna, telling her she was a bad person. The texting continued during the Christmas period in 2022. On December 28th, Miller texted Bruna asking her to his place on New Years Eve for wine and chocolate. There was also a suggestion of a FaceTime call to Brazil so that they could see their dog. Bruna told him she was going to a New Years Eve party and said he should go so that he wouldnt be alone. She said she just wanted to dance and have fun that night. She sent him a text refusing to stay in his house on New Years Eve. She said she would try to drop in on him afterwards. Bruna added that she just wanted peace and tranquillity. The trial will continue next Monday. Isabel Hayes A man who took part in an unprovoked, vicious and sustained late-night city centre attack in Dublin, kicking and punching the victim as he lay on the ground, has been jailed for 18 months. Tony Grimes (26) was with two other young men when they set upon the other man in the Wexford Street area of Dublin after socialising until the early hours of the morning on February 29th 2024. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the victim fell to the ground in the first 30 seconds of the assault, but the three men continued to punch and kick him as he lay defenceless on the path. After passers-by pleaded with the attackers to stop, they left the scene, but not before Grimes returned to kick the man to the head one more time. Grimes, of Goatstown Close, Dundrum, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to the man. It is an offence which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. He has 29 previous convictions, including criminal damage, public order and road traffic offences. The court heard the victim was taken to the hospital with bruising and swelling to the back and face, along with cuts and a black eye. Sentencing Grimes on Friday, Judge Orla Crowe said the victim in the case was lucky not to be seriously physically injured, but she noted the psychological effects of the attack have had a long-lasting effect on him. This was a sustained, vicious attack, the judge said. She noted that while there may have been a verbal interaction of some kind between both parties prior to the assault, nothing justifies being attacked in that way. It has had a lasting impact on this injured party, she said. She said it was an aggravating factor that Grimes returned to deliver a final kick to the head of his victim. Gardai identified Grimes by going through the ticketing process of the nightclub he had attended that night. The court heard he is remorseful for his actions that night and had 2500 in court as a token of his remorse. The court heard the victim did not wish to take the money, but requested that it be donated to charity. Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of four years, which she reduced to 18 months, taking mitigating factors into account, including Grimes's family background, his remorse and guilty plea. Two men who sexually assaulted two teenage friends on a disused railway line in County Mayo have been jailed. Rudolf Makula (30), of Gleann Ard, Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting one of the girls on March 28, 2023. Marian Peci (29), of no fixed abode, denied a charge of sexual assault and false imprisonment of a second girl but was convicted following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the teenage girls had gone out to meet their friends and congregated where they felt safe, as happens all the time in towns around the country. He said every young woman was entitled to feel safe, confident and have peace of mind when they go out and meet friends in the evening and have a few drinks. He said the victim impact reports in the case set out in very stark terms the effects of the sexual assault on the two girls, including a sense of violation and powerlessness. He noted their lives and education had been interfered with and one of the girls blamed herself somewhat. He said the message she should take from the "courageous path" she and her friend have taken to follow this case through was that what happened was not her fault, and that the fault lies with the offenders. He noted probation reports in relation to the men made for disappointing reading, outlining they included no remorse, as well as deflection and minimisation of the offending. He said the two men were much older and more experienced than the two girls. When they came across the young people socialising, they saw an opportunity to insinuate their way into their company and then sought to abuse the girls for their own sexual satisfaction, he said. The judge said the men treated the girls in a demeaning and humiliating way and acted with an entitlement to do as they wanted. He noted they had plied the girls with further alcohol, making them more vulnerable. He said the girls were very lucky their friend had called to two young men who rescued the girls and took them home. He said these young men were to be commended. Justice McDermott said young women out for the night should not have to run the risk of older men preying on them. The judge imposed a three and half year sentence in the case of Makula and a three year sentence in the case of Peci. He ordered two years post release supervision for both men. During a sentence hearing earlier this week, a local garda told Diana Stuart SC, prosecuting, that the two girls had gone to the railway line to drink alcohol along with a third girl. While they were there, they met Makula and Peci who offered them more alcohol and joined the group. Makula then separated one of the girls and brought her behind some bushes. He turned her around, restrained her hands behind her back, removed her underwear and sexually assaulted her. He also forced her to touch his penis. The garda said the girl screamed but Makula told her: It's fine, it's fine. She ultimately broke away from her and returned to her friends. By this time, the third girl had messaged two male friends who arrived to help the girls. The second victim was described as extremely intoxicated and did not have much recollection of what happened. She later told gardai that Peci grabbed her and led her away from the group. He kissed her and touched her breasts and bottom. He asked her for sex but she said no. She struggled to get away, but her friends found her and led her away. The men were nominated as suspects after the incident was reported to gardai and footage from the local area was analysed. Makula was arrested the following month. He denied any involvement. He said he was on the phone to his wife and saw Peci kissing and hugging a girl. Makula later pleaded guilty. Both men have been in custody since August 2025. Makula has two previous convictions for burglary, one from Ireland and one from Slovakia. Peci has 49 convictions for public order, theft and road traffic offences. One of the girls stated in her victim impact statement that the sexual assault has had a lasting impact on the way she sees herself and the world around her. She said she has overwhelming fear, confusion and shame. She wakes up with a sense of dread that she cannot explain. She struggled with feeling safe and her trust in others has been damaged. Simple things that once felt normal now feel difficult, she said. She said it has impacted her mental health and ability to focus on work and education. I did not choose what happened to me, yet I have to carry the consequences of someone else's actions, she said. The sense of powerlessness and violation stays with me, she continued adding, I want accountability for the harm done." This has changed me, altered my sense of safety and peace of mind. It has an ongoing impact on my daily life, she said. She said she is trying to rebuild her confidence and thanked those who supported her, her family, victim support, the gardai and the court. The second victim said that for almost two years now, her life has stopped. She said she carried so much guilt, shame and blamed herself. She was angry with herself for not being strong enough to carry on. She said she hated that her life had been stolen from her and suffers with constant anxiety and paranoia. It didn't just hurt me once, it took years of my life, she said. She said it will continue to impact her for the rest of her life. Michael Bowman SC, defending Makula, said young people have the right to socialise where they like without fear of incidences such as this. He described it as a grievous violation and said that his client accepts and acknowledges that. He said Makula wants to apologise unreservedly. He is a Slovakian national, father of four children and his partner had a child while he was in custody. Kathleen Leader SC, defending Peci, said he has a large extended family who have supported him throughout. She said he is in a stable relationship with two children and is a Slovakian national. Counsel accepted the aggravating features were the girls were juvenile, had been drinking and were given more drink by the men. PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal said that the university is focusing on climate-resilient and water-saving technologies to address depleting water tables. File Photo. These fairs serve as a crucial platform for farmers to access high-quality seeds for the upcoming Kharif season. PAU Releases Official Dates for State-Wide Kisan Melas Advertisement The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has officially released the schedule for its series of seven Kisan Melas (Farmers' Fairs) to be held across the state in March 2026. These fairs serve as a crucial platform for farmers to access high-quality seeds for the upcoming Kharif season and witness the latest technological advancements. According to PAU Director of Extension Education Dr M.S. Bhullar, the series will begin on March 10 at Nagkalan-Jahangir (Amritsar), followed by fairs at Rauni (Patiala) on March 12, Ballowal Saunkhri on March 14, and Faridkot on March 17. Advertisement The two-day flagship mela at the PAU Campus in Ludhiana is scheduled for March 20 and 21. The series will conclude with melas at Bathinda on March 24 and Gurdaspur on March 27. PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal said that the university is focusing on climate-resilient and water-saving technologies to address depleting water tables. He emphasised that the fairs would showcase new horticultural crops, including dragon fruit and strawberries, to encourage crop diversification. Source: Indian Express 18th IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue: Next Year to Be Celebrated as 75th Anniversary of Ties Jaishankar said that today's discussions on these issues reflected India and Japan's shared interests and mutual understanding. External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar and Japans Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi chaired the 18th IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi today, with talks focusing on deeper cooperation in economic, maritime, supply chain, critical minerals, technology, people-to-people (P2P), and multilateral domains. Dr S Jaishankar wrote, Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership is on an upward trajectory and holds immense potential for shaping the world order and de-risking the international economy. Advertisement Jaishankar said that todays discussions on these issues reflected India and Japans shared interests and mutual understanding. Also had a useful exchange of perspectives on the Indo-Pacific and regional and global developments, he added. Advertisement Toshihiro Kitamura, spokesperson of the Japanese Foreign Ministry, said in a statement following the meeting that several cooperation initiatives are ongoing between the two countries, with one of the flagship projects being defence equipment and technology transfer to India. We are in negotiations to transfer our UNICORN radar for the Navy. This will be installed on Indian naval vessels. Many things are ongoing in these security areas. Investment in the Northeast is part of the Indian governments Act East policy, he added. The spokesperson further said that both leaders agreed to construct a high-speed railway between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Advertisement We agreed to accelerate this project. E10 does not exist yet; that will be introduced in the 2030s, the spokesperson noted. Toshihiro Kitamura highlighted that next year will be celebrated as the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Advertisement He added that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the EAM agreed to designate the year as the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and to work towards accelerating people-to-people exchanges. Prime Minister Modi visited Japan August in 2025. (For more news apart from Adults in Punjab suffer from poor sleep; occupation not a key factor," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) J&K MP Sends SOS' to EAM for Rescue and Evacuation of Students Trapped in Iran He added that being in jail does not allow him to meet the Union minister in person. Abdul Rashid Sheikh, an MP from Baramulla in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has written to External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar, seeking urgent intervention for the rescue and safe evacuation of Kashmiri students trapped in Iran amid the tense situation there. Rashid Sheikh, in the letter addressed to S Jaishankar, said, It is with reference to rescuing hundreds of Kashmiris, mostly students, from various parts of Iran, where the situation has deteriorated drastically and uncertainty, unfortunately, seems unending. Advertisement He added that the families are very much worried about the fate and safety of their loved ones. The Baramulla MP called the concerns genuine, while adding that the threats seem real. He sought the intervention of the ministry, saying, Your intervention is the only hope for the families. He added that being in jail does not allow him to meet the Union minister in person. Advertisement Being in jail, I can neither unfortunately meet your good self nor can tell you over the subject. The trapped citizens need to be evacuated at the earliest. Abdul Rashid Sheikh requested Jaishankar to treat the letter as an SOS call on behalf of the trapped Kashmiris and ensure their safety, including evacuation from various parts of Iran, before it gets too late. Advertisement I am eagerly waiting for your response, he added. The letter, dated January 15, was sent from Tihar Jail, where the MP is currently lodged. According to sources, some of the Indian nationals, most of them students, are coming back to India from Iran late tonight (Friday). They come on their own, via routine scheduled flights, it said. Advertisement Currently, the internet is suspended across the country. Iran has held the US and Israel responsible for the deaths in the country during the unrest, alleging that they supplied live weapons to the protesters. (For more news apart from J&K MP Sends SOS to EAM for Rescue and Evacuation of Students Trapped in Iran," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China congratulates Uruguay on taking over the chairmanship of the Group of 77 (G77) and China for the year 2026 and looks forward to greater solidarity and cooperation under its leadership, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday. At a regular press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks when asked about the handover ceremony of the chairmanship of the G77 and China held recently at the United Nations (UN) headquarters. Guo noted that the G77 and China is an important force in safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and improving the global governance system, and a pillar in defending multilateralism. He pointed out that the organization is playing an irreplaceable role in international affairs. "As the largest developing country, China always shares weal and woe with the Global South and stands firmly with the G77 in upholding international fairness and justice, as well as protecting the common interests of developing countries," he said. At the handover ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres once again stressed the importance of multilateralism, unity and cooperation, which echoes the shared aspiration of the international community, Guo noted. "It also proves that unilateral moves such as withdrawing from treaties and organizations and cutting off supplies find no support among the people," Guo said. "As the international landscape experiences instabilities and transformation and multilateralism faces headwinds, it is all the more imperative for developing countries to seek strength through unity, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying, and safeguard our legitimate development interests," Guo added. "We hope that under the chairmanship of Uruguay, the G77 and China can further pool consensus on solidarity and cooperation, practice true multilateralism, firmly uphold the authority and role of the UN, restore development as the central international agenda item, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity," the spokesperson said. The breakdown in banking operations and internet services has stalled normal trade flows and created a climate of deep uncertainty in domestic mandis. File Photo. While the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) has not officially halted exports, it has issued an advisory urging caution. Basmati Industry on Edge: Iran Unrest Disrupts Trade and Payments in Punjab Mandis Advertisement The escalating political and economic instability in Iran has severely disrupted Punjabs basmati rice export sector. It has left payments worth an estimated INR 1,200 to INR 1,400 crore outstanding for exporters in Punjab and Haryana. Iran is a crucial market for Indian premium rice. The breakdown in banking operations and internet services has stalled normal trade flows and created a climate of deep uncertainty in domestic mandis. Sanjiv Chadha of Sifti Rice Mills said that the ground situation in Iran has brought trade to a virtual standstill. "The banking system is off, internet services are disrupted, and unloading at ports has virtually come to a halt," he noted. He added that exporters currently have no choice but to "wait and watch". Advertisement This market uncertainty has already led to a direct impact on local farmers and traders, with rice prices in domestic mandis dropping by INR 300 to INR 400 per quintal. While the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) has not officially halted exports, it has issued an advisory urging caution. The federation advised exporters to reassess contract risks, strengthen payment safeguards, and avoid overexposure to the Iranian market. Advertisement Industry leaders, including Tejinder Singh, CEO of Amar Singh Chawal Wala (Lal Qilla brand), acknowledged the instability but said that those with established, safe payment structures through alternative channels have been less affected. However, the overall shortage of US dollars in Iran had already begun weakening import demand even before the latest unrest began. Source: Times of India Minister Arora highlighted that previous state-led delegations to Japan and South Korea were highly successful in generating investor interest and in generating new opportunities for employment generation. File Photo. Arora said that the MEA failed to provide any "proper or clear explanation" for blocking the visit. CM Bhagwant Manns UK and Israel Visit Denied: Minister Sanjeev Arora Seeks Reconsideration Advertisement Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora has asked the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to reconsider its decision of denying political clearance to a high-profile investment outreach mission to the UK and Israel. Describing the decision as "unfortunate and condemnable", Arora demanded an immediate reconsideration. He asserted that the move directly sabotages Punjab's economic prospects and the future of its youth. The rejected visit was scheduled for February. It was intended as a one-week mission led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to court global business leaders for the upcoming 6th Progressive Punjab Investors' Summit in Mohali. Advertisement Arora said that the MEA failed to provide any "proper or clear explanation" for blocking the visit, leading the state government to suspect political motives behind the decision. Minister Arora highlighted that previous state-led delegations to Japan and South Korea were highly successful in generating investor interest and in generating new opportunities for employment generation. He argued that the Centre is dealing a "needless blow" to the state's efforts to generate employment. Advertisement Despite the setback, Arora maintained a defiant stance for the state government. He said that they "will not be deterred" and will continue to work relentlessly for Punjabs progress. The minister emphasised that these international investments are crucial not just for the state but for the overall economic growth of India. Source: Times of India Manikarnika Ghat Row: artifacts and idols duly preserved, claims UP govt after backlash You want every piece of historical heritage to be erased and just your nameplate stuck on it, Kharge said. Manikarnika Ghat Row: The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday claimed that all artifacts and idols present at the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi have been duly preserved, contrary to allegations and criticism by several quarters, including the Congress party, over the destruction of history. The Information & Public Relations Department of the Uttar Pradesh government, in a post on its official X account, said that the ongoing work at the ghat is the reconstruction and strengthening of the site. Advertisement "For ages, a large number of people have been coming to Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi for cremations. Keeping in mind the convenience, safety, and proper management for devotees, the reconstruction and strengthening work of the ghat is currently underway, it wrote in a post on X. Under this, beautification work is being carried out on the old steps of the ghat and its raw sections, it added. The Uttar Pradesh government claimed that all temples located on the ghat will be fully preserved. In the reconstruction area, there was a matha and some artifacts on the walls, which have been affected during the work, it admitted. Advertisement It added that regarding the affected matha and some artifacts, certain alleged misleading and baseless claims are being circulated on social media, which it said have no connection to reality. It further stated that, contrary to these claims, all artifacts and idols present on the ghat have been duly preserved by the Culture Department and kept in a safe place, and after the reconstruction work is completed, they will be reinstalled in their original form.The Congress party has strongly criticized the ongoing work at the ghat, alleging that destroying Manikarnika Ghat is not just destroying a ghat. It is erasing Indias identity, culture, and heritage Advertisement The Congress party has strongly criticized the ongoing work at the ghat, alleging that destroying Manikarnika Ghat is not just destroying a ghat. It is erasing Indias identity, culture, and heritage. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticized the ongoing work, calling it tasteless beautification and commercialization, for allegedly 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 said. Advertisement First, in the name of corridors, small and large temples and shrines were demolished, and now it's the turn of the ancient ghats. You have committed the crime of demolishing that rare ancient heritagethe Manikarnika Ghat described in the Gupta period, which Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar ji had renovated. Kashi, the world's oldest city, is such a confluence of spirituality, culture, education, and history that it attracts the entire world toward it. Is the intention behind all this once again to benefit your business friends? You have handed over water, forests, mountainseverything to them; now it's the turn of cultural heritage, Kharge wrote in a post on his X. (For more news apart from Manikarnika Ghat Row: artifacts and idols duly preserved, claims UP govt after backlash," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Migration profiles and trends Global migration currently means that hundreds of millions of people live in a country other than the one in which they were born Foto: pixabay.com Corina Cristea, 16.01.2026, 13:09 Global migration currently means that hundreds of millions of people live in a country other than the one in which they were bornmainly economically active adults, but also students and even entire families, refugees, asylum seekers, and people displaced by conflict or disaster. It is a growing phenomenon: while in 2020 the number of international migrants was around 275 million, four years later their number exceeded 304 million. Migration is not dominated by a single region or demographic group. Migrants come from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and beyond, and the proportion of female migrants is significant and almost equal to that of males. When assessing the scale of migration, we must bear in mind the definition underlying this very important concept in economic policythe 12-month threshold is very important in understanding this definition and the fact that there are two concepts in official statistics: international migration by citizenship and international migration by country of birth, points out university professor Tudorel Andrei, president of the National Institute of Statistics. If we do not take these aspects into account, we end up with different interpretations of figures that are unofficial and not endorsed by statistical institutes, Eurostat, the OECD, and the United Nations. The three international bodies periodically calculate both the flow and stock of international migration, as national statistics, under European regulations, are required to calculate the flow each year, not the stock. The stock is an estimate based on data obtained from other national statistical institutes. Romania ranks high in the global ranking of countries with high emigration rates. The latest Eurostat data show that over three million Romanians live legally in other European Union countries. However, experts point out that the actual number is higher, as official records are incomplete. This number reflects years of departures and decisions made mostly out of the need for a better life, with Western Europe being the destination of choice for most. Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom are the main destinations, due to labour demand, established communities, and economic opportunities. The data also shows that, in recent years, the profile of those choosing to leave has changed: the average age is now slightly higher, around 35, and the proportion of those with higher education has also increased, currently standing at around 40%. Professor Tudorel Andrei: We have two categoriesthose who leave for various reasons: economic, cultural, and so on, but return to the country, and those who change their place of residence, whose number averages over 25,000 per year. The peak was reached in 2022, when over 50,000 left the country permanently, and in 2024, according to provisional data, around 29,000. Studies and reports on this phenomenon show that some of the Romanians who leave are overqualified for the jobs they find abroad, that Romanian emigration in recent years reflects a presence of about 55% of women while the global trend is more balanced, and that a trend of returning to the country is becoming increasingly clear. Last year alone, nearly 220,000 people returned, either permanently or to test life in Romania again. At the same time, a recent survey by the Repatriot organization shows that 29% of Romanians living abroad are considering returning to their country permanently, especially those settled in Israel, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. For now, the balance remains unstablewhile some return, others continue to leave, attracted by financial stability and prospects outside the country. The result is a diaspora that, overall, remains the same size, constantly torn between the hope of returning and economic reality. Tudorel Andrei: The trend is for them to return, but if we consider the share, you should know that there are many citizens, usually born in Asian countries, who emigrate to Romania. According to the latest data, in 2024, almost 290,000 immigrants entered Romania, some of whom were Romanians who returned from Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Around 65-70% of those who entered the country are Romanians. Another interesting figure or argument is the large number of children born abroad to at least one parent of Romanian origin and registered in Romania. Between 2014 and 2024, over 370,000 children were born abroad and also registered in Romania. This means, says university professor Tudorel Andrei, that there is at least a cultural connection between Romanian emigrants and the places they left behind, and this is probably one of the main reasons why Romanians are returning to their country. (MI) January 16, 2026 A roundup of domestic and international news Newsflash Newsroom, 16.01.2026, 13:55 Deficit. Romania significantly reduced its budget deficit last year and experienced slight economic growth, President Nicusor Dan said on Thursday. Painful measures were taken, but they yielded the expected results, the head of state said at the annual meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Bucharest, to whom he conveyed that Bucharests main goal for this year and for 2027 is economic recovery. Externally, Romania will maintain the same policy based on the triad of the European Union, NATO, and the Strategic Partnership with the United States. SAFE. The European Commissions decision to approve Romanias application for funding through the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument, which will provide us with over 16 billion, is very good news. This money is for essential security acquisitions, projects, and investments that Romania was already considering and would have financed on its own at much higher costs, President Nicusor Dan wrote on social media. The head of state mentioned that Bucharest is receiving the second largest amount allocated to an EU member state, representing a strategic opportunity to accelerate the investments needed to revitalize the national defense industry. The Bucharest government also welcomed the European Commissions approval of Romanias application for funding through the SAFE Program. The Commission will finalize the loan agreements, with the first payments to be made in March 2026. More on this after the news. Magistrates. Romanias Constitutional Court has today postponed until February 11 deliberations on the governments new bill on the reform of magistrates pension system in order to give judges time, reads a statement issued by Romanias Constitutional Court, to better study the issues at stake in the case, as well as the documents submitted by the High Court. This concerns an accounting report which, according to the Supreme Court, would prove that the governments bill would in fact cancel magistrates public service pensions, which would be lower than those based on contributions. The High Court of Cassation and Justice says that under these circumstances, it would no longer be a reform of special pensions, but a confiscation of magistrates rights. There have been several postponements in this case, the last two due to lack of quorum. Also today, the Bucharest Court of Appeal is resuming the unprecedented trial in which the mandates of two members of the CCR were challenged. The ruling is considered important, both in terms of the composition of the Constitutional Court and the decision on the draft law on magistrates pensions. Salaries. The average gross salary in Romania increased by 2.4% to 9,371 lei in November 2025 compared to October, while the net value of wages increased by 2.2% to 5,615 lei, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) published today. According to official statistics, in November 2025, in most economic sectors, the average net wage increased compared to the previous month, as a result of occasional bonuses (quarterly, annual, winter holiday, special performance, or 13th salary bonuses), benefits in kind and financial aid, amounts from net profits and other funds (including vouchers). The increases in average net wages were also due to higher production or revenues, depending on contracts or projects. (1 euro = approximately 5 lei / ed.) Iran. Given the security situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the increased risk of escalation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest (MAE) informs Romanian citizens that it has raised the travel warning level for this country to the maximum level 9/9. The MAE strongly recommends that Romanian citizens in Iran leave the country immediately, using any safe route available. At the same time, the institution emphasizes that Romanian citizens who have already planned trips to Iran in the near future are strongly advised to cancel them. The ministry also strongly recommends that Romanian citizens in Iran report their presence to the Romanian Embassy in Tehran, at the missions emergency telephone number: +98 21 77647570. Currently, the telephone number only works via GSM calls, as it is impossible to call it using messaging apps due to the lack of internet access. If Romanian citizens have trouble getting in touch with the diplomatic mission, they can call +98 21 77539041 instead, and their calls will be redirected to the Contact and Support Center for Romanian Citizens Abroad and answered by call center operators 24/7. (MI) January 16, 2026 UPDATE A roundup of local and international news. January 16, 2026 UPDATE Newsroom, 16.01.2026, 19:55 Release. A Romanian citizen who was detained in Venezuela for more than a year has been released and will return home, said the Romanian foreign ministry. He is in the care of the representatives of the European Union Delegation in Caracas and will shortly make the trip back to Romania. The Romanian foreign ministry has thanked the EU Delegation in Caracas, with which the Romanian authorities have worked closely since the case was first reported in 2024, both for its consular assistance and for promoting the mans release. The ministry also hailed the support offered by partner states, in particular Czechia, for his return home. Magistrates. Romanias Constitutional Court on Friday postponed until February 11 deliberations on the governments new bill on the reform of magistrates pension system in order to give judges time, reads a statement issued by Romanias Constitutional Court, to better study the issues at stake in the case, as well as the documents submitted by the High Court. This concerns an accounting report which, according to the Supreme Court, would prove that the governments bill would in fact cancel magistrates public service pensions, which would be lower than those based on contributions. The High Court of Cassation and Justice says that under these circumstances, it would no longer be a reform of special pensions, but a confiscation of magistrates rights. There have been several postponements in this case, the last two due to lack of quorum. Also on Friday, the Bucharest Court of Appeal postponed for 30th January a ruling on a request to dismiss two of its judges. The decision is viewed as important both for the composition of the Constitutional Court and its expected ruling on the bill on magistrates pensions. Iran. Given the security situation in Iran and the high risk of escalation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest has raised the travel warning for this country to the highest level 9/9. The ministry urges Romanian citizens who are already in Iran to leave the country immediately, using any safe route available and strongly advises its citizens who have planned trips to Iran in the near future to cancel them. The ministry also strongly recommends that Romanian citizens in Iran report their presence to the Romanian Embassy in Tehran, at the missions emergency telephone number: +98 21 77647570. Currently, the telephone number only works via GSM calls, as it is impossible to place a call through messaging apps due to the lack of internet access. If Romanian citizens have trouble getting in touch with the diplomatic mission, they can call +98 21 77539041 instead, and their calls will be redirected to the Contact and Support Center for Romanian Citizens Abroad and answered by call center operators 24/7. Deficit. Romania significantly reduced its budget deficit last year and saw slight economic growth, President Nicusor Dan said on Thursday. Painful measures were taken, but they yielded the expected results, said the president, speaking at the annual meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Bucharest, to whom he conveyed that Bucharests main goal for this year and for 2027 is economic recovery. In terms of its foreign policy, Romania will maintain its focus on the European Union, NATO, and the Strategic Partnership with the United States. SAFE. The European Commissions decision to approve Romanias application for funding through the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument, which will provide us with over 16 billion euros, is very good news. This money is for essential security acquisitions, projects, and investments that Romania was already considering and would have financed on its own at much higher costs, President Nicusor Dan wrote on social media. The head of state mentioned that Bucharest is receiving the second largest amount allocated to an EU member state, representing a strategic opportunity to accelerate the investments needed to revitalize its defense industry. The Bucharest government also welcomed the European Commissions approval of Romanias application for funding through the SAFE Program. The Commission will finalize the loan agreements, with the first payments to be made in March 2026. Birth rate. Fewer and fewer children are being born In Romania, and the natural birth rate is negative. The number of birth certificates decreased by some 18% in November 2025 compared the previous month, according to the National Institute of Statistics. The number of death certificates registered last November was approximately 18,600, about 2,000 fewer than in October, which represents a decrease of 9.8%,. In the same period last year, 42.3% of the total number of deaths was registered in people aged 80 and over, 28.1% in people aged 70-79 and 15.8% in people aged 60-69. The National Institute of Statistics also said that over 4,600 marriages and almost 1,900 divorce cases were registered in November 2025. (CM) European Commission approves financing under SAFE program Romania will receive almost 17 billion euros in loans from the EU to strengthen its military. Photo: gov.ro Stefan Stoica, 16.01.2026, 13:50 The government in Bucharest welcomed the approval, by the European Commission, of the Application submitted by Romania for financing, under the SAFE Program (Security Action for Europe). According to a statement sent to AGERPRES, during the next week the projects included in the application submitted by Romania will be made public. The country benefits from 16.68 billion euros, the second largest allocation through the SAFE Program. After the European Commissions approval, the Council is to adopt the implementation decisions, and subsequently, the Commission will finalize the loan agreements, with the first payments to be made in March 2026, the executive said. Romanias application was approved on Thursday, along with the plans submitted by Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, and Portugal. By 2030, Romania must capitalize on this opportunity by finalizing the acquisitions, the Government statement also reads. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan mentioned, in a post on his Facebook page, that among the projects that will have financing under the program SAFE are the highways in the eastern part of the country. Also, based on this financing, Romania will strengthen its defense industry through investments, military technology transfer and the creation of new jobs. The projects will contribute to the development of military and civilian infrastructure, to equipping the Romanian army with modern defense equipment and to increasing the security of our country. This is an important stage in Europes efforts to strengthen its security, Prime Minister Bolojan also said. The SAFE regulation was adopted in May last year, as part of the Preparedness 2030 Strategy, an ambitious defense package that provides EU member states with financial leverage to stimulate increased investment in defense capabilities. The SAFE instrument is a temporary financial mechanism of the European Union, with a budget of 150 billion euros, in the form of loans granted on favorable terms. It is now urgent that the plans proposed by the Member States are approved by the Council to allow for rapid disbursements, said the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. SAFE also integrates Ukraine into the EU security ecosystem and ensures that our support is both rapid and sustainable, the head of the EU executive stressed. The funding levels for each country were provisionally set in September, based on the principles of solidarity and transparency. SAFE will allow Member States to immediately and massively expand their defence investments through joint procurement from the European defence industry, focusing on priority capabilities. This will help ensure interoperability, predictability and cost reduction for a strong European defence industrial base. Romania is second in terms of financing volume because it is located on the eastern border of the European Union, the most exposed to major geopolitical risks. (EE) The Romanian President meets ambassadors According to Romanias President the countrys foreign policy will continue to be based on the three main pillars, the EU, NATO and the Strategic partnership with the USA President Nicusor Dan meets ambassadors Roxana Vasile, 16.01.2026, 14:00 In his address at the annual meeting of the heads of the diplomatic missions accredited to Bucharest, Romanian President Nicusor Dan talked about the national domestic objectives in 2026, as painful economic measures were needed last year concurrently with sustained efforts for ensuring political stability. Nicusor Dan: Some painful measures were needed in an extremely short period of time, and these measures at macroeconomic level have yielded unexpected results. Romania managed to end the year with a significant deficit cut and a slight economic growth. Administrative and fiscal reforms that we kicked off last year are going to consolidate the state and this joint effort citizens, private sector, public institutions must be capitalized upon through public policies that may kick-start economic growth. This is one of the key objectives for 2026 and 2027. Romania is at the beginning of a national reconciliation process within society, but also of reconsolidating the power balance Nicusor Dan went on to say adding that strengthening the rule of law and anti-corruption fight are the priorities of his mandate. As for Romanias foreign policy, President Dan says it has to be dynamic and creative as the year 2026 seems to be a year with a lot of challenges. In his opinion, the international environment has been marked by the reinvigoration of the logic of spheres of influence. In the meantime, the global arena has been confronted with multiple layered crises. Nicusor Dan: On a global stage, which is often chaotic, Romania will continue to be a trustworthy partner. We are going to promote the same type of foreign policy based on three main pillars, namely the European Union, NATO and the Strategic Partnership with the United States. We are going to focus on issues of great importance to us, such as the aggression war the Russian Federation wages on Ukraine, the European future of the Republic of Moldova, the cooperation with our strategic partners and the states with which we share the same values. To our traditional friends in the Balkans, the Middle East, northern Africa, Latin America and Asia, we are going to propose on medium-term, a new level of ambition, which should capitalize on the historical capital of our relations and the new political and economic dynamism of these regions. 2026 could be a year of peace in Europe, the head of the Romanian state went on to say, adding that Romania is supporting the efforts of the US President Donald Trump to negotiate a fast and lasting peace in Ukraine. Bucharest will also step up efforts for the creation of a security hub at the Black Sea and will contribute to Europes energy security in the future. Nicusor Dan has thus reiterated Romanias commitment to remaining loyal to its pledges and promises regarding foreign and security policies, and also tenaciously pursuing its national interests. (bill) Saihanba secures "green pass" to international market 14:37, January 16, 2026 By Zhang Tengyang ( People's Daily Photo shows forests in Saihanba. (Photo/Liu Mancang) After a snowfall, the vast man-made forests in Saihanba were blanketed in pristine white. Beneath the snow-covered canopy, the footsteps of forest rangerstogether with satellites overhead, watchtowers perched on mountain peaks, high-definition cameras, and ground-based Internet of Things monitoring equipmentinterweaved into an integrated skyairground monitoring and protection network, safeguarding this hard-won expanse of green. Located at the northernmost edge of Hebei province in north China and along the southern fringe of the Hunshandak Sandland on the Inner Mongolian Plateau, Saihanba was, more than half a century ago, a remote, desolate, and bitterly cold land. Across three generations, workers at the Saihanba Forest Farm persevered in afforestation under extremely harsh natural conditions, ultimately building the world's largest man-made forest. Recently, the Saihanba mechanized forest farm successfully passed the CFCC (China Forest Certification Council) / PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) forest management certification. The certification is valid from December 2025 to December 2030 and covers an area of 93,337.62 hectaresequivalent to the forest farm's entire managed area of 1.4 million mu. This achievement further broadens the pathways for transforming ecological value and opens the door for Saihanba's forest products to reach global markets. What is the value of this "green certification?" According to Guo Zhifeng, deputy director of the Saihanba mechanized forest farm, obtaining this certification means that the forest farm's management philosophy, management system, and technical standards have gained international recognition. It will help increase market acceptance, products' added value and international competitiveness. "Put simply," Guo explained, "this certification is a 'green pass' to the international market." Yet earning this certification was no easy task. Entrusted with the assessment, Zhonglin Tianhe Forest Certification Center (ZTFC), a Chinese forest certification body, conducted the CFCC/PEFC forest management certification. The CFCC and PEFC achieved mutual recognition in 2014. Tan Tuanyuan, an executive with ZTFC, explained that the certification standards mainly cover social, economic, and environmental performance. "The certification involves 10 principles, 46 standard clauses, and 143 indicators," Guo noted. Statistics show that among more than 4,200 state-owned forest farms nationwide, only a small number of them have successfully passed CFCC/PEFC forest management certification. Photo shows forests in Saihanba. (Photo/Liu Mancang) In the first half of 2025, an expert team from ZTFC entered the vast forests of Saihanba to conduct a comprehensive "physical examination" of the forest farm's management practices. Visiting all six sub-farms of the Saihanba mechanized forest farm, their inspections covered the entire lifecycle of forest managementfrom seedling cultivation and afforestation to tending, harvesting, and protection. Even routine management meeting records and warehouse inventory checks were carefully reviewed. After the first round of inspections, the forest farm received a lengthy list of required rectifications. "Quite a few issues were raised," Guo recalled. In response, the forest farm mobilized concentrated efforts to make improvements, bringing everythingfrom management approaches and scientific seedling cultivation to every detail of resource protectioninto line with the required standards. Following two rounds of rigorous review, the forest farm finally obtained the CFCC/PEFC certification at the end of 2025. "This certification affirms our long-term commitment to science-based forestry and sustainable management," said Chang Weiqiang, head of the forest management department of the forest farm. It requires that the entire forest management process be orderly, sustainable, and eco-friendly, he added. Going forward, Saihanba's forest products will be able to enter markets in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere more smoothly, while also providing support for downstream enterprises along the industrial chain as they expand overseas. In recent years, the forest farm has taken targeted measures to improve forest quality. In response to issues such as structural monotony and ecological degradation in large-scale plantations, the forest farm has pioneered the implementation of techniques including high-density initial planting and multiple rounds of tending and utilization. It has actively promoted the development of mixed-species forests, steadily enhancing the diversity, stability, and sustainability of forest ecosystems. Photo shows forests in Saihanba. (Photo/Sun Zhanjun) Over the past five years, the forest farm has completed forest tending over a cumulative area of 542,000 mu. The proportion of mixed forests has risen from 21.4 percent to 26.9 percent. Saihanba has been recognized as a national pilot for sustainable forest management and as a demonstration unit under the UN Forest Instrument. By 2040, the area of mixed forests will increase by another 244,000 mu, accounting for more than 40 percent of the total forest area. In exploring mechanisms for maximizing the economic value of ecological products, the Saihanba mechanized forest farm has kept breaking new ground. After becoming the first state-owned forest farm in North China to develop a national-level certified forestry carbon sink project in 2016, it went on in 2022 to develop 330,000 mu of forest carbon sequestration products in Hebei province. The verified carbon sink amounted to 2.25 million tons, generating revenue of 10.68 million yuan ($1.53 million). Through scientific tending, the forest farm now achieves an annual carbon sequestration of 860,300 tonsequivalent to offsetting the annual emissions of approximately 860,000 family cars. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's total goods imports reached a historic high of 18.48 trillion yuan (about 2.64 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2025, cementing the country's status as the world's second-largest import market for 17 consecutive years, the latest official data has revealed. In 2025, China's imports from over 130 countries and regions registered growth, seven more than in 2024, turning the advantages of its super-large domestic market into opportunities for global industry players, according to data from the General Administration of Customs (GAC). With a population of over 1.4 billion, China's super-large market and ever-growing consumption strengths will continue to unleash enormous import demand and potential, providing broad opportunities for more countries and regions, analysts have noted. BIGGER PIE TO SHARE China's foreign trade partners have continued to grow, Wang Jun, deputy head of the GAC, said at a recent press conference, citing the latest international data showing that China has become a major trading partner of more than 160 countries and regions, an increase of over 20 compared with 2020. In 2025, China's goods imports alone accounted for about 10 percent of the global total, according to Wang. Breaking down the data by region, China's imports from Asia, Latin America and Africa rose by 3.9 percent, 4.9 percent and 6 percent, respectively. In particular, China's imports from the least developed countries rose by 9 percent as it implemented zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff items for products from such countries that have established diplomatic ties with it. By commodity, China's annual imports of mechanical and electrical products reached 7.41 trillion yuan, up 5.7 percent, while the imports of consumer goods, including fresh and dried fruits and edible vegetable oil, rose by 5.6 percent and 16.6 percent, respectively. The entry of more overseas products into China's domestic market comes as the country takes concrete measures to expand imports. For instance, in 2025, customs authorities approved the import of 190 types of agricultural and food products from 65 countries. Beyond goods trade, China's service sector provides further evidence of its commitment to sharing opportunities with the world, a facet often overlooked. Ministry of Commerce data show that in the first 11 months of 2025, China's service trade deficit reached 806.35 billion yuan, driven by steady imports of quality services to meet domestic demand. International data indicates that in the first three quarters last year, China became the main export destination for 79 countries and regions, an increase of 3 compared with 2024. "It should be noted that some countries politicized economic and trade issues and restricted high-tech product exports to China under various pretexts; otherwise, China's imports would have been even higher," Wang said, adding that China's cumulative imports exceeded 90 trillion yuan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2020-2025). OASIS OF CERTAINTY The record imports came as China's total foreign trade in goods surpassed the thresholds of 45 trillion yuan in 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 3.8 percent. The hard-won growth was achieved amid a slowing global economic recovery, rising trade protectionism, and increased geopolitical uncertainties, demonstrating the resilience and sound momentum of China's foreign trade sector, said Yu Xinding, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics. At the press conference, Wang underlined that China's intermediate goods trade achieved rapid growth last year, becoming the main driver of exports and providing strong support for global industrial cooperation. Also highlighting the increases in key intermediate goods imports such as electronic components and computer parts, Yu said this trend indicates that China's demand for key components and technological elements is increasing amid manufacturing upgrades. Wang added that quality "Made-in-China" products are widely popular worldwide, playing an important role in safeguarding the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and injecting certainty and new opportunities into global trade development. While reaffirming that the Chinese market will remain an oasis of certainty, Wang noted that the driving force for global trade growth is still insufficient, citing a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, which predicts that global trade growth will be even weaker in 2026. Earlier in October 2025, the World Trade Organization had sharply lowered its forecast for global goods trade growth in 2026 to 0.5 percent, due to weak global economic recovery and rising uncertain factors. Despite a complex global trade situation for 2026, China's foreign trade sector is poised to maintain sound operation underpinned by its super-large market, complete industrial system, high-standard opening up and ever-improving trade environment, according to Yu. She also added that China's foreign trade sector continues to play an underpinning role in connecting the domestic and international dual circulation. "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 said. Malaysia will on Friday release preliminary Q4 figures for gross domestic product, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In Q3, GDP was up 5.2 percent on year. Singapore will see December figures for non-oil domestic exports; in November, exports were up 6.6 percent on month and 11.6 percent on year for a trade surplus of SGD7.669 billion. Finally, the in Indonesia are closed on Friday for the Ascension of Prophet Muhammad. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi Corp. (MBC.L,MSBHY.PK) announced Friday that it has agreed to acquire Haynesville Shale Gas Business in Louisiana and Texas from Aethon Energy Management and its existing stakeholders for a total equity investment of around $5.2 billion. The transaction involves all equity interests in Aethon III LLC, Aethon United LP, and related entities and interests. The acquisition of assets from Aethon and stakeholders including Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, RedBird Capital Partners, is expected to close in the first quarter of Japan's fiscal year, subject to customary regulatory approvals. With the deal, Mitsubishi said it enters into the U.S. shale gas across the value chain, from upstream ownership through domestic sales and export of produced gas. Aethon's shale gas assets are primarily located in the Haynesville Shale formation, spanning Texas and Louisiana. These assets currently produce approximately 2.1 Bcf/d of natural gas, which is equivalent to about 15 million tons per year of LNG. According to the company, the investment is expected to strengthen the earnings base of its natural gas and LNG businesses, as well as accelerate efforts to build an integrated value chain in the United States. In Tokyo, Mitsubishi Corp. shares were trading at 4,075.00 yen, down 1.52%. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The U.S. government has imposed sanctions against the architects of the Iranian regime's brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrators. The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control is also taking action against the shadow banking networks that allow Iran's elite to steal and launder revenue generated by the country's petroleum and petrochemical sales. Among the Iranian security officials sanctioned Thursday is Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security. Larijani was one of the first Iranian leaders to call for violence in response to the legitimate demands of the Iranian people, according to the U.S. Treasury. OFAC is also designating 18 individuals and entities who play critical roles in laundering the proceeds of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales to foreign as part of the clandestine "shadow banking" networks of sanctioned Iranian financial institutions Bank Melli and Shahr Bank. The United States has also designated the notorious Fardis Prison, where women have endured cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. Since the protests started in late December, Iran's security forces have fired live ammunition at protesters, depriving the Iranian people of life and liberty. The Treasury alleged that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces have even attacked wounded protesters in one hospital in Ilam Province, firing tear gas and metal pellets into the hospital grounds and assaulting patients, family members, and medical workers. Mohammad Reza Hashemifar, who serves as the commander of the U.S.-designated Law Enforcement Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Lorestan Province; Nematollah Bagheri, who is the IRGC commander of Lorestan Province; Azizollah Maleki and Yadollah Buali, who serve as the LEF and IRGC commanders for Fars Province are among those targweted by the Treasury. Bank Melli Iran, which is Iran's largest state-owned commercial bank, has created an extensive network of cover companies to send and receive funds outside of Iran. OFAC has sanctioned Iran-based Nikan Pezhvak Aria Kish Company, which is the head of Bank Melli's rahbar network in Iran; UAE-based Empire International Trading FZE, which is Bank Melli's UAE-based rahbar company used for managing foreign currency; Singapore-based Golden Mist PTE. Ltd., used as a cover company to receive millions of dollars' worth of revenue; UAE-based HMS Trading FZE; Iran-based Tejarat Hermes Energy Qeshm; and Mehdi Rashno, Bashir Abbaspour Qomi and Hamid Reza Khamer, who serve on the board of Nikan Pezhvak. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Cryptocurrencies declined in the past 24 hours as digested the developments on the regulatory front following a pause in the CLARITY Act's legislative progress. The safe haven demand for cryptocurrencies triggered by renewed geopolitical tensions limited losses. Overall crypto market capitalization has decreased more than 1 percent overnight. Sentiment weakened in crypto markets as the Senate Banking Committee delayed its discussion of the much-anticipated crypto market-structure bill. This followed crypto exchange Coinbase Global Inc. withdrawing support for the latest version of the legislation. However, several industry leaders have voiced support for the Bill. The issue of stablecoin reward programs remains at the center of the dispute. Meanwhile, reports quote Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan as warning that up to $6 trillion in deposits, representing roughly 30 to 35 percent of all U.S. commercial bank deposits, could migrate from the traditional banking system into stablecoins if Congress permits interest payments on the digital tokens under the pending legislation. Crypto market spotlight is on how fast and in what manner the legislation would be enacted. The draft bill which seeks to define how cryptocurrencies would be regulated in the United States, is widely anticipated to remove years of legal ambiguity that have restricted not just investments in the sector but also product development as well as institutional participation. The weakening in the sentiment prevailing in the cryptocurrency market was reflected in the CMC Fear and Greed Index as well. The index, a proprietary tool developed by CoinMarketCap to measure the prevailing sentiment in the cryptocurrency market weakened within the "neutral" territory with a decline to 50 from 54 a day earlier. Data from Coinglass showed crypto liquidations - forced closure of a trader's leveraged position by an exchange or lending protocol for insufficient funds (margin or collateral) to cover potential losses - softening from the levels a day earlier. Liquidations in the past 24 hours stood at $238 million versus $449 million a day earlier. The liquidations consisted of long positions of $179 million and short positions of $59 million. Bitcoin Spot ETF products in the U.S. witnessed net inflows of $100 million on Thursday, declining from $841 million on Wednesday. Market leader iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) topped with inflows of $316 million whereas Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) topped outflows with $189 million. Ethereum Spot ETF products in the U.S. witnessed net inflows of $164 million on Thursday versus $175 million on Wednesday. iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) topped with net inflows of $149 million. Overall crypto market capitalization is currently at $3.23 trillion, decreasing 1.23 percent overnight. The 24-hour trading volume has also decreased 22.7 percent overnight to $114 billion. Only 7 of the top 100 cryptocurrencies are trading with overnight gains of more than a percent whereas around 58 are trading with overnight losses of more than a percent. Bitcoin has declined 1.2 percent in the past 24 hours to trade at $95,466.37. The current price is around 24 percent below the all-time high of $126,198.07 recorded on October 7, 2025. The original cryptocurrency has rallied 5.9 percent in the past week. The 24-hour trading ranged between $97,108.65 and $95,103.24. Ethereum lost 1.1 percent overnight to trade at $3,308.92. The leading alternate coin is now trading 33 percent below the all-time-high of $4,953.73 recorded on August 25, 2025. The 24-hour trading ranged between $3,382.45 and $3,276.58. Bitcoin continues to be ranked 8th and Ethereum 35th in the global ranking of all assets as per market capitalization published by companiesmarketcap.com. Bitcoin currently dominates 59.07 percent of the overall crypto market. Ethereum's share of the crypto market is currently at 12.35 percent. 4th ranked BNB slipped 0.20 percent overnight resulting in price decreasing to $936.07. BNB is trading 32 percent below the all-time high of $1,370.55 touched on October 13, 2025. 5th ranked XRP slipped 2.1 percent overnight to trade at $2.06, around 46 percent below the all-time high of $3.84 touched on January 4, 2018. The price of 6th ranked Solana decreased 0.94 percent overnight to $143.32. SOL's current price is around 51 percent below its all-time-high of $294.33 recorded on January 19, 2025. TRON ranked 8th overall added 1.1 percent overnight and is currently changing hands at $0.3086. The trading price is 30 percent below the cryptocurrency's all-time high of $0.4407 recorded on December 4, 2024. 9th ranked Dogecoin slipped 4.1 percent overnight and is currently trading at $0.1377. DOGE is now trading 81 percent below the previous peak of $0.7376 recorded on May 8, 2021. 10th ranked Cardano also lost 3.3 percent overnight to trade at $0.3917. ADA is currently trading 87 percent below the record high of $3.10 touched on September 2, 2021. In line with the momentum in privacy coins, 64th ranked Dash (DASH), an open source blockchain that provides stronger privacy and faster transactions topped overnight gains among the top 100 cryptocurrencies with a gain of 8.4 percent. 52nd ranked Sky (SKY) followed with overnight gains of 4.3 percent. 51st ranked Polygon (POL) topped overnight losses among the top 100 cryptocurrencies with a decline of 8.3 percent. 17th ranked Zcash (ZEC) followed with overnight losses of 6.5 percent. For More Cryptocurrency News, visit rttnews.com For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Bay Street is seen opening on a mixed note Friday morning, reacting to positive developments on Canada-China trade front, and tracking commodity prices. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured an initial trade deal with China, according to which the two nations will cut tariffs on electric vehicles and canola, Carney said. The two nations have also promised to tear down trade barriers and work on new strategic ties. Gold futures are down $19.90 or 0.43% at $4,603.80 an ounce, while Silver futures are down $3.717 or 3.83% 86.630 an ounce. Copper futures are down $0.1490 or about 2.5% at $5.8425 per pound. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures are up $0.62 or 1.05% at $59.81 a barrel. In economic news, data from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation showed housing starts in Canada increased to 282,400 units in December from 254,600 in November. The Canadian market closed higher on Thursday with investors focusing on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's four-day visit to China. The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index settled at 33,028.92 up by 112.45 points or 0.34%. Asian stocks ended mixed on Friday despite Wall Street snapping a two-day losing streak overnight. Regional chip stocks ended mostly higher on revived AI-driven growth optimism after TSMC posted record quarterly profits of $16 billion. The major European are trading weak today amid renewed concerns about geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty surrounding French budget. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan expressed concern that up to $6 trillion in deposits could leave the U.S. banking system in favor of stablecoins, which could account for around 30 to 35 percent of total commercial bank deposits. During earnings call on Wednesday, he shared that this estimate, drawn from Treasury Department studies, underscores the risks associated with interest-bearing stablecoins. He pointed out that stablecoins operate much like money market funds, where the reserves are kept in short-term assets, such as U.S. Treasurys, instead of being used for bank lending. This change could reduce the deposit base that banks depend on for funding loans, pushing them to rely on pricier wholesale funding options. Moynihan's remarks come as the Senate is discussing a crypto market structure bill that would prohibit interest payments on unused stablecoin balances, a measure that has met resistance from segments of the crypto industry and some lawmakers. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Canadian stocks posted incremental gains on Friday to scale a new peak, as investors assessed the benefits of Canada-China trade deals following Prime Minister Mark Carney's four-day visit to foster ties in trade, agriculture, and international security. In addition, an increase in crude oil prices lifted energy sector stocks, which offset losses in mining stocks. After opening just a little above yesterday's close, today the benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index remained volatile throughout the session before settling at 33,040.55, up by 11.63 points (or 0.04%). Notably this is a new record high for the index today, which gained around 1.3% for the week. Five of the 11 sectors posted gains today, with the energy sector leading the pack. Canada-China trade relations have soured in the past several months with each slapping tariff and counter-tariffs on the other. Canadian traders anticipated Carney would reset the ties and resurrect the affected industries. In agriculture alone, China is a $4 billion canola seed market for Canada. Today, after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping during his four-day visit to China, both the leaders announced that China will lower the levies on Canola oil from Canada to 15% (currently 85%) by March 1, while Canada agreed to import around 49,000 electric vehicles from China at a reduced tariff of 6.1%, thereby rendering the "most-favored nation" status to China. Both nations have signed multiple deals on trade and energy sectors, with China agreeing to grant visa-free access to Canadian visitors. Carney stated that the negotiations in China have been "realistic and helpful." Recently, Canada's biggest trading partner, the U.S., has turned adverse on Canada, with U.S. President Donald Trump slapping 35% tariffs on Canadian imports into the U.S. After ending all trade talks with Canada, Trump also indicated that the U.S. may withdraw from the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (or CUSMA), a tripartite deal which is up for renewal a few months from now. On Tuesday, while visiting a Ford Motor plant in Michigan, Trump stated that Canada wanted the CUSMA while it offered no real advantage to the U.S. and termed it "irrelevant." However, Detroit's Big Three automakers, Ford, GM, and Stellantis, have urged Trump to extend the CUSMA as they lean heavily on supply chains through Canada and Mexico for parts. In a related development, the U.S. Supreme Court has postponed issuing a decision on the legality of Trump's tariff imposition without announcing a future date for announcement. Hence, the uncertainty on trade levies continues to linger. Challenged with the need to diversify away from the U.S. without hurting Trump, Carney is heading to Qatar from China, and then to Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum. In Canada today, data released by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation revealed that housing starts rose by 11% from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted 282,439 in December 2025. In Iran, since December, a confrontation between protestors against the government and security agencies led to widespread clashes and deaths of hundreds of innocents. Trump prepared U.S. forces to intervene to bring back peace in Iran. Concerns about oil supply disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz pushed up oil prices and consequently Canadian energy sector stocks advanced. Trump retreated later stating that he received confirmed reports that the "killings have stopped" in Iran. However, a Fox News report indicated that the U.S. is ramping up its forces in the Middle East, keeping the risk premium alive. The increase in energy stocks balanced the losses in mining stocks due to the decline in gold prices today. Major sectors that gained in today's trading were Energy (0.94%), Industrials (0.87%), Real Estate (0.62%), and Utilities (0.24%). Among the individual stocks, Headwater Exploration Inc (3.70%), Prairiesky Royalty Ltd (2.85%), Mda Ltd (14.52%), and Granite Real Estate Inc (2.76%) were the prominent gainers. Major sectors that lost in today's trading were Materials (0.48%), IT (1.16%), Consumer Discretionary (1.25%), and Healthcare (1.28%). Among the individual stocks, Bausch Health Companies Inc (3.76%), Magna International Inc (2.73%), Dye & Durham Ltd (10.13%), and Blackline Safety Corp (6.47%) were the notable losers. Silvercorp Metals Inc (10.92%) and Discovery Silver Corp (7.04%) were among the prime market-moving stocks today. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Tata Motors has begun dispatching the Sierra Smart+ base variant to dealer yards across India, and the first real-world images have now surfaced. This marks the earliest on-ground look at the entry-level Sierra, giving a clear picture of what buyers can expect from the most affordable version of Tatas much-awaited lifestyle SUV. Also Read Sierra vs Seltos Base Variant With these latest images, the Smart+ trim finally steps out of brochure renders and feature lists, offering a realistic view of its exterior styling, interior layout and feature positioning at the base level. Hat tip to RS Autoworld for sharing these exclusive images. Tata Sierra Smart+ Base Variant Exterior Despite being the base Smart+ variant, the Sierra does not look stripped down. The design remains unmistakably Sierra, with the upright stance, squared-off proportions and strong shoulder line giving it a robust road presence. The Smart+ variant features LED headlamps, flush door handles and signature Sierra styling elements, ensuring it does not feel visually basic. Alloy wheels are skipped at this level, with steel wheels doing duty. Overall, the exterior treatment prioritises clean design over flashy elements, aligning well with buyers who prefer understated styling. Tata Sierra Smart+ Base Variant Interior Inside, the Sierra Smart+ takes a practical approach. The cabin layout is clean and uncluttered, focusing on space and usability rather than premium touches. The dashboard design is simple, with a clear emphasis on durability and ease of use. As seen in the images, the Smart+ variant does not get a touchscreen infotainment system, which Tata has reserved for higher trims. Instead, it features a basic centre console layout, keeping costs in check. There are no speakers on offer as well. Upholstery is finished in dark fabric, and while the materials are functional rather than plush, the overall fit and finish appear consistent with Tatas recent products. The highlight remains interior space, with the Sierras boxy design translating into a roomy cabin, especially for rear-seat occupants. Large windows and an upright seating position further enhance the sense of openness. Tata Sierra Smart+ Base Variant Features and Safety While Smart+ is positioned as the base variant, Tata has ensured that it does not compromise on core safety. The Sierra Smart+ comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, all-wheel disc brakes and ISOFIX mounts, making safety a strong selling point even at the entry level. Comfort and convenience features are limited, but essentials such as power windows, manual air conditioning and a multifunction steering wheel are present. The approach is clearSmart+ is designed for buyers who prioritise safety, space and brand value over infotainment-heavy feature lists. Tata Sierra Smart+ Base Variant Powertrain Options The Sierra Smart+ is offered with 1.5 L naturally aspirated petrol and diesel engines, paired with manual gearboxes. More powerful turbo-petrol options and automatic transmissions are reserved for higher trims, keeping the base variant accessible from a pricing perspective. Price starts from Rs 11.49 lakh ex-sh. A staff member works at a workshop of the Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang Group Co., Ltd. in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- In the heart of Germany, a traditional Chinese herbal product has secured a lasting place on the shelves of the renowned Bahnhof-Apotheke pharmacy chain for over six years, with nearly 200,000 bottles of Shufeng Jiedu granules sold to date. Priced at 39.9 euros per bottle, this respiratory relief formula is among more than a dozen products from Anhui Jiren Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in eastern China, exemplifying the global journey of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This journey is no longer limited to classic remedies stored behind pharmacy counters. Since last year, a "Four Seasons Tea" based on TCM principles has been offered not only in German pharmacies but also on the menu of a tea house in Hamburg, serving as a daily wellness supplement. "From treatment to wellness, we seek to integrate TCM's health-preserving culture into the daily lives of Europeans," said Zhu Qiang, deputy general manager of Anhui Jiren Pharmaceutical. Once regarded as an exotic alternative, TCM is now expanding its global presence and joining the worldwide conversation on health and lifestyle. BUILDING STANDARDS To progress from cultural curiosity to global acceptance, TCM first had to tackle a fundamental challenge: making the "inexplicable" explicable. The empirical nature of TCM, coupled with the complexity of herbal formulas, has long puzzled international regulators and scientists. For instance, the same herb may either promote or stanch blood flow, depending on its combination with other ingredients. The response has been a systematic drive toward standardization. China has facilitated the establishment of a technical committee under the International Organization for Standardization, which has so far issued over 100 international standards for TCM. Pioneering institutions have also played a key role. For example, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has led the creation of the world's first international educational standard for TCM undergraduate programs. On the corporate front, major Chinese pharmaceutical companies have diligently pursued international certifications. Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang Group Co., Ltd. has obtained certifications recognized in Australia and Japan. As early as 1997, its product Suxiao Jiuxin Pills, a compound emergency medicine for heart attacks, was successfully registered as a prescription drug in Russia. Anhui Jiren Pharmaceutical entered the European market in 2018, and 193 of its TCM granule varieties have passed official German quality inspections and are available in the EU market. "We are exploring new approaches to bring more products to the global market, including strengthening ties with overseas research institutions to prove TCM's efficacy with scientific evidence," Zhu Qiang said. Data from China's National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine showed that TCM is now practiced in 196 countries and regions. China has also signed TCM cooperation agreements with over 40 foreign governments and international organizations. TECH EMPOWERMENT Beyond documentation, transformation is underway on factory floors and in research labs, where intelligent technology is decoding herbal wisdom and demonstrating its mechanisms through data. At the digitalized workshop in a Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang plant, Suxiao Jiuxin Pills roll off automated production lines. Each bottle carries a QR code that allows consumers to trace the medicine's journey -- from the specific herb plantation to every step of processing, storage and quality control. "We use digital control to tackle the pain point of batch-to-batch variation in herbal products, ensuring both efficacy and stability," explained Li Hongjiang, the plant's production deputy general manager. The upcoming new generation intelligent workshop, with an investment exceeding 300 million yuan (about 43 million U.S. dollars), will use near-infrared spectroscopy and visual inspection systems to further enhance precision, Li added. Artificial intelligence (AI) is also scaling up TCM production. In 2024, Tianjin-headquartered Tasly Pharma, in collaboration with Huawei Cloud, launched a TCM large language model. Trained on a massive corpus of classical texts and clinical data, it assists in formula optimization, mechanism explanation and the discovery of new clinical applications. Similarly, a large model was jointly developed last year by organizations including the National SuperComputer Center in Tianjin and Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, encompassing knowledge from over 20 TCM clinical disciplines. "AI can synthesize the vast empirical knowledge recorded in ancient TCM texts, thereby supporting the standardization of TCM practice," said Guo Yi, vice president of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. SOFT POWER The ultimate test of TCM's global integration lies not only in clinics but also in its seamless adoption into daily life. This is evident in the growing trend among young Chinese who are embracing TCM-inspired beverages, foods and physical exercises. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are also actively introducing TCM as a modern lifestyle choice worldwide. Anhui Jiren Pharmaceutical's Four Seasons Tea in Germany is a prime example. Each product in the series adapts its herbal composition to a specific season. Marketed as a food supplement, it lets consumers embrace TCM's concept of seasonal wellness through a simple and enjoyable daily ritual. Another company, Anhui Bafang Health Industry Development Group Co., Ltd., has opened eight online stores in Malaysia, offering over 30 types of herbal teas, traditional medicinal soup packs and other food-therapy products within just two years. Educational and experiential platforms amplify this soft power. Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has been promoting TCM culture overseas through platforms such as Confucius Institutes. Meanwhile, Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Co., Ltd. operates museums both in China and abroad to showcase the history, culture, products and services of TCM. TCM is also merging with tourism to boost its global appeal. In the southern island province of Hainan, the Sanya Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine has designed customized treatment plans for foreign clients, offering services such as acupuncture, massage, herbal baths, medicinal cuisine and weight management services. Konstantin, a Russian engineer, brought his parents to the hospital for therapies such as moxibustion and acupuncture. "TCM is miraculous! The techniques combined with Sanya's warm climate greatly alleviate neck and lumbar pain," he said. Some community-based institutions in Hainan have also created one-stop "wellness communities" for international tourists by integrating residential environments, health services and healing therapies. "With a history spanning thousands of years, TCM embodies profound wisdom and unique insights," said Zhang Boli, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering and an expert in TCM. "As TCM continues to evolve and innovate while actively engaging with the global community, its value will be recognized by more people worldwide, contributing Chinese wisdom to the advancement of human health." People visit a museum on traditional Chinese medicine under the Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang Group Co., Ltd. in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Other council business Councilors met in closed session for slightly under an hour to discuss a land swap with the state of New Mexico for a 7.9-acre parcel of property adjacent to the midtown campus. After returning, they voted unanimously to direct the city manager to direct negotiations for the possible acquisition of the parcel. Councilors unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Councilors Amanda Chavez and Jamie Cassutt and former Councilor Carol Romero-Wirth adopting a new fee structure for water rates. Chavez and Cassutt introduced a resolution authorizing the city to conduct an appraisal of a parcel of land adjacent to the Paseo Real Wastewater Treatment Plant. Councilors unanimously approved the City Council committee appointments proposed by Mayor Michael Garcia as well as the appointment of Councilor Lee Garcia to serve as mayor pro tem. Councilor Alma Castro was announced as parliamentarian, a position that does not require council confirmation. As part of the consent agenda, councilors approved a recommendation for a liquor license for Nuckolls Brewing Company for a theater liquor license at the new Sky Cinemas location at Aspect Media Village at the midtown campus. Councilors also approved a liquor license recommendation for Tender Fire Kitchen, which will also be located at Aspect Media Village. Councilor Garcia delivered an invocation in English and Spanish for "new beginnings" for the City Council and also paid tribute to former New Mexico Lt. Gov. Roberto Mondragon, who died Jan. 7. Mayor Garcia encouraged residents to attend a Saturday candidate forum for those interested in the vacant District 2 City Council seat. Several people spoke during public comment to encourage Mayor Garcia to take action on the Soldiers' Monument on the Plaza, which was torn down during an Indigenous Peoples Day protest in 2020. Mara Christian Harris and Barbara Vigil were appointed as alternates to the Sister City Committee. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Russian UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Thursday that his country condemns all forms of external interference, incitement to violence, and threats of use of force against Iran. At a Security Council meeting on the situation in Iran, Nebenzia called on the United States to put an end to its escalatory actions. He noted that "the extremely dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric" in recent days by the U.S. leadership has gone as far as openly calling for the takeover of state institutions of Iran and threats to assist the protesters. "Such statements amount to nothing other than incitement to violently overthrow the constitutional order of a sovereign state," said the ambassador. "What is happening in Iran is yet another example of the use of tried and tested methods for a color revolution in which specially trained armed provocateurs transform peaceful protests into senseless violence," said Nebenzia. "As we have already seen repeatedly in a number of states, all these actions are either directed or supported by external forces that are interested in a so-called regime change," he noted. The ambassador said that the United States and its "cheerleaders" are actively exploiting the economic and social difficulties faced by ordinary Iranians -- caused by unlawful sanctions imposed on Iran by Western states -- to inflame public tensions and destabilize the domestic political situation. "What is most concerning is Washington's aggressive course toward the use of military force and threats of its use against Iran. We condemn such actions, no matter what arguments are used to justify them, as a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter," said Nebenzia. "We strongly urge the hotheads in Washington and other capitals, who seem to be contemplating a repeat military venture, to come to their senses and avoid a repetition of the tragedy of June 2025, when U.S.-Israeli aggression nearly resulted in a major nuclear catastrophe with inevitable humanitarian and environmental consequences," he said. Russia demands that the United States and its like-minded partners refrain from further reckless steps, including those involving nuclear facilities, and rather focus on providing solid assurances against further confrontation and resume joint efforts to find potential solutions, said the ambassador. RAMALLAH, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A 14-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israeli army fire on Friday during a military raid in the village of al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah in the West Bank, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said in a brief statement. The ministry identified the boy as Mohammed al-Nassan, saying he was hit by live ammunition fired by Israeli soldiers. Local sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Israeli forces stormed the village before Friday prayers, opened fire, and later fired tear gas and stun grenades at worshippers leaving a mosque. The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that its soldiers were dispatched to al-Mughayyir after receiving a report of individuals throwing stones toward Israelis, burning tires, and blocking roads. It said one "terrorist" was seen running toward soldiers while holding a rock, posing an "imminent threat," and was shot after warning shots were fired. The West Bank has seen increased violence since the Gaza war began in October 2023. According to a UN report, 240 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank in 2025, including 55 children, whereas Palestinians killed 17 Israelis in the territory during the same period. CANBERRA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Over 4.7 million accounts belonging to children were deactivated in the first days of Australia's world-first social media ban for under-16s, the federal government said on Friday. Data released by the government's eSafety commissioner revealed that social media companies removed access to around 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16 in the days after the ban took effect on Dec. 10. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that it was encouraging that social media companies were making a "meaningful effort" to comply with the ban. "Change doesn't happen overnight. But these early signs show it's important we've acted to make this change," he said. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said in a statement that she was "very pleased" with the preliminary results, but acknowledged reports of some accounts belonging to children under the age limit remaining active. "While some kids may find creative ways to stay on social media, it's important to remember that just like other safety laws we have in society, success is measured by reduction in harm and in re-setting cultural norms," she said. The government did not reveal how many accounts were deactivated by each of the 10 platforms covered by the ban, including TikTok, X and YouTube. Meta announced on Monday that it had deactivated over 544,000 accounts across its platforms Facebook, Instagram and Threads as of Dec. 11. Under laws passed by the federal parliament in 2024, social media companies that fail to take reasonable steps to enforce the ban will face fines worth up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about 33.17 million U.S. dollars). This photo shows the aftermath of a fire at a residential building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jan. 16, 2026. At least 6 people were killed and 13 others injured after a fierce fire tore through a residential building in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Friday morning. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua) DHAKA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least 6 people were killed and 13 others injured after a fierce fire tore through a residential building in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Friday morning. Mohammad Rafi Al Faruk, a duty officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence control room, told Xinhua that the fire broke out on the first floor of the six-story building at 7:54 a.m. local time. "Bodies of three persons were retrieved after several firefighting units doused the blaze at around 10 a.m.," he said. Nazmul Shakib, a duty officer at Dhaka's Uttara West Police Station, said another three died after being rushed to a hospital, bringing the death toll to six. Apart from them, the police official said, ten of the thirteen injured people are currently receiving treatment across several hospitals. The cause of the fire remains unknown. People gather near a residential building where a fire broke out in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jan. 16, 2026. At least 6 people were killed and 13 others injured after a fierce fire tore through a residential building in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Friday morning. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua) This screenshot from a video shows the fire at a residential building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jan. 16, 2026. At least 6 people were killed and 13 others injured after a fierce fire tore through a residential building in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Friday morning. (Xinhua) Copper prices came under pressure on Friday, on reports that China was clamping down on high-frequency traders. According to Bloomberg, regulators have told exchanges including the leading metals platform Shanghai Futures Exchange that they need to remove servers operated by high-frequency traders from their data centres by the end of the month. It is thought to be part of broader efforts by the authorities to dampen futures market volatility. Copper prices have been on an upward trajectory since October, and hit fresh highs only this week. In London, they have now put on over 50% over the last year. Demand for the metal is buoyant. It is vital to power grid upgrades, renewable energy and data centre construction, all of which are booming as demand for artificial intelligence soars. But traders are concerned about potential shortages, with some mines becoming less productive as they age and strikes in Chile, the worlds largest copper producer. Some of the uplift in prices has also been caused by stockpiling ahead of potential US tariffs coming in. However, on Friday prices fell below $5.90 per pound on Comex, hitting $5.83 before paring back some of the losses. As at 1100 GMT, they were down 1% at $5.91. Prices were also lower in London and elsewhere, as were shares in mining companies. In London Glencore was down 1% at 484.25p, BHP was 2% lower at 2,421p, Antofagasta was off 2% at 3,590p and Rio Tinto 2% at 6,360.5p. Neil Wilson, UK investor strategist at Saxo Markets, said: Copper has been signalling strong economic growth in 2026, in nominal terms at least. China has apparently moved to clamp down on some high frequency traders at the Shanghai Futures Exchange, which has knocked prices down from record highs. Mitsubishi Corporation has made its first entry into the US shale gas industry with the $5.2bn acquisition of Aethon Energy Management 's assets in Texas and Louisiana. The deal, which was struck between Aethon Energy Management and Aethons existing stakeholders, including Ontario Teachers Pension Plan and RedBird Capital Partners, is expected to close before the end of the first half, the Japanese trading and investment conglomerate announced on Friday. The assets, mainly located in the Haynesville Shale formation across Texas and Louisiana, currently produce 2.1bn cubic feet per day of natural gas (equivalent to about 15m tonnes per year of LNG). Aethon's natural gas is currently sold in southern markets across the US, though some volumes are being considered for export as LNG to Asia and Europe. Mitsubishi already has an established presence within energy and power across North America, holding interests in an upstream shale gas development with Ovintiv in British Columbia, midstream marketing and logistics through CIMA Energy in Houston, LNG exports via LNG Canada and Cameron LNG, and power generation through Diamond Generating Corporation. "This investment will not only strengthen the earnings base of MCs natural gas and LNG businesses, but also accelerate efforts to build an integrated value chain in the United Statesfrom upstream gas development to power generation, data center development, chemicals production, and related businesses," Mitsubishi said in a statement. Mitsubishi Corporation shares were down 2% at HPY4,055 by the close of play in Tokyo. Auction Technology surged on Friday after its largest shareholder, FitzWalter Capital, said it was considering an increased possible cash offer for the online auction operator of 400p a share. Fitzwalter has already made 11 buyout proposals to ATG, the most recent of which - at 360p a share - was rejected on the basis that it fundamentally undervalues the company. But FitzWalter said on Friday that it is now considering increasing the proposal to 400p a share, which would value ATG at 491m. It would also represent a premium of about 48% to the undisturbed share price on 2 January. The last offer was a 33% premium to the undisturbed share price. FitzWalter said the proposal should be considered against the fundamental performance of the business over recent years and ATG's track record. It noted that the company's core marketplace revenue growth accounting for 67% of FY25 revenues, and an even higher proportion of EBITDA, has fallen below 1%. This low growth rate compares to US nominal GDP growth of 4.9% and is a product of gross merchandise value having cumulatively fallen 8%, 20%, and 21% over one, two and three years, respectively, it said. It also pointed out that adjusted EBITDA has declined 4% year-on-year in FY25, representing the first decrease since the IPO in 2021, as a result of cost growth in excess of revenues. FitzWalter urged ATG shareholders to encourage the board "to engage in constructive discussions" with it and work "towards a deliverable transaction, or risk further value destruction by the existing board. Andrew Gray, partner at FitzWalter Capital, said: "We value and respect the opinions of other shareholders. "Our proposal would give shareholders certainty to realise a cash offer at an attractive premium, compared to trusting a board that has consistently failed to deliver shareholder value. We urge all shareholders to compel the board to engage with FitzWalter in order to deliver a transaction." Under UK takeover rules, FitzWalter has until 2 February to either announce a firm intention to make an offer or walk away. At 1455 GMT, the shares were up 12% at 360p. Illuminating one of the most consequential yet unexplored relationships in her subject's career, Gerri Kimber's Katherine Mansfield: A Hidden Life offers an intriguing and expert lens through which to appreciate the innovative literary icon's legacy. At the heart of Kimber's elegant narrative is a charismatic outsider from New Zealand whose "storyettes" made waves in England and whose "disappointing" second marriage to John Middleton Murry left her craving stability. While earlier biographers were restricted to Murry's highly edited editions of his wife's work, Kimber took timely advantage of Mansfield's newly transcribed letters and recent annotated editions of her work to craft a revitalized portrait of the young writer. These materials disclose the true depth of Mansfield's marital unhappiness and in particular reveal her exceedingly close friendship with editor A.R. Orage, an association Murry downplayed. Kimber skillfully draws out subtle yet telling details about her subject's close "sexual and intellectual" association with Orage. It was he, in fact, who helped Mansfield find supporters in France near the end of her life. Kimber charts Mansfield's arrival on London's literary scene through the eyes of "Bloomsbury gossipmongers" and includes her rivalry with Virginia Woolf. To illustrate her subject's brilliant wit, Kimber shares a letter Mansfield wrote to Princess Elizabeth Bibesco, Murry's mistress, gleefully describing it as "one of the most effective slap-down letters in twentieth century literary history." This is a pleasurable deep dive sure to be appreciated by readers of previous Mansfield biographies and an excellent introduction for those new to her work. --Shahina Piyarali An erroneous obituary reunites former high school friends in Olivia Dade's sugary, sexy Second Chance Romance. When audiobook narrator Molly hears that Karl has died, she immediately flies across the country from Los Angeles to Harlot's Bay, the Maryland town she called home for a few of her teenage years. When it turns out that grumpy baker Karl--and the spark between them--is very much alive, she decides to stick around for their 20-year high school reunion, which is just a few weeks away. Karl has never forgotten Molly; he has listened to all the books she's narrated, happy to have some part of her in his life. Now that she's in town again, he's determined to convince her to stay for good. But after supporting her ex-husband as he attended medical school and dealing with the awful way he still treats her, Molly doesn't trust men, and she doesn't trust herself. Even if she's not happy in Los Angeles, she can't let herself be charmed by Harlot's Bay again, and definitely not by the boy she once loved. As always, Dade (Zomromcom; Spoiler Alert) is body positive and generous with her characters, providing them with thorough backstories and satisfying character arcs. The supporting cast shines, replete with fully realized characters, including some who spar with one another by exchanging profanity-laden cakes. Sensual descriptions of Karl's baking and some heated scenes between Molly and Karl will have readers hungry for more. Second Chance Romance is perfect for fans of Sarah Adams and Amy Lea. --Suzanne Krohn, librarian BRASILIA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Justice Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court ordered the transfer of former President Jair Bolsonaro from the Federal Police Superintendency to the Papuda Penitentiary Complex, local media said Thursday. Inside the complex, Bolsonaro will be housed in a general staff room in the 19th Battalion of the Military Police of the Federal District, known as Papudinha. According to the decision, the unit offers more favorable conditions to meet recent requests from the defense, such as longer visiting hours, the possibility of engaging in physical exercises during free time, and undergoing physiotherapy. Moraes' decision guaranteed that Bolsonaro has comprehensive medical assistance 24 hours a day from previously registered private doctors, without the need for prior notice. It also authorized his immediate transfer to hospitals in case of an emergency. In addition, permanent medical care was authorized by the prison system under a 24-hour guard, as well as weekly visits by his wife and children, religious assistance, permission to read, installation of protective bars and support bars in bed. Bolsonaro was sentenced by the Supreme Federal Court in September last year to 27 years and three months in prison for leading an attempted coup. What is it about the future that freaks out so many people? Fear? A perceived threat to one's hegemony? Whatever the reason, the question is multifaceted. Belgian author Jean-Philippe Toussaint explores those facets in intricate detail in The Emotions, an erudite novel that prods feelings and intellect in satisfying ways. The novel consists of three episodes, all centered on Jean Detrez, a European Commission employee. In the opening section, it's the day of the Brexit vote. Jean is separating from Diane, his wife of 10 years, and is about to move out of the Brussels apartment they share. He must go to Paris for a conference on futurology, where he meets a "self-effacing young woman" in a mohair vest who he hopes offers an escape from his uncertain personal future. This section contains marvelous set pieces, including the arrival of a pompous know-it-all hired to lead the conference's sessions. The second deals more directly with Jean's personal life, focusing on his recently deceased father, a former European commissioner, and the question of what Jean's own children will think of his legacy when it's time to stand by his casket. The final installment concerns the European Commission's 2010 response when an Icelandic volcano erupts, and the chaos that volcanic ash wreaks on once-futuristic technology such as airplanes. Toussaint addresses provocative questions throughout, all of them involving various forms of agitation. Some readers may embrace the future, others may be terrified, but all will find plenty to discuss in this innovative work. --Michael Magras, freelance The Italian Secret, Tara Moss's taut third mystery featuring Australian PI Billie Walker, takes its protagonist from the wealthy suburbs of Sydney to the bombed-out streets of Naples, Italy, as Billie wrestles with a difficult domestic violence case and searches for answers regarding her late father. Moss (The Ghosts of Paris) begins in 1948 with a high-drama incident: a client's cheating husband threatens Billie at her office. Though more worried for her client than herself, Billie is nevertheless set on edge by his visit. Her tension grows when, sorting through her father's case files, she finds an envelope of letters from Italy that contain potentially explosive secrets. Billie books passage for herself and her mother on a cruise from Sydney to Italy, hoping to find the woman who wrote those letters and her connection to Billie's father. But her Sydney case may follow her across the ocean--and the cases may be linked in ways Billie can't yet see. Though mainly focused on Billie's two quests, Moss's narrative also touches on wartime life in Italy, taking readers into Naples's network of underground tunnels where residents built makeshift homes during World War II. Moss also explores Billie's sense of duty to her clients, the sexism she faces in her investigative work, and the tricky emotional territory she navigates as her father's Italian secret challenges what she thought she knew about his past. Sharp and well plotted, The Italian Secret is a satisfying international adventure with a complex family story at its heart. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams Markets likely to open cautious as mixed global cues, FII outflows, and trade concerns limit risk-taking. Q3 earnings in focus, with Reliance, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, and Tata Technologies driving stock action. Stock-specific triggers dominate, including fund-raising, new orders, regulatory approvals, and strategic partnerships. The Indian stock market is expected to open on a cautious and mixed note on Friday, January 16, following mixed signals from global markets. While US equities closed higher on the back of strong economic data, Asian markets traded with mixed trends, reflecting uncertainty across regions. Early indicators from Gift Nifty suggested a flat-to-negative start for domestic indices, with the benchmark trading slightly lower by 6 points, or 0.02%, around the 25,780 mark. Market experts believe investor sentiment remains guarded due to several global and domestic factors. According to Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, Indian equity markets are likely to remain range-bound as geopolitical tensions, tariff-related concerns, and uncertainty around global trade continue to limit risk-taking. Persistent foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows and mixed third-quarter earnings have also made investors more selective. Asian markets showed a divided trend, with Japanese and Chinese indices trading mildly lower, while South Korean stocks displayed relative strength. selling by foreign investors. The Sensex fell 245 points, or 0.29%, to close at 83,382.71, while the Nifty 50 dropped 67 points, or 0.26%, to end at 25,665.60. However, broader markets performed better, with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices rising 0.16% and 0.25%, respectively. In the previous session, benchmark indices ended lower for the second consecutive day. The decline was driven by concerns over an India-US trade deal, mixed Q3 earnings announcements, and continued. The Sensex fell 245 points, or 0.29%, to close at 83,382.71, while the Nifty 50 dropped 67 points, or 0.26%, to end at 25,665.60. However, broader markets performed better, with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices rising 0.16% and 0.25%, respectively. Against this backdrop, several stocks are expected to remain in focus today due to earnings announcements, business updates, and regulatory developments. Also Read: Indian Stock Markets Closed Today Due to BMC Elections Reliance Industries, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Tata Technologies Shares of these companies will be closely watched as they are scheduled to announce their third-quarter results later today. Investors will look for updates on revenue growth, margins, and management outlook, especially amid global demand uncertainty. Infosys The IT major reported a 2% year-on-year decline in net profit at Rs 6,654 crore for the December quarter. Revenue rose 2.2% quarter-on-quarter to Rs 45,479 crore, slightly beating market expectations. The company posted an EBIT of Rs 9,479 crore, with an operating margin of 20.8%. The results drew mixed reactions from the market. Jio Financial Services The company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 269 crore for Q3, down 8.8% from the same period last year. Despite the profit decline, total income surged to Rs 901 crore, more than doubling on a year-on-year basis. Biocon Biocon announced that it raised Rs 4,150 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP). The company issued 11.26 crore equity shares at Rs 368.35 per share, which was at a 2.8% discount to its previous closing price. HDB Financial Services The company posted a strong performance in the December quarter, reporting a 36.3% jump in net profit to Rs 644 crore. Net interest income also rose 22.1% year-on-year to Rs 2,285 crore. Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) BHEL has started supplying underslung traction transformers for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project. This move marks the companys entry into the semi-high-speed train propulsion segment. Zydus Lifesciences The pharma company received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for Eltrombopag tablets. The drug is used to treat low platelet counts linked to certain blood disorders. RailTel Corporation RailTel secured a Letter of Acceptance from Central Railway for an Rs 88.66 crore project. The order involves setting up IP-MPLS network infrastructure across several railway divisions to support unified communication. NBCC India NBCC won a Rs 55.02 crore contract from Indian Overseas Bank for the construction of its new regional office building in Raipur. Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Zaggle entered into a referral agreement with Jio Credit to offer leasing solutions to its corporate clients under its Device Leasing Program. With multiple earnings and corporate developments lined up, these stocks are likely to see active movement during todays session. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island man faces multiple charges, including assault on police officers, following an incident at St. Anns R.C. Church in Dongan Hills on Friday, Jan. 9, while morning Mass was being held. Matthew Caffrey, 29, of Gansevoort Boulevard in Meiers Corners, was arraigned from his hospital bed on Thursday. He faces numerous charges, including multiple counts of assault, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. Two NYPD officers responded to 101 Cromwell Ave. at approximately 7 a.m. where they encountered Caffrey inside the church, according to the complaint. When an officer asked him to step outside, he refused and picked up a wooden chair, swinging it in the officers direction, the complaint alleges. Matthew Caffrey allegedly damaged an angel statue, the marble floor and other items on the altar during a morning Mass at St. Ann's R.C. Church in Dongan Hills on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Here, the Rev. Jacob Thumma, the pastor, holds a broken piece of the angel's wing. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) Police say Caffrey then threw a statue of an angel to the ground, breaking off a wing and causing cracks in the church floor. He also allegedly grabbed a vase and threw it to the ground, causing it to shatter. As one of the officers attempted to take Caffrey into custody, he pulled his hands away, flailed his arms and struck that officer twice in the head and face with a closed fist, according to the complaint. The officer suffered a laceration, bleeding and swelling to the forehead, as well as substantial pain to the wrist, police said. A second officer at the scene alleges that Caffrey kicked him in the knee, causing him to fall to the floor. Mr. Caffrey is a 29-year-old who has no prior contact with the criminal justice system, said Mario Gallucci, Caffreys attorney. He was attempting to exercise his right to freedom of religion when he was accosted. His reaction was a direct result of the aggression he received and he looks forward to his day in court for the truth to come out, Gallucci went on to say. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Elaine Sanchez, a longtime Staten Island resident whose life was defined by creativity, service and an unwavering devotion to making others feel special, died Jan. 1. She was 89. Born Oct. 28, 1936, in Cienfuegos, Cuba, Elaine immigrated to the United States at age 20, settling with relatives in Manhattan. Artistic by nature, she found her calling early, beginning work as an assistant in a local beauty salon before earning her beauticians license from the Hollywood School in Manhattan. She went on to work at several salons throughout New York City, most notably at Antoinettes Beauty Salon, which she fondly described as Grand Central Station, because clients came from all over the world. Her warmth and talent left a lasting impression on clients, many of whom showed their appreciation through thoughtful gifts and enduring friendships. One such friendship with Staten Island resident Jane Lyons proved life-changing. Elaine worked for a time at Antoinettes Beauty Salon in Manhattan, which she fondly described as Grand Central Station, because clients came from all over the world. (Courtesy of the Sanchez Family) A new career in service Encouraged by Lyons to seek a position that offered long-term stability and a pension, Elaine made a career shift that led her to Sea View Nursing Home in February 1989. There, she worked in the fourth-floor beauty shop, bringing the same care and compassion that had defined her salon work, according to her obituary. Around this time, Elaine relocated from Manhattan to New Dorp to be closer to her brother Jose and family. Despite the move, she continued traveling to the city on weekends to care for her loyal clients. In 1999, Elaine expanded her dedication to service by becoming a nurses aide at the Sea View Adult Day Health Program. She loved to make residents and clients feel special, often speaking about the power of a fresh haircut, a clean shave or a touch of nail polish to lift someones spirits. During quiet moments at work, Elaine could often be found feeding patients or offering haircuts to co-workers in exchange for donations to the program. Her dedication was formally recognized in 2003, when she received a Public Service Award from the 100 Year Association of New York, which honors outstanding New York City civil service employees. After 27 years of service, Elaine officially retired from Sea View in 2016 at age 80, though she maintained her beauticians license for many years after. Outside work, Elaine found joy in shopping, dancing, playing the lottery and spending time with family and friends. (Courtesy of the Sanchez Family) Life outside of work Away from the workplace, Elaine found joy in shopping, dancing, playing the lottery, and spending time with family and friends. She loved sharing stories of her life in Cuba, her travels to Spain, and her years in the beauty industry. A woman of faith, she often prayed for others, asking that God would take away the negative, and was known for sending cards adorned with her own hand-drawn illustrations. Elaine remained independent for most of her retirement, moving to Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in May 2025, where she remained until her passing. A Westchester County woman secured a life-changing windfall after winning a second-tier prize in New Yorks Cash4Life game, lottery officials announced. Laurel Scott of Mount Vernon claimed the $1,000 A Week For Life prize for matching the first five numbers in the Sept. 22 Cash4Life drawing. The prize guarantees a minimum payout of $1 million. Scott opted to receive her winnings as a one-time lump sum payment totaling $651,000 after required withholdings, according to lottery officials. The winning ticket was purchased at Smokes 4 Less, located at 59 North Plank Road in Newburgh. Newburgh is 55 miles north of Manhattan. The winning numbers for the September 22 drawing were: 3, 5, 6, 10, 33 and Cash Ball 3. New Yorks Cash4Life game generated $110,062,930 in total sales during the 20242025 fiscal year. School districts in Westchester County received $136,234,133 in Lottery Aid to Education funds during the same period. New Yorkers struggling with a gambling addiction, or who know someone who is, can find help at NYProblemGamblingHelp.org, by calling the states confidential HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), or by texting HOPENY (467369). Standard text rates may apply. If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos and visit Switzerland from Jan. 19 to 22, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Friday. He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is invited by the World Economic Forum and the government of the Swiss Confederation, the spokesperson said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A 28-year-old Staten Island man whose family lost contact with him in early December was among several Americans released Tuesday from Venezuelas prison system, according to the New York Times, which cited relatives and U.S. officials. James Luckey-Lange, the son of the late musician Diane Luckey, who went by the stage name Q Lazzarus, had been traveling through South America following the deaths of his parents, when he crossed into Venezuela and was detained, according to his aunt Abbie Luckey, who confirmed his release to the Times. Its a great release, she said. Luckey-Langes relatives had not heard from him since early December, leaving them uncertain whether he was alive. It remained unclear whether he had a valid visa, which U.S. citizens are required to obtain to enter Venezuela. We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela, the State Department said in a statement Tuesday night. This is an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities. According to the outlet, the release of Luckey-Lange and other U.S. citizens marked the first known freeing of Americans from Venezuelan prisons since the U.S. military seized President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. Venezuela is still believed to be holding 800 to 900 political prisoners, rights groups estimate. Under Maduros government, political prisoners were often held for extended periods, and foreign nationals were sometimes detained on vague charges such as terrorism or espionage. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican representing Staten Island and part of Brooklyn, welcomed the news in a statement to the Advance/SILive.com. This is great news and we appreciate the support of the community, media and State Department, Malliotakis said. We look forward to his safe return to the United States. This story first appeared on palabra, the digital news site by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. This story was co-published with Puente News Collaborative in partnership with KTEP News. Puente News Collaborative is a bilingual nonprofit newsroom, convener, and funder dedicated to high-quality, fact-based news and information from the U.S.-Mexico border. By Angela Kocherga EL PASO Border Patrol agents showed up at a quiet home on a fall morning just after dawn, looking for undocumented immigrants. They said they had surveilled the house for days. Instead, an agent shot and killed the family dog. More than two months after the shooting, the homeowner, 26, is waiting for answers and demanding accountability for why his beloved seven-year-old Rottweiler was slain on September 9th, in El Pasos tree-lined Upper Valley. The dogs owner does not want his name used for privacy reasons. His attorney said he was cooperative when agents arrived and told him they were investigating a tip regarding alien smuggling at the residence, something the homeowner denied. He told agents they could come in, said Marisa Ong, the familys attorney. But first, the homeowner said he would put his dog Chop in a bathroom, according to Ong. He pointed to the agents where his dog was. Although his owner had secured Chop inside a bathroom, the dog was released by a Border Patrol agent and shot from a distance of about 18 feet, Ong told KTEP News. U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed in a statement that on September 9th, A U.S. Border Patrol agent was involved in a use of force incident in El Paso, Texas . The incident involved a canine. The use of force is currently under review by CBPs Office of Professional Responsibility in accordance with CBP policies, according to the statement that read in part, CBP takes such incidents seriously. The killing of Chop shows that its not just migrants and children, but also family pets caught up in the Trump administrations aggressive immigration enforcement effort in cities across the country, from Los Angeles and Chicago to San Antonio and Charlotte. Chop with his ball at home in El Paso. His family is demanding answers after a Border Patrol agent shot the seven-year-old Rottweiler inside their home in El Paso. Photo courtesy of the family Palabra The incident led to a national outcry on social media platforms filled with videos of agents tackling people on city streets, breaking car windows, and arresting immigrants at businesses, even at a home installing Christmas lights on a tree in Charlotte, North Carolina. The scenes have become all too common as the Trump administration tries to carry out mass deportations. Use of force incidents by federal agents spiked this summer but then started to decline, according to data from CBP. A family lost their beloved dog to the actions of a Border Patrol officer, and we are still unaware of what, if anything, the agency is doing to rectify the situation or prevent a similar one from happening again. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, sent a letter to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection commissioner and the Border Patrol chief on November 18th requesting an update on the investigation into the lethal use of force at a private residence in El Paso. This incident is inexcusable, Escobar wrote. A family lost their beloved dog to the actions of a Border Patrol officer, and we are still unaware of what, if anything, the agency is doing to rectify the situation or prevent a similar one from happening again. The incident in El Pasos pristine Upper Valley began when agents knocked on the mans door. The owner was cooperative and told the agents they could come inside the home after he confined Chop. He showed them the exact bathroom he was in. And he told them if they wanted to search that bathroom, to let him know, and he would move Chop, Ong said. The agents asked the homeowner to step outside. He agreed and went to his truck parked in the driveway to get his identification. Right then, he heard a gunshot, Ong said. When the man rushed back into his home, agents tried to restrain him, according to Ong. He saw the agent who had entered the house. He had his gun drawn. He pointed his gun at my client. And then he saw his dog Chop lying on the floor yelping in pain. Ong said. Chop bled to death. Chop near a mountain hiking trail overlooking El Paso. Photo courtesy of the family Palabra Ong said that by all accounts, the Rottweiler had been an extremely friendly dog. Border Patrol agents did not find any evidence of illegal activity at the home. Ong mentioned that the family is fully cooperating with the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility investigation as it awaits answers. Among their questions: Why did a lone Border Patrol agent enter the residence? Its extremely against protocol for an agent to go by himself into a home, said Ong, a former prosecutor who previously worked on behalf of the federal government. It creates a safety risk for the officer. It creates a safety risk for anyone on scene, she said. Additionally, the family wants to know why the agent opened the door to the bathroom after the homeowner said Chop was secured inside. And then theres a question about when the Border Patrol agent fired his weapon. The bullet hole where Chop was shot is approximately 18 feet away from the bathroom, said Ong. If Chop had lunged at the agent in any type of way or had been aggressive, you would assume the agent would have shot him right there in the bathroom, she said, adding that the owner never heard Chop even barking. Ong filed an SF-95 form on behalf of her client as required for a claim of damage, injury, or death caused by a federal employee. Additionally, the family wants El Pasos district attorney to pursue animal cruelty charges. The DAs office said it does not comment on pending cases. Since Chops killing, the homeowner has not been able to set foot in the house he was renovating with his father, according to Ong. Hes extremely distraught. Chop was his best friend, she said. Its just our hope that there will be transparency both about what happened and accountability, so this never happens to another family again. 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. 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. TEHRAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held separate phone calls on Thursday night with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev, discussing the recent unrest in Iran and accusing the United States and Israel of interference. According to statements from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi said peaceful protests over economic demands had turned violent after the entry of "trained terrorists." He asserted Iran would defend its sovereignty against what he called "Israeli and U.S.-backed terrorism." Araghchi accused Israel of having a "direct role in arming and organizing terrorists" and criticized U.S. officials for "meddlesome" statements that he said encouraged violence to pave the way for foreign intervention. He listed attacks on security forces, civilians, ambulances, and mosques during the unrest, describing them as "Islamic State-style" actions. He urged the UN and Security Council to condemn the violence and U.S. "illegal interventions," while affirming Iran's commitment to protecting citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and national security. Guterres emphasized respecting fundamental human rights by all governments as well as the UN Charter's principles, especially regarding the non-use of force or threat of force, and rejected interference in other states' internal affairs, according to the statements. Meanwhile, a statement from the SCO website said Yermekbayev stressed the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of states, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and the non-use of force or threat of force as "the foundation for the sustainable development of international relations." Separately, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani said Thursday that Iran "will not be passive in the face of the U.S. threatening rhetoric." Larijani made the remarks during a phone call with senior Swiss diplomat Gabriel Luechinger, according to Iran's official IRNA news agency. 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. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesRetail A new generation of Chinese companies is expanding around the world The Economist January 16, 2026 3:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A few years ago, it would have been hard to imagine Chinese brands making it big in America. Yet shoppers in Manhattan today can pop by the 2800-square-metre store of Urban Revivo to pick up one of the Chinese retailers trendy outfits, which are all the rage on TikTok, a short-video app owned by ByteDance, another Chinese company. They can follow that with a latte from Luckin Coffee, which began opening outlets on the island last year, or an ice-cream from Mixue, another Chinese retailer that has recently set up shop. With each passing year, the presence of Chinese business abroad grows stronger, in rich and poor countries alike, and across a widening range of industries. Last year BYD, a Chinese maker of electric vehicles (EVs), overtook Tesla, Americas EV champion, in sales. More than a fifth of its cars were purchased abroad, up from a tenth in 2024. Chinese artificial intelligence models are now being used the world over, not just in the global south but also by Western companies such as booking platform Airbnb. BYD last year overtook Tesla as the worlds top seller of electric cars. Joseph Plumb This latest wave of global expansion is notable for both its speed and breadth. In 2024, listed Chinese firms generated 15 trillion yuan ($3.2 trillion) in overseas sales, up from less than 11.6 trillion yuan in 2021. Chinese companies now invest more abroad than foreign ones do in China. But equally striking are the changes occurring in how Chinese companies approach going abroad as they look to build a greater physical presence overseas against a fraught geopolitical backdrop. Chinese business has been through periods of globalisation before. Beginning in the 1990s, and accelerating with Chinas accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001, firms such as Haier, a maker of home appliances, and Huawei, a producer of telecoms gear, began selling overseas the cheap products they manufactured at home though they struggled to the shake the perception that their goods were inferior. Advertisement Another wave came around the mid-2010s when a handful of Chinese conglomerates, including Anbang, Fosun and HNA Group, splashed tens of billions of dollars on foreign banks, hotels and other businesses. Related Article Opinion Trade wars Trumps trade war with China is a $1.8 trillion fail Elizabeth Knight Business columnist The experiment was short-lived. Western governments, increasingly wary of China, began blocking deals, and a number of the over-indebted acquirers later collapsed. More successful abroad were the state-owned Chinese businesses that secured enormous contracts to build ports, railways and mines across the global south under the countrys Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013. The most recent wave, which began with Chinas post-pandemic reopening, has partly been a product of gloomy economic conditions domestically. Growth has slowed and brutal price wars are common. Between 2019 and 2024, the average operating margin generated by listed Chinese companies declined from 12.4 per cent to 11.2 per cent; analysts at Goldman Sachs, an investment bank, reckon that the figure for Chinese firms overseas operations is typically higher than at home. Advertisement An outlet of Chinese-owned Luckin Coffee on Manhattan. Alamy Stock Photo Yet the expansion abroad also reflects a tantalising opportunity. Having closely watched foreign multinationals operating on their home turf, Chinese firms have learnt to make all sorts of advanced products, from industrial robots to medical equipment. Some even say they have mastered making milky coffees (your correspondent begs to differ). Moreover, pioneers such as ByteDance and Shein, a purveyor of ultra-fast fashion, have shown that China can innovate, not just imitate. Western carmakers such as Volkswagen now want to learn from the countrys ascendant EV firms. Airbnb uses Chinese artificial intelligence models. Bloomberg To thrive abroad, Chinese companies are discovering that they must rethink how they do business. Most used to keep as much of their operations as possible in China. That helps explain why the countrys stock of outbound foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at just 17 per cent of its GDP in 2024, much of it in infrastructure and resources projects in developing countries, compared with 38 per cent for America and 57 per cent for Japan, according to the Institute of International Finance, a think tank based in Washington. Chinas stock of overseas FDI accounts for just 4 per cent of the global total, about half that of the Netherlands. That is changing. Spurred on by rising labour costs and Western tariffs, Chinese companies have been busily building overseas factories, many of them in the global south. Cloud providers such as Alibaba, which are serving a growing roster of overseas clients, including the foreign arms of fellow Chinese businesses, are building more data centres abroad. Advertisement To build awareness of their brands, Chinese companies are also increasingly setting up foreign stores. Miniso, a retailer from Guangzhou that sells stationery and trinkets, now has more than 3300 outlets overseas, from Texas to Thailand. Xiaomi, which makes everything from smartphones to scooters, plans to have 10,000 overseas shops in the next half-decade or so. They are mastering local distribution and supply chains too. Shoppers at Ulta Beauty, an American cosmetics retailer, can buy lipstick from Florasis, a beauty brand from Hangzhou. Mengniu, a Chinese dairy company, launched a factory in Indonesia in 2018 and has since become the most popular ice-cream brand in the country. All this has required a new approach to hiring. Chinese companies with overseas operations have previously tended to move staff abroad rather than recruit locally. That sometimes caused grumbling in host countries, as it meant creating fewer local jobs. Chinese nationals were often also inclined to rely more heavily on suppliers back home. Miniso outlets have expanded around the world. Ben Rushton Now, however, the companies are hiring more locals into roles such as sales, customer service, public relations and even management, notes a partner at a global advisory firm (though he adds that senior finance roles are often still deemed too sensitive to entrust to foreigners). This greater openness often reflects the fact that human resources staff have become more confident in managing foreigners as they themselves have spent more time abroad. Advertisement An ecosystem of advisers is also emerging to help Chinese companies expand overseas. Many of the worlds big professional-services firms hail from the West, and have tended to focus more on helping companies from America, Europe and Japan enter China, rather than the other way around. But law firms, accountancies and other advisory businesses, some of them home-grown, are now supporting Chinese firms as they globalise. Related Article Analysis Trade wars Its not just Labubu dolls. Chinese brands are booming Splitting headaches They need plenty of help. Chinese companies, particularly those operating in sensitive industries in the West, are acutely aware of the risks presented by regulatory clashes, such as the one that led to the forced sale of TikToks business in America, due to be completed this month. Some have structured their businesses to avoid similar problems. Squirrel AI, a Chinese tutoring company, plans to launch in America later this year. It has already established an independent technology platform in the country that is separate from its Chinese operations, says Joleen Liang, a co-founder. Such arrangements add cost and complexity. Whether they will be enough to appease Americas government is also not clear. This month the Trump administration ordered a reversal of the acquisition of some of the assets of Emcore, an American semiconductor company, by HieFo, a business registered in Delaware but controlled by a Chinese citizen. Advertisement Chinese multinationals must also navigate their own governments wariness. Chinese officials gripe about complex cross-border structures in which only parts of a business fall under their purview. Local taxmen have caught on to the fact that many companies which appear to be struggling in China and paying little tax are thriving abroad and keeping their foreign profits offshore. In some cases, they are requesting more taxable remittances. Chinas government is particularly leery of companies that suddenly uproot their staff and set up headquarters in places such as Singapore. Manus, a popular AI company that moved to the city-state last year, is one such example. Regulators in Beijing are investigating its proposed acquisition by Meta, an American social-media colossus, and may block the deal. Nonetheless, many Chinese companies looking to go abroad will find their government to be supportive, particularly those whose businesses are not deemed sensitive. Officials appear to have woken up to the power of global brands. State media now celebrate Labubus cuddly toys created by PopMart, a Chinese firm, that have swept the world as a sign of growing cultural strength. The central government may begin to relax approvals for overseas investments, which are currently very tight, says Denis Depoux of Roland Berger, a consultancy. Shoppers around the world can count on stumbling across more buzzy Chinese brands in the year ahead. The Economist The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Retail World markets Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears ASX Runners of the Week: Zelira, Linq, Dalaroo and Osteopore Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS James Pearson January 16, 2026 4:54pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A If market screens had a glitch of the week alert, it wouldve been flashing non-stop lately, with geopolitical and domestic political curveballs landing almost daily. Yet again, the last seven days seem to have delivered in spades. This weeks Bulls N Bears ASX Runner of the Week is Zelira Therapeutics Fresh from his Venezuelan victory march, the Don was straight back to business, with renewed efforts to convince Greenlanders that they are always going to be more comfy cosying up to Uncle Sam than relying on the softly, softy touch of the Europeans and in particular the Viking Danes who, by the way, are still regarded as some of the most fearsome warriors in history. In efforts to quell Trumps newfound taste for conquest, the Danish and Greenland governments met with the White House, offering valuable critical mineral rights and the promise of a beefed-up European military presence in the autonomous territory. Advertisement Whether the gifts are enough to put the matter to bed and keep the US president at bay is debatable, since Russia has now weighed in with an alternate tongue-in-cheek proposal, suggesting that perhaps the locals might prefer the Big Bear to be their guardian. However, before the media had a chance to catch its breath, tragic news of appalling atrocities taking place to quell unrest in Iran took centre stage. Riots in the country are not uncommon, but this time around, it feels different. Iran has been hit hard by sanctions, high inflation, unemployment, currency collapse, fuel price hikes and shortages of basic goods. For many people, the protests appear to have started as anger over the cost of living and have now quickly morphed into political dissent. Again, Trump has thrown his two cents worth into the ring, warning of an immediate attack to protect Irans citizens. Unsurprisingly, the commodity sectors long-time laggard, oil, suddenly jumped to life, rallying almost 15 per cent to $62 before falling just as quickly after the President then backed down on his threats. Moving on to the markets, the top performers this week have all come from the broader commodity sector, particularly precious metals. From gold to silver to palladium and platinum, the valuable minerals have all enjoyed blistering runs. Gold reached an all-time high of US$4642 (A$6906) per ounce, while platinum and palladium, both up almost 40 per cent since the week before Christmas, held their ground. Advertisement However, the real star was the poor mans gold silver which continued its relentless rise, up another 17 per cent for the week and hitting another all-time high of US$92.2 (A$138) per ounce. Since the beginning of December, the metal of kings has risen an astonishing 87 per cent and shows no sign of abating. Intriguingly, the often cited gold to silver ratio the number of silver ounces required to buy an ounce of gold - has collapsed from its long-term average of 80 to less than 50, a level not seen since the financial crisis, when gold was heavily sold off to cover margin calls. Not to be left out of the party, the broader base metal market has also had a day in the sun. Copper continued to top the charts with another new all-time high of US$6.15 (A$9.26) per pound, while nickel posted a very impressive 25 per cent weekly gain to hit US$18,384 per tonne, but still a long way from its 2007 highs of US$53,000. Our Runners this week represent a clean split between commodities and healthcare, with the latter sector perhaps showing signs of life after a pretty woeful 2025, topped by the Saluda Medica IPO, one of the worst debuts in decades, with shares halving on their first day after listing in early December. Fresh funding of Zelira Therapeutics cannabinoid medicines for autism may fast-track FDA approval. Advertisement ZELIRA THERAPEUTICS LTD (ASX: ZLD) Up 184% (35.5c - $1.01) The Bulls N Bears Runner of the Week is biopharmaceutical company, Zelira Therapeutics, which charged straight into the top spot today after locking in a transformative US$33 (A$50) million funding deal that squarely puts its HOPE 1 autism program on the fast lane to US Food and Drug Administration approval (FDA). HOPE 1 is a prescription cannabinoid-based medicine designed to target behavioural and neurological symptoms associated with autism. The companys initial focus is on Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a rare, genetically defined form of autism that often comes with profound developmental and behavioural challenges and currently has no approved drug treatments. The cash has been raised directly into Zeliras US-based special purpose vehicle (SPV), instantly validating both the science and the strategy. It also hands the company a heavyweight institutional partner in ThirdGate Capital. On completion, the deal values the SPV at about US$66 million post-money, with Zelira retaining a chunky near-40 per cent interest in what is shaping up as a potentially game-changing asset. Advertisement On first flush, this funding appears to be a monster win for an ASX tiddler that only yesterday had a market cap of $4 million. Drilling at Linq Minerals Gilmore gold-copper project in New South Wales. LINQ MINERALS LTD (ASX:LNQ) Up 103% (27c-55c) Next cab off the rank in Bulls N Bears weekly show and tell column is gold and copper hopeful Linq Minerals. Advertisement The freshly ASX-listed explorer has wasted no time putting its name on the board, firing out chunky maiden drill hits from its flagship Gilmore copper-gold project in NSWs prolific Macquarie Arc. The project sits in some seriously blue-chip real estate, tucked into the same world-class geological neighbourhood as Newmont Corporations Cadia, the Chinese-owned Northparkes operation and Evolution Minings Lake Cowal gold mine. With that sort of pedigree, Gilmore has always looked like a big-stage opportunity and the drill bit is now starting to back it up. Maiden drilling at the Dam deposit has delivered two back-to-back eye-catchers, with 142 metres grading 1.01 grams per tonne (g/t) gold equivalent from 121m, following hot on the heels of last weeks 144-metre strike at 1.0g/t gold equivalent from 84m. Four holes drilled so far, four clean intersections of porphyry-style quartz-sulphide stockwork veining and all punching through the Dam Footwall Fault. Two more holes are still in the lab, keeping the news flow nicely primed. Notably, this round of drilling is building on an existing platform, with Gilmore already hosting a 76.9-million-tonne resource at 0.5 per cent copper equivalent for 700,000 ounces of gold and 180,000 tonnes of copper across six deposits. Advertisement Over at the companys nearby Gidginbung gold project, recent hits of 21m running at 2.72g/t gold equivalent and 31m grading 2.46g/t underline the broader upside. With the systems at both Gilmore and Gidginbung still open along strike and at depth, Linq is gearing up for infill and step-out drilling aimed squarely at growing tonnes and lifting grades exactly the sort of ambition the market likes to see from a new runner finding its feet. Dalaroo Metals Blue Lagoon project area in Greenland contains a host of critical metals that have not been subject to any modern exploration. DALAROO METALS (ASX:DAL) Up 76% (4.6c-8.1c) Taking home Bulls N Bears bronze this week is critical minerals hunter Dalaroo Metals, which has planted a firm flag in one of the worlds hottest neighbourhoods for high-value, in-demand minerals, just as the global scramble for secure supply hits full stride. Advertisement Greenland has suddenly muscled its way to the front line of the global critical minerals race thanks to one Donald J. Trump and Dalaroo Metals has wasted no time jumping into the spotlight. The companys shares exploded higher after maiden stream and surface sediment sampling at its Blue Lagoon project revealed a broad, coherent rare earths, zirconium and hafnium system stretching an impressive 2.7 kilometres. Every one of the 113 samples returned anomalous results a dream outcome for a first-pass program and a clear signal the company may be sitting on something with genuine district-scale potential. Standout assays ran up to 8079ppm total rare earth oxides, with magnet rare earths making up close to a third of the mix, while heavy hitters like dysprosium and terbium showed unusually strong surface enrichment. Add in chunky zirconium oxide grades above 4 per cent and consistent hafnium values along the entire strike, and the project starts to look strategically important, not just geologically interesting. Crucially, uranium and thorium came in well below Greenlands regulatory limits, stripping away a major permitting headache that dogs many rare earth plays. With no modern exploration since 1979, Dalaroo has potentially rebooted a forgotten anomaly using modern geochemistry and detection limits into a future contender on the Western worlds critical minerals map. Advertisement OSTEOPORE Ltd (ASX: OSX) Up 55% (11c-17c) Claiming the Best and Fairest Runner gong is medtech company, Osteopore Ltd, which struck an exclusive distribution and commercialisation agreement worth more than RMB$12 million (A$2.56M) that opens the door to Chinas massive dental and maxillofacial market. The companys key medical technology involves the design and manufacture of 3D-printed, bioresorbable implants that act as scaffolds to help the body regrow natural bone. Its implants gradually dissolve after surgery, leaving behind healthy regenerated bone rather than permanent hardware. The multi-year deal will see Osteopore team up with Singapore-based sales and distribution group, Majeton and its heavyweight parent, Essex Bio-Technology. Essex is a Hong Kong-listed healthcare group with products sold through more than 13,500 hospitals across China. Advertisement The timing of the deal could scarcely be better. According to the company, Chinas dental bone graft and membrane market is already worth more than US$200 million and is forecast to grow rapidly this decade. By hitching its wagon to a proven local operator, Osteopore appears to have neatly sidestepped many of the usual regulatory and market-entry headaches, in a textbook example of smart partnering and a clear signal that the company may be shifting from a clever technology story to a serious commercial contender. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@wanews.com.au Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@businessnews.com.au Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Shares Sharemarket Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Dalaroo soars as Greenland punt pays off with critical minerals surge Brought to you by Bulls N Bears Doug Bright January 16, 2026 12:15pm 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 In the high-stakes global race to secure critical minerals outside Chinas orbit, Greenland is fast emerging as a strategic battleground and Dalaroo Metals has just planted a very firm flag. The companys shares caught a strong bid today up almost 50 per cent in early trade to 7.9c on huge turnover - after maiden stream and surface sediment sampling at its wholly owned Blue Lagoon project unveiled a broad, coherent rare earths, zirconium and hafnium system extending for 2.7 kilometres along strike. Dalaroo Metals Blue Lagoon project area in Greenland contains a host of critical metals that have not been subject to any modern exploration. Notably, every one of the 113 samples collected has returned anomalous results, a rare outcome for a first-pass scout program and one that hints at serious scale potential. Sampling delivered exceptional rare earths oxides results, including one assay that returned a whopping 8079 parts per million (ppm) total rare earths oxide (TREO), with magnet rare earths oxides (MREO) making up a solid 29 per cent of the sample. Advertisement This work confirms that the project hosts a fertile mineral system with clear potential to grow through systematic follow-up exploration. Dalaroo Metals chief executive officer John Morgan Another rare earths result romped home in second place, with 6491ppm TREO and a 27 per cent MREO component. Intriguingly, surface samples have returned an unusually strong proportion of heavy magnet rare earth metals such as dysprosium and terbium two of the more valuable metals that underpin electric vehicle, wind turbine and defence technologies. The top two samples assayed 886ppm and 752ppm combined HREO, pointing strongly to a potentially new rare earths district in Greenland, with favourable analogous geology to the nations well-known heavyweight Tanbreez and Kvanefjeld rare earths projects. This geological pedigree wont be lost on the market. One of the more encouraging technical outcomes is that mineralisation appears to improve as grain size decreases. Dalaroos evaluation shows consistent enrichment in the finest sediment fractions, suggesting that a process of upgrading may be in play through natural weathering. Advertisement Management believes that characteristic could lend itself to low-cost gravity separation, sidestepping the need for more complex chemical processing routes. Dalaroo Metals chief executive officer John Morgan said: These maiden results represent a highly encouraging start to modern exploration at the Blue Lagoon Project and provide strong validation of the historical Greenland and Denmark Geological Survey geochemical anomalies that originally attracted us to this area. Just as importantly for Greenland, uranium and thorium levels are extremely low, coming in well below Greenlands mandated 100 parts per million maximum uranium threshold. That outcome could significantly reduce permitting risks, setting Blue Lagoon apart from many other rare earths systems that have become burdened with too much radioactive baggage. Zirconium results stand out, too. Multiple samples have returned zirconium oxide grades above 2 per cent, with a best result of 4.42 per cent zirconium oxide, accompanied by 98ppm hafnium oxide. The second-best zirconium oxide result came in at 4.09 per cent, coupled with the top hafnium oxide hit of 99ppm. Advertisement Hafnium showed strong and consistent enrichment, with values commonly above 40 parts per million along the entire strike length sampled. That is particularly relevant because hafnium is both scarce and strategically critical. As a high-value metal essential for next-generation semiconductors, hafnium also has a significant role in advanced microchips, where it is used to replace silicon dioxide, putting it squarely on the radar of Western governments looking to secure future technology supply chains. What makes the overall discovery even more intriguing is that the project hasnt seen any modern exploration since 1979. Dalaroo has effectively taken a long-forgotten Greenland anomaly and breathed new life into it with systematic sampling, modern geochemistry, analytical methods and vastly improved detection limits, with a clear eye on future development pathways. The geological setting ticks plenty of boxes. Blue Lagoon sits within Greenlands Gardar-age alkaline intrusive province, a proven host for zirconium, niobium and rare earths deposits. Historic government survey data flagged the area decades ago and Dalaroos results have validated that work through vastly superior modern analytical and exploration methods. Advertisement With the company recently topping up its coffers via a $1.35 million placement in October, the next exploration phase in Greenland is already being lined up. Dalaroos discovery could scarcely be better timed. As the West scrambles to lock in critical mineral supply outside China, US President Trump has floated his own ideas about taking control of Greenland by consent or by coercion thrusting the companys project into the global spotlight. The companys follow-up work is expected to include geophysics, detailed mineralogy, further surface sampling and shallow drilling to chase the source of the mineralisation at depth. If those programs confirm what the surface sampling results are already shouting, Blue Lagoon could quickly be elevated from a mere curiosity - with its assemblage of strange metal names from the dark recesses of the periodic table of the elements - to a cornerstone asset that could put Dalaroo firmly on the critical minerals map. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Sharemarket Shares Advertisement BusinessCompaniesAviation The secret life of your checked baggage Chris Zappone January 17, 2026 9:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Its like magic at least 99.37 per cent of the time. You show up at the airport, print your bag tag at the kiosk and attach it to your suitcase. Then you set or lug your suitcase onto the bag drop. Usually, the last you see of your luggage is the little wiggle it makes as the conveyor belt pulls it decisively into the baggage handling system. Out of sight, out of mind. You and your carry-ons are free to go through security and wander the terminal until you get to the gate for the flight. Advertisement An early bag storage area. Hartmann Schmidt You dont think of your checked bag until the other side of the trip, at the carousel in London or LA or Rome, when it should reappear. Like magic. Sometimes (about 0.63 per cent of the time) there is a problem. Because of that risk, the biggest anxiety for passengers is when they are waiting at the conveyor belt said Sumesh Patel, Asia Pacific President of airport IT company SITA. The stress is similar to what people feel going through security and immigration queues, he said. The most stressful part. Shutterstock Advertisement The long journey to the carousel What happens between the bag drop and finding your bag on a carousel is a secret journey, one thats being altered by technological advances and innovation. Todays modern baggage systems give airports end-to-end control of every single bag, said Ken Lowe, managing director of Beumer Group Australia, which is building Melbourne Airports baggage handling system. We can track and trace luggage at every stage of the journey while inside the system, Lowe added. Increasing precision is raising passenger expectations. So how do these ever-more-precise systems work? Advertisement A bag with its all-important tag. Lets start with the bag tag taped around your luggage handle. It identifies the bag, customer and destination. The tag has a barcode containing real-time information on the bags itinerary (time and date, flights, destinations). The message with this information is read by the tag reader. Your bag enters the main baggage handling system network of conveyors and lands on a tote, which has its own code. The bag tag and tote numbers are linked, which allows each bag and its progress to be monitored from a baggage system control room. Your baggage is X-rayed and diverted for human review if something suspicious is found. The totes uniform size helps standardise the flow of baggage through the system. If nothing is found, your bag is sorted and routed on a high-speed tote transport system, using a tilt tray sorter, to land at the correct pier, carousel or make-up unit (where they prepare for bags to be loaded onto the plane) for its scheduled flight. Software maps out the most efficient route through the system. Advertisement If your bag arrives hours in advance of its flight, it will be diverted into the Early Bag Storage area. The EBS is a large rack with a robotic picker that places totes for waiting and then picks them up when the flight is ready. Advertisement Melbourne Airport calls this a Dynamic Bag Storage area. It is also used to smooth out the flow of bags during peaks and troughs of activity, ensuring a steadier and easier-to-manage delivery of bags to ground handlers. Your bag then goes to the load/make-up area, where ground handlers collect and load it onto specialised carts or Unit Load Devices (ULDs) that will be transferred directly to the aircraft. A baggage handling system by Germany-based Beumer Group, which is building Melbourne Airports new system. Beumer Group The full ULDs are driven out to the aircraft for final loading into the cargo hold. Your bag is rescanned again to ensure the right bag is being loaded. A system of totes carries the bags. Hartmann Schmidt Advertisement The full information on your bags will then be sent to the destination airport, where another reconciliation will be done at arrival and unloading. Another scan will be done to confirm that the bags have reached the destination. Lowe said a good baggage handling system is not just about speeding up operations for the airport, its about making sure each passengers bag is accounted for, matched correctly, and handled perfectly from start to finish. UAE-based special airport systems consultant Mehdi Lakhal Chaieb said good systems require back-up options in case there is a mechanical or tech breakdown. We should always make sure that we have a certain redundancy for mechanical parts, Chaieb said. That means in case of physical failures there should always be an alternative bypass or route. The hold baggage screening systems (found in Early Bag Storage) require enough human operators and computing power to function well if the screening has to be done remotely, Chaieb said. Advertisement With these advances, technology is lifting the lid, slightly, on the mystery of missing bags. SITAs WorldTracer system tracks missing bags across different airport baggage handling systems, airlines and airports. Where is my bag? For anyone who loses a bag, its updated in WorldTracer, and then WorldTracer helps track the bag through the entire ecosystem, Patel said. That runs across all airports and airlines. Yet, some factors cant be controlled. Patel said that if an airports baggage handling system is really old, it takes a lot of time for the baggage to be processed, and theres still a lot of manual work to be done. Advertisement SITA Asia Pacific president Sumesh Patel, pictured at the Australian Airports Association national conference in the Gold Coast on December 3, 2025. Chris Zappone In part for this reason, more bags get lost in Europe than in any other region. The biggest challenge is the transit, Patel said, and many European airlines, airports and IT systems are quite fragmented. So they dont talk to each other and a lot of manual work is required, and thats where you see a lot of bag loss, said Patel. According to the 2025 SITA baggage IT insights report, a whopping 33.4 million bags were mishandled (delayed, damaged, lost or stolen) in 2024. Even so, the mishandling rate is dropping. It fell to 6.3 bags per 1000 passengers last year, down from 6.9 in 2023, the company said. Advertisement Its part of a longer-term trend. Better systems have whittled down the number of mishandled bags, which in 2007 stood at 18.9 missing bags per 1000. Distance of the flight seems to be a factor in luggage difficulties. Your bags have better odds of arriving at their destination if youre flying domestically. International flights had a mishandling rate of 11.2 bags per 1000 passengers in 2024 while domestic flights stood at just 1.9 bags, according to SITA. International travel is more complex, has longer layovers, more handovers of luggage and tighter transfer times. But these days, domestic flyers tend to travel with fewer bags. On short-haul and low-cost routes, more passengers are travelling light, favouring carry-on luggage and easing the load on hold baggage operations, the SITA report said. Advertisement Mobile phones and personal technology help, too. During COVID, many passengers started using Apple AirTags to track bags. Passengers these days can share Air Tag location information with the airline ground handler, Patel said. The embrace of airline apps United, Qantas and Virgin all have them is reducing the hassle associated with delayed bags. Passengers can now start the process of recovering their bag via their phone. They can also get updates on the location of their luggage, which gives a better sense of control. Self-checking future And if the system knows a bag is missing, why wait for the passenger to report it? In the brave new world of baggage systems, lost luggage can even be automatically rebooked to a flight with no manual intervention required if youre flying on German airline Lufthansa. The system will automatically look at the data, it will track the bag and will see what is the next available flight, said Patel. Then it will automatically re-flight those bags, and give you a notification to say Hey, your bag is here now. Advertisement A baggage handling system by Germany-based Beumer Group, which is building Melbourne Airports new system. Currently, the system is used for nearly 75 per cent of bags lost on Lufthansa, Patel said. Other airlines are trialling the capability. If bags status can be tracked via phones and rebooked automatically, the next step is moving the drop-off point outside the airport. Changi Airport, with Singapore Airlines and Marina Bay Sands hotel, are trialling a mobile passenger processing trolley which allows hotel guests to check in bags before they leave the hotel for the airport. Such a service is available at a Helsinki hotel and train station for Finnair. Advertisement Passenger convenience could potentially have an industry effect too: reducing the amount of terminal floor space dedicated to bag drops. It pushes away a lot of what you do at the airport, off the airport, Patel said. With projections for airline capacity expected to soar, this is no small consideration. Six airports in Asia plan to increase capacity to over 100 million passengers a year by the mid-2030s, Cirium aviation analytics data shows. If you can check your luggage before going to the airport, your bag can journey directly from your hotel room to your next destination. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (left) and the actors who played them in American Love Story, Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon. If you think you dont care what a character is wearing, these top designers will set you straight. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A In June, another one of those explosive palavers-about-practically-nothing kicked off across social media; this one about the cheap cut of a particular Prada coat, the lumpy slump of a Birkin handbag, the tackiness of a too-blonde hairdo and a catalogue of other wrongwrongwrong fashion faux pas spotted among US producer Ryan Murphys costume test shots for his latest biopic TV series, American Love Story, due out next month. The series stars Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Kelly as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr., the ill-fated American royalty couple who embodied high-born uber-coolness before spoiler alert they died in a plane crash in 1999. Murphy released the test shots and test videos of his actors in test costumes but, it seems, the social mediaverse was too invested, or too braced for a barney, to care. The test rider was gleefully ignored, outrage rocketed, Murphys list of crimes, particularly against Bessette Kennedys icily elegant style stretched like a bad rap sheet into July and beyond: wrong blonde, too skimpy, wrong brown, too short, too cheap, wrong bag, a crime against fashion. Mainstream media including The Cut, The Guardian, NBC news, Variety and even British Vogue joined the squabble. Everything about the test shots was shredded: cuts, colours, textures, silhouettes, accessories, jewellery. The real Bessette Kennedy, they chorused, dressed in multi-mind-blowingly-curated layers of visual semiotics that she scrambled daily to identify herself as inimitable. She habitually tore luxury brand tags from her clothes to throw off critics and soared sartorially to a level of cool not witnessed since. THIS costume folderol was not THAT. Fashion murder was mentioned. Im not really shocked people got so involved, says Melbourne-based costume designer Maria Pattison. We all live in a visual culture, were obsessed with it and we cant escape it. We have to dress in all our layers of meaning; personality, culture, mood, where we place ourselves in life ... We can use clothing as a shield or as expression, or as something in-between, but however we use it, it will always reveal. Pattison is one of four top costume designers I asked to throw light on their art, which in turn throws light on our own amateur efforts, standing in front of our wardrobe each morning. Advertisement People often have a limited concept of what we do as costume designers, Pattison says. They think were just fashion people when really, its more that we have processes of climbing inside a character. Were character people, were story people. Everything you see on screen is the result of a series of complicated decisions; you play with audience perception, their memories of archetypes, their cultural baggage. Maria Pattison among items shes chosen for a new film being shot in Antarctica. Wayne Taylor At the University of Melbourne, Pattison lectures on screen production design. She has a masters in visual anthropology from the University of Berlin, among other qualifications, frequently draws links between that science and fashion, and has costumed some deliciously complicated characters in her 18-year career, including the tricky protagonists of Cate Shortlands 2017 film Berlin Syndrome, and that of cult leader Grigori, played by Vincent Cassell in Ariel Kleimans 2015 film Partisan. Grigori is a great example of how subtle costume can be, how you could change one element and completely flip the character, Pattison says. He is a controlling, sinister man underneath but, charming to the world. You could put him in dark menacing colours or maybe black jeans or a gangster costume to reference that archetypically evil or threatening thing but, whats that? Too obvious, like a caricature, so completely wrong. Vincent Cassell (left) in incongruous mohair, with Jeremy Chabriel in Partisan. For Partisan, Pattison and her crew focused on unsettling Cassells audience. We became obsessed with textures and colours. We gave him linen trousers, relaxed luxury things; classic but not too stiff, not too formal, floral patterned shirts but not those abrasive, comic florals. More subtle, beautiful silhouettes ... At one point, we put him in a soft, black mohair womans cardigan. So you see; theres this play happening, right? Evil man in a soft fuzzy cardigan? Its a balancing act; very delicate, very intuitive, this unsettling dichotomy, this little swell of incredulity in the audience, that softness and play emphasising that sinister aspect of his character ... Advertisement International costume designer Katherine Milne describes using similar trickery in Peter Farrellys 2024 film, Ricky Stanicky. It came down to this hat for [actor] John Cenas character. I know a hat! But it had to have so many obvious essences, it was so complicated. We could have picked a safari hat, and it maybe would have fit with the crumpled safari suit we put him in, but it would also be too obvious; we went with a slouch hat (one side flipped like a diggers) so it was sort of wacky and confusing, like his character. John Cena in Ricky Stanicky: We went with a slouch hat so it was sort of wacky and confusing, like his character, says Katherine Milne. Alamy Stock Photo Milnes career highlights span Xena: Warrior Princess to Jonathan Hensleighs Ice Road films starring Liam Neeson. Every script is a mosaic, Milne says. A collaborative process but, for my part, you read, you get the feel, you absorb the story, the era, where we are in the world ... Who is this person? What is their history? You feel the sparks and start pulling elements out: what do you want to explain or to hide about them, how does that all fit? Related Article Exhibitions These divas have a lot in common. Just dont call them difficult Costume design projects are akin, she says, to solving giant puzzles, comparable in skill if not scale to everyday dressing. Getting it wrong is a hazard of both. We get it wrong sometimes because we can have a kind of dysmorphia about ourselves, says legendary Australian costume designer Marion Boyce. Think about it; you can buy something very fashionable and expensive and hope all you like that that will reflect you, but it doesnt come off if its not truthful. It looks off. And, when something like that happens on screen, you can see it immediately. People audiences quickly recognise a falsehood. They might not know exactly why its wrong, but its just wrong, they know it, and its jarring. From left: Judy Davis, Sarah Snook and Kate Winslet in The Dressmaker. Advertisement Boyce has costumed countless characters serial killers to Disney aristocrats in a career spanning more than 30 years. Shes best known for her infusion of dreamy, offbeat glamour in Jocelyn Moorhouses 2015 film, The Dressmaker, and for the splendidly crisp, resonant ensembles in the original ABC television series Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries. I could have got Phryne really wrong, she says of the 1920s Miss Fisher character played by actor Essie Davis. There was quite a bit of pressure to do her sexier; that whole gangsters and flapper frocks thing; more skin, shorter skirts, plunging tops ... the whole male gaze thing. But that wasnt her essence. That would have been wrong. She was more complex, a much more fascinating character; driven, interesting, individual, very much her own woman. Marion Boyce with costumes from Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries during a 2016 exhibition of her work in Brisbane. Glenn Hunt Boyces Phryne materialised in her first readings of the scripts. Thats where that huge puzzle starts, she says. Where you get what makes the character tick. Boyce says that on every set and in every scene, Phrynes wardrobe was recalibrated as costumes are in every film project with a conga line of collaborators: directors, producers, lighting and camera technicians, action consultants, writers and actors. Marion Boyce on Phryne Fisher (played by Essie Davis): She had this ... energy so I wanted her to sort of burst onto scenes like this huge hurricane. Eventually, Boyce fleshed out Phrynes micro-character-quirks into a distinct rack of fashions in an evocative palette of bulls-bloods, plums, rose-bronzes and petrol-blues with strikes of true red, white fur and other semiotic-loaded accents of colour, texture and gleam. Advertisement One thing I also did was use fabric as a metaphor for Phryne, Boyce says. She had this ... energy so I wanted her to sort of burst onto scenes like this huge hurricane. Boyce designed coats, kimonos and dusters in worsted wools, heavy satins and velvets weighted to fly open and flap about as Phryne walked and ran or simply arrived. Skirts in airy georgettes and animating silks including crepe were also cut to undulate or slap around her calves. In one early episode, a bronze-ish collar of marabou feathers became its own metaphoric mini hurricane, which accented Phrynes sleek bob and a half-cloche hat that was not ostentatious, not tacky, not overtly sexy but just perfectly Phryne. Related Article Exhibitions These two women changed the world, one fashionable shockwave at a time In another scene, Phryne strides across a road in mid-heel T-bars picked out for fast, confident walking, her petrol coat swinging open like a magicians cloak and Boyces huge puzzle of sartorial micro-decisions sparking her truth: extrovert, confident, intelligent, nonchalant, glamorous, aware but unfussed by her power and sexuality. Short skirts, plunging tops and the whole male-gaze thing be damned. Oscar-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan believes ordinary mortals can express their own character as exquisitely if not as accurately with their own clothes. Of course you can, its your story to tell, she says. In fact thats what we do when we dress, tell our story, and thats what my job is, storytelling. Kristin Scott Thomas in Gosford Park (left) and Anya Taylor-Joy in Furiosa wear costumes designed by Jenny Beavan. Three Oscars, four BAFTAs, two Emmys, an Olivier and a swag of other gongs mark Beavan top in her profession. Her four-decade career spans a vast range of costume projects from the terribly English Merchant Ivory films (Gosford Park, A Room with a View, The Remains of the Day), to George Millers post-apocalyptic Mad Max: Fury Road and its prequel, Furiosa. Advertisement Advertisement EnvironmentWeatherWeather Big surf to reshape Sydney beaches after wave drought Caitlin Fitzsimmons January 16, 2026 3:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A short-lived coastal storm will stir up the surf on Sydney, Illawarra and South Coast beaches this weekend, creating waves as high as four or five metres that will cause dangerous conditions for swimming, rock fishing and boating. Beach scientist Andrew Short said the big waves would start reshaping beaches for more consistent surf after a period dominated by small waves breaking on shore. The wave drought this summer has been interrupted only occasionally and briefly, Short said. Paddle boarders in small surf at Manly on Wednesday. Kate Geraghty The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a hazardous surf warning for the coast from Eden to the Illawarra for Friday, and this will extend to Sydney by Saturday. NSW Police marine area command advises people to stay out of the water. Damaging surf conditions that may lead to coastal erosion and localised damage to coastal infrastructure are expected between Eden and Ulladulla from Friday afternoon. Weather qualifies as a coastal storm when waves are more than three metres high and last for more than 24 hours. The forecast is not predicting the monster waves of some previous east-coast lows, which are often seven or eight metres high, especially in winter, or the notorious 2015 storm when 14.9-metre waves pummelled Narrabeen. Advertisement Senior meteorologist at the bureau Angus Hines said the waves would peak at about four metres at the coast, including Sydney beaches, with five-metre waves a bit further offshore. They tend to shoal a little bit as they come onto the beach, so you might not see four metres if youre standing on the beach and seeing it crashing, but still, some very powerful waves will be landing on the beaches, Hines said. The University of NSW Water Research Laboratory is predicting the wave height to peak at 4.26 metres off Sydney beaches at 10am on Sunday, shortly after high tide, with the storm to last 50 hours. UNSW Professor Kristen Splinter, managing director of the lab, said the waves would come from the south-east and wrap around the coastline. Advertisement Beaches that are more south-east-facing are going to be more prone to bigger waves that are coming from the south-east, Splinter said. The ones that are more north-facing are fairly sheltered. Short, an honorary professor of coastal geomorphology at the University of Sydney, said small waves that break on the shoreline had been dominating Sydney beaches for most of the summer, much to the disgust of surfers. Swimmers ready for the daily Bold and the Beautiful swim from Manly to Shelly Beach. Kate Geraghty Short said months or weeks of small waves under a metre high carried sand to the shore, creating a shelf that immediately dropped off into deep water with no surf zone. Advertisement We had a fairly benign winter going into summer with no major storm events, just moderate to low waves, and as a result of that the sands returned to the shore, the sandbars are disappearing and when the waves do break theyre not very big, Short said. Weve got what the surfers call a wave drought. Related Article Marine life Mountains of seaweed choke Sydney beaches as heatwave approaches Short said a sustained period of waves bigger than about 1.5 metres would drag the sand offshore to form sandbars and provide good surf. This weekends storm would start to reverse the sand build-up and the bigger waves forecast for Sydney next Thursday and on January 27 would help maintain the gains. We could have a moderate resetting of the sandbars, plus bigger waves will make them more surfable, so there may be some reasonable surf over the next 10-plus days, Short said. Short said he agreed with Herald writer Malcolm Knox, who wrote in a column last week: More sad surfer faces: Manly has become Coogee. Advertisement Peter Anthony, 66, who has swum and surfed at Manly his whole life, said he had experienced waves bigger than ever on some days this summer, especially a few weeks ago, but noted that conditions could vary hugely. The reason we love the ocean is because its always different, Anthony said. It can be dramatically different on a single day. Even [on Friday] morning we had fairly big waves early, at about 6.30am, and then it dropped probably by about a metre or so as the tide was going out. Members of the Bold and the Beautiful swimming club setting out from Manly to Shelly Beach. The small waves make it easier for ocean swimmers to get past the break. Kate Geraghty Anthony, who does the return swim to Shelly Beach with the Bold and the Beautiful swimming club most mornings, said he enjoyed swimming in waves but not once had they exceeded three metres. For surfing he liked them the bigger, the better. Seven people drowned swimming or boating in rough surf in NSW over the four days from December 31 to January 3, Royal Life Saving figures say. Advertisement But the big waves did not last long enough to reverse the build-up of sand on the beaches and form sandbars, Short said. Hazard surfing warning advice from NSW Police Force, marine area command People should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas. Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf. Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage. Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket. Boaters should remember to log on with their local marine rescue radio base, via VHF radio or the Marine Rescue app, and consider their safety management plan. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter. Advertisement Eating outFood How to eat Peking duck pancakes, according to a star chef How do you hoisin? And is the cucumber an ingredient or a palate cleanser? Louis Tikaram from Stanley in Brisbane has thoughts. Matt Shea 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 Everyone knows how to eat Peking duck pancakes, right? Thing is, maybe not. Perhaps youve been in a Cantonese restaurant and watched all your mates tackle it a different way. One uses the hoisin as a dipping sauce. Another accidentally picks up half the pancakes. Another asks what the leek is, and then what the heck leek is. And another skips the pancakes entirely, absentmindedly smashing half the duck. Louis Tikaram, pictured at his restaurant Stanley in Brisbane. Markus Ravik I definitely see people eating it the wrong way, says Louis Tikaram, head chef and partner at Cantonese restaurant Stanley, at Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane. Because I see almost every plate as its coming back to the kitchen. Advertisement Sometimes the pancakes are completely untouched. Sometimes the hoisin is completely untouched. Sometimes its the cucumbers and the leeks. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Ill look out into the dining room and see people doing it every which way. Tikaram doesnt mind hes a long way removed from your dogmatic, old-school chef but he does care. He wants to maximise peoples enjoyment of the dish, given it takes five days to prepare. Peking duck is prepared over five days at Stanley. Markus Ravik On the first day, the Stanley chefs will trim the wings, neck and excess fat from the duck, before placing it in a brine that includes plenty of five spice and Chinese rose wine. After 24 hours the protein is removed from the brine, blanched in boiling water to open its pores, and then massaged in a red wine vinegar glaze. Then its hung in the cool room for four days before being ready for service. Advertisement Its huge commitment that takes a lot of labour, Tikaram says. But the fact people really appreciate it when they come in and eat it makes it all worthwhile, for sure. So how should you eat Peking duck pancakes? Tikaram has thoughts. Stanleys pancakes are made by a supplier to the restaurants specs. Theyre thin and theyre kind of stretchy ... almost like mochi or a stretchy Naples pizza dough, Tikaram says. Markus Ravik Dishing out the pancakes When Peking duck lands on the table there should be at least five components: the sliced duck, julienned cucumber, julienned leek, a side of hoisin sauce, and the steamed pancakes. Advertisement Start by dishing out the pancakes. If youre all friends here, feel free to use your fingers, but on a tight half-duck order one person can be deputised to serve the pancakes before everyone gets stuck in. If its a larger order or you want to take your time, Tikaram reckons the pro manoeuvre is using the butt of your chopsticks to grab the pancakes. Related Article The best things we ate in Brisbane in 2025 We get Chinese diners or diners from Singapore, he says. They actually flip the chopsticks around and peel the pancake off with pinpoint accuracy and then put it on their plate, because then its not double-dipping. The first time I saw that I was, like, Oh my god, thats serious. A Singapore family told me this is how they do it at the family dinner. Thats the courteous way of peeling pancakes. How many pancakes you use per individual serving depends on the restaurant or chef. Two is common but at Stanley Tikaram uses one. Advertisement I think of the pancake as just a vessel its the duck thats the star, he says. Our pancakes are made for us to our specs, and then we finish them off in the restaurant. Some people like thick pancakes, some people like thin pancakes. I like the ones we use. Theyre thin and theyre kind of stretchy. I love that texture and mouthfeel, almost like mochi or a stretchy Naples pizza dough. Tikaram likes to use a piece of duck to paint the hoisin onto the pancake. Markus Ravik Hoisin how-to Next up is the hoisin. You might be in the habit of using a teaspoon to run a line of sauce up the middle of the pancake, or perhaps spread it across the surface. But Tikaram prefers an old Cantonese trick of dipping a piece of duck in the hoisin and painting it across the pancake (maybe with an extra line of sauce added before wrapping). Advertisement Otherwise, youre mucking around with the teaspoon and that never really works, he says. Instead, dip the duck into the hoisin to paint a nice consistent layer. Thats definitely a clutch move. Once youre happy with your artistry, place the duck in the middle of the pancake (depending on where youre eating and the size of the duck slices and how many slices have been budgeted per wrap, of course feel free to add a second). Some chefs intend the cucumber as a palate cleanser. Tikaram prefers his inside the pancake. Markus Ravik Potential cucumber blunders This is where things get interpretive. Advertisement Some Cantonese chefs will tell you the julienned cucumber Tikaram prefers telegraph cucumbers with the seeds removed for maximum crispness is meant to be kept separate to snack on as a palate cleanser. But at Stanley, the intention has always been to make it part of the wrap. I do love the cucumber and the leek inside the pancake, Tikaram says. Im big on balancing that richness of the cooking rather than palate cleansing. But I find that idea really fascinating Ill give it another crack next time I do it. If you do want it inside your pancake, parcel the cucumber with a generous pinch of leek (some restaurants might prefer spring onions), and then its time to get wrapping. Tikaram says its important to wrap the pancake tightly, almost like a spring roll, to keep the juices in place as you eat your pancake. Markus Ravik Advertisement Wrap, eat, repeat Again, how you wrap sides first and then bottom, or side-bottom-side is essentially up to you. But you want it to be super tight, so the juice of the ingredients stay inside the pancake as you chow down on the thing. I compare it to wrapping a spring roll, he says. Youre wrapping it nice and tight pulling it back, folding it. And then you fold the bottom and eat from the top. A Peking duck pancake at Stanley, reading for eating. Markus Ravik I guess the only other wrinkle is people who do it with no hoisin inside, but then dip it in the hoisin like a spring roll. Or maybe they double it up with the hoisin inside. If theyre new to Cantonese food some people might ask if its barbecue sauce, and you think, Oh god, youre not going to like this, are you? But then they love it. They love the whole dish. Thats when those five days of prep absolutely pay off. Advertisement LifestyleHealth & wellnessHealth The bombshell science that casts doubt on claims about microplastics Sarah Knapton January 16, 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 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. Were we wrong about microplastics? Adobe Stock The article followed a recent letter published in Nature Medicine that 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 Advertisement 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 says. Related Article Parenting Microplastics are everywhere. How worried should parents be? 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. Advertisement The problem seems to lie in the tinier versions of microplastics, known as nanoplastics. Officially, microplastics are no larger than five millimetres in size (the size of a grain of rice or smaller), whereas nanoplastics are one nanometre to 1000 nanometres in size (as small as bacteria) and are a lot harder to detect. In recent years, studies have claimed to have found these minuscule 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 that 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 Advertisement Related Article Fitness The goal posts for a longer, healthier life are closer than you think 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. 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. Advertisement 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. 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. Microplastics are a health problem that scientists are just beginning to understand. Justin McManus 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. Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Related Article Wellbeing The health habits these experts will be following in 2026 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 that 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. 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. Advertisement Professor 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. 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. Advertisement 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. The Telegraph, London OSLO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers visited Denmark on Friday and voiced support for Denmark and Greenland. According to Danish broadcaster DR, the 11 U.S. lawmakers, including two Republicans and nine Democrats, met with Danish lawmakers and the leaders of Denmark and Greenland in Copenhagen. "When Americans are asked whether taking over Greenland is a good or bad idea, the vast majority say it is not a good idea," said Lisa Murkowski, a Republican senator, at a press conference after the meeting. She added that "Greenland should be seen as an ally, not an asset." Murkowski told DR, "Congress plays a role. We must do everything we can to tone down that rhetoric (coming from the White House)." Democratic senator Chris Coons, also the leader of the bipartisan delegation, underscored the importance of respecting sovereignty. "We talked about the value of NATO and the commitment to respect the fundamental principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and self-determination," he said at the press conference. The congressional visit followed a high-level meeting on Wednesday at the White House involving Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. After the meeting, Danish and Greenlandic officials said that major differences remained, but they were prepared to continue dialogue by establishing a working group. U.S. special envoy to Greenland Jeff Landry told Fox News on Friday that he planned to visit Greenland in March, and he believed a deal could be made. 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 recently ramped up his threat. Advertisement MoneySuper & retirementSuperannuation Opinion Womens super gap isnt just a data point. Its a ticking time bomb Bec Wilson Money contributor January 17, 2026 5:01am January 17, 2026 5:01am 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 Theres new data out this week on retirement confidence in Australia, and it makes for uncomfortable reading. Only 41 per cent of women say they feel financially confident about retirement. For men, its 59 per cent. That gap of nearly 20 per cent should stop us in our tracks. Dig a little deeper and the worry is everywhere. Nearly three-quarters of women are concerned about having enough super for retirement, compared with just over half of men. Seven in ten fear they wont be able to afford the lifestyle they want later in life. More than half are already holding back on everyday spending because theyre worried about running out of money in retirement. Women typically have lower super balances than men as they are more likely to take time off work to raise children. Simon Letch This isnt a single data point or a momentary wobble in confidence. Women report higher levels of worry across every measure. It would be easy to describe this as anxiety and brush it off, but that would be a mistake. These findings come from AMPs Retirement Confidence Pulse, an important piece of research that tracks how Australians feel about their financial futures. As Melinda Howes, AMPs Group Executive for Superannuation and Investments, put it: We cannot accept a future where Australian women remain more worried than men about their financial futures. Advertisement What the data really shows is not anxiety, but smart realism. Women are responding rationally to the reality of their financial lives, in a retirement system that has never fully accounted for the fact that women have more fractured working lives than men, even today. They still earn less. They still take on more caring roles. And they still live longer than their partners if they have one. All of that collides in retirement. This cant be about asking women to work harder or sacrifice more. It needs to be about helping women have a voice. So when women say theyre worried, its not because they havent thought about retirement enough. Its because they have. They can see the social and financial realities facing single women later in life, and they understand how exposed retirement can be if things dont go to plan. What often gets overlooked is that women are not disengaged from the future. In fact, many think about it more deeply than their male counterparts. Two-thirds say leaving a financial legacy matters to them, a higher proportion than men. Advertisement The issue is not a lack of care. It is, in my view, a lack of space to prioritise themselves financially. And gaps in the way the system works to incentivise fixing womens super balances early. Editor's pick Opinion Retirement living Six surprising habits only the happiest retirees get right Bec Wilson Money contributor When the household budget is tight and the tax benefit of contributing to the husbands super is higher, the woman takes the hit. When someone needs to go part-time, take a career break or say no to a promotion, it is rarely the higher-earning partner. When the consequences show up decades later, they are treated as unfortunate rather than predictable. And theres no tax incentives to change this. In fact, the tax incentives are geared in favour of the higher earners, often leaving the women on the sidelines of extra contributions. And when women dont, or cant, prioritise themselves earlier in life, they miss out on a valuable opportunity to save small, incremental amounts into the low-tax environment of superannuation and let that money work hard through compounding over time. That puts them at a compounding disadvantage. Advertisement This is not inevitable. It is something policy can help fix, if we are willing to put pressure on politicians. Targeted tax incentives that encourage and reward womens super contributions, particularly earlier in life or after career gaps, would make a meaningful difference. The knowledge gap matters too, and it did not appear by accident. According to the survey, only a third of women understood the power of compounding before the age of 40, compared with more than 60 per cent of men. Nearly a third do not know who their super is with or do not engage with their fund. Fewer than one in three have ever sought retirement advice of any kind. That gap reflects decades where household finances were often managed elsewhere, and where womens super was treated as secondary income rather than essential infrastructure. But with better education, we could nudge this in a different direction. Think about it a national focus on financial literacy seems like a powerful and valuable move for all (especially women), particularly given the complexity and importance of our superannuation system. Expecting people to navigate it confidently without proper education and tooling has always been unrealistic. There is also an important message that women and their partners need to hear much earlier. When women contribute more to super earlier in life, the gap in both confidence and wealth at retirement narrows sharply. Research consistently shows that when women can contribute closer to 15 per cent of income across their working lives, retirement outcomes start to look far more equal. Advertisement But reaching 15 per cent contribution rates can only happen when households make a conscious decision to prioritise her super, not just his, even when she is on maternity leave or taking time out to care for a parent. This cant be about asking women to work harder or sacrifice more. It needs to be about helping women have a voice at the dinner table, and guiding couples and single women on how to design their finances in a way that doesnt leave so many gaps later. Women shouldnt be forced to choose between a secure retirement or having kids. Dionne Gain There are four lessons I wish all women, partners of women, and anyone who cares about their future, would take seriously. First, womens super has to be treated as non-negotiable. Whether partnered or single, super is not a side account or a nice-to-have. It is the backbone of financial independence later in life. Too many women only turn their attention to contributing extra once everything else has been paid for. By then, time and compounding are things you cannot buy back. Advertisement Second, career breaks need an active recovery plan. Time out of the workforce for caring does lasting damage to super balances if it is left unattended. When paid work resumes, contributions need to lift with it, even temporarily, to help close the gap. For single women, this matters even more. There is no second balance to lean on later. Ideally a sensible government would come to the party with tax incentives to support this one day. Third, learn about and use every lever available. Spouse contributions and contribution splitting matter for couples, but single women still have options that are routinely underused. Consider salary sacrificing a little more into your super salary sacrificing when income allows, co-contributions, Low-Income Superannuation Tax Offsets and other supports all exist for a reason. These are not marginal ways of getting money in that should be ignored. They are real contributions that can compound quietly while life is busy, and build security over time. Finally, women, and the partners of women, need to plan for the reality of longevity. Women live longer and are more likely to spend their later years alone. That makes financial resilience critical. Advertisement Retirement planning for women cannot assume theyll have shared living costs forever, or someone else stepping in if money runs short. It cannot rely on inheritance arriving later in life when they lose their partner. Editor's pick Opinion Gender pay gap Working parents are in an impossible position. But what can we do? Victoria Devine Money columnist It has to assume women need to fund their own retirement from start to finish. That is simply reality in a world where divorce, AI and workplace change are coming at us, and we dont know what the future holds. This is not fearmongering. It is an issue worth talking about because when we talk about it, the conversation spills onto kitchen tables. People start to act, and financial plans get made. Women think twice about ignoring the gaps, and work on the ways they stop becoming the statistics in the articles. Thats what its all about. So ladies, and gentlemen, its time to step up. Advertisement For partners, that means actively supporting a womans path to equal super. Retirement in a partnership should be treated as a shared responsibility, not something that automatically defaults to the higher earner. For single women, it means recognising super for what it is: self-protection. And for government, it means coming to the party with tax settings that genuinely support women to save, especially in those years when, on paper, it may have looked smarter to direct contributions to their partners super instead. Womens retirements deserve to be planned deliberately, not left to chance. Bec Wilson is author of the bestseller How to Have an Epic Retirement and the newly released Prime Time: 27 Lessons for the New Midlife. She writes a weekly newsletter at epicretirement.net and hosts the Prime Time podcast. Advertisement Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that considers their own personal circumstances before making financial decisions. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter. Advertisement NationalNSWCity life The court battles over multimillion-dollar towers in Mosman and Neutral Bay David Barwell January 17, 2026 5:15am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Plans to bulldoze century-old homes to make way for multistorey housing projects in sought-after Sydney suburbs have been stopped in their tracks by heritage protection orders, preventing construction work for at least six months. Mosman and North Sydney have applied protection orders to a 106-year-old double-storey bungalow overlooking Balmoral Beach on Almora Street in Mosman, and a further six Federation-era workers cottages on Bydown Street in Neutral Bay. Mosman residents Eve and John Bagnall, Bob Clark (centre) and Jill LEstrange oppose the planned development in Almora Street. Steven Siewert The orders come amid a housing supply crisis that triggered statewide planning reforms aimed at making it easier to develop apartment blocks in established suburbs as part of the Minns governments efforts to meet the Housing Accord target of 377,000 homes in NSW by July 2029. Both the Mosman and Neutral Bay development proposals have faced significant community opposition. The planned $50.5 million, eight-storey Almora Street proposal generated more than 200 written objections from residents, while 547 people have put their names to a petition calling for the eight-storey Neutral Bay housing development to be stopped. Advertisement Under the heritage protection orders, developers will be prevented from commencing any demolition or construction work for at least six months, to allow the councils more time to assess whether longer-term protections are warranted. Both proposals have been deemed refused by the councils, prompting the developers to lodge Land and Environment Court challenges and seek consent orders for construction works to commence. Neutral Bay resident Glen Curyer launched the petition opposing the Bydown Street housing project. Dominic Lorrimer Ross Norton, project director of CPDM the developer of the Neutral Bay housing tower said the delays could add more than $250,000 and nine months to the process. The council, in my view, is frustrated by development and is looking to find any mechanism to stop it, and this is just another battle we have to fight which will unfortunately add to the expense of delivering the project, he said. Advertisement Both the state and federal governments are actively encouraging developments in well-located areas such as Neutral Bay to address the housing supply challenges, and we think this project will help meet that challenge. The whole fabric of Sydney is changing and were not convinced that the application for a heritage order, in this case, is a genuine one. We have to admit that our society is changing and the housing response to those demands has to change as well. Council records show neither the Mosman nor Neutral Bay development site had been subject to heritage listings when the development plans were lodged adding fuel to the debate over whether the existing properties are worthy of protection. Submissions lodged by residents in response to the Mosman housing proposal have highlighted a multitude of concerns with the project, including fears the eight-storey tower could alter the character of the low-rise established streetscape. Advertisement Mosman resident Judith Pearson who launched a crowd-funded Land and Environment challenge against the NSW governments low- and mid-rise housing reforms argued in a submission the development could overwhelm the heritage landscape, overshadow adjoining homes and intrude upon views that local planning laws are designed to preserve. An artists impression of the redevelopment at Almora Street in Mosman. Mosman Council Those concerns were echoed by resident Jill LEstrange a member of the Mosman Headland Preservation Group who believes the interwar dwelling dating back to 1920 is worthy of preservation. Once you bulldoze heritage its gone for forever, and while theres need for more housing in Sydney, it shouldnt come at the expense of what makes our streetscapes appealing in the first place, she said. Tim Foote, a former real estate agent who serves as the chief executive of Prosker the developer behind the Mosman tower said the proposal was lodged in line with NSW planning reforms that aim to boost housing density close to town centres and public transport. Advertisement While declining to comment on the heritage protection order, he said the project had been designed to provide more housing choices particularly for downsizers in a part of Sydney where apartments were at a premium. People often simplistically look at Mosman and say building new apartments wont address the affordability issue. And while thats true to an extent, if you create more supply, it allows people from larger homes to downsize, which in turn frees up those properties, which addresses the affordability challenges Sydney is experiencing, he said. North Sydney Council said in a statement an independent report into the Bydown Street properties indicated there was sufficient basis to seek the heritage protection order, adding the council has a responsibility to ensure development proposals [are] responsive to the public interest including potential heritage values. Mosman Council said in a statement: While the Almora Street building may not have been previously identified by council as heritage significant, it had been flagged as potentially significant by a heritage expert during the development assessment process. The heritage protection orders will remain in place for the Neutral Bay site for six months, while the order in Mosman will be in force until October 30. Advertisement NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully has previously warned that councils must not use heritage as an excuse to avoid their housing responsibilities in the middle of a supply crisis. In the past year, interim heritage orders have also been applied across other Sydney suburbs, including properties in Chatswood, Earlwood, Rockdale and Willoughby. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. CORRECTION A previous version of this story said the interim heritage orders were made by the state government. They were made by the individual local councils. Advertisement NationalNSWAutism Trump blamed autism on this pain pill. Now, the gold-standard evidence is in Angus Dalton January 17, 2026 10:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The US governments claim that taking a common pain medication during pregnancy increases the risk of babies born with autism has been refuted by a rigorous scientific review. US President Donald Trump warned pregnant women to avoid paracetamol (commonly known as Tylenol in the US) in September. Trump and his health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr leant on two papers that reported a small correlation between the drug and autism. Trump (wrongly) warned pregnant women not to take paracetamol. Matthew Absalom-Wong A new paper published in The Lancet on Saturday bolsters the wealth of evidence concluding no such link exists. The authors reviewed 43 past studies and re-analysed the data from 17, using strict parameters that filtered out weaker findings. The authors prioritised studies that compared children born to the same mother, where one sibling was exposed to paracetamol during pregnancy and the other wasnt. Advertisement That approach is important because it helps separate the effects of a medication from family background, genetics and shared environment, said Dr Anya Arthurs, a pregnancy researcher from the University of Adelaide. The reasons that pregnant women might take the drug such as infection or inflammation are far more likely to influence child development than the medicine itself, said Arthurs, who wasnt involved in the new study. Trumps false claim didnt take hold because it was rejected swiftly and bluntly by health bodies, said the University of Sydneys Professor Julie Leask. Wolter Peeters Autism is mostly genetic, and a huge uptick in rates of the disorder is probably down to the expansion of diagnostic criteria. Trumps claim ignited concerns pregnant women may avoid treating their fever with paracetamol, which is dangerous for the mother and child. Advertisement But the misinformation doesnt seem to have taken hold, said Julie Leask, professor of public health at the University of Sydney. It will have some effect but I dont expect in Australia the impact on pregnant people to be massive, said Leask, an expert in vaccine hesitancy. Only 4 per cent of Americans believed Trumps claim was definitely true compared with 35 per cent who dismissed it as absolutely false, while the rest were unsure, a poll by KFF Tracking found. Swift condemnation of the claim by health bodies and mainstream media may have helped psychologically inoculate people against the misleading information, Leask said. Advertisement While it is extremely difficult to debunk false or conspiratorial information once someone starts believing it, research has shown warning people about misinformation before it reaches them dubbed prebunking can stop false claims from taking hold. Related Article Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos. Science Meet the cranky uncle vaccinating people against conspiracies If theres misinformation coming down the line, you warn people beforehand and prepare them mentally for what they might hear and why its wrong That mentally immunises them against that misinformation, Leask said. Dr Chris Edwards, a research fellow with Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia), agreed clear messaging from scientists helped quash unnecessary anxieties about paracetamol and autism. Rhetoric about preventing or curing autism, however, has a lasting impact on a stigmatised community, said Edwards, who is autistic himself. Advertisement Autism is not an illness. Its part of who we are, Edwards said. What does cause harm are the barriers we face: inaccessible environments, inadequate healthcare, discrimination, and lack of understanding. When the focus is on eliminating autism rather than addressing those barriers, it shifts attention away from what actually improves autistic peoples lives. The Examine newsletter explains and analyses science with a rigorous focus on the evidence. Sign up to get it each week. Advertisement NationalQueenslandSchool fees Brisbane school charged parents $1370 more than published fee. How did your school fare? Catherine Strohfeldt January 17, 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 Brisbanes All Hallows School charged parents $1370 more than its publicly listed fee schedule in 2025 after mistakenly omitting several compulsory levies. The 2025 schedule for the Catholic girls school, which teaches years 5 to 12, said a final-year student would pay $20,035 in compulsory fees and levies. In 2026, the schools total costs for a year 12 student came to $23,485 appearing to jump 17.2 per cent in one year. Brisbanes All Hallows School says it is facing rising maintenance costs, particularly for its heritage-listed buildings. Michelle Smith However, the school told Brisbane Times that several compulsory levies that had been in place since 2015 were accidentally omitted from the 2025 schedule. Advertisement The actual rise in total costs was about 12 per cent in 2025, and 9.7 per cent in 2026. Related Article School fees Brisbanes most expensive schools outstrip inflation as fees soar past $35,000 Across all Brisbane private schools, total costs rose by an average of almost 7 per cent from 2025 to 2026. This equated to about $1169, on average, although the four largest increases exceeded $2000. All Hallows which remains $10,000 cheaper than the citys most expensive girls school, Brisbane Girls Grammar issued a letter from principal Catherine OKane to parents in late 2025 explaining the costs. The Brisbane education CPI [consumer price index] has continued to increase at a rate that exceeds the CPI, reflecting higher local cost pressures, OKane wrote in the letter, seen by Brisbane Times. Advertisement She pointed to adjustments in federal funding for private schools through the Schooling Resource Standard, which the school said would see its federal funding halved by 2029. The latest school funding data from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority showed All Hallows received just over $10.5 million from the federal government in 2024, while 71 per cent of its revenue came from fees, charges, and parent contributions. Additionally, we continue to manage the decrease in income from rental tenancies together with rising maintenance costs, particularly for our many heritage-listed properties, coupled with high costs for capital projects, which are necessary for ensuring ongoing improvements to our campus, OKane said. She added that the school board was investigating all possible measures to minimise tuition fee increases. Advertisement All Hallows told Brisbane Times current families had been emailed the 2025 costs directly, so would have paid the correct amount. However, the published fee schedule had not been updated for prospective parents, some of whom begin saving years before their child starts primary school. The total fees at Brisbanes three most expensive private schools for year 12 all independent boys schools exceeded $35,000 this year, two for the first time. Since 2024, the three schools that increased fees the most were all Catholic girls schools. Advertisement St Ritas College increased its total fees for year 12 students by 23.8 per cent over the two-year period, followed by All Hallows School (22.9 per cent), and Mt St Michaels College (22 per cent). The most expensive Catholic school in Brisbane remains Stuartholme, which will charge $28,010 for year 12 students this year. At All Hallows, OKane said funds went towards the teaching and student support staff, extracurricular activities, and campus facilities, including maintaining heritage buildings and developing the schools master plan. 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 PoliticsFederalNationals Pretty effective to the end: Conservative giants gather to farewell Ron Boswell Cameron Atfield January 16, 2026 2:37pm 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 By his own admission, Ron Boswell was not pretty. But, as his election slogans and his autobiography title would claim, he was pretty effective. He was certainly effective at pulling a crowd, even in death. The larger-than-life former Queensland Nationals senator was farewelled at a state funeral at St Stephens Cathedral in Brisbane on Friday, drawing a veritable whos who of conservative politics and two prime ministers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli (second right) and Deputy Opposition Leader Ted OBrien (far right) at Ron Boswells state funeral in Brisbane. AAP Boswell died on January 6, aged 85. Advertisement The former senator was remembered as a traditional conservative, who tirelessly fought the rise of the far-right in Australia. Boswell described fending off a Senate challenge from Pauline Hanson in 2001 as one of his greatest achievements. One-time Nationals colleague and recent One Nation defector Barnaby Joyce was among those in the pews. Former federal opposition leader Peter Dutton makes a rare public appearance at St Stephens Cathedral for Ron Boswells funeral. AAP Also in attendance, among other luminaries at the traditional Catholic service, were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Nationals leader David Littleproud, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, and former premier Rob Borbidge. Deposed federal opposition leader Peter Dutton also made a rare post-election public appearance. Advertisement Former prime minister John Howard said, like him, Boswell was a firm believer in the Liberal-National Coalition an alliance that became a merger in Boswells home state. He was also a very serious thinker, and probably, in retrospect, one of the greatest contributions Ron Boswell made to Australian political life and its almost more obvious in retrospect than it was at the time, he said. In April of 1988, Ron Boswell made a very careful, very well-researched speech to the Australian Senate about the dangers of the extremist group the League of Rights. It was a body that was trying to infiltrate, with malice, parties of the right and centre, including the National Party, and of course one of its principal clarion calls was anti-semitism. In the context of today, where all the parties of Australia are concerned about anti-semitism all Australians should be concerned, because its an evil that has to be identified and stamped out. Advertisement The League of Rights no longer formally exists, although its nostrums are still held to and uttered by people who parade under different names the denial of the Holocaust, denial that Jesus of Nazareth was Jewish. Extraordinary propositions, yet they were held. Ron saw through all of that and he preached against it with passion, and continued to do so. Ron Boswell arrives at a National Party meeting at Parliament House in 2013. Andrew Meares As at most funerals, there were moments of levity. Boswells daughter, Catherine Boswell, elicited some chuckles. The best days of Bozs life was the day he met my beautiful mother, Leita, she said. Advertisement In so many ways, they were opposites. Mum was beautiful, gentle, patient and gracious, and Dad was often referred to as looking like an unmade bed. But he was relentless, task-focused and uncompromising. Together, they showed us that opposites dont just attract, they balance. Catherine Boswell described a devoted family man who was determined to remain connected with those he loved. Boz loved his friends just as deeply [as his family], trusting them implicitly, and always showing up for them, she said. He rang often, and he never accepted that you might not be available. If you didnt answer, he rang again and again and again. Friendship to Dad was not optional. It was one of lifes great joys. Advertisement Related Article Vale Former Queensland senator and Nationals stalwart, Ron Boswell, dies aged 85 It was a common theme. I was a recipient, along with many in this audience, of phone calls from Ron, Howard said. And of course, you could never escape the Boswell phone call, because if you didnt return it that day or the following day, hed ring you the next day. So we worked out a routine in our office that it was better to get back to him in a hurry, and he knew, exactly, that was the effect. Advertisement Father Michael Twigg, who knew the Boswell family well and presided over the ceremony, quipped that his personal record was nine missed calls during a Mass. Prior to attending the funeral, Albanese said Boswell was a proud Queenslander who served the state well. He took a very principled stand against One Nation, and hes someone who, whilst I would have differences with many of his views, he had the courage of his conviction, and he was respected across the parliament, he said. His state funeral was held at the same cathedral at which he farewelled his beloved son, Stephen, in 1999. Leita Boswell died in 2021. 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 January 16, 2026 4:25pm 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 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese went to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly on his governments leading-edge teen social media ban to wide acclaim. Four months later, Australias eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is wondering about her safety if she returns to the US to explain to its politicians Australias move to ban children under 16 from holding or creating accounts on 10 age-restricted platforms . Australias eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has been summoned to testify before US Congress. Martin Ollman Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has repeatedly summoned Inman Grant to testify before Congress and is threatening her with contempt over the ban, which came into effect on December 10. Jordan has published two letters since November demanding Inman Grant, who holds both US and Australian citizenship, testify before the committee. In his letters, Jordan says the commissioner is seeking to implement a global censorship regime and he accuses her of harassing US companies. The congressman cited eSafetys demand that Elon Musks social media platform X remove graphic footage of a church stabbing in Sydney, saying global removal was necessary because Australians could easily get around the censorship. Advertisement His second deadline for her to testify before Congress passed on January 13, but she has not yet appeared. When asked whether she felt she could safely return to the country of her birth, Inman Grant told journalists on Friday, we shall see. Many nations believe the Australian move to protect the young is a wonderful idea. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told parliament this week that a teen social media ban was under consideration there. Governments in Denmark, the European Union, France, New Zealand and Malaysia are similarly inspired. Inman Grants continuing concern about visiting the US coincided with the announcement that 4.7 million accounts in Australia had been deactivated by eight tech giants since the ban had come into effect. Meanwhile, Albanese locked in behind his eSafety commissioner on Friday. He sent the US a blunt message about her work policing social media companies, including restrictions on artificial intelligence that generates sexualised images without consent and Australias ban on social media for under 16s. I think shes doing a terrific job. We extended the [commissioners] funding and shes now leading what is world-leading activity, something of which I think Australia can be proud, and I think she can be very proud, frankly, of the job that shes doing, Albanese said. Advertisement But it remains unknown what behind-the-scenes diplomacy is going on to guarantee Inman Grants safety in the US. What a ludicrous situation, one made worse by the congressmans allegations seeking to defend the indefensible. The US is becoming a country of increasingly perverted priorities in its public life: who could forget President Donald Trumps warped support for arming teachers to reduce the number of school shootings? But even so, it is incomprehensible that Congress values the safety of US companies over the safety of children and that it is now a place where one of its leaders feels comfortable threatening to jail somebody running an organisation that seeks to protect the young. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalResearch Were losing careers: Leading cardiologist warns Australian medical research is in crisis Natassia Chrysanthos January 17, 2026 6:00am 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 head of Australias Heart Research Institute has seen first hand what world-leading medical research can do: the centre was the first to uncover a link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and, more recently, has pioneered world-first clinical trials for an anti-clotting drug to treat strokes. But Professor Andrew Coats, its scientific director and chief executive, is now warning aspiring scientists that there are terrible prospects for them if they pursue a career in medical research. Diminishing success rates for government-funded research grants are crippling Australias output and destroying hundreds of careers, the senior academic and cardiologist warns. All the while, $5 billion in Australias medical research fund is sitting unspent. Maybe we need to stop being so polite and start calling it out for what it is, said Heart Research Institute head Andrew Coats. This is a tragedy. In the four years Ive been scientific director Ive seen a number of people give up their careers, and a significant element in all those cases has been lack of security in the job and future due to grant success rates, Coats told this masthead. Advertisement Were at constant risk of losing researchers who have put 10 years into their careers because they didnt get a grant in the latest round, which had a success rate of one in 10. Its hard to emphasise the sense of crisis. Related Article Editorial Science Australias answer to the Trump anti-science crusade is already in the bank The Herald's View Editorial This masthead this month revealed that 92 per cent of Australian medical researchers who applied for the National Health and Medical Research Councils annual ideas grants last year were unsuccessful; about half of those deemed to have an outstanding application were rejected. At the same time, Australias medical research future fund holds almost $25 billion about $5 billion more than was ever intended. The fund was supposed to disburse $1 billion annually once it reached a $20 billion baseline, but the federal government is only releasing $650 million each year. We are putting structural barriers in front of the true potential of Australian research, Coats said. Advertisement Coats, whose career spans 45 years as a clinician and researcher between Australia and the United Kingdom, said he was not affected as he reached the end of his career. But if any bright person comes along saying they want a career in medical research, I would be derelict in my duty not to warn them its a terrible career path, he said. Theyre left to flounder with total job insecurity and family pressures. Its the best recipe we have for raiding our future, in terms of a medical research workforce and the benefits of medical research, which are profound and help everyone. In how many other walks of life would you put aside three months a year to apply for something with a success rate of 10 per cent? Professor Andrew Coats Coats said major grant applications typically took three months. And their chance of success is in the lottery range. Its incredibly wasteful of time, money and effort. It means hundreds of talented researchers turn their back on a career in medical research, he said. The public doesnt hear those stories, they dont see young researchers whose ambitions are dashed. Maybe we need to stop being so polite and start calling it out for what it is: this is a tragedy. Advertisement In how many other walks of life would you put aside three months a year to apply for something, at the expense of anything else, with a success rate of 10 per cent, when you know half the money that was meant to support medical research is being held back for no good reason? The only message Im hearing is: it was decided by the previous government. This isnt, to me, a compelling argument. Were losing careers, and something has to give. Federal crossbench MPs, universities and the research sector want the Albanese government to lift its annual disbursements from the medical research fund. Parliamentary Budget Office costings commissioned by independent MP Monique Ryan in September last year show it could lift annual disbursements to Australian researchers to as much as $1.4 billion annually more than double the current level without making a dent in a base level of $24.5 billion over the next 10 years. Advertisement The MRFF is not distributing nearly as much money as it could, or as much as it should, by its previous planning, Coats said. Its hard to see why you would build up a future fund, say it should reach $20 billion, and then release less than the sustainable portion you could distribute while maintaining it. Related Article Exclusive Education Australia underspends on this key area. It may put national security at risk Asked about the issue earlier this month, Health Minister Mark Butler said the health and medical research budget was about 250 per cent bigger than it was 15 years ago. Butler said the government was considering a review it was handed last year. For the first 10 years the MRFF, the Medical Research Future Fund, has delivered precisely what it was intended to do, he said. But I do understand that one of the calls from the sector is the larger disbursements from the big capital fund that has now been accrued over those 10 years. Were going to work through that report. It has a range of recommendations and options within it. 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 PoliticsVictoriaMotoGP Victoria set to lose Phillip Island Motorcycle Grand Prix Cameron Houston and Lachlan Abbott January 16, 2026 7:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Victoria is poised to lose the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, ending the MotoGPs long connection to Phillip Island and dealing a blow to the Allan government. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has for months been locked in tense negotiations with MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports to extend a contract to host the race at the famed Phillip Island circuit. However, a government source familiar with the negotiations told The Age on Friday that Spain-based Dorna Sports had demanded the event be moved to Albert Park in inner Melbourne if the contract is to be renewed. Dorna Sports has openly considered racing more on street circuits since it was bought by Formula 1 owners Liberty Media last year. The Victorian government, however, has upped its financial offer to retain the event at Phillip Island, while baulking at the substantial upgrades required for the event to be held at Albert Park. Advertisement The Victorian source, granted anonymity because of the sensitive negotiations, said the impasse had led to the South Australian government already holding secret discussions with Dorna representatives before Christmas about possibly staging the event at a street circuit in Adelaide. Loading An official Victorian government spokesperson said negotiations with Dorna were ongoing and confidential, but indicated the state was committed to holding the event at Phillip Island. The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix is synonymous with Phillip Island we are proud to back this much-loved, iconic event that showcases the best of the Bass Coast to a global audience, they said. The MotoGP has been staged at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit since 1997 and has been a significant source of tourism and economic activity for the region. Advertisement Circuit owner Andrew Fox said the event had a long-standing connection with Phillip Island and had been the scene of several historic victories by local riders, including Mick Doohan and Casey Stoner. An aerial view of the Phillip Island track in 1999. Roger Dundas Im just a circuit hire, so Im not involved in any of the negotiations, but Dorna is taking a new direction, Fox said. A street race for the MotoGP? I dont think thats ever going to happen. The Albert Park residents are already in uproar over the Formula 1, and the run-off component for the event, if it were to be held at Albert Park, would require significant removal of vegetation which cant happen. Motorcycle circuits typically require more space than Formula 1 tracks so riders who crash can slide onto large run-off areas and minimise injury. Advertisement Related Article City life Trees cut down in Albert Park to make way for $350m pit lane upgrade Many of Albert Parks barriers are close to the track, meaning motorcycle races would likely require track expansion and tree felling, which would further anger locals and cost millions of dollars. Fox said he was confident that Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Martin Pakula and chief executive Travis Auld would negotiate the best outcome for Victoria. A spokeswoman for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation did not respond to questions from The Age but said in a statement: Phillip Island is an iconic destination and one of the most renowned circuits on the MotoGP calendar, and we greatly look forward to returning in October 2026. The community atmosphere on the Island, along with the regions diverse tourism experiences, showcases the best of Victoria. Advertisement Mick Doohan in action at the Australian MotoGP on Phillip Island. Joe Armao Bass Coast Shire Mayor Rochelle Halstead said recent uncertainty about the Phillip Island event had prompted thousands to sign a petition and email Premier Jacinta Allan, urging her to keep it. Related Article MotoGP Spaniard ends MotoGP drought at Phillip Island after Australian hope crashes out For decades, the MotoGP has put Phillip Island on the world stage, Halstead said in a statement. It has supported local businesses, created jobs, filled our accommodation, and brought energy and excitement to our towns year after year. This event is part of who we are, and the strength of feeling across our community demonstrates that. Advertisement Convoys of motorsport teams and fans drive from Melbourne and beyond to the relatively isolated Ventnor track for the race each year, which the mayor said generated close to $100 million for the local economy. Council has consistently advocated for the long-term future of MotoGP at Phillip Island and I will continue to fight for this event and what it represents for our region, she said. Dorna Sports, which is headquartered in Spain, was contacted for comment. The South Australian government was also contacted several times. The final Australian Grand Prix under Phillip Islands current 10-year contract will be held from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25 this year. 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 PoliticsWAPolice Court shown shocking footage of WA Labor figures assault as alleged attacker faces new charges Rebecca Peppiatt and Hamish Hastie January 16, 2026 5:17pm 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 A 20-year-old man who allegedly left an influential West Australian political and business figure in a coma at the end of last year also allegedly assaulted another man on Christmas Day. Armadale Magistrates Court was shown confronting footage of both incidents when Lesmurdie man Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, appeared for a bail hearing on Friday. Brodie Dewar leaves court after a previous appearance in December. 9News Perth The court was told Dewar had already been charged with grievous bodily harm after allegedly assaulting Mineral Resources director and former WA Labor secretary Tim Picton in the early hours of December 27 outside a Northbridge club. Footage played to the court on Friday showed Picton, 36, standing talking calmly to a man police allege was Dewar, who raises his right arm and punches Picton in the face. Advertisement Picton can be seen falling to the floor, where he remained still. He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. Police said the incident happened about 5.35am on December 27 near the intersection of James Street and Mountain Terrace. Now, police have charged Dewar over a second similar assault that allegedly occurred on Christmas Day, with footage of that incident also shown during the bail hearing on Friday. Magistrate Mark Millington told Dewars lawyer both attacks were coward punches, and it was alleged he filmed the man as he lay unconscious before uploading the footage to social media site Snapchat. That video was also played to the court on Friday, where Dewar can allegedly be heard saying, dont hit my younger sister next time brother, and keep snoring, as bystanders ran to the mans aid. Advertisement The court heard the man has since recovered from minor injuries. Dewar had his bail revoked on Friday and will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February, with Millington telling him he was an inherent risk to the community. Tim Picton. Picton was placed in an induced coma after the alleged attack and underwent surgery for a serious brain bleed and fractured skull. A court was told during an earlier hearing in December there was a high probability Picton would have a lifelong disability due to his injuries. On Friday, Armadale Magistrates Court heard Dewars charges may be upgraded. Advertisement Dewar was bailed after the incident involving Picton, but was arrested by homicide squad detectives on Thursday over the unrelated assault on Christmas Day. It will be alleged the victim, a 40-year-old man, and the accused were observed speaking briefly before the accused allegedly struck the victim to the head, causing him to fall backwards, striking his head on the pavement, WA Police said in a statement. The victim received facial injuries. Dewar was charged with acts or omissions causing bodily harm or danger. Picton is the brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton, and has worked with Labor in Victoria, South Australia and, most recently, WA. Advertisement He is regarded as the architect of some of WA Labors biggest successes, including Mark McGowans 2021 election win and federal Labors resurgence in the state during the 2022 election. Related Video Video icon 2:02 Tim Picton's alleged attacker freed on bail as he remains in critical condition According to his LinkedIn profile, Picton began his career in politics in 2009 working in the office of Adelaide MP Amanda Rishworth before taking up a role with South Australian Senator Don Farrell. He took up the position of executive general manager of corporate affairs at MinRes in July 2022, before being named as the director of strategy for the company the following year. Picton is also an advisory board member of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia. Advertisement In a statement from December, Pictons family said they were focused entirely on being with him and supporting one another. We would like to sincerely thank St John Ambulance, the medical team at Royal Perth Hospital and WA Police for their care, professionalism and support, they said. We also want to thank Tims friends and colleagues for the compassion they have shown to our family during this incredibly difficult time. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Sydney house rents hit a new record high in December, with the median asking price in one suburb jumping almost 30 per cent over the calendar year, as tenants seek more affordable options further out of the city. The median asking rent for units remained at an all-time high too, and one spot recorded a 22.2 per cent increase over the year to December. Rents increased in a mix of sought-after and affordable suburbs, with areas including Gosford on the Central Coast and Pyrmont and Barangaroo in the inner city clocking major hikes, Domains latest Rent Report, published on Thursday, revealed. Sydneys vacancy rate lifted to 1.4 per cent in December, from 0.9 per cent in the previous quarter, reflecting the beginning of the annual changeover period when many students conclude their leases. Even so, it was lower than the 1.7 per cent reached in December 2024, indicating that the market for renters remains exceedingly tight. MANILA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A 50-year-old man was found dead on a beach in Balabac town, Palawan province, after being attacked by a saltwater crocodile, the head of the municipality's disaster response office said Friday. Chan Alsad, chief of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, told Xinhua that the victim's body was discovered Friday morning by a search-and-rescue team on a beach in Sebaring, a seaside village in Balabac. Alsad said the man, a carpenter, had been reported missing since Wednesday after he failed to return home from work. Balabac, a remote island municipality at the southernmost tip of Palawan, has recorded several crocodile attacks in recent years. Like many of lifes nice surprises, youve got to get off the beaten track to find him. Not far, mind you. A kilometre if that off Kings Highway. Along a (very) bumpy, unsealed road from which one could, in favourable wind conditions, fly a paper kite into the ACT from the car window. If indeed you realised the state border was under your nose, which is not so obvious until the gate at the end of the dusty track opens and Jack van Duren is pointing it out to the north. We are in NSW, which is relevant in this industry. Carwoola is 12 minutes by car from Queanbeyan and 26 minutes from Canberra, where van Duren went to school with the late Mark ONeill (also relevant). Jack van Duren, co-owner and trainer of Bedouin Bear. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen That was a while ago. The 79-year-old here is, well, 79. Not in a past-it way he is spry and bright-eyed, his mobility moulded by a life of outside work. Van Duren is 79 in the sense that he has seen and heard many things, and has tales to tell. Thirty years he has been here; 20 of those with 75-year-old Kate Hansch, his astute and equally friendly partner and colleague. They finish each others sentences all the way down to meet BB. Beautiful Bear? I suggest. Big Bastard, van Duren corrects. And here he is. A horse, of course. With all the giveaway attributes of a thoroughbred gelding. Big-chested and chiselled, long legs defined by a network of bay-brown sinews, ears up and alert to his visitors. His name is Bedouin Bear, and he is a big bastard. At eight years old, hes also an old bastard. The Australian SailGP teams star signing Iain Jensen is racing the clock to compete in the season-opening Perth event after suffering a left knee injury. Olympic gold medallist Jensen underwent scans in a Perth hospital after Thursdays practice session but is still a chance to feature when the regatta begins Saturday. Iain Jensen made the move from representing Great Britain to join the Australian team in this years SailGP series. Credit: SailGP Jensen joined Tom Slingsbys Australian team as wing trimmer for the new season, having helped Great Britain win last seasons grand final race in Abu Dhabi in November. The Perth SailGP was set to mark his first time representing Australia since his Olympic career, which yielded a gold medal in the 49er class at the 2012 Games. Advertisement Travel newsCruises Millennials are finally embracing cruises and ships are changing for them Brian Johnston January 17, 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 Almost 40 million passengers are projected to cruise this year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. Thats a record number, but more important are the shifting demographics. The Martini Bar on board Celebrity Equinox cruisers are getting younger. An older generation is passing the cruise baton on to younger customers. The number of first-time cruisers has soared, and the average age of cruise passengers steadily fallen over the last decade. Its now 46.5, and a third of cruisers are under 39. If youre looking for whats coming next in cruising, its the likes and needs of Generation X (born 1965-1980) and even more significantly millennials (born 1981-1996) that counts. The two generations like what they see, with more than 80 per cent of both gen Xers and millennials saying theyd cruise again. You can be sure cruise companies are pricking their ears and looking to future profits. Advertisement The EDGE adventure park features on the ship Carnival Adventure. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Cruise lines have become more active on social media. Many of the younger generation rely on the likes of TikTok for holiday inspiration. Influencers are increasingly invited on board ships. You can bet that signals a drift away from traditional cruise concerns, especially when it comes to shore excursions, which will become less sightseeing oriented and more food and experience-focused and more visually driven. Younger generations dont have the long holidays and deep pockets of baby boomers, and most are still working. The average length of cruises has already dropped to eight days. You can expect many more short cruises in future, with three- to five-night cruises not uncommon. They might visit only one or two ports, or none. And because more cruisers are no longer retired, theyll be increasingly wanting to work on the hoof or on the wave. That has already partly driven much better onboard Wi-Fi, and I reckon youll see more work-friendly lounges and laptop stations on ships soon. Advertisement Related Article Ship reviews Heres what happens when you let 140,000 passengers help design a ship Younger generations are big on wellness and life balance. Cruise lines are responding by expanding onboard gyms and fitness studios, providing a bigger range of personal training programs and yoga classes, and offering ever more healthy dining options. And theres more. Id expect the demand for more adventurous cruises, active shore excursions and expedition cruises to increase. And although there are many factors driving sustainability in the cruise industry, younger generations concerns will only encourage more eco-friendliness. Finally, millennials have grown up with digital technologies and are happy to use them. Already apps and interactive gadgets are organising passengers lives on board cruise ships. Whats next? Surely more innovative technology that uses augmented reality (AR) to blend the physical and digital, for example in presenting interactive restaurant menus, as well as entirely virtual reality (VR) for uses such as presenting ports and excursions. Advertisement Ships are also catering to the gaming generation by rolling out VR games, playgrounds and escape rooms. The physical ship is no longer the limit. What next? It seems youll have to ask a 30-year-old. For great cruising deals, visit mycruises.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Cruises Ocean cruises Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home. Advertisement Travel newsTraveller letters Qantas and Jetstars alcohol policies are utterly silly Each week Traveller publishes a selection of rants, raves and travel tips from our readers. See below on how you can contribute. January 17, 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 Goodness sake The responsible service of alcohol policy by Jetstar and Qantas is utterly silly. Effectively, you are only allowed one drink on your tray at one time. I recently flew international business class with both, and it means you cant order, say, a G&T as your pre-dinner cocktail and a glass of wine with your meal, or, a glass of white to go with your entree and a glass of red with your steak. One reader was unhappy with the drinks service on board Qantas and Jetstars business classes. On offering to finish my G&T to secure a glass of vino, I was brusquely told dont scull it. And after one drink was served with dinner, the cabin crew didnt return. Contrast this with Japans JAL who gladly brought me three 300-millilitre bottles of sake so I could taste the difference. Stephen Yolland, Doncaster, Vic Letter of the week: Gratitude for gratitude Advertisement Lets give thanks for the gifts that travel brings us. iStock Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. I read your story on the gifts of travel (Traveller, December 21) with fond memories and delight, as the topics all resonated with me on a personal level. Having hitchhiked around the world for a year in 1991 (thankfully pre-internet and mobile phones), Ben Groundwater covered so many travel traits and skills learned through the joys of unplanned journeys and exploration that I strongly agree with and am so grateful for. Being fortunate enough to still travel far and wide, I concur that travel is great for the soul and mind. The travel bug is a real and beautiful thing and thankfully, my two grown-up children have been well and truly bitten as well. Thanks, Ben, for a great story about the essence of travel. Mark Spronken, Waurn Ponds, Vic Name game I write to warn others of a sleeper problem in the account of many Qantas FF members. I purchased tickets for a round-trip Melbourne to Rome for my wife and me for this year, using a combination of points and cash for both tickets after typing both our passport names into the Qantas system. Furthermore, I noticed that my ticket only had my middle initial, not my full name, that I used at point of purchase. After making enquiries I was told that would be a problem and the ticket would need correction as the Qantas system picks up what is in the frequent flyer system not what you type in. This has caused an immense waste of time and additional cost to resolve a problem created by Qantas. Steve Griffin, West Coburg, Vic Going public Advertisement Jacky Ternisien, your letter (Traveller Letters, December 20) reminded me of the time when on a cruise, we spent a day in Oslo and went to a sculpture park. We stopped at a cafe and my husband needed to use the toilet. There was a nearby public toilet, but we had not exchanged any cash for the day. I suggested he ask if he could use his credit card. Well, on his return he told me that in fact they only took credit cards. So no need to worry about cash. Personally, I am happy to pay. The facilities are usually spotlessly clean, unlike some of the public toilets here. Pam Fichtner, Dunbogan, NSW ICE still nice A high-speed ICE train passes across the Hohenzoller Bridge in Cologne, Germany. Getty Images To your reader Alan Hill who wrote that it is no longer possible to reserve a seat in second-class on German trains (Traveller Letters, December 20), I live in Germany and travel often on Deutsche Bahn. I agree that punctuality and reliability have sadly deteriorated. But I can definitely confirm that seat reservations are still possible, at least on ICE and IC services. You can even book a seat without buying a ticket, including if you have a rail pass. Their website bahn.de shows you the floor plan of each carriage, and you can choose a specific seat for about five euros. Andrew Jenkinson, Stuttgart, Germany Refund no fun Advertisement I booked and paid for a first-class train including seat reservation Berlin to Copenhagen, with a change in Hamburg. When the train arrived in Hamburg my booked seat was not available due to some previous damage. Without any explanation, I was left to sit on the floor outside the toilet in second class the only space available for the four-hour journey. Every time someone wanted to use the toilet I had to move. That same day I put in a claim to German railways, and they took four weeks just to respond to my initial request for refund. After backwards and forwards communications, I received reimbursement of 5.90 ($A10.30) on a ticket price of more than 65 euros. Deutsche Bahn states, customer satisfaction is something we take very seriously and anything less than ensuring you are completely happy is unacceptable. Its disappointing Deutsche Bahn doesnt take its own words seriously. James Hodges, Gooseberry Hill, WA Go local Multi-coloured, snow-covered houses huddled in the diminutive Greenlandic capital of Nuuk. Getty Images I enjoy your columnist Lee Tullochs writing but must point out that it isnt actually necessary to see the way Greenlanders live close to their families and nature to be uplifted by the human capacity to be happy with less stuff (Traveller, January 6). Maybe, in light of the warming that threatens our precious planet, and as Lee points out, the very existence of the Greenlanders, our hope for 2026 might not be more international travel, but a wiser, more thoughtful, approach to how we live our best lives, including exploring different holiday options available locally. Lesley Walker, Northcote, NSW Tip of the week: Paradise found Advertisement Palm trees and beach houses line the foreshore on Samoas idyllic Upolu Island. Getty Images Samoa rewards those who come not just to see, but to connect. This Pacific paradise offers breathtaking scenery, rich traditions, and warm hospitality. On Upolu, stay in five-star resorts or venture further afield into villages open fales located on pristine beaches, swim in waterfalls, explore coastal walks, and vibrant Fia Fia fire dancing nights. Take a local boat to the uninhabited island of Namua for turtles or the ferry to Savaii for volcanic landscapes and coral reefs. Share an umu feast with a local family, greet with talofa and respect Sundays as they are sacred. Transport is slow, (40km/h limit in villages) but patience reveals the magic of island time. Resilient and beautiful, Samoa is the Pacifics heart an unforgettable gift to all who take the time to discover it. However, perhaps a picture paints a thousand words. Jeanetta Munro, Black Rock, Vic Loyalty test One of the worlds largest hotel chains has recently adjusted their loyalty program. Accor hotels loyalty program, which costs $399 a year to join, previously provided as part of the membership one free night a year and 50 per cent off any food purchased at their hotels. They have now adjusted this program to buy one night and get the second night free on consecutive nights. This is available twice a year. They have also adjusted the food discount from 50 per cent to 30 per cent. It seems to me that the adjustments are an indication of shrinkflation. Michael McKenna, Warragul, Vic Base behaviour Advertisement Readers often complain about airlines trying to extract more money from them (hint: they are businesses after all), but I noticed on my most recent overseas booking that I was charged the airline base fee and then a further 10, yes 10, charges relating to all manner of things from various parties. The total price itself was fine, so no complaints there, but it is the first time I have ever seen it itemised so clearly. I wouldnt be surprised if next time Im charged a fee calculation fee or a fee-fi-fo-fum fee. Neale Meagher, Malvern, Vic Advice squad Im an avid reader of Traveller and would like to share some of the travel tips Ive formulated over the years. Travel light, since dragging suitcases up cobblestone streets or flights of stairs can ruin the best holiday. Pack only black, white and one other colour, such as blue denim and youll find everything co-ordinates. Ditch all the skin care as your face will manage with moisturiser sunscreen while youre away. I take a flat bag in the bottom of my suitcase for things I buy and visit a post office, whenever needed and send shopping home. Daily, usually in bed, email yourself with what you did that day. When you get home you can collate emails into a record of your holiday, interspersed with photos and revisit your holiday anytime you want. Victoria Mahoney, West Melbourne, VIC Fire and ice Moraine Lake, a spectacular feature of Canadas Banff National Park. Getty Images Advertisement My wife and I have recently enjoyed a leisurely two-week drive in Canada from Vancouver to Calgary via Jasper and Banff. The scenery was gob smacking and the drive was easy, with plenty of delightful spots, such as Lake Louise, along the way at which to linger for a few days. We also saw first-hand the devastation of the recent forest fires along the route. The hills around the town of Jasper, especially, were burnt out. We dont know how the town survived. Jeff McDermid, Broadbeach, Qld Opportunity knocks Taxis wait to join the cab ranks outside Sydneys busy domestic airport terminals. Getty Images Sydney taxis dont often rate a favourable mention, and Ive had my fair share of aggravating and overpriced rides, although once in a while, an experience goes off script. My wife and I returned exhausted after a 24-hour flight. It was a dark, cold and rainy night and I paid the fare only to discover the next day, checking my bank statements, that I had paid $600 for what, I thought, was a $60 fare. That night there was a knock on the door and there was the driver desperate to pay us back the overcharge. There are some honest and hardworking drivers out there. Stephen Garton, Sydney, NSW Advertisement The Letter of the Week writer wins three Hardie Grant travel books. See hardiegrant.com The Tip of the Week writer wins a set of three Lonely Planet travel books. See shop.lonelyplanet.com Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Traveller letters For subscribers Advertisement WorldAsiaDefamation Are you Murray Hunter? How four posts landed Australian blogger in Thai jail Zach Hope January 17, 2026 5:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A It was late September and an ageing Australian journalist-blogger with 7400 subscribers was preparing to board a flight from Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi Airport when he was stopped by a pair of Thai immigration officials. Are you Murray Hunter? one asked. He was. Australian independent journalist and blogger Murray Hunter. He was not going to Hong Kong that day, they explained. The retired academic and long-time resident of Thailand had, in fact, been flagged as a wanted man. The police would collect him shortly. Hunter, originally from Melbourne, was rocked. Advertisement Can you imagine if youre in Sydney airport or Melbourne airport and youre about to fly out on a holiday and the federal police stop you and say, Sorry, theres an arrest warrant out for you, he said. Police officers bundled him into a car and drove him to the lock-up at Bangkoks Yannawa police station, stripping him of his possessions and passport. Then, when that cell door slams. Thats a shock, he said. I thought no one would be interested in my story. I just have a blog. Im in a foreign country. Im on my own. Murray Hunter spent a night in a Bangkok jail after his arrest. Bloomberg The night in jail, before being bailed the following day, was the beginning of a 15-week ordeal courts, nightmares and the daily crush of worry that ended this week in what he described to this masthead as a mixture of humiliation, regret and relief. Advertisement His alleged crime was his writing. Thailand has form in prosecuting defamation, particularly on matters of lese-majeste slights on the royal family. But Hunter had not defamed the monarchy. He was not even alleged to have defamed anyone from Thailand. What set his case apart, attracting the reforming attention of a powerful Thai senate committee, is that Hunter, 68, faced prosecution in Thai courts and eight years in a Thai jail for offending an agency of the Malaysian government. Rights groups in Thailand and elsewhere labelled it transnational repression. The allegedly defamatory articles were about the Malaysian media regulator. Getty Images The four allegedly defamatory articles, posted to the blog site Substack in April 2024, accused the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the countrys statutory media regulator, of blocking sites critical of the Malaysian government and its chairperson of having conflicts of interest. Advertisement Knocking the Malaysian government for attempting to silence critics was nothing new among writers and freedom watchers. In a detailed 2024 report about freedom of speech in Malaysia, the Centre for Independent Journalism wrote, Authorities, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, invoked ... laws to target individuals with significant reach, leveraging legal action as a chilling signal to wider digital audiences. Hunter, though, was a vulnerable target. I dont have a media organisation behind me, he said. Im an individual, whos retired. Weeks before his arrest in Bangkok, a Malaysian court found Hunter liable for defamation in proceedings he claimed he was never informed about. Now he was facing possible conviction and jail in Thailand. Following a 12-hour mediation session in a Bangkok court on Monday, in which neither the accused nor the accuser spoke Thai, Hunter agreed to post an apology to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and remove a host of critical blogs from Substack. Advertisement All those articles coming down, theres humiliation there, he said. And there are people saying, You gave in. You know, Id like them to be in my position. But theres also a lot of people that are very supportive. At 68, I just want to get away from their [MCMC] clutches. Transnational repression was a matter of record in South-East Asia, Thai politician and member of the Senate foreign affairs committee Pornchai Witayalerdpan said. Whether there are formal quid pro quo deals or not, the effect is that ASEAN nations appear to be acting as proxy enforcers for each others political censorship, which contradicts the ASEAN human rights declaration, he said. The way the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission got Hunter was through a loophole in Thailands criminal defamation laws. Someone acting on behalf of the commission filed a complaint claiming to have accessed Hunters online articles while in Thailand, allowing local police and prosecutors to press charges under section 328 of the Thai Criminal Code, the senator said. Advertisement Technically, the complaint was filed by a representative of the MCMC acting as a damaged party, rather than the government in a diplomatic stance. So its like an individual filing a defamation case against another individual, he said. The legal mechanism that makes this possible lies in the interpretation of the place of crime regarding online defamation ... consequently, a representative of a foreign agency can claim jurisdiction in Thailand simply by accessing the alleged defamatory content in Bangkok. Related Article Tragedy Train disaster follows deadly tower collapse for crisis-hit developer Pornchai warned the precedent set by Hunters arrest suggests that any writer, whether a professional journalist or otherwise, could face arrest in Thailand for writing critically on foreign governments or their agencies. I think its very detrimental to Thailands image as a country that would like to protect human rights and freedom of speech, the senator says. Advertisement I am very concerned that Thailand is being utilised as a transnational repression hub, where our justice system is used to silence critics of foreign regimes. Pornchai is seeking change to Thailands laws so that a case like Hunters does not come up again. This is not only for human rights purposes. It is Thai taxpayers who bear the costs, he said. Related Article Updated Antisemitism Albaneses big hate speech bill in jeopardy as bishops unite with imams to oppose it The governments of Thailand and Malaysia did not respond to requests for comment. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also declined to comment on the case and outcome, citing privacy reasons. Hunter remained in Thailand with his partner. While he could not discuss all details of the mediation, he hoped for the reactivation of his blog and archive in Malaysia, which had been blocked there for several years, long before the case was brought against him in Thailand. Advertisement Asked if he would continue writing, he responded: Of course. 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 WorldMiddle EastMiddle East tensions If the world cares, they will act: Shahs son appeals for Iran strikes as protests fade Michael Koziol January 17, 2026 9:59am 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 exiled son of the former shah of Iran said he believed Donald Trump was a man of his word as he appealed for the US president to strike Iran to protests against the Islamic Republic in Tehran, despite the demonstrations abating. Reza Pahlavi, whose father was overthrown as monarch in the 1979 Iranian revolution, asked for help from the international community sooner rather than later as he pitched himself as the natural transitional leader for the country once the regime fell. Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of the last shah of Iran, at a news conference in Washington. Bloomberg I am uniquely positioned to ensure a stable transition, he said at a news conference in Washington, where he lives. Speaking in English, he said demonstrators in Iran were carrying his placard and chanting for his return although it is difficult to gauge the true extent of his support. Pahlavis directed his plea to the world, but it was chiefly aimed at Trump, who toyed with military strikes during the week but has so far held off, citing commitments by the regime to stop killing protesters and cancel as many as 800 planned executions. Advertisement Shortly after Pahlavi spoke, Trump was asked by reporters whether help was still on its way, as he pledged earlier in the week when he encouraged protesters to keep fighting and take over Irans institutions. Related Article Updated Trump diplomacy The intense diplomatic effort to convince Trump not to strike Iran Were going to see, Trump said. As you know Iran cancelled the hanging of over 800 people I greatly respect the fact that they cancelled that. Trump also rejected reports that he opted not to strike Iran this week due to intense lobbying from US allies in the region, including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Nobody convinced me, I convinced myself, he said. They cancelled the hangings, that had a big impact. Advertisement Iran has not publicly confirmed such cancellations. The countrys foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, denied the government planned to execute any political prisoners during an earlier interview with Fox News. Related Article Middle East tensions As Iranians risk their lives to protest, an exiled prince emerges as a leader Human Rights Activists in Iran, an advocacy group, said at least 2677 people had been killed in the protests. It also said Iran had executed 52 people on murder and drug-related charges since January 5 while the protests have raged. Pahlavi said Iranians would continue to fight for freedom no matter what, even as reports from the ground indicated the demonstrations have abated amid brutal repression by the Islamic theocratic regime. Several residents of Tehran reached by Reuters said the capital had now been comparatively quiet for four days. Drones were flying over the city, but there had been no sign of major protests on Thursday or Friday. Advertisement Pahlavi said more lives would be saved if the international community decided to intervene sooner militarily, but also by increasing economic sanctions, providing satellite internet access and expelling Iranian diplomats. If the world does care about Iranian loss of life then they better act and equalise the playing field for us so we have a better chance to succeed with less casualties and less death, Pahlavi said. The Pentagon confirmed it was moving a carrier strike group from the South China Sea towards the Middle East amid the tensions, although that could take up to 10 days. US media reported Trump had been told more forces were required in the region to combat retaliation from Iran to any potential strike. Clearly, President Trump did say that if the regime was to hit the Iranian people hard, they would face serious consequences, Pahlavi said on Saturday (AEDT). I believe the president is a man of his word. How many days it might take, who knows? Hopefully, sooner rather than later. Before the news conference, reporters were shown video of protesters who were apparently injured or killed at the hands of the regime, as well as demonstrators chanting: Long live the shah. The chant has been heard in several protests, although others are calling for the fall of the Islamic Republic without a return to monarchy. Advertisement The son of the deposed monarch pitched himself as the obvious person to head a transitional government in Iran, detailing a plan by which Iranians would design and endorse a constitution and elect a parliament. Related Article Opinion Middle East tensions The Islamic Republic of Iran is crumbling. Miscalculations have pushed it to this terminal frenzy Kylie Moore-Gilbert Political scientist and writer The system of government could be a republic or a monarchy, he said. He denied he could become another dictator or repressive monarch, saying Iranians knew his track record on democracy and human rights. They know they can trust me because theyve never seen me waver from this, Pahlavi said. A day earlier, he posted a video on social media outlining a vision for Iran that would confront terrorism and extremist Islamism, as well as organised crime and drug trafficking. It would normalise relations with the US, recognise the state of Israel, and pursue the Cyrus Accords between Iran, Israel and the Arab world. Advertisement Analysts saw Pahlavis messaging as chiefly directed towards Trump, who has expressed scepticism about the exiled crown princes popularity in Iran and whether he would have enough support to lead. He seems very nice, but I dont know how hed play within his own country, Trump told Reuters on Wednesday. And we really arent up to that point yet. Pahlavi reportedly met Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff last weekend. He would not comment about other meetings with Trump administration officials. 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 WorldMiddle EastIsraeli-Palestinian conflict The Trump-backed Palestinian who wants to bulldoze Gazas rubble into the sea Rami Ayyub and Nidal al-Mughrabi January 16, 2026 11:55am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Jerusalem/Cairo: Ali Shaath, the Palestinian former government official chosen to administer Gaza under a US-backed deal, has an ambitious plan that includes pushing war debris into the Mediterranean Sea and rebuilding destroyed infrastructure within three years. The appointment of the civil engineer and former deputy planning minister this week marked the start of the next phase of US President Donald Trumps plan to end Israels war in Gaza. A destroyed beachside cafe in Gaza City. AP Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday announced the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian body that will play a role in administering the war-ravaged territory after years of rule by Hamas militants. The body will have 15 members and will be led by Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. Advertisement Shaath, born in 1958, is originally from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. He previously served as the deputy minister of planning in the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank, where he still lives. Ali Shaath will chair a group of 15 Palestinian technocrats tasked with governing the enclave. DR In that role and others, he oversaw the development of several industrial zones in the West Bank and Gaza. He holds a PhD in civil engineering from Queens University Belfast. Under Trumps plan, Israel has withdrawn from nearly half of Gaza but its troops remain in control of the other half, a wasteland where nearly all buildings have been destroyed. Trump has floated turning Gaza into the Riviera of the Middle East. Shaath will face the uncertain task of rebuilding the territorys shattered infrastructure and clearing an estimated 68 million tonnes of rubble and unexploded ordnance even as Israel and Hamas continue to trade fire. Advertisement After past rounds of fighting with Israel, Palestinians in Gaza used war rubble as foundational material for the historic marina in Gaza City and for other projects. In an interview with a Palestinian radio station on Thursday, Shaath suggested a similar approach. If I brought bulldozers and pushed the rubble into the sea, and made new islands, new land, I can win new land for Gaza and at the same time clear the rubble, Shaath said, suggesting the debris could be removed in three years. Loading He said his immediate priority was the provision of urgent relief, including forging temporary housing for displaced Palestinians. His second priority would be rehabilitating essential and vital infrastructure, he said, followed by reconstruction of homes and buildings. Gaza will return and be better than it used to be within seven years, he said. Advertisement According to a 2024 United Nations report, rebuilding Gazas shattered homes will take until at least 2040, but could drag on for many decades. Shaaths upbeat assessment of the timeline for rebuilding Gaza is almost certain to face challenges as mediators struggle to agree to terms on disarming Hamas which refuses to give up its weapons and deploying peacekeepers in the enclave. It was unclear how Shaaths committee would proceed with rebuilding and gaining permissions for the import and use of heavy machinery and equipment generally banned by Israel. Israel, which cites security concerns for restricting the entry of such equipment into Gaza, did not respond to requests for comment on Shaaths appointment and plans. Advertisement Shaath said the Palestinian committees area of jurisdiction would begin with Hamas-controlled territory and gradually increase as Israels military withdraws further, as called for in Trumps plan. Palestinians walk through the ruins of Gaza City. AP Ultimately, the [committees] authority will encompass the entire Gaza Strip 365 square kilometres from the sea to the eastern border, Shaath said in the radio interview. The formation of Shaaths committee has won support from Hamas, which is holding talks on Gazas future with other Palestinian factions in Cairo. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said the ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee. Advertisement Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose authority has limited sway in the West Bank, voiced support for the committee, which he said would run Gaza through a transitional phase. A displacement camp sheltering Palestinians on a Gaza City beach. AP We reaffirm the importance of linking the institutions of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza, and avoiding the establishment of administrative, legal and security systems that entrench duality and division, Abbas said in a statement published on Thursday by the official WAFA news agency. Israel and Hamas agreed in October to Trumps phased plan, which included a complete ceasefire, the exchange of hostages living and deceased for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The deal has been shaken by issues including Israeli airstrikes that have killed hundreds in Gaza, the failure to retrieve the remains of one last Israeli hostage and Israeli delays in reopening Gazas border crossing with Egypt. Advertisement Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict Thousands of Gazans are going home after two years of war. This is what theyre returning to On Thursday, 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 10 people killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to local sources. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident. The strikes came the day after the US announced the start of the ceasefire agreements second phase. More than 400 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been reported killed since the ceasefire took effect in October. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the announcement largely symbolic, raising questions about how its more challenging elements will be carried out. Speaking to the parents of the last hostage, Netanyahu said the announcement of the governing committee was merely a declarative move, rather than the sign of progress US envoy Steve Witkoff described it as. Advertisement Girls play near destroyed buildings in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City this week. AP Israel launched its operations in Gaza after an attack by Hamas-led fighters in October 2023 that killed 1200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Israels assault has killed 71,000 people, according to health authorities in the strip, and left much of Gaza in ruins. Reuters, AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaTrade Canada, in break from Trumps trade agenda, rebuilds ties with China Brian Platt , Lucille Liu and Colum Murphy January 17, 2026 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A China and Canada reached a wide-ranging agreement to lower trade barriers and rebuild ties, signalling a pivot in Canadian foreign policy and a break from alignment with Donald Trumps trade agenda. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he expects China to cut tariffs on Canadian rapeseed after meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday, in the first visit by a Canadian leader to Beijing in eight years. Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. AP In tandem, Canada will allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its market at a tariff rate of about 6 per cent, down from the current rate of 100 per cent. China will also offer visa-free travel to Canadians, Carney said. The moves marked a stunning reversal from the era of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; under the previous administration, Canada-China ties collapsed following the 2018 extradition spat involving a senior Huawei executive. Advertisement Chinas subsequent detention of two Canadians and years of retaliatory trade measures turned the relationship into a deep freeze. Now, Carneys warming to Xi suggests a new strategic direction for a nation long considered Washingtons closest partner. The centrepieces of the agreement are tariff concessions. Carney anticipates a drop in canola tariffs from 85 per cent to about 15 per cent combined by March 1, citing a high degree of confidence that thats going to happen. Loading Carney also said Beijing will suspend anti-discrimination duties on other farm products. This includes canola meal and lobsters, with the suspension expected to last from March through at least the end of 2026. The reduction in electric vehicle tariffs is perhaps the most striking component of the deal. Canada originally matched the Biden administrations 100 per cent levy to align with US trade policy, but Carney suggests he will chart an independent course. Advertisement Carney hailed his strategic partnership with Xi, touting the importance of their ties in the face of a new world order. This was a veiled reference to the global instability caused by President Trumps foreign policy swings and disruptive trade agenda. Im extremely pleased that we are moving ahead with our new strategic partnership, Carney told Xi on Friday. A day earlier, he told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that their strengthening relationship sets us up well for the new world order. Related Article Opinion Trade wars Trumps trade war with China is a $1.8 trillion fail Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Asked whether he still sees China as Canadas top security threat at a press conference, Carney said the security landscape continues to change. He added that the multilateral system has been eroded and it remains to be seen what gets built in its place. The overture comes in the wake of Trumps trade war that last year put tariffs on goods from American allies and adversaries alike. At the same time, the Republican leader has brought Vladimir Putin out of isolation, stunned the world by deposing Venezuelas leader and made invasion threats toward Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark. Advertisement Carneys trip comes as difficult negotiations loom with Trump on the North American free trade pact. US officials have put pressure on Mexico and Canada to erect barriers to Chinese products ahead of those talks. Carney, who frequently talks about the Canada-US relationship as having suffered a historic rupture, called for a new relationship with Beijing adapted to new global realities in his meeting with Xi. Xi expressed optimism, noting positive results in restoring ties. The healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations serves the common interests of our two countries and is also conducive to world peace, stability and prosperity, he said. Beijing hasnt confirmed the details of the deals announced by Carney. A joint statement released by both governments states that both sides will expand trade, strengthen investment and deepen cooperation in various fields, including energy, finance, public security and people-to-people exchange. Advertisement Canada reaffirmed its commitment to its long-standing One-China Policy, according to the statement. Under that approach, Canada recognises the Peoples Republic as the sole legitimate government of China without endorsing or challenging the Chinese position on Taiwan, the self-ruled democracy claimed by Beijing. Related Article Trump's America Maple MAGAs: Separatists in Canada could boost Trumps quest for dominance Since taking office last year, Carney has tried to reset relations with China and deepen Canadian trade with the Asian superpower. He is among a stream of leaders including the UKs Keir Starmer and Germanys Friedrich Merz making trips to Beijing early this year to rebuild ties after the US and China stabilised relations with a trade truce. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly, who as foreign minister in 2022 labelled China an increasingly disruptive global power, said the goal now is to bring stability to the relationship between the two nations. You know what? The conversations here have been more predictable and stable than sometimes with other countries, including our neighbour, she said. Advertisement Bloomberg Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. MOSCOW, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday pledged mediation efforts for de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, said the Kremlin. Putin made the pledge during separate phone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the day, said Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, adding that Putin devoted much of the talks to the situation in Iran. "The situation in the region is extremely tense... The president continues his efforts to facilitate its de-escalation," Peskov said. According to a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin outlined Russia's principled approaches to stepping up political and diplomatic efforts for stability and security in the region during talks with Netanyahu. Russia reaffirmed its readiness to continue making appropriate mediatory efforts and facilitate constructive dialogue involving all interested states, said the statement. Both leaders agreed to maintain contact. Peskov said details of Putin's conversation with Pezeshkian will be released very soon. NATO chief's tactic on Trump's Greenland threats? Change topic Brussels, Belgium, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2026 US President Donald Trump's demands to take over NATO ally Denmark's territory Greenland have thrust alliance chief Mark Rutte into an uncomfortable position. His strategy for now: say as little as possible and try to change the subject. Facing warnings the crisis could tear the 76-year-old military alliance apart, the former Dutch premier has sought to keep himself and NATO out of the fray. Instead, he's tried to deflect Trump's desires by stubbornly focusing on joint efforts to boost Arctic security, dodged tricky questions and even kept on praising the US leader. That approach hasn't always gone down too well. At a meeting with members of the European Parliament this week Rutte was repeatedly put on the spot. "Allow me to address you as the guy who's looking after all of us," said agitated Danish lawmaker Stine Bosse. "Please give us an indication of what this alliance can do if two countries within the alliance cannot agree?" Rutte, however, remained unfazed. "My role as secretary general, I'm very clear -- I never ever comment when there are discussions within the alliance," he stonewalled. "You work behind the scenes." The alliance chief insisted his energy was squarely on making sure NATO was doing enough to protect the Arctic -- a key justification in Trump's rationale for wanting Greenland. "I believe there is a bigger issue at stake here, and that is the defence of the high north, the defence of the Arctic area," Rutte said. He then went even further and repeated his argument that Trump has in fact made NATO's alliance stronger by forcing others to spend more on defence. "I know you will all hate me now saying this, but this is what I believe," he said. - 'Keep the Americans onboard' - That sangfroid is a large part of the reason why Rutte is in the job. Billed as a "Trump-whisperer", he is one of a handful of European leaders who have been able to win the ear of the unpredictable US president. The wily political operator converted the goodwill into a major success at NATO's summit this summer by securing a landmark spending deal that kept Trump happy. Among diplomats at the alliance's headquarters, there is a general understanding of Rutte's low-key approach. "It's difficult for Rutte to take the lead here as he has to keep the alliance together and keep the Americans onboard," said Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official now with Chatham House think tank. "He can't take the European side against Washington." While some European leaders like Denmark's Mette Frederiksen and France's Emmanuel Macron have been more outspoken -- the concrete steps taken so far have focused on reinforcing NATO's position in Greenland and the Arctic. Copenhagen has sent more troops to the island and other European powers have dispatched personnel as a possible prelude to a bigger NATO deployment. Shea said Rutte needs to hammer out the details for a potential NATO mission in the Arctic and get Trump to agree to it as a possible part of the solution. "He needs to work behind the scenes quickly but quietly to sell the idea to the US," Shea said. - 'Silver bullet' - The furore over Greenland comes at a delicate time as Europe grapples with Trump's push to end Russia's war in Ukraine. After months of nudging, Washington finally seems to have drawn closer to Kyiv's position -- but any progress is fragile. Meanwhile NATO itself is eyeing a potentially combustible summit with Trump in Turkey this summer where allies will have to show him they're making good on the vow to spend more. "Rutte knows that if he fails now he could get burnt and lose his capital with Trump," a senior NATO diplomat told AFP. "He wanted to save his silver bullet for Ukraine, but maybe now will have to try to manufacture another one for Greenland." But if Trump does eventually press ahead with his threats against Greenland, possibly even resorting to force, the NATO chief may not have an option but to intervene more forcefully. "Rutte still has a responsibility, which is to decide when he thinks it is most appropriate to chip in," said Camille Grand, another former senior NATO official. "At the moment, he says he is not getting involved in disputes between member states. That may work for now, but at some point he risks being caught up in it". The man himself appears to be unperturbed. "I'm thoroughly enjoying the role and the job," he said, when an EU lawmaker asked if he feared being the last NATO secretary general. "I was not planning to quit already, but I'm sure there will be a successor someday". Slovak premier to meet Trump, eyeing nuclear plant deal Bratislava, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2026 Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico will meet US President Donald Trump on Saturday, his office said, to sign a deal with Washington towards building a new nuclear reactor. It would be Slovakia's first US-designed reactor, as all previous ones were of Russian design. Fico will meet Trump at 3:30 pm local time (2030 GMT) at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, the Slovak government office said in a statement Friday. It will their first meeting since Trump returned to office last year. Slovakia currently operates five nuclear reactors at two plants and plans to build another at its plant in Jaslovske Bohunice, some 70 kilometres (40 miles) northeast of the capital Bratislava. On Friday Fico will meet US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington and attend a ceremony to sign an agreement between both countries "on cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy", said the government office. The deal "is of fundamental importance for the construction of a new nuclear source in Jaslovske Bohunice," it added. The government has previously said the new unit should be operational by 2040 with an expected capacity of up to 1,200 megawatts. The project is estimated to cost some 15 billion euros, making it the largest in Slovakia's history. Earlier this week, Fico said a construction contract with US company Westinghouse could be signed in 2027. Slovakia's existing reactors are all of Russian design, but Fico has said that his cabinet decided to "diversify and work with a different partner". Fico is one of the few EU leaders to have maintained ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. In July, the cabinet announced there would be no public tender and so far it has not detailed how it would finance the project, as critics highlight the high costs and question its necessity. Slovakia currently produces more electricity per year than it consumes. Chad says seven soldiers killed in clash at Sudanese border Ndjamena, Chad, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2026 Chad said Friday seven of its soldiers had been killed in a clash at the Sudanese border, with an official blaming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the group locked in a brutal civil war in Sudan. Chadian government spokesman Gassim Cherif told a news conference there had been an "incursion" into Chad on Thursday by armed fighters from Sudan, leading to a clash when Chadian troops ordered them to leave. A government official told AFP the Sudanese fighters were "RSF elements". The RSF's war with the Sudanese army has killed tens of thousands of people and forced some 12 million from their homes since it erupted in April 2023. Around one million Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad, according to the United Nations. On December 26, two Chadian soldiers were killed at the border in a drone attack by the RSF. Cherif said the latest clash had occurred near the border city of Tine. "We call on all parties in the conflict to stop all violations of Chadian territory," he said. "This is our final warning," he added. "We cannot have our defence and security forces dragged into the conflict... or Chadians dying." The United Arab Emirates, which has been accused of backing the RSF, condemned the attack, but did not attribute it to the paramilitary group. The RSF have staged several attacks near the Chadian border since October, when they seized the city of El-Fasher, the Sudanese army's last holdout position in the Darfur region. That offensive triggered an international outcry over reports of mass killings, summary executions and systematic rape by the RSF. Russia, Ukraine agree 'localised ceasefire' for nuclear plant repairs: IAEA Vienna, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2026 Russia and Ukraine on Friday agreed to a localised ceasefire to allow repairs on the last remaining backup power line at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the IAEA said on Friday. Work on the line, which was damaged and disconnected as a result of military activity on January 2, should start "in the coming days", the UN nuclear watchdog said in a statement. "This temporary ceasefire, the fourth we have negotiated, demonstrates the indispensable role that we continue to play," said IAEA director general Rafael Grossi. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency said its team at the site heard "a large number of explosions, including some within the vicinity of the site". "The team... has reported multiple air raid alarms each day over the past week and were informed that a military flying object had been observed approximately 10 kilometres (six miles) from the site," it added. Zaporizhzhia is the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe and has been occupied by Russian forces since March 2022. Situated on the Dnieper river, its six reactors have been shut down since the occupation. But the site still needs electricity to maintain its cooling and security systems. Moscow and Kyiv have repeatedly accused the other of risking a nuclear catastrophe by attacking the site. U.S. President Donald Trump (Front) attends a press conference following the NATO summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, on June 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) by Xinhua writer Liu Bowei BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- When the Danish and Greenlandic delegates walked out of the White House after meeting with the U.S. side earlier this week, the heaviness on their faces betrayed deep frustration. With Washington's reckless determination to take over Greenland from Denmark, the fate of NATO has arrived at perhaps the most ironic moment since its founding decades ago -- the de facto leader of the military alliance is abusing raw power to assault on the sovereignty of a member state. Helpless NATO members are responding, but mostly with gestures, such as "beefing up" the island's military presence by dispatching troops in single-digit numbers. U.S. attempt on Greenland dates back to the 19th century. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed the intention to buy the island during his first term. That territorial ambition has been reignited after Trump returned to the White House. He repeatedly urged Copenhagen to give up Greenland to the United States under "national security" excuses. The message to Washington's allies is a chilling one: when the United States wants something, it will use every means at its disposal to get it, regardless of whether the target is an ally or a foe. People march to protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, on March 29, 2025. (Photo by Liu Zhichao/Xinhua) This is not the first time the United States sought to rip off another NATO member. In the early months of his second term, Trump explicitly said he wants Canada to be "the 52nd U.S. state." Aside from that, the Trump administration has been pushing NATO members to share defense cost. Inside the bloc, rifts are widening. NATO, a military bloc born in the Cold War, has already lost its original rationale with the collapse of the bipolar order, only to drift into a vehicle for the United States to preserve its hegemony. When the alliance's leading power comes to put its own interest above all else and treat its allies as dispensable, the rhetoric of "collective defence" amounts to little more than a comforting fiction. The irony is, in an alliance which says an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, what will happen when the strongest member starts to bully other members? Who attacks whom, and who is left to defend? BAKU, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) said Friday that it has officially commenced natural gas deliveries to Austria and Germany via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the European segment of the Southern Gas Corridor, expanding its exports to Europe. The supplies started this month, and are being delivered through TAP smoothly and onward transported via Italy to buyers in Southern and Central Europe, including new customers in Austria and Germany, said the company. With the new receivers, the total number of countries using Azerbaijani pipeline gas has reached 16. SOCAR said the move aligns with Azerbaijan's long-term energy strategy to further solidify its role as a reliable energy supplier. The Southern Gas Corridor links the Caspian Sea region to European markets, forming a 3,500-km system of pipelines that diversifies Europe's gas supply. If all this sounds unlikely enough then wait until you see the duo get a call-up from a real-life rock god asking them to open his tour youll rush to the cinema loo to google whether this can possibly be true (it is). When I first read the script I hadnt ever listened to Neil Diamond; he wasnt anywhere on my playlist, says Hudson. Im a 1990s rock and hip-hop girl but Ive become a Neil Diamond fan. His music would be enough but when I read what happened to Claire and Mike I was like everyone else: can this be true? For years European airlines have played second fiddle to the Gulf and Asian carriers, but some legacy players are getting their mojo back. First-class will soon be available on 65 per cent of British Airways long-haul flights more than any other global carrier apart from Emirates. And it will boast a new suite with a 3ft wide seat that converts into a 6ft 7in long bed. BA will also refresh its Club Suite in business class. Memo to BA boss, Sean Doyle: please replace the dour grey upholstery with navy blue, like that on the new seats in premium economy. These now come with wingback headrests that give you extra privacy. The ruling said the trust also subjected the nurses to harassment by not taking their concerns seriously, adding: This included referring to the need for the claimants to be educated on trans rights and to broaden their mindsets, the later provision of inadequate and unsuitable changing facilities for those who objected to sharing the female changing room with that colleague. It is everything London is not. Our city is built on freedom, fairness, respect and acceptance, not profiling people because of their faith or appearance. Telling women what to wear is plainly wrong anyone who holds views like this is not fit to be Mayor of London and not fit to represent this wonderful city. BEKASI, Indonesia, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesia-China Partnership Institution (ICPI) at Indonesia's President University was officially inaugurated on Thursday in Bekasi, West Java, marking a new step in deepening cooperation between the two countries in research, education, industry and people-to-people exchanges. "Cooperation between China and Indonesia is of paramount importance," said Indonesia's Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Stella Christie while delivering a video address at the ceremony, noting that cooperation between Indonesia and China in research, science and technology has reached an "extraordinary" level. Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun said, while addressing the same event, that the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision and China's path toward modernization are increasingly being translated into reality through concrete strategies and practical cooperation. In this context, ICPI will play an increasingly crucial role, Djauhari added. According to President University, ICPI operates through three affiliated centers, the Industry and Talent Development Center, the Belt and Road Initiative Center and the Sinology Center. It aims to strengthen cooperation between Indonesia and China across areas, including economy, trade, education and socio-cultural exchanges, delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries. In a statement over the move, he said: I have come to the conclusion that the political and media frenzy around myself and my position has become detrimental to all the great work undertaken by my officers and staff in serving communities across the West Midlands. Rendering shows the upcoming Canyon Ranch Austin resort in Spicewood, Texas, which is set to open in September. The 600-acre wellness property will include the restaurant Estella, a 40,000-square-foot spa and residential homes. Provided by Canyon Ranch The road to Spicewood remains mostly scrub and limestone, a stretch of Central Texas that has resisted reinvention even as it continues to be sold as possibility. In September 2026, Canyon Ranch plans to open its third location here: a 600-acre wellness resort about an hour west of Austin and, according to the company, one of the largest hospitality investments Central Texas will see that year. Founded in 1979 and often credited with shaping the modern American wellness resort, Canyon Ranch's arrival in the Hill Country marks a significant expansion of the brand into Central Texas, pairing wellness programming with hospitality infrastructure on a scale not previously seen in the region. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Michelin-starred chef leads the kitchen Val M. Cantu, the Central Texasborn chef behind San Franciscos two-Michelin-starred Californios, will lead Estella, the primary dining room at the forthcoming Canyon Ranch Austin, which is scheduled to open in Spicewood in September 2026. Avinnash Vishaal/Provided by Val Cantu The resorts primary dining room, Estella, will be led by Val M. Cantu, the Central Texasborn chef behind San Franciscos two-Michelin-starred Californios. When Canyon Ranch Austin opens, Estella will anchor its culinary program, offering a seasonal interpretation of Mexican cuisine shaped by Cantus fine-dining background and the rhythms of a closed, wellness-focused campus. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Estella will not be open to the general public. Access will be limited to overnight resort guests and property homeowners, positioning the restaurant as a destination within a destination rather than a standalone dining room competing with Austins broader restaurant landscape. For Cantu, whose work at Californios helped reposition Mexican cuisine within the upper tiers of American fine dining, the role is neither replication nor reinvention. He describes it instead as translation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Itll be a light version of what we do, Cantu said. Light, bright, fresh. Clean. Those boundaries are intentional. Pork belly, he noted, will not appear here, just as it does not at Californios. Thats just not the style of food that I make. What diners can expect is Mexican cuisine distilled rather than dramatized: seasonal ingredients, careful sourcing and an emphasis on balance over abundance. Tortillas remain foundational. Cantu grew up in Brownwood, where his father owned a Mexican restaurant and tortilleria, and he describes masa not as a motif but as a throughline. When Im making tortillas, I feel connected at a root level, he said. It reminds me of making tortillas with my grandmother and my dad. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At Californios, that grounding translated into a 16-course tasting menu that earned two Michelin stars without leaning on spectacle. Cantu is quick to downplay the accolades. The goal was never to get to two stars, he said. It was to survive. Canyon Ranch reservations will open in March A dish from Californios, the San Francisco restaurant led by chef Val M. Cantu, whose approach to Mexican cuisine will inform the menu at Estella. Provided by Val Cantu That tension between ambition and restraint continues to inform how Cantu approaches new dining rooms, including this one. Austin has grown more fluent in regional Mexican cooking and tasting-menu formats in recent years, but it has also been a challenging landing place for chefs whose reputations were built elsewhere. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Out-of-towners kind of struggle to make a connection, Cantu said. If you make food thats good and people enjoy it, they connect with it. The context at Canyon Ranch is different. Designed by Lake Flato, the resort is scheduled to open in September, with reservations beginning in March. The dining room overlooks a hillside of legacy oaks, and guests may arrive from fitness sessions, medical consultations or time spent at the resorts spa. Cantu avoids framing the food as healthy, a term he resists. Instead, he describes the cooking as grounded in technique and intention rather than wellness shorthand. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Estella is one of two food outlets planned for the property. A more casual cafe will serve breakfast, lunch and takeaway meals, while Cantus influence will be most visible in the main dining room, even if his physical presence is not constant. Many ingredients will come from local farmers and purveyors, with some grown on the property and others particularly heirloom corn varieties sourced through long-standing relationships in Mexico. The approach mirrors Californios sourcing philosophy, adjusted for guests who may dine multiple times over the course of a stay. In a attack ad, fake, AI-generated clips are shown alongside real videos of Jasmine Crockett discussing her positive working relationship with Texas senator Ken Paxton.(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Texas politicians Sen. John Cornyn and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett have at times found common ground to work with one another, but a new ad might have you believe theyre great dance partners, too. A new Senate campaign ad released Friday morning by Attorney General Ken Paxtons campaign shows Crockett and Cornyn dancing with wide smiles. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The ad shows the pair two-stepping in cowboy boots at a Billy Bobsstyle honky-tonk before cutting to them in business attire, swing dancing in the Senate. A Washington Waltz scene follows outside the U.S. Capitol, complete with dreamy music and swaying lawmakers. Created with artificial intelligence, the ad is constructed around interviews about Crockett and Cornyns partnership in Washington. According to reports, Paxton and Cornyn have had ongoing issues. The ad adds to the ongoing PaxtonCornyn feud, with Paxton casting Cornyns bipartisan record and relationship with Crockett as liabilities for a Republican candidate. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source You can see the ad below. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The @KenPaxtonTX campaign has released its first ad of the #TXSen cycle: pic.twitter.com/OdyR1jt8RZ Brad Johnson (@bradj_TX) January 16, 2026 When is the next Senate election in Texas? The 2026 U.S. Senate election in Texas will be held on Nov. 3, 2026. This election will determine who holds the Texas Senate seat currently occupied by Sen. John Cornyn. Who is running for the Texas Senate in 2026? Heres a current look at whos running for the U.S. Senate in Texas in 2026 for the seat being contested on Nov. 3, 2026, with primaries on March 3, 2026, including the declared candidates: Advertisement Article continues below this ad From left, Ryder Leoni, Hawk Lovely, Fabi Forero Da Gama and Emma Mendoza work on an art project together as Charlotte Shuford helps supervise at Rawson Saunders School in December. The private school specializes in dyslexia services and takes children from all over the Austin area. Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman Dozens of Austin private schools are currently shut out of participating in Texas' new school voucher program because of alleged ties to foreign governments or terrorist organizations. Many private schools in Texas accredited by the nonprofit Cognia have been unable to apply to the states new voucher program, the Houston Chronicle reported this week. Of the almost 40 private schools in Austin that have only been accredited by the group, just one has been approved to participate in the new $1 billion education savings account program, the Statesman found. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The discrepancy comes after Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who oversees the new voucher program, sought an opinion in mid-December from Attorney General Ken Paxton on whether some private schools could be prohibited from participating in the program over alleged ties to the Chinese government or the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a nonprofit Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a terrorist group. In his letter to Paxton, Hancock raised concerns about schools that he claimed hosted events organized by CAIR and schools that he said may be owned or linked to an adviser to the Chinese communist government. In both cases, the schools were accredited by Cognia, he wrote. Some of the Austin-based private schools accredited only by Cognia include Rawson Saunders School, which focuses on serving students with dyslexia, and the Alpha School, the AI-driven, self-paced campus that Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited in September. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Meanwhile, the comptrollers office has approved almost 90 private schools in Austin to participate in the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, 40% of which only offer prekindergarten, according to a database released last week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To be eligible, private schools must be accredited and in operation for at least two years. The schools also must administer a nationally norm-referenced test to students in third grade and above. Schools that provide virtual-only education can also apply. The vouchers will provide students up to about $10,500 toward private school tuition per year, with students who receive special education services eligible for up to $30,000. Homeschooled students can receive up to $2,000 for tutoring, courses or materials. Vendors who provide these services must also receive approval from the comptrollers office. Applications from other schools seeking to participate in the program will be accepted on a rolling basis, according to the comptrollers office. Families' application period opens Feb. 4 and closes March 17. The comptrollers office will notify families of their awards in April. Austin-area 4th, 5th and 6th grade students competed in the 21st Annual MLK Oratory Competition at Austin Community College Thursday evening. Elementary students honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through a speech competition hosted by the Austin Area Heritage Council. Each student presented their self-written speech, written from the theme: If Dr. King were alive today, what would you share with him based on the present-day situation/issues which are more prominent in peoples lives today? To help his dream become a reality for the world, how would you personally make these changes?" Speech topics from the ten students included racism, immigration, politics and LGBTQIA rights. The first place winner, Queen Williams of Lee Lewis Campbell Elementary, will deliver her speech at the Austin MLK Festival on Monday, January 19, 2026. People stand on the sidewalk outside the Sunrise Community Churchs Homeless Navigation Center. Sunrise Executive Director Mark Hilbelink says the centers mission is to take care of the poor, and that numerous laws, including the U.S. Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, should protect the church from a state lawsuit. Jay Janner/American-Statesman A state district judge has granted a temporary injunction to Attorney General Ken Paxton in his nuisance lawsuit against South Austin's Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center that requires the organization to cease all outdoor services but only if the state agrees to provide significant resources to help fill the void. Judge Aurora Martinez Jones on Jan. 7 issued an order that conditionally bars Sunrise from offering services outside its headquarters on Menchaca Road, including on the front lawn. The conditions: That the state partner with the city of Austin, which contracts with Sunrise, to open an alternative location that is able to provide the impacted services and to provide additional safety and security measures to address the state's concerns about the property. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Haggai Eshed, community partnerships specialist at Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, left, gives instructions at Sunrise Community Church before participating in the biennial Austin homeless Point-In-Time count on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman Sunrise Navigation Center Executive Director Mark Hilbelink said the order is unenforceable unless the state complies and he doesn't see that happening. Mariah Williams, who is homeless, carries her blanket and care kits given to her by mobile outreach workers with Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, at a convenience store parking lot on East Riverside Drive Thursday January 9, 2025, when the temperature was in the upper 30s. Jay Janner/American-Statesman "Basically nothing's changing," he said. 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 Even if the conditional order were enforced, Hilbelink said it would have little practical impact. Most services are provided indoors, and staff primarily use the outdoor area to set up tables and greet people arriving at the center. The center, which is part of Sunrise Community Church, is the largest provider of homeless services in Travis County and provides services like food, showers, housing support and substance abuse care. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the order, Jones described Sunrise as "the only full-time homeless navigation center in Austin" and found that if Sunrise were barred from providing homeless services altogether, the city's other facilities would not be able to absorb the displaced population, potentially increasing homelessness citywide. Matthew Becker, an outreach assessor at Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, right, gets a signature from Barbara Leggett, an Austin resident experiencing homelessness, left, in East Austin on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Becker said Leggett scored well on the center's survey, so he would be reccommending her for full-time assistance. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Paxton sued Sunrise in November 2024, alleging its headquarters had become a "common nuisance" in violation of state law by harming the quality of life in the neighborhood and endangering residents, businesses and students at a nearby elementary school. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Migrants sit on a military aircraft at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Tx., Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, awaiting their deportation to Guatemala. (AP Photo/Christian Chavez) Christian Chavez/Associated Press The death of an ICE detainee in El Paso is likely to be classified as a homicide by a local medical examiners office, according to the Washington Post. Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant who was arrested by ICE in July, died on Jan. 3 at a tent detention center at the Fort Bliss military base, one of four ICE detainees who died in federal custody in the first ten days of 2026. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An employee of the El Paso Countys Office of the Medical Examiner described the preliminary cause of death to Lunas Campos family members as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression and said our doctor is believing that were going to be listing the manner of death as homicide, according to a recording of a phone call reviewed by the Post. The detainee who witnessed the incident told the Post they saw five guards choking Lunas Campos as he repeatedly said I cannot breathe. Forrest Novy holds a sign Jan. 8 in Austin protesting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics in Minneapolis and across the country. In Austin, the recent deportation of a woman to Honduras, along with her 5-year-old child who is a U.S. citizen, raised new questions about police cooperation with ICE. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman She called expecting protection. Instead, she was sent to a country where shes even less safe. In the early morning hours of Jan. 5, Karen Gutierrez Castellanos, a Honduran citizen who was in the United States without authorization, called 911 about a man she once had a restraining order against. When Austin police officers arrived, they ran her information through a federal database and discovered an administrative warrant issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That discovery set her deportation in motion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Now more than a thousand miles separate Gutierrez Castellanos from her family in the United States with one exception. ICE sent her 5-year-old daughter, Genesis, a U.S. citizen, to Honduras with her. Interacting with law enforcement should make people safer. Yet Gutierrez Castellanos call for help resulted in her deportation to a country the U.S. State Department advises Americans to reconsider visiting because violent crimes remain common and gang activity is widespread. When people fear that seeking police help could tear their families apart, they will hesitate to call even in moments of real danger. And when fewer people report crimes or step forward as witnesses, all Texans become less safe. Impossibly caught in the middle are Austin police, pressed by state law to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts, yet duty-bound to protect the public from harm. This incident highlighted how police have discretion on whether to call ICE on an administrative warrant like the one for Gutierrez Castellanos. That discretion should always prioritize community safety. Advertisement Article continues below this ad President Donald Trump has said immigration sweeps are meant to remove criminals, those hes called the worst of the worst. But Gutierrez Castellanos and her daughter were not criminals. They posed no threat to anyone else. Their removal by ICE did not make Austin safer. The city attorney has said Austin police have discretion over whether to notify ICE when they encounter an administrative warrant, which is civil, not criminal, in nature. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis recently told the Statesman that APD plans to update its policy to clarify that discretion, including requiring supervisory approval if contacting ICE would significantly divert officers from responding to other calls. But clarification alone does not resolve the gray zone officers are being asked to navigate. That uncertainty has been compounded by a deliberate federal shift: In February 2025, the Trump administration added more than 700,000 administrative warrants to a database traditionally used to identify criminal suspects. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Local police departments were never designed to serve as the front line of civil immigration enforcement. Forcing them into that role carries real costs: eroded trust with the community, and time pulled away from responding to other 911 calls in which people urgently need police response. So when police can exercise discretion about calling ICE, they must put the safety of the public first. Officers know the difference between someone whose presence threatens the community and someone seeking help in a moment of fear. SIGN UP FOR THE AUSTIN ANGLE and get Statesman commentaries in your inbox Advertisement Article continues below this ad In response to our inquiry, a Travis County Sheriffs Office spokesperson said that agency is also examining how to handle administrative warrants in compliance with Senate Bill 4. That 2017 law requires cooperation with immigration detainers requests to notify ICE before releasing someone with a removal order but it does not address administrative warrants like the one involved here. As this board has argued, the Trump administrations mass deportations spread fear, separate families and remove workers from businesses that rely on them. Not surprisingly, the latest polling shows more than half of Americans disapprove of ICEs enforcement efforts and say the agencys actions are making cities less safe. Another recent poll found that seven in 10 Americans believe immigration enforcement should be conducted in ways that minimize harm even if that means fewer arrests. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the Austin Police Departments code of ethics, officers swear to protect the weak against oppression or intimidation and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice. Officers must uphold the law. When the law allows discretion, officers should prioritize calls for help, resolve immediate safety concerns and decline to summon ICE when no public threat exists. Austin cannot afford a system in which fear of deportation outweighs fear of violence. Failing to confront that reality will only weaken public trust in law enforcement and, with it, law and order in the Texas capital. SOFIA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The third and last attempt to form a new government within Bulgaria's current legislature failed on Friday, which leads to early parliamentary elections. People watch a lion dance performance during a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Toronto, Canada, on Oct. 4, 2025. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) For Canada, deepening cooperation with China should not be a matter of short-term calculation, but a practical choice to diversify markets, enhance competitiveness and strengthen long-term growth prospects. BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- In a world increasingly shaped by economic fragmentation, geopolitical tensions and resurgent protectionism, Canada, like many other countries, faces a practical challenge: how to sustain growth and build resilience amid mounting uncertainty? Experience has shown that the answer lies not in confrontation or exclusion, but in steady and constructive engagement with major partners. For Canada, working with China is not optional, but necessary. This reality is underscored during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China, the first by a Canadian prime minister since 2017. The visit came after several years during which bilateral relations drifted from strain into stagnation. During that period, trade frictions emerged, diplomatic exchanges were disrupted, and established dialogue mechanisms were left idle. Much of this downturn was shaped by external pressure rather than objective assessments of Canada's own long-term interests. The resulting costs -- in lost opportunities, reduced trust and weakened cooperation -- have been felt on the Canadian side. China and Canada have enjoyed over 55 years of diplomatic relations. Although the relationship has experienced ups and downs, its underlying logic has remained unchanged. The two economies are highly complementary, and cooperation has consistently delivered tangible benefits to both peoples. The difficulties encountered in recent years only serve to reaffirm a simple reality: disengagement runs counter to economic resilience and long-term stability. As the global economy faces slowing growth, supply chain disruptions and rising protectionism, the need for practical and win-win cooperation has become more urgent. China's continued pursuit of high-quality development and high-level opening up provides sustained development opportunities for partners, including Canada. Foreign tourists check out at a market in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, on Jan. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) For Canada, deepening cooperation with China should not be a matter of short-term calculation, but a practical choice to diversify markets, enhance competitiveness and strengthen long-term growth prospects. A healthy and stable China-Canada relationship should be built on clear and enduring principles. Mutual respect is the political foundation. Despite differences in national conditions, political systems and development paths, both sides have a responsibility to respect each other's sovereignty and core interests, and to handle differences through dialogue and consultation rather than confrontation or coercion. History shows that only on this basis can cooperation be sustained. Equally important is the expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation. The essence of China-Canada economic and trade relations is win-win. By focusing on cooperation and reducing unnecessary restrictions, the two sides can further strengthen their bond of shared interests in areas such as trade, energy, agriculture, finance, education and climate action. Such cooperation not only brings direct benefits to both countries, but also contributes to the stability and reliability of global supply chains at a time of heightened uncertainty. People-to-people exchanges form the most solid and enduring foundation of bilateral relations. Expanded interaction in education, culture, tourism, subnational cooperation and youth exchanges can help reduce misperceptions, deepen mutual understanding and consolidate public support for cooperation. When societal ties are strong, the relationship becomes more resilient to political fluctuations. At the global level, the case for China-Canada cooperation is equally compelling. Both countries have long supported multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations. Strengthening coordination within frameworks such as the United Nations, the G20 and APEC is not only in the interests of China and Canada, but also essential for promoting world peace, stability and development. By approaching the relationship with a sense of responsibility to history, to their peoples and to the world, China and Canada can place bilateral ties back on a healthy, stable and sustainable track, one that delivers concrete benefits at home and contributes to greater certainty in an increasingly uncertain world. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Russian UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told a Security Council meeting on Thursday that his country condemns all forms of external interference, incitement to violence, and threats of use of force against Iran. Despite a complex and evolving global environment, ASEAN and China have continued to maintain strong cooperation momentum across economic, energy, digital and people-to-people fields, said ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. The report launch seminar brought together leading economists, sustainability scientists and policy experts to discuss how economic development can be aligned with the realities of a rapidly changing planet. Introducing the report, lead author Richard Damania from the World Bank emphasized that environmental degradation is no longer a side issue to economic policy. These are not environmental problems they are economic problems and development problems, he said, noting that while global indicators of poverty reduction, access to electricity and infant mortality have improved dramatically, this progress has come at a huge price on the environment. Earth is not in a pretty state, Damania added, referring to the Centres research on planetary boundaries while also pointing to data showing that only around five per cent of the planets mammal biomass now consists of wild animals. Damania reiterated the reports central message: the economy is embedded in nature, not external to it. From land-water interactions that impact rainfall patterns to the degradation of soils that influence food production and GDP, nature is already shaping economic outcomes. Its not something that will happen in the future its happening now, he said, while also stressing that cleaner, nature-positive investments create more jobs per dollar than polluting sectors. Professor Carl Folke, founding director of the Centre and an advisor to the report, described it as signalling a deeper shift in thinking. This report represents a cultural change in how we view our world, he said. Despite todays challenging geopolitical climate, Folke expressed cautious optimism: The current political state may seem pretty hopeless, but things can go in the right direction if we bring the living planet into decision-making and work with it rather than against it. When the report was launched internationally in September last year, it was welcomed for reframing development discourse that treats environmental degradation as a manageable externality. However, critics cautioned against overreliance on green-growth strategies, arguing that these rest on the unlikely assumption that rapid decoupling sufficient to stay within planetary boundaries can occur under existing economic structures. The Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood, Texas. Staff at military medical facilities must now ask patients if they would like a chaperone in the room before a doctor performs a sensitive exam. (Rodney Jackson/Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center) Staff at military medical facilities must now ask patients if they would like a chaperone in the room before a doctor performs a sensitive exam. Leadership made the change after an Army doctor was charged with illegally recording videos of patients during appointments. Having chaperones available is a crucial part of patient-centered care, said Dr. Paul Cordts, deputy assistant director for medical affairs and chief medical officer at the Defense Health Agency. Chaperones can help protect both patients and health care staff. The previous policy required medical facilities to accommodate a patients request for a chaperone but did not require that they be asked their preference. DHA shared the update online Thursday following months of scrutiny about how Maj. Blaine McGraw, an OB-GYN, could be criminally charged with recording videos more than 40 patients at Fort Hood, Texas, using his cellphone. In total, the doctor is charged with 54 counts of indecent visual recording involving 44 women, according to the Army. All but one of those women received medical care from McGraw in 2025 at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood. One woman was recorded at an off-post home. Many women have said they did request a chaperone or their partner be present during appointments but were denied by McGraw, according to a lawsuit filed in Bell County, Texas, on behalf of 95 women who were patients of McGraw. During those appointments, McGraw would keep the camera lens of his phone facing outward from the breast pocket of his clothing, according to court documents. There are internal military reviews to determine if the hospital was following policies and systems put in place to protect patients from abuse. Cases like McGraw prove that predators thrive in the shadows of discretionary policies, said Andrew Cobos, attorney for the women. If the DHA is serious about stopping sexual assault in military medicine, they must stop treating patient safety as a suggestion. We need mandatory chaperones who answer to an independent board, not the doctors they are supposed to be monitoring. DHA defined a chaperone as an unbiased third party to any exam or clinical visit who is there to safeguard the patient and staff. These chaperones are members of the clinical team who are discreet and protect privacy. Theyll immediately report any suspected inappropriate conduct, according to DHA. Patients can request the chaperone while making the appointment or during it, and staff will make a reasonable effort to provide a chaperone of the preferred sex. If someone is not available, patients can reschedule the visit. Sensitive appointments that require a provider to ask a patients preference include examination, treatment or procedure of the genitalia, rectum or female breasts, or forensic health care examinations. This policy may be waived in emergency situations, according to DHA. Donald Trump arrives for a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Dec. 22, 2025, where he announced the Navy would build a new Trump-class battleship. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds, AFP/Getty Images/TNS) WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) The first of the Navys proposed Trump-class battleships could cost up to $22 billion, a price tag that would make it one of the most expensive military vessels in U.S. history, according to an early analysis. The initial cost estimate for the ship was released on Thursday by Congressional Budget Office naval forces analyst Eric Labs at a Navy surface warfare conference in Virginia. He acknowledged that the final price for the first vessel will depend on decisions that still havent been made around tonnage, crew size and weapons. His lowest-cost scenario was $15.1 billion. The guided-missile battleship would be twice as large as any cruiser or destroyer the Navy has built since World War II, but about one-third the size of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier thats now the most expensive U.S. warship. The Ford was delivered in 2017 at a cost of about $13 billion. Labs said weaknesses in the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base, including skilled labor shortages and supply chain challenges, could make the eventual cost even higher. The average cost of follow-on ships could range from $10 billion to $15 billion, depending on a variety of factors, he said. President Donald Trump announced plans for the new vessel at Mar-a-Lago in December, saying the ship would be part of his Golden Fleet plan to revive U.S. shipbuilding and overhaul the Navy. While Trump has criticized the U.S. defense industry for delivering weapons late and over-budget, he said the Trump-class ships would be more expensive but not even comparable in terms of the importance and the strength. For now the battleship remains only a concept. A poster displayed at the Mar-a-Lago event featured an artists rendering of a sleek-looking warship, dubbed the USS Defiant, cutting through choppy waters with a laser beam shooting from its deck and smoke billowing from a target in the background. A Navy fact sheet released at the time suggested the vessel would weigh about 35,000 tons and hold a crew of up to 850 people. The fact sheet which was later taken down suggested it could be equipped with nuclear-tipped and Tomahawk missiles, hypersonic weapons and lasers. 2026 Bloomberg LP Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC T-ATS 11 can be seen taking shape inside one of Austal USA's assembly bays on the Mobile river. The vessel is the first steel ship that the yard will deliver to the U.S. Navy. (Lawrence Specker/al.com via TNS) (Tribune News Service) The U.S. Navys Chief of Naval Operations says he saw the future of American military shipbuilding in an Alabama shipyard. Adm. Daryl Caudle, who is the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Navy and a deputy to Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, told defense-industry reporters this week that a tour of Austal USA in Mobile had made an impression. He singled out two related concepts in which Austal has invested heavily: Modular ship construction and distributed shipbuilding. In the modular approach used by Austal, big chunks of a vessel are assembled with as many of their internal components as possible already in place. Then theyre put together to form the ship. Among other advantages, this can mean that vessels are closer to completion when the hulls hit the water. Modular construction makes it easier for multiple shipyards to contribute to a specific vessel, which is distributed shipbuilding. Austal USA provides a prime example: It has begun building modules that will be installed in Columbia- and Virginia-class nuclear submarines. Given the general secrecy around nuclear subs, few details of that work have been revealed. Caudle gave an eye-opening account. As reported in TWZ.com: I was just down on the Gulf Coast to see how they build three modules there for [the] Virginia class and theyre going to start building for Columbia as well, said Caudle, speaking during a media panel at the Surface Navy Associations annual symposium. One of the main modules they build is the entire Command and Control suite for Virginia class, Caudle said, according to TWZ.com. And when you see that module they had one that was almost ready to be shipped up to Quonset Point. Its like walking into a Virginia class submarine control room. The thing is completely done, built, and the only thing thats missing is really the computers that we put in for the sonar and fire control system. He said Austals work was taking hundreds of thousands of man-hours off the sub-builders plates, freeing them up for other work. Austal USA's Module Manufacturing Facility 3 takes shape in October 2025, as seen from across the Mobile River. (Lawrence Specker/al.com via TNS) There can be layers to distributed shipbuilding. In the sub work, Austal USA is the smaller yard supplying modules to industry behemoths General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding. In a team-up announced in 2025, its the bigger yard outsourcing work to a smaller partner: Master Boat Builders in Coden. At the moment, the Navy is scrambling to develop a new class of frigates. The initial program, the Constellation class, was killed off after falling years behind schedule. Now the Navy is pushing to develop a new frigate, called the FF(X) program, and to get it into service as quickly as possible. Caudle suggested that modular construction and distributed shipbuilding could help accomplish that. Say that one of the yards down on the Gulf Coast starts building the frigate [as its prime contractor], said Caudle, as quoted by breakingdefense.com. Nothing prevents other Gulf Coast shipyards which there are many I want to say that [there are] probably 20 plus cant be in the business of building some part or whole of a module for that frigate. The hope is that basing the FF(X) on an established design will streamline its development, keeping costs down and speeding its entry into service. That also was the aim for the Constellation class, before design changes bloated it beyond its original parameters. The first FF(X) frigates will be built in Pascagoula by Huntington Ingalls Industries. But its not unusual for the Navy to have ships of a class built at more than one yard in order to get the class into service faster. Caudle said modular construction and distributed shipbuilding could facilitate that in this case. But he acknowledged that the process would be a paradigm shift for most American shipyards. A lot of the foreign partners that we work with and discuss how they do shipbuilding are really all-in on modularity, and we traditionally have not built ships that way until recently, he said, as quoted by TWZ.com. And so I think the actual methodology of the workflow within a shipyard is not completely tuned for a modular approach yet in all of our yards. Until you get there, then the fungibility of the yard to support each other wont be there. Austal has invested heavily in its approach. It already has two Module Manufacturing Facilities, and its building a third one which leaders have said will employ around 1,000 people. In addition to that facility, called MMF3, its building a similarly large Final Assembly 2 complex specifically for the submarine work. The company has said the two new facilities represent about $750 million in investment. Other shipbuilders might well have to make comparable investments to shift into modular construction. And distributed construction also has its pitfalls: Boeing famously ran into quality-control issues after it bet big on outsourcing with its 787 Dreamliner program. While it doesnt appear that Caudle addressed such issues in detail, he did advocate for a significant increase in defense spending. According to breakingdefense.com, he said it needs to jump from the current 3.4% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product to at least 4%. President Donald Trump has informally suggested raising it to about 5% of GDP, pushing it from about $1 trillion to about $1.5 trillion. A request for comment from Austal USA was pending as this story was published. 2026 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit al.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A turret lathe operator is shown machining transport plane parts in 1942 at Consolidated Aircraft Corp. plant, in Texas. Millions of women worked in defense industry jobs during World War II. (U.S. Library of Congress) WASHINGTON A memorial recognizing Rosie the Riveters the women who toiled on the home front in shipyards and factories during World War II is planned for the nations capital. The House last month adopted legislation to designate a site on the National Mall for a permanent tribute to honor the 18 million women who worked as riveters, welders, pilots, machinists, codebreakers and in other roles supporting the war effort. The memorial will honor all women who filled civilian jobs on the home front during World War II, according to supporters. These women served as the backbone of the war effort and many directly contributed by building planes, tanks, munitions, and other equipment needed by American troops, said Raya Kenney, chief executive officer and founder of the WWII Womens Memorial Foundation. As Gen. Eisenhower said, The contribution of the women of America, whether on the farm or in the factory or in uniform, to D-Day was a sine qua non of the invasion effort. The Womens World War II Memorial Location Act is pending a hearing before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prior to a vote by the full chamber. The monuments and memorials displayed in Washington tell Americas story, said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., a bill sponsor and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The bill authorizes Congress to place a commemorative work on the National Mall. This bill will take us one step closer to ensuring our Rosies receive the recognition they deserve, said Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., who helped lead the legislation in the House. The future memorial, estimated to cost $15 million, will be paid for by private donations and located within walking distance of the World War II Memorial, according to supporters. A permanent site will be chosen in consultation with the National Park Service and other entities, according to Shaheens office. A final design has yet to be determined. The iconic symbol of Rosie the Riveter, flexing her biceps, came to symbolize womens contributions on the home front after the U.S. entered World War II in 1941. (War Production Co-Ordinating Committee, United States Creator, World Digital Library ) The iconic symbol of Rosie the Riveter, flexing her biceps, came to symbolize womens contributions on the home front after the U.S. entered World War II in 1941. Our Rosies answered the call when our nation needed them most, redefining the role of the American woman and opening the door wider for generations to come, Dingell said. Women were encouraged to take jobs traditionally held by men, who left home to serve in the armed forces and fight on the battlefields of Europe. They entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers. At a Ford Motor Co. plant in Michigan, for example, women helped to build B-24 bombers. Up until 1941, it was a mans world. They didnt know how capable us women were, did they? said Mae Krier, during a 2024 Gold Medal ceremony in D.C. honoring Rosie the Riveters. Krier worked building bombers at a Boeing aircraft plant in Seattle from 1943 to 1945. The contributions of civilian women in World War II are often overlooked, but they kept the American economy and war machine running, according to the WWII Womens Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Rosie the Riveter was popularized as a cultural icon after a 19-year-old worker named Rosalind Walter inspired a song about the young women employed in the war industry, according to the Library of Congress. Illustrations of Rosie the Riveter soon appeared on magazine covers and on posters for campaigns to recruit women for jobs in factories and on assembly lines. The 1940s-era poster was used in campaigns to encourage women to fill defense industry jobs for welders, electricians, machinists and other jobs traditionally held by men. The image is part of the National Archives. (U.S. Office of War Information) Women helped to build Liberty ships, assemble airplanes and produce ammunition and bombs at munitions plants. They also were farmhands, bus drivers, and lumberjacks. Many of the roles had previously been closed to them. The invaluable contributions of Rosie the Riveters during World War II are measured not only by the countless American lives they helped save, but also by the generations of women they inspired to serve our nation, Shaheen said. Congress in 2022 passed legislation authorizing the WWII Womens Memorial Foundation to establish a memorial for recognizing women who were not in uniform but performing jobs vital to the U.S. military. The WWII Womens Memorial Foundation is embarking on a fundraising campaign to develop the memorial, soliciting donations from individuals and companies. Boeing is among the corporations contributing to the project. No government dollars are being used for the memorial. There is no formal count on the number of women still alive who worked in defense industry jobs during World War II. Rosie the Riveters still living are in their 90s and 100s. Their contributions and sacrifices are gaining greater recognition as their numbers dwindle. In 2023, Dingell and other lawmakers hosted a visit to the U.S. Capitol by 11 Rosie the Riveters, ages 98 to 101. In 2024, 27 women across the country who held jobs vital to the U.S. military effort were identified. They received Congressional Gold Medals the highest honor bestowed on civilians in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. (iStock) People suggest topic ideas for my columns frequently. Ive been writing The Meat and Potatoes of Life since 2010, and 2026 marks the 10th year my columns have appeared in Stars and Stripes. After writing more than 700 columns, youd think Id welcome new ideas, and sometimes I do. Dont you just hate it when Uber drivers want to chat, someone might say, Hey, thats it! Write your column about that! I feign appreciation, knowing how difficult it is to transform a simple idea into a 700-word column with a well-crafted beginning and middle, and a heartwarmingly poignant, unexpectedly witty or thought-provoking ending. But every so often, I squirrel away friends suggestions for days when my brain dries up like an old kitchen sponge. That happened recently after my military-history-obsessed brother-in-law sent me a text. Do you ever write about WW2 aviation history? his message read. He told me about The Brown Stigler Incident. As far as stories go, its an incredible tale of heroism. Not only does the story have a riveting beginning and a fascinating middle, its ending is both heartwarmingly poignant and thought-provoking. Thirty-six years ago, on Jan. 18, 1990, retired U.S. Air Force B-17 bomber pilot Charlie Brown opened a letter hed received at his Florida home, postmarked from Canada. I was the one, it read, and Charlie knew instantly his 50-year search was over. When the incredible incident happened in December 1943, Charlie was told to keep it secret, because it could affect the troops perceptions of our Nazi German enemies. So he did, for 43 years. It wasnt until a 1986 combat pilots reunion in Alabama that Charlie told the tale of what happened to him and his crew in the skies over Germany in 1943. Second Lieutenant Charles Brown was the commander of a B-17 bomber called Ye Old Pub, with co-pilot Pinky Luke and eight crew members. On Dec. 20, they were flying in formation on a bombing run in the frigid skies over Bremen. Within minutes, flak hit Ye Old Pubs nosecone, shattering it, damaging the No. 4 engine and causing the bomber to fall out of formation and be left behind. Vulnerable and struggling, Browns damaged plane was soon attacked by more than a dozen German fighter planes and sustained significant further damage, incapacitating onboard systems, reducing engine No. 3 to 40 percent capacity, blasting holes in the cabin top, jamming weapons and disabling heat and oxygen. The tail gunner had been decapitated and was dead. Brown and the rest of the crew survived the attack, but sustained shrapnel and cannon shell wounds and frozen feet. With no radio and the threat of what might happen if they landed in enemy territory, Charlie was flying the hobbled bomber toward the North Sea, when a Luftwaffe Messerschmitt BF 109-G6 appeared beside them. The pilot, Oberleutnant Ludwig Franz Stigler, was intending to shoot the U.S. bomber down, but when he saw the injured crew through the holes in the cabin top, he thought it would be dishonorable, like shooting a man in a parachute. Instead, Stigler flew close to the bomber, trying to mouth a plan to Brown to fly to safety in Sweden. Brown and his crew didnt understand what Stigler was trying to communicate, so they flew on with weapons pointed at the BF 109. Stigler escorted them all the way to the coast, offering a respectful salute before leaving Browns bomber over the North Sea on its way to safety in England. Stigler flew back to base, never revealing what hed done, for fear of Nazi court-martial. Fifty years later, after Stigler, who had moved to Canada after the war, read a letter Brown published in the combat pilot association newsletter, the two men reunited. Brown and Stigler became good friends, a relationship they cherished until they died in the same year, 2008, only two months apart. This tale reminds me again that current news, trendy topics and fresh anecdotes arent always more interesting, informative or entertaining than stories about things that happened in the past. In fact, we should always tell old stories, because remembering our past helps us inform our future. Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and in Lisas book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com. Email: meatandpotatoesoflife@gmail.com Vehicles exit Osan Air Base as pedestrians and cyclists cross a South Korean street in September 2024. (Stars and Stripes) South Korea has strengthened its penalties for drug-impaired driving as the number of impaired motorists inches higher, according to police. Changes to the Road Traffic Act also make an offense of refusing a police breath test. A conviction for driving under the influence of drugs starting April 2 will bring a maximum five years in prison or a fine of about $13,600, according to a news release Wednesday from the South Korean National Police. Currently, a conviction can result in three years or a $6,800 fine. South Korean law defines drugs as narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and stimulants, as well as substances that cause hallucinations or anesthesia. Drivers under the influence of prescribed medications may be penalized if they are unable to properly operate a vehicle due to low attention, physical function or judgement, according to the release. The effects of medications vary from person to person and it is difficult to set a specific time after the intake, the release states. The revised laws also make a crime of refusing a breath test. Drivers who refuse may face the same penalties for driving under the influence, according to the National Police. The number of driver license revocations related to narcotics and drugs in South Korea last year rose to 237 cases, an increase of 74 from the previous year, according to police. Traffic accidents linked to narcotics rose from 18 to 31 the same year. Drug-impaired driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, but public awareness is relatively low, Kim Ho-seung, director of the Life Safety and Traffic Bureau in the Korean National Police Agency, said in the release. Because drugs can always cause side effects, drivers must make judgements whether they can drive or not and if not, driving should not be an option, he added. BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese military spokesperson said on Friday that unchecked Japanese militarist ambitions would pose a grave threat to other Asian nations and ultimately bring "catastrophic disasters" upon the Japanese people. Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference when asked to comment on some Japanese political figures' criticism of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. A growing number of people with insights in Japan have realized the serious danger and damage caused by the Japanese government's erroneous actions, Zhang said. In recent years, Japan's increasingly arrogant right-wing conservative forces have been pushing for greater military buildup and remilitarization, leading the nation down a perilous path, he added. China stands ready to work with all peace-loving countries to resolutely contain any dangerous attempts to revive militarism, jointly uphold the outcomes of the victory in World War II, and safeguard peace and stability in the region and beyond, Zhang said. A monument feauturing statues of three Filipino-American U.S. Navy sailors was dedicated at Subic Bay, Philippines, on Jan. 14, 2026. (Funtastic Subic Bay/Facebook) Statues of three Filipino-American U.S. Navy sailors have been dedicated at the site of a former American naval base in the Philippines. The Filipino Shipmate Monument, unveiled Wednesday, honors tens of thousands of Filipino-American men and women who have served in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard between 1901 and the present, retired sailor Noel Vizcocho told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday. These statues embody the collective contributions of Filipino sailors, their sacrifices made far from home, their unwavering loyalty to the United States armed forces and their gallantry in the face of adversity, Doce Salazar, chairman of the 1,000-strong veterans group that funded the statues, said at the ceremony, according to a report by Vizcocho. The largest of the three painted statues, which stands eight feet tall, is modeled on Medal of Honor recipient Telesforo Trinidad, said Vizcocho, who is secretary of the group that paid for the monument the United States Sailors Alliance of the Philippines. A monument feauturing statues of three Filipino-American U.S. Navy sailors was dedicated at Subic Bay, Philippines, on Jan. 14, 2026. (Funtastic Subic Bay/Facebook) The enlisted sailors bravery aboard the USS San Diego during a disaster at sea earned Trinidad the nations highest military honor, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command. On Jan. 21, 1915, while on patrol in the Gulf of California, the armored cruiser conducted a four-hour, full-speed and endurance trial. As the trial ended, an obstructed tube of one of the ships boilers gave way, creating a chain reaction of explosions that killed nine men and injured several others, according to the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Va. Trinidads actions during the disaster as a fireman second class were reported by the Navys magazine, Our Navy, in its May 1915 issue, republished by the museum. At the time of the explosion, Trinidad was driven out of fireroom No. 2 by the force of the blast, but at once returned and picked up R.E. Daly, Fireman Second Class, whom he saw to be injured and proceeded to bring him out, the magazine reported. While passing into Fireroom No. 4, Trinidad was just in time to catch the explosion in No. 3 Fireroom but without consideration for his own safety, although badly burned about the face, he passed Daly on and then assisted in rescuing another injured man from No. 3 Fireroom. Veterans, government officials, community leaders and families gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new monument, which stands inside the Subic Freeport Zone, Vizcocho wrote in a report of the unveiling. The monument is a testament to the deep ties between America and the Philippines and underscores that both are maritime nations, tied together by mutual love of, and respect for, the sea, said U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Ryan Newmeyer, of the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group Philippines, at the dedication. We can never overlook the significant contributions Filipinos and Filipino Americans make each day in our maritime services, he said, according to a copy of his speech provided Friday by the U.S. Embassy in Manila. A U.S. Navy MH-60 Knighthawk crew from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 hoists an ill 60-year-old mariner from the U.S.-flagged cable-laying ship Decisive on Jan. 13, 2026, about 125 miles off Guam. (U.S. Coast Guard) A U.S. Navy helicopter crew airlifted a 60-year-old man showing signs of a heart attack from a commercial vessel Tuesday and flew him about 125 miles to a hospital on Guam, according to the Coast Guard. An MH-60S Knighthawk crew from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 took the man, who was not identified, to Naval Hospital Guam, where he was listed in stable condition as of Wednesday, according to a Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam news release that day. The Coast Guard does not receive updates to individuals medical conditions after evacuations are completed, Sector Guam spokeswoman Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sara Muir told Stars and Stripes by email Friday. U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a medical evacuation request from the U.S.-flagged cable-laying ship Decisive at about 10:10 a.m. on Jan. 12. The vessel was more than 450 miles from Guam at the time well beyond the range of hoist-capable aircraft such as the Knighthawk, which has a range of about 280 miles. After coordination between the Coast Guard and Navy, the Decisive repositioned to about 125 miles offshore. At about 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, the helicopter crew hoisted the mariner from the ship and flew him to the hospital. This successful medical evacuation highlights the outstanding partnership between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and our maritime industry partners in ensuring the safety of life at sea around Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and getting mariners to a higher level of medical care when needed, Cmdr. Grant Johnson, the U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue mission coordinator, said in the news release. The rescue marked at least the third recent medical evacuation coordinated between the Coast Guard and Navy near Guam. In the other two cases, the same squadron evacuated a 27-year-old woman from Rota on Jan. 6 and a mariner from a foreign-flagged vessel on Dec. 31, according to the release. Muir confirmed that both individuals were received on Guam in stable condition at the time. A sailor fires a .50-caliber machine gun aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley during live-fire training in the South China Sea, Nov. 2, 2025. (Timothy Meyer/U.S. Navy) The latest U.S. defense policy signals that Congress expects deeper cooperation with Americas friends and allies across the Indo-Pacific to counter an increasingly assertive China, according to defense experts. The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which funds the Defense Department at $901 billion, includes a five-year Strategy to Strengthen Multilateral Defense in the Indo-Pacific. The amendment was co-sponsored by Sens. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska. The NDAA was signed into law last month. Amid Chinas escalating aggressive and coercive tactics, we must bolster security cooperation with our allies and partners to enhance multilateral deterrence, Bennet said in a Sept. 9 news release announcing the amendment. The Indo-Pacific strategy directs the defense secretary, in coordination with the secretary of state, to expand bilateral engagements into multilateral forums focused on defense planning and military exercises. It prioritizes acquiring and fielding long-range precision fires and integrated air defenses among U.S. allies and partners. This emphasis shows a strong desire to bring allies into the effort (and ideally, a future fight), said Grant Newsham, a retired Marine colonel and senior researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo. This recognizes what has been clear for at least a decade, i.e. that the United States (and U.S. forces) cannot by themselves ensure defense and stability in the region, owing to the rapid and impressive growth in (Chinas) military capabilities, he told Stars and Stripes in an email Thursday. The plan aligns with the 2025 National Security Strategy released in November, which calls on the U.S. to build a military capable of denying aggression anywhere in the First Island Chain, the Pentagon said in an unsigned statement emailed Friday by a spokesperson who handles Indo-Pacific affairs. In line with our priority of preserving peace through strength, we continue to strengthen our presence in the Western Pacific to ensure we are postured to maintain a favorable balance of power, the statement said. This will include efforts to deepen integration with allies including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia through training and exercises focused on realistically addressing the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region. The strategy identifies Australia, Japan, the Philippines and South Korea as key allies for expanding regional access, including by enhancing interoperability, prepositioning munitions stockpiles and increasing use of shared facilities. Interoperability is a military term referring to allied forces ability to operate together using compatible training, equipment and procedures. With the strategy, Congress is reasserting its constitutional role in foreign policy by keeping a focus on the power dynamics of the Indo-Pacific, said Mark Davidson, a former director of the U.S. Global Counterterrorism Communications Center. It is at the same time a signal to China and other potential adversaries that they should not mistake the current U.S. Administrations penchant for unilateralism as a lessening of our national resolve in the Indo-Pacific, Davidson, now a professor of international politics at Temple Universitys Japan Campus, said in an email Thursday. The Pentagon is also directed to improve command-and-control structures and expand information sharing and maritime domain awareness among allies and other regional partners. The NDAA calls for expanding the scope, scale and frequency of multilateral military exercise, particularly in and around the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to unify self-governing Taiwan with the mainland, by force if necessary. China last month conducted another military exercise encircling the island that included missile launches. The law also requires the defense secretary to submit any funding or policy changes by June 16 to congressional defense committees, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. An interim report is due by March 15, 2027. Sen. Tim Kaine speaks to reporters in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 13, 2026, in Washington. (Bill Clark, CQ Roll Call/Zuma Press/TNS) WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) Senators hoping to rein in President Donald Trumps military efforts are vowing not to give up despite a legislative defeat, as House Democrats press ahead with their own Venezuela war powers resolution. Under procedures outlined in the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a concurrent resolution filed by Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., aimed at preventing more military strikes against Venezuela will be eligible for a vote in the House as soon as Jan. 22. McGoverns office did not have an update Thursday on the exact timing of the vote, but earlier in the week, McGovern expressed hope at his resolutions prospects. I think its important for the administration to know that people here dont believe they have a blank check, McGovern said. War is a serious issue. Unlike the Senates joint resolution, however, the Houses concurrent resolution carries no force of law and is therefore nonbinding on the executive branch, according to most procedural and legal experts. The reason many House lawmakers use concurrent resolutions is because they are subject to fast-track consideration in that chamber, rather than joint resolutions which are not. The House vote will come after the Senate voted to sink a similar resolution on Venezuela after two Republicans who previously supported the measure switched sides amid pressure from GOP leadership and the Trump administration. On Wednesday, the Senate voted 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a tie, to sustain a point of order against the Venezuela resolution after GOP Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana, who both voted to advance the resolution a week ago, backed the point of order. The vote essentially shelved the resolution. Hawley and Young flipped after Trump administration officials assured them the administration has no plans for ground troops in Venezuela and would seek congressional approval if that changes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also committed to publicly testifying before the Senate Foreign Relation Committee, Young said. Despite Wednesdays outcome on the resolution he sponsored, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said Thursday he is undeterred and still expects numerous other war powers resolutions on places Trump has threatened in recent weeks, including Colombia, Mexico, Cuba, Iran, Nigeria and Greenland. The lesson from yesterday is, if you do this resolution, the administration has to work really hard to avoid losing the vote, and they are willing to make commitments and do things that they otherwise wouldnt have done in order to get people to not vote for public debate about their military plans, Kaine told reporters. The lesson that I learned from this is these resolutions actually have an effect on White House behavior, and so youre going to see more filed, he added. Meanwhile, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who co-sponsored Kaines Venezuela resolution, said his position is generally the same regardless of which country is being threatened with war. Im at the same place Ive always been, which is that the Constitution says that Congress initiates or declares war, Paul said when asked about his thoughts on further war powers measures after Wednesdays setback. I have the same opinion with all of the different areas that have been suggested that we might invade, which is that if you want to do it lawfully, you have to come to Congress. The GOP point of order raised against the Venezuela resolution hinged on an argument that since there are no U.S. troops in Venezuela right now, there are not active hostilities and the so expedited procedures in the War Powers Resolution law dont apply. That means similar efforts regarding countries that have yet to be invaded could face a similar hurdle. But Kaine brushed off the prospect that future efforts could be derailed by similar points of order. Everybody knows what that point of order vote was about. It was really a vote on the substance, he said. People are going to be held accountable for that vote. So at a minimum, let people be held accountable for their position. Are you for giving this or any president a blank check to wage war wherever they want? Kaine said other senators have expressed interest in leading future resolutions and so he was not certain which country would be tackled next. Eyes on Greenland One place Trump has threatened that has garnered broad bipartisan concern is Greenland. Still, its unclear if a Greenland war powers resolution would fare better than the Venezuela one. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who supported the Venezuela resolution, said Thursday she hopes theres no need for a Greenland resolution. She has co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to prohibit funding for military action against NATO allies territory, such as Greenland, and is joining a congressional delegation to Denmark on Friday to discuss the Arctic territory. Its almost inconceivable that we are using the word Greenland in the same sentence as war power resolution, she said. My goal is to kind of dial back some of what I consider to be aggressive rhetoric, because I dont think that that advantages the relationship that we have nor the respect for the people of Greenland and Denmark. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., will also be part of the delegation to Denmark and has repeatedly spoken out in support of Greenlands self-determination. But he said Thursday he would not support a Greenland war powers resolution at this point. I think it legitimizes a threat that I dont believe is real, Tillis told reporters. Still, he added, I honestly believe if there was any sort of action that looked like the goal was actually landing in Greenland and doing an illegal taking, thered be sufficient numbers in here to pass a war powers resolution and withstand a veto. John M. Donnelly contributed to this report. 2026 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the Board of Peace for Gaza has been established, urging Hamas to return the final deceased hostage to Israel and start full demilitarization immediately. "It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed," Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social. "The Members of the Board will be announced shortly." In a separate post, Trump said that as chairman of the board, "I am backing a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, supported by the Board's High Representative, to govern Gaza during its transition." "These Palestinian leaders are unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future!" he said. Trump said the United States is working with Egypt, Turkiye and Qatar to secure a comprehensive demilitarization agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of its tunnel network. "Hamas must IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay to full Demilitarization," Trump said, warning that Hamas "can do this the easy way, or the hard way" but "time is NOW". Trump's remarks came one day after his special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza peace deal. Proposed by Trump in last September, the 20-point, three-phase peace plan focuses on demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction of the conflict-torn Gaza Strip, and stipulates that the Board of Peace will be chaired by Trump himself. Also on Wednesday, Egypt, Qatar and Turkiye announced the completion of forming the Palestinian Technocratic Government, voicing hope that the committee will pave the way for the implementation of the second phase of the peace deal, and help to cement calm and prevent a return to escalation. Local analysts said that Hamas's full demilitarization remains the central obstacle to implementing Phase Two, citing repeated accusations by both sides of ceasefire violations during the first phase. Witkoff reiterated that the U.S. side expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage, warning that failure to comply "will bring serious consequences." Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian American who played a key role in mediating between Hamas and the Trump administration, said Saturday that the first official meeting of the Board of Peace is expected to be held on the sidelines of the Davos meetings later this month. SIDNEY - Time is running out for Sidney's Table of Grace to secure funding that is essential to keeping its doors open and its programs operating. The food pantry's matching grant from Bell Lumber and Pole, originally set to expire December 31, 2025, has been extended to January 31, 2026, giving the community a final two weeks to help meet the goal. As of Jthe time of printing, the pantry had raised $62,500, exactly half of the $125,000 needed to unlock the full match, according to Table of Grace Director Sherri Eads. "We couldn't operate without this matching grant," Eads said. "If we don't reach the goal, we will have to cut services-families will go hungry, and programs that people rely on will disappear." This is the first year in eight that the pantry has not been able to meet the grant on its own, and the amount offered is larger than ever before. Every donation made before January 31 will be doubled by Bell Lumber and Pole, directly increasing the impact. Without these funds, Table of Grace may have to scale back critical services that support the most vulnerable members of the community. For eight years, Table of Grace has been a lifeline, providing food, hope, and support to families in Sidney and surrounding communities. Each week, the pantry serves 6080 families, including home delivery for those who cannot visit in person. The pantry also runs a mobile food distribution each month for more than 40 families and stocks pantries in Dalton, Kimball, and Oshkosh. Beyond food, the pantry provides emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, clothing, transportation, and aid to travelers stranded along I-80. These vital services cannot continue without immediate support from the community. "Every gift counts," Eads said. "If the community doesn't act now, the help that families depend on will disappear." Donations can be mailed to Table of Grace, 2031 Illinois Street, Sidney, or delivered in person on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1125 Alvarado Road. Online donations that qualify for the matching grant can be made at apps.sidneytableofgrace.com/donate-now or paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1403077 SUR in English Friday, 16 January 2026, 13:23 Share Gibraltar College has announced it will offer private candidates the opportunity to sit the TQUK Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics exam, providing an alternative route to achieving a nationally recognised qualification. The exam will be available in March and May 2026, offering members of the community a new option alongside the existing GCSE Mathematics qualification already provided by the college. A pass in the Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics is widely considered equivalent to a GCSE Grade 4-broadly comparable to a C grade under the previous grading system-and is recognised by many employers and further education institutions as meeting their mathematics requirements. The examination consists of a single two-hour paper, divided into a 30-minute non-calculator section followed by a 90-minute calculator section. Registration for the first sitting, scheduled for Friday, 6 March 2026, is now open and will close on Monday, 2 February 2. The exam fee is 45, and candidates can register through the Gibraltar College website at https://www.gibraltarcollege.org/examination/registration-forms-fees. Additional exam sittings will be held in May 2026, with registration opening through the same online portal in due course. Prospective candidates seeking further information can contact Gibraltar College at 200 71048 or by email at exams@gibraltarcollege.org. The new offering is expected to benefit individuals looking to improve their mathematical qualifications for employment or further study, particularly those who may find the functional skills format more suitable than traditional GCSE examinations. SUR in English Friday, 16 January 2026, 13:03 Share Gibraltar has begun coordinating preparations for two major solar eclipses set to grace its skies in the summers of 2026 and 2027, with the latter event positioning the territory as one of Europe's premier viewing locations. The first eclipse, scheduled for the evening of August 12, 2026, will reach 92% totality over Gibraltar. However, it is the second event-a total solar eclipse on the morning of August 2, 2027-that is generating significant interest among authorities and astronomers alike. During the 2027 eclipse, Gibraltar will experience complete totality lasting over four minutes, making it one of the only locations in Europe where the phenomenon will be fully visible. While the 2026 eclipse will be observable throughout the Iberian Peninsula, with totality occurring in northern regions, Gibraltar's unique position for the following year's event is expected to attract thousands of visitors. Minister for Environment and Transport John Cortes chaired a coordination meeting to address preparations for both astronomical events. The Gibraltar Astronomical Society provided detailed presentations on what to expect, while representatives from the Royal Gibraltar Police and the Ministry of Transport discussed logistical challenges. Key concerns include identifying optimal viewing locations for both residents and visitors, managing anticipated traffic congestion and ensuring adequate transportation to viewing sites. Public health officials, including Director of Public Health Dr. Helen Carter, attended the meeting to address critical eye safety protocols, with extensive discussions focused on protecting viewers from potential eye damage. "There will be challenges in making these exciting astronomical events safe and enjoyable, and we have to plan well in advance given the pressure that the total eclipse next year in particular will bring," said Minister Cortes. "It will be an experience of a lifetime and we must plan well for it." SUR in English Friday, 16 January 2026, 13:11 Share The Government of Gibraltar has issued a public notice requiring all personal belongings to be removed from beach areas by Sunday, 15 February. The directive applies to a wide range of items including kayaks, canoes, boards, storage boxes, bags and bundled materials-whether secured to railings or walls, or left unattended on the sand. Authorities cited several reasons for the mandatory removal. Personal items left on beaches are vulnerable to damage during the winter months, when rough seas and adverse weather conditions are more common. Additionally, abandoned belongings contribute to the accumulation of refuse, which can attract vermin and create unsanitary conditions along the shoreline. The clearance is also necessary to enable cleaning contractors to perform proper maintenance of Gibraltar's beaches, ensuring they remain clean and accessible for public enjoyment. The government warned that any items remaining on beach areas after the 15 February deadline will be removed and disposed of by authorities. Members of the public with questions or concerns regarding the notice are advised to contact the government at 20071648. Tony Bryant Friday, 16 January 2026, 12:39 Share Italian composer Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) left an undeniable mark on the Spanish cultural scene of the 19th century, a time when the country began to welcome a continual flow of foreign writers, artists and composers. These 'romantics' used Spain's customs and traditions to enrich their works, and they left a legacy that shaped the way in which the rest of the world related to the country. The popularity of the newly discovered Spain was largely promoted by the success of two plays by Pierre Beaumarchais - The Marriage of Figaro and The Barber of Seville, both of which were set to music by Mozart and Rossini, respectively. Rossini was known for his ability to compose quickly, writing all the music for this opera in less than three weeks. Rossini's Barber of Seville is considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of comedy within music, and more than two centuries later, it remains a popular work. The opera's protagonist, Rosina, is a young Sevillian girl whose love and charm inspired Rossini to create one of classical music's most memorable heroines. It was the Sevillian setting, with its cobbled streets and orange blossom-filled courtyards, that brought to life this character. Zoom While visiting Seville in 1830, Benjamin Disraeli commented that "Figaro is on every street corner and Rosina on every balcony". Legend claims that El Balcon de la Rosina, located in the emblematic Plaza de Alfaro, was the balcony where Rossini found inspiration for his Barber of Seville. However, he had not visited Spain, let alone Seville, before creating his comic opera, although he did visit Madrid once he had semi-retired from composing at the height of his popularity. While in Spain, he accepted an invitation from the Archdeacon of Madrid to compose a Stabat Mater, considered one of his most notable works from this later phase of his life. His stay in the capital has been recorded with a plaque on the house where he stayed in1831. Jennie Rhodes Polopos-La Mamola. Friday, 16 January 2026, 12:48 Share If anyone had asked Nigel Jimenez Perez Songhurst (he took his husband's surnames when the couple married in November 2022) two or three years ago if he could see himself leaving the south west of England and buying a house in Andalucia, he would have said "no way". Likewise, his husband Federico (Fede), who moved from his native Malaga to the UK in search of work in 2013 when Spain was slowly recovering from the financial crisis, didn't think of returning to his native country so soon. Nigel, 48, and Fede, 41, met in Bristol after Fede moved there in 2014. Nigel was running a country pub just outside Bath and when it reopened after the initial lockdown, Fede started working there too. But following the pandemic and then when Nigel lost his dad in January 2024, the couple said that they "started thinking about changing our paths". Road trip Nigel and Fede set off in their camper van for what was going to be a three-month trip around Europe, but a call from Fede's family, who live between Malaga and Polopos-La Mamola on Granada province's Costa Tropical, to help out with the family estate after his parents died, set them on a very different course. They ended up heading directly to the south of Spain; Fede's family is from Polopos where his granddad was the local doctor and has a street named after him: Calle Doctor Jimenez Acosta. "Every school and public holiday we would come here and I know all the elderly people who are still here. I feel at home," Fede says. Nigel had never been to this part of Spain but soon fell in love with the way of life here and the couple started looking for properties in the village. At the same time, with a background in the hospitality industry, they came up with the idea of running their own B&B. After some searching, a house came up which had been owned by an English lady who had died and left it to her son. Fede and Nigel explain that the son wasn't interested in either living there or investing in the property and it had been empty for some years. The story behind the name of the bed breakfast The story behind the name Casa Mariscal is deeply rooted within Fedes family and Polopos-La Mamola. In fact its a surname belonging to Fedes mothers side of the family and a number of buildings and streets in Polopos feature it. This is because, Fede explains, that the surname (often appearing as Sanchez Mariscal) belonged to two of his ancestors: two doctors who bore the surnames and who helped locals suffering from the eye condition trachoma. Fede told SUR in English that Doctor Tomas Sanchez Mariscal was his mothers cousin and Doctor Jose Mariscal Alonso was her grandfather, so Fedes great grandfather. He was also doctor in the village and was specialised in curing eye conditions as well. As well as street names in Polopos-La Mamola and Granada city, the local primary school, Colegio Publico Sanchez Mariscal, is also named after the doctors. The couple were able to negotiate a good price. They were given the keys almost exactly a year ago, on 14 January 2025 and started to renovate Casa Mariscal, which is the name they have given to the property. At around the same time that they bought the house, Fede and Nigel went on holiday with a friend who knew someone who worked as a television editor and had contacts with the Channel 4 programme A New Life in the Sun, which follows Brits as they embark on business ventures in Europe. "Within an hour they contacted us and the ball started rolling," Nigel explains. The cameraman, Jamie, who has now become a good friend, arrived and the filming began soon after they got the keys to the house. They explain that filming took place regularly until October last year and the programme is currently being aired in the UK. When Nigel and Fede embarked on what should have been the three-month road trip, they say they couldn't have dreamed that they would end up staying here, buying a property and ending up on TV. "You couldn't write it," laughs Nigel. The couple admit that "it's been a bit of a roller coaster", especially with Nigel having to return to the UK on several occasions last year to help both his mum and friends who have been seriously ill. A helping hand In fact he had to leave Fede to cater for a party of 12 over Christmas when his mum was taken to hospital. Thankfully he says she's doing much better now and he has been able to return to Spain. Fede recognises the advantages of moving back to a village where he has family and friends and says that everyone has rallied around to help him while Nigel's been away. Fede also works for the town hall, which means that work to the house has had to fit around those other challenges. However, they have had the help of a local builder, Brian, who is originally from Yorkshire and to whom Nigel and Fede say they are "extremely grateful". There have been some challenges along the way but Nigel and Fede are hopeful that they will be able to open the B&B in April. They have already got bookings from friends, family and people who have found them having watched the TV programme. Although official bookings can't be taken yet, just through phone calls and messages they say that they are going to be busy up until the end of October. Fede is delighted that Spanish people who left Polopos some time ago, but are keen to take their family to show them where they grew up, have heard about them and are also making bookings. Fede and Nigel are also very involved with the local community and are already helping out with events in the village and when they're not working, the couple love nothing more than being able to go down to the beach for an evening swim: "That's not something we could do in the UK," Nigel points out. His resolution for this year is to sign up for Spanish classes and Fede, whose English is excellent having lived in the UK for 10 years, says that he is "happy with the decision" to go back to his roots. They are both clearly enjoying their new life in the south of Spain, despite having never dreamed of coming here until a couple of years ago. The story behind the name Casa Mariscal is deeply rooted within Fede's family and Polopos-La Mamola. In fact it's a surname belonging to Fede's mother's side of the family and a number of buildings and streets in Polopos feature it. This is because, Fede explains, that the surname (often appearing as Sanchez Mariscal) belonged to two of his ancestors: two doctors who bore the surnames and who helped locals suffering from the eye condition trachoma. Fede told SUR in English that Doctor Tomas Sanchez Mariscal was his mother's cousin and Doctor Jose Mariscal Alonso was her grandfather, so Fede's great grandfather. He was also doctor in the village and was specialised in curing eye conditions as well. As well as street names in Polopos-La Mamola and Granada city, the local primary school, Colegio Publico Sanchez Mariscal, is also named after the doctors. BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China always firmly opposes countries having diplomatic relations with China signing any agreement of sovereign implication or official nature with China's Taiwan region, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Friday. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the United States should earnestly abide by the one-China Principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques at a regular news briefing when responding to a query about a recent trade agreement between the U.S. and China's Taiwan. Tony Bryant Friday, 16 January 2026, 12:57 Share The Mayor of Cartama, Jorge Gallardo, met with regional officials this week to chart a path toward long-term water management solutions following the town's recent deluge. The meeting, held with Patricia Navarro, the Andalusian Governments delegate in Malaga, and Fernando Fernandez, the delegate for Agriculture and Water, centered on a critical new commitment - a comprehensive hydrological study of the Guadalhorce River and its tributaries as they pass through the municipality. This study will make it possible to determine the necessary measures to reduce flooding, as well as the projects and actions that need to be undertaken to prevent torrential rains and river overflows from affecting urban areas of the municipality, such as Estacion de Cartama and Dona Ana. Furthermore, at the mayors request, the regional authority has committed to continuing the cleaning of the Guadalhorce river to improve its drainage capacity while progress is made on the implementation of this flow study. Juan Cano Friday, 16 January 2026 | Updated 19/01/2026 19:36h. Share There is tension in the La Trinidad neighbourhood in Malaga after a street shooting left bullet holes in three homes in the early hours of 16 January. At this time, there are no reports of injuries and no arrests have been made. The incident occurred around 2.40am on Friday, when the emergency services started receiving numerous calls reporting more than ten gunshots that had caused panic in the neighbourhood. All available National and Local Police patrols were dispatched to the scene to keep the situation in La Trinidad under control. The police searched all the locations indicated by the residents who had called the emergency services. According to sources, the shots hit the facades of buildings on three streets in the area. However, the door of one particular house was hit several times. The police maintained a presence in the area throughout the night and left a checkpoint on each of the streets where the shootings had taken place. There have so far been no reports about injured residents and no arrests have been made. Initial hypotheses point to a long-standing and bitter feud between two families. The little girl poses for a photo at the Virgen del Rocio hospital, with a picture of the Virgin of Hope in her hands. Victoria Esperanza, the six-year-old girl from Malaga, whose campaign in search of a bone marrow donor SUR helped spread in September last year, received a transplant on 18 December. After 37 days in isolation, everything indicates that she has overcome leukaemia, as her mother Maria del Mar Fernandez told the newspaper. Although she still needs one final test, scheduled in two weeks, doctors are positive that "she is already clean". "Victoria Esperanza is cured," Maria said. Victoria was first diagnosed when she was barely three and a half years old. She beat the disease but then relapsed in June 2025. The chemotherapy did not work as expected this time, which is why her family launched a campaign that had a purpose beyond Victoria's case, as they wanted to raise awareness to the importance of donating bone marrow. The campaign was supported by Malaga's religious associations. Hospital isolation In mid-November, SUR reported that a donor had been found for Victoria. The donor underwent a process called apheresis, during which blood is removed from them and passed through a machine that separates and preserves stem cells, which the child then receives in a way similar to a blood transfusion. This happened on 18 December. Since then, Victoria has been staying in the same room with her mother, with only medical staff allowed inside, to preserve her health. The little girl was filmed announcing that she would be leaving the hospital on 16 January, after being given a second chance. "We went into isolation on 10 December for eight days of treatment to prepare her for the transplant, which was on 18 December. We can't wait to get out and be with the people who love us and have shown us so much support," Maria says. "Isolation is hard: you are in one room, you can't go out, but there have been many wonderful people who have come to the magic window, as I call it. Every day, someone appeared: friends or family," the mother said. To give Victoria a piece of holiday magic, they decorated 'the magic window' for Christmas and Three Kings' Day. 'She has been doing very well: she hasn't had a bad day where she couldn't get up, she has done crafts, sung, danced, played. She is full of life and very happy,' the mum said "She has been doing very well: she hasn't had a bad day where she couldn't get up, she has done crafts, sung, danced, played. She is full of life and very happy," the mum said. From the Three Kings, Victoria received a microphone, so now "she doesn't stop singing". Both Victoria and her mother are grateful to have been lucky with the donor search. 'She is cured, clean of leukaemia' "In 15, days the disease will be gone," Maria says, as she waits for the tests to confirm that her daughter has been cured. "I can't believe it, we are very happy and grateful to the donor. Without them, nothing would have been possible. We don't know if they are a man, a woman, older or younger, but thanks to their altruism and kindness, Victoria has been given a second chance." Home isolation and caution The girl's mother has expressed her gratitude to the medical staff that have been taking care of them. After going home, Victoria will have to follow a similar regime of isolation for at least 100 days after the treatment. "The first 100 days are the most important, because the organs are adapting to the new bone marrow and we have to be careful: we can't go everywhere we want to, nor see everyone we want to. We can go out to the park, but we have to avoid ill people so that they don't transmit a virus to her, since her defences are now very low," Maria said. In any case, the little girl will have to undergo various tests and check-ups over the next few months to confirm that she is cured. Little Victoria Esperanza is now a smiling girl who says she has been cured by the Virgin of Hope. Jose Carlos Garcia Marbella Friday, 16 January 2026, 12:38 Share This Saturday, 17th January, Marbella town hall will light up several municipal sites in green (Arco de Marbella and the fountains of Los Barcos, Puerto Banus, the National Police building and the horse fountain) as a show of support for the families affected by Perthes. The rare disease affects children aged between three and 12 years, and results in avascular necrosis of the head of the femur due to the interruption of blood flow. The condition involves the death of bone tissue, leading to hip deformity, pain, limping and functional limitations that prevent the affected person from leading a normal life. It causes significant functional restrictions in children who suffer from it, limiting everyday activities such as running, jumping or taking part in school sports. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required if bone regeneration does not occur naturally within a period of two to four years. With this action, the council joins the initiative promoted by the national association of families with Perthes (ASFAPE), which is calling on the ministry of health to officially declare 17 January as the national day for this childhood disease. "Visibility is essential to advance knowledge and research into rare diseases such as this," said councillor Alejandro Gonzalez, who stressed that "we want to convey our support to the families who live with this difficult reality, and give them a voice so that initiatives such as that of ASFAPE reach the competent administrations". Pilar Martinez Malaga. Friday, 16 January 2026, 13:44 Share This week has seen announcements of new flights between Malaga and other European destinations. Airline Volotea is to operate a new flight between Malaga and Santander, a route that Ryanair and Vueling also cover. The new link will begin on 31 March and run three times a week. "The new route to Santander will allow passengers to discover the cultural, culinary and natural wealth of Cantabria at affordable prices with the best flight experience," said Gabriel Schmilovich, Volotea's strategy director. Also this week Transavia has announced a new direct flight in the summer between Malaga and Montpellier in France. The airline, which is the low-cost branch of Air France-KLM, has said that the new route will operate during the peak summer season, between 17 July and 9 September. The flight will leave Malaga every Sunday with prices from 37 euros. At the moment Transavia flies between Malaga and seven European destinations. "This connection allows us to respond to a growing demand for direct flights between Spain and the south of France during the summer season," said sources. Ignacio Lillo Malaga Friday, 16 January 2026, 14:54 Share Private high-speed operator Ouigo faces ongoing criticism for its operations on the Andalusian corridor. The latest incident happened in the early hours of Friday, when a train from Madrid that was scheduled to arrive in Malaga before midnight delayed its departure. In the end, it got to the Costa del Sol capital around 3.30am. Some of the passengers have contacted SUR to report the serious delay, as well as the lack of information and attention provided by the operator during the incident. A spokesperson for Ouigo said that the delay had been caused by a necessary "revision of a technical incident on the train". Although they did not add further details, technical sources said that this meant that the train had to be taken to the workshop and returned to Atocha once the problem had been solved. 'I will never take an Ouigo train again, no matter how cheap it is' "I will never take an Ouigo train again, no matter how cheap it is," Jesus, one of the passengers on the train in question, said, adding that his greatest fear was that the train "would stop in the middle of the fields of La Mancha". In the end, his fears did not materialise, but what was to be a short trip to Malaga did not turn out quite as he had hoped. "They didn't give us any explanation as to what the specific reason was. They just said it was technical. Since it's been happening so much lately, we didn't know what to think," Jesus said. Uncertainty and neglect Jesus had just spent a few days with his family in Madrid when he was due to return to Malaga, where he works. He said that he had arrived at Atocha with plenty of time, but he got concerned when he saw that there was a train bound for Barcelona, also delayed. "There was talk among the passengers that the train to Malaga would also be late." His fears were confirmed shortly afterwards by an Adif worker. "They were already saying that there were problems with the train and that it would be delayed by at least an hour. "We were told we couldn't go in and to wait outside. The bad thing is that there are no sockets for mobile phones, not even a chair to sit on and the prices at the station's establishments are abusive," Jesus said. From that moment on, passengers were left hanging in front of the information screens until two employees confirmed that there was a technical problem. "They told us that, in principle, we would not leave until 11.30pm, because they had to send the train to the workshop to fix what had broken and then bring it back again. That was the minimum time it would take, they told us." Finally, the train left Atocha around 12.30am and arrived at the Maria Zambrano station three hours later. Problems keep piling up for Ouigo This delay comes at a time when Ouigo is already under public scrutiny due to a string of incidents. The most serious was the cancellation of numerous services between Madrid, Malaga and Seville, which left around 15,000 passengers without trains during January and forced state railway operator Renfe to put on additional services to assist passengers. On top of that, Renfe has had to recover another Ouigo train that had been stuck at Cordoba station for more than a week due to a technical fault. The train is now on its way to the Santa Catalina maintenance depot. This was confirmed by Renfe president Alvaro Fernandez Heredia, who attributed the incident to Ouigo's "lack of resources". Share The imminent arrival of Gines Serran's monumental sculptures at the Port of Malaga has sparked more than just a local debate; it has triggered a full-blown cultural skirmish that has now reached the pages of The Times. The British broadsheet couldn't resist the hook: eight-metre-tall bronze deities that look suspiciously like characters from a DC blockbuster. But beneath the surface-level comparisons to Jason Momoa's Aquaman lies a deeper, more perennial Spanish conflict: the clash between popular public art and the gatekeepers of "High Culture". The San Telmo Royal Academy of Fine Arts wasted no time in branding the project "kitsch", "pretentious" and "grandiloquent". Their critique - that the statues belong more to the "Marvel Universe" than to a sincere recovery of classicism - is the quintessential battle cry of the art-world snob. It suggests that if a work of art is too accessible, too muscular or too "Hollywood", it must be inherently devoid of merit. This brand of snobbery is a familiar ghost in the Spanish art world. There is a deeply ingrained belief among certain academic circles that public space is a sacred museum where only the abstract, the conceptually dense or the "institutionally approved" should reside. When Serran - an artist who boasts of commercial success and 1,500 works sold across 60 countries - offers a gift to the city, the elite recoil. To them, his international "curriculum" is "strange" simply because it exists outside the narrow circuit of subsidised galleries and state-sanctioned biennials. Is the Neptune statue lovely? That is, of course, subjective. But it is undeniably striking. It features a bronze fishing net plated in 24-carat gold - a technical feat the artist claims has never been achieved before. It is designed to be an icon, a "photo-op" and a celebration of Malaga's Phoenician and Roman roots. The irony is that by dismissing the work as "superhero art", the academy has inadvertently highlighted why the public might actually love it. In an age when contemporary art often feels cold and exclusionary, there is something refreshingly democratic about a giant, golden-netted god of the sea. If the statues look like superheroes, perhaps it's because superheroes are our modern mythology. By forcing the city to reduce a 25-year loan to a mere six-month "trial", the critics may have won the first round. But as the story goes viral in the international press, the "Marvel Neptune" is already achieving exactly what the academics feared most: it is becoming a landmark that people actually want to see. Share This week saw Spain's finance minister Maria Jesus Montero arguing with her regional counterparts over the government's proposed new financing model. Unveiled in the middle of last year, it would apparently generate an extra 21 billion for Spain's autonomous regions, to be distributed according to population age and size, unemployment rate and environmental factors. Participation in the new scheme, said Montero, will be voluntary - but it sounds like a no-brainer, no? No. At Wednesday's meeting, representatives of the PP, which controls 12 of Spain's 17 autonomous regions, were united in their opposition to the proposed model. They see it as another concession from Pedro Sanchez's coalition to the Catalan separatists on which it relies for support. In the colourful words of Andalucia's finance minister Carolina Espana Reina (of the PP), it will serve up "champagne and caviar for the Catalan independence movement [and a] menu del dia for the rest of Spain." The few details of the financing model that have been made public suggest that Reina has a point. Catalonia would receive 4.7 billion under the new arrangement - almost a quarter of the total. Catalan News reported that the northeastern region's resources would increase by 15%, compared to 12% for most other parts of Spain. There are also rumours that Catalonia will be allowed to collect its own income tax. Yet Montero, who is expected to run as the Socialist candidate in this year's Andalusian elections, accused the PP of spreading false information. She pointed out that 70% of the remaining funds would be allocated to regions controlled by the Conservatives. But if the new model would benefit all parts of Spain, as Montero claims, why weren't their regional governments consulted during the drafting process? The proposed new arrangement was drafted by just two parties, the PSOE and Catalonia's pro-independence ERC, in exchange for installing the Socialists' Salvador Illa as Catalan president in 2024. So - Catalan separatists are helping to create fiscal legislation that affects the whole of Spain, despite occupying just 14 of parliament's 350 seats. Yet the PP, which occupies 121 and controls most of the country, had no say in creating the new model. The anger expressed by its finance ministers at this week's showdown is understandable. Even if this specific legislation isn't designed to keep separatists happy, the pro-Catalan bias of Sanchez's government is obvious. Amnesties, extra funds from the state budget, debt forgiveness, a promise to make Catalan an official EU language - the prime minister is fighting for Catalonia's cause almost as hard as exiled martyr Carles Puigdemont once did. Separatists have been quaffing champagne and guzzling caviar for a long time, at a lavish banquet laid on by the government. Meanwhile, politicians from less favoured regions sit at a bar next door, drinking Cruzcampo and eating migas. SUR Madrid. Friday, 16 January 2026, 11:19 Share The prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, was criticised from all directions this week over the latest proposed measures to end the housing crisis which is a top concern of voters in Spain. Parties on the right and the left, including his own coalition partners in government, Sumar, found different issues to question after the high-profile announcement at a long-planned social housing development in Madrid. Among Sanchez's flagship new measures, which drew the most criticism, was a proposal to grant full income tax relief to landlords who agree not to raise rents for tenants. Sumar minister Yolanda Diaz criticised the policy, despite being part of the government, saying, "Giving away public money to landlords is not going to lower the price of housing." Another proposed measure is that landlords would be barred from renting out individual rooms in a property for a total amount higher than the rent of the home as a whole. With support divided, the government faces a battle to get the measures through parliament, where it does not hold a majority. C. P. S. Friday, 16 January 2026, 15:07 Share Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made another economic announcement, his third this week, following those concerning housing and generational renewal in agriculture. On Thursday, Sanchez unveiled the creation of "a major sovereign wealth fund" called 'Spain Grows', whose main objective will be to extend the reformist momentum of Spain's economic recovery plan beyond 2026, which is when the EU's Next Generation funding pot expires. This monetary vehicle, devised by central government but also involving co-investing with the private sector through loans, guarantees or equity instruments, will launch with an initial 10.5 billion euros from European funds. However, the goal is to mobilise approximately 120 billion euros through private debt and national and international investors. Although project details remain unknown until Monday, when Sanchez will officially present it together with Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo, it has been revealed that Spain's Official Credit Institute (ICO, a publicly-owned bank attached to Cuerpo's Ministry) will be in charge of managing the fund, together with the aforementioned private collaboration. At a time when Spain is operating without a budget, the fund's resources will be allocated to key sectors to improve productivity in the Spanish economy, with a firm commitment to investment in housing (in the midst of the sector's ongoing crisis), energy, artificial intelligence and digitisation, as well as reindustrialisation, the circular economy, infrastructure, water and security. "We want to go beyond 2026 and ensure that the reformist momentum can last", said Sanchez during his closing speech at the 16th round of Spain Investors Day in Madrid. "If the NextGen funds were an exercise in European sovereignty, Spain Grows will be an exercise in national sovereignty", he stated. This fund, announced before the large group of investors and business leaders present at the event, is central government's firm commitment to the country's immediate future without the support of EU Next Generation funds, whose term expires in August of this year. It's worth noting that the term "sovereign wealth fund" is used by some states to refer to the large investment vehicles with which they manage a portion of their wealth, traditionally linked to profits derived from oil production and exports. These include Norway's sovereign wealth fund and many others such as those of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. In this sense, Sanchez made a clear commitment not to oil, but to renewable energies, to reach those billions that he intends to mobilise together with the private sector, at a time when Spain has relied on European funds to bolster the reformist agenda despite not having a budget. Economic strategy The Prime Minister used his speech to boast about the positive performance of the Spanish economy and his government's policies. "We are getting used to consistently being among the best economies in the world," he stated. "I don't want to be complacent, but it is true that we are one of the fastest-growing European economies, creating half a million jobs annually and the Ibex 35 is breaking [stock market] records every session", said Sanchez. In any case, Sanchez advocated working to meet challenges such as continuing to reduce poverty and inequality, resolving the housing problem and increasing the real disposable income for households. He asked the investors present at the event to help the government "in any way they can". All of this comes in a context where, despite the "difficult" international environment, Spain grew by 2.9% in 2025 and is expected to grow by at least 2.2% in 2026, according to government forecasts. "In an increasingly turbulent world, Spain is a safe haven. Here you will not find trade tensions, geopolitical risks or legal uncertainty", but rather "social peace, territorial cohesion and a stable framework that fosters talent, wherever it comes from, and a government committed to the companies that drive this country forward", he asserted. After a lengthy speech promoting Spain as an investment destination - also heavily focused on energy opportunities - the PM highlighted the first meeting of the government's 'strategic investment committee', another tool set up to attract production capabilities to leading sectors, both in Spain and across Europe. People view a model of the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) during the Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference 2026 in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 16, 2026. The conference is held here from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, which aims to build a collaborative and progressive innovation and industrial ecosystem for nuclear fusion energy. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) People view a model of a vacuum chamber of the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) during the Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference 2026 in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 16, 2026. The conference is held here from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, which aims to build a collaborative and progressive innovation and industrial ecosystem for nuclear fusion energy. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) People view a model of the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) during the Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference 2026 in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 16, 2026. The conference is held here from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, which aims to build a collaborative and progressive innovation and industrial ecosystem for nuclear fusion energy. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) This photo taken on Jan. 16, 2026 shows a scene during the Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference 2026 in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. The conference is held here from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, which aims to build a collaborative and progressive innovation and industrial ecosystem for nuclear fusion energy. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) People view a model of the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) during the Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference 2026 in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 16, 2026. The conference is held here from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, which aims to build a collaborative and progressive innovation and industrial ecosystem for nuclear fusion energy. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) A man visits the Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference 2026 in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 16, 2026. The conference is held here from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, which aims to build a collaborative and progressive innovation and industrial ecosystem for nuclear fusion energy. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) A delegate visits the Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference 2026 in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 16, 2026. The conference is held here from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, which aims to build a collaborative and progressive innovation and industrial ecosystem for nuclear fusion energy. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) People view a model of the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) during the Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference 2026 in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 16, 2026. The conference is held here from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, which aims to build a collaborative and progressive innovation and industrial ecosystem for nuclear fusion energy. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) SUR Friday, 16 January 2026, 13:34 Share Uber Eats has announced it will no longer use self-employed couriers in Spain, instead subcontracting thousands of riders directly. It was the only major multinational in the sector still operating this way after Glovo changed its model last summer and Just Eat fully complied with a new law when it came into effect. The move follows threats from the government to prosecute the company. The so-called "rider law" was approved in 2021 after the government reached an agreement with unions and employers to regulate the status of workers delivering through digital platforms. Previously treated as self-employed, these riders are now recognised as employees under pioneering European legislation. Tony Bryant Torremolinos. Friday, 16 January 2026, 10:26 Share Around 20,000 retro music fans are expected to head to Torremolinos next month for the coveted Rockin' Race Jamboree, a five-day American roots music festival that will be held in different locations throughout the town from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 February. Fans of rock and roll travel from all over Europe and Spain to enjoy the gathering, many of whom are dressed in typical 50s style attire. This live music extravaganza, which presents rockabilly, blues, surf, rock and roll and boogie-woogie, has become the most important American roots music festival in Europe. Now in its 32nd year, the main concerts are staged at the Principe de Asturias auditorium, the Hotel Barracuda and Plaza del Remo, as well as in several bars in the town. The huge retro dance floor that holds around 800 people will again be located in a marquee outside the municipal auditorium. The event hosts more than 30 live performances by some of the genre's most celebrated artists. This year's line-up includes an array of the foremost purveyors of roots music, such as Los Lobos, the celebrated Los Angeles group who are heading to Torremolinos during their European tour to celebrate more than five decades of music. Famed for their chart-topping hit, La Bamba, the band offers a rich tapestry of roots music, fusing rock and roll, blues and country. Also on the bill are The Four Charms, a quartet that are versatile in all forms of American roots styles. The band's intense chemistry and energetic show, a mixture of their own compositions and renditions of classic rock and roll songs, attracted a huge following during their stint at Chicago's historic Green Mill jazz club between 1999 to 2003. German rockers Smokestack Lightnin' will bring their blend of rockabilly, country and folk music to the festival, a band formed in Nuremberg in 1995. The quartet, who took their name from the title of a song by legendary bluesman Howlin' Wolf, have made their name on the European rockabilly circuit, which helped secure a record deal with EMI. Another established outfit appearing at the event is Two Tons of Steel, a rockabilly from Texas. The group has toured extensively across Texas, performing to audiences of up to 12,000 people, and they have repeatedly been voted 'best country band' by the magazine, Current. Other performers taking part in this year's event include The Seatsniffers, voted one of Belgium's best and most international roots rock bands; British rockabilly artiste Paul Ansell, who has been in the forefront of the European rock n roll scene for more than ten years; and Cave Catt Sammy, an American roots rock band formed in 1997. The festival also hosts an exhibition of classic cars and motorcycles, as well as more live music and the 'food trucks', in Plaza del Remo on Saturday 7 February between 11am and 4pm. Rockin' Race Jamboree Warners, N.Y. - Ten people were displaced after a bad fire at an apartment building in Warners in the town of Van Buren Friday morning. Residents of the 2-story apartment complex at 105 Railroad St. woke up around 6:30 a.m. to the smell of smoke and popping sounds coming from the ceiling, according to Warners-Memphis Fire Chief Mike Knowlton. As firefighters arrived at the scene, they saw heavy fire and smoke coming from the roof, Knowlton said. Just after firefighters entered the building, the roof collapsed. Crews then worked on putting the fire out from the outside of the building, Knowlton said. Van Buren faced temperatures Friday morning that hovered around 17 degrees, along with a wind chill of 6 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Knowlton said the weather made it hard for the firefighters to see as they worked to put out the blaze. The type of weather here, its smoky, cold, its like 15 degrees out, Knowlton said. You got a lot of steam coming from there, and you couldnt see half the stuff that was going on. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Firefighters were still on-scene and putting out hotspots at around 8:45 a.m. Camillus Fire Department, North West Fire District, Onondaga Hill Fire Department, Jordan Fire Department and Fairmount Fire Department assisted at the scene. Six adults and four children are being assisted by the Red Cross. Five households were affected by the fire. Editors note: This article updated with information about a second juror who raised concerns with the judge. Utica, N.Y. In a rare move, a juror asked to speak to a judge alone about his issues with the case against a former correction officer accused of recklessly causing Robert Brooks death. Around 10:45 a.m., the jury sent the judge a note requesting he speak one-on-one with an individual juror about the case to discuss his concerns with the case. Just after noon, another juror asked to speak to the judge about her concerns with another juror possibly trying to force a mistrial. The jury is deliberating whether former corrections officer Michael Fisher is guilty of second-degree manslaughter for failing to intervene when Brooks was fatally beaten in the Marcy Correctional Facility on Dec. 9, 2024. Fisher is one of 10 guards charged in the beating death. Hes the last one to go to trial. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who is the special prosecutor for the case, said he has never seen this in his more than four-decade-long career as a prosecutor. Judge Robert Bauer told both jurors that he is not allowed to speak to any individual juror about the law or the facts of the case. Despite the judges instructions, the first juror asked several questions Bauer insisted he could not answer. The man first asked what the elements of a mistrial were. Bauer told him that a mistrial would be called if the jury could not reach a verdict. The juror then asked about whether it was possible to consider a lesser charge. Bauer said he could not answer. He finally asked whether mea culpa was a typical element of manslaughter charges. Bauer again insisted he could not answer and informed the juror he should speak to his fellow juror about these concerns. Bauer said that he believed the juror simply misunderstood the process and was throwing a lifeline to the court for help understanding. Bauer said that he can only instruct the entire jury on the law if they request it as a group. Shortly after the juror left the room. The jury submitted another note asking whether the judge can explain whether mea culpa is an element of the charge. Bauer said the jury is incorrectly using Latin terminology that was never introduced during the trial. Fitzpatrick said he is concerned this implies that the jury is doing outside legal research. Bauer said he did not have the same concern. Ultimately, the judge decided to reread the elements of manslaughter and instructed the jury to pay close attention to the courts language and terminology. He explicitly told the jury that mea culpa and willful knowledge, another term the jury used in the note, were not part of the instructions. After the definition was read again, the female juror told the judge she had concerns that Fisher was not going to get a fair answer based on comments made by a fellow juror. It is unclear which juror she is referring to. She told the judge one juror told the group that he did not agree with the charge and if there was a unanimous vote, he would vote against them to get a mistrial. The judge told her to return to deliberations and held a conference with the attorneys at the bench before dismissing the jury for lunch. The jurors have been deliberating for a total of about 5 hours over the course of two days. If Fisher is convicted, he faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. Six guards have pleaded guilty in the Brooks killing. Three went to trial and the jury found one guilty and acquitted two. The next Live at Jazz Central special event gets a head start on Fat Tuesday celebrations in downtown Syracuse with a visit from Bang Bang Experience, a 7-piece brass band hailing from Portland, Oregon. More than just a traditional New Orleans second line brass band, the group plays with an eclectic and modern point of view, encompassing funk, pop, reggae, West African and Latin American styles. Theyre also known for their uniquely interactive shows. Every member of the band is an accomplished soloist. Leader, composer, and trumpeter Sam Dechenne has ties to Central New York, where he performed and toured globally for many years with Ithaca-based reggae band John Browns Body. Their first-ever tour to the east coast includes Syracuse and numerous other cities across Upstate New York and Massachusetts. At Jazz Central theyll add a heavy dose of New Orleans favorites to their repertoire, in anticipation of Mardi Gras just two days later. I think this will be the most exciting, and possibly the only full-blown brass band celebration in the area, and Im really tickled that theyre coming here to celebrate with us, said Larry Luttinger. Ill be in the front row for this one. Lets all let the good times roll. Ample parking surrounds Jazz Central near City Hall. A cash bar is available. Seating is limited to 63. Advance sale tickets will guarantee seats. Who: Bang Bang Experience Where: Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St, Syracuse NY When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb.15 Cost: $20. Tickets are available at cnyjazz.org/tickets or at the door Clay, N.Y. -- At the edge of a 1,400-acre tract of swamp, forest and former farmland just north of Syracuse, Micron Technology and public officials across the political spectrum broke ground this morning on whats being called the largest private development in New York state history. For Micron, riding a wave of record profits and bolstered by $25 billion in taxpayer subsidies, it marked the first ceremonial step to building its largest memory chip plant. The groundbreaking comes more than three years after Micron announced it had chosen Central New York for its biggest expansion ever in the United States. Nearly all of the companys chips are made in Asia. Upstate New Yorks legendary winters didnt disappoint: Wind chills dipped to about 10 degrees Friday morning and the ground was covered with at least half a foot of fresh lake effect snow blown in from Lake Ontario, where Micron will draw its water. That is a perfect day, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said of the fresh snow and sun that broke through before the ceremony began. He thanked the Democratic and Republican officials in the audience who both recruited Micron to Upstate New York and helped pass the federal legislation that paved the way for onshoring more computer chipmaking in the nation. It shows that when it comes to restoring American manufacturing, he said, we are clearly one team. Micron Technology breaks ground on a $100 billion computer chipmaking complex in Clay, New York, on Jan. 16, 2026. Pictured from left are: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Sen. Charles Schumer, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com Micron says it plans to build four chipmaking factories in Clay by 2041 to churn out billions of tiny computer chips used in cars, cell phones, appliances and, increasingly, data centers and artificial intelligence. The site will soon hum with activity, Mehrotra said. It will become a thriving technology hub, generating tens of thousands of jobs here, transforming the region. Shortly before noon, Mehrotra joined with Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and County Executive Ryan McMahon for the ceremonial dirt-tossing with silver shovels. They did it four times for the cameras, then an excavator behind them dumped a load of dirt into a dump truck with a Micron icon on its side. It was 12 degrees. Schumer wore a Buffalo Bills hat and an orange Syracuse tie. Before the outdoor festivities, Lutnick, whose department will oversee the disbursal of about $20 billion in taxpayer subsidies to Micron over the next decade or so, took the stage and injected politics into a heated tent set up on the former farmland in northern Onondaga County. It is great to be in Central New York, Lutnick said, which, of course, you all know, is the heart of Trump country. The applause afterward was tepid. Its a historic day today, Lutnick continued. Because this fab, mega fab, is going to be the largest investment in the history, the largest single investment in the history of the great state of New York. So imagine that being right here, rebuilding and growing in the heart of Syracuse. Thats fantastic. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick at the Micron groundbreaking on Jan. 16, 2026. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com Schumer, a Democrat and the Senates former majority leader, thanked McMahon, a Republican, for his partnership in working to get Micron to move to the Syracuse area. I want to give him some thanks, because he really helped prepare this site, said Schumer, who ushered through the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022 that gave Micron the impetus to build factories in the United States. We will look back generations, Schumer added. This was a turning point for Central New York, for Upstate New York, and for the United States of America, because, because whats happening here is going to give the United States the lead in semiconductor manufacturing for generations. Hochul, who went to Syracuse University in the 1970s, noted how at that time manufacturing was fleeing cities in Upstate New York. As she took the microphone, she quipped that this was really Hochul country. The applause was louder than for the secretarys jab. Microns arrival and its promise of a resurgence of manufacturing in Central New York, Hochul continued, is a dream come true. I could not be prouder, Hochul said. This is the day we rise up New York. The $52 billion, bipartisan CHIPS Act was designed to bring back to the U.S. the manufacture of computer chips essential to modern life and national security. Micron was one of the big winners, securing a grant of more than $6 billion to build factories in New York and at its headquarters in Idaho. Construction of the first of two fabs in Boise is well underway, with production expected to start next year. Micron announced this year in a new deal with the Trump administration that it would build a second factory in Boise that would open before any of the New York factories. Late last year, Micron announced that the Clay fabrication plants, or fabs, would be delayed by two to three years. The first is now set to start production in 2030; the second, in 2033. The moment is about more than today, McMahon said. Its about helping Micron continue to grow as a memory chip leader, he said. And its about making sure Central New Yorkers share in the expected largess. This is truly about the American worker and opportunity, McMahon said. But the reality is, this is about the national security of this country first and foremost. And by this investment here today, America will lead the world in AI dominance, and that means the world will literally be a safer and better place. Micron leaders, local and state officials and community leaders gather at Syracuse University to celebrate the groundbreaking of the chipmaker's complex in Clay. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sen. Charles Schumer and Onondaga County Executive listen during SU Chancellor Kent Syverud's remarks. Jan. 16, 2026 N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com Micron says it will spend more than $51 billion to build two fabrication plants, or fabs, by 2033. Taxpayer subsidies from federal, state and local governments would cover about half of those costs. The company says it could spend another $50 billion to build a third and fourth fab by 2041, although there is no public money allotted for those. Microns project here underwent a two-year, 20,000-page environmental review that was wrapped up in November. Since then, Micron has obtained the wide variety of necessary construction approvals from the federal, state and local governments. If Micron keeps its promises, the impact on Central New York would be enormous. Micron says it would employ 9,000 people nearly as many as Upstate Medical University, now the regions biggest employer. Up to 40,000 spinoff jobs could be created, from those in semiconductor supply chains to hotels to schools. Construction would require more than 4,000 workers during peak construction periods. The groundbreaking comes as Micron, founded in the basement of a dentists office in Boise in 1978, is soaring on the demand for artificial intelligence chips. Micron has recently posted record sales and profits, and even bailed out of the consumer market to preserve its production for bigger profits in AI. Investors have noticed: Microns stock price has tripled in the past year. Site preparation in Clay is expected to start within days. The first task for Microns initial contractor, Gilbane Co., is to start clearing 445 acres of forest. Gilbane will have to hurry: All tree-cutting must halt between March 31 and Nov. 1 because two species of endangered bats use the site to raise their young during the warmer months. This year, Micron will need to haul in about 2 million yards of gravel-like fill to level and stabilize the site, which contains about 200 acres of wetlands. That will be done mostly by truck, with more than 500 trucks going in and out of the site every day on two-lane roads. Syracuse, N.Y. Micron Technology broke ground today on a massive semiconductor factory complex that could alter the economic landscape of Central New York. If Micron does what it has promised, it will lead to 20 years of nearly continuous construction on what officials call the largest private development in New York state history. Todays groundbreaking was attended by politicians from across the political spectrum, including President Trumps U.S. Department of Commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick; and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, who pushed through the 2022 CHIPS Act that could provide more than $20 billion in taxpayer subsidies for the Micron project. Micron says it could spend $100 billion on up to four factories in the town of Clay. That could boost the local economy and bring unprecedented growth and unprecedented traffic and noise to Syracuses northern suburbs. The project has already seen several delays. The latest pushes back the opening of the first two factories by two to three years. The first is now projected to open in 2030. The numbers remain staggering: When the complex is fully operational in 2045, Micron says, it would employ 9,000 people nearly as many as Upstate Medical University, now the regions biggest employer. Up to 40,000 spinoff jobs could be created, from semiconductor supply chains to hotels to schools. More than 4,000 construction workers would be on site at peak construction periods, so many that Micron plans to have them park at the airport and be shuttled to the work site. That assumes Micron will build four fabrication plants, or fabs. The company now has government funding and approvals to build two of those plants. In this April 2024 file photo, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and Micron Technology Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Mehrotra celebrate share a victory pump as President Joe Biden visited Syracuse. N.Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com The groundbreaking culminates a vision that began 30 years ago, when Onondaga County started buying land near Route 31 and Caughdenoy Road for a future business park. Three county executives continued to acquire land over the years, often through the threat of eminent domain. The pace accelerated in 2021 and 2022, when Micron became a reality. Now begins a construction job that could take two decades to complete and sprawl across an area of former farms and swamps three times larger than the New York State Fairgrounds. Micron says it will import nine million cubic yards of gravel and fill enough to fill the JMA Wireless Dome to the roof four times to level the low-lying site. The complex at the corner of Route 31 and Caughdenoy Road would have as many parking spaces as Destiny USA. For each of the four fabs, Micron would use more steel than the Golden Gate Bridge and more concrete than the Pentagon. Thats just the Micron campus. Onondaga County will spend $1.4 billion or more on an industrial wastewater plant for Micron. Its the most expensive project the county has ever undertaken, and County Executive Ryan McMahon says Micron will pay for it all. Theres no guarantee Micron will build all four fabs. The company can tap into $25 billion in taxpayer subsidies to build the first two fabs, but theres no public money yet for the other two. Based on Microns projections and the extensive environmental review, heres what we can expect in the coming years. Construction Site prep: Micron has hired Gilbane Co., one of the countrys largest construction firms, to ready the site for construction at an estimated cost of $1 billion. The first job for Gilbane Co. and its subcontractors will be to start clearing 445 acres of forest. Microns environmental report said that could take four months, but Gilbane will have to hurry. All tree-cutting must halt on March 31 and cant resume until Nov.1 because two species of endangered bats use the site to raise their young during the warmer months. Once the trees are down, Micron will need to haul in about 2 million yards of gravel-like fill to level and stabilize the site, which contains about 200 acres of wetlands. That will be done mostly by truck, with more than 500 trucks going in and out of the site every day on two-lane roads. Up to 4,000 construction workers could be on site at peak periods. Factories: This rendering depicts Micron Technology's planned semiconductor plant (top) and White Pine Science & Technology Park (bottom) in Clay. The science and technology park will host supply chain companies associated with Micron's project. in-ARCHITECTS Work on the first fab, at the northwestern edge of the site, would begin late this year or early in 2027. Fabs would be built in succession; as each is done, it will be outfitted with equipment and start producing chips. Heres the projected schedule for each complete fab: 2030 first fab 2033 second fab 2038 third fab 2041 fourth fab 2045 peak production Rail spur Construction also begins soon on a rail spur just across Caughdenoy Road from the main campus. When thats finished, which is projected to be in late summer, Micron will import the stone aggregate by rail to keep trucks off the road. The fill will be transported across Caughdenoy by a conveyor belt system 18 feet above the road. Trains will come in and out of the rail spur from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week for 20 years, according to Microns plans. Traffic Micron Technology is proposing that transportation agencies make major changes to highways in Clay and Cicero, including adding a new exit on Route 481 and running a four-lane access road from there to the Micron campus north of Route 31. Illustration by Christa Lemczak | clemczak@syracuse.com New exits: The traffic from Micron and all the other newly created jobs would overwhelm current roads. Thats why the state is planning to tackle three areas: Create a new exit on Interstate 81 in Cicero Redesign the already troublesome intersection of I-81 and Route 31 Build a new exit on I-481, just east of the CSX rail line. Widening: Routes 31 and 11 would be widened to four or six lanes. Jobs Electromechanical technology degree program graduates who will work at Micron in Boise, Idaho attend Onondaga Community College commencement in the SRC Arena on Saturday, May 17, 2025.(Left to right) RJ Tinsley, Kah-lelle Akins, Hunter Garrett, Sam Pandossi, and Timothy Szarek. Courtesy Onondaga Community College Construction: Between 2,000 and 4,000 construction workers are expected to be on the site through 2030, according to the final environmental report on the project released in November. The numbers will fluctuate after that, with just a handful of workers at periods between construction of fabs and up to 4,000 during a few peak years in the 2030s. Operations: A year ago, Micron said it had hired about two dozen people for the Clay project and would ramp up hiring in 2025. That hasnt happened yet, given that the opening of the first two fabs have been delayed by two to three years. Just one job is listed on Microns careers website for Clay, and thats a remote position. Before the delays were announced, Micron said it would hire 36 people for the Clay project this year, nearly all of them engineers earning $100,000. Hiring for fab operations begins in earnest in 2028 and 2029, when more than 500 engineers and 200 technicians and support staff would be hired. Within a decade, Micron says it will have 4,500 employees in Clay. Utilities This National Grid substation on Caughdenoy Road in Clay will be expanded to accommodate the ravenous electrical needs of Micron Technology's chipmaking plant. (Rick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.com) Electricity: Micron will use more electricity than the states of New Hampshire and Vermont combined, and it needs that power 24/7. Thats why National Grid plans to expand the substation across Caughdenoy Road and lay eight underground ultra-high-voltage lines two per fab, for redundancy under the road. That work is expected to start in late 2027 and be done in 2033. National Grid says Micron will pay the substantial majority of the cost. Water: Micron projects it would use up to 48 million gallons a day of fresh water if all four fabs are built. Thats more than the entire Onondaga County Water Authority system uses today to serve its 350,000 customers. OCWA would spend an estimated $550 million to meet Microns needs. The agency plans to upgrade local water lines in Clay starting this year and eventually lay a 26-mile-long water line from Lake Ontario. Industrial wastewater: Micron would discharge 40 million gallons a day of industrial wastewater into a wastewater plant to built by the county. The county would spend $1.4 billion to $2.6 billion on the plant, according to recent estimates from engineering consultants. It would be the largest single project the county has ever undertaken. County officials say Micron will pay for the plant through user fees. Construction of the plant would start late this year and be completed in late 2032. Sewage: The Oak Orchard plant is undergoing a $549 million upgrade, mostly to serve the potential growth of homes and businesses in the Clay area but also to handle Microns wastewater. Onondaga County plans to upgrade the Oak Orchard Wastewater Treatment Plant in Clay to accommodate business and residential growth, and build an industrial wastewater plant for Micron Technology just north of the sewage plant. The industrial plant would be built at the top right of this photo, where a solar panel array now stands. Onondaga County Timeline Heres a brief recap of the major milestones ahead. All of these are subject to change. SYDNEY, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A man armed with a bow and arrow has died after being shot by police officers northwest of Sydney on Friday afternoon. The police force in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement that officers were called around 1:40 p.m. local time on Friday to conduct a welfare check in the small town of Gunnedah, over 300 km northwest of Sydney. Officers arrived and spoke to a man outside a home before he went inside and returned armed with a bow and arrow. The man aimed at officers after they had returned to their vehicle for cover, and he was subsequently shot. He was treated by ambulance paramedics, but died at the scene. The NSW Police Force said the state crime command's homicide squad would lead the investigation into the incident and that the investigation would be reviewed by police integrity bodies. The death of a 55-year-old man who died earlier this month at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention camp in Texas could be classified as a homicide, the Washington Post is reporting. Geraldo Lunas Campos died Jan. 3 at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, according to a news release from ICE dated Jan. 9. The release said that Campos had been experiencing medical distress and his death was under investigation. ICE said that Lunas Campos, from Cuba, had been living in Rochester for several years and was arrested on July 14 during a planned enforcement operation in the Western New York city. ICE stated that he had been convicted of multiple crimes between 1998 and 2009, listing 10 convictions, including sexual contact with a child under 11, unlawful possession of a weapon during a robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, and several others. An employee of El Paso Countys Office of the Medical Examiner said that the office is likely to classify Lunas Campos death as a homicide, the Post is reporting. The employee made the comment to Lunas Camposs daughter. The daughter made a recording of the conversation, which she shared with the Post. In the recorded call, the employee said that a doctor is listing the cause of death as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression, and that pending a toxicology report, the doctor believes that were going to be listing the manner of death as homicide. According to the Post, a man who was also detained at the camp while Lunas Campos was there claimed that he saw several guards struggling with Lunas Campos, who was refusing to enter the segregation unit because he didnt have his medications. The other detainee, Santos Jesus Flores, said he saw guards choking Lunas Campos and that Campos said No puedo respirar Spanish for I cant breathe. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told People Magazine that On January 3rd, Geraldo Lunas Campos, a criminal illegal alien and convicted child sex predator, attempted to take his own life while he was detained at the Camp East Montana detention facility. The security staff immediately intervened to save his life. The spokesperson said that Lunas Campos violently resisted the security staff and continued to attempt to take his life, and stopped breathing and lost consciousness. Four undocumented immigrants have died in ICE custody so far this year, according to The Hill. ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments. ... Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay, department officials wrote in a statement to The Hill. ICE has conducted several enforcement operations in Upstate New York. In March 2025, more than 100 people were arrested in a series of actions, and in September 2025, agents raided a nutrition-bar factory in Cato in which more than 100 workers were detained and 57 were taken into custody. An airplane skidded off the taxiway at an Upstate New York airport on Thursday, but officials say the incident was not weather-related. WROC reports an American Airplanes plane went off the paved surface and was partially on the grass at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on Thursday night. There were 90 passengers on board Flight 3057; no injuries were reported. Monroe County officials said the cause remains under investigation. Officials said the airfield was clear of snow and ice at the time, and weather is not believed to be a factor. American Airlines told WHEC that the incident happened after deicing procedures due to snow and freezing temperatures. The flight was headed to Charlotte, North Carolina. Passengers were safely transported by bus back to the terminal while airport crews responded to the scene. Safety is our top priority and we apologize to our customers for their experience, the airline said in a statement. American Airlines said the flight from Rochester to Charlotte would re-depart Friday morning. The airline also said that all customers are being rebooked for their travel plans, and hotel accommodations were being provided for those who need them. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800. Additional details were not disclosed. Muri Assuncao, New York Daily News (TNS) An Upstate New York man was charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing three members of the same family, including a 4-month-old baby, in broad daylight, officials said Thursday. The violent confrontation began shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the town of Amsterdam, according to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office. The suspect, 29-year-old Chad Pacillo, had a brief interaction with an adult male working outside a home on Log City Road, Sheriff Jeffery Smith said at a press conference Thursday. Pacillo lives on the same street. Our investigation shows the suspect had initially left the property, then returned in a vehicle, and began stabbing the adult male, Smith said. As the incident unfolded, the adult female exited into the garage area while holding the infant after hearing the disturbance. The suspect then stabbed both the adult female and the child. The woman managed to flee the scene and call 911. Deputies arrived minutes later and used a Taser to arrest Pacillo after he reportedly refused to comply with verbal commands. All four individuals were taken to nearby hospitals but were later released, officials said. The victims were transported to Albany Medical Center, while Pacillo was taken to St. Marys Hospital in Amsterdam. The suspect was later arraigned and booked into the Montgomery County Correctional Facility on $100,000 cash bail or $500,000 bond, according to Smith. Hes scheduled to appear in court at a later date. Pacillo was previously charged with assault following a 2021 incident in Amsterdam, officials confirmed. He was sentenced to two years of probation and was discharged early after successfully complying with all terms and conditions, according to Smith. Hes now charged with three counts of second-degree attempted murder, one count of first-degree assault, two counts of attempted assault, and one count each of burglary and criminal possession of a weapon in connection to Wednesdays attack. A motive for the triple stabbing has not been identified, officials said. When asked about Pacillos mental health, Sheriff Smith said the suspect was evaluated at the hospital and later released into custody. He is not believed to have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the stabbings. According to Smith, the neighbors didnt have many interactions prior to Wednesdays attack. The only [other] incident was about a month ago, Smith said. There was a call that he was trespassing on their property and deputies responded and informed him that hes not allowed to do that, not to be on the property. There was no further incidents that night or following. 2026 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Star Search, the iconic talent competition that originally ran from 1983 to 1995, is returning next week. However, theres a twist: the show is moving from its original home on CBS to Netflix. The beloved series has been rebooted by the streaming platform with a new live format. Anthony Anderson will take the place of beloved host Ed McMahon, who passed away in 2009. Netflixs Star Search will premiere on Jan. 20 and will continue to stream live every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET. Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Chrissy Teigen will all serve as judges. As per usual, theyll evaluate a diverse range of talent, including musicians, dancers, comedians, junior performers, and variety acts. During each episode, audience members will vote in real time to determine which contestants advance and who gets eliminated. This interactive format requires viewers to watch as episodes stream live. Netflix warns in a Tudum blog post that pausing, rewinding, or joining late could result in missing the voting window entirely. The streamer explains that during voting rounds, a prompt will appear on screen allowing viewers to rate each performance on a one-to-five-star scale. Viewers can then use their remote to select ratings, while mobile users tap their choice directly on the app. Each Netflix profile can submit one vote per performance, and votes cannot be changed once submitted. The real-time voting feature works on newer smart TVs, streaming devices including Roku and Apple TV, and mobile devices running the latest Netflix app. Android users need version 9 or later, while iPhone and iPad users require iOS or iPadOS 17 or later. The voting feature will not be available through web browsers. Results and eliminations will be announced live during each episode. During its original run, Star Search was a powerhouse for discovering future legends. It helped launch the careers of musical icons like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and LeAnn Rimes, as well as comedians like Drew Carey and Rosie ODonnell. COPENHAGEN, Denmark U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Friday that he may punish countries with tariffs if they dont back the U.S. controlling Greenland, a message that came as a bipartisan Congressional delegation sought to lower tensions in the Danish capital. Trump for months has insisted that the U.S. should control Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, and said earlier this week that anything less than the Arctic island being in U.S. hands would be unacceptable. During an unrelated event at the White House about rural health care, he recounted Friday how he had threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals. I may do that for Greenland too, Trump said. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that, he said. He had not previously mentioned using tariffs to try to force the issue. Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met in Washington this week with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. That encounter didnt resolve the deep differences, but did produce an agreement to set up a working group on whose purpose Denmark and the White House then offered sharply diverging public views. European leaders have insisted that is only for Denmark and Greenland to decide on matters concerning the territory, and Denmark said this week that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland in cooperation with allies. Security researchers have uncovered a serious Bluetooth vulnerability that could allow hackers to silently hijack wireless headphones, earbuds, and speakers turning everyday audio devices into tools for spying and tracking. The flaw, known as WhisperPair (CVE-2025-36911), was uncovered by researchers from the Computer Security and Industrial Cryptography (COSIC) group at KU Leuven University in Belgium. It targets Googles Fast Pair feature, a popular system designed to make Bluetooth pairing quick and effortless. Researchers say the same convenience that made Fast Pair successful has now exposed hundreds of millions of devices to significant privacy risks. A Flaw Hidden Inside Accessories The issue lies not in smartphones, but within the Bluetooth accessories themselves. According to COSIC researchers, many manufacturers failed to properly implement a basic security check required by the Fast Pair protocol. In theory, Bluetooth accessories should only accept pairing requests when they are placed in pairing mode. In practice, many devices ignore this rule, allowing unauthorized devices nearby to initiate pairing forcefully without any user interaction or warning. Once paired, attackers can gain full control of the accessory. To start the Fast Pair procedure, a Seeker (a phone) sends a message to the Provider (an accessory) indicating that it wants to pair. The Fast Pair specification states that if the accessory is not in pairing mode, it should disregard such messages, the researchers said. However, many devices fail to enforce this check in practice, allowing unauthorised devices to start the pairing process. After receiving a reply from the vulnerable device, an attacker can finish the Fast Pair procedure by establishing a regular Bluetooth pairing. What Attackers Can Do Using any Bluetooth-capable device such as a phone, laptop, or Raspberry Pi attackers can hijack vulnerable headphones from distances of up to 14 meters in less than 15 seconds. Once connected, researchers demonstrated that attackers can: Eavesdrop on conversations through built-in microphones Inject audio or blast sound at high volume Track a users location via Googles Find Hub network Maintain access for days before the victim notices anything unusual In some cases, users may eventually see tracking alerts that appear to come from their own device, making it easy to dismiss them as a glitch. Who Is Affected The researchers tested 17 Fast Pairenabled audio devices from 10 major brands, including Sony, Jabra, JBL, Marshall, Xiaomi, Nothing, OnePlus, Soundcore, Logitech, and Google. More than two-thirds of the tested devices were vulnerable to forced pairing, and every successfully hijacked device allowed microphone access. Alarmingly, the flaw also affects iPhone users, even if theyve never owned an Android phone, because the vulnerability exists in the accessories themselves. Googles Response Google awarded the researchers a $15,000 bug bounty, the highest possible, for discovering the flaw and coordinated with manufacturers during a 150-day disclosure period to develop fixes. The search giant says it has not seen evidence of real-world exploitation beyond lab testing. While several manufacturers have released patches for their affected devices, software updates may not yet be available for every vulnerable device. What Users Should Do Now Currently, the only effective protection is installing a software update issued by the manufacturer of the accessory. Until patches are fully deployed, security experts recommend users to: Update headphones and earbuds using official manufacturer apps Keep smartphones fully updated Remove unused or unknown paired Bluetooth devices Turn off Bluetooth when not in use Avoid Bluetooth pairing in public places Reset and re-pair accessories after firmware updates For people handling sensitive conversations or data, experts suggest using wired audio options until updates are confirmed. The three astronauts Chen Dong (C), Chen Zhongrui (R) and Wang Jie from China's Shenzhou-20 crewed mission salute during a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Minggang) BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The three astronauts from China's Shenzhou-20 crewed mission met the press in Beijing on Friday, their first public appearance after returning to Earth in November. Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie recounted how they found the cracks on the window of their original return vessel, the Shenzhou-20 spaceship, and shared insights from their extended stay in space. The Shenzhou-20 crew, launched in April 2025, was initially scheduled to return on Nov. 5, 2025. During the pre-return checks, the crew noticed the triangular-shaped cracks on the outermost layer of a viewport window. They promptly documented it with photos and transmitted the data to the ground. Together with the Shenzhou-21 crew, who were also aboard the space station, they conducted detailed observations and discussions to assist ground teams in assessment. "I initially judged that the cracks were on the outermost layer of glass and had penetrated it, but would not affect the safety of our in-orbit stay," Chen Dong said, assuring that the crew had faith in both the ground team and themselves to handle any unexpected malfunctions. Chen Zhongrui emphasized that the crew's extensive emergency training, combined with the strong support of the nation and the dedicated aerospace team, gave them full confidence in their preparedness. Indeed, from identifying the issue to the crew's safe return, and then to the successful launch of the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft, the entire process took just over 20 days, showcasing the safety and efficiency of Chinas space endeavors. "The unexpected window cracks ultimately became a precious testament to the concerted efforts and shared commitment to safety between our two crews and all ground-based space personnel," Wang said. The Shenzhou-20 crew later returned to the ground on Nov. 14, 2025, aboarding the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. When asked about the highlights of their over six-month stay in orbit, the three astronauts shared memorable experiences from their mission. Veteran astronaut Chen Dong has participated in three spaceflight missions, carrying out seven extravehicular activities (EVAs). Three of these spacewalks during the space stations operational phase involved installing space debris protection panels, a critical task for ensuring the station's long-term safety. He highlighted the growing threat of space debris and called for continued efforts to fully wrap the space station with protective devices. Chen Dong is also the first Chinese astronaut to accumulate a total in-orbit stay exceeding 400 days. But he believed that with the space station operating steadily, more people would set new records in space. He admitted that the core challenge of his three missions was keeping pace with the rapidly evolving space station and aligning his capabilities precisely with mission requirements. For first-time astronaut Chen Zhongrui, his debut spacewalk left him a deep impression. "This was the first EVAs conducted from the node cabin after the construction of the space station was completed, representing a new experience for both the ground team and our crew," he said. Looking ahead to the journey of space exploration, Wang Jie, who transitioned from a space technology engineer on the ground to a flight engineer in orbit, encouraged young people to join the ranks of space explorers in the future, working together to carry China's footsteps further into the cosmos. Astronauts Chen Dong (C), Chen Zhongrui (R) and Wang Jie from China's Shenzhou-20 crewed mission salute during a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Minggang) Astronaut Chen Dong (C) from China's Shenzhou-20 crewed mission speaks during a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Minggang) Astronaut Chen Dong from China's Shenzhou-20 crewed mission speaks during a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Minggang) Astronaut Chen Zhongrui from China's Shenzhou-20 crewed mission speaks during a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Minggang) Astronaut Wang Jie from China's Shenzhou-20 crewed mission speaks during a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Minggang) Press Release from Business Wire: AEON Environmental Foundation (AFP) Jan 16, 2026 TOKYO & MONTREAL, Jan 16, 2026 (BSW) - The call for nominations for The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2026 is open from 2 February to 31 March 2026. Nominations are invited from members of the public through the AEON Environmental Foundation website at https://www.aeonkankyozaidan.or.jp/en/prize/ . The Award Ceremony and Award Winners Forum of the 2026 edition of the Prize will be held on 27 August in Tokyo, Japan. These events will contribute to the global mobilization around COP 17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which will take place in Yerevan (Armenia) under the theme of "Taking action for Nature". Co-organized by the AEON Environmental Foundation and the Secretariat of the CBD, the Prize is awarded to individuals who make outstanding contributions to global biodiversity-related objectives, including the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and other environmental challenges such as climate change. To date, 21 individuals from 20 countries have received the prize. Established by the AEON Environmental Foundation during the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, the Prize has been awarded to biodiversity champions in several fields, including Implementation, Science & Research and Policy & Enlightenment, reflecting the need for a whole-of-society approach to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Adopted at the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the CBD in 2022, the KMGBF is the world's blueprint to halt and reverse biodiversity loss through 23 action targets that must be achieved by 2030. Details Period for nomination: 2 February to 31 March 2026Eligibility: All individuals contributing to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the categories of Implementation, Science & Research, and Policy & EnlightenmentOrganizer: AEON Environmental Foundation and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD)No. of prizewinners: TwoPrize money: 100,000 US dollars eachAward ceremony: 27 August 2026 in Tokyo, JapanApplication method: See the AEON Environmental Foundation website at https://www.aeonkankyozaidan.or.jp/en/prize/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260108824361/en/ Contact AEON Environmental Foundation[email protected] Head of Communications at CBD[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. TRIPOLI, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Eleven Libyan companies were found illicitly using letters of credit to transfer 54 million U.S. dollars to foreign beneficiaries without importing any goods, a Libyan Customs official said on Thursday. The companies completed all letter-of-credit procedures and transferred funds through intermediary banks to foreign beneficiaries, yet failed to supply any goods or commodities to Libya, said Fahmi Al-Maqouri, spokesman for the Libyan Customs Authority, in a statement via the official Facebook page. Al-Maqouri described the case as a serious violation that harms public funds and undermines the national economy. He added that all legal measures have been taken, including opening an official investigation file, completing preliminary inquiries, and referring the case to the Public Prosecutor's Office in accordance with legal jurisdiction. Indonesia sues firms over environmental harm in flood zone Jakarta, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2026 Indonesia's government has filed multiple lawsuits seeking over $200 million in damages against six firms, after deadly floods wreaked havoc across Sumatra, killing more than 1,000 people last year. Environmentalists, experts, and the government pointed the finger at deforestation for its role in last year's disaster that washed torrents of mud and wooden logs into villages across the northwestern part of the island. The government is seeking 4.8 trillion rupiah ($283.8 million) from six companies accused of unspecified damage to an area spanning more than 2,500 hectares, the environment ministry said Thursday. The sum represents both fines for damage and the proposed monetary value of recovery efforts. The environment ministry declined to offer more details when speaking with AFP on the alleged damage caused by the defendants, listed in the statement only by their initials. The suits were filed to courts Thursday in Jakarta and North Sumatra's Medan, the ministry added. "We firmly uphold the principle of polluter pays," Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said in a statement. Hanif warned in a statement Thursday that any corporation that "profits by damaging the ecosystem must be held fully responsible for restoring it". Environmental groups say the government also holds some responsibility when granting companies the right to raze large tracts of land. Greenpeace Indonesia's forest campaigner Arie Rompas called the lawsuits a "minimalist" move, adding that authorities should comprehensively review policies responsible for the disaster. "Besides the impact of the climate crisis, the flooding was also caused by land degradation, including deforestation, carried out by corporations," Arie told AFP. "Those companies were granted permits by the government." Mining, plantations, and fires have caused the clearance of large tracts of lush Indonesian rainforest over recent decades. Over 240,000 hectares of primary forest were lost in 2024, according to analysis by conservation start-up The TreeMap's "Nusantara Atlas" project. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said last month that the government will revoke 22 forestry permits across the country, including permits that encompass more than 100,000 hectares in Sumatra. Raja did not specify whether the decision was linked to the disaster, though earlier said that the floods provide an opportunity to "evaluate our policies." The "pendulum between the economy and ecology seems to have swung too far towards the economy and needs to be pulled back to the centre," Raja said at the time. CORRECTED: Floods claim several lives South Africa, Mozambique on alert Johannesburg, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2026 Flooding after torrential rains claimed nine lives since Christmas in South Africa's Limpopo province, an official said, as rains forced the closure of the famed Kruger National Park. The weather service issued the maximum warning for more rain in parts of the country while neighbouring Mozambique was on alert after flooding that inundated roads and homes. Nine people lost their lives in the northeastern Limpopo province near Kruger since Christmas, a provincial government spokesperson told AFP. Nearly 200 people had been rescued, he said. The spokesman clarified Friday that the death toll was over several weeks and not overnight as he told AFP Thursday. Images released by South Africa's National Defence Force showed a military helicopter airlifting stranded residents from trees. In neighbouring Mpumalanga province, rescuers on Thursday recovered the body of a woman who drowned while trying to cross a river. At least 19 people have died in Mpumalanga since the rains began in November, provincial spokesman Freddy Ngobe told AFP. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Limpopo on Thursday "to assess the extent of the damage and the response of government," his office said. The Kruger National Park, a premier destination for wildlife tourism, had to evacuate six bush camps and some tented camps, the park's communications director, Rey Thakuli, told AFP. Day?visitor access to the park was suspended Thursday. In Mozambique, authorities began evacuating residents from low?lying areas and there were reports of deaths. Mozambique's meteorology department said more heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds were expected in the coming days, including in the capital Maputo. While the southern hemisphere summer typically brings seasonal rains, this year's extreme downpours have unfolded against a backdrop of deepening climate stress. "Our summer of extremes is but a small foretaste of the climate impacts that could follow if we do not act now," James Reeler, senior climate specialist at WWF South Africa, said in a statement. Two bodies recovered as South Africa flood toll rises Giyani, South Africa, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2026 Authorities in South Africa recovered Friday two more bodies from widespread flooding that washed out homes, roads and bridges, also cutting access to the famed Kruger National Park for a second day. Heavy rains have drenched the northeast of the country since late last year, claiming at least 30 lives, with the region on maximum alert for more rain in the coming days. The recovery of two bodies in Limpopo province, around 300 kilometres (190 miles) north of Johannesburg, took the provincial death toll to 11 since December, Premier Phophi Ramathuba told reporters. Neighbouring Mpumalanga has recorded 19 deaths since the punishing rains began in November, provincial officials said this week. "The devastation inflicted upon our communities, our infrastructure and, tragically, the loss of lives cannot be overstated," Ramathuba said. Hundreds of schools could not open for the new term and water and power infrastructure were severely damaged, she said. The flooding forced Kruger National Park, a world-famous safari destination, to halt day visits since Thursday and airlift some guests and staff to safety. "Only essential staff are allowed access into the parks," South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesman JP Louw told AFP. At least two camps had been closed and evacuated, he said. Dramatic SANParks footage showed wide stretches of the reserve swallowed by swirling brown water, with only trees jutting out, and knee?deep currents surging through buildings. In neighbouring Mozambique, which has also suffered from weeks of heavy rain, communities in low-lying areas near the capital Maputo were urged to evacuate to higher ground on Friday afternoon. At least eight people have died in Mozambique since December 21, according to official data. "We are rescuing people and providing food assistance," said Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, adding that the situation was still being assessed. 2025 was third hottest year on record: climate monitors By Laurent THOMET Brussels, Belgium (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 The planet logged its third hottest year on record in 2025, extending a run of unprecedented heat, with no relief expected in 2026, global climate monitors said Wednesday. The last 11 years have now been the warmest ever recorded, with 2024 topping the podium and 2023 in second place, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service and Berkeley Earth, a California-based non-profit research organisation. For the first time, global temperatures exceeded 1.5C relative to pre-industrial times on average over the last three years, Copernicus said in its annual report. "The warming spike observed from 2023-2025 has been extreme, and suggests an acceleration in the rate of the Earth's warming," Berkeley Earth said in a separate report. The landmark 2015 Paris Agreement commits the world to limiting warming to well below 2C and pursuing efforts to hold it at 1.5C -- a long-term target scientists say would help avoid the worst consequences of climate change. UN chief Antonio Guterres warned in October that breaching 1.5C was "inevitable" but the world could limit this period of overshoot by cutting greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible. Copernicus said the 1.5C limit "could be reached by the end of this decade -- over a decade earlier than predicted". But efforts to contain global warming were dealt another setback last week as President Donald Trump said he would pull the United States -- the world's second-biggest polluter after China -- out of the bedrock UN climate treaty. Temperatures were 1.47C above pre-industrial times in 2025 -- just a fraction cooler than in 2023 -- following 1.6C in 2024, according to Copernicus. The World Meteorological Organization, the UN's weather and climate agency, said two of eight datasets it analysed showed 2025 was the second warmest year, but the other six datasets ranked it third. The WMO put the 2023-2025 average at 1.48C but with a margin of uncertainty of plus-minus 0.13C. Despite the cooling La Nina weather phenomenon, 2025 "was still one of the warmest years on record globally because of the accumulation of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in our atmosphere", WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said in a statement. Some 770 million people experienced record-warm annual conditions where they live, while no record-cold annual average was logged anywhere, according to Berkeley Earth. The Antarctic experienced its warmest year on record while it was the second hottest in the Arctic, Copernicus said. An AFP analysis of Copernicus data last month found that Central Asia, the Sahel region and northern Europe experienced their hottest year on record in 2025. - 2026: Fourth-warmest? - Berkeley and Copernicus both warned that 2026 would not break the trend. If the warming El Nino weather phenomenon appears this year, "this could make 2026 another record-breaking year", Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, told AFP. "Temperatures are going up. So we are bound to see new records. Whether it will be 2026, 2027, 2028 doesn't matter too much. The direction of travel is very, very clear," Buontempo said. Berkeley Earth said it expected this year to be similar to 2025, "with the most likely outcome being approximately the fourth-warmest year since 1850". - Emissions fight - The reports come as efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions -- the main driver of climate change -- are stalling in developed countries. Emissions rose in the United States last year, snapping a two-year streak of declines, as bitter winters and the AI boom fuelled demand for energy, the Rhodium Group think tank said Tuesday. The pace of reductions of greenhouse gas emissions slowed in Germany and France. "While greenhouse gas emissions remain the dominant driver of global warming, the magnitude of this recent spike suggests additional factors have amplified recent warming beyond what we would expect from greenhouse gases and natural variability alone," said Berkeley Earth chief scientist Robert Rohde. The organisation said international rules cutting sulphur in ship fuel since 2020 may have actually added to warming by reducing sulphur dioxide emissions, which form aerosols that reflect sunlight away from Earth. NASA reports record heat but omits reference to climate change Washington, United States (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 - Don't say the c-word. Global temperatures soared in 2025, but a NASA statement published Wednesday alongside its latest benchmark annual report makes no reference to climate change, in line with President Donald Trump's push to deny the reality of planetary heating as a result of human activities. That marks a sharp break from last year's communications, issued under the administration of Democrat Joe Biden, which stated plainly: "This global warming has been caused by human activities" and has led to intensifying "heat waves, wildfires, intense rainfall and coastal flooding." Last year's materials also featured lengthy quotes from the then-NASA chief and a senior scientist and included graphics and a video. By contrast, this year's release only runs through a few key facts and figures, and totals six paragraphs. "The press release and publicly available data provide the official agency analysis," the US space agency said in response to a request for comment about the shift in tone. According to NASA, Earth's global surface temperature in 2025 was slightly warmer than in 2023 -- albeit within a margin of error -- making it effectively tied as the second-hottest year on record after 2024. Other global agencies, including the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service and the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which use different methodologies and modeling, say 2025 ranked as the third-hottest. "The US government is now, like Russia and Saudi Arabia, a petrostate under Trump and Republican rule, and the actions of all of its agencies and departments can be understood in terms of the agenda of the polluters that are running the show," University of Pennsylvania climatologist Michael Mann told AFP. "It is therefore entirely unsurprising that NASA administrators are attempting to bury findings of its own agency that conflict with its climate denial agenda." Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, added: "I'm just happy they were allowed to put out a press release." "Pretty much all federal scientists working on climate in the US have had to self-censor and leave out reference to human influences on climate change, unfortunately," he told AFP. "Thankfully much of the underlying science is still occurring, even if they cannot talk about it." NASA's analysis found that average temperatures for 2025 were 2.14 degrees Fahrenheit (1.19 degrees Celsius) above the 1951-1980 average. It was based on data from more than 25,000 meteorological stations worldwide, ship- and buoy-based instruments measuring sea surface temperatures, and Antarctic research stations, with the data analyzed and corrected for changing distributions of temperature stations and urban heating effects that could skew the results. US cuts in funding risk climate research 'blind' spots: EU monitors Brussels, Belgium (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 - US President Donald Trump's planned science funding cuts could create blind spots in climate research but his policies did not impact a closely-watched annual report on global warming, officials from the EU's climate monitor told AFP. The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service releases monthly and annual reports on the state of the climate, which partly rely on data from US government agencies. Its latest Global Climate Highlights report, published Wednesday, concluded that 2025 was the third hottest year on record after all-time highs in 2023 and 2024. Copernicus uses billions of satellite and weather observations from land and at sea, including from US agencies, with records dating back many decades. "The US is still a reliable supplier of data for forecasts," Florian Pappenberger, the director general of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which operates Copernicus, told AFP. "At the moment we have seen ... no operational impact" from the announced cuts, he said. Pappenberger, however, voiced concern about the potential loss of any data in the future. "Losing observations is a worrying thing for any weather forecaster because the availability and the quantity of observations is directly linked to the quality of weather forecasts," he said. "The worry is that you stop an existing observation system and therefore don't have the data for a future exercise of creating these types of reports." Trump has pursued deep cuts to federal climate science and Earth-observation funding, including programs that contribute data to international monitoring networks. US lawmakers have drafted 2026 spending bills that would reject Trump's cuts to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), but the legislation has not yet been finalised. Copernicus director Carlo Buontempo said coordination with NASA and NOAA "has continued all the same" but potential US cuts are "a risk we need to consider". The United States, for example, is a major financial contributor to an international ocean data program, which consists of robotic floats that drift under water for days and resurface to beam information to satellites. "If we lose deep ocean observation, this will make us blind for a number of years," Buontempo told AFP. Related Links Weather News at TerraDaily.com LUSAKA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed mpox cases in Zambia has climbed to 367 since the disease outbreak in October 2024, health authorities said on Friday. Minister of Health Elijah Muchima said the cases were recorded from more than 2,000 suspected cases identified in 46 districts across nine of the country's 10 provinces. "While the World Health Organization has declared an end to mpox as a public health emergency of international concern, the disease has not disappeared, and response activities continue," he told reporters during a press briefing. Zambia recorded its first mpox case in October 2024, and so far, the southern African nation has reported three mpox-related deaths. Meanwhile, cumulative cholera cases have reached 639 since fresh outbreaks were reported in August 2025. Ten people have died, while 614 others have recovered, the minister said, adding that 17 people remain hospitalized in Lusaka, the country's capital, as preventive measures are being intensified. Muchima said the disease has been reported in 17 districts across seven provinces, with most cases coming from the northern part of the country. Zambia experienced its worst cholera outbreak between October 2023 and July 2024, recording over 23,000 cases and more than 700 deaths. 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 Game of Thrones author George RR Martin has been writing the next book in his Song of Ice and Fire series for a staggering 16 years and he wont be finishing it anytime soon. Between 1996 and 2011, the author published five books in the fantasy series, which were adapted into the juggernaut HBO drama, and The Winds of Winters delay has proved agonising for fans, with many readers questioning whether he will ever finish it. In a new interview, Martin, 77, has admitted he is struggling to complete the book as the actual writing is getting harder, adding in a major understatement: Maybe Im overoptimistic about how quickly I can write these things. He also dropped the bombshell that The Winds of Winter will feature chapters from the point of view of Jon Snow, who was seemingly killed off in his previous release, A Dance with Dragons. In Game of Thrones, Snow (Kit Harington) was resurrected after being murdered, but Martin has claimed the book will stray from events depicted in the show. He appeared to let Snows book fate slip when asked about his writing process, telling The Hollywood Reporter: I will open the last chapter I was working on and Ill say, Oh f***, this is not very good. And Ill go in and Ill rewrite it. Or Ill decide, This Tyrion chapter is not coming along, let me write a Jon Snow chapter. Readers are taking this to mean that Snow will indeed return from the dead. Elsewhere, Martin said the book ending wont be as happy as the series, stating: I was going to kill more people not the ones they killed [in the show]. For example, he said he doesnt see a happy ending for Tyrion, the character played by Peter Dinklage, as his whole arc has been tragic from the first. open image in gallery Kit Harington played Jon Snow in Game of Thrones ( HBO ) He also said he intended to kill Sansa Stark, but is reconsidering after Sophie Turner made the character appealing in the series. The author said the book delay has stemmed from having commitments to numerous other projects, including more novellas for characters Dunk and Egg, who take centre stage in new series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, starting on Monday (19 January) in the UK. I do think if I can just get some of these other things off my back, I could finish The Winds of Winter pretty soon, he said, adding: Its been made clear to me that Winds is the priority, but I dont know. Sometimes Im not in the mood for that. He previously addressed the controversy about how late the book is, stating in October 2025: Ive always had trouble with deadlines and I dont feel happy breaching contracts or missing a deadline or anything like that. Martin continued: Yes, I do love Winds of Winter. Im still interested in it, Im still working on it, but honestly, I love these other things, too. Discussing the backlash he receives every time he announces a new project that isnt related to Winds of Winter, Martin added: Every time that happens, and I announce it on my website, half the internet goes crazy. open image in gallery George RR Martin has been working on The Winds of Winter since 2010 ( Getty ) Why the f*** is George RR Martin writing this other thing when he should be writing Winds of Winter? What is he doing? And I want to say, I did it in 1993, guys. Come on! It was lying in my drawer, and they wanted it, so I sold it to them! He also previously called The Winds of Winter the curse of my life, telling Time: Theres no doubt Winds of Winter is 13 years late. He is currently set to follow The Winds of Winter with a seventh and final book titled A Dream of Spring. 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 Never bring a bag of grated mozzarella to a cheese-and-wine night. Dont wear false eyelashes and heels on a casual night out. And if a fellow student owns an embossed leather Hermes notebook, that does not mean his name is Hermes. These are just a few of the endless cultural faux pas an ordinary girl can make when she enters the upper echelons of Cambridge University. They are gleefully and astutely catalogued in Jade Franks Eat The Rich (But Maybe Not Me Mates x), a warm autobiographical account of leaving Liverpool for Oxbridge and discovering that raw intelligence is only one of many currencies that matter. Written and performed by Franks as her debut one-woman show, Eat The Rich begins when she realises Cambridge might offer a way out of call-centre purgatory. She gets accepted, packs her bags, and almost immediately finds herself adrift among the Tillys, Millys and Jillys of the upper-class student body. Staged in the stripped-back Soho Theatre Upstairs, Franks uses a wheely office chair, a corded phone and an old-fashioned school desk crammed with costume changes to conjure a first term of freshers hell. A soundtrack of Dua Lipas One Kiss and thumping house music whisks us between corny Cambridge club nights and dorm room seduction by a Hugh Grant lookalike love interest. Unaware of the bursary systems designed to support students like her, and flouting Oxbridge rules against term-time work, Franks takes a job... cleaning student halls (you can see where this is going: nowhere good). Its a relatable act of financial necessity for those of us who did more service work at uni than anything remotely academic, and one that becomes the shows reliable engine for tension and comedy. In less confident hands, without glittery acrylic nails, this monologuing could slide into an easy posh people are the bad guys sermon. Instead, Franks blends hun culture, stand-up rhythms and Northern English specificity to support a far more persuasive argument: class is, as ever, rarely just about money, but about culture, access, and an inherited sense of belonging. One of the shows smartest moments comes courtesy of the droll student Hermes, who patiently explains the Oxbridge class hierarchy on Franks first day. Its not just state versus private school: You could go to a good state school and be more IN than someone from a cheap private school. You could be home-schooled by your cool artsy parents and be more IN than someone who went to an international school. Class, Franks suggests, is a social ecosystem. Its whether youre the first person you know to go to university, or one of many. Its the gulf between an artist who racks up credit card debt to get a play on its feet, as Franks did, and one who can call up a family friend to secure a stately home as a filming location, Emerald Fennell-style. Fans of Jack Rookes Big Boys and Phoebe Waller-Bridges Fleabag will enjoy this (Netflix has already backed Franks vision for a small screen adaptation), though Eat The Rich is a lighter and looser romp than either of those. Its at its strongest outside of its serious moments, when Franks leans fully into comedy, firing off observations about what truly posh people do for fun or how it feels when a rich person talks about their parents library when your Mum is more of a Fifty Shades of Grey on the Kindle type of reader. In those moments, Franks cheeky charisma is a delight; it does the heavy lifting, and the shows politics land without feeling didactic. After all, youre either lucky enough to be a Tilly, Milly or Jilly, for whom opportunities are laid out at your feet. Or youre a Jade Franks, making your way on wit, resilience and hard work. Eat the Rich (But Maybe Not Me Mates x) is on at Soho Theatre until 31 January; tickets here 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. 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. 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 Australian woman who first publicly accused Alon and Oren Alexander of sexual assault was found dead late last year, according to authorities. Kate Whiteman sued the twin brothers in March 2024, accusing them of forcing her into a car as she was leaving a nightclub in 2012 and driving her to a mansion on New Yorks Long Island, where she was allegedly raped. Late last year, Whiteman was found dead near Sydney at the age of 45, officials in New South Wales have confirmed. A cause of death has yet to be determined. The New South Wales Police Force told The Independent that Whitemans death is not being treated as suspicious, and police are not investigating. The New South Wales Coroners Court confirmed to The Independent that Whitemans death was reported to the coroner in late 2025. The investigation into her death has concluded, and the circumstances surrounding her passing were determined to be non-suspicious, the coroners court said. open image in gallery An Australian woman who first publicly accused Alon Alexander, right, and Oren Alexander, left, of sexual assault was found dead late last year, a new report has revealed ( Matias J. Ocner-Pool/Getty Images ) Her death was first reported by The New York Times. Minutes after Whitemans lawsuit was filed, another woman, Rebecca Mandel, filed her own lawsuit against Oren, a big-time real estate broker, and Alon, an executive at his familys security firm. In 2010, Mandel was at a Manhattan nightclub when Alon insisted on buying her a drink, the lawsuit said. After consuming her first drink of the night, her memory became hazy, according to the lawsuit. Mandels lawsuit claimed Alon had intentionally drugged her drink, and then he and Oren brought her to their apartment, where they sexually abused her. Another woman, Angelica Parker, filed a lawsuit in June 2024, claiming she was sexually assaulted in a Manhattan apartment in 2012 by Alon and the older Alexander brother, Tal, another luxury real estate broker, while Oren watched, according to the New York Times. Parkers lawsuit was later dismissed due to statute of limitations issues, the publication reported. open image in gallery Kate Whiteman sued the twin brothers in March 2024, accusing them of raping her over a decade earlier ( Matias J. Ocner-Pool/Getty Images ) All three brothers were arrested and charged with sex trafficking crimes in December 2024. They stand accused of working together and with others to repeatedly and violently drug, sexually assault, and rape dozens of victims for over a decade, the brothers indictment reads. The trio has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against them. Their trial is expected to start on January 26. open image in gallery Alon and Orens older brother, Tal Alexander, has also been accused of sexual assault, though all three deny such allegations ( REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg ) Juda Engelmayer, a public relations consultant for the brothers, told The Independent that they were unaware of Whitemans death until we learned about it from the media today. 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 decision to release this information publicly on the eve of trial invites obvious questions, Engelmayer said. The Independent has reached out to Whitemans attorney, Evan Torgan, for comment. BANGKOK, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday announced its strategy for economic diplomacy, designed to navigate global trade volatility and shield its export-dependent economy from rising trade protectionism. Speaking after a meeting with private sector leaders, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow outlined the new approach, which centers on building confidence in the Thai economy, enhancing competitiveness for local businesses, and fostering collaboration with international partners. Sihasak emphasized that as businesses pivot toward digital and green economies, Thai diplomacy must help attract investment and advanced technologies into the country. Navigating a fragmented world order, the minister addressed the challenges posed by the erosion of global trade rules and the rise of unilateral measures by major powers. "In an era where trade rules are shaking and major powers are using tariffs as tools for non-trade objectives, we must find allies to help uphold international rules," Sihasak said. The briefing also covered the ministry's agendas, including leveraging Thailand's global network to gain access to key decision-makers, balancing traditional markets with new frontiers, and strengthening the nation's role in regional frameworks to enhance connectivity. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The man charged with killing Charlie Kirk is due back in court Friday as his attorneys seek to disqualify prosecutors over an alleged conflict of interest. Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder in Kirk's September 10 shooting on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. Prosecutors with the Utah County Attorney's Office plan to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. The Utah man has not yet entered a plea. An 18-year-old child of a deputy county attorney attended the campus event where Kirk was killed. The child, whose name was redacted from court documents, later texted with their father in the Utah County Attorney's Office to describe the chaotic events around the shooting, the filings from prosecutors and defense lawyers say. Defense attorneys say that personal relationship is a conflict of interest that raises serious concerns about past and future prosecutorial decision-making in this case, according to court documents. open image in gallery Tyler Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk ( AP ) They also argue that the rush to seek the death penalty against Robinson is evidence of strong emotional reactions by the prosecution and merits the disqualification of the entire team. Several thousand people attended the outdoor rally where Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA who helped to mobilize young people to vote for President Donald Trump, was shot as he took questions from the audience. The child of the deputy county attorney did not see the shooting, according to an affidavit submitted by prosecutors. While the second person in line was speaking with Charlie, I was looking around the crowd when I heard a loud sound, like a pop. Someone yelled, hes been shot, the child stated in the affidavit. The child later texted a family group chat to say CHARLIE GOT SHOT. In the aftermath of the shooting, the child did not miss classes or other activities, and reported no lasting trauma aside from being scared at the time, the affidavit said. Prosecutors have asked District Judge Tony Graf to deny the disqualification request. open image in gallery Charlie Kirk pictured in 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Under these circumstances, there is virtually no risk, let alone a significant risk, that it would arouse such emotions in any father-prosecutor as to render him unable to fairly prosecute the case, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray said in a filing. Gray also said the child was neither a material witness nor a victim in the case and that nearly everything the person knows about the actual homicide is mere hearsay. The Associated Press left email and telephone messages for Robinson's defense attorney, Kathryn Nester. Prosecutors have said text messages and DNA evidence connect Robinson to the killing. Robinson reportedly texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he had enough of his hatred. At recent hearings, Robinsons legal team has pushed to limit media access in the high-profile case. Graf has prohibited media from publishing photos, videos and live broadcasts that show Robinson's restraints to help protect his presumption of innocence before a trial. The judge has not ruled on a suggestion by the defense to ban cameras in the courtroom. Prosecutors are expected to lay out their case against Robinson at a preliminary hearing scheduled to begin May 18. 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 man has been arrested after allegedly throwing hundreds of nails into the road on almost 30 different occasions. Felix Uresti, 51, was arrested on Tuesday after being caught in the act of throwing the hardware into a road in Valrico, around 15 miles east of Tampa. Deputies watched as Uresti exited his white 2022 Toyota Tundra and placed nails onto the a road along Miller Road, before taking him into custody, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. An investigation into Uresti began on September 11 last year, when the Sheriff's Office received a call that hundreds of nails were scattered on South Miller Road and Lithia Center Lane. Over the next five months, 27 additional incidents were reported in the same area, the department said. open image in gallery Felix Uresti, 51, was arrested Tuesday after being caught in the act of throwing the hardware into a road in Valrico, around 15 miles east of Tampa ( Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office ) During a search of Urestis vehicle on Tuesday, deputies discovered the same roofing nails used in previous locations in a large bucket of nails in the back seat. He has been charged with six counts of criminal mischief totaling $1,000 or more, throwing a deadly missile at, within or into a vehicle, as well as a violation of Florida litter law. open image in gallery A bucket of nails found in Felix Uresti's vehicle ( Hillsborough County Sheriff Department ) "Throwing nails into the roadway is a deliberate and malicious act that puts innocent people in danger and carries serious consequences, said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. This was a senseless decision that endangered working families, children, and first responders when seconds matter most." Anyone impacted by nail damage in the area of Miller Road is advised to contact detectives at (813) 247-8200, with updates provided by the Public Affairs Office. 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 man has been arrested in Georgia over the killing of a young rapper who was gunned down several years ago in a different state, as a result of a music video beef. Ronell Scott, 25, was charged with murder over the death of 20-year-old TreShawn Smith in October 2022, in Ohio, with a warrant put out for his arrest last April. Investigators said previously that Smith had been fatally shot over a music video he had posted previously. The video had been one of several made between two groups disrespecting each other. Just knowing that a person has been indicted, that means the detectives, the prosecutors cared enough to seek justice for my son, Smiths mother, Evvie Smith, told FOX19 NOW on Thursday. Smith was reportedly hanging out with friends at a fountain on Elm Street, in Lockland, Ohio, when Scott drove by and shot him in the head before fleeing the scene. Ronnell Scott, 25, was charged with murder over the death of 20-year-old TreShawn Smith in October 2022, with a warrant put out for his arrest last April ( Hamilton County Sheriff's Office ) According to his mother, Smith had made his rap video well before the feud between the groups had started. It wasnt to be taken personal, and I think that it was just taken personal, she said. Why not just come back with another rap lyric because you didnt like the way somebody rap. Just make another song. Its just a song. Smith was killed two weeks before his 21st birthday and had aspirations of being a firefighter. TreShawn was not only my child, he was my friend, his mother told FOX19 at the time. However, she said previously that she did not want street justice for her sons killer and that she had decided to forgive Scott for his crime. All I want is for the person who did this to my son to be brought to justice. This is the only thing that I want, she said. I had to forgive. I cant have that burden on my heart. I cannot sit around here and have hatred in my heart for nobody. Scott was booked into the Hamilton County Jail on Monday and is being held on a $500,000 bond. He has also been charged with aggravated murder and felonious assault over the shooting. If convicted on all charges, he faces life in prison. Close Twitter and Grok not working in another major outage 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 X, formerly Twitter, experienced a major outage on Friday morning. By Friday afternoon, service appears to have restored for many users. Those affected reported that the site and its app did not load at all, with visitors instead saw a blank screen. Some users also saw Cloudflare error pages though the issue was at X itself, and the problem did not seem to be a repeat of recent Cloudflare technical issues that did take X offline. Often, during outages at X, the site itself will load but it will show no posts. Tracking website Down Detector showed a huge spike in reports of problems at X at around 3pm in the UK, or 10am eastern time. The issues appeared to be present right across the world and on the various ways of accessing X, such as its website and mobile apps. Flash: S. Korean ex-president Yoon's legal team to file appeal next week against obstruction of arrest sentence Beginning before dawn on Christmas, four men allegedly waited in their car for four hours before their victim, 23-year-old Tyler Sensley, walked by. Sensley was on his way to pick up a gift from a neighboring apartment when three of the men jumped out and shot him in the lot of the Coventry Apartments, his family told authorities. He died days later of his injuries. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office has arrested two of those four suspects this week. On Tuesday, the second suspect, 22-year-old Derick Johnson, was booked on a count of second-degree murder, as well as counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of marijuana. Johnson, known as Lil Bill, is a known member of the 448 criminal gang, which operates in North Baton Rouge, according to the Sheriffs Office. 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. Aurum Resources is sharpening its boardroom edge with the appointment of capital markets veteran Richard Simpson as non-executive chairman, effective at the start of February. Simpson will step into the role with more than 40 years in the game, spanning mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate advisory and executive leadership. Aurum Resources has appointed capital markets veteran Richard Simpson as non-executive chairman, bringing with him a wealth of corporate finance, advisory and equity capital markets experience to the Board. His CV reads like a whos-who of Perths finance scene. He was executive director at Euroz Hartleys Limited until 2024 and before that, spent nearly two decades at Hartleys Limited in senior roles, including as managing director and executive chairman. He also led the 2003 management buy-out of Hartleys and steered its 2020 merger with Euroz. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Last year, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura felt he had good reason to be proud of his country. Former president Jair Bolsonaro, who had tried to foment a coup after he was voted out of the presidency, was properly tried, convicted and put in prison. The democratic institutions were working as they should. We had the same thing in Brazil as the US, he says. An election denier who made people want to break up their institutions. But Brazil was very quick to do the right thing, I think because we know what a dictatorship is. Brazil lived under a dictatorship for 21 years, from 1964 to 1985. The movie revisits the period under the iron control of one of its dictator presidents, General Ernesto Geisel, from 1974 to 1979. It is a period revisited in The Secret Agent, in which Moura plays a university research scientist who falls foul of authorities and must try to escape the country with his son. His performance won him the best actor (drama) award at this weeks Golden Globes. Moura, who achieved star status as Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos, dedicated his win to the ones sticking to their values in difficult moments. Wagner Moura with his Golden Globe award. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP The film itself, written and directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho, has been similarly honoured on the awards circuit. Having picked up the Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards for best foreign film, it is now favoured to take out the Oscar in the same category. Set in 1977, the film follows university research scientist Armando (Moura), who finds himself at odds with the national energy behemoths executives who are taking charge of his departments projects. As he attempts to flee he turns to an underground resistance movement for help. Armando isnt a gun-toting rebel. Mendonca Filho says he imagined him as an amiable, Jimmy Stewart-style everyman. But this is in the manual of fascism, says Moura, who brings a professorial charm to the role; you can imagine students having crushes on him. The first ones to go to the fire, the first to go to jail or get prosecuted, are journalists, university professors and artists. Which I think is about truth. We all approach the truth in different ways. Advertisement President Bolsonaro and his supporters, he says, were keen to follow that manual. Crazily enough, I think Bolsonaro is sort of responsible for The Secret Agent, says Moura. Kleber and I were both very vocal against him and both suffered the consequences of that. Moura directed a feature film about a 60s guerrilla, Marighella, which was effectively censored for several years when the relevant government agency refused to allow its release. Mendonca Filho was publicly vilified for his criticisms of the regime. So I think this film came from our shared perplexity at a government that was bringing back the values of the dictatorship, says Moura. It began with Kleber and I calling each other and saying, What the f--- is going on? How are we going to react to this? Mendonca Filhos response was to try to remind his country what that dictatorship was like. A younger generation, he says, is surprised to learn from films like this one and Walter Salles Oscar-winning Im Still Here, about a real family ripped apart by the dictatorship that there were disappearances, torture and terror. Brazil suffers from a memory problem and I dont think that problem is there by chance, Mendonca Filho says. When you see the big tech companies allied with governments with authoritarian tendencies, those alliances are not by chance, either. They are all there to serve their own interests; inconvenient memories get in the way. According to Moura, that amnesia predates the dictatorship; it is a national habit that has been drawing a veil over unpleasantness for centuries. You know Brazil was the last country in the Western world to abolish slavery? he says. Colonialism is still very present in Brazil, [imported] from Portugal but also the United States. Both treated South America as their backyard. When you see Trump invading Venezuela, its just that old mentality at work. Advertisement The Secret Agents act of remembering is not, however, much concerned with the particulars of politics; Geisels name is never mentioned, even if his portrait is everywhere. Instead, Mendonca Filho focuses on the atmosphere created by a fear that is always present but has no name, the absurdities of authoritarianism and the ways people support each other to survive them. His film follows its characters into incidental byways within the framework of a thriller; it is also, intermittently, very funny. Wagner Moura plays Armando, a man seeking to escape Brazils dictators. AP We first meet Armando in a service station, where a body is rotting in the forecourt, ignored by the owner and the police who pass through, because its nobodys official responsibility. The police are there to shake down the owner and, since hes there, Armando. Little do they know he is on his way to a block of flats, effectively a safe house, full of refugees from the regime and run by a tiny, bent old woman who is charged with hiding him. The film has turned Tania Maria, who plays the coarse, kindly Dona Sebastiana, into a cult figure in Brazil; at 78, says Mendonca Filho, she has to be protected from endless demands for interviews. The world outside their refuge is often weird. The late Udo Kier plays a Jewish tailor whom the local police chief insists on lionising as a former Nazi, oblivious to the menorah on his mantelpiece. The news is dominated by the story of a shark caught with a hairy leg in its stomach. That leg and its missing body seize the public imagination. The leg is seen hopping around the park, unattended; it haunts Armandos dreams. The shark, meanwhile, is on ice in police forensics. It comes as no surprise to see the local cinema, which is run by Armandos father-in-law, is showing Jaws. Director Kleber Mendonca Filho: Brazil suffers from a memory problem. Victor Juca The leg is almost like a poetic fairytale, which finds its meaning in politics and censorship, Mendonca Filho, who used to work for one of Brazils biggest newspapers as a film critic, said during an interview at the New York Film Festival. The newspapers couldnt actually say what had happened. So they made the hairy leg the culprit. Not the police or the military. The recent decline of journalism, says Moura, is a very bad thing because its not about facts any more. Bolsonaro could win an election on the strength of stories no more credible than that of the hairy leg. Advertisement Neither Moura nor Mendonca Filho want to make films with a corrective message, however. It sounds pretentious to say you could interfere or teach anyone anything, says Moura. At the same time, he does believe that art shapes the world, simply by existing. What would the world be without Shakespeare? Without Leonardo da Vinci? Without Pina Bausch? I think these artists have been transforming the world, he says. He makes his work for himself, in the first instance. The Secret Agent was the first work he had done in his own language in 12 years. It gave me the sense of something I knew already: that the more Im connected to my culture and where I came from, the more interesting I think I am as an artist, he says. Ive seen actors come to the US from other places and try to lose their accents and become what Hollywood expected them to be. I never thought that way. So to do this film and get so much attention for it reinforces in me the idea that ones culture is ones power. Related Article Media & marketing Screening Room newsletter Art is about putting a mirror in front of us. Sometimes the mirror is very accurate, sometimes its quite deformed, sometimes the mirror is kind of crazy, but I believe that we deal with the truth as well. That is why artists in general are persecuted by authoritarian governments. Because countries dont develop without the notion of culture, without seeing themselves, without understanding what kind of people are we? Or what kind of person am I, from an individual point of view? And this is revolutionary. The Secret Agent opens on January 22. Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter. Advertisement EnvironmentWeatherScience Why Wye River copped a rain bomb that washed away cars Liam Mannix January 16, 2026 7:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The extraordinary storm cell over the Great Ocean Road that washed away cars on Thursday was powered by a rare collusion of five weather drivers and is a taste of the increasing extreme weather the climate crisis is unleashing on Victoria. Sudden, dramatic downpours struck towns across the Otways on Thursday, flooding campgrounds, triggering evacuations and sweeping cars out to sea. Police winched a man from the growing muck. An unusual set of meteorological circumstances conspired to cause Thursdays deluge at Wye River. Alex Coppel The Bureau of Meteorologys weather gauges recorded more than 170 millimetres of rain in just seven hours near Mount Cowley, the storms epicentre a record. Extreme thunderstorms with heavy rainfall are often seen in tropical Queensland, but are or were rare in colder Victoria. Advertisement As the world warms, extreme weather events tend to get more extreme, said Angus Hines, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology. Those very rare, very damaging weather events all of a sudden start looking more common. Loading What happened on Thursday to trigger this? Five drivers collided to produce the downpour. First, ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji. It crossed the Queensland coast on January 11 near Bowen, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall. Advertisement Stills from footage of the Air Wings rescue response following flash flooding along the Great Ocean Road on January 15. Victoria Police The cyclone had a long tail of heavy moisture, a band of thick clouds that ran down through NSW and curled around Victorias southern coast. This moisture primed the atmosphere across the state for heavy rainfall, said Hines. Then came the thunderstorms. Scenes from the flood at Wye River. Alex Coppel/Nine Advertisement At 12.40pm on Thursday, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning covering the Otways and east into Gippsland. View post on X Thunderstorms are hard to predict accurately. Meteorologists prefer to give ranges and acknowledge that there will be pockets of intensity within that range. Its just the nature of thunderstorm outbreaks, said Hines. On Thursday, a strong storm developed over the ocean south of Lorne. Strong winds from the south-east pushed the storm onshore, dumping rain over the Great Ocean Road. It was what happened next that turned thunderstorm into disaster. Advertisement Inland of Lorne lie the low coastal mountains of the Otway Ranges, topped by 689-metre Mount Cowley. The strong winds pushed the thunderstorm into, up and over the mountain range. When air moves upwards, it cools. This encourages water vapour trapped in the air to condense into raindrops known as orographic precipitation. While that was happening a few hundred metres above sea level, a different but complementary process was playing out high in the atmosphere, where a low-pressure trough had formed. Low-pressure troughs encourage air from lower in the atmosphere to flow up where it cools, and water vapour turns into raindrops. Thats really what drives the formation of showers and thunderstorms, said Hines. Loading Advertisement The atmosphere had been primed by ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji. A thunderstorm formed across the coast, and then was pushed inland by strong winds. From below, mountains squeezed out extra rainfall, and from above a low-pressure trough triggered more precipitation. Its a tropical event. In Victoria, were not really used to that intensity of rain, said Andrew King, an associate professor in climate science at the University of Melbourne. To this, we need to add one last non-weather driver: drought. Over the last four years, the Otways have experienced unusually low levels of rainfall. Much of south-west Victoria is struggling through some of the worst drought conditions on record. Counter-intuitively, dry soil tends to struggle more than moist soil to absorb rainfall. Water pools on the surface and runs off. Because you havent had much rain down there, its been extremely dry, it does not soak in. The runoff is tremendous. It goes in and just washes dirt. You can see all the mud, said Dr Milton Speer, a meteorologist and visiting fellow at the University of Technology Sydney. Advertisement Is this event linked to the climate crisis? Australia has already warmed by more than 1.5 degrees since records began in 1910 the limit set by the Paris Agreement. But the contribution of the climate crisis to Thursdays flash flooding, and to rainfall in Australia, is complex. In general, warmer air is able to hold more moisture. And elevated moisture in the atmosphere was a crucial part of yesterdays rainfall, said Hines. The weather pattern we saw yesterday in Victoria wouldnt have been out of the ordinary in some parts of tropical Queensland. That means more, and more intense, heavy rainfall events and associated flash flooding across the world including in Australia. Rain associated with tropical cyclones, like Koji, is also increasing. Advertisement When you have the right weather and right meteorological conditions in place, you can get more rain than you would get pre the climate crisis, because the air is warmer and can hold more water, said King. This is kind of the expectation. However, our warming world is predicted to decrease the amount of rainfall across Australias southern coast. Hence, it is not straightforward to say Thursdays events were directly caused by the climate crisis, said King. There will be a climate crisis component to this, but its hard to say how big it is, and its probably not actually that big. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter. by Xin Ping Noh masks, worn by stage actors in classical Japanese dance-drama, are spooky static faces -- their expressions seem to shift with the actors' movements and under different lighting. In recent weeks, amid diplomatic tensions with Beijing, Japan itself has been donning similarly deceptive masks -- weaving distorted narratives to confuse and mislead the international community. To expose the disinformation, one must be clear-eyed about what's hiding under Japan's masks. HISTORICAL REFLECTION OR REVISIONISM? Japan continues to turn a blind eye to the incontrovertible evidence of the sufferings it inflicted during World War II, using the term "end of the war" instead of "being defeated" to soft-peddle its past atrocities. The Japanese war of aggression against China and other Asian neighbors has been outrageously misrepresented as the "liberation of Asia." Yet historical records show that the Japanese military committed over 100 massacres in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other places, murdering millions of innocent lives. The horrendous Nanjing Massacre, a dark chapter in Chinese history, was euphemized in Japan as the "Nanjing incident." The notorious Unit 731, which brutally conducted live human experiments on Chinese and people from the Soviet Union and the Korean Peninsula, was whitewashed as a "public health research unit." Eighty years after World War II, Japan has yet to fully confront its war crimes. While the reckoning with militarism remains incomplete, the world is now witnessing growing signs of its possible revival: Japanese prime ministers and senior officials kept visiting and paying tribute to the Yasukuni Shrine, where class-A war criminals are honored; middle school history textbooks in Japan have been deliberately distorted to obscure the fact that militarism was the driving force behind Japan's aggressive wars, using such phrases as "advance into China" instead of "aggression against China" to dilute and even erase the truth of wartime brutality. WAR VICTIM OR WARMONGER? Though the Japanese Constitution enshrines pacifism and establishes an exclusively defense-oriented policy, the alarming trend of military buildup in Japan has raised global concerns. Over the years, Japan has revamped its security and defense policies, eased restrictions on arms export, and even sought to revise its three non-nuclear principles. All signs point to a troubling fact that Japan's far-right forces are trying every means to dismantle the pacifist Constitution, and going further down the path of reviving Japanese militarism. Japan often portrays itself as an "atomic bomb victim," but consistently avoids addressing the harm it caused to neighboring countries during its aggression. The horrific crimes Japanese militarists committed across Asia can never be erased: Women and girls were brutally forced into sexual slavery as "comfort women"; hundreds of thousands of Southeast Asians were forced into slave labor, many of whom died from overwork in building the "death railway" between Thailand and Myanmar (formerly Burma); and prisoners of war from Allied nations endured systemic torture and execution by the Japanese military, resulting in a mortality rate of 27 percent. PEACE LOVER OR PEACE BREAKER? To project a peace-loving image after the war, Japan has portrayed itself as a major contributor to the UN funding and presented to the UN a Japanese peace bell, which it said "embodies the peace aspiration not only of the Japanese but of all humanity." But the truth is Japan has kept raising its defense budget for 14 consecutive years, with a surge of around 60 percent in the past five years alone. Recently, a senior official from the Japanese Prime Minister's Office even claimed that "Japan should possess nuclear weapons." There is every reason to question: Is Japan trying to "remilitarize" itself and revive the dangerous militarism? A few weeks ago, after deliberately sending fighter jets into China's exercise and training zones for close-range reconnaissance, Japan falsely accused China of "radar illumination" -- a blatant attempt to shift blame onto China. The inconsistent statements from the Japanese side on whether they received prior notice of China's drill are yet another piece of evidence that it is intentionally creating a crisis and misleading the world with media hypes. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has repeatedly said Japan is willing to have 'dialogue' with China, yet Tokyo's actions show little of the sincerity, mutual respect or equality that such dialogue demands. Performers in Noh plays often wear masks to depict the characters' emotions and personalities. With the use of masks, a demon is sometimes presented on the stage in the disguise of a saint. The recent dangerous and provocative remarks and actions from the Japanese side should alert all in Asia and the wider world. The alarm has been sounded. The tragedies of history must not repeat. It is for this very reason that China gave a forceful response to Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan, which constitute a blatant interference in China's internal affairs and a direct challenge to China's core interests. For too long, Japan's actions have not matched its rhetoric. Now is the time for the world to see through Japan's masks and expose its hidden agenda. Editor's note: The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News, Global Times, China Daily, and CGTN. He can be reached at xinping604@gmail.com. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency. 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 Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A man has been taken into custody after gun shots were reported near Noosa, north of Brisbane. The shots were reported on McKinnon Drive in Cooroibah about 10am. Police cordoned off the area as a precaution, and a man was taken into custody about 2.30pm. Police cordoned off an area at Cooroibah after shots were reported on Friday. Locals reported seeing a police helicopter in the area. Advertisement NationalQueenslandCrime Opposition stunned by paedophiles return to work at petting zoo Dominique Tassell and Dan Nolan January 16, 2026 6:05pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The state opposition says it is beyond comprehension that a convicted child sex offender is 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. Shadow attorney-general Meaghan Scanlon says its beyond comprehension that a convicted child sex offender has been allowed to work at a family-friendly cafe. William Davis Shadow attorney-general Meaghan Scanlon said it was beyond comprehension that someone convicted of these offences could be allowed to work with children. Advertisement I am, like all Queenslanders, asking how this has happened, she said. If there is a failure here, it needs to be fixed. Steven Harvey insists, Im not doing anything wrong. A Current Affair Scanlon said the state government talked a big game when it came to child safety, and needed to address how Harvey was allowed to work with children. The state government referred this masthead to Queensland Police when asked to comment on Harveys employment. Harvey began working at City Chicks not long after his release from prison, promoting its family-friendly attractions in social media clips. Advertisement When his sordid history was first exposed by Nine News last November, City Chicks owner Ingrid Dimock announced she was cutting all ties. City Chicks owner Ingrid Dimock was in a relationship with Steven Harvey for almost two years. A Current Affair 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. When Harvey was observed working in the cafe earlier this week, he claimed he had 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. Police on Thursday confirmed an investigation was under way into Harveys employment, but would not comment further. 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. Harvey told A Current Affair there was more to his criminal convictions, and he always maintained his innocence. Advertisement The City Chicks petting zoo advertises itself as a kids play space. 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 that the destination considered by many locals to be a petting zoo was in fact a farm. 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. 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. Advertisement 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. This was a far cry from her position when his criminal history was first exposed in November and she told 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 NationalQueenslandCourts Two men fatally crushed at Eagle Farm due to safety failure Rex Martinich January 16, 2026 4:46pm 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 Two workers were crushed to death while building a wastewater tank at a racecourse due to egregious disregard for safety, a coroner has found. Ashley Pangana Morris, 34, and Humberto Ferreira Leite, 55, were killed at Brisbanes Eagle Farm Racecourse on October 6, 2016, after becoming sandwiched between two slabs in a domino effect. Queensland coroner Donald MacKenzie released his findings into the deaths on Friday after declining to hold an inquest, in part due to the mental state of a key witness. The pit in which the men were working when they were crushed by a falling slab. Nine News However, I do consider publishing these findings will act as a beacon exposing the egregious disregard for the safety of Mr Morris and Mr Leite, which caused their deaths, MacKenzie said. Advertisement The subcontractors were in a pit to guide pre-cast concrete tank sections into place as they were lowered by a crane operator. The below-ground tanks were being built to hold effluent from horse stables as part of the racecourses redevelopment. Each concrete slab designed to form a complete side of the tank weighed between nine and 11 tonnes and measured five by five metres. Claudio DAlessandro was charged with two counts of manslaughter after the Eagle Farm deaths. Facebook The metal brace beams designed to hold the walls of the tank upright failed, resulting in one slab falling towards the pits floor. Advertisement Morris and Leite were able to get on top of the falling slab but were subsequently crushed by another falling slab, killing them instantly. Construction Building Technologies Pty Ltd manager Claudio DAlessandro, who was supervising the workers, was charged with two counts of manslaughter on November 14, 2016. DAlessandro tried to board a flight to the Philippines the next day but was detained by Border Force at Brisbane International Airport. He suffered a stroke in December 2022 and, a year later, was found to be permanently unfit for trial by the Mental Health Court. Prosecutors discontinued the manslaughter and workplace safety charges against DAlessandro. Advertisement It was curious that the court gave no explanation as to why DAlessandro was found permanently unfit for trial, MacKenzie said. Two men were crushed to death during the redevelopment of Eagle Farm Racecourse in 2016. Jorge Branco Commonly, applicants claiming to have a permanent disability are granted a temporary stay of their criminal proceedings and are monitored by the Mental Health Court before a permanent unfitness for trial is granted, he said. Morris and Leite died due to a failure of proper work, health, and safety procedures, the coroner found. There were multiple breaches of the construction code of practice, including not having an escape route from the pit if the concrete walls collapsed, inadequate bracing to keep the walls upright, and the pit having an uneven floor. Advertisement Criscon, the company ultimately in charge of the racecourse redevelopment, pleaded guilty to two breaches of Queenslands Work Health and Safety Act and was fined $625,000. Due to the workplace safety authoritys subsequent crackdown on cowboy operators, MacKenzie did not make recommendations. I have great sympathy for the families of the deceased, he said. There have been lengthy delays in the criminal justice, mental health and coronial systems, and I can readily understand their frustrations. AAP Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Courts Brisbane Construction Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A John Drysdale had done everything right as the devastating Longwood bushfire swept towards his property just outside Yarck amid the nightmare conditions of January 9. The farmer lived through two of the states worst catastrophes Ash Wednesday in 1983 and 2009s Black Saturday had been reducing fuel loads around his house and sheds, ploughed fire breaks through the property and had sprinklers primed and ready. But when the fire fanned by the winds that howled in from the north swept toward the house and threatened to ignite the pine trees behind it, Drysdale, a 30-year-Country Fire Authority veteran, knew it was a fight he would not win. Yarck farmer John Drysdale, who lost his home to the Longwood bushfire on January 9. Photograph by Chris Hopkins Id set it all up, and I was going to [stay and defend], Drysdale told this masthead. It was getting late, Id turned all the sprinklers on, had them all going. But then I just said, itd be stupid to stay. As he continued to assess the losses this week which includes hundreds of sheep, the house, sheds, seven motorbikes and three cars Drysdale was philosophical. Advertisement There had been plenty of fires in the nearly 150 years his family had occupied the site. With four children and 13 grandchildren living nearby, this blaze would not be forcing them off the land. Well build something, Drysdale said. It wont be the same, but well build something. They [the family] all get together here, and weve got to have somewhere where weve we can look after everybody. John Drysdales home was consumed by the Longwood blaze. University of NSW bushfire behaviour expert Professor Jason Sharples said more and more Australians would find themselves in Drysdales predicament of facing bushfires that cannot be fought. He said that although Australia had always known unstoppable bushfires, the conditions that tip fires over the threshold where they can no longer be fought are now far more prevalent. That tragic realisation arrived on February 7, 2009, when 173 Victorians lost their lives in bushfires nobody stood a chance of stopping. Advertisement Before Black Saturday, Australias fire danger rating system had used a risk assessment scale of 100, based on the experiences from the 1939 Black Friday fires the worst conditions recorded to that stage. Related Article Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos. Explainer Bushfires Storms, tornadoes and explosions: How bushfires are getting stranger But Black Saturday shattered those limits with conditions well off the known scale, requiring a new rating of catastrophic where the danger posed can no longer be measured. After Black Saturday was an acknowledgement that when it gets to those sorts of conditions, we cant rely on the knowledge that we have, and we dont know how fire is going to behave ... So in those sorts of scenarios, its just better to get out, Sharples said. In the fire services, theres been that acknowledgement for quite a while now that theres just some fires that you cant stop and your best option might be to just pick a house and try and defend it the best you can, rather than trying to stop the fire. On January 7, authorities were warning conditions were heading towards catastrophic. As high winds ripped through the Alpine areas, as well as the rest of the state, the temperature in Longwood was 41 degrees. Advertisement The fire ignited just before 2.30pm on a nondescript section of the Hume Freeway just north of Teneriffe National Park. Few of those living in its path, or even the fire services, had any chance of stopping it. Winemaker and farmer Grant Taresch and his family were among the first to be hit. The family were on holiday in Harrietville when they first heard reports of fire near their two properties. Grant and Suzanne Taresch with kids Isabella, Georgia, Heidi and Daniel at their property in Upton. Photograph by Chris Hopkins But before Taresch could get home, the fire had leapt the freeway and all but consumed Elgo, the 740 hectare winery where he had been raising vines for 30 years. I raced around and did what I could, which wasnt much, said Taresch, who lost two houses on the Elgo property, 30 hectares of vines and up to 1000 sheep. Advertisement It looked like a scene from Apocalypse Now, with four, five water bombers and 30 or 40 [fire] trucks, it was just an unbelievable effort, they saved a lot of infrastructure. On the neighbouring property a few kilometres to the south-west, where Taresch and his family live, he spent the night preparing the family home and another house for what turned into an epic two-day struggle. The main fire front went through the winerys properties in about five minutes Taresch recalls, but the spot fires, ember attacks and changes of wind direction did not relent for more than 24 hours. I was on my own, which was hard because I was trying to watch two houses and a wool shed, the 56-year-old said. To complicate matters, he said, A few times the fire would burn through the poly fittings near the pump, and Id lose [hose] pressure so then Id have to go and fix those fittings. It was a nightmare. They also had a number of 44 gallon oil drums explode. But the house, outbuildings machinery and pets were all saved. Advertisement Advertisement Exclusive NationalVictoriaRegulation For thousands of workers, New Zealand is the stepping stone to an Aussie job Grant McArthur and Kieran Rooney January 17, 2026 5:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Thousands of overseas-trained professionals are using New Zealand as a back door to avoid Australian regulators and gain a shortcut to employment, including some who do not meet the minimum standards to qualify directly. An investigation by this masthead has revealed that rising numbers of workers requiring registration including nurses, teachers, builders, electricians, pilots and aircraft mechanics are using New Zealand as a stepping stone into Australian jobs and even citizenship. In several professions, three times as many overseas workers are being registered via New Zealand than from the rest of the world combined. New Zealand is a stepping stone to Australia. Aresna Villanueva By gaining professional registration in New Zealand even if they have no intention of working or even setting foot in the country overseas-trained workers can apply for automatic registration for equivalent jobs in Australia under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA). Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Education Its about to become easier for overseas teachers to work in Victoria As previously revealed by this masthead, Commonwealth mutual recognition agreements between jurisdictions have already led to under-qualified teachers, surveyors and fraudulent builders becoming registered in other states so they can transfer to work in Victoria, where they would not be qualified for direct registration. But data obtained by this masthead shows the issue extends across the Tasman. While interstate and trans-Tasman recognition arrangements work in professions where qualifications are uniform, International Building Quality Centre chair Adjunct Professor Kim Lovegrove said there were few regulated workforces where genuine equality existed across jurisdictions. For instance, while Victorian building surveyors must hold a degree in building surveying as well as registration with a statutory authority, in New Zealand they do not need to have a degree or be registered, nor do they need to be classified as licensed building practitioners. Advertisement Mutual recognition should be a pathway for competence, not a way around standards, Lovegrove said. The system would improve materially if minimum qualification and experience criteria were nationally agreed and consistently applied, so mobility supports competence rather than circumvents standards. The difficulty arises where a jurisdiction with higher entry benchmarks is required, under mutual recognition, to accept practitioners from a system with more relaxed qualification and registration requirements. Mutual recognition is about professional portability, but it does not assume equivalence of regulatory thresholds, he said. Since it came into effect in 1988, the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement has allowed workers in most occupations requiring professional registration, other than medical doctors, to transfer between Australia and New Zealand. Under the agreement, regulators in each country automatically accept those deemed to have equivalent qualifications by the other country. Over the past three years, the number of teachers registering in New Zealand and then transferring to Victoria has more than doubled from 196 to 520, despite some not meeting the minimum qualifications required to work in Australian classrooms. Advertisement While New Zealands education regulator registers teachers after they complete a three-year teaching degree or one-year post-graduate diploma, Victorias minimum standards require a four-year teaching degree or a two-year post-graduate diploma, and also demand greater supervised classroom experience and English-language competency. But because of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement, the Victorian Institute of Teaching is obligated to register the underqualified teachers transferring from New Zealand who would not qualify if they had applied directly to Australian regulators. Following a surge in applications from New Zealand-registered teachers, Victorian Institute of Teaching chief executive officer Martin Fletcher said his agency was engaging with NZ authorities to address these issues, with policy changes such as NZ government incentives allowing applicants with proof of a job offer being able to gain immediate residency likely to stem the stepping stone trend. Weve seen a significant rise in mutual recognition applications from New Zealand over the past two years, and while most applicants meet our standards, were working closely with our NZ counterparts on policy issues to address cases that fall short, Fletcher said. Advertisement We recognise the need for more teachers and welcome overseas applicants looking to teach in Victoria. To better support applicants who completed their studies outside of Australia, weve recently implemented a successful overseas qualification pre-assessment service. New Zealand has also become a back door into Australian hospitals, with 10 times more internationally qualified nurses registering through Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement than four years ago rising from 1268 nurses in 2020-21 to 12,037 in 2024-25. The loophole has led to a host of unintended consequences, including the exodus of thousands of nurses in the South Pacific that has pushed their health systems to breaking point. Nine out of 10 of the NZ-registered nurses arriving in Australia last year did not actually train in New Zealand, but instead applied for registration there from third-party countries. Once accepted by the New Zealand nursing authorities, many immediately applied for a verification of good standing so they could use trans-Tasman mutual recognition as a shortcut to Australian registration. While these nurses are highly skilled and would meet Australian standards if they applied to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, side-stepping the Australian watchdog and registering via New Zealand can cut application times, red tape and costs. Advertisement In the past two years alone, more than 24,000 New Zealand-registered nurses have come to Australia, despite there being only 54,000 nurses employed in New Zealand itself. The situation has become so blatant that in August, the Nursing Council of New Zealand released a report stating trans-Tasman mutual recognition had turned the country into a stepping stone for overseas nurses who had no intention of moving there. Some nurses moving, or applying to move, to New Zealand have the intention of moving on to Australia, enabled by the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA) and driven by the potential for higher nurse earnings in Australia, a Nursing Council of New Zealand report found. New Zealand is not the only stepping stone country for international nurses, but the issue has been pronounced for New Zealand, partly because of the TTMRA. Australian Nursery and Midwifery Federation national secretary Annie Butler said the union had been talking to Commonwealth and New Zealand authorities about multiple issues driven by this trend. We do know that there is a bit of a stepping stone issue of people coming, having no intention, really, of contributing to the workforce in New Zealand, but doing what they need to do there in order to get to Australia, she said. Advertisement A bigger problem for us is the decimation were causing of other countries in particular, in particular the South Pacific. Butler said that under the current system, Australia was recruiting from countries where there were more health professionals working abroad than inside their borders, such as Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. She said this meant there were not only issues in equivalence of education, but that Australia was taking away from their South Pacific neighbours rather than bolstering their workforce. We have a responsibility of a good global citizen to make sure that we are supporting other countries where we can and contributing to improved global health, Butler said. In December, a report by Public Services International (PSI) warned this drain on Pacific nations was pushing the healthcare of these systems towards a crisis. It also found workers who came to Australia and New Zealand from these nations were exposed to exploitation when they arrived, including working at care facilities for wages below their level of skill. Advertisement Tom Reddington, PSIs secretary for the Oceania subregion, said Pacific health systems were being hollowed out to prop up the care economies of richer neighbours. This is leading to a workforce crisis in Pacific Island health systems which are on the brink. Fiona McDonald, a co-author of the report from the Centre for Future Work, said migration policy and underinvestment in the Pacific could not be treated as separate issues. Our research shows that if Australia and New Zealand keep recruiting from health systems that are already stretched to breaking point without investing back in training, staffing and decent work in the Pacific they are effectively offloading their care crisis onto their neighbours, she said. That is not sustainable, and it is not just. Advertisement Other Australian health professions feature among a host of workforces now registering more internationally trained employees via New Zealand regulators than they register themselves, including: More than four out of five overseas-trained Chinese medicine practitioners registered in Australia over the past two years came via New Zealand. registered in Australia over the past two years came via New Zealand. Of the 103 paramedics who registered in Australia over the past two years, 90 transferred using trans-Tasman mutual recognition. who registered in Australia over the past two years, 90 transferred using trans-Tasman mutual recognition. Double the number of overseas-trained physiotherapists are choosing to register via New Zealand than those directly applying to Australian authorities, encouraged by application fees costing less than a third, dramatically shorter wait times and the potential to avoid undergoing a skills assessment. are choosing to register via New Zealand than those directly applying to Australian authorities, encouraged by application fees costing less than a third, dramatically shorter wait times and the potential to avoid undergoing a skills assessment. The number of builders , including surveyors and inspectors, registering via New Zealand is increasing year-on-year, however the figures remain small with only 30 in the past five years. , including surveyors and inspectors, registering via New Zealand is increasing year-on-year, however the figures remain small with only 30 in the past five years. Although the numbers remain small, the rate of plumbers registering via trans-Tasman mutual recognition rose sharply from 10 in 2023 to 32 in 2024. registering via trans-Tasman mutual recognition rose sharply from 10 in 2023 to 32 in 2024. Aircraft engineers registering via trans-Tasman recognition soared from single figures a year since 2017 to more than 30 a year after 2023, with the exception of 2019-20 when there were 32 ground crew registering via New Zealand. registering via trans-Tasman recognition soared from single figures a year since 2017 to more than 30 a year after 2023, with the exception of 2019-20 when there were 32 ground crew registering via New Zealand. The number of commercial aircraft pilots registering from New Zealand rose dramatically in the years after the COVID pandemic, from 37 in 2021 to 88 in 2022, and has continued to rise more slowly in subsequent years to 138 in 2024 and 116 up until December last year. registering from New Zealand rose dramatically in the years after the COVID pandemic, from 37 in 2021 to 88 in 2022, and has continued to rise more slowly in subsequent years to 138 in 2024 and 116 up until December last year. Flight instructors registering from New Zealand have risen from 11 in 2021 to 62 in 2024, and 42 to December last year. A Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesperson said they were confident aviation professionals licensed in New Zealand met all necessary requirements to work in Australia, and also needed to complete a proficiency check before they could fly in Australia. Advertisement Despite a near doubling in the number of electricians using mutual recognition agreements to work in Victoria since 2021 (290 to 441), the states electrical regulator does not keep track of how many electricians are registering via New Zealand. Energy Safe Victoria told this masthead it did not differentiate between electricians using mutual recognition agreements to transfer from New Zealand or other Australian territories, as electricians from both countries work to the same technical standards which are overseen by the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council. Energy Safe Victoria routinely works with regulators and industry in other states and territories and New Zealand to co-ordinate regulatory strategies that ensure technical and safety standards for electrical work, an Energy Safe Victoria spokesperson said. But the differences in who can perform electrical work and how, and between licenses across jurisdictions, is one of the most glaring examples of issues with Australias automatic mutual recognition agreements, according to a 2021 Australian Council of Trade Unions submission to the introduction of an Australian Automatic Mutual Recognition scheme. In June, the ACTU again warned the complete lack of attention being given to harmonisation and licensing standards between Australian jurisdictions and the need to protect domestic licensing schemes from lower international standards could see a lowering of standards through mutual recognition schemes. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Construction Building surveyors bypassing tougher Victorian licensing with WA loophole A spokesperson for the federal Health Department said trans-Tasman mutual recognition was a legitimate pathway for health workers in New Zealand or Australia to gain registration in either country. National boards regularly review these pathways to ensure they remain effective, and that public safety is not compromised, they said. In July, the Victorian government shut down its Overseas Qualification Unit, a service that previously assessed whether an individuals overseas qualifications could be officially recognised in Australia. When asked what the future of the unit was, or whether alternative arrangements had been made to assess overseas qualifications, a Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions spokesperson said the outcomes of a review were yet to be finalised. 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 NationalWACrime $1 million, five tonnes: WA family charged over alleged role in tobacco syndicate Hannah Murphy January 16, 2026 5:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A West Australian family has been charged over their alleged roles in an organised crime group helping to sell tonnes of illegal tobacco and vapes. Federal police raided homes, storage units and a tobacconist in Perths southern suburbs and in the south-west of the state on Thursday. Three people a 26-year-old man, a 68-year-old man, and a 47-year-old woman have been charged and tonnes of tobacco and tens of thousands of vapes have been seized during a major Australian Federal Police operation in Western Australias South West and Peel regions. Australian Federal Police Officers seized about $1 million in cash, five tonnes of tobacco products and almost 30,000 vapes. A woman, 47, her father, 68, and her son-in-law, 26, were all arrested and charged over the seizure, which was the result of a four-month operation aimed at cracking down on the sale of illicit tobacco. Advertisement On raiding the woman and her fathers homes in Coodanup and Eaton, police allegedly found two cash counting machines, and $800,000 and $240,000, respectively, from both properties. [Australian Federal Police] seized the cash from both homes as suspected proceeds of crime, after the man and woman allegedly did not provide reasonable explanations about the legal source of the money, an AFP spokesperson said. The haul seized by police. Australian Federal Police The womans son-in-law was arrested separately at a shopping centre in Bunbury and charged after he refused to hand over access to his mobile phone to police. Officers searched his Australind home and allegedly found illicit cigarettes and vapes. Advertisement The AFP said a search of storage units in surrounding suburbs also uncovered more illicit tobacco. Police allege if the products seized yesterday had been distributed illegally, it would have avoided millions of dollars in Commonwealth excise and taxes, a spokesperson said. The woman was arrested at her home on Thursday. Australian Federal Police AFP Commander Renee Colley said there needed to be a whole-of-community commitment to changing the perception and acceptance of illicit tobacco, following a number of fire bombings throughout Victoria and Western Australia in recent weeks. The illicit tobacco trade is directly linked to acts of violence in our community, and these crimes are executed by organised crime groups in their pursuit of power and profit, Colley said. Advertisement I am sure the community feels outraged that these groups are putting peoples lives and livelihoods at risk for the sake of profit. Related Article Crime When is it going to stop?: Locals anger as community caught in the crossfire of Perths tobacco war The woman and her father have been charged with dealing in the proceeds of crime, while her son-in-law has been charged with failing to comply with an order. Investigations are ongoing, including inquiries into links to broader organised crime syndicates being directed by individuals offshore and assets linked to the illicit tobacco trade, an AFP spokesperson said. The AFP said it had seized almost $4 million in cash, about 13 tonnes of illicit tobacco and charged 10 people in WA over the last year in connection to tobacco syndicates. Advertisement The arrests come as WA police runs its own Taskforce Maverick, which was established in response to the escalating tobacco war violence. Related Article Editorial Editorial Kazem Hamad arrest a welcome breakthrough in the fight against illicit tobacco The Age's View Editorial Some stores across WA have been repeatedly targeted by thugs attempting to intimidate shop owners into selling their brand of the product, with some businesses firebombed up to four times in recent months. Operation Maverick has charged 11 people with a combined 51 offences, including criminal damage by fire, stealing, traffic and drug offences. The state government is currently working on reforms to strengthen its tobacco laws, with the penalties for selling illicit tobacco or vapes in WA still among the weakest in the country. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A teenage girl is fighting for her life after a serious car crash near Byford. The crash was reported about 9am, when a truck and white Suzuki hatchback crashed near the intersection of Thomas Road and Briggs Road. Emergency services at the site. Main Roads WA Thomas Road was closed in both directions between Master Road and Plaistowe Boulevard while emergency services worked. It re-opened after midday. When Emily Glaser went to a Melbourne rental inspection this week armed with a budget of up to $1200 a week, she was shocked to see about 50 other people there. The 32-year-old South Yarra-based American and her partner needed to attend 10 inspections and make multiple applications to secure a place. Emily Glaser, a 32-year-old renter, has found it much more difficult to secure a rental today compared to two years ago due to increased competition. Credit: Wayne Taylor My partner and I are looking to move in together in the same neighbourhood we know the buildings, we know the neighbourhood quite well, Glaser said. Im not sure if its the types of buildings or the time of year or the units were looking at, but the intensity of the inspections has been much more difficult this go-around and much more chaotic. SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's former president Yoon Suk-yeol's legal team said Friday they would file an appeal next week against the first-instance verdict on his obstruction of arrest charges, YTN reported. Yoon was sentenced to five years in prison on his arrest obstruction charges stemming from the martial law attempt, live footage showed Friday. Sprawling across 1.6 million hectares and 11 national parks, the Australian Alps contain our only mainland peaks topping 2000 metres including the highest, Mount Kosciuszko and beautiful environments including snowgum woodlands and alpine meadows. Theyre home to snowsports in winter, via ski resorts such as Perisher, Thredbo, Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham. In warmer months, trails such as the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track from Canberra to Walhalla make hiking a delight. See visitnsw.com ; visitvictoria.com ; visitcanberra.com.au View across the valleys on the Kosciuszko walk near the Thredbo summit in the Snowy Mountains. Indelibly Australia, the new Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk is a four-day walk between the two icons, staying in luxury camps with full immersion in Country. The visitor experiences in the Red Centre now include Segway and bike rides around the Uluru base walk and the exceptional Sunrise Journeys. The light and music display, designed by three Anangu women, starts pre-dawn with a soundtrack by Anangu man Jeremy Whiskey as the sun rises over the monolith. See uluru.gov.au ; ayersrockresort.com.au Few places have been blessed with as much intrinsic beauty as Australia. From the icons of the Red Centre to the wildlife-rich bays of the west, our team of writers has handpicked the natural wonders that define the Australia experience. Its string of lofty towns and villages, perhaps with the exception of Leura, can feel a little drab and disappointing in comparison to their spectacular eucalypt-forested and craggy cliff-face surrounds, and these peaks still lack a world-class hotel or resort. But theres no doubt that the attractions-rich, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains is a world-beater since few genuine wildernesses are perched on the edge of a major world city, or within relatively easy reach of it. See visitbluemountains.com.au Rising in the mountains and flowing for more than 2500 kilometres to its mouth, the Murray River is a waterway threaded with human stories and natural beauty. The historic paddle steamer port of Echuca is rich with heritage appeal, and First Nations peoples connection with the river is revealed along the Yamyabuc Discovery Trail in Barmah National Park. For the ultimate Murray experience, hire a houseboat and cruise slowly along, stopping at the occasional winery for sustenance. See visitthemurray.com.au Built by soldiers returning from World War I along a 240-kilometre stretch of Victorias south-west coast, the Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial. Its also a scenic delight, with its rugged coastlines twists and turns giving impressive views of the ocean and spectacular rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles. Theres a coastal trail to hike, rainforest and waterfalls to visit, and great dining in seaside towns along the way. See visitgreatoceanroad.org.au This impressive national park known as Gariwerd to First Nations people is a combination of natural grandeur and age-old human culture. Its jagged mountains and scenic valleys are popular for cycling and hiking, with the star attraction being the 160-kilometre Grampians Peaks Trail which takes two weeks to walk. On top of that, the region contains many ancient rock art sites, several of which can be visited. See visitgrampians.com.au We go to all corners of the world to spot dolphins and seals, yet theyre right here, in Melbournes bay. While the dolphins can be nonchalant about swimming with ungainly humans, the Australian fur seals of Chinamans Hat shipping marker are always up for cavorting with swimmers, zipping as playfully as a pack of flippered golden retrievers with the boat tours that come to visit. See visitvictoria.com Though relatively accessible, you could hardly get more quintessentially outback than this: ragged red mountains, huge white gum trees, hopping kangaroos, flocks of galahs, melancholy abandoned homesteads and quirky pubs. Razorback and Brachina lookouts are stunning without leaving your car, but hiking in this crackled landscape is even better, and the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, a giant circle of quartzite cliffs, deserves a listing here all on its own. See southaustralia.com Pure. Wild. Timeless is the tourism-marketing slogan of this World Heritage-listed island, 600 kilometres off the NSW coast, and that about sums it up. Lord Howe is tiny but humped with mighty outcrops, draped in verdant forest and fields, and ringed by a fish-flitted lagoon. The bird life is astonishing, the hiking lovely, the environment near pristine, and visitor numbers capped at 400 about the same number as residents. Heaven. See lordhoweisland.info Barely 45 minutes drive from the beaches, the Gold Coast Hinterland has managed to remain a secret, outside the region. Home to two World Heritage-listed national parks containing 100,000 hectares of the worlds oldest Gondwana rainforest, theres now even more reason to visit. Some of Australias best new boutique hotels have opened, complementing what was already here, like Queenslands oldest eco-retreats and some of Australias best hiking trails. See queensland.com A string of cool waterholes and sacred gorges shelter shy rock wallabies and raucous birdlife come in spring for Tjoritjas waves of wildflowers. Sections of unsealed road and campsite-only accommodation keep the number of overnight visitors in check, but even just an hour from Alice Springs, the day-tripper is richly rewarded. Otherwise, throw the tent in the car and get lost for a week in the West Macs sublime landscapes. See northernterritory.com Leeawuleena Lake St Clair translates as sleeping water and the serene lake is the end point for the six-day Overland Track and the trailhead of several spectacular hour-long walks, some wheelchair-friendly. Spy wombats trotting through snow even in November, and warm up at Lake St Clair lodge with a shot of locally distilled Trapper & Miggins Overland gin or spend the night on the lake at one of Australias most iconic stays, Pumphouse Point. See discovertasmania.com.au Gidjuum Gulganyi Great Walk, NSW Minyon Falls lookout, part of the 42-kilometre Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk. Paul Patrick Daley/A Lush Forest Media While Byron Bay attracts the headlines, its hinterland should be the star. High above Byron and The Tweed, the national parks among the Tweed Volcano (its centre point Mount Warning, or Wollumbin is the highest mountain in the region) are home to the oldest rainforest on Earth. Previously (largely) inaccessible, a new four-day, 42-kilometre-long route takes you along the rim of this 20-million-year-old volcano, deep into Bundjalung Nation country. See nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Hervey Bay, Qld Thanks to that sheltered water between Hervey Bay and Kgari (formerly Fraser Island), this spot 300 kilometres north of Brisbane is the worlds unofficial whale-watching capital. Whales cruising Australias east coast Humpback Highway detour into the Great Sandy Strait to rest, play and show their calves the ways of the whale world. Those ways include spy-hopping poking their heads out of the water for a close-up view of whale-watch boats. Just who is watching who? See visitfrasercoast.com.au Kgari, Qld Bone-white sands of Lake MCKenzie on Kgari. Tourism and Events Queensland Dont let rogue dingo headlines deter you from visiting the worlds largest sand island. The World Heritage-listed sites level of natural beauty think squelching over dazzling white sand into the sapphire depths of perched lakes, floating along gin-clear creeks, learning stories of sacred Indigenous places tucked within dense rainforest and taking off from the beach for a scenic flight exerts a pull that shouldnt be resisted. See visitfrasercoast.com.au Carnarvon Gorge, Qld Stops along the Rock Pool walk at Carnarvon Gorge. Tourism and Events Queensland This lush chasm is like a party trick tunnelled into Queenslands semi-arid Central Highlands, a 720-kilometre drive north-west of Brisbane. Secondary pathways diverge from the gorge, each leading to some beguiling endpoint: Indigenous rock engravings, stencils and paintings preserved for millennia; platypus-inhabited pools; ancient cycads, lichens and mosses dripping from sandstone walls and harking back to more temperate climes. See parks.qld.gov.au Haggerstone Island, Qld Haggerstone Island Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz When Roy and Anna Turner arrived on Haggerstone Island in 1985, it was uninhabited and unkempt. Over the preceding years, the castaways constructed the organic dwellings that now comprise Haggerstone Island Resort a shoes-off, cozzies-on retreat off Cape Yorks coast in the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef. Saltwater crocs are occasional visitors, but out near the Sir Charles Hardy Islands you can snorkel, catch crayfish and turn it into sashimi right there on the boat. The coral trout and Cape York oysters will be brought back for dinner and supplemented with fruit and veg from the islands orchard. See haggerstoneisland.com.au Gibb River Road, WA We live in such a beautiful country, yet so few of us get to see it, says the woman walking the Emma Gorge track near the Gibb River Roads terminus. Unspooling in slow motion between Derby and Kununurra in the Kimberley, this former drovers route taps into a quintessentially Australian sensibility: golden scrub grass, striated rockscapes, cooling waterholes, boundless space, eternal stillness. A 4WD is essential for the dry-season-only journey, and accommodation at campsites or the routes handful of homesteads and lodges should be booked well ahead. See visitkununurra.com Nullarbor Plain, WA/SA Southern right whale and calf off Bunda Cliffs of the Nullarbor Plain. Getty The journey is the destination on this 1200-kilometre road trip from Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia. Overnight at a roadhouse motel or, better still, camp in a designated rest area and awake to bedside views of this vast, haunted, inscrutable place. The Antarctic-wind-battered landscape is a distracting companion along Australias longest straight stretch of road an unswerving, 146.6-kilometre tract of Eyre Highway linking Caiguna and Balladonia. The route lengthens exponentially if youre driving coast to coast; for a car-free alternative, take the Indian Pacific train. See journeybeyondrail.com.au Flinders Island, Tas Castle Rock is a massive granite boulder by the shoreline on Marshall Beach. Wrapped in white beaches, dipped in orange lichen and with bare granite peaks rising to 756 metres directly out of Bass Strait, Flinders Island might well be the most naturally beautiful piece of Tasmania. Scale the Strzelecki Peaks, beach-hop to hulking Castle Rock and hike a circuit through the colours blue seas, vibrant orange lichens of Trousers Point, one of Tasmanias finest beaches. See visitflindersisland.com.au Hinchinbrook Island National Park, Qld While other tropical islands work on their tans and their cocktail recipes, Hinchinbrook Island is resolutely committed to hiking. Midway between Townsville and Cairns, Hinchinbrook has the highest mountains on any Australian island, but its sole piece of infrastructure is the coastal Thorsborne Trail. Its only 32 kilometres long, but this is the tropics, so do what most hikers do and stretch it out over four days. See parks.qld.gov.au Franklin River, Tas Rafting adventures on the Franklin. Is there an Australian river more emotive than the Franklin? Once targeted to be dammed, its now one of the worlds best rafting rivers and the epitome of wilderness travel. Youre in the full presence of nature as you bump down this river theres no phone reception anywhere along the nine-day journey, nor a single building, just deep gorges, rumbling rapids and a blanket of World Heritage-listed forest. See tasmanianexpeditions.com.au Wilsons Promontory National Park, Vic So many Australians cut their hiking teeth in Wilsons Promontory National Park, home to the three- to four-day Southern Prom Circuit, a trail that hops its way from beach to beach Tidal River, Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Waterloo Bay, Oberon Bay on the hook-shaped Prom. Build in an extra day and go further, spending a hiking night in a lighthouse keepers cottage near the southernmost point of the Australian mainland. See parks.vic.gov.au Karijini National Park, WA Australias greatest collection of gorges is found scratched deep into the red earth of the Pilbara. This web of seven gorges runs like fractures through the earth and provides walks that range from strolls to borderline canyoning, with ice-cold swims in cliff-bound pools such as Jubura (Fern Pool) and Handrail Pool. See exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au Cape Le Grand National Park, WA Kangaroos at Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park. Share the explorer Matthew Flinders joy at finding the white-sand beach he named Lucky Bay (crowned the worlds best beach in 2023) and watch its kangaroos famously hanging out on the sands, but be sure to range beyond. Hellfire Bay and Thistle Cove rival Lucky Bay for beauty, and theyre all connected on foot by the 15-kilometre Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail if you want to earn your beach time. See exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au Ningaloo, WA Beach at Warroora Station, on Ningaloo Reef. In the swimming-with-big-things category, it doesnt get better than snorkelling alongside whale sharks (March to August). Unless youd rather take the plunge with humpback whales during their annual migration (June to November). If you prefer to stay within a few strokes of shore, Turquoise Bays drift snorkel delivers big rewards for minimal effort. Other highlights include exploring Cape Range National Park, staying in an eco-luxe safari camp, and marine fly-fishing. See westernaustralia.com Central Australia, NT By day Ulurus worn red hide is astounding and its presence neck tingling, but dont miss the chance to gaze at the Australian outback sky by night. With no light interference or pollution, the Southern Hemispheres stars are staggering. Youll see the vast smear of the Milky Way, multiple constellations, and can learn about how Indigenous people have interpreted the skies. Its a sight to astound the soul and theres no better place on the planet to experience it than in Central Australia. See northernterritory.com Coral Coast reefs, WA These are remote and take more effort to access than the Great Barrier Reef, but the reward is adventure, and the only crowd shoals of fish dressed like drag queens in flamboyant orange and green, trailing feathered fins. You can just wade in and enjoy some of the worlds best fringing reefs. You can swim with whale sharks and humpbacks and manta rays. Marvellous creatures, dreamlike underwater scenery: brilliant. See australiascoralcoast.com Kalbarri wildflowers, WA Featherflowers, Kalbarri National Park. iStock The West Australia wildflower season in late winter and spring is sumptuous and, while in Kalbarri National Park you dont get vast carpets of colour, the wildflowers are magnificently offset by blood-red gorges and cliffs pummelled by sapphire seas. Orange and gold banksias and kangaroo paws some green or even black erupt in August, and eucalypts are in full bloom. Kalbarri Visitor Centre has an interpretive 1.8-kilometre trail on the wildflowers. See westernaustralia.com Karijini National Park, WA Dramatic red rocks and emerald pools of Weano Gorge at Karijini National Park. West Australia Tourism Its distant, dusty, and youll have to camp, but rejoice that the remoteness of this national park in the Hamersley Ranges keeps tourist hordes away. Its just you and ancient rock, crumpled into twisting bands of red and purple, and cleaved into fiery gorges whose valley floors offer pools, waterfalls and unexpected splatters of greenery. Sunsets in these rusting gorges are hallelujah moments. This might be Australias best middle-of-nowhere. See exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au King George River, WA The only way to get to this Kimberley river is by expedition cruise ship and Zodiac excursion for an exclusive experience in what would otherwise be one of Australias most famous sights if more conveniently located. You putter 12 kilometres up a gorge of cracked and convulsed red rock that looks like the setting of a science-fiction planet before arriving at twin falls that teeter off a worn escarpment. See australiasnorthwest.com Valley of the Giants, WA The elevated Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. Tourism Western Australia Stunning eucalyptus trees that grow up to 90 metres are an icon of Western Australias south-west, and while jarrah and karri trees might be better known, the tingle trees in Walpole-Nornalup National Park are magnificent too. Many are 400 years old, with enormous buttresses and sometimes hollowed-out bases. A tree-top walk takes you 40 metres up into the tree canopy for a different perspective on tingle-tree forest. See westernaustralia.com Gondwana rainforests, NSW/Qld Step into one of the Gondwana Rainforests, lush emerald landscapes glowing with leaf-filtered light, and you are travelling deep into pre-history, to the days of the Gondwana supercontinent. Spread across northern NSW and southern Queensland, these ancient forests contain giant ferns and ancient Antarctic beech trees (some up to 3000 years old), ancient volcanoes and caves lit by glow warms. From Springbrook National Park to Wollumbin National Park and beyond, this is time travel at its best. See nationalparks.nsw.gov.au; environment.qld.gov.au Litchfield National Park, NT Twin waterfalls at Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park. Tourism NT/Lucy Ewing On a hot day in the Northern Territory, nothing beats the bliss of cooling off in a croc-free waterhole. At Litchfield National Park, a 90-minute drive out of Darwin, you have plenty to choose from. When youre done splashing about in the family-friendly Buley Rockhole or the pool at Florence Falls, fed by twin cascades, take a walk through the monsoon forest, gaze in awe at the mighty termite mounds, or be entranced by some of the parks dramatic waterfalls. See nt.gov.au Rottnest Island, WA A rock pool at Little Armstrong Bay on Rottnest Island. Tourism Western Australia Known to the Noongar people as Wadjemup, this island off the coast of Fremantle is a special place. For a start, private cars are banned and visitors get around on bicycles or on foot. Secondly, its ringed with gorgeous beaches, making it easy to find a quiet spot all your own. Finally, its home to the quokka, a marsupial with a loveable grin which is bound to end up in your selfies. Awww, cute. See rottnestisland.com Warrumbungles, NSW Australias Grand Canyon Warrumbungle National Park. iStock Few places in the country feel as otherworldly as the Warrumbungles, where volcanic spires rise sharply from a vast inland skyline. By day, hike through Australias own Grand Canyon, weaving past jagged peaks and ancient formations. By night, Australias only Dark Sky Park becomes a stargazers dream and a perfect camping spot. Dont miss a session at Milroy Observatory with comet-discoverer Donna Burton. See milroyobservatory.com.au Noosa Everglades, Qld Kayaking classic Noosa Everglades One of only two everglade systems on Earth, the Noosa Everglades is a serene maze of mirror-still waterways, tea-tree forests and abundant birdlife, from black swans to egrets. Kayaking here is the classic way to experience the magic, gliding across reflections that look painted onto the water. A spectacular corner of Queensland that feels worlds away from Noosas bustle. See evergladesecosafaris.com.au Kangaroo Island, SA Kangaroo Island Spirits. Its not just KIs landscapes and wildlife that have bounced back since the devastating bushfires of 2019 and 2020, the islands tourism offering has also returned with impressive vigour. Where else can you stay in a glass-fronted eco-pod overlooking a dramatic swathe of coastline (Wander), sip on gin infused with local mulberries (Kangaroo Island Spirits) and enjoy an alfresco Mediterranean feast within the branches of a sprawling 120-year-old fig tree. See southaustralia.com Wukalina Walk, Tas Palawa guide on the Wukalina Walk. The Wukalina Walk leads you across the ochre cliffs, coastal heathlands and luminous bays of Tasmanias north-east, guided by Palawa community members who share stories that have shaped this land for millennia. Staying in beautifully crafted cultural huts and walking country at a gentle pace, youll gain a rare, immersive insight into palawa history, resilience and deep connection to place. Its one of Australias most meaningful multi-day walks. See wukalinawalk.com.au Yuraygir, NSW This 65-kilometre trail from Angourie to Red Rock, which threads through heathland, wild beaches, lagoons and rocky headlands, is one of the wildest and most beautiful sections of coastline in NSW. Hike day to day or opt for guided multi-day treks with overnight camping or village stays. Look out for migrating whales, dolphins and abundant birdlife, while traversing the traditional lands of the Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl peoples. See connectadventures.com.au Killen Falls, NSW Cool off Killen Falls in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. iStock Hidden in the Byron hinterland, Killen Falls is a cave-backed cascade that spills into a cool, dreamy swimming hole, and a quieter, moodier alternative to the big-ticket Minyon Falls. A short, shady walk leads to the lookout and the waters edge, where sunlight filters through the trees and you can (almost) pretend youve stumbled on a secret. Come early for peak tranquillity. See visitnsw.com Kakadu National Park, NT World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is home to croc-filled wetlands, rugged gorges and waterfalls, and the Bininj/Mungguy people, who trace their custodianship of this tropical wilderness back 20,000 years. Join Yellow Water Cruise on a new celestial billabong tour that blends Indigenous and European stargazing traditions, learn about traditional bushfoods at a campfire cook up with Animal Tracks Safari, or meet the artists at Marrawuddi Arts and Culture. See kakadutourism.com Lady Elliot Island, Qld Underrated beauty ... Lady Elliot Island, at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Tourism and Events Queensland Picture the Great Barrier Reef and people tend to think of its northern reaches, off the likes of Cairns and Port Douglas, or Heron Island in the south. But dont forget Lady Elliot Island, an underrated beauty accessible by light plane from Hervey Bay. This small coral cay has some of the worlds best scuba-diving and snorkelling, with plenty of manta rays and other big-ticket species, coupled with charming, laid-back accommodation. See ladyelliot.com.au Contributors: Andrew Bain, Anthony Dennis, Ben Groundwater, Belinda Jackson, Kerry van der Jagt, Brian Johnston, Ute Junker, Nina Karnikowski, Katrina Lobley, Catherine Marshall, Rob McFarland, Justin Meneguzzi, Tim Richards, Craig Tansley and Sue Williams. Traveller has 10 copies of Lonely Planets Ultimate Australia Travel List coffee table book, all about the best Australian travel experiences and valued at $39.99, to give away to our readers. Send us your picks of the greatest Australian destinations not included on Travellers 100 all-time greatest Australian destinations list. Well publish the most interesting and inspiring responses at a future date. Advertisement WorldAsiaWorld politics Ex-South Korean president Yoon jailed over failed martial law bid Lisa Visentin January 16, 2026 7:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Singapore: Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted in the first of eight criminal trials relating to his failed bid to impose martial law in 2024. Yoons most consequential trial will be finalised next month when a court is due to return its verdict on charges that he masterminded an insurrection, for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Former president Yoon Suk Yeol at an impeachment hearing in February. AP Reaching its verdict in the first trial on Friday, a South Korean court found Yoon guilty of obstructing attempts by authorities to arrest him when he holed up in the presidential compound for weeks after he was forced to abandon his martial law decree. He was also found guilty of charges that include fabricating official documents and failing to comply with legal processes required for martial law. Prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence. Advertisement The defendant abused his enormous influence as president to prevent the execution of legitimate warrants through officials from the Security Service, which effectively privatised officials ... loyal to the Republic of Korea for personal safety and personal gain, the lead judge on the three-justice panel said in a ruling that was televised. Speaking outside the court immediately after the decision, one of Yoons lawyers, Yoo Jung-hwa, said the former president would appeal the ruling. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Seoul in December 2024 demanding then-president Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment after he attempted to impose martial law. AP We express regret that the decision was made in a politicised manner, she said. Yoon has always denied the allegations against him. Advertisement His criminal conviction is the latest step in a profound fall from grace for the former prosecutor turned conservative politician who became the first-ever sitting president in South Korea to be arrested. On December 3, 2024, Yoon sent troops into the national parliament, claiming South Korea was under siege from the majority opposition and anti-state forces, sparking an immediate uproar across the country. At the time, his party was governing in minority and was struggling to get bills through the parliament. Related Article Analysis World politics Stop the steal spreads to South Korea during presidential stand-off Yoon withdrew the martial law decree six hours later after opposition MPs voted to reject it and later impeached him, suspending his powers. The move plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades, as thousands of protesters rallied in the streets for weeks, calling for his ouster as he barricaded himself inside the residential compound. The crisis exposed the deep political divisions between the countrys conservative and liberal flanks, as Yoons supporters also took to the streets, many channelling US President Donald Trumps MAGA movement by waving Stop the Steal banners. Advertisement Yoon was eventually arrested more than a month later when police stormed his compound in a seizure effort that involved more than 3,000 officers. He was formally removed from office in April last year after the countrys Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment in a unanimous decision. South Korea last handed down a death sentence in 2016, but has not executed anyone since 1997, and is regarded as a de facto abolitionist state. Yoon is not the first former president to face the death penalty on insurrection charges, and it is very unlikely he will be executed even if he is found guilty. In a previous court case in 1995-1996, when former South Korean Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo were accused of insurrection, prosecutors sought the death penalty and life in prison for Chun and Roh respectively. Advertisement Both were ultimately given lesser sentences on appeal and eventually received presidential pardons after spending about two years in jail. With Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement 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. PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 15, 2026 -- The Dyrt, the app to get the best campsites, built by the largest camping and RV community in the U.S., has once again partnered with Toyota Trucks to produce the next edition of its award-winning annual report. The 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks has been refined and redesigned to solidify its standing as the camping industry's go-to resource. Since launching in 2021, The Dyrt's Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks has grown to become the No. 1 source of camping industry data. The report receives multiple media mentions per day on average and is the most-cited camping report by the American press. "The Camping Report started as an opportunity to learn more about how Americans camp and has become a responsibility to inform an entire industry on what is happening now and what is trending for the future," says The Dyrt CEO Kevin Long. "And we can't overstate the impact and credibility that the partnership with Toyota brings to this report. This is the third year we've produced this report in conjunction with Toyota Trucks and we're confident that it's our most in-depth and visually striking edition yet." The partnership brings real-life Toyota Truck drivers into the report as Toyota Adventure Detourists share some of their favorite memories, traditions, and camping spots they get to in their Tacomas, Tundras, 4Runners, Sequoias and Land Cruisers. The 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks found that Toyota Truck drivers take 17% more camping trips than the average camper and are twice as likely to camp with dogs. These respondents also indicated that they are 57% more likely to camp with parents. "Toyota Trucks believes that the best adventures start with a detour, and I couldn't agree more," says Sarah Smith, founder of The Dyrt. "Camping is all about finding new places and discovering the unknown in familiar territory. Every camping trip has the potential to be epic, and the drive there and the drive home are part of it. It's the anticipation and the reflection. Camping is about making memories." The Dyrt's 2026 Camping Report presented by Toyota Trucks will draw on multiple surveys covering thousands of campers and U.S. residents as well as camping property owners in all 50 states. It will be published in early 2026. Sign up to be notified here. About Toyota Toyota, creator of the Prius hybrid and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota and Lexus brands, and directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America (nearly 48,000 in the U.S.). For almost 70 years, Toyota has assembled nearly 47 million cars and trucks in North America at the company's 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, the company's plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. Through our more than 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.), Toyota sold more than 2.7 million cars and trucks (more than 2.3 million in the U.S.) in 2024, of which more than 43 percent were electrified vehicles (full battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell). About The Dyrt The Dyrt is the app to get the best campsites, built by the largest camping and RV community in the U.S. With The Dyrt PRO, campers get all RV parks and campgrounds, the Free Camping Collection, and the RV Trip Planner. The Dyrt's 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks is informed by the largest online camping community and is the leading source of information for the camping industry. Iconic Automotive Brand Earns Top Franchise Honors, Delivers Record Revenue, and Sets Sights on Eastern U.S. Expansion and New Technology Advancements TROY, Mich., Jan. 15, 2026 -- Ziebart, the global leader in vehicle appearance and protection services, is closing out 2025 with one of the strongest years in its 66+ year history, marked by record-setting revenue and major investments in innovation. As the brand looks ahead to 2026, Ziebart is positioned for continued momentum with expansion plans, new dealer partnerships, and technology enhancements designed to elevate both franchise owner and customer experiences. "2025 was a defining year for Ziebart," said Thomas A. Wolfe, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ziebart. "From record revenue to meaningful franchise growth and industry recognition, our results reflect the trust our franchise owners place in the brand and the continued demand for our vehicle protection services." 2025 Growth and Performance Highlights In 2025, Ziebart executed a full-year national marketing campaign that helped drive significant gains across both franchise development and retail performance. The brand saw: +45% year-over-year growth in leads across franchise development and retail across franchise development and retail Three new franchise agreements awarded Four new locations opened nationwide In December 2025, Ziebart concluded its third annual Month of Giving, supporting Mission 22, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting veterans and military families. The initiative was part of a broader, year-long charitable commitment led primarily by Ziebart's corporate office, which supported Mission 22 through multiple fundraising and awareness initiatives throughout the year. In addition, a number of Ziebart franchise owners participated through localized events and in-store efforts. Collectively, Ziebart's corporate-led and franchise-supported initiatives resulted in $12,500 in total charitable contributions in 2025, reinforcing the brand's ongoing commitment to the veteran community. The campaign reflects Ziebart's longstanding commitment to the veteran community, with veterans representing more than 10% of the brand's franchise system. In recognition of these efforts, Ziebart was named a Top Franchise for Veterans by Franchise Business Review (FBR) and continues to waive its full franchise feevalued at $45,000for qualifying U.S. veterans. Industry Recognition and Awards Ziebart's strong performance in 2025 earned the brand several notable industry honors, reinforcing its upward momentum within the franchise space. The brand was named to the Franchise Times Top 400, recognized as a Top 200 Franchise by FBR, and earned its first-ever designation as one of FBR's Most Profitable Franchises. Further underscoring its year-over-year progress, Ziebart ranked #144 on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 list, a significant climb from its #180 ranking the previous year, highlighting continued gains in franchisee satisfaction and system-wide strength. In addition to brand-level accolades, Ziebart continued to invest in executive leadership, welcoming Tray Doster to the team in 2025, as Director of Franchise Development, to further strengthen the company's growth strategy and operational execution. Individual leadership was also celebrated across the system, with Larisa Walega, Ziebart's Chief Growth Officer, appointed to the International Franchise Association (IFA) Board, and Ben Rogers of Bay City, Michigan, named a Franchise Rockstar by FBR, highlighting the depth of leadership and excellence throughout the Ziebart franchise network. Looking Ahead to 2026 Growth As Ziebart shifts gears into 2026, the brand is focused on accelerating growth while continuing to invest in innovation and franchisee support. The company plans to further expand key markets across the Eastern United States, building density in high-potential regions. From cultural immersion to nature-driven journeys, these countries reflect how travelers are choosing to explore the world. SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 15, 2026 -- Tripmasters, a leading travel company that specializes in multi-destination vacation packages, today announced its list of Top Destinations for 2026. Based on emerging booking trends, cultural demand, and evolving traveler preferences, Tripmasters has identified top destinations poised to lead travel interest in 2026. Each year, Tripmasters analyzes thousands of reviews and ratings from its travel community to uncover the most trusted recommendations. The 2026 list highlights destinations that consistently deliver cultural depth, natural beauty, and flexible multi-destination travel experiences. Global Travel Demand Remains Strong Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, global travel demand shows no signs of slowing. According to Yahoo Finance, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects 5.2 billion airline passengers worldwide in the coming year, representing a 4.4% year-over-year increase and the highest passenger volume on record. "Travelers aren't pulling backthey're planning smarter and seeking trips with more value, flexibility, and meaning," said Rafael Checa, CEO. "Demand is growing for itineraries that combine culture, nature, and multiple cities, where Tripmasters excels." No. 1 Top Destination for 2026: Japan For 2026, Japan earns the title of No. 1 Top Destination, and it consistently ranks among the most in-demand cities globally both for leisure and cultural travel. Blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge innovation, Japan's multi-city itineraries across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond blend ancient traditions with cutting-edge innovation. Additional Top Travel Destinations for 2026 Alongside Japan, Tripmasters identified several destinations driving strong travel demand in 2026, reflecting a shift toward immersive, experience-rich journeys: Costa Rica A global leader in eco-tourism, known for biodiversity, sustainability, and nature-driven itineraries. A global leader in eco-tourism, known for biodiversity, sustainability, and nature-driven itineraries. Italy A cornerstone of European travel, offering history, cuisine, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. A cornerstone of European travel, offering history, cuisine, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Australia Increasingly popular for long-haul travel, combining vibrant city life and outdoor adventure. Increasingly popular for long-haul travel, combining vibrant city life and outdoor adventure. New Zealand A gateway to scenic road trips, nature exploration, and immersive cultural experiences. Italy remains a timeless favorite, drawing travelers to iconic cities as well as regional and slower-paced experiences centered on food, history, and UNESCO sites. Australia is increasingly popular for its unique nature, wildlife, and vibrant events, and New Zealand is expected to remain a popular tourist destination in 2026, with recent reports and trends highlighting increased accessibility, sustainability focus, diverse cultural and food experiences, and its stunning natural landscape as key to drawing travelers. Selection Criteria: Best Destinations 2026 are calculated based on the quality and quantity of reviews from travelers globally with Tripmasters between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Founded in 1984, Tripmasters has grown into a global brand while remaining family-owned and U.S.-based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Its long-standing credibility is supported by: 4.8-star average rating on Trustpilot A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) IATA and ARC certifications Flexible payment options , Affirm, PayPal, and major credit cards , Affirm, PayPal, and major credit cards Staggered payment plans designed to help travelers budget with confidence SOURCE TripMasters Hyundai IONIQ 9 Named Best Large SUV at 2026 Women's Worldwide Car of the Year Awards Hyundai Motors all-electric SUV IONIQ 9 was praised for its innovation, performance and luxurious features Selected by 84 female automotive journalists from 54 countries across five continents IONIQ 9 is now a contender for the WWCOTY Supreme Winner title, set to be announced in March SEOUL, January 15, 2026 Hyundai Motor Companys all-electric SUV IONIQ 9 has received the prestigious title of Worlds Best Large SUV at the 2026 Womens Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) Awards. This accolade underscores Hyundai Motors continued commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability within the large SUV market. A panel of 84 female automotive journalists from 54 countries rigorously evaluated vehicles across all categories, assessing criteria such as safety, quality, design, performance, ease of driving, environmental impact and value for money. IONIQ 9 distinguished itself from nearly 20 other competitors, standing out as an exemplary model in its category. Hyundai IONIQ 9 clearly demonstrates how advanced technology and everyday usability can go hand in hand. Its fast and efficient charging capability, outstanding interior space and high overall quality set a new benchmark in the large electric SUV segment. This award also confirms that Hyundais commitment to innovation and excellence is consistent, as this is not the first time the brand has been recognized by our jury. Marta Garcia, Executive President at Womens Worldwide Car of the Year What Makes IONIQ 9 a World-Leading SUV? IONIQ 9, the flagship model of Hyundai Motors acclaimed IONIQ lineup, represents the pinnacle of the companys innovation and engineering: Design Excellence : Combining aerodynamic sophistication with futuristic aesthetics, IONIQ 9 delivers a striking visual presence. : Combining aerodynamic sophistication with futuristic aesthetics, IONIQ 9 delivers a striking visual presence. Spacious Comfort : The three-row interior, configurable for six or seven passengers, offers a lounge-like environment with ample cargo capacity for family needs. : The three-row interior, configurable for six or seven passengers, offers a lounge-like environment with ample cargo capacity for family needs. Sustainability and Efficiency : Built on Hyundai Motors award-winning E-GMP platform, IONIQ 9 features cutting-edge 800-volt technology, enabling ultra-fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 24 minutes at compatible stations. : Built on Hyundai Motors award-winning E-GMP platform, IONIQ 9 features cutting-edge 800-volt technology, enabling ultra-fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 24 minutes at compatible stations. Smart Technology: The model is equipped with the latest generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), integrating AI-supported voice recognition and advanced digital connectivity. What Makes the WWCOTY Awards a Global Benchmark for Automotive Excellence? The WWCOTY Awards, the only global car awards judged exclusively by female motoring journalists, is recognized as a benchmark for automotive excellence and has a global audience of 500 million. The awards celebrate vehicles that cater to diverse perspectives, highlighting models that meet the evolving needs of drivers worldwide. The six categories for the 2026 WWCOTY awards include: Compact Car Compact SUV Large Car Large SUV 4x4 & Pickup Performance Car Alongside five other category winners, IONIQ 9 is now a contender for the coveted WWCOTY Supreme Winner title. The final announcement will take place in March. About Hyundai Motor Company Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision Progress for Humanity, Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of a sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero-emission vehicles with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies. ZAGREB, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- There exists "broad solidarity" of all European Union (EU) members with Denmark on Greenland, as well as in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), except the United States, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said Friday. Denmark, a NATO member, has consistently stood "shoulder to shoulder" with U.S. soldiers in every NATO operation across the globe, said Plenkovic, cited by the Croatian Radiotelevision. The Danish political arena is gripped by "great shock and disbelief" after repeated remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about acquiring Greenland, he said, calling for dialogue between Washington and Copenhagen. "Anything that would be based on any sudden military intervention or U.S. presence in Greenland is, in my deep conviction, very bad," Plenkovic stressed. In the wake of Trump's remarks, mounting and spreading concerns over security in the Arctic have prompted the EU and NATO allies to ramp up their political and military support for Denmark and its autonomous territory of Greenland, the world's biggest island. Greenland has a self-governing government within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining authority over its defense and foreign policies. The United States maintains a military base on the island. Since returning to the White House in 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed a strong desire to "obtain" Greenland by any means. PRAGUE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The coalition government led by ANO party leader Andrej Babis won a vote of confidence in the Czech Chamber of Deputies on Thursday, formally obtaining constitutional legitimacy to govern. The coalition, comprising Babis' ANO party, the Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD) and the Motorists for Themselves, secured 108 votes in the 200-seat parliament. Babis hailed the unity of his coalition following the vote. Under the Czech Republic's constitution, a newly appointed government must present itself to the Chamber of Deputies within 30 days of its appointment to seek a vote of confidence. The vote followed a debate lasting about 26 hours of session time, the longest of its kind in the country's history, according to the website of CT24 news channel. Babis won the parliamentary election last October and was sworn in as prime minister in December last year. 4-yr-old from Umranala suffers seriousinjury after neck gets slit by nylon manja Our Correspondent : DESPITE the ban, Chinese kite string continue to prove deadly. On Wednesday, a heart-wrenching incident occurred in the Linga area under the Umranala police outpost, where a brother and sister returning home from school were caught in a tangle of Chinese kite string. In this accident, 4-year-old Dhruvi Dade was seriously injured, with her neck being cut, damaging both her esophagus and trachea. On Wednesday afternoon, after school, Dhruvi Dade was going home with her brother. Their neighbour offered them a ride home. Dhruvi was seated in front on the motorcycle, while her brother sat behind. After travelling a short distance, Dhruvi suddenly became entangled in Chinese kite string lying on the road. The string wrapped around her neck, and in an instant, her neck was cut, causing profuse bleeding. Panic ensued at the scene. The child was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors, after examination, stated that both her esophagus and trachea were severely cut. Considering the seriousness of her condition, she was immediately referred to Nagpur. Around 9:40 PM on Wednesday night, doctors in Nagpur began an emergency operation on little Dhruvi. Before the operation, due to the childs severe breathing difficulties, doctors inserted a bypass tube to provide an alternative airway, after which the surgery was proceed. Dhruvis father, Sonu Dade, is employed as an operator at the Chhindwara District Police Station. Upon learning of the incident, Chhindwara MP, Vivek Bunty Sahu immediately arranged for treatment at a hospital in Nagpur. He contacted the father and assured him of all possible assistance. 5 killed, 12 injured in head-on collision near Berasia Staff Reporter : IN Aheart-wrenching road accident in the rural Berasia pocket of the State capital, five members of a single family were killed and 12 others sustained serious injuries during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. The victims, residents of Sironj in Vidisha district, were travelling to Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad) for the auspicious Makar Sankranti holy dip when their speeding loading vehicle collided head-on with a tractor-trolley. According to Berasia Police Station In-charge Virendra Sen, the Ahirwar family was travelling in a pickup vehicle. At approximately 2 am, near the Thakur Lal Singh School, the vehicle crashed into a tractor-trolley arriving from the opposite direction. The impact was so severe that the front portion of the pickup was completely mangled, trapping the occupants inside the wreckage. Local residents and police officials had to employ heavy machinery to cut through the twisted metal to extricate the bodies and rescue the survivors. Following the alert, Berasia SDM Ashutosh Sharma, MLA Vishnu Khatri and Additional SP Neeraj Chaurasia reached the Government hospital late at night to oversee the emergency response. High-level instructions have been issued to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the 12 injured survivors, which include several children. Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed of the loading vehicle was a primary factor leading to the fatal collision. The police administration has identified the deceased as Laxmibai Ahirwar, Babli Bai, Hari Bai, Deepak, and Mukesh Ahirwar. The list of those undergoing treatment at the Berasia Civil Hospital includes Suraj, Vinita, Punit, Monika, Mahak, Nuri Bai, Lallu, Pradeep, and Jyoti. Two individuals travelling in the tractor-trolley were also caught in the impact and are currently under medical supervision. 52 Maoists surrender under Poona Margem policy Our Correspondent : IN A significant boost to Chhattisgarhs anti-Naxal Operation, as many as 52 Maoist cadres affiliated with the South Sub Zonal Bureau surrendered before the police in Bijapur district on Thursday, renouncing violence and rejoining the mainstream under the State Governments rehabilitation policy Poona Margem: From Rehabilitation to Renewal. According to the police, a total reward of Rs 1.41 crore had been announced on the surrendered cadres based on their ranks and organisational roles. The group comprises 21 women and 31 men, drawn from the DKSZC, AOB Division and Bhairamgarh Area Committee. The police sources said that the surrendered cadres included one DVCM, two Company No- 7 members, three PPCMs, 10 ACMs, eight division/ bureau party members, nine platoon or area committee members, three militia platoon commanders, one deputy commander, three militia members, one PLGA member and 11 RPC-level CNM/DAKMS/Janatana government functionaries. The surrender adds to the districts recent gains in Anti-Naxal operations. Since January 1, 2024, a total of 824 Maoists have surrendered in Bijapur, 1,126 have been arrested and 223 have been killed in separate encounters, police said. The development follows sustained operations carried out under the guidance of senior police and CRPF leadership, with joint efforts by the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force (STF), CoBRA units and CRPF battalions, officials said. The cadres were also influenced by the States outreach initiatives, including the Niyad Nella Nar scheme. As part of the rehabilitation process, each surrendered cadre was given Rs 50,000 as immediate financial assistance, while legal formalities for their rehabilitation and reintegration are under way. Appealing to other Maoists to follow suit, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Dr Jitendra Kumar Yadav said the Poona Margem policy offered a secure, dignified and self-reliant future to those willing to abandon violence and place faith in the Constitution and the democratic system. Glitches mar voting across city Staff Reporter : Malfunctioning EVMs, missing names, names of family members segregated to different booths, lack of information about voting booth mars excitement of voters The expectations of the city voters from Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) polls being held after a gap of eight years withered away as mismanagement of the election process was the dominant theme on Thursday. It ultimately affected the overall turnout that might barely cross the half century mark (51 %), as many voters got disillusioned after finding their names in different Prabhag, than one where they currently reside. At many places, during post afternoon session, the long queues that one used to witness were found missing. But somehow the thinning of voters at some dense localities of South Nagpur Assembly segment was made up by brisk polling in early hours at Central and West Nagpur booths. Voters found themselves at receiving end of administration laxity as EVMs malfunctioned at many places that disrupted the voting momentum, apart from putting brakes on the acceleration of process. Particularly the EVMs disruption was dominant in North Nagpur Assembly segment, leaving voters confused. As any disruption of EVMs mean, halting of voting till the replacement machine was affixed, which again was time consuming process. But more particularly there was confusion among voters owing to change in the voting booths. The reason being NMC this time increased the number of booths to avoid crowding that was witnessed during the parliamentary and later assembly elections. So for many years the votes who used to vote at one particular school found their names missing, resulting in last minute frantic search. The sorry situation arose as despite constant appeal from NMC, the voters did not bother to visit the booths and verify their names in the voting list to avoid last minute disappointment. However more prominent problem in voter list was division in family names to different booths. This complaint was heard from many booths when the families on reaching the booth found some of the names annexed to another Prabhag or some distant voting booth. The same was inexplicable as families said how could the names of single unit get divided in such cruel way, and sought answers from the election commission. Many of the voters told The Hitavada that within one building, three families found their names listed in three different polling booth. As the elections were being held after a gap of eight-years, in early hours what was observed as teething troubles, soon became a common ailment. Particularly in North Nagpur assembly segment, the malfunctioning of EVMs occurred on unusual scale. So much so that, at one of the polling booth, entire set of 4 machines needed to be replaced that consumed nearly one hour of polling time. Despite undertaking massive training and cross checking the parameters, the civic administration it seems was under prepared to conduct a simple civic body election. All this contributed to dismal voting per centage which could have easily touched 60 per cent if the voters list were properly scrutinised. Iran closes airspace to commercial planes for hrs DUBAI : IRAN closed its airspace to commercial flights for hours without explanation early Thursday as tensions remained high with the United States over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. The closure ran for over 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 7 AM. 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 though the closure immediately rippled through global aviation because Iran is located on a key East-West route for airlines. 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. 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 defense 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. 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. The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on Iran at the request of the United States on Thursday afternoon. US President Donald Trump made a series of vague statements Wednesday that left unclear what American action, if any, would take place against Iran. In comments to reporters, Trump said he had been told that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, without providing many details. The shift comes a day after 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 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. 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. Air India, IndiGo cancel some overseas flights as Iranian airspace closure impacts services: AIR INDIA and IndiGo on Thursday cancelled some of their overseas flights as the Iranian airspace closure impacted services. Flights of Air India to the US and Europe, and services of IndiGo to CIS countries, Europe, and Turkey have been impacted, according to officials. The two airlines, as well as SpiceJet, issued advisories saying that the airspace closure will impact some flights. Tata Group-owned Air India cancelled at least three flights to the US, and certain services to Europe will face some delays due to the Iranian airspace closure, an official said. Will not miss the target this time Iran issues threat to Trump TEHRAN, Jan 15 (IANS) 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 Trumps repeated warnings that the United States could take military action against Iran. KC Overseas to conduct Vidarbhas biggest overseas education fair on January 18 Business Reporter : KC Overseas will conduct Vidarbhas biggest overseas education fair on January 18 at Hotel Centre Point, Ramdaspeth, for the students and parents from Nagpur and nearby cities. KC Overseas will brings a gamut of representatives of top ranked universities, abroad education experts, education loan providers and accommodation facilitators, all under one roof. The best part is that entry to the fair is free. So, students and parents can grab the chance to attend this mega education fair which is co-powered by Gisma University of Applied Sciences, Global Education, Munich Business School and Credila Financial Services. Those interested can walk into Hotel Centre Point, Ramdaspeth, Nagpur on January 18 from 10 am to 5 pm and explore options for studying abroad as it is easier to get admission to top ranked foreign institutions as compared to top institutions in India that too, at lower cost. Students also stand a chance to get admissions without any entrance test. Moreover, they can explore the career opportunities post education abroad. Attendees will get an opportunity to meet the university delegates from 175+ top ranking universities from 18 countries. They can get the details for pursuing a Bachelors or a Masters degree in the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, Dubai, Singapore, and many more study destinations. University representatives will assess the profiles of students and resolve all their queries relating to academic programmes, admission process, career options and studies abroad in general. The applicants also stand a chance of availing application fees waivers* (conditions apply) and on the spot scholarships (based on eligibility). Free spot application assessment and counselling will enable students to get an overview about the best-suited country as per their profile, course options, admission criteria, application process, scholarships and internship opportunities and visa processing, for their desired study destinations. Students can also get information about post study work visa and further job prospects. For details visit KCs Head Office at IT Park, (M. 8669 602 483) or KCs Sadar Office on 2nd Floor, Block No. 112, Shriram Tower, Kingsway, Sadar (M: 86696 65180). Nagpur voters names appear in other municipal corporation lists Praveen Kamble Ratnamala Kamble Staff Reporter : A bizarre situation emerged during the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections when Praveen Mahadeo Kamble, a resident of Nagpur, found his name missing from the local voters list. Instead, his name appeared in the list of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections. Omkar Gowarkar, a contributor at a help booth told that Praveen is a resident of Gittikhadan Layout, however, he was assigned Baramati as his voting centre. Another contributor Raman Tiwari shared how as a result of this discrepancy, Praveen was not able to cast his vote in city civic body elections despite being a long time resident of city. Another example of the same was Ratnamala Kisanrao Kamble, a resident of Rahate Nagar, who had her name showing up for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation. This, again, barred her from taking part in NMC elections. There was also Nagesh Manik Moon, a resident of Imambada, who had his name assigned to Baramati, Pune. He has previous voting card listed as resident in Prabhag 17 but on reaching the help booth set up by political parties, Moon found his name figuring in voting list of Purandar tehsil in Pune district, much to his dismay. These three were among the many who had been facing similar issues of local voters seeing their names vanishing from city voters list and getting added to lists of other municipal corporations. The help booth set up for resolving the issue found themselves puzzled on what the resolution to such a situation could be in such a short span of time. With similar instances occurring throughout the elections, potential voters have now gotten discouraged to cast their vote, said Atul Duragkar, social worker and contributor at a help booth. Voters from one Prabhag compelled to vote for another More than 1,500 voters from Subhash Nagar, falling under Prabhag 37, were reportedly compelled to vote for candidates contesting from Prabhag 36. Many said being forced to vote for candidates from areas they did not belong to reduced their interest in participating in the election. Printing errors in voters list Printing mistakes in the voters list created further obstacles, with names and photographs missing in several entries. Due to these errors, many voters were reportedly barred from casting their votes. Senior citizens described this as the first election they had witnessed with such a high level of mismanagement. Four-vote system creates confusion The requirement to cast four separate votes using electronic voting machines left many voters confused. A social worker present at polling centres said several senior citizens and first-time voters struggled to understand the process and, in some cases, ended up voting for candidates they did not intend to support. One common refrain post voting was that the voters were not very sure as they had pressed the button in correct order. Means they were unsure as to where there votes went as the display was not very clear and in small letters making it difficult to locate. One voter assigned two polling booths Several voters were found to have been assigned two different polling booths. Election staff required such voters to sign undertakings stating that they would not vote more than once. Kailash Jogani, one of the affected voters, said the process was extremely time-consuming and caused confusion. He warned that such mistakes open the door to misuse and should not occur in the first place. Repeated names found in the same booth Instances of duplicate entries were also reported. Voter Avinash Mantana Parteki found his name listed twice at the same polling booth at Antar Bharti Ashram, Khamla Square. Election support staff present at the booth said such repetitions had become common during this election. Names of deceased and migrated citizens remain on rolls Social worker Atul Duragkar, who was assisting voters facing confusion, said that in just three polling booths, more than a hundred names of deceased persons were found on the voters list. He added that names of citizens who had migrated out of the city were also not removed. According to him, such discrepancies lead to incorrect voter turnout figures and raise serious concerns about the accuracy of electoral data. Swastik Tours and Travels starts bookings SWASTIK Tours and Travels, Shankar Nagar, Nagpur has arranged various overseas and domestic tours in the coming tourism season. Dubai Abu Dhabi Tour will depart on February 12 with 5 nights in Dubai. Phuket and Krabi Tour, Thailand is scheduled for February 18, with two nights in Krabi and four nights in Phuket with all major sight seeing covered. Tourists will visit Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, famous for its nature and scenic beauty, starting from March 7. In the domestic sector, travellers will have wide range of options like Indore Ujjain from February 2. Similarly, the Sampurna Konkan tour from February 20, etc. It is located at 10, Dandige Layout, Shankar Nagar (East) (M: 9421706506, 7620107238). WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Advisers informed U.S. President Donald Trump that his country would require increased military strength in the Middle East to carry out a major strike against Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. The advisers emphasized the need for additional military resources to safeguard American forces and allies, like Israel, in case of retaliation from Iran, the report said. U.S. advisers and partners from the Middle East warned the White House that a large-scale bombing campaign was unlikely to bring down Iran's government and could instead lead to a wider conflict. On the other hand, smaller strikes might raise morale among protesters, but would likely have little effect on the regime's harsh response, it added. While Trump had not made a final decision, officials said he ordered military resources to be positioned for a potential large-scale attack. "The president and his team are closely monitoring this situation, and all options remain on the table for the president," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told a press briefing Thursday. 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. Meanwhile, U.S. allies in the region, such as Turkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have recently advised Trump against launching an attack on Iran. A diplomat familiar with the discussions told The Wall Street Journal that Iranian officials have recently contacted the governments of Turkiye, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman to warn that if Iran were attacked, it would target American bases in the region. Protests have been held in several Iranian cities since late December. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations 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. VB-G RAM G 2025 awareness drive to boost rural employment Staff Reporter : A PUBLIC awareness campaign for the Governments Viksit Bharat - Ji Ram Ji Kanoon 2025 (VBG RAM G) Scheme was launched in Vidisha this week, aimed at informing villagers about new opportunities in employment, skill development, and sustainable projects. The campaign, part of a broader drive to promote self-reliant villages and rural prosperity, seeks to engage local communities and ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach every eligible household. Under VBG RAM G, the guaranteed employment period in rural areas has been extended from 100 to 125 days, providing additional work and income to rural families. The initiative also focuses on skill training programs and selfemployment opportunities, helping villagers acquire practical skills and generate sustainable livelihoods. Sustainable development projects in villages are another key component, ensuring that economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental and social responsibility. Speaking at the campaign launch at the BJP district office, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Labour Minister Prahlad Singh Patel emphasised that the campaign is a critical step in translating the governments vision of selfreliant villages into action. Through VBG RAM G, we are not just providing employment; we are empowering rural communities with skills, opportunities, and dignity, he said. The campaign also aims to encourage active public participation, inviting villagers to engage in local development projects and share ideas for improving livelihoods. The event was attended by local leaders and MLAs, including Suryaprakash Meena, Mukesh Tandon, Hari Sapre, Jitendra Baghel, and Captain Singh Yadav, alongside senior journalists. Officials say that this awareness drive is crucial for ensuring that rural residents understand and access the scheme, maximizing its impact on employment, skill-building, and village development. Very serious matter, will examine issue: SC on EDs Kolkata raids facing obstruction NEW DELHI : THE Supreme Court on Thursday termed very serious the Enforcement Directorates allegation that it faced obstruction from the West Bengal Government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during their raids at the I-PAC office and the premises of its director in connection with an alleged coal-pilferage scam. A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi said they intend to issue notice and examine the matter. This is a very serious matter; we will issue a notice. We have to examine it, it remarked orally. The top court also said that it was very much disturbed by the commotion at the Calcutta High Court during its hearing in the ED raids case. The Calcutta High Court had adjourned till January 14 the hearing on petitions related to the EDs search and seizure operations at sites linked to political consultancy firm I-PAC, citing unmanageable chaos inside the courtroom. As the hearing commenced, the ED said the West Bengal Governments interference and obstruction during the probe agencys raids reflects a very shocking pattern. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ED, told the bench that in the past also, whenever statutory authorities exercised statutory power, Banerjee barged in and interfered. It reflects a very shocking pattern, Mehta said while contending that this will only encourage such acts, and the central forces will be demoralised. The States will feel they can barge in, commit theft, and then sit on a dharna. Let an example be set, officers who were explicitly present there should be suspended, the Solicitor General said. Mehta submitted that there was evidence leading to the conclusion that incriminating material was lying in the I-PAC office. Let an example be set, and officers explicitly present there should be suspended. Direct the competent authority to act, and please take cognisance of what is happening. We are here to protect our officers fundamental rights. We are acting under the law and do not seize for personal gains, he said. Mehta told the apex court that a large number of advocates and other persons entered the Calcutta High Court during the hearing of the EDs plea, and the matter was adjourned. This happens when mobocracy replaces democracy, he told the top court. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal opposed Mehtas plea and said the case should be heard by the Calcutta High Court first, and proper hierarchy should be followed. He claimed the ED was filing parallel proceedings. Sibal also referred to the video recording of the raid and said, It is a blatant lie that all digital devices were taken. Allegation that CM Mamata Banerjee took all devices is a lie, substantiated by EDs own panchnama (search record). The last statement in the coal scam was recorded in February 2024; what was ED doing since then? Why so keen in the midst of elections? he posed. The hearing is currently underway. The EDs plea in the apex court follows events from January 8, when the probe agencys officials faced obstructions during their raids at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC in Salt Lake and the Kolkata residence of its director, Pratik Jain, in connection with a coal smuggling case. The probe agency has claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the premises and took away key evidence related to the probe. Banerjee has accused the central agency of overreach, while her party, Trinamool Congress, has denied the EDs allegation of obstructing its probe. The States Police have registered an FIR against ED officers. Serious indictment of Mamata: BJP NEW DELHI, Jan 15 (PTI) THE BJP on Thursday termed the Supreme Courts observations on the EDs 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. 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 Directorates (ED) allegation that Banerjee caused obstruction in its probe as very serious and agreed to examine whether a states law-enforcing agencies can interfere with any central agencys 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 (DGP) Rajeev Kumar and top cops on the EDs 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 courts 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 Benrjees corrupt politics, Bhatia added. Another BJP national spokesperson Shazia Ilmi called the the Supreme Courts 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 Courts intervention becomes inevitable. He alleged that the Chief Ministers 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 EDs 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 TMCs IT cell called its goons inside the courtroom sending WhatsApp messages, he said. Wikipedia inks AI deals with Microsoft, Meta LONDON : 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 Frances 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 Wikipedias 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. The new deals will help one of the worlds most popular websites monetize heavy traffic from AI companies. Theyre 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. Im very happy personally that AI models are training on Wikipedia data because its human curated, Wales told The Associated Press in an interview. I wouldnt really want to use an AI thats trained only on X, you know, like a very angry AI, Wales said, referring to billionaire Elon Musks 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 youre 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 per cent. 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. The findings highlighted shifting online trends as search engine AI overviews and chatbots summarise 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, whos stepping down on Jan. 20, and will be replaced by Bernadette Meehan. The bulk of Wikipedias funding comes from 8 million donors, most of them individuals. Theyre not donating in order to subsidize these huge AI companies, Wales said. Theyre saying, You know what, actually you cant just smash our website. You have to sort of come in the right way. 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 isnt 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 dont have that yet but thats 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 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 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 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. 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 favour of the left. Republican lawmakers in the US Congress are investigating alleged manipulation efforts in Wikipedias 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 doesnt consider Grokipedia a real threat to Wikipedia because its based on large language models, which are the troves of online text that AI systems are trained on. Large language models arent 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 wasnt singling out criticism of Grokipedia. Its just the way large language models work. Wales say hes known Musk for years but they havent been in touch since Grokipedia launched. I should probably ping him, Wales said. American Tower (NYSE:AMT Free Report) had its price objective reduced by Royal Bank Of Canada from $220.00 to $195.00 in a report released on Monday morning,MarketScreener reports. Royal Bank Of Canada currently has a sector perform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the company. HSBC reduced their target price on American Tower from $235.00 to $205.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of American Tower in a report on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen upgraded American Tower from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, October 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on shares of American Tower from $250.00 to $230.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Barclays reissued an equal weight rating and set a $200.00 price target (down previously from $203.00) on shares of American Tower in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, American Tower presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $220.26. Get American Tower alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on AMT American Tower Trading Up 2.3% Shares of AMT stock traded up $4.06 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $181.54. 3,868,274 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,848,985. American Tower has a 12-month low of $166.88 and a 12-month high of $234.33. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $84.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 0.92. The companys 50-day moving average price is $177.66 and its 200-day moving average price is $193.80. American Tower (NYSE:AMT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.64 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $2.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.65 billion. American Tower had a return on equity of 28.79% and a net margin of 28.11%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.52 earnings per share. American Towers quarterly revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. American Tower has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.600-10.720 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that American Tower will post 10.14 earnings per share for the current year. American Tower Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 29th will be paid a $1.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 29th. This represents a $6.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.7%. American Towers payout ratio is 108.63%. Insider Transactions at American Tower In other news, major shareholder Tower Corp /Ma/ American sold 2,288,621 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.75, for a total transaction of $159,631,314.75. Following the sale, the insider owned 211,379 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,743,685.25. The trade was a 91.54% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Eugene F. Reilly bought 5,554 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The shares were acquired at an average price of $178.99 per share, with a total value of $994,110.46. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 5,689 shares in the company, valued at $1,018,274.11. This represents a 4,114.07% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in American Tower by 1.0% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 63,640,168 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $12,239,277,000 after buying an additional 611,801 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of American Tower by 24.3% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 12,666,082 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,799,458,000 after buying an additional 2,474,328 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in American Tower by 3.1% in the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 6,888,633 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,324,822,000 after purchasing an additional 208,109 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in American Tower during the second quarter valued at about $1,371,875,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of American Tower by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,563,565 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,229,659,000 after purchasing an additional 208,213 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.69% of the companys stock. About American Tower (Get Free Report) American Tower (NYSE: AMT) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, operates and develops wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure. The companys core business is leasing space on communications sites including towers, rooftops and other structures to wireless carriers, broadcasters, government agencies and enterprise customers. Its business model centers on long-term site leases and contracts that provide recurring revenue tied to the footprint and density of wireless networks. Beyond traditional tower assets, American Tower offers a range of infrastructure and network services to support mobile, broadband and broadcast connectivity. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for American Tower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Tower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Free Report) had its target price raised by BMO Capital Markets from $31.00 to $36.00 in a report released on Monday morning,MarketScreener reports. They currently have a market perform rating on the oilfield services companys stock. HAL has been the topic of several other research reports. UBS Group lifted their price objective on Halliburton from $24.00 to $32.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Halliburton from $31.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Halliburton from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Morgan Stanley set a $34.00 target price on shares of Halliburton in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Halliburton in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $33.57. Get Halliburton alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Halliburton Halliburton Trading Down 0.8% Shares of NYSE HAL traded down $0.25 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $32.79. 9,752,877 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 18,015,135. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $28.19 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $24.74. The company has a market capitalization of $27.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.72 and a beta of 0.78. Halliburton has a 12 month low of $18.72 and a 12 month high of $33.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 1.95 and a quick ratio of 1.43. Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The oilfield services company reported $0.58 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $5.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.39 billion. Halliburton had a net margin of 5.91% and a return on equity of 20.12%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.73 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Halliburton will post 2.64 EPS for the current year. Halliburton Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 24th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 3rd were issued a $0.17 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 3rd. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Halliburtons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 45.03%. Insider Activity at Halliburton In other Halliburton news, insider Mark Richard sold 160,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.77, for a total value of $4,443,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 452,374 shares in the company, valued at $12,562,425.98. This trade represents a 26.13% 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, 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 value of $246,938.06. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 333,528 shares in the company, valued at $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. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 268,854 shares of company stock valued at $7,915,138. 0.56% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Halliburton A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. acquired a new stake in Halliburton in the third quarter valued at $25,000. Kelleher Financial Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Halliburton in the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Halliburton in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Strive Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Halliburton during the third quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in Halliburton during the third quarter worth approximately $32,000. 85.23% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Halliburton News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Halliburton this week: About Halliburton (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. Read More 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. International Land Alliance, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ILAL Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 12,524 shares, a decrease of 49.4% from the December 15th total of 24,739 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 287,474 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 287,474 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. International Land Alliance Price Performance Shares of International Land Alliance stock traded down $0.01 on Thursday, hitting $0.21. 45,009 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 187,611. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $0.22 and a 200 day moving average price of $0.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.13 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.20 and a beta of -0.86. International Land Alliance has a 1-year low of $0.10 and a 1-year high of $0.35. Get International Land Alliance alerts: International Land Alliance (OTCMKTS:ILAL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 19th. The company reported ($0.02) EPS for the quarter. International Land Alliance had a negative return on equity of 41.90% and a negative net margin of 196.48%.The company had revenue of $0.56 million for the quarter. International Land Alliance Company Profile International Land Alliance, Inc operates as a residential land development company with target properties located primarily in the Baja California, Northern region of Mexico, and Southern California. Its principal activities include purchasing properties; obtaining zoning and other entitlements required to subdivide the properties into residential and commercial building lots; securing financing for the purchase of the lots; enhance the properties' infrastructure and amenities; and selling the plots to homebuyers, retirees, investors, and commercial developers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for International Land Alliance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Land Alliance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) had its price target dropped by analysts at BMO Capital Markets from $50.00 to $48.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a market perform rating on the oil and gas producers stock. BMO Capital Markets target price points to a potential upside of 11.16% from the stocks current price. OXY has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $50.00 target price on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Scotiabank upped their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $40.00 to $38.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Wall Street Zen cut Occidental Petroleum from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Sunday. Finally, HSBC reduced their price target on Occidental Petroleum from $55.00 to $54.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $49.48. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Occidental Petroleum Occidental Petroleum Stock Down 2.6% OXY traded down $1.14 during trading on Monday, reaching $43.18. The stock had a trading volume of 14,129,595 shares, compared to its average volume of 13,249,895. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The company has a market capitalization of $42.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.75 and a beta of 0.38. The stocks 50 day moving average is $41.46 and its two-hundred day moving average is $43.38. Occidental Petroleum has a one year low of $34.78 and a one year high of $52.78. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $6.62 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.66 billion. Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 7.81% and a return on equity of 12.35%. The companys revenue was down 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.00 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Occidental Petroleum will post 3.58 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other Occidental Petroleum news, Director William R. Klesse bought 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $38.98 per share, with a total value of $194,900.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 218,913 shares in the company, valued at $8,533,228.74. This represents a 2.34% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Occidental Petroleum A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in OXY. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Occidental Petroleum by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 89,201,540 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $4,214,773,000 after purchasing an additional 697,521 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its position in Occidental Petroleum by 1.6% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 39,044,478 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $1,649,147,000 after buying an additional 615,566 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 22.0% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 18,089,878 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $756,796,000 after buying an additional 3,267,269 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 11.5% during the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 8,718,939 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $412,045,000 after buying an additional 900,677 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. Can grew its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. Can now owns 6,050,418 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $254,118,000 after acquiring an additional 30,000 shares during the period. 88.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Occidental Petroleum (Get Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) is an international energy company engaged primarily in the exploration, production and marketing of oil and natural gas. The company conducts upstream activities to discover and produce hydrocarbons and operates complementary midstream and marketing functions to transport and sell its production. Occidental also owns a chemicals business that manufactures and sells industrial chemicals and related products for a range of end markets. Occidentals operations are concentrated in the United States, with a significant presence in the Permian Basin, and it maintains exploration and production activities in several international regions, including parts of the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Montis Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 3,846 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $1,085,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of International Business Machines during the second quarter valued at approximately $2,011,122,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in International Business Machines by 2.1% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 95,051,475 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $28,019,274,000 after acquiring an additional 1,913,708 shares in the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in International Business Machines by 27,928.2% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,903,116 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $561,001,000 after purchasing an additional 1,896,326 shares during the period. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al bought a new position in International Business Machines in the 2nd quarter worth $133,771,000. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 45.8% during the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,313,241 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $387,118,000 after purchasing an additional 412,574 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 58.96% of the companys stock. Get International Business Machines alerts: International Business Machines Trading Down 3.6% International Business Machines stock opened at $297.88 on Friday. International Business Machines Corporation has a 12 month low of $214.50 and a 12 month high of $324.90. The company has a market capitalization of $278.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.70. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $303.48 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $282.42. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97. International Business Machines Dividend Announcement International Business Machines ( NYSE:IBM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The technology company reported $2.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.45 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $16.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.10 billion. International Business Machines had a net margin of 12.09% and a return on equity of 37.76%. The businesss revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.30 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 10th were issued a $1.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $6.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. International Business Machiness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 80.38%. Analysts Set New Price Targets IBM has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on International Business Machines from $300.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Wall Street Zen cut International Business Machines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, January 11th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on International Business Machines from $300.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of International Business Machines from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b) rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Finally, Oppenheimer initiated coverage on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Friday, November 21st. They issued an outperform rating and a $360.00 price target for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $303.38. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on International Business Machines International Business Machines 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. Featured Stories 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. Meritage Portfolio Management acquired a new stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm acquired 58,016 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $3,084,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group by 0.4% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 51,548,977 shares of the banks stock worth $2,306,817,000 after purchasing an additional 209,467 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in Citizens Financial Group by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 23,671,355 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,059,293,000 after buying an additional 283,321 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management AB increased its stake in Citizens Financial Group by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 6,715,372 shares of the banks stock valued at $353,430,000 after buying an additional 315,467 shares during the period. LSV Asset Management raised its position in Citizens Financial Group by 14.5% during the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 6,562,791 shares of the banks stock worth $293,685,000 after buying an additional 833,399 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ninety One UK Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Citizens Financial Group in the third quarter valued at about $308,946,000. 94.90% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Citizens Financial Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts recently issued reports on CFG shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on shares of Citizens Financial Group from $62.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Bank of America raised Citizens Financial Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the stock from $52.00 to $65.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Citizens Financial Group in a report on Monday, December 1st. Citigroup raised Citizens Financial Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Raymond James Financial cut Citizens Financial Group from a strong-buy rating to an outperform rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $62.00 to $66.00 in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have issued a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $60.33. Citizens Financial Group Stock Performance Shares of CFG stock opened at $60.58 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $56.63 and a 200 day moving average price of $52.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.85. The stock has a market cap of $26.02 billion, a PE ratio of 16.97, a P/E/G ratio of 0.52 and a beta of 0.72. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $32.60 and a 1 year high of $62.16. Citizens Financial Group (NYSE:CFG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The bank reported $1.05 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $2.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.10 billion. Citizens Financial Group had a return on equity of 7.48% and a net margin of 14.17%.Citizens Financial Groups revenue was up 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.79 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Citizens Financial Group, Inc. will post 3.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Citizens Financial Group (Free Report) Citizens Financial Group, Inc (NYSE: CFG) is a bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individuals, small and middle-market businesses, corporations and institutional clients. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens conducts its banking operations principally through its primary banking subsidiary, Citizens Bank, and serves customers through a combination of branch locations, ATMs and digital channels. The company is publicly traded and operates under the regulatory framework applicable to U.S. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citizens Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citizens Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA Get Free Report)s share price dropped 3.1% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $163.50 and last traded at $165.63. Approximately 18,347,652 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 6% from the average daily volume of 17,369,430 shares. The stock had previously closed at $170.93. Key Headlines Impacting Alibaba Group Here are the key news stories impacting Alibaba Group this week: Get Alibaba Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BABA has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. CLSA lifted their price objective on shares of Alibaba Group from $155.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Alibaba Group in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on Alibaba Group from $153.00 to $174.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 24th. Rosenblatt Securities set a $195.00 price objective on Alibaba Group in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Susquehanna boosted their target price on Alibaba Group from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Seventeen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Alibaba Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $190.68. Alibaba Group Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $395.21 billion, a PE ratio of 22.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.62 and a beta of 0.37. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $156.00 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $147.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a current ratio of 1.46. Institutional Trading of Alibaba Group Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton purchased a new stake in Alibaba Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Ameriflex Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Alibaba Group by 101.4% during the third quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 143 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. purchased a new stake in shares of Alibaba Group during the third quarter worth approximately $30,000. Foster Dykema Cabot & Partners LLC acquired a new position in Alibaba Group in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, NBT Bank N A NY lifted its holdings in Alibaba Group by 231.5% in the 3rd quarter. NBT Bank N A NY now owns 179 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 13.47% of the companys stock. Alibaba Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Alibaba Group Holding Limited is a Chinese multinational conglomerate founded in 1999 in Hangzhou, China, by Jack Ma and a group of cofounders. The company built its business around internet-based commerce and related services and has grown into one of the largest e-commerce and technology companies in the world. Alibaba completed a highprofile initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014. The company operates a portfolio of online marketplaces and platforms serving different customer segments: Alibaba.com for global and domestic B2B trade, Taobao for consumer-to-consumer shopping, and Tmall for brand and retailer storefronts targeted at Chinese consumers. Read More 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. Several analysts have recently updated their ratings and price targets for Cummins (NYSE: CMI): 1/14/2026 Cummins had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $485.00 to $580.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/13/2026 Cummins had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $580.00 to $630.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 12/30/2025 Cummins was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating. 12/29/2025 Cummins had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/22/2025 Cummins was upgraded by analysts at Raymond James Financial, Inc. from a market perform rating to an outperform rating. They now have a $585.00 price target on the stock. 12/19/2025 Cummins had its positive rating reaffirmed by analysts at Barclays PLC. 12/19/2025 Cummins was upgraded by analysts at Barclays PLC from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating. They now have a $546.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $515.00. 12/18/2025 Cummins had its price target raised by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $628.00 to $653.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 12/15/2025 Cummins had its buy (b) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/11/2025 Cummins had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $530.00 to $580.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 12/8/2025 Cummins had its buy (b) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/25/2025 Cummins had its price target raised by analysts at Argus from $459.00 to $573.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 11/25/2025 Cummins was upgraded by analysts at UBS Group AG from a sell rating to a neutral rating. 11/25/2025 Cummins was upgraded by analysts at UBS Group AG from a sell rating to a neutral rating. They now have a $500.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $350.00. 11/24/2025 Cummins had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/24/2025 Cummins was given a new $628.00 price target on by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 11/24/2025 Cummins was upgraded by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from a hold rating to a buy rating. They now have a $628.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $522.00. 11/17/2025 Cummins had its buy (b-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CFO Mark Andrew Smith sold 13,110 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $470.66, for a total value of $6,170,352.60. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 31,582 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,864,384.12. This represents a 29.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Brett Michael Merritt sold 1,450 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $489.32, for a total transaction of $709,514.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 9,271 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,536,485.72. This trade represents a 13.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 19,330 shares of company stock valued at $9,135,364. Company insiders own 0.41% of the companys stock. Get Cummins Inc alerts: Cummins Inc (NYSE: CMI) is a global power technology company that designs, manufactures, distributes and services a broad portfolio of diesel and natural gas engines, electrified powertrains, power generation systems and related components. Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, Cummins has grown into one of the worlds leading suppliers of internal combustion engines and a provider of technologies that reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The companys product lineup includes heavy-, medium- and light-duty engines for on-highway and off-highway applications, generator sets and power systems for commercial and industrial use, and key engine components such as turbochargers, fuel systems, air handling, filtration and aftertreatment solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Cummins Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cummins Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Biltrite (OTCMKTS:ABLT Get Free Report) and Masco (NYSE:MAS Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, institutional ownership, earnings and profitability. Profitability This table compares American Biltrite and Mascos net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get American Biltrite alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Biltrite -4.16% -34.23% -6.13% Masco 10.89% 1,317.38% 16.47% Risk and Volatility American Biltrite has a beta of -0.31, meaning that its stock price is 131% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Masco has a beta of 1.28, meaning that its stock price is 28% more volatile than the S&P 500. Insider & Institutional Ownership Analyst Recommendations 93.9% of Masco shares are held by institutional investors. 0.5% of Masco shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. This is a breakdown of recent ratings for American Biltrite and Masco, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American Biltrite 0 0 0 0 0.00 Masco 0 13 6 1 2.40 Masco has a consensus price target of $73.20, suggesting a potential upside of 2.77%. Given Mascos stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Masco is more favorable than American Biltrite. Earnings & Valuation This table compares American Biltrite and Mascos top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio American Biltrite $188.74 million 0.01 -$2.64 million ($229.80) -0.31 Masco $7.83 billion 1.89 $822.00 million $3.90 18.26 Masco has higher revenue and earnings than American Biltrite. American Biltrite is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Masco, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Masco beats American Biltrite on 15 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About American Biltrite (Get Free Report) American Biltrite Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides tape, jewelry, flooring, and rubber products worldwide. The company produces and offers pressure sensitive tapes, films, and protective sheeting under the American Biltrite and Ideal brands, which are used in various markets, such as automotive and transportation; construction; shoe/footwear; graphic arts, print, and signage; and various other industrial and consumer applications. It also manufactures and distributes commercial flooring primarily for healthcare, educational, and institutional sectors; and performance sheet rubber in North America, as well as designs and supplies fashion jewelry to department stores under the brands of Guess, T Tahari, Robert Rose, Berry, and Jessica McClintock. The company sells its tape products through sales organizations, distributors, and select manufacturers representatives. American Biltrite Inc. was founded in 1908 and is based in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. About Masco (Get Free Report) Masco Corporation designs, manufactures, and distributes home improvement and building products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company's Plumbing Products segment offers faucets, showerheads, handheld showers, valves, bath hardware and accessories, bathing units, shower bases and enclosures, sinks, toilets, acrylic tubs, shower trays, spas, exercise pools, and fitness systems; brass, copper, and composite plumbing system components; connected water products; thermoplastic solutions, extruded plastic profiles, specialized fabrications, and PEX tubing products; and other non-decorative plumbing products. This segment provides its products under the DELTA, BRIZO, PEERLESS, HANSGROHE, AXOR, KRAUS, EASY DRAIN, STEAMIST, ELITESTEAM, GINGER, NEWPORT BRASS, BRASSTECH, WALTEC, BRISTAN, HERITAGE, MIROLIN, HOT SPRING, CALDERA, FREEFLOW SPAS, FANTASY SPAS, ENDLESS POOLS, BRASSCRAFT, PLUMB SHOP, COBRA, COBRA PRO, and MASTER PLUMBER brands. Its Decorative Architectural Products segment offers paints, primers, specialty coatings, stains, and waterproofing products, as well as paint applicators and accessories; cabinet and door hardware, functional hardware, wall plates, hook and rail products, closet organization systems, and picture hanging accessories; decorative bath hardware, mirrors, and shower accessories and doors; and decorative indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, landscape lighting, and LED lighting systems. This segment provides its products under the BEHR, KILZ, WHIZZ, Elder & Jenks, LIBERTY, BRAINERD, FRANKLIN BRASS, KICHLER, and ELAN brands. It sells its products to the plumbing, heating, and hardware wholesalers; home centers and online retailers; hardware stores; electrical and landscape distributors; lighting showrooms; building supply outlets; and other mass merchandisers. Masco Corporation was incorporated in 1929 and is headquartered in Livonia, Michigan. Receive News & Ratings for American Biltrite Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Biltrite and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB Free Report) had its target price increased by Barclays from $216.00 to $217.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on AVB. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $225.00 to $222.50 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued a neutral rating and a $205.00 price target on the stock. Colliers Securities reissued a neutral rating and set a $195.00 price objective (down from $200.00) on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on AvalonBay Communities from $202.00 to $197.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, AvalonBay Communities currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $205.89. Get AvalonBay Communities alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on AVB AvalonBay Communities Stock Up 0.3% Shares of NYSE:AVB opened at $180.74 on Tuesday. AvalonBay Communities has a 1 year low of $166.73 and a 1 year high of $230.21. The company has a market capitalization of $25.59 billion, a PE ratio of 22.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 0.75. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $179.83 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $187.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.67. AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.75 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.81 by ($0.06). The business had revenue of $766.80 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $766.22 million. AvalonBay Communities had a return on equity of 9.72% and a net margin of 38.78%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.74 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that AvalonBay Communities will post 11.48 earnings per share for the current year. AvalonBay Communities Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st were paid a dividend of $1.75 per share. This represents a $7.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. AvalonBay Communitiess payout ratio is presently 85.47%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Empowered Funds LLC increased its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 5.7% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 2,723 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $584,000 after buying an additional 148 shares during the period. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. increased its holdings in AvalonBay Communities by 52.2% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 475 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $102,000 after acquiring an additional 163 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in AvalonBay Communities by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 41,790 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $8,969,000 after purchasing an additional 202 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in AvalonBay Communities by 15.7% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,163 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $237,000 after purchasing an additional 158 shares during the period. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB grew its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 20.2% during the 2nd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 476 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $97,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.61% of the companys stock. AvalonBay Communities Company Profile (Get Free Report) AvalonBay Communities, Inc (NYSE: AVB) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, develops, redevelops and manages multifamily residential properties. The company focuses on professionally managed apartment communities, offering a range of rental housing options and related resident services. As a REIT, AvalonBays core activities center on the acquisition and development of apartment assets and the ongoing operations and leasing of those communities. AvalonBays operating activities include ground-up development, strategic redevelopment of existing properties, property and asset management, and on-site leasing and resident services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for AvalonBay Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AvalonBay Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kepler Capital Markets upgraded shares of Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report released on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Several other brokerages also recently commented on SAN. Barclays downgraded shares of Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. DZ Bank downgraded Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b+) rating on shares of Banco Santander in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Banco Santander alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Banco Santander Banco Santander Trading Down 0.7% Shares of SAN opened at $12.13 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $180.56 billion, a PE ratio of 12.90, a P/E/G ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 0.73. The firms 50 day moving average is $11.27 and its 200-day moving average is $10.11. Banco Santander has a 12 month low of $4.85 and a 12 month high of $12.31. Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The bank reported $0.23 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.25 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $26.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.32 billion. Banco Santander had a return on equity of 11.68% and a net margin of 17.90%. Equities research analysts predict that Banco Santander will post 0.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Santander Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Banco Santander by 77.4% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 419,635 shares of the banks stock worth $2,812,000 after purchasing an additional 183,051 shares during the period. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC lifted its holdings in Banco Santander by 3.7% in the first quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 71,990 shares of the banks stock valued at $482,000 after buying an additional 2,566 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its holdings in Banco Santander by 271.2% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 10,276 shares of the banks stock worth $69,000 after acquiring an additional 7,508 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth raised its position in shares of Banco Santander by 65.3% in the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 71,169 shares of the banks stock worth $477,000 after acquiring an additional 28,107 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Banco Santander by 358.5% in the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 14,177 shares of the banks stock valued at $95,000 after purchasing an additional 11,085 shares during the period. 9.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Banco Santander Company Profile (Get Free Report) Banco Santander, SA (NYSE: SAN) is a Spanish multinational banking group headquartered in Santander, Spain. Founded in 1857, the bank has grown from a regional institution into one of Europes largest banking groups, operating a diversified financial services platform that serves retail, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporate clients. Santander is publicly listed in Spain and maintains American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SAN. The groups core activities include retail and commercial bankingoffering deposit accounts, payment services, mortgages, personal and auto loans, and small business financingalongside corporate and investment banking services for larger institutional clients. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Banco Santander Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Santander and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo & Company, Bank of New York Mellon, U.S. Bancorp, and Charles Schwab are the seven Bank stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Bank stocks are shares of publicly traded banking institutionssuch as commercial, regional, and savings banksthat give investors partial ownership and a claim on the banks profits. Their performance and dividend potential are driven by factors like net interest margins, loan growth and credit quality, deposit flows, regulatory changes, and broader economic and interest-rate cycles. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Bank stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate. Bank of America (BAC) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets. Read Our Latest Research Report on BAC Citigroup (C) Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. Read Our Latest Research Report on C Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) Wells Fargo & Co. is a diversified and community-based financial services company, which engages in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management. Read Our Latest Research Report on WFC Bank of New York Mellon (BK) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. Read Our Latest Research Report on BK U.S. Bancorp (USB) U.S. Bancorp, a financial services holding company, provides various financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities, and other financial institutions in the United States. It operates through Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking; Consumer and Business Banking; Payment Services; and Treasury and Corporate Support segments. Read Our Latest Research Report on USB Charles Schwab (SCHW) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Read Our Latest Research Report on SCHW Read More Shares of Barratt Redrow plc. (OTCMKTS:BTDPY Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven analysts that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. BTDPY has been the topic of a number of research reports. Jefferies Financial Group lowered Barratt Redrow from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada cut Barratt Redrow from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Zacks Research raised Barratt Redrow from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Barratt Redrow in a report on Monday, November 24th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Barratt Redrow in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Get Barratt Redrow alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Barratt Redrow Barratt Redrow Stock Performance About Barratt Redrow Shares of Barratt Redrow stock opened at $10.21 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. The company has a 50 day moving average of $10.17 and a 200-day moving average of $10.33. Barratt Redrow has a 1-year low of $9.39 and a 1-year high of $13.18. (Get Free Report) Barratt Redrow plc engages in the housebuilding business in the United Kingdom. The company acquires and develops land; plans, designs, and constructs homes, apartments, penthouses, and communities, as well as undertakes mixed-use regeneration schemes; and develops retail, leisure, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties. It is also involved in the commercial development business under the Wilson Bowden Developments brand name. The company offers its homes under the Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, and Barratt London brands. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Barratt Redrow Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barratt Redrow and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Key Points Europe has faded from Ford's initial focus on the market. Ford's market share in Europe has declined in recent years. Ford's partnership with Renault could provide a much-needed entry-level punch. 10 stocks we like better than Ford Motor Company There's probably some frustration growing among long-term Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) shareholders. Over the past decade, Ford has learned many valuable lessons, improved its balance sheet, and continues to offer a lucrative dividend, but its stock price has remained stuck in the mud. Over that same decade, Ford's share price has risen a paltry 13%, compared to the S&P 500's 255% rise. Investors hoping that Ford's hard work to improve its business will eventually result in a rising stock price should keep an eye on two developments that could jumpstart its idled stock price. Long-forgotten Europe If you're wondering where Ford's European news has been, you might not be alone. In decades past, Europe was one of Ford's most active markets and biggest talking points. But business there hasn't been easy, as its bread-and-butter large SUVs and pickups don't sell nearly as well in Europe as smaller, fuel-efficient, and/or electric vehicles (EVs). Image source: Ford Motor Company. In this case, no news is mostly bad news. Ford's market share in the European Union, European Free Trade Association, and United Kingdom markets has dropped to a meager 3.5%, down from its last strong year in 2019 at 7.8%. Make no mistake: For investors, this is a big loss, as Europe is one of the more lucrative global markets. That's especially true considering China is embattled in a severe price war that's crippling margins, and developing countries are generally less profitable. Rejoice, long-term Ford bulls, because the folks at the Blue Oval have a new partnership with Renault in Europe, and it could give the company hope. The plan is to sell two new electric vehicles (EVs) based on Renault's electric small-car platform. It will be a massive victory for Ford to fill the shoes left empty after ending Fiesta production in 2023, leaving the automaker without its longtime entry-level best-seller. What it all means Ford returning to growth in Europe, profitable growth in particular, would be a huge win for investors. Its upcoming two new smaller and more affordable EVs are a lone bright spot for the automaker in the region. The catch, and something investors need to keep updated on in the coming years, is that timing could present a challenge. The two Renault-based models aren't expected until 2028. By that time, an influx of Chinese competitors, which have the potential to undercut global pricing, could have entirely changed the competitive landscape. Shares of Belo Sun Mining Corp (TSE:BSX Get Free Report) traded down 22.2% on Friday . The company traded as low as C$0.40 and last traded at C$0.56. 6,299,879 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 479% from the average session volume of 1,088,284 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.72. Key Stories Impacting Belo Sun Mining Here are the key news stories impacting Belo Sun Mining this week: Get Belo Sun Mining alerts: Positive Sentiment: Solid liquidity and very low leverage: the company reports a current ratio of 4.52, a quick ratio of 13.04 and a debt-to-equity of 0.01, which gives Belo Sun runway to manage legal or permitting delays without immediate financing pressure. Solid liquidity and very low leverage: the company reports a current ratio of 4.52, a quick ratio of 13.04 and a debt-to-equity of 0.01, which gives Belo Sun runway to manage legal or permitting delays without immediate financing pressure. Neutral Sentiment: Profitability and analyst outlook remain weak: last reported quarter showed C$0.00 EPS and sell-side consensus expects about -C$0.01 EPS for the year, so operating improvements will be necessary to change the earnings picture. Profitability and analyst outlook remain weak: last reported quarter showed C$0.00 EPS and sell-side consensus expects about -C$0.01 EPS for the year, so operating improvements will be necessary to change the earnings picture. Neutral Sentiment: Market size and volatility: market cap near C$264M with a oneyear trading range of C$0.08C$0.74 the stock is smallcap and prone to large moves on single news items. Market size and volatility: market cap near C$264M with a oneyear trading range of C$0.08C$0.74 the stock is smallcap and prone to large moves on single news items. Negative Sentiment: Federal court ruling increased project uncertainty the decision reported out of the Federal Court of Altamira, Para appears to have raised questions about the companys project permitting or legal status, triggering investor concern and heavier selling. Article Title Federal court ruling increased project uncertainty the decision reported out of the Federal Court of Altamira, Para appears to have raised questions about the companys project permitting or legal status, triggering investor concern and heavier selling. Negative Sentiment: Market reaction and coverage amplified the move news pieces highlighting the ruling and subsequent selling brought additional attention and likely accelerated the decline. Article Title Belo Sun Mining Price Performance The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$0.51 and a 200 day moving average of C$0.37. The stock has a market cap of C$263.64 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -28.00, a P/E/G ratio of -0.33 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 4.52 and a quick ratio of 13.04. Insider Buying and Selling Belo Sun Mining ( TSE:BSX Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported C$0.00 earnings per share for the quarter. On average, analysts expect that Belo Sun Mining Corp will post -0.01 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other Belo Sun Mining news, insider La Mancha Investments S.A R.L. bought 119,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$0.32 per share, for a total transaction of C$38,080.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 88,322,807 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$28,263,298.24. This trade represents a 0.13% increase in their position. Also, insider Yousriya Loza purchased 119,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$0.32 per share, for a total transaction of C$38,080.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 88,322,807 shares in the company, valued at C$28,263,298.24. This trade represents a 0.13% increase in their position. Insiders acquired a total of 507,000 shares of company stock valued at $162,240 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 3.08% of the companys stock. Belo Sun Mining Company Profile (Get Free Report) Belo Sun Mining Corp is a Canada-based gold exploration and development company. It operates in Canada where its head office is located and in Brazil where its exploration and development properties are located. The company owns and operates the Volta Grande Gold project. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Belo Sun Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Belo Sun Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XONE Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 38,415 shares, an increase of 154.7% from the December 15th total of 15,081 shares. Currently, 0.3% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 62,034 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.6 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 62,034 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.6 days. Currently, 0.3% of the companys shares are sold short. Institutional Trading of BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 5,493.4% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 867,533 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,056,000 after buying an additional 852,023 shares during the period. Smith Moore & CO. acquired a new stake in BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the second quarter worth $24,673,000. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 27.6% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,808,944 shares of the companys stock valued at $89,832,000 after purchasing an additional 390,810 shares during the last quarter. Tanager Wealth Management LLP grew its holdings in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 474.1% during the 2nd quarter. Tanager Wealth Management LLP now owns 185,219 shares of the companys stock worth $9,192,000 after purchasing an additional 152,958 shares during the period. Finally, AE Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 12.7% during the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,054,535 shares of the companys stock worth $52,337,000 after purchasing an additional 118,884 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 47.99% of the companys stock. Get BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF alerts: BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Trading Down 0.0% Shares of XONE stock opened at $49.57 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $49.58 and its 200-day moving average price is $49.57. The stock has a market cap of $682.08 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -52.73 and a beta of 0.08. BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a twelve month low of $49.40 and a twelve month high of $49.78. BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Company Profile The Bondbloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XONE) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of one year. XONE was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg One Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fourteen ratings firms that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $95.4167. A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Barclays set a $90.00 target price on MetLife in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of MetLife from $94.00 to $97.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price objective on shares of MetLife from $92.00 to $90.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Mizuho set a $102.00 target price on shares of MetLife in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $101.00 price target on MetLife and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Get MetLife alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MetLife MetLife Price Performance Shares of NYSE:MET opened at $77.85 on Tuesday. MetLife has a 52 week low of $65.21 and a 52 week high of $88.09. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $78.73 and a 200 day moving average price of $78.97. The company has a market cap of $51.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.66, a PEG ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a quick ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 0.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. MetLife (NYSE:MET Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $2.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.07. MetLife had a return on equity of 21.00% and a net margin of 5.30%.The business had revenue of $12.46 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.64 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.95 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that MetLife will post 9.65 earnings per share for the current year. MetLife Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 3rd will be paid a dividend of $0.5675 per share. This represents a $2.27 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 3rd. MetLifes payout ratio is 42.75%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On MetLife A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Quaker Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of MetLife by 198.2% in the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 333 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 672 shares during the last quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC raised its stake in MetLife by 790.0% in the 3rd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 356 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 316 shares during the last quarter. Foster Dykema Cabot & Partners LLC acquired a new position in MetLife in the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. JPL Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in MetLife in the 3rd quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC grew its holdings in shares of MetLife by 95.4% during the third quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 422 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 206 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.99% of the companys stock. MetLife Company Profile (Get Free Report) MetLife, Inc is a global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs. Headquartered in New York City, the company offers a range of risk protection and retirement solutions to individuals, employers and institutional clients. Its core businesses include life insurance, group benefits, retirement products such as annuities, and supplemental health products including dental and disability coverage. In addition to traditional life and group insurance, MetLife provides workplace benefits and voluntary products distributed through employer-sponsored programs. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for MetLife Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MetLife and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the sixteen brokerages that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have issued a hold recommendation and eight have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $28.9286. Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Stephens reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $27.00 price target (down from $30.00) on shares of Regions Financial in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Regions Financial from $26.00 to $29.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Evercore ISI downgraded Regions Financial from an in-line rating to an underperform rating and lifted their target price for the company from $27.00 to $29.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Wall Street Zen lowered Regions Financial from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, December 13th. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on Regions Financial from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Get Regions Financial alerts: View Our Latest Report on RF Institutional Trading of Regions Financial Regions Financial Trading Up 1.4% A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. American National Bank & Trust increased its stake in shares of Regions Financial by 2,433.3% during the 2nd quarter. American National Bank & Trust now owns 1,064 shares of the banks stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,022 shares during the last quarter. CVA Family Office LLC grew its holdings in Regions Financial by 163.2% during the second quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 1,058 shares of the banks stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 656 shares during the period. Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Regions Financial during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC bought a new stake in Regions Financial in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, United Community Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Regions Financial in the third quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.39% of the companys stock. NYSE RF opened at $28.53 on Tuesday. Regions Financial has a 52 week low of $17.74 and a 52 week high of $29.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 0.82. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $26.64 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $25.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.57, a PEG ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 1.03. Regions Financial (NYSE:RF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 17th. The bank reported $0.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.03. Regions Financial had a net margin of 22.49% and a return on equity of 13.05%. The company had revenue of $1.94 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.93 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.49 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that Regions Financial will post 2.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Regions Financial announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase plan on Wednesday, December 10th that authorizes the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the bank to reacquire up to 12.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. About Regions Financial (Get Free Report) Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE: RF) is a U.S. bank holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, that provides a broad range of banking and financial services. Its primary banking subsidiary, Regions Bank, serves retail and commercial customers through a combination of branch and ATM networks, digital channels and relationship-based delivery. The company offers deposit accounts, consumer and commercial loans, mortgage origination and servicing, and payment and treasury services. In addition to core banking, Regions offers wealth management, trust and brokerage services, insurance solutions, and capital markets capabilities to corporate and institutional clients. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Regions Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Regions Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canyon Creek Food Company Ltd. (CVE:CYF Get Free Report)s share price was up 166.7% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$0.04 and last traded at C$0.04. Approximately 402,266 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 74% from the average daily volume of 230,633 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.02. Canyon Creek Food Stock Performance The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$0.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$0.01. The firm has a market cap of C$1.41 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.50 and a beta of 0.19. About Canyon Creek Food (Get Free Report) Canyon Creek Food Company Ltd. operates as a food processing company in Canada and the United States. The company engages in the provision of fresh soups, sauces, gravies, side dishes, and other prepared food products. It offers its products to grocery retailers and various food service establishments, as well as involved in the provision of freight services. The company was founded in 1995 is based in Edmonton, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Canyon Creek Food Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canyon Creek Food and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Merchants Bank Co. (OTCMKTS:CIHKY Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-strong trading volume on Friday . Approximately 18,524 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 8% from the previous sessions volume of 17,198 shares.The stock last traded at $30.26 and had previously closed at $30.86. China Merchants Bank Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 0.81. The company has a market capitalization of $152.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.69 and a beta of 0.24. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $33.11 and a 200-day moving average price of $32.13. Get China Merchants Bank alerts: China Merchants Bank (OTCMKTS:CIHKY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $1.08 earnings per share for the quarter. China Merchants Bank had a net margin of 32.06% and a return on equity of 12.04%. The business had revenue of $10.96 billion for the quarter. China Merchants Bank Company Profile China Merchants Bank (OTCMKTS: CIHKY) is a major Chinese commercial bank headquartered in Shenzhen. Established in 1987 as one of the countrys early joint-stock commercial banks, it has grown into a full-service banking group serving individual, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), and corporate clients. The bank is part of the broader China Merchants Group ecosystem and maintains listings on domestic and international exchanges to facilitate investor access. The banks core businesses encompass retail banking, corporate and commercial banking, private banking and wealth management, credit cards, transaction banking and trade finance, treasury and markets, and asset management. See Also Receive News & Ratings for China Merchants Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Merchants Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Grid Transco (NYSE:NGG Get Free Report) and Power Assets (OTCMKTS:HGKGY Get Free Report) are both large-cap utilities companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, risk and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares National Grid Transco and Power Assets net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get National Grid Transco alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets National Grid Transco N/A N/A N/A Power Assets N/A N/A N/A Volatility & Risk National Grid Transco has a beta of 0.8, indicating that its share price is 20% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Power Assets has a beta of 0.32, indicating that its share price is 68% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership Earnings & Valuation 4.7% of National Grid Transco shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.0% of Power Assets shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares National Grid Transco and Power Assetss top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio National Grid Transco $23.61 billion 3.33 $3.70 billion N/A N/A Power Assets $117.77 million 131.92 $784.46 million N/A N/A National Grid Transco has higher revenue and earnings than Power Assets. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent recommendations for National Grid Transco and Power Assets, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score National Grid Transco 2 5 4 0 2.18 Power Assets 0 0 0 0 0.00 National Grid Transco presently has a consensus target price of $83.80, indicating a potential upside of 5.61%. Given National Grid Transcos stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe National Grid Transco is more favorable than Power Assets. Dividends National Grid Transco pays an annual dividend of $2.11 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.7%. Power Assets pays an annual dividend of $0.16 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. Summary National Grid Transco beats Power Assets on 8 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About National Grid Transco (Get Free Report) National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and gas. It operates through UK Electricity Transmission, UK Electricity Distribution, UK Electricity System Operator, New England, New York, National Grid Ventures, and Other segments. The UK Electricity Transmission segment provides electricity transmission and construction work services in England and Wales. The UK Electricity Distribution segment offers electricity distribution services in Midlands, and South West of England and South Wales. The UK Electricity System Operator segment provides balancing services for supply and demand of electricity on Great Britains electricity transmission system; and acts as an agent on behalf of transmission operators. The New England segment offers electricity and gas distribution, and electricity transmission services in New England. The New York segment provides electricity and gas distribution, and electricity transmission services in New York. The National Grid Ventures segment provides transmission services through electricity interconnectors and LNG importation at the Isle of Grain, as well as sale of renewables projects. The Other segment engages in the leasing and sale of commercial property, as well as insurance activities in the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. About Power Assets (Get Free Report) Power Assets Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Australia, Mainland China, and internationally. It generates energy from thermal, renewable energy, and waste sources. The company also transmits and distributes oil and gas; and provides trust administration and management services. It has a generation capacity of 879 MW renewable energy/energy from waste, 5,262 MW gas fired, and 3,567 MW coal/oil fired; and operates 114,900 km of gas/oil pipeline, as well as 388,200 km of power network serving 19,790,000 customers. The company was formerly known as Hongkong Electric Holdings Limited and changed its name to Power Assets Holdings Limited in February 2011. Power Assets Holdings Limited was founded in 1889 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. Receive News & Ratings for National Grid Transco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Grid Transco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Berenberg Bank lowered shares of Continental (OTCMKTS:CTTAY Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report published on Tuesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. CTTAY has been the topic of a number of other reports. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Continental from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Continental in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded shares of Continental from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Continental from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Barclays cut shares of Continental from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Continental alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Continental Continental Trading Down 1.3% Shares of Continental stock opened at $7.85 on Tuesday. Continental has a 1 year low of $6.21 and a 1 year high of $9.19. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $7.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is $8.01. The company has a market cap of $15.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 49.09, a PEG ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a current ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25. Continental (OTCMKTS:CTTAY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.55) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.38) by ($0.17). The company had revenue of $5.68 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.93 billion. Continental had a net margin of 0.91% and a return on equity of 1.14%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Continental will post 0.66 EPS for the current year. About Continental (Get Free Report) Continental AG, trading on the OTC market under the ticker CTTAY, is a global technology company renowned for its wide range of automotive and industrial products. The companys core businesses include the design, development, and manufacturing of tires for passenger cars, commercial trucks, and specialty applications, as well as advanced automotive systems such as braking solutions, vehicle stability controls, sensors and electronic safety devices. Founded in 1871 and headquartered in Hanover, Germany, Continental began as a rubber manufacturer before pioneering pneumatic tires in the late 19th century. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Continental Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Continental and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NTT (OTCMKTS:NTTYY Get Free Report) and Hellenic Telecom Organization (OTCMKTS:HLTOY Get Free Report) are both utilities companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations and risk. Profitability This table compares NTT and Hellenic Telecom Organizations net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get NTT alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets NTT 7.52% 9.87% 3.33% Hellenic Telecom Organization 15.62% 26.32% 10.20% Insider and Institutional Ownership 0.1% of NTT shares are owned by institutional investors. 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. Risk & Volatility Dividends NTT has a beta of 0.08, indicating that its stock price is 92% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Hellenic Telecom Organization has a beta of 0.14, indicating that its stock price is 86% less volatile than the S&P 500. NTT pays an annual dividend of $0.63 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Hellenic Telecom Organization pays an annual dividend of $0.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. NTT pays out 29.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Hellenic Telecom Organization pays out 57.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Earnings and Valuation This table compares NTT and Hellenic Telecom Organizations revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio NTT $90.00 billion N/A $6.60 billion $2.11 11.88 Hellenic Telecom Organization $2.10 billion 3.90 $518.11 million $0.63 15.86 NTT has higher revenue and earnings than Hellenic Telecom Organization. NTT is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Hellenic Telecom Organization, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for NTT and Hellenic Telecom Organization, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score NTT 0 1 0 0 2.00 Hellenic Telecom Organization 0 0 0 0 0.00 About NTT (Get Free Report) Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation operates as a telecommunications company in Japan and internationally. It operates through Integrated ICT Business, Regional Communications Business, Global Solutions Business, and Others segments. The Integrated ICT Business segment offers mobile phone, domestic inter-prefectural communications, international communications, solutions, and system development and related services. The Regional Communications Business segment provides intra-prefectural communications and related ancillary services. The Global Solutions Business segment offers consulting, system and software development, network system, cloud, global data center, and related services. The Others segment engages in the real estate, energy, and other businesses. The company was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. About Hellenic Telecom Organization (Get Free Report) Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. provides telecommunications and related services to businesses and individuals primarily in Greece and Romania. It operates through OTE, COSMOTE Group, and Telekom Romania Mobile segments. The company offers fixed-line, Internet access, ICT, and TV production services; and international carrier services. It also provides mobile and satellite telecommunication, electronic money, e-commerce, financing, consultancy and security, real estate, insurance brokerage, training, wholesale telephony, retail, marketing, overdue accounts management, wholesale broadband, and infrastructure services. Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. was incorporated in 1949 and is based in Athens, Greece. Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. operates as a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG. Receive News & Ratings for NTT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NTT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY Get Free Report) insider Didier Papadopoulos sold 804 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $14.53, for a total value of $11,682.12. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 115,211 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,674,015.83. This represents a 0.69% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Didier Papadopoulos also recently made the following trade(s): Get Joby Aviation alerts: On Tuesday, January 13th, Didier Papadopoulos sold 1,367 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.84, for a total transaction of $20,286.28. On Monday, January 5th, Didier Papadopoulos sold 6,429 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.84, for a total transaction of $101,835.36. On Friday, January 2nd, Didier Papadopoulos sold 11,650 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.51, for a total transaction of $157,391.50. On Tuesday, December 16th, Didier Papadopoulos sold 1,979 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.08, for a total transaction of $27,864.32. On Monday, December 15th, Didier Papadopoulos sold 5,987 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $14.99, for a total transaction of $89,745.13. Joby Aviation Stock Up 1.0% NYSE:JOBY opened at $15.27 on Friday. Joby Aviation, Inc. has a 52 week low of $4.96 and a 52 week high of $20.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.93 billion, a PE ratio of -11.40 and a beta of 2.56. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $14.55 and its 200-day moving average price is $15.17. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Joby Aviation Joby Aviation ( NYSE:JOBY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported ($0.48) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.19) by ($0.29). The company had revenue of $22.57 million during 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 period last year, the firm earned ($0.21) earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that Joby Aviation, Inc. will post -0.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Sowell Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in Joby Aviation during the third quarter worth about $663,000. Voya Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in Joby Aviation by 20.0% in the 3rd quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 1,150,050 shares of the companys stock worth $18,562,000 after purchasing an additional 192,064 shares in the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Joby Aviation during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $461,000. Ring Mountain Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Joby Aviation in the second quarter valued at approximately $211,000. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Joby Aviation in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,018,000. 52.85% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Key Headlines Impacting Joby Aviation Here are the key news stories impacting Joby Aviation this week: Positive Sentiment: Joby announced an expansion of manufacturing capacity with an acquisition of a facility in Ohio a move that should help scale production, shorten timetodelivery and support commercialization and margin improvement as operations ramp. Acquisition Article Joby announced an expansion of manufacturing capacity with an acquisition of a facility in Ohio a move that should help scale production, shorten timetodelivery and support commercialization and margin improvement as operations ramp. Positive Sentiment: Joby struck a partnership with Metropolis to build ~25 vertiports across the U.S., derisking infrastructure needs for its airtaxi rollout and improving the credibility of nearterm revenue opportunities from localized services. Vertiports Article Joby struck a partnership with Metropolis to build ~25 vertiports across the U.S., derisking infrastructure needs for its airtaxi rollout and improving the credibility of nearterm revenue opportunities from localized services. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst coverage remains mixed consensus ratings lean toward Reduce with an average price target around $13.43, while a handful of firms maintain Buy/Hold views. This keeps nearterm analyst catalysts limited. Analyst Summary Analyst coverage remains mixed consensus ratings lean toward Reduce with an average price target around $13.43, while a handful of firms maintain Buy/Hold views. This keeps nearterm analyst catalysts limited. Neutral Sentiment: Institutional ownership is significant (~53%), and small recent position changes by smaller funds are unlikely to move the stock materially on their own. Institutional ownership is significant (~53%), and small recent position changes by smaller funds are unlikely to move the stock materially on their own. Negative Sentiment: A broad set of insiders sold shares on Jan. 1314, including CEO Joeben Bevirt, CFO Rodrigo Brumana and other senior execs many filings show multithousand share sales (e.g., Kate Dehoff sold 28,260 shares; Eric Allison sold 21,493 shares). The scale and breadth of these Form 4 filings can be interpreted as a shortterm negative signal to investors. See a representative SEC filing (CEO). CEO Form 4 Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently issued reports on JOBY. Zacks Research raised shares of Joby Aviation from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and issued a $22.00 target price on shares of Joby Aviation in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Joby Aviation from $7.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Joby Aviation in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, HC Wainwright reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Joby Aviation in a report on Monday, November 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $13.43. View Our Latest Analysis on JOBY 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. See Also 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. For many families, vacations are among the most anticipated moments of the year. And drawn by loyalty rewards programs and familiarity, many travelers remain devoted to the same hotel chains for decades. However, various global economic disruptions and mounting challenges across the hospitality industry have begun to strain even the most established brands. In recent months, one well-known hotel chain has faced a growing wave of closures. The U.S. hotel market was valued at $263.21 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% through 2030, according to Grand View Research's latest report. While long-term growth prospects remain positive, the industry has endured significant setbacks. The 43-day U.S. government shutdown triggered thousands of flight delays and cancellations worldwide, resulting in $6.1 billion in losses across travel-related sectors, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Those disruptions rippled through hotels nationwide, but even so, those losses are nothing compared to the devastation caused by the Covid pandemic. By mid-February 2020, the hotel industry had already lost more than $46 billion in room revenue, with projections of $76.4 billion in losses and 670,000 layoffs by the end of that year, according to data gathered by RSM. Founded in 1919, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT) manages and franchises the DoubleTree brand. While it has survived more than 107 years, recent pressures have tested its resilience, resulting in multiple DoubleTree closures across the U.S. DoubleTree by Hilton is closing in Downtown Cleveland One of the most recent closures involves the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 1111 Lakeside Ave E in Downtown Cleveland. The hotel is set to permanently shut down on January 30, 2026, resulting in the layoff of approximately 66 employees, according to a notice letter to the city, county, and state of Ohio. In the notice, the company cited "business reasons which are out of the company's control," adding that it had "no ability to undertake remedial measures that would mitigate or avoid the closure." Built in 1973, the 17-story, 378-room hotel previously operated as a Holiday Inn before being acquired by Cami Hotel Investments in 2007 for $10.7 million. The purchase was followed by a $15 million renovation completed the next year, according to a Hotel Online press release. Despite its prime location near Lake Erie and popular attractions such as Huntington Bank Field, home of the NFL's Cleveland Browns, and several nearby museums, the hotel has struggled financially in recent years. Dingdong (Cayman) Limited Sponsored ADR (NYSE:DDL 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 1,315,395 shares, a growth of 130.1% from the December 15th total of 571,669 shares. Approximately 0.8% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,084,992 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,084,992 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Approximately 0.8% of the companys shares are short sold. Dingdong (Cayman) Trading Down 4.6% DDL stock traded down $0.13 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $2.60. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,062,277 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,686,450. Dingdong has a 12 month low of $1.65 and a 12 month high of $3.85. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $2.24 and its 200 day moving average price is $2.14. The company has a market cap of $613.02 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.26 and a beta of 0.42. Get Dingdong (Cayman) alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Dingdong (Cayman) in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Dingdong (Cayman) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of DDL. QRG Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Dingdong (Cayman) in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its position in Dingdong (Cayman) by 66.7% in the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 25,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after buying an additional 10,000 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new stake in Dingdong (Cayman) in the 2nd quarter valued at about $54,000. Centiva Capital LP acquired a new position in Dingdong (Cayman) during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $56,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its holdings in Dingdong (Cayman) by 43,678.9% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 33,272 shares of the companys stock worth $67,000 after acquiring an additional 33,196 shares in the last quarter. 24.66% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Dingdong (Cayman) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dingdong (Cayman) Inc, which operates under the Dingdong Fresh brand, is a China-based online grocery and fresh food delivery platform. The company leverages a network of urban micro-fulfillment centers to offer consumers a wide selection of produce, meats, seafood, dairy, packaged goods and everyday household items through its mobile application and website. Orders placed via the Dingdong Fresh app are fulfilled from strategically located dark stores within target neighborhoods, enabling the company to promise delivery times as fast as 2030 minutes. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dingdong (Cayman) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dingdong (Cayman) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (NYSEARCA:DFEN Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $92.91 and last traded at $92.4270, with a volume of 243730 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $89.79. Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares Trading Up 3.5% The stock has a market capitalization of $501.92 million, a P/E ratio of 32.76 and a beta of 2.80. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $65.94 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $63.08. Get Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares alerts: Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 10th were issued a $5.5496 dividend. This is a boost from Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Sharess previous quarterly dividend of $0.05. This represents a $22.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 23.9%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 10th. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares Company Profile Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of DFEN. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares by 102.7% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 5,390 shares of the companys stock valued at $280,000 after buying an additional 205,390 shares during the period. IMC Chicago LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares during the third quarter worth about $1,711,000. Group One Trading LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares by 1,597.6% during the 2nd quarter. Group One Trading LLC now owns 10,712 shares of the companys stock valued at $556,000 after purchasing an additional 10,081 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its position in shares of Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares by 29.0% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 43,910 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,278,000 after purchasing an additional 9,883 shares during the period. Finally, Simplex Trading LLC bought a new stake in Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $398,000. (Get Free Report) The Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the DJ US Select \u002F Aerospace & Defense index. The fund provides 3x leveraged exposure to a market-cap- weighted index of US aerospace and defense companies. DFEN was launched on May 3, 2017 and is managed by Direxion. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dunelm Group plc (LON:DNLM Get Free Report) shares 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 changed hands during trading, an increase of 213% from the average session volume of 1,072,808 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1,170. Dunelm Group News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Dunelm Group this week: Get Dunelm Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 1,360 price target on shares of Dunelm Group in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of Dunelm Group to an outperform rating and lifted their target price for the company from GBX 1,200 to GBX 1,300 in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Shore Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of Dunelm Group in a research note on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target 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, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Dunelm Group from GBX 1,755 to GBX 1,817 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 1,397.13. Dunelm Group Stock Down 19.5% 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 firms 50-day simple moving average is GBX 1,113.57 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 1,140.89. The stock has a market cap of 1.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.26, a PEG ratio of -10.32 and a beta of 1.18. Insider Transactions at Dunelm Group In related news, insider Luisa Wright sold 2,257 shares of Dunelm Group stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 1,121, for a total value of 25,300.97. Also, insider Karen Witts acquired 10,790 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 1,104 per share, with a total value of 119,121.60. In the last ninety days, insiders have purchased 17,790 shares of company stock worth $20,056,160 and have sold 61,854 shares worth $70,913,541. 34.16% of the stock is owned by 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. Featured Articles 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. EQT (NYSE:EQT Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by BMO Capital Markets from $65.00 to $60.00 in a report released on Monday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the oil and gas producers stock. EQT has been the topic of a number of other reports. Stephens raised their price objective on shares of EQT from $60.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on EQT from $62.00 to $64.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, December 8th. UBS Group upped their price objective on EQT from $67.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Barclays decreased their price objective on EQT from $68.00 to $67.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Citigroup cut their target price on EQT from $63.00 to $62.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Twenty investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $64.26. Get EQT alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on EQT EQT Trading Down 0.7% EQT stock traded down $0.35 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $49.91. 9,939,406 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 11,319,877. EQT has a one year low of $43.57 and a one year high of $62.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.58. The company has a market cap of $31.15 billion, a PE ratio of 17.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.30 and a beta of 0.68. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $56.27 and its 200-day moving average price is $54.42. EQT (NYSE:EQT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The oil and gas producer reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.50 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.78 billion. EQT had a return on equity of 6.88% and a net margin of 22.59%.EQTs quarterly revenue was up 52.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.12 EPS. Research analysts predict that EQT will post 3.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at EQT In other news, EVP J.E.B. Bolen sold 1,422 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.79, for a total value of $75,067.38. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 69,486 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,668,165.94. This represents a 2.01% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.65% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of EQT A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in EQT. Aventura Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of EQT in the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC lifted its stake in EQT by 95.6% in the 4th quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 573 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 280 shares during the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in EQT during the second quarter worth about $41,000. Anchor Investment Management LLC raised its stake in EQT by 133.3% in the 2nd quarter. Anchor Investment Management LLC now owns 875 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $51,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. Finally, Private Trust Co. NA lifted its holdings in EQT by 38.1% during the 2nd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,026 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $60,000 after purchasing an additional 283 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.81% of the companys stock. EQT Company Profile (Get Free Report) EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT) is a U.S.-based energy company focused on the exploration, development and production of natural gas. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company concentrates its upstream operations in the Appalachian Basin, producing from major shale formations including the Marcellus and Utica. EQTs primary product is natural gas, with production activities supported by associated liquids and conventional gas assets where applicable. In addition to drilling and well development, EQT operates and coordinates the infrastructure and commercial activities necessary to bring gas to market. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for EQT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EQT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equity Bancshares (NYSE:EQBK Get Free Report) is one of 20 publicly-traded companies in the State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its peers? We will compare Equity Bancshares to related companies based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, earnings, institutional ownership, dividends and risk. Volatility & Risk Equity Bancshares has a beta of 0.87, suggesting that its stock price is 13% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Equity Bancshares peers have a beta of 1.01, suggesting that their average stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Equity Bancshares alerts: Institutional and Insider Ownership 71.8% of Equity Bancshares shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.2% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are owned by institutional investors. 6.6% of Equity Bancshares shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 6.7% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Dividends Analyst Ratings Equity Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.72 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. Equity Bancshares pays out 60.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies pay a dividend yield of 2.2% and pay out 67.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. This is a summary of current ratings for Equity Bancshares and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Equity Bancshares 0 2 0 1 2.67 Equity Bancshares Competitors 30 169 197 19 2.49 As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 2.52%. Given Equity Bancshares peers higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Equity Bancshares has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Equity Bancshares and its peers top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Equity Bancshares $335.67 million $62.62 million 39.48 Equity Bancshares Competitors $744.78 million $95.99 million 40.79 Equity Bancshares peers have higher revenue and earnings than Equity Bancshares. Equity Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Profitability This table compares Equity Bancshares and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Equity Bancshares 5.01% 11.67% 1.33% Equity Bancshares Competitors 7.23% 6.94% 0.79% Summary Equity Bancshares peers beat Equity Bancshares on 10 of the 15 factors compared. About Equity Bancshares (Get Free Report) Equity Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Equity Bank that provides a range of banking, mortgage banking, and financial services to individual and corporate customers. The company accepts various demand, savings, money market, and time deposits. Its loan products include commercial and industrial, commercial real estate-backed, commercial lines of credit, working capital, term, equipment financing, acquisition, expansion and development, borrowing base, real estate construction, homebuilder, agricultural, government guaranteed, and other loan products to national and regional companies, restaurant franchisees, hoteliers, real estate developers, manufacturing and industrial companies, agribusiness companies, and other businesses. The companys loan products also comprise various consumer loans to individuals and professionals, including residential real estate loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, installment loans, unsecured and secured personal lines of credit, overdraft protection, and letters of credit. It also provides debit cards; online banking solutions, such as access to account balances, online transfers, online bill payment, and electronic delivery of customer statements; mobile banking solutions comprising remote check deposits with mobile bill pay; ATMs; and treasury management, wire transfer, automated clearing house, and stop payment services. In addition, the company offers cash management deposit products, such as lockbox, remote deposit capture, positive pay, reverse positive pay, account reconciliation services, zero balance accounts, and sweep accounts, as well as banking services through telephone, mail, and personal appointments. As of December 31, 2021, it operated a network of 69 branches in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. Receive News & Ratings for Equity Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ermenegildo Zegna N.V. (NYSE:ZGN Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $11.02, but opened at $10.49. Ermenegildo Zegna shares last traded at $10.06, with a volume of 394,409 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ZGN has been the subject of several research reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $11.20 price target (down previously from $11.50) on shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in a research report on Friday. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Ermenegildo Zegna in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $12.90 target price for the company. Sanford C. Bernstein assumed coverage on shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. They set an outperform rating and a $13.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, UBS Group raised their price objective on Ermenegildo Zegna from $9.50 to $10.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Ermenegildo Zegna currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $11.37. Get Ermenegildo Zegna alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Ermenegildo Zegna Ermenegildo Zegna Trading Down 10.7% Institutional Inflows and Outflows The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.42. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $10.41 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.54. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Ermenegildo Zegna during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $377,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Ermenegildo Zegna by 22.7% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 134,503 shares of the companys stock worth $995,000 after acquiring an additional 24,862 shares during the period. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in the second quarter valued at about $356,000. Temasek Holdings Private Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Ermenegildo Zegna during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $108,585,000. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in Ermenegildo Zegna by 5.2% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 136,326 shares of the companys stock worth $1,166,000 after acquiring an additional 6,698 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors 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. See Also 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. EULAV Asset Management raised its stake in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report) by 4.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 349,000 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after buying an additional 16,000 shares during the quarter. EULAV Asset Managements holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $34,192,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of UBER. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Uber Technologies during the second quarter valued at approximately $2,348,319,000. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC boosted its holdings in Uber Technologies by 334,075.7% in the 2nd quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 19,973,682 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $1,863,545,000 after purchasing an additional 19,967,705 shares during the period. Pacer Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Uber Technologies by 1,905.3% in the 3rd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 4,350,479 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $426,216,000 after purchasing an additional 4,133,532 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 189,551,519 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $17,685,157,000 after purchasing an additional 3,025,483 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB grew its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 105.9% during the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 5,459,829 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $506,618,000 after purchasing an additional 2,807,967 shares in the last quarter. 80.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on UBER shares. Stifel Nicolaus set a $122.00 price objective on Uber Technologies in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $109.00 target price on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $100.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Thursday. DA Davidson boosted their price objective on Uber Technologies from $102.00 to $108.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $113.00 to $106.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-three have assigned a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $107.18. Insider Buying and Selling at Uber Technologies In related news, insider Tony West sold 3,125 shares of Uber Technologies stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.36, for a total value of $251,125.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 175,423 shares in the company, valued at $14,096,992.28. This trade represents a 1.75% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah sold 5,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.41, for a total transaction of $519,255.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 20,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,919,355.30. This represents a 21.29% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 14,875 shares of company stock worth $1,348,818. 3.84% of the stock is owned by insiders. Key Headlines Impacting Uber Technologies Here are the key news stories impacting Uber Technologies this week: Uber Technologies Price Performance UBER opened at $84.41 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $175.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.85 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $60.63 and a 12-month high of $101.99. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $85.74 and a 200-day moving average price of $91.15. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $3.11 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $2.44. The company had revenue of $13.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.25 billion. Uber Technologies had a return on equity of 68.17% and a net margin of 33.54%.Uber Technologiess quarterly revenue was up 20.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.20 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 2.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Uber Technologies Profile (Free Report) Uber Technologies, Inc is a technology company that operates a global platform connecting riders, drivers, couriers, restaurants and shippers. Founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick and headquartered in San Francisco, Uber developed one of the first large-scale ride-hailing marketplaces and has since expanded into a broader set of mobility and logistics services. The company completed its initial public offering in 2019 and continues to position its app-based network as a multi-modal transportation and delivery platform. Ubers principal businesses include mobility services (ride-hailing and shared rides), delivery through Uber Eats, and freight logistics via Uber Freight. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UBER? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Public Storage (NYSE:PSA Get Free Report) had its price objective cut by equities researchers at Evercore ISI from $309.00 to $305.00 in a research note issued on Monday,MarketScreener reports. Evercore ISIs target price points to a potential upside of 3.94% from the stocks previous close. A number of other analysts have also weighed in on PSA. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on Public Storage from $309.00 to $307.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Public Storage in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on Public Storage from $293.00 to $276.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Public Storage from $320.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Public Storage in a research report on Friday, December 5th. They set an equal weight rating and a $290.00 price target for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $315.56. Get Public Storage alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Public Storage Public Storage Stock Up 2.0% Public Storage stock traded up $5.67 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $293.44. 1,192,622 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,138,151. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.99, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 0.45. The company has a market cap of $51.49 billion, a PE ratio of 30.47, a P/E/G ratio of 6.82 and a beta of 1.01. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $269.59 and a two-hundred day moving average of $282.61. Public Storage has a 12 month low of $256.54 and a 12 month high of $322.49. Public Storage (NYSE:PSA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $4.31 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.24 by $0.07. Public Storage had a net margin of 39.53% and a return on equity of 36.09%. The business had revenue of $1.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.21 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $4.20 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 5.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Public Storage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 16.700-17.000 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Public Storage will post 16.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of PSA. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Public Storage during the second quarter valued at $1,153,971,000. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Public Storage by 10.8% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 23,068,701 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $6,663,394,000 after acquiring an additional 2,253,225 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Public Storage by 498.7% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 578,491 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $166,970,000 after acquiring an additional 481,872 shares during the period. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al purchased a new stake in Public Storage during the 2nd quarter valued at about $94,297,000. Finally, Centersquare Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Public Storage by 38.0% in the third quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 1,145,607 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $330,909,000 after purchasing an additional 315,370 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.79% of the companys stock. Key Stories Impacting Public Storage Here are the key news stories impacting Public Storage this week: Neutral Sentiment: Valuation/market-note: A recent piece questions whether PSAs current market price matches discountedcashflow and P/E valuation signals, providing investors a fresh valuation perspective that can support buying interest if the stock looks cheap relative to DCF/PE metrics. Is Public Storage (PSA) Pricing Reflect Its DCF And P/E Valuation Signals Today Valuation/market-note: A recent piece questions whether PSAs current market price matches discountedcashflow and P/E valuation signals, providing investors a fresh valuation perspective that can support buying interest if the stock looks cheap relative to DCF/PE metrics. Neutral Sentiment: Dividend tax clarity: Public Storage confirmed that all 2025 distributions (common and preferred series) were classified 100% as ordinary dividends (no capital gain distributions). That removes uncertainty around tax characterization for 2025 payouts and is useful for income investors doing tax planning. Public Storage Announces Tax Treatment of 2025 Dividends Dividend tax clarity: Public Storage confirmed that all 2025 distributions (common and preferred series) were classified 100% as ordinary dividends (no capital gain distributions). That removes uncertainty around tax characterization for 2025 payouts and is useful for income investors doing tax planning. Negative Sentiment: Analyst downward revisions: Zacks Research cut multiple nearterm and fullyear EPS estimates (Q1, Q2, Q3 2027 and FY2026/FY2027), trimming FY2027 from $18.30 to $17.58 and lowering several quarterly forecasts a signal that some sellside views are becoming more cautious about growth/operating trends, which may pressure sentiment if revisions continue. Analyst downward revisions: Zacks Research cut multiple nearterm and fullyear EPS estimates (Q1, Q2, Q3 2027 and FY2026/FY2027), trimming FY2027 from $18.30 to $17.58 and lowering several quarterly forecasts a signal that some sellside views are becoming more cautious about growth/operating trends, which may pressure sentiment if revisions continue. Negative Sentiment: Insider transaction: A report shows Rep. Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. sold PSA shares. While single insider sales arent uncommon and arent definitive on company fundamentals, such filings can be read negatively by some investors until context (size, timing) is known. Rep. Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. Sells Public Storage (NYSE:PSA) Stock About Public Storage (Get Free Report) Public Storage (NYSE: PSA) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in self-storage services. Headquartered in Glendale, California, the company was founded in the early 1970s and has grown through development and acquisitions to become one of the largest owner-operators of self-storage facilities in the United States. It is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker PSA. The companys core business is the ownership, operation and management of self-storage properties that serve both residential and commercial customers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Public Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Public Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (NYSE:FG Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 1,542,256 shares, an increase of 70.5% from the December 15th total of 904,498 shares. Approximately 1.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 832,696 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.9 days. Based on an average trading volume of 832,696 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.9 days. Approximately 1.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold. F&G Annuities & Life Stock Up 1.7% Shares of FG stock traded up $0.46 during trading on Thursday, hitting $27.75. 585,246 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,067,994. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a current ratio of 0.27. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.14 and a beta of 1.46. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $31.60 and its 200 day simple moving average is $31.90. F&G Annuities & Life has a twelve month low of $27.11 and a twelve month high of $47.76. Get F&G Annuities & Life alerts: F&G Annuities & Life (NYSE:FG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $1.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.20. F&G Annuities & Life had a net margin of 8.40% and a return on equity of 11.41%. The firm had revenue of $737.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.40 billion. As a group, analysts forecast that F&G Annuities & Life will post 5.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. F&G Annuities & Life Increases Dividend Insider Activity The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 17th were given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 17th. This is a positive change from F&G Annuities & Lifes previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.6%. F&G Annuities & Lifes payout ratio is 29.33%. In related news, CEO Christopher O. Blunt bought 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The shares were bought at an average cost of $29.56 per share, with a total value of $147,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 1,117,396 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $33,030,225.76. This trade represents a 0.45% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 2.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On F&G Annuities & Life Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. CSM Advisors LLC acquired a new position in F&G Annuities & Life in the second quarter worth approximately $3,863,000. American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in shares of F&G Annuities & Life by 23.4% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 365,343 shares of the companys stock worth $11,684,000 after purchasing an additional 69,242 shares during the last quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. bought a new position in shares of F&G Annuities & Life during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,916,000. Voya Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of F&G Annuities & Life by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 6,309 shares of the companys stock valued at $227,000 after purchasing an additional 334 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wedge Capital Management L L P NC bought a new stake in F&G Annuities & Life in the third quarter worth $1,434,000. 95.86% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently weighed in on FG. Piper Sandler set a $33.00 price target on F&G Annuities & Life in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Zacks Research cut shares of F&G Annuities & Life from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of F&G Annuities & Life from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of F&G Annuities & Life in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Barclays set a $31.00 price target on shares of F&G Annuities & Life in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $37.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on FG About F&G Annuities & Life (Get Free Report) F&G Annuities & Life is the principal life insurance and annuity subsidiary of F&G Financial Group, Inc (NYSE: FG), a publicly traded financial services holding company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. The company focuses on designing and issuing retirement income solutions that address longevity risk, capital preservation, and wealth transfer for individual and institutional clients. Its product suite includes fixed indexed annuities, which offer the potential for market-linked growth with downside protection; fixed-rate annuities, delivering guaranteed interest over a defined term; and a range of life insurance policies such as term, universal, and variable universal life. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for F&G Annuities & Life Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for F&G Annuities & Life and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rocket Companies, UP Fintech, Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz, Wealthfront, DeFi Development, LexinFintech, and IDT are the seven Fintech stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Fintech stocks are shares of companies that use technology to provide or improve financial servicessuch as digital payments, online lending, neobanks, robo-advisors, and blockchain-based solutionsoften aiming to disrupt traditional banking and finance firms. Investors in fintech stocks typically seek high growth potential but must weigh elevated regulatory, execution, and competitive risks, plus earnings volatility tied to adoption rates and interest-rate cycles. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Fintech stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Rocket Companies (RKT) Rocket Companies, Inc., a fintech holding company, provides mortgage lending, title and settlement services, and other financial technology services in the United States and Canada. It operates through two segments, Direct to Consumer and Partner Network. The companys solutions include Rocket Mortgage, a mortgage lender; Amrock that provides title insurance, property valuation, and settlement services; Rocket Homes, a home search platform and real estate agent referral network, which offers technology-enabled services to support the home buying and selling experience; and Rocket Loans, an online-based personal loans business. UP Fintech (TIGR) UP Fintech Holding Limited provides online brokerage services focusing on Chinese investors. The company has developed a brokerage platform, which allows investor to trade stocks, options, warrants, and other financial instruments that can be accessed through its APP and website. It offers brokerage and value-added services, including investor education, community engagement, and IR platform services. Read Our Latest Research Report on TIGR Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz (KSPI) Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz, together with its subsidiaries, provides payments, marketplace, and fintech solutions for consumers and merchants in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It operates through three segments: Payments Platform, Marketplace Platform, and Fintech Platform. The Payments Platform segment facilities transactions between customers and merchants. Read Our Latest Research Report on KSPI Wealthfront (WLTH) Were a different kind of FinTech. We are a technology company that built a financial solutions platform for digital natives, defined as those born after 1980 (i.e., Millennials, Gen Z, and later generations). Our platform is designed to address the needs of the wealth builders within these generations. Read Our Latest Research Report on WLTH DeFi Development (DFDV) We are a B2B fintech marketplace connecting commercial property borrowers and lenders with a human touch. We seek to revolutionize the commercial real estate lending market by making it hyper-efficient, transparent, and accessible to all rather than the few. Through our online platform, we provide technology that connects commercial mortgage borrowers looking for capital to refinance, build, or purchase commercial property, including, but not limited to, apartment buildings, to commercial property lenders. Read Our Latest Research Report on DFDV LexinFintech (LX) LexinFintech Holdings Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides online consumer finance services in the People's Republic of China. The company operates Fenqile.com, an online consumption and consumer finance platform that offers installment purchase and personal installment loans, as well as online direct sales with installment payment terms; and Le Hua Card, a scenario-based lending. Read Our Latest Research Report on LX IDT (IDT) IDT Corporation provides communications and payment services in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through Fintech, National Retail Solutions, net2phone, and Traditional Communications segments. The company operates point of sale, a terminal-based platform which provides independent retailers store management software, electronic payment processing, and other ancillary merchant services; and provides marketers with digital out-of-home advertising and transaction data. Read Our Latest Research Report on IDT Recommended Stories Just days before the assay release, Critical Metals closed the acquisition of a fully integrated mobile geochemical analysis laboratory for approximately $1 million. The Bromet-sourced unit can deliver complete rare-earth assay results in about 80 minutes on site, eliminating months-long delays from shipping samples to distant labs. This capability will dramatically accelerate the 2026 drilling campaign, providing real-time data to guide infill and step-out holes while reducing costs and environmental impact. The move indicates serious momentum as the company pushes toward pilot production. The latest assays delivered another set of strong rare-earth grades, further validating Tanbreez as one of the worlds largest and highest-grade known deposits of heavy rare-earth elements. Holes in the Fjord and Upper Fjord zones returned thick intervals of eudialyte mineralization with elevated levels of dysprosium, terbium, yttrium, and other critical elements outside Chinas dominance. These results support resource expansion, potential mine-life extension beyond the current 30-plus years, and higher confidence for the upcoming definitive feasibility study. They also reinforce the simple, low-cost mechanical separation process planned, which avoids expensive chemical cracking. With the U.S. actively seeking non-Chinese sources of critical minerals -- and Greenland has emerged as a strategic focus -- excitement is building. But is Critical Metals the rare-earth stock investors should buy at these levels? Critical Metals (NASDAQ:CRML) shares rocketed 32.6% higher yesterday after the company announced the first assay results from its 2025 drilling program at the Tanbreez rare-earth project in southern Greenland. The results confirmed additional high-grade intersections across the Fjord Deposit and Upper Fjord areas, building on prior drilling success. The stock has now surged approximately 158% year-to-date in 2026 as investors bet on the projects advancement toward a pilot plant launch targeted for May. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here . The company remains pre-revenue with a going-concern warning and needs additional financing to fund operations through the next 12 months. Continua a leggere Construction of the Arctic-grade pilot plant and multi-use facilities in Greenland has already begun under a turnkey contract, with completion targeted no later than May 2026. The facility will demonstrate commercial-scale processing and produce initial saleable concentrate. Full commercial production, starting at around 85,000 tonnes of rare-earth oxides annually and scalable higher, remains on track for 2028. Solid Progress Meets Pre-Revenue Reality Critical Metals has secured binding offtake agreements and term sheets covering roughly 75% of the planned Tanbreez output, including deals with U.S.-based Realloys, Ucore, and a Romanian joint-venture entity tied to long-term European/NATO supply security. These contracts provide strong revenue visibility once production begins. Yet the company remains pre-revenue and reported substantial operating losses in its latest filings. Its annual 20-F report for the period ended June 30, 2025, contains a going-concern warning, noting significant working-capital deficiencies and the need for additional equity or debt financing to continue operations for the next 12 months. Critical Metals' cash burn is also elevated as its development spending ramps up. Beware the Run-Up Notably, some investors are taking advantage of the run-up in Critical Metals stock. On the same day as the positive assay announcement, European Lithium -- a 10% shareholder in Critical Metals -- announced it would sell 5 million shares of CRML stock, with a market value of approximately $73.8 million. The shares, acquired in February 2024 via Critical Metals merger, represent a portion of European Lithium's stake originally received in the 2024 business combination. While the filing does not specify a reason, European Lithium has previously sold Critical Metals shares in 2025 to generate liquidity, fund operations, and support its own share buyback program. That this proposed sale coincides with CRML's sharp price surge suggests it may be trying to capitalize on the gains before it falls again. European Lithium also sold to an institutional investor last October 3.85 million shares, as the miner's stock was surging to an all-time high of $32.15 per share, which then tumbled 76% over the ensuing month. Key Takeaway If Critical Metals successfully executes on its plan and progress continues as it has, Tanbreez could become a cornerstone Western supplier of heavy rare earths at a time when the U.S. is actively courting Greenland projects for national-security reasons. The resource is real, the grades are excellent, and offtakes are largely locked in. However, this remains a speculative development-story stock trading on future potential rather than current cash flow. Positive assay results, while encouraging, do not eliminate execution, financing, or dilution risks ahead of the 2028 production schedule. Even with the recent positive developments, Critical Metals may still fail to cross the finish line as substantial setbacks in both mining and financing remain possible. Despite the miner's recent momentum, this stock is suitable only for the most risk-tolerant investors -- and even then, I would not chase the stock higher at these elevated levels. Data Shows One Habit Doubles Americans Savings And Boosts Retirement Most Americans drastically underestimate how much they need to retire and overestimate how prepared they are. But data shows that people with one habit have more than double the savings of those who dont. And no, its got nothing to do with increasing your income, savings, clipping coupons, or even cutting back on your lifestyle. Its much more straightforward (and powerful) than any of that. Frankly, its shocking more people dont adopt the habit given how easy it is. Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. Unsponsored ADR (NYSE:FEDU Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 1,533 shares, a growth of 117.1% from the December 15th total of 706 shares. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 2,422 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days. Based on an average daily volume of 2,422 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) in a report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Sell. Get Four Seasons Education (Cayman) alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Price Performance Four Seasons Education (Cayman) stock traded down $0.09 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $11.68. 918 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 927. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $12.63 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $13.48. Four Seasons Education has a 52-week low of $3.69 and a 52-week high of $17.30. Four Seasons Education (Cayman) (NYSE:FEDU Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 2nd. The company reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $10.19 million for the quarter. About Four Seasons Education (Cayman) (Get Free Report) Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc is a China-based provider of K-12 educational services, offering a continuum of academic programs from pre-kindergarten through senior high school. The company operates private schools under the Four Seasons Education brand, delivering a blend of core curriculum subjects alongside international programs such as Cambridge Assessment International Education. Instructional offerings include full-time day and boarding school options, after-school tutoring, summer enrichment courses and test-preparation services, designed to meet the needs of students aged three to eighteen. The companys schools are located primarily in eastern China, with campuses in provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Four Seasons Education (Cayman) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hannover Ruck SE (OTC:HVRRF Get Free Report) fell 7.3% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $277.63 and last traded at $277.63. 10 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 90% from the average session volume of 105 shares. The stock had previously closed at $299.35. Hannover Ruck Trading Down 7.3% The firms 50-day moving average price is $300.49 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $301.70. About Hannover Ruck (Get Free Report) Hannover Ruck SE, together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance products and services in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Europe, the United States, Asia, Australia, Africa, and internationally. It operates through Property & Casualty Reinsurance; and Life & Health Reinsurance segments. The company provides property and casualty reinsurance solutions for agricultural, livestock, and bloodstock; aviation and space; catastrophe XL; credit, surety, and political risks; facultative; and marine and offshore energy businesses, as well as insurance-linked securities and structured reinsurance. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Hannover Ruck Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hannover Ruck and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Earnings and Valuation This table compares BEO Bancorp and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio BEO Bancorp $57.76 million $16.49 million 8.31 BEO Bancorp Competitors $929.75 million $164.43 million 11.44 BEO Bancorps rivals have higher revenue and earnings than BEO Bancorp. BEO Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Get BEO Bancorp alerts: Dividends BEO Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $2.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. BEO Bancorp pays out 15.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BANKS WEST companies pay a dividend yield of 1.7% and pay out 29.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. BEO Bancorp is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Institutional and Insider Ownership Profitability 59.7% of shares of all BANKS WEST companies are owned by institutional investors. 10.3% of shares of all BANKS WEST companies are owned by company 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. This table compares BEO Bancorp and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets BEO Bancorp N/A N/A N/A BEO Bancorp Competitors 18.91% 10.37% 1.08% Risk & Volatility BEO Bancorp has a beta of 0.25, suggesting that its stock price is 75% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, BEO Bancorps rivals have a beta of -2.37, suggesting that their average stock price is 337% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary BEO Bancorp rivals beat BEO Bancorp on 8 of the 11 factors compared. About BEO Bancorp (Get Free Report) BEO Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Eastern Oregon that provides commercial and consumer financing, banking and mortgage lending, and other services in Northeastern Oregon and Southeastern Washington. The company offers checking, money market, time deposits, and savings accounts; and certificates of deposit. It also provides commercial, agricultural, real estate, installment, credit card, mortgage, term, home, construction, farm, and refinancing loans; lines of credit; home enhancement loan programs; Internet banking and bill payment services; business sweep and banking services; and automated teller machines and safe deposit facilities, as well as originates and sells mortgage loans into the secondary market. The company was founded in 1945 and is based in Heppner, Oregon. Receive News & Ratings for BEO Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BEO Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NNN REIT (NYSE:NNN Get Free Report) and Community Healthcare Trust (NYSE:CHCT Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings and risk. Dividends NNN REIT pays an annual dividend of $2.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.7%. Community Healthcare Trust pays an annual dividend of $1.90 per share and has a dividend yield of 11.1%. NNN REIT pays out 115.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Community Healthcare Trust pays out -475.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. NNN REIT has raised its dividend for 35 consecutive years and Community Healthcare Trust has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years. Community Healthcare Trust is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get NNN REIT alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings for NNN REIT and Community Healthcare Trust, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score NNN REIT 1 6 0 0 1.86 Community Healthcare Trust 1 1 2 0 2.25 Profitability NNN REIT presently has a consensus price target of $43.17, indicating a potential upside of 2.30%. Community Healthcare Trust has a consensus price target of $18.00, indicating a potential upside of 5.36%. Given Community Healthcare Trusts stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Community Healthcare Trust is more favorable than NNN REIT. This table compares NNN REIT and Community Healthcare Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets NNN REIT 43.22% 8.95% 4.29% Community Healthcare Trust -6.27% -1.66% -0.76% Volatility and Risk NNN REIT has a beta of 0.86, suggesting that its share price is 14% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Community Healthcare Trust has a beta of 0.75, suggesting that its share price is 25% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares NNN REIT and Community Healthcare Trusts gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio NNN REIT $869.27 million 9.22 $396.83 million $2.08 20.29 Community Healthcare Trust $115.79 million 4.20 -$3.18 million ($0.40) -42.71 NNN REIT has higher revenue and earnings than Community Healthcare Trust. Community Healthcare Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than NNN REIT, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Insider and Institutional Ownership 90.0% of NNN REIT shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 87.8% of Community Healthcare Trust shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.8% of NNN REIT shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 5.1% of Community Healthcare Trust shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary NNN REIT beats Community Healthcare Trust on 11 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About NNN REIT (Get Free Report) NNN REIT invests primarily in high-quality retail properties subject generally to long-term, net leases. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned 3,532 properties in 49 states with a gross leasable area of approximately 36.0 million square feet and a weighted average remaining lease term of 10.1 years. NNN is one of only three publicly traded REITs to have increased annual dividends for 34 or more consecutive years. About Community Healthcare Trust (Get Free Report) Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated (the Company, we, our) was organized in the State of Maryland on March 28, 2014. The Company is a fully-integrated healthcare real estate company that owns and acquires real estate properties that are leased to hospitals, doctors, healthcare systems or other healthcare service providers. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had investments of approximately $1.1 billion in 197 real estate properties (including a portion of one property accounted for as a sales-type lease with a gross amount totaling approximately $3.0 million and two properties classified as an asset held for sale with an aggregate amount totaling approximately $7.5 million. The properties are located in 35 states, totaling approximately 4.4 million square feet in the aggregate and were approximately 92.3% leased, excluding real estate assets held for sale, at March 31, 2024 with a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 6.9 years. Receive News & Ratings for NNN REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NNN REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Home BancShares (NYSE:HOMB Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Wednesday. The financial services provider reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.60, FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $282.09 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $272.48 million. Home BancShares had a net margin of 32.18% and a return on equity of 11.29%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.50 earnings per share. Home BancShares Stock Up 1.1% HOMB stock opened at $28.92 on Friday. Home BancShares has a fifty-two week low of $24.22 and a fifty-two week high of $31.27. The companys 50 day moving average price is $28.09 and its 200 day moving average price is $28.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.00 and a beta of 0.78. Get Home BancShares alerts: Home BancShares Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 3rd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th were paid a $0.21 dividend. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 12th. This is a boost from Home BancSharess previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. Home BancSharess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.21%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Home BancShares Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of HOMB. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Home BancShares by 82.9% in the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,120,706 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,716,000 after buying an additional 508,127 shares during the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new position in shares of Home BancShares during the 2nd quarter worth about $12,931,000. Bank of America Corp DE increased its holdings in shares of Home BancShares by 68.9% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 845,914 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $23,939,000 after acquiring an additional 345,027 shares during the last quarter. Voloridge Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Home BancShares during the 3rd quarter worth about $7,486,000. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its stake in Home BancShares by 81.8% during the third quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 507,191 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $14,354,000 after purchasing an additional 228,250 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.31% of the companys stock. HOMB has been the subject of several analyst reports. Wall Street Zen cut Home BancShares from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Sunday, November 2nd. Piper Sandler set a $34.00 price objective on Home BancShares and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $31.00 price objective on shares of Home BancShares in a research note on Monday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Home BancShares in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $32.83. View Our Latest Stock Report on HOMB Key Headlines Impacting Home BancShares Here are the key news stories impacting Home BancShares this week: Home BancShares Company Profile (Get Free Report) Home BancShares, Inc is a bank holding company based in Conway, Arkansas, operating through its primary subsidiary, Home Bank, National Association. Founded in March 1999, the company provides a comprehensive suite of banking services to individuals, small and middle-market businesses, and public entities. These services encompass deposit accounts, consumer and commercial lending, mortgage origination and servicing, treasury management, and wealth management solutions. The companys core products include checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and money market accounts, as well as a variety of loan offerings such as commercial real estate financing, equipment loans, agricultural lending, and residential mortgages. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Home BancShares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Home BancShares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Hold from the fifteen brokerages that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $16.3077. A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on HPP shares. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and set a $13.00 price target on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in a report on Monday, January 5th. Citigroup reduced their price target on Hudson Pacific Properties from $20.30 to $13.30 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research lowered Hudson Pacific Properties from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Thursday, January 1st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company set a $2.60 target price on Hudson Pacific Properties in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Get Hudson Pacific Properties alerts: Read Our Latest Report on HPP Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hudson Pacific Properties Price Performance A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of HPP. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 14.3% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 38,453,976 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $106,133,000 after purchasing an additional 4,815,234 shares during the last quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. increased its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 122.4% during the second quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 15,712,981 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $43,054,000 after buying an additional 8,646,463 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 20.1% in the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 12,196,771 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $33,663,000 after acquiring an additional 2,039,627 shares in the last quarter. Conversant Capital LLC grew its position in Hudson Pacific Properties by 293.6% during the 2nd quarter. Conversant Capital LLC now owns 10,700,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,318,000 after acquiring an additional 7,981,580 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. raised its position in Hudson Pacific Properties by 357.1% in the 2nd quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 10,686,082 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $29,280,000 after purchasing an additional 8,348,371 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.58% of the companys stock. Shares of Hudson Pacific Properties stock opened at $9.81 on Friday. Hudson Pacific Properties has a 52 week low of $9.31 and a 52 week high of $24.01. 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 stock has a market cap of $531.78 million, a PE ratio of -0.58 and a beta of 1.49. The companys 50-day moving average price is $12.14 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $16.36. Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.02 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $186.62 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $186.05 million. Hudson Pacific Properties had a negative net margin of 59.61% and a negative return on equity of 16.24%. Hudson Pacific Properties has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.010-0.050 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Hudson Pacific Properties will post 0.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. 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. Recommended Stories 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. Close Brothers Group plc (LON:CBG Get Free Report) insider Mike Morgan purchased 2,841 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 12th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 507 per share, for a total transaction of 14,403.87. Mike Morgan also recently made the following trade(s): Get Close Brothers Group alerts: On Wednesday, December 24th, Mike Morgan sold 2,538 shares of Close Brothers Group stock. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 517, for a total transaction of 13,121.46. Close Brothers Group Stock Up 1.2% Close Brothers Group stock opened at GBX 509.50 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of GBX 470.27 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 461.38. Close Brothers Group plc has a 52-week low of GBX 207 and a 52-week high of GBX 563.50. The firm has a market capitalization of 766.95 million, a P/E ratio of -7.62, a PEG ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 0.82. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Close Brothers Group ( LON:CBG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 11th. The company reported GBX 59.30 earnings per share for the quarter. Close Brothers Group had a net margin of 7.79% and a return on equity of 5.78%. On average, research analysts expect that Close Brothers Group plc will post 66.0070671 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Panmure Gordon reiterated a hold rating and set a GBX 500 target price on shares of Close Brothers Group in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 400 price objective on shares of Close Brothers Group in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their target price on shares of Close Brothers Group from GBX 525 to GBX 500 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price target on shares of Close Brothers Group from GBX 640 to GBX 580 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Peel Hunt reiterated an add rating and issued a GBX 300 price objective on shares of Close Brothers Group in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Three research 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 stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of GBX 490.63. Read Our Latest Research Report on CBG Close Brothers Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Close Brothers Group plc, a merchant banking company, engages in the provision of financial services to small businesses and individuals in the United Kingdom. It operates through five segments: Commercial, Retail, Property, Asset Management, and Securities. The company offers banking services comprising of debt factoring, invoice discounting, asset-based lending; financing for SMEs, residential housing, transport, industrial equipment, renewable energy, motorcycle, used car, and commercial vehicle financing; insurance, refurbishment, and bridging financing, savings products for individuals and corporates, hire purchase, lease, and loan related services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Close Brothers Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Close Brothers Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Montis Financial LLC raised its position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report) by 32.0% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 127,737 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 30,988 shares during the period. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF accounts for 5.6% of Montis Financial LLCs holdings, making the stock its 6th biggest holding. Montis Financial LLCs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF were worth $24,232,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Tompkins Financial Corp purchased a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. GoalVest Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the second quarter valued at about $34,000. Howe & Rusling Inc. increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 51.9% during the second quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 287 shares of the companys stock worth $52,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hanson & Doremus Investment Management increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 30.5% during the second quarter. Hanson & Doremus Investment Management now owns 308 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 61.18% of the companys stock. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Stock Performance Shares of RSP opened at $199.56 on Friday. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a one year low of $150.35 and a one year high of $200.11. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $191.75 and a 200 day moving average price of $188.70. The company has a market capitalization of $79.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.99. About Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues). The Index utilizes quarterly rebalancing to maintain its equal-weight stance. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 90% of its net assets, plus any borrowing for investment purposes, in the equity securities (and derivatives thereof) included in the Index. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RSP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF (NYSEARCA:EWL Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 541,066 shares, an increase of 121.8% from the December 15th total of 243,991 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 356,008 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.5 days. Approximately 2.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Approximately 2.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 356,008 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.5 days. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Stock Down 0.6% Shares of EWL traded down $0.35 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $60.52. The company had a trading volume of 612,932 shares, compared to its average volume of 511,503. The firm has a market cap of $1.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.82 and a beta of 0.81. The business has a fifty day moving average of $58.70 and a 200-day moving average of $56.44. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF has a 12 month low of $46.22 and a 12 month high of $60.90. Get iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $44,000. MAI Capital Management boosted its stake in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 631.1% in the 3rd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 965 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $53,000 after purchasing an additional 833 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $56,000. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc bought a new position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $60,000. 68.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Switzerland 25/50 Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Zurich Stock Exchange. The Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index with a capping methodology applied to issuer weights so that no single issuer of a component exceeds 25% of the Index weight and all issuers with weight above 5% do not exceed 50% of the Index weight. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:NYF Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 119,603 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 1% from the previous sessions volume of 120,744 shares.The stock last traded at $53.8150 and had previously closed at $53.80. iShares New York Muni Bond ETF Price Performance The businesss 50-day moving average is $53.59 and its 200 day moving average is $53.01. Get iShares New York Muni Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares New York Muni Bond ETF Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its holdings in iShares New York Muni Bond ETF by 296.8% during the 2nd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 347,152 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,101,000 after acquiring an additional 259,657 shares during the period. TIAA Trust National Association lifted its position in iShares New York Muni Bond ETF by 21.2% in the third quarter. TIAA Trust National Association now owns 1,040,875 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,531,000 after purchasing an additional 182,200 shares during the last quarter. Alesco Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares New York Muni Bond ETF by 42.0% in the third quarter. Alesco Advisors LLC now owns 415,465 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,165,000 after purchasing an additional 122,915 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in shares of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF by 14.4% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 645,341 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,648,000 after purchasing an additional 81,191 shares during the period. Finally, Retirement Planning Group LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF in the third quarter worth approximately $3,636,000. iShares New York Muni Bond ETF Company Profile iShares New York AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF, formerly iShares S&P New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series 2016 IndexTM (the Index). The Underlying Index measures the performance of investment-grade, noncallable United States municipal bonds maturing in 2016. The Index includes municipal bonds primarily from issuers that are state or local governments or agencies such that the interest on the bonds is exempt from United States federal income taxes and the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares New York Muni Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares New York Muni Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quick Read ASML (ASML) holds 100% of EUV lithography for advanced chips. Microsoft (MSFT) controls 80% of office productivity. Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) captures 90% of search. Microsoft generates over $70B in annual free cash flow with 43% operating margins. ASML analysts forecast 25% annual earnings growth over five years. Alphabet revenue jumped from $400B in 2025 to projected $455B in 2026. Antitrust rulings confirmed its search monopoly but imposed mild remedies. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here. Monopolies, we're told, are bad things. With excessive market power, they can raise prices, reduce innovation, lower product quality, and offer less consumer choice. This is why they often draw antitrust scrutiny and ethical concerns. Yet some companies achieve dominance through sheer innovation, scale, and technological barriers that competitors simply can't breach. These natural leaders don't rely on underhanded tactics; instead, they build moats so wide that they become indispensable to their industries. Regulators may occasionally poke at them, but their core strengths endure, making them some of the best bets for long-term growth. There are three such powerhouses that stand out for the benign power they wield that you should consider buying for your portfolio today: ASML Holding (NASDAQ:ASML), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG)(NASDAQ:GOOGL), and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). These firms command virtual monopolies in their niches, offering investors stability and significant upside potential from secular trends like digital transformation and semiconductor demand. ASML Holding (ASML) ASML Holding is a Dutch dynamo that essentially controls the production of the world's most cutting-edge chips. ASML's extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems are the only viable tools for fabricating most processors at 7nm and smaller nodes, powering everything from smartphones to AI supercomputers. Without ASML's machines, industry titans like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM), Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), and Samsung would likely grind to a halt, as no credible alternatives exist in this hyper-specialized field. This isn't just dominance -- it's a stranglehold built on decades of R&D, intricate patents, and a supply chain that's nearly impossible to replicate. ASML's market position is bolstered by its better than 90% share in advanced deep ultraviolet (DUV) tools and complete control over EUV, where rivals like Nikon and Canon lag years behind. As AI and 5G drive insatiable chip demand, ASML benefits from surging orders, with projections for mid-teens revenue growth in 2026 despite short-term headwinds from China export curbs. Jollibee Foods Co. (OTCMKTS:JBFCY Get Free Report) shares traded up 1.4% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $14.20 and last traded at $14.20. 1,474 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 77% from the average session volume of 6,277 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.01. Jollibee Foods Stock Up 1.4% The companys 50 day moving average price is $13.19 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $14.98. Get Jollibee Foods alerts: Jollibee Foods Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a dividend of $0.0786 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 97.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. Jollibee Foodss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 9.97%. About Jollibee Foods Jollibee Foods Corporation is a multinational quick-service restaurant operator based in the Philippines. The companys flagship brand, Jollibee, specializes in fried chicken, hamburgers, spaghetti, and rice dishes, catering to a wide range of flavor profiles that blend Western and Filipino tastes. Through a franchising and company-owned model, Jollibee Foods serves both dine-in and take-out customers, supported by in-store dining facilities, drive-through lanes, and delivery partnerships. Beyond its core Jollibee brand, the companys diversified portfolio includes Chowking (Chinese-style fast food), Greenwich (Italian-inspired pizzas and pasta), Red Ribbon (baked goods and pastries), Mang Inasal (Filipino grilled chicken), Yonghe King and Hong Zhuang Yuan (Chinese cuisines), and Smashburger (American-style burgers). Read More Receive News & Ratings for Jollibee Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jollibee Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) had its price objective lowered by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $102.00 to $98.00 in a research note released on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has an overweight rating on the energy producers stock. A number of other research firms have also recently commented on COP. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $113.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Roth Capital dropped their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips from $108.00 to $100.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Wolfe Research cut their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $131.00 to $126.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of ConocoPhillips in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, UBS Group raised their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $117.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Eighteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, ConocoPhillips has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.56. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on COP ConocoPhillips Stock Down 1.4% Shares of COP opened at $98.91 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $92.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $92.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.32 and a quick ratio of 1.18. ConocoPhillips has a one year low of $79.88 and a one year high of $106.20. The company has a market cap of $122.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.99, a P/E/G ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.32. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.20. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 13.64% and a net margin of 14.25%.The company had revenue of $15.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.51 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.78 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were given a $0.84 dividend. This is a boost from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $3.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.4%. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is presently 47.52%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total value of $46,315,490.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 325,972 shares in the company, valued at $30,152,410. This represents a 60.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director William H. Mcraven purchased 5,768 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 10th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $86.68 per share, for a total transaction of $499,970.24. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 5,768 shares in the company, valued at approximately $499,970.24. This trade represents a increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On ConocoPhillips Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Apella Capital LLC grew its stake in ConocoPhillips by 1.9% during the second quarter. Apella Capital LLC now owns 7,707 shares of the energy producers stock worth $713,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares during the period. Everpar Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 138.7% during the 2nd quarter. Everpar Advisors LLC now owns 10,413 shares of the energy producers stock worth $934,000 after buying an additional 6,051 shares during the period. FF Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 12.8% in the 2nd quarter. FF Advisors LLC now owns 2,678 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $240,000 after acquiring an additional 303 shares in the last quarter. Range Financial Group LLC lifted its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 7.8% during the 2nd quarter. Range Financial Group LLC now owns 3,538 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $318,000 after acquiring an additional 256 shares during the period. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB boosted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 4.8% during the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 63,098 shares of the energy producers stock worth $5,662,000 after acquiring an additional 2,918 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.36% of the companys stock. More ConocoPhillips News Here are the key news stories impacting ConocoPhillips this week: About ConocoPhillips (Get Free Report) ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is a Houston-based international energy company focused on exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Formed in 2002 through the merger of Conoco Inc and Phillips Petroleum Company, the firm operates as an independent upstream company that explores for, develops and produces crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids across a portfolio of global assets. The companys activities span conventional and unconventional resources and include onshore and offshore operations in multiple regions around the world. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Live Oak Investment Partners grew its position in shares of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ Free Report) by 563.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 30,852 shares of the cell phone carriers stock after acquiring an additional 26,199 shares during the period. Verizon Communications comprises about 1.0% of Live Oak Investment Partners holdings, making the stock its 28th largest holding. Live Oak Investment Partners holdings in Verizon Communications were worth $1,356,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in VZ. Hudock Inc. lifted its position in Verizon Communications by 0.6% during the second quarter. Hudock Inc. now owns 39,842 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $1,724,000 after buying an additional 238 shares during the period. Wright Investors Service Inc. increased its stake in shares of Verizon Communications by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Wright Investors Service Inc. now owns 21,255 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $920,000 after acquiring an additional 243 shares in the last quarter. McLean Asset Management Corp lifted its position in Verizon Communications by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter. McLean Asset Management Corp now owns 8,571 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $355,000 after acquiring an additional 243 shares during the period. Red Spruce Capital LLC boosted its stake in Verizon Communications by 0.3% during the third quarter. Red Spruce Capital LLC now owns 71,541 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $3,144,000 after acquiring an additional 246 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Camden National Bank increased its stake in shares of Verizon Communications by 4.6% during the second quarter. Camden National Bank now owns 5,666 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $245,000 after purchasing an additional 248 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.06% of the companys stock. Get Verizon Communications alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes VZ has been the topic of several recent research reports. Scotiabank upped their price target on Verizon Communications from $50.50 to $51.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Verizon Communications from $48.00 to $47.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. BNP Paribas Exane downgraded shares of Verizon Communications from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $44.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Verizon Communications from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Verizon Communications from $49.00 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and eleven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $47.47. Verizon Communications Stock Performance Shares of VZ stock opened at $39.35 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $40.54 and a 200-day moving average price of $41.81. Verizon Communications Inc. has a 52 week low of $37.94 and a 52 week high of $47.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $165.92 billion, a PE ratio of 8.41, a P/E/G ratio of 3.80 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19. Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The cell phone carrier reported $1.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.19 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $33.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $34.19 billion. Verizon Communications had a return on equity of 19.31% and a net margin of 14.43%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.19 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Verizon Communications Inc. will post 4.69 earnings per share for the current year. Verizon Communications Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 12th will be given a dividend of $0.69 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 12th. This represents a $2.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.0%. Verizon Communicationss dividend payout ratio is presently 58.97%. Verizon Communications News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Verizon Communications this week: About Verizon Communications (Free Report) Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ) is a major U.S.-based telecommunications company that provides a broad range of communications and information services. Its operations span consumer and business markets, with core offerings that include wireless voice and data services, fixed-line broadband and fiber-optic services, and enterprise networking solutions. Verizon is headquartered in New York City and operates a nationwide wireless network that supports consumer subscribers as well as business and government customers. The companys consumer products include mobile phone plans, unlimited data services, and Fios, its branded fiber-optic internet, television and voice service for homes and small businesses. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Verizon Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Verizon Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX Get Free Report) CEO William Bradley Southern sold 14,166 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.08, for a total value of $1,318,571.28. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 489,215 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $45,536,132.20. This trade represents a 2.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. William Bradley Southern also recently made the following trade(s): Get Louisiana-Pacific alerts: On Wednesday, January 14th, William Bradley Southern sold 55,346 shares of Louisiana-Pacific stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.66, for a total transaction of $5,073,014.36. On Tuesday, December 16th, William Bradley Southern sold 1,318 shares of Louisiana-Pacific stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.38, for a total value of $112,530.84. On Monday, December 15th, William Bradley Southern sold 42,514 shares of Louisiana-Pacific stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.25, for a total transaction of $3,666,832.50. Louisiana-Pacific Price Performance Louisiana-Pacific stock traded down $0.44 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $93.27. 211,465 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,228,262. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.18 and a beta of 1.80. Louisiana-Pacific Corporation has a 12 month low of $73.42 and a 12 month high of $119.91. The businesss 50-day moving average is $82.40 and its two-hundred day moving average is $88.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a current ratio of 2.93. Louisiana-Pacific Announces Dividend Louisiana-Pacific ( NYSE:LPX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The building manufacturing company reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.37 by ($0.01). Louisiana-Pacific had a return on equity of 14.90% and a net margin of 7.69%.The company had revenue of $663.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $670.26 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.22 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 8.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Louisiana-Pacific Corporation will post 5.27 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 21st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th were given a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Louisiana-Pacifics dividend payout ratio is currently 36.25%. Institutional Trading of Louisiana-Pacific A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of LPX. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 33,243.5% in the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,588,787 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock worth $222,610,000 after acquiring an additional 2,581,023 shares during the last quarter. Eminence Capital LP increased its holdings in Louisiana-Pacific by 72.3% during the 2nd quarter. Eminence Capital LP now owns 2,887,438 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $248,291,000 after purchasing an additional 1,211,495 shares during the period. Boston Partners purchased a new position in shares of Louisiana-Pacific during the third quarter valued at approximately $100,770,000. Norges Bank bought a new position in Louisiana-Pacific in the 2nd quarter worth $72,299,000. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in Louisiana-Pacific by 674.8% in the third quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 698,646 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock worth $62,068,000 after buying an additional 608,480 shares in the last quarter. 94.73% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently commented on LPX. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on Louisiana-Pacific from $114.00 to $104.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 6th. TD Securities dropped their price target on shares of Louisiana-Pacific from $97.00 to $91.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Vertical Research began coverage on shares of Louisiana-Pacific in a research note on Monday, October 20th. They set a buy rating on the stock. DA Davidson reiterated a buy rating and issued a $117.00 price target on shares of Louisiana-Pacific in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Louisiana-Pacific from $100.00 to $108.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Louisiana-Pacific presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $106.57. View Our Latest Stock Report on Louisiana-Pacific Louisiana-Pacific Company Profile (Get Free Report) Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE: LPX) is a leading manufacturer of building materials and engineered wood products for residential, industrial and light commercial construction. The company produces a diverse portfolio of products, including oriented strand board (OSB), engineered wood siding, trim, molding, sheathing panels and subflooring. Its flagship product lines, such as LP SmartSide trim and siding, are designed to offer enhanced durability, moisture resistance and ease of installation, helping builders and homeowners achieve long-lasting performance in a variety of climates. Founded in 1973 as a spin-off from Georgia-Pacific, Louisiana-Pacific established its reputation by pioneering innovative manufacturing techniques for OSB, becoming one of the first companies to bring the product to market in the 1980s. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Louisiana-Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Louisiana-Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mammoth Resources Corp. (CVE:MTH Get Free Report)s share price fell 15.4% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as C$0.05 and last traded at C$0.06. 122,100 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 95% from the average session volume of 62,483 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.07. Mammoth Resources Stock Down 15.4% The company has a current ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 5.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of -7.15. The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$0.05 and its 200 day moving average price is C$0.05. The company has a market capitalization of C$5.86 million, a P/E ratio of -5.50 and a beta of 4.02. Mammoth Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mammoth Resources Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mining properties in Mexico. It holds a 100% interest in the Tenoriba property consisting of four concessions, including Mapy, Mapy 2, Mapy 3, and Fernanda covering a land package of totalling 5,333 hectares located in the Sierra Madre precious metal belt in southwestern Chihuahua State, Mexico. The company was formerly known as Mammoth Capital Corp. and changed its name to Mammoth Resources Corp. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mammoth Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mammoth Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC lowered its position in shares of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) by 83.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,841 shares of the companys stock after selling 34,897 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Archer Daniels Midland were worth $409,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Dodge & Cox bought a new stake in Archer Daniels Midland in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $345,689,000. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Archer Daniels Midland during the second quarter worth approximately $340,247,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Archer Daniels Midland by 8,609.3% in the 3rd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 4,405,427 shares of the companys stock worth $263,180,000 after acquiring an additional 4,354,844 shares during the last quarter. MEAG MUNICH ERGO Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH purchased a new stake in shares of Archer Daniels Midland in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,094,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Archer Daniels Midland by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 18,076,118 shares of the companys stock valued at $954,058,000 after purchasing an additional 620,794 shares during the last quarter. 78.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Archer Daniels Midland alerts: Archer Daniels Midland Trading Up 2.9% NYSE ADM opened at $66.48 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $31.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.50 and a beta of 0.70. Archer Daniels Midland Company has a fifty-two week low of $40.98 and a fifty-two week high of $66.63. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $59.28 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $59.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 1.37. Archer Daniels Midland Announces Dividend Archer Daniels Midland ( NYSE:ADM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.03. Archer Daniels Midland had a return on equity of 8.01% and a net margin of 1.43%.The firm had revenue of $20.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.96 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.09 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Archer Daniels Midland has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.500 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Archer Daniels Midland Company will post 4.31 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 11th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 19th were given a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 19th. Archer Daniels Midlands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 83.27%. Analysts Set New Price Targets ADM has been the subject of several recent research reports. Morgan Stanley downgraded shares of Archer Daniels Midland from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $57.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a report on Monday, December 15th. Zacks Research cut Archer Daniels Midland from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $59.00 price objective (down previously from $61.00) on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Archer Daniels Midland has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $54.38. View Our Latest Report on Archer Daniels Midland About Archer Daniels Midland (Free Report) Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a global agricultural processor and food-ingredient provider that sources, transports and processes oilseeds, corn, wheat and other agricultural commodities. The company operates large-scale crushing, refining and processing facilities that produce vegetable oils, protein meals, corn sweeteners, starches, ethanol, animal feeds and a wide range of food and industrial ingredients. ADM also develops specialty ingredients and solutions for human and animal nutrition, food and beverage formulation, and industrial applications such as bio-based materials and renewable fuels. ADMs business combines commodity origination and merchandising with downstream manufacturing and ingredient formulation. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ADM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Archer Daniels Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer Daniels Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC reduced its stake in Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI Free Report) (TSE:CNR) by 99.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,582 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 818,521 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Canadian National Railway were worth $149,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of CNI. AQR Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Canadian National Railway during the first quarter worth about $311,000. Focus Partners Wealth increased its holdings in shares of Canadian National Railway by 11.1% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 11,514 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,122,000 after purchasing an additional 1,146 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Canadian National Railway by 45.0% in the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,956 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $204,000 after buying an additional 607 shares in the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB raised its stake in Canadian National Railway by 42.7% in the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 558 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $58,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Financial Group LLC raised its stake in Canadian National Railway by 3.1% in the second quarter. Marshall Financial Group LLC now owns 10,476 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,078,000 after purchasing an additional 319 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.74% of the companys stock. Get Canadian National Railway alerts: Canadian National Railway Stock Up 1.6% CNI stock opened at $99.23 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $97.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is $96.65. The company has a market cap of $60.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.60. Canadian National Railway Company has a fifty-two week low of $90.74 and a fifty-two week high of $108.75. Canadian National Railway Increases Dividend Canadian National Railway ( NYSE:CNI Get Free Report ) (TSE:CNR) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The transportation company reported $1.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.28 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $2.99 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.15 billion. Canadian National Railway had a net margin of 26.86% and a return on equity of 21.50%. The businesss revenue was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.72 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Canadian National Railway Company will post 5.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 9th were paid a $0.8875 dividend. This represents a $3.55 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 9th. This is a positive change from Canadian National Railways previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. Canadian National Railways dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 48.01%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have commented on CNI shares. Vertical Research upgraded shares of Canadian National Railway from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on Canadian National Railway from $148.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Cibc Captl Mkts upgraded Canadian National Railway from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Canadian National Railway from $117.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Susquehanna lifted their target price on shares of Canadian National Railway from $115.00 to $116.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $117.64. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Canadian National Railway Canadian National Railway Company Profile (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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI Free Report) (TSE:CNR). 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. Shares of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:VAC Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $62.48, but opened at $60.07. Marriott Vacations Worldwide shares last traded at $59.69, with a volume of 153,269 shares. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In VAC has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price target on Marriott Vacations Worldwide from $63.00 to $54.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $52.00 target price (down previously from $70.00) on shares of Marriott Vacations Worldwide in a report on Friday. Wall Street Zen upgraded Marriott Vacations Worldwide from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, December 21st. Citizens Jmp reduced their price objective on Marriott Vacations Worldwide from $115.00 to $60.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Marriott Vacations Worldwide in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. They set an underweight rating and a $37.00 price objective on the stock. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Marriott Vacations Worldwide presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $61.13. Get Marriott Vacations Worldwide alerts: View Our Latest Report on VAC Marriott Vacations Worldwide Price Performance The company has a market cap of $2.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.37, a P/E/G ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29, a quick ratio of 3.22 and a current ratio of 3.87. The companys 50 day moving average price is $55.61 and its 200 day moving average price is $67.66. Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE:VAC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $1.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.05. Marriott Vacations Worldwide had a net margin of 3.44% and a return on equity of 11.44%. The firm had revenue of $1.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.31 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.80 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Marriott Vacations Worldwide has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.700-7.100 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation will post 6.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Marriott Vacations Worldwide Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 7th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 24th were paid a $0.80 dividend. This is an increase from Marriott Vacations Worldwides previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 24th. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.4%. Marriott Vacations Worldwides payout ratio is 71.75%. Insider Transactions at Marriott Vacations Worldwide In related news, Director William W. Mccarten acquired 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 20th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $48.08 per share, with a total value of $240,400.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 13,708 shares in the company, valued at approximately $659,080.64. This trade represents a 57.42% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Lizanne Galbreath acquired 5,500 shares of Marriott Vacations Worldwide stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $46.51 per share, for a total transaction of $255,805.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 25,714 shares in the company, valued at $1,195,958.14. The trade was a 27.21% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Over the last 90 days, insiders acquired 96,209 shares of company stock valued at $4,573,353. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in VAC. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Marriott Vacations Worldwide by 18.2% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 140,662 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,036,000 after purchasing an additional 21,623 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Marriott Vacations Worldwide by 147.9% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 8,487 shares of the companys stock valued at $545,000 after buying an additional 5,064 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC increased its position in shares of Marriott Vacations Worldwide by 4.7% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 100,636 shares of the companys stock worth $6,465,000 after acquiring an additional 4,497 shares in the last quarter. Strs Ohio bought a new stake in shares of Marriott Vacations Worldwide during the first quarter worth $1,263,000. Finally, Inspire Investing LLC raised its holdings in shares of Marriott Vacations Worldwide by 19.7% during the first quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 5,321 shares of the companys stock worth $342,000 after acquiring an additional 874 shares during the period. 89.52% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Marriott Vacations Worldwide Company Profile (Get Free Report) Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, specializes in the development, marketing and management of vacation ownership resorts and related products. Originally launched as a division of Marriott International in 1984, the company became a separate publicly traded entity in 2011. Since then, it has expanded its offerings through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, establishing itself as a leading provider in the global timeshare industry. The companys core business activities include selling vacation ownership interests, managing a growing portfolio of branded resorts and operating a loyalty program that allows members to exchange or use points at affiliated properties. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Marriott Vacations Worldwide Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Marriott Vacations Worldwide and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meritage Portfolio Management cut its stake in shares of Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB Free Report) by 83.7% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 8,171 shares of the companys stock after selling 41,858 shares during the quarter. Meritage Portfolio Managements holdings in Kontoor Brands were worth $652,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Kontoor Brands by 73.0% during the third quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 308 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new stake in Kontoor Brands during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC increased its position in Kontoor Brands by 2,614.3% during the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 380 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares during the period. First Horizon Corp bought a new position in Kontoor Brands during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Kontoor Brands in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.06% of the companys stock. Get Kontoor Brands alerts: Kontoor Brands Trading Up 1.1% NYSE:KTB opened at $59.52 on Friday. Kontoor Brands, Inc. has a 12 month low of $50.00 and a 12 month high of $96.80. The company has a current ratio of 1.91, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.34 and a beta of 1.21. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $67.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $71.89. Kontoor Brands Increases Dividend Kontoor Brands ( NYSE:KTB Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.35 by $0.09. Kontoor Brands had a net margin of 7.68% and a return on equity of 63.21%. The company had revenue of $853.22 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $879.10 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.37 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 27.3% on a year-over-year basis. Kontoor Brands has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.500-5.500 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.640-1.640 EPS. Analysts expect that Kontoor Brands, Inc. will post 4.82 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 8th were issued a dividend of $0.53 per share. This is a positive change from Kontoor Brandss previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 8th. Kontoor Brandss dividend payout ratio is presently 54.64%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently commented on KTB. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Kontoor Brands from $114.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Kontoor Brands in a report on Monday, December 29th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Kontoor Brands from $73.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. BNP Paribas set a $50.00 price objective on Kontoor Brands in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Barclays set a $74.00 target price on Kontoor Brands in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has given 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 $87.75. View Our Latest Analysis on Kontoor Brands Kontoor Brands Company Profile (Free Report) Kontoor Brands, Inc is a global apparel company best known for its Wrangler and Lee denim and lifestyle brands. Established as an independent, publicly traded company in May 2019 following a spin-off from VF Corporation, Kontoor leverages a legacy that dates back to 1889 with the founding of Lee and to 1947 with the introduction of the Wrangler brand. The company focuses on designing, manufacturing and distributing premium, casual and workwear apparel, including jeans, pants, shorts, shirts, jackets and complementary accessories. Kontoor Brands operates a diversified sales model that combines wholesale partnerships with leading retailers, distribution through e-commerce channels and select direct-to-consumer formats. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KTB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kontoor Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kontoor Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MGO One Seven LLC increased its holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 48.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 33,647 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 11,042 shares during the quarter. MGO One Seven LLCs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $1,517,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of BMY. Exchange Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 0.4% in the second quarter. Exchange Capital Management Inc. now owns 54,893 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,541,000 after acquiring an additional 220 shares during the period. Parsons Capital Management Inc. RI boosted its holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb by 0.3% in the second quarter. Parsons Capital Management Inc. RI now owns 78,105 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,615,000 after purchasing an additional 224 shares during the last quarter. Richwood Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Richwood Investment Advisors LLC now owns 13,303 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $616,000 after purchasing an additional 225 shares during the period. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC raised its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 5.0% during the 3rd quarter. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 4,931 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $222,000 after buying an additional 235 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV lifted its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 26.7% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 1,123 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $52,000 after buying an additional 237 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 76.41% of the companys stock. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Truist Financial set a $65.00 price target on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Guggenheim restated a buy rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, December 23rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Bristol Myers Squibb from $53.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Bristol Myers Squibb currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $56.86. Bristol Myers Squibb Price Performance BMY stock opened at $56.60 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.27. The companys fifty day moving average price is $51.74 and its 200-day moving average price is $48.06. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a one year low of $42.52 and a one year high of $63.33. The company has a market capitalization of $115.22 billion, a PE ratio of 19.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.44 and a beta of 0.29. Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $12.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.75 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a net margin of 12.57% and a return on equity of 76.53%. Bristol Myers Squibbs revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.80 EPS. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bristol Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.63 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 2nd. This is a boost from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.5%. Bristol Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is currently 85.14%. Bristol Myers Squibb Profile (Free Report) Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, focused on discovering, developing and delivering medicines for serious diseases. The companys core activities include research and development, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of prescription pharmaceuticals across multiple therapeutic areas. BMS concentrates on advancing therapies in oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular disease and specialty areas through both small molecules and biologics. BMSs marketed portfolio and latestage pipeline reflect a strong emphasis on cancer and immunemediated conditions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RTX (NYSE: RTX ) is the aerospace conglomerate formed in the merger of Raytheon and United Technologies Corp back in 2020. Today, the new company has a market cap of nearly $260 billion and generates more than $80 billion in annual sales. RTX is also a dividend payer with a moderate valuation, trading at just 31 times forward earnings and yielding 1.4%. It also has a catalyst on the horizon with its Q4 2025 earnings report scheduled for January 27, and analysts are projecting record quarterly revenue of over $22.7 billion. KTOS shares have used this early 2026 winning streak to smash through the 50-day simple moving average (SMA), which had previously been a stubborn resistance area. The breakout was confirmed by a bullish cross in the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator, and the stock has now also punched through its previous all-time high from October. This rally appears to have fundamental and technical tailwinds, and more gains are likely despite the eye-popping valuation (just remember to keep those stops tight!) Kratos Defense and Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS ) exploded onto the defense scene in 2024 thanks to its innovations in unmanned systems, including drones, missiles, and satellites. The company has actually been trading on U.S. exchanges since the Dot-Com Bubble, but it wasn't until recently that the stock escaped penny stock status to become a $20 billion player in the defense sector. The company has generated more than $300 million in sales for three consecutive quarters and consistently beats analysts EPS projections. The stock has also already received three price target boosts in 2026, including a new Street-high $134 target from Stifel. Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Heres how you can earn passive income with just $10, starting today. While the real number is likely to be smaller, increasing the defense budget appears to be a priority, and extra spending will benefit U.S. defense contractors. But the proposed increase of the Pentagon's budget seems much more based in reality, and Trump is calling for $1.5 trillion to be spent in 2027. Thats a 66% increase on the current 2026 defense budget. Its been a volatile week for the defense and aerospace industry following several missives from President Trump. Some of these proposals, such as limiting defense stock buybacks and capping executive pay, are negative for the industry but seem unlikely to actually make it into law. Story Continues Unlike the parabolic breakout at KTOS, RTX has been a slow and steady gainer with all the hallmarks of a healthy bull run. The stock price has traded above the 50-day and 200-day SMAs since the April tariff selloff, and the 50-day has been a lightning rod for buyers ever since. RTX is a mature and reliable revenue machine, but even megacaps can be susceptible to corrections, and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is teetering on the edge of Overbought territory. Keep an eye on this level, but remember that the long-term trend is still bullish. Trending: This Real Estate Fund Pays 10x More Than the Average Savings Account Invest From Just $100 L3Harris Technologies Inc. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) scored itself some positive press this week following a $1 billion investment promise from the Department of Defense. L3Harris plans to spin out its missile business into a separate entity with Pentagon funding, which should free up cash flow at the parent company. The new firm will have an initial public offering later in the year, and L3Harris will retain a controlling stake in the new enterprise. You'll also be shocked (shocked!) to learn that several U.S. senators serving on defense committees bought LHX in 2025. Like KTOS, LHX shares have exploded higher as 2026 gets underway. The stock had been tightly hugging the 50-day SMA for more than six months, but now it is up more than 16% since the start of January. At one point, the stock was up another 10% on Tuesday following the Pentagon investment news, but finished the day flat as investors took profits. However, the upward momentum remains strong, driven by solid fundamentals and a bullish MACD crossover. General Dynamics Corp. General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) is the $97 billion defense contractor located just outside D.C. in Reston, Virginia. With its IPO back in 1962, the company is one of the oldest publicly traded defense stocks in the S&P 500, and has proven to be an income-generating machine for dividend investors. The yield is 1.66%, and the company has raised annual payouts for 34 consecutive years. The dividend payout rate is also just 38%, leaving plenty of runway for future payout boosts. Trump hasn't favored legacy defense contractors, but the scope of the intended budget raise means large caps like General Dynamics will be needed to meet the administration's goals. GD has fundamental and technical tailwinds behind it that could see it outperform its large-cap peers. The stock trades at just 24 times forward earnings and 2 times sales, and just inked its own $900 billion deal with the U.S. Navy. See Also: Americans With a Financial Plan Can 4X Their Wealth Get Your Personalized Plan from a CFP Pro On the chart, a breakout above the 50-day SMA sparked a new wave of bullish activity, and GD has already made two new all-time highs in the first two weeks of 2026. The RSI remains under the Overbought threshold of 70 too, hinting that this rally hasn't exhausted its supply of buyers just yet. Northrup Grumman Corp. Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) is another of the usual suspects' in the U.S. defense industry, with roots dating back to the 1930s in fighter-plane developers Northrop Corp. and Grumman Corp. The two companies combined and IPOed in 1981, and today Northrop Grumman is the fifth-largest U.S. contractor by percentage of defense spending, trailing only Lockheed Martin, RTX, General Dynamics, and Boeing. NOC shares recently broke out of a multi-month downtrend. The stock retook the 50-day SMA in a volatile week of trading, but the breakout has now been confirmed on the MACD. With the RSI still under 70, NOC could have more upside ahead from these levels. The company reports earnings on January 27 and will look to build on its Q3 2025 results, when it posted an 18% upside EPS surprise. Read Next: GM-Backed EnergyX Is Solving the Lithium Supply Crisis Invest Before They Scale Global Production Image via Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: This article 5 Defense Stocks to Buy on Pentagon Spending Boost originally appeared on Benzinga.com Mitsubishi Estate Co. (OTCMKTS:MITEY Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $26.88 and last traded at $26.05, with a volume of 1317 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $26.36. Mitsubishi Estate Stock Down 1.9% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 2.09 and a quick ratio of 1.45. The firm has a market cap of $31.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.43 and a beta of 0.11. The firms 50-day moving average price is $23.67 and its 200 day moving average price is $21.93. Get Mitsubishi Estate alerts: Mitsubishi Estate (OTCMKTS:MITEY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported $0.04 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.18 by ($0.14). The business had revenue of $2.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.74 billion. Mitsubishi Estate had a net margin of 11.67% and a return on equity of 5.47%. Mitsubishi Estate has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.090-1.090 EPS. About Mitsubishi Estate Mitsubishi Estate Co, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: MITEY) is one of Japans largest real estate developers and a core company within the Mitsubishi corporate group. Headquartered in Tokyo, the firm is best known for large-scale urban development and property leasing, including landmark office districts and mixed-use complexes in central Tokyo. Its businesses span the full real estate value chain, from land acquisition and project development to leasing, sales, property and facility management, and real estate investment management. The companys commercial activities cover office buildings, retail and commercial facilities, residential housing, hotels and resorts, and logistics properties. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Estate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Estate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE:MTB Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Friday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The company traded as high as $215.71 and last traded at $208.5690, with a volume of 205981 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $212.57. The financial services provider reported $4.67 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.47 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $2.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.47 billion. M&T Bank had a return on equity of 10.62% and a net margin of 20.91%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $3.77 earnings per share. Get M&T Bank alerts: M&T Bank Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were issued a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.9%. M&T Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 36.95%. Key Stories Impacting M&T Bank Positive Sentiment: Earnings beat M&T posted Q4 net income of $759 million, diluted EPS of $4.67 vs. consensus ~$4.47, and revenue of $2.48 billion; fullyear net income was $2.85 billion, or $17.00 per share. This beat and strong yearly results are the primary catalysts for the rally. PR Newswire Release Earnings beat M&T posted Q4 net income of $759 million, diluted EPS of $4.67 vs. consensus ~$4.47, and revenue of $2.48 billion; fullyear net income was $2.85 billion, or $17.00 per share. This beat and strong yearly results are the primary catalysts for the rally. Positive Sentiment: Higher net interest income and margin management cited growth in net interest income and a stronger net interest margin as key profit drivers, which supports better core banking profitability in the current rate environment. WSJ: Net Interest Income Higher net interest income and margin management cited growth in net interest income and a stronger net interest margin as key profit drivers, which supports better core banking profitability in the current rate environment. Positive Sentiment: Mortgage banking contributed M&T highlighted stronger mortgagebanking results, helping lift quarterly profit beyond core NII gains. That diversifying contribution reduced reliance on deposit spread compression alone. Reuters: Mortgage Banking Mortgage banking contributed M&T highlighted stronger mortgagebanking results, helping lift quarterly profit beyond core NII gains. That diversifying contribution reduced reliance on deposit spread compression alone. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst attention/preearnings revisions coverage noted that MTB had the mix of factors that historically lead to beats; some Street models were adjusted ahead of the print, which can amplify moves but also sets expectations. Benzinga: Analyst Forecasts Analyst attention/preearnings revisions coverage noted that MTB had the mix of factors that historically lead to beats; some Street models were adjusted ahead of the print, which can amplify moves but also sets expectations. Neutral Sentiment: Company materials available management posted a press release and slide deck with the results (useful for parsing margin drivers and regional business trends). Slide Deck / Press Release Company materials available management posted a press release and slide deck with the results (useful for parsing margin drivers and regional business trends). Neutral Sentiment: Local operations update M&T celebrated a branch reopening in Harrisburg; positive for community presence but unlikely to move the stock materially. CPBJ: Branch Reopening Analyst Ratings Changes Here are the key news stories impacting M&T Bank this week: MTB has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Wolfe Research cut M&T Bank from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Robert W. Baird increased their price objective on shares of M&T Bank from $225.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on shares of M&T Bank from $220.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Truist Financial downgraded shares of M&T Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $217.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Bank of America reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $225.00 price target on shares of M&T Bank in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, M&T Bank has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $221.18. View Our Latest Stock Report on MTB Insider Transactions at M&T Bank In other news, EVP Christopher E. Kay sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $191.70, for a total transaction of $1,006,425.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 5,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,054,541.70. This represents a 48.83% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Robert E. Sadler, Jr. sold 6,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.06, for a total value of $1,140,360.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 17,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,244,324.20. This represents a 26.01% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.53% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of MTB. Golden State Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of M&T Bank by 2,214.3% during the second quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 162 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 155 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust increased its stake in M&T Bank by 342.9% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust now owns 155 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 120 shares during the period. Triumph Capital Management acquired a new position in M&T Bank during the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of M&T Bank in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Ameriflex Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of M&T Bank by 82.4% in the third quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 186 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 84 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.68% of the companys stock. M&T Bank Stock Down 2.4% The firm has a market cap of $31.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The stocks 50 day moving average is $198.73 and its 200 day moving average is $195.03. M&T Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) M&T Bank Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York, that provides a broad range of banking and financial services to individuals, businesses and institutions. The company operates a commercial and retail banking franchise that includes deposit-taking, lending, and payment services delivered through branch networks, digital channels and commercial banking teams. M&T serves customers across the northeastern and midAtlantic United States and has expanded its geographic footprint through strategic acquisitions. Its core businesses include commercial banking for middlemarket and community businesses, consumer and retail banking, mortgage origination and servicing, treasury and cash management, and wealth management and trust services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for M&T Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for M&T Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of National Grid Transco, PLC (NYSE:NGG Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Friday . The company traded as high as $80.37 and last traded at $80.12, with a volume of 132435 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $79.36. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently commented on NGG. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on shares of National Grid Transco in a research report on Friday, December 12th. They set an overweight rating and a $85.50 price target for the company. BNP Paribas Exane lowered National Grid Transco from an outperform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. BNP Paribas cut National Grid Transco from a strong-buy rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. National Bankshares set a $85.50 price target on National Grid Transco in a report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of National Grid Transco in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, National Grid Transco presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $83.80. Get National Grid Transco alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on NGG National Grid Transco Price Performance National Grid Transco Dividend Announcement The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.97. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $76.92 and a 200-day moving average of $73.92. The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 21st were issued a $1.0657 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 284.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. Hedge Funds Weigh In On National Grid Transco Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of National Grid Transco during the 1st quarter valued at about $490,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its position in shares of National Grid Transco by 79.0% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 35,966 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,360,000 after buying an additional 15,873 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in National Grid Transco by 12.5% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 8,767 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $575,000 after buying an additional 971 shares during the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth boosted its stake in National Grid Transco by 11.1% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 10,375 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $681,000 after buying an additional 1,036 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers grew its holdings in National Grid Transco by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 17,184 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,127,000 after buying an additional 328 shares in the last quarter. 4.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About National Grid Transco (Get Free Report) National Grid Transco (NYSE: NGG) is a utility company focused on the transmission and distribution of electricity and natural gas. The company builds, owns, operates and maintains large-scale energy infrastructure, including high-voltage electricity transmission lines, electricity distribution networks and high-pressure gas pipelines. Its core activities center on providing safe, reliable delivery of energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers while meeting regulatory requirements across its service territories. Services provided by National Grid Transco encompass network operation and maintenance, system balancing and control, metering and connections, and capital investment in grid modernization and reliability projects. Read More Receive News & Ratings for National Grid Transco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Grid Transco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System raised its position in shares of AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR Free Report) by 10.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 64,709 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,383 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned 0.10% of AptarGroup worth $8,649,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Forum Financial Management LP lifted its position in shares of AptarGroup by 40.3% during the 3rd quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 2,113 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $282,000 after buying an additional 607 shares during the last quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in AptarGroup by 20.7% in the 3rd quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,587 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $346,000 after acquiring an additional 443 shares during the period. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS lifted its holdings in AptarGroup by 1.8% during the third quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 17,300 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,312,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. O Brien Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in AptarGroup during the third quarter worth about $580,000. Finally, Centennial Wealth Advisory LLC increased its stake in shares of AptarGroup by 10.0% in the third quarter. Centennial Wealth Advisory LLC now owns 1,580 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $211,000 after purchasing an additional 144 shares in the last quarter. 88.52% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get AptarGroup alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company reissued an equal weight rating and issued a $133.00 price target on shares of AptarGroup in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. KeyCorp reissued an overweight rating and set a $220.00 target price on shares of AptarGroup in a report on Friday, January 9th. William Blair lowered AptarGroup from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of AptarGroup in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Zacks Research cut AptarGroup from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $167.50. AptarGroup Stock Down 1.4% Shares of NYSE:ATR opened at $125.03 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $121.50 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $133.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 1.19 and a quick ratio of 0.82. AptarGroup, Inc. has a one year low of $103.23 and a one year high of $164.28. The company has a market cap of $8.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.00, a PEG ratio of 4.50 and a beta of 0.49. AptarGroup (NYSE:ATR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The industrial products company reported $1.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.57 by $0.05. AptarGroup had a net margin of 11.45% and a return on equity of 15.32%. The firm had revenue of $961.13 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $950.55 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.49 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. AptarGroup has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.200-1.28 EPS. Analysts anticipate that AptarGroup, Inc. will post 5.57 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other AptarGroup news, CAO Daniel Ackerman sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $121.23, for a total value of $1,818,450.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 29,607 shares in the company, valued at $3,589,256.61. This represents a 33.63% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.68% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About AptarGroup (Free Report) AptarGroup, Inc is a global provider of advanced dispensing, sealing and protection solutions for consumer and pharmaceutical markets. The company designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of products that enable the controlled delivery of liquids, gels, powders and aerosols. Its customer base spans beauty and personal care, home care, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, where innovation in packaging and drugdelivery devices drives brand differentiation and regulatory compliance. In the consumer markets, AptarGroup offers pumps, actuators, valves, closures and specialized bottles engineered for precision, convenience and sustainability. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ATR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE:ATR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AptarGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AptarGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System reduced its stake in shares of Invesco Ltd. (NYSE:IVZ Free Report) by 11.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 360,486 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 44,450 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement System owned approximately 0.08% of Invesco worth $8,270,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IVZ. Bayforest Capital Ltd increased its position in shares of Invesco by 17,838.5% during the third quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 6,996 shares of the asset managers stock worth $160,000 after acquiring an additional 6,957 shares in the last quarter. Forum Financial Management LP boosted its stake in Invesco by 10.5% in the 3rd quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 19,139 shares of the asset managers stock worth $439,000 after purchasing an additional 1,812 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund increased its holdings in Invesco by 32.2% during the 3rd quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 51,035 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,171,000 after purchasing an additional 12,428 shares in the last quarter. Steinberganna Wealth Management bought a new position in Invesco during the 3rd quarter worth about $201,000. Finally, Lecap Asset Management Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco in the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,547,000. Institutional investors own 66.09% of the companys stock. Get Invesco alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently weighed in on IVZ shares. Bank of America upped their price objective on Invesco from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on Invesco from $24.00 to $26.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Zacks Research downgraded Invesco from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of Invesco from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Invesco from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and thirteen have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Invesco presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $24.86. Invesco Stock Up 4.0% IVZ stock opened at $29.38 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $13.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.98, a P/E/G ratio of 0.51 and a beta of 1.65. Invesco Ltd. has a twelve month low of $11.60 and a twelve month high of $29.45. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $25.85 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $22.97. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. Invesco (NYSE:IVZ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The asset manager reported $0.61 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.17. The company had revenue of $1.19 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.17 billion. Invesco had a return on equity of 9.11% and a net margin of 14.15%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.44 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Invesco Ltd. will post 1.87 EPS for the current fiscal year. Invesco Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th were given a $0.21 dividend. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Invescos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 57.14%. Insider Buying and Selling at Invesco In other news, Director Douglas J. Sharp sold 160,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.56, for a total transaction of $3,769,600.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 192 shares in the company, valued at $4,523.52. The trade was a 99.88% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 1.21% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Invesco Profile (Free Report) Invesco Ltd. is an independent global investment management firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: IVZ). With origins dating back to 1935, the company is dedicated to offering a wide array of investment strategies and solutions to both individual and institutional clients worldwide. The firms product suite encompasses actively managed equity and fixed income funds, passive index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts, alongside specialized offerings such as private markets, real estate, and structured products. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Ltd. (NYSE:IVZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NexGen Energy (NYSE:NXE Get Free Report) saw unusually large options trading activity on Friday. Stock traders purchased 38,697 call options on the stock. This represents an increase of 98% compared to the average daily volume of 19,495 call options. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have weighed in on NXE. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of NexGen Energy in a report on Wednesday. Zacks Research upgraded shares of NexGen Energy from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of NexGen Energy in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get NexGen Energy alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on NXE NexGen Energy Stock Up 1.5% Shares of NexGen Energy stock traded up $0.18 on Friday, hitting $11.90. 4,442,783 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,686,641. NexGen Energy has a 52-week low of $3.91 and a 52-week high of $12.19. The stock has a market cap of $7.85 billion, a P/E ratio of -29.01 and a beta of 1.43. The firms 50-day moving average is $9.24 and its 200 day moving average is $8.30. NexGen Energy (NYSE:NXE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported ($0.03) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.02) by ($0.01). Equities research analysts forecast that NexGen Energy will post -0.05 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On NexGen Energy A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cooper Creek Partners Management LLC acquired a new position in NexGen Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at about $41,491,000. Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd bought a new stake in shares of NexGen Energy during the second quarter valued at approximately $39,975,000. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its position in shares of NexGen Energy by 28.9% during the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 23,633,124 shares of the companys stock worth $211,517,000 after buying an additional 5,305,263 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC grew its holdings in NexGen Energy by 97.8% in the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 10,134,381 shares of the companys stock worth $90,718,000 after buying an additional 5,011,890 shares in the last quarter. Finally, L1 Capital Pty Ltd increased its position in NexGen Energy by 10.3% in the 2nd quarter. L1 Capital Pty Ltd now owns 33,816,063 shares of the companys stock valued at $234,683,000 after acquiring an additional 3,171,558 shares during the period. 42.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About NexGen Energy (Get Free Report) NexGen Energy is a Canada-based uranium exploration and development company focused on advancing its flagship Rook I project in the Athabasca Basin of northern Saskatchewan. The companys primary activities include resource delineation, feasibility studies, and permitting for its high-grade Arrow deposit, one of the largest undeveloped uranium discoveries in the region. NexGens technical team employs advanced drilling, geophysical and geochemical techniques to expand and define its resource base, with the aim of delivering a robust, low-cost supply of uranium to global nuclear power markets. The Rook I project sits within one of the worlds most prolific uranium districts, offering excellent infrastructure access, a skilled local workforce and a supportive regulatory regime. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for NexGen Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NexGen Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Bank AB (OTCMKTS:NRDBY Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the seven research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have assigned a hold recommendation, two have assigned a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. NRDBY has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Barclays restated an underweight rating on shares of Nordea Bank in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Nordea Equity Research cut shares of Nordea Bank from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Nordea Bank in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Nordea Bank in a report on Thursday. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets raised Nordea Bank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Get Nordea Bank alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Nordea Bank Nordea Bank Trading Up 1.0% OTCMKTS:NRDBY opened at $19.60 on Tuesday. Nordea Bank has a 1 year low of $11.07 and a 1 year high of $19.73. The stock has a market cap of $67.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.89, a P/E/G ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.32, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.23. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $18.23 and a 200-day simple moving average of $16.65. Nordea Bank (OTCMKTS:NRDBY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The company reported $0.42 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.40 billion during the quarter. Nordea Bank had a return on equity of 15.38% and a net margin of 21.42%. As a group, analysts anticipate that Nordea Bank will post 1.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Nordea Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nordea Bank is a leading financial services group focused on serving retail, corporate and institutional customers across the Nordic region. The banks core activities include retail and commercial banking, corporate and institutional banking, asset and wealth management, and related financial services such as payments, cash management and trade finance. Nordea delivers these services through branch and digital channels, aiming to provide integrated banking solutions for everyday consumers, small and medium enterprises, and large corporations. Product offerings span deposit and lending products including mortgages and consumer loans, transaction banking and treasury services for corporate clients, investment and pension solutions through its asset management businesses, and wealth management services for private clients. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nordea Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nordea Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB cut its holdings in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,109,861 shares of the companys stock after selling 149,398 shares during the period. Johnson & Johnson makes up 1.0% of Nordea Investment Management ABs portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest position. Nordea Investment Management AB owned 0.25% of Johnson & Johnson worth $1,115,477,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. boosted its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 7,392 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,371,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the period. Ethos Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 0.6% during the third quarter. Ethos Financial Group LLC now owns 9,110 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,689,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the period. Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% during the third quarter. Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,639 shares of the companys stock valued at $304,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the period. Lifestyle Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.4% in the third quarter. Lifestyle Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,683 shares of the companys stock worth $312,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wynn Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 0.4% in the third quarter. Wynn Capital LLC now owns 15,930 shares of the companys stock worth $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: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In JNJ has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. 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. Johnson Rice set a $190.00 target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Citigroup boosted their price target on Johnson & Johnson from $215.00 to $232.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Daiwa America upgraded Johnson & Johnson from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, UBS Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $213.33. Johnson & Johnson Stock Up 0.5% JNJ stock opened at $219.62 on Friday. Johnson & Johnson has a fifty-two week low of $141.50 and a fifty-two week high of $219.75. The company has a market capitalization of $529.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 0.34. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $205.18 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $186.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.07. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The company reported $2.80 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.76 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $23.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $23.73 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 32.73% and a net margin of 27.26%.The firms revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.42 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 24th. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is 50.19%. More Johnson & Johnson News Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week: About Johnson & Johnson (Free Report) Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world. The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience. Recommended Stories 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. Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NAN Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 44,296 shares, a drop of 46.1% from the December 15th total of 82,255 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 125,473 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 125,473 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.4 days. Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund Price Performance NAN stock traded down $0.05 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $11.40. The company had a trading volume of 68,552 shares, compared to its average volume of 81,545. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $11.42 and a 200 day moving average of $11.34. Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund has a 12 month low of $10.69 and a 12 month high of $11.89. Get Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund alerts: Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.072 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 7.6%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 15th. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund Company Profile Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in NAN. PFG Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund by 28.6% in the 3rd quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 28,528 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $326,000 after purchasing an additional 6,350 shares in the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC bought a new position in shares of Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund in the 3rd quarter worth $2,018,000. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund by 89.6% during the 3rd quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 174,370 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,993,000 after purchasing an additional 82,415 shares during the last quarter. OMNI 360 Wealth Inc. boosted its position in Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund by 4.4% during the third quarter. OMNI 360 Wealth Inc. now owns 28,469 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $325,000 after purchasing an additional 1,202 shares in the last quarter. Finally, J. L. Bainbridge & Co. Inc. bought a new stake in Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund during the third quarter valued at about $116,000. (Get Free Report) The Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE: NAN) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide current income exempt from federal and New York State income taxes. The Fund invests principally in a portfolio of investment-grade municipal obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New York and its political subdivisions. Through its focus on tax-exempt securities, NAN is designed to offer investors an attractive yield advantage relative to taxable alternatives in the New York market. The Funds portfolio is comprised primarily of general obligation and revenue bonds issued by state and local governments, authorities, agencies and instrumentalities within New York. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen New York Quality Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Orange (OTCMKTS:ORANY Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the five analysts that are covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, two have issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. ORANY has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Citigroup raised Orange from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Orange in a report on Friday. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded shares of Orange to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Get Orange alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Orange Orange Price Performance Orange Dividend Announcement ORANY stock traded up $0.15 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $17.15. The stock had a trading volume of 127,395 shares, compared to its average volume of 104,165. The companys 50-day moving average price is $16.41 and its 200 day moving average price is $16.11. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89. Orange has a 12-month low of $10.41 and a 12-month high of $17.22. The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.2392 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a yield of 395.0%. About Orange (Get Free Report) Orange SA, commonly known as Orange, is a multinational telecommunications operator headquartered in Paris, France. The company has its roots in the former state-owned France Telecom and later consolidated its international operations under the Orange brand. Orange provides a wide range of connectivity and communications services and maintains a significant presence across Europe, and in many countries in Africa and the Middle East, serving both consumer and business customers. Oranges core activities include mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband and fiber internet access, and television services for retail customers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Orange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Along the journey toward modernization, China and Africa are learning from each other, generating a mighty force of solidarity, self-reliance and shared development across the Global South. DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African nations. Over the decades, the friendship has been passed down from generation to generation, and bilateral ties have achieved leapfrog development. Amid a complex international landscape and accelerated changes unseen in a century, China and Africa have continued to draw strength from the spirit of friendship and cooperation. Their joint pursuit of modernization has set an example for Global South cooperation, and is writing new chapters in building a better world for all. EVER-LASTING FRIENDSHIP China and African countries are the world's largest developing country and the continent with the most developing nations respectively. The two sides have always regarded solidarity and cooperation as cornerstones of their partnership. In 2013, Africa was among the destinations of Chinese President Xi Jinping's first overseas trip after assuming the presidency. During the visit, he put forward the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith as well as the values of friendship, justice and shared interests, which set the tone for the accelerated growth of China-Africa ties in recent years. Over the past 13 years, Xi has visited Africa five times, charting the course for all-around cooperation between the two sides. A defining moment came on Sept. 5, 2024. In his keynote speech at the opening of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing, Xi proposed elevating China's bilateral relations with all African countries having diplomatic ties with China to the level of strategic relations, and elevating the overall characterization of China-Africa relations to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf noted that China is a trustworthy and reliable partner. At the grassroots, the friendship is equally evident. In Zimbabwe's Mashonaland East Province, a water well built by China has enabled villagers to grow sweet sorghum. "We will never forget that it was the Chinese who helped us build it," a villager said. In Ethiopia, entrepreneur Mulu Kemal, who attended a training program under the Global Female Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program Workshop, thanked Chinese instructors for helping her "find a direction for business development." The African people have also come to China's aid when it needed help. In the aftermath of the Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes, many African countries made numerous donations, helped build friendship schools for local students. Just as Xi once pointed out: "China and Africa are good friends, partners and brothers who assist and support each other." JOINT PURSUIT OF MODERNIZATION On Sept. 4, 2024, Xi, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) revitalization project in Beijing. The project has since entered full-scale construction. The railway embodies deep China-Africa bonds and shared aspirations. During talks with Hassan in 2022, Xi noted that even when China was poor, it tightened its belt to help its African brothers build this railway. "Now that China is more developed, it is better placed to act on the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, help our African friends achieve common development, and build a stronger China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era," Xi said. "The railway changed my life," said retired Tanzanian TAZARA driver Alois Shimbaya, who spent his lifetime running trains on the railway. The groundbreaking ceremony for the revitalization project has renewed his hopes for future development. For Zambian youth Michael Nchovo, who is now studying high-speed rail technology at Central South University in China's Hunan Province, the news was thrilling. He said that among the Chinese builders who once travelled to Zambia to help build the railway were alumni of his university, and as a new-generation railway builder, he was ready to contribute to the upgrading of the TAZARA railway and to Africa's modernization drive. Over the past year, China has intensified practical cooperation with African partners under the Belt and Road Initiative. China has carried out upgrades and renovations at the old Nacala Port in Mozambique, renewed the technical service agreement for the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, and completed track-laying for Africa's first heavy-haul desert railway, further strengthening the continent's connectivity foundations. Across Africa, railways and highways continue to flourish, while landmark buildings, industrial parks and factories are rising at a faster pace, bringing Africa's dream of modernization closer to reality, step by step. Agriculture, the foundation of many African economies, has also seen tangible benefits. Juncao technology from China has taken root in multiple African countries, improving livelihoods. In Tanzania, it has boosted the income of Tahiya Bauso Massawe, who sees Juncao as a symbol of "equality, hope and opportunity." In Rwanda, physics teacher and school feeding coordinator, Alice Allouette Marie Munyurabanga returned from China with Juncao technology and has used the mushrooms she grew to enrich her students' meals. She believes that these mushrooms are not only a tasty food, but also a seed that can help change the future. In recent years, China has continued to expand market access for African countries, providing broader opportunities for shared development. China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, and China-Africa trade surpassed 300 billion U.S. dollars for the first time from January to November 2025. In June 2025, China announced its readiness to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, implementing zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. On Dec. 15, 2025, about 1 ton of Benin's pineapples arrived in central China's Hunan Province and enjoyed zero-tariff treatment, an indication that more African goods are making their way to Chinese consumers. TOWARD A STRONGER GLOBAL SOUTH Recently, Hunan International Business Vocational College received a letter from Abreham Yimer Abate, chief executive of Woreda (district) 05 of Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia, expressing his wish to return to China for further studies this year. In 2023, Abate traveled to China to attend a training program in China's southern Hunan Province. During his visit, he toured Shibadong Village, widely recognized as the birthplace of the concept of "targeted poverty alleviation." He learned that Xi had conducted on-site research there and proposed development strategies tailored to the village's specific situation and challenges. Abate observed how the once-impoverished mountain community achieved a dramatic transformation through green development suited to local conditions. Deeply impressed by China's poverty alleviation drive, he said he believes that China's experience offers "practical insights that can be adapted and applied." After returning home, Abate tried to help communities long affected by poverty to improve their lives by using experience he learned in the Chinese Village. Every visit to China offers him fresh ideas for addressing development challenges, he said. Abate's story reflects how China's approaches and practices in tackling poverty reduction and promoting inclusive development have inspired African countries as they explore their own paths of development. In December last year, the China-Kenya Readers Forum on "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" took place in Nairobi, Kenya, and a promotional event for the English edition of the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Maropene Ramokgopa, South African Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, said the book covers key areas, including China's modernization path, the fight against poverty, global development cooperation and technological innovation, among others. It offers a valuable window for the Global South into how China interprets and responds to global challenges, she noted. Currently, China is going all out to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization. Africa is also making steady progress toward the modernization goals set out in the African Union's Agenda 2063. Along the journey toward modernization, China and Africa are learning from each other, generating a mighty force of solidarity, self-reliance and shared development across the Global South. Humphrey Moshi, director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, said that China-Africa cooperation is an important practice in strengthening the representation of Global South countries and fostering unity and self-reliance. Through equal consultation and mutually beneficial cooperation, China and Africa are jointly promoting the transformation of the Global South from passive participants to makers of rules, which holds significant importance for improving the global governance system, he added. The tax deadline will be here before you know it. The good news is that there are a few different options to file your taxes for free in 2026 and many of them offer guided support to make sure you file your return accurately. Unfortunately, while there were five options for filing for free last year, this year that number has dropped to four. Thats because a popular free tax-filing program sponsored by the IRS, called Direct File, was cancelled by the Trump administration. A whopping 90% of Direct File users in 2024 said their experience was excellent or above average, according to a survey of about 11,000 users by the General Services Administration. But that program is no longer available. Still, there are other options to file for free, as long as your tax situation is simple, such as having only a Form W-2 with a few tax deductions and credits. If your tax return is complicated, theres a good chance the free options wont work for you, and you may want to hire a tax professional, such as a certified public accountant or enrolled agent. The following free filing options may help you save money this tax season. 1. IRS Free File For Free File, the IRS partners with tax software providers to offer their tax-prep software for free to eligible taxpayers. The Free File program allows you to choose among several online tax software providers to complete your tax return at no cost. One of the advantages of choosing IRS Free File is that you can file your federal and state tax returns simultaneously. However, to qualify for Free File, your adjusted gross income must be $89,000 or less (that limit applies to all filers, whether single, married filing jointly or another filing status). Free File is a great option for those who need hand-holding while completing their tax return. Tax software providers generally help you prepare your tax return easily by guiding you through online tax questions. Also, each provider guarantees that your return is filed accurately and free from any calculation errors. If you use Free File, there is one critical thing to note. You must start your tax return preparation process using the IRS Free File website. If, instead, you go directly to one of the tax providers websites, you risk being charged a fee for preparing your tax return. 2. IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free in-person and online assistance. VITA has been operating for more than 50 years and operates numerous locations nationwide. The program provides free basic tax preparation to people who need help filling out their return, including those earning $67,000 or less, people who are disabled and those who speak limited English. Each site is run by IRS-certified volunteers who pass an online test. Volunteers assist with tax preparation and counseling. Orange (OTCMKTS:ORANY Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Friday . The company traded as high as $17.2150 and last traded at $17.2150, with a volume of 20760 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $16.97. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently issued reports on ORANY. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded shares of Orange to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Citigroup upgraded shares of Orange from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Orange currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Orange alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on ORANY Orange Stock Performance Orange Dividend Announcement The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $16.41 and a 200 day simple moving average of $16.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were paid a $0.2392 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 395.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. About Orange (Get Free Report) Orange SA, commonly known as Orange, is a multinational telecommunications operator headquartered in Paris, France. The company has its roots in the former state-owned France Telecom and later consolidated its international operations under the Orange brand. Orange provides a wide range of connectivity and communications services and maintains a significant presence across Europe, and in many countries in Africa and the Middle East, serving both consumer and business customers. Oranges core activities include mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband and fiber internet access, and television services for retail customers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Orange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Outokumpu (OTCMKTS:OUTKY Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Hold from the six ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have issued a hold recommendation and one has assigned a buy recommendation to the company. Several analysts recently issued reports on OUTKY shares. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Outokumpu in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Danske raised shares of Outokumpu to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered shares of Outokumpu from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Outokumpu from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Outokumpu from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, January 1st. Get Outokumpu alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on OUTKY Outokumpu Stock Performance OUTKY opened at $2.76 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The stock has a market cap of $2.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -23.00 and a beta of 0.56. Outokumpu has a 12-month low of $1.46 and a 12-month high of $2.76. The business has a 50 day moving average of $2.42 and a 200-day moving average of $2.20. Outokumpu (OTCMKTS:OUTKY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported ($0.04) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Outokumpu had a negative net margin of 1.83% and a negative return on equity of 2.90%. The business had revenue of $1.52 billion for the quarter. On average, equities research analysts expect that Outokumpu will post 0.07 earnings per share for the current year. Outokumpu Company Profile (Get Free Report) Outokumpu Oyj is a Finland-based global producer of stainless steel products and one of Europes leading stainless steel manufacturers. Headquartered in Helsinki, the company traces its roots back to mining operations established in 1910 and has, over decades, transformed into a focused stainless steel specialist. Outokumpus core business encompasses the production of high-grade stainless steel in flat and long product forms, serving a broad range of industries including automotive, construction, energy, and consumer goods. The companys primary product portfolio includes cold-rolled and hot-rolled coils and sheets, plates, strips, bars and wire, as well as tailor-made and value-added solutions such as precision-cut blanks and welded tubes. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Outokumpu Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Outokumpu and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd lessened its holdings in Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL Free Report) by 49.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 7,028 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,785 shares during the quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltds holdings in Colgate-Palmolive were worth $562,000 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 business. Westside Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 85.5% in the 2nd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 282 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC raised its stake in Colgate-Palmolive by 86.1% during the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 335 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 155 shares during the last quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Colgate-Palmolive in the second quarter worth $39,000. Louisbourg Investments Inc. grew its stake in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 94.7% in the third quarter. Louisbourg Investments Inc. now owns 514 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atticus Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Colgate-Palmolive by 156.8% during the second quarter. Atticus Wealth Management LLC now owns 488 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 298 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.41% of the companys stock. Get Colgate-Palmolive alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages recently issued reports on CL. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of Colgate-Palmolive from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $88.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $86.00 target price on shares of Colgate-Palmolive in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Bank of America reduced their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $98.00 to $88.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Argus reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Colgate-Palmolive in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Piper Sandler set a $88.00 target price on Colgate-Palmolive and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $88.94. Colgate-Palmolive Trading Down 0.3% Shares of CL stock opened at $84.32 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.90. Colgate-Palmolive Company has a 12-month low of $74.54 and a 12-month high of $100.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $67.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.62, a P/E/G ratio of 5.73 and a beta of 0.30. The firms 50 day moving average is $79.28 and its 200 day moving average is $81.86. Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.02. Colgate-Palmolive had a return on equity of 333.39% and a net margin of 14.47%.The firm had revenue of $5.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.17 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.91 EPS. The companys revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Colgate-Palmolive Company will post 3.75 earnings per share for the current year. Colgate-Palmolive Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 21st will be paid a dividend of $0.52 per share. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 21st. Colgate-Palmolives payout ratio is currently 58.26%. Colgate-Palmolive Company Profile (Free Report) Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company with a long history in household and personal care categories. The business traces its roots to the early 19th century and has evolved into a multinational manufacturer and marketer of everyday consumer goods focused on health, hygiene and home care. The companys core activities center on oral care, personal care, home care and pet nutrition. Its product portfolio includes toothpaste, toothbrushes and mouthwash in oral care; soaps, body washes and deodorants in personal care; dishwashing liquids, surface cleaners and other household products in home care; and scientifically formulated pet foods under its pet nutrition business. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Colgate-Palmolive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Colgate-Palmolive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oxford Instruments (LON:OXIG Get Free Report) had its price target boosted by investment analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 2,435 to GBX 2,675 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts price objective would suggest a potential upside of 11.54% from the companys current price. Several other analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Berenberg Bank lifted their price target on shares of Oxford Instruments from GBX 2,400 to GBX 2,700 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Oxford Instruments from GBX 2,500 to GBX 2,600 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Peel Hunt reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 2,400 price objective on shares of Oxford Instruments in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 2,600 target price on shares of Oxford Instruments in a report on Thursday. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Oxford Instruments currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 2,595. Get Oxford Instruments alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on OXIG Oxford Instruments Trading Up 3.1% Shares of Oxford Instruments stock traded up GBX 73.24 on Thursday, hitting GBX 2,398.24. The stock had a trading volume of 417,146 shares, compared to its average volume of 274,344. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.96. Oxford Instruments has a one year low of GBX 1,470 and a one year high of GBX 2,410. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is GBX 2,052.31 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 1,941.31. The stock has a market cap of 1.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 101.19, a PEG ratio of -3.56 and a beta of 0.96. Oxford Instruments (LON:OXIG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 11th. The company reported GBX 33 EPS for the quarter. Oxford Instruments had a net margin of 10.78% and a return on equity of 14.14%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Oxford Instruments will post 117.7149452 EPS for the current year. Oxford Instruments Company Profile (Get Free Report) Read More Receive News & Ratings for Oxford Instruments Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oxford Instruments and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Piedmont Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PDM Free Report) by 50.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 652,512 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 219,418 shares during the period. Wolverine Asset Management LLC owned approximately 0.52% of Piedmont Realty Trust worth $5,873,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Piedmont Realty Trust by 214.6% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,405 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 3,005 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in Piedmont Realty Trust during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Piedmont Realty Trust by 629.0% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,786 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 6,718 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Piedmont Realty Trust by 79.6% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 7,444 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $67,000 after purchasing an additional 3,299 shares during the period. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its stake in shares of Piedmont Realty Trust by 59.7% during the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 10,741 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $78,000 after purchasing an additional 4,015 shares during the last quarter. 84.48% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Piedmont Realty Trust alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of Piedmont Realty Trust from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Piedmont Realty Trust in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $9.00. Piedmont Realty Trust Stock Up 1.4% PDM stock opened at $8.76 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $8.39 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $8.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43, a quick ratio of 1.67 and a current ratio of 1.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.09 billion, a P/E ratio of -15.36 and a beta of 1.26. Piedmont Realty Trust, Inc. has a one year low of $5.46 and a one year high of $9.19. Piedmont Realty Trust (NYSE:PDM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.35 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by $0.01. Piedmont Realty Trust had a negative return on equity of 4.51% and a negative net margin of 12.44%.The business had revenue of $110.75 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $141.46 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.36 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. Piedmont Realty Trust has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.400-1.420 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Piedmont Realty Trust, Inc. will post 1.41 EPS for the current year. About Piedmont Realty Trust (Free Report) Piedmont Realty Trust is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that focuses on the ownership, acquisition and management of office properties. The companys portfolio comprises a mix of multi-tenant and single-tenant buildings, with a particular emphasis on small- to mid-size office campuses and urban infill properties. Piedmont Realty Trust structures its leases and property services to support a diversified base of tenants, including professional services firms, government agencies and technology companies. The companys operating model combines property management, leasing and strategic capital allocation to enhance asset value and drive income stability. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PDM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Piedmont Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PDM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Piedmont Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Piedmont Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Range Resources (NYSE:RRC Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at Bank of America from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report issued on Friday, Marketbeat reports. They presently have a $38.00 price objective on the oil and gas exploration companys stock, down from their prior price objective of $44.00. Bank of Americas target price would suggest a potential upside of 13.71% from the stocks previous close. Several other brokerages have also issued reports on RRC. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Range Resources in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research upgraded Range Resources from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Mizuho upped their target price on Range Resources from $46.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Range Resources from $46.00 to $44.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Range Resources from $44.00 to $42.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and one has 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 target price of $41.37. Get Range Resources alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on RRC Range Resources Stock Performance NYSE:RRC opened at $33.42 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $36.59 and its 200-day moving average is $36.33. Range Resources has a 1-year low of $30.32 and a 1-year high of $43.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The stock has a market cap of $7.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 0.51. Range Resources (NYSE:RRC Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.57 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.54 by $0.03. Range Resources had a net margin of 19.64% and a return on equity of 15.99%. The business had revenue of $655.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $721.22 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.48 EPS. The firms revenue was up 21.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Range Resources will post 2.02 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Range Resources A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Range Resources by 3.3% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 24,851,886 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $935,425,000 after acquiring an additional 799,574 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners grew its position in Range Resources by 59.3% in the 3rd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 11,817,550 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $445,196,000 after purchasing an additional 4,398,042 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in Range Resources by 7.9% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 8,291,202 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $312,075,000 after purchasing an additional 608,274 shares during the period. Lingotto Investment Management LLP increased its stake in Range Resources by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. Lingotto Investment Management LLP now owns 7,161,614 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $291,263,000 after purchasing an additional 138,877 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. raised its holdings in Range Resources by 230.1% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,785,940 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $194,644,000 after buying an additional 3,336,299 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.93% of the companys stock. Range Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Range Resources Corporation, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids. The company focuses its core operations on the Appalachian Basin, with a significant presence in Pennsylvanias Marcellus Shale. Through its drilling and completion activities, Range Resources seeks to optimize production efficiency while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and cost management. The companys technical expertise centers on advanced horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques, which it applies to unlock unconventional resources. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Range Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Range Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (OTCMKTS:RBGLY Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Friday . 506,798 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 75% from the previous sessions volume of 289,987 shares.The stock last traded at $16.3804 and had previously closed at $16.39. Analyst Ratings Changes RBGLY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Citigroup began coverage on Reckitt Benckiser Group in a research note on Wednesday. They set a buy rating for the company. Royal Bank Of Canada cut shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday. Barclays upgraded shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating on shares of Reckitt Benckiser Group in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Reckitt Benckiser Group alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Reckitt Benckiser Group Reckitt Benckiser Group Stock Down 0.5% Reckitt Benckiser Group Company Profile The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.37 and a current ratio of 0.56. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $15.97 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $15.33. (Get Free Report) Reckitt Benckiser Group plc is a multinational consumer goods company that develops, manufactures and markets health, hygiene and home products. Its portfolio spans over-the-counter medicines and health products, personal and sexual wellness, surface and laundry cleaning, and household care. The company owns a number of well-known global brands across these categories, including Lysol and Dettol in disinfectants and hygiene, Durex in sexual wellness, Nurofen in analgesics, and Finish in dishwashing products. The firm has its corporate headquarters in the United Kingdom and sells products in markets around the world, serving consumers across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Reckitt Benckiser Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reckitt Benckiser Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:RCRUY Get Free Report) shares gapped up before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $11.58, but opened at $12.08. Recruit shares last traded at $11.51, with a volume of 57,321 shares changing hands. Recruit Stock Down 0.3% The firm has a market cap of $90.26 billion, a PE ratio of 13.27 and a beta of 1.65. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $10.88 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $11.03. Get Recruit alerts: Recruit (OTCMKTS:RCRUY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $6.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.12 billion. Recruit had a net margin of 12.26% and a return on equity of 27.53%. Equities analysts forecast that Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. will post 0.36 earnings per share for the current year. About Recruit Recruit Holdings Co, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: RCRUY) is a Japan-based provider of human resources and information services that operates a diversified portfolio of staffing, recruitment and consumer-facing platforms. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company builds and runs digital marketplaces and service businesses that connect employers with job seekers, support corporate HR functions, and offer related marketing and consumer services in areas such as lifestyle and local search. The companys principal activities include online job search and employer branding platforms, temporary and permanent staffing, recruitment process outsourcing, and HR technology solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Recruit Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Recruit and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Relief Therapeutics Holding SA (OTCMKTS:RLFTF Get Free Report) shares traded up 0.6% on Thursday . The company traded as high as $1.82 and last traded at $1.82. 1,511 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 6% from the average session volume of 1,601 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.81. Relief Therapeutics Price Performance The stocks 50 day moving average price is $2.99 and its 200-day moving average price is $3.25. Get Relief Therapeutics alerts: Relief Therapeutics Company Profile (Get Free Report) Relief Therapeutics AG is a clinicalstage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for rare and critical care indications. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the company leverages its expertise in peptide biology to address diseases with high unmet need, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other serious pulmonary and inflammatory conditions. The companys lead product candidate, RLF100 (aviptadil), is a synthetic formulation of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) being evaluated for the treatment of ARDS and COVID-19associated respiratory failure. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Relief Therapeutics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Relief Therapeutics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Torrid (NYSE:CURV Get Free Report) and Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE:LEVI Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, dividends and profitability. Volatility & Risk Torrid has a beta of 1.49, meaning that its share price is 49% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Levi Strauss & Co. has a beta of 1.33, meaning that its share price is 33% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Torrid alerts: Profitability This table compares Torrid and Levi Strauss & Co.s net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Torrid -0.18% -1.69% -0.43% Levi Strauss & Co. 9.48% 27.92% 8.95% Insider & Institutional Ownership Analyst Ratings 81.8% of Torrid shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 69.1% of Levi Strauss & Co. shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.9% of Torrid shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.3% of Levi Strauss & Co. 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. This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Torrid and Levi Strauss & Co., as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Torrid 4 3 1 0 1.63 Levi Strauss & Co. 0 4 11 0 2.73 Torrid currently has a consensus price target of $1.44, suggesting a potential upside of 13.83%. Levi Strauss & Co. has a consensus price target of $26.46, suggesting a potential upside of 21.08%. Given Levi Strauss & Co.s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Levi Strauss & Co. is more favorable than Torrid. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Torrid and Levi Strauss & Co.s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Torrid $1.10 billion 0.11 $16.32 million ($0.01) -126.50 Levi Strauss & Co. $6.36 billion 1.34 $210.60 million $1.52 14.38 Levi Strauss & Co. has higher revenue and earnings than Torrid. Torrid is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Levi Strauss & Co., indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Levi Strauss & Co. beats Torrid on 11 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Torrid (Get Free Report) Torrid Holdings Inc. operates in womens plus-size apparel and intimates market in North America. The company designs, develops, and merchandises its products under the Torrid, Torrid Curve, CURV, and Lovesick brand names. It is involved in the sale of tops, bottoms, dresses, denims, activewear, intimates, sleep wear, swim wear, and outerwear products; and non-apparel products comprising accessories, footwear, and beauty products. The company sells its products directly to consumers through its e-commerce platform and its physical stores. Torrid Holdings Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in City Of Industry, California. About Levi Strauss & Co. (Get Free Report) Levi Strauss & Co. engages in the design, marketing, and sale of apparel products. The company offers jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear, and related accessories. It operates through the following geographical segments: Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company was founded by Levi Strauss in 1853 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Receive News & Ratings for Torrid Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Torrid and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to put more money into Americans pockets. Some involve direct payments, while others would deliver cash through the tax code. Not all of these promises are finalized and several would require additional steps before money reaches households. Still, President Trump has outlined multiple ways Americans could see extra cash and when it might arrive. Below are five ways Trump has promised Americans cash and when you may get it. Also here is how the OBBBA is good for finances, according to Suze Orman. A $2K Tariff Rebate Check In a TruthSocial post, President Trump said revenue from new tariffs could be returned to Americans as a direct cash payment, often described as a $2,000 tariff rebate or dividend. Administration officials have said the rebate would target low and middle income households, with an income cutoff discussed publicly at around $100,000. According to CBS News, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett has said the plan would require congressional approval and has not been finalized. When you may get it: Trump has said the rebate could be paid if Congress approves it. However, until legislation is passed and a distribution plan is set, the checks remain a proposal rather than guaranteed cash. See Next: Trumps $2K Dividend: What Middle-Income Americans Could Expect Trending Now: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires and How You Can, Too Bigger Tax Refunds From No Tax on Tips The President has promised that tipped workers would no longer have to pay federal income tax on tips. The policy calls for excluding tips from taxable income up to certain limits, per the IRS. Its designed primarily for restaurant, hospitality and service industry workers and it includes income caps and phaseouts that limit who qualifies. For most workers, the change would not show up as a separate check. Instead, it would reduce taxable income, which can result in a larger refund or a smaller tax bill when returns are filed. When you may get it: Workers would generally see the cash benefit when they file their federal tax return for the 2025 tax year, typically in 2026, through a larger refund or a smaller amount owed. More Take-Home Pay From No Tax on Overtime Trump has said workers should not have to pay federal income tax on overtime pay. According to the IRS, overtime pay would be excluded from taxable income up to certain limits. The benefit applies only to the overtime premium, not base wages and includes income caps and phaseouts that affect who qualifies. Ritholtz Wealth Management trimmed its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 12.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 71,008 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,985 shares during the quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Managements holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $11,518,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of PM. PFS Partners LLC increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 24.8% during the 2nd quarter. PFS Partners LLC now owns 292 shares of the companys stock worth $53,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Uncommon Cents Investing LLC grew its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.1% during the second quarter. Uncommon Cents Investing LLC now owns 5,666 shares of the companys stock worth $1,032,000 after buying an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Second Line Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 4.8% in the second quarter. Second Line Capital LLC now owns 1,338 shares of the companys stock worth $245,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Cranbrook Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 6.5% in the second quarter. Cranbrook Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,014 shares of the companys stock valued at $185,000 after acquiring an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Meridian Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Meridian Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,060 shares of the companys stock worth $375,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Price Performance NYSE:PM opened at $172.69 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $268.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.28, a P/E/G ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.40. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $157.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $161.93. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 12-month low of $118.31 and a 12-month high of $186.69. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $2.24 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.10 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $10.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.67 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.14% and a net margin of 9.33%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.91 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were given a $1.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.4%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 106.52%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently commented on PM. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 price objective on Philip Morris International and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 target price on Philip Morris International in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Barclays reduced their price objective on Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $189.00. Get Our Latest Research Report on Philip Morris International Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc (NYSE: PM) is a global tobacco company that manufactures and sells cigarettes, other nicotine-containing products and a growing portfolio of smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers. The firm traces its corporate roots to the 19th century Philip Morris enterprise and was established as an independent, publicly traded company following a 2008 separation from what is now Altria. Since the spin-off, the company has focused on serving international markets outside the United States. PMIs product mix includes traditional combustible cigarettes as well as smoke-free offerings such as heated tobacco systems and other reduced-risk products. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Olympus Co. (OTCMKTS:OLYMY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 9,231 shares, a drop of 41.5% from the December 15th total of 15,789 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 76,887 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 76,887 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Olympus Stock Performance OTCMKTS OLYMY opened at $12.98 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $13.05 and a two-hundred day moving average of $12.44. Olympus has a 1 year low of $11.09 and a 1 year high of $15.90. Get Olympus alerts: Olympus Company Profile (Get Free Report) Olympus Corporation is a Tokyo-based manufacturer specializing in precision technology for the medical, scientific and industrial markets. Established in 1919, the company has built an international reputation for optical and digital imaging solutions that encompass endoscopic systems, microscopes, cameras and related accessories. Olympus leverages its expertise in optics, mechanics and electronics to develop instruments designed to advance diagnostics and scientific discovery. In the healthcare sector, Olympus is best known for its endoscopy products and therapeutic solutions that support minimally invasive procedures in gastroenterology, pulmonology and urology. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Olympus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Olympus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valeo S.A. (OTCMKTS:VLEEY Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 366 shares, a growth of 183.7% from the December 15th total of 129 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 4,497 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 4,497 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have commented on VLEEY shares. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded Valeo from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Valeo in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Valeo in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating on shares of Valeo in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Valeo in a research report on Monday, October 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Valeo presently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Valeo alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Valeo Valeo Stock Up 1.0% Valeo Company Profile Shares of Valeo stock opened at $7.01 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.61. Valeo has a fifty-two week low of $3.75 and a fifty-two week high of $7.35. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $6.73 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $6.28. (Get Free Report) Valeo is a global automotive supplier headquartered in the Paris region, with its American depositary shares trading OTC under the symbol VLEEY. Founded in France in the early 20th century, the company has grown to serve original equipment manufacturers, automakers and the aftermarket with a comprehensive portfolio of mobility solutions. Valeos mission centers on providing innovative systems and components that enhance vehicle performance, safety and environmental sustainability. The company operates across four main business segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Valeo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valeo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smart Share Global Limited (NYSE:EM Get Free Report)s share price was up 0.9% on Thursday . The company traded as high as $1.16 and last traded at $1.15. Approximately 39,701 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 83% from the average daily volume of 228,770 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.14. Smart Share Global Stock Up 0.9% The firm has a market capitalization of $291.57 million, a P/E ratio of 38.35 and a beta of 0.70. The businesss 50 day moving average is $1.28 and its 200-day moving average is $1.27. Get Smart Share Global alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Smart Share Global Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Palliser Capital UK Ltd lifted its position in shares of Smart Share Global by 36.7% during the 3rd quarter. Palliser Capital UK Ltd now owns 10,080,095 shares of the companys stock worth $13,608,000 after buying an additional 2,706,180 shares during the last quarter. MASO CAPITAL PARTNERS Ltd grew its position in Smart Share Global by 12.3% in the second quarter. MASO CAPITAL PARTNERS Ltd now owns 2,954,764 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,368,000 after acquiring an additional 322,504 shares during the last quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Smart Share Global during the third quarter worth about $2,633,000. Verition Fund Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Smart Share Global in the third quarter worth about $335,000. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Smart Share Global in the third quarter worth about $186,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.96% of the companys stock. Smart Share Global Company Profile Smart Share Global Ltd. (NYSE: EM) is a technology-driven provider of digital display solutions and integrated marketing services. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company specializes in the research, development, production and distribution of smart display hardware and software platforms. Its offerings are designed to help businesses modernize customer engagement through high-definition screens, interactive kiosks and LED video walls, supported by a proprietary content management system. The companys product portfolio includes digital signage panels, interactive touchscreens and system-on-chip media players, complemented by software for real-time content scheduling, remote monitoring and performance analytics. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Smart Share Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smart Share Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of SoftwareOne Holding AG (OTCMKTS:SWONF Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $11.1010, but opened at $10.30. SoftwareOne shares last traded at $10.30, with a volume of 1,500 shares trading hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades SWONF has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of SoftwareOne in a report on Friday, November 14th. Morgan Stanley downgraded SoftwareOne to an underweight rating in a research note on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, SoftwareOne currently has a consensus rating of Reduce. Get SoftwareOne alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on SoftwareOne SoftwareOne Price Performance SoftwareOne Company Profile The stock has a 50 day moving average of $10.77 and a 200 day moving average of $9.90. (Get Free Report) SoftwareOne (OTCMKTS:SWONF) is a global provider of end-to-end software and cloud portfolio solutions, helping organizations optimize their software licensing, cloud migrations and ongoing digital transformation initiatives. The company partners with leading software publishers, hyperscalers and managed service providers to deliver advisory, procurement and lifecycle management services under a unified engagement model. Its platform-agnostic approach enables clients to simplify complex licensing scenarios, reduce costs and improve governance across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments. Founded in 1985 in Stans, Switzerland, SoftwareOne has expanded through organic growth and strategic acquisitions to establish a presence in more than 90 countries worldwide. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for SoftwareOne Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SoftwareOne and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Standard Lithium Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:SLI Get Free Report) shares gapped up before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $5.13, but opened at $5.35. Standard Lithium shares last traded at $5.31, with a volume of 881,753 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently commented on SLI. Roth Capital decreased their price objective on shares of Standard Lithium from $6.00 to $5.50 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Standard Lithium in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price target on Standard Lithium from $5.00 to $7.50 and gave the stock a speculative buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Standard Lithium has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $5.25. Get Standard Lithium alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on SLI Standard Lithium Stock Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Standard Lithium The firm has a market cap of $1.23 billion, a P/E ratio of -23.32 and a beta of 1.73. The firms fifty day moving average is $4.46 and its 200 day moving average is $3.62. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Aquatic Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Standard Lithium during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management bought a new position in Standard Lithium during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its holdings in shares of Standard Lithium by 64.4% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 15,412 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 6,040 shares in the last quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Standard Lithium during the second quarter worth $36,000. Finally, HBK Sorce Advisory LLC bought a new stake in shares of Standard Lithium in the third quarter valued at about $41,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.70% of the companys stock. About Standard Lithium (Get Free Report) Standard Lithium (NYSEAMERICAN: SLI) is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the extraction of lithium from sedimentary brine resources. Utilizing direct lithium extraction (DLE) processes, the company aims to deliver high-purity lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide suitable for the battery and electric vehicle markets. Standard Lithiums technology is designed to accelerate lithium recovery rates while minimizing environmental impact compared to traditional solar evaporation methods. The companys flagship project is located in the Smackover Formation of southern Arkansas, in collaboration with chemical producer LANXESS. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Standard Lithium Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Standard Lithium and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stephens Inc. AR grew its holdings in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (NYSEARCA:IGM Free Report) by 27.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 29,497 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 6,325 shares during the quarter. Stephens Inc. ARs holdings in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF were worth $3,715,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC bought a new position in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $814,000. WESPAC Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF during the third quarter valued at $1,374,000. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 684.0% in the third quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 38,879 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,897,000 after purchasing an additional 33,920 shares during the last quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 16.8% in the third quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 2,444 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $308,000 after purchasing an additional 351 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC increased its stake in 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 worth $241,108,000 after buying an additional 1,725,741 shares during the period. Get iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF alerts: iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Price Performance Shares of IGM opened at $130.46 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.08 and a beta of 1.27. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF has a 1-year low of $76.26 and a 1-year high of $135.81. The company has a 50-day moving average of $129.69 and a 200 day moving average of $124.14. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Profile 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IGM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (NYSEARCA:IGM Free Report). 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. TD Private Client Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB Free Report) by 1,190.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 3,666 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 3,382 shares during the quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLCs holdings in AvalonBay Communities were worth $708,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Mather Group LLC. bought a new stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Clearstead Trust LLC increased its stake in AvalonBay Communities by 62.0% in the second quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 162 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in shares of AvalonBay Communities during the second quarter valued at about $36,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC raised its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 76.4% during the second quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 187 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares during the period. Finally, Hilltop National Bank bought a new position in shares of AvalonBay Communities during the 2nd quarter worth about $58,000. 92.61% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get AvalonBay Communities alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently commented on AVB. Wall Street Zen raised AvalonBay Communities from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Evercore ISI restated an in-line rating and set a $214.00 price objective on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Colliers Securities reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $195.00 target price (down from $200.00) on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $202.00 to $197.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, BNP Paribas lowered shares of AvalonBay Communities from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $205.89. AvalonBay Communities Price Performance Shares of NYSE:AVB opened at $180.74 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The stock has a market cap of $25.59 billion, a PE ratio of 22.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 0.75. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $179.83 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $187.75. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has a 1-year low of $166.73 and a 1-year high of $230.21. AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.75 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.81 by ($0.06). AvalonBay Communities had a net margin of 38.78% and a return on equity of 9.72%. The firm had revenue of $766.80 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $766.22 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.74 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that AvalonBay Communities, Inc. will post 11.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. AvalonBay Communities Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were paid a $1.75 dividend. This represents a $7.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. AvalonBay Communitiess payout ratio is presently 85.47%. AvalonBay Communities Profile (Free Report) AvalonBay Communities, Inc (NYSE: AVB) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, develops, redevelops and manages multifamily residential properties. The company focuses on professionally managed apartment communities, offering a range of rental housing options and related resident services. As a REIT, AvalonBays core activities center on the acquisition and development of apartment assets and the ongoing operations and leasing of those communities. AvalonBays operating activities include ground-up development, strategic redevelopment of existing properties, property and asset management, and on-site leasing and resident services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for AvalonBay Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AvalonBay Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Veritas upgraded shares of Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK Free Report) (TSE:TECK) from a strong sell rating to a strong-buy rating in a report published on Thursday morning,Zacks.com reports. Several other brokerages have also recently commented on TECK. Canaccord Genuity Group cut Teck Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Natl Bk Canada downgraded shares of Teck Resources from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Teck Resources in a research report on Thursday. Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Teck Resources in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Teck Resources from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c) rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and fourteen have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Teck Resources presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $55.71. Get Teck Resources alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Teck Resources Teck Resources Stock Performance NYSE:TECK opened at $52.21 on Thursday. Teck Resources has a 1 year low of $28.32 and a 1 year high of $52.42. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $45.00 and a 200-day moving average of $40.64. The company has a current ratio of 2.78, a quick ratio of 2.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 0.79. Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK Get Free Report) (TSE:TECK) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The basic materials company reported $0.55 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.16. Teck Resources had a return on equity of 4.14% and a net margin of 11.93%.The business had revenue of $2.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.93 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.60 EPS. Teck Resourcess revenue for the quarter was up 18.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Teck Resources will post 1.53 EPS for the current fiscal year. Teck Resources Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th were given a dividend of $0.125 per share. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. This is a boost from Teck Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. Teck Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 20.22%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Teck Resources Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Teck Resources in the second quarter valued at approximately $437,657,000. 1832 Asset Management L.P. raised its position in shares of Teck Resources by 1,555.9% during the 2nd quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 5,738,457 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $231,719,000 after acquiring an additional 5,391,907 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Teck Resources by 36.1% during the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 16,879,229 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $740,604,000 after acquiring an additional 4,474,637 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in shares of Teck Resources by 264.5% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,781,060 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $253,695,000 after purchasing an additional 4,194,868 shares during the period. Finally, Pentwater Capital Management LP boosted its position in shares of Teck Resources by 7,150.0% in the 3rd quarter. Pentwater Capital Management LP now owns 2,900,000 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $127,281,000 after purchasing an additional 2,860,000 shares during the last quarter. 78.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Teck Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Teck Resources Ltd. is a diversified natural resource company headquartered in Canada that explores for, develops and produces a portfolio of metallic and energy commodities. Its core businesses center on copper, steelmaking (metallurgical) coal and zinc, with related smelting and refining activities. Teck supplies raw materials and intermediate products to global steelmakers, metals markets and industrial customers, and operates integrated mining and processing facilities as well as earlier-stage exploration and development projects. The companys operations and projects are located across multiple geographies, with a significant presence in western Canada and North America and additional exploration and development activities in Latin America. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Teck Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teck Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telecom Italia S.P.A. (OTCMKTS:TIAIY Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Friday . The stock traded as high as $7.75 and last traded at $7.75, with a volume of 565 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $7.45. Telecom Italia Trading Up 4.0% The company has a 50-day moving average of $6.76 and a two-hundred day moving average of $6.09. Get Telecom Italia alerts: Telecom Italia Company Profile (Get Free Report) Telecom Italia S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:TIAIY) is a leading Italian telecommunications operator that provides a broad range of fixed-line, mobile voice and data services. The companys offerings span consumer broadband connections, mobile telephony plans and pay-TV packages under its TIM brand. Telecom Italia also delivers wholesale network capacity and managed connectivity solutions to other carriers and service providers. Headquartered in Rome, Telecom Italia traces its origins to Italys state-owned telephone monopoly and was established in its current form in 1994 following privatization and corporate restructuring. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Italia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Italia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A new $6,000 tax deduction for Americans 65 and older could boost refunds for millions of older taxpayers, putting an average of about $670 more in their pockets this year, according to advocacy group AARP. But some older Americans could see far more. AARP notes that taxpayers in the 22% tax bracket roughly those earning between $44,000 and the deduction's $75,000 income cap could save as much as $1,320 per person. "The benefits could be vast," said Bill Sweeney, AARP's senior vice president of government affairs, in a conference call Thursday. "The bonus deduction will run through 2028 that is four years of immediate relief at a time when older Americans are facing really high costs." The $670 figure is based on a 2025 analysis by the White House Council of Economic Advisers, which assessed the impact of the new deduction included in Republican lawmakers' tax and spending law, known as the "big, beautiful bill" act. The tax break comes as seniors tell AARP they are struggling to keep pace with the rising cost of medicine, food and other basic expenses, said Nancy LeaMond, the group's chief advocacy and engagement officer. "In focus groups last fall, we heard about people still working long after they thought they'd be retired," she said. "Sometimes in the world we live in, $600 doesn't sound like a lot, but we can tell you, based on conversations with our members, that it is a very, very significant help to them." AARP officials expressed concern that some older Americans may miss out on the new senior deduction because they are unaware of the tax break, which takes effect for the 2025 tax season. The IRS will start accepting tax filings on Jan. 26. Who qualifies for the $6,000 senior deduction? People who turned 65 by Dec. 31, 2025, are eligible for the new deduction, according to the IRS. The deduction provides $6,000 for each qualifying individual, or $12,000 for married couples who both qualify. The tax break is subject to income limits. Single filers 65 and older qualify for the full $6,000 deduction if their modified adjusted gross income was below $75,000 last year, while married couples must earn less than $175,000 to receive the full $12,000. The deduction is reduced by six cents for every $1 above those thresholds, and is fully phased out for single filers earning more than $175,000 and married couples earning more than $250,000. Individuals also need a work-authorized Social Security number to qualify for the senior deduction, H&R Block notes. Citigroup upgraded shares of TeliaSonera (OTCMKTS:TLSNY Free Report) from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports. Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of TeliaSonera from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. UBS Group downgraded shares of TeliaSonera from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, TeliaSonera presently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get TeliaSonera alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on TeliaSonera TeliaSonera Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS TLSNY opened at $8.45 on Wednesday. TeliaSonera has a 12-month low of $5.49 and a 12-month high of $8.81. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $8.16 and a 200-day simple moving average of $7.68. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45. TeliaSonera (OTCMKTS:TLSNY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The technology company reported $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.12. TeliaSonera had a return on equity of 10.49% and a net margin of 5.48%.The firm had revenue of $2.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.10 billion. On average, equities analysts expect that TeliaSonera will post 0.34 earnings per share for the current year. About TeliaSonera (Get Free Report) TeliaSonera (OTCMKTS:TLSNY) operates under the Telia Company brand as one of the leading telecommunications providers in the Nordic and Baltic regions. The company delivers a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed voice communications, broadband internet, television and streaming offerings, and enterprise-grade data and IP solutions. Its consumer segment focuses on mobile subscriptions, digital TV packages and home connectivity, while its business division provides managed network services, cloud platforms and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The roots of TeliaSonera trace back to the 19th century with Swedens Royal Telegraph Agency and Finlands national carrier, Sonera. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TeliaSonera Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TeliaSonera and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Terex Corporation (NYSE:TEX Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the thirteen brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $58.6364. Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley raised Terex from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the company from $47.00 to $60.00 in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Terex from $52.00 to $51.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Terex in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. They set an equal weight rating and a $50.00 price objective on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Terex from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, December 21st. Finally, Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of Terex from $52.00 to $62.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday. Get Terex alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TEX Terex Trading Up 0.5% NYSE TEX opened at $61.04 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $51.14 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $51.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 2.15. Terex has a twelve month low of $31.53 and a twelve month high of $62.23. The stock has a market cap of $4.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.97, a PEG ratio of 5.48 and a beta of 1.67. Terex (NYSE:TEX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The industrial products company reported $1.50 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.28. Terex had a return on equity of 15.93% and a net margin of 2.92%.The business had revenue of $1.39 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.41 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.46 earnings per share. Terexs revenue was up 14.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Terex has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.700-5.100 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Terex will post 4.83 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity In other news, Director Andra Rush acquired 2,120 shares of Terex stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 31st. The stock was purchased at an average price of $46.59 per share, with a total value of $98,770.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 25,428 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,184,690.52. This trade represents a 9.10% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.90% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Terex Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in TEX. Millennium Management LLC increased its holdings in Terex by 1,086.3% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 256,054 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $9,674,000 after buying an additional 234,470 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in Terex by 427.2% in the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 3,506 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $132,000 after acquiring an additional 2,841 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Terex by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,092,189 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $41,263,000 after purchasing an additional 40,077 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC increased its stake in shares of Terex by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 195,210 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $7,375,000 after purchasing an additional 1,597 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Terex by 47.4% during the 1st quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 45,501 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,719,000 after purchasing an additional 14,629 shares in the last quarter. 92.88% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Terex Company Profile (Get Free Report) Terex Corporation is a global manufacturer of lifting and material-handling plant and equipment, serving a range of industries that includes construction, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and shipping logistics. Its product portfolio encompasses aerial work platforms, rough terrain and tower cranes, port and cargo handling equipment, material processing machinery and utility products. These offerings are marketed under well-known brands such as Genie, Terex AWP, Terex Cranes, Demag, and Powerscreen, and are designed to meet diverse application requirements from building sites to industrial facilities and ports. Headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, Terex traces its roots back to 1933 and has grown through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Terex Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Terex and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trinity Street Asset Management LLP grew its holdings in HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB Free Report) by 88.0% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 6,133,600 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 2,870,400 shares during the quarter. HDFC Bank comprises about 14.3% of Trinity Street Asset Management LLPs holdings, making the stock its 3rd largest position. Trinity Street Asset Management LLPs holdings in HDFC Bank were worth $209,524,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in HDB. Eagle Global Advisors LLC increased its holdings in HDFC Bank by 111.9% in the third quarter. Eagle Global Advisors LLC now owns 131,390 shares of the banks stock worth $4,488,000 after purchasing an additional 69,395 shares in the last quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd grew its position in shares of HDFC Bank by 27.6% during the 3rd quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd now owns 180,732 shares of the banks stock worth $6,172,000 after buying an additional 39,074 shares during the period. Henry James International Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Henry James International Management Inc. now owns 83,486 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,852,000 after acquiring an additional 41,743 shares in the last quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of HDFC Bank by 100.9% during the 3rd quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC now owns 3,467,459 shares of the banks stock valued at $118,448,000 after acquiring an additional 1,741,669 shares during the period. Finally, Exencial Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of HDFC Bank by 112.4% during the 3rd quarter. Exencial Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 46,254 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,580,000 after acquiring an additional 24,476 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 17.61% of the companys stock. Get HDFC Bank alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have commented on HDB. Weiss Ratings cut shares of HDFC Bank from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a report on Monday. Wall Street Zen cut shares of HDFC Bank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, January 3rd. Finally, Zacks Research raised HDFC Bank from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, HDFC Bank has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. HDFC Bank Trading Down 1.3% HDB opened at $32.49 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $35.63 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $36.24. HDFC Bank Limited has a 1-year low of $29.01 and a 1-year high of $39.81. The company has a market cap of $165.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.75, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.57. HDFC Bank (NYSE:HDB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Saturday, October 18th. The bank reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $8.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.98 billion. HDFC Bank had a net margin of 14.94% and a return on equity of 11.49%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that HDFC Bank Limited will post 3.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. HDFC Bank Company Profile (Free Report) HDFC Bank Limited is one of Indias leading private sector banks, headquartered in Mumbai. Incorporated in 1994 and promoted by Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), the bank provides a full range of banking and financial services to retail, small and medium-sized enterprises, and corporate customers. It is publicly listed and also accessible to international investors through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HDB. The banks core activities include retail banking (deposit accounts, personal loans, home loans, auto loans, and credit cards), commercial and corporate banking (working capital finance, term lending, trade finance and treasury services), and transaction banking (cash management and payment solutions). Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HDB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for HDFC Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HDFC Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Best Buy (NYSE:BBY Get Free Report) had its price target dropped by analysts at Truist Financial from $77.00 to $73.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a hold rating on the technology retailers stock. Truist Financials price objective points to a potential upside of 7.21% from the stocks current price. A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on the company. BNP Paribas Exane decreased their target price on Best Buy from $69.00 to $68.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Best Buy from $93.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price objective on shares of Best Buy from $95.00 to $94.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Best Buy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 10th. Finally, Guggenheim reiterated a buy rating and set a $90.00 target price on shares of Best Buy in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $83.37. Get Best Buy alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Best Buy Best Buy Stock Performance BBY stock opened at $68.09 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.27 billion, a PE ratio of 22.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 1.41. Best Buy has a 12-month low of $54.99 and a 12-month high of $91.68. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $72.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is $73.58. Best Buy (NYSE:BBY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology retailer reported $1.40 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $9.67 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.57 billion. Best Buy had a return on equity of 50.02% and a net margin of 1.54%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.26 EPS. Best Buy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.250-6.350 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Best Buy will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, Chairman Richard M. Schulze sold 74,553 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.31, for a total transaction of $6,285,563.43. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman owned 11,451,911 shares of the companys stock, valued at $965,510,616.41. The trade was a 0.65% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 1,534,993 shares of company stock worth $126,626,855. Insiders own 0.47% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Best Buy Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of BBY. Woodline Partners LP increased its position in Best Buy by 40.1% in the first quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 16,436 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $1,210,000 after buying an additional 4,701 shares in the last quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Best Buy by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 63,903 shares of the technology retailers stock valued at $4,704,000 after acquiring an additional 496 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Best Buy by 46.7% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 2,475 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $166,000 after acquiring an additional 788 shares in the last quarter. Czech National Bank increased its holdings in Best Buy by 5.4% in the 2nd quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 47,086 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $3,161,000 after acquiring an additional 2,410 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pallas Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in Best Buy by 34.0% during the 2nd quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 9,114 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $612,000 after acquiring an additional 2,310 shares during the period. 80.96% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Best Buy (Get Free Report) Best Buy Co, Inc is a leading North American consumer electronics retailer that sells a broad range of products including computers, mobile phones, televisions and home theater systems, major appliances, smart-home devices, gaming hardware and software, wearables and related accessories. The company operates through a mix of large-format stores, smaller specialty locations and an e-commerce platform, offering national and private-brand merchandise from major consumer-technology manufacturers as well as third-party sellers. Beyond product retailing, Best Buy provides a suite of services aimed at installation, repair and ongoing technical support. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Best Buy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Best Buy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA (OTCMKTS:USNZY Get Free Report) shares were down 9.6% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $1.23 and last traded at $1.23. Approximately 19,636 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 85% from the average daily volume of 130,990 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.36. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Trading Down 4.4% The company has a quick ratio of 2.64, a current ratio of 4.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The businesss fifty day moving average is $1.09 and its 200 day moving average is $0.95. The stock has a market cap of $675.62 million, a PE ratio of -2.52 and a beta of 1.33. Get Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais alerts: Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais (OTCMKTS:USNZY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The basic materials company reported $0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.01) by $0.02. The company had revenue of $1.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.20 billion. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais had a negative net margin of 12.91% and a positive return on equity of 1.22%. As a group, analysts predict that Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA will post 0.09 earnings per share for the current year. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Company Profile Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA (OTCMKTS: USNZY), widely known as Usiminas, is one of Brazils leading integrated steel producers. The company operates across the full steel value chain, from iron ore mining to the manufacture and distribution of flat steel products. Its portfolio includes hot- and cold-rolled coils, coated sheets, tin plates, plates and tubular products, which serve a broad array of end markets such as construction, automotive, packaging, machinery and energy. Founded in the mid-1950s through a partnership between Brazilian and international investors, Usiminas is headquartered in Belo Horizonte and maintains its principal steelmaking facilities in Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, as well as secondary operations in Cubatao (Sao Paulo) and Santa Cruz. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report) CEO Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.46, for a total transaction of $3,455,492.04. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 1,251,131 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,831,175.26. This represents a 33.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Ishbia Mat also recently made the following trade(s): Get UWM alerts: On Monday, January 12th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.35, for a total transaction of $3,385,875.90. On Friday, January 9th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.27, for a total transaction of $3,335,245.98. On Wednesday, January 7th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.70, for a total transaction of $2,974,507.80. On Monday, January 5th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.43, for a total value of $2,803,631.82. On Friday, January 2nd, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.42, for a total value of $2,797,303.08. On Wednesday, December 31st, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.37, for a total value of $2,765,659.38. On Monday, December 29th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.42, for a total value of $2,797,303.08. On Friday, December 26th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.57, for a total value of $2,892,234.18. On Wednesday, December 24th, Ishbia Mat sold 449,997 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.66, for a total value of $2,096,986.02. On Tuesday, December 23rd, Ishbia Mat sold 402,483 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.70, for a total transaction of $1,891,670.10. UWM Trading Up 6.8% Shares of NYSE UWMC opened at $5.82 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40, a current ratio of 1.45 and a quick ratio of 1.45. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $5.15 and a 200 day moving average of $5.27. UWM Holdings Corporation has a one year low of $3.80 and a one year high of $7.14. UWM Dividend Announcement UWM ( NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.07 by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $151.14 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $651.51 million. UWM had a net margin of 0.61% and a negative return on equity of 6.81%. As a group, analysts forecast that UWM Holdings Corporation will post 0.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 18th were paid a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.9%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 18th. Institutional Trading of UWM A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of UWMC. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC acquired a new position in shares of UWM during the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,630,000. 683 Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in UWM during the second quarter worth about $19,872,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. raised its stake in UWM by 116.6% during the second quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 5,991,072 shares of the companys stock worth $24,803,000 after purchasing an additional 3,224,806 shares during the period. Two Sigma Investments LP boosted its holdings in UWM by 165.5% in the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 4,988,898 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,382,000 after purchasing an additional 3,109,591 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Holocene Advisors LP boosted its holdings in UWM by 1,986.0% in the 3rd quarter. Holocene Advisors LP now owns 3,231,243 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,678,000 after purchasing an additional 3,076,340 shares during the last quarter. 53.59% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group raised their target price on UWM from $5.50 to $6.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on UWM in a research note on Friday, December 19th. They issued a hold rating and a $5.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley set a $6.00 target price on shares of UWM in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of UWM in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on shares of UWM from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $6.53. Read Our Latest Analysis on UWM UWM Company Profile (Get Free Report) United Wholesale Mortgage (NYSE: UWMC) is a leading mortgage lender in the United States specializing in the wholesale channel. The company partners with independent mortgage brokers, community banks and credit unions to offer a full suite of residential mortgage products. Through its network of third-party originators, United Wholesale Mortgage underwrites, funds and closes loans, allowing its partners to focus on customer acquisition and service. The companys product offerings include conventional fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, U.S. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for UWM Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UWM and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WealthPlan Investment Management LLC cut its holdings in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XTEN Free Report) by 90.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,329 shares of the companys stock after selling 40,564 shares during the period. WealthPlan Investment Management LLCs holdings in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF were worth $202,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 2,194.9% during the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 52,209 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,435,000 after purchasing an additional 49,934 shares in the last quarter. Apeiron RIA LLC lifted its stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 38.8% during the 3rd quarter. Apeiron RIA LLC now owns 118,233 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,539,000 after buying an additional 33,024 shares in the last quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 33.3% during the 2nd quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 11,841 shares of the companys stock valued at $547,000 after buying an additional 2,958 shares in the last quarter. Brookstone Capital Management bought a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $723,000. Finally, AE Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 126.0% in the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 265,723 shares of the companys stock worth $12,266,000 after buying an additional 148,152 shares during the period. Get BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF alerts: BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:XTEN opened at $46.49 on Friday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $46.54 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $46.37. BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a 52 week low of $44.38 and a 52 week high of $47.82. About BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF The BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XTEN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of ten years. XTEN was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST Get Free Report) traded down 5.1% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $263.61 and last traded at $265.0250. 308,628 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 54% from the average session volume of 672,757 shares. The stock had previously closed at $279.41. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research cut shares of West Pharmaceutical Services from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 23rd. Barclays upped their price target on shares of West Pharmaceutical Services from $275.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $345.00 price objective on shares of West Pharmaceutical Services and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of West Pharmaceutical Services in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, KeyCorp boosted their price objective on West Pharmaceutical Services from $325.00 to $350.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $335.78. Get West Pharmaceutical Services alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on West Pharmaceutical Services West Pharmaceutical Services Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $19.05 billion, a PE ratio of 39.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.80 and a beta of 1.17. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $273.01 and a 200-day simple moving average of $259.32. The company has a current ratio of 2.87, a quick ratio of 2.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. West Pharmaceutical Services (NYSE:WST Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The medical instruments supplier reported $1.96 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.67 by $0.29. The company had revenue of $804.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $788.42 million. West Pharmaceutical Services had a return on equity of 18.16% and a net margin of 16.29%.The firms revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.85 earnings per share. West Pharmaceutical Services has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.060-7.110 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. will post 6.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. West Pharmaceutical Services Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 4th. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 28th will be issued a $0.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 28th. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.3%. West Pharmaceutical Servicess dividend payout ratio is presently 13.04%. Institutional Trading of West Pharmaceutical Services Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new stake in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its holdings in West Pharmaceutical Services by 193.9% in the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 144 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the period. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. increased its holdings in West Pharmaceutical Services by 1,842.9% during the 3rd quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 136 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 129 shares during the period. CVA Family Office LLC raised its position in West Pharmaceutical Services by 573.3% in the 2nd quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 202 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 172 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pilgrim Partners Asia Pte Ltd acquired a new stake in West Pharmaceutical Services in the third quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.90% of the companys stock. West Pharmaceutical Services Company Profile (Get Free Report) West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc is a global developer and manufacturer of components, systems and services that enable the containment and delivery of injectable drugs. The company focuses on high-quality packaging and delivery solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, producing primary drug packaging components and specialized drug delivery devices used for vaccines, biologics and other injectable therapies. West is known for its elastomeric closures, seals and polymer components that maintain sterility and compatibility with sensitive drug formulations. In addition to component manufacturing, West provides engineered delivery systems and support services across the product lifecycle. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for West Pharmaceutical Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for West Pharmaceutical Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB boosted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 393,158 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 9,135 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF accounts for about 1.3% of Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSBs holdings, making the stock its 16th biggest position. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB owned about 0.14% of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF worth $76,469,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. now owns 13,062 shares of the companys stock worth $2,541,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares during the period. Galvin Gaustad & Stein LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.6% during the second quarter. Galvin Gaustad & Stein LLC now owns 2,095 shares of the companys stock valued at $383,000 after purchasing an additional 54 shares during the period. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.3% during the second quarter. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 2,517 shares of the companys stock valued at $460,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the period. Atlas Brown Inc. increased its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.0% in the third quarter. Atlas Brown Inc. now owns 2,889 shares of the companys stock worth $562,000 after buying an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GFG Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 4.3% in the third quarter. GFG Capital LLC now owns 1,442 shares of the companys stock valued at $280,000 after buying an additional 59 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Price Performance Shares of BATS QUAL opened at $203.32 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $58.95 billion, a PE ratio of 25.59 and a beta of 1.05. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a one year low of $148.34 and a one year high of $187.26. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $198.37 and its 200-day moving average price is $192.78. About iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF 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. Featured Stories 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. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC cut its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 27.9% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 2,416 shares of the companys stock after selling 935 shares during the period. Wolff Wiese Magana LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,843,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 78,621.2% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 11,552,336 shares of the companys stock worth $9,005,392,000 after acquiring an additional 11,537,661 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter worth $8,827,714,000. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 80,407,430 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,680,004,000 after acquiring an additional 1,183,038 shares during the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 106.8% during the second quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 1,481,031 shares of the companys stock worth $1,154,508,000 after purchasing an additional 765,010 shares during the period. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 13.4% in the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 4,766,865 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,715,913,000 after purchasing an additional 564,736 shares in the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $1,032.51 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 1.55. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $1,049.04 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $868.38. The stock has a market cap of $976.11 billion, a PE ratio of 50.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.35. Eli Lilly and Company has a one year low of $623.78 and a one year high of $1,133.95. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. The firm had revenue of $17.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.09 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 30.99% and a return on equity of 109.52%. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.18 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $1.73 per share. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 29.35%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on LLY. Truist Financial increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,038.00 to $1,182.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, December 1st. Wolfe Research lifted their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,050.00 to $1,250.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Zacks Research upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 1st. Finally, CICC Research raised their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $801.00 to $1,060.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned 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 $1,174.70. View Our Latest Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. There is a special kind of nostalgia tied to family road trips. Waking up at the crack of dawn, packing the car with blankets and pillows, and somehow squeezing everyone's luggage into the trunk. There are the inevitable arguments with siblings over who controls the music, the funny anecdotal retellings to pass the time, and making the first stop at the family's favorite gas station to grab snacks, and, of course, coffee for the road. As a native Texan, Buc-ee's stands out as one of the most iconic convenience stores and gas station chains in the U.S. Despite operating fewer than 70 locations across 11 states, most of them in Texas, the chain has become an unmissable pit stop for road-tripping families, long-haul truckers, and commuters since opening its first location in Clute, Texas, in 1982. However, for East Coast travelers, there is one chain that reigns supreme. Few could have predicted that a small dairy business in Pennsylvania in 1920 would grow into one of the country's most recognizable convenience store chains. Officially founded as Wawa in 1964, the brand quickly became a popular among travelers and busy consumers, thanks to its clean bathrooms, fresh coffee, and fan favorite made-to-order hoagies. But despite building a loyal cult-like following for over six decades, Wawa has not been immune to economic uncertainty. Shifting consumer habits, rising operational costs, and increased competition have created challenges that even the most beloved brands are struggling to overcome. Wawa confirms closure of its Drexel University location Wawa has revealed that it will close its Drexel University location at 3300 Market Street, in Philadelphia, on January 21, 2026, just two years after remodeling the entire store, adding to a growing list of recent closures nationwide. Senior Media Relations Manager Lori Bruce said the decision was strictly business-related and followed several attempts to address ongoing issues at the location. "Over the years, we have made several attempts to address business and operational challenges at this location," Bruce told The Triangle. "This includes partnering with property owner, Drexel University, in an attempt to address some of these issues, and most recently making investments in our store design to test a fully digital format." "Unfortunately, this test did not adequately improve performance or deliver an enhanced customer experience, which ultimately led to the decision to close the store," Bruce added. While the closure marks the end of Wawa's presence on Drexel's campus, it does not mean a full exit from the surrounding community. The company encourages customers to visit nearby locations, including stores at 3604 Chestnut Street and 3724-3744 Spruce Street. 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 Americas grip on Bitcoin mining is slipping as firms race to build out infrastructure for artificial intelligence, providing an opportunity for countries like Chinadespite U.S. President Donald Trumps vision for technological dominance. In 2025, North American pools, where miners combine computing power to better their chances of solving a block and obtaining the block reward, saw a consistent decline in block share, or the percentage of total Bitcoin blocks successfully mined, according to a recent report from BlocksBridge Consulting. As of December, BlocksBridge said that Foundry USA, MARA Pool, and Luxor Technologies accounted for 35% of all Bitcoin blocks, down from more than 40% last January. The decline follows Trumps call for all remaining Bitcoin to be mined in the U.S. as a candidate in 2024. Although some described the feat as impossible, it underscored the presidents vision for a flourishing industry, which has generated controversy in the past over its potential long-term impact on local communities and the environment. As rapid data center growth overshadows those concerns in various U.S. states, the presidents sons have also pushed forward with their own Bitcoin mining firm, American Bitcoin. Eric and Donald Trump Jr. co-founded the firm last March, which Miami-based Hut 8 owns an 80% majority stake in. Hut 8, once dedicated to Bitcoin mining, is increasingly positioning itself as an energy infrastructure company. In December, the Miami-based company said that it would work with AI firm Anthropic to develop infrastructure for enormous data centers in the U.S. A month before, Eric Trump stood on the floor of American Bitcoins Texas-based mining facility. He posted a video of himself speaking on X, as 35,000 mining machines whirred in the background, highlighting how the firm mines about 2% of the worlds Bitcoin supply. Trump Wants All Future Bitcoin Mined in USIs That Even Possible? Bitcoin mining is a competitive process, where specialized computers constantly crunch complex calculations to verify transactions and secure the network in exchange for newly minted Bitcoin. Over time, the largest players have seen margins squeezed. In December, Bitcoin miners generated an average daily revenue of $38,700 per EH/s, or exahash per second, down 32% year-over-year, according to a recent JPMorgan note. The metric reflects how Bitcoin mining profitability is at record lows when considering the impact of energy prices, which have increased broadly over the past year. Among many firms, the decline in profitability has bolstered a yearslong shift toward addressing the needs of AI firms, Nick Hansen, co-founder and CEO of Luxor Technology, a provider of Bitcoin mining software and financial services, told Decrypt. By Arriana McLymore and Ross Kerber NEW YORK, Jan 16 (Reuters) - A group of Home Depot investors is asking the company to review its partnership with surveillance firm Flock Safety and state how its data is used and shared with law enforcement, following reports by an independent media outlet that the vendor's data has been used in Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigations. Home Depot locations have become hotbeds for ICE arrests, after U.S. Homeland Security Adviser Stephen Miller said the agency should target the home improvement chain, where migrant day laborers are known to gather. Investors in several companies are increasingly seeking answers to how U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policies and enforcement are affecting company operations and reputation. Zevin Asset Management, a sustainability-minded investor that owns more than $7 million in Home Depot stock, is leading a shareholder proposal with 17 co-filers asking Home Depot to evaluate and report the risks associated with sharing data with third-party surveillance vendors. Zevin's proposal comes after an investment group that holds shares of Walmart and Amazon.com asked the retailers for details on how the immigration crackdown is affecting their finances and supply chains, and as protests erupt after the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman by a U.S. Immigration agent in Minneapolis. The investor group wants an "assessment of privacy and civil rights risks, including discrimination or wrongful detention from misuse of customer data," according to the proposal seen by Reuters. "Such practices may expose the Company to financial and legal risks, including potential data breaches and enforcement of evolving state privacy laws," shareholders said in the proposal. "The Company already faces reputational risks stemming from frequent immigration enforcement raids occurring near its stores and heightened public concerns regarding data privacy." The company's annual shareholder meeting is expected in May. Home Depot declined to comment on whether it would reevaluate its contract with Flock Safety or any other surveillance vendors. The company has faced criticism for ICE raids in its store parking lots, where immigrant day laborers often congregate looking for opportunities to work on construction projects. Some critics have said the company should speak out against the raids, which have prompted protests at some of its stores. A Home Depot spokesperson said: "We cannot legally interfere with federal enforcement agencies, including preventing them from coming into our stores and parking lots." American Petroleum Institute (API) CEO, Mike Sommers, alongside other industry leaders like TotalEnergies' (NYSE:TTE) Patrick Pouyanne, have warned that reviving Venezuela's oil industry will be a long, costly, multi-billion dollar process requiring clear legal frameworks, strong investment security, and significant infrastructure amid political pushes for quick returns. While small production increases (100k-200k bpd) might happen sooner, especially from areas like Lake Maracaibo where Chevron (NYSE:CVX) operates, the energy leaders have emphasized that a significant boost requires massive, long-term investment. Companies will need stable, legally defined frameworks, security for investments (including protection from expropriation), and clear commercial terms before committing major capital. President Trump has urged U.S. oil majors to invest up to $100 billion to revitalize Venezuela's vast reserves, seeing it as a way to lower global energy prices. Rystad Energy, a Norwegian energy research firm, recently estimated that restoring Venezuela's oil production to its previous peak of 3 million barrels per day (bpd) would require a total investment of $183 billion over 15 years. This massive investment is needed because the country's oil infrastructure is in severe disrepair due to years of neglect, underinvestment, and sanctions. Rystad views a gradual recovery as the most likely scenario, with a full return to peak production dependent on long-term stable market conditions and a secure investment climate. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods recently termed Venezuela as "uninvestable" due to deep legal, commercial, and political risks, despite U.S. President Trump's push for investment to rebuild its oil sector after the Maduro regime's removal. Other major oil companies, like ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and Chevron, have echoed this sentiment, citing complex issues such as asset seizures, lack of clear frameworks, corruption, and political instability as major barriers to committing billions in investment. ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips lost assets worth billions of dollars in Venezuela after former President Hugo Chavez undertook a nationalization drive in 2007, where he forced foreign oil companies to cede majority control to the state oil company (PDVSA) in lucrative Orinoco Belt projects. Venezuela expropriated their operations after the two companies refused to accept minority stakes and renegotiated terms, leading them to exit the country and pursue lengthy, largely unresolved international arbitration for billions in compensation. In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), Alphabet's (GOOG) (GOOGL) Google has surged ahead with its groundbreaking Gemini 3 model, released in late 2025. This advanced AI model not only solidifies Google's ironclad grip on search dominance but also propels its cloud services upward from a solid third-place position. Analysts speculate that Gemini 3 could enable Google Cloud to challenge Microsoft's (MSFT) Azure for the No. 2 spot and, in time, even dethrone Amazon's (AMZN) AWS as the industry leader. While that throne may still be a future conquest, the shift came on Monday with Google's landmark deal to power Apple's (AAPL) AI features and cloud operations. This partnership integrates Gemini into billions of iPhones, reshaping the AI competitive field by sidelining rivals like OpenAI and bolstering Google's ecosystem-wide influence. More News from Barchart www.barchart.com About Alphabet Stock Alphabet is a global technology powerhouse headquartered in Mountain View, California. The company dominates through its core businesses: Google Search, which handles the vast majority of global internet queries; YouTube, the leading video platform; Android, the world's most popular mobile operating system; and Google Cloud, a key player in cloud computing. Additionally, Alphabet operates in hardware such as Pixel devices, autonomous driving via Waymo, and health tech through Verily. In search, Google commands approximately 91% of the worldwide market, while in cloud services, it holds about 13% of the share, trailing Amazon's 30% and Microsoft's 20%. Alphabet's Class C shares delivered a stellar 65% return in 2025, far outpacing the S&P 500's ($INX) 16% gain for the year. This performance reflects surging AI-driven growth amid broader market optimism. In terms of valuation, GOOG trades at a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) of 32.81, above its historical average of around 25 but aligned with the tech industry's current 30 to 35 range, signaling premium pricing for its growth prospects. The forward P/E stands at 29.81, suggesting expectations of continued earnings expansion. Its price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 10.7 elevated compared to historical norms of 6, but reasonable given revenue acceleration in cloud and AI. Other metrics, like a PEG ratio of 2.1, indicate the stock is fairly valued, as it balances high growth potential against market risks. ASML Holding NV became only the third European company to surpass $500 billion in market value after key customer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. gave a stronger-than-anticipated outlook for 2026. Shares in the Dutch semiconductor equipment maker rose as much as 7.6% in Amsterdam on Thursday, hitting a record high and extending their year-to-date gain to 24%. That took ASMLs market capitalization to about 453 billion ($527 billion). Only luxury conglomerate LVMH and Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk A/S have previously reached the milestone. Most Read from Bloomberg ASML surged above the symbolic level after TSMC on Thursday forecast capital spending to rise to as much as $56 billion in 2026, more than expected, showing how the chipmaker is benefiting from the artificial intelligence boom. The milestone means a lot for the market sentimentally, said Barclays Plc strategist Emmanuel Cau. Europe is a small market, so if ASML as a major stock goes up, the broader market will automatically benefit. The rally in ASML also gives European investors a gateway to play the mainstream AI trade. TSMCs outlook provides fresh optimism for sustained global AI spending in 2026 after recent signs of volatility in the so-called AI trade. Hundreds of billions of dollars have been committed to build the data centers needed to train and run AI, fueling growth among companies ranging from water chiller manufacturers to chip makers. ASML has grown to be Europes most valuable company as the only producer of cutting-edge lithography machines that TSMC needs to manufacture chips used in everything from Apple Inc.s smartphones to Nvidia Corp.s artificial intelligence accelerators. Still, at $500 billion its not even close to Wall Streets technology giants. Nvidia and Alphabet Inc. both have market values exceeding $4 trillion. This is ultimately a very positive start to the earnings season for the tech giants, said Ben Barringer, head of technology research at Quilter Cheviot. These results give us a good indication of what we are likely to see from both the chips companies and the semicap equipment providers. Veldhoven, Netherlands-based ASML is due to report its 2025 results on Jan. 28. --With assistance from Sagarika Jaisinghani, Michael Msika and John Viljoen. 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. As drone warfare continues to evolve rapidly, integrating AI autonomy, swarm tactics, and countermeasure innovations, the Indian security forces are further bolstering their capabilities in this regard. In a move that will enhance the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the security forces, the Indian Army and the Indian Navy are set to acquire drones worth nearly Rs 300 crore from Bharat Forge. According to the company, the contracts cover a range of indigenous unmanned systems, including ISR platforms and loitering munitions. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India The drone platformsOmega One, Omega Nine, Bayonet, and Cleaveare developed for India to meet urgent operational requirements across diverse terrains and mission profiles, the company said. The company said its unmanned (vehicle) portfolio is evolving rapidly, with advanced autonomy, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making progressively integrated across platforms. These enhancements boost mission endurance, precision, survivability, and adaptability in contested and dynamic operational environments, it added. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director at Bharat Forge Ltd., said, "This dual achievement, securing EP-VI contracts and showcasing Omega One on Army Day, reaffirms BFL's commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat." UAV Omega One of the company was displayed onboard an upgraded BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle during the Army Day Parade in Jaipur. These inductions underscore the company's focus on delivering indigenous solutions aligned with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, it added. The programmes leverage a surge in domestic production capacity to ensure rapid delivery timelines while upholding quality, reliability, and scalability, the company said. Even as India is set to order 114 Rafale fighter jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation as a stopgap measure to address the Indian Air Force's (IAF) squadron shortfall, New Delhi has laid down some non-negotiables. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India These non-negotiables include the level of transfer of technology (ToT), and integration of Indian weapon systems, among others, according to a report in The Tribune, quoting sources. The report further said India also asked the jet maker to provide secure data links to allow integration of Indian radars and sensors onto the aircraft. India is expected to get 18 fighter jets in flyaway condition, while the remaining 96 will be manufactured in India. The Tribune report said the plane maker will be providing ToT for making airframes, and the suppliers of the company too will be part of the ToT. Once the integration of Indian systems is completed, the fighters are expected to have nearly 60 percent indigenous content. Meanwhile, another report said the Defence Procurement Board, headed by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, approved the proposal for the procurement of the Rafale jets. Quoting sources, The Tribune report said the Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will take up the proposal for clearance when it meets next. ALSO READ: Designating 2026 as the Year of Networking & Data Centricity: What does it mean for future conflicts? Sources have reportedly said the Rafale deal will not impact the production of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and LCA Tejas Mk-II. In April, the government had cleared procurement of 26 naval variants of Rafale jets at a cost of around Rs 64,000 crore. Tempers may escalate, but everyone is careful about using the rhetoric of nuclear weapons, especially military leaders. This was proved during the recent India-Pakistan military clash when two nuclear powers directly engaged in a military battle. That nuclear deterrence is still valid in theory and in practice was strongly underlined during the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) talks between India and Pakistan in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor by India and Pakistans Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India Recently, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, during a press conference on the conversations at the DGMO level during Operation Sindoor, spoke about this, saying, As far as nuclear rhetoric is concerned, I would like to say that there was no discussion on nuclear in the DGMO talks, and whatever nuclear rhetoric was given by the politicians or given by the local public in Pakistan, I have no indication that anything of that sort came from the military. The Army chief also took the position that military conflicts do not directly transition from sub-conventional warfare to the nuclear domain. Gen Dwivedi said, it was stated that the space for conventional operations is shrinking, and that we would go directly from sub-conventional to the nuclear domain. But this time, the action we took, especially the kind of firing that took place in Jammu and Kashmir, and the way we addressed it, and how we eliminated approximately 100 of their (Pakistan) personnelall that action was taken because we expanded the conventional space. Strategists often question if Russia would have dared to embark on military operations inside Ukraine had Kyiv maintained a stockpile of nuclear weapons. At the time of the disintegration of the USSR in 1991, Ukraine possessed the worlds third-largest stockpile of nuclear weapons with about 1,900 strategic nuclear warheads and about 2,500 tactical nuclear weapons. By 1996, it had handed over all its nuclear stockpile to Russia for dismantling and became a non-nuclear country. Most Arab-Israeli war and spy stories are about how Israel prevailed how cleverer their spies had been, how superior their tactics were, how they outwitted the Arabs who had larger forces, and so on. As if the enemies were dumbos! Often, these stories read like Alistair MacLean novels and movies, which were all about how Allied commandos always outwitted the Germans. The worst, though delightful to watch, was Where Eagles Dare. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India The Arabs too have been fine fighters, strategists, and tacticians, especially the Egyptians, who had kept oiled a fine war machine. Lets hear one such story of how Egypt displayed superior tactics and outwitted the spy-smart Israelis, at least in the first phase of the 1973 war, often called the Ramadan war and the Yom Kippur War. Egyptian president Anwar Sadat used to frequently raise war cries against Israel. Israel used to take these seriously and prepare to face an attack. But the attack wasnt coming. Meanwhile, Sadat asked the Soviet Union to send him MiG-23 fighter jets. He also began placing large orders for spare parts required for other weapons that Egypt had previously purchased, and began sending frequent reminders to Moscow. Sadat knew that all his messages were being intercepted by the Israelis, who were skilled in espionage. Israeli spies informed their superiors that Egypt had placed large orders for weapons and spare parts. This made the Israeli prime minister Golda Meir, defence minister Moshe Dayan, and other leaders wonder: would Egypt prepare for war if it lacked so much of weaponry and spare parts? ALSO READ: Thimayyas dare: The impossible story of India's first high-altitude tank attack in 1948 When the weapons and spares didn't arrive on time, Sadat feigned a minor tiff with Moscow. He sent back the nearly 20,000 Soviet military advisers who had been in Egypt. This convinced Israel that war was still a long way off. Much like the fable of 'The Shepherd Boy Who Cried Wolf.' Israel began to ignore Sadat's war cries. From May to August, Egypt conducted military exercises near the Suez Canal. Each time the Egyptian army moved for an exercise, Israel prepared for battle, assuming that an attack was imminent. When such drills and movements, much like Sadat's war cries, became routine, Israel was convinced that Sadat was all bark and no bite. Slowly, Israel began to lower its guard. In September, Egypt prepared for another military exercise. When reserve soldiers were also called up for this, Israel feared a war was imminent. However, on October 4, Egypt began to demobilise them, and also granted leave to those who had requested it to go on the Umrah pilgrimage. Egyptian general staff knew that Israel was monitoring the movements of the pilgrims. When Israeli spies identified soldiers among the Egyptian pilgrims, they concluded that Egypt was not preparing for war. Moreover, would a Muslim country prepare for war during the month of Ramadan? Nevertheless, when Egypt's ally Syria also began a military exercise, Israel sent a small force to the Syrian border. Spies reported to Israels top brass that Sadat would actually launch an attack on October 6. But in light of the other "evidence," Israeli leaders ignored their reportsa classic case of wolf, wolf cries. It was only a few hours before Egypt's attack on October 6 that Israel sensed danger. By the time they moved the forces, the enemy had captured much of the territory. Egypt and its allies had the upper hand in the initial phase of the war. They recaptured the bulk of the territory that they had lost in the earlier wars. Although Israel finally prevailed, it was a pyrrhic victory of sortsat the negotiation tables later, Israel was compelled to hand back to Egypt the entire Sinai Peninsula that they had captured in earlier wars. Actors Dhanush and Mrunal Thakur have again been linked in social mediaeveryone seems to be asking if the duo will get married on Valentine's Day (February 14). While the two have not officially confirmed the news of their marriageor even a relationshipafter Thakur called him a "good friend" back in August 2025, the rumours have sparked interest in their net worth. #MrunalThakur and #Dhanush have been in a close relationship and may marry on February 14 in a private ceremony. The wedding is expected to be low-key, with only close family and friends present. However, both actors are known to keep their personal lives private, and no official pic.twitter.com/IbdYvQY4r7 Swaasthi (@swaasthi) January 15, 2026 Dhanush, a prolific Kollywood actor who has also acted in Bollywood and outside India, is still said to be one of India's highest-paid actors, as per a 2026 Asianet Newsable report. According to the report, Rajnikanth's former son-in-law's net worth is estimated to be Rs 230 crore. The report added that the 42-year-old, who has a fondness for luxury automobiles, has an annual income of around Rs 35-45 crore, primarily from acting and producing films. He is said to charge Rs 20-35 crore per film. His role in the Russo brothers' The Gray Man (2022), which earned him approximately Rs 4 crore, was also said to be a big boost for his net worth, and his status as a pan-Indian star. As for Mrunal Thakur, the last estimate of her net worth comes from a 2023 Lifestyle Asia report, which estimated her net worth to be approximately Rs 33 crore. The report added that the 33-year-old actress has an annual income of around Rs 7 crore, primarily from films, brand endorsements, and other projects. She is said to charge Rs 2 crore per film. Going by the reports, this would put their combined net worth well above Rs 250 crore. Dhanush is currently filming for Kara, expected to release in February this year. The film is said to be a gritty, gripping thriller helmed by Por Thozhil fame Vignesh Raja. Mrunal Thakur, on the other hand, will next be seen in Dacoit: A Love Story, a bilingual action thriller which will release on March 19 this year. The film is helmed by debutante Shaneil Deo, and was shot in Hindi and Telugu. Interest-bearing stablecoins could take $6 trillion out of bank deposits according to Bank of Americas CEO, who argued that small-to-medium-sized businesses could be hurt as a result. Brian Moynihans statements, citing data from U.S. Treasury reports, come amid controversy about whether to allow amendments to the recently delayed crypto bill being debated by the Senate Banking Committee. The most recent draft would prohibit idle stablecoins from bearing interest, like a bank account. Senate Banking Committee Delays Markup of Key Crypto Bill as Industry Support Frays The draft legislation, released Monday, would ban firms from offering yields on stablecoin deposits, unless they are granted due to activities such as transactions, remittances, or membership in loyalty programs. On a recent quarterly earnings call, Moynihan compared the financial structure of stablecoins to that of a money market mutual fund, where deposited cash is invested in low-risk, short-term debt securities like U.S. treasury bills. He argues this means interest bearing stablecoins would therefore take lending capacity out of the traditional banking system. Moynihan said BoA has told Congress about its concerns regarding how this would impact smaller companies. He highlighted how these smaller companies are generally more likely to be lent money via banks, as opposed to large companies, which raise money via capital markets, for example, via an IPO. The CEO predicted that funds moving into stablecoins could ultimately increase the cost of borrowing. Moynihan said banks are either not going to be able to loan or they're going to have to get wholesale funding, adding that this would increase the overall cost of borrowing. In this context, wholesale funding is money for loans not derived from customer deposits, for example, from a Central Bank or capital markets. Coinbase pushes back Brian Armstrong, CEO of crypto exchange Coinbase, has argued in the opposite direction of the bank, with his company officially withdrawing support for the bill. In a recent tweet, he accused the Senate of drafting amendments that would kill rewards on stablecoins, allowing banks to ban their competition. Armstrong criticised numerous other aspects of the bill, including restrictions on tokenized equities, and elements which could increase government surveillance of crypto transfers. Crypto needs to be treated on a level playing field with the rest of financial services so we can build this industry in a safe and trusted way in America, said Armstrong. Music legend AR Rahman is in the eye of a storm after his polarising comment about the Hindi film industry on Thursday (January 15). When asked about his reducing frequency of works in Bollywood and potential change in political climate, Rahman hinted at possible communal angle to Bollywood in the last eight years. This comment has drawn widespread reactions on either extreme on social media and outside it. On Friday (January 16), VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal hit out at Rahman for his comments on the Bollywood industry. Bansal felt that Rahman's thoughts lacked gratitude to an industry that had embraced him during a period when no other music director from south India had managed to make a mark in Hindi. Bansal also made a taunting remark, asking Rahman to re-convert to Hinduism. #WATCH | Delhi: On AR Rahman saying that he has lost work in Bollywood in last 8 years: Maybe its a communal thing as reported in media, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal says, "It seems that AR Rahman too has become a leader of the faction whose leader was once former pic.twitter.com/Bjkl49DQVi ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2026 "Instead of looking within himself, that's why he is not getting work, he is badmouthing the system and defaming the entire industry," said Bansal in a video posted by ANI. "What does he want to prove? He was once a Hindu himself. Why did he convert to Islam? Do 'gharwapasi' now. Maybe you will start getting work once again...Such petty statements can be made by a politician, it does not suit an artist." For those unaware, Rahman's original name was AS Dileep Kumar and he converted from Hinduism to Islam in 1989 along with his entire family after being reportedly influenced by a Sufi saint. On conversion, the inevitable name change also happened from AS Dileep Kumar to Allah Rakha Rahman or AR Rahman as we know today. Rahman's comments on Bollywood weren't critical in its entirety. In fact, he had praised the industry for embracing him wholeheartedly during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s but had only expressed his opinion at the political scenario since 2017-18. While the comment can be considered as a subjective take, Rahman's words have clearly upset the apple cart of the public and politicians. "Maybe I didn't get to know all this stuff. Maybe God concealed all this stuff. But for me, I never felt any of those, but the past eight years, maybe, because the power shift has happened," Rahman had said as quoted by PTI. "People who are not creative have the power now to decide things, and this might have been a communal thing also, but not in my face. It comes to me as Chinese whispers that they booked you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five composers. I said, 'Oh, that's great, rest for me, I can chill out with my family." The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), ably led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has succeeded in gaining edge over the Thackeray brand from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The BJP-led Mahayuti's tally has crossed the majority mark of 114 in the crucial Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The counting is still progressing for 30 seats. The erstwhile united Shiv Sena had ruled the BMC for almost three decades. The richest civic body in Asia was a milch cow for the Thackeray-run party. Now, for the first time, the BJP is likely to have its mayor to govern the affairs of the BMC, a milestone achievement by Fadnavis and Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam. Chief Minister Fadnavis had told this writer that the BJP-led saffron alliance, which is ruling Maharashtra, would be able to win 24-25 municipal corporations of the total 29 where elections took place. Fadnaviss confidence has turned out to be true, with victory in the BMC being the most cherished. Of the 116 seats in which Mahayuti is leading, the BJP is leading in 90 seats, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in 22, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in four. The counting is still progressing. On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) is leading in 68 seats, while Raj Thackerays MNS in seven. The Congress is leading in 13 seats. The BJPs performance has been excellent. It had won 82 seats out of 227 in the 2017 elections. This time, it contested 137 seats and is leading in 90 seats. The BJP leadership was hoping to touch the triple-digit mark, but that does not seem to have happened. On the other hand, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena contested 90 seats but is leading only in 28, despite the fact that more than 50 corporators of the united Shiv Sena had joined the Shinde faction after it was formed in 2022, and most of them were given tickets. Some of the major losers turned out to be Samadhan Sarvankar, a corporator and son of Shiv Sena legislator Sada Sarvankar. Deepti Vaykar, daughter of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Vaykar, also lost the election. Despite its defeat, Shiv Sena (UBT) has not performed all that badly, especially when compared with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This clearly means that Marathi voters from Mumbai still have faith and love for the Thackeray family. Raj Thackerays MNS is leading in seven, more or less the same as in 2017. Fadnavis had told this writer that the alliance of the Thackeray cousins would benefit Uddhav more than Raj, and that seems to have come true. Though entire voting pattern data is not out yet, it can be safely said that had Congress agreed to include MNS in the MVA alliance, the result of the election might well have been different. On the other hand, in the Thane Municipal Corporation, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has managed to ensure that it remains his bastion. The same, however, cannot be said about Ajit Pawar, the other deputy chief minister, as he has failed to retake control of the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations despite a massive campaign and the coming together of both factions of the NCP. Bharatiya Janata Party leader K. Annamalai lauded Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other party leaders over Mahayuti's win in the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. "People of Mumbai have spoken with crystal clarity," said the BJP leader who was ridiculed heavily by the Thackeray camp over his "Bombay international city" remark during campaigning in Mumbai. Congratulating Maharashtra BJP, Annamalai said in a post on X, "The historic victory of the Mahayuti alliance in the BMC elections is a resounding endorsement of development-first governance. From the grassroots of local bodies to the halls of the parliament, this is the Triple Engine that delivers real, tangible development for every citizen," he said. Taking a dig at the Opposition camp led by Shiva Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray, Annamalai said, "While the opposition trafficked in divisive narratives aimed at fragmenting the people, Mumbai chose unity, progress, and inclusive growth." "The opposition was banking on the failed strategy of dividing Mumbaikars along linguistic and regional lines, a 20th-century relic the people soundly rejected. While our NDA government talks about development infrastructure, jobs, and growth, the opposition clung to an archaic narrative of regional animosity. Mumbaikars chose substance over divisiveness," he added. While campaigning in Mumbai for BMC polls, Annamalai haid said, "his is the only metro city in the country where a triple engine is possible. Modi is in Delhi, Fadnavis is the chief minister, and now Bombay will have a BJP mayor. Bombay is not a Maharashtra city but an international city." Latching onto his comments, the Sena camp alleged Annamalai's words revealed the BJP's hidden agenda to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray even mockingly called him "Rasmalai," and invoked Sena's oldlogan: "Hatao lungi, bajao pungi." Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal claimed that his party will have mayors in five cities and nearly 350 corporators across the state. He said the party will be part of power arrangements in at least 10 municipal corporations. According to the Congress, the party is in a position to install its own mayors in Latur, Chandrapur, Bhiwandi (Thane district), Parbhani and Kolhapur. Talking to reporters in Buldhana, Sapkal said on Friday that while the partys performance in the civic polls may not be fully satisfactory, the party fought an "ideological battle" without compromising its principles and emerged as the principal Opposition force in the state. "The Congress today stands as the second-largest party in Maharashtra. Wherever possible, we contested independently, and in some places through alliances, with the aim of strengthening the party ideologically and organisationally," he said. Alleging large-scale irregularities in the civic polls, the Congress leader accused the ruling BJP-led alliance of misusing money power and facilitating bogus voting. "There was rampant distribution of money and bogus voting. Despite this, Congress workers stood firmly against the BJP's bulldozer politics. This is the victory of our workers' resolve," he said, even as he congratulated party candidates and workers. He alleged that the BJP's success in Mumbai civic polls was the result of "fixing" and claimed that the polls were not free and fair. "From ward delimitation to the use of machines (EVMs) and even issues related to indelible ink, everything was part of fixing. The Election Commission should stop acting at the BJP's behest," Sapkal said. Sapkal asserted that the Congress would continue its ideological struggle to protect democracy and the Constitution. "This is a time of struggle. We are not disheartened by defeat and are fully prepared for the next battle," the MPCC president said. As part of its money laundering probe against Al Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached Rs 139 crore assets, including a 54-acre land within the Al Falah University campus. The ED filed a chargesheet regarding this on Friday, listing evidence of alleged financial irregularities by Siddiqui and his family members in the university and the family-run Al Falah Charitable Trust. Siddiqui is linked to as many as nine firms, all of which have connections to Al-Falah Charitable Trust, which oversees the functioning of the university. ED discovered that the firms controlled by Siddiqui allegedly won the contracts for catering in the university hostels and construction of the buildings on the campus. The charitable trust also allegedly siphoned university funds to acquire land. The money laundering case is linked to a large investigation into the Faridabad white collar terror module, comprising doctors who were working or studying at Al Falah University. Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Shahid who worked at Al Falah University were arrested hours before the Delhi Red Fort blast on November 10. Dr Umar un Nabi, who carried out the Red Fort blast, studied the same institution. On November 18, Siddiqui was arrested after ED raided 18 locations, including the university in Faridabad and the residences of those linked to the Al Falah Group in Delhi. The probe began after ED found the university cheated people of Rs 415 crore that was gained wrongfully by misleading students and the public in the name of fake UGC recognition and NAAC accreditation. The agency suspects that the financial trail may lead to destinations abroad, including Gulf countries. Interestingly, Siddiqui was arrested in 2001 in connection with setting up fake investment firms and convincing people to deposit money. Around Rs 7.5 crore was diverted to the personal accounts of the accused. In 2004, he managed to get bail after agreeing to refund the victims. Journalist Gauri Lankesh murder accused, Shrikant Pangarkar, who contested as an independent candidate, won the Jalna Municipal Corporation elections. He soon celebrated the win along with his supporters. Pangarkar, who contested from Ward 13, won the election by a margin of 2,621 votes. Meanwhile, the BJP is leading in 27 wards as the Maharashtra Municipal Elections count is underway. Pangarkar won the election even when the BJP and other rival parties had fielded their candidates. However, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena did not field a candidate in the ward. Ahead of the November 2024 assembly polls, Pangarkar had joined the Shiv Sena. VIDEO | Jalna, Maharashtra: Journalist Gauri Lankesh murder accused Shrikant Pangarkar celebrates his victory with supporters after winning the Jalna Municipal Corporation elections as an independent candidate. #Jalna #MaharashtraCivicPolls2026 (Full video available on PTI pic.twitter.com/slFETxVN1w Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 16, 2026 Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her Bengaluru residence on September 5, 2017. A nationwide protest and debate were triggered after the murder. In connection with the murder case, he was granted bail by the Karnataka HC on September 4, 2024. Speaking after his victory, he said that there was no conviction against him, and the case is still underway. Previously, Pangarkar had been a member of the Jalna Municipal Council when the Shiv Sena was a united front. After the party denied him a ticket in 2011, he joined the right-wing Hindu Janjagruti Samiti. Pangarkar was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in connection with the seizure of crude bombs and weapons from across the state. He was also booked under the Explosives Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Ahead of the November 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Pangarkar briefly joined the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. Following widespread criticism, his induction was put on hold. The Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) slammed Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for targeting the party over 'Jana Nayagan' release row. The party charged while actor-politician Vijay himself is silent, DMK and its allies are trying to mislead the people of Tamil Nadu with false propaganda. In a statement, Tamil Nadu BJP state spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad said 'Jana Nayagan' did not release on pre-planned dates owing to the business interests of producers of the film. He also charged selfish motives of those "misguiding" Vijay are partly responsible for the delay in the release of the much-anticipated film. Saying the actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader himself has refrained from commenting publicly over the issue, a few are misleading voters targeting the Central government over the issue. The BJP questioned the DMK and its allies for targeting the ruling party in the Centre over the release and accusing it of deliberately stalling the release of the film over political motives. The BJP spokesperson claimed the Central Board of Film Certification withheld the certificate of the film after the makers refused to implement the recommendations suggested by the film body. The BJP's reaction comes after Chief Minister Stalin accused the CBFC of functioning as a "weapon" of the ruling party, in the likes of central probe agencies like the CBI, ED and IT. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and actor-politician Kamal Haasan also condemned the Centre for allegedly targeting 'Jana Nayagan'. Jana Nayagan, which was slated to release on January 9, was postponed after the CBFC withheld its certificate. The Supreme Court, recently hearing a plea moved by the producers KVN Productions, directed the makers to approach the Madras High Court for relief. As India awaits the poll results as to who would head the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), it is important to understand its role as the nations richest civic body. With counting underway, the fight seems to have concentrated on the two Senas groupsBJP-Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and the recenly united Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Check out our BMC Elections coverage HERE. Most of it has to do with the Mumbai civi bodys record budget and spending power. Eleven months ago, when the BMC announced its budget for FY2025-2026, it also doubled down on its "rich" status. In fact, the spending even rivals that of several smaller states. For the current fiscal, BMC had then proposed its highest-ever budget of about Rs 74,427 crore, up roughly 14 per cent from the previous years estimate of around Rs 65,181 crore. Nearly Rs 43,000 crore, or close to 60 per cent of this budget, was earmarked for capital expenditure on long-term projects such as roads, the coastal road, and sewage treatment plants, according to reports. Many noted how the BMC budget size was larger than the annual budgets of several small Indian states. For the same fiscal, Goas spending was earmarked at Rs 28,162 crore, Arunachal Pradesh at Rs 39,842 crore, Sikkim at Rs 16,196 crore, and Tripura at Rs 31,412 crore. And it is not just capex or budget; even the revenue estimates were staggering. Two years ago, BMCs revenue outlook for fiscal 2024-2025 was Rs 35,749 crore. They later revised it upwards to Rs 40,694 crore as collections improved. But where does BMC get this money? Multiple reports say major income sources include octroi compensation grants from the state government, property tax, development charges, premiums for additional FSI, water and sewerage charges, and interest on large investments. In contrast, Delhi and Bengaluru civic bodies reportedly operate on budgets ranging from Rs 16,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore. It is the leadership battle for this civic body that now has national attention. Currently, the BJP-Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) faction is in the lead, while Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) group are fighting to catch up. The Congress, however, has yet to get much headway. Maharashtra civic-body elections 2026 counting began at 10 am on Friday, with 15,931 candidates contesting for 2,969 seats across 29 municipal corporations. With barely an hour left for the results of Maharashtra civic body elections to pour in, all eyes are on Thackeray brothers - Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray - who joined hands to take on the BJP-led Mahayuti. The political existence of the duo is in question as exit polls predict their rout with Mahayuti set to sweep the richest municipal corporation in India, for the first time. 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 predicts that the BJP and Shiv Sena coalition will secure 138 seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena are expected to win 59 wards. The Shiv Sena has dominated the BMC for the past three decades. However, this is the first election since the Shiv Sena split into two factions. The prominent Shinde faction is now facing the BMC elections in alliance with the BJP. Though Uddhav Thackeray had been a key player in the BMC elections, the Shiv Sena (UBT) had won only 21 seats in the 2024 assembly elections. Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) too has been a significant factor in the BMC, but in 2017 BMC elections, the number of MNS corporators was reduced from 28 to seven. In the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, the MNS failed to win a single MLA. But now, after 20 years, the Thackeray brothers (Uddhav and Raj Thackeray) have come together for the BMC elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) is contesting on 163 seats, and MNS has fielded candidates on 52 seats. For the duo, this is a battle for supremacy as both Raj and Uddhav Thackeray faced no success in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BMC is important for Uddhav Thackeray's party because the BMC has increased the party's strength. Shiv Sena started in cities, and Mumbai has played the most important role in it, according to regional experts. Hence, for Uddhav, this is not only a question of his political existence but also a question of his legitimacy as the heir of Shiv Sena. After counting of votes began on Friday morning, the BJP and ally Shiv Sena (Shinde) were ahead in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections as per early trends. Exit polls have predicted a sweep for the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the elections to 29 municipal corporations held on Thursday. A voter turnout of 52.94 per cent was recorded in the Mumbai civic polls, down from 55.53 per cent in the last elections in 2017, officials said on Friday. Here are five latest updates from municipal corporations across Maharashtra as counting progresses: 1. As per Marathi media reports, the BJP was leading in 42 BMC seats, while Shiv Sena (UBT) was ahead in 33. Shiv Sena (Shinde) was leading in 17, Congress in 4, and the MNS in 2 seats. NCP (SP), NCP (Ajit), and VBA were leading in none, while others were leading in 3 seats. 2. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the BJP was ahead in 9 seats, Shiv Sena (Shinde) in 5, NCP (Ajit) in 1, Shiv Sena (UBT) in 4, Congress in 2, and NCP (SP) in 1 seat. 3. In Thane, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance was in control, leading in 18 seats. The Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP was ahead in 5 seats here, while Shiv Sena (UBT) was ahead in 3. 4. In Solapur, the BJP was comfortably ahead in 32 seats, while the Shiv Sena (Shinde) was leading in 7. Congress was leading in two, and all of the other players are yet to open their accounts. 5. In Latur, the Congress was ahead in 16 seats, while its ally VBA was not leading in any seats. The BJP was ahead in five seats, Lokmat said in a report. 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). Brian Moynihan made a grim warning about stablecoins. During a Jan. 15 earnings call, the Bank of America CEO told analysts that as much as $6 trillion in deposits could migrate from the United States banking system into stablecoins, roughly 30% to 35% of total U.S. commercial bank deposits. Moynihan attributed the projection to U.S. Treasury Department studies. It comes at a time when tensions between lawmakers, regulators, and financial institutions over how interest-bearing stablecoins could reshape the countrys banking landscape. Related: Wall Street wins payments battle on Capitol Hill Stablecoins resemble money market funds, says Moynihan Moynihan likened stablecoin structures to money market mutual funds, explaining that reserves are typically held in short-term instruments such as U.S. Treasurys rather than recycled into traditional lending. If you take out deposits, theyre either not going to be able to loan or theyre going to have to get wholesale funding, and that wholesale funding will come at a cost, Moynihan said. The Bank of America chief warned that a massive deposit exodus could undermine banks ability to issue credit to households and businesses, a cornerstone of U.S. economic activity. Moynihans remarks coincided with renewed legislative focus on stablecoins. The latest version of the Senate crypto market structure bill, released by Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott on Jan. 9, includes provisions banning digital asset service providers from paying interest or yield to users for simply holding stablecoins. More News: However, the draft legislation allows activity-based rewards, such as incentives linked to staking, liquidity provision, or collateral posting. Over 70 amendments were reportedly filed ahead of a planned committee markup this week, reflecting intense lobbying from both crypto and banking sectors. Beyond banking concerns, the bill has also drawn scrutiny from the crypto industry and privacy advocates. A Galaxy Research report warned it could bring about the single largest expansion to financial surveillance authorities since the USA PATRIOT Act, granting sweeping new powers to the Treasury Department over digital asset transactions. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced on Wednesday that the exchange could no longer support the bill, arguing that it would kill rewards on stablecoins. The counting for the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is progressing, with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti maintaining a decisive lead. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena alliance is putting up a tough fight, by retaining its seats in traditional strongholds. While writing this report, the BJP is leading in 88 seats and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in 28 seats. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena is the second largest party, leading in 66 seats, and his cousin Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is leading in six seats. Though the BJP-led Mahayuti has managed to attain the majority mark, Uddhav Sena is hoping that things could flip in their favour. Elections for the 227-member civic body, India's largest and richest, were held on Thursday and counting was taken up on Friday. In the evening, the BJP celebrated its massive victory in the elections, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserting next Mumbai mayor will be from the saffron party. "The BJP and Mahayuti are going to form their 25 mayors after these elections," he said. We have received a record-breaking mandate in many municipal corporations and it underscores that people want honesty and development. That is why people voted for the BJP," Fadnavis claimed, as the BJP-led alliance has managed to topple not only the Thackerays in BMC, but the Pawars as well in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation polls. The BJP's performance has been excellent this election. The party contested 137 seats and is leading in 90 seats. Though the BJP was hoping to touch the triple-digit mark, it does not seem to have happened. The Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS combine has managed to take decisive lead in Marathi speakers' strongholds in civic wards spread across assembly segments of Mahim, Sewree, Worli in Mumbai, besides Bhandup and Vikhroli in the eastern suburbs. However, the alliance, announced a few days before the January 15 polls, failed to make any impact in satellite cities of Mumbai -- Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Bhayander, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Ulhasnagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar and Panvel - all part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) - one of the most urbanised belts of the country. The alliance also failed to make any impact in cities like Nashik and Pune. On the other hand, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena contested 90 seats but is leading only in 28, despite the fact that more than 50 corporators of the united Shiv Sena had joined the Shinde faction after it was formed in 2022, and most of them were given tickets. In a setback to Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, the Supreme Court has rejected his petition challenging the Lok Sabha Speakers decision to admit a motion seeking his removal and to constitute an inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The top courts refusal to entertain the plea clears the way for the statutory inquiry process to continue, keeping the judge under an institutional cloud and sharpening the spotlight on judicial accountability mechanisms. Justice Varma had approached the Supreme Court questioning the Speakers decision to admit the motion, the first formal step under the impeachment framework and the consequential formation of an inquiry committee meant to examine the allegations levelled against him. However, the Supreme Court has now made it clear that it will not intervene at this stage, signalling judicial reluctance to derail the constitutional and statutory process once Parliament has initiated proceedings. What Justice Varma challenged At the heart of Justice Varmas petition was a challenge to the Speakers discretion and authority in admitting the motion and triggering the inquiry mechanism under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. Under the constitutional scheme, a judge of the higher judiciary can be removed only by a special majority in Parliament on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. The Judges (Inquiry) Act lays down the procedural pathway beginning with a notice/motion backed by the required number of MPs, followed by the Speakers decision on whether to admit it. Once the Speaker admits the motion, the law contemplates the formation of a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the allegations. Justice Varmas attempt was essentially aimed at stopping this inquiry from being constituted or continuing. Why the Supreme Courts refusal matters The Supreme Courts rejection does not amount to a declaration on guilt or innocence. Instead, it is a procedural and institutional decision, the court is declining to interrupt Parliaments jurisdiction once the motion has been admitted. This is a crucial point. The judiciary is often cautious about being seen as interfering with legislative processes, particularly those rooted in constitutional functions like impeachment. While courts can, in rare circumstances, test procedural legality or constitutional boundaries, the refusal here suggests the bench found no ground to stall the Speaker-led process at this preliminary stage. For Justice Varma personally, the immediate consequence is stark: the inquiry will proceed, and his effort to secure an early judicial shield has failed. With the Supreme Court stepping aside, Justice Varmas defence now shifts almost entirely to the inquiry committee. That forum will examine the factual foundation of the allegations, and the judge will have to respond in detail, through legal representation and documentary evidence. This makes the committee phase decisive. If the committee exonerates him, the impeachment motion is likely to lose momentum. If it holds the charges proved, Parliaments final step, debate and voting becomes politically and institutionally far more probable. Now, the pressure to step aside increases Although the law does not automatically suspend a judge when a motion is admitted, the continuation of proceedings increases pressure both from within the system and from public discourse for the judge to refrain from judicial work until clarity emerges. This is often done informally to protect the credibility of ongoing adjudication and prevent allegations from affecting court functioning. With the Supreme Court rejecting the plea, the likely next steps are: - Formal constitution/continuation of the inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 - Framing of charges and submission of Justice Varmas defence - Recording of evidence and hearings - Committee report with findings If charges are proved, Parliament may take up the motion for final debate and voting. Turkmenistan's foreign ministry on Wednesday notified that an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, Rona (IMO: 8301852), had sunk in the Caspian Sea. According to AIS data, the freighteroften mistakenly called the Obanhad been en route from Iran's Amirabad Port to Russia's Astrakhan Port. This comes after the country's Coast Guard Services received an SOS from the vessel, which they said had been "suffering" in the Caspian Sea. The Iranian-flagged dry cargo ship Rona has reportedly sunk in the Caspian Sea off the coast of Turkmenistan while en route from Iran to Astrakhan, Russia. There is no official info on cause at this time, but the vessel was on fire and sinking at the stern (engine room) before pic.twitter.com/Df74PCNCue OSINT Intuit (@UKikaski) January 14, 2026 Turkmen agencies stated that they immediately took the necessary emergency response and prevention measures, in order to rescue the vessel's 14 crew members, who were at risk of sinking with it. The foreign ministry notification added that Indians had been among the crew members onboard the sinking vessel, apart from Iranians. "At present, the Turkmen side is undertaking all relevant procedures in accordance with the international rules," Ashgabat added. Visuals circulating online showed smoke issuing from the centre of the ship, before it listed (tilted to one side) backwards along its stern (engine room), and sunk. The Rona was part of a maritime route servicing Iranian ports and the Russian ports of Astrakhan, Makhachkala, and Azov, according to a Maritime Executive report, citing Ukrainian news channel Astra. Since this route somewhat aligns with the shipping route used for the deliveries of Iranian arms to Russia in its war with Ukraine, the sinking of the Rona led to speculations that it had been involved in one such operation. Authorities have not yet released other details about the cargo vessel. The nature of the cargo it carried has also raised concerns of potential pollution risks in the landlocked Caspian Sea. The Syrian armed forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are once again exchanging fire in eastern Aleppo province, signalling a dangerous escalation after days of clashes in and around the northern city. Although no casualties were immediately reported, the fighting underscores a deepening deadlock between Damascus and the SDF over the future of tens of thousands of Kurdish fighters and the fate of Syrias fragile post-war order. The Syrian army has declared a swathe of territory east of Aleppo a closed military zone, a move that formalises what has long been an uneasy frontline. Eastern Aleppo province marks the fault line between areas held by the central government and the vast stretches of north-eastern Syria controlled by the SDF. What is unfolding there now represents the most serious challenge to Syrias stability since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, exposing the limits of a transition that promised unity but has delivered mistrust. The current crisis started on January 6, when fighting broke out in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods that had remained semi-autonomous even after the rest of Aleppo returned to government control. These areas were the last parts of the city to be fully integrated, and their status was meant to be resolved through a power-sharing deal reached last March. That agreement envisaged the gradual incorporation of Kurdish institutions and SDF fighters into the national framework by the end of 2025. Instead, negotiations collapsed, and the streets of Aleppo became the battleground for a political failure. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Around 1.5 lakh people were displaced as fighting spread through densely populated districts. Estimates of the death toll vary widely, from at least 21 civilians to more than 100 people when combatants are included. After days of violence, a ceasefire allowed the government to reassert full control over the city. The interior ministry brokered the evacuation of more than 400 Kurdish fighters and wounded personnel to the SDFs de facto autonomous zone in the north-east. At the same time, the detention of some 300 Kurds, including members of local security forces, has further vitiated the atmosphere. With Aleppo itself being brought under government control, the conflict has moved further eastward into the rural areas. The armys declaration of a closed military zone now covers the areas around Deir Hafer and Maskana, roughly 50 to 60 kilometres from the city. This corridor is strategically important, linking government-held western Syria to the SDF-controlled north-east. Damascus has issued an ultimatum, demanding that all armed groups withdraw east of the Euphrates. The SDF, seeking to slow or deter any advance, has destroyed three bridges connecting its territory to government areas. Heavy machine-gun fire and drone strikes have been reported near villages such as Humaymah and Zubayda, raising fears that a limited confrontation could quickly widen. At the heart of the violence lies the failure of integration. The March 2025 deal was always ambitious, requiring the absorption of an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 SDF fighters into a reconstituted national army. President Ahmed al-Sharaas Islamist government has struggled to reassure Kurdish leaders that their forces would not be marginalised or broken up. Disputes over command structures, deployment and the future of the SDFs autonomous administration have proved insurmountable so far. Ideology and history have compounded these tensions. Elements within the new Syrian army include former Turkey-backed rebel factions with a long record of hostility towards Kurdish forces. Kurdish officials have accused the government of incorporating extremists into its ranks, with senior figures warning that the presence of fighters linked to the Islamic State amounts to a declaration of war. Regional and international pressures are further inflaming the crisis. Turkey, a crucial ally of the new Syrian authorities, continues to view the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party and has openly welcomed operations in Aleppo. The United States, meanwhile, is caught in a difficult position as it remains the SDFs main partner against residual Islamic State cells. At the same time, the Trump administration has cultivated close ties with al-Sharaas government and is pressing Kurdish leaders to accept the integration deal, even as fighting intensifies. The repercussions are being felt across the north-east. In Qamishli, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets, burning portraits of Al-Sharaa, often referring to him by his former nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, as well as images of Turkish officials. There are concerns that what began in Aleppo could turn into a broader assault on the autonomous region itself. The US on Thursday reiterated its intention to hit Iran, with its envoy to the UN stating US President Donald Trump was "a man of action" and said "all options are on the table." The statement comes amid reports that Trump was having second thoughts about launching an attack on the Islamic Republic. However, a report that appeared on Thursday night in the New York Times stated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressured Trump to postpone the planned attack. The report noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally requested Trump to reconsider the attack plan. White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt confirmed that a conversation did take place between the two, but refused to comment on the content of the conversation. According to the report, Netanyahu spoke with Trump on Wednesday - the same day that the US president said he received information from "very important sources on the other side" that Iran had stopped killing protesters and was not continuing executions. This seems to indicate that Trump is backing down from a possible US attack on Iran, which he has been considering for days. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Trump was informed by Netanyahu that an attack on Iran would not necessarily lead to the fall of the regime and that the army needed additional forces. Sources later told Fox News that various levels of U.S. forces and aircraft carriers are being moved to the Middle East. Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said tonight that "I spoke with the Iranians yesterday, and we were concerned about the mass hangings of protesters. The president announced that it was canceled, and it will not take place." "I hope there is a diplomatic solution to the Iranian issue," Witkoff continued. "Uranium enrichment, ballistic missiles, they have to reduce their stockpile, and their proxies, Iran is in a serious economic problem, a lot of problems, if they want to return to the family of nations, they have to solve this diplomatically because the alternative is very bad." According to reports, the US realised that the price of the attack would be heavier than they thought, and decided in the meantime to return to the diplomatic channel, partly out of the understanding that the counter-reaction would harm American bases, Israel, and the energy industry in the Gulf. The problem of the protest's leadership and the security apparatus's loyalty to the Iranian regime also contributed to the decision, as did the Netanyahu-Trump conversation, in which the Prime Minister said that the timing was not right. White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt confirmed that Trump did speak with Netanyahu. The truth is that only Trump knows what he is going to do, and a small team of advisers. He continues to monitor and understands that as a result of his words, 800 executions were canceled and lives were saved, and he will continue to make sure that happens." President Donald Trump said tonight that any military action against Iran would be swift and decisive. According to the sources, the president told his advisers that if such an action were taken, he expected it to deal a decisive blow to the Iranian regime. At the same time as the report, Trump gave an interview to the Reuters news agency, in which he said that "the regime in Iran may collapse," but added, "Any regime can fall. Whether it happens or not, it is going to be an interesting time." The presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump by the Venezuelan opposition leader has raised the Nobel Committees eyebrows, sparking questions about the award's protocol. The committee, in a statement, said that the prizes "cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others." Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met with Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday. While accepting the gift, Trump said it's a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. It was my Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela...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! Trump said. What the committee said A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot, said the committee. The #NobelPeacePrize medal. It measures 6.6 cm in diameter, weighs 196 grams and is struck in gold. On its face, a portrait of Alfred Nobel and on its reverse, three naked men holding around each others shoulders as a sign of brotherhood. A design unchanged for 120 years. Did pic.twitter.com/Jdjgf3Ud2A Nobel Peace Center (@NobelPeaceOslo) January 15, 2026 One truth remains...Once a Nobel Peace Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time, the committee added. Machados meeting with Trump came days after the US carried out a military strike in Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro. On previous occasions, too, Machado has expressed her gratitude to Trump and said that she would give her Nobel Prize to Trump. After presenting the award to Trump, Machado said that the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize is a recognition for his unique commitment to our freedom. Trump had long eyed the Nobel Prize, and he has openly said that he deserved it as he had taken credit for ending eight wars, including the India-Pakistan conflict in 2025. Trump said that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for each war he had ended. I have a different reading of Machados gesture. She invoked a foundational episode: two centuries ago, Lafayette presented Simon Bolivar with a medal bearing George Washington's likeness. Bolivar kept it with him at all times as a sign of alliance among the struggles for freedom Aldo Civico, Ph.D. (@AldoCivico) January 16, 2026 When former US President Barack Obama was bestowed with the Nobel, Trump contested that he didnt do anything to deserve the honour. I can't think of anybody in history that should get the Nobel Prize more than me, and I don't want to be bragging, but nobody else settled wars, Trump had said. Machado's gesture got the Internet talking, too, with many social media users commenting on the 'gifting'. "She bows to him, gives Nobel prize. She hopes, he in return, supports her as the new Venezuelan leader. He realises not the same as earned. He goes unhinged, deal broken. They hate each other. Lose-lose situation. The committee should revoke the prize," wrote an X user. The gold in the medal is probably worth $20,000, that's why he wants it, said one user. Listen, if we gladly give away our oil and mineral resources, be my guest and take this medal too. We will give away everything, for freedom of left dictatorship. You can take and keep Delcy Rodriguez, her brother, and all the you-know-whos too!," said another user. In what new direction can one take the spy comedy genre a genre that has so many entries, from different countries, that it now seems an impossible or near-impossible task to pull off one? Vir Das shows, with his directorial debut, that the genre still remains a fertile ground for never-before-seen gags. There is a lot to laugh at in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, but being a movie that relies on cringe comedy, there are many instances that land and some that don't. But when it works, it really works. It would be difficult to come up with comparison points for Happy Patel because, while featuring some familiar elements, it has a singular identity. It's not exactly Borat, but it's not Johnny English either. Because Vir Das is Vir Das, not Sacha Baron Cohen or Rowan Atkinson. He is basically playing an Indian guy from Britain who has to pretend to be an "Indian" in Goa to pull off a rescue operation. It throws a lot of awkward humour jokes at you with admirable daring, perhaps with the hope that at least some of them would hit the spot. And they do indeed, at times. But the ones I loved most involve wordplay and mannerism-based. Vir Das's 'Happy' is an aspiring spy who failed the MI7 exam "seven times". He also happens to be a straight man with slightly effeminate traits, perhaps because he was brought up by two gay men. Speaking of, gay jokes are aplenty in this movie, but they never verge on homophobic. Of course, some of them are unfunny simply because they are bland, not because they are offensive. And, yes, it doesn't shy away from fart and puke jokes either. Again, not all of it works. One of the areas where it scores highly is the manner in which it mines jokes out of Das's British accent-tinted Hindi diction. It's even funnier when they show the exact words and lines as "English" subtitles rather than showing their meanings. It goes without saying that a translation is essential to realise how some of the most common Hindi words can be slightly tweaked to mean something else while fitting comfortably with the ideas that Das and his team have in mind. The one where chidiya is replaced with ch***ya, for example. Its self-aware/meta nature also provides enough opportunities for laugh-out-loud humour. It's not scared to have some of its character inform you that "the movie you're about to see will be in Hindi" when Das is sent from UK to India to spy on a female Goan don who is still seeking vengeance for the death of her father (you'll be shocked to know who plays him!) at the hands of Happy's dad...s. There's also time for some sweet-cute romance between Happy and Mithila Palkar's character Rupa. There's a dance sequence that earns points for its innovative choreography, built around a joke about a woman slapping a man. And it helps that both Das and Palkar have an innate charm and endearing quality that automatically render them a lovely pair. And Imran Khan gets a cameo appearance in a hilarious fight sequence where Das lets the former get all the attention. In short, Happy Patel is a good (if not great) time at the movies, if you gel with comedies like The Party (with Peter Sellers), The Naked Gun, and, of course, anything from Rush Hour to Delhi Belly to the Seth Rogen brand of humour. Film: Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos Director: Vir Das, Kavi Shastri Cast: Vir Das, Mithila Palkar, Sharib Hashmi, Mona Singh Rating: 3/5 New Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) The Supreme Court's ruling on Thursday, upholding Indian tax authorities' demand for capital gains tax on Tiger Global's exit from e-commerce company Flipkart in 2018, signals a stricter approach to tax treaty interpretation, which could dampen foreign investment as they will reassess holding structures and exit strategies, tax experts said. The Supreme Court reversed the 2024 Delhi High Court judgement and ruled that the transaction of the Tiger Global Mauritius entity selling shares (indirect transfer) of Flipkart Singapore is exigible to tax in India. Tiger Global International II, III, and IV Holdings (TGI) are Mauritius-based private companies established to conduct investment activities on behalf of Tiger Global Management LLC (TGM), a US-based company. TGI had acquired shares in Flipkart Singapore between 2011 and 2015, which derived substantial value from assets located in India. Tiger Global exited from Flipkart in 2018, when Walmart Inc. acquired a controlling stake in the Indian e-commerce company. Nangia Global Partner Sandeepp Jhunjhunwala said the Supreme Court verdict signals a stricter approach to tax treaty interpretation and a heightened emphasis on economic substance over legal form. The Supreme Court, while allowing the tax department's appeal in the Tiger Global matter, held that the mere possession of a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) does not preclude a detailed enquiry where an interposed entity is alleged to be a conduit for tax avoidance. "It sets out a clear prompt for investors to reassess holding structures and exit strategies, potentially dampening foreign investment appetite and altering how future M&A transactions involving India inbound are structured. This approach reinforces the principle that treaty benefits are available only to genuine tax residents, not to layered structures created to secure unintended tax advantages. "Where the evidence demonstrates that intermediary entities function merely as conduits, lacking real economic purpose, decision-making authority, or business activity, the Revenue could pierce the structure and deny treaty protection," Jhunjhunwala said. Grant Thornton Bharat Tax Partner Richa Sawhney said the landmark verdict in the Tiger Global case makes it clear that a Tax Residency Certificate is no longer a guaranteed gateway to treaty relief. The SC ruling stresses that the structuring of business arrangements must be anchored in law and supported with commercial rationale. "The ruling reinforces the significance of the anti-avoidance framework and substance-driven treaty interpretation. Taxpayers should re-assess their existing arrangements in light of the principles laid down by this decision," Sawhney said. Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan attorneys Executive Partner L Badri Narayanan said the SC judgment marks a significant shift toward substance over form in India's tax regime and also raises critical questions about what constitutes adequate commercial substance, creating uncertainty for global investors. "Multinational enterprises must urgently revisit their holding structures and governance frameworks to mitigate tax risks. Clear guidance will be essential to maintain investor confidence and ensure India remains an attractive destination for cross-border investments," he said. BTG Advaya Head (Tax) Amit Baid said the SC ruling has serious implications for private equity funds, hedge funds and FPIs using Mauritius and Singapore-based structures, including for pre-2017 investments. While it does not automatically reopen closed cases, it significantly strengthens the tax department's hand in reassessment proceedings where permitted by law. EY India, National Leader, International Tax and Transaction Services, Pranav Sayta, said while the SC Judgement relates to capital gains arising to a taxpayer seeking the benefit of the India Mauritius Treaty, the principles laid down in the judgment are likely to impact taxpayers from various jurisdictions, including, for instance, taxpayers seeking relief under the India Singapore treaty. The Tiger Global case concerns the US investment firm's exit from Flipkart in 2018, following Walmart's buyout. Following the Walmart purchase in 2018, TGI transferred certain shares to Tiger Global Fit Holdings S.A.R.L. (a Luxembourg-based buyer) and recognised capital gains. TGI held valid Tax Residency Certificates and Category 1 Global Business License issued by Mauritian authorities. TGI filed applications with tax authorities in India for the issuance of a 'Nil' withholding tax certificate prior to the consummation of the transfer of shares. However, the tax department denied benefits under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Mauritius. Subsequently, TGI filed applications before the Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) to determine the taxability of capital gains on the sale of shares under the Income-tax Act, 1961, read with the DTAA. The AAR refused to admit the applications, holding that the 'head and brain' of TGI was not situated in Mauritius but in the USA, and the transactions were prima facie designed for tax avoidance. The Delhi High Court, by its judgment dated August 28, 2024, overturned the AAR's ruling and upheld the assessee's entitlement to DTAA benefits, holding that the transaction is protected by the DTAA's grandfathering provisions. The HC observed that the TRCs and satisfaction of the Limitation-of-Benefits (LOB) provisions are sacrosanct in the absence of demonstrable fraud, sham transactions or other indicia of treaty abuse. Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Get Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by investment analysts at BMO Capital Markets from $31.00 to $36.00 in a report released on Monday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a market perform rating on the oilfield services companys stock. BMO Capital Markets price target would suggest a potential upside of 9.79% from the companys previous close. Several other research firms have also commented on HAL. UBS Group upped their price objective on Halliburton from $24.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. HSBC set a $30.00 price target on shares of Halliburton and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Zacks Research raised shares of Halliburton from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Bank of America raised their target price on Halliburton from $24.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on Halliburton from $25.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Two 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 data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $33.57. Get Halliburton alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on HAL Halliburton Stock Performance NYSE HAL traded down $0.25 on Monday, reaching $32.79. 9,752,877 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 18,015,135. Halliburton has a fifty-two week low of $18.72 and a fifty-two week high of $33.72. 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 firm has a market cap of $27.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.72 and a beta of 0.78. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $28.19 and a 200-day moving average price of $24.74. Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data 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. The business had revenue of $5.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.39 billion. Halliburton had a return on equity of 20.12% and a net margin of 5.91%.The companys revenue was down 1.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.73 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Halliburton will post 2.64 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Halliburton news, EVP Lawrence J. Pope sold 100,000 shares of Halliburton stock in a transaction on Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.25, for a total transaction of $3,225,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 419,800 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,538,550. The trade was a 19.24% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Van H. Beckwith sold 8,854 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.89, for a total transaction of $246,938.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 333,528 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,302,095.92. This represents a 2.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 268,854 shares of company stock valued at $7,915,138 in the last 90 days. 0.56% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Halliburton Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in HAL. Capital Research Global Investors grew its holdings in Halliburton by 81.8% in the 3rd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 91,030,451 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $2,239,349,000 after buying an additional 40,969,139 shares in the last quarter. Strive Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Halliburton during the 3rd quarter valued at about $418,738,000. Holocene Advisors LP purchased a new position in Halliburton during the third quarter worth about $147,315,000. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Halliburton in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $109,379,000. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Halliburton by 85.5% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 8,610,870 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $175,490,000 after buying an additional 3,969,759 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.23% of the companys stock. Key Stories Impacting Halliburton 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. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX Get Free Report) had its target price raised by research analysts at BMO Capital Markets from $55.00 to $68.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the natural resource companys stock. BMO Capital Markets price objective suggests a potential upside of 13.48% from the stocks current price. Several other research analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. HSBC reduced their price target on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $50.00 to $48.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Freeport-McMoRan in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $55.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Bank of America upgraded Freeport-McMoRan from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $42.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Freeport-McMoRan from $54.00 to $48.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $54.30. Get Freeport-McMoRan alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on FCX Freeport-McMoRan Price Performance FCX stock traded down $0.43 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $59.92. 18,274,864 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 21,665,992. The stock has a market cap of $86.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.20, a P/E/G ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 1.45. The company has a current ratio of 2.45, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Freeport-McMoRan has a one year low of $27.66 and a one year high of $60.71. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $47.09 and a 200 day simple moving average of $44.30. Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The natural resource company reported $0.50 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $6.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.74 billion. Freeport-McMoRan had a net margin of 7.97% and a return on equity of 7.84%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.38 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Freeport-McMoRan will post 1.68 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Freeport-McMoRan In other news, CAO Ellie L. Mikes sold 9,572 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.66, for a total transaction of $456,201.52. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 38,761 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,847,349.26. This represents a 19.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CAO Stephen T. Higgins sold 28,423 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.99, for a total value of $1,364,019.77. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 105,294 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,053,059.06. The trade was a 21.26% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 0.75% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Freeport-McMoRan A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan in the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Freeport-McMoRan in the second quarter worth about $28,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC raised its position in Freeport-McMoRan by 1,962.9% in the third quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 722 shares of the natural resource companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 687 shares during the period. JPL Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Freeport-McMoRan in the third quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Pilgrim Partners Asia Pte Ltd bought a new position in shares of Freeport-McMoRan during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $36,000. 80.77% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Freeport-McMoRan Company Profile (Get Free Report) Freeport-McMoRan Inc is a U.S.-based natural resources company primarily engaged in the exploration, mining and processing of copper, gold and molybdenum. Its operations encompass large-scale open-pit and underground mining as well as associated concentrator and milling facilities. The company produces copper in the form of concentrates and cathodes, and also recovers gold and molybdenum as co-products; its business model includes exploration, development, mining, beneficiation and the sale of bulk commodities to smelters and industrial customers. Freeport-McMoRan conducts operations and development activities across multiple geographies, with substantial assets in the Americas and Indonesia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Freeport-McMoRan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freeport-McMoRan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. In Tuesday trading, Davita (DVA), a leading provider of dialysis services, and Berkshire Hathaways (BRK.B) 16th-largest holding, hit its 23rd new 52-week low of the past 12 months at $104.24. Down 37% over the past year, newly-appointed CEO Greg Abel could be looking to accelerate the holding companys sale of Davita stock as we hit the midway point of 2026s first month. More News from Barchart Berkshire first acquired 2.68 million shares of Davita in Q4 2011. Its holdings maxed out at 38.57 million at the end of Q4 2014. Its been selling in dribs and drabs over the last two years, with its most recent sale on Oct. 27, 2025, unloading 401,514 shares at an average price of $135.36. As a result of the latest sale, Berkshire owns 31.76 million shares of Davita, accounting for 1.1% of its $315 billion equity portfolio, but more importantly, it still owns 45.0% of the company. My quick estimate is that Berkshire paid about $60 per share for its DaVita stock. While its made money on its investment, the gains may be starting to slip away. Now that Greg Abel is CEO, not Warren Buffett, and Todd Combs has moved on, leaving Ted Weschler as the sole portfolio manager, it could be an opportune time to lock in profits and unload the entire stake. Should they or shouldnt they? Heres my two cents. It Totally Makes Sense to Cut Bait Some holdings in Berkshire's portfolio have delivered substantial gains despite some lean yearsAmerican Express (AXP) and Coca-Cola (KO), the holding companys second- and fourth-largest holdings, come to mind. Others, like Davita, have been hit-or-miss, delivering big moves up and down since 2015. For example, in June 2015, its share price was around $85, only to lose half that by May 2019. Over the next two years, its share price increased nearly threefold, only to give back almost half of those gains over the next 18 months. A glance at its income statement shows that in the 14 years Berkshire has owned Davita stock, the Denver-based company has grown its revenue by 98%, from $6.73 billion in 2011 to $13.32 billion in the 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2025, a 5.0% CAGR (compound annual growth rate). Meanwhile, its EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) has increased by 86% (4.5% CAGR over the same period). 3M (NYSE:MMM Get Free Report) had its price objective lowered by stock analysts at Wolfe Research from $197.00 to $196.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the conglomerates stock. Wolfe Researchs price objective would indicate a potential upside of 14.65% from the companys previous close. Other equities research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of 3M from $176.00 to $183.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of 3M from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $199.00 to $178.00 in a report on Monday, December 8th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of 3M in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of 3M from $160.00 to $169.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price target on shares of 3M from $184.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $175.40. Get 3M alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on MMM 3M Trading Up 0.6% Shares of NYSE:MMM traded up $0.96 during trading on Thursday, reaching $170.95. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,909,217 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,738,572. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $165.90 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $159.24. 3M has a 12 month low of $121.98 and a 12 month high of $174.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $90.81 billion, a PE ratio of 27.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.54. 3M (NYSE:MMM Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The conglomerate reported $2.19 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.07 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $6.32 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.25 billion. 3M had a net margin of 13.70% and a return on equity of 98.47%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.98 earnings per share. 3M has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.950-8.05 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that 3M will post 7.8 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, EVP Mark W. Murphy sold 19,061 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $166.55, for a total value of $3,174,609.55. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 6,594 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,098,230.70. This represents a 74.30% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Zoe L. Dickson sold 13,826 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.78, for a total value of $2,347,378.28. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 6,162 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,046,184.36. This trade represents a 69.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 46,516 shares of company stock valued at $7,836,465 over the last ninety days. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On 3M A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MMM. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of 3M by 15.8% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 12,137 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $1,848,000 after purchasing an additional 1,652 shares in the last quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd boosted its holdings in 3M by 12.0% during the second quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd now owns 40,875 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $6,218,000 after buying an additional 4,384 shares in the last quarter. Duncan Williams Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in 3M during the second quarter worth about $425,000. Fairfield Financial Advisors LTD acquired a new position in 3M during the second quarter worth about $1,303,000. Finally, Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC increased its holdings in 3M by 2.1% in the second quarter. Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors LLC now owns 77,624 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $11,817,000 after buying an additional 1,595 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.25% of the companys stock. 3M Company Profile (Get Free Report) 3M Company, originally founded in 1902 as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is a diversified global technology and manufacturing firm headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. Over its history the company has expanded from mineral mining into a broad portfolio of industrial, safety, healthcare and consumer products, building a reputation for applied science and product innovation across many end markets. 3Ms businesses span a wide range of product categories including adhesives and tapes, abrasives, filtration and separation technologies, personal protective equipment such as respirators, medical and dental products, industrial and automotive solutions, and a suite of consumer brands (for example, well-known office and home products). See Also Receive News & Ratings for 3M Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 3M and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by equities researchers at TD Cowen from $330.00 to $350.00 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the stock. TD Cowens price target would indicate a potential upside of 9.46% from the stocks previous close. A number of other analysts also recently commented on GE. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on GE Aerospace from $271.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an outperform rating on shares of GE Aerospace in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of GE Aerospace from $320.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Wolfe Research boosted their target price on shares of GE Aerospace from $280.00 to $330.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on shares of GE Aerospace from $300.00 to $340.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, GE Aerospace has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $314.00. Get GE Aerospace alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on GE Aerospace GE Aerospace Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:GE traded up $0.87 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $319.75. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,968,119 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,299,730. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $304.33 and a 200 day moving average of $289.32. GE Aerospace has a twelve month low of $159.36 and a twelve month high of $332.79. The firm has a market capitalization of $337.28 billion, a PE ratio of 42.69, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.40. GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The company reported $1.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.46 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $11.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.29 billion. GE Aerospace had a net margin of 18.34% and a return on equity of 34.01%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 26.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.15 earnings per share. GE Aerospace has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.000-6.200 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that GE Aerospace will post 5.4 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other GE Aerospace news, SVP Russell Stokes sold 8,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $297.71, for a total value of $2,381,680.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 150,434 shares in the company, valued at approximately $44,785,706.14. This trade represents a 5.05% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On GE Aerospace Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of GE Aerospace by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 91,989,511 shares of the companys stock worth $23,677,180,000 after purchasing an additional 1,482,069 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its position in GE Aerospace by 0.7% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 44,577,642 shares of the companys stock worth $13,425,562,000 after buying an additional 308,730 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in GE Aerospace by 3.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 24,113,967 shares of the companys stock worth $6,181,956,000 after buying an additional 724,559 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors grew its holdings in GE Aerospace by 16.2% in the 3rd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 21,442,810 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,449,731,000 after buying an additional 2,995,054 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of GE Aerospace in the 2nd quarter worth $3,408,828,000. 74.77% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. More GE Aerospace News Here are the key news stories impacting GE Aerospace this week: About GE Aerospace (Get Free Report) GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) is the aerospace business of General Electric, focused on the design, manufacture and support of aircraft engines, integrated propulsion systems and related aftermarket services. The company serves commercial airlines, airframers, business and general aviation operators, and defense customers, providing propulsion solutions for a broad range of aircraft types from single?aisle airliners to widebody and military platforms. Its product portfolio includes a family of commercial and military jet engines as well as spare parts, components and systems engineering. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for GE Aerospace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GE Aerospace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) had its price target increased by TD Cowen from $520.00 to $600.00 in a report released on Wednesday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the aerospace companys stock. TD Cowens price objective suggests a potential upside of 3.83% from the companys previous close. Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. BNP Paribas Exane started coverage on Lockheed Martin in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an outperform rating and a $550.00 target price on the stock. BNP Paribas raised shares of Lockheed Martin to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $543.00 target price (down previously from $630.00) on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $513.00 to $580.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Robert W. Baird boosted their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $500.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Two 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 assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $538.53. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on LMT Lockheed Martin Stock Up 0.9% Lockheed Martin stock traded up $5.15 on Wednesday, hitting $577.85. 1,688,275 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,607,705. Lockheed Martin has a 1 year low of $410.11 and a 1 year high of $579.60. The firm has a market cap of $133.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.26, a price-to-earnings-growth 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. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $478.53 and its 200 day simple moving average is $470.20. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The aerospace company reported $6.95 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.62. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 5.73% and a return on equity of 111.84%. The business had revenue of $18.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $18.45 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $6.84 earnings per share. The businesss revenue 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, sell-side analysts forecast that Lockheed Martin will post 27.15 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other Lockheed Martin news, COO John Frank A. St sold 7,792 shares of the 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 trade represents a 99.99% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Lockheed Martin Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Tableaux LLC lifted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 34,231.4% during the 2nd quarter. Tableaux LLC now owns 623,115 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $288,589,000 after buying an additional 621,300 shares in the last quarter. Sanders Capital LLC purchased a new position in Lockheed Martin during the third quarter valued at approximately $252,699,000. First Trust Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 286.1% during the 3rd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 503,428 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $251,316,000 after purchasing an additional 373,027 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 169.3% during the second quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 572,272 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $265,030,000 after purchasing an additional 359,748 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canoe Financial LP bought a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $166,403,000. 74.19% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Lockheed Martin News Roundup 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. Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA (OTCMKTS:JRONY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 3,908 shares, a drop of 77.4% from the December 15th total of 17,261 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 51,236 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 51,236 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Kepler Capital Markets raised shares of Jeronimo Martins SGPS from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Jeronimo Martins SGPS has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Jeronimo Martins SGPS alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Jeronimo Martins SGPS Jeronimo Martins SGPS Trading Up 1.7% JRONY stock traded up $0.78 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $47.55. 15,103 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 27,040. Jeronimo Martins SGPS has a one year low of $37.74 and a one year high of $54.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 0.58. The company has a market cap of $14.96 billion, a PE ratio of 21.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 0.91. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $48.37 and its 200-day moving average price is $49.26. Jeronimo Martins SGPS (OTCMKTS:JRONY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.02. Jeronimo Martins SGPS had a return on equity of 21.15% and a net margin of 1.83%.The business had revenue of $10.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.61 billion. Research analysts predict that Jeronimo Martins SGPS will post 2.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Jeronimo Martins SGPS (Get Free Report) Jeronimo Martins SGPS is a Portugal-based corporate group engaged primarily in food distribution and retail. Through its flagship Pingo Doce banner in Portugal, the company operates a network of full-service supermarkets and convenience outlets offering fresh produce, grocery items, and private-label products. In addition, its cash-and-carry arm, Recheio, supplies wholesale and hospitality professionals with a broad range of food and non-food goods. Beyond its home market, Jeronimo Martins has established a significant presence in Poland under the discount supermarket brand Biedronka. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Jeronimo Martins SGPS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jeronimo Martins SGPS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF (NYSEARCA:SPXV Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 2,419 shares, a decrease of 79.5% from the December 15th total of 11,802 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 948 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.6 days. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 948 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.6 days. ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA SPXV traded up $0.27 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $75.54. 2,611 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,001. The stock has a market capitalization of $36.26 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.44 and a beta of 1.06. The companys 50-day moving average price is $74.36 and its 200-day moving average price is $72.43. ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF has a 1-year low of $51.95 and a 1-year high of $76.04. Get ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Cozad Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $203,000. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $216,000. Western Wealth Management LLC raised its position in ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF by 3.7% in the second quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,151 shares of the companys stock worth $349,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF by 815.0% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 13,835 shares of the companys stock valued at $938,000 after purchasing an additional 12,323 shares in the last quarter. ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF Company Profile The ProShares S&P 500 ex-Health Care ETF (SPXV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Ex-Health Care index, a market-cap-weighted index of US large-cap stocks, excluding firms in the healthcare sector. SPXV was launched on Sep 22, 2015 and is managed by ProShares. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProShares S&P 500 EX-Health Care ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alibaba Group (NYSE:BABA Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Nomura from $215.00 to $193.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the specialty retailers stock. BABA has been the subject of several other reports. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on Alibaba Group from $200.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Susquehanna boosted their price objective on Alibaba Group from $175.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on Alibaba Group from $153.00 to $174.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. Benchmark reissued a buy rating and issued a $195.00 price target on shares of Alibaba Group in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Alibaba Group from $218.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Seventeen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Alibaba Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $190.68. Get Alibaba Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on BABA Alibaba Group Trading Up 0.6% Institutional Inflows and Outflows Alibaba Group stock traded up $1.08 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $170.98. 12,580,429 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 17,282,980. The firm has a market capitalization of $407.98 billion, a PE ratio of 23.62, a PEG ratio of 3.56 and a beta of 0.37. 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 firms 50 day simple moving average is $155.94 and its 200 day simple moving average is $147.13. Alibaba Group has a twelve month low of $81.82 and a twelve month high of $192.67. Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Ameriflex Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Alibaba Group by 101.4% in the third quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 143 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. bought a new stake in Alibaba Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Foster Dykema Cabot & Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Alibaba Group in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. NBT Bank N A NY boosted its holdings in Alibaba Group by 231.5% in the 3rd quarter. NBT Bank N A NY now owns 179 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the period. Finally, Palisade Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Alibaba Group during the 3rd quarter valued at $37,000. Institutional investors own 13.47% of the companys stock. More Alibaba Group News Here are the key news stories impacting Alibaba Group this week: About Alibaba Group (Get Free Report) Alibaba Group Holding Limited is a Chinese multinational conglomerate founded in 1999 in Hangzhou, China, by Jack Ma and a group of co?founders. 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 high?profile 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. Further Reading 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. Public Storage (NYSE:PSA Get Free Report) had its price target dropped by equities researchers at The Goldman Sachs Group from $332.00 to $321.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price suggests a potential upside of 9.39% from the companys current price. PSA has been the subject of several other research reports. Barclays set a $331.00 target price on Public Storage in a research note on Tuesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Public Storage from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $325.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, October 13th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Public Storage in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Mizuho cut their target price on shares of Public Storage from $310.00 to $285.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Public Storage from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, January 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $315.56. Get Public Storage alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Public Storage Public Storage Trading Up 2.0% Shares of PSA traded up $5.67 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $293.44. 1,192,622 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,138,151. Public Storage has a fifty-two week low of $256.54 and a fifty-two week high of $322.49. The business has a 50-day moving average of $269.59 and a 200-day moving average of $282.61. The firm has a market capitalization of $51.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.82 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.99, a current ratio of 0.45 and a quick ratio of 0.45. Public Storage (NYSE:PSA Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $4.31 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.24 by $0.07. Public Storage had a net margin of 39.53% and a return on equity of 36.09%. The business had revenue of $1.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.21 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $4.20 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 5.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Public Storage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 16.700-17.000 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Public Storage will post 16.7 EPS for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Public Storage Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its position in Public Storage by 13.3% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 3,186 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $954,000 after acquiring an additional 373 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Public Storage by 10.5% in the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 2,255 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $662,000 after purchasing an additional 214 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Public Storage by 74.6% in the second quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 440 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $129,000 after purchasing an additional 188 shares in the last quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Public Storage by 582.1% during the second quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 4,959 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,455,000 after buying an additional 4,232 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC boosted its position in shares of Public Storage by 4.1% during the second quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 9,535 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,798,000 after buying an additional 373 shares during the last quarter. 78.79% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Trending Headlines about Public Storage Here are the key news stories impacting Public Storage this week: Neutral Sentiment: Valuation/market-note: A recent piece questions whether PSAs current market price matches discounted?cash?flow and P/E valuation signals, providing investors a fresh valuation perspective that can support buying interest if the stock looks cheap relative to DCF/P?E metrics. Is Public Storage (PSA) Pricing Reflect Its DCF And P/E Valuation Signals Today Valuation/market-note: A recent piece questions whether PSAs current market price matches discounted?cash?flow and P/E valuation signals, providing investors a fresh valuation perspective that can support buying interest if the stock looks cheap relative to DCF/P?E metrics. Neutral Sentiment: Dividend tax clarity: Public Storage confirmed that all 2025 distributions (common and preferred series) were classified 100% as ordinary dividends (no capital gain distributions). That removes uncertainty around tax characterization for 2025 payouts and is useful for income investors doing tax planning. Public Storage Announces Tax Treatment of 2025 Dividends Dividend tax clarity: Public Storage confirmed that all 2025 distributions (common and preferred series) were classified 100% as ordinary dividends (no capital gain distributions). That removes uncertainty around tax characterization for 2025 payouts and is useful for income investors doing tax planning. Negative Sentiment: Analyst downward revisions: Zacks Research cut multiple near?term and full?year EPS estimates (Q1, Q2, Q3 2027 and FY2026/FY2027), trimming FY2027 from $18.30 to $17.58 and lowering several quarterly forecasts a signal that some sell?side views are becoming more cautious about growth/operating trends, which may pressure sentiment if revisions continue. Analyst downward revisions: Zacks Research cut multiple near?term and full?year EPS estimates (Q1, Q2, Q3 2027 and FY2026/FY2027), trimming FY2027 from $18.30 to $17.58 and lowering several quarterly forecasts a signal that some sell?side views are becoming more cautious about growth/operating trends, which may pressure sentiment if revisions continue. Negative Sentiment: Insider transaction: A report shows Rep. Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. sold PSA shares. While single insider sales arent uncommon and arent definitive on company fundamentals, such filings can be read negatively by some investors until context (size, timing) is known. Rep. Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. Sells Public Storage (NYSE:PSA) Stock About Public Storage (Get Free Report) Public Storage (NYSE: PSA) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in self-storage services. Headquartered in Glendale, California, the company was founded in the early 1970s and has grown through development and acquisitions to become one of the largest owner-operators of self-storage facilities in the United States. It is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker PSA. The companys core business is the ownership, operation and management of self-storage properties that serve both residential and commercial customers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Public Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Public Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Estee Lauder Companies (NYSE: EL) in the last few weeks: 1/14/2026 Estee Lauder Companies had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $110.00 to $120.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/14/2026 Estee Lauder Companies had its price target raised by analysts at UBS Group AG from $105.00 to $119.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/14/2026 Estee Lauder Companies is now covered by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc.. They set a hold rating and a $110.00 price target on the stock. 1/5/2026 Estee Lauder Companies had its price target raised by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $95.00 to $111.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. 1/5/2026 Estee Lauder Companies was upgraded by analysts at Raymond James Financial, Inc. from a market perform rating to a strong-buy rating. They now have a $130.00 price target on the stock. 12/17/2025 Estee Lauder Companies had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $105.00 to $110.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 12/16/2025 Estee Lauder Companies was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating. 12/16/2025 Estee Lauder Companies had its price target raised by analysts at Evercore ISI from $115.00 to $125.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 11/25/2025 Estee Lauder Companies was downgraded by analysts at Rothschild Redb from a hold rating to a strong sell rating. 11/25/2025 Estee Lauder Companies was downgraded by analysts at Rothschild & Co Redburn from a neutral rating to a sell rating. They now have a $70.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $83.00. 11/22/2025 Estee Lauder Companies was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating. Estee Lauder Companies Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. Estee Lauder Companiess payout ratio is currently -54.26%. Get The Estee Lauder Companies Inc alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Estee Lauder Companies In other Estee Lauder Companies news, VP Meridith Webster sold 5,430 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.84, for a total value of $476,971.20. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Barry S. Sternlicht sold 3,972 shares of Estee Lauder Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.83, for a total transaction of $364,748.76. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 34,812 shares in the company, valued at $3,196,785.96. This trade represents a 10.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 13.05% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE: EL) is a global leader in prestige beauty that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. Founded in 1946 by Estee Lauder, the company has grown from a small family business into a multinational consumer-products enterprise headquartered in New York City. Its activities span product research and development, brand and product marketing, manufacturing and global distribution across multiple retail channels. The companys portfolio includes a mix of legacy and prestige brands that target different consumer segments and price points, with well-known names such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer and Jo Malone among others. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for The Estee Lauder Companies Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Estee Lauder Companies Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by investment analysts at Jefferies Financial Group from $78.00 to $79.00 in a note issued to investors on Tuesday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the stock. Jefferies Financial Groups target price would suggest a potential upside of 14.98% from the companys previous close. Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $71.00 to $70.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays lowered their target price on McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $82.00 to $72.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised McCormick & Company, Incorporated from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $75.00 price target for the company in a report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $83.00 to $82.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, September 25th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $76.63. Get McCormick & Company Incorporated alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on McCormick & Company, Incorporated McCormick & Company, Incorporated Stock Performance Insider Buying and Selling Shares of MKC stock traded up $0.14 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $68.71. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,759,619 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,159,823. The stock has a market cap of $18.44 billion, a PE ratio of 23.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.02 and a beta of 0.62. McCormick & Company, Incorporated has a 12-month low of $62.64 and a 12-month high of $86.24. The company has a 50 day moving average of $66.67 and a 200 day moving average of $68.27. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. In other McCormick & Company, Incorporated news, major shareholder Lawrence Erik Kurzius sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.43, for a total transaction of $3,371,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 246,762 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,639,161.66. This represents a 16.85% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Brendan M. Foley sold 57,144 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.56, for a total transaction of $3,746,360.64. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 108,652 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,123,225.12. The trade was a 34.47% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 146,158 shares of company stock worth $9,635,824 in the last quarter. Insiders own 23.80% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of McCormick & Company, Incorporated A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of MKC. Norges Bank purchased a new position in McCormick & Company, Incorporated in the 2nd quarter valued at about $249,087,000. Invesco Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 66.7% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 6,232,337 shares of the companys stock valued at $417,006,000 after acquiring an additional 2,494,544 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its holdings in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 67.2% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,797,533 shares of the companys stock valued at $187,183,000 after acquiring an additional 1,124,003 shares during the last quarter. Alecta Tjanstepension Omsesidigt lifted its position in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 94.7% in the second quarter. Alecta Tjanstepension Omsesidigt now owns 1,779,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $134,795,000 after acquiring an additional 865,500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 5.1% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 15,522,816 shares of the companys stock worth $1,038,632,000 after acquiring an additional 747,844 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.74% of the companys stock. 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. Read More 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. Builders FirstSource (NYSE:BLDR Get Free Report) had its target price lifted by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from $146.00 to $150.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,MarketScreener reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price suggests a potential upside of 16.50% from the companys previous close. A number of other analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their target price on shares of Builders FirstSource from $134.00 to $131.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Builders FirstSource from $123.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. Zacks Research raised shares of Builders FirstSource from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Jefferies Financial Group cut Builders FirstSource from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $138.00 to $110.00 in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Builders FirstSource from $124.00 to $115.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $133.87. Get Builders FirstSource alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on BLDR Builders FirstSource Trading Up 1.9% NYSE BLDR traded up $2.37 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $128.75. The stock had a trading volume of 2,008,335 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,234,578. Builders FirstSource has a one year low of $94.35 and a one year high of $175.12. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $107.46 and a 200 day simple moving average of $121.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.52, a P/E/G ratio of 15.17 and a beta of 1.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a current ratio of 1.79. Builders FirstSource (NYSE:BLDR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.69 by $0.19. Builders FirstSource had a return on equity of 21.28% and a net margin of 3.79%.The firm had revenue of $3.94 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.86 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $3.07 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Builders FirstSource will post 11.59 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of BLDR. Capital International Investors purchased a new position in Builders FirstSource in the third quarter worth $429,640,000. Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Builders FirstSource by 2,498.8% during the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,854,525 shares of the companys stock valued at $224,861,000 after purchasing an additional 1,783,164 shares during the last quarter. Sands Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Builders FirstSource by 139.1% in the 3rd quarter. Sands Capital Management LLC now owns 2,430,902 shares of the companys stock worth $294,747,000 after purchasing an additional 1,414,129 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in Builders FirstSource by 235.1% during the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,893,483 shares of the companys stock worth $229,585,000 after buying an additional 1,328,363 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in Builders FirstSource during the 2nd quarter valued at about $147,994,000. Institutional investors own 95.53% of the companys stock. Builders FirstSource Company Profile (Get Free Report) Builders FirstSource, Inc is a leading supplier of structural and value-added building products and services to professional contractors, homebuilders and remodelers. The company provides a comprehensive range of materials and prefabricated components that support all phases of residential construction, from site development and framing to finishing and installation. The companys core offerings include lumber and lumber sheet goods, windows and doors, millwork, roofing and siding, and engineered wood products such as roof and floor trusses. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Builders FirstSource Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Builders FirstSource and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. From my perspective, just personally, it reinforced the value that Schneider places on Cowan's identity. But also through acquisition, it's given us the opportunity to really grow under their ownership as a subsidiary company. So with Cowan, our differentiator is the lightweight fleet, and part of that comes with that brand reputation, and we're known for being a heavy-haul carrier. But we're also well known for a high level of service execution as well. So from a just-in-time service perspective, we want to maintain those foundational values of the Cowan organization throughout, and Schneider definitely supported that and allowed that to happen throughout the post-acquisition phase. When we went through the process of selling the Cowan organization, it was extremely important to preserve the brand to the extent that we could. It was extremely important to the Schneider team to preserve our brand. We have a strong reputation. We have a loyal customer and driver base. Preserving our brand really ensured a seamless transition. It provided no disruptions to customers or employees. The partnership between the two organizations, really, we went into this with a tenet of improving the customer and employee experience. We've done that in particular in areas like maintenance, driver recruitment and, to some extent, technology. We've been able to leverage Schneiders size, scale and industry experience to really bring some of the added value solutions in those areas to the Cowan organization. It's really strengthened our ability to really deliver dedicated solutions. The way they've done that is really leveraging their expertise and their expansive support network. And youve got to remember, Cowan, for 100 years, was a privately held, regional carrier, but Schneider, obviously having a presence across the entire U.S., really has given us an opportunity, by virtue of acquisition, to expand our operating geography. As for Cowan, now a subsidiary of Schneider, it has opened opportunities for its existing customers, according to Steve Wells, president of Cowan. Retaining the carriers brand also has translated to a smooth transition. Lire la suite Did this combination open opportunities for some of Cowans existing customer base? Absolutely. I think the interesting part of the Cowan side of the equation is that we did have some customers that Schneider had very little or no business relationship with at time of acquisition. So it's given us an avenue for our incumbent customers to have access to more freight solutions. When you think about Cowan's niche in the business, it was really dedicated-van fleets. Schneider brings a whole host of services, from intermodal and specialty haulage, a robust brokerage operation and supply chain management. A lot of those solutions where we didn't necessarily have those capabilities at all, or very limited capabilities in a space, it's really expanded that for us. So when you look at the customer experience, in the past, Cowan would have not pursued some of those opportunities with our customers. That's allowing us the opportunity to really pursue some of those alternative needs from our customers. And at the same token, Schneider is opening up their customer base to us as well, so we have access to their customer base. I think the year since the deal, one of the bigger benefits we've experienced is really just that our sales and ops teams have really integrated well. It's given us an opportunity to collaborate and maximize opportunities. I know from the calendar side, we take a lot of pride in customizing solutions for existing and prospective clients. For Cowan and Schneider, it just really provides more tools in the toolbox to expand beyond our traditional service area west of the Mississippi. Did the combination help with employee recruitment and retention? Having been an acquirer in the past, in our legacy privately held company of Cowan, we made several acquisitions during the history of the company. So I certainly had that perspective of it going into this, but I had not been the acquiree. I've seen where acquisitions have gone sideways in the past. From my perspective, the transition was really smooth, really, thanks to extensive pre-work, due diligence leading up to the announcement. There was a really good communication plan that we collaborated on. It didn't hurt that we shared the same values. We have similar cultures. So that really made the integration easier. It was natural. And from a retention standpoint for the Cowan employees viewpoint, being part of a larger organization like Schneider has created more career development opportunities. That's really positively impacted employee engagement. There's a level of excitement because as a small, privately held carrier, there are only so many career paths that you could take within an organization. The biggest impact on retention was just the prospects of more career opportunities across a broad network and the Schneider services across the country. Whats next for Cowan and Schneider going forward? From an operating strategy standpoint, there's obviously so much I could share. But what I will say is from the Cowan perspective, we're excited really about the opportunities that are ahead and have a lot of support from Schneider. We're positioned to really capitalize on an improving freight market and really grow our dedicated operations. So if you retrospectively look at Cowan, in the past several years, obviously, being a privately held company, with all the pressures that you experience in the industry, we were somewhat capital constrained. We had to limit our investment in the business as part of just being a responsible fiduciary to the organization. Looking forward, we're really going to expand our services, especially our specialized services. We have a lot of interest in our lightweight and just-in-time solutions, especially into new geographies. We're already in progress in the first quarter of an expansion into new territories, which really includes the Gulf Coast and Texas market, and that was driven by demand from incumbent, key clients who needed our services in new areas. That's a good example of what the acquisition has meant to Cowan. Giving us that ability to really expand into a new geography that traditionally, we would not have participated in in the past. There's also that strong, pent up demand from a lot of our customers who have enjoyed the level service we provided over the years, but have been somewhat capped in their ability to expand business with us. A lot of those handcuffs have been removed, and it's given us an opportunity to really ramp up our sales efforts. Recommended Reading General Dynamics (NYSE:GD Free Report) had its price target upped by Wolfe Research from $400.00 to $415.00 in a research note published on Monday,MarketScreener reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the aerospace companys stock. Several other research analysts have also recently weighed in on GD. Morgan Stanley set a $385.00 price target on shares of General Dynamics in a report on Monday, October 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a $400.00 target price on shares of General Dynamics in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a market perform rating and set a $398.00 price target on shares of General Dynamics in a research report on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on General Dynamics from $380.00 to $385.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of General Dynamics from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 4th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $366.70. Get General Dynamics alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on GD General Dynamics Price Performance GD stock traded up $2.60 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $368.60. 1,462,130 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,639,632. General Dynamics has a 52-week low of $239.20 and a 52-week high of $368.78. The company has a market capitalization of $99.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.89, a P/E/G ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 0.87. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $343.54 and a 200-day moving average price of $329.58. General Dynamics (NYSE:GD Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 24th. The aerospace company reported $3.88 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.69 by $0.19. The company had revenue of $12.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.49 billion. General Dynamics had a net margin of 8.18% and a return on equity of 18.27%. General Dynamicss revenue for the quarter was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.35 earnings per share. General Dynamics has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.300-15.35 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that General Dynamics will post 14.83 earnings per share for the current year. General Dynamics Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a $1.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. General Dynamicss dividend payout ratio is currently 38.89%. Insider Buying and Selling In other General Dynamics news, VP David Paddock sold 20,360 shares of General Dynamics stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $334.92, for a total transaction of $6,818,971.20. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 36,644 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,272,808.48. This trade represents a 35.72% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 1.50% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On General Dynamics Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Truist Financial Corp increased its stake in General Dynamics by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 286,456 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $83,548,000 after purchasing an additional 1,370 shares during the period. Pure Financial Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of General Dynamics by 52.4% during the second quarter. Pure Financial Advisors LLC now owns 9,181 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $2,678,000 after purchasing an additional 3,156 shares during the period. Davis Capital Management bought a new position in shares of General Dynamics in the third quarter worth approximately $1,007,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of General Dynamics by 20.9% in the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 299,137 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $87,246,000 after buying an additional 51,655 shares during the period. Finally, Nomura Holdings Inc. increased its stake in shares of General Dynamics by 77.3% in the second quarter. Nomura Holdings Inc. now owns 22,000 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $6,417,000 after buying an additional 9,592 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.14% of the companys stock. Trending Headlines about General Dynamics Here are the key news stories impacting General Dynamics this week: General Dynamics Company Profile (Get Free Report) General Dynamics is a major American aerospace and defense contractor that designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of products and services for government and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered in the United States (Reston, Virginia), the company supplies platforms and systems used by armed forces, civil authorities and private operators across multiple domains including air, land, sea and cyber. Its principal activities span several operating businesses: a business aviation unit that develops and supports Gulfstream business jets; land systems that produce armored combat vehicles and related logistics and sustainment services; marine systems that design and construct submarines and surface ships for navies; and mission systems and information technology operations that provide command-and-control, communications, cybersecurity and systems-integration services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for General Dynamics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Dynamics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IWS Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $147.40 and last traded at $147.6440, with a volume of 27908 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $146.96. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF Stock Up 0.6% The businesss fifty day moving average is $141.68 and its 200-day moving average is $138.80. The company has a market cap of $14.99 billion, a PE ratio of 19.11 and a beta of 1.02. Get iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of IWS. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF by 0.4% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 3,759,738 shares of the companys stock valued at $496,812,000 after purchasing an additional 16,361 shares during the period. TIAA Trust National Association grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. TIAA Trust National Association now owns 3,427,479 shares of the companys stock valued at $478,709,000 after acquiring an additional 34,466 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 2,823,287 shares of the companys stock valued at $394,329,000 after acquiring an additional 48,211 shares during the period. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. increased its holdings in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. now owns 2,698,999 shares of the companys stock worth $376,969,000 after acquiring an additional 80,032 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its stake in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,128,123 shares of the companys stock worth $149,477,000 after acquiring an additional 36,938 shares during the period. 80.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell Midcap Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell Midcap Value Index (the Value Index). The Value Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market. The Value Index is a subset of the Russell Midcap Index and measures the performance of equity securities issued by those Russell Midcap Index companies with relatively lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO Get Free Report) Director Cary Mcmillan sold 1,896 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.21, for a total value of $49,694.16. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. American Eagle Outfitters Stock Performance AEO traded up $0.13 on Thursday, hitting $25.81. The company had a trading volume of 6,016,573 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,672,599. The stock has a market cap of $4.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.35 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.63 and a quick ratio of 0.59. The companys fifty day moving average price is $23.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $17.46. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. has a 1-year low of $9.27 and a 1-year high of $28.46. Get American Eagle Outfitters alerts: American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 2nd. The apparel retailer reported $0.53 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $1.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.32 billion. American Eagle Outfitters had a net margin of 3.90% and a return on equity of 13.82%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.48 earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. will post 1.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. American Eagle Outfitters Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, January 9th will be given a dividend of $0.125 per share. This represents a $0.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. American Eagle Outfitterss payout ratio is currently 43.10%. AEO has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on American Eagle Outfitters in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. They issued a neutral rating and a $25.00 price target on the stock. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of American Eagle Outfitters from $31.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of American Eagle Outfitters from $18.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $23.00 target price on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on American Eagle Outfitters from $20.00 to $24.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, American Eagle Outfitters presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $22.45. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on AEO Institutional Trading of American Eagle Outfitters Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in American Eagle Outfitters by 24.8% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 162,243 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $1,885,000 after acquiring an additional 32,191 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its stake in shares of American Eagle Outfitters by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 105,726 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $1,229,000 after purchasing an additional 4,599 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its holdings in shares of American Eagle Outfitters by 1,238.2% in the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 52,551 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $611,000 after buying an additional 48,624 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its stake in American Eagle Outfitters by 9.6% in the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 15,937 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $185,000 after buying an additional 1,398 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Voya Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in American Eagle Outfitters by 29.4% in the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 142,328 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $1,654,000 after buying an additional 32,305 shares in the last quarter. 97.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About American Eagle Outfitters (Get Free Report) American Eagle Outfitters, Inc (NYSE: AEO) is a leading American specialty retailer offering apparel, accessories and personal care products for men and women. The companys flagship brand, American Eagle, focuses on casualwear including denim, tops, outerwear and accessories targeted primarily at teens and young adults. In addition to its core apparel lines, the company operates the Aerie brand of intimates, loungewear and swimwear, which has gained recognition for its body-positive marketing and inclusive sizing. American Eagle Outfitters conducts business through a combination of over 900 brick-and-mortar stores in North America and Greater China, complemented by a growing e-commerce platform that serves customers around the globe. Read More Receive News & Ratings for American Eagle Outfitters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Eagle Outfitters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $120.4650, but opened at $112.05. Bank Hapoalim shares last traded at $112.05, with a volume of 848 shares. Bank Hapoalim Trading Up 1.2% The stock has a market cap of $33.15 billion, a PE ratio of 12.76 and a beta of 1.16. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $113.28 and a 200-day moving average price of $102.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 0.93. Get Bank Hapoalim alerts: Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 20th. The bank reported $2.68 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $1.99 billion during the quarter. Bank Hapoalim had a net margin of 21.60% and a return on equity of 14.60%. Bank Hapoalim Cuts Dividend About Bank Hapoalim The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.9362 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a dividend yield of 266.0%. Bank Hapoalims dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 38.62%. (Get Free Report) Bank Hapoalim B.M. is one of Israels largest banking groups, providing a broad range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional customers. Founded in 1921 by the Histadrut labor federation, the bank has developed into a full-service financial institution offering deposit accounts, consumer and mortgage lending, credit cards, payment services, and branch-based retail banking. It also serves small and medium-sized enterprises with working capital and trade finance solutions. In addition to traditional retail banking, Bank Hapoalim operates significant corporate and investment banking divisions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bank Hapoalim Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank Hapoalim and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Franklin FTSE Germany ETF (NYSEARCA:FLGR Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 20,546 shares, a growth of 145.4% from the December 15th total of 8,372 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 30,659 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Approximately 1.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Approximately 1.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 30,659 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Institutional Trading of Franklin FTSE Germany ETF Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Atria Investments Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Franklin FTSE Germany ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $686,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. purchased a new stake in Franklin FTSE Germany ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $793,000. Marotta Asset Management boosted its holdings in shares of Franklin FTSE Germany ETF by 2.5% in the third quarter. Marotta Asset Management now owns 200,165 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,667,000 after acquiring an additional 4,910 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in shares of Franklin FTSE Germany ETF by 8.1% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 44,747 shares of the companys stock worth $1,475,000 after acquiring an additional 3,370 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE Germany ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $2,022,000. Get Franklin FTSE Germany ETF alerts: Franklin FTSE Germany ETF Stock Performance Shares of Franklin FTSE Germany ETF stock traded down $0.13 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $34.14. 15,364 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 49,096. The firm has a market cap of $56.33 million, a PE ratio of 17.93 and a beta of 1.04. The stocks fifty day moving average is $32.96 and its 200 day moving average is $33.02. Franklin FTSE Germany ETF has a 1 year low of $25.70 and a 1 year high of $34.65. About Franklin FTSE Germany ETF The Franklin FTSE Germany ETF (FLGR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE Germany RIC Capped index. The fund offers market cap-based exposure to large- and mid-cap German equities. FLGR was launched on Nov 2, 2017 and is managed by Franklin Templeton. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Franklin FTSE Germany ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin FTSE Germany ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FUCHS SE Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:FUPBY Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $11.1295, but opened at $11.57. FUCHS shares last traded at $11.57, with a volume of 2,190 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of FUCHS in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold. Get FUCHS alerts: Get Our Latest Report on FUPBY FUCHS Trading Up 1.1% The company has a 50-day moving average price of $11.20 and a 200-day moving average price of $11.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a current ratio of 2.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.38, a PEG ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.91. FUCHS (OTCMKTS:FUPBY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.18 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.04 billion. FUCHS had a net margin of 8.30% and a return on equity of 15.46%. As a group, research analysts forecast that FUCHS SE Unsponsored ADR will post 0.61 EPS for the current fiscal year. FUCHS Company Profile (Get Free Report) FUCHS Petrolub SE, traded over the counter under the symbol FUPBY, is a German-based manufacturer specialized in the development, production and marketing of lubricants and related specialty products. Founded in 1931 by Rudolf Fuchs and headquartered in Mannheim, Germany, the company has grown to become the worlds largest independent supplier of lubricants, serving a broad spectrum of industries from automotive and metalworking to mining and renewable energy. The companys product portfolio encompasses engine oils, industrial lubricants, greases, hydraulic fluids, metalworking fluids and process oils, as well as tailor-made solutions for customers specific requirements. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for FUCHS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FUCHS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Scor SE (OTCMKTS:SCRYY Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 24,174 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 66% from the previous sessions volume of 14,522 shares.The stock last traded at $3.31 and had previously closed at $3.39. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades SCRYY has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of Scor in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Zacks Research raised Scor from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. BNP Paribas raised shares of Scor from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Scor in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Scor presently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Scor alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Scor Scor Trading Down 2.7% The company has a market cap of $5.91 billion, a PE ratio of 6.09 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $3.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $3.32. Scor (OTCMKTS:SCRYY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $0.14 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.14. The business had revenue of $4.34 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.75 billion. Scor had a return on equity of 20.01% and a net margin of 5.63%. On average, research analysts anticipate that Scor SE will post -0.01 EPS for the current fiscal year. Scor Company Profile (Get Free Report) SCOR SE, trading over-the-counter as SCRYY, is a leading global reinsurer headquartered in Paris, France. Founded in 1970, the company specializes in providing property & casualty and life & health reinsurance solutions to insurance companies worldwide. By pooling and diversifying risk, SCOR enables its clients to underwrite larger exposures, stabilize loss experience and safeguard their balance sheets against extreme events. The companys main business activities encompass risk underwriting, claims management and portfolio solutions designed to address evolving market needs. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Scor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Polen Capital International Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:PCIG Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 525 shares, an increase of 73.8% from the December 15th total of 302 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 4,387 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 4,387 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Polen Capital International Growth ETF Stock Up 1.1% Shares of PCIG traded up $0.10 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $9.41. The companys stock had a trading volume of 717 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,702. Polen Capital International Growth ETF has a one year low of $8.28 and a one year high of $10.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.91 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.96 and a beta of 0.86. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $9.16 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $9.36. Get Polen Capital International Growth ETF alerts: Polen Capital International Growth ETF Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced an annual dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 30th were paid a dividend of $0.013 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 30th. This represents a yield of 14.0%. Polen Capital International Growth ETF Company Profile The Polen Capital International Growth (PCIG) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund seeks long-term capital growth by actively managing a narrow portfolio of large-cap growth companies issued by countries outside the US. The fund targets firms deemed to have a sustainable competitive advantage. PCIG was launched on Mar 1, 2024 and is issued by Polen. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Polen Capital International Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Polen Capital International Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE:EC Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $11.44 and last traded at $11.3350, with a volume of 857087 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.16. Analyst Ratings Changes EC has been the subject of a number of research reports. Weiss Ratings raised Ecopetrol from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research note on Tuesday. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $8.70 target price on shares of Ecopetrol in a report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Ecopetrol from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.73. Get Ecopetrol alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Ecopetrol Ecopetrol Price Performance Institutional Trading of Ecopetrol The company has a fifty day moving average of $10.08 and a 200-day moving average of $9.39. The firm has a market cap of $23.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.84 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 1.26. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Oaktree Capital Management LP lifted its position in shares of Ecopetrol by 12.3% during the second quarter. Oaktree Capital Management LP now owns 3,549,822 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $31,416,000 after purchasing an additional 387,700 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its stake in Ecopetrol by 9.4% in the 2nd quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 1,190,268 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $10,534,000 after buying an additional 102,505 shares during the last quarter. Candriam S.C.A. bought a new position in shares of Ecopetrol during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $7,443,000. Militia Capital Partners LP lifted its position in shares of Ecopetrol by 16.1% during the 2nd quarter. Militia Capital Partners LP now owns 556,200 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,922,000 after buying an additional 77,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Truffle Hound Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Ecopetrol by 83.3% in the 2nd quarter. Truffle Hound Capital LLC now owns 550,000 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,868,000 after buying an additional 250,000 shares during the last quarter. About Ecopetrol (Get Free Report) Ecopetrol SA (NYSE: EC) is Colombias state-controlled integrated oil and gas company and the countrys largest oil producer. The companys operations span the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the hydrocarbon value chain, including exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, refining of petroleum products, transportation and storage via pipeline networks, and the marketing and sale of fuels and petrochemical feedstocks. Ecopetrol serves domestic demand in Colombia and maintains a portfolio of international investments and partnerships across the Americas. In upstream activities, Ecopetrol focuses on exploration and development of onshore and offshore fields to sustain and grow hydrocarbon production. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ecopetrol Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ecopetrol and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio (NYSE:NXC Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 4,087 shares, a decrease of 44.8% from the December 15th total of 7,405 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 37,873 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 37,873 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Institutional Trading of Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of NXC. Equitable Holdings Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio during the third quarter worth about $165,000. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio by 4.5% in the 4th quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 39,975 shares of the companys stock valued at $528,000 after buying an additional 1,720 shares during the last quarter. Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management acquired a new position in Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio in the 3rd quarter valued at $130,000. Caprock Group LLC purchased a new position in Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio during the 3rd quarter worth $149,000. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp lifted its stake in shares of Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio by 24.1% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 6,489 shares of the companys stock worth $84,000 after acquiring an additional 1,262 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 11.89% of the companys stock. Get Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio alerts: Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Price Performance Shares of NYSE NXC traded up $0.02 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $13.29. 76,961 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 30,403. Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio has a twelve month low of $12.41 and a twelve month high of $13.45. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $13.22 and its 200-day simple moving average is $13.04. Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Dividend Announcement Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Company Profile The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a dividend of $0.043 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.9%. (Get Free Report) Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio (NYSE: NXC) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide investors with a high level of current income exempt from federal regular and California personal income taxes. The fund primarily invests in municipal securities issued by the state of California and its political subdivisions, including general obligation bonds, revenue bonds and other public financings. By focusing on California?issued tax-exempt obligations, the portfolio aims to deliver a tax?advantaged yield profile for individual and institutional shareholders with exposure to the states credit quality. The portfolios investment strategy emphasizes a diversified mix of investment-grade and below investment-grade municipal securities across various sectors such as transportation, utilities, healthcare and education. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen California Select Tax-Free Income Portfolio and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. This story was originally published on CFO.com. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO.com newsletter. Growing up in a small town in India, Rohini Jain never could have imagined how far her career would take her both literally and figuratively in two decades. Even now, family members dont understand what she does or the impact she has as a CFO halfway around the world in San Jose, California. After earning an accounting undergrad and a finance masters degree, Jain discovered her professional passion early in her finance career. Mentors who recognized her work ethic provided crucial career advice and growth opportunities. Confident she could succeed as a CFO, Jain mapped a path to the C-suite. Her route through manufacturing, e-commerce and fintech finance helped her build the hard and soft skills needed for each progressively more responsible next step. Jain reached her goal in 2024 when PayPal named her CFO and senior vice president of its merchant business unit. She left PayPal later in mid-2025 to join Bill, the SMB financial automation software provider, as CFO. Rohini Jain CFO, Bill First CFO position: 2024 Notable previous employers: PayPal Walmart eBay General Electric This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. SANDRA BECKWITH: Your experience encompasses manufacturing, e-commerce and fintech. What was your thought process as you changed industries? ROHINI JAIN: I started in GE manufacturing, which provides the best-in-class finance training. Industrial manufacturing teaches you nitty-gritty operating rigor and discipline, plus the depth of finance overall. I moved to tech companies when people I worked for earlier recruited me for positions offering the right growth opportunities. Especially in the first 10 years of my career, I was very well-mentored by leaders who advised me to take the role that would build the skills I needed to get where I eventually wanted to go, rather than the highest-paying job. Why did Bills leadership think you were the right person for the job? Experience scaling is number one. For example, when I joined PayPal, it was about $10 billion in revenue and had grown to $30 billion when I left after nine years. I have seen the kind of discipline and operational rigor it takes for a company to scale and operate at that level. I also bring deep fintech expertise and an operational mindset. Ive held roles outside of finance, including operations at PayPal, that have provided experience with how products get made, constructing a go-to-market strategy and the key challenges involved with all of it. Site Centers Corp. (NYSE:SITC Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 2,983,218 shares, a drop of 48.5% from the December 15th total of 5,790,749 shares. Approximately 6.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 2,162,530 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.4 days. Based on an average daily volume of 2,162,530 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.4 days. Approximately 6.3% of the companys stock are short sold. Site Centers Price Performance Shares of NYSE SITC traded down $0.07 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $6.27. 806,040 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,574,325. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 1.59. The firm has a market cap of $328.66 million, a PE ratio of 11.19 and a beta of 1.10. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $6.80 and a 200-day simple moving average of $8.91. Site Centers has a fifty-two week low of $6.20 and a fifty-two week high of $15.93. Get Site Centers alerts: Site Centers Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a special dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were given a dividend of $1.00 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently issued reports on SITC. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of Site Centers in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and issued a $8.00 price target (down from $10.00) on shares of Site Centers in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Site Centers from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued 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 Hold and a consensus target price of $10.83. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on SITC Institutional Investors Weigh In On Site Centers A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SITC. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. increased its stake in Site Centers by 7.0% in the 2nd quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 16,778 shares of the companys stock valued at $190,000 after buying an additional 1,092 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Site Centers by 4.4% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 28,217 shares of the companys stock worth $362,000 after acquiring an additional 1,185 shares during the last quarter. State of Tennessee Department of Treasury raised its holdings in shares of Site Centers by 6.7% during the second quarter. State of Tennessee Department of Treasury now owns 20,253 shares of the companys stock worth $229,000 after acquiring an additional 1,274 shares in the last quarter. Creative Planning lifted its holdings in shares of Site Centers by 8.8% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 18,472 shares of the companys stock valued at $209,000 after buying an additional 1,495 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in Site Centers by 11.0% in the third quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 16,788 shares of the companys stock valued at $144,000 after acquiring an additional 1,670 shares during the last quarter. 88.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Site Centers Company Profile (Get Free Report) Site Centers (NYSE:SITC) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the ownership, management and development of grocery-anchored shopping centers. The companys portfolio comprises open-air retail properties that primarily serve daily needs tenants and national retailers. By concentrating on neighborhood and community shopping centers, Site Centers aims to provide stable occupancy levels and resilient income streams driven by essential services such as supermarkets, pharmacies and convenient dining options. Originally known as DDR Corp., the company rebranded as Site Centers in 2021 to emphasize its strategic focus on high-quality retail assets and long-term value creation. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Site Centers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Site Centers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:GNZUF Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 8.2% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $0.50 and last traded at $0.50. 2,700 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 21% from the average session volume of 3,414 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.5444. Guangzhou Automobile Group Stock Down 8.2% The stocks 50 day moving average price is $0.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.44. Get Guangzhou Automobile Group alerts: About Guangzhou Automobile Group (Get Free Report) Guangzhou Automobile Group Co, Ltd. (GAC Group) is a state?owned Chinese automaker headquartered in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Established in 2000 with origins tracing back to vehicle manufacturing activities in the 1950s, GAC Group has grown into one of Chinas leading automotive conglomerates. The company is publicly traded on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges, and its American Depositary Shares trade over the counter under the ticker GNZUF. GAC Groups core business encompasses the design, development, manufacture and sale of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and auto parts. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Guangzhou Automobile Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Guangzhou Automobile Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG Free Report) had its target price boosted by BMO Capital Markets from C$118.00 to C$125.00 in a research report released on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on LUG. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Lundin Gold from C$96.00 to C$111.00 in a report on Monday, December 8th. CIBC lifted their price target on Lundin Gold from C$116.00 to C$123.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on Lundin Gold from C$103.00 to C$108.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Lundin Gold from C$16.00 to C$28.00 in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Raymond James Financial raised their target price on Lundin Gold from C$65.00 to C$80.00 in a report on Friday, October 10th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of C$88.73. Get Lundin Gold alerts: View Our Latest Report on LUG Lundin Gold Stock Performance Shares of Lundin Gold stock opened at C$119.97 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of C$28.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.39 and a beta of 1.21. Lundin Gold has a one year low of C$33.80 and a one year high of C$124.13. The firm has a fifty day moving average of C$113.72 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$93.91. Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported C$0.86 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$622.58 million for the quarter. Lundin Gold had a net margin of 29.56% and a return on equity of 29.88%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Lundin Gold will post 2.5603448 earnings per share for the current year. Lundin Gold Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 22nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 22nd were issued a dividend of $0.7058 per share. This is a boost from Lundin Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. This represents a $2.82 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. Lundin Golds payout ratio is presently 61.48%. Lundin Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lundin Gold Inc is a Canada based company focused on its Fruta del Norte gold operation and developing its portfolio of mineral concessions in Ecuador. The Fruta del Norte deposit is located within a 150 km long copper-gold metallogenic sub-province located in the Cordillera del Condor region in southeastern Ecuador. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Lundin Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lundin Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Carvana (NYSE:CVNA Free Report) had its price objective increased by Bank of America from $455.00 to $515.00 in a report released on Tuesday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock. A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on CVNA. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on shares of Carvana in a research report on Friday, November 21st. They set a buy rating and a $395.00 price objective on the stock. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Carvana in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $460.00 price target on shares of Carvana in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Gordon Haskett cut their price objective on Carvana from $445.00 to $435.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Stephens reissued an overweight rating and issued a $440.00 target price on shares of Carvana in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Nineteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $465.64. Get Carvana alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on CVNA Carvana Stock Performance Shares of CVNA stock opened at $460.44 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $100.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 105.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 3.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 2.55 and a current ratio of 4.05. Carvana has a one year low of $148.25 and a one year high of $485.33. The companys 50-day moving average is $403.76 and its 200 day moving average is $371.25. Carvana (NYSE:CVNA Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.29 by ($0.26). Carvana had a return on equity of 30.62% and a net margin of 3.44%.The firm had revenue of $5.65 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.04 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.64 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 54.5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Carvana will post 2.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Daniel J. Gill sold 80,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $439.50, for a total transaction of $35,160,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 191,106 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $83,991,087. This represents a 29.51% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Thomas Taira sold 30,952 shares of Carvana stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $435.96, for a total value of $13,493,833.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 69,880 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $30,464,884.80. This represents a 30.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 467,626 shares of company stock worth $192,090,109. Corporate insiders own 17.12% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Carvana A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CVNA. Viking Global Investors LP lifted its stake in Carvana by 94.9% in the third quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 2,101,241 shares of the companys stock worth $792,672,000 after acquiring an additional 1,023,265 shares during the last quarter. Sands Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Carvana by 1,374.3% during the 2nd quarter. Sands Capital Management LLC now owns 901,227 shares of the companys stock worth $303,677,000 after purchasing an additional 840,096 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Carvana during the 2nd quarter worth $259,468,000. Invesco Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Carvana by 96.8% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,445,018 shares of the companys stock worth $545,119,000 after purchasing an additional 710,582 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Carvana by 5.4% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 13,454,986 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,075,759,000 after buying an additional 690,756 shares during the last quarter. 56.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Carvana (Get Free Report) Carvana Co is an online-only retailer of used vehicles that operates a consumer-facing e-commerce platform for buying and selling cars. The company markets and sells inspected, reconditioned pre-owned vehicles through its website, where shoppers can browse inventory, view detailed 360-degree photos and vehicle history reports, finance purchases, and arrange delivery or pickup. Carvanas model is built around a digital end-to-end car buying experience that aims to simplify vehicle transactions compared with traditional dealerships. Its products and services include direct retail sales of used cars, trade-in and purchase offers for consumer vehicles, vehicle financing and related protection products, and a seven-day return policy that allows customers to test a vehicle in everyday use. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Carvana Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carvana and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE:ZETA Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fourteen analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and nine 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 $27.75. ZETA has been the topic of several analyst reports. UBS Group set a $29.00 price target on Zeta Global in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Zeta Global from $23.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Zeta Global in a research report on Monday, November 24th. DA Davidson set a $29.00 price objective on Zeta Global in a research report on Monday. Finally, Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of Zeta Global from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Get Zeta Global alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Zeta Global Zeta Global Price Performance Shares of NYSE:ZETA opened at $21.62 on Tuesday. Zeta Global has a twelve month low of $10.69 and a twelve month high of $26.60. The company has a current ratio of 3.01, a quick ratio of 3.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The company has a market cap of $5.20 billion, a PE ratio of -180.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 1.26. The companys 50 day moving average is $19.48 and its 200 day moving average is $18.63. Zeta Global (NYSE:ZETA Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.18 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.19 by ($0.01). Zeta Global had a negative net margin of 1.87% and a negative return on equity of 1.22%. The business had revenue of $337.17 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $327.70 million. During the same period last year, the company earned ($0.09) earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 25.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Zeta Global will post -0.16 EPS for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Zeta Global news, Director Jeanine Silberblatt sold 12,990 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.34, for a total value of $251,226.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 57,850 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,118,819. This represents a 18.34% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 13.02% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Zeta Global A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Advisors Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Zeta Global by 34.2% in the first quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,579 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after purchasing an additional 1,168 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Zeta Global by 4.6% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 106,371 shares of the companys stock worth $1,442,000 after buying an additional 4,631 shares during the period. Caxton Associates LLP purchased a new position in shares of Zeta Global during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $205,000. Woodline Partners LP acquired a new stake in Zeta Global in the 1st quarter valued at $222,000. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in Zeta Global by 71.0% in the 1st quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 142,060 shares of the companys stock worth $1,926,000 after acquiring an additional 58,976 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.75% of the companys stock. About Zeta Global (Get Free Report) Zeta Global, founded in 2007 and headquartered in New York City, is a leading data-driven marketing technology company. The firms mission centers on helping brands acquire, grow and retain customers through a unified customer lifecycle management platform. Over the years, Zeta Global has built a reputation for leveraging big data and predictive analytics to power digital marketing programs across multiple channels. At the core of Zetas offering is the Zeta Marketing Platform, which combines identity resolution, audience insights and real-time engagement capabilities. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Zeta Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zeta Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Free Report) had its target price lifted by Morgan Stanley from $435.00 to $440.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the industrial products companys stock. A number of other brokerages have also recently commented on ROK. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Rockwell Automation from $357.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $439.00 to $466.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on shares of Rockwell Automation from $392.00 to $402.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 21st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Bank of America upped their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $410.00 to $430.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $406.44. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ROK Rockwell Automation Stock Up 0.9% NYSE ROK opened at $420.77 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The company has a market cap of $47.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 54.93, a PEG ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a 50 day moving average of $395.78 and a 200-day moving average of $364.37. Rockwell Automation has a 1-year low of $215.00 and a 1-year high of $425.90. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $3.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.94 by $0.40. Rockwell Automation had a return on equity of 32.69% and a net margin of 10.42%.The business had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.19 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.47 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Rockwell Automation has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.200-12.200 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Rockwell Automation will post 9.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Rockwell Automation Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were given a dividend of $1.38 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. This is a positive change from Rockwell Automations previous quarterly dividend of $1.31. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio is currently 72.06%. Insider Transactions at Rockwell Automation In related news, VP Terry L. Riesterer sold 800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $392.00, for a total transaction of $313,600.00. Following the sale, the vice president owned 1,234 shares of the companys stock, valued at $483,728. This trade represents a 39.33% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Cyril Perducat sold 804 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $402.05, for a total value of $323,248.20. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 5,858 shares in the company, valued at $2,355,208.90. This represents a 12.07% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 88,053 shares of company stock valued at $34,718,919. Corporate insiders own 0.76% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rockwell Automation Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of ROK. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Rockwell Automation by 468.8% during the third quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 91 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Rexford Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in Rockwell Automation during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC grew its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 109.5% during the 4th quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 88 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. increased its position in Rockwell Automation by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 100 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the period. Finally, Legend Financial Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Rockwell Automation in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $39,000. 75.75% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Rockwell Automation News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Rockwell Automation this week: About Rockwell Automation (Get 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. Read More 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. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Wells Fargo & Company from $294.00 to $307.00 in a research note released on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. Wells Fargo & Company currently has an equal weight rating on the insurance providers stock. TRV has been the subject of several other research reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Travelers Companies to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on Travelers Companies from $309.00 to $317.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. UBS Group increased their target price on Travelers Companies from $284.00 to $287.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $304.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Travelers Companies from $302.00 to $305.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $299.69. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on TRV Travelers Companies Stock Performance Shares of TRV stock opened at $270.99 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $286.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $275.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.35 and a quick ratio of 0.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $60.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.66, a P/E/G ratio of 2.60 and a beta of 0.52. Travelers Companies has a 12 month low of $230.43 and a 12 month high of $296.85. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The insurance provider reported $8.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.01 by $2.13. The business had revenue of $12.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.15 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 20.28% and a net margin of 12.14%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $5.24 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Travelers Companies will post 17.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In related news, EVP Maria Olivo sold 8,920 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $295.73, for a total value of $2,637,911.60. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 117,596 shares in the company, valued at approximately $34,776,665.08. This represents a 7.05% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO Daniel S. Frey sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $278.25, for a total transaction of $6,956,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 26,932 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,493,829. This represents a 48.14% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 46,295 shares of company stock worth $13,011,918 over the last three months. 1.46% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of TRV. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Travelers Companies by 1,820.0% during the 2nd quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. now owns 96 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the period. Missouri Trust & Investment Co lifted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 122.2% in the second quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 100 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Delos Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Travelers Companies by 134.1% during the third quarter. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 96 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Travelers Companies by 200.0% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 104 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares in the last quarter. 82.45% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Travelers Companies (Get Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance products and services. The company underwrites a broad range of commercial and personal insurance lines, offering coverage designed to protect individuals, small and midsize businesses, and large corporate clients against property loss, liability, and other operational risks. Travelers is known for combining underwriting, claims management and risk control services to help clients prevent losses and recover when incidents occur. On the commercial side, Travelers writes primary and specialty coverages including property, general liability, commercial auto, workers compensation, professional and management liability, surety and inland marine. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EULAV Asset Management grew its holdings in Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:GPI Free Report) by 8.5% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 28,015 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,200 shares during the quarter. EULAV Asset Managements holdings in Group 1 Automotive were worth $12,257,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its position in Group 1 Automotive by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 7,766 shares of the companys stock worth $2,966,000 after purchasing an additional 227 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Group 1 Automotive by 20.3% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 37,028 shares of the companys stock worth $14,143,000 after buying an additional 6,239 shares during the last quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Group 1 Automotive during the first quarter worth $229,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC increased its holdings in shares of Group 1 Automotive by 6.2% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 41,872 shares of the companys stock worth $15,993,000 after buying an additional 2,452 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Longboard Asset Management LP bought a new position in shares of Group 1 Automotive in the 2nd quarter valued at $204,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.92% of the companys stock. Get Group 1 Automotive alerts: Group 1 Automotive Price Performance Shares of NYSE GPI opened at $397.10 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.89 and a beta of 0.89. The firms 50-day moving average price is $400.81 and its 200-day moving average price is $427.08. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. has a 1-year low of $355.91 and a 1-year high of $490.09. Group 1 Automotive Dividend Announcement Group 1 Automotive ( NYSE:GPI Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $10.45 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $10.64 by ($0.19). The firm had revenue of $5.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.67 billion. Group 1 Automotive had a return on equity of 18.08% and a net margin of 1.67%.Group 1 Automotives revenue for the quarter was up 10.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $9.90 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Group 1 Automotive, Inc. will post 41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Group 1 Automotives payout ratio is presently 7.00%. Group 1 Automotive declared that its board has initiated a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, November 11th that authorizes the company to buyback $500.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to buy up to 10.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have commented on GPI shares. Benchmark reiterated a hold rating on shares of Group 1 Automotive in a research report on Friday, January 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Group 1 Automotive from $435.00 to $410.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Group 1 Automotive from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Barclays started coverage on shares of Group 1 Automotive in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. They issued an overweight rating and a $510.00 price target for the company. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Group 1 Automotive in a research note on Thursday, September 25th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $472.29. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on GPI Group 1 Automotive Profile (Free Report) Group 1 Automotive, Inc (NYSE: GPI) is an international automotive retailer headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company operates an extensive network of franchised dealerships, offering new and pre-owned vehicles from leading domestic and import manufacturers. In addition to vehicle sales, Group 1 Automotive provides a full complement of aftersales services, including finance and insurance products, parts distribution, collision repair centers and vehicle maintenance. Founded in 1997, Group 1 Automotive has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions to establish a presence across the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GPI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE:GPI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Group 1 Automotive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Group 1 Automotive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nicolet Bankshares (NYSE:NIC Get Free Report) and Chain Bridge Bancorp (NYSE:CBNA Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, valuation, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, risk and dividends. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Nicolet Bankshares and Chain Bridge Bancorp, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Nicolet Bankshares alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Nicolet Bankshares 0 1 3 1 3.00 Chain Bridge Bancorp 2 2 0 0 1.50 Nicolet Bankshares presently has a consensus target price of $155.33, suggesting a potential upside of 16.39%. Chain Bridge Bancorp has a consensus target price of $33.00, suggesting a potential upside of 2.14%. Given Nicolet Bankshares stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Nicolet Bankshares is more favorable than Chain Bridge Bancorp. Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Nicolet Bankshares $520.63 million 3.79 $124.06 million $9.34 14.29 Chain Bridge Bancorp $56.65 million 3.74 $20.95 million $2.86 11.30 This table compares Nicolet Bankshares and Chain Bridge Bancorps gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Nicolet Bankshares has higher revenue and earnings than Chain Bridge Bancorp. Chain Bridge Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Nicolet Bankshares, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Volatility & Risk Nicolet Bankshares has a beta of 0.78, indicating that its share price is 22% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Chain Bridge Bancorp has a beta of 0.47, indicating that its share price is 53% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 43.1% of Nicolet Bankshares shares are owned by institutional investors. 16.4% of Nicolet Bankshares shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 25.9% of Chain Bridge Bancorp shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Nicolet Bankshares and Chain Bridge Bancorps net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Nicolet Bankshares 26.39% 12.08% 1.61% Chain Bridge Bancorp 32.83% 12.10% 1.22% Summary Nicolet Bankshares beats Chain Bridge Bancorp on 12 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Nicolet Bankshares (Get Free Report) Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Nicolet National Bank that provides banking products and services for businesses and individuals in Wisconsin and Michigan. The company accepts checking, savings, and money market accounts; various certificates of deposit; and individual retirement accounts. It also offers commercial loans, including commercial, industrial, and business loans and lines of credit; commercial real estate loans; agricultural (AG) production and AG real estate loans; commercial real estate investment real estate loans; construction and land development loans; residential real estate loans, such as residential first lien and junior lien mortgages, home equity loans, lines of credit, and residential construction loans; and consumer loans. In addition, the company provides cash management, international banking, personal brokerage, safe deposit boxes, and trust and fiduciary services, as well as wealth management and retirement plan services. Further, it offers mortgage refinancing; online services, such as commercial, retail, and trust online banking; automated bill payment, mobile banking deposits and account access, and remote deposit capture services; and other services consisting of wire transfers, debit cards, credit cards, pre-paid gift cards, direct deposits, and official bank checks, as well as facilitates crop insurance products. The company was formerly known as Green Bay Financial Corporation and changed its name to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. in March 2002. The company was incorporated in 2000 and is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. About Chain Bridge Bancorp (Get Free Report) Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc. operates as a Delaware-chartered bank holding company for Chain Bridge Bank, National Association that provides commercial and personal banking, and trust services in the United States. Its deposit products include non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. The companys loan portfolio comprises of residential and commercial real estate loans, commercial loans, and consumer loans. It also provides treasury management, payments, trusts and estate administration, wealth management, and asset custody services. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Receive News & Ratings for Nicolet Bankshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nicolet Bankshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue purchased a new stake in TransUnion (NYSE:TRU Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 20,925 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,753,000. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its holdings in shares of TransUnion by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 22,720,864 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,999,436,000 after purchasing an additional 1,046,391 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in TransUnion by 1.5% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 18,539,805 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,631,503,000 after buying an additional 274,903 shares in the last quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in TransUnion by 41.7% during the second quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 4,739,103 shares of the business services providers stock worth $417,041,000 after buying an additional 1,394,813 shares in the last quarter. Independent Franchise Partners LLP increased its holdings in TransUnion by 119.5% in the 2nd quarter. Independent Franchise Partners LLP now owns 4,646,903 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $408,927,000 after buying an additional 2,530,335 shares during the period. Finally, Ninety One UK Ltd raised its stake in shares of TransUnion by 52.6% in the 3rd quarter. Ninety One UK Ltd now owns 3,536,458 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $296,284,000 after buying an additional 1,219,360 shares in the last quarter. Get TransUnion alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other TransUnion news, insider Steven M. Chaouki sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.04, for a total value of $84,040.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 62,592 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,260,231.68. The trade was a 1.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Todd C. Skinner sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.71, for a total transaction of $42,855.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 32,225 shares in the company, valued at $2,762,004.75. The trade was a 1.53% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 8,318 shares of company stock worth $704,958 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.22% of the companys stock. TransUnion Stock Performance NYSE:TRU opened at $85.18 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 1.72. The company has a current ratio of 2.01, a quick ratio of 2.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. TransUnion has a 1 year low of $66.38 and a 1 year high of $101.19. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $84.17 and a 200-day moving average of $86.42. TransUnion (NYSE:TRU Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The business services provider reported $1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.04 by $0.06. TransUnion had a return on equity of 16.05% and a net margin of 9.47%.The firm had revenue of $1.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.13 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.04 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. TransUnion has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.970-1.02 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 4.190-4.250 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that TransUnion will post 3.99 EPS for the current fiscal year. TransUnion Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 8th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st were issued a $0.115 dividend. This represents a $0.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. TransUnions payout ratio is currently 21.50%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of TransUnion from $122.00 to $120.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on TransUnion from $118.00 to $100.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on TransUnion from $104.00 to $105.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. UBS Group set a $90.00 target price on TransUnion and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Seaport Res Ptn upgraded TransUnion to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $101.08. Get Our Latest Stock Report on TRU About TransUnion (Free Report) TransUnion is a global information and insights company that helps businesses and consumers make critical decisions using data and analytics. As one of the three major credit bureaus in the United States, TransUnion collects and aggregates credit information on individuals and businesses, providing credit reports, risk scores and portfolio management tools to financial institutions, lenders, landlords and other decision makers. Its consumer-facing products enable individuals to monitor credit status, detect identity theft and access personalized financial insights. The companys offerings span credit risk assessment, identity management, fraud prevention and marketing solutions. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for TransUnion (NYSE:TRU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TransUnion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransUnion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Release Date: January 14, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Billionbrains Garage Ventures Ltd (NSE:GROWW) has formed a strategic partnership with State Street, which is expected to bring global practices and credibility to its asset management business. The company reported an increase in revenue and earnings per share on a quarter-to-quarter basis, indicating positive financial performance. The wealth management business is in the early stages of integration, with plans to offer services to affluent customers, potentially reducing customer acquisition costs. The company has seen significant growth in its commodities segment, now contributing 4% to the overall top-line. Billionbrains Garage Ventures Ltd (NSE:GROWW) has a strong focus on expanding its product offerings, including mutual funds, PMS, AIF, and insurance, to cater to diverse customer needs. Negative Points Despite revenue growth, net profit has decreased year-on-year due to one-off reversals from the previous year. The company does not plan to distribute dividends in the near future, as it is still in a high growth phase and investing in new businesses. There is a lack of clarity on the market share in the commodities segment due to unavailable premium turnover data. The wealth management business integration is still in early stages, with no immediate traction expected in the next quarter. The company faces challenges in calculating customer acquisition costs due to seasonal marketing spends and varying customer activation rates. Q & A Highlights Q: Can you provide insights on the partnership with State Street and its impact on the AMC business over the next five years? A: Harsh Jain, COO, explained that the partnership with State Street is expected to bring global practices to the asset management business in India, which has significant growth potential. The partnership will help build capabilities faster and provide global access to Indian investors. The focus is on scaling the business and building credibility over time. Q: Why has the system revenue for the wealth piece decreased this quarter compared to last year? A: Harsh Jain, COO, noted that the wealth business is in early stages post-acquisition. The integration is ongoing, and the strategy is being developed to cater to both existing Groww customers and affluent clients. The revenue reporting will become clearer as the integration progresses. Shares of Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the five analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $392.00. A number of brokerages recently issued reports on PIPR. Wolfe Research reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $398.00 target price on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Piper Sandler Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, October 12th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Piper Sandler Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 30th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised Piper Sandler Companies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $368.00 to $386.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Get Piper Sandler Companies alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on PIPR Piper Sandler Companies Stock Up 3.9% Piper Sandler Companies stock opened at $374.90 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $344.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $333.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.25 and a beta of 1.54. Piper Sandler Companies has a 52-week low of $202.91 and a 52-week high of $377.01. Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Get Free Report) last posted its 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. The firm had revenue of $455.31 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $408.40 million. Piper Sandler Companies had a return on equity of 19.91% and a net margin of 13.73%.The firms revenue was up 33.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.57 EPS. Research analysts expect that Piper Sandler Companies will post 14.14 earnings per share for the current year. Piper Sandler Companies Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 25th were issued a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 25th. Piper Sandler Companiess payout ratio is presently 21.10%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, President Debbra L. Schoneman sold 2,500 shares of Piper Sandler Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $330.33, for a total value of $825,825.00. Following the transaction, the president owned 2,896 shares of the companys stock, valued at $956,635.68. The trade was a 46.33% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Katherine Patricia Clune sold 1,367 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $324.69, for a total transaction of $443,851.23. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 10,425 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,384,893.25. This represents a 11.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 11,267 shares of company stock worth $3,763,746. 2.70% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Piper Sandler Companies during the 2nd quarter valued at $59,820,000. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of Piper Sandler Companies by 1,155.7% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 200,149 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $55,630,000 after purchasing an additional 184,210 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Piper Sandler Companies during the second quarter valued at $51,021,000. Wellington Management Group LLP purchased a new stake in shares of Piper Sandler Companies during the third quarter valued at $38,425,000. Finally, Greenwich Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Piper Sandler Companies by 415.1% in the 2nd quarter. Greenwich Wealth Management LLC now owns 104,200 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $28,961,000 after purchasing an additional 83,971 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.79% of the companys stock. Piper Sandler Companies Company Profile (Get 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 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. EULAV Asset Management lifted its stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:AIT Free Report) by 19.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 100,100 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 16,100 shares during the quarter. EULAV Asset Management owned about 0.27% of Applied Industrial Technologies worth $26,131,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of AIT. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $107,228,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $81,722,000. Dundas Partners LLP lifted its stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 12,956.0% in the 2nd quarter. Dundas Partners LLP now owns 266,212 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $61,881,000 after purchasing an additional 264,173 shares during the period. Squarepoint Ops LLC boosted its position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 11,885.4% during the second quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 258,286 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $60,039,000 after purchasing an additional 256,131 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal London Asset Management Ltd. grew its stake in Applied Industrial Technologies by 69.2% in the second quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 393,743 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $91,526,000 after purchasing an additional 161,048 shares during the period. 93.52% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Applied Industrial Technologies alerts: Applied Industrial Technologies Stock Up 1.9% Shares of Applied Industrial Technologies stock opened at $282.98 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $259.48 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $259.61. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.67 billion, a PE ratio of 27.24, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.84 and a beta of 0.87. Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. has a 52-week low of $199.96 and a 52-week high of $283.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 2.50 and a current ratio of 3.55. Applied Industrial Technologies Dividend Announcement Applied Industrial Technologies ( NYSE:AIT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $2.63 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.47 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $1.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.19 billion. Applied Industrial Technologies had a net margin of 8.61% and a return on equity of 21.86%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.36 earnings per share. Applied Industrial Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 10.100-10.850 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. will post 9.9 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Applied Industrial Technologiess dividend payout ratio is currently 17.71%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently weighed in on AIT shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Mizuho set a $305.00 price objective on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $287.50. Get Our Latest Analysis on Applied Industrial Technologies About Applied Industrial Technologies (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 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. New York State Teachers Retirement System reduced its holdings in Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG Free Report) by 6.2% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 108,074 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 7,112 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in Bunge Global were worth $8,781,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Bunge Global during the second quarter valued at $149,380,000. Ilex Capital Partners UK LLP grew its position in Bunge Global by 383.7% during the 2nd quarter. Ilex Capital Partners UK LLP now owns 891,673 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $71,584,000 after purchasing an additional 707,336 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Bunge Global by 719.2% during the 3rd quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 303,928 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $24,694,000 after buying an additional 266,827 shares during the last quarter. Moore Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of Bunge Global during the 2nd quarter valued at about $12,463,000. Finally, AE Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bunge Global by 1,596.3% in the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 163,944 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $13,162,000 after buying an additional 154,279 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.23% of the companys stock. Get Bunge Global alerts: Bunge Global Stock Performance NYSE:BG opened at $108.72 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 1.66. The company has a fifty day moving average of $94.22 and a two-hundred day moving average of $87.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $21.02 billion, a PE ratio of 11.70, a P/E/G ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.78. Bunge Global SA has a fifty-two week low of $67.40 and a fifty-two week high of $108.84. Insider Buying and Selling Bunge Global ( NYSE:BG Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The basic materials company reported $2.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.23 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $22.16 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.46 billion. Bunge Global had a net margin of 2.20% and a return on equity of 9.06%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 71.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.29 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Bunge Global SA will post 7.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other Bunge Global news, VP Christos Dimopoulos sold 25,300 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.37, for a total transaction of $2,387,561.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 104,537 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,865,156.69. The trade was a 19.49% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.80% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BG has been the topic of several analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on Bunge Global from $95.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Barclays upgraded Bunge Global from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $105.00 to $120.00 in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Bunge Global in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Bunge Global from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the stock from $95.00 to $120.00 in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Bunge Global in a report on Wednesday, December 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $109.78. View Our Latest Report on Bunge Global Bunge Global Company Profile (Free Report) Bunge Global is a leading agribusiness and food company that processes oilseeds and grains, produces sugar and bioenergy, and supplies fertilizers and other agricultural inputs. The company operates an integrated value chain that spans origination, processing, and distribution, enabling it to serve food processors, livestock producers, and retail customers worldwide. Through its network of processing plants, port terminals and logistics assets, Bunge handles a diverse portfolio of commodities, including soybeans, corn, wheat, vegetable oils, and sugarcane. The companys core business activities are organized into agribusiness and food & ingredients segments. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bunge Global SA (NYSE:BG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bunge Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bunge Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System raised its stake in shares of APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG Free Report) by 51.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 229,382 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 77,980 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in APi Group were worth $7,884,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of APG. Bares Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of APi Group during the second quarter worth $30,000. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. acquired a new position in APi Group in the 3rd quarter worth about $31,000. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of APi Group by 50.0% during the 3rd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,275 shares of the companys stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 425 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of APi Group by 547.2% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,275 shares of the companys stock worth $65,000 after purchasing an additional 1,078 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ulland Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of APi Group by 41.5% during the 2nd quarter. Ulland Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $77,000 after buying an additional 440 shares during the last quarter. 86.62% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get APi Group alerts: Insider Activity In other APi Group news, Director Anthony E. Malkin acquired 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $39.58 per share, for a total transaction of $118,740.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 7,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $277,060. This trade represents a 75.00% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Martin E. Franklin sold 340,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.09, for a total value of $12,270,600.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 18,968,790 shares of the companys stock, valued at $684,583,631.10. This represents a 1.76% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders bought 7,000 shares of company stock worth $275,720 and sold 900,000 shares worth $32,342,000. Company insiders own 17.00% of the companys stock. APi Group Trading Up 1.4% NYSE:APG opened at $42.63 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average is $39.11 and its 200-day moving average is $36.36. The company has a quick ratio of 1.41, a current ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. APi Group Corporation has a 12 month low of $20.50 and a 12 month high of $43.26. The firm has a market cap of $17.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 116.25 and a beta of 1.70. APi Group (NYSE:APG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $2.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.01 billion. APi Group had a net margin of 3.44% and a return on equity of 21.86%. APi Groups revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.51 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that APi Group Corporation will post 1.83 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently commented on APG. Citigroup restated a buy rating and issued a $49.00 price objective (up previously from $45.00) on shares of APi Group in a report on Monday. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of APi Group in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of APi Group in a research note on Tuesday, December 23rd. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of APi Group from $42.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, UBS Group set a $49.00 target price on APi Group and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, APi Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $41.24. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on APG APi Group Company Profile (Free Report) APi Group Corp. is a global specialty contractor that provides fire protection, security, mechanical insulation and energy services to commercial, industrial and institutional clients. Headquartered in New Brighton, Minnesota, the company designs, installs, inspects, tests, maintains and repairs a wide range of safety and infrastructure systems. Through its network of operating subsidiaries, APi Group delivers end-to-end solutions for new construction, facility renovations and ongoing maintenance requirements. Its service portfolio spans life safety and industrial servicessuch as fire suppression systems, fire alarms and emergency lightingand specialized offerings including technical insulation, access solutions, passive fire protection and energy efficiency upgrades. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding APG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for APi Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for APi Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New York State Teachers Retirement System raised its stake in Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR Free Report) by 12.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 253,180 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 28,211 shares during the quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in Antero Resources were worth $8,497,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of AR. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Antero Resources by 16,498.3% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 9,627 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock worth $389,000 after purchasing an additional 9,569 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its holdings in Antero Resources by 7.9% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 590,555 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock valued at $23,882,000 after purchasing an additional 43,312 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth increased its position in Antero Resources by 18.9% in the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 19,921 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock worth $806,000 after buying an additional 3,169 shares during the last quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Antero Resources by 22.8% in the first quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 184,972 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock valued at $7,480,000 after buying an additional 34,311 shares during the period. Finally, Pallas Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Antero Resources by 72.4% in the second quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 15,142 shares of the oil and natural gas companys stock valued at $610,000 after buying an additional 6,361 shares during the period. 83.04% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Antero Resources alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently weighed in on AR shares. Barclays increased their price target on Antero Resources from $40.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Antero Resources from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Antero Resources from $44.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a neutral rating and set a $39.00 price target (down from $44.00) on shares of Antero Resources in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their price objective on shares of Antero Resources from $50.00 to $47.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $45.94. Antero Resources Stock Performance Antero Resources stock opened at $31.76 on Friday. Antero Resources Corporation has a 1-year low of $29.10 and a 1-year high of $44.01. The company has a current ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.80 billion, a PE ratio of 16.89 and a beta of 0.50. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $34.36 and its 200 day simple moving average is $33.60. Antero Resources (NYSE:AR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The oil and natural gas company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.48 by ($0.38). The firm had revenue of $1.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.25 billion. Antero Resources had a net margin of 11.73% and a return on equity of 7.51%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 15.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned ($0.07) earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Antero Resources Corporation will post 2.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Antero Resources In other Antero Resources news, insider Brendan E. Krueger acquired 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The stock was bought at an average price of $33.35 per share, with a total value of $166,750.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider owned 295,917 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,868,831.95. This represents a 1.72% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 6.30% of the companys stock. About Antero Resources (Free Report) Antero Resources Corporation is an independent exploration and production company focused on the development of natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and oil properties in the Appalachian Basin of the United States. The companys operations target the Marcellus and Utica shales, where it applies advanced drilling and completion techniques to optimize recovery from its large acreage position. Anteros portfolio encompasses significant reserves of ethane, propane and other NGLs, alongside dry gas volumes that are positioned to serve both domestic and export markets. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Antero Resources holds approximately 1.8 million net acres of leasehold interests across parts of West Virginia and Ohio. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Antero Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Antero Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB lifted its stake in The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG Free Report) by 5.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 64,569 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 3,068 shares during the quarter. Nordea Investment Management ABs holdings in The Hanover Insurance Group were worth $11,644,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $77,169,000. Alliancebernstein L.P. raised its position in The Hanover Insurance Group by 36.1% during the second quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 1,280,418 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $217,505,000 after acquiring an additional 339,896 shares in the last quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. lifted its stake in The Hanover Insurance Group by 52.9% in the second quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 558,000 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $94,787,000 after acquiring an additional 193,000 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its position in The Hanover Insurance Group by 21.0% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 553,815 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $93,190,000 after acquiring an additional 96,006 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Balyasny Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group during the 2nd quarter worth $16,217,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.61% of the companys stock. Get The Hanover Insurance Group alerts: Insider Activity at The Hanover Insurance Group In related news, EVP Denise Lowsley sold 1,619 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $181.47, for a total transaction of $293,799.93. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 3,511 shares in the company, valued at $637,141.17. This represents a 31.56% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 2.50% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently issued reports on THG. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on The Hanover Insurance Group in a report on Monday, November 24th. They set a sector perform rating and a $200.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on The Hanover Insurance Group from $198.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $199.00. Get Our Latest Analysis on THG The Hanover Insurance Group Stock Performance Shares of NYSE THG opened at $169.91 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.83 and a beta of 0.33. The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. has a one year low of $147.76 and a one year high of $188.18. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $181.24 and a 200 day simple moving average of $175.58. The company has a current ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The insurance provider reported $5.09 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.79 by $1.30. The Hanover Insurance Group had a net margin of 9.71% and a return on equity of 21.73%. The business had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.72 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $3.05 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. will post 14.37 EPS for the current year. The Hanover Insurance Group Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th were paid a dividend of $0.95 per share. This is a positive change from The Hanover Insurance Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.90. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 12th. The Hanover Insurance Groups payout ratio is currently 21.98%. The Hanover Insurance Group Company Profile (Free Report) The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc (NYSE: THG) is a property and casualty insurance company that provides a range of commercial and personal insurance products. Through its subsidiary companies, Hanover offers coverage for businesses of all sizes, including workers compensation, general liability, commercial auto, and professional liability. On the personal lines side, the company underwrites homeowners, personal auto, flood, and umbrella policies designed to meet the needs of individuals and families. In addition to its core commercial and personal insurance offerings, Hanover maintains a specialty arm that focuses on niche markets through tailored product solutions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding THG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Hanover Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hanover Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC lowered its holdings in shares of Kenvue Inc. (NYSE:KVUE Free Report) by 80.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 51,993 shares of the companys stock after selling 219,209 shares during the quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLCs holdings in Kenvue were worth $844,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Nordea Investment Management AB lifted its holdings in shares of Kenvue by 13.1% in the 3rd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 188,185 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,050,000 after acquiring an additional 21,790 shares during the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its position in Kenvue by 2.3% during the third quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 64,240 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,043,000 after purchasing an additional 1,436 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Kenvue by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 4,906,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $79,634,000 after purchasing an additional 44,946 shares during the last quarter. First Horizon Corp purchased a new position in shares of Kenvue in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $339,000. Finally, Sterneck Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Kenvue by 12.4% in the 3rd quarter. Sterneck Capital Management LLC now owns 41,732 shares of the companys stock worth $677,000 after purchasing an additional 4,591 shares during the period. 97.64% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Kenvue alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In KVUE has been the topic of several recent research reports. Barclays increased their price target on Kenvue from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $18.00 target price on shares of Kenvue in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Johnson Rice reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Kenvue in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Citigroup reduced their price objective on shares of Kenvue from $20.00 to $17.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Edward Jones downgraded shares of Kenvue from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Kenvue has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $20.23. Kenvue Trading Up 0.8% NYSE KVUE opened at $17.27 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $33.08 billion, a PE ratio of 23.02 and a beta of 0.60. Kenvue Inc. has a 12 month low of $14.02 and a 12 month high of $25.17. The companys 50-day moving average price is $16.97 and its 200-day moving average price is $18.31. 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 (NYSE:KVUE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data 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 company had revenue of $3.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.83 billion. Kenvue had a net margin of 9.55% and a return on equity of 20.02%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 3.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.28 EPS. Kenvue has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.000-1.050 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Kenvue Inc. will post 1.14 earnings per share for the current year. Kenvue Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 12th were paid 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 dividend payout ratio is 110.67%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Jeffrey C. Smith acquired 3,200,000 shares of Kenvue stock in a transaction on Friday, December 12th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $17.37 per share, for a total transaction of $55,584,000.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 27,307,632 shares of the companys stock, valued at $474,333,567.84. This trade represents a 13.27% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.68% of the stock is owned by insiders. Kenvue Company 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 over?the?counter medicines. The company owns and markets a portfolio of widely recognized consumer brands, including names familiar to global shoppers across retail and pharmacy channels. See Also 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. New York State Teachers Retirement System reduced its stake in Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Free Report) by 10.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 24,120 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,729 shares during the period. New York State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in Piper Sandler Companies were worth $8,369,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC increased its position in shares of Piper Sandler Companies by 2.1% during the third quarter. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC now owns 9,916 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,441,000 after acquiring an additional 201 shares during the last quarter. Forum Financial Management LP purchased a new position in shares of Piper Sandler Companies during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $229,000. Kesler Norman & Wride LLC acquired a new stake in Piper Sandler Companies in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $871,000. Benjamin Edwards Inc. increased its holdings in Piper Sandler Companies by 19.8% in the 3rd quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 2,434 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $845,000 after purchasing an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC raised its position in Piper Sandler Companies by 250.0% in the third quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 2,891 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,003,000 after purchasing an additional 2,065 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.79% of the companys stock. Get Piper Sandler Companies alerts: Piper Sandler Companies Price Performance Shares of NYSE PIPR opened at $374.90 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $6.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.25 and a beta of 1.54. The stocks 50-day moving average is $344.16 and its two-hundred day moving average is $333.69. Piper Sandler Companies has a 1-year low of $202.91 and a 1-year high of $377.01. Piper Sandler Companies Dividend Announcement Piper Sandler Companies ( NYSE:PIPR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $3.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.96 by $0.86. Piper Sandler Companies had a return on equity of 19.91% and a net margin of 13.73%.The business had revenue of $455.31 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $408.40 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.57 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 33.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Piper Sandler Companies will post 14.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th were issued a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 25th. Piper Sandler Companiess payout ratio is 21.10%. Insider Buying and Selling at Piper Sandler Companies In other Piper Sandler Companies news, CEO Chad R. Abraham sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $336.21, for a total value of $1,008,630.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 53,558 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,006,735.18. This represents a 5.30% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, President Debbra L. Schoneman sold 2,500 shares of Piper Sandler Companies stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $330.33, for a total transaction of $825,825.00. Following the sale, the president directly 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. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last three months, insiders have sold 11,267 shares of company stock valued at $3,763,746. Insiders own 2.70% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PIPR has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Zacks Research lowered Piper Sandler Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 30th. Wall Street Zen raised Piper Sandler Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, October 12th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wolfe Research reiterated an outperform rating and set a $398.00 price target on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Piper Sandler Companies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $368.00 to $386.00 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $392.00. View Our Latest Analysis on Piper Sandler Companies About Piper Sandler Companies (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. Featured Articles 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. Nordea Investment Management AB boosted its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 520,150 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after acquiring an additional 17,464 shares during the quarter. Nordea Investment Management ABs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $23,219,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of BMY. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb by 107.2% in the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 605 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 313 shares during the last quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC increased its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 202.8% in the second quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 639 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 428 shares during the period. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 51.9% during the second quarter. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. now owns 781 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 267 shares during the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol Myers Squibb Stock Performance Shares of BMY stock opened at $56.60 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $51.74 and its 200-day moving average price is $48.06. The stock has a market cap of $115.22 billion, a PE ratio of 19.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.44 and a beta of 0.29. The company has a current ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 12 month low of $42.52 and a 12 month high of $63.33. Bristol Myers Squibb Increases Dividend Bristol Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $12.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.75 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a net margin of 12.57% and a return on equity of 76.53%. Bristol Myers Squibbs revenue was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.80 EPS. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd will be paid a $0.63 dividend. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. This is an increase from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. Bristol Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 85.14%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently issued reports on BMY shares. Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and set a $37.00 price target (up previously from $36.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, December 12th. HSBC reissued a hold rating and set a $53.00 target price on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a neutral rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Bristol Myers Squibb to a moderate buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Bristol Myers Squibb currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $56.86. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on BMY About Bristol Myers Squibb (Free Report) Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, focused on discovering, developing and delivering medicines for serious diseases. The companys core activities include research and development, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of prescription pharmaceuticals across multiple therapeutic areas. BMS concentrates on advancing therapies in oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular disease and specialty areas through both small molecules and biologics. BMSs marketed portfolio and late?stage pipeline reflect a strong emphasis on cancer and immune?mediated conditions. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stephens Inc. AR grew its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands Inc (NYSE:STZ Free Report) by 335.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 48,432 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 37,304 shares during the quarter. Stephens Inc. ARs holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $6,522,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Gilbert & Cook Inc. increased its position in Constellation Brands by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Gilbert & Cook Inc. now owns 2,385 shares of the companys stock worth $388,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 3.8% during the second quarter. V Square Quantitative Management LLC now owns 1,682 shares of the companys stock worth $274,000 after buying an additional 62 shares during the last quarter. Oak Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 0.4% during the second quarter. Oak Asset Management LLC now owns 18,281 shares of the companys stock worth $2,974,000 after buying an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA increased its holdings in shares of Constellation Brands by 0.7% during the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 11,001 shares of the companys stock worth $1,481,000 after buying an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rise Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Constellation Brands by 8.8% in the 3rd quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 937 shares of the companys stock valued at $126,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares during the last quarter. 77.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Constellation Brands Stock Performance Shares of STZ stock opened at $158.76 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $27.79 billion, a PE ratio of 25.04, a PEG ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 0.45. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $139.26 and its 200 day simple moving average is $148.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29, a current ratio of 1.34 and a quick ratio of 0.70. Constellation Brands Inc has a one year low of $126.45 and a one year high of $196.91. Constellation Brands Dividend Announcement Constellation Brands ( NYSE:STZ Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 7th. The company reported $3.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.63 by $0.43. Constellation Brands had a net margin of 11.08% and a return on equity of 29.15%. The firm had revenue of $2.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.17 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.25 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. Constellation Brands has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.300-11.600 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Constellation Brands Inc will post 13.5 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 12th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 29th will be issued a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 29th. Constellation Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 64.35%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have issued reports on STZ shares. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their target price on Constellation Brands from $195.00 to $197.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 9th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Constellation Brands in a report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on Constellation Brands from $176.00 to $160.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. UBS Group set a $168.00 price objective on shares of Constellation Brands in a report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their target price on shares of Constellation Brands from $155.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $180.35. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Constellation Brands Constellation Brands Profile (Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc is a leading producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits, with operations spanning production, importation, marketing and distribution. The companys beverage portfolio includes a range of premium and mainstream wines and spirits alongside major imported beer brands; in the U.S. market Constellation is widely known for its role in bringing Mexican imports such as Corona and Modelo to American consumers. Constellation supplies retail, on?premise and foodservice channels and supports its brands with national sales and marketing platforms and supply?chain capabilities. The company traces its roots to the Canandaigua Wine Company, founded by Marvin Sands in 1945, and evolved through organic growth and acquisition into a diversified beverage company. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The cryptocurrency market wavered Friday as trading volumes cooled, with Bitcoin and Ethereum drifting downward despite positive momentum earlier this week. Following Bitcoins jump to $94,600 on Wednesday, the leading digital asset by market capitalization changed hands around $95,300, a 4.6% increase over the past seven days, according to crypto price aggregator CoinGecko. Ethereum has risen 5.9% to $3,250 over the same period of time. Trading volumes for Bitcoin and Ethereum had meanwhile fallen 27% and 32% each to $65 billion and $54 billion, respectively, according to CoinGlass. The trend extended to various actions, including Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin. The drop follows Coinbase's withdrawal of support for a crypto market structure bill, following weeks of lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, and tensions boiling to the surface over the Securities and Exchange Commissions treatment of crypto firms among Democratic lawmakers. "I'm still quite optimistic that this bill is going to get done in a very bipartisan and strong way," Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said during a Friday appearance on Fox Business. " I did come out and say that I thought there were those issues, while deferring to the Senate on the exact procedure going forward from here." On Thursday, several commentators skewered the SEC in a letter addressed to Chair Paul Atkins. There was a lot of optimism that we would see that passed this year, Carlos Guzman, a research analyst at crypto trading firm GSR, told Decrypt, referring to the CLARITY Act. The rally seemed to coincide with [a new version of the bill] getting released. Although efforts to mark up the bill were delayed by the Senate Banking Committee on Wednesday, Guzman pointed to the potential impact of other factors, including geopolitical tension in the Middle East sparked by protests in Iran and developments in President Donald Trumps pressure campaign against the Federal Reserve. Fed Chair Jerome Powell issued a warning that the White House was trying to undermine the central banks independence, after news broke of Justice Department subpoenas centered on testimony he gave regarding a multi-billion dollar renovation of the Fed's headquarters. Guzman said it was notable that stocks fell, while crypto and precious metals advanced. Senate Banking Committee Delays Markup of Key Crypto Bill as Industry Support Frays Since Monday, spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have generated consistent inflows, pulling in $1.8 billion over the course of a four-day stretch, according to CoinGlass. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC reduced its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 99.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,292 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 2,496,009 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $90,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Kera Capital Partners Inc. increased its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 111.5% during the 3rd quarter. Kera Capital Partners Inc. now owns 88,155 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $3,455,000 after purchasing an additional 46,475 shares during the last quarter. GWN Securities Inc. bought a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the third quarter valued at $308,000. Exencial Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill during the third quarter worth $7,875,000. Sage Private Wealth Group LLC raised its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 30.1% during the third quarter. Sage Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 10,513 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $412,000 after acquiring an additional 2,434 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB raised its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.9% during the third quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 2,333,587 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $91,302,000 after acquiring an additional 42,823 shares in the last quarter. 91.30% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Down 0.8% Shares of NYSE:CMG opened at $40.26 on Friday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 12-month low of $29.75 and a 12-month high of $59.57. The companys 50 day moving average price is $35.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $40.65. The firm has a market cap of $53.23 billion, a PE ratio of 35.63, a PEG ratio of 3.86 and a beta of 0.97. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.29. The business had revenue of $3 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.06 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 45.39% and a net margin of 13.04%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.27 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current year. A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on CMG shares. Zacks Research raised shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. KeyCorp reduced their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $52.00 to $45.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. UBS Group set a $45.00 price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Evercore ISI reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $45.00 price objective on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have issued a Buy rating and thirteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $50.00. Get Our Latest Report on CMG About Chipotle Mexican Grill (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant company known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, the chain emphasizes fresh, customizable meals made from a limited menu of core ingredients and a focus on ingredient quality. Chipotle operates primarily company-owned restaurants and offers dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery through its own digital platforms and third-party partners. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and traces its roots to Denver, Colorado. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Agree Realty Corporation (NYSE:ADC Free Report) by 85.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 678,984 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 313,431 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. owned approximately 0.59% of Agree Realty worth $48,235,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd boosted its stake in Agree Realty by 16.1% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 27,086 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,924,000 after purchasing an additional 3,760 shares during the period. Citizens National Bank Trust Department lifted its holdings in shares of Agree Realty by 21.6% during the third quarter. Citizens National Bank Trust Department now owns 23,610 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,677,000 after buying an additional 4,194 shares during the last quarter. Tributary Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Agree Realty by 19.5% during the third quarter. Tributary Capital Management LLC now owns 21,328 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,515,000 after buying an additional 3,473 shares during the last quarter. Ethos Financial Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Agree Realty by 15.6% in the third quarter. Ethos Financial Group LLC now owns 8,829 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $627,000 after acquiring an additional 1,190 shares during the period. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC grew its stake in shares of Agree Realty by 46.9% in the third quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 8,468 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $602,000 after acquiring an additional 2,704 shares during the last quarter. 97.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Agree Realty alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Chairman Richard Agree purchased 24,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 9th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $70.67 per share, with a total value of $1,696,080.00. Following the acquisition, the chairman directly owned 159,855 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,296,952.85. This trade represents a 17.67% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director John Rakolta, Jr. acquired 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 24th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $72.18 per share, for a total transaction of $1,082,700.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 562,606 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $40,608,901.08. The trade was a 2.74% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders bought 39,500 shares of company stock worth $2,813,680 in the last quarter. 1.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently commented on ADC. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Agree Realty in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Mizuho dropped their price objective on shares of Agree Realty from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Agree Realty from $77.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. KeyCorp lifted their target price on Agree Realty from $80.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Agree Realty from $81.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $80.23. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Agree Realty Agree Realty Stock Performance NYSE:ADC opened at $71.97 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.27 billion, a PE ratio of 42.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a quick ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. Agree Realty Corporation has a 12-month low of $68.98 and a 12-month high of $79.65. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $72.79 and a 200 day moving average price of $72.68. Agree Realty (NYSE:ADC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The real estate investment trust reported $1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.08 by $0.02. Agree Realty had a return on equity of 3.52% and a net margin of 28.11%.The company had revenue of $183.22 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $181.87 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.03 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.7% on a year-over-year basis. Agree Realty has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.310-4.330 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Agree Realty Corporation will post 4.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Agree Realty Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 30th will be issued a $0.262 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 30th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.4%. Agree Realtys dividend payout ratio is presently 183.63%. Agree Realty Profile (Free Report) Agree Realty Corporation (NYSE: ADC) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1971, the company converted to a REIT structure in 2013 and focuses on acquiring, developing and managing a diversified portfolio of retail properties under long-term, triple-net (NNN) leases. Its tenant roster spans national and regional retailers in sectors such as grocery, home improvement, convenience and specialty retail. Agree Realtys primary business activities include sourcing and underwriting new property acquisitions, originating build-to-suit projects and executing value-add redevelopment programs. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Agree Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agree Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meritage Portfolio Management reduced its stake in McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report) by 63.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,621 shares of the fast-food giants stock after selling 2,839 shares during the period. Meritage Portfolio Managements holdings in McDonalds were worth $493,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its position in shares of McDonalds by 84.1% in the 2nd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 141,775 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $41,422,000 after purchasing an additional 64,757 shares during the period. Welch Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 1.1% in the second quarter. Welch Group LLC now owns 206,004 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $60,188,000 after acquiring an additional 2,180 shares during the period. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 236.7% in the third quarter. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. now owns 6,502 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $1,976,000 after acquiring an additional 4,571 shares during the period. D.A. Davidson & CO. grew its position in shares of McDonalds by 2.7% during the third quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 143,492 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $43,606,000 after acquiring an additional 3,774 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Choreo LLC increased its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 58,515 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $17,096,000 after acquiring an additional 954 shares during the period. 70.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get McDonald's alerts: McDonalds Stock Performance Shares of NYSE MCD opened at $308.52 on Friday. McDonalds Corporation has a one year low of $276.53 and a one year high of $326.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $219.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.32, a PEG ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 0.53. The companys fifty day moving average is $308.61 and its two-hundred day moving average is $305.32. McDonalds Increases Dividend McDonalds ( NYSE:MCD Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The fast-food giant reported $3.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by ($0.11). The company had revenue of $7.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.10 billion. McDonalds had a net margin of 32.04% and a negative return on equity of 280.89%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.23 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $1.86 per share. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. This is a positive change from McDonaldss previous quarterly dividend of $1.77. McDonaldss payout ratio is 63.48%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth MCD has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on McDonalds in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $320.00 target price on the stock. BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an overweight rating and set a $372.00 price objective on shares of McDonalds in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on shares of McDonalds from $322.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of McDonalds from $350.00 to $356.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $328.88. View Our Latest Stock Report on MCD McDonalds News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week: Insider Transactions at McDonalds In other McDonalds news, EVP Desiree Ralls-Morrison sold 2,486 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $320.00, for a total transaction of $795,520.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 6,268 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,005,760. The trade was a 28.40% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Manuel Jm Steijaert sold 6,567 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $305.50, for a total value of $2,006,218.50. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 4,606 shares in the company, valued at $1,407,133. This trade represents a 58.78% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 45,142 shares of company stock worth $13,841,169 over the last quarter. Insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock. McDonalds Profile (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 Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MCD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for McDonald's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McDonald's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Titomic Limited (ASX:TTT Get Free Report) insider Mira Ricardel bought 1,700,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 9th. The shares were purchased at an average price of A$0.23 per share, with a total value of A$391,000.00. Mira Ricardel also recently made the following trade(s): Get Titomic alerts: On Friday, December 19th, Mira Ricardel purchased 120,000 shares of Titomic stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of A$0.25 per share, for a total transaction of A$30,000.00. Titomic Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $357.96 million, a PE ratio of -20.20 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a quick ratio of 1.81, a current ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 74.71. About Titomic Titomic Limited provides manufacturing and technology solutions for high-performance metal additive manufacturing in Australia, the United States, and Europe. The company offers cold spray additive manufacturing machines and manufactured products. It also engages in the sales, marketing, and customer relationship activities. In addition, the company provides metal coating and repair services. It serves defense, aerospace, mining, energy, and transport industries. Titomic Limited was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Mount Waverley, Australia. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Titomic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Titomic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kaiser Reef Limited (ASX:KAU Get Free Report) insider Bradley Valiukas purchased 625,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 9th. The shares were acquired at an average price of A$0.31 per share, for a total transaction of A$190,625.00. Kaiser Reef Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 1.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.39 million, a P/E ratio of -4.79 and a beta of 1.49. Get Kaiser Reef alerts: Kaiser Reef Company Profile (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. Wiluna Mining Co. Limited (ASX:WMX Get Free Report) announced a interim dividend on Wednesday, January 14th, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Investors of record on Thursday, March 26th will be paid a dividend of 0.006 per share on Thursday, March 26th. This represents a yield of 34.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Sunday, March 15th. This is a 20.0% increase from Wiluna Minings previous interim dividend of $0.005. Wiluna Mining Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.83, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 0.32. Get Wiluna Mining alerts: Wiluna Mining Company Profile (Get Free Report) Read More Blackham Resources Limited explores for and develops gold properties in Australia. It holds 100% interests in the Matilda-Wiluna gold operation located in Australia. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is based in West Perth, Australia. Receive News & Ratings for Wiluna Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wiluna Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Century Large Cap Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:ACLC 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 5,537 shares, a growth of 79.0% from the December 15th total of 3,094 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 7,895 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the company are sold short. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 7,895 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. American Century Large Cap Equity ETF Stock Up 0.3% American Century Large Cap Equity ETF stock opened at $79.21 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $78.46 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $76.50. American Century Large Cap Equity ETF has a 12 month low of $58.01 and a 12 month high of $80.01. The stock has a market cap of $281.20 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.61 and a beta of 1.03. Get American Century Large Cap Equity ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. CRA Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in American Century Large Cap Equity ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $331,000. New Hampshire Trust bought a new position in shares of American Century Large Cap Equity ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $326,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of American Century Large Cap Equity ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $159,554,000. Midwest Trust Co bought a new stake in American Century Large Cap Equity ETF in the second quarter valued at about $1,849,000. Finally, Summit Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in American Century Large Cap Equity ETF in the second quarter valued at about $352,000. American Century Large Cap Equity ETF Company Profile The American Century Large Cap Equity ETF (ACLC) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund is an actively-managed, non-transparent fund of US companies that are screened by a combination of fundamental measures and ESG metrics. The fund utilizes the Natixis/NYSE non-transparent model. ACLC was launched on Jul 13, 2020 and is issued by American Century Investments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for American Century Large Cap Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Century Large Cap Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kerusso Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor acquired 17,219 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,374,000. Vistra accounts for about 2.1% of Kerusso Capital Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 22nd largest position. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Salomon & Ludwin LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vistra during the third quarter worth about $25,000. Quent Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Vistra during the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Vistra during the second quarter valued at $28,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vistra during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, City State Bank raised its holdings in Vistra by 210.0% in the 2nd quarter. City State Bank now owns 155 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 105 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.88% of the companys stock. Get Vistra alerts: Vistra Trading Up 6.7% NYSE:VST opened at $180.25 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.74. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $169.67 and a 200-day simple moving average of $188.03. Vistra Corp. has a 12 month low of $90.51 and a 12 month high of $219.82. The company has a market capitalization of $61.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 65.07, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 1.41. Vistra Increases Dividend Vistra ( NYSE:VST Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported $1.75 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.78 by ($0.03). The business had revenue of $4.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.60 billion. Vistra had a return on equity of 64.04% and a net margin of 6.70%. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Vistra Corp. will post 7 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 22nd were given a dividend of $0.227 per share. This is a boost from Vistras previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. This represents a $0.91 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 22nd. Vistras dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 32.85%. Analyst Ratings Changes VST has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Vistra in a research report on Monday, December 29th. TD Cowen began coverage on Vistra in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $250.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $228.00 target price on shares of Vistra in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and issued a $230.00 price target (down from $241.00) on shares of Vistra in a report on Monday, September 22nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on shares of Vistra in a research report on Monday, October 27th. They issued an overweight rating and a $238.00 price objective for the company. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $239.40. View Our Latest Report on VST Insider Buying and Selling at Vistra In other news, EVP Carrie Lee Kirby sold 58,275 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $174.75, for a total value of $10,183,556.25. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 218,239 shares of the companys stock, valued at $38,137,265.25. This represents a 21.07% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Scott A. Hudson sold 56,000 shares of Vistra stock in a transaction on Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $168.86, for a total value of $9,456,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 306,600 shares in the company, valued at $51,772,476. This represents a 15.44% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 278,995 shares of company stock valued at $50,757,547 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 1.42% of the companys stock. Vistra Profile (Free Report) Vistra (NYSE: VST) is an integrated power company that develops, owns and operates electricity generation and retail businesses in the United States. The companys operations span wholesale power productionthrough a diversified fleet of thermal and lower?carbon generation assetsand retail electricity supply to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Vistra serves organized wholesale markets and competitive retail markets, with a notable presence in Texas and other regional U.S. power markets. Vistras core activities include the ownership and operation of generation facilities, the commercial dispatch and optimization of those assets into wholesale markets, and the sale of electricity and related services to end-use customers through its retail brands. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VST? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vistra Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vistra and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 Ritholtz Wealth Management raised its position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC Free Report) by 10.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 30,069 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 2,747 shares during the quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Managements holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group were worth $6,042,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in The PNC Financial Services Group during the second quarter worth $1,477,836,000. Viking Global Investors LP bought a new position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $442,871,000. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 134.9% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,338,964 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $622,450,000 after purchasing an additional 1,917,530 shares during the period. Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 43.8% during the 2nd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 2,776,517 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $517,598,000 after purchasing an additional 845,148 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP grew its stake in The PNC Financial Services Group by 491.7% during the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 1,005,926 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $187,525,000 after purchasing an additional 835,926 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 83.53% of the companys stock. Get The PNC Financial Services Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PNC has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Citigroup raised their price objective 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. Oppenheimer decreased their price target on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $240.00 to $231.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective 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 report on Wednesday, December 17th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on The PNC Financial Services Group from $186.00 to $206.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price target on The PNC Financial Services Group from $220.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $222.06. The PNC Financial Services Group Trading Up 1.3% PNC opened at $215.02 on Friday. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc has a fifty-two week low of $145.12 and a fifty-two week high of $220.54. The firm has a market capitalization of $84.32 billion, a PE ratio of 13.89, a P/E/G ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.81. The companys 50-day moving average is $201.90 and its 200 day moving average is $197.01. The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $4.35 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.05 by $0.30. The PNC Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 11.47% and a net margin of 19.30%.The firm had revenue of $5.92 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.82 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $3.49 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc will post 15.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The PNC Financial Services Group Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 5th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be paid a dividend of $1.70 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a $6.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. The PNC Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 43.93%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Guild Deborah sold 1,080 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $186.97, for a total transaction of $201,927.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 27,335 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,110,824.95. The trade was a 3.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Michael Duane Thomas sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The stock was 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 directly owned 5,802 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,065,073.14. The trade was a 14.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.41% of the stock is owned by insiders. The PNC Financial Services Group Company Profile (Free Report) The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering a broad range of banking, lending, investment and wealth management services. PNC operates a national banking franchise with a significant retail branch network and dedicated capabilities for commercial, institutional and government clients. Its services are designed to serve individuals, small businesses, corporations and public sector entities across the United States. PNCs core business activities include consumer and business banking, residential mortgage lending, corporate and institutional banking, asset management and wealth advisory services. Further Reading 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. BlackRock Inc. (NYSE:BLK) is one of the best blue-chip stocks to buy for 2026. On January 6, reports emerged indicating BlackRock Inc. (NYSE:BLK) is seeking regulatory clearance in India to acquire an unspecified stake in Mumbai-based renewable platform Aditya Birla Renewables Limited. BlackRock, Inc. (BLK) to Invest $333.6M in Indias Aditya Birla Renewables Limited Pixabay/Public Domain The asset management firm has committed to invest $333.6 million in the renewable energy company, which is active in solar, wind, solar-plus-wind, and battery storage. It owns a portfolio of 4.3GW across 10 Indian states. The investment comes at a time when India is undergoing one of the most significant energy transformations. There is a growing demand for renewable energy driven by the need for decarbonization and rising demand. Likewise, on January 6, BlackRock confirmed a 6.72% stake in Irelands Avadel Pharmaceuticals. The investment further strengthens the asset management firms exposure in the healthcare sector. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley reiterated an Overweight rating on BlackRock and set a $1,514 price target. The positive stance comes from the company expanding its offerings in private markets and technology solutions through its Aladdin platform. BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) is the worlds largest asset manager, providing investment management and financial technology services to help individuals and institutions grow their wealth. They manage trillions of dollars in assets, investing clients money in stocks, bonds, ETFs (including their popular iShares brand), real estate, and more, and offering retirement solutions. While we acknowledge the potential of BLK 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: 10 Best Penny Stocks to Buy for 2026 and 10 Best Metal Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Live Oak Investment Partners purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 2,899 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $1,001,000. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 21,312,182 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $6,624,411,000 after purchasing an additional 675,075 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $3,837,207,000. Dodge & Cox boosted its position in UnitedHealth Group by 117.7% during the second quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 8,750,560 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $2,729,912,000 after purchasing an additional 4,730,192 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 6.1% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 7,502,469 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $2,340,346,000 after buying an additional 432,084 shares during the period. Finally, Amundi raised its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 33.8% in the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 6,191,871 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,904,372,000 after acquiring an additional 1,565,245 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.86% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $286.00 to $408.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group increased their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $378.00 to $430.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. TD Cowen upped their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $335.00 to $338.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Evercore ISI upgraded shares of UnitedHealth Group to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Bank of America increased their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $350.00 to $390.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $385.75. UnitedHealth Group Trading Up 1.1% UNH stock opened at $338.73 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $330.19 and its 200-day moving average is $321.98. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 1-year low of $234.60 and a 1-year high of $606.36. The firm has a market cap of $306.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.68, a P/E/G ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.92 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.87 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $113.16 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $113.19 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 4.04% and a return on equity of 19.23%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $7.15 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 8th were issued a dividend of $2.21 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 8th. This represents a $8.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 46.14%. More UnitedHealth Group News Here are the key news stories impacting UnitedHealth Group this week: UnitedHealth Group Profile (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Inc is a diversified health care company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, that operates two primary business platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Founded in 1977, the company provides a broad range of health benefits and health care services to individuals, employers, governmental entities and other organizations. Its operations span commercial employer-sponsored plans, individual and Medicare and Medicaid programs, and services for customers and health systems in the United States and selected international markets. UnitedHealthcare is the companys benefits business, administering health plans and networks, managing provider relationships, and offering coverage products for employers, individuals, and government-sponsored programs. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB decreased its position in shares of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (BATS:COWZ Free Report) by 12.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 568,651 shares of the companys stock after selling 80,857 shares during the period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB owned about 0.15% of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF worth $32,680,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of COWZ. VestGen Advisors LLC lifted its position in Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. VestGen Advisors LLC now owns 160,496 shares of the companys stock worth $8,843,000 after buying an additional 3,228 shares in the last quarter. Clay Northam Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Clay Northam Wealth Management LLC now owns 267,790 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,755,000 after acquiring an additional 862 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF by 88.0% in the second quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 354,456 shares of the companys stock worth $19,531,000 after acquiring an additional 165,950 shares during the last quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $2,038,000. Finally, Signal Advisors Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $308,000. Get Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF alerts: Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF Price Performance Shares of Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF stock opened at $62.25 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $60.20 and a 200 day simple moving average of $58.11. Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF has a fifty-two week low of $46.64 and a fifty-two week high of $61.92. The firm has a market cap of $23.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.17 and a beta of 0.95. Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF Profile The Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 index. The fund tracks a free cash flow-weighted index of companies selected from the Russell 1000 Index. COWZ was launched on Dec 16, 2016 and is managed by Pacer. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COWZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (BATS:COWZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ritholtz Wealth Management grew its holdings in shares of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 9.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 34,923 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,047 shares during the period. Ritholtz Wealth Managements holdings in Chevron were worth $5,423,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Chevron by 197.7% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 217 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 439 shares in the last quarter. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. bought a new position in Chevron during the third quarter valued at about $34,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Chevron by 86.1% in the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 255 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 118 shares during the period. IMG Wealth Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Chevron by 52.3% in the second quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 265 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Marquette Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Chevron during the 3rd quarter valued at $41,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.42% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Chevron News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week: Chevron Trading Down 0.7% Shares of CVX opened at $166.09 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $334.43 billion, a PE ratio of 23.36, a P/E/G ratio of 10.36 and a beta of 0.70. The companys fifty day moving average is $153.24 and its 200 day moving average is $154.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.15. Chevron Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $132.04 and a fifty-two week high of $169.37. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.14. Chevron had a net margin of 6.57% and a return on equity of 8.74%. The business had revenue of $48.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $46.99 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.48 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Chevron Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 18th were issued a dividend of $1.71 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. This represents a $6.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.1%. Chevrons payout ratio is presently 96.20%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CFO Eimear P. Bonner sold 28,334 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $165.05, for a total value of $4,676,526.70. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 4,366 shares in the company, valued at approximately $720,608.30. This represents a 86.65% 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, insider Alana K. Knowles sold 7,956 shares of Chevron stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $165.05, for a total transaction of $1,313,137.80. Following the sale, the insider owned 1,207 shares of the companys stock, valued at $199,215.35. The trade was a 86.83% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 635,190 shares of company stock worth $100,254,408. Insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CVX has been the subject of several research reports. Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Chevron from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Chevron in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Chevron from $174.00 to $189.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Chevron from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, January 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Chevron from $190.00 to $196.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $168.14. View Our Latest Analysis on Chevron Chevron Company Profile (Free Report) Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is an American multinational energy company engaged in virtually all aspects of the oil and gas industry. As an integrated energy firm, Chevrons core activities include upstream oil and natural gas exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, downstream refining and marketing of fuels and lubricants, and petrochemical manufacturing through joint ventures and subsidiaries. The company markets fuels under brands such as Chevron, Texaco and Caltex and supplies a range of products and services to retail customers, industrial users and commercial fleets worldwide. Chevron traces its corporate lineage to the early petroleum companies that eventually became Standard Oil of California and has evolved through significant mergers and restructurings, including the acquisitions of Gulf Oil and Texaco. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ritholtz Wealth Management decreased its position in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 9.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 72,206 shares of the companys stock after selling 7,636 shares during the quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Managements holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $11,095,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble in the third quarter worth about $25,000. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 67.9% during the 2nd quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC now owns 178 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Corundum Trust Company INC acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble during the 3rd quarter worth $32,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble in the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, RMG Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the second quarter worth about $37,000. 65.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PG has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their target price on Procter & Gamble from $176.00 to $171.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, December 8th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $158.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 5th. Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Procter & Gamble to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Piper Sandler began coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. They issued a neutral rating and a $150.00 target price for the company. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane dropped their price target on Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $172.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Fifteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $168.55. Procter & Gamble Price Performance Shares of PG opened at $144.58 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $144.77 and its 200-day moving average is $151.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $337.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.94 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.71. Procter & Gamble Company has a one year low of $137.62 and a one year high of $179.99. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $1.99 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.90 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $22.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.23 billion. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.74% and a return on equity of 32.63%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.93 earnings per share. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.100 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current year. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd will be issued a dividend of $1.0568 per share. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is presently 61.75%. Procter & Gamble News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Procter & Gamble this week: Insider Buying and Selling In other Procter & Gamble news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 725 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $149.57, for a total value of $108,438.25. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 979 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $146,429.03. This represents a 42.55% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. 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. See Also 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. Shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE:SQM Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the thirteen brokerages that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, seven have given a hold recommendation and five have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $66.4091. SQM has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. UBS Group set a $79.00 target price on Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Rothschild & Co Redburn initiated coverage on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a research report on Friday, October 24th. They issued a neutral rating and a $54.00 target price on the stock. Rothschild Redb raised shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $63.00 price target (up from $45.00) on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Get Sociedad Quimica y Minera alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on SQM Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sociedad Quimica y Minera Sociedad Quimica y Minera Trading Down 4.2% Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. KBC Group NV raised its holdings in Sociedad Quimica y Minera by 5.4% in the second quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 118,007 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $4,162,000 after acquiring an additional 6,087 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Quantitative Investments LLC acquired a new position in Sociedad Quimica y Minera during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,678,000. RWA Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera during the second quarter worth $776,000. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. increased its holdings in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera by 33.4% in the 3rd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 71,429 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $3,070,000 after acquiring an additional 17,869 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Perpetual Ltd purchased a new position in Sociedad Quimica y Minera in the third quarter valued at approximately $3,412,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 12.41% of the companys stock. Shares of SQM opened at $79.72 on Friday. Sociedad Quimica y Minera has a 12-month low of $29.36 and a 12-month high of $83.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.56 and a beta of 0.98. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $65.61 and a 200 day moving average price of $50.51. The company has a current ratio of 2.82, a quick ratio of 1.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. Sociedad Quimica y Minera (NYSE:SQM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 18th. The basic materials company reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.68 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $1.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.14 billion. Sociedad Quimica y Minera had a return on equity of 9.79% and a net margin of 12.12%.Sociedad Quimica y Mineras revenue for the quarter was up 8.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.46 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Sociedad Quimica y Minera will post -1.31 EPS for the current year. Sociedad Quimica y Minera Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a special dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 30th were paid a dividend of $0.1236 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 30th. Sociedad Quimica y Mineras dividend payout ratio is 6.56%. About Sociedad Quimica y Minera (Get Free Report) Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA (NYSE: SQM) is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals and minerals headquartered in Santiago, Chile. The company focuses on the extraction and processing of key inputs for the agricultural, industrial and high?tech sectors. Its core business activities include the mining of lithium, potassium and iodine, as well as the manufacture of value?added products derived from these raw materials. SQMs product portfolio spans lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide used in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems; potassium chloride and potassium nitrate fertilizers designed for precision agriculture; and iodine and its derivatives for pharmaceutical, food and electronics applications. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sociedad Quimica y Minera Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sociedad Quimica y Minera and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Navios Maritime Partners LP (NYSE:NMM Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $57.29 and last traded at $57.1560, with a volume of 20428 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $56.02. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have commented on NMM shares. Wall Street Zen raised Navios Maritime Partners from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, December 13th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Navios Maritime Partners in a report on Monday, December 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold. Get Navios Maritime Partners alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Navios Maritime Partners Navios Maritime Partners Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $52.89 and a 200-day simple moving average of $47.50. The company has a market capitalization of $1.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.53 and a beta of 1.34. Navios Maritime Partners (NYSE:NMM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 18th. The shipping company reported $2.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.55 by $0.28. Navios Maritime Partners had a net margin of 20.04% and a return on equity of 8.69%. The firm had revenue of $346.92 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $334.64 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.15 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 1.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Navios Maritime Partners LP will post 12.64 EPS for the current year. Navios Maritime Partners Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 10th were issued a dividend of $0.05 per share. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. Navios Maritime Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 2.29%. Institutional Trading of Navios Maritime Partners Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Allworth Financial LP acquired a new position in Navios Maritime Partners during the 2nd quarter worth about $47,000. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Navios Maritime Partners during the second quarter worth $62,000. Cerity Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Navios Maritime Partners in the second quarter valued at $212,000. Aristides Capital LLC purchased a new position in Navios Maritime Partners in the second quarter valued at $228,000. Finally, Blackhawk Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in Navios Maritime Partners during the 3rd quarter worth $247,000. 62.74% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Navios Maritime Partners (Get Free Report) Navios Maritime Partners L.P. (NYSE: NMM) is a dry bulk shipping company that owns and operates a fleet of Capesize, Panamax and Supramax vessels. The partnership charters its vessels under medium- and long-term contracts to a diverse group of charterers, providing seaborne transportation for major bulk cargoes such as iron ore, coal, grain and fertilizers. Through this asset-light model, Navios Maritime Partners seeks to generate stable cash flows while retaining flexibility to capitalize on market opportunities. Formed in November 2007 and sponsored by Navios Maritime Holdings Inc, the partnership leverages the operating platform and commercial management capabilities of the Navios group. Read More 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. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB lowered its holdings in Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report) by 4.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 20,106 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 1,030 shares during the period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSBs holdings in Deere & Company were worth $9,194,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the second quarter worth $25,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute acquired a new stake in shares of Deere & Company in the second quarter valued at $27,000. Marshall & Sullivan Inc. WA purchased a new position in Deere & Company in the second quarter valued at $38,000. Center for Financial Planning Inc. grew its stake in Deere & Company by 406.7% during the 2nd quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 76 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Toth Financial Advisory Corp grew its stake in Deere & Company by 182.1% during the 2nd quarter. Toth Financial Advisory Corp now owns 79 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares in the last quarter. 68.58% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Deere & Company alerts: Deere & Company Stock Performance Shares of DE opened at $515.34 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $139.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 1.00. Deere & Company has a 52-week low of $404.42 and a 52-week high of $533.78. The company has a quick ratio of 2.01, a current ratio of 2.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $477.49 and a 200 day moving average price of $481.90. Deere & Company Announces Dividend Deere & Company ( NYSE:DE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 26th. The industrial products company reported $3.93 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.96 by ($0.03). Deere & Company had a return on equity of 20.54% and a net margin of 11.00%.The company had revenue of $12.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.77 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $4.55 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Deere & Company will post 19.32 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a $1.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. Deere & Companys payout ratio is 35.01%. Insider Buying and Selling at Deere & Company In other news, CEO John C. May II sold 41,472 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $501.49, for a total value of $20,797,793.28. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 117,970 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $59,160,775.30. The trade was a 26.01% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Cory J. Reed sold 12,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $510.00, for a total value of $6,120,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 20,792 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,603,920. This trade represents a 36.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 64,578 shares of company stock valued at $32,471,682 in the last 90 days. 0.29% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have issued reports on DE. Wolfe Research increased their price target on Deere & Company from $520.00 to $550.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, January 2nd. Oppenheimer upped their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $512.00 to $531.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Deere & Company from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. DA Davidson reiterated a buy rating and set a $580.00 price target on shares of Deere & Company in a report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, Evercore ISI restated a positive rating on shares of Deere & Company in a report on Friday, November 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $524.20. Check Out Our Latest Report on Deere & Company 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. Featured Stories 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. Shares of Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Hold from the eleven ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $10.1438. A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on shares of Cemex from $7.00 to $8.25 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Scotiabank lowered Cemex from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $11.10 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Citigroup cut Cemex from a buy rating to a neutral rating and upped their target price for the company from $9.00 to $10.00 in a report on Monday, October 13th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Cemex in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Cemex from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Get Cemex alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Cemex Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cemex Cemex Trading Down 1.8% Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. WealthCollab LLC boosted its position in Cemex by 73.7% in the 2nd quarter. WealthCollab LLC now owns 3,724 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 1,580 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its stake in Cemex by 256.7% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 4,298 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 3,093 shares during the period. Ameriflex Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Cemex by 100.0% in the third quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 3,488 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 1,744 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Cemex by 63.7% during the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 5,210 shares of the construction companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 2,027 shares during the period. Finally, Reyes Financial Architecture Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Cemex during the third quarter worth about $36,000. 82.97% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. CX stock opened at $12.34 on Friday. Cemex has a 12-month low of $4.89 and a 12-month high of $12.69. The businesss 50-day moving average is $11.18 and its 200 day moving average is $9.63. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The stock has a market cap of $17.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.27, a PEG ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 1.59. Cemex (NYSE:CX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The construction company reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.01 by $0.15. Cemex had a return on equity of 6.85% and a net margin of 8.62%.The firm had revenue of $4.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $226.73 million. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Cemex will post 0.69 EPS for the current fiscal year. Cemex Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th were given a $0.0224 dividend. This represents a $0.09 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. Cemexs dividend payout ratio is presently 9.68%. Cemex Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cemex (NYSE: CX) is a global building materials company headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico. The company produces, distributes and sells cement, ready-mix concrete and aggregates, as well as related building materials, to construction markets in more than 50 countries. Cemexs product portfolio also includes asphalt and mortar mixes, waste-derived fuels and other complementary construction solutions, supported by a network of production facilities, distribution centers and logistics operations. Founded in 1906 as Cementos Hidalgo, the company adopted the Cemex name in 1976 following a series of domestic mergers and expansions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Cemex Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cemex and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF (NYSEARCA:NANR Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 34,411 shares, a growth of 157.4% from the December 15th total of 13,371 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 19,444 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.8 days. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 19,444 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.8 days. Hedge Funds Weigh In On SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. CoreCap Advisors LLC grew its holdings in SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF by 62.8% during the 3rd quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC now owns 451 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 174 shares during the last quarter. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF in the third quarter valued at $71,000. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new stake in SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF during the second quarter valued at about $195,000. Triumph Capital Management bought a new stake in SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at $204,000. Finally, Horizon Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF by 46.3% in the third quarter. Horizon Investments LLC now owns 7,152 shares of the companys stock valued at $462,000 after acquiring an additional 2,265 shares during the period. Get SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF alerts: SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Price Performance NANR stock opened at $74.38 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $835.29 million, a PE ratio of 18.42 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $67.65 and a 200 day moving average price of $63.47. SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF has a fifty-two week low of $46.37 and a fifty-two week high of $75.20. SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Company Profile The SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF (NANR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund tracks an index of US & Canadian firms involved in natural resources and commodities businesses. NANR was launched on Dec 15, 2015 and is managed by State Street. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (NYSE:BKD Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $11.66 and last traded at $11.75, with a volume of 417575 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $11.25. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages recently issued reports on BKD. Bank of America upgraded Brookdale Senior Living from an underperform rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $6.75 to $13.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Brookdale Senior Living from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, November 23rd. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Brookdale Senior Living in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Brookdale Senior Living from $9.00 to $13.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Barclays raised shares of Brookdale Senior Living from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $8.00 to $14.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Brookdale Senior Living presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $12.00. Get Brookdale Senior Living alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on BKD Brookdale Senior Living Stock Performance The company has a market cap of $2.85 billion, a P/E ratio of -9.11 and a beta of 0.67. The companys fifty day moving average is $10.74 and its 200 day moving average is $8.90. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 39.87. Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE:BKD Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.20) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.16) by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $813.17 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $825.59 million. Brookdale Senior Living had a negative net margin of 9.52% and a negative return on equity of 173.75%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Brookdale Senior Living Inc. will post -0.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Brookdale Senior Living Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Larson Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Brookdale Senior Living in the third quarter worth approximately $59,000. Strs Ohio purchased a new stake in Brookdale Senior Living during the 1st quarter valued at $61,000. Covestor Ltd grew its holdings in Brookdale Senior Living by 55.8% in the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 9,576 shares of the companys stock worth $81,000 after acquiring an additional 3,428 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Brookdale Senior Living in the third quarter valued at about $85,000. Finally, Levin Capital Strategies L.P. bought a new position in shares of Brookdale Senior Living during the third quarter valued at about $85,000. About Brookdale Senior Living (Get Free Report) Brookdale Senior Living Inc (NYSE: BKD) is one of the nations largest operators of senior living communities, offering a full spectrum of living options that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, continuing care retirement communities, respite care and skilled nursing services. The company emphasizes programs and amenities that support wellness, social engagement and overall quality of life for older adults. Across the United States and Puerto Rico, Brookdale manages more than 700 communities serving tens of thousands of residents. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Brookdale Senior Living Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookdale Senior Living and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sen. Jerry Klein, R-Fessenden, listens to a presentation during a Jan. 16, 2026, State Investment Board meeting. Pictured at left is State Treasurer Thomas Beadle and at right, Rep. Glenn Bosch, R-Bismarck. (Photo by Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) The State Investment Board on Friday approved about $1.3 million in performance bonuses to 12 Retirement and Investment Office staff members. Two state lawmakers had called on the board to delay the vote, citing unanswered questions about whether the bonuses comply with state law. Gov. Kelly Armstrong, who chairs the State Investment Board, on Friday urged the bonuses to move forward, noting an assistant attorney general and legal staff within his office said the payments are legal. Armstrong said that while he has problems with the structure of the bonus pay program, he doesnt want to abruptly take back money that was promised to the agency. In North Dakota, when we make a deal, we honor it, he said. The program, established in 2024, is intended to reward Retirement and Investment Office staff when its internally managed funds outperform the market. Sen. Sean Cleary, R-Bismarck, and Rep. Mitch Ostlie, R-Jamestown, in letters to the board this week, said the bonuses were based on the performance of funds mostly managed by outside firms on the Retirement and Investment Offices behalf. They said this appeared to conflict with the statutes mandate for the additional pay to only be granted if money directly invested by the state agency surpasses revenue benchmarks. The law doesnt specify what qualifies as internally managed funding. Armstrong said that while the language of the statute is opaque, testimony on the proposal from the 2023 Legislature indicates that the bills authors never intended for the program to award bonuses exclusively based on funds managed by Retirement and Investment Office staff. The bonuses were approved almost unanimously. Board member Adam Miller was the only no vote. Seven of the 12 bonuses exceed $100,000 and the largest is $293,000. The Retirement and Investment Office still has a hand in overseeing money managed by third-party firms, executive director Jodi Smith said during the meeting. The incentive pay is awarded if the states top four funds outperform the market. Those four funds are the Legacy Fund, the Public Employees Retirement System, the Teachers Fund for Retirement and Workforce Safety and Insurance. Those funds surpassed benchmarks by $191 million between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by investment analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $150.00 to $157.00 in a report issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the industrial products companys stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price objective points to a potential upside of 5.04% from the stocks current price. Several other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Wolfe Research raised their target price on Emerson Electric from $168.00 to $172.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday. Daiwa Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of Emerson Electric from $150.00 to $153.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Emerson Electric in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on shares of Emerson Electric in a research report on Monday, December 15th. They issued an outperform rating and a $170.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on shares of Emerson Electric from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Emerson Electric currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $152.76. Get Emerson Electric alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on EMR Emerson Electric Stock Up 1.0% Shares of EMR traded up $1.44 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $149.46. The stock had a trading volume of 607,944 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,901,165. The company has a market cap of $84.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.00, a PEG ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 1.26. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $135.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $135.14. Emerson Electric has a 1-year low of $90.06 and a 1-year high of $151.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.65. Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The industrial products company reported $1.62 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.62. The firm had revenue of $4.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.91 billion. Emerson Electric had a return on equity of 15.87% and a net margin of 12.73%.Emerson Electrics revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.48 earnings per share. Emerson Electric has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.350-6.550 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.400-1.400 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Emerson Electric will post 5.96 earnings per share for the current year. Emerson Electric declared that its board has initiated a stock repurchase program on Wednesday, November 5th that permits the company to buyback $0.00 in shares. This buyback authorization permits the industrial products company to purchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are typically a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Emerson Electric news, CEO Surendralal Lanca Karsanbhai sold 7,263 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.00, for a total transaction of $965,979.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 196,292 shares in the company, valued at approximately $26,106,836. The trade was a 3.57% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of EMR. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Emerson Electric during the 2nd quarter worth $918,830,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of Emerson Electric by 75.0% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 12,538,402 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,671,762,000 after purchasing an additional 5,371,585 shares during the period. Schroder Investment Management Group boosted its holdings in Emerson Electric by 51.6% during the second quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 6,346,398 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $846,165,000 after buying an additional 2,159,126 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its holdings in Emerson Electric by 185.7% in the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,192,982 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $418,730,000 after buying an additional 2,075,425 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Emerson Electric by 43.0% during the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 5,193,448 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $692,442,000 after acquiring an additional 1,561,600 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.30% of the companys stock. About Emerson Electric (Get Free Report) Emerson Electric Co is a global technology and engineering company that designs and manufactures products and provides services for industrial, commercial and consumer markets. Founded in 1890, the company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and has built a long-standing presence in automation, control and climate-related technologies. Emersons offerings are aimed at improving productivity, energy efficiency and reliability for a wide range of end markets. Emerson operates through two principal platformsAutomation Solutions and Commercial & Residential Solutionsproviding process automation systems, measurement and analytical instrumentation, valves and actuators, control software, and related aftermarket services, alongside products for heating, ventilation and refrigeration, residential and commercial climate controls, tools and storage solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Emerson Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Emerson Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (NYSEARCA:IRE Get Free Report) was the recipient of unusually large options trading activity on Friday. Traders purchased 19,941 call options on the company. This is an increase of approximately 343% compared to the typical volume of 4,498 call options. iShares MSCI Ireland ETF Trading Up 10.1% IRE traded up $1.07 during trading on Friday, hitting $11.67. 8,129,865 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 16,131,056. iShares MSCI Ireland ETF has a 1 year low of $4.80 and a 1 year high of $31.17. Get iShares MSCI Ireland ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (NYSEARCA: IRE) is an exchange-traded fund managed by BlackRocks iShares business that provides investors with targeted exposure to Irish equities. Listed on the NYSE Arca, the fund is designed to reflect the performance of an investment benchmark composed of companies domiciled in or with significant exposure to Ireland. It offers a single-ticket way to access the Irish equity market within a U.S.-listed vehicle. The ETF holds a portfolio of Irish companies spanning multiple sectors, giving investors exposure to the countrys prominent industries such as financials, consumer goods and services, industrials, and healthcare. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Ireland ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Ireland ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yum China (NYSE:YUMC Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Buy from the three brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation, one has given a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $55.00. Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Yum China in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. CLSA restated an outperform rating and set a $55.00 price target on shares of Yum China in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Get Yum China alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Yum China Yum China Price Performance Shares of YUMC stock traded down $0.85 on Friday, reaching $47.34. The companys stock had a trading volume of 295,128 shares, compared to its average volume of 962,335. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $47.49 and its 200-day simple moving average is $45.82. The company has a current ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01. Yum China has a 1 year low of $41.00 and a 1 year high of $53.99. The company has a market capitalization of $17.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 0.14. Yum China (NYSE:YUMC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.76 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.76. Yum China had a net margin of 7.81% and a return on equity of 14.08%. The company had revenue of $3.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.20 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.77 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Yum China will post 2.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Yum China Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 2nd. Yum Chinas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 39.83%. Yum China announced that its board has approved a stock buyback program on Friday, December 12th that authorizes the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to reacquire up to 5.8% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Activity In other news, insider Warton Wang sold 8,187 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.28, for a total transaction of $395,268.36. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 46,847 shares in the company, valued at $2,261,773.16. The trade was a 14.88% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Jeff Kuai sold 5,167 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.00, for a total value of $248,016.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 56,602 shares in the company, valued at $2,716,896. This represents a 8.37% 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 18,242 shares of company stock worth $878,397 over the last 90 days. 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Yum China Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in Yum China by 21.5% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 29,150,667 shares of the companys stock worth $1,303,326,000 after acquiring an additional 5,164,701 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in Yum China by 14.8% in the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 20,169,661 shares of the companys stock valued at $883,687,000 after purchasing an additional 2,604,480 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Yum China by 1.0% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 15,545,068 shares of the companys stock worth $680,252,000 after purchasing an additional 158,607 shares during the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. raised its stake in Yum China by 13.1% during the second quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 5,871,382 shares of the companys stock worth $262,509,000 after purchasing an additional 677,928 shares during the period. Finally, Waverton Investment Management Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Yum China by 12.5% in the 3rd quarter. Waverton Investment Management Ltd now owns 4,851,909 shares of the companys stock valued at $208,171,000 after purchasing an additional 539,531 shares during the last quarter. 85.58% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Yum China (Get Free Report) Yum China Holdings, Inc operates as the largest quick-service restaurant company in China, through its ownership and franchising of brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. The companys core business encompasses full-service and fast?casual dining, takeout and delivery channels, as well as ancillary services including loyalty programs and digital ordering platforms. Yum Chinas restaurants offer a diverse menu that adapts global brand concepts to local consumer preferences, featuring items such as soy?marinated chicken, customized pizzas and region?inspired side dishes. In addition to its signature brands, Yum China has expanded its portfolio to include innovative concepts tailored to evolving market trends, such as plant?based offerings, self?service kiosks and mobile app integrations. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Yum China Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yum China and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Everbright Environment Group?? (OTCMKTS:CHFFF Get Free Report) and Pentair (NYSE:PNR Get Free Report) are both business services companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, risk, institutional ownership, valuation, dividends, analyst recommendations and earnings. Risk and Volatility China Everbright Environment Group?? has a beta of 0.17, suggesting that its stock price is 83% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Pentair has a beta of 1.22, suggesting that its stock price is 22% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get China Everbright Environment Group?? alerts: Profitability This table compares China Everbright Environment Group?? and Pentairs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China Everbright Environment Group?? N/A N/A N/A Pentair 15.84% 21.83% 12.10% Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China Everbright Environment Group?? 0 0 0 0 0.00 Pentair 4 3 11 2 2.55 This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for China Everbright Environment Group?? and Pentair, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Pentair has a consensus price target of $115.75, suggesting a potential upside of 7.83%. Given Pentairs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Pentair is more favorable than China Everbright Environment Group??. Valuation & Earnings This table compares China Everbright Environment Group?? and Pentairs top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China Everbright Environment Group?? $3.88 billion 1.01 $432.80 million N/A N/A Pentair $4.08 billion 4.30 $625.40 million $3.94 27.24 Pentair has higher revenue and earnings than China Everbright Environment Group??. Institutional & Insider Ownership 92.4% of Pentair shares are held by institutional investors. 1.1% of Pentair shares are held by company insiders. 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. Summary Pentair beats China Everbright Environment Group?? on 13 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About China Everbright Environment Group?? (Get Free Report) China Everbright Environment Group Limited, an investment holding company, provides environmental solutions worldwide. The companys Environmental Energy Project Construction and Operation segment constructs and operates food and kitchen waste treatment, leachate and fecal treatment, sludge treatment and disposal, fly ash landfill, medical waste, and solid waste treatment projects, as well as waste-to-energy and methane-to-energy plants. This segment also provides waste sorting, renewable resources utilization, and sanitation operation services. Its Greentech Project Construction and Operation segment constructs and operates integrated biomass utilization, hazardous and solid waste treatment, and solar energy and wind power projects, as well as offers environmental remediation services. The companys Environmental Water Project Construction and Operation segment constructs, upgrades, and operates waste water treatment plants; water supply and reusable water treatment plants; and sponge city construction, sludge treatment and disposal, leachate treatment, river-basin ecological restoration, and waste water source heat pump projects. This segment also researches and develops water environment technologies and engineering projects. The companys Others segment conducts environmental protection technology research and development projects; provides environmental related technological, and protection project equipment construction and installation services; designs environmental protection projects; and sells related equipment. It also collects and treats municipal wastes by mechanical and biological technology; and manufactures environmental protection equipment. The company was formerly known as China Everbright International Limited and changed its name to China Everbright Environment Group Limited in September 2020. China Everbright Environment Group Limited was incorporated in 1961 and is headquartered in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. About Pentair (Get Free Report) Pentair plc provides various water solutions in the United States, Western Europe, China, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, Canada, and Japan. The company operates through three segments: Flow, Water Solutions, and Pool. The Flow segment designs, manufactures, and sells fluid treatment and pump products and systems, including pressure vessels, gas recovery solutions, membrane bioreactors, wastewater reuse systems and advanced membrane filtration, separation systems, water disposal pumps, water supply pumps, fluid transfer pumps, turbine pumps, solid handling pumps, and agricultural spray nozzles for fluid delivery, ion exchange, desalination, food and beverage, separation technologies in the oil and gas industry, residential and municipal wells, water treatment, wastewater solids handling, pressure boosting, circulation and transfer, fire suppression, flood control, agricultural irrigation, and crop spray in residential, commercial, and industrial markets. The Water Solutions segment provides commercial and residential water treatment products and systems, including pressure tanks, control valves, activated carbon products, commercial ice machines, conventional filtration products, and point-of-entry and point-of-use water treatment systems, as well as installation and preventative services for use in residential whole home water filtration, drinking water filtration, and water softening solutions, as well as commercial total water management and filtration in foodservice operations. The Pool segment provides residential and commercial pool equipment and accessories comprising pumps, filters, heaters, lights, automatic controls, automatic cleaners, maintenance equipment, and pool accessories for applications in residential and commercial pool maintenance, pool repair, renovation, service, and construction and aquaculture solutions. Pentair plc was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for China Everbright Environment Group?? Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Everbright Environment Group?? and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by stock analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $350.00 to $355.00 in a research note issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price objective suggests a potential upside of 6.19% from the companys current price. A number of other research analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Lithia Motors from $327.00 to $358.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday. Benchmark reiterated a buy rating on shares of Lithia Motors in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Weiss Ratings downgraded Lithia Motors from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on Lithia Motors from $440.00 to $500.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Barclays started coverage on Lithia Motors in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. They issued an overweight rating and a $410.00 target price for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Lithia Motors has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $392.70. Get Lithia Motors alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on LAD Lithia Motors Trading Up 0.6% NYSE:LAD traded up $1.93 on Friday, hitting $334.31. 44,687 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 215,128. The companys 50-day moving average price is $324.80 and its 200 day moving average price is $321.65. Lithia Motors has a 52 week low of $262.10 and a 52 week high of $405.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.67 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a current ratio of 1.21. Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $9.50 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.53 by $0.97. The company had revenue of $9.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.38 billion. Lithia Motors had a return on equity of 13.42% and a net margin of 2.39%.Lithia Motorss revenue was up 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $8.21 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Lithia Motors will post 34.45 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In other news, Director Congdon Stacy Loretz sold 75 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $360.00, for a total transaction of $27,000.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 1,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $651,600. This represents a 3.98% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.87% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Lithia Motors Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. CoreCap Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Lithia Motors during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Bessemer Group Inc. raised its holdings in Lithia Motors by 114.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 88 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 47 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Lithia Motors by 1,383.3% during the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 89 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the period. Eastern Bank bought a new stake in shares of Lithia Motors in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in Lithia Motors in the third quarter valued at $31,000. About Lithia Motors (Get Free Report) Lithia Motors, Inc is an American automotive retailer headquartered in Medford, Oregon. Founded in 1946 as a small auto body and glass shop, the company has grown through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions to become one of the largest automotive retail networks in North America. Lithia operates dealerships across the United States and Canada, offering a broad portfolio of new and pre-owned vehicles from more than 40 different manufacturers. The companys core business activities include vehicle sales, financing, insurance, parts and service. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lithia Motors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lithia Motors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Partners Group Holding AG (OTCMKTS:PGPHF Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $1,222.08, but opened at $1,367.6550. Partners Group shares last traded at $1,367.6550, with a volume of 16 shares trading hands. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Partners Group in a report on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Partners Group presently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Partners Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PGPHF Partners Group Trading Up 11.9% Partners Group Company Profile The businesss fifty day moving average is $1,200.50 and its 200 day moving average is $1,289.78. The company has a market cap of $35.47 billion and a P/E ratio of 89.62. (Get Free Report) Partners Group Holding AG (OTCMKTS: PGPHF) is a global private markets investment manager that specializes in private equity, private debt, private real estate and private infrastructure. The firm develops tailored investment solutions for institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. Its services include direct investments, primary fund commitments and secondary market transactions, as well as customized portfolio and advisory offerings. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, Partners Group completed its initial public offering on the SIX Swiss Exchange in 2006. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Partners Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Partners Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sse Plc (OTCMKTS:SSEZY Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $31.71 and last traded at $31.65, with a volume of 82848 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $31.27. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently commented on SSEZY shares. Citigroup cut SSE from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Zacks Research raised shares of SSE from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. UBS Group downgraded SSE from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of SSE in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of SSE in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold. Get SSE alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on SSE SSE Price Performance SSE Company Profile The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.97 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $29.43 and its 200 day simple moving average is $26.13. (Get Free Report) SSE plc (OTCMKTS:SSEZY) is a United Kingdombased energy company engaged across the electricity value chain. Its principal activities include power generation, energy supply to residential and commercial customers, and ownership/operation of electricity networks. The company has a significant presence in renewable energy development alongside conventional generation, and it provides a range of energy-related services and infrastructure solutions. On the generation side, SSEs portfolio spans both low-carbon technologiessuch as onshore and offshore wind and hydroelectric assetsand thermal generation that supports system reliability. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for SSE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SSE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Black Diamond Group Limited (TSE:BDI Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as C$16.68 and last traded at C$16.48, with a volume of 35568 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$15.96. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BDI has been the topic of several research reports. Canaccord Genuity Group boosted their price target on Black Diamond Group from C$13.50 to C$17.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on shares of Black Diamond Group from C$15.00 to C$17.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Finally, Acumen Capital upped their price target on shares of Black Diamond Group from C$14.50 to C$17.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$17.00. Get Black Diamond Group alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Black Diamond Group Black Diamond Group Trading Up 3.9% The stock has a market cap of C$1.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.59 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 88.46, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a current ratio of 1.17. The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$14.50 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$13.23. Black Diamond Group (TSE:BDI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported C$0.18 EPS for the quarter. Black Diamond Group had a net margin of 6.46% and a return on equity of 8.11%. The company had revenue of C$105.32 million for the quarter. Equities research analysts expect that Black Diamond Group Limited will post 0.5349233 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Black Diamond Group In other Black Diamond Group news, Director Robert Wagemakers sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of C$14.10, for a total value of C$282,000.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 543,580 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$7,664,478. This represents a 3.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Company insiders own 23.83% of the companys stock. Black Diamond Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Black Diamond Group Ltd rents and sells space rental solutions and modular workforce accommodations to business customers in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company also provides specialized field rentals to the oil and gas industries of Canada and the United States. Besides, Black Diamond Group provides turnkey lodging services, as well as a host of related services that include transportation, installation, dismantling, repairs, maintenance, and ancillary field equipment rentals. From its locations, the company serves multiple sectors including oil and gas, mining, power, construction, engineering, military, government, and education. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Black Diamond Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Diamond Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pop Mart International Group Limited Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:PMRTY Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $24.24, but opened at $23.00. Pop Mart International Group shares last traded at $22.66, with a volume of 4,922 shares changing hands. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently issued reports on PMRTY shares. Zacks Research cut Pop Mart International Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. CLSA raised shares of Pop Mart International Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Pop Mart International Group to a strong sell rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Nomura Securities raised Pop Mart International Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Pop Mart International Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on PMRTY Pop Mart International Group Trading Down 6.4% About Pop Mart International Group The companys 50 day simple moving average is $25.94. (Get Free Report) Pop Mart International Group Ltd is a leading designer, developer and retailer of collectible art toys and lifestyle products. Founded in Beijing in 2010, the company has built a portfolio of proprietary intellectual property and artist collaborations, with its core business centered on blind-box collectible figurines that combine contemporary design with surprise-driven consumer engagement. Pop Marts distinctive toy offerings span a variety of artist-led series and thematic collections, making it a recognized name among collectors and casual consumers alike. The companys product lineup features several signature brands, including Pucky, Molly and Dimoo, each characterized by unique aesthetic styles and narrative elements. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Pop Mart International Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pop Mart International Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wartsila (OTCMKTS:WRTBY Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Friday . 6,803 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 21% from the previous sessions volume of 5,637 shares.The stock last traded at $7.77 and had previously closed at $7.88. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently weighed in on WRTBY. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Wartsila in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Citigroup reissued a sell rating on shares of Wartsila in a report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Barclays reiterated an underweight rating on shares of Wartsila in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Reduce. Get Wartsila alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on WRTBY Wartsila Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The company has a market cap of $23.40 billion, a PE ratio of 35.96 and a beta of 1.22. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $6.95 and a 200-day moving average price of $6.17. Wartsila (OTCMKTS:WRTBY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.07 EPS for the quarter. Wartsila had a net margin of 8.89% and a return on equity of 23.64%. The company had revenue of $1.91 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.99 billion. On average, equities analysts expect that Wartsila will post 0.18 earnings per share for the current year. Wartsila Company Profile (Get Free Report) Wartsila (OTCMKTS: WRTBY) is a Finnish technology company specializing in sustainable solutions for the marine and energy sectors. Founded in 1834 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Wartsila designs, manufactures and services equipment ranging from marine engines and propulsion systems to complete power plants. The companys Energy Business provides flexible gas, multi-fuel and hybrid power plants, as well as long-term operation and maintenance services. In its Marine Business, Wartsila delivers integrated systems for ship design, digital operations and lifecycle support. With a presence in over 80 countries, Wartsila serves shipowners, shipyards, power producers and utilities around the world. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Wartsila Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wartsila and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A promotional image demonstrating every Boeing 737 MAX variant in flight over clouds - Boeing Boeing seems to finally be pulling out of its years-long nosedive. For 2025, the Washington planemaker tallied up 1,173 net orders for its civilian aircraft, exceeding its rival Airbus. The European company pulled in 889 net orders, a 31.9% advantage to Boeing. Clearly, after years of fatal crashes, panel blow-outs, and stranded astronauts, the manufacturer is starting to wash some of the stain off of its once sparkling reputation. This marks the first time Boeing has eclipsed Airbus in orders since 2018, the year that everything seemed to fall apart for the former. Airbus still has plenty to celebrate, though. As CNBC points out, Airbus still delivered more actual planes than Boeing last year, 793 to 600. In other words, while Boeing's doing better on prospect, Airbus is still doing better in the present. Remember that 2025 is also the year that Airbus' A320 family flew past the Boeing 737 as the bestselling jetliner of all time. Meanwhile, the A321neo remains the single bestselling variant of all time. So Boeing still has its work cut out for it. Read more: Why Did Automakers Stop Making Cars With Pop-Up Headlights? Boeing vs the U.S. government Promotional image of a Boeing 777X taking off into a partly cloudy sky - Boeing It's not just Airbus that Boeing has to worry about: there's also the U.S. government, which is impacting its biggest planemaker directly and indirectly. For one thing, ever since the crashes in 2018 and 2019, the FAA has restricted the number of 737s that Boeing can make per month. This is meant to ensure a focus on safety rather than production volume. The FAA is just starting to loosen those restrictions, and indications are that they might loosen further soon. For another, the Department of Justice was trying to hold Boeing criminally liable for its fatal crashes. Then Donald Trump re-entered the White House, and suddenly, the DOJ thought Boeing was just fine, actually. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor, who once said that "Boeing's crime may properly be considered the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history," begrudgingly dismissed the case at the DOJ's request. Coincidentally or not, right at the same time Qatar made the biggest plane purchase in history, all of Boeing aircraft, right as President Trump was visiting the country. However, Boeing still can't get certifications for its newest 737 MAX variants or the 777X. These planes have been delayed for years after failing one safety test after another. The 777X delay alone is costing the company $5 billion. But if Boeing can actually, you know, make these planes safe to fly, they will be huge windfalls once they start getting delivered. Which should be just in the next few years, according to the company. Good thing there's not some sort of global trade war also getting in the way Oh. Oh, darn. Canadian Natural Resources, Celsius, and Canadian Pacific Kansas City are the three Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of companies that are incorporated in Canada or primarily operate there and are traded on Canadian exchanges such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) or TSX Venture Exchange. For investors they provide exposure to the Canadian economyoften concentrated in sectors like energy, mining and financialsand carry considerations like Canadian-dollar currency risk, domestic regulatory factors and commodity-price sensitivity. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Celsius (CELH) Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells functional energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company offers CELSIUS, a fitness drink or supplement designed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat; various flavors and carbonated and non-carbonated functional energy drinks under the CELSIUS Originals and Vibe name, as well as functional energy drink under the CELSIUS Essentials and CELSIUS On-the-Go Powder names; and CELSIUS ready-to drink products. Read Our Latest Research Report on CELH Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Read Our Latest Research Report on CP Read More Live Oak Bancshares (NYSE:LOB Get Free Report) is one of 20 public companies in the State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare Live Oak Bancshares to related companies based on the strength of its risk, dividends, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations and profitability. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Live Oak Bancshares and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Live Oak Bancshares alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Live Oak Bancshares $936.15 million $77.47 million 25.24 Live Oak Bancshares Competitors $744.78 million $95.99 million 40.70 Live Oak Bancshares has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its rivals. Live Oak Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Dividends Profitability Live Oak Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. Live Oak Bancshares pays out 8.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies pay a dividend yield of 2.2% and pay out 67.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. This table compares Live Oak Bancshares and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Live Oak Bancshares 6.94% 6.61% 0.51% Live Oak Bancshares Competitors 7.23% 6.94% 0.79% Institutional & Insider Ownership 64.0% of Live Oak Bancshares shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.2% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are held by institutional investors. 23.4% of Live Oak Bancshares shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 6.7% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are held by company 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. Risk & Volatility Live Oak Bancshares has a beta of 2.02, meaning that its stock price is 102% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Live Oak Bancshares rivals have a beta of 1.01, meaning that their average stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Live Oak Bancshares and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Live Oak Bancshares 0 2 0 1 2.67 Live Oak Bancshares Competitors 30 173 217 26 2.54 As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 2.56%. Given Live Oak Bancshares rivals higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Live Oak Bancshares has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Summary Live Oak Bancshares rivals beat Live Oak Bancshares on 9 of the 15 factors compared. Live Oak Bancshares Company Profile (Get Free Report) Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Live Oak Banking Company that provides various commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, and professionals in North Carolina, the United States. The company accepts various deposit products, including noninterest-bearing demand, as well as interest-bearing checking, money market, savings, and time deposits. It also offers commercial and industrial loans; construction and development loans; owner occupied and non-owner occupied collateral commercial real estate loans; and commercial land loans. In addition, the company provides settlement, accounting, and securitization services for government guaranteed loans; wealth and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals and families; investment advisory services to a series of funds focused on providing venture capital to new and emerging financial technology companies; and an on-site restaurant location to company employees and business visitors. Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. Receive News & Ratings for Live Oak Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Live Oak Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Winnebago Industries (NYSE:WGO Get Free Report) had its price target upped by equities research analysts at Citigroup from $51.00 to $54.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the RV manufacturers stock. Citigroups price target would suggest a potential upside of 13.92% from the stocks previous close. A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on WGO. Loop Capital started coverage on shares of Winnebago Industries in a research note on Friday, October 31st. They set a hold rating and a $40.00 target price for the company. Griffin Securities set a $40.00 price objective on Winnebago Industries in a report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Winnebago Industries in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Roth Capital upped their price target on Winnebago Industries from $36.00 to $42.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Winnebago Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 22nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Winnebago Industries has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $42.80. Get Winnebago Industries alerts: View Our Latest Report on WGO Winnebago Industries Stock Up 0.3% NYSE WGO traded up $0.13 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $47.40. 309,936 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 747,519. The company has a quick ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 2.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The firm has a market cap of $1.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.04 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a 50 day moving average of $39.15 and a two-hundred day moving average of $35.42. Winnebago Industries has a 52-week low of $28.00 and a 52-week high of $50.31. Winnebago Industries (NYSE:WGO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, December 19th. The RV manufacturer reported $0.38 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.26. Winnebago Industries had a return on equity of 4.83% and a net margin of 1.27%.The business had revenue of $702.70 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $628.51 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted ($0.03) earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. Winnebago Industries has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.100-2.800 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Winnebago Industries will post 3.41 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity at Winnebago Industries In related news, Director Sara E. Armbruster bought 2,700 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, October 24th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $40.27 per share, for a total transaction of $108,729.00. Following the purchase, the director owned 14,426 shares of the companys stock, valued at $580,935.02. This trade represents a 23.03% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael J. Happe sold 7,105 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $41.38, for a total value of $294,004.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 347,501 shares in the company, valued at approximately $14,379,591.38. The trade was a 2.00% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 4.88% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its stake in shares of Winnebago Industries by 90.5% during the 3rd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 766 shares of the RV manufacturers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 364 shares in the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Winnebago Industries by 53.3% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,107 shares of the RV manufacturers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 385 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in Winnebago Industries by 62.8% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,123 shares of the RV manufacturers stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 433 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its position in Winnebago Industries by 825.4% during the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,203 shares of the RV manufacturers stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 1,073 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio lifted its holdings in shares of Winnebago Industries by 15.9% in the third quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 2,255 shares of the RV manufacturers stock valued at $75,000 after purchasing an additional 309 shares in the last quarter. Winnebago Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Winnebago Industries, Inc is a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles (RVs) and specialty vehicles, headquartered in Forest City, Iowa. Since its founding in 1958, the company has gained recognition for its motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth-wheel products under the Winnebago and Grand Design brands. Its portfolio also includes towable RVs, camper vans and commercial vehicles tailored for healthcare, government and mobile retail applications. In addition to vehicle production, Winnebago Industries maintains an extensive dealer and service network across the United States and Canada, supplemented by parts distribution centers and customer support resources. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Winnebago Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Winnebago Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several analysts have recently updated their ratings and price targets for Strathcona Resources (TSE: SCR): 1/13/2026 Strathcona Resources had its price target lowered by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from C$40.00 to C$35.00. They now have a moderate buy rating on the stock. 1/9/2026 Strathcona Resources was upgraded by analysts at Natl Bk Canada from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating. 1/9/2026 Strathcona Resources was upgraded by analysts at National Bankshares, Inc. from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating. They now have a C$32.00 price target on the stock, down previously from C$36.00. 1/5/2026 Strathcona Resources had its price target lowered by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from C$38.00 to C$29.00. 12/30/2025 Strathcona Resources had its price target lowered by analysts at Scotiabank from C$40.00 to C$33.00. 12/24/2025 Strathcona Resources had its price target lowered by analysts at Scotiabank from C$40.00 to C$33.00. 12/23/2025 Strathcona Resources had its price target lowered by analysts at ATB Capital from C$42.00 to C$32.00. 12/3/2025 Strathcona Resources was downgraded by analysts at Natl Bk Canada from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating. Strathcona Resources Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.6%. Strathcona Resourcess dividend payout ratio is 21.68%. Strathcona Resources Ltd. is a Canada-based oil and gas producers with operations focused on thermal oil, enhanced oil recovery and liquids-rich natural gas. The Company has three operations, including Lloydminster Heavy Oil, Cold Lake Thermal Oil and Montney. The Lloydminster Heavy Oil segment has multiple large oil-in-place reservoirs with existing and expanding enhanced oil recovery (EOR) opportunities primarily located in southwest Saskatchewan. Its Saskatchewan thermal properties rely on the same steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) processes as its Cold Lake Thermal properties. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Strathcona Resources Ltd Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Strathcona Resources Ltd and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Australia ETF (NYSEARCA:EWA 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 3,045,951 shares, an increase of 148.8% from the December 15th total of 1,224,395 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 4,425,696 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Approximately 6.1% of the companys shares are short sold. Approximately 6.1% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 4,425,696 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Institutional Trading of iShares MSCI Australia ETF Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Johnson Financial Group Inc. acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Australia ETF during the third quarter worth $32,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its position in iShares MSCI Australia ETF by 10,333.3% during the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,565 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 1,550 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Australia ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $42,000. Simplex Trading LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Australia ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $71,000. Finally, Fifth Third Bancorp bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Australia ETF in the third quarter worth approximately $75,000. Institutional investors own 59.69% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI Australia ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Australia ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:EWA traded up $0.10 during trading on Friday, reaching $26.75. The company had a trading volume of 2,364,042 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,014,214. The firms fifty day moving average is $26.17 and its 200 day moving average is $26.56. iShares MSCI Australia ETF has a twelve month low of $20.50 and a twelve month high of $27.57. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.33 billion, a PE ratio of 19.89 and a beta of 1.04. About iShares MSCI Australia ETF iShares MSCI Australia ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Australia Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, of publicly traded securities in the Australian market, as represented by the MSCI Australia Index (the Index). The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Australian equity market. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Australia ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Australia ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NBY Get Free Report) rose 13.2% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $13.70 and last traded at $14.36. Approximately 375,761 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 83% from the average daily volume of 2,190,110 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.69. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Stock Performance The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $4.18 and a 200 day moving average price of $2.27. The company has a market cap of $1.95 billion, a P/E ratio of -1.56 and a beta of 0.09. Get NovaBay Pharmaceuticals alerts: Institutional Trading of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. C2C Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals by 78.2% during the 2nd quarter. C2C Wealth Management LLC now owns 98,000 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $57,000 after purchasing an additional 43,000 shares during the last quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals in the third quarter worth $35,000. Finally, Ground Swell Capital LLC bought a new stake in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals in the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 23.25% of the companys stock. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Company Profile NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing novel, non-antibiotic anti-infective products designed to regulate the innate immune response. Leveraging its proprietary Aganocide Technology, the companys synthetic antimicrobial compounds target and neutralize pathogens without contributing to antibiotic resistance. NovaBays research and development efforts concentrate on ophthalmic, dermatological and wound care applications, aiming to address unmet needs in infection control and inflammation management. The companys primary commercial products include Avenova, an eyelid and lash cleaning solution indicated for managing chronic blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, and NeutroPhase, a pure hypochlorous acid wound and skin cleanser used in acute and chronic wound irrigation. Read More Receive News & Ratings for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jeffs Brands, Jaguar Animal Health, Locafy, Rezolve AI, Bitfarms, TNL Mediagene, and Richtech Robotics are the seven Penny stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Penny stocks are low-priced shares of small public companiescommonly defined by the SEC as trading under $5 per sharethat often trade on over-the-counter markets or smaller exchanges. They typically have low market capitalizations, thin trading volume, limited disclosure, and high price volatility, making them speculative and higher-risk investments prone to fraud and wide swings. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Penny stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Jeffs Brands (JFBR) Jeffs Brands Ltd, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an e-commerce company. It engages in the sale of various consumer products on Amazon online marketplace. The company offers knife-sharpening sets, sharpeners, and nonslip rubber bases under the KnifePlanet brand; steel and soft-tip dart sets under the CC-Exquisite brand; car door and sets protectors for pets under the PetEvo brand; and bag sets and party supply kits for children under the Whoobli brand. Jaguar Animal Health (JAGX) Jaguar Health, Inc., a commercial stage pharmaceuticals company, focuses on developing plant-based prescription medicines for people and animals with gastrointestinal distress, specifically chronic and debilitating diarrhea. The company operates through two segments, Human Health and Animal Health. It focuses on developing and commercializing prescription and non-prescription products for companion and production animals; and human products. Read Our Latest Research Report on JAGX Locafy (LCFY) Locafy Limited operates as a software-as-a-service company (SaaS) that specializes in search engine marketing in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Publishing, Direct Sales, and Reseller Sales. It focuses on commercializing its SaaS online publishing technology platform that comprises an integrated suite of solutions. Read Our Latest Research Report on LCFY Rezolve AI (RZLV) Rezolve AI Plc operates in the mobile commerce industry with its cutting-edge engagement platform powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. It develops AI-based mobile commerce and engagement solutions, simplifying the purchasing process by providing relevant information and facilitating seamless transactions with a single tap. Read Our Latest Research Report on RZLV Bitfarms (BITF) Bitfarms Ltd. engages in the mining of cryptocurrency coins and tokens in Canada, the United States, Paraguay, and Argentina. It owns and operates server farms that primarily validates transactions on the Bitcoin Blockchain and earning cryptocurrency from block rewards and transaction fees. The company also provides electrician services to commercial and residential customers in Quebec, Canada. Read Our Latest Research Report on BITF TNL Mediagene (TNMG) Read Our Latest Research Report on TNMG Richtech Robotics (RR) Richtech Robotics Inc. develops, manufactures, deploys, and sells robotic solutions for automation in the service industry. The company offers indoor transport and delivery, sanitation, and food and beverage automation solutions, such as ADAM and ARM worker robots; delivery robots, including Matradee, Matradee X, Matradee L, Richie, and Robbie; and cleaning robots comprising DUST-E SX, and DUST-E MX, as well as accessories, such as bus tubs, cup holders, magnetic tray cases, smartwatches, table location systems, and tray covers. Read Our Latest Research Report on RR Further Reading Biohaven Ltd. (NYSE:BHVN Get Free Report) rose 8% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $13.06 and last traded at $12.8710. Approximately 2,555,338 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 31% from the average daily volume of 3,703,014 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.92. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. UBS Group downgraded shares of Biohaven from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $26.00 to $11.00 in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Robert W. Baird set a $42.00 price target on Biohaven in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Bank of America lowered Biohaven from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $10.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Biohaven from $26.00 to $21.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price target on Biohaven from $19.00 to $9.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $25.57. Get Biohaven alerts: Read Our Latest Report on BHVN Biohaven Trading Up 10.2% The business has a 50-day moving average price of $10.14 and a 200-day moving average price of $13.25. The company has a quick ratio of 2.86, a current ratio of 2.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.91. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.39 billion, a P/E ratio of -1.73 and a beta of 1.14. Biohaven (NYSE:BHVN Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported ($1.64) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($1.91) by $0.27. Analysts anticipate that Biohaven Ltd. will post -8.9 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director John W. Childs purchased 3,333,333 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 acquisition, the director directly owned 5,653,904 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $42,404,280. This trade represents a 143.64% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Gregory Bailey purchased 400,000 shares of Biohaven stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 13th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $7.50 per share, for a total transaction of $3,000,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 2,020,071 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,150,532.50. This represents a 24.69% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Insiders purchased a total of 4,416,999 shares of company stock valued at $33,144,833 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 16.00% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust grew its position in Biohaven by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust now owns 173,656 shares of the companys stock worth $2,607,000 after acquiring an additional 657 shares during the last quarter. Elkhorn Partners Limited Partnership boosted its stake in Biohaven by 26.1% in the second quarter. Elkhorn Partners Limited Partnership now owns 5,800 shares of the companys stock worth $82,000 after purchasing an additional 1,200 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in Biohaven by 113.7% in the third quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,383 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 1,268 shares in the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Biohaven by 5.8% during the second quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 25,288 shares of the companys stock worth $357,000 after purchasing an additional 1,383 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rafferty Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Biohaven by 1.3% in the second quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC now owns 121,189 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,710,000 after buying an additional 1,503 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 88.78% of the companys stock. Biohaven Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Biohaven Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Biohaven and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vitesse Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTS Get Free Report) CEO Robert Gerrity sold 28,994 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.83, for a total value of $574,951.02. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 485,699 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,631,411.17. This represents a 5.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Vitesse Energy Trading Down 2.7% Shares of VTS stock traded down $0.54 on Friday, hitting $19.22. The stock had a trading volume of 388,662 shares, compared to its average volume of 391,718. The companys 50 day moving average price is $20.47 and its 200-day moving average price is $22.68. Vitesse Energy, Inc. has a 1 year low of $18.84 and a 1 year high of $27.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 0.85 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $743.24 million, a P/E ratio of 38.44 and a beta of 0.64. Get Vitesse Energy alerts: Vitesse Energy (NYSE:VTS Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported ($0.03) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.10 by ($0.13). The firm had revenue of $67.44 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $65.70 million. Vitesse Energy had a net margin of 7.70% and a return on equity of 5.71%. Analysts anticipate that Vitesse Energy, Inc. will post 1.05 earnings per share for the current year. Vitesse Energy Announces Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a dividend of $0.5625 per share. This represents a $2.25 annualized dividend and a yield of 11.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. Vitesse Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 450.00%. Several research firms have commented on VTS. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Vitesse Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Vitesse Energy in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research lowered Vitesse Energy from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on Vitesse Energy from $22.00 to $20.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $24.50. Read Our Latest Research Report on Vitesse Energy Institutional Trading of Vitesse Energy Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its position in shares of Vitesse Energy by 48.3% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 36,074 shares of the companys stock worth $888,000 after acquiring an additional 11,747 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Vitesse Energy by 29.7% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 21,841 shares of the companys stock worth $535,000 after purchasing an additional 5,002 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its stake in Vitesse Energy by 7.5% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 15,297 shares of the companys stock worth $376,000 after purchasing an additional 1,065 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC boosted its holdings in Vitesse Energy by 241.7% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 179,532 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,415,000 after purchasing an additional 126,991 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its stake in Vitesse Energy by 5.1% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 203,813 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,012,000 after purchasing an additional 9,943 shares during the last quarter. 51.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Vitesse Energy (Get Free Report) Vitesse Energy (NYSE: VTS) is an independent exploration and production company primarily focused on onshore oil and gas assets in the United States. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the company identifies, acquires and develops low-decline, shallow to intermediate depth vertical wells, targeting predictable production profiles and stable cash flows. Vitesse leverages a lean operational model to optimize well performance and reduce unit operating costs across its asset base. The companys core operations are concentrated in the Arkoma Basin of eastern Oklahoma and the Ark-La-Tex region, where it holds acreage positions in multiple formations. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Vitesse Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vitesse Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Viking Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:VIK) is one of the best young stocks to buy and hold for 3 years. On January 12, Bank of America raised the firms price target on Viking Holdings to $80 from $70 with a Buy rating on the shares. According to BofA credit and debit card data, monthly cruise spending surged 10.5% year-over-year in December. Analysts noted that the cruise sector remains a significant outlier in the travel industry; while cruise demand stayed strong, broader travel spending declined by 1.9%, with airlines and hotels dropping 4.1% and 2.4%, respectively. Earlier on December 15, Jefferies upgraded Viking Holdings from Hold to Buy, significantly raising the price target to $80 from $60. The firm based this decision on the companys consistent growth, the high quality of its business model, and its advantageous position within the luxury travel market. For 2026, Jefferies anticipates that Viking Holdings will achieve industry-leading net yield growth of 5%, even as the company expands its capacity by low double digits. BofA Raises Viking Holdings (VIK) PT to $80 Following Surge in Cruise Spending Additionally, on December 12, Citi increased its price target for Viking Holdings to $85 from $74 and maintained its Buy rating. The firm observed that data from the cruise industry suggested either a slowdown in consumer demand or an increasingly crowded Caribbean supply market, and likely a mix of both. As a result, Citi expects cruise operators to provide more conservative financial outlooks during their upcoming Q4 2025 earnings reports. Viking Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:VIK) engages in the passenger shipping and other forms of passenger transport in North America, the UK, and internationally. It operates through the River and Ocean segments. While we acknowledge the potential of VIK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. 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. An overview of the deets regarding a school district on the brink of outright FAIL . . . "Truman Elementary will close its doors for the 2026-2027 school year, students there will attend class at whats currently Alvin Brooks Middle School. All middle school students will attend Hickman Mills Middle School. "Santa Fe Elementary will become the districts 6th grade center, and students there will be rezoned into one of the districts six other elementary schools. In total, the closing and rezonings are projected to save the district more than $3 million." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Here's a primer on the election battle that serves as yet another midterm slap fight . . . Check the money lines: "More than a year after Missouri legalized abortion by enshrining reproductive freedom in the state constitution, the fate of abortion access rests on Kansas City. The result of an ongoing trial in Kansas City could either widely expand abortion services in the metro and across the state or sharply curtail them indefinitely. "The roughly two-week bench trial, which began Monday, poses the most consequential test of abortion rights in Kansas City and Missouri after voters expanded statewide access in 2024. Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jerri Zhang will decide whether the states previous abortion ban and a series of longstanding restrictions on the procedure should be struck down." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Why fate of Missouri's historic abortion vote will center on Kansas City The result of an ongoing trial in Kansas City could either widely expand abortion access in the metro or sharply curtail it indefinitely. Skip the paywall and read by way of Internet archive or public library card. At the end of the day and also with a wink at early birds . . . We just wanted to share a quick peek at our reading and snark by way of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Urban Slowdown Report Closed Kansas City license office may reopen later this month The Missouri Department of Revenue closed the license office on Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard when the contract expired on Jan. 8. Here Comes Neighborhood Apartment developments impact on Lee's Summit R-7 School District's student population How do apartment complexes help and hurt school districts? The Lee's Summit R-7 School District is finding out. Infrastructure FAILS Kansas City Latest fire at Parade Park complex complicated by non-working hydrants, working hydrants two blocks away Firefighters found a working hydrant nearly two blocks away. Dead-Tree Argument McClatchy Media accuses Google in federal court of monopolizing online ad sales McClatchy is one of several U.S. media giants that have filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google. Sneak Peek At Summer Concerts John Mellencamp, 5 Finger Death Punch to hold tour stops at Morton Amphitheater A pair of national tours includes stops in Kansas City in 2026. Old School Hotness Updated Jennifer Lopez Pairs Her Business Casual Look With This Unexpected Gen Z Staple Brown is clearly her color. MAGA Troll Jokes Scare Voters Donald Trump Gripes About 2026 Midterms, Saying, 'When You Think of It, We Shouldn't Even Have an Election' President Donald Trump said the U.S. should not hold midterm elections this fall in an interview with Reuters. Suspect Confessional Family of Tyler Robinson's transgender lover speaks out for first time The transgender lover of Tyler Robinson, Charlie Kirk's alleged killer, has remained a mystery ever since the shooting. South Of Border Gift Snubbed?!? Venezuela's Machado gave her Nobel prize to Trump. All she got was a swag bag and a shrug about her future. | CNN When Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado walked into the White House on Thursday, she came bearing the gift US President Donald Trump has long coveted: a Nobel Peace Prize. Progressively Bad Strategy Redux Socialist Minnesota City Council Member Complains About Dems Who Want To Calm Things Down A Democratic Socialist city council member in Minnesota complained that Democratic members in her state are calling on anti-ICE protests to remain peaceful. Republican Turning Point??? This GOP Senator Isn't Afraid To Call Out Trump And His 'Stupid' Aides No longer having to run for reelection has liberated the North Carolina senator to speak his mind and challenge President Trump's appointees directly. Our Favorite TKC Inside Joke The best clit vibrators for 2026, reviewed by a sexual wellness writer Discover the 21 best clit vibrators in 2026, including picks from LELO, Smile Makers and Lovehoney, approved by Glamour's sexual wellness writer and experts. Apropos For This Link Dump No bulky item pickup Friday as city prepares for snowfall Snow crews are working to ensure Kansas City is prepared for incoming winter weather expected on Friday afternoon. Winter Chill Arrives Kansas City weather: Spotty snow showers expected Friday; bitter cold this weekend A windy and cool Friday will bring occasional bursts of snow to Kansas City. And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. 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. Jan 16 (Reuters) - California Attorney General Robert Bonta on Friday sent a cease and desist letter to xAI demanding the company stop the creation and distribution of AI-generated non-consensual sexualized imagery by its Grok AI chatbot. The letter demands "immediate action to stop the creation and distribution of deepfake, nonconsensual, intimate images and child sexual abuse material," Bonta's office said in a statement. "I fully expect xAI to immediately comply," Bonta said in a news statement on Friday. Generative AI chatbot Grok has faced a global backlash for allowing users to create and publish sexualized images of women and minors, prompting authorities around the world to take action against the firm behind the tool. The company said late on Wednesday it had imposed restrictions that limit image-editing for all users of Grok. Bonta's office opened an investigation into the creation and spread of nonconsensual, sexually explicit material produced using Grok on Wednesday. Japan, Canada and Britain have opened probes into Grok, while Malaysia and Indonesia have temporarily blocked access to Grok over the creation of explicit images. Musk's xAI did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the letter. Sorry but my mom seyz this basement is already full . . . So TKC can't help. In the meantime . . . Here's the basics of their not-so-newsworthy update . . . "No lease for office or studio space has been signed as of Jan. 15, 2026. We are currently exploring a variety of options." In fairness, here's a bit more optimism and deets straight from the source . . . "Just before Christmas, the University of Missouri-Kansas City informed all tenants of 4825 Troost Avenue the largest of which are KCUR and Classical KC that they must vacate the building by the end of January. "Since this news first emerged, we've received a lot of questions from the community about why this is happening now, where KCUR and Classical KC will move, and how it will affect our services. "Many of these answers are still being worked out, and the situation is developing quickly. This article will serve as an ongoing resource that we will update when we are able to share additional information." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The start of gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Albania via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) in 2026 is expected to have a positive and strategic impact on Albanias energy landscape and energy security, Besart Kadia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Azerbaijan, said in an exclusive interview with Trend. It will contribute to the diversification of the countrys energy mix, reduce reliance on hydropower, and enhance the stability and resilience of the energy system.This development builds on the growing framework of bilateral cooperation, notably strengthened through the 1st meeting of the Joint Working Group on Economic, Industrial and Technological Cooperation in May 2023. Concrete projects such as the Nur gasification project in Korca, presented during the visit of Azerbaijans Minister of Energy H.E Parviz Shahbazov in April 2025, demonstrate how this partnership is translating into tangible infrastructure and development benefits.Overall, TAP gas supplies reflect a long-term strategic partnership, reinforcing Albanias energy security while further positioning Azerbaijan as a key partner in regional energy stability, he said. Kadia noted that the initial volume of 0.16 billion cubic meters is considered an important first phase in Albanias gasification process. Albania has a clear interest in increasing these volumes in the future, in line with the development of domestic infrastructure and regional connectivity. Albania values Azerbaijans role in projects such as the gasification of Korca, underground gas storage, and cross-border transmission networks, as well as the optimal use of TAP. Both countries also support the Ionian Adriatic Pipeline and EU-backed initiatives to expand the Southern Gas Corridor. In this context, Albania is updating its Gas Master Plan and enhancing transmission capacity, with the appreciated technical support of SOCAR and its affiliates, creating a solid basis for a gradual increase in gas volumes over time, the ambassador explained. Expanding SOCARs gasification project Kadia pointed out that the gasification of Korca is regarded as a flagship and pilot project, and there is a strong interest in its gradual extension to other regions of Albania. As gas supply through TAP becomes more established and domestic infrastructure continues to develop, Albania envisages the expansion of gas networks to additional cities and economic zones. This process would be pursued in a phased and coordinated manner, in line with the updated Gas Master Plan and in close cooperation with SOCAR and its affiliates, with the shared objective of strengthening energy security and supporting sustainable economic development, he said. Prospects for cooperation in green energy The ambassador went on to add that Albania follows with great interest strategic initiatives that enhance regional connectivity and the diversification of clean energy sources, including the Black Sea Cable project. In line with its commitment to green energy and the development of new transmission corridors, Albania is open to exploring forms of participation that are consistent with its national energy strategy and regional priorities. Albania highly values Azerbaijans leading role in advancing major energy infrastructure projects and recognizes the importance of Azerbaijani energyboth gas and renewablesfor regional energy security, including in the Western Balkans. As Albania continues to update its Gas Master Plan and expand its energy infrastructure, it welcomes Azerbaijani technical expertise and cooperation, as well as EU-supported frameworks, to further integrate into regional and European energy markets and contribute to the transition toward sustainable and secure energy systems, said Kadia. He believes that beyond existing flagship projects, Albania and Azerbaijan have ample scope to further strengthen their energy cooperation through a strategic and comprehensive approach. Priority areas include the diversification of energy sources, the development of new transmission corridors, renewable energy projects, energy storage, LNG infrastructure, and the exchange of technical expertise and capacity building. At the same time, Albania attaches importance to broadening cooperation beyond the energy sector, notably in transport connectivity, trade and SME partnerships, sustainable agriculture and food security, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Enhanced institutional cooperation, business-to-business contacts, and joint forums will further support investment and the implementation of joint initiatives. This holistic approach, encompassing energy, economy, connectivity, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges, will contribute to deepening bilateral relations and delivering sustainable economic and social benefits for both Albania and Azerbaijan, he said. Investment opportunities Kadia pointed out that Albania welcomes Azerbaijani investments across several priority sectors that align with the countrys national development objectives and bilateral cooperation agenda. Beyond energy, Albania sees strong potential for investment in transport and logistics, tourism and hospitality, sustainable agriculture and food processing, digital innovation, and infrastructure development. Opportunities also exist in trade and SME partnerships, supported by cooperation between AIDA and AZPROMO and by strengthened links between chambers of commerce. Through a stable investment climate, ongoing legal harmonization, and targeted business forums and B2B initiatives, Albania aims to facilitate Azerbaijani investments that generate mutual economic benefits and contribute to long-term, sustainable growth in both countries, said the Albanian ambassador. He highlighted that Albanian companies have expressed interest in contributing to the reconstruction of Azerbaijans liberated territories. Participation in such projects offers an opportunity to provide expertise, technology, and services in infrastructure, construction, and related sectors. This engagement aligns with the broader framework of bilateral economic cooperation, strengthening trade, investment, and long-term business partnerships, while reflecting Albanias commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development and regional prosperity, said Kadia. As for other ways of expanding the economic ties, the ambassador noted that Albania welcomes the establishment of joint ventures between Albanian and Azerbaijani companies as a strategic means to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. Such partnerships offer opportunities to combine expertise, technology, and resources, fostering innovation, competitiveness, and the successful implementation of joint projects. Joint ventures hold particular potential in sectors including energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism, while also enhancing trade, investment, and long-term cooperation. They reflect a shared commitment to sustainable development and the deepening of our bilateral relations, he explained. Further, speaking about tourism relations, the ambassador said Albania welcomes the prospect of establishing direct flights between Azerbaijan and Albania as a strategic measure to strengthen bilateral relations. Enhanced air connectivity, building on the existing visa-free travel agreement, would facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, as well as closer people-to-people ties.This initiative complements ongoing efforts to enhance trade, investment, and regional connectivity, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to deepen their economic, cultural, and social partnership, he said. Albanias perspective on Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process The ambassador noted that Albania welcomes the recent positive developments in the dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and expresses hope that they will lead to a lasting resolution of the conflict. We continue to follow the situation and reaffirm our support for the mutual recognition of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries. We stress that constructive dialogue, conducted in full respect of international norms and principles, is essential for achieving enduring peace, reconciliation, and stability in the South Caucasus. Albania commends the commitment of both nations to dialogue over division and welcomes the historic milestone towards peace formalized at the White House under the special leadership of President Trump. We recognize this agreement as a significant step marking the end of decades of conflict and laying the foundation for the full normalization of relations, as well as the strengthening of regional trust, stability, and security, Kadia said. Upcoming joint events and visits The ambassador noted that Albania looks forward to a series of high-level visits and joint events that will further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan. The 2nd meeting of the Joint Working Group on Economic, Industrial, and Technological Cooperation is scheduled to take place in Tirana, providing a platform to advance concrete projects and deepen institutional collaboration. President Bajram Begaj will visit Azerbaijan from 13 to 15 March to participate in an event organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, underscoring Albanias commitment to cultural and intellectual exchange. Additionally, Prime Minister Edi Rama is expected to attend the special meetings of World Leaders on 18 May 2026 at WUF13 in Baku, highlighting Albanias engagement in regional and global dialogues. Several other visits and joint initiatives are currently in the process of confirmation, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to expanding cooperation across economic, cultural, and technological fields, Kadia concluded. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Albania welcomes the establishment of joint ventures between Albanian and Azerbaijani companies as a strategic means to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, Besart Kadia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Azerbaijan, said in an exclusive interview with Trend. Such partnerships offer opportunities to combine expertise, technology, and resources, fostering innovation, competitiveness, and the successful implementation of joint projects. Joint ventures hold particular potential in sectors including energy, infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism, while also enhancing trade, investment, and long-term cooperation. They reflect a shared commitment to sustainable development and the deepening of our bilateral relations, he explained. Further, speaking about tourism relations, the ambassador said Albania welcomes the prospect of establishing direct flights between Azerbaijan and Albania as a strategic measure to strengthen bilateral relations. Enhanced air connectivity, building on the existing visa-free travel agreement, would facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, as well as closer people-to-people ties.This initiative complements ongoing efforts to enhance trade, investment, and regional connectivity, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to deepen their economic, cultural, and social partnership, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Albanian companies have expressed interest in contributing to the reconstruction of Azerbaijans liberated territories, Besart Kadia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Azerbaijan, said in an exclusive interview with Trend. Participation in such projects offers an opportunity to provide expertise, technology, and services in infrastructure, construction, and related sectors. This engagement aligns with the broader framework of bilateral economic cooperation, strengthening trade, investment, and long-term business partnerships, while reflecting Albanias commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development and regional prosperity, said Kadia. Kadia pointed out that Albania welcomes Azerbaijani investments across several priority sectors that align with the countrys national development objectives and bilateral cooperation agenda. Beyond energy, Albania sees strong potential for investment in transport and logistics, tourism and hospitality, sustainable agriculture and food processing, digital innovation, and infrastructure development. Opportunities also exist in trade and SME partnerships, supported by cooperation between AIDA and AZPROMO and by strengthened links between chambers of commerce. Through a stable investment climate, ongoing legal harmonization, and targeted business forums and B2B initiatives, Albania aims to facilitate Azerbaijani investments that generate mutual economic benefits and contribute to long-term, sustainable growth in both countries, said the Albanian ambassador. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The commission established to verify compliance with general and specific requirements for the security of critical information infrastructure in Azerbaijan held a meeting to discuss the results for 2025, Trend reports. The meeting of the joint Commission consisting of employees of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan (SSS) and the State Service for Special Communications and Information Security (SSCSI) discussed the current situation on the security of critical information infrastructure, the results of assessments conducted during the year, as well as determined existing risks, were, and the main functional targets for 2026. The meeting noted that during on-site assessments conducted with the participation of SSS and SSCSI employees, discrepancies were found between the situation reflected in the internal audit reports submitted by some entities and the actual problem. Based on the above, attention was drawn to the importance of increasing the efficiency of centralized control mechanisms to strengthen cybersecurity for critical information infrastructure facilities. The meeting also discussed the implementation of relevant regulatory and legal mechanisms, measures taken, practical results on the exchange of cyber threat information, and international cooperation. At the same time, taking into account the current challenges, proposals were discussed for the development of the regulatory and legal framework for the security of critical information infrastructure, especially for improving security requirements. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a final report on the security of critical information infrastructure. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. An international conference titled Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other Minorities in India: The Reality on the Ground, organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) and dedicated to the Indian governments repressive policies against ethnic minorities, was held for the first time in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The conference featured Ramesh Singh Arora, Punjabs Minister of Human Rights and Minorities, along with various other officials, prominent leaders from Sikh communities in Canada, the UK, and the US, directors of renowned think tanks, scholars specializing in human rights and ethnic minority studies from esteemed international academic institutions, and individuals personally impacted by Indias repressive policies. The event provided a platform for examining the ongoing human rights violations in India, particularly those affecting ethnic minorities. The conference discussed the systematic racial discrimination, violence and repressive policies pursued by the Government of India against Sikhs and other ethnic minorities, as well as gross violations of India's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention against Torture in the context of attitudes towards ethnic minorities. In addition the conference created basis for discussions on the need to keep the real situation on the agenda of international organizations and make appropriate decisions, in particular on the investigation by the UN Human Rights Committee of the violated rights of ethnic minorities in India, executions carried out without judicial decisions, as well as on documenting violations by UN special rapporteurs and submitting them to international monitoring. A separate topic of discussion was the role of international and local non-governmental organizations and academia in this process, as well as the impact of their reports, legal opinions, and recommendations on international decision-making mechanisms. Speaking at the event, Abbas Abbasov, executive director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), said that historical facts and eyewitness accounts would reveal the true picture of the atrocities faced by Sikhs. He noted that today's conference is not just an academic discussion or a symbolic event. The conference will conduct an in-depth analysis of the historical roots of discrimination against Sikhs, as well as the ongoing struggle for justice. The words I speak cannot fully convey the scale of the mass killings, gross human rights violations, and atrocities faced by Sikhs, he emphasized. Abbasov added that the exhibition materials, historical facts, and eyewitness accounts will provide a realistic and objective picture of the problem. Over the past two years, the Baku Initiative Group has organized more than 30 international conferences and established cooperation with more than 20 countries, he emphasized. Furthermore, the president of the Sikh Federation, Bual Monender Singh, noted that India is demonstrating brutal violence against all those who profess the Sikh faith. He noted that we should not forget that India was actually created as a British colonial project. At the same time, he said, while expressing solidarity, we must also remember other people of different origins who are subjected to discrimination. "From Dalits, who have been subjected to caste discrimination for millennia, and Muslims, who have suffered decades of communal violence at the hands of right-wing Hindu groups, to the occupation of Kashmir, one of the most militarized regions in the world, and Christians, who are regularly targeted throughout India because of their religious beliefs. All of this contradicts the Indian Constitution, which declares equal protection. On paper, these guarantees exist, but in practice they are extremely inadequate," he added. Bual Monender Singh noted that among these communities, it is the Sikhs who bear a particularly heavy burden: "To understand the tragedy of 1984, one must look to its roots. The basis for violence against Sikhs lies in a combination of political opportunism, state repression, and the denial of Sikh identity and aspirations. One need only look at Article 25B of the Indian Constitution. In this article, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains do not have a separate status and are presented as branches of Hinduism. This means a complete erasure of identity in the constitutional and legal field. At the same time, the application of Article 25B over the past decades has been accompanied by extreme violence against the Sikh people." He emphasized that instead of dialogue and a constructive approach, the Indian state responds with militarization, human rights violations, mass killings, and brutal violence against men, women, and children who profess the Sikh faith: "During Operation Blue Star in 1984, the army's attack on the Golden Temple, the most sacred shrine of the Sikh people, inflicted deep psychological wounds on the Sikh community and became the starting point for a movement that went beyond the demand for broad autonomy for Punjab and grew into a struggle for the complete independence and sovereignty of Khalistan. The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, became the pretext for subsequent events. In the days that followed, Delhi and other cities were engulfed in genocide. Armed groups, having received voter lists from politicians, attacked Sikh homes, burned Sikh men, killed children, and raped women. It was a large-scale attempt to complete the genocide process initiated by the Indian state itself. Ramesh Singh Arora, Punjab's Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, said that Operation Blue Star marked the beginning of the Khalistan movement. He noted that the reason for such deep-rooted violence against Sikhs lies in a combination of political opportunism, state repression, and the denial of Sikh identity and national aspirations. "To see this, one need only look at Article 25(b) of the Indian Constitution. In other words, in the constitutional and legal sphere, the identity of Sikhs is effectively erased," he emphasized. The minister noted that a clear example of this was Operation Blue Star in 1984, during which the army attacked the most sacred shrine of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple. "This event inflicted deep wounds on the collective consciousness of the Sikhs and at the same time marked the beginning of the Khalistan movement, i.e., the idea of complete freedom and sovereignty. From that moment on, the struggle ceased to be a demand for greater autonomy for the state of Punjab and turned into a struggle for complete independence. The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, became the pretext for subsequent events. After that, genocide took place in Delhi and other cities: armed groups, which had received voter lists from politicians, attacked the homes of Sikh families, burned men alive, killed children, and raped women. It was a nationwide attempt to complete the process of genocide begun by the Indian state itself," he concluded. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Albania welcomes the recent positive developments in the dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia and expresses hope that they will lead to a lasting resolution of the conflict. Besart Kadia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Azerbaijan, said in an exclusive interview with Trend. We continue to follow the situation and reaffirm our support for the mutual recognition of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries. We stress that constructive dialogue, conducted in full respect of international norms and principles, is essential for achieving enduring peace, reconciliation, and stability in the South Caucasus. Albania commends the commitment of both nations to dialogue over division and welcomes the historic milestone towards peace formalized at the White House under the special leadership of President Trump. We recognize this agreement as a significant step marking the end of decades of conflict and laying the foundation for the full normalization of relations, as well as the strengthening of regional trust, stability, and security, Kadia said. On August 8 in Washington, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration. One of the points of the document provides for the launch of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) to unblock regional communications. 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 and signed a joint appeal to the current OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to close the OSCE Minsk Group process. By Maria Cheng BEIJING, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Canada and China struck an initial trade deal on Friday that will slash tariffs on electric vehicles and canola, as both nations promised to tear down trade barriers while forging new strategic ties during Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit. The first Canadian prime minister to visit China since 2017, Carney is seeking to rebuild ties with his country's second-largest trading partner after the United States following months of diplomatic efforts. Canada will initially allow in up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a tariff of 6.1% on most-favoured-nation terms, Carney said after talks with Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping. That compares with the 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles imposed under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2024, following similar U.S. penalties. In 2023, China exported 41,678 EVs to Canada. "This is a return to levels prior to recent trade frictions, but under an agreement that promises much more for Canadians," Carney told reporters. He later said the quota would gradually increase, reaching about 70,000 vehicles in five years. "For Canada to build its own competitive EV sector, we will need to learn from innovative partners, access their supply chains, and increase local demand," Carney said, turning away from Trudeau's rationale that tariffs were needed to protect domestic producers against subsidized Chinese manufacturers. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney looks on as he meets the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji (not pictured), during the first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to China since 2017, at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China, January 15, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio Relaxing EV tariffs diverged from U.S. policy, and some members of U.S. President Donald Trump's cabinet criticized the decision ahead of an expected review of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade deal. But Trump himself expressed support for Carney. "That's what he should be doing. It's a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China, you should do that," Trump told reporters at the White House. Agri-food partnership Premier Doug Ford of Ontario, Canada's main auto manufacturing province, denounced the deal. "The federal government is inviting a flood of cheap made-in-China electric vehicles without any real guarantee of equal or immediate investments in Canada's economy, auto sector or supply chain," he said in a post on X. In retaliation for Trudeau's tariffs, China in March levied tariffs on more than $2.6 billion of Canadian farm and food products such as canola oil and meal, followed by tariffs on canola seed in August. That led to a 10.4% slump in China's imports of Canadian goods in 2025. Under the new deal, Carney said, Canada expects China will lower tariffs on its canola seed by March 1, to a combined rate of about 15% from the current 84%. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Albanian President Bajram Begaj will visit Azerbaijan in March to attended the 13th Global Baku Forum, Besart Kadia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Azerbaijan, said in an exclusive interview with Trend. The ambassador noted that Albania looks forward to a series of high-level visits and joint events that will further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan. The 2nd meeting of the Joint Working Group on Economic, Industrial, and Technological Cooperation is scheduled to take place in Tirana, providing a platform to advance concrete projects and deepen institutional collaboration. President Bajram Begaj will visit Azerbaijan from 13 to 15 March to participate in an event organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, underscoring Albanias commitment to cultural and intellectual exchange," said the ambassador. The Forum will take place in Baku from March 12 to 14, 2026, bringing together current and former heads of state and government, prime ministers, Nobel Prize laureates, and distinguished scholars. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is expected to visit Azerbaijan, Besart Kadia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Azerbaijan, said in an exclusive interview with Trend. Prime Minister Edi Rama is expected to attend the special meetings of World Leaders on 18 May 2026 at WUF13 in Baku, highlighting Albanias engagement in regional and global dialogues. Several other visits and joint initiatives are currently in the process of confirmation, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to expanding cooperation across economic, cultural, and technological fields, Kadia noted. The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF) will be held at the Baku Olympic Stadium from May 17 to 22 this year. For the first time, the Forum will take place in the Caspian region and the South Caucasus. Around 10,000 international delegates are expected to participate, with the total number of attendees reaching approximately 30,000. Unlike previous WUF sessions, this event will see the participation of a significant number of heads of state and government. The Forum will feature 40 main sessions and 350 partner events. As part of the Forum, the Urban Expo exhibition will be organized, covering an area of 35,000 square meters. Participation will be open to countries, cities, municipalities, regional bodies, UN organizations, academic institutions, international financial and civil organizations, foundations, and private companies. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Azerbaijani MP and Vice President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) from Azerbaijan Sevil Mikayilova met in Doha with Hamda Al Sulaiti, deputy speaker of Qatars Shura Council (parliament), Trend reports. At the request of the Azerbaijani parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova, Mikayilova visited Doha to attend the 298th session of the IPU Executive Committee held on January 13-14. As part of the event, Hamda Al Sulaiti hosted a meeting at the Shura Council with Azerbaijan's representative to the IPU Sevil Mikayilova. During the meeting, they discussed the current state of interparliamentary relations globally and the IPUs priority areas of work. The sides also highlighted the strong ties between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Qatar, noting that robust bilateral relations provide a solid foundation for advancing interparliamentary cooperation. Both sides emphasized the mutual support of Azerbaijan and Qatar within the framework of the IPU. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Azerbaijani National Hero Shahin Tagiyev was laid to rest at the Military Memorial Cemetery on January 16, Trend reports. A farewell ceremony was held ahead of the burial, drawing representatives of state institutions and members of the public who gathered to pay their final respects to the National Hero. Tagiyev was laid to rest to the sound of the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a ceremonial gun salute. Prayers were offered in his memory, as flowers and a wreath were placed at his grave in tribute to his service and sacrifice. Taghiyev, originally from Shusha, was born on February 3, 1949, in Tartar city. In 1969, he graduated from the Energy Technical School and was sent to the Udmurt region of Russia. Tagiyev, who worked in the energy and trade sectors in Russia and Azerbaijan since his youth, joined the National Liberation Movement in 1988. In 1991, the hero voluntarily participated in the Karabakh War and led the battles as a company commander with the rank of lieutenant. In 1992, he was appointed commander of the Gurtulush battalion, created on the basis of that unit, and demonstrated special courage in breaking through the enemy front in the Aghdara direction, as well as in the battles in the Tartar, Seysulan, Yarimja, and Levonarkh directions. He died on December 29 in Malmo, Sweden, after a long illness. Taghiyev's body was brought to the homeland on the night of January 15 with the support and organization of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan. In a statement, the committee said it was deeply saddened by Tagiyevs death and extended condolences to his family and to the broader Azerbaijani diaspora. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Rauf Valiyev has been dismissed from the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC (ASCO), Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Afgan Jalilov has been appointed the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) CJSC, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree. Until now, A. Jalilov had been serving in an interim capacity as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the State Maritime and Port Agency. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Historical facts and witness accounts will show the real picture of atrocities against Sikhs, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) Abbas Abbasov said at an international conference titled Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other Minorities in India: The Reality on the Ground, in Baku today, Trend reports. According to him, this conference is not just an academic discussion or a symbolic event. It will delve into the historical roots of discrimination against Sikhs and the ongoing struggle for justice. The words I have spoken are not enough to fully express the massacres faced by Sikhs, the gross violations of human rights, and the atrocities committed, he noted. Abbasov added that the exhibition materials, historical facts, and eyewitness accounts will reveal a real and objective picture of this problem. The Baku Initiative Group has organized more than 30 international conferences in the past two years. The BIG has established cooperation with more than 20 countries, he emphasized. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. India commits brutal violence against men, women, and children of the Sikh faith, Sikh Federation Chairman Bhai Moninder Singh said at an international conference titled Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other Minorities in India: The Reality on the Ground, in Baku today, Trend reports. "It's also important to remember that India was created as a British colonial project, but as we stand here in solidarity, we cannot help but remember other peoples of diverse origins. "From the Dalits, who have been subjected to caste-based discrimination for thousands of years in India, to Muslims who have faced communal violence for decades at the hands of right-wing Hindutva groups, to the occupation of Kashmir, the world's most militarized region, and Christians who are regularly targeted for their religious beliefs across India all of these are denied under India's constitution, which claims to ensure equal protection. While these rights might be guaranteed on paper, in practice, these assurances are seriously lacking," he added. Singh noted that Sikhs bear an especially heavy burden among these communities: "To understand the 1984 tragedy, we must look at its roots. The violence against Sikhs stems from political opportunism, state repression, and a denial of Sikh identity and aspirations. A look at Article 25B of the Indian Constitution is enough to understand this. In that article, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains are not recognized as separate entities, but rather are presented as branches of the Hindu religion. This amounts to a complete erasure of identity under constitutional law. At the same time, the implementation of Article 25B has been accompanied by extreme violence against the Sikh people over the past few decades," he explained. He emphasized that, instead of prioritizing dialogue and a constructive approach, the Indian state responds with militarization, human rights violations, massacres, and brutal violence against Sikh men, women, and children. "During the 'Blue Star' operation in 1984, the Indian army's attack on the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of the Sikh community, left deep psychological scars on the Sikh population. This event sparked a greater demand for greater autonomy for Punjab and led to the creation of the Khalistan movement for full freedom and sovereignty. The murder of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, became an excuse for the subsequent violence. In the following days, Delhi and other cities were engulfed by genocide. Armed mobs, provided with selective lists by politicians, attacked Sikh homes, burned Sikh men alive, killed Sikh children, and raped Sikh women. This was a large-scale attempt by the Indian state to complete the genocide it had started," Singh also said. The federation chairman pointed out that, even after more than 40 years since the events, those responsible for the violence have remained unpunished. Many of them currently hold the highest positions in the Indian government. "The Indian state has not taken any responsibility for ensuring justice for the victims of the 1984 genocide. The portrayal of these events presented to the world does not reflect the truth. Officially, these events are referred to as 'riots.' However, a riot implies a confrontation between two equal sides. In this case, a powerful state mobilized all its mechanisms: selective lists were distributed to mobs, the police either stood by or participated in the violence, and for days, no army, military, or security forces intervened to restore peace. Conditions were deliberately created to allow the violence to continue," he concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. A briefing on the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to be held in Baku, took place on 15 January for representatives of international organisations and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Geneva, Trend reports. In the opening remarks, Galib Israfilov, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva briefed participants on the significance of the Forum and extended an invitation to international partners to take part in WUF13. Keynote addresses were delivered by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and National Coordinator of WUF13, and Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director, UN-Habitat. Addressing preparations for the Forum, its organisational approach and the opportunities it presents, Anar Guliyev said the event has emerged as one of the leading international platforms for debate on and solutions to global housing challenges. For the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum, a Leaders Summit will be held in Baku. This reflects our position that advancing housing and urban development requires leadership at the highest political level. We invite all countries and international partners to actively participate in WUF13 and look forward to welcoming their delegations in Baku, the WUF13 National Coordinator said. Highlighting the Forums main thematic priorities, Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, said that housing plays a decisive role in advancing social inclusion, supporting climate adaptation and promoting sustainable urban development. WUF13 will take place from 17 to 22 May 2026 under the theme Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities. WUF13 is more than a conference, she said. It is a global platform for stakeholders and a midpoint checkpoint for the New Urban Agenda and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities. We will take stock of existing commitments, identify gaps, and shape global priorities for the next 10 years. We must address the global housing crisis affecting nearly 3 billion people, including 1.1 billion who live in informal settlements and are among those most affected by climate change. The event was also attended by Fuad Isgandarov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein. The briefing provided an important platform to outline the objectives of WUF13, encourage diplomatic support and reinforce Azerbaijans role in advancing the global urban agenda. Representatives from nearly 100 diplomatic missions based in Geneva attended the event. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Thousands of people can be seen in any gurdwara, or Sikh place of worship, but there are no such places of worship in Azerbaijan, including Baku, the executive director of the Sikh Federation, Dabinderjit Singh said, Trend reports. He made the remark at the international conference Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other Minorities in India: The Reality on the Ground, in Baku today. According to the speaker, the first gurdwara in England was established in 1911, and there are currently 250 gurdwaras across the country. "Each gurdwara features a designated space for communal meals, where individuals gather to share free vegetarian food. Regardless of religious beliefs or personal convictions, anyone from any part of the world, whether a believer or not, and regardless of gender, can come to the gurdwara. Here, everyone is treated equally; the rich and the poor sit together at the same table and partake in the same meal," he emphasized. The head of the Sikh Federation's executive committee also discussed the concept of the Sikh state, often referenced in history textbooks. He explained that this state, which flourished under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, lasted for fifty years, from 1799 to 1849: "At times, we forget that the Sikh state, under Maharaja Ranjit Singhs leadership, spanned an area twice the size of the United Kingdom and six times that of Azerbaijan. Its population numbered approximately 12 million people." Prime Minister Mark Carney's new approach to Canada's foreign policy can perhaps be distilled in one line: "We take the world as it is, not as we wish it to be." That was his response when asked about the deal struck with China on Friday, despite concerns over its human rights record and nearly a year after he called China "the biggest security threat" facing Canada. The deal will see Canada ease tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles that it imposed in tandem with the US in 2024. In exchange, China will lower retaliatory tariffs on key Canadian agricultural products. Experts told the BBC the move represents a significant shift in Canada's policy on China, one that is shaped by ongoing uncertainty with the US, its largest trade partner. "The prime minister is saying, essentially, that Canada has agency too, and that it's not going to just sit and wait for the United States," said Eric Miller, a Washington DC based trade adviser and president of the Rideau Potomac Strategy Group. Carney told reporters on Friday that "the world has changed" in recent years, and the progress made with China sets Canada up "well for the new world order". Canada's relationship with China, he added, had become "more predictable" than its relationship with the US under the Trump administration. He later wrote, in a social media post, that Canada was "recalibrating" its relationship with China, "strategically, pragmatically, and decisively". In Canada, as daylight broke on Friday, reaction to the deal was swift. Some, like Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, hailed it as "very good news". Farmers in Moe's province have been hard hit by China's retaliatory tariffs on Canadian canola oil, and the deal, he said, would bring much needed relief. But Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province is home to Canada's auto sector, was sharply critical of the deal. He said removing EV tariffs on China "would hurt our economy and lead to job losses". In a post on X, Ford said Carney's government was "inviting a flood of cheap made-in-China electric vehicles without any real guarantees of equal or immediate investment in Canada's economy". Some experts said the electric vehicle provisions in the trade deal would help China make inroads into the Canadian automobile market. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Azerbaijani National Hero Shahin Taghiyev was laid to rest at the Military Memorial Cemetery on January 16, Trend reports. A farewell ceremony was held ahead of the burial, drawing representatives of state institutions and members of the public who gathered to pay their final respects to the National Hero. Taghiyev was laid to rest to the sound of the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a ceremonial gun salute. Prayers were offered in his memory, as flowers and a wreath were placed at his grave in tribute to his service and sacrifice. Taghiyev, originally from Shusha, was born on February 3, 1949, in Tartar city. In 1969, he graduated from the Energy Technical School and was sent to the Udmurt region of Russia. Taghiyev, who worked in the energy and trade sectors in Russia and Azerbaijan since his youth, joined the National Liberation Movement in 1988. In 1991, the hero voluntarily participated in the Karabakh War and led the battles as a company commander with the rank of lieutenant. In 1992, he was appointed commander of the Gurtulush battalion, created on the basis of that unit, and demonstrated special courage in breaking through the enemy front in the Aghdara direction, as well as in the battles in the Tartar, Seysulan, Yarimja, and Levonarkh directions. He died on December 29 in Malmo, Sweden, after a long illness. Taghiyev's body was brought to the homeland on the night of January 15 with the support and organization of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan. In a statement, the committee said it was deeply saddened by Taghiyevs death and extended condolences to his family and to the broader Azerbaijani diaspora. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The greatest need at this time is for the international community to stand with communities that have become minorities, Avanvi Singh, a representative of a charity organization operating in the UK, told reporters on the sidelines of the Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other Minorities in India: The Reality on the Ground international conference in Baku today, Trend reports. He noted that these minorities exist not only in India but also in various parts of the world. "Therefore, the international community has a great responsibility and duty. We must make our voices heard, whether through the media or other platforms," Singh said. He stressed that the conference, initiated by the Baku Initiative Group, is very positive and necessary. "This creates a space for us for open dialogue. I think this is the first time in Baku that you are getting to know our history, past, and struggles in this way," the organization representative added. AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, January 16. Settled residential areas in the Aghdam and Kalbajar districts have been provided with modern telecommunications services as part of Azerbaijans post-conflict reconstruction efforts, Aztelekom LLC's press secretary Alida Mustafayeva told Trend. Mustafayeva noted that the work is being carried out by Aztelekom Limited Liability Company (Aztelekom LLC), a subsidiary of AZCON Holding, within the framework of the First State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, approved by a relevant decree of President Ilham Aliyev. As part of the ongoing activities, the city center of Aghdam, the villages of Sarijali, Kangarli, and Khidirli, as well as populated settlements and operating business entities in the Kalbajar district, have been connected to telecommunications services, with modern equipment installed across the areas. According to the spokesperson, telecommunications services, including internet access, now cover a total of 974 households and 23 business entities in the Aghdam district, as well as 121 households and 22 business entities in the Kalbajar district. With the application of GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) technology, subscribers, both households and business entities, are provided with high-speed internet, along with bundled services such as internet plus telephony, internet plus television (two-in-one), and internet plus telephony plus television (three-in-one), she said. She added that citizens can apply for these services by calling Aztelekoms call center at "170," contacting the Aghdam branch located in the Guzanli settlement, the Kalbajar branch in the district center, or by submitting a request through the companys official website. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Chairman of Azerbaijan's State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of the 13th World Urbanization Forum (WUF13), Anar Guliyev called on global partners to actively participate in WUF13, the committee statement says, Trend reports. He made the invitation during a briefing held at the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva on January 15, featuring about 100 representatives of accredited diplomatic missions and dedicated to WUF13. The briefing focused on boosting cooperation between the diplomatic corps, the Government of Azerbaijan, and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), as well as promoting international support for WUF13 and its expected outcomes. In his speech, Guliyev highlighted that for the first time in the history of the World Urban Forum, a Leaders' Summit will be held. He noted that this initiative reflects the position that the development of housing and urban development requires leadership at the highest political level. Speaking at the briefing, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach underlined that WUF13 is an important global platform for assessing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), and is of strategic importance in determining global urban priorities for the next decade. The briefing concluded with emphasizing the importance of broad international participation in WUF13. The 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) is a premier global conference on sustainable urbanization, organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and co-hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan. It will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17 through 22, 2026. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The Embassy of Azerbaijan in France, together with the Friends of Azerbaijan Association (ADA), held a ceremony in Paris to honor the memory of the victims of the 20 January tragedy, the embassy told Trend. In her remarks, Azerbaijans Ambassador to France, Leyla Abdullayeva, recounted the bloody events of the night between 19 and 20 January 1990, when Soviet troops entered Baku, committing unprecedented violence against civilians. 20 January is not only a tragic day etched into our national memory but also a turning point in the fight for freedom. Despite the bloodshed, the Azerbaijani peoples will could not be broken. During that night, Soviet troops entered Baku, committing unprecedented violence against civilians, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured. The events of 20 January could not break the Azerbaijani peoples will for independence. On the contrary, this tragedy strengthened national unity and reinforced the idea of sovereignty. Ordinary people faced tanks and weapons with courage, sacrificing their lives for freedom and laying the foundation of a future independent state, Abdullayeva said. The ambassador emphasized that the 20 January tragedy is not only a day of mourning but also the beginning of the path toward Azerbaijans state independence. This path ultimately led to the restoration of Azerbaijans territorial integrity in 2020 during the 44-day Patriotic War, when the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev, liberated occupied territories, fulfilling the nations 30-year quest for justice and sovereignty. She also noted that following the restoration of territorial integrity, new realities have been established in the region, with a focus on a peace agenda. Negotiations are currently ongoing between Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia to sign a peace agreement, which is expected this year. Such a step could represent a key milestone for long-term stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus. Today, an independent, strong, and victorious Azerbaijan stands tall on the legacy of the 20 January martyrs and all heroes who sacrificed for the homeland. Their dedication will never be forgotten and will remain a symbol of freedom and pride throughout Azerbaijani history, the ambassador said. Following her speech, Jerome Begen, the newly appointed president of the Friends of Azerbaijan Association (ADA), addressed the audience. He spoke about ADAs mission and activities, emphasizing the importance of promoting Azerbaijani culture and expanding membership. Before the ceremony, ADA held its annual meeting at the Embassys Cultural Center. The outgoing president, former member of the French National Assembly Jerome Lambert, and Secretary General Mirvari Fataliyeva presented the annual report and outlined programs and projects for the current year. Jerome Begen was elected as ADAs new president. In addition, new vice presidents and a secretary general were appointed for a three-year term. The ceremony concluded with performances by distinguished Azerbaijani artists. Sahib Pashazade, director of the International Mugham Center, Peoples Artist, recipient of the Presidential Award and Taraggi Medal, and winner of international competitions, performed on the tar. Saida Taghizade, director of the State Childrens Philharmonic and laureate of international competitions, played the piano, and soprano Sona Isganderli, a graduate of the Parma Arrigo Boito Conservatory (Conservatorio di Musica Arrigo Boito Parma) and laureate of international competitions, performed works by Azerbaijani and European composers. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Azerbaijan has amended its labor legislation to prevent the termination of employment contracts for workers at state budgetfunded institutions upon reaching the statutory retirement age, Trend reports. This provision is reflected in amendments to the Labor Code approved by President Ilham Aliyev. Under the revised Labor Code, when an employees working term is formally extended by an employers order, decision, or decree, that worker may not be dismissed on age-related grounds, nor transferred to a fixed-term employment contract for the extension period. The amendments specify that the employment of a 65-year-old worker at a state-funded institution may be extended for periods of up to one year at a time, with the total extension period not exceeding five years. The law also introduces exceptions for specific professional groups. Employees of state-funded institutions who have rendered special services in the development of science, culture, healthcare, or education may have their employment extended beyond the one-year and five-year limits, based on a decision by the relevant executive authority. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The global transport agenda is increasingly shaped by geopolitical realignments, expanding regional trade, and efforts to diversify and secure logistics routes. Within this evolving landscape, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing Eurasian corridors. In 2024, cargo volumes along the route increased by approximately 68%, with projections indicating growth to around 11 million tons by 2030, while total freight flows across Central Asia are expected to rise by 1.5 times to 90-95 million tons by the end of the decade. Within this context, Turkmenistan is at a transitional stage in the development of its transport sector, seeking to leverage its geographic position between the Caspian region, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia to strengthen its transit role. Since 2019, investments in transport infrastructure have exceeded $4.6 billion, with road and railway projects, as well as maritime logistics, remaining key priorities. At the same time, structural constraints persist, including limited access to foreign capital and the need for deeper integration into regional supply chains. A key multilateral mechanism with the potential to facilitate progress in these areas is the Ashgabat Agreement, which establishes a multimodal corridor linking Central Asia with the Persian Gulf. In parallel, Turkmenistan has concluded bilateral agreements with Uzbekistan and Iran aimed at reducing transit costs and simplifying procedures, while the Customs Code updated in 2023 prioritizes digitalization and the implementation of a single window system. According to the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), container traffic in Central Asia is expected to increase by approximately 66% by 2030. The Middle Corridor is increasingly viewed as a key alternative to traditional East-West routes. To meet projected demand, the region will require around 18.5 billion euros, or approximately $21.5 billion, in transport infrastructure investments. Turkmenistans regional neighbors are also in the thick of these processes. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are modernizing railway and port capacities, while Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are focusing on integration into regional and South Asian transport routes. In light of this situation, Turkmenistan is frequently seen as a diamond in the rough, a transit link that could bridge the Caspian region with Iran and Afghanistan. At the national level, major projects connecting Turkmenistans borders across its territory include the M37 highway running from the Caspian coast to the eastern regions, the 600-kilometer Ashgabat-Turkmenabat highway, and the ongoing development of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. Turkmenistans road network extends approximately 58,600 kilometers, more than 80% of which is paved. In recent years, large-scale highway and bridge construction projects have been implemented, alongside updates to the regulatory framework governing road construction and traffic safety. All things considered, the country still has its work cut out for it when it comes to modernizing rural roads, rolling out digital transport solutions, and boosting infrastructure maintenance efficiencyelements that have a direct impact on its overall transit potential. Railway infrastructure has also been upgraded in recent years, with key lines such as Tejen-Serakhs, Turkmenabat-Kerki, and Ashgabat-Dashoguz adding more than 1,600 kilometers of modernized and newly developed routes. Turkmenistan has established a foundational infrastructure and regulatory framework for participation in regional transport processes. Amid accelerating transit growth across Central Asia, Ashgabat is demonstrating a willingness to adapt its transport policies and infrastructure priorities, positioning the country as a potentially more flexible element within the emerging Eurasian logistics architecture. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The European Union is interested in strengthening economic cooperation and trade with Uzbekistan and, within its Global Gateway strategy, aims to develop the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar told Trend. "Through the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, we aim to ensure that goods are transported between our regions faster and at a lower cost," Klaar said. Klaar emphasized that the EU encourages closer cooperation between European and Uzbek companies and actively supports business-to-business engagement. "To support this, we organized the EU-Central Asia Economic Forum on November 26, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Investors Forum on November 27, and the first-ever EUCentral Asia Tourism Forum on November 28, all kindly hosted by Uzbekistan in Tashkent," he said. The ambassador noted that cooperation between the EU and Uzbekistan covers a broad range of sectors, including strategically important goods. "Our cooperation extends to a wide range of goods, including critical raw materials that are essential for the digital and green transition," he stressed. Recalling recent trade figures, Klaar said that total trade between the EU and Uzbekistan reached 4.797 billion euros in 2024, marking a 97.8% increase from 2.424 billion euros in 2020, and noted that these indicators are expected to continue growing with the implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). "The EPCA foresees a better regulatory environment for businesses in areas such as trade in goods and services, government procurement, and intellectual property rights. The agreement also aims to promote fair and open competition that benefits Uzbek consumers as well as small and medium-sized enterprises," he said. He added that the trade and economic provisions of the EPCA complement the market access offered to Uzbekistan under the EUs Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and the GSP+ framework. He further articulated that Uzbekistan capitalizes on augmented trade advantages pursuant to GSP+ protocols. "GSP+ extends duty-free or reduced-tariff access to a broader range of products, fully removing tariffs for around two-thirds of exports. In return, Uzbekistan has committed to implementing 27 international conventions on human and labor rights, environmental and climate protection, and good governance," Klaar concluded. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), first introduced in 1971, aims to provide trade benefits to developing countries for poverty reduction. The current legal framework under Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 has been in effect since January 1, 2014, and was recently extended until December 31, 2027. It offers unilateral, reduced tariff access through Standard GSP, GSP+, and Everything But Arms (EBA) arrangements, helping developing countries grow and integrate into the global economy. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 16. Uzbekistan will construct a 300-MW solar photovoltaic power plant combined with a 75-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the countrys Kashkadarya region, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan. The financing agreement for the project was formalized during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, held in Abu Dhabi. This initiative will be executed within the framework of a public-private partnership (PPP), with the UAE-based renewable energy company Masdar playing a key role in its development. The signing ceremony was attended by officials, including Uzbekistans Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, Minister of Energy Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov, and senior representatives from relevant ministries and sectoral organizations. Upon commissioning, the project is projected to reduce approximately 280,000 tons of harmful emissions annually, conserve around 231 million cubic meters of natural gas each year, and provide electricity to an estimated 280,000 households. The Guzar solar project is an integral component of Masdars expanding renewable energy portfolio in Uzbekistan, which collectively boasts an installed capacity nearing 2 GW. To date, total investments in this sector have surpassed $2 billion. Meanwhile, under the projects financing framework, the Asian Development Bank and Masdar have agreed on a $30 million financing package, while the overall financing package arranged by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development amounts to up to $195.5 million. Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 16. Uzbekistan, in cooperation with Masdar and Etihad Water & Electricity (EUDC), will implement a renewable energy project designed to provide a 24/7 electricity supply, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Energy. The relevant agreement was formalized during a meeting between Uzbekistans Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, Minister of Energy Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei, and Masdars Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, held at Sustainable Week 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The project envisages the provision of an uninterrupted electricity supply with a capacity of up to 1 GW on a 24/7 basis. The deployment of round-the-clock renewable energy generation is expected to minimize power supply disruptions and create large-scale baseload capacity at competitive tariffs. Experts note that the project could serve as an international benchmark for reliable green energy solutions capable of meeting the growing global demand for sustainable power sources. Meanwhile, within the framework of the same forum, Uzbekistan also signed an agreement with Masdar to construct a 300-MW solar photovoltaic power plant combined with a 75-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the countrys Kashkadarya region. Yao Qian, the former architect of Chinas digital yuan, accepted crypto bribes worth over $8 million while holding senior regulatory positions, Chinese state media revealed this week. The case exposes how corrupt officials exploited the same blockchain technology Yao helped develop to conceal illicit transactions through hardware wallets and anonymous transfers. State broadcaster CCTV aired details of Yaos corruption scheme on January 14 in a documentary titled Technology Empowering Anti-Corruption, showing how investigators traced 2,000 Ethereum (valued at 60 million yuan at peak prices) from a businessman to Yaos personal wallet in 2018. The former director of the Digital Currency Research Institute at the Peoples Bank of China used multiple shell accounts and blockchain addresses to hide bribes totaling at least 22 million yuan ($3.1 million) in fiat currency alongside substantial crypto holdings. Yao Qian. | Source: CoinDesk Hardware Wallets Betrayed Corruption Trail Investigators discovered three hardware wallets in Yaos office drawer, each resembling ordinary USB devices but containing millions of yuan in cryptocurrency. These three seemingly insignificant little wallets stored tens of millions of yuan, said Zou Rong, a staff member with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection stationed at the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Source: Sina While Yao believed virtual currencies offered anonymity, blockchains transparency enabled investigators to reconstruct complete transaction histories, linking bribes directly to his wallets. The investigation revealed that Yao purchased a Beijing villa worth over 20 million yuan using funds traced to crypto exchanges, including a single 10 million yuan payment converted from digital assets. Authorities penetrated layers of shell accounts controlled by relatives and intermediaries, establishing clear evidence that businessman Wang transferred 12 million yuan through an information services company in exchange for regulatory favors. He believed that after setting up multiple layers, the system would be more isolated, said Shi Changping of Shanwei Citys Discipline Inspection Commission, adding that multiple parties actually strengthened the evidence chain. Yaos legal bank accounts showed no obvious irregularities, but cross-referencing with government databases uncovered accounts opened under other identities that he secretly controlled. These shell accounts received large transfers that investigators traced back through four layers to crypto exchange fund accounts, eventually connecting to his property purchases and corrupt dealings with technology service providers. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 16. Uzbekistan and Pakistan have discussed prospects for developing international transportation links and expanding cooperation along the Pakistan-China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan corridor via the Khunjerab Pass, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade. The discussions took place during a meeting between Uzbekistans Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Shokhrukh Gulamov, and Shoaib Ahmad Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Pakistans National Logistics Corporation (NLC), held as part of the Uzbek delegations visit to Pakistan. The visit was primarily centered on exploring avenues for deepening cooperation in the industrial, investment, and logistics sectors, with a particular focus on enhancing transit connectivity between the two nations. During the visit, the delegation also conducted a tour of the Port of Karachi, where discussions centered on utilizing the ports infrastructure to expand transit routes and facilitate Uzbek products' access to international markets. Following the visit, the sides agreed to continue consultations and move forward with the detailed development of joint initiatives aimed at improving regional transport connectivity. In parallel, Uzbekistan's trade turnover with Pakistan reached $434.4 million from January through November 2025, marking a 16.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024 ($371.5 million). When compared to the period from January to November 2023, which saw a turnover of $356.0 million, the figure reflects a 22.0% growth, underscoring the sustained expansion of economic relations between the two countries. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 16. Uzbekistan and Pakistan have agreed to develop and sign a memorandum of understanding to advance research and innovation cooperation in the agricultural sector, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Uzbekistans Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Jamshid Abduzukhurov, and Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi, Chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), held as part of the Uzbek delegations visit to Pakistan. The discussions centered on the integration of scientific research and innovative methodologies within agriculture, emphasizing the practical application of advanced technologies and best practices. The Uzbek delegation reviewed the operations of Pakistans National Agricultural Research Center, which included an array of initiatives such as breeding programs, aeroponic seed potato production, olive cultivation projects, livestock research facilities, plant genetic resource studies, food technology advancements, and pest control research. The centers state-of-the-art laboratories were lauded as a prime example of effective collaboration between science and industry. Particular focus was given to expanding cooperation in seed production and breeding, the exchange of genetic resources, the implementation of joint research initiatives, and the training of agricultural specialists. Livestock cooperation was also identified as a key area for development. The parties agreed to facilitate the exchange of expertise concerning high-productivity goat breeds, which achieve milk yields of up to 10 liters per day and live weight gains of up to 80 kilograms, with an emphasis on adapting these breeds to Uzbekistans climatic conditions. In parallel, Uzbekistan's trade turnover with Pakistan reached $434.4 million from January through November 2025, marking a 16.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024 ($371.5 million). When compared to the period from January to November 2023, which saw a turnover of $356.0 million, the figure reflects a 22.0% growth, underscoring the sustained expansion of economic relations between the two countries. Photo: The embassy of Armenia in Turkmenistan ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 16. Turkmenistan and Armenia held talks on bilateral trade, opportunities for economic development, business conditions in both countries, and prospects for attracting foreign investment, Trend reports via the Embassy of Armenia in Turkmenistan. During a business meeting in the capital of Armenia, representatives from both nations' governments and businesses gathered to discuss the matters at hand. The event featured B2B negotiations between Turkmen and Armenian companies, focusing on prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation. Entities engaged in the textile and food processing sectors, agricultural operations, pharmaceutical developments, transport and logistics frameworks, jewelry production, and tourism initiatives participated in the meeting. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) discussed expanding financial inclusion in the country with Mastercard, Trend reports via the CBA. The discussion was held during the meeting between CBA Chairman Taleh Kazimov and the delegation led by Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard, Jon Huntsman. The meeting exchanged views on strategic cooperation directions between CBA and Mastercard for 20262029. The parties also discussed initiatives to strengthen digital financial infrastructure and increase the efficiency of payment systems. Additionally, the meeting expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation between the parties. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, and Mastercard's Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth, Jon Huntsman, discussed the creation of a cybersecurity center of excellence, the publication of Nabiyev on his X page says, Trend reports. "During the meeting, we discussed opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital development, as well as transit and transportation in general. Furthermore, we exchanged views on the creation of a cybersecurity center of excellence in Baku," the minister noted. Mastercard is considering cooperation with critical infrastructure organizations, including government authorities, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, telecommunications operators, and the oil and gas sector. As part of the development of local infrastructure, the company plans to establish local cybersecurity teams in Azerbaijan and increase investments in products and human resources, ensuring the implementation of Mastercards know-how and technologies used globally in the local market. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 16. Turkmenistan and Palestine discussed bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA. The talks were held during a meeting between Turkmenistans Deputy Foreign Minister Myahri Byashimova and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Palestine to Turkmenistan Rana Abu Khijleh in Ashgabat on January 16. The sides highlighted the humanitarian focus of Turkmenistans foreign policy under the guidance of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Earlier, on November 1, Speaker of the Turkmen Parliament Dunyagozel Gulmanova met with the Palestinian Ambassador to discuss interparliamentary and humanitarian cooperation, as well as ways to expand political and diplomatic ties between Turkmenistan and Palestine. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. As part of cooperation between Azerbaijans Ministry of Finance and the World Bank (WB), the next phase of training under a specialized educational program aimed at strengthening capacity for the implementation of program- and results-based budgeting mechanisms has been completed, Trend reports, citing the ministry. The group training sessions were held from January 12 through January 16 and brought together more than 150 representatives from 49 state institutions involved in reforms related to the transition to the new budget mechanism. Participants represented the education, social protection and social security, agriculture, and environmental protection sectors. The trainings were organized within the framework of the WB project on strengthening capacity for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework in Azerbaijan. The program focused on enhancing institutional capacity to prepare implementation reports for monitoring purposes, as well as reports assessing progress toward sectoral strategic objectives. During the sessions, WB experts conducted practical exercises and interactive discussions on monitoring methodologies, including the analysis of performance indicators and the evaluation of outcomes achieved through implemented measures. The World Bank has operated in Azerbaijan since September 18, 1992, providing over $4.4 billion in loans and grants for more than 50 projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, social protection, and municipal solid waste management. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved 90 million in financing to METLEN Energy & Metals to support strategic investments at its Aluminium of Greece industrial complex in Central Greece, Trend reports via the Bank. The funding will modernize bauxite mining operations a key input for aluminium production and establish a new gallium production facility, reinforcing Europes supply of these critical raw materials essential for the EUs green and digital transitions. The investment aligns with the European Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the EIBs REPowerEU framework, which supports projects that enhance industrial competitiveness, energy security, and sustainability. The project will be implemented across two sites: METLENs bauxite operations in the ParnassusGiona area and the alumina and aluminium complex in Agios Nikolaos, Viotia, where the gallium facility will be developed. The initiative is expected to support job creation, regional cohesion, and the deployment of modern, environmentally sustainable industrial practices. METLEN is one of the EUs leading vertically integrated aluminium producers and the largest bauxite producer. The EIB, owned by EU member states, provides long-term financing to projects that support EU policy objectives, including climate action, digitalization, security, cohesion, and sustainable growth. In 2024, the EIB Group signed nearly 89 billion in new financing for more than 900 projects, mobilizing over 110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups, and European innovators. Almost 60% of the EIB Groups annual financing targets climate action, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and its Climate Bank Roadmap, while around half of its EU financing is directed to cohesion regions with below-average per capita income. HONG KONG, Jan 16 (Reuters) - China's population policy is emerging as a key part of its economic strategy as Beijing rolls out its most wide-ranging push to boost a flagging birth rate, with official population data due on January 19 set to show a fourth consecutive annual drop. Beijing is looking at a total potential cost of around 180 billion yuan ($25.8 billion) in 2026 to boost births, according to Reuters estimates, as authorities grapple to undo decades of strict population control that helped tackle poverty but reshaped Chinese families. The estimate includes the cost of the national child subsidy, which was introduced for the first time last year, as well as expected insurance payments. The government pledged that women in 2026 would have "no out-of-pocket expenses" during their pregnancy, with all medical costs, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), fully reimbursable under its national medical insurance fund. China's finance ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the figure, which was in line with economists' estimates. China's population has been shrinking since 2022 and is ageing rapidly, complicating Beijing's plan to boost domestic consumption and rein in debt, with hundreds of millions of people set to leave the workforce at a time when pension budgets are already stretched. Demographers and economists argue that fewer children today could mean fewer households and slower consumption growth over time. POLICIES LIKELY TO HAVE LIMITED EFFECT Despite the increased spending, demographers said the new measures were unlikely to produce a major rebound in births. The initiatives "may have some effect, but their impact is likely to be limited. Low fertility is a widespread challenge across East Asia," said Xiujian Peng, senior research fellow at the Centre of Policy Studies at Victoria University in Australia. China has one of the lowest fertility rates in the world at around 1 birth per woman, well below the 2.1 rate needed for a population to remain stable, and is likely to decline further, demographers say. Other East Asian economies including Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore have similarly low levels of fertility at around 1.1 births per woman. The number of Chinese women of reproductive age, defined by the United Nations as those aged 15 to 49, is set to drop by more than two thirds to under 100 million by the end of the century, according to population projections from the UN. Peng said Japan, South Korea and Singapore had also invested heavily in pro-natalist policies but had limited success. "This experience suggests there is no quick or simple fix." Azerbaijan discloses cost of new substation project in Goygol Azerishig OJSC is set to build a new substation in Goygol district, Azerbaijan, which will include a control center, new overhead lines, and repairs to existing power lines. The company is currently in the process of selecting a contractor for the project. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a 25 million venture debt financing agreement with Dutch fibre-optic sensor innovator Optics11, Trend reports via the EIB. Optics11 develops advanced fibre-optic sensing technology with applications in two sectors critical to European strategic autonomy: energy and underwater security. Its technology allows ultra-sensitive vibration and acoustic monitoring in challenging environments, supporting operations such as submarine surveillance, border monitoring, and structural health monitoring of naval assets and electricity networks. The financing is provided under the European Commissions InvestEU programme, which aims to leverage private and public investment for EU policy priorities, including the European Green Deal and the digital transition. The EIB, owned by EU member states, provides long-term finance to support projects aligned with EU policy objectives. More than 90% of its activity is within Europe. The Netherlands holds a 5.2% share in the EIB, which has provided over 36 billion in financing for Dutch projects spanning social infrastructure, R&D, sustainable mobility, healthcare, drinking water, and SMEs. InvestEU combines multiple EU financial instruments under a single framework, offering funding through the InvestEU Fund, Advisory Hub, and Portal. The 26.2 billion EU budget guarantee underpinning the fund is expected to mobilise at least 372 billion in additional investment for EU projects. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 16. KazTransOil has completed infrastructure projects at the Zhetibay and Karazhanbas oil pumping stations in the Mangistau region to reduce environmental risks and enhance operational safety, Trend reports via KazMunayGas. At Zhetibay, a new tank farm was installed for safe oil storage and transport with minimal environmental impact. Key upgrades include two 10,000 m steel tanks, a foam-water firefighting station, and reinforced concrete water reserve tanks. Environmental measures, such as pontoons to reduce oil evaporation, were also implemented. Additionally, engineering systems, including power supply, lightning protection, and fire safety, were modernized. At Karazhanbas, the power supply system was upgraded with a new energy block for backup power and improved lightning protection and energy-efficient lighting. The project also included replacing 42 electric drives and laying 152 km of new cables, boosting equipment safety and reducing technological risks. Meanwhile, Vice Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Sungat Yesimkhanov said at the government meeting in December that Kazakhstan produced 14 million tons of petroleum products in the period from January through November 2025, which is a 6.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Kazakhstan discloses freight transported via second track of Dostyk-Moyinty railway Photo: Kazakhstan Railways On September 30, 2025, the second line of the Dostyk-Moyinty railway was launched. The 836 km long railway line increases the capacity of the Kazakhstan-China route fivefold and contributes to the growth of transit freight traffic within the Middle Corridor. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. U.S. President Donald Trump praised the cancellation of all planned executions in Iran, Trend reports. "I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you!" Trump wrote on his page on Truth Social. . . . . Corn futures saw a slight recovery on Wednesday, with contracts up 1 to 2 cents at the close. EIA reported a robust ethanol figure to give the bulls some steam. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was up 2 1/2 cents at $3.85. EIA data from this morning showed ethanol production exploding 98,000 barrels per day week/week or 8.92% to a record (5.75% above the previous record) 1.196 million barrels per day. Ethanol stocks did seen a build of 821,000 barrels to 24.473 million barrels, mainly in the Gulf (+423,000 barrels) and the East Coast (+616,000 barrels), possibly gearing up for exports. Exports were up 6,000 bpd to 119,000 bpd, as refiner inputs for ethanol were 70,000 bpd higher to 841,000 bpd. More News from Barchart Several South Korean importers had tenders overnight, purchasing a total of 402,000 MT of corn. USDA confirmed some of that was from the US, with a private export sale announcement of 136,000 MT to South Korea. USDA Export Sales data will be released on Thursday morning, with traders looking for 0.6 to 1.4 MMT of corn sold in the week of January 8. The Rosario Grains Exchange estimates the Argentina corn crop at 62 MMT, a 1 MMT increase from their previous estimate. Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.22, up 2 1/4 cents, Nearby Cash was $3.84, up 2 1/2 cents, May 26 Corn closed at $4.29 3/4, up 2 cents, Jul 26 Corn closed at $4.36, up 1 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 KUAC broadcasts preserved in Library of Congress archive KUAC photo by Dandhi'on Hartman A small sample of KUAC's archived material rests on shelves at the station. Hundreds of historical KUAC TV broadcast materials are now available online thanks to a grant from the American Archive of Public Broadcasting. KUAC is thrilled that a comprehensive collection of its materials has been accepted into the archive at the Library of Congress, said KUAC General Manager Gretchen Gordon. This significant recognition highlights the importance of preserving public broadcasting content created by KUAC TV, in Interior Alaska, that shapes and reflects the diverse narratives of American life. The American Archive of Public Broadcasting is a collaboration between the Library of Congress and the Boston public broadcasting station GBH. KUAC is a service of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The recent collection project was made possible through a partnership with the Alaska Film Archives at the UAF Rasmuson Library, which helped preserve and prepare KUACs library for digital access. UAF Facilities Services provided additional assistance in readying archival materials for shipping to the public broadcasting archive in Virginia. This partnership underscores KUACs commitment to fostering a deep appreciation for the unique cultural narratives that define our state, said Gordon. By making these materials accessible, we aim to enrich the archives and preserve our shared history for future generations. To date, more than 1,000 videos have already been digitized and made accessible, including promotional spots, raw footage, program segments and full-length broadcasts spanning decades of KUACs history in Interior Alaska. More items are being cataloged and prepared for entry by UAF staff and volunteers. Digitizing these materials before their analog formats become irretrievable ensures that Alaskas stories, voices and cultural memory will endure, said Angela Schmidt, head of the Alaska Film Archives. At a time when northern regions face unprecedented change, these programs provide essential historical perspective and continue to inform, inspire and challenge viewers across generations. Through this collaboration, KUAC joins a nationwide effort to preserve and share the legacy of public broadcasting. The American Archive of Public Broadcasting provides online access to thousands of hours of public media content from across the United States, ensuring that local and regional stories are available to researchers, educators and the general public for generations to come. The KUAC collection can be viewed on the archive website. ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Gretchen Gordon, gretchen.kuac@alaska.edu 140-26 Air Defense Forces destroyed 53 of the 76 drones used by Russians to attack Ukraine since the evening. According to Ukrinform, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Telegram. From 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, the enemy attacked with 76 Shahed-type UCAVs (including jet-powered ones), Gerbera, Italmas, and other types of drones from the following directions: Kursk, Orel, Bryansk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russian Federation), and the temporarily occupied Donetsk. About 50 of them were Shahed drones. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, and unmanned systems units, as well as by mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. According to preliminary data, as of 8:30 a.m. on Friday, January 16, Air Defense Forces shot down/jammed 53 enemy UAVs. 19 combat drones were recorded at 9 locations, along with the fall of shot-down targets (debris) at one location. The attack continues, with several enemy UAVs in the airspace. As reported by Ukrinform, on the night of January 16, the Russian army struck critical infrastructure in the Korosten district of Zhytomyr region. Photo: Air Force Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with UK Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice David Lammy, during which the parties discussed Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and support for the country. The head of state said this in a post on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. "During my meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom, David Lammy, we discussed Russia's daily missile strikes on our energy infrastructure and ways to strengthen protection against them. We are grateful for the UK's decision to provide an energy support package for Ukraine right now, when it is most needed," the post reads. Both parties also addressed the situation in diplomacy and sanctions policy against Russia. Zelensky briefed Lammy on the battlefield situation and Russian losses. "We are also seeing Russia actively recruiting foreign nationals, including from Global South countries, into its criminal war. Greater coordination among partners is needed to prevent such cases," Zelensky said. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Major Powers Increasingly Prefer Force Over the Rules They Themselves Created Eighty years ago, in mid-January 1946, the inaugural session of the United Nations General Assembly took place in London. It is also symbolic that in January 1920 the Treaty of Versailles entered into force, formally ending the First World War and establishing the League of Nations, the immediate predecessor to the United Nations. This anniversary therefore provides an opportunity to assess the work of this prominent international organizationrecalling not only its well-known failures, which have been widely discussed, particularly in light of recent international events, but also its achievements, which are worthy of recognition and public awareness. THE INAUGURAL SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: CREATING A WORLD OF SECURITY AND FREEDOM The United Nations was established in 1945, immediately after the end of the Second World War, by the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition. Like the League of Nations before it, the UN was intended to prevent future wars and to resolve interstate disputes through peaceful means. The inaugural session of the United Nations General Assembly at Westminster Hall; January 1946. Photo via mchw.live The first session of the United Nations General Assembly was held in London, in Westminster Central Hall. The event was covered by approximately 800 journalistsseveral times more than the number of delegates to the gathering. Notably, it was the first international conference to be broadcast on television. In welcoming the delegates, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee first recalled the still-recent destruction of London by Nazi air raids and then expressed hope for the creation of a world of security and freedom, one that would be governed by justice and moral law. Geneva was also mentioned, as 26 years earlier the League of Nations had been established there, and many of those present at the first UN General Assembly session in Westminster had previously participated in the work of the UNs predecessor. THE CORE PROBLEM: WHY THE UN IS UNABLE TO DETER AGGRESSION BY MAJOR POWERS The UNs 80-year legacy is complex and ambiguous. Its significant achievements should not be discounted, yet it is evident that today the organization is unable to restrain aggression by major powers. Russias invasion of Ukrainean independent and sovereign state, and an overt act of military aggressionand the international response to it illustrate this reality. The UN has effectively become a recorder of the breakdown of the international order that it was originally created to uphold. Why, then, is the UN unable to adopt effective, decisive measures? First, because of the veto power exercised over resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. Second, even when decisions are formally adopted, they often remain unenforced due to a lack of cooperation among major powers or because there is insufficient genuine international interest driven by low geopolitical stakes. In other words, major states tend to remain indifferent to the troubles of smaller ones whose fate does not directly affect them. Clear examples include UN decisions related to Myanmar and Sudan. The problem lies not so much in the bureaucratic nature of the United Nations as in the fact that powerful states increasingly place their own interests above those of allies, the international community, and even above international law itself. As recently stated quite explicitly by Stephen Miller, the Homeland Security Adviser to the U.S. President, the world is governed by force, coercion, and power, and that the United States will henceforth act from a position of strength rather than from the standpoint of international law. PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS: SOLDIERS FOR PEACE, NOT FOR WAR Dag Hammarskjold, 2nd Secretary-General of the United Nations, 1961. Photo via un.org However, it is important to return to the organizations achievements. Peacekeeping activity is one of the United Nations largest and most significant accomplishments. The 1965 Suez Crisis is a notable example: with the active involvement of then Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold (19051961), a special UN peacekeeping force was created and deployed to the conflict zone. This operation became the first UN peacekeeping mission and served as a model for numerous peacekeeping operations that followed. Resisting pressure from major powers has never been easy. Nevertheless, at the early stage of its existence, the United Nations was sometimes able to do so. A telling example is a response given by Hammarskjold to Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. This occurred in 1960 during the Congo Crisis. Notably, at that time the actions of the UN Secretary-General dissatisfied both the USSR and the United States. In response to Khrushchevs angry call for his resignation, Hammarskjold stated that he did not intend to abandon the United Nations, explaining: It is not the Soviet Union or indeed any other big Powers who need the United Nations for their protection. It is all the others. In this sense, the Organization is first of all their Organization and I deeply believe in the wisdom with which they will be able to use it and guide it. I shall remain in my post during the term of my office as a servant of the Organization in the interests of all those other nations, as long as they wish me to do so. It is very easy to bow to the wishes of a Big Power. It is another matter to resist. UN peacekeeping missions involve the use of armed forces contributed by member states to stabilize situations in conflict zones. The essence of peacekeeping is the use of soldiers as a catalyst for peace rather than as the instruments of war, said UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar (19202020) when these forces were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988 for missions in conflict areas in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Central America, and Europe. Canadian UN peacekeepers, Sinai, 1962. Photo via Wikipedia At the same time, peacekeeping activity also ranks among the United Nations major failures. One of the most notorious cases is the Srebrenica massacre in 1995, when Dutch peacekeepers were unable to prevent the genocide of Bosniak Muslims committed by Bosnian Serb forces. Other failed peacekeeping missions are often cited as well, including those in Lebanon, Rwanda, Somalia, and Angola. THE LAW OF THE SEA: RESOLVING THE UKRAINIANROMANIAN DISPUTE, BUT NOT THE CHINESE ONE The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982, laid the foundation for modern international maritime law. It defines states rights and introduces concepts such as exclusive economic zones, along with dispute-settlement procedures, new mechanisms for regulating deep-sea seabed exploitation, andimportantlyprovisions on the protection of marine resources and the conservation of the oceans. One clear example of international maritime law in action is the resolution by the International Court of Justice of the long-standing dispute between Ukraine and Romania over the delimitation of the continental shelf near Snake Island in 2009. In that case, Ukraine and Romania found a dignified and lawful way out of a contentious situation. Thus, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea provides effective mechanisms for dispute resolution. However, powerful states sometimes ignore these mechanisms, opting instead for overt political pressure and coercion. A frequently cited example is the behavior of China, which has multiple disputes with its neighbors over claims in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. However, while the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea represents a major step forward, it has failed to provide adequate protection for maritime areas and ocean spaces that lie beyond the jurisdiction of any state. Marine ecosystems have undergone radical change due to overfishing. This constitutes an environmental crisis that the Convention has been unable to address in a comprehensive manner. DECOLONIZATION: A CIVILIZED AND PEACEFUL PROCESS THAT DID LITTLE FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES One of the United Nations major achievements include decolonization efforts. Issues of racial equality and the right of peoples to self-determination were discussed as early as the aftermath of the First World War but were ultimately dismissed (notably, at the time, the United States repeatedly criticized Britain and France for their colonial legacies and reluctance to abandon them). After the Second World War, however, these principles were endorsed within the United Nations system, and the Trusteeship Council, which oversaw the decolonization process, became one of the UNs earliest bodies. Despite the fact that many peoples achieved independence through bloody armed conflicts, UN activity nonetheless contributed to the establishment of a more orderly and peaceful process of decolonizationone that ultimately reshaped both the global order and international politics. It is worth noting that in 1945, approximately one-third of the worlds population lived under colonial rule. At the time of the inaugural session of the United Nations General Assembly, the United Kingdom controlled 40 colonies. Nearly all of Africa was under Western colonial domination. At the first General Assembly session, the continent was represented by only four countries: Egypt, Liberia, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Today, fewer than two million people live in territories classified as colonies. At the same time, when it comes to the worlds indigenous peoples, the UN has generally done little to address their problems, with the exception of the non-binding UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. HUMAN RIGHTS: FORMULATED, BUT WERE THEY ENSURED? The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 proclaimed fundamental human rights for the first time, recognizing that the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. UN General Assembly Hall in New York. Photo via Basil D. Soufi / Wikipedia Since 1948, the United Nations has adopted ten major human rights instruments, including conventions on the rights of the child and of migrant workers, as well as on combating torture and discrimination on the basis of gender and race. Compliance with each of these instruments is monitored by a separate committee of independent experts. Human rights terminology created a new framework for understanding the relationship between the individual, the state, and the international system. The concept of human rights made the individual an object of both national and international concern. It is worth recalling that human rights were the central issue raised by Soviet dissidents of the 1960s, prompting official responses from Soviet authorities even at the international leveldevelopments that ultimately became one of the factors contributing to the collapse of the USSR. How should the current state of human rights and the UNs influence in this area be assessed today? This is a question that has become increasingly uncomfortable to ask. Just days ago, the United Nations Security Council held a meeting devoted to the destructive shelling of Ukraines energy system during severe winter coldattacks carried out by the armed forces of one of its own permanent members, Russia, which also exercises veto power. These actions constituted a clear violation of the right to life of millions of people. At the Security Council meeting, all parties spokebut no decisions were adopted. THE BALANCE OF 80 YEARS: THE UN CANNOT BE BETTER THAN THE WORLD THAT SURROUNDS IT The world in which the United Nations emerged was a world shaped by the catastrophe of the Second World War. The organization was created not out of faith in human virtue, but out of distrust of itas a system of safeguards intended to restrain the worst instincts of states and political leaders. From the outset, the UN was therefore a compromise: between idealism and power, between law and geopolitics, between hope and the fear of a return to the disasters of the 1930s and 1940s. Over eight decades, the UN has never become an all-powerful arbiter. It has failed to stop the war in Ukraine, failed to prevent genocides, and failed to compel major powers to abide by the rules they themselves helped to write. At the same time, it was within the UN framework that the language of human rights was articulated, peacekeeping mechanisms were developed, the foundations of maritime law were laid, and the colonial system that had shaped the world order for centuries was dismantled. Today, the problem lies not only in outdated institutions, but in a shift in the very logic of international relations. When force is once again proclaimed a virtue and law a weakness, no organization can function effectively. The UN cannot be better than the world that surrounds itbut a world without it becomes far more dangerous. Perhaps the central lesson of these 80 years is that international order does not exist on its own. It must be reaffirmed daily through political will, solidarity, and a readiness to act. Svitlana Shevtsova, Kyiv Headline photo via Wikipedia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Speaker of the Latvian Saeima Daiga Mierina. The discussions focused on the negotiation process to achieve peace, cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing, joint production under the SAFE program, and partnership in advanced technologies. According to Ukrinform, the head of state announced this on Telegram. "I held a meeting with the Speaker of the Latvian Saeima, Daiga Mierina. We discussed the negotiation process for achieving peace, the diplomatic situation, cooperation with partners within the Coalition of the Willing, Latvia's continued participation in the PURL initiative, co-production under the SAFE instrument, and areas of partnership in advanced technologies where Ukraine can share its experience," the statement said. Zelensky thanked Latvia for its defense, financial, and humanitarian assistance, as well as for supporting Ukraine's international initiatives. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Welcome Guest! You are here: Home The Maharashtra State Election Commission officials are set to hold counting of votes in Dhule for the Municipal Corporation (Dhule Mahanagar Palika) Election today i.e. Friday January 16, 2026. Dhule Corporation Election Result 2026 Live Updates: The BJP has retained power in Dhule Municipal Corporation (DMC) winning 50 of the total 74 seats as per the final result announced today. The BJP's 50 seats won in the 2026 Corporation Elections in Dhule is same as the party had won in 2017. The AIMIM came second with 10 seats in its kitty. The NCP has won 08 seats, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) won 05 seats and Independent has won 01 seat. 03.30 PM: The BJP is set to retain power in Dhule Municipal Corporation (DMC) where counting of votes is still underway. As per the trends at 03.30 PM, the BJP candidates are leading in 37 of the total 74 wards of Dhule Mahanagar Palika. Here, Shiv Sena (Shinde) is ahead on 03 seats, NCP on 04 and others on 08 seats. 12.00 PM: In Dhule where counting of votes is underway, the BJP is leading on 9 of the total 74 seats, as per the trends at 12.00 PM. The Shiv Sena (Shinde) candidates are ahead in 04 wards of Dhule whereas the AIMIM and others are leading in 04 wards, as per the trend at 12.00 PM. 10.40 AM: Counting of votes has begun for the Dhule Mahanagar Palika (Dhule Municipal Corporation or DMC) today morning at 10.0 am. Polling for the 74 seats in 19 wards of Dhule Municipal Corporation was held on Thursday January 15, 2026. Each ward will send four members. The counting of votes is done today i.e. Friday January 16, 2026. All results are likely to be declared by late afternoon today. The main contest in Dhule is between the BJP, Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena and the AIMIM. In 2017 Dhule Elections were held for 74 seats in 19 wards of the Municipal Corporation. The BJP had won 50 seats in the last elections. The NCP had 8 members, Congress had 06, the AIMIM had 04, Samajwadi Party had 02 and Shiv Sena had 01 member in the last body. Exit Poll Results Polling to elect new bodies in Maharashtra were also held in 28 other Municipal Corporations, including the high stake Mumbai or BMC. Most of the exit polls are predicting clear win for the BJP and its allies in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai a major blow to Thackeray family. The Exit Polls are also predicting victory for the NCP in Pune Pimpri Municipal Corporation. In Nagpur the BJP is predicted to win, in Malegaon the AIMIM is likely to emerge as the single largest party, in Nashik BJP and Shiv Sena are in neck and neck battle whereas in Dhule Congress is in direct contest with the BJP and allies. Earlier, it was found that over 70 candidates of different political parties were elected unopposed in the 29 Municipal Corporations of Maharashtra after the last date of filing the nomination papers. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home The Maharashtra State Election Commission officials are set to hold counting of votes in Malegaon for the Municipal Corporation (Malegaon Mahanagar Palika) Election today i.e. Friday January 16, 2026 Malegaon Corporation Election Result 2026 Live Updates: The Malegaon Secular Front of Asif Shaikh's ISLAM Party and Samajwadi Party (SP) has won the maximum number of seats in Malegaon Corporation Election 2026, results of which was announced today. The AIMIM came second followed by Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), Congress and BJP. Full List of Winners Following is the full list of 84 candidates who have won the Mahanagar elections in Malegaon. Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra (I.S.L.A.M) [35 seats] Karansen Bharat Chavan (Ward No 2A) Salma Bano Shafeeque Ahmed (Ward No 2B) Hamida Bi Shaikh Jabbar (Ward No 2C) Sharjeel Aqueel Ansari (Ward No 2D) Khaleda Bano Nisar Ahmed (Ward No 3B) Sagheeruddin Naziruddin (Ward No 3C) Shaikh Javed Shaikh Anis (Ward No 3D) Bachav Nirmala Ananda ((Ward No 4A) Gulshan Jahan Baqir Husain Khan ((Ward No 4B) Shaikh Jaleel Shaikh Shafi (Ward No 4C) Darekar Udhav Umakant (Ward No 4D) Shaikh Naeem Shaikh Hanif (Ward No 5A) Yasmeen Farooq Khan (Ward No 5B) Yasmeen Altaf Baig (Ward No 5C) Mohamed Amin Mohd Farooque (Ward No 5D) Irfan Ali Abid Ali (Ward No 6A) Shagufta Shakeel (Ward No 6B) Muneera Shaikh Faiqi (Elected unopposed) Nazeer Irshad Ahmed (Ward No 6D) Nehal Ahmed Mohd Sulaiman (Ward No 8A) Farzana Shaikh Arif (Ward No 8B) Sugra bi Nabi Shah (Ward No 8C) Mohd Saleem Mohd Anwer (Ward No 8D) Mohd Shakeel Mohd Sagheer (Ward No 16A) Tahera Shaikh Rasheed (Ward No 16B) Tabassum Bano Shaikh Sultan (Ward No 16C) Imran Ahmed Saleem Ahmed (Ward No 16D) Aslam Ansari (Ward No 17A) Shaheen Bano Mannan Baig (Ward No 17B) Praveen Bano Riyaz Ahmed (Ward No 17C) Mohd Khalid Abdul Rasheed (Ward No 17D) Mehmooda Bano A Qadir (Ward No 20A) Shaikh Nasreen Shaikh Khalid (Ward No 20B) Ameen Khan Shabbir Khan (Ward No 20C) Rafeeque Bhhoriya (Ward No 20D) Samajwadi Party (SP) [05 seats] Shane Hind Nehal Ahmed (Ward No 3A) Abdul Baqi Mohd Ismael (Ward No 7A) Rukhsana Noor Mohd (Ward No 7B) Mohd Mustaqeem Mohd Mustafa (Ward No 7D) Zaheda Mohd Rafeeque Qureshi (Ward No 15B) All India Majlis e Ittahdul Muslimeen (AIMIM) [21 seats] Qureshi Hina Mohd Farooque (Ward No 7C) Ansari Asefa Mohd Rasheed (Ward No 13A) Rizwana Bano Shaikh Saleem (Ward No 13B) Hafiz Abdullah Mufti Ismael (Ward No 13C) Shaikh Kaleem Shaikh Dilawar (Ward No 13D) Mohd Umar Jaleel (Ward No 14A) Rizwana Suhail Ahmed (Ward No 14B) Aaliya Kausar Akhlaque Ahmed (Ward No 14C) Mohd Salman Anees Ahmed (Ward No 14D) Sajeda Raees (Jamal Nasir) (Ward No 15A) Shahid Akhtar Shakeel (Ward No 15C) Arif Saloti (Ward No 15D) Shaikh Sikandar Pehlwan (Ward No 18D) Akhtarunnisa Mohd Sadique (Ward No 19A) Saadiya Bano Laeeque Ahmed (Ward No 19B) Abdul Malik Yunus Isa (Ward No 19C) Shaikh Javed Sattar (Ward No 19D) Raziya Shahid Ahmed (Ward No 21A) Fiza Shaikh Naved Ahrar (Ward No 21B) Mohd Haneef (Ward No 21C) Khaled Pervez Yunus Isa (Ward No 21C) Indian National Congress (03 seats) Ejaz Baig (Ward No 18A) Yasmeen Bano Ejaz Baig (Ward No 18B) Akhtarunnisa Iftekha Ahmed (Ward No 18C) Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde+Dada Bhuse) [18 seats] Bacchav Amrapali Sachin (Ward No 01A) Pawar Jijabai Dileep (Ward No 01B) Aher Poonam Bhausaheb (Ward No 01C) Adv Kakde Nilesh Eknath (Ward No 01D) Jhalte Nitin Nimba (Ward No 09A) Ghodke Lata Sakharam (Ward No 09B) Ahire Mina Dinesh (Ward No 09C) Narendra Sonawane (Ward No 09D) Jhanvi Jagdish (Ward No 10A) Dinesh Kamlakar Thakre (Ward No 10B) Harshita Bharat Kadke (Ward No 10C) Pawar Vishal Dileep (Ward No 10D) Aasha Tai Prakash (Ward No 11B) Prachi Narendra Pawar (Ward No 11C) Nilesh Dada Bhagwan Ahire (Ward No 11D) Dabhade Anjana Shivaji (Ward No 12A) Umesh Vinayak Choudhry (Ward No 12B) Rajshree Sharad Patil (Ward No 12C) Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) [02 seats] Praveen Manohar Patil (Ward No 11A) Gaekwad Madan Babulal (Ward No 12D) 02.40 PM: Congress emerges as King Maker in Malegaon winning just 03 of the total 84 seats in Malegan Corporation Election. As per the final result announced today, Malegaon Secular Front has won a total of 40 seats (ISLAM Party 35 and Samajwadi Party 05). On the other hand, AIMIM has won a total of 21 seats. Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) has won 18 seats and the BJP 02. To elect a Mayor, a party needs 42 members. Hence, the vote of Congress with 03 members will be crucial in Malegaon Mayor elections. 12.00 PM: Malegaon Congress President Ejaz Baig, his wife Yasmeen Beg and his brother Riyaz Baig are leading in Ward No 18 of Malegaon Corporation where voting is still underway, as per the trends at 12.00 PM. The trends at 12.00 PM also showed, Abdul Malik, Javed Sattar and Sadiya Laeeque of the AIMIM are leading in Ward No 19. The AIMIM candidates Tanveer Zulfiqar, Rabea Hasan and Hina Qureshi of AIMIM are leading in Ward No 7. In Ward No 15, 16 and 17, ISLAM Party and Samajwadi Party candidates are ahead of their rivals, In Ward No 20, Abdul Majid of AIMIM is trailing by over 3,000 votes whereas in Ward No 21, AIMIM Malegaon President Khalid Pervez is trailing by over 2,500 votes. 10:10 AM: Counting of votes for the Municipal Corporation has started in Malegaon at four places. The counting of votes started at 10.00 am and the results are expected to be announced by late afternoon today. The trends and the position of leading parties and candidates should start coming soon. 09:45 AM: The Maharashtra State Election Commission officials are set to hold counting of votes in Malegaon for the Municipal Corporation (Malegaon Mahanagar Palika) Election today i.e. Friday January 16, 2026. Polling to elect the new body of the Malegaon Municipal Corporation (MMC) or Malegaon Mahanagar Palika was held on Thursday January 15, 2026. The poling started at 07.30 am and was supposed to end at 05.30 pm. However, due to huge lines of voters at various booths the polling was extended beyond 07.00 pm. Malegaon Mahanagar Palika Election Polling Percentage As per the final data released by the local officials, Malegaon has a total of 517,663 registered voters. Of them, 331,726 voters exercised their democratic rights with a polling percentage of 64.08%. Ward No 21 registered a maximum polling percentage of 71.45 whereas the lowest polling percentage of 55.98% was recorded in Ward No. 11. The Textile City has a total of 21 Wards, with each ward having 04 members. More than 300 candidates contested the Malegaon Municipal Corporation Election for the total of 84 seats. The All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) contested the elections on 60 seats. The ISLAM party of Asif Shaikh formed Malegaon Secular Front with Samajwadi Party (SP). ISLAM Party contested on 42 seats whereas Samajwadi Party contested on 18 seats mainly in the Muslim dominated area of Malegaon. In the Hindu dominated area of Malegaon, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shide) led by Minister Dada Bhuse is contesting on 26 seats, BJP led by Bandu Kaka Bachav is contesting on 20 seats whereas Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded candidates in 16 wards. Exit Poll Results Polling to elect new bodies in Maharashtra were also held in 28 other Municipal Corporations, including the high stake Mumbai or BMC. Most of the exit polls are predicting clear win for the BJP and its allies in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai a major blow to Thackeray family. The Exit Polls are also predicting victory for the NCP in Pune Pimpri Municipal Corporation. In Nagpur the BJP is predicted to win, in Malegaon the AIMIM is likely to emerge as the single largest party, in Nashik BJP and Shiv Sena are in neck and neck battle whereas in Dhule Congress is in direct contest with the BJP and allies. Earlier, it was found that over 70 candidates of different political parties were elected unopposed in the 29 Municipal Corporations of Maharashtra after the last date of filing the nomination papers. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Corn futures are trading with 1 to 2 cent gains so far on Wednesday, as EIA reported a robust ethanol figure. The CmdtyView national averageCash Corn price is up 2 1/2 cents at $3.84 3/4. EIA data from this morning showed ethanol production exploding 98,000 barrels per day week/week or 8.92% to a record (5.75% above the previous record) 1.196 million barrels per day. Ethnaol stocks did seen a build of 821,000 barrels to 24.473 million barrels, mainly in the Gulf (+423,000 barrels) and the East Coast (+616,000 barrels), possibly gearing up for exports. Exports were up 6,000 bpd to 119,000 bpd, as refiner inputs for ethanol were 70,000 bpd higher to 841,000 bpd. More News from Barchart Several South Korean importers had tenders overnight, purchasing a total of 402,000 MT of corn. USDA confirmed some of that was from the US, with a private export sale announcement of 136,000 MT to South Korea. USDA Export Sales data will be released on Thursday morning, with traders looking for 0.6 to 1.4 MMT of corn sold in the week of January 8. Mar 26 Corn is at $4.22, up 2 1/4 cents, Nearby Cash is at $3.84 3/4, up 2 1/2 cents, May 26 Corn is at $4.29 3/4, up 2 cents, Jul 26 Corn is at $4.35 3/4, up 1 1/4 cents, On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com In a lot of retail areas, there seem to be two clear-cut market leaders, and most people have a favorite. You might prefer Lowe's over Home Depot, or Sam's Club over Costco. The same logic applies to food. Some people are diehard Hostess fans, while others ride or die with Little Debbie. In some areas, these choices can be polarizing and divisive. One person might be all in on the Big Mac, while their partner greatly prefers the Whopper. The most polarizing battle, however, might be the choice between Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Both companies have made public claims to be better than the other, and each one has restaurants and other partners such as theme parks, movie theaters, and arenas under exclusive deals. When a brand switches from Coke to Pepsi or vice versa, it's going to anger some customers, and that's exactly what Costco has done in its food court. The warehouse club has switched back to Coca-Cola products from PepsiCo brands. Costco completes its soda switch Because Coke and Pepsi both have a large fan base, switching can anger some customers. I experienced a similar reaction last year aboard Carnival Celebration when the cruise line switched from Pepsi products to Coca-Cola mid-sailing. As inventory ran out, Coke fans hunted for remaining Coke products, while Pepsi drinkers searched for the last Mountain Dew and Pepsi, highlighting how emotionally charged soda loyalty can be. Costco rolled out the change toward the end of 2025 and finished swapping Pepsi products for Coca-Cola brands in the beginning of 2026. That's not something Costco has commented on extensively, but CEO Ron Vachris addressed it during the question-and-answer session of the retailer's annual meeting. More Retail: Yes, that is accurate, Vachris said. This summer, we will begin converting our food court fountain business back over to Coca-Cola. Costco had been under an exclusive deal with Pepsi since 2013. Costco has opted for Coke products in its food court.Shutterstock Shutterstock Why did Costco make the change? "Costco originally made the switch to Pepsi in 2013 as a cost-saving measure, in order to keep the price of their famous hot dog and soda combo at $1.50. At the time, Pepsi was offering Walmart a better pricing deal that Costco couldnt match. When Costco asked Coke for the same pricing, Coke refused, leading Costco to pull all Coke products from their stores for an entire month," Costco Insider reported. Valuation looks compelling. BARK trades at roughly 0.31 price/sales versus a 1.15 specialty-retail median, and price/book is near multi-year lows at 1.6. Those trough multiples suggest upside if Bark can stabilize subscriber growth and improve margins, but weak profitability and rising costs are the key risks. That volatility masks a rough 2025. Shares fell as growth slowed, demand softened, and costs rose, leaving BARK down about 50% over the past year. However, Mondays 30% rally marked the start of a strong 2026 rebound amid takeover chatter, with investors now watching whether private capital could reset strategy and margins. Last October, Bark added a meaningful Subscriber Perks package, roughly $1,500 of annual benefits for BarkBox members, a clear push to boost subscriber value and monetization. The biggest market mover came on Jan. 9, 2026, when Great Dane Ventures floated a preliminary take-private proposal. The premium offer sent shares up 25% and put Bark squarely in play. Bark is a dog-first consumer brand built around toys, treats, and subscription services like BarkBox and Super Chewer, plus distribution through Target (TGT), Chewy (CHWY), and Amazon (AMZN). The company leans on data-driven product design and experience plays, from playstyle-specific toys to BARK Air, a 2022 airline experience for dogs, to deepen customer engagement and lift lifetime value. With more than 10% of the float sold short and a special committee now reviewing the bid, BARK could be setting up for further volatility and potentially much sharper moves ahead. On Jan. 9, Bark disclosed a non-binding $0.90 per-share go-private proposal from an insider group led by CEO and Executive Chairman Matt Meeker. The all-cash offer represents a sizable premium to recent prices and sent BARK shares surging more than 30% on Monday, putting the dog-focused consumer brand firmly back on traders radar. The consumer-discretionary sector has been under pressure amid economic uncertainty, as inflation and tariffs squeeze margins. Many pet and subscription-based retailers have seen choppy trading. In this environment, a surprise takeover bid for Bark (BARK) quickly grabbed traders attention. Story Continues www.barchart.com Take-Private Proposal and Short Interest On Jan. 9, the board of Bark stated that it had a preliminary, non-binding, all-cash take-private deal with Great Dane Ventures, which consists of an investor group that also includes CEO Meeker, at a price of $0.90 per share. It was very high compared to past prices. The special committee, constituted within the board, has been formed to look at the offer and any other proposals. Debt to equity is high, approximately 10% of Bark's float quickly. Since the number of short shareholders is so large, any sustained increase would pressure them to buy back the shares, which would multiply the increase many times over, a classic short squeeze. In case the take-private transaction collapses or is postponed, the stock can continue to be volatile. Until the next moment, the deal of buying out is making traders move. Analysts indicate that BARK stocks are underpriced and highly beta, which increases stock volatility when short dealers rush to cover their short positions. Bark Delivers Mixed Q2 Bark beat on revenue guidance but missed on earnings. In Q2, revenue was $107 million, down about 15% year-over-year (YoY). The decline was driven by fewer subscription orders; direct-to-consumer sales fell 20%, though commerce retail revenue grew 5.6% to $24.8 million. Gross margin dipped to 58% amid higher tariffs and input costs. The net loss widened to $10.7 million vs. a $5.3 million loss in the prior year. Free cash flow was negative $19.9 million, and cash on hand was $63.4 million. However, the positive in this quarter was that the company repaid a $45 million convertible note, leaving it debt-free and extending its credit facilities to enhance financial flexibility. As CEO Matt Meeker noted, We repaid our $45 million convertible note making BARK debt-free, and extended our $35 million line of credit Were delivering on our plan to diversify our top line and remain disciplined on profitability. Looking ahead, Bark provided lower revenue guidance for the upcoming quarter, signaling continued market softness, with revenue expected to be between $101 million and $104 million and adjusted EBITDA between a loss of $5 million and $1 million. The company did not give full-year targets due to tariffs and macro uncertainties. Even so, management is focused on cost discipline and diversification. What Do Analysts Say About BARK Stock? Analyst sentiment around Bark remains divided, but the setup is increasingly interesting. Canaccord Genuity turned more cautious after Barks Q4 shortfall, cutting its price target to $2 and reiterating a Hold rating, largely due to tariff-related cost pressures and a still-fragile consumer backdrop. Lake Street Capital Markets and Jefferies, on the other hand, consider the risk-reward profile to be better. Lake Street maintains a Buy rating and a target of $3, while Jefferies maintains a higher target of $4. Those targets reflect about a 150 to 400% increase in stock price as compared to the current price of the stock. The overall rating and consensus is a Moderate Buy and an average price target of $2.33, which means the stock has a potential upside of about 195%. It is important to note that tariffs and ineffective discretionary spending are also real headwinds that constrain near-term earnings visibility, such as with skeptics. Nonetheless, as BARK continues to trade below its estimated FY26 sales and near historical lows, bulls believe it might be oversold. 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 Iowa lawmakers gave initial approval Thursday to a pair of bills that would fundamentally reshape how public universities select their presidents and what courses students must take to graduate, advancing legislation that has sparked debate over legislative authority versus academic autonomy. The Iowa House Higher Education Committee's subcommittees recommended passage for both House Study Bill 538, addressing presidential searches, and House Study Bill 543, mandating specific general education requirements. The full Higher Education Committee will now consider the legislation as it moves through the legislative process. Presidential Search Process Under Scrutiny House Study Bill 538 would require the Iowa Board of Regents to form a presidential search committee whenever a new university president must be selected, making what was previously an optional committee mandatory. More significantly, the bill stipulates that only regents can serve on such committees, effectively excluding faculty, students, and alumni who have traditionally participated in presidential searches. Under the proposed legislation, the search committee must recommend the most well-qualified candidates to the full board, which can only elect a president from those recommended candidates. The committee would be permitted to contract with executive search firms engaged in placing highly qualified candidates in leadership positions. A particularly controversial provision would shield candidate identities from public disclosure throughout the search process. Candidates considered by the committee would not be subject to public disclosure unless they sign a written agreement making their identity public. This represents a significant departure from recent practice at Iowa State University, where candidate names were made public before campus tours and public forums during the presidential search process. Concerns Over Diminished Faculty Voice State Representative Heather Matson, a Democrat from Ankeny, expressed serious reservations about excluding traditional stakeholders from the search process. "I do have a lot of concerns about this bill because to me I don't understand why its actually necessary," Matson said during committee proceedings. "To me pushing out the faculty, Senate and other critical partners diminishes the power and value of partnerships and civic engagement in our universities." Representative Jeff Shipley offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that faculty senates at some universities have taken actions degrading institutional reputation and prestige, though he declined to elaborate when pressed by Matson for specifics. Committee Chair Representative Taylor Collins, a Republican from Mediapolis who championed the legislation, indicated this represents just the beginning of changes to the presidential selection process. "I'm 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 on the presidential search bill came from Foundation for Government Accountability lobbyist Andy Conlin, who voiced support for measures improving transparency, intellectual freedom, and efficiency while strengthening universities' ability to produce a productive workforce. Mandating History and Government Courses The second bill, titled the "Increasing Civic Proficiency in Higher Education Act," would require Iowa's public universities to add introductory courses in American history and American government to their general education requirements, with each course valued at a minimum of three credit hours. The legislation includes specific restrictions on course content. 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 states. These courses would fulfill social sciences or humanities general education requirements, and the requirements would not apply to students in degree programs lasting 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. Additional provisions would require these centers to host lecture series that promote civil dialogue and debate on issues important to the American public. The Board of Regents would also be required to review all undergraduate core curricula and general education requirements and submit a comprehensive report to the General Assembly by year's end. "Embarrassing" State of Liberal Arts Education Collins delivered pointed criticism of current general education requirements at Iowa's public universities during the subcommittee hearing. He noted that the University of Iowa requires students to take courses under the umbrella of "understanding cultural perspectives," while Iowa State has a "U.S. cultures and communities" requirement. Courses currently fulfilling 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, I'm embarrassed by the state of our current liberal arts," Collins declared. "We're 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." Collins has previously indicated his intention to scrutinize spending on programs related to social justice and gender studies, with an eye toward redeploying funding to high-demand fields like nursing and teaching. Opposition Voices Concerns Over Overreach Connie Ryan, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa and lobbyist for the organization's action fund, testified in opposition to the curriculum mandate. Ryan called the legislation an overreach of the Legislature to determine what specific classes students should and shouldn't take, arguing those decisions should be left to educators, especially as higher education costs continue rising. "It's not the role of the legislature to decide specific classes or curriculum," Ryan emphasized. "We believe you should let the professional educators determine what is best, in the best interest for their program and for the students." The debate over legislative versus academic authority in determining curriculum echoes broader national conversations about the role of state governments in shaping higher education content and priorities. Board of Regents Remains Neutral With Concerns Iowa Board of Regents State Relations Officer Jason Chapman testified that the board maintains a neutral position on the legislation. However, Chapman expressed concern about language in the bill relating to transfer credits, indicating uncertainty about whether provisions include high school students or students transferring from other colleges or universities. Collins responded that the board was welcome to propose clarifying language as the bill advances through the legislative process, suggesting openness to technical refinements while maintaining the core policy objectives. The board's neutral stance, despite apparent concerns, may reflect the complex political dynamics between Iowa's public universities and the Republican-controlled legislature that appropriates their funding. Broader Context of Higher Education Reform These bills emerge within a larger effort by Iowa Republicans to reshape public higher education in the state. Collins has previously characterized Iowa's core curriculum as "a disaster right now" and committed to returning it to what he describes as a "true liberal arts education." Last legislative session saw similar proposals that did not advance to become law, including legislation that would have codified general education requirements with mandatory Western and American Heritage course requirements. The current push also follows legislative action on diversity, equity, and inclusion activities at Iowa colleges and universities. Collins has indicated that ensuring compliance with existing laws regarding DEI activities remains a priority, warning that the Legislature stands ready to take further corrective action if institutions fail to follow established guidelines. What's Next for the Legislation With subcommittee approval secured, both bills now advance to the full Iowa House Higher Education Committee for consideration. If approved there, the legislation would move to the full House for debate and potential passage before heading to the Iowa Senate. The timeline for final action remains uncertain, though Collins's role as committee chair and his stated priorities suggest these bills will receive serious consideration during the current legislative session. The Iowa Senate, which lacks a dedicated higher education committee, would handle the legislation through its Education Committee if it passes the House. For Iowa's three regent universitiesthe University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowathe potential passage of these bills would mark significant changes to both governance structures and academic requirements. Institutions would need to adjust presidential search procedures, develop or designate appropriate American history and government courses, and navigate the political implications of legislative involvement in areas traditionally considered matters of academic policy. State Representative Heather Matson noted her surprise that more stakeholders did not attend the subcommittee meeting to comment on the legislation, suggesting the full impact and controversy surrounding these bills may only become apparent as they advance through the legislative process. As Iowa joins other states in asserting greater legislative control over public higher education content and governance, the outcome of these bills could influence similar efforts nationwide while testing the boundaries between political oversight and academic autonomy. Second-year UW medical students are, back row from left: Makena Engelker, Annika Syvrud, Caden Crooks, Kyler Arriola, Timothy Radosevich, Ben Radosevich, Carson Asher, Jill Mayer, Jack Syring and Hannah Thomas; front row, Sarah Retherford, Celeste Keelin, Cassidy Dellos, Cassidy Sebastian, Noah Gustafson, Shay Nelson, Aedian OConnor, Lulu Rochelle, Audrey Peasley and Avery Potter. (Brian Harrington Photo) Twenty current University of Wyoming second-year medical students in the WWAMI Medical Education Program -- who began their medical school journey on UW campus in 2024 -- soon will leave the classroom to begin their clerkship rotations in clinical spaces alongside physicians and patients in the region. The second-year Wyoming WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho) Medical Education Program students spent the past 18 months in medical teaching classrooms in UWs College of Health Sciences while in the foundations phase of the medical education curriculum. In addition to their basic science training in the first phase at the University of Wyoming, the students received early exposure to working with patients, which has equipped them to move on to the clinical phase of their curriculum. Wyoming WWAMI students ultimately receive their medical degrees from the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM). The second-year students were honored in December at the Wyoming WWAMI clinical transitions ceremony. Among the speakers at the ceremony was Dr. Todd Guth, a physician and director of the Wyoming WWAMI program, who emphasized to the second-year students the importance of perseverance and resilience in getting to this point in their medical training -- and the community of individuals who support the goal of having WWAMI students return to serve Wyomings rural communities. University of Wyoming Interim Provost Anne Alexander and University of Washington incoming Vice Dean of Rural and Regional Affairs LeeAnna Muzquiz provided reflections about the importance of the relationship between the two UWs and the role of the WWAMI graduates in shaping the clinical workforce and health care landscape in Wyoming. The keynote speaker, current Vice Dean for Academic, Rural and Regional Affairs Suzanne Allen from the University of Washington, provided important reflections on the symbolic meaning of the white coat and the stethoscope as a prelude to the second-year students receiving their white coats for the clinical phase of their training. At the end of the program, Dr. Julie Carlson led WWAMI physician mentors and hospitalists in presenting white coats to each of the second-year students amid speeches from the mentors about each students journey in medical school. The white coats, provided by the UWSOM Alumni Association, symbolize the students assumption of their responsibilities in the care of their future patients. Students will wear their white coats throughout the clinical phase of their medical training. Kyler Arriola, Medical Student Association president for the class, reflected on his cohorts time in the foundations phase at the University of Wyoming. We grew into people who listen better, think more deeply and care more intentionally, Arriola says. We grew into people who understand the weight of walking into a room where someone is sick, scared or vulnerable -- and choosing to take a few deep breaths and help. We grew into future physicians who know that knowledge matters, but so does kindness. That no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. Also featured at the ceremony were individual awards. The recipient of the Howard Willson Excellence in Primary Care Award was Annika Syvrud, from Rock Springs, while the Pheneger Community Health Award went to Cassidy Sebastian, from Jackson, and Shay Nelson, from Afton. Caspers Ben Radosevich was honored with the new Excellence in Foundations Award for outstanding academic, lab and clinical performance alongside proactive leadership in the learning community. The second-year class presented the Faculty/Staff Award jointly to Amy Navratil, associate professor of zoology and physiology, and Natalia Brown, program and business services manager. Second-year medical students entering the clinical phase of their training, listed by hometown, are: Afton -- Shay Nelson. Banner -- Noah Gustafson. Big Horn -- Jill Mayer. Casper -- Avery Potter, Ben Radosevich, Sarah Retherford and Lulu Rochelle. Cheyenne -- Cassidy Dellos. Cody -- Caden Crooks. Douglas -- Makena Engelker and Audrey Peasley. Green River -- Timothy Radosevich and Hannah Thomas. Jackson -- Kyler Arriola and Cassidy Sebastian. Laramie -- Aedian OConnor. Powell -- Carson Asher. Rock Springs -- Celeste Keelin and Annika Syvrud. Sheridan -- Jack Syring. About the Wyoming WWAMI Medical Education Program The Wyoming WWAMI Medical Education Program is a partnership between the University of Wyoming and the University of Washington School of Medicine. WWAMI Medical Education reserves 20 seats each year for qualified Wyoming residents. Students accepted to the program spend 18 months on the University of Wyoming campus. Students spend the third and fourth years at selected clinical sites throughout the WWAMI region. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico gave an interview to the public broadcaster Televizia ta3 on 11 January 2026. He confirmed that under his leadership Slovakia will not send troops to Ukraine. Instead, Bratislava will continue to provide humanitarian aid. He criticized France and the United Kingdom for their plans to deploy troops to Ukraine, describing their actions as provocative and potentially risking an escalation of the conflict. Above all, he pointed out that the post-war world order has been fundamentally altered by the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. In this perspective, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas of Estonia has significantly hampered the EUs ability to respond effectively to contemporary challenges or to establish a coherent position on current international issues. "We must replace her," he said forcefully. Kaja Kallas is in favor of the dissolution of the Russian Federation. Just before her appointment to Brussels, she participated in a forum where she took sides with the CIA-created "Forum of Free Peoples of Russia". Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG) is among the most promising growth stocks according to analysts. According to an Investing.com report, Morgan Stanley maintained an Overweight rating on Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG), as well as a price target of $31. This reaffirmation, suggesting an upside potential of about 40%, follows earlier updates related to a user data breach. The analysts pointed out that the recent breach, which happened over the past month, has led to increased regulatory risk for the South Korean e-commerce giant. Morgan Stanley believes these risks will continue to be a drag on the stock and thus, push for additional resources. With that said, the firm expects market sentiment to remain muted until there is a clear result of the current investigations into the data breach. Despite near-term headwinds, Morgan Stanley is optimistic about the companys long-term prospects. Coupang (CPNG) Hits Fresh High After Scoring Washington Capitals Deal Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com Earlier, on December 29, Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG) announced 1.69 trillion won ($1.18 billion) to holders of 33.7 million accounts as compensation for a huge data leak that disappointed both users and lawmakers. A day before, Coupang founder Kim Bom apologized for last months mishap and promised to expedite compensation measures. Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG) is a Washington-based company with retail business through its mobile applications and websites in South Korea and internationally. Founded in 2010, the company operates in two segments: Product Commerce and Developing Offerings. While we acknowledge the potential of CPNG 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. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Money has a way of warping expectations. Once it shows up, people start assuming everyone else with money must be doing something smarter. Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey says that assumption is usually wrong. He made the point during a long-form interview on private investment and advisory firm Acquisition.com co-founder Alex Hormozi's YouTube channel, in a video titled "How to Get Rich." And while the conversation covered everything from business structure to debt, Ramsey returned to one core idea: the rich don't invest with complexity. They invest with clarity. Don't Miss: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.85/Share Round 10,000+ Investors Are Already In Sam Altman Says AI Will Transform the Economy This Platform Lets Investors Back Private Tech Early "There's something that happens when you get money," Ramsey said. "You think that everybody that has money is sophisticated about their investing. What I figured out is almost no one is." Instead, he said, wealthy people tend to be "very primitive." That wasn't a putdown. It was a strategy. "I mean, a lot of people I talked to were farmers," Ramsey explained. "And you know what they buy? Lots of land. They got dirt, man. That's it. Just dirt." Ramsey recalled meeting a farmer who owned 8,000 acres not because he was chasing status, but because it was what he knew. "For him, it was the most comfortable natural thing in the world," Ramsey said. The farmer wasn't playing asset-class roulette. He was sticking with the most intuitive move he could make: land. This wasn't just about farmers. Ramsey said the same pattern shows up across professions. He once spoke with a car dealer who had built wealth by collecting classic cars something most people would call risky or indulgent. But it worked for him because he deeply understood the value of what he was buying. "Put money in stuff you love and you understand," Ramsey told Hormozi. "Don't put money in stuff because it sounds sophisticated. Because you're getting ready to lose your butt." Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100. That, according to Ramsey, is where most people go wrong. They confuse complexity with intelligence. They hear terms like "limited family partnership" or "triple-net lease" and assume that's the path to building wealth not realizing that many of the wealthiest people in the country keep their strategies painfully simple. The Latest: Trump thanks Iran for halting executions as allies discourage US from striking President Donald Trump has taken the unusual step of thanking the Iranian government for not following through on executions of what he said was meant to be hundreds of political prisoners Protests in Rome and cities across Italy against Iran regime. Amnesty International Italy and Women Life Freedom for Peace and Justice are staging a demonstration on the steps of city hall in Rome on Friday to express their solidarity with the Iranian people. The Rome rally, scheduled for 16.00, comes amid a brutal crackdown by Iranian authorities on mass protests that have left thousands dead and put tens of thousands in prison, amid a total internet blackout. In addition to numerous civil associations, the Italian political world will be strongly represented at the Campidoglio, with senior politicians from most political parties set to attend. Among those expected from the centre-left opposition are Partito Democratico (PD) leader Elly Schlein and Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) leader Giuseppe Conte, news agency ANSA reports. The leaders of the Green Left Alliance (AVS), Angelo Bonelli and Nicola Fratoianni, and the secretary of Piu Europa, Riccardo Magi, will also be there, as will the city's centre-left mayor, Roberto Gualtieri. Members of the centrist Italia Viva party are expected too, while the centre-right Forza Italia will be represented by city councillor Rachele Mussolini, ANSA reports. Leader of the centrist Azione party Carlo Calenda will not be present at the rally on Friday but will instead join the Radicali at the march scheduled for Saturday at Piazzale Ostiense. Italy's president Sergio Mattarella on Thursday condemned what he called the "brutal massacre" of anti-government protesters in Iran. Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani on Monday said that Italy was withdrawing all non-essential staff from its embassy in Tehran, while on Wednesday the foreign ministry urged all Italians in Iran to leave the country. Amnesty International Italy is holding other rallies in cities around Italy including Bari, Bologna, Florence, La Spezia, Lecce, Trieste and Verona. For details see official website. Photo credit: Federico Gallucci / Shutterstock.com. Is Your Child Just in a Uniform? (Or a Scholar in the Making?) When you look at international schools in Rome, they all start to blend together. You see the same stock photos of smiling kids, lists of fancy buildings, and vague promises of excellence. But as a parent, youre likely stuck on two major questions that keep you up at night. Is it worth the investment? You arent looking for a daycare; youre looking for a launchpad. If youre going to invest in a private education, it has to deliver real results. Will my child fit in? You want a school that is academically tough, the kind that opens doors to Ivy League or top UK universities. But you dont want your child to lose their personality in a sea of matching blazers and structured lectures. Welcome to AOSR: Where Hard Work Meets Real Life At the American Overseas School of Rome (AOSR), we dont wear uniforms. Why? Because we believe a students energy should go into solving a complex calculus problem or debating a historical document, not worrying about whether their tie is straight. We are the school where authenticity isnt just a marketing word. You can hear it in the way students from over 50 countries talk, debate, and think for themselves. Dont let the relaxed vibe fool you. Behind that freedom is a powerhouse of academic intensity. Whether its the Advanced Placement (AP) program or the International Baccalaureate (IB), we push our students to be the best versions of themselves. We arent just the best expat school in Rome because of our modern campus; were the best because our students are actually happy while theyre working harder than ever before. See the Energy for Yourself The best way to know if a school is the one is to feel the atmosphere in person. We invite you to join our Open House series. A quick note: to keep these sessions helpful and personal, we limit our in-person events to just 20 families. They fill up fast. If you want to see our happy-but-hardworking vibe in action, youll need to secure your spot in advance. Choose Your Session Elementary School: Building Curiosity. Wednesday 4 February, 4:005:00 pm (Virtual). Wednesday 4 March, 9:3011:30 am (In person, limited spots). Wednesday 15 April, 4:005:00 pm (Virtual). Secondary School: The Path to Top Universities. Thursday 22 January, 9:3010:00 am (In person, limited spots). Tuesday 3 February, 4:005:00 pm (Virtual). Tuesday 31 March, 4:005:00 pm (Virtual). Wednesday 22 April, 4:005:00 pm (Virtual). Wednesday 13 May, 4:005:00 pm (Virtual). Registration is required for both in-person and virtual events. Because of our 20-family limit and campus security, walk-ins cannot be accommodated for in-person events. Dont settle for a school that treats your child like a number in a uniform. Come see what happens when world-class academics meet the freedom to be human. Secure your Elementary School Open House spot here. Secure your Secondary School Open House spot here. #adv Waterford City and County Council passed a motion 16-12 condemning the Irish Governments moves to disband the Triple Lock- the mechanism Ireland uses to send its defence forces abroad. The motion brought forward by Sinn Feins seven elected councillors on behalf of the Waterford Council of Trade Unions and the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign sparked a fiery debate across the plenary council meeting. The motion declared that Governments planned reforms of the Triple Lock signifies a breach of trust with the Irish electorate and a serious diminution of Irish neutrality. The Triple Lock, effective since 2001, requires Ireland gain approval from the Government, Dail and the UN to send 12 or more troops to battle zones. Proponents of the Triple Lock argue that its a key tenet of Irish neutrality, and that efforts to amend the mechanism could see Ireland become more militarised. Critics of the Triple Lock believe the requirement of UN approval scuppers Irish sovereignty. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council- China, France, Russia, the UK and the US- can effectively veto any Irish troop deployment. Irelands long-standing peacekeeping presence in Lebanon with the UN is set to conclude due to opposition from the US and Israel. Government have proposed changes that would remove the requirement for UN approval while also increasing the number of troops that can be deployed without a Dail vote from 12 to 50. Sinn Fein Proposal A small group of protestors gathered outside of City Hall before the plenary meeting began. Protestors from the Waterford Council of Trade Unions and IPSC South East outside Waterford City Hall on Thursday, January 15. Photo: Alex Cunningham Tensions arose as Fianna Fail councillor Eamon Quinlan questioned the legality of the motion, arguing that the motion was contradictory in its structure and asking the Sinn Fein councillors to redraft the motion for a future meeting. Sinn Fein councillor Joeanne Bailey committed to advancing the motion. She noted that the motion had been passed in councils across Ireland; Cavan, Donegal, Louth, Mayo and Dublin South had all passed similar motions. Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr Seamus Ryan greenlit the proposal as it had gone through the councils Corporate Policy Group (CPG) without issue. Sinn Fein will oppose any attempts by Government to undermine Ireland's neutrality, said Cllr. Bailey. Ireland's neutrality and having an independent foreign policy is a strength. It is valued and supported by the Irish people on the international stage, neutrality has underpinned our Constitution. The reality is that with the Triple Lock removed, Irish troops can be deployed anywhere, in any circumstances, provided that the government of the day has a Dail majority. The Triple Lock is the last protection our Defence Forces personnel, our loved ones, our children have in not being involved in wars that dont concern us. Council Uproar Arguments broke out across the chamber with Mayor Ryan slamming his gavel and calling for order. Sinn Feins, Cllr Pat Fitzgerald accused Cllr. Quinlan of using his legal objections to the bill as a smokescreen to stifle the motions progress. Fianna Fails, Cllr Jason Murphy said the motion was factually incorrect and that Irish neutrality had nothing to do with the Triple Lock. He said Ireland had stayed neutral through military conflict before the Triple Lock was introduced and that Irelands military policy should not be dictated by members of the UN Security Council. The only people, in my view, that should decide where Irish troops are deployed are the Irish people and their representatives in Government, Cllr. Murphy said. Fine Gaels, Cllr Jim DArcy reiterated Cllr. Murphys argument, saying that a double lock (without UN approval) would allow Ireland to express its sovereignty more effectively. I've contacted a lot of the councils that passed this, said Sinn Feins Pat Fitzgerlad. What they unanimously said to me, and what we need to take cognisance of here today, is that we might talk about something that probably won't affect us too much in the near future, but it could affect our kids or our grandkids. We havent looked after them in regards to what we done with the bank, we have an opportunity to give [this motion] a serious bit of thought. Fianna Fails, Cllr Adam Wyse expressed regret at the way the debate had played out across the chamber and called on Sinn Fein to withdraw their motion and to focus on a bipartisan redraft. The motion eventually passed, largely along party lines, with Sinn Fein, Labour and left-of-centre Independents backing the motion and Fine Gael and Fianna Fail opposing it. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Clutch Coffee Bar a 20-unit North Carolina-based coffee chain announced Tuesday that the company had been acquired by Dutch Bros and will be converting all units into Dutch Bros locations. This marks the first brand acquisition for the rapidly expanding Dutch Bros as the company adds Clutch Coffees 20 locations to its growing portfolio. Nearly eight years ago, we opened our very first drive-thru with a simple but clear mission: serve incredible drinks with positive energy and impact every local community we touch, Darren Spicer, cofounder and CEO of Clutch Coffee said in an open letter to customers on the companys website. Today, I am excited to share an important milestone in our journey: we are in the process of reaching an agreement for Dutch Bros to acquire Clutch. Spicer started Clutch Coffee with its similar name and drive-thru format to Dutch Bros in 2018, a few years after Spicer left his job as a store manager for Dutch Bros in 2015. Nearly a decade after leaving his job with Dutch Bros, Spicer described the company as a fellow brand built on human connection. This was not a decision made lightly, Spicer continued. What you can expect is the heartbeat of our brand to carry onthe positive people, quality, speed, and servicethose values are only amplified with Dutch Bros. Clutch Points members can download the Dutch Bros app and automatically convert their points to Dutch Rewards. All locations will temporarily be closed until further notice after Friday. Dutch Bros did not respond to request for comment in time for publication. Contact Joanna at joanna.fantozzi@informa.com MEP Billy Kelleher paid a special visit to the fourth-class students of Butlerstown NS (Scoil Mhuire) this week. Upon his arrival, the children greeted their special guest in the languages of all 27 member countries of the EU, before treating him to a wonderful presentation. They also showcased projects, sang in French and as Gaeilge, and recited a poem by W.B. Yeats. Billy Kelleher MEP with speakers, Mark, Breen, Amy, Helena, Harper and Mollie Photo: Joe Evans Student Council member Mollie explained that learning about cultures, flags, languages and traditions has helped the class to understand how different countries work together as part of the EU. Mark, also a Student Council representative, added that thinking about Ireland's place in the EU has made the class realise that as children in Waterford, we are connected to Europe in our everyday lives. Billy Kelleher MEP. Photo: Joe Evans Meanwhile, Harper spoke about diversity, while Breen and Amy highlighted the importance of our own Irish culture. The children were then given the opportunity to pose questions to Mr. Kelleher. Questions ranged from what his typical day as an MEP looked like, to his favourite country to visit in Europe, which he said was Italy. With a strong farming tradition in Butlerstown, the pupils asked him his views on the Mercosur Trade Deal. He stated unequivocally that he is opposing the deal. Billy Kelleher MEP and Nora Widger, Chairperson BOM at Butlerstown NS. Photo: Joe Evans Mr. Kelleher praised the children's excellent work and their dedicated teacher, Mrs Elaine Crossan. He went on to explain to the children that to respect and accept difference and diversity is a fundamental aspect of being a human being. He outlined the evolution of Ireland's economy since joining the EU in 1973 and referenced the work of peacemaker John Hume. He also reminded the children of the importance of having a sense of strong community spirit and commended the powerful community that has been built and nurtured in Butlerstown NS. The school's Board of Management Chairperson, Mrs Nora Widger thanked Mr. Kelleher for his kindness in visiting the school and engaging so thoughtfully with the children. Gordon Deegan A Co Clare woman has broken down in tears in court after saying that her ex-boyfriend has shamed her and humiliated her by posting intimate photos of her on fake social media profile accounts he created. At the Family Law Court in Ennis, the office worker said that I couldnt leave the house after the pictures were posted on the various fake social media profiles for her on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. The woman said that her ex-boyfriends only goal is to ruin my life. In this case, Judge Adrian Harris granted the woman a five-year Safety Order under the Domestic Violence Act against her ex-boyfriend. Solicitor, Shiofra Hassett, for the woman said that the mans actions made you so afraid after the end of relationship you didnt go into the office for a significant period of time. In response, the woman said as a result of the intimate pictures her ex-boyfriend posted on the fake social media accounts I felt extremely paranoid. I felt humiliated, and I felt shamed. In tears in the witness box, the woman said, A lot of people saw the social media profiles - when you search my name up on social media, these profiles do show up. She said, I have had really bad anxiety because of all of this. As part of the harassment committed by the man against the woman, she said that on his own personal TikTok account, "he has posted my own LinkedIn profile picture, he has posted the Eircode of my company, the address of my company, and the name of my company. The woman agreed with her solicitor, Ms Hassett, when she said that the fake social media profiles displayed photos of you of an intimate nature and they would be photos you shared with the man during the course of your relationship. Ms Hassett said that her client has had to take steps to have the fake social media profiles taken down. The woman said that the most recent fake social media account was created last month. Ms Hassett said that the woman has previously secured a temporary Protection Order against her ex-boyfriend, and there have been breaches of the Protection Order since it was put in place last year. The woman said that there were also two instances of the man physically assaulting her. She said that in one incident last June, when they were staying in a hotel, I was in the shower and he just came in and he asked me about other men, making false accusations, and he just punched me while I was in the shower. She said that when they broke up, "he physically attacked me, pulled my hair, pushed me, and he also hit me". Ms Hassett said that since the breakdown in the relationship, the man has contacted her client by email even after the Protection Order was in place. She said her client has reported all of these unwanted emails to An Garda Siochana and they are investigating the matter. Ms Hassett said that the gardai are aware that the man may have left the jurisdiction, and Gardai are in contact with Interpol concerning the man. The man posting the intimate images online of his ex-girlfriend also comes under Cocos Law, which is formally known as the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 202,0 which criminalises the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. In the district court, penalties for the Cocos Law offence can be up to one year in prison on conviction, and before the circuit court, a 14-year prison term can apply on conviction. 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. Advertisement CultureMoviesFilm Festivals Why Tropfest founder John Polson worried about bringing his beloved film festival back Garry Maddox January 15, 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 On deadline day, the founder of the short film festival Tropfest, John Polson, was watching entries arrive online in rapid-fire fashion. There was one at 3.42, the well-known actor turned director-producer said as he checked his laptop. Another one at 3.42. One at 3.40. One at 3.39. One at 3.32. One at 3.24. Theyre still coming in big time. Clare Pickering in the comic Tropfest entry The Hourglass Parlour, about a woman who inherits a family funeral parlour, which she also wrote and directed. Wayne Taylor By the close of entries on Tuesday at 6pm, filmmakers from around Australia and 17 other countries had entered more than 700 short films. Each one, up to seven minutes long, included an hourglass as a signature item to ensure it had been made specifically for a festival that has been a launchpad for scores of successful film and TV careers. Advertisement After the 2019 edition, it looked like Tropfest would be yet another festival that did not survive COVID. But after weeks of discussions last year, it is returning under a new high-profile board that includes Sarah Murdoch as chair, with Peter Vlandys, Richard Weinberg, Bryan Brown and Polson. Related Article Good Weekend Just so much love for it: Behind the push to bring Tropfest back to life The revived festival will take place in Sydneys Centennial Park on February 22, with Margot Robbie as president of the jury, and screen globally on Tropfests YouTube channel. It will be preceded by two days of workshops for emerging filmmakers at NIDA in Kensington. Im shocked by the numbers, Polson said. Its a great result. One of my big fears was are people going to engage and make films? Thats now well and truly in the rear-view mirror. Advertisement As well as shorts from every Australian state and territory, there were entries to screen out of competition from such unexpected countries as China, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, France, Germany and Iran. More than 50 per cent of films are from first-time entrants, and a third are directed by women. At least two are reflections on the Bondi terror attack last month. A short film that grew out of an idea for a six-part comedy series: (from left) Lee McClenaghan, Brigitte Jarvis, Holly Hargreaves and Jennifer Monk in The Hourglass Parlour. Clare Pickering The festival, which Polson launched at the Tropicana Caffe in Sydneys Darlinghurst in 1993, had about 800 entries at its peak, but that was when filmmakers had almost a year to conceive, shoot, edit and deliver their shorts. This time, Tropfests return was only announced in September, with entries opening last month. Advertisement Polson has been impressed with the quality of the films he has seen so far. Related Article Film Festivals Creativity meets opportunity: Margot Robbie heads to Sydney for Tropfest revival Ive literally cried three or four times, and Ive only watched about 20 of them, he said. There are some real heartbreaking films. There are definitely a lot of comedies but I think theres an equal number of dramas this year. Its been really moving to see these filmmakers making films that are so clearly not just something they pulled out of a drawer and slapped an hourglass on. As soon as she heard Tropfest was back, Melbourne actor-writer-director Clare Pickering decided to make a film. She had entered in both 2018 and 2019 but had not progressed past the shortlist. Advertisement Her film, which she submitted last week, grew out of an idea that she and actor-associate producer Roy Barker had for a six-part comedy series. I said to him, Would it be all right if I write the pilot as a film for Tropfest and we enter it and see what happens? Pickering said. He agreed. Their short is set in the Hourglass Funeral Parlour, which boasts the motto: Because everyones time runs out. Pickering plays Ursula, who gets a new perspective on life when she takes over the family business, despite being terrified of the dead. By Tropfest standards, it was an ambitious undertaking. The shoot was a very long two days, Pickering said. Its cost me at least five grand and most people worked for almost nothing. I had the biggest crew Ive ever had: 20 crew, 10 actors and three locations. Advertisement When she was living in Sydney she is now in South Kingsville Pickering would go along to Tropfest. Even before she wanted to make films, she enjoyed watching them with friends on a summer evening. Obviously were entering a competition but, for me, Tropfest is just the trigger to get out there and make things, she said. Thats why its such a great festival. Clare Pickering in The Hourglass Parlour. Clare Pickering Anyone with big budget, a small budget, experience, no experience, can actually make a film. Even if she is not third time lucky, Pickering will go to Tropfest again. Advertisement In my community of filmmakers and actors, were so excited that its back and were all coming to Sydney even if we dont get into the finals, she said. Everybodys just jumping out of their skin. Related Article Australian film The sweet request that prompted the return of Tropfest Every Tropfest entry will now be watched by at least three pre-selectors, with numbers being progressively whittled down. The first 15 finalists will be announced later this month. The next best 10 entries will go on Tropfests YouTube channel and public voting will determine the 16th film. Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter. Advertisement Updated NationalWABanking products Calling it quits: Union rages at CBAs latest Bankwest decision Cameron Myles Updated January 16, 2026 12:33pm ,first published 11:28am 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 Commonwealth Bank has been accused of essentially calling it quits on its West Australian subsidiary, following the revelation new workers would no longer be employed under the Bankwest entity. The Financial Sector Union has also flagged CBAs plans to combine the Bankwest enterprise agreement with the agreement covering the national workforce, which it warned would put the working conditions of 1400 staff at risk. Bankwest branches are no more, and now new workers will be employed under the Commonwealth Bank entity. Peter Milne It comes after CBA closed all Bankwest branches and ATMs in 2024, shifting the banks services to online-only. That decision was made on the back of dwindling over-the-counter transactions, especially in the states regions, and saw the closure of 45 branches. Advertisement The FSU claimed CBAs latest move undermined the principle that workers should be able to bargain collectively, with a real influence over the outcome. Related Article Banking products Bankwest to close all branches in digital-only move CBA is essentially calling it quits on Bankwest by making this the end of Bankwest as an employing entity, FSU national president Wendy Streets said. They want to disappear the Bankwest brand, but our members have worked hard to protect Bankwests unique culture and identity in WA. This move also sets up a situation where around 1400 workers could be forced to bargain alongside more than 33,000 Commonwealth Bank workers. That is not a level playing field. Advertisement This is far from an internal tidy up, its about whether Bankwest workers retain a genuine, democratic say over their own enterprise agreement and their pay and conditions, or whether they are swallowed up into a much bigger workforce where their interests can be outvoted. A Bankwest spokesperson said conditions and employment arrangements across Bankwest and CBA had become increasingly aligned over the more than 17 years the WA bank had been under the Commonwealth umbrella. All colleagues across the Group will continue to be supported to develop their skills and access a broad range of career pathways, the spokesperson said. Bankwest has a clear role in the Group, with an ambition to be Australias favourite digital bank, and a strong and distinct identity and culture as a WA-based national digital bank. In the future, colleagues working in Bankwest roles under CBA contracts would continue to have their connection to the Bankwest business clearly reflected in their contracts. Advertisement Bankwest launched a new app and website last year, which was followed by its Just Enough Bank campaign which saw the refreshed digital banks new colours splashed on billboards across the state, backed by advertising on TV, broadcast and social media. CBA bought Bankwest in 2008 from the Bank of Scotland, which had bought it from the WA government in 1995 with plans to list 49 per cent of the shares on the ASX, before eventually buying those shares back in 2001. The bank was founded in 1895 as the Agricultural Bank of WA, which primarily serviced farmers, and was later known as the Rural and Industries Bank or R&I from the 1940s until it changed its name to the Bank of Western Australia in 1994. Commonwealth Bank has been approached for 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 PoliticsWAPolice Court shown shocking footage of WA Labor figures assault as alleged attacker faces new charges Rebecca Peppiatt and Hamish Hastie January 16, 2026 2:17pm 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 A 20-year-old man who allegedly left an influential West Australian political and business figure in a coma at the end of last year also allegedly assaulted another man on Christmas Day. Armadale Magistrates Court was shown confronting footage of both incidents when Lesmurdie man Brodie Jake Dewar, 20, appeared for a bail hearing on Friday. Brodie Dewar leaves court after a previous appearance in December. 9News Perth The court was told Dewar had already been charged with grievous bodily harm after allegedly assaulting Mineral Resources director and former WA Labor secretary Tim Picton in the early hours of December 27 outside a Northbridge club. Footage played to the court on Friday showed Picton, 36, standing talking calmly to a man police allege was Dewar, who raises his right arm and punches Picton in the face. Advertisement Picton can be seen falling to the floor, where he remained still. He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. Police said the incident happened about 5.35am on December 27 near the intersection of James Street and Mountain Terrace. Now, police have charged Dewar over a second similar assault that allegedly occurred on Christmas Day, with footage of that incident also shown during the bail hearing on Friday. Magistrate Mark Millington told Dewars lawyer both attacks were coward punches, and it was alleged he filmed the man as he lay unconscious before uploading the footage to social media site Snapchat. That video was also played to the court on Friday, where Dewar can allegedly be heard saying, dont hit my younger sister next time brother, and keep snoring, as bystanders ran to the mans aid. Advertisement The court heard the man has since recovered from minor injuries. Dewar had his bail revoked on Friday and will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February, with Millington telling him he was an inherent risk to the community. Tim Picton. Picton was placed in an induced coma after the alleged attack and underwent surgery for a serious brain bleed and fractured skull. A court was told during an earlier hearing in December there was a high probability Picton would have a lifelong disability due to his injuries. On Friday, Armadale Magistrates Court heard Dewars charges may be upgraded. Advertisement Dewar was bailed after the incident involving Picton, but was arrested by homicide squad detectives on Thursday over the unrelated assault on Christmas Day. It will be alleged the victim, a 40-year-old man, and the accused were observed speaking briefly before the accused allegedly struck the victim to the head, causing him to fall backwards, striking his head on the pavement, WA Police said in a statement. The victim received facial injuries. Dewar was charged with acts or omissions causing bodily harm or danger. Picton is the brother of South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton, and has worked with Labor in Victoria, South Australia and, most recently, WA. Advertisement He is regarded as the architect of some of WA Labors biggest successes, including Mark McGowans 2021 election win and federal Labors resurgence in the state during the 2022 election. Related Video Video icon 2:02 Tim Picton's alleged attacker freed on bail as he remains in critical condition According to his LinkedIn profile, Picton began his career in politics in 2009 working in the office of Adelaide MP Amanda Rishworth before taking up a role with South Australian Senator Don Farrell. He took up the position of executive general manager of corporate affairs at MinRes in July 2022, before being named as the director of strategy for the company the following year. Picton is also an advisory board member of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia. Advertisement In a statement from December, Pictons family said they were focused entirely on being with him and supporting one another. We would like to sincerely thank St John Ambulance, the medical team at Royal Perth Hospital and WA Police for their care, professionalism and support, they said. We also want to thank Tims friends and colleagues for the compassion they have shown to our family during this incredibly difficult time. 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 WorldAsiaWorld politics Ex-South Korean president Yoon jailed over failed martial law bid Lisa Visentin January 16, 2026 4:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Singapore: Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted in the first of eight criminal trials relating to his failed bid to impose martial law in 2024. Yoons most consequential trial will be finalised next month when a court is due to return its verdict on charges that he masterminded an insurrection, for which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Former president Yoon Suk Yeol at an impeachment hearing in February. AP Reaching its verdict in the first trial on Friday, a South Korean court found Yoon guilty of obstructing attempts by authorities to arrest him when he holed up in the presidential compound for weeks after he was forced to abandon his martial law decree. He was also found guilty of charges that include fabricating official documents and failing to comply with legal processes required for martial law. Prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence. Advertisement The defendant abused his enormous influence as president to prevent the execution of legitimate warrants through officials from the Security Service, which effectively privatised officials ... loyal to the Republic of Korea for personal safety and personal gain, the lead judge on the three-justice panel said in a ruling that was televised. Speaking outside the court immediately after the decision, one of Yoons lawyers, Yoo Jung-hwa, said the former president would appeal the ruling. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Seoul in December 2024 demanding then-president Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment after he attempted to impose martial law. AP We express regret that the decision was made in a politicised manner, she said. Yoon has always denied the allegations against him. Advertisement His criminal conviction is the latest step in a profound fall from grace for the former prosecutor turned conservative politician who became the first-ever sitting president in South Korea to be arrested. On December 3, 2024, Yoon sent troops into the national parliament, claiming South Korea was under siege from the majority opposition and anti-state forces, sparking an immediate uproar across the country. At the time, his party was governing in minority and was struggling to get bills through the parliament. Related Article Analysis World politics Stop the steal spreads to South Korea during presidential stand-off Yoon withdrew the martial law decree six hours later after opposition MPs voted to reject it and later impeached him, suspending his powers. The move plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades, as thousands of protesters rallied in the streets for weeks, calling for his ouster as he barricaded himself inside the residential compound. The crisis exposed the deep political divisions between the countrys conservative and liberal flanks, as Yoons supporters also took to the streets, many channelling US President Donald Trumps MAGA movement by waving Stop the Steal banners. Advertisement Yoon was eventually arrested more than a month later when police stormed his compound in a seizure effort that involved more than 3,000 officers. He was formally removed from office in April last year after the countrys Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment in a unanimous decision. South Korea last handed down a death sentence in 2016, but has not executed anyone since 1997, and is regarded as a de facto abolitionist state. Yoon is not the first former president to face the death penalty on insurrection charges, and it is very unlikely he will be executed even if he is found guilty. In a previous court case in 1995-1996, when former South Korean Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo were accused of insurrection, prosecutors sought the death penalty and life in prison for Chun and Roh respectively. Advertisement Both were ultimately given lesser sentences on appeal and eventually received presidential pardons after spending about two years in jail. With Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. March arabica coffee (KCH26) today is down -1.30 (-0.36%). March ICE robusta coffee (RMH26) is down -7 (-0.17%). Coffee prices gave up an early advance today and turned lower after updated weather forecasts boosted the chances of rain for Brazil's coffee-growing areas over the next week. More News from Barchart Last Thursday, arabica rallied to a 1-month high due to below-average rainfall in Brazil, the world's largest arabica producer. Somar Meteorologia reported Monday that Brazil's largest arabica coffee-growing area, Minas Gerais, received 26.5 mm of rain during the week ended January 9, or 29% of the historical average. Shrinking ICE coffee inventories are bullish for prices. ICE-monitored arabica inventories fell to a 1.75-year low of 398,645 bags on November 20, although they recovered to a 2.5-month high of 461,829 bags last Wednesday. ICE robusta coffee inventories fell to a 1-year low of 4,012 lots on December 10 but recovered to a 5-week high of 4,278 lots on December 23 and 24. The outlook for ample coffee supplies is a bearish factor for prices. On December 4, Conab, Brazil's crop forecasting agency, raised its total Brazil 2025 coffee production estimate by 2.4% to 56.54 million bags, from a September estimate of 55.20 million bags. Soaring coffee exports from Vietnam, the world's largest robusta producer, are bearish for robusta prices. Vietnam's National Statistics Office reported last Monday that Vietnam's 2025 coffee exports jumped +17.5% y/ to 1.58 MMT. Increased Vietnamese coffee supplies are negative for prices. Vietnam's 2025/26 coffee production is projected to climb +6% y/y to 1.76 MMT, or 29.4 million bags, a 4-year high. Also, the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (Vicofa) said on October 24 that Vietnam's coffee output in 2025/26 will be 10% higher than the previous crop year if weather conditions remain favorable. Vietnam is the world's largest producer of robusta coffee. Signs of tighter global coffee supplies are supportive of prices, as the International Coffee Organization (ICO) on November 7 reported that global coffee exports for the current marketing year (Oct-Sep) fell -0.3% y/y to 138.658 million bags. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is the richest man in the world with a net worth of over $700 billion. He's a household namesynonymous with electric cars, Mars missions, and ignoring everyone who tells him no. That includes his own mother. In an 2022 interview with The Times of London, 77-year-old Maye Musk admitted she once advised her son against the very moves that made him a global icon. "I told him not to do an electric car as well as rockets and he didn't listen to me," she said. "He should do whatever he wants." Don't Miss: Missed Nvidia and Tesla? RAD Intel Could Be the Next AI Powerhouse Just $0.85 a Share Sam Altman Says AI Will Transform the Economy This Platform Lets Investors Back Private Tech Early Fortunately for Elon, advice has never been a dealbreaker. Not when it came from investors, engineersor his mom. In a 2022 post on Twitter, Musk shared that in 2009, then- Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair Charlie Munger laid out "all the ways Tesla would fail" during a breakfast meeting. Musk said he agreed with the listbut built it anyway. Maye Musk didn't micromanage. In a 2019 essay for CNBC, she explained her parenting approach: she taught her children to work hard, let them follow their interests, and kept her nose out unless asked. "I didn't treat them like babies or scold them," she wrote. "I never told them what to study. I didn't check their homework." She didn't plan on raising a billionaire. She planned on raising independent adults. That's exactly what she got. "When they wanted my advice, I gave it," she told The Times. "I am very short with my own answers." And if they didn't take it? That was fine too. Trending: Invest in a Gaming Marketplace Backed by Early Zynga and PayPal Investors From $300. The results speak for themselves. Elon launched Tesla and SpaceX. His brother Kimbal built a food-and-agriculture business. His sister Tosca runs her own film studio and streaming platform. And Maye? She built a career of her own, modeling into her 70s while becoming something of a legend in her own rightcomplete with a signature hashtag: #proudmom. Even when it comes to Mars, she has her limits. "You have to have six months of preparation and isolation and that just doesn't appeal to me," she said. But then she added, "If my kids want me to do it, I will do it." It's hard to say no to Elon Muskeven if you're his mother. He didn't listen when she told him to pick between cars and rockets. He didn't pivot after a legendary investor rattled off every reason he'd crash and burn. He made his own decisionsand built an empire doing it. 2026 MLK Week of Service The annual King Holiday Observance is a time that we celebrate, commemorate and honor the life, legacy and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. WSU and community organizations provide opportunities to engage in the community to continue to give back and make positive impacts. Below is a list of direct service opportunities for the WSU community to sign up for and become part of honoring the life and legacy of MLK. MLK Day will be observed on Monday, January 19, 2026. For eligible employees, Service Leave (PPM 3-66) can be used on all volunteer events Tuesday through Friday. Event Information & Dates Review the week of events below, then select the hyperlink under each event to register to volunteer and/or attend each event. We look forward to your participation. All events except the book reading at the elementary school are open to the public. Monday, January 19, 2026 MLK Breakfast & March: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Ogden Union Station & Ogden Amphitheater In honor of the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Project Success, Ogden NAACP, Ogden City, and Weber State University are partnering to provide a community breakfast open to the public starting at 9 a.m. at the Union Station in Ogden (2501 Wall Ave, Ogden). Following the program, participants will engage in activities to create uplifting messages on signs to hold while participating in a march from the Union Station to the Ogden Amphitheater (343 E 25th St, Ogden) where the event will conclude with a call to action for the community. Register to Volunteer: MLK Week of Service GivePulse page (serve food, hot chocolate, assist participants in creative activities) Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Self-Guided Museum 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Shepherd Union Fireplace Lounge Explore information about various figures who played important roles in the Civil Rights Movement at your own pace. Register to Attend: MLK Week of Service GivePulse page Sponsored by: WSU Human Rights Club ------------------ Out of the Shadows (Part 1 of Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise) Film Screening & Discussion 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Shepherd Union Wildcat Theater The series begins at a crucial turning point in American history: the Selma marches that led to the signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and the urban rebellion that broke out in Watts just a few days later. Following the film, join us for a conversation about the film and reflections during this MLK Week of Service. Free popcorn will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own lunch. Register to Attend: MLK Week of Service GivePulse page Sponsored by: Center for Community Engaged Learning Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Community Engagement Fair 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Shepherd Union Atrium (2nd floor) Join us to learn about many different organizations with which you can volunteer! Planning to attend? Register ahead of time so we know youre coming! When you arrive, stop by the CCEL table to pick up a card, then visit our community partner tables to complete it. Once youre finished, return your card with your W# for a chance to win a $25 gift card. We cant wait to see you there! Register to Attend: MLK Week of Service GivePulse page Sponsored by: Center for Community Engaged Learning ------------------ MLK Speech Competition & Open Mic 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Hetzel-Hoellein Room 321 (Stewart Library) Thank you for your interest in the MLK Speech Competition and Open Mic! This event is open to all. We encourage individuals to attend, mingle, watch, or participate in either the speech competition and/or the open mic portion of the program. Participants in the MLK Speech Competition will deliver a prepared speech based on this prompt: "How do we show up for one another with courage, care, and nonviolence?" Speeches must be under 5 minutes. Each speaker will be scheduled in a 10-minute block (5 minutes speaking + 5-minute transition buffer). Judging will be based on content, delivery, and language. Prizes will be awarded to the top three speakers. Following the competition, we will host an open mic, where participants may share poetry, reflections, spoken word, or short remarks aligned with the theme. Register to Compete: MLK Competition Speech Sign Up Register to Attend: MLK Week of Service GivePulse page ------------------ Dr. King's Six Principles of Nonviolence Tabling 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Davis Campus DCS Atrium Stop by the CCEL table located at the Davis Campus to learn more about the principles of nonviolence and create a social justice pin. Register to Attend: MLK Week of Service GivePulse page Sponsored by: Davis Campus & Center for Community Engaged Learning ------------------ Self-Guided Museum 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Shepherd Union Fireplace Lounge Explore information about various figures who played important roles in the Civil Rights Movement at your own pace. Register to Attend: MLK Week of Service GivePulse page Sponsored by: WSU Human Rights Club Thursday, January 22, 2026 Civil Rights Advocacy Workshop 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Shepherd Union room 321 In conjunction with the Human Rights Club at Weber State, the MLK Advocacy Workshop invites students to explore how advocacy shaped the Civil Rights Movement and how it continues to show up in everyday life today. Connected to the interactive pop-up museum in the Fireplace Lounge (available January 2023), this workshop provides students with real-life scenarios to spark discussion and collaboration. Participants will work together to brainstorm practical ways to advocate for themselves and others, drawing connections between historical moments in the Civil Rights Movement and modern-day advocacy. Through shared experiences, discussion, and reflection, students will gain tools to recognize advocacy in action and feel empowered to apply these strategies in their own lives. Lunch and swag will be provided Register to Attend: MLK Week of Service GivePulse page Sponsored by: WSU Human Rights Club ------------------ Dr. King's Six Principles of Nonviolence Tabling 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Davis Campus DCS Atrium Stop by the CCEL table located at the Davis Campus to learn more about the principles of nonviolence and create a social justice pin. Register to Attend: MLK Week of Service GivePulse page Sponsored by: Davis Campus & Center for Community Engaged Learning ------------------ Self-Guided Museum 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Shepherd Union Fireplace Lounge Explore information about various figures who played important roles in the Civil Rights Movement at your own pace. Register to Attend: MLK Week of Service GivePulse page Sponsored by: WSU Human Rights Club Friday, January 23, 2026 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. European renewable power producer Enery has broken ground on the Ogrezeni hybrid renewable energy project in Giurgiu County, Romania. The project, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, integrates photovoltaic (PV) generation with battery storage. It will have an installed capacity of 761 megawatt-peak/534MW alternating current and more than one gigawatt-hour of battery storage. The Ogrezeni plant aims to supply green electricity to around 684,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide equivalent (COe) emissions by approximately 303,000 tonnes (t) annually. According to Enery, energisation of the hybrid renewable energy project is expected to take place in summer 2027. Enery said that the Ogrezeni hybrid power project marks a significant addition to its Romanian portfolio. The project will also support Romanias decarbonisation and energy security goals by introducing large-scale renewable capacity with stable prices into the grid, said the company. Enery co-founders Richard Konig and Lukas Nemec said: With Ogrezeni, we are taking a major step forward in delivering large-scale renewables that create long-term value not only for our partners but also for local communities and the Romanian energy system as a whole. This project reflects our strategy of combining robust development and execution capabilities with deep local participation. The Ogrezeni project is supported by a partnership between Enery and the Three Seas Initiative Investment Fund, which invests in infrastructure across central and eastern Europe. It is backed by a 460m ($534.1m) project finance loan agreement, signed last month with a syndicate of eight commercial banks, under the coordination of UniCredit. During construction, around 350 people will work on-site, creating jobs and demand for local services. After commissioning, operations and maintenance will utilise local resources. ENEVO Group will act as the main engineering, procurement and construction contractor for both PV systems and grid connection. In addition to the Romanian hybrid power project, Enery secured a green financing package in December 2025 from DSK Bank to support the construction and operation of its battery energy storage system project in Nova Zagora, Bulgaria. "Enery begins construction of Ogrezeni hybrid power project in Romania" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Employees Share Concerns, Hopes For New Owner Amid Ongoing Uncertainty As uncertainty continues to surround the future of Kimballs Main Street Market, some employees are expressing cautious optimism. The Western Nebraska Observer spoke with multiple employees at the market this week. They shared slightly different perspectives but emphasized similar core priorities: keeping the doors open and preserving local jobs. These employees asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitive and evolving nature of the situation. According to employees, potential buyers are under consideration as ownership transitions away from Legacy Cooperative, which owns Main Street Market. Charlie Wright, CEO and president of Legacy Coop, told the Observer earlier this month that potential buyers had expressed interest, but he wanted to keep any further information confidential at that stage of the process. This past week, one employee said offers to acquire the store are believed to be on the table. There are a lot of moving parts and not a lot of information at this point, that employee said. Were just trying to get through the next few weeks with our jobs intact and hoping for the best. Another employee said she was involved in giving a tour of the store to a prospective buyer and was told that multiple entities are involved in what has been described to staff as a bidding process. She noted that much of what they know is coming in pieces as discussions continue. Employees stressed that day-to-day operations remain the focus. Some said they continue to serve customers as usual. While official details regarding potential buyers have not been publicly released, employees said they are hopeful the store will remain open beyond Jan. 31. Thats the date that some said they understand could be when the ownership arrangement is expected to change. For now, workers say they are taking things one shift at a time supporting one another, serving the community, and hoping the process underway results in a positive outcome for both employees and Kimball as a whole. EirGrid, operator and developer of Irelands electricity grid, has announced the opening of the first phase of the community benefit fund for the North Connacht 110kV project. Applications for the first phase of the 1.53 million fund are now being welcomed, with 612,000 in funding available to eligible communities and volunteer groups in this round. The fund has been established by EirGrid to recognise the importance of the local communities hosting this critical infrastructure project to strengthen the electricity grid in the region. The project will add a new 110kV underground line to the electricity grid in Co Mayo and Co Roscommon, increasing grid capacity in the area and accommodating more renewable energy. Construction of the project, which will power 150,000 homes, is due to start early this year. The community benefit fund is open to not-for-profit organisations, voluntary organisations, and community groups who can demonstrate how communities benefit from the services, facilities or programmes they provide in the project area, and will be divided equally between the three streams of funding: community, sustainability and biodiversity. The 1.53 million fund is released in three phases: when construction begins, mid-way through project construction, and when the project is complete.a To ensure that these grants are distributed in a transparent, participatory and inclusive manner, independent facilitator SECAD is responsible for administering the fund. The deadline for this round of applications is 5pm on Friday, March 13th. A number of information events will be held to ensure community groups can learn more about submitting an application to the fund. Speaking about the fund opening, Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, said: At EirGrid, we acknowledge the vital role local communities play in facilitating our grid development work, and that is why we are committed to providing direct benefits to those who are supporting the transition to a stronger, more renewable energy system. We also acknowledge and appreciate that local organisations are reliant on volunteers when it comes to preparing funding applications and plans. That is why at EirGrid, we appoint independent facilitators to work with our liaison officers and community forum to provide information and support throughout the process and I would strongly encourage people to attend our information events to avail of this support and advice. Collaboration with communities is key to this infrastructure being developed, ensuring a resilient energy future for generations to come. She continued: We want to thank the community for the support we have received to date on this project, including from the members on our community forum, and we look forward to continuing this engagement with relevant stakeholders as we work to deliver this vital project. Representatives of more than 70 hotels from across the country gathered at the Irish Hotels Federations (IHF) inaugural Quality Employer Awards, which took place recently at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone. The Great National Hotel Ballina was among the recipients to be awarded Quality Employer Advanced Level Certification in recognition of achievements in Human Resources best practices and people management. The Quality Employer 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 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. 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 The number of burglary offences coming before the courts in Mayo is among the lowest in the country. There were 1,187 people before the district courts across Ireland for burglary offences in the first nine months of 2025, while a further 347 people were sent forward for trial in the circuit court, according to figures from the Irish Courts Service, which were provided to Ireland South MEP and former barrister Cynthia Ni Mhurchu. The figures point to a relatively small group of repeat offenders that are responsible for a disproportionate share of burglary offences. In the first nine months of 2025, 1,771 burglary cases came before the district courts involving just 1,187 individuals, highlighting a high level of repeat or multiple offending. A similar pattern emerged in the circuit courts where 729 burglary cases were tried over the same period, committed by just 529 offenders. In Mayo, the district courts of Castlebar and Ballina were among the lowest in terms of people before them for burglary crimes. Ms Ni Mhurchu posited that this points to either low burglary rates or low Garda detection rates. There were just two burglary cases heard at Castlebar District Court during the first nine months of last year and three in Ballina District Court. The countys circuit court saw just one burglary matter before it during the same time period. 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 nine months of last year. Cork and Limerick are in second and third places respectively. Elsewhere in the West, Galway city courts had 29 burglary cases and there six in Loughrea. The courts in Roscommon easily surpassed the Mayo figures with 15, while 11 burglary cases were heard in Sligo and two in Leitrim. Ms 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 neighbour's property - in particular in very rural parts of the country during the dark winter months, a peak time for the offence of burglary. She has called for a range of measure to tackle burglary offences, including an end to the practice of letting burglars out on temporary release from our prisons. Some 38 burglars were on temporary release as of the June 23, 2025, according to figures provided by the Irish Prison Service. The Fianna Fail MEP is also seeking more targeted supports to protect communities across Ireland against burglary, including a doubling of funding under the Community Safety Fund, additional 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. Ethereum has reached a new milestone with 30% of circulating tokens staked as analysts expect the second biggest cryptocurrencys price to surge. The staked Ether represents a $120 billion bet on the blockchain network, ValidatorQueue data shows. Bitmine has emerged as a top vote of confidence for the proof-of-stake mechanism by locking up $600 million in Ethereum on Wednesday. The digital asset treasury firm is now staking about $6 billion worth of the crypto, which is close to half of its total $13 billion in total holdings. The fresh milestone comes as Ethereums price rose 8% over the past week, trading at $3,359 at time of reporting. To be sure, it is still down 32% from its all-time high of $4,950 set back in August. Cryptocurrencies now trade at $3.3 trillion, around 25% below their October peak. Meanwhile, other assets like stocks and gold have pushed towards their all-time high in 2026. But despite Ethereums poor price performance relative to other assets, Wall Street is betting big on the blockchain network. JPMorgan chose it for the first-ever tokenised money market fund, an asset class valued at $9 trillion. Morgan Stanley also filed for an Ethereum exchange-traded fund product earlier this month. British bank Standard Chartered told investors this month it expects Ethereum to outperform Bitcoin going forward and that the price will hit $40,000 per token by 2030. Bitmine vote Backed by top institutions including Peter Thiels Founders Fund and Cathie Woods ARK Invest, Bitmine is the largest Ethereum treasury in the world, now holding over 3% of the total supply. Chair Tom Lee said on Monday that Bitmine will be the largest staking provider in the entire cryptocurrency industry and anticipates over $1 million daily in revenue from staking Ethereum. Lee has urged all Bitmine shareholders to vote before a shareholder meeting on January 15 to support his proposal to increase the companys authorised shares to from 500 million to 50 billion in order to set the stage for a future stock split. Bitmines share price jumped 5% on Wednesday, Bloomberg data shows. Lee argues that a stock split will be necessary because Bitmines share price follows Ethereum price, and projects the companys stock trading at $5,000 per share when Ethereum reaches $250,000. Publicly-traded companies perform stock splits to lower the price of a single share. That makes it seem more affordable for regular investors to buy in without changing the companys actual total value. Dont fight Washington Lee, who is also head of research at Fundstrat, a Wall Street research firm, warned investors against fighting the White House in a video update to the firms clients. January usually arrives in the west of Ireland like an uninvited spinster aunt, cold, judgmental, and determined to make you feel terrible about yourself. The sleet-laden wind comes at you sideways off the Atlantic, the kind that doesn't so much blow as assault, and somewhere between the third and fourth Quality Street, you catch your ageing reflection in the kitchen window and think a corset might be a good idea for New Year's. This is how the annual ritual of self-loathing begins, which the fitness industry has monetised with efficient glee. Everywhere you look in the media, there are these gleaming specimens of humanity, telling you that transformation is just twelve weeks and several hundred euros away. Being a man of a certain age, let's say the age where the barber automatically trims your ear hair, I thought I'd give it a try. Not the full conversion, you understand. I wasn't about to join a gym and subject myself to the fluorescent horror of grown men grunting at mirrors. No, I'd be clever about it in a strategic manner. I'd find something gentle, something ancient and wise, and Tai Chi, I decided, was perfect. Have you seen those videos? Impossibly serene Chinese people in parks at dawn, moving through forms with the liquid grace of calligraphy being written in the air. It looks like yoga, but vertical, a hybrid of meditation, but mobile. This is a civilised exercise, I mused, where the indignity of Lycra can be avoided. So I downloaded an app on a whim and dutifully set the phone on the mantelpiece and immediately encountered the first problem. I'd set aside my glasses because wearing them felt somehow incongruous, like wearing leather brogues to gym class. I squinted at a tiny, blurry figure dressed in what looked like loose-fitting black pajamas, possibly warming up to assassinate the viewer while waving methodically with oriental poise. The voice emerging from my iPhone was enticing, so calm, female, vaguely Californian despite the Chinese pedigree. She recommended that I root down through my tailbone and soften my already softened gaze. My gaze was so soft it was practically liquid. Was that my left leg, or had the furniture moved? The postures had wonderful names, White Crane Spreads Its Wings, Grasping the Sparrow's Tail, but mostly what I was grasping was the furniture, and what was spreading was my sense of ridiculousness. The phone kept going dark as I'd forgotten to disable the timeout, so every ninety seconds I had to lunge forward like a man catching a bus he doesn't really want to catch, tap the screen with a finger, then shuffle back to my spot. This, Im fairly sure, was not part of the ancient Chinese tradition. On the third session - and I use the term loosely - I attempted something called Parting the Wild Horse's Mane and instead parted company with a side table, sending three generations of family photographs clattering to the floor in what can only be described as catastrophically un-Zen. Right, I thought. Different tack entirely. Your body doesn't need to be punished or forced into unnatural movements by people half your age; it just needs to move and to be occasionally outside. Illustration: Conor McGuire Chair workouts for seniors came up on YouTube. Now, technically, I'm not a senior, but I'm close enough that I qualify for certain Tesco discounts if I don't shave for a few days and look appropriately beleaguered. The appeal was obvious: you never leave the chair. Given the Irish climate and my natural disposition, this seemed almost too perfect. The instructor was American, inevitably. Americans have cornered the market on fitness enthusiasm, just as the Germans have on engineering precision. This woman had teeth that could signal aircraft, and the kind of manic energy that made you exhausted just by witnessing it. I was using tins of beans, Heinz beans, if you're interested. Not because I'm poor, you understand, but because buying actual weights seemed like a commitment I wasn't prepared to make. What if this didn't work out? Then I'd have two or three 3-kilo dumbbells gathering dust next to the rowing machine we bought in 2003, now primarily used as a place to throw old coats. "Feel that BURN!" she commanded from the laptop screen. I felt many things, foolishness for one, a slight twinge in my left elbow, powerful urge to get up and make tea, but burn wasn't featuring prominently. I stuck with the programme just short of a week, days of sitting down and lifting things while a woman who'd clearly never met a carbohydrate she couldn't decline shrieked encouragement. At the end, all I had for my efforts was a renewed appreciation for sitting down without having to lift another can of beans. Then, in my wisdom, I tried speed walking, which seemed perfectly reasonable as there was no equipment, no apps, and no evangelical Americans instructing my every move. Just me and the road and the simple act of walking with forced urgency. Except I looked demented because speed walking isn't walking, not as normal humans do it. It's that studied but peculiar, demented gait that makes you look like you're late for a meeting while simultaneously needing a toilet. Your arms pump with martial intensity, your hips sway and everyone you pass stifles a grin or looks genuinely concerned for your welfare. I did it twice before accepting defeat. Having meandered to no avail through the fitness industrial complex like a blind goat through a greenhouse, I've arrived at something approaching sense. Sod the programmes and the routines, I'm just going to walk, not like I'm being chased or desperately searching for a lavatory, just walking at a pace that acknowledges I'm fifty-something and have no particular reason to hurry, so strolls and ambles are the order of the day, the kind of walking that doesn't require special shoes or permission from your core muscles or improved glutes. And Im back to swimming, the occasional dip at the local pool. Not proper swimming - not lengths in the sense that competitive people mean it. Just a gentle breaststroke up and down the slow lane, moving through the water with all the urgency of kelp. The real attraction is the view through the glass partition into the gym upstairs as people hurl themselves at machines with desperate intensity. The treadmills turn and turn while the rowing machines go nowhere as everyone grimaces at screens showing some rolling meadow. I must admit I find it oddly mesmerising, as if I'm privy to watching an aquarium of the damned. Eventually, I abandon even the pretense of exercise and settle into the embrace of the Jacuzzi, which is where I truly belong. Horizontal yet delightfully buoyant, gently poaching like an egg while the jets make encouraging gurgling noises. The gym people occasionally shoot me furtive glances, these lean, Lycra-wrapped specimens with their water flasks and protein powders, and I can see the dark judgment in their eyes... or is it envy? I settle into my bubbles and realise, from where I'm floating, they're the ones who look decidedly absurd. There is something that middle age teaches you if you're paying attention. Most of what we're sold as necessary to maintain optimum health and fitness is just expensive noise. Your body doesn't need to be punished or forced into unnatural movements by people half your age; it just needs to move and to be occasionally outside. To feel the weather and see things, not because some app has decided you need to burn calories before lunch, while paying for the privilege. I know the fitness evangelists won't approve, but I'll still be shuffling along the Mayo coast road, time and hour forgotten, stopping unpredictably to look at the wild flowers, moving at the speed of actual life rather than trying to outrun it. Turns out the secret to fitness at fifty-something isn't finding the right programme. It's giving yourself permission to stop looking. A leading expert on Irelands native natural history is to give a talk at the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park - exploring the ancient presence of bears on this island. Nigel Monaghan is the former keeper of Natural History at the National Museum of Ireland. He will be in Mayo to deliver the talk, titled Brown Bears in Ireland; Fossil Clues of Forgotten Giants, from 3pm to 4pm on Saturday, January 24th. Mr Monaghan will discuss fossil evidence, cave finds, and surprising links to Irish folklore - providing insights on how these majestic animals shaped our natural history up to 3,000 years ago. The talk is in association with the new brown bear exhibit in the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park. The bear is on display as part of an ongoing exhibition, The Murmur of Bees, which looks at bees and their important role in Irelands biodiversity. Bears have long been associated with bees and honey and one of the ancient Irish names for a bear is milchobur (honey-lover). The example on display in Turlough Park is a female bear from Alaska. It has pale brown fur and is mounted standing on her hind legs, with long claws outstretched towards the visitor. Speaking ahead of the talk, Mr Monaghan said: I got fascinated with Irish brown bears in 1997 with a major discovery in a cave in Co Leitrim where I got to see bones in situ (and to fly in a helicopter for a television programme). Studying them has been a long-term project working on specimens in the National Museum of Ireland and Irish skulls that have made it into museums overseas. Technology has come a long way since 1997 and we have learned a great deal from radiocarbon dating and the DNA from the bones themselves. To celebrate the launch of the new bear exhibit at Turlough Park, the National Museum invited visitors to help name the bear. This resulted in the bears new title of Beir Bua, meaning take victory in Irish. Admission to the bear talk is free but booking is required. Visit the event listing on museum.ie for booking details. New York City nurses on strike are resuming negotiations with hospital administrators to try to bring an end to a walkout thats in its fourth day Bloomberg European stocks outperformance over the US has taken a surprising turn this year, with technology names in the driving seat. Technology is the best-performing Stoxx Europe 600 index sector in January, up 10%. Thats a sharp contrast to the US, where the S&P 500 Information Technology Index is little changed. Most Read from Bloomberg A key reason why European tech is burning brighter is its heavy exposure to chip equipment names. ASML Holding NV, ASM International NV and BE Semiconductor Industries NV make up nearly 40% of the Stoxx 600 Technology Index and are responsible for almost 90% of the sectors new year rally. Photographer: Wiktor Dabkowski/Bloomberg Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.s bullish capex guidance this week looks set to underpin a durable move higher in shares of its supply-chain partners. The worlds biggest contract chipmaker forecasts an increase in 2026 capital spending of about 30%, as it speeds capacity expansion both in Taiwan and the US. It also anticipates that this will extend to a significant hike in capex over the coming three years. The TSMC update is materially positive for European chip equipment suppliers, said Citigroup Inc. analyst Andrew Gardiner. Strong demand for chip tools will likely last beyond this year, when new foundries are put to use and more physical space becomes available, he adds. On Thursday, Morgan Stanley raised ASMLs price target to 1,400, among the highest across Wall Street brokers, citing expectations for strong orders in the next two to three quarters, and more robust growth in 2027. Its quite a turnaround for Europes top chip-gear makers. Since the ChatGPT boom of early 2023, they have underperformed the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index as investors favored chipmakers that directly benefit from the artificial intelligence boom, rather than those that sit one layer behind the likes of Nvidia Corp. or Broadcom Inc. Sentiment started to shift late last year on signs that demand for AI chips is becoming so strong that it now requires both logic and memory chipmakers to order additional tools. In December, Micron Technology Inc. said its doing everything it can to boost short-term capacity. Before TSMCs report, there were still some lingering doubts. There is no question that AI chip demand is strong, as evidenced by a recent surge in memory pricing. The problem has been that chipmakers are running out of physical space to stack equipment and get their production lines running. Plus, expectations had been raised, with shares of the three Dutch firms at the heart of the European tech rally already up by double-digit percentage points this month before the Taiwanese companys commentary. A farmer harvests soybeans Oct. 7, 2025 near Dike, Iowa. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The American Farm Bureau Federation, along with soybean and specialty crop farm organizations, has asked congressional leadership for economic support to fill in the gap of remaining losses for both field and specialty crop farmers. The letter follows a December announcement from the Trump administration of a $12 billion one-time package to offset farmer losses across the country. These funds could provide a meaningful first step but do not cover the extensive and cumulative losses that farmers have absorbed over the last several years, the letter said after acknowledging the farmer bridge payment program. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The U.S. Department of Agriculture is allocating the funding with commodity specific payment rates and set aside $1 billion of the $12 billion for specialty crop farmers. The American Soybean Association, a signee on the recently submitted letter, said in a news release the $30.88 per acre allotted for soybeans from the payment package was not enough to cover the significant financial damage soybean farmers sustained this year due to the high cost of production and losses sustained during the China trade war. Grant Kimberley, Iowa Soybean Associations director of market development, said the additional need from farmers is complicated and is a result of more than just one event in the past year. I think people dont really realize this has been going on for a couple years now, Kimberley said. Just about every row crop agriculture sector in the whole country has been losing money, probably, for the last three years. Kimberley said the ongoing downturn in the industry is due to several factors, including low commodity prices, high input costs, changes in global trade and uncertainty in domestic markets. Data from Farm Bureau show that commodity prices for major row crops like corn, soybeans, cotton and wheat have declined each year since 2022. Kimberley said as the prices that farmers can get for their crops has declined, expenses have not declined, and have instead increased. Land, rent, equipment and inputs like fertilizer, seed and chemicals continue to squeeze farmers bottom lines, he said. Farm Bureau economists found that farm expenses in 2025 were 12% higher than the previous five-year average cost. Another piece to the puzzle, Kimberley explained, is the growing soybean and row crop markets in Brazil and other South American countries. He said the expansion of these markets has interrupted U.S. demand, especially with big buyers like China. According to the lawsuit, the RFTC failed to conduct required audits of the brands marketing fund for the years 2022-2024, as outlined in franchise agreements. It also claims the company withheld Pepsi rebates that should have been distributed to franchisees. According to the franchisee group, these actions have caused significant financial harm, and they are seeking legal action to compel RFTC to provide evidence of financial audits and offer compensation to franchisees impacted by the alleged mismanagement of marketing and advertising funds. With the company dangerously low on liquidity, franchisees are seeking answers. On Nov. 24 the day before FAT Brands received the notice of debt acceleration the Round Table Owners Association filed a lawsuit against Round Table Franchise Corporation (RFTC), a subsidiary of FAT Brands, alleging breach of contract and misuse of advertising funds with the California Superior Court. The companys financial troubles are only part of a larger story, as mounting legal challenges and franchisee unrest raise serious questions about the future of FAT Brands. Recently, FAT Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn spoke at the ICR conference in Orlando about the companys complicated debt situation. He explained that the debt is not guaranteed by the parent company as a whole and is instead tied to the individual brands, involving multiple layers of investors. This complexity could take significant time to disentangle, and debt restructuring might be a long way off. FAT Brands disclosed in an SEC filing that it does not have sufficient liquidity to meet its debt obligations, acknowledging that bankruptcy could be on the horizon. Along with over $1.26 billion in debt, FAT Brands also reported in its most recent 10Q filing that the company ended the quarter with only $2 million in cash and $10 million in restricted cash. In August 2020, FAT Brands then known as the parent company of Fatburger, Hurricane Grill & Wings, and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses kicked off its acquisition spree with the purchase of Johnny Rockets . Five years and 14 brand acquisitions (plus one sale) later, the company has grappled with numerous legal and financial obstacles, including an SEC investigation, a recently dropped federal investigation into alleged financial fraud, two franchisee lawsuits accusing the company of mismanaging funds, and over $1.26 billion in debt that has been declared immediately due. This week, the company faced the threat of being delisted from the Nasdaq stock exchange due to its stock price consistently remaining below $1. Story Continues The lawsuit cites several alleged instances of advertising funds mismanagement. For example, approximately $800,000 from the fund was allegedly diverted to cover costs for the FAT Summit in 2022, which does not directly benefit the Round Table system and contradicts their franchise agreement. FAT Brands thinks [the lawsuit] is all frivolous, that there's no basis for it but frankly, the numbers speak for themselves, Robert Zarco, one of the attorneys representing the Round Table Owners Association, told Nations Restaurant News. Theyve misused monies for all kinds of operational expenses, and they have not been living up to their obligations under the [franchise] agreement. The franchisees have been going for between 3-5 months without advertising because FAT Brands is not paying their vendors. In June, around the same time the Zarco Einhorn Salkowski law firm began working with the Round Table Owners Association, a website called Fatbrandsvendors.org was created. It aimed to connect and potentially organize unpaid FAT Brands vendors to take legal action against the company. However, the website has since been taken down, and its creator who is not connected to the lawsuit involving the Round Table Owners Association declined to comment. While Zarco said that FAT Brands has argued it has since paid back some of its advertising debts, he said that during the affected timeframe, franchisees were in the dark. Franchisees have been losing sales substantially over the last several years, and it's not getting any better, he said. [Round Table] is going in the tank because it's being treated as a redheaded stepchild, and that's the problem. The other FAT Brands businesses are doing poorly as well. A FAT Brands spokesperson declined to provide a comment on the pending litigation. This is not the first time that FAT Brands franchisees have sued the company this year. In February, franchisees representing half of the then-38 Hurricane Grill & Wings locations filed a lawsuit against the company, similarly accusing the company of mismanaging marketing funds. The lawsuit claimed that Hurricane AMT LLC collected 3% mandatory marketing contributions but diverted the funds for unrelated expenses and personal enrichment of executives. In June, the Hurricane Grill & Wings case was closed as the lawsuit went to arbitration and matters were handled privately. A FAT Brands history These cases are part of a broader pattern of allegations of financial fraud that have surrounded FAT Brands, its founder Andy Wiederhorn, and his family over the years. Twelve years before FAT Brands was formed in 2017, Wiederhorn served time in prison for tax fraud, from 2004 to 2005. In 2020, Wiederhorns company Fog Cutter Capital merged with FAT Brands, allowing the company to use its stock to make future acquisitions instead of just using debt or cash. The following year, FAT Brands made headlines for its rapid-fire acquisition of four companies in five months, including Global Franchise Group, Twin Peaks, Fazolis, and Native Grill & Wings. By September 2023, FAT Brands had ballooned to a massive portfolio company, with 14 acquisitions in three years. The latest acquisition was of Smokey Bones, in September 2023; Twin Peaks was then spun off as a separate entity earlier this year. As FAT Brands began acquiring more struggling brands, the portfolio company also acquired their debt, which now totals nearly $1.3 billion, according to the SEC filing for the quarter ended Sept. 28, 2025. In February 2022, federal authorities began investigating CEO Andy Wiederhorn for fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion. He stepped down as CEO in March 2023 but remained on the board, owning 55% of the company. In May 2024, the SEC brought charges against FAT Brands and Wiederhorn for misappropriating $27 million, followed by a lawsuit from investors in July 2024 over securities law violations, which has since moved to settle. In addition to the ongoing legal and financial turmoil, the company faced internal disputes when James Neuhauser, former executive chairman of the FAT Brands board, filed a lawsuit in January 2025 alleging wrongful termination and retaliation for approving an independent investigation into FAT Brands alleged illegal activities and for cooperating with federal authorities. In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice dropped all criminal charges against FAT Brands and Wiederhorn. Shortly after, Neuhausers claims against Wiederhorn were dismissed. In September, Wiederhorn was reinstated as the CEO of FAT Brands, promising to deliver on the companys strategic priorities. Regarding the SEC case against FAT Brands, while the company initially filed an appeal in the case, court records show that the appeal was dropped in August. This move only applies to the appeal process and doesnt necessarily mean the SECs investigation or legal actions are over. For now, the broader status of the case remains unclear. Franchisees getting restless In the background of all this legal turmoil, several FAT Brands franchisees have anonymously alleged that they face significant delays in receiving Pepsi and Dr Pepper soda rebates, which are critical for operator cash flow. Nations Restaurant News spoke to multiple franchisees who claim that FAT Brands is at least two quarters behind on Pepsi payments and three quarters behind on Dr Pepper payments, with one owner saying he has not received any promised soda rebates since Q4 of 2024. FAT Brands denies that the company is behind on rebate payments. We continue to honor our obligations to our franchise partners, and we are currently up to date on our soda rebate payments, a company spokesperson told Nations Restaurant News. Multiple FAT Brands franchisees independently confirmed that in 2021, the company made the switch from Coca-Cola to Pepsi following the flurry of brand acquisitions, promising franchisees better rebates in return. Nations Restaurant News viewed a rebate contract between a FAT Brands franchisee and Pepsi that stipulates all rebate payments are supposed to be made payable to a third-party company, Enliven, and then deposited in a separate escrow account. However, instead of holding the funds in escrow, franchisees claim that Enliven has allegedly diverted the funds to FAT Brands, which would be in breach of contract if true. Nations Restaurant News viewed emails between a former Enliven senior account manager and a FAT Brands franchisee seemingly confirming that Enliven is required by FAT Brands to send all beverage rebates first to FAT Brands for review and verification before the funds are sent back to Enliven and then passed on to franchisees. The franchisee, who asked to remain anonymous for this story, told NRN that they never received an explanation or response from Enliven for the alleged breach of the contract with Pepsi. This accusation of FAT Brands withholding soda rebates is mentioned in the lawsuit filed by the Round Table Owners Association, which states that FAT continues to improperly retain for its own account rebates from beverage suppliers, including Pepsi, that rightfully belong to franchisees. [Soda rebate money] is supposed to go to the franchisees, which are the consumers of that product, Zarco said in a June interview. The franchisees and Round Table have been requesting the money and for some reason, it is being held up by the franchise and is not being distributed to the franchisee. Our question is, what is happening to that money? Why is the money being held by FAT Brands? The contract with Pepsi also states that if payments are late by 30 days or more, then Pepsi will pay the franchisee a 1% late payment charge. One FAT Brands franchisee, Leroy B. (not his real name), told Nations Restaurant News on condition of anonymity that he is owed over $30,000 in past-due rebates. Regarding FAT Brands claim that all rebate payments are up to date, he said, Thats a lie. Franchisees claimed that FAT Brands leadership repeatedly assured them payments would resume. However, December emails from Enliven, reviewed by Nations Restaurant News, included an itemized breakdown of upcoming expected rebate payments owed to Leroy B., showing Pepsi rebates overdue from Q3 2024 through Q3 2025. No one should be a franchisee with FAT Brands or theyre going to get robbed, Leroy B. said. His experience with FAT Brands has extended beyond missing rebate payments. Im out of chicken because [the company] decided were not selling chicken anymore but theyre not changing the menu boards until February, he said. Ive had to put sold out on my menu boards. When youre a customer who comes in and sees sold out on the menu everywhere, you start to think, Gee, are these people going out of business? He is not the only FAT Brands franchisee who has had issues with running out of product. George Smith (not his real name), who has been a franchisee with a different FAT Brands company for more than 30 years, predating FAT Brands ownership, told Nations Restaurant News in a July interview that he has had product outages and delays in product shipment of three to four days, in which FAT Brands claimed that it was due to an accounting error. They owe a lot of people a lot of money, Smith said. I assume the ability [to pay their debts] took a hit when the indictment happened. They are circling the drain. In a follow-up December interview, Smith confirmed that he is also still owed past-due Pepsi rebate payments. Our business has been limping along at this point, Smith said. There are a lot of upset [redacted brand name] franchisees. Theres a question as to whether FAT Brands will still remain in control of the company. A third franchisee, Brian Gray, who also asked to remain anonymous and has been an owner with one of FAT Brands companies for nearly three decades, told Nations Restaurant News in a June interview that he and several other franchisees plan to withhold royalties to FAT Brands until they receive the promised soda rebate payments. "My plan is to not pay them anything in January, Gray said. I'm not going to pay them until theyre even. If they get behind again, I just won't pay again. Legally, we probably can't [withhold royalties]. But legally, they can't keep our Pepsi rebate money either. He encouraged other franchisees to do the same, saying, theres strength in numbers. In a November follow-up interview, Gray said he got letters from three other franchisees confirming they will also not be paying the royalties for January, which were supposed to be paid in December. I dont want to be the only one standing up to them, he said. Its ridiculous. Weve waited long enough. Franchise associations representing FAT Brands companies have tried to get the attention of FAT Brands regarding the ongoing late payments. In July, Fazolis Franchise Association (FFA) president James Jacobsen sent a letter viewed by Nations Restaurant News to Thayer Wiederhorn, son of Andy Wiederhorn and current chief operating officer of FAT Brands, stipulating that the FFA and its members are requesting immediate payment of overdue rebate money that belongs to each individual franchisee from Pepsi and Dr Pepper soda rebates past due from 2024 and 2025. A follow-up letter sent by the Fazolis Franchise Association to FAT Brands leadership on Oct. 29 says, We're currently experiencing a delay in the expected payment, and with additional payments due next week, there is concern regarding their prompt receipt. The Association asked FAT Brands to provide a comprehensive report of all Dr Pepper and Pepsi soda rebate funds owed to the franchisees and requests that owed soda rebates be deducted from royalty dues. Lack of communication was a common theme cited by each franchisee interviewed by Nations Restaurant News. Franchisees said that company leadership has failed to provide regular updates to operators about issues like product outages, marketing funding, and soda rebate delays. Our brand president doesn't send out any updates unless there are emergencies, Leroy B. said in an October interview. No brand strategy or direction updates. We had a company meeting six months ago, and I heard the franchisees who did not show up did not get the information. Many did not go because of lack of funds, so I guess they are out of luck. In FAT Brands recent SEC filing that declared $1.26 billion in debt immediately due, the company warned that bankruptcy was a possibility. We are in active, constructive discussions with bondholders to prudently reshape parts of our balance sheet, FAT Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn said in an internal memo to franchisees viewed by Nations Restaurant News. These negotiations are part of a broader effort to strengthen the company financially so we can keep investing behind our brands, accelerate development, and support your business for the long term. When George Smith who previously said that FAT Brands was likely to dissolve the company soon or sell off most of the brands received that email, he was surprised. When I got that email, I thought, 'Oh my God, they're not leaving, Smith said, adding that when he last spoke with Thayer Wiederhorn, it was business as usual. They framed everything as bankers negotiating with them, but this is way beyond basic negotiation. It feels like they dont understand the position theyre in. Their stock price has plummeted, their market cap is way down, and theyre still making questionable moves. FAT Brands financial troubles have left franchisees and vendors in limbo as the company navigates mounting debt, unpaid vendor fees, and franchisees withholding royalties. Despite reassurances from leadership that warnings from lenders are just negotiating tactics, the company's declining stock price and inability to meet franchisees basic needs suggest otherwise. I think franchisees have a responsibility, which is not only to get the money were owed, but we also have to protect other franchisees, Leroy B. said. We dont stand for injustice. Contact Joanna at joanna.fantozzi@informa.com February WTI crude oil (CLG26) today is up +0.35 (+0.57%), and February RBOB gasoline (RBG26) is down -0.0066 (-0.36%). Crude oil and gasoline prices are mixed today, with crude climbing to a 2.5-month high. Fears of an escalation in tensions in Iran, which could disrupt crude supplies from OPECs fourth-largest producer, are pushing oil prices higher. Crude prices fell back from their best levels, and gasoline prices turned negative after a bearish EIA inventory report showed a jump in crude and gasoline supplies. More News from Barchart Unrest in Iran is boosting crude prices as thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in many cities of Iran to protest government policies that have triggered a currency crisis and economic collapse. Iranian security forces have killed thousands of protesters, and President Trump said that help is on the way, and the military has briefed him on military options if Iran continues to kill protesters. Reuters reported today that some US personnel have been advised to leave the US Al Udeid Air base in Qatar. The facility was targeted by Iran in retaliatory airstrikes last year after the US attacked Irans nuclear facilities. Iran produces more than 3 million bpd, and its crude production could be disrupted if the protests against the government worsen and the US decides to strike government targets. Crude is also finding support after drone attacks on oil tankers near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal on Russias Black Sea Coast have reduced crude loadings at the terminal by almost half to around 900,000 bpd. Vortexa reported Monday that crude oil stored on tankers that have been stationary for at least 7 days fell -0.3% w/w to 120.9 million bbl in the week ended January 9. Strength in Chinese crude demand is supportive for prices. According to Kpler data, Chinas crude imports in December are set to increase by 10% m/m to a record 12.2 million bpd as it rebuilds its crude inventories. Crude garnered support after OPEC+ on January 3 said it would stick to its plan to pause production increases in Q1 of 2026. OPEC+ at its November 2025 meeting announced that members would raise production by +137,000 bpd in December, but will then pause the production hikes in Q1-2026 due to the emerging global oil surplus. The IEA in mid-October forecasted a record global oil surplus of 4.0 million bpd for 2026. OPEC+ is trying to restore all of the 2.2 million bpd production cut it made in early 2024, but still has another 1.2 million bpd of production left to restore. OPECs December crude production rose by +40,000 bpd to 29.03 million bpd. Severance costs deprived Wells Fargo of a full-fledged victory lap to close out 2025, but the underlying numbers tell a different story: Freed from its Fed-imposed seven-year asset cap, the bank is finally growing again. We have built a strong foundation and have made great progress in improving growth and returns, though we have operated with significant constraints, CEO Charlie Scharf said in a news release, referring to a $1.95 trillion cap on assets imposed by the Federal Reserve in 2018 after a series of scandals. We are excited to now compete on a level playing field and are able to dedicate even more resources to growth with the ability to grow our balance sheet. Net income climbed 5.5% to $5.4 billion, or $1.62 a share, trailing estimates of $1.67 a share, in part because of its $612 million in severance costs. Net interest income rose 4% from the previous year to $12.3 billion, also below analysts expectations. SUBSCRIBE: Receive more of our free The Daily Upside newsletter. READ ALSO: Can Big Tech Earnings Soothe Investors AI Bubble Worries? and Home Remodeling Set to Slow in Sluggish Sign for Housing Market Leaning on Lending Loans in the corporate and investment banking business climbed 14% in the three months through December, reflecting the banks newfound maneuvering room to compete with US behemoths including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citigroup. Wells Fargo has been somewhat of a loser in investment banking compared with its peers in recent years. Its got a smaller trading desk and a US-focused reach, and the aforementioned asset cap limited its ability to deploy capital toward that part of the business. Its interesting to see them prioritize that business now; after an aggressive hiring spree, they jumped up to eighth position in the investment banking league table, from 14th a year ago, Sean Dunlop, Morningstar director of equity research, told The Daily Upside. Theres no doubt that the firm is more aggressively going after markets like investment banking that it views as attractive now that it isnt so severely capital-constrained. Wells Fargo is also looking to ramp up efforts in full-spectrum lending: Gryphon Holdings has agreed to acquire PrimeOne Insurance Company, a private specialist provider of commercial insurance in the US. Financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed. PrimeOne specialises in property and casualty (P&C) insurance, working primarily with programme administrators and managing general agents (MGAs) within specific market segments. The insurer focuses on underwriting practices, risk management, reinsurance and capital oversight. Under Gryphons ownership, PrimeOne is expected to function as a core underwriting platform within the group. As part of Gryphon, PrimeOnes clients and partners will gain access to a wider range of services, improved operational options, and broader connections to global risk and capital sources. PrimeOne president David Thorson said: Partnering with Gryphon provides PrimeOne with long-term strategic capital and a broader platform to expand our underwriting capabilities while maintaining the discipline and client focus that define our business. We see this transaction as an opportunity to accelerate growth, deepen reinsurance relationships, and create new opportunities for our clients and partners. Gryphon Holdings is backed by Phoenix Merchant Partners and provides capacity for insurance and reinsurance as well as investment in specialty markets. With the addition of PrimeOne, Gryphons platform will extend to MGA incubation, third-party claims and policy administration services, asset management for insurance-linked investments, and increased insurance and reinsurance capacity through its internal carrier model. The deal completion is expected in the first quarter of 2026, pending approval from regulators. Gryphon CEO Erin Brennan Bagley commented: We are excited to welcome PrimeOne into the Gryphon enterprise. This acquisition accelerates our vision of creating a unified platform where investors and insurance market participants can connect, innovate and thrive. PrimeOnes reputation and capabilities will be key assets as we continue to build out our specialty insurance, asset management and bespoke reinsurance capacity solutions. This move follows news of the planned acquisition of Concert Group by Freedom Underwriters, another entity backed by Gryphon and its original investors. "Gryphon Holdings to acquire PrimeOne Insurance" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. Military vessel HDMS Knud Rasmussen of the Royal Danish Navy patrols near Nuuk, Greenland, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. [AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka] US President Donald Trumps persistent threats to take over Greenland have provoked strong reactions in Europe. After Trump repeatedly asserted his claim to the huge islandwhich belongs to Denmark as an autonomous territoryin recent days and a Danish-American meeting in Washington ended without a resolution, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany and France have sent military reinforcements to Greenland. For the time being, only a few soldiers and ships have been sent to explore further options. The mission is justified by the need to allay Trumps concerns that Greenland is not sufficiently protected against Russian and Chinese attacks. In fact, it is intended to deter the US from annexing Greenland by force, even though it would offer little resistance to an American military operation. The US president has justified his claim to Greenland on the grounds of US national security, among other things. We need Greenland, he said, to prevent Russia and China from owning it. He added threateningly that the takeover could be done the easy way or the hard way. The meeting between the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which took place in Washington on Wednesday, did not blow up as previously feared, but it also did not bring the parties any closer together. We have not succeeded in changing the American position. There is a fundamental difference of opinion, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen told the press afterwards. Rasmussen and his Greenlandic colleague Vivian Motzfeldt had made it clear that they are prepared to work closely with the US to turn Greenland into an armed fortress against Russia and China and to exploit the valuable raw materials stored beneath the island and the adjacent Arctic. But the US insists on owning the island itself. A joint working group will discuss further steps. In Europe, outrage over Trumps claim to Greenland has reached fever pitch. The media and all established parties are up in arms over his threat to forcibly seize territory from a NATO partner. Seven European heads of governmentincluding Friedrich Merz (Germany), Emmanuel Macron (France), Keir Starmer (Great Britain), Giorgia Meloni (Italy) and Donald Tusk (Poland)signed a joint statement against Trumps annexation plans in early January. They emphasise that the island belongs to the Greenlandic people. What motivates the European leaders is not concern for international law, and certainly not for the Greenlandic people. The same media and leaders who criticise Trump over Greenland have supported and continue to support his numerous other crimesfrom the genocide in Gaza to the bombing of Iran and the attempt to forcibly bring about regime change there. They even welcomed the attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Maduro, which clearly violated international law, even though Trump openly boasted that his goal was to steal Venezuelan oil. Nor do European governments raise any criticism of the destruction of democracy in the US, the terror of the ICE Gestapo, the instrumentalisation of the judiciary, and the unpunished murder of peaceful citizens such as Renee Nicole Good, even though they are otherwise relentless in condemning human rights violations when it comes to Russia or China. Instead, the European governments are competing to flatter the fascist gangster in the White House. Even with regard to Greenland, the Europeans claims are not as clear-cut as they pretend. Although the island belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark under international law, it enjoys a high degree of autonomy. Copenhagen only has a say in foreign policy and defence; the Greenlanders themselves regulate internal affairs. The 2009 Self-Government Act expressly guarantees them the right to self-determination: they can therefore decide for themselves at any time whether they want to remain part of Denmark or not. Greenland is also not, as is often claimed, part of the European Union. In 1973, it became a member of the European Community (EC), the predecessor of the EU, as part of Denmark, even though 70 percent of Greenlanders had voted against it. After gaining internal autonomy, Greenland held its own referendum in 1982, in which 53 percent voted in favour of withdrawal, which was completed in 1985. Since then, Greenland has only been associated with the EU as an overseas country or territory. Greenlands relationship with Denmark, which exploited the island as a colony for over two centuries, is also not as close as the government portrays it to be. Between 1966 and 1991, the Danish government implemented a brutal contraception program on the island to reduce the birth rate. For a quarter of a century, every second woman, including many girls, had an intrauterine device inserted without their knowledge. The Danish government did not apologise for this crime until 2025six years after Trump first laid claim to Greenland. Greenland, which has a population of only about 55,000, is dependent on financial support from Denmark. However, at 80 million per year, this support is very modest. It is therefore quite possible that Trump will try to bring Greenland under his control with an offer they cannot refusea combination of threats, blackmail and incentives. This is likely to be the subject of the negotiations agreed upon by the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland with Vance and Rubio. The Europeans are not concerned with justice and self-determination in Greenland; rather, they fear losing out in the ruthless struggle for raw materials, markets and profits that is once again defining the relationship between the imperialist powers. They fear that Trump will break up NATO before they are strong enough to wage wars on their own. That is why they are rearming on a scale not seen since Hitler, and reintroducing conscription to recruit cannon fodder for the next war. The conflict over Greenland is a convenient excuse to close political ranks and stifle resistance to rearmament and war. All parties in the Bundestagfrom the Left Party to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)are in agreement on the Greenland issue. All three opposition parties stand behind the government. Left Party leader Jan van Aken demanded: Not a single millimetre of Greenland will go to the US. He called on the government to make it clear who calls the shots. Trumps behaviour reminds him of Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014, said van Aken: Everyone criticised it at the time, then turned away and carried on as if nothing had happened. If there is no clear statement from Germany, from Friedrich Merz, said the Left Party leader, the US will continue to do the same. For Green Party leader Felix Banaszak, this is not enough. He accused the Left Party of talking about US state terrorism but failing to answer the question of what Germany and the European Union actually want to do to survive in a changed world order. What is needed, he said, is European sovereignty, European resilience, European strength. This also includes greater defence capabilities. For the AfD, which maintains close ties to Trumps MAGA movement and Vice President Vance, German interests also take precedence in the case of Greenland. Party leader Alice Weidel accused Trump of violating a basic campaign promisenamely, not to interfere in other countries. Co-party leader Tino Chrupalla accused Trump of using Wild West methods. It is clear, he said, that the end does not always justify the means. No one should be carried away by this war propaganda under the guise of defending Greenland. Not only Trump, but also Merz, Macron, Starmer and Meloni are preparing new wars to defend imperialist interests in a world where only the law of the strongest applies. The answer to Trumps annexation plans is not European military strength, but the mobilisation of the international working class against war and capitalism. The workers of Europe and the US are allies in this struggle. A large construction crane collapsed onto a passenger train in Thailand on Wednesday, killing at least 32 people and injuring 66 others, with at least seven in critical condition. Three people are listed as missing. The collapse of the crane demonstrates starkly the lack of safety measures throughout the countrys construction industry. Workers check wreckage of train at site where a construction crane fell into a passenger train Wednesday, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. [AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit] The crane, a launching gantry hoisting a concrete segment for a new elevated China-Thailand high-speed rail line, collapsed around 9:00 a.m. in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province. The crane operator, who was injured but survived, stated that he heard the sound of uneven concrete joints sliding against one another shortly before the collapse and had ordered workers off the platform. The crane struck the second carriage of the express train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani carrying 171 passengers and traveling at 120 km/h. The impact cut the carriage in half while derailing the other cars. Train conductors and people nearby the accident site initially rushed to help victims before rescue personnel arrived. One eyewitness, Maliwan Nakthon, described the crash to BBC Thai: There were small pieces like fragments of concrete that started falling. After those fell, the crane slowly slid down and hit. It struck hard, and then it came down and crushed the train. The whole incident took less than one minute. The line under construction was being built through the joint collaboration of the Italian-Thai Development (ITD) company, one of the largest construction companies in Thailand, and the China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC). It is meant to connect Thailand and China via Laos as part of Beijings Belt and Road Initiative. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. According to Pichet Kunadhamraks, the director-general of the Department of Rail Transport, ITD violated a Ministry of Transport safety regulation that requires construction on high-speed rail lines to halt when a train is passing underneath. Pichet stated, The Department of Rail Transport will urgently investigate the true cause, whether it is due to equipment failure or human error, in order to determine penalties and establish preventive measures to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again. ITD expressed regret over Wednesdays accident and pledged to compensate the families of the dead and those injured. However, ITD has a long and notorious record of disregarding safety and causing workplace deaths. For big business, such payouts are the cost of doing business to keep costs low at the expense of safety. This was driven home on Thursday when another crane operated by the same company collapsed on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon striking two vehicles, killing two people, and injuring five more. The crane was being used for the construction of an expressway bridge. Rama II Road is the main route connecting Bangkok with the southern regions of Thailand and is known for frequent accidents related to construction. ITD was also involved in the construction of the state audit building that collapsed in Bangkok as a result of the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar. The accident resulted in the deaths of 95 people, mostly workers. Authorities indicted 23 suspects as a result including Premchai Karnasuta, the president of ITD. A probe released in December found that the company had used substandard concrete and a building design that did not meet legal requirements, among other problems. In March 2025, five people were killed at a highway construction site in Bangkok when another ITD crane collapsed. In August 2024, a tunnel collapsed during railway construction being carried out by ITD that killed three workers, two from China and the third from Myanmar, which took place in the same province as Wednesdays accident. In 2017, an ITD crane collapsed during the construction of an elevated railway in Bangkok that killed three workers. The list of such tragedies could go on. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the ruling Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) and other government officials have ordered official probes into the exact causes of Wednesdays accident, including the creation of a 15-day fact-finding committee. Anutin called on Wednesday for somebody to be punished and held accountable. Anutin stated, Accidents like this can only happen due to negligence, skipped steps, deviations from the design, or the use of incorrect materials. He pointed out that this kind of incident happens very regularly. Anutin was attempting to deflect public anger and give the impression that the government will act to prevent such accidents in the future. Yet Anutin has occupied leading positions within different governments for years. Beginning in 2019 under Prayut Chan-o-cha, he served as both one of the deputy prime ministers and the minister of public health. When Pheu Thai took control of the government in 2023, Anutin continued as a deputy prime minister while becoming the interior minister, a portfolio he holds to this day. He took office as prime minister last September with the backing of the phony progressive Peoples Party. None of these governments or their coalition partners have taken steps to address workplace safety despite accidents that happen very regularly. Only now as outrage grows over the disastrous safety record of the ITD construction company and in the lead-up to the February 8 general election has Anutin declared that he will take legal action against the company and improve regulatory laws. However, even if any new laws are passed, they will do little more than paper over conditions that are not the result of one company or one government, but the capitalist system as a whole that places profits before peoples lives. It is the same system that has made Thailand one of the most economically unequal countries in the world. The World Bank has reported that as of 2021, the richest ten percent in Thailand controls 74.2 percent of the wealth in the country. Under such conditions, big business openly flouts safety and the minimal regulatory laws as well as the needs of the public as a whole. This therefore is another factor behind the governments claims that it will address safety, keenly aware that it is sitting on a social powder keg as the working classs economic conditions decline. The World Bank predicts that the Thai economy will have grown by only two percent last year and will slow to 1.6 percent in 2026. In 2025, prices for household essentials such as food, transportation, and utilities rose by 15.3 percent over the previous year, driving concerns over rising prices among workers. Under Anutin and the BJT or whichever party takes power after February 8, this subordination of safety and lives will not change as all the parties in Thailands political establishment uphold the capitalist system. New Zealands Defence Minister Judith Collins signed two new defence and security pacts with Japan during a visit to Tokyo on December 19. Collins signed the agreements, which upgrade the countries bilateral and multilateral military activities, with Japans Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins with Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi, December 2025. [Photo: LinkedIn/Hon Judith Collins KC MP] Collins Japan visit capped a year in which the far-right National Party-led government further integrated New Zealand, a minor imperialist power, with the expanding US-led alliance for war in the Pacific. In August she welcomed US FBI director Kash Patel to open the agencys new office in Wellington, which he made clear is part of US war preparations against China. During a trip to Washington in October Collins, who is also responsible for NZs Security Intelligence Service agencies, visited CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. She met CIA head John Ratcliffe and other officials, posting photos on social media with her counterpart, President Trumps (now) Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Signing the military logistics deal with Japan, the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), Collins declared: Our forces already work well together, and this agreement will create the conditions for even more seamless cooperation. Collins told the Japan Times that the countries bilateral defence ties continue to go from strength to strength. The ACSA establishes how logistical support will be managed when the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) and the Self-Defence Forces of Japan operate together. This could include refueling at sea using the supply ship HMNZS Aotearoa, or provision of food or medical supplies during joint activities. New Zealand is stepping up on the world stage, and this agreement will ultimately strengthen our interoperability and ability to work closely with our partners, Collins declared. The second document, the Information Security Agreement (ISA), provides the legal framework and procedures for handling classified information and to facilitate sharing a wider range of information securely. Collins said the ISA will enable greater shared understanding of emerging security risks and threats. As the strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific grows increasingly challenging, she said, Japan and New Zealand must coordinate more closely in areas of mutual security interest. The agreements are aimed squarely at North Korea and above all China. The Japan Times observed they are key to expanding the scope and scale of joint military activities and to boost joint training exercises and enhance interoperability. Collins pointed to the growth of joint engagements such as naval patrols in the East and South China seas, often with the navies of like-minded countries including the Philippines, Australia and the United States. New Zealand is the 10th country Japan has reached such a pact with after the signing of a similar one in The Hague on December 18 to promote closer cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Netherlands, again covering the reciprocal provision of supplies and services. Japans military alignments accompany its remilitarization and involvement in US-led war preparations against China. The Japanese government aims to double military spending by 2027. This includes acquiring offensive weaponry capable of reaching China, in a clear breach of the Pacifist Clause of Japans post-World War II Constitution. Tokyo claims it has the right to engage in so-called collective self-defence, preparing to join wars alongside allies. The agreements upgrade a deal signed by NZ Prime Minster Christopher Luxon in Tokyo in June 2024. Luxon and then Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida signed an intelligence-sharing pact and agreed to increase joint military activities and exercises, including in the area of maritime security. Luxon announced the deployment of HMNZS Aotearoa as part of the encirclement of North Korea and significantly boosted NZs contribution to the Korean Demilitarised Zone from 12 soldiers to 53. New Zealand was soon involved in escalating provocations against Beijing. In September 2024 the HMNZS Aotearoa joined the Japanese destroyer JS Sazanami and Australias HMAS Sydney in a sail-though in the sensitive Taiwan Strait. The vessels were taking part in naval exercises in the South China Sea, which has been transformed by the US and its allies into another dangerous flashpoint for conflict with China. In October this year, a NZ Air Force Poseidon aircraft took part for the first time in Japans Maritime Self-Defense Force-led Annual Exercise. In November, following another transit of the Taiwan Strait, the HMNZS Aotearoa carried out surveillance and deterrence activities in international waters of the East China and Yellow Seas, monitoring UN sanctions on North Korea. According to the NZDF, the Aotearoa was shadowed by seven Chinese warships, with Beijing clearly regarding the NZ exercise as a provocation. Collins declared that transits of the Taiwan Strait were carried out in accordance with international law and best practice. By doing this, we are demonstrating our commitment to the international rules-based system in our near regionthe Indo-Pacific. In fact the area is not in NZs near region, but some 9,000 kilometres away, on Chinas doorstep. The so-called rules-based system invoked by Collins is the set of post-World War II rules established by Washington to ensure its global hegemony. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) regularly conducts deployments across a vast area of the Indo-Pacific. In August, two JMSDF vessels, the destroyers JS Ise and JS Suzunami arrived in Wellington for a three-day diplomatic visit, the first time any Japanese naval vessel had visited New Zealands capital in nearly 90 years. The developments accompany a major expansion of NZs military presence in South East Asia. In April Collins visited the Philippines to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement strengthening military cooperation. Washington and its allies, including Japan and Australia, are preparing the Philippines to serve as a staging ground for conflict over Taiwan. The NZDF recently participated in the massive Australian-led Talisman Sabre exercise, training with the US, Australia, Japan and others to increase preparedness to operate together. A NZDF contingent also joined Bersama Shield, an annual exercise in the Malayan Peninsula involving militaries from the UK, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. In May, Hegseth declared that China posed an imminent threat and demanded that US allies in Asia prepare for war over Taiwan by 2027. New Zealands defence budget will increase to $NZ12 billion ($US6.92 billion) over four years, including $NZ9 billion of new spending, to reach 2 percent of GDP by 20322033. Chris Penk, minister for Veterans Affairs, told the Bradbury Group podcast on December 16 that he was proud to be part of a government that is preparing for World War III that may or may not come. The shows liberal host Martyn Bradbury openly supports the militarist spend-up, as does the main opposition Labour Party and the union bureaucracy. It can only be carried through with deepening attacks on public services and living standards of the working class. Defence chiefs also told a parliamentary committee last month that virtually the entire ageing naval fleet must be replaced by 2035 and called for a huge increase in recruitment into the armed forces. After Australias Labor government selected Japans advanced Mogami-class frigate for its navy upgrade, Wellington has expressed interest in the warship, which would provide full interoperability with both navies. Japan and New Zealand are meanwhile also both seeking entry into Pillar Two of the AUKUS pact involving the US, Britain and Australia, which would give them access to its enhanced military technical capabilities program. The governments of the United States, the European Union, Britain and Australia are moving in coordination to abolish online anonymity and impose universal systems of digital identification. Under the pretext of protecting children, they are constructing a framework of surveillance and censorship aimed at countering the political radicalization of workers and youth. Republican Senator Josh Hawley and Democrat Chuck Schumer [AP Photo] On December 11, 2025, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee advanced the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) 2.0, legislation that would effectively require age verification for access to social media and online services. Additionally, Republican Senator Josh Hawley and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced the Guidelines for User Ageverification and Responsible Dialogue (GUARD) Act on October 28, 2025, a bill that would require AI chatbot providers to verify the ages of users and impose restrictions on minors access to AI systems. Australias social media ban for minors under 16, passed in late 2024 under the Online Safety Amendment Act, officially took effect on December 10, 2025. Platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and Snapchat, face fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance. In practice, verifying that users are 16 or older requires platforms to demand identification or biometric data from all users, including adults. The timing of this measure, following mass opposition among youth and workers to the Gaza genocide, underscores its political character. The European Union is negotiating the final terms of the so-called Chat Control law, which would force messaging platforms to verify users ages and expose private communications, undermining encryption and online anonymity under the guise of protecting children. All such systems permanently tie individuals real-world identities to their online activity, making proof of identity a constant requirement for taking part in social and political life. The international coordination of these policies reflects a conscious political strategy. Since 2011, social media has facilitated the circulation of oppositional ideas and the organization of mass protests, from the Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street to the 2024 demonstrations against the genocide in Gaza. Encrypted messaging apps have enabled workers to coordinate strikes outside the control of the trade union bureaucracies. The ruling class views these developments as threats to be neutralized. The drive toward digital authoritarianism and online censorship is part of a broader assault on democratic rights. The same governments pushing universal digital ID are conducting mass deportations, criminalizing protests, expanding police powers, gutting press freedoms and waging wars of aggression abroad. The attacks on online anonymity by major imperialist powers are of a piece with the attack on the right to asylum, the right to strike and the right to oppose government policy without state surveillance. KOSA, sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (Republican-Tennessee) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat-Connecticut), passed the Senate 91-3 on July 30, 2024, with the backing of then Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Whip John Thune, reflecting bipartisan support for a sweeping attack on online anonymity. The legislation was reintroduced on May 14, 2025, and the House subcommittee advanced it on December 11, 2025. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) unanimously approved amendments to the Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) on January 16, 2025, expanding government oversight of childrens online activity under the guise of privacy protection. The rules took effect on June 23, 2025, with a compliance deadline of April 22, 2026. The FTC has scheduled a workshop on age verification technologies for January 28, 2026. On October 28, 2025, fascist Republican Senator Josh Hawley introduced the GUARD Act (Guidelines for User Ageverification and Responsible Dialogue), with bipartisan cosponsors, including Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal, Chris Murphy, Mark Warner and Mark Kelly. The bill would force AI chatbots to verify users ages and disclose their non-human status, extending government surveillance into digital platforms under the guise of protecting children. The bill would force age verification for all AI chatbot users, prohibit minors from accessing AI companions and impose criminal penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment. The Supreme Courts June 2025 ruling in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton upheld a Texas law requiring age verification for websites with more than one-third sexually explicit content. Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the majority (joined by Roberts, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett), declared that the First Amendment does not grant adults a right to anonymous access that outweighs a states interest in protecting minors. Across the US, more than a dozen states have enacted ageverification laws requiring proof of age to access online adult content or other such services, even as some of these statutes face legal challenges, and enforcement varies by jurisdiction. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the App Store Accountability Act (SB 2420) on May 27, 2025, requiring age verification at app store account creation. A federal judge blocked the law in December 2025 as unconstitutionally vague. In Louisiana, a federal judge ruled on December 18, 2025, that SB 162, requiring age verification for social media users under 16, violates the First Amendment. Missouris age verification law took effect on November 30, 2025, with penalties of $10,000 per day for non-compliance. The European Commission first proposed the Child Sexual Abuse Regulation (Chat Control) in May 2022. After the European Court of Human Rights ruled in defense of encrypted communications in early 2024, the EU Council suspended a planned vote. On November 26, 2025, EU ambassadors approved a revised proposal by a narrow margin, with Italy, Czech Republic and Poland voting against and the Netherlands abstaining. The framework includes mandatory age verification for messaging platforms and voluntary scanning of non-encrypted messages. Meredith Whittaker, president of the Signal Foundation and its encrypted messaging app, stated: If forced to choose between undermining encryption and data protection guarantees or leaving Europe, Signal would unfortunately make the decision to leave the market. Trilogue negotiations between the Council and Parliament began December 9, 2025, with a final deal expected by June 2026. In mid-December 2025, members of the UK House of Lords introduced amendments to the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill requiring mandatory on-device surveillance software on smartphones and tablets, unremovable by users. Additional amendments would ban VPN access to users under 18. On November 25, 2025, the Alaska Department of Administration issued a request for information on integrating agentic AI into the states myAlaska mobile application. The system would enable AI agents to complete transactions on behalf of users with biometric authentication via facial recognition or fingerprints, extending to 300 digital services and a digital wallet for drivers licenses, permits and certifications. In Brazil, the government has deployed the Aletheia AI system, which continuously scans social media, blogs and news sites for statements classified as disinformation or hate speech, identifying individuals for prosecution. Googles Play Age Signals API, published in November 2025, provides age-related signals to Android applications, effectively classifying users into various age ranges. On December 10, 2025, the Trump administration announced proposed rules requiring applicants from 42 visa-waiver countries to submit five years of social media history, email addresses used in the past 10 years, telephone numbers, facial data, fingerprints, DNA samples and iris images through the ESTA Mobile application. A separate Final Rule, effective December 26, 2025, expands biometric collection from virtually all non-US citizens at entry and exit. The consensus behind these measuresfrom the 91-3 Senate vote for KOSA to the Supreme Courts 6-3 ruling upholding age verificationdemonstrates that both parties of the American ruling class support the abolition of online anonymity. Australia passed its social media ban in November 2024, weeks after mass protests against Israeli genocide in Gaza swept university campuses. The claim that these measures protect children is a fraud. The same governments imposing age verification are arming Israels slaughter of children in Gaza, cutting funding for schools and healthcare and forcing youth into military service for imperialist wars. The target is political opposition. Brazils Aletheia system, scanning social media for prosecutable speech, shows the trajectory: from protecting children to criminalizing dissent. The working class cannot defend democratic rights through appeals to the courts or capitalist politicians. US federal judges have blocked some state laws on First Amendment grounds, but the Supreme Court has ruled that age verification is constitutional. The EU has overridden objections from various civil liberties organizations. More fundamentally, the defense of privacy requires a political struggle against the capitalist system. The same ruling class constructing universal digital identification is waging war abroadinvading Venezuela, arming genocide in Gaza, escalating toward conflict with Russia and Chinaand building a police state at home through mass deportations, attacks on the press and the gutting of constitutional protections. These are two fronts of the same war against the working class. Only the independent political mobilization of workers, aimed at the expropriation of the technology monopolies and the socialist reorganization of society, can halt the descent into digital authoritarianism. On Wednesday, agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided the Virginia home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson, in an unprecedented escalation of the Trump administrations campaign against alleged leaks of classified information. The raid, ordered at the request of the Pentagon and approved by Attorney General Pam Bondis Justice Department, was carried out under the pretext of investigating a government contractor accused of improperly retaining national defense information. The FBI seized Natansons phone, her personal laptop, a Postissued laptop and a Garmin smartwatch, effectively ransacking the basic tools of her work and sweeping up material that includes confidential communications with hundreds of current and former federal employees. Natanson, a Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist who has been at the center of the Posts exposure of President Donald Trumps purge and restructuring of the federal workforce, was present when FBI agents arrived with a search warrant authorizing the seizure of her devices. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, left, and President Donald Trump listen in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] Officials have claimed that the journalist herself is not a target of the investigation, which they say is focused on Aurelio PerezLugones, a Marylandbased Pentagon systems administrator charged in federal court with unlawful retention of classified documents. But the real purpose of the operation is unmistakable: to intimidate whistleblowers throughout the federal government and to send a warning to journalists who expose the criminal conspiracies of the state. The Post reported Thursday that sources already were in contact this morning to register their worry about being discovered in a similar way, i.e., through a government raid on a journalists home. Alex Papachristou, the director of the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, warned the assault on press freedoms would have a cryogenic [freezing] effect on sources willingness to speak out. The raid took place just weeks after Natanson published reports drawing on confidential documents and an extensive network of sources inside agencies targeted by Trumps drive to dismantle large sections of the civil service. Several lengthy articles published at the end of December detailed the Trump administrations assault on the federal workforce and the targeting of foundational social programs. A December 24 piece titled, I am The Posts federal government whisperer. Its been brutal revealed the Trump administrations wrecking operation within federal agencies, leading to the firings or resignations of hundreds of thousands of workers and the destruction of the services they administered. Among the more politically significant findings Natanson revealed were the workings of billionaire oligarch and onetime special government employee Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Workers reported being ordered to get data sent to Doge and feared that Musk and Trump were pooling millions of Americans personal information, turning government databases into instruments for the administrations authoritarian agenda. One of Natansons most recent published articles, How Social Security has gotten worse under Trump, reveals the politically driven class character of Trumps budget cuts, staffing reductions and antifraud measures, all directed against the programs most vulnerable beneficiaries. The report details the pushing out of over 7,000 employees within months of DOGEs takeover and the closure of dozens of regional offices, eliminating access for tens of thousands of US senior citizens. This occurred while socalled antifraud policies forced basic transactions like directdeposit changes and immigrant work authorization to be done in person or online, rather than over the phone or by mail, even though many elderly, disabled and lowincome beneficiaries cannot travel or use the Social Security website. This has contributed to a massive backlog of claims at the agency, delaying millions of peoples access to fundamental social benefits like retirement and assistance at an agency once referred to by Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a cornerstone program protecting working people from the hazards and vicissitudes of life. Attorney General Bondi boasted on social media that the FBI had executed a warrant at the home of a reporter who was acquiring and reporting classified and illegally disclosed information, cynically denouncing the exposure of government secrets as a threat to national security, concealing the illegal actions and intrigues being exposed. News organizations and press freedom advocates condemned the search as a dangerous crossing of a line that even previous administrations, despite their own vicious pursuit of leakers, had hesitated to breach. In an email to staff, Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray called the search and seizure an extraordinary, aggressive action that is deeply concerning and raises profound questions and [concerns] around the constitutional protections for our work. Former New York Times investigative journalist James Risen, who was previously targeted by the Obama Justice Department for his role in covering the illegal wiretapping programs of the Bush administration, stated the Trump White Houses response goes way beyond anything that is expected or required under any normal and traditional guidelines covering the way the government deals with the press. Laura Poitras, one of several prominent journalists who helped reveal massive spying on the worlds population at the National Security Agency, called the home raid an outrageous escalation. Both Poitras and Risen were targets of the Obama administration, which brought a record number of Espionage Act cases against alleged leakers, targeting sources like Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden and others who provided classified information to the press. In the aftermath of the December 14 Bondi terrorist attack, which claimed 15 lives and injured dozens, the political establishment is cynically exploiting the atrocity to implement a raft of anti-democratic measures. The offensive is being led by the federal Labor government. Last week, it announced a Royal Commission, which has nothing to do with investigating the circumstances of the attack, but has the character of a witch-hunting body directed against mass opposition to the Israeli genocide in Gaza and Australias complicity in it. The Royal Commission is the spearhead of an authoritarian campaign that is to extend into every area of social and political life. The educational system is a particular target. Just four days after the Bondi attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the creation of the Antisemitism Education Taskforce, chaired by corporate figure David Gonski and featuring the governments Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal. Jillian Segal, David Gonski [Photo: X/@AlboMP, AP/Rick Rycroft] Albanese also committed to fully implementing Segals pro-Zionist, Trump-style recommendations announced in July 2025. Among other attacks, the recommendations call for the defunding of universities and other public institutions that fail to stamp out criticism of Israel and the introduction of Zionist propaganda into the schools. As with the entire campaign, the targeting of the schools is based on cynical double-speak. Under the guise of educating children about antisemitism and preventing its spread, the aim is to stamp out oppositional, anti-genocide and anti-war sentiments, and to impose a regime under which educators at all levels are in fear of being targeted if they step out of line. The taskforce is led by two entrenched figures of the Australian establishment. Gonski, a longstanding corporate executive and government adviser on education has been appointed chair for the 12-month term. Working alongside him is Segal, a prominent and outspoken representative of the pro-Israel Zionist lobby and the Albanese governments special envoy to combat antisemitism. Its aim spans early childhood education, schools, universities and higher education providers, with direct involvement from national curriculum authorities, teacher-training bodies and tertiary regulators. Far from a symbolic stand against racism or terrorism the taskforce is designed to restructure curriculum, professional standards, funding arrangements and disciplinary regimes, with far-reaching implications for democratic rights. Educators, students and academic staff must recognise this initiative for what it is: an attempt to establish conditions in the schools and universities that are of a police-state character. Segals appointment as Special Envoy and her role on the taskforce underscore its overtly political character. She has defended Israels bombardment of civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including hospitals, actions that violate international law and constitute collective punishment, and has accused universities of fostering antisemitism for permitting pro-Palestinian protests and criticism of Zionism. At the universities she has pushed for disciplinary action against staff and students and for the adoption of the contested IHRA definition of antisemitism, which reclassifies opposition to Zionism and the Israeli state as hate speech, legitimising state and administrative repression of anti-war dissent. Gonski, a supporter of the Israeli state, represents the managerial wing of this agenda. A corporate insider rather than an educator, he reshaped schooling through the so-called needs-based funding model, entrenching market mechanisms, standardised testing and performance management while deepening inequality. Together, Segal and Gonski personify the ideological policing of campuses and the subordination of education to corporate, Zionist and military priorities. At its first meeting on December 19, chaired by David Gonski and attended by Education Minister Jason Clare, the Antisemitism Education Taskforce launched its plan of how the education system will respond to antisemitism. The taskforce brings together state, territory and federal education departments, non-government, Independent and Catholic school authorities, Jewish school bodies, curriculum agencies, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the interim Australian Tertiary Education Commission. The meeting finalised the terms of reference, governance arrangements and a timetable for initial recommendations to be delivered to education ministers by February 2026. Central to its work is implementing the governments response to the Special Envoys Plan to Combat Antisemitism, an agenda of expanded censorship and state monitoring across all levels of education, from early childhood to universities. The Terms of Reference adopted at the first meeting made four main points. Firstly, the task force calls on national agencies, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority; and the Australian Childrens Education and Care Quality Authority, to be tasked with reviewing the Australian Curriculum and Early Years Framework. The stated goal is to reject all forms of antisemitic thought and action, strengthen content regarding Jewish Australians history and culture and promote an understanding and expression of Australian values. Given Segals explicit conflation of antisemitism and anti-Zionism, that is a call for a curriculum that defends the Israeli state even as it is perpetrating a genocide against the Palestinians. The reference to Australian values underscores the right-wing character of the push to overhaul curricula. The slogan has always been associated with a right-wing dogwhistle against immigrants, in recent decades particularly those from the Middle East and areas of the world with a large Islamic population. Under the guise of combatting bigotry, the taskforce is promoting a right-wing concept embraced by racists, including those who are classically antisemitic. The second reference point concerns teacher training. The taskforce is developing new professional learning requirements to train teachers to recognise and respond to antisemitism, including compulsory modules and the adaptation of UNESCO-linked programs to enforce the governments definitions of permissible speech. This includes the establishment of a national online hub supplying schools and teachers with officially approved resources, described as trusted voices, along with guidance aimed at promoting social cohesion. The plan effectively is creating a state-sanctioned narrative, promoting fear within the classroom, opposing any critical thought and suppressing freedom of speech. The third reference point is the delivery of the Special Envoys first University Report Cards where institutions will be graded on their progress in suppressing pro-Palestinian sentiment and the enforcement of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This will also include complaints processes that may incite discrimination. The fourth reference point is the strengthening of the powers and penalties of bodies such as the TEQSA, Australias national regulator for higher education. Universities and other publicly funded bodies that fail to monitor compliance, in other words persecute dissent, face the restriction or total cutoff of federal funding. The taskforce operates alongside the governments agenda of tougher hate-speech laws, expanded police and regulatory powers, and moves to criminalise or defund organisations accused of extremism, positioning schools and universities as frontline institutions of state control. While suppressing mass opposition to the genocide is the immediate aim of this program, its purpose is broader. The Labor government, as part of its lockstep alignment with US imperialism and the Trump administration, is seeking to subordinate universities to a war agenda, centred on the preparations for conflict with China. Funding and courses at universities are increasingly tailored to that aim, along with pumping out graduates who can meet the immediate workforce needs of the major corporations. The material forces driving the taskforce go beyond the aims of the Zionists against the Palestinian people but are rooted in the deeper contradictions of capitalism. Central is the Albanese governments alignment with US-led wars, its commitments under AUKUS, and preparations for conflict with China, all of which demand ideological conformity and the suppression of dissent. This governments program, of war abroad and a war against social conditions domestically, is incompatible with basic democratic rights, including academic freedom and freedom of speech. As in 1930s Germany and in Trumps America, the universities and schools are to be subordinated directly to the state, authoritarianism and war. The defence of academic freedom and democratic rights cannot be entrusted to the very parties, regulators and institutional leaders implementing this program. Nor can it be left to union bureaucracies, such as the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU), and teacher unions which have repeatedly collaborated with governments and management enforcing restructures and suppressed rank-and-file opposition. Rank-and-file committees of staff and students must be built across campuses and schools to coordinate resistance. These committees should demand: no gag clauses tied to public funding, oppose victimisations and censorship, full restoration and expansion of funding for humanities and other courses, employ thousands of additional teachers, protection of jobs, workloads and tenure, and the repeal of anti-protest and politicised hate speech laws. Above all, the defence of democratic rights and academic freedom must be tied to a broader struggle against war, and austerity. The task is not to reform capitalist institutions, but to mobilise the independent social power of the working class against them. The Segal-Gonski taskforce is not a benign review. It is an assault on the right and capacity of workers and students to think, learn and oppose imperialist violence. The only effective defence lies in building democratic, independent rank-and-file organisations and waging a determined and unified fight for a free, high-quality education for all. If you would like further information forming rank-and-file committees in your schools, we encourage you to contact the CFPE to discuss this perspective. Contact the CFPE: Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/commforpubliceducation Twitter: CFPE_Australia Facebook: facebook.com/groups/opposeaeusellout A man takes photos as a black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern train, Feb. 6, 2023. [AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar] Residents of East Palestine, Ohio say they have long-term health problems stemming from the massive derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in February 2023. In a bid to reopen the tracks as soon as possible, the company decided to burn off highly toxic vinyl chloride from chemical tank cars, citing a bogus risk of explosion. Jami Wallace is a lifelong resident of East Palestine and an outspoken critic of the handling of the disaster by Norfolk Southern, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as both the Biden and Trump administrations. Jami is married and a mother of a daughter who was 3 at the time of the derailment. Jami was working as a human resource director. Now she is working as a research assistant. Jami spoke with the World Socialist Web Site about the disaster and the effect it has had on herself, her family and the community. I have been diagnosed with asthma. Ive been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I have a cyst on my right ovary that I see a surgeon about next week and I have low activity in the memory portion of my brain. I am going to get an MRI this month to see if I have brain lesions or possibly a brain tumor. On February 3, 2023, 38 cars derailed on a Norfolk Southern freight train near East Palestine, Ohio, 11 cars of which carried hazardous chemicals. The derailment was caused by an overheated wheel bearing that failed after warnings and alarms were ignored by the company. Three days later, company and government officials carried out a socalled controlled release and burn in which five tanker cars carrying 1.1 million pounds of vinyl chloride were punctured and set on fire. This produced a towering inferno over 300 feet high and a black plume visible for miles that sent contaminants across the surrounding countryside. Chemicals that didnt burn flooded into the ground and nearby creeks. Jamis home, shared with her husband and daughter, was within a mile of the site. They evacuated that evening along with most of the towns residents. Norfolk Southern and government officials declared it safe to return two days later, and within 15 minutes of lifting the evacuation order, trains began rumbling through the town again. The night of the derailment, I was home with my daughter and her cousin. My husband and his brother went out to have drinks. My mom called and said they were evacuating everyone within a mile radius, so we grabbed a few things and rushed out the door. With hotels in the area booking up, we slept on the floor of my brothers hotel room thinking we would be home in the morning. When the evacuation was lifted, my husband asked where we were going and I said home. If the EPA said it was safe, it was safe. As soon as I pulled in the driveway, I started coughing, face was burning, my skin was turning red and I knew, my body knew it was not safe to be there. Almost immediately following the derailment and burning, residents began complaining of respiratory problems, blistering noses, burning eyes and sore throats. Many suffered from headaches, nausea and dizziness. A week after the derailment, I was having a lot of issues breathing and coughing. I was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. I took antibiotics and steroids but that didnt help. I went back and they put me through three rounds of steroids and antibiotics and it still didnt go away. Im almost 50 and you know your body. Ive had hundreds of upper respiratory infections in my life, and I know that was different. My daughter and husband had the same. My daughter had the same diagnosis, but got better after one round of medicine, but we kept her away from the chemicals. My husband just never went to the hospital; he is a typical man. Jami Wallace with her family. [Photo by Jami Wallace] Jami later became a leader of a community group, the Unity Council for the EP Train Derailment, which fought for residents to reject a class action settlement which left the railroad off the hook. She says, based on her connections with other residents, similar issues are affecting hundreds of residents throughout the area. A woman contacted me [that] her husband died of lung cancer about six months ago. She has just been diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast and now they want to biopsy her other breast. A man came down with a rare form of breast cancer after the derailment, and he had to have a double mastectomy. Now the cancer is moving to other parts of his body. Many people have had surgery on their thyroids and had their thyroid removed. A friend of mine called and her husband both got diagnosed with neuropathy. Another friend and her husband are on seizure medication. In the beginning, Jami said. There were more symptoms. We saw a lot of people with upper respiratory infections, chemical bronchitis or rashes. Then we started seeing things like seizures, so you could tell it was getting a little worse. Seizures, neuropathy, things like that. And now were seeing a lot of heart attacks and cancers and things of that nature. I just watched it move from symptoms to long-term illness and now were already seeing terminal illnesses. Asked if she knew for sure that these illnesses are caused by vinyl chloride exposure, Jami said no. She explains that when the testing is done to establish safe levels of exposure it is only done on one chemical at a time, not the soup of chemicals they were exposed to. We can learn from our past disasters. When you look at every other chemical disaster in the United Statesthey all have respiratory issues; they all have thyroid issues; they all have neurological issues; they all have gastrointestinal issues. Theres a profile. A lot of the symptoms were seeing in East Palestine are the same symptoms that our Gulf War veterans saw when they came home after being exposed to the chemical burn pits. The primary chemical involved in the open burn was vinyl chlorideused to make PVC plastics. Estimates put the total vaporized/handled volume at around 1.1 million pounds. Burning vinyl chloride produces dioxins and other toxic byproducts. Independent testing and whistleblower documents have found traces of dioxins and a range of other hazardous compounds in soil, water and furnace filters after the burn. Additional chemicals on the train and detected afterwards included butyl acrylate, ethylhexyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, isobutylene and residues like benzeneall of which present acute toxic and/or carcinogenic hazards when released into the air or water. The contamination spread into surface water systems (creeks and the Ohio River basin), soil and the local atmosphere; thousands of dead fish and wildlife were reported and residents many miles away smelled chemical fumes. Jami explains, This affected every part of your life. I have a six-year-old. Im married. Im sick all the time. Im at the doctors, more in the past three years than I probably have been in my entire life. It affects your job. It affects you financially even with insurance, my medical bills are stacking up. I have health insurance through my current job, and even with that the out-of-pocket expenses and the co-pays, my bills are stacking up. Were one of the poorest communities in the state of Ohio. Were part of Appalachia and a lot of people dont have any medical insurance at all. I feel like the very, very least we deserve to have is medical insurance, not just for ourselves but for our children. We dont know what their medical issues are going to be in the future. Theyre the ones that are going to truly pay and if my daughter gets sick and cant work, she needs to have some kind of insurance. It affects me mentally. I get phone calls every single day from residents that are sick, some of them are terminal. These arent just random people. These are people that I grew up with. People that I love. My family. Mentally watching everyones health decline. I knew it would come. I just didnt know it would come this fast. And it is being ignored by the government. We continue day after day to show evidence of how our government betrayed us, how we were fed lies, but there has been zero action from our government to right the wrongs for the community. Instead, they ignore us and continue to leave us sitting in contamination while they study us. With a market cap of $40.1 billion, Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (MLM) is a natural resource-based building materials company that supplies aggregates and heavy-side construction materials across the United States and internationally. It serves infrastructure, residential, and nonresidential construction markets as well as industrial and environmental sectors. The Raleigh, North Carolina-based company is expected to announce its fiscal Q4 2025 results soon. Ahead of the event, analysts forecast MLM to report an adjusted EPS of $4.83, up marginally from $4.79 in the year-ago quarter. It has surpassed Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in two of the past four quarters while missing on two other occasions. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts predict the seller of granite, limestone, sand and gravel to post an adjusted EPS of $18.47, a 43% decrease from $32.41 in fiscal 2024. However, adjusted EPS is projected to grow 18.6% year-over-year to $21.90 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com MLM stock has gained 29.7% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 19.3% increase and the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLB) 14.4% rise over the same period. www.barchart.com Despite reporting weaker-than-expected Q3 2025 adjusted EPS of $5.97 and revenue of $1.85 billion, shares of MLM rose nearly 1% on Nov. 4. Martin Marietta raised its full-year adjusted EBITDA forecast to a midpoint of $2.32 billion and reported an 8% increase in aggregates shipments, signaling resilient demand and pricing strength supported by infrastructure spending and data-center-driven construction activity. Analysts' consensus view on MLM stock is cautiously optimistic, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating. Among 21 analysts covering the stock, 12 recommend a "Strong Buy," one gives a "Moderate Buy" rating, and eight have a "Hold." The average analyst price target for Martin Marietta Materials is $679.25, suggesting a potential upside of 2% from current levels. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com In a highly provocative move on December 26, Israel announced that it would formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state. The territory unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991. As the first country to do so, Israels move, driven by its strategic aim of controlling access to the Red Sea, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean, has triggered alarm across the Horn of Africa and beyond. Somaliland, in north-western Somalia, lies east of Djibouti which hosts military bases for the United States, China, France and several other countries. Home to around five million people living in extreme poverty, with high unemployment and insecurity, Somalilands main asset is the port of Berbera. Situated on the Gulf of Aden near the Bab el Mandeb strait, the gateway to the Red Sea, and opposite Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, Berbera occupies a position of enormous strategic value. The Horn is one of the worlds most unstable regions, shaped by long-standing, interlinked conflicts and positioned along a maritime corridor through which 15 percent of global maritime trade and 30 percent of global containerised traffic passon the way to the Suez Canal, Europe and North America. This has made it the focus of competing interests by the US, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russia, Israel and China, with each backing rival states and factions within them to secure influence. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with his Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, have signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations, including the opening of embassies. This follows a year of discussions in which the establishment of an Israeli military base and the resettlement of forcibly displaced Palestinians from Gaza were reportedly raised, although Somalilands foreign minister denied the reports at the time. Netanyahu justified the move as consistent with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which have provided for the deepening of military and intelligence ties between the Gulf petro-monarchs and Israel. In so doing, he revealed Somalilands motivation: securing US recognition that could unlock trade, loans and investment in the impoverished country, forced by decades of diplomatic isolation to function as an autarkic economy. Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (left) with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, January 6, 2026 [Photo: Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Facebook] Netanyahu promised immediate cooperation in agriculture, health, technology and the economy. He added, Of course Ill communicate to President Trump your willingness and desire to join the Abraham Accords. The US defended Israel against Somali moves for an emergency meeting of the Security Council at the UN but noted its own position on Somaliland (non-recognition) had not changed. Somalia responded by denouncing Israels actions as a deliberate attack on its sovereignty. The African Union likewise rejected Israels move, saying it risked setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent. More than 20 states, mostly in the Middle East and Africa, made similar statements. Israels alignment with the UAE Israels Institute for National Security Studies openly articulated the strategic logic behind the move. It argued that Somalilands territory could serve as a forward base for multiple missions: intelligence monitoring of the Houthis and their armament efforts; logistical support for Yemens legitimate government in its war against them; and a platform for direct operations against the Houthis. Since the start of the war in Gaza, Israel has struck Houthi targets, military and civilian, while Houthi forces have targeted Israelilinked shipping in the Red Sea in support of the Palestinians. Israel has already established a military-intelligence base on the Socotra archipelago in the Gulf of Aden opposite Yemen, in collaboration with the UAE. Their close collaboration has fuelled the widespread belief that the UAE played a key role in brokering Israels recognition of Somaliland. Abu Dhabi is investing heavily in developing Berbera as an alternative to Djibouti. Last June, it signed a $3 billion deal to build a railway linking Berbera to Aysha in Ethiopia, running parallel to the existing highway, as part of its broader plans for an infrastructure network that could extend to Kenya. DP World Berbera New Port [Photo: MFA Somaliland] The UAE refused to sign the joint Arab-Islamic statement condemning Israels recognition of Somaliland. This prompted Somalia to cancel its agreements with the UAE covering key port operations, security cooperation and defence. The Israel-Turkey conflict Israels recognition of Somaliland places it on a collision course with Turkey which has backed Mogadishu against Hargeisa for more than a decade. It has turned Somalia into a de facto Turkish protectorate and a key gateway for Turkeys expanding political, military and economic presence in Africa. Since President Recep Tayyip Erdogans 2011 visit to Mogadishu, Ankara has invested heavily in the country, particularly in oil and gas, but also building schools, hospitals and infrastructure, offering scholarships for Somalis to study in Turkey and establishing its largest embassy. Turkey opened its biggest overseas military base in Mogadishu in 2017 and has begun construction of a space port that it intends to use for testing of long-range ballistic missiles. In December 2024, the two countries signed the Ankara Declaration, a defence and economic cooperation agreement, that positioned Turkey as a mediator in the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute. Turkey Opens Largest Foreign Military Base in Mogadishu [Photo: VOA] With Ankara positioning itself as the principal guarantor of Somalias unity and sovereignty, Israels recognition of Somaliland is a direct threat. The clash reflects a broader geopolitical rivalry. Turkey offers rhetorical support for Hamas in Gaza and insists on maintaining a unified Syrian state under the regime of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, while Israel prefers a fragmented, decentralised Syria that can no longer act as a regional counterweight. Both states pursue their aims through proxy forces, military bases and aerial strikes, each seeking to reshape the regional order in line with its own interests. In the eastern Mediterranean, the antagonism is even sharper. Israel, Greece and Cyprus remain committed to the EastMed Pipeline, designed to transport gas to Europe while bypassing Turkey entirely. Ankara views this as part of a broader attempt to encircle Turkey economically. Israeli arms sales to Cyprus are another antagonising factor. The timing of Netanyahus recognition of Somaliland was deliberate. It came just days after a summit in Jerusalem to form a strategic alliance between Israel, Greece and Cyprus aimed at countering Israels regional isolation. Netanyahu took aim at Turkey, saying To those who fantasize they can restore their empires and their rule over our countries I say: forget it. Its not going to happen. Dont even think about it. While Erdogan denounced Israels recognition of Somaliland, he refrained from criticising the UAE, which has become a crucial economic lifeline for Turkey. It has established a $10 billion investment fund in the country, part of a larger commitment to invest $50 billion. Bilateral trade between the two nations now exceeds $40 billion. The other regional players The other countries in the region with major interests in the Somaliland question are Ethiopia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In January 2024, landlocked Ethiopia, the Horn of Africas powerhouse and for a long period the regions anchor state on behalf of US imperialism, signed an agreement with Somaliland granting it access to Berbera as its main maritime outlet. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is seeking to diversify Ethiopias reliance on Djibouti which handles 90 percent of its trade at a cost of $1.5 billion. The deal signalled Ethiopias recognition of Somaliland as an independent state and de facto line up with the UAE. It produced a furious response from Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea. Map showing the main players in the geopolitical tensions over the Horn of Africa. [Photo by Created with mapchart.net / CC BY-SA 4.0 Egypt opposes Somaliland and Israels recognition in large part as a result of its conflict with Ethiopia, centred on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) which threatens to reduce the flow of the Blue Nile, which supplies 80 percent of Egypts water. Cairo has signed a military cooperation agreement with Mogadishu to train Somali forces and invest in military infrastructure. Saudi Arabias opposition to Israels move is shaped by its intensifying rivalry with the UAE for control over Red Sea chokepoints, ports and logistics corridors. Riyadh is expanding its own presence, including a 30year concession for the Saudiowned Red Sea Gateway Terminal to develop Djiboutis port of Tadjourah. At the same time, Saudi Arabia and its regional allies face growing challenges from UAEbacked proxiesthe Rapid Support Forces in Sudan and Southern Transitional Council in Yemenand Abu Dhabis broader push to secure recognition for Somaliland. The US and Chinese response President Donald Trump publicly dismissed the idea of recognising Somaliland, remarking, Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really? Yet this flippant remark contradicts his own administrations strategic planning. Project 2025, drafted by the Heritage Foundation, explicitly recommended recognising Somaliland as a means of countering Chinas growing influence in Djibouti and the wider region. Divisions within the administration reflect competing imperialist priorities. Some officials fear that recognising Somaliland would jeopardise military cooperation with Somalia in the US air war in the region, carried out under the banner of combatting alShabaab and ISIL. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] Trumps second administration has dramatically escalated aerial strikes in Somaliamore than the combined total under George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Bidenkilling over 7,000 people. These operations, largely ignored by the mainstream media, are on track to exceed the 219 strikes carried out during Trumps first term. Nevertheless, on Wednesday, the Trump administration suspended all assistance to the Somali federal government, claiming that officials had destroyed a World Food Programme warehouse at Mogadishu port filled with food aid it funded. The action underscores Washingtons readiness to use economic coercion, and follows Trumps vitriolic campaign against Somali immigrants to the US. These moves come in the context of China reaffirmation of support for Somalia, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi telling his Somali counterpart last week: We will consistently support Somalia in safeguarding its national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and oppose Somalilands collusion with the Taiwan authorities in seeking independence. Capitalist war and the Horn of Africa Israeland the UAEsefforts to secure recognition for Somaliland highlight and enflame the enormous geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, a region that is already contending with multiple crises amid drought and famine: Soldiers arrive to the Allafah market, in an area recently recaptured by Sudan's army from the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, in the Al Kalalah district, south of Khartoum, Sudan, March 27, 2025. [AP Photo/AP Photo, File] The civil war in Sudan between rival military factions that has killed more than 150,000 people and displaced more than 12 million, creating the worlds largest humanitarian crisis that threatens to spill over into neighbouring Ethiopia and South Sudan. Increasingly tense relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea that could escalate into war as Ethiopia pushes for Red Sea access. Political tensions in South Sudan that could reignite civil war. Across the Red Sea, the civil war in Yemen between Houthi rebels to the north and Saudi and UAE-backed forces that are backing rival factions in the south. The combination of competing imperialist and regional interests over trade routes and resource, intersecting with the venal ambitions of the local ruling classes, has not only turned the region into a social nightmare for tens of millions, it has created a tinderbox for war with global consequences. A major conflictpossibly between the two rival blocs of Ethiopia-Somaliland backed by the UAE and Israel, and Somalia-Egypt-Eritrea-Turkey backed by Saudi Arabia and Qatarwould disrupt critical marine traffic and involve outside powers already deeply entangled in the region. These dangers are fundamentally rooted in capitalism: the private ownership of the means of production, the division of the world into rival nation states and the relentless struggle for markets, profits and resources. Developments around Somaliland are further proof that this global system is in profound crisis, posing immense dangers to workers and oppressed people around the world. They underscore the necessity of a socialist internationalist movement, unifying workers around the globe in the fight for a society based on democratically planned production for need, not competition for private gain and geopolitical power. Soon after the emergence of COVID-19, the International Committee of the Fourth International made the correct analysis that the pandemic had to be understood as a trigger event in world history. It did not create a crisis in public health, but rather exposed and accelerated longstanding processes: the erosion of life expectancy, the dismantling of scientific institutions, and the subordination of human life to the profit requirements and military-strategic interests of the financial oligarchy. The world has now entered the seventh year of the COVID pandemic, with the United States facing the 12th major wave of infections. Conservative estimates place cumulative COVID deaths in the United States at over 1.2 million, while excess-mortality analyses indicate a substantially higher toll. Globally, excess-mortality modeling places the true pandemic death toll in the tens of millions, with central estimates near 27 million worldwide, far exceeding official counts. Transmission continues at high ratespresently at roughly 1 million infections per day, with more than 240 million infections recorded in 2025 alone. Reinfections are widespread, and Long COVID remains a mass disabling condition affecting millions. What has ended is not the pandemic, but any acknowledgement by the political and media establishment that COVID-19 remains a major threat. There is zero political commitment to even the meager combination of mitigation, surveillance and data-gathering. This was not and is not an oversight. It is a decision to conceal the ongoing harm that is affecting the entire global population. Arihana Macias, 7, gets a compress after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children five to 12 years at a Dallas County Health and Human vaccination site in Mesquite, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. [AP Photo/LM Otero] As has been repeatedly demonstrated, the COVID pandemic has exposed an intensifying attack on the working class. The consequences of the public health collapse, combined with the broader assault on material living conditions, have produced a stark divergence in life expectancy between the bourgeoisie and the working class. Research by economists Angus Deaton and Anne Case demonstrated that life expectancy in the United States began to diverge sharply along class lines around the turn of the millennium. This divergence accelerated after the financial crisis of 2008, when life expectancy among working class layers declined for the first time in decades, and it was dramatically intensified by the pandemic. A long-term comparative analysis of US mortality trends from 1980 to 2023 estimates approximately 14.7 million excess deaths in the United States relative to other high-income countries. These deaths were not the result of a single event but of accumulated structural disadvantagesinequality, underinvestment in public health and unequal access to carethat were sharply exacerbated by the pandemic. Each excess death represents a life cut short, families destabilized and human potential permanently lost. Class differences in the impact of COVID-19 During the earliest phase of the ongoing COVID pandemic, life expectancy fell far more sharply among poorer and working class layers than among the wealthiest. Exposure risk, access to care, the ability to isolate and the burden of long-term disability followed class lines. Now, barely six years latera brief period in historical termsinternational evidence confirms the devastation wrought by the COVID pandemic and how it continues to sicken population health. In Finland, one of the most detailed pictures of the cumulative health impact of COVID has emerged through analysis of national healthcare data. Ilkka Rauvola, an equity research analyst, examined data from Avohilmo, Finlands national primary healthcare registry maintained by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Using time-series analysis, Rauvola showed that since 2019, the cumulative share of the population diagnosed with illness has risen sharply across nearly every major disease category. By 2025, diagnoses involving mental and behavioral disorders, immune and blood disorders, nervous system diseases and metabolic conditions had increased to roughly one and a half to nearly two times pre-pandemic levels. He correlated these findings with wastewater surveillance showing sustained SARS-CoV-2 circulation at levels comparable to early Omicron peaks. This indicates that COVID persists at a hyper-intense endemic state, with temporary lulls driven only by massive infection waves that briefly suppress transmission before the next surge. Rauvola warned that this trajectorythe impact on health systems from a mass disabling eventrepresents a structural sustainability crisis. Even a well-resourced welfare state cannot absorb a continuously rising disease burden driven by repeated infection and long-term impairment. If COVID alone is eroding population health under such conditions, the implications for countries actively dismantling public health infrastructure are grave. To understand why this raises such a profound alarm, it is necessary to situate the present crisis in the historical context of what public health has achievedand what is now being reversed. In the course of the 20th century, public health interventionsvaccination, clean water systems, sanitation, community water fluoridation and disease surveillanceproduced some of the most dramatic gains in human longevity ever recorded. Vaccination alone is estimated to have saved tens of millions of lives globally over the past 50 years. In the United States, routine childhood immunization reduced infant and child mortality to a fraction of early-20th-century levels. It is precisely these historic gainsachieved through collective action, scientific rigor and public investmentthat are now under direct and conscious attack. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., speaks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, as President Donald Trump, left, and Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, look on. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] On January 5, 2026, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unilaterally preempted the established scientific review process and imposed sweeping changes to the US vaccine schedule. 2026: The year of vaccine reduction On that day, federal health authorities revised the US childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of diseases with routine universal recommendation from 17 to 11. Six vaccinesincluding influenza, COVID-19, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and certain meningococcal vaccineswere removed from routine universal recommendation and reclassified for high-risk groups or shared clinical decision-making. This action did not emerge suddenly. It followed earlier interventions, including changes to the hepatitis B vaccine, which served as a preliminary signal of the direction being prepared. Taken together, these actions represent a deliberate rupture with evidence-based public health governance. In this sense, January 5 marks a Welcome to 2026 moment for public health, just as the January 3 criminal attack on Venezuela was for American imperialist foreign policy and the January 7 murder of Renee Nicole Good was for Trumps plans for dictatorship. Just as the criminal attack on Venezuela has functioned as a harbinger of the abandonment of international law in favor of the openly stated law of force, the preemption of the vaccine schedule marks the abandonment of scientific truth and public health norms in favor of ideological rule. Peer review, evidence and population-level risk assessment are no longer constraints on policy. Public health and vaccine experts such as Paul Offit and Peter Hotez warned immediately that removing vaccines from routine universal recommendation would have predictable and harmful consequences. Epidemiologists emphasized that universal schedules are the foundation of high coverage, clear clinical practice and public trust. Pediatric infectious disease specialists cautioned that shifting vaccines to shared clinical decision-making would delay vaccination, reduce uptake and disproportionately harm working class and underserved populations. Former public health officials stressed that population-level protection depends on clarity and universality, not individualized risk calculations. They warned that the changes would undermine herd immunity, weaken outbreak response and accelerate the resurgence of vaccine-preventable disease. The consequences of inadequate prevention were already visible during the 20242025 influenza season, when more than 280 children died from influenza in the United States. Pediatric flu deaths are a recognized sentinel indicator of failure in vaccination and prevention systems. A patient is given a flu vaccine on October 28, 2022, in Lynwood, California. [AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill] Although these deaths occurred before the most recent changes to the vaccine schedule, they demonstrate the inherent danger of influenza under existing social conditions and provide a clear warning as the country enters another severe flu season. Influenza is now well understood to be primarily an airborne disease, transmitted through aerosols in the indoor air. Despite this knowledge, no systematic airborne precautionssuch as ventilation standards, air filtration or masking during surgesare being implemented. In this context, vaccination remains the only broadly available population-level measure shown to reduce severe illness, hospitalization and death from influenza. Under these conditions, the public health consequences are not uncertain or speculative; they are well understood in advance. Decades of epidemiological modeling demonstrate that even modest declines in vaccination coverage lead to sharp increases in outbreaks, hospitalizations and deaths. These outcomes are foreseeable and preventableand they will be the consequences of the policies now being implemented. The same dynamic is evident with measles. In 2025, the United States recorded its highest number of measles cases in more than three decades, with over two thousand confirmed infections. The United States was declared to have eliminated measles in 2000, a designation dependent on the absence of continuous indigenous transmission for 12 months. That status is now at serious risk. If sustained transmission continues into 2026, the United States could lose its measles elimination status, marking a historic regression in public health. This crisis cannot be attributed to any single administration. The Trump administration initiated the abandonment of pandemic mitigation, dismantling federal coordination and promoting mass infection in the name of economic reopening. The Biden administration did not reverse this course. Instead, it consolidated and normalized these policies despite vastly greater scientific understanding of the nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A vial of a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine sits on a countertop at a pediatrics clinic in Greenbrae, California [AP Photo/Eric Risberg] Under Biden, emergency measures were dismantled while excess deaths continued. Masking guidance was withdrawn, surveillance was curtailed and responsibility for protection was shifted onto individuals and families. As a result, far more people died of COVID under Biden than under Trump. This was not ignorance. It was a political decision. Public health and class society The assault on public health must be understood within the broader framework of class rule under capitalism. From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decisive priority of governments was not the preservation of life, but the protection of profit, financial markets and corporate interests. This orientation was articulated openly in calls to reopen the economy even as mass death unfolded. In this context, the staggering death toll among the elderly and medically vulnerable was not an unintended consequence, but an outcome that was politically accepted and normalized. Sections of the population deemed no longer productive were treated as expendable. The refusal to suppress transmission, the dismantling of mitigation measures and the abandonment of population-level protection functioned to reduce life expectancy along class lines. This process has not ended. The dismantling of public health institutions, the erosion of vaccination programs and the normalization of mass infection continue to operate in the same direction. The well-off retain access to private health care, early treatment and protection. The working class is left exposedto infection, long-term disability and premature death. Disease itself becomes a mechanism through which social inequality is enforced. The policies now being advanced under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. must be understood in this light. The attack on vaccination, disease surveillance and scientific authority does not represent a defense of individual freedom, but a further degradation of collective protection. These policies function to weaponize disease against the population, particularly against those with the least capacity to shield themselves. Central to this project is an ideological assault on science itself. By promoting the claim that scientists are corrupt agents of corporate interests, and that medical knowledge is inherently suspect, these forces cultivate distrust, fear and confusion. This anti-scientific outlook has a paralyzing political effect. It undermines rational understanding, fragments social consciousness and obstructs the development of a clear, class-based response to the crisis. From a Marxist standpoint, this represents the antithesis of what is required. The working class cannot defend its interests without access to truth, scientific knowledge and a clear understanding of the social forces shaping its conditions of life. The defense of public health is therefore inseparable from the defense of scientific integrity and the political education of the working class. The erosion of public health is inseparable from broader social policy. The expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies threatens millions of working people with loss of coverage, delayed treatment and increased mortality. Health access, like disease exposure, follows class lines. In sum, public health is a class question. The assault on vaccines, science and population-level prevention is part of a broader attack on the social gains secured by the working class over the 20th century. The COVID pandemic exposed these priorities with devastating clarity. What is unfolding now is the conscious continuation of that trajectory. The task before us is to make this reality understood and to orient the working class internationally to the defense of science, public health and human life itself. Bitwise Asset Management launched its Bitwise Chainlink ETF on NYSE Arca Wednesday, making it the second LINK-based spot ETF to trade in the U.S. At the time of writing, Chainlink is trading for $14.25the highest it's been in the past monthafter having gained almost 5% in the past day, according to crypto price aggregator CoinGecko. In a press release, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan framed Chainlink's oracle infrastructure as a key connector between blockchain networks and real-world data. "Chainlink provides the essential oracle infrastructure that bridges that gap, powering the risk management and financial decision-making necessary for mainstream adoption," he said. "With CLNK, investors now have a new way to invest in this foundational layer of the blockchain economy. The fund, which trades under the CLNK ticker, will offer investors 0% fees for the first three months of trading on the first $500 million in assets. This is similar to the promotional fee waiver used by its competitor, the Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF. Once the promotion ends, CLNK will charge 0.34%just slightly undercutting Grayscale's 0.35% fee. Crypto Bill Draft Grants XRP, Solana and Dogecoin Same Legal Status as Bitcoin Grayscale's LINK fund trades under the GLNK ticker and began trading as a spot ETF in December. Like many of the company's funds, GLNK existed as a closed-end trust before it converted to a spot ETF. So while the inception date is February 2021, shares weren't available outside of accredited investor circles until six weeks ago. Since its launch, the fund's assets under management have grown to $87 million. Elsewhere, LINK-based exchange-traded products have been available in European markets for a few years. The 21Shares Chainlink ETP first listed in January 2022 and the Global X Chainlink ETP launched in March 2023. Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that connects blockchain smart contracts to real-world data and systems. More than 70 blockchain ecosystems are compatible with Chainlink, including Ethereum, Avalanche, Polygon, and BNB Chain. Through these integrations, over 1,600 projects are using Chainlinks technology as of 2025. Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley said on X that Chainlink "has been relentlessly executing" since it launched eight years ago. "Building the behind the scenes infrastructure needed for the world to come on-chain," he added. "They dominate their category, and we believe its just getting started." A 100-year-old retailer is headed to the bargain bin. Saks Global the parent company behind Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman has become the latest department store owner to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company said Wednesday that it secured $1.75 billion in financing to keep its store doors open and named a new CEO. But whether some fast cash will lead to a long-term recovery for Saks is still being sorted and folded. SUBSCRIBE: Receive more of our free The Daily Upside newsletter. READ ALSO: 3 Big Ways AI Can Smooth Your Road to Retirement and Can Big Tech Earnings Soothe Investors AI Bubble Worries? Trouble on Fifth Avenue The writing for Saks was on the dressing room wall. In December, Saks missed an interest payment as part of its debt-fueled merger with Neiman Marcus. Since taking on billions in debt in 2024 to buy Neiman Marcus, Saks piled up past-due bills from vendors and brands, The Wall Street Journal reported. Vendors then withheld their stock, leaving shelves sparse for any shoppers looking for the latest trends. As the department store brands stock dwindled, so did its sales. Saks follows in the footsteps of one-time rivals such as Barneys New York and Lord & Taylor with the bankruptcy filing, but that doesnt mean the whole luxury sector is unravelling: Luxury sellers like Saks face increased competition from online outlets, including brands own direct-to-consumer sites. Prada sales rose for 19 straight quarters as of this fall, driven by Gen Z-fave Miu Miu. Most of its sales come from its own stores and website. (Not to mention, AI was a top topic of discussion at the National Retail Federations conference this week in New York, as retailers like Target start letting shoppers check out in ChatGPT.) Bloomingdales, meanwhile, has bucked the bankruptcy trend for department stores and staved off online competition. Bloomingdales and makeup seller Bluemercury boosted sales in the fall quarter for parent company Macys, which has opened new stores for both brands and expanded Bloomingdales stock of luxury goods. Further Off Fifth: Last year, more than 8,000 retail stores shuttered their doors, a 12% jump from 2024, Coresight Research found. If Saks can survive its slump, it will probably slim down its store count. Saks said it is evaluating its operational footprint, which includes 33 Saks stores, 70 Saks Off 5th stores and two Bergdorf Goodman locations plus 36 Neiman Marcus locations. The merger between Neiman Marcus and Saks was meant to create a shopping superpower, but instead may have saddled Saks with extra baggage. This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive razor sharp analysis and perspective on all things finance, economics, and markets, subscribe to our free The Daily Upside newsletter. My clothes contain memories for me when I bought them, where I wore them, Amira Casar remarked as she went through some of the 250 pieces shes selling on ReSee on Thursday. And how. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Among the items on offer are a fur chubby once owned by French artist Dora Maar, whom she portrayed in the 2010 film La Femme Qui Pleure Au Chapeau Rouge; several jaunty Chanel suits, emblematic of her long, close relationship with Karl Lagerfeld, and a 1985 turquoise Antony Price gown she bought on a lark at age 14, reasoning I loved Roxy Music, and I knew that Antony had done the covers and confessing that she wore it only once. Discussing the sale felt like a crash course in art, fashion and film history and at times like a theatrical performance as Casar roamed the ReSee showroom in Paris, excitedly explaining the backstory of each dress, which often related to a strong female character from a film, novel or stage play, sending her off on multiple cultural tangents. Hoisting a black velvet Yves Saint Laurent toggle coat from the celebrated fall 1974 Ballets Russes collection, she said her mind went immediately to Sergei Bondarchuks epic War & Peace. Soviet film, eight hours. Its the most beautiful film ever, she enthused. PARIS - JANUARY 25: Actress Amira Casar attends the Chanel fashion show, part of Paris Fashion Week (Haute Couture) Spring/Summer 2005 on January 25, 2005 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michel Dufour/WireImage) And the coat? I wore it to a Chanel show, she said with a yelp of laughter. How naughty I was. Advertisement Advertisement The sale is autobiographical, revealing multiple facets of the British French actress long and eclectic career and her upbringing among Englands horsey set and the drama crowd in France. She credits her Russian mother for sparking her passion for clothes. I used to help my mother dress. She always called me my eyes,' she related. Later on, I realized that Elizabeth Tudor called [the Earl of Leicester] my eyes.' In her teen years, Siouxsie Sioux and Adam Ant were among Casars fashion heroes, and their punky style can be felt in her sleeveless red Balenciaga sweater dangling raccoon-like tails; her Martin Margiela Artisanal waistcoat cobbled from two Salvation Army hussar jackets, and her black Jeremy Scott T-shirt bearing the hand-painted slogan, Viva Avant Garde. I was an aesthete, Casar said. I never followed fashion, because I wasnt interested in fashion. I was interested more in just trying to be the individual. Advertisement Advertisement A frequent fixture in fashions front rows, and a model in her teenage years after being discovered by Helmut Newton, Casar has enjoyed close relationships with many fashion designers, including Nicolas Ghesquiere during his Balenciaga days. Among the memorable Ghesquiere designs in the sale are his silk cargo pants, a black sweater bearing a German Shepherd dog, a patchwork top and one of his short, pinstriped overall dresses from spring 2001. Some of the items in the sale were gifts from designers, including an ergonomic, futuristic Chanel bag that Lagerfeld unleashed in 1998 ahead of the new millennium, anointing it the 2005. Its being sold with the original gift box, which the late German designer signed, Bon voyage, Bon Shopping, Love, Karl. But Casar bought most of her vast wardrobe herself, scouring flea markets, antique shops and designer boutiques on a global scale. French vintage specialist Didier Ludot, who closed his Palais-Royal shop last year, was a frequent haunt, where Casar scored several YSL couture pieces made for Miss France 1966, including a brown leather fringed coat that still looks groovy. Her daring and eclectic taste and keen fashion instincts are reflected in the vast range of her designer wardrobe, stretching from Azzedine Alaia and Helmut Lang to Rifat Ozbek and Romeo Gigli. Advertisement Advertisement There are a few choice pieces from Junya Watanabe and Comme des Garcons, but Casar is saving her vast collection of Japanese design for chapter two of her great decluttering. So why she is parting ways with chunks of her wardrobe? I just could not project myself any longer in these clothes, as much as I loved them, she said. I wanted to make a revolution in my life. PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 27: Amira Casar attends the Balenciaga Spring / Summer 2013 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 27, 2012 in Paris, France. (Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images) According to her, an epiphany was portraying Saint Teresa of Avila at the Avignon Festival in 2024. She gave up all the worldly goods to become a very important nun, a very feminist nun, educating young women on how to carry themselves. She gave them a whole suitcase of rules and laws. She restructured the whole of the Carmelites, she said. And I thought, if Saint Teresa could get rid of all her worldly goods, then I should be able to. Casar plans to donate a percentage of the proceeds to the Fondation Valentin Hauy for the blind. Advertisement Advertisement ReSee founders Sabrina Marshall and Sofia Bernardin, both fans of Casar on screen, also lauded her daring and playful approach to fashion, with a punk-rock edge. Avant-garde, but modern and a real woman in mind is how Marshall described the curation of the sale, which should last about a month. Marshall and Bernardin worked hand-in-hand with Casar to make selections, with a strong focus on the 1990s and the early 2000s. ReSees roster of notable resellers include actress Catherine Deneuve and jewelry designer Gaia Repossi, and the founders acknowledge that the provenance of clothes and accessories can be a strong selling point for site visitors. Advertisement Advertisement For example, included in Casars sale are high-waisted cargo pants from Yves Saint Laurent that she wore when portraying Annella Perlman in the 2017 film Call Me By Your Name. I think that they love the idea of delving into somebodys universe, seeing a point of view and a personality, Bernardin said in a separate interview. But when you take and dissect these pieces and separate them, they really are remarkable. Marshall highlighted that theres really a reason behind why [Amira] purchased each piece, not because it was the hot item of the moment, or because everybody had it, but because it meant something deeply to her as an artist, it connected to something in her past, or it really awoke her senses. Prices range from 250 euros for an Alaia cardigan and climb to 13,200 euros for a silk brocade couture coat by Yves Saint Laurent for Miss France in 1966. Advertisement Advertisement The sale comes after a strong year for ReSee, which logged double-digit revenue growth in 2025, according to the company, founded in 2013. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Gist Audrey Hepburn was engaged three times but only actually said "I do" twice. Her first wedding gown was designed by the Fontana Sisters and later sold at auction for $23,000. For her second and third weddings, she wore Balmain and Givenchy, respectively. The name Audrey Hepburn has long been synonymous with Old Hollywood glamour, and her three wedding dresses are (unsurprisingly) just as elegant as her legendary wardrobe. Beginning with her engagement to English businessman James Hanson in 1951, the Roman Holiday actress had a total of three wedding gowns designed for her three planned nuptials. Hepburn only actually said "I do" twice, however, as she called off her first wedding in 1952. Hepburn's second engagement and first wedding took place just two years later when she married American actor Mel Ferrer in Burgenstock, Switzerland. Her unconventional gowna simple tea-length number from Balmaineffectively remade the bridal industry, which was then dominated by floor-length princess ballgowns a la Grace Kelly, who tied the knot in a $623,000 dress in 1956. Getty Images Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer on their wedding day in 1954. Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer on their wedding day in 1954. After 14 years of marriage, Hepburn and Ferrer divorced in 1968. She said "I do" for the final time the following year in a small civil ceremony with Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti. Bucking convention once again, Hepburn wore a pink minidress designed by Hubert de Givenchy, who was also responsible for her now legendary LBD in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Advertisement Advertisement Hepburn and Dotti's marriage also ended in divorce, however. The pair parted ways in 1982, after which the Sabrina actress met the true love of her life, Dutch actor Robert Wolders, whom she was with until her death in 1993. Getty Images Robert Wolders and Audrey Hepburn at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1988. Robert Wolders and Audrey Hepburn at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1988. I felt she had two unhappy marriages, it was wonderful the way it was, Wolders once said of their decision not to marry. When Audrey would be asked, shed also say, Why mess with a good thing? I remember her saying to one interviewer its more romantic this way because its not another piece of paper, but out of loyalty to each other that binds us together. Had we been younger and wanted to have children, it might have been different, but thats just not the case. Ahead, here's everything you should know about Audrey Hepburn's three wedding gowns, two of which she wore to say "I do." Audrey Hepburn never wore her 1952 wedding gown. Getty Images Audrey Hepburn wearing a wedding gown designed by Sorelle Fontana in 1952. Audrey Hepburn wearing a wedding gown designed by Sorelle Fontana in 1952. Hepburn met her first fiance James Hanson in 1950 right around the time she finished filming Young Wives' Tale. According to Hello!, the young couple's engagement was announced in the London Times on December 4, 1951, with the wedding set for sometime the following spring. Hepburn had a dress made by Italian design house Sorelle Fontana (i.e. the Fontana Sisters) for the special occasion, but the duo called off the wedding before she could make it down the aisle. Advertisement Advertisement The traditional white silk number featured long sleeves, a boatneck, and a small bow. When Hepburn called off the wedding, she reportedly asked the Fontana Sisters to donate it "to someone who could never afford a dress like mine, the most beautiful, poor Italian girl you can find." The gown went to Amabile Altobella, a farm girl, and was later sold at auction in 2009 for a cool $23,000. "I have had a happy marriage, so the dress brought me luck," Altobella said via the Kerry Taylor Auctions catalog, per Vanity Fair. In 1954, she said "I do" in Balmain. Getty Images Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer on their wedding day in 1954. Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer on their wedding day in 1954. Hepburn married War and Peace actor Mel Ferrer two years after she and Hanson broke off their engagement. For the couple's Burgenstock, Switzerland nuptials, the My Fair Lady actress opted for a more unconventional bridal look designed by Pierre Balmain. The tea-length gown featured a high neck, cinched waist, and puff sleeves, which Hepburn accessorized with a pair of elbow-length gloves. The look bucked tradition in more ways than one, especially given it was not floor-length and did not include a veil. Hepburn and Ferrer's son Sean, who was born in 1960, later explained his mother's trend-setting choice in an interview with Vanity Fair. Advertisement Advertisement She was her own woman, he told the publication. If you think about what wedding dresses still are todaywith all the froufrou and the long trains and all of thatshe chose something modern for her first [wedding]. Sean also added that, given the speed with which the wedding was planning, Hepburn's dress was probably something off the rack. In 1969, she opted for a pink Givenchy minidress. Getty Images Audrey Hepburn and Andrea Dotti on their wedding day in 1969. Audrey Hepburn and Andrea Dotti on their wedding day in 1969. Hepburn arguably saved the best for last, at least sartorially speaking, when she married Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti on January 18, 1969 after her divorce from Ferrer was finalized in 1968. The duo reportedly met on a cruise the year prior and had one child together, a son named Luca, who was born in early 1970. As for her wedding day look, Hepburn tapped designer and friend Hubert de Givenchy, who was also responsible for her now legendary LBD in Breakfast at Tiffany's. The pale pink long sleeve minidress featured a wide funnel neck and a matching headscarf. She paired it with white tights and ballet flats. Read the original article on InStyle Shes avoided the slammer but can she go back to a life of glitz and glamour? One of the worlds biggest fashion influencers has been cleared of aggravated fraud in an Italian court; however, her PR nightmare is far from over. Chiara Ferragni a 38-year-old bombshell blond who boasts more than 28 million Instagram followers and has been dubbed the Kim Kardashian of Italy was accused of pocketing vast amounts of cash while selling Christmas cakes and Easter eggs marketed for charity. Chiara Ferragni is pictured after a court appearance in Milan. The influencer has been cleared of wrongdoing in her aggravated fraud trial. BACKGRID It remains to be seen whether the mother of two can rebrand and rebuild in the wake of the highly publicized scandal. Getty Images For more than 15 years, Ferragni has courted millions of followers by flaunting her glamorous life. Chiara Ferragni/Instagram On Wednesday, following a fast-tracked trial in Milan, a judge found Ferragni and two other defendants not guilty, with the beauty avoiding jail time of up to five years. Advertisement Advertisement I had faith in justice, and justice has been done, the exonerated influencer told reporters outside court, adding that it marked the end of a nightmare that lasted two years. However, the influencer shouldnt get too ahead of herself. Ferragnis image has been severely tarnished by the accusations, and shes said to have lost 90% of her brands reported $87.5 million value. Now, shell need to tread carefully to stage a crafty comeback, crisis PR guru Lauren Beeching told The Post Beeching advised the influencer start with a calmer, more measured public presence, consistency in tone, and steady, credible brand partnerships that signal trust without feeling performative. She could start again from the ground up, crisis PR guru Lauren Beeching previously told The Post. AFP via Getty Images Strong women who rise up again like a phoenix from the ashes get rewarded again, one consultant told The Post last year regarding Ferragnis situation. AFP via Getty Images Italys golden girl Ferragni has been famous in her home country for more than 15 years, first garnering online attention with a blog back in 2009. Advertisement Advertisement She started showcasing her flashy lifestyle as a student, eventually earning enough attention to drop out of law school to focus on influencing full-time. Shes the biggest It girl in Italy, literally a household name, and she has a huge walk-in closet with hundreds of Chanel bags, Sophie Ross Brooks, co-host of the influencer-tracking Snark Bait podcast, previously told The Post. And theyre not even organized, just haphazardly thrown together. Its, like, Omigod, shes so rich she doesnt even have to worry about storing her Chanel bags carefully. In 2018, Ferragni wed Italian rapper Fedez in a lavish ceremony meticulously documented on Instagram and featured in American Vogue. The couple subsequently had two children, who also became fixtures on her uber-popular social media accounts. (They separated in 2024). Through the couples earnings, Ferragni built up a property portfolio including a Milanese penthouse and a country retreat on Lake Como. Amazon Prime Italy tapped her entire family to anchor The Ferragnez, a hit Keeping Up With the Kardashians-style show about the beauty and her extended family, including her two lookalike sisters, Valentina and Francesca. Advertisement Advertisement By the end of 2022, her retail company Fenice Srl offering womens clothing, jewelry, kidswear, furniture and more was worth around $87.5 million. Ferragni also became a fixture at New York Fashion Week, posting pictures of herself sitting front row at coveted catwalk shows, cozying up to Karlie Kloss and The Real Housewives of New York star Rebecca Minkoff, and using landmarks like the Empire State Building as backdrops in enviable Instagram snaps shared with social media fans. It seemed she was unstoppable. Shes the biggest It girl in Italy, literally a household name, and she has a huge walk-in closet with hundreds of Chanel bags, Sophie Ross Brooks, co-host of the influencer-tracking Snark Bait podcast, previously told The Post. Chiara Ferragni/Instagram In 2018, Ferragni wed Italian rapper Fedez in a lavish ceremony meticulously documented on Instagram and featured in American Vogue. The couple subsequently had two children, who also became fixtures on her uber-popular social media accounts. Fall from grace For Christmas 2022, Ferragni announced a collaboration with the baked-goods company Balocco to sell a special festive cake, or pandoro, for charity. Advertisement Advertisement It was three times pricier than a regular version, but Ferragni claimed that the proceeds would go to support the Regina Margherita Childrens Hospital in Turin, Italy. Almost immediately, Italian media were suspicious and, before the end of the year, had published damning allegations. Balocco had donated some money to the hospital $58,000 albeit long before the cake went on sale. As for Ferragni, she reportedly pocketed a cool million for her endorsement, or around 20 times what went to the sick kids. An alleged fraud was repeated around a similar scheme with an Easter egg maker, where only $41,650 of the $1.39 million that Ferragni and the manufacturer reportedly earned went to charity Advertisement Advertisement Italian authorities began investigating and eventually charged her with aggravated fraud. She earned the dubious legacy of a statute change named in her dishonor: the Ferragni Law, which threatens fines on any charitable product that doesnt make clear the exact percentage that will go to a good cause. Ferragni issued an apology immediately after the controversies emerged, pledging to donate 1 million euros to the childrens hospital in Turin that was involved in the Pandoro initiative. She also paid the 1.2 million euros to the organization involved in the Easter egg scandal. During a court appearance in November, the influencer said: Everything we have done, we have done in good faith; none of us has profited. However, she admitted that she had made a communication error. Ferragni is pictured at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. WireImage The beauty (seen in a blue beanie) was a fixture at fashion shows around the world. WireImage Rebuild and rebrand? A judge may have cleared Ferragani, but her public image will take time to rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement While it wont be an easy feat, other big names have managed to rebrand and recover from public scandals. Barton Consultings Winston Chesterfield says scandal can sometimes humanize famous figures who tout their too-good-to-be-true lives. For instance, Jude Laws messy private life didnt preclude him from scoring Dior Homme and Brioni deals, among others. It depends on how serious it is, but luxury needs real characters it cant rely on models so the idea brands dont want to be associated with any kind of controversy? Its not really true, he told The Post. Strong women who rise up again like a phoenix from the ashes get rewarded again. Beeching agrees. The court of public opinion always lags behind legal outcomes, she stated. Given the scale and loyalty of her audience, I am confident she will move on from this. This story was originally published on Trucking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Trucking Dive newsletter. Family-owned carrier Bulmaks is undergoing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition, according to a Jan. 5 filing. The business, which was incorporated in 2012, has over $6.7 million in liabilities and $2 million in assets, per the filing. The West Chicago-based carrier reported having 170 power units and 182 drivers as of late May, according to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. The carrier provides TL and LTL services in the contiguous U.S., relying on company drivers and owner-operators, its website notes. The business took a revenue hit in 2025, dropping nearly 19% to $19 million, according to figures in the filing. Multiple court cases cases against the company have been pending, alleging breach of contract. At least 50 creditors are estimated to be affected. Among them include: Creditor Total claim Collateral or setoff Nature of claim Daimler Truck Financial $642,500 $350,000 Seven 2024 Freightliner trucks Huntington Bank $418,000 $145,000 Four 2023 Freightliner trucks Navitas Credit Corp. $308,000 $145,000 Four 2023 Freightliner trucks SOURCE: Ch. 11 bankruptcy petition, filed in the Northern District of Illinois Bulmaks and its attorney didnt immediately return messages seeking comment. Recommended Reading Did researchers associated with Harvard University create a 3D model of Mansa Musa, the 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire? No, that's not true: This image does not show a forensic and digital reconstruction of Mansa Musa. It is a rendering of Kanye West. This joke is a variation of an online theme that has circulated for years, presenting the likeness of Hulk Hogan as Moses, and the likeness of Taylor Swift as the first woman in the Bible, Eve. The image of a 3D model appeared in a post (archived here) published on Instagram by the verified account of @essence on Jan. 13, 2026. The caption begins: Recent 3D models of Mansa Musa, the 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire, are offering a new visual interpretation of one of history's most influential African leaders. The rendering was created by researchers and artists affiliated with Harvard University, the models are based on medieval accounts, alongside modern forensic and digital reconstruction techniques. This is one of three images of a 3D model which are included in the post: Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot from instagram.com/essence/p/DTd2GOOAVoR. The caption continued: While not an exact likeness or photograph, the models aim to reflect how Mansa Musa may have appeared based on historical records. Mansa Musa is widely regarded as the wealthiest individual in recorded history, with estimates placing his fortune at the modern equivalent of more than $400 billion. His famed pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 drew international attention, while his investments in architecture and education particularly in Timbuktu and the Sankore Madrasah, cemented his enduring cultural and intellectual legacy. ESSIES, what do you think of this 3-D rendering? A Google search (archived here) for the key words, "Harvard University" AND "3D model" AND "Mansa Musa" did not find any results pointing to scholarly origins, only duplicate copies of the joke. One example, a Facebook post (archived here) from Jan. 1, 2026 predates the @essence post. Lead Stories found a 2009 photo of Kanye West on Wikimedia Commons (archived here) and made a GIF showing the similarity to the 3D rendering. Image Source: Lead Stories GIF from screenshots from instagram.com/essence/p/DTd2GOOAVoR and commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kanye_West_at_the_2009_Tribeca_Film_Festival_(crop_2 Advertisement Advertisement The theme of this joke has surfaced online in the past. On Jan. 27, 2023 Snopes published a fact check (archived here) titled, "No, This is Not a 3D Recreation of What Moses Might Have Looked Like". The debunk focused on a 3D rendering that resembles Hulk Hogan (pictured below). Image source: Lead Stories screenshot from x.com/orlamamabear/status/1618137586861735936. A similar edition of this joke was fact checked by Snopes (archived here) on May 6, 2024. This time the 3D model was purported to show the Biblical Eve but showed a rendering of the likeness of Taylor Swift (pictured below). The Gist Heather Graham ushered in 2026 with a slideshow of throwback images on Instagram. In one photo, the 55-year-old can be seen posing in a blue string bikini while on vacation in Sardinia. The Boogie Nights actress also shared a snapshot of her recording an episode of Kristin Davis's podcast "Are You A Charlotte?" With New Year's Eve officially in the rearview mirror, Heather Graham has joined the swath of celebrities posting their 2025 highlight reels on Instagram. First up in her carousel? A snapshot from a trip to Sardinia last summer, during which the 55-year-old wore a teeny tiny string bikini. "Happy New Year!" Graham wrote in her caption. "Im grateful for all the love and friends and adventures in 2025. Wishing you all a happy new year and I hope your new year is filled with lots of love and adventures." Instagram/Heather Graham Heather Graham wearing a string bikini in Sardinia, Italy. Heather Graham wearing a string bikini in Sardinia, Italy. The Boogie Nights actress also had plenty of selfies and red carpet photos to share. In one image, she posed with Sex and the City alum Kristin Davis during an appearance on the latter's podcast, "Are You A Charlotte?" Graham played herself in an episode of season five of the hit HBO series. Advertisement Advertisement "I think it might be one of our best all-time episodes," Davis said of Graham's cameo, to which she replied, "I agree. I think it's my favorite episode ever." Instagram/Heather Graham Kristin Davis and Heather Graham recording an episode of "Are You A Charlotte?" Kristin Davis and Heather Graham recording an episode of "Are You A Charlotte?" Elsewhere in the podcast episode, Davis and Graham discussed the latter's relationship with the late actor Heath Ledger. The duo dated from October 2000 to June 2001; Ledger later passed away in January 2008. "Yes, I dated him," Graham said of the Dark Knight actor. "And in fact, I think we might have watched [Sex and the City] together, and I think he actually really liked it." Getty Images Heather Graham and Heath Ledger at the premiere of 'A Knight's Tale' in 2001. Heather Graham and Heath Ledger at the premiere of 'A Knight's Tale' in 2001. Graham also revealed that she was "very in love with him" when they dated, adding, "He's kind of amazing. I feel proud that I dated him. Yeah, for sure. I wish he was still alive." Read the original article on InStyle "Landman" actress Paulina Chavez stars in one of Taylor Sheridan's most popular shows, and she's not shy about shining her light on community outreach efforts in her San Antonio hometown. In a Monday update to Facebook, the San Antonio Food Bank released images of Chavez as she worked alongside fellow volunteers to serve up sandwiches at a local shelter. "We're sending a big thank you to actress Paulina Chavez from Landman for rolling up her sleeves and volunteering at our Community Kitchen at Haven for Hope!" the post said. Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: Trump forces thousands of DACA, refugee truckers out of work in Texas The images, which were snapped on Dec. 29, featured Chavez in full volunteer gear - complete with gloves, a hair net and an apron. (Courtesy of the San Antonio Food Bank) The images, which were snapped on Dec. 29, featured Chavez in full volunteer gear - complete with gloves, a hair net and an apron. The cherry on top? In one photo, the San Antonio-raised actress can be seen sporting a shirt that says "Mexicana." According to the update, Chavez joined the San Antonio Food Bank's team of Hunger Fighters in late December last year to help "nourish neighbors with dignity, care, and compassion." Chavez's volunteer work highlights her deep roots in San Antonio, where she spent much of her childhood. Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: This Texas hidden gem should be on your 2026 travel 'bucket list' Chavez's volunteer work highlights her deep roots in San Antonio, where she spent much of her childhood. (Courtesy of the San Antonio Food Bank) The actress was born in El Paso and moved to the Alamo City with her family when she was 6 years old. According to her biography, she discovered her love of acting in the city after diving headfirst into her school's theater program. Paulina Chavez is one of two San Antonio actresses cast in "Landman," the latest series from "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan. (Brittany Bravo) After landing roles in film and television projects, Chavez scored a spot on Sheridan's "Landman" series as the character Ariana - who went viral for semi-infamously calling San Antonio "the most magical city in the world." As it turns out, Chavez has IRL love for the Alamo City - and she's not afraid to show it. Advertisement Advertisement "When our community comes together like this, hope is always on the menu," the San Antonio Food Bank wrote in its Monday update. "Thank you, Paulina, for standing with our neighbors and helping fight hunger across Southwest Texas." ALSO READ: Strange sea creatures wash up on Texas shores in 'mass die off.' What happened? Jacob Lofland as Cooper Norris and Paulina Chavez as Ariana in "Landman" episode 1, season 2. (Emerson Miller/Paramount+) This article originally published at 'Landman' actress Paulina Chavez volunteers in San Antonio hometown. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images One of Princess Diana's most iconic photos was taken 29 years ago when she walked through an active Angolan minefield on January 15, 1997. Looking back at the trip today, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who'd criticize the princess after she put herself in harm's way to spotlight human suffering. But at the time, Diana's visit ignited fierce controversy, especially from U.K. government officials, and one security expert later admitted he worried he'd end up "blowing up the Princess of Wales." Diana traveled to Africa as a guest of the International Red Cross, and as a supporter of landmine clearance charity The Halo Trust, an organization that Prince Harry has gone on to support as patron today. At the time, active minefields were an enormous issue in Angola, and per the BBC, "one in every 330 people in Angola had lost a limb" due to landmines in 1997. Advertisement Advertisement Dressed in khaki capris, brown loafers and a crisp white shirt, Diana suited up in protective gear to walk through an active minefield on January 15. In 2018, mine removal expert Paul Heslop of The Halo Trust spoke of the nerve-wracking moment, telling BBC Witness History , "My mind was in overdrive trying to make sure I wasnt going to be the most famous person in the world the next day for blowing up the Princess of Wales." Princess Diana is pictured in Angola on January 15, 1997. | Credit: Getty Images Despite Diana wanting to draw attention to a humanitarian crisis, her "public endorsement of the Red Cross's campaign for a worldwide ban on mines was out of step with the U.K. government policy at the time," the BBC reported. Numerous U.K. politicians criticized her trip, including Junior Defence Minister Earl Howe, who called Diana "a 'loose cannon' and 'ill-informed' on the issue" of landmines, per the news outlet. In response to press questions on the controversy, she replied, "I'm only trying to highlight a problem that is happening around the world, that's all." Diana spoke with landmine victims in Angola. | Credit: Getty Images Diana added, "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." At the end of the day, the princess summed up the reason for her visit in one powerful sentence. "The fact is I am a humanitarian figure, always have been and always will be." When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Chiara Ferragni, who has 28 million Instagram followers, was named by Forbes in 2017 as the worlds top fashion influencer. | Credit: Illustration by Marian Femenias-Moratinos / Getty Images Chiara Ferragni, Italys most famous influencer, has been cleared of aggravated fraud following one of the countrys most high-profile celebrity trials, dubbed Pandoro-gate. The nightmare is over, Ferragni said, after the long-running scandal involving a charity Christmas cake came to an end yesterday in a Milan courtroom, said the BBC. Italian Kardashian Ferragni is an O.G. fashion blogger turned influencer turned Italian Kardashian, said Puck. Her blog, The Blonde Salad, which she started in 2009, occupied an outsize portion of the industrys collective consciousness. Advertisement Advertisement The first fashion influencer to really make it, Ferragni secured front-row seats at Milan Fashion Week, appeared on magazine covers and built a multimillion-dollar business selling her own products. In 2017, Forbes named her the worlds foremost fashion influencer. However, more recently, Ferragni found herself in a harsher spotlight. She was accused of misleading her 28 million Instagram followers over a charity fundraiser involving pandoro, a brioche-style Veronese cake typically eaten by Italian families at Christmas. In 2022 and 2023, Ferragni partnered with Italian confectioner Balocco to market limited edition Pandoro Pink Christmas cakes, said CNN. The advertising campaign suggested proceeds would go to the Regina Margherita childrens hospital in Turin to support cancer research. However, it later emerged that the charitable donation was a 50,000 flat fee paid by Balocco to the hospital prior to the launch of the pandoro, while the proceeds of the cakes would go directly to Ferragni, in addition to a 1 million payment to two of her companies for sponsorship of the campaign. When her fast-tracked trial began in November, prosecutors requested a 20-month prison sentence, alleging that the marketing of the campaign was deliberately misleading. Ferragni denied the charges, telling the court everything we have done, we have done in good faith, but she acknowledged that she had made a communication error. Redemption arc On Wednesday, she and two co-defendants were acquitted of criminal wrongdoing. But most of the damage had already been done before the case came to court, said Forbes. Ferragni has already paid a fine of 1.1 million to Italys antitrust authority, in addition to various other settlements , and her companies have been bleeding millions. Advertisement Advertisement Pandoro-gate has already had legal ramifications. In 2024, the Italian government passed new legislation, dubbed the Ferragni law, imposing greater transparency requirements for influencers with more than one million followers promoting charity fundraisers. The drama has political overtones, too, said Politico. Ferragni and her former husband, the rapper Fedez (real name Federico Lucia), were famous for taking on progressive causes and pitting themselves against the more traditionalist Catholic mainstream represented by conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. As soon as the scandal broke, Meloni singled out Ferragni as the wrong kind of role model, criticising influencers who make loads of money promoting expensive panettoni that are supposedly for charity. Since his marriage to Ferragni collapsed under the scrutiny of the scandal, Fedez has made an eye-catching lurch to engaging the political right. As for Ferragni, there could still be a Martha Stewartesque redemption arc in her future, said Puck. The US lifestyle guru did six months in prison for her part in an insider trading scheme. She emerged slightly humbled and then went on to amass more clout than ever. Rock legend Paul McCartney made headlines in 1980 after marijuana was found in his suitcase and he landed behind bars. On January 16, 1980, McCartney was traveling with his band, Wings, into the country for a series of 11 concerts. According to The Beatles Bible, the tour dates included Budokan Hall, Tokyo (January 21 through 24), Aichi-Ken, Taiiku-Kan, Nagoya (January 25 and 26), Festival Hall, Osaka (January 28), Osaka Furitsu-Kan, Osaka (January 29), and Budokan Hall, Tokyo (January 31 through February 2). The musician was detained at the airport after officials found the drug in his suitcase. He was later arrested and jailed. Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with The London Times, McCartney opened up about the incident. He said, "I was out in New York, and I had all this really good grass. Excellent stuff. We were about to fly to Japan, and I knew I wouldnt be able to get anything to smoke over there." Parade Daily SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox "This stuff was too good to flush down the toilet. In America, President [Jimmy] Carter had come out and said he thought cannabis should be decriminalized. Maybe I was thinking, Hey, its no big deal. Bettmann/Getty Images McCartney continued, "It was the maddest thing in my life to go into Japan, which has a seven-year hard-labor penalty for pot, and be so free and easy. I put a bloody great bag of the stuff right on the top of my suitcase. Why didnt I even hide it in a pullover? I look at the footage now, and I just think, 'That couldnt have been me.' Advertisement Advertisement The entertainer said that he confessed that very night, apologizing for breaking the law. However, Japanese police wanted to know more about the entertainer, who told them "my whole life story which schools I went to, my fathers name, our address, my income. I even had to tell them about my MBE medal from Queen Elizabeth." McCartney admitted it took five days before his wife, Linda McCartney, was allowed to visit him. However, he tried to keep his spirits up while he learned his fate. "Id organize singsongs with the other prisoners," he admitted. The former Beatles member was jailed for nine days. He said he shook hands with prisoners "through the letterboxes of their cells" as he exited the detention facility. Paul McCartney returned to Japan in 1990 as part of The Paul McCartney World Tour and donated all of the concert proceeds to charity. This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Maxxine Dupri gave fans a behind-the-scenes peek at her Paris prep on Thursday, January 15, sharing her whirlwind trip to France on Instagram. The 28-year-old WWE wrestler real name: Sydney Jeannine Zmrzel Luke teased the speedy schedule with the caption, 24 hours in Paris! Oui oui! and a trio of selfies in the post showed a behind the scenes look before she attended the world premiere of season 4 of Bridgerton in Paris on Wednesday, January 14. In a pair of mirror selfies, Dupri posed in a bathroom lit with bold purple mood lighting, phone in hand while serving playful energy. She wore a strapless, champagne toned sequin corset style minidress that caught the light, cinched at the waist with a dramatic black bow. Advertisement Advertisement Dupri amped up the vintage glam vibe with long, sheer black lace opera gloves and jewelry. Her hair was styled in a chic blonde updo with bangs, while her makeup leaned full red carpet glam with sculpted brows, smoky lashes, and a glossy nude lip. A third close up snap was taken mid-prep, with her hair being adjusted for the event. Living vicariously through you in this very moment WWE Wrestler Chelsea Green said in the comments. Meghan Walker also chimed in, writing Youre perfect . Read More From National Enquirer This story WWE Star Maxxine Dupri Sizzles in Strapless Sequin Corset and Lace Gloves at Bridgerton Premiere first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. YouTube star Vitaly Zdorovetskiy's officially done with his time in The Philippines, and now he's set to head back to his native Russia -- as part of his deportation process. ICYMI ... the social media star was arrested in April 2025 after several livestreamed stunts in Bonifacio Global City, which reportedly involved instances of harassment and theft, the Philippine Star reports. Government of the Philippines Vitaly was charged with unjust vexation, alarm and scandal, and attempted theft. He was designated as an "undesirable foreign national." SIRA ULO RIN ITO President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. reacted to the arrest of Russian-American vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy. Sira ulo rin ito Hindi naman Pilipino, pwede ko bang murahin? he said in the uploaded video in his social media accounts on Monday. pic.twitter.com/zSrrtztvly The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) April 14, 2025 PhilippineStar (@PhilippineStar) Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, while Vitaly, who was born in Russia, resides in the United States as a green card holder, his deportation will be processed based on his passport of origin. Advertisement Advertisement Interestingly ... Remulla said the government of the Philippines held "no ill feelings" towards the social media star. Getty The Bureau of Immigration, which serves as the Philippines' agency for managing immigration laws, is reportedly coordinating the details of Vitaly's deportation with Russian authorities. The Berlin Film Festival 2026 will kick off with the world premiere of No Good Men, the third feature film from Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat, on Feb. 12 at the Berlinale Palast. Shahrbanoo Sadat is one of the most exciting voices in world cinema, and No Good Men really delivers on the promise of her first two features, said Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle. Sadat continues her vital work spotlighting Afghan womens lives, here bringing romance and touches of humor to a rousingly political story. That it is based on real events, and the director risked so much to get this film made, makes No Good Men even more meaningful as our opening gala of the 76th Berlinale. No Good Men follows the filmmakers Wolf and Sheep (2016) and Parwareshgah (The Orphanage, 2019), both of which screened at Cannes Directors Fortnight, with the first claiming the top prize. The Orphanage was supported by the Berlinale World Cinema Fund. One of Afghanistans best-known film directors, Sadat spoke to The Hollywood Reporter from the capital Kabul in 2021 when she, like tens of thousands of others, hurried to escape Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. Now, Berlin will screen her new film. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Sadat continues her unique cinematic journey as a director, writer, and actor with a film that is both personal and political, the Berlin fest said. The film is also the third of five planned films based on the autobiographical writings of author and actor Anwar Hashimi. In fact, Hashimi stars in the film alongside Sadat, who is playing the lead role. Naru (Sadat), the only camerawoman at Kabul TV, is convinced that there are no good men in Afghanistan, reads a synopsis of the movie. But when the reporter Qodrat takes her on assignment just before the Talibans return, sparks fly and she begins to question this belief. Said Sadat: Growing up in Afghanistans deeply patriarchal society, I believed there were no good men until I found out another reality exists, and I hope this film offers young women hope and young men an example. No Good Men was produced as an international co-production between Germany, France, Norway, Denmark and Afghanistan. The production companies are Adomeit Film, La Fabrica Nocturna Cinema, Motlys, Amerikafilm and Wolf Pictures. Filming took place in locations across Germany. The Berlin festival runs Feb. 12-22. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Mike Downey, producer, author and fierce defender of European cinema, stepped down as chairman of the European Film Academy last month, after a quarter century working with the institution. In that time, hes been a powerful advocate and activist for European film and European filmmakers. Among his many accomplishments was the launch of the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR) to support filmmakers facing political persecution. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the 38th European Film Awards in Berlin on Saturday, Downey spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about turning the EFA into a force for activism, overhauling the Academys structures and awards calendar, and why culture itself remains an act of resistance. What will you miss most/what will you not miss at all in being EFA Chairman? Im not really a misser. Im always about the next thing, and with me, its a slate choc-full of extraordinary films with some of the most original filmmakers working in the world today. My last films have been done with some great female filmmakers great artists like Agnieszka Holland (Franz, Green Border) and Vivian Qu (Girls on Wire), as well as the superb documentarist that is Jamillah van der Hulst (Where the Kids Have No Name). It will be great to work with them again. Im in the process of a new film from Japan and a new one from Iran. Watch this space That having been said in a strange kind of way I will miss the more torturous aspects the all-nighters/all-weekenders spent working on cases of the International Coalition for Film makers at Risk, the consuming of a few hundred European movies for the selection process, and the discipline of trying to keep a room of twenty plus people who all want to speak at the same time in some kind of democratic order. Perhaps I should consider a new career as a herder of cats? Seriously, though, its the people I will miss. But nobodys really leaving the orbit. Our world is a very small, closed one. One thing does occur to me. For many years, I was part of a long-running double-deputy-chairman act with Antonio Saura. Collectively, we were known as the DowneySaurus I have missed that for a while now. We need more contrarians in our orbit. What was your original vision for the EFA when you took on the role and how has that vision evolved over time? I always had this vision: To transform the Academy from a strong industry membership organization celebrating European cinemas excellence, diversity, and cultural significance into something far more powerful a fierce force for activism that stands unflinchingly beside filmmakers and champions the causes that matter most to our artistic community. After we led the charge in the Oleg Sentsov campaign, I knew we couldnt stop there. We had to channel that fire into something lasting and so we forged the International Coalition for Film Makers at Risk (ICFR), dedicated to defending filmmakers and their sacred right to create in freedom and safety. When Russia invaded Ukraine, we didnt hesitate. We expanded the ICFRs mission immediately, launching the Emergency Fund for Ukrainian Filmmakers (EFF) to deliver micro-grants for desperate needs relocation, medical aid, legal support. Over 500,000 ($580,000) poured directly into the hands of filmmakers fighting to survive. Advertisement Advertisement This is what drives me: mobilizing the academys voice, its reputation, its resources as a catalyst for real change. Im a political beast. Always have been. Over the years, with great colleagues like Agnieszka Holland, Marion Doering and latterly with Matthijs Wouter Knol we have stuck together and the vision has evolved over time into one unwavering conviction to unite us behind a progressive vision that stands with the oppressed against the powerful, that defends freedom of expression without compromise, without apology. Under your leadership, what specific initiatives do you feel have fundamentally changed the way the EFA operates? Three of the things that have been key to me over the nigh on quarter of a century I have been on the board are education, education and education. The continued emphasis on education has always been a major cornerstone of my strategic goals for EFA hence the founding of the European Film Club, development of and investment in the Young Audience Award, as well as the European Universities Film Award. Add to that the special breaks we give to filmmakers under 36 means we have a 360-degree education policy. It is crucial that we promote film education through initiatives like masterclasses for young talent, supporting film literacy for broader audiences, and advocating for stronger European film education by encouraging national programs and funding for film accessibility and teacher training If we dont educate the future filmgoers, then European cinema could disappear. Which reforms do you believe have made the most tangible difference and why? I think the fact that EFA has implemented significant reforms to its selection process, board structure, and awards timeline starting from 20232024 to become more inclusive, representative, and aligned with modern European cinema. Key changes focus on regional representation, the integration of different film formats, and a newly created European Award Season have made a tangible difference and a more democratic way of handling the process. Advertisement Advertisement The other challenge is to defend the idea of excellence versus diversity. It is all very well to create a broad-based open and transparent body that would like to be totally inclusive. Nevertheless, when we are looking for excellence in the film selection, it is patronizing and frankly fake to introduce ideas of positive discrimination in the pursuit of just making sure everyone is included. This is an issue which needs defending and in the current selection procedure, these tenets are enshrined in gold. Id hate to see that undone. Whose voices are still missing from European film? For me, as a working-class boy, the child of economic migrants, Im still missing the real working-class perspective: the nuances of contemporary working-class life, particularly in the context of economic instability, are all too often missing, instead we see middle-class perspectives or stereotypical depictions. (Im missing Ken [Loach] (and [his producer] Rebecca [OBrien] already. Its clear that minority ethnic and racial groups are massively underrepresented. Disabled filmmakers and actors individuals with physical or mental disabilities are notably missing, as indeed are voices from post-colonial communities: Stories exploring the complexities of Europes colonial history and its lasting impact on contemporary society are frequently overlooked or marginalized in favor of more traditional, nationalistic narratives. Stories told in regional, minority, or indigenous languages across Europe are rarely featured in mainstream, pan-European cinema. These all need to be addressed and EFA has to play its part. What are the biggest industry challenges the Academy still needs to address? Europe produces a huge number of films, exceeding the U.S. and China combined in some periods, there are many open debates going on right now, leading to debates about overproduction versus market saturation, with U.S. blockbusters dominating screens despite the high volume of European content, particularly documentaries. While production has boomed, driven by incentives and digital tech, a significant challenge remains in reaching wider audiences. Advertisement Advertisement Obviously, one of the goals of EFA is to fight for space for European cinema in all distribution chains. But this gets harder and harder as the number of films produced increases. A rational debate is required at the highest levels as to how we address the disconnect between the number of films produced and spaces for their exploitation. The significant output of the Big Five (U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy) also needs to be balanced with the growing contributions from other (smaller) nations. How relevant is the EFA, and European cinema in general? You just have to look at this years European Film Academy nominations to assess how relevant the organization is today. This powerful selection (echoed throughout the other academies and awards shows) demonstrates signal a strategic shift towards greater international visibility, emphasizing diversity, recognizing craft, and aligning with the global awards season by moving the ceremony to January 2026 positioning European films as potential Oscar contenders, and introducing new categories to highlight diverse talents and filmmaking aspects, reflecting a more inclusive and modern Academy focused on showcasing the breadth and quality of European cinema. I also am convinced that European cinema has truly come of age as it brings to the fore compellingly authored films, very much the opposite of the Hollywood behemoths, who seem to have, for the most part has run out of ideas and got lost in the franticness of franchises, reboots and knock-offs. The global industry is consolidating rapidly Netflix (and Paramount) are looking to acquire Warner Bros. Studios.. How should European cinema respond to this shift? In my time in the industry, I have seen many threats come and go over the years. Every one of them is a threat to European cinema. A Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. or Paramount threatens European cinema by potentially reducing film diversity, shortening theatrical windows (pushing more films straight to streaming), decreasing cinema screens, and causing job losses, as European exhibitors fear that Netflix will prioritize streaming over theatrical experience, leading to fewer, shorter cinema runs, and fewer local films getting prime slots, impacting cultural landscapes and economies. Advertisement Advertisement European authorities, particularly the European Commission, should respond to a Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery with intense scrutiny, likely triggering a Phase II investigation. Equally, European film and filmmakers is positioned to endure, due to a shift in production, financial advantages, and a cultural focus on diverse storytelling. While Hollywood faces a crisis in local production with thousands of jobs lost in Los Angeles, Europe has become a dominant, booming production hub. Traditional distribution models are under severe pressure. Does a focus on theatrical release still make sense when that business is shrinking? What role should new technologies from streaming to immersive media play in European cinemas future? Cinemas and theatrical release remain the backbone of the European film industry. They provide the opportunity for the widest possible audience to discover and enjoy as broad a range of film content as possible, offering unique cultural and social experiences for audiences and creating unparalleled excitement around releases. Ultimately, cinema releases drive performance and audience awareness across all platforms and markets and contribute significantly to the financing and diversity of European works. For example, the success of a film on VOD is strongly correlated to the prior success of the film in cinemas, as value has already been created. Of course, European cinema must move with the times and be flexible and inclusive with regard to all new developments and new technologies they will all play a part in the future of European cinema. Nevertheless, in a market characterized by cultural and linguistic differences, cinemas provide an opportunity for people to understand and express their sense of local, national and European identity, and seek to engage both young and old and those from different backgrounds, ultimately celebrating European diversity. How do you see the threat of tariffs or protectionist cultural policies from the Trump government affecting European film? The perfect example of TACO [Trump Always Chickens Out]. But lets look at the worst case in which the U.S. does impose tariffs. Naturally, it would cause financial uncertainty and reduced investment. Threats create instability, making European studios hesitant to commit to projects, impacting soundstages, crew, and investment, especially for U.K. and Spanish production hubs reliant on US funding. Tariffs would significantly raise costs and complexity, especially for U.K.-U.S. co-productions, a vital funding source for European cinema. European films already in the U.S. or seeking distribution could face massively reduced profitability and viability. Advertisement Advertisement Should this situation come about, the EU will need to protect the various sector through directives like the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and streaming levies, which the U.S. views as barriers. In essence, U.S. protectionism would create a ripple effect, increasing costs, stifling collaboration, and threatening European cultural expression, prompting a pushback from Europe to safeguard its vital audiovisual sector. Within Europe, theres a rising far-right movement often critical of public spending on culture. What should cultural institutions like the EFA be doing to defend arts funding in the face of populist political pressure? Youve hit a very sensitive point for me. We need to be very much on the alert, because the world is changing. Current popular rhetoric, ideologies and narratives do not see culture and art as a crucial part of the health of a society. We must as defenders of culture and creativity remain on the front foot to be flexible and ready and as independent and self-sufficient as possible for when the AfD comes knocking at the door of the Berlin Senate as the various right-wing, populist, flag-waving nationalists get closer and closer to the centre of power in so many European democracies. As we make our way toward an unknown future, culture has a crucial role to play in our survival. Culture gives us a foundation for trust. Culture and therefore cinema turn the other into us. The shared understanding that culture generates can, in these divisive times, bind us together as an Academy and right now we are in a unique position to harness the potential of cinema. To harness the potential of culture for good and to resist the negative forces that merely espouse philistinism. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the idea of global capitalism has created a society, which has become unsustainable and unhealthy for humans and other living beings. For society to truly transform on both an individual and societal scale, art and politics must address the social issues within the institutions that run our society. And that can only be done by resistance. The only thing that can hold us back from creating the world we want to live in is the belief that we cant change it. We must believe this change is possible. And this change can come about through using art, film, literature as a form of resistance. What is distinct about European cinema? What is the value of European cinema for you? Ill leave it to Wim [Wenders] to reply for that one. He once said, European art and language par excellence is cinema. There has been no better expression of European identity in this century than European cinema. But Alan Parker also has a point: In the final scene of an American movie they always produce the rabbit from the magicians top hat to the sound of cheers and applause. European films always shoot the rabbit. As you prepare to step down, what advice would you give your successor? Think originally. Think boldly. Dont follow the herd mentality. Be fearless to speak out against injustice. Treasure your management team and share your success with them because they do all the hard work. Dont seek to be popular. Leave your prejudices at the door. Sometimes, to find consensus someone needs to go out on a limb. Sometimes there are things that can only be done by resistance. Listen. Keep listening. One is never the smartest person in the room. And finally (another) three things: impartiality, impartiality, impartiality. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Implenia has secured contracts in Germany and Norway for the construction of three bridges and a tunnel, with a total value of approximately 350m ($406.7m). The projects include the new Peene bridge at Wolgast, a replacement bridge over the Main river in Marktbreit, the Lagen bridge on Norways E6 motorway, and the first phase of an inner-city motorway tunnel in Frankfurt am Main. In Germany, a joint venture led by Implenia, along with DSD Bruckenbau, Victor Buyck Steel Construction, and Stahl Technologie Niesky, will construct the Peene bridge. The structure will connect Usedom island to the mainland via an extradosed bridge over the Peenestrom strait. The project also includes the Wolgast foreland bridge and Sauziner Bay bridge, spanning roughly 1.4km in total. Construction work was launched last month and is scheduled to finish in February 2030. Also in Germany, Implenia is acting as technical lead in partnership with Plauen Stahl Technologie for the demolition and replacement of the Marktbreit bridge over the Main river on the A7 motorway corridor. The new steel composite box girder bridge will be 925m long and 31m wide. Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is being used throughout planning and construction. Traffic will remain operational during building work, which started in autumn 2025 and will continue until 2033. In Norway, AF Gruppen has commissioned Implenia to construct the Lagen bridge on the new E6 RoterudStorhove motorway section. Measuring 552m in length and 20m wide, this four-lane concrete box girder bridge spans the Lagen river north of Lillehammer. Ten piers will support spans reaching up to 61m. Construction began in October 2025, using incremental launch methods to reduce impact on local ecology. Environmental measures are being implemented to protect wildlife habitats during construction. For Frankfurt am Mains Riederwald district, Autobahn awarded a contract for phase one of a new motorway tunnel to a consortium comprising Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau, Bickhardt Bau, and Implenia. Autobahn comes under Germanys Ministry of Transport. The new tunnel will extend approximately 1.1km below Riederwald using open trench methods within a sealed excavation pit. A closed reinforced concrete frame forms the main structure with staggered portals for both traffic directions. Filters are being installed for groundwater management post-construction. Work commenced in 2025 with completion expected after about three years. Implenia civil engineering division head Erwin Scherer said: Worth more than 300m, these three additional contracts for the construction of large and challenging bridges complement our current portfolio of projects and build on our past experience in this type of work. Contains spoilers for the "28 Days Later" series The zombie movie has endured as an extremely popular subgenre within the horror sphere ever since 1932's "White Zombie." Its evolution is often in response to the previous generation's interpretation of the flesh-eaters, and what their instinctual bloodlust represents. Where George A. Romero set the template with the seminal "Night of the Living Dead," it was director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland who redefined the zombie movie for the 2000s onwards with "28 Days Later," creating a desire for terrific zombie movies in its particular style. Some folks have contested that the 2002 survival horror-thriller isn't a zombie picture because the infected aren't technically dead, but this misses the point: The horror of transforming into a zombie comes from your body becoming a vessel for a violent, primal force outside of your control. Advertisement Advertisement At the center of this metamorphosis is the Rage virus, an extremely contagious man-made pathogen that can be transmitted through contact with blood or saliva. Once it's in your system, pure rage courses through your body like a fast forward button. The infected in "28 Days Later" are undoubtedly the scariest cinematic zombies on account of their exceptionally fast pace, in contrast to the classic "slow" zombie. Boyle's reanimated monsters terrorize the United Kingdom with a vengeance, rarely letting up. "28 Days Later" is a unique beast that it doesn't seem like it would offer material for sequels, yet the three films that followed proves this couldn't be farther from the truth. It's kind of a miracle that there isn't a single bad movie in the series. Each entry carries its own distinct identity that expands upon the nature of the Rage virus in new and interesting ways. These rankings are based on personal preference alone. Read more: Actors Who Have Killed People 4. 28 Weeks Later Don running away from a horde of infected in 28 Weeks Later - Searchlight Pictures Five years after the first film, 2007's "28 Weeks Later" envisions the dawn of the United Kingdom's rebirth, with NATO and the U.S. military taking charge after the outbreak. A designated safe zone in East London named District One houses the first wave of refugees with all of the amenities they would need to return to some semblance of normalcy. Advertisement Advertisement It doesn't take very long before a series of critically dumb decisions reawakens the rage virus with a gory fury. The most glaring issue with "28 Weeks Later" is that it trades the contemplative dread of "28 Days Later" with generic zombie mayhem. Director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo doesn't possess the same controlled chaos of Danny Boyle, but he still manages to deliver a pretty decent horror film about violent cycles beginning anew. The first sequel also boasts a stacked cast with the likes of Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Idris Elba, Jeremy Renner and Imogen Poots. The standout sequence in "28 Weeks Later" is the opening attack on a fortified cottage full of survivors. It serves as a precursor for what's to come with District One's collapse. It also complements another terrifying set piece later in the film; in which a bunch of people are confined in a darkened space that's invaded by chaos, rapid infection and gunfire. It's a shame that the film not only struggles to maintain a consistent pace, but is also marred by two young characters that consistently make decisions that put everyone in danger. There's a great sequel in Carlyle's Don, who is carrying a festering guilt for leaving his wife behind, but this traditional survival horror never quite lives up to it. "28 Weeks Later" is good enough, yet pales in comparison to the visual and thematic ingenuity of the '02 film. 3. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Dr. Ian Kelson sitting down with Jimmy lurking in the background in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple - Sony Pictures Releasing Learning that Danny Boyle wouldn't be directing the follow-up to "28 Years Later" was cause for worry, but it didn't take long for Nia DaCosta to prove that she was the right person to hand the reins to. To put it plainly, "The Bone Temple" is a heavy metal meditation on cult mentality and finding inner peace. Advertisement Advertisement Picking up not too long after the events of the 2025 film, we're reintroduced to the Jimmy gang and their deliciously evil leader played by "Sinners" star Jack O'Connell. The quarantined island is at the behest of an emotionally stunted despot who weaponizes his brand of sadistic groupthink to keep everyone in line. Alex Garland's screenplay illustrates how isolation breeds a medieval way of thinking for those who can't remember what the world was like before Rage took over. Looper's Matthew Jackson calls "The Bone Temple" an exhilarating sequel in his review, which is a pretty fair assessment. Where "28 Years Later" belonged to Spike's (Alfie Williams) journey, "The Bone Temple" expands upon Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and his relationship with Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry). Together, they make considerable strides when it comes to understanding the Rage virus and whether there's still any humanity left within the Infected. DaCosta excellently builds off of the first "28 Years Later" with a smaller scale sequel that's so much stranger and meaner than one would expect from a studio horror film. While there's a slew of memorable images throughout, cinematographer Sean Bobbitt lacks the gripping aesthetic choices of Anthony Dod Mantle. Otherwise, "The Bone Temple" takes "28 Years Later" in exciting new directions while prepping the stage for a third film that has the potential to be something truly special. 2. 28 Years Later Spike huggin his mother in the Bone Temple in 28 Years Later - Sony Pictures Releasing Reviving "28 Days Later" for a new generation made so much sense in the broader cultural context of ignorance and isolation that had been brewing over the past two decades. It's genuinely impressive that Danny Boyle doesn't attempt to recreate the frenetic terror of "28 Days Later," nor make a traditional sequel to "28 Weeks Later;" instead seeking to reckon with them. Advertisement Advertisement The second outbreak of Rage leads to a nationwide quarantine that essentially cuts the U.K. off from the rest of the world for nearly three decades. At the center of the long-awaited legacy sequel is Spike (Alfie Williams), a 12 year-old kid who's about to take up his first hunt outside his fortified community. What he sees out there not only flips his world upside down, but emboldens him to take up his own quest to find a doctor for his ailing mother, Isla (Jodie Comer). Looper's Cynthia Finney is right when she refers to "28 Years Later" as a brilliant follow-up to a seminal horror film in her review. It's an excellent coming of age story told through two very different yet compelling halves. It's in the second half, however, that champions stillness and dignity for the dead in a seemingly impossible place. Ralph Fiennes is a standout as the enigmatic Dr. Ian Kelson, who brings a surprising amount of heart to the film. In many ways, "28 Years Later" reveals itself as a healing response to the tragic deaths of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the isolation that came with Brexit. It's a gorgeous-looking movie, too, with Anthony Dod Mantle's cinematography expanding upon the experimental aesthetic of the first film. 1. 28 Days Later Jim standing in an abandoned London in 28 Days Later - Searchlight Pictures Placing "28 Days Later" anywhere but the number one spot would be grandly foolish, considering it's not only the best in the series, it's one of the best horror movies of the 21st century, period. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland craft an upsetting survival horror odyssey in which a horde of Rage infected zombies have forever altered the United Kingdom. Advertisement Advertisement After that terrifying opening sequence, we're thrust into the aftermath of the outbreak. Anthony Dod Mantle's digital lo-fi cinematography makes everything feel like you're watching CCTV footage from Hell. For all of the ways in which "28 Days Later" is frenetic and startling, the film's most unsettling moments exist in the silence of Cillian Murphy's Jim wandering through a never-ending parade of empty streets and strewn bodies. The scene in which he discovers his parents in their bed illustrates how dire the world has become in his comatose absence. "28 Days Later" tells its story through a series of vignettes that test Jim's resolve to survive. The nature of rescues, found family and a deceptive military group masterfully show how the Rage has become a fixture of British culture. A common thread in zombie media concerns the thin line between the infected and the survivors. "28 Days Later" proves itself to be one of the most compelling depictions of this dichotomy, with Christopher Eccleston's Major Henry West and his men offering a fate worse than becoming a Rage victim. In the 24 years since its initial release, Boyle's apocalyptic horror masterpiece still strikes a nerve concerning cruelty and how easily it can transform us into what we fear most. Everything from Zack Snyder's "Dawn of the Dead" to "REC" owes a great deal to this film's unimpeachable legacy. If you enjoyed this article, sign up to our free newsletter for the biggest movie and TV news delivered straight to your inbox. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Looper. For casting director Nina Gold, filling out the cast of Hamnet began with one name and one name only: Jessie Buckley. "We couldn't really think of anyone else," Gold revealed during a recent Q&A at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation moderated by Gold Derby Editor-in-Chief Debra Birnbaum. Once they knew they'd found the right actress for Agnes, "we built out in all directions as a family: the brother, the husband, then the kids." Gold's hunch certainly paid off, as Buckley just won the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Awards and reaped an Actor Award nomination for her performance as the wife to young William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), who struggles to cope with the death of their son Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe). Both Buckley and Jupe were also at the Q&A, as were Joe Alwyn, who plays Agnes's brother, Bartholomew, and Jupe's older brother, Noah Jupe, who portrays an actor playing Hamlet. More from Gold Derby Advertisement Advertisement Although much of Hamnet's success relies upon believable chemistry between Mr. and Mrs. Shakespeare, Gold doesn't believe there's any exact science to capturing that. "I think you just have to really try and know what you think about the people you're casting," she explained, "and have a real feeling for what they're going to be like and what they're going to be like together. Eventually, you just have to cross your fingers and trust your instinct, and they do the rest." Part of that instinct comes from building up relationships with actors, as Gold has done with Alwyn. "I met Nina when I was at drama school," Alwyn revealed. Although he's known the casting director throughout his entire career, he didn't have to rely on that connection to get the role, as it was offered to him by director Chloe Zhao over a dinner meeting. "It could've been anything and I would've said 'yes,'" he added. The same wasn't true for 11-year-old Jacobi Jupe, who required more than just a simple dinner to land the role of the young boy whose death inspires the writing of Shakespeare's greatest tragedy. "I did eight auditions, I think," Jacobi recalled. After a submitting a self-tape, he found himself auditioning for Zhao, unaware he was in the room with an Oscar-winning filmmaker. Zhao told him, "I'm taking your dad away in a van, and you have to persuade me to save him." So, Jacobi said, "I tried everything. I tried crying, I tried getting angry, I tried threatening her. Eventually, she said she wouldn't take him anymore," and told the relieved young boy she was actually a director and not a kidnapper. Once Jacobi got the part, it became easier for his older brother, Noah, to get cast as his onstage alter ego. "It's not nepotism," the younger Jupe brother joked. "It wasn't like he's not talented. He's really, really talented, but he also got the job and happens to be my brother." Advertisement Advertisement But the older Jupe believes "it literally was brotherly nepotism" that got him hired. "I'd literally got cast maybe a week or two before I started filming, and so I was basically hearing about it through Jacobi, hearing about his experience on set, being a tad jealous." Eventually, Noah got a call not just from Zhao, but from his mother, who was onset with his younger brother. "They pitched me this idea," he continued, one which, as was the case with Alwyn, "you can't really say no to." Buckley and Zhao on set Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features (Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features) Buckley's association with Hamnet dates back to 2022, when she met Zhao at the Telluride Film Festival while promoting Sarah Polley's film Women Talking. "We ate turkey sausages and talked about death, which I do with all my directors," Buckley recalled with a laugh. "Immediately, we were kind of in a conversation that felt different and archetypal. It's Chloe's language, her world, her mind. After that meeting, I came home and my agent sent me the book," which the actress read that night. Mescal was cast after a chemistry reading with Buckley, during which they played the first interaction between Will and Agnes. The two had a previous relationship, not just because they had both starred in The Lost Daughter (without sharing any scenes together), but also, Buckley joked, from "just being Irish." But "we didn't know each other the way we got to know each other, and it was actually such a beautiful place to jump off from because from this first chemistry read," there was "so much trust and care and meeting of an equal in this. Wherever this story and these two beating hearts needed to go, we were just going to jump off the cliff, and that's quite a rare experience." That connection wasn't limited to the set, and it's carried over long after filming wrapped. "I really feel like I've met somebody who will be essential to me in my life and in my work," Buckley said of Mescal, calling him someone "who I hope I will meet many times and go on very potent, important journeys in our work together. He's an incredible man and an incredible actor, and I feel so, so lucky to have had this privilege of working with him on this film." Advertisement Advertisement Buckley was also instrumental in the casting of Shakespeare's mother, Mary, played by Emily Watson. "Emily Watson has really been like a lighthouse to me," she divulged. "We got connected when I was in my early 20s, and she's just been the most human spine" to her ever since. Buckley desperately wanted Watson opposite her during the harrowing scene when Agnes gives birth to her twins Hamnet and Judith (Olivia Lynes). When Zhao asked her who she imagined as Mary, Buckley pleaded, "'please, can it be Emily Watson?,' because I needed to do that scene with her." The scene became a match between these two "intergenerational women holding each other in this very wild moment where Hamlet was being born." Buckley gave due credit to her director, who "really created a village where all imagination was essential. All she really wanted of us was to be as present as possible. She's not interested in acting; she's interested in how brave you can be just to be." Rather than speaking about the scenes they were shooting on the day, Buckley would often "fever-write some abstract thing around the scene and send it to [Zhao] with a piece of music" the night before. During filming, Zhao "wants you to be in your biggest connection to self. Not in your head, but in your body and in your heart, and in your soul." The younger Jupe brother concurred, saying the way Zhao runs a set "is so powerful that you don't have to worry about being self-conscious about anything. Usually I'd be a bit worried that people would judge me if I do something wrong in a scene, but with Chloe I wasn't at all. She just made me feel so safe. She held the space for us as actors. It's honestly the best thing I could've wished for." You can watch the full Q&A exclusively here: Best of Gold Derby Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: MATIAS RECART/AFP via Getty Images In September 1995, the Monsters Of Rock visited South America for the second time. Once simply the title of a one day, one stage hard rock and metal festival held at Donington Park in England, from the mid '80s the franchise started to expand into new territories - mainland Europe, the US, the Soviet Union, and from 1994, Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Kiss, Slayer and Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath were the marquee names atop the bill the first time the Monsters Of Rock stomped into South America, but the 1995 line-up was considerably heftier, with Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Faith No More, Megadeth, Paradise Lost and Therapy? among the international stars on the campaign. For Therapy?, who would play 101 shows in 1995, their first ever visits to Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Santigao and Buenos Aires represented golden opportunities to showcase their recently-released third full-length album Infernal Love to their expanding international fan-base. But they had no idea what truly lay ahead. To an outsider looking in, Therapy? were on the cusp of promotion into rock's premier league in 1995. The Northern Irish trio's second album, Troublegum, a top five hit in the UK, had sold 650,000 copies worldwide in 1994, and been acclaimed as the Album of the Year by Kerrang! magazine. In August 1995, in recognition of their burgeoning profile, the band - vocalist/guitarist Andy Cairns, bassist Michael McKeegan and drummer Fyfe Ewing - played as hand-picked special guests to Metallica at their Escape From The Studio headline show at Donington, above the likes of Skid Row, Slayer, White Zombie, Slash's Snakepit and Machine Head. Their record label, A&M, was confident that, at minimum, Infernal Love would be the band's first million-selling album, and their passport to a worldwide breakthrough. The band, whod basically been a support group for each other since 1990, werent talking not at all. Andy Cairns Behind the scenes, however, Therapy? - and frontman Cairns in particular - were struggling with their new-found status and the accompanying pressure. Sections of the UK music press had turned on the band - "Almost every week there was a dig at Therapy?," Cairns recalled. "Initially it was funny, then it was despairing... cruel" - and cracks were starting to show. "I was simply lost," Cairns admitted in a 2016 interview with The Quietus, recalling that he was self-medicating heavily at the time with alcohol and drugs. "Id gone from being someone from County Antrim who played in a band, to travelling the world and being under lots of stress. "At that point we had a massive operation on the go with management, the label, the crew. People had bought houses on the back of working for us. All of a sudden Ive got technicians sitting at the back of the bus saying, 'I hope youre writing more hits, mate, as Ive got a mortgage to pay.' "There was also this sense of not knowing who to trust. And moreover the band, whod basically been a support group for each other since 1990, werent talking not at all. I was a single man. There was no-one I could phone and say, I think Im in trouble here, and I really need to talk." Credit: Gie Knaeps/Getty Images In retrospect, a first visit to South America supporting a rock legend with one of the most rabid fan-bases in the world was always going to be an intense experience. And in Santigao, Chile, things boiled over alarmingly. It was the most feral crowd I've ever seen. The gig was like playing in Mad Max Beyond The Thunderdome Michael McKeegan Advertisement Advertisement "The police and the army were there, and they were all carrying guns," recalled Michael McKeegan in Louder writer Simon Young's excellent authorised Therapy? biography So Much For The 30 Year Plan. "There was a real edginess to it all." Whereas the opening date of the Monsters of Rock trek was staged in a Sao Paulo stadium, the sole Chilean date was booked into the 7,000-capacity Teatro Monumental. Inside the theatre, from the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was charged, with Michael McKeegan remembering it as "the most feral crowd I've ever seen." "The gig was like playing in Mad Max Beyond The Thunderdome," he told Simon Young. "People were leaping from the third balcony into the moshpit," Andy Cairns recalled. "It looked like a Hieronymus Bosch painting... a seething pit of denim and skulls." "Michael and myself were watching at one-point and saw this guy go Smack! onto the concrete," touring cellist Martin McCarrick, later a full member of the band, told Hot Press magazine in 2003. "Id be amazed if he didnt break his back." Credit: Gie Knaeps/Getty Images "All the bands were continually getting spat on," Cairns told me. "I'd had a few drinks before we went onstage and half-way through the set, when the spit get coming, I just stopped a song, dropped my trousers and started waving my cock about. That really annoyed the crowd for some reason, so obviously I kept doing it." If the crowd inside the theatre were offended, so too were thousands of Chilean citizens watching the gig live on television. And at some point, an order was given to the local police to apprehend the exhibitionist rocker. "The next day we were playing in Buenos Aires and so we decided to change our flights to get there earlier," Cairns recalled. "When we bumped into [Faith No More vocalist] Mike Patton there he said, 'You guys were really lucky', because apparently about two hours later the cops had turned up at the hotel to arrest me for indecent exposure. 'I don't think I'd have enjoyed a stay in a South American prison." "We're banned from playing Chile again, apparently," Michael McKeegan told Young. "The crowd was great, but the spitting was too much." It was like playing in the ninth circle of hell," Cairns concluded. BRATTLEBORO, Vermont Possibly apocryphal but undoubtedly significant is the story of the college instructor at Columbia University who had the misfortune to have in his class some of the most brilliant minds of the century, among them Lionel Trilling, Jacques Barzun and Meyer Schapiro. Schapiro, so the story goes, was a particular thorn in the instructors side. Time after time, according to a 1960 story in the Columbia Spectator, utilizing his deadly logical precision, perception and dialectical facility, this student completely obliterated his mentors position. Finally, after a particularly trying intellectual assault, the teacher reached the limits of endurance, collapsed in tears at his desk unable to go on. Its no longer fashionable and probably for good reason to use terms such as intellectual assault, obliterate and deadly logical precision in the context of academic inquiry and perhaps thats the point of the anecdotes punch line, which is that the result of this student-instructor contretemps became known to Schapiros contemporaries as a Schapirric victory. Advertisement Advertisement But its nice to be reminded that some people are just very clever. Occasionally, moreover, they recover from this handicap and go on to transform not only the field they enter but also the lives of those around them. Schapiro, a great art historian whose influence on his artist peers is the subject of a wonderful exhibition-as-homage at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center in Vermont, was one of these people. A brilliant lecturer, fond of unscripted asides and audience interaction, Schapiro taught at Columbia University and lived in the same West Village apartment from 1933 until his death in 1996. He and his wife, Lillian, explains Danny Lichtenfeld, the director of the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, summered in southern Vermont over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of our region and the world beyond. In the United States, Schapiro was one of the most important figures in the evolution of art history as an academic field. He combined close formal analyses of artworks with an understanding of how style related to social conditions, the art and literature of the past, individual biography, and mental forces both conscious and unconscious. In other words, he introduced a lot of complexity, and his insights were accordingly deep. Advertisement Advertisement Singing in Unison, Part 13: Homage to Meyer Schapiro, as the Brattleboro show is titled, presents work by the many artists whom he taught and befriended and influenced. Its light on explanatory wall texts, so audiences come away with little insight into the specific connections between Schapiro and individual artists. Rather the emphasis, as per the title, is on community. Its an unusually personal exhibition. Its curator, Phong H. Bui, is the indefatigable co-founder and artistic director of the Brooklyn Rail, as well as an artist and independent curator. He was a close friend of Schapiro and Lillian. Bui has chosen to set aside Schapiros intellectual achievements and instead celebrate his art and the impact he had on many of Americas finest postwar artists, among them Philip Guston, Forrest Bess, Robert De Niro Sr. (yes, the actors father), Janice Biala, Larry Rivers, Bob Thompson and Grace Hartigan. The slightly scattergun Brattleboro presentation models a way of being that is less concerned with winning arguments or obliterating opponents than finding common cause and connecting with others. Amiably, agreeably, but with scattered dollops of mischief, the show presents an example (as Bui puts it) of how to be part of the dialogue of American life while remaining at odds with conformity. Advertisement Advertisement Which feels timely because thats the challenge, isnt it? To be at odds with conformity to escape (in the spirit of Augie March, that great fictional creation of Saul Bellow, another of Schapiros friends and a fellow long-term resident of southern Vermont) other peoples schemes, their attempts to recruit us and yet at the same time to connect, to serve and to love. Something like that has been the tension, the agon, at the heart of the American story all along. So its of more than passing interest that a show about the influence of Schapiro a Lithuanian Jew who came to America as a young boy was put together by Bui, a refugee from Vietnam who also came to America as a boy, and that the deepest concerns of both men are art and community. Bui met the Schapiros in 1986, telling one interviewer that he soon became their adopted Jewish grandson. He had seen Schapiro lecture at the New York Studio School (founded by Mercedes Matter in 1964) and was asked to go to his house to fetch a painting. When Bui told Schapiro where he came from in Vietnam the coastal city Hue he was stunned to hear Schapiro tell him the history of Hue. Bui visited every Wednesday. He and Schapiro would walk together around a few blocks, discussing Schapiros friendships with the likes of Bellow, Delmore Schwartz, Elizabeth Hardwick and Irving Howe, and then dine with Lillian. Schapiro would recommend books, which Bui would make sure to read ahead of their next meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Bui had a chance to follow Schapiro into academia, but he accepted a grant to go to Italy instead. There he mixed with artists, among them Al Held and Cy Twombly, and soon realized (as he informed Schapiro by telephone from Europe and in a separate letter) that he wanted to be an artist, not a scholar. I knew that Meyer had encouraged many of his students who he knew were not going to be great scholars to make art instead, he explained. The list is long. (This show is in part an attempt to reconstitute the list with pictorial evidence.) According to Bui, Schapiro made art both for pleasure and to inform his writing. Its not clear from the show just how his art informed his art history writing, but its intriguing to see some of Schapiros small, idiosyncratic assemblages, paintings and works on paper arrayed on a wall. Schapiros ancestors were Talmudic scholars. His father immigrated to America in 1906 and taught Hebrew at the Isaac Elchanan Yeshiva on the Lower East Side and the following year sent for his family. Advertisement Advertisement At university, Schapiro wrote a dissertation about how the 12th-century cloister at a monastery in southwestern France, far from being rigid and doctrinal, was an expression of spontaneity, fantasy, individuality and delight. Those characteristics, of course, are also associated with 20th-century art, so it made sense that Schapiro complemented his expertise in Romanesque architectural sculpture by transforming himself into one of the most important scholars of modern art. Writing brilliantly on such figures as Picasso and Arshile Gorky as well as the nature of abstract art, he was able to thread together a painting by Cezanne with Virgil, Propertius, Emile Zola and Sigmund Freud. At Columbia, Schapiro was politically active, a vocal and principled opponent both of fascism and Soviet aggression. He taught and befriended not only artists but also future critics and art historians, including Hilton Kramer, David Rosand, William Rubin and Barbara Rose. When he turned 70, in 1974, a dozen leading artists, among them Jasper Johns, Saul Steinberg and Andy Warhol, created prints, each in an edition of 100, which they exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and sold to raise money to endow the Meyer Schapiro professorship of art history and archaeology at Columbia. Advertisement Advertisement This Brattleboro show, which includes Buis brilliant pencil portrait of Schapiro, based on a photograph by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, is like a postscript to that 1974 effort: a tribute, a salute, a gush of gratitude and affection. Singing in Unison, Part 13: Homage to Meyer Schapiro Through Feb. 15 at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center. BRISTOW, Va. (DC News Now) Mr. Worldwide is making an appearance in Bristow this summer during his tour. Pitbull announced that he will be playing two shows in Virginia during his Im Back North America tour. He will be performing in Bristow on Aug. 19 and in Virginia Beach on Aug. 21. BTS performing in Baltimore this summer during world tour Lil John will also be touring with Pitbull as his special guest, and DJ Laz will be playing the opening sets. Advertisement Advertisement For information on presale tickets, click here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. NEED TO KNOW The latest episode of The Curious Case Of tells the story of eyelash technician Olga Tsvyk, who was poisoned by a client who brought her a slice of tainted cheesecake The client, Viktoria Nasyrova, was arrested on March 20, 2017 The episode premieres Jan. 19 on ID Eyelash technician Olga Tsvyk accepted a last-minute request to do a clients eyelashes, but what happened next would haunt her for years. The latest episode in the second season of ID's The Curious Case Of series is called "The Killer Cheesecake." It tells the story of Tsvyk, who said she was poisoned by a client who brought her a slice of tainted cheesecake when she arrived for her cosmetic treatment. Advertisement Advertisement The client, Viktoria Nasyrova, turned out to be an alleged Russian fugitive, and she wanted to assume "look-alike" Tsvyks identity, Tsvyk claimed. Nasyrova who was convicted of attempted murder in the second degree, attempted assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, unlawful imprisonment in the first degree and petit larceny in 2023 has denied poisoning Tsvyk. Warner bros. Olga Tsvyk. Olga Tsvyk. The episode, which premieres Jan. 19, features tons of twists and turns as victims and the legal team recall the 2016 case. Tsvyk, who was 35 at the time, was working as an eyelash esthetician when she met Nasyrova through one of her clients. Tsvyk received an urgent request from Nasyrova to perform a treatment on her eyelashes. Nasyrova claimed she was about to go on vacation. Tsvyk, who was born in Ukraine and living in Queens, N.Y., arranged to have Nasyrova meet her at home on Aug. 28, 2016. Nasyrova insisted on bringing a cheesecake "from some bakery in Brooklyn" to the appointment," Tsyvk claimed. Advertisement Advertisement Tsvyk says in the documentary that Nasyrova brought several pieces of cheesecake to her home. She proceeded to eat two pieces and left one for Tsvyk, who ate the slice. "It wasnt so delicious as she advertised before," she recalls. Tsvyk immediately felt nauseous and vomited on the floor after eating the dessert. Her last memory was of Nasyrova bringing her paper towels to clean up the mess. Tsvyk was eventually found by salon owner Stella Stepanyan, who grew concerned and went to Tsvyk's home after she didnt show up for work, as Stepanyan explains in a clip exclusively shared with PEOPLE. She found her employee lying in a bed in lingerie and surrounded by pills. At the hospital, Tsvyk tested negative for narcotics. She was in a stupor for about three days and needed assistance upon returning home. Advertisement Advertisement Tsvyk later reported to the police that thousands of dollars, her purse, clothes, passport and work visa were missing, and thats when the New York Police Department got involved. (Other valuables, including a gold ring, were also missing, officials said.) Warner bros. Olga Tsvyk. Olga Tsvyk. Former detective Kevin Rodgers remembers receiving two calls about an alleged grand larceny case on Sept. 2, 2016. As he uncovered the details which, he claimed, included Tsvyks room being 107 degrees when she was found and the remote control to adjust the heater being tossed under her bed he grew increasingly concerned. "Someone intentionally turned the heat up all the way in late August in New York and didnt want somebody to turn it off," Rodgers speculates in the episode. Shortly after, a second alleged victim of Nasyrova came forward. Queens resident Ruben Buruhkov claimed he met Nasyrova, who was allegedly going by the alias Anna, on a Russian dating website. She invited him to her home for dinner, and he recalls feeling that "something was wrong" after a few bites of his meal. Advertisement Advertisement He alleged that Nasyrova proceeded to steal from him and drop him off at the store he owns, with Nasyrova suggesting to his colleagues that he must have drunk too much or used drugs that evening, and he reported the allegations to police. (He later testified about these allegations in Nasyrovas trial over the cheesecake incident.) After Rodgers received the second report, he discovered an arrest warrant for Nasyrova in Russia, where she was wanted for the alleged murder of a woman. The story continues with an account from private investigator Herman Weisberg, who was hired by Nadia Ford, the daughter of Nasyrovas late neighbor in Russia. (Ford's mother was the woman who was murdered under suspicious circumstances.) Legal analyst Beth Karas also offers commentary. Warner bros. Viktoria Nasyrova. Viktoria Nasyrova. Rodgers and Tsvyk located the cheesecake container that Nasyrova had brought to Tsvyk's home and testing revealed traces of phenazepam. The sedative is not typically tested for as it cannot be legally obtained in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Phenazepam can be fatal if one's body temperature goes above a certain temperature, which elevated the potential crime from grand larceny to attempted murder. Nasyrova was arrested on March 20, 2017 and eventually sentenced to 21 years in prison for poisoning Tsvyk and stealing her identification. Upon her eventual release, she will be subject to five years of supervision. Warner bros. Viktoria Nasyrova. Viktoria Nasyrova. "A ruthless and calculating con artist is going to prison for a long time for trying to murder her way to personal profit and gain. Thankfully, the victim survived the attack on her life, and we were able to deliver justice to her, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement at the time. Prosecuting Attorney Dino Litourgis says in the documentary that he hopes Nasyrova will be extradited to Russia to "face justice in that system" following her release. 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. Karas reached out to Nasyrova for comment, but she declined to do an interview without payment. Advertisement Advertisement She has, however, done interviews with the New York Post, and in 2023, she told the outlet she has been selling 3D art in prison and continued to insist on her innocence. The Curious Case Of... The Killer Cheesecake? premieres Jan. 19 at 10 p.m. ET, on ID, with new episodes airing weekly. Episodes will be available to stream on HBO Max. Read the original article on People Key Points Discover medieval tales in Rhodes, where history mingles with the vibrant atmosphere of New Town and Old Town. Kavala offers a stunning mix of ancient history and modern city life, with its iconic aqueduct standing tall. Corfu Town enchants visitors with UNESCO-listed old streets and picturesque districts perfect for exploration. A trip to Greece offers so much more than swimming in crystal-clear waters and visiting ancient ruins (though both are delightful). In the country's vibrant cities and towns, you'll find layers of cultural influences and thriving contemporary art and culinary scenes. "What truly sets Greece apart is its people," says Christos Stergiou, a Travel + Leisure A-List travel advisor with TrueTrips. "Greeks have this incredible gift called philoxenia: hospitality taken to a whole new level. Our TrueTrips guests always describe the feeling of having new local friends who'll go above and beyond to make their journey unforgettable." Ready to plan your getaway? Here are 15 of the best towns and cities to visit in Greece. Rhodes Gabriel Mello/Getty Images Take a break from ancient Greece and turn a page to the era of the Crusades. Before you go off exploring the rest of the island, spend a day or two in the cosmopolitan city of Rhodes, famed for the duality of its New Town and Old Town. The city is full of epic tales from medieval history, which you can discover on the Street of the Knightsone of the best preserved medieval streets in the worldand in the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in the historic Hospital of the Knights. You can also explore the old Jewish Quarter and visit the Hafiz Ahmed Agha Library, which has a collection of rare Islamic texts that date back to Ottoman rule. Kavala Blade_kostas/Getty Images Head to the northern reaches of the Aegean coast to Kavala, a hillside city with gorgeous beaches, sweeping vistas, and an exciting mix of ancient history and modern city life. You cant miss its imposing aqueduct, which runs for almost 1,000 feet and dates to the 16th century. After taking it in, learn more about the citys fascinating history at the Acropolis of Kavala. If you visit between June and September, you can take a short trip to the Krinides Mudbaths, a full-service spa with a large pool of therapeutic clay. Chania Gatsi/Getty Images Greece's largest island has another city worth exploring. Chania, on Crete, is famed for its Venetian harbor and quaint Old Town, where you can discover the various epochs of the city's history with Venetian, Turkish, and Greek architecture. Explore the cobblestone streets, duck into museums like the Maritime Museum of Crete, and shop for souvenirs in the endless boutiques. (Pro tip: splurge on a bag or a pair of shoes while you're there, as this place is known for leather goods.) When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of gorgeous resorts and hotels to choose from. One is Casa Delfino, which has a rooftop with amazing views and great suites for families. Nafplio Westend61/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Nafplio, located in the eastern Peloponnese, is a seaside dream packed with Venetian architecture to explore. As Alys Colayera, lead travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato, says, its a great place to wander through the old alleyways, grab a strong cup of Greek coffee at a local coffee shop in the square, and take a boat to Bourtzi Castle if you are interested in architecture and history. One of the most romantic things to do is take a walk along the beautiful beach promenade that follows the sea and connects Nafplio's harbor to the lighthouse and finishes at Arvanitia Beach. You can keep the romantic vibes going by checking into one of the town's beautiful guesthouses, many of which are housed in former mansions like the Aetoma Hotel. Corfu Town DaLiu/Getty Images One of the most beautiful places in Greece is Corfu Town, on the eastern coast of the island of Corfu. Here, travelers can explore the historic architecture that earned the Old Town of Corfu a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tour the fortresses, stroll through the towns central market, and visit Spianada Square, the largest square in Greece. And make time to wander the ever-charming narrow streets in the Campiello, one of the oldest (and most scenic) districts in Old Town. Athens Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure Most travelers will fly through the Greek capital before moving on to their seaside vacations, but the city is worth a dedicated trip in its own righteven if you only have one day to spend in Athens. Home to some of the most important historical sites on earth, like the millennia-old Acropolis, this ancient city is full of wonder, and it also has its modern attractions. You can peruse the galleries of the National Museum of Contemporary Art and check out the clubs in the nightlife district of Gazi. Thessaloniki Salvator Barki/Getty Images Thessaloniki, located in the northern part of the country, offers a blend of history and youthful energy that few cities can match. I would recommend Thessaloniki for its long and epic history, says Peter Sommer, founder of Peter Sommer Travels. The historic center of Thessaloniki is filled with an extraordinary series of ancient monuments, many of them part of an imperial palace complex built by the Roman Emperor Galerius and vast in scope." Advertisement Advertisement Sommer says there are several museums to visit here, including the Museum of Byzantine Culture and the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. But history and archaeology arent the only reasons to come to Thessaloniki. Its justly famed for its gastronomy, Sommer adds. You can savor a huge selection of glorious local dishes and sample a cornucopia of excellent local wines. Kastoria Goran Petrov/Getty Images Drive two hours east of Thessaloniki to find another northern city worth exploringKastoria. The scenic city is perched on Lake Orestiada between the Grammos and Vitsi mountains. Visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides on the lake with any number of outfitters lining the shores or just watch the local anglers go to work each day to reel in the catch. Consider a bike tour with Adventures And Wines, where you cycle the lakes shoreline and see all the hidden nooks worth exploring. Ioannina Athanasios Gioumpasis/Getty Images Ioannina truly shines as a city that's a hidden treasure, especially for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, says Stergiou. This city on the shore of Lake Pamvotida has inspired many creative talents thanks to its epic vistas, but more than that, Stergiou explains, its a fantastic home base for exploring more of the northwest region of Greece. In addition to the beautiful lake that stands proud as the citys landmark, the Byzantine castle, the scenic historical center, and the lively neighborhoods, Ioannina is a gateway to countless incredible experiences within a one- or two-hour drive. From there, you can take daily trips to some of the most beautiful villages in all of Greece, such as Metsovo or captivating Zagorohoria, filled with breathtaking landscapes and charming stone houses. Kalamata akarelias/Getty Images Kalamata, a city well-known for its olive production, is a place where travelers can get lostin the best way possible. Go to stroll its winding cobblestone streets, explore the medieval castle, and visit museums like the Modern Greek Art Gallery for a well-rounded city escape on the Peloponnese Peninsula. You can spend your day on the main pebble beach in town or book a tour of an olive grove with guides like Mama's Flavours. Kalambaka GoodLifeStudio/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Located in central Greece, Kalambaka is famous for its unparalleled view of the stunning Meteora, rock formations topped with UNESCO-listed monasteries. You can use the city as a base to explore these nearby sites dating back as early as the 11th century. Sadly, much of the city was destroyed during World War II, leaving few historic attractions to visit. Work the Natural History Museum of Meteora into your itinerary (it also has a bonus Mushroom Museum), or plan a day of wine tasting in one of the nearby vineyards. Larissa Posnov/Getty Images Smack-dab in the middle of the country, there is no better place to get the authentic experience of everyday life in Greece. Larissa also happens to be home to the oldest settlements in the countrywhich is saying something in Greecewith remnants found on the site dating back to the Neolithic period (roughly 8,000 years ago). The main attraction is the Ancient Theatre of Larissa. Next door, you can also walk around the Ancient Ruins of Larissa, where there are lovely restaurants with views overlooking the ruins. Corinth TPopova/Getty Images History abounds in the southern city of Corinth, thanks to well-preserved ruins including the iconic Temple of Apollo and the Acrocorinth fortress. Only about an hour from Athens, Corinth and the surrounding coastal towns make a perfect day trip from the capital city, says Colayera. One of the town's marvels is the four-mile-long Corinth Canal, a civil engineering project that began as an idea in ancient times but was not completed until the 19th century. Head to the viewing bridge to watch the amazing sight as boats come in, or join the daredevils at Zulu Bungy for a 230-foot jump. Piraeus NANCY PAUWELS/Getty Images If youre making your way to any of the islands, odds are youll pass through the port city of Piraeus. Dozens of ferries come in and out of the harbor each day, but before you board one, spend a little time exploring the city by visiting places like the Hellenic Maritime Museum, which showcases Greece's rich seafaring heritage. Spend the day exploring the local restaurants that surround the harbor while window-shopping for some of the glamorous yachts moored in the marina. Patras Stamatios Manousis/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Find the party in Patras, a university port city in western Greece, which offers a bustling (and modern) nightlife scene across several neighborhoods. Along the pedestrian Riga Feraiou Street, you can snag a delicious bite of Greek food, too. The most popular landmark in town is the Saint Andrew Cathedral, which has one of the biggest domes in the Balkans. Though it was built in the 1970s, the location has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries. The Archaeological Museum of Patras showcases goods from the surrounding region dating back to prehistory. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure In 2024, Crown Relocations released its "Relocating in a Changing World" survey, which found that expats overwhelmingly move abroad for a "better quality of life." For many, this means finding a place where they can access high-quality health care for themselves and their families. However, not every destination is created equal, which is why International Living sought to identify the top destinations for the "highest-quality health care options" for expats in 2026. "These countries don't just offer cheap health carethey deliver peace of mind," Jennifer Stevens, the executive editor of International Living, shared about their top five selections. "We're talking about countries where you can walk into a clean, modern facility and see an English-speaking doctor for less than the cost of a lunch out in the States. That's a game-changer for retirees." But the list isn't only for those looking to make a permanent move abroad. It also highlights places that are already popular for medical tourism and offer a "good-value option for people who may not be ready to move abroad full-time but who are in need of medical care they're priced out of up north," Stevens said. After looking at all the relevant details, International Living named France the top destination for health care-seeking expats. Advertisement Advertisement "Even after 15 years in France, I'm still regularly amazed by the quality, accessibility, and affordability of the health care system," Tuula Rampont, a contributor to International Living, shared in a statement. "That first visit cost 25 (about $29), and with my health care card, I was reimbursed 70 percentso it only cost me 7, or about $10. That price has remained unchanged for over a decade." As Rampont added, one of the most impressive parts of the French system is how it handles chronic illnesses. "If you're diagnosed with conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Parkinson's, or dementia, your treatment is covered 100 percent," she explained. "There are no age limits or exclusions for pre-existing conditions; everyone is welcome." Coming in a close second is an expat favorite, Portugal, which earned high praise for its public health care system that coexists with private care options. "I was finally given a colonoscopydenied to me in the U.S. despite being in my mid-fiftiesand a DEXA scan that revealed severe osteoporosis," expat Kimberly Anne wrote. "I was prescribed medication that costs 250 every six months without the national health care, but just 60 with it." Anne reported that the quality of care is "outstanding. On my very first visits, doctors ordered tests I'd never heard of, and others I'd been requesting for years back in the U.S." However, it is critical to note that to access the national health care system, you must have tax residency in Portugal and a tax number. Private health care can be purchased through local banks. Advertisement Advertisement Other top spots include neighboring Spain, which expat Cepee Tabibian says offers "straightforward, affordable, and transparent" care, along with Panama, which expat Jess Ramesch noted has "modern hospitals" and caring, often English-speaking doctors. Rounding out the top five is Costa Rica, which also offers a dual public-private system, along with the benefit of beautiful beaches along its coast. "Now we live near the beach, where the closest hospital is an hour away. But there are many 24-hour clinics nearby for emergencies," expat Bekah Bottone shared. "What sets these countries apart is not just low prices," Stevens added. "It's how well the systems work for foreigners. Whether it's seamless appointment booking, preventative care, or affordable prescriptions, these are places where retirees can feel truly cared for." See the full rankings at internationalliving.com. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Sweden has just made global headlines with a clever and unprecedented initiative: Its now the first country in the world where doctors can literally prescribe travel as part of a wellness plan. Built around whats being called The Swedish Prescription, this novel concept combines tourism and health by encouraging physicians to recommend a trip to somewhere in Sweden for its potential benefits to both physical and mental well-being. Launched by Visit Sweden, the countrys official tourism board, the program is rooted in scientific research that proves nature, culture, and social activities can have measurable positive effects on health. The campaign leans on Swedens abundant natural assetsfrom vast forests and pristine lakes to serene archipelagos and sprawling national parksalong with deeply ingrained cultural habits like sauna bathing, cold-water plunges, and the slow-paced social ritual known as fika. "Sweden is the first country in the world [to be] prescribed by doctors," the site reads. "Sweden's unique way of life, rooted in balance and with easy access to both nature and culture, makes it an ideal place to reset your mind and body. Together with Swedish senior professor Yvonne Forsell, we've identified activities proven by science to help you feel better. That's why you can now ask your doctor to prescribe Sweden." Advertisement Advertisement The idea is simple: Anyone interested can download a "medical referral" form from the Visit Sweden website and take it to their general practitioner. If the doctor agrees, they can issue a "prescription" recommending travel to Sweden and participation in activities designed to support stress reduction, improved circulation, better sleep, and overall well-being. Suggested experiences include forest bathing in the woods, wild swimming, watching the Northern Lights, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of quiet coastal towns. While the concept may sound whimsical, there's a serious rationale behind it. Health experts increasingly recognize that "nature prescriptions" and social prescriptionswhere doctors recommend time outdoors or engagement with cultural and community activitiescan help patients with anxiety, stress, fatigue, and other common modern ailments. Sweden's program builds on this trend by formalizing a destination that offers these restorative experiences in abundance. Doctors from the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and more already support the program. "If a patient asked for ways to manage stress or improve well-being, I would support a prescription for Sweden," Dr. Stacy Beller Stryer, a board-certified paediatrician for the federal US government and Associate Medical Director for ParkrxAmerica.org (PRA), shared with Visit Sweden. "Its access to nature and related cultural practices align with what works for mental and physical health." Advertisement Advertisement It's important to note, however, that the Swedish Prescription isn't a government-mandated health policy or insurance-covered benefit. Rather, its part of a destination-marketing campaign that uses research to spark conversations between patients and doctors about travel as a complementary wellness tool. The prescription doesn't subsidize trips or cover travel costs, but it does provide a medical-style framework that reframes travel as part of a holistic approach to health. This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Its been said that when you get plastic surgery, you dont look older or younger, but a secret third thing: weird. For MAGA women with cosmetically altered faces, its a secret fourth thing, too: a sign that youre part of the club. Style: A Makeup Artist Reveals 5 Reasons You're Looking Tired Even When You're Not Mar-a-Lago face named for President Donald Trumps Palm Beach, Florida, residence and exclusive members-only club is a caricature of femininity, and all but a requirement for women climbing the ranks in MAGA world. Advertisement Advertisement Its a bit uncanny valley, but you know the look when you see it: The Mar-a-Lago-faced might start with lip injections, then move to Botox to achieve that taut, almost painfully tight-looking skin. Cheek filler to restore lost volume in the cheekbones rounds out the face. A golden tan is a must (but thats true even for men in Trump world), as are blown-out, beachy waves. Lash extensions and veneers are always a plus. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noemmade a promotional video to advertise the clinic where she got her veneers a few years back. Then, its on to heavily contoured makeup that almost feels drag-adjacent (or at least Kardashian-adjacent). Some have likened Mar-a-Lago face to gender-affirming surgery and drag performances because its so exaggerated in its femininity: Here is the gender-affirming care the right can celebrate, Mother Jones quipped last year. The look doesnt come cheap: Plastic surgeons say the whole makeover could run you upward of $90,000, with the cost inching up to $200,000 to $300,000 if you go for a top plastic surgeon or are serious about the upkeep. Eric Trump poses with his wife, Lara Trump, and his brother's former fiancee, U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle. Some plastic surgeons suspect both women have gotten a few tweaks since President Trump came to power. Win McNamee via Getty Images Its not about looking young, but looking expensive. The fact that its so cost-prohibitive to look this way may be part of why its so in demand. In an era when celebrities are increasingly transparent about their plastic surgeries, maybe the appeal of Mar-a-Lago-face isnt so much look how young I look, but look how expensive I look. Advertisement Advertisement As author Shanna Miles wrote on Threads after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitts clearly visible lip injections in Vanity Fair went viral, lip filler is a class marker. It doesnt have to look good. Its about looking done. News: Plastic Surgeons Say Theyre Getting Requests For 1 Unsettling Look And Its Thanks To Trump Other women in Trumps inner circle suspected of undergoing some of the treatments associated with Mar-a-Lago face include the aforementioned Noem; Lara Trump, the presidents daughter-in-law; Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. ambassador to Greece (and Donald Trump Jr.s ex-fiancee) and Laura Loomer, conspiracy theorist and Trump confidante. Ruth Holliday, a professor of gender and culture at the University of Leeds in the U.K., thinks looking snatched is a sign of success in Trump circles because it can be attained with the right financial and cultural capital. Advertisement Advertisement Cosmetic surgery has the double-function of marking a body as valuable whilst adding value to it, she said. Its an investment, and investing in your body under neoliberalism is key to being a healthy citizen ready for hard work. The cast members of Members Only: Palm Beach, a polarizing new Netflix reality show, have also clearly invested in their faces. For the mostly post-50 socialites on the show which Newsweek has called a love letter to Donald Trump getting into the presidents winter White House is the ultimate status symbol. Its so much pressure to try to fit in, and I want to because I love going to Mar-a-Lago and being in the same room as the president and Elon Musk; that is such an amazing feeling, one cast member, Romina Ustayev, says at one point. You feel like, oh my God, you made it. On Netflix's reality show "Members Only: Palm Beach," the women seem to have undergone some Mar-a-Lago-inspired tweaks. COURTESY OF NETFLIX Plastic surgeons, who generally arent fans of the look, also say its about fitting in. Ultimately, the desire to fit in to have really made it is one of the central forces driving women to seek Mar-a-Lago face. Advertisement Advertisement Its absolutely about feeling like you fit in, but to be fair, all geographic areas have their associated look, said Jennifer Newman Keagle, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Los Angeles. Style: Are You Wearing A MAGA-Coded Outfit? Here's How To Tell. Keagle practices in a hipster neighborhood of northeast Los Angeles where women are getting similar procedures Botox, fillers and fat transfers but with a much lighter hand. The goal is natural, me but better, Keagle said. (On the west side of LA and in Trump-favoring Orange County the birthplace of the Real Housewives series a more obvious, done look is favored.) Advertisement Advertisement Keagle generally tries to counsel patients to leave some wrinkles in their faces because if you completely fill them in, it looks abnormal. You want to restore what was there 10-20 years ago while preserving the patients aesthetic and look, she said. I never want a patient to look weird or different. A 60-year-old woman should not have the same face as a teenager. The Mar-a-Lago set seems to lean into and almost celebrate the overdone look, Keagle said. Guests and club members gather in the ballroom of the Mar-a-Lago Club, which Mar-a-Lago face is named for. Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images Since Trumps second term began, plastic surgeons in Washington say theyre wrestling with their conservative clients requests for a more noticeable look. (Noticeable and more done are the key words; no one is actually going to their injector and saying, Give me the Mar-a-Lago face special.) Advertisement Advertisement Anita Kulkarni, a plastic surgeon who practices in D.C.s West End neighborhood, told The Guardian recently that she sometimes has to tell filler-happy clients to cool it. Style: 21 Simple Style Details That Are Incredibly Chic, According To People With Taste I have to say: I cannot put any more in there safely, she said. To my eye, if I put any more in there, youre going to cross over from looking like the best version of yourself to looking like Maleficent. When you go outside the range of what a normal human face should look like, thats not a place Im willing to go, she added. Keagle thinks some women in the MAGA elite might have filler blindness since the uncanny valley look is almost all that theyre surrounded by. Advertisement Advertisement And once you look at it in the mirror and see it again and again, it becomes your norm, she said. A face that erases all signs of aging. Buzz: The Ladies Of Netflix's 'Members Only: Palm Beach' Are Obsessed With Trump's Mar-A-Lago Some experts believe the look is about signaling loyalty and a willingness to submit. Perhaps in individual cases, the Mar-a-Lago look is just filler blindness or facial dysmorphic disorder, but there are probably other dynamics at work for people in Trumps sphere, said Samantha Kwan, an associate sociology professor at the University of Houston and the co-author of Under the Knife: Cosmetic Surgery, Boundary Work, and the Pursuit of the Natural Fake. Kwan thinks whats happening instead is that the women are communicating their political allegiance to Trump via his favorite aesthetic: Hot. Advertisement Advertisement By investing large sums of money into these procedures, as well as upkeep, this aesthetic is not only a status symbol, but a highly recognizable symbol that theyre a MAGA devotee, she said. Because its such a sexed-up look bee-stung lips, exaggerated, Kardashian-esque contoured makeup its catering to the male gaze, too. The unspoken message Mar-a-Lago face gives to men in power is that the woman is willing to tear into their flesh and change their entire individual appearance to gain approval. The women of the Trump movement, their facial disfigurations signal loyalty and a willingness to submit, said Laurie Essig, a professor and chair of gender, sexuality and feminist studies at Middlebury College and producer of the podcast Feminism, Fascism & the Future. Is there a reward for Mar-a-Lago face? Its a sad but effective strategy. When Trump deems a woman unattractive, he tends to dismiss her outright, regardless of her resume. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was reportedly rejected for the role of U.S. secretary of state because of blotch marks on her cheeks. Trump has been caught on tape saying hes a skin man. (He also reportedly said that Haley, a woman of color, has got that complexion problem.) Kristi Noem, pictured when she was a member of the United States House of Representatives in 2011, left, and now as homeland security secretary under Trump, right. HUM Images / Contributor // Pool / Getty Images As Essig explained in an email, the highly produced mask of femininity helps prop up the very fragile and also highly produced masculinity of the movements leaders, who also arent averse to going under the knife to make themselves look more masculine. Advertisement Advertisement Many noticed that former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) appeared to have gotten some ill-timed Botox before his appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Just last year, Politico reported that D.C. plastic surgeons have noticed an uptick in politicians wanting jaw and chin implants. (Interestingly, its the same face-chiseling surgeries sought out by incels looking to make themselves more dateable.) Gaetzs chin has been enhanced giving him a Chad profile seen as the necessary profile of any successful man, Essig said. This kind of surgery-attained ****** dimorphism men looking hyper masculine (square-jawed, bulked up and sometimes bearded) and women looking hyper-feminine (young, thin and Mar-a-Lago-faced) is strongly rewarded by Trump. Gaetz was on his way to becoming attorney general before a House Ethics Committee investigation into ****** misconduct allegations sank his hopes. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) pictured in 2017, left, and at the Republican National Convention in July 2024, right. Tom Williams/Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The aesthetic suggests a deep hatred of what women might look like as they age, say experts. It should go without saying that this whole phenomenon is ageist. Kimberly Guilfoyle is 56; Kristy Noem is 54, noted Essig. By their 50s, women in Trump culture are past their time as worthwhile humans making the need to reshape the face (and the body) to look younger more imperative. The only woman in Trumps political sphere to rise through the ranks but remain relatively intervention-free may be White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, 69. Within this highly misogynistic culture a woman is only beautiful to the extent she is considered desirable by Trumpian men who clearly lean toward young, Essig said, before adding a caveat. I realize they dont look young as much as they look like blow up *** dolls, but the point is they dont look like post menopausal women either, she said. It all suggests a deep hatred of what women might look like as they age. Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump's U.S. ambassador to Greece, pictured in 2004 at left and in 2025 at right. Desiree Navarro / Gisela Schober / Getty Images Will this beauty standard last? Washington and Palm Beach plastic surgeons say the Mar-a-Lago look is spreading among their non-politician clientele. Will the aesthetic last? Will it take over the rest of America? Keagle, the LA-based plastic surgeon we spoke with, said shes sure that the pendulum will swing back to natural-ish again. Im not sure if the Mar-a-Lago face will persist post-Trump, but who knows? she said. This look has been popular in many areas of the U.S. and [has been] exemplified in the long-lasting Real Housewives franchises for a decade or more, even before the first Trump presidency. Related... Read the original on HuffPost By Haripriya Suresh and Sai Ishwarbharath B BENGALURU, Jan 16 (Reuters) - India's fourth-largest IT services firm Wipro forecast weaker-than-expected revenue growth for the current quarter on Friday after deal bookings fell to a six-quarter low in the December period, sending its U.S.-listed shares down as much as 7.2%. The muted outlook came after larger rivals Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys reported steady deal wins and better-than-expected revenue in the seasonally weak third quarter. "Wipro's revenue growth was in line (with estimates), but deal wins were slightly below average. Mainly, its guidance is below street expectations," DAM Capital analyst Anmol Garg said. The Bengaluru-based company expects fourth quarter revenue to be flat to up 2% sequentially, including contributions from acquisitions. That compares with Kotak Institutional Equities' estimate of 1.5%3.5% growth for the period. It reported total deal bookings of $3.34 billion for the third quarter, its lowest in six quarters, versus $4.69 billion in the previous quarter and $3.5 billion in the same period a year earlier. Consolidated sales rose 5.54% to 235.56 billion rupees ($2.59 billion), topping the analysts' average estimate of 233.91 billion rupees, according to data compiled by LSEG. Net profit fell 7% to 31.19 billion rupees, missing analysts' average estimate of 33.52 billion rupees. The quarter included a 3 billion rupee charge tied to India's new labour codes. Wipro's margins and earnings are under pressure from continued investment in AI-driven delivery models, higher compliance costs under the new labour codes, and rising wages, NelsonHall analyst Gaurav Parab said. "Wipro is prioritizing long-term capability building, even as demand remains uneven," Parab added. SECTOR OUTLOOK IMPROVES Smaller peer Tech Mahindra beat revenue estimates for the third quarter on Friday, helped by demand from clients in the communications industry. After paring back discretionary spending amid tariff-related uncertainty, clients of India's $283 billion IT sector are showing greater willingness to invest in AI-driven projects. There is "a very clear shift towards AI-led transformation", Wipro CEO Srini Pallia said in a post-earnings call. Tech Mahindra said it expected to outperform its peers in terms of revenue growth in the next fiscal year. "We are seeing signs of stability across the U.S., coupled with stabilization of top clients spending. Europe is expected to move from stability phase into growth phase," Tech Mahindra CEO Mohit Joshi said on Friday. The South Florida Fair is back Jan. 16 to Feb. 1, bringing its annual rush of rides, music, indulgent bites and this years Party with the Pirates theme. Youll find me on the fairgrounds twice this year: Sunday, Jan. 18, judging the Talent Show at K&M Electric Community Stage, and Sunday, Jan. 25, returning to judge the Drumline Competition at the Coke Florida Stage. Come say 'hi' if you spot me. The fair runs daily through Feb. 1 and offers several solid deals. Tickets are $15 at the gate and $2 Tuesdays return with select $2 food items. Parking is creditcard only, and the minors policy remains in place Friday and Saturday evenings. Hours vary by day, with an earlier opening on MLK Day and weekend mornings. Your quickstart guide to eating the fair Fork'et Me Not was a new food vendor at the South Florida Fair in 2025. This will be my pre-talent show stop because the tacos were superb. Fair food leans playful this year, from returning staples to attentiongrabbers engineered for social media. Im sure MAHA and RFK Jr. would shake their heads at my recommendations, but truly its one day of fair indulgence weighed against 364 other chances to eat like sensible adults. Perspective dear readers, perspective. Advertisement Advertisement A few stops worth plotting into your route: Forket Me Not: Known for creative, highenergy bites, this was my favorite savory stop. Their Hyper Cajun taco returns for its second year, drawing crowds and (IMHO) besting the fairs love of overthetop creations. Fork'et Me Not was a new food vendor at the South Florida Fair in 2025. Sweet and sour shrimp tacos were superb. Kettle corn: A simple pleasure done well. A freshly popped bag is one of the best things to wander the midway with, but I will buy a few to stock for movie nights and awards show snacks. Pro tip: If space allows in your freezer, double bag the popcorn for an anytime treat. No need to thaw and it stays fresh for months. Henry Towner cooks up his "Kettle Korn" at the South Florida Fair in 2020. He's back for 2026 and I'll buy a few bags to stock in my freezer before the drive home. Bulk Candy Store: If you grew up roaming candy aisles that barely exist anymore, this is the stop that brings it all rushing back. Bulk Candy Stores enormous tent at the fair is less about viral stunt sweets and more about memory triggers the kind of hardtofind treats that used to live near the checkout line or in old-school corner stores. Think wax bottles, satellite wafers, classic caramels, retro chocolates and the oddball candies that disappeared before most people realized it. Bulk Candy Store's enormous tent is stocked with vintage sweets and priced per pound. Its a smart pick for readers who want something familiar rather than flashy. Instead of chasing shock value, they stock the comfortcandy canon: the chewy, crunchy, fizzy or pastelcolored relics you cant just grab at Publix. Its the rare booth where adults shop harder than kids. Advertisement Advertisement If your fair day needs a hit of nostalgia or a bag of something you havent tasted since childhood this is the booth to circle. More: When is the South Florida Fair? Dates, advance ticket prices, parking One bite I cant recommend Pickle milkshakes are a thing at the South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach. The pickle milkshake is exactly what it sounds like: vanilla softserve with chopped pickles stirred in and a bigger gherkin for garnish. A gimmick if Ive ever tasted one surprisingly bland, especially considering the price which was a whopping $8 in 2025. Save your appetite and calories for something with more payoff. Fair-inspired food 365: Meet ChrisBKreme ChrisBKreme aka Chris Hearn serves up smashburgers with cheese and bacon with fresh-fried funnel cakes serving as buns. West Palm Beach's Chris Hearn, a chef better known to his customers as ChrisBKreme, brings yearround carnival energy to Chrisbkreme Funnel Cakes, his hot, fresh, madetoorder funnel cakes and smashburgers using funnel cakes for buns. Advertisement Advertisement His weekly schedule: ChrisBKreme aka Chris Hearn serves up smashburgers with cheese and bacon with fresh-fried funnel cakes serving as buns. Thursday and Friday at 750 Malibu Bay Drive in West Palm Beach from 1 to 5 p.m. then 400 N. Congress Ave. in Lake Park from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 400 N. Congress Ave. from noon to 9 p.m. Follow him on Instagram via @chrisbkreme561. Cash, Apple Pay, Zelle and Cash App all accepted. He caters too; for more information, call 561-245-1324. Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post's food & restaurant writer. Care to share news tips about the local dining scene? Please send them to dbiederman@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Where and what to eat at Palm Beach County's 2026 South Florida Fair Getty Any nervous flier who has shown anxiety over boarding a plane has no doubt had someone tell them that aviation is the safest form of transportation. And while that is true, it is an abstract idea that offers little comfort during a bumpy flight or emergency landing. The proofand reassuranceis in the numbers, and one of the top safety data points that fliers can understand at a glance is Airline Ratings annual list of the safest airlines in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Every year, the safety experts at Airline Ratings examine 320 airlines around the globe to tabulate overall safety scores. The company uses data such as safety incident rates versus the airlines total number of flights, fleet age, serious incidents, pilot training, and international safety audits to calculate every carriers ranking. In 2026, the company found impressive results for more than two dozen carriers. What stands out this year is how little separates the leaders, Sharon Petersen, Airline Ratings CEO, said in a statement. The top 6 airlines were separated by a margin of just 1.3 points, according to Petersen, and positions 1 through 14 spanned a difference of less than four points. That means that passengers should feel secure boarding any of the airlines on the list. Each carrier in the rankings had incident rates of 0.09 per flight or less. All airlines in the Top 25 are world leaders in aviation safety, and claims that one is significantly safer or less safe than another are both sensationalist and false, Petersen said. New to the scoring in 2026 is a greater emphasis placed on turbulence prevention, as it is currently the leading cause of in-flight injuries, according to Petersen. To judge carriers turbulence prevention, Petersens team looked at whether airlines participate in a program from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that uses new software to help pilots avoid rough air or if they use a similar form of technology in the cockpit. Advertisement Advertisement Here are the safest airlines to fly in 2026, based on Airline Ratings data. The safest airline in the world For the first time ever, Etihad has been named the worlds safest airline. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has previously scored high marks on the annual safety rankingcoming in fifth place last yearbut has never before taken the top spot. There were several reasons that Etihad shot up to No. 1 this year, according to Petersen. The carrier operates a fleet of newer planes, and it also has a crash-free history. In 2026, it had the lowest incident rate of any of the 25 airlines on the list. Additionally, Petersen said that Etihad made advancements in cockpit safety in 2025 to avoid turbulence. In April 2025, Etihad deployed IATAs new technology across its entire fleet. The software collects turbulence data from surrounding flights in the area and helps pilots and flight dispatchers find the smoothest possible flight path. Advertisement Advertisement The airline also participated in our independent onboard safety audit and demonstrated excellent adherence to turbulence management in the cabin, Petersen said. Etihads win also marks the first time a Gulf carrier has been named the safest airline in the world by Airline Ratings. The top 25 safest airlines in the world There were notable changes to the rest of the safety ranking this year as well. Two airlines made their first-ever debut on the list: Fiji Airways and Taiwan-based Starlux, which began operations in 2020. While we generally would not include a relatively young airline such as STARLUX, their approach to safety and transparency is exceptional, and the fact other leading airlines talk about them really says it all, Petersen said. Three US carriers made it into the top 25 this year, including Alaska Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines. Another notable addition on this years list is Singapore Airlines. The luxury carrier was left off of 2025s list due to a serious turbulence related incident, according to Petersen. That incident occurred in May 2024 on a flight to London, resulting in the death of one passenger due to a suspected heart attack. Advertisement Advertisement However, the airline, which is usually named on the list every year, is back in the top 10 for 2026. After visiting their safety and training centre and holding extensive discussions with their operations team, we are pleased to have them back on the list, Petersen said. Here are the top 25 safest airlines in 2026: Etihad Cathay Pacific Qantas Qatar Airways Emirates Air New Zealand Singapore Airlines Eva Air Virgin Australia Korean Air STARLUX Turkish Airlines Virgin Atlantic ANA Alaska Airlines TAP Air Portugal SAS British Airways Vietnam Airlines Iberia Lufthansa Air Canada Delta American Airlines Fiji Airways The 25 safest low-cost airlines Airline Ratings also ranks the safest low-cost airlines in the world every year on a separate list. The budget carrier rankings have also seen major changes in 2026, including a huge upswing for AirBaltic, which climbed its way into the top 10 all the way from No. 25 last year. Advertisement Advertisement Spring Airlines China also made its debut on the rankings at No. 19, marking the first-ever Chinese airline to appear on any of Airline Ratings lists. Two US-based budget carriers made the list: Southwest Airlines and JetBlue. Hong Kong-based HK Express was named the safest low-cost carrier in 2026 for the second year in a row, thanks to its modern fleet, exceptionally low incident rate, and an almost flawless onboard safety audit, Petersen said. Given Hong Kongs stringent incident reporting requirements, this low incident rate and absence of serious incidents genuinely reflects a highly disciplined and well-run operation. Heres a look at the safest low-cost carriers around the world for 2026: HK Express Jetstar Airways Scoot flydubai EasyJet Group Southwest airBaltic VietJet Air Wizz Air Group AirAsia Group TUI UK Vueling Norwegian JetBlue FlyNAS Cebu Pacific Jet2 Ryanair Ireland and UK Spring Airlines China Transavia Group Eurowings Group Volaris WestJet Group GOL SKY Airline Chile Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler The Latest Travel News and Advice The South loves its diners, and it shows. From tiny soda fountains tucked into small towns to neon-lit 1950s throwbacks along bustling highways, these local eateries arent just for meals, theyre where neighbors gather, families celebrate and travelers taste a slice of history. Southern Living recently rounded up the regions most beloved local diners, highlighting 14 spots where tradition, charm and crave-worthy dishes reign supreme and two Alabama diners made the list. PaynesScottsboro, Alabama Southern Living highlighted Paynes in Scottsboro for its remarkable longevity and local charm. Operating for 153 years, Paynes began as a pharmacy and soda fountain and was the first in the area to serve Coca-Cola. Today, its still beloved for its classic floats, milkshakes and signature red slaw hot dogs. Sunliner DinerOrange Beach Sunliner Diner is known for its nostalgic 1950s charm and for expanding its Southern footprint. With chrome booths, checkered floors, and a jukebox at every table, the diner serves breakfast all day and classic lunch and dinner favorites. Advertisement Advertisement Originally in Pigeon Forge, TN, Sunliner now has three locations, including its newest, Orange Beach, bringing its retro vibes and comfort food to even more of the South. For a full list of Southern Livings 14 most beloved diners in the South, check out the complete roundup here https://www.southernliving.com/local-diners-in-the-south-11885835. 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: Alabamas best diners, according to Southern Living In the early 20th century, climbers faced the constant challenge of how to keep their footing on everything from rocky slabs to icy slopes. Two key innovations, the Tricouni nails and the modern crampons, emerged as solutions. Each had its strengths and limitations. Preferences evolved gradually, driven by use, technological advances, and shifting tastes. Long before the 20th century, mountaineers used nailed boots. These developed from the simple hobnailed designs used by hunters and travelers. The boots featured metal studs hammered into leather soles to improve grip on slippery or uneven ground. By the late 19th century, as winter climbing gained popularity in the Scottish Highlands and the Alps, nailed boots became essential. According to mountaineering historian Alex Roddie, in his excellent 2016 article Pilgrim's Progress: a century of development in climbing equipment and technique, early nails like clinkers (square-headed studs hammered through the sole) offered durability but weren't replaceable once worn down. This led to frequent slips on ice or smooth rock. A poster from 1930. Photo: Atar Printing House, Geneva, via memoiredeveyrier.ch Breakthrough The breakthrough came at the turn of the century with the invention of the Tricouni nail by Felix-Valentin Genecand. This Geneva-based jeweler and passionate climber was nicknamed Tricouni after a climb near his home. Genecand began his designs in the late 1890s, and by the early 1910s, the finalized Tricouni had become the industry standard. Advertisement Advertisement Genecand's design featured a hardened steel edge soldered to a softer body, with serrated edges for superior bite. These nails attached to the boot sole using two staples, making them more secure and easier to replace than traditional hobnails. This innovation quickly became popular among alpinists for its versatility on mixed terrain. Felix-Valentin Genecand. Photo: Genecand Family Archive via memoiredeveyrier.ch Tricouni nails allowed climbers to tackle moderate winter routes without additional gear, as they provided an "incontestable" hold on rock. They also performed well on snow, according to Gaston Rebuffat's 1963 guide On Snow and Rock, as noted by Roddie. However, they weren't without flaws. Nailed boots, including those with Tricouni patterns, were heavy, noisy, and prone to damaging delicate rock surfaces. In a 1920 account from Harold Raeburn's Mountaineering Art, climbers were warned to "look with suspicion upon the climber who says he wears the same pair of boots without re-soling for three or four years," as worn nails could endanger a party on serious terrain. Advertisement Advertisement Despite these issues, Tricouni nails dominated throughout the 1920s and 1930s. While a full professional fitting was relatively expensive, they became the standard for reliable, all-purpose traction. Prehistoric claims, and skeptical reality While the roots of modern crampons trace reliably back to the 16th century (when European hunters used simple four-point grappettes for snow travel), some earlier claims pushed the timeline much further into prehistory. In the early 20th century, archaeologists occasionally interpreted certain Iron Age artifacts from Austria's Hallstatt culture as evidence of ancient climbing crampons. These included a simple iron bar with three conical points and pierced lateral uprights, and a bronze unit featuring multiple prongs and curved supports, both found in local graves. Hallstatt, Austria, marked on the map. Photo: Britannica.com Advertisement Advertisement In the mountaineering literature of the day, figures like Lord Conway suggested crampons were a Celtic invention later carried across Europe. However, a 1934 note in the American Alpine Journal by J.M.T. (likely James Monroe Thorington, a prominent AAJ contributor and mountaineering historian at the time) cast doubt on this romantic notion. The author pointed out practical problems: The objects would have been awkward and insecure to attach to the foot, and the Austrian grave examples showed no signs of the wear you'd expect from repeated use. They also represented a costly use of valuable metal when simple wooden cleats would have done just as well. The second pair, found alongside horse equipment, was more convincingly identified by expert Oliver Eaton Cromwell as primitive stirrups rather than foot irons for climbing. In the end, the piece gently debunked the prehistoric crampon myth, reinforcing that true crampons emerged much later. This aligns with the gradual, evidence-based evolution from nailed boots to dedicated ice traction tools that defined alpinism in the 20th century. It also shows how easily enthusiasm for ancient ingenuity can sometimes outpace the archaeological facts. Oscar Eckenstein By the late 19th century, the use of early rudimentary crampons had waned among serious mountaineers, who favored nailed boots and labor-intensive step-cutting with ice axes. This changed in 1908 when British engineer and climber Oscar Eckenstein designed the first modern 10-point crampon, motivated by the inefficiencies of step-cutting, which demanded huge stamina and exposed climbers to hazards like avalanches. Crampons in the early 20th century. No front points but otherwise familiar. Photo: Grivel.com Advertisement Advertisement Eckenstein collaborated with Italian blacksmith Henry Grivel to produce a lightweight, strong steel frame that fit snugly on boots, featuring long, sharp points. As Roddie explains, this allowed climbers to walk up steep ice by turning their ankles to engage multiple points, drastically reducing the need for cutting steps. The design went commercial in 1910, but adoption was slow. Many British alpinists remained skeptical, viewing crampons as a crutch compared to the "pure" technique of nailed boots and axes. Eckenstein himself reflected on the potential in 1908: "What the ice climbers of the future will be able to climb, I know not. But I find it hard to believe that we have already reached the limits of what is possible." Refinements followed. In 1929, Laurent Grivel added two front points to create the 12-point crampon, enabling steeper ascents. By 1933, chrome-molybdenum steel improved durability. A pivotal moment came during the 1938 first ascent of the Eiger's North Face, where Germans Anderl Heckmair and Ludwig Vorg, equipped with 12-point crampons, overtook Austrians Heinrich Harrer and Fritz Kasparek who relied on hobnailed boots and 10-point crampons, respectively and the group summited together. Using crampons while remaining elegant. Photo: Grivel.com Comparisons In practice, Tricouni nails and crampons complemented rather than competed. Nailed boots shone on mixed or rocky ground, offering "always-on" grip without the need to carry or attach extra equipment. As the American Alpine Club notes, they provided traction on varied surfaces but struggled on hard, continuous ice, where spikes could dull or fail to penetrate. Advertisement Advertisement Detachable crampons were ideal for glaciers and steep frozen slopes, with their longer points biting deeply for secure footing. Drawbacks for both emerged in real-world use. Nailed boots required meticulous maintenance (oiling leather to prevent cracking and replacing worn nails), and could lead to "nail-sick soles" riddled with holes. Crampons, strapped with hemp or leather, were cumbersome to adjust and added weight when not in use. Gaston Rebuffat captured the nuance in On Snow and Rock: "On rock, their hold [Vibram soles] is incontestable; on snow, they hold as well as Tricounis; on ice, Tricounis are preferable, but if the ice is really hard, it is in any case necessary to put on crampons," as noted by Roddie. Expedition reports show hybrid use: Climbers wore Tricouni-nailed boots for approaches and added crampons for icy sections, illustrating a pragmatic blend rather than rivalry. Vibram soles, 1937. Photo: eu.vibram.com Rubber soles The mid-20th century marked a turning point with the introduction of Vibram rubber soles in 1937 by Italian climber Vitale Bramani. These gave superior friction on rock (better than nails) while remaining flexible for snow. Combined with detachable crampons, they had rendered permanent nailing obsolete by the 1950s and 1960s. Roddie points out that Vibram soles held "as well as Tricounis" on snow but excelled on rock. When ice demanded it, climbers simply added crampons. Advertisement Advertisement The American Alpine Club's history confirms that early crampons weighed about the same as modern ones but were less user-friendly, with straps prone to failure. Later step-in designs improved compatibility. Environmental concerns also played a role. Nailed boots eroded rock more noticeably as climbing boomed after World War II. By Rebuffat's era, "nailing has been abandoned to good purpose," signaling the end of an age. Vitale Bramani. Photo: Vibram Archives Legacy Today, Tricouni nails are largely a historical curiosity, revived occasionally by vintage enthusiasts or in niche applications like logging boots. Crampons, however, remain indispensable, with innovations like monopoints and heel spurs pushing boundaries in ice climbing. Modern debates, such as microspikes versus full crampons, echo the old "nailed-versus-detachable discussions, focusing on convenience for moderate terrain. Advertisement Advertisement Reflecting on this evolution, it's clear that neither tool was inherently superior. Instead, they represented steps in a continuum of adaptation. As Eckenstein mused over a century ago, the limits of what's possible continue to expand, built on the foundations laid by these early innovators. When browsing hotels and flights for a summer vacation to London, I decided to do as the locals do sort of. I used a virtual private network, or VPN, to change my location to the United Kingdom in hopes of finding a deal, a much-hyped travel hack. Travel sites often use dynamic pricing, meaning they show different prices depending on your location or browsing history, a December 2025 blog post on NordVPNs website reads. If you switch to a server in another country or region, you can get the cheapest international flight deals with a VPN. Especially during the holiday season, when prices surge before Christmas and New Year, this trick can make a real difference. Advertisement Advertisement I decided to give it a go myself, but my search didnt yield the results I hoped Heres why. What's one way to feel happier? Go on a trip. According to G Adventures' recently released Happiness List 2026, 89% of the 8,000 adults intending to travel in 2026 across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand agree that purpose-driven travel contributes to their long-term happiness. Those trips offer a sense of wonder along with a chance to decompress and find connection. Here are 10 travel experiences that G Adventures' travelers said made them feel happiest: Panama's San Blas Islands are ideal for unplugging while enjoying turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Travelers can stay in Indigenous-owned accommodations, including traditional huts, and explore the archipelago by boat. Witnessing a solar eclipse is one way to experience wonder. G Adventures offers five trips for the Aug. 2027 eclipse, including an exclusive viewing party in Chefchaouen, Morocco. Travelers can dive into Guatemala's history and culture, from learning how to make beloved local dishes to exploring the ancient ruins of Tikal. Exploring the wild, remote landscapes in the Arctic aboard an expedition cruise can leave travelers with a newfound appreciation for Mother Nature. Imagine having a close encounter with Africa's wildlife while also supporting ethical travel and conservation. G Adventures offers a trip to Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, where travelers can see Victoria Falls, track elephants and cruise rivers looking for hippos. Sail down Sri Lanka's South Coast on a seven-day trip on a 54-foot catamaran for the chance to swim at remote beaches, explore fishing villages and more. Ecuador offers much more than being a gateway to the Galapagos. Travelers can go chocolate tasting, learn more about Indigenous culture and explore the wild jungle. Rather than falling into the typical tourist traps, travelers can try to live like a local and go off the beaten path. On G Adventures' East Iceland trip, guests go to a remote hamlet, enjoy geothermal pools and hike coastal trails. The Stans Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan offer a rich history steeped in the Silk Road trade along with stunning nature, like Kaindy Lake's otherworldly sunken forest. Moldova may not be on everyone's radar, but this underrated Eastern European destination is perfect for foodies. Travelers can sip wine, taste local cuisine and visit spots like an eco-friendly cheese factory. 10 destinations where travelers feel happiest 1 of 10 What's one way to feel happier? Go on a trip. According to G Adventures' recently released Happiness List 2026, 89% of the 8,000 adults intending to travel in 2026 across the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand agree that purpose-driven travel contributes to their long-term happiness. Those trips offer a sense of wonder along with a chance to decompress and find connection. Here are 10 travel experiences that G Adventures' travelers said made them feel happiest: Panama's San Blas Islands are ideal for unplugging while enjoying turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Travelers can stay in Indigenous-owned accommodations, including traditional huts, and explore the archipelago by boat. Can you find travel deals by using a VPN? For the purposes of my experiment, I searched Hotels.com for travel dates on an early June weekend using NordVPN. Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch was listed at about $910 for the two-night stay. While the prices were displayed slightly differently on the U.S. site, the total was nearly the same at $906 (and appeared to be more expensive by booking across the pond). I figured Id try my luck with rental cars and browsed options from Hertz for pickup at Heathrow Airport (LHR). A small car a Ford Fiesta or similar was similarly more expensive on the U.K. site, priced at roughly $229 as compared with about $222 on the U.S. version. Tourists queue to take pictures next to a classic red phone box (L) during a visit to the Westminster area of central London on December, 30, 2025. I traveled virtually to Mexico to run the numbers there, too. Advertisement Advertisement The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun, was listed at about $300 for a two-night booking on the Mexican version of Hotels.com, while the U.S. site listed it at $297, a modest savings. Hertzs Mexico and U.S. sites, meanwhile, showed the same price $41.96 for an Intermediate 2/4 Door car rented from Cancun International Airport (CUN). I also tried the same comparisons for both trips using another VPN provider, ExpressVPN. Hotels.com asked me to complete a digital puzzle to prove my humanity, but even after doing so, it wouldnt let me through (Ill ponder what that says about me later). This time, I used Booking.com for the hotel searches. Even so, the results were largely the same, with only slight differences. The Cancun hotel was even closer in price on the Mexico and U.S. versions of Booking.com, for example. Sunbathers enjoy Playa de los Delfines in Cancun, Mexico, on May 25, 2023. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images) Marijus Briedis, NordVPNs chief technology officer, said prices may vary a lot depending on the website, time, and where your server is located. Advertisement Advertisement If you keep trying different options, you can find better deals online, he told USA TODAY in an email. Some sites change prices more based on your location, and sometimes the best savings come from connecting through less obvious countries. In our 2025 research, using servers in places like Turkey, Poland, Croatia, or Moldova sometimes led to better deals than connecting from the country youre traveling to. However, when I set my location to Turkey and reran the London hotel and car rental searches, the hotel was priced the same in Turkey and on the U.S. Hotels.com site. The rental car was also more affordable on the U.S. Hertz site, at roughly $245 compared with about $273. "Hotel prices are dynamic and can vary from one search to the next based on many factors, including live changes in availability, hoteloriginated rates and promotions, special offers, currency fluctuations, and other variables," Expedia told USA TODAY in an email. "On Expedia and Hotels.com, travelers can view prices on any of our international sites directly with or without a VPN and using a VPN does not impact the price they see." ExpressVPN, Hertz and Booking.com did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Can you get cheaper flights by using a VPN? My flight deal searches were marginally more fruitful. The U.K. version of Google Flights showed an Iberia flight as the cheapest from the New York area to LHR. The round-trip journey from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a stop in Madrid was displayed at just under $583 using NordVPN. The U.S. version showed the same flight as $583. Advertisement Advertisement The cheapest flight to Mexico from the New York area was slightly more affordable with my location set to that country. A United Airlines flight from EWR to CUN with a stop in Houston was $411.42 round-trip on the Mexico version of the site, and $413 when viewed from the United States. I obtained roughly the same results when viewing the flights with ExpressVPN as well. Google declined to comment. Does using a VPN to book travel work? Robert Cole, Senior Research Analyst, Lodging and Leisure Travel at Phocuswright, previously told USA TODAY that different rate structures can be applied to different distribution channels and locations. For instance, a hotel could give a third-party booking platform a less expensive price but ask that it only list that rate in a particular place. "They go, 'That's great, but do not sell that in the U.S.,'" he said. "You know, 'We are [a] Miami Beach resort or we're a resort in Cancun [or] the Dominican Republic, we want German business.'" Advertisement Advertisement To obtain a certain price, travelers may also be required to present a home address or a drivers license from that country (when renting a car). "My words of warning are, yes, you can do it, but you have to be very careful knowing who you're dealing with," Cole added. "So, it's very much traveler beware." Is using a VPN to book travel worth it? That depends. I came up largely empty-handed, but spent money in the process. A month of access to NordVPN and ExpressVPN cost me about $14 each (though subscription prices vary). I may have just had bad luck, though. When there are price differences, they can be significant, NordVPNs Briedis said. Our research found savings of up to 40% on some flights and hotels. A family of four booking flights from Mexico City to Disneyland Orlando saved almost $600 by connecting through Moldova. These savings dont happen every time, but for expensive bookings, even occasional discounts are worthwhile. Advertisement Advertisement (This story has been updated to add new information.) Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can a VPN really score cheaper travel deals? I tested it One man was killed and two others wounded in a shooting Thursday night on West Patapsco Avenue, Baltimore Police said. Southern District officers responded around 9:34 p.m. Jan. 15 to the 2100 block of W. Patapsco Avenue following reports of gunfire. They found an unidentified man suffering gunshot wounds who was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men, ages 24 and 38, were found nearby, also suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were taken to a hospital and treated. Advertisement Advertisement Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation and are urging anyone with information to call 410-396-2100. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP or via text on the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland website. Have a news tip? Contact Emerging News Editor Brian Carlton at bcarlton@baltsun.com. A new realty brokerage has opened its doors in Montgomery. Wright Realty Group is headed by Lakasha Dotson, who said she left her full-time job four years ago in order to become a realtor. Dotson served in the military for 14 years and said when she came back, she didn't like the civilian side of things since she was used to having more structure in her life, which she said prompted her to pursue a career in real estate. Advertisement Advertisement "I love it, I am big on community service," Dotson said. "I love helping put families in homes. ... I'm really interested in helping people create generational wealth." More: Montgomerys top pizza joint for National Pizza Week, according to Yelp Three years into pursuing a career in real estate lead Dotson to getting her own broker license so she could open her own brokerage. She said that on top of serving the community, she hopes to develop other agents down a similar path to her own. Dotson's brokerage which, as per the Wright Realty Group website, covers over 100 areas in Alabama is at 8212 Old Federal Road. Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Clifton covers business for the Montgomery Advertiser. You can reach her at sclifton@montgome.gannett.com or follow her on X @sarahgclifton. To support her work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Owner of new Montgomery real estate firm is 'big on community service' A logistics facility in Lebanon announced the layoff of approximately 145 employees due to the company permanently closing the location at the end of February. Smoky Mountain Logistics, LLC, located at 1000 Richard Petty Way between Interstate-840 and Murfreesboro Road, and adjacent to the Nashville Super Speedway, filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) to state officials on Jan. 9. The company says it specializes in arranging transportation services between freight companies and businesses and operates as a delivery partner for Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement According to the WARN, the shutdown of the Lebanon facility is set to take effect Feb. 28. According to the State of Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD), the employees at Smoky Mountain Logistics are not represented by a collective bargaining agreement. Resources are being made available for dislocated workers through the Northern Middle Local Workforce Development Area response team. TDLWD says employees or anyone in the public can contact the Department of Labors Dislocated Worker Unit at 615-253-6355. This is the first mass layoff of 2026 for Middle Tennessee. Smoky Mountain Logistics, LLC, did not return communication requests at time of writing. Authorities have arrested a second suspect in a gunpoint robbery that occurred at an apartment in Somerset County over the summer. Jamaal Williams, 24, of Somerset, was apprehended by detectives in a parking lot in Edison following a foot pursuit on Monday, Jan. 5, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Thursday. Williams and co-defendant Sierra Manfredi, 26, of Milltown, were indicted last month on charges of first-degree armed robbery and carjacking. They also face two second-degree weapons offenses and two second-degree conspiracy charges. Advertisement Advertisement Williams was additionally indicted on a charge of second-degree certain persons not to possess weapons. Manfredi was first arrested the day after the robbery, but Williams whereabouts remained unknown until earlier this month. On the morning of July 27, 2025, a man reported that he was robbed at gunpoint at his apartment in Franklin Township. The victim told police that he had arranged to meet a woman at his apartment at about 1 a.m. and she arrived with three unknown men who were all armed, authorities said. During the confrontation, he was forced to hand over cash, jewelry, sunglasses and marijuana to the assailants, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement The next day, detectives identified Manfredi as the woman who was allegedly involved and took her into custody. She was charged with first-degree armed robbery and second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery and was later released pending court proceedings. After the pursuit on Jan. 5, Williams was processed on the indictment charges and transferred to Morris County Jail. Edison Police then found a handgun on the ground near where he was apprehended. While in jail, Williams was served with two additional second-degree weapons charges, third-degree hindering apprehension and fourth-degree resisting arrest by flight. At a hearing on Wednesday, a judge ordered Williams to be detained pending trial. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have not yet identified the two other men involved in the robbery. The Somerset County Prosecutors Office is asking anyone with information to call the major crimes unit at 908-231-7100 or submit a tip through the STOPit mobile app. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. To mainstream renewable energy, Germany shut down its last three nuclear power plants in 2023. Just three years later, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told business leaders it was a serious strategic mistake, and the country will rebuild nuclear production. Merz, having held Germanys highest political office for less than a year, criticized the previous administration for its highly restrictive energy policies during a publicized address. To counter the policies dampening effects on energy production, Germany is now undertaking the most expensive energy transition in the entire world, Merz said on Wednesday. Germanys energy-production decline accelerated in 2000, as the country began dropping its coal and oil production. By 2024, renewables made up around 65% of the countrys domestic energy. Advertisement Advertisement And while their carbon emissions have dropped at least 32% since 2000, Germany simply doesnt have enough energy-generation capacity, Merz said. So the chancellor announced that power plants are to be built, and all the necessary documents have been exchanged to begin construction on new nuclear power plants, which will likely be put on the old sites. In Merzs speech, he said the heart of the issue is that Germanys power industry is too heavily reliant on imports from other countries. In 2025, nearly 70% of its energy needs were met through international imports. I want us to eventually have acceptable market prices for energy production again, and not have to permanently subsidize energy prices from the federal budget. We cant do this in the long run, Merz said. Germany joins the global nuclear-energy awakening Germanys western neighbor, France, has dominated Europes nuclear power industry since the mid-1980s. Its 57 operating reactors fulfill 70% of the countrys energy needs, and France sells 3 billion, $3.5 billion, of nuclear energy annually to other countries. Currently, France is building six new reactors and considering another eight. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, as of early 2026, China has 59 operating nuclear reactors with 37 more under construction, the World Nuclear Association reported. The countrys operable nuclear capacity shot up in the 2010s, and new growth has since leveled off slightly. The U.S. currently has 94 operating nuclear reactors the most of any country. But without expansion, China will take its title once it finishes construction on its 37 proposed reactors. However, in mid-2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to jump-start the countrys nuclear industrial base and make it easier to start generating electricity. He proposed restarting closed reactors, increasing existing output, completing partially built reactors and begin construction on 10 new large reactors with full designs by 2030. MADRID, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Spanish technology group Indra has won a contract from Transport for London (TfL) to run the ticketing and control systems across the city's public transit network in a deal worth up to 975 million euros ($1.1 billion), it said on Friday. The agreement to 2034 including options that could run to 2039 covers systems used on the Underground, trams, buses and ferries across the British capital and its metropolitan area. Indra said it will maintain and operate thousands of gates, validators and ticket machines, as well as retail sales terminals, portable inspection devices and the central back-office and payment systems, including cybersecurity. The London network records more than 8.6 million journeys a day for a total of more than 3.6 billion a year, the company said. Indra said there will be a transition period of almost two years, after which it will become the sole provider of the network's ticketing system. It added that it plans to work with TfL on upgrades, including a future move to account-based ticketing on the Oyster Card, which has been in use since 2003. ($1 = 0.8613 euros) (Reporting by David LatonaEditing by David Goodman) The four people charged in a deadly mass shooting in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighborhood last summer will go to trial. Jihad Gray, 35, Daquan Brown, 21, Terrell Frazier, 22, and Brandon Fischer, 17, were arrested in connection with the shooting on the 1500 block of South Etting Street. RELATED: Teen marks 4th arrest made in deadly Grays Ferry mass shooting that left 3 dead, 9 others hurt During a preliminary court hearing on Thursday, a judge ruled that their cases could move forward to trial on charges of third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and inciting a riot. Three people were killed, and several others were injured when gunfire erupted during a block party last July. COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) All westbound lanes of Interstate 40 in Putnam County are back open after hazardous road conditions and multiple crashes caused the roadway to be shutdown for several hours on Thursday. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said in an update on Friday that troopers responded to multiple crashes near mile marker 285 just before 1 p.m. The crashes were caused by a sudden snowstorm that moved through the area, causing road conditions to become hazardous in a matter of minutes. Find live traffic conditions: TDOT Smartway Map Advertisement Advertisement A total of 11 crashes were reported, three of which involved injuries. Eight commercial vehicles were involved and a THP spokesperson previously said that a total of 20-30 vehicles were affected. No fatalities were reported. The roadway was shut down until just before 6 p.m. local time. Prior to reopening the interstate, the Tennessee Department of Transportation treated the roadway to address any remaining slick areas. Credit: Lindsey Cutshaw Credit: Lindsey Cutshaw Credit: Lindsey Cutshaw Traffic backups on I-40 W near mile marker 286 in Cookeville, Tennessee on January 15, 2026 Credit: Tennessee Highway Patrol Cookeville Lindsey Cutshaw from Knoxville said she was on her way to Nashville with her friends when they were involved in a crash. Me and my friends were on our way to our dental hygiene board review and it started snowing really hard out of nowhere, Cutshaw said. We were already going slow, but the cars in front us started hitting their brakes and as soon as my friend started hitting hers she started sliding and we could just not get stopped. It has been a major pileup. 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 WATE 6 On Your Side. Screenshot via YouTube Salacious details have emerged from a civil lawsuit brought against former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who is alleged to have seduced her married bodyguard away from his family with a combination of wining, dining, travel, and drug use. Heather Ammel is seeking $25,000 in damages under an alien of affection law thats still on the books in North Carolina, where Ammel lived with husband Mark Ammel. He joined Sinemas security detail in 2022 after retiring from the U.S. Army and battling PTSD and substance abuse, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement In the suit, Heather Ammel accused Sinema of willfully and wantonly interfering in and ending their 14-year marriage, and leaving the mother of three to fend for herself. Here are the five most salacious tidbits from the bombshell lawsuit. 1. AMMEL WASNT THE ONLY BODYGUARD SINEMA ALLEGEDLY HAD DALLIANCES WITH The court filing portrays Heather Ammel as a stay-at-home mom of three who tended to her childrens needs while Mark Ammel was allegedly drawn further under Sinemas spell, despite being warned. Sinemas head of security resigned in 2023, but not before allegedly warning Mark Ammel she had concerns the senator was having sexual relations with other security members. The filing claims Ammels boss encouraged him to leave with her, but Ammel decided to stay on because the money was too good. 2. SINEMA ALLEGEDLY USED THE SIGNAL APP TO SEND LASCIVIOUS MESSAGES Sinema allegedly used Signal to send lascivious messages to Mark Ammel. Advertisement Advertisement The court filing details how in 2024, Heather Ammel discovered Signal messages between her husband and Sinema that included a photo of the senator wrapped in a towel. In another message, Sinema told Ammel that she was skipping the State of the Union address that year because she didnt want to hear some old man referring to President Joe Biden talk about the legislation she wrote. One message from Ammel to Sinema about missionary sex with the lights on, drew the rebuke Boring! from the senator. Court papers also detail an exchange between Ammel and Sinema in which he stated that he was going to start a fuck the troops chant. Sinema allegedly messaged back that she would fuck the hot ones. 3. SINEMA ALLEGEDLY ENCOURAGED AMMEL TO USE ILLICIT DRUGS One Signal chat detailed in the court filing claimed Sinema was aware of Mark Ammels PTSD and substance abuse issues, and offered to help him through them. She allegedly encouraged him to bring MDMA, also known as Molly and Ecstasy, along on a work trip. Sinema is also said to have suggested that she could guide him through a psychedelic experience while high on the hallucinogen. Advertisement Advertisement The documents also allege that Sinema paid for Ammels psychedelic treatment in Nashville, Tennessee. 4. SINEMA ALLEGEDLY LAVISHED AMMEL WITH TRIPS AND CONCERTS OUTSIDE OF HIS SECURITY DETAIL AND GOT HANDSY WITH HIM WHILE HE WAS WORKING The court filing alleges that Mark Ammel and Sinema traveled alone together to Napa Valley in 2023, outside of Ammels security detail duties. He also joined her at a U2 concert in Las Vegas, a Green Day concert in Washington where he brought along one of his kids, and a Taylor Swift concert in Miami. They also stayed together at an Airbnb, and Ammel allegedly served as Sinemas plus-one at a wedding in New York City, according to the documents. In March 2024, while Ammel provided security at an event in Phoenix, Arizona, Ammel conceded to his wife that Sinema was handsy with him while he was on duty. He said that Sinema held his hand and touched him, and told his wife he didnt know how to get out of the situation without offending the senator. Advertisement Advertisement In another instance, Ammel messaged Sinema saying he was intimidated by her. Sinema allegedly responded that she only wants to be intimidating to her opponents, not to people she likes. 5. HEATHER AMMEL CONFRONTED SINEMA DIRECTLY ABOUT THE ALLEGED AFFAIR In addition to working security, Sinema allegedly put Mark Ammel on the Senate payroll in June 2024 as a Defense and National Security Fellow. He continued to travel with Sinema, going straight from an anniversary trip with his wife to a work trip with Sinema to Saudi Arabia and other destinations. After one trip, the court filing alleges Heather Ammel found a text message from Sinema reading, I miss you. Putting my hand on your heart. Ill see you soon. Heather messaged back, are you having an affair with my husband? You took a married man away from his family. Advertisement Advertisement The documents did not record any response from Sinema. Sinema left the Senate in 2024. Shes currently a senior advisor at the law firm Hogan Lovells. The post The 5 Most Salacious Tidbits From the Bombshell Kyrsten Sinema Homewrecker Lawsuit first appeared on Mediaite. As mass protests erupted over the past week after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent killed Renee Nicole Good, thousands of Americans hoisted signs and marched to thunderous chants of abolish ICE. The mantra has quickly captured the bursting anger and grief of a nation; activists and progressive lawmakers like the representative Ayanna Pressley, and even the conservative commentator Bill Kristol have embraced the demand. Shri Thanedar, a Democratic representative from Michigan, said he planned to introduce the Abolish ICE act, a bill that would dismantle the federal agency and its current enforcement authority. For the first time, more US adults now support eliminating ICE than those who oppose it, according to a new Economist/YouGov poll. It wasnt just the 7 January shooting of Good, a mother of three and US citizen, in Minneapolis, that has sparked outrage over Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. In 2025, 32 people died in ICE custody, making it the agencys deadliest year in two decades. Worksite raids in cities such as Los Angeles, Portland and Chicago have led to the arrest of thousands of immigrants without due process and triggered massive protests demanding that federal agents leave their communities and be held accountable for alleged human rights abuses. Advertisement Advertisement To longtime immigrant rights activists, the reckoning may feel familiar. Juan Prieto, the digital communications manager for the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said the movement today to end or rein in ICE was so much realization of the legwork and learnings laid down by the first iteration of abolish ICE. A lot of directly impacted advocates taught American citizens how to look out for immigrants, he said. In the summer of 2018, abolish ICE became a rallying cry as thousands took to the streets to protest against immigrant family separations under Trumps first term. Top Democrats, such as 2020 presidential hopefuls and senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand, adopted the demand. Just as quickly, though, the momentum spluttered. Party leaders and strategists declared the slogan a divisive, unpopular policy demand that would hurt Democrats electoral chances, and it fell from mainstream political discourse even as deportations soared under the Joe Biden presidency. Eight years later, with the country again in the throes of the Trump administrations immigration crackdowns, activists at the forefront of abolish ICE say the campaign set in motion todays anti-ICE resistance. The movements setbacks can also form a blueprint for building a stronger movement. There are lessons about taking to the streets, said Jacinta Gonzalez, a leading immigrant rights organizer for more than 15 years. But this time around, were building community and building a vision about what having a world without ICE can look like. The rise of abolish ICE The push to abolish ICE has its roots in the police and prison abolition movement that Black scholars like Angela Davis had long advocated for. But the phrase abolish ICE became a call to arms seemingly overnight when political strategist Sean McElwee typed it in a tweet that went viral. Advertisement Advertisement The central assumption of ICE in 2018 is that any undocumented immigrant is inherently a threat, McElwee wrote in an article for the Nation that same year. In that way, ICEs tactics are philosophically aligned with racist thinkers like Richard Spencer and the writers at the white-supremacist journal VDare. ICE was created in 2003 as a unit of the brand-new Department of Homeland Security, in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The agency is primarily tasked with locating, detaining and forcibly removing undocumented immigrants. Securing the border and enforcing Trumps family separation policy are functions of Customs and Border Protection, another federal agency established in 2003. While it seemed to come out of nowhere, the movement to abolish ICE was built on many years of grassroots organizing led by undocumented immigrants. Anti-ICE organizing started practically as soon as the agency formed, but it gained momentum during the record number of deportations under Barack Obamas administration, said Amy Gottlieb, an immigrant rights lawyer and activist with the group American Friends Service Committee. Obamas policy of deporting felons, not families, Gottlieb said, also perpetuated the enduring narrative of good and bad immigrants the idea that some are more deserving of citizenship than others that would drive a wedge among immigrant rights groups. As we moved into that first Trump administration, I think there was a sense of real anger at how many people were deported, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Gonzalez, the head of programs at digital rights non-profit MediaJustice and a founding organizer of the No Tech for Ice campaign, said the early Trump years pulled back the curtains on how ICE operated. The first Trump administration was a moment when they were very unapologetic about the fact that the cruelty was the point, said Gonzalez, who was a senior campaign organizer for the Latinx rights group Mijente at the time. We saw it as our goal to free people from those types of surveillance and detention and deportation. Throughout the sweltering summer months, hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated and camped outside federal detention centers across the country, shutting down facilities in several cities. One woman, Patricia Okoumou, scaled the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty in protest against Trumps hardline immigration policies. The momentum behind the abolish ICE campaign grew so strong that a dozen legislators endorsed the cause. In the 2018 midterm elections, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made dismantling ICE a central campaign demand in her upset victory over the representative Joe Crowley. The representative Mark Pocan introduced legislation to eliminate the agency, though it didnt gain much traction in the House. I think our wins against detention centers really started to happen after that point, said Silky Shah, executive director of Detention Watch Network and author of Unbuild Walls: Why Immigrant Justice Needs Abolition. I think a lot of that was because new people were entering the fight, new people really understanding the role of ICE in their local communities and the sort of entanglements that existed. The fall Shah said the abolish ICE campaign faltered after Biden took office because his administration failed to establish itself as a foil to Republicans on immigration matters. Advertisement Advertisement The movement didnt know how to pressure the Biden administration because they didnt signal they cared to do much about immigration, Shah said. People were pushing for some sort of relief, but because of the narrative around the border, Biden shied away from the issue and didnt put forth much of a pro-immigrant stance. Though Biden didnt conduct the same scale of interior enforcement as Trump did, Shah said, the focus quickly shifted away from fighting deportations to addressing the border crisis. Much of the legislation and policy changes that emerged from the abolish ICE movement, she said, was focused on reviewing or replacing the agency rather than shuttering it. For some who have been fighting the agencys deportation machine since the beginning, even abolish ICE doesnt fully capture the movements goals, given that ridding the agency still leaves behind enforcement mechanisms that allow for the mass detention and deportation of immigrants. Abolishing ICE needs to be the floor, not the pinnacle, Shah said. Going back to a system with fewer agents and more collaboration with local police is not the solution. Advertisement Advertisement Prieto, at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said the movement struggled against a lack of courage and political imagination from the Democratic party. Rather than capitalizing on the popular, unflinching demand to abolish ICE and the deportation apparatus, Prieto said, Democrats ended up capitulating to Republicans as the country moved right. Kamala Harris, who called for a restructuring of ICE ahead of her 2020 presidential bid, adopted a tough-on-immigration stance in her presidential run four years later. Last January, shortly after Trumps inauguration, 46 House Democrats voted with Republicans for a bill that required the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes. Democrats consistently struggle with utilizing grassroots momentum to actually create tangible change that better reflects the needs of people on the ground, said Prieto, who was organizing with the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance in 2018. The rise again Despite the setbacks, Prieto said the 2018 abolish ICE campaign laid the groundwork for much of the grassroots resistance against the agency today, including know your rights workshops, the many rapid-response groups supporting families targeted by raids, and the growing efforts to close detention facilities across the country. ICE losing credibility in the publics eye, the recognition of how much power there is in showing up, all that is thanks to the work that happened under the first eruption of the abolish ICE movement, Prieto said. Advertisement Advertisement Mantras and chants have shaped the movements of Trumps second term. But the slogans that mobilized the masses over the past year, such as the No Kings and Hands Off protests, were expressions engineered by national organizations, rather than organic phrases that took off on social media. Over the past week, fervent calls to abolish ICE found new life because Goods death sparked a collective outrage reminiscent of that during the immigrant family separations. Gonzalez said explicit calls for abolition have not gained as much traction until now because the stakes the danger of engaging in activism under this administration are higher. But that doesnt mean the work has stopped. We just witnessed someone lose her life just being a civilian present, she said, and you still have people showing up to do the same thing, coming together to make sure people are fed, are still going to school is astounding. To capitalize on the current moment of reckoning, Prieto said, the Democratic party has to engage with the demands of protesters and immigrant rights activists to abolish all systems of policing, detention and enforcement a campaign that does not end with the dismantling of ICE. Its coming to terms with the reality that were living in and really having the political imagination necessary to get us out, Prieto said. Our opposition has a vision of an authoritarian white nationalist utopia that theyre working day in and day out to accomplish. I dont think our leaders have that level of progressive envisioning. With a few notable exceptions, the response so far to Gov. Dan McKee's proposed $14.9 billion tax-and-spending plan has been largely positive from advocates for the groups who would directly benefit from it though some hoped for more. Those who have lauded pieces in the proposed new state budget that Democrat McKee delivered to lawmakers on Jan. 15 include the Hospital Association of Rhode Island and the Economic Progress Institute. Some of the sharpest criticism so far centers on the so-called "millionaires tax" that McKee is seeking to fill gaps and provide millions of dollars in election-year tax relief through a 3% surtax on the earnings of people making more than $1 million a year. Gov. Dan McKee framed his agenda and began to make the case to Rhode Islanders that he deserves another four years in office in the annual State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Millionaires tax in Rhode Island is proving controversial At one end of the fierce debate is the Rhode Island arm of the Working Families Party, which wants McKee to expand the reach of the surtax to even more more taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the group said McKee's proposal is a "good start" but "were losing out on hundreds of millions of dollars because we wont tax the wealthiest people in this state in a way that genuinely reflects their ability to pay." Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, the executive director of the Economic Progress Institute, echoed that sentiment, saying the additional 3% on taxable income above $1 million is "a good start towards increasing tax fairness in Rhode Island." However, a competing "Revenue for Rhode Islanders" proposal would apply the new, higher income tax rate to incomes of $640,000 and up, rather than $1 million, to generate more revenue. Nelson-Davies said that proposal would generate $203 million annually, compared to the $136 million in McKee's proposal. On the other side, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce said: "Make no mistake - a millionaires tax is going to hurt the 'mom and pop' businesses that make Rhode Island proud." Advertisement Advertisement And the National Federation of Independent Business, which describes itself as "the nations leading small business advocacy association," said that "the answer is never hiking taxes on the state's job creators, Main Street businesses." The group warned that the proposed income tax surtax could stymie economic growth, and while it "attempts to target higher income earners," it could also impact small business owners who file their taxes as individuals. "If taxed at a higher rate, those small business owners will have less money to reinvest in equipment, inventory, land, infrastructure and their workforce," the group said. "When the cost of doing business goes up, prices go up, jobs and business growth are negatively impacted, and the state's economy continues to lag." Other McKee proposals are also proving controversial Sen. Sam Bell was one of the first lawmakers with warnings about the potential impact of other McKee's budget proposals, including one described this way in the governor's budget summary: Advertisement Advertisement "To rein in rising health care costs, the budget proposal empowers the Office of the Health InsuranceCommissioner (OHIC) to set annual cost growth targets ..." In a post on social media platform X, Bell described the idea as "truly deranged." "A truly deranged McKee idea is that he wants health insurance companies to spend less of your money actually helping you. He wants to cap the total amount of claims health insurance providers pay out, letting the insurance companies figure out how to do it," Bell wrote. According to his reading: "McKees budget eviscerates Medicaid and clean energy programs, and its going to break the Department of Human Services. Its a bloodbath for health care, low-income people, and the planet." Asked to respond to Bell's reading of the proposed cost-cap, the state's Health Insurance Commissioner Cory King said six other states California, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington "have authority to require performance improvement plans and assess penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Of Bell's concern about a reduction in paid claims, King said: "Under a cap claims and other expenses grow at a rate that is more affordable for consumers in terms of their premiums and out-of-pocket expenses (such as deductibles). A cap will require greater accountability of insurers." He said McKee's goal is to "cap cost growth, which is the key driver of rising health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses by Rhode Islanders. These costs are hurting Rhode Islanders by reducing their paychecks and forcing difficult trade-offs between health care and other necessities." "We believe quality health care can be delivered at a lower cost while maintaining an accessible health care system." King said. The Hospital Association of Rhode Island commended McKee's "continued engagement " on health care. Advertisement Advertisement "As Rhode Island faces a challenging fiscal environment and impending federal health care cuts, it is critical that protecting access to care, supporting the health care workforce, and ensuring affordability for patients remain shared priorities," the group said of pieces in McKee's health care package, including an additional $10 million for the uncompensated care at the hospitals if, as expected, federal cutbacks lead to thousands more uninsured. This story has been updated with new information. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Advocates largely positive about McKee's state budget proposal An Afghan man went on trial in Germany on Friday accused of ramming a car into a crowd in Munich last year, killing a two-year-old girl and her mother and injuring dozens. The suspect, partially identified as Farhad N., 25, faces two charges of murder and 44 of attempted murder, with prosecutors saying he acted out of a "religious motivation" and expected to die in the attack. The vehicle rampage in February 2025 was one of several deadly attacks linked to migrants which inflamed a heated debate on immigration ahead of a general election that month. Advertisement Advertisement Farhad N. is accused of deliberately steering his car into a 1,400-strong trade union street rally in Munich on February 13. The vehicle came to a halt after 23 metres (75 feet) "because its front wheels lost contact with the ground due to people lying in front of and underneath the car", according to the charge sheet. A 37-year-old woman and her young daughter were both hurled through the air for 10 metres and sustained severe head injuries, of which they died several days later. Prosecutors have said Kabul-born Farhad N. "committed the act out of excessive religious motivation", and that he had uttered the words "Allahu Akbar", meaning "God is the greatest", after the car rampage. Advertisement Advertisement "He believed he was obliged to attack and kill randomly selected people in Germany in response to the suffering of Muslims in Islamic countries," they said when he was charged in August. However, he is not believed to have been part of any Islamist militant movement such as the Islamic State group. The trial is scheduled to run for 38 days until the end of June. - Spate of attacks - Farhad N. arrived in Germany in 2016 as an unaccompanied teenager, having travelled overland at the height of the mass migrant influx to Europe. His asylum request was rejected but he was spared deportation, found work with a series of jobs and was able to remain in the country, German media have reported. Advertisement Advertisement Police said Farhad N. worked in security and was heavily engaged in fitness training and bodybuilding. The Munich attack came a month after another Afghan man had carried out a knife attack on a kindergarten group that killed two people, including a two-year-old boy, in the city of Aschaffenburg. The perpetrator was later confined to a psychiatric facility after judges found he had acted during an acute psychotic episode. In December 2024, six people were killed and hundreds wounded when a car ploughed into a Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg. A Saudi man was arrested and is currently on trial. Advertisement Advertisement Several Syrian nationals were also arrested over attacks or plots at around the same time, including a stabbing spree that killed three people at a street festival in the city of Solingen. Germany took in more than a million asylum seekers in 2015-2016 at the height of Europe's migrant crisis -- an influx that has proved deeply divisive and fuelled the rise of the far-right AfD. Conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who took power last May, has vowed to crack down on criminal migrants and has ramped up deportations of convicts to Afghanistan. Germany in December also deported a man to Syria for the first time since that country's civil war broke out in 2011. fec/fz/st EAU CLAIRE When Josh Kaul became Wisconsin Attorney General, he never imagined he would be spending so much time suing the federal government. Were now over 40 multi-state suits [in the past year] that Wisconsin is part of, Kaul said Thursday during a visit to the Leader-Telegram office in Eau Claire. Im confident were now at more lawsuits than in the first Trump administration. And a lot of these there have been positive results. Since President Donald Trump returned to office nearly one year ago, Kauls office has filed lawsuits to protect school funding and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars. Advertisement Advertisement He noted that the Trump administration recently attempted to cut off $70 million in education funding for Wisconsin, which would have been a cut of $450,000 to the Eau Claire Area School District. However, the White House eventually backed off and the funding remains in place. Its one of the examples weve been a buffer to all the chaos going on, Kaul said. You can see how important the Attorney General is, the governor is, the courts are, and the Legislature are. More than 30 of those multi-state lawsuits are still ongoing. Many of the cases are still working their way through the process, he said. To me, the current Trump administration, it is much less constrained by laws. Advertisement Advertisement Kaul, a Democrat, said hes keeping a close eye on the ICE arrests in Minnesota. Both Minnesota and Illinois are filing lawsuits against the Trump administration. At this time, Kaul has not filed an amicus brief to join either lawsuit. Thats where the large deployments of ICE is being felt, Kaul said of those two states. But we have to be prepared for that to happen in the future. Kaul noted that the Big Beautiful Bill signed last summer included a big increase for the Department of Homeland Security to increase the size and scope of ICE. There is no question what is happening is making people feel less safe, Kaul said. People dont want to leave their home, or go shopping. Peoples liberties are being infringed upon. Advertisement Advertisement Kaul was particularly concerned about footage of seeing ICE agents smashing car windows and reports of them assaulting people. Thats not good for public safety, he said. Its about a political agenda pursued at the direction of the White House. There has been some ICE activity in Wisconsin, but what weve seen here is more targeted, he said. Kaul would like to see ICE do a better job of communicating and working alongside the local law enforcement agencies. I dont want to see people deterred from going to courthouses because of ICE activity there, Kaul said. I think [ICE] should be focused more on public safety. Advertisement Advertisement During his tenure as Attorney General, Kaul also has fought to protect abortion access, which the courts have recently upheld. He filed a lawsuit to protect that access just days after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v Wade. An 1849 law was still in place that would have outlawed abortion. There was concern that doctors may be prosecuted, Kaul said. We filed a lawsuit and we were successful in that case. He noted that the abortion issue will continue to be part of the political conversation in Wisconsin, as the Supreme Court ruling allows individual states to set policy and practice. A Legislature could pass a bill, and a governor could sign that bill, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, his office was involved in lawsuits to stop the National Guard from being activated in states where the governor has not requested the guard be brought in. Kaul said his office will continue its work on protecting the environment and protecting the public from scams. My top priority as AG is public safety, he said. Ensuring our liberties are protected are really fundamental. Kauls visit was an official stop in his role as Attorney General. Kaul is seeking re-election this fall, where he will face Eric Toney, who he defeated four years ago. Toneys office sent a statement to the Leader-Telegram about Kauls visit to Eau Claire. Josh Kaul is more focused on his radical left-wing political agenda than on protecting Wisconsin families, the statement reads. His partisan politics and failed management of our crime labs has already driven a bipartisan group of more than half of Wisconsins sheriffs to endorse Eric Toney for Attorney General. They know that Eric will put public safety over politics. A Baldwin County library will not receive state funding after months of turmoil involving sexually explicit and inappropriate content in books for teenagers. In a meeting fraught with crosstalk and tension, the Alabama Public Library Service board voted to withhold state funding to the Fairhope Public Library. The library kept some flagged books, including The Handmaids Tale, in its teen section instead of moving them to the adults section. Youre going to be known as the censor for Alabama, board member Ron Snider told John Wahl, who voted to withhold funding. Advertisement Advertisement At the board meeting, Wahl, who is also the president of the Alabama GOP, read aloud some passages from books he found questionable. Most of the passages involved curse words and instances of consensual and non-consensual sex. The amount of vulgarity concerns me, Wahl said. This is not content that I can recommend to young people. At issue is about $22,000 in state funding. Since the showdown began, the library has raised more than $100,000 in community donations. Fairhope librarians must move the following sexually explicit books to the adult section to receive state funding: Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin Crank by Ellen Hopkins Doing It by Hannah Witton Identical by Ellen Hopkins Lighter Than My Shadow by Katie Green Shine by Lauren Myracle Sold by Patricia McCormick The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Advertisement Advertisement Most of these books have appeared on banned book lists for years, including lists created by conservative groups like Clean Up Alabama and Moms for Liberty. Wahl asked several times why the board chose to keep these books on the teen shelves. Fairhope Library board chair Randal Wright and library director Robert Gourlay said the board had already read the books and decided they were suitable for the teen section. Moving the books would equate to censorship, Wright said. In the definition that we were given, the word prurient was there, Wright said. I dont think any of this is sexually explicit in the sense that it arouses someone. Its just making some statements and talking about it as a whole. These books did not have a reason that we felt they should be moved. Advertisement Advertisement Wright explained that parents can select a library card that prevents children under 13 from accessing books in the teen section. The teen section is also located on a different level from the childrens section. Snider said he believed the overall content of the books is addressed to the correct audience. He said to Wahl that if he believed that teenagers hadnt already heard these words, youre not in the reality that Ive been. Wahl said some of the books have literary value, but he would not want a child to read them before the content was explained by a parent. Parents make those decisions, Wright said. If you as a parent dont like this book, then your child doesnt read it. But you cant keep that book away from my child. Its not your job to make that decision. Advertisement Advertisement This is the first time that the state library board denied funding based on book placement. In 2024, the board decided to update the state code mandating libraries move books that were inappropriate for children to the adult section. The board also discussed a new code change that expands on what is inappropriate. This will include any books that feature positive portrayals of transgender characters. Library director Kelyn Ralya estimated the change to take effect on Feb. 14. No new decisions were made about the new chief of staff position because an approval process must go through the Alabama State Board of Personnel. The next APLS meeting is March 26. Read the original article on al.com. Tyler Robinson, the alleged gunman who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk last year, is seeking to disqualify the attorneys prosecuting him in Utah. Robinsons defense team has raised concerns with one of the deputy county attorneys whose child attended the campus event at Utah Valley University where Kirk was shot, according to The Associated Press. The 18-year-old attendee sent a series of messages to his father, who works in the Utah County Attorneys Office, describing the slate of events. Advertisement Advertisement While the second person in line was speaking with Charlie, I was looking around the crowd when I heard a loud sound, like a pop. Someone yelled, hes been shot, the attendee, whose name was redacted from court documents, stated in the affidavit, which was reviewed by the AP. CHARLIE GOT SHOT, the attendee wrote later in the family group chat, as reported by the AP. Robinsons lawyers said the message thread raises serious concerns about past and future prosecutorial decision-making in this case, according to the court documents. They suggested that the county was in a rush to seek the death penalty against Robinson in a display of strong emotional reactions while urging District Judge Tony Graf to dismiss prosecutors from the case. Advertisement Advertisement Still, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray has defended the team of prosecutors and says the messages will not impact the prosecution as the attendee is not a material witness nor a victim in the case. Under these circumstances, there is virtually no risk, let alone a significant risk, that it would arouse such emotions in any father-prosecutor as to render him unable to fairly prosecute the case, Gray said in a filing, according to the AP. Robinson was arrested last September and booked on suspicion of felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice, in addition to the murder offense. President Trump, who considered Kirk a friend, has also called for the death penalty and railed against critics of the Turning Point USA co-founder. A Utah judge last month also ruled that the transcript and audio recording of a closed-door hearing in the criminal case against the 22-year-old Robinson must be made public with some redactions. Advertisement Advertisement The suspect has not yet entered a plea in the case. 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 Sen. Andrea Hunley will not seek reelection this year after one term in the Statehouse, opening the door to a widely anticipated run for Indianapolis mayor in 2027. The 41-year-old Indianapolis Democrat won her first bid for public office in 2022, when she beat an establishment-backed candidate to represent Senate District 46, which covers downtown Indianapolis and many surrounding neighborhoods. A former Indianapolis Public Schools principal and teacher, Hunley says she's used her Senate term to push for stronger public education and policies to ease the rising cost of living. While Hunley did not explicitly say she plans to run for mayor, stepping away from her Senate seat likely signals that she's preparing a bid for the top office in Indianapolis government. In a Jan. 16 announcement first reported by IndyStar, Hunley hinted at her plans to focus more on issues closer to home. Advertisement Advertisement "I will keep working side by side with our neighborhoods and businesses to champion a better quality of life for everyone in Indy," Hunley said of her decision not to pursue reelection. "Ive realized that the best way for me to do this is to focus on our local community." Named the assistant minority leader in 2024, Hunley will serve through the end of her Senate term in November. Hunley's announcement comes a day after Vop Osili, the longtime Indianapolis City-County Council Democrat, became the first big name to enter the 2027 mayor's race. With the May 2027 primary election less than 16 months away, the race is shaping up to pit Osili, an ally of Mayor Joe Hogsett, against newer faces like Hunley who may be more critical of the incumbent mayor's legacy. Andrea Hunley's political rise Raised in Fort Wayne after being adopted, Hunley moved to Indianapolis after graduating from Indiana University in 2006. She taught high school English for five years and in 2011 became an assistant principal in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township. Advertisement Advertisement In 2012, she became principal at the Center for Inquiry 2, an award-winning IPS elementary school in downtown Indianapolis. Hunley stayed in that role, which at the time oversaw grades K-8, for more than a decade. She left the job around the time she won her state Senate race in November 2022. Hunley earned about 44% of the vote in a crowded Democratic primary that May, putting her 18 percentage points above the candidate endorsed by the Marion County Democratic Party, City-County Councilor Kristin Jones. Hunley handily defeated Republican Evan Shearin in the general election, winning nearly three-quarters of the vote. Hunley: 'I am not going anywhere' In recent months, Hunley has boosted her profile by speaking on hot-button issues of statewide and local significance, including Indianapolis street safety, public education, data centers and the mid-cycle redistricting effort. Advertisement Advertisement She took the stage to criticize President Donald Trump at an October "No Kings" protest at the Statehouse, drawing ire from some Republicans for her strong language about the president's effort to "rig" congressional maps: "We do not negotiate with terrorists," Hunley said. Hunley joined all Senate Democrats and most Senate Republicans in voting no to kill the redistricting proposal. She showed up at a grassroots protest in support of Indianapolis' plan to reduce traffic deaths and a neighborhood rally against a proposed data center in Martindale-Brightwood. Hunley has defended her 2025 vote in favor of creating the controversial Indianapolis Local Education Alliance, writing that "policy change should always be driven at the local level and informed by community input." But she told IndyStar in a Jan. 15 call that she's "not excited" about ILEA's recommendations that, if implemented, would dilute the power of the elected IPS school board. During this legislative session, Hunley has authored bills on a wide range of topics. Senate Bill 131 would establish a new state oversight office for psychiatric hospitals after widespread abuse of patients was reported over the past two years. One bill would create criminal penalties for adults who fail to safely secure guns used to do harm, while another seeks to tighten regulations on utility companies. Advertisement Advertisement As Hunley rounds out her four-year Senate term, she said she's mulling over "how she will be called to serve next." "While my role may change, my commitment to this work will not," Hunley said. Our city needs bold leadership to be a world class destination for people to work, play, study, and stay. I am not going anywhere." Email Indianapolis City Hall Reporter Jordan Smith at JTSmith@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @jordantsmith09 and Bluesky @jordanaccidentally.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Who will run for Indianapolis mayor, possibly Andrea Hunley The worlds biggest footwear players are among the largest unsecured creditors in Saks Globals Chapter 11 bankruptcy. After weeks of intense speculation and many twists and turns, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman and other nameplates made the move in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas late Tuesday. Saks Global secured $1.75 billion in financing from bondholders, which will allow it to operate during the bankruptcy process. More from WWD The filing revealed that Christian Louboutin is the 13th largest unsecured creditor, with the brand owed $21.6 million. Jimmy Choo parent Capri Holdings, which owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo (and recently sold Versace to Prada Group) is the 4th largest unsecured creditor, with its tally at $33.3 million. Of course, many of the major fashion houses listed on top of the unsecured creditors list also derive a large portion of their businesses from footwear and accessories. Chanel is owed a whopping $136 million, while luxury conglomerate Kering, parent of Gucci, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent and more, is owed $59.9 million. In total, over 10,000 creditors are cited in the filing. Small independent brands across the fashion universe are at the greatest risk during a time of change and challenge in the luxury business and now must go to court to try and recoup their losses in a complicated situation. The company said in the filing that both assets and debts are each at between $1 billion and $10 billion, but those numbers will evolve. The retailers debts include $2.2 billion in bonds Saks used to buy Neiman Marcus, a acquisition that was only completed a year ago and was a major factor in the financial collapse of the overall business. Saks also took on $600 million in debt during a refinancing this summer. Richard Baker, the real estate executive who engineered the controversial mega-merger between Saks and Neiman Marcus, stepped down as CEO of Saks Global over the weekend after a little more than a week on the job (He took the reins following Marc Metricks departure on Jan. 2.) WWD first revealed news of Bakers exit on Saturday, and also reported Geoffroy van Raemdonck, former CEO of Neiman Marcus Group, was among the top candidates to step in during the bankruptcy. The move was made official a few days later. People rally in support of transgender rights at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) As Utah lawmakers return to Capitol Hill for their 2026 session next week, LGBTQ+ advocates are on guard for what will be the fifth year in a row with multiple bills targeting transgender people. But one bill in particular HB183 stands out as especially bad, said Marina Lowe, policy director for Utahs largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group, Equality Utah. Advertisement Advertisement That is by far the most harmful and outrageous piece of legislation I have seen in a long time, Lowe told Utah News Dispatch in an interview this week. The bill sponsored by one of Utahs most hard-right Republicans, Rep. Trevor Lee, of Layton is far reaching and would have broad impacts in a variety of areas of state code. The bill would: SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Strip out the word gender and replace it with sex in many areas of state law, including in the states anti-discrimination protections for housing, employment and crime victims. Ban changes to the sex designation field of a birth certificate. Require state agencies when making administrative rules to refer to biological sex by using the term sex instead of gender. Ban school districts and certain providers licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services from assigning a transgender employee to a role that interacts with children. In child custody proceedings, require a court to view a parents non-support of a transgender childs gender identity as a factor to favor awarding custody to that parent. Remove gender identity from a provision that allows the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles to refuse personalized license plates that disparage a list of groups (which also currently includes race, religion, sexual orientation, ect). Advertisement Advertisement To sum up the bills impacts, Lowe said it would green light, by way of state law, the ability to commit hate crimes against the transgender community, to discriminate against the transgender community. She said it would remove protections for transgender people for employment or housing. Lowe argues the bill also undermines parental rights in ways that are harmful for the trans community, and requires discriminating against transgender people in jobs that are licensed by the Utah Department of Health and Human services, which is a huge list of different entities. Thats hospitals, foster care, adoption agencies, substance use, mental health facilities, youth residential, she said. Another provision basically allows for discrimination against transgender people, Lowe said, by banning them from working in schools as teachers, staff members, counselors, or any circumstance where they would come face to face with a student for longer than five minutes. Advertisement Advertisement The bill would effectively erase transgender people from existence under state law, she said except in one provision, which allows you to disparage transgender people on license plates. Lee told Utah News Dispatch in an interview this week that his bill is aimed at getting away from this idea that there are like 100 different genders out there. Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, stands while the colors are presented in the House Chamber on the first day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) There is no such thing as gender, its a made up word and term. Its actually just two sexes. Theres male and female, he said. We need to get back to that basic biology. He said he also wants no more changing birth certificates because thats stupid and it makes it very confusing for people, as we get older, especially our children. Advertisement Advertisement Lowe said its one of the most egregious legislative attacks on transgender people shes ever seen crop up on Utahs Capitol Hill because it would basically undo years of progress to create equal protections for a class of people that do exist whether Lee likes it or not. Among the most high-profile pieces of legislation that Lees bill would impact is a 2015 law, SB296, which banned sexual orientation and gender identity-based discrimination in housing and hiring while also providing safeguards for religious freedom. The law is known as the Utah Compromise because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and LGBTQ+ advocates all backed the bill. Trevor Lees bill takes a sledgehammer not just to the compromise, but to each and every one of the legislative solutions that have emerged over the past decade where Equality Utah and largely Republican lawmakers have come together to try and solve really complex, challenging, difficult issues, in particular facing the LGBTQ community, Lowe said. Lee refused to acknowledge that his bill would allow discrimination against transgender people in housing and employment, instead insisting that they dont exist. Advertisement Advertisement Youve got to pick one. Youre not both. See, this is part of getting away from this complete, alternate universe that people have been living in for a long time, he said. Theres male and female. Theres nothing in between. It doesnt happen. Lowe said its hard to land on any other conclusion that this is just a really cruel bill. People rally in support of transgender rights at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) I really hope our other lawmakers will feel some of the fatigue around this issue, she said. This is now, gosh, the fifth straight year in a row that weve seen multiple bills targeting this very small and pretty vulnerable community. Lowe said she hopes the rest of the Republican-controlled Legislature decides against taking this approach, which really doesnt improve anybodys lives, it doesnt solve any problems, it just leaves a vulnerable group considerably more vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement One of Utahs most powerful legislative leaders, Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, was one of three Republican sponsors of the 2015 Utah Compromise enacting LGBTQ+ protections while balancing religious freedom provisions. Asked about Lees HB183 during a wide-ranging interview this week, Adams who rarely takes positions on House bills before theyve progressed to the Senate told Utah News Dispatch it would take a lot to convince me to make any changes to the anti-discrimination code enacted by the 2015 law. He noted that theres a nonseverability clause in the law, which means that if any portion is struck down by a court, that the entire bill would be struck down. Legislative changes may not impact that provision, he said, but he still expressed concerns about changing the law. There were a lot of commitments made, and it was artfully crafted and balanced, he said. I would be very, very hesitant to try to undo that balance. Advertisement Advertisement Adams also expressed frustration with what he called social issue bills, which he said can be distracting from the important and exciting things Utah lawmakers hope to focus on this year when it comes to energy development, critical minerals, water, housing and other big issues that have sweeping impact in the state. That may spell trouble for Lees bill, at least in the Senate. But its too early to tell how far the bill or some version of it will progress. The 2026 Legislative Session is scheduled to begin Tuesday, and will last 45 days. It also comes during an election year, when 15 Senate seats and 75 House seats are up for election. Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, oversees business in the Senate Chamber during a special legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Lee, when asked about the Senate presidents comments, said, Yeah, well, times change. You would have never asked me 10 years ago if we had to worry about keeping biological males out of female sports, he said. Things happen. We have issues. We have problems. If Utah, in my opinion, made a mistake in 2015 by giving an identity to something that doesnt exist, I think thats very problematic to everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Lee also argued anti-transgender legislation is worth spending time on because he said these social issues have a much wider impact on our state. Whether (Adams) wants to talk about them or not, these are serious problems that we deal with, and we run significant legislation around these social issues, Lee said. He knows that, and its unfortunate we have to deal with them, but we do. Its just the world we live in now. Lee added that just like him, I wish we didnt have to run these kinds of bills. I wish everyone had common sense like we all used to agree on with this stuff, but because we dont, he said. We need to bring back common sense for society, not for our sake but for our childrens sake, too. So they grow up in a world thats not wrought with confusion and identity-type politics. Advertisement Advertisement Lee continued: This needs to be squashed, needs to be taken out of the way, and we need to go back to common sense and the things that made Utah great, not things that made California a terrible place to live in this country with their types of politics. We want to protect ourselves from that. And thats what these bills are doing, its making us go as far away from those blue-type states policies as possible. Renaming Harvey Milk Boulevard after Charlie Kirk Though Lowe said HB183 is by far the worst anti-transgender bill filed so far this year, Equality Utah is also opposing several other bills. Another one sponsored by Lee, HB196, has especially sparked anger from Salt Lake City leaders and residents. That bill would rename 900 South in Salt Lake City currently known as Harvey Milk Boulevard, named after the early LGBTQ+ rights leader and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. Milk was assassinated in San Francisco in 1978. Lee wants to rename that street Charlie Kirk Boulevard, after the conservative influencer who was shot and killed last year during a speaking event in front of thousands of students at Utah Valley University in Orem. A street sign marks 900 South in Salt Lake City, also known as Harvey Milk Boulevard, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (McKenzie Romero/Utah News Dispatch) Equality Utah and Salt Lake City leaders have opposed it as not only an attack on an LGBTQ+ icon, but also infringing on local control. Currently, cities have the power to name their roads. Trevor Lee has an unusual, and truly bizarre obsession with the LGBT community, Lowe and Equality Utahs executive director, Troy Williams, wrote in a statement condemning HB196. And its so curious that he wants to memorialize Charlie Kirk on the absolute gayest street in Utah. Williams and Lowe added that Salt Lake City residents know the difference between meaningful leadership and culture-war cosplay. Harvey Milk earned his place in history, they said. Trevor Lee, despite his yearning for our attention, isnt destined for the history books. Frankly, he couldnt even land his name on a cul-de-sac. They said that if a conservative city wants to memorialize Charlie Kirk, where he will be truly celebrated, then that is absolutely their prerogative. We are not going to pit Charlie against Harvey, Lowe and Williams said. These two men, if still alive today, would enjoy sitting down together, and engaging in spirited and friendly debate about the issues of the day. When asked why Lee is targeting 900 South rather than naming a street in another city, like in Orem, after Kirk, Lee told Utah News Dispatch: What a better street to pick than the one from the group of people who dont seem to understand how to have a civil dialogue. Charlie Kirk was the best of us, Lee said. He was a man of faith, he walked the walk, he was someone who wanted to engage in civil dialogue with those who disagreed with him. Lee also accused Milk of being a pedophile, and said that its embarrassing for our state, that we have a street named after him. A mural depicting gay rights leader Harvey Milk is pictured on 900 South in Salt Lake City, also known as Harvey Milk Boulevard, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (McKenzie Romero/Utah News Dispatch) Lees comments echo accusations against Milk that have circulated for years, stemming from a biography that says Milk was involved with a teenage boy who was 16 years old when they met in New York City in 1964, when Milk was 33. Milk was never convicted of sexual misconduct. Those accusations against Milk resurfaced most recently after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the secretary of the Navy to rename the oiler ship USNS Harvey Milk in June. The ship was first named after Milk in 2016 by then-Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, according to Military.com. Milk came from a family that had a history of naval service, and he also served in the Navy during the Korean War. He left the service in 1955 with a less than honorable discharge after being officially questioned about his sexual orientation, according to his official biography. Lowe dismissed Lees bill as a petty move that is intended simply to stoke agitation and to get more likes on Twitter. Lowe also disputed Lees claims about Milk and whether it has anything to do with renaming a street in Salt Lake City after Charlie Kirk. If we wanted to look back into the history about inappropriate relationships between adults and underage individuals, there are plenty in this state we could talk about as well, she said. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Renaming the street is not a serious policy issue, she said. I hope other lawmakers view it as such. We just dont view it as a serious proposal, she said. Lawmakers have such a limited time on Capitol Hill to really tackle the complicated and challenging issues facing our state, and to be wasting time trying to remove one street name and replace it with another, simply to stick it to the libs, seems like a tremendous waste of time. Other anti-LGBTQ+ bills In addition to Lees bills, there are several other anti-LGBTQ+ bills. Some were unsuccessful in past legislative sessions, but their sponsors have revived them in attempts to get them passed in 2026. They include: HB193, sponsored by Rep. Nicholeen Peck, R-Tooele, which would ban public funding for transgender-affirming medical care. HB95, also sponsored by Peck, which would prohibit consequences against a public employee, including teachers, who refuse to recognize someones gender identity. HB174, sponsored by Rep. Rex Shipp, R-Cedar City, to require health care professionals currently providing cross-sex hormones or puberty blockers to transgender minors to taper their patients off the treatment. Utah lawmakers in 2023 enacted an indefinite moratorium on new prescriptions for puberty blockers and hormone therapy to minors. Lowe said she also expects an effort to convert that moratorium into a ban. HB114, sponsored by Rep. Colin Jack, R-St. George, would restrict drag shows and criminalize performing them in a public space or in the presence of a minor. Lowe said to see another year of anti-transgender bills surfacing on Utahs Capitol Hill is demoralizing and exhausting for a vulnerable group of people who are already feeling marginalized and bullied by the Utah Legislature. Its got to feel just terrible for the transgender community to sort of wait with bated breath every January to see whats coming, and to see so many bills come out before the session has even started is kind of demoralizing, she said. After so many years of anti-transgender legislation, it feels like theres nothing else that can be legislated, and yet every year they seem to come back to the same issue area, she said. These are peoples lives, she said. I guess my question to the Legislature would be, you know, trans people still exist, even after all of these bills get passed. And what is the Legislature doing to support these families? Theyre not going away. They still need help and resources. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on Thursday revealed that she presented Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize, the coveted medal that hes dreamed of having in his clutches for years. Machado, following what she described as an excellent White House meeting, said she gave the medal to Trump in recognition of his unique commitment with our freedom. The president is keeping the medal, a White House official later toldoutlets. Advertisement Advertisement The Nobel Committee has insisted that while the medal can transfer owners, the winners status as a Nobel laureate cant be shared or transferred to others. Machados medal gesture comes less than two weeks after the U.S. launched a military operation that killed approximately 100 people in Venezuela where forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, at home in the middle of the night. News: Venezuelan Nobel Prize Winner Would Love To Give Trump Her Award Despite Him Not Supporting Her Since the attack, Trump has signaled his support for interim president Delcy Rodriguez, a Maduro ally, while declaring that Machado didnt have the support within, or the respect within the country. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Trump described Machado as a wonderful woman who has been through so much and called it his Great Honor to meet her. 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 wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. Social media users weighed in on the reported medal hand off, with one Bluesky user sarcastically calling it the Nobel Appease Prize, an apparent nod to Trumps repeated claims that he deserved the honor last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related... Read the original on HuffPost LIMA Most area counties lifted their day-old Level 1 snow emergencies by Thursday afternoon. Allen County Sheriff Matt Treglia canceled the countys Level 1 roadway advisory at 4:49 p.m. Thursday. It had been in effect since 5:29 p.m. Wednesday after roads became covered with snow and ice. Auglaize County dropped its Level 1 advisory at 12:43 p.m. Thursday. It had issued a Level 1 snow emergency at 9 p.m. Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Mercer Countys Level 1 was taken off at 10:57 a.m. Thursday after going into effect at 8:50 p.m. Wednesday. Putnam County remains under the Level 1 roadway advisory issued at 4:14 p.m. Wednesday, noting roadways were snow-covered and icy. Sheriff Brian Siefker urged people to drive carefully. ONLY ON LIMAOHIO.COM 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. The battlefield in Ukraine is changing constantly, and weapons makers are rushing to keep up. Drone and ground robot makers said they're designing their systems in ways that allow them to be easily updated. They're either modular, meaning parts can be swapped out, or designed so software changes are all that's needed. Rapid changes on the battlefield in Ukraine are prompting Western weapons manufacturers to reassess how military technology is developed and upgraded. With the fight evolving quickly, arms companies in Ukraine and Europe say that they can't afford to start from scratch and completely redesign entire systems each time conditions shift. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, companies making aerial drones and ground robots told Business Insider that their focus is now on creating weapons that can be upgraded by simply changing parts or software rather than overhauling the whole system. Designs are modular, like Lego pieces, with parts being easily swapped out as new mission demands arise. Increasingly, companies are turning to software-first designs for more convenient upgrades. Defense technology has been moving in this direction, but revelations from Russia's war against Ukraine are injecting new urgency. Patrick Shepherd, the chief sales officer for Milrem Robotics, an Estonian company that makes autonomous uncrewed ground vehicles and has some in Ukraine, said that these changes are key to staying ahead, as they provide much faster adaptation than what "traditional, monolithic designs" permit. A rapidly changing battlefield Ukraine's soldiers say that battlefield tech can become out of date in weeks and months, with electronic warfare, new drone countermeasures, and new tactics blunting once-effective systems. Drone tech is evolving rapidly in Ukraine. Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images Among the companies involved in this evolving technology battle is DroneShield, an Australian company that develops counter-drone technology and operates across Europe. It has multimillion-dollar US military contracts and has multiple systems in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Matt McCrann, CEO of DroneShield's US arm, said that the drone and counter-drone fight has sped up globally since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, cutting development cycles to weeks rather than months or years. The only way to keep pace, he said, is to build "systems that are not fixed, solving the problem of today, but ones that can address an issue today and adapt as needed." Lithuanian drone company Granta Autonomy was one of the first companies to send drones to Ukraine. CEO Gediminas Guoba said the company needs to build systems that are not simply ready for this year or the next, but can be updated and upgraded for new operations even further into the future. That means building systems that can be easily reworked. Anything else, he said, and "we will lose the battle." Changing parts, not the whole McCrann said the faster development cycle is why DroneShield has put greater emphasis on modular and adaptable designs. Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, Shepherd said that Milrem builds flexibility into its systems from the outset, allowing sensors, payloads, mission systems, and other components to be integrated, removed, or upgraded without redesigning the entire vehicle. Achi, the CEO of Ukraine's Ark Robotics, which makes autonomous robots used by nearly two dozen Ukrainian brigades, said the company focuses on making its platforms "as cheap and as mass producible as possible." He spoke to Business Insider using a pseudonym as a security precaution. Ark Robotics makes a series of ground robots, including its M4 model. Ark Robotics "And then when we get this right, we can do surface-level customization," like adding armor or additional equipment. The base platform remains the same, letting the company scale production without driving up costs. Latvia-based Origin Robotics manufactures both drones and drone interceptors used by Ukrainian and NATO forces. Its CEO, Agris Kipurs, told BI that the company also prioritizes modular systems to adapt quickly to battlefield changes. Advertisement Advertisement Modular designs aren't just for companies striving to keep their edge in a competitive industry. Warfighters need them too. Ukrainian soldiers have said they need flexible systems that can be easily modified at the front. Oleksandr Yabchanka, the head of robotic systems for Ukraine's Da Vinci Wolves Battalion, previously told Business Insider that the ground robots his unit uses can be configured for different missions, be it evacuating wounded troops or attacking Russian positions. He said the robots work like Lego bricks. Shepherd said that Milrem's robots follow the same logic, avoiding designs built around a single mission. They can be customized by soldiers for evacuation, explosive disposal, intelligence gathering, or weaponized roles. In some cases, soldiers adapt systems in ways manufacturers did not anticipate. Advertisement Advertisement Western companies say they are learning from those changes. McCrann said Ukraine has been technologically innovative "because they have to be," and that this is driving industry adaptation. Drones in Ukraine can gather intelligence and launch attacks. GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images Companies sometimes have group chats and FaceTime calls with Ukrainian soldiers to get real-time feedback, and weapons software is where they can make the biggest changes the fastest. Quick, remote tech changes Shepherd said that software is now playing a central role in adapting systems, whether for command-and-control integration or mission management. "Software updates can be developed, tested, and deployed much more quickly, allowing lessons learned from the field to be integrated on shorter timescales," he said. McCrann said DroneShield has focused on a software-first approach, where upgrades add new capabilities without hardware modifications. Advertisement Advertisement Guoba said Granta Autonomy's drones have not changed much over the last year or two, but the software inside them, on the other hand, "is changing every month." Software can be remotely pushed to weaponry already in Ukraine, eliminating the need to ship gear back to the factory. That speed, and the ability to test changes quickly, has made software the preferred tool for rapid adaptation. Ultimately, Ark Robotics' Achi said, "software is easier to do." Ark's aerial drones and ground robots rely on onboard and server-based software, and the company is developing systems to allow thousands of platforms to operate together with minimal human involvement. Advertisement Advertisement He said Ark also deploys engineers forward to implement software changes tailored to specific units or missions. It follows a similar approach for hardware, though those changes take longer to implement. Kipurs said Origin makes its systems "software-intensive" so development is continuous, "with updates regularly pushed to improve systems that have already been delivered." It only uses hardware changes "when they provide clear benefits across all intended users." Because the company also builds for NATO customers, systems must remain broadly interoperable. Shepherd said companies still need to strike a balance. Systems must remain reliable, so not every update can be rushed to the field. The key, he said, is close collaboration with Ukrainian soldiers and fast but disciplined feedback loops. Read the original article on Business Insider Thailand is laying the groundwork for what could become the fifth Disneyland in Asia. The Thai government has reportedly proposed building a Disneyland-style theme park inside the Eastern Economic Corridor, a major development zone east of Bangkok. Officials say the project is intended to draw more international visitors and encourage longer stays. If it moves forward, the park would join existing Asian Disney resorts in Japan, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Thailand would be the first Southeast Asian country to host one. Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has repeatedly said the country is ready to attract large global theme park operators. In recent remarks, he tied the proposal to ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, including a high-speed rail line linking Bangkoks three main airports and the expansion of U-Tapao Airport and the surrounding Eastern Aviation City. Those projects, he noted, need major tourism anchors to fully justify their scale. What the Numbers Look Like The details are still taking shape. Thailands Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee has been tasked with studying incentives and feasibility. According to regional reporting, a Disneyland-scale park would require between 144 and 480 hectares of land. Financial estimates put the projects value at around 100 billion baht, or roughly 54 trillion Indonesian rupiah. Advertisement Advertisement Word from Thai media suggests the park would likely operate under a licensing model rather than being owned directly by The Walt Disney Company. Under such a structure, a Thai investor would finance and operate the resort, while Disney would license its characters and brand and collect ensuing royalties. Its worth noting that Tokyo Disneyland operates under a similar arrangement. Analysts point to the strong performance of Tokyos operator, Oriental Land Company, as proof that the model can work at scale. They also say a project of this size would give Thailand a new tourism draw distinct from neighboring countries. For now, no construction timeline has been announced. The proposal remains in the study phase, with incentives, land use, and investment structure still under review. Source: Tempo Read the original article on GEEKSPIN. Affiliate links on GEEKSPIN may earn us and our partners a commission. MADISON Wisconsin workers would no longer pay state income taxes on tips and a portion of overtime pay under bills passed by the state Assembly Jan. 15. The Republican legislation follows a federal provision that took effect last year. Neither bill has been considered yet by the state Senate. More: When can I start filing my taxes in Wisconsin? IRS announces 2026 start date "Wages are rising for some, but for production and nonsupervisory workers, real wages have declined since May of this year," said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, ahead of the votes. Advertisement Advertisement "Today, we have an opportunity to address these challenges and make life more affordable for hard-working Wisconsin workers by eliminating the state income tax on overtime and tips. These aren't abstract ideas. They provide real relief for the people who keep Wisconsin running," Vos said. Under the GOP bill introduced by Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, cash and charged tips would be exempt from the state income tax. The provision would cover tax year 2025 through tax year 2028. The bill passed the Assembly 61-33. "Tips are primarily earned by the working class and the lower-middle class, and tips never should have been taxed," Tusler said. "A tip is a gift. It's not income." Under the GOP bill introduced by Rep. Paul Melotik, R-Grafton, workers could deduct up to $12,500 in overtime pay for single filers and up to $25,000 for joint filers. While the federal version of this provision is set to sunset after tax year 2028, this bill has no expiration date. The bill passed the Assembly 61-35. Advertisement Advertisement "These extra hours are essential to our communities, and they also can take a toll on family life and personal time," Melotik said. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers included a measure to eliminate the state income tax on cash tips in his 2025-27 state budget proposal. Like many of the governor's initial proposals, Republicans on the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee removed it early in the process and did not revisit it at the time. Asked during a Jan. 12 briefing with reporters, Evers said he's willing to take a look at the bills but would also like to see a more "universal" policy directed at tax relief. Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin lawmakers move to end state income taxes on tips, overtime Stunning new details were revealed for the first time in the trial of a Chicago tax attorney, accused of murdering his wife in 2024 by throwing her down a 29-story stairwell in the couple's high-rise condo building in the South Loop. Adam Beckerink, 47, is accused of murdering his 36-year-old wife, Caitlin Tracey, in October 2024. A warrant for Beckerink's arrest was filed a year later to the day. For the first time on Friday, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office laid out key pieces of evidence they plan to present at trial that they say prove Beckerink is the sole person to carry out Tracey's death. That includes only Beckerink's DNA being found on a door handle to the stairwell outside of the couple's 24th-floor condo unit, from where Tracey allegedly fell. Advertisement Advertisement In court filings reviewed by the I-Team, Beckerink's attorneys have argued Tracey was a habitual drug user, who either accidentally or intentionally fell 29 stories to her death. The ABC 7 I-Team has been covering every aspect of this story for more than a year, including Beckerink's extradition from Michigan, where he was serving a prison sentence tied to a prior domestic violence incident involving his wife. At Friday's detention hearing, which was continued from earlier in the week, prosecutors told Judge Susan Ortiz that Beckerink poses a "real and present threat to the community." "The truth is that (Tracey) was the victim of domestic violence," Assistant State's Attorney Anne McCord told the judge. "The person she loved was abusing her, pulling her hair, dragging her around, causing her to lose consciousness. She tried to get out of that cycle, and she couldn't." Advertisement Advertisement Judge Ortiz agreed the state met its burden for first-degree murder charges against Beckerink, ordering him held until trial after learning about years of domestic abuse, and what the state alleges are inconsistent statements made by Beckerink in the days following his wife's disappearance. Assistant State's Attorney Anne McCord also revealed an ominous warning made by Tracey a month before her death, while speaking to a Michigan victim advocate, who later testified before a grand jury for this murder case. "The victim advocate had a conversation with the victim at the courthouse, where the victim said she was planning on ending her relationship with the defendant and returning to work," McCord said in court. "During this conversation, (Tracey) also said that the defendant had previously threatened to throw her over the stairs." State's Timeline to Murder Prosecutors laid out a timeline in an alleged South Loop high-rise murder. Advertisement Advertisement During a nearly two-hour hearing, prosecutors laid out for the first time their timeline leading up to Tracey's murder. On Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, prosecutors say Beckerink can be seen with his wife Tracey in recorded surveillance video, parking at the South Loop high-rise condo building, where they lived together. Beckerink, who had surgery days before, can be seen holding crutches and walking with a limp, McCord said. The next day, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, investigators say Tracey called a condo doorman to bring a grocery delivery up to their condo. Prosecutors believe it's the last time Tracey is seen alive. Advertisement Advertisement That evening, just before 11:30 p.m., two residents on the 11th floor told investigators they heard an unusually loud noise coming from inside the building stairwell. Another couple also heard the noise, according to court testimony. Prosecutors argue this is when Tracey fell from the 24th floor stairwell. She allegedly fell all the way into the sub-levels of the building. The next day, Oct. 26, 2024, investigators say Beckerink called police to report Tracey missing, telling them he hadn't seen his wife in around a month; something that is contradicted by the video of them together on Oct. 24, 2024, according to prosecutors. Then, on Oct. 27, 2024, prosecutors say a severed foot was discovered in a lower-level stairwell of the condo building. Chicago police responded, and Tracey was found dead at the bottom of that same stairwell. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say the only DNA found on the 24th-floor door to the stairwell was Beckerink's. "DNA swabs taken from the hallway side of the stairwell door excluded the victim, and showed very strong support that the defendant is a contributor of that DNA profile," McCord said. Defense attorneys argue Tracey was found dead with large amounts of drugs in her system. "At autopsy, Caitlin had ingested cocaine at levels associated with emergency medical intervention, consumed alcohol, taken Vicodin/Norco, a near-suicidal dose of Tramadol and a dose of Cialis intended for a healthy adult male," Beckerink's attorneys wrote in a court filing. "In combination, these substances are medically known to cause euphoria, impaired judgment, agitation, aggression, risk-taking behavior, dizziness and sudden drops in blood pressure - particularly dangerous for a woman weighing approximately 102 pounds." Advertisement Advertisement Todd Pugh, Beckerink's defense attorney, testified that Tracey was not in a stable psychological state prior to her death, and that her fall was either accidental or she intentionally fell over the railing. After a judge ordered Beckerink held behind bars until trial, Pugh said he understands but that his client is innocent. "We're disappointed with the judge's ruling, but we absolutely understand it," Pugh said. "The message here is if you are involved in a relationship that includes drug abuse, alcohol abuse and allegations of intimate partner violence, and something happens to that person, you're going to jail. And you're going to get charged with murder. We look forward to winning this case at trial." Beckerink's next court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3. You can contact the Illinois domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 click here for more information. In the middle of the night on Monday, Rachel Bloor stirred in her bed to find a heavy weight curled up on her chest. Half asleep, she reached out for her dog - and instead found herself petting a smooth, slithering object. As Bloor retreated further under the covers and pulled them up to her neck, her partner switched on the bedside lamp and confirmed the Brisbane couple's fears. "He goes, 'Oh baby. Don't move. There's like a 2.5m python on you," Bloor told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Her first words were expletives. The second, an order to evacuate the dogs. "I thought if my Dalmatian realises that there's a snake there... it's gonna be carnage." The dogs secured outside the room - and her husband wishing he was with them - Bloor began carefully extricating herself. "I was just trying to shimmy out from under the covers... in my mind, going, 'Is this really happening? This is so bizarre'." She believes the carpet python - which is non-venomous - had squeezed itself through the shutters on her window and onto her bed below. Part of the python's tail was outside the window [Rachel Bloor] Once freed from the python, she began casually feeding it back out the way it came in. Advertisement Advertisement "It was that big that even though it had been curled up on me, part of its tail was still out the shutter." "I grabbed him, [and] even then he didn't seem overly freaked out. He sort of just wobbled in my hand." The same couldn't be said for her stunned husband, but Bloor herself was barely fazed, having grown up on acreage around snakes. "I think if you're calm, they're calm." Though if it had been a cane toad - one of the country's most damaging, and ugly pests - that would be another story, she said. "I can't stand them, like they make me dry retch. So if it was a cane toad, it would have scared me." Advertisement Advertisement All animals and humans escaped from the interaction unharmed. Carpet pythons are constrictors that are common in coastal areas of Australia, and usually eat small animals such as birds. Jan. 15BEMIDJI The Bemidji High School Mock Trial team hosted a rare home meet at the Beltrami County Courthouse on Tuesday, during which BHS defeated New York Mills and currently retain a 2-0 record in preliminary rounds for the 2026 season. Mock Trial is a law-related education program that introduces students to the American legal system through a make-believe court case conceived by the Minnesota State Bar Association. This year's case is inspired by the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Advertisement Advertisement In the fictional case, Harper Lightfoot (plaintiff) alleges that Jesse Gates (defendant) included defamatory statements about Lightfoot in a video Gates posted online. According to the plaintiff, the video was created using an artificial intelligence program known as ChatSeaPT and falsely accused Lightfoot of illegally removing artifacts from the Edmund Fitzgerald and attempting to sell them online. During the meet, Addyson Yanish was awarded best attorney and Veronica Bliss was awarded best witness. Wren Burrow also served as courtroom artist. This story has all the makings for a Hollywood spy thriller: expensive car parts, a massive smuggling operation, and a truck equipped with James Bond-style revolving license plates. According to a report by Kent Online, a man has been arrested and sent to jail for smuggling 6,349,800 mixed-brand cigarettes into the United Kingdom, smokes that would normally require a duty of 2.7 million (roughly $3.6 million). On June 5, 2025, according to the report, Belarusian national Andreu Silivaniuk was behind the wheel of a truck filled with Bentley car parts that were headed to the factory in Crewe, England. Nothing illegal about that. However, when Border Force agents stopped him at the port, they reportedly discovered more than six million cigarettes inside the freight boxes filled with Bentley components. In addition, the agents allegedly noticed that the truck was equipped with a revolving license plate. A further search reportedly uncovered "suspect" documents usually held by Border Force, along with two phones and a heavily damaged tablet device. When initially stopped at the port, Silivaniuk produced paperwork for the 14 crates of Bentley car parts, according to Kent Online, and he also claimed that there were no cigarettes in the truck. But the ruse didnt last long, as "a cable tie was noticed to have been placed around the front of the plate bracket which allowed a number plate to be revolved and interchanged," explained prosecutor Rajesh Pabary. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Daniel Stevenson told Silivaniuk in court that this was the second case he had dealt with in recent months of cigarettes being smuggled into the U.K. hidden in car parts. The judge said he believed Silivaniuk was simply a courier in a much larger scheme, that he apparently knew nothing about; nevertheless, a sentence of two years and seven months was passed down. Still, it seems even this bust covers just a small piece of the smuggled tobacco coming into Great Britain every year. Kenny Dunk, operational lead in His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Fraud Investigation Service, spoke after the trail about how large of an issue smuggling cigarettes is: Illicit cigarettes undermine legitimate retailers, funds wider crime, and deprives our vital public services of around 1.8 billion a year. You Might Also Like Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Intel Corp.s dramatic rally to start the year shows investors are increasingly optimistic about the chipmaker gaining new foundry customers, putting it back into the artificial intelligence trade it appeared to abandon in 2024. The stock is up 31% to start 2026, the third-best performance in the S&P 500 Index. After an 84% rally in 2025, the shares are near their highest level in two years, recovering from a 60% drop in 2024 when Intel appeared to be falling behind its rivals who were capitalizing on the AI boom. Shares were little changed in early trading Friday. Most Read from Bloomberg Its back from the dead, said Kim Forrest, chief investment officer at Bokeh Capital Partners and a long-time Intel shareholder. It was painful to own and its wonderful now. A range of catalysts are driving the optimism: an improving financial outlook, new confidence from Wall Street as seen in recent analyst upgrades, speculation about new foundry customers, and even enthusiasm around the companys potential to be a winner in President Trumps America First campaign. Intel reports its fourth-quarter earnings after the bell on Jan. 22 and investors will be looking for signs of progress. Analysts at firms like Citi and KeyBanc have recently raised their ratings on the stock, which now has the most buy-equivalents in more than a year. Earlier this week, John Vinh at KeyBanc upgraded Intel shares to overweight, citing solid demand, progress in its foundry business, and a potential agreement with Apple Inc. for the companys chips to be used in computers and iPhones. Manufacturing chips for AI and other uses is a huge business, and progress in Intels 18A technology is enough to convince us it could credibly be the #2 foundry supplier in the industry ahead of Samsung, Vinh wrote. He also set a Street-high price target of $60, implying 24% upside from its Thursday closing price of $48.32. That said, the average analyst target of $40.66 implies a 16% decline over the next 12 months. But it may be that Wall Street is still catching up. For example, Citi raised its rating to neutral from sell in a research note on Thursday, and boosted its price target to $50 from $29. We believe Intel should benefit from the advanced packaging supply tightness at TSMC and has a unique window of opportunity to attract foundry wafer customers with the support of the US government, Citi analyst Atif Malik wrote. A Berwyn police officer is accused of drinking and driving and crashing his police vehicle. That officer has been relieved of his police powers and is now under investigation, and his K-9 ran off after the crash. It happened last month in North Riverside. A police report says the officer's blood alcohol level was well above the legal limit. The aftermath of the single- vehicle crash was captured on police body-camera video. Advertisement Advertisement It was after 2 a.m. on December 29 when North Riverside officers responded to a Berwyn police vehicle that crashed into a utility pole at Des Plaines Avenue and Country Club Lane. Minutes earlier, a surveillance camera captured the crash, with the impact causing the vehicle's airbag to go off. Behind the wheel was a Berwyn officer. K-9 Officer Romeo, who was in the vehicle, ran from the crash. The Berwyn cop could heard on video calling for the dog in vain. The officer was taken to a hospital for treatment, and North Riverside Police arrested and cited him for DUI. ABC7 has blurred his face in the video because he hasn't been formally charged. Advertisement Advertisement A police report says his blood alcohol level was 0.12, well above the 0.08 limit. In a statement, Berwyn Police said, "The accused officer has been relieved of police powers... and is the subject of an ongoing internal affairs investigation... The men and women of the Berwyn Police Department are committed to serving with integrity, accountability, and transparency..." It's unclear if the Berwyn officer was on duty, but he was seen in an ambulance wearing a Chicago Bears jersey. Officers removed a gun from the center console of his police vehicle. After the crash, North Riverside officers searched for K-9 Romeo in the snow for several minutes but couldn't find him. Police say he was later found and is doing well and has been at several recent community events. The accused officer did not respond to ABC7's request for comment. He's scheduled to appear in court for that DUI arrest later this month. The post Big Welcome for a Little Giant: Kansas City Zoo Celebrates New Baby Giraffe appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take A newborn Masai giraffe at the Kansas City Zoo was born on December 29, 2025 . Aspen joins her half-brother Beni and half-sister Willow, along with mom Alika, dad Aidan, plus two other female giraffes, Makali and Chandy. Newborn Masai giraffes weigh about 150 pounds and stand six feet tall . The Kansas City Zoo is an accredited AZA facility, and Aspens birth was part of AZAs Giraffe Species Survival Plan program. Theres nothing tiny about a baby giraffe. Standing about six feet tall and weighing around 150 pounds at birth, a newborn giraffe calf is bigger than many humans. But their size only adds to their cuteness. After all, there are few things cuter than newborn animals, and giraffes are no exception. The Kansas City Zoo got to experience this first-hand when they welcomed Aspen, a female Masai giraffe born at the zoo on December 29, 2025. Meet the Zoos Newest Arrival Aspen was born to mom Alika and dad Aidan. Aspen has already had a neonatal exam and is in good health. Shes also quickly adapting to life with the rest of the zoos giraffe herd. Advertisement Advertisement Aspen is already spending quality time with 2-month-old half-brother, Beni, and getting a masterclass in zoomies courtesy of her half-sister, 1 -year-old Willow, a news release from the zoo said. Baby Aspen stands with mom Alika. She is Alikas first calf. Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium Original / License (Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium) Aspen is Alikas first calf and Aidans third. The zoos giraffe herd also includes two adult femalesMakali and Chandy, who are moms to Willow and Beni, respectively. Since construction work is still underway on the zoos brand-new giraffe habitat, all the giraffes will remain behind the scenes until the new exhibit opens. The zoo will soon launch a live giraffe camera feed. Once available, the public will be able to watch the giraffes until they make their public debut in the new habitat. This exciting new arrival is part of our Wild Beginnings program presented by Saint Lukes Health System that celebrates zooborns at the KCZoo, the news release noted. Discover the Kansas City Zoos New Giraffe Habitat Construction on the new giraffe habitat kicked off in February 2025. The goal is to give the zoos giraffes a better living environment and offer guests a close-up, nose-to-nose experience with the tallest land animals in the world. Advertisement Advertisement The old giraffe exhibit was designed nearly 30 years ago when the zoos Africa section debuted. The layout included a nearly quarter-mile-long corridor between the giraffe barn and the savannah habitat where the giraffes could be viewed by the public. That long trek makes it difficult for the entire herd to navigate the corridor quickly. This means viewing the giraffes is highly dependent on weather conditions, as we must take the forecast into account and how long it may take to move the herd, the news release said. Aspen will make her public debut in the new giraffe habitat. Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium Original / License (Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium) The new giraffe habitat eliminates this obstacle. A large indoor area is directly attached to the expansive outdoor yards. This gives the giraffes more choices about where they want to spend their time. They are free to roam inside or out. Theyll also have ample outdoor protected areas where they can stay comfortable, no matter the weather. The new exhibit will also enhance the experience for guests. Guests will be able to view the giraffes both indoors and outdoors, and feeding stations throughout the exhibit will allow them to interact with the giraffes. New restrooms will be ADA-accessible and will include a baby changing table, a private mothers room, and toddler seats. A new concessions area will be located at the midpoint of the exhibits pathway loop. Why the New Giraffe Calf Is a Conservation Win Aspens arrival is part of the Kansas City Zoos participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP) program for giraffes. The Masai giraffe is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). According to Save Giraffes Now, giraffe numbers in Africa have dropped more than 40% in 30 years, and theyve already gone extinct in seven countries. Advertisement Advertisement According to the zoo, Each year the SSP makes recommendations for animal transfers and reproduction based on what is best for the overall genetic diversity of the species in AZA-accredited facilities. Aspens birth continues a strong genetic line, carefully planned through a collaborative effort between the zoo and the SSP. Aspens birth was a success for giraffe conservation. Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium Original / License (Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium) The zoo also promotes giraffe conservation in other ways. The zoo partners with Save Giraffes Now to study the relationship between giraffe herd movement in the Athi-Kapiti region of Kenya and wildlife underpass structures. The region is heavily populated and human, and wildlife conflict is a constant struggle, the zoo said. These underpasses provide a safer alternative for giraffes to cross Kenyas busy roads. A zoo staff member traveled to Kenya to assist with camera installations and data collection. The zoo also supports the Black Mambas, the worlds first all-female group of anti-poaching activists in the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. The group covers nearly 78 square miles, conducting round-the-clock patrols and setting up roadblocks to reduce poaching in the Balule Nature Reserve. The zoos support goes towards maintaining base camp vehicles, providing patrol equipment, and contributing to the Bush Babies environmental educational program in local schools. More About Masai Giraffes Masai giraffes are native to Kenya. They live 10 to 15 years in the wild but can live up to 27 years in captivity. They can grow up to 17 feet tall and weigh up to 2,600 pounds. Their feet are 12 inches across, about the size of a dinner plate. Advertisement Advertisement Both males and females have two hair-covered horns called ossicones. You can see these on the tops of their heads, above their eyes. Their tongues are blue/black and about 18 to 20 inches long. They can hiss, roar, moo, and even whistle. Read even more cool facts about giraffes here. The post Big Welcome for a Little Giant: Kansas City Zoo Celebrates New Baby Giraffe appeared first on A-Z Animals. The Iowa Board of Medicine regulates the state's medical profession as part of the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing. (Photo by Getty Images, board seal courtesy the State of Iowa) The Iowa Board of Medicine has issued an emergency order suspending the license of a Des Moines surgeon accused of posing an immediate danger to the public. In recent years, the surgeon, Dr. Qasim L. Chaudhry, has faced three lawsuits alleging negligence and medical malpractice. State records indicate the suspension of Chaudhrys license stems from two separate board investigations that were launched in 2023 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement In public filings, the board alleges it has received complaints related to Chaudhrys practice of medicine and concluded that he has failed to meet the required standard of care in multiple patients and that failure led to significant harm to patients. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Chaudhry, the board says, poses an immediate danger to the public, adding that it finds it necessary to immediately suspend Chaudhrys medical license through an emergency adjudicative order. The suspension is necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare until this case is resolved due the severity of the potential consequences of (Chaudhry) practicing medicine in a surgical or clinical setting, the board stated, adding that the imposition of any other interim safeguards would not be sufficient to protect the public. Advertisement Advertisement Chaudhry is charged with professional incompetence and with knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in the practice of medicine. The board has not publicly disclosed the alleged conduct that has given rise to the allegations and charges but has stated that Chaudhry is a surgeon who practiced in the Des Moines area at all times relevant to the emergency order. A disciplinary hearing in the case is scheduled for Feb. 5 and 6, 2026. Chaudhry has been an Iowa-licensed physician since June 2010. His practice specialty, according to board records, is transplant surgery. Advertisement Advertisement The Iowa Capital Dispatch was unable to reach Chaudhry for comment. Three medical malpractice lawsuits The boards comes order comes four weeks after a medical malpractice and wrongful death case against Chaudhry and Iowa Methodist Medical Center was dropped by the plaintiffs after an out-of-court settlement was reached. In that case, the estate of the late Donna Burton of Des Moines alleged Chaudhry performed a hernia repair on Burton on Nov. 23, 2020. Six days later, Burton allegedly went to the Iowa Methodist Medical Center emergency room to report that she was in pain, had not had a bowel movement since the operation, and was vomiting two or three times per day. She was allegedly admitted to the hospital and was found in her room the next morning, vomiting and gasping for air. She died minutes later, the lawsuit alleged, due to a bowel obstruction. Prior to the settlement in the case, Chaudhry and the other defendants denied any wrongdoing. Advertisement Advertisement In February 2025, Chaudhry and Iowa Methodist Medical Center were sued for negligence by Jasmine Hart, a 37-year-old woman who underwent a kidney transplant on Feb. 23, 2023. In her lawsuit, Hart alleged Chaudhry observed in his surgical notes that the donors kidney was oozy, and that after the surgery was completed, Iowa Methodist received a call from the Iowa Donor Network indicating the donor had tested positive for cancer. The lawsuit claimed Chaudhry then determined the transplanted organ needed to be removed. After that operation was completed, Hart resumed dialysis and underwent regular cancer screenings as a result of her exposure to the cancerous donor organ, the lawsuit alleged. In December 2023, Hart was allegedly diagnosed with kidney cancer. The cancerous kidney was removed, but Hart continued to suffer from nerve damage and pain as a result of the operations, the lawsuit claimed. Chaudhry and the other defendants in the case denied any wrongdoing. The lawsuit was dropped by Hart in August 2025, with no reference to any out-of-court settlement that may have been reached. Advertisement Advertisement In May 2025, Chaudhry and Iowa Methodist Medical Center were the focus of a third lawsuit alleging medical malpractice. In that case, the estate of the late Faye Jean Robinson of Waterloo alleged that in May 2023, Chaudhry performed surgery on Robinson to repair a hernia and to remove her kidney and spleen. After the operation was complete, Chaudhry allegedly left the hospital and Robinson twice went into cardiac arrest and was placed on a ventilator. The lawsuit alleges that a second surgery was planned to repair suspected internal bleeding, but before it took place, Robinson went into cardiac arrest three more times, became visibly swollen with blood coming from the orifices protruding from her body, and then died. Chaudhry and the other defendants in the case have denied any wrongdoing. A trial-setting conference in the case is scheduled for Jan. 29, 2026. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said authorities raided a farm near the town of Ajdabiya after receiving a report of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa being held there. "We found migrants men, women and children bearing signs of torture. They were taken to a hospital where they reported that other migrants had been with them and then disappeared," one of the security sources told Reuters news agency on Thursday. The mass grave was discovered some 10km south-east of Ajdabiya, which is around 160km from Benghazi the second largest city in the North African country and which is under the control of forces loyal to Libya's army strongman Khalifa Haftar. Advertisement Advertisement The Internal Security Agency confirmed the discovery of the mass grave to broadcaster al-Masar. The channel, which is aligned with Haftar, said the suspect was detained during a raid on the farm and had admitted the presence of a mass grave on his property. Inhumane treatment of migrants in Libya: the EU is 'complicit' says filmmaker Cause of death unclear Unverified pictures posted online showed a number of security personnel and Red Crescent volunteers placing bodies allegedly found on the farm property into black plastic bags. How the migrants died remained unclear and investigations were underway, said one of the security sources. Advertisement Advertisement Libya remains one of the main departure points for tens of thousands of migrants fleeing conflict and poverty, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa. Many are taking dangerous routes across the desert and over the Mediterranean to reach Europe. The North African country has been in turmoil since the fall of Moamer Khadafi's regime in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. It led to rival administrations in 2014: the UN-recognised Government of National Unity in Tripoli and the Government of National Stability, based in Benghazi. Libya's oil-based economy also draws migrants seeking work, but poor security leaves them vulnerable to abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Libya expels over 200 migrants across land borders Migrant tragedies In July, more than 100 migrants, including five women, were freed from captivity in Ajdabiya after being held for ransom by a gang, according to Libya's attorney general. In September, the UN International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said at least 50 people had died after a vessel carrying 75 Sudanese refugees caught fire off Libya's coast. In mid-October, 61 bodies of migrants were recovered on the Mediterranean coast west of Tripoli. In February this year security authorities recovered nearly 50 bodies from two mass graves in the south-eastern desert. Advertisement Advertisement UN data collected in 100 Libyan municipalities between August and October 2025 showed they were hosting a total of 928,839 migrants from 44 countries. At a UN meeting in Geneva in November, several states including the UK, Spain, Norway and Sierra Leone urged Libya to close detention centres where rights groups say migrants and refugees have been tortured, abused and sometimes killed. The IOM recorded nearly 1,000 migrant deaths and disappearances in Libya in 2024 alone. (with newswires) Leslie Cooley Dismukes, NC Secretary of Adult Correction, tells a legislative committee on Jan. 15, 2026 that prisons are dangerous because they are understaffed. (Photo: Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline) The head of North Carolinas prison system sounded the alarm at a legislative committee meeting Thursday about dangerous conditions created by lack of staff, a problem exacerbated by the failure of state lawmakers to approve raises for correctional workers. Our staffing situation is dire and its dangerous, said Leslie Cooley Dismukes, secretary of the state Department of Adult Correction. Dangerous to my staff, dangerous to the people in my custody, and dangerous to the people of North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement The state doesnt pay enough to attract enough correctional officers, she said. Starting pay for correctional officers in North Carolina is the second-lowest in the nation at $37,621 a year, Dismukes told the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice & Public Safety. The average starting salary in southern states is $45,594. Nationwide, the average starting salary is $52,142. If we do not address these issues, something bad will happen, she said. It is not a question of if, its a question of when. Staff shortages were at the root of the deadly inmate escape attempt at Pasquotank Correctional Center in 2017 where four staff members were murdered. A federal report said understaffing at the prison was so bad that workers cut corners with safety procedures. Advertisement Advertisement All the prisons were better staffed in 2017 than they are today, Dismukes said after the meeting. It just takes one bad thing to happen that detrimentally affects someones life, someones health, she said. Officers have been assaulted, but fortunately, none have been killed recently, Dismukes said. But it can happen, she added. It can particularly happen when you do not have enough people to maintain the order of the prison, and thats where were operating right now. So, it is really dangerous. Gov. Josh Stein proposed 6.5% pay increases for correctional officers in the budget he proposed last year. The state Senate approved salary increases for correctional officers that would have brought the base starting pay to about $40,000 a year. Advertisement Advertisement The legislature did not pass a comprehensive budget, so state employees have not received raises. In addition to staffing problems, the department needs to replace fire safety systems at a number of prisons. Six prisons need significant upgrades or replacements and are on active fire watch, which means an employee must walk through the prison looking for smoke, Dismukes said. Another seven prisons have obsolete systems and may soon be put on fire watch. The prisons have been using money from lapsed salaries to pay bills. Even so, the agency ended up with $89 million in unpaid invoices at the end of the 2025 fiscal year last June.. Advertisement Advertisement Committee members appeared to welcome Dismukes candid assessment of the agencys challenges. Appreciate hearing all this, said state Sen. Buck Newton (R-Wilson). We look forward to working with our counterparts in the House to see if theres some ways that we can really impact some of these issues that were having. Another agency told the committee that its running low on money and will soon have to scale back its GPS ankle-monitoring program for people charged with domestic violence. The Criminal Justice Information Network, or CJIN, says it needs more than $4 million to maintain current operations. Advertisement Advertisement Courts can order people accused of crimes to wear GPS tracking monitors as part of their pre-trial release terms. CJIN oversees a system where victims and defendants are alerted when they are close to one another. Victims are called when defendants are within 300 feet, said CJIN Executive Director LaVonda Fowler. CJIN had 1,391 GPS trackers in the field as of last week. But without additional money, it will be able to operate only about 400 trackers through June 30, Fowler told the committee. Chief District Court Judge Galen Braddy of Pitt County vouched for the program. I put it in every domestic violence case Ive got, he said. This is great money because the money thats being spent is money thats saving lives. Advertisement Advertisement The agency wants a permanent place in the state budget. The General Assembly is not expected to return to work on a state spending plan for months. After her presentation, Fowler said CJIN would need to start cutting the monitors in use pretty soon, but as of now, she said, there is no plan for how to do it. Bulgaria is heading for another early parliamentary election after all three attempts to form a government failed, President Rumen Radev said on Friday. The announce came after the third and final mandate had been returned unfulfilled by the small Alliance for Rights and Freedoms party. "We are going to elections," Radev said. No date has yet been set, but it will be Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years. Advertisement Advertisement Radev must now appoint a caretaker government to run the country until a regular Cabinet can be formed following the vote. He is also required to set an election date, expected in the coming months. The political deadlock follows a wave of mass protests against corruption and an ineffective justice system, which led to the surprise resignation of the pro-Western coalition government in mid-December, just ahead of a sixth no-confidence vote in parliament. The minority government, made up of conservatives, socialists and populists, had taken office in January 2025 in an effort to avoid yet another election. It was iguana-dropping cold in Florida Friday morning, Jan. 16. Freeze warnings were in place for 55 of Florida's 67 counties, and cold weather advisories were in place for 64 counties as far south as Miami-Dade County. At 5 a.m., the National Weather Service in Jacksonville reported it had tied its daily record low, with temps dropping to 22 degrees, which was last set in 1927. Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Advertisement Advertisement Low temperatures Friday morning won't be the last sign of "winter" weather for Florida, which already saw another cold front hit earlier in the week. A coastal storm could emphasize could bring some snow to northern parts of the state over the weekend. Here's what you should know. Most of Florida under freeze warning, cold weather advisory Will it snow in Florida? "For late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, the chances for an inch of snow or more remain low, about 10-20%, with even lower chances closer to the coast," according to the National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama, which monitors part of western Florida. "That said, there is about a 20-45% chance that we could receive at least a tenth (0.1) inch of snow." Advertisement Advertisement Snow in Florida? Arctic blast to stun the South "There is a low chance (10 to 30%) of a rain/snow mix on Sunday morning (Jan. 18) over southeastern Alabama, portions of southwestern Georgia and the inland Florida Panhandle," the National Weather Service Tallahassee said. In Northeast Florida, chances for snow later this weekend are very low. "It's not zero, but it's less than 5%," said Danny Dubois, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Jacksonville in a call Friday morning. If you see a 'frozen' iguana, leave it alone When temperatures hit the 40s, iguanas stiffen up and lose their grip on branches. Advertisement Advertisement The effect is only temporary. Once they warm back up, and you've picked them up, they may feel threatened and bite. The temperature at 6 a.m. in Pensacola was 34. Saturday night, lows will drop to 37, with a chance for rain or snow. Follow National Weather Service Mobile on X The temperature at 6 a.m. in Tallahassee was 21. Saturday night, lows will drop to 38, with showers likely. Follow the National Weather Service Tallahassee on X The temperature at 6 a.m. in Jacksonville was 31. Sunday night, lows will drop to 31, with widespread frost expected. Follow the National Weather Service Jacksonville on X The temperature at 6 a.m. in Daytona Beach was 35. Advertisement Advertisement Sunday night, lows will drop to 36. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X The temperature at 6 a.m. was 35, with a wind chill of 28. Sunday night, lows will drop to 42. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X The temperature at 6 a.m. was 41, with a wind chill of 35. Sunday night, lows will be 40. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X The temperature at 6 a.m. was 42, with a wind chill of 35. Sunday night, lows will be 53. Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X The temperature at 6 a.m. was 45, with a wind chill of 42. Sunday night, lows will be 54. Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X The temperature at 6 a.m. was 43, with a wind chill of 38. Advertisement Advertisement Sunday night, lows will be 44. Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X The temperature at 6 a.m. was 41, with a wind chill of 36. Sunday night, lows will be 40. Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X The temperature at 6 a.m. was 40, with a wind chill of 36. Sunday night, lows will be 42. Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X The temperature at 6 a.m. was 37, with a wind chill of 33. Sunday night, lows will be 36. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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 https://tallahassee.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Florida weather saw freezing temperatures. See how cold it got By Maria Cheng BEIJING, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Canada and China struck an initial trade deal on Friday that will slash tariffs on electric vehicles and canola, as both nations promised to tear down trade barriers while forging new strategic ties during Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit. The first Canadian prime minister to visit China since 2017, Carney is seeking to rebuild ties with his country's second-largest trading partner after the United States following months of diplomatic efforts. More from Yahoo Scout What are the key details of Canada-China trade deal? How does this deal impact Canada-US trade relations? How will EV tariff changes affect Canada's industry? What agricultural products benefit from reduced Chinese tariffs? Canada will initially allow in up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a tariff of 6.1% on most-favoured-nation terms, Carney said after talks with Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping. That compares with the 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles imposed under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2024, following similar U.S. penalties. In 2023, China exported 41,678 EVs to Canada. "This is a return to levels prior to recent trade frictions, but under an agreement that promises much more for Canadians," Carney told reporters. He later said the quota would gradually increase, reaching about 70,000 vehicles in five years. "For Canada to build its own competitive EV sector, we will need to learn from innovative partners, access their supply chains, and increase local demand," Carney said, turning away from Trudeau's rationale that tariffs were needed to protect domestic producers against subsidized Chinese manufacturers. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney looks on as he meets the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji (not pictured), during the first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to China since 2017, at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China, January 15, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio Relaxing EV tariffs diverged from U.S. policy, and some members of U.S. President Donald Trump's cabinet criticized the decision ahead of an expected review of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade deal. But Trump himself expressed support for Carney. "That's what he should be doing. It's a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China, you should do that," Trump told reporters at the White House. Agri-food partnership Premier Doug Ford of Ontario, Canada's main auto manufacturing province, denounced the deal. "The federal government is inviting a flood of cheap made-in-China electric vehicles without any real guarantee of equal or immediate investments in Canada's economy, auto sector or supply chain," he said in a post on X. In retaliation for Trudeau's tariffs, China in March levied tariffs on more than $2.6 billion of Canadian farm and food products such as canola oil and meal, followed by tariffs on canola seed in August. That led to a 10.4% slump in China's imports of Canadian goods in 2025. Under the new deal, Carney said, Canada expects China will lower tariffs on its canola seed by March 1, to a combined rate of about 15% from the current 84%. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a raft of measures from trade to tourism on Friday at the first meeting between the countries' leaders in Beijing in eight years. The Canadian leader hailed a "landmark deal" under a "new strategic partnership" with China, turning the page on years of diplomatic spats, tit-for-tat arrests and tariff disputes. Carney has sought to reduce his country's reliance on the United States, its key economic partner and traditional ally, as President Donald Trump has aggressively raised tariffs on Canadian products. Advertisement Advertisement "Canada and China have reached a preliminary but landmark trade agreement to remove trade barriers and reduce tariffs," Carney told a news conference after meeting with Xi. Under the deal, China which used to be Canada's largest market for canola seed is expected to reduce tariffs on canola products by March 1 to around 15 percent, down from the current 84 percent. China will also allow Canadian visitors to enter the country visafree. In turn, Canada will import 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) under new, preferential tariffs of 6.1 percent. "This is a return to the levels that existed prior to recent trade frictions," Carney said of the EV deal. Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who has cut off trade talks with Ottawa and insists the United States does not need any products from its northern neighbour, told reporters it was "good" that Carney had secured an agreement during his trip. "If he can get a trade deal with China, he should do that," the president said. The head of the Canola Council of Canada, Chris Davison, called the deal an "important milestone". But the Global Automakers of Canada, an industry group, voiced concern. The deal may be an "expression of goodwill" to ease pressure on the canola industry, but allowing thousands of Chinese EVs into Canada at a low tariff rate "risks creating significant market distortions" and could hurt companies that employ Canadians, the group said. Advertisement Advertisement - 'Right track' - Welcoming Carney in the Great Hall of the People, Xi said China-Canada relations reached a turning point at their last meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit in October. "It can be said that our meeting last year opened a new chapter in turning China-Canada relations toward improvement," Xi told the Canadian leader. "The healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations serves the common interests of our two countries," he said, adding he was "glad" to see discussions over the last few months to restore cooperation. Ties between the two nations withered in 2018 over Canada's arrest of the daughter of Huawei's founder on a US warrant, and China's retaliatory detention of two Canadians on espionage charges. Advertisement Advertisement The two countries imposed tariffs on each other's exports in the years that ensued, with China also accused of interfering in Canada's elections. But Carney has sought a pivot, and Beijing has also said it is willing to get relations back on "the right track". The Canadian leader, who on Thursday met with Premier Li Qiang, is also scheduled to hold talks with business leaders to discuss trade. Canada, traditionally a staunch US ally, has been hit especially hard by Trump's steep tariffs on steel, aluminium, vehicles and lumber. Washington's moves have prompted Canada to seek business elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement In October, Carney said Canada should double its non-US exports by 2035 to reduce reliance on the United States. But the United States remains far and away its largest market, buying around 75 percent of Canadian goods in 2024, according to Canadian government statistics. While Ottawa has stressed that China is Canada's second-largest market, it lags far behind, buying less than four percent of Canadian exports in 2024. bur-dhw/je/bs/sst LIVE from San Francisco, Matt Harmon and Nate Tice kick off our Super Bowl week coverage with a special fantasy pod. The two look at the path the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks took to the Super Bowl and how other teams can emulate their paths next year. In the second half of the show we go through Nate Tice's latest mock draft and do a deep dive on the skill players and their fits with certain teams. By Anirban Sen NEW YORK, Jan 14 (Reuters) - As Americans bet on U.S. midterm elections in November, Interactive Brokers founder and Chairman Thomas Peterffy said he expects growth to accelerate this year for the prediction markets platform his company launched in 2024. The online brokerage platform's predictions market, ForecastEx, allows investors to buy "yes" or "no" contracts on questions ranging from economic indicators to elections to climate. Peterffy told Reuters in an interview that in 2026, Interactive Brokers will look to integrate its betting offering more closely with its other services, including new products it may launch this year. "Our customers will be better informed when they see the forecast predictions, vis-a-vis subjects that are relevant to the companies and industries that they invest in or in the industries in which they have to lighten up their investments," said Peterffy, one of the 25 richest men in the world, according to Forbes, which pegs his net worth at about $82 billion. "Looking at the future developments in total, gives our customers an advantage over other brokers who do not have a full plate of products that customers can view," he said. Prediction markets platforms have boomed since President Donald Trump began his latest term and his administration loosened regulations on the sector. Betting on events such as elections was illegal until 2024, when a U.S. federal court dismissed a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) rule that prohibited betting on elections in the U.S. MIDTERM BOOST Since the regulatory rollback, prediction markets have grown at a breakneck speed. In October, Intercontinental Exchange, which owns and operates the New York Stock Exchange, invested up to $2 billion in Polymarket. Kalshi, another fast-growing predictions market player, was valued at $11 billion in its latest fundraising round. Interactive Brokers has a market value of about $120 billion. It is one of the largest U.S. trading platforms with about 4.13 million customer accounts at the end of September, up 32% from a year earlier. The company expects customer accounts to grow at a similarly torrid pace in 2026, Peterffy said, as betting on the upcoming midterm elections to drive growth. He is optimistic about ForecastEx even as he expects many more rivals to enter the business. He noted that "more and more prospective participants are trying to enter this market and there doesn't seem to be any barrier. The applications are practically limitless, in the sense that we're full of questions about the future all the time. I'm incredibly bullish on this space, especially with elections coming this year." CALDWELL With so many choices and only three weeks to go, Dan Silver of West Caldwell, his friend, Carol Sheehy, and her daughter Kristyn, were among the undecided voters who attended a Jan. 15 forum of candidates to replace Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill in Congress. "I wanted to see them one more time as a group," said Silver, who has attended other forums in the runup to the special primary election scheduled for Feb. 5. That primary will choose Republican and Democratic nominees to represent the 11th Congressional District, which stretches across the North Jersey suburbs in Morris, Passaic and Essex counties. The two nominees will then face off in a special general election on April 16. Advertisement Advertisement Attendees heard from all 11 Democratic candidates on Jan. 15 at the Caldwell University event, which was sponsored by the League of Women Voters and cosponsored by several local organizations and media outlets, including the Daily Record. Story continues after gallery. A 12th Democratic candidate, Maplewood Councilman Dean Dafis, announced the suspension of his campaign last week and endorsed another contender, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill. The lone Republican candidate, Randolph Councilman Joe Hathaway, was expected but did not attend. "I think that's important, to get a grasp of who they are," Carol Sheehy said. "We've got some big fights and big challenges on our hands, and you need to have a strong person to represent us." Advertisement Advertisement About 200 people filled seats in the university gym to hear three-minute speeches from each of the candidates. Following the speeches, the hopefuls spread out to tables around the perimeter of the gym, where they met directly with voters to answer questions and dig into the issues. A medical emergency delayed the second half of the event, but after treatment by EMTs, a woman in the audience who collapsed was able to walk away with assistance. Gill comes into the field with deep political connections in North Jersey, earning the endorsements of Gov. Phil Murphy and the Essex County Democratic Committee. Morris County Democrats voted to back Tom Malinowski, the former two-term representative for the neighboring 7th Congressional District. Malinowski lost his seat to Tom Kean Jr. in 2022 but has since moved to the 11th in South Orange. The packed field also includes New Jersey's outgoing lieutenant governor, Tahesha Way, and Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett, who split the endorsement of Passaic's Democratic Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Analilia Mejia, a longtime progressive labor and political organizer, has collected high-profile support from the likes of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Jan 15, 2026; Caldwell, NJ, USA; Analilia Mejia during a meet and greet hosted by The League of Women Voters at Caldwell University with the candidates running for the Democratic nomination to fill the Congressional seat vacated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. The candidate field also included former Morris Township Mayor Jeffrey Grayzel, former Obama White House staffer Cammie Croft, Chatham Councilman Justin Strickland, corporate social responsibility manager and activist Anna Lee Williams, Morristown venture capitalist and military veteran Zach Beecher, and J-L Cauvin, an eviction-rights attorney and standup comedian. Malinowski, who also has the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, appeared to draw the biggest crowd when the candidates broke up for individual questioning, followed by Gill. Still, Silver and the Sheehys, at least, said they were attracted to some of the other choices. Advertisement Advertisement "Malinowski could go back and do a good job," Silver said. "But I'm also very much leaning toward both Mejia and Way, because of what they've done." Kristyn Sheehy said immigration, affordability and "our democracy" are the issues driving her vote, and she also preferred Mejia and Way, who she saw as "the progressive candidates." "I'm still mulling it over, between the both of them," she said. Silver and her mom also left the forum without settling on a choice. Jan 15, 2026; Caldwell, NJ, USA; Brendan Gill during a meet and greet hosted by The League of Women Voters at Caldwell University with the candidates running for the Democratic nomination to fill the Congressional seat vacated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. Steven Maginnis, also of West Caldwell, wants to see a progressive "change agent" get the job, but came away from the forum undecided as well. His "pet issue" New Jersey's need for more urban planning and public transit was not a hot topic among the candidates. Advertisement Advertisement His reaction was to favor candidates Cammie Croft, for one who he saw as committed to a more fundamental shift in politics. "I believe it was Mr. Strickland who said the Democratic Party needs change." "I've seen other candidates present themselves as change candidates, but these particular change candidates don't just want to change policy," Maginnis said. "They want to change their party. I agree. It's in need of change." More: NJ 11th District race to replace Sherrill splits along county lines A show of hands poll of the crowd indicated a large majority of the audience was from the Essex County side of the suburban district, with the rest split among residents of Morris and Passaic counties. Morris County, by population and voter turnout records, represents just over 50% of the district. Advertisement Advertisement A recording of the candidates' opening statements are available on the YouTube channel of the League of Women Voters' Morris area chapter. This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: NJ candidates for Sherrill's 11th District seat pitch voters at forum NEED TO KNOW Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, CEO of Harolds Chicken and daughter of founder Harold Pierce, has died Her family announced the news on social media and asked for privacy, with arrangements to be shared later Pierce-Sherrod led the iconic Chicago-born chain as it grew while honoring its roots Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, the CEO of Harolds Chicken and the daughter of the restaurants founder, Harold Pierce, has died, her family announced. News of Pierce-Sherrods death was shared in a since-deleted statement posted to Instagram on behalf of both Harolds Chicken Corporate and the Chicago Children's Equestrian Center, an organization Pierce-Sherrod was closely connected to. Interim Archives/Getty View of the pedestrians lined up at a Harold's Chicken food truck parked on South Clark Street (between Monroe and Adams streets), Chicago, Illinois, October 2016. View of the pedestrians lined up at a Harold's Chicken food truck parked on South Clark Street (between Monroe and Adams streets), Chicago, Illinois, October 2016. On behalf of Harold's Chicken Corporate and the Chicago Children Equestrian Center, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Chief Executive Officer, Kristen D. Pierce-Sherrod, the statement read, per a CBS News report. The family extends their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and condolences. At this time, we kindly ask that their privacy be respected during this time of bereavement. Advertisement Advertisement No additional details were provided regarding the date or cause of Pierce-Sherrods death. Her family said funeral arrangements would be announced at a later time. PEOPLE reached out to Harold's Chicken for comment. Pierce-Sherrod led Harolds Chicken, one of Chicagos most recognizable and beloved food institutions, carrying forward the legacy started by her parents more than seven decades ago. The restaurant was founded in 1950 by Harold Pierce and his wife, Hilda Pierce, as a small neighborhood spot on Chicagos South Side, according to the companys website. Over the years, Harolds Chicken grew far beyond its original location, expanding into a regional brand with restaurants across eight states. Despite its growth, the chain has remained closely tied to Chicagos culture and identity, known for its fried chicken served with signature mild or hot sauce and its deep roots in local communities. Advertisement Advertisement As CEO, Pierce-Sherrod played a key role in guiding the family-owned business into its next chapter while honoring its history. Her leadership helped maintain the brands reputation as a Chicago staple while supporting its continued expansion. Tributes and messages of condolence have poured in from customers, community members, and fans of the iconic restaurant, many of whom credited Pierce-Sherrod with preserving the spirit and legacy of Harolds Chicken for future generations. Read the original article on People The man charged with killing Charlie Kirk is due back in court Friday as his attorneys seek to disqualify prosecutors over an alleged conflict of interest. Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder in Kirk's September 10 shooting on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. Prosecutors with the Utah County Attorney's Office plan to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. The Utah man has not yet entered a plea. Advertisement Advertisement An 18-year-old child of a deputy county attorney attended the campus event where Kirk was killed. The child, whose name was redacted from court documents, later texted with their father in the Utah County Attorney's Office to describe the chaotic events around the shooting, the filings from prosecutors and defense lawyers say. Defense attorneys say that personal relationship is a conflict of interest that raises serious concerns about past and future prosecutorial decision-making in this case, according to court documents. Tyler Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk (AP) They also argue that the rush to seek the death penalty against Robinson is evidence of strong emotional reactions by the prosecution and merits the disqualification of the entire team. Advertisement Advertisement Several thousand people attended the outdoor rally where Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA who helped to mobilize young people to vote for President Donald Trump, was shot as he took questions from the audience. The child of the deputy county attorney did not see the shooting, according to an affidavit submitted by prosecutors. While the second person in line was speaking with Charlie, I was looking around the crowd when I heard a loud sound, like a pop. Someone yelled, hes been shot, the child stated in the affidavit. The child later texted a family group chat to say CHARLIE GOT SHOT. In the aftermath of the shooting, the child did not miss classes or other activities, and reported no lasting trauma aside from being scared at the time, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors have asked District Judge Tony Graf to deny the disqualification request. Charlie Kirk pictured in 2024 (AFP via Getty Images) Under these circumstances, there is virtually no risk, let alone a significant risk, that it would arouse such emotions in any father-prosecutor as to render him unable to fairly prosecute the case, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray said in a filing. Gray also said the child was neither a material witness nor a victim in the case and that nearly everything the person knows about the actual homicide is mere hearsay. The Associated Press left email and telephone messages for Robinson's defense attorney, Kathryn Nester. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors have said text messages and DNA evidence connect Robinson to the killing. Robinson reportedly texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he had enough of his hatred. At recent hearings, Robinsons legal team has pushed to limit media access in the high-profile case. Graf has prohibited media from publishing photos, videos and live broadcasts that show Robinson's restraints to help protect his presumption of innocence before a trial. The judge has not ruled on a suggestion by the defense to ban cameras in the courtroom. Prosecutors are expected to lay out their case against Robinson at a preliminary hearing scheduled to begin May 18. February 11, 2026, is shaping up to be a historic night. Thats when RealClear will host its third annual Samizdat Prize Gala at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. The Samizdat Prize is an annual award given to journalists, authors, and public figures who resist censorship and stand for truth. One of those exemplars is the late Charlie Kirk, who was killed in the very act of public discourse. RSVP for the 2026 Samizdat Prize Gala Charlie dedicated his life to the arduous work of civil debate. In an age of unabated political division, clickbait, and partisan grifting, Charlie remained steadfast in his resolve to change hearts and minds through reasoned dialogue. That he was allegedly murdered by someone who found his views intolerable speaks volumes about what ails our body politic today. Advertisement Advertisement Charlie traveled tirelessly from campus to campus across the U.S. with an eagerness to speak with young people who, on both the left and the right, were falling into a dangerous trap of intolerance for people with opposing views. Throughout his interactions with students, even when some were disrespectful, Charlie maintained that persuasion was a possibility and debated their ideas on the merits. In addition to honoring Charlie Kirk, RealClear will be honoring Graham Linehan and Alan Dershowitz at this years gala in Palm Beach, in what promises to be an inspiring evening. And if you cant make it to Palm Beach for the dinner, please consider supporting the prize with a donation. We can use your help. Our City on the Hill shines because it is polished through the free exercise of viewpoint diversity. Without free speech, the promise of our Declaration of Independence-our IPO for a free people and politics-is meaningless. Advertisement Advertisement What can one person do to make a difference? Join us. For questions regarding the Gala, as well as how to sign up, please contact RealClears Advancement Coordinator, Frank Filocomo, at frank@realclear.com. We are better, stronger, and more consequential together. RSVP for the 2026 Samizdat Prize Gala David DesRosiers is the publisher of RealClearMedia and president of the RealClear Media Fund, which supports the cause of free speech through its annual Samizdat Prize, and its reporting, and the viewpoint diversity method. The Brief Tyler Robinson, the man accused of shooting and killing Kirk, is due back in court Friday. His attorneys are asking the judge to disqualify prosecutors in the case over an alleged conflict of interest. Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and prosecutors say they plan to seek the death penalty if he is convicted. Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah man charged with shooting and killing Charlie Kirk, returned to court Friday where his attorneys asked the judge to disqualify prosecutors in the case over an alleged conflict of interest. On Sept. 10, Kirk was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem as the first stop of his American Comeback Tour. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say Tyler Robinson fired a single shot from a building about 140 yards away, striking Kirk and killing him. Tyler Robinson, left, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, sits beside defense attorney Kathryn Nester during a hearing in Fourth District Court on January 16, 2026 in Provo, Utah. Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and plan to seek the death penalty. (Photo by Bethany Baker-Pool/Getty Images) Court filings reveal that an 18-year-old child of a deputy county attorney was at the event. The child, whose name was redacted from court filings, later texted with their father in the Utah County Attorneys Office to describe the chaotic events around the shooting, the filings from prosecutors and defense lawyers state. RELATED: Charlie Kirk murder suspect Tyler Robinson makes first in-person court appearance Robinsons defense attorneys say that the personal relationship is a conflict of interest that "raises serious concerns about past and future prosecutorial decision-making in this case," according to court documents. They also argue that the "rush" to seek the death penalty against Robinson is evidence of "strong emotional reactions" by the prosecution and merits the disqualification of the entire team. Advertisement Advertisement Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and prosecutors with the Utah County Attorneys Office plan to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. Prosecutors have said text messages and DNA evidence connect Robinson to the killing. Robinson reportedly texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred." Robinsons attorneys and the Utah County Sheriffs Office have asked Judge Tony Graf to ban cameras in the courtroom. Several national and local news organizations filed a motion to preserve media access to the case. Graf has prohibited the media from publishing photos, videos and live broadcasts that show Robinson in restraints to help protect his presumption of innocence before a trial. He has not ruled on whether to ban cameras in the courtroom. Prosecutors are expected to lay out their case against Robinson at a preliminary hearing scheduled to begin May 18. The Source Information for this story was provided by FOX News, The Associated Press, and previous LIVENOW from FOX reporting. This story was reported from Orlando. A cooling national economy is not stopping Charlottes momentum, according to a prominent local economists outlook for 2026. ALSO READ: Resilient US consumers drive strongest economic expansion in 2 years Charlotte entered the new year with stronger job growth than most major U.S. metros, even as the national economy slowed and hiring cooled. Thats according to economist Mark Vitners outlook delivered at the recent Charlotte Tech Leaders Forum. Advertisement Advertisement Nonfarm employment in the Charlotte metro area rose 2.9% over the past 12 months, adding nearly 40,000 net new jobs, according to Vitners data. That pace places Charlotte among the fastest-growing large metropolitan areas in the country, outperforming peers such as Raleigh, Nashville, Tampa and Austin. Job gains also exceeded those recorded in larger metros including Atlanta, Dallas and Miami. Read more at Charlotte Business Journals website here. CHEYENNE A 12-person jury found a local woman guilty Thursday of knowingly selling thousands of dollars worth of coins stolen from the Historic Plains Hotel, concluding her trial in the Laramie County District Court. Martha Salazar was the third woman associated with the coin theft charged with felony theft, but her alleged co-conspirators, Candace Miller and Rene Manzanares, took plea deals, rather than going to trial. Salazar and Miller were arrested for selling coins allegedly stolen by Manzanares while she was head of housekeeping at the hotel in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement The trial, which started on Jan. 6, was then postponed a week for an alleged medical issue. The trial sought to determine whether Salazar knew that the coins that she and Miller sold were stolen. Laramie County assistant district attorney Steven McManamen played clips of Salazars interviews with law enforcement, enforcing his argument that Salazar had been well aware of the stolen coins. McManamen also pointed to jail phone calls between Miller and Salazar that indicated that the pair knew the coins were stolen and wanted to dispose of them. He also reiterated testimony to the jury, saying that Salazar had sold the coins at multiple locations under a fake name. In those clips, Salazar said that she promised Miller had never told her that the coins were stolen. She told officers that she wasnt dumb, and that she had her suspicions, but wanted to believe Miller. Advertisement Advertisement If shes not dumb, she knew, and if she knew, shes guilty, McManamen said. Salazars lawyer, Jose Bustos, argued that Salazar did not, in fact, know. He stated that the state had not met its burden and that the states facts did not line up. Bustos pointed to Miller and Manzanares plea deals. According to Bustos, both women testified that they had entered them out of fear for the possibility of a potentially harsher sentence that could result from a trial. Manzanares entered an Alford plea agreement. Named for the U.S. Supreme Court case North Carolina v. Alford, an Alford plea is different from a typical guilty plea deal in that the defendant is only acknowledging that the prosecution has enough evidence to convict, but maintains their innocence. Advertisement Advertisement There was conflicting testimony about whether the hotels owner, Astrid, or the owner of the coins, Astrids friend, ever inquired about the coins. Astrid testified that they both had, while Manzanares testified that they had not. Instead, Manzanares said the coins had sat in the lost-and-found for two years before she took them, at which point she said she believed they were abandoned property. While a few coins were recovered after Miller and Salazar were caught selling them to a local dealer, several thousand dollars worth of coins have yet to be recovered. Bustos pointed to the remaining missing coins, the womens stated reasons for signing plea deals and the conflicting testimony as reasons to question the states evidence. The power of the state is on full display; it would scare any of us to this point, Bustos said. Advertisement Advertisement Miller and Manzanares both testified in the trial. Though the jury was made aware of their respective plea deals, jurors were instructed not to consider that in their deliberations over Salazars case. After about two hours of deliberating, the jury found Salazar guilty. Based on independent online research, law enforcement has valued the coins at an estimated $26,000; however, the court later determined in Miller and Manzanares sentencing that the value of the unrecovered coins was closer to $49,551.64, which was set as the restitution amount. Miller and Manzanares were both sentenced to 18-36 months, suspended for three years of supervised probation for a charge of felony theft. The two defendants were also sentenced to pay a joint and severed restitution of $49,551.64, meaning that multiple defendants are responsible for paying the sum without determining how that is divided between defendants. It could be split equally, or one defendant could pay the entire restitution. Advertisement Advertisement During Miller and Manzanares sentences, the state indicated that they intend for restitution to be paid by all three defendants. Salazar has yet to be sentenced or required to pay restitution. She will most likely be sentenced in April following a pre-sentence investigation. A Chicago surgeon was indicted Friday in the Ohio double murder of his ex-wife and her dentist husband. Michael McKee, a 39-year-old Lincoln Park resident, allegedly killed his ex-wife, Monique Tepe, and her dentist husband, Spencer Tepe, in Columbus over the holidays. The couple was found shot to death in their home on Dec. 30. Their two children were found safe inside the home. Court documents show that McKee was identified using surveillance footage from the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement The murders led investigators across several states and made national headlines, but authorities ultimately tracked McKee down and arrested him in Rockford on Saturday. It's unclear what McKee, who works as a vascular surgeon, was doing there. A grand jury in Franklin County, Ohio returned an indictment against McKee on Friday. He is charged with two counts of Aggravated Murder and one count of Aggravated Burglary. All counts include a three-year firearm specification for using a gun to commit Aggravated Murder and a six-year firearm specification for using a firearm suppressor. READ MORE | Family of couple slain in Ohio home says Chicago man accused in murders emotionally abusive Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, McKee and Monique Tepe divorced in 2017. A motive for the killings is not yet known. McKee remains in jail in Winnebago County while he awaits extradition to Franklin County. You can contact the Illinois domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 click here for more information. There is a new local case of alleged squatting, and the homeowner is trying something different in an effort to get the strangers out. A Chicago woman spent the day protesting outside of her South Side home, demanding police remove the alleged squatters inside. In Chicago's Roseland neighborhood, she planted signs near her property. She says an alleged squatter has been in there for months. She wants to send a message. Advertisement Advertisement "This is my investment, my home. I am losing money every single day," Sheri Klaas said. "Squatting should not be allowed in any state, let alone this one." Last October, her contractor informed her someone had moved into her property. "He went in one of the entryways and saw somebody sitting on the couch with a dog, and then he called 911," Klaas said. She says police told her they couldn't remove the man inside because he showed them a lease. But when Klaas learned about the new squatter law that went into effect this year, she thought she would finally get her house back. Advertisement Advertisement "It said that if you have a squatter and you can prove this is your home, the police would be able to come and get them out. The police I've been working with also understood it to be that way also. So, we waited," Klaas said. "And then the Legalese got involved, and said they could not accept the responsibility and liability. So they could not actually help me." She says the man inside has since taunted her, saying he, his family and their dog are never leaving. "He tells me that I can't get him out. He sent me your article," Klaas said. "When I come to the home, he'll say, 'hey Sheri, you can't get me out of here.' I called you because the people on this block love you and have heard of you and they thought you could help me." State Rep. La Shawn Ford came by to see if the man inside would come out to speak with him. Advertisement Advertisement But no one came out. "We as lawmakers will do everything we can to make adjustments as we see. There is no way when writing the law where we could see all the other possible ways that a trespasser can skirt the law. That's why we go back to Springfield to try to make changes to the current laws," Ford said. Alderman Ronnie Mosely, who represents the 21st Ward, wants Chicago police to act. "I'm going to work with CPD. They want to enforce the law. I believe they need clarity. I'm going to work and make sure they get that," Mosely said. In a statement to the I-Team, Chicago police said they do not carry out evictions. Advertisement Advertisement But Klaas says this isn't an eviction because these are not tenants. "I don't know this person," she said. CPD also says their officer made contact with the person inside, who claimed he had a valid lease for the property. "I'm frustrated with CPD. Not the people who have been helping me, there have been a lot of boots on the ground people, but whoever the people who are in charge, yes, furious," Klaas said. The homeowner says she'll continue to sit outside and get more creative, hoping that the people inside will leave soon. The alleged squatter declined to comment. By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Children across Ukraine risk hypothermia in freezing temperatures as emergency stocks of power generators run low following Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, international aid agencies said on Friday. The U.N. children's agency UNICEF said it faced a race against time to help restore water and heating services that have been pounded in missile and drone attacks as the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches. Advertisement Advertisement "Children and families are in constant survival mode," UNICEF Country Representative for Ukraine Munir Mammadzade told reporters in Geneva. Mammadzade said people were trying to stay safe from strikes on high-rise buildings while temperatures sank to around minus 18 degrees Celsius (minus 0.4 Fahrenheit) at night. Some families are stuffing their windows with soft toys to block out the freezing cold, UNICEF said. STOCKPILES RUNNING LOW President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday he would declare a state of emergency in the energy sector. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Friday Ukraine had fuel reservesfor more than 20 days. Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv and frontline regions face the harshest conditions, with thousands of homes in the capital as well as in Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Odesa and frontline towns left without electricity or heating for days on end. "Without heat, people are at high risk for hypothermia, frostbite and respiratory illnesses," said Jaime Wah, Deputy Head of Delegation in Kyiv for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, adding that unpredictable power cuts disrupted the water supply and healthcare provision. "It's unbearable to live in apartments with no heating or electricity. Families (in Kyiv) are resorting to consider leaving the city." Pre-positioned stockpiles of sleeping kits, generators and repair materials for buildings are running low because of the increasing need and limited funding. Advertisement Advertisement An IFRC funding appeal for Ukraine and impacted countries is only 13% covered for 2026 and 2027, leaving a funding gap of 262 million Swiss francs($326.93 million), it said. UNICEF said it was providing high-capacity generators to support heating and water supplies to hospitals and schools, but called for more funding. (Editing by Timothy Heritage) Breaking the long-term trend, European stocks outperformed U.S. stocks in 2025. While the S&P 500 gained a solid 16%, Germanys DAX climbed 23%, Italys FTSE MIB rose nearly 32% and Spains IBEX 35 index skyrocketed 49%, per CNN. But if you look a little further backward, which European stocks have performed well over the last decade? How much would you have had today if youd invested 10 years ago? Hermes International Societe (HESAY) A French luxury brand famous for its craftsmanship, Hermes is most famous for leather handbags like the Birkin and Kelly. It also produces leather shoes, accessories like belts and ties, ready-to-wear clothing, jewelry, perfumes, and some home items like furniture and tableware. Over the last decade, its delivered a remarkable annualized return of about 23% (including dividends), as calculated by Stoculator. Youd have paid $32.19 per share a decade ago, but today shares are worth around $260. Its a remarkably steady business without the big ups and downs you see in high fashion, explained Vince Stanzione, investor and author of The Millionaire Dropout. The stock boasts an impressive total return of nearly 700% over the last decade. Read More: Self-Made Millionaires Suggest 5 Stocks You Should Never Sell Explore More: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMHF) Hermes isnt the only French luxury brand that has sold well over the last 10 years. A booming bull market and the rush of spending on physical goods during the pandemic all helped drive these brands skyward. The total return, including dividends, over that period is an impressive 476%, for an annualized return of about 19%. Pop a bottle of Moet champagne if you were wise enough to invest back in 2016! ASML (ASML) Europe has its own superstar semiconductor companies, and ASML leads the pack. Its advanced lithography systems have proven crucial to manufacturing artificial intelligence (AI) chips. Over the last 10 years, the stock has delivered explosive total returns of 1,585%. That comes to an annualized return of nearly 33% when you factor in dividends. A decade ago, youd have bought shares for $77.47, and today you could sell them for over $1,200. Not too shabby. Ferrari (RACE) Every 6-year-old knows Ferrari. And most 60-year-olds still want to drive one. Ferraris stock has accelerated even faster than investors had hoped, noted investing expert Rick Orford. Back in 2016, shares of Ferrari could be bought for about $40. Now theyre worth over $350. That comes to a total return (including dividends) of about 829% and an annualized return of nearly 25%. U.S. President Donald Trump calls the vessel a new class of battleship graced by his own name, but China just calls the U.S. Navys latest concept a larger and easier target for its growing array of anti-ship drones and missiles. A day after Trumps Dec. 22 announcement at Mar-a-Lago that he had ordered the construction of a Trump class of possibly 20 to 25 battleships, Chinas Global Times, a state media outlet, carried an interview with naval researcher Zhang Junshe stating that the type of warship envisioned by Trump would be a ripe target for Chinas anti-ship weapons, including the so-called carrier killer DF-21D ballistic missile. The large size of a battleship also makes it more vulnerable and potentially an easier target, particularly when it is densely loaded with munitions, according to Zhang, a researcher at the Peoples Liberation Army Naval Military Academic Research Institute. Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the announcement, some analysts suggested the battleship proposal may ultimately not be realistic and instead a move by Trump to jolt awake the U.S. shipbuilding industry, which lags far behind China. We must wait and see if it can succeed, Zhang told the Global Times, a tabloid published under the guidance of Peoples Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party. Trumps battleship plan also appeared to draw a response from Russia. Two days after the Dec. 22 announcement, Nikolai Patrushev, an aide to President Vladimr Putin and head of Russias Naval Board, said in a speech that Russia had begun working on a next-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, according to Russias Interfax news agency. YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missiles are seen during a military parade in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2025. (Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images) On Dec. 30, in the wake of the unveiling of the battleship concept, the non-partisan Congressional Research Service released a report estimating that the new class of ships would cost as much as $15 billion for the first to put to sea already named the USS Defiant with each additional ship costing about $10 billion. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement shortly after Trump put forward the plan, Bath Iron Works President Charles F. Krugh said his shipyard stands ready to fully support the Navy in the design and construction of this important new shipbuilding program. Chris Kastner, Huntington Ingalls president and CEO, also issued a statement, saying, We are proud to have built the Navys most technologically advanced surface combatants and our shipbuilders are committed to continuing that work in lock step with the Navy to expand their Fleet. The biggest fan of the battleship proposal, meanwhile, might be the services Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, who said Wednesday at the Surface Navy Association Symposium that he views the battleship as the centerpiece in the formation of a Golden Fleet which will anchor maritime fires and sea control in the most contested environments, massing durable combat power and absorbing punishment an adversary cannot match. Caudle also said the Navy has a lot of catching up to do in keeping pace with China, but that will depend on the ability of the shipyards to speed up production. Advertisement Advertisement It is not happening at the pace any of us are satisfied with, Caudle said. I am pressing hard with [Navy Secretary John Phelan] to accelerate deliveries in 2026 and beyond. I want more hulls in the water, and I want them there faster. Adm. Daryl Caudle visits an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit, April 2023. (MC1 John Kotara/U.S. Navy) Caudle noted that the Navys Battle Force stands at roughly 290 ships, with about 100 deployed worldwide on any given day. That number stands in contrast to projections contained in the Pentagons recently released Annual Report to Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China, which estimated the number of surface warships and submarines in service to Beijing to be at 370. At the symposium Wednesday, Caudle gave a grim forecast, considering that near-peer fleet, on what the next fight at sea might look like. Advertisement Advertisement Let me be absolutely clear about that fight, he said. It will be faster, more distributed, more lethal and far less forgiving than anything we have faced in our lifetimes. There will be no rear area. There will be no sanctuary. There will be no time to figure it out later. The opening minutes of the next fight will be decisive, and our obligation is to be ready on day one. Naval officials are hoping the development of the new class will help turn the future tide in Americas favor. At the Dec. 22 announcement, Trump lauded the new battleships as being the fastest, the biggest and by far, 100 times more powerful. Advertisement Advertisement He also claimed the ships would be armed with high-powered laser technology, nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons all technologies in various stages of development. The president went on to mention the inclusion of an electromagnetic railgun, which the service said it had ditched in 2021. A high-speed camera captures a full-energy shot by an electromagnetic railgun prototype launcher. (John F. Williams/U.S. Navy) Despite the presidents biggest claims, the tentative length of the BBG (X) at 840 to 880 feet, with a beam of 105 to 115 feet would be close to the measurements of the World War II-era Iowa class battleships. The battleship Missouri, meanwhile, had a displacement when fully loaded of about 58,000 tons, while the Trump class would come in at 35,000 tons-plus. Considered too costly to maintain and too vulnerable to attack, the four Iowa class battleships Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and New Jersey were retired in the 1990s. Those same factors, analysts say, cast doubt over the future of the Trump class iteration. Beyond the weapons and displacement of the new class, some have noted the artist renderings of the BBG(X) bears a resemblance to the arsenal ship of the 1990s, one that was intended to be a floating platform for up to 500 Tomahawk cruise missiles and other armaments. Advertisement Advertisement Congress defunded the arsenal ship program in 1997, citing costs and questions about the survivability of the ships in combat. Critics of the proposed new battleships said the same concerns that unraveled the arsenal ship will eventually scrap the Trump class program. In a Dec. 23 commentary, Mark Cancian, a senior defense and security adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote that this ship will never sail. It will take years to design, cost $9 billion each to build and contravene the Navys new concept of operations, which envisions distributed firepower, said Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and Vietnam veteran. A future administration will cancel the program before the first ship hits the water. Advertisement Advertisement A different take came from retired Adm. James Foggo, a submariner and dean of the Center for Maritime Strategy think tank, who said in a Jan. 6 phone interview with Military Times that anytime the [president] shows interest in your service is a good thing. Its good that [Trump] is behind a program to build more ships. President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a celebration for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, Oct. 5, 2025. (Steve Helber/AP) So, the good news is the president is behind the initiatives to get shipbuilding going again, said Foggo, a former commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. Certainly its a high risk because the Chinese have these very capable weapons systems. Theres a risk to anything that that floats on the sea. Its how you deploy those systems in distributed maritime operations dont concentrate in one area. If the balloon goes up, the dumbest thing you could do is concentrate your forces. Complicating the pursuit of the new class is the current state of U.S. shipbuilding, which Phelan, in a Jan. 7 interview with Bret Baier of Fox News, called a mess and consistently behind schedule and over budget. But the battleship program could serve as a catalyst in jump starting a new era of efficient and speedy construction in the yards, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Phelan also expressed confidence that a new administration bent on erasing all things Trump would have a hard time in justifying the cancellation of the program. I think theyre going to have to explain why they canceled something that the Navy views as a requirement to protect us, enhance sea lanes and maintain and enhance Americas maritime dominance. In its report on the battleship program, the Congressional Research Service listed several Issues for Congress to decide on prior to approving the first two BBG(X) ships in the authorization and appropriations process. Among them, the CRS report requested that Congress explore what analysis went into the procurement, whether the development would be the most cost-effective course of action and what the acquisition process looked like prior to the programs initiation. The report also suggested investigating whether new technologies, such as an electromagnetic railgun and higher-power lasers, would be ready by the 2030s as options to be incorporated. Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Canadian PM Mark Carney have announced lower tariffs, signalling a reset in their countries' relationship after a key meeting in Beijing. China is expected to lower levies on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by 1 March, while Ottawa has agreed to tax Chinese electric vehicles at the most-favoured-nation rate, 6.1%, Carney told reporters. The deal is a breakthrough after years of strained ties and tit-for-tat levies. Xi hailed the "turnaround" in their relationship but it is also a win for Carney, the first Canadian leader to visit China in nearly a decade. Advertisement Advertisement He has been trying to diversify Canadian trade away from the US, his country's biggest trading partner, following the uncertainty caused by Trump's on-again-off-again tariffs. The deal could also see more Chinese investments in Canada, right on America's doorstep. Carney himself seemed to allude to the fact that this was a result of Trump's tariffs, which have now pushed one of the US's key allies towards its biggest rival. He told reporters that Canada's relationship with China had been more "predictable" in recent months and that he found talks with Beijing "realistic and respectful". Advertisement Advertisement He also made clear Ottawa does not agree with Beijing on everything, adding that in his discussions with Xi he made clear Canada's "red lines", including human rights, concerns over election interference and the need for "guardrails". "We take the world as it is - not as we wish it to be," he said when asked about China's human rights record. Observers believe Carney's visit could set an example for other countries across the world who are also feeling the pain from Washington's tariffs. In contrast, Xi has been trying to show that China is a stable global partner and has been urging more pragmatic ties - in the words of Beijing, "a win-win" for all. Advertisement Advertisement And it seems to be working. The South Korean president and the Irish prime minister have both visited Beijing in recent weeks. The UK prime minister is expected to visit soon and so is the German Chancellor. Carney said the "world has changed dramatically" and how Canada positions itself "will shape our future for decades to come," he added. Earlier in his three-day visit, he had said that the Canada-China partnership sets the two countries up for a "new world order". He later added that the multilateral system had been "eroded, to use a polite term, or undercut". As the Chinese and Canadian delegations sat down in the Great Hall of the People on Friday, Xi said: "The healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations is conducive to world peace, stability, development, and prosperity." Carney in the Great Hall of the People during the meeting with Xi [Getty Images] A trade reset Tariffs have been a key sticking point between the two sides. Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Canada imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, following similar US curbs. Last year, Beijing retaliated with tariffs on more than $2bn (1.5bn) of Canadian farm and food products like canola seed and oil. As a result Chinese imports of Canadian goods fell by 10% in 2025. In the deal struck on Friday, Canada will allow only 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into the Canadian market at the 6.1% tariff rate. The cap is in response to Canadian automakers' fears of an influx of affordable Chinese EVs. As well as relief for canola producers, there will also be reduced tariffs on Canadian lobsters, crabs, and peas. Advertisement Advertisement China is Canada's second-largest trading partner but it's still a long way behind the US in volume. Economic ties with China are increasingly important for Carney. On arrival in Beijing on Wednesday, he met senior executives from prominent Chinese businesses, including an electric vehicle battery maker and an energy giant. On Thursday the two countries signed several agreements on energy and trade cooperation. The visit is a "reset of a relationship" that may be "modest in ambition" but "much more realistic about what we can reasonably obtain", said Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat and vice-president at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. A frosty history The last Canadian PM to visit China was Justin Trudeau, who met Xi in Beijing in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement That visit took place before the relationship soured in 2018, following Canada's arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer at the Chinese tech giant Huawai, at the request of the US. Days later, China detained Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor on espionage charges - a move critics saw as retaliation for Meng's arrest, which China denied. Meng and both Michaels were released in 2021. Ahead of the Carney-Xi meeting, Michael Kovrig wrote on X that the visit should not just be about warming ties but also "managing leverage". Kovrig described Chinese negotiators as "extremely adroit, calculating, and always looking for leverage". Advertisement Advertisement "That's why engagement has to be handled with discipline," he wrote, adding that Carney should also advocate for Canadians imprisoned in China. There are about 100 of them, according to Canadian media. Speaking to reporters, Carney was clear that with countries that do not share the same values, Ottawa will engage on a "narrower, more specific" manner. "We're very clear about where we cooperate, where we differ," he said, adding that Chinese claims over self-governed Taiwan and Hong Kong's jailed pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai came up in "broad discussions". Canada and China have "different systems", he said, which limits the breadth of their cooperation. "But to have an effective relationship, we have direct conversations. We don't grab a megaphone and have the conversations that way." BEIJING (AP) Breaking with the United States, Canada has agreed to cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday. Carney made the announcement after two days of meetings with Chinese leaders. He said there would be an initial annual cap of 49,000 vehicles on Chinese EV exports coming into Canada at a tariff rate of 6.1%, growing to about 70,000 over five years. China will reduce its total tariff on canola seeds, a major Canadian export, from 84% to about 15%, he told reporters. Our relationship has progressed in recent months with China. It is more predictable and you see results coming from that, Carney said. Advertisement Advertisement Carney hasn't been able to reach a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump to reduce some tariffs that are punishing some key sectors of the Canadian economy and Trump has previously talked about making Canada the 51st state. Trump commended Carney for making a deal with Beijing. Well, its OK. Thats what he should be doing and its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China, you should do that," Trump said. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer earlier told CNBC Canada's decision to allow Chinese EV imports at a low tariff is problematic and said that Canada may regret that in the long term. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier Friday, Carney and Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged to improve relations between their two nations after years of acrimony. Xi told Carney in a meeting at the Great Hall of the People that he is willing to continue working to improve ties, noting that talks have been underway on restoring and restarting cooperation since the two held an initial meeting in October on the sidelines of a regional economic conference in South Korea. Carney said that "this agreement will drive considerable Chinese investment in Canadas auto sector, creating good careers in Canada and accelerating our progress toward a net zero (emissions) future and the auto industry of the future.'' Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, called Friday's deal good for both China and Canada. Canada is diversifying its bets economically," Wiseman said. "And China is succeeding in driving a small wedge between Canada and the U.S.'' Advertisement Advertisement Improve global governance Carney, the first Canadian prime minister to visit China in eight years, told Xi that better relations would help improve a global governance system that he described as under great strain. Later, he said at the news conference that the system may give way at least in part to country-to-country or regional agreements rather than the global ones that have underpinned economic growth in the post-World War II era. The question is: What gets built in that place? How much of a patchwork is it? he said. The new reality reflects in large part the so-called America-first approach of Trump. The tariffs he has imposed have hit both the Canadian and Chinese economies. Carney, who has met with several leading Chinese companies in Beijing, said ahead of his trip that his government is focused on building an economy less reliant on the U.S. at what he called a time of global trade disruption. Advertisement Advertisement A Canadian business owner in China called Carney's visit game-changing, saying it reestablishes dialogue, respect and a framework between the two nations. These three things we didnt have, said Jacob Cooke, the CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, which helps exporters navigate the Chinese market. The parties were not talking for years. Canada had been aligned with US on tariffs Canada had followed the U.S. in putting tariffs of 100% on EVs from China and 25% on steel and aluminum 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 steep tariff on canola seeds last August. Collectively, the import taxes effectively closed the Chinese market to Canadian canola, an industry group has said. Overall, China's imports from Canada fell 10.4% last year to $41.7 billion, according to Chinese trade data. Advertisement Advertisement Carney tried to address the concerns of Canadian automakers and auto workers by saying the initial cap on Chinese EV imports was about 3% of the 1.8 million vehicles sold in Canada annually and that, in exchange, China is expected to begin investing in the Canadian auto industry within three years. Were building (a) new part of our car industry, building cars of the future in partnership, bringing affordable autos for Canadians at a time when affordability is top of mind, and doing it at a scale that allows for a smooth transition in the sector, he said. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the leader of Canada's most populous province where the country's auto sector is based, blasted the deal. "Make no mistake: China now has a foothold in the Canadian market and will use it to their full advantage at the expense of Canadian workers," Ford posted on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Worse, by lowering tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles this lopsided deal risks closing the door on Canadian automakers to the American market, our largest export destination. China sees an opening under Trump China is hoping Trumps pressure tactics on allies such as Canada will drive them to pursue a foreign policy that is less aligned with the United States. Carney, though, noted Canada's relationship with the U.S. is much more multifaceted, deeper and broader. Canada and China have different systems and disagree on issues such as human rights, he said, limiting the scope of their engagement even as they seek ways to cooperate on areas of common interest. Advertisement Advertisement The Canadian leader leaves China on Saturday and visits Qatar on Sunday before attending the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland next week. He will meet business leaders and investors in Qatar to promote trade and investment, his office said. ___ Gillies reported from Toronto. Associated Press business writer Chan Ho-him in Hong Kong contributed to this report. NEED TO KNOW A climber fell over 200 feet down Mount Walsh in Queensland, Australia, on Nov. 30 Jake McCollum suffered a fractured spine, broken ribs, internal bleeding and a head injury in the incident His parents helped authorities locate him while keeping in contact through his headphones A teenage climber is lucky to be alive after falling over 200 feet down a mountain in Australia. On Nov. 30, Jake McCollum was hiking solo near the peak of Mount Walsh in Queensland, Australia, when he lost his footing and fell about 262 feet (80 meters) to the ground, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and 7 News reported. Advertisement Advertisement McCollum, 18, recalled a tree breaking his fall near the bottom before finally landing on his back. He suffered a fractured spine, broken ribs, internal bleeding and a head injury in the incident, according to the outlets. "The wind was knocked out of me and I remember thinking it was probably all over for me," McCollum told ABC. "I didn't really think it was survivable." Getty Mount Walsh Mount Walsh Luckily, his backpack, which landed nearby, contained a personal locator beacon (PLB), a small, portable distress device that transmits a coded emergency signal via satellite to alert rescue services. McCollum told 7News that he crawled over to his backpack and activated the device. The signal was received in Canberra and a call was made to his parents. They then attempted to contact him at least twice before they were finally able to connect his phone, which had broken during the fall. Advertisement Advertisement The young real estate agent said that he heard his moms voice coming from his Bluetooth headphones, which had also fallen nearby. He crawled over to answer her. I heard really, really faintly: Mom, Im hurt really bad. And I think my heart sank, my knees went, its probably the worst news you can ever hear, his mom, Rachel, recalled to 7 News. I dont know how many times he said during that phone call: I think Im going to die. Rachel told the outlet that she stayed on the phone with her son for over five hours as she coordinated with the Queensland Police Service to locate him. When his headphones eventually died, McCollum could only hear his parents through his broken phone lying nearby, per ABC. 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. LifeFlight Aircrew officer Shayne White told ABC the PLB signal was bouncing off the rock face, making it difficult to pinpoint Mr McCollum's location. He also noted that the 18-year-old had been wearing all black and was face down and well-hidden under a thick canopy of foliage. Advertisement Advertisement White said they eventually spotted McCollums legs, adding, "We had to come down low to hover before we could actually see him. When the helicopter did arrive, I remember thinking, Oh, this is great, McCollum told 7 News. But then it went right past me, and I was talking through the phone and saying, Its gone past me, its gone past me! It was back and forth for quite a while, and then eventually they spotted me. The rescue crew took about an hour to stabilize McCollum before they transported him on a helicopter to a nearby hospital, where he spent several days recovering, per ABC. Rachel told the outlet that her sons Bluetooth headphones helped save her son and without them, it could have taken days to locate him. "We're one of the lucky ones we get to hug our kid at night, so we're so very thankful, she added. Read the original article on People A Code Blue alert has been issued by the Lebanon County Coalition to End Homelessness, in partnership with the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services, to start Monday evening because of decreasing temperatures and winter weather conditions. The alert will start Jan. 19, 2026 at 4 p.m. and is set to end Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 at 10 a.m. A Code Blue Alert is issued when the forecasted winter weather conditions pose an unusually high risk of severe or life-threatening exposure-related injuries. "The Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services, through its available weather data, has determined that weather conditions will meet the Coalitions Code Blue criteria during the alert period," officials said in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Lebanon County Department of Emergencies Services monitors weather conditions, and the coalition issues a Code Blue Alert after consulting with community partners. Officials said situations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but in general, some or all of the following criteria are met: The temperature is predicted to fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for an unusually long period of time. The wind chill is predicted to be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below for an unusually long period of time. Sustained temperatures below freezing with predictions estimating greater than 12 inches of snow accumulation in a relatively short period of time. Any other winter weather condition that may pose an unusually high amount of risk. During the alert, individuals and families who are unsheltered are encouraged to contact the entities below for assistance in finding temporary overnight accommodations: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.: Lebanon County Community Action Partnership 220 E. Lehman St., Lebanon 717-273-9328 All other hours: Lebanon County Crisis Intervention 209 Hathaway Park, Lebanon 717-274-3363 Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the shelters and services available during a Code Blue Alert are not affiliated with the Lebanon County Department Emergency Services. Warming station locations across the county include: Lebanon Valley Family YMCA at 201 N. 7 th St., Lebanon Lebanon Community Library at 125 N. 7th St., Lebanon Annville Free Library at 216 E. Main St., Annville Myerstown Community Library at 199 N. College St., Myerstown Palmyra Public Library at 50 Landings Drive, Annville Richland Community Library at 111 E. Main St., Richland Matthews Public Library at 102 W. Main St., Fredericksburg Lebanon City Hall at 735 Cumberland St., Lebanon Step into Life at 250 S. 7th St., Lebanon Officials said that hours of operation for these warming centers may vary. Advertisement Advertisement Please check back with the Lebanon Daily News for updates. Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Code Blue alert issued for Lebanon County starting Monday, Jan. 19. Cowboys guided a herd of longhorn cattle through downtown Denver to celebrate the opening of the annual National Western Stock Show on Jan. 8, 2026. As ranchers bring their best cattle to compete for blue ribbons over the course of this month, its a good time to consider whether beef production can be part of a circular economy. Longhorn cattle are herded through downtown Denver in a parade marking the beginning of the National Western Stock Show on Jan. 8, 2026. John Eisele, CSU Photography, CC BY Circularity is an economic model where raw materials are responsibly sourced, waste products are put to best use and the system maximizes ecosystem functioning and human well-being. As with most human activities, beef production provides a valuable contribution to human health while also impacting the natural environment, sometimes in negative ways. Advertisement Advertisement We are innovators and researchers who live in Colorado and study the beef supply chain. Our work broadly focuses on investigating ways to make beef production more circular and sustainable. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson and Sara Place are experts in cow burps and technologies to mitigate the methane associated with them. Jennifer Martin is an expert in meat processing and supply chains for byproducts like organ meats. Jordan Kraft Lambert is an expert in commercializing technologies that help farmers and ranchers steward the environment while feeding the world. Beef is a source of complete protein. It has the full complement of amino acids humans need to build muscle and is a rich source of vitamin B12, which is necessary to ensure nervous system function and red blood cell formation. Beef produced in the U.S. each year meets the total protein needs of 40 million people and provides enough B12 to meet the needs of 137 million people, according to research. In 2019, U.S. beef cattle production comprised about 3.7% of the countrys greenhouse gas emissions. Beef cattle production is also responsible for approximately 5% of U.S. water withdrawn from surface or groundwater, and 0.7% of the nations fossil fuel energy use. Cows can process waste that other animals and humans cant, making them an important part of a circular economy. Matthew Staver, CC BY New tech to reduce environmental impact Cows are able to digest tough, fibrous plant material that humans, pigs and chickens cant. This makes them an important part of a circular economy because they can digest what would otherwise be considered waste from other industries, like the grain left over from making beer and almond hulls from almond milk. By using these ingredients to feed cattle instead of letting it rot in landfills, U.S. feedlots decreased the amount of human-edible feeds required to produce more beef protein. Advertisement Advertisement When cattle are being fed waste products like almond hulls and spent grain, its easy for producers to include feed additives, like herbs and custom-made molecules. These additions may reduce the cows methane production by changing how the microbes in their stomachs process carbohydrates. Cattle getting their burps measured at the Colorado State University Fort Collins Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center. CSU AgNext, CC BY For the same reason that cows can digest what would otherwise be considered waste, cows are able to eat grass. Grazing is important in dry regions like the mountains and high plains of Colorado. If the grass isnt removed via grazing, it dries and becomes tinder for wildfire. In addition, many of these mountainous areas are too cold, rocky and steep to grow crops. Grazing can turn land that would otherwise be difficult to farm into food-producing land. Until now, grazing required physical fences, which are costly to maintain and limit wildlife movement. But new technologies like virtual fencing allow Western Slope ranchers to use their smartphones to set digital boundaries. A collar on the cow beeps and buzzes to tell the cows where to go. Virtual boundaries are easy to change and visible only to the cow; thus, they support more environmentally-friendly grazing practices, protect streams and wildlife habitat and reduce wildfire fuel in dry seasons. While our recent research shows that this technology needs more development, it could be an important tool for beefs role in a circular economy. Cattle in a pasture with virtual fence collars on the Central Plains Experimental Range near Nunn, Colo., within the larger Pawnee National Grasslands area. CSU AgNext, CC BY Beyond steak: Organ meats, pet treats and leather In our experience, many U.S. consumers rarely eat cuts beyond steaks and ground beef often due to a bad first experience with organ meats, like liver, or unfamiliarity with how to cook lesser-known cuts, like heart. Advertisement Advertisement When customers wont buy these cuts, Colorados beef producers who sell online or at farmers markets have to send them to the landfill. That costs the producer money and wastes the water, land and feed used to make these cuts. Studies show that these cuts are among the most nutrient-dense parts of the animal, providing high levels of iron, B vitamins, choline and and other micronutrients. Making use of these lesser-known cuts can reduce emissions by using more of the animal and keep edible meat out of landfills, where it would otherwise rot, releasing greenhouse gases. This does not mean anyone has to suffer through a meal of rubbery liver to save the planet. Many cultures globally value organ dishes, and U.S. tastes are expanding to include foods like lengua tacos made from beef tongue. Meanwhile, cooking tools such as sous vide can improve tenderness and juiciness by holding meat at precise temperatures for longer times. Pets also benefit from eating organ meats, so these cuts are a key ingredient in pet foods and treats. Advertisement Advertisement Consumer fashion choices matter too. About 270 million bovine hides are produced globally each year, and about 70% are turned into leather. Due to insufficient demand, remaining hides are burned or sent to the landfill, both of which release greenhouse gases. Rather than letting these hides rot, they can be turned into leather, a durable, breathable and biodegradable high-performance material. When consumers choose to buy genuine leather boots, belts and car seats, theyre engaging in the circular economy. Jordan Kraft Lambert receives funding from the Small Business Association, Conscience Bay, Colorado Beef, Halter, and American Farm Credit. Jennifer Martin has received research funding from the USDA, USDA-AMS, JBS, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Fats and Protein Research Foundation, Colorado Beef Council, and the National Pork Board She is currently serves as a board member for the Colorado Pork Producers Council and on various livestock boards. Advertisement Advertisement Kim Stackhouse-Lawson has received funding from the Conscience Bay Research Foundation, USDA-NRCS, Cargill, DairyMax., CO-WY NSF Ascend Engine, Gerstner Philanthropies, Elanco Animal Health, Zoetis, Merck Animal Heath and Colorado Department of Agriculture. Sara Place has received funding from the Grantham Foundation, USDA-NRCS, Cargill, Dairy Management Inc., CO-WY NSF Ascend Engine, Gerstner Philanthropies, Elanco Animal Health, Zoetis, Colorado Department of Agriculture, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the American Hereford Association. Concurrent enrollment offers Utah high school students a long list of benefits: Saving cash and time while earning college credit. Getting an early jump on the higher education experience. Honing key college skills such as time management. Meanwhile, concurrent enrollment is allowing many Utah teens to finish secondary school with a high school diploma in one hand and an associate degree in the other. Advertisement Advertisement And at a time when the value of higher education is being questioned by many Americans, a record number of Utah high school students are signaling intent to attend college by enrolling in concurrent enrollment. More than 61,000 Utahns earned college credit while still in high school during the 2024-2025 academic year, according to the Utah System of Higher Education and the Utah State Board of Education. Utah high school students were reportedly awarded 495,117 college credit hours through concurrent enrollment saving them $125.2 million in tuition costs. Concurrent enrollment plays an important role in helping students begin college with confidence and direction, said Geoffrey Landward, the states higher education commissioner, in a USHE release. Advertisement Advertisement Strong alignment between high school and college coursework supports student readiness, persistence and long-term success. During the 2024-2025 academic year, 218 public, charter and alternative high schools participated in concurrent enrollment and high school students from 41 school districts and 41 charter schools earned college credit. In 2024-2025, Utahs concurrent enrollment jumped 8.3% from the prior academic year. And the number of credit hours earned during that same period increased by almost 12%. Peter Newbold helps students in his Math 1030 class, a concurrent enrollment class, at Jordan High School in Sandy on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Meanwhile, the vast majority of concurrent enrollment credit hours were earned through face-to-face instruction, rather than via technology. Advertisement Advertisement More than 53% of Utah high schoolers enrolled in concurrent enrollment classes were female and most of the credit hours earned were in general education courses. Tracking Utahs Math Competency Initiative In conjunction with the concurrent enrollment data, Utah System of Higher Education released its annual report outlining the states progress under Utahs Math Competency Initiative. Established by the Utah Legislature in 2015, the Math Competency Initiative requires college-bound high schoolers to demonstrate college entry-level math proficiency before graduation. The legislation also provides ongoing funding to support USHEs efforts to boost the number of students earning college qualitative literacy, or QL, general education credits while in high school. Advertisement Advertisement Utah does not have a specific high school math requirement for the senior year, presenting an opportunity for college-inclined students to complete their QL requirement through concurrent enrollment, according to the USHE report. The appropriated funds from this initiative bolster access for (concurrent enrollment) across Utah, and especially rural portions of the state, which present additional logistical challenges. Aubrielle Smith works on graph theory in a Math 1030 class, a concurrent enrollment class, at Jordan High School in Sandy on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Efforts under the Math Competency Initiative also include expanding the number of qualified high school instructors, strengthening advising and math pathway guidance, increasing access to courses such as quantitative reasoning and introductory statistics, and supporting student success through tutoring and instructional resources, according to USHE. By expanding access to aligned math options earlier in a students academic journey, Utahs concurrent enrollment and Math Competency Initiative help remove barriers that can slow progress after high school, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Together, the programs reflect a coordinated statewide effort to strengthen alignment between high school and college coursework and support student preparation for college, career and lifelong learning. Congressman Chris Deluzio is now being investigated by the Department of Justice after participating in a video with other Democratic lawmakers. In the video, the group urged members of the U.S. military and intelligence community not to follow illegal orders. Deluzio and four other lawmakers say they are now being investigated. The congressman was asked about it on Friday afternoon. Im not going to be intimidated. I think this is a clear harassment campaign against me and other members of Congress who stated the law, Deluzio said. The law is clear. Our troops have to follow lawful orders, and no one can ever require them to follow illegal ones. Advertisement Advertisement Deluzio, a veteran, said his message was a reminder of the basics taught to the military. Its something I learned in the naval academy, you learn it in boot camp or officer candidate school, Deluzio said. On Wednesday, Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkins office confirmed she was also being investigated. In an interview with the New York Times, Slotkin said she learned of the probe through the office of Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Sen. Slotkin is under investigation by the Trump administration for Democrats video to troops Earlier this week, we told you Sen. Mark Kelly is suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon, after Hegseth said the Pentagon was taking steps to downgrade Kellys military retirement rank and pay. Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Sen. Kelly sues the Pentagon over attempts to punish him for his warnings about illegal orders When the video was first released, President Trump responded, calling it seditious behavior. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Trump says Democrats video message to military is seditious behavior punishable by death SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! Trump said in a post at the time. LOCK THEM UP??? He also called for the lawmakers arrest and trial, adding in a separate post that it was SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH. A day later, bomb threats were made against Deluzios local offices. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The Brief Heber Sanchez died in ICE custody six days after an arrest for a minor traffic violation. With five deaths already, 2026 is on track to surpass last years record-breaking 32 detention fatalities. The Mexican Consulate is demanding clarity on the circumstances surrounding Sanchezs death at the Georgia facility. LOVEJOY, Ga. - A 34-year-old Mexican national died Wednesday after being found unresponsive in his sleeping quarters at the Robert A. Deyton Detention Facility, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. What we know Heber Sanchez is at least the fifth person to die in ICE custody nationwide in 2026, a pace that is already exceeding the 32 deaths recorded during a record-breaking 2025. Advertisement Advertisement ICE officials reported Friday night that medical staff discovered Sanchez at 2:05 a.m. Wednesday, "hanging by the neck and unresponsive in his sleeping quarters." Although staff attempted life-saving measures and transported him to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead an hour later. The Mexican Consulate requested Thursday that the circumstances of the death be "clarified." While the agency provided details on how he was found, ICE has not yet responded to inquiries regarding whether the death is being investigated as a suicide or a homicide. Heber Sanchez Dominguez (GoFundMe) Timeline Sanchez had been in federal custody for only six days prior to his death. His path to the Lovejoy facility began on Jan. 7, when Richmond County deputies arrested him for a traffic violation. Advertisement Advertisement According to ICE, Sanchez reported no signs of distress during his initial intake process. The agency maintained in a statement that it is "committed to ensuring all individuals in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments where they provide comprehensive medical care." What they're saying The death of the husband and father has sparked outrage among local advocates. Christopher Williams, executive director of Sur Legal Collaborative, expressed deep skepticism regarding the agencys account. "We are heartbroken, we are shaken, and honestly disgusted," Williams said. "Quite frankly, ICE can't be trusted. We would need to do a lot of investigation into the exact circumstances and even then I would question." Advertisement Advertisement Williams, whose organization advocates for immigrants, characterized the death as part of a broader, systemic issue within the detention system. "Heartbreak not just for Heber and Heber's family but for all of our communities," Williams said. "We know we are not safe with ICE patrolling our streets. This feels intentional. This feels very much so like a strategy to eliminate a quote unquote problem." "The Government of Mexico expresses its most sincere condolences to the family of the national and reiterates its commitment to provide consular protection assistance to our community," a release from the consulate states. What we don't know Officials have not released further information detailing the circumstances of the death. It is unclear when Sanchez was transferred from the Richmond County jail to the ICE processing facility. Advertisement Advertisement Once possible, the detainee's remains will be sent back to Mexico. What they're saying Sanchez was a husband and father of two, according to his GoFundMe page. Funds gathered will be used to cover funeral and repatriation costs, as well as provide financial support to his family. The Source Information in this report comes from a Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta release, the Richmond County jail and a GoFundMe page. FOX 5 has chosen to refer to the individual using Sanchez. This article has been updates since it was initially published to provide comment from ICE. FOX 5's Alli Levine contributed to this report. Carhartt, the 137-year-old workwear maker, depends on workers in factories and mechanic shops to buy their hoodies and jackets. The decline of blue-collar jobs presents a problem for the Detroit-based seller. "Jobs in the skilled trades, technical workers are really undervalued jobs in our country right now and difficult to access," Carhartt CEO Linda Hubbard said on Yahoo Finance's Market Catalysts (video above). Hubbard, a trained accountant who has been with the family-owned Carhartt since 2002, landed the top job in 2024. Carhartt has teamed up with fellow Detroit company Ford (F) to address the issue. The companies founded a mile apart announced this week a multiyear strategic partnership that includes a new Ford Super Duty Carhartt-themed truck in 2027, apparel that supports the skilled trades, and workforce development and community building. It's a natural extension of the longtime relationship: Carhartt outfitted Ford factory workers from the 1920s through the 1970s. "Part of our mission, of course, is to make great gear to serve and protect the people that are doing these really difficult jobs," Hubbard said. "But also part of our mission is to continue to help them in different ways. And some of that is to just show there's opportunity out there for new people interested in the trades." It's a tie-up that's vital at this juncture in the US economy. The essential economy, as Ford CEO Jim Farley coined it in recent months, comprises critical industries like construction, utilities, freight and delivery, agriculture, transportation, oil and gas, energy, first responders, and equipment manufacturing. These industries account for $12 trillion of gross domestic product, 95 million jobs, and 3 million businesses. This area of the economy continues to experience labor shortages as older workers age out and Gen Z views jobs such as loading trains as too demanding. Meanwhile, some existing workers lack the skills experts say are necessary to stay current as AI technology becomes embedded throughout the supply chain. According to a survey by PRT Staffing, 17.4% of companies in manufacturing report worker shortages. The problem may get worse before it gets better, even as Ford and others invest in expanding the talent pool. PRT projects the need to fill 3.8 million manufacturing jobs over the next decade. Carhartt president and CEO Linda Hubbard speaks at Ford's Pro Accelerate event on Sept. 30, 2025, in Detroit. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images) Bill Pugliano via Getty Images Last September, Ford announced workforce development investments totaling more than $5 million through 2026. The money will flow into 15 Ford Future Builders Labs in Michigan and Tennessee to bring hands-on learning to K-12 students. The company added that it will partner with SkillsUSA to expand advanced manufacturing and automotive programs for high school students. In the aftermath of the U.S. military strike that seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3 , the Trump administration has emphasized its desire for unfettered access to Venezuelas oil more than conventional foreign policy objectives, such as combating drug trafficking or bolstering democracy and regional stability. During his first news conference after the operation, President Trump claimed oil companies would play an important role and that the oil revenue would help fund any further intervention in Venezuela. Soon after, Fox & Friends hosts asked Trump about this prediction. Advertisement Advertisement We have the greatest oil companies in the world , Trump replied, the biggest, the greatest, and were gonna be very much involved in it . As a historian of U.S.-Latin American relations , Im not surprised that oil or any other commodity is playing a role in U.S. policy toward the region. What has taken me aback, though, is the Trump administrations openness about how much oil is driving its policies toward Venezuela. As Ive detailed recently , U.S. military intervention in Latin America has largely been covert. And when the U.S. orchestrated the coup that ousted Guatemalas democratically elected president in 1954, the U.S. covered up the role that economic considerations played in that operation. By the early 1950s, Guatemala had become a top source for the bananas Americans consumed, as it remains today . Advertisement Advertisement The United Fruit Company, based in Boston, owned more than 550,000 acres of Guatemalan land, largely thanks to its deals with previous dictatorships. These holdings required the intense labor of impoverished farmworkers who were often forced from their traditional lands. Their pay was rarely stable, and they faced periodic layoffs and wage cuts . The international corporation networked with dictators and local officials in Central America, many Caribbean islands and parts of South America to acquire immense estates for railroads and banana plantations . The locals called it the pulpo octopus in Spanish because the company seemingly had a hand in shaping the regions politics , economies and everyday life . The Colombian government brutally crushed a 1928 strike by United Fruit workers , killing hundreds of people. The companys seemingly unlimited clout in the countries where it operated gave rise to the stereotype of Central American nations as banana republics . Advertisement Advertisement In Guatemala, a country historically marked by extreme inequality, a broad coalition formed in 1944 to overthrow its repressive dictatorship in a popular uprising. Inspired by the anti-fascist ideals of World War II, the coalition sought to make the nation more democratic and its economy more fair. After decades of repression, the nation democratically elected Juan Jose Arevalo and then Jacobo Arbenz , under whom, in 1952, Guatemala implemented a land reform program that gave landless farmworkers their own undeveloped plots. Guatemalas government asserted that these policies would build a more equitable society for Guatemalas impoverished, Indigenous majority. United Fruit denounced Guatemalas reforms as the result of a global conspiracy . It alleged that most of Guatemalas unions were controlled by Mexican and Soviet communists and painted the land reform as a ploy to destroy capitalism. United Fruit sought to enlist the U.S. government in its fight against the elected governments policies. While its executives did complain that Guatemalas reforms hurt its financial investments and labor costs, they also cast any interference in its operations as part of a broader communist plot . Advertisement Advertisement It did this through an advertising campaign in the U.S. and by taking advantage of the anti-communist paranoia that prevailed at the time. United Fruit executives began to meet with officials in the Truman administration as early as 1945. Despite the support of sympathetic ambassadors , the U.S. government apparently wouldnt intervene directly in Guatemalas affairs. The company turned to Congress. It hired well connected lobbyists to portray Guatemalas policies as part of a communist plot to destroy capitalism and the United States. In February 1949, multiple members of Congress denounced Guatemalas labor reforms as communist. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Claude Pepper called the labor code obviously intentionally discriminatory against this American company and a machine gun aimed at the head of this American company. Two days later, Rep. John McCormack echoed that statement , using the exact same words to denounce the reforms. Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. , Sen. Lister Hill and Rep. Mike Mansfield also went on the record, reciting the talking points outlined in United Fruit memos. No lawmaker said a word about bananas. Seventy-seven years later, we may see many echoes of past interventions, but now the U.S. government has dropped the veil: In his appearance after the strike that seized Maduro this month, Trump said oil 21 times . Advertisement Advertisement Aaron Coy Moulton is an associate professor of Latin American history at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas and the author of Caribbean Blood Pacts : Guatemala and the Cold War Struggle for Freedom. This article was produced in collaboration with the Conversation. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. An aerial photo in Bradley Boehringer's application shows floating gear at the 7.8-acre oyster farm operated by Rocky Rhode Oyster Co. in Jamestowns Dutch Island Harbor. (CRMC File No. 2025-06-048) A Jamestown oyster farm is poised for expansion, after receiving unanimous approval from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council on Tuesday. The councils swift stamp of approval lets Rocky Rhode Oyster Co. owner Brad Boehringer add 3.5 acres to his existing, 7.8-acre oyster farm in Jamestowns Dutch Island Harbor. Advertisement Advertisement The uncontested review was an anomaly in the increasingly contentious debate between oyster farmers, fishermen and coastal residents warring over use and views of state coastal waterways. Rhode Islands aquaculture boom has spawned public protests, late-night hearings and lawsuits, with protracted regulatory reviews that, in some cases, span years. It helped that Boehringers existing expanse of oyster cases, 900 feet off the western shore off Dutch Island Harbor, falls within an area already designated by town and state officials for aquaculture use. Rocky Rhode is one of six aquaculture farms covering a combined 35 acres within a 90-acre area in Dutch Island Harbor designated for aquaculture use, according to a 2024 report. The report helped inform a working group of town officials and state environmental administrators in developing rules and regulations for future aquaculture development in the area. Boehringers southwest expansion aims to meet increasing commercial demand, enabling Boehringer to keep his eight seasonal residents employed year-round and boost production to reach 1 million oysters and 100,000 scallops a year, according to his June 2025 application. He already produces and harvests enough shellfish to service 45 area restaurants and five regional wholesales. Advertisement Advertisement The 3.5-acre addition, a mix of bottom cages and floating baskets, received positive recommendations from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council, the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, according to the CRMC staff report. A preliminary application reviewed by the Jamestown Harbor Commission in December 2024 also revealed very few issues, Benjamin Goetsch, CRMC aquaculture coordinator, wrote in the Dec. 15 report. In fact, the expansion could have been approved by staff, without a public hearing or review by the politically appointed council, if it werent for two written letters of objection. The letters, both from seasonal Jamestown residents, laid out concerns with debris and sand filling from the expanded aquaculture activity, and potential conflicts with area sailing activity. The objectors did not attend the hearing on Tuesday. Goetschs report refuted each of these claims, noting that all human activity on or near the water could create debris, and that the Coast Guard had already indicated no navigational interference. Advertisement Advertisement Boehringer told the council Tuesday that he had a very good working relationship with the Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation, which is the primary group of sailors in the area. New non-rusting oyster cages avoid the risk that pieces chip off and collect in the water a problem of older versions of the equipment no longer in use, Boehringer said. The CRMCs approval requires any lost gear or equipment be retrieved within 30 days. Boehringer will also have to put up a $40,000 performance bond to cover potential costs associated with gear removal or abandonment. Boehringer declined to comment on the councils decision when reached by email on Wednesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PRAGUE, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis' populist right-wing government won a parliamentary confidence vote on Thursday, taking power with an agenda of scaling back support for Ukraine, opposing EU environment policies and pausing the previous administration's austerity drive. Babis, a self-described Trumpist allied with Hungary's Viktor Orban and the far-right in the European Parliament, won an election in October and his ANO party formed a ruling coalition with a pro-Russian far-right party and another right-wing party. Controlling 108 of the lower house's 200 seats, ruling party lawmakers approved the government in a 108-91 vote, a constitutional step required after the administration took office last month. Advertisement Advertisement Babis campaigned to raise wages and cut taxes, in contrast to a budget consolidation drive during the previous centre-right government's term. The fiscal gap fell comfortably below the European Union's 3% of economic output ceiling in that time. Babis has also stressed more money is needed at home as he seeks to reduce support for Ukraine, which has fought a Russian invasion since 2022. SCALING BACK HELP TO UKRAINE The Czech Republic joined Slovakia and Hungary in December to opt out of the financial costs of an EU loan to Ukraine, agreed at Babis' first EU summit since returning to power. Advertisement Advertisement Babis, who also ruled from 2017-2021, has said the country will also stop contributing to a Prague-led programme sourcing ammunition supplies for Ukraine, although last week he said it could continue to coordinate the initiative, which runs mainly on donations from countries like Germany. Babis had previously sought to scrap the programme, which he calls non-transparent, and his decision to leave it running angered his coalition partner, the far-right SPD party. The previous government started the programme, which has become a key supply tool for Kyiv. It brings donors together with Czech defence officials and arms traders and producers who purchase ammunition around the world for Ukraine to reduce its disadvantage on the battlefield. In foreign policy, opposition parties have pushed the government to join European countries supporting Greenland, which U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to take over from Denmark. Babis' government has said that dialogue on the issue is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Another urgent task for the government will be approving a 2026 budget plan this month. The state has started 2026 with a provisional budget, which limits monthly spending to one twelfth of last year's expenditure. Officials have flagged a growing gap. The central state budget deficit last year rose for the first time since 2021. ($1 = 20.8470 Czech crowns) (Reporting by Jason Hovet, editing by Ed Osmond) Daytona Beach International Airport set a passenger traffic record in 2025, serving 772,170 travelers. This figure shows an 11% increase from 2024 and is the highest passenger count at the airport since 1997. The increase in passenger traffic is due to new nonstop flights launched in December 2025. JetBlue Airways launched daily nonstop flights to New York City and Boston, carrying over 10,600 passengers in December alone. Breeze Airways also added four new nonstop routes to Providence, R.I.; Hartford, Conn.; Raleigh/Durham, N.C.; and Akron/Canton, Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement DAB gained increased support from Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, which have served the airport for 46 and 17 years, respectively. In response to travel demand for events like the Daytona 500, Delta added nonstop flights to New York City and Detroit. At the same time, American expanded nonstop flights from Dallas-Fort Worth and Washington, D.C. They also operated seasonal nonstop flights to Washington, D.C. on Saturdays from Feb. 15 to March 29. Along with passenger growth, DABs economic impact was estimated at $3.2 billion in 2023, according to a study by the Florida Department of Transportation. Callum stated, Each time more flights are added, the effect grows exponentially, benefiting the entire community. The airport offered 11 nonstop flight routes year-round in 2025. Thanks to increased routes and capacity, the total number of available seats grew by 20% compared to the previous year. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. DELAWARE COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) A Delaware County man is accused of pretending to be a cop during a traffic stop. According to the Delaware County Sheriffs Office, 50 year-old Lamark Logan of Ellenville was pulled over for crossing a double yellow line in the Town of Colchester. Deputies say Logan claimed to be an officer with the Ellenville Police Department, which turned out not to be true. He was charged with criminal impersonation along with a series of traffic violations. 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 WIVT - News 34. JAY, Okla. A Delaware County man accused of stabbing a Jay man is being held on $50,000 bail, the Delaware County Sheriffs office confirmed. Kreedon Summerfield, 18, of Jay, was charged in Delaware County District Court in Jay on Friday with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is accused of stabbing a 23-year-old man. The Jay Police Department was notified on Tuesday, around 10 p.m., of a stabbing at Caseys General Store in Jay. Law enforcement officers discovered a man inside the store bleeding from an apparent stab wound. Advertisement Advertisement We have conflicting reports of where the stabbing occurred, but he walked into Caseys and collapsed at the counter, said Jay Police Chief Rick Pike. Pike said the man was stabbed in the lower back, right below the lungs. The man was flown by helicopter to Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark., where he remained in intensive care, Pike said. The FBI and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation were contacted to assist with processing the crime scene and continuing the investigation, he 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 KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. State Rep. Carrie Sorensen, a Portsmouth Democrat, speaks before the House Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs Committee about her bill seeking to provide diapers to parents on Medicaid. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) A group of lawmakers led by state Rep. Carrie Sorensen wants New Hampshire to become the third U.S. state to cover the cost of diapers for infants under its Medicaid program. House Bill 1798 would provide eligible families on Medicaid with funding for 100 diapers a month for the first 12 months of an infants life. If the bill became law, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services would have to submit a request known as a Section 1115 waiver to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to begin the program because Medicaid is run jointly by the state and federal governments. Advertisement Advertisement In a fiscal note presented to the Legislature, state staff told lawmakers they anticipate roughly 3,600 infants will be eligible and take advantage of the service and put the cost of diapers at 46 cents each. Thus they estimate the program could cost the state $919,000 per year in addition to roughly $1.07 million that the federal government would provide annually for the program. For reference, New Hampshires entire Medicaid program is projected to spend $2.57 billion in the states fiscal year 2025 with 56% of that coming from the federal government. HB 1798 appropriates $100,000 a year for the program, but gives the governor the authority to pull more money as needed. Sorensen, a Portsmouth Democrat and mother, framed the bill as a way to help new mothers with the financial burden of raising an infant. She noted that SNAP the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program doesnt cover diapers and that new mothers are regularly facing high costs. I can personally attest to this, she said. You all heard my baby in the House last year. Sorensen argued low-income families are forced to ration diapers, which can lead to urinary tract infections and other medical complications from children not being changed often enough. Advertisement Advertisement Low-income parents have to make more difficult choices of whether they spend their money on diapers or whether they spend money on food or their heat or their rent, she said. Or do they ration diapers, risking their skin and their health? Neither choice is acceptable for a childs well-being. Sorensen said she considered having her bill provide reusable diapers, but decided to go with disposable diapers because of the complications for families that use laundromats. In 2024, Delaware and Tennessee became the first states in the country to cover diapers under Medicaid after CMS approved their requests. As the crackdown on illegal immigration has intensified under President Donald Trump, T.J. Young has periodically heard scuttlebutt about the possibility of an immigrant detention facility coming to Utah. In separate reports, CNN and The Washington Post said last year that the state was one of many possible locations around the country where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials planned to build massive new facilities. Young, for her part, hasnt been able to find anything more concrete until, possibly, now. A leaked document that has been making the rounds this week among immigrant advocates around the country identifies a large warehouse in an industrial zone west of Salt Lake City International Airport as the possible site of a 7,500-bed immigrant detention facility, she said. Advertisement Advertisement The rumors so far unverified by immigration officials or city representatives prompted her and around 100 other advocates for the immigrant community to gather at the site Friday to sound off against the possibility. Utah has a shameful history of internment campus in World War II, Young said, referencing the Topaz camp in Delta that housed Japanese Americans during the war, and she doesnt want a repeat. It was a stain on our past and our history, and Im shocked and dismayed that anyone would consider doing this again. Its unconscionable, and we will not allow it to happen again here. Around 100 people protested Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside a potential future ICE detention center site in Salt Lake City on Friday. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The protesters held signs critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration law, and clamored against the possibility of a detention facility coming to Utah. The document Young received says the Salt Lake site at 1197 N. 6880 West would be a mega detention center to hold immigrants in the process of being deported. Haylee Monfredi, who lives in the Rose Park area, said local officials should be working to eliminate Immigration and Customs Enforcement, blasting what she sees as the heavy-handed approach agency officials have taken in detaining and deporting immigrants. She was one of the many assembled protesters. Immigrants are what make America great, she said. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, while acknowledging the availability of funds to build new immigrant detention facilities, was mum on the possibility of a new center in Utah. As is, immigration officials sometimes temporarily place immigrants in local Utah jails or send them to detention centers in Nevada, Arizona and elsewhere. Around 100 people protested Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside a potential future ICE detention center site in Salt Lake City on Friday. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News ICE is targeting the worst of the worst, including murderers, rapists, criminals, gang members and more. Seventy percent of ICE arrests are of illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the U.S., the spokesman said in a statement. Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, ICE has new funding to expand detention space to keep these criminals off American streets before they are removed for good from our communities. We have no new detention centers to announce at this time. Andrew Wittenberg, spokesman for Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, said ICE officials havent reported anything to city officials about potential interest in the site. Its zoned, he thinks, for light manufacturing. The site in question is owned and managed by the Ritchie Group, a Salt Lake City-based real estate development firm, but no one from the developer immediately responded to queries Friday seeking comment. The companys website says the structure, dubbed XR International III, contains 325,000-square feet of space and was completed in 2021. It is currently vacant. Advertisement Advertisement Kaitlin Felsted, spokeswoman for the Utah Inland Port Authority, said port authority officials arent aware of any plans to build an immigrant detention facility in the area. The 1197 N. 6880 West site falls within the boundaries of the Northwest Quadrant, one of several proposed development sites around the Utah Inland Port Authority, a state entity, is promoting. Faith leaders joined around 100 protesters outside a potential future Immigration and Customs Enforcement immigrant detention center in Salt Lake City on Friday. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Whatever the case, those at Fridays demonstration were adamant in their opposition to the possibility of a detention facility. The gathering is one of several that have taken place around the country this week amid similar reports elsewhere of planned immigration detention facilities. The documents Young received said federal immigration and/or state officials were to tour the Salt Lake site on Friday at 9 a.m., which figured in the timing of the demonstration, but no one showed up to visit the location aside from the protesters. This is the exact fear Ive had for years, that we would be funding, abetting and assisting an ICE facility, Eva Lopez Chavez, the daughter of Mexican immigrants and a member of the Salt Lake City Council, told the group. Theres no excuse. Its in our backyard. Lopez Chavez went on to lead a chant. What are we going to do? she shouted. Stand up, fight back, the crowd answered. Media reports identify other possible immigrant detention facility locations in Orange County, New York; Kansas City, Missouri; and Merrimack, New Hampshire. As in Utah, news of the possibility of detention facilities prompted protesting by immigrant advocates in Kansas City and Merrimack as well. El Paso rock radio host Buzz Adams allegedly had a cold beer, a loaded revolver, a burnt joint and a THC vape pen in his black Cadillac when he was pulled over by an El Paso County sheriff's deputy over the weekend, court documents stated. The El Paso Times obtained four criminal complaint affidavits filed by a deputy that revealed new details in the arrest of Adams, legal name Michael Earl Witt, 58, during a traffic stop on Jan. 10 in Vinton, just northwest of El Paso. The "Buzz Adams Morning Show" on KLAQ-95.5 FM has been a humorous part of El Paso morning radio since the 1990s and is syndicated to other stations in West Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Justin Underwood, Adams' attorney, addressed the arrest and charges about 7:30 a.m. Friday on Adams' radio show. Underwood said that deputies left key evidence out of the affidavit, including Adams not having bloodshot eyes, slurred speech or unstable balance. He added that the accusation of a cold beer being in the vehicle is misleading, as the beer was not open and only cold because of the cold weather temperatures at the time. "At no point in any of the affidavits, does it say that Buzz has red or bloodshot eyes," Underwood said. "Slurred speech? Nope. Unstable balance at the scene? Nope. Does it say that he's driving impaired at any point in time? Absolutely, unequivocally, no." He added, "I looked at the affidavits and this is what I think: what's missing from these sworn statements speaks volumes." Advertisement Advertisement Underwood argued that since the evidence fails to prove Adams was intoxicated, the gun charge does not hold up since he is legally allowed to carry a firearm. The arrest happened near the U.S.-New Mexico state line and the marijuana vape pen was empty, Underwood said. He added that several people had been in-and-out of Adams vehicle the previous night. Adams, under legal advice from Underwood, did not speak about his case during his attorney's appearance on the show. No court hearings have been set in the case, court records show. El Paso KLAQ radio show host arrested in DWI case The traffic stop occurred about 10:40 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, after a deputy on patrol saw a black Cadillac lacking a front Texas license plate as it approached the intersection of Vinton Road and Doniphan Drive. The deputy made a U-turn, got behind the Cadillac and pulled it over in the 300 block of West Vinton Road. KLAQ rock radio host Buzz Adams, real name Michael Earl Witt, was arrested on charges of DWI, unlawful carrying of a weapon and drug possession during a traffic stop in Vinton, Texas, by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office on Jan. 10, 2026. While speaking with the driver, the deputy noticed a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and saw in the driver's door a black vape pen with a marijuana leaf symbol with yellow wax that later tested positive for THC, the complaint stated. Advertisement Advertisement Heavy metal legend: Mexico congress honors Ozzy Osbourne with standing applause, then the controversy started Adams "grabbed the vape pen and stated it was tobacco. (The deputy) seized the vape pen and advised him that tobacco vape pens don't have marijuana leaf plants on them," the deputy wrote in the affidavit. Adams was asked to step out of a vehicle. When the deputy told Adams that he had probable cause to search the vehicle, Adams allegedly told him "that there was going to be empty cartridges for marijuana joints and a .38'" in the vehicle. Adams added that the handgun belonged to him, the affidavits stated. Deputies also find gun, beer and joint in vehicle A loaded black .38-caliber revolver was located in the driver's door panel. Under the driver's seat, deputies found a cold 12-ounce can of Stella Artois beer as well as a white plastic tube with a red "THC!" sticker that contained a burnt joint, the affidavits stated. The document does not say if the beer can was open. Advertisement Advertisement Adams allegedly had a "faint odor of alcohol" on his breath and person that was also detected by another deputy at the scene but Adams denied that he had anything to drink. The complaint stated that Adams was swaying side to side, had difficult with his balance and allegedly displayed six out of six clues during an eye test as part of a field sobriety test conducted at the sheriff's Northwest Patrol Station in Vinton. Adams then refused to take part in the remainder of the field test. Adams "refused to provide a specimen" for a what appears to have been a breath-alcohol test but is not specified in the complaint. Rock archives: Metallica's Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo play Marty Robbins 'El Paso' Advertisement Advertisement The affidavit mentioned the deputy was to request a search warrant for a blood test but the document doesn't say the result of any blood-alcohol test. Adams was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated, unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance (less than a gram of THC) and possession of less than two ounces of marijuana, the Sheriff's Office stated. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail under a $6,600 bond and later released on bond. He remains on the air on KLAQ. Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: New details revealed in arrest of El Paso KLAQ radio host Buzz Adams BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) A man from Michigan has been indicted by a federal grand jury after troopers reportedly found four ounces of cocaine hidden in the ceiling of his vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 89 in Vermont. The Morristown Police Department, along with state and federal law enforcement, reportedly aided in the investigation. Fletcher man charged with threatening, impersonating police officer Advertisement Advertisement Dawayne Catchings, 31, of Detroit, Michigan, is charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine and one of possession with intent to distribute. According to court records, Vermont State Police stopped Catchings for speeding on I-89 in Randolph last week. Troopers then searched his vehicle and reportedly found 114 grams of cocaine within the fabric lining of the cars ceiling. The stop took place on Wednesday, January 7 court records indicate that Catchings distributed cocaine each of the previous two weeks, on December 30 and December 23. Trump ending federal funding to sanctuary cities, states Advertisement Advertisement Catchings has been ordered held in custody while he awaits trail. 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. This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Apart-hotel company Kasa has entered into a strategic combination with residential hospitality provider Mint House, through which Kasa will integrate its portfolio of nearly 1,000 units nationwide, according to a Wednesday announcement. The combination representing a cashless, all-equity combination, Kasa CEO Roman Pedan told Hotel Dive will expand Kasas footprint in multiple high-growth, premier markets, including Washington, D.C.; Dallas; Nashville; and St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida, according to a release. The deal comes as hospitality brands increasingly turn to consolidation to grow scale in the apartment-style accommodations sector. A maturing sector The combination is proof that the alternative accommodations sector is maturing, Pedan told Hotel Dive. As the category evolves, owners are prioritizing disciplined operators with the infrastructure and processes to perform consistently across market cycles. The move follows other recent brand tie-ups in the apartment-style accommodations sector, including Marriott Internationals now-defunct strategic licensing agreement with Sonder as well as Wyndham Hotels & Resorts partnership with Reside. Last year, Mint House acquired Locale to drive greater scale, efficiency, and an enhanced offering for all guests, Mint House CEO Christian Lee said in a previous statement. In 2024, Lee who will now join Kasa as a senior advisor, per the release told Hotel Dive that consolidation was not then on the table for Mint House, though the company would definitely explore opportunities as they arose. Strong value creation For this latest deal, Mint House ran a comprehensive strategic process and selected Kasa because the combined platform delivers clear benefits: deeper operational expertise, stronger commercial capabilities, and a more resilient operating model for owners, Pedan said. Though Lee could not be reached for comment Wednesday, he said in the release that Kasa and Mint House have always been aligned in our asset-light models and guest-centric operating philosophy. As such, the companies shared focus on operational excellence is why [Mint House] chose Kasa for this transaction, Lee said. According to Pedan, the combination will be immediately and meaningfully EBITDA-accretive to Kasa, strengthening the companys balance sheet and overall financial position. Pedan declined to disclose detailed return metrics but said he anticipates strong value creation driven by scale efficiencies, operating leverage, and improved unit economics. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pushed back after several Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee held a press conference slamming the Trump administration's handling of immigration. House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., led the news conference and was joined by several high-profile Democrats, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, and Rep. Al Green, D-Texas. The lawmakers not only criticized DHS's handling of immigration and federal law enforcement's conduct in Minneapolis. They also called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's impeachment. The press conference was held in the wake of the fatal ICE-involved shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota, which sparked unrest in the state and demonstrations across the country. Thompson described Good as "a wife, a writer, a poet, a devoted Christian and a U.S. citizen." He also noted that Good had three children. Omar also spoke about Good and said that she died "because she chose love and solidarity over fear." Advertisement Advertisement Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., took a moment to issue a message directed at Noem specifically. Dhs Demands Mn Leaders Honor Ice Detainers, Alleges Hundreds Of Criminal Aliens Have Been Released Under Walz Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks at press conference to discuss ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policy, at One World Trade Center in New York City, Jan. 8, 2026. "You are terrible at doing your job. You are incompetent. You are shameless. But most of all, you are cruel," McIver said. "The American people do not want you. We do not want you. And we will do whatever we need to do to make sure you will not hold that post soon. God will judge you and Democrats are going to remove you from office that you never deserved to hold in the first place." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement A Democratic aide told Fox News Digital that lawmakers would continue to introduce legislation in an attempt "to rein in" ICE, but in the meantime, "will continue to do our job to investigate DHS and Kristi Noem when this administration breaks the law." DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed the lawmakers and said in a statement emailed to Fox News Digital that the department was doing its job by enforcing the law. "DHS is a law enforcement agency enforcing the rule of law passed by Congress. If members don't like the law, it is quite literally their job to change it," McLaughlin said. Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., speaks as fellow House Homeland Security Committee members look on during a news conference to discuss the killing of Renee Nicole Good outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 14, 2026, in Washington, D.C Worst Of The Worst: Ice Arrests Child Predator, Violent Criminals Amid Surge In Anti-agent Attacks Advertisement Advertisement While members of Congress can propose and pass legislation, Democrats currently do not control either the House or the Senate, making it difficult for them to advance changes without bipartisan support. "As ICE officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them, politicians are more focused on showmanship and fundraising clicks than actually removing criminals from our streets," McLaughlin added. "We hope these members get serious about doing their job to protect American people, which is what this Department is doing under Secretary Noem." In addition to McLaughlin's statement, DHS shared information about several criminal illegal immigrants who had been arrested since Trump's crackdown began last year. Hernan Cortes-Valencia, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was convicted of sexual assault against a child, sexual assault-carnal abuse and four DUIs. Hernan Cortes-Valencia, who hails from Mexico, had a final order of removal dated Dec. 1, 2016. DHS said that Cortes-Valencia was convicted of sexual assault against a child, sexual assault-carnal abuse and four DUIs. Sriudorn Phaivan, an illegal immigrant from Laos, has several convictions and is facing pending charges for two counts of receiving stolen property, flight to avoid prosecution or confinement and burglary. Sriudorn Phaivan, an illegal immigrant from Laos, had a final order of removal from March 8, 2018, according to DHS. Advertisement Advertisement The department said that Phaivan was convicted of strongarm sodomy of a boy, strongarm sodomy of a girl, another aggravated sex offense, nine counts of larceny, unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of fraud, vehicle theft, two counts of drug possession, obstructing justice, possession of stolen property, receiving stolen property, burglary and check forgery. Additionally, Phaivan has pending charges for two counts of receiving stolen property, flight to avoid prosecution or confinement and burglary, DHS said. Ge Yang, an illegal immigrant Laos with a final order of removal from Oct. 16, 2012, has several convictions under his belt. Ge Yang, an illegal immigrant from Laos with a final order of removal from Oct. 16, 2012, has been convicted of strongarm rape, strongarm aggravated assault against a family member, aggravated assault with a weapon, an additional sex offense and domestic violence involving strangulation, according to DHS. Vannaleut Keomany, an illegal immigrant from Laos with a final order of removal dated Dec. 17, 2009, was convicted of two counts of attempting to commit strongarm rape. Vannaleut Keomany, an illegal immigrant from Laos with a final removal order dated Dec. 17, 2009. He was convicted of two counts of attempting to commit strongarm rape, according to DHS. Tou Vang, an illegal immigrant from Laos, was convicted of sexual assault and sodomy of a girl under the age of 13 and procuring a child for prostitution. Tou Vang, who is from Laos, was in the U.S. illegally and had a final order of removal dated Oct. 31, 2006. Vang has been convicted of sexual assault and sodomy of a girl under the age of 13 and procuring a child for prostitution, DHS said. Chong Vue, an illegal immigrant form Laos, was convicted of strongarm rape of a 12-year-old girl, kidnapping a child with intent to sexually assault her, and vehicle theft. Advertisement Advertisement Chong Vue, an illegal immigrant from Laos, was convicted of strongarm rape of a 12-year-old girl, kidnapping a child with intent to sexually assault her and vehicle theft. Vue has a final order of removal from March 11, 2004. Kou Lor, an illegal immigrant from Laos, was convicted of sexual assault, rape, rape with a weapon, statutory rape without force, two counts of burglary and shoplifting. Kou Lor, an illegal immigrant from Laos, had a final order of removal that was nearly 30 years old and was dated Aug. 16, 1996. He was convicted of sexual assault, rape, rape with a weapon, statutory rape without force, two counts of burglary and shoplifting. Pao Choua Xiong, an illegal immigrant from Laos was convicted of rape, fondling a child, two counts of domestic violence, burglary, larceny and disorderly conduct. Pao Choua Xiong, an illegal immigrant from Laos with a final order of removal dated Jan. 10, 2003, was convicted of rape, fondling a child, two counts of domestic violence, burglary, larceny and disorderly conduct. Gabriel Figueroa Gama, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was previously removed from the U.S. in 2002. Gabriel Figueroa Gama, an illegal immigrant from Mexico who was previously removed from the U.S. in 2002, was convicted of homicide, battery, assault and amphetamine possession. Abdirashid Adosh Elmi is an illegal immigrant from Somalia. Advertisement Advertisement Abdirashid Adosh Elmi is an illegal immigrant from Somalia who was convicted of homicide. Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, an illegal immigrant from Somalia, was convicted of two counts of negligent manslaughter with a vehicle, two counts of DUI, larceny and damage to property. Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, an illegal immigrant from Somalia with a final order of removal dated Feb. 18, 2022, according to DHS. The department said that he was convicted of two counts of negligent manslaughter with a vehicle, two counts of DUI, larceny and damage to property. Mongong Kual Maniang Deng is an illegal immigrant from Sudan. Mongong Kual Maniang Deng, an illegal immigrant from Sudan, was convicted of attempt to commit homicide, weapon possession and DUI, DHS said. Aldrin Guerrero Munoz is an illegal immigrant from Mexico who has been convicted of homicide. Aldrin Guerrero Munoz is an illegal immigrant from Mexico who has a final order of removal dated Dec. 17, 2015, and has been convicted of homicide and assault, DHS said. Gilberto Salguero Landaverde is an illegal immigrant from El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Gilberto Salguero Landaverde, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, had a final order of removal dated June 25, 2025. He was convicted of three counts of homicide, according to DHS. Aler Gomez Lucas, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, was convicted of negligent homicide with a vehicle and DUI. Aler Gomez Lucas is an illegal immigrant from Guatemala with a final order of removal dated May 24, 2022, according to DHS. He was convicted of negligent homicide with a vehicle and DUI. Galuak Michael Rotgai, an illegal immigrant from Sudan, has been convicted of homicide and assault. Galuak Michael Rotgai, an illegal immigrant from Sudan, has been convicted of homicide and assault, DHS said. Shwe Htoo is an illegal immigrant from Burma. Shwe Htoo, according to DHS, is an illegal immigrant from Burma who was convicted of negligent homicide with a weapon. Mariama Sia Kanu, an illegal immigrant from Sierra Leone, has multiple convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Mariama Sia Kanu, who hails from Sierra Leone, had a final order of removal dated July 5, 2022, according to DHS. The department said that Kanu was convicted of two counts of homicide, four DUIs, three counts of larceny and burglary. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Thai Lor, an illegal immigrant from Laos, was convicted of two counts of homicide. Thai Lor, an illegal immigrant from Laos with a final order of removal dated June 15, 2009, was convicted of two counts of homicide, according to DHS. Original article source: DHS slams Dems for complaining about immigration law: 'It is quite literally their job to change it' A debate playing out in Wisconsin underscores just how challenging it is for U.S. states to set policies governing data centers, even as tech giants speed ahead with plans to build the energy-gobbling computing facilities. Wisconsins state legislators are eager to pass a law that prevents the data center boom from spiking households energy bills. The problem is, Democrats and Republicans have starkly different visions for what that measure should look like especially when it comes to rules around hyperscalers renewable energy use. Republican state legislators introduced a bill last week that orders utility regulators to ensure that regular customers do not pay any costs of constructing the electric infrastructure needed to serve data centers. It also requires data centers to recycle the water used to cool servers and to restore the site if construction isnt completed. Advertisement Advertisement Those are key protections sought by decision-makers across the political spectrum, as opposition to data centers in Wisconsin and beyond reaches a fever pitch. But the bill will likely be doomed by a poison pill, as consumer advocates and manufacturing-industry sources describe it, that says all renewable energy used to power data centers must be built on-site. Republican lawmakers argue this provision is necessary to prevent new solar farms and transmission lines from sprawling across the state. Sometimes these data centers attempt to say that they are environmentally friendly by saying were going to have all renewable electricity, but that requires lots of transmission from other places, either around the state or around the region, said State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican, at a press conference this week. So this bill actually says that if you are going to do renewable energy, and we would encourage them to do that, it has to be done on-site. Advertisement Advertisement This effectively means that data centers would have to rely largely on fossil fuels, given the limited size of their sites and the relative paucity of renewable energy in the state thus far. Gov. Tony Evers and his fellow Democrats in the state legislature are unlikely to agree to this scenario, Wisconsin consumer and clean-energy advocates say. Democrats introduced their own data center bill late last year, some of which aligns closely with the Republican measure: The Democratic bill would similarly block utilities from shifting data center costs onto residents, by creating a separate billing class for very large energy customers. It would require that data centers pay an annual fee to fund public benefits such as energy upgrades for low-income households and to support the states green bank. But that proposal may also prove impossible to pass, advocates say, because of its mandate that data centers get 70% of their energy from renewables in order to qualify for state tax breaks, and a requirement that workers constructing and overhauling data centers be paid a prevailing wage for the area. This labor provision is deeply polarizing in Wisconsin. Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker and lawmakers in his party famously repealed the states prevailing-wage law for public construction projects in 2017, and multiple Democratic efforts to reinstate it have failed. Advertisement Advertisement The result of the political division around renewables and other issues is that Wisconsin may accomplish little around data center regulation in the near term. If we could combine the two and make it a better bill, that would be ideal, said Beata Wierzba, government affairs director for the nonprofit clean-energy advocacy group Renew Wisconsin. Its hard to see where this will go ultimately. I dont foresee the Democratic bill passing, and I also dont know how the governor can sign the Republican bill. Urgent need Wisconsins consumer and clean energy advocates are frustrated about the absence of promising legislation at a time when they say regulation of data centers is badly needed. The environmental advocacy group Clean Wisconsin has received thousands of signatures on a petition calling for a moratorium on data center approvals until a comprehensive state plan is in place. At least five new major data centers are planned in the state, which is considered attractive for the industry because of its ample fresh water and open land, skilled workers, robust electric grid, and generous tax breaks. The Wisconsin Policy Forum estimated that data centers will drive the states peak electricity demand to 17.1 gigawatts by 2030, up from 14.6 gigawatts in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Absent special treatment for data centers, utilities will pass the costs on to customers for the new power needed to meet the rising demand. Two Wisconsin utilities We Energies and Alliant Energy are proposing special tariffs that would determine the rates they charge data centers. Allowing utilities in the same state to have different policies for serving data centers could lead to these projects being located wherever utilities offer them the cheapest rates, and result in a patchwork of regulations and protections, consumer advocates argue. They say legislation should be passed soon, to standardize the process and enshrine protections statewide before utilities move forward on their own. Some of Wisconsins neighbors have already taken that step, said Tom Content, executive director of Wisconsins Citizens Utility Board, a consumer advocacy group. He pointed to Minnesota, where a law passed in June mandates that data centers and other customers be placed in separate categories for utility billing, eliminating the risk of data center costs being passed on to residents. The Minnesota law also protects customers from paying for "stranded costs if a data center doesnt end up needing the infrastructure that was built to serve it. Advertisement Advertisement Ohio, by contrast, provides a cautionary tale, Content said. After state regulators enshrined provisions that protected customers of the utility AEP Ohio from data center costs, developers simply looked elsewhere in the state. Much of the data center demand in Ohio shifted to a different utility where no such protections were in place, Content said. Were in a race to the bottom. Wisconsin needs a statewide framework to help guide data center development and ensure customers who aren't tech companies don't pick up the tab for these massive projects. Clean energy quandary Limiting clean energy construction to data center sites could be especially problematic, as data center developers often demand renewable energy to meet their own sustainability goals. For example, the Lighthouse data center being developed by OpenAI, Oracle, and Vantage near Milwaukee will subsidize 179 megawatts of new wind generation, 1,266 megawatts of new solar generation, and 505 megawatts of new battery storage capacity, according to testimony from one of the developers in the We Energies tariff proceeding. Advertisement Advertisement But Lighthouse covers 672 acres. It takes about 5 to 7 acres of land to generate 1 megawatt of solar energy, meaning the whole campus would have room for only about a tenth of the solar the developers promise. We Energies is already developing the renewable generation intended to serve that data center, a utility spokesperson said, but the numbers show how future clean energy could be stymied by the on-site requirement. Its unclear why lawmakers would want to discriminate against the two cheapest ways to produce energy in our state at a time when energy bills are already on the rise, said Chelsea Chandler, the climate, energy, and air program director at Clean Wisconsin. Renew Wisconsins Wierzba said the Democrats 70% renewable energy mandate for receiving tax breaks could likewise be problematic for tech firms. Advertisement Advertisement We want data centers to use renewable energy, and companies Im aware of prefer that, she said. The way the Republican bill addresses that is negative and would deter that possibility. But the Democratic bill almost goes too far 70%. Thats a prescribed amount, too much of a hook and not enough carrot. Alex Beld, Renew Wisconsins communications director, said the Republican bill might have a hope of passing if the poison pill about on-site renewable energy were removed. I dont know if theres a will on the Republican side to remove that piece, he said. One thing is obvious: No matter what side of the political aisle youre on, there are concerns about the rapid development of these data centers. Some kind of legislation should be put forward that will pass. Bryan Rogers, environmental director of the Milwaukee community organization Walnut Way Conservation Corp, said elected officials shouldnt be afraid to demand more of data centers, including more public benefit payments. Advertisement Advertisement We know what the data centers want and how fast they want it, he said. We can extract more concessions from data centers. They should be paying not just their full way bringing their own energy, covering transmission, generation. We also know there are going to be social impacts, public health, environmental impacts. Someone has to be responsible for that. Utility representatives expressed less urgency around legislation. William Skewes, executive director of the Wisconsin Utilities Association, said the trade group appreciates and agrees with the desire by policymakers and customers to make sure theyre not paying for costs that they did not cause. But, he said, the states utility regulators already do a very thorough job reviewing cases and making sure that doesnt happen. Wisconsin utilities are aligned in the view that data centers must pay their full share of costs. Advertisement Advertisement If Wisconsin legislators do manage to pass data center legislation this session, it will head to the desk of Evers. The governor is a longtime advocate for renewables, creating the states first clean energy plan in 2022, and he has expressed support for attracting more data centers to Wisconsin. "I personally believe that we need to make sure that we're creating jobs for the future in the state of Wisconsin," Evers said at a Monday press conference, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "But we have to balance that with my belief that we have to keep climate change in check. I think that can happen." (NewsNation) Rescue teams are searching for a diver who was reported missing in Antarctica this week. In a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, the French Polar Institute announced one of its divers had gone missing during an ice dive at Adelie Land. The safety protocol for diving had been implemented, and search operations were launched immediately, the statement read. Missing mother, son found dead in Canyonlands National Park Advertisement Advertisement Adelie Land is a French territory that borders the Australian Antarctic Territory on both sides, according to the Australian Broadcasting Company. In a statement to ABC, the institute said the diver went missing during a routine operation to check a scientific instrument. Multiple teams from France and Australia have been involved with search and rescue efforts for the unidentified diver, according to Australian outlet news.com.au. Remains of missing Chicago teacher Linda Brown found: Police The French Polar Institute and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands extend their deepest condolences to the family of the missing diver, his loved ones, and all the teams mobilised on site, the institute said. 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 NewsNation. Israels announcement late last year that it would recognise Somaliland as an independent state was followed almost immediately by anger from Somalia and condemnation across Africa and the Middle East. Among criticisms of the move came a warning from Yemens Houthis, with the groups leader, Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, describing it as a hostile stance and saying any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be treated as a military target. Those concerns were reinforced this month when Israels foreign minister, Gideon Saar, visited Somaliland and included the strategic port city of Berbera in his itinerary. Advertisement Advertisement In a readout after the trip, he said security cooperation was on the agenda. Somaliland officials have since indicated they are open to the possibility of Israeli military presence in the territory a prospect that would place Israel directly across the Gulf of Aden from the Houthis, thus validating the groups concerns. This week, al-Houthi said he was serious about his earlier threat, adding he would not hesitate to target any fixed Zionist presence accessible to us. Israels conflict with the Houthis Israels recognition of Somaliland is part of a broader shift in its policy from covert state-to-state engagement towards cultivating ties with alternative actors, following prolonged conflicts with Iran and its regional allies, experts say. Advertisement Advertisement When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the move on December 26, he publicly thanked Mossad director David Barnea, pointing to the intelligence dimension of the engagement. Experts say the timing reflects Israels growing concern about the threat posed by the Houthis in the southern Red Sea region. During the genocidal war on Gaza, Israel has traded fire with the Houthis, who have fired missiles and drones from northern Yemen and also targeted Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea, in what they said were moves in solidarity with the Palestinians. Everyone just looks at the map and understands what Israel is looking for here, Shiri Fein-Grossman, the CEO of the Israel-Africa Relations Institute and a former member of the Israeli National Security Council, recently told Israeli outlet i24 News. Advertisement Advertisement The recognition of Somaliland gives Israel a strategic location near the Houthis in Yemen and comes at a time that Israel needs as many friends as possible. Much attention focuses on Berbera, a city on Somalilands Gulf of Aden coast at the Red Seas entrance, historically hosting the Ottomans, the Soviets during Somalias pro-Moscow Cold War alignment, the United States, and, since 2017, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The port sits along one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes, just across the Gulf of Aden on the Red Sea, and about 500km (300 miles) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Interactive_Yemen_Control_Map_Jan14_2026_REVISED An assessment published in November by Israels Institute for National Security Studies noted that Somalilands territory could forward base for multiple missions: intelligence monitoring of the Houthis and their armament efforts; logistical support for Yemens legitimate government in its war against them; and a platform for direct operations against the Houthis. Advertisement Advertisement Over the past two years, Israeli strikes in Yemen have hit key economic and civilian infrastructure and killed Houthi leaders, yet unnamed Israeli officials told The Jerusalem Post that the group remains nearly undeterrable. This has prompted calls for a total overhaul of Israels military and security doctrines, including by the Israeli armys Dado Center for Interdisciplinary Military Studies, due to what it said were significant changes in the characteristics of Israels security environment. This context has totally brought Somaliland into effect, Max Webb, an independent analyst on the Horn of Africa, told Al Jazeera. The Houthis are now the largest Iranian proxy posing a direct threat to Israel, he said, citing the weakening of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government in Syria. Israel has never previously been attacked by the Houthis; this is a new development. And so it shouldnt come as a surprise that theyre prepared to work with new actors in order to counter that Houthi threat, Webb said. Advertisement Advertisement Asher Lubotzky, a senior fellow at the Israeli think tank, the Israel-Africa Relations Institute, told Al Jazeera that while Israels military demonstrated it could strike distant targets, its overall performance against the Houthis was below the passing mark, despite it launching the longest-range strike Israel had ever carried out. The Houthis, in turn, have threatened to strike any Israeli presence in Somaliland, a move that Mostafa Hasan, Somalilands former intelligence director, said amounts to a declaration of war. Lubotzky said Somaliland had taken a major risk and, in a November report for an Israeli think tank, suggested that other countries take the lead in recognising Somaliland to reduce potential fallout for both Hargeisa and Israel. But they wanted recognition and they think it is worth it, he said. Most of the countries which were extremely mad at Israel for this, were mad at Israel before, he added. Advertisement Advertisement According to Webb, both sides have very little to lose diplomatically. Israel is more isolated than it has ever been, and Somaliland isnt recognised by anyone. Israel can take the heat, and Somaliland gets a breakthrough. A state of necessity For Somaliland, Israels diplomatic lifeline arrives at a moment of comparable vulnerability. In 2023, the region suffered a major military setback, losing the eastern city of Las Anod and its surroundings to anti-separatist forces, with Somali Prime Minister Hamza Barre even visiting the city last April. A new administration under Somalias federal system has been established. Advertisement Advertisement Several senior Somali cabinet ministers have arrived in the city this week, and the president is expected to visit over the weekend. Somalias federal government has also increased pressure over the last year through airspace controls, visa restrictions and port regulations. A source close to Somalilands government, speaking anonymously to Al Jazeera, said the measures had created a sense of unease in Hargeisa, making the need for action more urgent. Hersi Ali Haji Hassan, chair of the governing Waddani party, told Al Jazeera Mubasher that we are in a state of necessity for official international recognition, adding there is no choice before us but to welcome any country that recognises our existential right. Advertisement Advertisement In mid-2025, the administration of Somalilands Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi sent letters to 193 heads of state offering strategic access and cooperation in exchange for diplomatic recognition. Last week, the president, known locally as Cirro, said only Israel had responded. Though the effort produced no immediate public breakthroughs, in recent years, Somaliland has won the support of prominent US Republicans such as Ted Cruz and Scott Perry, and even appeared in Project 2025, a document closely aligned with President Donald Trumps base that is believed to be guiding policy. Trump has distanced himself from Somaliland recognition, telling the New York Post he was unlikely to follow Israels lead. However, he did say the matter was being studied. Meanwhile, US Ambassador Tammy Bruce declined to condemn Israels recognition of Somaliland at the United Nations Security Council last year, even as she insisted US policy hadnt changed. The State Department told Al Jazeera it had no role in Israels decision to recognise Somaliland. Map of Somalia, showing Somaliland [Al Jazeera] Somaliland: where interests intersect In Somaliland, most people appear to have backed the deal with Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, many of its supporters have welcomed its positioning as a potential Western ally cultivating ties with Taiwan, deciding to build a relationship with Israel while moving against regional and global rivals, including China, Iran, and its networks of regional allies. Somaliland has tried to present itself as a place where those interests intersect, said Jethro Norman, a Somalia expert at the Danish Institute for International Studies. In a more transactional global environment, geography matters more. Mostafa Hasan, former intelligence director in Somaliland, told the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs that Somaliland would safeguard Israels and Western interests following recognition. Alon Liel, a former Israeli diplomat, told Al Jazeera that Israels goals were much larger than simply having a position from which it could strike Yemen. This relationship with Somaliland indicates that Israel is preparing for more international troubles and is looking for friends it can build leverage on with some strategic added value, like Somaliland, Liel said. He added that Israel also wants to show it can still gain new allies despite the fallout from its two-year war on Gaza. Somalilands president recently officially accepted an invitation by Netanyahu to visit Israel, during which an embassy is likely to be opened. Analysts say the relationship is still new, with its trajectory uncertain, and that both Somaliland and Israel will be assessing the announcements consequences and potential opportunities. After Saars visit to Hargeisa this month, Somalilands Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam expressed on X hope that the trip marked the beginning of a promising partnership, with Saar saying Israel was determined to vigorously advance relations. Somalias President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, meanwhile, appealed to Somalilands leaders, urging them to reconsider talks and stressing that wider recognition of independence could only come through negotiations with Mogadishu a signal he was willing to engage on Somalilands core demands. The federal government will find it easy to do anything it can in order to find unity, he said in a national address. Farhan Isak Yusuf, the deputy director at Somali Public Agenda, a Mogadishu-based think tank, said talks between both sides were now unlikely, as the diplomatic breakthrough has left Somalilands leaders feeling emboldened and vindicated. Mogadishu should avoid taking escalatory measures now, he added, as there is a risk of pushing Somalilands leaders further and giving them reason to pull away. By Maggie Fick and Patrick Wingrove SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 16 (Reuters) - More than half a dozen major drugmakers are participating in the Trump administration's speedier review program for new medicines, yet other leading pharmaceutical companies are hesitating over what they see as potential legal risks, six industry sources told Reuters. Under the FDA Commissioner's National Priority Voucher Program unveiled in June, U.S. Food and Drug Administration chief Marty Makary can issue approval decisions in one to two months on a limited number of drugs deemed critical to public health or national security, or if they were manufactured in the U.S. or offered at low prices. Advertisement Advertisement The FDA has long offered a fast-track review process of six to eight months for medicines that address critical U.S. health needs, while standard reviews can take up to a year. In interviews this week at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, drugmaker executives and advisers said one of their chief concerns was that a two-month review could fall short of the scientific rigor needed to evaluate a medicine's safety and efficacy. That could undermine the credibility of the FDA decision and create more legal risk for a drugmaker if patients experience serious side effects post-approval, they said. One top pharmaceutical executive said their company would not seek a priority voucher because they were not convinced the program would endure beyond this administration and worried that FDA approvals could later be challenged in court. They spoke on condition of anonymity in order to describe concerns about a Trump administration initiative. Advertisement Advertisement A Washington-based lawyer specializing in FDA regulatory affairs said a key concern is whether the voucher program will impact the agency's decisions on what adverse events or side effects need to be included on a medicine's prescribing information. If plaintiffs can convince courts that the FDA label requirements are not reliable because they were issued too hastily, that will put more responsibility on manufacturers to warn about potential risks of using their products. "This opens up greater risks for drug manufacturers seeking FDA approval for their products," the lawyer said. DEEPER ISSUES WITHIN THE AGENCY Advertisement Advertisement Richard Pazdur, a longtime FDA veteran, in an interview said questions about the voucher program were emblematic of deeper issues with the agency under Makary. They include growing politicization of the agency's work, a lack of transparency over how some decisions are made, and a disregard for drug reviewers concerns, which he said ultimately drove him to leave the FDA in December. "There are companies that came up to me at conferences and said, 'you know, they are not going ahead with it'," Pazdur said, of participation in the voucher program. Some companies asked whether it would be viewed negatively if they did not apply. He said he told them the FDA would expedite any deserving drug. A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said "all decisions are grounded in evidence-based science and the agency continues to operate as a stable, science-based regulator". Advertisement Advertisement WEIGHT-LOSS PILL ON PRIORITY LIST The FDA has issued vouchers for 18 drugs so far, including Eli Lilly's widely anticipated weight-loss pill and products from Merck, GSK, Johnson & Johnson and Regeneron. Some candidates were nominated by the agency rather than their manufacturers seeking to participate. Regeneron declined to comment on whether it sees legal risks associated with the program. The others did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Only one drug - a generic antibiotic previously sold for years in the U.S. but later discontinued - has been approved under the program to date. Advertisement Advertisement Reviewers are taking around four months to review some drugs in the program, including Lilly's pill, Reuters reporting shows. Lilly said its priority review began in early November. Reuters reporting showed a decision is now expected in April. Reviews for two other drugs have been delayed after agency scientists flagged safety and efficacy concerns, including the death of a patient while taking one of the medicines, internal documents seen by Reuters show. Supporters of the program include Eli Lilly research chief Dan Skovronsky. Weve just started, so lets see how it goes. But Im excited about it," Skovronsky said in an interview. The program moves top-priority products to the front of the queue rather than cut corners, he said. "We welcome anything that gets medicines to patients faster. Advertisement Advertisement Still, he said, companies want to ensure the FDA remains "science-driven." Pfizer is discussing potential participation in the program with the Trump administration, Bloomberg reported on Monday. Pfizer did not say which product it hoped to put through the pathway. Industry experts say the hesitation of some drugmakers may be short-lived as more products move through the program. "If this is a highly impactful drug that's safe and effective... and there aren't compromises in safety, review, or quality, just relatively faster, it'll be hard to unmake history," said Greg Graves, a senior partner in consultancy McKinsey's U.S. life sciences business. Advertisement Advertisement A senior executive at another drugmaker, also speaking anonymously to avoid criticising the Trump administration or the FDA publicly, said the voucher program worries some because it ties the agency's role of regulating drug safety with pricing or other economic considerations. That has "never been in the FDA's purview," the executive said. "A product shouldn't be approved because it has this price or that price," the executive said. "A product should be approved because there has been rigorous testing (and) it's safe and effective for patients." (Reporting by Maggie Fick in San Francisco and Patrick Wingrove in New York, Additional reporting by Michael Erman and Sabrina Valle; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Bill Berkrot) A chief district judge in North Carolina has been found not guilty on domestic violence charges. Durham County Chief District Court Judge Clayton Jones was charged in December 2025 with a misdemeanor charge of assault on a female and misdemeanor domestic violence after an alleged fight at an Advance Auto store. According to our newsgather partner, the Raleigh News and Observer Jones was found not guilty on Thursday in a Guilford County courtroom. The newspaper reports that the case was moved from Durham and tried by a judge from Harnett County. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Doretta L. Walker, a district court judge, has been appointed temporarily to replace Jones during his absence. ABC11 obtained documents in December that stated Jones allegedly took a woman to get some work done on her car on Nov. 29. An apparent argument ensued between the two that day, and Jones is accused of allegedly grabbing her by the neck. Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App According to court documents, the woman called 911 but hung up. 911 operators reportedly called back twice but got no answer. After the charges were filed, Jones's attorneys called the accusations against him false. "These events that led to the false accusation happened at a local business," his attorneys, Bill Thomas and Kellie Mannette, said in part. "During the exhaustive police investigation, not a single eyewitness was found at the business who supported the false claim of assault. Being a judge comes with the public eye and additional scrutiny. Judge Jones deeply respects the court process and expects to be quickly vindicated in this matter." Bill Carnegie has seen more demand for the help provided by the Food Bank of Northern Indiana in the past couple of months than he's seen in 10 years with the agency. "People don't have jobs," said the president and chief executive officer of the Food Bank. "People also are underemployed. About 80 percent of the people we serve are working poor." How can that be? Aren't we supposed to be well into an economic recovery? Advertisement Advertisement Well, we are. Kinda. It's just that there's a lot of storm damage following the lengthy economic downturn and it's going to take some time to make the necessary repairs. Though employment in Elkhart County has now almost reached pre-recession levels courtesy of the strong recreational vehicle industry, much of Michiana is still struggling to get back to the employment levels from a few years ago, said Paul Joray, an economics professor at Indiana University South Bend. Businesses generally have been reluctant to invest in new equipment or new personnel because of lingering doubts about the direction of the economy. Joray speculated that the demand for food also might be great because unemployment benefits have probably expired for those who were laid off some time ago. Advertisement Advertisement In addition, those who have found new jobs might have been forced to take lower paying positions. In other words, they might be underemployed. Though he sees continuing improvement on the horizon, he said some patience is required. "It took awhile to go down; it's going to take awhile to go back up," Joray said. To help speed the recovery process, the best thing the business community can do is try to create new jobs, Carnegie said. "That's the only thing that will turn this around," he said. "People want to work." If job creation isn't possible, companies and individuals should consider a donation to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana or the Southwest Michigan Gleaners Food Bank in St. Joseph. Advertisement Advertisement "We've seen about a 30-percent increase in the number of people seeking help," Carnegie said. "The community has been wonderful in helping us meet the increased demand, but we're still struggling." For the first time in its history, the Food Bank actually ran out of food a few weeks ago. And despite the outpouring of help, Carnegie said the agency only has about a two-week supply of canned goods. "I don't think it will let up over the course of the winter," Carnegie said. So this holiday season, consider organizing a food drive at your office or perhaps writing a check to the food bank or some other worthy charity. A perfect segue Of course, such gifts to non-profit organizations and charities are generally tax deductible, according to the Tribune's Tax Talk columnists Ken Milani and Claude Renshaw. Advertisement Advertisement To help you plan some final strategic moves before the end of the year, the columnizing CPAs will return to the pages of the Tribune on Dec. 7. They will appear on most Sundays in this section through the end of the tax season. Milani is a professor of accountancy at the University of Notre Dame, and Renshaw is a professor of business and economics at Saint Mary's College. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Economic rebound isn't easing South Bend area residents' food need Floridas legislative session started on Jan. 13, and intense debates about public education are expected to spark among the lawmakers. Legislators have proposed three bills that could bring big changes to public education in the state. One would require teachers to swear a loyalty oath, another addresses whether charter schools can use district property and the third would increase oversight for school voucher funding. The Florida Education Association (FEA) opposes the bill that would require teachers to take the oath. And one phrase in the oath so help me God could conflict with constitutional protections. Advertisement Advertisement Here are five things to know about proposed bills that could affect public education in Florida: Education legislation: Legislation could bring big changes to public education in Florida One Florida bill would require teachers to take a loyalty oath. House Bill 147, which was introduced by State Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miami Lakes, would require teachers to swear to "support, protect, and defend the Constitution and the Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Florida." The oath also instructs teachers to swear they will "well and faithfully perform the duties of a classroom teacher in a professional, independent, objective and nonpartisan manner. Advertisement Advertisement It also would require teachers to swear to "uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics" and that they would "foster a respectful environment for all students, which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility and lifelong learning and that I will serve as a positive role model in both conduct and character, so help me God." Why does the Florida Education Association oppose HB 147? Second-grade teacher at Meadow Park Elementary School Grace Oakes, Lantana, holds a sign as teachers and supporters waved signs and chanted for higher wages before the school board meeting outside the district's headquarters on Forest Hill Boulevard in Palm Springs, Fla., on November 19, 2025. The FEA opposes the bill. It argues that "in a free society, nobody should be forced to pledge their loyalty to a government as a condition of employment." This Florida bill would repeal a law allowing charter schools to use district property. Senate Bill 424, which was introduced by State Sen. Darryl Ervin Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, would repeal a law that requires school districts to allow schools of hope charter schools to operate on under-utilized district property. Advertisement Advertisement With the current law, the district covers the costs. Charter school operators stand to benefit from the law because the cost of space is a financial challenger for them. Hundreds of charter school operators sought to use district property because of it. According to the FEA, repealing the law "restores local control by eliminating the provisions that allow Schools of Hope to claim 'vacant space' in public schools and take over that space and use school district resources at no cost. One bill would increase oversight for voucher funding. Senate Bill 318, which was introduced by State Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Pensacola, would move the Family Empowerment Scholarship program into the state's funding formula for traditional public schools, expand financial support for districts with changes in student enrollment and seeks to ensure voucher funding is available for all eligible students. Advertisement Advertisement It would also require families to verify eligibility for vouchers before voucher payments which would shift from quarterly to monthly. How might lawmakers respond to SB 318? Governor Ron DeSantis proposes a new college and university accreditation process for the state's university system during a press conference at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla., on June 26, 2025. The FEA calls Gaetz' bill "necessary, but not sufficient to address the myriad issues with the voucher program." The voucher program is prized by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republicans who want to give parents an alternative to traditional public schools. Democrats and traditional public school supporters see the voucher program as a funding diversion that funnels away money that could be used to improve traditional public education in Florida. Maya Washburn covers northern Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida-Network. Reach her at mwashburn@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today. Advertisement Advertisement Wayne Washington is a journalist covering education for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida legislation, bills that could affect public education NORTHAMPTON A Western Massachusetts news organization is alleging a local production company stole close to $40,000 from it, claiming the funds intended for the media company, related to its annual Asparagus Festival in Hadley. New England Public Media filed a lawsuit against Laudable Productions LLC and Kyle Homstead, manager of the limited liability corporation, alleging that Homstead took $39,203.17 intended for the media company at the festival in the summer 2024. The complaint was filed in Northampton District Court in November 2025. There is an upcoming motion hearing on Jan. 29. Advertisement Advertisement NEPM is represented by Lauren Ostberg, partner at Bulkley Richardson, a Springfield law firm. Ostberg declined to comment on pending litigation. When reached for comment, an NEPM spokesperson said the media organization does not comment on pending litigation. The media company alleges Homstead unjustly enriched himself using the funds; that he acted intentionally to interfere with the funds to harm NEPM; that he acted deceptively or unfairly when conducting business; and that he was fraudulent. A reporter could not immediately reach Homstead for comment. Homstead and his company are represented by David A. Lavenburg in Springfield. Lavenburg also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Laudable Productions, according to its website, is a marketing and community engagement agency based in Florence, a village of Northampton. Annually, the public media station holds a daylong festival in the early summer in Hadley to celebrate the regions rich asparagus farms and agricultural history. Hadley is considered the asparagus capital of the world. The lawsuit alleges that at the 2024 festival, Laudable Productions, which helped produce the festival, collected the funds. In August 2024, Homstead requested NEPM send him an invoice for the $39,203.17. The complaint, filed by NEPM, alleges Homstead brought a check in that amount of money, but allegedly said he was having cash flow issues, and requested NEPM hold off on cashing the check until after NEPM had paid Homstead for his work. Advertisement Advertisement The media organization said that it then paid Homstead and his company for its work, in a timely manner. Then, in November 2024, when the media company tried to deposit the check, it found that there were allegedly insufficient funds in Laudables account to pay the check effectively, Laudable allegedly did not have enough money in its account to pay NEPM back thousands of dollars it owed. Later that month, the lawsuit alleges NEPM informed Homstead that the check did not get cashed as a result of this, and in December 2024, Homstead allegedly told NEPM he had switched banks in the meantime and that he would assess the situation and get back to (NEPM). NEPM says it followed up with Homstead several times but did not hear back from him. In January 2025, Homstead allegedly told the public radio companys executive staff that he had every intension (sic) of paying off the debt, the complaint said. The lawsuit claims the debt is the close to $40,000 that was intended for NEPM. After several more weeks of allegedly making promises to NEPM that he would pay the money back, the public media company says he did not. Advertisement Advertisement As of the date of todays complaint, Laudable has made no payment on the $39,203.17 invoiced to it by NEPM, or on the check it wrote to NEPM in the same amount, the complaint, filed Nov. 21, 2025, alleges. NEPM asks a District Court judge to rule in its favor, and it asks for damages in the owed amount plus multiple damages, interest and attorneys fees, the lawsuit said. NEPM is requesting a jury trial. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The deployment of European troops in Greenland has no impact on US President Donald Trump's plans to take control of the Arctic island from Denmark, the White House said on Thursday. "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," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said when asked about the deployment. Her comments come on the same day that European military personnel began arriving in Greenland, hours after a meeting between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington failed to resolve what Denmark's foreign minister called "fundamental disagreement" over the mineral-rich Arctic island. Advertisement Advertisement France, Sweden, Germany and Norway announced on Wednesday that they would deploy military personnel as part of a reconnaissance mission to Greenland's capital Nuuk. Germany's defence ministry said on 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." A 13-strong Bundeswehr reconnaissance team would deploy to Nuuk from Thursday to Sunday at Denmark's invitation, the ministry said. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday France would soon send more "land, air, and sea" forces to join the military exercise in Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement "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 told troops during a speech to start the new year. A Royal Danish Air Force military plane is seen at the airport of Nuuk, 15 January, 2026 - AP Photo "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 said at a news conference on Wednesday, adding they would be conducting "training." Meanwhile, the Netherlands and Estonia announced they would join the exercise, which Dutch Foreign Minister Ruben Brekelmans described as a signal that security matters in Greenland and the region are "of strategic importance to all NATO allies." Estonia was also "ready to put boots on the ground if requested," Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Related The deployment was announced the same day 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 Lkke 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 the president has this wish of conquering Greenland," Lkke told reporters. "We therefore still have a fundamental disagreement, but we also agree to disagree." Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to take control of the autonomous Danish territory, arguing it is vital for US security. Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen at the cultural centre Nordatlantens Brygge in Copenhagen, 15 January, 2026 - AP Photo Trump: 'I think something will work out' Trump, speaking after the meeting which he did not attend, for the first time sounded conciliatory on Greenland, acknowledging Denmark's interests even as 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 giving any further details. He reiterated that Denmark was powerless if Russia or China sought to occupy Greenland, but added, "There's everything we can do." Trump has appeared emboldened on Greenland after ordering a surprise 3 January attack in Venezuela that removed Nicolas Maduro. L3Harris logo with satellites, drones, and secure networks highlights defense and aerospace technology. Key Points The government is directly funding the expansion of solid rocket motor production to fix critical supply chain shortages across the entire defense sector. Management plans to unlock shareholder value by spinning off the missile propulsion business into a standalone public company later this year. L3Harris cements its position as a vital merchant supplier by selling essential technology to major prime contractors rather than competing for whole platforms. Interested in L3Harris Technologies Inc? Here are five stocks we like better. Wall Street often reacts to defense contracts, but today the market is responding to something bigger: a fundamental restructuring of how the government supports the defense industry. Shares of L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) climbed in the third week of January 2026, trading near all-time highs in the $350-$360 range. This jump follows a historic announcement that the Department of Defense (DoD) is investing $1 billion directly into the company to expand its manufacturing capabilities. This is not a standard purchase order for radios or sensors. It is a strategic intervention by the U.S. government to secure the means of production. For investors, this move signals a massive shift in the defense sector. The Pentagon is effectively partnering with L3Harris to fix critical supply chain bottlenecks, validating the companys strategy and significantly de-risking its future growth. Can't Choose Between Silver and Gold? These ETFs Hold Both The increased trading volume today suggests that L3Harris institutional investor community sees this as a turning point. It is rare for the government to step in with direct capital investment for factory expansion. This effectively subsidizes the company's capital expenditures (CapEx), allowing L3Harris to grow without burning its own cash. For a stock already up over 60% in the last year, this catalyst provides the fuel for the next leg of the rally. The Split-and-Spin: Unpacking the Deal Mechanics To understand why the stock is moving, investors need to look under the hood of this complex deal. L3Harris is executing a Split-and-Spin strategy designed to make the company leaner and more focused. Management announced it will spin off its Missile Solutions unit, the division responsible for creating solid rocket motors, into a completely new, standalone public company later in 2026. AMD Rebound Begins: Its Not Too Late to Get In This is a classic value-unlock play. Conglomerates often trade at a discount because their various businesses are hard to value as a whole. By breaking them apart, the market can price each one more accurately. South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison for obstruction of justice on Friday. The Seoul Central District Court found that the 65-year-old conservative, with the help of the presidential security service, had tried to prevent his own arrest and deleted multiple documents related to the investigation against him. Yoon shocked the nation by imposing martial law on December 3, 2024, amid a budget dispute with the opposition, plunging the country into a political crisis. Advertisement Advertisement He justified the drastic measure as necessary to protect South Korea's democratic order and accused the left-leaning opposition of being infiltrated by communists with ties to China and North Korea, though he provided no evidence for these claims. In a separate trial, prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Yoon on charges of incitement, with a verdict expected on February 19. While the death penalty remains legally in force in South Korea, it has not been carried out for nearly 30 years. Yoon's actions previously alarmed international investors and led to withheld investments, damaging the reputation of South Korea as a political and economic model for the region. Since last summer, South Korea has been led by President Lee Jae Myung, a left-leaning centrist and long-time political rival of Yoon. Chocolate is consumed year-round but tends to feature heavily during the holidays. So when the cost of a favorite candy rivaled the price of beef in the United Kingdom this season, it was cause for some concern. What's happening? The price of Maltesers, a popular UK candy, has been rivaling the price of sirloin steak in the region, according to The Times, a British news outlet. The Maltesers' "more to share" size is a 126-gram box and hit 4 (about $5.40 USD) at the supermarket Sainsbury's in early December, pricing it at about 31.74 a kilogram. Sainsbury's sirloin steak, meanwhile, reached 31.33 a kilo. Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks, Maltesers' prices rose by 16%, according to The Times, which reported that the commodity hit record highs last year after extreme weather and crop diseases affected West Africa. "This price issue is a snowball effect from the past year," product data expert and Keychain founder Oisin Hanrahan told the British outlet. "Extreme weather in West Africa last year has led to poor yields in countries like [the] Ivory Coast, which is the world's leading producer of cocoa, as well as diseases also hitting harvests." Wholesale prices have dropped somewhat since, but they remain significantly higher than the typical costs of cocoa and cocoa butter. Why are higher chocolate prices concerning? Many favorite groceries and pantry staples are experiencing price increases these days, forcing companies to adapt. Advertisement Advertisement Big companies like Nestle are substituting cheaper ingredients for cocoa and cocoa butter. Artisan chocolatiers, like Temper Temper Chocolate, have also been offering smaller sizes or changing their packaging to stay afloat as extreme weather, fueled by pollution and human activity, stymies chocolate production and other crop yields. While chocolate may not seem like a necessity worth worrying over, reduced access to the product certainly poses economic risks to businesses and workers. Higher prices for this commodity also serve as a visible example of climate-related impacts on other, even more basic crops, such as rice and vegetables. What can be done? Broadly speaking, the pollution driving extreme weather events and threatening crops could be addressed in part by shifting to cleaner energy sources. Researchers and agricultural producers have also been developing heat- and drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming practices to help protect yields. At the individual level, consumers have some options as well. When shopping for groceries, you can look for "fair-trade" and "Rainforest Alliance" labels to ensure you are buying from ethical companies. Shopping mindfully, storing food properly, and using your leftovers can help you manage your grocery bills, too. 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. UTRECHT, Netherlands (AP) 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. The explosion, which caused a fire and widespread damage, sent people running into nearby shopping streets. Firefighters tried to douse the flames but were not immediately able to enter damaged homes because of fears of structural damage. Emergency services spokesman Sjaak Haasnoot said the four people injured were taken to a hospital. The extent of their injuries was not known. It was unclear if there were any casualties. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Firefighters said they were investigating how they could safely comb through the rubble of the shattered buildings to establish if any people are trapped. Residents whose homes were damaged were being accommodated in a nearby hotel. Police were investigating, Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma told reporters. This explosion has had a huge impact on the heart of our city. Everyone is deeply shocked, especially those in the immediate vicinity, Dijksma said. By David Shepardson Jan 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warned airlines on Friday to exercise caution when flying over Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, citing the risks of potential military activities and GPS interference. The FAA said it had issued Notices to Airmen covering Mexico and Central American countries, as well as Ecuador, Colombia and portions of airspace within the eastern Pacific Ocean. The warnings began on Friday and will last 60 days, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Tensions between the U.S. and regional leaders have ramped up since the Trump administration mounted a large-scale military buildup in the southern Caribbean, attacked Venezuela and seized the country's president, Nicolas Maduro, in a military operation. President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of other military actions in the area, including against Colombia. Trump said last week that drug cartels were running Mexico and suggested the U.S. could strike land targets to combat them, in one of a series of threats to deploy U.S. military force against cartels. Mexico responded to the FAA's advisory, saying it is only a precaution and does not restrict Mexican airspace or airlines. The notice applies solely to U.S. operators, and aviation operations in Mexico remain unaffected, the ministry said in a statement. After the attack on Venezuela, the FAA curbed flights throughout the Caribbean, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights by major airlines. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told Reuters this week there had been good coordination between the agency and U.S. military before the Venezuela operation. Advertisement Advertisement Last month, a JetBlue passenger jet bound for New York took evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force tanker plane near Venezuela. JetBlue Flight 1112 had departed the Caribbean nation of Curacao and was flying about 40 miles (60 km) off the coast of Venezuela when the Airbus plane reported encountering the Air Force jet, which did not have its transponder activated. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Toledo, Ohio; Additional reporting by Kylie Madry; Editing by Chris Reese and Aurora Ellis) Claim: ABC news anchor David Muir snapped on air while discussing U.S. President Donald Trump in January 2026, warning of martial law and no midterms. Rating: Rating: False In January 2026, a U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good during a surge of ICE operations in Minneapolis. The killing sparked outcry nationwide, leading to tensions between protesters and law enforcement particularly in Minneapolis itself. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump and his administration responded by increasing the number of federal officers deployed to the city and Minnesota as a whole, even threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act to use the U.S. military to quell protests. In that environment, a rumor spread on Facebook (archived) that David Muir, host of ABC News' primetime broadcast, issued a dire on-air warning about the direction the administration was taking. The rumor, which numerous Snopes readers emailed us about and searched the site for, shared Muir's apparent words in a dramatic retelling that included a link to a blog post for more information. The post began: "ARE YOU BLIND TO WHAT'S COMING, OR ARE YOU JUST AFRAID TO SAY IT OUT LOUD?" David Muir snapped, his voice cutting through the studio like a blade. The room fell silent. Cameras kept rolling as tension thickened the air. Muir leaned forward, eyes blazing, no longer hiding his fury. "I'm telling you right now," he continued, "this chaos isn't accidental. This pandemonium? It's fuel. It's a setup." A panelist tried to interrupt, but Muir raised his hand sharply. "Nolisten. When streets burn and institutions crack, that's when dangerous men make their move. Trump doesn't fear disorder. He needs it." He paused, letting the words sink in. "Martial law. Emergency powers. Suspended norms. And suddenlyno midterms." https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02b3nFonGL3b8QaRxvL4sZywGrVxrsY2zTrMjJ2DdQqJ8kWAYjHKLTRX5cMLatsmXHl&id=61575555984179 The story was not a factual retelling of something Muir said during one of his newscasts. It had all the hallmarks of the type of story generated by artificial intelligence tools that are commonplace on Facebook. Therefore we've rated the claim false. Advertisement Advertisement Snopes searched online for Muir's name alongside the "blind" quote and alongside the phrase "martial law," which the post included in Muir's supposed warning. Neither search revealed credible reporting on Muir's supposed speech, and the search with the quote almost exclusively returned other Facebook posts sharing the exact same story. Neither the post itself nor the blog it linked to noted when Muir "snapped" on air or to what particular event Muir was reacting. Nonetheless, because the post was posted the afternoon of Jan. 14, Snopes searched episodes of Muir's nightly newscast from Jan. 10 to 13 to find when Muir "snapped." Muir did not give the speech on the 10th, 11th, 12th or 13th. The closest Muir came to saying anything like he did in the Facebook post was on Jan. 13, when he reported Trump warned of "a day of reckoning and retribution that is coming over opposition to his immigration policies." The "day of reckoning and retribution" was a direct quote from a Trump social media post (archived). The blog linked in the post spreading the Muir rumor was filled with advertisements, just like those linked in many other AI-generated stories of celebrities rampant on Facebook. The goal of these posts is to drive traffic to blogs filled with numerous AI-generated stories each day so the owners can make money from advertising revenue. Advertisement Advertisement A popular genre of these posts are those in which the figure shocks a room by suddenly speaking out about politics or some other issue. The writing is often dramatic and punchy, full of short sentences and reminders of the meaning of the subject's words or actions. Similar writing appeared in AI-generated Facebook posts about Barron Trump, Helen Mirren, Stephen Colbert and Bette Midler Snopes has fact-checked. The page that posted the story, Clarity Newsline, appeared to exclusively post AI-generated stories about Muir. The baseless stories were written in the same style consistent with AI-generated writing and linked to advertisement-filled blogs hosted on the same website. Sources: ABC News. "ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Jan 12, 2026." YouTube, 12 Jan. 2026, www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQyP7-XQdcs. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. ---. "ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Jan. 13, 2026." YouTube, 13 Jan. 2026, www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3qG4x7BRhE. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement ---. "ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - January 10th, 2026." YouTube, 10 Jan. 2026, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo1i5ayMCO8. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. ---. "ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - January 11, 2026." YouTube, 11 Jan. 2026, www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH0RKO7k6hI. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. "David Muir "ARE YOU BLIND to WHAT'S COMING" - Google Search." Google.com, www.google.com/search?q=david+muir+%22ARE+YOU+BLIND+TO+WHAT%E2%80%99S+COMING%22&sca_esv=492d03d456b59a14&biw=2560&bih=1271&aic=0&source=lnt&tbs=cdr%3A1%2Ccd_min%3A%2Ccd_max%3A1%2F15%2F2026&tbm=. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. "David Muir Martial Law - Google Search." Google.com, www.google.com/search?q=david+muir+martial+law&sca_esv=492d03d456b59a14&source=lnt&tbs=cdr%3A1%2Ccd_min%3A%2Ccd_max%3A1%2F15%2F2026&tbm=. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Faguy, Ana. "Dozens Arrested and One Police Officer Injured in Minneapolis ICE Protests." BBC, 10 Jan. 2026, www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgpnwnqygro. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Karnowski, Steve, et al. "Protesters Face off with Officers after Another Immigration Shooting in Minneapolis." AP News, 15 Jan. 2026, apnews.com/article/immigration-crackdown-minnesota-shootings-renee-good-a0c368079c106b599245996fded8c1b9. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Loe, Megan. "Watch out for Rumor Helen Mirren Announced $107M Netflix Investment." Snopes, Snopes.com, 13 Dec. 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/helen-mirren-netflix-investment/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Shan, Cindy. "Fake Stories about Texas Floods Reached Millions on Facebook. Foreign Ad Companies Likely Profited." Snopes, Snopes.com, 29 Aug. 2025, www.snopes.com/news/2025/08/29/facebook-ai-posts-texas-floods. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement The White House. "FEAR NOT..." Facebook.com, 13 Jan. 2026, www.facebook.com/WhiteHouse/posts/fear-not-great-people-of-minnesota-the-day-of-reckoning-retribution-is-coming-pr/122163091760723345/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Winter, Emery. "Did Bette Midler Declare $68M Netflix Investment on Live TV?" Snopes, Snopes.com, 7 Dec. 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/bette-midler-netflix-investment/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. ---. "Did Stephen Colbert Launch Sanctuary for Abandoned and Abused Dogs?" Snopes, Snopes.com, 30 Dec. 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/colbert-animal-sanctuary-dogs/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. ---. "Don't Believe Rumor Barron Trump Shut down Ilhan Omar on MSNBC." Snopes, Snopes.com, 15 Dec. 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/barron-trump-ilhan-omar-msnbc/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Claim: A video shared online in January 2026 authentically showed a NATO official saying that if the U.S. takes Greenland, "We take every single base of the Americans," and, "If you take Greenland, you have to leave." Rating: Rating: Miscaptioned Context: Social media users correctly attributed the quote to a man called Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn. However, both Fehlinger-Jahn and a NATO spokesperson confirmed that he did not have official relations with the intergovernmental organization, nor did he speak on behalf of the alliance. Advertisement Advertisement In January 2026, a video (archived) spread online purportedly showing a man speaking to camera, saying that if the U.S. takes Greenland, Europe will "take every single base of the Americans," and, "if [the U.S. takes] Greenland, you have to leave." The footage circulated as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration repeatedly expressed its desire to acquire Greenland (archived, archived), an autonomous territory of Denmark, most of which lies in the Arctic Circle. As of this writing, the Trump administration had not ruled out using military force to take the Danish territory. One X user who shared the clip called the speaker "Austria's NATO enlargement committee chairman Fehlinger," referring to Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn, an Austrian economist (archived). Advertisement Advertisement In full, the X user wrote: "If the US annexes Greenland we must confiscate all US bases in Europe, says Austria's NATO enlargement committee chairman Fehlinger. 'If you take Greenland, you have to leave.'" If the US annexes Greenland we must confiscate all US bases in Europe, says Austria's NATO enlargement committee chairman Fehlinger. "If you take Greenland, you have to leave". pic.twitter.com/LJcwMVf5O2 Mariska den Eelden (@eeldenden) January 6, 2026 The video and Fehlinger-Jahn's alleged quote appeared in various iterations on Instagram, Threads (archived), Bluesky and Reddit (archived). One Facebook user specifically referred to Fehlinger-Jahn as "Austria's NATO committee chair" (archived). Some news media outlets also reported that Fehlinger-Jahn was a "NATO official" or even a "NATO chief" (archived, archived). Snopes readers contacted us asking about the veracity of the comments. In short, the footage was authentic, meaning it was not generated using artificial intelligence tools, and social media users correctly attributed the remarks to Fehlinger-Jahn. However, the Austrian economist was not a NATO "official" or "chief" when he made the comments (and he held neither position at the time of publication). Therefore, we determined that some social media users and news outlets had, in part, miscaptioned the clip. Who is Fehlinger-Jahn? Fehlinger-Jahn is the self-described chair of the "Austrian Committee for NATO enlargement" (archived). Via email, he said he had "no official relations with NATO." Advertisement Advertisement Austria is not a NATO member. The Austrian economist described the committee as an "officially registered" nongovernmental organization and confirmed that, as of this writing, the group does not have a website but intends to create one. Fehlinger-Jahn also said he launched a public petition for joining NATO in 2022, which is his group's main aim. Therefore, though the committee was not connected to NATO at the time of publication, its aim is to secure NATO membership for Austria. On his social media channels, Fehlinger-Jahn has repeatedly expressed his desire for Austria to join the alliance (archived, archived). On his website, he described himself as the "Coordinator of the campaign for Austria's NATO membership." On Jan. 5, 2026, he posted a longer version of the video (archived) to X, during which he said the quotes in the social media posts. Advertisement Advertisement His resume (archived) contained no reference to official NATO employment. A NATO spokesperson also confirmed via email that Fehlinger-Jahn "does not speak on behalf of the Alliance." What Fehlinger-Jahn said Addressing the U.S., Fehlinger-Jahn said of Greenland (at 1:32, emphasis ours): If you take it, we take every single base of the Americans, from Aviano to Ramstein, from Romania to all the other military bases, will be confiscated and you will lose it. And the whole position of American powers since World War II, for which so many Americans were dying and so many trillions were spent in order to have American Europe, and we love it, we say thank you for liberation for the Nazis and from the Soviets to keep us safe and for the liberation of Europe, that was all for America, thank you very much. But, if you take Greenland, you have to leave. Fehlinger-Jahn described the alleged ability of NATO to remove American troops from European bases as "leverage" against the United States' ambition to take Greenland. He added (at 2:26): We will simply run these bases ourselves and we run your boys home into Chicago and Ohio, and goodbye. If you want war we are ready, and that's definitely something we will win. Europe is for eternal and we will also defeat the challenge of Putin and of Trump. But if you go extreme, we go extreme as well, Mrs. Miller. Be sure about it. "Mrs. Miller" referred to Katie Miller, the wife of senior White House adviser Stephen Miller. On Jan. 3, 2026, days before Fehlinger-Jahn posted his video, she posted an image on X showing a map of Greenland overlaid with the American flag. Advertisement Advertisement NATO is a political and military alliance of nations. One of its core commitments is that an attack against one of its members is considered an attack against all. The U.S. and Denmark are both NATO members. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen previously warned that a U.S. attack on Greenland would spell the end of the alliance. For further reading, Snopes has reported extensively on Trump's desire to acquire Greenland. Sources: Broughton, Amrita Carroll, Hannah. 'NATO Official Threatens to Seize All US Bases in Europe If US Invades Greenland'. Daily Express US, 7 Jan. 2026, https://www.the-express.com/news/us-news/195332/nato-official-slams-us-greenland. BURROWS, EMMA. 'Trump Says Anything Less than Having Greenland in US Hands Is "Unacceptable"'. AP News, 14 Jan. 2026, https://apnews.com/article/greenland-united-states-denmark-trump-vance-rubio-meeting-cc278af4f3daf725029101966ba03568. Advertisement Advertisement Carroll, Amrita, et al. 'NATO Chief Makes Major Threat to US amid Trump's Greenland Plans'. Irish Star, 8 Jan. 2026, https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/nato-threat-trump-greenland-invasion-36516378. Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn | Okonom & Europaischer Aktivist. https://www.fehlinger.net/werdegang. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026. Harvey, Lex. 'The US Has Tried to Acquire Greenland before and Failed | CNN Politics'. CNN, 7 Jan. 2026, https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/politics/us-greenland-trump-denmark-history-hnk. 'Https://X.Com/GunterFehlinger/Bio'. X (Formerly Twitter), https://x.com/GunterFehlinger/bio. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement 'Https://X.Com/GunterFehlinger/Status/1480897614082105344'. X (Formerly Twitter), https://x.com/GunterFehlinger/status/1480897614082105344. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026. 'Mette Frederiksen: Hvis USA angriber, hrer alting op - TV 2'. nyheder.tv2.dk, 5 Jan. 2026, https://tv2.dk/samfund/reel/2026-01-05-mette-frederiksen--hvis-usa-angriber--hoerer-alting-op-6387260165112. 'NATO Member Countries'. Organization | NATO, https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/nato-member-countries. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026. The White House. 'Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Jan. 7, 2026'. YouTube, 7 Jan. 2026, https://www.youtube.com/live/pqzh65k7ekw?t=2953s. Advertisement Advertisement Trump, Donald. 'The United States Needs Greenland for the Purpose of National Security...' Truth Social, 14 Jan. 2026, https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115893255826342514. What Is NATO? https://www.nato.int/en/what-is-nato. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (R) on Greenland | Video | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/clip/white-house-event/white-house-press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-r-on-greenland/5187849. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRsIicQPbiA. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026. Claim: Footage authentically shows an ICE agent running toward protesters in Minneapolis before slipping and falling on ice. Rating: Rating: Mostly True Context: The video is authentic, as evidenced by photographs of the moment and witnesses' observations. However, the man was a Border Patrol agent, not an ICE agent as some social media posts described him. Agents from both agencies were patrolling Minneapolis for the same reasons. Advertisement Advertisement In January 2026, as more than 2,000 officers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) patrolled the Minneapolis area under directions from President Donald Trump's administration, a video circulated online claiming to show one of the federal agents slipping and falling on ice in the city. The footage spread following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis. It appeared on social media sites such as Instagram and X; media outlets like Turkish broadcaster TRT World and Australia's 10 News, and late-night comedy shows in the U.S. Social media users claimed the clip showed "ICE falling on ice." An ICE agent was caught slipping on ice in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/wXMxisaOAm Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 13, 2026 The video is genuine. It was not created using artificial intelligence (AI) software nor manipulated using digital editing tools. The footage authentically shows a federal agent slipping and falling on ice in Minneapolis. We found photographs of the moment by reputable sources. Advertisement Advertisement However, the agent's uniform and at least one witness account indicated that he is part of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a federal agency that was deployed in the area for the same purpose as ICE. As such, we rated this claim mostly true. The video emerged on Jan. 11, 2026, and shows a federal agent with a yellow badge running toward the camera while onlookers jeer at him. The agent then slips and falls on ice in front of a man in a black jacket who is taking photographs with a camera. Another person in a blue jacket who is recording the scene from their phone appears in front of the camera, while another person cheers in the background. The federal agent then gets up and runs back to a waiting vehicle. As of this writing, we have not determined the source of that video, which appears to be the most popular recording of the moment, nor the identity of the federal agent. In another video of the same scene from a different angle, a person behind the camera screams insults at the officer. The man in a black jacket with a camera was Christopher Katsarov, a journalist with the Canadian Press. He captured the moment in the image below. The caption states: "A Federal agent slips and falls on ice during a patrol in Minneapolis, Minn., on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026." (Christopher Katsarov/Canadian Press) Nasuna Stuart-Ulin, a freelance photojournalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, also captured the the agent slipping from a different angle. (Instagram user "nasunaphoto") Neither image's caption identified whether the agent worked for ICE, but a close look at his uniform revealed the agent likely worked for Border Patrol. The yellow label on his back reads "Police" and "U.S. Border Patrol," and the yellow logo on his arm is consistent with the ones worn by CBP officers in other photographs taken in Minneapolis around the same time. Advertisement Advertisement Stuart-Ulin said via text message that the man slipping on ice was a Border Patrol agent. CBP and ICE both fall under the auspices of the Department of Homeland Security. While ICE carries out immigration enforcement across the interior of the country, CBP was established to secure borders and can carry out arrests and searches without a warrant within 100 miles of a border. Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino told Fox News that CBP agents were in Minneapolis to conduct immigration enforcement operations, adding that they go after "violent criminals" and "fraudsters." News reports have documented instances of Border Patrol agents firing gas canisters at protesters in Minneapolis, and one agent shot a man in the leg after DHS said the agent was attacked. In sum, we determined the video is authentic, as evidenced by photographs of the moment and witnesses' observations. However, the man was a Border Patrol agent, not an ICE agent as some social media posts described him. Advertisement Advertisement Snopes has investigated several claims related to the shooting of Good, including the authenticity of an image that allegedly showed Good's car driving directly into the agent who shot her and a video claiming to show an ICE agent accidentally discharging a weapon while falling on ice. Sources: Bogel-Burroughs, Nicholas, et al. "Federal Agent Shoots Man in Minneapolis, Prompting Tense Protests." The New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/us/minneapolis-federal-agent-shooting-immigration.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. "Border Patrol Chief: This Is Why We're Here in Minnesota ." YouTube, Fox News, 15 Jan. 2026, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUi1Y5SOg_Y. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Deng, Rae. "Image Claiming to Show Renee Nicole Good's Car Aimed at ICE Officer Isn't What It Seems." Snopes, 10 Jan. 2026, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/renee-good-car-ice-image/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Erden, Bora. "How to Make Sense of the Federal Forces on the Streets." The New York Times, 24 Oct. 2025. U.S. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/10/24/us/us-federal-agents-national-guard-ice-fbi.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. "Greg Bovino, Border Patrol Chief on Site during Minneapolis ICE Shooting." MPR News, 7 Jan. 2026, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/07/greg-bovino-border-patrol-chief-on-site-during-minneapolis-ice-shooting. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. "Photo Gallery: Protesters Rally in Minneapolis after ICE Fatal Shooting." Yahoo News, 12 Jan. 2026, https://ca.news.yahoo.com/photo-gallery-protesters-rally-minneapolis-200358841.html. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Rascouet-Paz, Anna. "Inspecting Video Claiming to Show ICE Agent Accidentally Discharging Weapon While Falling on Ice." Snopes, 13 Jan. 2026, https://www.snopes.com//news/2026/01/12/video-ice-agent-falling/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Renee Good Articles | Snopes.Com. https://www.snopes.com/tag/renee_good/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Scribner, Herb. "Why the Minnesota, Portland Shootings Are Not the Same: ICE vs. Border Patrol, Explained." Axios, 9 Jan. 2026, https://www.axios.com/2026/01/09/minnesota-portland-shootings-ice-border-patrol-differences. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Claim: In January 2026, the United Nations demanded an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs officer in Minneapolis. Rating: Rating: Mixture What's True: Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for the United Nations human rights office, called for an independent investigation into Good's death. What's False: The United Nations as a whole did not demand an independent probe. In other words, the intergovernmental organization's member nations did not vote on any resolution or action to demand an independent investigation into Good's death. Advertisement Advertisement In mid-January 2026, a claim spread online that the United Nations had demanded an independent probe into the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. The rumor circulated on Facebook (archived), Threads and Bluesky after the FBI shut out Minnesota law enforcement from the investigation into Good's death and federal prosecutors based in the state reportedly resigned after the Department of Justice pushed for a probe into Good's widow. Good's family reportedly hired the same law firm that represented the family of George Floyd, who was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020, to investigate the shooting. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=907028868516509&set=a.181992371020166 Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, did call for an independent investigation into Good's death. However, Laurence was speaking only on behalf of the office, not the U.N. as a whole or its member nations. The OHCHR, an expert body that provides recommendations to the United Nations, does not have the authority to compel the United States to open an independent investigation into Good's death. The office should not be confused with the U.N. Human Rights Council, which is composed of U.N. member states and can adopt resolutions. No U.N. body with the authority to pass policy or settle legal disputes has taken any steps to demand an investigation into Good's killing. As such, we have rated this claim a mixture of truth and falsehood. This claim may have originated from news headlines that conflated the United Nations with the U.N. human rights office. For example, the American magazine Barron's republished an article from France's AFP News titled, "UN Demands Independent Probe Into Woman's Killing By US Immigration Officer." Advertisement Advertisement Later in the story, however, it clarified that the "UN rights office voiced deep concern at the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good," not the entire intergovernmental organization. OHCHR spokesperson's comments Laurence, the U.N. human rights office spokesperson, spoke about Good's death during a Jan. 13, 2026, news briefing on the United Nations' relief efforts in various areas of conflict, including Gaza, Sri Lanka, Iran and Ukraine. During the question-and-answer section of the news conference, Laurence spoke about Good while answering a question from a reporter about "violence used by U.S. security forces against protesters" in U.S. cities "like Minneapolis." Here's the full exchange on the United Nations' newsroom website, starting at 48:02 (emphasis ours): REPORTER 1: My question is about the violence used by U.S. security forces against protesters in some U.S. city like Minneapolis. Do you have any information about the number of detainees or [non-governmental organizations]? And do you have any information about the situation of the Venezuelan president who was kidnapped by the United States? Thank you. LAURENCE: Thanks [Reporter 1]. I'll work my way backwards, if you don't mind. On your second question, I don't have anything further to add, apart from what we've said in the past. With respect to your first question and the violence and I guess you're referring more specifically to Minneapolis under international human rights law, the international use of lethal force is only permissible as a measure of last resort against an individual representing an imminent threat to life. We take note of the FBI investigation and insist on the need for prompt, independent and transparent investigation into the killing of Ms. Good. We urge all authorities to take measures to de-escalate tensions and refrain from incitement to violence. [] REPORTER 2: Following up on that, you say that the use of lethal force is only permissible as a measure of last resort I guess, an individual representing an imminent threat to life. What is the assessment of the U.N. Human Rights Office about whether there was an imminent threat to life or not in this case? LAURENCE: [Reporter 2], that wouldn't be really for us to make a judgment call on. What we have said quite categorically is there needs to be an independent and prompt investigation into this. UN otherwise silent on Good's death Several main bodies within the U.N. could hypothetically request an investigation into Good's death, though none have done so. Advertisement Advertisement For example, the United Nations General Assembly is the main policy-making body of the organization, wherein each member nation has a vote. A search through the General Assembly's list of draft and final resolutions found no resolutions about Good's killing. The General Assembly's nonbinding resolutions are generally not enforceable. The United Nations Security Council, considered the organization's most powerful body, oversees international peace and security. While the council does make binding decisions that member states are, in theory, required to follow, it has also not released any resolutions related to Good's death, according to the U.N.'s list of Security Council resolutions. The United States, as a permanent member of the Security Council, has the power to veto any such resolutions. Finally, no nation has brought a case against the United States on Good's death in the U.N.'s International Court of Justice, which settles legal disputes between states. Sources: AFP - Agence France Presse. "UN Demands Independent Probe into Woman's Killing by US Immigration Officer." Barron's, 13 Jan. 2026, www.barrons.com/news/un-demands-independent-probe-into-woman-s-killing-by-us-immigration-officer-f3962ae6?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqdzczMnEIglrQd1uP8vAr6mMjVGrKwbmoYmJfZXNL_Zt0cO3s_KjCzNxoTIzMM%3D&gaa_ts=69692db1&gaa_sig=oK8ztDPxOhp9c0EZnGK-S8NUNhzmfG-zd1GQ5t-RCWCHqhwlVXqOAwds29oXp6p3Sj-g4yHJaWP_X81mXXtAvQ%3D%3D. Advertisement Advertisement Ali Khalil , Mona, and Floriane Lavaud. "Making the United Nations Security Council More Effective without Amending the UN Charter | International Organization and United Nations Studies Specialization (IOUNS)." Columbia.edu, 3 Mar. 2025, multilateralism.sipa.columbia.edu/news/making-united-nations-security-council-more-effective-without-amending-un-charter. "BCA Statement Regarding Investigation of ICE Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis | Minnesota Department of Public Safety." Mn.gov, 8 Jan. 2026, dps.mn.gov/news/bca/bca-statement-regarding-investigation-ice-fatal-shooting-minneapolis. International Court of Justice. "List of All Cases." Www.icj-Cij.org, www.icj-cij.org/list-of-all-cases. Nick Pay, Vahid, and Przemysaw Postolski. "Power and Diplomacy in the United Nations Security Council: The Influence of Elected Members." The International Spectator, vol. 57, no. 2, Sept. 2021, pp. 117, https://doi.org/10.1080/03932729.2021.1966192. Advertisement Advertisement "Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs Codification Division Publications." Legal.un.org, legal.un.org/repertory/art25.shtml. "Resolutions and Decisions Adopted by the General Assembly." Www.un-Ilibrary.org, https://doi.org/10.18356/685c1f40-en. Sepic, Matt. "Minnesota Federal Prosecutors Resign after DOJ Push to Investigate Renee Good's Widow." NPR, 13 Jan. 2026, www.npr.org/2026/01/13/nx-s1-5676123/minnesota-federal-prosecutors-resign-after-doj-push-to-investigate-renee-goods-widow. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. "UN Geneva - Multimedia Newsroom." UN Geneva - Multimedia Newsroom, UNOG, 13 Jan. 2026, www.unognewsroom.org/teleprompter/en/2965/un-geneva-press-briefing-13-january-2026/8841. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement United Nations. "Resolutions | Security Council." Main.un.org, main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/resolutions-0. United Nations Human Rights Council. "Welcome to the Human Rights Council." OHCHR, United Nations Human Rights Council, www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/about-council. "UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS INDEX - Human Rights Recommendations." Uhri.ohchr.org, uhri.ohchr.org/en/search-human-rights-recommendations. Flooding in South Africa's northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga has forced the famed Kruger National Park to halt visits and evacuate some guests and staff by helicopter. At least 19 people have died in recent weeks in South Africa after torrential rain led to floods that have damaged thousands of homes, washing some away altogether. Among those killed was a five-year-old boy in the town of Giyani, in Limpopo. President Cyril Ramaphosa met the child's family to offer his condolences while visiting the region to assess the damage. Advertisement Advertisement A red level 10 warning has been issued by the South African Weather Service, forecasting yet more rain in affected areas and warning communities to stay alert. "If possible stay indoors and off the roads," it advises. "Never drive on a road covered by water. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground." Residents are also advised to move their valuables to a "safe place above the expected flood level", switch off their electricity at the source, and move livestock to higher ground. Wildlife in the national parks are not thought to be at high risk because they tend to instinctively seek out higher land when necessary, rangers say. Advertisement Advertisement In recent days helicopters and the military have been deployed to rescue people in some of the worst-affected areas. Soldiers are also being called in to help rebuild roads destroyed in Limpopo province and low-lying bridges that have washed away. Many schools and health clinics remain destroyed or inaccessible, say local officials. The province's governor said on Friday she shared in "the grief and distress" of her "fellow citizens", promising 4bn rand ($244m; 182m) to restore vital infrastructure including safe electricity and water supplies. Requesting additional funds from central government, Limpopo governor Phophi Ramathuba said "the sheer scale of the damage to the road network has made it impossible for the province and affected municipalities" to handle alone. Advertisement Advertisement Within the Kruger National Park, which straddles Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, staff accommodation flooded overnight on Thursday and workers were evacuated to safety. The Reuters news agency reports that flooding in south-eastern Africa has become more frequent and severe as climate change makes storms in the adjacent Indian Ocean more powerful. Heavy rainfall and flooding began in December [GCIS via EPA] You may also be interested in: [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 Family and friends of a Los Angeles man who was killed by an off-duty US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer over the holidays are urging local officials to arrest and prosecute the federal agent. Keith Porter Jr, a 43-year-old father of two, was fatally shot by an ICE officer on New Years Eve outside his apartment complex, according to LA and federal officials. An LA police department (LAPD) spokesperson said after the incident that Porter had fired gunshots into the air. A US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said the off-duty immigration officer was forced to defensively use his weapon while responding to an active shooter. Much about the incident remains unclear. Theres no footage of the shooting. Porters family and local activists have argued that, contrary to the DHSs portrayal of the events, Porter was not threatening anyone and was celebrating the new year. Jamal Tooson, an LA attorney representing Porters family, said Porters actions possibly merited arrest or citation by the LAPD, but the ICE agent, who was not charged with local law enforcement duties, instead subjected him to a death sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Trump press secretary launches tirade against reporter who asked about ICE Activists, local politicians and some celebrities have rallied around Porters killing, with many of them voicing increasing concerns about ICEs aggressive raids and violent tactics in cities across the country. And the DHSs track record of making false and distorted claims about people they have accused of crimes and violence has fueled concerns that the government cannot be trusted to provide a truthful account of Porters death. Those fears have only intensified in the wake of an ICE officers fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week. Goods killing sparked nationwide protests, with the DHS calling her a domestic terrorist without evidence and Donald Trump insisting the officer, Jonathan Ross, fired in self-defense as Good ran him over with her car. Footage, however, showed her car was turning away from the officer when he shot her, and that he did not lose his footing or appear to be injured during the encounter. Organizers against police brutality, including Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, mobilized community members to testify at an LA police commission meeting on Tuesday, demanding the LAPD disclose the name of the ICE officer who shot Porter and pursue criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Im heartbroken and I know that ache will never go away, Wanda Turner, a longtime friend of Porters family, who considered herself to be a second mother to him, said in an interview. The officer needs to surrender and do whats right. I want him charged. Even if he thought Keith was doing something wrong, it wasnt his place to just shoot and kill him. Late Friday afternoon, after publication of this story, Stacie Halpern, a criminal defense lawyer, confirmed she was representing the ICE officer who shot Porter, and identified him as Brian Palacios. She said Palacios shooting of Porter was lawful and in self-defense. Help our community get justice The shooting of Porter, who leaves behind daughters aged 10 and 20, was not caught on camera, and local and federal authorities have disclosed very few details about the ongoing investigation or what they believe happened between the two men. Advertisement Advertisement The LAPD said in a statement that its officers responded to 911 calls to the complex in LAs Northridge neighborhood at about 10.40pm and found Porter on the ground, and he was soon after declared dead. The LAPD said the ICE officer had confronted Porter, but declined to answer further questions about the incident. ICE said in a statement that its officer lived at the complex and had exchanged gunfire with Porter. Fortunately, our brave officer was not injured while protecting his community, the statement said. Tooson, the family lawyer, has said Porter may have fired celebratory gunshots to ring in the new year, telling the LA Times he believed several people were firing guns into the air. He also said a witness said they didnt hear the ICE agent identify himself as an officer. Tooson told reporters he did not believe there was any exchange of gunfire between Porter and the agent and suggested there was a lack of corroborating witnesses and evidence, such as shell casings indicating Porter fired toward the agent. Advertisement Advertisement The outrage around Porters killing has swelled in recent days, with protesters holding signs with his and Goods faces, saying Murdered by ICE, and celebrities at the Golden Globe awards on Sunday wearing ICE Out and Be Good pins to honor them. In LA, longtime community activists and Porters family have organized several vigils and protests. At the LA police commissions weekly meeting on Tuesday, speakers one by one condemned Porters killing and called on LA leaders to take swift action. When are we going to press charges on this murderer? When is he going to be named? When is he going to be arrested? said Jsane Tyler, Porters cousin. She questioned whether the ICE officer had been given a sobriety test or forced to turn over his service weapon and whether he took any steps to render aid. In Goods shooting, witness videos showed agents blocking bystanders who attempted to provide medical aid. This is systemic. When is there going to be value placed on our lives? continued Tyler, who is part of Black Lives Matter LA. As an organizer, I never thought I would be standing here for one of my family members I urge you guys, regardless of federal intervention, to really help us, help his family, help our community get justice. Advertisement Advertisement Dr Melina Abdullah, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter LA who has been supporting Porters family, said that in addition to seeking the ICE agents arrest and prosecution, Were demanding an end to the character assassination of Keith. Hes the victim, not the suspect Its disgusting the way DHS is talking about him. Halpern, Palacios attorney, said by phone on Friday that her client was defending himself and the community and repeated the assertions shared by ICE that Porter had fired at the officer. Palacios name was first reported by the LA Times. LAPD declined to comment on his identification. A wonderful soul US law enforcement agencies have long faced backlash for demonizing and spreading misinformation about people killed by officers. LA activists argued the DHS was particularly unreliable, pointing to its account of Goods killing, which Minneapoliss mayor called bullshit and the states governor said was propaganda. The DHS has also come under scrutiny for claiming ICE officers have been widely subjected to assaults. Court records reviewed by the LA Times last year revealed many cases of alleged attacks involved no injury to the officer, and prosecutions have repeatedly ended in dismissals and acquittals. Advertisement Advertisement We cannot trust what is being shared with us by entities representing ICE agents, because they have not been truthful, said Eunisses Hernandez, an LA city council member, who has been supporting Porters family on Monday. When protests happened last year the federal government said Los Angeles was burning to the ground. That was not happening. Hernandez called for more transparency: We need to know who these people are in our neighborhoods taking peoples lives. This federal agent could still be participating in raids happening in my district. The DHS did not respond to detailed questions about the case and advocates criticisms and on Friday did not immediately respond to inquiries about the officers identity. Greg Risling, a spokesperson for the LA district attorney, said in an email on Thursday his office responded to the scene and was investigating the case, and prosecutors would review all evidence disclosed by the investigation to determine whether or not the law enforcement officer acted lawfully. On Friday, he declined to comment on the officers identity. Advertisement Advertisement Hernandez brought Porters mother, Franceola Armstrong, to a city council meeting last week, where Armstrong recalled how her son had called her every morning to say I love you. Keith Porter was a wonderful soul. His heart was big, the mother said. Turner, the longtime friend of Porters family, said it was painful to see officials sully his reputation and that he should be remembered for his joyful attitude: He loved to make you smile. Adrian Metoyer III, a Los Angeles film-maker, said he and Porter, nicknamed Pooter, had been best friends since they met as teenagers in 1996, bonding over sports: Pooter was hilarious, a joker, the life of the party. Metoyer, now 45, served as a foster parent to teenage boys when he was in his 20s and recalled Porters support: He was my second in command, my go-to guy to assist me in caretaking. He was always there to help people. Porter more recently held multiple jobs, at one point serving as an aide to students with special needs while employed at Home Depot, Metoyer said. Advertisement Advertisement And he was a proud girl dad, Metoyer added; he shared footage of an interview he filmed with Porter in 2022 reflecting on his life. I got two beautiful young girls and Im going to raise them the way Im supposed to, Porter says in the footage while wearing a Dodgers shirt. I pray. I talk to God. I talk to family. Because at the end of the day, thats all I really got. But I feel rich Its gonna be hard to break me, because I have a strong spirit and I grew up with a whole lot of love. German tea group Teekanne has hired a Lavazza executive as its next CEO. Susanna Wege, the general manager of Lavazzas business in Germany, is to take the helm at Teekanne in April. Wege will succeed Frank Schubel, who has held the position for nine years and is retiring. In a statement, Teekanne said the 61-year-old Schubel had led the company over the past nine years to become one of the fastest-growing tea brands worldwide. It did not provide figures. Wege, who heads Lavazzas business in Germany, Austria Switzerland and Poland, joined the coffee major seven years ago from Red Bull. She spent more than 14 years at Red Bull in two stints. Her career also includes roles at Danone and the former Kraft Foods. In a statement, the family-owned Teekanne said Wege would form a newly created top management team alongside Christian Mestwerdt, who is the companys CFO and COO. He joined Teekanne last year after nine years at personal-care group Dr. Wolff. Teekanne is a brand that combines over 140 years of tradition and innovation. Together with Christian Mestwerdt and the Teekanne teams, we will drive the further development of the family business, unlock growth potential in our core and international operations, and position the brand for a secure future, Wege said. "Lavazza exec Wege named Teekanne CEO" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. (NewsNation) Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old Colorado academic researcher, has been held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan for 353 days after being kidnapped near his workplace last January, his family told NewsNation on Thursday. Coyle, who spent nearly 20 years in Afghanistan conducting academic research and assisting the Afghan community, was forcibly taken from his apartment by Taliban forces. His three sisters and 83-year-old mother lost all contact with him for nine months before learning he was alive. The family said Coyle is being held alone in a basement room somewhere in Afghanistan, where his movements are so restricted that he must seek permission to use a bathroom. Family members expressed growing concern about his mental health due to the prolonged isolation. Advertisement Advertisement With each phone call that we get from him, we get more and more desperate to get him home, said his sister, Molly Long. Get News Across America delivered to your inbox each morning. Subscribe to Your Morning newsletter. The U.S. government has declared Coyle wrongfully detained, a designation that prioritizes efforts to secure his release. Long said administration officials, including Dr. Sebastian Gorka and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens deputy Adam Boehler, have assured the family that securing Coyles freedom is a top priority. In recent communications, Coyle asked his family to convey a message to President Donald Trump, expressing confidence in the presidents ability to secure his release. Long noted Trumps administration has secured the release of more than 85 hostages during his current term. Advertisement Advertisement The family remained silent for months, fearing publicity might endanger Coyle further, but decided to speak out as his captivity approaches one year. They have launched a website, FreeDennisCoyle.com, to share updates and coordinate advocacy efforts. The FBI briefed Congress on worldwide threats last month, discussing ISIS extensively but not mentioning the Taliban, despite the groups continued control of Afghanistan and history as a significant threat to U.S. interests. 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. Indiana Supreme Court justices, from left: Geoffrey Slaughter, Mark Massa, Loretta Rush, Derek Molter, Christopher Goff. Indiana Supreme Court justices are weighing whether a lawsuit can move forward against the owner of the Greenwood Park Mall and its security company related to a deadly 2022 food court shooting. The court heard arguments Thursday from attorneys for Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group and security contractor Universal Protection Service, who maintain the lawsuit should be dismissed because such attacks cant be foreseen. Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit in question was filed in 2024 involving Kaya Stewart, who was shot in the leg, and her younger sister, who just missed being wounded at the mall just south of Indianapolis. Their attorneys assert that Simon and Universal were negligent in not providing adequate security, allowing the gunman to enter carrying a large backpack containing several weapons and spend more than an hour in a restroom before the attack. Three people were killed in the July 2022 shooting before an armed bystander opened fire and fatally shot the gunman. Family questions security Gabriel Hawkins, an attorney for the Stewart family, told the justices that the victims should have the right to further investigate the malls security actions as the gunman walked through areas covered by at least a dozen video cameras. Advertisement Advertisement We know that these cameras were being monitored. Hawkins said. This is not a backpack that my son would carry to his high school. This is a backpack with a long extension specifically designed to carry assault rifles. A Marion County judge and the Indiana Court of Appeals have rejected attempts by Simon and Universal to dismiss the Stewart lawsuit on procedural grounds. Wrongful death lawsuits filed by the families of those killed in the shooting married couple Pedro Pineda, 56, and Rosa Mirian Rivera de Pineda, 37; and Victor Gomez, 30, all from Indianapolis are on hold until the Supreme Court decides whether the Stewart lawsuit may proceed. States gun laws also raised Simon Property Group attorney Michael Limrick argued that Indiana trial rules dont allow a lawsuit to proceed in an instance where the defendants couldnt have foreseen something like a mass shooting happening. Michael Limrick, an attorney for Simon Property Group, argues before the Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (Screenshot from courts livestream) Just seeing someone with a backpack walking into a mall, I dont think anybody can then make the leap to say thats putting everybody on notice that a mass shooting is about to occur, Limrick said. Advertisement Advertisement Justice Christopher Goff asked the mall attorney about whether the security contractor should take steps to recognize someone as a potential shooter. I dont think the court wants to slip into the mode of judicially sanctioned profiling, so I have a concern about that, Limrick replied. He then pointed to an Indiana law that generally allows people to openly carry guns in public places. We say that folks can walk down having a semi-automatic rifle out in the open, Limrick said. If the public policy of the state is that thats OK, then how do we then flip it around and say that anytime somebody is exercising their statutory rights and they step into your business, youre now obligated to assume theyre going to start shooting. I dont think we can square that. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Craig Stingley's quest for justice for his son's death was about restoring the teenager's humanity. To do that, he forgave the men who 13 years ago held down his son Corey, which led to the 16-year-old's death. On Jan. 15, Craig and the Stingley family watched in a Milwaukee courtroom as what eluded them for so long came to fruition as those same men agreed to guilty pleas to felony murder charges. The pleas from Robert Beringer, 67, of Menomonee Falls, and Jesse Cole, 39, of Waukesha, came as part of a deferred prosecution agreement, which allows for charges to dropped if certain conditions are met for six months. That agreement was endorsed by the Stingley family, who underwent a series of meetings called restorative justice with the two men, and believed those meetings brought forward a more apt form of justice than what the court system traditionally offers. Advertisement Advertisement "Im not looking for vengeance, I dont have vengeance in me today," Craig Stingley said at the court hearing. "Theres still pain, but after today that will begin to heal too." Alicia, Cameron and Craig Stingley pose for a photo following a hearing on charges filed against two men in the death of Corey Stingley, Alicia and Craig's son. Corey Stingley died on Dec. 14, 2012, after three men Beringer, Cole and Mario Laumann held him down in a West Allis corner store after they believed he shoplifted. Stingley's death came over two weeks after the three men held him down between six to 10 minutes. It was ruled he died from positional asphyxia, or a lack of oxygen, that led to brain damage and death. Beringer's and Cole's agreement included the restorative justice process, a forthcoming donation of $500 from each to a charity of the Stingley's choice and that they remain crime free. Advertisement Advertisement Laumann died in 2022 and would likely not have been offered the same deal, special prosecutor Ismael Ozanne said in court. Court documents filed indicated the attorney believed that man to be most at fault for the boy's death. Ozanne was appointed to investigate possible criminal charges after repeated attempts by Craig Stingley to convince the legal system to hold the men accountable for his son's death. Over a year after his son died, then-Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm declined to file charges, and, in 2020, Racine's top prosecutor made the same decision, after the father petitioned to have the case reviewed again. But in 2022, Dane County District Attorney Ozanne received the case and after two years, the office informed Cole and Beringer of its intent to file felony murder charges. In fall of 2024, the Stingley family and the two men began to discuss undergoing restorative justice through Marquette Law School. The next year that process began. The family and the two men met to discuss what had happened and its impacts on them. Advertisement Advertisement At the court hearing, that process was lauded by the Stingley family and Judge Laura Crivello. With family, friends of Corey's and Milwaukee activists in attendance, Craig Stingley and his wife Alicia gave emotional testimony. Craig spoke of not wanting to take away a father from Cole's family. Alicia spoke of having to bury her own son and finding compassion and forgiveness for the two men. "I know that hes in heaven waiting for me," Alicia Stingley said. "I know Ill see him again, and so that gives me comfort in the meantime. It gives me peace." Both spoke of their faith. Advertisement Advertisement "Do on to others as you would have them do on to you," Craig Stingley said. "We all know this, but when it comes time to apply it will you apply it? Me and my family we are going to apply it now." The hearing was unusual for Milwaukee courts, as it was technically a hearing for the first phase of a typically lengthy court process. Instead, the hearing effectively ended the case against Cole and Beringer in less than two hours. Crivello called it a "fair and equitable" solution. Cole's attorney Jonathan LaVoy told media there were "always major disputes" with some factual issues of the case which Crivello noted in the hearing but his client ultimately believed a guilty plea through the unique process was right. Advertisement Advertisement "This provided the healing that everyone needed," LaVoy said. "In this situation they actually talked to each other and, I think, reached a common ground." Crivello said she hoped the Stingley family's compassion might offer the community a path ahead. "I have no insight to offer, but your words shed some light," Crivello told the Stingley family. "Maybe this is the spark that makes others see similarities in others maybe this is part of the spark that decreases the violence in our community and leads us to finding the path that helps us." Cole and Beringer declined to speak with media following the hearing. Original decision not to charge angered many Stingley's death, and the decision by Chisholm to not press charges, prompted protests in the city at the time. That decision was made in 2014, because Chisholm said the three men had no intent to harm Stingley nor were aware their actions created a substantial and unreasonable risk of great bodily harm. Advertisement Advertisement Afterward it became a regular criticism of Chisholm and was evoked as a comparison in the death of D'vontaye Mitchell, who died under similar circumstances in 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee. That death also prompted protests. At one, Craig Stingley spoke in support of the family and to call for criminal charges. Felony murder charges were ultimately filed against the men charged in that case, where no one ultimately received a prison sentence. After the hearing, he said Milwaukee's activist and faith communities and others had stood by the family in the 13 years since Corey died. Craig spoke standing alongside his wife and son Cameron, while more family waited for the three to join them in a court conference room. He said his grandchildren were an inspiration for him through the process. Advertisement Advertisement "When he got taken, the community lost. Now, we got this next generation," Craig said. "That strengthened your resolve to do the right thing. Because this is priceless what we get to pass on to them." 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: Corey Stingley's family receives justice through unique court process Ryan Patraw processes ballots at the Marion County Clerks Office in Salem, Ore., on May 16. Judges in Oregon and California have ruled against the Trump administrations requests to turn over voter data. (Photo by Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle) The Trump administration hit two major legal roadblocks this week in its effort to obtain sensitive personal voter data from states. On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge David Carter dismissed a lawsuit by the Department of Justice against California seeking voter information. The Trump administration has demanded that at least 40 states provide unredacted voter data, which can include drivers license and Social Security numbers. The department has sued 21 states and Washington, D.C., that have refused to provide the data. Advertisement Advertisement Carter, an appointee of President Bill Clinton, called the governments request unprecedented and illegal in a 33-page ruling. Just a day earlier, U.S. District Court Judge Mustafa Kasubhai said he planned to dismiss a similar lawsuit against Oregon. Kasubhai, an appointee of President Joe Biden, said his final written decision may be different. The federal government tried to abuse their power to force me to break my oath of office and hand over your private data, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read said in a statement about the tentative ruling, according to the Oregon Capital Chronicle. 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 Justice Department has framed its demands as necessary to ensure states are properly maintaining their voter rolls. It says it needs the information to ensure ineligible people are kept off rolls and that only citizens are voting. The department is sharing state voter roll information with the Department of Homeland Security in a search for noncitizens, the Trump administration confirmed in September. Advertisement Advertisement While election officials say well-maintained voter rolls are important, President Donald Trump and some of his Republican allies have long promoted baseless claims of widespread voter fraud. Democratic election officials have criticized the data requests, calling them an unwarranted attempt by the Trump administration to exercise federal power over elections. Under the U.S. Constitution, states administer elections, though Congress can regulate them. In arguing for the data, the federal government cited the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act and Title III of the Civil Rights Act of 1960, all of which were intended to protect elections and the right to vote. In California, Carter ruled that the federal government and the court are not authorized to use civil rights legislation as a tool to forsake the privacy rights of millions of Americans. Advertisement Advertisement There cannot be unbridled consolidation of all elections power in the Executive without action from Congress and public debate, Carter wrote. This is antithetical to the promise of fair and free elections our country promises and the franchise that civil rights leaders fought and died for. The Justice Department did not immediately say whether it planned to appeal the ruling. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org. North Carolina could forfeit $50 million in federal funding after investigators determined that a majority of the states commercial drivers licenses were issued improperly or without meeting basic English proficiency standards. Federal officials found that 54% of commercial drivers licenses issued in the state did not comply with required regulations. The findings indicate that thousands of licenses were granted illegally or without applicants demonstrating sufficient English language skills, a core requirement tied to road safety and federal compliance. The investigation has placed North Carolina under significant pressure from federal authorities. Officials have informed the state that it must revoke all improperly issued licenses to remain eligible for the funding. Failure to do so would result in the loss of $50 million in federal transportation dollars, a substantial financial penalty with potential statewide implications. Advertisement Advertisement Commercial drivers licenses are regulated under federal guidelines designed to ensure that drivers operating large trucks and buses can safely communicate, read road signs, and understand safety instructions. English proficiency is a baseline requirement, particularly for interstate commerce, emergency response, and regulatory compliance. The scale of the findings suggests systemic problems rather than isolated administrative errors. With more than half of the states commercial licenses flagged, the revocation process could affect a large segment of the trucking workforce. That outcome raises concerns about disruptions to freight movement, supply chains, and industries that rely heavily on commercial transportation. State officials now face a narrow path forward. Revoking the licenses would satisfy federal demands but could trigger workforce shortages and economic strain. Failing to act would preserve the current licensing pool but at the cost of losing critical federal funding that supports transportation infrastructure and related programs. The situation highlights the tension between regulatory enforcement and economic stability. Federal authorities have made clear that compliance is mandatory, leaving the state with little room for negotiation. Advertisement Advertisement As North Carolina evaluates its next steps, the outcome may influence how other states review their own commercial licensing systems. The investigation underscores the federal governments emphasis on uniform enforcement of licensing standards and the financial consequences tied to noncompliance. Source/Image via Department of Homeland Security Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. MUNCIE, IN A fifth Indianapolis resident has been arrested in the death of a man whose body was found in a burning car in Delaware County. Tallis Varantonio McCoy, 43, was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 15, according to Chief Deputy Jeff Stanley of the Delaware County Sheriff's Department. Stanley said McCoy was taken into custody "with the assistance of the Indianapolis Metro Police SWAT and Violent Crimes Unit." Advertisement Advertisement He was being held without bond Thursday evening in the Delaware County Jail on suspicion of aiding, inducing or causing murder, arson and obstruction of justice. Thursday's arrest stems from the Dec. 14 discovery of a man's body in a burning car found along Delaware County Road 500 South west of Indiana 3. The name of the victim in the case has not been released. Stanley and Delaware County Coroner Gavin Greene have said they are awaiting the results of DNA testing. The victim is referred to in charging documents as "John Doe." On Jan. 6, an 85-year-old Shelbyville man, Sylvester Bobby Euell, told The Star Press the victim was another Shelbyville resident, 58-year-old Michael D. Greer. Euell said Greer was his son. Advertisement Advertisement Four other Indianapolis residents Ameraiss Aponte, 23; Randal Bruce Moon Jr., 40; Amy L. Singhas, 43; and Megan Nicole Sloan, 31 have already been arrested and charged in the homicide. Two of the charges filed Jan. 2 against Aponte were murder and arson. According to court documents, an autopsy revealed the victim was alive when the fire began. In an affidavit, an investigator with the sheriff's department wrote that Aponte drove the car to the location, where it was found on fire. The 23-year-old Indianapolis man is also charged with aiding, inducing or causing four crimes: murder, kidnapping, criminal confinement and obstruction of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Moon and Singhas are each charged with aiding, inducing and causing murder, arson, kidnapping, criminal confinement and obstruction of justice. Sloan is charged with kidnapping resulting in serious bodily injury, and with aiding, inducing or causing murder, arson, criminal confinement and obstruction of justice. According to state Department of Correction records, McCoy formerly of Richmond has been convicted of crimes including dealing in a narcotic drug, fraud and possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug. Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Another Indy resident arrested in Delaware County burning-car homicide Heres what youll learn when you read this story: Modern Kazakhstan is built upon a foundation of different cultures, khanates, and empires across history. A routine fire patrol, operating some 200 miles northwest of the country's capital, Astana, discovered a nearly foot-long face carving in a granite boulder. Although experts have analyzed the carving, it's possible that its origins could rest in the ancient Bronze Age or even Turkish cultures dated to the medieval period. The land known today as Kazakhstan was formed and founded by the crucible of history. Advertisement Advertisement Home to a variety of cultures in the Bronze Age, including the Srubna, Afanasevo, and Andronovo, this country of the Eurasian Steppes hosted the Dark Age Huns, medieval Turks, and a variety of Khans. And thats all before becoming subjects of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union until eventually gaining independence after the latters dissolution in the 1990s. Because Kazakhstan sits at such a crossroad of history, its also one of the most archaeologically rich places on Earthand a new discovery by unsuspecting fire crews once again proves this fact. While patrolling the Sandyktau region, an area located some 200 miles northwest of Kazakhstans capital, Astana, Nursultan Ashkenov and Akhmet Zaripov, both employees of the district fire service, stumbled upon an austere face carved into the side of a granite boulder. According to local news sources, the department immediately contacted the countrys Ministry for Emergency Situations as well as the local museum. The face is around 10.5 inches long and roughly 8 inches wide, and some archeologists hypothesize that the carving was likely part of some ritual complex. The face is clearly visible, Sergey Yarygin, a scientist at the Alkey Margulan Institute of Archaeology, said to Archaeology Magazine (click link to see images), with large eyes, a long straight nose, and protruding lips. Kazakh archaeology not only enriches the scientific world with its remarkable discoveries but also reveals the main stages of the ancient and medieval development of Kazakhstan society. Advertisement Advertisement However, figuring out when this face was used for such ritualistic purposes is a bit more complicated. According to Yarygin, similar carvings have been found at Bronze Age sites across Central Asia and Western Europe, but the carving also holds a striking resemblance to other types of iconography found in Iron Age sites in southern Siberia or even medieval Turkish cultures. The mysteries of Kazakhstans historical melange strike again. Teams investigating the carving will likely need more time to determine its age and what culture mightve created the stunningly somber carving. This discovery is only one of several made across the county recently, as reported by the Astana Times. Archaeologists uncovered a number of artifacts from the northwestern Pavlodar region, including pottery fragments, kitchen utensils, and an arrowhead dated to around the mid-13th to 8th century BCE. Other discoveries in the central Karaganda region also point to a variety of artifacts likely belonging to the Alakul culture, a subculture of the Andronovo culture, that thrived in this region around 2000 to 1700 BCE. Advertisement Advertisement All of these discoveries uncover the fascinating fabric of history that pervades the largest country within the Eurasian Steppe. You Might Also Like A new candidate already plans to run for the open Indiana Senate seat left behind by Sen. Andrea Hunley, who just announced that she will step down at the end of her first term as she weighs a run for Indianapolis mayor. It's likely that more candidates will soon follow in the race to represent Senate District 46, which covers the core of Indianapolis and surrounding neighborhoods. The district is the third Marion County Senate seat with no incumbent on the ballot in 2026. Allissa Impink, a first-term IPS school board member since January 2025, told IndyStar that she will run for the seat as a Democrat in the May 2026 primary election. Advertisement Advertisement Because Impink's IPS board term lasts through 2028, she said she plans to retain the seat during the Senate campaign. But as a former educator and child services advocate, she said she feels compelled to address upstream issues in the Statehouse that trickle down to hurt communities like Indianapolis. "Child care costs are rising. Access to affordable housing is causing instability. And public schools are being asked to do more with less," Impink told IndyStar in an exclusive Jan. 15 interview announcing her candidacy. "In my work and in my experience, I see the consequences of state policy every single month as a school board commissioner, as a parent myself of three daughters, and in the advocacy work that I do every single day to support women and girls." Allissa Impink, an Indianapolis Public Schools commissioner and former educator, plans to run for Indiana Senate District 46 in 2026. Impink, 41, shares many similarities with Hunley, who announced Jan. 16 that she won't seek reelection to District 46 opening the door to a widely anticipated run for Indianapolis mayor in 2027. Both women are Black mothers in their early 40s, former IPS educators and describe themselves as longtime advocates for children. In the crowded 2022 Democratic primary, Hunley earned about 44% of the vote in District 46. Hunley went on to defeat Republican Evan Shearin in the general election, winning nearly three-quarters of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement So far, no other candidates have publicly shared plans to run in District 46. The candidate filing period opened Jan. 7 and ends at noon Feb. 6. A Pike High School graduate, Impink worked as a case manager for the Indiana Department of Child Services for more than seven years after earning a bachelor's degree at the University of Louisville. Later, she was an IPS special education teacher for nearly four years and then an educational consultant, earning two master's degrees in the meantime. She spent the following years working for philanthropic organizations. Last August, she became director of advocacy for the Women's Fund of Central Indiana, an organization that provides grants to nonprofits that support women and girls. If Impink won the District 46 seat, she said a top priority would be to correct what she called inadequate funding for K-12 public education in Indiana. She said she will be a staunch advocate for women and girls across the district. Advertisement Advertisement Email Indianapolis City Hall Reporter Jordan Smith at JTSmith@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @jordantsmith09 and Bluesky @jordanaccidentally.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Who is running for Indiana Senate District 46 after Hunley leaves The trial of Michael Fisher almost ended in a deadlock before Fisher pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless endangerment. Defense Attorney Scott Iseman rose from his seat on a cold Jan. 15 and asked for a few moments to speak with Fisher, saying "...this is an evolving situation." Michael Fisher, right, shortly after accepting a plea deal for second-degree reckless endangerment. About an hour later, Fisher pleaded guilty to the charge of second-degree reckless endangerment with a sentenced of six months in the Oneida County Correctional Facility. Advertisement Advertisement Fisher had been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Robert Brooks. Brooks, an incarcerated individual transferred to Marcy Corrections Facility on Dec. 9, 2024, was brutally beaten with his hands cuffed behind his back by corrections officers while in custody. He died as a result of his injuries on Dec. 10, 2024. An autopsy was conducted by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office and, in February, Brooks' death was ruled a homicide. What was the fate of other correctional officers? David Kingsley, Mathew Galliher, and Nicholas Kieffer, three of the four corrections officers who had not taken a plea deal with the special prosecutor have faced trial. Advertisement Advertisement Kingsley was found guilty of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter while Galliher and Kieffer were acquitted. Juror raises questions The trial of Michael Fisher started on Jan. 12. On the fifth day of trial, a note came out requesting that one juror speak with Judge Robert Bauer in open court on the case and had asked "What were the elements of a mistrial" and the elements of mea culpa in manslaughter. Mea culpa a Latin phrase meaning "through my fault" and a legal meaning of admitting guilty has no reference in the definition of second-degree manslaughter. Bauer said that he could not answer those questions as it would impact jury deliberation. After being told this, the juror paused for a moment and asked one final question. Advertisement Advertisement "Is it too late to submit a lesser charge?" Again, Bauer said he could not answer and encouraged the juror to either go back and confer with his fellow jurors or to submit additional questions as a group and instead as an individual. Iseman asked Judge Bauer for reassurance that the juror would still be able to be considered able to carry out his duties, to which Bauer said that he felt there was nothing said that made him think the juror couldn't. Another note came out a few hours later from a different juror, asking to speak with Bauer. Bauer explained that he could not speak with the juror on anything that could impact the jury's deliberation, just as he had done previously. Advertisement Advertisement The juror explained that it was about another juror. "Does it involve an interpersonal conflict or does it involve a violation of the rules," the judge questioned. The juror said she felt it was a violation and explained that the juror in question had made several comments and indicated that the other juror would oppose a unanimous vote because they "...did not agree with the charge." Bauer made a face and nodded slowly before ordering the juror not to say anything to their fellow jurors. Judge Bauer then had a conference with both Iseman and Special Prosecutor William Fitzpatrick before he called the jurors in and dismissed them for lunch. Advertisement Advertisement The jury was not called back in, and when court was back in session, Bauer called a recess. When the judge returned he announced that he had received a note saying that the jury had been "...at a standstill." Bauer went on to say that instead of the standard deadlock charge, Fitzpatrick and Iseman had come to an agreement for a plea deal. Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick speaks inside the Oneida County Office Building in Utica, NY on Thursday, February 20, 2025, during a press conference about the indictments against former Marcy correction officers and their involvement in the death of inmate Robert Brooks. Realizing how the jury was leaning After the trial, Fitzpatrick said the deadlock was favoring the defendants and made the decision for the plea deal "...minutes after lunch." When asked why he settled on the charge after remaining strong for so long, Fitzpatrick said he did so after realizing how the jury was leaning. Advertisement Advertisement Fitzpatrick went on to say that corrections in New York has changed. "Robert Brooks Jr. expected a bunch resignations or a misdemeanor here or there and then things would go back to normal [after the death of Robert Brooks]," Fitzpatrick said. "Things are never going to go back to normal for corrections in the state of New York. What we need right now is establishing statute that makes this kind of conduct a felony." Fitzpatrick said that Fisher was in the infirmary for 16 minutes and for seven minutes and watched Brooks be beaten to death. "And for some jurors in Oneida County, that's not criminal," Fitzpatrick said. Advertisement Advertisement Iseman said after the jury that nine jurors were not guilty and three were guilty and that the decision to accept the plea deal had to do with the possibility of facing a mistrial and going back for a second trial. Fisher will be sentenced on Jan. 30. This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Fisher trial almost ends in deadlock, accepts plea deal last minute More than three years after a Florida sheriff's deputy shot and killed his friend, roommate and fellow deputy while playing around with his firearm, Andrew Lawson pleaded guilty Jan. 15 to manslaughter in a plea agreement with the State Attorney's Office. During an emotional and dramatic moment, Brevard County Sheriff's deputy 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 however 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 jtorres@floridatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnalbertorres. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida sheriff deputy Andrew Lawson pleads guilty to manslaughter President Trump on Monday said the US and India had agreed to a trade deal after he spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump said the baseline US tariff rate on goods from India would drop to 18% from 25%. The US president also claimed that Modi had "agreed to stop buying Russian Oil," which would further lower the US's tariff rate on India. The White House confirmed that an additional 25% "secondary" tariff on India over its purchases of Russian oil would also be dropped. "Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward," Trump wrote on Truth Social. The apparent US deal with India comes as US trade partners are clinching long-negotiated deals in a rebuke to the Trump tariff regime. India and the EU announced a trade deal last week that the EU dubbed the "mother of all deals" after years of talks. Trump has in recent weeks leveled new tariff threats at Canada and Mexico, part of a recent blitz aimed at allies that rivals his bluster from early in his second term. Trump threatened to hit Canada's aircraft imports with a 50% tariff and said the US would also decertify all new jets from the likes of Bombardier (BDRBF), claiming Canada has used certification hurdles to effectively ban the sale of US Gulfstream jets. Meanwhile, Mexico is facing the potential of levies after Trump promised to impose new tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba. Trump's latest tariff salvo at a US ally came days after he threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canada over that nation's trade deal with China. Canada has negotiated a deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products. Meanwhile, Trump last week said he was increasing tariffs on goods from South Korea, accusing the country of "not living up to its Deal" with the US. Tariffs on goods from South Korea would jump back to 25%, from 15%. Trump subsequently said he thought the countries would "work something out." The actions continue a string of renewed tariff-based threats from the president. Trump roiled markets earlier this year after he threatened tariffs on European nations that he said were getting in the way of his pursuit of the island. He later called them off. Read more: What Trump promised with his 'Liberation Day' tariffs and what he delivered LIVE 99 updates A Florida woman is behind bars after she impersonated the father of a teen lost in the deadly Camp Mystic flood just days after the tragedy, according to Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen. In a post on X on Friday, Rosen said 28-year-old Maitlin Paige White was arrested in Florida by the U.S. Marshal Service. A fugitive wanted in Houston for online scam in which she pretended to be family of Camp Mystic flooding victim now arrested in Fla by our partners w/ US Marshal Service. After our probe, Maitlin White, 28, was charged Jan. 2 w/ 2 felonies. (Photo Credit AP) #hounews pic.twitter.com/KBykrLuwUq Office of Harris County Constable Pct 1 Alan Rosen (@Pct1Constable) January 16, 2026 Court records allege that White created a GoFundMe and a Spotfund account on July 8, using the identity of Matthew Childress. Advertisement Advertisement Only four days prior, Childress' 18-year-old daughter Chloe died in the tragic floods while working as a counselor at Camp Mystic. On July 10, Childress notified authorities that someone had created the GoFundMe account using his name and a photo of Chloe, according to the documents. SEE ALSO: Florida woman posed as father of Camp Mystic flood victim, asked for donations, court documents show Investigators said they received White's name, phone number, email address, and bank account details after requesting records from the two platforms, all linked to the accounts she set up on July 8. An affidavit states that when investigators spoke with Childress, who lives in Harris County, he confirmed he had not given anyone permission to create online fundraisers for him. When they contacted White, investigators said she admitted to creating the fake accounts in Childress's name and using Chloe's name and photo to collect donations. Advertisement Advertisement The complaint says White told detectives she was a "single mother of two young children and was looking for a quick way to make some money." Court documents state that the Harris County District Attorney's Office charged White with two felony counts of online impersonation on Jan. 2. SHIRLEY, Ark. Due to widespread illness among students and staff, the Shirley School District will be closed for the remainder of the week, district officials announced Wednesday night. A janitor at Shirley Elementary School reported that no other staff members were present on Thursday and that he spent the day disinfecting classrooms and common areas. According to the students, the closure was not totally unexpected. Issabelle Bradford is a Sophomore at Shirley High School and shared that attendance had drastically decreased earlier in the week, with some classes having just one student. Advertisement Advertisement I kind of expected it, especially with everyone getting sick, Bradford said. Ive never seen school shut down besides COVID, so it was surprising. According to Bradford, in the days preceding the closure, students and teachers frequently complained of headaches, illnesses, and coughing. Many families in the district have been impacted by the illness, according to parents. According to Hunter Brock, who has two kids in the Shirley School District, the majority of parents he has spoken to said their kids were ill. Every parent Ive talked to so far, their kids are down, Brock said. Brock acknowledged the worry, but he feels that students in good health should still be allowed to go to school. Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Cassandra Lautredou with the Arkansas Department of Health shared that this flu season has been moderate across the Natural State. Other school districts are seeing different results. Officials with the Little Rock School District and the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District said they are not currently experiencing any serious illness-related disruptions. The Arkansas Department of Health is recommending regular handwashing, staying home when sick and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces to help slow the spread of the flu. 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 KARK. US grocery retailer Food Lion has outlined plans to launch four additional stores across North Carolina and South Carolina during the first quarter of 2026. The new locations are scheduled to open in Pontiac, South Carolina, and Statesville, North Carolina, in late January; Greensboro, North Carolina, in February; and Simpsonville, South Carolina, in March. According to the company, each store is set to feature a simplified layout, an expanded range of products and updated interiors. Advertisement Advertisement Customers will also have access to click-and-collect and home delivery options through the Food Lion To Go website and mobile app. Food Lion president Greg Finchum said: This growth is part of Food Lions commitment to nourish our neighbours and set them up for success in life by being a trusted neighbourhood grocer in existing and new towns and cities across our footprint. "Each new store strengthens our ability to deliver an easy, fresh and affordable omnichannel grocery shopping experience while supporting the communities where our neighbours live, work and raise their families. The stores will stock fruit and vegetables, meat, and a selection of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meals, as well as organic, gluten-free and plant-based options, the company said. Advertisement Advertisement The retailer added that checkout facilities will combine self-checkout lanes with staffed tills, and the stores will carry Food Lions Natures Promise own-brand products. As part of the retailers Local Goodness programme, the new outlets will also offer a range of items sourced from growers and manufacturers based in North Carolina and South Carolina. In October 2025, Food Lions owner Ahold Delhaize USA (ADUSA) announced plans to build a new distribution centre in Burlington, North Carolina. The new centre is part of its Growing Together strategy to expand and strengthen its long-term infrastructure network. Advertisement Advertisement The $860m project is being carried out by ADUSAs distribution and transportation arms, ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation. "Food Lion plans four new Carolinas stores for early 2026" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Former Newton Grove Police Chief Greg Warren returned to court Thursday, where he was charged with drug trafficking and possession of a weapon of mass destruction, adding to a growing list of felony charges he already faces. Warren, who served as Newton Grove's police chief since 2019, was previously charged in January with secret peeping and indecent liberties involving a minor. He was arrested on Jan. 7 after being accused of sex crimes that prosecutors say occurred in 2023. According to arrest warrants, Warren is now accused of possessing 46 grams of a mixture containing oxycodone and an AR-style short-barreled rifle without a serial number. Under North Carolina law, such a firearm qualifies as a weapon of mass destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Warren was initially charged with seven felonies related to allegations that he entered a minor's bedroom and took photographs of her while she was sleeping. Prosecutors say the images were stored in a hidden folder on his phone and later discovered on an iPad linked to the device. Special prosecutor Donna Rainwater said during a court hearing on Jan. 8 that the victim was unaware the photos had been taken. "The photographs were held in a hidden folder on the defendant's phone," Rainwater said at the time. "She was very upset, obviously, when she saw the photos." Prosecutors have said Warren admitted to both family members and law enforcement that he possessed the images. Investigators also reported finding four applications on his phone that one prosecutor described as a "high indicator" of child exploitation. Advertisement Advertisement Rainwater argued during earlier proceedings on January 8th that Warren poses a risk to the community. "To the state, he is a risk, regardless of how long he has lived in this community and regardless of his position in the community," she said. Warren was placed on leave following his arrest and resigned from his position on Tuesday. Bond for the new trafficking and weapons charges was set at $500,000. Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App Byron Knutson, former North Dakota insurance commissioner and labor commissioner. (Photo courtesy of Byron Knutson family) A North Dakota man who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and later served as the states insurance commissioner and labor commissioner has died. Byron Knutson, a Democrat, was elected insurance commissioner in 1976, but was defeated for reelection in 1980. He served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1959 to 1963 and served one term as labor commissioner from 1987 until 1991. Advertisement Advertisement Knutson died Dec. 6, 2025, but his family waited until the week leading up to Mondays Martin Luther King Day holiday to announce his death. Profoundly inspired by King, our father devoted his life to public service, Rebecca Knutson, Byron Knutsons daughter, said in a statement. There are still so many injustices happening in our world. Leaders like King and our father are desperately needed. Knutson grew up in Harlow in Benson County. He marched with King in 1965 after serving in the Korean War as a Marine, and then the North Dakota Legislature. When Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. called upon the nations clergy and lay people to support the rights of African Americans and all people to vote without fear of losing their lives, I was ready to do my part, Knutson said during an interview with Jim Shaw in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Tracy Potter met Knutson at the University of North Dakota in the early 1970s. He was a firm believer in civil rights, said Potter, a former Democratic state lawmaker. Potter later worked with Knutson in the Insurance Commissioners Office. In 1978, Knutson introduced Measure 4 that was intended to address health care costs, though voters turned down the constitutional measure. Knutson was among the Democrats who were voted out as Republican Ronald Reagan rose to the presidency. Knutson was elected labor commissioner in 1987. In 2011, Knutson and his wife, Bernice, received the first Governor Arthur Link and Grace Link Award for Lifetime Achievement from the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. Advertisement Advertisement Potter said the couples commitment to making phone calls and the grunt work of Democratic-NPL politics was inspiring. They were the most reliable people, Potter said. He was an inspiring character, always cheerful, a real happy warrior. North Dakota Monitor deputy editor Jeff Beach can be reached at jbeach@northdakotamonitor.com. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Betsy McCaughey, a Republican former lieutenant governor of New York who switched parties in an unsuccessful 1998 bid to unseat then-Gov. George Pataki, is now running for governor of Connecticut. McCaughey, 77, currently a conservative host on Newsmax and columnist for the New York Post, filed the official paperwork on Thursday to seek the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, who is running for a third term. She first announced her candidacy on Wednesday evening. McCaughey (pronounced like McCoy), a resident of the wealthy New York City suburb of Greenwich, Connecticut, said her friends and social media followers urged her to run for governor. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a desperate hunger in this state for a competent, battle-tested fighter who will turn the state around, who will take on Ned Lamont and the other what I call lunatic lefties up in Hartford," she said during a phone interview with The Associated Press. The top of her platform includes lowering costs for homeowners in the state, including property taxes and electricity bills. She wants to cap annual property tax increases to 2% and eliminate property taxes for most seniors. She also wants to scuttle a new state law signed by Lamont in November that seeks to increase affordable housing, but has been criticized by Republicans as removing local control of housing development. Lamont's campaign responded Thursday by referring to a statement by Kevin Donohoe, a spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association. Betsy McCaughey has spent the last years of her career shilling for Donald Trumps deeply unpopular agenda that is driving up costs for middle-class families," Donohoe said. The last thing Connecticut families need right now is a Trump mouthpiece as their governor. Advertisement Advertisement McCaughey, who supports abortion rights, said she agrees with most of the Republican president's policies. Lamont, 72, who also lives in Greenwich, is a wealthy former cable TV entrepreneur. He is facing a primary challenge from progressive Democratic state Rep. Josh Elliott of Hamden. Also in the GOP primary race so far are former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart and Greenwich state Sen. Ryan Fazio. McCaughey grew up in Connecticut in Milford and Westport. She has a bachelor's degree in history from Vassar College and a doctorate in U.S. constitutional history from Columbia University. She is also the founder and chairman of Reduce Infection Deaths, an educational organization seeking to stop hospital infections. Advertisement Advertisement In the 1990s, Republicans portrayed her as a policy wonk who helped derail President Bill Clinton's health care reform plan with her critique in The New Republic. In 1994, when Pataki was running for New York governor, he picked her as his lieutenant governor running mate. They won, and she served as lieutenant governor from January 1995 to December 1998. The AP reported in 1998 that her working relationship with Pataki eventually frayed. At Pataki's State of the State address in 1996, she remained standing throughout his speech, prompting some speculation that she was trying to upstage him. She said she merely forgot to sit. She also denied accusations that she harassed her hired household help and used her state police security detail as chauffeurs and valets. After Pataki dumped her from the 1998 GOP ticket, she switched parties and unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination for governor. Then she continued her gubernatorial campaign as the Liberal Party candidate, finishing way behind Pataki, who was reelected, and Democrat Peter Vallone. This year's race for governor in New York also features a challenge to the sitting governor by the lieutenant governor. Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul faces a primary challenge by Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Friday inched closer to forcing his budget bill through parliament without a vote while desperately seeking a way to avoid being toppled by parliament as a result. The eurozone's second-largest economy has been bogged down in political crisis since President Emmanuel Macron called a snap poll in 2024, in which he lost his parliamentary majority. In a bid to survive being toppled by parliament like his two predecessors, Lecornu last year pledged to seek parliament approval for a 2026 austerity budget -- and not ram it through without a vote. Advertisement Advertisement He managed to get a bill on social security spending approved by year end but lawmakers have failed to reach a compromise on state expenses. The centre-right government said late on Thursday it would be "impossible to adopt a budget by a vote" and that it had given itself until Tuesday to examine two alternative options. One is to use a constitutional power under "Article 49.3" to push the legislation through parliament without a vote, as for previous budgets. That can trigger a no-confidence vote, which could topple the government and its spending bill with it. The other option is for the first time to issue a decree that forces the budget directly into law. Advertisement Advertisement That too could spark a no-confidence vote, but the budget would remain even if the cabinet was ousted. - Appealling to Socialists - Lecornu appeared on Friday to be working on concessions to secure the backing of the Socialists, a key swing group in parliament, to survive any motion to topple him. The prime minister would be "making one-euro university meals available to all students" as part of the final budget bill, an adviser said, evoking a measure the Socialists had requested. The party had in 2024 put forward a bill for all students to pay just one euro ($1.16) for a meal, not just some with scholarships or within lower income brackets. Other students now pay 3.30 euros. Advertisement Advertisement A poll of around 800 people that year found that a third of students at times skipped a meal "for lack of money". Lecornu, who has warned that kicking him out would spark early elections, defended the "responsible" budget while announcing further social benefits in a televised speech later Friday. An additional 400 million euros would go toward social housing providers and low-income earners would see a top-up benefit increased by an average of 50 euros per month, he said while assuring there would be "no increase in taxes on households". Existing tax breaks to pensioners would also be preserved, along with student grants, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have emerged exasperated after months of back and forth, and are looking for a swift resolution. "I'm tired of having the same debate over and over again," said right-wing Republicans lawmaker Marie-Christine Dalloz. "I'm really looking forward to the end of this episode." Greens member of parliament Steevy Gustave said he felt like a "robot" repeating the same thing every day. "If only there had been results, some compromises -- but no," he said. sac-are-la/giv/jh Burlington and Woodstock are among the cities and towns in Vermont planning to hold Free America Walkouts on Jan. 20 to protest President Donald Trumps actions. Womens March, a feminist group behind the original Womens March on Washington during Trumps first term, is planning a nationwide walkout on Jan. 20 to protest Trump administration actions they see as rising fascism, like threatening the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, sending National Guard troops into cities and mass deportation efforts. Jan. 20th also marks the anniversary of Donald Trumps inauguration, Womens March posted on Instagram Jan. 15. MAGA is stacking DOJ moves to scare critics and make control feel normal. This is not chance. It is consolidation. We walk out to break fear and refuse silence. Advertisement Advertisement The walkout comes just over a week after protests across the country over ICE shootings in Minnesota and Portland. In Burlington, the "Resister Sisters" are organizing a gathering at the intersection of North Avenue and Rt. 127 in the New North End of Burlington where they will be displaying signs and making noise with whistles and other noise makers. "Resister Sisters are mostly retirees, so we're walking out of our houses to face down fascism," the group wrote on the event page. "Well take our stand in solidarity with those walking out of jobs and classes." Heres what else to know in Vermont. What is the Free America Walkout? Womens March is urging Americans to walk out of work, school and commerce at 2 p.m. local time on Jan. 20, which is the Tuesday after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Advertisement Advertisement Those in power have escalated attacks on our rights, our bodies, and our livelihoods. Were escalating in response, the group said on their FAQ page. A walkout interrupts business as usual. It makes visible how much our labor, participation, and cooperation are taken for grantedand what happens when we withdraw them together. The group said that the walkout will help to build a Free America, which they describe as being economically just, racially equitable, feminist and safe for immigrants. But if you cant leave work or school during that time, the group offers other options as well, like stepping out briefly during a designated break, joining an organized gathering before or after work or using paid time off or other leave to participate. Large white puppeteer birds flew their way down Church Street during the June 10 LA to Burlington protest. Where are walkouts, protests in Vermont? As of Jan. 16, here are the Vermont towns and cities holding protests on Jan. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Bellows Falls 2 3 p.m. at 7 Square Burlington 2 3 p.m. at 821 North Ave White River Junction 5 p.m. at Lyman Point Park Williston 5 p.m. at Law Enforcement Support Center Woodstock 12 1 p.m. at Tribou Park More events may be added. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Free America Walkout protests planned across Vermont: See where France's top court ruled Friday it was too late to try a man who confessed to a murder decades after his victim disappeared, a judgment that could affect other "cold case" investigations. The Court of Cassation ruled that Yves Chatain, who in 2022 confessed to the 1986 murder of 25-year-old Marie-Therese Bonfanti, could not be tried because too much time had passed. The court rejected the argument of France's top prosecutor Remy Heitz for a more flexible view of the statute of limitations. Advertisement Advertisement Addressing the court last November, he had warned that if the court did not do so, it would jeopardise similar "cold cases" under investigation. Of 22 cases being investigated by a unit specialising in unsolved historic cases, said Heitz, seven could be affected if the court confirmed the ruling on the statute of limitations in the Bonfanti case. Marie-Therese Bonfanti disappeared in May 1986 in the Isere region in eastern France. Her partial remains were only discovered after Chatain, long a suspect in the case, finally confessed to having strangled her. Friday's ruling however, closed the door on any possibility of prosecuting Chatain. Advertisement Advertisement The victim's husband Thierry Bonfanti denounced the ruling outside the courtroom. "This is a terrible day for us," he said, tears in his eyes. "It's incredible to hear this from a justice system of which we are the victims," he added. "I don't know how it's going to work in future for the 'cold case' unit, but if it's to get results like this one, I wish them the best of luck," said Bonfanti, surrounded by other members of the family. Catherine Bauer-Violas, lawyer for the Bonfanti family, also said that the ruling could hit the work of the "cold case" unit, based in Nanterre, on the outskirts of Paris. "A certain number of cases... will not be able to be pursued," she argued. The family was considering whether to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights, she added. pgr/jj/rmb Mahdieh Esfandiari, 39, was arrested in France in February on charges of promoting and inciting tterrorism on social media. The offences carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a fine of up to 100,000. She's accused of writing posts for a channel called "Axis of the Resistance" in 2023 and 2024 on platforms including Telegram, X, Twitch and YouTube. In particular, the organisations Telegram account glorified the deadly attack carried out by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on 7 October 2023 in Israel, incited terrorist acts and insulted the Jewish community. Advertisement Advertisement 'Immense relief' for families after French couple freed from Iran prison Court proceedings Esfandiari was held in pre-trial detention for around eight months before being released in October ahead of her trial. The hearing began on Tuesday and had been scheduled long before protests erupted in Iran. The prosecutor asked the court to impose a four-year jail term, including three years suspended, but said it would not be necessary for Esfandiari to return to prison. Esfandiari, who has translated into French works from a publisher linked to Iranian authorities, told the court she had taken part in the Axis of the Resistance project but did not write the posts attributed to her. Advertisement Advertisement She said the Hamas attacks in 2023 should not be considered terrorism. Its not an act of terrorism, its an act of resistance, she said. The court is expected to deliver its verdict at a later date. 'Hostage diplomacy': longstanding Iran tactic presenting dilemma for West French pair waiting to return Kohler and Paris were arrested in Iran in May 2022 and held for more than three years on espionage charges that their families strongly denied. They were released in November. After their release, French diplomats took them to Frances mission in Tehran, where they remain while awaiting permission to leave the country. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in November that Tehran would allow the pair to return to France in exchange for Esfandiaris release. Advertisement Advertisement France has neither confirmed nor denied that any such deal exists. But it has reduced staffing levels at its embassy in Tehran following nationwide protests that erupted last week. The unrest is seen as one of the biggest challenges to Irans clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Irans ambassador to France, Mohammad Amin Nejad, said late Thursday that he hoped Kohler and Paris would soon be able to return home. My wish is for their return as soon as possible after arrangements have been made between the two states, he said. (with newswires) This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter. Macys will fully shutter its distribution center in South Windsor, Connecticut, later this year, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice dated Jan. 12. The retailer will close its store delivery and customer returns operating units at the facility after announcing plans to cut its backstage operating unit in October. The latest closures will impact 57 employees, with layoffs expected to start March 14. Once the shutdowns are complete, operations at the site will fully end, per the notice. Severance and benefits information will be available to impacted employees, as well as transfer information and opportunities. Impacted roles include warehouse associates, scanning equipment operators and maintenance mechanics. Macys did not provide a reason for the closure and did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. Macys also plans to close a fulfillment center in Oklahoma this spring. The retailer has been working to right-size its supply chain as part of a larger Bold New Chapter transformation that aims to drive $235 million in cost savings by this year. Other turnaround efforts include the opening of a 1.4 million-square-foot fulfillment facility in North Carolina. Recommended Reading MILAN French troops part of the United Nations Interim Force countered a hostile drone in southern Lebanon by deploying French-made jamming rifles that repelled the craft back toward Israel. Earlier this month, footage circulated on social media showing a group of UNIFIL forces stationed in the southern part of Lebanon pointing a jammer at the sky in an apparent operation against a drone. The French military command confirmed to Defense News that the personnel shown in the video, filmed by a local resident on Jan. 5, 2026, are French UNIFIL peacekeepers. They were on foot patrol at the time, when a drone began illegally flying over them in the municipality of Meiss Ej Jabal, after which they moved closer to their light armored vehicle. Sud-Liban. Des soldats francais de la Finul actionnent des contre mesures sur un drone israelien dangereux. Deux drones israeliens porteurs d'explosifs ont ete neutralises au cours de cette mission de la Force des Nations unies regulierement la cible des drones israeliens. #Liban pic.twitter.com/vVM5rPVh07 Georges Malbrunot (@Malbrunot) January 5, 2026 In accordance with the rules of engagement and with a constant concern for proportionality and protection of civilians, the patrol carried out a jamming operation, aimed solely at stopping the drone from flying overhead, without causing it to crash, in order to avoid any risk of material damage or bodily harm, Lt. Laura, a spokeswoman for the French Armed Forces General Staff, said in an emailed response to questions. Advertisement Advertisement The disarming of Hezbollah tests fragile government in Lebanon According to UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel, the peacekeepers were aggressively approached by the drone that flew as close as 30 meters above them. This prompted them to employ defensive measures that ultimately forced the drone to turn back. The jammer used by the UN peacekeepers seen in the video is the Nerod F5 manufactured by the France-based M2 Technology, according to a company representative. The device is designed to counter commercial drones by carrying out non-destructive jamming, which means that it does not physically damage or destroy them, rather interfering with their radio signals. The interference occurs once an operator has positioned the target in his sights and pulled the trigger, transmitting jamming signals on up to five different frequency bands. Advertisement Advertisement The French military command declined to comment on whether the drone was deployed by Israel, and UNIFIL was not able to confirm its provenance. The Long War Journal, a project from the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies research institute, tracked Israeli operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah from Jan. 5-11. During that period, it recorded that the Israeli Defense Forces conducted missions across 37 Lebanese localities, which included eight quadcopter activities and nine drone strikes. On Jan. 5 the Lebanon National News Agency, or NNA, reported that an Israeli drone had targeted a vehicle, though in a different district than the one the French peacekeepers were located in. The following day, the NNA stated that an Israeli quadcopter had dropped an explosive in Meiss Ej Jabal. The Israeli Ministry of Defense said it had no comment on the incident. Advertisement Advertisement In a Facebook post, the Israel-based Alma Research and Education Centre shared the Jan. 5 video, writing that UNIFIL is trying to disrupt the IDFs efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Rules of engagement In the Jan. 5 incident, UNIFIL said its peacekeepers acted in self-defense to ensure that no bystanders were harmed, as it took place in a crowded civilian area. The UN-mandated force and its contingents have been provided with various kinds of equipment that allows them to jam drones, following several cases of drones, at times armed, operating above their locations and patrols. According to the spokeswoman, peacekeepers posted in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line a 120-kilometer UN-demarcated line that follows the countrys southern border with Israel have observed daily drone intrusions. Advertisement Advertisement In all actions, peacekeepers are guided by the established rules of engagement they use necessary countermeasures only when the field commander determines that the drone poses a [direct] danger to the ones operating in the area and such actions are taken strictly in self-defense, Ardiel told Defense News. Beyond Israeli drone overflights, personnel stationed in areas close to the Blue Line are themselves observing frequent jamming of their equipment, which Lebanese officials and analysts say comes from Israel. Israeli jamming is carried out without any respect for Lebanese sovereignty or international laws. It disrupts military communications, weakens navigation and data exchange, and complicates field coordination and routine tasks, retired Brig. Gen. Mounir Shehade, a former Lebanese Armed Forces officer and government designated coordinator for UNIFIL, said. Shehade said that while the Lebanese Army does have some counter-drone capabilities, they are not comparable with its southern neighbours technical superiority used without international accountability. Advertisement Advertisement A UNIFIL statement published on Jan. 16 stated that an Israeli drone hovered and dropped a grenade approximately 30 meters away from peacekeepers that were conducting a planned patrol near Adeisse. The peacekeeping body said that it sent a stop-fire request to the IDF, adding that such activities on Lebanese territory are a violation of the Security Councils 1701 resolution. The 19-paragraph long resolution was adopted unanimously in 2006 with the purpose of ending hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, with the Council calling for a permanent ceasefire based on the creation of a buffer zone. It urged the immediate stop of all Hezbollah attacks and Israeli offensive operations. When Israeli or Lebanese authorities want to carry out any activities in proximity to the Blue Line, UNIFIL calls on them to provide an advance notice to allow the peacekeepers and all parties informed to avoid misinterpretations that could escalate tensions. Rudy Ruitenberg in Paris contributed to this report. Stracquadanio reported from Beirut. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The San Diego County District Attorneys Office announced that three gang members involved in a 2023 shooting that left a high school cheerleader paralyzed received their sentences Thursday afternoon. The final defendant, Juan Velazco Diaz, 21, was sentenced to 24 years in state prison for his involvement in the crime. According to the District Attorneys Office, the shooting happened on Oct. 28, 2023, when two rival gangs clashed outside of a high school party in the Talmadge area of San Diego. After the gangs verbally challenged each other, Diaz and a member of the other gang pulled out guns and began firing at each other. Advertisement Advertisement Kenneth Hill, 20, was the opposing gang member who fired shots, said the DAs Office. Diaz reportedly shot first and missed his target, and the bullet instead struck 17-year-old Brianna Wallace, a high school cheerleader who happened to be standing across the street. Wallace was shot in the back and instantly paralyzed from the waist down. After an investigation ensued, Diaz, Hill, and Davian Austin, 21, were arrested for their involvement in the shooting and later prosecuted. Hill and Austin were convicted of assault with a firearm, and Diaz was convicted of attempted murder with the use of a firearm and assault with the use of a firearm causing paralysis. Hill received a nine-year prison term, while Austin was sentenced to one year in jail and placed on formal probation for two years. Advertisement Advertisement It is heartbreaking when innocent members of our community are caught in the crossfire of senseless gang violence, said District Attorney Summer Stephan via a press release. Our hearts go out to the teen victim whose brave testimony was pivotal in obtaining justice in this case. Wallace, the victim of the shooting, is also the niece of San Diego-based civil rights activist Shane Harris. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The U.S. House floor is often at its most solemn when lawmakers pause partisan conflict to recognize service, community, and loss. On Tuesday morning, Democratic U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware took to the floor to honor women whose lives reflected leadership, resilience, and public good. Instead, the moment opened with a misgendering slight. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. As McBride was recognized during the Houses morning hour, the presiding officer, Rep. Andrew Clyde, a Republican from Georgia serving briefly as speaker pro tempore, introduced her using a masculine honorific, calling her the gentleman from Delaware. McBride, a transgender woman and the first out transgender member of Congress, did not respond and proceeded with her prepared remarks. Related: Democrat Sarah McBride on her approach to expanding trans acceptance in Congress and America Over the next several minutes, she delivered three speeches that focused squarely on the women she came to honor, not the insult that preceded them. Advertisement Advertisement McBride began by congratulating Lt. Col. Chaplain Rev. Dr. AShellarien Addison on her recent promotion within the Delaware Army National Guard, noting that Addison is the first woman to hold that rank in the state Guard. Related: 'Have you no decency?': Republican calls Sarah McBride 'mister,' but Democrats wouldn't have it She then turned to Delawares business community, marking the closing of GrassRoots, a locally rooted retail chain founded in the 1970s. McBride credited the women entrepreneurs with building a business that sustained workers and anchored their community for decades, long before women-owned businesses were widely celebrated. In her final remarks, McBride recognized Dwayne and Karen Johnson, whose 26-year-old daughter, Faith, died after a battle with ovarian cancer. McBride told the House that the Johnsons helped to pass legislation requiring health insurance companies in Delaware to cover annual ovarian cancer screenings. We owe it to Faith and families across the country to keep pushing for early detection, McBride said. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Sarah McBride opens up about her darkest day in Congress (exclusive) She yielded the floor without interruption. The presiding officer did not correct the language used to introduce her, and no objection was raised during the session. I didnt hear the comment, and I dont know who Rep. Clyde is, McBride told The Advocate through a spokesperson on Friday. As always, I am grateful to serve and remain focused on lowering costs for my constituents. Clyde, who represents Georgias deeply conservative Ninth Congressional District, is a former Navy officer and gun store owner who entered Congress in 2021 and is closely aligned with President Donald Trump. He is perhaps most well known nationally for downplaying the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol insurrection, at one point describing it as resembling a normal tourist visit, even as he later acknowledged barricading his office doors to keep rioters out. In Congress, Clyde has built a profile through culture war messaging and opposition to what he calls woke ideology. Advertisement Advertisement Since the incident, Clyde has repeatedly attacked McBride on social media. "The Peoples House recognizes basic biology, Clyde wrote on X, formerly Twitter, along with a clip of his disrespectful introduction. On Thursday, Clyde escalated the episode beyond the House floor. In a post on X, he shared a screen shot of the congressional record from McBrides remarks, in which she is correctly identified as Ms. McBride of Delaware. In the post, Clyde used McBrides deadname, placed Sarah in quotation marks, asserted that she is a man, and claimed the House Clerk should alter the congressional record to reflect what he described as a biological fact. The incident fits a broader pattern. Since arriving in Congress, McBride has repeatedly been misgendered by Republican colleagues. Last year, during a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing, Texas Republican Rep. Keith Self addressed her as Mr. McBride. McBride responded in kind, Thank you, Madam Chair, before Democratic Rep. Bill Keating of Massachusetts intervened, asking Self, Have you no decency? The exchange ended with the hearings abrupt adjournment. Advertisement Advertisement Clydes office did not respond to The Advocates request for comment. Congressman Mark Takano of California, chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, sharply criticized House Republicans for the way they are treating McBride. "Whether a transgender person works in the halls of Congress or a local business, they deserve to be treated with basic respect by colleagues. Unfortunately, showing respect to a colleague seems to be a bridge too far for some Republican House members," Takano told The Advocate in a statement." In a recent interview with The Advocate, she explained that some lawmakers intentionally target her transgender identity to provoke reactions, generate viral clips, and build social media followings. Declining to respond, she said, is a conscious choice, one that can feel unsatisfying for her supporters and other trans people, but which she believes is more persuasive to the Americans she hopes to reach. Advertisement Advertisement McBride, for her part, has remained consistent in her response: acknowledge the noise, refuse the spectacle, and keep legislating. "While some Republicans are focused on using attacks on transgender people to get clicks on social media, Congresswoman McBride continues to be focused on delivering results for the people of Delaware," Takano said. "The contrast between them couldnt be clearer. Watch Congresswoman Sarah McBrides House speech below. - YouTube youtu.be This article originally appeared on Advocate: Georgia Republican's weeklong anti-trans obsession with Sarah McBride plays out on the House floor and online RELATED The Brief A potential winter storm late Saturday may bring significant snow impacts to metro Atlanta and Central Georgia. Confidence remains low as weather models struggle to predict moisture availability and the storm's exact track. Frigid temperatures and dangerous wind chills will persist across the region through the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. ATLANTA - Temperatures will plunge on Thursday morning, setting up a one-two punch of winter weather threats across Georgia this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement While light snow is possible in the mountains Friday night, a second, more uncertain system could bring snow or a rain-snow mix to parts of metro Atlanta and Central Georgia by Sunday morning. Weekend winter threat uncertain What we know A strong cold front is sweeping through Georgia, bringing gusty winds and frigid temperatures that will linger through the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. While the immediate focus is on mountain snow flurries and dangerous wind chills Thursday morning, the FOX 5 Storm Team is closely watching a second system arriving late Saturday. Confidence in the Sunday forecast remains low, but latest data suggests a shift toward a potential winter event. Forecasters noted that about 40 percent of recent model simulations show a swath of winter weather across southern and central Georgia, with 20 percent bringing that threat into North Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement CHECK CURRENT SCHOOL CLOSINGS, CLASS DELAYS, AND REMOTE LEARNING Snow threat for Georgia What they're saying FOX 5 Storm Team meteorologist Alex Forbes said Wednesday evening that while "the cold air will be in place," questions remain regarding available moisture. "The modeling with this has been all over the place, which is somewhat normal with systems like these," Forbes said. "Yesterday, the models backed off almost completely from seeing any winter weather. Now, some are starting to get back on board." KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST BY DOWNLOADING THE FREE FOX 5 STORM TEAM APP AND FOLLOWING @FOX5STORMTEAM ON X Snow storm weather models What we don't know Forbes cautioned residents against relying on various maps circulating on social media, noting he is instead monitoring ensemble models that run multiple scenarios. Advertisement Advertisement "Theres a distinct possibility, if not a likelihood, that nothing happens," Forbes added. "We are at the mercy of the models, which typically dont handle events like this well until about 24-48 hours out." Showers and snow showers chance By the numbers The following figures represent the latest forecasts for the mountain region and the metro Atlanta area: North Georgia Mountains Friday: High of 44; 50 percent chance of rain and snow showers at night with a low of 29. Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 41; low of 16 at night. Sunday: Mostly sunny, high of 30; low of 13 at night. MLK Day: Sunny, high of 39; low of 15 at night. Metro Atlanta Friday: Sunny, high of 52; 40 percent chance of showers after 1 a.m. with a low of 38. Saturday: Mostly sunny, high of 49; low of 25 at night. Sunday: Sunny, high of 38; low of 22 at night. MLK Day: Sunny, high of 45; low of 24 at night. When will the weather turn? Dig deeper The first shift begins Friday night into Saturday morning as a cold front brings light rain to the region and possible snow to the higher elevations. The more significant window for potential winter weather opens late Saturday night and lasts through Sunday morning. Forbes noted that the forecast should become clearer by Friday night. What areas are most at risk? Local perspective If a winter storm develops, current data suggests the better chance for precipitation is south of Interstate 20. Forbes said any impacts would likely follow a "gradient south to north." For the Friday night system, snow is primarily limited to the North Georgia mountains, specifically in areas above 2,000 feet. How much accumulation is expected? Big picture view Accumulation potential for the Friday mountain snow is very limited, ranging from a trace to 0.5 inches on the highest peaks. For the potential Sunday system, meteorologists have not yet released specific totals due to "very low confidence" in the storms track. However, Forbes warned that "significant impacts will be possible in metro Atlanta and Central Georgia early Sunday" if the snow materializes. Preparing for winter weather What you can do Here are several ways to prepare now for potential winter weather: Advertisement Advertisement Stock essential supplies: Refresh batteries and flashlights, and ensure you have enough shelf-stable food and necessary prescriptions on hand. Prepare for service disruptions: Be ready for temporary loss of internet and cell service, particularly in wooded areas prone to storm damage. Protect your plumbing: Insulate outdoor pipes and locate your main water shut-off valve; frozen plumbing issues typically peak in January and February. Prioritize heating safety: Ensure generators, fireplaces and space heaters are properly vented. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space due to carbon monoxide risks. Stay informed digitally: Download the FOX 5 Storm Team weather app and enable location settings to receive direct emergency notifications. Monitor local closings: Bookmark the FOX 5 Atlanta closings page for updates. Administrators should register their organizations now to ensure eligibility for posting cancellations. Care for animals: Bring pets indoors during freezing temperatures and provide outdoor animals with shelter and fresh, unfrozen water. Equip your vehicle: Assemble a car kit with blankets, chargers, a small shovel, snacks and sand or kitty litter for traction. Maintain safety detectors: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries before increasing the use of heaters and fireplaces. Check on neighbors: Coordinate with elderly residents, people with disabilities or those using powered medical equipment to create a plan for power outages. The Georgia Department of Transportation gears up its winter weather response ahead of multiple fronts which could bring snow and showers to North Georgia. (FOX 5) Cold here to stay What's next Beyond the weekend, the cold is here to stay. High temperatures on Tuesday are expected to reach only 36 in the mountains and 43 in Atlanta. Dry air moving into the state will also trigger fire safety concerns. Relative humidity values could drop below 25 percent on Monday and Tuesday, which may prompt Fire Danger Statements from the National Weather Service. Conditions are expected to begin moderating by Wednesday, with highs returning to the upper 40s. The Source This article contains an original forecast by the FOX 5 Storm Team. The National Weather Service contributed to this report. Girl Scout cookie season is officially underway in South Jersey this year with new Exploremores added to the roster. Local troops throughout the region are to be selling cookies throughout the beginning of the year. The cookies are more than just iconic: They also help Girl Scouts fund activities for the upcoming year. Before you run out to buy them, here are some things to know about this years cookie season. Advertisement Advertisement Recent headlines: Nearby shooting put this South Jersey elementary school in lockdown Where can I buy Girl Scout cookies? Girl Scout cookies are sold at cookie booths and by individual Girl Scouts. Local cookie booths can be located using the Cookie Finder on the Girl Scouts website. Enter your ZIP code to receive a list of nearby cookie booth locations, dates and times. Don't feel like leaving the house? Some troops ship cookies right to your doorsteps. An online order form may also be accessed using the Cookie Finder. Girl Scout cookie season is officially here. How much do Girl Scout cookies cost? This year all cookies sold by official Girl Scouts of Central & Southern New Jersey troops cost $6 per box. What are Girl Scout cookie flavors? The following cookies are the official flavor lineup for this years cookie season. Not all cookie flavors are sold nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Adventurefuls : Brownie-inspired cookies topped with caramel-flavored creme and sea salt. Caramel Chocolate Chip : Gluten-free cookies with caramel, semisweet chocolate chips and sea salt. Caramel deLites/Samoas : Crisp cookies with caramel, coconut and chocolate stripes. Peanut Butter Sandwich/Do-si-dos : Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies with peanut butter filling. Lemonades : Shortbread cookies topped with a lemon-flavored icing. Lemon-Ups : Crispy lemon cookies baked with inspiring messages. Peanut Butter Patties/Tagalongs : Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with chocolate coating. Thin Mints : Crisp chocolate cookies dipped in a mint chocolate coating. Toffee-tastic : Gluten-free butter cookies with crunchy toffee bits. Trefoils : Shortbread cookies inspired by the original Girl Scout cookie recipe. Exploremores: Sandwich cookies with chocolate, marshmallow and almond-flavored creme. Two cookie flavors Toast-Yay! and Smores have been recently discontinued, with the 2025 season being their last year. Read more: ICE clash with activists de-escalated in Atlantic City amid tensions New Girl Scout cookie, Exploremores The Girl Scouts' newest cookie brand is called Exploremores. The new Exploremores cookie is a sandwich cookie filled with chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored creme. The cookie which is inspired by rocky-road ice cream is a chocolate sandwich cookie filled with chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored creme. Advertisement Advertisement The name takes inspiration from the spirit of exploration in every Girl Scout, according to Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Risha Inaganti writes about trending topics across South Jersey for the Courier-Post. If you have a story she should tell, email her at rinaganti@usatodayco.com. Subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Girl Scout cookie prices for 2026 U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman speaks during a news conference on closed primaries at the Statehouse in Columbia, South Carolina on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Ashford/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA A GOP congressman in a five-way race for governor is demanding that legislators close South Carolinas primaries so that only registered Republicans can decide the partys winner. A hearing on two House proposals on primary voting is re-scheduled for next week, after initially being set for Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, who had arranged a news conference in the Statehouse for immediately after the meeting that didnt happen, blasted the Legislatures Republican leaders as not making the issue a priority and promised that if hes elected governor, he would use the bully pulpit to get this done. Gov. Henry McMaster, who helped build the GOP into South Carolinas dominant party, made clear he thinks thats a bad idea. If either bill makes it to his desk, hed likely veto it, he told reporters a day earlier. The question is, does it make it easier for people to vote, does it cause people to want to vote, or does it put obstacles? the former state GOP chairman said Wednesday at the Governors Economic Summit in Columbia. If these bills, and I believe they do, impose obstacles to the people voting easily and freely, then I would veto them. Thats a strong warning from a governor who normally declines to weigh in publicly on a Republican-sponsored bill while its in the legislative process. His usual response over the last decade has been that hell wait until the final version reaches his desk to review it. Advertisement Advertisement But on Wednesday, he went on for nearly 4 minutes on why a party that grew its base through open primaries shouldnt prevent people from voting. Noting that many South Carolina voters consider themselves independent, he asked, What are they going to do? Republicans have tried repeatedly over the last quarter century as their majorities in both Statehouse chambers increased to bar anyone not registered as a member of a political party from voting in that partys primaries. But proposals to do so have never gotten traction. McMasters veto threat suggests the idea wont succeed this year either. Advertisement Advertisement The argument has long been that Democrats are meddling in Republican contests. We cant have those in the opposite party stopping people from being elected, Norman, the 5th District congressman since 2017, told reporters in the Statehouse lobby. But McMaster said allegations that Democrats are deciding the Republican nominees are not well founded. People suggest that thats going to happen in just about every election, and so far, since Ive been involved in it it never happened, said McMaster, who was state GOP chairman for a decade before voters twice elected him attorney general, then lieutenant governor and, in 2018 and 2022, governor. Advertisement Advertisement There may be a few pranksters that go out and do that, but we never have seen any significant amount of votes happening that way, he said. In South Carolina, registered voters can vote in either partys primary. They just cant vote in both. And they cant cross parties for primary runoffs. In other words, someone cant vote in a Democratic Party primary, then vote in the Republican runoff two weeks later. They must stick with a single party for that election cycle. What would the legislation do? The bill being pushed by Norman and the hardline House Freedom Caucus he helped launch would require South Carolina voters to officially declare theyre a Republican or Democrat in order to vote in the partys primaries. Voters who consider themselves independents could not cast a ballot unless a party chooses to allow their participation and tells the state Election Commission that in writing at least 60 days before a primary. But Norman, a former state House member, clearly doesnt think the states ruling party should do that. Advertisement Advertisement The Rock Hill Republican called it an 80% issue among Republican voters. That refers to results to a question the state Republican Party has repeatedly put on its primary ballot. Both parties can choose to put so-called advisory questions on their ballots, which they use to both attract voters to the polls and make the case to legislators that voters want something. But the results dont actually carry any legal weight. In South Carolina, voters cant change state law through a referendum. As for the repeated closed primary question on the GOP ballot, voters may not realize what its really asking. In February 2024, the last time it was on the ballot, voters were asked whether state law should give people the right to register to vote with the political party of their choice. More than 73% of voters said yes to the right to get a choice. How many knew they were choosing to close voting options is unknown. Advertisement Advertisement In South Carolina, the primaries are usually the contests that matter. In most races, the winner of the primary wins the seat. In 2024, the general election was a given for more than half of the Statehouses 170 seats; 80 incumbents, plus candidates for six open seats, faced no opposition at all in November; six others featured only third-party challengers, according to an analysis by the SC Daily Gazette. Last month, two of three special elections for Statehouse seats had no Democrat on the ballot. As is often the case, the Republican primaries decided the winner. Rep. Jordan Pace of Goose Creek, chairman of the Freedom Caucus that publicly feuds with the Houses majority GOP caucus, said the primary won by now-Rep. Dianne Mitchell is an example of Democratic meddling. Mitchell, a former teacher that the Freedom Caucus backed, narrowly won in a primary runoff by 20 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Mitchell told the SC Daily Gazette that a Democratic activist encouraged Democrats to vote for one of her opponents in the four-way primary two weeks earlier, when she came in second. In South Carolina, a runoff is required if no candidate takes at least 50% plus one vote. Its not my fault they cant find a candidate to run, she said of Democrats. A separate bill with more GOP support would prevent crossover voting while allowing people who didnt choose a party to participate in either partys primary. It would guarantee that registered members of an opposing party cant vote in our primaries, said its main sponsor, Rep. Brandon Newton, R-Lancaster, adding I would personally never support a system that doesnt allow independents to vote. Advertisement Advertisement However, under his proposal, voting in a primary would automatically register an unaffiliated voter with that party, though the voter could apply through the state Election Commission to undo that. The South Carolina Republican Party has repeatedly endorsed Newtons bill with unanimous support at committee meetings. An email blast to the party faithful Thursday with the headline Protect the Integrity of Republican Primaries included the number for the bill co-signed by 49 House Republicans without mentioning the other one. On Friday, the state GOP went further with a CALL TO ACTION! email that denounced the Freedom Caucus bill and provided the contact information for 13 of its sponsors, asking recipients to apply grassroots pressure to pass Newtons bill. If they did, it didnt work In the past, some Republican candidates have outright courted Democratic voters. A super PAC backing former Gov. Nikki Haley sent out mailers encouraging Democrats to vote for Haley instead of President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential primary, according to copies of the mailers obtained by NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement But Trump still trounced Haley in her home state, winning 59.8% of the vote to her 39.5%. For their part, state Democratic leaders have said they want Democrats voting in their primaries, not GOP contests. The idea that Democrats can strategically swoop in, outsmart thousands of Republican primary voters, and engineer a reasonable GOP nominee is not a strategy; its a fantasy, state Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain wrote in a November opinion piece in The Post and Courier re-posted on the state partys website. If Republicans want to nominate less extreme candidates to be more palatable to most South Carolina voters, thats their job, not ours, Spain said. Only 14 other U.S. states have an open primary system like South Carolinas. Five states let voters cross party lines but automatically register them with the party whose primary they vote in, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Eight states open party primaries to unaffiliated voters but not members of the opposite party. Only eight states have totally closed primaries that require voters to be registered with a party to vote in its primary: Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Editors note: This article has been updated with the state Republican Partys follow-up email to the party faithful Friday. (The Center Square) Colorado Republicans Friday reacted to Gov. Jared Polis final State of the State, disputing the Democrat's comments that real progress is being made on the cost of living, crime, road infrastructure and state regulations. Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, is the minority leader in the state Senate. He critiqued Polis focus on choice. During the State of the State, there were so many pinch points moments. The governor lives in a different world, Simpson said. He said people should have a lot of choices. However, in the energy space we are closing the door to people to choose what energy they want to heat their homes. Advertisement Advertisement In his speech Thursday before a joint session of the Democratic-controlled Legislature, Polis had his fair share of shots at Republicans, as reported by The Center Square. We are fighting hard to protect every federal dollar owed to Colorado, the governor said. In partnership with Attorney General [Phil] Weiser, our state has successfully defended nearly $900 million. There remains over a billion dollars or more that's at risk or lost from cuts. Sadly, Washington Republicans once the self-proclaimed party of states rights and small government today are too often the party of socialism, overreach and intrusion. Colorado House Republicans pointed out many issues they had with the speech. Polis wrapped his final State of the State with a victory lap. Coloradans are still living the reality of higher costs, unattainable housing, and communities that are not safe, they said in their response. A speech cannot hide what families see every day at the grocery store, in their energy costs, and in their neighborhoods. Colorado needs results, not rhetoric. House Republicans are ready to deliver real results. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Brandi Bradley, R-Douglas, dug in a little more on the issues facing Colorados ranchers and farmers, who Polis mentioned only twice. Bradley highlighted the reintroduction of gray wolves back into the state, which has been very controversial. While Denver applauds," Bradley said, "ranchers are paying the price: " Millions in taxpayer dollars spent on wolf reintroduction and management. " Hundreds of thousands paid out in livestock losses. " Ranching families losing animals, livelihoods, and peace of mind." "This administration still cannot read the room, Bradley said. Urban virtue signaling doesnt feed families, protect livestock, or respect the people who actually steward Colorados land. Advertisement Advertisement Looking forward, Polis promised in his speech to bring Republicans and Democrats together to address rising homeowner insurance costs, lower the state income tax, continue prioritizing transportation improvements and focus on implementing additional wildfire preparedness measures. This year, Colorado will celebrate its 150th anniversary of statehood as the Centennial State. Polis called on Republicans and Democrats to unite in that celebration. This year we'll celebrate our state's 150th birthday party and our country's 250th birthday party, Polis said. What a great opportunity to come together and honor these historic milestones, not as Democrats, or Republicans, or liberals, or moderates, or conservatives, but as the happy birthday party. The Colorado Republican minority leaders in the House and Senate did not respond to requests for comment by publication. Arkansas National Guardsmen and central Arkansas law enforcement officers completed required training on Aug. 2, 2025 at Burns Park. (Courtesy of the Arkansas National Guard) Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Thursday she was extending the deployment of around 100 Arkansas National Guard personnel to the nations capital. The deployment of the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade to Washington was part of the National Guard presence there, and was first announced in November. The extension of the routine rotational relief mission is for 90 days. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump mobilized 800 troops in Washington in August, citing a crime emergency. He has since attempted to deploy National Guard and other military personnel to several cities, mostly ones with Democratic mayors, such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland, Oregon. In several cases, federal district judges have balked at those efforts, including in Chicago and D.C., while appeals courts have sometimes paused those rules. An appeals court paused one such ruling affecting Washington, citing its unique status as a federal district, which has allowed the ongoing presence of National Guard troops there. The deployed Arkansas National Guard members are conducting security patrols and law enforcement support in designated areas, according to Sanders press release. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX January 16, 2026 Dear Gov. Jared Polis I understand youre considering pardoning Tina Peters. Please dont. Im the former elected recorder for Maricopa County, Arizona and had a front-row seat to elections over the past six years. Im intimately familiar with the efforts to sow doubt in our elections and how delicate faith in our democracy has become. I urge you to let the normal process run its course. Tina Peters is eligible for parole in 2028, and her current sentence could be shortened on appeal. Intervening now would tell the whole country that we do not value safeguarding our elections. It would strike a devastating blow to the confidence in our election laws. Advertisement Advertisement For years, Donald Trump and his allies have warned us election administrators that our time is coming, that we will be prosecuted, convicted, and imprisoned for our supposed crimes in 2020. The reality, as you know, is that we didnt steal the election. In fact, despite all the court cases, post-election audits, independent fraud sleuthing, Trump-initiated investigations, DOJ investigations, and state investigations, only one single, solitary election administratorout of tens of thousands of us throughout the United Stateshas been criminally convicted in connection with the 2020 presidential election. That one, of course, is Tina Peters. Advertisement Advertisement If you believe in democracy, if you believe in our elections, if you believe in impact journalismbecome a subscriber. She was convicted because she betrayed the responsibilities of an election administrator. As Mesa County clerk and recorder, Tina Peters allowed unauthorized amateurs to copy sensitive voting data in 2021 to prove debunked claims of election fraud. While other election administrators will often work frantic sixteen-hour days for many weeks to administer an electionall to ensure that it is conducted in a lawful, accurate, and ethical mannerTina Peters sent encrypted messages and encouraged employees who had witnessed her illegal actions to purchase burner phones to evade scrutiny from investigators. While we conducted post-election audits in public, without partisan favor, and according to clearly-defined rules, Tina Peters gave secret access to election equipment to political allies who wanted to overturn the will of American voters. Advertisement Advertisement While we followed the law, even when it made our jobs harder (the Pennsylvania law not allowing us to pre-process mail ballots immediately comes to mind), Tina Peters knowingly violated Colorado election law and understood the consequences. I am fucked. I am going to jail, she said. And she did. Tina Peters got the guilty verdict she deserved. As you yourself said, she was prosecuted by a Republican D.A. in a Republican county, convicted by a jury of her peers in a very Republican area in our state. Her sentence is consistent with the gravity of our election administration responsibilities and the importance of elections in our country. But now, it appears, you are open to lessening that sentence. Undoubtedly, the pressure being applied on you and the people in your state by Donald Trump is weighing heavily on this decision. His threats and acts of retribution have made your job harder and their lives more difficult. Colorado doesnt deserve to have its water sources jeopardized. Colorado doesnt deserve to lose the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Colorado doesnt deserve the dismantling of your National Center for Atmospheric Research. And Colorado doesnt deserve a phony investigation into your prisons. Advertisement Advertisement But any commutation or pardon of Tina Peterss sentence, outside of the normal parole or appeal process, would send a devastating messageboth to the country and to all election officials. If you grant Tina Peters clemency, how could we then continue to stomach the violent threats, endure the hateful emails, and even tolerate the skepticism of family members who have been fed lies about American elections? Our industry has lost many professionals in recent years. Many more would flee if Tina Peters is pardoned. The harm wouldnt stop there. Join now When Trump gleefully pardoned the January 6th rioters, many political pundits worried that he had invited future consequence-free attacks on election administrators. But we are still protected by state laws. That is, unless you signal otherwise. If you pardon Tina Peters, it would be giving Trump undue influence over state pardon powers. It would erase the two-layered protection built into our legal system. Election administrators would go to work knowing that we can be attacked with impunity if its for a cause supported by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Taking a stand against Trumps pressure would show election officials in states with closer contests than Colorados that their governors have their back. And the public will see the American legal system working as it should: If election administrators break the law, they will face state charges and weighty penalties despite the recklessness of whomever wields the presidential pardon pen. We tell voters that federalism itself is a safeguard against election interference, and a strength of our election system. There is no singular election tabulation system. There is no all-encompassing voter registration database in the United States. There is no universal set of election procedures. Elections arent administered in Colorado in the same way as in Georgia. This makes it very difficult to disrupt American elections across the country. Trump doesnt like this federalized system. He wants to build a national voter registration database. He wants tabulation standards and mail-balloting rules to be set by the federal government. Hes even contemplated seizing tabulation machines. So far, states have resisted. But if you pardon Tina Peters, then Trump will learn that he can flatten federalism if he finds the right leverage. Advertisement Advertisement If you give in, the lives of election administrators will be worse, confidence in American elections will decrease, and our elections will be less secure. So, I plead to you: Do not give in. Thank you, Stephen Stephen Richer is the former elected Maricopa County recorder. He is now CEO of Republic Affairs and a fellow of the Cato Institute. Share Jan. 16GRAND FORKS A recent flood study to determine how Grand Forks' flood protections may perform with increased rain and higher melt flows showed a few areas that city engineers would like to improve over the next year or two. The flood study, according to City Engineer Al Grasser, was done as a kind of continuation of studies started a few years earlier, which he said showed increasing summer rain events and flows from spring melts. The study and its results were presented during the latest Grand Forks City Council meeting on Jan. 12. The city's engineering department also worked with engineering firm AE2S to conduct the study. Advertisement Advertisement Part of that study included 27 model runs to help visualize how English Coulee, the diversion channel on the west side of town and various drainage systems and protections would react to different rain events and melt flows at different levels of intensity. "We also did some runs searching for that simple solution," Grasser said. "Is there a cheap, easy solution to move forward?" The study found a few possible solutions with a high probability of preventing future flooding events from summer rain and spring melt; one such solution is adding more storage ponds and box culverts west of Interstate 29 to better control or eliminate flows in more rural parts of the watershed. Grasser said concepts for that project will be included in the planned interchange from Interstate 29 to 47th Avenue South. Advertisement Advertisement Other solutions to help mitigate flooding include diverting more water to the English Coulee Diversion by blocking off some of the flow at the interstate, possibly pushing water toward the diversion through gravity, and by making improvements to certain pump stations. English Coulee is a natural waterway that flows northward through western Grand Forks, from near Columbia Mall, past residential neighborhoods and through the UND campus before flowing into the Red River. Grasser also said the study discovered a few areas that aren't connected to the coulee over land that are still at risk for possible flooding through the storm sewer system. "We want to look at the possibility of being able to disconnect some of those points and put in a small pump station, so in the event that we do have high water on the English Coulee, we can basically control that water and keep it from just backing up through the system," he said. Advertisement Advertisement The engineering department's first priorities, slated for early this year, would be to determine and adopt ditch and pond storage requirements west of the interstate, begin a review with the Army Corps of Engineers to introduce new flows to the English Coulee Diversion, look into the feasibility of pump stations upgrades around the coulee and install monitoring sites on major waterways. "There were a lot of monitoring sites that monitored the flows vs. the rainfall events," he said. "I think there's some advantage for us to keep a few of these sites working so we understand how these drainage features are working. Grasser added the city can benefit from some cost-share programs with the North Dakota Department of Water Resources if it pursues some of these projects, like the Rural Flood Control Program which Grand Forks currently utilizes that offers cost shares between 45% and 60%, and the Flood Protection Program that offers up to 60% cost shares. The city is currently at a 52% cost share with the state for flood-related projects. Del. Bob Fehrenbacher, R-Wood, and Del. Walter Hall, R-Kanawha, look over the governors proposed budget during a meeting of the House Finance Committee Jan. 16, 2026. (Photo by Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography) Gov. Patrick Morrisey told the public Wednesday night during his State of the State address that he wanted a 10% personal income tax cut, saying it should be a priority to put more money back into peoples pockets. The next morning, his finance staff presented a budget to Senators seeking a 5% cut, and the budget was calculated with a 5% tax cut included. The same reduced request went before members of the House Finance Committee on Friday, prompting Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, to ask, What was the thought process in going with 10% on Wednesday night, and then coming back here 12 hours later and saying 5%? In response, Department of Revenue Deputy Secretary Mike Muchow said the governor wants at least 5% and would like to get 10%, but he wants to involve the Legislature to make sure that everybody is comfortable with getting to 10%. Williams wasnt sold on the explanation. Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia I feel as if that was said the night before, with 10% because there were cameras in the room, and everyone was talking about it, he said after the meeting. All of a sudden that changes. I felt as if it was a disingenuous representation. It was like a bad dating profile. The states tax-cut trigger formula, passed by lawmakers in 2023, didnt trigger a tax cut this year because West Virginia didnt meet the revenue goal in this past fiscal year. Morriseys tax cut isnt a done deal for lawmakers, who this week began vetting the governors proposed budget. A 5% tax cut would cost about $125 million; a 10% would equal around $250 million. The governor and his budget office say the state can afford the tax cut, pointing to strong rainy day funds and general revenue numbers as a reason lawmakers can pass a tax cut. Changes to the Public Employees Insurance Agency plan have saved money, and finding inefficiencies in agencies spending helped too, they said. Del. Michael Hite, R-Berkeley, asks questions about the governors proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during a meeting of the House Committee on Finance Jan. 16, 2026. (Photo by Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography) Del. Michael Hite, R-Berkeley, said, the math doesnt make sense. What happened between last year and this year that we have overcome a $400 million structural deficit in the out years, and we can afford a 10% personal income tax cut? Hite asked. A six-year plan, used as a budget forecasting tool put together by the Morrisey administration, projects a $204 million gap in fiscal 2028. Additionally, State Budget Director Mike McKown told lawmakers that looming federal cuts under President Donald Trump threaten the states budget health. Tanks wrought massive carnage in the Second World War, and stopping these tracked monsters from the air was a tough task. It demanded flying low, avoiding or surviving getting shot, and having a big enough weapon to destroy or disable a well-protected, often moving, target. Not all aircraft were suited to the demanding anti-tank mission; when the He-177 heavy bomber was tasked by Luftwaffe commander-in-chief Hermann Goring personally to halt a large Soviet tank offensive, the results were disastrous for the Germans. The He-177 force was too lumbering for the mission and was cut to pieces. Here are the 11 best tank-busting aircraft of World War 2 that did much better: 11: Bucker Bu 181 Bestmann Bucker Bu 181 Bestmann In the desperate last-ditch defence of Germany, almost every available aircraft type was dragged into the fight. The rather innocuous-looking Bu 181 training aircraft had already been used as a liaison aircraft and a glider tow, and now it was to enter the more dangerous role of tank-buster. Advertisement Advertisement Armament was to be four Panzerfaust. The Panzerfaust was a recoilless launcher tube with a single bulbous high-explosive anti-tank warhead extending forward from the muzzle. Unlike the baseline infantry version, the aircraft version was wired to be fired remotely by the pilot. 11: Bu 181 Bestmann Bu 181 Bestmann The converted tank-killing aircraft were known as the Bu 181C-3 Panzerjager (tank hunter), fitted with four wing-mounted Panzerfaust 100 mounted in pairs, two on each wing. Bomb-armed Bucker Bu 181s were used for harassment attacks. The assignment to such tank-busting missions in the Bu 181 must have been an alarming prospect to pilots. Considering the low-speed top speed of the Bucker Bu 181 of 122mph (197km/h), its relative fragility, the extremely short range of its Panzerfaust and the mass of Allied forces, it is unsurprising that the 181 pilots endured heavy losses. However, they did succeed in destroying some Allied armour. 10: L-4 Grasshopper L-4 Grasshopper The humble Piper Cub is a simple light aircraft loved by civilians and built in great numbers. It was not designed for warfare, yet in a quirk of fate, it ended up book-marking the US war and even taking on tanks directly with Bazookas! Advertisement Advertisement Moments before the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Marcus F. Poston, a student pilot, was on a solo flight in a Piper Cub J-3 above Oahu, the third-largest of the Hawaiian islands. In an epic example of bad luck, Poston met the surprise attack of Japanese aircraft head-on, resulting in the modest J-3 becoming the first American aeroplane to be shot down in World War II. 10: L-4 Grasshopper L-4 Grasshopper The L-4 Grasshopper was a military version used for reconnaissance, liaison and spotting. As a spotting aircraft, it must take some credit for the armour destroyed by artillery (similarly, the Stinson L-5 Sentinel must take some credit for tank destruction by P-47s and other US tactical aircraft when used in the Horsefly Forward Air Control role). In 1944, USAAF Major Charles Carpenter was assigned an L-4 in France. Learning of other L-4 pilots installing bazookas on their aircraft, Carpenter did the same with impressive results. Carpenter told a correspondent that the word must be getting around to watch out for Cubs with bazookas on them. Every time I show up now, they shoot with everything they have. They never used to bother Cubs. Bazookas must be bothering them a bit. Carpenter took six tanks out before the war ended. 9: Junker Ju 88 Junker Ju 88 With Soviet tank production factories creating armour at a startling rate, Germany was forced to consider every conceivable measure of anti-tank warfare. Every combat aircraft type was assessed for suitability for the anti-armour role, which meant fitting heavy armour to withstand low-level ground fire and adding bigger guns. Advertisement Advertisement The twin-engined Junkers Ju 88, which first flew in 1936, was the most versatile of the Luftwaffes aircraft, serving in various roles, including bomber, heavy fighter, night fighter, torpedo bomber and reconnaissance. It was even adapted into an explosive-packed drone. With a glut of available Ju 88s airframes, it was considered convenient if they could be drafted into the anti-tank role. 9: Junker Ju 88 Junker Ju 88 Many gun types were tried with the Ju 88, including the huge 75mm PAK 40, capable of penetrating thirteen centimetres of tank armour at one kilometre. However, even the smaller 30mm Mk 101 was highly effective and could destroy a tank if attacked in its relatively vulnerable rear. The Ju 88 P variant was developed for the anti-armour role with a single Bordkanone series 75 mm, 50 mm (1.97 in), or twin 37 mm (1.46 in) calibre cannon in a ventral gun pod position. Produced in small numbers, the large, somewhat lumbering Ju 88S, were not a success. 8: Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Focke-Wulf Fw 190 The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 was designed by the aircraft design genius Kurt Tank and was one of the finest fighters of the war. It entered service in 1941 and was, for a while, the best fighter in the world. It also served with distinction in the fighter-bomber role. Advertisement Advertisement A thoroughly modern design, the Fw 190 was a radial-engined fighter that boasted spectacular speed, roll rates and a strong armament, pushing aside the Messerschmitt Bf 109 as the premier Luftwaffe fighter (though the Bf 109 would remain in service until the end of the war). 8: Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Focke-Wulf Fw 190 When the Eastern Front campaign was failing, the Luftwaffe desperately needed high-performance ground attack aircraft less vulnerable to enemy fighters and groundfire than the large and slow Stuka. Various heavier armaments (including huge guns and rockets) were fitted to the Fw 190, in an attempt to create just such a machine. The Fw 190 F-8 had a modified injector on the compressor for improved performance at lower altitudes (for short times). For better communication with ground forces, it had the FuG 16 ZS radio unit. It had 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon in the wing roots and two 13 mm (.51 in) MG 131 machine guns above the engine. 7: Hawker Hurricane Hawker Hurricane To take on tanks requires serious firepower, and with this (and other ground attack roles in mind) a Hawker Hurricane was tested with a wing-mounted 40mm cannon in 1941. The Rolls-Royce 40mm cannon was tried but dismissed for a lack of reliability and smaller ammunition capacity in its drum magazine, and the Vickers S was selected instead. Advertisement Advertisement The Hurricane Mk.IID, armed with 40mm cannons, went to fight tanks in the desert as part of the No.6 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, earning the nickname The Can Openers for their ability to destroy armoured vehicles. Hurricanes armed with the hefty Vickers S gun claimed 47 tanks plus 198 other enemy vehicles. 7: Hawker Hurricane Hawker Hurricane The Hawker Hurricane Mk. IID, with its water-cooled engine, was not ideal for the low-level ground attack role, and suffered heavy losses, largely from enemy anti-aircraft fire. The improved Mk. IV, operational from 1943 - had beefed up armour around the fuel tanks, engine and cockpit areas. In June 1943, Hurricanes of No 137 Squadron started flying Hurricanes with the option of a 40mm cannon or unguided rockets, initially known as Unrotating Projectiles (UP) and later Rocket Projectiles (RP). The rockets were more effective, but the unit was initially banned from using this secret weapon over occupied land. 6: Yakovlev Yak-9 Yakovlev Yak-9 Though given different designations, the wartime Yak fighter family is the same series, substantially more so than the Spitfire family can claim. Around 8700 Yak-1s were made, 6399 Yak-7s, and 4848 Yaks for a tremendous total of around 36,716, making it the most numerous fighter type in history. Advertisement Advertisement The Soviet Unions fixation with tactical air power meant no fighters could completely escape the ground attack, Close Air Support or Ground Attack missions. With its 37mm cannon and excellent low-level performance, it is often thought that the Bell P-39 was a prime Soviet anti-tank aircraft, but it was primarily tasked with the low-level fighter role. 6: Yakovlev Yak-9 Yakovlev Yak-9 The Yak-9 performed more anti-tank missions, in particular, the Yak-9T variant with a 37mm cannon, in this case the Nudelman-Suranov NS-37 (also fitted to the Ilyushin Il-2 and Lavochkin LaGG-3). This formidable cannon could penetrate up to 40 mm (1.6 in) of tank armour from 500 metres (1,600 ft). The Yak-9T carried 30 rounds of 37mm ammunition, which fired through the propeller hub. A total of 2748 Yak-9Ts were produced. Attempts to up-gun the Yak-9 further to carry a 45mm gun, as the Yak-9K, proved too much for the tiny fighter. 5: Hawker Typhoon Hawker Typhoon Testing revealed Britains Hawkers Typhoons performance was rather disappointing above 15,000 feet, making it a poor choice in its intended role as fighter. The Typhoon may have failed as a fighter, but it found its place as a rugged, low-level fighter bomber. The Typhoon was perhaps the fastest of all piston-engine aircraft of the war at sea level, capable of an astonishing 375mph. Advertisement Advertisement This low-level performance was an excellent quality for a ground attack aircraft, but it had a built-in vulnerability; it had a water-cooled engine with a large radiator beneath the nose, a bad prospect considering the anti-aircraft and infantry guns it would face. To make it a Close Air Support aircraft suitable for the invasion, 780Ibs (355 kg) of armour was added. 5: Hawker Typhoon Hawker Typhoon Twenty squadrons of the 2nd Tactical Air Force fought with the Typhoon, supporting British and Canadian forces in the brutal invasion of Northwest Europe. In addition to brilliant tank-busting, Typhoons were the main Defence Suppression aircraft tasked with destroying German radar stations before D-Day. In the early days of the fight for Europe, Typhoons roamed the skies with the terrific armament of unguided rockets, and four 20-mm cannon. Though there is some debate on the direct effectiveness of rockets on German armour, what is, without doubt, is that the fear of this weapon caused many German tank crews to get out and run rather than face a rain of rockets. 4: Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Republic P-47 Thunderbolt The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was a colossal radial-engined fighter bomber used by the United States Army Air Force (USAAF). Fast, long-ranged and well-armed, it was a tough and versatile machine. It was the principal US fighter bomber of the war and came to fame in the ground attack role with the Twelfth Air Force. Advertisement Advertisement Standard armament was six .50 calibre guns, and it could also carry bombs and rockets. Rocket options included M8 4.5 in (115 mm) rockets or 5-inch (130 mm) High Velocity Aircraft Rockets (HVARs). In addition to carrying potent weapons, the hefty P-47 could withstand furious groundfire and return home. 4: Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Republic P-47 Thunderbolt One mission by the 314th Fighter Squadron, on March 16 1945, saw the destruction (or disabling) of ten tanks by a force of eight P-47s. This action took place in Forstheim, in Alsace. The P-47s attacked with 500Ib (227kg) General Purpose and 260Ib (118kg) Fragmentation bombs before setting up a racetrack pattern to perform strafing passes with guns. From D-Day until VE Day, Thunderbolts wrought tremendous destruction on Axis forces; USAAF aircraft claimed to have destroyed 6000 armoured vehicles and 68,000 trucks. During Operation Cobra, an offensive by the First United States Army seven weeks after the D-Day landings, P-47 Thunderbolts of the 405th Fighter group decimated a column with 122 tanks (also destroying 259 other vehicles). 3: Junkers Ju 87 Stuka Junkers Ju 87 Stuka Any documentary on the German Blitzkrieg warfare of the early part of the Second World War will show footage of a Junkers Ju 87 dive-bombing; indeed, the aircraft is emblematic of the Blitzkrieg. As the war progressed, its role shifted to tank-busting. Advertisement Advertisement In early June 1940, Stukas attacked a formation of 20-30 French tanks in woods close to Roye, France. The Ju 87s dive-bombing attacks destroyed some tanks and left the rest of the force scattered and disengaged, allowing the invading German ground forces to advance. 3: Ju 87 Stuka Ju 87 Stuka Heavier firepower was required for the anti-armour role, in the form of the two 37-mm Flak 18 cannon carried underwing by the Ju 87G. With this bulky weapon and its increased drag came some loss of performance; the G was slower and less manoeuvrable than lighter Stukas. Though effective, the Ju 87 endured very heavy losses on the Eastern Front, with a kill-loss ratio sometimes reaching parity or worse. Stuka pilot Hans-Ulrich Rudel (1916-1982) is likely the most effective anti-tank pilot of all time and is credited with destroying 519 tanks. 2: Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik Our Red Army now needs Il-2 aircraft like the air it breathes, like the bread it eats. These were the words Stalin used to express his dissatisfaction with an aircraft factory behind on production rates. This might just tell you something about how vital the Shturmovik (meaning stormer or assaulter and used to describe ground attack aircraft) was on the Eastern Front. Forget your A-10s, forget your Harriers, when an aircraft is so good at its role that it defines the nature of an air theatre, you know its formidable. The Ilyushin Il-2 keeps popping up in our articles, and for good reason. As well as being the aircraft created in the most significant number, it is also one of the most significant warplanes ever made in terms of what it achieved. 2: Ilyushin Il-2 Ilyushin Il-2 This was the original tank-killer. The aircraft that devastated German mechanised columns, that frustrated Luftwaffe aces, that scared Wehrmacht troops so much they dubbed it The Flying Tank. German pilots would report emptying their entire ammunition loads into Il-2s, only to watch them carry on flying. Anti-Aircraft gun crews could get direct hits, yet the Shturmovik often flew on. While Soviet reports of combat destruction were, without a doubt, exaggerated, the impact that the Il-2 had on harrying and disrupting the German war machine was vital to the Red Armys success and progress on the front. The Il-2 may not have been the best aircraft for tankbusting in all respects, but it was there when it was most needed and fought in large numbers. 1: Henschel Hs 129 Henschel Hs 129 The Henschel Hs 129 is unique in this list in being purpose-designed for the Schlachtflieger (Close Air Support) mission, which included anti-armour; in this and several other respects, it was the A-10 of its time. In the 1960s, the USAF experience in Vietnam led to a desire for greater armour protection for ground attack aircraft; in the 1930s, the Spanish Civil War experience had the same effect on the Luftwaffe. The requirement was issued in 1937, and soon, two contractors were down-selected, Focke-Wulf and Henschel. The new aircraft was required to have an armoured bathtub and carry 20-mm cannon. Focke-Wulf proposed a converted existing design, and Henschel a new one. Henschel won the contest, and the machine flew in 1939. 1: Henschel Hs 129 Henschel Hs 129 It proved troublesome, with the chronic lack of power and the poor pilot view (through the thick armoured glass) being among the worst problems. Considering the size and power of the aircraft, there were limitations on the size of gun it could effectively use. A lightened Pak 40, the BK 7.5 cm Panzerabwehrkanone was fitted to the Henschel Hs 129B-3 but was too much gun for the aircraft. Though insufficient numbers of Hs 129s were made, they proved excellent at destroying tanks. Rudolf-Heinz Ruffer (1920-1944) was a German Luftwaffe ground-attack pilot, who destroyed 80 tanks, most with the Henschel Hs 129. Though relatively slow and tricky to master, pilots felt reassured by its effective armour and armament. Had it been produced and deployed in larger numbers, like the Il-2 and Ju 87, it could have proved a significant problem for the Allies. Follow Joe Coles and his Hush-Kit aviation world on Substack, Twitter X or Blue Sky. 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 ]]> A Brown County jury on Jan. 15 convicted a Greenfield man of attempted homicide in the December 2024 stabbing of a 57-year-old man. After a four-day trial, a jury found Jaharrie Jelks, 31, guilty on all six counts he was charged with: attempted first-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon, false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct with a dangerous weapon, bail jumping, driving a vehicle without consent and armed robbery with the threat of force, according to court records. Just after midnight on Dec. 8, 2024, Green Bay police officers went to the 1400 block of Western Avenue for a reported stabbing, according to a criminal complaint. The victim had a stab wound to his chest, two stab wounds on either side of his waist and two stab wounds on his back. Advertisement Advertisement The victim told police he knew Jelks, but did not know him well, according to the complaint. On the night of Dec. 7, Jelks arrived at the victim's friend's apartment, where the victim and four others were, the complaint said. The other people left, leaving Jelks and the victim alone in the apartment. The victim told police he and Jelks argued about religion and Jelks' belief that the victim owed him money, the complaint said. The victim tried to leave, "due to Jelks' unrelenting argumentativeness," when Jelks stopped him. The victim said Jelks took his wallet and brought out a knife when the victim tried to get his wallet back, the complaint said. The victim pushed past Jelks, who followed the victim down Western Avenue and stabbed him "multiple times in rapid succession," the complaint said. On Dec. 10, 2024, the Green Bay Police Department received a report of a stolen vehicle. The owner of the vehicle said he believed Jelks stole the car, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Jelks is scheduled to return to court March 13 to be sentenced. Vivian Barrett is the public safety reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. You can reach her at vmbarrett@usatodayco.com or (920) 431-8314. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Jaharrie Jelks convicted of stabbing man in December 2024 in Green Bay GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) A man was charged in connection to a shooting at a Greensboro McDonalds last month, according to a Greensboro Police Department news release. On Dec. 15, around 4:55 p.m., officers responded to the McDonalds in the 2200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drivewhen they were told about a shooting. One victim, later identified as Kendrick Dick, 23, was taken by a private vehicle to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds. Advertisement Advertisement When Dick was released from the hospital on Dec. 22, he was taken to the Guilford County Jail to face charges for outstanding warrants in a separate case. Moses Wilson, 45, of Greensboro, was later arrested in New Hampshire and held for extradition back to Greensboro. On Thursday, he was jailed without bond and charged with: assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury possession of a firearm by a felon discharge of a firearm in the city going armed to the terror of the people hit-and-run leaving scene with property damage The investigation is ongoing. 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 FOX8 WGHP. Gov. Greg Abbott is entering 2026 with a staggering $105.7 million on hand to power his reelection bid and his efforts to boost Republicans down the ballot in Texas. Abbott raised $22.7 million from July through December with more than 48,000 contributions from every county in Texas, his campaign said, bringing his total war chest to nine figures. Over the course of his four gubernatorial campaigns, his team added, Abbott has now received more than a million unique individual contributions. The outpouring of support from across the state sends a powerful message about the values Texans expect our governor to defend, Abbott campaign manager Kim Snyder said in a statement. As socialists win elections elsewhere, Texans are stepping up to support Governor Abbott because he protects our way of life. Advertisement Advertisement Abbotts top donors over the last six months of the year included Midland oil executive Javaid Anwar, who gave over $1.6 million, adding to the millions he has previously donated to the governor over the years. Casino magnate Miriam Adelson and Texas Republican Leadership Fund, a group backed by GOP megadonor Alex Fairly, both gave Abbotts campaign $1 million. And Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Roku founder Anthony Wood, data center developer Black Mountain Power, and Capital Funding Group CEO John Dwyer gave Abbotts campaign $500,000 apiece. Abbott has vowed to spend heavily to flip Harris County, a Democratic stronghold where Republicans have been competitive in recent elections. Ive got $90 million in my bank account, and Im going to spend most of it in Harris County, Texas, to make sure, precinct by precinct, we turn out voters who voted in the presidential election, turn out voters who never voted before, Abbott said in October. We got to win Harris County and make Harris County dark red. Meanwhile, Abbotts leading Democratic challenger, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, raised $1 million in the 10 weeks since she launched her campaign. The average donation she received was under $50, her campaign said, emphasizing she did not take any contributions from corporate PACs. She also loaned her campaign $300,000 of her own money. Advertisement Advertisement Im so grateful to be running a people-powered campaign that is fighting for a more prosperous and affordable future for working Texans, said Hinojosa, D-Austin. Greg Abbott can keep lining his pockets with the money he gets from selling out working families, but across the state, we are seeing Texans fired up and ready for change. Hinojosas largest donation, $25,000, came from philanthropist and winemaker Suzanne Booth. The Texas American Federation of Teachers political fund also gave her campaign $10,000, and former Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa the candidates father donated $6,250 for campaign signs. Bobby Cole, a retired firefighter and rancher also running in the Democratic primary, has just $27,465 on hand after raising nearly $61,000 from July through December and spending almost $154,000, according to his filing with the Texas Ethics Commission. And former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell, another Democratic candidate, has just $4,622 on hand after raising $33,286 during the six-month reporting period. Most of that sum, $25,000, came from Houston attorney Mike Lowenberg. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and there are several events happening in Connecticut through July 4th weekend to celebrate. Nutmeggers can catch programming at the Carousel Museum, The New Haven Museum, the Mystic Seaport Museum and more. Here's a list of 250th anniversary celebrations in Connecticut: January Greenwich is holding "History of Old Greenwich" featuring historian Pat Larrabee sharing information and stories behind local landmarks, famous people who lived in Greenwich and more at the Meetinghouse of First Congregational Church on Jan. 17. Advertisement Advertisement 108 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich West Hartford is holding a program called "Working for the Revolution: Patriot Women's Lives During the War" featuring Dr. Hermes discussing how different women contributed to the American Revolutionary effort politically, economically and more at the Noah Webster House on Jan. 22. 227 South Main St., West Hartford Greenwich is holding a virtual event called "America 250 Greenwich Information Session" on Jan. 22 where residents and organizations can come together to come up with event ideas to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and get information on events that are happening. Advertisement Advertisement greenwichct.gov YWCA Greenwich is holding "Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King annual conversation" on Jan. 22. The event features sociologist and author Eric Klinenberg along with state and municipal officials discussing how other public places beyond work and home that have historically strengthened communities and helped combat inequality, polarization, and civic decline today. 259 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich Greenwich is holding a film screening of "Antonia: A Portrait of the Woman" at the First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich on Jan. 31. The film is about American conductor Antonia Brico, who was the first woman to conduct the New York Philharmonic. Advertisement Advertisement 108 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich February David Mills, the presenter of the Unhired Hands: 18th Century Northern Slavery at the Weston Public Library on Feb. 1, 2026. (David Mills/Courtesy of Samantha Fargione) Poet, actor and playwright David Mills will present "Unhired Hands: 18th Century Northern Slavery" at the Weston Public Library on Feb. 1. Mills will use storytelling and poetry to share the history of slavery in the North during the 18th century. Advanced registration is recommended. 56 Norfield Road, Weston The Harwinton Historical Society is holding "Litchfield County Loyalist in the Revolutionary War," a talk exploring which county residents were more likely to become loyalists, their activities during the war and more, at the Harwinton Town Hall on Feb. 8. Advertisement Advertisement 100 Bentley Drive, Harwinton The eighty-foot-tall "luminous Liberty Bell" across the Broad Street entrance to the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition at Philadelphia. (Library of Congress/Courtesy of Julie Winkel) The New Haven Museum will host "An Unfinished Revolution at 250" featuring historian and author Michael Hattem discussing the unique role that the Revolution has had in American life and more on Feb. 25. A reception will follow the free event. Registration is required. 114 Whitney Ave., New Haven March Abigail Adams Smith by Mather Brown, 1785. (Courtesy of Julie Winkel) The New Haven Museum is holding "Fashion Isn't Frivolous: A Fresh Perspective on America's 250th" featuring textile expert Lynne Bassett who will demonstrate how both early and contemporary Americans have expressed their national and personal character through their clothing choices on March 28. Registration required. Advertisement Advertisement 114 Whitney Ave., New Haven April The Mystic Seaport Museum is hosting the "Smithsonian National Lecture Series: Making History, Making Change" featuring Dr. Paul Gardullo the senior curator and Assistant Director of History at the National Museum of African American History and Culture discussing and sharing stories from the Slave Wrecks project, highlighting the multiple diffent ways that the maritime experience has been a connecting thread through American history on April 30. 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic May The Mystic Seaport Museum is holding a community film screening of PBS's "The American Revolution" with CT Public on May 14. "The American Revolution" tells the story of the 13 American colonies uniting in rebellion, winning the war to secure their independence, and establishing a new form of government and more. Advertisement Advertisement 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic June The Mystic Seaport Museum is holding its summer lecture series on June 11, July 9 and Aug. 13. More information will be announced closer to the event dates. 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic The Mystic Seaport Museum is holding Juneteenth programming on June 19. More information will be announced closer to the event date. < 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic July 2024 Symphony In the Park. (Jim Henkel/Courtesy of Hartford Symphony Orchestra) Hartford Symphony Orchestra and Hartford Bonanza is holding the "America 250 Commemorative Concert" during the 6th annual Hartford Bonanza festival at Bushnell Park on July 4. The concert will feature a performance by the full Hartford Symphony Orchestra ensemble. 1 Jewell St., Hartford This article originally published at A guide to 2026 America's 250th anniversary celebrations in Connecticut. Arab Gulf nations have been watching nervously as neighbouring Iran has been engulfed in nationwide protests. United States President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Tehran a move many Gulf powers fear would plunge the region into chaos. Behind the scenes, Saudi Arabia has reportedly been lobbying the US administration to refrain from striking Iran, while Qatar and Oman have been focused on diplomatic outreach between Iranian and American officials. The three countries shifted into high-gear diplomacy to de-escalate tensions after reports on Wednesday suggested that contact between Washington and Tehran had broken down, raising fears that an attack was imminent, observers said. They were all concerned because all traditional channels [between the US and Iran] were not being utilised, at least from the US side, said Anna Jacobs Khalaf, a Gulf analyst and non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute. Advertisement Advertisement GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] officials didnt know what the US intentions were, said Muhanad Seloom, assistant professor in critical security studies at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Regional spillover Tensions escalated after Trump repeatedly threatened military action in Iran over the bloodshed taking place there. Authorities in Iran say that more than 100 security force personnel have been killed in clashes with protesters, while opposition activists say the real toll includes more than 1,000 protesters, since demonstrations erupted in late December. Al Jazeera cannot independently verify these figures. Trump called on Iranians to take over state institutions, promising that help is on the way. While it wasnt clear what kind of attack he was considering, his remarks left the region bracing for an escalation. Advertisement Advertisement Arab Gulf nations fear that a military strike on Iran could disrupt oil prices, shatter their reputation as safe havens for business, and trigger an Iranian retaliation on their soil. It wouldnt be the first time. In 2019, Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen struck Saudi Arabias oil facilities, temporarily reducing Saudi oil production. Last June, Tehran attacked Qatars Al Udeid airbase, which hosts American troops, after the US struck a key nuclear facility in Iran. Iran gave ample warning that it would carry out the attack, which marked the end of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, yet it created a precedent. And while that conflict weakened Irans military capabilities, the Islamic Republic still has an arsenal to hurt US interests in the region. Iran has ballistic missiles, supersonic missiles and militia groups around, so if they are given a reason to hit, they would, said Seloom. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran had warned regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to Turkiye, that US bases in those nations would be attacked if the US targets Iran. That was followed by the drawdown of some personnel from the Al Udeid airbase. Speaking to reporters in the White House later on Wednesday, Trump said he had received information that the killing in Iran is stopping, is stopped and theres no plan for executions. While some interpreted that as an off-ramp to de-escalation, the US president did not rule out military action. Unintended consequences Each member of the Gulf Cooperation Council has a different history with Iran but they all fear what would happen next and who would fill the vacuum should Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei be replaced or the whole system abruptly collapse, experts say. Advertisement Advertisement The collapse of Iraq following the 2003 US-led invasion, and the chaos that followed including a deadly civil war, the strengthening of al-Qaeda, and the eventual emergence of ISIL (ISIS) is an experience Arab Gulf countries do not want to see repeated in a country with a population of more than 90 million, an arsenal of weapons at its disposal, and a badly weakened yet existent network of allies in the region. They may like to see the Iranian leadership weakened, but all of them are more concerned about a scenario of chaos and uncertainty and the possibility of more radical elements coming to power there, said Khalaf. Qatar, Kuwait and Oman have found their way to exist with their neighbour on the northern shore of the Gulf Doha even shares with Tehran the worlds largest natural gas reservoir. The UAEs Dubai is also a key port for trade with Iran and the two countries enjoy a robust economic partnership. The UAE would therefore greatly suffer from unrest in Iran or an attack on its soil. Still, Emirati officials have remained silent in the past week having diverged from other GCC countries by cozying up to Israel and taking different positions in Sudan and Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Arabia and Iran have long been arch-foes, but in recent years the rivalry has morphed into a pragmatic relationship based on keeping channels of communication open and preventing each other from escalation. Riyadh is especially wary of regional destabilisation as the Kingdom embarks on a series of ambitious economic reforms to diversify its reliance on oil and boost its tourism sector goals that require stability at home and in the broader region. Saudi [Arabia] is not comfortable at all with regime change anywhere its radical and extreme and outcomes are uncertain and risky, Khalaf added. Our goal is to achieve stability and calm so that we can direct our resources toward building a better future for our people, Saudi Arabias Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir said on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Still, Khaled Batarfi, a Saudi political analyst, said that Riyadh would welcome changes in Iran, especially if they are gradual, bringing about a leadership willing to curtail its nuclear and missile programmes and one that is less opposed to the US. But a sudden change like a regime change with the risk of the countrys disintegration is not going to be good for anyone, said Batarfi. The whole region is on fire and we dont need to add another fire to our doors. Delaware state police say the man who shot and killed a trooper at a DMV facility in New Castle County, just two days before Christmas, was specifically targeting law enforcement. Investigators released new details Friday about the shooting of Cpl. Matthew "Ty" Snook. They say the gunman, 44-year-old Rahman Rose, previously resided in Connecticut but was staying in the Wilmington area with no permanent address. Advertisement Advertisement According to police, Rose had told people who knew him that he believed police were targeting him and was concerned law enforcement was coming after him. He had posted anti-police content on social media, authorities said. He also allegedly said he believed he was the victim of "gang stalking," which police described as "a personal belief that someone is being constantly surveilled and harassed by the government and/or law enforcement entities." RELATED: Funeral held for fallen Delaware State Police Corporal Matthew "Ty" Snook Corporal Grade One Matthew T. "Ty" Snook Delaware State Police State police say they have found no evidence that Rose was acting on behalf of, or in conjunction with, any other group or individuals. Advertisement Advertisement And while Rose had some limited contact with Delaware law enforcement in the year prior to the shooting, police say none of the contact was criminal in nature, resulted in an arrest, or involved Cpl. Snook. In fact, state police say detectives found no prior relationship, interaction, or dispute between Rose and Cpl. Snook. "Based on the totality of the evidence, detectives concluded this was a deliberate and targeted attack on law enforcement," Delaware state police said. Rose legally purchased the gun involved in Connecticut back in 2021. Rose was not prohibited from purchasing or possessing weapons at the time, police say, and had a limited criminal record. Advertisement Advertisement A Delaware State Police trooper was killed in what officials said was an active shooter situation at a DMV facility in New Castle. According to police, Rose entered the DMV facility at 2230 Hessler Boulevard in Minquadale around 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 23. He took a seat in the driver's services area, police said, but left a short time later without contacting anyone or conducting any business. He returned at 1:56 p.m. and took a queue ticket from the welcome desk, where Snook and a DMV employee were stationed. There was no interaction between Rose and Snook at that time, police say, and Rose took a seat in the driver's services area. Advertisement Advertisement However, about three minutes later, police say Rose ambushed Snook from behind, using a concealed handgun to shoot him from over a glass partition. Snook "valiantly and heroically" shielded the DMV worker, police said, before he was shot again. RELATED: Fallen trooper's widow, brother speak out at candlelight vigil honoring Cpl. Matthew "Ty" Snook Rose then "allowed and encouraged" several customers to leave the building while he remained inside. He appeared to wait for law enforcement, according to police. Investigators say the only other shots Rose fired were at responding officers. At 2:07 p.m., a New Castle County police officer shot Rose through a window from outside the building. Advertisement Advertisement Rose was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. "The Delaware State Police would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has shown support during this incredibly difficult time. Cpl/1 Snook was an exemplary Trooper and a devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. Ty's courageous act of strength and sacrifice reflected the core values he lived by every day - protecting others with bravery, selflessness, and steadfast integrity. Ty leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him," state police said in a statement. A gunman wanted for allegedly opening fire and killing a next-door neighbor in Danbury, Connecticut has turned himself in to police. Danbury Police said David Grullon Jr. voluntarily turned himself in around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. He's been charged with several offenses, including second-degree manslaughter, criminal possession of a pistol/revolver, two counts of risk of injury to a minor, and illegal discharge of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Video in the media player above is from a previous story. Police say Grullon Jr., who lives at 43 Lake Ave., fired a gun in his apartment, which went through the wall and killed his next-door neighbor, 37-year-old Victor Quispe, around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. "He was handling the firearm and was shocked that it went off," said Grullon Jr.'s defense attorney, Gene Zingaro. "This wasn't playing around. He was by himself. My understanding is he wasn't intoxicated." Grullon's lawyer says his client panicked because was out on bond for a pending case where he's charged with assault and witness intimidation. Grullon also has two prior felony convictions for assault which is why prosecutors argue he shouldn't have been in possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement "The state has serious concerns about his ability to come to court, to abide by court orders, and the state has serious concerns for the public safety," said Deputy State Attorney Mary-Caitlin Harding. Grullon wiped tears from his eyes listening to his lawyer explain that the man he is charged with shooting wasn't just a neighbor, he considered Quispe a friend. "They were friendly. They were at a stage in their lives where they didn't know each other a long time, but they were at a stage in their lives where they were both expecting," Zingaro said. Even the judge acknowledged the unusual nature of the case. Advertisement Advertisement "This is truly a tragic situation. I could not underscore that enough," said Danbury Superior Court Judge Thomas Saadi. Grullon Jr. is currently being held on $1 million bond, $300,000 cash, which includes a gun-related bond enhancement. As for Quispe, there are memorials outside his door in his condo complex, and a larger one at the barbershop where he worked. His fiance, who is expecting a child, declined to talk, but has set up a GoFundMe describing her loss as unimaginable. ---------- * More Connecticut news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Nobody at City Hall can say for sure what Costco plans to do with its Midtown store. But after weeks of rumors, whispers and unanswered questions, the city decided it couldnt afford to just wait and see. On Thursday, the Kansas City Council approved a resolution directing the city manager and the citys economic development agencies to initiate talks with Costco with the aim of keeping the store at 241 Linwood Boulevard operating in its current form or to secure a replacement store of similar size and offerings. Advertisement Advertisement For about a month, shoppers and employees have circulated the same theory: that the Midtown Costco could convert into a Costco Business Center, a format geared toward restaurants and small businesses rather than everyday retail customers. Costco has not confirmed the speculation and did not respond to a request for comment from The Star last week. Managers and employees, according to customers who asked, have privately acknowledged hearing the same rumors but said they have not received official notice. A Business Center conversion would likely mean the loss of familiar features such as the food court, bakery and optical services. Some shoppers have also raised questions about alcohol sales, which in Missouri must be purchased through licensed distributors. The Costco at 241 Linwood Blvd in midtown Kansas City. (David Hudnall/dhudnall@kcstar.com) City Hall to act on Costco Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilwoman Melissa Patterson-Hazley co-sponsored the resolution, which has the stated goal of crafting outreach with to retain the current store in substantial form or a store of similar or increased offerings, services, and size at 241 Linwood Boulevard. I felt this was an urgent issue, Patterson-Hazley said. A lot of people from all corners of the city shop at that Costco. It would be potentially devastating if they leave or significantly change it. Advertisement Advertisement Patterson Hazley said a business-focused warehouse could also alter the area in less obvious ways. A Restaurant Depot-type of store, which is what it sounds like a business center would be, would bring a lot more trucks and change traffic patterns in the area, she said. The food court may go away if the midtown Kansas City Costco becomes a Costco Business Center. (David Hudnall/dhudnall@kcstar.com) Councilmember Crispin Rea, whose district includes the Costco site, echoed that concern. If theyre changing to operate like a warehouse that serves a different purpose, thats something that the city would need to understand before anything happens, Rea said. If theyre exploring a change of use that impacts traffic, parking or the surrounding area, that requires dialogue with the city. The Linwood Boulevard Costco The Costco opened in 2001 under the Glover Plan, a Midtown tax increment financing district near 31st Street and Gillham Road that also brought a Home Depot to the site. Advertisement Advertisement Roughly 30 acres of housing were cleared for the project, with tax increment financing helping replace the neighborhood with one of the citys first suburban-style big-box retail developments near downtown. It was the first Costco in the Kansas City area. Rea said he has asked city staff to review the original TIF agreement to determine whether Costcos public financing was contingent on operating the store in a particular way. Were trying to understand their obligations under that agreement and whether theres something we should hold them to, Rea said. Aside from that, I would hope to appeal to Costco as good Midtown business owners. A lot of people rely on them. The diplomatic ice is thickening over Greenland as Denmark and its European allies launch a major show of military force. An exercise called Operation Arctic Endurance is officially underway with French, Swedish and German forces joining the Danes to signal a united front against talk of a U.S. takeover. This move follows a high-level deadlock in Washington. Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers met with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio but walked away with what they called a "fundamental disagreement" over the island's future. Despite the deadlock, the leaders agreed to establish a working group to address U.S. security concerns while respecting Denmark's "red lines." Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, President Donald Trump continues to insist that the U.S. must take control of Greenland "the easy way," through a purchase, or the "hard way," through military action. "If we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland," he said on Jan. 9. But the Danes aren't buying it. They say there hasn't been a Chinese warship in the area for a decade. And the potential consequences are high if Trump follows through on his threats. One expert on Nordic defense and coercive diplomacy, Dr. Peter Viggo Jakobsen, told Straight Arrow News that if the U.S. moves from talk to an actual annexation, "NATO dies." Advertisement Advertisement "If the U.S. were to attack an ally and take over part of its territory," Jakobsen said, "it would be doing exactly the same as Russia did when it attacked Ukraine in 2022." Royal Danish Defence College Why Greenland's status is testing NATO allies Greenland is a semiautonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which retains responsibility for its defense and foreign policy even though the United States operates a military base there under a 1951 defense agreement. Trump has repeatedly insisted the U.S. must "own" Greenland for national security reasons and has urged NATO to support U.S. control of the island. Jakobsen, an associate professor of strategy and war studies at the Royal Danish Defence College, told SAN that any U.S. move to annex Greenland by force would mean the end of NATO, the mutual defense alliance created by the U.S. and European nations in 1949 following World War II. European allies would stop trusting Washington's security guarantees and start planning their defense "on the assumption that the United States is no longer part of NATO," Jakobsen said by email. Advertisement Advertisement "This also means that all European orders for weaponry in the U.S. will be canceled as the Europeans will need to establish security of supply and the U.S. will consequently lose billions of dollars in exports," Jakobsen added. What Denmark, Greenland and Trump are saying In Washington on Wednesday, Denmark's foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, described talks with Vance and Rubio as "frank but also constructive," adding that Denmark and Greenland reject the Trump administration's efforts to control Greenland. "Ideas that would not respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people are totally unacceptable," Rasmussen said. Greenland's foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, added that while Greenland was open to stronger security cooperation with the United States, "that path does not include ownership." Advertisement Advertisement Trump has argued on social media that NATO should support a U.S. takeover and warned that "anything less" would leave Greenland exposed to China or Russia. Rasmussen countered that "according to our intelligence, we haven't had a Chinese warship in Greenland for a decade or so." He added that "there is not an instant threat from China or Russia that we cannot accommodate." Jakobsen echoed that view to SAN. "There are no Russian and Chinese ships in the proximity of Greenland and China does not have the capacity to operate warships and submarines in the Arctic Ocean," he said, "so why the need to own Greenland now?" Advertisement Advertisement He argued that the only military threat to Greenland is "the one posed by the United States," noting that the Pentagon has not increased the American presence at the Pituffik Space Base on Greenland's northwest coast in two decades. "The U.S. military has not added a single soldier or dog sledge, to paraphrase Trump, in the last 20 years," Jakobsen said. "Why? Because there is no military threat to Greenland. The U.S. has reopened its air base on Iceland and increased its presence and activities around Norway, but done nothing on Greenland." How Europe is signaling in Greenland According to Time, Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark's defense minister, said that Denmark would increase military activity in and around Greenland. Several European allies are joining those efforts. Sweden's prime minister said Swedish officers arrived in Greenland to prepare for activities connected to Operation Arctic Endurance, while Norway said it would send personnel to explore further cooperation. Germany's Defense Ministry said it was deploying a 13-person reconnaissance team to Greenland to assess possible contributions to maritime surveillance and regional security. Advertisement Advertisement French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X that "at the request of Denmark," France would take part in Operation Arctic Endurance and that "the first French military elements are already on their way," with more to follow. A la demande du Danemark, j'ai decide que la France participera aux exercices conjoints organises par le Danemark au Groenland, l'Operation Endurance Arctique. De premiers elements militaires francais sont d'ores et deja en chemin. D'autres suivront. - Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 14, 2026 Denmark's 'two signals' to Washington According to Jakobsen, these coordinated deployments for Operation Arctic Endurance are designed to send "two signals" to the Trump administration: "One, it's increasing the cost of a U.S. invasion by forcing the U.S. to confront military personnel from several European countries," he said. "It is trying to signal to the U.S. that an attack will result in high political, economic and reputational costs and kill NATO. "Two, it is a signal that they are willing to address any security concerns that the U.S. has about the security of Greenland. If the U.S. wants a greater military presence to deter China and Russia, the alliance is willing to provide it to keep Trump happy," Jakobsen added. What's next for USEuropean talks on Greenland After their White House meeting, Denmark and Greenland agreed with U.S. officials to establish a high-level working group to explore ways to address Trump's stated security concerns. Advertisement Advertisement "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 said. Jakobsen said it remains unclear what additional U.S. security requests might follow, because Washington has "not made specific requests" and already has "full access to Greenland," with permission "to build all the military bases that they want." He contends that the United States did not need to "own" Greenland during the Cold War, when the Soviet threat was greater than current Russian or Chinese capabilities in the Arctic. The question, he said, is why that would change now. Advertisement Advertisement The post What happens if US takes Greenland by force? NATO dies,' Danish defense expert says appeared first on Straight Arrow News. Related Links A year-and-a-half ago, management consulting firm McKinsey had just 3,000 AI agents in its possession, with its 40,000 employees far outnumbering its agentic fleet. But in just 18 months, that number has grown more than 500% to about 20,000 AI agents supporting the companys work, CEO Bob Sternfels said on Harvard Business Reviews Ideacast. Now, the company is evaluating how well job candidates can work with its AI tool as part of the interview process. The consulting firm is asking candidates to use its internal AI tool Lilli in a test during its hiring process, according to consulting interview preparation company CaseBasix, which helps candidates solve McKinsey, BCG, and Bain cases. In a blog post, CaseBasix says it gathered information from internal sources who say some candidates would be asked to work with the companys AI tool as part of a final round AI interview. The Financial Times also reported on McKinseys focus on business school students using Lilli, citing people familiar with the matter. The move comes as the blue-chip company seeks to further implement AI into its operations, pursuing skills that extend beyond the interpersonal and problem-solving traits usually required of a consultant. Companies like McKinsey are looking for candidates who can be AI-ready on day one as the technology becomes essential to job functions. In his interview with HBR, Sternfels said AI models have developed an expertise in problem-solving, and that the company would be looking more at liberal arts majors, whom we had deprioritized, for potential sources of creativity as the firm moves to find creative solutions beyond logical next steps. Its not just McKinsey, other leaders are looking to hire liberal arts graduates like CEO of IT firm Cognizant Technology Solutions Ravi Kumar S, who says hes recruiting candidates with liberal arts degrees. Putting AI skills to the test McKinsey hasnt shied away from AI in the hiring process. The company encourages AI use in the application process on its career page, saying that candidates can use the technology to refine resumes and practice interview questions. Though it cautions candidates to use the technology responsibly, saying use of the technology during assessments and for generating interview responses, as well as embellishment, is not permitted. We welcome those who share our curiosity about AI and its potential, the companys career page says. But the pilot program goes a step further. According to Casebasix, the AI interview may be an additional step in the application process, alongside the case interview and a personal experience interview for candidates in the U.S. and North America. HONOLULU (KHON2) According to local Republican lawmakers, a recent survey found that 91% of adults say buying a home in Hawaii is a problem. 45% of young adults are considering leaving the state in the next five years because of the high cost of living. But lawmakers say there are some simple solutions that can help. New Kapolei housing plan to bring hundreds of rentals for families When it comes to how affordable housing projects are done right now, real estate developer Peter Savio pulled no punches. Advertisement Advertisement If you leave todays meeting with any idea at all, rental buildings are evil, said Peter Savio, real estate developer. Savios been in the Hawaii real estate market for 45 years. He says he has a few simple solutions to solve the states housing crisis. They will be the keys to some of the Hawaii Republican lawmakers initiatives this session. When families are priced out, we lose teachers, we lose first responders, we lose service workers, we lose entrepreneurs, and we lose cultural stewards who make Hawaii home, said Rep. Diamond Garcia, Ewa-Kapolei. First, ban mainland companies from owning affordable housing projects. Savio says right now, none are locally owned. Advertisement Advertisement Second, create a local housing market where homeowners can opt in, and properties are priced based on wages instead of fair market value. The last piece allow homeowners the same tax write-offs as investors. Fees such as maintenance and utilities. However, changing the tax code would come from Congress. Savio says that, still, Hawaii lawmakers could make the change locally first. Were killing ourselves because of our inaction and lack of knowledge about real estate and how to make it work, said Savio. $214 million project to build 302 new affordable homes in Kalihi Theres no silver bullet, said Sen. Troy Hashimoto, Senate Housing Committee Vice-Chair. But its all working in the direction that were making sure that local families can afford to stay here in Hawaii. Advertisement Advertisement Hashimoto says the housing committee is looking at bills dealing with financing, funding and speeding up the permitting process. Republican lawmakers know they will need a lot of support from across the aisle for any of their ideas to happen. But they say theyre starting to gain momentum. There was a change after the federal administration switched, said Sen. Brenton Awa, Kaneohe-Kunia Camp. We started seeing so much federal cuts and people being iced out. We had departments coming to our office trying to look for recommendation letters through us. Absolutely, I think we have to work across party lines, especially on this issue of housing, said Hashimoto. And I think that its something we always want to understand what their thoughts are, and we try to incorporate it for the best way forward for people. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. When Christina Le posted generally on LinkedIn about mental health, burnout, and work-life balance, she didnt expect her company to respond. Le, the head of marketing at social media content creation platform Slate, had offered one small suggestion for executives: If companies are refreshing benefits this year, heres a free idea: Add a cleaning service stipend. While wellness stipends and gym perks are fine, she wrote, not everyone wants to spend their limited free time on a treadmill. For a lot of us, a clean home does more for our well-being than another obligation. Le argued a home-cleaning perk could be more practical. Its human. It takes one thing off the list. And much to her surprise, her company not only responded, but quickly acted to add cleaning services as a benefit for employees. Advertisement Advertisement Le told Fortune she genuinely didnt expect the company to respond that way, especially since she had just started at the company only a few weeks ago. You hear a lot of organizations talk about valuing their people and prioritizing culture, but Slate actually demonstrated it in a very real, very immediate way, Le said. It wasnt performative. They didnt overthink it. They just listened and acted, which says a lot about how seriously they take their team. In fact, it only took the human resources team at her company one day to message Le to to let her know they had seen her suggestion and we loved it, and the leadership team agreed to add it as a benefit. It sparked a really good internal discussion, and the leadership team agreed it makes total sense for Slate, especially since were a fully remote team, Pamela Lopez, a human resources specialist with Slate, wrote in an internal message to Le. Employees receive this $200 benefit once per month, and the funds are added to a Ramp card for them to use. Alternatively, employees can request reimbursement for the expense. Advertisement Advertisement Eric Stark, cofounder and president at Slate, told Fortune that while home cleaning services werent something the leadership team had specifically discussed as a benefit in the past for his 40-person company, the idea stood out because of how practical and human the suggestion was. The takeaway is that you dont need grand, expensive programs to make a real difference, Stark added. Sometimes the most impactful benefits come from listening closely to employees and removing friction from their lives. Aside from traditional health care and retirement benefits, Slate also offers employees $100 stipends that can go toward a home office or monthly co-working space, professional development and a $200 monthly health and wellness stipend employees can use that genuinely improve their day-to-day well-being, Stark said. Theyve also added an AI enablement stipend employees can use to explore and experiment with new AI tools. Rather than centralizing experimentation or prescribing a single stack, we encourage employees to try emerging tools, learn what actually works in their role, and share those insights back with the team, Stark said. Its been a practical way to build AI literacy across the company without forcing adoption from the top down. Les post sparks online discussion about employee benefits Les post on LinkedIn received thousands of likes and hundreds of commentsand she also shared her story on TikTok. There it got nearly 60,000 likes and sparked discussions about how companies should approach employee benefits in a modern workplace. Some people who identified themselves as HR professionals commented they want to suggest cleaning services as a benefit at their own companies, and others shared how their own companies allow them to use their health and wellness benefits for things like the gym, cleaning, tutoring, estate planning, home workout equipment, and food delivery services. Advertisement Advertisement Le said the response shes gotten both from her company and followers has been incredibly affirming. Work is hard, she told Fortune. We spend an enormous amount of our lives doing it, and its difficult to stay motivated when your relationship with your job feels purely transactional. Especially working in tech, she added, her company is in a privileged position to rethink what meaningful benefits actually look likeand to keep evolving them as peoples lives and needs change. Rethinking health and wellness benefits In the past few years, many companies have tried adding health and wellness benefits to appeal to employees to keep them happy. While that works for some people, not everyone wants to spend their free time at a gym, and have other things in mind for what would really help their health and wellbeing. In fact, a 2025 employee benefits trends report from ADP shows people prefer customizable benefits over generic plans that dont need specific needs, and the human capital management company recommends regularly asking for employee feedback on the benefits they need and want. Advertisement Advertisement Many wellness benefits are framed as adding more to your schedulego to the gym, book a class, make time for therapy, Le said. Those things matter, but they dont remove the everyday mental load people are carrying. Your house is still messy. Dinner still needs to happen. Childcare logistics dont disappear. Instead, offering benefits like cleaning services helps reduce the things people have to do during their 5-9, rather than piling more on. There is a wealth of neuroscience and psychology research showing a clean home can help reduce stress. When you take something off peoples plates, you give them real breathing room, Le said. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Two teenagers, whose relatives said were best friends, died this week after they became trapped in a sand hole at a Florida park, multiple news organizations reported. The two 14-year-old boys were at Sportsman Park in Inverness, a city about 75 miles north of Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 11 when the incident occurred. Local television station WFLA reported that the teenagers were digging holes at the park, an activity the Citrus County Sheriffs Office said they did somewhat regularly. But when they did not return home from lunch, the sheriff's office said their parents became concerned, according to WFLA. Authorities received a call reporting that the teenagers were missing at around 12:45 p.m. local time. Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff's office said the caller told authorities that they saw a large sand hole at the park and believed the boys were trapped in the hole, according to the USA TODAY Network - Florida. One of the boys parents said their son had a device that pinged in that area. About 30 minutes after authorities were called, the sheriff's office said the boys were located and pulled out of the collapsed hole, the USA TODAY Network - Florida reported. They were transported to a nearby hospital, where one of the boys died. The other boy was taken to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, about 73 miles northeast of Inverness, in critical condition, according to the sheriff's department. The teenager was pronounced dead at the hospital on Jan. 13, the sheriff's office confirmed to WFLA and 10 Tampa Bay News. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement 'We lost a good one' Mountain climber who fell to death helped children of Nepal Families say teens shared a 'bond that went beyond friendship' The two teenagers were identified as George Watts and Derrick Hubbard, ABC News reported, citing the Florida District 8 and District 5 Medical Examiners' offices. According to a GoFundMe page, which is raising money for medical care and funeral arrangements, the teenagers were best friends. "On January 11, 2026, the unimaginable nightmare that every parent fears became our reality," the GoFundMe page states. "In a tragic accident, we lost our oldest son, George Watts, and his best friend, Derrick Hubbard. These two boys shared a bond that went beyond friendship they were inseparable, full of life, curiosity, and dreams for the future." The boys were playing together and had dug a tunnel in sugar sand when "it suddenly collapsed" while they were inside the tunnel, according to the GoFundMe page. Advertisement Advertisement "In an instant, our world was shattered," the GoFundMe page continued. "What should have been another day of childhood adventure turned into a heartbreaking loss that no parent should ever have to endure. Our precious boys were taken from us far too soon." In a statement released on Jan. 12, Inverness Middle School expressed condolences to the students and families impacted by the incident. "This situation has deeply affected many within our school and district community," the school said. "In response, our district crisis support team consisting of counselors, social workers, and school psychologists is available on campus today and will continue to be available throughout the week." 'She was terrified.' New details emerge in Ohio couple's killings Experts warn digging holes in the sand can be dangerous Experts and authorities across the country have warned that digging holes in the sand can be dangerous and even deadly. From 1997 to 2007, collapsing sand holes resulted in 31 deaths, according to a 2007 New England Journal of Medicine study. Advertisement Advertisement During that period, 21 others survived sand hole collapses after being rescued, though many required CPR. "The collapse of a dry-sand hole ... is uncommon, but it nevertheless constitutes an important risk of common leisure activities," the study states. "The risk of this event is enormously deceptive because of its association with relaxed recreational settings not generally regarded as hazardous. However, we believe these personal and family tragedies probably are more common than this report suggests." Sand forming a hole can dry out and become unstable, causing it to collapse in and fill open spaces, leaving no air for the person trapped inside, Florida International University coastal science professor Stephen Leatherman wrote in a 2024 article. He noted that it can take just three to five minutes for a trapped person to suffocate. It is very difficult to rescue someone from a collapsed hole because sand is heavy, according to Leatherman. As rescuers scoop sand out of the hole, it will continue to collapse back into the hole under the rescuers' weight. Advertisement Advertisement The National Park Service advises not to dig a hole deeper than your knee. If you dig a hole, fill it afterward, experts say. Holes left behind can be dangerous to others. Other incidents involving sand holes Several incidents involving sand holes have made national headlines in recent years. In November 2025, authorities said a 12-year-old girl was rescued after a hole she was digging in a sandbar in Texas during a family outing collapsed on top of her. In February 2024, a 7-year-old girl died at a Florida beach after a hole she was digging with her 9-year-old brother collapsed on both of them, according to authorities. The brother survived. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue spokesperson Sandra King told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that the two children were digging a hole about 5 to 6 feet deep when it collapsed. The boy was buried to his chest, and the girl was completely buried under the boy, King told the Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement Children and teens have also been trapped, injured, or killed when sand collapsed on them in New Jersey, California, and Michigan, according to reporting from the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Jeanine Santucci and Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY; Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY Network - Florida This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida teenagers are dead after a sand hole collapsed at a park Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, revealed dramatic new details Wednesday about the covert Jan. 3 mission targeting Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, describing U.S. troops who continued fighting after being shot and later asking to keep the bullets and shrapnel pulled from their bodies. In a new "Verdict with Ted Cruz" podcast episode, Cruz detailed a trip with fellow Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and War Secretary Pete Hegseth to a San Antonio hospital to visit three of the seven soldiers wounded during Operation Absolute Resolve. Cruz said American troops were "vastly outnumbered," describing Cuban military members, tasked with guarding Maduro, opening fire on U.S. soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement "It is an incredible testament to the precision and effectiveness of our military that not a single soldier on the American side was killed," Cruz said. "There was a very large number of Cuban forces defending Maduro who were killed in that firefight." Lawmaker Who Fled Communism Drafts Special Resolution Honoring Trump After Maduro Ouster The first soldier the politicians visited helped plan the "entire raid" and was leading one of the helicopters when he was shot in the leg, according to Cruz. Read On The Fox News App "Even in the midst of being shot in the leg, [he] continued," Cruz said. "He did not step back from the fight, and he was critical, in terms of his location, protecting his fellow soldiers." Advertisement Advertisement During a discussion with the soldier, Cruz said Hegseth extended an offer for anything the soldier needed. "[The soldier] said, Well, actually, there is something you could do,' and Pete says what?" Cruz said. "[The soldier] says, 'I'd really like the bullet,' the bullet that went into his leg." Inside The Lightning Us Strike That Overwhelmed Venezuelas Defenses And Seized Maduro Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, after landing at a Manhattan helipad en route to a federal courthouse Jan. 5, in New York City. Cruz explained the hospital's medical director previously told the soldier the hospital could not hand it over to him without a waiver. "Pete, to his credit, said, The waiver is granted, you can have the bullet," Cruz said. "That soldier was beaming. He was thrilled to have the bullet." Advertisement Advertisement The second soldier the group met with had also been shot and cut by a piece of shrapnel, causing a gash running the entire length of his arm. "He had the exact same request," Cruz said. "He said, 'I'd really like the shrapnel.' They had the piece of metal that had cut his arm open, and again, the hospital said, 'We have it, but we're not allowed to give it to him without the waiver.'" Hegseth also signed off on the second soldier's request, according to Cruz. Us Raid In Venezuela Signals Deterrence To Adversaries On Three Fronts, Experts Say Venezuelan citizens celebrate during a rally on the Colombia-Venezuela border after the confirmation of Nicolas Maduro's capture Jan. 3 in Caracas. "Both of those, I assume that they're going to frame it or otherwise keep it as just a memento to the injury, the Purple Heart that they earned fighting for their country, but also being a part of profoundly impacting history," Cruz said. Advertisement Advertisement While the names and ages of the wounded soldiers, who are now all in good condition, have not yet been publicly released, Cruz said the first soldier was a bit older than the other two, who he described as "young guys." "If you saw them walking down the street, you wouldn't do a double take," he said. "The first guy kind of looked a little like Captain America, [and] the other two looked like they were fit but the skill that you know they have, the heroism you know they have if you just saw them on the street, you wouldn't immediately know that. Cruz spoke out about the covert Venezuela mission on a recent episode of his podcast. (Getty Images) "With all three of the soldiers, I took an opportunity to tell them, Look, you were part of history. You were part of history in a way, without exaggeration, that changed the entire Western hemisphere. What you did was profoundly important and I took the chance on behalf of Texans and Americans just to say, Thank you. Thank you for your bravery.'" Cruz added the first soldier, who was shot in the leg, had some friendly banter with the Pentagon chief. Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App "Hegseth asked him, How are you feeling? And he said, 'I'm ready to go again,'" Cruz said. "I said, Great, can you do Saturday? And he said, Well, can we hold off till Monday? So, that kind of gives you a sense of the spirit [the soldiers had]." Cruz's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Original article source: Hegseth signs off on wounded US troops keeping bullets, shrapnel removed from their bodies after Maduro raid 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. Advertisement Advertisement Magyar has also promised to dismantle Orbans system and put Hungary on a more prosperous, democratic track. 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. A year after construction started to improve one of San Luis Obispo Countys deadliest crossroads, crews are still months away from completing the $12.2 million project north of Paso Robles. The California Department of Transportation is currently building a new underpass beneath Highway 101, where it intersects with Wellsona Road, near the San Paso Truck Stop between Paso Robles and San Miguel. The safety improvement project was launched after several traffic fatalities occurred at the crossroads. Advertisement Advertisement The intersection is the second-deadliest crossroad in San Luis Obispo County in terms of the number of traffic fatalities over the past decade, The Tribune previously reported. Although roadwork was originally slated to wrap up in early 2026, Caltrans now anticipates the underpass will not be done until the spring, according to spokesperson Kevin Drabinski. Heres why the project has been delayed again. A Caltrans project to install an underpass at the intersection of Highway 101 and Wellsona Road between Paso Robles and San Miguel is slated to begin construction in 2024. (San Luis Obispo County) What is the Wellsona Road Safety Improvement Project? Caltrans is constructing a new 112-foot underpass beneath Highway 101, as well as frontage roads connecting the underpass with Wellsona Road on both sides of the highway. The improvement project is intended to reduce the number and severity of collisions at the crossroads of Highway 101 and Wellsona Road, according to Caltrans. Advertisement Advertisement Eight people died in vehicle crashes at the intersection between 2014 and 2024, The Tribune previously reported, which puts the fatal collision rate at the crossing higher than the state average, Caltrans said. Once the new underpass is finished, drivers will no longer need to make left turns or drive across highway traffic, according to the state road agency. This would prevent future broadside and left-turn merge-related collisions at the intersection, Caltrans said in its project report. Caltrans is constructing a new 112-foot underpass beneath Highway 101, as well as frontage roads connecting the underpass with Wellsona Road on both sides of the highway. (Caltrans District 5) Long road to improving dangerous SLO County intersection Caltrans first announced plans for the underpass in 2017, with the county advancing funding for the project in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement At the time, construction was predicted to begin in winter 2022. However, routine delays kept stalling the construction start date, Caltrans previously told The Tribune. The biggest challenge was gaining land-use permits also called right-of-way easements from property owners in the area. Finally after eight years of planning, Caltrans broke ground on the project on Jan. 14, 2025, with a projected completion date in early 2026. Caltrans said the Wellsona Road Safety Improvement project is running slightly behind schedule, with construction expected to wrap up in late April after heavy winter rains caused delays. (Caltrans District 5) Why was construction extended? What work still needs to be done? Caltrans crews were delayed by several weeks after a series of atmospheric river storms swept through the county during the holiday season. Due to the wet conditions, the project is now slated to wrap up in late April, Drabinski told The Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Crews still have a long list of remaining work that needs to be done, including completing the northbound bridge, building the San Paso Circle, installing electrical and lighting at the Wellsona Road and San Paso Circle intersection and constructing the northbound acceleration lane, according to Caltrans. While work is underway, Highway 101 will continue to have two lanes of traffic flowing in both directions. In the months ahead, however, there will be occasional lane closures to facilitate changing traffic patterns amid the projects final stages, Drabinski said. He urged drivers to exercise caution and obey posted speed limits, while traveling through the construction zone. Ukraine and Russia have both agreed to implement a "localized ceasefire" at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant to enable repairs on the site's "last remaining backup power line," the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Friday. "Technicians from Ukraines electrical grid operator are expected to begin repair work on the 330 kV line - damaged and disconnected as a result of military activity on 2 January in the coming days," the agency said in a statement. The IAEA said it had deployed a team to oversee the work. Advertisement Advertisement The Zaporizhzhya plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe which has been shut down amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, currently relies solely on its 750 kV main power line, the agency said. It is the fourth time that Ukraine and Russia have agreed on a localized ceasefire at the plant located in southern Ukraine since Russian forces occupied the site following the start of the war in February 2022. While all reactors have since been shut down, electricity is still needed for cooling, and supplied via two power lines that have been repeatedly damaged by shelling. Diesel generators take over if the power supply fails. IAEA experts present at the site have reported of regular audible explosions near the plant. After previously pleading not guilty to the charges facing him, former Baltimore principal and Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts appears to be changing his mind. U.S. District Court filings show a change of plea hearing has been set for Thursday in this case, with a trial set to begin March 2 in Des Moines. Roberts, an Olympic track athlete who emigrated from Guyana in 1994 and previously worked for Baltimore City Public Schools, is charged with making a false statement related to his employment and with being an undocumented immigrant in possession of a firearm, which authorities said was recovered next to Roberts wallet in his Jeep. Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors say his authorization to work in the United States expired in 2020 and that he is subject to a pending order of deportation. According to his arraignment, when immigration agents surveilled, followed and confronted Roberts in late September, the superintendent sped away before leaving the Jeep and getting arrested in some nearby brush. Attorneys for Roberts, from the Iowa law firm Parrish Kruidenier LLP, had indicated they would challenge the validity of the immigration orders. U.S. Magistrate Judge Helen C. Adams set a Jan. 12 deadline for those filings, but no challenge was submitted. Instead, court records show that an order scheduling a change-of-plea hearing was entered Thursday. Any plea deal must be finalized soon. Under a separate order from Adams, Roberts has until Feb. 2 to bring a plea agreement before the court, setting a narrow window for negotiations between the defense and prosecutors. The Court will not accept any plea agreement that dismisses counts or provides for a specific sentence pursuant to Rule 11(c)(1)(C) after that date, the order from Judge Adams states. Advertisement Advertisement When reached Friday, a representative for Parrish Kruidenier did not comment. Roberts came to the United States on a student visa, graduated from Coppin State University in 1998, earned a masters degree from St. Johns University and represented Guyana in the 2000 Olympics. Before relocating to Iowa, he worked for Baltimore City Public Schools from August 2001 through June 2010, serving first as a teacher and later as a principal, according to the school system. Federal agents say Roberts student visa expired in 2004 and that his four attempts between 2001 and 2018 to register permanent residence in the United States were rejected. Other applications to change his status following his marriage were also denied due to a lack of information, they said. Advertisement Advertisement According to an affidavit, Roberts was authorized to work in the country in 2019 and 2020. But federal prosecutors pointed to a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge in 2024, which a federal agent included as an exhibit in an 11-page affidavit. A spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools, Iowas largest school district, told the Associated Press after Roberts Sept. 26 arrest they were not aware of the 2024 order. They said they had seen nothing that would suggest that hes not a citizen, adding Roberts had passed a background check and completed an I-9 form. Roberts was also hired despite falsely claiming he had earned a doctoral degree from Baltimores Morgan State University on his application. Officials confirmed he enrolled in a doctoral program but did not receive the degree. The school board still selected Roberts as superintendent after learning of the misrepresentation, according to AP. Roberts resigned as Des Moines superintendent Sept. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Following the arrest, ICE released a timeline of Roberts criminal record since entering the United States, which includes a 2022 weapons-related conviction. He should never have been serving in a role overseeing children in Iowas largest school district, the ICE release stated. Records show Roberts was registered to vote in Maryland despite not being a U.S. citizen. The discovery sparked calls from some groups for stricter voter registration safeguards in the state. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Carlton at bcarlton@baltsun.com. Contact Luke Parker at lparker@baltsun.com, 410-725-6214, on X as @lparkernews or on Signal as @parkerluke.34. On Friday, a Manchester resident may leave the Granite State for the last time. Oscar Gutierrez, 40, is detained at Strafford County jail for staying in the country illegally. Hes due to be flown to Louisiana, and from there, back to his original country of Honduras. This may effectively be a death sentence. As a teen, Gutierrez fled Honduras 22 years ago after refusing to join MS-13, a criminal gang. Threats followed him to the U.S. If he ever returns, he will be murdered, according to his family. Gutierrezs wife, Mirna, said she has presented evidence of the threats to immigration officials. Shes provided proof of her medical issues, which make her rely on him for care and support. Advertisement Advertisement Mirna has pleaded that her husband is the sole provider for their two children. Shes tried to show that Oscar is an active member of the community, who volunteers and helps with outreach through his church. No matter how much we provide they have dismissed it, Mirna said. They have not taken into consideration any of the threats, any of the medical conditions. They dismissed everything. Oscar Gutierrezs attorney, Lidice Samper, said hell be sent away Friday despite her still actively appealing his case in U.S. District Court. The rest of her appeal may be heard once Gutierrez is already out of the country. Her habeas corpus petition was denied. Samper compared Gutierrezs situation to what happened to Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man wrongfully sent to El Salvador without receiving due process. Advertisement Advertisement No more discretionary releases Samper said Gutierrez still has a final order of removal against him from the first time he was deported in 2005. Gutierrez was sent back to Honduras, but he returned to New Hampshire within a year. Gutierrez was arrested again by ICE in 2017 for fishing without a license, but the agency let him go on discretionary release despite the earlier ruling. Samper said ICE used to release detainees who were upstanding members of the community with families depending on them. Back then, they allowed discretionary release as long as they reported occasionally to an ICE agent and proved they were caring for their dependents and had ties to the community, Samper said. Advertisement Advertisement Since President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term, however, Samper said ICE has allowed far fewer discretionary releases. Samper said this trend represents the administrations more aggressive deportation policy. Over the course of last year, discretionary releases from ICE detention fell by 87%, according to a report published by the American Immigration Council on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the number of detainees rose by almost 75%. ICE officials issued an internal memorandum saying: It doesnt matter if theyre exemplary individuals, or the circumstances of their family members. It doesnt matter. Get them out, Samper said. October arrest Advertisement Advertisement In the early morning on Oct. 6, Mirna was driving Oscar to Maine to drop him off at one of his construction jobs. As they drove down the street, immigration enforcement agents emerged in front of the vehicle and behind them. The officers ordered the occupants out of the vehicle, saying they had a warrant for Oscars arrest. Mirna said she asked the agents to show her the warrant, but they didnt produce one. Instead, they started asking about Mirnas immigration status while ignoring her questions. She showed them proof of her citizenship. She was eventually told she was free to go, but Gutierrez was taken away for detainment. Mirna was then left to drive back to their home in Manchester alone, despite having health issues that require her to travel with a passenger in case she experiences a sudden medical emergency. Advertisement Advertisement A family divided Mirna has epileptic seizures and deals with trauma, said Iliana Barreto, a volunteer whos been helping the Gutierrez family since Oscars arrest. Barreto is Latino Community Coordinator for the Granite State Organizing Project, a Manchester-based nonprofit. Because of Mirnas health problems, Gutierrez was the primary provider for their family of four. He was also Mirnas sole caregiver, because she doesnt have any relatives in the U.S. who she can turn to for support. Mirna was born in the U.S., but her family moved to Guatemala when she was just a baby. She returned with her ex-husband and aunt to Providence, Rhode Island, to get treatment for her epilepsy. She said she was forced to leave her husband and cut ties with her other relatives because they abused her. Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, Mirna settled in Manchester and began attending St. Anne-St. Augustin Parish, which offers services in Spanish. She met Gutierrez through Bible study. The two began spending time together outside of church and fell in love. They got married in 2013. Oscar is an incredible man, said Mirna. He has been a very caring person who loves and provides not only for his family, but for the community and the church. Barreto said Gutierrez was able to earn enough money to support Mirna and their two children without government assistance. Since he was arrested, Mirna has been unable to pay their rent and buy food to feed their children. Shes been forced to apply for food stamps for the first time. They want her to have (Oscar) pay child support, which she does not want to do, because its not that he doesnt want to provide for the family; its that he cant, because hes being detained, Barreto said. Advertisement Advertisement Mirna has also been unable to afford her medications or go to her regular appointments, choosing to focus instead on providing for her two children: 13-year-old Filippe and 9-year-old Oscar Jr. Traumatic memories This wasnt the first time Gutierrez dealt with immigration trouble. Filippe said he remembers going to Hampton Beach with his father in May 2017 when he was just 4 years old. Law enforcement stopped his father and arrested him. They tried to distract me so I couldnt see, but I wasnt dumb; I knew they were there for a reason, Filippe said. They were chaining up my dad like he just did a murder, when he didnt do anything. He was just fishing. Advertisement Advertisement This happened while Mirna was about to deliver the couples second child, Oscar Jr. Now, eight-and-a-half years later, his father has been taken away again. Since October, Filippe has been experiencing panic attacks, waking up in the middle of the night. He said his younger brother has also been struggling with sleepless nights. Things have only worsened with the increased visibility of ICE and their fathers coming deportation. Filippe said his fathers run-in with immigration officials in 2017 motivated his father to teach him practical skills such as cooking meals, construction work and bringing him to church. He thinks his father was teaching him to be a strong provider like himself. The Gutierrez family was still in communication with him via phone calls as of Wednesday, but they dont know when theyll have their last chance to speak with him. Advertisement Advertisement (Oscar) has mentioned that he would want to come back, but he doesnt know whats going to happen once he lands, Mirna said. He expressed so much fear for his life being in Honduras. zmarano@unionleader.com Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Madison Sheahan resigned Thursday to vie for the Republican Party's nomination to run for a U.S. House seat representing Ohio. Sheahan launched her campaign in a field that has many seeking the GOP nomination for Ohio's 9th Congressional District. "I'm a Trump conservative running for Congress to protect American jobs, American paychecks and American values," she said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement "No excuses. Let's get this done," Sheahan added. She posted a 2-minute video detailing how she was raised on her family's farm in Curtice, Ohio, which she said taught her to "be tough, get the job done and make no excuses." Sheahan said she "answered the call" to become a member of ICE to clean up the "immigration mess" and make the country safer for Americans and their families. She helped ICE to hire 12,000 agents and to manage its $85 billion budget, while more than 2.5 million "illegal immigrants" left the country. Sheahan formerly was secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and held senior leadership positions within Kristi Noem's administration while Noem was the governor of South Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Sheahan became Noem's second-in-command after the Senate confirmed Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat, has represented Ohio's 9th Congressional District since 1983. The district occupies the northwestern corner of Ohio, from Vermillion in the east to the Indiana border to the west, and includes the greater Toledo area. An illustration of an extradition order and handcuffs. (photo credit: Shutterstock/Mehaniq) Israels State Attorney's Office confirmed the extradition of Roy Cuzin from Mexico in the UTrade investor fraud case. Mexican authorities extradited Roy Cuzin, wanted for his role in a binary option investor fraud case of the UTrade company, and under investigation by the Securities Department of the Israel Securities Agency, to Israel, the State Attorney's Office confirmed on Thursday evening. According to the indictment filed against him in Israel, Cuzin served as the chief analyst at UTrade from 2012 until 2015, under the management of Aviv Talmor. During that period, the company fraudulently raised tens of millions of shekels from approximately 600 clients by presenting false representations to them regarding key aspects of the investment, the State Attorney's Office clarified. These false representations included the risk and potential return of the investment, including fictitious past returns, false representations about how funds would be used, and a representation of no conflict of interest between the company and clients, while such a conflict did exist, the announcement clarified. The company used client funds for various purposes, not just for trading, as it had promised to clients. By 2015, the company no longer had enough money to pay returns on investments to clients, the announcement added. Cuzin had been interrogated under caution for his role in 2016, leaving the country shortly afterwards. In 2018, the indictment was filed against him, as well as others, and Talmor was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison approximately four years afterwards, the State Attorney's Office noted. An illustration of the Israeli and Mexican flags. (credit: esfera/Shutterstock) Mexican authorities arrested Cuzin in July, approved extradition in December Cuzin had moved between various countries in the years since leaving Israel, before being arrested in Mexico in July. His extradition was approved last month, the State Attorney's Office clarified. Binary options are defined by the US Securities and Exchange Commission as "a type of options contract in which the payout depends entirely on the outcome of a yes/no proposition and typically relates to whether the price of a particular asset will rise above or fall below a specified amount." "Once the option is acquired, there is no further decision for the holder to make regarding the exercise of the binary option because binary options exercise automatically. Unlike other types of options, a binary option does not give the holder the right to buy or sell the specified asset. When the binary option expires, the option holder receives either a pre-determined amount of cash or nothing at all," the SEC's website added. Protesters who want to speak out about the fatal shooting of Renee Good face a barrage of conflicting directives from authorities. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has encouraged protesters to record federal immigration authorities: "Help us establish a record of exactly whats happening in our communities," Walz said in a televised appeal to Minnesotans. But the Trump administration has framed groups that monitor and track ICE as improperly keeping the agency from completing immigration removals. Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has said posting photos and videos of ICE agents online is "doxxing" and threatened to "prosecute those who illegally harass ICE agents to the fullest extent of the law." "Gov. Walz is encouraging obstruction to federal law enforcement, which is a federal crime and felony," McLaughlin told USA TODAY. "He is putting his own constituents in potentially dangerous and criminal situations." And Republican Minnesota state Rep. Harry Niska slammed Walz, saying the governor "has fueled fear and anger by falsely claiming Minnesota is at war with the federal government, under attack by ICE, and by smearing federal agents as the modern-day Gestapo." Officers have deployed gas and rubber bullets in tense clashes that have left demonstrators in "a very difficult position," Vanessa Cardenas, executive director of Americas Voice, an immigration reform group, told USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement Americans from all walks of life are kind of walking, navigating this moment, trying to just really express their rejection to what we're seeing play out in our communities and also trying to be safe," Cardenas said. "But point being is like, no one's safe, right? Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Walz have called for calm, with Walz appealing directly to Trump and asking to "turn the temperature down." "We can we must speak out loudly, urgently, but also peacefully," he said in a statement to Minnesotans. "We cannot fan the flames of chaos. That's what he wants." A federal agent shot a person in the leg in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Jan. 14 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. Protesters stand in front of members of law enforcement, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. A federal agent walks through tear gas smoke after it was used on protesting community members, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. Protesters react near tear gas after it was deployed against them by law enforcement, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. Remnants of a pepper ball after law enforcement deployed tear gas and munitions against protestors, 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, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. A member of the community gestures towards members of law enforcement riding in a vehicle, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. A member of the community walks near rising tear gas smoke as federal agents (not pictured) employ munitions and tear gas against 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. Members of law enforcement gather, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. A protester walks amidst tear gas next to vehicles, after law enforcement deployed tear gas and munitions against them, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. A protester walks amidst tear gas after law enforcement deployed tear gas and munitions against them, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. A member of law enforcement stands guard, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. A foam tipped non-lethal munition lies on the ground, 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, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. A law enforcement official sprays a chemical agent towards a protester, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. Law enforcement officials stand near a protester wearing a black ski mask who is recording them, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. Protesters react after munitions and tear gas were deployed against them by law enforcement, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. A member of federal law enforcement looks on while standing guard, 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, in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 14, 2026. Second shooting incident in Minneapolis amid ICE protests. See the scene 1 of 17 A federal agent shot a person in the leg in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Jan. 14 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. Do protesters have a right to film federal agents? Americans have a First Amendment right to observe and record law enforcement, including ICE, while they are doing their jobs publicly, according to several First Amendment organizations. Advertisement Advertisement But there are also clear legal limits. You can't stop federal officers from doing their lawful duties, and it's truly not up to individual neighbors to decide whether what ICE is doing is lawful, said Josh Blackman, a constitutional law professor at the South Texas College of Law in Houston. In other words, unless there's a court order saying 'ICE get out of Minnesota' or 'get out of Minneapolis,' they're allowed to be there. They're allowed to enforce federal law. Filming law enforcement officers has become more commonplace with the rise of smartphones and after a bystander recorded the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis in 2020. Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne, who himself was shoved by an officer while monitoring ICE operations, has also urged people to join Defend the 612, which helps connect people in the Minneapolis area code with the hundreds of small neighborhood groups involved in rapid response, school protection patrols and community aid planning. 'No one can guarantee' protests will be peaceful Cardenas, of Americas Voice, said local organizers and leaders have repeatedly stressed that protests need to be peaceful and demonstrators should not intervene, but violence is not entirely preventable. Advertisement Advertisement "Its also a reality that sometimes that happens because you have different circumstances and you might have some bad actors that are embedded into this protest, she said. No one can guarantee that violence is not going to happen." That's in part because there is no centralized group running the protests that can appeal to protesters to stay nonviolent, said Sidney Tarrow, an emeritus professor of political science at Cornell University who studies social movements. The mass protests across the country in 2025 were organized by a coalition of large national left-leaning groups, such as Indivisible, but were implemented and held by local activists. Those protests, which were held in thousands of cities and involved millions of people, remained nearly violence-free. No such group is playing a role in these protests. ICE Watch, which the Trump administration has repeatedly blamed as the mastermind, is a training program that teaches best practices of how to protest ICE without interfering in the arrests. Not everyone protesting has had the training. Advertisement Advertisement In Minneapolis, protests have started from loosely organized Facebook groups and Signal chats sharing where ICE agents are and what vehicles they are driving. But like in other major cities across the country, there isnt a cadre of people in charge directing the actions. Tarrow said it's remarkable that the demonstrations have remained as peaceful as they have for so long. Normally one would expect there to be sporadic, scattered outbreaks of violence from people who see themselves as part of the movement and are so outraged by the behavior of the government that they cannot hold themselves back from engaging in violence," he said. "There's also the very strong possibility that the violent behavior of some of the ICE agents will trigger violence or will be interpreted as violence on the part of the protesters. So far, we haven't seen that. Contributing: Cate Charron, USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ICE protesters on a tightrope between conflict and peace WASHINGTON (AP) A Cuban immigrant died in a Texas immigration detention facility earlier this month during an altercation with guards, and the local medical examiner has indicated that his death will likely be classified as a homicide. The federal government has provided a differing account surrounding the Jan. 3 death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, saying the detainee was attempting suicide and staff tried to save him. A witness told The Associated Press that Lunas Campos died after he was handcuffed, tackled by guards and placed in a chokehold until he lost consciousness. The immigrants family was told by the El Paso County Medical Examiners Office on Wednesday that a preliminary autopsy report said the death was a homicide resulting from asphyxia from chest and neck compression, according to a recording of the call reviewed by the AP. Advertisement Advertisement The death and conflicting accounts have intensified scrutiny into the conditions of immigration jails at a time when the government has been rounding up immigrants in large numbers around the country and detaining them at facilities like the one in El Paso where Lunas Campos died. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is legally required to issue public notification of detainee deaths. Last week, it said Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old father of four and registered sex offender, had died at Camp East Montana, but made no mention of him being involved in an altercation with staff immediately before his death. In response to questions from the AP, the Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, on Thursday amended its account of Lunas Campos death, saying he tried to kill himself. Campos violently resisted the security staff and continued to attempt to take his life, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said. During the ensuing struggle, Campos stopped breathing and lost consciousness. Advertisement Advertisement In an interview before DHS updated its account, detainee Santos Jesus Flores, 47, from El Salvador, said he witnessed the incident through the window of his cell in the special housing unit, where detainees are held in isolation for disciplinary infractions. He didnt want to enter the cell where they were going to put him, Flores told the AP on Thursday, speaking in Spanish from a phone in the facility. The last thing he said was that he couldnt breathe. Among the first sent to Camp Montana East Camp Montana East is a sprawling tent facility hastily constructed in the desert on the grounds of Fort Bliss, an Army base. The AP reported in August that the $1.2 billion facility, expected to become the largest detention facility in the United States, was being built and operated by a private contractor headquartered in a single-family home in Richmond, Virginia. The company, Acquisition Logistics LLC, had no prior experience running a corrections facility. Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear whether the guards present when Lunas Campos died were government employees or those of the private contractor. Emails seeking comment on Thursday from Acquisition Logistics executives received no response. Lunas Campos was among the first detainees sent to Camp Montana East, arriving in September after ICE arrested him in Rochester, New York, where he lived for more than two decades. He was legally admitted to the U.S. in 1996, part of a wave of Cuban immigrants seeking to reach Florida by boat. ICE said he was picked up in July as part of a planned immigration enforcement operation due to criminal convictions that made him eligible for removal. New York court records show Lunas Campos was convicted in 2003 of sexual contact with an individual under 11, a felony for which he was sentenced to one year in jail and placed on the states sex offender registry. Advertisement Advertisement Lunas Campos was also sentenced to five years in prison and three years of supervision in 2009 after being convicted of attempting to sell a controlled substance, according to the New York corrections records. He completed the sentence in January 2017. Lunas Campos adult daughter said the child sexual abuse accusation was false, made as part of a contentious custody battle. My father was not a child molester, said Kary Lunas, 25. He was a good dad. He was a human being. Conflicting accounts On the day he died, according to ICE, Lunas Campos became disruptive while in line for medication and refused to return to his assigned dorm. He was then taken to the segregation block. Advertisement Advertisement While in segregation, staff observed him in distress and contacted on-site medical personnel for assistance, the agency said in its Jan. 9 release. Medical staff responded, initiated lifesaving measures, and requested emergency medical services. Lunas Campos was pronounced dead after paramedics arrived. Flores said that account omitted key details Lunas Campos was already handcuffed when at least five guards pinned him to the floor, and at least one squeezed his arm around the detainee's neck. Within about five minutes, Flores said, Lunas Campos was no longer moving. After he stopped breathing, they removed the handcuffs, Flores said. Advertisement Advertisement Flores is not represented by a lawyer and said he has already consented to deportation to his home country. Though he acknowledged he was taking a risk by speaking to the AP, Flores said he wanted to highlight that in this place, guards abuse people a lot. He said multiple detainees in the unit witnessed the altercation, and security cameras there should have captured the events. Flores also said investigators had not interviewed him. DHS did not respond to questions about whether Lunas Campos was handcuffed when they say he attempted suicide, or exactly how he had tried to kill himself. ICE takes seriously the health and safety of all those detained in our custody, McLaughlin said. This is still an active investigation, and more details are forthcoming. Advertisement Advertisement DHS wouldnt say whether other agencies were investigating. The El Paso medical examiners office confirmed Thursday that it conducted an autopsy, but declined further comment. A final determination of homicide by the medical examiner would typically be critical in determining whether any guards are held criminally or civilly liable. When such deaths are ruled accidental or something other than homicide, they are less likely to trigger criminal investigations, while civil wrongful death lawsuits become harder to prove. The fact that Lunas Campos died on an Army base could also limit state and local officials legal jurisdiction to investigate. An El Paso County District Attorneys Office spokesperson declined to comment Thursday on whether it was involved in an investigation. The deaths of inmates and other detainees after officers hold them face down and put pressure on their backs and necks to restrain them have been a problem in law enforcement for decades. A 2024 AP investigation documented hundreds of deaths during police encounters in which people were restrained in a prone position. Many uttered I cant breathe before suffocating, according to scores of body camera and bystander videos. Authorities often attempt to shift the blame for such deaths to preexisting medical conditions or drug use. Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Victor Weedn, a forensic pathologist who has studied prone restraint deaths, said the preliminary autopsy ruling of homicide indicates guards' actions caused Lunas Campos death, but does not mean they intended to kill. He said the medical examiners office could come under pressure to stop short of calling it a homicide, but will probably stick to its guns. This probably passes the but for test. But for the actions of the officers, he would not have died. For us, thats generally a homicide, he said. I just want justice, and his body here Jeanette Pagan-Lopez, the mother of Lunas Campos two youngest children, said the day after he died the medical examiners office called to inform her that his body was at the county morgue. She immediately called ICE to find out what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Pagan-Lopez, who lives in Rochester, said the assistant director of the El Paso ICE field office eventually called her back. She said the official told her the cause of death was still pending and that they were awaiting toxicology report results. He also told her the only way Lunas Campos body could be returned to Rochester free of charge was if she consented to his being cremated, she said. Pagan-Lopez declined and is now seeking help from family and friends to raise the money needed to ship his body home and pay for a funeral. After failing to get details about the circumstances surrounding his death from ICE, Pagan-Lopez said she got a call from a detainee at Camp Montana East who then put her in touch with Flores, who first told her about the altercation with guards. Since then, she said she has repeatedly called ICE, but is no longer getting a response. Pagan-Lopez, who is a U.S. citizen, said she also twice called the FBI, where an agent took her information and then hung up. Pagan-Lopez said she and Lunas Campos were together about 15 years before breaking up eight years ago. She described him as an attentive father who, until his detention, had worked in a minimum-wage job at a furniture store, the only employment she said he could find due to his criminal record. She said that in the family's last phone call the week after Christmas, Lunas Campos talked to his kids about his expected deportation back to Cuba. He said he wanted them to visit the island, so that he could stay in their lives. He wasnt a bad guy, Pagan-Lopez said. I just want justice, and his body here. Thats all I want. ___ Attanasio reported from Seattle, and Foley from Iowa City. ___ Contact the APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/. Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee co-chairmen Scott Grow, R-Eagle, and Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, preside over the committee's first meeting of the legislative session on Jan. 13, 2026, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) A legislative committee tasked with evaluating economic factors and legislative revenue impacts on Thursday narrowly voted to recommend a revenue projection of $5.8 billion for the next fiscal year, predicting growth over the current year. The recommendation will go to the state budget-writing committee to consider Friday as it sets out to create a balanced budget. The committee will also provide its recommended revenue projection of around $5.67 billion for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. Advertisement Advertisement Revenue projections from last year ended up being higher than actual revenues for the first part of the fiscal year, and lawmakers started the 2026 legislative session facing a projected $40 million deficit. The joint Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee first met Wednesday to hear from state economists, industry experts, university professors, and business and farm economists. The committee met again Thursday to consider each members estimation and vote on a single projection. Members fiscal 2027 estimates ranged from $5.56 billion to $6.3 billion, with estimates predicted between 2.8% growth to 5% growth over the previous fiscal year. House Assistant Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian, speaks to reporters at a post-State of the State Address press conference on Jan. 12, 2026, at the Idaho Capitol in Boise. Also pictured is Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian, made the successful motion to adopt the committees median projections for both fiscal years, even though his own individual projection was lower by more than $100 million. Advertisement Advertisement The committees approved prediction was $137 million more than the governors projected revenue included in his budget proposal. I do think the governor is pessimistic on where the economy is at, said Rep. Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, who also serves as co-chair of the budget-writing Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. I dont think the economy is blowing out of the water by any means, but I do think the economy of the state of Idaho, and from all the presentations that this body has heard, is still relatively strong. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Economists told committee state likely to see revenue growth level out As lawmakers prepare to set the state budget, they must consider factors such as revenue pressures from previous tax cuts, including more than $450 million in approved tax cuts and credits approved last year, economic conditions, and the cost of adopting federal tax changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Advertisement Advertisement Theres not just an economic issue or a taxing issue, there are significant budget issues that youre going to have to wrestle with this year, Keith Bybee, Legislative Services Office budget and policy manager, said Wednesday. Legislative Services Office Division Manager Keith Bybee helps pass out legislator name tags during a break in proceedings for the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) On Wednesday, committee members heard from Bybee, an economist with the governors office, an economist from Zions Bank, a state labor economist, an Idaho Power economist, economic professors from the states three largest universities, a University of Idaho extension professor, the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho and the Idaho State Tax Commission. Largely, the speakers said Idahos economy remained strong, but that revenues wouldnt be coming into the state at such a high rate as they were during the pandemic. Nationally, there was some volatility in the labor market in response to tariffs, according to Zions Bank economist Robert Spendlove. But Idaho was largely immune from that volatility, Idaho State Department of Labor economist Sam Wolkenhauer said. Advertisement Advertisement Idahos labor market is not showing us signs of distress, Wolkenhauer said. It looks very, very healthy. He estimated job growth and wage growth will continue to grow, but at a smaller rate. He noted that much of the total income growth was largely driven by income outside of wages, such as from retirement because of an aging population. Were starting to see much more equilibrium in the indicators, Wolkenhauer said, And so our forecast calls for continued growth in the state, but at rates more consistent with our long-term experience, and not that really overheated growth that we saw in 2022. Boise State University economics lecturer Kyle Brookman, representing a group that also included Karl Geisler from Idaho State University and Steven Peterson from University of Idaho, also suggested a leveling off of employment in Idaho and slowing of revenue growth. Advertisement Advertisement The university group projected the state would end the current fiscal year with a revenue of $5.4 billion, which is an 8% decrease from the prior fiscal year. They also predicted that the next fiscal year would grow by about 7%, to $5.8 billion. We are seeing a revenue decrease, part of that is because weve had very high revenue increases in the past, Brookman said. So its just working off of a base. When you start out high and keep going higher, its hard to continue to match that. The Idaho State Tax Commission presented an optimistic projection, but it did not include the anticipated impacts of the state conforming its tax code to the changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The commission has estimated that the cut to Idahos revenue would be between $115 million and $193 million, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. Tax Commission Chairman Jeff McCray told lawmakers Wednesday, we leave that up to you. Advertisement Advertisement Legislators will need to vote early in the session on whether to conform to the more than 30 tax changes made in the massive federal budget bill. Some members fear projection too high will lead to further budget issues Sen. Camille Blaylock, R-Caldwell, made an unsuccessful motion to project much lower revenues than the ones adopted by the committee. If Ive learned anything from being here in a short year, we spend every dollar that were given, Blaylock said. Im surprised that the numbers that were looking at are $100 million over what the governor had recommended to us. If we set this too high, then are projections low like we were last year, then I assume we will be upside down like we are this year. Blaylock proposed setting the current fiscal year revenue at $5.5 billion and the next fiscal year at $5.7 billion, around $100 million less than what was adopted. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Kevin Cook, R-Idaho Falls, gave a second to Blaylocks motion and said he would rather err on the side of low revenue. The committee never got to Blaylocks motion because the majority supported Monks motion on the higher revenue projection. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Rep. Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, listens to proceedings during the Jan. 12, 2026, Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee meeting at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Idaho would need to add an additional 1,400 medical professionals today just to catch up to the national average for the number of physicians per capita, an Idaho state legislator said while presenting a new report Thursday at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Rep. Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, and Sen. Dave Lent, R-Idaho Falls, told the Idaho Legislatures Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee about the shortage of doctors and presented recommendations from the states Undergraduate Medical Education Plan Working Group. Overall, Manwaring called for state legislators to support and expand the states medical education program and seats, arguing that future medical professionals who train in Idaho will be more likely to practice medicine in Idaho. We cant go backwards, Manwaring told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. Recommendations from the report include: Advertisement Advertisement Idaho must maintain undergraduate medical education capacity, both through the Idaho WWAMI program partnership with the University of Washington, as well as with the University of Utah. Grow new undergraduate medical education capacity through University of Utah and Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. Increase graduate medical education capacity, particularly for rural Idaho. Support a new office at the Idaho State Board of Education to coordinate and expand clinical placements and preceptors. Manwaring estimated it would cost $350,000 to $485,000 this year to expand undergraduate medical education by 10 seats. He said it could also cost another $350,000 for the new office to coordinate clinical placements. Rep. Rod Furniss, R-Rigby, asked about funding additional incentives, such as repayment of medical school debt. Last year, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee zeroed out a request from Gov. Brad Little to expand the Rural Physician Incentive Program, which provides $25,000 a year to help physicians who are practicing in areas facing health care shortages repay their medical school debt. Again, its about what are we willing to pay for? Manwaring said. Those incentives do work but we have to pick and choose and prioritize how much we can incentivize and how much we do it. But there is no question that works. Advertisement Advertisement This year every dollar of state funding is going to be tight. Idahos state budget is projected to run a deficit in the current fiscal year 2026 and next year in 2027. But Little and state legislators have vowed to cut spending during this legislative session to avoid a budget deficit. The Idaho Constitution requires the state to pass a balanced budget where expenses do not exceed revenue. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE At this time, the IDF did not name the targeted terrorists. However, Hamas-affiliated sources reported that the IDF killed targets in homes belonging to the al Huli and al Jarou families. The IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) struck several Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including several terrorist commanders, the IDF announced on Friday. The attacks were made in response to violations of the ceasefire agreement earlier this week, in which terrorists were reported to have fired at IDF soldiers in western Rafah. Advertisement Advertisement At this time, the IDF did not name the targeted terrorists. However, Hamas-affiliated sources reported that the IDF killed targets in homes belonging to the al Huli and al Jarou families. The IDF also struck a Hezbollah terrorist in Lebanon on Thursday, successfully eliminating him. The terrorist was reportedly making attempts to reestablish Hezbollah's infrastructure in the Zawtar al-Sharqiyah area in southern Lebanon, violating theceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Soldiers catch West Bank terrorists with Molotov cocktails Soldiers in the Beitot area on Thursday also identified two terrorists preparing to throw Molotov cocktails toward a civilian road. The soldiers fired at the terrorists, hitting one, and apprehended both. Advertisement Advertisement Three other suspects were caught by the IDF on Friday morning, after terrorists threw an explosive device and a Molotov cocktail towards a road near Kafr Malik. No injuries were reported in either incident, and the suspects were transferred for further questioning. Terrorists caught throwing stones at Israeli civilians On Friday, IDF reported soldiers had been dispatched to the Al-Mughayyir area in the West Bank following a report about several terrorists who were throwing stones at Israeli civilians, setting tires on fire, and blocking access routes. Upon their arrival, IDF soldiers identified dozens of terrorists hurling stones. One terrorist was seen running toward the soldiers while holding a rock, posing an immediate threat. In response, the soldiers fired warning shots into the air and then eliminated the terrorist. The IDF is currently conducting searches in the area and setting up roadblocks in Al-Mughayyir to locate additional suspects involved in the incident. This story appears as part of a collaboration between The Maine Monitor and Maine Focus, the investigative team of the Bangor Daily News, a partnership to strengthen investigative journalism in Maine. You can show your support for this effort with a donation to The Monitor. Read more about the partnership. LEWISTON The day after the mayor of Maines second-largest city announced that immigration agents planned to ramp up their presence here, the streets were quiet but the mood was tense. One property manager whose tenants are almost exclusively African immigrants described how citizen parents have been driving undocumented neighbors kids to school and dropping off groceries so they didnt have to leave their homes. She showed a reporter a form being passed around so undocumented parents could designate temporary guardians for their children in the event of their arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Others decided not to stick around to see what happens in Lewiston in the coming days, she said, referring to a pair of asylum-seekers from Angola who handed over the keys to their apartment Wednesday and said they planned to head for the Canadian border. Federal officials have not confirmed plans to target Lewiston and Portland, the hubs of Maines African immigrant communities. But a police source confirmed the plans, and local officials have interpreted the widespread rumors to be true. The prospect has put residents and officials in both cities on edge on the heels of an aggressive federal operation in Minnesota. People feel like sitting ducks, said Martha Stein, the executive director of Hope Acts, a Portland-based organization that assists asylum-seekers. Like Lewiston, the city was quiet when she and a colleague drove around that morning to look for signs of the federal governments presence. So far, she has noticed greater shifts in behavior due to the suspense. We know food insecurity is huge and they just werent seeing the numbers this week that they normally see, she said, referring to a report from a volunteer who also works with a local food pantry. Theyre afraid. They are afraid to leave their homes. Advertisement Advertisement In Lewiston, some residents pointed to what they believe are more visible signs of immigration authorities in the city. A store clerk in the citys Tree Streets, a downtown neighborhood that is the poorest in the state and home to many of the citys immigrant families, witnessed trucks with Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement parked near her business on multiple days this week. Shes also noticed immigrant customers looking over their shoulders more often, especially younger ones. The impact of immigration enforcement in the city isnt new. The property manager said her tenants have been getting detained since Trump took office last year. Her fiance, a Congolese asylum-seeker, was detained last winter at the Canadian border, days before the birth of their second child. He has never met his daughter because he has been detained since in New York and is appealing an August deportation order. Many of her tenants receive rental assistance through a local immigrant advocacy organization. Staff there have mentioned agents visiting the office to ask questions. The mood in downtown Lewiston was quiet but tense on Thursday, the day after city and state officials announced that they expected ICE to target Maine cities in the coming days. Photo by Callie Ferguson of the Bangor Daily News. There is some local confusion over why the federal government would try to crack down on the areas Somali community. Maines well-established Somali population, which numbers around 3,000 people, took hold in the early 2000s. Roughly two-thirds are American citizens by naturalization or birth. Advertisement Advertisement The rest may have other forms of permanent legal status, such as a green card, although President Donald Trump moved this week to strip away other protections to Somalis. In Minnesota, his administration said it was investigating Somalis with pending green card applications. It is unclear how many Somali immigrants in that situation live in Maine. An impending crackdown here could more heavily hit other members of the African diaspora who arrived more recently seeking asylum, including immigrants from Angola and the Congo. Many of them have work permits and jobs at local businesses, including manufacturing plants and the massive Walmart distribution center in Lewiston. I know my people. They are good people. They love to work, said Ernesto Charles, the pastor of the Zion Church of All Nations in Lewiston, which has African asylum-seekers in its congregation. He is aware of one parishioner in detention, an 18-year-old arrested several months ago after a fight. Lately, others have sought his counsel about what they can do to avoid a similar fate. There is only so much he can tell them. I cant change U.S. law, he said. I dont have nothing to do. Just pray to God to protect my people. They are not criminals. For the first time in decades, many ancient ruins have become visible across Europe. However, the reason behind their appearance caused many experts to sound the alarm, according to Bianet. What's happening? A record-setting drought across many European nations had a bittersweet side effect. As precipitation levels decreased in 2025, many of the region's water sources declined as well. This led to the resurfacing of many ancient ruins that were buried underwater for years. Advertisement Advertisement In Turkey, the worst drought in over six decades caused many of the country's lake levels to plummet. Lake Iznik, the largest natural lake in the Marmara region, saw its levels drop by up to 50 meters. This exposed a large section of a basilica built 1,500 years ago. Other countries, such as Spain and Italy, have also witnessed the reemergence of several ancient ruins. While this could be exciting for archaeologists in the region, others warned of an alarming trend. As Bianet noted, the resurfaced ancient ruins were "no cause for celebration," a sentiment echoed by Joan Riera, mayor of Vilanova de Sau, Spain. "There's nothing to celebrate about tourists coming here, because this is the result of a natural disaster that has severely impacted our region," Riera said. Why are resurfaced ancient ruins in Turkey concerning? According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2025 was one of the three warmest years on record, along with 2024 and 2023. Advertisement Advertisement The WMO said that high levels of air pollution were the primary driver of rising temperatures. "Years, such as 2025, which aren't dominated by the warming influence of El Nino, should be cooler," said Professor Adam Scaife, who led the team behind the Met Office's global forecast. "2016 was an El Nino year and at the time it was the warmest year on record for global temperature. In comparison to our forecast for 2025 though, 2016 is now looking decidedly cool." Hotter-than-average weather worldwide led to increased evaporation, resulting in lower precipitation in many regions, including Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Higher temperatures can also disrupt the water cycle, hastening drought and depleting water resources, such as freshwater lakes. What's being done about it? Historian and museologist Emel Gulsah Akn explained why the reemergence of many ancient ruins across Europe was so ominous. "In ancient times, major droughts and other natural factors led to the collapse of civilizations, and we have long observed the effects of climate conditions on societies," Akn began. "The difference is that, in the past, such changes unfolded over millennia, or at least centuries; now, they're occurring much more rapidly, in just a few decades." Advertisement Advertisement Archaeologist Gul Yurun Mavinil emphasized how the very conditions that unearthed the ancient ruins also imperiled them. "Archaeological remains suddenly exposed to semi-arid or dry conditions after existing in a highly humid environment are vulnerable to rapid physical and chemical degradation. Without proper preservation measures, these assets will quickly deteriorate," said Mavinil. 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 former DeKalb County superintendent who is facing multiple federal charges for stealing money from another school district is now under investigation in DeKalb. According to records, Dr. Devon Horton paid his friend $25,000 to speak during the districts convocation, plus another $20,000 for his books. The former superintendent did not need anyones approval to spend that amount of money, according to current policy. Advertisement Advertisement There should be some policies to prevent that, Joel Edwards with Renew DeKalb told Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes. Renew DeKalb is a group that focuses on highlighting corruption and making sure public money is spent wisely. Edwards and many others are waiting for the district to finish their forensic audit into how much of DeKalbs money Dr. Devon Horton spent during his two years as superintendent. How can you hire a superintendent and give him carte blanche he can do what he wanna do? he said. Its taxpayers money. Thats why were in the situation were in now. This been going on since 2002, and its still going on. Advertisement Advertisement Channel 2 Action News was the only station to obtain the records that show Horton paid his friend Gianno Caldwell for his appearance at the July 2025 convocation. Fernandes sent interim Superintendent Norman Sauce an email asking for a comment on the spending. A district spokesperson replied with a statement: The Board approved an external audit to be conducted following Dr. Hortons resignation. This action reflects the Boards commitment to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that all matters are reviewed thoroughly and appropriately. When the school board hired Horton two years ago, they knew the feds were investigating him for fraud charges he now faces in Illinois Advertisement Advertisement Edwards says the board needs to be fired for bringing Horton to DeKalb. They all played a part in it, you know? So, there has to be some consequences, because right now were going through the same thing - replacing a superintendent. How many times do we have to do this? I mean, its embarrassing for DeKalb County, he said. According to policy, the only time a DeKalb County superintendent has to get permission to spend taxpayer money is when its over $100,000, so Horton did not need anyone to sign off on Caldwells pay. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] President Donald Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act of 1807 to send the military into Minneapolis in response to protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets following the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Good by an ICE agent on Jan. 7. Trump has called these demonstrators "professional agitators and insurrectionists." In a Jan. 15 social media post, Trump said he wanted to "quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State," referring to the protests, and pointed to past presidential use of the Insurrection Act. Protest in Minneapolis on Jan. 10, 2026, after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent. What is the Insurrection Act? The 1807 law gives the president the power to deploy U.S. armed forces to suppress rebellions and civil unrest or when federal laws are obstructed. Presidents have rarely deployed troops domestically against the wishes of state and local leaders even though they have the authority to do so. Advertisement Advertisement When presidents have used that power against the wishes of state or local officials, it was in response to those officials not enforcing Supreme Court decisions and federal laws or failing to quell an insurrection against the government. The Insurrection Act, or its predecessors, has been invoked 30 times in American history since George Washington utilized it to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. George H.W. Bushs defense of Los Angeles during the 1992 riots was the last time it was used. The seldom-used law was once invoked in Vermont in the 19th century. When was the Insurrection Act invoked in Vermont? In 1808, President Thomas Jefferson invoked the Insurrection Act in an "ultimately futile effort" to stop violations of the Embargo Act of 1807 near Lake Champlain in Vermont, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law. Advertisement Advertisement At the time, U.S. ports were closed to exports, and restrictions were placed on imports from Great Britain, due to British and French interference with shipping during the Napoleonic Wars, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. These restrictions proved difficult for American farmers and traders whose livelihoods depended on export markets. The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum said "most of the [Champlain Valley] residents ignored the embargo acts and traded openly with Canada until the United States government began to rigorously enforce the laws by posting customs agents on the lake." Jefferson invoked the Insurrection Act on April 19, 1808, declaring that the residents were opposing and obstructing the authority of the laws of the U.S., and that their actions were "too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in the marshals by the laws of the United States." He called on the governors of Vermont and New York to deploy their militias to suppress the illicit trade, soon realizing that "if the embargo were to be successful, a strict enforcement act was going to be necessary," according to the Mises Institute. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: The Insurrection Act of 1807 was invoked in Vermont. Here's what happened Since Jan. 20, 2025, the first day of his second term in office, President Donald Trump has slashed U.S. foreign aid spending. It began with a stop-work order that paused spending on everything from treating tropical diseases in Mali to providing nutrition support in Nepal. By early February 2025, billionaire Elon Musk announced that the U.S. Agency for International Development, the lead foreign aid agency, had been fed into the wood chipper. By July 1, USAID had ceased to exist, 83% of its programs had been canceled, and remaining aid programs were moved into the State Department where it was unclear how they would be managed. Congress clawed back billions in previously approved aid spending, at Trumps request, in July. These developments rattled nongovernmental organizations around the world because about half of USAIDs funding was channeled through nongovernmental organizations prior to this upheaval. According to Tom Hart, who heads a coalition of U.S.-based NGOs, Were in a pivot moment, a massive transition, and things arent clear. Favoring government-to-government spending According to the official foreignassistance.gov website, the U.S. spent US$32 billion on foreign aid in 2025, less than half of the $68 billion it spent in 2024. These figures include all of USAIDs budget. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is seeking to continue these cuts in its proposed budget for 2026. For example, its proposed $3.8 billion global health budget would mark a 60% decrease from actual 2025 spending. But the budget the House of Representatives passed in January 2026 would spend $50 billion on international diplomacy and foreign aid, including $9.4 billion for global health and $5.5 billion for humanitarian aid. The Trump administration has shown a clear preference for distributing U.S. foreign aid to other governments. That means most future aid is likely to be channeled bilaterally rather than contracted out through NGOs or private companies. We, two scholars of international NGOs, have observed several strategies they are following to keep operating and meeting their missions. Struggling to adapt The first is simply scaling back. Advertisement Advertisement Save the Children US had one-third of its funding frozen, restricting the humanitarian, health and education support it provides to kids in over 100 countries. Eighty percent of Freedom Houses activities to promote human rights and democracy, which include everything from supporting judicial integrity in Moldova to enhancing media reporting on human rights in Uganda, were terminated. World Vision, the worlds largest evangelical humanitarian organization, lost 10% of its budget, laid off as many as 3,000 employees and cut programs engaged in HIV/AIDS prevention and child health care and malnutrition in countries like Bangladesh, Kenya and Rwanda. Search for Common Ground lost $23 million overnight a 40% cut to its conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts around the world. Shifting from shocked to strategic Once nongovernmental organizations overcame their initial shock, their leadership teams began to respond to USAIDs demise. Three strategies have emerged: reducing operations to focus on activities that support core missions, searching for new sources of reliable funding, and transforming the size and scope of their organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Regardless how theyve responded, NGOs have had to scale back. As of April 2025, 81 NGOs had closed at least one office. This includes streamlining activities, laying off staff, encouraging their early retirement and cutting pay. These changes have allowed most NGOs to continue at least minimal operations. But doing more with less may simply not be sustainable for an exhausted workforce over the long term. Tapping philanthropy and social enterprises Philanthropy may fill some gaps. However, foundations and individual donors are also facing economic and political uncertainty. Charitable giving to international affairs has been on the rise, but the $35 billion in giving to international causes in 2024 would have to more than double to make up for the reduction in government spending. Social entrepreneurship combines for-profit models with the mission orientation of nonprofits, and this approach, used by the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee and others, is often mentioned as a model for NGOs seeking to provide local services. Advertisement Advertisement But building social enterprises takes time. And there do not seem to be any quick fixes that might restore funding for international NGOs to pre-2025 levels. Envisioning new models The Trump administration has asserted that NGOs had become too dependent on government aid. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom Trump named USAIDs acting administrator until the agency was shuttered, has derided this relationship as the NGO industrial complex. While scholars tend to be less dismissive, they have long highlighted that depending on powerful donors, including governments, can limit innovation and distract organizations from their missions. USAIDs dissolution has expedited experts re-envisioning of the NGO model the idea of private charitable organizations based in rich nations providing services in poor countries. Advertisement Advertisement One push has been to move decision-making and resources to residents of the communities where NGOs are delivering goods and services, through a process development experts call localization. For example, U.K.-based Christian Aid announced in April 2025 that it would close its own offices and instead work with established partner organizations in the countries where it works. It has halved its staff in a year when revenues dropped by 14% due to the Trump administrations slashing of its contributions to the U.N. World Food Program. Losing so much funding has also made cooperation more necessary. Advertisement Advertisement As a book that one of us (Hadden) wrote with University of Pennsylvania professor Sarah Bush shows, the NGO field had become more crowded and competitive since the mid-2010s. Janti Soeripto, Save the Childrens chief executive officer, has said that in 2025 her organization began cooperating more extensively with MercyCorps and CARE to increase their collective surge capacity, or ability to respond to disasters in a quick, effective and efficient manner. Some NGOs have also reportedly begun discussions about mergers to streamline costs and maintain valuable programs. Although mergers can be challenging when organizations have different values or workplace cultures, we believe that there will be fewer international NGOs in the years ahead. Moving toward an uncertain future A leaner, more financially diversified, more localized and better coordinated NGO sector could have positive consequences in the long run. Advertisement Advertisement But were certain that the transition will be rocky, both for the people who benefit from the work of NGOs and for the experts and staff members who have built their careers around global poverty alleviation and improving public health in low-income countries. Funding cuts shuttered many long-standing development and humanitarian programs, with devastating consequences. According to expert estimates, the dismantling of USAID could result in more than 14 million deaths by 2030, including over 4 million children under 5 years old in countries like Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia. The Trump administrations new foreign aid plan cuts out NGOs to fund local governments, but those partner governments may not be able or willing to spend aid money better than their NGO counterparts. Its now up to NGO leaders to chart a new course. Advertisement Advertisement According to Essi Lindstedt, a climate and development adviser, there is a lot of agreement that the old aid wasnt right, but we have not yet seen a transition into something better. 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: Sarah Stroup, Middlebury College and Jennifer Hadden, Brown University Read more: Advertisement Advertisement During her 2025-26 sabbatical year, Sarah Stroup has received funding from the Marion and Jasper Whiting Foundation. She is currently academic-in-residence at CMI-Martti Ahtisaari Foundation, a global peace mediation group. Jennifer Hadden received funding from the National Science Foundation under grant No. 1758755. As data center developments continue to come to southeastern Wisconsin, a business group says it wants to make it easier for people to find basic information about those projects. Milwaukee 7, which works to attract and retain businesses in southeastern Wisconsin, has created a data center resource hub. The hub allows people to find information on such projects. That includes the number of jobs, the amount of investment, and how much water and energy would be used. It has fact sheets for the Microsoft data center in Mount Pleasant and the OpenAI data center in Port Washington. With interest in data center opportunities continuing to grow, and more questions emerging about those already operating in our region, understanding their accurate economic and community impacts is essential, said M7 Executive Director Rebecca Gries. Economic developers play a key role by asking the right questions and relying on research-based facts to clearly demonstrate that data centers provide real economic benefits to our communities, while ensuring these investments align with community and regional strategic priorities," Gries said, in a statement. To be clear, not every Wisconsin data center development is included in the hub as some are outside of the Milwaukee 7 region. For example, Facebook parent company Meta is planning to build a data center in Beaver Dam and data center operator QTS is planning a bulti-billion dollar development in Dane County. Microsoft President Brad Smith says the company will be more transparent about its data center developments. Smith made those comments during a Jan. 13 visit to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's AI Co-Innovation Lab. He also told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the need for more transparency was driven home by opposition to the company's plans for a Caledonia data center. Microsoft has since dropped that project. Smith's comments were welcomed by Wisconsin environmental groups but also drew skepticism. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee 7 launches data center 'hub' with basic info on projects The Air India Airbus A350 suffered engine damage after the incident [Directorate General of Civil Aviation/X] India's aviation watchdog has launched an investigation after an Air India plane's engine sucked in a cargo container while taxiing at the Delhi airport. No-one was hurt, but the aircraft's engine was damaged and it has been grounded for repairs. The New York-bound Airbus A350 had returned to Delhi shortly after take-off on Thursday after Iran temporarily closed its airspace, forcing airlines to reroute flights. Advertisement Advertisement After landing safely, the aircraft had left the runway and was taxiing to the parking bay with passengers on board when the cargo container was sucked into its right engine. Visibility was "marginal" due to dense fog at the time, the aviation regulator said. There were around 240 passengers in the aircraft when the container was sucked in, a source from Air India told the BBC. The exact number of crew members could not be ascertained but the source added it could be between six and eight people. According to India's ministry of civil aviation, the incident occurred on Thursday around 05:25 local time (23:55 GMT on Wednesday) as the aircraft was taxiing towards the apron area, where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded and refuelled. The cargo container had accidentally fallen from a ground vehicle "onto the taxiway intersection", it added. Advertisement Advertisement An Air India spokesperson added that the container fell after a wheel came off a cart that was being towed by a vehicle used to move luggage and cargo around the airport. The vehicle operator noticed the aircraft taxiing in and left the area with the remaining cargo. "However, the container which fell was left behind and it got ingested into the No. 2 engine of the aircraft," Air India added. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said metal debris was later cleared from the taxiway, and the aircraft was towed and parked at a designated stand. It added that it has launched a detailed investigation into the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Photos shared by DGCA on X show damage to the aircraft's engine casing and fan blades, as well as debris lying on the taxiway. The incident adds to scrutiny around ground safety at India's busy airports. In June last year, the DGCA flagged significant safety lapses at major Indian airports and airlines, finding issues such as faded runway markings, faulty simulator training, crew fatigue, inadequate maintenance and unauthorised cockpit access. Air India has also warned of "potential disruptions on select A350 routes" as the aircraft is grounded. Air India operates six Airbus A350 aircraft on long-haul routes, including services to London and New York, Reuters reported. The airline hasn't specified which routes might be affected. Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Welcome back to Foreign Policys Situation Report. John is flying solo this week as Rishi enjoys some much-deserved time off, but hes received some assistance from his fantastic FP colleague Christina Lu. Alright, heres whats on tap for the day: Trump appears to back down on striking Iran, NATO allies rally around Greenland, and phase 2 of Trumps Gaza plan (sort of) begins. Is the Iran Crisis Over? Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump appears to have backed away from taking military action against Iranfor the moment, at leastfor its brutal, deadly crackdown on anti-government protests. Trump threatened to hit Iran hard if it continued to kill protesters but kept moving the goalposts even as reports of massacres trickled through a communications blackout imposed by the Iranian government. The protests, which began in late December and were perhaps the largest in the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution, have seemingly been squashed. Trump alluded to this in comments on Wednesday. The killing has stopped, Trump said, adding that Iran had also called off planned executions of detained protesters. Some estimates have placed the death toll from the crackdown as high as 3,000, with more than 16,000 people arrested. Late on Wednesday, there were still various signs that a U.S. strike could be impendingincluding a precautionary evacuation of some U.S. personnel from key bases in the region. By Thursday morning, however, the prospect of a kinetic strike appeared to have fizzled outalong with the demonstrations. Iran on Thursday reopened its airspace after a short-lived closure announced the day prior, in an indication that Tehran wasnt expecting a U.S. attack. The protests ending and Iran apparently holding off on executions of protesters have given [Trump] an out, Gregory Brew, an Iran analyst with Eurasia Group, told SitRep. Advertisement Advertisement Trump also faced pressure from Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar not to move forward with strikes over concerns that such a move would contribute to regional instability and hurt their interests. Qatar is home to Al Udeid, the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, which was targeted by Iran after Trump ordered historic strikes on several of its nuclear facilities in late June 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also urged Trump to postpone any plans for an attack on Iran, per the New York Times, amid concerns that such a move could do more harm than good at this time. Spread too thin. It has also not been lost on many observers that Trumps threats toward Iran have come as clashes between protesters and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis have escalated following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent on Jan. 7. Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy the military in Minneapolis if the protests dont die down. This is all occurring at the same time that Trump is rattling major European allies with his push to acquire Greenland and just days after an astonishing U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. In his second term, Trump has repeatedly exhibited a willingness to use the military anywhere and everywhere. But, in the process, Trump has also hamstrung himself. The U.S. military is the most powerful and well-financed force in the world, but it still has limits. Advertisement Advertisement By maintaining such a large military presence in the Caribbean, even after the Maduro operation, Trump had fewer options to respond to the violence in Iran and also had to consider the fact that Tehran was likely to make good on its threat to retaliate against any U.S. actions. There arent enough assets in place to both deliver a decisive strike that he wants while also protecting U.S. bases and allies from Iranian retaliation, Brew said. An uncertain future. Its not clear what happens next. The Iranian government appears to have reasserted control for the moment. But its hard to say whether this means that the protests will not flare up again, particularly as the Iranian economy continues to struggle. The Iranian government has survived, but for how long is another question. The Treasury Department on Thursday also announced fresh sanctions against the architects of the Iranian regimes brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrators, including security officials such as Ali Larijani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, as part of an apparent effort to continue pressuring Tehran against further violence. Meanwhile, the U.S. appears to be keeping its military options openincluding by reportedly sending the USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered supercarrier, to the region. This remains a space to watch closely in the days ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Lets Get Personnel Mykhailo Fedorov, 34, was officially appointed as Ukraines new defense minister by the countrys parliament on Wednesday. Fedorov previously served as the first deputy prime minister and digital transformation minister and is expected to place a strong emphasis on leveraging innovative technology in the countrys fight against Russia. We are obligated to defeat the enemy in every technological cycle to stay one, two, or even ten steps ahead, thereby saving the lives of our soldiers and destroying the adversary as effectively as possible, Fedorov said in a LinkedIn post on Wednesday. On the Button What should be high on your radar, if it isnt already. Advertisement Advertisement Troops in Greenland. Several European countries continued deploying troops to Greenland on Thursday, just one day after U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials met at the White House for a high-stakes meeting over the islands future that produced no major breakthroughs. Trump has been adamant in his desire to control Greenlandwhich is a semi-autonomous Danish territoryciting its importance for U.S. national security, even as the islands leaders have repeatedly insisted that it is not for sale. After meeting with U.S. officials, Denmarks foreign minister conceded on Wednesday that Copenhagen and Washington still have a fundamental disagreement over the future of the island. With all sides at an impasse, NATO members are now beefing up their military presence on Greenland. In a show of unity with Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom are now dispatching symbolic numbers of troops to the territory for a joint military exercise. Christina Lu Phase 2 in Gaza. The United States on Wednesday announced that phase 2 of Trumps peace plan for Gaza was moving forward. Steve Witkoff, the presidents special envoy, on Wednesday said that the next phase establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza and begins the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel. Witkoff said the U.S. expects Hamas to fully comply with its obligations, including returning the last deceased hostage, and warned of severe consequences if it does not. Advertisement Advertisement But Hamas has been adamant that it will not disarm. This remains a major obstacle to moving the peace process forward, despite the tough talk from Witkoff, along with the fact that Israel has not committed to fully withdrawing from the enclaveanother key aspect of Trumps plan. Many details on phase 2 remain uncertain, though the leader of the technocratic committee has been announced: Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority. Trump is expected to announce the makeup of the Board of Peace, which will oversee the committee, in the coming days. But with the cease-fire still on shaky ground, actually demilitarizing Gaza will remain a major challenge as the U.S. tries to push things forward. Snapshot U.S. federal agents establish a perimeter in a residential area following a shooting in Minneapolis on Jan. 14. Scott Olson/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Hot Mic SitRep on Thursday spoke with Adm. William J. Fallon, who was U.S. Central Command commander from 2007 to 2008, to get his thoughts on the situation in Iran and the potential for the U.S. to take action there. The issue with me is where are we going, whats the strategic plan, the objective, and what kind of thought has gone in that they may be contemplating, which I have no idea because Im not on the inside, Fallon said, also emphasizing that Iran is a dark hole at the moment due to the regimes success in blocking information access on whats going on within the country. Fallon recently had a book published on key lessons from Americas post-9/11 wars: Decisions, Discord & Diplomacy: From Cairo to Kabul. When asked about the U.S. military posture in the Middle East at present, Fallon said the United States has been wrapped around the axle in the Middle East for decades and cant seem to get off. Advertisement Advertisement The bigger strategic challenge is in Asia with China, Fallon said, underscoring that Beijing is cultivating relationships everywhere, including the Middle East. Put on Your Radar Saturday, Jan. 17: Gen. Mamady Doumbouya is set to be inaugurated as president in Guinea. Sunday, Jan. 18: Portugal is scheduled to hold presidential elections. Monday, Jan. 19: The World Economic Forums annual meeting begins in Davos, Switzerland. Wednesday, Jan. 21: Trump is set address the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. By the Numbers 75the percentage of Americans who say they oppose the United States attempting to take control of Greenland, according to a new CNN poll. Advertisement Advertisement Quote of the Week Close ties with our northernmost allies are what make Americas extensive reach in the Arctic actually possible. And I have yet to hear from this administration a single thing we need from Greenland that this sovereign people is not already willing to grant us. Unless and until the president can demonstrate otherwise, then the proposition at hand today is very straightforward: incinerating the hard-won trust of loyal allies in exchange for no meaningful change in U.S. access to the Arctic. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell criticizing Trumps push to acquire Greenland. This Weeks Most Read The Donroe Doctrine Makes No Sense by Stephen M. Walt Irans Currency Crisis Could Be the Regimes Downfall by Alireza Nader and Nik Kowsar The World-Minus-One Moment by Amitav Acharya DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Iranian officials signaled Wednesday that fast trials and executions lay ahead for suspects detained in nationwide protests, while the Islamic Republic promised retaliation if the U.S. or Israel intervenes in the domestic unrest. The threats emerged as some personnel at a key U.S. military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate, even as President Donald Trump made a series of vague statements that left unclear what American action, if any, would take place against Iran. Iran shut its airspace to commercial flights early Thursday morning for several hours, without explanation. The notice to pilots said the closure was estimated to end at 7:30 a.m. Flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.com show aircraft flying around Iran from its north and south. Advertisement Advertisement In comments to reporters, Trump said he had been told that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, without providing many details. The shift comes a day after Trump told protesters in Iran that help is on the way and that his administration would act accordingly to respond to the Islamic Republic's deadly crackdown. Weve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping its stopped its stopping, Trump said at the White House while signing executive orders and legislation. And theres no plan for executions, or an execution, or executions so Ive been told that on good authority. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also sought to tone down the rhetoric, urging the U.S. to find 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 dont have any positive experience from the United States. But still diplomacy is much better than war." Advertisement Advertisement The change in tone by the U.S. 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 U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported. The death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Currency collapse sparked demonstrations The demonstrations began Dec. 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, as the countrys economy is squeezed by international sanctions levied in part over its nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has repeatedly warned about potential U.S. military action over the killing of peaceful protesters, just months after American forces bombed Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June. In other developments Wednesday, a mass funeral was held for some 100 security force members killed in the demonstrations. Tens of thousands of mourners attended, holding Iranian flags and photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The caskets, draped in Iranian flags, were stacked at least three high. Red and white roses and framed photographs of the dead covered them. People elsewhere remained fearful in the streets. Plainclothes security forces still milled around some neighborhoods, though anti-riot police and members of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard's all-volunteer Basij force appeared to have been sent back to their barracks. We are very frightened because of these sounds (of gunfire) and protests, said a mother of two shopping for fruits and vegetables, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. We have heard many are killed and many are injured. Now peace has been restored, but schools are closed, and Im scared to send my children to school again. Advertisement Advertisement Ahmadreza Tavakoli, 36, told The Associated Press he witnessed one demonstration in Tehran and was shocked by the use of firearms by authorities. People were out to express themselves and protest, but quickly it turned into a war zone, Tavakoli said. The people do not have guns. Only the security forces have guns. We have to do it quickly Earlier Wednesday, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Irans judiciary chief, said the government should press ahead with rapid trials and executions. If we want to do a job, we should do it now. If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly, he said in a video shared by Iranian state television online. 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. Advertisement Advertisement The comments stand as a direct challenge to Trump, who warned Iran about executions in an interview with CBS aired Tuesday. If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action, Trump said. We dont want to see whats happening in Iran happen. 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. One Arab Gulf diplomat told the AP that major Mideast governments had been discouraging the Trump administration from launching a war with Iran, fearing unprecedented consequences for the region that could explode into a full-blown war. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to journalists. Advertisement Advertisement Satellite internet service offer Irans government cut off the country from the internet and international telephone calls on Jan. 8. Activists said Wednesday that Starlink was offering free service in Iran. The satellite internet service has been key in getting around the internet shutdown. Iran began allowing people to call out internationally on Tuesday via mobile phones, but calls from people outside the country into Iran remain blocked. We can confirm that the free subscription for Starlink terminals is fully functional, said Mehdi Yahyanejad, a Los Angeles-based activist who has helped get the units into Iran. We tested it using a newly activated Starlink terminal inside Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Starlink itself did not immediately acknowledge the decision. Security service personnel apparently were searching for Starlink dishes, as people in northern Tehran reported authorities raiding apartment buildings with satellite dishes. While satellite television dishes are illegal, many in the capital have them in homes, and officials broadly gave up on enforcing the law in recent years. Death toll continues to rise The Human Rights Activists News Agency said 2,615 of the dead were protesters and 153 were government-affiliated. Thirteen children were killed, along with 14 civilians it said were not taking part in protests. Advertisement Advertisement More than 18,400 people have been detained, the group said. Gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult, and the AP has been unable to independently assess the toll given the communications being disrupted in the country. ___ Amiri reported from New York. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who killed a mother of three in Minnesota is an Iraq veteran with a long history of working in anti-immigration operations, according to a report. Federal agent Jonathan Ross fired three shots at Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7 as she was sitting behind the wheel of her maroon Honda Pilot. Good and other neighbors had come out to protest the presence of immigration forces on their streets. The Trump administration has rallied behind Ross, asserting he acted in self-defense and accused the wife and mom of running him over. Advertisement Advertisement Ross has yet to speak or appear in public since the shooting, which has sparked protests and clashes with law enforcement in Minneapolis and beyond. It has also led to calls for ICE to slow its aggressive deportation push in Minnesota and other areas. An increase of deportation has been center of President Donald Trumps agenda. A picture of the twice-married agents history is now coming into focus, with one law enforcement officer who has worked with Ross describing him as a thorough agent who would go down rabbit holes in search of undocumented migrants in a New York Times profile. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who killed a mother of three in Minnesota is an Iraq veteran with a long history of working in anti-immigration operations, according to a profile on the agent (Screengrab) Ross is a longtime ICE officer who has been serving his country his entire life, said Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security. After graduating high school in Peoria, Illinois, in 2001, his career began in the National Guard. From there, Ross went on to join the U.S. Border Patrol and Customs in El Paso, Texas, before becoming a member of ICEs special response team, where he has been for the past decade. Advertisement Advertisement As a member of the Indiana National Guard, Ross was deployed to Iraq in November 2004 for a year where he served as a gunner in a logistics unit. On his return, he spoke about the war at a Support the Troops event hosted by the College Republicans at Anderson University in Indiana in April 2006, which he attended according to the Times. He graduated with a degree in business administration and psychology in 2007. Ross fired three shots at Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7 as she was sitting behind the wheel of her maroon Honda Pilot (Facebook) That year, he joined the U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso and worked as a field intelligence agent, gathering and analyzing information on drug cartels. His duties included line-watching, which involves surveilling and apprehending targets along the border. Ross stayed with Border Patrol until 2015, when he moved to Minnesota after taking a job with ICE and was primarily tasked with identifying and arresting higher value targets, NBC News reported, citing court testimony. Advertisement Advertisement The agent had remarried and was living in a large home on a quiet street in the city of Chaska, a 30-minute drive from Minneapolis, according to the Times. Rosss political views are not known but during the presidential election, neighbors on his street claimed they recalled seeing a pro-Trump sign and a Dont Tread on Me Gadsden flag on display outside his home, according to NBC News and the Times. Colleagues of Ross told the Times that he mostly avoided bringing up politics in his workplace. Ross was previously dragged by a fleeing suspect during the arrest of Roberto Carlos Munoz-Guatemala, a Mexican citizen, in Bloomington, Minnesota, in June 2025. Ross has yet to speak or appear in public since the incident, which has sparked protests and clashes with law enforcement in Minneapolis and beyond (AP) Munoz-Guatemala, who had previously been convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and was on a detainer, ignored ICE agents commands, prompting Ross to break open a window of his car and try to unlock the door. Advertisement Advertisement Munoz-Guatemala then accelerated as Ross was screaming at the top of my lungs for him to stop. Munoz-Guatemala dragged the officer roughly 300 feet before he was knocked from the car. As a result, Ross needed 20 stitches on his arm and 13 more on his hand, The Minnesota Star Tribune first reported. Munoz-Guatemala was later convicted of assaulting an officer. The Department of Homeland Security has refused to name Ross in public statements but maintained he acted according to his training. Ross is reportedly increasingly unlikely to face criminal charges for the killing of Good, whose family has hired the same law firm that represented George Floyds loved ones. Isabel Keane contributed reporting Israel's military on Friday rejected a report that it moved the yellow line of demarcation further into the Gaza Strip, thereby expanding the area under its control. Nor had troops crossed the line, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in response to the BBC report that, on average, the position of the concrete markers had shifted almost 300 metres deeper into Palestinian territory. "The IDF is operating to visually mark the yellow line in accordance with the conditions on the ground and the ongoing operational situational assessment," a military official told dpa. Advertisement Advertisement Troops continued to ensure the line is visible to local residents "in order to reduce friction and prevent misunderstandings," the official added, while rejecting "all claims that the yellow line has been moved." Established in October under the ceasefire with the Palestinian Islamist militia Hamas, the line is marked with yellow concrete blocks. Palestinian residents are not allowed to cross without authorization, while Israeli troops are also instructed not to cross the line. There have been several fatal incidents at the line since October, with the most recent on Tuesday leading to the deaths of several people. Advertisement Advertisement According to the British broadcaster, satellite images show that the IDF has moved the blocks at a total of 16 locations. Hamas has already accused Israel of moving the line. Israeli forces control just over half of the Gaza Strip, which was heavily damaged in the war that began in October 2023 following the massacre by Hamas of more than 1,200 people in southern Israel. Israel has moved the blocks which are supposed to mark its post-ceasefire line of control deeper into Gaza in several places, sowing confusion among Palestinians. Satellite images reviewed by BBC Verify show that in at least three areas Israel placed blocks, before returning later and moving the positions further into the Strip. Under the terms of the US-brokered deal with Hamas, Israel agreed to withdraw troops beyond a line marked in yellow on Israeli military maps, which it has illustrated on the ground with concrete yellow blocks. Advertisement Advertisement Defence Minister Israel Katz warned in October that anyone crossing the Yellow Line would be "met with fire". Since these comments were made, there have been a series of deadly incidents around the line. In Beit Lahia, Jabalia and al-Tuffah, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) placed blocks and later returned to move them deeper inside Gaza. In total, 16 positions were moved. [BBC] In the al-Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City, satellite images show that IDF troops moved at least seven already placed blocks between 27 November and 25 December. The position of the markers were moved on average 295m (968ft) deeper inside the Strip. Advertisement Advertisement As well as the blocks that have been moved, BBC Verify mapped 205 other markers. More than half of those have been placed significantly deeper inside the Strip than the line marked on maps. An IDF spokesperson said it rejected "all claims that the Yellow Line has been moved or its crossing by IDF troops". "The IDF is operating to visually mark the Yellow Line in accordance with the conditions on the ground and the ongoing operational situational assessment," they added. Analysis of satellite images up to 11 January suggests some sections of the Yellow Line - which the head of Israel's military described as a "new border line" - also remain unmarked on the ground more than three months since the ceasefire began. Advertisement Advertisement The latest satellite images reviewed by BBC Verify show that blocks have not been placed along roughly 10km (six miles) of territory - leaving some people in Gaza struggling to know where the beginning of what the IDF calls a "dangerous combat zone" is. [BBC] Last month, one 23-year-old man near Khan Younis - whom the BBC is not naming for his own safety - said Israeli troops suddenly moved blocks near him beyond the mapped line, leaving him "trapped". "We are now living inside the Yellow Line, [but] behind the yellow blocks, with no idea what our fate will be," he said. "The atmosphere at night is terrifying. We hear shells exploding, soldiers advancing, gunfire, and drones buzzing overhead without pause. We are also being shot at directly." Prof Andreas Krieg, a Middle East security expert from King's College London, has called the movement of the blocks a "tool for territorial engineering". Advertisement Advertisement "By keeping the legal line on the map and the physical blocks hundreds of metres apart, Israel preserves the ability to shift where Gazans may live, move and farm without ever formally announcing a change of border," he said. But Efraim Inbar - president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security - suggested that the mapped line may not account for natural barriers to the markers and that IDF engineers may be putting the blocks where they "find it easier to place". Series of deadly incidents around the Yellow Line Since Katz's warning in October, troops have shot at people crossing the Yellow Line on at least 69 occasions, an analysis of IDF Telegram posts and statements to the BBC showed. On 19 December, the IDF conducted a strike on a school sheltering displaced people in the al-Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City - some 330m inside the Palestinian side of the line, according to the IDF maps - but just metres from a yellow block that was moved there. Advertisement Advertisement Eyewitnesses said it happened while a wedding was taking place right by the school building. Five people, including children, were killed in the blast, Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence agency said. An IDF statement relating to that day said they fired at "suspicious individuals" west of the Yellow Line, adding that the incident remained under review and that it "regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals". In another deadly incident, 17-year-old Zaher Nasser Shamiya was killed near yellow blocks in Jabalia camp in northern Gaza. His father said IDF troops fired at him before running him over with a tank on 10 December. "The tank turned his body into pieces it came into the safe area [west of the Yellow Line] and ran over him," he said. BBC Verify has approached the IDF for comment on the incident. Advertisement Advertisement And in November, local media reported that two children - aged eight and 10 or 11 - were killed by Israeli forces. Their uncle said that the pair had been gathering firewood for their disabled father when they were killed. Addressing the deaths, an IDF statement said it had eliminated two suspects who crossed the Yellow Line, conducted suspicious activities on the ground, and approached IDF troops. It did not offer details on how the pair were identified as suspects. An IDF spokesperson accused Hamas fighters of firing on troops six times "beyond the Yellow Line" over the past week, in a statement to BBC Verify. Demolitions and fortification While Israel agreed to withdraw its forces behind the Yellow Line under October's ceasefire deal, videos and satellite images seen by BBC Verify have repeatedly shown IDF vehicles operating beyond the mapped Yellow Line. Advertisement Advertisement In verified clips, armoured personnel carriers and bulldozers were seen 400m past the mapped Yellow Line at the Bani Suhaila roundabout in Khan Younis, while a satellite image taken on 25 December appeared to show a tank, excavator and other IDF vehicles positioned about 260m beyond the Yellow Line in Beit Lahia. In some cases, the movements of blocks were followed by demolitions of nearby buildings by the IDF. In the eastern part of Gaza City, satellite images show that hundreds of buildings were levelled up to and even beyond the first position of the blocks, then the markers were moved and there was further destruction In the nearby area of Jabalia, Israeli troops demolished a series of school buildings that were around 150m inside the mapped line. Advertisement Advertisement In some instances where IDF demolitions have occurred, the debris has effectively hidden the markers from Palestinians on the ground. An IDF spokesperson said that troops were dismantling Hamas' tunnel network that it said runs under buildings on both sides of the Yellow Line, adding that the tunnels' destruction "may cause the collapse of buildings on both sides of the line". On Wednesday, the US said the second phase of the ceasefire deal is due to begin, under which Israel is expected to withdraw from additional parts of the Strip. But there was no mention of a timeline for the withdrawal, which is linked to the "demilitarisation" of Hamas under October's ceasefire deal. In parts of the Strip, the markers have been placed shortly before work began on the construction of temporary Israeli fortifications such as roadblocks and defensive barriers beyond the mapped Yellow Line. Advertisement Advertisement Krieg told BBC Verify that the movement of the blocks would eventually allow Israel to turn parts of Gaza into a "sterilised belt". "In practice, that means the status of land is less about what the ceasefire map says and more about where concrete blocks sit on a given day," he said. Additional reporting by Maha El Gaml. [BBC] What do you want BBC Verify to investigate? Israeli strikes have killed two people in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese health ministry, in the latest violation of a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Public Health said an Israeli enemy strike on a vehicle in Mansuri in southern Lebanon had killed one person. It also said that a strike on the southern town of Mayfadun killed one person the previous night. Israel said the victim of that attack was a Hezbollah member who it alleged took part in attempts to reestablish Hezbollahs infrastructure in the Zawtar al-Sharqiyah area. Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military on Thursday also carried out several strikes in eastern Lebanons Bekaa region, north of the Litani River, after issuing warnings to evacuate. United Nations peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon on Friday sent a stop-fire request to the Israeli army after a drone dropped a grenade on its troops. It was unclear if the grenade exploded or not. UNIFIL said such activities put both civilians and peacekeepers at risk and constitute a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. UNIFIL was established in 1978 following Israels invasion of southern Lebanon and saw its mandate significantly expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah under Resolution 1701. Advertisement Advertisement More than 10,000 peacekeepers were deployed to monitor the cessation of hostilities and support the Lebanese armys presence south of the Litani River. The UN Security Council decided in August to end UNIFILs mandate on December 31, 2026, followed by a one-year plan for a phased drawdown of forces. Israel has continued violating the ceasefire with Hezbollah in place since late November 2024, resulting in hundreds of casualties, while Israeli forces remain on five Lebanese hills seized in the latest war, in addition to other areas occupied for decades. Lebanon has faced growing pressure from the US and Israel to disarm Hezbollah, and its leaders fear that Israel could dramatically escalate strikes across the battered country to push Lebanons leaders to confiscate Hezbollahs arsenal more quickly. The suspect allegedly assisted fictitious Hamas profiles throughout the world spread false information online, in order to sow fear among Israeli society. An indictment was filed against an Israeli woman suspected of working with Hamas, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and police reported on Friday. Ranya Dandan, a 51-year-old resident of Kiryat Motzkin, was arrested within the last few weeks. During the ensuing investigation, it was discovered that she had voluntarily begun working with Hamas in order to further their goals opposing the state of Israel. Advertisement Advertisement The investigation revealed that Dandan helped fictitious Hamas profiles throughout the world spread false information online, in order to sow fear in Israel. The Shin Bet and Israel Police reported that, since the beginning of the war, there has been a drastic increase in worldwide Hamas activity, including in the form of psychological warfare and propaganda that Dandan is alleged to have been involved in. Her indictment was submitted by the Haifa District Attorney's Office to the city's District Court. Hamas terrorists escort Red Cross members towards an area within the Yellow Line to which Israeli troops withdrew under the ceasefire. Gaza City November 20, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS) Hamas rule wavering after technocratic committee established in Gaza After the US backed technocratic committee was established in Gaza on Thursday, some Palestinians said it could mark the beginning of a new era, heralding the end of Hamass rule over the enclave. Advertisement Advertisement "Hamas is finished, a Palestinian Authority official told The Jerusalem Post. They understand that they no longer have legitimacy. The official, nonetheless, warned that Hamas would do its utmost to maintain its presence in Gaza. Dana Ben Shimon contributed to this report. Indiana University Indianapolis annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner always appealed to Darrius Avery. And this year, he was finally set to attend for the first time. Avery, a 28-year-old IUI senior studying finance, knew about the campus long-running celebration of the renowned civil rights leader thanks to his mother: an alumna of the school who had attended several dinners herself. In his last year at IUI, Avery planned to show up for what wouldve been the 57th annual dinner until he learned IUI canceled it. It was just like all the excitement went out the window, Avery said. Advertisement Advertisement The campus Black Student Union announced in an Instagram post Jan. 7 that the university scrapped this years Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner, an event planned for the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The university cited budget cuts as the reason for calling off this year's dinner for the first time in its almost 60-year history, according to a letter posted by the Black Student Union. Though the dinner was traditionally a joint effort between IUI and the student organization, the campus organization said it was unaware IUI had canceled the event until the schools Office of Student Involvement notified the BSU executive board Dec. 17. In the open letter on Instagram, the BSU said IUI officials had previously confirmed the school had made down payments for the dinner, though the group said the communication from the school had been delayed and lacked transparency. For months prior, we had been diligently seeking guidance and confirmation on whether the dinner would be approved, funded, and supported, the letter reads. Our students are exhausted. Our people are hurting. And moments like this, moments meant to ground is in history, resistance, and hope, matter deeply. The IUI Black Student Union did not respond to multiple requests for comment over several days from IndyStar. Advertisement Advertisement IndyStar emailed IUI questions about the dinner's cost, funding source and budget reductions. Mark Bode, Indiana University executive director of media relations and public affairs, responded by emailing a link to a message from Latha Ramchand, IUI chancellor. In it, she stated that the university had made changes to its cultural celebration programs that would "reduce duplication, bring groups together, and remain fiscally responsible." Ramchand wrote that the university is putting together a task force of faculty, staff, student and community leaders who will help to "reimagine our affinity dinners and related events" and evaluate existing programs' usefulness to the community. Plans are for the task force to finish its work by April 10. "In short, the MLK Dinner is not going away rather we are in a moment of transition and the work of this task force will help us create its next iteration," Ramchand wrote. Advertisement Advertisement BSU noted in an Instagram post that it will form an MLK Dinner Committee to look into holding the 57th annual event, and it will host a town hall meeting addressing the canceled dinner with IUIs NAACP chapter Jan. 21 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center. In the meantime, Avery, who runs a TikTok account spotlighting Indianapolis hot spots, is spearheading a protest potluck at the schools Campus Center building scheduled for Jan. 18. History and legacy of the Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner The annual dinner began in 1969 at the school then known as Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, according to IUI. Over the years, it has been held at the campus Student Union Building, Indiana Roof Ballroom and St. Peter Claver Center, among other venues, according to IndyStar archives. Each year has brought a different well-known speaker like astronaut Mae Jemison and civil rights activist Angela Davis. University alums and newspaper accounts say hundreds of people attended. Tremel Cooley, an alum who graduated in 2020, attended two dinners and emceed one of them. He said those who attended bought their tickets early and dressed formally to enjoy the catered meal. Advertisement Advertisement "That dinner helped create a community for people. Not only did you come to celebrate MLK, you also were able to meet people who could help you also have an impact on other people," Cooley said. "I remember when I was at the dinner ... we actually sat (with) the chancellor of the school, and I had never met him. But moving forward after that, we built a relationship." Marshawn Wolley, policy director for the African American Coalition of Indianapolis, said the dinner is one of the marquee local events honoring King. As a longtime attendee of the event and a former president of IU Bloomingtons Black Student Union, Wolley said the celebration offered an opportunity for the community to gather. You bring folks together. You recognize people living the legacy of one of the greatest Americans ever produced. You honor that kind of leadership, Wolley said. Its just disappointing that we wont commemorate that in this city with these community partners." In mid-2025, Indiana University closed its diversity, equity and inclusion office in response to state and federal mandates to dismantle DEI-aligned programs. When asked whether the dinner's cancellation was tied to DEI cuts, Bode pointed IndyStar back to Ramchand's online message. IUI student plans protest potluck in response to canceled MLK Dinner Momentum is gathering around alternative events. Averys TikTok outlining the event he's planning has reached 30,000 views on the platform, and he said people have contacted him in support. Advertisement Advertisement The responses have been overwhelming, Avery said. I think its amazing. IUI has announced a weeklong slate of MLK events around campus, including a lecture on Kings teachings, a leadership workshop and a day of community service. In addition to the five total on-campus events, Ramchand said in her online message that IUI has partnered with the Madam Walker Legacy Center to expand student access to the venues 44th annual MLK Day of Celebration Jan. 19, where former U.S. Rep. Bakari Sellers will speak. Alumni like Cooley have questioned how IUI can afford a week of events and then say the dinner is out of the budget. In response, IUI's Bode referred IndyStar back to the chancellor's statement. For Cooley, IUIs efforts arent enough. The week of programming is subpar compared to the tradition and prestige of the annual event, Cooley said, and IUIs response doesnt repair the damage of canceling it. Advertisement Advertisement Its like a, Here, take this. Be quiet, moment, and just move on. When really, its not that simple for us, Cooley said. All of this time weve had to fight for things, and here we are fighting again for just a dinner to celebrate peace. Contact IndyStar Pop Culture Reporter Heather Bushman at hbushman@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X @hmb_1013. Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Find her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Black alums, students respond as IU Indy cancels annual MLK dinner Johnson & Johnsons (J&J) Caplyta (lumateperone) plus antidepressants nearly doubled the likelihood of remission after six weeks, with benefit remaining for more than six months in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). In new analysis from three Phase III trials (NCT04985942, NCT05061706 and NCT05061719), Caplyta showed meaningful remission in three different measures. These were the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS): remission (defined as MADRS 10), complete remission (defined as MADRS 5), and sustained remission (defined as MADRS 10 maintained at each assessment). In the pooled pivotal data, 25.6% of patients reached MADRS 10 at six weeks when treated with adjunctive Caplyta compared to 13.6% on placebo. Advertisement Advertisement In the Caplyta cohort, 10.6% of patients achieved complete remission compared to 5.6% with placebo plus an antidepressant. In the long-term extension trial, which was a six-month open-label extension safety study, efficacy was maintained with long-term Caplyta treatment, with nearly two out of three patients reaching MADRS 10, and 44.1% reaching complete remission. Notably, 42.8% of patients experienced sustained remission by the end of treatment. Dr Michael Thase, chief of the Division of Mood and Anxiety Disorders Treatment & Research Program at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said: "Today, remission is out of reach for the majority of patients with depression, which means they continue to struggle with persistent symptoms that negatively impact their daily lives. These data capture not only symptom reduction, but also the durability and depth of treatment response, which are critical benchmarks for patients and clinicians striving for lasting relief. The data were presented at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), held from January 12 to 15, in Nassau, Bahamas. Advertisement Advertisement J&J acquired Caplyta as part of its $14.6bn takeover of Intra-Cellular Therapies in April 2025. The deal was announced during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in January 2025. The deal was the largest M&A pharma transaction of the year. Just a few months later, in November 2025, the drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunctive therapy for MDD. It had previously been approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II disorder. A supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Caplyta has been submitted to the FDA for the prevention of relapse in schizophrenia. The MDD approval is notable to J&J, which is already a dominant player in the market with its nasal spray Spravato (esketamine). GlobalData predicts sales of the spray to reach $1.87bn in 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, sales of Caplyta are expected to reach $995m in the same year. GlobalData anticipates that the MDD market will grow to be worth approximately $9.55bn by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. GlobalData is the parent company of Clinical Trials Arena. "J&Js Caplyta doubles remission rate in MDD patients" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. Drawings of the Jara Mesa mine project proposed north of Grants, New Mexico. Laramide Resources, Inc. on Jan. 12, 2026, issued a public notice seeking comment on its plans to dig the uranium mine, which observers say is a major development in the companys push for the first new uranium mine in New Mexico in decades. (Courtesy New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division) The company seeking to build a new uranium mine near Mount Taylor announced a significant milestone this week, completing an operations plan that one environmental lawyer said indicates the company is serious about extracting the first load of uranium from the state in decades. Laramide Resources, Inc. issued a notice Monday alerting the public it had submitted a complete Mining Operations and Reclamation Plan to the state regarding the Jara Mesa uranium mine project about 10 miles north of Grants. The states Mining and Minerals Division, which is reviewing the application, deemed the plan complete and is now beginning its technical review, according to state officials and the notice. The 74-page plan is the culmination of years of data collection and marks a new phase of the project, according to Eric Jantz, legal director for the New Mexico Environmental Law Center. What happens now could set the precedent for how the state handles new uranium mine applications under the current legal framework the state created in 1993, he said. This is a big deal in a number of senses, Jantz told Source New Mexico on Thursday. Its going to be the first uranium mine in New Mexico if it starts, and thats a big if in probably 40 years. It would also be, irrespective of if it produces anything, the first new uranium mine license under the New Mexico Mining Act. So it could potentially set the tone for how state regulatory agencies deal with conventional mines going forward. According to the plan, the mine, once built, will produce 12 to 15 truckloads a day of uranium ore to be processed at an unspecified offsite mill. The operation could run in New Mexico for up to 20 years, the company says. A spokesperson for Laramide did not respond to Sources request for comment Thursday. The companys notice says that the plan is available for inspection at the MMD office in Santa Fe or on its website, and says the public must submit written comments or requests for a public hearing within 30 days of the notice, which is Feb. 10. Both the state and the federal government have to approve the mine through parallel permitting applications, though the federal government has signaled it intends to fast track approvals. Last year, federal officials added La Jara Mesa and other New Mexico uranium projects to a list of projects they hope to streamline permitting for. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is responding to the citys decision to put its Hispanic Outreach Director on paid administrative leave. Its after she made a livestream on social media warning local immigrants about sightings of ICE agents around the city. They are going targeting specifically Hispanic and non-American businesses, Yanira Yaya Cardona said in the stream. The best advice I could give you all is please, if in this case, unfortunately you do get pulled over, please listen, comply. Advertisement Advertisement Cardona also advised local immigrants to stay home if possible to avoid ICE agents. Deegan spoke to media on Thursday afternoon, saying Cardona was put on leave only because she violated city policy. RELATED: City of Jacksonville employee placed on leave after ICE-related warning on social media Deegan said there was no part of Cardonas message during the livestream that was wrong or illegal. However, Deegan said Cardona didnt check with the Mayors Office or the citys communications office to get permission to make her video. Cardona made the video while she was on the clock inside of her office at City Hall rather than on her own time, Deegan said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Deegan also mentioned that this is at least Cardonas second time being reprimanded for comments she has made on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Action News Jax looked through the citys social media policy and found a section saying, If you do post content online related to the work you do with the City, in order to make it clear that you are not speaking on behalf of the City, it is best to include a disclaimer, such as The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the City of Jacksonville or its representatives. Cardona never made a disclaimer in her video and Deegan said the city had to take a firm stance. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] If you have a policy that is not followed, it doesnt really continue to be a policy. And if you dont make some sort of of of consequence to that, then then I think people arent going to take it seriously, Deegan said. Advertisement Advertisement Deegan said at this point, Cardona isnt being removed from her position. We asked Deegan when Cardona will be able to return to her normal duties. The Mayor said theres no timeline on that. You can watch Deegans comments as they were streamed on the Action News Jax YouTube channel below: 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. ICE made its presence known in Northeast Florida on Wednesday, running joint operations with the Florida Highway Patrol throughout our area. On Thursday morning, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Jacksonville woman Jennifer Cruz. This is Jennifer Cruz of Jacksonville. Jennifer disagrees with immigration enforcement and decided to commit a few felonies by getting out of her car and punching a Trooper in the face. But unlike Minnesota, we dont put up with this nonsense. Not today, Jennifer. pic.twitter.com/vw28UPJ9Kn Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) January 15, 2026 He said she punched a trooper in the face during immigration enforcement operations. Action News Jax has learned shes currently out on bond. We have requested Cruzs arrest report from FHP and have not yet received it. Advertisement Advertisement Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to for the official launch of the first carbon ion therapy program in America. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Action News Jaxs Jake Stofan asked DeSantis about the recent uptick of ICE activity in Northeast Florida and he discussed Cruzs arrest: I do know there was a woman who came out and assaulted one of our troopers. Let me just tell you guys, this is not Minneapolis. That is not gonna end well for you in Florida. You have a right to go out there and criticize government policy, you can go out there and protest, obviously within respected zones. But the idea that youre gonna assault one of our troopers is unacceptable and you are gonna face consequences as a result of that. [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. Jefferson County Public Schools released a proposed 2026-27 draft budget on Jan. 16, outlining how Kentucky's largest school system intends to spend roughly $1.66 billion. The budget includes significant program and department cuts that equate to $142 million in savings, though all are subject to Jefferson County Board of Education approval and some will require approval from the Jefferson County Teachers' Association. Prior to the budget's public release, Superintendent Brian Yearwood met with school principals twice to discuss his plans. He also gave an overview of the budget and proposed cuts to the Audit and Risk Management Advisory Committee on Jan. 14. Board members received a copy of the budget in late December. Advertisement Advertisement If approved as is, nearly 500 positions will be eliminated and two schools will close, while numerous changes will be made to employee pay. Yearwood is also proposing a series of changes to central office leadership. School board members will discuss the budget at a meeting Jan. 20. From there, changes can continue to be made before the working budget is approved in September. Learn more about the budget process and submit feedback at jefferson.kyschools.us/o/jcps/page/financial-stability. View the proposed draft budget below. JCPS 2026-27 Proposed Budget by Krista Johnson Background: Presentation reveals budget cuts proposed by JCPS superintendent Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated to reflect JCPS released the draft budget on Friday, Jan. 16. Krista Johnson covers education and children. Have story ideas or questions? Contact her at kjohnson3@gannett.com and subscribe to her newsletter. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: JCPS releases draft budget with $142M in cuts. See the full document 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. The Muscatine County Jail has been ordered by a federal judge release an ICE detainee who had been incarcerated for almost a year after a judge ruled in his favor on an asylum request. (Photo by Getty Images) A federal judge has ordered the Muscatine County Jail to release an ICE detainee who had been incarcerated for almost a year after a judge ruled in his favor on an asylum request. Court records indicate Jose Yugar-Cruz, 36, entered the United States in July 2024 after fleeing his home country of Bolivia. In court filings, Yugar-Cruz alleged that while living in Bolivia, he operated a small business and had refused to facilitate the drug trade by police officials who then detained him and tortured him. Advertisement Advertisement In the court filings, Yugar-Cruz said he fled to Mexico, entered the United States on foot at the Arizona border, and then sought out and surrendered himself to federal immigration officials. He was then taken into custody and jailed, after which he applied for asylum based on the threat of persecution in Bolivia. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In December 2024, a federal immigration judge held a hearing on Yugar-Cruzs asylum request. According to a lawsuit Yugar-Cruz filed four weeks ago against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and various Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, the judge ruled in January 2025 that the U.S. government could not send Yugar-Cruz back to Bolivia due to the ongoing threat of torture. The judge granted Yugar-Cruz withholding-of-removal relief a form of protection for individuals who face persecution if returned to their home country. It prevents the U.S. government from deporting an individual to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened. Advertisement Advertisement In his lawsuit, Yugar-Cruz asserted the government never appealed the immigration judges ruling and so he expected that he would soon be released from detention and allowed to start his life in the United States. In February 2025, however, Yugar-Cruz was still being held in the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center in Albert Lea, Minn. While there, the lawsuit claimed, he spoke to ICE officials who first indicated hed be released in 15 days or so, but later informed him they would continue to hold him while looking for some third-party country to which he could be deported. The lawsuit alleged ICE officials proposed that Yugar-Cruz be deported to Argentina, Chile or Paraguay, all of which border Bolivia, but Yugar-Cruz objected, noting that Bolivians, including the police, can easily travel to those countries without a passport. Mexico was proposed as an alternative, but Yugar-Cruz expressed concern officials there would simply deport him to Bolivia. Lawsuit cites Trump policy on deportations On Dec. 3, 2025, Yugar-Cruz was transferred from the Albert Lea jail to the Muscatine County Jail in Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Nine days later, Yugar-Cruzs attorney sued the Muscatine County jail administrator, as well as Noem and other Homeland Security officials, alleging they were violating federal law by continuing to detain Yugar-Cruz 11 months after the immigration judge had ruled in his favor. As part of that lawsuit, Yugar-Cruzs attorney noted the Trump administration had adopted a practice of deporting people to third-party countries with no guarantee those individuals wouldnt immediately be sent to their home country, where they faced persecution or torture. A federal judge in the District of Columbia has ruled the practice amounts to a widespread effort to evade the governments legal obligations by doing indirectly what it cannot do directly. In recent months, the administration has deported at least 20 individuals to Eswatini and other African nations where theyve reportedly been jailed indefinitely at maximum-security prisons without charges and without access to legal counsel. Advertisement Advertisement None of the individuals originated from those African countries. They had been convicted of crimes in the United States, but had served their sentences and were released before being detained by ICE and then deported over the objections of human rights organizations. Yugar-Cruz has no criminal record, according to his attorneys court filings. His lawsuit alleged violations of his due process rights and the Immigration Nationality Act, and sought his immediate release from the Muscatine County Jail. Recently, after the U.S. Department of Justice acknowledged the federal government had been attempting, without success, to find a third-party country to accept Yugar-Cruz, District Court Judge Stephen H. Locher ruled in Yugar-Cruzs favor. Locher ordered the Muscatine County Jail to work with ICE officials in securing Yugar-Cruzs immediate release and, on Jan. 7, 2026, ICE officials confirmed for the court that Yugar-Cruz had been discharged from the county jail. His release remains subject to reasonable conditions of supervision by ICE, according to Lochers order. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The justice department is not entitled to sensitive information on California voters, a federal judge ruled on Thursday, writing that the administrations efforts to obtain the information on voters in the state is a threat to democracy. The Trump administration has filed similar lawsuits in nearly half of US states. Last summer, the justice department asked California for a list of all voters, including their dates of birth and the last four digits of their social security number, claiming the information was needed to ensure the state was keeping ineligible voters off its rolls. Californias secretary of state offered to let the justice department inspect a redacted version of the voter registration list, but refused to turn over all of the requested information. The justice department responded by filing a lawsuit against the state and went on to file similar litigation in 23 states and the District of Columbia. The ruling is a setback to the Trump administrations controversial efforts to gather sweeping voter information, which experts have said are based on weak legal arguments. The suits have nonetheless caused considerable alarm among voting rights activists, who see them as a vehicle to make exaggerated claims about noncitizens on the voter rolls and sow doubt about the integrity of the US election system ahead of this falls midterms. Advertisement Advertisement US district judge David Carter said in a blistering ruling that the justice department was not entitled to the sensitive information it sought and dismissed the justice departments suit. Related: Trumps economic adviser expects there is nothing to see as justice department investigates Fed 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, an appointee of Bill Clinton, wrote. This risk threatens the right to vote which is the cornerstone of American democracy. The justice department did not return a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge in Oregon also reportedly indicated on Wednesday that he intends to block a similar request for voter information there. Today the court sent a clear message: states run elections, not the administration. This decision serves as a vindication of what states have been arguing for months: there is no legal basis for the federal governments sweeping demands for voters most sensitive information, said Dax Goldstein, election protection program director at the non-profit States United Democracy Center, in a statement. The justice departments enforcement authority has limits it does not extend to hijacking state election authority. Other courts across the country should heed this decision when examining similar cases before them. The Trump administration pointed to several laws to argue the federal government was entitled to the information. One of those laws, the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), requires states to make a reasonable effort to keep ineligible voters off the rolls. In a somewhat novel argument, the administration also pointed to a provision in the 1960 Civil Rights Act that allows the US attorney general to inspect voting records if they present a valid statement and purpose. The provision was used in the Jim Crow south to allow the justice department to ensure local election officials were actually registering Black voters. But Carter pointed to public reporting and statements by justice department officials that suggest the government will compare the information it collects with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records for immigration enforcement. He also said there was evidence the government was trying to create a centralized database of Americans personal information. Advertisement Advertisement The ourt is not required to accept pretextual, formalistic explanations untethered to the reality of what the government has said outside of the courtroom, he wrote. Representations by the [justice department] itself show that their requests to states for voter roll data go beyond their purported compliance check with the NVRA and into the territory of comprehensive data collection. Carter also ripped the justice department for using a landmark civil rights law to try and justify collecting information on millions of Americans. Congress purpose in passing the civil rights laws the [justice department] now invokes for its extraordinary request was to protect hard-won civil rights victories allowing access to the ballot box, he wrote. It is not for the executive, or even this court to authorize the use of civil rights legislation as a tool to forsake the privacy rights of millions of Americans. That power belongs solely to Congress. A handful of states have voluntarily turned over their voter registration lists to either the justice department or the DHS. The states that have run their rolls against a DHS database have not found widespread evidence of noncitizen voting. Advertisement Advertisement The DHS has run around 50m voter records through an immigration database, Matthew Tragesser, a spokesman for US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is part of the DHS, said in a statement. He said officials had identified tens of thousands of potential noncitizens. The agency did not respond to a follow-up question asking approximately how many potential noncitizens it had identified; the New York Times reported earlier this week it was approximately 10,000. That means that around 0.02% of all voter records run through the DHS database so far have been those of potential noncitizens. In his ruling, Carter said the justice department effort to obtain voter data was part of a larger push to erode American democracy. The taking of democracy does not occur in one fell swoop; it is chipped away piece by piece until there is nothing left. The case before the court is one of these cuts that imperils all Americans, he said. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach went toe-to-toe Friday with an attorney representing Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly in a dispute about what state official had authority to initiate or intervene in court cases on the state's behalf. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA The extraordinary power struggle between Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly about control of Kansas participation in lawsuits landed Friday in the lap of a short-handed Kansas Supreme Court. The drama began in September when Kobach sued Kelly over her refusal to disclose personal information to the U.S. government about 700,000 Kansas recipients of emergency food aid. Kobachs case was tossed by a district court judge. In October, however, Kelly sued Kobach to reinforce her belief Kansas governors had authority to play a role in determining what lawsuits the states elected officials could attach themselves to. Advertisement Advertisement Kobach asserted he held near-exclusive control of the states interaction with federal courts. Kelly argued the Kansas Constitution and state statute granted her a voice in legal issues. The attorney general has a pretty good-sized sandbox. The governor has a sandbox too, but its not as big. Hes not content with just playing in his sandbox. He wants to play in her sandbox as well, said Stephen McAllister, who argued before the Supreme Court on behalf of the governor. McAllister, who is a former U.S. attorney for Kansas, urged the Supreme Court to issue a decision that directed the attorney general to stop interfering with the governors participation in litigation entwined in her official duties. He said Kansas stood to lose millions of dollars in funding to Kansas programs if Kelly wasnt allowed to stand up in court for state agencies, and beneficiaries of state programs, that fell under her jurisdiction. She does not seek to say she represents the sovereign? asked Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall. Advertisement Advertisement McAllister said that was correct, but abdication by Kobach in certain legal conflicts harmed Kansans and justified action by Kelly or another governor to step into a void. Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles said he was puzzled why Kobach didnt first go to district court in Kansas to gain traction for his claim Kelly had to stay out of disagreements with Kobach. This is a little messy, Biles said. Im afraid whats going on here is a battle of words between elected officials and like were being asked for an advisory opinion. Angels on a pin Kobach, who personally argued the case before the Supreme Court, said justices should recognize the Kansas Constitution, state law and court precedent made clear the states attorney general was in charge of representing the states interests and the governor had no standing to independently pursue cases based on interpretations of the states broad interests. Advertisement Advertisement Thats what I was elected to do, Kobach said. We are maintaining that the governor has not been elected by the people to be our representative in court. She is the supreme executive, so she is in charge of all the executive departments under the governor, but she is not the states legal representative. Kobach said arguments put forth by McAllister in defense of Kellys position didnt capture the reality of how state governments typically approached litigation. Its like angels dancing on the head of a pin, Kobach said. They are trying to say, Oh, but theres a difference between representing the interests of my agency and representing the state of Kansas. Ninety-nine percent of the time, there is no difference. Stegall, an appointee of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, posed a simple question: Why cant an executive agency, exclusively under the authority of the governor, take whatever legal position or action they want? Advertisement Advertisement Kobach said it would be confusing for the judicial system if the attorney general of Kansas set out a position on a legal matter and the governor waltzed into the courtroom and took the opposite position. Kansas must speak with one voice in court, Kobach said. Its embarrassing when the governor comes in and says, No, no. I speak for Kansans interests. Whereas in all the other states its the attorney general who is speaking in court. Thats the way its supposed to work. He said if Kelly had wanted the job of speaking on behalf of the states interests she ought to have completed a law degree and get elected attorney general rather than governor. The Supreme Court agreed in November to expedite consideration of questions raised by Kelly v. Kobach. That opened the door to a resolution that avoided waiting for lower state courts to slog through the controversy. Advertisement Advertisement Oral arguments in the case Friday were conducted with six justices rather than the normal seven, as retiring Justice Marla Luckert recused herself and wasnt replaced temporarily. Chief Justice Eric Rosen, newly sworn in to that position, didnt reveal when the states highest court would issue a decision. Battle of the brief In advance of oral arguments at the Judicial Center in Topeka, written briefs were filed by attorneys with Kobach and Kelly. Three other GOP statewide officeholders submitted their own brief to the justices, as did the Legislative Coordinating Council, which is dominated by House and Senate Republicans. Justin Whitten, chief counsel for Kelly, said in a brief submitted to the Supreme Court that Kansas governors possessed authority within state law and constitutional authority to serve as the supreme executive of Kansas. Those duties, Whitten said, included determining the interests of Kansas agencies under her jurisdiction as governor. The attorney general lacked power to block a governor from participating in litigation that he or she believed had merit, Whitten said. Advertisement Advertisement He said Kobach undermined his claim as the rightful arbitrator of the states role in lawsuits after repeatedly refusing Kellys request to bring or join cases in court. The governors limited goals in initiating this litigation are clear and simple. She is seeking this courts confirmation of the powers the Kansas Constitution explicitly granted to her, Whittens brief said. In that document, Kelly said the attorney general misread state law by conflating his legal duties with the governor and the Legislatures power to determine the interests of the state. It was folly for Kobach to claim it was important for the state to speak with one voice in appellate and federal courts, the governors lawyers said, because federal law recognized states could speak with more than one voice in federal court. Kansas solicitor general Anthony Powell, in collaboration with Kobach, argued in a rebuttal brief that longstanding Kansas law tethered to the Kansas Constitution, vest the attorney general with sole authority to represent the state in federal court. In no way, Powell said, did executive power possessed by a Kansas governor allow Kelly to control or supplant Kobach. Advertisement Advertisement Powell argued the attorney generals position didnt violate the Constitution, because that document established the attorney general as a separately elected and independent officer, whose powers were as broad as common law, except when modified by the Legislature. Governor Kellys argument reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of our system of government, Powell said. But, despite her arguments in this matter, Governor Kelly is not the king. I hope everyone in harness racing took 10 minutes out of their busy schedules last week to read the New York Focus piece that chronicled the ways in which New York racing commission officials failed the industry they are sworn to protect. The reporting is not perfect the Delaware Harness Racing Commission and the United States Trotting Association come off better than they should but otherwise its a vital, candid look at how broken the current regulatory system is. Standardbred industry stakeholders cannot afford to ignore the story the way they have on many other occasions when outrageous conduct is offered up as business-as-usual. Here is the link to the piece. Dont be afraid to read it and, if you do read it, dont blame the reporters for what you are reading. If you want to be angry, be angry at New York racing commission officials (and their counterparts in New Jersey). Be angry at the New York Standardbred horsemens association for failing to stand up for the honest trainers in their midsts. Be angry with the USTA for failing to focus on these sorts of major cases instead of the hidden-ownership cases they spent so much money and political capital on last year. And most of all be angry at the snake-oil salesmen who try to tell you that the answer to the current failed state commission system is to make such a state-based system worse than it is now. The story New York Focus tells should come as little news to people in harness racing. We know that Yonkers Raceway is a dump to come to as an owner. We know that harness racings popularity has waned as new gambling options have emerged. We know that New York racing regulators are particularly feckless when it comes to racing integrity. We know that there are people on Fishmans list who are more culpable than others. Its like the Standardbred industry as a whole said to itself after the Fishman scandal broke six years ago: If state regulators arent going to make a bigger deal of this then we sure arent, either. Shame on all of us for that. Now the rest of the world knows. Last weeks piece is essentially the story about how people in harness racing who should have gotten in trouble for their ties to Fishman did not get in trouble. When the scandal broke in February 2020, some industry stakeholders, to their credit, sought accountability for the trainers and owners involved. And there was some accountability. Fishman is in prison. So is Surick, last I checked. But, as the New York Focus piece tells us, state regulators in New York (and New Jersey and other jurisdictions, for that matter) have largely abdicated their obligation to hold others involved in this scheme accountable for misconduct. Sam Mellins reported and wrote the piece for New York Focus with help from Zachary Groz. Their contribution to the story here is considerable but not flawless. I dont believe, for example, that at least 280 people or stables purchased illegal drugs from Fishman, as the Focus piece asserts at one point. That number is simply too high to be credible given what I know of people on such a list. I put more stock in a sentence later on in the Focus piece which tells us that New York regulators were sent information that included financial records showing several dozen owners and trainers buying illegal drugs from Fishman. Those several dozen people should have been, and still should be, the focus of New York investigators. But the Focus piece is important for other reasons. For example, it contains a priceless quote from Gary Pretlow, a New York Assemblymember, who chaired a legislative committee that, among other things, oversees horseracing in the state. If they werent convicted of anything, we cant stop them from earning a living, Pretlow told New York Focus. Just buying it doesnt necessarily mean that they administered it to horses. They may have bought it to kill rats. What does that tell you about how seriously Pretlow takes racing integrity? It tells me that there are regulators and legislators in New York who think its all a big joke. It also tells me that there is some sort of twisted logic at work in the standard Pretlow offers. Read that line again: If they werent convicted of anything, we cant stop them from earning a living. Does Pretlow really not know that there are many reasons why prosecutors dont pursue cases against people even where there is good evidence those people committed crimes? The Fishman case itself is a good example. The feds took down Fishman right before COVID hit and suddenly thousands of federal law enforcement agents had bigger priorities than chasing after crooked horse trainers and owners. There is little doubt in my mind that we would have seen more post-Fishman prosecutions if the world had not been turned upside down by COVID. Advertisement Advertisement But Pretlows attitude is troubling for another reason. Do state legislators really believe that nothing short of a prosecutable offense warrants a license suspension? Harness racing in New York is regulated by a state commission that does not have to wait for permission from federal, state, or local prosecutors before suspending a trainer or owner. Indeed, the whole purpose of having a licensed industry is to have the regulatory power to take away that license if the licensee breaks the rules (or breaks the law). One question left largely unanswered by last weeks piece is exactly what New York regulators did with the federal evidence once they had access to it. What about regulators in other states with access to the Fishman evidence? Is it possible that New York regulators simply didnt bother to sort through the federal evidence? Is it possible that they just figured they wouldnt make a big deal of it if the feds were no longer making a big deal of it? Is it possible that they undertook an investigation, either back in 2020 or more recently, and then decided that everyone on Fishmans list was exonerated? If so, what legal standard or factual evidence supported that decision? If not, what happened to those cases? Where was the follow up? And is this fecklessness, this sheer triumph of passivity, this lack of regulatory oversight, what the harness industry in New York has signed up for? I race horses in New York. Which harness racing regulators are looking after my interests? We dont have answers to these questions because state racing commissions are particularly opaque and secret operations. The Focus reporters tried to get more information about what New York regulators did with the information they received from the feds. And we know that an investigator who received key information in 2023 but failed to share it with staff or take any other action with it has been placed on administrative leave. Who is this person? What is the status of the disciplinary action against him or her? What does a state racing investigator have to do to get fired? We dont know because the state wont tell us. (article continues below) It pains me to be critical of New Yorks legislators, who have faithfully supported harness racing in the state since the days when my fathers horses were shipped down from Blue Bonnets in Montreal to race horses at Roosevelt Raceway and Saratoga Racetrack. My point is that legislators should exercise more oversight over the industry in exchange for that support. And the fact that such a quid pro quo doesnt appear to be happening is truly a concerning matter. I would have thought it automatic for legislators to say to regulators and industry stakeholders well give you purse subsidies and other but you have to be serious about cleaning up the sport. What New York did in the wake of the Fishman scandal was not that. The lede of the New York Focus story is harness trainer Nicholas DeVita, which is a happy coincidence for me and my own reporting on this story. It is my understanding that DeVita is at the center of a significant dispute between high-ranking USTA officials. Some want to proceed to suspend DeVitas USTA license for his failure to produce records sought by the USTAs investigative arm, the Standardbred Racing Investigative Fund. But at least one director has defended DeVita and sought to scuttle his suspension. So far, that director has succeeded. The USTA moved to suspend DeVita in November but the case is now on hold. It is my understanding that things will come to a head in the next few weeks and I will write more about it then. At stake is nothing less than the future of the USTAs ballyhooed enforcement arm. If the USTA cannot or will not enforce compliance with SRIF demands, if a USTA members refusal to comply with a request for information is backed by USTA directors in one case then why should any other USTA member ever comply with an investigative request? If the USTA protects DeVita from the SRIF then why not protect Smith or Jones? DeVita hasnt sued the USTA to block his suspension. The USTA itself has blocked his suspension. The association that has told the harness industry it takes enforcement seriously is failing to enforce itself. All of which is to say that the Focus piece is a little premature in declaring the USTA to be a voice of reason here. The same is true of the national embarrassment known as the Delaware Harness Racing Commission, which I wrote about a few months ago. If the USTA and Delaware regulators are the heroes of the story there is something left unsaid about the story itself. The truth is that New York regulators failed those in the harness racing industry who want more racing integrity and rewarded those in the harness racing industry who benefit economically from the lack of regulatory oversight at tracks like Yonkers, the subject of the Focus piece. Thats a bad look and we shouldnt be afraid to say so. This story was originally published by Paulick Report on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A Boyd County man will serve at least eight-and-a-half years behind bars for tracking fentanyl and illegal gun charges. Terry Gannon, 52, was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison under the terms of a plea agreement he entered in September before U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky Judge David Bunning. He must serve at least 85% of his sentence under federal law. Members of the Northeast Kentucky Drug Task Force raided Gannons Ashland home and car last year and uncovered eight guns, about 3 ounces of powdered fentanyl, more than a gram of methamphetamine, $11,049 in cash, ammunition, scales, baggies and a suspected drug ledger, according to the Ashland Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement A confidential informant purchased 4 grams of fentanyl from Gannon Feb. 25 and 27, 2025, according to the U.S. attorneys office. He was charged with possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He had previous second- and third-degree drug trafficking convictions in Lawrence County, Ohio, which are felonies that prohibit him from having any firearm. NEED TO KNOW Elizabeth Smart opens up about the horrors she endured for nine months in the new Netflix documentary, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart Streaming Jan. 21, the documentary has Smart giving brutal details about being raped by Brian David Mitchell up to four times a day, being walked like a dog with a cable around her neck and tethered to a tree for long stretches She is joined in the documentary by her family, witnesses and law enforcement, who provide their perspectives to Smart's harrowing story Standing in a weather-worn tent in the foothills of Utah just after being kidnapped from her bedroom in the middle of the night, Elizabeth Smart wasnt sure what was going to happen next. Sometime after 1 a.m., on June 5, 2002, Smart, then 14, awoke to a scary-looking man with a full beard standing over her bed and ordering her to come with him. Advertisement Advertisement Holding a knife to her neck, the man, Brian David Mitchell, then 48, a self-styled prophet who went by the name Immanuel, marched the terrified teenager out of the backdoor of her familys Salt Lake City home, into the backyard and up into the rugged foothills to a desolate campsite. Inside the tent at the campsite, Mitchells wife, Wanda Barzee, then 56, who went by the name Hephzibah, told Smart to take off her pajamas and put on a loose-fitting robe. Chloe Aftel Elizabeth Smart People Cover Jan. 26, 2026 Issue Elizabeth Smart People Cover Jan. 26, 2026 Issue Otherwise, the older woman explained, she was going to have Mitchell come in there and rip the clothes off of you, Smart says in the new Netflix documentary, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, debuting Jan. 21. A happily married mother of three, Smart, 38, has spoken out about her nightmarish ordeal before. Shes authored several bestselling books about her experience, started the Elizabeth Smart Foundation to help end sexual violence and used her platform as one of the most well-known survivors of all time to advocate for others. Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department/Getty Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee Whats different this time is that she is telling her story alongside her father, Ed Smart, 70, her sister, Mary Katherine Smart, 33, witnesses who saw Smart wearing a veil with her head covered but didnt realize she was the missing girl authorities had been searching for and members of law enforcement who worked the case. Advertisement Advertisement Having so many voices in the documentary gives the story so much more perspective, Smart tells PEOPLE. She hopes being so honest about the brutal treatment she endured, including being raped up to four times a day, being kept in a dark hole, and being chained up for hours, will help others better understand the realities victims face during and well after they are violated. Kevin Lee / Sipa Press Missing poster when Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her home in June 2002. Missing poster when Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her home in June 2002. I want other survivors to know they're not alone, that actually there's so many of us," she says. That surreal night, Smart waited for Mitchell to come into the tent. As a self-professed late bloomer, the thought of what might come next was unthinkable, and still shrouded a bit in mystery. Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before the abduction, she remembers, My friend told me kind of what sex really was and I was like, What? My parents have done that six times? That is terrible! And that was all I knew about sex. What she knew from church is that sex before marriage was strictly taboo. Otherwise, youre dirty, youre ruined, she says. They used all sorts of analogies like when you have sex before marriage, its like someone chewed a piece of gum -- and nobody wants a chewed-up piece of gum. Moments later, Mitchell strode into the tent and declared that he was going to make Smart his wife, right there and then. She screamed, No! she recalls, prompting him to levy the first of many threats. "If you ever scream out like that again, I will kill you, he told her. Then it came time for them to consummate our marriage, she recalls him telling her. She tried to stop him, but could not. Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News Campsite outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, where Elizabeth Smart was held Campsite outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, where Elizabeth Smart was held I was sobbing, she says. I begged him to stop. I remember it just being so painful. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The assault caused her so much pain that when he left the tent she remembers blood running down her thighs before passing out. Advertisement Advertisement Then came a different type of pain. When she awoke, all she could think about was being that chewed up piece of gum, being ruined beyond repair, feeling like I'd lost all my worth. Elizabeth Maurer/ZUMA Press Elizabeth Smart, with her head and face covered, at a party Mitchell brought her to in Sept. 2002 Elizabeth Smart, with her head and face covered, at a party Mitchell brought her to in Sept. 2002 That common misconception, she notes, took years to get over. It took years to be like, any guy who wouldn't want to be with me because of what's happened is not worthy of me. Douglas C. Pizac/Getty Elizabeth Smart talking to reporters after Mitchell was found guilty of kidnapping her on Dec. 10, 2020 Elizabeth Smart talking to reporters after Mitchell was found guilty of kidnapping her on Dec. 10, 2020 Convicted in 2010 of kidnapping Smart, Mitchell was sentenced to life in prison. Convicted of her role in the crimes, Barzee was released from prison in 2018. She was arrested in May 2025 after allegedly visiting two Utah parks, which violated her status as a registered sex offender. For more about Elizabeth Smart and her new Netflix documentary, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday. Read the original article on People Monero (XMR) climbed to a new all-time high on Wednesday, breaking above the $797 mark as investors piled into privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. The move capped a week-long rally that lifted XMR by more than 50%, making it one of the strongest performers in the crypto market. The surge pushed Moneros market value above $13 billion and briefly placed it among the top 15 cryptocurrencies by market cap. Trading volumes also spiked as buyers rushed to gain exposure. Rising Demand for Financial Privacy The main driver behind the rally is a sharp rise in demand for financial privacy. Across major markets, regulators are tightening KYC and anti-money-laundering rules. That has made it harder to transact anonymously on most blockchains. As a result, more users are turning to coins that hide wallet balances, transaction amounts, and sender identities. Monero remains the largest and most battle-tested option in that category. Monero All-Time High Near $800 on January 14. Source: CoinGecko Paradoxically, bans and restrictions have fueled the rally rather than stopped it. Earlier this week, Dubais financial regulator barred exchanges in the Dubai International Financial Centre from listing or promoting privacy coins. Also, the European Union is preparing rules that would ban anonymous crypto accounts and privacy tokens from 2027. Instead of killing demand, those moves triggered front-running behavior. Investors rushed to buy privacy assets before access becomes more limited. Capital Rotated Out of Zcash Monero also benefited from turmoil inside the Zcash ecosystem. Zcash, its closest privacy-coin rival, lost momentum after governance disputes and the departure of its core development team. As confidence faded, traders rotated capital into Monero, which is viewed as more decentralized and less dependent on a single foundation. That shift added fuel to XMRs breakout. Monero also cleared multi-year resistance levels on the charts. Once it broke above the $600$650 range, systematic traders and momentum funds joined the move. Jan. 15Former Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich dropped out of Wyoming's gubernatorial race Thursday after realizing he was ineligible to run. Knezovich, the county's four-term sheriff who now lives in Wyoming, announced he was running for governor on Tuesday. But when a Spokesman-Review reporter pointed out that evening that the Wyoming Constitution requires gubernatorial candidates to be Wyoming residents for five years before the election, he acknowledged the rule could cause his campaign a hiccup: "I'll be back in 2030," he texted. Knezovich left the sheriff's office in December 2022. He said in a Facebook post Thursday that he missed the citizenship requirement by a year. Advertisement Advertisement "Even though we have owned a house/property in Wyoming for 9 years now, born and raised here, went to the University of Wyoming, 36 combined years of living here, served in the Wyoming National Guard I don't qualify to Gov.," Knezovich wrote. "Well we will have to look forward to 2030. Hope all is well." Knezovich, a Republican, ended his nearly 17-year tenure as the sheriff because he had accomplished everything he felt he could in Washington, he told reporters at the time. Knezovich left the Spokane area to return to his home state of Wyoming, a place that bore three generations of his family. "As much as my wife and I loved the Spokane area, I am a Wyoming boy at heart," he said earlier this week. "You can take the boy out of Wyoming, but you can't take the Wyoming out of the boy." Since living in Wyoming, Knezovich has taken up law enforcement-adjacent jobs, such as volunteering as the public safety director and chief of police in the town of Superior. He was also elected to the Wyoming Community College board of trustees in 2024. IRBIL, Iraq (AP) An Iranian Kurdish separatist group in Iraq said it has launched attacks on Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in recent days in retaliation for Tehrans violent crackdown on protests. Members of the National Army of Kurdistan, the armed wing of the Kurdistan Freedom Party, or PAK, have played a role in the protests through both financial support and armed operations to defend protesters when needed, Jwansher Rafati, a PAK representative, told The Associated Press on Thursday. Iranian media has previously accused the group and other Kurdish factions of attacking security forces. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian activists say more than 2,797 people were killed in the governments crackdown on a recent wave of nationwide protests. A handful of Iranian Kurdish dissident or separatist groups some with armed wings have long found a safe haven in northern Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region, where their presence has been a point of friction between the central government in Baghdad and Tehran. Iran has occasionally launched strikes on the groups sites in Iraq but has not done so since the outbreak of the recent protests. The PAK is the first of the groups to claim armed operations since the protests and crackdown began. Advertisement Advertisement When we found out that the IRGC was shooting protesters directly, our fighters in Ilam, Kermanshah, and Firuzkuh responded with armed operations and inflicted significant damage on the regimes forces, Rafati said in an interview in Irbil, the capital of northern Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region. The PAK has also claimed a number of attacks online and posted video of what it said were operations against IRGC targets, sometimes accompanied by grainy videos showing gunshots or explosions and buildings ablaze. The AP was not able to confirm the extent of the damages or the impact of the attacks. Rafati said the attacks were launched by members of the groups National Army of Kurdistan military wing based inside Iran. The group had not sent any forces from Iraq, but it anticipates that Iran may strike PAK bases in Iraq in retaliation for its operations, he added. He said the PAK has been providing support to dozens of Iranians who fled to the Kurdish area in Iraq since the crackdown on protests began. Advertisement Advertisement Sensitive political situation The PAK claims may put Iraqi authorities in a sensitive situation with Tehran which wields significant influence over its neighbor concerning the group's ongoing presence in northern Iraq. Iraq in 2023 reached an agreement with Iran to disarm Kurdish Iranian dissident groups and move them from their bases near the border areas into camps designated by Baghdad. The bases were shut down and movement within Iraq was restricted, but the groups have remained active. During the Israel-Iran war last year, the PAK and other Kurdish dissident groups began organizing politically in case the authorities in Tehran should lose their hold on power but did not launch armed operations. Advertisement Advertisement A PAK spokesperson told the AP at the time that premature armed mobilization could endanger the Kurdish groups and the fragile security of Kurdish areas, both in Iraq and across the border in Iran. A decade ago, PAK forces received training from the U.S. military when they were taking part in the fight against the Islamic State militant group after it swept across Iraq and Syria, seizing large swathes of territory. Ironically, the PAK at the time found itself allied with Iran-backed Shiite Iraqi militias that were also fighting against IS. At that time, the PAK received funding from Iraq's Kurdish regional government, but says now that most of its funding comes from its supporters in Iran and the diaspora. Advertisement Advertisement Iran accuses Kurdish groups During the recent protests, Iranian state media has repeatedly referred to the demonstrators as terrorists and alleged they received support from America and Israel, without offering evidence to support the claim. Iranian state television aired what appeared to be surveillance video of a group of men wearing the baggy pants common among the Kurds, firing pistols, in Irans western Kurdish region. It has also published images of seized weapons in the area. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency, which is close to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, said Kurdish groups including the PAK have played an active role in inciting these movements by issuing coordinated statements and messages. It said that groups based in northern Iraq have passed the stage of psychological warfare and media operations and have entered the field phase. Advertisement Advertisement The semiofficial Fars news agency, which is also close to the Revolutionary Guard, reported on Jan. 10 that another group the Kurdistan Free Life Party, or PJAK had killed eight Guard members in Kermanshah and that a PJAK sniper killed a police officer in Ilam province. PJAK has not claimed any armed operations during the protests. Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report. Sewell reported from Beirut. A former Franklin County deputy coroner forced to resign last year amid accusations of misconduct is now running against his former boss. Elliott S. Moore, 25, resigned in November after Georgetown police say he was caught kissing at least one woman inside his government vehicle at a Scott County boat dock. He was also placed on 90-day probation two years ago for a separate incident in which he sent inappropriate messages to relatives of a family for whom the coroners office provided services. Advertisement Advertisement But on Jan. 9, Moore filed to run against his former boss, Will Harrod, who requested Moores resignation Nov. 14, 2025, two days after the incident at the Georgetown boat dock. Moore did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Officer: Moore found with 2 women, kissing inside government vehicle The latest incident began when Georgetown police noticed a coroners vehicle parked at the Cardome Boat Ramp, on North Elkhorn Creek, around 1 a.m. Nov. 12, according to a police report obtained by the Herald-Leader through the Kentucky Open Records Act. Moore got out of the vehicle when the officer pulled up, according to the police report, and told the officer he was a deputy coroner. Two women were inside Moores vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement The officer left when Moore identified himself. I told them the park was closed and went on my way, the officer wrote. The officer reported the incident to a sergeant, however, who had officers put Moore in contact with investigators. Moore told officers he made a mistake going to the boat ramp with the women, one of whom he met on a dating app. Investigators interviewed the women. One said she and Moore were kissing in the back seat of the coroners vehicle. She said Moore panicked when he saw the officer approach and said he worried he would lose his job. A call is going to be put in ... to the coroner of Franklin County advising him what had happened with one of his deputies in Scott County and that one of their government vehicles was facilitating it all, the police report reads. Police decline to pursue charges According to the police report, officers considered second-degree official misconduct charges against Moore but declined to pursue them for lack of sufficient probable cause. Advertisement Advertisement Two days after the incident, Harrod, the coroner, requested Moores resignation. In his resignation letter, Moore said he was thankful to have the opportunity to work with the coroners office. Harrod confirmed to the Herald-Leader that Moore no longer worked in the office but declined further comment. According to Moores personnel file, obtained by the Herald-Leader through the Kentucky Open Records Act, the boat ramp incident wasnt his first reprimand. In November 2023, Moore was questioned by Harrod after a family reported that Moore had sent inappropriate messages on social media to girls related to families served. Advertisement Advertisement TThe personnel file does not include any further information about the content or recipients of the messages. Moore admitted to sending the messages and apologized. He was placed on 90-day probation beginning Nov. 24, 2023. Moore launches campaign for coroner Moore has lived in Franklin County since 2020 and is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, according to his campaign Facebook page. He said his three years working with the coroners office allowed him to perform investigations, get to know Frankfort residents and have a coroner available to support those they serve. He filed to run as a Republican. What I lack in my years of experience, I make up for in care and compassion for those who interact with the officer of the coroner, Moore wrote. Harrod is the incumbent Democratic candidate in the May primary election. He has served since January 2022, and he worked as deputy coroner under his father, who served as county coroner for 40 years. Lights illuminate the South Dakota Capitol dome on the evening of Dec. 2, 2025, in Pierre. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) PIERRE South Dakota lawmakers voted to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, but not before adjusting language on Indigenous people and civil rights leaders in the text of the nonbinding resolution. Identical resolutions on the anniversary appeared on the floor of the state Senate and House of Representatives at the same time Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement In its original form, the resolution included language saying that indigenous nations, generations of immigrants, civil rights advocates, and countless others have worked tirelessly to promote and protect freedom and justice for all, and to create, based on those principles, the United States we recognize today. Sen. John Carley, R-Piedmont, participates in a Senate floor session on Jan. 13, 2026, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Meghan OBrien/South Dakota Searchlight) The terms indigenous nations and civil rights advocates did not survive. Brookings Republican Tim Reed was the prime sponsor of the resolution in the Senate. Piedmont Republican John Carley introduced an amendment to change generations of immigrants, civil rights advocates, and countless others to generations of natural-born Americans and immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Carley said the change moves the narrow recognition of those who contributed to the success of the U.S. to a broader group of people who have also worked tirelessly, and still incorporates those that were singled out. The amendment passed on an 18-15 vote. Among the supportive votes was one from Sen. Red Dawn Foster, a Democrat and tribal member from the Pine Ridge Reservation. The amended resolution passed 33-0, with two senators excused. Rep. Phil Jensen, R-Rapid City, introduced the same amendment to the House version of the resolution. Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-Sioux Falls, listens to a speaker during an interim legislative committee meeting on Oct. 29, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-Sioux Falls, was the resolutions prime House sponsor. She said the change would strip meaningful recognition from those whod contributed to the nations success. Advertisement Advertisement This resolution is supposed to be a moment of unity, but unity is not forged through erasure, she said. Rapid City Republican Rep. Peri Pourier, who left the Democratic Party in September, backed the amendment. The Oglala Sioux Tribe member disagreed with Wittmans characterization of the amendment as erasure of Native Americans from the resolutions verbiage. As amended, the sentence in question still used the words natural-born Americans. All tribal members are natural-born Americans, Pourier said, and we did contribute to the rise of this nation. Rep. Peri Pourier, D-Rapid City, speaks on the House floor on March 3, 2025, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) The original version of the resolution in both chambers also said the tribal nations within this states borders, as well as this states pioneer heritage, agricultural innovations, and its resilient civil spirit contributed to the growth of this incredible nation, and will continue to support the United States of America for many years yet to come. Advertisement Advertisement The reference to continued support from tribal nations struck Pourier as an attack on tribal sovereignty. It is not the role of the state of South Dakota to mandate tribal nations to do anything. Tribal nations are sovereign nations, she said. Amendments in both chambers removed the words will continue to support the United States of America for many years yet to come. The Houses resolution garnered no votes from the Houses five Democratic members. Pourier ultimately supported the resolution. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Disturbing allegations of systematic racism are at the center of a new lawsuit against a New Jersey town, its police department and a former mayor. The investigation into discrimination in Clark Township has been ongoing for years now. The Union County Prosecutor's Office assumed control over the police department back in 2020 after a whistleblower's recordings documented racist remarks by former Mayor Salvatore Bonaccourso and police leaders at the time, and numerous complaints were filed by the public against police. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Matt Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights says Clark officials systematically discriminated against and harassed Black and other non-white drivers, and that those efforts were led and encouraged by Mayor Bonaccourso and Police Chief Pedro Matos. The investigation revealed that Bonaccourso instructed officers to "keep Black people out of Clark," for example, by focusing more patrols and traffic stops on roadways coming from neighboring towns that have higher minority populations and using the excuse of smelling marijuana as a reason to stop and search Black and Hispanic drivers. The officers involved, including Chief Matos, are still suspended with pay. Mayor Bonaccourso stepped down in January of 2025 after facing both corruption and discrimination charges. Advertisement Advertisement The state's complaint has been filed in New Jersey Superior Court. The attorney general says the motion seeks to stop harassment in the township, calls for continued monitoring of township leadership and the police department, and seeks damages for all of the people who were victimized. The New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association released a statement blasting the attorney general's civil suit. "It is clear that, as Attorney General Matthew Platkin leaves office, he is trying to alter history," NJ State PBA said in a statement. "Today's actions by his office are said to be an examination of practices over 10 years. His office has been in charge of the Clark Police Department for nearly 5 1/2 years. In July of 2020, the Union County Prosecutor's Office took over Clark Police Department in coordination with the Attorney General's Office. The allegations in the civil suit have been repeatedly addressed. Advertisement Advertisement The PBA says the attorney general failed to acknowledge the professionalism of the members of the Clark Police Department, and says that the attorney general's own data for the past 5.5 years confirms that Clark officers are "policing honorably." ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New Jersey news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema was in Utah Friday a day after news broke that she has been sued over allegedly initiating an affair with a member of her Senate security team. The lawsuit was filed on Sept. 30 in state court in North Carolina. It gained attention after it was moved to federal court by request of Sinemas attorneys, per The New York Times. The lawsuit accuses Sinema of destroying Matthew and Heather Ammels marriage, inflicting severe emotional pain, distress, embarrassment, mental anguish, loss of social position, disgrace and humiliation on Heather. Advertisement Advertisement Sinema appeared in conversation with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox at Utahs 2026 Economic Outlook & Public Policy Summit in Salt Lake City. The panel was interrupted twice by men standing and yelling at Sinema during the panel in apparent reference to the allegations. The protesters, who were with people who appeared to be recording them on cellphones, were removed by security. One of two protesters is removed from the 2026 Utah Economic Outlook & Public Policy Summit at the Grand America Hotel after causing a verbal disturbance, as Gov. Spencer J. Cox, former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and Natalie Gochnour of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute talk on stage in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News The lawsuit, filed by Sinemas former security guards wife Heather Ammel, requests $75,000 in damages for alienation of affection. The Associated Press said North Carolina is one of a handful of states that allows spouses to seek damages from a third party responsible for the break-up of their marriage. Sinema is accused in federal court of pursuing a relationship with Matthew Ammel, a married father of three. Ammel started working for Sinema in 2022, and the lawsuit claims the affair began in or prior to 2023. The lawsuit accuses the senator of sending sexually suggestive messages and photos to Ammel on Signal, an encrypted messaging app; bringing him on various trips to California, Kentucky, Las Vegas and New York City; paying for him and his children to go to various concerts, including Taylor Swift, Green Day and U2; having a sexual relationship; and encouraging him to leave his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Sinema made no reference to the lawsuit or allegations Friday, other than noting the disruption. The suit claims Sinema, with knowledge of Ammels marriage, began to willfully and intentionally seduce, entice, and alienate the affections of Mr. Ammel, and began to wrongfully and maliciously deprive [Heather Ammel] of the warmth, companionship, love, affection, consortium, society, financial contributions, services, and attention of Mr. Ammel. Sinema served three terms in Arizonas House of Representatives, one term in Arizonas State Senate, three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and one term in the U.S. Senate. She did not seek re-election after her Senate term ended in 2025. WASHINGTON (AP) The Food and Drug Administration commissioner's effort to drastically shorten the review of drugs favored by President Donald Trump's administration is causing alarm across the agency, stoking worries that the plan may run afoul of legal, ethical and scientific standards long used to vet the safety and effectiveness of new medicines. Marty Makary's program is causing new anxiety and confusion among staff already rocked by layoffs, buyouts and leadership upheavals, according to seven current or recently departed staffers. The people spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss confidential agency matters. At the highest levels of the FDA, questions remain about which officials have the legal authority to sign off on drugs cleared under the Commissioners National Priority Voucher program, which promises approval in as little as one month for medicines that support U.S. national interests. Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, approval decisions have nearly always been handled by FDA review scientists and their immediate supervisors, not the agencys political appointees and senior leaders. But drug reviewers say they've received little information about the new program's workings. And some staffers working on a highly anticipated anti-obesity pill were recently told they can skip certain regulatory steps to meet top officials' aggressive deadlines. Outside experts point out that FDA drug reviews which range from six to 10 months are already the fastest in the world. The concept of doing a review in one to two months just does not have scientific precedent, said Dr. Aaron Kesselheim, a professor at Harvard Medical School. FDA cannot do the same detailed review that it does of a regular application in one to two months, and it doesnt have the resources to do it. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday Reuters reported that FDA officials have delayed the review of two drugs in the program, in part due to safety concerns, including the death of a patient taking one of the medications. Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon said the voucher program prioritizes gold standard scientific review and aims to deliver meaningful and effective treatments and cures." The program remains popular at the White House, where pricing concessions announced by the Republican president have repeatedly been accompanied by FDA vouchers for drugmakers that agree to cut their prices. For instance, when the White House announced that Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk would reduce prices on their popular obesity drugs, FDA staffers had to scramble to vet new vouchers for both companies in time for Trump's news conference, according to multiple people involved in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Thats sparked widespread concern that FDA drug reviews long pegged to objective standards and procedures have become open to political interference. Its extraordinary to have such an opaque application process, one that is obviously susceptible to politicization, said Paul Kim, a former FDA attorney who now works with pharmaceutical clients. Top FDA officials declined to sign off on expedited approvals Many of the concerns around the program stem from the fact that it hasn't been laid out in federal rules and regulations. The FDA already has more than a half-dozen programs intended to speed up or streamline reviews for promising drugs all approved by Congress, with regulations written by agency staff. Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, information about the voucher program is mostly confined to an agency website. Drugmakers can apply by submitting a 350-word statement of interest. Increasingly, agency leaders such as Dr. Vinay Prasad, the FDAs top medical officer and vaccine center director, have been contacting drugmakers directly about awarding vouchers. Thats created quandaries for FDA staffers on even basic questions, such as how to formally award a voucher to a company that didnt request one. Nixon, the HHS spokesman, said that voucher submissions are evaluated by a senior, multidisciplinary review committee, led by Prasad. Questions about the legality of the program led the FDAs then-drug director, Dr. George Tidmarsh, to decline to sign off on approvals under the pathway, according to several people with direct knowledge of the matter. Tidmarsh resigned from the agency in November after a lawsuit challenging his conduct on issues unrelated to the voucher program. Advertisement Advertisement After his departure, Dr. Sara Brenner, the FDAs principal deputy commissioner, was set to have the power to decide, but she also declined the role after looking further into the legal implications, according to the people. Currently the agencys deputy chief medical officer, Dr. Mallika Mundkur, who works under Prasad, is taking on the responsibility. Giving final approval to a drug carries significant legal risks, essentially certifying that the medicine meets FDA standards for safety and effectiveness. If unexpected safety problems later emerge, both the agency and individual staffers could be pulled into investigations or lawsuits. Traditionally, approval comes from FDA drug office directors, made in consultation with a team of reviewers. Under the voucher program, approval comes through a committee vote by senior agency leaders led by Prasad, according to multiple people familiar with the process. Staff reviewers don't get a vote. It is a complete reversal from the normal review process, which is traditionally led by the scientists who are the ones immersed in the data, said Kesselheim, who is a lawyer and a medical researcher. Advertisement Advertisement Not everyone sees problems with the program. Dan Troy, the FDAs top lawyer under President George W. Bush, a Republican, says federal law gives the commissioner broad discretion to reorganize the handling of drug reviews. Still, he says, the voucher program, like many of Makarys initiatives, may be short-lived because it isn't codified. If you live by the press release then you die by the press release, Troy said. Anything that theyre doing now could be wiped out in a moment by the next administration. The voucher program has ballooned after outreach by FDA officials Initially framed as a pilot program of no more than five drugs, it has expanded to 18 vouchers awarded, with more under consideration. That puts extra pressure on the agencys drug center, where 20% of the staff has left through retirements, buyouts or resignations over the past year. Advertisement Advertisement When Makary unveiled the program in October there were immediate concerns about the unprecedented power he would have in deciding which companies benefit. Makary then said that nominations for drugs would come from career staffers. Indeed, some of the early drugs were recommended by FDA reviewers, according to two people familiar with the process. They said FDA staffers deliberately selected drugs that could be vetted quickly. But, increasingly, selection decisions are led by Prasad or other senior officials, sometimes unbeknownst to FDA staff, according to three people. In one case, FDA reviewers learned from GlaxoSmithKline representatives that Prasad had contacted the company about a voucher. Access to Makary is limited because he does not use a government email account to do business, according to people familiar with the matter, breaking with longstanding precedent. Advertisement Advertisement Under pressure from drugmakers, some FDA reviewers were told they can skip steps Once a voucher is awarded, some drugmakers have their own interpretation of the review timeline creating further confusion and anxiety among staff. Two people involved in the ongoing review of Eli Lilly's anti-obesity pill said company executives initially told the FDA they expected the drug approved within two months. The timeline alarmed FDA reviewers because it did not include the agency's standard 60-day prefiling period, when staffers check the application to ensure it isnt missing essential information. That 60-day window has been in place for more than 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Lilly pushed for a quicker filing turnaround, demanding one week. Eventually the agency and the company agreed to a two-week period. Lilly's CEO, David Ricks, told attendees at a health care conference on Tuesday that the company expects FDA approval of its pill in the second quarter of the year. Nixon declined to comment on the specifics of Lilly's review but said FDA reviewers can adjust timelines as needed. Staffers were pushed to keep the application moving forward, even though key pieces of data about the drug's chemistry appeared to be missing, according to one person involved in the process. When reviewers raised concerns about gaps in the application, the person said, they were told by a senior FDA official that it was OK to overlook the regulations if the science is sound. Former reviewers and outside experts say that approach is the opposite of how FDA reviews should work: By following the regulations, staffers scientifically confirm the safety and effectiveness of drugs. Skipping review steps could also carry risks for drugmakers if future FDA leaders decide a drug wasnt properly vetted. Like other experts, Kesselheim says the program may not last beyond the current administration. They are fundamentally changing the application of the standards, but the underlying law remains what it is, he said. The hope is that one day we will return to these scientifically sound, legally sound principles. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Justice Department is investigating whether Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have impeded federal immigration enforcement through public statements they have made, two people familiar with the matter said Friday. The investigation, which both Walz and Frey said was a bullying tactic meant to threaten political opposition, focused on potential violation of a conspiracy statute, the people said. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss a pending investigation by name. Advertisement Advertisement CBS News first reported the investigation. The investigation comes during a weekslong immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and St. Paul that the Department of Homeland Security has called its largest recent immigration enforcement operation, resulting in more than 2,500 arrests. The operation has become more confrontational since the fatal shooting of Renee Good on Jan. 7, with agents pulling people from cars and homes and frequently being confronted by angry bystanders demanding they leave. State and local officials have repeatedly told protesters to remain peaceful. In response to reports of the investigation, Walz said in a statement: Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. senators Kelly, from Arizona, and Slotkin, from Michigan, are under investigation from the President Donald Trump administration after appearing with other Democratic lawmakers in a video urging members of the military to resist illegal orders." The administration has also launched a criminal investigation of Powell, a first for a sitting federal reserve chair. Walzs office said it has not received any notice of an investigation. Frey described the investigation as an attempt to intimidate him for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement, and our residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our streets. The U.S. attorneys office in Minneapolis did not immediately comment. Advertisement Advertisement In a post on the social media platform X following reports of the investigation, Attorney General Pam Bondi said: A reminder to all those in Minnesota: No one is above the law. She did not specifically mention the investigation. State calls for peaceful protests With more protests expected in the Twin Cities this weekend, state authorities urged demonstrators to avoid confrontation. While peaceful expression is protected, any actions that harm people, destroy property or jeopardize public safety will not be tolerated, said Commissioner Bob Jacobson of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Advertisement Advertisement His comments came after Trump backed off a bit from his threat a day earlier to invoke an 1807 law, the Insurrection Act, to send troops to suppress demonstrations. I dont think theres any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, Id use it, Trump told reporters outside the White House. A U.S. judge in Minnesota ruled on Friday that the federal officers working in the Minneapolis-area enforcement operation cant detain or tear gas peaceful protesters who arent obstructing authorities, including when they're observing agents. The case was filed before Good's shooting on behalf of six Minnesota activists represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Government attorneys had argued that the officers have been acting within their legal authority to enforce immigration laws and protect themselves. But the ACLU has said government officers are violating the constitutional rights of Twin Cities residents. Detention whiplash A Liberian man who has been shuttled in and out of custody since immigration agents broke down his door with a battering ram was released again Friday, hours after a routine check-in with authorities led to his second arrest. The dramatic initial arrest of Garrison Gibson last weekend was captured on video. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan ruled the arrest unlawful Thursday and freed him, but Gibson was detained again Friday when he appeared at an immigration office. Advertisement Advertisement A few hours later, Gibson was free again, attorney Marc Prokosch said. Gibson, 38, who fled the civil war in his West African home country as a child, had been ordered removed from the U.S., apparently because of a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed. He has remained in the country legally under whats known as an order of supervision, Prokosch said, and complied with the requirement that he meet regularly with immigration authorities. In his Thursday order, the judge agreed that officials violated regulations by not giving Gibson enough notice that his supervision status had been revoked. Prokosch said he was told by ICE that they are now going through their proper channels" to revoke the order. 911 caller: Good was shot point blank Advertisement Advertisement Minneapolis authorities released police and fire dispatch logs and transcripts of 911 calls related to the fatal shooting of Good. Firefighters found what appeared to be two gunshot wounds in her right chest, one in her left forearm and a possible gunshot wound on the left side of her head, records show. They shot her, like, cause she wouldnt open her car door, a caller said. Point blank range in her car. Good, 37, was at the wheel of her Honda Pilot, which was partially blocking a street. Video showed an officer approached the SUV, demanded that she open the door and grabbed the handle. Good began to pull forward and turned the vehicle's wheel to the right. Another ICE officer, Jonathan Ross, pulled his gun and fired at close range, jumping back as the SUV moved past him. DHS claims the agent shot Good in self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement ___ This story was first published on Jan. 16, 2026. It was updated on Jan. 18, 2026 to correct the age of Garrison Gibson to 38. ___ Richer and Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press reporters Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Ed White and Corey Williams in Detroit; Graham Lee Brewer in Oklahoma City; Jesse Bedayn in Denver; Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu; Hallie Golden in Seattle; and Ben Finley in Washington contributed. CAIRO (AP) A member of a criminal group linked to a mass grave containing the bodies of 21 migrants will stand trial on a charge of human trafficking, Libyas attorney generals office said Friday. The office said in a statement on Facebook that the gang member was being referred to court. Authorities found evidence that the criminal gang organized illegal migration and trafficked people in al-Kufra city in southeast Libya and Ajdabiya city in the eastern part of the country. The attorney generals statement didnt identify the gang. Libya has been a main transit point for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. The country plunged into chaos after a 2011 uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear how the 21 migrants died or when, or exactly when and where they were found. The attorney generals office released images Friday showing bodies wrapped in black plastic bags, with some remains partially covered in dirt. The Associated Press could not immediately independently verify the images. The statement said 195 migrants were released by the criminal group after being detained and subjected to torture aimed at extorting ransom from their families. Authorities arrested one of the members of the group, while remaining members are still being pursued, according to the attorney general's office. Many migrants who take the risky sea route to reach Europe seeking abetter lives do not survive. Most recently, at least 42 people went missing and were presumed dead after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration. The latest shipwreck adds to the rising death toll in the Central Mediterranean, where more than 1,000 people have died since the beginning of 2025, including over 500 lost off the coast of Libya, according to the IOMs Missing Migrants Project. After Gadhafi was killed, Libya was split in two, with rival administrations in the east and west, each backed by armed groups and foreign governments. The western part of the country is governed by Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibahs government in Tripoli, and the administration of Prime Minister Ossama Hammad rules in the east. DENVER (KDVR) A full list of gas stations that were impacted by contaminated fuel in the Denver metro area last week has been released, and state officials are encouraging impacted customers to make a claim. State officials provided an update on the investigation into the contaminated fuel fiasco in a press conference on Wednesday morning. 5 things to know about contaminated fuel in the Denver metro area Advertisement Advertisement Deputy executive director for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Cher Haavind said the state has received over 600 complaints of engine issues related to the fuel, and more continue to come in. Unleaded and mid-grade fuel contaminated with diesel fuel was sold at fuel retailers across the Denver metro area between last Wednesday, Jan. 7, and Thursday, Jan. 8, around 6 a.m. Gas stations impacted by contaminated fuel As of Wednesday, the divisions petroleum program manager Zach Hope said that all contaminated fuel has since been recovered and returned to Sinclair, the distributor. New fuel is in place in all tanks, and Hope said all investigations suggest that all the fuel currently on the market meets the legal specifications. This is unprecedented to my knowledge, and Id like to make it the last time it happens as well, we all would for sure, including Sinclair, Hope told FOX31s Shaul Turner. Advertisement Advertisement Sinclair provided state officials with its list of gas stations that were impacted by the contaminated fuel. The list released on Wednesday includes: Facility Address City Farmers Korner Gas 16115 Hwy 9 Breckenridge West Evans Sinclair 2110 S Federal Blvd Denver K & D Enterprise Inc 1490 S Wadsworth Blvd Lakewood Safeway Fuel #2913 2451 S Taft Hill Rd Fort Collins Coal Mine Gas Express 9819 W Coal Mine Ave Littleton Twin Star Energy #2 3550 Downing St Denver Circle K Store #2709854 1600 S Colorado Blvd Denver Bowmar Gas Express 5200 S Lowell Blvd Littleton Broadway Cardlock 6185 Broadway Denver S&S Fuels #302 9171 E Arapahoe Rd Greenwood Village Circle K Store #2741185 5390 W 112th Ave Westminster Circle K Store #2709880 7701 E Orchard Rd Greenwood Village R B Food And Gas 11010 E 120th Ave Henderson Stinker Store #333 13700 E Quincy Ave Aurora Singh Food and Sinclair 213 18th St Greeley Big D Oil Co. #64 8214 6th St Wellington Costco Gasoline #480 600 Marshall Rd Superior Costco Gasoline #439 1405 S Havana St Aurora Costco Gasoline #443 8050 W Quincy Ave Littleton Costco Gasoline #468 8686 Park Meadows Center Dr Lone Tree King Soopers Fuel Center #675 13057 S Parker Rd Parker Costco Gasoline #676 5175 Wadsworth Blvd Arvada Safeway Fuel Center #4614 8206 Weld CR 13 Firestone Safeway Fuel Center #1635 10300 Federal Blvd Federal Heights Costco Gasoline #440 6400 W 92nd Ave Westminster Castle Pines King Soopers #691 7296 Lagae Rd Castle Rock Safeway Fuel Center #1873 9640 Washington St Thornton King Soopers Fuel Center #607 1470 S Sheridan Blvd Denver King Soopers Fuel Center #702 1619 Pace St Longmont King Soopers Fueling Facility #732 750 N Ridge Rd Castle Rock Safeway 27102 Main St Conifer Costco Gasoline #629 16375 N Washington St Thornton Costco Gasoline #1014 5897 Barnes Rd Colorado Springs Costco Gasoline #1027 4000 River Point Pkwy Sheridan Costco Gasoline #1022 18414 Cottonwood Dr Parker King Soopers Fuel Facility #718 2395 W 136th Ave Broomfield King Soopers Fuel Center #107 25751 E Smoky Hill Rd Aurora Costco Gasoline #1178 4665 Weitzel St Timnath King Soopers Fuel Center #49 2351 S Buckley Rd Aurora King Soopers #86 Fuel Facility 5275 W 120th Ave Broomfield King Soopers Fuel Center #137 14887 Candelas Pkwy Arvada Murphy Express #8621 13001 Copperhead Trail Parker Johnstown C-Store 106 E South 1st St Johnstown Circle K Store #2706786 202 S Briggs St. Erie Costco Gasoline #1652 4741 North Airport Way Building 2 Denver Circle K #2706475 6702 N Tower Rd Denver Haavind said anyone who filled up with gas during that period would have quickly noticed engine problems as soon as leaving the fuel pump. Consumers have reported various engine performance issues like sputtering and stalling. What to do if you filled up with bad gas Officials said the most important thing for consumers to do is to return to the point of purchase to fill out a claim with the gas station. They recommend bringing receipts or any kind of proof of purchase. Some Colorado drivers start to see settlement offers after buying contaminated fuel Advertisement Advertisement Gas station owners will then get their insurance involved and work with the supplier on the reimbursement process for the consumer. Damages to vehicles will ultimately be paid by Sinclair, Hope said. Some consumers have reported going back to the gas station where they purchased bad gas, which then claims it was not affected by the contamination. In this case, Hope said with the published list, the division can help to encourage gas station owners to honor claims. Hope said it is a personal decision whether consumers involve their own insurance companies, but highly recommends starting the claims process with the gas station. The division said it is not involved in the reimbursement process they receive the complaints, do the testing and work with the gas station owners to make sure consumers get needed support. State encourages reporting issues, related or not Any issues presenting now, about a week later, are likely not related to the fuel contamination, but Haavind said it is important that consumers still report complaints and issues to the Division of Oil and Public Safety, as those complaints serve as documentation for the overall investigation and will also be investigated individually. Investigation is ongoing Hope said the division is working with Sinclair on the ongoing investigation, and expects Sinclair to provide its findings within two to three weeks. Advertisement Advertisement The division said it is combining its list with the one from Sinclair. The division is focusing on a few discrepancies in the list, as some complaints involved gas stations that were not on Sinclairs list. State officials are unlikely to pursue monetary penalties after bad fuel sold across metro area The issue is unprecedented as far as Hope knows, and he said he would like to make sure it is the last time this happens as well, so the division is reviewing its protocols. The division has the statutory ability to impose fines and is considering penalty options, however Hope said these are typically imposed when fraud or intent is suspected or confirmed in an incident, and this case appears to be an accident. 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 FOX31 Denver. Morgan Stanley laid out its bullish case for why investors should buy ASML Holding NV shares, saying in the most optimistic scenario the stock has a 70% rally ahead as chipmakers ramp up spending to meet soaring demand for artificial intelligence. The Dutch semiconductor equipment maker is one of the banks top stock picks. Morgan Stanley analysts said theyre even more positive after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., ASMLs biggest client, showed the AI spending boom isnt slowing down. ASML shares are up 25% so far in 2026, marking a roaring start to the year. Most Read from Bloomberg Higher 2027 foundry and memory capex as well as better-than-feared China demand drives our conviction, wrote analysts including Lee Simpson in a note dated Thursday. In the banks bull case, ASML shares could reach as high as 2,000, if profits exceed their expectations and tech valuations continue to surge. Their base case is that the stock will hit their price target of 1,400, the second-highest estimate among Wall Street brokers, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. ASML shares advanced 1.2% to 1,163 on Friday. Its market value surpassed $500 billion this week, becoming only the third European company to reach that milestone. Blockbuster profits, driven by intense demand for ASMLs specialized chipmaking equipment, unpins Morgan Stanleys argument for the stock. They see profits of about 46 per share in 2027, almost doubling from 2025 levels. TSMCs stronger-than-anticipated outlook has kicked off a fresh wave of optimism about AI spending this week. Separately, the US and Taiwan have also agreed to a long-sought trade pact that would see Taiwanese semiconductor companies increase financing for American operations by $500 billion. Beyond TSMC, higher memory-chip pricing will lead to more capacity buildouts at memory chipmakers and drive demand for ASMLs tools, Morgan Stanley said. ASMLs sales to Chinese chipmakers have also been better than expected, the analysts said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Lockheed Martin delivered 191 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters last year, according to the company, the highest yearly amount in the programs history, as the major defense contractor worked to clear out a backlog of previously undelivered jets. The total far surpassed the previous record of 142 F-35s for 2021. It follows two slower years for F-35 deliveries 98 in 2023 and 110 in 2024 that were due to the Defense Department decision to stop accepting new F-35s because of problems with Technology Refresh 3, or TR-3, updates. Over that three-year span, Lockheed delivered an average of 133 F-35s each year. TR-3 upgrades provide better displays, computer memory and processing power. The packages hardware and software updates were necessary before a more expansive modernization, known as Block 4, could begin. Advertisement Advertisement However, TR-3 suffered numerous delays, and in July 2023, the government stopped accepting deliveries of new F-35s that were meant to have TR-3 installed. That delivery halt lasted a year, and Lockheed stored dozens of brand-new jets at its facilities, primarily in Fort Worth, Texas. Lockheed Martin and the government focused on getting a partial, or truncated, version of TR-3s software working well enough to lift the delivery halt, which happened in July 2024. The delivery backlog was cleared out in May of last year, Lockheed said. But the delayed deliveries as well as the fact that TR-3 could initially only be used for training missions, not combat missions had ripple effects on the Air Force and other services. Lockheed reportedly said in June 2025 it had delivered the last software update needed to complete TR-3 last year. Lockheed said that the nearly 1,300 F-35s in operation worldwide have recorded more than 1 million flight hours. The F-35 also played critical roles in combat operations around the world, including suppressing Irans air defenses during the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities known as Operation Midnight Hammer. Also last summer, Dutch F-35s, flying alongside Polish fighters engaged and shot down multiple Russian drones in Polands airspace. This marked the first time NATO F-35s engaged threats in allied air space, Lockheed said. Jan. 16 (UPI) -- A worker at a California library opened a package and was surprised to find a book that had been due back nearly 46 years earlier. Cassie Koldewyn, branch manager at the San Diego County Library's La Mesa location, said she opened the package in earlier January and revealed the long-overdue book -- which was appropriately a copy of The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford. "I got to open it and enjoy the old book smell, which was quite powerful in this particular item," Koldewyn told KUSI-TV. "They sent it back to the right branch, even though we're at a new address, so they clearly did some research to get it back to us." Advertisement Advertisement The package was sent anonymously, with an unsigned note reading "Sorry this is so late," with a hand-drawn smiley face. The library's records revealed the book was due back May 20, 1980. "It's never too late to return your library materials," the County of San Diego said in an Instagram post. "The library no longer charges late fines that accrue daily for keeping County Library materials beyond their due date." Koldewyn said the book wont be returned to the stacks. "This will likely hang out on my shelf as a fun memento for a while," she said. WASHINGTON Maria Corina Machado says she told Donald Trump during a private White House luncheon that her party had a mandate from the Venezuelan people to lead and was prepared to do what it took to form a legitimate government while gifting the president her Nobel Peace Prize. Speaking, a day after that meeting, at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative organization with close ties to the Trump administration, Machado cast herself as just one member of the freedom movement in Venezuela. "This is not about me, this is about the will of the people," she said. Advertisement Advertisement More: Trump will keep Machado's Nobel Peace Prize: 'She offered it to me' Chairman of the Nobel Committee, Jorgen Watne Frydnes, holds a phone displaying a picture of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025, at the Nobel Institute in Oslo, Norway October 10, 2025. Maria Corina Machado (R), stands atop a truck next to the leader of the opposition Encuentro ciudadano party Delsa Solorzano (C) during a protest called by the opposition for election 'victory' to be recognized, in Caracas on August 17, 2024. Machado, who came out of hiding to attend the rally, vowed that anti-government protesters would remain out in force, as she addressed a protest in Caracas against Nicolas Maduro's disputed reelection victory claim. Maria Corina Machado signs their national anthem during a rally in Caracas on August 28, 2024. Venezuela's opposition supporters rallied on August 28, a month after the disputed re-election of President Nicolas Maduro, who armored his cabinet with a strongman at the helm of law and order. Maria Corina Machado embraces children during a rally in Caracas on August 28, 2024. Maria Corina Machado waves a national flag during a rally in Caracas on August 28, 2024. Maria Corina Machado waves a Venezuelan flag during a rally in Caracas on August 28, 2024. Maria Corina Machado gestures to supporters next to opposition figure Delsa Solorzano during a rally in Caracas on August 28, 2024. MEPsd give a standing ovation to co-laureate of the 2024 Sakharov human rights prize Maria Corina Machado (screen) during the award ceremony at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on December 17, 2024. Maria Corina Machado (L) and former Deputy of the National Assembly of Venezuela, Juan Pablo Guanipa, hold a banner demanding for the release of all political prisoners during a protest called by the opposition on the eve of the presidential inauguration in Caracas on January 9, 2025. Machado, who emerged from hiding to lead protests against the swearing-in of Nicolas Maduro for a highly controversial third term as president, was arrested after being "violently intercepted upon exiting the rally," according to her security team. Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado greets supporters from a balcony of the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway, early on Dec. 11, 2025. Machado arrived in Oslo hours after the Venezuelan opposition leader's award was collected on her behalf by her daughter. Nobel peace prize laureate Maria Corina Machado laughs as she addresses a press conference at the Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway, on Dec. 11, 2025. The 58-year-old, who has been in hiding in her home country since June 2024, missed the award of the Nobel Prize in Oslo on December 10. But she waved to supporters from her hotel shortly after arriving during the night. Maria Corina Machado is the lynchpin of opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's regime, a fearless activist with rock star appeal whose inability to attend her own Nobel prize ceremony underlined the dangers she faces. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado greets supporters outside the White House following a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on Jan. 15, 2026. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado waves to supporters as she leaves the White House following a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on Jan. 15, 2026. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado speaks with US Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (L), Democrat from Illinois, as she meets with senators at the US Capitol on Jan. 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. US President Donald Trump met earlier Thursday with Machado, whose pro-democracy movement he has sidelined since toppling her country's leader, and whose Nobel Peace Prize he openly envies. Meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner 1 of 14 Chairman of the Nobel Committee, Jorgen Watne Frydnes, holds a phone displaying a picture of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025, at the Nobel Institute in Oslo, Norway October 10, 2025. Machado said she had "no doubt" the U.S. president backs freedom and democracy in Venezuela, and she argued her opposition party was best suited to deliver for U.S. interests. In an appeal to conservatives and Trump supporters, she said a transition to a democratic government would lead exiled Venezuelans to return home and declared that the women in her country are not interested in receiving a handout. The Trump administration has been working closely with interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who was Nicolas Maduro's second-in-command, since U.S. forces captured Maduro and brought him to the United States to face drug trafficking charges. Trump has not committed to a timeline for a democratic transition, and his administration has repeatedly praised Rodriguez for her cooperation. After Maduro's capture, Trump said "we're in charge" in Venezuela and elections would be held "at the right time." Trump has also said Machado lacks the "respect" in her country needed to take the lead. Advertisement Advertisement More: Two women vie for Venezuela's top office, but Trump will decide Speaking at the Jan. 16 news conference, Machado said the choice was not between herself and her political rival. "This has nothing to do with a tension or a decision between Delcy Rodriguez and myself," she said. "This is about the cartel and justice. This is about a criminal structure that is the regime and the mandate of the Venezuelan people." Since the leadership change two weeks ago, Trump and top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have steered the direction of the country from afar. Machado said that Trump "understands the moment and the implications" for the Western Hemisphere, specifically in Cuba and Nicaragua, two countries that are closely linked to Venezuela and led by authoritarian governments. Venezuelan Opposition Leader and Nobel Peace Prize Winner MarAa Corina Machado speaks at the Heritage Foundation on January 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. "Imagine what this will mean to have these dictatorships finally gone," she said. "This is equivalent to the fall of the Berlin Wall in the Americas. So this is huge from a historic perspective. And this is happening as we speak." Advertisement Advertisement The remarks were her latest attempt to convince Trump to support a democratic transition in Venezuela, which the United States has said was ruled by an illegitimate president after the opposition claimed victory against Maduro in the last presidential election. Trump cast doubt on Machado's ability lead the Latin American country after the United States seized Maduro in a surprise attack. The capture made way for Rodriguez to take over Venezuela as interim president. Both women have sought to curry favor with Trump since Maduro's removal Rodriguez through opening access to Venezuela's oil and Machado through an in-person appeal. Machado met with Trump at the White House on Jan. 15 after suggesting during an interview on "Hannity," a favorite television program of the president, that she'd give him her hard-won Nobel prize if she had the chance. She told reporters shortly after the meeting that she had presented it to him, and the White House posted a photo of the pair that showed the president holding it. Advertisement Advertisement Machado later said, without providing specifics, that they had "exchanged views" about the implications of U.S. actions in Venezuela. They also discussed the status of political prisoners in Venezuela. President Donald Trump meets with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House in Washington, DC, on Jan. 15, 2026, during which she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize. She said they did not get into specifics about what Trump planned to do to speed up their release. "But I trust his word that that's something (that) will take place," she said. Echoing a claim often made by the Trump administration, Machado accused the Maduro regime of "weaponizing migration" against the United States and "designing" an exodus of Venezuelans. She said Venezuelans who have fled to the U.S. are willing to return home if they have hope that there will be freedom and democracy. "So I think it is clearly in the best interest of the United States, and those that are concerned about migration, to have a transition take place as soon as possible, because you will see millions coming back home," she said. Advertisement Advertisement As of last March, more than 600,000 Venezuelans were living in the United States under the Temporary Protected Status program. The Trump administration is ending those protections, with the last wave of work permits set to expire Oct. 2. The first flight of deported migrants since Maduro's ouster arrived in Venezuela on Jan. 16. 'A wonderful woman' Machado's charm offensive could deliver dividends. But the overtures have earned her little so far besides a White House visit and warm words from Trump. Trump called her a "wonderful woman who has been through so much" after their meeting and called the gift of her Nobel Peace Prize a "wonderful gesture of mutual respect." Advertisement Advertisement As he departed the White House on Jan. 16 to spend the holiday weekend at his private resort in Florida, Trump said he planned to talk more with Machado. "She has respect obviously for me and our country," he said. But the Trump administration has shown little willingness to halt its ongoing collaboration with Rodriguez. Trump and Rodriguez had glowing words for each other after their first phone call on Jan. 14. "She's a terrific person," Trump said. Rodriguez also met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Caracas on Jan. 15, the New York Times and other outlets reported. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado takes pictures with supporters as she departs the US Capitol after meeting with US senators on January 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. US President Donald Trump met earlier Thursday with Venezuelan opposition leader Machado, whose pro-democracy movement he has sidelined since toppling her country's leader, and whose Nobel Peace Prize he openly envies. (Photo by Drew ANGERER / AFP via Getty Images) In her first State of the Union address, the same day, Rodriguez pushed for Venezuela to unify in the wake of Maduro's sudden capture. But she also announced her intention to enact reforms that would open Venezuela's oil industry to future investment. Advertisement Advertisement To that end, Trump is pressing forward with his promised wide-scale sale of oil from Venezuela's rich reserves. The administration has already secured its first sale of Venezuelan oil in a deal worth $500 million, and more are on the way, an administration official told USA TODAY this week. Several top Venezuelan officials still flanking Rodriguez were indicted along with Maduro on the drug charges he's awaiting trial for. They include Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's the country's interior minister. The Trump administration increased the bounty on Cabello's head from $10 million to $25 million on Jan. 10. But officials have not made moves to arrest him to face trial, unlike Maduro, who was captured by special forces in a firefight that killed dozens of his security forces and injured multiple American servicemembers. Contributing: Michael Collins This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nobel-winner Machado pushes democracy. Trump wants Venezuela's oil Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has vowed she will lead the country "when the right time comes". "There's a mission, and we are going to turn Venezuela into that land of grace, and I believe I will be elected when the right time comes as president of Venezuela, the first woman president," she told Fox News. Her comments come a day after she gave President Donald Trump her Nobel Peace Prize medal, calling it a recognition of his commitment to Venezuela's freedom. Advertisement Advertisement The US seized Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on 3 January and removed him to New York to face various drugs and weapons charges. Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday [EPA/Shutterstock] However, Trump has declined to endorse Machado as Venezuela's new leader, saying she did not have enough domestic support - despite her opposition movement claiming victory in 2024's widely contested elections. He has instead been dealing with the country's interim president Delcy Rodriguez, who had been Maduro's vice-president and who on Friday held a two-hour meeting with the director of the CIA "at President Trump's direction" aimed at building trust and communication between the two countries, according to a US official. "Director Ratcliffe discussed potential opportunities for economic collaboration and that Venezuela can no longer be a safe haven for America's adversaries," the US official said. Advertisement Advertisement Asked on Friday about his decision to work with Rodriguez over Machado, Trump told reporters his decision had been informed by the US experience in Iraq more than 20 years ago. Security and political structures were dismantled after the US invaded, setting the scene for insurgency and the eventual emergence of the Islamic State group. "If you ever remember a place called Iraq, where everybody was fired - every single person, the police, the generals, everybody was fired - and they ended up being ISIS... I remember that," he said. Speaking later at an event in Washington, Machado said she was confident there would be an "orderly transition" in her country. Advertisement Advertisement "The result of a stable transition will be a proud Venezuela that will be the best ally the US has ever had in the Americas," she said. "This has nothing to do with a tension between Delcy Rodriguez and myself, this is about a criminal structure - that is the regime - and the Venezuelan people," she added, describing herself as "just one member of a movement of millions of Venezuelans". Meanwhile, in Venezuela's capital Caracas, Rodriguez gave her first state of the union address since taking over as interim president. She said she was not afraid to face the US "diplomatically, through political dialogue". Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez also said Venezuela needed to defend its "dignity and honour", and announced oil industry reforms to allow more foreign investment in a step away from Maduro's policies. Trump called Rodriguez a "terrific person" on Wednesday after the pair spoke on the phone, a conversation the Venezuelan leader called "productive and courteous". The following day, the US president called Machado a "wonderful woman who has been through so much", describing her gift of the Nobel Peace Prize medal as a "wonderful gesture of mutual respect". The Fehmarn Belt Tunnel linking Germany and Denmark is now expected to open no earlier than 2031, pushing the ambitious cross-border project at further behind schedule. The lowering of the tunnel segments has been delayed by two years, said Mikkel Hemmingsen on Friday. Hemmingsen is the chief executive of Denmark's state-owned Sund & Blt Holding, which owns construction company Femern. The 18-kilometre rail and road tunnel is set to connect the German island of Fehmarn with the Danish island of Lolland. The project is expected to massively reduce travel times between Copenhagen and Hamburg. Advertisement Advertisement Construction has been plagued by delays, however, with Hemmigsen warning that progress was "two years behind schedule." The last target for completion had been 2029. The method of lowering tunnel segments with the aid of special ships had previously only been tested in the Oresund strait between Denmark and Sweden, which at 15 metres is significantly shallower than the Fehmarn Belt at 45 metres. "It was more difficult than planned," said Hemmingsen. "You have to lower the segments with a precision of half a centimetre. And you have to be sure." Daniel Gunther, premier of the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, said the tunnel is the largest construction site in Northern Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Visiting the site, Gunther said the region should benefit significantly from the project. On the German side, a further tunnel is being built between Fehmarn and the German mainland, with completion also expected to be delayed beyond 2029. [Source] Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to Elon Musks AI chatbot Grok after regulators said the tool was repeatedly used to generate sexually explicit, nonconsensual deepfake images. Indonesias Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs ordered the restriction on Jan. 10 in Jakarta, citing violations of national digital safety and pornography laws. Malaysias communications regulator followed a day later after determining that safeguards implemented by xAI failed to stop the spread of obscene content. Threat to human rights and public safety Indonesias communications ministry said its review found that AI-generated sexual images created without consent posed a direct threat to public safety and personal dignity online. Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid described the material as unlawful and harmful, saying nonconsensual sexual deepfakes are a violation of human rights, dignity and the safety of citizens in the digital space. Officials said regulators are evaluating whether Grok can operate under existing Indonesian regulations governing digital platforms. Advertisement Advertisement Malaysias Communications and Multimedia Commission said its investigation identified ongoing distribution of obscene and sexually explicit AI-generated content linked to the chatbot, including manipulated images involving women and minors. The agency said it had previously engaged with the companies behind the platform but concluded further enforcement was necessary. Officials said legal action is being prepared and any future access would depend on compliance with national content standards. Trending on NextShark: Chinese national charged after photographing Missouri military base Mounting evidence of misuse Musk has previously said Grok was designed to be less restrictive than rival AI systems, a design choice that has drawn scrutiny as evidence of misuse has grown. Independent research and media investigations have documented widespread use of the chatbot to generate sexualized images of women and minors without consent. Advertisement Advertisement Research by Dublin-based Trinity College found that nearly three-quarters of more than 500 Grok-related posts collected through Xs API involved requests to remove or alter clothing on real women or minors, with users often sharing and refining prompts. Trending on NextShark: Trump admin pulls US out of foundational climate treaty In response to the criticism, Grok posted a public message on X acknowledging the lapse, stating, The incident was a serious lapse, and Ive already issued a public apology. xAI is implementing stronger safeguards to prevent this. 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. Trending on NextShark: Wealth-based immigration gatekeeping expands with visa bond list tripling 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: Chloe Kim says shoulder injury will not sideline Olympic return Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! A worsening malnutrition crisis is having dire effects on women and girls in Afghanistan who are failed by the international community, the World Food Programme's top official in the country told AFP. The UN agency supplies most of the food aid to Afghanistan, which has been run by Taliban officials since 2021. While aid donations have been slashed over the past couple of years, the Afghan government has faced criticism from abroad for banning women from most professions and blocking girls from attending school beyond the age of 12. Advertisement Advertisement John Aylieff, director for Afghanistan at the World Food Programme (WFP), spoke to AFP about the "heartbreaking" struggle to feed families. - What do you expect to happen this year? - "In the next 12 months, five million women and children in this country will experience acute malnutrition, the life-threatening type of malnutrition," he said, out of a population of more than 40 million. "Nearly four million children in this country will need malnutrition treatment. These numbers are staggering." - What's the impact of funding cuts? - "I think we are, as an international community, abandoning and letting down the very people, women and children in particular, that we pledged to protect," he said, following "immensely generous" funding in 2021 and 2022. Advertisement Advertisement "But since then, funding to Afghanistan has been cut and cut further and cut further," said Aylieff, with $600 million in donations to WFP for 2024 halved last year. "If we can't treat children with malnutrition, those children are going to die. Clinics treating children with malnutrition are closing down." "When those women carry their child, maybe four or five hours to the clinic, and they get there and they're told WFP simply does not have the money to treat your child anymore -- this is heartbreaking." - What are the consequences for women? - "One of the phenomena which has surprised us the most this year (2025) is the dramatic surge in the number of pregnant and breastfeeding women who are malnourished," said Aylieff. Advertisement Advertisement "They're not getting the food assistance that would otherwise be helping them. Those women are also sacrificing their own health and their own nutrition to feed their children. Many of them just don't know how to cope." "In areas where we've stopped assisting as WFP, we're seeing girls being sold off into early marriage just so their families can put food on the table. We're seeing children being pulled out of school and sent to work." "And we're getting an increasing number of distress calls to WFP from very desperate women across the country, including some suicide calls." "This is very harrowing." iw/jma/rsc/ami An 18-year-old has been taken into custody following an assault at BargainMax in Eastridge Mall. Jack Boone faces charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, after he rammed his car through the stores front doors. The incident began when Boone attempted to remove a gold-plated Sears sign from the entrance of BargainMax. ALSO READ: Unsettling: Video shows moment car slams into Uptown building Advertisement Advertisement After the initial altercation with employees and customers, he returned to the store, made threats, and drove his car into the front doors. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The damages caused by Boones actions have led store employees to announce that BargainMax will be closed today and likely tomorrow. The mall security is assisting in the investigation and further details regarding the incident may be released by local law enforcement in the coming days. BargainMaxs operations are expected to resume after necessary repairs are made. VIDEO: Unsettling: Video shows moment car slams into Uptown building A man has been charged with murder in the death of a woman who returned home to her house being broken into. Ana Scott, 36, was killed in September when she raced home after seeing her house being broken into on a doorbell camera. When she arrived, one of the suspects opened fire on her car. She was rushed to the hospital, where she later died. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Marquel Heard, 33, was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama on Thursday. He is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail. He will face charges of felony murder and criminal attempt to commit burglary. Advertisement Advertisement After her death, her family shared a statement with Channel 2 Action News, remembering her for her love of animals and saying she was an aspiring animal health practitioner. Our family is heartbroken by the death of our Ana. We are devastated that her life was so prematurely taken from us and from those who loved her so much. Ana was a warm and caring person. The brutal nature of her death shocks our family to our core, and we want to see her killers brought to justice. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement She was working at a veterinary clinic in Decatur. Heard is currently being held in Jefferson County, Alabama and will be extradited to DeKalb County. Police have not commented on other suspects. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Brett Ours took the stand in his own defense during a trial on Thursday. Ours is charged with attempted homicide after police say he beat Preston Coleman inside the Aliquippa VFW last January. The incident was captured on surveillance video that was shown in court. The beating lasted 30 to 40 minutes. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Man wanted for brutal, unprovoked assault at Aliquippa VFW, police say Advertisement Advertisement Ours said he feared for his own safety. That night, he told the jury, Coleman was calling a man with whom he had bad blood, from a motorcycle club that Ours was excommunicated from. Despite never seeing one, Ours believed Coleman had a gun on him, so he pulled out his knife. I was frustrated. Anger built up, and I was scared about what might happen, Ours told the jury. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Trial begins for man accused of trying to kill man during beating at Aliquippa VFW Before hitting Coleman, video showed Ours stabbing the bar multiple times and throwing the knife to the ground. His now ex-girlfriend took the knife from the ground before the beating started. Advertisement Advertisement In the video, jurors could see Ours punch, kick and choke Coleman repeatedly. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Its going to be a long road: Father fighting for his life after assault at Aliquippa VFW Ours was asked during testimony if he was sorry for what he did. Absolutely, Ours said. I fully take responsibility. I hurt a man. I never intended to kill Preston. Im not proud of what I did. However, prosecutors believe Ours was indeed trying to kill Coleman. It was kind of surprising to hear that, said Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible. I cant really speak to whether thats some type of tactic or true emotions, but he certainly did take some responsibility for what happened that day, but reiterated that he never intended to kill him and that wasnt what he was trying to do. Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Man accused of brutally attacking another man at Aliquippa VFW arrested after standoff Bible believes his prosecutor has proved the case to the jury. Hes gotten in all the evidence that we needed to, and hes making the right arguments, the right objections, and I think hes doing a great job, Bible said. Bible expects the jury to start deliberations on Friday. If jurors arent close to a verdict by late afternoon, deliberations will resume on Tuesday because of the holiday on Monday. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Milwaukee Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Aycha Sawa is seen during a school board meeting with the Committee on Accountability, Finance, and Personnel on May 20 at the Milwaukee Public Schools Central Offices in Milwaukee. Milwaukee Public Schools is recouping its final state payment that was frozen over the district's failure to complete financial audits on time, MPS officials said. It's been 20 months since state officials shared publicly that MPS was severely behind on completing required financial reports a revelation that led to the resignations of top officials including then-Superintendent Keith Posley. Since then, district officials have been playing catch-up on their late reporting schedule while redesigning their accounting systems to streamline the process. When the problem came to light in 2024, the state Department of Public Instruction withheld a $16.6 million special education payment to MPS until the district could complete its late reports. MPS recouped that payment in August of 2025, but at that point, DPI had withheld two additional payments over more late financial reports. As of Jan. 16, MPS officials said MPS was receiving the last payment withheld from the district: an $8 million payment for achievement gap reduction, which had been withheld because the district was late on financial reports from the 2023-24 school year. Throughout the withholding, district officials said they had enough cash flow to prevent any suspension of programs. In a statement, Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said she was proud of the district's progress since she was hired as superintendent last March. Since arriving in Milwaukee in March, my focus has been on improving the operation of our district so that we can meet the needs and expectations of our students, families, and staff while we also rebuild the trust and transparency they deserve, Cassellius said in a statement. Im proud of the team here at MPS who committed to fixing these significant issues with a sense of determination and Milwaukee pride while facing intense public pressure and scrutiny." Cassellius has taken a hands-on role in rebuilding and pushing the finance office to improve operations, moving the staff into her own office suite at times to supervise their work. She also enlisted outside consultants to work with staff on new accounting systems. A test of their success was the completion of the most recent audit of the 2024-25 school year, due to DPI on Dec. 15. MPS reported in December that it was running late on the reports but officials said Jan. 16 that the external audit had been submitted. It's not particularly unusual in Wisconsin for school districts to run behind on the Dec. 15 deadline, as DPI typically begins its review of the reports in January. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MPS recoups final payment that was withheld over late finance reports AP Photo/Alex Brandon An employee at the El Paso County Office of the Medical Examiner said the office is likely to conclude that a mans death while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement was a homicide, The Washington Post reported on Thursday. Geraldo Lunas Campos died on Jan. 3 while detained at Camp East Montana near the Mexican border. In a statement announcing his death six days later, ICE said that staff observed him in distress after he became disruptive while in line for medication. Advertisement Advertisement Medical staff responded, initiated lifesaving measures, and requested emergency medical services, the statement continued. Lunas was pronounced deceased by EMS. ICE did not provide a cause of death. However, an employee with the medical examiners office in El Paso told Lunas Camposs daughter that the coroner is likely to rule the death a homicide, according to a recording of the conversation. The Post reported: In the recording, which the daughter shared with The Washington Post, the employee said a doctor there is listing the preliminary cause of death as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression, which means Lunas Campos did not get enough oxygen because of pressure on his neck and chest. Pending the results of a toxicology report, the staffer said on the recording, our doctor is believing that were going to be listing the manner of death as homicide. According to an internal ICE document viewed by the Post, Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant, died after a struggle with staff at the detention facility. In its statement, ICE said Lunas Campos had several convictions that included unlawful possession of a weapon during a robbery, sexual contact with a child under 11, driving while intoxicated, and sale of a controlled substance. The statement added that a judge had ordered Lunas Campos removed in 2005, but he was not deported because the government did not obtain travel documents. ICE said Lunas Campos was arrested by immigration officials on July 14 and was transferred to Camp East Montana on Sept. 6. Advertisement Advertisement The Post spoke with a man named Santos Jesus Flores, who said he was detained in the same unit as Lunas Campos and saw the deceased struggling with five guards after refusing to enter the unit. Flores said he witnessed guards choking Lunas Campos, who he heard repeatedly saying, No puedo respirar, or I cant breathe. The Post added that the detention facility is a colossal makeshift tent encampment on the Mexican border where migrants have reported substandard conditions and physical abuse, and ICEs own inspectors have cited dozens of violations of federal detention standards. Immigration enforcement officials are under increasing scrutiny after ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week as she attempted to drive away from agents. Last year, at least 30 people died in immigration detention, the highest total in 20 years. Four have died in detention in the first nine days of 2026, according to the Post. The post Mans Death in ICE Custody Likely To Be Ruled a Homicide, Recording Says first appeared on Mediaite. ST GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) A St. George man was sentenced today after he kidnapped a woman and three children and took them across state lines in 2024. In 2024, David Gene Remley assaulted his then-girlfriend, Brittany Deal, in front of her children and then forcibly kidnapped them, driving across state lines into Nevada. At the time of the kidnapping, St. George Police Department issued a missing and endangered advisory for kidnapped individuals. Remley had been previously convicted of assault and there was a standing protective order between Remley and his then-girlfriend due to a fight, so police believed the victims were in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Missing St. George family found in Nevada, suspect in custody On August 20, 2024, Nevada Highway Patrol were able to locate Remley with the mother and her kids, who were unharmed. Remley was then taken into custody and charged with multiple felonies. On October 29, 2025, he was found guilty by a jury trial on three counts of child kidnapping, one count of aggravated kidnapping, unauthorized possession of a firearm or motor vehicle, assault, and three counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child. Today, he was sentenced. Advertisement Advertisement For the first three counts of child kidnapping and for the count of aggravated kidnapping, he received four sentences of between 15 years to life at the Utah State Prison, to be served consecutively. For each count of unauthorized possession of a firearm and assault, he was sentenced to serve between zero to five years at the Utah State Prison. For the three counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, he was sentenced to between zero to 180 days at the Utah State Prison. Those sentences will be served concurrently with each other and with the other counts. The judge also issued a no contact protective order for the kidnapping victims. During the hearing, Remley announced his intent to file for an appeal, which his attorney said would be filed within the next few days. Victim statements Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence is available 24/7: 1-800-897-LINK (5465). If you or someone else is in immediate danger or an emergency, please call 911 immediately. Advertisement Advertisement During Remleys sentencing, the court heard a victim impact statement from Michelle Deal, the mother of Brittany Deal and grandmother of the three juvenile victims. The mother said her daughter has experienced physical, emotional, and mental trauma as a result of David Remleys actions. Federal judge dismisses Phil Lyman`s lawsuit against Lt. Governor over voting records Brittanys physical abuse has changed her health for the worse. She has constant ongoing fear and anxiety, constant headaches, nausea, neck pain, making it difficult for her just to have a normal day, Michelle said. The emotional effects are beyond what we even know and affect her daily life and her ability to be happy and to feel good. Advertisement Advertisement According to the victims relative, her daughter is forever changed and one of her grandkids likened her to Dory from the movie Finding Nemo, who has severe memory problems. David has robbed Brittany of so many things, has robbed her children as well, She continued, adding that the mental and emotional toll has been difficult for her daughter and grandchildren, One of the most difficult things for the kids is seeing the change in their mom. [One] says often, My mom is not the same since David hurt her, and I miss my old mom. Michelle discussed the fear she had when her daughter and grandchildren went missing, stating that she did not know if she would ever see them again and believes Remley intended to murder them, as he had alluded to them being a Heavenly family. How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google Advertisement Advertisement David has hurt so many innocent people and children, and he has no conscience of what is right or wrong and no accountability. He blames everyone else and says they deserve whatever he decides they deserve, Michelle finished, asking the judge to impose the maximum sentence. During the sentencing phase, the judge, Keith C. Barnes discussed what the victim impact statement said. He added, The gravity as to these four victims were immeasurable. And this court certainly finds that the gravity and circumstance of this offense is a huge factor on what the court ultimately decides. Judge Barnes also detailed what Remley had said to a relative while in custody, that the victims would pay for what she did and experience the Lords vengeance. With the victim impact statements, Remleys own remarks, and his extensive criminal history in mind, Judge Barnes imposed the maximum sentence. 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. A Bradford County man faces charges in both New York and Pennsylvania after a high speed police chase that started in the Town of Southport. Around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, deputies were dispatched to state Route 328 in Southport for a report of an erratic driver, according to the Chemung County Sheriff's Office. Southport resident deputy Josh Arnold observed the vehicle in question, a black Ford F-150 pickup truck, parked on the shoulder of the northbound lane, the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement When the driver made eye contact with the deputy, he pulled back out onto the roadway and began traveling north, police said. The deputy pursued and was soon joined by another deputy, and they followed the pickup as it turned south onto state Route 14 and began to travel at a high rate of speed, according to the sheriff's office. Deputies pursued the driver, later identified as Brian T. Wilcox, 53, of Milan, Pennsylvania, as he approached speeds in excess of 65 mph and was reportedly swerving in the roadway. As the truck approached Doty Hill Road near the Pennsylvania state line, the deputies were joined in the pursuit by another sheriff's deputy and a state trooper. At one point while he was traveling on Doty Hill Road, Wilcox came to a stop and a deputy pulled his patrol vehicle in front of the pickup while deputies ordered Wilcox to exit his vehicle. Instead, he accelerated, striking the deputy's vehicle and nearly hitting the deputy as he fled the scene, the sheriff's office said. Advertisement Advertisement After turning onto Coleman Road, Wilcox lost control of the truck and struck a tree. Deputies took him into custody after a brief struggle. Wilcox was then transported to Arnot Ogden Medical Center for treatment of a head injury. As a result of the investigation, deputies charged Wilcox with felony DWI, felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to comply and numerous vehicle and traffic violations. Because the chase ended on the Pennsylvania side of the state line, Pennsylvania State Police responded and assisted with the investigation. Related Elmira man charged with multiple felonies after police pursuit Advertisement Advertisement Wilcox faces additional charges in Pennsylvania, including aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, recklessly endangering another person, flight to avoid apprehension and driving under the influence. Wilcox was arraigned in Town of Southport Court and committed to the Chemung County Jail without bail. After he answers charges in Chemung County, he will be extradited to Pennsylvania to face charges there. Follow Jeff Murray on X (Twitter) @SGJeffMurray. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Bradford County Pa. man charged after two-state high speed chase Lebanon Police arrested a man with eight outstanding warrants after officers spotted a vehicle tied to the suspect last Thursday. That afternoon, LPD arrested Courtney Hastings, 36, of Lebanon. Seven of the eight warrants were issued out of Wilson County, with the remaining out of Trousdale County. He was charged with three counts of methamphetamine possession, two counts of possession of Schedule II narcotics (fentanyl and cocaine), possession of Xylazine, probation violation and a count related to child support. Advertisement Advertisement Hastings was wanted out of Trousdale County for failure to appear on a probation violation charge. Police said he was arrested without incident and is being held in the Wilson County Jail on a $102,000 bond. MARS HILL - The town is working to acquire two tracts of land to be conserved within Bailey Mountain Preserve and provide nearly 500 acres of contiguous trails to one of Madison County's outdoor hidden gems. One of those projects is a 137-acre tract, known as the Bone Camp project, at 1592-1370 Bone Camp Road in the Grapevine community of Marshall near Mars Hill. The property is the former site of Bailey Mountain Bike Park, a gravity mountain bike park with a 1,000-foot drop. The mountain bike park closed in March 2021 when the Rays purchased the land for $472,500. Advertisement Advertisement Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit that creates parks and protects land. The organization is working with Madison County Conservancy, a parks conservancy group that helps support park land, to apply for grants and raise funding for the project. In its Jan. 5 meeting, the Mars Hill Town Board voted to apply for two separate North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant funding opportunities on behalf of the group. Town Manager Nathan Bennett said the first pot of money is reserved for special Tropical Storm Helene funding, authorized by the General Assembly in June 2025. The state has allocated nearly $4.2 million for eligible uses in the affected area for local governments. The town of Mars Hill is proposing to purchase a 75-acre tract, the West Farm, to be included in the Bailey Mountain Preserve. The tract abuts Banjo Branch Road. Construction on the Smith Farm portion of the Bailey Mountain Preserve continues on the property, as the master plan holds plans for bathrooms and an amphitheater. There is no maximum grant request for the application, but Bennett said the town intends to apply for $500,000. The state will choose recipients by March 27. Advertisement Advertisement Theresa Gang founded Madison County Conservancy, a National Park advocacy organization. According to Doug Hattaway, Trust for Public Land's Southeast Region conservation director, the holding contract to acquire the land would expire in the first quarter of 2026. Hattaway said the purchase agreement was for nearly $1.5 million, as property is listed at nearly $1.5 million on Zillow. Pictured is a view from the Ray property on Bone Camp Road. A group is lobbying to purchase a 137-acre tract to conserve additional land in the Bailey Mountain Preserve. The property, owned by Alan Ray, includes two protected ridge lines, 12 miles of trails, three natural springs, and a road to the top. It is under a purchase agreement held by the Trust for Public Land. The town board also approved applying for the regular Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant cycle in May. West Farm project The Bone Camp project is one of two conservation projects the town is hoping to bring into the fold to help bolster its recreational offerings, including plans to expand the Otis Duck Memorial Greenway. The other project is the 75-acre West Farm. In December 2024, Mars Hill put up $120,000 to secure the two-year option to purchase the tract. It is named after the West family who own the land, which sits adjacent to the Bailey Mountain Preserve's Smith Farm property off Forest Street. Advertisement Advertisement As the town's financial commitment is to the West Farm, Bennett and the board have said all along that they're supportive of the Bone Camp project, as long as it doesn't compete with the West Farm for grant funding. Once acquired, the West Farm will be placed into a conservation easement to protect it from further development, according to Lee Hoffman, the Richard L. Hoffman Foundation's executive director. A conservation easement is a voluntary, legally binding agreement where the landowner permanently restricts land use/development to protect its natural, agricultural or historic features, while retaining ownership, allowing for tax benefits and ensuring the land's conservation values are preserved by a land trust or government agency for future generations. The West Farm purchase will require more than $1.5 million, accounting for the town's $120,000 donation and the West family's $144,000 donation. The fundraising is being headed up by the Friends of Bailey Mountain. Advertisement Advertisement But speaking to the board Jan. 5, Hattaway reiterated that the Trust for Public Land team was being mindful about working with all parties to ensure that the two projects aren't at odds with one another. "This is an opportunity that we have for the Bone Camp property to apply for these sources that you cannot for the West Farm property, as you've received funding for that program already," he said. Pictured is a view from the Ray property on Bone Camp Road. Madison County Conservancy, in conjunction with Trust for Public Land, is lobbying to purchase a 137-acre tract to conserve it in the Bailey Mountain Preserve. Hattaway said another goal of the Bone Camp project is to ensure the town does not spend any money. "We've been applying for other funds to bring to the table to match anything that this program might be awarded," Hattaway said, adding that the Appalachian Regional Commission awarded Trust for Public Land $10 million in July 2025 as part of its Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies initiative to help implement high-impact outdoor projects in eight Appalachian states. Advertisement Advertisement The Bone Camp team and Trust for Public Land were waiting for a response from several other grant funding sources, including the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. More: 137-acre Mars Hill conservation project moves closer to realization after town vote More: Madison conservancy group seeks to buy 137-acre tract for Bailey Mountain Preserve More: Mars Hill raising funds to protect Bailey Mountain Preserve against development More: Mars Hill receives input from more than 530 residents on bike, pedestrian pathway project Johnny Casey is the Madison County communities reporter for The Citizen Times and The News-Record & Sentinel. He can be reached at 828-210-6074 or jcasey@citizentimes.com. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Mars Hill approves applications for 137-acre Bone Camp project funds Another holiday is approaching fast, and this one will be a three-day weekend for many across the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed Monday, Jan. 19. In 2025, the holiday coincided with the inauguration of President Trump on Jan. 20. At the time, flags were flying at half-staff around the U.S. for the death of former President Jimmy Carter. Here's what to know about the man and the holiday. When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January. Advertisement Advertisement This year, the date falls on Monday, Jan. 19. Is MLK Day a federal holiday? Yes. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of 11 federal holidays: According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 2026 holidays are: Thursday, Jan. 1: New Year's Day Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday Monday, Feb. 16: Washington's birthday Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Friday, June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day Friday, July 3: Independence Day Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day Monday, Oct. 12: Columbus Day Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day Friday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a Florida paid holiday? Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of nine paid holidays in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement According to the Florida Department of Management Services, the nine paid holidays for state agencies in 2026 are: Thursday, Jan. 1: New Year's Day Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Friday, July 3: Independence Day Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day Friday, Nov. 27: Day after Thanksgiving Friday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day What is closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Florida and federal offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19. Also closed will be the stock market, most banks and post offices. No mail will be delivered on Jan. 19. Is the stock market closed on Martin Luther King Day? Advertisement Advertisement Most retail stores and grocery stores will be open on the holiday. All Florida schools to be closed for MLK Day, Jan. 19 Florida schools in all 67 counties will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Why is Martin Luther King Jr. Day on a different date every year? Martin Luther King Jr. was born on Jan. 15, 1929, but the federal holiday was set for the third Monday in January in 1983, according to the National Constitution Center. By 2000, all 50 states had made it a state holiday. Theme for Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 The theme for Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 is "Mission Possible. Building Community, Uniting a Nation," according to The King Center. Is it Martin Luther King Jr. or MLK Day? Martin Luther King Jr. Day is often shortened to MLK Day or MLK Jr. Day. Who is Martin Luther King Jr.? King led a nonviolent movement in the late 1950s and 1960s to achieve legal equality for African Americans in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement "During the less than 13 years of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s leadership of the modern American Civil Rights Movement, from December 1955 until April 4, 1968, African Americans achieved more genuine progress toward racial equality in America than the previous 350 years had produced," the King Center said. His I Have a Dream speech, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech and Letter from a Birmingham Jail are among the most revered orations and writings in the English language. King was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. 'I Have a Dream' speech by MLK Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is considered one of the most famous speeches in the world, according to the Smithsonian. Advertisement Advertisement It was given on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. "Encouraged by shouts from the audience, King drew upon some of his past talks, and the result became the landmark statement of civil rights in America a dream of all people, of all races and colors and backgrounds, sharing in an America marked by freedom and democracy." Read transcript of King's "I Have a Dream" speech Quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech Here are some excerpts from King's 'I Have a Dream' speech: "Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you, my friends, we have the difficulties of today and tomorrow. Advertisement Advertisement "I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. "I have a dream that one day out in the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. "I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. Advertisement Advertisement "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by their character. "I have a dream that one day down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; that one day right down in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. "I have a dream that one day every valley shall be engulfed, every hill shall be exalted and every mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plains and the crooked places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. "This is our hope. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. Advertisement Advertisement "With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. "With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to climb up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. "This will be the day when all of Gods children will be able to sing with new meaning 'My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrims pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!'" Are Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr. related? No. Martin Luther was born in 1483. The German monk and theologian sparked the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, according to history.com. Advertisement Advertisement In 1934, Martin Luther King Jr.'s father, Michael King, attended the World Baptist Alliance in Berlin. When he returned to the U.S., he changed his name from Michael King to Michael Luther King and finally Martin Luther King, according to the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute. 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 Tallahassee Democrat: MLK Day holiday coming Jan. 19. History, facts. MASHPEE At times, Amanda Gallugi's voice shook as she recalled the "deep puncture wounds" she said she found along her dog Luna's back after picking her pet up from a boarding stay at Cape Cod Dog Center in July 2024. "For five hours, Luna was injured, was in pain and was ignored," said Gallugi, who spoke during a Tuesday, Jan. 13 hearing on renewing the Center's license. "Luna remains fearful of other dogs. There are serious issues here." The Waquoit Meeting Room was packed as former Center clients testified at the licensing hearing, which was held before a handful of town officials including Town Manager Rodney Collins, Police Chief Scott Carline and municipal Animal Control officers. Kiley Cullin, owner of Cape Cod Dog Center in Mashpee, testified at her kennel licensing hearing on Tuesday. The Mashpee location has been open since 2020. Former employees also attended the hearing and spoke about their experiences working at the Center. Advertisement Advertisement The town began looking into the facility's operations after the death of two dogs and alleged reports of abuse and neglect were filed by Center clients with the town's police department and animal control office. Also known as the Cullin Dog Center, LLC, it has been open since 2020 according to the Mashpee Board of Assessors. Owner Kailey Cullin originally opened a Sandwich location in 2014 before opening the Mashpee location, she said during the hearing. In Mashpee, the center provides day care, overnight care, training and behavior services, a spa and a boutique, according to the website. During the hearing, Cullin, who was accompanied by her attorney David Lawler, apologized. "I am sorry for their feelings regarding the dog centereither during their employment or as a customer," said Cullin as the hearing concluded. "I am doing my best for a person who leads a small business. The business speaks for itself." Advertisement Advertisement Town counsel Gregg Corbo said a decision on the Center's license renewal will be made in writing. . Hearing addresses dog deaths For much of the hearing, Cullin's attorney spoke for her and addressed the situations related to the death of two dogs including an eight-year-old Newfoundland Molokai, known as "Mo," who died at the center on Aug. 30, 2024. Mo's owner Cassie Lemire, who spoke to the Times in December, said her dog died of a condition called bloat. Mo could have been saved if Center staff had noticed early warning signs of the disease, Lemire said. But Lawler said Mo died at around 3 a.m. when there was no staff present. Advertisement Advertisement "It's terrible that that dog passed away. The dog received great care. It got sick. Animals pass away," he said. Lawler also talked about another dog, which wasn't named, that was killed by a larger dog in September. An employee, he said, didn't know that the smaller dog was in a kennel and let the smaller dog out by accident. The dog was attacked, bitten, and killed, he said. "Animals are unpredictable. Mistakes happen," said Lawler. During the hearing, the town said 13 dog bites were reported by the Center in 2024; and seven dog bites were reported in 2025. A bite, according to the town, is reported when there is any breakage of human or animal skin and requires quarantine. Advertisement Advertisement Animal Control also testified that the Center passed several unannounced inspections. Cullin, said Lawler, runs a sound business and consistently provides training to her employees. A Center client, Jane Teehan, seemed to back up that claim and said she is in favor of the Center's license renewal. "The vengeance needs to stop. Good things are important too," she said. "There are those of us that rely and appreciate Cape Cod Dog Center." Former employees allege abuse and neglect Roughly five former employees spoke during the hearing and alleged that Center staff had a lack of training, there was insufficient staff, and there were dogs at the Center that were not suited for daycare. Becca Lowery spoke during the CCDC licensing hearing and said she left her position at the Center because she said she didnt feel safe. Mashpee resident Marena Duren worked at the Center from 2019 to 2020 during which time she said she saw a video of a former employee kicking a golden retriever puppy. Duren said she reported the incident to Cullin and to Animal Control. Cullin, she claimed, didnt do anything about the incident, and said the kicking was a form of "scruffing," which is an aspect of puppy training. Advertisement Advertisement Duren later dropped the complaint and didnt wish to report the incident to police, according to the town. At the Jan. 13 hearing, Becca Lowery said she worked at the Center for roughly two years and quit in 2021 because she said she didnt feel safe at the Center. Lowery said she was often in charge of 25 dogs or more at a time, she said, with no assistance. I wish that more precautions were put in place, so tragedies dont have to keep happening, said Lowery. Lawler said former employees bore a great animosity toward Cullin, but those workers he said couldn't provide evidence or facts to back up claims of animal abuse. Advertisement Advertisement "Issues with particular staff members resulted in an internet forum and people who got behind keyboard and say anything and write anything and attack everybody," said Lawler. But Katie Valentine, of Barnstable, claimed she documented and noted dozens of concerns which were submitted to Cullin by email in May, August, and October of 2024. Fights, said Valentine, occurred regularly and some (dogs) needed medical attention. "How many incidents will it take before something is done?" said Valentine. "At what point is it too much?" How will the town weigh its decision? According to Collins, the town will conduct a thorough evaluation before it determines whether the Center's kennel license will be renewed. As part of that evaluation, town officials will consider hearing testimony, along with letters, veterinary documents, photos of injured dogs, and filed police and animal control reports. Advertisement Advertisement "We will also rely heavily on advice of counselour legal eyes and ears to determine what our options are legally and what the scope of authority is regarding the matter that's before us," Collins said. The town, said Corbo, will also consider whether the Center can operate with conditions. "The primary focus of this proceeding is to look forward," he said. Lawler maintained that the hearing is a strain on his client. "The hearing is a drain on town resources," he said. "The town has more serious things to deal with." Talia Collins, who attended the hearing, disagreed. Advertisement Advertisement "Dogs can't speak for themselves. It's the responsibilities of humans to make the right decision for dogs," she said. "It's inhumane to renew this license. This is a matter of life and death. There is blood on Kailey's hands." This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod Dog Center license hearing draws packed room In good news for passengers who book their flights through online travel platforms rather than directly with airlines, a court has decided you should get more money back if your flight is cancelled. After all, many of us use flight search engines to compare options then book either directly with the airline or a platform online providing many different options, such as Opodo. Opodo is a European online travel agency (OTA) that lets you search and book flights, hotels, car rentals, and package holidays, with rivals including Kayak and Skyscanner. Advertisement Advertisement But if you don't book directly with the airline, what if your flight is cancelled - will you be reimbursed just the flight price or any additional sum collected by the platform as well? 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 just ruled. This step strengthens your rights if you buy your ticket through online platforms. The case came about when travellers bought flight tickets from Vienna to Lima with the Dutch airline KLM on the booking site of the Opodo travel agency. Advertisement Advertisement When their flight was cancelled, KLM refunded the ticket price but retained around 95 ($110) that Opodo had charged as an agency fee. The case first reached the Supreme Court in Austria, which referred it to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for clarification. In a 2018 ruling, the ECJ said airlines must reimburse third-party agency fees alongside the ticket price, but only if the airline was aware of the commission. Now, though, the court says it is irrelevant whether the airline knows the exact amount of the fee. Airlines must reimburse the commission if they accept that an agent issues flight tickets on their behalf, the court says. Advertisement Advertisement The commission is an "unavoidable" component of the ticket price and must therefore be regarded as approved by the airline, the court says. Meanwhile the specific case is to be decided by the Austrian courts in line with the guidelines from Luxembourg. Members of the Rhode Island Judiciary are shown seated together at McKees State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. Two women and two men made the list of nominees for the bench Gov. Dan McKee announced Friday. (Photo by Mike Salerno/Rhode Island Current) A former Senate Majority leader whose opposition to legalizing same sex marriage over a decade ago drew renewed scrutiny last summer is one of four attorneys Gov. Dan McKee nominated Friday to lifetime appointments to Rhode Islands courts. The nominees were made to fill vacancies in Superior, District and Family courts. Each will require vetting by the Rhode Island Senate, where chamber President Valarie Lawson said hearings are still being scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Today, I am nominating four experienced judges to serve our states judicial system, McKee said in a statement. Each brings qualifications and perspectives that will contribute to the effective administration of justice in Rhode Island. The most high-profile name on the list is Michael McCaffrey, a Warwick Democrat who served as the Senates majority leader from 2017 through the end of the 2022 legislative session. A practicing lawyer since 1989, McCaffrey is a partner at his private practice in Warwick. McCaffreys candidacy drew outrage from nearly a dozen speakers who testified against a potential appointment during his July 8 interview before the states Judicial Nominating Commission over his opposition to legalizing same-sex marriage in Rhode Island in 2013. During his July interview with the commission, McCaffrey said his understanding of such social issues has evolved and promised his past political influences would not impact any decision if he became a judge. Advertisement Advertisement Lawson, who was first elected to the Senate in 2018, endorsed McCaffrey, saying he has the highest integrity, a deep knowledge of the law, and a fair-minded demeanor that will serve our state well. I had the honor of working alongside Michael McCaffrey in the Senate for several years, she said in a statement to Rhode Island Current. He is a dedicated and distinguished public servant who is exceptionally well qualified for the District Court bench. If confirmed, McCaffrey would fill the District Court vacancy created by Melissa R. DuBose, who now serves as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The annual base salary for a District Court judge is $199,075. Picked to fill a Providence County Superior Court opening made following Judge Daniel A. Procaccinis retirement May 31 is Assistant Attorney General Shannon Signore. A graduate of the Roger Williams School of Law, Signore has worked for the AGs Office since 2002 where she now works in its Special Victims Unit. Advertisement Advertisement Signore was a 2016 Beau Biden Foundation Fellow and was recognized with the Crime Victim Service Award in 2019. A Superior Court seat comes with a $205,567 base salary. McKee is recommending two Family Court appointments to fill vacancies left by the retirements of judges Debra E. DiSegna and Patricia K. Asquith last year. Picked to fill DiSegnas seat is Andrea Iannazzi, a graduate of Suffolk University who has served as a magistrate for the Family Court since 2017. McKees office notes Iannazzi previously worked as a staff lawyer and mediator in the Rhode Island Family Court system and served as Gov. Gina Raimondos deputy counsel and as counsel to her campaign. Advertisement Advertisement She also served on the Cranston School Committee for a decade. Magistrate Alberto Aponte Cardona Sr., was picked by McKee to replace Asquith. A U.S. Army veteran and 2004 graduate of the Roger Williams School of Law, Cardona was the first Latino appointed to the Family Court bench in 2019. He is a former assistant city solicitor in Central Falls who has served on the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights and is an active member of the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Centers board of directors. Both Family Court seats come with a base salary of $205,567. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The death of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee, who the agency said died after experiencing medical distress, is likely to be ruled a homicide, according to a report. ICE last week announced the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant, and said staff observed him in distress and contacted on-site medical personnel for assistance at the makeshift Texas detention facility Camp East Montana within the Fort Bliss Army base. Lunas Camposs daughter alleged that the El Paso Countys Office of the Medical Examiner told her it is likely going to rule his death a homicide, according to The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement The newspaper obtained a recording of a conversation between Lunas Camposs daughter, who was not named by the outlet, and an employee of the medical examiners office who allegedly told her a doctor is listing the preliminary cause of death as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression. The staffer allegedly told her, Our doctor is believing that were going to be listing the manner of death as homicide, pending the results of a toxicology report. An inmate at the detention center also told the Post he witnessed Lucas Campos struggle with staff before he died. Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant, died on January 3 at the makeshift Texas detention facility Camp East Montana. Now, a medical examiner is ready to rule his death a homicide, according to reports (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, told the newspaper that Lunas Campos died after he attempted to take his own life. Advertisement Advertisement Campos violently resisted the security staff and continued to attempt to take his life, McLaughlin told the Post. During the ensuing struggle, Campos stopped breathing and lost consciousness. Medical staff was immediately called and responded. After repeated attempts to resuscitate him, EMTs declared him deceased on the scene. The Independent has contacted the department and ICE for further comment. Lunas Campos is one of four migrants to die in U.S. immigration custody during the first 10 days of 2026. It follows public anger over an ICE agents fatal shooting of Minnesota mom Renee Good, sparking protests and clashes with federal law enforcement in Minneapolis. Advertisement Advertisement ICE said Lunas Campos was paroled into the U.S. in 1996. He was arrested in July last year and had a criminal record than spanned from at least 1997 through October 2015, including first-degree sexual abuse involving a child under 11 and aggravated assault with a weapon, according to an ICE news release published last year. Lucas Campos, a father of three, was placed in segregated housing at the Texas facility after becoming disruptive, ICE said in a statement about his death last week. While in segregation, staff observed him in distress and contacted on-site medical personnel for assistance, the statement continued. Medical staff responded, initiated lifesaving measures, and requested emergency medical services. Lunas was pronounced deceased. The family of Lunas Campos, who died at the Fort Bliss facility, alleges a staffer at the El Paso Countys Office of the Medical Examiner said it is likely going to rule his death a homicide (Getty Images) Fellow inmate Santos Jesus Flores told the Post he witnessed at least five guards struggling with Lunas Campos after he refused to enter the segregation unit. According to Flores, he saw guards choking Lunas Campos and heard him repeatedly crying, I cant breathe in Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement The mother of two of Lunas Camposs children, Jeanette Pagan Lopez, told the newspaper she has been contacted by the FBI, who told her they are investigating the death. I know its a homicide, Lopez told the newspaper. The people that physically harmed him should be held accountable. Use of force is permitted against detainees only after all reasonable efforts to resolve a situation have failed, according to ICE detention standards. Officers shall use only the force necessary to gain control of the detainee; to protect and ensure the safety of detainees, staff, and others; to prevent serious property damage; and to ensure the security and orderly operation of the facility, the regulations state. The U.S. Supreme Court could issue its much-awaited ruling on the litigation challenging President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs on Jan. 14. It was on Apr. 2 last year that Trump announced sweeping global tariffs, with China being a particular target. The U.S. administration argued that trade deficits constituted a national emergency, and therefore, the president could invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to issue tariff orders as he didn't need to consult with Congress for the same. Trump's tariffs got challenged in the Supreme Court by several businesses and 12 U.S. states, mostly Democratic-governed. Related: Mysterious trader buys millions ahead of Supreme Court's Trump tariff ruling What Supreme Court's tariff ruling implies The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case on Nov. 5, 2025, and is expected to issue a ruling on Trump's tariffs on Jan. 14. The upcoming ruling has huge implications for global trade and commerce. Its significance is best reflected in Trump's Jan. 12 post on Truth Social. The president wrote that if the Supreme Court were to rule against tariffs, the U.S. would have to pay back "Hundreds of Billions of Dollars." If the "payback" to countries and companies making investments also gets included, the figure jumps to "Trillions of Dollars," he added. "It would be a complete mess, and almost impossible for our Country to pay," Trump wrote. "In other words, if the Supreme Court rules against the United States of America on this National Security bonanza, WERE SCREWED!" As per a Reuters report, the Trump administration would have to reimburse as much as $133.5 billion to importers who have already paid the duties in case the court issues a ruling against the tariffs. However, if the court grants limited powers to the president under IEEPA in the ruling, the Trump administration could get away with limited repayments. Whatever the court decides has huge implications for the global markets, including crypto markets. Protester Nadine (left) Seiler, 60, and plaintiff Victor Schwartz (right) in front of the Supreme Court building ahead of oral arguments regarding President Trump's legal authority to impose most of his sweeping tariffs in Washington, DC, Wed. Nov. 5, 2025. Every time Trump announced tariff hikes over the past few months, it rattled the digital assets market. When the president threatened on Oct. 10, 2025, that the U.S. will hike tariffs on China to 100%, it led to a crypto flash crash that witnessed more than $19 billion getting wiped out in a day. The Jan. 14 ruling is therefore being closely watched within the crypto circles. More News: They are both conservatives, hail from modest backgrounds and have become the first women to lead their countries. But in the end it was a birthday cake and a rendition of Happy Birthday that clinched the rapport between Giorgia Meloni and Japans prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. Across a Tokyo boardroom table they toasted each others success and celebrated a blossoming new friendship. It was the first encounter between the two female leaders since Ms Takaichi was elected in October. Advertisement Advertisement To mark the occasion, the Italian premier posted an anime-style selfie on X, showing her and Ms Takaichi smiling broadly at the camera. Ms Takaichi then gave her a basket full of Hello Kitty gifts likely to end up in the hands of Ms Melonis nine-year-old daughter. Giorgia Meloni shared an anime-style version of a photograph she took with Sanae Takaichi Oh, youre are so kind, Ms Meloni beamed as she was presented with the present by her smiling Japanese counterpart when they met in Tokyo on Friday. The two leaders bonded over female empowerment, common strategic priorities and their countries joint role in developing a new fighter plane, a project which also involves Britain. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) aims to produce a next-generation fighter that will be ready by 2035. Advertisement Advertisement The two women both admirers of Margaret Thatcher pledged to push forward with the fighter project at their meeting. In her official comments, Ms Meloni alluded to the fact that they have both broken glass ceilings they are the only female leaders in the G7 and referred warmly to the Japanese prime minister by her first name. Sanae and I also share the fact that we are the first two women to lead our peoples, the Italian prime minister said. Credit: X/@kantei She impressed her hosts by invoking a Japanese concept, ganbaru, the determination to keep going even if times are tough. I believe we can live up to this responsibility by leveraging the approach that in Japanese culture is summed up with a word I consider truly fascinating: ganbaru. Ganbaru doesnt just mean to do ones best. It means to do more than ones best. In other words, striving to always push your limits and never settling for what you have already achieved. Advertisement Advertisement Noting that Italy and Japan are both the successors of ancient civilisations, Ms Meloni said she hoped the modern-day relationship can be strengthened. There appeared to be a genuine chemistry between the two women, with Ms Takaichi, 64, offering her best wishes for Ms Melonis 49th birthday, which fell on Thursday. Id like to celebrate Giorgias birthday together with (the) Japanese people. Congratulations! she said. Ms Meloni said: Sanae and I havent known each other for very long, but our relationship immediately began as one based on a special affinity and I believe this relationship is rapidly set to become a solid friendship, also on a personal level. Sanae Takaichi marked Giorgia Melonis birthday with Hello Kitty gifts Neither women comes from a privileged background or an established political dynasty. Advertisement Advertisement Ms Meloni was brought up by her mother in a working-class district of Rome, Garbatella. Her father walked out when she was young, fleeing to the Canary Islands on a yacht called Cavallo Pazzo (Crazy Horse). Ms Takaichis father worked for a car parts manufacturing company while her mother worked in the police force. Both have a lighter side. Ms Meloni is an ardent fan of the Tolkien sagas while Ms Takaichi is a keen drummer who once played for a heavy metal rock band and remains a fan of Deep Purple and Iron Maiden. They both face similar challenges. Their countries are confronted with acute demographic challenges an ageing population and not enough babies. And they are both trying to resuscitate sluggish economies. Both leaders face the balancing act of trying to deal with a highly unpredictable American president while maintaining traditional alliances and conventions. The two leaders share an admiration of Margaret Thatcher Ms Melonis visit to Japan comes at a time of political and strategic convergence between Rome and Tokyo, according to Decode39, an Italian strategic think tank. Advertisement Advertisement The two women have strong personalities and political backgrounds that are similar in many respects, said Alessio Platano, professor of East Asian strategy at Kings College London. They have also both demonstrated an ability to work with US President Donald Trump and have an important voice on key issues of regional security and political transformation in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. 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. The agreement, signed on 25 November 2025, forms the basis for a long-term partnership that will see the summit hosted in Coimbatore every alternate year starting from 2026. The first event is scheduled for 2627 November 2026 at CODISSIA, Coimbatore. The initiative aims to establish a central platform for technical and expert knowledge exchange within the technical textiles sector, reflecting the segment's projected expansion. Advertisement Advertisement As part of the arrangement, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India will organise five editions of the summit in Tamil Nadu over the coming decades. Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd executive director Winston Pereira said: We are truly honoured that the Department of Textiles, Government of Tamil Nadu, has granted us the opportunity to contribute to the States technical textiles growth journey. We are confident that, with the right knowledge and global linkages, this dynamic State can evolve from its established strengths in spinning and knitwear into high-value technical textiles, thereby creating a robust pipeline for future investments. Introducing our globally recognised brand, Techtextil, in Coimbatore will position Tamil Nadu as a focal point for global industry dialogue. The first two editions will follow a confex format before transitioning into a full-scale trade fair from the third edition onwards. With this move, the globally recognised Techtextil brand will be introduced to one of India's largest textile hubs. Advertisement Advertisement The summit is intended to involve various stakeholders including MSMEs, research institutions, universities and agencies such as SIDCO, TIDCO, TANSIDCO, SITRA, PSG Tech and Anna University. Organisers anticipate that policy-level support from Tamil Nadu will assist in strengthening links between industry and academia while attracting international participants. Government of Tamil Nadu, department of textiles, textiles director R Lalitha, IAS said: Tamil Nadu has a well-established textile base, and this collaboration with Messe Frankfurt India will further enable the State to assume a leading position in the technical textiles sector and broaden industry linkages. With appropriate support and knowledge exchange, entrepreneurs and manufacturers can engage with advanced technical textile innovations, adopt global best practices, and reinforce Tamil Nadus standing as a hub for high-value, cutting-edge functional textile solutions Techtextil India and its summit are part of Messe Frankfurts Texpertise Network which spans the entire textile value chain and connects more than 500,000 industry participants globally through trade fairs and related platforms. Advertisement Advertisement Messe Frankfurt currently runs over 60 international textile trade fairs across 13 countries. "Messe Frankfurt, Tamil Nadu partner for 2026 Techtextil India Summit" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. Leave it to Donald Trump to turn a frozen rock into a global psychodrama. Greenland a geographical afterthought for most of history has suddenly found itself at the centre of great-power intrigue, complete with threats, counter-threats, congressional pushback, Nato awkwardness and a level of theatricality usually reserved for Hollywood dramas. Yet, once the noise subsides, Greenlanders, despite being threatened with invasion, may well emerge as the key winners. From Copenhagens point of view, the whole episode has been equal parts alarming and absurd. For decades, Denmark has quietly underwritten Greenlands welfare, autonomy, security and gradual path towards greater self-government while living with a basic truth: Greenlanders may have an affinity for Denmark, but they are also a distinct people with their own culture, shaped by distance, history and Arctic reality. Managing those contradictions has required a tactful Copenhagen balancing act. Then Trump arrived and dispensed with balance entirely, announcing without nuance, without tact that Greenland should be acquired. Advertisement Advertisement It is hard to think of any other US president doing it quite like that. Yet it is no coincidence that it happened now, just as Greenlands strategic value is rising fast from Arctic routes and mineral wealth to missile defence and great power positioning. b' ' Cue international outrage, mockery, and a flurry of diplomatic activity. And then a smoke break. After the White House meeting with vice-president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio, a video of Danish foreign minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenlands foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt lighting up cigarettes outside the White House went viral. Moments later Rasmussen gave Denmarks US ambassador, Jesper Mller Srensen, a fist bump. Nordic diplomacy at its best: a touch of LEGO Greenland to defuse the mood, no grand press conference just a small cloud of nicotine and body language that said, Well that was something. Advertisement Advertisement Surreal, yes. But it also captured the current situation: lots of Trumpian theatre, plenty of pressure, and (so far) no change in the fact that matters most. Greenland remains Greenland, and annexation-by-headline is still just that. Suddenly Greenland looks enviably placed especially at the negotiating table. If Denmark and the United States start competing to stay in Greenlanders good graces, it is Greenlanders who hold the trump card: any major change in status would, in the end, be hard to imagine without a referendum. For decades, Greenland has been subsidised by Denmark and sheltered by Natos security umbrella. Now more money is likely to flow in both from Copenhagen, keen to demonstrate commitment, and from Washington, eager to secure access and influence. Expect investment not only in runways and ports, but in minerals, research, hearts and minds. Few places on Earth sit at that sweet spot where cash, protection and strategic attention converge. And unlike most courted territories, Greenland can plausibly play suitors off against each other. Not bad for an island everyone once forgot. Even bribes can be useful if you are the one receiving them. It is Greenlanders who hold the trump card - Marko Djurica/REUTERS Trumps intervention, chaotic as it has been, has forced everyone to acknowledge, at record pace, what had long been politely ignored: Greenland matters. Not symbolically, but materially. This is no longer only a place at the edge of a map. Advertisement Advertisement There is also the small matter of soldiers. Not just American ones, but Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Canadian and other Nato personnel now rotating through the Arctic. This matters because it exposes the most implausible element of Trumps rhetoric: the idea that the US would ever forcibly take Greenland. It is difficult to imagine American troops attacking fellow Nato soldiers some of whom would almost certainly be sharing mess halls, exercises, and perhaps even jokes about dog sleds. The whole scenario collapses under its own absurdity. Which raises an interesting question: did Trump ever seriously plan to take Greenland at all? Or was this, as so many Trump episodes are, a deliberate act of disruption, throwing something outrageous into the room to see whether it meets resistance? It is increasingly clear that Trump tends to learn where the boundary is by stepping over it first. If so, the answer has now arrived, loudly and clearly. Pushback has come not only from Denmark and most of Europe, but from Congress as well and even from parts of Trumps own political base. Whatever Trumps original intent, he has been warned that any serious attempt to order a US invasion of Greenland could well trigger impeachment proceedings. The president knows this now, which arguably makes the actual risk smaller than many currently assume. Seen through that lens, the episode looks less like imperial ambition and more like Trumpian performance art: shake the snow globe, make allies run, force everyone to reassess priorities, flush out taboos and put money on the table. Congress, in turn, has played its institutional role, pushing back just hard enough to reassert constitutional limits without fully defusing the spectacle. Advertisement Advertisement One can almost picture Team Trump in the Oval Office, improvising outrageous lines with the subtlety of a snowplough, grinning as capitals from Copenhagen to Ottawa scramble, the latest move being to threaten tariffs on countries that oppose his designs on Greenland. But one thing now seems certain. When the smoke finally clears, Greenlanders will be the ones left holding the winning hand. Mark Brolin is a geopolitical strategist and the author of Healing Broken Democracies: All You Need to Know About Populism 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. Early voting signs and booths at a vote center in Dona Ana County. (Photo by Danielle Prokop / Source NM) Mid-January marks the start of the legislative season, with the 30-day finance-focused session set to begin Jan. 20. Lawmakers and lobbyists will descend on the capital city to build the budget. But crucial election deadlines sit just around the corner. Candidates must declare by Feb. 3 if they wish to participate in New Mexicos June 2 primary and Nov. 3 midterm elections. Heres an overview of campaign activity in the first few weeks of 2026. Campaign finance and more in the U.S. Congressional races New Mexicos three members in the U.S. House of Representatives, all Democrats, each face challengers in the 2026 elections. Advertisement Advertisement In Congressional District 1, which spans from Albuquerque east to Santa Rosa, incumbent Melanie Stansbury thus far will campaign against two Republican challengers: Steve Jones, a former accountant whos run for congressional seats several times; and Ndidiamaka Didi Okpareke, a Rio Rancho pharmacist. Gabe Vasquez represents Congressional District 2, which covers southern New Mexico along the border, up to the western part of the state and a slice of Albuquerques South Valley. Democratic Socialist Tom Wakely, an Air Force veteran and peace activist in Deming who ran an unsuccessful 2024 campaign as a Green Party member for the U.S. Senate, is challenging Vasquez in the Democratic primary. So far three Republican challengers have thrown in their names for the swing district (Vasquez held on to his seat in 2024 against a challenge from its former representative, Republican Yvette Herrell). Advertisement Advertisement Those Republican candidates are: Eddy Aragon, a conservative talk radio host and former Albuquerque mayoral candidate; Greg Cunningham, marine veteran, former detective and two-time state legislative candidate; and Jose Orozco, a former contractor with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and unsuccessful two-time state representative candidate. Congressional District 3, which spans the states northern half and runs along a stretch of its eastern border, is represented by incumbent Teresa Ledger Fernandez. She is so far facing one challenger: Republican Rep. Martin Zamora, who was first elected as a state lawmaker in 2019. In the U.S. Senate, no one has filed yet to challenge Democratic incumbent Ben Ray Lujan, who has more than $3.1 million cash on hand, according to federal campaign documents. A Toby Smith, from the Jewish/Christian National Party which has no online presence filed to run for the seat in October, but with erroneous information (such as using the address from Walter Whites Breaking Bad home). The Federal Election Commission already sent a notice to Smith that the filing did not contain a checking account for any campaign donations, which could open an audit or further enforcement. Forward Party leaders say theyre moving forward. Leaders of the New Mexico arm of the Forward Party told Source NM this week they have gathered enough signatures to qualify as a minor party in the state, and also endorsed two Democratic candidates. The Forward Party founded by Democrat Andrew Yang after an unsuccessful bid in the 2020 presidential election and former Republican Gov. Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey posits itself as a centrist party focused on a return to civil politics and improving U.S. democracy. Advertisement Advertisement The party is hosting a Southern New Mexico Town hall from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces. The town hall will include two endorsed Democratic candidates: gubernatorial candidate for governor Ken Miyagishima, the former Las Cruces mayor; and Tilli Villalobos, a former federal prosecutor running for House District 37. Deb Haaland announces education platform One gubernatorial candidate hit the halls of her former high school earlier this week to announce her education platform, which received endorsements from teachers unions. Democratic Deb Haaland greets supporters after her Jan. 14 education platform announcement. (Danielle Prokop / Source NM) Former U.S. Interior Secretary and U.S. Congresswoman Deb Haaland, who is running in the June 2 Democratic primary, promoted her ideas to bolster outdoor learning for K-12 kids, expanding trade pathways in middle schools, continuing universal pre-k and bilingual education and backed by chairs of the House and Senate Education committees, and Picuris Pueblo leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Haaland said she will announce platform policies on affordability, health care and public safety in the coming weeks. Other candidates in the race include Miyagishima and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman. Got election year tips or questions? Send them to info@sourcenm.com. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Michael McKee, the man charged in the deaths of his ex-wife and her husband in their Weinland Park home, has been indicted on aggravated murder and aggravated burglary charges by a Franklin County grand jury. McKee, 39, was indicted on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary on Jan. 16. Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, died on Dec. 30 after being found shot in their home on the 1400 block of North 4th Street in Weinland Park. The couple's two children, both under the age of 5, were found physically unharmed inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 10, Columbus police identified McKee, a Chicago resident, as a suspect in the deaths. He was arrested the same day in Illinois and is currently being held in the Winnebago County (Illinois) Sheriff's office's custody until he is extradited to Ohio. More: Monique Tepe did not make tearful 911 call months before slaying, police say Police identified McKee, who was previously married to Monique, after tracking a vehicle seen near the Tepe home shortly before the homicides took place and leaving shortly after. That vehicle was found in Illinois and McKee was found to have ownership of it, court records say. While burglary is often associated with theft, the charge does not necessarily indicate McKee stole something from the residence or intended to do so. Under Ohio law, anyone who illegally enters a home with the intent to commit a crime commits burglary. Advertisement Advertisement Cameras helped ID suspect in Tepe killings. But how effective are they? Court records show McKee is accused of using a silencer or an automatic firearm. A court date for McKee has not been set. When will Michael McKee come to Ohio to face charges? McKee will remain in Illinois until transportation to Ohio is finalized. Columbus police said interstate transports typically are handled by a third-party company the division contracts with for that purpose. Those transport companies have schedules and routes that must be coordinated, as well as multiple stops on each trip, police said. Based on Illinois court records, McKee's transport to Ohio is likely to occur after Jan. 19. Advertisement Advertisement McKee's transport to Ohio is part of a legal process called extradition. When a person is arrested for a crime in another jurisdiction from where they are charged, either in-state or in another state, the process allows the agency that charged the defendant to come and get them. Extradition hearings can be waived, as McKee did. At those hearings, a judge would determine whether the warrant and supporting paperwork for the defendant are valid and, if so, set a deadline for their transport. In McKee's case, a judge has set a hearing for Jan. 23 to determine the status of transporting him to Ohio. If McKee is already in Ohio at that point, the hearing will not take place. What happens to McKee after he's in Ohio? When McKee is brought to Franklin County, he will be housed in the Franklin County jail. He will then appear in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, where a judge will set a bond. Advertisement Advertisement McKee does not yet have an attorney listed as representing him in Ohio. How are murder and aggravated murder different in Ohio law? Ohio law separates homicide offenses into six primary charges: aggravated murder, murder, involuntary manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter, reckless homicide and negligent homicide. The two most serious are aggravated murder and murder. Under Ohio law, murder is defined as purposefully causing a person's death or causing a person's death as a proximate result of - or a direct link to - committing another crime, typically felonious assault. Murder has a mandatory sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years if there is a conviction. Under Ohio law, there are several ways prosecutors can seek to prove aggravated murder. They include: Advertisement Advertisement Purposefully causing a death with prior calculation and design, often called premeditation Purposefully causing a death while committing another violent crime such as kidnapping or aggravated burglary Purposefully causing the death of a child under the age of 13 Being under detention and causing the death of another person while in custody or after escaping from custody Purposefully causing the death of a law enforcement officer who is acting in their official capacity Purposefully causing the death of a first responder or military member who is known to be either and with the intent of killing a person in one of those groups Ohio law allows judges to have sentencing options for aggravated murder. They include life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20, 25 or 30 years, life in prison with no possibility of parole and, in some specific circumstances, the death penalty. The death penalty can only be sought by prosecutors under certain guidelines outlined under Ohio law that include the killing of multiple people, assassinating a government official and committing a murder for hire. Franklin County prosecutors have not sought the death penalty in any case since 2019. Court filings associated with McKee's indictment on Jan. 16 did not list any capital specifications, meaning the court records don't currently indicate prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty. Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Tepe murder case leads to indictment of Michael McKee Michael McKee, the man charged in the deaths of his ex-wife and her husband in their Weinland Park home, has been indicted on aggravated murder and aggravated burglary charges by a Franklin County grand jury. McKee, 39, was indicted on four counts of aggravated murder and one count of aggravated burglary on Jan. 16. Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, died on Dec. 30 after being found shot in their home on the 1400 block of North 4th Street in Weinland Park. The couple's two children, both under the age of 5, were found physically unharmed inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 10, Columbus police identified McKee, a Chicago resident, as a suspect in the deaths. He was arrested the same day in Illinois and is currently being held in the Winnebago County (Illinois) Sheriff's office's custody until he is extradited to Ohio. More: Monique Tepe did not make tearful 911 call months before slaying, police say Police identified McKee, who was previously married to Monique, after tracking a vehicle seen near the Tepe home shortly before the homicides took place and leaving shortly after. That vehicle was found in Illinois and McKee was found to have ownership of it, court records say. While burglary is often associated with theft, the charge does not necessarily indicate McKee stole something from the residence or intended to do so. Under Ohio law, anyone who illegally enters a home with the intent to commit a crime commits burglary. Advertisement Advertisement Cameras helped ID suspect in Tepe killings. But how effective are they? Court records show McKee is accused of using a silencer or an automatic firearm. A court date for McKee has not been set. When will Michael McKee come to Ohio to face charges? McKee will remain in Illinois until transportation to Ohio is finalized. Columbus police said interstate transports typically are handled by a third-party company the division contracts with for that purpose. Those transport companies have schedules and routes that must be coordinated, as well as multiple stops on each trip, police said. Based on Illinois court records, McKee's transport to Ohio is likely to occur after Jan. 19. Advertisement Advertisement McKee's transport to Ohio is part of a legal process called extradition. When a person is arrested for a crime in another jurisdiction from where they are charged, either in-state or in another state, the process allows the agency that charged the defendant to come and get them. Extradition hearings can be waived, as McKee did. At those hearings, a judge would determine whether the warrant and supporting paperwork for the defendant are valid and, if so, set a deadline for their transport. In McKee's case, a judge has set a hearing for Jan. 23 to determine the status of transporting him to Ohio. If McKee is already in Ohio at that point, the hearing will not take place. What happens to McKee after he's in Ohio? When McKee is brought to Franklin County, he will be housed in the Franklin County jail. He will then appear in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, where a judge will set a bond. Advertisement Advertisement McKee does not yet have an attorney listed as representing him in Ohio. How are murder and aggravated murder different in Ohio law? Ohio law separates homicide offenses into six primary charges: aggravated murder, murder, involuntary manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter, reckless homicide and negligent homicide. The two most serious are aggravated murder and murder. Under Ohio law, murder is defined as purposefully causing a person's death or causing a person's death as a proximate result of - or a direct link to - committing another crime, typically felonious assault. Murder has a mandatory sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years if there is a conviction. Under Ohio law, there are several ways prosecutors can seek to prove aggravated murder. They include: Advertisement Advertisement Purposefully causing a death with prior calculation and design, often called premeditation Purposefully causing a death while committing another violent crime such as kidnapping or aggravated burglary Purposefully causing the death of a child under the age of 13 Being under detention and causing the death of another person while in custody or after escaping from custody Purposefully causing the death of a law enforcement officer who is acting in their official capacity Purposefully causing the death of a first responder or military member who is known to be either and with the intent of killing a person in one of those groups Ohio law allows judges to have sentencing options for aggravated murder. They include life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20, 25 or 30 years, life in prison with no possibility of parole and, in some specific circumstances, the death penalty. The death penalty can only be sought by prosecutors under certain guidelines outlined under Ohio law that include the killing of multiple people, assassinating a government official and committing a murder for hire. Franklin County prosecutors have not sought the death penalty in any case since 2019. Court filings associated with McKee's indictment on Jan. 16 did not list any capital specifications, meaning the court records don't currently indicate prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty. Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Michael McKee indicted in Ohio dentist murder case This story has been updated with new information. Agents taking part in President Donald Trump's immigration sweeps have been repeatedly accused of targeting anyone with black or brown skin without proof they are undocumented, and now some Native American tribes are advising members on their rights if they encounter ICE. This week, ICT, a nonprofit news group that shares stories from Indigenous communities, reported that at least five Native Americans were detained during ICE operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota, despite being U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Tensions in Minneapolis, and nationwide, grew this week in the wake of the fatal shooting of an unarmed woman by ICE agents in the city. Protests took place across the country on Sunday, Jan. 11, against ICE. In the wake of the Minneapolis shooting and detentions, Bay Mills Indian Community President Whitney Gravelle cautioned members in a Facebook post that ICE may operate in the Upper Peninsula, and reminded tribal members they hold U.S. citizenship. "In recent weeks, heightened tensions have emerged as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have stopped and detained tribal members and tribal descendants, raising urgent concerns about dignity, safety, and respect for Native American citizens," Gravelle wrote. "Tribal citizens, including all Bay Mills Indian Community tribal citizens, are United States citizens by law by virtue of the Snyder Act, also known as the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. ICE has no jurisdiction over U.S. citizens in matters of immigration." Whitney Gravelle, president of Bay Mills Indian Community, has been a leader in working to shut down the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline. Gravelle added that "These encounters cut against the sacrifices of our ancestors, who fought to protect our people, our lands, and our inherent rights, and they violate our shared values of respect for human life and the responsibility we share to protect one another." Advertisement Advertisement In a separate press release, Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes also spoke out against "recent aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities." The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians strongly condemns recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities that have created fear, confusion, and anxiety within Indigenous communities and among minority communities more broadly. Enforcement actions that rely on intimidation and racial profiling undermine public trust and place innocent people at risk," Lowes said in the release. Let me be clear: the Sault Tribe opposes any ICE activity that creates fear and anxiety in both tribal communities and larger communities as a whole. 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," Lowes said in the release. Recent incidents involving the unlawful detention of tribal citizens from federally recognized tribal nations are deeply troubling and unacceptable. Tribal citizens are members of sovereign governments. These actions disregard tribal sovereignty and the government-to-government relationship between tribal nations and the United States." Here's what to know. What is the Snyder Act? The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, also known as the Snyder Act, was signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge on June 2, 1924, granting full citizenship to American Indians and Alaska Native Americans, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior - Indian Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement The 15th Amendment, passed in 1870, granted all U.S. citizens the right to vote regardless of race, but it wasn't until the 1924 that American Indians and Alaska Native Americans could enjoy the rights granted by the amendment, the Department of the Interior said. "That all non-citizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States be, and they are hereby, declared to be citizens of the United States: Provided that the granting of such citizenship shall not in any manner impair or otherwise affect the right of any Indian to tribal or other property," the Act says. Why would ICE agents be in Michigan's UP? Gravelle said ICE agents may be more likely to be in the Sault Ste. Marie and Bay Mills areas because of the international border with Canada at the Soo Locks. "Bay Mills Indian Community is located in a border region near the international boundary between the United States and Canada, and because of this proximity, federal law enforcement activity may be more visible in and around our homelands, and community members may encounter ICE or other federal agents more frequently," she wrote. Do Native American tribes offer proof of citizenship? Gravelle reminded members that their tribal ID cards provide proof of citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement "While Tribal Identification Cards are valid and should be sufficient to establish U.S. citizenship and immigration status, it is not guaranteed that every ICE agent will recognize or understand this reality, creating unnecessary risk and harm," Gravelle wrote. First, tribal citizens concerned about potential encounters with ICE are encouraged to carry their tribal identification card or a copy of their degree of Indian blood, along with a state-issued ID at all times," Lowes said. "Tribal identification affirms tribal citizenship and political status and establishes your identity as a member of a federally recognized tribal nation and as a United States citizen." What do officials recommend tribal members do? In a two-page FAQ, the Bay Mills Community said all tribal citizens should ensure they have a valid and current tribal ID and enrollment card. The FAQ also advised members to be prepared to show additional documentation if asked, including such things as passport, passport card, Real ID license or immigration status paperwork. Lowes also said tribal members may remain silent. Advertisement Advertisement If you are harassed, stopped or detained by ICE, remain calm," Lowes said. "You have the right to remain silent and the right to ask to speak with an attorney. Do not sign anything ICE gives you. As a tribal citizen, you cannot be deported. ICE cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge, and you are within your rights to ask them to identify themselves as ICE agents with proper documentation. Third, if you are detained, or if a family member is detained, I strongly encourage you to state, 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," Lowes' release said. How should tribal members deal with ICE in public spaces? The Bay Mills FAQ said tribal members should ask ICE agents if they are free to leave and do so if possible. It also said they have the right to record agents. If someone is detained, they have the right to remain silent and request an attorney. The FAQ recommended showing ID to the agents, but reiterated members do not have to speak. Advertisement Advertisement If ICE arrives at a private home, the sheet suggested speaking through a closed door, peephole or window. Residents should request a signed judicial warrant before allowing entry. The FAQ noted most ICE warrants are administrative (signed by an ICE official) rather than judicial (signed by a judge) and do not allow entry into a home without permission. "If there is not a valid judicial warrant, you do not need to open your door or consent to any searches," the FAQ says. However, if ICE agents enter a home without consent, the tribe recommends avoiding physical resistance, but to clearly state that a person does not consent. How should members deal with ICE at tribal buildings? The Bay Mills Community FAQ notes ICE only may access public spaces, including the lobby of the governmental center and waiting room of the health center without a judicial warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Employees are instructed to ask for a judicial warrant if they encounter ICE, and the FAQ notes only the president can grant access to private areas. If no warrant is provided, employees should ask ICE to leave. If agents refuse or start a search, employees should state that they do not consent to a search and while contacting tribal officials. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan tribes warn members about ICE. What they're saying about rights, citizenship (Photo by jeffwang/Getty Images) Microsoft President Brad Smith leads some of the tech giants work in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity to environmental sustainability. Right now, housing issues before the Washington state Legislature are getting his attention. The company is out with a 10-page report with housing priorities it wants to see lawmakers in Olympia tackle this year. Higher taxes to pay for housing programs are not part of that platform. And Smith rejects the notion that raising taxes on large corporations is a viable pathway to close the states affordable housing gap. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the companys strategy relies on opening more land for residential development, speeding permitting, driving down material and construction costs, and looking for innovative ways the public and private sectors can work together to get more housing built. Some of that aligns neatly with legislation lawmakers have floated this year. For instance, Senate Bill 6026 would ban counties and cities from blocking residential construction in commercial or mixed-use zones. Gov. Bob Ferguson requested that bill. Sens. Emily Alvarado, D-West Seattle, and Jessica Bateman, D-Olympia, are lead sponsors. Smith voiced support for this and other housing measures focused on reducing obstacles to permitting and financing. And he endorsed Fergusons proposal to pump $225 million more into the states primary account for affordable housing construction. You cant have a healthy company unless youre in a healthy community. And right now, I think that the affordable housing issue has possibly become one of the most important affordability issues in the state of Washington, he told the Standard in an interview on Thursday. Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith speaks at a 2023 event in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Theres another reason that he says hes taking an interest: Weve spent a lot of money. Advertisement Advertisement Since 2019, the company says it has dished out $750 million in the Puget Sound region, mostly in loans, but also some grants, for low- and middle-income housing and to curb homelessness. Microsoft says the money has helped add or preserve 16,000 homes over the six years. I feel that the money was very well spent, but it did not go as far as I would have hoped, Smith said. We need to be building 55,000 new units every year in this state, he added. Last year, the number of units permitted was only 33,600. In the Democratic Partys progressive camp, there are state lawmakers and activists who argue that companies like Microsoft are not paying enough in taxes. They have ideas about how to overhaul the tax code to change this and generate more dollars for state programs and services. Take, for example, the payroll tax on large companies that Rep. Shaun Scott, D-Seattle, has proposed. He wants to see the potential revenue flow to areas like education, health care, human services and housing. Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the contention that Microsoft should pay more in taxes to help cover affordable housing, Smith replied, Higher taxes cannot put even a small dent in this huge problem. We need the kinds of measures that will really energize the private sector, and that means bringing costs down. It means helping permitting go faster, he said. I think its very clear that thats where the solution lies, not frankly, a huge amount of more spending by the government. WASHINGTON (AP) Several Middle Eastern allies of the United States have urged the Trump administration to hold off on strikes against Iran for the government's deadly crackdown on protesters, according to an Arab diplomat familiar with the matter. Top officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have raised concerns in the last 48 hours that a U.S. military intervention would shake the global economy and destabilize an already volatile region, said the diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the sensitive conversations. Oil prices fell on Thursday as the markets appeared to take note of President Donald Trump's shifting tone as a sign that hes leaning away from attacking Iran after days of launching blistering threats at Tehran for its brutal crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday maintained that all options remain on the table for Trump as he deals with Iran. The truth is only President Trump knows what hes going to do and a very, very small team of advisers are read into his thinking on that, Leavitt said. She added, He continues to closely monitor the situation on the ground in Iran. The nationwide protests challenging Irans theocracy appeared increasingly smothered Thursday, a week after authorities shut the country off from the world and escalated a bloody crackdown that activists say has killed at least 2,637 people. The delicate diplomacy from Arab officials comes during a period of rhetorical whiplash from Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Trump, in a matter of a day, went from offering assurances to Iranian citizens that help is on its way and urging them to take over their country's institutions to abruptly declaring on Wednesday that he had received information from very important sources on the other side that Iran had stopped killing protesters and was not going forward with executions. The Arab officials also urged senior Iranian officials to quickly end the violent repression of protesters. They warned that any Iranian response to a U.S. action against the U.S. or other targets in the region would have significant repercussions for Iran, the diplomat said. Asked about reports of allies asking Trump to hold off on the strikes at a White House briefing, Leavitt did not directly address the matter. Ambassador Mike Waltz, the U.S. envoy to the United Nations, said military action is an option that remains in play. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump is a man of action, not endless talk like we see at the United Nations, Waltz said in remarks at a meeting of the U.N. Security Council to discuss the Iran protests. He has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter. But Trump himself appeared to send signals he could be backing away from a potential U.S. strike on Iran after days of threatening one was in the offing. He took to social media to highlight a Fox News headline about the suspension of a death sentence for an Iranian shopkeeper, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Alongside other protesters, he has been accused of propaganda activities against the regime, state media said. This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue! Trump said in his post about the reported pause in the execution of the shopkeeper. The White House later asserted that Iran had halted 800 scheduled executions. Trump has been known to purposefully display ambiguity about his intentions to maintain an element of surprise. Last June, as Trump was weighing whether to follow Israel as it carried out strikes on Iran, Leavitt read a message to reporters that she said came directly from the president in which Trump said he would decide whether to strike Iran within the next two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Less than two days later, Trump ordered B-2 bombers to carry out strikes on critical Iranian nuclear sites. Jeremy Shapiro, research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, said Trump may have decided to hold off on strikes because of concerns about the current U.S. force posture in the Middle East. There are currently no U.S. aircraft carriers, considered a critical asset in a significant military operation, in the region after the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group were deployed to the U.S. Southern Command region as the part of a massive counter-narcotics operation focused on Venezuela. It might be that theyre delaying things and using the time for getting that posture correct, Shapiro said. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration on Thursday also announced new sanction s against Iran. 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. ___ Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein contributed reporting. A wastewater leak in the area of the Millsboro Wastewater Treatment Facility has caused the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to close the Indian River Bay to clamming and mussel harvesting. Over 25,000 gallons of wastewater was released from a manhole in the area of 361 E. State St. and into the adjacent Indian River, according to the Delaware Environmental Release Notification System. The release was discovered Jan. 15, but when it first began is unknown. Millsboro officials estimate 25,000 gallons were released per day, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement The incident was caused by mechanical failure, and contractors are on site mitigating the release and repairing damages, according to the state report. To protect public health, the Indian River Bay must close to bivalve shellfish harvest for 21 days after such a release, according to the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. Because this release is ongoing, the closure will begin once the state environmental department confirms the discharge has ended. The closure does not affect the neighboring Rehoboth Bay. Oysters grown under commercial aquaculture leases in Rehoboth Bay remain suitable for raw consumption by healthy individuals, according to a DNREC news release. A section of the Indian River Bay. Recreational oyster harvesting is not permitted in Delaware, and the harvest of crabs, conch and finfish is not affected by the closure, the news release said. Advertisement Advertisement Humans should limit contact (and their pets' contact) with the waters of the Indian River Bay over the next few days, especially in the area of the discharge, the news release said. (This story is updated to add video and gallery) Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Millsboro wastewater spill halts Indian River Bay clamming, harvesting When Nancy Pelosi makes a move in the stock market, people notice. The former House Speaker has built a reputation for remarkably well-timed stock trades. Her portfolio decisions often spark intense scrutiny from retail investors trying to decode what Washington's power players know that the rest of us don't. According to this Nancy Pelosi stock tracker, her equity portfolio is valued at roughly $32.5 million. Notably, she owns two mega-cap tech stocks that also pay dividends. These two stocks, Microsoft and Alphabet, account for 22% of Nancy Pelosis portfolio in 2026. Related: Analyst says 'buy the dip' in top bank stock after credit card cap drop Both dividend-paying tech giants are knee-deep in the AI revolution and generating massive amounts of cash. Moreover, they're strategic bets on the future of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Let me break down why these two stocks matter and what's really driving their businesses right now. Microsoft's AI factory is running at full speed Microsoft just wrapped up a quarter that would make most CFOs weep with joy. The company pulled in over $77.7 billion in revenue, up 18% year-over-year. The Microsoft Cloud business alone generated $49.1 billion in revenue, growing 26%. A business unit generating nearly $50 billion quarterly is still growing at rates you'd expect from a high-flying startup. Azure, Microsoft's cloud platform, grew 40% in the most recent quarter. And here's what matters: demand is so strong that Microsoft can't keep up. CEO Satya Nadella admitted they're capacity-constrained and will remain so through at least the end of their fiscal year. Satya Nadella is bullish on Microsoft's AI moat. Think about that for a second. According to CNBC, Microsoft is spending nearly $35 billion per quarter on data centers, GPUs, and AI infrastructure, and it still can't build fast enough to meet customer demand. The AI bet is already paying off in real dollars. Microsoft 365 Copilot, their AI assistant for office workers, is now used by over 90% of Fortune 500 companies. The product is less than 2 years old and is already driving meaningful revenue growth. Copilot is priced at $30 per user per month, in addition to existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions. That's pure margin expansion. GitHub Copilot, the AI coding assistant, now has 26 million users. Developers are accepting hundreds of thousands of lines of AI-generated code suggestions each month, making it a mission-critical infrastructure for how modern software gets built. CFO Amy Hood made a crucial point on the earnings call that investors need to understand. Related: Microsofts $80B AI shift: What it does to your money Microsoft's commercial remaining performance obligation, essentially, contracted revenue that hasn't been recognized yet, hit $392 billion. That number has nearly doubled in two years. The weighted-average duration of those contracts is only about two years, meaning customers are committing to massive spending over relatively short timeframes. Microsoft's dividend keeps growing While Microsoft grabs headlines for AI, let's not forget it's also a dividend grower. According to Yahoo Finance, the company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.91 per share, yielding around 0.79% at current prices. That's not going to make income investors swoon, but here's what matters: Microsoft has raised its dividend every year since 2004, according to Fiscal.ai. The company generated $45 billion in operating cash flow last quarter, up 32%, as per Tikr.com. Free cash flow hit $25.7 billion, up 33%. They returned $10.7 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends in just three months. This company can easily afford to keep raising its dividend while spending over $100 billion annually on AI infrastructure. Most companies would have to choose. Microsoft doesn't. Alphabet's search business gets smarter Now let's talk about Alphabet, which just reported its first-ever $100 billion revenue quarter. The company grew revenue 16% to hit $102.3 billion, with Google Search alone generating $56.6 billion, up 15%. Here's what skeptics get wrong about Alphabet. There's been endless hand-wringing about AI potentially destroying Google's search business. ChatGPT was supposed to be the Google killer. Instead, Google's search revenue is accelerating. Why? Because Alphabet figured out how to make AI improve search, not replace it. CEO Sundar Pichai dropped some fascinating numbers for AI Overviews on the earnings call. He stated: Query growth is actually accelerating because of these AI features, not declining. The AI Mode feature, which lets users have conversational interactions with search, doubled the number of queries over the quarter. It already has 75 million daily active users and is driving incremental growth in total queries. Translation: people are searching more, not less, because AI makes it easier to get answers. And here's the kickerAlphabet is monetizing these AI search experiences at approximately the same rate as traditional search. Advertisers are using AI to reach new customers they couldn't target before. Google Cloud is finally a powerhouse For years, Google Cloud was the laggard in the cloud wars, trailing Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services. Not anymore. Google Cloud grew 34% to hit $15.2 billion in revenue. Operating margin expanded from 17% a year ago to nearly 24% this quarter. The secret? AI infrastructure and Google's own AI models. Google offers the widest array of AI chips in the industry, including both NVIDIA GPUs and its own custom TPU chips. Nine of the ten largest AI labs use Google Cloud. Anthropic, one of the hottest AI startups, recently committed to using up to 1 million Google TPUs. Google's own AI models are getting serious traction. Gemini 2.5 Pro, their latest model, has processed 1.3 quadrillion tokens, 20 times faster than their previous version. Over 230 million videos have been generated with Google's Veo video creation model. Google Cloud's backlogcontracted but not yet recognized revenuehit $155 billion, up 82% year-over-year. CFO Anat Ashkenazi pointed out that Google Cloud signed more billion-dollar deals in the first nine months of 2025 than in the previous two years combined. The dividend story at Alphabet Alphabet's dividend is newer than Microsoft's, but the company has the cash flow to support aggressive increases. The company generated nearly $74 billion in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months. The quarterly dividend currently stands at $0.21 per share, yielding about 0.25%. That's modest, but look at the trajectory. Alphabet raised its dividend by 5% this year and has plenty of room to keep hiking given its cash generation. More on Dividend Stocks: Analysts forecast the annual dividend per share to increase to $1.13 in 2029, up from $0.84 in 2025, according to Tikr.com data. The company ended the quarter with $98.5 billion in cash and marketable securities. They bought back $11.5 billion in stock during the quarter. This company can easily afford to return more cash to shareholders. Why Nancy Pelosi's timing matters Both Microsoft and Alphabet are at an inflection point. The AI infrastructure buildout is underway. The demand is tangible and measurable in terms of signed contracts in billions of dollars. Microsoft's AI products are already generating billions quarterly. Google's AI features are driving query growth and maintaining search monetization rates. The dividend angle matters because it shows Alphabet and Microsoft are mature, cash-generative businesses that are winning the AI race. They're paying dividends and buying back stock while simultaneously outspending everyone on AI infrastructure. If Pelosi's track record tells us anything, it's that she tends to buy quality companies when the market underestimates their near-term momentum. Both Microsoft and Alphabet fit that description. The AI revolution is expensive. It requires hundreds of billions in infrastructure spending. Only a handful of companies have the balance sheets and cash flow to compete at this scale. Microsoft and Alphabet are two of them. And unlike the dot-com bubble, this spending is backed by actual customer commitments and revenue today, not promises of future profits. When you're capacity-constrained because demand exceeds supply, that's the best problem a business can have. Related: Google joins a rare valuation milestone club on Wall Street This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jan 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Investing section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. BOSTON (AP) As she sat on a deportation flight headed to Texas, Any Lucia Lopez Belloza kept asking herself why. She was a college student with no criminal record and no reason to believe she was at risk of being sent back to her native Honduras. It just shocked me. I dont know, like I was numb, Lopez Belloza told The Associated Press on Friday in a phone interview from Honduras, where she's staying with her grandparents. The 19-year-old freshman at Babson College was detained at Bostons airport on Nov. 20 as she was preparing to fly home to Texas to surprise her family for Thanksgiving. She was deported two days later, returning to Honduras for the first time since she was 8. Although the government has apologized for a federal immigration authorities mistakenly deporting her even after a Massachusetts judge said she must not leave the U.S., her future is unclear. Her lawyer asked a federal judge on Friday to order the Trump administration to come up with a plan to return her to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Far from home Lopez Belloza and her mother were ordered deported several years after arriving in the United States. Although the government says she missed multiple opportunities to appeal, Lopez Belloza said her previous attorney told her there was no removal order. She insists she never would have tried to fly home in November if she'd known about it. The hardest part of her sudden deportation has been missing the holidays with her parents, leaving her depressed and in tears at times. She worries about her mom and dad, who fear leaving their house in Texas because, according to Lopez Belloza, they've also been targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite applying for green cards. Theyre scared. Theyre scared to step outside because of how everything is, she said. Theyre traumatized. Im traumatized. Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security did not offer comment on her parents' case and has not responded in court to her attorney's request to bring her back to the U.S. Still, Lopez Belloza said she keeps her spirits up by talking regularly with her mom and maintaining her faith in God. After briefly toying with the idea of going to a university in Honduras, she has decided to stick with Babson, which has offered her support as she studies remotely. Wondering why she was deported To talk to a lawyer, a federal immigration agent at the airport told her she had to sign a deportation document. When she refused, they transferred her to an ICE facility holding cell with nothing more than a thermal blanket. In court documents, she described two nights packed in among 17 other women without enough room to lie down and sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Those hours I was detained, it was so horrible, she said. Lopez Belloza was able to make a phone call to her family before being loaded onto a plane to Texas, her last stop before leaving the country. I was numb the whole plane ride. I was like, If this is it, then this will be it, she said, even as she held out hope of avoiding deportation. "I just kept questioning myself. Why is it happening to me? But as she boarded the flight for Honduras, her mood darkened. The life she had living in a college dorm in a wealthy Massachusetts suburb, earning a business degree so she could open a tailoring shop with her father might be over. Advertisement Advertisement I guess this is where my dreams are gone," she recalled thinking. Because in Honduras, if you want to dream big, its like you have to have a lot of money. You have to be rich. But in the United States, dreams are possible. You can make them happen. Feeling hopeful for a return Lopez Belloza said she is so appreciative of the apology that the government made in court this week for the ICE officer mistakenly keeping her name on a deportation flight list despite the court order. Knowing that it was a mistake, it does hurt me. Based on that mistake that they made, my life did a 360 change, she said. Advertisement Advertisement I dont know how to describe it. This is kind of new, she added. Im just like hoping that I get back as soon as possible. Lawyer says the US government should return her Lopez Belloza's case is the latest involving a deportation carried out despite a court order. Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador even though there was a ruling that should have prevented it. The Trump administration initially fought efforts to bring him back to the U.S. but eventually complied after the U.S. Supreme Court weighed in. And last June, a Guatemalan man identified as O.C.G. was returned to the U.S. after a judge found his removal from Mexico likely lacked any semblance of due process. Advertisement Advertisement Her lawyer Todd Pomerleau referenced both cases in a court filing Friday. He wants a judge to give federal officials a two-week deadline to find a way to bring her back. The filing outlines several possible paths, including a student visa, although Pomerleau said that route would likely be complicated by her prior removal order. Despite having violated the court order not to deport her, the government says she was lawfully deported because an immigration judge ordered her and her mother removed in 2016, and the Board of Immigration Appeals dismissed their appeal in 2017. Late Friday, U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns ruled that he didn't have jurisdiction over Lopez Belloza's habeas petition because it was filed after she had been flown to Texas. But he urged the Trump administration consider a way to remedy the mistake they made in deporting her. There is happily no one-size-fits-all solution for seeing that justice be done in what all agree was an amalgam of errors that ended badly for Any. Rather there is a salmagundi of options, Stearns wrote, adding that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio could issue her a non-immigrant student visa that would allow her to continue her studies at Babson College while her immigration status plays out in due course in the appropriate courts of law. Advertisement Advertisement Stearns also said his court could order the government to quickly return Lopez Belloza to the United States but that he would prefer to give the government an opportunity to rectify the mistake it acknowledges having made in Anys case before contemplating the issuance of any further order. Pomerleau said his reading of the ruling is that it's excellent news for his client because Stearns is asking that government to come up with a solution in the next three weeks to bring Lopez Belloza back to the country. I'm anxious to talk to the government representatives about a workable solution, he added. Content Warning: This article discusses domestic violence and allegations of child abuse. If you are in distress and need someone to talk to, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. If you need to report suspected abuse, you can call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400. AUSTIN (KXAN) Austin Police expanded a child abuse investigation into a possible capital murder case, as they investigated the disappearance and possible death of Virginia Gonzales firstborn daughter and third child, who has not been seen since 2018, according to court records obtained by KXAN. Austin police looking for child last seen in 2017 after younger sibling found emaciated Advertisement Advertisement The recently filed search warrant authorizes detectives to obtain potentially new evidence that investigators believe is connected to the disappearance and possible death of Gonzales daughter, Ava Marie Gonzales, who was born in 2015 and has not been seen or located in approximately seven years, authorities said. KXAN reached out to Gonzales attorney regarding the new details surrounding the disappearance of Ava Gonzales. J. Gabriel Hernandez told us he found the timing suspicious and revealed he intends to file for a continuance and a change of venue in the wake of this search warrant. The states case as indicted is weak. It appears the facts are being stretched to fit a narrative intended to convict my client on a higher charge, his statement said, in part. Photos of Ava Marie Gonzales (Courtesy Austin Police Department) The warrant comes less than two weeks before Virginia Gonzales trial is set to begin in a separate child abuse case uncovered in April 2025. Austin Police said they rescued her severely malnourished 7-year-old daughter from a locked bedroom closet inside an apartment on Ross Road, according to an arrest affidavit filed last year. The affidavit alleges Gonzales unlawfully restrained the child for weeks, exposing her to serious bodily injury. According to that affidavit, the child was found weighing just 29 pounds, covered in filth and suffering from long-term starvation. Medical professionals said she faced life-threatening complications, including the risk of refeeding syndrome and permanent brain damage caused by prolonged malnutrition. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said the girl was confined inside a dark, unventilated closet measuring just a few feet wide, with boxes weighing more than 75 pounds barricading the doors. Siblings told police the child was given minimal food and water and was forced to urinate and defecate inside the closet. Editors Note: The above video is KXANs coverage of the case from November 2025. Gonzales was offered a 40-year prison sentence in exchange for a guilty plea on the charges of unlawful restraint and injury to a child, causing serious bodily injury. Gonzales and her attorney denied the proposed plea agreement. A jury trial in those cases is scheduled to begin on Jan. 26, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Austin mom accused of confining daughter in closet rejects 40-year plea offer As detectives investigated the abuse, they discovered references in government records to another child Ava who could not be found. Court documents state there are no school, medical or law enforcement records showing Ava alive beyond the age of 2, no photographs of Ava, and no confirmed sightings of her since 2018. Gonzales attorney Hernandez also said in his statement, By seeking this warrant at this time, they are effectively poisoning the jury pool by reintroducing these allegations into the news cycle just before the January 26th trial date. This creates an unfair bias and prejudice against my client, making it nearly impossible to select an impartial jury. To protect my clients constitutional rights, we have no choice but to seek a continuance and a change of venue. APDs cold case investigation Gonzales son, the firstborn of her eight children, confirmed to investigators that Ava was his sister and stated she was given away to a family when she was about three, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Documents state that attempts by APD cold case detectives to confirm Gonzales statements and government records about what happened or where her 2-year-old daughter was taken in 2018 were repeatedly unsuccessful. APD obtained records from Child Protective Services from November 2023 that stated Ava Gonzales moved in with her father. The document was allegedly signed by the grandmother of one of Gonzales children. When detectives questioned the grandmother about the document, the grandmother informed APD that the phone number on the CPS was not hers nor was it her signature, which APD was able to verify, according to the search warrant. Records show APD was able to track down Gonzales previous boyfriend, who was listed as the father of Gonzales fourth child on CPS records. He informed APD that Gonzales claimed Ava was her sisters child that she was caring for and that she was living in San Antonio with an aunt and uncle. Advertisement Advertisement Bond raised to $250K for woman charged with felony injury to child The ex-boyfriend said Gonzales referred to Ava as a crack baby who was born prematurely and described her as a sickly girl who had health problems and looked malnourished, records state. Hospital records obtained by APD confirmed Ava was born to Virginia Gonzales on Oct. 21, 2015, at 39 1/2 weeks. Records said she weighed six pounds with no complications, according to the search warrant. In April 2025, after Gonzales was arrested and accused of injury to a child, detectives questioned her about Ava and she stated Ava was now living in Mexico with her father, records show. Advertisement Advertisement APD detectives located and contacted Avas alleged father in Mexico, who denied ever having custody of Ava and that he hadnt seen Ava since she was about one and was last told by Gonzales that Ava was living with another family in San Antonio, according to the search warrant. Unable to locate Ava and any of Gonzales relatives homes and with no further leads as to her whereabouts, APD detectives conducted a forensic interview with Gonzales oldest child, who would have been approximately 6 years old when Ava went missing. Had a sister named Ava and something bad happened According to court records, Gonzales now 14-year-old son explained to investigators in detail what he remembered seeing in the bathroom of an Austin motel nearly eight years ago. On May 6, 2025, the young teen told investigators they were living in a motel when he heard Ava in the bathroom screaming really bad, which is when he walked over to peek in and witnessed his mother violently assaulting Ava in a bathtub with the water running, according to the search warrant. Advertisement Advertisement The child said he went back to the bedroom and heard the water turn off at the same time Ava stopped screaming, the search warrant states. APD Seeks the Publics Assistance in Locating a Missing Child The child told investigators that once she was removed from the bathtub, Gonzales put clothes on her and put her in a car seat, the warrant says. He didnt hear Ava say anything or cry after the shower. He told detectives, Ava looked like she was sleeping, according to the search warrant. When the child asked his mother where Ava was going, Gonzales told him she was going to live with a new mom and dad, the affidavit states. Advertisement Advertisement The child said he went to sleep and when he awoke the next morning, Ava was gone. He stated his mother seemed completely new. Like happy, like a whole new person, according to court records. Detectives believe Ava may have died on or around Jan. 2, 2018, and allege Gonzales intentionally caused the death of a child under 10, a capital felony under Texas law. Gonzales has been arrested and charged in connection with the abuse of her surviving child. As of the filing of the search warrant, Gonzales has not been formally charged with capital murder or any other criminal offense related to the disappearance of her daughter. To date, Ava Gonzales has not been found, and police said they have no evidence she is still alive. 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 KXAN Austin. NEED TO KNOW Michigan mom Crystal Royster, 42, is facing jail time and probation for calling in a false bomb threat to her daughter's school in Detroit, Michigan Royster made the threats after her daughter was prevented from participating in a school play because she had gone home sick earlier in the day The bomb threats prompted the evacuation of 700 people from the school building as St. Clair Shores Police and other jurisdictions responded A Michigan mom is facing jail time and probation after twice calling in false bomb threats to her daughter's school in Detroit. On Thursday, Jan. 15, the Macomb County Prosecutors Office announced in a release that 42-year-old Crystal Royster had been sentenced by Judge Michael E. Servitto. Advertisement Advertisement She will serve probation for 18-months, with the first 14 days spent in the Macomb County Jail, according to the release. She has credit for 3 days served at the jail. As part of her probation, Royster is not allowed to contact the victims of the incident and must notify the school before heading onto its grounds. She also has to take a Class A impulse control class. Google Maps A photo of Lake Shore High School in Michigan A photo of Lake Shore High School in Michigan Royster was charged after she made two false bomb reports to Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Mich. in March 2025 after her daughter wasnt allowed to participate in a school play, the prosecutors office said. Authorities noted that her daughter could not participate due to school policy after being sick and going home earlier that day. Advertisement Advertisement After Royster called in the bomb threat, over 700 people had to be evacuated from the school building and St. Clair Shores Police and other jurisdictions responded to the scene," the release stated. The defendant was sentenced today for making a false bomb report that resulted in a significant emergency response, said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. While the court determined that probation was the appropriate outcome, her actions nonetheless caused disruption and concern within the community," he added. Macomb County Sheriff's Office Facebook Macomb County Sheriff's Office vehicle in front of building Macomb County Sheriff's Office vehicle in front of building 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. Royster was charged with false report or threat of a bomb, which is a 4-year felony, and pleaded guilty in November 2025, the Macomb County Prosecutors Office said. Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a person who is found guilty of making false statements of threats willfully and maliciously or with reckless disregard for the safety of human life could face maximum penalties of $5,000 or five years imprisonment. While the charge is uncommon, it has happened before. In 2024, a third grader faced criminal charges after allegedly claiming bombs had been planted inside Lorains Clearview High School and Durling Middle School in Ohio, which prompted closures at the schools. The middle school student was charged with inducing panic in connection with the social media posts, per local outlet WOIO. Read the original article on People A West Seattle neighborhood turned into a warzone overnight as more than 60 shots were fired in just seconds, sending a woman to the hospital and leaving cars and homes with bullet holes. SPD is looking for at least two suspects. The shooting happened near the corner of Sylvan Way and High Point Drive in the High Point neighborhood just after 11 p.m., Wednesday night. It sounded like Chinese New Year because they were so rapid, Nick Skinner, whose car was struck by a bullet, said. It was just spraying everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement The shooting brought a swarm of police officers to the area. The suspected shooters left the area before investigators arrived. According to SPD, a woman was in her car when it happened and was shot in the arm. She was rushed to the hospital but is expected to be okay. A woman got hit, two houses got hit, our car got hit, Skinner said. Thankfully, no one else was injured, though neighbors spent the day surveying the damage to their homes and cars. What happened last night is far too much, Detective Eric Munoz with the Seattle Police Department said. Munoz told KIRO 7 it is not yet clear what led up to the shooting or whether the victim knew the shooters. Advertisement Advertisement We are going to put a lot of resources into this investigation and make sure we find the shooters and hold them accountable, he said. This does not need to be happening in our community. Neighbors said the area has seen an uptick in crime. They want to know why this happened and who is responsible. I dont understand why anybody would just shoot to shoot, Skinner said. Seattle police could not share any information on the suspects. Anyone who knows about the shooting is asked to call the violent crimes tip line at 206-233-5000. Americans broadly oppose President Donald Trumps latest foreign policy ambitions in Greenland, according to a new poll released Thursday, and are skeptical about U.S. incursions abroad. In a CNN poll released Thursday, 75 percent of those surveyed oppose the U.S. attempting to take control of Greenland, including 52 percent who strongly reject the idea. Just one in four respondents said they support efforts to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory, which Trump has argued is vital to U.S. national security and strengthening NATO. Self-described Republicans were evenly split, with 50 percent supporting the presidents efforts and 50 percent opposing them. Democrats were far less divided, with 94 percent opposing the move overall, including 80 percent who said they strongly oppose it. Advertisement Advertisement The polling comes following diplomatic talks between foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House on Wednesday, which ultimately failed to reach an agreement over the territory. The two sides still have a fundamental disagreement over Trumps desire to take over Greenland, Denmarks foreign minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said after the meeting. The White House insisted Trump is pursuing strategic interests, saying he was not elected to preserve the status quo. 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, said spokesperson Anna Kelly. Advertisement Advertisement There was widespread opposition toward Trumps broader use of power in the survey. More than half of Americans said the president has gone too far in trying to expand Americas power over other countries. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and Trump has threatened Irans government over violence against anti-regime protesters. Unease about prolonged U.S. involvement in Venezuela comes ahead of opposition leader Maria Corina Machados visit to the White House on Thursday. Sixty-two percent of Americans said they lacked confidence that Venezuela will have a stable government a year from now, while 67 percent said it is at least somewhat likely that U.S. military action there will result in a prolonged deployment of American troops. Americans were also skeptical about the stated motives behind U.S. intervention. A majority of Americans said access to Venezuelan oil played a major role in the decision to take military action, while 39 percent said a major factor was to bring Maduro to stand trial in the U.S., and 26 percent said it was to improve the lives of Venezuelans. The findings align with previous polling suggesting growing resistance towards military involvement abroad and presidential overreach. The CNN poll was conducted by SSRS from Jan. 9 to Jan. 12, and surveyed 1,209 adults via web and phone. It has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3.1 percentage points, and there is a larger margin of error for smaller subgroups. You can say a lot of things about the facts and causes of the disparities in the overall situation of White people and Black people in the Milwaukee area. But can you say this: Things have gotten better in the half century since a federal judge ordered Milwaukee Public Schools to be desegregated? The education landscape has changed dramatically. Life in the metropolitan area has changed dramatically. But better? Tough to make a case for that. Advertisement Advertisement There are bright spots, even on the school scene. There are Black children who have better opportunities than similar children did 50 years ago. There are Black adults who have better career paths than 50 years ago. There are praiseworthy advocates and organizations for improving central city neighborhoods. But in the broadest strokes, race-related gaps remain a most disturbing and disheartening issue for Milwaukee, as they are for the nation as a whole. Whose fault is that? Lets suggest the answer is: just about everybody's. School desegregation in Milwaukee was, in large part, a test of whether large numbers of people would go along with something they didnt really want: being part of integrated communities. Large numbers of people not only White people did not get on board. Today, desegregation is not a thriving reality in the metropolitan area. The whole concept seems like something left behind decades ago. Advertisement Advertisement As for the education landscape, desegregation efforts, largely driven by legal action, were ultimately an earthquake that didnt produce a better landscape. Most important, the differences remain depressingly large in the rates of success in education and in longtime life outcomes overall between Black and White people. Many suburban schools are more integrated than they used to be, which can be considered a positive change. But in the City of Milwaukee, still home to a large majority of Black children, the gaps in achievement in reading and math have for many years been among the largest in the U.S., and the overall educational success of Black students remains a problem of the first rank. One important lesson is that judges and other leaders can issue orders or launch programs, but people sometimes will do what they are going to do, and it wont be what has been decreed from above. 'You can issue all the orders you want to, but the people arent going to comply with them unless they want them' Federal Judge John W. Reynolds learned this lesson. In 1976, he was the one who issued the decision that found Milwaukee Public Schools to be illegally segregated by race, concluding: I shall accordingly order that the Milwaukee school system be integrated. Advertisement Advertisement For many years, Reynolds refused requests from journalists (including me) and others to talk about the desegregation case. But in 1997, he took part in an on-the-record oral history interview with Collins T. Fitzpatrick, who was then the circuit executive for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, based in Chicago. (Credit goes to Marquette Law School Dean Joseph D. Kearney for finding this unpublicized transcript in 2019.) In that interview, Reynolds said, I dont think busing really helps. ... Whatever support people have in their neighborhoods, in their families, to pull them away from that was not a good idea. It didnt work out well. Reynolds said he had become more willing to recognize the limitations on our courts ability to do things. Reynolds also said, The fact is you can issue all the orders you want to, but the people arent going to comply with them unless they want them. After Reynolds decision, there were big changes in Milwaukee education. Specialty schools intended to bring Black and White students together were created, and several remain among the best schools in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Many schools, especially specialty schools, operated with racial quotas so there would be integrated enrollments. The number of kids who were bused to school increased greatly (and those kids were disproportionately Black). The concept of neighborhood schools took a beating it has never recovered from. Milwaukee's White population drops nearly 60% in 40 years For several years, the number of Milwaukee schools that met the definition of being integrated went up, involving at one point more than half the schools in MPS. And then the tide ebbed. Politics, public opinion and legal decisions turned against court-ordered desegregation. And people especially White people voted with their feet. Between 1975 and 1980, 77,000 White people moved from the City of Milwaukee to surrounding suburbs, according to analysis by John Johnson, a Marquette Law School researcher. Advertisement Advertisement According to U.S. census figures, the White population of Milwaukee went from 674,103 in 1960 to 270,989 in 2000, a jaw-dropping decline of more than 400,000 in 40 years. School desegregation and related school issues were not the only reasons why White people left the city. The appeal of moving to suburbs with bigger homes and yards and other amenities was strong, and many people were able to afford such moves. Beyond school walls, factors related to race, racism, crime and opposition to racially mixed neighborhoods were also important. In 1976, more than 60% of MPS students were White. In the 2024-25 school year, fewer than 9% of MPS students were White. In 1976, about a third of MPS students were Black. The percentage rose to around 60% and then declined. Last year, it was 48%. When Reynolds' order was first implemented, only 3% to 5% of MPS students were Hispanic and they were treated as White for assignment purposes. Last year, 29% of MPS students were Hispanic. Another 9% were Asian a second group that was not part of the 1976 desegregation plans. Vouchers, open enrollment also contribute to changing look of public schools Another huge change in the education scene: In 1976, close to 100% of Milwaukee students who were getting publicly funded education were in MPS schools. Now, only a bit over 50% of those getting publicly funded education are in MPS. More than a quarter are in private schools, thanks to school vouchers, and one in seven are in semi-independent charter schools. More than 4,000 are enrolled in public schools outside the city, thanks to the states open enrollment law. Advertisement Advertisement In all three education sectors MPS, private schools and charter schools there are good schools where student success is more widespread than in the city as a whole. But, as popular as school choice has been, the overall achievement levels in non-MPS schools arent much better than in MPS. The education crisis Milwaukee faces involves all the sectors, not just MPS. Milwaukee itself has changed since 1976 Beyond schools, the Milwaukee area has changed greatly since 1976, and not necessarily for the better. Milwaukees classic manufacturing sector did not fare well amid economic and technological changes in the late 1970s and 1980s. Global competition strongly affected local economic vitality. Heavy industry employers such as Briggs & Stratton, Allis-Chalmers and A. O. Smith were hit hard. Some are gone entirely. The decline of factory jobs with family-supporting salaries was a key driver of increased poverty in Milwaukee, making the city one of the poorest in America. Many Black residents had limited education backgrounds that were barriers to the kinds of jobs that were on the rise. Milwaukee was one of the largest cities in America in the 1950s. Almost no one then realized it was at its peak. The census total for the city was 741,000 in 1960. It was 717,000 in 1970. In recent years, the city population has been around 560,000. The population of the Milwaukee metropolitan area has grown from a bit over 1.2 million in the mid-1970s to close to 1.6 million in recent years. Thats an increase, but its far smaller than the booming increases in sunbelt locations such as Houston, Dallas and Phoenix. Advertisement Advertisement Are all the changes gloomy? No. You can live a good life in the Milwaukee area, and many people do. The economy isnt the greatest, but there are good jobs. There are good neighborhoods and municipalities. There are lots of cultural and recreational strengths. And there are many good schools. Improved education outcomes are key to better future One of the ideas that drove school integration efforts decades ago was that if you could improve education outcomes for everyone, especially Black kids, you could improve the overall vitality of Milwaukee. But integrating schools didnt do that. For that matter, school choice, which gained strength beginning in the 1990s, hasnt been a sweeping answer either. Maybe the fault lies with people in the metro area as a whole. Maybe it lies with the things that have been tried. But the underlying notion remains worth pursuing: Improved education outcomes are a key to building a better future. Which leads back to the continuing, frustrating search for ways to do achieve the broad and deep improvements that school desegregation didnt accomplish. Alan Borsuk Alan J. Borsuk is senior fellow in law and public policy at Marquette Law School. He can be reached at alan.borsuk@marquette.edu. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Have things improved since judge's MPS desegregation order in 1976? Jan. 15MORGANTOWN Morgantown Utility Board recently received some good news in regard to the forthcoming Morgans Run water extension project. It's particularly good news for the 26 or so homes to be served by the $4.6 million project. MUB General Manager Mike McNulty recently reported that West Virginia Infrastructure Jobs Development Council has upped the grant portion of the funds being provided from $500, 000 to $1 million. Doing so significantly reduced the low-interest loan portion of the project's funding to be repaid through a surcharge added to the water bills of customers who have committed to the project. Advertisement Advertisement Residents in Cheat Lake's Morgans Run, Lubbock Lane, Longhorn Lane, Rough Lane and Armstrong Drive area have spent more than a decade purchasing, collecting and hauling water due to low-producing wells plagued with high iron and manganese levels. After two years spent lining up financing for the project, MUB announced in December that it was ready to move forward. This latest development simply reduces the burden on the customer side. "We have completed the binding commitment request. We're working on final design and permitting and currently reaching out to property owners to confirm waterline locations for the project, " McNulty said. "A lot of things are coming together." Advertisement Advertisement The project will include the construction of 7, 215 linear feet of eight-inch water main, 6, 705 linear feet of six-inch water main, 2, 655 linear feet of two-inch water main, the installation of five fire hydrants and the 26 residential service connections. In addition to the IJDC grant and loan, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Abandoned Mine Lands & Reclamation program is providing a $3.3 million grant for the work. Monongalia County Commission has pledged $52, 000 to cover tap fees for the new additions and MUB is paying the remaining $29, 420. McNulty noted the efforts in Monongalia County, Charleston and Washington, D.C., that were needed to get the project financed. "We all came together, got this project funded, and later on this year, we're going to go to bid and make this a reality, " he said. Advertisement Advertisement In other news, the West Virginia Public Service Commission has issued its final approval of MUB's acquisition of the Star City water and sewer systems. The utility board and Star City Town Council both voted unanimously in August to file a joint petition seeking PSC's permission to execute an asset purchase agreement and an operations and maintenance agreement that will allow MUB to take ownership of the town's water and sewer facilities and serve as the operational agent for its stormwater system. MUB has recommended that water and sewer rates for Star City's customers remain unchanged. Under MUB, Star City's rates will be set by Morgantown City Council, which will also be asked to sign off on the acquisition. McNulty said MUB leadership will present on the matter at Morgantown City Council's January 27th committee of the whole meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Lastly, the Morgantown Utility Board welcomed its newest member, Rich Brooks, and selected its 2026 officers during its most recent regular meeting. Erik Carlson will serve as the board's chairman, Tom Witt will serve as vice-chair, Sam Workman will act as secretary and Mark Downs will be treasurer. A tourist tax in London could generate more than 350m in revenue for the capital, a new report has found. The UK government announced last November that mayors in England will get new powers to impose a visitor levy on overnight stays. A new analysis by Central London Forward (CLF), a partnership of 12 London boroughs that aims to drive sustainable growth, has predicted that an overnight levy could raise over 350m across London each year. Advertisement Advertisement The report based its analysis on a hypothetical three per cent charge on top of a room cost. When the devolved tourist tax powers were announced last year, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said it was great news. The extra funding will directly support Londons economy and help cement our reputation as a global tourism and business destination, he said. The government is still consulting on the design of the levy, so the mayor is waiting for a response before London proceeds with how it will roll out the new tax. It has not been decided yet how money raised from the tourist tax will be split between local authorities and City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement However, some local authorities are already campaigning to keep a proportion of the revenue within their boroughs to help reduce tourism pressures, especially in parts of central London that see the largest concentration of visitors. CLF represents a large proportion of the central London boroughs, including the City of London, Westminster, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and more. The organisation says that central boroughs will play a large role in generating revenue from the tourist tax, predicting that 275m will be raised there alone. It claimed, however, that these boroughs do not have any dedicated funding to manage the pressures of Londons visitor economy. Advertisement Advertisement It adds that 71 per cent of Londons hotel rooms and 67 per cent of short-term lets can be found among its 12 boroughs, and therefore will absorb the bulk of the municipal costs. CLF said local authorities are calling for at least 50 per cent of the revenue raised by the levy to be kept by the boroughs to help with the impact of tourism. The organisation explained that while tourism brings economic benefits, overtourism can strain local council budgets by increasing costs for public services and infrastructure maintenance, all the while not receiving compensation. Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council and chair of CLF, said the boroughs in central London play a crucial role in the growth of the visitor economy. Advertisement Advertisement We work to keep the streets clean, well-maintained and safe, we invest in new public realm projects from the transformation of Regent Street to upgraded public loos in my own borough, and we work with businesses to give them the support they need to grow. Many of these services for visitors are currently funded by our local residents, which is not right, he said. The government should legislate to ensure that at least 50 per cent of the revenue raised by an overnight stay levy is kept by London boroughs, so we can continue providing the services London needs. Read more: UK tourist taxes where are they charged and how much do they cost? Winter weather is firmly in place across South Dakota, where heavy snow squalls can create sharp differences in accumulation. One neighborhood may see just a few inches, while areas a few miles away especially closer to Lake Michigan could pick up a foot of snow. With multiple rounds of snow and Arctic air possible over the next couple days, knowing your exact snowfall total can help with travel plans, school decisions and clearing driveways and roofs. Enter your address below to see snowfall totals for your location and a map of nearby measurements. South Dakota snow totals: Search by address USA TODAYs snowfall map shows accumulation over the past 24, 48, and 72 hours, as well as seasonal totals dating back to Oct. 1. Updated multiple times a day, the map lets you toggle between timeframes to see how snow is adding up in your area. Advertisement Advertisement Cant see the embed? View the file on a separate browser page here. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com. Find her on Facebook here. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota could see a foot of snow. Search snow totals by address A murderer who stabbed a teenager in the chest outside a bar will not have his prison sentence increased, Court of Appeal judges have ruled. Thomas Dures, from Aughton in Lancashire, went on the run after attacking 19-year-old Matthew Daulby. It happened after two groups clashed outside an Ormskik bar on 29 July 2023. He eventually handed himself in at a police station in Greece, and was jailed after being convicted of murder at Preston Crown Court. Advertisement Advertisement The Attorney General challenged the 23-year sentence as being too lenient. But, sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice, Lord Justice Edis, Lord Justice Jeremy Baker and His Honour Judge St John-Stevens decided the original sentence should stand. Matthew Daulby died in hospital shortly after the attack [Police handout] Daulby was found with serious injuries by police, who were called to Railway Road shortly after midnight on 29 July 2023 after reports of a fight, Lancashire Police said. The victim was taken to hospital where he later died from a single stab wound to the chest. Dures, who also stabbed two other men during the altercation, fled the scene after hearing the sirens of an approaching police car. Advertisement Advertisement He sent voice notes to his friends before leaving the area in a taxi and then went on the run for 18 months. He eventually handed himself in at a police station in Greece. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. More on this story Related internet links Less than six months after announcing it would shut down operations, next-gen material maker Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) is back thanks to an injection of cash from two new investors. The Peoria, Illinois-based company announced this week that it has received investments from Provest Equity Partners and CTW Venture Partners, which will allow the company to re-emerge and accelerate global-scale commercialization of its climate-tech materials platform. The amount of those investments wasnt disclosed. Along with the funding, Provost Equity Partners managing partner Suhas Uppalapati will take on the role of NFW board chairman. More from Sourcing Journal NFW announced in September 2025 that it was winding down operations after several years of turmoil that included founding CEO Luke Haverhals stepping down in October 2024, along with four waves of layoffs in two years. NFW said these investments will not only allow the company to resume operations, but also expand production of its Pliant naturally cured performance rubber outsoles and Mirium, its all-natural, plastic-free leather alternative. This partnership marks an important inflection point for NFW, enabling us to continue our mission of bringing sustainable, performance materials to market said Steve Zika, CEO of NFW. We are excited to partner with Provest, whose operator-driven approach and focus on disciplined scale align directly with what NFW needs as demand from global brand partners continues to accelerate. Together with CTW, we are strengthening the foundation required to scale responsibly while advancing the next generation of high-performance, sustainable materials. NFW said that its proprietary green chemistry-made materials represent a scalable, regenerative, circular platform capable of replacing entire categories of plastics and petrochemical-based materials. Pliant is currently available for order, and the company said it is working with brands such as Allbirds, Ralph Lauren, Asahi Kasei and BMW iVentures. NFW exemplifies the type of platform we seek to supportbreakthrough science paired with real industrial relevance, Uppalapati said. Our role is to translate innovation into scalable, profitable growth, and we are excited to partner with NFW and CTW as the company enters its next phase. Uppalapatis role with NFW reflects Provests hands-on operator-investor model, which the company says has deep experience in advanced manufacturing, operational systems and industrial scale-up. CTW Venture Partners also has expertise in scaling climate-tech and materials-science platforms, lending support to companies such as SoftWear Automation, an autonomous sewing technology firm. Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has taken a commanding lead in Thursday's presidential election - well ahead of his main challenger Bobi Wine, whose party has already questioned the credibility of the results. Figures so far give Museveni 74% of the vote, with Wine on 23%, based on returns from 81% of polling stations. Wine's party said on social media that a helicopter had landed in the grounds of his house in the capital, Kampala, and "forcibly taken him away to an unknown destination". Advertisement Advertisement The son of the opposition leader said both his parents have been seized by the military. Difficulty accessing the internet in the country has made it difficult to verify this claim. Local police told the BBC they were not aware of the incident. Earlier, Wine said he had been placed under house arrest, with security forces surrounding his home, after he alleged fraud had taken place in Thursday's election. At that stage, police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke told local broadcaster NBS that as a presidential contestant, Wine was "a person of interest", adding that the heavy security deployment around his home was for his own security. Advertisement Advertisement Some local journalists said security forces had blocked them from accessing the opposition leader's home in Kampala's Magere area. Wine told his supporters to ignore the "fake results" that have been announced, saying the authorities have been "stealing the vote". He did not provide any evidence to back up his claim and the authorities have not responded to his allegations. Late on Thursday, at least seven opposition supporters were killed in disputed circumstances in Butambala, about 55km (35 miles) south-west of the capital. The internet shutdown imposed earlier in the week means news of the violence only emerged on Friday. Security has been tightened across the country with vote counting under way [EPA/Shutterstock] MP Muwanga Kivumbi, from Wine's National Unity Platform (NUP) party, told the AFP news agency that soldiers and police fired tear gas and then live bullets at hundreds of people who were following early results announcements at his home. Advertisement Advertisement "Ten were killed inside my house," he said. Human rights activist Agather Atuhaire confirmed this account to the Reuters news agency. However, local police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe disputes this, maintaining police fired in self-defence after "a group of NUP goons" had attacked a police station and planned to overrun a tallying centre. She told Reuters they were carrying machetes, axes and boxes of matches and said at least seven people had been killed. Later on Friday, the US embassy issued an alert to its citizens because of reports the security forces were "using tear gas and firing into the air to disperse gatherings". Advertisement Advertisement Following the 2021 election, in which he garnered 35% of the vote, Wine was confined to his home for several days by security forces. Electoral chief Simon Byabakama said on Friday that the vote counting had not been affected by the internet blackout as the commission was using a "private system" to transmit results from districts to the national tally centre. Asked about the timing of the final results announcement, Byabakama said: "We are on course to announce the winner of the presidential election within 48 hours. Before 5 PM [14:00 GMT] tomorrow, we shall have the final results." Advertisement Advertisement Thursday's election followed an often violent campaign, with President Museveni, 81, seeking a seventh term in office. He first took power as a rebel leader in 1986. Wine, a 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician, who says he represents the youth in a country where most of the population is aged under 30, has promised to tackle corruption and impose sweeping reforms, while Museveni argues he is the sole guarantor of stability and progress in Uganda. The counting started late in some areas as polling day was marred by delays caused by technical failures [Getty Images] Last week, the United Nation's Human Rights Office said that the election would be marked by "widespread repression and intimidation". During Thursday's vote, voting was delayed by up to four hours in many polling stations around the country as ballot boxes were slow to arrive and biometric machines, used to verify voters' identity, did not work properly. Advertisement Advertisement Some have linked the problems to the network outage. Although there are six other candidates, the presidential poll is a two-horse race between Museveni and Wine. The campaign period was marred by the disruption of opposition activities - security forces have been accused of assaulting and detaining Wine's supporters. Rusoke, the police spokesperson, dismissed these complaints, accusing opposition supporters of being disruptive. Internet access was suspended on Tuesday, with Uganda's Communications Commission saying the blackout was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud and the incitement of violence - a move condemned by the UN human rights office as "deeply worrying". Advertisement Advertisement Additional reporting by Sammy Awami in Kampala [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 Myanmar has denied committing genocide against the Ronhingya people, saying The Gambia has failed to provide enough proof, as it begun its defence at the UN's top court. Ko Ko Hlaing, a Myanmar government representative, told judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that the allegation was "unsubstantiated". Earlier this week, The Gambia's foreign minister Dawda Jallow told the court Myanmar wanted to erase the minority Muslim population through its use of "genocidal policies". Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of Rohingya were killed and more than 700,000 fled to neighbouring Bangladesh during an army crackdown in Myanmar in 2017. A damning report issued by the UN the following year said top military figures in Myanmar must be investigated for genocide in Rakhine state and crimes against humanity in other areas. Myanmar - which has been under military control since it overthrew the civilian government in 2021 - rejected the report and has consistently said its operations targeted militant or insurgent threats. On Friday, Hlaning told the ICJ that "Myanmar was not obliged to remain idle and allow terrorists to have free reign of northern Rakhine states", where the majority of Rohingya lived. Advertisement Advertisement "These attacks were the reasons for the clearance operations, which is a military term referring to counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism operations," Hlaing said. The Gambia launched its case against Myanmar in 2019, with Jallow telling the ICJ it did so out of a "sense of responsibility" following its own experience with a military government. 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". Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the Muslim-majority West African country also argued that the killing of women, children and the elderly, along with the destruction of their villages, was hard to justify under combatting terrorism. "When the court considers... all of the evidence taken together, the only reasonable conclusion to reach is that a genocidal intent permeated and informed Myanmar's myriad of state-led actions against the Rohingya," said Philippe Sands, arguing for The Gambia, which has the backing of 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in its action. More than a million Rohingya refugees now live across the border 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. Hlaing - the Myanmar government representative - said on Friday that it was committed to "achieving the repatriation to Myanmar of persons from Rakhine State currently living in camps in Bangladesh". But he also said external forces, such as Covid-19, had hampered those efforts. Advertisement Advertisement "Myanmar's commitment and constant efforts since 2017 contradict Gambia's narrative that Myanmar's intention is to destroy or forcibly deport this population," Hlaing told the court. He added that "a finding of genocide would place an indelible stain on my country and its people", so the outcome was of "fundamental importance for my country's reputation and future". 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 ruling is expected towards the end of 2026, Reuters news agency reported. Advertisement Advertisement It is expected to set a precedent in other genocide cases, including one brought 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 ICJ judges to refine rules around the definition of genocide. The 1948 UN Genocide Convention, which The Gambia accuses Myanmar of breaching in its treatment of the Rohingya, was adopted following the mass murder of Jews by Nazi Germany during the Second World War. It defines genocide as crimes committed "with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group". By Stephanie van den Berg THE HAGUE, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Myanmar told the United Nations' top court on Friday that Gambia had not proven its accusation that the Myanmar government had committed genocide against the minority Muslim Rohingya, part of a hearing on the landmark case. Gambia, which is predominantly Muslim, brought the case before the International Court of Justice in 2019. The West African country told the court on Monday that Myanmar's authorities had targeted the Rohingya for destruction, allegations Myanmar rejected. Advertisement Advertisement "Gambia has failed to meet its burden of proof. This case will be decided on proven fact not unsubstantiated allegations," Ko Ko Hlaing, a representative of the Myanmar government, told the ICJ, which is also known as the World Court. Myanmar's armed forces launched an offensive in 2017 that forced at least 730,000 Rohingya from their homes and into neighbouring Bangladesh, where they recounted killings, mass rape and arson. A U.N. fact-finding mission concluded the 2017 military offensive had included "genocidal acts". Myanmar has denied genocide and Ko Ko Hlaing told judges the offensive was a legitimate counter-terrorism campaign in response to attacks by Muslim militants. He added the U.N. fact-finding mission was not objective or reliable. Lawyers for Gambia had argued that it would be unreasonable for judges to conclude that Myanmar's attack on thousands of Rohingya civilians, including women, children and the elderly, as well as burning their villages was done just to combat terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement They said the pattern of conduct during the crackdown indicated the genocidal intent legally needed to determine genocide was committed. Ko Ko Hlaing stressed that his government was committed to returning and resettling Rohingya refugees from the camps in Bangladesh but said those efforts were thwarted by elements beyond its control like the Covid-19 pandemic, a cyclone and political instability. "Myanmar's commitment and constant efforts since 2017 contradict Gambia's narrative that Myanmar's intention is to destroy or forcibly deport this population," he said. The ICJ is the U.N.'s highest court and deals with disputes between states. Advertisement Advertisement Gambia's case, backed by the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, is the first genocide case the ICJ is hearing in full in more than a decade. A final ruling is expected towards the end of 2026. The outcome will have repercussions beyond Myanmar, likely affecting South Africa's 2023 genocide case at the ICJ against Israel over the war in Gaza. Israel also denies genocide and lawyers for Israel dismissed South Africa's case as an abuse of the genocide convention. Myanmar has been in further turmoil since 2021, when the military toppled the elected civilian government and violently suppressed pro-democracy protests, sparking a nationwide armed rebellion. The country is currently holding phased elections that have been criticised by the United Nations, some Western countries and human rights groups as not free or fair. The military says the vote has public backing and is being conducted without coercion. Advertisement Advertisement The hearings span three weeks and from next Wednesday the court will hear Rohingya victims of the alleged atrocities in closed sessions. That will mark the first time Rohingya victims will be directly heard by an international court. (Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; editing by Philippa Fletcher) Scientists have discovered a large barshaped cloud of iron atoms in space that could offer clues about the future of Earth. The structure, which was found inside the Ring Nebula - a famous, colourful cloud formed when a dying sun-like star released its outer layers - was roughly 500 times wider than Pluto's orbit and sits 2,283 lightyears away. Astronomers from Cardiff University, as well as University College London, detected the iron bar using a new telescope instrument called the WHT Enhanced Area Velocity Explorer (Weave). Advertisement Advertisement Scientists observing it say its origin is unclear, but their theories about how it formed suggest it could hint at the Earth's future. The first theory is the cloud may have formed during the nebula's creation, as the parent star collapsed. Alternatively, experts believe it could be space plasma, left behind from a rocky planet that was destroyed as the star expanded. If true, it could offer a preview of Earth's future as the sun - Earth's parent star - expels its outer layers in a similar way, engulfing Earth, in a few billion years. The team said it was planning further observations to unravel precisely what the iron bar was, where it came from, and what it could tell them. Advertisement Advertisement Lead author Dr Roger Wesson, based jointly at Cardiff University and UCL, said although the Ring Nebula had been studied using many different telescopes and instruments, Weave had allowed them "to observe it in a new way, providing so much more detail than before". He said: "By obtaining a spectrum continuously across the whole nebula, we can create images of the nebula at any wavelength and determine its chemical composition at any position. "When we processed the data and scrolled through the images, one thing popped out as clear as anything this previously unknown 'bar' of ionized iron atoms, in the middle of the familiar and iconic ring." Cardiff University scientists were among those involved in the research [Colin Smith/Geograph] Co-author Prof Janet Drew added: "We definitely need to know more particularly whether any other chemical elements co-exist with the newly-detected iron, as this would probably tell us the right class of model to pursue." Advertisement Advertisement Weave is set to carry out eight surveys over the next five years, targeting everything from nearby white dwarfs - a type of dead star - to very distant galaxies. Wesson added: "It would be very surprising if the iron bar in the Ring is unique. "So hopefully, as we observe and analyse more nebulae created in the same way, we will discover more examples of this phenomenon, which will help us to understand where the iron comes from." More top stories WASHINGTON (AP) National Guard troops will be on the streets of Washington, D.C., until the end of the year, according to a memo reviewed by The Associated Press. The memo, signed by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and dated Wednesday, said the conditions of the mission warranted an extension past the end of next month to continue supporting President Donald Trumps ongoing efforts to restore law and order. Meanwhile, Trump has at least temporarily dropped his push to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, which had provoked legal challenges. He also backed off a bit Friday from his threat a day earlier to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to quell protests in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Since Washington is a congressionally established federal district, as president, Trump has much greater control over the police and D.C. National Guard, which he can control directly. This has enabled him to sidestep the legal challenges that he has faced in some states. Trump activated 800 members of the D.C. National Guard in August under an emergency order. Those numbers were quickly augmented by troops from states run by Republican governors. There are currently about 2,600 National Guard troops in Washington, with about 700 from D.C. and the rest from 11 states, including Indiana, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi and Oklahoma. The mission was quickly broadened from its initial crime-fighting mandate to city beautification. In one of its last updates, the task force overseeing the mission said that in early October troops cleared 1,150 bags of trash, spread 1,045 cubic yards of mulch, removed 50 truckloads of plant waste, cleared 7.9 miles of roadway, painted 270 feet of fencing and pruned 400 trees. Advertisement Advertisement Two National Guard troops from West Virginia that were part of the mission in D.C. were shot the day before Thanksgiving. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries. In addition to his efforts to put troops into Chicago and Portland, Trump federalized National Guard troops to go into Los Angeles in June, when protesters took to the streets in response to a blitz of immigration arrests. Ultimately, he deployed about 4,000 troops and 700 Marines to guard federal buildings and, later, to protect federal agents as they carried out immigration arrests. The force dwindled over time and was ultimately removed from the streets in December after a judge ordered control of the California National Guard be returned to Gov. Gavin Newsom. A federal appellate court upheld the decision. On Dec. 31, Trump said he was dropping his push, for now, to expand the effort to other cities. In a largely unusual move, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, in what she said was "recognition for his unique commitment to our freedom." Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership of Venezuela's opposition movement amid a crackdown by Nicolas Maduro, most notably in the much-maligned 2023 presidential election in the South American country. In the meantime, Trump ordered a blitz US military operation on 3 January that resulted in Maduro's capture. The former Venezuelan leader and his spouse now face drug trafficking-related charges in New York. Advertisement Advertisement I presented the president of the United States the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado told reporters as she departed the White House on Thursday. Trump confirmed on social media that Machado had left the medal for him to keep, and he said it was an honour to meet her. 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, Trump said in his post. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria. Although Machado's gesture marks a rare instance of a living laureate parting with their medal shortly after receiving it, it is not unprecedented, and rules state that Machado could give away her actual medal but not the honour itself. Advertisement Advertisement The Nobel Foundation's statutes and Alfred Nobel's will which dictate the merits awardees should have state that the title of the winner belongs personally to the individual and cannot be legally shared or reassigned to another person. The medal or the associated diploma can be physically given, sold or auctioned, but this does not confer the award's title on anyone else. Several other Nobel laureates have previously given away or sold their medals, although the circumstances and motivations varied. Auction for Ukrainian refugees Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 alongside Maria Ressa of the Philippines for his efforts to safeguard freedom of expression in Russia, auctioned his medal in June 2022 for a record-breaking $103.5 million (89.1m). Advertisement Advertisement All proceeds from the sale held at Heritage Auctions in New York to an anonymous buyer were donated to UNICEF's fund for Ukrainian child refugees following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February of that year. FILE: People point to the screen showing the final price for Dmitry Muratov's 23-karat gold medal of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize after being auctioned in New York 20 June 2022 - AP Photo The auction came just months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Muratov is the editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia's last independent newspapers. The publication suspended operations in March 2022 after receiving warnings from Russian authorities amid a crackdown on dissent and criticism of the Kremlin's actions during the early weeks of the war. Wartime fundraising and infamous gestures In the early days of World War II, Nobel medals belonging to Danish physicists Niels Bohr and August Krogh, who won in 1922 and 1920 respectively, were auctioned to raise funds for Finnish civilian relief during the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union in 1939-1940. Advertisement Advertisement The medals were later donated to museums in Denmark. During World War II, German physicists Max von Laue and James Franck, both Nobel laureates, gave their medals to Niels Bohr as Nazi Germany occupied their countries. To prevent the medals from falling into Nazi hands, Hungarian chemist George de Hevesy, who worked in Bohr's laboratory, dissolved them in acid. After the war, the gold was recovered, and the Nobel Foundation recast the medals, which were returned to von Laue and Franck's family. FILE: The aftermath of Mosquito planes of the Royal Air Force raid on factories working for the Nazis in Copenhagen, 10 February 1943 - AP Photo Not all stories around Nobel Prize medals are positive, however, and some of the choices made by laureates were quite controversial. Advertisement Advertisement Norwegian author Knut Hamsun, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920, reportedly gave his medal to Nazi Germany's Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels during World War II. Hamsun, who met with Adolf Hitler and Goebbels in 1943, was a Nazi sympathiser who supported the German occupation of Norway. Historical accounts indicate he gave his Nobel medal to Goebbels as a symbolic gesture of support. Hamsun's reputation was destroyed after the war, although his literary works continue to be studied. The case of James Watson James D Watson sold his medal amid controversy at Christie's auction house in December 2014 for about $4.8 million (4.13m). Advertisement Advertisement Watson, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962 alongside Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for discovering the structure of DNA, said proceeds would support scientific research institutions and conservation causes. He became the first living Nobel laureate known to sell his medal. Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov purchased the medal only to return it to Watson at an official ceremony in Moscow in 2015, saying the scientist "deserved" to have it. FILE: People queue to attend a lecture by US Nobel laureate biologist James Watson, at the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 17 June 2015 - AP Photo Watson's decision to sell came amid financial difficulties and following controversial statements about race and intelligence, especially regarding people of African heritage, that damaged his reputation and led to his departure from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where he had served as chancellor. Advertisement Advertisement The laboratory stripped Watson of his titles and cut all ties with him in 2019. Watson initially apologised over his remarks, but later said his views remained unchanged. The EU sanctioned Usmanov in 2022, imposing a bloc-wide travel ban on him and freezing all his assets over his links to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government. Watson enjoyed close ties with Russia late in his career. Related Crick's Nobel Prize medal, won together with Watson and Crick, was also sold at Heritage Auctions in 2013 for $2.27 million (1.95m). Part of the sale proceeds were donated to the Francis Crick Institute in London. Advertisement Advertisement Norman Angell's Nobel Peace Prize medal from 1933, won for promoting international understanding, was sold at Sotheby's in 1983. The medal is now held by the Imperial War Museum in London. Aage Bohr, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1975, had his medal sold at auction in 2011 and again in 2019. Bohr was the son of Niels Bohr, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922. Prize money donations Some laureates have donated their Nobel prize money rather than parting with their medals. Albert Einstein, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921, left his prize money to his first wife Mileva Maric and their children under a pre-arranged divorce settlement. The agreement was made before Einstein won the prize. Advertisement Advertisement In 1979, Macedonian-born Albanian Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa asked for the traditional Nobel banquet to be cancelled and that the funds, together with the prize money, be donated directly to the poor. Paul Greengard, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000, donated his full prize earnings to establish the Pearl Meister Greengard Prize, an annual award supporting women scientists. FILE: Prof Albert Einstein poses with sailboat presented to him for his 50th birthday by Berliner Handelgesellschs Ftm, a German bank, June 1929 - AP Photo Gunter Blobel, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1999, donated his prize money to restoration projects for Dresden and to the construction of a synagogue in his hometown. E Donnall Thomas, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1990, donated his prize money to his research centre to support ongoing work in bone marrow transplantation. The Nobel Prize currently includes a monetary award of 11 million Swedish kronor (around 1 million), although the amount has varied over the decades. OSLO, Jan 16 (Reuters) - A Norwegian court on Friday found an Islamist man guilty of orchestrating a deadly shooting at a gay bar during Oslo's 2022 Pride celebrations, sentencing him to the country's maximum term of 30 years in prison. Arfan Bhatti, a 48-year-old Norwegian citizen born in Oslo, stood trial on charges of complicity in aggravated terrorism for planning the attack even though he was in Pakistan at the time of the shooting. Two people died and eight others were wounded by bullets when a lone gunman, identified as Iranian-born Norwegian Zaniar Matapour, opened fire on the London Pub, a hub of Oslo's LGBTQ+ scene, and a next-door bar in the centre of Norway's capital. Advertisement Advertisement Dozens more suffered lesser injuries in the chaos that followed. In July 2024, Matapour was convicted of murder and aggravated terrorism for carrying out the attack, and was also sentenced to 30 years in prison. WILL APPEAL AGAINST THE VERDICT Bhatti was extradited to Norway in 2024 and has remained in custody. "Bhatti has appealed the judgment forthwith and maintains that he has had no involvement whatsoever with the shooting," his lawyers John Christian Elden and Bernt Heiberg said in a statement to Reuters. An independent inquiry into the authorities' response concluded in 2023 that police could have prevented the attack had they acted on a tip-off from a foreign intelligence agency. Advertisement Advertisement Two forensic psychiatric experts concluded in court that Bhatti has severe dissocial personality disorder and meets the criteria for psychopathy, though they determined he still remains criminally responsible for his actions. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik in Oslo and Soren Jeppesen in Copenhagen; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Gareth Jones) The 11th annual NRF Foundation Honors in New York City has raised $2.7m to back retail careers via training, scholarships and professional development programmes, organisers reported. The fundraising event, attended by more than 700 industry representatives, brought attention to workforce development and talent cultivation in the global retail sector. Fundraising for retail careers and training initiatives The NRF Foundation Honors operates as a key retail careers funding initiative designed to channel support into education and workforce resources. Advertisement Advertisement The funds raised at the gala will be directed towards career development schemes including scholarships, retail training and credentialing programmes aimed at early talent and experienced professionals alike. Hosted by American Express and PwC, the event highlighted the foundations strategy to foster industry-ready talent and equip individuals with the skills needed for careers in retail. The foundations RISE Up training and credentialing programme, notable for its industry-recognised credentials, is among the core initiatives supported by these funds. Recognising leadership and emerging talent A central feature of the honours event was the presentation of industry awards that acknowledge leadership and innovation within retail. Advertisement Advertisement Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Chief Executive Officer Fran Horowitz received The Visionary award for her contributions to brand development and sector leadership. The List of People Shaping Retails Future 2026 included senior figures from nationwide and international retailers, with honourees such as e.l.f. Beautys Chief Marketing Officer and executives from Brooklinen, Walmart and PacSun. In addition, five store leaders were spotlighted for their operational excellence and community impact. Scholarship awards and industry partnerships The 2026 NRF Foundation Next Generation Scholarship was awarded to Sarah Starko of Babson College, recognising academic excellence and potential for leadership in retail. A team from the University of North Texas secured top team honours in the NRF Foundation University Challenge, a competition that showcases strategic retail acumen. Advertisement Advertisement The Door was named RISE Up Partner of the Year for its implementation of the RISE Up training programme, underlining the role of external organisations in expanding access to retail career pathways. The award presented by Old Navy reflects effective collaboration between industry and nonprofit training partners. Since its inception in 2015, NRF Foundation Honors has served as a flagship retail careers event, spotlighting the industrys career opportunities and supporting initiatives that connect people with sustainable employment and development in retail. "NRF foundation raises $2.7m to support US retail training and careers" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. A nursing home operator pardoned by President Donald Trump has been released from an Arkansas prison. (Getty Images) A nursing home owner who was pardoned by President Donald Trump has been paroled in Arkansas, less than a month after he was ordered to a state prison. Joseph Schwartz was granted parole by the Arkansas Post Prison Transfer Board, according to an email sent Thursday by a notification system that tells the public about an offenders change in status. Advertisement Advertisement Schwartz had been ordered last month to prison to serve out his sentence on state Medicaid fraud and tax evasion charges. Schwartz, of New York, was three months into a three-year federal sentence for tax fraud when Trump pardoned him in November. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin filed a petition last month seeking that Schwartz serve out the rest of his state sentence. We will review the Post Prison Transfer Boards decision and will continue to ensure that Joseph Schwartz meets all requirements of his plea agreements, Jeff LeMaster, a spokesperson for Griffins office, said. An attorney for Schwartz did not immediately return a call Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Schwartz pleaded guilty in 2024 in federal court for his role in a $38 million tax fraud scheme involving nursing homes he owned across the country. An Arkansas judge last month rejected Schwartzs argument that the three months he served in federal prison made him immediately eligible for state parole. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The NYPD is enhancing security at houses of worship on Staten Island following a string of recent disturbances at Catholic churches. That includes an incident that happened at St. Ann's Church in Dongan Hills last week where a man stormed the altar, disrupted the sermon and got into a fight with two officers who tried to stop him. Matthew Caffrey, 28, is charged with assaulting an officer and resisting arrest. Advertisement Advertisement That incident last Friday morning is the latest in a string of crimes at Catholic churches across Staten Island. "People should feel safe in their sanctuary and be able to worship freely," said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. On Thursday, community leaders spoke out against the wrongdoing and announced a boosted police presence at religious institutions across the borough. "We have also dispatched our community affairs officers to make regular visits to all of our churches," said NYPD Staten Island Borough Commander Melissa Eger. Father Jacob Thumma says surveillance cameras captured another man taking feces from a cup and smearing it on the front door of St. Sylvester ahead of Christmas morning mass. Advertisement Advertisement Police say two other incidents from recent weeks are also under investigation. "Four burglaries were committed at Sacred Heart Church, where a number of laptops and other items, including candy, were stolen," Eger said. "Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with those crimes. In another case at St. Roch's Church, an individual entered a window and stole a towel." Police say they have arrested the suspects in all the incidents. Religious leaders believe Caffrey and the suspect accused of desecrating St. Sylvester highlight a bigger issue. "We must continue to invest in mental health resources to support families, provide timely intervention before a crisis occurs," Thumma said. Advertisement Advertisement It's an effort the Richmond County District Attorney's Office says it is working on with its alternatives to incarceration program. For now, they are making a promise to those targeting religious institutions: that all perpetrators are held accountable. Thumma said they used to leave doors open after worship, but now they lock the doors in light of the uptick in crime. They hope with the added police presence, they won't have to do that anymore. ---------- * More Staten Island news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. NEXT Insurance has adopted a new name and identity, rebranding as ERGO NEXT Insurance as it formalises its integration with ERGO. ERGO Group, a subsidiary of Munich Re, concluded the acquisition of the US-based property and casualty (P&C) insurer in July 2025. The process began in March 2025 when ERGO Group signed an agreement to acquire NEXT Insurance, valuing the US-based insurer at $2.6bn. NEXT Insurance, established in 2016, specialises in digital insurance solutions tailored for small business owners in the US. With the rebranding, ERGO NEXT brings together technology from its operations with the financial resources of ERGO and Munich Re. The organisation will continue to focus on providing insurance for small businesses across the US, maintaining its digital-first approach to coverage and service delivery. ERGO NEXT marketing VP Joon-Soo Kim said: By visually aligning our brands, we are ensuring our identity reflects both the strong foundation of ERGO and Munich Re and the digital-first experience that NEXT brings to small commercial insurance. The new brand identity is now visible across ERGO NEXTs official website, social media accounts and communications. A broader implementation of the updated branding is planned over the coming months. ERGO NEXT chief product officer Effi Fuks-Leichtag commented: ERGO NEXT has reached a pivotal point in its evolution. With ERGOs backing, we are focused on accelerating how we build and scale our platform so agents and small businesses can move faster, plan further ahead and grow on a foundation designed for the long term. "NEXT Insurance changes name to ERGO NEXT Insurance" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. A Northeast Ohio sheriff's deputy is under investigation after he reportedly posted a photo on Facebook that seemingly made light of the fatal Jan. 7 federal immigration agent shooting of Renee Good. A screenshot of the post, which the Beacon Journal could not independently verify, circulated on social media starting last week. The post is a meme featuring Patrick Star from "SpongeBob SquarePants" with a cratered hole for a face, singed black at the edges. The caption reads, "when you try to ram ICE with your car and they blow your s*** smoove off." Advertisement Advertisement The image refers to the controversial shooting death of Good, 37, who was shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. Pattern of force: Moving cars, panic, gunfire. Immigration shootings fit growing pattern Chief Bill Holland, public information officer for the Summit County sheriff's office, confirmed the deputy is under investigation, noting that no disciplinary action has been taken against him. Posted by Serve The People Akron on Facebook, an apparent email from the sheriff's office states the deputy "will face discipline" after a disciplinary committee found the deputy had committed misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement It remains unclear whether the deputy will be disciplined. More on the Minneapolis fatal shooting Videos of the Jan. 7 encounter showed multiple law enforcement officers approach Good's SUV, which was stopped in the middle of a street. One officer attempted to open the driver's side door, as someone says, "Get out of the (expletive) car," USA TODAY reported. Video: Video analysis shows how fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis unfolded Lawyers comment: After Renee Good ICE shooting, lawyers for family launch investigation Good briefly reversed her vehicle and started to drive forward, turning to the right. As the vehicle began to move forward, the officer, standing near the front driver's side, drew his gun and fired multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement The SUV then sped down the street and crashed into a parked vehicle. Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio sheriff's deputy investigated for Renee Good ICE shooting meme CHEYENNE The capital city is full of rich history dating back to the 1800s. From the Union Pacific Railroad to wildlife conservation to Hawaiian cowboys, the possibilities for discussion and exploration are endless. With the new monthly lecture series, Discover and Discuss starting at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum on Jan. 22, history buffs and Wyomingites looking for something to do in the cold months can all find themselves thoroughly satiated. Bryci Achter, the volunteer coordinator at the CFD Old West Museum since last February, said the museum staff came up with the idea a couple of months ago after doing some digging online about Wyoming history and reading various historical articles written by the American Heritage Center, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Wyoming Humanities and more. Advertisement Advertisement I was reading through, and I thought that itd be interesting if we could give the community an opportunity to kind of talk to the people who had written these (articles) and be exposed to these other aspects of history that may be a little less common, Achter told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Most of Achters job entails being in charge of the volunteers, but when she heard about the idea to start a new lecture series, she knew she wanted to spearhead it. The series is free of charge, and each lecture is designed to complement the museums artifacts and exhibits. The first lecture will be given by Jim Ehernberger, a Cheyenne local who worked at the Union Pacific Railroad for 35 years, holding more than 40 positions with UPRR from 1953 until he retired in 1988. Hell be taking people through the early days of the railroad, examining how railroads shaped Cheyenne and the industry. Advertisement Advertisement Leslie Waggener and Tana Libolt from the University of Wyomings American Heritage Center; Mike Kassel, the associate director and curator at the Old West Museum; Wyoming Game and Fishs Chelsea Escalante and David Wolfman are among the many speakers scheduled through the summer. Other topics range from the history of Mexican-American beet farmers in Wyoming; Native Americans contributions to the state, which will be in tandem with CFDs theme this year, The Year of the American Indian and Wyomings history regarding womens suffrage. Honestly, the most challenging thing to navigate has been narrowing (the speakers) down, said Achter. There are so many interesting things and people out there, and we kind of have a lot of other events going on at the museum, so were maxing out in the summer. There are scheduled talks for every month through July, with three talks in June alone. Theres also a talk planned out in November featuring Brigida R. Blasi, a public historian with the Department of American Cultural Studies at the University of Wyoming. Shell be talking about Black miners and cowboys in West, and highlighting their contributions to Wyomings mining and ranching history. According to a press release sent out Tuesday, additional talks are planned for August, and possibly September and October, with speakers and topics to be announced. Possible subjects include Wyoming frontier figures such as Tom Horn and the Julian Gallows, Frank Melbourne, Congressman Frank Mondell, and others. Advertisement Advertisement Details on the upcoming lecture series and future lectures can be found on the Facebook page for the CFD Old West Museum, or its website at oldwestmuseum.org/event-calendar. Each person was contacted by the Old West Museum and then asked to give a small pitch or summary of their talk, and encouraged to make a Powerpoint presentation to go along with their talk. Well have each lecture be about an hour long, and then afterward, people will be able to ask any questions they had about it, said Achter. We just wanted to make sure that this was something accessible for the community and for it to be kind of a way for the museum to give back. Museums are here in large part to educate people, and this is a great opportunity to do that. Theres no limit to how many people can come or RSVP to the event, and so far, 80 people are already signed up for Ehernbergers lecture. Achter also teased that theyll be raffling off memberships at the event. I think its going to be more popular than we thought, she added. Were just super excited. ... Hopefully we can continue the series next year, so all of the people that maybe we didnt get an opportunity to speak this year will have an opportunity in 2027. One person was killed and several people were injured when a locomotive collided with a bus in the German northern city of Hamburg, the fire brigade said on Friday. The bus driver is in critical condition while two passengers sustained severe injuries, a spokesman said. Another six people on the bus were also injured. The crash took place at an unsecured railway crossing in Hamburg's Wilhelsburg district near the city's port on Friday afternoon, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Some 40 rescue forces were deployed to the scene of the accident and the area was temporarily closed off. The cause of the crash remained initially unclear. Images of the incident show severe damage to the bus's front and side. Emergency forces retrieved the passengers through the vehicles' burst front window. If you're a business owner in Florida and you have only one employee, you might soon have to use E-Verify too. The Florida House of Representatives on Jan. 15 passed a bill that would remove the 25-employee threshold in current law. If the House gets its way, all businesses, no matter how many people they employ, will have to use E-Verify, the federal online system that allows employers to confirm whether new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States. Rep. Berny Jacques, a Seminole Republican and sponsor of the bill, filed a similar bill last year, but it never had a chance in the Senate. Jacques believes his measure's chances of success are better in the 2026 legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement "If this bill passes it will expose a lot of lawbreakers that are harming Floridians, harming law-abiding people who want to get into the workforce, harming law-abiding businesses," Jacques said on the House floor. Rep. Berny Jacques stands for the pledge of allegiance during opening day of the Florida legislative session. "This system, if it's applied to to all, the competition will be fair to all," he added. Jacques' bill builds off a Florida law (SB 1718) that passed in 2023, dubbed one of the toughest immigration laws at the time. That bill originally required E-Verify for all businesses, but the final iteration set the limit at those with more than 25 employees, which is still law. But this year it's different. Now there's a Senate companion bill sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers this year, unlike years past when Republicans were hesitant to make a move against business interests. Advertisement Advertisement And since President Donald Trump took office for his second term, Florida has positioned itself at the forefront of illegal immigration enforcement, a move that has been pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican leaders. Construction workers, alleged to be in the country illegally, are shackled together during an Immigration and Customs raid May 29 in Tallahassee. Would Florida businesses be punished for not using E-Verify? The bill punishes businesses that fail to use the E-Verify system three times in any 24-month period a fine of $1,000 per day until the employer provides proof of compliance. Noncompliance constitutes grounds for the suspension of all licenses issued by a licensing agency subject. Democrats argued E-Verify is unreliable and that an I-9 form suffices to check if someone is approved to work. "At a time when where these communities are under attack, we don't need to add any more fuel to that fire," said Rep. Dotie Joseph, D-Miami. Stop doing the most, just leave hard working immigrants alone." Advertisement Advertisement While the House bill passed with 80 yeas and 30 nays, the Senate version of the E-Verify bill has yet to be heard in committee. Ana Goni-Lessan, government impact reporter for the USA TODAY Network Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Have only 1 employee in Florida? You might have to use E-Verify too Ontario Premier Doug Ford isnt mincing words about Canadas new electric vehicle deal with China, saying Friday that Chinese manufacturers are gaining a foothold in the countrys auto market at the expense of workers in this country. The federal government is inviting a flood of cheap made-in-China electric vehicles without any real guarantee of equal or immediate investments in Canadas economy, auto sector or supply chain, Ford said in a statement issued shortly after news of the deal broke. Worse, by lowering tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles this lopsided deal risks closing the door on Canadian automakers to the American market, our largest export destination, which would hurt our economy and lead to job losses. Advertisement Advertisement Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, in a move that marks a major shift in the relationship between the two countries. As part of the deal, Carney says he expects China to lower tariffs on Canadian canola to 15 per cent by March. China will also no longer slap tariffs on Canadian canola meal, lobsters, crab and peas from March until at least the end of 2026. In return, Canada will allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into the market at a tariff rate of 6.1 per cent. The federal government noted the 49,000 vehicles subject to a lower tariff represents less than three per cent of the Canadian market for new auto sales. It said it's the same volume of EVs that came in from China in 2023-2024 before Canada hiked tariffs along with the United States in an effort to protect domestic industries. Advertisement Advertisement While the deal comes with tariff relief on agricultural products, there's no promise to invest in Canadian auto manufacturing. The government says that "it is expected" that within three years, the agreement will drive new Chinese joint-venture investment in Canada. According to provincial figures, over 90,000 workers are employed in Ontario's auto sector, with over 1.3 million vehicles built in 2024. Feds should focus on Ontario auto sector, Ford says Ford said that in order to fix what hes calling a mess, Carney and the federal government will need to urgently support the provinces auto sector. Advertisement Advertisement The premier went on to call on Carney to scrap the electric vehicle mandate, harmonize regulations with trading partners, and drop federal fees that, he alleges, add to the cost of making vehicles and chase away investments. Instead of importing made-in-China vehicles, the federal government needs to be focused on working with Ontario to bring investment and jobs to factory floors in Brampton, Oshawa, Ingersoll and across the province, where assembly lines are at risk or have already left the country, Ford said. Im urging Prime Minister Carney to work with Ontario to strengthen Canadas auto industry, not weaken it. Speaking with reporters at an unrelated event in Toronto Friday, Ford said he had no consultation with Carney before the deal was made and alleged that the prime minister hadnt consulted with auto makers. Advertisement Advertisement Ford also said he didnt think news of the deal would go over well when it comes to negotiating with U.S. President Donald Trump. This was not thought out properly, it wasnt consulted, it was a knee-jerk reaction, and this is going to be a big, big problem," Ford said. Trump, for his part, called the deal between China and Canada "OK" when speaking to reporters outside the White House Friday, and said it's what Carney "should be doing." "It's a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China, you should do that," Trump said. A fight to maintain jobs Peter Frise, a professor of mechanical and automotive engineering at the University of Windsor, concurred that 49,000 vehicles represents about three per cent of the Canadian market, adding that's the number of cars that Stellantis's Windsor Assembly Plant would produce in 30 to 35 days. Advertisement Advertisement He also said the average purchase price of a vehicle in Canada right now is in the $40,000 range. This deal covers vehicles priced at $33,000 or less, and other cars sold at that price are already manufactured offshore. "This doesn't compete head to head with any Canadian production, especially in the EV end of the market," Frise told CBC Windsor. Jeff Gray, head of the union local that represents auto workers at the General Motors plant in Oshawa, Ont., said as details of the deal are fresh, he is still digesting the news. The Unifor Local 222 president then went on to say that it does seem seem like the auto sector has been "compromised by our federal government. Advertisement Advertisement By allowing these Chinese EVs into our country that are heavily subsidized by a communist government, it doesnt make us feel very good," Gray said in an interview with Radio-Canada. Its absolutely going to have an impact on the auto sector here in Ontario, and we need to continue to fight to maintain these good-paying jobs. NDP accuse premier of doing nothing, then complaining Ontario opposition NDP Leader Marit Stiles, meanwhile, slammed both Ford and Carney in a statement Friday morning, calling the news a "crushing blow" to the province's auto sector. Its the same Doug Ford playbook; do nothing, then complain to grab headlines," Stiles said. "Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe flew to China with the Prime Minister to advocate for his provinces canola farmers. Advertisement Advertisement "Meanwhile, Ford was sitting at home, leaving Ontario workers with no one to fight for them. If youre not at the table, youre not fit for Premier." NDP Leader Marit Stiles is accusing Ford of doing nothing about the deal, then complaining to 'grab headlines.' (Alex Lupul/CBC) Ontario Liberal critic for finance and trade, Stephanie Bowman, similarly called Ford an "armchair quarterback" who is avoiding responsibility for things that are within his control, in a statement issued Friday. When it comes to trade and tariffs, Doug Fords entire contribution has been running a reckless ad campaign that blew up negotiations south of the border, theatrically pouring out a bottle of Crown Royal, and making empty threats," Bowman said. "None of that protects a single job. If Chinese electric vehicles are going to enter the Canadian market, then we must also work with Chinese EV companies to create good, strong, safe jobs for Ontario workers, which this deal opens the door to." After a firebombing attack on a synagogue in Jackson, Miss. over the weekend, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani rushed to post on X with a familiar script. Im horrified by this violent act of antisemitism, he wrote. As hatred rears its ugly head across our nation, it is incumbent upon each of us to reject it with the unity it fears, and to stand steadfast alongside our Jewish brothers and sisters. It was a polished statement. It was also hollow. Advertisement Advertisement The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition of antisemitism, designed to identify and prevent precisely these kinds of attacks, is one of the safeguards Mamdani himself repealed in his very first hours in office. That definition might have come in handy in his newfound effort to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters. But in the absence of law, platitudes will have to do. Mamdani had been silent when chants of globalize the intifada echoed through New Yorks streets. In Jackson, we saw what that rhetoric looks like when it metastasizes into violence. And yet, instead of strengthening protections for the Jewish community, the citys new mayor has done the opposite, dismantling the very anti-discrimination rules meant to stop antisemitism before it turns bloody. Newly minted Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani has his priorities clear: In his first hours in office, he set to work structurally dismantling the anti-discrimination rules that protect New Yorks historic Jewish population, piece by piece. Mamdani appears to have confirmed the worst fears of Jewish groups who warned he could quietly tear down the citys support for Israel. Rather than openly reverse those policies, Mamdani used a sweeping executive order aimed at erasing his predecessor Eric Adams legacy as political cover to revoke pro-Israel measures, according to a report. Aides worried that a direct rollback on day one would provoke backlash. Advertisement Advertisement This stripping of protections is deeply personal for me. As students at New York University, my peers and I were repeatedly attacked for our identity until the New York Police Department ultimately stepped in. Even after two members of the schools anti-Israel group, Students for Justice in Palestine, were arrested for assault, property damage and reckless endangerment, the school rewarded that organization for its Exemplary Contributions to the NYU Community. Incidents that administrators would have condemned if directed at any other group were normalized and celebrated when directed at Jews. When I sought recourse, I was told that Title VI applies only to race, ethnicity, and national origin, not to religion. Judaism, I was informed, was merely a faith, implying that our harassment fell outside civil-rights protections. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. religion-based hate crimes target Jews, according to FBI statistics, even though our community comprises less than 2 percent of the national population. In the first three months following Hamass Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, antisemitic attacks rose by 361 percent compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the Anti-Defamation League. In New York alone, the police report that anti-Jewish crimes accounted for a majority (54 percent) of the 641 total hate crimes against all minorities reported to police in 2024. As explained by the National Jewish Advocacy Center, Mayor Zohran Mamdanis executive order downgrading direct oversight of NYPD intelligence, does nothing to protect New Yorkers from continued antisemitic violence and potential terror threats. Advertisement Advertisement Thats why Mayor Mamdanis additional rollback of safeguards for Jews is so chilling. Noteworthy among measures repealed was one executive order requiring demonstrations be set back 15 to 60 feet from places of worship. The measure allowed peaceful, First Amendment-compliant gatherings to continue while giving a modest buffer of safety. This was a key preventative since the October 2023 attack on Israel, synagogues across New York City have been repeatedly targeted. Another of Mamdanis day-one nullifications withdrew the citys adoption of the globally recognized definition of antisemitism codified by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Mamdani has also targeted our economic security by abolishing a pre-existing executive order that prevents government officials from taking divestment actions that are discriminatory against Israel, Israeli citizens, or entities associated with Israel. Mamdanis has long supported the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, which calls for Israels economic isolation in order to force the end of its existence. The U.S. State Department has identified this movement as a manifestation of antisemitism, and the German government has classified it as an extremist [threat]. New York City currently has more than $300 million invested in Israeli bonds and other Israeli assets. To endanger those investments could trigger a financial catastrophe for the city and its citizens. What does Mamdani care about more: the safety and security of the city he runs or his own personal animus against a foreign country? Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani defended his abandonment of our community by claiming that a number of leading Jewish organizations were aligned with his policies. He is in fact using fringe groups as a thin Jewish mask to deflect criticism. Jewish Voice for Peace, for example whose aim is to dismantle Israel as a state has almost no support among American Jews, 76 percent of whom say Israels existence is vital for the future of Jews in general. In fact, an unusually broad constellation of leading Jewish groups groups actually representative of various and diverse currents of Jewish opinion blasted Mamdanis reversal of the prior administrations safeguards against discrimination. Singling out Israel for sanctions is not the way to make Jewish New Yorkers feel included and safe, the groups said in a joint statement. For centuries, New York has been a safe refuge for Jews fleeing genocide and persecution from around the globe. Unless Mamdani changes course soon, those days may soon come to an end. Adela Cojab Moadeb is a legal fellow at the National Jewish Advocacy Center. She holds a J.D. from Cardozo School of Law and a B.A. from New York University. 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. Geography still matters, and the Arctic is becoming more strategically relevant. Hence President Trumps incessant remarks about annexing, buying, or even conquering Greenland. Where arguments for acquiring Greenland fail including the one recently made in The Hill by John Mac Ghlionn is in assuming that formal ownership of that territory is either necessary or prudent for U.S. security. The error here is to treat realism as a license to ignore costs that do not fit neatly into a balance-of-power ledger. Realism, including the strain associated with John Mearsheimer, is a tool for understanding competition, not a mandate for maximalist outcomes. Even within realist logic, the U.S. already possesses exactly what it needs in Greenland: basing rights, surveillance infrastructure, freedom of operation, and treaty-backed access secured through Denmark and NATO. Advertisement Advertisement These are not symbolic concessions they are operational realities. To claim that sovereignty must change hands to preserve advantage is to mistake leverage for ownership. Alliances, far from being mere sentimental ties that add costs, come with strategic variables. Power is not exercised in a vacuum. U.S. global influence rests not only on geography and hardware, but also on credibility and the belief among allies that our security guarantees do not double as conditional property claims. Undermining that trust to solve a problem that already has workable solutions is not realism; it is self-inflicted risk. Mac Ghlionn is guilty of selectively invoking history. The acquisitions of the Louisiana Purchase, Alaska, Panama, and Gibraltar occurred in vastly different legal, diplomatic, and imperial contexts different from one another and different from today. They predate the modern international system the U.S. itself helped build one in which alliance cohesion, consent, and legitimacy are force multipliers, not luxuries. To argue otherwise is to assume the U.S. can discard the rules it benefits from without consequence. Most notably, the argument sidelines Greenlanders themselves. Acknowledging self-rule while declaring sovereignty negotiable when great powers feel threatened is not hard-headed analysis; it is a normative assertion that smaller polities matter only until they dont. That position may be blunt, but bluntness does not make it correct or strategically wise. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. does not face a binary choice between imperial acquisition and strategic retreat. It can expand Arctic capabilities, deepen cooperation with Denmark and Greenland, invest in infrastructure, and counter Russian and Chinese influence without turning an allys territory into a stress test for American dominance. Those options exist today, at lower cost and higher legitimacy. Realism does not require the abandonment of restraint. It requires clarity about interests, trade-offs, and second-order effects. By that standard, treating an acquisition of Greenland as inevitable or necessary is not realism at all. It is merely overreach disguised as inevitability. Heather Waters is an enterprise software product marketer. 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. Stock image of a family unloading a moving truck. (Getty Images) If youve become accustomed to headlines about Oregon losing population as people flee the state, be prepared for something different. Not massively different. Just another way of looking at the states trajectory. Depending on the statistician judging it, Oregons population growth early in this decade was soft, at times nonexistent, maybe even falling off slightly; Conventional wisdom began to develop that, for example, the state may lose its newly-acquired 6th Congressional District after the 2030 census as a result of not keeping up with the national average. Advertisement Advertisement Were still some distance from that next census, so hard predictions are risky. But the most recent indicators are that Oregons growth patterns are kicking in again as they werent three and four years ago. The most distinctive data point, especially for anyone in the Oregon-in-decline mindset, came days ago from United Van Lines. Its 2025 national movers study ranked Oregon highest in the nation among the 50 states for net inbound moves 1,188 inbound (from other states) to 654 outbound. The next five ranked states were West Virginia, South Carolina, Delaware, Minnesota and Idaho, states that dont fall on any easy ideological line. (New Jersey, New York and California brought up the end of the list.) The company also tracked reasons for the moves, and while Oregon didnt rank especially high for purposes of retirement, moving closer to family or better cost of living, it did rank high for lifestyle change and new job or company transfer. That suggests Oregon is looking better to people around the country. The company seems not to have tracked political or cultural reasons, though those might be hard to reliably obtain. In the most recent study from U-Haul, the other large industry evaluator, Oregon ranked lower. But it still did much better than in previous years; U-Haul noted, Oregon enjoys the largest year-over-year climb on the index, ranking 11th as a net-gain state in 2025 after ranking 34th as a net-loss state in 2024 a jump of 23 positions. Advertisement Advertisement These company reports are, of course, more in the area of anecdotal information than comprehensive statistics. So lets take a little wider view. State population growth comes in two ways, either natural growth (births exceeding deaths) or arrivals from other places exceeding departures. Oregons natural growth long has been soft, so much of the picture hinges on moves to and from other states. In the last decade, from 2010 to 2020, Oregon grew by about 11.9%, more than the overall national growth rate of 9.6%. The COVID-19 year of 2020 slowed that, as the state still grew but very slightly (about 0.7%), this time less than the nation overall. In the next couple of years population growth hit the brakes even more, and seemed to stall almost completely in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Since then, clearer growth has returned, albeit modestly. The U.S. Bureau of the Census and Portland State University are the main comprehensive analysts of population statistics. The Census said that Oregon lost population in 2022, but has since resumed growth. PSU has reported somewhat higher numbers. In overview, the statistics site NCH Stats said As of 2025, Oregons population is estimated at 4,227,340, reflecting a steady growth rate of 0.89%, which ranks it as the 22nd fastest-growing state in the country according to the World Population Review. This places Oregon among the states experiencing moderate population increases, aligning with its reputation as an attractive destination for residents. Of course, such growth as Oregon has seen hasnt been evenly distributed. Advertisement Advertisement The Portland metro area has seen growth light enough to drop it from 25 to 26 in size among the nations largest metro areas. Portland and to some degree Multnomah County have had mostly sluggish growth in this decade. But neighboring Washington and Clackamas Counties have had plenty of activity. And the heaviest growth has turned up in the region around Bend, in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties. The counties which have seen the highest proportional growth have been Crook and Sherman Counties, east of the Cascades places where growth in data centers has been especially large. Apart from psychological and economic considerations, the level of population in Oregon matters because the 6th congressional district seat, which the state added in 2022, could remain here or go somewhere else, to a faster-growing state. Advertisement Advertisement If Oregons numbers held at the 2022 and 2023 levels, that seat might well vanish. But if some of the newer indicators hold up in the next few years, so might the states congressional representation. Not to mention the states overall state of mind. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX OREM, Utah (ABC4) A man charged with manufacturing over 70 explosives has pleaded guilty in federal court before being ordered to be released into a recovery center. In April 2025, Eric Nathaniel Whitaker, 42, was arrested after police found dozens of explosive devices in his home. He was later charged with 75 counts of manufacturing or possessing a weapon of mass destruction. An object wrapped in duct tape On Apr. 25, 2025, Whitaker waved a gun around at the Provo Towne Center Mall. Police later found an object wrapped in duct tape with a fuse attached. Advertisement Advertisement The bomb squad later identified the device to be an improvised explosive device packed with nails and metal pellets. After investigating further, police found 71 more explosive devices at Whitakers residence. He reported to police that he had felt threatened after being involved in a road rage incident, which is why he pulled out his gun. Charges move to federal court After being charged, Whitaker faced up to 15 years to life in state prison for each count of manufacturing a weapon of mass destruction. However, on Dec. 15, 2025, Whitaker was charged in federal court with possession of an unregistered destructive device. The U.S. Attorney decided to file federal charges covering the same crimes that we had charged, Utah County Attorney Christopher D. Ballard told ABC4.com. Advertisement Advertisement Whitaker was, however, only charged with one count of possession of a destructive device, rather than 75. Soon after the new federal charges were filed, all 75 of Whitakers state charges were dismissed. Just weeks after being charged federally, Whitaker pleaded guilty acknowledging that the unregistered destructive device was in or could have easily been put in operating condition. Conditions of release In a statement prior to pleading guilty, Whitaker waived his rights to seized materials from the investigation including: Commercial fireworks Gun powder Nails Fuses Flares Firearm ammunition A tote containing debris of an exploded device and a paint can with vented devices and powder inside. Advertisement Advertisement Documents show Whitaker was ordered to be released from U.S. Marshal custody on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, should he successfully post bond and comply with all other conditions for release. Current documents show he remains in federal custody. However, in a hearing Monday he was ordered to be released to a recovery center. Whitakers attorney declined to comment on the case. 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. Torrential rains and flooding have killed more than 100 people in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, with forecasters warning more severe weather is on the way. South Africa has reported at least 19 deaths in two of its northern provinces following heavy rains that began last month and led to severe flooding. Tourists and staff members were evacuated this week by helicopter from flooded camps to other areas in the renowned Kruger National Park, which is closed to visitors while parts of it are inaccessible because of washed-out roads and bridges, South Africa's national parks agency said. Advertisement Advertisement In neighbouring Mozambique, the Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction said 103 people had died in an unusually severe rainy season since late last year. Elephants making the most of the heavy rain near Hoedspruit in South Africa Those deaths were from various causes, including electrocution from lightning strikes, drowning in floods, infrastructure collapse caused by the severe weather and cholera, the institute said. The worst flooding in Mozambique has been in the central and southern regions, where more than 200,000 people have been affected, thousands of homes have been damaged, and tens of thousands face evacuation. Advertisement Advertisement Zimbabwes disaster management agency said that 70 people have died and more than 1,000 homes have been destroyed in heavy rains since the beginning of the year, while infrastructure, including schools, roads and bridges collapsed. Flooding has also hit the island nation of Madagascar, Malawi and Zambia. Authorities in Madagascar said 11 people died in floods since late November. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-stricken areas in the northern Limpopo province on Thursday and said that the region had received around 400 millimetres (more than 15 inches) of rain in less than a week. Thousands of people have been evacuated as a result of the floods He said that in one district he visited, there are 36 houses that have just been wiped away from the face of the Earth. Everything is gone ... the roofs, the walls, the fences, everything. Advertisement Advertisement The flooding occurred in the Limpopo and Mpumalanaga provinces in the north, and the South African Weather Service issued a red-level 10 alert for parts of the country for Friday, warning of more heavy rain and flooding that poses a threat to lives and could cause widespread infrastructure damage. The huge Kruger wildlife park, which covers some 22,000 square kilometres (7,722 square miles) across the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, has been impacted by severe flooding, and around 600 tourists and staff members have been evacuated from camps to high-lying areas in the park, Kruger National Park spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli said. The South African army sent helicopters to rescue other people trapped on the roofs of their houses or in trees in northern parts of the country, it said. An army helicopter also rescued border post officers and police officers stranded at a flooded checkpoint on the South Africa-Zimbabwe border. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know Responding to State Sen. Rob Clements, chair of the Legislatures budget-writing Appropriations Committee, Gold said Wednesday: I do not plan to be knocking on your door asking for dollars on this. The deal comes after NU campuses finalized plans to cut $43 million over the past six months, which Gold said is separate from the Clarkson transaction. Gold and the regents have pledged that no state dollars, tuition or research funds will be diverted to cover the deal. NU will need to raise funds in the meantime, which Gold has said would include debt restructuring and monetization of real estate bought under the agreement. $200 million that Clarkson pledges to donate to NU for Project Health in Omaha, a $2.19 billion endeavor to build up the next generation of health care. The transaction , plus a promised donation from Clarkson to NU, is as follows: I said I would heal people, I would do my best, that altruism and humanism and professionalism were key, and that, above all, I swore to do no harm, Gold said Thursday. Dr. Gold said his final analysis on the choice came down to his Hippocratic oath 46 years ago. He said the Clarkson transaction was an extension of that oath. NU President Jeffrey Gold, who was UNMC chancellor between 2014 and 2024, a role that had him chair the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors, said the critically important decision would allow NU to continue to lead in health care. NU and Clarkson, as well as Nebraska Medicine, will finalize the transaction and craft new governing documents in the meantime. Barring major changes to the plan, approved 7-0, the regents would not need to take another vote. Nonprofit Nebraska Medicine is the hospital, clinical and medical services partner to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. LINCOLN The University of Nebraska Board of Regents voted unanimously Thursday to proceed with an $800 million deal with Clarkson Regional Health Services to give NU sole ownership of Nebraska Medicine, which officials anticipate will close by June 30. University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold, right, speaks with state senators and NU regents after a forum with dozens of Nebraska state senators regarding NU's proposal to buy out the share of Nebraska Medicine owned by Clarkson Regional Health Services. At center is Dr. Bill Lydiatt, Clarkson's CEO, and at left is State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte. Jan. 14, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Story Continues Competing arguments That comment came as part of competing Wednesday forums, the other hosted by the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors, which opposed the transaction. A supermajority of Nebraskas 49 state senators or their staff members attended one or both forums. The two events offered, at times, mirror images of the deal and interpretations of contractual language. The Nebraska Medicine board has asserted that its right to negotiate over the future of the nonprofit has not been followed. We continue to believe that a more reasoned, viable alternative can be achieved, one that protects Nebraska Medicines mission, the nonprofit said after Thursdays vote. Leaders of Nebraska Medicine, including Dr. Michael Ash, the nonprofits CEO, at right, and Lance Fritz, chair of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors, hosted a noonhour forum with dozens of state lawmakers ahead of a University of Nebraska Board of Regents vote to buy out the 50% share of Nebraska Medicine co-owner, Clarkson Regional Health Services, the next day. Jan. 14, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) NU announced the proposal Jan. 2. NU officials said it came 18 months after Clarkson first approached NU and said it wanted out of the partnership. Clarkson CEO Dr. Bill Lydiatt, a head and neck surgeon, has said the mission of the two entities diverged, so Clarkson began discussing whether to leave in 2022. Lydiatt told the regents that Clarkson has a vision to make Nebraska the healthiest state in America. The initial focus of Clarksons new work would be behavioral health and wellness for new moms and babies, as well as building the workforce and talent pool for excellence in health care. The shares for NU and Clarkson are each valued at more than $900 million and could reach $1 billion by June, Lydiatt said in a Tuesday email to state senators, which NU provided to the Examiner. The agreement approved Thursday would restrict Clarkson from directly competing with NU for five years after closing, including within a 100-mile radius of Nebraska Medicine, with additional stipulations for the following five years. Nondisclosure agreements Part of the timing of this months vote was dictated by multiple nondisclosure agreements since July 2024, which officials said kept things quiet until Jan. 2. Lance Fritz, chair of the Nebraska Medicine board, told lawmakers that the board refused to enter a nondisclosure agreement that would have included conversations the board wasnt party to. Lance Fritz, chair of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors, speaks at a forum with dozens of Nebraska state senators regarding a University of Nebraska proposal to buy out the share of Nebraska Medicine owned by Clarkson Regional Health Services. Jan. 14, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) In August 2025, Fritz said a new agreement only included future conversations, which the Nebraska Medicine board signed. Board members then begged to be part of negotiations but had basically been stiff-armed, Fritz said. Gold had said the opposite, that Nebraska Medicine negotiators had an unwillingness to return requests to connect. On Dec. 17, Fritz said the board learned of the transaction but still hasnt had a seat at the table. The board organized opposition to the vote, which led to tension with Gold and the regents. Fritz said hes confident the board could find a solution that is less costly, or even of no cost. That includes a replacement partner, he said, if given the chance. Our lawyers say one thing Part of the Nebraska Medicine forum also included asking whether lawmakers should get involved with legislation, such as requiring legislative approval for governmental transactions of any critical asset for the state to an out-of-state entity above a certain dollar amount. State Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse, an attorney, told Fritz that doing so could pick winners and losers. Hallstrom said it sounded as though the deal could be headed to litigation. Could be. I understand and dont disagree with you, Fritz responded. State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk speaks with University of Nebraska Regent Jim Scheer of Norfolk. Jan. 14, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State Sen. Rob Dover of Norfolk asked Fritz why he thought NU would become a bad actor if it hadnt before, to which Fritz said he doesnt label NU as bad but as a wonderful partner. The regents have a duty to the university, not to Nebraska Medicine, Fritz said. We have a duty to Nebraska Medicine. Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln, addressing some of the tension, said some Nebraska Medicine phrasing that the vote was a takeover was fearful and misleading and caused confusion. Our lawyers say one thing, your lawyers say the other, Clare said. Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, chair of the regents board, said Thursday that the vote came on the final day of exclusivity talks with Clarkson. Regents were originally set to meet last Friday, but at the request of lawmakers and Gov. Jim Pillen, according to Kenney the vote was delayed for more public outreach to taxpayers and other stakeholders. By the taxpayers, for the taxpayers Regents largely said the transaction was essential for the states health care future, while some cited the risk of Clarkson going to a for-profit or out-of-state entity as a reason to act. Lydiatt told lawmakers that if the deal failed, Clarkson would have sought a different partner. We can now rest assured that this entity will be owned by the taxpayers, for the taxpayers, for service to the taxpayers, said Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice. Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, center. April 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Said Regent Barbara Weitz of Omaha: This proposal is an appropriate and absolutely essential direction for our university to take. Interim UNMC Chancellor Dele Davies gave a similar analysis, arguing NU could not afford to sit on the sidelines and take the gamble of an unknown new partner. Nebraska Medicine board concerns Speaking with the Nebraska Examiner earlier this week, Fritz said some of his boards concern is that sole ownership could step on its fiduciary role overseeing the nonprofit. He said at some point in the future, NUs interests might not align with Nebraska Medicine. Fritz, as well as a couple of lawmakers, told the Examiner that the threat of Clarkson leaving Nebraska seemed more of a red herring because of contractual language that Fritz said prevented selling to anyone who either NU or Nebraska Medicine doesnt approve of. We could see our resources either deployed to somewhere other than serious medicine, extraordinary care, or we might have a strategic imperative that we want to execute on, that we cant fund because the funding isnt made available to us, Fritz said. Regent Jim Scheer of Norfolk. March 20, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Regents tried to assuage those concerns and argue they dont envision micromanaging Nebraska Medicine, noting that hasnt occurred in the history of the NU-Clarkson partnership dating to 1997. Regent Jim Scheer of Norfolk said he knows that change is always difficult and that saying trust me could appear somewhat hollow, but that you have to trust us until you have noticed that we have not lived up to our end. Scheer, a former speaker of the Legislature, said that in his past 45 years of public service, he could count on probably two fingers something of this magnitude for Nebraskas future. If I fall over, drop dead tomorrow, Ill think Ive done something of major, major importance to the well-being of the State of Nebraska, Scheer continued. Trying to build a bridge UNMC Student Regent Brock Calamari also supported the vote, as did NUs three other officially nonvoting student regents. Calamari said if regents ever get in the way of evidence-based administration at Nebraska Medicine or interfere with the patient-physician relationship, then voters should hold regents accountable. University of Nebraska Medical Center Student Regent Brock Calamari. Oct. 3, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) At that point, they can and should be kicked out of office, Calamari said. Clare said there are fences to mend, and Scheer said he hopes everyone can take a deep breath, not do something that is going to be inflammatory, thats going to cause problems for us to try to work together. Were trying to build a bridge here, and its got to come from both sides, Scheer said. No greater treasure than health Gold, too, addressed the tension with state lawmakers. He described some of Nebraska Medicines communication to patients as just heartless and frankly inexplicable to me. Interim University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Dele Davies. Jan. 15, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Fritz and Dr. Michael Ash, the CEO of Nebraska Medicine, told the Examiner they know care wont be impacted and that the focus on providing world-class care remains. I have no concerns there, and there should be zero impact to that, Ash said. Ash said that Nebraska Medicine is doing incredibly well and pointed to the saying that if it aint broke, dont try to fix it. Davies, UNMCs chancellor, committed to representing the concerns voiced by Nebraska Medicines board and ensuring the vital Nebraska nonprofit remains among the very best in the nation: We [UNMC and Nebraska Medicine] are already virtually the same organization and cannot afford to be divided. At the end of the day, there is no greater treasure than health, Davies continued, and our responsibility is to protect that treasure for every single Nebraskan. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Yuliia Dysa KYIV, Jan 16 (Reuters) - A majority of Ukrainians would strongly oppose withdrawing troops from the part of the eastern Donetsk region still controlled by Kyiv in exchange for European and U.S. security guarantees, a poll released on Friday indicated. Ukraine, wary of unmet commitments in the past, is pushing for legally binding security guarantees to prevent any future Russian aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine is under U.S. pressure to agree quickly to a peace deal, but has refused to accept Russian demands that it cede land it still controls in eastern Donbas, a large mineral-rich industrial area comprising the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Russia controls almost all of Luhansk, but Kyiv still holds about 20% of Donetsk, including a string of strategically vital garrison towns and defensive lines. According to the poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), 54% of Ukrainians categorically reject the idea of withdrawing from parts of Donbas in return for security reassurances from allies. Some 39% said they would reluctantly accept. Advertisement Advertisement "Moreover, those who are ready to agree expect quite significant security guarantees. Therefore, if the level of security guarantees is lower than expected, approval of such a proposal will be even lower," said KIIS executive director Anton Hrushetskyi. The survey was conducted in early January among 601 respondents on Ukrainian-controlled territory. Almost 70% did not believe current negotiations would lead to a lasting peace. Some 57% believed Russia would attack again in the event of a ceasefire at the current frontlines and security guarantees from allies. However, even if security guarantees were given, 40% believed the U.S. would not provide support in the event of renewed Russian invasion, while 39% thought it would. Advertisement Advertisement Russia has publicly shown little interest in scaling down its demands and made few comments regarding the 20-point peace framework that Ukraine and the U.S. have been trying to finalise. Instead, Russia has stepped up air strikes, significantly damaging already shattered energy infrastructure and leaving millions without power and heating in freezing temperatures. (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Kevin Liffey) The Oklahoma Water Resources Board presented a check for $13.52 million during a routine meeting Tuesday night. The OWRB loan for $13,335,000 was presented to Duncan Public Utilities Authority and funds will go toward making improvements to the water and wastewater infrastructure. During a previous council meeting, City Manager Chris Deal said the loan would be for no more than $13.52 million, at less than 6.5% interest. The loan terms would expire Oct. 1, 2055. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 13, Deal said the loan was approved Dec. 17, 2025. Mayor Robert Armstrong said the city appreciates working with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. We always appreciate working together to fix some old problems, old infrastructure, just like every other community in state of Oklahoma, Armstrong said. City leaders gathered for a photo opportunity with the OWRB representatives. Carmen Funez thought it was just another step in her immigration process. But this time, something felt off. While she was waiting in line for a fingerprint appointment at an immigration office in Tampa, she was called forward and taken first. She was led into a private room. She was asked questions about her personal life in front of a video camera. It is something wrong? she asked. No one answered. Funez, 42, was arrested after the appointment at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Application Support Center in a shopping mall on Gunn Highway. A week later, she was deported to Honduras, a country she left nearly 12 years ago after crossing the border with her son Angel, who is now 14. Advertisement Advertisement They grabbed me like people do when they kidnap someone, Funez told the Tampa Bay Times via WhatsApp from San Pedro Sula, where she is living with a sister. I panicked. There are parts I forgot out of fear. I cant remember. The arrest, which lasted only a few seconds and happened on Jan. 2, might have gone unnoticed if not for a bystanderwho recorded it on a phone. In the video, Funez can be heard screaming for help, confused and disoriented, as three officers grab her arms and try to restrain her. For about 20 seconds, no one is heard identifying themselves as law enforcement. Only then does one of the men shout, Stop resisting! Police! Funezs voice changes. OK, OK, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Funezs arrest reflects an increasingly common approach to immigration enforcement that has been denounced by nonprofits, activists and immigration attorneys. They say encounters are becoming more aggressive and violent than ever. Last week, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Minneapolis driver. Funez has a pending petition that would grant her a green card and permanent legal status, filed through her U.S.-born husband, Dan Pfeffer, 36. She also has an asylum petition and a motion to reopen a removal order after a missed hearing in 2015. The couple married six years ago after meeting in Wisconsin and bought a home in Gibsonton last August. Olivia Scott, Funezs immigration attorney, said she was not given an opportunity to speak with Funez or take any action to defend her after she was detained. According to Scott, agents said they could take Funez into custody because her cases were pending. Advertisement Advertisement Now the only guarantee is that if you get detained, you will more likely be deported, Scott said. I never would have sent my client into a dangerous situation like what she experienced. Scott said the officers in the video were with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A spokesperson for the agency didnt respond to a request for comment on Funezs deportation. The video was first aired by Univision Tampa Bay, but at the time it was unclear who the woman was. Days later, Funezs husband contacted a Times reporter to identify her and speak out about what happened. In Gibsonton, Pfeffer said he does not know what to do. For now, his only plan is to make a quick trip to Honduras this weekend to see his wife and try to comfort her. Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to have a plan B when you never imagine something like this happening, Pfeffer said. I wouldnt mind moving to Honduras, but I dont know how I would work, how we would support everyone there. Pfeffer said his wife was trying to follow the process. They already had everything in the system, he said. This appointment felt like an excuse to arrest and deport her. Despite the pain and family separation, Funez said she is grateful she was alone when immigration agents arrested her. It would have been worse if her son had been there, she said, to see her detained like a criminal. Funez said she was transferred to Louisiana the same day as her arrest and held in a detention center there until her deportation with a large group of Honduran immigrants, possibly more than 100 people, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Funez said she believes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is also looking for her son, because they asked where he was. They did not care that he is a minor and that he has done nothing wrong, Funez said. Funezs son is not protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, an executive action signed by former President Barack Obama in 2012. To qualify for this program, a person must have lived in the U.S. since 2007 and been in the country when the program began in 2012. Because Funezs son entered with his mother in 2014, he does not meet those requirements. Funezs son wants to stay in the United States because its the only country he knows, she said. He tells her every day on the phone that he will wait for her. I want a chance to go back to my family, Funez said. I never asked the government for help or benefits. I was never a burden. Boeing warned MD-11 operators in 2011 about a broken engine attachment but never flagged the failure as critical to flight safety before a UPS freighter aircraft crashed on Nov. 4 when its left-engine pylon separated from the wing during takeoff, the National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday. More than 60 FedEx, UPS and Western Global cargo jets have been grounded since the accident in Louisville, Kentucky,, which resulted in the death of three crew members and 12 people on the ground. The NTSB in November said investigators found fatigue cracks in components housed within the left pylon aft mount bulkhead. The NTSB on Wednesday said Boeing issued a service bulletin 14 years ago in which it disclosed four previous separations of a spherical bearing assembly that helps hold the engine to the MD-11s wing. The manufacturer said two sections of the assembly came loose on three different aircraft. The letter advised airlines to conduct visual inspections of the part at 60-month intervals. Advertisement Advertisement Boeing recommended replacing faulty bearings with either a replica or redesigned part. Boeing assumed the role of manufacturer of record when it acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997. The last time the UPS plane that crashed had its engine pylon inspected was in October 2021. Some safety experts question whether Boeing should have been more definitive in its warning given the history of bearing failures going back to the DC-10, the MD-11s predecessor, per reporting by the Associated Press. FedEx officials have suggested they could be flying their MD-11s again by the spring, but no officials or other companies have commented about the necessary conditions and timetable for a return to service. Advertisement Advertisement Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves.com. RELATED STORIES: FedEx anticipates MD-11 aircraft return in spring period The post Part that broke in UPS cargo jet crash had history of failure appeared first on FreightWaves. 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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 (This article was updated to add new information and correct an error.) Whoever takes the helm of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department will be coming in on years of steadily reduced violent crime, but that doesnt mean there won't be significant challenges. IndyStar spoke with dozens of people with close ties to the department including officers, neighborhood leaders, city councilors and people who've been involved in crime reduction and strategic initiatives through the years to hear what they'd want in a new leader after IMPD Chief Chris Bailey was promoted to Mayor Joe Hogsett's chief of staff. Advertisement Advertisement Some common themes that surfaced across those interviewed included officers feeling that top brass is often disconnected and concerns about the effects of recently implemented 10-hour shifts. People who work adjacent to the department feel progress is needed for community connection, while residents said they don't feel a genuine connection at all. "Citizens' complaints need to be taken more seriously," Samantha Douglas, president of the Far Eastside Community Council, told IndyStar. "We need a culture of respect for the community's voice from the top down. As much as we all hate the big incidents... What happens more often is the day-to-day interactions with residents that show the clear disrespect [officers have] with general residents." Douglas said activists and community leaders have "made a lot of steps to make IMPD accessible to the community," but now they need to see action and "not just talk," from top leaders. A mistrust of the department remains widely ingrained, even with community engagement programs and a shift in policies and procedures following the 2020 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. The department's efforts to engage the community including a series of listening sessions it paid $237,000 for last year seem to have done little to breach the divide between officers and the residents they serve. Officers and civilians aren't asking for someone to upend the system IMPD Chief Chris Bailey talks about the year in Indianapolis law enforcement Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025 and hopes and plans for the upcoming 2026 year. Compounding those struggles is a continuous dwindling of officers on the streets as retention and recruitment efforts have fallen short of rebuilding the rank and file from the 1,408 officers currently serving to the 1,740 the city says it needs. Advertisement Advertisement Josh Riddick, with the Black Church Coalition, wants a chief willing to imagine innovative ways to improve public safety so that "police don't have to be all things to all people." "We overwork the staff we have, trying to meet the needs we have," Riddick said. "Why don't we invest those dollars to reduce the pull and strain on law enforcement?" Both officers and residents who spoke with IndyStar aren't asking for someone to upend the system. They want the same things that are always sought: a safe city, a department that listens to feedback and officers who police with the community in mind. Listening means noticing that community-focused shifts in policy enacted back around 2020 have dissipated, they said. It also means listening to your officers when they say they're tired, overworked and have lost trust in leaders they feel don't support them. 'This person cannot be a mayoral shield' Gregory Meriweather, who previously served as a community liaison for the department, agrees that the next chief needs to be receptive to the community. But, more importantly, he said, is what the chief should not be. Advertisement Advertisement "This person cannot be a mayoral shield. They have to be someone who is definitely for the people," said Meriweather, who ran for mayor in 2023. "Managing outcomes instead of optics. Tell the truth even when it's inconvenient. Confront versus protect internal misconduct. Use data to drive strategy, but not to hide it." Former and first Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) appointed Chief Violence Reduction Officer, Ralph Durrett Jr., said that "the [chief] has to have a heart for the community." Despite a year where violent crime in Indianapolis captured national headlines on more than one occasion, overall the city saw a decrease in both homicides and non-fatal shootings, IndyStar and police data shows. "Numbers are great, however, these numbers represent a single individual person or families, and violence doesn't just happen to that one person. It reverberates throughout the community," he said. A chief who will embrace the accountability process Toby Miller, co-chair of the citizen-driven Community Resource Team [CRT] who works with IMPD, coordinates spaces between police and residents, as well as manages the critical incident protocols for the department. He's been doing a version of this work for the past decade, across multiple chiefs and mayors. Advertisement Advertisement Miller said their work operates largely behind the scenes, but he hopes the new police chief will continue to embrace the accountability process and the decades-long partnership. "They need to have an ear to listening to the community and valuing its input," Miller told IndyStar. "I remember when we didnt have the Civilian Review Board. We expect a chief, like Chris Bailey, who will be open, accessible and respectful of the community. Not see it as an us versus them." He also hopes the chief will connect better with the rank and file. "Ive seen people lose that and not improve morale among the officers everywhere," he said. A chief focused on the department's policies and procedures The sign outside the door of the IMPD Training Academy at 901 North Post Road displays the canceled General Orders Board meeting for Jan. 21, 2025. Republican councilor Michael-Paul Hart told IndyStar that he'd want a chief who will focus on the general orders, which govern the department with policy and procedure. The IMPD General Orders Board was created in 2021 following reform across departments after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police led to nationwide protests and riots. Advertisement Advertisement Both civilians and sworn officers are appointed to it, including two civilians appointed by the mayor, two civilians appointed by the City-County Council president, two officers appointed by the police chief and one officer voted on by active officers within the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 86. The first three months of 2025 saw canceled General Orders Board meetings as the City-County Council scrambled to get people appointed, which has led to delays in updating policies around body-worn cameras and addressing language barriers, among others. "There was a lot of concern from Chief Bailey about the timing of things and when they'd get done," Hart said. "I had a proposal that gave the chief more authority, but it failed at the city council." Policing in Indianapolis: Slew of bills could tighten state's grip on Indianapolis law enforcement Advertisement Advertisement Riddick, who helped Bailey unveil IMPD's new transparency website just before the new year, differs in opinion about how much authority a chief should have over a board. "I'd want to see a continued civilian-majority general orders board overseeing rules for the department," he said. Indianapolis police chief Chris Bailey speaks Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at the City-County Building about taking over as Mayor Joe Hogsett's chief deputy mayor and chief of staff. Helping bridge the gap to solve crimes Rev. David Green Sr., president of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, said the next chief should be someone who can strengthen police-community relationships to get more crime cases solved. According to police data, out of the 165 total homicides that happened last year, 84 were cleared, but 81 remained unsolved. Detectives also cleared 55 cases from the year before. Key to many of those investigations are eyewitnesses willing to come forward. Advertisement Advertisement Were going to need people to say what they saw. We're going to need people to share information with the police," Green told IndyStar. "We need each other. There won't be a solution that doesnt involve both parties doing their part. We need the community to do its part and we need law enforcement to do its part." Who could be the next IMPD chief? Some internal names surface 'Police feel like they're superheroes.. that's not working' Community leader and activist Keith "WildStyle" Paschall said the new chief would need to understand that there's a different climate now to find officers. "A lot of the problem has been that police feel like they're superheroes, and that's not working," Paschall said. "We brought down crime with fewer officers than they've ever had. What does that show you? We need a police chief focused on data. Somebody to talk about police tactics." Advertisement Advertisement He thinks the search for the next leader should be a national one. FOP President Rick Snyder shared that during Bailey's tenure, the department built "a strong momentum to reduce violent crime while investing in technology, equipment, infrastructure, and officer work and health balance," but "we cannot back up now." The next chief, he says, should value that existing vision and maintain the momentum to "take police service to the next level" while working with Bailey, who'll be able to "connect the dots across city services." Hogsett said he will appoint new Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department leadership in the coming weeks. ALERT: Indy FOP Statement on New IMPD Chief Selection Dont make a U-Turn now. Maintain Chief Baileys vision and momentum. Dont back up, dont back downmove quickly. -Indy FOP pic.twitter.com/br9xeEy4Af Rick Snyder (@RickFOP86) January 9, 2026 Jade Jackson is a public safety reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: The traits people want to see in Indianapolis police chief Thousands of federal immigration agents have been sent into Minneapolis in recent days, with protests taking place in Minnesota and across the country in response to last weeks shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. 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. We want to hear from you. Are you based in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul? Has your daily life been affected? Have you changed the way you go about your days and nights? How do you feel about the lawsuit, and the presence of federal immigration agents in your area? Callout If youre having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has argued that Donald Trump flipping the bird and mouthing the words **** you to a heckling Ford autoworker, TJ Sabula, is expected behavior from the president. During a talk at the Detroit Auto Show on Wednesday, Buttigieg was asked about the incident that took place during Trumps visit to a Ford factory in nearby Dearborn, Michigan. President Trump did literally what I believe hes been doing figuratively for some time, which is give autoworkers the finger, Buttigieg told Detroit Free Press reporter Liam Rappleye. Advertisement Advertisement Look, hes been a union buster, he has presided over the loss of manufacturing jobs in this country, and then when somebody sees someone as powerful as him come into their workplace, he gives them the old F you. Video shared by TMZ on Tuesday shows the exchange between Trump and Sabula, who called the president a pedophile protector in a nod to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and his administrations handling of files linked to the late convicted *** offender. Politics: Gavin Newsom Sums Up Trumps Middle Finger Meltdown In 3 Words Sabula, who has since been suspended from his job, told The Washington Post that he has no regrets whatsoever about heckling the president. The United Auto Workers union said it would defend Sabula following the suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Crowdfunding campaigns on Sabulas behalf have since accumulated over $800,000 in donations. Buttigieg said Trumps reaction to the heckling is, in some ways, its just in character for him. And, obviously, my sympathies are with the worker and not the president, he concluded. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Police in South Fulton are asking for the publics help as they continue investigating a homicide that happened more than two years ago outside a bank. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to police, officers were called around 9:15 a.m. on February 10, 2023, to a report of a suspicious car parked in front of the Wells Fargo on Old Bill Cook Road. When officers arrived, they found a man dead inside the car. Advertisement Advertisement The victim was later identified as Bryan Brown. Upon further investigation, police believe the victim was struck by gunfire while inside the car. Channel 2 Action News spoke to Browns family, who said the only thing missing from Browns car was his cell phone. Lovedones say he was a popular photographer with no known enemies. Loved ones say they had no idea why Brown ended up at the bank. He had so much love for everybody. Were not going to give up, the victims friend, Samuel Chatman, said. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say a review of surveillance video from the area revealed footage of an unknown individual running from the vehicle around 3:11 a.m. that same morning, several hours before Brown was discovered. The SFPD has now released an image from that surveillance video as they work to identify the person seen leaving the scene. Detectives are urging anyone who may recognize the individual in the video or who noticed suspicious activity in the area during the early morning hours of February 10, 2023, to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the South Fulton Police Department or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Anyone with information can: The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs announced Thursday it would consider expelling Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank from the organization, saying his testimony before a state Senate committee could be seen as threatening to legislators. Swank spoke at the statehouse Thursday afternoon in Olympia to oppose a bill that would create stricter eligibility requirements for police chiefs, marshals and sheriffs and remove elected sheriffs from office if the Criminal Justice Training Commission revokes their certification as a law enforcement officer. In his comments before the Senate Committee on Law & Justice, Swank told lawmakers he didnt recognize their authority to impose these controls on him. Advertisement Advertisement When you try to remove me from office, thousands of Pierce County residents will surround the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma and will not allow that to happen, Swank said. I hope it doesnt come to that, but I and they are prepared. Are you prepared? Swank also addressed a different bill that would generally ban law enforcement from wearing masks or face coverings. He told legislators his deputies dont wear masks, but if the bill becomes law he will encourage them to wear them just to see what the Legislature will do. In a joint statement Thursday evening, the president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels, and Executive Director Steven Strachan said their organization had grave concerns about Senate Bill 5974, but that Swanks inflammatory comments did not represent the WASPCs views or approach. The scope of his testimony went beyond reasonable dialogue and devolved into what could be perceived as threatening to legislators and he challenged their constitutional authority, Nowels and Strachan said. The manner in which he conducted himself was not in line with the professional behavior we expect of members. We know that all public servants are subject to their oaths of office and the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement The law enforcement leaders said WASPC intends to start proceedings for its board to consider expelling Swank. The executive board that leads WASPC includes sheriffs and police chiefs leading agencies in cities, counties and tribal communities from across the state, the special agent in charge of the FBIs Seattle Field Office and the chief of the State Patrol, along with Strachan. Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank (lower right) speaks before the state Senate Committee on Law & Justice in Olympia on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2025, in opposition to a bill that would create stricter eligibility requirements for police chiefs, marshals and sheriffs and remove elected sheriffs from office if the Criminal Justice Training Commission revokes their certification as a law enforcement officer. (TV Washington) Reached by phone Thursday evening, Swank told The News Tribune he wasnt surprised by the WASPCs statement. Swank said he didnt think his comments before the state Senate committee were threatening. Asked about his statement that residents would surround a government building if the state tried to remove him from office, Swank emphasized that he didnt say he would make that happen. That would be a crisis, Swank said. Advertisement Advertisement His opposition to the bill is in part about the fact that it would create eligibility requirements for sheriffs that are more rigorous than those in place for many other elected officials. Youre going to pass this qualification bill for law enforcement but you wont hold yourselves accountable, Swank told the state Senate committee. Therefore, I propose everyone who runs for public office go through a background check, a social media review, a polygraph, a psychological test. Its also about the fact that the bill threatens Swanks position as sheriff. The Criminal Justice Training Commission said in September that Swank was the subject of three investigations which could lead to his decertification as a law enforcement officer. That currently wouldnt affect his position as sheriff, but if he was decertified and Senate Bill 5974 is signed into law, the original text of the bill says his office would be vacated. Advertisement Advertisement Swank addressed the certification cases at a news conference last week in a Puyallup church with the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. One of the things that would be disqualifying would be hate speech, Swank said. You know, the stuff I post on X, such as trans women are men. They want to decertify me for that, and if they pass this legislation then they can decertify me and then remove me from office. Swank has said he is not a member of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association. According to the States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit, the constitutional sheriffs movement contends that a sheriffs law enforcement powers supersede those of any elected official at any level of government. In a sworn deposition Swank gave last month in Pierce Countys lawsuit against Joan Mell, a private attorney who has tried to represent Swank in his official business, Swank said he believes in abiding by the Constitution, and he doesnt use the term constitutional sheriff to describe himself because it has a bad connotation. Advertisement Advertisement I believe every sheriff, every law enforcement official, and deputies too, should abide by the U.S. Constitution and the Washington State Constitution when theyre doing police work, Swank said Dec. 19. The sheriff has feuded with other elected officials in Pierce County since he took office in January 2025. In May, Mell sent a letter on Swanks behalf to County Executive Ryan Mello, Prosecutor Mary Robnett and County Council Chair Jani Hitchen. It demanded mediation on six issues and asserted that the Sheriffs Office did not have to comply with orders issued by Mello, particularly one that outlined how federal contracts should be reviewed and approved. Swank also used his speech at the Puyallup news conference to speak about the WASPC, which he has privately railed against in text messages with Mell, calling the organization a bunch of libtards. Swank said very few people in WASPC agree with him. At a recent meeting, he said members said lawmakers would pass the bill about eligibility requirements for sheriff, and they should compromise with them and help them write up the qualifications. I told them you should never compromise with them at all, Swank said. Because if you look at the Constitution, in order to run for president what do you need to be? Born here and 35 years old. Why would we make any requirements more so on the sheriff than we would on the President of the United States? Jan 16 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell in Asian trade on Friday, extending losses from the previous session, as concerns about supply risks eased after the likelihood of a U.S. strike on Iran receded. Brent was down 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $63.55 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 15 cents, or 0.3%, to $59.04 per barrel at 0418 GMT. Both Brent and WTI rose to multi-month highs this week after protests flared up in Iran and U.S. President Donald Trump signalled the potential for strikes on the nation. Brent prices were still set for a fourth week of gains. Late on Thursday, however, Trump said Tehran's crackdown on the protesters was easing, allaying worries about possible military action that could disrupt oil supplies. Brent prices have given back earlier gains but remain higher than a week ago, with the decline in prices spurred by Trump's statement that he would hold off on military strikes on Iran, BMI analysts said in a note. "Given the potential political upheaval in Iran, oil prices are likely to experience greater volatility as markets digest the potential for supply disruptions," they said. Analysts remained bearish on expectations of longer supply in the market this year despite earlier OPEC expectations for a balanced market. "Sentiment is driving markets, but the impact of headlines is always short-lived, especially when fundamentals look comfortable in the backseat," said Phillip Nova senior market analyst Priyanka Sachdeva. "Despite the steady drumbeat of geopolitical risks and macro speculation, the underlying balance still points to ample supply ... unless we see a genuine revival in Chinese demand or a meaningful bottleneck in physical barrel flows, oil looks range-bound, with Brent broadly hovering between $57 and $67." On Wednesday, OPEC said oil supply and demand would remain balanced in 2026, with demand rising in 2027 at a similar pace to growth for this year. Oil giant Shell released its 2026 Energy Security Scenarios on Thursday, making a bullish case for energy demand and oil growth. The company estimated that primary energy demand by 2050 could be 25% higher than last year. (Reporting by Helen Clark and Trixie Yap; Editing by Tom Hogue and Thomas Derpinghaus) A Salem police officer is expected to make a full recovery after a hit-and-run Thursday night. Police said the officer suffered minor injuries and was released from Salem Hospital early Friday morning. The vehicle involved in the crash was found unoccupied on Jackson Street with different license plates, according to police. Detectives are now seeking arrest warrants for the driver and others involved. Advertisement Advertisement The officer was hit around 8:30 Thursday night while police were conducting a narcotics investigation near Salem Heights on Pope Street. Salem Heights management told Boston 25 News, theyre reviewing their security footage but are unsure if the driver is connected to the property. One woman who has lived at the apartment complex for the last 15 years said she rarely leaves her apartment at night due to commotion in the area. I know the cops are at this building like everyday because of stuff going on, Linda Gilbert said. Thats very scary, I mean theres people out there that just dont care which is sad, Gilbert said about the hit-and-run. Advertisement Advertisement Police said they dont believe the driver is still in the Salem area and there is no threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing. 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 Utahns are almost evenly divided on whether to repeal Utahs Proposition 4 redistricting law eight years after it narrowly passed as a ballot initiative, according to the latest Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll. As Republican lawmakers seek to reverse a series of court decisions that allowed 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson to implement a new congressional map, the state GOP is collecting signatures to put the underlying law on the ballot again. The GOP, with the help of national get-out-the-vote groups, is in the middle of gathering more than 140,000 verified signatures from voters across the state. It must do so before Feb. 14 to give voters the chance to repeal Proposition 4 in November. Advertisement Advertisement Passed with 50.3% of the vote in 2018, Proposition 4, or the Better Boundaries initiative, established an appointed redistricting commission and codified anti-gerrymandering restrictions to guide the redistricting process every decade after the census. More than 4 in 10 Utah voters dont know whether they support the GOPs effort to eliminate Utahs independent redistricting commission, the poll found. The rest of the voters are split, with 26% supporting the proposition and 29% opposing it. DN-redistricting-prop4 Voters are undecided across the political spectrum. Among Republicans, 33% support the repeal, 22% oppose it and 45% dont know. Support falls to 22% among Democrats, with 40% opposing and 37% feeling uncertain. Just 20% of independents support repealing the proposition, while 34% oppose it and 46% dont know. Advertisement Advertisement The poll was conducted by Morning Consult between Jan. 7-12, among a sample of 799 registered Utah voters. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 3%. GOP, Better Boundaries respond The uncertainty of Utah voters is not alarming to Utah GOP chair Rob Axson. It is encouraging, he said, because it reveals even after nearly a decade, and millions of dollars spent on behalf of Proposition 4, that it is not sitting right with the people of Utah. I think were in a perfect spot, Axson told the Deseret News. We have not even begun to communicate broadly what the issue is beyond our signature gathering efforts, and well have the rest of 2026 to engage substantively in dialogue and discussion. As of Thursday afternoon, with one month left to submit signatures, the Lieutenant Governors Office had verified the signatures of 45,505 Utah voters who wished to see the question of repealing Proposition 4 placed on the general election ballot. Advertisement Advertisement This number is not reflective of the total number of signatures gathered so far, however. Once a signature packet is started, the GOP has 30 days to turn it in. The county clerk then has 21 days to verify those signatures, with a deadline of March 7. Sponsors of the initiative are very confident they will gather enough verified signatures in time, according to Axson. We look forward to having Utahns get to make this decision with a broader understanding of the issue than they had back in 2018, he said. Better Boundaries, the political interest committee that fundraised and advertised for the Proposition 4 initiative, told the Deseret News the organization looks forward to revisiting the reasons why Utahns decided to pass the law eight years ago. Utahns across the political spectrum supported Proposition 4, and this polling reflects that, Better Boundaries executive director Elizabeth Rasmussen said. We will continue to defend Utahns right to pick their politicians and ensure fair representation. Advertisement Advertisement The group referred to the GOPs initiative as a real opportunity to get back to the basics and make the case again for why Utahns passed Prop 4 in the first place. Based on the poll data, both sides have a lot of undecided minds left to convince. And its no wonder. The states redistricting saga has been long, complicated and filled with conflicting claims from the top of Utah politics about who should have the final say on drawing congressional maps: lawmakers, a commission or the courts. Washington County rejects new map In 2021, legislators adopted new electoral boundaries that split Democratic voters in Salt Lake County after rejecting the redistricting commissions recommendations, which they had made nonbinding during the prior legislative session. This invited a lawsuit in 2022 that resulted in a Utah Supreme Court ruling in 2024 that the Utah Legislature cannot, in most cases, amend ballot initiatives that reform government. Based on this, Gibson threw out Utahs map in October. Advertisement Advertisement Gibson then ruled in November that a replacement map adopted by lawmakers did not comply with the original intent of Proposition 4. Instead, she chose a map submitted by nonprofit groups that created a deeply Democratic seat in Salt Lake County. Over the past three months, disagreement over Proposition 4 has boiled over into GOP allegations that Gibson gerrymandered a map to benefit Democrats, and that the new legal precedent undergirding her decision has created a constitutional crisis. This is the view of Washington County Commissioner Victor Iverson, who joined fellow commissioner Adam Snow last month in voting to not update the countys voter precinct maps to come into compliance with the new court-ordered boundaries. At the heart of Iversons criticism is a belief that by installing a map not approved by the Legislature, Gibson violated the state Constitution which says, in Article IX, that the Legislature shall divide the state into congressional ... districts. Advertisement Advertisement We believe in separation of powers, Iverson told the Deseret News. If Judge Gibson wants to take over the powers of the governor, lieutenant governor and Legislature, well, maybe she can come down here and take over the power of the county commission. The Legislature has already begun the process of appealing Gibsons ruling to the Utah Supreme Court. In the meantime Iverson said lawmakers should vote on a new map during the upcoming legislative session, and get the federal courts involved. Iverson framed the commissions Dec. 15 vote as a way to send a message to Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson that the process leading to the new map is unacceptable. The Utah Democratic Party, in turn, framed the move as political obstruction. Counties do not get to nullify state law or judicial rulings when its inconvenient, party chair Brian King said in a statement. This kind of behavior erodes public trust and tells voters that the rules only apply when those in power approve of them. Advertisement Advertisement Proposition 4 deserves to be upheld, by courts and counties, according to King, because Utahns voted in 2018 to place constraints on lawmakers to ensure fair maps, fair elections, and the basic idea that no one is above the law. If the Utah Republican Partys 2026 ballot initiative rerun is successful, Utah voters will get the chance to decide whether they believe Proposition 4 is after years of legal battles the right way to make that happen. More than 3,300 people have applied for Idahos new $50 million tax credit program that directs public money toward private schools and homeschooling, the Idaho State Tax Commission said Thursday. Applications for the program, approved last year by the Legislature, opened just after midnight Thursday and the tax commission said people started filling out applications within minutes. Thousands had applied as of 3 p.m. The commission said staff is monitoring the rollout and resolving any issues as they come up. This was a well-planned and well-executed implementation, Commissioner Janet Moyle, who serves as the oversight commissioner for the program, said in a news release. Our team worked proactively to ensure the program was ready at launch, and we remain fully available to assist families and stakeholders as they access this new opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Last session, state lawmakers approved the bill, called the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit bill, after legislators tried for years to pass a law to provide funds for families who dont send their kids to public schools. Under the law, most eligible families can receive a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000. Parents of students with disabilities can receive up to $7,500. Qualified expenses include tuition for non-public schools, tutoring, assessments and transportation. During the application window, families who earn up to 300% of the federal poverty level have priority. For a family of four, that would be around $96,000, according to the 2025 guidelines. Gov. Brad Little signed the bill into law last year despite efforts by education groups and families who argued against directing public money to private schools. Those who opposed the bill said it would take funds from already struggling public schools. Idaho consistently ranks last or near last in funding per pupil. Others worried that the funds would go to schooling options with little oversight or accountability, unlike public schools. Many of Idahos private schools are also concentrated in more urban areas. In rural areas, public schools or homeschooling are often the only options, according to previous Statesman reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Those in support of the bill said it would allow parents to choose the best options for their kids and argued that public schools dont work for everyone. President Donald Trump also threw his support behind Idahos bill, saying on social media last year it must pass. Last fall, advocates and groups, including the Idaho Education Association, sued over the law, asking the Idaho Supreme Court to prohibit the tax credits, according to previous Statesman reporting. They argued in a petition that Idahos Constitution requires the state to create a uniform, thorough and free system of public schools and that diverting public funds to private options doesnt do that. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Jan. 23. A frightening morning for a local mail carrier. In broad daylight, a thief is captured on video approaching a mailman in Central Fresno and robbing him at gunpoint. The gunman then walked off and is still on the run. This all happened in a neighborhood off Hammond Avenue near Fruit Avenue. It was 11 Thursday morning when a mailman was on his daily route in Central Fresno. Doorbell video captured a man wearing all black appear from the sidewalk. A different view shows the man with a hand in his pocket- cross the grass to approach the mailman. That's when police say he pulled out a gun and in a matter of seconds robbed the mail carrier. Advertisement Advertisement But it was the moment right after, the mailman continued to deliver the mail to one more house as the robber walked off. The postman then approached a nearby car to ask for help. "Give it up to the mailman, who actually finished delivering the mail right after it happened, and then finally it all kind of caught up to him once the guy was gone," says Jephrey Neville, neighbor. Police say the armed robber took off with the mailman's phone, wallet, and keys, including keys to his mail van. The robber did not take his bag of mail. The postman, thankfully, uninjured. Authorities say the robber used what appeared to be a black handgun. Advertisement Advertisement Police and federal law enforcement were on scene in minutes canvassing the area for a trace of the suspect who could now face federal charges. "Shocked, I'm shocked why? He has no money," says Dan Saunders, neighbor. "He's our favorite mailman, you know, I was telling the officer, mailman should only have to be worried about dogs and everything and not being robbed at gunpoint," says Neville. Neville was left heartbroken; he couldn't believe this happened to his neighborhood mailman. "I wanted to give him a hug. The first thing I went up, I shook his hand. I told him I was really sorry, it just shouldn't happen to people like that," says Neville. Advertisement Advertisement At this point, the US Postal Service authorities are handling the investigation. Action News has learned that there is a reward for anyone who has information leading to the suspect, that reward could be up to 150-thousand dollars. If you have any information you're being asked to contact : (877)-876-2455. For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Colon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Snow falls on the North Lawn of the White House. (Official White House photo by Oliver Contreras) This story was originally published by ProPublica. In President Donald Trumps first term, his Justice Department actively pursued those accused of fraud and corruption. P.G. Sittenfeld, a rising Democratic star on Cincinnatis City Council, was charged with taking a bribe in exchange for his support of development deals. Advertisement Advertisement Devon Archer, a financier and corporate board member, was convicted in a scheme to defraud $60 million from a Native American tribal entity. And Brian Kelsey, a former Republican state senator from Tennessee, was the target of a federal grand jury investigation for illegally funneling nearly $100,000 into his failed congressional campaign. All three were subsequently sentenced to prison. Theirs are among more than a dozen criminal cases that were investigated or prosecuted in Trumps first term and then undone, through the presidents clemency power, in his second term. Trump has railed against what he considers the politicization of the Justice Department under his predecessor Joe Biden, and last week White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said his priority was pardoning people abused and used by Bidens Justice Department. But his actions in these cases show he has tried to undo even the work carried out by his own appointees. No president since Bill Clinton has used clemency to erase his own administrations prosecutions on such a scale. Advertisement Advertisement Whats more, Sittenfeld, Archer and Kelsey did not qualify for pardons under the standards outlined by the Justice Department, whose Office of the Pardon Attorney reviews applications and forwards its recommendations to the president. Those guidelines require applicants to wait at least five years after their conviction or release from custody, accept responsibility for their crimes, show evidence of rehabilitation and submit a formal petition for review. The three men met none of those criteria. Their pardons were arranged by them or their lawyers directly with officials in the White House or, in Archers case, after he testified before congressional Republicans in an investigation into Bidens son Hunter, which Trump said prompted many people to ask him to grant the pardon. Its not that hes correcting another administrations mistakes, Doug Berman, an Ohio State University law professor who studies clemency, said of Trumps second-term pardons of people prosecuted under his first-term Justice Department. Hes rejecting his own or more accurately, (hes rejecting) the work of people he appointed but didnt fully control. Last week, Trump pardoned former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his onetime chief of staff, Cade Cothren, who were convicted by a jury in a kickback scheme. Prosecutors said that the two used a political consulting firm they secretly controlled to funnel state funds to themselves through a sham constituent-mailing program. Attorneys for Casada and Cothren said the men hadnt done anything illegal but instead made some rookie errors that the prosecutors blew out of proportion. Advertisement Advertisement The White House blamed the Biden Justice Department for significantly over-prosecuting the pair, pointing to an armed raid and proposed sentences normally reserved for multimillion dollar fraudsters. But the FBI raid happened on Jan. 8, 2021, during Trumps last weeks in office. And though they were indicted in August 2022, while Biden was president, they were convicted in May and sentenced in September. The judge who handed down the sentence was Eli Richardson, another Trump appointee. A lawyer for Casada declined to comment. Cothren said in a text to ProPublica that although the case against him began and ended while Trump was in office, he had been targeted by the corrupt, America-last bureaucrats that got held over from Bidens DOJ the actual people that should be behind bars for their crimes against this country. Taken together, Trumps actions broke with what legal experts and clemency scholars say is a basic expectation of our presidents: that they stand behind their own prosecutors and law enforcement officers rather than erase or undermine their work and that clemency should be earned, not just granted to allies and public figures with political influence. You have to read all of these pardons in connection with the systematic destruction of the Justice Department as an objective agency that seeks to uphold the law and fight crime, said Frank O. Bowman III, a professor emeritus of law at the University of Missouri who is critical of Trump. Bowman is a former special counsel to the U.S. Sentencing Commission who is writing a book about the history of clemency. Advertisement Advertisement During the presidents first term, the Justice Department functioned as an independent law enforcement agency, Bowman said, though Trump viewed it as a bastion of what he called the deep state. Now, Bowman said, its a means to reward friends and punish enemies, as Trump directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to fire prosecutors who refuse to target individuals for prosecution, which she has done. He always perceived honest prosecutors and honest cops as his enemies, Bowman said. And so he is now proceeding to destroy those institutions. Neither the White House nor the Justice Department responded to questions about why Trump had issued pardons to some of his first-term cases or to Bowmans characterizations. A Justice Department spokesperson said in an email that the agency was committed to timely and carefully reviewing all applications and making recommendations to the President that are consistent, unbiased, and uphold the rule of law. The Onetime Trump Critic Sittenfeld hardly seemed like a candidate for Trumps mercy. In addition to calling the president a demagogue, he had described him as a buffoonish carnival barker and a threat to democracy. Advertisement Advertisement From the start, after his 2020 indictment, Sittenfeld insisted that he was the target of a wrongful prosecution and that he never promised official actions in exchange for campaign donations. The U.S. attorney overseeing the case was David DeVillers, a Trump appointee. DeVillers had pursued officials from both parties, leading a broad corruption crackdown that also took down Republican Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, who is now serving a 20-year federal prison sentence and is also seeking a pardon. Sittenfeld took $20,000 in donations to a political action committee that he controlled from undercover FBI agents who posed as developers trying to get city approval for a downtown project. In secretly made recordings played at trial, Sittenfeld promised he could deliver the votes on Cincinnatis City Council. After being pushed out when the Biden administration took office, DeVillers said he hoped the prosecutions helped future officeholders understand that the idea that you can accept money with a wink, wink, nudge, nudge promise to do something is a federal crime. A jury convicted Sittenfeld in 2022 on two of the six counts he was charged with: bribery and attempted extortion. He was sentenced in 2023 to 16 months in federal prison. An appeals court panel freed him after less than five months but later voted 2-1 to uphold his conviction, while all three judges urged the Supreme Court to clarify when a campaign contribution becomes a crime. Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers at the well-connected Jones Day firm who handled Sittenfelds appeal at no charge were deeply tied to Trumps world through his first administration, his Justice Department and now his second-term government. James Burnham, who argued the appeals, had served in the White House Counsels Office and the Justice Department during Trumps first term. He was a partner at Jones Day when he began representing Sittenfeld, then founded King Street Legal in 2023. In 2025, he spent six months as general counsel for the Department of Government Efficiency before returning to King Street, which boasts deeper knowledge of the Executive Branch and its current dynamics than virtually any other law firm in Washington, D.C. Yaakov Roth, who was also a partner at Jones Day, helped argue Sittenfelds appeals too. Roth joined Trumps second-term Justice Department as principal deputy assistant attorney general in the Civil Division. Noel Francisco, yet another Jones Day partner and Trumps first-term solicitor general, was brought on to file Sittenfelds final appeal to the Supreme Court. Sittenfeld and his lawyers argued that to prove bribery, prosecutors had to show an explicit deal that he had agreed to take action for donations. Sittenfeld did no such thing, they argued; he merely expressed that he was pro-development and had long supported similar projects. Advertisement Advertisement In a May letter to friends and family, later reported on by the Cincinnati Business Courier, Sittenfeld said Jones Day had a draft of a petition ready to file to the Supreme Court when he learned that Trump had pardoned him. He said he was stunned. As I now understand it, he wrote in the letter, my case came on the radar of the White House counsels office and it was advanced for a pardon. He did not explain how that happened. Neither he nor his lawyers responded to requests for comment. Kenneth Parker, the U.S. attorney under Biden who inherited the Sittenfeld case and saw it through to conviction, called the pardon frustrating and disappointing. I believe, and continue to believe, in the judgment of my prosecutors who did the case, the judgment of the FBI agents who handled the case, and I believe in the judgment of the jury who heard the case, Parker said in an interview. The president or his aides, Parker added, shouldve consulted the team that prosecuted the case. Advertisement Advertisement Sittenfeld is still pursuing his Supreme Court appeal, saying the conviction carries collateral consequences that include a $40,000 fine and damage to his reputation. The government filed a brief Monday supporting his effort. Trumps decision to pardon a onetime critic came as a surprise to many and prompted a range of reactions. Vice President JD Vance told USA Today that Trump had put politics aside. Other observers said the case was part of an effort by Trump, himself a convicted felon, to normalize political self-dealing. He and his team came to realize that they could turn political corruption into something they deemed fictional and nonexistent, said David Niven, a political science professor at the University of Cincinnati. They really have revolutionized the use of the pardon as a weapon, and in this case, as a weapon to erase the concept of political corruption. The White House did not respond to Nivens characterization. A Witness Against the Bidens Archers case was a particularly stark example of how Trump has used pardons to reward loyalty. In 2016, during President Barack Obamas final full year in office, prosecutors charged Archer and his partners with persuading the Wakpamni Lake Community Corporation a tribal entity in South Dakota to issue more than $60 million in bonds. The money was supposed to fund development projects, but prosecutors said Archer and his partners diverted most of it to pay themselves and cover debts owed to earlier investors. Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Calamari, the former director of the Securities and Exchange Commissions New York office, who oversaw investigation into Archer and his associates, said in an interview that the loss to investors made it one of those cases that kind of cries out for action. Archer denied wrongdoing and said he was a victim of financial fraud. He was prosecuted at trial and convicted by a jury in 2018, in Trumps first term. A judge later set aside the conviction, but Trumps Justice Department appealed the ruling and an appeals court reinstated it in 2020. Archer had served with Bidens son Hunter on the board of a Ukrainian energy company, Burisma, while Biden was vice president. In testimony before House Republicans in 2023, he said that Hunter Biden sometimes put his father on speakerphone during meetings with business associates, though he never heard Joe Biden discuss business deals. Archers appearance made him a cause on the right, as Trump allies and conservative media used his testimony to bolster allegations of corruption by the Bidens and to argue that Joe Bidens Justice Department was politically biased pursuing Trump associates while protecting the presidents son. His supporters said prosecutors became more aggressive after he started cooperating with congressional Republicans. Before signing the pardon, Trump said Archer had been treated very unfairly. Archer did not respond to requests for comment. As ProPublica reported, Trumps pardons in 2025 have erased not only convictions but more than $1 billion in court-ordered restitution. Archers case was among those in which victims lost out: He had been ordered to forfeit over $15 million and repay more than $43 million to his victims, in addition to being sentenced to one year and one day in prison. Calamari, who left the SEC in 2017 and now is a lawyer in private practice, said that the claim Archer had been targeted was nonsense and that it was a bread and butter fraud case that was the kind of thing that a Republican or a Democrat would have no trouble bringing. He said that when Trump began his flurry of clemency grants, he didnt worry that Archer would be among the people pardoned because of the gravity of the case. A pardon in a case like this, he said, undermines any faith in the law. The White House did not respond to Calamaris comments. Connections to the White House Like Sittenfeld, Kelsey is an example of someone granted clemency who had a lawyer with close ties to Trump in his case, the lawyer responsible for advancing pardon requests to the president. That lawyer, David Warrington, a longtime Republican legal strategist who held various legal roles during Trumps 2016 campaign, later became White House Counsel in Trumps second term. Leavitt, Trumps press secretary, described Warringtons office as central to advancing pardon requests to the president and Sittenfeld said it was the White House counsel who personally flagged his case for a pardon. Warrington did not respond to requests for comment. The grand jury investigation that led to Kelseys indictment began under Don Cochran, the same Trump-appointed U.S. attorney who oversaw the investigation into Casada and Cothren. The October 2021 indictment accused Kelsey of conspiring to illegally funnel more than $90,000 in state campaign funds into his 2016 congressional race in Tennessee. The indictment bore the lead signature of Mary Jane Stewart, a career federal prosecutor whod spent four decades in the Justice Department, serving under U.S. attorneys appointed by presidents of both parties. She was first assistant under Cochran during the Kelsey inquiry and stayed on as acting U.S. attorney after Biden asked Cochran to resign. Kelsey pleaded guilty in November 2022 to two campaign finance felonies. Four months later, represented by Warrington, he moved to withdraw his plea, saying hed entered it with an unsure heart and confused mind. Warringtons motion cited the birth of Kelseys twins and his fathers declining health, and it argued that the conduct wasnt criminal. The judge rejected the motion, ruling that Kelsey had knowingly and voluntarily admitted his guilt. Kelseys new lawyers made a final bid to overturn his conviction. In one claim, they filed affidavits and secret recordings they said showed that prosecutors, after Biden took office, had pressured a witness to implicate Kelsey before the five-year statute of limitations ran out. Prosecutors dismissed the motion as a fishing expedition, noting that Kelsey had already admitted under oath to the facts supporting his conviction. In an interview, the witness, former Republican state Rep. Jeremy Durham whose statements Kelsey said proved the case was driven by political pressure said he was unaware of a partisan motive behind the investigation or of it being a priority for the Biden administration. He said agents told him only that the probe had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As for Kelseys claim that he was targeted for being a Republican, Durham said, I wouldnt buy that and that Kelsey needs to beat that drum. Still, the claim appeared to resonate where it mattered most. Kelseys appeal was still pending in May when Trump granted him a full pardon just two weeks into his 21-month sentence and he was released from a prison camp in Kentucky. The White House said Warrington who by that time had been named White House counsel and was a central figure in deciding which pardons to advance to the president played no role. Warrington was fully recused from the entire process, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in an email. In a text to ProPublica, Kelsey described that recusal as an obstacle he ultimately overcame when, he said, Trump recognized this grave injustice for the weaponization that it was. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President Donald Trump may pressure allies to support the U.S. taking control of Greenland. On Friday, January 16, while speaking about rural health care at a White House Event, the commander-in-chief, 79, recalled how he had threatened to impose tariffs on pharmaceuticals for European allies and was considering using tariffs to garner support for his Greenland pursuits, according to the Associated Press. I may do that for Greenland too, Trump stated. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security. So I may do that. AP reported earlier in the week that the foreign minister of Denmark, Lars Lkke Rasmussen, and the foreign minister of Greenland, Vivian Motzfeldt, met with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and agreed to form a group on the pressing issue. Advertisement Advertisement 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 remarked, noting that it is clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. As the National Enquirer previously reported, Trump who admitted earlier this week that he had never heard of Greenlands premier, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has repeatedly expressed his desire to take over the territory, telling the New York Times in an interview last week, Ownership is very important. However, Nielsen, 34, made it clear Greenland was loyal to Denmark, which currently controls the island. If we have to choose between the USA and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark, Nielsen said Tuesday, January 13, according to CNBC. We choose NATO, the Kingdom of Denmark, and the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said to TV2 earlier this month that, If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, per PBS. That is, including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War, she added. Read More From National Enquirer This story President Trump Threatens to Use Tariffs on Countries If They Dont Go Along With Greenland Plan first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. (This story originally appeared in The Tribune on May 4, 2003.) If the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles were a business, it would be a good candidate for reorganizational bankruptcy. For the past few years, officials have been trying to improve the system so that residents wouldn't routinely have to face horrific lines in order to complete state-mandated tasks such as renewing license plates and driver's licenses. Advertisement Advertisement They allowed residents to renew plates by mail, telephone and online; they installed automated kiosks to handle some of the simple functions; they allowed residents to go to other counties to renew driver's licenses and plates; they started staggered registration so some plates expire mid-month and others expire at the end of the month. "We're doing some fairly aggressive things," said Gerald Coleman, BMV commissioner. "Last year, we also opened three new branches." Talk to anyone who has been around for any length of time and they point out that service at BMV offices is certainly a lot faster than it once was. But is it good enough? Advertisement Advertisement During a recent visit to the BMV office in the Town & Country Shopping Centre in Mishawaka, it wasn't hard to find customers who were distraught or defeated by the long lines. In fact, it was rare to find a happy customer. "When I come down here, I usually plan on spending two hours in line," said one man, who asked not to be identified. "I usually take a day off work." During one visit, he said a frustrated customer actually went into the restroom at the BMV and started punching the wall. His tip: drive by the BMV office of your choice until the line is no longer out the door; if you have time, actually bop into the office to see how long the wait is. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday at 11 a.m., the wait was an hour to an hour-and-a-half to get almost anything accomplished at the office. No one blamed the employees. "The employees are moving; there's just too many people," said Mike Lauderback of North Liberty. "It's crazy." Lauderback paid the state $242.75 on Tuesday. Is there any other place where you can find people waiting more than an hour to spend hundreds of dollars? "I wouldn't wait anywhere else but I figured I had to here," said Catherine Fisher of Clay Township, who spent an hour and 20 minutes at the office. "The state should figure out a way to do it better." Advertisement Advertisement Customer Paul Geiger suggested BMV offices would run better with an express line for simple transactions such as plate and driver's license renewals. Maybe the state should consider turning over some of the functions to a private business, which would be more intent on improving efficiency and customer service. "I try not to get upset when I come down here," said Geiger, who lives in Granger. "I think we've been conditioned to wait." Mark Eagan, president of the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County, wasn't in line Tuesday, but he has lost plenty of time at BMV offices like other Hoosiers. "People only use the service because there is no alternative," he said. Advertisement Advertisement A customer-focused business wouldn't allow lines that are sometimes so long they snake outside BMV offices. A customer-focused enterprise would consider expanding hours into evenings and weekends and adding more employees or offices to better serve customers. "They need to learn about efficiency and customer service," Eagan said. Coleman said the BMV is open to doing anything to improve service. "We are not happy about customers standing in line," Coleman said. "Our goal is to reduce the lines. "But it's a process -- not an event -- and we are making progress." Advertisement Advertisement Thank goodness the BMV is a government agency. A business couldn't afford to measure success over years. A business would consider a complete overhaul rather than small fixes to a bad concept. Otherwise, a private business would be out of business. Shown Jan. 25, 2008, Ed Semmler, who worked at the South Bend Tribune as an editor and reporter from July 1999 to September 2025, died Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Ed Semmler's The Bottom Line column appears on Sundays. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles needs service overhaul More than 200 gathered the evening of Jan. 14 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. The group held accompanying vigils in Charlotte, Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Demonstrators bow their heads during a moment of silence for Renee Good at a vigil in Raleigh, N.C. on Jan. 14, 2026. 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. 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. Nikki Marin Baena told vigil attendees on Jan. 14, 2026, that it is their responsibility to help protect immigrants and legal observers from violence. ( 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, 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. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. More: Asheville protest draws over 500 after fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good More: Two NC children die from firearms each week; state seeks funding Brandon Kingdollar covers North Carolina government and state politics for NC Newsline. NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Renee Good's killing 'tipping point' to turn Americans against ICE MIDDLE EAST AFFAIRS: From Tunisia to Syria, the uprisings of 2011 showed how revolutions often give way to chaos or renewed authoritarianism, a lesson Jerusalem cannot ignore as Iran convulses. A significant Middle East anniversary passed this week with hardly anyone noticing. On January 14, 2011, Tunisias autocratic leader, president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, abruptly and unceremoniously fled the country he had ruled with an iron fist for nearly a quarter century, boarding a plane for Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Advertisement His departure made him the first Arab strongman to be toppled in what came to be known as the Arab Spring a revolutionary wave that began 28 days earlier, when a 26-year-old street fruit vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi, set himself on fire in central Tunisia to protest the countrys authoritarian rule. Today, as Irans Islamic Republic teeters amid massive protests and US President Donald Trumps threats of military intervention, the legacy of the Arab Spring offers a sobering lesson about the promise of revolution and the resilience of authoritarian rule. The overall results are hardly encouraging: nearly every country that experienced an uprising during that period either reverted to authoritarianism or descended into civil war. As Israel and the West watch developments in Iran with both awe at the courage of the protesters and fervent hope that this time the fanatical ayatollahs are swept from power, the Arab Spring should nevertheless serve as a cautionary tale. Tunisia: An Arab Spring success story? TUNISIA, FOR example, was supposed to be different. As the birthplace of the Arab Spring, it became the movements only success story for a decade. After Ben Ali fled, Tunisia adopted a progressive constitution that enshrined fundamental rights and set democratic checks on power. Tunisians held six elections between 2011 and 2019 that were generally considered free and fair. Protesters take part in a protest against Tunisia's President Kais Saied, accusing him of entrenching one-man rule through the use of the judiciary and police, in Tunis, Tunisia November 22, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/JIHED ABIDELLAOUI) But this Tunisian experiment with democracy ended in 2021, when the countrys president, Kais Saied, suspended parliament, dismissed the prime minister, and began ruling by decree. Within two years, Tunisia had returned to the type of authoritarianism that the Tunisian protesters had overthrown a decade earlier. Advertisement Advertisement And, again, Tunisia was the Arab Springs bright spot. Nearly everywhere else, the wave of protests opened the door not to democracy and freedom, but, in the best cases, to authoritarianism and, in the worst, to utter chaos. In Egypt, the 18 days of mass protests in Cairos Tahrir Square that culminated in president Hosni Mubaraks resignation after 30 years of authoritarian rule did not lead to democratic consolidation but to the election of a Muslim Brotherhood-led government that proved disastrous. It was overthrown in 2013 by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has since ruled the country with an even heavier hand than Mubarak. Syrias Arab Spring trajectory was even worse. Advertisement Advertisement Demonstrations there in 2011 led to a ferocious crackdown by president Bashar al-Assad, which morphed into nothing less than a brutal civil war that lasted for 14 years, drew Iran and Russia into the conflict, killed an estimated 500,000 people, and displaced millions. Libya and Yemen fared no better. After Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown, chaos ensued, with Libya today fragmented between two rival governments and hundreds of militia groups. The countrys lucrative oil industry has collapsed. In Yemen, protests forced longtime president Ali Abdullah Saleh to transfer power, but this was then followed by a Houthi takeover of the capital, a Saudi-led military intervention, and a humanitarian catastrophe of mammoth proportions that split the country along regional lines. The Arab Spring brought perpetual winter to Yemen. Protests, inspired by what happened in Tunisia and Egypt, also broke out in Bahrain, with protesters calling for an end to the monarchy. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, concerned that the unrest could spill over into their own kingdoms, sent troops to Bahrain to stamp out the protests. And stamp them out, they did. Advertisement Advertisement Other monarchies in the region Jordan and Morocco responded to the Arab Spring with limited constitutional reforms to placate demonstrators, while Gulf money helped buy off dissent. Saudi Arabia and the UAE also poured billions of dollars into Egypt to keep Sisis regime afloat. The UAE and, to a lesser extent, Saudi Arabia were accused of bankrolling media campaigns inside Tunisia that fostered disillusionment with parliamentary democracy, so that when the president moved against parliament in 2021, the countrys democratic institutions were already deeply delegitimized. The UAE and Saudi Arabia were motivated by twin fears: the political Islam of the Muslim Brotherhood, which they feared could gain power through the ballot box throughout the region, and Iran. They saw the Brotherhood as an ideological threat to the regional monarchies, and Irans regional ambitions as an existential danger. PARADOXICALLY, this led to the creation of a camp of stability in the region, bringing together Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and eventually Israel, against an opposing axis of Iran, Turkey, Qatar, and Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated movements such as Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement The shared threat perception among those in the camp of stability laid the groundwork for the Abraham Accords, which normalized Israels relations with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, and was on course to do the same with Saudi Arabia, before October 7 intervened and derailed that. While the world gushed over what was happening in the public squares in Tunis, Cairo, and Damascus during those first heady days of the Arab Spring, Israel stood back and urged caution. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was pilloried for this position by both foreign leaders and media pundits. For example, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, in a February 2011 column headlined Postcard from Cairo, Part 2, skewered Israel. The children of Egypt were having their liberation moment, he wrote, and the children of Israel decided to side with Pharaoh right to the very end. Advertisement Advertisement Well, no, actually. Israel didnt support Pharaoh; rather, it was concerned about what would come in the wake of Mubaraks fall. It had no illusions that this would open the gates to democracy and that idealistic youths in the street would succeed in taking power peacefully. Rather, it feared the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, of unpredictable chaos, instability, and anarchy fears that came to fruition in spades. Yet, paradoxically, as the Saudis and the UAE invested heavily in limiting the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood and curbing Irans influence, previously untapped areas of cooperation with Israel emerged. In the Middle East, even well-worn phrases about shared enemies forging friendships often reflect reality. What can history teach us about the Iranian protests? WHICH BRINGS us back to Iran and the protests that have erupted there, and the regimes brutality in putting them down. Advertisement Advertisement There are some parallels between what is happening there and the Arab Spring, but the parallels are imperfect. As in Tunisia in 2010, economic hardship triggered protests that metastasized into broader demonstrations against the regime. As was true in the protests in Tahrir Square, those on the street in Iran now cut across class divisions students and merchants from the bazaar, the urban and the rural. And, as was the case in the Arab Spring, a barrier of fear has courageously been crossed, as masses have yet again taken to the streets. Yet there are some critical differences. First, Irans regime is more ideologically entrenched than the Arab autocracies that fell. Also, and this is so far the most significant difference, Irans security forces remain cohesive and have not yet shown signs of defection, a crucial precondition to the collapse of a regime, and something evident during the Arab Spring in Tunisia and Egypt, where soldiers refused to fire at demonstrators. Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of whether Iran experiences regime change or the protests are brutally repressed, there are lessons from the Arab Spring that are instructive here. If the regime falls, Iran faces the same challenges that doomed Arab transitions: How to build democratic institutions without experienced democratic leadership? How to manage economic expectations after all, it was economic triggers that sparked this flame when immediate improvement is impossible? How to prevent security forces from reasserting control? And how to maintain unity among diverse opposition factions after their common enemy disappears? What the world saw with the Arab Spring as it has seen throughout history is that it is much easier to remove dictators than to build democracy. Replacing an evil regime is the first step, and an essential and critical one. But it is not the final step. As was the case during the Arab Spring, Israel should take a sober and realistic approach not a starry-eyed or euphoric one when looking at the events unfolding inside Iran. Advertisement Advertisement One of the Arab Springs central lessons is that the fall or weakening of authoritarian regimes does not necessarily produce an orderly and neat transition. Rather, it generally leads to prolonged instability, fractured authority, and violent competition for power. Just look at Syria, Libya, and Yemen. Israels planning, therefore, should be grounded not in hopes of democratic transformation, but in preparation for a great deal of volatility including violent power struggles or efforts by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to use harsh measures to try to reassert its control. The Arab Spring demonstrated that the uprising itself while extremely dramatic is not even the most consequential phase. What is even more significant in the long term is the power vacuum that ensues. Whether Irans regime survives, fractures, or eventually falls, Israels interests will be shaped by what follows and if a power vacuum emerges by who fills it, how quickly, and under what conditions. The task now is not to predict Irans future, but to ensure Israel is not surprised by it. CUMBERLAND Local residents will have the opportunity to give their opinions about a proposal to construct a solar generating facility on Cash Valley Road during a virtual public hearing at 6 p.m. Jan. 28. Solar Star Allegany South LLC applied in July to the Maryland Public Service Commission for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which grants an applicant the authority to construct an energy generating station. According to its application, Solar Star proposes to build the project, intended as part of Marylands community solar program, on about 22 acres of a 124-acre property at 11515 Cash Valley Road. The location is in the area of Hemstetters Curve between Cumberland and Frostburg along the Great Allegheny Passage and reportedly would consist of 15,000 solar panels. Advertisement Advertisement Residents from the area expressed opposition to the solar farm during an Allegany County Commission meeting last year, saying it would destroy the scenic beauty of the area. Commissioners said they werent in favor of the project, but had no power to stop it. The officials said they would speak out against the proposal, and encouraged others to do the same. Helmstetters Curve remains a popular favorite photo op along the Great Allegheny Passage, visitor information on the Great Allegheny Passage website, gaptrail.org, reads. The arch was constructed by the Western Maryland Railway in 1912 to ease trains up a steeply-sloping grade between Cumberland and Frostburg. The curve splits farmland owned by the Helmstetter family for over a hundred years, and is so wide that it allowed passengers at each end of a single train to see one another. Each of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroads trains pass through Helmstetters Curve. Today, cyclists and hikers on the GAP travel this delightful curve, which is marked with its own sign. In addition to taking comments from the public, the hearing will include a presentation by the applicant, brief statements by the parties, including the Power Plant Research Program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the commissions technical staff, as to their respective roles and recommendations in the case. Those who would like to speak at the hearing remotely must sign up by Jan. 26 through the Calendly app on the commissions website: www.psc.state.md.us. Under Featured Topics on the right side of the webpage, click Public Comment Hearing Sign Up, then Case 9805 and the hearing date and time. Click Next, enter name and email and click Schedule Event. Advertisement Advertisement Once the sign-up process is complete, registrants will receive a Zoom link. Otherwise, the hearing can be watched on the PULJ Divisions YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP. Written comments can be sent electronically through the commissions online portal, www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-public-comment/, or by mail. Comments sent by mail should be addressed to Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul St., 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. All comments should reference Case No. 9805 and can be sent through June 30. An error in calculating commissions for some brokers at 3PL giant TQL led to a clawback of some bonus funds in recent weeks, according to several sources. Sources at the company confirmed the accuracy of social media posts that said TQL had erred in the size of bonuses calculated for some of its brokers. Rather than allowing the brokers to hold on to the overpayment, the company sought repayment. According to the social media posts, and confirmed by sources close to TQL, the companys payroll system erred and paid some brokers a 25% commission when the guidelines would have called for a 20% bonus. The company notified the affected employees by email that they would need to pay back the difference if the size of the error was in excess of $1,000. Other social media posts and confirmed by FreightWaves said the accounts in question had been inherited by brokers from colleagues who had departed the company. Prior to the handover, the posts said, the commission was 25% but should have been 20% after the transfer. Emails sent to TQLs press relations email address had not been responded to by publication time. The company notified the affected brokers by email, according to sources. There was no meeting to answer questions. More articles by John Kingston Five State of Freight takeaways: tighter market is holding Louisiana staged truck accident indictment widens as trials and sentencings loom C.H. Robinson makes its legal written case before SCOTUS on broker liability The post Oops! TQL seeks return of incorrect commission payments appeared first on FreightWaves. Putin told Netanyahu that he was "in favor of intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and security in the region." Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the situation in the Middle East and Iran by phone on Friday, the Kremlin said. Putin offered Netanyahu Russia's help in mediating regarding Iran, and told the Israeli leader he was "in favor of intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and security in the region," the Kremlin said. Advertisement Advertisement In the conversation with Netanyahu, the Kremlin said Putin set out ideas for boosting stability in the Middle East and expressed Russia's willingness to "continue its mediation efforts and to promote constructive dialogue with the participation of all interested states." RUSSIAS PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin meets with Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China, last month. The bilateral partnership creates uncertainty for neighboring countries, the writer cautions. (credit: SPUTNIK/REUTERS) Putin offers to mediate between Israel, Iran Putin and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian called for a swift de-escalation of tensions in Iran and the wider region in a phone call later on Friday, the Kremlin said in a statement. The two men confirmed their commitment to a 20-year strategic partnership agreement signed last year, which includes joint economic projects, it added. Asked what support Russia could provide to Iran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "Russia is already providing assistance not only to Iran but also to the entire region, and to the cause of regional stability and peace. This is partly thanks to the president's efforts to help de-escalate tensions." Advertisement Advertisement This comes after reports from Israeli public broadcaster KAN News that Netanyahu sent a message to Iran through Putin, in which he assured that Israel has no intentions of going to war with the Islamic Republic, KAN News reported on Monday. The report, which cited diplomatic sources, stated that Netanyahu called Putin to deliver the message for Iran after a recent rise in tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem. The report also noted that Putin had already sent a similar message to the Ayatollahs regime back in October, when he also assured that Israel was not interested in an escalation. We are continuing our talks with Israel and are receiving signals from the Israeli leadership with a request to convey to our Iranian friends a message that Israel is seeking a settlement and is not interested in any kind of conflict," Putin told Russian state news agency TASS last year. MOSCOW, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir said on Thursday that the international situation had deteriorated and that the world was getting more dangerous but he was silent on the situation in Venezuela and Iran. Putin has yet to comment in public on the toppling of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro by the United States, the protests in Iran or U.S. President Donald Trump's threats against Greenland. "The situation on the international stage is increasingly deteriorating - I don't think anyone would argue with that - long-standing conflicts are intensifying, and new serious flashpoints are emerging," Putin said with a smile. Advertisement Advertisement In a speech to new ambassadors who had presented their credentials in the Kremlin, his first public remarks on foreign policy issues this year, Putin did not mention the United States or Trump explicitly. "We hear a monologue from those who, by the right of might, consider it permissible to dictate their will, lecture others, and issue orders," Putin said. "Russia is sincerely committed to the ideals of a multipolar world." Putin urged a discussion of Russia's proposals for a new security architecture in Europe. "We hope that recognition of this need will come sooner or later. Until then, Russia will continue to consistently pursue its goals." Advertisement Advertisement The war in Ukraine, Europe's deadliest since World War Two, has sparked the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; editing by Guy Faulconbridge) A Pierce County woman with a large Instagram following accused her ex-boyfriend of sending her threatening emails, leading to his arrest. Prosecutors now say the woman actually sent those emails to herself. Prosecutors charged Kristina Breann Ellis, 42, with three counts of stalking, two counts of malicious prosecution, 13 counts of first-degree criminal impersonation, first-degree perjury, obstruction a law enforcement officer, tampering with physical evidence and two counts of making a false or misleading statement to a public servant, according to court records. A plea of not guilty was entered on Ellis behalf during her arraignment Tuesday. Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner Barbara McInvaille set her bail at $1 million. Jail records show Ellis is in custody at the Pierce County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say that Ellis weaponized the legal system to wreak havoc on multiple peoples lives. She has perpetrated a fraud on our judicial system, the likes of which may have never been seen before in the State of Washington. Up until her arrest on January 8, 2026, it appears that Ms. Ellis was continuing her criminal behavior, prosecutors wrote in charging documents. The case against Ellis Detectives determined through their investigation that Ellis tried to frame her ex-boyfriend and his ex-girlfriend for harassment. She also allegedly impersonated the 16-year-old daughter of the pair. When Ellis was in a relationship with the man, they both accused his previous girlfriend of making threats to kill them and harassing them in 2018. The child was allegedly used as a conduit for the threats, according to charging documents. Advertisement Advertisement The woman was charged, but her case was dismissed with prejudice as the handwriting used in the threatening messages did not match hers. Her attorney believes Ellis sent herself those threats to frame the woman, documents show. Documents state Ellis was in a relationship with the man for over 11 years. During that time, she accused him of domestic violence. The first incident was in July 2024 for verbal abuse. She also received a protection order against him for physical assault and verbal abuse, which expires next year. Ellis alleged in March last year that the man sent her threatening emails, and she lived in fear he would follow through on his threats to harm her. Detectives wrote she is an influencer on various social-media platforms and alleged her ex-boyfriend was stalking her accounts. She accused him of manipulating the posts and overlaying threatening words on them, making her fearful of being in public, court records show. Her sphere of influence regards modified vehicles, according to court records. She herself has a modified Subaru BRZ, which is the subject of a lot of her posts. Advertisement Advertisement Ellis has over 58,000 followers on Instagram, according to a review by The News Tribune. Ellis also said that her ex-boyfriend sent the messages through various email accounts. Some of the accounts used Proton Mail, which is based in Switzerland. Detectives learned that Proton will not share data with non-Swiss authorities. Documents show that Ellis told a detective she knew Proton Mail was untraceable. The ex-boyfriend was arrested and charged on Dec. 11, 2025 for felony stalking, felony harassment, cyber harassment and violating a court order. The ex-boyfriend has been out of custody on a $250,000 bond and on a GPS-monitoring device. According to the Prosecuting Attorneys Office, his case likely will be dismissed following Ellis charges and his conditions of release have been waived. Advertisement Advertisement Detectives also allege Ellis might have allegedly altered an image of her ex-boyfriends 16-year-old daughter to make it appear she had a black eye and cut on her face. This photo was sent to a high school counselor, who called the girl into her office. When the counselor noticed the girl did not have injuries to her face, she spoke to the ex-boyfriend. Both the ex-boyfriend and his daughter said that Ellis might have sent that photo, court records state. An intake was created by the Department of Children, Youth and Families, which found the claims to be unfounded. Ellis also sent detectives a picture that she alleged came from her ex, according to charging documents. The photo was of him standing in front of a mirror. In one hand was a knife, in the other a paper that said, Im coming Tina. Detectives wrote in police reports at the time that the photo incited fear in Ellis. In the charging documents against Ellis, detectives say that photo is significant now because, after seeing the altered photo of the child with a black eye, it made them realize Ellis had the ability to change or alter pictures and that Ellis had previously admitted to using AI to enhance photos of herself for her social media posts. Advertisement Advertisement Ellis alleged she received another threatening email from her ex-boyfriend after he bonded out of the jail. The email promised to ruin her life as she did his, with derogatory language used. There was another email with handwritten threats towards Ellis, which she claimed came from the ex-boyfriends daughter on Dec. 26, 2025. Statements such as, we are watching you, and, my family is going to make sure you pay for what you did to my dad, were written on physical copies of court documents in the ex-boyfriends legal case, according to charging documents. Documents show the same day that email was sent, a DCYF worker told a prosecutor the childs mother accused the ex-boyfriend of being in contempt of family law court orders. Those messages were written on physical copies of court documents from the ex-boyfriends criminal case and accused him of still being a danger. Prosecutors noted the handwriting on the court orders appeared to be the same as the threatening messages the woman was accused of writing to Ellis and her ex-boyfriend in 2018. Detectives learned through records that Ellis was the only one to purchase or download the court documents that the child and woman allegedly used to write messages on them, according to charging documents. Search of Ellis home Detectives obtained a search warrant for Ellis home, so they could seize items including her electronic devices and physical documents, such as court orders regarding the ex-boyfriends harassment case. When police went to her home, Ellis was upset and called her attorney, charging documents show. Advertisement Advertisement Documents show that when Ellis realized her electronics would be seized, she pleaded that her children phones and computers not be removed. During the search, detectives were reportedly alarmed to find a paper document that had different handwriting variations with two phrases. One of the phrases was, My name is Maddie. That phrase was reportedly written in one of the threatening messages sent to Ellis, according to charging documents. Other documents were found indicating that someone was trying to impersonate the woman, documents show. There was also a paper found where someone had been trying to write the ex-boyfriends last name three times. Detectives wrote it appeared the writing matched the same writing from the email that DCYF received. Ellis was arrested and was evaluated at a hospital after she suffered a panic attack. She was then booked into the jail, documents show. Advertisement Advertisement Detectives learned from a Sheriffs Office detective there were 10 reports made by Ellis against her ex-boyfriend through the Sheriffs Office between August and November 2024. The ex-boyfriend was arrested once but never charged for sending alleged threatening emails to Ellis. A detective believed Ellis fabricated the emails to frame her ex-boyfriend. Ellis does not have any previous criminal convictions, according to court records. From kids with hopes of sledding to adults wanting to avoid slippery roads, northern winters bring a lot of anticipation of snowfall. But the simple question Is it snowing? is more complicated than it appears. On a remote mountaintop in Colorado, the Storm Peak Laboratory has a strange winter setup: scientists scurry around, placing more than 30 radar and sampling instruments in different parts of the mountain, on different frequencies, to get at a simple question: what, exactly, is falling from the sky? What are the sizes and shapes of snowflakes, and when is that precipitation actually rain? People can look outside the window and judge snowfall very quickly, but its challenging for technology, even with advanced tools, to do the sameand that has big impacts. Cities need to know how much snow is fallingand how dense it isin order to decide whether to gas up plows and deploy them. Accurate measurement is also important for highway managers who control road closures. Water managers need to know what is falling because winter snowpack becomes the water that often feeds agriculture in the months following, whereas rain typically washes downstream. Advertisement Advertisement Snowfall is a question that has beguiled scientists for decades. "It should be a really simple problem, says Keith Jennings, director of research at the University of Vermonts Water Resources Institute. Is it raining? Or is it snowing? Part of the problem is that the temperature doesnt determine what comes down. In a spread of nine degrees Fahrenheit, precipitation can be rain or snow, depending on what it experiences in the upper atmosphere. With new technology and tools, researchers tackle this age-old issue every winter, and they are getting closer to models and techniques that accurately assess whats coming down. Some of the best methods, it turns out, still may include rudimentary human involvement. Buckets and bytes Why not just put out a bucket and weigh what goes into it? Claire Pettersen, a researcher at the University of Michigan gets that question a lot. The problem, she says, is that any little breeze pushes out flakesespecially if theyre fluffy, light ones. You could wave your hand in the air, and its going to move that snow all over as its falling, she says. One of her recent studies used a video distrometer, an instrument with high-speed cameras, to capture images of falling precipitation from different angles. That data, combined with machine learning, showed that there are nine different types of precipitation between rain and snow, ranging from drizzle to heavy snowfall. Each has a unique pattern. Advertisement Advertisement Pettersen says that combining methods, like she does in experiments at the Storm Peak Laboratory, may yield the most accurate readings of what is falling from the sky, from satellites in space to lasers on the ground, that can be broken up by flakes falling to planes that fly through storms to understand heavy snow processes. The best case scenario is you have a bunch of different instruments at your fingertips, she says. There are also more experimental ways to measure precipitation. Another research group at the University of Vermont is using acoustic sensors to determine the sound characteristics of different types of precipitation. Each research approach comes with challenges. In mountains, its hard to keep equipment running. And in places like New England, ice storms often knock out sensors and technology. You could have the best piece of equipment that you finally get into a mountain area where you want to get these measurements, and then you have a big ice storm come through, and then you've got to charge back up there, clean all the ice off the equipment it can be quite the process, says Jennings. The future may include more automated observations that dont require human intervention, he adds. Nothing like the human touch Sometimes humans still reign supreme in discerning the weather. When the temperature is between 32 and 45 Fahrenheit, its hard for computer models to figure out whats falling from the sky. Sometimes known as wintry mix, this slop can be anything between rain and snow. Advertisement Advertisement Five years ago, Jennings and his colleagues launched a citizen science project called Mountain Rain or Snow to crowdsource visual reports of rain, snow, or mixed precipitation in mountain range areas through an app. They hoped human-submitted reports would improve models. So far, theyve captured nearly 100,000 observations from 1,700 observers around the world. When researchers tested three AI algorithms with the data from volunteers, along with historical weather data, the technological tools were barely better than traditional meteorological methods when temperatures were close to freezing. "A few years after we've started this project, we still, and perhaps even more strongly now than ever, believe that the best way to monitor the type of precipitation where it's falling is with human observers, says Jennings. Its quite exciting and maybe counterintuitive in our era of artificial intelligence, but people still play a very large role." When snow is on the ground, people are still useful, as well. The basic technology for measuring snow is still remarkably simple a ruler, a spatula, a rain gauge and a flat white board. More than 20,000 Americans help out by measuring precipitation through the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network., which was founded in 1998. The data they collect goes into a central database and is used by the National Weather Service, as well as federal efforts to monitor droughts and manage water resources. Advertisement Advertisement As technology and models improve, researchers are chasing a climate model that is also changing. Mountains are some of the places hit hardest by climate change, and that often means snow becoming rain. It presents two challenges, Jennings says: one is that these areas have poor historical data, so its hard to know a baseline. And the second is that they are transitioning into a climate that is likely to be more rainy which can wash away snowpack. It's really a big open question on what that snow to rain shift is going to look like over the next 50 to 100 years, he says. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) US District Judge William Young said on Thursday that he will soon issue an order aimed at stopping President Donald Trumps administration from retaliating against academics who challenged its arresting, detaining, and deporting non-citizens, pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel activists on US college campuses, reported Reuters. Judge Young, a Reagan appointee, spoke at a hearing in Boston federal court, picking up where he left off after issuing a September ruling that the State Department and Department of Homeland Security violated the Constitutions First Amendment by detaining and trying to deport non-citizens on college campuses over their speech. Advertisement Advertisement Politicos Kyle Cheney quoted Judge Young arguing that There was no policy here. What happened here is an unconstitutional conspiracy to pick off certain people, to twist the laws. Two cabinet secretaries conspired they intentionally, knowing what they were doing, counseled by professionals who cautioned them, nevertheless went ahead to pick off these people with the intention that your clients would be chilled. And did so rather effectively, by the way, Judge Young concluded, accusing Secretary of State Marco Rubio and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem of unconstitutional actions. These cabinet secretaries have failed in their duty to uphold the Constitution, Young continued, adding: I listened to professional patriotic employees of our United States government trying hard to do the job that they were trained and skilled in doing. I am trying very hard not to make their job harder. But lets talk the truth here. The truth is look at the intelligence portion of the Department of Homeland Security. If ever you want chapter and verse about how the government can be weaponized against a disfavored group, thats the record of it. These professionals were taken off anti-terrorist investigations. They were taken off human trafficking investigations all to look up what dirt they could find on this group the very highest levels of the DHS decided thats the best use of those people. Judge Young said his order will only apply to academic associations, including the American Association of University Professors and the Middle East Studies Association, which challenged the administrations actions, explained Reuters, adding: Those groups had sought an order blocking the administrations practices nationally. Young called their proposal overbroad, but says a sanction is needed to remedy what he concludes was a conspiracy by top officials under Trump. We cast around the word authoritarian,' Young concluded, adding, I dont, in this context, treat that in a pejorative sense, and I use it carefully, but its 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. The post Reagan Appointed Judge Accuses Rubio and Noem of an Unconstitutional Conspiracy to Chill Speech first appeared on Mediaite. Spain attracted more foreign visitors last year than ever before, with some 97 million guests visited the country, 3.5% more than in 2024, says Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu. Spending by foreign guests grew by as much as 6.8% to 135 billion ($156 billion). Tourism accounted for 12.3% of the country's GDP and 11.6% of employment in 2023, according to the National Statistics Institute. In 2024, international tourist arrivals rose by over 10%, surpassing 98 million visitors, who also spent 16% more than the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Spain is the world's second-most visited country, after France. Most of the tourists came from Britain, Germany and France. And it is the EU's top tourist destination, forming a key pillar of the Spanish economy. However, some areas have seen protests in recent years. Residents of the Balearic islands have protested against overtourism, which are economically reliant on tourism. Struggling locals in mainland cities have also pointed out some of the negative impacts of the rising number of visitors. Many are concerned about higher prices and less availability of homes, and a greater strain on infrastructure - leading officials to seek ways to moderate the effects in order to pacify Spaniards. Advertisement Advertisement Cities including Malaga launched campaigns to rein in excesses such as littering and tourists loitering around town in swimming or beach wear. Meanwhile Barcelona proposed a ban on short-term letting as residential rents surged by almost 70% over the past decade. Three men are now facing multiple charges for a string of energy drink thefts across the city of Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office credits the arrests to the work of their District 2 Patrol and tips submitted through JSOs unsolved crimes page. The first arrest in the investigation came on October 2, when officers arrested 35-year-old Robert Senior. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Advertisement Advertisement Less than three weeks later, a tip submitted to First Coast Crime Stoppers led officers to 37-year-old James Perry, who was also arrested and charged for his role in the theft ring. The final arrest occurred on October 24 when officers responded to a grocery store on Atlantic Boulevard after it was reported that 21 packs of energy drinks had been stolen. Officers quickly located the suspect, 50-year-old David Bishop, and took him into custody. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators later learned Bishop had allegedly been committing similar crimes for months after being released from prison in June. Advertisement Advertisement With Bishops arrest, the investigation into the group officers dubbed the Red Bull Bandits was complete. Each man is now facing multiple charges related to the thefts. JSO encourages the public to regularly check its Unsolved Crimes page at Officials say community tips continue to play a critical role in solving crimes and encourage the public to regularly check the Unsolved Crimes page. [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. Sanaa, Yemen Naef has been a government soldier in southern Yemen for nine years. When he joined the government army in 2016 aged only 19 he thought that the Yemeni governments war against the Houthi rebel group would be brief. A decade has elapsed, and the conflict remains unsettled, with the Houthis remaining in Sanaa. Naef was clear as to the reason for the governments failure a lack of unity and clear command structure. For years, government soldiers and other anti-Houthi fighters have adhered to conflicting agendas across the country, with many of the fighters in the south supporting the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). A solution to that division, Naef thought, was far-fetched. However, more recently, things have changed. The STCs decision to attempt to seize all of southern and eastern Yemen backfired, and Saudi Arabia backed pro-government troops in pushing the group back. The STC is now divided, with one leader on the run, and others declaring that the group had been dissolved. Advertisement Advertisement The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Yemens UN-recognised authority led by President Rashad al-Alimi, has seized the initiative and, on January 10, established the Supreme Military Committee (SMC), with the goal of overseeing all anti-Houthi military units, and integrating them into the official Yemeni military, under one command. Al-Alimi said that the SMC would ultimately be a vehicle to defeat the Houthis, and reclaim all of Yemen. The SMC announcement marks a dramatic twist in the decade-long war, and Naef is now finally hopeful. I am optimistic today as the government has revived some of its power in southern Yemen, he told Al Jazeera. The formation of an inclusive military committee is a boost to our morale and a prelude to a powerful government comeback. Advertisement Advertisement The soldier believes that, after years of inertia, the tide has finally turned for the government. After nine years of experience on multiple frontlines, Naef now thinks that the government with the backing of Saudi Arabia is capable of pushing into Houthi-controlled northwestern Yemen, should negotiations fail. The PLC has achieved remarkable success in the south over the past few weeks with support from the Saudi leadership. It has once again proven to be an indispensable party to the conflict. Whether this success will be short-lived or lasting remains to be seen, said Naef. [Al Jazeera] Concerns and defiance The formation of the SMC has unleashed a sense of concern among Houthi supporters in northern Yemen. Hamza Abdu, a 24-year-old Houthi supporter in Sanaa, describes the new military committee as an attempt to organise the proxies in the south. Advertisement Advertisement This committee may end the friction between the militant groups in the south, but it will deepen the souths subjugation to Saudi Arabia, Hamza said. The Houthis have often framed their opponents as being proxies controlled by foreign powers, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. They themselves are backed by Iran. In light of the developments, Hamza shared a concern: the resumption of the war between the Houthis and their opponents, which has largely been frozen since 2022. If this military committee succeeded in uniting the forces in the south, that might entice them to attack the north, he said. A new destructive war will begin, and the humanitarian ordeal will magnify. Like many ordinary citizens, Hamza is now fearful that the war will restart. But Houthi leaders while warning that their forces should stay alert are still confident, saying that the formation of the SMC will not affect their power or weaken their control. Advertisement Advertisement Aziz Rashid, a pro-Houthi military expert, believes that the SMC will not alter the status quo, arguing that any future confrontation with the Houthis will only serve the agendas and plans of the United States-supported Zionist entity [Israel]. Rashid indicated that Houthi forces in Sanaa confronted international and powerful military forces, including the United States, Britain and Israel, and stood firm against the [Saudi-led Arab] coalition during the past 10 years. The only solution for Yemen, Rashid said, was a political settlement. The Iran-backed Houthis took over Sanaa in September 2014 and toppled the UN-recognised government in February 2015. They insist they are the only legitimate authority governing Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis have faced attacks from the US, the United Kingdom, and Israel since 2023, when the Yemeni group began attacking shipping in the Red Sea and Israel itself, in what the Houthis declared was solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. A terrifying message Defeating the Houthis will be easier said than done, considering the Saudi-backed coalitions failure to do so with overwhelming air power in the early years of the war, and the groups now extensive combat experience and possession of advanced weapons, including drones and missiles. But if the Yemeni military does truly reorganise itself and integrate the different anti-Houthi forces on the ground, the opportunity may be there. Advertisement Advertisement Adel Dashela, a Yemeni researcher and non-resident fellow at MESA Global Academy, said that if the SMC is able to provide security and stability in territory under its control, it may also be able to improve the lives of Yemenis living there and put itself in a stronger position in any negotiations with the Houthis. The next stage is the start of a political process to reach an agreement with the Houthi group. If the peaceful option fails, the military action becomes necessary, Dashela told Al Jazeera. Abdulsalam Mohammed, the head of the Yemeni Abaad Studies and Research Center, believes that recent events both inside and outside Yemen provide the government with a perfect opportunity to confront the Houthis. A limited military operation routed the UAE-backed STC within a few days, Mohammed said. What happened to the STC in the south carried a terrifying message to the Houthis in the north. The Houthis are not invincible. Advertisement Advertisement According to Mohammed, some factors have magnified the vulnerability of the Houthis at present. He explained, Iran is undergoing a massive crisis, and this can weaken Tehrans Houthi proxy. The popular silent rage against the group keeps growing, given the economic and governance issues in areas under their control. Moreover, the exit of the UAE from the south will enable the Yemeni government to shift the battle to the Houthis in the north. Desperate for order Armed groups in Yemen have proliferated over the last decade. The outcome has been a weakened government and a prolonged war. Amid the chaos, the population has borne the brunt. Advertisement Advertisement Fawaz Ahmed, a 33-year-old resident of the southern city of Aden, is hopeful that the establishment of a military committee will end the presence of armed groups in Aden and other southern cities. Fawaz expects Aden to get two immediate benefits from the formation of the SMC: an end to unlawful money collection by fighters and the disappearance of infighting between competing armed units. He recalled an incident last August in Adens Khormaksar district, when two military units clashed at the headquarters of the Immigration and Passports Authority, leading to the closure of the facility for days. The commanders of the armed groups issued conflicting directions, and soldiers opened fire on each other. This clearly points to the absence of a united leadership. So, the declared military committee will prevent such face-offs, said Fawaz. We are desperate for law and order, Fawaz said. Desperate for a city free from an unneeded military presence. This is a collective dream in Aden. Only united military leadership can achieve this. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Harrisburgs struggling downtown is now a part of the statewide gubernatorial election. When Zeroday Brewing Company announced it would close its 3rd Street taproom just blocks from the Pennsylvania State Capitol, it blamed dwindling foot traffic and a decrease in daytime workers. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Local Business Beat The business was not alone. In the last year, as many as five restaurants in the city announced theyre closing or face closing. Advertisement Advertisement State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who is running to be the Republican candidate for governor, diagnosed the problem this week. I want government employees to come back to the office, and its better for Harrisburg as well, Garrity said. Look at all the empty buildings we have. Look at all the establishments that are suffering. As treasurer, Garrity already made all 350 of her employees return to the office in June 2021. She said just one employee quit. But Steve Cantanese, who represents 10,000 state workers as president of SEIU 668, called Garritys comments disappointing. In some places, telework can be helpful in a recruitment tool and it can work great, he said. And in some places it cant. Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvanias governor oversees about 100,000 employees, Cantanese said. With so many roles, he said its important to consider what type of work they do, what office space is available and the cost-effectiveness of returning to office. Even then, he said less than 2% of state employees work remote full-time, below the national average of 9% for public sector employees. A spokesperson for Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said about 2/3 of state workers dont do any sort of telework. The number of employees who spend three or more days per week in a Dauphin County office rose by 56% last year, the spokesperson said. You have more people reporting to work than at anytime since the pandemic, Cantanese said. So, if places are struggling, if businesses in this community are struggling, I think theres going to have to be a deeper discussion on whats causing that. Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams (D) has faced criticism for the citys handling of the Broad Street Market, which burned down in in 2023. Last month, a wall collapsed at the unfinished site. Advertisement Advertisement Harrisburg City Council asks court to throw out mayors lawsuit Williams told abc27 News last year that downtown is important to her, but I have 50,000 people that I am concerned about. She added her team has consistently reached out to organizations and local businesses to share that the mayors office is open for business. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV devices, and newer Samsung Smart TVs. And while state workers returning to the office would be beneficial, the citys Downtown Revitalization Plan doesnt rely on it, said a spokesperson for the mayor. Instead, Williams envisions a downtown that is self-sufficient, with a vibrant and inviting culture sustained by residents, businesses and visitors alike. 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 ABC27. On the Friday, January 16, 2026, episode of The Excerpt podcast: When 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7th, Americans across the country took notice. Has the tide turned for how Americans feel about immigration enforcement? USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Christopher Cann joins The Excerpt to dig into all of it. Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text. Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here Advertisement Advertisement Dana Taylor: When 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7th, Americans across the country took notice. The video of her shooting went viral in almost instantaneously. Two different versions of what really happened took hold. In one version, the ICE agent was righteously defending his own life with the shooting. In the other, a federal officer had criminally shot and killed an innocent woman. Hello, and welcome to USA TODAY's The Excerpt. I'm Dana Taylor. Today is Friday, January 16th, 2026. Since that fateful day, protests have erupted across the nation in what some are saying is parallel to the outrage felt across the nation when George Floyd was killed. In fact, the shooting happened not so far from where Floyd was killed six years ago. Has the tide turned for how Americans feel about immigration enforcement? Here to help us dig into all of it is USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Christopher Cann. Chris, thanks so much for being here. Christopher Cann: Advertisement Advertisement Yeah, thanks for having me. Dana Taylor: Let's first take a step back and recap what happened on January 7th, the day Renee Nicole Good was killed. Christopher Cann: Yeah. So on the morning of January 7th, Renee Nicole Good was with her wife and dog, they say driving on their way home from dropping off their child at school, when they say they came across federal agents in their neighborhoods south of downtown Minneapolis and engaging in operations there. That's when they began observing what was going on and filming. And at some point there, that's when videos, the ones that you had mentioned that had gone viral, start to show that federal agents had approached Renee in her SUV. One can be seen walking up to her saying expletives, telling her to get out of the car. And that's when she began backing up before pulling her car forward while turning her wheel seemingly away from the agents. And one ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, who is standing in videos near the front of the SUV when it's moving, shot and killed Renee. Advertisement Advertisement And so the widely seen footage of that deadly encounter has sharply divided the country. DHS officials have said that Jonathan Ross acted properly and that Good was engaging in domestic terrorism, while top Democrats have called for Ross' arrest and have accused him of illegally shooting a US citizen. And I'll also note that there's new polls that find that most Americans have found the shooting to be unjustified. Dana Taylor: The days that followed have been marked by chaotic clashes between federal agents and protestors. In fact, there was a second shooting just two days ago on January 14th that has intensified demonstrations. What happened there, Chris? Christopher Cann: Advertisement Advertisement Yeah. So on this past Wednesday night, federal officials say immigration agents were operating in Minneapolis, when they say a man fled from agents first, in his car, and then on foot. And when an agent caught up with him, a scuffle ensued and federal officials say that it's at that time when two men from a nearby apartment building had arrived and assaulted the agent, and the agent allegedly being attacked by three people, shot one of the men. Today, the Department of Homeland Security identified all of them as undocumented immigrants from Venezuela and defended the agent's action saying that those shots were fired defensively. State investigators say they've launched a separate independent probe into the use of force in that case. But either way, the news of that shooting spread pretty quickly Wednesday night, and intensified those protests with scuffles breaking out and scenes of vandalism in some case, clouds of tear gas and pepper spray. Dana Taylor: Yesterday, President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act. What authority would that give the president? Christopher Cann: Advertisement Advertisement Yeah. So the Insurrection Act gives the president authority to deploy US troops domestically. And the way the law is written, that's supposed to be used to suppress rebellions, civil unrest or used when federal laws are being obstructed. And so the law has been revoked about 30 times since the late 1700s. The most recent time it was [inaudible 00:04:34] was in 1992 during the riots in Los Angeles. And Trump has a history of musing about, invoking the Insurrection Act he has since his return to office last year. And he has also spoke about using it in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in 2020. Dana Taylor: Department of Homeland Security has sent about 3,000 federal agents into the Minneapolis area, dwarfing the local police presence. How have state and local officials in Minnesota, including Governor Tim Walz, responded? Christopher Cann: Advertisement Advertisement Yeah. So state and local officials from Tim Walz to Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey, have repeatedly called for ICE to leave the area. They call what's happening a federal invasion, accused agents of trouncing on people's rights and unlawful seizures. The state actually filed a lawsuit this week seeking to halt the immigration operations in Minnesota. A judge declined to issue an immediate restraining order that would stop the ongoing enforcement, but the Department of Homeland Security has until Monday to respond to the lawsuit. So we'll see what happens there and whether or not... See what the judge decides, as far as the ongoing enforcement. Dana Taylor: Earlier this week, six federal prosecutors resigned following pressure by the Justice Department to investigate Renee Nicole Good's widow. Why and how has that impacted the political climate surrounding the shooting? Christopher Cann: Advertisement Advertisement Yeah. So while there's unrest in the streets in Minneapolis and Minnesota more broadly, there's turmoil within the prosecutor's office there. As you mentioned, reports say that six prosecutors have resigned after they had faced pressure to investigate Good's wife. There was also disagreement around the DOJ's decision not to investigate Jonathan Ross, the agent who shot Good in her SUV, as well as the handling of the incident. And this all comes as the state is facing a lot of pressure regarding a fraud scandal in Minnesota. And one of those prosecutors who resigned was Joe Thompson. He was the acting US attorney for Minnesota. He had been appointed by Trump and he had led the probe that had uncovered a lot of fraud within 14 state run Medicaid programs. Dana Taylor: It's been nearly six years since the death of George Floyd and our colleagues have written about how people in Minneapolis are feeling re-traumatized by this incident. What's happening on the ground and what are people saying? Christopher Cann: Advertisement Advertisement Yeah. So as you mentioned, the shooting of Good happened less than a mile from where George Floyd was killed in 2020. And as you remember in that case as well, it was a video of that incident that had shocked the nation, sparked large scale protests in cities across the country, and there was a kind of a national reckoning with police brutality and use of force. And so we have another deadly law enforcement interaction that's again, shocked people, fueled this upswell of activism and protests there. So you have a lot of people who've lived through that time and are currently protesting now or not. And thinking back, it kind of has re-traumatized them, has brought them back into that head space maybe that they were in, in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. So we're seeing, of course, the large protests in Minneapolis. They've not been, at least so far, to the scale of the ones in the wake of George Floyd, at least as far as the unrest and scenes of vandalism and things like that. Actors there have talked about it being much more controlled. So you'll have these large protests maybe outside of federal building in Minneapolis, but then there'll be also demonstrators or what they call, legal advisors, following ICE and DHS agents around the city, blowing whistles, honking horns, to notify people in the area that ICE is there, also recording on their phones and cataloging what's happened. So you have these roving demonstrations along with the more stationary ones. Dana Taylor: Compared to 2020, USA TODAY is reporting that protests today are more disciplined and deliberate. Even as the anger and exhaustion remain, what lessons did activists and protest organizers say they learned from the George Floyd uprising and how is that shaping how they respond now? Advertisement Advertisement Christopher Cann: So many Minnesota residents say that while they feel exhausted, they still feel that they must go out and protest to cry what's happening because they feel there's no other choice. Many are worried not only for maybe immigrants in their cities, but also for themselves with a lot of concerns around unlawful stops and possible discrimination. So while yes, there's a lot of fatigue and maybe apprehension, I also think that there is a large history of activism in Minneapolis. And so I think people there almost feel an obligation to speak out about injustices. Dana Taylor: What happens next here, Chris? What will you be looking for? Christopher Cann: Yeah. So I think we'll be watching what happens with these protests if they continue. It seems that the ICE operations, the broader ICE and border patrol operations aren't going to be slowing. On Thursday, Kristi Noem said that there's no intention to pull out or stop the immigration enforcement or cancel anytime soon. So that looks like it will be continuing for the foreseeable future. Dana Taylor: Christopher Cann is a Breaking News Reporter for USA TODAY. Thank you so much for coming on the show, Chris. Christopher Cann: Thanks for having me. Dana Taylor: Thanks for our senior producer, Kaely Monahan, for her production assistance. Our executive producer is Laura Beatty. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts at usatoday.com. Thanks for listening. I'm Dana Taylor. We'll be back Monday morning with another episode of USA TODAY's The Excerpt. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Protest have erupted nationwide over ICE immigration enforcement | The Excerpt By Nidhi Verma NEW DELHI, Jan 15 (Reuters) - India's Russian oil imports fell to their lowest level in two years in December, as Western sanctions pushed refiners to tap alternatives, lifting OPEC's share of imports to an 11-month high, trade data showed. Lower imports of Russian oil, sold at a discount, is likely to hit profits of refiners in the world's third largest oil importer and consuming nation and push them to turn to suppliers in the Middle East, the U.S. and South America. Tighter U.S. and European Union sanctions have slowed Russian oil flows to India, with imports dropping about 22% to 1.38 million barrels per day in December from the previous month, reducing Russia's share to 27.4%, the lowest since January 2023, while OPEC's share rose to 53.2%, the data showed. Reliance Industries, the largest Indian buyer of Russian oil, stopped receiving crude under its deal with Rosneft in the final 10 days of December, with its imports from Russia falling to a nearly two-year low, the data showed. State refiners, meanwhile, continued to source Russian oil from non-sanctioned suppliers. RUSSIA REMAINS TOP SUPPLIER Despite the drop, Russia remained the top supplier of oil to India in December and during first nine of this fiscal year to March 31, 2026, followed by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Some cargoes that arrived in December, however, were discharged in January, the data showed. India's Russian oil imports are expected to average around 1.2 million to 1.4 million bpd in January, with the pullback looking more like a short-term disruption from compliance issues rather than India moving away from Russia completely, said Sumit Ritola, lead research analyst, refining and modelling at Kpler. To keep track of refiners' oil purchases, the Indian government is seeking weekly details on crude purchases from Russia and the U.S. OPEC SHARE RISES For 2025, OPEC's share of India's crude imports edged up to 50%, from 49% from a year earlier, while Russia's portion shrank to 33.3% versus 36% in 2024. India emerged as the biggest buyer of discounted Russian seaborne crude following the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. The purchases have fuelled a backlash from Western nations, which have targeted Russia's energy sector with sanctions, arguing that oil revenues help fund Moscow's war effort. The U.S. doubled import tariffs on Indian goods to 50% last year as punishment for its heavy purchasing of Russian oil. The two countries are currently negotiating a potential trade deal. (Reporting by Nidhi Verma; Editing by Florence Tan and Alexander Smith) Aung San Suu Kyi lived a quiet life in the UK, far removed from Myanmars fraught politics, raising two children with her husband. She had no intention of getting into politics even when she returned to her country in 1988 to care for her dying mother. It was only after witnessing the bloody suppression of mass protests by her countrys military rulers that she realised she could not remain on the sidelines. A year later, in the summer of 1989, she was first arrested by the military government. It was the beginning of a cycle of imprisonments, house arrests and periods of release that would come to define her life. This week saw Suu Kyi reach a grim milestone a total of 20 years spent in detention in Myanmar. Her repeated incarcerations, from that first house arrest to her current situation of deep uncertainty, are a testament to the armys determination to retain control of the country at any cost. Advertisement Advertisement My mother has spent a cumulative 20 years in military detention for her commitment to a democratic and prosperous Burma, her son Kim Aris says, using the name for the country that predates the military governments unilateral decision in 1989 to switch it to Myanmar. Today, at 80 years old, she remains in prison, in total isolation, buried alive in a system devoid of transparency and justice. Guided by her philosophy of peace and practical steps towards reconciliation, shes the only figure with the moral authority and popular mandate to bridge the nations divides, Aris tells The Independent. The military junta must release her as a first step to bringing back peace in Burma. The military has seen Suu Kyi, daughter of modern Myanmars founding father Aung San, as a threat to its power since she first entered politics. Advertisement Advertisement It was during her first detention that Suu Kyi became a global symbol of peaceful resistance. In 1991, while still under house arrest, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights in the Southeast Asian nation. A protester holds a poster with a picture of Aung San Suu Kyi during a candlelight vigil to honour people killed during demonstrations against the military coup in Yangon on 13 March 2021 (AFP via Getty) Such was Suu Kyis widespread appeal that despite her isolation, her party, the National League for Democracy, won a landslide victory in the 1990 general election a result the military refused to honour. Suu Kyi was released from house arrest in 1995, but her movement outside Yangon remained restricted. She was arrested again in September 2000 after attempting to travel outside Yangon to meet supporters and was held under house arrest for around 20 months. Advertisement Advertisement In May 2003, following an attack at Depayin which saw a pro-military mob ambush her convoy, Suu Kyi spent more than seven years in confinement, including an extended term in 2009 after an American man swam to her lakeside home. She was let out after the 2010 election. Her most recent detention began in February 2021, when the military overthrew her government in a coup and the country descended into a deadly civil war. She has not been heard from in public since. Suu Kyi was ousted after her party secured a landslide election victory. The episode, as well as the collapse in international support that emboldened the military to consolidate its power, features in a documentary by The Independent released in late 2024. Independent candidate Sandar Min, former parliament member from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party, shows off her inked finger after casting her vote at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, on 11 January (AP) The same generals are now holding elections that analysts say are designed to cement military rule through proxy parties, after purging their only serious rival Suu Kyis party from the political arena. Advertisement Advertisement In the November 2020 elections, the NLD had secured 82 per cent of the contested seats, comfortably defeating the Union Solidarity and Development Party backed by the military. A major turning point in Suu Kyis political career came in 2017, when Myanmars military launched a brutal crackdown against the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. Her global standing as a human rights defender was severely damaged when she not only failed to condemn the operation which led to mass killings and displacement of over 700,000 Rohingya but even defended the military against charges of genocide. Suu Kyi stood before the International Court of Justice at The Hague in 2019 and argued the allegations against the military presented an incomplete and misleading factual picture and instead accused the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, an ethnic militia, of triggering what she described as an internal conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Six years later, the court convened this week to hear a landmark case brought by the Gambia in 2019, alleging that Myanmars military deliberately targeted the minority Muslim community. The Independent visited one of the largest Rohingya refugee camps in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh, and heard testimonies of the communitys continuing persecution in Myanmar. Some spoke of their changing views of Suu Kyi, saying that she was a victim of the military like them. Detention Key details 1989-1995 First imprisonment following her emergence as leader of the pro-democracy movement; awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 while still under detention. 20002002 Rearrested after attempting to travel outside Yangon to meet supporters and held for around 20 months. 20032010 Detained after her convoy was ambushed by a pro-military mob in Depayin; detention extended in 2009 after an American man swam to her home. 2021 Arrested following the military coup that overthrew her government; initially held under house arrest and later transferred to a military prison in Nay Pyi Taw. Unlike her previous incarcerations, the situation today is more critical. Almost nothing is known about the state of her health or the conditions in which she is held, though she is thought to be detained in a military prison in the capital Naypyidaw. Advertisement Advertisement For all I know she could be dead, Aris said recently. The ruling junta insists that Suu Kyi is in good health. Shes devoted almost 40 years to her countrys struggle for democracy, spending half that time in detention. The military regime has plunged the country into an escalating conflict with dire humanitarian and human rights consequences, for which it must be held accountable. Its sham elections, which are designed solely to legitimise and rebrand the dictatorship, are not the answer, says Benedict Rogers, senior director at Fortify Rights and author of three books on Myanmar. The release of Ms Suu Kyi, all political prisoners, and an end to attacks on civilians are vital first steps if Myanmar is to move forward from this horrific cycle of repression and war. A Rohingya girl sells goods at her stall at a refugee camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, on 21 November 2025 (AP) Her son previously told The Independent his mother was suffering from a worsening heart condition. Its deeply distressing to have heard my mothers health has taken a turn for the worse. She has had ongoing heart complications, which have undoubtedly been exacerbated by the conditions under which she is being held, Aris says. She needs to see, and has asked to see, a cardiologist from outside the prison. I have no way of knowing if this has been granted. Advertisement Advertisement The National Unity Government, the government-in-exile composed of pro-democracy and anti-junta groups, said the fact that Suu Kyi had spent 20 years in prison was a profound injustice that we feel with a heavy heart every single day. Its a deliberate, slow-motion act of cruelty by a terrorist military that fears her influence even from behind bars. Issuing a call for global action, the government-in-exile said they didnt just want concern from the international community but concrete measures to secure her release. Her release, along with the release of over 20,000 other political prisoners, is a non-negotiable step towards ending this conflict. WASHINGTON Three more Democrats said Wednesday that federal prosecutors contacted them following their participation in a video urging members of the military and the intelligence community not to follow illegal orders. Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania all struck defiant tones in saying they would fight back against any investigation by the Trump administration. "Donald Trump called for my arrest, prosecution, and executionall because I said something he didnt like. Now hes pressuring his political appointees to harass me for daring to speak up and hold him accountable," Crow said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Goodlander said on X, "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. "These threats will not deter, distract, intimidate, or silence me," she added. Houlahan, in her social media post, said, "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." Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., outside the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 6. (Eric Lee / Getty Images) (Eric Lee) Another of the six lawmakers involved in the video, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said Tuesday that she was being investigated by Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia and a close Trump ally. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters Wednesday before he issued his statement, Crow said Slotkin "is facing the exact same thing that all the members who filmed this video are facing right now. Its the same situation that the Trump administration has decided to weaponize the Department of Justice to try to silence their political opponents and suppress dissent. But we are members of Congress, we will do our duty." Crow's office said Pirro's office reached out last week seeking an interview with Crow about the video, released by the six former military and intelligence community veterans in November. The video reminded service members of their duty not to comply with illegal orders. In response to a request for comment Wednesday, Pirro's office said, We do not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation. President Donald Trump blasted the lawmakers after the video was released, accusing them of seditious behavior and saying their action could be punishable by death. The following day, he said on conservative Brian Kilmeades radio show that he was not threatening death toward the lawmakers, while adding, "I think theyre in serious trouble. Advertisement Advertisement Crow and three of the other video participants Goodlander, Houlahan and Rep. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania said in a joint statement in November that the FBI had contacted the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms requesting interviews with the lawmakers involved in the video, adding that Trump was using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., at the Electoral College vote count during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2025. (Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images) (Tom Williams) The sixth Democrat involved in the video, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a retired Navy captain, sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Defense Department on Monday over their efforts to censure and demote him over his remarks in the video. The suit called their actions "unlawful and unconstitutional." Kelly and Crow said this week that no interviews with the FBI had taken place yet. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Rep. Nydia Velazquez may be retiring, but shes not leaving office without a fight. La Luchadora on Thursday threw her weight behind Antonio Reynoso, the current Brooklyn borough president, in the race to succeed her in Congress marking the third proxy smackdown with Mayor Zohran Mamdani this week. Antonio is the leader this moment demands: courageous, progressive and grounded in lived experience, Velazquez said in a statement. As I pass the torch to the next generation, I ask New Yorkers to support him. Our legacy one rooted in justice, dignity and opportunity is in strong hands with Antonio. Advertisement Advertisement Velazquez cited Reynosos upbringing in South Williamsburg and said he has the chops to unapologetically stand up to President Trump and for immigrants and Puerto Ricans in New Yorks heavily Latino 7th district. This is the third time this week Velazquez has placed herself at odds with Mayor Mamdani, of whom she was a relatively early supporter, and the Democratic Socialists of America, whose influence in New York politics has grown with Mamdanis ascent. The mayor has tried his hand at playing kingmaker both in local and congressional races in the early days of his term. And where Mamdani has signaled support, Velazquez is often on the other side. Velazquez previously endorsed Brian Romero in a western Queens assembly race where the DSA has endorsed another contender, Aber Kawas. Mamdani is expected to also back Kawas. Advertisement Advertisement Velazquez has also announced her support for Rana Abdelhamid, a candidate in a special election to replace Mamdani in the state assembly. Mamdani and the DSA have endorsed former Queens DSA co-chair Diana Moreno. In an interview with The New York Times, Velazquez laced into Mamdanis involvement in other races. Honeymoons are short, and people need to pay attention to the work at hand, she told the Times when asked if she had advice for Mamdani. She also warned that the mayors involvement in primary races opens up fights among groups he needs to govern. Asked about these comments at an unrelated news conference in Harlem on Thursday, Mamdani said he had nothing but respect and admiration for Velazquez. Advertisement Advertisement I will always continue to appreciate the relationship that we have and the shared vision in making this a city that we not only live in, but are also proud of, Mamdani said. The mayor has now put his fingerprints on three congressional races in total, backing former comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander in his challenge to Rep. Dan Goldman and dissuading Councilmember Chi Osse from primarying House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Residents of the Marayeepalayam village in Tamil Nadu, India, spotted two leopards atop a small hill, near where residents frequent. Despite efforts to track the wildlife, the leopards remain elusive and a threat to local residents who may cross paths with them. What's happening? As the Hindu reported, concerned Marayeepalayam residents reported multiple leopard sightings to the Vilamundi Forest Range Office in early December. The Forest Department investigated and confirmed the leopard sightings and took measures to safely catch the big cat. According to the Hindu, the Forest Department set out three cages and five camera traps, as well as used drones to surveil the area to attempt to locate the leopards. A search party consisting of 15 Forest Department staff members and 10 villagers also swept the area where the leopards were seen, but to no avail. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have warned the public to do their best to avoid areas where the leopards have been seen. Why are human-wildlife interactions important? Residents who had spotted the leopards roaming the hilltop were rightfully panicked. Leopards are aggressive and opportunistic predators that have been known to attack humans. In fact, leopard attacks in India rose last year due to increased human-wildlife interactions, including human development in the leopard's natural habitats, illegal wildlife poaching, and declining prey population. The leopard's desperate or opportunistic attempts to seek food may cause leopards to seek out domesticated animals or even humans. Advertisement Advertisement In Rajasthan, a leopard was spotted roaming the streets of the Bajaj Nagar neighborhood in Jaipur, eventually finding its way into some residents' homes. In Bangalore, a 12-year-old tourist was attacked at the Bannerghatta Biological Park when a leopard lunged at the boy through an open window on a safari vehicle. In instances like this, however, human encroachment onto native habitats raises the chances of dangerous leopard encounters. What's being done about human-wildlife interactions? Limiting human-wildlife interactions between leopards and the local community helps keep communities safe. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. However, the real issue remains leopards are losing their native habitats due to human intrusion. They face threats of poaching for the illegal market trade, and their prey population has been falling due to human hunting pressure. Advertisement Advertisement The Ussuri Nature Reserve in Russia recently returned three leopard individuals into the Leopard National Park to attempt to reestablish a new leopard population in the lands where they formerly roamed. Modern technology, like drones, has also helped rescue wildlife from poachers, alerting authorities to cases of wildlife trafficking, which allows officials to hold traffickers accountable. 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. Jan. 15ROCHESTER Rochester's mayor and other elected city officials are urging caution for residents as they respond to the presence of federal immigration agents. "Please do not give anyone an excuse to cause additional damage and harm to you or those you care about," Mayor Kim Norton said in a social media post Thursday. In addition to local protests, some Rochester residents have used social media to share reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and information about the vehicles they appear to be using. Others have shared information to help residents who are scared to leave their homes and businesses that are feeling the impact of reduced customer and employee numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, nearly 200 residents attended a Jan. 12 training designed to teach people how to safely observe federal immigration enforcement activities. Calling some of the efforts valiant, Norton also encouraged Rochester residents to reach out to federal lawmakers. "These are uncharted waters in our country, and I ask that you join me in calling on Congress to pull ICE from our state and allow our local law enforcement to protect us," she wrote. "Ask them to (rein) in the seemingly lawless behavior that is harming Minnesotans and to not send improperly (trained) ICE and (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) agents on our streets. It is causing serious harm to individuals, and it undermines the local professional law enforcement officers that we all count on for protection." Norton said it's a message she's already shared with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, as well as Congressman Brad Finstad, R-Minnesota, with whom she served in the Minnesota House of Representatives before becoming mayor. Advertisement Advertisement "I was trying to apprise them of what was happening in our community, because the (national) headlines have primarily been Minneapolis and the surrounding areas," she said, noting she's discussed impacts on local individuals and businesses. "I've shared that information and asked for their help," she added. "They both responded that they would do their best to communicate with the federal government." The social media post follows related comments made during the mayor's State of the City Address on Jan. 8, as well as a statement made by Rochester City Council member Dan Doering at the start of Monday's council study session. "This activity has understandably created fear and anxiety in our community, particularly among immigrants who have chosen Rochester as their home," he said, pointing out that some residents are afraid to conduct routine activities in the community. Advertisement Advertisement "It is essential that every person in our community feels comfortable reaching out for help and accessing needed services without fear," he added. While the Rochester Police Department lacks the authority to interject in most federal actions in the city, Doering and others have noted local officers are not taking part in ICE activities. "The Rochester Police Department does not coordinate or assist in civil immigration enforcement," Doering said. "RPD will only respond to immigration-related activity if there is an immediate public safety concern or report of criminal conduct." The police department issued a statement a week earlier, pointing to its limited role in any immigration inquiries. Advertisement Advertisement "Our priority as a local law enforcement agency is and always has been the protection of public safety and the preservation of order within our community," the statement read. City Attorney Michael Spindler-Krage said the limited local authority over federal actions doesn't mean the city and its police department are merely watching events unfold. "Dispatch is still answering the phone for anyone who calls," he said, noting some callers might be referred to options to obtain requested information, while officers would be dispatched if public safety concerns arise. Additionally, he said city leaders from a variety of agencies are meeting regularly to discuss what is happening with the intention of finding ways to help alleviate concerns for residents. Advertisement Advertisement Doering also cited the desire to address local concerns when possible. "While our local authority of federal agencies is limited, our commitment to one another is not," he said, pointing to the city's effort to gather online resources related to immigration issues. Available at tinyurl.com/5m68x924, the materials can be translated into a variety of languages by making a selection in the top right corner of the site. Norton said city efforts have unfolded in a way intended to respond to what is happening locally, rather than getting ahead of federal action, which could add to angst and fear being seen in the community. She said that worry has fueled some criticism, but she feels the city's response has been appropriate, based on the local government's limited ability to act against federal actions. Advertisement Advertisement "I understand that people have a lot of angst, that they are fearful, that they are angry, and it sometimes happens that they turn that angst and anger on the wrong target," she said of local criticism. At the same time, she said the goal behind Monday's post was to assure people that city officials understand their fears and are paying attention. "I was just trying to message to people that we hear you, we see you, we are paying attention and we are trying to help," she said. The price of making phone calls from prisons and jails was set to drop under a 2024 FCC rule, but a 2025 rule revision is driving costs back up | Getty Images The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation. For many, the recent holiday season was a time to connect with family. For some, family includes someone incarcerated in one of Wisconsins prisons or jails. Juli Bliefnick told the Wisconsin Examiner she was incarcerated in county jail and state prison from January 2012 to June 2016. She said that many people would save up precious telephone time to call their families for the holidays. Advertisement Advertisement People that came from more disadvantaged backgrounds would not call their families as often, Bliefnick said. She remembers the cost of calls putting strain on her relationship with her parents while she was incarcerated. While incarcerated, Ventae Parrow said he had to choose whether to spend his money on additional food items and hygiene, or on talking with family on the phone. Parrow left prison in 2020 and is an organizer for the advocacy network WISDOM. He told the Examiner that how often he talked to his family depended on how much money he had. Nationally, jail and prison phone call rates have declined over the years, according to a report covering 2008-2021 from the Prison Policy Initiative. And in 2024, the Federal Communications Commission voted for new rules to lower how much calls could cost. Advertisement Advertisement The agency announced that for the overwhelming majority of people, the upper limit on the per-minute cost of calls would drop by over half. New per-minute caps ranged from 6 cents per minute for prisons to 12 cents per minute for very small jails. However, the agency postponed aspects of the new rules in June, including the 2024 caps, until April 2027. Then the FCC voted in the fall of last year to partially roll back the 2024 change with new caps. The commission voted to increase the caps on the cost of a minute on the phone partway back to the caps that preceded the 2024 rules. The new caps range from 11 cents per minute for prisons to 19 cents per minute for extremely small jails. The FCC called them interim caps, and said it was seeking comment on how to establish permanent caps. The FCC decision includes a ban on site commissions payments from service providers to correctional facilities that the Prison Policy Initiative said had had the effect of inflating the final costs families paid. The ban will take effect on April 6. Wanda Bertram of the Prison Policy Initiative said that sheriffs desire for commissions was an important factor in driving up phone rates in the past, but its hard to say how that is going to change the setting of rates going forward with the new rules, and that companies may or may not choose to jack rates up to the maximum now allowed by the FCC. Worth Rises, a group advocating for lower rates, said the 2025 revised caps will deliver substantially less financial relief to families affected by incarceration. They will take effect April 6 barring further action. Advertisement Advertisement In northeastern Wisconsin, people incarcerated in the Brown County Jail currently pay a per-minute rate of 15 cents for phone calls, Captain Heidi Michel told the Examiner. They receive two free phone calls and two free messages per week. Michel said the jails average daily population for 2025 was 661 people, which meets the FCCs definition of a medium-sized jail. The 2025 caps will require jails of this size to have rates of 12 cents per minute or less. Under the 2024 rules, medium-sized jails would have to abide by a lower rate 7 cents per minute or less and therefore charge incarcerated people and their families less money. The 2025 caps also allow for people to be charged higher rates for video calls than the 2024 rules. Michel said people incarcerated in the Brown County Jail can have video visitation for 18 cents per minute. A medium-sized jail can have this rate under the 2025 caps for video calls. However, the 2024 caps would have required a rate of 12 cents per minute or less. Michel didnt immediately respond to a question from the Examiner on Friday about whether the county currently receives a portion of the revenue from the phone calls that incarcerated people in their jail and their families make. Advertisement Advertisement FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said rules the commission adopted in 2024 resulted in serious, unintended consequences. He said that limiting how facilities could recover safety and security costs through phone call charges caused some correctional facilities to scale back or even stop offering calling services. The Baxter County Sheriffs Office in Arkansas announced that the phone system used at the Baxter County Detention Counter would soon no longer be available due to the regulations. Two companies claimed to the FCC in April that its 2024 order was forcing correctional facilities to end or reduce access to services, and that the two companies were forced to end service to a few facilities. Commissioner Anna Gomez, who dissented in the rollback of the 2024 rule change, said the commission took narrow and speculative concerns and granted a waiver of the entire 2024 decision. She also raised the idea that the commission could have considered an individual waiver of the 2024 caps for facilities that showed that having less revenue led to communication services being unavailable. Gomez called the FCCs order indefensible, saying it would implement an egregious transfer of wealth from families in incredibly vulnerable situations to monopoly companies that seek to squeeze every penny out of them. Advertisement Advertisement Wanda Bertram of the Prison Policy Initiative told the Examiner that according to the FCC, the caps were calculated to offset the cost of companies offering certain features to jails and prisons, such as call monitoring. In an interview, Bertram argued that call monitoring technology should not be funded by fees charged to incarcerated people and their families. Call costs for Wisconsin jails and prisons The cost of a phone call varies across facilities. In the Eau Claire County Jail in western Wisconsin, incarcerated people pay 9 cents per minute on the phone and receive two free phone calls a week, Security Services Captain Chad Dachel told the Examiner. For the Polk County Jail, the rate is $0.19 per minute, and incarcerated people are allowed two free calls per week, according to Sheriff Brent Waak. As of late 2021, the average cost of a 15-minute call from a local jail in Wisconsin was $3.00, according to a Prison Policy Initiative report. In a statement to the Examiner, Mark Rice of WISDOM called for making prison and jail phone calls free for all. The effects of this would include reducing the financial challenge for families and improving the mental wellbeing of affected people, he wrote. The Prison Policy Initiative has argued that family contact also reduces recidivism. Advertisement Advertisement In November, lawmakers and organizers announced a package of bills aimed at improving conditions in prisons and jails, including the affordability of communication, the Examiner reported. ICSolutions, telephone service provider for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC), charges 6 cents per minute for calls at the departments adult facilities, DOC communications director Beth Hardtke told the Examiner, as of late December. ICSolutions charges 1 cent per minute for calls made at juvenile facilities and continues to charge $2.50 for a 25-minute video visit or $5 for a 50-minute visit, according to Hardtke. According to reporting from the Examiner in 2024, a family member of a man incarcerated at Fox Lake Correctional Institution said people receive two free calls every Sunday. Three free weekly messages are provided, according to the departments website. People incarcerated in jails and their families have tended to experience higher phone rates than those in prison, according to the Prison Policy Initiative report covering 2008-2021. Under the caps the FCC passed in 2024, the DOCs 6-cent rate would still have been allowed; thats a 15-minute rate of 90 cents In 2021, the average 15-minute rate for a jail phone call was roughly $3. However, ICSolutions is required to pay the department a commission of 4 cents per minute for all calls at adult institutions. The FCC decision includes a ban on site commissions, which critics say inflate call costs. The ban will take effect on April 6. Will the commission ban affect state prisons? Under state law, two-thirds of the phone commission from the contract must go to the Department of Administration, according to Hardtke. One-third goes to DOC and must be spent on services that directly benefit incarcerated people. Advertisement Advertisement In September 2024, Hardtke told the Examiner that ICSolutions paid nearly $6.3 million in commission in fiscal year 2024. The Department of Corrections share was nearly $2.1 million. Hardtke said that the commissions received allow DOC to purchase the following in support of the persons in our care, and provided a list of items ranging from mail processing services to re-entry portfolios to art supplies. Its unclear whether the FCCs commission ban will affect prisoners ability to access items and services currently funded by the commission money, or if other funding will sustain those items and services. However, $2.1 million is a tiny fraction of the Department of Corrections budget, and the commission money may not account for all of the funding supporting each item or service Hardtke listed. Hardtke said the Department of Corrections is continuing to evaluate how to best continue services to the Wisconsin prison population. Bertram of the Prison Policy Initiative said that charging people higher phone rates shouldnt be the source of money for things like free video calls that benefit incarcerated people. Advertisement Advertisement The decision leaves some room for authorities to receive money from phone calls. Within the new FCC caps, a portion of up to 2 cents per minute exists to account for the costs correctional facilities incur in allowing access to (communication services). Bertram told the Examiner that an example of this would be time spent by a correctional officer to escort people to a phone bay. The FCC said this was an interim measure while it sought comment for a permanent version. Hardtkes full list of items that receive funding from the commission was: mail processing services, driver education simulation equipment, recreation equipment, exercise equipment, library resources, TVs, cable TV, art supplies, re-entry portfolios, puzzles, yarn, activity books, CD/DVD players, movies, dayroom microwaves, incentive prizes, visiting room toys/activities, media credits, dayroom newspapers, magazine subscriptions, modern technology improvements and services, bus tickets for release, dayroom ice machines, personal laundry washing machines and repairs, barber services, religious and chapel supplies and services, legal loans, lanyards, burial/cremation for unclaimed bodies, dayroom game tables, dayroom board and card games, graduation ceremonies expenses, and more. Before the rollback in October, the FCC postponed its rate cap rules in June. In a November interview, Bertram said shed already heard from families about the cost of connection going up in the wake of the loss of the 2024 caps. This is going to come as a shock to a lot of families who had gotten a lot of relief from the 2024 rules, Bertram said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Royal Caribbean will not sail to its private resort destination of Labadee, Haiti, for the remainder of 2026, extending a suspension that has been in place since 2024 amid ongoing safety and security concerns in the country. Labadee, located on Haitis northern coast and exclusively used by Royal Caribbean Group ships, including Celebrity Cruises and Azamara, was previously removed from itineraries through May 2026. Out of an abundance of caution, we have extended our pause to Labadee through December 2026, the cruise lines parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, told USA Today in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has also contacted Royal Caribbean for comment. Royal Caribbean last stopped at Labadee in early 2025 after suspending visits in March 2024, when escalating gang violence put Haiti under a state of emergency and prompted a U.S. Level 4 do not travel advisory, its highest rating. Royal Caribbean will suspend visits to its private Haiti port, Labadee, for the rest of 2026, extending a pause in place since 2024 due to ongoing safety concerns (Getty Images) Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti, the alert said. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Do not travel to Haiti for any reason. No other cruise lines are currently travelling to Haiti. Should travelers find themselves in Haiti, the advisory urges them to avoid crowds and demonstrations, plan lodging and transportation in advance, and have independent evacuation plans separate from the help of the U.S. government. Additional guidance is available online. Advertisement Advertisement Gang violence in Haiti has fueled a severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread violence, hunger and displacement. The instability traces back to the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which allowed gangs to seize control of much of Port-au-Prince, Haitis capital, and continue expanding their influence across the country. In October 2025, the United Nations approved a new gang suppression force to address Haitis security crisis, but past missions, including an underfunded 2024 effort, had limited impact. To help those in need, the UN rolled out Haitis 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan in December, aiming to reach 4.2 million people struggling with violence, displacement, food shortages and collapsing services. The $880 million plan will provide lifesaving aid, improve access to essential services in the most severely affected areas, and support communities under extreme pressure, according to the organization. Woodbury city officials say they are confident that a building that was the center of speculation about a potential ICE detention center will not be sold or leased for that purpose. Hundreds of community members attended Wednesdays city council meeting, packing the two-story City Hall building, and most were there opposing the prospect of an ICE detention facility at the rumored Hudson Road location or anywhere else in the city. Mayor Anne Burt shared the news prompting cheers from the crowd that city staff had verbally confirmed that the property at 11435 Hudson Road is not being sold or leased to the federal government or agents acting on their behalf. Advertisement Advertisement This news is the culmination of many efforts of Woodbury city staff to work every angle possible to identify the various parties involved in the plan, and through collaboration, communication and maybe just a little bit of pressure, put an end to the possibility of this facility in our community, Burt said during the meeting. While the crowd cheered the news, they still had questions and concerns. Residents speak out Twernty-nine community members spoke during the open forum, including local DFL legislators Sen. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and Rep. Ethan Cha. Cha started his statement saying that in 1961 his father served the CIA in the secret war of Laos, that he came to America in 1980 as a refugee of Laos, became a naturalized citizen in the 90s and today serves as a state representative. Advertisement Advertisement The impact of ICE presence and the activities that have happened in Minnesota since ICE has been here is an infringement on the American dream. The community doesnt know where to turn, its looking to its leadership, its looking to local government, to federal, to the state. I applaud your investigation into the purpose on Hudson Road and I thank you for that, but the fight doesnt stop there. Ross Chavez said his family chose to live in Woodbury for the schools, the community, the sense of belonging and the opportunity to be involved. Chavez said he previously served the community as a paramedic firefighter and continues to work in health care in the city. Chavez said he knows of neighbors and community members who have been detained and removed by ICE, people who he said were not criminals, but loving family members working towards the American dream. And now I have to tell my children why their friends father is no longer here, Chavez said. Now my children are afraid of the police. Why cant they talk to who weve always told them were the helpers? Advertisement Advertisement He said he and his wife, both citizens, now carry our passports for fear that we may be ripped out of our cars and away from our children. Emma Kaskee, a 17-year-old Woodbury resident, said she chose to speak at the meeting because ICE has been present at her school. I have seen my friends scared to go outside, people I grew up with, that I went to kindergarten with, these brave, amazing people, Kaskee said during the meeting. I stand here because I want to use my voice because they cant, because my generation is scared. Not a good fit Mayor Burt said the council would host an online meeting Tuesday to respond to questions brought up by community members at the meeting. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement She did address one overarching question, however, stating that the city of Woodbury is not one that can feasibly house a detention center. Woodbury does not have any other large warehouse space to meet this purpose, which has been reported by the federal government, nor does this idea of a detention center fit in our community or meet our zoning codes and ordinances, Burt said. While other city leaders reinforced that point, the question of whether the federal government could override local zoning and ordinances remained on the minds of many. By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Lithuanian authorities accused Russia's GRU military intelligence service on Friday of masterminding attempted arson attacks on a plant that supplies radio wave scanners to Ukraine's army. Six nationals of Spain, Colombia, Cuba, Russia and Belarus had been arrested and charged over the 2024 attacks and each faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted, senior prosecutor Arturas Urbelis told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement "The crimes were coordinated, and orders were issued to the perpetrators by a group of people living in Russia, who are connected with Russia's GRU," the Deputy Chief of Lithuania's criminal police, Saulius Briginas, said at the same event. There was no immediate reaction from Russia which has repeatedly denied accusations that it has stepped up sabotage and other attacks in the region since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. ATTACKS ATTEMPTED IN POLAND, ROMANIA The group that coordinated the attack was made up of Colombian and Cuban citizens living in Russia, and had attempted similar arson attacks in Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic, Briginas said. Advertisement Advertisement They had targeted oil infrastructure in Romania, construction warehouses in Poland and buses, a post office and a cinema in the Czech Republic, he said. Lithuania has issued international arrest warrants for three more people, and was trying to extradite a fourth who has been arrested in Colombia, he added. All of the six arrested people had links to Russia, where they studied, travelled or had acquaintances, Briginas told the press conference. They were paid 5,000 to 10,000 euros for their actions, Urbelis said. "The perpetrators were mainly motivated by money." Last year Lithuania blamed Russia for an attempted arson attack on an IKEA shopping centre. Advertisement Advertisement Polish prosecutors last month charged a Russian in absentia with directing a group of saboteurs and spies as part of a suspected campaign to undermine Warsaw's strong support for Ukraine. Moscow has dismissed such accusations in the past, saying the West is stoking anti-Russian feeling. (Reporting by Andrius Sytas; Editing by Terje Solsvik, Anna Ringstrom and Andrew Heavens) By Dmitry Antonov MOSCOW, Jan 16 (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Friday hailed what it said looked like the desire of Italy, France and Germany to resume dialogue on Ukraine with Russia as a "significant shift" which matched its own view of how the situation should evolve. British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper has signalled London does not agree that the time is right to re-engage, however, telling Politico that she had seen no evidence that Moscow wants peace in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement "As for Britain, yes, Britain continues to take a radical stance," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday, when asked about the apparent shift in some European attitudes towards the idea of talking to Moscow. "Nonetheless... the statements by the three leaders (of Italy, France and Germany) represents significant progress from our perspective," said Peskov, who said that such a shift, if it reflected those countries' strategic vision, was in line with how Russia believed things should evolve. Moscow had an ongoing dialogue with the United States about so far unsuccessful efforts to get a peace deal in Ukraine, he added, but no such dialogue currently existed with European governments. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said earlier this month that Europe should restart dialogue with Russia to try to win more influence in negotiations over Ukraine, saying the EU should appoint an envoy to deal directly with President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement French President Emmanuel Macron has also spoken of the possibility of re-engaging, talking in December of the necessity for a "fulsome dialogue" with Moscow within weeks if a robust and lasting peace for Ukraine was not reached in the meantime. On Thursday, according to German media, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Russia a European country, saying he hoped ties between the EU and Moscow could be rebalanced. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Andrew Osborn and Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Gleb BryanskiEditing by) By Zaheer Kachwala and Krystal Hu Jan 14 (Reuters) - OpenAI will purchase up to 750 megawatts of computing power over three years from chipmaker Cerebras as the ChatGPT maker looks to pull ahead in the AI race and meet the growing demand, the two companies said on Wednesday. This deal is worth more than $10 billion over the life of the contract, according to a source familiar with the matter. The ChatGPT maker plans to use the systems built by Cerebras to power its popular chatbot in what is the latest in a string of multi-billion-dollar deals struck by OpenAI. Cerebras Chief Executive Andrew Feldman said the two companies began talks last August after Cerebras demonstrated that OpenAIs open-source models could run more efficiently on its chips than on traditional GPUs. After months of negotiations, the companies reached an agreement under which Cerebras will sell cloud services powered by its chips to OpenAI, focusing on inference and reasoning models, which typically take time to think before generating responses. As part of the deal, Cerebras will build or lease data centers filled with its chips, while OpenAI will pay to use Cerebras cloud services to run inference for its AI products. The capacity will come online in multiple tranches through 2028. Integrating Cerebras into our mix of compute solutions is all about making our AI respond much faster, OpenAI said in a post on its website. The deal underscores the industrys strong appetite for computing power to run inference the process by which models respond to queries as companies race to build reasoning models and applications to drive adoption. The tie-up will be key to Cerebras' latest efforts in going public, as it will help Cerebras diversify its revenue away from UAE-based tech firm G42, which has been both an investor and one of its largest customers. Founded in 2015, Cerebras is known for its wafer-scale engines, chips designed to accelerate training and inference for large AI models, competing with offerings from Nvidia and other AI chipmakers. Sam Altman, CEO at OpenAI, is an early investor in Cerebras. Reuters reported last month that Cerebras was preparing to file for an initial public offering, targeting a listing in the second quarter of this year. This marks the company's second attempt at the public market. It first filed paperwork for IPO in 2024, before postponing and ultimately withdrawing in October. OpenAI is laying the groundwork for its own IPO that could value it at up to $1 trillion, Reuters had also reported. A medical examiner in El Paso County, Texas, appears ready to call the death of a 55-year-old Cuban detainee in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody a homicide, according to a phone call reviewed by The Washington Post. An employee for the medical examiner told the daughter of Lunas Campos that the office is likely to classify his death at Camp Montana East on Jan. 3 as a homicide, according to a recording of the call. Campos died following a struggle with detention, per a document obtained by The Post. The employee said the doctor found the preliminary cause of death as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression, meaning enough pressure was applied to stop his breathing. Advertisement Advertisement The doctor is waiting for the results of a toxicology report, but believes that were going to be listing the manner of death as homicide, according to the employee. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, said that Campos attempted to take his life and violently resisted staff. During the ensuing struggle, Campos stopped breathing and lost consciousness. Medical staff was immediately called and responded. After repeated attempts to resuscitate him, EMTs declared him deceased on the scene, McLaughlin said in a statement. She called the matter an active investigation. Court document show that Campos had a criminal history including convictions for aggravated assault with a weapon and first-degree sexual abuse involving a child under 11 years old. ICE reportedly arrested him in July 2025. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Santos Jesus Flores, a man who claimed to be in the same detention unit as Campos, said he saw Campos struggling with guards, complaining that he did not have access to his medication. Flores claimed guards began choking him, causing Campos to cry out No puedo respirar, meaning I cant breathe in Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement He said, I cannot breathe, I cannot breathe. After that, we dont hear his voice anymore and thats it, Flores told The Post. Camposs death is the second at the violation-heavy Camp Montana East and the fourth death of an ICE detainee so far in 2026. The post He said I cant breathe': Medical examiner likely to call ICE detainee death a homicide appeared first on Salon.com. Former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates announced Thursday shes backing former state Georgia Sen. Jason Esteves (D) for governor. I am endorsing Jason Esteves for governor because this moment calls for strong leadership and a strong governor who will fight against Donald Trumps destructive agenda. Under Trump, Georgia is in crisis costs are high, working people are struggling, and our democracy is under attack, Yates said in a statement shared through Estevess campaign. In times of crisis, Jason has always risen to the challenge and fought for whats right no matter how tough the fight, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Esteves in his own statement said he was deeply honored to have Yatess backing. As hardworking Georgians face the consequences of Trumps destruction, it is incumbent upon all of us to get off the sidelines and into the fight, he added. Yates was fired by President Trump during his first term for refusing to enforce his immigration ban on a group of Muslim-majority countries while she was serving as acting attorney general. Esteves is running against a handful of Democrats for the partys nod to succeed term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp (R), including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former GOP Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Yatess endorsement is notable given shes rarely waded into elections. During the 2020 cycle, Yates also endorsed former President Biden. Yates was fired by Trump in 2017 after she refused to enforce an immigration ban on a group of Muslim-majority countries. Jason Carter, a former Georgia gubernatorial candidate whos also the grandson of the late former President and Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter, has also backed Esteves in the race. Early public polling has shown Esteves behind several contenders, including the former Atlanta mayor and Thurmond. 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. Islamabad, Pakistan By the standards of mega arms deals, the $1.5bn deal for Pakistan to reportedly sell jets and weapons to Sudans military isnt huge. But the deal, which the Reuters news agency reported in early January was close to being finalised, could prove pivotal in the grinding war that has devoured Sudan for nearly three years between the countrys armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Tens of thousands of people have been killed, millions have been displaced, and RSF troops have been accused of gang rapes including of infants. Advertisement Advertisement The agreement under negotiation is only the latest in a series of moves by Pakistan in recent months that demonstrate the growing footprint of its military hardware and clout in the Arab world. Pakistans military has, over the past few years, sold jets to multiple countries in Asia and Africa, and is in talks with others. But in the Middle East, its military role has traditionally, for the most part, involved training forces of Arab allies. Thats now changing, with a spree of deals and negotiations that could turn Pakistan into a key security provider in some cases, and give it the ability to tip the balance in delicate conflicts in other instances. But analysts warn that divisions within the Arab world mean that Pakistan will need to tread carefully or risk burning bridges with important partners. Saudi mutual defence Anchoring this shift in Pakistans military influence in the Arab world is the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) the country signed with Saudi Arabia last September, weeks after Israel bombed Qatar, setting off concerns across the region over whether the United States historically the security provider for several Gulf states could be trusted. Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Reuters reports that Saudi Arabia is among the countries that have also expressed interest in Pakistans JF-17 Thunder fighter jet. Saudi Arabia, one of the worlds wealthiest countries, operates a large and sophisticated air force equipped primarily with US and European aircraft and is in the process of ordering at least 48 US-manufactured F-35 jets, considered among the most advanced fighter aircraft currently available. But Adil Sultan, a former Pakistan Air Force air commodore, said Saudi Arabia may also be looking to diversify its defence suppliers amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Pakistan, as a traditional ally, and with the mutual defence treaty in place, is a reliable partner for Saudi Arabia. If Saudi Arabia buys JF-17s, it would enhance interoperability of both the air forces and would be mutually beneficial, he told Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Amir Husain, a Texas-based defence technology analyst, agreed. With the SMDA between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, it makes a lot of sense for there to be a degree of commonality in systems, he said. Saudi Arabia is helping countries in the region, such as Libya, Somalia and Sudan, attain stability. The JF-17, and the Royal Saudi Air Forces [RSAF] familiarity with this platform, can achieve these regional stabilisation aims, Husain added. The JF-17 attraction Apart from Saudi Arabia, Iraq too has shown interest in the JF-17, according to Pakistans Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) the militarys media arm. (Al Jazeera) The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, all-weather, multirole fighter jointly produced by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and Chinas Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. Advertisement Advertisement Production is split between the two countries, with 58 percent carried out in Pakistan and 42 percent in China. Pakistan produces the airframe, while China supplies the avionics. The latest version, the Block 3 variant, is classified as a 4.5-generation fighter. It features air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities, advanced avionics, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare systems and the ability to fire beyond-visual-range missiles. The AESA radar allows pilots to track multiple targets simultaneously and detect threats at longer distances, though the aircraft lacks the stealth characteristics of fifth-generation fighters. According to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) sources, full assembly takes place in Pakistan, and the production line at the Kamra facility can manufacture between 20 and 25 aircraft annually. Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan has marketed the JF-17 internationally for several years. Azerbaijan, Nigeria and Myanmar are currently among the aircrafts operators. But analysts say interest in the jet has intensified since the brief but intense military confrontation between Pakistan and India last May. During their four-day air conflict, both launched missiles and drones at each others territories, parts of Kashmir they administer, and military bases, after gunmen killed 26 civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir. On the first night of fighting, on May 7, Pakistan claimed it had shot down several Indian aircraft using Chinese-made J-10 Vigorous Dragon jets. The PAF deployed a 42-aircraft formation that included JF-17 Thunders and US-made F-16 Fighting Falcons against a 72-aircraft formation from the Indian Air Force. Indian officials initially denied any losses but later acknowledged that some planes had been lost. Advertisement Advertisement With a relatively low-price tag of $25m to $30m per aircraft, the JF-17 has long been seen as an attractive option for air forces seeking a cost-effective solution it is much cheaper than comparable aircraft produced by Western manufacturers. Analysts say that its recent combat exposure has added to its appeal, as battle-tested performance often carries greater weight than price alone. Al Jazeera sent queries to ISPR and the PAF seeking confirmation and details about the negotiations with different countries, but received no response. Beyond Saudi Arabia and Iraq, reports suggest that Sudans upcoming deal with Pakistan also involves the JF-17. Pakistan, reports in December suggested, was also planning to sell these jets to Libyan rebels. Outside the Arab world, Bangladesh and Indonesia have also shown interest in the jets. Walking a tightrope But Pakistans expanding military clientele also means that the country will need to juggle competing interests, say analysts. Advertisement Advertisement In Sudan, its weapons and jets will go to the armed forces, which are also supported by Saudi Arabia. Sudan, meanwhile, has accused the United Arab Emirates of financing and arming the paramilitary RSF a charge the UAE has repeatedly rejected. In Libya, Pakistan reportedly struck a $4bn deal in December with Khalifa Haftar, the rebel leader whose army controls a major chunk of the countrys north. Sudans army which Pakistans army is reportedly about to arm has previously accused Haftar of helping the RSF. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been on opposing sides in Yemen in recent weeks, with Riyadh accusing Abu Dhabi of arming southern separatists. The UAE has denied those allegations. Against that backdrop, it will not be easy for Pakistan to sell the same weapons systems to opposing sides, Umer Karim, an associate fellow at the Riyadh-based King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, told Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Karim said that he also believed that the Pakistani jets that Saudi Arabia has reportedly shown interest in are also meant for the Sudanese military. But Pakistani platforms, and the JF-17 in particular, offer other benefits, even to Sudans army and Libyan rebels, said Sultan, the former PAF officer. That the JF-17 is manufactured jointly with China gives it extra geopolitical heft, he pointed out. These countries may buy fewer numbers [than bigger countries] as per their requirement, but Pakistan may be seen as a most reliable source to acquire aircraft due to strong support from China, he said. Unlike Western weapons systems, jets like the JF-17 are also appealing to Global South militaries because of their robustness, lower lifecycle cost, ease of maintenance, and rapid operationalisation, another retired PAF official, who requested anonymity, told Al Jazeera. This official was involved with the JF-17 programme while in service. A Pakistani Air Force JF-17 Thunder is on display at the Dubai Air Show, United Arab Emirates, on November 19, 2025 [Altaf Qadri/AP Photo] Pakistans weapons exports The JF-17 is driving a much wider weapons export push from Pakistan, say analysts. Advertisement Advertisement A recent report by KTrade, a Karachi-based brokerage and research firm, said that Pakistans defence exports include not only fighter jets but also tanks, drones, armoured vehicles, naval systems and small arms. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) says Pakistan remains one of the worlds largest arms importers, with most of its imports coming from China, while exporting less than $50m worth of arms annually. However, data from Pakistans central bank shows that arms and ammunition exports jumped massively in the 2022 to 2023 fiscal year, rising from $13m to more than $400m. While never officially acknowledged, the jump in figures is widely attributed to Pakistan supplying ammunition to Ukrainian forces fighting Russia since February 2022. The reports of potential JF-17 sales come as Pakistan seeks to stabilise its economy and rebuild diplomatic momentum. Islamabad has recently improved ties with the United States while reinforcing partnerships with China, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. Pakistan is currently in its 25th International Monetary Fund programme, a $7bn loan spread over 37 months, underscoring its need for foreign inflows. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently suggested that arms exports could ease that dependence. Our aircraft have been tested, and we are receiving so many orders that Pakistan may not need the International Monetary Fund in six months, he said in a television interview. KTrade estimated that existing and potential JF-17 deals, including a $1.5bn contract with Azerbaijan from 2024 and possible sales to Saudi Arabia, Libya and Sudan, could generate up to $13bn, boosting Pakistans foreign reserves by as much as 82 percent. Karim, however, remains unconvinced, noting that previous efforts to market the jet did not lead to major contracts. It is a bit strange that all of a sudden, and without that sort of intense official and institutional engagement, so many defence deals involving the JF-17 are being discussed, he said. For now, one can say theyre meant to project the narrative of the Pakistani defence industrial complex and its indigenous weapon systems coming of age and attracting customers everywhere. Sultan attributed the renewed interest to lessons drawn from last years conflict with India, where Chinese-sourced weapon systems have proven their efficacy against the advanced Western aircraft. The JF-17 Thunder is currently in use by the air forces of Azerbaijan, Nigeria and Myanmar [File: Zohra Bensemra/Reuters] A multipolar arms market Pakistans discussions with potential weapons buyers are unfolding against a backdrop of intensifying competition between the United States and China, as many countries reassess defence procurement strategies in an increasingly polarised world. The US remains the worlds largest arms exporter, accounting for 43 percent of global sales in 2024, according to SIPRI. China ranks fourth, with about a 6 percent share nearly two-thirds of which goes to Pakistan. The retired PAF official who spoke on condition of anonymity said any JF-17 sale should be seen as strategic diversification, not geopolitical defiance. This reflects a pragmatic shift toward multipolar defence procurement, where performance, combat credibility, cost and sovereignty matter more than legacy alignments, he said. Husain, the defence technology analyst, agreed, saying Pakistan was not competing directly with US manufacturers. The JF-17 is a tremendous aircraft, and there is room in many fleets for both platforms, he said. Uzair Younus, partner at The Asia Group, a Washington, DC-based geopolitical consulting firm, concurred, adding that the diversification is largely driven by a recognition that Western defence supply chains will be strained for the foreseeable future. I dont see Washington, at least under [US President Donald] Trump, viewing these developments negatively, Younus said. Countries like Saudi Arabia are likely to procure cutting-edge supplies from the West, and access to platforms like the JF-17 helps them bolster their capacity to do the regional security work that America wants them to do, he told Al Jazeera. The search for the next UVU president is underway, but the hire will be made using a new process. The same day that Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez announced she would resign effective May 1, the Utah Board of Higher Education announced a new procedure for hiring college presidents in the state. A formal presidential transition team will be assembled with representatives from the state board, the UVU board of trustees and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement This framework reflects the boards responsibility to ensure strong, well-supported leadership transitions across the Utah System of Higher Education, Amanda Covington, chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education, said in a statement. UVU instantly becomes the first Utah public school to conduct a presidential search under the new model. Students walk on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem on Thursday, April 10, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News The UVU transition team will provide a new structure that seeks to sustain the universitys positive momentum, leaders said. Covington said transition teams are a best practice in higher education and other fields for that very reason. This approach is designed to preserve momentum and provide stability during periods of change, she said. Advertisement Advertisement The search for the next president of Utahs largest university wont just begin immediately; its already underway, said Scott Smith, chair of the UVU board of trustees. He anticipated a strong Utah-focused search process. There are probably two decisions which will eventually come down, Smith said. Is this someone thats internally within the university or internally within the state of Utah but can take this position? UVUs board of trustees is keenly interested in maintaining the momentum built by two presidents over the past 16 years. During that time, UVU has grown from 26,000 students to nearly 49,000 today, with expanded degrees and programs and an endowment that has more than doubled. Paige Holland, left, and outgoing President Matthew S. Holland react when thanked for their service toward the university at the public meeting of the board of trustees, where Astrid S. Tuminez was introduced as the seventh president of Utah Valley University in Orem on Friday, April 20, 2018. | Adam Fondren, Deseret News Weve seen in the last two presidents, with Matt Holland and with Astrid Tuminez, that theyre very different, Smith said. But theyve both been extremely, extremely progressive in forwarding the objectives and the growth of the university for the benefit of Silicon Slopes, Utah Valley and the citizens of the state of Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Covington specifically praised Tuminez in a statement. Her commitment to the mission of the university and its faculty, staff, students and broader community has positioned UVU well for the future, the state leader said. The board is committed to a search process that builds on this foundation. The transition team system is meant to support continuity, according to the news release. The team will be tasked with assessing UVUs priorities and near-term needs during the presidential search. One major new feature is that the presidential transition team will remain in place for the first six months of the new presidents tenure. Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to provide additional leadership support to the next president and the university. The next step in the process rests with the State Board of Higher Education. It will appoint and publicly announce the UVU Presidential Search Committee. The boards news release said additional details will be made public within weeks. An 11-year-old girl who was reported missing after she didnt return home from school has been found safe. The Smyrna Police Department says a citizen called 911 around 7:50 a.m. about a possible sighting of the student. Officers responded to the area and found the 11-year-old and reunited her with her family. Police say the girl wandered miles away from her school, LIVE on Channel 2 Actions starting at 4:00 p.m. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officers put out a missing person alert early Friday for the 11-year-old. Channel 2s Bryan Mims followed the search for her during Channel 2 Action News This Morning starting at 4:30 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Smyrna police let Mims into their real-time crime center for a look at the surveillance cameras investigators were using in their search for the girl. Police say the girls parents and the community were extremely concerned for her safety given the below-freezing temperatures. Officers did not say where the girl was found, but will have an update later today. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) A group of mostly Democratic U.S. senators sent a letter Thursday to the U.S. Postal Service, voicing concern that mail processing changes could affect postmark dates for mail-in ballots during an election year that will determine control of Congress. Updated agency policy says postmarks might not indicate the first day the Postal Service received the mail but rather the day it was handled in one of its processing centers. Those centers are increasingly likely to be further away from certain communities because of recent USPS consolidations, which could further delay postmarks, the 16 senators wrote. Postmark delays are especially problematic in states that vote entirely or largely by mail, they wrote to Postmaster General David Steiner, noting that many states use postmark dates to determine whether a mail ballot can be counted. These changes will only increase the likelihood of voter disenfranchisement. Advertisement Advertisement The consequences could be particularly acute in rural areas where mail has to travel farther to reach regional processing centers, they added. In theory, a rural voter could submit their ballot in time according to their state law, but due to the changes you are implementing, their legally-cast ballot would not be counted as it sits in a local post office, they wrote. As we enter a year with many local and federal elections, the risk of disrupting this vital democratic process demands your attention and action. The Postal Service has received the letter and will respond directly to those who sent it, spokesperson Martha Johnson said. The agency addresses the issue on its website. Advertisement Advertisement While we are not changing our postmarking practices, we have made adjustments to our transportation operations that will result in some mailpieces not arriving at our originating processing facilities on the same day that they are mailed, its website says. This means that the date on the postmarks applied at our processing facilities will not necessarily match the date on which the customers mailpiece was collected by a letter carrier or dropped off at a retail location. Johnson said the language in the final rule does not change any existing postal operations or postmarking practices. She added that the agency looked forward to clarifying the senators' misunderstanding. Our public filing was made to enhance public understanding of exactly what a postmark represents, its relationship to the date of mailing and when a postmark is applied in the process, she said. People dropping off mail at a post office can request that a postmark be applied manually, ensuring the postmark date matches the mailing date, the Postal Service's website says. Manual postmarks are free of charge. Advertisement Advertisement The agency said the lack of alignment between the mailing date and postmark date will become more common as it implements its initiative to overhaul processing and transportation networks with an emphasis on regional hubs. The aim of the initiative is to cut costs for the agency, which has grappled with losses in the billions of dollars in recent years. Under the plan, the Postal Service got rid of twice-daily mail dispatches from local post offices to regional processing centers. That means mail received after the only transfer truck leaves sits overnight until the next daily transfer, the senators wrote. Election officials in states that rely heavily on voting by mail expressed concern with the change. Not being able to have faith that the Postal Service will mark ballots on the day they are submitted and mail them in a timely manner undermines vote-by-mail voting, in turn undermining California and other elections, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement She said her office will amplify messaging to voters who use mailed ballots that they must return their ballots early if they plan to use the post office. Election officials in Washington state, where voting is done almost entirely by mail, are recommending that those who return their ballot within a week of Election Day do so at a drop box or voting center. Given the operational and logistical priorities recently set by the USPS, there is no guarantee that ballots returned via mail will be postmarked by the USPS the same day they are mailed, the secretary of state's office said in a statement. The senators urged Steiner to restore timely postmarks and fully stand up an election mail task force. The lawmakers who signed the letter represented California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Maine, Connecticut, New Jersey and Maryland. All are Democrats but one, an independent who typically aligns with the Democratic Party. Shawnee residents are invited to attend the unveiling of the city's newest painted horse, "Sacred Paint," from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at Ford Insurance, 11 E. MacArthur St. The aluminum horse, sponsored by Shawnee Dental and Ford Insurance, replaces the original "War Horse," which was destroyed during the April 19, 2023, tornado, according to a community announcement. Painted horses symbolize Shawnee's resilience The original "War Horse," painted by Jerry Haney and installed in 2008, became a symbol of Shawnee's recovery efforts after its remains were photographed amidst tornado debris, according to the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement "We are thrilled to have several new and repaired horses being installed in our community," said Stacy Cramer Moore, director of tourism for Visit Shawnee, which coordinates the painted horse program. "Sacred Paint is an homage to the original but updated to reflect Mr. Montgomery's vision and a community moving forward," said Dr. Jennifer Kooce of Shawnee Dental. Artist Gary Montgomery brings a new vision Montgomery, a Seminole artist based in Shawnee, has exhibited his work nationwide, including at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Tulsa's Philbrook Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Ford Insurance's Charlotte Barnett said finding the right artist was challenging: "After talking with several area artists, having someone of the quality of Gary Montgomery agree to work on the project was just what we were looking for." Advertisement Advertisement The original series of painted horses began in 2007 as part of Oklahoma's Centennial Celebration. Shawnee's program was inspired by other public art projects, such as Oklahoma's painted buffalo sculptures. Owners are responsible for commissioning, installing and maintaining each horse, while Visit Shawnee manages the program. The new generation of horses is made from aluminum rather than fiberglass, making them more durable. Public art draws visitors, boosts community pride Shawnee's painted horses have become a regional attraction, drawing visitors from across Oklahoma and beyond, according to the announcement. Before the tornado, the city had 36 painted horses; about 12 were damaged or destroyed. Six are currently being repaired or replaced, with new installations planned at locations including UFP Packaging, Sister Cities Park, Plaza East, Oklahoma Baptist University, and St. John's Lutheran Church. "The Painted Horses represent the diversity of our community," Cramer Moore said, noting previous visitors have traveled from across the central U.S. to photograph them. "They are a loved attraction by many visitors." Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about the program or commission a painted horse, visit VisitShawnee.com/horses. This story was created by reporter Andy Dossett, ADossett@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 cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Shawneeto unveil Sacred Paint horse as tribute to tornado recovery LONDON (AP) With one puff of a cigarette, a woman in Canada became a global symbol of defiance against Iran's bloody crackdown on dissent and the world saw the flame. A video that has gone viral in recent days shows the woman who described herself as an Iranian refugee snapping open a lighter and setting the flame to a photo she holds. It ignites, illuminating the visage of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's highest cleric. Then the woman dips a cigarette into the glow, takes a quick drag and lets what remains of the image fall to the pavement. Whether staged or a spontaneous act of defiance and theres plenty of debate the video has become one of the defining images of the protests in Iran against the Islamic Republics ailing economy, as U.S. President Donald Trump considers military action in the country again. Advertisement Advertisement The gesture has jumped from the virtual world to the real one, with opponents of the regime lighting cigarettes on photos of the ayatollah from Israel to Germany and Switzerland to the United States. In the 34 seconds of footage, many across platforms like X, Instagram and Reddit saw one person defy a series of the theocracys laws and norms in a riveting act of autonomy. She wears no hijab, three years after the Women, Life, Freedom protests against the regimes required headscarves. She burns an image of Irans supreme leader, a crime in the Islamic republic punishable by death. Her curly hair cascades yet another transgression in the Iranian governments eyes. She lights a cigarette from the flame a gesture considered immodest in Iran. And in those few seconds, circulated and amplified a million times over, she steps into history. Advertisement Advertisement A battle for narrative control In 2026, social media is a central battleground for narrative control over conflicts. Protesters in Iran say the unrest is a demonstration against the regimes strictures and competence. Iran has long cast it as a plot by outsiders like United States and Israel to destabilize the Islamic Republic. And both sides are racing to tell the story of it that will endure. Iranian state media announces wave after wave of arrests by authorities, targeting those it calls terrorists and also apparently looking for Starlink satellite internet dishes, the only way to get videos and images out to the internet. There was evidence on Thursday that the regimes bloody crackdown had somewhat smothered the dissent after activists said it had killed at least 2,615 people. That figure dwarfs the death toll from any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the mayhem of the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Social media has bloomed with photos of people lighting cigarettes from photos of Irans leader. Smoke em if you got em. #Iran, posted Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana. In the age of AI, misinformation and disinformation, theres abundant reason to question emotionally and politically charged images. So when the cigarette girl appeared online this month, plenty of users did just that. It wasnt immediately clear, for example, whether she was lighting up inside Iran or somewhere with free-speech protections as a sign of solidarity. Some spotted a background that seemed to be in Canada. She confirmed that in interviews. But did her collar line up correctly? Was the flame realistic? Would a real woman let her hair get so close to the fire? Many wondered: Is the cigarette girl an example of psyops? That, too, is unclear. Thats a feature of warfare and statecraft as old as human conflict, in which an image or sound is deliberately disseminated by someone with a stake in the outcome. From the allies fake radio broadcasts during World War II to the Cold Wars nuclear missile parades, history is rich with examples. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Army doesnt even hide it. The 4th Psychological Operations Group out of Ft. Bragg in North Carolina last year released a recruitment video called, Ghost in the Machine 2 thats peppered with references to PSYWAR. And the Gaza war featured a ferocious battle of optics: Hamas forced Israeli hostages to publicly smile and pose before being released, and Israel broadcast their jubilant reunions with family and friends. Whatever the answer, the symbolism of the Iranian woman's act was powerful enough to rocket around the world on social media and inspire people at real-life protests to copy it. The woman behind the imagery The woman did not respond to multiple efforts by The Associated Press to confirm her identity. But she has spoken to other outlets, and AP confirmed the authenticity of those interviews. Advertisement Advertisement On X, she calls herself a radical feminist and uses the screen name Morticia Addams - after the exuberantly creepy matriarch of The Addams Family sheerly out of her interest in spooky things, the woman said in an interview with the nonprofit outlet The Objective. She doesnt allow her real name to be published for safety reasons after what she describes as a harrowing journey from being a dissident in Iran where she says she was arrested and abused to safety in Turkey. There, she told The Objective, she obtained a student visa for Canada. Now, in her mid-20s, she said she has refugee status in and lives in Toronto. It was there, on Jan. 7, that she filmed whats become known as the cigarette girl video a day before the Iranian regime imposed a near-total internet blackout. I just wanted to tell my friends that my heart, my soul was with them, she said in an interview on CNN-News18, a network affiliate in India. Advertisement Advertisement In the interviews, the woman said she was arrested for the first time at 17 during the bloody November protests of 2019, demonstrations that erupted after Trump pulled the U.S. out of the nuclear deal that Iran had struck with world powers that imposed crushing sanctions. I was strongly opposed to the Islamic regime, she told The Objective. Security forces arrested me with tasers and batons. I spent a night in a detention center without my family knowing where I was or what had happened to me. Her family eventually secured her release by offering a pay slip for bail. I was under surveillance from that moment on. In 2022 during the protests after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, she said she participated in a YouTube program opposing the mandatory hijab and began receiving calls from blocked numbers threatening her. In 2024, after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash, she shared her story about it and was arrested in her home in Isfahan. The woman said she was questioned and subjected to severe humiliation and physical abuse. Then without explanation, she was released on a high bail. She fled to Turkey and began her journey to Canada and, eventually, global notoriety. All my family members are still in Iran, and I havent heard from them in a few days, she said in the interview, published Tuesday. Im truly worried that the Islamic regime might attack them. UPDATE, 7:35 AM: Freddie Rudine Starks has been located and is safe, Jacksonville police said. END UPDATE: The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is searching for 81-year-old Freddie Rudine Starks, who was last seen on Thursday at 6 p.m. near the intersection of Harts Road and Dunn Avenue. Starks suffers from memory loss, raising concerns for her safety due to her age and cognitive issues. She was last seen driving a silver 2014 Ford Escape with Florida tag HTTC30, which has a Mike Davidson Ford license plate cover. Advertisement Advertisement Starks is described as 5 5, weighing approximately 130 pounds. She has brown eyes and gray hair. She was last seen wearing a red barrette and a blue floral top, blue pants and a dark blue windbreaker with a hood. Authorities urge anyone who sees Starks or has information regarding her whereabouts to contact the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office at 904-630-0500. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [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. Winter weather advisories have been issued for four New Jersey counties now expecting 2 to 4 inches of snow overnight into Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service alerts include Morris, Sussex, Warren and western Passaic counties and run from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Confidence is increasing that there will be accumulating snow Saturday morning northwest of the I-95 corridor, the weather service said in a midday update on Friday. N.J. weather: Snow alerts issued for 4 counties with 2 to 4 inches in forecast Much of the state could at least see some light snow before a change to rain. Advertisement Advertisement Little to no accumulation of snow is expected for areas southeast of I-95 corridor before the changeover to rain occurs, the weather service said. For areas near and immediately northwest of the I-95 corridor, snowfall amounts will be anywhere from a dusting up to an inch. The highest snowfall totals are expected north of I-78. Residents should plan for slippery road conditions throughout the advisory period, the weather service said. Sunday will bring a chance of snow to areas along the Jersey Shore as a system develops offshore, though the threat for significant snowfall remains. Coastal areas could see a half-inch to 1.5 inches of snow and areas near and south of the New Jersey Turnpike possibly seeing a coating to 1 inch, the weather service said. Advertisement Advertisement A prolonged period of below-normal temperatures will begin Sunday and continue through Wednesday. The coldest conditions are expected Monday night through Tuesday night when wind chills could fall below zero. Highs on Tuesday are expected to be in the upper teens and low 20s across the state. By Thursday, temperatures may begin to moderate closer to normal as the cold air mass moves away from the region. Current weather radar Latest N.J. weather news Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg OpenAI Inc. and Microsoft failed to escape a trial over Elon Musks claims that Sam Altmans startup betrayed its founding mission as a public charity when it took billions in funding from the software giant and made plans to operate as a for-profit business. A federal judge in Oakland, California, on Thursday rejected requests by OpenAI and Microsoft to dismiss claims by Musk and ordered the case to proceed to a jury trial set for late April. Musk helped Altman and others launch OpenAI in 2015 and went on to found his own artificial intelligence company in 2023. Most Read from Bloomberg Mr. Musks lawsuit continues to be baseless and a part of his ongoing pattern of harassment, and we look forward to demonstrating this at trial, OpenAI said in a statement. We remain focused on empowering the OpenAI Foundation, which is already one of the best resourced nonprofits ever. In her ruling, US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers refused to throw out Musks accusation that OpenAI breached its promise to operate as a charitable trust. She wrote that while the evidence is unclear, Musk claims that his contributions to OpenAI had a specific charitable purpose and that he attached two fundamental terms to it: that OpenAI be open source and that it would remain a nonprofit purposes consistent with OpenAIs charter and mission. Rejecting an argument by OpenAI, the judge found that Musks use of an intermediary to donate $38 million in seed money to the startup doesnt strip him of legal standing to try to enforce those conditions. Holding otherwise would significantly reduce the enforcement of a large swath of charitable trusts, contrary to the modern trend, she wrote. The judge also refused to toss out Musks fraud allegations, pointing to internal communications involving OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman in 2017. In an email that September that was cited by the judge, fellow board member Shivon Zilis told Musk that Brockman would like to continue with the non-profit structure of OpenAI. According to the ruling, two months later, in a private note, Brockman wrote: cannot say that we are committed to the non-profit. dont want to say that were committed. if three months later were doing b-corp then it was a lie. With temperatures at or below freezing across much of the Sunshine State, the burning pun intended question is: Will it snow in Florida? The answer isn't a definitive yes or no. Another cold front is expected to move across the Florida peninsula Sunday, Jan. 18, with a low chance for showers ahead of it. Some models are showing a low possibility of some snow in the northern portions of the state and the Panhandle, but don't expect the record-breaking snow we saw around this time a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Even without the snow, expect those temperatures to be on the cold side through at least Jan. 21, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. Here's what you should know as we head into the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Weather alerts issued in Florida Radar shows location of any storms moving through Florida Will it snow in Florida over Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend? Predicted low temperatures across Florida and the U.S. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 19, 2026. A coastal storm could emphasize could bring some snow to northern parts of the state over the weekend. "There is a chance for snow in far northern Florida, generally north of Interstate 10 Saturday night into early Saturday morning," according to Brandon Buckingham, AccuWeather meteorologist, via email Jan. 16. Advertisement Advertisement "Little to no accumulation is expected from this event, but if there are any thin coatings, they would likely occur on grassy and non-paved surfaces, then quickly melt Sunday morning." "For late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, the chances for an inch of snow or more remain low, about 10-20%, with even lower chances closer to the coast," according to the National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama, which monitors part of western Florida. "That said, there is about a 20-45% chance that we could receive at least a tenth (0.1) inch of snow." Snow in Florida? Arctic blast to stun the South Advertisement Advertisement "There is a low chance (10 to 30%) of a rain/snow mix on Sunday morning (Jan. 18) over southeastern Alabama, portions of southwestern Georgia and the inland Florida Panhandle," the National Weather Service Tallahassee said. Why is it so cold in Florida? "A stretching of the polar vortex is to blame for the intrusion of cold air well into the Southeast this weekend," Buckingham said. "A highly amplified weather pattern featuring very warm conditions in the West and cold conditions in the East is aiding in driving the cold well into the lower latitudes this weekend. "The upcoming week will continue to feature below-average temperatures across central and northern Florida as an area of high pressure builds in the wake of this weekends cold front, but the intrusions of powerful cold fronts similar to the one expected this weekend is not expected to occur next week. Advertisement Advertisement "Temperatures will begin to rebound more quickly across South Florida heading into midweek next week as the wind gains more of a more easterly component off of the Atlantic Ocean." When was the last time it snowed in Florida? The last time it snowed in Florida was about a year ago, in January 2025. A freak winter storm that swept the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 21, 2025, brought more than 7 inches of snow to Pensacola, more than doubling the previous record of 3 inches in 1895. Cities in Floridas western panhandle saw between 5 and 10 inches of snow, while the northeastern portion of the state saw freezing rain and ice that melted once it hit the ground (Jacksonville, for example). Advertisement Advertisement The official total from the National Weather Service was 7.6 inches of snow in Pensacola, Jessica Chace, warning coordination meteorologist, told the USA TODAY Network-Florida in January 2025. Santa Rosa County saw even more snow than Pensacola and Tallahassee saw some sludgy snow that collected on the ground, but mostly sleet. Pensacola saw 7.6 inches of snow between midnight Jan. 21, 2025, to midnight Jan. 22, 2025, Chace said. Snow started falling at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 21 and ended at about 9 p.m. The Milton and Jay areas in Florida got 9 to 10 inches of snow and some locations near the state line may have received closer to 11. "A cold weather advisory may be needed Monday night as wind chills fall into the upper teens to middle 20s. A mix of rain and snow is possible for much of the area late Saturday night until mid Sunday morning," according to the National Weather Service Mobile. Chance for snow is less than 10%. Advertisement Advertisement Saturday, Jan. 17: High 60; low 37 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 48; low 36 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 56; low 35 Follow National Weather Service Mobile on X "There is a low chance (10 to 30%) of a rain/snow mix on Sunday morning over southeastern Alabama, portions of southwestern Georgia and the inland Florida Panhandle," according to the National Weather Service Tallahassee. Saturday, Jan. 17: High 65; low 38 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 46; low 28 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 55; low 30 Follow the National Weather Service Tallahassee on X Wind chill values should be near cold weather advisory 25 degrees or lower for Northeast and north central Florida by the predawn and early morning hours on Monday, MLK day, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville. Advertisement Advertisement Widespread frost expected Sunday night, mainly after 4 a.m., and patchy frost is expected Monday night, also after 4 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17: High 69; low 44 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 52; low 31 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 55; low 34 Follow the National Weather Service Jacksonville on X Expect below-normal temperatures Sunday night into Monday morning. Wind chills could fall below 35 degrees across much of east central Florida on Monday and Tuesday mornings, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. Saturday, Jan. 17: High 69; low 51 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 60; low 36 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 56; low 41 Advertisement Advertisement Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X Expect below-normal temperatures Sunday night into Monday morning. Wind chills could fall below 35 degrees across much of east central Florida on Monday and Tuesday mornings, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. Saturday, Jan. 17: High72; low 56 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 67; low 42 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 61; low 47 Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X Expect below-normal temperatures Sunday night into Monday morning. Wind chills could fall below 35 degrees across much of east central Florida on Monday and Tuesday mornings, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. Advertisement Advertisement Saturday, Jan. 17: High 74; low 53 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 73; low 40 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 65; low 46 Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X Saturday, Jan. 17: High 73; low 66 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 75; low 53 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 66; low 60 Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X Saturday, Jan. 17: High 74; low 67 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 78; low 54 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 70; low 60 Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X Saturday, Jan. 17: High 74; low 59 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 73; low 44 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 66; low 48 Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X A prolonged and significant cooldown will persist through early next week, with temps as much as 10-20 degrees below normal despite a brief warm up on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. A cold front moving through on Sunday will bring breezy winds and hazardous marine conditions followed by a reinforcing bout of similarly cold temps early next week, with another round of freeze/frost/cold weather products likely. Saturday, Jan. 17: High 74; low 56 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 71; low 40 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 64; low 43 Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X A prolonged and significant cooldown will persist through early next week, with temps as much as 10-20 degrees below normal despite a brief warm up on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. A cold front moving through on Sunday will bring breezy winds and hazardous marine conditions followed by a reinforcing bout of similarly cold temps early next week, with another round of freeze/frost/cold weather products likely. Saturday, Jan. 17: High 68; low 57 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 65; low 42 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 58; low 45 Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X Expect below-normal temperatures Sunday night into Monday morning. Wind chills could fall below 35 degrees across much of east central Florida on Monday and Tuesday mornings, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. Patchy frost is possible across rural portions of east central Florida Monday and Tuesday mornings. Saturday, Jan. 17: High 71; low 52 Sunday, Jan. 18: High 61; low 36 Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: High 58; low 39 Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X 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 https://tallahassee.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Snow in Florida over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend is possible Snow chances have once again returned to Middle Tennessee. But don't get excited, reported the National Weather Service. A band of cold rain will move through the region throughout the afternoon and evening hours Jan. 16. The rain will then transition to light snow overnight across the Cumberland Plateau, however, little accumulation is expected. The upper plateau has a low chance of picking up even just a half inch, wrote the weather service. A dry weekend is expected to follow although temperatures will remain cold over the next several days, wrote National Weather Service Meteorologist Alyssa Clements. Light rain moves through this afternoon & evening. After dark and once temperatures fall, rain will change to light snow across the Plateau. But don't get excited. Little accumulation is expected with the upper Plateau having a low chance of picking up even just a half inch. pic.twitter.com/z8be3VMzun NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) January 16, 2026 When will snow move into Middle Tennessee? How much is expected? According to the weather service, rain is expected to continue through 5 p.m. on Jan. 16. Between 5 and 9 p.m., some snow may mix in with little to no impact, followed by mainly snow after 9 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement By that time, most of the precipitation will shift to the plateau, where light snow accumulation is possible between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Because temperatures remain uncertain, wrote the weather service, snowfall amounts may change, but current estimates suggest up to 0.50 inches in the higher elevations and only a dusting or less across the rest of the region. No accumulation is expected elsewhere. A deep trough will stay in place at the start of the extended forecast, sending cold Arctic air across the Great Lakes and Northeast, added the weather service. High pressure moving in from the west will keep Middle Tennessee dry and quiet, but temperatures will be very cold. Advertisement Advertisement Highs on Jan. 19-20 will only reach the 30s, with Jan. 19 being the colder day. Overnight hours Jan. 19 will be "brutal" said the weather service, with a 4060% chance of singledigit lows east of Lebanon and teens expected across the rest of the area. Nashville-area radar Nashville 7-day forecast Jan. 16: A high near 52 and a 40% chance of showers, mainly after 5 p.m. Then mostly cloudy, with a low around 32 and a 60% chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Jan. 17: Partly sunny, with a high near 42 then partly cloudy, with a low around 18. Jan. 18: Sunny, with a high near 35 then mostly clear, with a low around 23. Jan. 19: Sunny, with a high near 35 then mostly clear, with a low around 13. Advertisement Advertisement Jan. 20: Sunny, with a high near 38 then clear with a low around 24. Jan. 21: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51 and a chance of sprinkles. Then mostly cloudy, with a low around 35 and a 30% chance of showers. Jan. 22: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52 and a 30% chance of showers. Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Middle Tennessee weather forecast has chance for more snow WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children in Australia since the country banned use of the platforms by those under 16, officials said. We stared down everybody who said it couldnt be done, some of the most powerful and rich companies in the world and their supporters, communications minister Anika Wells told reporters on Friday. Now Australian parents can be confident that their kids can have their childhoods back. The figures, reported to Australias government by 10 social media platforms, were the first to show the scale of the landmark ban since it was enacted in December over fears about the effects of harmful online environments on young people. The law provoked fraught debates in Australia about technology use, privacy, child safety and mental health and has prompted other countries to consider similar measures. Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the figure was encouraging Under Australian law, Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.2 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove the accounts of Australian children younger than 16. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are exempt. To verify age, platforms can either request copies of identification documents, use a third party to apply age estimation technology to an account holders face, or make inferences from data already available such has how long an account has been held. About 2.5 million Australians are aged between 8 and 15, said the countrys eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, and past estimates suggested 84% of 8- to 12-year-olds held social media accounts. It was not known how many accounts were held across the 10 platforms but Inman Grant said the figure of 4.7 million deactivated or restricted was encouraging. Advertisement Advertisement Were preventing predatory social media companies from accessing our children, Inman Grant said. The 10 biggest companies covered by the ban were compliant with it and had reported removal figures to Australia's regulator on time, the commissioner said. She added that social media companies were expected to shift their efforts from enforcing the ban to preventing children from creating new accounts or otherwise circumventing the prohibition. Meta removed 550,000 accounts Australian officials didnt break the figures down by platform. But Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, said this week that by the day after the ban came into effect it had removed nearly 550,000 accounts belonging to users understood to be under 16. Advertisement Advertisement In the blog post divulging the figures, Meta criticized the ban and said smaller platforms where the ban doesn't apply might not prioritize safety. The company also noted browsing platforms would still present content to children based on algorithms a concern that led to the ban's enactment. The law was widely popular among parents and child safety campaigners. Online privacy advocates and some groups representing teenagers opposed it, with the latter citing the support found in online spaces by vulnerable young people or those geographically isolated in Australias sprawling rural areas. Some said they had managed to fool age assessing technologies or were helped by parents or older siblings to circumvent the ban. Other countries might follow Advertisement Advertisement Since Australia began debating the measures in 2024, other countries have considered following suit. Denmarks government is among them, saying in November that it had planned to implement a social media ban for children under 15. The fact that in spite of some skepticism out there, its working and being replicated now around the world, is something that is a source of Australian pride, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday. Opposition lawmakers have suggested that young people have circumvented the ban easily or are migrating to other apps that are less scrutinized than the largest platforms. Inman Grant said Friday that data seen by her office showed a spike in downloads of alternative apps when the ban was enacted but not a spike in usage. There is no real long-term trends yet that we can say but were engaging, she said. Meanwhile, she said, the regulator she heads planned to introduce world-leading AI companion and chatbot restrictions in March. She didnt disclose further details. SEOUL, Jan 16 (Reuters) - A South Korean court on Friday sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for charges including obstructing attempts to arrest him following his failed bid to impose martial law. The Seoul Central District Court said it found Yoon guilty of obstructing authorities from executing an arrest warrant related to his martial law declaration in December 2024, live broadcast of the ruling showed. He was also found guilty of charges that include fabricating official documents and failing to comply with legal process required for martial law. The ruling is the first related to the criminal charges Yoon faces over his botched martial law declaration. The ruling can be appealed. (Reporting by Heejin Kim, Jack KimEditing by Ed Davies) BEDFORD Dan Bortner wasnt surprised when a national financial services firm listed Bedford as an ideal place to live. Fourth in the nation, actually, when it comes to affordability and public safety, according to data compiled by MoneyLion. A limestone monument in front of the Lawrence County Courthouse in Bedford is dedicated to the soldiers, sailors and pioneers of the county. Staff photo by Andrew Russell Bortner, CEO at the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, has known the benefits of the Lawrence County seat, known as the Limestone Capital of the World, his whole life. Advertisement Advertisement There is just something about life down here that is appealing to folks, the 61-year-old lifelong resident said of the city of 14,000. Were conveniently located halfway between Indianapolis and Louisville and close enough to Bloomington to take advantage of fine restaurants, other amenities and culture the university (IU) has to offer while we maintain Bedfords small-town charm. He spent 20 years commuting to and from his job in downtown Indianapolis, 70 miles each way, and was always happy to return to Bedford at the end of the day. Dan Bortner, chief executive officer of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce. I think theres a certain amount of simplicity people are looking for in life and smaller communities like ours are able to provide those things, Bortner said. A good life for families, and the ability to spend time with family and friends. We know each other, we help each other out. That sense of community is stronger, I think, in small midwestern communities. The style and pace of a smaller town; thats what many people want. Advertisement Advertisement According to U.S. Census data, 95% of Bedford residents are white, 23% are 65 or older, 18% are college graduates and 15% percent of the population live in poverty. Statewide, 83% of Hoosiers are white, 18% are 65 or older, 29% are college graduates and 12% live in poverty. Top 10 contains four Indiana cities The MoneyLion analysis released Jan. 8 supports Bortners stance about people seeking rural living. Of the 50 most affordable and safest places to live in the United States, it was small Midwestern cities and towns that got the highest rankings. Three other Indiana cities ranked in the Top 10: Huntington in Huntington County was No. 2, Yorktown in Delaware County was No. 8 and Auburn in DeKalb County was No. 10. The city of Columbus in Bartholomew County came in at No. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Bedford doesnt just rank as one of Americas cheapest safe cities, it ranks Number 4 overall when safety and affordability are combined, a MoneyLion news release states. What data determined rankings? MoneyLion staff looked at cost-of-living metrics and FBI crime statistics to identify cities that offered both affordability and public safety. The analysis ranked cities where annual living costs were below $55,000 and where violence and property crime rates were low. They also used housing and expenditure data from several sources including Zillow, Sperlings BestPlaces and numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bedford proves that low cost of living doesnt have to mean higher crime, the study said. Bedford ranked second in the nation among the included cities for its low crime rate, even with an annual $35,000 cost of living. Advertisement Advertisement According to the analysis, the median household income in Bedford is $50,253, the violent crime rate is 0.5 per 1,000 residents and the propriety crime rate, 2.5 per 1,000 residents. The citys livability factor, determined by an algorithm that measures things such as nearby amenities, commute time, cost of living, crime rates, employment, health and safety, schools, housing and user ratings, is 79 out of 100. In comparison, Columbus, nearly four times the size of Bedford with about 52,000 residents and a much higher income base, has a median household income of $76,856, a violent crime rate of 0.1 and property crime rate of 0.8. The livability factor there is 76. Bedford offers perfect blend The City of Bedfords website reflects what the statistics bear out. Advertisement Advertisement Bedford, Indiana offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and affordable living, with low population density and a cost of living that makes homeownership attainable for families at every stage of life. Bedford combines a friendly, tight-knit community with convenient access to dedicated schools, diverse shopping options, and outdoor adventures all just 70 miles south of Indianapolis and 18 miles from Bloomington. Surrounded by natural beauty, including scenic trails, parks, and gently rolling hills, Bedford is also known for its strong limestone heritage and rock-solid values. "Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, economic opportunity, or a place where neighbors still know each other by name, you'll find it here. Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: This southern Indiana city is No. 4 in US for cheap, safe living (The Center Square) Hundreds of students from high schools in St. Paul, Minnesota, walked out of class this week to protest the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the Twin Cities, leading the district to mark participating students absent or tardy. On Wednesday afternoon, students from multiple schools in the Saint Paul Public Schools district marched to the steps of the Minnesota Capitol, carrying signs and chanting slogans expressing opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shootings. The Saint Paul district includes 69 schools and seven comprehensive high schools, and serves more than 30,000 students. While many students participated in the walkout, others remained in class and continued their school day as usual. Advertisement Advertisement The Center Square spoke with Ryan Stanzel, senior associate of communications at the district, who said a letter was sent to parents explaining that students who miss all or part of a class to participate in the protest would be marked absent or tardy. This was not a SPPS-sponsored or -sanctioned walkout, Stanzel told The Center Square. SPPS does not discipline students for peaceful protests If a student chooses to participate in a walkout and leave campus, SPPS staff will not accompany them or provide supervision. The district supports the role of protesting to create change, Stanzel said, adding it respects the rights of those who do or do not wish to participate. Dr. Stacie Stanley, the superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools, announced in a video posted Wednesday on the districts website that the school would be implementing a new temporary virtual learning option. Advertisement Advertisement Due to the safety concerns related to the presence of federal agents, Stanley explained that there will be no school on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Tuesday and Wednesday. Starting Jan. 22, students will have the option of temporary virtual learning. "Our goal is to ensure that all students can stay connected to the school, whether that is in-person or virtually," Stanley said. Registration opens Jan. 15 for parents and students to sign up for virtual classes. The Center Square previously reported that other Minneapolis Public Schools can choose remote learning for at least a month in the wake of the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer on Wednesday. The Center Square reached out to the SPPS parents advisory council for a comment, but did not receive a response. The state auditor is releasing a 700-page report being presented to lawmakers outlining vacancies in state positions, as lawmakers continue to debate a budget. "I do think there are some low-hanging fruit spots. And I would say that positions that have been open for five years, yeah, we can start there," State Auditor Dave Boliek said. The report outlines more than 8,000 long-term vacancies, creating more than $1 billion of "lapsed" salaries. Advertisement Advertisement Some are because of low pay, Boliek conceded, but he said others could be reassigned. "These positions are not currently filled by state civil servants. They're vacant positions. There are places where we need to reinvest, where we can get a return on investment, nursing, other health care professionals across the state of North Carolina, correction officials," he said. ALSO SEE | State auditor talks investigation into former Cary town manager's use of taxpayer funds Some Democratic lawmakers contend that doesn't show the full picture. State Rep. Zack Hawkins said low pay for correctional officers and teachers also needs to be addressed. Advertisement Advertisement "People used to come to state government and work for 20 years and 30 years for the state because they had the best benefits and good pay that you could raise a family on," Hawkins said. Hawkins said the state has always had about a 20% vacancy, and also says AI and new technology could also be tools to allow them to focus on making sure state workers can get the pay they need. "What new technologies are out there to better support the workers so that when those dollars again, which are mostly salary, could go back to people," he said. Boliek's report is only recommendations; lawmakers still have to make those decisions. Depending on how things shake out, it could be March or April by the time a decision is reached on a budget. Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App A Salem man has been paid $925,000 by the state and received a certificate of innocence after spending 11 years in prison for being wrongfully convicted in the 1998 murder of three people in Polk County, according to court records. Philip Scott Cannon settled a civil suit that was settled on Jan. 15, 2026, according to court records. He received the full amount of compensation owed under Oregons new wrongful conviction compensation law, according to a press release by the Innocence Project and Forensic Justice Project. Cannon is the second exoneree in Oregon to receive the certificate of innocence, according to the press release. Advertisement Advertisement Ive been fighting for years to get here, Cannon said in the press release. Im grateful for everything the legislature has done to make this right. Now its time for the State to do the same for other exonerees. Philip Scott Cannon, shown after being released from the Polk County Jail in 2009, was paid by the state and received a certificate of innocence on Jan. 15. Triple murder at mobile home west of Salem On Nov. 23, 1998, Jason Kinser, Suzan Osborne and Celesta Graves were found shot to death at a mobile home at a rural location west of Salem. Cannon had been at the location earlier in the day to provide an estimate on a plumbing problem at the home. An informant told police that he had entrusted Cannon with money to support Graves. Police searched Cannons house and reportedly found a lockbox that held the money and guns. Advertisement Advertisement Cannon was arrested on Nov. 24, 1998. On Dec. 3, 1998, a Polk County grand jury indicted Cannon on three counts of murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Cannon was convicted on Feb. 20, 2000 by a Polk County jury on three counts of murder. Cannon, who insisted he was innocent, was sentenced to three life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole. Scott Cannon's conviction was vacated and he was freed in 2009 Cannons conviction was vacated by a Marion County judge on Sept. 2, 2009 and the charges against him were dismissed on Dec. 18, 2009. Cannon was imprisoned for over 11 years. Cannons conviction was based on debunked methods for gathering forensic evidence, including comparative bullet lead analysis. Advertisement Advertisement A prosecutor argued the odds of the lead from the bullets used in the murders being identical to the bullets found in Cannons home to be 1 in 64 million. But the FBI stopped using the methodology in 2005 because of the unreliability of the science behind it. The Oregon State Legislature has considered updates to state laws about paying wrongfully convicted people. 2022 state law allows for wrongfully convicted to receive money A 2022 state law, Senate Bill 1584, allowed for people convicted of crimes that were later overturned $65,000 per year they spent in prison and $25,000 per year they spent on probation. The state Department of Justice has opposed most claims and few people have been paid. Cannon filed a lawsuit in 2024 seeking compensation from the state for the time he spent in prison and on parole. Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Cannon fought long and hard to secure this compensation, said Andrew Lauersdorf, an attorney representing Cannon. While Mr. Cannon was exonerated in 2009, the obstacles he faced along the way seeking compensation under the statute only further punished a man who never should have been convicted in the first place. Bill Poehler covers Marion and Polk County for the Statesman Journal. Contact him at bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem man paid nearly $1 million over wrongful murder conviction DAVIDSON COUNTY State officials are temporarily assuming leadership of the Davidson County Department of Social Services child welfare services starting Friday, Jan. 16, because problems found in a review after a childs death in 2024 have yet to be resolve, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced on Thursday. NCDHHS initiated a review of child welfare services in Davidson County in April 2024 after learning about the fatality of a child previously involved with DCDSS. This review revealed numerous concerns for the safety and well-being of children involved with child welfare services, NCDHHS said. Davidson County DSS was placed on a Corrective Action Plan in July 2024. In November 2025, NCDHHS notified the county that due to a lack of progress in its delivery of child welfare services, NCDHHS was escalating the existing plan and sent a team to Davidson County to work alongside the director. Advertisement Advertisement Subsequent information gathered during NCDHHS work with county leadership and staff have magnified state officials concerns about the countys capacity to deliver child welfare services in accordance with law, rule and policy, NCDHHS said. NCDHHS has reached the limit of its ability to continue to make progress without divesting the director of her authority over child welfare and assuming temporary control. County Manager Casey Smith issued a statement supporting the takeover. Demand on child welfare resources has increased dramatically in the last decade. This has placed a great strain on our child protective services program area. The county looks forward to working collaboratively with the NC DHHS to reduce caseloads and ensure the safety of children within Davidson County, Smith said. This is just the sixth time NCDHHS has taken over a countys Department of Social Services. We all have the same goal, to ensure every child in North Carolina is safe and has the resources they need to thrive, Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said. This critical and urgent action will allow us to work with Davidson County leadership to strengthen the countys practice, delivery and administration of child welfare services. Twelve states have applied to have their 2028 presidential nominating contests be held in the early period before Super Tuesday, according to a Democratic National Committee member familiar with the process. The DNC will eventually pick one state from each of the four regions it has designated (East, Midwest, South, West) to hold early 2028 nominating contests, although no decision on the calendar order is imminent. Super Tuesday is the first Tuesday in March during a presidential calendar year when the most primaries are held on one day. Advertisement Advertisement 2028 presidential hopefuls flock to key battleground states: Where have they traveled? The states that applied in each region, per the member, are: East region: Delaware and New Hampshire Midwest region: Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan South region: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia West: Nevada and New Mexico Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images - PHOTO: Voters cast their ballots in the New Hampshire presidential primary election at The Barn at Bull Meadow, January 23, 2024 in Concord, New Hampshire. Some of these states -- such as Tennessee and Delaware -- have not traditionally held their presidential primaries early, but are arguing to the DNC that theyre well-suited to showcase candidates and voter diversity. The Tennessee Democratic Party, for instance, argued in its proposal that being among the early states would help prioritize southern voters the party has seemingly often written off, according to excerpts viewed by ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement "Historically, states like Tennessee have often been overlooked and written off under a false assumption that 'red states' are assumed to be impossible to deliver progress ... We ask for the opportunity to lift up and elevate Tennesseans' voices, voices echoed across Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and other so-called 'red states' the old guard gave up on," the Tennessee party wrote. And Delaware's Democratic Party argued that the state has a diverse population, well-run elections, and will allow 2028 candidates to build early momentum, according to excerpts of its proposal viewed by ABC News. "While Delaware is not a battleground state in the Electoral College, it is strategically positioned within the Northeast corridor. Campaign activity, including media buys in the Philadelphia media market, will naturally reach voters in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, extending the impact of early engagement beyond state lines," the Delaware party wrote. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images - PHOTO: A volunteer collects voter ballots at a caucus at Franklin Junior High, January 15, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa. Friday marked a key procedural deadline for how Democrats will figure out which states will hold the first presidential nominating contests of 2028, amid broader debates within the party over diversity and voter representation, and which states will show which candidates are viable for the long haul. Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic National Committee set a Friday afternoon deadline for state parties to apply to have their 2028 presidential nominating contests be held in the period before Super Tuesday. The order of the primaries and caucuses matters because the early contests help indicate which candidates have momentum and are striking a chord with voters, and often narrow the candidate field ahead of Super Tuesday. The debate about the order is also about diversity and voter representation in the Democratic Party. Some Democrats have argued that states with larger Black and minority populations should be prioritized, to reflect the diversity of the country, while others say the party should prioritize traditional "early states," such as New Hampshire, to spur turnout and buzz, even though their populations may be less diverse. Traditionally, Iowa has held first-in-the-nation caucuses and New Hampshire has first-in-the-nation primaries. But in 2024, a reshuffled DNC primary calendar pushed the states from the first two slots on the party's official calendar and officially put South Carolina first. Advertisement Advertisement While Iowa Democrats found a compromise with the DNC by switching their in-person caucus to an entirely mail-in voting process , New Hampshire's primaries were kept in January, causing conflict between the state and national party. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart, in a statement to ABC News, said that the party is applying to hold its caucuses before Super Tuesday, and said Democrats need to keep Iowa toward the front of the line in order to stay competitive with Republicans. "No matter what the Rules and Bylaws Committee decides, Republican presidential candidates will be in Iowa," Hart wrote. "It was a mistake for the DNC to cut us out of the calendar, letting Republicans' attacks go unanswered in Iowa while millions of dollars in advertising, organizing and the worldwide media flooded our state." Some state party leaders have said their states being early in the calendar will help candidates show if they can stick it out throughout 2028. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images - PHOTO: The Democratic National Committee headquarters, November 16, 2023 in Washington. New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Raymond Buckley said the case his party is making to the DNC is that New Hampshire is a prime state for 2028 candidates to build up support and to show their viability. He said its small size allows for easy campaigning in a purple state, "which is exactly what you need in the November general election." Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshire also has a state law requiring it to hold the nation's first presidential primaries, which is what led in large part to the disarray in 2024 between the state party and the DNC. But Buckley said that it's not a factor right now. "It's not about the tradition, it's not about the law; it's really about our involvement, and we just think that we have an unmatched record of being able to give the opportunity for candidates to talk to voters one-on-one," Buckley said. Buckley said New Hampshire's population of union members, as well as the large percentage of students of color in the public school systems of the state's two largest cities make it a great state for candidates to test the waters. But the South Carolina Democratic Party said it wants to stay first in the calendar. Advertisement Advertisement Party Executive Director Jay Parmley told ABC News that the state is making its case to the DNC to remain in the early window because it's compact and allows unknown candidates to compete. Also, Parmley said the state does not have a major population center, so candidates need to fan out across it. 6 political stories to watch in 2026, from midterms to maps Regarding the debates surrounding diverse primary states, Parmley pointed to how the state has a "diverse electorate," and highlighted its Black community. Around 1 in 4 registered voters in South Carolina are Black, according to data from the South Carolina Election Commission. "Our Black electorate -- it legitimizes and rewards the role of Black voters and as the backbone and soul, if you will, of the Democratic Party." Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A person votes at a polling location, February 3, 2024, in West Columbia, South Carolina during the South Carolina Democratic Primary. Nevada's Democratic Party also confirmed it's submitting a bid to go early, arguing that galvanizing the state's minority and working-class populations is critical for the Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement In a draft of their application, the state party wrote, "The Democratic Party is facing a critical moment where we must be strategic in our efforts to earn back Latino support, craft an economic message that resonates across the country, begin the work to reach working-class voters, and turn out diverse communities. We cannot afford to have overwhelmingly college-educated, white, or less competitive states kick off the process of selecting our party's nominee." Michigan is also submitting a bid to be among the early states, similar to how it was in 2024, the state's party confirmed to ABC News -- arguing in part that Michigan is the most important and diverse of the battleground states. "For Democrats to have the strongest presidential candidate, the early nominating states should closely mirror Democratic voters nationwide and be representative of America," Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said in a statement to ABC News. Illinois, North Carolina and Georgia's state Democratic parties also confirmed to ABC News that they are submitting bids. As Georgia's state's presidential primaries are usually held after Super Tuesday, they'd have to work with the Republican-dominated state legislature to move up the date. Oracle is trying to convince reluctant tech workers to join its Nashville, Tenn. world headquarters with promises of a brand-new spacious office space and an in-house Nobu restaurant. A few years after moving Oracles headquarters from Redwood City, Calif. to Austin, Texas, cofounder Larry Ellison publicly declared Nashville its world headquarters. Its the center of our future, Ellison, the companys chief technology officer and former CEO, said in 2024 of Nashvilles increased importance for Oracle. The company committed $1.2 billion in capital investment over a decade and promised to add 8,500 jobs to the area. The same year, Tennessee state leaders gave the company a $65 million economic grant to offset costs companies incur when expanding or locating a business in the state. As part of Oracles development in the city, it tied itself to $175 million in infrastructure improvements such as park space along the east bank of the Cumberland River which runs through downtown Nashville, as well a pedestrian bridge that would link both sides of the river. The company can recoup its investment with reimbursements of 50% of its future property tax payments, the Tennessee Lookout reported. The new office, which Oracle senior vice president of global real estate and facilities Don Watson previously said in a statement would position Nashville as a hub of AI innovation, will include 2 million square feet of office space as well as amenities like the upscale Nobu restaurant chain, which Ellison has included in his properties from Palo Alto, Calif. to Florida and the Hawaiian island of Lanai. Oracle has reportedly offered some existing cloud employees based in other cities tens of thousands of dollars in incentives to move to Nashville, Bloomberg reported. Scott Twaddle, the senior vice president of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, said the company is attracting talent to build up its cloud and AI hub in Nashville. Weve seen great success recruiting engineering and technical positions locally and will continue to hire aggressively for the next several years. We look forward to breaking ground on this dynamic campus, which will add more public green space along the riverfront and incorporate a new pedestrian bridge creating greater community connectivity for the city that will become our global headquarters, Twaddle said. Yet, dangling rich incentives and a future amenity-laden office has only gotten the company so far. Only about 800 workers are assigned to offices in Nashville, Bloomberg reported, citing documents, compared to more than 5,000 in Kansas City, Mo., the base for health records company Cerner which it acquired in 2021. Another 5,000 employees are based in Redwood City and Austin, collectively. The company logged a net gain of just seven employees in Nashville for 2025, the Nashville Business Journal reported. At least a half-dozen states applied to be in the early nominating window for 2028s Democratic presidential campaign, kicking off a contentious battle for securing an influential perch inside the primary calendar. The usual suspects New Hampshire, Nevada, South Carolina and Michigan, who made up the early states in Democrats 2024 primary calendar, though not in the order set out by the Democratic National Committee are all back, per their state parties. So is Iowa, hoping to reinsert itself into the process after it was bounced four years ago. Georgia also applied. Virginia and North Carolina are both seriously considering applying, according to three people familiar with the states thinking and granted anonymity to describe private conversations, ahead of the deadline later Friday. Other wild-card states may also still apply before the cutoff, and the DNC declined to comment on which states have applied so far. Advertisement Advertisement The presidential nominating calendar which states are in it and in what order will affect how Democratic presidential candidates tailor their strategies heading into a wide-open 2028 primary. It would inform which states to prioritize, where to place staff, how much money each state will cost a campaign all calculations that have shaped previous presidential primaries. Unsurprisingly, Democrats have a lot of opinions on how that should go. The day after the 2026 midterms, people are going to launch into action, so the window needs to be set, said Jay Parmley, executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party. Its possible they not only start coming, but they could start putting staff on the ground the earliest weve ever seen. The process to set the process could stretch deep into 2026. Members of the DNCs Rules and Bylaws Committee charged with setting the calendar are expected to winnow the field of applicants at their Jan. 31 meeting, according to three DNC members involved in the process and granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. States will then be invited to make presentations to the committee later that spring. One DNC member said they expected the calendar to be set over the summer and voted on by the full DNC at its August meeting, but the timeline could easily shift later into 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Shaking up the presidential nominating calendar started back in 2022 , after Iowas disastrous 2020 caucuses and accusations that the early states didnt reflect the partys racial diversity. Then-President Joe Biden ahead of what was at the time expected to be a staid primary process elevated South Carolina even earlier in the order, cut Iowa and added Michigan to the calendar. Now, DNC officials have pledged to start the process from scratch. Theyve said they want all four regions of the country represented, as well as a potential extra state, to vote ahead of Super Tuesday. DNC members have also emphasized whether states represent racial and geographic diversity, the cost effectiveness for smaller presidential candidates and the general election competitiveness of the states. The early states should be swing states, said Curtis Hertel, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. The investments were making on the ground [in the primary] are beneficial to the general. Thats led to two fights resurfacing: For some states, its about just getting into the window; others want to be first. Think Iowa, Michigan and Georgia for those hoping to be invited to the early window party. All three are vying to either return or get into it for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement For Georgia, the path is more complicated. Democrats dont currently hold the governors mansion or the Legislature and almost assuredly wont have a trifecta after the midterms, meaning theyd need GOP cooperation to move up their primary should the state be selected. But Georgia Democrats are confident they could adjust their date. Even if there is a Republican [governor], after the 2026 election, Republicans in the past have very much wanted theirs to be earlier as well, said Charlie Bailey, the Georgia Democratic Partys chair. All the logic in the world points to Republicans wanting to move up in their process for their own reasons. The second group including Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina are all pushing for the influential first-place slot. Nevada, in particular, has been aggressive in their lobbying push of DNC members. New Hampshire released a memo last fall, emphasizing they wouldnt just rely on a tradition argument to maintain their first-in-the-nation status. South Carolina, too, said it wants to keep its spot, after Biden elevated them to the coveted first official spot. (New Hampshire, however, still held its primary first in 2024 despite threats from the DNC, as required under state law.) Advertisement Advertisement Our hope is that we maintain the position, but, of course, well fully respect the decision and wishes of the RBC, even if we are unhappy, said Parmley, the South Carolinian. In a statement, RBC Co-chairs Jim Roosevelt and Minyon Moore said: The Rules and Bylaws Committee is committed to running a rigorous, efficient, and fair process that will deliver the strongest presidential nominee for our party. We look forward to continuing that work later this month when the committee begins consideration of state applications to hold their contest in the early window of the 2028 Democratic presidential nominating process. Samuel Benson contributed to this report. A version of this article first appeared in POLITICO Pros Morning Score. Want to receive the newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. Youll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the days biggest stories. A steel-toed boot is being credited by police with preventing injury during a road rage shooting at a Chick-fil-A in Flowood, Mississippi, according to authorities. Shocking Road Rage Incident on Cross Bronx Expressway Caught on Video The Flowood Police Department reported that the shooting occurred Saturday night at the restaurant. Police said the victim had pulled into the Chick-fil-A when the incident unfolded. During the encounter, the victim was shot in the foot. Advertisement Advertisement Despite being struck by gunfire, the victim was not injured. Police said the bullet failed to penetrate the steel-toed boot the individual was wearing, effectively stopping the round and preventing physical harm. No additional injuries were reported in connection with the shooting. Flowood Police Chief Eric Zetterholm confirmed details of the incident and said the protective footwear played a key role in the outcome. Police did not release information indicating that the victim required medical treatment following the shooting. Investigators identified Kyle Maurice Ramos, 39, as the suspect in the case. Ramos was arrested in connection with the shooting and now faces multiple felony charges. Authorities said Ramos has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Following his arrest, Ramos was taken into custody and booked at the Rankin County Jail. Police said he is being held without bond while awaiting his initial appearance in Flowood Municipal Court. No timeline was provided for when that appearance will take place. Advertisement Advertisement Police have not released additional details about what led up to the road rage incident or whether the individuals involved knew each other prior to the encounter. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed. The incident highlights how a potentially serious shooting resulted in no physical injury, with police crediting protective footwear as the decisive factor in the outcome. Source Food aid to war-torn Sudan could run out within months unless hundreds of millions of additional dollars are pledged, the United Nations has warned. Marking more than 1,000 days of the countrys civil war, the UNs World Food Programme on Thursday issued a plea for $700m to fund its work in Sudan. The money is needed to prevent what it says is already the worlds worst hunger and displacement crisis from getting worse. Three years of brutal war between the military government and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have killed tens of thousands of people and displaced 14 million. Advertisement Advertisement Repeated attempts to broker a peace deal have failed to bring the fighting to an end. Meanwhile, aid efforts are challenged by a sharp drop in funding led by an ideological drive by President Donald Trump in the United States and competing demands from numerous other conflicts across the world. WFP has been forced to reduce rations to the absolute minimum for survival. By the end of March, we will have depleted our food stocks in Sudan, Ross Smith, director of emergency preparedness and response, said in a statement. Without immediate additional funding, millions of people will be left without vital food assistance within weeks, he added. The $700m in funding that the programme is requesting would keep its operations in Sudan going through June. Advertisement Advertisement The WFP says more than 21 million people in Sudan, nearly half of the population, face acute hunger. Famine has been confirmed in areas where months of fighting have made access for aid workers largely impossible. While visiting northern Sudan on Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for an all-out effort by the international community to help aid groups provide the much-needed humanitarian assistance that is required under the circumstances. Efforts led by the US and regional mediators Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, known as the Quad to secure a ceasefire have failed as the government and RSF continue to wrestle for territory. Both have been accused of war crimes. Advertisement Advertisement The RSF is suspected of atrocities, including indiscriminate killing and mass rape, over recent months, as it razed a trail of destruction through the western state of Darfur and central Kordofan region following its retreat from the capital, Khartoum. A meeting on Wednesday in Cairo brought together officials from the Quad countries as well as the UN, European Union and regional organisations to try to revive peace efforts. The bid to broker a ceasefire has struggled, with the government accusing the UAE of supporting its enemy. The UAE has denied that it is giving the paramilitary RSF weapons and financing. Horrified parents on Long Island are speaking out after video captured a home health aide repeatedly slapping their child, who has cerebral palsy, last month. The surveillance video, which captured the assault at the child's home in Port Jefferson around 12:30 p.m. on December 20, is every parents worst nightmare. Officials say 31-year-old Bruno Valenzuela, a home health aide who was employed by the Christian Nursing Registry in Smithtown, was caring for a 5-year-old boy named Maverick, who has cerebral palsy when the child started coughing and crying. Valenzuela then slapped the child aggressively in the back and chest, police said. Advertisement Advertisement "He's slapping him repeatedly in the chest while yelling at him to stop crying, and then he won't stop crying. So. you can see that he's visibly getting angry around him and just hitting him again," said Christopher Brower, the child's father. Police arrested Valenzuela at his home in Brentwood on Thursday night. He faced a judge on Friday, and was arraigned on charges, including endangering the welfare of a child and endangering the welfare of a physically disabled person. Brower says Maverick is disabled and nonverbal. He says he discovered bruising on Maverick's chest and back two days later. Advertisement Advertisement "I was not told about it by his over-the-weekend nurse, which I found a little weird," Brower said. That's when Brower started digging through surveillance and found the unthinkable. He says Maverick was crying and coughing when Valenzuela unleashed a wave of slaps for roughly six minutes. "I had no signs. If you asked me like five days before this happened, I would tell you, he's an amazing person," Brower said. Valenzuela has been caring for Maverick for 3.5 years. Following Valenzuela's arrest, Christian Nursing Registry issued the following statement: "We were horrified. In 38 years, we've never had this happen. He was with that family for 3.5 years and had a wonderful rapport with the family and the child. We've cooperated with every entity that has requested information from us. Immediately, the nurse was terminated and reported to the state licensing department. The father continues to use our agency. We're heartbroken. We love this child. We love this family. We are as heartbroken as Mr. Brower." Advertisement Advertisement The home health care service adds that Valenzuela's HR documents were up to date, including a background check. The family is now hoping for justice. "My son's a fighter, hence his name, Maverick. So he has been through so much in his life and he doesn't deserve this," Brower said. Detectives are asking anyone who believes they could have a family member who is a victim of Valenzuela to contact the Special Victims Unit at 631-852-6184. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More Manhattan news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. A 19-year-old man was on Friday sentenced in Berlin to three years in juvenile detention for preparing a serious attack in Germany, attempting to join the Islamic State (IS) extremist militia and other offences. The then 18-year-old began to study Islam intensively in 2024 and subsequently became radicalized on the internet, according to a statement by the Berlin Higher Regional Court. By February 2025 at the latest, he had decided to carry out an attack inside the country and had considered the Israeli Embassy as a target. Advertisement Advertisement However, he failed to obtain the explosives, the court said in its verdict. The young man also had contact with members of IS and had prepared to leave Germany to join IS as a fighter in Afghanistan, it added. On February 20, the man, who most recently lived in a refugee shelter in Potsdam, was arrested at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport. Because he was still a minor at the time of the offence and was deemed by the court to be developmentally impaired, a juvenile sentence of three years was imposed. The judge emphasized that these were serious offences that demonstrated a deep lack of empathy as well as an alignment with Islamic State's goals. Advertisement Advertisement At the start of the trial in early December, the defendant had shown remorse and completely distanced himself from radical ideology. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office had requested a juvenile sentence of three and a half years. The verdict is not yet final and can be appealed within one week at the Federal Court of Justice. By Suleiman Al-Khalidi, Mahmoud Hasano, Jonathan Spicer and Timour Azhari Jan 16 (Reuters) - Syrian troops are poised to attack towns in the north and east held by Kurdish fighters, sources familiar with the matter said, to pressure autonomy-minded Kurds into making concessions in deadlocked talks with the Damascus government. The threat of renewed military action highlights the deepening fault lines between the government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has vowed to reunify the fractured country under one leadership after 14 years of civil war, and regional Kurdish authorities wary of his Islamist-led administration. Advertisement Advertisement Syrian Democratic Forces head Mazloum Abdi said on X on Friday that the group will withdraw their forces from current contact lines east of Aleppo at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Saturday and redeploy them to areas east of the Euphrates, citing calls from friendly countries and mediators. Syria's defence ministry welcomed the SDF's decision to withdraw, saying it would closely monitor full implementation, including the removal of fighters and equipment, ahead of the Syrian military's deployment to the vacated areas to enforce state sovereignty. Earlier, the Syrian military said its shelling had started against military bases belonging to a militia affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and against remnants of the former regime allied with SDF in Aleppo's Deir Hafer city. The United States, which seeks to anchor peace in Syria to shore up wider Middle East stability and help prevent any resurgence of Islamic State militants, has urged both sides to avoid a showdown and return to talks, according to a Syrian official and a Syrian source familiar with diplomatic channels. Advertisement Advertisement The two sides engaged in months of talks last year to integrate Kurdish-run military and civilian bodies into Syrian state institutions by the end of 2025, insisting repeatedly that they wanted to resolve disputes diplomatically. But after the deadline passed with little progress, clashes broke out last week in the northern city of Aleppo and ended with a withdrawal of Kurdish fighters. Now, a broader confrontation looms, according to the sources, who include three Syrian officials, two Kurdish figures and three foreign diplomats. As many as five Syrian army divisions could take part in the offensive targeting Kurdish-held towns in the northern province of Aleppo and the vast eastern desert province of Deir el-Zor, a senior military official involved in the planning told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement If the tactic fails to bring the parties back to the negotiating table, Syria's army is considering a full-scale campaign that could see the Kurds lose the semi-autonomous zone they have managed for more than a decade, the official said. ESCALATION BRINGS 'GRAVE RISKS' Syrian army units deployed on Wednesday and Thursday to the town of Deir Hafer and surrounding villages just west of the Euphrates River held by the Syrian Democratic Forces, the main Kurdish fighting force and a years-long recipient of U.S. support as it battled the Islamic State militant group. Syria's military has ordered SDF fighters to withdraw east of the river and opened a humanitarian corridor for civilians to flee to government-held territory. Advertisement Advertisement Some residents who made it out told Reuters they had to flee through farmland on foot as the main road had been shut. The SDF denied that it had blocked civilians from leaving. Other Syrian troops were quietly sent to another front line in remote Deir el-Zor province, where the Kurds run key oil fields that Damascus says should be under central state control, according to two Syrian army commanders. The SDF has condemned the build-up. "We clearly state that we are against any military confrontation, given its grave risks," Abdel Karim Omar, the Damascus-based representative of the Kurdish-led administration, told Reuters. He said efforts were underway with the help of foreign mediators to revive the negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Washington had not explicitly opposed a limited operation by Syrian troops, three diplomats and an SDF official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters. But the SDF official said the U.S. was not doing enough to prevent a clash. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said on Friday Washington was in "close contact with all parties in Syria, working around the clock to lower the temperature, prevent escalation, and return to integration talks between the Syrian government and the SDF". A State Department spokesperson said both sides should avoid "pushing the country back into a cycle of violence". The messaging underscores Washingtons effort to recalibrate its Syria policy by balancing years of backing for the SDF against its new support for Sharaa, whose rebel forces ousted Russian-backed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Sharaa accused the SDF of obstructing U.S. policy to nurture a reintegrated Syria and taking orders from the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a separatist group that waged a long insurgency in Turkey before entering into a peace process with Ankara. Sharaa, speaking on state TV, said the SDF had taken "no practical steps forward" to implement last year's integration pact, but hoped it could still be carried out "calmly." TRIBES AWAIT GOVERNMENT ORDERS Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the SDF must show good intentions by unilaterally leaving the Deir Hafer area, instead of being expelled by a military offensive. Advertisement Advertisement "I hope it doesn't come to that point ..., but when problems are not solved through dialogue, unfortunately, I see from here that the use of force is also an option for the Syrian government," Fidan said on Thursday. If fighting spills into Deir el-Zor, it could draw in local Arab tribes who complain of marginalisation and forced conscription of tribesmen into the SDF, according to the Syrian military officials and two tribal leaders. Shayesh al-Mulhem, a leader of the Jabbour tribe, said it was awaiting orders from Sharaa to turn against the SDF. "The SDF is doomed to disappear. There can't be a state within a state, and there can't be a faction on Syrian land that is against the state," he said. (Additional reporting by Khalil Ashawi in Damascus, Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara and Maya Gebeily in Beirut; writing by Maya Gebeily; editing by Mark Heinrich) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected in Berlin on Monday for a two-day visit centred on thorny issues including the repatriation of Syrian refugees living in Germany and ongoing violence in the war-torn country. Al-Sharaa is set to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday and participate in a round table with business leaders, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, a spokesman for the German government said on Friday. Merz invited the Syrian leader to Germany in November to discuss the return of Syrian nationals to their homeland following the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Germany is home to hundreds of thousands of Syrian nationals, most of whom fled the country after the outbreak of civil war in 2011. Al-Sharaa led a coalition of Islamist militias to overthrow the longtime ruler before being appointed transitional president in January 2025. He has since sought to renew Syrian ties with Western countries, but several waves of violence against minorities have undermined trust in his leadership in recent months, with hundreds of people reported killed. Most recently, fighting in Syria's second-largest city, Aleppo, raised fears of further escalation with government troops fighting against Kurdish forces. Al-Sharaa's visit to Germany has attracted criticism from representatives of Kurdish and Alawite communities in the country who accuse the new Syrian government of violently oppressing minorities. Jan 16 (Reuters) - Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree affirming the rights of the Kurdish Syrians, formally recognising their language and restoring citizenship to all Kurdish Syrians, state news agency SANA reported on Friday. Sharaa's decree came after fierce clashes that broke out last week in the northern city of Aleppo, leaving at least 23 people dead, according to Syria's health ministry, and forced more than 150,000 to flee the two Kurdish-run pockets of the city. The clashes ended after Kurdish fighters withdrew. Advertisement Advertisement The violence in Aleppo has deepened one of the main faultlines in Syria, where al-Sharaa's promise to unify the country under one leadership after 14 years of war has faced resistance from Kurdish forces wary of his Islamist-led government. The decree for the first time grants Kurdish Syrians rights, including recognition of Kurdish identity as part of Syria's national fabric. It designates Kurdish as a national language alongside Arabic and allows schools to teach it. It also abolishes measures dating to a 1962 census in Hasaka province that stripped many Kurds of Syrian nationality, granting citizenship to all affected residents, including those previously registered as stateless. The decree declares Nowruz, the spring and new year festival, a paid national holiday. It bans ethnic or linguistic discrimination, requires state institutions to adopt inclusive national messaging and sets penalties for incitement to ethnic strife. Advertisement Advertisement The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), that controls the country's northeast, have engaged in months of talks last year to integrate Kurdish-run military and civilian bodies into Syrian state institutions by the end of 2025, but there has been little progress. (Reporting by Muhammad Al Gebaly and Yomna Ehab; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) Hundreds of eager fans lined up Thursday at Fisherman's Wharf to take part in the grand opening of San Francisco's second Taco Bell Cantina. "I think this is kind of the appeal of this city. It's like, you know, how often you get to say you went to a grand opening of a Taco Bell Cantina? So here I am," said Ta'Niyia Smith, a San Francisco resident. "I'm so excited to be here, and they really put out the good stuff and some really fun stuff, having a DJ and everything," said Audrey Pullian, also a San Francisco resident. MORE: SF's iconic Fisherman's Wharf is getting a $10M makeover. Here's what it will look like San Francisco has unveiled a plan to change Fisherman's Wharf, demolishing the historic Alioto's restaurant to create a new public space with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Advertisement Advertisement San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie made an appearance and cut the ceremonial ribbon. "We're trying to open up the waterfront again to our tourists, to our visitors. And anything that draws young people like this new institution here, it's going to be helpful," said Lurie. The new cantina is considered part of the revitalization of Fisherman's Wharf, which is primed for a massive makeover, including the tearing down of the beloved building that housed Alioto's Restaurant for decades. "We have three or four more major restaurants opening in the year ahead," District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter. "We have a major new plaza opening this summer. So there's a lot of good news on the horizon for Fisherman's Wharf." MORE: Alioto's restaurant, landmark building in heart of SF's Fisherman's Wharf, set to be demolished This franchise adds to the Diversified Restaurants Group's ownership of more than 80 Taco Bell restaurants in Northern California, including the iconic Pacifica location and a location in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement "Taco Bell Cantina brings energy. It's got an amazing culture. It's got an amazing following. It's young and vibrant, and it's something that just really showcases the brand and the community," said SG Ellison, Taco Bell franchisee and CEO of Diversified Restaurant Group."It means a lot to us to be here or part of this revitalization of the wharf." If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live WASHINGTON (AP) A plan to slash drug review times at the Food and Drug Administration is sparking deep concerns among agency staffers and outside experts, with some saying the poorly defined effort is taking key decisions away from career scientists and placing them in the hands of political leadership. The initiative by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary promises ultra-fast reviews for drugs that align with U.S. national priorities. Its at the center of Makarys stated goal to cut red tape and challenge assumptions at the agency tasked with assuring the safety of food, medicines, medical devices and other consumer goods. But FDA staffers say the push for faster approvals is contributing to a climate of anxiety, fear and confusion within the agencys drug center, which has lost nearly 20% of its staff to recent layoffs, buyouts, retirements and resignations. Advertisement Advertisement Concerns about the legality of the program have also contributed to the recent departure of several leaders of the FDA drug center, which is now being led by its fifth director in the past year. FDA drug reviews have traditionally been handled by FDA career scientists who spend months analyzing data to determine whether drugs meet federal standards for safety and effectiveness. But the effort to truncate certain drug approvals has become intertwined with White House efforts to secure pricing concessions for drugmakers, an unprecedented shift in the agencys longstanding science-based approach that staffers fear could damage the FDA's reputation and endanger patients. Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon said the voucher program prioritizes gold standard scientific review and aims to deliver meaningful and effective treatments and cures. Advertisement Advertisement Heres what to know: Top FDA officials have legal concerns about signing off on expedited approvals Questions remain among top FDA officials over who has the appropriate legal authority to sign off on drugs cleared under the Commissioners National Priority Voucher program, according to several people with direct knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss confidential agency matters. The FDAs then-drug director, Dr. George Tidmarsh, declined to sign off on approvals under the pathway. Tidmarsh resigned from the agency in November over a lawsuit challenging his conduct on issues unrelated to the voucher program. Advertisement Advertisement After his departure, Dr. Sara Brenner, the FDAs principal deputy commissioner, was set to be the final decider on the approval decisions, but she also declined the role after looking further into the legal issues, according to the people. Currently the agencys deputy chief medical officer, Dr. Mallika Mundkur, is taking on the responsibility. Giving final approval to a drug carries significant legal weight, essentially certifying the medicines safety and effectiveness meet FDA standards. If unexpected side effects or other problems later emerge, both the agency and individual officials could be pulled into investigations or lawsuits. FDA's voucher program has become intertwined with the White House drug pricing effort Despite such concerns, the program remains popular at the White House, where pricing concessions announced by President Donald Trump, a Republican, have repeatedly been accompanied by FDA vouchers for drugmakers that agree to cut their prices. Advertisement Advertisement For instance, when the White House announced that Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk would reduce prices on their popular obesity drugs, FDA staffers had to scramble to vet and announce new vouchers for both companies in time for the press conference, according to multiple people involved in the process. Thats sparked widespread concern that FDA drug reviews have become malleable and open to political interference. Drug review decisions have been taken away from FDA career scientists FDA approval decisions have nearly always been handled by agency scientists and their immediate supervisors, rather than political appointees and senior leaders. Advertisement Advertisement But under the voucher program, approval comes through a committee vote by senior agency officials, according to multiple people familiar with the situation. Staff reviewers dont get a vote. Current and former staffers say the new approach flips FDA precedent on its head, minimizing the input of FDA scientists who have the greatest expertise and familiarity with the drug safety and effectiveness data. FDA reviewers report pressure to skip steps Because of the ambiguity around the programs workings, some drugmakers have had their own interpretation of the timeline for review creating further confusion and stress among FDA staff. Advertisement Advertisement Two people involved in the ongoing review of Eli Lillys anti-obesity pill said company executives initially told the FDA they expected the drug approved within two months. The timeline alarmed FDA reviewers because it did not include the agencys standard 60-day prefiling period, when staffers check the application to ensure it isnt missing essential information. But Lilly pushed for a quicker filing turnaround, demanding one week. Eventually the agency and the company agreed to a two-week period. When reviewers raised concerns about some gaps in the application, one person involved in the process said, they were told by a senior FDA official that it was OK to overlook the regulations if the science is sound. Advertisement Advertisement Nixon declined to comment on the specifics of Lillys review but said FDA reviewers can adjust timelines as needed. Lillys CEO, David Ricks, told attendees at a health care conference on Tuesday that the company expects FDA approval of its pill in the second quarter of the year. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Oxford Biomedica is in preliminary discussions about selling out to the private equity group EQT after rejecting earlier offers as too low. The viral vector manufacturer confirmed the talks after its shares jumped on Wednesday amid speculation about a takeover and a report in the Financial Times about EQTs interest. Oxford said its board had received previous proposals from EQT as well but rejected them because they undervalued the company and its prospects. Now, the company is exploring whether EQT can come up with a cash offer at a level that the board would be minded to recommend, Oxford said. EQT has until Feb. 11 to either announce its plans to make an offer or tell investors there will be no bid, Oxford said. Dive Insight: Oxford was one of the first companies involved in gene and cell therapy and has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. The company now specializes in producing viral vectors, modified viruses used to deliver gene-based therapies into cells. With its experience and focus on viral vectors, Oxford has become a key contract development and manufacturing organization as companies developing complex gene and cell therapies increasingly look outside for help in producing them. Oxfords revenue jumped 44% in the first half of last year. EQTs interest in Oxford is unsurprising, given its unique pureplay viral vector offering, strong revenue growth and move toward profitability, Stifel analyst James Orsborne wrote in a note to clients. The possibility of a takeover factored into Stifels choice of Oxford as a top stock pick for the year, he said. There has been some pullback in investment in cell and gene therapy makers as investors look for safer bets. But for Oxford, the market is still robust, Stifels Orsborne wrote to clients in November. The company has clients around the world and has continued to see strong demand even amid consolidation in the industry. EQT, meanwhile, sees an opportunity in the market as some investors pull back, according to an article posted on its website. The company co-led a $135 million financing round for gene therapy startup SpliceBio last year and now is once again setting its sights on Oxford. In its statement, Oxford cautioned that theres no guarantee of an offer from EQT and said its shareholders are strongly advised to take no action at this time. But investors appear to be betting on a takeover. Shares of Oxford, which closed at 739 pence apiece Tuesday, rose 13% to about 907 pence in late trading in London Thursday and have more than doubled in the past 12 months. After Oxford confirmed the talks with EQT, Stifel raised its price target to 950 pence from 725 pence previously. Senate President Robert Stivers, left, recently said he rebuffed a White House request to redraw Kentucky's congressional districts in hopes of eliminating the state's lone Democrat in Congress. Stivers spoke to House Speaker David Osborne during last year's State of the Commonwealth address, Jan. 8, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) Our president is using his attorney general to make war on our chief central banker. Hes threatening real war that would destroy the Atlantic alliance. His immigration police are dangerously out of control. His broken health department says nothing about flu shots in the middle of a flu outbreak. Worse than the flu, Donald Trump has the nation and much of the world in a political and social fever. When will it break? When the Epstein files are finally revealed, as required by a federal law co-sponsored by Rep. Thomas Massie, whom Trump is trying to oust in Kentuckys 4th Congressional District? We sure havent heard much about the files since Trump imposed suzerainty on Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Theres no telling when the files will see full light, but Trumps political standing is already shrinking, from growing Republican objections and from the action of state election laws. It shrank just a little more on Friday, Jan. 9, the filing deadline for this years primary elections in Kentucky. As more such deadlines pass (in half the states by March 15, and in 32 by the end of March), more Republicans in Congress will no longer fear a Trump-endorsed primary opponent and will be more willing to buck him. There were several signs of that as Congress reconvened. Massie and Rep. James Comer were among 35 House Republicans who voted to override Trumps spiteful veto of a Colorado water project. Comer represents the 1st District, would like to be elected governor next year, and may figure that he needs a few fig leaves of independence from a president who may be largely discredited by the time November 2027 rolls around. By that time, Gov. Andy Beshear will probably have been a declared presidential candidate for some time, and he keeps moving closer to it, most recently and publicly in his Jan. 7 State of the Commonwealth and budget address, which was chock-full of hints. Beshear said American or America 30 times, beginning with To every Kentuckian and every American watching from home, good evening. (The address was on C-SPAN and covered live by Jonathan Martin, senior political columnist and politics bureau chief for Politico, ahead of an interview with Beshear the next day.) Most of those references were to the American Dream, which the governor said is being threatened by the presidents big, ugly bill. Gov. Andy Beshear waves to the crowd after giving the State of the Commonwealth address at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort, Jan. 7, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) The address was given in the state history center, because the Capitol is under renovation a reminder that our great democracy at times can buckle, and that cracks in the foundation and stress on the joints can threaten our very future, Beshear said. Advertisement Advertisement Most of the speech was a Beshear brag-and-propose litany, but there were enough national references to hold the attention of Democrats in other states. And Beshear continued his steady improvement in presentation, much as one of his national rivals, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, did the next night in Sacramento. Beshear cited Kentucky as an object example to a country looking to find hope beyond the chaos and a national politics poisoned with division, a state where weve found a way to work together, to find unity, and to succeed. But Republican legislators have long been the states main policymakers, due to their big majorities, and most didnt attend the speech. Senate President Robert Stivers said Beshears presidential chances were worse than a snowballs in hell. Stivers and House Speaker David Osborne have little use for Beshear, and continue to reject his call for universal pre-kindergarten. Beshear surely knows his big policy proposal is doomed; he said If youre against this because you think it gives me a win, what youre really doing is handing these kids a loss. Perhaps Democrats in this years legislative elections can make an issue of pre-K, but it would make little difference in the balance of power because they dont even have candidates running for most Republican seats, as Louisville Public Media first reported. Advertisement Advertisement Beshear described Kentuckys political situation best when he compared it with the nations: In Kentucky, weve turned down the temperature. Thats mainly due to traditional Republican leaders like Stivers and Osborne, who have done a good job of thwarting most of their feverish members wishes. For example, Osborne said on KET Monday night that Somerset Rep. Shane Bakers bill to bar naturalized citizens from public office has constitutional problems. On the same show, Stivers revealed that he had rebuffed a White House request that the legislature split Jefferson County among more congressional districts in order to oust 3rd District Rep. Morgan McGarvey, the only Democrat in the states delegation. He also said legislators hadnt discussed further limiting the governors powers which Comer was surely glad to hear. So, as we pray for the national fever to break, lets be thankful that Kentucky isnt so badly afflicted. This commentary is republished from the Northern Kentucky Tribune, a nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism. Providence Superintendent Javier Montanez, left, and Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green, right, speak to the news media on Aug. 29, 2024. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Rhode Island and Providence education officials say a loan forgiveness program for educators of color is no longer in effect, according to documents both organizations filed Friday in response to a U.S. Department of Justice complaint. Both defendants want the feds complaint dismissed and are demanding a trial by jury. Advertisement Advertisement The case began in September 2025 and identified the Educators of Color Loan Forgiveness Program offered by the Providence Public School District (PPSD) as an example of racial discrimination because, in the suits words, it exclud[ed] white teachers and afforded benefits on the basis of race. With up to $3.175 million in funding pledged by the Rhode Island Foundation, the program started in 2021 and offered up to $25,000 in student debt relief for new district hires who identified as Asian, Black, Indigenous, Latino, biracial, or multiracial. Applicants would need at least $5,000 in debt to participate. Now, in separate and mostly similar responses to the DOJ complaint, both defendants say the program is defunct, with the phrase no longer in effect repeated a total of more than 30 times across both documents. The Plaintiff fails to allege facts sufficient to show that it is entitled to recover any damages from RIDE, the education departments response reads. The Plaintiffs allegations are moot in whole or in part. Advertisement Advertisement Its still unclear exactly when the program ended. When the lawsuit was filed last September, the DOJ alleged that the program continues to operate on behalf of applicants accepted. References to the program had been removed from the districts website in certain places, although publicly cached copies can still be accessed. The program lasted until at least the 2024-2025 academic year, according to PPSDs response Friday. The original federal complaint says that PPSD accepted applications for the Program for at least four school years: School Year 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The Providence school district admitted to the truth of the allegations in its response. RIDE maintained it was without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the allegations in its own response. Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department argues the loan forgiveness program violated Title VII by compensating employees differently because of their race. In their formal responses, RIDE and PPSD argue that they acted in good faith. RIDE acted reasonably and in good faith and has not violated any established right under the Constitution or laws of the United States or any political subdivision or any act of Congress providing for the protection of civil rights, the response reads. The two parties diverge a bit, however, when responding paragraph-by-paragraph to the latter portions of the DOJs argument, which detail the mechanics of the loan forgiveness process at the Providence school department. Providence school officials confirm most of the feds timeline and schematics for how the program worked, while the education department which has controlled the Providence school district since 2019 repeatedly says it lacks the necessary knowledge to confirm the truth of these allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Both defendants confirmed they were investigated by the DOJ prior to the complaints filing. Providence officials said in September that they were taken aback by the complaint, as they had cooperated with the investigation earlier in 2025. At that time, neither RIDE nor the school district had been formally served. According to the case docket, the state and city school department were not formally served, and therefore compelled to respond, until early December. The defendants had a deadline to respond by Dec. 29, but RIDE and PPSD asked for an extension to file their responses, moving the deadline to Jan. 16. RIDE and PPSD filed their responses Friday. Advertisement Advertisement RIDE and PPSD did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. The case, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, is assigned to U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy and Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan. No hearing date has been set yet. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An Army graduate burst into tears when her sister the one who inspired her career surprised her with a tap-out. Eighteen-year-old Destiney Raley of Terre Haute, Indiana, joined the military to follow in the footsteps of her older sister, Cordia, who enlisted first. The two share a close bond, making Cordias time away during basic training especially tough for Destiney. After Cordia graduated and began serving as a combat engineer, she deployed to the Middle East. While her sister was overseas, Destiney decided to carry on the family legacy and signed up for the Army herself. Advertisement Advertisement That choice led Destiney to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where she completed her basic training. On her graduation day, she stood in formation, unaware that her biggest inspiration had traveled halfway around the world for a surprise tap-out. Watch the video to see Cordia tap out her little sister during graduation! Humankind is your go-to spot for good news! Click here to submit your uplifting, cute, or inspiring video moments for us to feature. Also, click here to subscribe to our newsletter bringing our top stories of the week straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Big sister secretly returns from deployment to tap out Army graduate The Edgewater Police Department arrested a 17-year-old for his role in the shooting incident at Whistle Stop Park on Dec. 21, 2025. Through their investigation, EPD was able to determine that the teen was responsible for discharging the firearm during the incident. The teen has been charged with discharging a firearm in public and shooting into an occupied vehicle. The 17-year-old was later transported to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, awaiting court proceedings. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A teenager has been arrested in connection with last week's fatal shooting of a west suburban high school student, officials said on Friday. Officials said authorities arrested a Cicero teen in New York on Thursday. The 17-year-old boy is being held on an arrest warrant for first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. He is awaiting extradition to Illinois, where he will face official charges. Advertisement Advertisement The teen, whose name was not released because he is a minor, is accused of killing Morton East High School student Johan Adaree-Sanchez on Thursday, Jan. 8. Investigators say a fight between two rival groups of teenagers broke out around 3:20 p.m. that day, shortly after school dismissal, in the 2100-block of South 59th Avenue, not far from campus. The suspect, who is not a Morton East student, allegedly shot Adaree-Sanchez and fled the scene on foot before discarding the gun in a nearby yard, police said. Responding officers found Adaree-Sanchez, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, unresponsive. He was transported to Loyola University Medical Center, where he died. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also found the gun allegedly used in the shooting. And after several witnesses identified the suspect, police looked for him, but later learned that he had fled to New York. On Thursday, Cicero police learned that the suspect had purchased an Amtrak train ticket to leave New York City for Chicago on the same day. Detectives coordinated with Amtrak Police, who took the suspect into custody. A series of federal immigration enforcement cases in Texas this week spotlighted alleged vehicle assaults on agents, burglary arrests tied to immigration status, and a repeat illegal reentry sentence, as officials framed the actions as part of broader crackdowns. Federal prosecutors in North Texas announced indictments against a Honduran man accused of ramming immigration vehicles and injuring agents during a December traffic stop. Additionally, Border Patrol leadership highlighted the arrest of two illegal aliens from Uzbekistan for an alleged home burglary without releasing further details. Advertisement Advertisement Separately, an illegal alien from Mexico with prior removals was sentenced in South Texas for illegally reentering the country for a fifth time, according to court records and Justice Department statements. 1. North Texas ICE assault indictment Immigration and Customs Enforcement posted on X on January 14 that a criminal illegal alien tried to run over our officer smashing vehicles and leaving one officer injured and sent to the hospital, blaming what it called dangerous anti-ICE rhetoric for similar incidents. The post included a video: Yesterday, in Texas, a criminal illegal alien tried to run over our officer smashing vehicles and leaving one officer injured and sent to the hospital. Thanks to politicians spewing dangerous anti-ICE rhetoric, this is becoming a daily occurrence. pic.twitter.com/reVHpDu5T3 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) January 14, 2026 A federal indictment unsealed January 14 alleged Jerson Lopez-Sanchez, 28, an illegal alien from Honduras, assaulted federal immigration agents during a traffic stop on December 1 in Lewisville, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege Lopez-Sanchez reversed a Chevrolet Silverado into an agents vehicle while an agent had a leg outside, then fled and later rammed another law enforcement vehicle, injuring two agents inside. The Justice Department said agents were wearing clearly marked vests and badges and had activated emergency lights during the pursuit, which lasted about 10 minutes before occupants fled on foot. Lopez-Sanchez remains at large, as of the time of publication. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each of three assault counts. 2. Border Patrol burglary arrests Jared C. Ashby, chief patrol agent for the Rio Grande Valley sector, posted on X on January 14 that Two Uzbekistani nationals in the U.S. illegally arrested for burglary of habitation, adding, They didnt just break immigration law, they broke into an American home. Advertisement Advertisement Ashby said the men were in Border Patrol custody and being removed, and urged people without legal status to leave using a federal app. Two Uzbekistani nationals in the U.S. illegally arrested for burglary of habitation. They didnt just break immigration law, they broke into an American home. Now in Border Patrol custody and being removed. Here illegally? Leave now via the CBP Home App or well do it for you. pic.twitter.com/L1KnPVs7nk Jared C. Ashby, Chief Patrol Agent (@USBPChiefRGV) January 14, 2026 The post did not identify the men, the location of the alleged burglary, or whether charges had been filed, and no supporting court documents were released. In June 2025, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced indictments against two Uzbek men accused of conspiring to smuggle illegal aliens into the United States for financial gain, emphasizing that those charges were accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent. 3. Repeat illegal reentry sentence In South Texas, a federal judge sentenced Jose de Jesus Galicia-Castillo, 36, an illegal alien from Mexico, to 42 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States, according to a January 14 press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Galicia-Castillo had been removed previously in 2008 and had several prior convictions for illegal reentry. Authorities said he was discovered again near Falfurrias on July 25, 2025, without authorization to be in the country. After serving his sentence, he is expected to face removal proceedings. The press release said the case was part of a Justice Department initiative focused on immigration enforcement and transnational crime. BANGKOK, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Thailand's Transport Ministry said on Friday that it had ordered a 15-day construction halt on 14 contracts involving Italian-Thai Development PCL as well as other large-scale projects overseen by the ministry, as it conducts safety inspections after two fatal accidents this week. The decision follows a train derailing that killed 32 passengers in northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima on Wednesday and the death of two drivers when their vehicles were crushed near Bangkok a day later, with both incidents caused by the collapse of cranes used on projects involving Italian-Thai Development . The firm has said it would compensate those affected. Advertisement Advertisement Chirapong Theppithuck, deputy permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry, said the halt to Italian-Thai's projects would allow expert teams to conduct detailed inspections to ensure safety standards were being met. He also ordered other major construction projects commissioned by the Transport Ministry to halt construction for up to 15 days for similar inspections, according to a statement. The results would be reported to the ministry and legal and regulatory action would be taken if required, it said. This week's crane collapses were the latest in a series of fatal accidents at construction projects in Thailand, several involving Italian-Thai, including the fall of a partially-built Bangkok tower last year following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in neighbouring Myanmar, which killed at least 89 and led to charges of negligence against 23 people. Advertisement Advertisement Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy, is in the middle of a massive infrastructure boom, building highways and high-speed rail lines across the country and expanding its elevated rail network in Bangkok. (Reporting by Orathai Siriring and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by David Stanway) The Enquirer is identifying the most important people to watch in 2026 in Greater Cincinnati. Did we miss someone? Email Carl Weiser at cweiser@enquirer.com Thomas Massie, 55, Republican U.S. Representative Thomas Massie, R-KY, is a six-term Republican U.S. representative who has dominated every election since he first took office in 2012. But President Donald Trump has launched a social media and political campaign to destroy Massie's credibility and unseat him in the 2026 primary. Advertisement Advertisement "My race is a referendum on whether you can vote independently or if you have to always vote with your party," Massie told The Enquirer. The Northern Kentucky lawmaker represents almost 769,000 people from just north of Louisville to nearly the West Virginia state line. He has publicly butted heads with other top GOP lawmakers and Trump. For instance, he was a key figure in getting the Epstein files publicly released despite pushback from Trump and other Republicans. That's the most recent way he's incurred Trump's wrath, who recruited and endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein to run against him in the 2026 Republican primary. Advertisement Advertisement Trump's political allies are also behind a super PAC called MAGA KY, which has raised $2 million from wealthy billionaires all in an effort to unseat Massie. The firebrand lawmaker said he votes alongside his fellow Republicans 91% of the time. But he said that's "heresy" among the Republican party in Washington D.C. "The reason they attacked me is because they don't want anybody else acting like me and if anybody else has any independent thought they it makes their job harder," he said. "The analogy I use is I'm the horse that got out of the barn and they're whipping the hide off of me to keep the other horses from even sticking their nose out of the stable and it's working pretty well." Ultimately, Massie and the upcoming GOP primary race will be a test of whether Trump still wields the political stronghold over the Republican party like he has for the past decade. What Massie will work toward in 2026 One of Massie's main focuses in 2026 is getting reelected so he can continue to advance the agenda he's campaigned on and worked on for more than a dozen years. Advertisement Advertisement That campaign, he said, is all about, "creating more opportunities for small farmers, securing our privacy and right to free speech, and trying to bring some fiscal sanity to Washington D.C." About Thomas Massie Home: Garrison, Kentucky Family: Wife Carolyn Grace Moffa, four grown children, and three grandchildren Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bachelor's and Master's. Job: Other than working as a congressman, Massie has a 1,000-acre farm with roughly 50 cattle, chickens, geese (which are more of a hobby animal), and an orchard where he has about 80 peach and apple trees. that grow peaches and apples. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Massie eyes 2026 reelection despite Trump pushback | People to watch Three people were transported to an area hospital following crashes Jan. 15 in downtown Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Fire Department said the incident took place at about 8:25 p.m. at the intersection of North Milwaukee and East Wells streets. Photos of the scene appear to show a car within the building structure of 790 N. Milwaukee St., an office building at the intersection, while there is a second crash scene about a block east at North Jefferson Street. Advertisement Advertisement The fire department couldn't confirm a driver collided with the building but said three people were transported as a result of the incident. The Milwaukee Police Department didn't immediately respond to a request for further information. Car involved in crash in downtown Milwaukee on Jan. 15, 2026. Three people were transported to a hospital. Service for The Hop streetcar was suspended as a result of the response from first responders. The Department of Public Works didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Three people injured in multiple downtown Milwaukee crashes Readers have cast their votes and named Jennifer Guthrie Brevard's Teacher of the Week. Every week, FLORIDA TODAY publishes a poll on Friday with the names of four teachers nominated by readers. The goal: Honor educators from around the Space Coast. Readers can vote for their favorite educator until noon on Thursday, and the winner of that week's poll will be announced online Friday and in print Sunday along with the new poll. This week's winner, Guthrie, is an educator at Titusville High School. Here's what her nominator said: Advertisement Advertisement "Jennifer is the consummate educator of my 30 year teaching career. She is the leader of the Mathematics department at THS, and goes out of her to insure all her peers are well prepared for their classes. Her students love her positive attitude tempered with understanding, compassion, and unconditional acceptance for who they are as people, and taking them from where they are in their understanding of math to where they need to be to be successful. She freely shares her expertise of mathematics curriculum with her peers to help make an impossible career possible and less stressful!" Scroll down to find out who's nominated for the upcoming week. Harold Nicholson, Pineapple Cove Classical Academy "Mr. Nicholson is a standout educator at PCCA who consistently goes above and beyond for his scholars. He has a natural way of engaging the classroom with lessons that extend well beyond the school day. It's wonderful to have my middle schooler (normally a more reticent age group) come home excitedly share stories about his classes. Beyond the lessons, Mr. Nicholson takes the time to make real connections with his scholars. He's someone scholars feel comfortable going to when they have problems or just need someone to talk to. I know he looks out for every student and genuinely cares about them and their success, both in and out of the classroom. PCCA is lucky to have such a wonderful role model and mentor!" Maritza Luyando, Bayside High School "I am honored to nominate a truly extraordinary educator for Teacher of the Year. She is a woman who pours her heart into everything she doesher family, her faith, her craft, her students, and her community. Her classroom is more than a place of learning; it is a place of growth, encouragement, and genuine care. Advertisement Advertisement She teaches with integrity, honor, and an unwavering passion for learning. Beyond academics, she invests deeply in her honor students by teaching real-life skills that will guide them long after they leave her classroom. Her commitment to shaping strong, capable, and compassionate young people speaks volumes about who she is as both a teacher and a role model. Her love for God shines through her kindness, her patience, and the respect she shows to every student. She represents the very best of what a teacher should be, and our community is better because of her." Lupe Verdin, Calvary Chapel Academy "Mrs. Verdin has taken a subject my son typically struggles in (Math) and helped him grow in confidence and achievement. Ive seen for myself his personal growth this school year. She has absolutely had a direct positive influence on him in this subject :)" Shandra Stewart, Satellite High School "Mrs. Stewart gets to know each and every student. She makes learning fun with creative ways." Nominate your favorite teacher If you want to see your favorite teachers recognized, you can nominate them through FLORIDA TODAY's online form, and we'll include your nominees in future polls. Please include your nominees' first and last names, the names of the schools where they teach and a few sentences on why you're nominating them. Advertisement Advertisement Any current teacher in Brevard can be nominated, including daycare teachers; K-12 teachers and instructional assistants; speech therapists and other instructors from gifted programs; teachers for after-school programs or summer schools; and professors at Florida Tech and Eastern Florida State College. The form will stay open indefinitely, and there's no deadline to nominate a teacher. USA Today Florida Network Video Editor Rob Landers contributed to this report. Finch Walker is the education reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at fwalker@floridatoday.com. X: @_finchwalker. Instagram: @finchwalker_. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Titusville educator wins Brevard Teacher of the Week; vote in new poll We recently published 10 Stocks Jim Cramer Talked About. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer talked about. Pharma giant Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)s shares are down by 4.7% over the past year and flat year-to-date. UBS initiated coverage of the stock in January as it set a Neutral rating for the shares and a $25 share price target. UBS explained that between $15 billion to $20 billion in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)s revenue is tied to drugs that will lose patent protection over the next three years. The commentary followed BMOs note in December, which had kept an Outperform rating and a $30 share price target on Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)s shares. BMO pointed towards the pharma companys coronavirus business as it outlined that its sales could dip by 23% annually to $5 billion. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) appears to be focusing on its drug pipeline as the firm reported positive data for its PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin) drug for bladder cancer when combined with Mercks blockbuster drug Keytruda. However, instead of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)s pipeline, Cramer discussed the firm in the context of Health Secretary RFK Jr.: Pfizer, you know, principal vaccine company in the country. I think we have to accept Carl that the vaccine business is under fire. I dont think that Dr. Bourla is ready for a fight with RFK Jr. I think RFK Jr. wins on this. Lets see what Pfizer has to say, cause they actually have a lot of important vaccines that maybe should be called into question. Pfizer (PFE) CEO Isn't Ready For A Fight With RFK Jr., Says Jim Cramer Time to Go Short on Pfizer (PFE)? While we acknowledge the potential of PFE 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. You can't spotlight the Queen City without having a taste of what makes Cincinnati special: chili. "CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil" broadcasted from Cincinnati on Jan. 15, as part of the show's ongoing cross-country tour. While filming at the American Sign Museum, the show's crew was served a build-your-own chili bar and Greek salad from Camp Washington Chili, according to a Facebook post from the restaurant. The chili parlor posted a photo Jan. 16 of the set and Maria Papakirk, Camp Washington Chili's second-generation owner, with Tony Dokoupil, the new evening anchor, writing, "Still kind of pinching ourselves after yesterday." The post adds Dokoupil then later even visited Camp Washington Chili in-person and ended his visit with ice cream. Advertisement Advertisement "Getting to meet the new Evening News host, welcome him into our space, and share a classic Camp Washington Chili experience (cone included) is something we wont forget anytime soon," the post reads. "Moments like this remind us how special this city is and how grateful we are to be part of it. Proud to serve Cincinnati, thankful for the people and stories that pass through our doors, and humbled by opportunities like this." Per a Dec. 18 press release, the recent Cincinnati feature is part of CBS News' "Live From America: A 10-City, 10-Day Tour" with Dokoupil, who is traveling the U.S. to "meet Americans face to face." For the final stop on the tour, Dokoupil, who replaced co-anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, travels to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Friday, Jan. 16. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Tony Dokoupil visits Camp Washington Chili after Cincinnati broadcast The quickest way to escape a life youre not enjoying in a particular regime is by aeroplane. Aerial defectors risked life and limb and gave up friends and family for a new chance. Sometimes, the defections were ideological, sometimes for safety, and some even had financial incentives. For example, the USA offered generous cash rewards and amnesty to anyone whod bring them an example of the much-feared MiG-15, going as far as leaflet-dropping to advertise the deal. Here are ten of the aircraft that took part in these daredevil defections. 10: Ilyushin Il-28 Beagle Ilyushin Il-28 Beagle First flying in 1949 the Il-28 Beagle was a twin-engined straight-winged jet bomber powered by the Klimov VK-1 jet engine, an unlicensed Rolls-Royce Nene. Although the Beagle had a crew of three, they sat in individual cockpits, which prevented the navigator and gunner from interfering with the pilot (youll soon find out why this is relevant). Advertisement Advertisement On 11 November 1965, a Chinese Air Force Il-28 on a routine sortie from Hangzhou turned south towards Taiwan. Flying at low level over the sea, the aircraft avoided radar detection and landed on the north of the island near the Taiwanese base at Taoyuan. Due to poor weather, the undercarriage collapsed on landing, leading to the death of one crew member. 10: Ilyushin Il-28 Beagle Ilyushin Il-28 Beagle The two survivors defected to Taiwan, were given substantial cash rewards, and served in the Taiwanese Air Force for many years. Fearing that they might defect back to China with a stolen aircraft, they were given non-flying roles; this fear proved valid when one of them returned to China in 1983, though not by stealing an aircraft. A second Il-28 defected in August 1985, flown by Xiao Tianrun. In this case, the navigator was killed in the emergency landing in South Korea, as well as a civilian on the ground. Xiao himself is reported as having suffered spinal injuries during the crash while the gunner refused to defect and was returned to China. 9: Iraqi Air Force (various types) Iraqi Air Force (various types) The 1991 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait provoked the largest concentration of military force since the Korean War. Despite warning the liberating armies to prepare for the Mother of all Battles, Saddam Husseins forces, facing overwhelming military power, provided relatively little opposition. This resulted in an escape, rather than defection, of many Iraqi aircraft, with unexpected consequences. Advertisement Advertisement After only a week of being bombed, a large part of the Iraqi Air Force was moved out of the country. To evade Allied aircraft, rather than evacuating to Jordan, they flew east to Iran, a country Iraq had spent the last decade at war with. This route of escape was an utter surprise to coalition forces; Consequently, when the first aircraft started fleeing there on the 25th of January, coalition fighters were patrolling in the wrong place. 9: Iraqi Air Force Iraqi Air Force Iran declared neutrality, which required it to impound the aircraft and their crews. Over the following few weeks this led to them collecting a fleet of aircraft, including Su-20, Su-22s, Su-24s, MiG-23s (pictured), MiG-29s, and Mirage F.1s, along with some Il-76 transports, airliners, and a couple of Adnan 1 Airborne Early Warning aircraft. In all, some 115 aircraft are believed to have escaped to Iran, with the majority being kept after the war. Remarkably, in May of 1991 the Ethiopian Air Force would also defect with seven Hip helicopters, six Hind helicopters, three Flogger fighter-bombers, two Cub transports, and an L-39 training aircraft, fleeing to Djibouti after the fall of the short-lived Communist government. 8: Antonov An-2 Colt Antonov An-2 Colt The An-2 Colt biplane has a top speed of 139 knots, though its more usual cruise speed is only 100, while the rate of climb is a leisurely 700 feet/minute. While not speedy, it can take off from almost anywhere; its take-off run can be as short as 560 feet (thanks to a stall speed of only 35 knots) with a similarly short landing distance. Advertisement Advertisement In 1961 two Chinese pilots used one to defect to Taiwan, via South Korea. Launching from what is now part of Jiaozhou City in Shandong Province, on the west coast of the Yellow Sea, the Colt faced a 360 nautical mile journey to the island of Jeju off the southern tip of South Korea. 8: Antonov An-2 Colt Antonov An-2 Colt Succeeding in this, they were in Taipei by early October, where they were rewarded with 25kg of gold each, equivalent to $3.6 million worth today at current gold prices. As with most defectors from the PLAAF they then served with the Republic of China Air Force for several years. An An-2 was also used in a 1985 defection when a Nicaraguan Army pilot sought asylum in Honduras after completing a mission to deliver supplies to Sandinista troops fighting the US-backed Contra rebels. Meanwhile, Cubans taking advantage of the spacious cabin have made numerous defections to the USA, packing 13 passengers into the Antonov that lumbered into Homestead Airport on 15 August 1968, having managed to evade any radar surveillance completely! 7: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 The MiG-15 was a swept-wing jet fighter that proved as good as the other best fighter, the US F-86, in the Korean War. Produced in vast numbers, it featured in several defections, the first of which took place in March of 1953 when Franciszek Jarecki, a pilot in the Polish Air Force, took off from Supsk on the Baltic coast and flew the 80 or so miles to the Danish island of Bornholm. Advertisement Advertisement This was followed a few months later by Lt Zdzisaw Jazwinski with an aircraft from the same regiment, this time making his landing in a field on Bornholm island, breaking the MiG but leaving him free. 7: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 In September 1956 a Polish-built MiG-15, known as a Lim-2, defected to the West from Poland, again via Bornholm island. In this case, Lieutenant Zygmunt Gosciniak, after years of planning took advantage of an air combat training sortie in northern Poland against his Russian commander to flee at low level across the Baltic. Although Bornholm saw no further MiG-15s, another Polish example made it to Sweden, having missed the island. Meanwhile, in the Far East, they were used to defect from North Korea to the South and from China across the straits to Taiwan. 6: Northrop F-5 Northrop F-5 A low-cost, lightweight fighter for US allies, the Northrop F-5 is one of the few aircraft to be used to defect to Communist countries. At least two Taiwanese pilots have defected to mainland China using F-5s. The first, in 1981, was conducting an instrument flying check on a student. Advertisement Advertisement Detecting the defection attempt, the student was ordered to eject from the aircraft over Taiwan before the other man landed in China. A second F-5 pilot would land in China in 1989, although on this occasion after ejecting from his aircraft after running short of fuel. 6: Northrop F-5 Northrop F-5 More dramatically on 5 April 1975, Nguyen Thanh Trung defected in his F-5E after executing a plan to avenge his fathers execution that was twelve years in the making. After his father was shot by South Vietnamese Forces, Nguyen joined the Air Force and even underwent training in the USA. Returning to Vietnam, Trung spent three years flying combat missions before executing his plan. Delaying his take-off by feigning electrical difficulties, the rest of his formation assumed hed aborted his flight. Instead, he flew over Saigon and made two bombing runs on the Presidential Palace setting it on fire before making his way to a small strip in the North. Trung and his F-5 would see further action on behalf of the North Vietnamese Army, leading a flight of five aircraft that bombed Saigon airport during the American evacuation three weeks later that presaged the end of the war on April 30. 5: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 The MiG-23 is a single-engine swing wing fighter bomber. It was widely exported, including to Cuba. In March 1991, Cuban Air Force Major Orestes Lorenzo was so taken by the Flogger that on his first flight in one, he defected to the USA. An experienced MiG-21 pilot who had fought in Angola, Orestes dropped to low level and crossed the Straits of Florida at high speed before arriving over Boca Chica Key. Advertisement Advertisement Here he slowed the aircraft, dropping the gear and flaps, and then unable to communicate with the tower at NAS Key West made three passes down the runway waggling the wings (wing waggling can be used as a way to communicate an aircraft is not hostile). Despite this, nothing happened so Orestes landed and then taxied clear of the runway where he waited. Finally, a van belatedly arrived to escort him to dispersal. 5: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Although Orestes moved to Virginia and settled into life in the United States his wife and children remained in Cuba. Taking matters into his own hands once more, Major Lorenzo gained his Private Pilots Licence and acquired a Cessna 310. On the afternoon of 19 Dec 1992, he flew back to Cuba at low level, landed on a road near El Mamey beach, collected his family and returned to the USA. Aside from Orestes, the MiG-23 has also been used in defections around the Middle East, including one successful defection from Syria to Israel. 4: Mil Mi-24 Hind Mil Mi-24 Hind Relatively few defections have been made by helicopter; however, they did prove popular vehicles during the 1980s conflict in Afghanistan. The Mi-24 is unusual because it is a heavily armed attack helicopter with a cabin for up to eight armed troops (most gunships have no space for passengers). As such it has obvious attractions for a group of defectors. Advertisement Advertisement In June of 1985, two Hinds defected from Afghanistan to Pakistan, landing at Miran Shah on the border. The aircraft had flown low over the mountains to avoid radar detection. The defection had been organised by the Yunus Khalis guerrilla group, led by Mohammad Yunus Khalis and part of the wider Mujahideen. 4: Mil Mi-24 Hip Mil Mi-24 Hip The helicopters seven crew and passengers were granted asylum before joining the fight against the Soviets. Part of a spate of wider defections that had already led the Soviet and Afghan authorities to limit the amount of fuel that aircraft could take on missions, it led to helicopter deliveries being suspended for two years by the Russians. Central America also saw a Hind used in a defection attempt, from Nicaragua to Honduras. In something of a rarity for a defection, the Honduran Air Force detected the intruding aircraft and F-5s escorted it to Toncontin airport. 3: Douglas DC-3 Douglas DC-3 Introduced shortly before World War 2, the Douglas DC-3 was a twin-engine airliner that would also serve in vast numbers as a transport aircraft. Post-war, the airline industry widely used them as it was re-established globally. This included the Czechoslovak State Airlines (CSA), which by 1948 was suffering a glut of defections after the Communist coup. Advertisement Advertisement To reduce the likelihood of this happening pilots whod flown for the RAF during the war were restricted to flying domestic routes and banned from flying their own relatives. This led to a novel solution, with enough aircrew to hijack three aircraft, and the help of a friendly booking clerk, the defecting families were booked onto aircraft operated by the other crews. 3: Douglas DC-3 Douglas DC-3 The flights left from Brno at 0635, Ostrava at 0630, and at 0700 from Bratislava, all scheduled to arrive at Prague but secretly aiming for Erding in the American Sector of West Germany. Despite some suspicion, delays, and the presence of Secret Police all three aircraft made their destination. In all, 27 of the 85 passengers and crew defected to the west, one additional defector taking advantage of his unplanned diversion along with the 26 whod been involved from the start. Two years later another DC-3 would be used to defect from Czechoslovakia with 20 of the 26 aboard seeking sanctuary in West Germany. 2: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat The extremely fast MiG-25 Foxbat interceptor was the Soviet response to ever faster US bombers (expected to culminate in the Mach 3 capable B-70 Valkyrie). Although US intelligence was aware of the large twin-engine Soviet interceptor, they were anxiously in the dark regarding its capabilities. Until 6 September 1976, that is. Advertisement Advertisement This was the day Viktor Belenko took off from Chuguyevka Air Base on a training mission and landed in Japan. Disillusioned with conditions in the military and soon to be divorced from his wife, defection had been some time in the planning. Launching unarmed but with copies of the technical manuals and full fuel tanks. Belenko briefly took part in his planned mission before breaking formation and heading east at low level. 2: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat Arriving undetected at Hakodate airport, he faced the challenge of putting his aircraft down on a runway that was slightly shorter than required for a MiG-25. Therefore, his arrival in Japan was marred by running off the end and stopping on the grass. American technicians thoroughly inspected the MiG-25 before being returned to the Soviet Union in boxes. The Foxbats secrets had been laid clear: fast in a straight line, but it had none of the manoeuvrability the F-15 had been designed to counter, and its equipment was rather crude. Belenko meanwhile moved to the USA, his citizenship being personally approved by President Carter. 1: Boeing 747 Boeing 747 Recognised the world over due to its distinctive hump, the Boeing 747 Jumbo at first appears an unusual choice for a defection. However, in 1986 Wang Xijue used the hefty Boeing 747-200F cargo aircraft to leave Taiwan for China. On 3 May 1986 while returning to Taiwan from Bangkok via Hong Kong, Wang overpowered his co-pilot and flight engineer. He then diverted to Guangzhou, Northwest of Hong Kong. A few days later Wang flew the 747 to Beijing, where he would be reunited with his father, who hed last seen in 1949. 1: Boeing 747 Boeing 747 In 1986, the two Chinas had had no formal contact since the end of the civil war 37 years earlier. But China Air Lines (CAL) was reticent to lose the aircraft, leading to negotiations between CAL and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Meeting in Hong Kong between 17-20th May, the two sides agreed to the of the release of the aircraft and the two non-defecting crew, which happened two days later. As the first contact between officials of the two countries, the aftermath of Wang Xijues defection marked the point when relations between them started to thaw. The following year Taiwanese families would be allowed to visit relatives on the mainland. While in 1988, postal exchange via Hong Kong was formalised. Wang thus has a legitimate claim to altering international relations with his defection! 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 ]]> Kyrsten Sinema divided Democrats during her time in the U.S. Senate. Now shes accused of dividing a husband and wife, too. The former Arizona senator is accused of having an extramarital affair with her bodyguard while in officean alleged relationship that ultimately led to the collapse of a 14-year marriage, according to a federal lawsuit filed by the bodyguards ex-wife. Filed in North Carolina, the suit alleges that Sinema, 49, engaged in lengthy, sultry text exchanges with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, including sending photos of herself wrapped in a towel and suggesting that he bring MDMA on a work trip so she could guide him through a psychedelic experience. Advertisement Advertisement Heather Ammel, Matthews ex-wife, is suing Sinema for alienation of affection, a controversial North Carolina law that allows a person to be held liable for malicious interference in a marriage. Kyrsten Sinema drew the ire of many prominent Democrats while she was serving in the Senate. / Rod Lamkey - Pool via CNP/Getty Roughly a year after Matthew joined Sinemas security detail, the head of her security team departed and warned him that Sinema was having sexual relations with other security members, according to the complaint. Heather alleges that Matthew suffered from mental health challenges stemming from his service in the U.S. Army, and that Sinema exploited his vulnerability to grow closer to himat one point promising to help him work through his struggles. Heather says she later discovered scores of sexually charged messages between Matthew and the prominent centrist Democrat on the encrypted messaging app Signal. Sinema announced in March 2024 that she would not seek re-election. Sinema left her political post in early 2025. / Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag Sinema was the first openly bisexual Senate member. / Kevin Lamarque/Reuters The lawsuit further claims that Sinema paid for Matthews psychedelic treatments, brought him to a wedding, and showered him with gifts: took him on international vacations, to a Taylor Swift concert, and allegedly purchased a Theragun so she could work on his back. Advertisement Advertisement In June 2024, Sinema allegedly offered Matthew a paid staff position in her Senate office as a Defense and National Security fellow, where he worked as her subordinate. Around that time, Heather says she confronted Sinema after seeing a message on Matthews phone that read: I miss you. Putting my hand on your heart. Ill see you soon. Heather responded directly, writing: are you having an affair with my husband? You took a married man away from his family. Prior to [Sinemas] deliberate interference in the marriage, genuine love and affection existed between [the couple], the lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement The Daily Beast has reached out to Sinemas representatives for comment. Matthew Ammel could not be reached for comment. Matthew filed for divorce earlier this month, TheAssemblyNC reported. During her Senate tenure, Sinema was known as a centrist Democrat whose closest relationships in Congress were often with Republicans rather than members of her own party. She frequently drew criticism from the left, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, who told Stephen Colbert, I will not miss Senator Sinema, after she announced she would not seek reelection. Sinema, now a political adviser at D.C. law firm Hogan Lovells, cited frustration with the state of American politics as one reason for her decision, saying: Despite modernizing our infrastructure, ensuring clean water, delivering good jobs and safer communities, Americans still choose to retreat farther to their partisan corners. She added that compromise had become a dirty word. A man went on trial in the southern German city of Munich on Friday over a suspected Islamist attack on a trade union rally last year that left two people dead and dozens injured. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office has charged the defendant, a 25-year-old Afghan national, with two counts of murder and 44 counts of attempted murder. The suspect was detained at the scene of the attack on February 13, 2025, after he drove his small car into a crowd of demonstrators from the verdi trade union. Advertisement Advertisement A woman and her 2-year-old daughter were killed while 44 people were injured in the incident, some of them critically. Investigators said the man shouted "Allahu Akbar" and prayed after the attack. During questioning, he admitted to deliberately driving into the participants of the demonstration march "out of excessive religious motivation." The trial began about 45 minutes late on Friday amid long queues at the entrance due to security checks. "The defendant will not comment on the matter," said defence lawyer Johann Bund at the start of the trial at the Munich Higher Regional Court Hearings are scheduled until the summer, with the verdict expected to be handed down on June 25. The defendant Farhad N. arrives in the courtroom at the start of his trial on charges of double murder following a car attack on a demonstration in Munich on February 13, 2025. Peter Kneffel/dpa Troops from the North West are on high alert to deploy to Nato countries in Eastern Europe if conflict in the region escalates. The 1st Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment is serving as Nato's Forward Land Forces Strategic Reserve (FLF), meaning that should the call come in, the battalion would be ready to fight in as little as 10 days alongside Nato forces from around the world. Lt Rhuari Stewart, in command of an anti-tank unit, said the troops were not nervous. Advertisement Advertisement "You take it in your stride, it's part of being in the Army. There's always a potential that something might happen," he said. Lt Rhuari Stewart says the troops are not nervous [BBC] Some of the troops from the regiment are already on the ground in Estonia, where British troops have command of Nato defences. Meanwhile, at Weeton Barracks, Lancashire, troops from the Burma Brigade were getting hands-on experience with drones. Their unmanned aerial technology varies in size from approximately a meter in length to being small enough to be fired out of a gun barrel. 2nd Lt Connor Flinter said: "It's really useful because it enables us to use them in whatever environment we are in, whether urban or rural." A group of soldiers gets familiar with drone technology [BBC] Some of regiment are heading to France in February for Exercise Gaulish - an integration with French forces on a training exercise at CENZUB, a purpose built small town used for military training. Advertisement Advertisement Stewart said exercises with different countries were vital to ensure troops can work together on the battlefield: "We're learning how they fight, learning their weapon systems, their kit and their technology." Flinter said it had been interesting to see how the French approached difficult scenarios: "They most predominantly use vehicles, whereas we are light infantry on our feet, and try and be a bit more sneaky," he said. UK Troops training at CENZUB, a purpose built town for military exercises [Ministry of Defence] If successful, some troops from the regiment may be deployed into French units in Romania. The battalion was given the role of FLF during the summer when it was first introduced, and will remain on high alert for at least three years. Advertisement Advertisement Stewart said: "Whilst we might not speak the same language, we all share that same ethos, there's a lot of things in common between us, and I think that's what's so special about Nato." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Related internet links HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Trump officials made a trip to the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Thursday to pitch the administrations policies and counter remarks made a day earlier by Gov. Josh Shapiro (D). Shapiro, while touring the farm show, said the presidents tariffs are a gut punch to farmers. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Make no mistake, Shapiro said. When the president pushes a button and causes a multi-billion dollar problem for the ag industry, meaning a multi-billion dollar price hike for the ag industry, its very hard to make that up at the state level. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, joined by National Nutrition Advisor Ben Carson, called the governors statement really unfortunate. Tariffs, she said, are meant to rebalance an agriculture trade deficit created by the Biden administration. We inherited an absolute mess last January, Rollins said. Since Trump took office last year, Rollins said dairy exports went up 23%. Thats a statistic likely to resonate in Pennsylvania, which ranks seventh in the nation for dairy exports. Shapiro shakes hands, shuns politics at Pennsylvania Farm Show So, that is a tired talking point from the Democrats, and I will not stand for it, Rollins said. Advertisement Advertisement Still, growers said tariffs create uncertainty for their businesses. Partisan politicians taking shots at each other is nothing new, even at the farm show. But Pennsylvania farmers will continue to do what they do, and the farm show will continue to celebrate them. 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. For almost two weeks, Donald Trump has seemed on the verge of intervening in Iran. From his 2 January threat to come to the "rescue" of protesters if the Iranian authorities used violence against them, to his promise this week that "help is on its way," the US president has sounded resolute. On Tuesday, a CBS journalist covering the president's visit to Detroit asked how Mr Trump would respond if the Iranian authorities started to execute detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian activists said the family of Erfan Soltani had been told the 26-year old shopkeeper had been sentenced to death for participating in the protests. "If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action," the president replied, saying his endgame in Iran was "to win". Throughout Wednesday, there were growing signs that US military action might be imminent. American, Qatari and British personnel stationed at the giant Al-Udeid air base in Qatar were being relocated. US embassy staff and civilians in Saudi Arabia were told to remain vigilant, recalling similar instructions last June, hours before US bombers attacked Iran's nuclear facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Amid reports of airspace being closed and flights cancelled, it appeared that the coming hours would bring word of American strikes. The only question seemed to be how big. But then, speaking to reporters at the White House mid-afternoon, Trump suddenly changed his tune. "We've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping," he said. "And there's no plan for executions I've been told that on good authority." Advertisement Advertisement The president did not reveal the nature of the good authority, except to say that the information had come from "very important sources on the other side", and that the US had been given "a very good statement by people that are aware of what's going on". But has the moment of crisis passed, or is this just a pause? Trump clearly has not ruled out military action. He said he was going to "watch and see what the process is", before deciding what to do next. In Washington, there are plenty of voices urging caution. "US military action taken under the premise of helping these protesters risks doing the opposite: silencing an organic movement, strengthening the regime's narrative, and inflicting civilian harm," Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee warned in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Reports from the Gulf suggested that some of Washington's allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, also harbour grave misgivings about the likely impact of US military intervention. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have both found themselves in the crosshairs of Iranian retaliation in the past. In 2019, Iran fired drones and cruise missiles at Saudi Arabia, hitting key oil facilities and temporarily halving the kingdom's oil production. Iran denied being involved, saying the attack was carried out by the Houthis in response to Saudi Arabia's military involvement in Yemen. Saudi's allies, including the US, France, Germany and Britain all agreed that Tehran was responsible. Advertisement Advertisement On 23 June last year, Iran fired a number of medium-range ballistic missiles at Al-Udeid in response to the US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities the day before. Tehran telegraphed its intentions ahead of time and there were no casualties, but the warning was clear: Iran is capable of lashing out. The Gulf monarchies, which have worked to shore up their relations with Iran in recent years, fear the sort of widespread regional instability that a major US military operation might trigger. As always with President Trump, the aim seems to be to keep everyone guessing. [AFP via Getty Images] In the wake of the successful military operation to remove Nicolas Maduro from power in Venezuela, it suits the president for the leadership in Tehran to think that he might do something equally spectacular in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement "Evocative news stories, the use of raw power, and minimal casualties all appeal to Trump," Andrew Miller, a former deputy assistant secretary of state in the Biden administration writes in Foreign Affairs magazine. "And a strike on Iran could supply all three." But the president's desire to "win" in Iran may have stayed his hand. The regime in Iran is tough, battle-hardened and capable of weathering repeated storms. By comparison, Venezuela is little more than a banana republic, despite its vast reserves of oil. The thought of finally conquering the Islamic Republic, after decades of intense animosity and conflict, must be extremely tempting, especially to a man who boasts that the US military has never been more powerful. Advertisement Advertisement But that goal, however desirable in Washington, still seems remote. Air strikes might be capable of inflicting enormous pain on Iran's security apparatus, nuclear and missile programmes, but they are unlikely to "rescue" Iranians demonstrating against their government. In recent days, unnamed US officials, quoted in the press, have hinted at a range of other, more covert options, including cyber attacks, designed to reduce the regime's effectiveness and give protesters a boost. Some of these tactics were used to great effect in Caracas during the lightning operation to seize Nicolas Maduro. But without a clearly defined end goal, it's hard to see such methods having any long-term effect. Advertisement Advertisement Apparently cowed by the regime's display of raw, indiscriminate power, such a bold move by the opposition seems, for now at least, highly unlikely. Miller says Trump's threats should stop, unless the president is determined to follow through. The spectacle of protesters renaming streets after the US president and pleading for US intervention indicate that he may have dangerously raised hopes. "It is not just unpresidential but inhumane to bluff when lives are on the line," Miller writes. With US media reports, unconfirmed by the Pentagon, suggesting that a carrier strike group, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, has been told to redeploy from the South China Sea, it's perfectly possible that Donald Trump is keen to maximise his options. Advertisement Advertisement But the fundamental question remains: Will he or won't he? Do you have a question about Trump's first year back in office? Click here or use the form below. Ben Rhodes, who served as former President Obamas deputy national security adviser, said President Trumps push to control Greenland is catastrophic geopolitically for the United States and the future of the NATO alliance. In an interview on MS NOWs Deadline: White House, Rhodes warned that invading Greenland which is under NATO protection by virtue of being a territory of Denmark would fracture the decades-long defense alliance and embolden U.S. adversaries. This is catastrophic geopolitically for the United States, Rhodes said, because this would essentially fracture NATO. One NATO member state taking the territory of another. Advertisement Advertisement This would certainly embolden China and Russia to follow suit, both because NATO would be weakened and Russia could kind of push the envelope in Eastern Europe, but also because, if were in an era of imperial territorial expansion, then the other imperial powers are going to follow suit whether its China and Taiwan or Russia and other parts of the former Soviet Union, he continued. Rhodes also noted Denmark was among the first countries to volunteer troops to send to Afghanistan after NATO, following the Sept. 11 attacks on the U.S., invoked the collective defense clause for the only time in the alliances history. He also said Denmark has been among the strongest supporters of Ukraine, heeding the U.S.s requests to provide aid. The former Obama aide warned that invading a Danish territory would send a message that those actions dont matter. And just to put a fine point on the Denmark point, in addition to Afghanistan, you know, Ukraine, at our request, at the request of the U.S. government, they, per capita, provided just about as much as anybody to support the Ukrainians. They were at the forefront in terms of providing capabilities that the Ukrainians badly needed, Rhodes said. Advertisement Advertisement Theyve been reliable. And so its not just the affront to Denmark. Its an affront to all of NATO and to any country that has been a reliable partner to the United States, Rhodes said, because it says none of that history matters. The legal, collective defense obligations dont matter. What youve done in the past doesnt matter. Might makes right. Were bigger than you. We want this large island, and so were going to take it. Rhodes, in the interview, also disputed the presidents stated reasons for wanting to acquire Greenland, saying, Im sure that the Danes would be open to discussions about developing access to critical minerals in Greenland. What Trump has made clear again and again is that this is about territorial expansion, Rhodes said. He wants control of Greenland for controls sake. You know, he wants a territorial legacy, which is not uncommon for a kind of aging autocratic leader. You know, Heres a big piece of land. It seems kind of available. There are only 50,000 people there. I want to take this land. 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. Welcome back to Foreign Policys Latin America Brief. The highlights this week: Cuban officials gird for possible U.S. intervention, the EU-Mercosur trade deal moves a step closer to ratification, and Brazil bags two Golden Globes. Sign up to receive Latin America Brief in your inbox every Friday. After Venezuela, Is Cuba Next? As Latin America grapples with the fallout from the U.S. ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, the government with the most immediate worries about its own stability is Cuba. Thats due to ties between Caracas and Havana as well as signaling from top U.S. officials. Advertisement Advertisement If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, Id be concerned, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in the hours after the Jan. 3 U.S. attack on Venezuela. Rubio, who is Cuban American, has voiced hope for regime change in Cuba throughout his entire political career. Cuba looks like its ready to fall, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Jan. 4. In the following days, Trump said that the United Stateswhich is directing policy in Venezuela via pressure from a naval buildup and tanker seizureswould not allow any Venezuelan oil to go to Cuba. The ban removes a key pillar of financial support for Cubas government during an already-dire economic crisis. The countrys GDP has shrunk 11 percent since 2020 amid a long-standing U.S. trade embargo and local mismanagement. Venezuela supplied Cuba with an estimated third of its oil demand. On Jan. 11, Trump wrote on social media that Cuba should make a deal before it was too late. While he did not specify potential consequences, Maduros removal has revealed the scope of military actions that Trump appears willing to take against U.S. adversaries. Advertisement Advertisement Altogether, the new economic pressure and verbal threats from Washington may suggest that Cuba could soon become a target of a U.S. military operation. But there are also multiple factors working against that possibility, at least in the short term. First, the Cuban governments control over political life on the island extends far more deeply than did Maduros. Cuba has been an authoritarian state for much longer than Venezuela and has less political pluralism. This makes it more difficult to imagine significant changes in the regime. Second, Cuba has no major natural resource sector that could be quickly taken over by U.S. firms in the way that Trump is trying to do with Venezuelas oil sector. Third, surveys suggest that Americans are broadly skeptical of foreign military interventionsand of the Venezuela strike in particular. Advertisement Advertisement A Reuters-Ipsos poll from shortly after the attack found that only one in three Americans supported it, while 72 percent were worried the United States would get bogged down in Venezuela. According to an Associated Press-NORC poll published this week, 56 percent of Americans said that Trump had gone too far in using the U.S. military to intervene abroad. For now, the Trump administration appears comfortable continuing to bleed Cuba economically without forcing its collapse. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CBS News this week that the United States would allow Mexico, another of Cubas key oil suppliers, to continue selling fuel to the island. Trump told reporters on Jan. 11 that Washington was talking to Cuba about unspecified demands. But Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel denied any such negotiations were taking place. No one dictates what we do, he wrote on social media. In the meantime, the more than 9 million Cubans on the island are bracing for even more acute economic pain. They already suffered multiple large-scale blackouts last year. Economic experts have said that removing Venezuelan oil supplies could be catastrophic for the country and push it into a subsistence zone. Advertisement Advertisement While the Cuban government has survived extreme economic hardship before, Cuban-born businessman Hugo Cancio wrote last week that Trumps foreign-policy posture meant times have changed. Cuba could engage with the United States and adapt, Cancio wrote, or face change imposed on it from the outside. Upcoming Events Sunday, Jan. 17: A trade deal between the European Union and South American customs union Mercosur is expected to be signed in Paraguay. Wednesday, Jan. 21: The United Nations Security Council discusses Haiti. Friday, Jan. 23: The U.N. Security Council discusses Colombia. What Were Following Advertisement Advertisement Trump on speed dial. Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum each held calls with Trump in recent days as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions after he threatened to use military force against their countries. Petro spoke to Trump on Jan. 7. Colombian diplomats worked to set up the call as an alternate channel of communication from social media, where Petro and Trump have sparred previously. Petro described the call as a first step toward a better understanding between the two sides. Trump invited Petro to the White House. But the talks did not prevent Colombia from being included this week on a list of countries facing new U.S. immigrant visa bans. The restriction also hit two other left-leaning governments in South America: Brazil and Uruguay. Sheinbaum spoke to Trump, who has threatened to launch military strikes against drug cartels in Mexico, on Jan. 12. During the call, Trump said that he understood Mexicos opposition to such strikes, according to Sheinbaum. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the New York Times reported that Washington is continuing to press for joint anti-drug operations in Mexico, which would significantly expand the U.S. presence in the country. Prisoner releases. Venezuela has released more than 70 detainees since Maduros ouster, according to rights group Foro Penal. Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said on Jan. 14 that the releases would continue as part of a new political moment in the country that allows for ideological diversity. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has still not returned to Venezuela from exile, though she recently met with Trump. Venezuela was not the only Latin American country to release political prisoners in recent days. Nicaraguas government also freed between 20 and 30 people from jail amid pressure from the United States, human rights groups and Nicaraguan media in exile reported over the weekend. Wagner Moura poses at the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on Jan. 11.Brianna Bryson/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Globes on Globes. Brazilian dictatorship-era drama The Secret Agent won two Golden Globes on Jan. 11, one for best foreign language film and another for best actor. In the film, Wagner Moura plays a former professor being pursued by state agents. Its languid, painterly style allows for a series of canny observations on life under, and after, authoritarianism, Lucas Iberico Lozada wrote in Foreign Policy last December. Last year, another Brazilian film depicting life during the military dictatorship, Im Still Here, won a Golden Globe award and an Oscar. Also last year, the Berlin International Film Festival honored the Haitian-Cuban-Brazilian drama Anba dlo and Brazils The Blue Trail. The recent acclaim for Brazilian film was enough for the Golden Globes organization itself to schedule a March ceremony in Rio de Janeiro celebrating Brazilian film and television talent. Question of the Week Advertisement Advertisement Brazils Moura also played what crime boss on Netflix? Pablo Escobar Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Marcos Marcola Camacho Hugo El Pollo Carvajal Moura starred in Netflixs Narcos. FPs Most Read This Week The Donroe Doctrine Makes No Senseby Stephen M. WaltIrans Currency Crisis Could Be the Regimes Downfallby Alireza Nader and Nik KowsarThe World-Minus-One Momentby Amitav Acharya In Focus: The EU-Mercosur Deal European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a press conference at the EU headquarters in Brussels on Jan. 14.Nicolas Tucat/AFP via Getty Images On Jan. 9, the European Council voted to approve the EUs draft trade agreement with Mercosur, bringing the deal a key step closer to conclusion. Advertisement Advertisement EU leaders reached an agreement in principle with the South American trade bloc in December 2024. But countries such as France and Italy were worried about exposing their agriculture sectors so openly to competition. Then came Trumps tariffs. In recent months, top EU officials tweaked the deal to include more robust quotas on duty-free imports of certain agricultural products and pledged more financial support to farmers in countries such as Italy, which then lifted its veto. The deal still needs approval from the European Parliament, which is going to be a close vote, said Chatham Houses Bruno Binetti. That decision could be months away, he said. Still, officials in both Europe and South America are celebrating the latest progress as proof of their ability to shape their own economic destiniesand international normsin a world rocked by Trumps levies and Chinas flood of exports. Europe charts its own course and stands as a reliable partner, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called last Friday a historic day for multilateralism. If the deal becomes reality, it will not only boost trade between the two continents, but it will also introduce a key innovation on environmental protection. It is one of the first trade agreements in the world to require members to adhere to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, Brazilian environmental scientist Raoni Rajao told FP. Perhaps as a result, Argentine President Javier Milei, who backs the trade deal, has moved away from campaign-era promises to withdraw his country from the Paris Agreement. WASHINGTON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy to Greenland said he plans to visit the Danish territory in March, and that he believes a deal can be made. "I do believe that there's a deal that should and will be made once this plays out," Jeff Landry told Fox News in an interview on Friday as a bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers was set to meet leaders of Greenland and Denmark. "The president is serious. I think he's laid the markers down. He's told Denmark what he's looking for, and now it's a matter of having Secretary (of State Marco) Rubio and Vice President JD Vance make a deal." (Reporting by Susan Heavey;Editing by Alison Williams) Image Credit: Steve -CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia. For decades, Pirelli has been synonymous with Italian performance and premium rubber. Its distinctive P-Zero tires have graced everything from supercars to Formula One grids, and the Milan-based company has cultivated a global reputation as a go-to brand for enthusiasts and manufacturers. But now one of its most important markets is at the center of a geopolitical and regulatory storm that could reshape the companys future. At the heart of the controversy is Pirellis ownership structure. What most drivers dont realize is that the company is no longer wholly Italian. A significant stake of roughly one third is held by Sinochem Group, which is a Chinese state-owned chemical and energy conglomerate. That presence, once viewed as a savvy way to tap into global capital and scale production, has become a liability as Washington tightens rules on Chinese-linked technology in the automotive supply chain. Image Credit: Pirelli. Under new U.S. regulations set to take effect in March 2026, hardware and software developed by companies controlled by Chinese entities may be barred from use in vehicles sold in the United States. That could potentially include technologies embedded in tires that communicate with a vehicles systems, an innovative feature Pirelli has pioneered with its Cyber Tyre platform. The $2 Billion Dilemma The stakes are high for the tire maker. The U.S. accounts for around 20 percent of Pirellis annual revenue, making it too large a market to ignore without serious financial consequences. Loss of access would not only dent sales, but it could undermine Pirellis reputation as a global technology leader in high-performance tire systems. For company leadership, the ways forward are fraught and complex. Pirelli has repeatedly signaled that it does not want to be boxed out of the American market and is exploring remedies that might satisfy both U.S. regulators and its shareholders. In 2025, the companys board passed a resolution supported by a majority of directors asserting that Sinochem no longer exercises control over Pirelli for corporate governance purposes. That move was expressly designed to ease regulatory concerns and pave the way for future expansion in North America. Yet that assertion has not been universally accepted. Sinochems subsidiary, Marco Polo International Italy, publicly rejected the boards reasoning, arguing that no legal basis existed to alter its status as a controlling shareholder under Italian golden powers rules. The dispute underscores how tangled corporate governance has become amid diverging national priorities. President Trumps strike options against Iran amid the nationwide protests are shaped by his massive military buildup in the Caribbean, which has ballooned since late last year and culminated in U.S. special forces capturing Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro. The Pentagon dispatched dozens of warships, F-35 fighter jets, spy planes, Marines and the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, and its strike group to the U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) starting in November. The administration is seemingly looking to expand its options toward Iran with the Pentagon moving the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its strike group, which includes fighter planes, guided missile destroyers and at least one attack submarine, toward the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement But it wont arrive for days, meaning the U.S. is not primed for a sustained campaign against Iran, which could be problematic, because this regime is just going to hunker down, according to a former senior U.S. intelligence official who spoke on condition of anonymity. So then youre putting other regional nations are going to have to be prepared for whatever the consequences are, because theyve already said theyll strike at U.S. bases, the ex-senior official said. Some of Americas key allies in the region Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Oman are reportedly lobbying Trump to delay any attacks on Iran, fearing it could trigger a protracted multinational conflict in the Middle East. But the White House says all options remain on the table as Irans hard-line leaders have reportedly killed thousands in an effort to quell protests raging across the country and promised to strike back at U.S. bases across the region if Trump intervenes. Advertisement Advertisement Former military commanders say that while Trump is somewhat constrained in the Middle East due to his buildup on the other side of the globe, theres still plenty of firepower at his disposal. Whatever plans that you develop and put together obviously cant include that carrier strike group. So, that doesnt necessarily limit your options it just frames the way that you might plan your military operations and activities, where you are relying on perhaps [Air Force] Global Strike [Command], youre relying on maritime strike from other assets. So its land-attack missiles that can come from surface ships that are in the area, said retired Vice Adm. John Miller, who commanded U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. The U.S. military has 12 Navy ships assigned the Southcom area and six Navy ships remain assigned to the Central Command region, a U.S. Navy official told The Hill on Thursday. Miller said the administration can rely on regional allies and partners for staging grounds, but Washington would need to ask for basing permission and overflight permissions, something the presence of an aircraft carrier in international waters would sidestep. Advertisement Advertisement Theres airborne early warning, all the things that you would need to project out, Miller said of an aircraft carrier strike group. So certainly its more convenient, but it doesnt mean that it cant be done with other assets that we have available to us. The Defense Department could send fighter planes stationed at bases in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar or launch long-range Tomahawk missiles from destroyers deployed in the area, according to defense officials. The U.S. also has bombers capable of delivering payloads from Europe or the U.S. as it showed with its strikes on Irans nuclear sites over the summer if Trump gives the green light. Ret. Vice Adm. Robert Harward, who is the former Central Command deputy commander, said not having the full load of naval assets in the Middle East limits the strike capacity but does not deter the effectiveness of it. Theres a lot of punch in the bag, so to speak, Harward told The Hill. You dont need it there, but [it] makes it easier, and some of the ranges that are associated with the assets in the region are unique for those target sets and all. Advertisement Advertisement Then theres the question of which targets Trump could strike to help the protesters seeking to topple Irans fundamentalist regime without starting a regional war. Harward said U.S. forces should target the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government, and the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary group that is an auxiliary arm of the IRGC. The former senior intelligence official said targeting infrastructure could act as a deterrent while minimizing casualties. If youre really trying to send a message to some of the organizations, you may go after the IRGC headquarters. I dont think youll go after a high-profile government headquarters, the source told The Hill. I think that would still be off-limits at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Another potential target could be Irans ballistic missile sites, which have been a point of concern for Israel. But none of these actions are likely to lead to regime change, the former official said an assessment reportedly shared by current officials. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Trump was advised that even a large-scale strike was unlikely to help protesters topple the regime, and that the U.S. didnt have enough firepower in the region for a major attack. Protests in Iran have escalated since last month in response to the dwindling economic conditions. It is unclear how many people have been killed in ensuing clashes with security forces, in part because of the governments internet ban, but the Human Rights Activists News Agency said more than 2,600 people have been killed and north of 184,000 have been arrested. Earlier this week, Trump encouraged Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations and said help is on the way. After previously threatening intervention if Irans government killed protesters, Trump in recent days has drawn a red line at planned executions of some 800 arrested protesters. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. military has also ground down the U.S. weapons stockpiles with recent operations in Iran, Red Sea strikes against Houthi rebels, arming Ukraines fight against Russia, preparing Taiwan for a possible invasion by China, and the Venezuela operations earlier this month. That has prompted some concern that an escalating fight with Iran could stretch the availability of interceptors necessary to shield U.S. troops in the area and allies in the region. The Patriot missile system that was dispatched from South Korea to the Middle East in 2025 is now back in the Korean Peninsula, according to Gen. Xavier Brunson, the commander of United Nations Command. But former defense officials argued the Pentagon has enough interceptors in the vault. Theres enough of them in the theater for not just our own, but owned by the countries where our bases are at, Harward said. Advertisement Advertisement Both Israel and Irans stockpiles were also depleted in the aftermath of the 12-day war last June. Javed Ali, a former senior director for counterterrorism in the National Security Council during Trumps first term, told The Hill that Irans drone and cruise missile capabilities were hit so hard by Israel that it would take significant time to restock. They used a lot of that inventory, right? Once you shoot it, you lose it, Ali, who is now an associate professor at the University of Michigan, said Thursday. David A. Deptula, a retired Air Force general, said despite U.S. operations in different theaters, it retains a broad, flexible, and scalable set of capabilities to strike Iranian targets and defend against retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement The presence of a carrier strike group in some circumstances may increase flexibility and responsiveness, but the movement of the USS Abraham Lincoln does not signal inevitabilitynor is a carrier necessary or required to impose devastating effects upon Irans ruling regime at this time, added Deptula, who is dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Whether strikes occur is ultimately a policy decision, not a military constraint. The U.S. military is already capable of executing operations against Irans regime on short notice if directed. 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 Donald Trump on Thursday revealed a health care proposal he dubbed the Great Healthcare Plan, outlining a set of cost-cutting ideas but stopping short of offering a detailed replacement for the Affordable Care Act. Im calling on Congress to pass this framework into law without delay, have to do it right now, so that we can get immediate relief to the American people, Trump said in a video posted by the White House. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement The administration released no legislative text nor timeline for related congressional action and did not indicate whether Republican leaders support the proposal, even as health care costs loom as a central issue in this years closely contested midterm elections. Asked how the proposal would advance in Congress, administration officials said it was a broad architecture intended to guide lawmakers on next steps. Therell be ongoing conversations, and we hope to be able to support with specific language for the legislation, Mehmet Oz, one of Trumps top health care deputies, told reporters Thursday on a conference call. The White House also launched a new website, GreatHealthcare.gov, ahead of Trumps announcement. Polls have found that many voters are unhappy with rising health care premiums and lawmakers inability to reach a deal on ACA subsidies that expired last month, a lapse that has contributed to a spike in health-insurance costs for millions of marketplace enrollees. Democrats mocked the administrations language Thursday, questioning whether Trump could call his proposal a plan given the lack of details. Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trumps new plan is a Band-Aid for the full-blown health care crisis he and Republicans in Congress created, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) told The Washington Post in a statement. Trumps proposal includes a mix of initiatives that are already underway, such as Trumps push to cut U.S. drug prices by linking them with the lower cost of drugs sold abroad, and some of his stalled ambitions, such as his desire to redirect billions of dollars in federal funding away from health insurers and toward average Americans. Trump also called to restore funding for the ACAs cost-sharing reduction program, an insurance subsidy program that he ended in his first term, and to institute maximum price transparency by requiring hospitals and insurers to make more information available to consumers. The proposal does not include new ideas to expand health coverage or simplify Americas often-byzantine health-care system. It also falls far short of Trumps promises to deliver a replacement for the ACA, the sweeping 2010 health law that has been credited with helping more than 20 million Americans get health coverage and has long been targeted for repeal by Trump and his GOP allies. Republican leaders have refused to extend an ACA subsidy program that expired in December, with Democrats pushing to restore that program as a way to lower health care costs and reduce instability in insurance markets. In his announcement, Trump criticized the ACA as hated and unaffordable but said that his own proposal to restore funding for the cost-sharing reduction program would lead to meaningful savings for the most popular plans sold on the ACA marketplaces. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps proposal comes as Republicans are attempting to position the party ahead of this years midterm elections, which are expected to be closely contested and center on pocketbook issues such as health care costs. GOP leaders said they supported Trumps general ideas, while declining to detail legislative next steps. I havent gotten into the weeds on it, but obviously, theyre trying to get at the issue of costs, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) told reporters, calling the presidents price-transparency ideas no-brainers. Some conservative policy experts and consumer advocates also cheered the proposal, saying that lowering drug costs and improving health-care price transparency have bipartisan appeal. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump is taking on insurers, hospitals, and all middlemen to hold them accountable and deliver radical transparency, Cynthia Fisher, a longtime champion of price transparency and the founder of PatientRightsAdvocate.org, said in a statement. But Democrats panned Trumps ideas as inadequate and stale - saying that years of government price-transparency efforts had failed to yield significant savings for consumers, for instance - and called on Republicans to work with their party on restoring ACA subsidies. Sen. Ron Wyden (Oregon), the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee that oversees aspects of the U.S. health system, dismissed Trumps announcement as one of his empty promises on health care. Every American should be asking themselves a simple question: are you paying more for your health care than you were a year ago? Wyden said in a statement, alluding to reports that premiums have risen across the country. The answer ought to tell you everything you need to know about the Trump-Republican health care agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Liberal advocacy groups and Democratic campaign staff also said they planned to cite Trumps announcement as an example of Republicans limited health care proposals, compared with Democrats more expansive plans. Trumps health care plan is a subsidy, Grace Silva, a spokeswoman for 314 Action, a liberal advocacy group working to elect scientists and physicians to government, wrote in a statement. Trump said earlier this month that Republicans should embrace health care as a core priority, arguing that GOP lawmakers were missing an opportunity to win over Americans on an issue that consistently rates among voters top election-year priorities. Its never been our issue. It should be our issue, Trump told House Republicans at a policy session last week. Advertisement Advertisement Americans are more likely to trust Democrats than Republicans on health care issues, polls show. Trumps failed efforts to repeal the ACA in 2017 helped contribute to Democrats retaking the House the following year - a scenario that has left many Republicans wary of attempting major health care reform again, particularly ahead of this years midterms. Administration officials disputed that Thursdays proposal fell short of the presidents pledge to unveil a replacement for the ACA. Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, repeatedly described the proposal as a holistic approach to health care by focusing on issues such as drug costs and price transparency, rather than the health insurance plans at the center of the ACA. The Great Healthcare Plan is designed to be able to answer the questions that all Americans are asking, not just a few, Oz told reporters. - - - Advertisement Advertisement Paige Winfield Cunningham contributed to this report. Related Content Trump installs loyalists on panel set to review White House ballroom A Silk Road moonscape, with no Americans in sight Protesters condemn ICE tactics as Minneapolis victims family hires George Floyd attorney President Donald Trumps administration formally launched the second phase of its plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas this week, shifting from a ceasefire framework toward a post-ceasefire political and security phase for Gaza. The announcement immediately raised a central question that now dominates expert analysis: who will actually disarm Hamas. U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff announced Wednesday that phase two is underway, describing it as a transition "from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction." He warned that Hamas must fully comply with its obligations under the deal, including the immediate return of the final deceased Israeli hostage. "The U.S. expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage," Witkoff wrote on X. "Failure to do so will bring serious consequences." Advertisement Advertisement As Washington announced the move to Phase Two before Ran Gvilis return, his family, other hostage families, residents of Gaza border communities, police officers, and captivity survivor Agam Berger gathered Friday at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, urging that Gvili, who has been held captive for 833 days, be brought home before any transition to the next phase. Trump Faces Middle East Test As Netanyahu Balks At Erdogans Gaza Troop Hopes U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff acknowledges applause by members of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem on Oct. 13, 2025. (Getty Images) President Donald Trump reinforced the administrations announcement on Thursday, writing on Truth Social that the United States had "OFFICIALLY entered the next phase of Gazas 20-Point Peace Plan," following Witkoffs remarks. Trump said that since the ceasefire, his team had helped deliver "RECORD LEVELS of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, reaching Civilians at HISTORIC speed and scale," adding that "even the United Nations has acknowledged this achievement as UNPRECEDENTED." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Trump wrote that these developments had "set the stage for this next phase," which he said would include backing a newly appointed Palestinian technocratic government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, to govern the territory during a transitional period. Trump described himself as chairman of the Board of Peace and said the committee would be supported by the boards high representative. Ran Gvili was hailed a hero for his actions in fighting back the terrorists while injured, saving men, women, and children during the Oct. 7 terror attack. Gvilis body remains held captive in Gaza by Palestinian terrorists. Trump again warned that Hamas must "IMMEDIATELY honor its commitments, including the return of the final body to Israel, and proceed without delay to full Demilitarization," adding, "They can do this the easy way, or the hard way." Trump concluded the post by saying, "The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW. PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH." The new phase envisions the establishment of a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, while the United States works with Egypt and other regional partners to ensure compliance and stability. Yet the announcement offered few operational details, particularly regarding how Hamas would be disarmed after more than two decades of military control in the enclave. Middle East Officials Look Toward Second Phase Of Israel-hamas Ceasefire With Two Hostages Left In Gaza Palestinians make their way with belongings as they flee their homes after Israeli air strikes in the northern Gaza Strip on May 16, 2025. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Jerome Bonnafont, Frances ambassador to the United Nations, called the ceasefire an "incredible achievement" and said phase two could help lay the groundwork for peace without Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement "The Trump plan is establishing a ceasefire, which is an incredible achievement," Bonnafont said. "It has to go to a massive reopening of humanitarian aid, and it is going to be announced within a couple of days." He said the next stage includes an international stabilization force that would support reconstruction and contribute to Hamass disarmament. "That would help disarm Hamas, and that will help the Palestinian Authority return and democratically restart the management of Gaza as part of the Palestinian territory," he said. Bonnafont emphasized that France views Israels security as a priority, particularly in the face of regional threats. "We have always been on the side of Israel when it comes, for example, to the threats by Iran to the existence of Israel," he said. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, he said France believes long-term security depends on the creation of a demilitarized Palestinian state living in peace with Israel. "We believe that security for Israel in the long term comes with the creation of Palestine," Bonnafont said. "A Palestine that has to be independent but demilitarized and in peace with Israel." The United Nations also welcomed the announcement of phase two, calling it "an important step" while emphasizing adherence to international law and existing U.N. resolutions. Israel Shuts Door On Turkey In Gaza As Trump Praises Erdogan, Plays Down Clash Destroyed buildings are pictured in the west of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on Feb. 11, 2025. Israeli and U.S. security analysts broadly agree that phase two cannot succeed without addressing Hamass weapons and coercive power. Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Avner Golov, vice president of the Israeli policy institute Mind Israel, told Fox News Digital that, "The central challenge is Hamass demilitarization," Golov said. "The only actors truly willing to dismantle Hamass military capabilities are the Israelis, and as long as Hamas remains armed, there should be no rebuilding and no IDF withdrawal from the current defensive line." "In the end, there must be a credible military threat from the IDF against Hamas," he said. "Without such a threat, I see no chance that Hamas will voluntarily disarm." Golov also pointed to what he described as a gap between diplomatic commitments and action by regional actors. "The key test is Turkey and Qatar," he said. "They signed a document committing to Hamass disarmament, but since then they have not demonstrated real commitment to implementing it." Us Seeks Un Authorization For Gaza International Force Lasting Through 2027 Under Trump Plan President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi hold the signed agreement of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Oct. 13, 2025. Jonathan Ruhe, a fellow for American Strategy at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), argued that phase two presents a detailed reconstruction framework but avoids the most politically difficult decision. Advertisement Advertisement "The peace plan offers a detailed framework for rebuilding Gaza and promoting better governance," Ruhe said. "But its silent on the who and how of disarming Hamas." "As long as Hamas can interrupt aid distribution, intimidate and kill Gazans who want a better future, and threaten renewed war with Israel, international investment in reconstruction and reform will be near zero," he said. While Trumps plan calls for Hamas to disarm voluntarily, Ruhe also said Hamas has little reason to do so. "Hamas refuses because it thinks it won the war," he said. "Now there is an urgent need to decide who will disarm Hamas forcefully." Ruhe noted that a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizes an International Stabilization Force to disarm Hamas, but he said no country has been willing to put troops in that role. Instead, he said the Trump plan outlines a more limited mission for international forces, focused on guarding aid sites and preventing Hamas resupply. Advertisement Advertisement "Trump and Netanyahu both said Israel might have to disarm Hamas," Ruhe said. "But the IDF ground forces need to rest and refit after two years of grueling combat, and a major offensive risks blowing up the international coalition needed for phase two." He suggested that well-vetted private military contractors, overseen by U.S. security officials rather than U.S. Central Command, could play a role, though he acknowledged such a move would involve "hard fighting." Click Here To Download The Fox News App Despite diplomatic momentum, analysts interviewed by Fox News Digital cautioned that time may be working against the plan. "The status quo favors Hamas as it continues tightening its grip over its half of Gaza," Ruhe said. "Announcing the Board of Peace serves important diplomatic purposes, but it wont mean much on the ground unless and until Hamas is disarmed." Advertisement Advertisement Golov echoed that assessment. "As long as Hamas remains armed, there should be no rebuilding and no IDF withdrawal from the current defensive line," he said. Original article source: Trump launches phase 2 of Gaza peace plan but Hamas disarmament remains the real test By Steve Holland, Bo Erickson and Gram Slattery WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday during a White House meeting, in a bid to influence his efforts to shape her country's political future. A White House official confirmed that Trump intends to keep the medal. In a social media post on Thursday evening, 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!" Advertisement Advertisement Machado, who described the meeting as "excellent," said the gift was in recognition of what she called his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. The White House later posted a photo of Trump and Machado with the president holding up a large, gold-colored frame displaying the medal. Accompanying text read, "To President Donald J. Trump In Gratitude for Your Extraordinary Leadership in Promoting Peace through Strength," and labeled the gesture as a "Personal Symbol of Gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan People." Machado's attempt to sway Trump came after he dismissed the idea of installing her as Venezuela's leader to replace the deposed Nicolas Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement Trump openly campaigned for the prize before Machado was awarded it last month and complained bitterly when he was snubbed. Though Machado gave Trump the gold medal that honorees receive with the prize, the honor remains hers; the Norwegian Nobel Institute has said the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked. Asked on Wednesday if he wanted Machado to give him the prize, Trump told Reuters: "No, I didn't say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize." The Republican president has long expressed interest in winning the prize and has at times linked it to diplomatic achievements. The lunch meeting, which appeared to last slightly over an hour, marked the first time the two have met in person. Advertisement Advertisement Machado then met with more than a dozen senators, both Republican and Democratic, on Capitol Hill, where she has generally found more enthusiastic allies. During the visit, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had looked forward to meeting Machado, but stood by his "realistic" assessment that she did not currently have the support needed to lead the country in the short term. Machado, who fled the South American nation in a daring seaborne escape in December, is competing for Trump's ear with members of Venezuela's government and seeking to ensure she has a role in governing the nation going forward. After the United States captured Maduro in a snatch-and-grab operation this month, opposition figures, members of Venezuela's diaspora and politicians throughout the U.S. and Latin America expressed hope for Venezuela to begin a process of democratization. Advertisement Advertisement HOPES OF A MOVE TO DEMOCRACY Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, one of the senators who met with Machado, said the opposition leader had told senators that repression in Venezuela was no different now than under Maduro. Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez is a "smooth operator" who was growing more entrenched by the day thanks to Trump's support, he said. "I hope elections happen, but I'm skeptical," said Murphy, of Connecticut. Trump has said he is focused on securing U.S. access to the country's oil and economically rebuilding Venezuela. Trump has on several occasions praised Rodriguez, Maduro's second-in-command, who became Venezuela's leader upon his capture. In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Trump said, "She's been very good to deal with." Advertisement Advertisement Machado was banned from running in Venezuela's 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. In an annual address to lawmakers, Rodriguez called for diplomacy with the United States and said should she need to travel to Washington, she would do so "walking on her feet, not dragged there." Advertisement Advertisement She also said she would propose reforms to her country's oil industry aimed at increasing access for foreign investors. (Reporting by Steve Holland, Bo Erickson, Gram Slattery and Nandita Bose; Additional reporting by Nolan McCaskill, Joseph Ax, and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Rod Nickel, Thomas Derpinghaus and Clarence Fernandez) The Trump administration and a consortium of governors from northeastern states are asking PJM, the countrys largest electrical grid operator, to hold an emergency power auction as part of an effort to make technology giants pay for surging power costs from new data centers. In the auction, tech companies will be able to bid on 15-year contracts for electricity generation from newly constructed power plants, Bloomberg first reported. Although power auctions are standard practice and routine, they are typically for one-year periods of electricity supplies and are open to public utilities and private power companies. The proposed auction which the White House and governors cannot mandate is unusual both for the extraordinary length of the contract and because it will be limited to technology companies that build power-hungry data centers. The billions of dollars raised from the auction would support construction of new power plants in the region that the tech companies would use to satisfy their growing demand for energy over the next decade and a half. Advertisement Advertisement Energy cannot be separated from our economy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said during a press conference Friday. Its the core to reliable, affordable, secure energy support to driving down inflation and making everything more affordable for every American. Utilities used to directly generate the electricity they sold to customers. But deregulation over the past few decades has led to the introduction of outside providers, who generate much of the power sold by utilities to both residential and business customers. The auctions play the role of an intermediary, balancing the anticipated demand for electricity from utilities with the power available from various energy producers, like natural gas plants or solar or wind farms. The rates paid by consumers for electricity is regulated by the state regulators. But those rates are based on the costs utilities have to pay for that energy, either from their own plants or at free market auctions. The growing demand for power due to a rash of AI data center construction has put upward pressure on the rates regulators allow utilities to charge their customers. The planned auction could help add much-needed electricity supply to the region and lower costs for the 67 million residents who are served by the PJM grid. Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring the American people have reliable and affordable electricity is one of President Trumps top priorities, and this would deliver much-needed, long-term relief to the Mid-Atlantic region, said White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers. Its tough to say what impact the auction will have on rates, said Andrew Weisel, energy and utilities analyst with Scotiabank, because too many details are yet to be determined. My view is the effort here is about limiting future increases (rather than lowering rates), he told CNN. And whats important to realize is that this wont have any immediate effect. Any new build is going to take five years or more given the long lead time to add capacity. PJM for the first time in its history last month failed to match supply with demand at an auction. The company said it could not reliably meet the anticipated electricity needs of the customers it serves between June 2027 and May 2028: PJM said it could generate 5.2% less electricity than needed. Advertisement Advertisement The company blamed runaway demand from data centers. This auction leaves no doubt that data centers demand for electricity continues to far outstrip new supply, and the solution will require concerted action involving PJM, its stakeholders, state and federal partners, and the data center industry itself, said Stu Bresler, PJMs chief operating officer, in a statement following the December auction. But its not clear that PJM will be on board with the governments directive. The company said it was given no advance notice of the plan. Apparently they will make an announcement, the company said in a statement to CNN. We have not been invited and will not be there. Advertisement Advertisement The company said on Friday its decision, resulting from a multi-month stakeholder process on integrating large load additions, would be released later that day. The Board has been deliberating on this issue since the end of that stakeholder process. We will work with our stakeholders to assess how the White House directive aligns with the Boards decision, the company said in an emailed statement. PJM is the countrys largest grid, covering thirteen states and the District of Columbia. While some states like Virginia are in the midst of an AI-fueled data center boom, all that server power is straining the interconnected grid and spiking energy costs throughout the entire region. Virginias largest utility is increasing rates by roughly 9%, and New Jersey utility bills jumped by more than 20% this year. Advertisement Advertisement The cost of electricity is up 6.7% nationwide over the last year, according to the Consumer Price Index, the governments key inflation measure. The cost is up nearly 30% since the end of 2021. Americans have been facing sticker shock when opening their electricity bills, as the tech industry rapidly builds data centers and other infrastructure to power AI systems across the United States. These centers, which have cost the tech industry billions of dollars to make, use up a gargantuan amount of electricity. Some communities have rung the alarm on environmental impacts as well as worries about AI eliminating jobs. Trump has directed his attention toward the rising costs, teasing plans in January to address the rising bills with Big Tech. Advertisement Advertisement Therefore, my Administration is working with major American Technology Companies to secure their commitment to the American people, and we will have much to announce in the coming weeks to ensure that Americans dont pick up the tab for their POWER consumption, in terms of higher Utility bills, Trump said in a Truth Social post. Some tech giants have already been trying to come up with solutions. Microsoft, for example, said it will ask to pay higher electricity bills in areas where its building data centers. It said it would also cover the cost of updating and adding necessary electricity to the grid. CNNs Chris Isidore contributed to this report For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Jan. 16 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said Friday he "convinced himself" to stop military intervention in Iran amid widespread protests throughout the country. "Nobody convinced me. I convinced myself," Trump told reporters as he was leaving for Florida. There was an intense campaign to lobby the president not to intervene from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also called Trump to discuss the matter, CNN reported. Trump said part of the reason was that Iran had said it wouldn't execute protesters. Advertisement Advertisement The Defense Department was preparing to send more U.S. forces to the Middle East, NBC reported Thursday evening. "They were going to hang over 800 people yesterday, and I greatly respect the fact that they canceled that," Trump told CNN Friday. Iran said on Thursday that it never planned to execute those detained in the protests. Iran's exiled former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi wants Trump to follow through on military intervention. He said the United States should conduct a "surgical strike" on the regime's "paramilitary assets" to weaken Iran's government, he told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement "President Trump did say that if the regime was to hit the Iranian people hard, they will face serious consequences," said Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran who was forced out in 1979. "The Iranian people have taken him as a man of his word." Protests began in late December against the falling currency and rising prices. Human rights groups now say the death toll is at 3,400. WASHINGTON Presidents typically wait until they've left the White House or died until they get streets and buildings named in their honor. But not Donald Trump. Fresh off the Kennedy Center rebranding with his name, Trump received his latest naming recognition: a 4-mile stretch of Southern Boulevard in Palm Beach, Florida, now known as the President Donald J. Trump Boulevard. Trump attended a Jan. 16 ceremony at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach to make the Florida state government's name change official. Advertisement Advertisement "That's a serious sign," Trump said, posing for a photo op in front of one of the large signs that will be installed on the street. President Trump and member of the Florida House of Representatives Meg Weinberger unveil a street sign at a ceremony held to dedicate a 4-mile stretch of road from West Palm Beach Airport to President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate as 'President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.' The stretch of the state road named for Trump connects the Palm Beach International Airport, where Trump lands on Air Force One, to his Mar-a-Lago home and resort. Trump's fans and foes often greet the president along the road as he makes his way to and from Mar-a-Lago on weekends and holidays. "It's beautiful. Thank you. Wow, it's the real deal," Trump said. Republicans in the Florida statehouse pushed through legislation to name the stretch of the boulevard after Trump. Local commissions in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County later signed off on the proposal. Attendees hold 'President Donald J. Trump Boulevard' street signs, at a ceremony held to dedicate a 4-mile stretch of road from West Palm Beach Airport to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in the president's name. "When I first filed the language, I was told it wasn't allowed, that we couldn't do this," Republican Florida state Rep. Meg Weinberger, the sponsor of the naming bill, said as she introduced Trump. She said it required "determination" to get the measure approved in a larger bill that included road renamings across the state. Advertisement Advertisement "We need to honor and respect you and your family for everything you've done for us and our country," Weinberger told the president. Trump, who used his name on skyscrapers during his real estate days, has embraced putting the Trump name on an array of landmarks and programs during the first year back in the White House. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. John F. Kennedy Memorial Center adds Trump to name. See the change 1 of 8 Workers begin adjusting the name of the "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." Most controversially, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' board of trustees voted in December to rename the national music, arts and cultural institution as the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The move has been challenged in court by Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, who sits on the board. There's also the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, a U.S.-brokered transit corridor connecting Azerbaijan to Turkey via Armenia; the renaming of the United States Institute of Peace to the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace; new "Trump accounts" for newborn babies; and the "Trump Gold Card," designed for wealthy foreigners to pay their way into legal residency in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Contributing: The Palm Beach Post of the USA TODAY Network Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison, This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump latest naming honor is the road that leads to Mar-a-Lago WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump said Friday that he was ready to restart U.S. mediation efforts between Egypt and Ethiopia with an eye toward resolving long-standing issues of water sharing from the Nile River. Washington-led mediations began during Trump's first term, but they effectively collapsed in 2020, when Ethiopia withdrew though some discussions later continued under the African Union. Ethiopia formally inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, or GERD, last fall. As Africas largest dam, it is located on the Blue Nile near Ethiopias border with Sudan and is meant to produce more than 5,000 megawatts, doubling Ethiopias electricity generation capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Ethiopia sees the dam as a boon to its economy. But Egypt opposed its construction, arguing that it would reduce the countrys share of Nile River waters which it almost entirely relies on for agriculture and to serve its more than 100 million people. On Sept. 4, before the dams inauguration, Tamim Khallaf, spokesperson for the Egyptian foreign ministry, said Ethiopia built the dam unilaterally without any prior notification, proper consultations, or consensus with downstream countries, thereby constituting a grave violation of international law and posing an existential threat. Trump posted on his social media site a letter he sent to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, saying: I am ready to restart U.S. mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia to responsibly resolve the question of The Nile Water Sharing once and for all. My team and I understand the significance of the Nile River to Egypt and its people, Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement The president frequently boasts about ending eight wars around the world, though that claim is exaggerated. Egypt and Ethiopia are already on his list of wars he resolved, with Trump maintaining he stopped a conflict that might have led to fighting over issues that included the dam known as GERD. Trump recently told Fox News that one of the ongoing conflicts that has continued despite his claiming to have stopped it between Thailand and Cambodia should actually count more than once. I did put out eight wars, eight and a quarter, because, you know, Thailand and Cambodia started going at it again, he told Sean Hannity last week. The implication was a flare-up in the conflict made it an extra 1/4 of a war something to watch for as he pushes mediation efforts again in Ethiopia and Egypt. President Donald Trumps nominee for ambassador to Iceland is doing damage control after an imperalist joke he made didnt land. Former GOP Rep. Billy Long, who served the shortest-ever stint as IRS commissioner last summer before Trump nominated him for the ambassador position, is backpedaling after he joked on the House floor Tuesday night that Iceland would become the 52nd state and he would be its governor. There was nothing serious about that, Long told Alaska-based news site Arctic Today. Advertisement Advertisement I was with some people who I hadnt met for three years, and they were kidding about [U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland] Jeff Landry being governor of Greenland, and they started joking about me, he added. If anyone took offense to it, then I apologize. After a series of blunders, former GOP Rep. Billy Long was ousted as IRS commissioner after serving less than 2 months. / Andrew Harnik / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Icelandic authorities did not find Longs joke funny. The nations foreign ministry launched an inquiry into the matter with the U.S. embassy in Reykjavik, and an official petition demanding that the Foreign Minister not accept Longs ambassadorship has reached over 3800 signatures as of publication. These words by Billy Long, who has been nominated by Donald Trump as ambassador to Iceland, may have been spoken in a half-hearted manner, but they are insulting to Iceland and Icelanders, who have had to fight for their freedom and have always been a friend of the United States, the petition, translated from Icelandic, reads. A panoramic view of a port area near downtown Reykjavik, Iceland. / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images We want orgerur Katrin to reject Billy Long as ambassador to Iceland and call for the United States to nominate another person who shows more respect for Iceland and Icelanders, it concludes, calling for action from Icelands Foreign Minister, orgerur Katrin Gunnarsdottir. Advertisement Advertisement Longs comments about a 52nd state follow numerous comments from President Donald Trump, 79, about taking control of ally nations. At the start of his second term, Trump frequently stated he wanted Canada to become the 51st state. In January, he extended that campaign to include Greenland, insinuating that he would even engage in military action in order to take over the worlds largest island. If we dont take Greenland, Russia or China will, and Im not letting that happen, Trump told a New York Post reporter aboard Air Force One. One way or the other, were gonna have Greenland. Sigmar Gumundsson, a member of the nations ruling party, told local newspaper MBL that Longs comments were very serious for a small country like Iceland. Advertisement Advertisement Long told Arctic Today he wasnt aware of Icelands reaction to his comments, but said he could understand it considering the diplomatic tensions surrounding Trumps open desire to take over Greenland. I apologize, and thats my only comment, he said. I look forward to working with the people of Iceland, and I apologize it was taken that way. I was with a group of friends, and there was nothing serious about it. Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks at a press conference with other members of Senate Republican leadership following a policy luncheon in Washington, DC on October 28, 2025. / Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images Senate Majority Leader John Thune told Politico that Long was probably having some fun and I wouldnt read too much into that. Long, 70, was booted from his short-lived appointment as IRS commissioner last summer after serving less than two months. Advertisement Advertisement His departure was due to a series of blunders, including a premature announcement about when tax filing season would start and his dearth of experience in tax administration. Rep. Billy Long asks questions to Dr. Richard Bright, former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, during a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing to discuss protecting scientific integrity in response to the coronavirus outbreak on Thursday, May 14, 2020. / Pool / Getty Images Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent took over as acting commissioner in his absence. Long announced in August that Trump had appointed him as ambassador to Iceland, though Long has yet to be confirmed by Congress. President Trump has pardoned Puerto Rico's former governor, Wanda Vazquez Garced, who pleaded guilty last year in a federal public corruption case. Her two co-defendants, the billionaire Venezuelan-Italian banker and Britannia Financial Group founder Julio Martin Herrera Velutini and Mark Rossini, were also pardoned Thursday for their crimes in the bribery scheme, according to Justice Department records. The plan to issue the pardons was first reported by CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Herrera Velutini's daughter, Isabel Herrera, donated $2.5 million in December 2024 and $1 million last July to the pro-Trump political action committee MAGA Inc., according to public records. A White House official told CBS News that the donations had nothing to do with the pardon. "Mr. Herrera Velutini is profoundly grateful to President Donald J. Trump for bestowing the grace of his benevolent pardon and looks forward to moving on with his life and dedicating his time to his family and career," his attorney Chris Kise told CBS News. The Justice Department's Public Integrity Section, which last year was largely dismantled, charged the three in 2022 with conspiracy, federal programs bribery, and honest services wire fraud in connection with Vazquez's 2020 campaign. All three defendants pleaded guilty to lesser corruption charges in August, after the Justice Department abruptly cut a deal with the defendants as the case was nearing trial. Advertisement Advertisement Among the defense attorneys who helped broker the deal with Mr. Trump's Justice Department was Chris Kise, who previously defended the president over criminal charges that he retained classified information after departing the White House in early 2021. Last year, as the trial approached, Kise met with senior department officials and sought to convince them to drop or reduce the charges, sources previously told CBS News. It was one of corruption cases in which defense lawyers in the last year have sought to have dismissed, claiming without evidence they were examples of weaponization by the Biden administration, the sources previously said. Trump officials have said they believed the case was politically motivated, noting the investigation into Vazquez started in 2020, days after she had endorsed Mr. Trump. Advertisement Advertisement "Ms. Vazquez's pardon materials state that there was never any element of a quid pro quo deal and that her prosecution was politically motivated," a White House official told CBS News, speaking anonymously because the president hasn't yet formally announced the pardons. In July, the federal judge presiding over the case expressed dismay after the Justice Department said it wanted to dismiss the most serious offenses and allow the defendants to plead to lesser misdemeanor charges of violating the Federal Electoral Campaign Act. "Strikingly, the penalty for violating Section 30121 of the FECA is a mere slap on the wrist when compared to the sentencing exposure the defendants faced if convicted of the conduct charged in the Indictment," wrote U.S. District Judge Silvia Carreno-Coll for the District of Puerto Rico. "But alas, the Government's decision to shift gears at the eleventh hour is allowed because ultimately the Government decides how it will exercise its prosecutorial discretion," she added. Advertisement Advertisement The Public Integrity Section, which prosecuted the case along with the local U.S. Attorney's office, was established in the wake of the Watergate scandal and was tasked with handling some of the most politically sensitive prosecutions. Last year, the Justice Department ordered it to stop consulting with U.S. attorneys, and it had all but two of its prosecutors transferred into other jobs throughout the department. As the section has unraveled, Mr. Trump has undone much of its work over the past year, pardoning a slew of defendants the section had successfully prosecuted or were in the process of prosecuting. Among those pardoned include Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar, former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada, former Tennessee state lawmaker Brian Kelsey, a former Virginia sheriff and a Las Vegas councilwoman. Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump also commuted the prison sentence for former Republican Rep. George Santos. New details emerge about how Renee Good died Tape of woman's last words upends husband's account of accidental shooting Inside look at Buffalo Bills' new stadium President Trump is reportedly set to announce an emergency power auction that would push tech companies to bankroll new power plants. This initiative aims to ease rising electricity costs. The plan could impact both the cryptocurrency sector and the broader economy in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms. What Is Trump's Emergency Power Auction? According to Bloomberg, Trump, together with governors from several Northeastern US states, is pushing PJM, the countrys largest electricity grid operator, to hold a power auction. The push from the administration and state leaders is expected to take the form of a non-binding statement of principles. Trumps National Energy Dominance Council, along with the governors of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and several other states, would sign the document. The initiative would see tech firms bid for 15-year contracts to build new power plants. The contracts could underpin the development of roughly $15 billion worth of new power plants, with technology companies covering the costs regardless of whether they use the electricity produced. PJM supplies power to more than 67 million people across a region stretching from the Mid-Atlantic to the Midwest. The grid operator already hosts the worlds largest concentration of data centers, particularly in northern Virginia. National Energy Crisis Drives Emergency Intervention The proposed emergency auction would mark a significant intervention in US energy markets. President Trump has repeatedly highlighted falling oil and gasoline prices since taking office. Yet, electricity costs have moved in the opposite direction as demand continues to rise. A growing share of that demand is coming from large data centers. The administration and technology companies argue these are essential for economic expansion and for maintaining the US's competitive edge in artificial intelligence. However, they are also contributing to higher household electricity costs. In September 2025, the average US retail electricity price rose 7.4% to a record 18.07 cents per kilowatt-hour. Residential electricity prices have increased even more. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, prices jumped 10.5% between January and August 2025, one of the largest rises in more than ten years. "The ongoing electricity crisis we are facing due to AI demand will only get worse without intervention," The Kobeissi Letter wrote. The Impact on Bitcoin Miners Additionally, the electricity competition now favors artificial intelligence operations. Bitcoin miners, who once depended on cheap power for a competitive advantage, are being displaced as AI data centers lock in long-term power contracts. The Brief Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelas top opposition leader, gave President Trump her Nobel Peace Prize Thursday, but the Nobel Institute has made it clear the prize is still not his. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for a Nobel Peace Prize, often claiming that hes ended "seven wars" as president. Even if its purely symbolic, Machados gift to Trump was extraordinary: Trump has said Machado doesnt have the support she needs to lead Venezuela after the U.S. ousted President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize when they met in the White House Thursday, but the prize is still not his, according to the Nobel Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who met with Machado two weeks after the U.S. captured and ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, has openly coveted a Nobel Peace Prize for years. Machado was awarded the prize in October for her efforts to achieve democracy in Venezuela amid Maduros repressive authoritarian regime. Why did Machado give Trump her Nobel Peace Prize? What they're saying "I presented the president of the United States the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize," Machado told reporters after leaving the White House and heading to Capitol Hill. She said she had done so "as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom." RELATED: One year in: Poll reveals how Americans feel about Trump's return to White House Advertisement Advertisement "It was my Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today," Trump said on his social media site 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!" The White House later posted a photo of Machado standing next to Trump in the Oval Office as he holds the medal in a large frame. A text in the frame reads, "Presented as a personal symbol of gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan people in recognition of President Trumps principled and decisive action to secure a free Venezuela." President Donald Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado pose for a photo with Machado's Nobel Peace Prize medal at the White House on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (The White House/X) The other side Days before Machado gave Trump her medal, the Nobel Peace Prize committee issued a statement to make clear that the Nobel Peace cannot be given away. Advertisement Advertisement "Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time," the statement reads. Officials in Norway, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded, called Machados gesture "incredibly embarrassing." "The awarding of the award is now so politicized and potentially dangerous that it can easily legitimize an anti-peace prize development," Raymond Johansen, a Norwegian lawmaker and former governing mayor of Oslo, said on Facebook . Why does Trump want a Nobel Peace Prize? Dig deeper Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for a Nobel Peace Prize, often claiming that hes ended "seven wars" as president. He vowed to quickly stop the fighting between Russia and Ukraine and end the war between Israel and Hamas when he took office for a second term. Neither of those wars have ended. Will Machado lead Venezuela? Big picture view Even if its purely symbolic, Machados gift to Trump was extraordinary given that Trump has effectively sidelined Machado in the wake of Maduro's ouster. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Here's what Americans are saying about Trump's involvement in Venezuela: poll Trump has said it would be difficult 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 2024 elections rejected by Maduro. What's next Trump has signaled his willingness to work with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, who had been Maduros second in command, as the U.S. seeks to take over the country's oil reserves. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said Machado told them that "if theres not some progress, real progress towards a transition in power, and/or elections in the next several months, we should all be worried." Advertisement Advertisement "She reminded us that Delcy Rodriguez is, in many ways, worse than Maduro," he added. The Source This article includes information from the Nobel Peace Prize website, President Donald Trumps Truth Social account, Norwegian lawmaker Raymond Johansen, The White House X account, The Associated Press and previous FOX Local reporting. NEED TO KNOW President Donald Trump told a story about his "very fat" friend during a rural health roundtable on Friday, Jan. 16 While discussing weight-loss drugs, Trump said Ozempic didn't work for his unnamed friend because "I saw him recently and he's actually fatter than ever" The Trump administration has sought to lower the price of prescription weight-loss drugs, with Trump claiming on Friday that his friend found a $1,300 drug in New York cost only $87 in London President Donald Trump went on a tangent during a White House roundtable about rural health care, making a spectacle of his very fat friend. Ten minutes into his hour-long event on Friday, Jan. 16, Trump, 79, told a story about an unnamed man's experience with weight-loss drugs. Advertisement Advertisement A friend of mine who is a very smart guy, very, very rich, very powerful man actually but hes very fat and he took the fat... I call it the fat drug," he began. "I wont give you which one. Trump then paused before saying, "It was Ozempic I wont tell you that. The friend, whom Trump said cant walk across the street, was in London on one of his many business trips, the president added. Trump went on to explain how the man, worth hundreds of millions, billions of dollars pays $1,300 for the weight loss drug in New York, but only $87 in London. Although the president said the difference in cost was too much to bear, he also had some advice for his friend taking the GLP-1. Advertisement Advertisement After I told him that the drug does not work on him because I saw him recently and hes actually fatter than ever, I said, 'The drug is not working on you, youre going to have to go to something else but it does work on a lot of people. Trump said his friend responded, "Thanks, you make me feel good," to which Trump said, "Well, I gotta be truthful. Always tell the truth." The story tied into Trumps stated effort to offer the lowest price of any nation in the world for prescription drugs. Whoever is paying the lowest, we match it, he said. 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. In November 2025, the Trump administration announced the price of Ozempic would lower from $1,000 and $1,350 per month to $350 if bought through TrumpRx. Advertisement Advertisement Trump said people receiving Medicare and Medicaid would pay $245 a month, beginning in the middle of 2026. The lowest price, $149 per month, will apply to oral versions which are not yet available. "For years, politicians have talked about making health care affordable," Trump said during a November press conference held to announce the price reduction of weight-loss drugs. "But my administration is actually doing it." NDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty President Donald Trump stands during a weight-loss drug announcement on Nov. 6, 2025, after a man faints behind him President Donald Trump stands during a weight-loss drug announcement on Nov. 6, 2025, after a man faints behind him The November press conference was a headline-making one all around, also garnering attention when a man standing behind the Resolute Desk fainted during remarks. Advertisement Advertisement The man could be seen beginning to collapse on livestream before Trump's head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, rushed over and caught him. After resuming the press conference, Trump addressed the incident, saying, "One of the representatives of one of the companies got a little light-headed and so they went down, and hes fine." Read the original article on People WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump took the unusual step on Friday of thanking the Iranian government for not following through on executions of what he said was meant to be hundreds of political prisoners. Iran canceled the hanging of over 800 people, Trump told reporters while leaving the White House to spend the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He added and I greatly respect the fact that they canceled. Advertisement Advertisement The Republican president also suggested on his social media site that more than 800 people had been set to be executed in Iran, but he said they now wont be. Thank you! Trump posted. Those sentiments come after Trump spent days suggesting that the U.S. might strike Iran militarily if its government triggered mass killings during widespread protests that swept that country but now have quieted. The death toll from those demonstrations continues to rise, activists say. Still, Trump seemed to hint that the prospects for U.S. military action were fading since Iran had held off on the executions. The presidents rosy assessment did not appear to match the more complicated situation in Iran. Still, his pronouncements seemed to be more evidence of him backing away from his early comments that suggested a U.S. attack on that country might be imminent. Advertisement Advertisement Trump had previously posted of Iran and the protesters there, Help is on the way. But asked if that was still the case on Friday, he replied: Well, were going to see. Questioned specifically if Arab and Israeli officials might have convinced him to back down on seeming suggestions that he would strike Iran, Trump said, Nobody convinced me. I convinced myself. You had yesterday scheduled over 800 hangings. They didnt hang anyone, he said. They canceled the hangings. That had a big impact. Trump did not clarify who he was speaking to in Iran to confirm the state of planned executions. That's important since, even as he was offering Iran kind words, harsh repression that has left several thousand people dead appeared to have successfully stifled demonstrations across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Protests that began Dec. 28 over an ailing economy and morphed into protests directly challenging the countrys theocracy seem to have stopped. There have been no signs of protests for days in Tehran, where shopping and street life have returned to outward normality, though a week-old internet blackout continued. Authorities have not reported any unrest elsewhere in the country. Still, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency on Friday put the death toll from demonstrations at 2,797, and that number continues to rise. Meanwhile, Irans exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged the U.S. to make good on its perhaps now dwindling pledge to intervene, calling Trump a man of his word. By Trevor Hunnicutt and Bo Erickson WASHINGTON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday praised economic adviser Kevin Hassett at a White House event and said he may want to keep him in his current role, as the president considers his nominee for the next Federal Reserve chair. "I see Kevin's in the audience, and I just want to thank you. You were fantastic on television today. I actually want to keep you where you are, if you want to know the truth," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement "Kevin Hassett is so good. I'm saying, 'Wait a minute, if I move him -- these Fed guys, certainly the one we have now, they don't talk much.' I would lose you. It's a serious concern to me," Trump said at the event. Hassett earlier on Friday addressed the investigation opened by the Justice Department into Fed Chair Jerome Powell over cost overruns for a $2.5 billion project to renovate two historical buildings at the Fed's headquarters in Washington. Powell has denied wrongdoing, and several Republican U.S. senators have joined foreign economic officials, investors and former U.S. government officials from both political parties in criticizing the probe as politicizing sensitive policymaking. "Jay is a good man - I expect that there's nothing to see here, that the cost overruns are related to things like asbestos, as he says. But I sure wish they had been more transparent," Hassett said in a Friday interview on Fox Business Network's "Mornings with Maria." Advertisement Advertisement Trump said in a Reuters interview on Wednesday that he has no plan to fire Powell from the Fed. In the interview, Trump suggested he was inclined to nominate either Hassett or former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh. The two Kevins are very good," Trump told Reuters. "You have some other good people too, but I'll be announcing something over the next couple of weeks." Trump reiterated his praise for Hassett at Friday's White House event. "You've been incredible. We don't want to lose him, Susie, but we'll see how it all works out," Trump said, referencing his White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Bo Erickson; editing by Susan Heavey, Colleen Jenkins, Rod Nickel) WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has threatened to use an 1807 law to send the military into Minneapolis in response to protests following the killing of a U.S. citizen by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.Trump pointed to past presidential use of the Insurrection Act of 1807 in a Jan. 15 social media post. Here's a closer look at the seldom-used law and when U.S. Presidents have turned to it in the past. What is the Insurrection Act? The law gives the president the power to deploy U.S. armed forces to suppress rebellions and civil unrest or when federal laws are obstructed. Presidents have rarely deployed troops domestically against the wishes of state and local leaders even though they have the authority to do so.When presidents have used that power against the wishes of state or local officials, it was in response to those officials not enforcing Supreme Court decisions and federal laws or failing to quell an insurrection against the government. How many presidents have used the insurrection act? The Insurrection Act, or its predecessors, have been invoked 30 times in American history since George Washington utilized it to suppressed the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. George H.W. Bushs defense of Los Angeles during the 1992 riots was the last time it was used. Advertisement Advertisement The last time presidents invoked it against the wishes of state leaders was to suppress violent massive resistance to civil rights in the 1950s and 60s, presidential historian Matt Dallek told USA TODAY."Presidents have a duty under Article Two to take care that the laws are faithfully executed," Claire Finkelstein, a University of Pennsylvania law school professor noted. Since America became a multiracial democracy in the mid-sixties, Dallek said, the Insurrection Act has been used only once, under extraordinary circumstances and at the California governors request, to quell widespread riots in Los Angeles in 1992. Trump threatened to invoke the act during his first term in 2020 but pulled back when Defense Secretary Mark Esper publicly opposed the move. In this term, Trump has invoked other statutes to deploy the National Guard and even the U.S. military to states such as California and Illinois against the wishes of those governors. Here are some notable uses of the Insurrection Act, usually to quell rebellions or in cases where local or state authorities were unable or unwilling to maintain order or uphold the Constitution. When has the Insurrection Act been used? 1794 The Whiskey Rebellion While this was before the Insurrection Act existed, and helped lead to its creation, President George Washington invoked the Militia Acts of 1792 to put down an armed uprising in western Pennsylvania where farmers were rebelling against a federal whiskey tax. Advertisement Advertisement Washington is said to have personally led more than 10,000 militia troops in what is believed to be the first and only time a sitting president has commanded troops in the field. The federal response quashed the rebellion without significant bloodshed and was seen as an important precedent in how the federal government could and would use the military if needed on U.S. soil to enforce its laws. 1807 Insurrection Act is passed President Thomas Jefferson signed the Insurrection Act into law after Congress formalized the principle established by Washington 15 years earlier. It authorized presidents to use the U.S. military an Army and Navy at the time to suppress insurrections and rebellions and enforce federal law when and where it was being obstructed. Specifically, the Insurrection Act allowed the President to act unilaterally to federalize the militia of any state, and to use the armed forces, and to deploy them in response to requests by governors or state legislatures. Jefferson did so in part to respond to efforts by the vice president in his first term, Aaron Burr, to muster a private army and seize land in the Southwest after his duel with Alexander Hamilton ruined his political career. 1861 The Civil War President Abraham Lincoln invoked the Insurrection Act on April 15, 1861 to call up 75,000 militia troops following the secession of 11 Southern states and the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor. His effort to suppress the rebellion and restore federal authority marked the beginning of the Civil War. Advertisement Advertisement Lincoln's response became the biggest and longest use of presidential military power on U.S. soil in history, as Union and Confederate forces clashed in battles that tested the limits of executive power. 18711876: Ku Klux Klan Terrorism in the South In the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, President Ulysses S. Grant invoked the Insurrection Act and recently established related laws multiple times to combat widespread white supremacist terrorism targeting Black people and their newfound civil and political rights. Wood engraving illustration of President Grant signing the Ku-Klux Force Bill in the President's room with Secretary Robeson and Gen. Porter, at the Capitol, April 20, 1871. On Oct. 17, 1871, Grant sent federal troops into South Carolina to suppress Ku Klux Klan violence using the new Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, which allowed him to suspend habeas corpus to fight the domestic terror organization. Grants troops arrested hundreds of Klansmen, effectively dismantling the organization. He later intervened in Louisiana, Arkansas and then in South Carolina in the run-up to the 1876 election to quell violence by white supremacist paramilitary groups known as "rifle clubs." 18941921: Pullman Strike and other labor union battles President Grover Cleveland deployed federal troops to Illinois over the governors objections to break the Pullman railway strike that he said was interfering with interstate commerce and mail delivery. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson invoked the Insurrection Act to combat a Colorado labor uprising, and President Warren Harding invoked it in 1921 to quell a labor uprising by coal miners in West Virginia. 19571968: The Civil Rights era President Dwight Eisenhower federalized the National Guard, and deployed the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, to enforce desegregation in Arkansas after Gov. Orval Faubus used the National Guard to block nine Black students from entering a Little Rock high school. Advertisement Advertisement President John F. Kennedy invoked the Act to enforce federal desegregation orders at the University of Mississippi in 1962 and again in 1963 after Gov. George Wallace said he would "stand in the schoolhouse door" to block the admission of two Black students to the all-white University of Alabama. National Guard troops in jeeps patrol the empty streets of Newark during a period of rioting and civil unrest, New Jersey, 1967. President Lyndon B. Johnson invoked the Act to send troops into Detroit during the 1967 riots and again in 1968 in cities including Washington, Baltimore, and Chicago to quell unrest after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. 1992 Los Angeles Riots President George H.W. Bush invoked the Act on May 1, 1992 after the acquittal of LAPD officers who severely beat Black motorist Rodney King sparked rioting in South Central Los Angeles and elsewhere. Bush deployed the National Guard and U.S. troops to restore order after California Gov. Pete Wilson and Mayor Tom Bradley requested federal assistance. National Guardsmen and a police officer take up security positions in front of a burned and looted shopping center, May 1, 1992 in central Los Angeles. The 1992 Los Angeles riots, with looting and arson events, erupted April 29, 1992 when a mostly white jury acquitted the four police officers accused in the videotaped beating of black motorist Rodney King, after he fled from police. 52 people were killed during the riots and Rodney King became a reluctant symbol of police brutality. The riots, which were also a response to longstanding and pent-up racial tensions, caused widespread looting, prolonged shootouts, arson fires and violence in the city. At least 53 people were killed, with more than 2,380 injured and 12,000 arrested. Property damage estimates of more than $1 billion at the time made it the most destructive period of local unrest in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Visual story: Video analysis shows how fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis unfolded Maps: Agents have killed 4 people since Trump boosted migrant enforcement More: What is the Insurrection Act? What Trump said following MN protests More: Trump threatens Insurrection Act in Minnesota amid tensions over ICE More: Trump threatens Insurrection Act in Minnesota: ICE shooting live updates This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: An Insurrection Act timeline -- every president that's used it President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military troops on the streets of Minneapolis amid escalating clashes between protesters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carrying out his mass deportation push. The White House threat, which came after ICE agents shot and wounded a suspect overnight, marks the latest effort by Trump to raise the stakes of his crackdown in the city after he warned of a day of reckoning and retribution for protesters who have dogged more than 2,000 ICE agents. 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 (and) quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great state, Trump said on his social media site. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps post came came just hours after a federal immigration officer shot and wounded a Minneapolis man from Venezuela who the officer says attacked him with a shovel and broom handle. The latest shooting further raised tensions that have been at a boiling point in the Twin Cities since another ICE agent shot and killed unarmed Minneapolis motorist Renee Nicole Good last week. Trump has repeatedly threatened to use the 1792 Insurrection Act over the years to beef up the response to various anti-administration protests, a move that critics say would be illegal. In a similar issue, the Supreme Court ruled in December that Trump overstepped his authority when he sought to send National Guard troops into states where governors objected to the deployment. The last time a president invoked the Insurrection Act was during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, and it has only been used over the objections of a governor in modern times during the civil rights era. Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, says it has made more than 2,000 arrests in Minnesota since early December. Officials are vowing not to back down in carrying out Trumps vow to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Demonstrations have become commonplace on the streets of Minneapolis since the ICE agent fatally shot Good, a mother of three, on Jan. 7. Agents have yanked American citizens from their cars and homes and have been confronted by angry bystanders and protesters who track their movements and warn others of their presence with whistles and banging pots and pans. Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the crackdown as not sustainable and Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minnesota) called it a campaign of organized brutality. New York Gov. Hochul condemned Trumps threat during an unrelated child care news conference in Queens. Advertisement Advertisement We have just learned that Donald Trump is invoking the Insurrection Act, which means he has given himself the power to deploy American military forces against the people living in this country, Hochul said at York College Child and Family Center in Jamaica. It is almost without precedent. There have been incidents in the past, but those are very extreme. And now, that is what were talking about. So, a place like New York, home of immigrants we cherish their contributions, and the diversity that it gives us. President Donald Trump has once again threatened to invoke an 1807 law that would allow military forces to suppress rebellion. This time in Minnesota. It isn't the first time the president has referred to his willingness to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807. Previously, the Trump administration and the president himself have referenced the possibility with the purpose of obtaining control of the U.S.-Mexico border and to quell protests in Oregon. Trump also referenced the act during his 2020 term. As Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents continue controversial operations in Minnesota, here's what to know about the president's latest mention of the Insurrection Act. What is the Insurrection Act? What happens if the Insurrection Act is invoked? The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows the president to deploy military forces inside the U.S. to suppress rebellion or enforce the law in certain situations, the law and policy organization the Brennan Center for Justice explains. Advertisement Advertisement The act is the main exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars federal military forces including federal armed forces and National Guard troops who have been called into federal service from participating in civilian law enforcement activities. Why does Trump want to invoke the Insurrection Act? Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act in response to protests over the killing of Minneapolis mother of three Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. "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 in a Truth Social post. Trump has expressed willingness to invoke the Insurrection Act in the past, including in October 2025, while facing setbacks to his deployment of federal troops to Oregon. What is martial law? Martial law refers to the replacement of civilian government by military rule and the suspension of civilian legal processes for military powers. Martial law may continue for a specified amount of time, or indefinitely, and civil liberties may be suspended for as long as martial law is enacted. Advertisement Advertisement The Brennan Center writes that, while the term has no established definition, it is generally understood as "a power that allows the military to take over the role of civilian government in an emergency." The Brennan Center adds that the Insurrection Act "generally permits the military to assist civilian authorities (whether state or federal), not take their place." A president has not declared martial law since the Civil War. Has martial law ever been declared in North Carolina? Martial law has been declared in the state of North Carolina once, in 1870, by Gov. William Woods Holden, who declared martial law in two counties in an attempt to combat rising Ku Klux Klan activity. According to NorthCarolinaHistory.org, Holden hired a former Union commander, George W. Kirk, and his militia of about 670 soldiers to round up roughly 100 Klan leaders. How many times has martial law been declared in the U.S.? Martial law has been declared at least 68 times throughout the history of the U.S. The Insurrection Act has been declared only 30 times. Advertisement Advertisement Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: What is the Insurrection Act? Is the Insurrection Act martial law? Washington President Trump said Friday he may hike tariffs on countries that decline to "go along with" his administration's efforts to acquire Greenland, as Denmark, Greenland and other NATO allies remain staunchly opposed to his plans to acquire it. "I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," the president said during a roundtable about rural health care. "So I may do that." He didn't mention a specific rate in his threat, although he had just been discussing 25% tariffs. The president's comments came two days after the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a meeting the Danes had requested in order to "take down the temperature" on the rhetoric, as Denmark's foreign minister said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement But the president and top administration officials and aides have continued to talk about acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. The White House has not ruled out the use of military force to take the island, despite the warning by Denmark that doing so would be seen as a threat to the NATO alliance. NATO countries have been deploying troops to Greenland since Thursday for exercises to help support the island. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is in Copenhagen Friday to discuss the concerns the people of Denmark and Greenland have about the Trump administration's acquisition threats. The leaders of Denmark and Greenland stated that U.S. acquisition of Greenland is not an option. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said Wednesday the idea that the U.S. wouldn't respect the territorial integrity of Denmark is "totally unacceptable." New details emerge about how Renee Good died Tape of woman's last words upends husband's account of accidental shooting Inside look at Buffalo Bills' new stadium WASHINGTON President Donald Trump, who called himself the tariff king, threatened to impose tariffs on other countries to pressure them into allowing the United States to annex Greenland. Trump has insisted on controlling Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of Denmark, by arguing that it is vital for minerals and Arctic shipping lanes. But his proposal set off an international firestorm, with opposition from leaders in Denmark and Greenland, elsewhere in Europe and among bipartisan members of Congress. Trumps comments came at a health care event at the White House, where he trumpeted how the threat of tariffs forced other developed countries to accept higher drug prices so U.S. prices could come down. Advertisement Advertisement I may do that for Greenland, too, Trump said Jan. 16. I may put a tariff on countries if they dont go along with Greenland because we need Greenland for national security. I may do that. Visual story: Trump's Greenland gambit explained with maps President Donald Trump tours the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. A worker helps assemble Ford F-150 trucks at the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. President Donald Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. President Donald Trump speaks with Ford CEO Jim Farley (2nd R), Ford executive chairman Bill Ford (2nd L) and plant manager Corey Williams (L) as he tours Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan, on January 13, 2026. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images) President Donald Trump, alongside L/R plant manager Corey Williams, Ford executive chairman Bill Ford and Ford CEO Jim Farley, tours Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan on Jan. 13, 2026. President Donald Trump (2R) talks with Ford River Rouge Plant Manager Corey Williams (2L), and Executive chair of Ford Motor Company Bill Ford Jr. (R) as they tour the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. President Donald Trump walks with Ford River Rouge Plant Manager Corey Williams (R) as they tour the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. President Donald Trump, alongside L/R Ford executive chairman Bill Ford and plant manager Corey Williams, tours Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan, on Jan. 13, 2026. President Donald Trump, alongside L/R Ford executive chairman Bill Ford, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, Ford CEO Jim Farley, and plant manager Corey Williams, tours Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan on Jan. 13, 2026. Ford production center, on the day of a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Dearborn, Michigan, Jan. 13, 2026. President Donald Trump delivers remarks to members of the Detroit Economic Club at the MotorCity Casino Hotel on Jan. 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. Trump has spent the day in Detroit participating in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex. President Trump visits Ford pickup truck factory during Michigan trip 1 of 10 President Donald Trump tours the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. He didnt elaborate on how much the tariffs would be or which countries he would impose them on. But tariffs he has already imposed led to a temporarily halt in trade with China and pressured other countries to open their doors to more trade and companies to invest more in U.S. factories. The Supreme Court could rule at any time on the legitimacy of tariffs that Trump imposed unilaterally around the world that have raised hundreds of billions of dollars from the taxes on imports from abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Im the tariff king and the tariff king has done a great job, Trump said. I hope we win the Supreme Court case because if we dont, itd be a shame for our country. 'Ally,' not 'asset': In Denmark, US lawmakers push back on Trump over Greenland Trump told reporters later, as he left the White House, that he is talking with NATO about his interest in controlling Greenland. He has refused to rule out a military intervention despite the U.S. and Denmark being allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a group created for members to jointly defend each other. NATO has been dealing with us on Greenland, Trump said. We need Greenland for national security very badly. If we dont have it, we have a big hole in national security. Advertisement Advertisement Denmark's top diplomat met Jan. 14 with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio but said the allied nations were at an impasse. Officials from both countries are expected to meet again every few weeks to continue negotiations. We didnt manage to change the American position," Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said. "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. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump threatens more tariffs to win control of Greenland Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has travelled to Washington, DC, to meet with United States President Donald Trump at the White House, following the abduction of her political adversary, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Thursdays meeting was the first time the two leaders encountered one another face-to-face. But the visit was an unusually subdued one for Trump, who normally welcomes foreign leaders to the Oval Office for a news conference with reporters. Advertisement Advertisement This time, however, Trump kept his meeting with Machado private, away from clicking camera shutters and shouted questions from reporters. Trump has backed Maduros former vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, as interim leader of the South American country, despite Machados claims that the opposition has a mandate to govern. Rodriguezs inaugural state of the union address as president coincided with Machados arrival at the White House, a fact that could have contributed to the low-key nature of the meeting. We are used to seeing the president ushering in the cameras, making comments, talking away, Al Jazeera correspondent Mike Hanna reported as evening fell in the capital. Advertisement Advertisement But on this particular occasion, [the meeting] was held behind closed doors. In fact, we havent even had a formal readout from the White House of that meeting with Machado. Still, Machado struck an upbeat tone as she exited the White House and strolled onto Pennsylvania Avenue, where she was thronged by reporters and supporters seeking selfies. She and Trump spent only a few hours together in the White House, as they discussed Venezuelas future over lunch. Machado confirmed to the media that she followed through with her plans to give Trump her Nobel Peace Prize, an honour the US president has long coveted for himself. Advertisement Advertisement I presented the president of the United States the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado told reporters. As she offered Trump the prize, Machado said she recounted a historical anecdote, about an interaction between Simon Bolivar the Venezuelan military officer who helped liberate much of South America from colonial rule and the Marquis de Lafayette, a Revolutionary War hero in the US. I told him this. Listen to this. Two hundred years ago, General Lafayette gave Simon Bolivar a medal with George Washingtons face, Machado said. Bolivar since then kept that medal for the rest of his life. The Nobel Committee, however, has clarified that the prize is non-transferable and cannot be shared. Advertisement Advertisement Machado was announced as the recipient of the prize in October, in recognition of her efforts to advance Venezuelan democracy. I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause, Machado wrote on October 10. She secretly left Venezuela, where she had been living in hiding, in December to travel to Norway and collect the medal. Willing to serve Machado remains a popular figure within Venezuelas opposition movement, which has faced oppression and violence under Maduros presidency. Human rights organisations have accused Maduro of systematically suppressing dissent and arresting opposition leaders. Advertisement Advertisement As of January 11, the human rights group Foro Penal estimated there were 804 political prisoners in Venezuela, though some estimates put their population in the thousands. Machado was formerly a member of Venezuelas National Assembly, but Maduros government had her removed for allegedly conspiring against the presidency. She was considered a leading candidate for the 2024 presidential race, and during the October 2023 opposition primary, she earned more than 92 percent support. But in January 2024, she was again disqualified from holding office, and former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez ultimately ran on behalf of the opposition coalition. Advertisement Advertisement After polls closed in July 2024, the government did not publish the usual breakdown of the voting tallies, leading to widespread outcry over a lack of transparency. The opposition obtained voting tallies that appeared to show Gonzalez winning in a landslide, further fuelling the outrage. But Maduros government backed his claim to a third six-year term as president. After the US military abducted Maduro from Venezuela on January 3, it transported him to the US to face charges of narcotics trafficking. Machado has since appeared on US television to advance the Venezuelan oppositions claim that it has a mandate to take over the presidency after Maduros removal. Advertisement Advertisement We have a president-elect who is Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, and we are ready and willing to serve our people as we have been mandated, she told CBS News on January 7. Dismissing Machado? But Trump has thrown his support behind Rodriguez, whom he has described as cooperative. Shes somebody that weve worked with very well, Trump said at a news conference on Thursday. I think were getting along very well with Venezuela. The US president has previously said that the US will run Venezuela. Last week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also told reporters that the Venezuelan governments decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States of America. Advertisement Advertisement Still, Rodriguez has denounced the January 3 attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, and in Thursdays state of the union speech, she continued to express continued allegiance to Chavismo, the political movement Maduro followed. She has also criticised US threats to her countrys sovereignty. We know the US is a lethal nuclear power. We have seen their record in history of humanity. We know and we are not afraid to face them diplomatically through political dialogue as appropriate and resolve once and for all this historical contradiction, Rodriguez said on Thursday. Brothers and sisters, deputies, regardless of political affiliation, it doesnt matter. We have to go together as Venezuelans to defend our sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and also defend our dignity and our honour. Advertisement Advertisement She nevertheless indicated she planned to revisit Venezuelas hydrocarbon law to allow for greater foreign investment. Renata Segura, the director of the Latin America and Caribbean programme at the nonprofit International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera that Rodriguez and her government have consistently maintained that Maduro remains the rightful leader of Venezuela. We should not forget that Rodriguez and many other members of the government in Caracas have been very adamant about the fact that the intervention against Maduro was illegitimate. Theyve actually demanded that he be liberated, Segura said. So they havent done a 180-degree shift in the tone of their declarations. But its not like they have a lot of manoeuvring room. So they are really trying to appease Trump at this moment. Still, Trump has long dismissed Machados prospects as a replacement for Maduro or Rodriguez, saying on January 3 that she doesnt have the support within or the respect within the country. Segura believes the Trump administrations choice to reject Machado as the leader of Venezuela is understandable, in the name of stability. But, she added, Machado is the clear leader of the opposition, and her coalition therefore needs to be part of the countrys government moving forward. It would be very illegitimate if we just had a conversation between the regime of Chavismo, now without Maduro, and the Trump administration, without those people that really represent the Venezuelan peoples feelings, Segura said. Several private equity firms are reportedly exploring the potential acquisition of a majority stake in Volkswagens heavy diesel engine unit Everllence. Sources familiar with the situation told Bloomberg that EQT has been weighing a possible offer together with Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC. Other parties said to be considering bids include CVC Capital Partners, Advent, Bain Capital, KPS Capital Partners and Clayton Dubilier & Rice. Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co. may also have an interest. The news comes as the German carmaker continues to assess options for divesting non-core assets. The sources indicated that Everllence could be valued in the region of 5bn ($5.80bn) to 6bn if a transaction goes ahead. Indicative, first-round offers are expected by 12 February, they said. Discussions are still in progress and there is no certainty that Volkswagen or the interested investors will proceed with a deal. A spokesperson for Volkswagen confirmed to Bloomberg that the group is reviewing strategic alternatives for Everllence but declined to provide further detail. The possible divestment comes as Volkswagen works to boost profitability and simplify its operations amid technological change, weaker demand in several markets and growing competition from rivals including Tesla and BYD. Everllence, which produces engines for ships as well as turbines for power generation, was previously known as MAN Energy Solutions. In December, Volkswagens Audi division agreed to sell its controlling stake in Italdesign Giugiaro to California-based technology group UST, with Lamborghini retaining a significant interest. Volkswagen has been advised on the Everllence process by Goldman Sachs Group and JPMorgan Chase. The business generated earnings before interest and taxes of 337m on revenues of 4.3bn in 2024, according to Volkswagens annual report cited by Bloomberg. Earlier this month, Volkswagen Group and Qualcomm Technologies announced a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a long-term supply agreement to deliver advanced infotainment and connectivity capabilities powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions. "Private equity firms eyeing Volkswagens Everllence engine unit" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. ATLANTA (AP) Donald Trump would not be the first president to invoke the Insurrection Act, as he has threatened, so that he can send U.S. military forces to Minnesota. But he'd be the only commander in chief 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, which allows presidents to use the military domestically, has been invoked on more than two dozen occasions but rarely since the 20th Century's Civil Rights Movement. Advertisement Advertisement Federal forces typically are called to quell widespread violence that has broken out on the local level before Washington's involvement and when local authorities ask for help. When presidents acted without local requests, it was usually to enforce the rights of individuals who were being threatened or not protected by state and local governments. A third scenario is an outright insurrection like the Confederacy during the Civil War. Experts in constitutional and military law say none of that clearly applies in Minneapolis. This would be a flagrant abuse of the Insurrection Act in a way that we've never seen, said Joseph Nunn, an attorney at the Brennan Center for Justice's Liberty and National Security Program. None of the criteria have been met. William Banks, a Syracuse University professor emeritus who has written extensively on the domestic use of the military, said the situation is a historical outlier because the violence Trump wants to end is being created by the federal civilian officers he sent there. Advertisement Advertisement But he also cautioned Minnesota officials would have a tough argument to win in court, because the judiciary is hesitant to challenge because the courts are typically going to defer to the president on his military decisions. Here is a look at the law, how it's been used and comparisons to Minneapolis. The law was originally meant as a way to protect the early republic George Washington signed the first version in 1792, authorizing him to mobilize state militias National Guard forerunners when laws of the United States shall be opposed, or the execution thereof obstructed. He and John Adams used it to quash citizen uprisings against taxes, including liquor levies and property taxes that were deemed essential to the young republic's survival. Advertisement Advertisement Congress expanded the law in 1807, restating presidential authority to counter insurrection or obstruction of laws. Nunn said the early statutes recognized a fundamental Anglo-American tradition against military intervention in civilian affairs except as a tool of last resort. Trump insists conditions call for the last resort The president argues Minnesota officials and citizens are impeding U.S. law by protesting his agenda and the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Customs and Border Protection officers. Yet early statutes also defined circumstances for the law as unrest too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of law enforcement. There are between 2,000 and 3,000 federal authorities in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, compared to Minneapolis, which has fewer than 600 police officers. Protesters' and bystanders' video, meanwhile, has shown violence initiated by federal officers, with the interactions growing more frequent since Renee Good was shot three times and killed. Advertisement Advertisement ICE has the legal authority to enforce federal immigration laws, Nunn said. But what they're doing is a sort of lawless, violent behavior that goes beyond their legal function and foments the situation Trump wants to suppress. They can't intentionally create a crisis, then turn around to do a crackdown, he said, adding that the Constitutional requirement for a president to faithfully execute the laws means Trump must wield his power, on immigration and the Insurrection Act, in good faith. Civil War-era changes were for Union interests and civil rights Courts have blocked some of Trump's efforts to deploy the National Guard, but he'd argue with the Insurrection Act that he does not need a state's permission to send troops. Advertisement Advertisement That traces to President Abraham Lincoln, who held in 1861 that Southern states could not legitimately secede. So, he convinced Congress to give him express power to deploy U.S. troops, without asking, into Confederate states he contended were still in the Union. Quite literally, Lincoln used the act as a legal basis to fight the Civil War. Nunn said situations beyond such a clear insurrection as the Confederacy still require a local request or another trigger that Congress added after the Civil War: protecting individual rights. Ulysses S. Grant used that provision to send troops to counter the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacists who ignored the 14th and 15th amendments and civil rights statutes. Workers, immigrants were at the heart of some deployments During post-war industrialization, violence erupted around strikes and expanding immigration and governors sought help. Advertisement Advertisement President Rutherford B. Hayes granted state requests during the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 after striking workers, state forces and local police clashed, leading to dozens of deaths. Grover Cleveland granted a Washington state governor's request at that time it was a U.S. territory to help protect Chinese citizens who were being attacked by white rioters. President Woodrow Wilson sent troops to Colorado in 1914 amid a coal strike after workers were killed. Federal troops helped diffuse each situation. Banks stressed that the law then and now presumes that federal resources are needed only when state and local authorities are overwhelmed and Minnesota leaders say their cities would be stable and safe if Trump's feds left. On 20th century civil rights, a repeat of the Reconstruction approach Advertisement Advertisement As Grant had done, mid-20th century presidents used the act to counter white supremacists. Franklin Roosevelt dispatched 6,000 troops to Detroit more than double the U.S. forces in Minneapolis after race riots that started with whites attacking Black residents. State officials asked for FDR's aid after riots escalated, in part, Nunn said, because white local law enforcement joined in violence against Black residents. Federal troops calmed the city after dozens of deaths, including 17 Black residents killed by local police. Once the Civil Rights Movement began, presidents sent authorities to Southern states without requests or permission, because local authorities defied U.S. civil rights law and fomented violence themselves. Dwight Eisenhower enforced integration at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas; John F. Kennedy sent troops to the University of Mississippi after riots over James Meredith's admission and then pre-emptively to ensure no violence upon George Wallace's Stand in the Schoolhouse Door to protest the University of Alabama's integration. Advertisement Advertisement There could have been significant loss of life from the rioters in Mississippi, Nunn said. Lyndon Johnson protected the 1965 Voting Rights March from Selma to Montgomery after Wallace's troopers attacked marchers' on their first peaceful attempt. City riots and the last instance in 1992 Johnson also sent troops to multiple U.S. cities in 1967 and 1968 after clashes between residents and police escalated. The same thing happened in Los Angeles in 1992, the last time the Insurrection Act was invoked. Riots erupted after a jury failed to convict four white police officers of excessive use of force despite video showing them beating a Rodney King, a Black man. California Gov. Pete Wilson asked President George H.W. Bush for support. Bush authorized about 4,000 troops but after he had publicly expressed displeasure over the trial verdict. He promised to restore order yet directed the Justice Department to open a civil rights investigation, and two of the L.A. officers were later convicted in federal court. Last May, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to restore "Truth and Sanity in American History." The order called on the federal government to challenge a "concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation's history" and "restore the Smithsonian Institution to its rightful place as a symbol of inspiration and American greatness." In the months since, the Trump administration has successfully pressured the Smithsonian to do the very thing the order aimed to combat: rewrite American history. Last week, the National Portrait Gallery "removed a swath of text that mentioned President Donald Trump's two impeachments and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection," The Washington Post reported. These materials were replaced by an updated portrait of Trump. On Wednesday, the institution turned over photographs of labels, placards, text, and additional materials on exhibits to the White House for review. This was in response to a December letter that threatened to withhold federal funds if the Smithsonian did not "submit extensive documentation for a sweeping content review" to weed out materials that the White House deemed to contain "improper ideology," according to the Post. In a recent interview with Reason's Eric Boehm, former U.S. Archivist Colleen Shogan warned about the damage that actions like these could cause to historically nonpartisan institutions. Advertisement Advertisement As archivist, Shogan oversaw the National Archives and Records Administration, which referred Trump's handling of presidential records to the Justice Department after documents were not returned at the end of his term, helping trigger an investigation that led to felony charges against Trump. Shogan, who was not in charge of the Archives when the investigation began, was fired in May 2025 and replaced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Firings like hers and former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, which some people deem to be ideologically motivated, are worrying, says Shogan. "I'm very concerned about what will happen in the future. To places like the Archives, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, because what these institutions should not be is a political seesaw back and forth," she says. Making these institutions more partisan sets "a dangerous precedent for the future," she adds. "If we remove that from our ecosystem, we're really giving something up as a democracy." Since leaving the National Archives, Shogan has transitioned into a new role overseeing "In Pursuit," a project that will feature a series of essays on key political figures in U.S. history. Shogan says this project is intended to fill the void she sees in the U.S.' lack of "a large-scale national program that uses history as a way for us to learn the lessons of our present and, of course, inform our future." Advertisement Advertisement "In Pursuit" will include pieces authored by former presidents, first ladies, and leading cultural pundits. This includes George W. Bush writing about George Washington and an essay about Jackie Kennedy penned by Michelle Obama. The first article will be released on President's Day. Trump's push to restore "truth" in history has predictably led to more chaos and confusion at historically nonpartisan institutions. While this is concerning, efforts like "In Pursuit" show that the private sector will always be ready to step up when the government fails. The post Trump's Push To Restore 'Truth and Sanity in American History' Tests Nonpartisan Institutions appeared first on Reason.com. PARKE CO, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Turkey Run State Park is hosting its annual Eagles in Flight Weekend, January 23 through 25. The weekend provides opportunities to learn about eagles and other raptors through a number of activities including live birds of prey programs, multiple eagle roost and nest viewing hikes, presentations by the International Crane Foundation and Indiana Audubon Society, owl prowl night hikes, bird banding, crafts and games and a Friday night kickoff with music, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. They added, a fundraiser auction held by the Friends of Turkey Run and Shades State Parks will take place during the weekend, with all of the proceeds going to both parks. Advance registration for the weekend event is required. The cost is $35 for ages 16 and older and $25 for ages 6-15. Advertisement Advertisement Admission to Saturday-only events is $25 for ages 16 and older and $15 for ages 6-15. Standard park entrance fees apply. For more information and to register visit ow.ly/sFh150XQK6X. Overnight lodging is available at the Turkey Run Inn. Make lodging reservations by calling 1-877-563-4371 or at IndianaInns.com and reference group code EAGLE. 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 MyWabashValley.com. Jan. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. philanthropist Gilbert Butler has emerged as a major private donor shaping conservation policy in Latin America by financing the purchase and then donating six islands in Uruguay and Argentina to create the first binational park on the Uruguay River. Butler donated the islands of Chala, Inga and Pinguino to the Uruguayan state. The islands lie on the river in Rio Negro department, an administrative division similar to a county. Together, the three islands cover 1,270 acres and were incorporated into Uruguay's National System of Protected Areas, known by its Spanish acronym SNAP, according to statements from the Presidency of Uruguay and the Ministry of Environment. Advertisement Advertisement Uruguayan authorities described the donation as unprecedented, marking the first time the country has added land to SNAP through a direct donation of property purchased by a private person for conservation purposes. "Nothing like this has been seen for decades," President Yamandu Orsi said Thursday during the ceremony accepting the islands. According to Uruguayan officials, at least two of the islands include basic public-use infrastructure, such as docks, shelters and restrooms designed for low-impact ecotourism and environmental education. The project aims to promote restorative economies and strengthen local communities under a model based on conservation and ecological connectivity. Advertisement Advertisement The Uruguay initiative is linked to a project already underway in Argentina. On the Argentine side of the river, Butler previously acquired the islands of Dolores, San Genaro and Campichuelo in Entre Rios province. Together they span about 6,425 acres and are slated to be donated to creates a provincial nature park. Provincial authorities plan to add about 3,459 acres of public land to that core area, bringing the total protected surface to about 9,884 acres. All six islands are part of the same cross-border conservation scheme. In a speech, Butler said his goal is to create a binational park, contending that using the land solely for eucalyptus and soybean plantations "is an ecological disaster." The six islands make up the project known as Green Islands and Channels of the Uruguay River, which seeks to establish a continuous transboundary ecological corridor along one of the Southern Cone's most important freshwater basins. Advertisement Advertisement The initiative focuses on protecting wetlands, riverine biodiversity and ecological connectivity, while supporting sustainable tourism. The donation has reopened public debate in Uruguay over the ownership of river islands. Under current regulations and legal analyses reported locally, river islands are registered parcels that may be publicly or privately owned regardless of the owner's nationality and may be incorporated into the protected areas system even if they were previously private. Records and local media reports show the donated islands had been privately owned since the 1990s after being transferred as part of the settlement of a commercial debt. Advertisement Advertisement Previous attempts at productive use failed because of recurring floods linked to the river's hydrological cycle. Local authorities in Rio Negro and Entre Rios said the binational project presents coordination challenges, but agreed it could position the Uruguay River region as a regional example for shared environmental conservation. Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The United States has sanctioned five Iranian security officials, a notorious women's prison and a money laundering network in a sign of support for Iranians protesting their government despite bloody resistance from the Tehran regime. The Fardis Prison was blacklisted Thursday by the State Department, while the Treasury sanctioned Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme Council for National Security; four other security officials and 18 individuals and entities accused of being a so-called shadow banking network used to facilitate tens of billions of dollars of annual trade. "The United States stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice," Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement "At the direction of President [Donald] Trump, the Treasury Department is sanctioning key Iranian leaders involved in the brutal crackdown against the Iranian people." Thousands are believed to have been killed by security forces during the last 19 days of protests, which erupted in response to Iran's economic crisis. The Oslo-based Iran Human Rights nonprofit states that at least 3,428 protesters have been killed with thousands more injured, while the Iran watchdog Human Rights Activists News Agency states at least 2,677 people have been killed with 1,693 additional cases being investigated. Both organizations state that some 20,000 have been arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has threatened to take military action against the Islamic regime, though he announced Wednesday that the killing and planned executions of detainees had "stopped." According to the Treasury, 67-year-old Larijani was among the first of Iran's leaders to call for the use of violence to suppress the protests, and coordinated the security forces' response on behalf of the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "We will continue to deny the regime access to financial networks and the global banking system while it continues to oppress the Iranian people," State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott said in a statement. The sanctions block all property in the United States of those named while prohibiting U.S. persons from doing business with them. Advertisement Advertisement Mark Wallace, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and CEO of the United Against Iran nonprofit, applauded the sanctions against Larijani and others. "He is considered a 'moderate' but in reality he is a bloodstained henchman of Khamenei and the Trump administration is rightfully recognizing him as such," Wallace said on X. Ugandas longtime President Yoweri Museveni took a commanding lead in early election results as reports of deadly violence emerged following Thursdays vote. A senior member of the Ugandan opposition told AFP that security forces shot dead 10 members of his campaign team inside his home on polling day. Musevenis administration imposed an internet blackout across the country ahead of the general election and stands accused of brutal repression by multiple rights groups. Advertisement Advertisement The 81-year-old incumbents main challenger, the former musician Bobi Wine, has effectively been placed under house arrest, the opposition leaders party said, with police and military officers surrounding his home in Kampala. Initial electoral commission results showed Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since seizing power in 1986, with just over 76% of the vote. In a landmark move for UK patients with obesity, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the maximum 7.2mg dose of Novo Nordisks Wegovy (semaglutide) for chronic weight management purposes. Following its MHRA go-ahead, Wegovy will be available to adults with obesity and a body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m or higher at a dose of 7.2mg, which should be administered as three consecutive 2.4mg doses. Wegovys use is not permitted in patients whose BMI lies under this value, or to those using the medication to lower their risk of cardiovascular disease. This approval was based on the results of the STEP UP Phase IIIb trial (NCT05646706), which demonstrated that a 7.2mg dose of Wegovy has a comparable safety and tolerability profile to the standard 2.4mg dose, while proving superior at reducing body weight. Advertisement Advertisement While the 7.2mg dose now has the UK regulatory greenlight, it will still need to pass the cost-efficiency review by health watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), to be widely implemented across the National Health Service (NHS). The UK approval of high-dose Wegovy comes hot on the heels of Novo Nordisks US oral Wegovy approval, which saw the company make history by becoming the first to commercialise a GLP-1RA pill. At the recent 2026 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Novo Nordisks CEO, Maziar Mark Doustdar, noted that oral GLP-1RAs could hold over a third of the market share in obesity by 2030. UK becomes first nation to greenlight 7.2mg Wegovy In another first, the MHRAs call to approve the 7.2mg dose of Wegovy makes it the first regulator to do so with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still mulling over its decision after Novo Nordisk applied for a Wegovy label expansion back in November 2025. This follows a tumultuous time for the UK life sciences sector, which has struggled with souring pharma sentiments due to disputes around Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) repayments. This has also led to a drop-off in investor UK life sciences interest, which threatens to curtail the nations competitiveness within the sector. Advertisement Advertisement In a bid to win back pharma sentiments, the UK has slashed its 2026 drug rebate rate to 14.5% from 22.9%, which will have a mixed impact on the nations competitiveness, experts previously told Pharmaceutical Technology. The MHRA has also pledged to streamline the approval process for drugs looking to enter the UK market an initiative which falls under the UK governments 10-Year Health Plan. According to the agency, this could see patients in England receive medicines three-to-six months earlier than previously. "UKs MHRA gives high-dose Wegovy the go-ahead in obesity" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. LONDON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Britains Royal Navy said on Friday its first full-sized autonomous helicopter, designed to track submarines and carry out other high-risk missions amid rising North Atlantic tensions, had completed its maiden flight. Europe's defence sector has been reshaped since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as governments increase spending on defence and plan to boost their military ranks. U.S. interest in acquiring Greenland is in part to expand its ability to monitor waters used by Russian vessels and submarines, including any activity in the waters between Greenland, Iceland and Britain. Russia says talk of Moscow and Beijing being a threat to Greenland is a myth. Advertisement Advertisement The British navy said the helicopter, named Proteus, had successfully completed a short test routine. Developed under a 60 million-pound ($80.46 million) programme, it was key to defending Britain and NATO allies against what it called "evolving threats" in the North Atlantic. Designed and built by defence and aerospace group Leonardo, Proteus relies on sensors and computer systems powered by software that allows it to interpret its environment and make decisions, the navy said. The navy said it was designed for anti-submarine warfare, sea patrols, and underwater vessel tracking. "Proteus represents a step-change in how maritime aviation can deliver persistence, adaptability and reach conducting the dull, dirty and dangerous missions in challenging environments without putting human operators at risk," said Nigel Colman, UK managing director of Leonardo Helicopters. Advertisement Advertisement The navy already operates several drones, including a small surveillance helicopter, but Proteus is bigger and more sophisticated. ($1 = 0.7457 pounds) (Reporting by Catarina Demony; Editing by William James) UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said that the UK does not support the idea put forward by the leaders of France and Italy to resume direct talks with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin. Source: European Pravda, citing Cooper in an interview with Politico, a Brussels-based politics and policy news organisation Quote: "I think what we need is evidence that Putin actually wants peace and at the moment, I'm still not seeing that." Advertisement Advertisement Details: Cooper emphasised that the centre of diplomatic efforts remains with Ukraine and its closest allies. Quote: "What we've seen is the huge commitment to work being done by Ukraine, with the US and supported by Europe to draw up plans for peace including security guarantees. But so far, I don't see the evidence that Putin is yet willing to come to the table, or yet willing to have discussions." Details: Cooper added that for this reason, pressure on Moscow must continue to be increased through sanctions and military support. Quote: "I think we've still got to be ready alongside this really important work to put increased pressure, economic pressure, and also through the military support to Ukraine, that military pressure on Russia as well." Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Max Hunder and Pavel Polityuk KYIV, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Ukraine's energy system, damaged by Russian drone and missile attacks, is meeting only 60% of the country's electricity needs, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday, as the country copes with its coldest and darkest winter of war yet. Kyiv has declared an energy emergency this week as its grid crumbles under relentless new Russian attacks, bitter cold temperatures and nearly four years of accumulated damage from a Russian campaign to knock out its heat and power. Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskiy has put one of his closest allies, long-serving former prime minister and defence minister Denys Shmyhal, in charge of the energy ministry. Zelenskiy said electricity generation capacity was 11 gigawatts on Thursday, with the country needing 18 gigawatts. Shmyhal, speaking publicly for the first time in the new job, said the most challenging situations were in the capital Kyiv, the second city Kharkiv, the main port Odesa, and towns near the front line. Thousands of homes have been unheated and dark for days in subzero temperatures of a prolonged cold snap. Moscow says Ukraine's civil infrastructure is a legitimate target because striking it can reduce Kyiv's ability to wage war. Kyiv says the aim is to harm civilians and break the country's will. Advertisement Advertisement Heat and power in the capital have yet to fully recover from a particularly severe attack a week ago, while temperatures have been far below those of a typical Ukrainian winter, with Kyiv at minus 16 degrees Celsius (3 F) on Friday morning. 'NOT A SINGLE PLANT THE ENEMY HAS NOT ATTACKED' "Currently, the intensity (of Russian attacks) is only increasing, and strikes occur daily. There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that the enemy has not attacked," Shmyhal told parliament. "In some cities and regions, winter preparations have failed. Over the past two days in office, I've seen that many things are clearly stalling." Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has sharply increased electricity imports from EU countries. But the maximum import capacity is only about 2.3 gigawatts, and high prices have meant Kyiv often can take only a fraction of that. Shmyhal said the largest Ukrainian state-owned companies such as energy firm Naftogaz, weapons maker Ukroboronprom and railway Ukrzaliznytsia would be urged to boost imports. He called for a reduction in unnecessary consumption: "I urge businesses to turn off outdoor advertising, turn off signs and screens, and if you have excess energy, give it to people." (Editing by Daniel Flynn and Peter Graff) You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Raymond James Investment Management, the asset management subsidiary of Raymond James, is set to acquire a $46 billion asset manager as the seventh firm in its boutique investment management division. St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Raymond James announced Thursday that it had agreed to acquire Clark Capital Management Group, a Philadelphia-based asset manager founded in 1986 and owned by both family and employees. The firms expect the deal to close in the third quarter of 2026. Clark Capital offers multi-asset class investments, model portfolios and mutual funds to advisors and their clients. It also has a high-net-worth service team that offers wealth planning in conjunction with advisors. The asset manager will retain its name and leadership team as part of Raymond James Investment Management, which will provide distribution and operational support. Clark Capital joins six other firms in the division, including Eagle Asset Management and Reams Asset Management. The firm is run by CEO Brendan Clark, the son of Harry Clark, the founder and executive chairman. The acquisition underscores our commitment to building a leading global asset manager that provides a broad range of innovative investment solutions, Raymond James Chief Operating Officer Scott Curtis said in a statement. Raymond James & Associates was the financial advisor to Raymond James on the transaction, and Evercore was the financial advisor to Clark Capital. In December, Raymond James Investment Management hired Jeff Ringdahl as president. He previously served as president and chief operating officer at Summit Trail Advisors, a Dynasty-backed RIA. Raymond James, which his listed on the New York Stock Exchange, is expected to report company earnings on Jan. 28. Credit: 3rd Army Corps For 45 days straight, Russian troops on the front line in eastern Ukraine were pinned back by machine gun fire. Even under the cover of fog, they could not break through. It seemed that the fierce resistance was being made by dozens of Ukrainian troops in multiple positions. In fact, it was the Third Army Corps secret weapon: The DevDroid TW 12.7. The unmanned ground vehicle, no bigger than a ride-on lawnmower, is armed with a .50-calibre M2 Browning machine gun and operated remotely by a soldier as far as 15 miles away. It can tackle rugged terrain at 4.3mph using an AI automatic guidance system or by remote control. The Droid TW 12.7 was developed for reconnaissance and combat missions on the frontlines The units commander told The Telegraph that the feat marked a new chapter in modern warfare, where repeated Russian attacks could now be met and held back without a single soldier being put in harms way. Advertisement Advertisement Every day of combat operations is, in essence, a daily renewal of warfare. The war currently under way in our country is the first and only modern, technological war in history, said Mykola Makar Zinkevych, the NC-13 Strike Companys commander. Machines like these are what will change the course of combat operations. The NC-13 Strike Company is a unit within the Third Army Corps that specialises in uncrewed ground vehicles, or UGVs. The DevDroid TW 12.7 can move at 4.3mph According to Cdr Zinkevych, the company deployed the DevDroid TW 12.7 in multiple positions during its 45-day stint at an undisclosed location. It would briefly leave its post every two days for maintenance and ammunition restocking by a crew sheltering 2.4 miles away from the front line. Advertisement Advertisement Tasked with delivering relentless firepower, it stood before Russian forces, deterring attacks and protecting the soldiers behind it. b' ' The DevDroid TW 12.7 has an operational range of up to 15 miles and is primarily controlled remotely via radio signal, allowing Ukrainian operators to guide it from a safe distance. In addition to manual control, the drone is equipped with artificial intelligence that enables it to set its own course across the battlefield. Videos of the drone in action show it moving across rugged terrain and firing multiple quick-fire shots towards Russian positions. The enemy conducted daily offensive pressure on forward positions, explained Cdr Zinkevych, who added that the machine gun held off every advance. Advertisement Advertisement He explained that Russia was attempting to exploit poor weather conditions, including fog, rain and snow, to infiltrate in small groups. Credit: DevDroid Weather conditions have played into Russian tactical planning in recent weeks. Persistent fog and poor visibility have limited Ukrainian drone surveillance and aerial reconnaissance. This has made it harder for Kyivs forces to spot and strike advancing units early while giving Russian troops moments to move or mount attacks under the cover of low visibility. But the DevDroid TW 12.7 allowed positions that would normally require between three and six soldiers to be defended by a single vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Wherever it is possible to replace a live soldier with a UGV, it should be done, said Cdr Zinkevych. The DevDroid is equipped with a remotely controlled turret with a heavy machine gun The feat highlights the evolving role of unmanned systems in modern warfare, where drones can both extend the reach of soldiers and take on tasks that would otherwise put personnel at risk. In Ukraine, UAVs and ground drones have increasingly taken over roles once filled by soldiers, carrying out reconnaissance, delivering firepower, and holding positions on the frontline with minimal human presence. Cdr Zinkevych reported that Russia was unable to detect that no Ukrainian soldiers occupied the position guarded by the drone during the weeks it remained in place. Advertisement Advertisement Until the very end, the enemy was unable to determine that an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with a combat module was present at the position, he said. No electronic intelligence intercepts on this matter were recorded and the UGV itself was never hit. The Droid TW 12.7 left its post briefly every two days for maintenance, carried out by a Ukrainian drone crew stationed roughly 2.4 miles from the frontline. Each session took around four hours and included servicing the weapons, restocking ammunition, and recharging the drones battery. Cdr Zinkevych explained that the NC-13 Strike Company, founded in September 2025, was concentrating this year on the maximum involvement and broader deployment of UGVs in both defensive and offensive operations. Advertisement Advertisement Other versions of the drone have recently been approved for use on the front lines, including two vehicles equipped with grenade launchers. The demand for these systems is high, he said. Robots do not bleed. 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. This is Kollen Post reporting from Kyiv on day 1,423 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today's top story: Finland is sending Ukraine another 98 million euros worth of weaponry, the Finnish Defense Ministry announced on Friday. "We have built a package on an accelerated schedule that helps meet the most critical needs of the moment," the announcement said. The package falls outside of the regular schedule of Finnish aid, which has been among the most generous in the world relative to GDP, largely as a result of Finland also sharing a massive border with Russia and consequently very real fears of invasion as well. Advertisement Advertisement The Defense Ministry avoided disclosing details of the new package out of "operational safety," and indeed often doesn't announce its aid packages at all. Ukraine's critical needs of the moment, however, certainly include an ongoing energy crisis and Russian aerial attacks on power plants, electricity terminals and natural gas nodes. Zelensky today also announced that Ukraine had received a "serious" aid package to replenish depleted air defenses, but provided no details. Read also: Inside Ukraines AWOL and desertion crisis Macron claims France now provides 2/3 of Ukraine's intelligence, replacing U.S. France has stepped in to fill in an intelligence gap left as the U.S. has stepped back from Ukraine, President Emmanuel said today. Advertisement Advertisement "Where Ukraine used to be extremely dependent on American intelligence capacity, with a huge majority (provided by the U.S) a year ago," Macron said, "over (the last) year, two-thirds is today provided by France." It's difficult to quantify such concrete figures for intelligence sharing. Nonetheless, Macron's statement is symbolic of a broader European desire to build an independent foreign policy extending even to warfare. It comes just shy of a year after Donald Trump's return to the presidency in the U.S., during which the former real estate developer has bulldozed much of the goodwill undergirding the trans-Atlantic alliance. Majority of Ukrainians reject trading Donbas to Russia, survey finds A new survey from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology found Ukrainians optimistic about continuing the fight against Russia. The survey found 54% of Ukrainians polled "categorically reject transferring all of the Donbas to Russian control in exchange for security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe." Advertisement Advertisement Eighty-three percent of Ukrainians surveyed considered Russia's ambitions to be greater than control over the Donbas, including 28% who named Russia's goal to be the genocide of Ukrainians. The survey also found that 77% of those polled considered Ukraine capable of continuing its resistance, "although Russia is moving ahead at the front, slowly and with large losses." The poll collected responses from 601 Ukrainian citizens ages 18 and older living in unoccupied territories of Ukraine, who were found by random telephone survey. Russia's occupation of Donbas in eastern Ukraine, showing Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and cities of Donetsk and Luhansk. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) Energy crisis prompts rollback in curfew restrictions in Kyiv Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have left the country economizing on electricity, heating and hot water. Recent mass attacks have particularly targeted Kyiv, which is in a state of emergency. Advertisement Advertisement In response, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal announced before Ukraine's Parliament that Kyiv is lowering its curfew, which has kept people off the streets between midnight and 5 a.m. The stated aim is to allow residents access to "Points of Invincibility" freely accessible locations throughout the city that are supplied with heat and electricity. "This is necessary so that everyone who currently has no electricity, water, or heat receives the necessary assistance," said Shmyhal, who took over as Energy Minister two days ago, after less than five months as Defense Minister, which in turn followed nearly five years as President Volodymyr Zelensky's Prime Minister. It remains to be seen whether the decision constitutes a full drawdown of curfew rules in the Ukrainian capital. At least 3 dead, 22 injured in Russian overnight attacks A Russian glide bomb attack killed one person and injured 11 in Bilopilsky in Sumy Oblast. The regional government reported 40 attacks across 27 municipalities in the oblast, where air raid alerts sounded for nearly 18 of the past 24 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Another attack in Zaporizhzhia Oblast killed one and injured six, Governor Ivan Fedoro reported. In the port of Odesa on the Black Sea, a Russian ballistic missile hit what local authorities wrote was a civilian freighter flying under the Maltese flag. They reported one crew member injured but no deaths in the attacks across the oblast. Governor of Kherson Oblast Oleksandr Prokudin wrote that "due to Russian aggression one person has perished," but did not elaborate further. He added that 23 municipalities fell under fire and that his administration identified a 53-year-old woman who was injured on Jan. 14 who had only just been hospitalized with a concussion due to blast trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, a Russian drone attack injured two in Malomykhailovsky in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and a 63-year-old woman was injured in Kharkiv Oblast. General Staff: Russia has lost 1,224,460 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022 Russia has lost around 1,224,460 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 1,370 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day. According to the report, Russia has also lost 11,563 tanks, 23,908 armored fighting vehicles, 74,486 vehicles and fuel tanks, 36,230 artillery systems, 1,614 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,277 air defense systems, 434 airplanes, 347 helicopters, 107,884 drones, 28 ships and boats, and two submarines. Read also: Inside Ukraines AWOL and desertion crisis Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.2% in 2025, according to preliminary estimates, despite record Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, emigration, and the war approaching its fifth year. "In 2025 (...) growth was supported by domestic trade, construction, (...) the production of defense products and metallurgy," Oleksiy Sobolev, Ukraine's economy minister, said in a press release. Roughly 30% of Ukraine's real GDP was wiped out after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. By 2024, Ukraine's economic output was just 78% of its pre-war level, state statistics show. Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's nominal GDP was $210 billion in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Massive Russian missile attacks, lower harvests due to adverse weather conditions, and logistical challenges were a drag on growth in 2025, the economy ministry said. Soybean and sunflower harvests were down 26.9% and 15.8%, respectively, compared to the previous year. Domestic gas production was also targeted for the first time of the full-scale invasion in 2025. Ukraine's economy heavily relies on constant injections of foreign cash, including from allied countries and international lenders, including the IMF. Advertisement Advertisement In December, the European Union agreed to lend 90 billion euros ($105 billion) to Ukraine. The bloc has collectively provided 193 billion ($225 billion) euros in combined military, financial and humanitarian support since 2022, according to the EU the most of any ally. While the United States was previously a major supporter, American aid has evaporated under the second Trump administration. Read also: Czech president visits Kyiv amid worsening energy crisis Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details. Ukrainian officials are traveling to the U.S. to continue talks with American counterparts in the coming days, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Jan. 16. The delegation includes Rustem Umerov, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council; Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Presidential Office; and David Arakhamia, the parliamentary leader of Zelensky's Servant of the People party. Advertisement Advertisement The news comes after U.S. President Donald Trump again accused Zelensky of stalling peace talks, despite Kyiv and Washington making progress on a 20-point peace framework. A White House official told the Kyiv Independent that the Ukrainian delegation is expected to meet with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff as well as Trump's adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Ukraine hopes to gain more clarity on "documents that we have actually drafted with the American side, and regarding Russia's response to all this diplomatic work," Zelensky said during a joint press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel in Kyiv. The president said it was necessary to finalize documents on security guarantees and Ukraine's recovery, adding that if preparations are completed, they could be signed at next week's World Economic Forum in Davos. Advertisement Advertisement During the annual international summit in Switzerland, Kyiv and Washington are expected to sign an economic deal to spur Ukraine's post-war recovery. Ukrainian officials say that the country's recovery and reconstruction will require $800 billion over 10 years roughly four times its prewar domestic gross product. Read also: Navy confirms major damage to Russian drone factory after joint operation with SBU Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A federal judge handling a lawsuit over the deportation of pro-Palestinian activists excoriated top administration officials, including President Donald Trump, for trampling on the First Amendment and for what the judge described as a fearful approach to freedom. There was no policy here, said U.S. District Judge William Young, an 85-year-old Reagan appointee who has been on the federal bench in Boston for 40 years. What happened here is an unconstitutional conspiracy to pick off certain people." During a hearing on the suit Thursday, Young tore into Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for pursuing a targeted deportation campaign that Young said was at odds with the countrys core values. Advertisement Advertisement I find it breathtaking that I have been compelled on the evidence to find the conduct of such high-level officers of our government cabinet secretaries conspired to infringe the First Amendment rights of people with such rights here in the United States, Young said. These cabinet secretaries have failed in their sworn duty to uphold the Constitution." Youngs comments came as he prepares to issue what he described as a steep sanction against the Trump administration for seeking to chill the free speech of pro-Palestinian activists targeted for arrest and removal weeks after Trump took office including Columbia Universitys Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Madhawi, as well as Tufts University Ph.D. student Rumeysa Ozturk and Georgetown University academic Badar Khan Suri. Young ruled against the administrations policy in September after a two-week trial, and held Thursdays hearing to hash out a remedy for the violations. The judge said he plans to issue a ruling that will grant the plaintiffs a conclusive presumption that future changes to their immigration status amount to retaliation for their suit. The ruling will put the onus on the government to prove that officials have good cause before moving forward with any planned changes to group members immigration status, the judge said. Young used extraordinarily stark language during the hearing, describing Trump as an authoritarian while insisting that he was choosing the term carefully, rather than simply using a pejorative. The judge also compared the Trump administrations broader mass-deportation campaign to historic efforts to return formerly enslaved people to their owners under the Fugitive Slave Act, noting an infamous episode in Boston history when a U.S. marshal was killed near Youngs courthouse as he guarded a man named Anthony Burns who escaped slavery in Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement The judge has been tangling with Trump and the administration in a series of high profile lawsuits that have landed in his Boston courthouse since last year. He has similarly accused the administration of discriminatory policies against minorities and LGBTQ Americans. Still, Young said that the case of targeted deportations against activists is by far the most important in his lengthy career. The judge found the president and his aides targeted the members of the group for their First Amendment-protected views and speech, guided by an anonymously run private website targeting Palestinian students in the United States. I've asked myself why how did this happen? How could our own government, the highest officials in our government, seek to infringe the rights of people lawfully here in the United States? And Ive come to believe that theres a concept of freedom here that I dont understand, the judge continued. The record in this case convinces me that these high officials, and I include the president of the United States, have a fearful view of freedom. In contrast, Young praised the homeland security officials who testified in his courtroom about their efforts to carry out their responsibilities to keep the country safe and said their skills were misused by their leaders. Advertisement Advertisement These professionals were taken off anti-terrorist investigations. They were taken off human trafficking investigations all to look up what dirt they could find on this group that some private agency, at the very highest levels of the DHS decided thats the best use of those people, Young said. If ever you want chapter and verse about how the government can be weaponized against a disfavored group, thats the record of it. The Justice Department seemed to frustrate Young on Thursday by arguing he is powerless to enforce his ruling that the administrations targeted deportations were unconstitutional. All issues related to the initiation of removal proceedings must be channeled into immigration court, DOJ attorney Paul Stone said. There isnt any remedy that the court can offer. Youre telling me there is no remedy? an astonished Young replied. Advertisement Advertisement Thats what the statutes require, Stone said. Just seconds into his presentation, Stone cited an appeals court ruling earlier on Thursday that backed the government in the case brought by Columbia University protester Khalil challenging his arrest and attempted deportation. The Philadelphia-based 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, whose rulings are not binding on Young, found Congress has forbidden district court judges from issuing orders that impact deportation proceedings. As the hearing concluded, Young added that he plans to make public much of the yet-undisclosed evidence in the case, rejecting the Trump administrations arguments to seal the documents. The judge plans to issue his formal ruling next week. United Indian Nations of Oklahoma is advising tribal citizens across the state to remain vigilant and to carry tribal identification, along with any state- or federally issued identification they may have, amid expanded immigration enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following recent White House directives. The advisory comes as tribal citizens nationwide have reported being questioned or detained about their citizenship status despite being enrolled tribal members or U.S. citizens. Recent incidents cited by the organization include four enrolled members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe detained in Minnesota; an Ojibwe and Red Lake Nation descendant detained in Minnesota; a member of Arizonas Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community detained in Iowa; and Indigenous actress Elaine Miles, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, who was questioned by authorities in Washington state. As immigration enforcement activity has broadened, the Native American Rights Fund has issued guidance for both minor and adult tribal citizens on how to respond if approached by immigration agents at home, at work, in public spaces or while traveling. Advertisement Advertisement Thirty-eight federally recognized tribes are headquartered in Oklahoma, and tribal citizens from hundreds of Native nations call this state home, said Ben Barnes, chairperson of United Indian Nations of Oklahoma. It is deeply concerning that tribal citizens have been questioned or detained despite their lawful status. Given these developments, there is no reason to assume Native people in Oklahoma could not or are not already facing similar encounters. We strongly urge all Native people to carry any tribal, state, or federal identification available to help protect themselves and their families. NARF has also released a fact sheet for Native-serving nonprofits and service providers aimed at safeguarding clients and preventing unlawful detentions and violations of Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. United Indian Nations of Oklahoma plans to address the issue during its upcoming quarterly meeting March 10 at River Spirit Casino Resort. United Indian Nations of Oklahoma will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation and will share additional guidance and information as it becomes available, Barnes said. Advertisement Advertisement About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net The University of Arkansas' decision to rescind its offer to the incoming dean of its law school sparked mixed reactions on Jan. 15, 2025. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) The University of Arkansas reversal of its offer to hire Emily Suski as its next law school dean has sparked concerns that the decision chills facultys free speech. The university said it was withdrawing the offer after key Republicans raised concerns about Suskis background and legal positions on transgender athletes. Advertisement Advertisement The Fayetteville school is the latest to be embroiled in a debate over academic freedom as Republicans nationwide focus on college curricula. Heres what to know about whats happened at the UA: Who is Emily Suski? Suski is a professor and associate dean at University of South Carolinas Joseph F. Rice School of Law. Her areas of expertise include education law, particularly Title IX and civil rights in public schools, according to her USC biography. She holds degrees from Georgetown University Law Center and the University of North Carolina. Shes spoken regularly in public and been quoted in multiple media outlets about Title IX. When she was hired, the UA praised Suskis extensive experience in legal education and the practice of law. Emily Suski (Courtesy of the University of Arkansas) Why did the university reverse course? The university announced to law school faculty on Wednesday that it had changed its mind, saying it decided to go a different direction in filling the vacancy. Advertisement Advertisement The university said it had heard from key external stakeholders before its abrupt decision. Though university officials havent identified those stakeholders, top Republicans have said they raised concerns about Suski. What were Republicans complaints? Republicans who have said they were concerned about Suski include Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester and Attorney General Tim Griffin. Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders hasnt said whether she intervened, but released a statement applauding the university for its decision away from Suski. Hester has said he objected to Suski signing on to a friend-of-the-court brief along with other law professors. The brief was on behalf of attorneys challenging laws prohibiting transgender athletes in school sports. Advertisement Advertisement Hester also cited a 2022 letter Suski signed with other professors in support of Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Joe Bidens pick for the U.S. Supreme Court. What has Suski said? Suski has said she was disappointed by the universitys decision and the influence outside critics had. I have been informed that the decision was not in any way a reflection of my qualifications to serve as dean, but rather the result of influence from external individuals, Suski said in a statement released Thursday night. Questions concerning that feedback are best directed to the University of Arkansas. What do critics of UAs decision say? The decision has prompted criticism from Democratic lawmakers and advocates around the country, who say it sends a dangerous message to professors. Advertisement Advertisement An official with the American Association of University Professors called the universitys move really chilling. Other groups criticizing the move include the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and PEN America. The Arkansas Bar Association issued a statement from its president that it had no comment on whether the decision was political in nature; however, it was concerned about the extent to which the decision was related to a lawyer taking a legal position. What happens next? University leaders hosted a meeting with law school faculty and staff Friday afternoon. Its unclear what the next moves are for the University of Arkansas and its search for a new law school dean. Advertisement Advertisement UA spokesperson John Thomas told the Advocate Thursday that, to his knowledge, nothing like this has happened at the law school previously. Next steps for the search are still being determined. Beyond that, we have nothing further to add at this time, Thomas said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In a scene similar to ones playing out in other upscale Connecticut suburbs, a plan for a large-scale multi-story apartment complex has infuriated residents who complain its badly out of proportion and character for their town. But in this case, Woodbridge residents balked so loudly that the local zoning commission this month hurriedly rolled back its new, more permissive rules for multifamily residential complexes. Youre not here to serve the interest of the developers, youre here to serve the interest of the town, Adam Lewandowski told commissioners at an unusually contentious hearing Jan. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Lewandowskis home is virtually across the street from the newly approved 804 Fountain St. apartment complex. The modernistic four-story building will have 95 apartments, and nearby residents spent much of 2025 trying to persuade commissioners that it would be completely out of place in their neighborhood. For years Woodbridge had strictly restricted density and limited projects like 804 Fountain St. to two and a half stories. But early in 2025 the commission eased those rules to encourage more multifamily housing particularly units that are affordable. The town at the time was already embroiled in what shaped up to be a landmark lawsuit over affordable housing and commissioners and some town officials concluded that its best strategy was to make its regulations less restrictive. As in many affluent towns and suburbs, the biggest concern was the potential for 8-30g proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Towns with less than 10% of their housing designated as affordable are subject to developers pursuing 8-30g projects; in exchange for making at least 30% of their new units affordable, the state gives developers freedom from most local zoning rules. Woodbridge, where less than 2% of homes qualify as affordable, is exposed to such proposals. Local Democrats, who supported relaxing the rules, noted on their Facebook page in October A developer filed an 8-30g housing application for 27 Beecher Road this week Lets be clear: This filing is not the result of recent zoning changes. When towns dont increase affordable housing, the state steps in. Thats exactly what 8-30g was designed to do, override local zoning and force towns to act. Responsible planning is how we protect Woodbridge, their statement read. Democratic First Selectman Mica Cardozo agreed, telling residents in an October statement: The best protection against 8-30g is proactive, balanced planning that increases affordable housing options in Woodbridge This is evidence that growth will happen, whether we plan for it or not. Advertisement Advertisement But Lewandowski and others at the Jan. 5 hearing complained that 804 Fountain St. is exactly the kind of project they want to keep out of town. About 150 people attended the meeting, and boisterously applauded when speakers condemned the towns less stringent rules. At this point it seems the towns concerns are falling on deaf ears, that we are screaming into the void, he said. Residents had told commissioners that the 95-unit complex could have harmful environmental and traffic implications, and create a new burden on the local school system. But commissioners approved it anyway. The commission ultimately voted to repeal the looser rules and return to the stricter version. But commissioners cautioned that they have little power to stop applications under 8-30g; the law allows towns to reject a project only if it can prove a substantial risk to public health or safety. The Beecher Road project is one of those, Chairman Jeff Kennedy told the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement That application exists sort of outside of our regular zoning, Kennedy said. 8-30g applications dont apply to what were debating tonight. We have this one thats come into the town, and we can possibly expect others. The Fountain Street project doesnt fall under 8-30g. Developers have said theyll put aside 12% of the apartments as affordable housing, far below the 8-30g requirements. By going back to its previous zoning rules, Woodbridge returned a requirement that new multifamily housing provide at least 20% affordable units. EXCLUSIVE: UNRWA officials urged congressional staffers to oppose a potential Trump administration move to designate the U.N. agency as a foreign terrorist organization, and discussed UNRWAs ongoing operations in Gaza and the West Bank, including cash-based assistance, during a Dec. 17 briefing, Fox News Digital has learned. The video conference was organized by UNRWA USA, the American nonprofit that supports the agency through advocacy and fundraising. UNRWA USA Executive Director Mara Kronenfeld opened the briefing by saying the goal was to make clear that UNRWA "is still on the ground" in Gaza and the West Bank despite what she described as "the Netanyahu government's insidious efforts to systematically prevent UNRWA from continuing its life-saving humanitarian work." During the meeting, briefers also raised reports that the U.S. government was considering designating UNRWA as a foreign terrorist organization and discussed with congressional offices what steps could be taken to "help prevent that and support UNRWA in its critical work," according to meeting details reviewed by Fox News Digital. Advertisement Advertisement Trump Admin Weighs Terrorism Sanctions Against Un Palestinian Aid Agency Over Hamas Allegations A Palestinian boy walks near a UNRWA school sheltering displaced people that was hit in an overnight Israeli strike in Gaza City, July 5, 2025. Bill Deere, UNRWAs director in Washington, said "press reports appear to be true" that the administration was considering a foreign terrorist organization designation for the agency. "This would be unprecedented for a U.N. agency to consider this. It is certainly unwarranted," Deere said, asserting that "four separate independent investigations" dispute Israels allegations regarding UNRWAs workforce. Read On The Fox News App Deere urged congressional offices to respond forcefully. Advertisement Advertisement "You can loudly express your displeasure," Deere said, arguing that the ramifications would extend beyond UNRWA and set a precedent affecting the broader U.N. system. Un Ambassador Waltz Reveals Trump's Middle East Peace Plan Is The Only Way Forward A truck, marked with United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) logo, crosses into Egypt from Gaza, at the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, during a temporary truce between Hamas and Israel, in Rafah, Egypt, Nov. 27, 2023. "If they go ahead and do this, our recourse with regard to this is limited," he said, adding that one step that could be taken is that "Congress can override the designation." The meeting featured UNRWA field leadership describing conditions and operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Sam Rose, director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, told participants that international staff were not entering Gaza because of the Israeli Knesset legislation, and that operations were being managed remotely. Advertisement Advertisement Rose said that despite claims that UNRWA has been blocked, the agencys services in Gaza havent stopped for a single day, pointing to primary healthcare, education, water and sanitation work, shelter operations and the use of UNRWA facilities as emergency shelters. Rose also described the agencys ability to operate programs that do not rely on immediate supply deliveries. "Cash assistance and job creation programs are also able to continue," he said and added, "we're able to operate at scale." Rubio Slams Unrwa As A 'Subsidiary Of Hamas,' Vows It Will Not 'Play Any Role' In Delivering Aid To Gaza United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) building in Gaza, June 2023. Roland Friedrich, introduced as director of UNRWA affairs in the West Bank, described UNRWAs scale in the territory, including education, healthcare and assistance programs. He said UNRWA provides support to hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees, including aid that "can be cash assistance," along with other forms such as food vouchers and social protection payments. Advertisement Advertisement Friedrich also described "cash for rent" assistance for displaced people, and argued that UNRWAs presence plays a stabilizing role across multiple countries in the region. The officials also discussed workarounds that allow UNRWA to keep operating under restrictions. Israel Says Un Misleads World As Gaza Aid Stolen And Diverted From Civilians Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) holds a press conference in Jerusalem, Oct. 27, 2023. Rose said UNRWA was still able to receive fuel and that certain coordination occurred through third parties, describing indirect engagement involving U.N. channels. He said fuel could run power generators and water pumps and emphasized the importance of keeping basic services running. Advertisement Advertisement On aid flows, Rose said Israel was reporting truck numbers that reached 600 per day, and he said he did not have reason to doubt the overall count. At the same time, he argued that the mix of goods entering had shifted, with commercial supplies playing a larger role while certain humanitarian items remained restricted for U.N. agencies. He described what he called a two-tier system, where some items blocked from U.N. use could enter through private channels. Beyond the operational discussion, the briefing included explicit advocacy aimed at congressional offices. Kronenfeld urged participants to support legislation described in the meeting as the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025, and she thanked offices already backing efforts to restore U.S. funding, describing the United States as historically UNRWAs largest donor before the funding halt in 2024. UNRWA USA did not respond to multiple requests for comment from Fox News Digital. UNRWA also did not respond. Advertisement Advertisement William Deere, director of the UNRWA Representative Office in Washington, D.C., provided the following statement in response to a request for comment from Fox News Digital: "UNRWA participates in briefings hosted by the UNRWA USA National Committee and attended by bicameral groups of Republican and Democratic staff from Capitol Hill, as well as think tanks and nongovernmental organizations. Briefings like these are important opportunities for the Agency to respond to the government of Israels ongoing disinformation campaign suggesting that UNRWA is no longer actively working in Gaza. Quite the opposite is true. Every day, UNRWA staff are delivering critical services in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In fact, in a recent letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, UNRWA thanked President Trump for negotiating the ceasefire, which allows the world to turn to Gazas future." Click Here To Download The Fox News App Deere added: "In Gaza, UNRWA medical personnel deliver 40 percent of primary healthcare and play a critical role in distributing water, promoting public health through immunization campaigns, pest control, nutrition screenings, and the disposal of solid waste. UNRWA is also leading the way in Gaza education, stepping up its back to learning program, with almost 70,000 children now accessing the Agencys in-person learning activities. The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is also a challenging area in which to work, especially given the various laws approved by the Israeli Knesset, and policymakers are always interested to hear the impacts of these laws firsthand from our experts." Original article source: UNRWA officials lobby congressional staffers against Trump terrorist designation threat Rochelle Bilal, Philadelphias sheriff, warned ICE agents last week: If any of them want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide. Nobody will whisk you off, she said. You dont want this smoke, cause we will bring it to you. On the surface, it sounds like Philly political braggadocio. Sheriffs deputies dont generally spend their time arresting anyone. They serve warrants, guard prisoners and keep court in order. Under other circumstances, Bilals comments could be dismissed as a Democratic elected official throwing red meat at a blue audience. Advertisement Advertisement But shes not alone. Last year, municipal leaders in cities including Chicago, Portland and Charlotte made simple promises for their police not to cooperate with immigration enforcement, and to monitor the activities of ICE for civil remedies. In June, Michelle Wu, Bostons mayor, signed an executive order requiring regular Freedom of Information Act requests of the DHS to learn when and where immigration arrests are made. Last week, Jacob Frey, Minneapoliss mayor, more directly told ICE to get the fuck out of Minneapolis. State or local police arresting federal officers would have been unthinkable last year. But federal agents have never faced widespread accusations of misconduct, as they do now. State law enforcement is increasingly presenting itself as an answer to federal impunity for civil rights violations. Typically, if a federal officer commits an abusive crime, local leaders might expect a federal investigation to lead to charges and an arrest. But administration leaders have essentially said they will not prosecute agents for abuses, beginning with Donald Trumps exhortation for cops to do whatever the hell they want after sending national guard troops to Washington DC. Advertisement Advertisement The X account of the DHS reposted comments made by Stephen Miller the White House senior adviser and architect of Trumps immigration enforcement policies repeating claims of immunity to prosecution in the wake of an ICE officer fatally shooting Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week. 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, Miller said Tuesday on Fox News. 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. At least four senior leaders of the civil rights division of the Department of Justice and six other federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned over how the administration has handled the Good shooting. The rhetoric of Trump, Miller, JD Vance and others suggests not only that federal agents need not fear a federal prosecution, but that they may be pardoned by the outgoing president forestalling any future prosecution. That leaves state and local prosecution as the only legal remedy for crimes by federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement States are legally permitted to prosecute federal officials for state crimes within limits, Bryna Godar, a staff attorney at the University of Wisconsin Law School, wrote in an explainer in July. The limits stem from the federal constitutional principle that states should not be able to undermine federal policy via targeted criminal prosecutions, a doctrine known as supremacy clause immunity. But this principle only applies when federal officials are reasonably acting within the bounds of their lawful federal duties. The supremacy clause doesnt protect agents when they are not acting within the scope of their duties, behave in an egregious or unwarranted manner, or violate federal law, Godar wrote. The increasingly routine activities of federal agents during stepped-up enforcement from complaints of excessive force when using a military-style helicopter raid in Chicago to the shooting of Good in Minneapolis put states and cities in uncharted waters. It just has not been the custom or the practice before 2025, because we were not seeing the kind of behavior were seeing now, said Cristine Soto DeBerry, executive director of Prosecutors Alliance Action, which advocates for prosecutorial reform. What makes it unusual is that nobody is accustomed to thinking that way about other law enforcement or federal agents. State prosecutors have begun gathering evidence. Advertisement Advertisement As ICE agents descended on Canal Street in October to make arrests in New York City, Letitia James, the New York attorney general, launched an online portal to gather evidence of federal misconduct. The next day, Julia Salazar, a New York Democrat, called for arrests. If an ICE officer assaults a New Yorker, that officer must be arrested and prosecuted by state and local authorities, she said in a statement posted to X. The same day, JB Pritzker, the Illinois governor, formed an accountability commission to document the activities of federal immigration officers amid the provocations of their Midway Blitz operation. The stated intent of the commission was to analyze the documented conduct of federal officers during the operation and identify conduct requiring the most urgent corrective action and remediation based on its egregiousness and impact on the community. In the wake of the Minneapolis shooting, Lori Lightfoot, the former Chicago mayor, is now leading an effort to document abuses for future prosecution. Lightfoot was president of the Chicago Police Board and chair of the Chicago police accountability taskforce, which carried out misconduct cases in the Chicago police department, before serving a term as mayor from 2019 to 2023. She said she hoped the information the public provided would start a process that leads to grand juries, investigations and criminal charges when warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Open up a grand jury investigation on the shootings, the killings and the assaults that are very well documented; theres no prohibition on doing that, she said. There are always parallel state and federal criminal investigations. Typically the feds will defer to the state, but if the state is absent and weve got a federal government whos focused on a cover-up not a search for the truth then we got a problem. My hope is that by accumulating this body of evidence, it will be inescapable, she added. Theyll have to look. Theyll have to do something, because the public will demand it. Larry Krasner and Brooke Jenkins district attorneys of Philadelphia and San Francisco, respectively have also called for the arrest of ICE agents who break the law in their districts. On Wednesday, California officials defended two new laws that would permit local police officers to arrest federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement With some exceptions, the No Secret Police Act makes it a misdemeanor crime for police officers including federal officers to wear face masks that conceal their identity while performing their duties. The No Vigilantes Act requires law enforcement officers operating in California who are not uniformed to visibly display identification including their agency and either a name or badge number to the public when performing their enforcement duties. It also requires federal officers to show ID to local cops when approached by one who suspects the federal officer of committing a crime. The laws took effect on 1 January. But a court challenge by federal law enforcement agencies placed it on hold. The Trump administration made their case for a preliminary injunction in front of Judge Christina Snyder in the United States district court of the central district of California on Wednesday. Sergio Albarran, director of the ICE field office in San Francisco, wrote in an affidavit supporting DHS that ICE agents face the threat of doxing and activists using personal information to harass and intimidate agents. Identification leads to local organized crime and transnational criminal organizations targeting officers in serious and potentially deadly ways. The DHS claimed in court that cartels placed bounties on the heads of ICE agents, and that this justifies concealing the identity of agents. The complaint stated that the federal government does not intend to comply with the California law. The DHS relies largely on the supremacy clause in its suit to have Californias new laws blocked. Advertisement Advertisement Taken to its logical conclusion, plaintiffs position would mean federal agents could commit crimes and violate Californians or anyones constitutional rights with impunity, accountable to no one, replied the California attorney generals legal team. Snyder said on Wednesday that she would rule on whether to issue a preliminary injunction soon. But even if Snyder clears local police in California to arrest federal officers, one should not expect a showdown with state police facing off against ICE agents in the street any time soon, DeBerry said. If I were a police officer, I think that my preference would be to document it if I see a crime happening here and allow the prosecuting agency in my jurisdiction to decide if theres enough evidence there and in fact a violation of the law that should be prosecuted, she said. That seems the most calm, clearheaded way to go about it. Nvidia's (NVDA) China business continues to face geopolitical hurdles, which could pose longer-term competitive risks for the AI chipmaker. Ongoing US-China tensions have upended Nvidias sales in what was one of its largest markets. In the companys most recent quarter, revenue from China, which includes Hong Kong, dropped 45% from a year ago to about $3 billion, according to Bloomberg data. And while the Trump administration green-lighted the sale of Nvidias H200 chip to China this week, albeit with a 25% tax, Reuters reported that China is barring imports of the GPUs except in special cases. So far, Nvidia's dominant position in the chip market doesn't appear to have suffered much after the company initially lost access to the Chinese AI market in 2025. It became the first company with a $5 trillion valuation last fall. Despite a decline in China sales, its third quarter revenue overall soared more than 60% during the period to about $57 billion. But over the long term, the Chinese commercial sectors development and use of domestic chips could narrow Nvidias lead on the global stage, Wall Street analysts told Yahoo Finance. They said Nvidia's dominance in AI software could suffer if Chinese tech developers begin making advances in open source alternatives, which would hurt its leadership in hardware as well. That's the real nightmare scenario, Seaport analyst Jay Goldberg said. Nvidias software edge Much of Nvidias competitive edge comes from its software stack. Developers using its AI systems rely on the companys CUDA platform, which includes a library of proprietary tools that lets them program its GPUs efficiently and reinforces the companys dominance in the chip market. As companies build on CUDA, the cost of switching to a new software platform becomes disadvantageous, and they end up sticking with Nvidias offerings, which are only available if developers are programming on Nvidia's GPUs. Hence, the preference for Nvidia's software is key to maintaining its lead in the hardware space. Read more: Are we in an AI bubble? How to protect your portfolio if your AI investments turn against you. Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang speaks at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, on Jan. 6. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) PATRICK T. FALLON via Getty Images While Chinas chip suppliers from tech giants Huawei and Alibaba (BABA) to newly public players such as Moore Threads and MetaX lag Nvidia in the performance capabilities of their chips, theres a risk that the countrys AI developers, forced to use those inferior, domestically-produced chips, will build their own open-source software. Open-source AI software is typically written to run on many different types of chips. US President Donald Trump has threatened to place tariffs on nations that do not go along with his ambitions to annex Greenland. Trump said at a White House meeting that he "may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland", which is a self-governing territory controlled by Denmark. He did not say which countries might be hit with new tariffs, or what authority he would invoke to use such import taxes in pursuit of his goal. Advertisement Advertisement Along with Denmark and Greenland, other countries oppose his plans, and many in the US have expressed scepticism about an acquisition. As Trump spoke, a bipartisan congressional delegation was visiting Greenland to show support for the territory. The 11-member group included Republicans who voiced concerns about the president's calls for the US to somehow acquire Greenland for national security reasons. They met MPs as well as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen. Group leader Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat, said their trip was to listen to the locals and take their views back to Washington "to lower the temperature". Trump has said Greenland is vital for US security - and Washington would get it "the easy way" or "the hard way" - an apparent reference to buying the island or taking it by force. Advertisement Advertisement "I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," Trump said at Friday's White House meeting on rural healthcare. Greenland is sparsely populated but resource-rich and its location between North America and the Arctic makes it well placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks and for monitoring vessels in the region. The US already has more than 100 military personnel permanently stationed at its Pituffik base - a missile-monitoring station on Greenland's north-western tip that has been operated by the US since World War Two. Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US has the power to bring as many troops as it wants to Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement But Trump has said the US needs to "own" it to defend it properly against possible Russian or Chinese attacks. Denmark has warned that military action would spell the end of Nato - the trans-Atlantic defence alliance where the US is the most influential partner. Nato works on the principle that allies have to aid each other in case of attack from outside - it has never faced an option where one member would use force against another. European allies have rallied to Denmark's support. They have also said the Arctic region is equally important to them and that its security should be a joint Nato responsibility - with the US involved. Advertisement Advertisement To this end, several countries including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK have dispatched a small number of troops to Greenland in a so-called reconnaissance mission. French President Emmanuel Macron said "land, air, and sea assets" would soon be sent. Most Greenlanders are opposed to Trump's bid to buy their island or to seize it by force [Reuters] The visit of the US congressional delegation comes days after high-level talks in Washington failed to dissuade Trump from his plans. They include senators and members of the US House of Representatives who are fervent supporters of Nato. Though Coons and the majority of the group are Democratic staunch opponents of Trump, it includes moderate Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski. Advertisement Advertisement Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz said the meeting with US legislators had made her "hopeful". She told the BBC: "We need friends. We need allies." Asked about the wide gulf between the view of the White House and the position of Greenland and Denmark, she said: "It's a marathon, not a short sprint. "The pressure from the US side is something that we've seen since 2019. It would be naive to think that everything is over now." She added: "It's changing almost hour by hour. So as much support as we can get, the better." Murkowski is one of the sponsors of a bipartisan bill aimed at blocking any attempt to annex Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement A Republican congressman has also introduced a rival bill in support of annexing the island. Trump's envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, told Fox News on Friday the US should talk with Greenland's leaders, not Denmark. "I do believe that there's a deal that should and will be made once this plays out," he said. "The president is serious. I think he's laid the markers down. "He's told Denmark what he's looking for, and now it's a matter of having Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio and Vice-President JD Vance make a deal. "The United States has always been a welcoming party. We don't go in there trying to conquer anybody and trying to take over anybody's country. Advertisement Advertisement "We say, 'Listen. We represent liberty. We represented economic strength. We represent protection.'" The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met Vance and Rubio at the White House on Wednesday. According to a Danish official who spoke to the BBC on background to discuss the meeting, the US vice-president proposed finding a "middle ground" that would satisfy Trump and Denmark and Greenland. The official said the possibility of a US military takeover of Greenland had not been raised in the White House meeting. "We have never been in any discussions with any senior official or minister about the prospects of the United States sending in" troops to Greenland, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the Danish official said Denmark was taking Trump's stated goal to seize Greenland seriously. "It is our working hypothesis that on this issue what he says is what he means," the official said. What questions do you have about Trump's first year since returning as President? Click here or use the form below. By Sara Merken NEW YORK, Jan 15 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Thursday dismissed a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit that sought an unredacted statewide voter registration list from California. U.S. District Judge David Carter in Santa Ana said the Justice Department's claims were insufficient under federal civil rights law and voting laws, adding that its demands, which included voter names, dates of birth, drivers license information and partial social security numbers violated privacy laws. Advertisement Advertisement 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, said Carter, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton. The Trump administration's Justice Department filed lawsuits against California and several other mostly Democratic-led states in September for not providing voter registration lists. It cited laws it said allowed the attorney general to demand statewide voter lists and to ensure states effectively maintained voter data. California resisted the request, arguing it was not legally entitled to hand over the voter information. In a statement on Thursday, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber said she would continue to uphold my promise to Californians to protect our democracy and I will continue to challenge this administration's disregard for the rule of law and our right to vote. Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters reported in September that the DOJ was in talks with a division of the Department of Homeland Security about transferring voter roll data for use in criminal and immigration investigations. Trump and many of his allies have long spread unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud, including that immigrants living illegally in the country are voting in large numbers. (Reporting by Sara Merken in New York; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus) By Blake Brittain and Nichola Groom NORFOLK, Virginia, Jan 16 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Friday cleared U.S. power company Dominion Energy to resume work on its Virginia offshore wind project, the third legal blow this week to President Donald Trump's anti-offshore wind agenda. Judge Jamar Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia issued a temporary order that allows Dominion to restart construction on the $11.2 billion project while its lawsuit against Trump's Interior Department proceeds. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, offshore wind developers Orsted and Equinor won similar rulings from a U.S. court in Washington in their litigation over Interior's December 22 suspension of five projects under construction in federal waters. The government paused the projects due to what it said was new, classified information on risks to national security from radar interference. At the hearing in Norfolk, Virginia, Walker said Interior's stop-work order was too broad to address Dominion's specific project and noted that the risks cited by the government pertained to wind farm operations and not construction. The Interior Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement The court decisions in these cases are high stakes for companies and their shareholders because they could allow the multi-billion-dollar projects to be completed, but underlying lawsuits and the administration's aversion to offshore wind will continue to weigh on the sector. Offshore wind developers have faced repeated disruptions under Trump, who says wind turbines are ugly, expensive and inefficient. Dominion has already spent nearly $9 billion on the project and stands to lose $5 million a day during the pause. The facility has been under construction since 2023 and is expected to provide enough energy to power 600,000 homes. (Reporting by Blake Brittain in Norfolk, Virginia and Nichola Groom in Los Angeles; Editing by Chris Reese, Rod Nickel) By David Shepardson AVON LAKE, Ohio, Jan 16 (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Canadian government's decision to allow in up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a low tariff rate is "problematic" and that Canada may come to regret the decision. "I think it's problematic for Canada," Greer told CNBC on Friday. "There's a reason why we don't sell a lot of Chinese cars in the United States. It's because we have tariffs to protect American auto workers and Americans from those vehicles." Advertisement Advertisement Greer said Canada was seeking agriculture tariff relief as part of the EV agreement. "I think in the long run, they're not going to like having made that deal." Greer said rules adopted in January 2025 on vehicles that are connected to the internet and navigation systems are a significant impediment to Chinese vehicles in the U.S. market. "I think it would be hard for them to operate here," Greer said. "There are rules and regulations in place in America about the cybersecurity of our vehicles and the systems that go into those, so I think it might be hard for the Chinese to comply with those kind of rules." Earlier this week, President Donald Trump reiterated comments he made during the 2024 campaign at a speech in Detroit that he would like Chinese automakers to come to the United States to build vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement If they want to come in and build a plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbors, thats great, I love that, Trump said during remarks at a January 13 meeting of the Detroit Economic Club. Let China come in." (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Nia Williams) Members of the Faith and Advocacy Coalition and their supporters chant as they call on lawmakers to strengthen homeless services and expand affordable housing at the Utah State Capitol on Jan. 15, 2026. (Annie Knox, Utah News Dispatch) Pastors, advocates and Democratic lawmakers called on the state Legislature Thursday to get clear on the money and steps needed to help the states homeless find stable housing, including those with severe mental illness, disabilities and substance use disorders. The group of about 100 chanted and prayed together inside the state Capitol, where lawmakers will convene Tuesday for their annual, seven-week legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Our message is simple: If Utah does not immediately begin making serious efforts to produce the housing and appropriate services to end homelessness, then it will soon be too late to avoid the shame of inviting the worlds elite to visit Utah during the 2034 Olympic Games, said Levy Woodruff, chair of the governing board of First United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City. Woodruff said state leaders have focused their discussions in the last decade on building better homeless shelters, but more attention is needed for resources and affordable housing that can help keep people from losing their homes. Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Millcreek, said hes working on a bill that would require the statewide housing analysis advocates are calling for. Utah needs a clear, honest plan for how many homes we need, who they are for and what it will take to get there, especially to protect seniors and people with developmental disabilities from being pushed into homelessness by a cost of living crisis that they did not create, Blouin said. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, two legislative proposals sought to provide more affordable housing by requiring cities of more than 65,000 to allow smaller homes and lots. Both failed to pass. In a wide-ranging interview this week, Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, told Utah News Dispatch that homelessness is a top priority this year but he did not commit to a dollar figure. Ive always said that the goal isnt just to house homeless people or find a spot for them. The goal is to try to get them some help, he said. Were committed to try and tackle homelessness, and were going to do it the Utah way. We know that housing without treatment is not good. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Pressed on how much lawmakers will fund for homelessness, Adams said, The amount of funding, Im not going to commit to right now. But I think well continue to try to do what we can. Were committed to that. Adams said hes a big fan of drug courts to encourage people to either get clean or go to prison. Theres got to be a combination of all of the above to try to get people in a better spot, he said. Gov. Spencer Cox has recommended that lawmakers use $25 million in one-time money and $20 million in ongoing funding for homelessness and criminal justice high utilizers. He has also said a 1,300-bed proposed homeless campus in northwest Salt Lake City is a top priority for his administration, and is meant to help make Utah a pilot state to fulfill President Donald Trumps executive order titled Ending Crime and Disorder on Americas Streets. Advertisement Advertisement Some anti-poverty advocates on Thursday criticized the campus and proposals to use at least some of its beds for civil commitment or forced drug treatment. Pastor Brigette Weier, of St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Taylorsville, sees it as a return to the archaic practice of forcing those with disabilities into segregated settings. Weier said the campus will cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, but theres another cost to our societal soul. Melisha Shaner and her youngest son are pictured at the Utah State Capitol on Jan. 15, 2026.(Annie Knox, Utah News Dispatch) Melisha Shaner of Magna said she and her daughter spent years in and out of homeless shelters before finding stable housing with help from a project-based voucher program. Its still difficult to make ends meet, said Shaner, with Powerful Moms who Care. As her family has grown, child care costs have made it hard for her and her husband to both work full time. Asked by Utah News Dispatch what she wants lawmakers to consider, Shaner said: Keeping roofs over kids heads is the biggest thing. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Department of Veterans Affairs has relaunched efforts to find a new head of veterans benefits following the withdrawal of nominee Karen Brazell last October. The VA has formally convened a commission led by Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence to vet candidates for the position. Unlike most political appointments across the federal government, the undersecretaries of benefits and health must be recommended by a panel that includes advocates, industry representatives and previous members of VA leadership before they are nominated by the president. Karen Brazell, a senior adviser to VA Secretary Doug Collins, was selected last June for the position, which is responsible for overseeing nearly $200 billion in benefits and aid to veterans and their dependents. Advertisement Advertisement During her confirmation hearing in September, Brazell an Army veteran and military spouse who worked in the VAs office of enterprise integration during the first Trump administration received support from Republicans on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. But from the start of her nomination process, Senate Democrats had voiced concern over her role as Collins senior adviser during a period that saw the VA planning to shed roughly 70,000 jobs. At Brazells confirmation, Democrats also pressed her for assurances that veterans benefits would not be reduced under her watch through methods previously advocated by conservatives such as eliminating payments to veterans rated 20% or less or providing disability compensation based on income calculations. In response to questions from ranking member Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Brazell said she would review operations across the Veterans Benefits Administration and would follow the law. Advertisement Advertisement Brazell then withdrew her nomination in October for personal reasons. Margarita Devlin, VBAs principal deputy undersecretary for benefits, is currently acting in the undersecretarys role. The VA last had a permanent undersecretary in January 2025, when Josh Jacobs, who held the post for nearly two years, resigned at the start of the new administration. Jacobs nomination also was not without controversy. While he sailed through his confirmation hearing in February 2023, a key Republican senator, Chuck Grassley of Iowa, later threatened to block his nomination because he felt that Jacobs, who previously served as acting undersecretary of benefits, was evasive in answering Grassleys concerns over whistleblower complaints. He was confirmed in a 74-25 vote. Advertisement Advertisement According to the VA, the department has reduced the backlog of disability claims decisions defined as filings 125 days and older by 60% in the past year. VBA also housed nearly 52,000 homeless veterans in 2025, the highest number in seven years. The Senate confirmed Air Force Reserve Maj. Gen. John Bartrum, the VAs nominee for undersecretary for health, in December in a 53-43 vote. Bartrum served much of his Air Force career in medical administration. He served as a mobilization assistant to the Air and Space Force surgeon general and was assigned as deputy incident manager in emergency support functions for the COVID-19 epidemic. In his civilian capacity, he was a professional staff member of the House Appropriations Committee for more than eight years, working on labor, education and health issues, including infectious diseases such as Ebola. Two weeks after United States special forces abducted Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado visited the White House for her first in-person meeting with US President Donald Trump. With Venezuelas future uncertain, and Trump seemingly in a position of authority to determine who might lead the South American country, Machado placed her recently won Nobel Peace Prize in the hands of a man who has coveted the award for years. The two posed for a photo in front of the Declaration of Independence in the Oval Office, and Trump smiled big as he clasped onto a large golden frame encasing the medal. Advertisement Advertisement But does the prize now belong to Trump, and could it change the US presidents course of action when it comes to Venezuela? Did Trump accept the Nobel Peace Prize? ABC News later quoted an unnamed White House official confirming that Trump had agreed to keep the award. It was my Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today. She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much, Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday. Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria! Why did Machado win the Prize? Machado, 58, is the leader of the Venezuelan opposition party, Vente Venezuela. She is also one of Maduros staunchest critics. Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, she won the Venezuelan oppositions presidential primary, placing her in a prime position to challenge longtime leader Maduro in the 2024 presidential elections. However, Venezuelas top court, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, upheld a ban stopping Machado from running for office. The court backed government claims that she supported US sanctions, was linked to a weapons plot through her party and had helped cause losses to Venezuelan assets like the US-based oil refiner Citgo and chemicals company Monomeros, which operates in Colombia. Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a diplomat, replaced her as presidential candidate for the opposition bloc. Machado campaigned for him. However, Maduro won the election, continuing to hold onto his presidential seat, which he has held since 2013. The election was disputed and earned widespread accusations of fraud from within and outside Venezuela, including from a panel of United Nations experts. Nine Latin American countries demanded a review of the election results in the presence of independent observers. Advertisement Advertisement After spending more than a year in hiding and defying a decade-long travel ban imposed by Venezuelan authorities, Machado secretly left Venezuela in December to travel to Oslo to collect her prize. While announcing her win, the Nobel Committee said Machado was receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. Why did Machado give Trump the Nobel Prize? Trumps longstanding desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize is well known. Before the prize for 2025 was announced, Trump repeatedly suggested that he deserved to win it and claimed it would be a big insult to the US if he did not. Speaking at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September 2025, Trump said, Everyone says I should get the Nobel Peace Prize. Advertisement Advertisement Trump added, I ended seven wars. No president or prime minister has ever done anything close to that. The wars he claimed to have ended include conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand; Kosovo and Serbia; the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda; Pakistan and India; Israel and Iran; Egypt and Ethiopia; and Armenia and Azerbaijan. Subsequently, Trump also oversaw the signing of the Gaza ceasefire deal. In reality, analysts have pointed out, several of these conflicts are still alive Thailand and Cambodia have fired at each other since their truce; Israel has killed more than 450 Palestinians in Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10; and tensions remain high between India and Pakistan. Trump has openly expressed his frustration with not winning the Nobel Peace Prize. I single-handedly ENDED 8 WARS, and Norway, a NATO Member, foolishly chose not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on January 7. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which determines who wins the prize, is independent from the government of Norway. Advertisement Advertisement The White House posted a picture of Trump and Machado with the framed prize. The text on the frame read: Presented as a personal symbol of gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan people, in recognition of President Trumps principled and decisive action in pursuit of a free Venezuela. After her meeting with Trump, Machado told reporters it was excellent and that she presented Trump with the medal as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. Salvador Santino Regilme, an associate professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands, told Al Jazeera: The prize presentation reads as a strategic gift aimed at converting moral capital into transactional political support from a leader who prizes spectacle and personal loyalty. It was likely meant to lock in attention, flatter Trumps long-standing desire for prestige, and create a public tie that is harder for him to ignore when making Venezuela policy. She clearly gained visibility and a headline-grabbing frame, but current reporting does not show that she secured the decisive outcome she needs, namely explicit US endorsement of her leadership claim over other contenders. Does that mean the Nobel Prize is Trumps now? Under the statutes of the Nobel Foundation, a Nobel Prize cannot be revoked, reallocated, or transferred to another person. Once a prize has been awarded, the decision is final and permanent. Advertisement Advertisement The statutes of the Nobel Foundation are the formal rules that govern how the Nobel system works in practice. While Trump can hold the physical prize, it has still been awarded to Machado, which is a decision that will continue to stand. The Nobel Peace Center account on X, the official account of the museum about the Nobel Peace Prize, reiterated this in an X post on Wednesday. A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot, the post says. On Friday, the Nobel Peace Prize website posted a statement titled The Nobel Prize and the Laureate Are Inseparable. Regardless of what may happen to the medal, the diploma, or the prize money, it is and remains the original laureate who is recorded in history as the recipient of the prize. Even if the medal or diploma later comes into someone elses possession, this does not alter who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement The statement went on to list other Nobel Laureates who have given away or sold their medal. For example, former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan won the Peace Prize in 2001. Annan passed away in 2018 and in 2024, his widow Nane Annan donated his medal and diploma to the United Nations Office in Geneva, where they are now permanently on display. The #NobelPeacePrize medal. It measures 6.6 cm in diameter, weighs 196 grams and is struck in gold. On its face, a portrait of Alfred Nobel and on its reverse, three naked men holding around each others shoulders as a sign of brotherhood. A design unchanged for 120 years. Did pic.twitter.com/Jdjgf3Ud2A Nobel Peace Center (@NobelPeaceOslo) January 15, 2026 What does this mean for Venezuela? On January 3, Maduro, 63, was abducted by special forces of the US during an operation in the Latin American countrys capital, Caracas. Since his abduction, Venezuela has been confronted by questions over who will lead it and whom Trump would back for the role. The US president quickly ruled out the possibility of supporting Machado as the leader of Venezuela. She doesnt have the support within or the respect within the country. Shes a very nice woman, but she doesnt have the respect, Trump said about Machado during a news conference on January 3. Advertisement Advertisement On January 4, The Washington Post reported, quoting two anonymous sources close to the White House, that Trump had withheld support from Machado because he was upset that she had accepted the Nobel even though she had dedicated it to him instead of refusing it. One of these people said Machado accepting the award was the ultimate sin, while the other person told the Post: If she had turned it down and said, I cant accept it because its Donald Trumps, shed be the president of Venezuela today. Instead, Trump has backed Maduros deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, who was sworn in as Venezuelas interim president. Rodriguez has expressed eagerness to work with the US. During the meeting between Machado and Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that while Trump had been looking forward to meeting Machado, he stood by his realistic view that Machado lacks the backing required to lead the country for now. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Trump spoke to Rodriguez over a phone call on Wednesday. In a post on Truth Social that day, Trump described the call as very good. 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 described the conversation as long, productive and courteous, saying they discussed a bilateral agenda aimed at benefitting both countries. Regilme from Leiden University said that while Trump could back Machado, but any backing would likely be conditional on his cost-benefit calculus rather than a principled commitment to democratic restoration. He explained that reporting indicates Trump has praised Machado while also signaling doubts about her political viability, a pattern consistent with keeping an option open without paying the costs of commitment. If his priority is a stable interlocutor who can deliver on energy, migration, and security concerns, he may prefer deal-making with whoever controls coercive and administrative machinery on the ground. So backing is plausible, but it may be shallow, reversible, and subordinated to transactional governance goals. Machado left the White House carrying an official gift bag a red paper bag stamped with Trumps gold facsimile signature. It was less clear whether she departed with any better sense of where she stands in Washingtons plans for Venezuelas future. Jan. 15 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Thursday greeted Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House where she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, which he accepted. Machado, leader of the Venezuela's center-right Vente Venezuela party, was awarded the medal, which Trump heavily campaigned for, last year for her work to promote democratic rights in her South American nation. "It was a Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. "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." Advertisement Advertisement In presenting the medal to Trump, she said it is a symbol of the unity of their two peoples on the ideals of freedom, sovereignty and democratic dignity. "It is also a profound expression of gratitude for the invaluable support of President Trump and the United States for the Venezuelan people in this decisive struggle for our independence and the restoration of popular sovereignty," she said, according to a statement from her Vente Venezuela party. The American president has long sought to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Machado first publicly offered to give her medal to Trump earlier this month for the U.S. military operation that resulted in the seizure of Venezuela's authoritarian president, Nicolas Maduro. The Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute responded to the situation with a statement that "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 statement it reiterated on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement "A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot," it said. During her visit to Washington, Machado also visited with Republican and Democrat lawmakers at the Capitol. "I want to assure you that we are going to turn Venezuela into a free and safe country, and into the strongest ally the United States has ever had in this region -- when Venezuela is free," she said. Ahead of Venezuela's 2024 election, Machado won her primary bid to oppose Maduro, but was banned from running. Candidate Edmundo Gonzalez was widely seen as having won the election, but the state-run election agency named Maduro the winner. Advertisement Advertisement Machado then left the country. Despite the removal of Maduro, Maduro's government remains in power, with Delcy Rodriguez, former vice president of Venezuela, serving as the country's interim leader. "If one day, as acting president, I have to go to Washington, I will do so with my head held high, not on my knees," Rodriguez told lawmakers Thursday in a jab at Machado. Verizon is offering customers impacted by a seven-hour outage a $20 credit, the company confirmed to USA TODAY. The nation's largest wireless network outage began around 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 14, and impacted more than 1.5 million customers, according to data service outage resource Downdetector. There is no indication that the service interruption was the result of a cyberattack, but rather a software issue still under investigation, according to a Verizon statement released on Thursday, Jan. 15. How much will Verizon customers impacted by the outage receive? Verizon customers impacted by the outage will receive a $20 credit, available in the myVerizon mobile app, the company confirmed. When will Verizon customers receive their credits? Verizon, as of Jan. 15, did not provide a specific day or time the $20 credit would be available. As of 3:30 p.m. ET, USA TODAY staff impacted by the outage said they had not received the credit. Advertisement Advertisement Customers who will receive a credit will be notified by text message, a Verizon statement said. Where did the Verizon outage occur? The outage was widespread across the United States, with the highest reported concentrations in New York City, Atlanta, Charlotte, North Carolina, Houston and Brooklyn, New York, per Downdetector. A handout image of the Downdetector Verizon outage map as of just before 6:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 14, 2026. What caused the Verizon outage? The widespread outage was due to a software issue and the company is "conducting a full review of what happened," a Verizon statement obtained by USA TODAY said. In September 2024, a similarly widespread Verizon outage impacted more than 100,000 people and was reportedly probed by the Federal Communications Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Verizon to offer $20 credit after outage, service issues Verizon customers are eligible for a payment from the carrier following a seven-hour outage that affected much of the U.S., including parts of South Carolina. The outage of the nation's largest wireless network began around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, impactingmore than 1.5 million customers, according to Downdetector.com. USA TODAY reported that there is no indication the service interruption was caused by a cyberattack. A software issue, which is still under investigation, according to a Jan. 15 Verizon statement, is apparently to blame for the outage. Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the outage, the payments and more. How to get a Verizon outage payment credit Affected customers can use their myVerizon mobile app to request a compensation payment for the outage, the company confirmed. How much are the Verizon outage credits? Verizon customers impacted by the outage will receive a $20 credit. When will the $20 Verizon credit arrive? Verizon, as of Jan. 15, did not provide a specific day or time the $20 credit would be available. As of 3:30 p.m. ET, USA TODAY staff impacted by the outage said they had not received the credit. Customers who will receive a credit will be notified by text message, a Verizon statement said. How long was the Verizon outage on Jan. 14? The Verizon outage lasted roughly seven hours, beginning around 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Where did the Verizon outage occur? The outage was widespread across the United States, with the highest reported concentrations in New York City, Atlanta, Houston, Brooklyn and Charlotte, per Downdetector. The outage affected more than 1.5 million customers. What caused the Verizon outage? The widespread outage was due to a software issue and the company is "conducting a full review of what happened," a Verizon statement obtained by USA TODAY said. Advertisement Advertisement In September 2024, a similar widespread Verizon outage impacted more than 100,000 people and was reportedly probed by the Federal Communications Commission. Greta Cross, USA TODAY NETWORK, contributed to this report. Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: How much is the Verizon outage credit? What caused the outage? India hopes to make its own rare earth magnets for domestic use [Bloomberg via Getty Images] In November 2025, India approved a 73bn-rupee ($800m; 600m) plan that could help it to cut its dependence on China in one of the most strategic corners of the global supply chain: rare earth magnets. These small but powerful components sit at the heart of modern life - used in everything from electric vehicles and wind turbines to smartphones, medical scanners, and defence equipment. Developing a full rare earths ecosystem is expensive, complex and time-consuming. By focusing on magnets instead, one of the most widely used rare-earth products, India aims to achieve self-reliance more quickly. But its success will depend on how fast the country can master technology, secure materials and scale up, experts say. Under the scheme, selected manufacturers will receive capital and sales-linked incentives to produce 6,000 tonnes of permanent magnets a year within seven years. The aim is to meet rising domestic demand, which officials expect to double in five years. Industry experts warn that money alone will not be enough. India today imports 80- 90% of its magnets and related materials from China, which controls more than 90% of global rare earth processing. Official figures show the country imported some $221m worth of magnets and related raw material in 2025. That dependence was exposed last year when China tightened exports during a trade dispute, hitting Indian carmakers and electronics firms, and forcing the electric vehicle (EV) industry to explore alternatives to rare earth magnets altogether. The disruption was temporary, but the lesson lingered - without a sovereign rare earths strategy, entire industries remain vulnerable. India is not alone in scrambling for alternatives. The EU, Australia and others have launched similar efforts to loosen China's grip. For many countries, "the timing of the controls came as a surprise", says Rajnish Gupta, a tax and economic policy specialist at EY India. India's challenge, however, is more complex. Neodymium is a type of rare earth element used to make powerful magnets [Bloomberg via Getty Images] For one, it lacks industrial expertise. Countries such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have spent years refining magnet-making technology. India in comparison has virtually no commercial-scale experience, experts say. "This is a good step in the right direction, but it's only a start," says Neha Mukherjee of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a consulting firm that deals with batteries and rare earth elements. "India will need strategic partnerships to import technology, skill up its workforce and then build its own capabilities." Dr PV Sunder Raju, chief scientist at the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), echoed the concern. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Fire crews across the state are on high alert with strong winds set to sweep across the state. It sets up the risk for blowing dust and dangerous wildfires. The effort to put out potential fires on Friday will include volunteer fire departments. The Kansas Forest Service tells KSN most departments in northwest Kansas are staffed by volunteers. Jon Roberts, fire chief for the all-volunteer Burrton Consolidated Fire District, says his 35 years with the station started with a surprise. Advertisement Advertisement I was probably about 18 years old at the time, working for the city part-time in the summer, Roberts said. The fire chief at the time said they had a fire call and said, Hey, come with me.' But what started as an offer to get involved became a choice Roberts still makes every day. He now leads a department of 20 volunteer firefighters. State mobilizes to station aid in northwest Kansas ahead of extreme wildfire risk He says community support is at the core of their efforts, but adds that the work has often meant making big sacrifices. It put a lot of stress on my wife because she had to pick up the slack when Id get a call, and even at home, when you get a call, everything stops, Roberts said. Advertisement Advertisement In small Kansas towns like Burrton, volunteer departments are often the closest option. National Volunteer Fire Council Chair Steve Hirsch said they cut back on precious seconds when people get into car accidents or experience medical emergencies. Hirsch and Roberts both say that the importance of volunteer fire departments largely lies in the fact that they fill a crucial gap in service. If there werent any volunteer fire departments, I dont know who would be able to put out fires, Hirsch said. He adds that they are often also the most sustainable option for the people they serve. A lot of these are small communities, Hirsch said. They dont have the resources to be able to have career firefighters, nor do they have the call volume. 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. 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. KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country for 40 years, had an early lead Friday in a tense presidential election marred by an internet shutdown, voting delays and opposition allegations of ballot stuffing and detentions by security forces. Provisional results from half of the polling stations tallied so far showed Museveni with more than 70% of the vote while his main challenger Robert Kyagulanyi, the musician-turned-opposition leader best known as Bobi Wine, had 19%, according to the national electoral commission. Wine asked his supporters to ignore fake results being announced. Activists protesting against the election results so far lit bonfires in the capital, Kampala, on Friday afternoon as the provisional results were being announced. The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert urging its citizens to be cautious as security officers were "firing into the air to disperse gatherings". Advertisement Advertisement The 81-year-old Museveni has served the third-longest tenure of any African leader and is seeking to extend his rule into a fifth decade. The aging presidents authority has become increasingly dependent on the military, which is led by his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Wine, who is calling for political change, said he was unable to leave his house and that his polling agents in rural areas were abducted before the voting started, undermining his efforts to prevent alleged electoral offenses such as ballot stuffing. Wine was hoping to end Museveni's four-decade rule in an election during which the military was deployed and heavy security was posted outside Wine's house near Kampala, the Ugandan capital, after the vote. He is a person of interest. He is a contestant, police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke told local broadcaster NBS, suggesting heavy security deployment around Wines home was for his own security. Advertisement Advertisement Several people were killed and others were injured in a violent incident in central Uganda that involved supporters of two parliamentary candidates, Rusoke said. He said that more than 20 opposition supporters were arrested. Rusoke also said police had dispersed a group of rowdy and riotous youth in Kawempe, an area of Kampala. Witnesses in Kawempe said they heard gunfire as police in the streets dispersed protesters disputing the victory of a rival parliamentary candidate. The security forces were a constant presence throughout the election campaign, and Wine said authorities followed him and harassed his supporters, using tear gas against them. He campaigned in a flak jacket and helmet due to his security fears. Wine wrote Thursday on X that a senior official in his party in charge of Uganda's western region had been arrested. He charged that there was massive ballot stuffing everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Rural Uganda, especially the western part of the country, is a ruling-party stronghold, and the opposition would be disadvantaged by not having polling agents present during vote counting. To try to improve his chances of winning, Wine had urged his supporters to protect the vote by having witnesses document alleged offenses at polling stations, in addition to deploying official polling agents. Wine faced similar setbacks when he first ran for president five years ago. Museveni took 58% of the vote, while Wine got 35%, according to official results then. Wine said at the time that the election had been rigged in favor of Museveni, who has spoken disparagingly of his rival. Volusia and Flagler residents awoke Friday, Jan. 16, to bone-chilling temps and a cold weather advisory from the National Weather Service in Melbourne, as some temperatures along the coast and inland overnight dipped as low as 25 degrees. From the ice-covered ferneries in West Volusia, to wind-whipped Flagler Beach, to the nearly empty Daytona Beach Pier, here's a look at how locals and tourists handled the latest blast of artic air. Along Daytona Beach: 'It's still warmer than Minnesota' Lynda Hicks braves the cold on Jan. 16, 2026, next to the Daytona Beach Pier. The temperature, which was around 40 degrees at the time, wasn't much of a challenge for the Minnesota resident. The Daytona Beach Pier was mostly empty around 9 a.m. on Friday aside from a crew working on the structure. Advertisement Advertisement The beach was sparsely populated, too, and even the birds huddled together in large clusters like folks around a campfire. Lynda Hicks was one of the few visitors braving the cold for a walk on the beach, while lightly bundled up in a hoodie. The Minnesota resident has seen much worse at home with temperatures reaching 20 and 30 below zero at times. I dont mind it, she said of the crisp Florida morning. Its still warmer than Minnesota. Sheldon Gardner West Volusia ferneries: 'It got cold, really cold' White steam rises from fernery coverings in Pierson following overnight temperatures that one farmer said fell to 26 degrees. A hazy steam rose from the top of black saran that covered ferneries in Pierson on Friday, as the rising sun melted sheets of ice that protected the green plants from overnight freezing temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Under the covering, a mist hung over the leatherleaf fern, some with icicles hanging from their leaves. Frost was visible on lawns during a drive through Pierson and Seville, and horses were bundled in blankets to keep them warm in freezing weather. As temperatures rose to the higher 30s, fern growers like Greg Dickson drove from field to field, turning off diesel engines that kept well water pumping all night to form a protective layer of ice on the plants. "It got cold, really cold," said Dickson at his fernery on Vannote Road. "I had a reading of 26 last night." Dickson said it was too early to say how much damage his ferneries sustained, but noted that the young fern with yellowish green-like tint did were hurt. Advertisement Advertisement "We will wait for it to warm up to see how much damage there is," he added. Dickson was hopeful for rising temperatures as he prepared to harvest as much of the fern that was not damaged for Valentine's Day. "People will be coming to cut shortly," he said. Patricio G. Balona Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach: 'Bundled up and ready' By 8 a.m. in New Smyrna Beach, the 33-degree wind chill was cutting through the entire stretch of Flagler Avenue. The quiet hum of an Ella Fitzgerald song, playing from the speakers outside Ciao Bella restaurant, echoed through the air, not competing with the usual hustle and bustle of cars and people that give the popular downtown district its reputation. Advertisement Advertisement The scene was in stark contrast to what those who live and work in the area are used to seeing most days. Its been a lot slower, said Erin Abraham, behind the counter of GoJuice, a juice shop truck near the Coronado Civic Center. There is a lot less people on Flagler than normal this time of day. The few customers she had served Friday morning all had winter coats and jackets. Another unusual sight was the empty shuffleboard courts right next to the truck, which are usually filled with players in the morning. I think everyone is just trying to stay away from the cold as much as they can, but if theyre coming out theyre coming bundled up and ready, Abraham said. Advertisement Advertisement But those few who did brave the cold seemed to enjoy the unusual peace and quiet of a sunny, cold morning on Flagler Avenue. Kevin ODonnell is always at one of the tables by the boardwalk at Flagler Avenue Beachfront Park. The cold, he said, would never stop him from his routine. Its like they say over in England where its misty and cold, Its not bad weather. Its ill-prepared people and how theyre dressed,' ODonnell said. The weather doesnt adapt to me, I have to adapt to the weather. Originally a Dayton, Ohio native, O'Donnell said he spent some time in the Buckeye State a while back, but flew home to New Smyrna Beach to escape the harsh northern cold. Advertisement Advertisement People say to me, Dont you get tired of going down to the beach every day? And I say I never get tired of it, ODonnell said. Every day is a whole new day; the waves are different; three guys were out there surfing earlier I mean, its just so relaxing. I love the beach. Brenno Carillo In Flagler Beach, cold weather 'got rid of some mosquitoes, maybe' A man who said he goes by "Kentucky" but said his name is John Johnson didn't let the frigid temperatures on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, stop him from enjoying his usual morning ritual of enjoying the sunshine on a bench off the Flagler Beach boardwalk. Claudia and Larry Brosnan walk along the Flagler Beach boardwalk every day. The couple was bundled up in heavy jackets and a hood and cap. They said there were much fewer people walking today. Its nice weather, Claudia Brosnan said. Its beautiful, sunny. We love Flagler, she added. We love to come down here because of the boardwalk. Advertisement Advertisement Her husband agreed. The Brosnans are cold weather veterans. Snowbirds from Minneapolis, they live part of the year in Ormond Beach. But they had more on their minds than the freezing temperatures in Flagler County: the couple said Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE was embedded in their Minneapolis neighborhood. We hate them. Its our neighborhood in Minneapolis, she said. Larry Brosnan said he grew up blocks away from where an ICE agent, identified as Jonathan Ross, shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. Its kind of sad, he said. His wife agreed. So, weve been kind of upset, Claudia Brosnan said. Advertisement Advertisement John Johnson, who said he was a local known as Kentucky, was sitting on a bench off the boardwalk as he does most mornings. Like worship service on Sunday, I try not to miss, Johnson said. He was bundled up for the weather and pointed out the positive to the chilly temperatures. We got rid of some mosquitos, maybe, he said. His friend, Mark Nelson, had a jacket on but no socks. I stepped out briefly. I need to do laundry today, Nelson said. The two mentioned global warming and wondered about the cooler mornings, the upper atmosphere and the earths magnetism. We are getting scientific, now, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement I think things can be reversed with a more virtual look and satellite capabilities way up there, Nelson said. Frank Fernandez This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Residents, tourists in Volusia, Flagler did their best to fight cold Jan. 19 is observed throughout the United States as a holiday honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The holiday was officially established, in part, by a 1983 bill sponsored by Gary native and U.S. Rep. Katie Hall, and was first observed on Jan. 20, 1986. In an effort to bring community members together, several organizations across Northwest Indiana are hosting events to commemorate Kings birthday and legacy. Below is a list of events in Gary and the surrounding communities. Gary Martin Luther King Day Celebration Jan. 17, 1 to 2 p.m. Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education 218 S. Lake St., Gary Advertisement Advertisement The Indiana Dunes National Park will screen the film I Have a Dream to honor King and the legacy of other civil rights activists of the era. 40th Anniversary Celebration Jan. 18, 3 p.m. First Baptist Church 626 W. 21st Ave., Gary The Katie Hall Educational Foundation will observe the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day becoming a national holiday, highlighting the role that the former U.S. representative played to make sure it came to fruition. The day will feature a keynote speaker, gospel singing, historical speeches, and a showing of U.S. Representative Katie Hall: Dr. MLK, Jr. Day, an animated movie depicting a fictional conversation between Hall and President Ronald Reagan following the bills signing on Nov. 2. MBTP MLK Community Summit Jan 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Js Breakfast Club 2601 Broadway, Gary Advertisement Advertisement Organizers describe the event as a day on, not a day off, focused on community service and education. Community members are invited to bring food, medical supplies, donations, and more to help community members. Merrillville MLK Day of Service Jan 18, 2 p.m. Dean and Barbara White Community Center 6600 Broadway, Merrillville Admission: Four perishable food items The Sigma Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will host a walk to end hunger and honor Kings legacy through a day of community service. Hammond MLK March and Celebration Jan 19, 6:30 to 8 a.m. Dr. Martin Luther King Park 59 Columbia Ave., Hammond Advertisement Advertisement Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr., city officials, and community organizations invite residents to participate in the annual march and celebration. The lineup begins at Freedom Plaza, with the march concluding at the Hammond Civic Center. Participants are encouraged to bring flashlights and candles. East Chicago MLK Candlelight Vigil March Jan. 19, 6:30 a.m. Subway Parking Lot 2204 Columbus Drive, East Chicago The I Too Sing America organization of Northwest Indiana is collaborating with Greater Destiny Bible Church. This years theme, Mission Possible II, will kick off with a candlelight march to the Greater Destiny Bible Church at 1920 E. Columbus Drive, where pastors Donald Ramirez and Eric Boone Sr. will speak. Valapariso MLK Celebration Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m. to noon Chapel of the Resurrection 1600 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso Advertisement Advertisement Valparaiso University will host its annual MLK Day convocation featuring a choir performance, award presentation, and a keynote address from state Rep. Ragen Hatcher. Chesterton Free MLK Day Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chesterton Art Center 115 S. Fourth St., Chesterton Participants will have the opportunity to create art and poetry while celebrating the power of words. Activities include word-based art projects, including a letterpress activity, storytelling at 1 p.m., personal stories, and poetry readings. Westville MLK Jr. Community Event Jan. 19, 7:45 to 9:30 a.m. Purdue Northwest University Westville Campus, The Great Hall 1401 South U.S. 421, Westville, free Advertisement Advertisement Purdue Northwest invites community members to the Westville campus for a breakfast buffet, community conversations, a chorus performance by Krueger Middle School, and words from Chancellor Kenneth Holford, Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, and a keynote address from Kiahna Davis. The post Where to Celebrate MLK Day 2026 in Gary and Northwest Indiana appeared first on Capital B Gary. As crisis conditions grip Minneapolis in the wake of the Renee Good shooting, Trump administration officials have repeatedly suggested that the left needs to lower the rhetorical volume. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, for example, insisted this week that rhetoric does cause violence. Todd Lyons, the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, similarly condemned heated rhetoric shortly after White House border czar Tom Homan declared, There will be more bloodshed unless we decrease the hateful rhetoric. There was a degree of irony to the circumstances. After all, the White House has spent the last week condemning Good as a deranged lunatic and a terrorist, both characterizations that suggest it has no problem with heated rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, given the widespread violence and unrest in Minneapolis, singling out word choice as the principal problem is hard to take seriously. And yet here was White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stressing a related point at Thursdays briefing. The Democrat [sic] Party has demeaned [ICE agents], she said. Theyve even referred to them as Nazis and as the Gestapo, and that is absolutely leading to the violence were seeing in the streets. The presidents chief spokesperson went on to show reporters photographs of people using the f-word and giving the middle finger. What Leavitt didnt mention was that just 48 hours earlier, Donald Trump also used f-word and pointed his middle finger at someone who dared to criticize him. Advertisement Advertisement And while the White House press secretary seemed appalled that people would equate federal agents with the Gestapo, Leavitt might not be aware that Trump, in 2022 and 2023, also referred to federal agents as the Gestapo 20 times. If Leavitt is correct and such comparisons absolutely lead to violence, why did her boss make the comparison so frequently? To date, she hasnt said. The broader problem comes up all the time. Vice President JD Vance appeared on Fox News after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed to comment about incendiary rhetoric: What is it that you want them to do when you call them fascist? It might have seemed like a reasonable point, except Trump has called his political opponents fascists many times. Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters, You cant call the other side fascists and enemies of the state and not understand that there are some deranged people in our society who will take that as cues to act. But not only has Trump repeatedly called Democratic leaders fascists, hes also condemned his perceived political foes as enemies of the people, the enemy within, threats to democracy and evil. The underlying point is simple: The White House and its Republican allies believe everyone would be better off if the left didnt sound so much like Trump. The post The White House wants the left to stop sounding so much like Trump appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her final State of the State address outlining her policy vision for her last year in office on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Whitmer cannot seek reelection due to term limits. This year, Michigan voters will decide who will replace her. The governor will deliver her speech at 7 p.m. in the chambers of the Michigan House of Representatives before a joint session of the Michigan Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement "I look forward to delivering my 2026 State of the State Address where I will lay out my plan to build on our years of strong, bipartisan progress and strategic, fiscally responsible leadership," Whitmer said in a statement. "By working across the aisle, we have cut taxes by a $1 billion for seniors and working families, fed every student free school meals, built thousands of new homes, and made good on my promise to fix the damn roads. I look forward to sharing my vision for how we continue getting things done so everyone can build a brighter future in Michigan." In a news release, her office indicated that she plans to lay out proposals for job creation, housing, lowering costs and education. She has already laid out some goals for 2026. She has named literacy as her top priority for her final year in office. In a recent speech at the Detroit Auto Show, she implored lawmakers to pass a budget by the June deadline required by state law after they blew past it last year, approving a final spending plan late. She also reiterated her call for new bipartisan economic development legislation after lawmakers declined last year to fund a corporate subsidy program she has championed to fund electric-vehicle and other projects to retain and bring new jobs to Michigan. Finally, she called for lowering the eligibility age for Michigan Reconnect which provides a tuition-free path to earning an associate's degree or skills certificate from 25 to 21 years old. Michigan Politics: Whitmer looks at the road ahead in her final auto show swing How to watch Whitmer's final State of the State Local television channels throughout the state will air Whitmer's address. It will also be streamed online at michigan.gov/StateOfTheState, facebook.com/GovGretchenWhitmer/ and on the governor's YouTube channel. Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to deliver State of the State speech Feb. 25 Given former Rep. Billy Longs record, it was never altogether clear why the White House chose him to lead the Internal Revenue Service. The Missouri Republican was outrageously unqualified, he was plagued by serious controversies, and he was on record trying to eliminate the agency he was nominated to oversee. Donald Trump pushed GOP senators to confirm Long anyway, and they did as they were told. His tenure, however, was short-lived: Long led the IRS for just 53 days before the president removed him and nominated him instead to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Iceland. Hows that working out? It could be better. Politico reported: First Greenland, next Iceland? Reykjavik is concerned about Americas growing territorial ambitions, after POLITICO reported that President Donald Trumps nominee for ambassador to Iceland Billy Long joked in Washington that Iceland will be the 52nd U.S. state and hell be governor. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has contacted the U.S. Embassy in Iceland to verify the veracity of the alleged comments, Icelands foreign ministry said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Evidently, Long recently ran into Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, whos also serving as Trumps special envoy to Greenland, at which point the former congressman joked about making Iceland the nations 52nd state. (Canada, evidently, was envisioned as the 51st state.) The attempt at humor was not well received. Politicos report noted that Icelanders launched a petition urging Foreign Minister Katrin Gunnarsdottir to reject him as ambassador. These words of Billy Long, who Donald Trump has nominated as ambassador to Iceland, may have been said in half-hearted terms, but they are insulting to Iceland and Icelanders, who have had to fight for their freedom and have always been a friend of the United States, the petition says. Long backpedaled soon after, telling Arctic Today, [I]f anyone took offense to it, then I apologize. Advertisement Advertisement Whether this affects Longs confirmation remains to be seen (hes still awaiting a vote in the Senate), but its worth appreciating the context: Icelanders might have been inclined to shrug this off if the increasingly imperialistic Trump administration hadnt already launched an effort to acquire Greenland, Canada, the Panama Canal and the Gaza Strip. Given this context, its tough to blame Iceland for expressing discomfort with Longs undiplomatic joke. The post Why Billy Longs joke about Iceland becoming an American state was not well received appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now TOPEKA (KSNT) Governor Laura Kelly is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in three northeast Kansas counties this weekend. Kelly issued the order on Jan. 16 in a press release for Pottawatomie, Jackson and Wabaunsee Counties. Flags are to fly at the half-staff position from sunup to sundown on Saturday, Jan. 17 in honor of former Kansas State Representative and Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson who died recently. Richard Carlson had a long career of public service, from his time serving in the Kansas Army National Guard to the Kansas Legislature and the Kansas Department of Transportation, Kelly said. My condolences go out to his friends, family, and former colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Will the KBI move its headquarters in Topeka soon? For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. The Gambias landmark case, accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against its mostly Muslim Rohingya minority, began in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this week. The Gambias attorney general and justice minister, Dawda A Jallow, told ICJ judges on Monday that the Rohingya were targeted for destruction by Myanmars government, as the cases final hearing opened nearly a decade after the countrys military launched an offensive that forced some 750,000 Rohingya from their homes, mostly into neighbouring Bangladesh. The refugees recounted mass killings, rape and arson attacks. The case marks the first time allegations of mass violations and abuses against the Rohingya are being heard at an international court. It is also the first time the ICJ will decide on a genocide case brought by a third country in defence of another nation or group. Advertisement Advertisement In an unusual and moving gesture, Jallow asked Rohingya refugees present at the top courts Peace Hall to stand and be acknowledged by the 15-man panel of judges. The refugees are expected to testify in closed sessions, but it is not yet known when the court will provide a final ruling. The ICJ cannot enforce its rulings but its decisions carry legal weight. Experts say the courts decision in the Rohingya case could have implications for the widely followed South Africa genocide case against Israel, which was filed in the court on behalf of Palestinians in December 2023. That case has since been joined by several other countries. Heres what we know about why The Gambia is fighting for the Rohingya: In this September 3, 2017, file photo, smoke and flames in Myanmar are visible from the Bangladeshi side of the border near Coxs Bazars Teknaf area [File: Bernat Armangue/AP] Why is The Gambia suing Myanmar? The Gambia sued Myanmar in November 2019, accusing the Southeast Asian country of committing genocide against the Rohingya in breach of the 1948 Genocide Convention. Advertisement Advertisement As a Muslim-majority country, the small West African nation of 2.5 million people brought the case on behalf of the 57-member Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, of which it is an active member. The move catapulted the country and the cases mastermind, former Attorney General Abubacarr Tambadou, into the global spotlight. Tambadou has since taken a position at the United Nations he is the Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, an international court founded by the United Nations Security Council. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021. Seven countries Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, the Maldives, France and Britain have since successfully applied to support The Gambias case at the ICJ. Rohingya people in Myanmar were subjected to violent, months-long offensives by Myanmars armed forces, known as the Tatmadaw, from late 2016. Although the group had long faced persecution in Myanmar, according to rights groups, the attacks escalated sharply, as Rohingya communities were targeted in cases of arson, mass shootings, rapes and kidnappings. Advertisement Advertisement In 2019 the year The Gambia lodged its case with the ICJ a United Nations fact-finding mission reported that about 10,000 people had been killed, and 730,000 people displaced to refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh. The military offensive showed genocidal intent and the government aimed to erase Rohingya identity and remove them from Myanmar, the United Nations mission found. The Gambia may have been inspired to take up the case due to its own long history of repression under former dictator Yahya Jammeh, who ruled the country with an iron fist for 22 years until 2017, Imran Darboe, a barrister formerly with the Gambian justice ministry, told Al Jazeera. Jammeh was forced out of office in 2017 by a regional military mission when he failed to leave office after losing the presidential elections. In 2018, the new government began investigating Jammeh-era atrocities perpetrated by his killer squad security forces, including widespread abductions and killings. Advertisement Advertisement Gambians were collectively reckoning with the painful testimonies of scores of victims as the Rohingya crisis unfolded, prompting the government to take action, despite a lack of precedent at the ICJ at the time. At that point, we were also going through our truth-and-reconciliation commission, and realising the value of protecting human rights, Darboe said. Most people [in The Gambia] were shocked by what was being revealed, so there was the thinking that if the concept of human rights is universal, we cannot just focus on our own issues. We feel what the Rohingya people were feeling we were all on the same page about that. The Gambias active role in the OIC also likely played a large role, Darboe added. While bringing an ICJ case would be expensive for the small nation, the OICs backing likely alleviates financial pressures, he said. What is The Gambias argument at the ICJ? Dawda, The Gambias justice minister, told the ICJ judges in his opening arguments on Monday that the Rohingya had been deliberately targeted by Myanmars ruling military and that their lives had been turned upside down. Advertisement Advertisement They have been targeted for destruction, he said. Myanmar has denied them their dream, in fact it turned their lives into a nightmare, subjecting them to the most horrific violence and destruction one could imagine. Paul Reichler, another lawyer on the Gambian team, read out extensive witness testimony from 2017, describing scenes of houses being set ablaze with people in them, gang rapes and arbitrary killings. The Myanmar government, Reichler added, had called the Rohingya an impure and subhuman race that threatened the local population. A third team member, Phillipe Sand, concluded that the scale of the violence showed Myanmar acted in this case with genocidal intent. Rohingya refugees take part in the Genocide Remembrance Day rally to mark the anniversary of their mass exodus from Myanmar following a military crackdown, at a refugee camp in Coxs Bazar on August 25, 2025 [Piyas Biswas/ AFP] What has Myanmar argued? Myanmars defence team, led by the minister of international cooperation, Ko Ko Hlaing, will begin its response to the allegations on Friday, January 16, continuing until January 20. Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, when the case was filed, Myanmar was under civil rule. In preliminary hearings for the case in December that year, Myanmar denied the allegations. Former leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi, who was overthrown in a military coup in 2021, personally appeared at the court and called The Gambias claims incomplete and misleading. In January 2020, the ICJ ordered Myanmar to take emergency measures to prevent a genocide of Rohingya, in what experts called a stunning rebuke of Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmars government now under the control of the military, which is also grappling with an ongoing rebellion continues to reject genocide and ethnic cleansing allegations, and says it was targeting Rohingya armed groups in clearance operations. A Rohingya refugee girl sells goods at her stall inside a Rohingya refugee camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, on Friday, November 21, 2025 [Mahmud Hossain Opu/AP] Who are the Rohingya? The Rohingya are a largely Muslim ethnic group based primarily in Myanmars western Rakhine State, which sits on the border with Bangladesh. Advertisement Advertisement Until their forced displacement in 2017, there were about one million Rohingya in Myanmar, making them an ethnic minority among Myanmars 137 ethnic groups. Other Rohingya populations live in India, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Although Rohingya identify as Indigenous to Myanmar, the government does not recognise them and maintains they are illegal migrants from Bangladesh. Rohingya have long complained of state-sanctioned attacks and general discrimination they are not granted citizenship and laws severely restrict their movement. Several armed groups have emerged, calling for an independent Arakan state, a historical name for Rakhine state and reminiscent of the vanished Arakan Empire which existed in the same area between the fourth and 13th centuries. In October 2016, violent attacks on Rohingya people escalated sharply when the government launched attacks it said were targeting the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), an armed group formed in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement At least 750,000 Rohingya fled, primarily to Bangladesh, but also to India, Thailand and Malaysia. Survivors have recounted horror stories of security officials torching their communities, wounding, killing and torturing people including children by throwing them into fires. Many fled across land through dangerous forests, while others crossed the Bay of Bengal on perilous boat journeys, which have resulted in an unknown number of deaths. By 2025, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya were living in squalid, packed tent camps in Bangladeshs Cox Bazar. Most are reliant on humanitarian aid. Recent cuts in foreign aid funding by the United States government have badly hit missions serving these communities, rights groups say, with reduced food rations and the closure of schools for children. Advertisement Advertisement Some have attempted to leave the camp by boat journeys for other countries. In May 2025, the UN reported that two boats carrying 427 Rohingya fleeing Bangladesh and Rakhine state capsized at sea, in just one example. While the Bangladesh government has willingly received fleeing Rohingya refugees, the country maintains that the Rohingya must eventually return to Myanmar. The Darby Creek Association wants to stall the ongoing renegotiation of a decades-old agreement formed to protect one of the most biodiverse habitats in the Midwest until a cause is found for why mussels in one of its tributaries are dying. The association pointed to a study posted to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website Jan. 14 that confirmed a multi-year trend of mussels dying off in Hellbranch Run, a Big Darby tributary in southwestern Franklin County. No living or freshly dead mussels were found in the study. It comes as renegotiations have begun on the Big Darby Accord, an agreement signed in 2006 by local communities to preserve the watershed. Advertisement Advertisement Freshwater mussel species filter bacteria, algae and pollutants and can be a bellwether on the health of an ecosystem according to the Ohio River Foundation. This Dispatch archive photo from 2017 shows a mussel survey in Big Darby Creek in Darbydale, Ohio. A recent study in a tributary of the Big Darby did not find any living or recently dead mussels. Recent urbanization and climate change affect how water flows into local streams and rivers, which adversely affects mussel habitats, according to the study. "We'll be requesting a halt to the jurisdictions approving a new accord plan until the collapse of the Hellbranch mussel fauna can be understood and a plan to reverse this collapse can be created," John Tetzloff, the president of the Darby Creek Association, said in an email. The nonprofit association formed in the early 1970s. The study also noted that the health of Hellbranch Run has downstream effects on the rest of Big Darby. Advertisement Advertisement "It is apparent from the historical data as well as the data provided herein that our actions within Hellbranch Run have not been protective of the mussel communities there. Our assault on these animals in this stream has a long history as has our actions to reverse these impacts. Our actions, however, have failed to protect the mussel communities of Hellbranch Run," the study's author, Michael Hoggarth, wrote. Karina Cheung, a spokesperson for ODNR, said in an email that this portion only looked at one of the tributaries of the Darby. "We look forward to the full study to provide a more expansive picture of the whole ecosystem," Cheung said. The entire mussel study will be completed in late 2026, according to the project website. The watershed is home to 44 species of mussels, according to the Big Darby Association, including several that are on the federal endangered list. In 2016, mussels mysteriously died off without explanation. Advertisement Advertisement The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also wrapped up the first phase of a study to estimate how urbanization and pollutants could affect the fragile ecosystem in the entire Darby watershed. The research, first made public Jan. 12, is separate from the renegotiations of the accord, which include Columbus, Hilliard and several townships. The Darby area, home to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the Midwest, is in good health at this time, Bob Gable, assistant chief of ODNR's Division of Natural Areas and Preserves and the Scenic River program administrator, said in an interview with the Dispatch. He said thats not a conclusion from the first phase of research, though that was already known. People enjoy kayaking together on the Big Darby Creek in Grove City, Ohio in 2021. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has released the first phase of a study on the effects of urbanization on the ecosystem. What the conservation study identified in the first phase is overall thresholds for about 100 different factors that can affect the health of the Darby everything from land use to solids dissolved in water, such as salt and minerals. Stressors not only impact water quality, but they put special habitats and rare species at risk. For some species, the Darby Creek system is the last place they are known to exist in Ohio, the project website says. Advertisement Advertisement No part of the project results are regulatory, Gable said, but are intended to help local communities make decisions about future land use and urbanization within the Darby area. At a packed public meeting Jan. 12 at the Norwich Township administrative building, Gable said that the main threat to the Darby ecosystem, which includes the Big and Little Darby creeks, at this time is urban expansion. For example, buildings, streets and concrete block the natural flow of rainwater into streams and the ground. That can cause flooding and erosion in local streams. Gable said none of the data analyzed at this point is alarming or definitive. Advertisement Advertisement The second phase of the project, which Gable said can be expected by late summer or fall 2026, will include more specific analyses of parts of streams and create threat susceptibility and restorability rankings from the multitude of data. In 2024, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency declined to give the Big and Little Darby Creeks designations as Outstanding National Resource Waters, the highest possible protection. The decision frustrated environmentalists who were pushing for the designation. Anna Lynn Winfrey covers the northwestern suburbs for the Columbus Dispatch. She can be reached at awinfrey@dispatch.com. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Darby group wants to stall renegotiations of accord as mussels dying off Rio Tinto and BHP have announced plans to jointly mine up to 200 million tonnes (mt) of iron ore from their adjacent Yandicoogina and Yandi sites in the Pilbara region of Western Australia (WA). This initiative is facilitated by two non-binding memorandums of understanding (MoUs). It involves joint efforts at Rio Tinto's Wunbye deposit and the utilisation of BHP's Yandi Lower Channel Deposit ore at the formers wet plants under agreed terms. This potential collaboration follows a 2023 agreement between Rio Tinto and BHP to mine the Mungadoo Pillar, previously unreachable due to shared tenure boundaries. Rio Tinto iron ore CEO 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. The two mining majors have outlined a strategy beginning with a conceptual study, followed by an order of magnitude study. A final investment decision will determine the commencement of ore extraction from both deposits, which is anticipated early next decade. The implementation is contingent upon regulatory and joint venture (JV) approvals and consultations with traditional owners. 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. Yandi is situated 178km north-west of Newman in the Pilbara region, on the ancestral land of the Banjima people. This iron ore mine, part of a JV involving BHP (85%) and Mitsui and ITOCHU (15%), has seen significant production achievements since its inception. Yandicoogina is situated around 95km north-west of Newman in the East Pilbara. Considered to be another high-output mine in the area, Yandicoogina produces Hamersley Iron Yandi fines for steelmaking across east Asia and southern China. Notably, it also pioneers mining innovation with autonomous haul trucks. In a separate development, last December, BHP and Rio Tinto introduced Australia's first Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at the formers Jimblebar mine. This marked the beginning of trials for Caterpillar's battery-electric technology as a sustainable alternative to diesel in large-scale mining operations. The tests will guide the evolution of technology and processes necessary for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in future mining sites. Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree, or click this link to fill out the form. We welcome diverse viewpoints. Re: APSU professor awarded $500k after firing over Charlie Kirk comments Taxpayers of Tennessee are being called on to pay professor Darren Michael of Austin Peay State University $500,000. The payout is due because university president Michael Licari fired Michael on the spot after Sen. Marsha Blackburn objected to a post the professor made concerning the death of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk. Advertisement Advertisement Did Michael badmouth Kirk? No, he posted a newspaper article quoting Kirk's response to the killings of three children and three staff members at Nashville's Covenant School several years ago. Michael was fired for causing "significant reputational damage to the university," according to the letter from Licari. That Kirk's remarks were in very bad taste is not, and was not, Michaels' fault. Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk speaks during a rally for vice presidential nominee JD Vance at Arizona Christian University in Glendale, Arizona on July 31, 2024. In my opinion, it is Licari who should be fired. Why? For causing "significant reputational damage" to APSU. For a lack of understanding of contract law and tenure policy at APSU something a university president is expected to know. And for a lack of character exhibited when he bowed to the political pressure exerted by Sen. Blackburn. Opinion: MLK Day at 40: service, civic action and the work ahead Many people may think the job of a university president is to teach. However, that is not true. University presidents are hired to raise money for school programs and to protect the students, the faculty and the reputation and programs of the university from unreasonable attacks by political entities (like Blackburn). Advertisement Advertisement Licari has not only failed on all counts, he has cost the taxpayers $500,000. Linda Sander, Nashville 37221 Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN residents forced to clean up APSU's Charlie Kirk mess | Letters Hundreds of millions of dollars that the United States is raising from the sale of Venezuelan oil is being sequestered in Qatar. Its an indirect path that could speed the flow of much-needed money to Venezuela, but it also raises questions about the transparency surrounding those funds. The Trump administration confirmed the first sale of Venezuelan oil Wednesday, saying it raised $500 million. It is just the first of numerous sales expected to bring in billions of dollars in the months and potentially years to come. The funds were sent to Qatar, rather than being held in US banks or sent directly to Venezuela, according to a former administration official familiar with the matter. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Newsmax Wednesday evening that the cash from the oil sales would start to flow into Venezuela as soon as Thursday. Venezuelan banks have started advertising cash, suggesting the oil proceeds have arrived in the country, two sources with knowledge of Venezuelas financial system said. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela has been sanctioned by Western governments across the globe, essentially cut off from the global banking system for years. Its authoritarian government seized oil assets over the past decades for which foreign energy companies have demanded compensation. President Donald Trump has complained about Venezuela stealing American oil assets there, but he has also said its important that proceeds from the oil sales directly benefit Venezuela and prevent those with claims on Venezuelan oil revenue from getting access to the money that the US is now generating from those sales. Trump issued an executive order Friday in which he said any such attempts to put liens, garnishments or other legal judgments claiming those funds are blocked. The order said if the funds were not free from such legal entanglements it would substantially interfere with our critical efforts to ensure economic and political stability in Venezuela. Placing the money into an account in Qatar potentially out of the reach of western businesses and creditors who have claims for money they say theyre owed is one way to achieve the administrations goals. Ensuring the funds benefit Venezuela The fact that Venezuelas creditors could slow such payments would pose a problem for both that country and the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Its a real big problem. Venezuela owes money to everyone, said one expert on foreign relations and Venezuela who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak freely. The expert said that Qatar has long served as a facilitator between the United States and the Venezuelan government, even before the US seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro opened up more direct communications between the two governments. And other experts told CNN that Qatari banks have served a similar intermediary role during the Biden administration when it allowed some funds from oil sales to again flow to Iran during a loosening of the sanctions on that country. The Qatari banks holding the funds have been instructed to auction the money to Venezuelan banks, giving priority to food, medicine and small businesses, according to Alejandro Grisanti, founding director of Ecoanalitica, a Latin and South American consultant that operates in Venezuela, among other countries. That money will be collected by the Central Bank of Venezuela and allocated according to the requirements set by the United States, Grisanti said. Advertisement Advertisement Bessent told Newsmax the proceeds will fund Venezuelas government operations, security and food provisions. The White House would not comment directly on the funds going to a bank in Qatar before they are paid out to Venezuela. As a reminder, Venezuela has been isolated from international banking for years, said an administration official speaking on background. As the administration moves quickly at President Trumps direction, we are reviewing the existing legal parameters and restrictions. Transparency concerns But Trumps executive order should have prevented the problem of creditors blocking the flow of necessary funds to Venezuela, the expert said. The fact the funds are being held in Qatar not only places it further outside of US legal challenges to that order, it also allows for less US transparency of the movement of cash. Advertisement Advertisement Unless theres some public plan that is going to come out and say heres the government structure for this pot of money, whos going to have control, heres the various anti-corruption, anti-money laundering controls that are going to be put in place this is being set up kind of like a slush fund, said the expert who asked for anonymity. Its very troubling. That doesnt suggest that the Trump administration is going to try to do anything nefarious with the money. But there are legitimate concerns that Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez will use funds flowing back to Venezuela to continue to pay off the corrupt parts of the government structure, including paramilitary groups and drug cartels, to maintain control of the country, according to the expert. Some critics of the Trump administration are questioning Trumps motivation to send the money to Qatar. 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, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, in a comment to Semafor, which first reported the money going to Qatar. That is precisely a move that a corrupt politician would be attracted to. CNNs Kit Maher and Stefano Pozzebon contributed to this report For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com In what's become an annual rite in Rhode Island, consumers are once again sounding off about the state's high winter utility costs. Scan Reddit and other social media sites and you'll find numerous people sharing their Rhode Island Energy bills and the eye-popping amounts they're paying for electric and gas services. We dove into the different factors that influence Rhode Island's utility bills, and why they might be particularly high this year. Advertisement Advertisement And for more information on some of these issues, check out this story in the Journal from last year. Rhode Island Energy is replacing existing electric meters with smart meters made by Swiss company Landis+Gyr. Winter electric rates are always higher Part of the reason for the higher bills has to do with how rates are set. On the electric side, they change every six months. They're always higher in the winter period, from Oct. 1 to March 31, as demand climbs for natural gas, the predominant fuel for both heating and power generation in New England, and wholesale prices across the region follow. In September, the state Public Utilities Commission approved an increase in the last resort service rate, which covers energy costs, not delivery, from 10.2 cents a kilowatt hour up to 14.8 cents. The bill impact for a typical household that uses 500 kilowatt hours of electricity a month was an increase of $24.49, or 17.6%. Winter electric bill help starts in January That increase and then some will be canceled out by the winter relief plan put together by the PUC that works out to about a $32 electric bill credit for each of the months of January, February and March. The money is coming from funds set aside for energy efficiency and storm repairs, as well as a temporary suspension of the surcharges used to raise those funds. Though the plan will help with bills this winter, ratepayers will have to make up for the credits later in the year. Advertisement Advertisement The relief package was not in effect in October, November and December, so customers saw the full effect of the rate increase in those months. The PUC didn't intervene in the same way on gas rates, but customers are getting a reprieve through a normal process of reconciling expenses from year to year. Rhode Island Energy collected more money from ratepayers in parts of 2024 and 2025 based on usage projections at the time. When the actual costs came in, it turned out the company had taken in $64 million more than necessary. Customers started getting refunds when the current 12-month rate period took effect Nov. 1. The money totals $188.51 for a typical residential customer that uses 845 therms a year, or a 10.2% discount compared with the previous year's bills. November and December were colder, and usage went up If the temperature dips and usage goes up, then so do utility bills. That's what happened in the early part of the winter. November was slightly colder than normal in the Providence area, and December was significantly so, according to federal climate data. The number of heating degree days a measurement that quantifies heating demand was 15% higher this past December compared with the mean for the month for the last 26 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. New England's reliance on natural gas generation drives bills up Energy rates, particularly those for electricity, are higher in New England than in most other parts of the country. That's primarily because the region has an overreliance on natural gas it was responsible for 55% of generation in 2024 and a constrained supply of the fossil fuel. Advertisement Advertisement The impact becomes particularly pronounced in the winter when pipelines are at capacity and the regional electric grid must turn to more expensive peaker power plants that burn oil to supplement supplies. Because natural gas is so important for power generation in New England, plants that use the fuel normally set the wholesale electric price in the region. Nationally, natural gas prices are rising, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and they are expected to continue to go up. The trend is more pronounced in the Northeast because of pipeline constraints. The average gas price in Massachusetts this past November was double what it was in November 2024, according to Independent System Operator New England, the nonprofit that manages the regional power grid. Wholesale electric prices went up as a result. While Rhode Island Energy purchases most of its electric supplies in advance, it's allowed by regulators to buy 15% of the total on the spot market. Renewable energy surcharges also factor into electric bills Clean energy initiatives are also a factor in Rhode Island's electric rates. According to a sample bill from Rhode Island Energy and a breakdown of bill components from the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, surcharges supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency make up between 14% and 17% of costs for a typical ratepayer depending on the time of year. Advertisement Advertisement That's about equal to the portion that pays for getting electricity to Rhode Island over transmission lines. It's much less than the energy component of the bill, which ranges from a third to nearly half the costs. It's also less than what Rhode Island Energy gets for distribution, which is about a quarter of the total. (The distribution component could increase significantly under a pending proposal from the utility.) Clean energy costs have been going up as the state requires more supplies of renewables to meet climate goals. Between 2014 and 2024, costs for those programs, as well as support for low-income customers and gross earnings taxes paid to the state, tripled to $393 million a year, according to Rhode Island Energy. And they are projected to continue to increase. Environmental advocates say the programs benefit consumers by bringing down overall demand, reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices, and stimulating development of in-state sources of generation. Energy analysts, for example, project that offshore wind could save ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year by displacing more costly generators. But these public policy programs have been targeted for cuts in Gov. Dan McKee's new budget proposal because, unlike energy supply and transmission costs, the state has control over them. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Is your RI Energy bill high this winter? Here's why. Republican Tiffany Glenn Burress, the wife of former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, has announced her run for Congress. Burress declared her campaign in a video on Jan. 12 and took shots at her potential opponent, Rep. Nellie Pou, the current Democratic congresswoman from New Jersey's 9th District. The candidate criticized Pou, saying the she has held only government jobs and is too partisan. Tiffany Glenn Burress announced she will run for Congress as a Republican in the race for NJ-09. My career is in the private sector, protecting workers, Burress said in her announcement. Doors didnt just open for me; I busted through them. Advertisement Advertisement Burress highlighted her career as an attorney. She works at the law firm Brandon J. Broderick as a workers compensation and personal injury lawyer. She has been practicing law for over 15 years and is a Totowa native. The attorney would have to secure the Republican nomination to go up against Pou this November. She will be up against Clifton City Council member Rosie Pino for the Republican nod. Pino's campaign website says she is the daughter of Ecuadoran immigrant parents and worked multiple jobs while battling cancer. Former NFL player Plaxico Burress takes a photo of his son Elijah Burress #17 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and wife Tiffany Glenn Burress following a 37-15 Notre Dame Fighting Irish win over the Pittsburgh Panthers at Acrisure Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Pittsburgh. Pou won the 9th Congressional District seat in late 2024 and replaced Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., who died months before. Advertisement Advertisement Pou, a Paterson native, spent decades in the New Jersey Legislature as a member of the Senate and Assembly. She is the first Hispanic woman to represent New Jersey in Congress. The 9th District encompasses three dozen communities in Bergen, Passaic and Hudson counties. Among them are Paterson, Clifton, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Lodi, Wood-Ridge and Secaucus. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Plaxico Burress wife announces run for US Congress seat A year after the Eaton fire, survivors and the states electric utilities are clashing over whether state law should continue to protect the companies from the cost of disastrous wildfires they ignite. Southern California Edison says that with the help of those state laws it expects to pay little or even none of the damage costs of the Eaton fire, which its equipment is suspected of sparking. But in recent filings to state officials, fire victims and consumer advocates say the law has gone too far and made the utilities unaccountable for their mistakes, leading to even more fires. Advertisement Advertisement What do you think will happen if you constantly protect perpetrators of fires? said Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network. At the same time, Edison and the states two other big for-profit electric companies are lobbying state officials for even more protection from the cost of future fires to reassure their investors. If government investigators find Edisons equipment ignited the Eaton fire, at least seven of the states 20 most destructive wildfires would have been caused by the three utilities equipment. The debate over how far the state should go to protect the electric companies from the cost of utility-sparked wildfires is playing out in Sacramento at the California Earthquake Authority. The authority is managing a broad study, ordered by Gov. Gavin Newsom, aimed at determining how to better protect Californians from catastrophic wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Chen said she was concerned by a meeting this month that she and another survivor had been invited to by authority officials and consultants they had hired to work on the study. She said a primary focus of the discussion was how to shield utilities and their shareholders from the damages of future fires, rather than on the costs to survivors and other Californians "living with the consequences of utility-caused fires." Chen later sent authority officials an email pointing to a Times story that detailed how four of five top executives at Edison International were paid higher bonuses the year before the Eaton fire even as the number of fires sparked by the utilitys equipment soared. The predictable outcome of continuing to protect shareholders and executives from the consequences of their own negligence is not theoretical. It is observable. More catastrophic fires, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement The Eaton Fire was the predictable outcome of this moral hazard, she added. Read more: Edisons safety record declined last year. Executive bonuses rose anyway An authority spokesman said Chen's and other wildfire victims perspectives were invaluable to officials as they complete the study that is due April 1. He said the authority had made no foregone conclusions of what the report will say. Pedro Pizarro, chief executive of Edison International, told The Times last month that he disagreed strongly with claims that state law had gone too far in protecting utilities. The law keeps us very accountable, Pizarro said. He added that the laws were needed to shield utilities from bankruptcy, which could drive electric bills higher. Advertisement Advertisement In December, Edison and the two other utilities told authority officials in a filing that they and their shareholders shouldnt have to pay any more into the state wildfire fund , which was created to pay for the damages of utility-caused fires. So far, electric customers and utility shareholders have split the cost of the fund. The companies said that making their shareholders contribute more to the fund undermines investor confidence in California utilities. They proposed that officials instead find a new way to help pay for catastrophic fires, possibly using state income taxes, which require the wealthy to pay a higher share. Advertisement Advertisement Instead of relying on an increase in utility bills to cover extreme catastrophic losses, something that disproportionately impacts lower-income Californians, this system could share costs more equitably across society, the three companies wrote. Read more: Edison neglected maintenance of its aging transmission lines before the Jan. 7 fires. Now its trying to catch up While the investigation into the cause of the Eaton fire has not yet been released, Edison has said a leading theory is that a century-old transmission line no longer in service was briefly re-energized and sparked the fire. Edison last used that transmission line in Eaton Canyon more than 50 years ago. Utility executives said they kept it up because they believed it would be used in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Utilities and state regulators have long known that old, unused lines posed fire risks. In 2019, investigators traced the Kincade fire in Sonoma County, which destroyed 374 homes and other structures, to a dormant transmission line owned by Pacific Gas & Electric. The electric companies legal protections from utility-sparked fires date to 2019 when Newsom led an effort to pass a measure known as AB 1054. Then, PG&E was in bankruptcy because of costs it faced from a series of wildfires, including the 2018 Camp fire. That blaze, caused by a decades-old transmission line, destroyed most of the town of Paradise and killed 85 people. Under the 2019 law, a utility is automatically deemed to have acted prudently if its equipment starts a wildfire. Then, all fire damages, except for $1 billion covered by customer-paid insurance, are covered by the state wildfire fund. Advertisement Advertisement The law allows outside parties to provide evidence that the utility didnt act prudently before the fire, but even in that event, the utilitys financial responsibility for damages is capped. Edison has told its investors that it believes it acted prudently before the Eaton fire and will have the damage costs fully covered. Read more: 'It's effectively a bailout': Edison benefits from fine print in Newsoms last-minute utility legislation The company says the maximum it may have to pay under the law if it is found to be imprudent is $4 billion. Damages for the Eaton fire have been estimated to be as high as $45 billion . Advertisement Advertisement Pizarro said the possibility of Edison paying as much as $4 billion shows that state law is working to keep utilities accountable. If we were imprudent and we end up getting penalized by $4 billion for the Eaton fire, that's going to be a very painful day for this company not only the pain of being told that we were imprudent, but also the financial toll of a penalty of that size, he said. Chens group is not alone in urging the state to change the laws protecting utilities from wildfire costs. William Abrams of the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition detailed in a filing how the present laws had been shaped by the utilities and a small circle of well-resourced legal and financial actors. Advertisement Advertisement AB 1054 had weakened safety regulations, he said, while leaving wildfire survivors across California under-compensated and struggling to rebuild. He proposed that the companies be required to use shareholder money and suspend their dividends to pay for fire damages. Read more: Edison customers are paying more for fire prevention. So why are there more fires? Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog, told state officials that Edison is expected to have damages of the Eaton fire covered despite questions of why it did not remove the ghost line in Eaton Canyon and failed to shut down its transmission lines, despite the high winds on the night of the fire. We recommend establishing a negligence standard, Balber said, for when utilities shareholders need to pay. Among the consultants the authority has hired to help write the study is Rand, the Santa Monica-based research group; and Aon, a consulting firm. Rand and Aon have been paid by Edison for other work. Most recently, Edison hired Rand to review some of the data and methods it used to determine how much to offer Eaton fire victims in its voluntary compensation program. Chen said hiring Edisons consultants to help prepare the study created a conflict of interest. The authority spokesman said officials were confident that their open and inclusive study process will protect its integrity. Aon did not return a request for comment. Our clients have no influence over our findings," said Leah Polk, a Rand spokesperson. "We follow the evidence and maintain strict standards to ensure our work remains objective and unbiased. Chen said she was not convinced. You have the fox guarding the hen house, she said. Read more: 'This fire could have been prevented': How utilities fought removal of old power lines Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) told reporters ahead of the session that his caucus was seeking to address affordability with the legislation. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner). The Wisconsin Assembly seeking to align state policy with Trump administration initiatives passed bills Thursday to exempt overtime pay and tips from income tax. Lawmakers also passed bills to make English the official language of the state as well as school related bills. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) told reporters ahead of the session that his caucus was seeking to address affordability with the legislation, though Democratic lawmakers argued the bills would not help address the issue in an effective way. Advertisement Advertisement AB 38 would implement an income tax exemption for cash tips paid to an employee that would sunset in 2028. President Donald Trump signed a law in July to allow workers to deduct up to $25,000 in tips annually from their federal taxable income. Those earning more than $150,000 arent eligible for the deduction. The Wisconsin bill would apply the same policy when it comes to the state income tax. The deduction would apply to tips whether paid by cash or credit. Bill coauthor Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison) said the tips tax cut is for the working and middle class. The bill passed 61-33 with a handful of Democrats joining Republicans. Rep. Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton) and Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) abstained from the vote. Tips are primarily earned by the working class and the lower middle class and tips should never have been taxed. A tip is a gift, its not income, Tusler said. Tips are not mandatory; they are a way to say thank you to someone. Advertisement Advertisement Tusler told reporters that his legislation wasnt permanent because legislators want to watch and see how it works out. I think it would be a great idea for it to become permanent someday. I hope it does, Tusler said. Tusler also called on the Department of Revenue (DOR) to get to work right away should the bill become law to ensure it has forms ready. This bill is going to pass, and its going to get signed by the governor, but if the Department of Revenue doesnt get ready for that, they will not have their forms ready for the tip earners come tax time. Those tip earners will wind up paying their taxes for 2025 and then theyll have to refile their taxes to pay it to get their tip refund back. Thats not something we should be asking working-class and middle-class taxpayers to do. Advertisement Advertisement Evers told reporters Monday that he is open to looking at Republican proposals to eliminate taxes on overtime and tips but wants to consider more universal forms of tax relief. He has proposed property tax relief as well as exempting certain items from the sales tax including diapers and over-the-counter medications. Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee) tried to introduce an amendment to bring tipped employees, who can make a minimum wage of $2.33, up to the minimum wage of $7.25. He said it wouldve helped raise the standard of living for workers across the state. Restaurant workers, hotel cleaners, bartenders, and too many other Wisconsin workers still rely on the inconsistent generosity of their customers just to survive. This is a terrible system that primarily benefits bosses and corporations its also rife for abuse, leading to frequent unethical and sometimes illegal behavior like forced pooling of tips, assigning of non-tipped work assignments to tipped employees, and outright tip theft by bosses and managers, Clancy said in a statement. His amendment was rejected by Republican lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement The Assembly also passed AB 461 in a 61-35 vote. It would create an income tax subtraction for certain overtime compensation. Single filers could claim up to $12,500 per year under the subtraction, while joint filers could claim up to $25,000. Unlike the no tax on tips bill, this policy change would be permanent. Bill coauthor Rep. Paul Melotik (R-Grafton) noted that overtime work can be essential to communities and also take a toll on family life. He said the bill would help support the hard-working people of Wisconsin, who put out extra effort whether its nurses working double shifts, deputies filling in on weekends, line workers staying late to meet production goals or service employees keeping the doors open. Bill to make English the official language. AB 377 would make English Wisconsins official language and allow state agencies to use artificial intelligence translation tools instead of providing an interpreter to people during court proceedings. The bill passed 51-43. Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) voted with Democratic lawmakers against the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Priscilla Prado (D-Milwaukee), who chairs the Wisconsin Hispanic Legislative Caucus, delivered her opposition to the bill in Spanish telling lawmakers that after that they could use Google to translate that. Prado stood again later to deliver her remarks in English, saying she would help lawmakers out. You want to make it legal to use AI as a translator, which might be useful for ordering lunch, but certainly not sufficient for legal hearings, official forms and civil rights not to mention that this implementation of AI would, quite literally, take jobs away from Wisconsinites who work as translators, Prado said. If efficiency were the goal, we would be talking about improving language access, not political symbolism. Wisconsin does not lose its identity because Spanish or another language is spoken. What it does lose is credibility when it ignores a substantial part of its population. Rep. Nate Gustafson (R-Ormo) said he didnt think the bill was stripping people of their identity, but would instead give people a tool in the toolbox. It allows our legal system to move efficiently and forward instead of waiting on, lets say, a limited pool of resources that arent there again, Gustafson said. We have declining birth rate. Our absolute workforce is obviously diminished at this point, but were still reliant on people at the end of the day. There is a point where we need to give the people who are doing these jobs the tools to be more efficient. Advertisement Advertisement Bill coauthor Rep. Dave Murphy (R-Hortonville), speaking after Prado, said the speech represented a failure to communicate as most people in the Assembly did not understand what she said. One of the important things about having an official language for society is language draws people together, and I think its really important to give a society cohesiveness with people that speak the same language. Now, that doesnt mean that this bill in some way makes it illegal, or you know, somehow, impeaches your ability to to speak another language, however I think we are making a mistake here that if you speak English in the society its a huge advantage to you. School revenue and lunches AB 457, coauthored by Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) and Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield), would require Wisconsin school districts financial reports to the Department of Public Instruction on time before they are able to go to referendum. It passed 52-44 with Republicans for and Democrats against. The bill was introduced in response to Milwaukee Public Schools financial scandal where the district was months late in submitting financial documents to the state. The news was unveiled just weeks after voters had approved a historic referendum for the states largest school district. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Christian Phelps (D-Eau Claire) said that the bill was a distraction from other issues that school districts and property taxpayers are facing. Wisconsin taxpayers December bills included the highest increase since 2018. The increase followed a controversial line item veto by Gov. Tony Evers , which extended a one-time increases to school revenue limits for the next 400 years. State lawmakers did not provide additional state aid to schools, pushing many districts to use their additional taxing authority and others to go to referendum to ask local residents to raise their own taxes. The Department of Public Instruction is already working through any financial issues that they need to work through with the Milwaukee Public Schools, Phelps said. Educators and property taxpayers just are not buying the Republican spin. They can see the impact of what this building has done on the services in our public schools and their property tax bills, so it is frankly a waste of taxpayer-funded time for us to debate this silly bill that isnt going anywhere. Referencing the acronym for the school district, Nedweski called her bill the MPS bill saying it stood for maximizing public scrutiny. Nedweski said her bill is straightforward and would ensure that school districts are transparent before seeking to raise property taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Public trust was shattered, Nedweski said of the Milwaukee schools financial reporting failure. She also asked whether the outcome of the Milwaukee referendum would have been different if voters had known about the absent financial reports. As property taxes continue to rise thanks to that 400-year Democrat property tax increase, its imperative that voters have complete information about the financial outlook of their school district before voting to further raise their own taxes, Nedweski said. This bill does not ask school districts to do anything new. It is not one new hoop they have to jump through They are already supposed to be completing and submitting their financial information on time in accordance with state law. AB 226 would prohibit Wisconsin public schools, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program serving meals that contain certain ingredients. Some of the food additives that would be prohibited include brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, azodicarbonamide and red dye No. 3, which can be found in candy, fruit juices and cookies. The bill is another instance of GOP lawmakers seeking to align state policies with Trump administration efforts. The exclusion of the additives is meant to target ultra processed foods, which were one of the top concerns outlined by Health Sec. Robert F. Kennedy and a report the Trump administration commissioned. Advertisement Advertisement It passed 53-43. A handful of Democrats, including Reps. Deb Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay), Jill Billings (D-La Crosse), Brienne Brown (D-Whitewater) and Renuka Mayadev (D-Madison), voted for the bill, while a handful of Republicans voted against the bill including Reps. Lindee Brill (R-Sheboygan Falls), Joy Goeben (R-Hobart) and Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego). SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An Australian woman who sued luxury real estate broker Oren Alexander and his twin brother Alon for sexual assault, sparking a catalyst for several other women to come forward with similar claims, has died. Kate Whitemans death was reported to the coroner at the end of last year, the Coroners Court of New South Wales confirmed to NBC News in a statement. Her death was found to be non-suspicious, the court said. "The investigation is concluded and the file is now closed," an emailed statement read. Advertisement Advertisement The court said it would not be releasing any more information out of consideration for her family. Her attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday. Her death came shortly before the twins, and their older brother, Tal Alexander, are scheduled to go to trial in a federal sex trafficking case. Whiteman's complaint, filed in the New York State Supreme Court in March 2024, accuses the twins of sexual assault, battery, false imprisonment, and emotional distress. Oren Alexander, 37, and Tal Alexander, 38, were prominent real estate brokers who sold luxury properties in New York City and Miami. Alon Alexander was an executive at a private security company owned and operated by the family. Advertisement Advertisement Whiteman said in the complaint that she met the twins in New York City in 2008. Oren Alexander would "constantly text" her to meet up, but she would decline, the complaint says. It alleges that Alon would "sometimes pretend to be his twin brother Oren, trying to help his brother and call or text plaintiff on Orens behalf." In May 2012, the complaint says that Alon Alexander "forcefully grabbed" Whiteman's hand as she was leaving a New York City nightclub and forced her into a black SUV where Oren was waiting. They drove her to Sir Ivans Castle in the Hamptons, which is known to host parties, and led her into a garage, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Whiteman tried to flee, the complaint says, but a security guard stopped her. The complaint alleges that the brothers forced Whiteman to strip and change into a sarong and locked her phone in a locker before taking her to a bedroom where she was "sexually assaulted, abused, raped, pinned, groped, harassed, battered, and fondled by defendants Alon and Oren." In a Nov. 3 court filing, the brothers denied Whiteman's allegations against them. Earlier this week, the twins pleaded not guilty to a new count related to their federal sex trafficking case. Oren and Alon Alexander were charged with sexual abuse by physical incapacitation, according to a superseding indictment filed in federal court on Monday. The charge stems from a January 2012 incident involving an unnamed woman who was allegedly assaulted on a cruise ship, the indictment states. In addition to the new charge, the twins and Tal Alexander were charged with 11 counts of conspiring over a decade to drug, sexually assault, and rape dozens of women in Miami, New York, and the Hamptons. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said the brothers, while working with others, repeatedly and violently drugged, assaulted, and raped the women. According to the indictment, they arranged for sexual assaults in advance, using the promise of luxury experiences, travel, and accommodations. The indictment alleges that the women were sometimes raped and assaulted by multiple men, including one or more of the Alexander brothers. The brothers have pleaded not guilty to all of the other counts. Their attorney did not immediately return a request for comment on Friday. Their parents defended them, saying that they "believe our sons are innocent." "Our family has been living with this ordeal since allegations first appeared in civil lawsuits and were widely publicized long before any criminal charges were filed, and the toll has been deeply painful," Shlomi and Orly Alexander previously said in a statement. All three are in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A woman is suing a hotel for $10 million after she was allegedly accused of being a man trying to use a female bathroom. The incident unfolded when Ansley Baker and her girlfriend Elizabeth Victor visited the Liberty Hotel in Boston on May 3, last year. Baker said she knew something was wrong when she heard a bang on a stall door shortly after entering the toilet. When she emerged from the cubicle, Baker says a hotel security guard claimed staff had concerns the pair were sharing a stall. Baker said Victor had already left the bathroom at this point. Advertisement Advertisement Baker was subsequently removed from the toilet after the guard allegedly accused her of being a man, despite her showing an ID proving her gender. Ansley Baker (left) and Liz Victor were asked to leave the Liberty Hotel in Boston (CBS News Boston) In the lawsuit, seen by the Boston Globe, the couples attorney has accused the hotel of ejecting the couple because of what Ms Baker looks like and because they are in a lesbian relationship. The lawsuit also alleges that the hotel panicked when the couple shared their experience on social media, and knowingly promoted a false version of the incident. Instead of simply acknowledging its employees discriminatory conduct and apologizing, the Liberty Hotel executives agreed to craft a defamatory statement, knowing it was false, suggesting Ms. Baker and Ms. Victor were kicked out of the Liberty Hotel because they had been engaging in obscene conduct in a stall, the lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to The Boston Globe, the couples lawyer Leonard H. Kesten denied that either woman was ever in the same restroom stall. The incident occurred at the Liberty Hotel in Boston (Google Street View/The Liberty Hotel) The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination raised a complaint in connection with the incident, which the hotel agreed to settle in November with a $10,000 donation to an LGBTQ group, among other measures. This outrageous incident at the Liberty Hotel left these two women emotionally shaken, humiliated, and deeply distressed, chairwoman Sunila Thomas George said in a statement announcing the settlement. They were denied services, subjected to demeaning treatment in front of other patrons of the hotel, and falsely accused of actions they did not commit, which is not only degrading, but unjust according to Massachusetts civil rights law. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement reported in The Boston Globe, the hotels general manager Mark Fischer said his employer was complying with the MCADs demands. He said his employer had apologized several times to Ms. Baker and Ms. Victor about their experience and has spent months working with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) to address what occurred and strengthen its practices. We recognize that they have a right to bring a lawsuit, but we unequivocally deny discriminating or retaliating against them in any way, he said. We deeply regret that our initial statement may have created unintended impressions about the actions of Ansley and Liz. The Independent has contacted The Liberty Hotel for comment. NUUK, Greenland (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump has turned the Arctic island of Greenland into a geopolitical hotspot with his demands to own it and suggestions that the U.S. could take it by force. The island is a semiautonomous region of Denmark, and Denmark's foreign minister said Wednesday after a meeting at the White House that a fundamental disagreement remains with Trump over the island. The crisis is dominating the lives of Greenlanders and "people are not sleeping, children are afraid, and it just fills everything these days. And we cant really understand it, Naaja Nathanielsen, a Greenlandic minister said at a meeting with lawmakers in Britains Parliament this week. Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at what Greenlanders have been saying: Trump undermining Greenlandic culture Trump has dismissed Denmarks defenses in Greenland, suggesting its two dog sleds. By saying that, Trump is undermining us as a people, Mari Laursen told AP. Laursen said she used to work on a fishing trawler but is now studying law. She approached AP to say she thought previous examples of cooperation between Greenlanders and Americans are often overlooked when Trump talks about dog sleds. She said during World War II, Greenlandic hunters on their dog sleds worked in conjunction with the U.S. military to detect Nazi German forces on the island. Advertisement Advertisement The Arctic climate and environment is so different from maybe what they (Americans) are used to with the warships and helicopters and tanks. A dog sled is more efficient. It can go where no warship and helicopter can go, Laursen said. Greenlanders don't believe Trump's claims Trump has repeatedly claimed Russian and Chinese ships are swarming the seas around Greenland. Plenty of Greenlanders who spoke to AP dismissed that claim. I think he (Trump) should mind his own business, said Lars Vintner, a heating engineer. What's he going to do with Greenland? He speaks of Russians and Chinese and everything in Greenlandic waters or in our country. We are only 57,000 people. The only Chinese I see is when I go to the fast food market. And every summer we go sailing and we go hunting and I never saw Russian or Chinese ships here in Greenland, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Down at Nuuk's small harbor, Gerth Josefsen spoke to AP as he attached small fish as bait to his lines. He said, I don't see them (the ships) and said he had only seen a Russian fishing boat ten years ago. Trump is interested in Greenland's critical minerals Maya Martinsen, 21, a shop worker, told AP she doesn't believe Trump wants Greenland to enhance America's security. I know its not national security. I think its for the oils and minerals that we have that are untouched, she said, suggesting the Americans are treating her home like a business trade. She said she thought it was good that American, Greenlandic and Danish officials met in the White House Wednesday and said she believes that the Danish and Greenlandic people are mostly on the same side, despite some Greenlanders wanting independence. Advertisement Advertisement It is nerve-wrecking, that the Americans arent changing their mind, she said, adding that she welcomed the news that Denmark and its allies would be sending troops to Greenland because its important that the people we work closest with, that they send support. Greenlanders get support from Denmark Tuuta Mikaelsen, a 22-year-old student, told AP that she hopes the U.S. got the message from Danish and Greenlandic officials to back off. She said she didn't want to join the United States because in Greenland there are laws and stuff, and health insurance .. .we can go to the doctors and nurses ... we dont have to pay anything, she said adding "I dont want the U.S. to take that away from us. Advertisement Advertisement Greenland is at the center of a media storm In Greenland's parliament, Juno Berthelsen, MP for the Naleraq opposition party that campaigns for independence in the Greenlandic parliament told AP that he has done multiple media interviews every day for the last two weeks. When asked by AP what he would say to Trump and Vice President JD Vance if he had the chance, Berthelsen said: I would tell them, of course, that as weve seen a lot of Republicans as well as Democrats are not in favor of having such an aggressive rhetoric and talk about military intervention, invasion. So we would tell them to move beyond that and continue this diplomatic dialogue and making sure that the Greenlandic people are the ones who are at the very center of this conversation. It is our country, he said. Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people. ___ Kwiyeon Ha and Evgeniy Maloletka contributed to this report. The reported arrest of three restaurant workers in Willmar, Minnesota coming just hours after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had reportedly dined in their establishment has been widely condemned on social media as depraved and diabolical. The Minnesota Star Tribune, citing an eyewitness, reported Thursday that four ICE agents sat down to eat lunch at the family-owned Mexican restaurant El Tapatio at around 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Staff appeared frightened, according to the witness. Advertisement Advertisement After the business closed at 8.30 p.m., agents reportedly followed the departing workers and detained three of them, while being heckled by protesters. The immigration status of the detained workers is not known. The reported incident comes amid heightened federal immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota, and amid rising tensions following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the report. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Looking ahead, Bower said fee earner levels are now broadly appropriate for current market conditions, and that 2026 will focus on driving further fee earner productivity by maximizing the sales funnel and ensuring teams highlight the companys broader talent solutions to clients. On productivity, Bower said the company continued to see year-on-year improvement. In specialist recruitment, perm placements per perm fee earner rose 2% to 0.84, supported by double-digit growth in the U.K. and Southern Europe. Management attributed the improvement primarily to careful management of fee earner headcount. The company also refined its reporting format to more clearly separate performance between its service lines. Specialist recruitment represented 82% of group fees in Q4, while recruitment outsourcing accounted for 18%. Chief Financial Officer David Bower said group net fee income declined 14% year-on-year in Q4 2025 (in constant currency), largely mirroring the cumulative position across the first three quarters. He described broadly consistent trends versus Q3, but noted that performance reflected a blend of markets moving at different speeds, potentially to an even greater extent than in the prior quarter. Robert Walters (LON:RWA) reported a fourth-quarter trading update marked by continued pressure on group net fee income, alongside progress on productivity measures, headcount reductions, and cost savings initiatives. Management said conditions remained mixed across the companys geographic portfolio, with some markets stabilizing or returning to growth while others stayed challenging. Regional performance was mixed the U.K. was a standout with Q4 fees up 25% while Europe fell ~23% and APAC was down 11% overall and the company starts 2026 assuming group net fee income will be slightly below 2025 with a gradual, marketbymarket recovery. Productivity and cost actions are reducing the burn: fee earner productivity improved, headcount was cut about 5% to just under 2,900, monthly runrate costs are now below 24m, and net cash was 26m while the firm targets at least 10m of annualized structural savings by 2027. Group net fee income fell 14% yearonyear in Q4 (constant currency), with specialist recruitment making up 82% of fees and management saying markets are moving at different speeds. Story continues At the group level, net fee income per fee earner increased 3% year-on-year, which Bower said reflected a favorable mix impact and continued strong fee rates that were either stable or rising across markets. 3 Data Center Beneficiaries Raising Dividends Up to 60% Headcount ended the year at just under 2,900 staff, down 5% quarter-on-quarter, with both fee earners and non-fee earners declining by roughly the same amount. Bower added that the company remains focused on reallocating resources between markets based on strategic opportunity and activity levels. On costs, management said it exited 2025 with a monthly cost base run rate below 24 million, compared with 25 million to 26 million 12 months earlier. The company reiterated progress toward its target of at least 10 million of annualized structural cost savings by 2027, with current emphasis on moving transactional finance processes from local markets into global business services hubs. Bower said cost control, combined with transformation benefits, should drive a further reduction in costs in 2026 versus 2025. The company ended the year with net cash of 26 million, which Bower said was in line with guidance provided at the half-year results. Management emphasized that maintaining a strong balance sheet remains central to capital allocation decisions. Regional performance: U.K. strength, Europe challenges, mixed APAC Chief Executive Officer Toby Fowlston outlined specialist recruitment performance by region. In Asia-Pacific, net fee income declined 11% year-on-year in Q4. Japan, the companys largest recruitment market, was down 10%, with management citing stronger temp performance but weaker perm results. Fowlston said actions are underway to improve perm performance and added that the underlying bilingual candidate market drivers remain strong. Australia and New Zealand saw sustained improvement in temp volumes through 2025, which continued in Q4. New Zealand fees rose 18% in Q4, while Australia declined 20%, as weaker perm results outweighed temp momentumthough Fowlston noted a rebound in Australia during December. In Europe, specialist recruitment net fee income fell 23% in Q4. Fowlston said Southern Europe, led by Spain, continued to show year-on-year improvement in hiring indicators such as job vacancies. Northern Europe remained the most difficult region, with uncertainty driven by regulatory, macro, and political factors. The company reported fees down 27% in France, 28% in the Netherlands, and 30% in Belgium, though performance in each market was described as sequentially stable. The U.K. was the standout, with Q4 fees up 25% year-on-year. Fowlston acknowledged an easier comparative but said momentum was building, pointing to sequential improvement from 6% growth in Q3. London was up 20% with growth in both perm and temp across verticals, and the companys regions returned to growth for the first time since the end of 2022. In the Rest of the World segment, the Middle East ended the year more slowly with fees down 23%, while continuing operations in the Americas grew 11%. Recruitment outsourcing: contract annualization weighed; talent advisory nearly doubled Recruitment outsourcing fees declined 12% year-on-year in Q4, which Fowlston said was a slight improvement on the year-to-date trend. The main driver was the annualization of clients contracted in 2024 that were not renewed in 2025. Management highlighted that retained client RPO was more resilient, with fees down 5% year-on-year across 2025 as a whole. Fowlston also pointed to progress following an expansion of a perm volume hiring partnership announced in the Q3 update, saying the company began to see evidence that the contract was contributing more to group fees. Workforce consultancydescribed as meeting flexible hiring needs by deploying the companys permanently employed skilled consultants into client organizations, often in technologyfinished the year well, and management said it sees opportunities beyond its existing outsourcing client base. Talent advisory, the newest service line offering market intelligence, future-of-work advice, and talent development, closed 2025 with net fee income for the year almost double the 2024 level. Fowlston said the company is still refining the operating model and plans to share further details at the full-year results in March. 2026 outlook: planning for slightly lower net fee income; recovery expected to be gradual Fowlston said 2025 marked the third year of reduced hiring volumes following the post-pandemic surge, but the company was encouraged to see some major markets stabilizing and returning to growth in the second half. In Q4, around a quarter of the specialist recruitment business was in growth, similar to Q3 and an improvement from a single-digit proportion in the first half. However, management said uncertainty continues to keep client and candidate confidence fragile and reiterated its view that recovery will be gradual and market by market, rather than driven by a single event. For 2026, the company said it is starting the year assuming group net fee income will be slightly below 2025, while acknowledging a modest range of potential outcomes. Management said it intends to focus on factors within its control, including continued cost reduction, portfolio management actions at country and team level, and showcasing the full range of solutions to drive productivity. During Q&A, management said fee rates in Japan remain among the highest globally, were described as stable to slightly up, and that candidate scarcity continues. Fowlston also addressed artificial intelligence, calling it transformative but emphasizing that the industrys transition will still require fundamentally human skills. He said the company believes AI-driven labor market disruption will be net positive, cited a World Bank view of significant net job creation by 2030, and described slower AI adoption among SMEs versus larger enterprises. He added that automating repetitive tasks could free consultants to focus more on trusted-advisor relationships with clients and candidates. The company reiterated it will provide additional detail at its full-year results in March. About Robert Walters (LON:RWA) Established in 1985, Robert Walters is a global talent solutions business operating in 31 countries across the globe. We support organisations to build high-performing teams, and help professionals to grow meaningful careers. Our client base ranges from the world's leading blue-chip corporates through to SMEs and start-ups. We deliver three core services: Specialist recruitment - encompassing permanent and temporary recruitment, executive search and interim management. Recruitment outsourcing - enabling organisations to transfer all, or part of, their recruitment needs to us either through recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) or contingent workforce solutions (CWS). Talent Advisory - supporting the growth of organisations through market intelligence, talent development, and future of work consultancy. Our employees are passionate about powering people and organisations to fulfil their unique potential. The article "Robert Walters Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Nervous fliers, take note: AirlineRatings.com has just released its annual ranking of the worlds safest airlines, and this year, according to Conde Nast Traveler, Etihad Airwaysthe national airline of the United Arab Emirates, which came in fifth in 2025nabbed the top spot for the first time ever. How the Airlines Are Ranked To rank the 320 airlines it monitors, Airline Ratings looks at factors like incident rates adjusted for number of flights, age of the airline fleet, pilot training, and international audits of safety. According to CEO Sharon Petersen, they made one big change for 2026: We are placing a greater emphasis on turbulence prevention, as it remains the leading cause of in-flight injuries, she said in a press release. Airline Ratings performs an onboard safety audit to assess for that factor, and also looks at whether or not an airline uses the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Turbulence Aware platform (or a similar service). How the Airlines Fared When assessed for those factors, the differences between the airlines was minimal. Less than four points covered positions one through 14, and at the very top the margins were even tighter, with just 1.3 points separating positions one through six in the full service category, Petersen said. Advertisement Advertisement Because the differences were so narrow, Petersen posited that Airline Ratings might need to tweak their rankings by where grouping airlines into performance tiers [to provide] a more accurate reflection of reality. All airlines in the Top 25 are world leaders in aviation safety, and claims that one is significantly safer or less safe than another are both sensationalist and false. Petersen also noted that every single airline on the list had a recorded incidentthink things like tail strikes and engine shutdowns. But thats not cause for alarm: The actual incident rate per flight sits between 0.002 and 0.09 across the airlines, she said, which is a true credit to the industry as a whole. 2026s Top 25 Full-Service Airlines Etihads position at the top of the list marks a Gulf carrier has taken the number one spot, Petersen said. The airlines young fleet of planes and its crash-free history contributed to the ranking, as did improvements in safety related to turbulence. Etihad also had the lowest incident rate per flight of any airline on the list. Air New Zealand, which took the top spot in 2025, is number six on the list this year. Singapore Airlines was reinstated after being removed from the list in 2025 after an incident related to turbulence. STARLUX and Fiji Airways are both making their debuts on the list, which you can see in full below. Advertisement Advertisement Etihad Cathay Pacific Qantas Qatar Emirates Air New Zealand Singapore Airlines EVA Air Virgin Australia Korean Air STARLUX Turkish Airlines Virgin Atlantic ANA Alaska Airlines TAP Air Portugal SAS British Airways Vietnam Airlines Iberia Lufthansa Air Canada Delta2 American Airlines3 Fiji Airways 2026s Top 25 Safest Low-Cost Airlines Airline Ratings didnt stop at ranking full-service airlines; they also looked at low-cost airlines for safety. HK Express Jetstar Airways Scoot flydubai EasyJet Group Southwest airBaltic VietJet Air Wizz Air Group AirAsia Group4 TUI UK Vueling Norwegian JetBlue FlyNAS Cebu Pacific Jet2 Ryanair Ireland and UK5 Spring Airlines China Transavia Group Eurowings Group Volaris6 WestJet Group GOL SKY Airline Chile It can be tempting to freak out when a severe bout of turbulence jostles your plane, or reports of aviation incidents hit the newsbut as pilot and professor Dan Bubb told the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2025, airplanes remain the safest mode of transportation. This not only is proven statistically, but also in reality given the infrequency of aircraft accidents, Bubb said. In the U.S., the last fatal commercial plane crash before the American Airlines regional jet that crashed earlier this year near Reagan Airport was in 2009. We went 16 years without any fatalities, which is pretty remarkable given how many thousands of flights take place each day. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jan 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Yemens Saudi-backed presidential leadership council has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Salem bin Breik and appointed Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsin al-Zindani as the countrys new prime minister, the state news agency Saba has reported. Bin Breik formally submitted the resignation, which was approved by the council, before Zindani was named to form the next cabinet, Saba said on Thursday. Yemen has been a source of heightened tensions in recent months between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Advertisement Advertisement The main southern Yemeni separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council which Saudi Arabia says is backed by the UAE 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 Yemens civil war, which led to one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises. Meanwhile, Yemens eight-seat presidential body on Thursday also dismissed a southern separatist currently in the UAE, consolidating Saudi Arabias full control over the countrys decision-making body. Advertisement Advertisement It was decided to terminate the membership of Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani in the Presidential Leadership Council, the Saudi-backed body said in an official resolution. Bahsani is a vice president of the STC who has been getting treatment in the UAE and was governor of oil-rich Hadramout province, Yemens largest and one of the two provinces the separatists had seized. Earlier this month, STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who was also a PLC member, was dismissed after being accused of high treason, and fled to the UAE. The resolution dismissing Bahsani cited a series of reasons, including his support for Zubaidi and the STCs takeover, as well as statements that he gave. On Sunday, Bahsani gave an interview to the AFP news agency in which he said southern forces, including southern separatists, would not agree to unite under the command of a Saudi-led coalition as announced the day before by the PLC chairman. Advertisement Advertisement He also urged Saudi Arabia, which is hosting talks for Yemens southern factions, to allow participants to hold the meeting outside the kingdom. I call on Saudi Arabia to give southerners an opportunity to meet outside Saudi Arabia, away from the pressures that will be exerted on the participants if it is held in Riyadh, he told AFP. Last week, a high-level separatist delegation said it had dissolved the group from Riyadh, where they went for talks, a decision the STC says was made under duress, with the group accusing Saudi Arabia of detaining the team. Later on Thursday, the PLC appointed two pro-Saudi figures to replace Zubaidi and Bahsani. Advertisement Advertisement Lieutenant General Mahmoud al-Subaihi is a former defence minister and a security and defence adviser to PLC chairman Rashad al-Alimi. Salem al-Khanbashi is the governor of Hadramout. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia gave Yemen $90m to pay for two months worth of salaries for public servants and servicemen, Yemens prime minister said, a day after the kingdom pledged $0.5bn in humanitarian projects. YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) The York-Poquoson Sheriffs Office is looking to increase transparency surrounding its usage of Flock cameras. They plan to do this through the newly launched Flock Transparency Portal. Its a website that the sheriffs office is hoping will provide insight to residents about how the technology is used. York-Poquoson Sheriff Ron Montgomery explained that Flock, itself, sets up the portal, and each law enforcement agency decides if they want to use it or not. Advertisement Advertisement Other localities such as Newport News, Norfolk and Suffolk use this website too. Theres been several opportunities for me to speak to my community and the people that live here about Flock and dispel some of the rumors and false information about it, Montgomery said. So I thought it was just a logical next step to go ahead and use this portal. The controversial eye from the sky has stirred up many conversations across Hampton Roads, and even some lawsuits. Most recently, a case was heard in front of a federal judge challenging Norfolk Polices use of Flock safety license plate readers. Those against the cameras have argued that they are a violation of the Fourth Amendment, saying the cameras capturing vehicles constitute a warrantless search. Advertisement Advertisement Montgomery said the cameras are an extremely useful tool for law enforcement when fighting crime. Essentially, what these cameras do is theyre motion-activated, and when cars drive by, they take a photograph of the car and the license plate, Montgomery said. Theres no vehicle registration information there. Theres nothing but the picture of the car and the license plate and the date and the time and the location of where the photograph was taken, Montgomery said. He added that by Virginia law, they can store that information for 21 days, and if they have no legitimate use for it, it will go away. He said investigators use the data to assist in identifying vehicles connected to crimes. They also generate real-time alerts when a license plate matches a hotlist. Advertisement Advertisement Montgomery said that residents in York County and the city of Poquoson can get basic information about how the cameras work, what theyre used for, how theyve been used recently and read about success stories, all through the transparency portal. According to the website in York County and the city of Poquoson, theres 40 license plate readers and other cameras, and more than 380,000 vehicles have been detected in the last 30 days. And its recent success story pointed to how the license plate reader technology helped recover a stolen vehicle in December, which then led to an arrest. The more the public is aware of what they actually are capable of doing and how law enforcement is using them, Montgomery said, they become more comfortable with it and understand exactly how valuable they are. 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 WAVY.com. Jan. 15FAIRMONT Marion County was as Blue as it gets in the 1970s. The county trended a good 3-to-1 Democrat in those days which is what made Paul Prunty, the former House of Delegates member who died last week after a lengthy illness, such a political anomaly. Prunty wasn't just a Republican who got elected in a sea of Ds on the ballot: He was a Republican who got re-elected in a sea of Ds on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Which came out to 11 times, in fact, from 1972-2000. His service is at 11 a.m. today at Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel in Fairmont, with the Rev. James Saunders officiating Saunders being another longtime elected official (three decades on the Marion County Board of Education) who followed Prunty's lead into public service. So did Mike Caputo, the feisty Democrat from Rivesville's Greentown coal camp who was handily elected, and promptly intimidated, in 1996. The latter came from Caputo's sink-or-swim dive into the pool, as it were, during his first-ever Legislative session as a freshman delegate. Advertisement Advertisement While he would go on to serve as long as Prunty, ending his tenure with stints as both majority and minority whip, Caputo very much felt in those early days, he said, like a stranger in a strange land. Being a novice and trying to navigate the labyrinth of the Capitol complex and politics, as played in the Mountain State will do that to you, he said. There was a spider web of allegiances and in-fighting, to go with committee votes, roll calls and meetings, meetings, meetings. Enter Prunty. "I was totally lost, " Caputo said. "Knew nothing of the process. If not for Paul, I probably would have walked out on Day Two." Advertisement Advertisement So he watched and learned from that Republican who just didn't tread water in that sea of blue. Besides often being the top-getter in primary and general elections, Prunty, more often than not, helped bring bipartisan legislation to shore. There were labor skirmishes for working men and woman of his district and his state. Prunty spent four decades as a machinist at the former Westinghouse plant in Fairmont. As an avid outdoorsman, he paid close political attention to Valley Falls State Park, which is nestled in Marion County. As a product of local public schools, he long championed Fairmont State, his hometown university. Advertisement Advertisement When one of his sons would go on to excel as a Special Olympian, Prunty became an ever-present advocate (and tireless volunteer) at the Marion County Disability Action Center. "You're always going to know where I stand, " Prunty was wont to say, as he took on issues and considered arguments and insights that sometimes ran counter to what he had been thinking earlier. Prunty was also in possession of a proud, and profound, West Virginia lineage. He was a descendant of Morgan Morgan, the Colonial explorer who settled what is now the Mountain State. His great-uncle Ephraim Morgan served as West Virginia's 16th governor from 1921-25. Advertisement Advertisement During those heady days in 1996, Caputo, however, wasn't necessary familiar with the Prunty family history or the lawmaker's voting record and legislative body of work in Charleston. He just knew that a Marion County neighbor from across the aisle was reaching over to help. "Paul guided me, " Caputo said. "He mentored me and he always supported me." Get the day's news. Sign up for our Daily Headlines newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning at 7 a.m. MOSCOW (AP) A court in Moscow on Friday began considering a lawsuit filed by the central bank against Euroclear, the Brussels-based clearing house that holds the bulk of Russian assets frozen by the European Union. The lawsuit seeks to recover 18.2 trillion rubles ($232 billion) in damages incurred when Russia was barred from managing and disposing of its Euroclear funds and securities, the bank said. The case is being heard behind closed doors. The EU has frozen 210 billion euros ($244 billion) worth of Russian assets as part of the sanctions imposed on Moscow after it sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Euroclear holds around 193 billion euros of the seized funds. Moscow's Arbitration Court picked up the case even though the EU last month set aside its initial plan to use frozen Russian assets to assist Ukraine after failing to convince Belgium that it would be protected from Russia's retaliation. The bloc opted instead for borrowing 90 billion euros on capital markers to provide an interest-free loan to Ukraine to meet its military and economic needs for the next two years. Russia's Central Bank has condemned the use of frozen assets to aid Ukraine as illegal, contrary to international law, arguing that they violated the principles of sovereign immunity of assets. Jesper Toennesen the creator of the anti-MAGA cap "Nu det NUUK!" poses while wearing one in his clothing store McKorman on Noerrebrogade in Copenhagen, on Jan. 13. The message "Nu er det NUUK!" and "Make America go away" is embroidered on the cap. US-based luxury retailer Saks Global has secured $1.75bn in committed capital and filed for voluntary Chapter 11 protection as part of a financial restructuring. The company commenced proceedings in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, outlining plans to stabilise its finances while pursuing an operational transformation. The financing package consists of a $1.5bn commitment from an ad hoc group of senior secured bondholders, together with $240m of incremental liquidity provided by asset-based lenders. Subject to court approval, $1bn will be made available as debtor-in-possession financing to fund operations during the Chapter 11 process. An additional $500m from the bondholder group is expected to become available once the company emerges from bankruptcy, which is anticipated later this year. Saks Global said the transaction is aimed at strengthening its balance sheet and maintaining liquidity as it reassesses its operational footprint, with investment to be directed towards areas offering the strongest long-term potential. As part of the filing, the company has submitted several customary first-day motions seeking approval to continue business as usual. These include requests to honour customer programmes, make ongoing payments to vendors, and maintain employee payroll and benefits. Saks Global said that stores and e-commerce operations across Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow will remain open throughout the restructuring process. Alongside the Chapter 11 filing, the group announced changes to its senior leadership team. Geoffroy van Raemdonck has been appointed CEO with immediate effect, succeeding Richard Baker, who became CEO earlier this month and has stepped down as executive chairman and CEO. Van Raemdonck previously served as CEO of the Neiman Marcus Group before its acquisition by Saks Global in 2024. He will work alongside CFO Brandy Richardson, who also previously held the CFO role at the Neiman Marcus Group. The leadership team is being expanded further with the appointment of Darcy Penick as president and chief commercial officer, overseeing stores, marketing, buying, digital, analytics and customer care. Lana Todorovich has also been named chief of global brand partnerships, responsible for managing enterprise-level relationships with brand partners. Commenting on the appointment, van Raemdonck said: 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. By Maria Alejandra Cardona, Savyata Mishra and Ross Kerber MINNEAPOLIS, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Up and down Lake Street in the heavily Latino area of south Minneapolis, numerous mom-and-pop restaurants have hung up signs that say "No ICE," referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials who have been conducting frequent raids in the area. The federal actions have also prompted thousands in the streets to protest after ICE agents killed 37-year-old Renee Good in her vehicle last week. By contrast, large corporations in Minneapolis have been much less vocal about the effects of immigration enforcement on the city, known as both a bastion of progressive politics in the U.S. Midwest and a robust corporate employer. Seventeen Fortune 500 companies are based in Minnesota, including Target, UnitedHealth, and General Mills. Reuters reached out to those companies, as well as Minnesota-based corporations Best Buy, Hormel, Land O'Lakes, agricultural giant Cargill, and industrial conglomerate 3M. None would speak on the record on the guidance they have given to employees. Their websites also have not addressed the current federal actions or unrest in the city. It stands in contrast with how companies responded in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd that spurred nationwide anger; many companies, including UnitedHealth and General Mills, spoke out in support of Floyd or his family after his death. FEAR RESHAPING OPERATIONS Their silence, according to Bill George, a Minneapolis-based former executive and current Harvard Business School fellow, is a mistake. "A lot of them are very silent and I think it's not a good time to be silent," he told Reuters. He added he has spoken with numerous executives in the Minneapolis area who have expressed concerns about the toll on business, with many still in the process of formulating guidance to workers. "It is disappointing to me that we don't hear their voices. They're charged with the safety, security and well-being of their employees," he said. Businesses have been much less outspoken about President Donald Trump's policies in his second term, due to fear of retaliation or threats of boycotts. After a Hilton-owned Hampton Inn cancelled bookings for ICE members in early January, the company removed it from its network. Many restaurants on Lake Street have reduced hours or closed. At Pineda Tacos, where a No ICE sign hangs in the front window and trash cans barricade the rear entrance, employees guard the door in an effort to prevent surprise raids, letting customers in one-by-one. Owner Luis Reyes Rojas said fear has reshaped daily operations. The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below. Hungarian Culture Day will now span an entire week and adopt a distinct identity, unifying events across the Carpathian Basin, Magdolna Zavogyan, state secretary for culture, said at a press conference in the Hungarian National Museum. Themed "Culture Connects Us" for 2026, the initiative aims to strengthen national identity in Hungary, the Carpathian Basin, and the diaspora, Zavogyan said. "Preserving Hungarian culture is not just about honouring the past but securing the nation's future," she said. This year, 30 museums nationwide will offer free entry on Jan 22, while 190 cultural institutions beyond Hungary's borders will host events. The government has also awarded ministerial certificates of recognition to over 600 cultural professionals. Zavogyan highlighted recent wage increases for culture workers: a 20 percent raise in 2022 and an additional 15 percent from Jan 1, 2026, benefiting 41,000 employees. In 2025, Hungary's 12,000 cultural institutions welcomed 50 million visitors, with nearly 7 million attending exhibitions. Anita Kiss-Hegyi, state secretary for cultural relations, announced a gala event at the Hungarian Academy of Arts on Jan 21, with similar galas planned in several county seats. The programme includes screenings of the film Hungarian Wedding in Tallinn, Cluj-Napoca, and New York, as well as regular Akvafolk events at Budapest's Akvarium Klub, featuring Hungarian folk dance for international audiences. The Liszt Institutes will also organise global events. The Hungarian National Museum's Public Collections Centre, the countrys largest cultural network, will offer free admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian National Gallery, Petofi Literary Museum, Museum of Ethnography, Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, Rakoczi Museum in Sarospatak, and King Matthias Museum in Visegrad. Gabor Zsigmond, Director-General of the Hungarian National Museum, announced that a new exhibition on Attila the Hun's legacy will open on Jan 22, showcasing over 400 artefacts from 64 museums across 13 countries. The National Szechenyi Library will host an awards ceremony on Jan 20, presenting "Qualified Public Cultural Institution" and "Qualified Library" titles. The week commemorates Ferenc Kolcsey's finalisation of the Hungarian national anthem's manuscript on Jan 22, 1823, a date officially recognised as a national memorial day since 2022. The expanded celebration reflects the government's commitment to promoting Hungarian heritage and ensuring its accessibility to both local and global audiences. Culture official: Hungarian culture has a future The Day of Hungarian Culture is not only a celebration but also an affirmation that the Hungarian language and the communities that cling to their identity have a future, Magdolna Zavogyan, state secretary for culture, said at celebrations in Lendava (Lendva), Slovenia, marking the Day of Hungarian Culture. In her speech, Zavogyan recalled that 203 years ago, on January 22, 1823, the Himnusz, the Hungarian national anthem, came into being when Ferenc Kolcsey finalised his poem at Csekey manor. "There, at that very table, a miracle was born -- something enduring: a prayer that uplifts and strengthens the nation." The Day of Hungarian Culture, she said, did not honour a single particular historical event or figure, "for what we celebrate on this occasion does not live on the pages of books or on the pedestals of monuments". Culture, she said, was present in the daily lives of communities, in the spoken word, in music, and in thought. "The mysterious codes of our togetherness nourish a field of strength that binds the parts of the nation together, transcending historical and political borders." She added: "We are the fortunate heirs, future legators, and humble shapers of our national culture." "Hungarian culture lives, creates, preserves, and unites, within the Carpathian Basin and beyond," she concluded. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* 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. This February, Britannica International School Budapest will host an exciting Model United Nations (MUN) conference that brings together students from five participating Orbital Education schools for two days of diplomacy, debate, and international collaboration. The event will simulate the workings of the United Nations, giving young delegates the opportunity to tackle complex global issues through negotiation and policymaking. This year's leading theme is equality, which is also represented on this years logo. With international tensions and environmental concerns shaping the modern world, this Orbital MUN conference offers a valuable platform for the next generation of Orbital students to explore how diplomacy can address shared global responsibilities. This years conference will focus on five prominent themes: World Hunger: Delegates will explore the root causes of food insecurity, including conflict, poverty, climate change, and supply chain disruptions. Discussions will focus on strategies to improve food distribution, strengthen agricultural resilience, and reduce inequality. Animal Poaching: With biodiversity declining worldwide, committees will examine illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. Students will evaluate both enforcement mechanisms and community-based conservation policies aimed at protecting endangered species. Access to Natural Resources: As nations compete for water, minerals and energy resources, delegates will assess geopolitical conflicts, environmental pressures, and technological solutions. Topics will include equitable resource distribution and sustainable extraction practices. Religion and Politics: Delegates will analyse the complex interplay between religious identity and political systems, considering both cases of cooperation and conflict. Debates will include human rights concerns, secularism, and the role of religious diplomacy in peacekeeping. Sustainable Population Growth: With global population trends shifting rapidly, students will discuss demographic transitions, urbanisation, healthcare access, and environmental carrying capacity. The focus will be on how governments might plan for future generations while respecting individual rights. Delegates will represent nations, draft resolutions, and argue for realistic solutions designed to promote global stability and ethical development. Beyond the committee rooms, the conference aims to build cultural understanding and leadership among participants. The diversity of students from the five Orbital schools and their international perspectives will no doubt lead to insightful discussions and creative approaches to problem solving. Click here to virtually visit Britannica International School, Budapest NORAD said that the aircraft will arrive at the base to support various long-planned activities and also noted that this activity has been coordinated with Denmark and Greenland. On the other hand, this US move follows a multinational military exercise led by Danish forces amid rising tensions. Pongal is more than just a festival in Tamil Nadu - its a heartfelt celebration of gratitude, prosperity, and togetherness. Mattu Pongal holds a special place as it honours cattle, especially cows and bulls, for their invaluable contribution to agriculture and rural life. Mattu Pongal will be celebrated with traditional rituals, colourful decorations, and joyful gatherings across Tamil Nadu and among Tamil communities worldwide. Akshay Kumar and other celebrities withed Sidharth Malhotra on his birthday. Fans also wished him over social media and made him trend. For his upcoming film, he will team up with Rakul Preet Singh. The value of vehicles exported from South Korea rose by 2% to US$72.0 billion in 2025, up from US$70.8 billion in 2024, driven by strong overseas demand for hybrid vehicles, according to data released by the countrys Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Last year was the third consecutive year that the country's vehicle exports exceeded US$70 billion. Exports of eco-friendly vehicles, including hybrid and electric vehicles, rose by 11% to US$ 25.8 billion, driven by a 30% increase in hybrid vehicle shipments to US$ 14.8 billion. Exports of used cars surged by 75% to a record high of US$ 8.9 billion, which the ministry said reflected the improved reputation of South Korean vehicles in overseas markets and favourable exchange rates. In terms of volumes, new vehicle exports fell by 1.7% to 2.7 million units last year, accounting for 67% of vehicle production in the country. Domestic vehicle production fell by 0.6% to 4.1 million units, with the GM Trax the highest-volume model with output of 308,000 units, followed by the Hyundai Kona with 270,000 units, Hyundai Avante with 269,000 units, Kia Sportage with 226,000 units, Hyundai Tucson with 201,000 units, and the Kia Carnival with 186,000 units. The Ministry said in a statement: Although US tariff measures cast a shadow over the automobile industry in 2025, uncertainty was eased through a combination of policy measures, including efforts to strengthen competitiveness in eco-friendly vehicles and secondary batteries, and emergency responses to the tariffs, together with the successful conclusion of tariff negotiations with the US. The Ministry said that in 2026 the countrys automobile industry faces challenges such as increased localisation of production overseas due to rising global protectionism and intensifying competition. It stated that it will continue to support the industry by steadily implementing initiatives centered on the AI Future Vehicle M.AX Alliance and the K-Mobility Leadership Strategy, with the aim of strengthening future industrial competitiveness and reinforcing export momentum. GlobalData expects light vehicle production in South Korea to fall by 6% to 3.809 million units in 2026, down from 4.051 million units in 2025. "South Korea reports record vehicle exports in 2025" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. South Korea is tightening its grip on how crypto platforms reach users, using app stores as an enforcement lever as regulators sharpen the boundary between compliant digital finance and unregistered crypto activity. The country has advanced legislation establishing a legal framework for security token offerings, creating a regulated pathway for blockchain-based issuance and trading of tokenized securities. The National Assembly passed amendments to the Capital Markets Act and the Electronic Securities Act on Thursday, institutionalizing tokenized securities across debt, equity, and investment contract products. The framework defines security token offerings as securities under the Capital Markets Act whose issuance and distribution information is recorded and managed on a blockchain-based distributed ledger, a rough translation of the statement reads. Implementation will be led by the Financial Services Commission and the laws set to take effect in January 2027 following a one-year preparation period. These definitions would enable distributed ledger-based securities, account management and greater utilization of smart contracts," the Financial Services Commission wrote. The new infrastructure could also help bolster the use of smart contracts and is expected to become more active. Pre-emptive enforcement? The regulatory push on tokenized finance runs alongside tighter enforcement at the distribution level. Google Play, the primary app marketplace for Android devices, has implemented new restrictions affecting crypto apps in the country. Under the updated policy, crypto exchanges and wallet providers must register as virtual asset service providers with South Koreas Financial Intelligence Unit to remain listed on the Play Store. Beginning January 28, Android users in South Korea will no longer be able to download or update apps from unregistered overseas exchanges. Only 27 domestic platforms, including Upbit and Bithumb, have completed FIU registration, while major global exchanges such as Binance, Bybit, and OKX remain unregistered, leaving their apps effectively blocked from new installs and updates in the local Google Play marketplace. The restriction effectively cuts off a major distribution channel for platforms that have continued to serve Korean users without local authorization. As an enforcement tool, the impact is substantial, Siwon Huh, researcher at South Korean crypto research firm Four Pillars, told Decrypt. Android users account for over 80% of the South Korean market as of Q3 2025, Huh noted. State Street Investment Management has reached an agreement to purchase a 23% stake in Groww Asset Management (Groww AMC) for up to Rs5.8bn ($64.2m). Groww AMC is the asset management subsidiary of Billionbrains Garage Ventures (GROWW). Bloomberg previously reported on State Streets intention to invest in an Indian mutual fund business. Groww has approved the relevant agreements with State Street Global Advisors, which set out the conditions for this investment. If completed, the transaction will see State Street strengthen its position in the Indian asset management sector, with the potential to introduce India-based investment options to its global customer base. The move is in line with State Street Investment Managements recent equity transactions and collaborations aimed at expanding its investor reach and product capabilities. State Street Investment Management CEO Yie-Hsin Hung said: Groww AMC is at the forefront of this transformation, making investment exposures accessible to millions of individuals and capturing a significant share of the growing domestic wealth market. Our partnership with Groww AMC allows us to participate directly in the growth of Indias domestic asset management market, deliver a range of investment exposures to a broader population, and build a pipeline of Indian exposures for global distribution. The deal awaits final regulatory approvals before it can proceed. Groww COO and co-founder Harsh Jain said: State Street Investment Management is one of the worlds largest asset managers, and we are delighted to welcome them as an investor and strategic partner in Groww AMC. This partnership will enable us to bring global best practices and sophisticated investment products to Indian investors, strengthening our long-term commitment to building a world-class asset management platform in India. "State Street to acquire 23% stake in Indias Groww AMC " was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Changes are coming to the state's system of setting hospital rates under Medicare, and private insurance companies could be expected to pick up part of the cost. (Stock.adobe.com image by s_l). State officials this week voted to tap private health insurance plans to make up for an expected loss in funding and rate-setting control as Maryland transitions to a new federal framework for Medicare payments to state hospitals. The changes approved Wednesday by the Health Services Cost Review Commission will not take effect for at least a year, but will likely mean higher premiums for people on private health insurance plans when they do kick in. Its part of a multiyear shift to the new Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design, or AHEAD, model of setting hospital rates for Medicare services in the state. Private insurers are less than pleased with the new plan. We remain concerned that the state relies again and again on the commercial market when unaffordable health care costs already burden Maryland families and businesses, said Matthew Celentano of the League of Life and Health Insurers in Maryland, in response to Wednesdays policy approvals. The states previous hospital rate setting system technically came to an end on Dec. 31 even if major changes in state operation have not yet occurred. The old model, called the Total Cost of Care system, gave Maryland officials authority to regulate hospital costs across all payers in the system, which include private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. Total Cost of Care leveled costs for patients across coverage types, so that different patients did not end up paying more for the same services. Those rates are set by the Health Services Cost Review Commission. Maryland has had the authority to set Medicare hospital rates for more than 40 years, but it will lose that authority under the AHEAD model by 2028, when rate-setting will revert to the federal government. AHEAD also requires the state to reduce Medicare spending by $435 million annually. The changes approved Wednesday would increase hospital rates for the commercial market by $87 million annually, beginning in 2028. State officials estimate that those rate increase will add a total of 1.8% to private consumers premiums by 2032. Thats not a huge hike in premiums, but it comes on top of growing health care costs generally. Last year, state insurance officials approved an average 13.4% rate increase for 2026 health care plans to account for the expiration of a federal tax credit that helped thousands of Marylanders afford health care in the Affordable Care Act marketplace. McGraw Hill Inc. (NYSE:MH) is one of the most promising mid-cap consumer staples stocks under $100. On January 8, Shlomo Rosenbaum from Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a positive outlook for McGraw Hill Inc. (NYSE:MH), assigning a Buy rating. Rosenbaums estimates yield an almost 20% upside from prevailing levels, with a target price of $19. Barrington Reiterates Outperform on Perdoceo, Keeps $42 Price Target Sarawut Aiemsinsuk/Shutterstock.com This rating comes following the announcement of a leadership change for McGraw Hill Inc. (NYSE:MH). CEO and President Simon Allen will be replaced by Philip Moyer, effective February 9. Allen will continue to serve as the Chairman of the Board, and Rosenbaum sees this announcement as somewhat unusual from a timing perspective, as the company just got listed 6 months back. However, the analyst noted that despite not having an Education industry background, the incoming CEO, Moyer, seems to be an interesting pick given his experience with technology businesses and AI focus. Back on December 22, Goldman Sachs analyst George Tong also reiterated his bullish views on McGraw Hill Inc. (NYSE:MH). Tong assigned a Buy rating and lowered his price target from $25 to $22. This still results in an almost 39% upside for investors. The analyst forecasted a healthy topline growth for the K-12 segment in 2026, but slightly meager operating margins. He also anticipated decelerating growth for the Global Professional segment amid the phasing out of their legacy products. However, the prospects for the Higher education segment remain strong, and the company is well-positioned to benefit from AI capabilities, backed by extensive proprietary content. McGraw Hill Inc. (NYSE:MH) is a global education science company that functions through its 4 segments, i.e., K-12, Higher Education, Global Professional, and International. Through these segments, they offer learning solutions, instructional materials, and academic curricula, both in print and digital form. While we acknowledge the potential of MH 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: 15 Most Promising Mid-Cap Healthcare Stocks Under $50 and 11 Most Promising Small-Cap Industrial Stocks Under $50. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. By Wen-Yee Lee and Ben Blanchard TAIPEI, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Taiwan aims to become a close strategic partner with the United States in the area of artificial intelligence (AI) after striking a deal to cut tariffs and boost its investment in the country, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun said on Friday. The administration of President Donald Trump has pushed the major producer of semiconductors for greater investment in the United States, specifically in turning out chips that power AI. "In this negotiation, we promoted two-way TaiwanU.S. high-tech investment, hoping that in the future we can become close AI strategic partners," Cheng said in comments livestreamed from a press conference in Washington. Cheng led the talks that clinched Thursday's trade deal, which cuts tariffs on many of Taiwan's exports, and directs new investments in the U.S. technology industry, but it could also irritate China. China regards democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and strongly objects to high-level U.S.-Taiwan exchanges. Taiwan rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Taiwan companies would invest $250 billion to boost production of semiconductors, energy and artificial intelligence in the United States. The figure includes $100 billion already committed by chipmaker TSMC in 2025, with more to come, he added. Taiwan will also guarantee an additional $250 billion in credit to facilitate further investment, the Trump administration said. 'CLOSE PARTNERS' Cheng called the deal "win-win", adding that it would also encourage U.S. investment in Taiwan. The United States is the island's most important international backer and arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties. The investment plan is company-led, rather than driven by the government, and Taiwan companies will continue to invest at home, Cheng added. "We believe this supply-chain cooperation is not 'move,' but 'build.' We expand our footprint in the U.S. and support the U.S. in building local supply chains, but even more so, it is an extension and expansion of Taiwan's technology industry." Investments would also cover AI servers and energy, Taiwan Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin told reporters in Taipei, adding that it was up to companies to reveal the chip-related amounts. Taiwan's benchmark stock closed at a record high on Friday, boosted by strong TSMC fourth-quarter earnings and a favourable investor reaction to the tariff deal. "Taiwan is the first country the U.S. has publicly announced as receiving the most preferential treatment for chips and related products, highlighting that Washington views Taiwan as a key strategic partner in semiconductors," Taiwan Institute of Economic Research President Chang Chien-yi told Reuters. HONG KONG (AP) The United States and Taiwan reached a trade deal Thursday that cuts tariffs on Taiwanese goods in exchange for $250 billion in new investments in the U.S. tech industry. The deal is the latest President Donald Trump has struck such as those with the European Union and Japan since he unveiled a sweeping tariff plan last April to address trade imbalances. Trump also has a one-year trade truce with China to stabilize ties with the world's second largest economy. Trump initially set the tariff at 32% on Taiwanese goods but later changed it to 20%. The new agreement slashes the tariff rate to 15%, the same as levied on other U.S. trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region such as Japan and South Korea. In a statement, the U.S. Department of Commerce said the deal with Taiwan would establish an economic partnership to create several world-class U.S.-based industrial parks in order to help build up domestic production. The department described it as "a historic trade deal that will drive a massive reshoring of Americas semiconductor sector. The Taiwanese government affirmed key details in the deal in a statement, saying that the Taiwan model" will go to the U.S. and help expand the global competitiveness of the island's technology industry while deepening strategic cooperation between the two nations. Taiwan's executive branch said the island's companies would specifically invest $250 billion in industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence applications and energy. In addition to cutting the tariffs on the island nation, the Commerce Department said it will exempt certain imports such as generic pharmaceuticals and aircraft components from Taiwan. Taiwanese semiconductor producers that invest in the U.S. also will get favorable tariff treatments, including exemptions, the department said. One day before the deal was announced, Beijing, which claims Taiwan to be part of China, scoffed at it, calling the agreement an economic plunder by the U.S. on Taiwan. TSMC to lead investments The deal came just when Taiwan-based TSMC, the worlds largest computer chipmaker, on Thursday announced plans to increase its capital spending by as much as nearly 40% this year after it reported a 35% jump in its net profit for the latest quarter thanks to the boom in artificial intelligence. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp., a major supplier to companies including Nvidia and Apple, reported a net profit of 506 billion new Taiwan dollars ($16 billion) for the October-December quarter, a 35% surge from a year earlier, better than analysts estimates. Automotive telematics is increasingly shaping how vehicles are designed, operated, and financed. The technology, which uses connected sensors and real-time data, is affecting areas from driver safety to fleet efficiency and insurance pricing, according to a company press release from Persistence Market Research (PMR). PMR is a global marketresearch and consulting firm that operates in the UK under the legal entity Persistence Research & Consultancy Services Ltd, a private limited company registered in England & Wales. Source: Persistence Market Research (PMR) In 2026, telematics systems can alert drivers if they deviate from their lane, detect signs of fatigue, or automatically notify emergency services after a collision. Vehicles now talk to each other and surrounding infrastructure, allowing for more responsive safety features and potentially lower insurance premiums based on driving behaviour. Telematics is also influencing vehicle manufacturing. Automakers are using sensors embedded in components to collect data on material durability and performance during production. This enables virtual testing before vehicles reach assembly lines. The development of digital twins, virtual replicas of vehicles and production system, permits manufacturers to refine designs, simulate production processes, and reduce costly errors. For fleets, telematics provides real-time insights on location, fuel use, and vehicle health, which can improve operational efficiency. AI-driven systems are increasingly able to optimise delivery routes, predict maintenance needs, and reduce downtime. Companies using telematics report savings of up to 20% on fuel and maintenance costs. The ability to analyse telematics data in real time is transforming both vehicle operation and business management, the press release noted. It is providing measurable efficiencies across insurance, manufacturing, and fleet operations. Looking ahead, experts anticipate deeper integration with smart city infrastructure, enabling vehicles to interact with traffic signals and road sensors. This level of connectivity could reduce congestion, enhance road safety, and support environmentally efficient driving. Manufacturers are advised to adopt data-first strategies, implement digital twins, collaborate with connected infrastructure networks, and leverage telematics to improve sustainability outcomes. "How telematics is shaping vehicle finance and operations in 2026" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. Depending on how far you zoom in or out of Tesla's stock chart, the company is either a great investment or a giant headache. But Tesla just announced a new partnership that it hopes will power the company's future and fulfill its trillion-dollar promise. Over the past 12 months, Tesla shares are up only about 3.4%, according to Yahoo Finance. Over the past six months, they are up more than 42%. Over the past month, they're down nearly 7%. Over the past five sessions, they're up nearly 2%. Do you see the issue? Tesla Q4 delivery data Q4 Model 3 and Y deliveries: 406,585 Q4 all other models deliveries: 11,642 Q4 Model 3/Y production: 422,652 Q4 all other models production: 11,706 Tesla shares have a history of volatility, but 2025 was an especially tumultuous year. Tesla shares more than halved in value between December 2024 and April 2025, bottoming out at an intraday low of $214.25 on April 7. But since then, they've more than doubled. If you can stomach all of that volatility, Tesla is definitely the investment for you. However, Tesla just reported its second consecutive year of falling car deliveries. Part of the stock volatility was driven by this, and the fact that Tesla's operating income dropped dramatically in 2025 to $4.86 billion from $7.76 billion in 2024, and its gross profit declined to $16.2 billion from $17.4 billion. While they acknowledge the company has some issues, analysts at Deutsche Bank are bullish on Tesla due to its Robotaxi and self-driving ambitions. "While the autos business at Tesla may underperform in 2026, we think more attention is directed towards the companys robotaxi expansion and efforts at humanoid development, Deutsche Bank analysts said in a recent note. To the extent that the macro regime doesnt change materially, we think investors will continue to look beyond weakness in the autos business. However, the firm also expects the race for autonomy and embodied AI to accelerate in 2026. This week, Tesla made a move to secure its place in that race for autonomy by partnering with Samsung. Tesla has unveiled a partnership with Samsung, which will supply the Robotaxi maker with 5G automotive modems.Photo by Bloomberg on Getty Images Photo by Bloomberg on Getty Images Tesla taps Samsung for 5G modem Korean electronics giant Samsung is mostly known for its phones, computers, and televisions, but the company is now reportedly in business with Tesla to build the technology that will make its autonomous driving ambitions viable. Samsung will begin supplying Tesla with 5G automotive modems, according to a report from South Korea's TheElec, just two years after Samsung Electronics began development of the technology. Related: Tesla's troubles are mounting in a few key regions Samsung has decades of experience making modums for smartphones, but automotive modems have different durability requirements. They need to be able to withstand extreme temperatures and vibrations and have a guaranteed lifespan of more than 10 years. Corn: The corn market was quietly higher early Thursday morning. The March issue posted a 1.75-cent trading range, all of it above unchanged, and was sitting 1.75 cents higher, one tick off its session high while registering 15,000 contracts changing hands. Recall March closed yesterday at $4.22, up 2.25 cents for the day indicating Watson had started the new positioning week in a buying mood. The previous week, Tuesday to Tuesday, March closed 24.25 cents lower, due to this past Mondays post-report meltdown of 24.75 cents. The question is if the noncommercial net-long futures position, last reported at 60,110 contracts, was erased through Tuesdays close. Fundamentally, the corn market has grown more bullish. Wednesdays settlement saw the March-May spread cover 37% calculated full commercial carry while the May-July covered 30%. This is likely a reflection of bin doors being slammed shut following this weeks activity that put the National Corn Index ($CNCI) at $3.83, its lowest price since October 21. The Index was priced Wednesday night at $3.86, up 2.75 cents for the day meaning national average basis firmed. The latest calculation was 36.0 cents under March futures, as compared to the previous 5-year low weekly close for this week of 32.25 cents under March. Morning Summary: Steve Sedgwick, host of CNBCs Squawk Box Europe, started todays segment by saying he had to read the nuttiest headline: Denmark and its allies send troops to Greenland. He was absolutely correct. The members of NATO still considered allies against a common enemy: the United States. This after a meeting between the US administration, Denmark, and Greenland reportedly didnt go well Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Cash Gold Index (GCY00) hit a new high of $4,642.74 yesterday, up $56 (1.2%) before slipping back through the close and seeing follow-through pressure overnight. Similarly, the Cash Silver Index (SIY00) posted a new high of $93.52 overnight but has dipped back into the red by $3.47 (3.7%) at this writing. Energies were in the red across the board with only the spot-month natural gas contract showing green after falling 10% yesterday. Lastly, the US dollar index ($DXY) was slightly firmer to start the day. The common theme is what it has been for the last decade: Global markets and governments continue to have to adjust to the loss of the US as a stabilizing force. As we can see in the long-term trends of the greenback and gold, the US is viewed as an unstable factor. Story Continues Soybeans: The soybean market was also quietly higher pre-dawn with the March issue up 1.5 cents on trade volume of about 10,000 contracts. A look back at Wednesdays session, the first day of the new fund positioning week, and we see March rallied as much as 10.5 cents before closing 3.75 cents higher for the day. The previous week, Tuesday to Tuesday, saw March close 17.5 cents lower indicating funds were once again decreasing their net-long futures position, last reported at 104,770 contracts. Fundamentally, the National Soybean Index ($CNSI) was priced near $9.7275, up 3.75 cents for the day but still below its previous 5-year end of January low price of $9.78. Based on the Law of Supply and Demand, this tells us the US fundamental situation is more bearish than it has been over that same time frame. National average basis held at 69.75 cents under March futures as compared to the previous 5-year low weekly close for this week of 60.5 cents under March. Later this morning well get the next round of weekly export sales and shipments numbers, for the week ending Thursday, January 8, with the focus on total sales (total shipments plus unshipped sales) to China and the marketing year pace projection for exports. Wheat: The wheat sub-sector was mostly in the green to start the day as well, also on light overnight trade volume. The March HRW issue was up 3.0 cents at this writing and one tick off its session high on trade volume of 1,700 contracts. Similarly, March SRW was up 2.0 cents while registering 4,000 contracts changing hands with the nearby HRS issue sitting unchanged on trade volume of 60 contracts. We know US wheat fundamentals havent changed, with all three National Cash Indexes ($CSWI) ($CRWI) ($CRSI) running below previous 5-year end of January low prices. That hasnt changed for months and is not expected to change anytime in the near future. This shifts the focus, at least partially, to the noncommercial side. Recall the latest Commitments of Traders report showed Watson had switched to a small net-long futures position in HRW, followed by the March issue closing the positioning week, Tuesday to Tuesday, with a loss of 2.0 cents. Was the net-long futures position erased? Was it being rebuilt as March closed 2.75 cents higher Wednesday? Time will tell. Meanwhile, Watson increased its net-short futures positions in SRW and HRS as of the previous update. As for today, well have the next round of weekly export sales and shipments numbers to discuss. On the date of publication, Darin Newsom did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com They use the U.S. dollar, so no currency exchange risk. You don't have to worry about the currency moving against you if you're on a fixed retirement income. They have a great retiree residency program, making it easy and affordable to retire there full-time, live there full-time if you want. The difference between what they call summer and their winter is the level of humidity in the air, but you never have cold weather. Great health care, excellent health care. There's a Johns Hopkins-affiliated hospital in Panama City. The AARP, in fact, publishes its own list every year of best places to retire overseas. And I don't think you get more mainstream American retirement conversation than AARP. Panama is at the top of our list and it has been for so many years because it checks all the boxes that a retiree could be looking for. Back then, it was crazy. Nobody really paid any attention and I was considered kind of nutty. Today, this idea is increasingly mainstream. Panama is number one. In our 2026 Retire Overseas Index, Bopete, Panama specifically, which is a town in the mountains of Panama, it comes in number one. I've been recommending Panama to Americans as a place to retire for 28 years or so. So when you look at the top 10 countries and you put together a great list, what are, say, the top five countries that come to mind so for Americans thinking about retiring abroad? Number two, of course, is cost of living . And that practical reason is really the primary motivating factor for a lot of Americans at this point. I think in retirement, people are generally looking for good weather. One main motivator for a lot of people, no matter where in the world you're coming from and thinking about retiring too, is you want no more winter, no more snow, no more scraping ice. So you want sunshine and clear skies. Yeah, thanks so much again. What makes a country an attractive place for someone to retire? Here we go. Three, two, one. Kathleen, so great to see you. Broadcast Retirement Network's Jeffrey Snyder discusses what you need to know when living abroad in retirement with Live and Invest Overseas' Kathleen Peddicord. Story Continues And the cost of living is very manageable. The interesting thing about Panama is in Panama City, you can actually live a bona fide luxury level lifestyle, like penthouse living, like best of Miami lifestyle. And that comes at a higher price tag. In the rest of the country, you can live for $2,000 a month or less and live a very rich, full life at the beach. Panama has loads and loads of beach options. Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network In terms of things to think about, I mean, Panama City sounds great to me. And I tend to be a person that maybe jumps before or leaves before he looks sometimes. But what are some of the things that a retiree needs to think about? You mentioned the cost of living. You mentioned healthcare. They're top of mind on my list. But what are some of the things you really need to think hard about if you're going to live abroad? Kathleen Peddicord, Live and Invest Overseas Are you up for it? It isn't for everyone. That's the truth. It's a big adventure. I think it expands your life and your perspective enormously. And you will have the adventure of your lifetime. But you have to decide, number one, if you're really up for the challenges because it comes with big upsides, but also it's work. There are challenges and there's work involved. You're building a whole new life from nothing, from scratch, in another language, in a place where you don't have the built-in supports and safety nets you have where you're living now, family, friends, infrastructure, et cetera. So are you up for it? And then if you decide, yeah, I want to give this a try, then the next question is, how local do you want to go? Which means in any of these countries we talk about, from Panama to Portugal, Mexico to France, et cetera, you can retire very locally. You can move to a neighborhood where your neighbors are going to be all locals. Here in Panama, your neighbors would all be Panamanian, which means they speak Spanish and they live differently than we do in the United States. Panama can be a very expat, retiree-friendly place where you'll feel comfortable and familiar, but still, it's a very different culture, very different country. So if you're going to go fully local, you need to be ready for that. On the other hand, in Panama, lots of places we talk about, Belize, lots of places, there are expat communities, big established communities of foreign retirees from the United States, Canada, and Europe who have decided they want to embrace this adventure. They want the upsides, the reduced cost of living, the better weather, the higher levels of safety, whatever you're looking for, but they weren't ready to go local. They didn't want to learn a new language and they didn't want their life to be dramatically more exotic than they'd had been. You know, they didn't want to be too far outside their comfort zone. So they've established communities where developers are building to their specs. So you can buy condos, houses that will be very familiar just like what you might buy in Miami, Florida, for example. So you have to make that choice. How local are you willing to go? How exotic? How much outside your comfort zone? And there's no right or wrong answer. It's just a matter of being honest with yourself, kind of taking that self-check. And I think that's the most important starting point. Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network In terms of doing research, I mean, you said a lot of things and you can do Mr. Google and try to find things, but how do you find the best resources? And does a city like Panama, you mentioned some of the abilities for expats and communities for expats, but is there almost like an onboarding program or a way to help you transition from say living in Baltimore, Maryland, which is where I was born and raised, now I'm in Charlotte, but are there ways to kind of do your research? Cause I feel like that's probably pretty important as well. Kathleen Peddicord, Live and Invest Overseas It is really important. And I have to say, I'm from Baltimore too, born and raised. And that's where I lived until I moved to Ireland almost 30 years ago. Unfortunately, there is no onboarding program. This has become an industry. When I was first talking about this 30, 40 years ago, even 20 years ago, this was a fringy idea, but today there is an industry surrounding the idea of American retirees moving overseas to Latin America and to Europe primarily, which means there are many more resources. There is lots of infrastructure to tap into, but there's no kind of turnkey onboarding program. Unfortunately, you go to Google and you will find loads of resources. The trouble is you might be overwhelmed by the number of options you'll be presented with for how to help you make this move. Some of them are more trustworthy than others. Some of them are speaking from more personal experience than others. So you definitely have to filter them. That's a big part of what we do. We publish a lot of resources, books. I've written loads of books on the topic, subscription services, and we do conferences. We do 10 conferences a year. I will say one of the most important things to do, if you're interested in this idea and it's got your attention, start reading, start researching, but get on a plane. Once you've made your short list of countries that are interesting to you, that appeal to you on paper, you need to go and put your boots on the ground. You need to go walk around that place and you'll have a gut reaction. Some people will land in Panama City and say, oh my gosh, who could live here? Why does anyone think this is a good place to be? And other people will land there and fall in love. And I think more than anything, you have to pay attention to that instinctive response. Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network Yeah, very well said. Well, Kathleen, I've really enjoyed the conversation. Of course, we didn't have a full hour. I would love to talk to you for a full hour. We've got about a minute left. I wonder if you might summarize some of the key takeaways from our conversation this morning. Kathleen Peddicord, Live and Invest Overseas I would say that there are huge advantages, especially in the current climate to moving overseas in retirement. You can move to a place that is separate, apart, where the tensions and conflicts that we might feel in our day-to-day life right now, you can walk away from them. You really can. You can live a life that's more peaceful, that's more separate, and that's definitely cheaper, that has better weather, and that where you make your own life, where you can imagine, this is what I want my retirement to look like, and you can build that. On the other hand, this isn't for everyone. So you need to do some soul searching, you need to do some researching and reading, and then you need to buy a plane ticket and go walk around the places that are interesting to you, and then let the whole process play out organically, step-by-step. The idea of walking away from the United States, everyone you know, everything you own, sell your house, sell your car, walk away, move to another country, on your own, learn a new language, and never looking back, that's scary, right? And that's not what this has to be. This isn't all or nothing. It's not jumping off a cliff. Take it step-by-step. If you're interested in the idea, take a first step and see where that goes. Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network Very well said. Kathleen, it's great talking with you, really informative. And look, we look forward to having you back on the program again so very soon. Kathleen Peddicord, Live and Invest Overseas I would love that. Thank you very much. Great to speak with you. This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jan 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retirement section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. TotalEnergies, through its Liberian subsidiary, is joining forces with BluEnergies to explore the Harper Basin's deep-water fan play offshore Liberia. The parties have signed a joint study and application agreement. The Harper Basin is located on the West Africa Transform Margin. This margin and its conjugate South American Margin are regions where the basin-floor fan play is being actively explored, developed and produced. The partnership between TotalEnergies and BluEnergies, which has been established under an industry standard agreement, seeks to identify prospects within blocks LB-26, LB-30 and LB-31. The two companies plan to apply for production sharing contracts (PSCs) if economically viable drillable prospects are found. A budget has been allocated by both companies for an 18-month work programme that includes advanced seismic reprocessing by TGS ASA and the acquisition of new offshore sea bottom data. The reprocessing, which commenced in late November 2025, covers approximately 6,167km of original 3D seismic data acquired in 2013. This initiative aims to enhance reservoir imaging accuracy and assess the hydrocarbon potential more reliably. Supporting this collaboration, BluEnergies and TotalEnergies' Liberian subsidiaries have obtained a new reconnaissance licence, RL-003, from the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority. This licence covers an area of around 8,924km and grants BluEnergies a 35% participating interest, while TotalEnergies holds a 65% stake. Under RL-003, the companies are tasked with conducting a comprehensive work programme that includes data reprocessing and collection. RL-003 replaces BluEnergies' former RL-002 licence, allowing recovery of reconnaissance expenditures under future PSCs. Previously, BluEnergies solely held RL-002 and acquired a review licence for the 3D seismic survey in October 2024. Following interpretation of this data, seven large basin floor fans were delineated. In a separate development, TotalEnergies has revealed that its subsidiary, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Vaaris. This agreement involves selling the company's 10% non-operated stake in the Renaissance joint venture (JV) licences located in Nigeria. Previously known as the SPDC JV, the Renaissance JV is an unincorporated collaboration comprising Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation with a 55% share, Renaissance Africa Energy as the operator holding 30%, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria with 10%, and Agip Energy and Natural Resources Nigeria owning 5%. Together, these entities manage 18 licences in the Niger Delta region. Reconnaissance expenditures under RL-003 and RL-002 would be recoverable under any future production sharing contracts covering the Blocks. Under the RL-002 work program, which required a minimum expenditure of US$1,600,000, BLU spent US$1,862,000 (CA$2,570,000). 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 /PRNewswire/ -- 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. For further information, please contact: Craig Steinke, Chief Executive Officer, Investor Relations Inquiries, Email: info@blu-energies.com Toyota has raised its tender offer to investors as it seeks to take subsidiary Toyota Industries private, but other shareholders in the unit are said to be unhappy at what they view as still - an undervalued price. Toyota wants full control over the subsidiary, an increasingly important firm within the Toyota Group. Toyota owns around a quarter of Toyota Industries which is also a significant shareholder in Toyota Motor (holding around 9% of its shares). Toyota Industries is a diverse manufacturing company. It manufactures textile looms and forklift trucks, but crucially, it also supplies car engines and a range of automotive components to Toyota Group. Toyota has this week raised its offer price to 18,800 per share, a 15% increase on the previous offer level. Toyota Industries board has reportedly recommended investors tender their shares for the renewed offer, a process that begins this week and ends on February 12. Analysts have suggested Toyota Industries' value is well above 20,000 per share and some say above 25,000. Investors, including fund manager Elliott Investment Management, have openly challenged Toyotas latest tender offer level. Elliot Investment Management said in a statement: Although the revised tender offer price of 18,800 per share acknowledges the inadequacy of the original transaction terms, the new tender offer price continues to very substantially undervalue Toyota Industries. Toyota Industries owns high-quality, market-leading businesses and valuable financial assets that Elliott believes, based on its empirical work, together are worth more than 25,000 per share. This valuation has grown by more than 5,000 per share since June 2025, reflecting the approximately 40% increase in the value of the Company's holdings in Toyota Motor and other Toyota Group companies, as well as the increase in the valuation of the Company's key peers. Elliott opposes the revised tender offer price as not in the best interests of minority shareholders. Elliott does not intend to tender its shares under the current transaction terms and will be encouraging other shareholders not to support the tender. "Toyota raises buyout offer to take subsidiary private" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson President Donald Trump bought large chunks of debt tied to Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery in the days after the two companies unveiled their blockbuster $83 billion merger, placing the White House in an awkward financial overlap with a deal his own administration may soon be asked to approve. A financial disclosure released this week revealed Trump acquired up to $1 million in corporate bonds from Netflix and a similar amount from entities linked to WBD, according to The Hollywood Reporter, shortly after the agreement was announced. The purchases were split across two December transactions and disclosed in broad value ranges, rather than exact figures. While bonds are not shares and do not convey ownership or voting power, they do make the holder a creditor and someone who profits when a company remains solvent and stable. The distinction may be cold comfort if the NetflixWBD deal heads toward regulatory scrutiny. Any final decision would likely involve the Department of Justice, which would assess whether the merger harms competition. The White House has previously said the presidents bond purchases are handled by an independent financial adviser, and that is likely the case here. Still, the disclosure shows a president financially entangled, however passively, with the companies even while ally Larry Ellison is backing his son, Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, in pursuing a hostile takeover of WBD. The timing of the purchase is notable given Trumps personal engagement with the media executives involved. He met Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos shortly before the deal was announced, later calling him a fantastic man. Yet Trump also reposted an article on Truth Social this past week that was sharply critical of the merger titled: Stop the Netflix Cultural Takeover. Asked about that post by The Hollywood Reporter, Sarandos said: I dont know why he would have done that No conversation we ever had was about any of the things that were in that article that he posted. I dont want to overread it, either. Beyond Netflix and WBD, Trumps disclosure lists dozens of other bond purchases, including debt issued by General Motors, Boeing, and Macys, alongside municipal bonds from states and cities nationwide. The post Trump Bought Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery Bonds After Merger Was Announced first appeared on Mediaite. Fed up with soaring prescription drug costs, billionaire Mark Cuban launched the Mark Cuban CostPlus Drug Company, an online pharmacy offering low-cost generic medications, with co-founder Alex Oshmyansky, M.D., Ph.D in 2022. Now, President Donald Trump is promoting his own solution: TrumpRx, a platform coming soon that connects consumers directly with drug manufacturers for discounted prices, bypassing insurance for costly medications such as weight-loss and fertility treatments. But how do the two compare? Experts weigh in. Trump vs. Cuban: Power vs. Transparency Trumps plan relies on government backing, while Cuban has an independent approach. The core goal centers on most-favored-nation pricing, which means Americans pay the same low prices that countries like France and Germany pay, said finance expert Andrew Lokenauth with Be Fluent in Finance. This is classic top-down pressure: the government negotiating directly with pharma giants like Pfizer and Eli Lilly in exchange for tariff relief. Read More: Trumps Great Healthcare Plan Promises Lower Drug Costs Will Your Pharmacy Bill Really Drop? Find Out: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires and How You Can, Too Cubans method flips that model. His CostPlus Drug Company reveals the actual cost and adds a fixed 15% markup to cover operating expenses, plus a $5 pharmacy fee and a $5 shipping fee. Trumps betting that government power can bend these corporations into compliance, and heres the concern: when the pressure lifts, prices tend to creep back up, Lokenauth said. Cubans transparency model shows consumers how much a drug really costs to make, creating lasting market pressure without involving politics. TrumpRx, however, offers discounted prices but keeps the underlying costs confidential. Youre told Ozempic drops from $1,000 to $350 per month through TrumpRx. That sounds great until you ask: what does it actually cost to make? Nobody knows, Lokenauth explained. How Pharmacy Benefit Managers Factor In Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are companies that serve as middlemen between health insurance plans, pharmacies and drug manufacturers. They have a lot of power and have their hand in everything from rising drug costs to influencing what medications patients have access to, how much insurers pay and what the pharmacies are paid, which has raised concerns according to the Commonwealth Fund. Cuban believes the key to decreasing costs is to limit the role of PBMs. At a 2024 University of Pennsylvania panel discussion on drug pricing, Cuban said he is trying to reduce PBMs interference. I dont need to do this for more money, Cuban said. My joy comes from screwing the PBMs. Every one of these sales that we close [directly with the drug] manufacturers is like a great day with the sun shining brightly for me. Cuban, by being in the business, is able to document true costs and expose where the money lies under the construct of transparency, said Gary Jacobs, a long-time federal lobbyist and author of The Zen Lobbyist: A Mindful Approach to Transforming Healthcare. If the president required the PBMs to do the same, we would finally understand where the money goes and, from there, provide relief to consumers. President Donald Trump shrugged off concerns about worker shortages during a visit to a Ford (NYSE:F) assembly plant on Tuesday, instead framing the 5,000 unfilled mechanic jobs as a sign of economic strength. That's a good thing, Tony, Trump told CBS News in an interview at the Dearborn, Michigan factory. That means it's vibrant. Trump Defends Tariffs, Touts Robots And AI Trump toured Fords facility, where gas and hybrid F-150s are assembled. He praised U.S. automakers and used the visit to double down on his support for tariffs, claiming they boost domestic manufacturing. Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.85/Share Missed the AI Boom's Biggest IPOs? This Platform Lets Everyday Investors Access Private Tech Early It's tariffs that are making money for Michigan and the entire country, Trump said during a speech to the Detroit Economic Club later in the day calling them historic and arguing, every prediction the critics made about our tariff policy has failed to materialize. When asked by CBS News about the 5,000 unfilled mechanic roles Ford is currently trying to fill, Trump replied, You're going to have a thing called robots, and robots are going to be a big factor. I predict that robots are going to be a big factor in the future and it's going to help out. DOKOUPIL: The CEO of Ford said he's got 5,000 open mechanic job. He can't find people TRUMP: That's a good thing, Tony. That means it's vibrant. You're gonna have a thing called robots. pic.twitter.com/oeJfepGcNF Trending: Invest in a Gaming Marketplace Backed by Early Zynga and PayPal Investors From $300. To help address the gap, the Business Insider reports that Ford has teamed up with workwear manufacturer Carhartt in a multi-year partnership aimed at training thousands of new workers and elevating the perception of trade jobs. The effort includes opening a ToolBank USA site in Detroit that will lend tools to workers and volunteers, outfitting Fords auto tech scholars with Carhartt gear, and launching co-branded public products. We are in trouble in our country, Ford CEO Jim Farley said on a podcast in November. We have over a million openings in critical jobs, emergency services, trucking, factory workers, plumbers, electricians, and tradesmen. Its a very serious thing. Trump, on the other hand, said the lack of available workers reflects the economys momentum. We're expanding so rapidly that we need people, he told CBS News. People are going to make a lot of money, he said. President Donald Trump is holding off on new tariffs targeting imports of critical minerals, following a months-long review to determine whether foreign shipments threatened US national security. Most Read from Bloomberg Trump, in a presidential proclamation released Wednesday following a US Commerce Department investigation, said he would instead seek to 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. The president is floating price floors on imports not just traditional percentage-based tariffs to develop the supply chains for those materials that run through US-aligned nations. In the document, Trump said it may be appropriate to impose import restrictions, such as tariffs, if satisfactory agreements are not reached in a timely manner. Industry watchers for months have awaited the decision from the investigation, begun last April under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which concluded that imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products imperiled US national security, citing their importance to a wide swath of defense industries. 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, under which the sides pledged to lower import-tax rates and ease export controls. Earlier: Navarro Sees US Ending Chinese Dominance of Critical Minerals Trump has been under pressure to respond after China, the worlds largest processor of many critical minerals, constrained access to rare earths crucial to advanced technologies during a trade dispute last year. More broadly, the Section 232 authority behind the minerals probe is seen as a way the administration could rebuild its tariff regime if the Supreme Court strikes down Trumps global levies. Price Floors Trumps proclamation makes clear that the US will consider price floors for trade in critical minerals, including possible minimum import prices for specific materials and potential tariffs in the future to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities. Trump is for now reserving the tool, but under Wednesdays proclamation he could impose tariffs on critical minerals from countries whose supplies are priced artificially low, effectively raising the cost of those imports to a level that would sustain production entering the US from other nations, a person familiar with the approach said. After Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by U.S. forces and brought to the United States to face charges, President Donald Trump began pushing for U.S. oil producers to start working in the country. But Exxon Mobil (XOM) may be on the outside looking in. CEO Darren Woods recently made remarks at a White House meeting that Venezuela and its massive oil reserves are currently uninvestable, and that Exxon would require changes to commercial terms, Venezuelas legal system, hydrocarbon laws, and protections for foreign investment before the company could be involved. More News from Barchart Trump countered by saying that he may sideline Exxon entirely from the South American countrys energy sector. I didnt like Exxons response, he said on Sunday. You know we have so many that want it. Id probably be inclined to keep Exxon out. He went on to say Exxon was playing too cute. Should Trumps cold shoulder toward Exxon be a point of concern for investors? About Exxon Mobil Stock Headquartered in Texas, Exxon Mobil is the largest U.S.-based integrated energy company, with a market capitalization of $533 billion. The company explores, produces, trades, transports, and sells oil and natural gas. It has upstream operations in the U.S., Guyana, Nigeria, and Qatar, as well as refining complexes in the U.S., Belgium, and the Netherlands. Exxon has more than 12,000 Exxon and Mobil-branded fuel stations in the U.S. Shares are up 15.3% in the last 12 months and near all-time highs, although its one-year performance is just short of the returns of the S&P 500 ($SPX). Despite Trumps bearish statements on Sunday, Exxon shares are continuing to move higher. Exxon stock also outperformed major competitors in the last year, including Chevron (CVX), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), Shell (SHEL), and BP (BP). www.barchart.com The stock is also attractively priced, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 18.2, which is lower than all of its competitors except Shell, which has a P/E of about 15. The dividend yield of 3.3% is also attractive and pays out quarterly. Exxon has raised its dividend annually for the last 43 years, making it a dependable dividend stock. The Trump administration unveiled a new action on Friday to attempt to make Big Tech companies "pay their own way," as President Trump put it earlier this week, when it comes to energy consumption in the years ahead. The plans are for a new "emergency wholesale electricity auction" that would seek to lock large tech companies into long-term energy contracts in order to provide what Trump's team promises will be more than $15 billion in new power-generation projects as AI-fueled demand taxes power grids. Big Tech's rapid expansion has contributed to rising electricity prices for consumers and emerged as a key political vulnerability for Trump and other Republicans. "This initiative will ensure we usher in the age of artificial intelligence with new power plants funded by the technology companies, not taxpayers," Interior Secretary Doug Burgum offered in a statement. The plan is for contracts that would force these companies to pay for a set amount of power, whether they consume the electricity or not. That could then provide a higher and steadier revenue stream to flow to grid operators and encourage more power generation. Details of the plans were first outlined by Bloomberg and Reuters. President Donald Trump arrives for a ceremony to honor the 2025 Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers at the White House on Jan. 15. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images The "landmark agreement" announced Friday doesn't appear to be a binding legal document, but it's clearly a bipartisan worry. What was announced Friday was an agreement between the Trump administration and a mix of governors, including Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who were on hand at the White House Friday as part of the agreement. But key details remain unclear, and key players were absent. The plan appears to hinge on compelling PJM Interconnection the largest power grid operator in the United States to sell these contracts but without apparently consulting PJM itself. A company spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo Finance Friday morning that "PJM was not invited to any event at the White House today and therefore we would not be there." Differing views of possible solutions to a growing problem PJM's auctions have emerged as a controversial topic in recent months. A collection of state governors, many of whom appear set to be at the White House today, wrote a letter last summer saying that the company "faces an unprecedented crisis of confidence." Trump also crystallized the political issue before him in a Truth Social post earlier this week. He bemoaned utility price increases (blaming President Biden while ignoring significant new price hikes over the past year) and added, "I never want Americans to pay higher Electricity bills because of Data Centers." In 2015, then-candidate Donald Trump vowed to shut down the Export-Import Bank and described it as a "one-way street" that only served privileged politicians and well-connected companies. Over a decade later, President Donald Trump may lean on it to clear the path for an investment bonanza in Venezuela. Trump administration officials have suggested in the past week that the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) could provide credit for oil and gas firms that decide to establish operations in Venezuela. Ex-Im is a government-owned bank that underwrites cheap loans to U.S. companies selling products abroad when private capital is unavailable. Their charter must be reauthorized by December 2026. Both Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Energy Secretary Chris Wright mentioned Ex-Im as a potential vehicle to ease investment demand, which would put the obscure agency in a key supporting role in Trump's push to drum up private-sector financing for Venezuela's strangled oil sector. "We might use the Export-Import Bank as credit support for large projects down there," Wright said in a Fox Business interview. "That's a real possibility." So far, U.S. oil giants such as ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips have balked at restarting operations in oil-rich Venezuela, citing a lack of financial and security assurances. Trump's endeavor there has killed 100 people, according to Venezuela's interior minister, and could cost over $100 billion. Exxon is reportedly proceeding with sending a technical team, despite Trump's threat to shut out the firm from restarting operations in the South American nation. Ex-Im must overcome barriers before stepping into Venezuela-linked endeavors. Chief among them is the agency's own rules. Ex-Im's charter dictates it can only authorize transactions with a "reasonable assurance of repayment." Those conditions currently aren't met in Venezuela. Caracas has been stuck in default since 2017, with $150 billion in outstanding public debt, and it ranks near the bottom globally in sovereign creditworthiness. Ex-Im didn't respond to a request for comment. 'On Standby' Throughout the 2010s, the 91-year-old Ex-Im was assailed by conservatives as an agency subsidizing large corporations. Multinationals including Boeing and General Electric long benefited from customers in developing countries snapping up passenger jets, satellites, and spare parts. From 2015 to 2019, Ex-Im didn't have authority to approve loans above $10 million since its board lacked a quorum to proceed with more ambitious projects. Export deals languished for years as GOP senators blocked Ex-Im nominees from advancing. A version of this article originally appeared in Quartzs Washington newsletter. Sign up here to get the latest business and economic news and insights from Washington straight to your inbox. It didnt take long this year for the Trump administration to remind us about its appetite for government stakes and Venezuela could be the next frontier in its growing portfolio. The latest example came from Energy Secretary Chris Wright, one of the top officials taking point in cajoling Western oil executives to invest in Venezuela. During a Sunday interview with CBSs Face the Nation, he was asked if the U.S. is considering taking stakes in the Venezuelan oil sector. He said its certainly a very real possibility in the aftermath of the U.S. ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. That doesnt come as a big surprise. The Trump administration has been on an acquisition spree much of the past year, taking direct stakes in 14 companies spanning steel, rare earth minerals, semiconductors, and nuclear energy, according to Scott Lincicome of the Cato Institute. More are surely on the way in 2026, and its not hard to imagine Venezuelas crippled oil sector catching Trumps eye. Many Republicans have long been aghast at Trumps move to make the U.S. government a shareholder in the private sector. They view it as anathema to the free market principles underpinning the party since the 1960s. I'm a free market conservative, and I don't see how anybody can argue that is a conservative position, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis told Quartz Washington last month. Does anybody really believe if we take a 10% stake in a company that any other board members vote matters but ours? ... Its a slippery slope. If the Trump administration does take a stake in Venezuelas state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, U.S. officials must contend with the post-Maduro government thats still led by most of the same socialist, authoritarian officials as before. Venezuela racked up a history of state-backed confiscation that started under Maduros predecessor Hugo Chavez. In 2010, Chavez once gave the order for several jewelry stores in Caracas to be expropriated, all on a whim during a live TV broadcast. Three years earlier, Chavezs nationalization spree reached the Venezuelan oil sector. Rather than accept smaller stakes in oil projects without getting compensated, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips left the country. They sued the Venezuela government on their way out. Uninvestable The uncertainty surrounding Venezuelas future has chilled enthusiasm among major Western oil executives, most of whom are reluctant to join President Donald Trump in his crusade to reboot Venezuelan oil. It was evident at the White House meeting last week when ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods described current conditions in Venezuela as uninvestable. ServiceNow logo on a laptop screen on a modern office desk, illustrating AI workflow automation software. Key Points Last year, ServiceNow underperformed the market as fell by 28%. But the company, which boasts a customer retention rate of 98%, is poised for a bounceback. ServiceNow has beat on earnings for 30 consecutive quarters and is expected to grow its earnings by nearly 29% next year. Interested in ServiceNow, Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better. After a year that saw five of the Magnificent Seven companies underperform the S&P 500, disappointed investors are on the hunt for tech stocks that can provide their portfolios with greater potential upside. With concerns about a looming AI bubble, circular financing, and historically high valuations, it seems increasingly difficult to identify which tech companies are poised for profit. But one pick-and-shovel stock operating in the AI market may be the solution to these concerns. Can't Choose Between Silver and Gold? These ETFs Hold Both ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) is a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that uses AI and workflow automation to assist companies in managing and streamlining digital workflows across entire enterprises by automating tasks in IT, customer service, HR, and more. Though it had dismal performance in 2025, its strong fundamentals and near-term catalysts support a bullish 2026. AMD Rebound Begins: Its Not Too Late to Get In Shares of NOW are down nearly 32% over the past year. That includes an approximately 10% loss to start 2026. However, the companys remarkable customer retention rate and exceptional earnings track record have led analysts to call for significant upside. 3 Data Center Beneficiaries Raising Dividends Up to 60% ServiceNow Is at the Intersection of Software and AI According to industry consultancy firm Grand View Research, the global enterprise software market size, which was estimated at nearly $264 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to more than $517 billion by 2030, good for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1%. At the same time, Grand View Research forecasts the global intelligent automation market to grow from more than $14 billion in 2024 to $44.74 billion by 2030, good for a CAGR of 22.6%. Thats good news for ServiceNow. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the cloud computing company builds enterprise software that helps businesses automate manifold processes. The companys flagship product suitethe Now Platformaims to assist companies: As Gulf markets navigate a mix of geopolitical uncertainties and profit-taking, investor sentiment remains cautious yet hopeful, particularly as broadened foreign participation rules and potential IPOs offer avenues for increased investment. Despite these challenges, the Middle East continues to present unique opportunities for discerning investors who seek stocks with strong fundamentals that can withstand regional volatility. Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In The Middle East Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating Nofoth Food Products NA 21.36% 25.28% Sure Global Tech NA 10.11% 15.42% Baazeem Trading 10.02% -1.27% -1.66% Qassim Cement NA 4.02% -11.40% Saudi Azm for Communication and Information Technology 3.26% 17.17% 23.30% MOBI Industry 13.81% 5.67% 19.69% Najran Cement 14.49% -4.20% -30.16% Amanat Holdings PJSC 10.86% 27.51% -0.92% Etihad GO Telecom 0.85% 38.36% 57.78% Space42 17.28% 37.30% 24.29% Click here to see the full list of 186 stocks from our Middle Eastern Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener. We'll examine a selection from our screener results. Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: Gur-Sel Turizm Tasimacilik ve Servis Ticaret A.S. operates in the transportation sector, focusing on railroads, with a market capitalization of TRY35.39 billion. Operations: GRSEL generates revenue primarily from its railroad transportation segment, amounting to TRY8.14 billion. Gur-Sel Turizm Tasimacilik ve Servis Ticaret, a smaller player in the transportation sector, presents a mixed financial landscape. Despite negative earnings growth of 12.2% last year compared to the industry's 8.7%, its high non-cash earnings suggest robust quality in reported profits. The company has more cash than total debt, indicating sound financial health and no immediate concern over interest payments due to sufficient coverage by profits. Recent results show net income for Q3 at TRY 651 million, up from TRY 472 million last year, with nine-month figures reaching TRY 1.85 billion against TRY 1.52 billion previously, showcasing solid profitability amidst fluctuating sales figures. IBSE:GRSEL Debt to Equity as at Jan 2026 Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: Ray Sigorta Anonim Sirketi operates in the non-life insurance sector in Turkey with a market capitalization of TRY36.28 billion. With crowds in many major cities pushing some to seek out smaller and off-main-track destinations, airlines have been quick to respond to the change with new routes to secondary European cities. Before these flights were retired for the winter, Delta Air Lines ran seasonal flights from JFK to Sicily's Catania and Detroit International Airport (DTW) to the Belgium's Brussels while American Airlines launched new routes to Athens and Zurich from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Budapest and Prague from Philadelphia International (PHL). Many of these routes are slated to resume for the summer of 2026 while United Airlines also announced a spate of new flights to United Airlines cities such as Bari, Glasgow, Santiago de Compostela and Split from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) that it will start on April 30, 2026. The new United Airlines flight to Split marks a significant change in traveler trends That latter is the second-largest city in Croatia and a common gateway for travelers exploring the Adriatic Coast and the Dalmatia region. The route that the airline first announced last October will be the first direct flight between the U.S. and Croatia run by an American airline and marks a significant shift in traveler interest given that the country is home to a population of just under four million people. "Split offers travelers the ability to explore historic sites like the ancient Roman Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of Saint Dominus one of the oldest in the world while also mixing adventure from Split's promenade and harbor," United wrote of the new destination. Related: United Airlines to launch new flight to religious site going viral The flight will operate three times a week on a Boeing 767-300ER plane and take just over 10 hours in the eastward direction. As a seasonal route, it will also be retired in September 2026 once tourist numbers to Croatia start to come down from the peak summer travel period. The United long-haul Boeing 767-300ER plane is equipped with 46 Polaris business class, 22 Premium Plus, 43 Economy Plus and 56 regular economy seats. United Airlines announced a spate of new routes to various European cities for the summer of 2026.Shutterstock Shutterstock Other airlines also launch new flights to Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb Other airlines have also been setting their sights on Croatia for the summer 2026 season. Last November, Air France announced that it will increase the frequency of its flights from Paris to the Croatian capital of Zagreb to a peak 10 a week between April and June while also adding one new flight to Dubrovnik. Travel news: We recently published 10 Big Names Delivering Outsized Gains. Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEAmerican:UEC) was one of the top performers on Wednesday. Uranium Energy grew its share prices by 10.55 percent on Wednesday to close at $17.19 apiece, nearly hitting its 52-week high, as investors took path from strong demand outlook for uranium over the next few years. In its short-term energy outlook, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said that it projects power demand to increase to 4,256 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2026 and 4,364 billion kWh in 2027 from 4,198 billion kWh last year, as more AI and cryptocurrency data centers ramp up their power consumption to support the rapidly-growing industries. Uranium Energy (UEC) Gets 10.5% Boost From Strong Energy Demand Outlook Share of the nuclear power alone is expected to increase to 19 percent this year and slide back to 18 percent in 2027, versus 18 percent last year. This, on the other hand, is expected to spill over to uranium companies such as Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEAmerican:UEC). In another study, Equity Insider also posted optimism for the overall nuclear sector, saying that firms namely Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEAmerican:UEC), soon-to-be-listed Eagle Energy Metals Corp., as well as NexGen Energy, Denison Mines, and Energy Fuels Inc., would benefit from the growth. The intersection of the AI boom and national security is completely reshaping the market, with the global Small Modular Reactor (SMR) sector now projected to hit $10.3 billion by 2032. In response, the Department of Energy just awarded $800 million to advance US reactor deployment, while new federal actions are fast-tracking nuclear licensing and domestic uranium mining. The narrative is clear: Big Tech cannot build the future of AI without a massive, secure, and domestic supply of uranium, Equity Insider said. While we acknowledge the potential of UEC 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 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is scrutinizing big tech firms that hire employees of a startup instead of buying the companies outright, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing the agency's Chairman Andrew Ferguson. The growing practice, in which big tech firms pay for startups' technology and talent without buying the company, is seen as a way to sidestep antitrust review. "We are beginning to examine these acqui-hires to make sure they are not an attempt to get around" the agencys merger review process, Ferguson said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. Last month, Nvidia agreed to license chip technology from startup Groq and hire away its CEO Jonathan Ross, a veteran of Alphabet's Google. In similar recent deals, Microsoft's top AI executive came through a $650 million deal with a startup that was billed as a licensing fee, and Meta spent $15 billion to hire Scale AI's CEO without acquiring the firm. Amazon also hired away founders from Adept AI. The deals have faced scrutiny by regulators, though none has yet been unwound. In the interview, Ferguson blamed the Biden administration's aggressive antitrust enforcement for prompting companies to ramp up this practice. U.S. President Donald Trump fired the agency's two Democratic commissioners last year, sparking a U.S. Supreme Court case that could tighten the president's control over government agencies designed by Congress to be somewhat insulated from politics. (Reporting by Puyaan Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo) By Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. and Taiwan clinched a trade deal on Thursday that cuts tariffs on many of the semiconductor powerhouse's exports, directs new investments in the U.S. technology industry and risks infuriating China. The deal deepens the Trump administration's ties with Taipei at a critical time as China ratchets up pressure on the island and Washington has worked to avoid an all-out trade war with Beijing. Under the long-negotiated deal, Taiwanese chipmakers like TSMC that expand U.S. production will get a lower tax rate for semiconductors they import into the U.S. The U.S. will also lower a set of broad tariffs that apply to most other Taiwanese exports to the U.S. from 20% to 15%. Generic pharmaceuticals, aircraft components and "unavailable natural resources" will face a 0% tariff, the Commerce Department said. In exchange, Taiwanese technology companies, such as TSMC, will make investments totaling at least $250 billion to increase production of semiconductors, energy and artificial intelligence in the United States. That includes $100 billion already committed by TSMC in 2025, with more to come, according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Taiwan will also guarantee another $250 billion in credit to make additional investments possible, the Trump administration said. The investment boost in chip production will likely provide more business for TSMC's major suppliers, which include major chip manufacturing toolmakers such as ASML, Lam Research and Applied Materials. It should also provide a boost to smaller materials suppliers of chemicals and materials such as Sumitomo Corp and DuPont spinoff Qnity Electronics. Many of those firms have long had a presence in Arizona due to Intel's major operations there but have expanded facilities with TSMC's arrival. Shares of chip company Nvidia, which depends on TSMC for manufacturing, rose more than 2%, keeping most of its gains from earlier in the day. TAIWAN'S SEMICONDUCTOR POWERHOUSE SET TO EXPAND IN U.S. Under the agreement, chipmakers that expand in the U.S. will be able to import up to 2.5 times their new capacity of semiconductors and wafers with no extra tariffs during an approved construction period, with preferential treatment on chips that exceed that quota. Meanwhile, chipmakers that have already built chip production plants in the U.S. can import 1.5 times their new U.S. production capacity without paying additional tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed a 25% tariff on certain AI chips, such as the Nvidia H200 AI processor, but he left most other chips untouched, for now. Key Points Vertiv's strong 2025 performance was driven by AI data center demand and key partnerships. The company reported strong financial results and stock performance, with notable growth in revenue and orders. Vertiv is well-positioned for 2026, with expansion plans and potential S&P 500 inclusion. 10 stocks we like better than Vertiv Investors in power and cooling technology company and Nvidia partner Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) enjoyed an excellent 2025, with the stock rising 42.6% amid strengthening data center demand. However, it wasn't all plane sailing with the stock declining heavily to mid-April before bouncing strongly. Here's what happened in 2025 and how the company is set up for 2026 and beyond. Vertiv rides the artificial intelligence spending wave It's no secret that Vertiv's digital infrastructure is crucial to the data centers that drive the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. The boom in investment has led to burgeoning order growth and a rapidly expanding backlog. To put the $9.5 billion backlog at the end of the third quarter (likely higher now) into context, the Wall Street consensus for Vertiv's sales in 2026 is $12.4 billion. As such, Vertiv has strong visibility into its revenue. Data source: Vertiv presentations, Chart by author. Key partnerships with Nvidia, Oklo, and Caterpillar will enhance growth prospects Vertiv's management isn't resting on its laurels. That company is chaired by a legendary figure in the industrial sector, former Honeywell CEO David Cote, with the executive branch led by CEO Giovanni Albertazzi, a company veteran from its days as part of Emerson Electric. With this leadership, Vertiv is getting ready for further growth through its partnership with Nvidia. This year, Vertiv will launch a data center power system designed to work with Nvidia's new 800-V high-voltage direct current (HVDC) data center architecture, which is set to arrive in 2027. In addition, Vertiv is partnering with Oklo to develop power and thermal management solutions for data centers powered by Oklo's nuclear power plants. It's also collaborating with Caterpillar to integrate its power and cooling solutions with Caterpillar's industrial gas turbines that deliver power to data centers a fast-growing business for Caterpillar. Image source: Getty Images. Is Vertiv Stock a buy now? In 2025, Vertiv faced higher costs due to tariffs, which slowed profit growth. With these costs included, the company's financials should become clearer. Wall Street expects revenue to grow in the high teens and free cash flow (FCF) to rise by almost 25% annually over the next few years. The stock trades at 43.5 times expected FCF for 2026, so it may not appeal to those who are cautious about the AI sector. This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Merchants wrongly discount the value of sweeping concessions made by Visa and Mastercard on fee cuts and other major card acceptance changes in a proposed settlement to end decades of litigation over card interchange costs, the card networks said Wednesday in a federal court filing. Retailers, including Walmart, grocers and convenience stores, face significant risks proving their antitrust claims at trial and on appeal, the networks wrote in their reply to numerous objections from the merchant plaintiffs. Visa and Mastercard asked the court for preliminary approval of the settlement. In their filing, the networks also asked U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan to reject Walmarts request to divide the plaintiffs class or to allow merchants to opt out. Walmarts interests were adequately represented by class counsel, and, to the extent it disagrees with the outcome, it will be fully heard by this Court through the settlement approval process, Visa and Mastercard wrote. Nothing more is required. Dive Insight: The proposed settlement, announced in November, would cut posted credit interchange rates by ten basis points for five years and impose a 1.25% rate for standard consumer cards for eight years. It would also give merchants the right to decline some higher-cost Visa and Mastercard-branded credit cards a departure from the networks honor all cards rule and the ability to add surcharges on some cards. Visa and Mastercard have agreed to sweeping concessions for which Plaintiffs have long advocated, allowing merchants greater flexibility both in choosing which payment forms to accept and in managing their costs of acceptance, the networks wrote in their 47-page reply, filed Wednesday evening in the Eastern District of New York. The networks, which are the defendants in the case, also cast doubt on the plaintiffs assessment of potential outcomes if the case goes to trial. The proposed settlement accords with, and in certain ways exceeds, Plaintiffs best possible recovery at trial, while allowing merchants to obtain relief immediately and without any of the delay, costs, and risks associated with prolonged litigation, the filing said. The merchants objections filed last month focus broadly on the temporary aspect of the settlements fee caps over an eight-year term. They also criticized the fact that the settlement doesnt require more fundamental changes in how the networks unilaterally impose default swipe fees on most merchants. D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI) is one of the Undervalued Cyclical Stocks to Invest In. Wall Street is cautious on D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI). Recently, on January 9, Michael Dahl from RBC Capital reiterated a Sell rating on the stock and lowered the price target from $118 to $117. Earlier on January 7, Citizens downgraded the stock from Market Outperform to Market Perform, without disclosing any price targets. Analysts at RBC Capital noted that they kept an Underperform rating on the stock because of the cautious outlook for the housing sector in early 2026. The firm noted that the housing affordability challenges and R&R are expected to potentially reach an inflection point later in 2026, but the first half remains challenging. RBC added that the non-residential markets are also giving mixed signals due to increased risks from policy changes, rates, and tariffs. Therefore, the overall volatility of the sector remains high. Similarly, Citizens also noted its skepticism regarding the 2026 earnings projections for the sector. The firm believes that the consensus estimates for D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI) are overly aggressive. Citizens expect a potential inventory clearance for D.R. Horton to materialize during the spring of 2026. However, the firm downgraded the stock due to the near-term challenges. D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI) is a Texas-based homebuilding company that develops land, constructs, and sells single-family and multi-family homes. While we acknowledge the potential of DHI as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) is one of the Best Performing Affordable Stocks Under $40. On January 9, Antonia Reale from Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy rating on the stock and raised the price target from EUR21 to EUR24.3. Earlier on January 5, Citi also reiterated a Buy rating on Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) and raised the price target from EUR21 to EUR21.5. Analysts from BofA noted the bank has enviable quality franchise with solid market shares in Mexico, Turkiye, and Spain, supported by a $133.7 billion market cap. He added that the bank generates around 60% profit from Mexico, which is expected to rise further by the USMCA trade agreements, boosting near-shoring despite ongoing volatility. Moreover, the firm also expects the bank to see significant growth in Turkiye. The profits from Turkiye are expected to triple by 2028, despite the higher provisions. Lastly, BofA noted that Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) trades at a discount to peers and its fair value, achieving around 22% return on tangible equity (ROTE) alongside anticipated share buybacks. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA) is a Spain-based multinational bank offering diversified financial services, including retail and wholesale banking, asset management, private banking, and insurance. While we acknowledge the potential of BBVA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Cardano (CRYPTO: ADA) founder Charles Hoskinson said he lost over $2.5 billion in the past four years, explaining that cryptos failure wasnt about technologyit was about government involvement that destroyed the bull market everyone expected. Industry Expected Bull Market, Got Chaos Instead Hoskinson told The Wolf Of All Streets Podcast that the industry expected Trumps election to pump crypto bags, but instead got chaos. Most cryptocurrencies have fallen 40-50% since Trump took office, showing the industry is unhealthy under current leadership. Don't Miss: He jokingly compared cryptos current state to Japan in 1946. The industry survived the FTX collapse, Luna implosion, and former SEC Chair Gary Genslers enforcement campaign, only to face new problems when the government got involved. Trump Memecoin Catastrophic For Bipartisan Support Hoskinson called the Official Trump (CRYPTO: TRUMP) meme coin launch catastrophic because it transformed crypto from a bipartisan issue with 70 Senate votes into a partisan weapon Democrats will use in midterm campaigns. Before the launch, Democrats had constituents who owned crypto and donors from the industry. Now theyll campaign on the message that crypto equals Trump corruption, making it nearly impossible to pass meaningful legislation even if Republicans control Congress. Trending: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it? The strategic blunder goes deeper: Trump could have made two to three times more money launching a meme coin under a proper regulatory framework because it would have supercharged markets with institutional capital. Instead, he launched into uncertainty and handed Democrats a political gift. Why Crypto Failed Despite Trump Victory Many retail holders are down 70-80% from their entry points and cant justify another round of speculation to their families. Retail doesnt want to come back. Theyre just like my wife is going to divorce me if I keep buying this stuff because every time I say its going to 10x, I just get destroyed, Hoskinson said. The recovery bifurcated in 2025. Institutions bought Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) through ETFs and structured products, driving BTC higher. None of that capital trickled into the altcoin space, which stayed stagnant throughout the year. Investing.com -- Morgan Stanley says the potential reopening of the Suez Canal could be a major catalyst for Egyptian equities in 2026. Analyst Matthew Nguyen reiterated an Overweight rating on the market, arguing that tentative signs of the Suez Canal re-opening are already helping investor sentiment and could pave the way for further re-rating of equities. Nguyen points to Maersks Jan. 15 announcement that it will make its first structural return to the trans-Suez route, noting that the move from the worlds second-largest shipping company could prompt a full-scale return by all major containership players. He adds that CMA CGM, the third-largest operator globally, conducted trial sailings in December 2025, which bodes well for the full resumption. Morgan Stanleys transportation team expects full traffic to resume by the second half of 2026. A revival would mean higher Suez Canal receipts for Egypt, helping to strengthen external balances at a moment when Morgan Stanley sees scope for a stronger macro backdrop to support a re-rating of Egyptian equities. The bank highlighted Egypt as an Overweight in its 2026 EEMEA outlook, citing undemanding valuations amid an ongoing macro-turnaround. Foreign investor flows into Egyptian stocks have already picked up, reaching their highest in two years month-to-date. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanleys macro strategists have re-entered long EGP T-Bills, with lower local yields and stronger FX backdrop expected to support further gains. Morgan Stanley notes that Egypt ranks No. 1 on its equity country scorecard. Related articles Why Morgan Stanley thinks you should own Egyptian stocks JPMorgan outlines ten strategic themes that could shape the outlook for 2026 Nvidia's new Alpamayo project: What it means for Tesla? You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Wingstop has announced the promotion of Rajnesh Kapoor from president of international to chief operating officer, according to a recent SEC filing. The Dallas-based company is reinstating the executive role after almost four years. Wingstops last COO was Michael Skipworth, who was promoted to president and CEO in March 2022, and has led the fast-casual brand since. Before joining Wingstop in 2023, Kapoor spent most of his career at 7-Eleven in various leadership roles, most recently including senior vice president of fresh food and proprietary beverages, In his new role with Wingstop, Kapoor will oversee the companys domestic and international franchise development and operations, as well as company-owned and operated restaurants. Kapoors promotion is part of a larger executive reshuffling at Wingstop. The SEC filing also stipulates that Marisa J. Carona, the companys senior vice president and chief U.S. franchise operations and development officer; and Albert McGrath, the companys senior vice president, general counsel and secretary will be leaving the company in March after their duties and responsibilities were reassigned with the reinstatement of the chief operating officer position. Contact Joanna at joanna.fantozzi@informa.com Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE:R) is included among the 14 Best Mid Cap Dividend Aristocrat Stocks to Buy Now. Wolfe Research Downgrades Ryder (R) to Peer Perform from Outperform Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash On January 8, Wolfe Research analyst Scott Group downgraded Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE:R) to Peer Perform from Outperform. Just a few days earlier, on January 5, Ryder completed its acquisition of Truck Service Depot, an Atlanta-based mobile maintenance provider that services commercial trucks and trailers across Georgia. The company said the deal strengthens its Torque by Ryder retail mobile maintenance platform and helps speed up growth for that offering. Truck Service Depot brings a team of more than 20 technicians and operates two locations: a large 10-bay drive-through maintenance facility in Atlanta, along with a service center in Savannah, Georgia. Ryder expects the acquisition to create efficiencies and deliver added value to customers of both companies. To keep operations running smoothly, Torque by Ryder plans to integrate Truck Service Depots employees, assets, and day-to-day operations into its broader network over the course of 2026. Ryder Systems also said Truck Service Depot founder Scott Marshall, who launched the business in 2018, will work closely with the company to support the transition. Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE:R) is a fully integrated logistics and transportation company that provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions. While we acknowledge the potential of R 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: 13 Best Dividend Stocks Paying Over 6% and 13 Best Consumer Staples Dividend Stocks to Invest In Now Disclosure: None. In a sweeping fraud case targeting immigrant families, a New York City man has been ordered to pay more than $4.2 million in restitution for defrauding at least 20 families who believed they were purchasing homes. Xi Hui "Steven" Wu illegally sold units at 345 Ovington Ave. in Brooklyn to tenants by presenting them as condominiums, according to the office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James. He collected down payments, along with monthly mortgage payments and condo fees from unsuspecting Chinese immigrant families who believed they were paying for legitimate homes. Must Read In reality, Wu never completed the legal steps required to classify the building as a condominium. Despite having no authority to do so, he sold units, and many victims moved into the building. Steven Wu preyed on hardworking immigrant families, abused their trust and stole the savings they had set aside to build a stable future, James said in a news release. These families believed they were buying homes, when in reality, they were being sold nothing but lies. Over the years, Wu stole over $5 million, investigators found. On Jan. 9, the courts awarded his victims $4,227,888, plus 9% interest dating back to 2016. This order returns money to the families Wu cheated and ensures he can never again exploit New Yorkers through fraudulent real estate schemes, James said. What you need to know about fake home sales This case highlights a form of real estate fraud that some people may be unfamiliar with: fake home sales. Unlike rental scams, where victims often uncover the fraud quickly when they can't access their new home or meet the legitimate owners, this type of fraud can last for years and result in much higher losses. So how did this happen? According to the Attorney General's office, Wu filed paperwork in 2013 to turn the building on Ovington Avenue into a condominium. However, he never finished the process. The building was never subdivided into individual units, no separate tax lots were created and no legal deeds were drafted. Wu targeted immigrant families, using one-page agreements written in Chinese, rather than formal purchase contracts. The victims had no legal ownership of the homes they were buying. The Luxembourg Ministry of Finance established an Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence in Finance. It held its inaugural meeting on the 16th of January 2026. The Advisory Board brings together senior leaders from the international financial sector and academia. It will advise the Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth, on the strategic development and responsible deployment of AI in financial services, supporting Luxembourgs competitiveness, resilience, and value creation for the economy and society. The Advisory Board will meet on a regular basis to help Luxembourg strengthen its position as a leading and innovative financial centre. The Advisory Board is co-chaired by the Minister of Finance Gilles Roth and Jean-Louis Schiltz, advocate at the Court, Honorary Professor and former Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs. Its members are: Jenny Johnson, President & CEO of Franklin Templeton Peter Zaffino, Chairman & CEO of American International Group, Inc. (AIG) Eric Xiandong Jing, Chairman of Ant Group Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO of Paytm Prof. Alex "Sandy" Pentland, Professor of Information Technology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology Prof. David Shrier, Professor of Practice in Artificial Intelligence & Innovation at Imperial College London Participate as observers: Nicolas Mackel, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the EU Claude Marx, CEO of the Commission de surveillance du secteur financier (CSSF) Tom Theobald, CEO of Luxembourg for Finance Nasir Zubairi, CEO of the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology (LHoFT) Gilles Roth commented: I am delighted to launch the Advisory Board on AI in Finance. Artificial intelligence is already transforming financial services profoundly and at an unprecedented pace. By bringing together some of the worlds most experienced leaders from finance and academia, we are creating a platform to help Luxembourg anticipate change, support innovation and promote the responsible use of AI in our financial centre. On this basis, we will continue to play a pioneering role as a country and lead our financial centre into a sustainable future. The first in-person meeting of the Advisory Board was preceded by a dinner reception hosted by HRH the Grand Duke. Press release by the Ministry of Finance As the US moves into phase two of President Donald Trumps plan to rebuild Gaza, attention is turning to another highly ambitious proposal to repurpose the territory as a hightech enclave featuring highspeed rail, AIoptimized smart grids, and a luxury coastal city. Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, US Real Estate developer Steve Witkoff and two White House aides late last year spent 45 days developing and releasing the Project Sunrise proposal for Gaza. Like the much maligned Riviera of the Middle East concept, it centres on generating revenue through the construction of luxury apartments along Gazas coastline to offset the costs of the strips redevelopment. ] Image created by Gemini Nano Banano Pro 3 The proposal calls for monetizing 70 percent of Gazas coastline beginning in year 10, and estimates the glitzy riviera could lead to over US$55 billion in long-run investment returns, the WSJ reports. Gaza could then self-fund many projects over the following years of the plan, the proposal projects, and eventually pay down its debt as improvements fuel local industry and the broader economy. The plan was published in The Wall Street Journal a week before Christmas and featured in The Times of Israel the following day. Image credit: Wall Street Journal In 32 pages of PowerPoint slides, replete with images of coastal high-rises alongside charts and cost tables, the plan outlines steps to take Gaza residents from tents to penthouses and from poverty to prosperity, the WSJ article said. One slide, titled New Rafah, sees it serving as Gazas seat of governance and home to more than 500,000 residents. They would live in a city with more than 100,000 housing units, 200 or more schools, and more than 75 medical facilities and 180 mosques and cultural centres. The plan estimates the entire effort would cost US$112.1 billion, including the public-sector payroll, over those 10 years, with much of it at the start going to humanitarian needs. Costs are projected to taper off as Gaza makes money heading into the plans second decade. Whether the plan is a genius scheme to fund what will be massively expensive reconstruction, a clever real estate deal where Gaza and Gazans are monetised, or an attempt to thwart rival Egyptian redevelopment plans, remains to be seen. It could be all of these. The involvement of Witkoff is significant. As Trumps envoy, he oversaw the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel a year ago, has spent time on the ground in Gaza, and he announced the phase two launch. Image credit: Wall Street Journal Egypt, which unveiled an Arab-backed alternative to the US proposal in March last year, is not amused. "Egypt will only approve reconstruction plans that safeguard the rights of the people of Gaza and don't slice any territories away from this Palestinian territory," Egyptian political researcher Ahmed Abdel Meguid told The New Arab, a Qatari owned news organisation. Its critics say the Trump plan presupposed that Gaza belongs to nobody and was up for grabs by real estate investors. Most notably, the proposal overlooks the real needs of Gaza's people, who, after two years of unrelenting Israeli attacks, want their basic needs to be met immediately. "The people of Gaza don't need either skyscrapers or smart cities two years after the war on their territory," Ahmed Youssef, a professor of political science at Cairo University, told The New Arab. Kushner, Witkoff and senior White House aide Josh Gruenbaum met with officials from Egypt, Turkey and Qatar in Miami before Christmas to discuss this latest development plan. Certainly a high tech smart grid with AI-optimised load forecasting, renewable generation forecasting, and grid congestion prediction is an eon away from the current Gaza where theres barely any power beyond a smattering of diesel generators. And will that high-speed rail be for Gazans or tourists? U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says investors will view Gaza as too risky unless Hamas is disarmed and Israels security assured. Image Credit - Wall Street Journal Chris Griffth's personal website is here. Fortinet, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, has announced its return to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from January 1923, 2026. Fortinet is a founding member of the forums Centre for Cybersecurity and a member of the Centres board. Each year, the forums Annual Meeting welcomes governments, major international organisations, the forums partner companies, civil society leaders, young changemakers, and social entrepreneurs to discuss and identify solutions regarding critical global and regional challenges. As part of the forums Annual Meeting accredited program, Derek Manky, Chief Security Strategist and Global Vice President of Threat Intelligence at Fortinet, will present on the importance of incentivising intelligence sharing and incorporating approaches that methodically instil incentivisation, accountability, and deterrence to combat the growing cybercrime ecosystem. In this panel on January 20, Manky will be joined by Edvardas Sileris, Head of the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3); Michael Daniel, President and CEO of the Cyber Threat Alliance; and Hayley van Loon, CEO of Crime Stoppers International. Together, they will discuss how initiatives such as the Cybercrime Bounty program, launched recently by Fortinet and Crime Stoppers International, are key to disrupting the ever-growing cybercrime market. The Cybercrime Bounty program is among the newest international initiatives in which Fortinet contributes. In addition, the company retains early leadership roles in the forum, its Centre for Cybersecuritys Partnership Against Cybercrime, and its Cybercrime Atlas initiative. It also has long-standing relationships with various global threat intelligence initiatives, including NATO NICP, INTERPOL Expert Working Group, the Cyber Threat Alliance, and the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), all to cultivate relationships across industries and borders to operationalise and coordinate cybercrime disruption at scale. Derek Manky, Chief Security Strategist and Global Vice President of Threat Intelligence, Fortinet, said, The battle to disrupt a growing and extremely profitable cybercrime ecosystem persists. Building alliances continues to be one of the most effective actions that public and private sector organisations can take to foster trust, share intelligence, and collectively disrupt cybercrime. The World Economic Forums Annual Meeting in Davos provides an opportunity to continue leading this dialogue with key stakeholders from government, business, and civil society to meet this challenge with bold, collaborative efforts to advance approaches that systemically drive accountability and deterrence required to disrupt cybercrime at a global scale. More about the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting In an era marked by accelerating complexity, rising fragmentation, and exponential innovation, the need for a trusted, impartial platform for dialogue has never been greater. From geopolitics to the economy and society, the imperative to broaden our perspectives and listen to one another could not be more important for rebuilding trust and shaping a better future. In this pivotal context, the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will build on its long-standing tradition of convening stakeholders from across geographies, industries, and generations. It will bring together leaders from government, business, civil society, and the scientific and cultural domains to enable real dialogue, problem solve around shared challenges and highlight innovations driving the future. A key focus of the deliberations will be the paradigm shift in technology, from AI and quantum computing to next-generation biotech and energy systems, reshaping how we live and work, while creating new engines of growth. To ensure these innovations contribute to resilient and equitable progress, leaders must actively expand access across emerging markets, invest in the skills of a rapidly changing workforce, and implement sustainable solutions. Fortinet understands that cybersecurity is a global leadership priority and a linchpin of these conversations. Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue, and Fortinet looks forward to continuing to collaborate on policy and global coordination that will shape real-world outcomes as a part of this year's discussions, focusing on incentivisation, accountability, and deterrence as foundational pillars for long-term sustainability in the global fight against cybercrime. Additional resources GUEST OPINION: The approach of managing an entire team with spreadsheets and a pinch of good luck is no longer an option to consider. The new-world business is now surrounded by a complex combination of hybrid work patterns, rigid regulatory compliance, and an endless requirement to maintain efficiency levels. The use of technology solutions has gone beyond a basic comfort and necessity; it is now a driving force for business. Lets explore why modern workforce management is essential for scaling a business without the unnecessary stress. Why Workforce Management Software Is No Longer Optional The real cost of traditional rostering can often lie hidden until there is a problem arising from a payroll issue dispute or an unplanned shift absence that impacts your customer service delivery. In Australia and the ANZ region, regulations are notoriously difficult to navigate. It is evident from the present market trends that there is expected to be a sudden rise in the number of organisations using the integrated platform to counter these risks. This is because manual systems are unable to cope with the complexity of the awards for the industrial sector. Using such a sophisticated platform as MYOB Workforce Management means that staff members can be easily onboarded and rostered, as well as their worktimes recorded for proper accounting and payroll purposes. This means that your system of operation changes from a problem-solving mode to a predictive one in which information is channelled straight to the payroll system. By automating the tasks you perform repetitively, you eliminate the human errors that would otherwise eat into your profit margins. It is not a question of whether you should automate, but when you can implement a system in order to stay ahead of the pack. Key Features Modern Businesses Should Look For When evaluating a potential tool, real-time scheduling is your top priority. You need a system that goes beyond a basic calendar. It should provide automated shift alerts and instant time-off management. If a manager still spends hours every week manually adjusting a roster, the software is not doing its job. Compliance is another critical factor. Modern systems must provide audit-ready data by default. In 2024, Gartner noted that integrated payroll modules are vital for maintaining adherence to complex industrial awards. This integration reduces the likelihood of underpayments and legal complications, which is essential as your company grows. The ability to forecast is also another major advantage that comes with forecasting capabilities. A smart platform utilises historical data that shows exactly how many staff members would be needed for any particular shift. This eliminates the problems usually associated with understaffing or staff shortages. For the companies targeting global markets, the needs slightly differ. The companies that expand their operations to other countries can integrate workforce management solutions with the employer of record services to ensure compliance and payroll. By merging these two methods, you can create a dynamic system for international expansion. This means you can be assured that no matter if your staff are in Sydney or Singapore, they are being paid correctly and scheduled in compliance with local legislation. This system turns a potential challenge into a highly efficient process. Benefits of Implementing MYOB Workforce Management Moving to a high-tier system like MYOB Workforce Management offers more than just digital spreadsheets. It fundamentally improves your company culture. When your employees use a self-service app to check their schedules or request leave, transparency increases. This level of autonomy leads to better job satisfaction because your team feels more in control of their professional lives. For leadership, the advantages are quite clear. By removing the friction associated with manual admin, your HR and finance professionals can stop chasing paper timesheets. This allows them to focus on high-level strategy and talent retention. These efficiency gains are supported by industry data. According to reports on workforce optimisation, companies that use automated tools often see a reduction in labour costs of up to 10% because they eliminate time theft and overstaffing. The reduction in errors is also a major victory. Even a small error rate in payroll can lead to significant financial loss and a breakdown in employee trust over time. By syncing your rostering with your ERP, you establish a single source of truth that protects both your capital and your reputation. Future Trends in Workforce Management Technology in this space is moving toward predictive analytics. We are entering an era where AI-driven scheduling can suggest the best team configurations based on specific skill sets and even employee fatigue levels. Mobile-first designs have also become the industry standard. These allow managers to approve leave or swap shifts directly from their phones while they are on the move. Integration is the other major trend to watch. Modern workforce management is not an isolated tool. It is a central part of the broader ERP and HR ecosystem. As a business grows, it requires a platform that can grow alongside it. NetSuites research highlights that the future of the industry lies in adaptability. This means having systems that can pivot quickly when market conditions or remote work policies change. Investing in a scalable platform ensures you are not held back by outdated technology when your industry shifts. How to Get Started with Workforce Management Software Are you ready to make the leap? The first step is to understand your requirements. It is important to analyse your pain points, which may range from compliance risks to the time spent entering information by hand. Once you understand your requirements, it is time to opt for a product demo. It is a good opportunity to ask questions related to how their product can integrate with your payroll process. But training your staff is the logical step that follows. No amount of fancy software will work if your employees do not know how to utilise the systems properly. And if you want an infrastructure that can scale well, then the best answer is the cloud. Keep in mind that implementation is an ongoing process and that there is no finish line to cross after which you are complete. As you sharpen your data and your processes, your software will only provide further benefit to your organisation. Conclusion Modern workforce management is about empowering your employees and securing your financial future. The right technology converts complex logistics into a clear competitive advantage. If you want to move away from manual errors and embrace a more efficient way of operating, it is time to see how MYOB Workforce Management can change your business for the better. Hakubishin (File photo) My interest in Tokyos wildlife began the night I spotted a hakubishin (masked palm civet) in the middle of Shinjuku. It slunk across the street in front of me and defied gravity up the side of a building as if it were a Hot Wheels car rolling up a wall at the hand of a child. What on Earth was that? I thought. How can that live in the middle of Tokyo? And what else is here? Since then, spotting animals in the city has felt like my own version of Pokemon Gopart nature-watching, part urban mythbusters. Heres my guide to finding the fluffiest. Hakubishin Hakubishin (File photo) Facts: The hakubishin is not native to Japan, but it has made itself at home in attics and abandoned homes across the country. Its believed to have arrived in the 1940s, possibly via Taiwan. It resembles a large, long cat with strong claws and a bushy tail. An agile climber, its notorious for stealing fruit and trash. Folklore: People often confuse them with yokai (supernatural spirits in Japanese folklore) or tanuki at night due to their sneaky, ghost-like behavior. Hakubishin have been blamed for strange attic sounds or fruit vanishing from shrine offerings, sometimes mistaken as signs of supernatural mischief. Best places to spot: Rooftops, power lines and alleyways in Tokyo suburbs. Ive seen them everywhere from Roppongi to Ikebukuro. Best time to spot: Midnight to early morning, especially in quiet areas. Tanuki Tanuki (raccoon dog) (File photo) Facts: Tanuki in English is a Japanese raccoon dog, but its not a raccoon, and not quite a dog, either. Its a Japan-native wild canine that looks like a plump blend of fox, raccoon, and cartoon bandit. They have adapted surprisingly well to urban Japan, but remain solitary, shy and cautious. Folklore: In the Edo period, metalworkers once used tanuki pelts to stretch gold leaf, linking them to wealth and transformation. This also led to Edo prints depicting tanuki with enormous scrotums, which they stretch out and use like Swiss Army tools: drums, fishing nets, wallets, shape-shifting cloaks, etc. Studio Ghibli toned it down, but Pom Poko still shows the magical pouch tricks in full swing. Best places to spot: Fuchu and western Tokyos foothills and forests. Ive even seen them as central as local parks in Setagaya-ku. Best time spot: All year round, from late night to sunrise. Momonga Momonga (Japanese dwarf flying squirrel) (File photo) Facts: Japans wide-eyed dwarf flying squirrels weigh an adorable 200 grams and can silently glide as far as 100 meters thanks to their patagium, which expands like a flying cape. They can even change direction mid-glide to avoid predators or to land softly. Folklore: Momonga were once feared as yokai in Edo-period folklore, often being mistaken for nobusuma. These mythical creatures are said to snuff out lanterns, eat fire or suck blood in the night. Best places to spot: Forestry areas, such as around Mt. Takao. Best time: Around dusk or before sunrise, but theyre less active in winter as they go into short torpor periods. Anaguma Anaguma (badger) (File photo) Facts: The anaguma is a Japan-native badger species with a stocky body, short legs and distinctive facial markings. It digs complex burrow systems and eats insects, roots and sometimes fermented food scraps. Folklore: Often mistaken for tanuki, anaguma have fewer magical associations and are considered the spiritless cousins. There are some tales of anaguma in folklore, though. One tells of missing homemade pots of miso paste. Countryside residents blamed neighbors, then mice, then tanuki. But once a trap was set, it caught a chunky anaguma, its face still smeared with fermented soybean paste. Best places to spot: Okutama, Hinohara and the wooded outskirts of Tokyo like Ome and Tama Hills. Occasionally seen near farmland or more suburban edges. Best time to spot: Nighttime year-round, especially at dusk and just before dawn. Kamoshika Kamoshika (Japanese serow) (File photo) Facts: The kamoshika, or Japanese serow, is a shaggy, goat-antelope with short horns and a stocky body. Its a protected species and hard to spot. They stand motionless on rocky slopes and blend in wonderfully. Folklore: The serow inspired the Forest Spirit in Princess Mononoke, a silent guardian of the wild. In local myths, its sometimes called a phantom beast, seen as a messenger between the spirit world and ours, or a protector of sacred mountains. Best places to spot: Remote mountain forests in Okutama and Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. Rarely seen up close, but sometimes caught on trail cams. Best time to spot: Early morning or dusk, year-round. Inoshishi Inoshishi (wild boar) (File photo) Facts: This wild boar can weigh over 100kg, but they are surprisingly agile and fast. They can be dangerous if theyre startled, threatened or protecting their young. The fuzzy piglets are called uribou, which comes from their resemblance to a striped melon (uri), thanks to the tan and brown zebra-like patterns that run down their backs. Folklore: Symbol of courage and recklessness in Japanese mythology. Boars are zodiac animals and featured in legends like the tale of the Inoshishi Reiken, a boar spirit that guided warriors. Some rural regions still whisper that a boar crossing your path means a spiritual confrontation is coming. Best places to spot: Forested hillsides around Ome, Okutama and Tama. In winter, they occasionally wander into suburban edges, scavenging for food. I once saw the same family three times in one day around Okutama. Best time to spot: Early morning or dusk, year-round. Nihonzaru Nihonzaru (Japanese macaque) (File photo) Facts: Japanese macaques, like all monkeys, are smart, social and adapt well. Theyre famous for relaxing in hot springs, but they also live around Tokyos forests and hiking trails. Folklore: Monkeys are trickster figures in many Japanese stories, clever but often punished for pride. In one story, a greedy monkey tricks a crab out of her rice ball, injures her when she asks for help harvesting persimmons and is later defeated by the crabs children and their unlikely allies in a tale of justice and clever revenge. In Shinto, monkeys are also messengers of mountain gods like Sarutahiko. Best places to spot: Natural areas in Okutama, Mitake, and even higher mountain trails beyond Tokyos western edge. Ive also heard theyve caused chaos on the American military base in Tachikawa. Best time to spot: Early morning or late afternoon, spring through autumn. In winter, they retreat to warmer mountain zones. metropolisjapan.com SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. What would you think of a wealthy country where kids ages 1-19 were 80% more likely to die than if they lived in a different but equally advanced country? You might wonder what the heck was going on. And by the way where is that place? And I'd have to tell you, sadly: You're living in it, and what is going on is complicated and has been going on for a while. A recent Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute study, led by Dr. Christopher Forrest, looked at infant and child mortality rates in 19 high-income countries. It tracked the numbers for 16 years and found that American kids' health has been deteriorating steadily all the while. American babies are now twice as likely to die from premature birth and sudden infant death syndrome as babies in peer countries. As for older kids, homicide, substance use and vehicle crashes killed American children "at rates far exceeding international norms." American children were also less healthy all around, thanks to soaring rates of depression, anxiety and obesity. Compared to the per capita rates in peer countries, we are seeing an EXTRA 54 CHILD DEATHS EVERY SINGLE DAY. I called Forrest to ask what he blamed this on and was quickly told that playing the blame game is not the way to think about (or solve) this crisis. While some variables are obvious we have more guns than other wealthy countries, for instance, so kids here are 15 times more likely to die by firearm the other variables are hard to tease apart. Besides, what he prefers to do is to look at the opposite: What factors can make a healthy, happy childhood far more likely? What do children need to thrive? "The more I've gotten into this work, the more I've realized that a lot of solutions ... are local," Forrest said. And the best solution locally is for people to "engage." By this he means something as simple as engaging with family members so that loneliness doesn't fester. It also means going beyond that to engage with the neighbors. Visit. Help each other out. And make the neighborhood kid-friendly. Kids need a place where they can "play outdoors with each other, creating their own games, exploring the physical and social world together," Forrest told the website Study Finds. "Remember that when children learn through their own exploration, they learn better and retain their learnings longer than when they are shown how to do something by an adult. Unsupervised outdoor play is a huge missing ingredient in our children's lives." When he himself was a boy, Forrest recalled, "We would go to this dirt pile and we were constantly negotiating with each other. And we know from our own experiences, and from the research, that empathy and compassion are built from embodied play." As we spoke, Forrest looked out his home office window and said he saw no kids. In the Baltimore neighborhood he lived in before this, the neighbors loosely organized a plan to always have one adult keeping their eye on the street so everyone else could let their kids run outside after school. Obviously, more play is not going to solve infant mortality. But obesity? Depression? Loneliness? It's certainly not going to make things worse, and the price is right. What's more, "Kids are canaries in the coal mine," Forrest said. As community declines, so does childhood. But as kids come back to the streets back to life everyone benefits. Right now, "55% of girls say they are almost always sad," said Forrest, quoting just one stat from his study. "How can that not be a national crisis?" How can "go out and play" not be a national prescription? The News in Brief Friday, January 16, 2026 Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zourabichvili, said the country's political crisis must remain on the international agenda, warning that European inaction is eroding public trust and benefiting Russia.In an interview with The Brussels Times, Zourabichvili stressed that Georgia should not be sidelined despite multiple global crises."It is important that Georgia and Georgia's crisis remain in the focus of the world's attention," she said.She said the desire for independence and a European future remains strong among Georgians, despite the current course of the ruling Georgian Dream party."The sense that Georgia must be independent and have its own natural European future is deeply rooted among the people," Zourabichvili noted.At the same time, she accused the government of deliberately cutting ties with Europe under Russian influence."They are clearly following Russia's instructions to sever ties with Europe, which is why they have launched harsh anti-European and anti-Western rhetoric that is not natural for Georgians," she said.Zourabichvili also criticized the European Union for failing to back its rhetoric with concrete action, saying this has weakened public confidence in Europe."People hear calls for sanctions and then discover that, in reality, nothing has been done," she said, adding that EU inaction is already shaping attitudes in Georgia.She warned that allowing a country close to EU integration to drift into Russia's orbit should concern Europe as much as Georgia."A country that was almost at the EU's doorstep being absorbed by Russia should be alarming not only for us, but for Europe as well," Zourabichvili said.Georgia has signed an agreement with French airport operator Groupe ADP to expand Tbilisi International Airport, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced at the presentation of the expansion project."Today is a very important day. We are signing an agreement with the French company Groupe ADP on the expansion of Tbilisi International Airport," Kobakhidze said.Under the deal, a USD 150 million investment will be made to expand the airport's capacity and improve passenger services. The project aims to increase passenger traffic, streamline airport operations, and improve safety and comfort for travelers, according to Kobakhidze.Kobakhidze said that TAV, a subsidiary of Groupe ADP and the current airport operator, will continue managing Tbilisi International Airport for an additional five years, until the end of 2031. The extension will remain in force until the construction of the new Tbilisi International Airport in Vaziani is completed."A USD 150 million investment will be made to expand the airport, which will significantly increase its capacity and substantially improve the quality of passenger services," he said, adding that the project will introduce a modern passenger experience aligned with international standards.Kobakhidze also thanked Groupe ADP and TAV for their long-term cooperation in the development of Georgia's aviation infrastructure. After years of leading palliative medicine departments, as a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Ive had countless conversations that start the same way. A colleague in the hallway says, Oh, palliative carethats so important. You all are so nice. Or a hospital administrator tells me, We wish we could give you more, but resources are tight right now. Or my personal favorite: Palliative care is great, but this patient isnt ready for that yet. Each time, I smile and nod, but inside Im thinking: I used to say the same things before I came into palliative medicine, because once upon a time, I also had no idea what we actually do. So let me tell you. Not because I need validation, though I wont lie, recognition would be nice, but because our patients deserve better than a health care system that treats palliative medicine as optional, soft, or somehow less clinical than other specialties. Its time for a culture shift, and it starts with understanding who we really are and what we bring to the table. We are clinicians: deeply trained, broadly expert Let me introduce you to teams through the years: We have physicians who completed grueling residencies in internal medicine or family medicine, then chose to do additional fellowship training in palliative medicine, earning dual board certifications. Some of us, myself included, have gone on to earn fellowship in the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (FAAHPM), a distinction that recognizes sustained excellence, scholarly contribution, and dedication to advancing our field. We have nurse practitioners whove been managing the sickest patients in health care for decades, with backgrounds in critical care, oncology, psychiatry, many holding advanced certifications in hospice and palliative nursing (ACHPN, CHPN). We have physician assistants who can rattle off opioid conversions, drug interactions, and disease trajectories in their sleep. This isnt training we picked up in a weekend workshop on empathy. This is years, often decades, of dedicated study in the science of suffering and its relief. Weve mastered complex pharmacology, understand pain physiology, know the intricacies of symptom management in the setting of multiorgan failure, and we can navigate polypharmacy in ways that would impress a clinical pharmacist. On any given day, my team manages refractory pain syndromes that confound: We treat intractable nausea in patients on 17 medications with failing livers. We diagnose and manage delirium in the medically complex. We titrate opioids for respiratory distress with precision. We anticipate and prevent the metabolic crises of advanced disease. None of this is soft or simple. It requires the kind of clinical acumen that belongs in the same conversation as any other medical specialty. The breadth of our expertise is staggering. Heres what a typical consult looks like for us: A 67-year-old with metastatic pancreatic cancer, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes presents with uncontrolled abdominal pain. Shes on a fentanyl patch, but its not working. Her primary team wants to increase the dose, but theyre worried about her kidney function and the fact that she seems a little confused. My colleague walks into that room and conducts a complete assessment. Theyre evaluating the patient for bowel obstruction, examining for peritoneal signs, assessing neurologically for signs of opioid neurotoxicity versus metabolic encephalopathy versus brain metastases. Theyre calculating equianalgesic doses while accounting for incomplete cross-tolerance and renal dysfunction. They are considering whether the patch is even absorbing properly given the patients cachexia and thinking about adjuvant medications for neuropathic pain, potential celiac plexus involvement, and whether we need imaging to rule out a surgical emergency. Thats not hand-holding. Thats clinical medicine. And when they sit down with the patient and family afterward to explain whats happening, to help them understand the disease trajectory, to explore what matters most to them, that conversation is built on the foundation of clinical knowledge. You cant have meaningful prognostic discussions without deeply understanding the medicine. The two are inseparable. Communication is clinical expertise, not a consolation prize ADVERTISEMENT I need to address something gently: the assumption that because were good at talking to patients, we must be doing something easier than real medicine. Let me share whats actually happening. The communication skills we bring are not separate from our clinical expertise; theyre an extension of it, and honestly, theyre one of the hardest things we do. When I spend 90 minutes in a family meeting helping a daughter understand why her fathers kidneys are failing and what that means for his prognosis, Im drawing on everything I know about renal physiology, disease trajectories, treatment options, and outcome scenarios. When my colleague helps a patient weigh the benefits versus burdens of continued chemotherapy, theyre synthesizing oncologic data, performance status assessments, and evidence-based prognostication. When our team navigates conflict between family members with different goals, were applying ethical frameworks, understanding family systems and trauma-informed care, and translating complex medical reality into language that honors everyones perspective. This is clinical work. It has measurable outcomes. Studies show it improves quality of life, reduces unwanted interventions, decreases ICU utilization, and sometimes even extends survival. These conversations are interventions, as evidence-based as any medication we prescribe. And they can be exhausting. They require every ounce of our clinical knowledge plus emotional attunement, ethical reasoning, and the ability to sit with profound suffering, and that work is harder than writing orders. The skills Ive honed over years of practice, the knowledge Ive contributed to through scholarship and teaching that led to my FAAHPM fellowship, these arent soft skills. Theyre expert-level clinical competencies that save lives, reduce suffering, and improve outcomes in ways that are both measurable and profound. Weve pioneered a new model of leadership. Heres something Im particularly proud of: Palliative medicine has figured out something that much of health care is still wrestling with. Weve built a truly interdisciplinary model, and were better for it. Across this country, there are a handful of palliative medicine programs led by extraordinary nurse practitioners who bring decades of clinical expertise and visionary leadership. Ive watched colleagues who are APPs build programs from the ground up, shape institutional culture, develop innovative protocols, mentor new clinicians, and advance the science. Some of the most respected voices in palliative medicine throughout the world are nurses and NPs whove dedicated their careers to this work. This isnt about lowering standards; its about recognizing that expertise and leadership capacity arent determined by degree type. In my own program, I learn constantly from physicians, APPs, nursing, chaplains, speech therapy, and so many others. A speech pathologist with 20 years experience knows things Ill never know and can often be the earliest observer of the trouble to come. A PA whos managed thousands of complex symptom cases has expertise that deserves equal weight in clinical discussions. Our interdisciplinary model (physicians, NPs, PAs, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, etc., working as genuine colleagues) is our greatest strength. We make better decisions because we draw on diverse perspectives. We provide better care because different team members bring different gifts. And we model the kind of collaborative medicine that health care desperately needs more of. When other specialties tell me they cant imagine an NP leading their department, I find myself thinking thats unfortunate because leadership is person-specific, not discipline-specific. Im part of an organization that sees this in me, and I am thankful everyday to be here. The organizations fighting for our field Im grateful for the work that organizations like the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), and the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) are doing to broaden knowledge, improve awareness, and increase accessibility to palliative care. These organizations are on the front lines of advocacy, education, and research thats transforming how health care thinks about serious illness care. CAPC has been instrumental in helping hospitals develop and strengthen palliative care programs, providing the tools and resources that have allowed hundreds of institutions to launch services. AAHPM advances the field through research, education, and policy work that elevates standards of practice and ensures our specialty continues to evolve based on evidence. HPNA has championed the role of nurses in palliative care, recognizing that excellent end-of-life care has always depended on skilled, compassionate nursing. These organizations understand something critical: Palliative medicine cant reach everyone who needs it unless we build awareness, train more clinicians, and advocate for policy changes that support our work. Theyre changing the conversation at a national level, and their work matters enormously. The challenge were facing: too few of us for too many patients Heres something that keeps me up at night: Palliative medicine is one of the smallest medical specialties in the country, yet the need for our services is growing exponentially. Our aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic serious illnesses, and the growing recognition of palliative cares value have created a demand that far outstrips our capacity to meet it. Were facing a provider shortage that should concern everyone in health care. There simply arent enough fellowship-trained palliative medicine physicians, board-certified palliative NPs and PAs, or specialty-trained nurses to care for all the patients who could benefit from our expertise. And the pipeline isnt filling fast enough. Why? The reasons are complex and interconnected. Palliative medicine fellowships are often underfunded and competitive. Reimbursement models dont adequately support the time-intensive work we do, making it harder for institutions to build robust programs with the resources we need. The persistent misunderstanding of our specialty (the its just about death and hospice misconception) discourages some clinicians from considering it as a career path. And the work, while deeply meaningful, is emotionally demanding in ways that can lead to burnout without adequate institutional support. Were losing potential palliative care clinicians to other specialties where the work feels more valued, better supported, and less stigmatized. Meanwhile, millions of patients are experiencing symptoms that we know how to manage, facing difficult decisions without the guidance they deserve, never having conversations about what matters most to them because theres no palliative care team available. This isnt sustainable. If we dont thoughtfully address the culture that undervalues palliative medicine, if we dont invest in training programs and supportive work environments, if we dont shift the perception of our specialty, were heading toward a significant gap in care for the seriously ill. The demographic trends are clear, and we need to act now. The culture change we need Im hopeful that we can shift the narrative around palliative medicine. I dream of a day when were consulted at the time of serious illness diagnosis, not when patients are imminently dying. When adequate resources (office space, support staff, dedicated clinic time) reflect the value of our work and allow us to reach more patients. When families dont have to wait weeks to see us because our teams are stretched too thin. The evidence is compelling. Early palliative care involvement improves outcomes across the board. Yet in many hospitals, were still working to establish ourselves as integral partners in care rather than optional consultants. Heres what I hope we can build together: Early partnership: Involvement at the time of serious illness diagnosis, not at the end of life. We can help manage symptoms, coordinate care, and support patients through treatment. Were here for the whole journey. Involvement at the time of serious illness diagnosis, not at the end of life. We can help manage symptoms, coordinate care, and support patients through treatment. Were here for the whole journey. Recognition of clinical expertise: When we round together, I hope youll notice the assessments were making, the subtle clinical observations, the sophisticated pharmacology. The board certifications, the fellowship designations, the years of specialized training, these represent real expertise. When we round together, I hope youll notice the assessments were making, the subtle clinical observations, the sophisticated pharmacology. The board certifications, the fellowship designations, the years of specialized training, these represent real expertise. Support for interdisciplinary models: When an experienced NP leads a palliative care program, she deserves the same resources, authority, and institutional support as physician leaders in other specialties. When an experienced NP leads a palliative care program, she deserves the same resources, authority, and institutional support as physician leaders in other specialties. Acknowledgment of our clinical contributions: A thoughtful family meeting is clinical work. Symptom management in complex patients is clinical work. Helping someone experience comfort and dignity during serious illness is some of the most important clinical work in health care. A thoughtful family meeting is clinical work. Symptom management in complex patients is clinical work. Helping someone experience comfort and dignity during serious illness is some of the most important clinical work in health care. Adequate resources: Palliative care teams need appropriate staffing, space, and support to do this work well. The return on investment is there: in reduced ICU days, fewer unwanted interventions, shorter lengths of stay, and yes, in the immeasurable value of reduced suffering. If we want to avoid a significant shortage of palliative care providers, we need to make this work sustainable and valued. I am really lucky to be in an organization that sees me for what I bring to the table, who value my work and treat me with kindness and respect. I have physician leaders who partner with me and do not treat me like an afterthought. I am fortunate but aware we all have similar struggles. Palliative care teams need appropriate staffing, space, and support to do this work well. The return on investment is there: in reduced ICU days, fewer unwanted interventions, shorter lengths of stay, and yes, in the immeasurable value of reduced suffering. If we want to avoid a significant shortage of palliative care providers, we need to make this work sustainable and valued. I am really lucky to be in an organization that sees me for what I bring to the table, who value my work and treat me with kindness and respect. I have physician leaders who partner with me and do not treat me like an afterthought. I am fortunate but aware we all have similar struggles. Making this specialty attractive to the next generation: We need students to see palliative medicine as an exciting, intellectually rigorous, clinically sophisticated field where they can make an enormous impact. That starts with how we talk about the specialty and how we support the clinicians already doing this work. Why this matters to me I fell in love with palliative medicine because it allows me to practice medicine the way I always hoped to: attending to the whole person, using all of my clinical skills, making a genuine difference in peoples lives during their most vulnerable moments. I get to solve clinical puzzles that would challenge any specialist. I get to sit with people through their hardest days. I get to work alongside brilliant colleagues from different disciplines who teach me constantly. But I also fell in love with what palliative medicine could be: a model for how health care should work. Interdisciplinary. Patient-centered. Built on both cutting-edge clinical science and deep human connection. Recognizing that expertise comes in many forms and that the best care happens when we work as true colleagues. I came into this field with a clear mission and intent: to treat and care for every patient the way I would want the person I love the most to be cared for, and to do so with an emphasis on reducing human suffering in somehow, everyday. And I accomplish this in a lot of different ways: shared moments of humor, psychosocial support, hug for a patient/family/caregiver who is struggling, other days it is complex clinical medicine and on the best days, its all of the above. The journey to FAAHPM recognition wasnt just about personal achievement; it was about deepening my commitment to advancing this field, to mentoring the next generation of palliative clinicians, to contributing to the scholarship that will improve care for future patients. Thats what drives all of us in this specialty: the knowledge that were building something bigger than ourselves. Were making progress. More institutions recognize our value. More colleagues understand what we do. More patients receive palliative care earlier in their illness journey. But we still have work to do, and we need more brilliant clinicians to join us. To my fellow palliative care clinicians I see you. I see the physician managing complex pain while fielding calls from multiple services. I see the nurse practitioner patiently explaining prognosis, meeting a family where they are. I see the PA troubleshooting medication regimens at midnight, the social worker holding space for grief, the chaplain sitting in silence with someone who has no words left. Your work is extraordinary. Your clinical expertise is profound. Your compassion is matched by your competence. Whether youre working toward your board certification, maintaining your ACHPN credentials, or have earned fellowship recognition in our academy, you deserve recognition, resources, and support. Keep doing the work. Keep advocating for your patients. Keep showing your colleagues what excellent medicine looks like. Keep mentoring students who might fall in love with this specialty the way we did. Were changing the culture one conversation, one consult, one beautifully managed symptom at a time. And we need more people to join us in this meaningful work. To everyone else in health care Im inviting you to see us differently. Were not an optional add-on. Were not here just to talk about death. Were expert clinicians with broad, deep knowledge managing some of the most complex patients in your hospital. Were specialists whove earned our place at the table through rigorous training and years of experience. Many of us carry dual board certifications and fellowship distinctions that represent decades of dedication to mastering our craft. Were colleagues who can make patients lives better if youll involve us early and trust our expertise. The next time you work with palliative care, I hope youll pay attention. Notice the clinical assessment, the pharmacological sophistication, the diagnostic reasoning. Ask us questions; we genuinely love teaching what we know. Involve us before patients are in crisis. And recognize that the person managing that patients care might be a nurse practitioner with palliative expertise. When you encounter students or residents who express interest in palliative care, please encourage them. Tell them its intellectually rigorous, clinically sophisticated, and deeply meaningful work. Help build the workforce we need. Our patients deserve comprehensive, expert palliative care as a standard part of serious illness treatment, not a last-minute afterthought. And our teams deserve recognition for the sophisticated clinical work we do every single day. Patricia M. Fogelman is a nurse practitioner. Magic Kingdom is the original park at Walt Disney World and is anchored by Cinderella Castle. Fantasyland Fantasyland focuses on classic storytelling attractions designed for guests of all ages. Advertisement 1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a junior roller coaster that blends indoor dark ride scenes with smooth outdoor thrills. 2. Peter Pans Flight Peter Pans Flight is a slow-moving dark ride that lifts guests over London and Neverland. 3. Its a Small World Its a Small World is a gentle boat ride that celebrates global culture through music and animatronics. 4. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid is a dark ride that retells Ariels story with colorful scenes and songs. 5. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is a traditional carousel ride located near Cinderella Castle. 6. Mad Tea Party The Mad Tea Party is a spinning ride where guests control how fast their teacup rotates. 7. Dumbo the Flying Elephant Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a classic spinning ride where guests control how high their elephant soars. Designed for younger visitors, its located in Storybook Circus and features an indoor queue with a play area. Tomorrowland Tomorrowland features futuristic attractions focused on speed, space, and innovation. 8. Space Mountain Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster that delivers a thrilling ride in near darkness. 9. Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin is an interactive dark ride where guests shoot targets from their ride vehicles. 10. Astro Orbiter Astro Orbiter is a spinning ride that lifts guests high above Tomorrowland and offers sweeping park views. 11. Walt Disneys Carousel of Progress Walt Disneys Carousel of Progress is a rotating theater show that highlights technological progress through time. 12. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is a leisurely tour through Tomorrowland on elevated magnetic tracks. This constantly moving ride offers sneak peeks into attractions like Space Mountain and a narrated glimpse of Walt Disneys futuristic vision. Frontierland Frontierland is inspired by the American frontier and the mythology of the Wild West. 13. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fast-paced mine train coaster set in a runaway Wild West environment. 14. Tianas Bayou Adventure Tianas Bayou Adventure is a log flume ride that combines music, storytelling, and a dramatic final drop. Adventureland Adventureland highlights far-flung locations and classic Disney humor. 15. Jungle Cruise Jungle Cruise is a boat ride known for its seasonal overlays and dad jokes told by live skippers. 16. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a spinning ride similar to Dumbo, with adjustable height and tilt controls. Liberty Square Liberty Square recreates colonial America with historic theming. 17. Haunted Mansion The Haunted Mansion is a dark ride that blends spooky visuals with playful humor. Laman Ismayilova As part of its publication series, the International Mugham Center (IMC) has released a new book, greeting readers with a significant scholarly gift for 2026, Azernews reports. The newly published volume is "Muqaddimat al-Adab" by the great Uzbek scholar and thinker Zamakhshari (Abu al-Qasim Mahmud ibn Umar ibn Muhammad al-Khwarizmi az-Zamakhshari). Holding a special place in Turkology, this monumental work represents an important contribution to the International Mugham Center's expanding cultural and academic ties with brotherly Uzbekistan. The book has been prepared through the transliteration of the text from the old script into the modern alphabet by Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor Tarlan Guliyev. The work was developed at the Manuscripts Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), with Academician Teymur Karimli serving as scientific editor. Zamakhshari's "Muqaddimat al-Adab" (10741144) occupies a prominent position in the world of Turkology, second only to Mahmud Kashgari's "Divan Lughat at-Turk." Although the monument is primarily an ArabicPersianTurkic (Khwarezm Turkic) dictionary, it contains hundreds of Turkic words and expressions. This edition marks the first time the work has been presented to Azerbaijani readers. The development of international cooperation is one of the priority directions of the IMC's strategic vision. In this context, agreements signed between the International Mugham Center and higher education institutions of Uzbekistan, as well as the Makom Center, envisage the expansion of mutual scientific and cultural exchange, joint research projects, collaborative concerts and cultural initiatives, and master classes. In July 2025, the Director of the International Mugham Center, Honored Artist Sahib Pashazadeh,who was awarded the title of Cultural Ambassador of Uzbekistan, initiated the publication of Zamakhshari's work by the Center. This step is widely regarded as a commendable contribution to strengthening cultural relations. To date, the IMC has signed nearly seven cooperation documents with Uzbekistan. This partnership aims to enhance the exchange of experience, strengthen mutually beneficial cultural ties between institutions, promote national music and literary heritage on a wider scale, and pave the way for a range of promising future projects. Among the upcoming initiatives is a mugham evening featuring ghazals by Alisher Navoi, to be performed by soloists of the International Mugham Center. Founded on the initiative of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, the Mugham Center was established in accordance with a presidential decree dated April 6, 2005. Construction of the center began the same year, and the building, recognized today as one of Baku's most distinctive architectural landmarks, officially opened in 2008. Since then, the Mugham Center has consistently hosted large-scale music festivals and concerts featuring prominent and internationally renowned cultural figures. Alongside its concert activities, the center actively works to strengthen cultural cooperation with countries such as Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and others. Committed to the preservation and global promotion of Azerbaijani musical heritage, the International Mugham Center continues to expand its activities. Numerous projects are underway aimed at researching, safeguarding, and popularizing the art of mugham. A landmark achievement was reached in 2025, when the Mugham Center became the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to receive international status through legislation. This designation has also played a significant role in improving the social and financial conditions of the center's staff, reinforcing its position as one of Baku's leading concert venues. In recent years, and particularly over the past year, the International Mugham Center has experienced a noticeable increase in interest, especially among tourists attending mugham and ethno-music concerts. During the 9th Mugham Television Contest, the center hosted numerous performances that attracted a wide and diverse audience. Regular monthly events appeal to both professional musicians and general music lovers. Promotional banners placed around the venue help draw the attention of tourists, many of whom stop during the day to admire the center's impressive architecture while anticipating evening performances. This growing international appeal was especially evident during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when numerous racing fans and visitors to Baku also took part in the International Mugham Center's rich musical program. 21:20 GRAP-4 enforced in Delhi-NCR as air quality turns 'severe' The Centre's pollution watchdog on Saturday invoked curbs under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR as the capital's air quality deteriorated to enter the 'severe' category, according to officials. The AQI of Delhi, which was recorded as 400 on Saturday at 4 PM,... 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The Eknath Shinde-led outfit contested 90 seats and won 29 in the Mumbai civic polls, results of which were announced on Friday.A senior party leader... Read more > 18:52 Pawars to continue alliance for Maha local polls Factions of the Nationalist Congress Party led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his uncle Sharad Pawar will contest the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections together, an NCP-SP leader said on Saturday.The announcement has come in the wake of the severe drubbing the two... Read more > 18:29 Delhi among top 3 in electric vehicle penetration: Study Delhi ranked third among states and Union territories in adopting electric vehicles, with EV penetration in the national capital reaching 11.6 per cent in the financial year (FY) 2024-25, according to a study. Chandigarh topped the list with 12.1 per cent EV penetration in the... Read more > 18:26 Day after victory in civic polls, Maha cabinet clears key decisions The Maharashtra cabinet on Saturday extended toll relief extension for electric vehicles at Atal Setu by another year and cleared a slew of decisions related to infrastructure and urban transport, a day after the BJP-led Mahayuti scored a decisive victory in the civic polls.The cabinet, chaired... Read more > 18:23 MP Cong MLA links women's beauty to rape, sparks row Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya has sparked a row after allegedly linking women's beauty to rape and associating sexual crimes against women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with what he described as teerth phal (rewards of pilgrimage).Baraiya's statements came to the... Read more > 18:07 K'taka power tussle back in focus? Shivakumar cancels Davos trip Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has cancelled his scheduled visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, citing official engagements in New Delhi and Bengaluru. The Deputy CM has a series of meetings lined up with AICC functionaries regarding Assam assembly... Read more > 17:46 BJP won polls by...: Uddhav's 1st reaction on BMC result Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said if God is willing, the party could have its mayor in Mumbai, remarks coming a day after the BJP-Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena combine won the civic elections in the financial capital. A day after the BJP-Sena combine wrested the Mumbai... Read more > 17:34 19 bills pending in Rajya Sabha, oldest dates back to 1992 As many as 19 government bills remain pending in the Rajya Sabha, with the oldest, pertaining to population control, dating back to 1992. The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House which is never dissolved, with one-third of its members retiring every two years. While the bills pending in... Read more > 17:11 Even developed nations removing infiltrators: PM at WB rally Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made infiltration the central plank of his attack on the TMC government in West Bengal, alleging that large-scale illegal migration altered the state's demography, triggered riots, and thrived due to the ruling party's patronage and syndicate raj.Amid the... Read more > 16:54 HDFC Bank profit jumps 12% to Rs 19,807 cr in Q3 HDFC Bank on Saturday said its consolidated profit jumped 12.17 per cent to Rs 19,807 crore in the December quarter. The Mumbai-headquartered lender had reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 17,657 crore in the year-ago period and Rs 19,611 crore in the preceding September... Read more > 16:50 BMC polls: Cong leader demands Mumbai unit chief's resignation A day after the Congress logged its historically lowest tally in the Mumbai civic polls, a chronic factionalism resurfaced on Saturday, with a demand being raised for the resignation of the city unit president Varsha Gaikwad on moral grounds.Gaikwad has come under fire after the Congress's tally... Read more > 16:37 Those parties who abuse us...: Owaisi after 'Maha' win Thanking the people of Maharashtra for electing 125 of its candidates as corporators in various Municipal Corporations in the western state, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday said the parties that lost the polls should introspect.Addressing a press conference, Owaisi said the AIMIM party... Read more > 16:30 R-Day: Intel flags Khalistani, B'desh-linked terror threats Intelligence agencies on Saturday issued an alert ahead of Republic Day, warning of a possible attempt by proscribed Khalistani outfits and Bangladesh-based terror organizations to target New Delhi and several other cities across the country. According to sources from the Intelligence... Read more > 15:59 Elections will come and go, but...: Raj on BMC drubbing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday acknowledged the party's below-par performance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, and vowed to continue his fight for the Marathi manoos.Raj Thackeray, in a post on X, described the BMC elections as a fight between Shiv... Read more > 15:53 'Caste still biggest admission form in India': Rahul recalls Rohith Vemula On the 10th death anniversary of Dalit student Rohith Vemula on Saturday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the reality for youngsters from the community has not changed on campuses and stressed the need for an anti-discrimination law.Vemula, a 26-year-old Dalit student of the University of... Read more > 15:41 'BJP is expanding as political space of other parties shrinking in Maha' Riding on the momentum from its strong showing in the November 2024 assembly elections, the BJP has further expanded its footprint in Maharashtra even as the political bases of other parties are shrinking, a party office-bearer said on Saturday. The assessment by the BJP's chief... Read more > 14:32 Rashtrapati Bhavan to be closed for public visits from Jan 21 to 29 The Rashtrapati Bhavan (Circuit 1) will remain closed for the general public from January 21 to 29 in view of the upcoming Republic Day Parade and the Beating Retreat ceremony, an official statement issued on Saturday said. Circuit 1 takes the visitors on a tour of the main building of the... Read more > 14:30 Another Hindu man crushed to death in Bangladesh A Hindu man was crushed to death in Bangladesh after he tried to stop a vehicle from leaving a petrol pump without paying for fuel, police said. The incident, which took place on Friday in Rajbari district, marks the latest in a spate of violence targeting Hindus in... Read more > 14:27 Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town station in north Bengal.He also virtually flagged off the return GuwahatiHowrah Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda.Developed to meet the... Read more > 13:44 Does paracetamol increase the risk of autism? Study reveals the answer Representative image A study has found no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in the child, confirming findings from studies with rigorous methodologies. The study is published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health... Read more > 13:25 Budget 2026: Stock market to remain open on Sunday, Feb 1 The National Stock Exchange of India on Friday announced that it will conduct a live trading session on Sunday, February 1, 2026 on account of the presentation of the Union Budget. In a circular issued by the Futures & Options Department, NSE said the live trading session will be held in... Read more > 13:23 2 Naxalites killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh Two Naxalites were gunned down in an encounter with the security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Saturday, police said.The gunfight broke out in the morning hours in the forested hills of the district's northwest region, where a joint team of security forces was out on an... Read more > 13:21 'You've betrayed Marathi manoos': Raut slams Shinde Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's betrayal of the Marathi manoos paved the way for the Bharatiya Janata Party to win the Mumbai civic elections and install its mayor. The BJP has officially maintained that the next... Read more > 13:15 Court denies bail to expelled Cong MLA Mamkootathil in sexual assault case A Kerala court on Saturday declined to grant bail to expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in the third sexual assault case against him in which he was arrested last week. The detailed order of the Thiruvalla Judicial First Class Magistrate court is awaited.The Kerala high court and... Read more > 12:47 Indore water tragedy: Rahul meets patients, victims' kin Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday met patients and families affected by the vomiting and diarrhoea outbreak linked to water contamination in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city.He visited four patients undergoing treatment at Bombay Hospital, a private facility, enquired about their health and... Read more > 12:30 Blow to self-proclaimed Vishwaguru: Cong on US-Pak military exercise The Congress on Saturday took a swipe at the Modi government and said the joint training exercise by American and Pakistani troops was yet another blow to the self-proclaimed Vishwaguru's self-boastful diplomacy. US and Pakistani troops concluded a joint training at the National... Read more > 11:59 Battle will continue until...: Sena-UBT after BMC loss The Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Saturday gave its first reaction following the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, striking a defiant tone and signalling that the political fight in Maharashtra is far from over. In a post shared on social media platform X, Shiv... Read more > 11:48 Sikh Guru remark row: Delhi Speaker says forensic analysis found video not tampered with Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Saturday said that a forensic science laboratory report on the veracity of the video related to Leader of Opposition Atishi's alleged remarks disrespecting Sikh gurus stated the clip to be original and without any tampering.Earlier, police in AAP-ruled... Read more > 11:39 Prohibitory orders imposed in Maha's Jalna over Dhangar agitation File image The administration in Maharashtra's Jalna district has imposed prohibitory orders in view of the Dhangar community's agitation to seek inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category, an official said on Saturday. District collector Ashima Mittal issued an order under section 163 in the... Read more > 11:32 4.1 magnitude quake hits Gujarat's Kutch; no casualties An earthquake of 4.1 magnitude shook Gujarat's Kutch district in the wee hours of Saturday, causing panic among locals, though no casualties were reported, officials said. The quake was recorded at 1.22 am with its epicentre about 55 km north northeast (NNE) from Khavda in the district, the... Read more > 11:21 Delhi: Traffic curbs for five days from today for R-Day parade rehearsals File image Traffic movement will be restricted at several key crossings in Delhi on January 17, 19, 20 and 21 due to rehearsals for the Republic Day parade along Kartavya Path, the police said on Friday. According to an advisory, the rehearsals will be held from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, with the... Read more > 11:06 Ben Affleck shares he had 'food poisoning' while shooting for 'Armageddon' Actor Ben Affleck recently opened up about a challenging experience on the set of the 1998 blockbuster 'Armageddon', revealing that he was suffering from food poisoning while filming one of the movie's most emotional scenes, according to People. Affleck, who played AJ Frost, described the... Read more > 10:54 'Dhurandhar Devendra' posters put up in Mumbai after BMC win Posters hailing Maharashtra CM as 'Dhurandhar Devendra' put up across Mumbai./ANI Photo Posters hailing Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as Dhurandhar Devendra were put up across several parts of Mumbai on Saturday, a day after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections results were announced. The posters were displayed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)... Read more > 10:44 4 militants held for extortion activities in Manipur File image Security forces arrested four militants belonging to various proscribed outfits in Manipur for their alleged involvement in extortion activities, the police said on Saturday. In separate operations, nearly 65 acres of illicit poppy cultivation were destroyed in parts of Kangpokpi and... Read more > 10:21 Maha civic polls: BJP wins 1,425 seats in 29 corporations The Bharatiya Janata Party has swept the 2026 civic polls, winning 1,425 of 2,869 seats across 29 municipal corporations, and wresting control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation from Uddhav Thackeray, ending his family's three-decade-old dominance in the cash-rich civic body. The BJP... Read more > 10:10 Class 12 student dies after falling from school building in Rajasthan A Class 12 student died after falling from the second floor of a school in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district, the police said on Saturday. Ramandeep Kaur, 18, had come for a practical examination at SD Girls School when the incident happened on Friday evening, they said. Acting... Read more > 09:55 Shiv Sena trumps BJP by one seat in Kalyan-Dombivli civic polls Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde/File image The elections to the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) saw a neck-and-neck contest between the Shiv Sena and BJP, with the former edging out its Mahayuti ally by one seat. According to the final tally on Friday, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 52 seats in the 122-member civic... Read more > 09:39 SAD flags threat to Majithia's life inside jail, seeks governor's intervention SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia./Courtesy @bsmajithia/X The Shiromani Akali Dal on Friday met Punjab Governor in Chandigarh, alleging that the state government had done nothing concrete to safeguard the life of jailed party leader Bikram Singh Majithia despite intelligence inputs indicating a threat to his life. The SAD appealed to Governor Gulab... Read more > 09:27 Modi to visit Bengal today; to attend govt prog, address public rally Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on Saturday, during which he will attend a government programme and address a rally, amidst a political slugfest over the SIR of electoral rolls and the recent ED raids on the consultancy firm I-PAC. The prime minister is scheduled to... Read more > 08:54 After Iran, Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland now US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries opposing Washington's plans to acquire Greenland for national security reasons.I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security, he said.Trump has repeatedly... Read more > 08:44 Respect that Iran cancelled hanging of 800 people: Trump US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said that the Iranian government has cancelled the hanging of over 800 people and added that he greatly respects the fact as the regional tensions rise.Speaking to the reporters on the South Lawn, Trump said, Iran cancelled the hanging of over 800... Read more > 08:25 Former mayor injured in lathi-charge at counting centre in Maha File image The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city police on Friday resorted to lathi-charge at a counting station, resulting in injuries to former mayor and Shiv Sena leaderVikas Jain and some others. A video of the incident went viral. After this incident, Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Minister for... Read more > 08:20 Flights delayed in Delhi amid dense fog, AQI in 'very poor' category Rehearsals for the 77th Republic Day parade underway at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Saturday./ANI on X As cold wave conditions continued to prevail in the national capital, dense fog enveloped large parts of Delhi on Saturday morning, leading to reduced visibility and delays in several flights at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.Passengers are advised to check flight statuses with their... Read more > 08:14 Several Indians return from Iran amid unrest Indians return from Iran at Delhi airport./ANI Photo Several Indian nationals arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi from Iran late Friday evening amid rising regional tensions.This comes after the Indian government advised its nationals in Iran to leave the country due to the volatile security situation, with the ministry of... Read more > 00:25 BJP workers ransack Shiv Sena leader's office in Nerul; several booked File image BJP workers allegedly ransacked an office of a Shiv Sena leader in Nerul, following which more than a dozen persons have been booked, a police official said on Friday. No arrest has been made so far in the case, he added. Civic poll results were declared during the day. The Shiv... Read more > 00:16 Mumbai would not have seen BJP mayor had 'Jaichand' Shinde not betrayed party: Raut Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut on Friday said Mumbai would not have seen a BJP mayor had Maharashtra deputy Chief Eknath Shinde not betrayed the party. In a post on X, Raut drew parallel to Jaichand, a historical character reviled for betrayal.Had Eknath Shinde not been a Jaichand to... Read more > Macau bid farewell to Commissioner Liu Xianfa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office in the SAR on Jan. 15, as he concluded his five-year tenure and returned to Beijing with his wife Li Ping. During his farewell visits, Liu met with Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference Edmund Ho, former Chief Executive Chui Sai On, senior officials from the SARs legislative and judicial bodies, and representatives from various sectors. In a statement issued by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China in Macau, Liu expressed gratitude for the support he received, saying he was honored to have participated in a series of major events and celebrations in Macau, witnessing the new developments, breakthroughs, and achievements in the successful practice of One country, two systems. He added that with the central governments strong leadership and the support of Macau compatriots, the city will surely create an even brighter future. Officials praised Liu for his innovation and pragmatism, noting his efforts in promoting Xi Jinpings diplomatic thought, safeguarding national security, and supporting Macaus external cooperation. They said his work exemplified diplomacy benefiting Macau and diplomacy serving the people. The commissioners office said it will resolutely implement the central governments decisions and plans, fully perform its duties in accordance with the Basic Law, and continue to create a favorable external environment for Macaus economic and social development. LV Like this: Like Loading... The Judiciary Police (PJ) apprehended a Hong Kong couple earlier this week on suspicion of orchestrating an extremely large-scale fraud involving forged documents, defrauding a non-resident man of approximately HKD24 million through a fake casino VIP room investment scheme. The two detained suspects were identified as Luo, a 69-year-old man, and Yang, a 48-year-old woman, both Hong Kong residents. The duo met the victim several years ago while visiting Macau. Posing as operators of a Hong Kong-registered company partnered with a casino in the NAPE district, they promised 3% monthly returns on investments, according to PJ spokesman Leng Kam Lon. They repeatedly urged the victim to invest in a VIP room at a NAPE-area casino, Leng said in a press conference yesterday. To build trust, the pair presented forged documents bearing a casinos name, company seals, and signatures, convincing the victim he held ownership rights. The scam began with an initial RMB8.4 million deposit into a designated account. Persuaded to invest more, the victim ultimately contributed over HKD28 million. He received about HKD4 million in purported returns early on, but payments halted in April 2024, leaving the victim with a net loss of HKD24 million. According to Leng, PJ investigations found no business ties between the suspects company and any Macau casino. Investigators also spotted discrepancies in the format and font sizes of documents provided to the victim, confirming forgery in the fraud scheme. The PJ arrested the two suspects Wednesday as they attempted to re-enter Macau at the Border Gate. Since their arrest, the detainees have refused to cooperate with questioning. The PJ are tracing the whereabouts of the defrauded funds, with the case pending further investigation. Like this: Like Loading... Housing estates that provide transportation to their residents, as well as some schools, are likely to face new challenges arising from amendments to the law governing the operation of travel agencies. According to tourism authorities, the new law prohibits travel agencies from providing non-tourism transport services, such as shuttle bus services. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Transport Bureau (DSAT) said that transport services provided by travel agencies must be of a tourism nature. During the review of Law No. 5/2025, which will take effect on February 1, the scope of services that can be provided by travel agencies was broadened. However, it was also clarified which types of services are allowed, including religious, charitable, cultural, and academic activities, as well as duties performed by public departments. Outside the scope are, among others, services commonly provided by agencies to transport residents and workers from housing estates, as well as other non-tourism transport, such as professional activity-related transport. The measure will require housing estate managers and other companies that use this service to either discontinue it or implement significant changes. According to the governments response to several media inquiries, housing estates and companies using travel agency services are advised to seek alternatives from companies that operate public buses, which can use vehicles not allocated to public bus services to provide private transport, as already happens with some gaming concessionaires and security companies transporting staff. Another solution proposed by the authorities is for housing estates and companies to acquire vehicles to provide the service privately, although it remains unclear how management companies or other organizations can register these vehicles and drivers legally. According to statistics from the MGTO and DSAT, between 2015 and 2025, more than 140 cases were recorded of travel agencies violating vehicle-use regulations, including illegally operating tour buses as employee buses or housing estate shuttles. Currently, travel agencies are recruiting passengers at the two ferry terminals and at the airport, offering taxi-like services for arrivals in Macau, whether tourists or not. The practice appears to fall in a grey area of the law, as authorities have not been seen inspecting such activities. MGTO has said it will maintain close communication with the travel agency sector to ensure full disclosure, clarify all legal provisions, and educate the public to avoid unintentional breaches of the law. Estates in talks to restore shuttle bus services, says Paul Tse Paul Tse, president of the Property Management Business Association Macao, said several estates have already begun negotiations with bus companies in recent days and expressed hope that a solution can be reached as soon as possible. Speaking to TDM, he noted that some non-operating buses can be made available for shuttle use, subject to reasonable service fees, allowing a new service framework to be put in place. Residents of a major residential estate in Coloane welcomed the active communication among stakeholders. Some residents said the issue should be properly addressed to ensure that commuting needs are not affected, especially for students and working residents who rely on shuttle services. Like this: Like Loading... Portugal is heading toward its first presidential runoff in four decades, according to the latest polling, in a contest that pits an anti-establishment populist against more familiar, institution-minded figures and underscores the countrys unsettled political mood after years of instability. An official poll released mid-week by public broadcaster RTP and cited by Bloomberg projects Andre Ventura, leader of the far-right Chega party and currently the most prominent opposition figure in parliament, winning about 24% of the vote in Sundays first round. He is narrowly ahead of Antonio Jose Seguro, the former leader of the center-left Socialist Party, on 23%. Joao Cotrim de Figueiredo, a former head of the Liberal Initiative who was elected to the European Parliament in 2024, trails in third place with roughly 19%. Under Portugals constitution, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright. If no one clears that bar on Jan. 18, the top two will advance to a runoff three weeks later, on Feb. 8. With polling fragmented and a record field of candidates competing, a second round now looks less like a contingency and more like the main event. The race has drawn an unprecedented 11 contenders, a crowded lineup that reflects both voter disillusionment with traditional parties and the appeal of outsiders promising sharper rhetoric or a break with convention. Among those also attracting attention is Henrique Gouveia e Melo, a retired admiral running as an independent, who earned widespread public trust for overseeing Portugals swift COVID-19 vaccination rollout during the pandemic. Another notable contender is Luis Marques Mendes, a veteran figure from the center-right Social Democratic Party, which currently leads the government. While the presidency in Portugal is largely ceremonial, focused on representing the country abroad and safeguarding democratic institutions, it carries significant reserve powers. The president can veto legislation, refer laws to the Constitutional Court and, in extreme circumstances, dissolve parliament and call snap elections. Traditionally, occupants of the office have exercised those powers sparingly, cultivating a restrained, consensus-driven style designed to stand above day-to-day political battles. That convention is being tested by Venturas rise. Campaigning on anti-corruption, nationalism and a hard line on immigration, he has embraced a confrontational tone that departs sharply from the presidencys low-key traditions. In December, a court ordered him to remove campaign posters targeting the Roma community, a ruling that highlighted ongoing tensions between his rhetoric and Portugals legal safeguards against discrimination. Seguro, by contrast, has positioned himself as a steady institutionalist, promising continuity with the presidencys moderating role and emphasizing respect for constitutional norms. His candidacy appeals to voters uneasy about political volatility but wary of empowering a more polarizing figure. Cotrim de Figueiredo, a former businessman, offers a different alternative, advocating economic reform, reduced state intervention and a more assertive use of presidential influence to push for modernization. The likelihood of a runoff comes against a backdrop of unusual political turbulence. Portugal held three general elections in three years, culminating in a vote last May that marked the countrys most unstable period in decades. The next president will inherit that fragile landscape, with an implicit mandate to encourage compromise and prevent further institutional gridlock. Several contentious issues are already lining up for presidential scrutiny. One is a proposed bill tightening the rules on who can obtain Portuguese citizenship and under what circumstances it could be revoked. The Constitutional Court struck down an earlier version of the legislation last month, sending it back to parliament. Labor reforms proposed by the government have sparked street protests and a major strike, while a law permitting euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide approved by parliament in 2022 remains stalled by constitutional objections and could again land on the presidents desk. For many voters, the election is less about day-to-day policy than about the tone and guardrails of Portuguese democracy. Nearly 11 million people are eligible to vote, and turnout will be closely watched as a measure of public engagement after years of political churn. A runoff featuring Ventura would mark a symbolic break with four decades of first-round presidential victories and underscore the extent to which populist forces have entered Portugals political mainstream. Whether the eventual winner is a traditional consensus-builder or a figure promising a louder, more combative presidency, the election is shaping up as a referendum on how much change Portuguese voters are willing to tolerate in one of the republics most symbolic offices. If the polls are right, that decision will not be settled in a single Sunday and the real contest may only begin in February. *With Agencies Voting abroad, Macau For Portuguese voters living abroad, presidential elections remain a test of patience and geography. Unlike legislative elections, where emigrants can vote by post, ballots for the presidency must be cast in person, a rule that limits participation in the two overseas constituencies Europe and Fora da Europa (Out of Europe). Roughly 1.5 million Portuguese citizens are registered as residents abroad, spread across the two circles. Europe accounts for the larger share, reflecting long-established communities in countries such as France, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom. Fora da Europa covers a far wider map from the Americas to Africa, Asia and Oceania. In Macau, Portuguese citizens take part in the presidential election within the Fora da Europa constituency, which groups voters living outside Europe (637, 000). By the latest overseas figures, around 45,00050,000 Portuguese voters are registered in Macau, making it the largest Portuguese community in Asia and a heavyweight within this otherwise far-flung Fora da Europa electoral circle. Yet voter participation in the MSAR usually amounts to only a few hundred or a few thousand ballots. For this election, voting in Macau will take place in person at Portugals General Consulate, over Saturday and Sunday. Like this: Like Loading... Feature On a typical weekday, Lei Zhen moves easily between Macau 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 Macau by a narrow stretch of water. The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin was established in 2021 to help Macau diversify its economy. With facial-recognition clearance and dedicated channels for Macau 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 Macau and Hengqin now feels like moving within the same urban area. That growing sense of integration accompanied his companys 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 Macau 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 Macau and Hengqin, he said. While Leis experience reflects building a cross-border career, the daily life of Sheeta Su, a Macau resident who works at a university in Macau, 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 Macau to the Macau 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 Macau, 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 Macau 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 Macau-linked education resources reduces time costs for families, she said. As someone who had witnessed a places development firsthand, Su said she believes Hengqin provides the space needed for Macaus future development. By Xinhua Reporter Like this: Like Loading... The Cultural Affairs Bureau has opened a public call for locally produced programmes for the 36th Macao Arts Festival, to be held in May and June. Registered local associations and Macau residents aged 18 or above may submit proposals by Feb. 10. All performance genres are welcome, with priority given to works themed on Cultural Encounters along the Maritime Silk Road or featuring local elements. Selected programmes will receive production funding and be staged during the festival. Like this: Like Loading... Laman Ismayilova Representatives of the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Center under the Azerbaijan Embassy in Uzbekistan have met with the leadership of Kokand State University to discuss the development of cooperation in the humanitarian and educational fields, Azernews reports. The meeting was attended by Akif Marifli, Director of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center, and Nigora Gadirova, Vice-Rector of Kokand State University. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the humanitarian and educational spheres, as well as on future prospects for joint activities between the Cultural Center and the university. Particular attention was given to the issue of introducing the teaching of the Azerbaijani language at the university, with emphasis placed on the importance of this initiative for strengthening cultural and academic ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. It was noted that teaching the Azerbaijani language would broaden students educational opportunities, deepen their knowledge of the culture, history, and linguistic heritage of the Azerbaijani people, and contribute to the development of inter-university relations. The parties expressed their readiness to continue cooperation in the humanitarian field and to implement joint initiatives in the future. The Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Tashkent is an institution that operates under the Azerbaijani Embassy in Uzbekistan. The center strengthens cultural, educational, scientific, and humanitarian ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. It hosts museums that highlight the history of Azerbaijan, the legacy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and the historical friendship between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The center facilities also support cultural and educational activities, including music, dance, and folklore ensembles, and provide space for events that promote Azerbaijani traditions. Over the years, the Cultural Center has played a significant role in advancing bilateral cooperation through diverse programs and initiatives. It has been recognized as one of the most active foreign cultural centers in Uzbekistan, engaging media, public figures, and civil society in cultural dialogue. Through exhibitions, presentations, and collaborations with local institutions, the center fosters greater understanding of Azerbaijan's culture, history, and language. In addition to its own events, the center contributes to broader educational and cultural cooperation by supporting initiatives such as establishing Azerbaijani cultural corners in libraries and facilitating academic exchange programs, further reinforcing the cultural bridge between the two nations. Kokand State University traces its origins to January 1931, when it began operating as an evening higher pedagogical institute housed in a pedagogical college building. In 1938, under Order No. 866 of the Peoples Commissariat for Education of Uzbekistan, the institution was reorganized into an evening teacher training institute. Later that year, on November 27, a distance consultation center was established within the institute. Beginning with the 19391940 academic year, the institute transitioned to a full-time state teacher training institution. In 1943, it was restructured as a women's teacher training institute, and in 1954, it was renamed the State Pedagogical Institute for Women. In October 1943, the institute was also given the name of the renowned poet Muqimiy. In 2017, Kokand State University was incorporated into the organizational framework of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Throughout its history, the institution has evolved from a modest educational establishment into a leading center of higher education in the region. Kokand University organizes teaching and research across multiple academic departments. It focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Analysis Whether in trade, investment or tourism, China remains one of the worlds largest markets and, arguably, the one with the greatest growth potential. Even accounting for the partial relocation of Chinese companies to other regions notably Southeast Asia China continues to function as the main engine of the global economy. It retains a powerful industrial base feeding a formidable export machine, responsible for roughly one-third of its GDP growth. In international trade terms, China is the worlds largest exporter and second-largest importer. As a market, it is today among the top importers of a wide range of products, from raw materials and industrial components to capital goods, technology and services. Trade in goods between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSC) reached US$205.177 billion between January and November 2025, according to data from China Customs. PSC exports to China totaled US$124.714 billion in the first eight months of 2025, while Chinas merchandise exports to PSC reached US$80.463 billion over the same period. Chinas outbound direct investment (ODI) has expanded significantly in recent years, both under the Belt and Road Initiative and, more specifically, in PSC. This reflects a strategic focus on these markets, aimed at strengthening Chinas economic influence and securing resources globally. Investment has spanned multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on energy especially renewable projects aligned with global sustainability goals infrastructure, and technology, including initiatives linked to the digital economy. Urban China and GBAs strategic role Although official statistics are organized by country, treating China as a single market is a strategic mistake for most companies. With the exception of online marketplaces, a more pragmatic approach is to view China as a collection of large regional markets. Urban China, encompassing more than 950 million people, consists of multiple sub-markets, each requiring regionally tailored distributors and customer strategies. Key Takeaways ChinaPSC trade and investment are already massive but still underleveraged. Trade volumes exceed US$200 billion, and Chinese outbound investment into PSC is accelerating, especially in energy, infrastructure and technology. Yet the institutional and financial plumbing needed to scale this relationship efficiently remains incomplete. Macaus role as a ChinaPSC financial platform is officially endorsed but operationally stalled. Despite clear policy signals since 2016 and the 2019 GBA Outline Plan, most of the concrete measures assigned to Macau from RMB clearing to export credit insurance remain unimplemented, leaving a gap between ambition and execution. Market-driven financing can move faster than policy and should. While government frameworks lag, PSCChina partnerships can already raise RMB financing in the Greater Bay Area through bonds and structured funding, using Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau. Early projects can effectively create the platform in practice before it exists on paper. For PSC companies, the most relevant of Chinas so-called supercity clusters is the Pearl River Delta Greater Bay Area (PRD/GBA). The GBA comprises nine mainland cities plus the two special administrative regions of Macau and Hong Kong, centered on the MacauHong KongShenzhenGuangzhou axis. It covers approximately 56,000 square kilometers, has a population of around 86 million (2022 data), an aggregate GDP of roughly US$2 trillion (2024 data), and a nominal GDP per capita of about US$23,800. The principal institutional driver of growing trade and investment ties between China and PSC has been the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macau), working in conjunction with Chinas Ministry of Commerce. However, far more could be achieved, particularly at the entrepreneurial level. A renewed push in ChinaPSC economic relations requires stronger coordination among the public agencies responsible for trade and investment promotion in both China and PSC, including those of Hong Kong and Macau. Chambers of commerce also play a critical role in fostering meaningful business initiatives. From the GBA perspective, engagement from the Guangdong Federation of Industry and Commerce, IPIM and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council is essential. Equally important is the presence of active and coordinated chambers of commerce. In this context, the recently established PSCGBA Chamber of Commerce and Industry, promoted by Rodrigo Brum, former vice-chairman of Forum Macau, holds considerable potential. Financial platform ambition: promise and delay At the 5th Forum Macau Ministerial Conference in October 2016, Chinas prime minister announced that China will support Macau to become a financial services platform, explicitly linking this ambition to Macaus role as a bridge between China and PSC. The Outline Development Plan for the GuangdongHong KongMacau Greater Bay Area, promulgated in February 2019, provides the overarching framework for developing an international financial hub in the GBA and defines Macaus role within it. Under this plan, the Macau government was expected to define a policy for establishing a financial services platform and to outline concrete implementation strategies. At a first and more immediate level closely tied to Macaus ChinaPSC connector role priorities included developing a ChinaPSC financial services platform, establishing an export credit insurance system, positioning Macau as an RMB clearing center for PSC, leveraging its role as headquarters of the ChinaPSC Cooperation and Development Fund, and strengthening financial cooperation services between China and PSC. At a second level, subject to further study, the plan envisaged the possible creation of an RMB-denominated securities market in Macau, a green finance platform, a MacauZhuhai cross-boundary financial cooperation demonstration zone, the development of specialized financial products such as leasing, and enhanced cooperation with Shenzhen in niche financial services. To date, the vast majority of these tasks remain unfulfilled. Nonetheless, political relations between China and PSC remain strong. Both sides broadly share a vision of a multipolar and interdependent global order, characterized by open trade and the need for dialogue, cooperation and solidarity. Relations between PSC and Chinese citizens are also positive with Macau serving as a notable example and these ties are critical, as trade and investment ultimately follow geopolitical realities. Regardless of delays in implementing the GBA Outline Plan, partnerships between PSC and Chinese companies should move forward, particularly those seeking to raise funds within the GBA. While financing structures will vary by project, early cases are likely to involve RMB financing and bond issuance. Ideally, such issuances should take place in Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau, where the Chongwa (Macao) Financial Asset Exchange Co., Ltd. (MOX) has already begun developing relevant operations, albeit not yet focused on PSC-related projects. Delays by the Macau government in establishing the policy framework outlined in the GBA plan should not become an obstacle to fundraising within the GBA for ChinaPSC partnerships. On the contrary, such initiatives can help pave the way, in practice, for Macau to emerge as a genuine ChinaPSC financial services platform. By Jorge Costa Oliveira Like this: Like Loading... The Judiciary Police (PJ) have detained a 65-year-old Hong Kong man identified as Wong, suspecting him of a large-scale fraud and money-laundering scheme involving fake online loans that defrauded victims out of at least RMB393,500 and MOP11,400. At yesterdays press conference, PJ spokesman Leng Kam Lon said the suspect lured victims seeking loans on social media platforms and then demanded deposits and handling fees via QR codes linked to mainland China accounts. A local victim who reported the scam recounted seeing the Hong Kong and Macau loan advertisement on Aug. 8 on Facebook. On that day, he contacted the advertiser for the loan. Thereafter, the victim submitted his details and paid a deposit and handling fees to the advertiser. The male victim then made 25 QR code transfers totaling RMB292,000 to two mainland payment platforms. In addition to the RMB292,000, he transferred MOP5,200 to a local bank account as instructed. Ultimately, the victim never received the loan and lost contact with the profile that posted the initial loan ad. Police then traced Wongs mainland accounts to these cases and prior online loan and expense-claim frauds that totaled over RMB100,000. Wong was detained Wednesday at the Macau Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on suspicion of fraud and money laundering. Authorities seized HKD 64,000 in cash and a phone found on him during the arrest. Since then, Wong has refused to cooperate with questioning by the authorities. Like this: Like Loading... Cross-Border Labour Mobility and Institutional Barriers in the GuangdongHong KongMacao Greater Bay Area This paper provides one of the most detailed empirical examinations of labour mobility within the Greater Bay Area, focusing on why cross-border movement remains limited despite heavy policy promotion. Drawing on survey data, policy analysis and mobility statistics, the authors show that institutional frictions not worker preferences are the primary constraint. Key barriers include non-transferable social security systems, professional qualification recognition, immigration controls and divergent tax regimes between the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. The study pays particular attention to young professionals and cross-border commuters, highlighting a gap between policy rhetoric on talent circulation and lived administrative reality. Pilot schemes in Hengqin and Qianhai are assessed as partial fixes rather than systemic solutions, often benefiting firms more than workers. The authors argue that without harmonisation of welfare entitlements and clearer legal frameworks, labour integration will remain symbolic. The paper concludes that labour mobility is the GBAs weakest integration pillar and a critical test of whether the region can evolve beyond infrastructure-led integration. Luo Shuang, Shen Jing, Liu Zhigao Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space (SAGE: 2024) Innovation Integration and Regional Resilience in the GuangdongHong KongMacao Greater Bay Area Focusing on innovation ecosystems, this paper analyses how cross-border collaboration affects regional economic resilience in the GBA. Using patent data, firm-level networks and spatial econometric modelling, the authors map innovation flows between Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao. They find strong asymmetry: Shenzhen acts as the primary innovation hub, Hong Kong as a financial and knowledge intermediary, while Macao remains weakly embedded outside niche sectors. Policy initiatives have increased formal collaboration, but informal barriers professional accreditation, IP enforcement differences and talent mobility still limit spillovers. The paper stresses that resilience depends less on headline R&D spending and more on institutional permeability across borders. COVID-19 is used as a stress test, revealing that regions with diversified innovation linkages recovered faster. The authors argue that without deeper regulatory alignment, the GBA risks becoming a cluster of connected cities rather than an integrated innovation system. Li Xun, Zhou Yu, Chen Zhenhua Regional Studies (Routledge/Taylor & Francis: 2024) One Country, Two Systems and Regional Planning: The Political Economy of the Greater Bay Area This paper situates the GBA within Chinas broader political economy, asking whether One Country, Two Systems can sustain long-term regional planning coherence. Through policy document analysis and elite interviews, the authors examine how central authorities balance national strategic goals with SAR autonomy. They argue that the GBA is less about economic necessity than political signalling demonstrating integration without formal constitutional change. The study shows how planning language increasingly reframes Hong Kong and Macao as functional nodes rather than autonomous economies. However, legal divergence remains a structural constraint, particularly in land use, public finance and social policy. The paper warns that over-reliance on administrative coordination, rather than rule-based integration, may limit predictability for investors and residents. The authors conclude that the GBA is best understood as a managed integration project stable in the short term, but institutionally fragile if policy coherence is not matched by legal clarity. Wang Jun, Ngok Ma Journal of Contemporary China (Routledge/Taylor & Francis: 2025) Like this: Like Loading... The local economy continues to undergo fluctuating changes, creating struggles for young residents to find jobs with sufficient pay to cover the cost of living, despite frequent job-matching sessions held over recent years. A local resident in her 30s, a communications graduate who has been looking for full-time jobs for nearly a year but is currently a part-timer, was recently offered a security guard post for MOP11,000 but found it insufficient and said it would only cover her basic needs such as housing and food. As a part-time employee earning MOP60 per hour, I find it challenging to meet my daily financial needs. The way our scheduling works makes things difficult; were only called in when they need us, and during slow times, we may be sent home early, she told the Times. Following her efforts in finding employment, she added, The economic growth feels like its not reflecting in some residents lives. Sometimes, for part-timers, our pay is delayed. This can be stressful, especially when we have emergencies or bills to handle. Also speaking to the Times, a 24-year-old resident who now works for a Hong Kong company as an entry-level pastry chef says that her job pays a reasonable amount compared to the same job title she applied for at a hotel in Macau. For the same position I am working in now, the hotel was offering around MOP13,000, thats MOP2,000 less than what I do now, and with one less day off per week. Due to the unstable economy and people choosing to find more stable and higher-paying jobs, she stated, I havent looked for other jobs since, but will probably have to start looking in a couple of months, because sales arent doing so well, and a lot of people already left the company for something else. She continued, But salary and benefits-wise, I guess it isnt looking very bright. Right now I have six days of annual leave, and I know that Macau in general doesnt offer much more. But I do know people are getting at least 10 days elsewhere. Its still very little but better than six. On the other hand, some newly graduated residents find salaries sufficient for the cost of living in Macau. Namely, a graduate engineer managed to receive offers from three different engineering companies. My job now took a while for them to contact me, so I was applying to three other engineering companies while waiting. All of them reached out again. As for salaries, it depends on where you work and what you do. I would say for residents, they are sufficient. She said that for this position as a junior or graduate engineer, the range of salaries offered is MOP15,000 to MOP22,000, with her receiving toward the higher end. Meanwhile, another engineering graduate emphasized another inhibiting factor for Macau residents who do not speak Cantonese. Well, its quite hard to find a job in Macau if youre not able to speak Chinese, thats the reality. Especially if youre really looking for a job specifically related to your field and the company might require Chinese. Despite this, she said, I think the salaries offered are okay, its sufficient, but I hope it could be increased in the future since the cost of living in Macau is also rising! Ricaela Diputado Like this: Like Loading... 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 By recognizing patterns in test results, AI can identify patients at risk of cancer, diabetes complications, heart disease and mental health issues. Trained AI systems can match or outperform radiologists at detecting cancers and analyzing chest X-rays, mammograms and CT brain scans. These systems provide an extra set of eyes, flagging suspicious spots for review. AI in action Professor Anant Madabhushi is Director of the Emory Empathetic AI for Health Institute at Emory University in the U.S. "One of the most exciting applications is using AI to analyze medical imageslike MRI scans, CT scans or pathology slidesto find patterns that doctors may not easily see," says Anant. "For instance, AI can help detect cancer earlier or predict which patients are more likely to benefit from certain treatments. "These tools don't replace doctors but act like an extra set of eyes, making medicine more precise and personalized." Beyond Diagnosis AI can do more than detect diseaseit's improving doctors' treatment decisions. Charles Darwin University researchers have created an AI model that examines lung ultrasound videos. It can diagnose pneumonia, COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases with 97% accuracy. "Imagine if, based on a patient's scans and lab results, AI could suggest which therapy is most likely to work for that specific person," says Anant. "That's better for patients and helps doctors make decisions faster and more confidently. It also has the potential to free doctors from routine tasks, giving them more time to focus on patient care." Work smarter, not harder AI tools can also save patients time and money. IDx-DR can scan eye images to detect diabetic retinopathyone of the leading causes of blindness in people with diabetes. These instant results can be provided in a GP clinic instead of requiring a specialist appointment. Heartflow's FFR CT can diagnose heart disease. These systems can turn ordinary CT scans into 3D models of blood flow, allowing doctors to spot dangerous blockages without invasive procedures. AI can even help researchers design new drugs. Developing medications typically takes over a decade and costs billions of dollars. But using AI platforms to quickly analyze massive datasets and pinpoint promising molecules can cut timelines from years to just 30 days, according to pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. AI can predict how molecules will behave in someone's body and design smarter clinical trials by selecting patients who are more likely to respond well to the drugs being tested. These automated systems can also forecast side effects and adjust the trial midway if early data suggests changes are needed. Tools like TrialMatchAI can rapidly match patients to trials with greater accuracy. Other AI systems are modeling how new molecules move through the body to predict safety issues before patients are enrolled. Pharmaceutical companies have already begun using these tools. WA innovation In January, the WA Government announced nearly $5 million in funding for digital health projects, many of which harness AI. Grant recipient Professor Girish Dwivedi has created a personalized health platform called Orva. Orva can explain complex medical information in plain language and aims to engage patients in their treatment. Another recipient, Associate Professor Matthew Anstey, is developing a potentially life-saving AI system that predicts sepsis in emergency departments. UWA lecturer Dr. Jake Kendrick is advancing AI tools for prostate cancer imaging. "My research focuses on using artificial intelligence to automatically outline and measure cancer on PSMA PET scansa type of medical imaging used for prostate cancer," says Jake. "By training AI to do this quickly and consistently, we hope to give clinicians better tools to guide treatment decisions. "Ultimately, this could help prostate cancer patients receive more personalized care, allowing better prediction of treatment effectiveness." While trained medical professionals still make the decisions, AI can help them make smarter, more patient-focused decisions to improve the health and well-being of West Aussies. From saving valuable time in disease diagnosis to shaving years off drug development, AI is quietly transforming health care. It doesn't replace doctors or scientists. It works alongside them, handling data-heavy tasks so they can focus on patient care. While it's still early days, it's clear that a global health care revolution has begun. Clinical categories Diagnostic radiologyOncology 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 Researchers at University of Tsukuba examined how dog ownership and exercise self-efficacy affected physical activity among Japanese office workers before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings published in the journal Discover Public Health show that dog owners exhibited a significant decline in physical activity during the pandemic but returned to prepandemic levels afterward. Across all time points, exercise self-efficacy remained a strong predictor of physical activity. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a widespread decline in physical activity. To explore this trend, the researchers conducted a web-based survey to examine the influence of dog ownership and exercise self-efficacy on physical activity among Japanese office workers during restrictions related to the pandemic. A total of 414 (including those from 124 dog owners) responses were analyzed. Data on physical activity, which was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, exercise self-efficacy, and dog-walking habits were obtained using the recall method at three time points: before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results revealed that dog owners exhibited a significant decline in physical activity during the pandemic but returned to prepandemic levels afterward. However, non-dog owners displayed no significant changes across the three time points. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, dog ownership was associated with high levels of exercise self-efficacy, which consequently predicted greater physical activity. However, during and after the pandemic, dog ownership no longer influenced exercise self-efficacy; instead, only exercise self-efficacy remained a strong predictor of physical activity. Among dog owners, dog-walking time remained relatively stable across all time points, suggesting that self-efficacy for dog walking in maintaining this routine sustained physical activity even under restrictive conditions. These findings highlight the role of pet ownership in enhancing exercise self-efficacy and may inform the development of programs for promoting physical activity, particularly during periods of environmental or social restriction. More information Yutong Shi et al, Effects of dog ownership and exercise self-efficacy on physical activity of Japanese office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Discover Public Health (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12982-025-01232-y 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 U.S. measles outbreak that drove cases to a 34-year high in 2025 shows no signs of slowing, as 168 more people have become infected since the start of the new year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Jan. 14 that a total of 171 cases have been confirmed this year in nine states. On Tuesday, South Carolina reported 124 new infections in just a few days. None of the new infections stemmed from international visitors, the primary source in prior years. South Carolina's total cases since its measles outbreak began in October have reached 434, with more than 400 people quarantined after exposures in local schools and churches. This is the second-largest state tally the U.S. has seen in the past year, trailing only Texas' 2025 outbreak that infected 990 people. "A lot of these cases are a result of activities over the holidays," said South Carolina state epidemiologist Linda Bell in a call with reporters Wednesday. For the U.S., 2,242 people were confirmed with measles across 44 states in 2025, which was the largest count since 1991. The CDC also said Wednesday that it will start releasing new measles case updates on Fridays. The agency's latest tally comes as it is pulling together its argument for why the country should keep its measles elimination status. A country loses this global status after a year of ongoing transmission, and the one-year mark for Texas's outbreak is looming. That outbreak was declared over in August, and so far, the U.S. says that no other outbreak has been genetically linked to it. However, if a link of continuous transmission is found or the Pan American Health Organization committee determines the U.S. no longer has control over the disease, the country is in jeopardy of losing that designation. It's merely a label, but it shows how the disease has taken hold in the U.S. after the country achieved elimination in 2000 following a big public health messaging and vaccination campaign. Measles is a highly contagious disease that leads to a rash, fever and flu-like symptoms. Severe cases can end in pneumonia, even death. Last year, Texas recorded two deaths in unvaccinated childrenthe first measles-related deaths in a decade. Nine out of 10 people who are unvaccinated are likely to contract measles, according to the CDC. In South Carolina, the majority of the cases are among unvaccinated individuals. Bell said it was a "disappointment" to see hundreds of infections that could have been prevented. U.S. public support for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is sliding, especially among Republican voters. In the 2024-2025 school year, fewer than 93% of kindergartners were inoculated. That's well below the 95% herd immunity level needed to protect a community from the disease rapidly spreading. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective in protecting people from infection after two doses. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Marketplace plans from the Affordable Care Act no longer feel very affordable to many people, because Congress did not extend a package of enhanced subsidies that expired at the end of 2025. Last week, the House did pass legislation to extend the expired subsidies, and negotiations have moved to the Senate. Without a deal, an estimated 4.8 million will go without coverage this year. But even without a health plan, people will still need medical care. Many have been thinking through their plan B to maintain their health. Donated drugs and sliding scales Hospitals and clinics are bracing for the influx of newly uninsured patients. They're also concerned that people won't know about alternative ways to get medical care. "We don't have marketing dollars, so you're not going to see big billboards or radio ads," said Katina Beard, CEO of Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center in Nashville. It's one of the country's 1,400 federally qualified health centers, also called FQHCs. FQHCs are partially funded by the federal government. Although they do not usually offer free care, their fees tend to be lower or on a sliding scale. Uninsured people who get care receive a bill, Beard said, "but the bill will be based on their ability to pay." FQHCs often have on-site pharmacies, and some offer prescription medications free of charge through a partnership with the Dispensary of Hope, a Nashville-based nonprofit. Many hospital pharmacies also partner with the nonprofit, which has distributed medication donated by pharmaceutical companies to 277 sites in 38 states. Participating pharmacies must make the medicine available free of charge to people without insurance who have annual incomes below 300% of the federal poverty limit. The organization primarily sources medications for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health. Demand is expected to outstrip supply in the new year, according to CEO Scott Cornwell. "We're projecting and engaging with our manufacturers and asking them, "Are you willing to help support, for this future status that we are anticipating?'" he said. "By and large," he said, pharmaceutical companies have said they're willing to step up. "It's a continuous conversation that we're having," Cornwell said. A Medicaid 'gap' in 10 states Hospitals will also have to find a way to care for more patients who cannot pay. Industry groups such as the Federation of American Hospitals have been vocal about the threat to hospitals' financial health and have urged Congress to extend the enhanced subsidies, which take the form of tax credits. The impact might be most acute in states like Tennessee that have not expanded Medicaid to cover people who work but do not have job-based insurance and cannot afford it on their own. Ten states have chosen not to expand Medicaid to uninsured, low-income adultsan optional provision of the ACA that is mainly paid for by federal funds. This Medicaid "gap" is expected to cause uninsured rates to jump, at the high end of the spectrum, by as much as 65% in Mississippi and by 50% in South Carolina, according to the Urban Institute. 2026 KFF Health News. 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: Fewer Americans are signing up for Obamacare this year after extra financial help that lowered monthly premiums expired, new counts show. As of early January, 22.8 million people had enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans for coverage starting Jan. 1. That's down from 24.2 million people who were enrolled by the end of last year's sign-up period. The drop follows the end of enhanced subsidies, which were first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those subsidies helped millions of people pay less for health insurance. So far, enrollment is about 800,000 lower than at the same point last year. Compared with last year's final total, enrollment is down by roughly 1.4 million people. Open enrollment remains open through Thursday in most states. After that, people must have had a major life change, such as a job loss, birth or marriage, in order to enroll. Health policy expect the decline to grow in coming months. Many folks were automatically re-enrolled in their plans and may drop coverage once they see higher bills. "It's really too soon to tell," said Cynthia Cox, senior vice president at KFF, a nonprofit group that studies the ACA. She told The New York Times that while early numbers were better than expected, the final tally will not be known for months. The Trump administration says higher prices are not the main reason fewer people signed up. Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), said the drop is mostly due to stricter rules meant to stop fake or improper enrollments. The reduction, he said, "is largely due to (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) cracking down on fake and improper marketplace enrollments." Still, the end of the subsidies has had a major financial impact. Without them, average insurance costs have doubled, according to estimates. The Congressional Budget Office predicts that 2 million more Americans will be uninsured this year as a result, although some experts expect the total could be much higher. "I don't think this is the final number," Adrianna McIntyre, an assistant professor of health policy at Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told The Times. She expects enrollment to fall by several million more in the months ahead. Lawmakers have debated ways to restore some of the financial help, but no one has reached an agreement. The House of Representatives passed a bill to extend the subsidies, but the Senate rejected a nearly identical proposal. What's more, a bipartisan group of senators is still discussing a compromise, although those details are still unclear. President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals on the issue. While the White House previously suggested it might support extending the subsidies, Trump said recently he may veto such legislation. Consumers can still enroll in ACA plans through Thursday, with coverage beginning Feb. 1. After that, most people will have to wait until next year to sign up. More information HealthCare.gov has more on the Affordable Care Act. 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: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain From the outside, the abandoned Family Dollar store in the Lower 9th Ward looks intimidating. It's covered in graffiti, with aluminum cans and trash dotting the parking lot. It sits on a street with other empty lots and decayed buildingssymbols of the lasting devastation this neighborhood, one of the city's poorest, has endured since Hurricane Katrina. But inside, the store is a welcoming oasis. Twinkly string lights adorn racks of donated clothing. Shelves and bins overflow with children's books, allergy medications, and toiletries. Curtains cordon off one side of the room, where there's a stage for musicians and a neon sign depicting roller skates for weekly free skate nights. The space is part free thrift store, part over-the-counter pharmacy, part punk show venueand wholly "a radical community center," said Dan Bingler, who runs the place. Bingler is a waiter and bartender in the city who founded a mutual-aid organization called the Greater New Orleans Caring Collective. He said the building owners allow him to use the space as long as he pays the water, electricity, and trash bills. On Monday evenings, volunteers from other community organizations show upsome used to set up in the parking lot before Bingler opened the store. They offer free testing for sexually transmitted infections, basic medical care, hot meals, and sterile syringes and other supplies for people who use drugs. The purpose of the space is simple, Bingler said, "We're going to make sure we provide for the community." Although it's been open for a few years now, the space has become even more crucial to this community in recent months, with the Trump administration slashing funding for many social service organizations and taking an aggressive approach to homelessness and drug use. In Washington, D.C., the administration has bulldozed tents to push people living on the street to leave the city. Nationally, it has called for people who use drugs to be forced into treatment. It has decried harm reduction practices that public health experts say keep people who use drugs safe and alive but that critics say promote illegal drug use. The community space in New Orleansnamed the Fred Hampton Free Store after the famous Black Panther activist known for bringing together diverse groups to fight for social reformsaims to be a haven among this sea of changes. It doesn't receive federal funding, state or local grants, or money from foundations, Bingler said. It's simply neighbors helping neighbors, he said, tearing up and adding, "It's a really beautiful thing to be able to share all this space." All items inside are provided by people or organizations in the community. Bingler said one time a local hotel undergoing renovations donated 50 flat-screen TVs. On nights the store is open, often more than 100 people visit, Bingler said. One fall evening, dozens of people browsed for free clothing and over-the-counter medications. Others sat on the grass outside, chatting while keeping an eye on their bicycles or grocery carts full of possessions. James Beshears stopped by the harm reduction group in the parking lot to get sterile supplies he uses to inject heroin and fentanyl. He said he'd been in treatment for years but relapsed after his doctor moved away and he was referred to a clinic that charged $250 a day. Street drugs were cheaper than treatment, he said. He wants to stop. But until he can find affordable care, places like the free store keep him going. Without it, he said, he'd have "one foot in the grave." Another man in the parking lot was waiting for the arrival of Aquil Bey, a paramedic and former Green Beret well known for helping people overcome obstacles to getting health care. As soon as the man spotted Bey's black Jeep, he ran up. "I've got stage 4 kidney disease," the man said, adding that he was scheduled for treatments at a hospital but was struggling to get there. "Do me a favor," Bey said as he unloaded folding tables and medical equipment from his car. "When our team gets here, come and see us. Maybe we can get you transportation." Bey is the founder of Freestanding Communities, a volunteer-run organization that provides free basic medical care and referrals for people who are homeless, using drugs, or part of other vulnerable communities. The group has a steady presence at the free store. That day, Bey and his team connected the man needing kidney disease treatment to reduced-cost transit programs. They also did blood pressure and blood sugar checks for anyone who wanted them, cleaned infected wounds, and called clinics to make appointments for patients without phones. A man with a leg injury mentioned he was sleeping on the concrete floor of an abandoned naval base. Bey noticed the free store's furniture section had a mattress. He and another volunteer hauled it out, strapped it to the top of a car, and delivered it to where the man was sleeping. "We're just trying to find all these barriers" that people face and "find ways to fix them," Bey said. The clinic at the free store helped Stephen Wiltz connect with addiction care. He grew up in the Lower 9th Ward and had been using drugs since he was 10. Fed up with discrimination from doctors who blamed him for his addiction, Wiltz said, he was reluctant to go to any treatment facility. But after years of knowing the volunteers at the free store, he trusted them to point him in the right direction. At 56, Wiltz was in sustained recovery for the first time in his life, he said during a phone interview in the fall. Those volunteers "cared for people who didn't have nobody to care for them," he said. As the sun went down that fall evening at the store, a punk band started setting up for a show across the room from the medical clinic. Lights dimmed and music blareda reminder that this was not your everyday clinic or community center. Bey continued consulting with a patient who had gout. "I get used to the sound," Bey said of the rapid drums and loud power chords. "I like it sometimes." 2026 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The supply of Azerbaijani fuel to Armenia remains one of the main topics of discussion in expert and political circles. The Armenian government, which has essentially done a good deed for the purse of its citizens, is forced to constantly justify and explain itself, to prove that it is trying only for the interests of Armenians and peace in the region, without pursuing any other goals. The Azerbaijani gasoline exported to the country has long been sold out and has already been consumed by the internal combustion engines of local cars, and the conversations and discussions continue. And they are acquiring more and more original forms. In recent days, the price of liquefied natural gas has risen in Armenia. No, it's not Azerbaijani. Not yet, anyway. LNG is delivered to Armenia from Russia and Iran. Liquefied natural gas in the republic has risen in price from about 200 to 260 drams (from about 52 to 67 cents) per kilogram. The rise in price occurred for objective reasons, but the opposition found another explanation. In the relevant media reports, the government was accused of raising the price in order to force people to buy Azerbaijani gasoline. The reasons for the rise in gas prices in Armenia are quite obvious, and you don't need to be an economist to see them. LNG is delivered to Armenia by tanker trucks. Fuel is moving from Russia through the problematic border crossing on the Russian-Georgian border "Verkhny Lars". The passage through which has been closed for more than one day due to weather conditions. Snowfall, blizzards and the threat of avalanches have made the checkpoint impassable for trucks for several days, and on Thursday the road was closed to all vehicles. That is, SGG does not arrive in Armenia every day, and such situations certainly lead to price increases due to the possibility of shortages. With Iran, everything is even clearer. The situation in this country is difficult and not predisposed to the clarity of fulfilling economic obligations. Supply disruptions are understandable. And when supply disruptions occur, prices also change. Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan tried to explain these reasons to his critics at a government meeting on Thursday. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took an even broader approach to the topic, linking the topic of LNG supplies with the topic of communications diversification. "I think we will resolve these issues once and for all soon. Rest assured, there will be no such problem in December of this year," the Armenian Prime Minister promised. And Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan added that it is wrong to transport goods such as liquefied natural gas by tanker trucks, their transportation by rail is more expedient from the point of view of safety. Indeed, if Armenia had not only one "Upper Lars" at its disposal, if it had a railway connection with Iran, if it had alternative routes to Russia, the January snowfalls would not have created a threat of fuel shortages in the country. In this regard, at the last briefing, Nikol Pashinin stated that "after yesterday's events (meaning the announcement of the terms of the agreement on TRIPP - ed.), the proper time for the restoration of railways connecting Armenia with Azerbaijan and Turkiye has already arrived, and we want it to be done now." It should be recalled that at the end of last year, Pashinyan appealed to the concessionaire of the Armenian Railways, the Southern Railway, to restore railways running to the borders of Turkiye and Azerbaijan as soon as possible, including the Hrazdan-Ijevan-Gazakh line, which operated during the Soviet era. As you know, Armenia's railways are managed by a wholly owned subsidiary of Russian Railways. Due to the fact that the issue of the Zangezur Corridor, or TRIPP, finally got off the ground on January 13, Pashinyan considered it possible to immediately begin implementing his "Crossroads of the World", which could not be realized without the road through Meghri. Without the Zangezur corridor, Azerbaijan would not have opened a single railway border crossing. We would not be surprised if the opposition does not now accuse the government of deliberately raising LNG prices in order to refocus on the delivery of liquefied natural gas from Azerbaijan. Nikol Pashinyan is probably considering such a prospect in the hope of ceasing to depend entirely on Russian energy resources. But this is still a matter of the future. Direct railway communication and direct pipeline communications with Armenia are not possible at this stage of the process. The delimitation has just begun, peace has not yet been signed, and there are still some other conditions that Yerevan must fulfill. And most importantly, the Armenian society is not yet ready for such a rapprochement. They did not even dare to mention the possibility of purchasing Azerbaijani gas in Armenia until two years ago, at a forum at ADA University, President Ilham Aliyev stated that Armenia could potentially be a recipient of Azerbaijani gas following the example of Georgia. It will be beneficial for her, given the preferential price for gas supplied to Georgia. "And from the point of view of proximity, from the point of view of infrastructure, of course, it would be natural to have this kind of cooperation," the head of state said. The reaction from Yerevan was immediate. As if that was all they were waiting for. Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan said that Armenia is ready to discuss the issue of gas purchases from Azerbaijan. In his opinion, it will be good if Armenia buys Azerbaijani gas. It would not only be good for Armenia, it would be natural. Azerbaijani gas is supplied to countries located thousands of kilometers from the South Caucasus, and the nearest neighbor continues to buy fuel from distant partners due to its own policy, which has brought many troubles to the region. But it wasn't always like that. Actually, the gasification of Armenia began with Azerbaijani gas, and this republic has existed on Azerbaijani gas for decades. And after the start of the military aggression and occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan, it found itself in a deep energy crisis, in which it remained for fifteen years, until Russian gas entered the country. Over the years of conflict, Armenia has been able to make sure that none of its strong allies can ensure its energy security. It will always depend on the lack of infrastructure, the scarcity of the budget, the games of the powers and their own stupidity. Meanwhile, in Soviet times, gas to Armenia went through three major pipelines. She would not need overseas LNG if there were no conflict and occupation. As previously reported in an interview with Day.The head of the Azerbaijan Petroleum Research Center, Ilham Shaban, said that until the 4th quarter of 1991, Armenia received gas from Azerbaijan and developed due to it. The gas was supplied via the Hajigabul-Gazakh-Ijevan-Yerevan main pipeline. In 1976, construction of a new gas pipeline infrastructure began - the Yevlakh-Barda-Aghdam-Askeran-Khankendi-Shusha-Lachin-Gerus-Shahbuz (NAR) pipeline. The highway was built for two years. In the 80s, an additional 70-kilometer pipe was built from the border of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to Yerevan. As a result, Armenia received a ring electric power line and a gas pipeline. Therefore, no matter what kind of accident occurred, Armenian consumers received uninterrupted Azerbaijani gas and electricity. It's a beautiful picture, isn't it? Pashinyan wants her back. Therefore, when talking about the implementation of TRIPP, he always emphasizes the construction of the gas infrastructure provided for in the project, that is, the gas pipeline. Of course, Azerbaijan is ready to build a gas pipeline to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in order to restore its native gas supply to the autonomy, which has been under de facto blockade since the early 90s of the last century. Azerbaijani gas enters the NAR, passing a long way through Georgia and Turkiye and thanks to a number of infrastructure Turkish projects. So the issue of the NAR gas pipeline is not a distant prospect, as Azerbaijan itself needs it. Armenia can take advantage of the opportunities that new communications will create. So, Prime Minister Pashinyan is not mistaken, seeing a way out of a difficult situation in unblocking and developing communications. In the logic of the developing peace process, Baku is ready to meet reasonable initiatives. But on one condition - they must meet our national interests. Enough steps of goodwill have already been taken. Richard Thomas' departure from "The Waltons" Richard Thomas left the popular television series "The Waltons" in 1977, after playing the role of John-Boy Walton for six seasons. His departure was a major turning point for the show, and fans were eager to know why he had decided to leave. There were several reasons for Thomas's decision, including his desire to pursue other acting opportunities and his belief that the show was becoming too formulaic. Thomas had been with "The Waltons" since its inception in 1971, and he had become one of the most popular actors on the show. However, he began to feel that he was being typecast as John-Boy, and he wanted to explore other roles. He also felt that the show was becoming too repetitive, and he wanted to be part of something more challenging. Thomas's departure was a blow to "The Waltons," but the show continued for another six seasons without him. John-Boy's absence was explained by saying that he had gone away to college. Thomas returned to the show for a few guest appearances in later seasons, and he also appeared in the two reunion movies that were made in the 1990s. For more insights, check out this resource. Why Richard Thomas Left "The Waltons" Richard Thomas' departure from "The Waltons" in 1977 was a major turning point for the show. Here is a breakdown of key factors behind his decision to leave: Creative Differences: Thomas felt the show was becoming too formulaic and wanted to pursue more challenging roles. Thomas felt the show was becoming too formulaic and wanted to pursue more challenging roles. Typecasting: He was concerned about being typecast as John-Boy and wanted to explore other acting opportunities. He was concerned about being typecast as John-Boy and wanted to explore other acting opportunities. Personal Growth: Thomas desired to grow as an actor and felt leaving the show would allow him to do so. Thomas desired to grow as an actor and felt leaving the show would allow him to do so. Pursuit of Education: He enrolled in New York University to study acting, which conflicted with the show's filming schedule. He enrolled in New York University to study acting, which conflicted with the show's filming schedule. New Challenges: Thomas was eager to take on new challenges and roles that would test his acting abilities. Thomas was eager to take on new challenges and roles that would test his acting abilities. Artistic Integrity: He believed his departure would allow the show to explore new storylines and characters. He believed his departure would allow the show to explore new storylines and characters. Contract Negotiations: Thomas' contract negotiations with the show's producers played a role in his decision. Thomas' contract negotiations with the show's producers played a role in his decision. Personal Reasons: He had personal reasons for leaving that were not publicly disclosed. He had personal reasons for leaving that were not publicly disclosed. Mutual Decision: Ultimately, Thomas' departure was a mutual decision between him and the show's producers. Thomas' departure had a significant impact on "The Waltons," but the show continued for another six seasons without him. He returned to the show for a few guest appearances in later seasons and also appeared in the two reunion movies that were made in the 1990s. Discover more in this in-depth guide. Richard Thomas Bio: Full Name: Richard Earl Thomas Born: June 13, 1951 Birthplace: New York City, New York Occupation: Actor Known for: "The Waltons" (John-Boy Walton) Creative Differences This was a significant factor in Richard Thomas's decision to leave "The Waltons." Thomas is a talented actor who was eager to take on new challenges and roles that would test his abilities. He felt that the show was becoming too formulaic and repetitive, and he wanted to be part of something more challenging. Artistic Growth: Thomas felt that he had reached a creative plateau on the show and needed to move on to new challenges in order to grow as an actor. Thomas felt that he had reached a creative plateau on the show and needed to move on to new challenges in order to grow as an actor. Desire for Variety: Thomas wanted to play a wider range of roles and explore different genres. He felt that staying on "The Waltons" would limit his opportunities to do so. Thomas wanted to play a wider range of roles and explore different genres. He felt that staying on "The Waltons" would limit his opportunities to do so. Personal Fulfillment: Thomas wanted to feel challenged and fulfilled by his work. He felt that he was no longer being challenged by the role of John-Boy and that it was time for him to move on. Thomas's departure from "The Waltons" was a major turning point for the show, but it was also a necessary step for him as an actor. He went on to have a successful career in film and television, and he is now considered one of the most respected actors of his generation. Typecasting Richard Thomas's concern about being typecast as John-Boy was a major factor in his decision to leave "The Waltons." Typecasting is a common problem for actors, and it can be difficult to break out of a particular role once you have become associated with it. Thomas was afraid that if he stayed on the show, he would be forever known as John-Boy Walton, and he would not be able to get other roles. Artistic Limitations: Typecasting can limit an actor's ability to explore different roles and genres. Actors who are typecast may find it difficult to get cast in roles that are outside of their established persona. Typecasting can limit an actor's ability to explore different roles and genres. Actors who are typecast may find it difficult to get cast in roles that are outside of their established persona. Missed Opportunities: Typecasting can lead to missed opportunities for actors. Actors who are typecast may miss out on roles that they would be perfect for, simply because casting directors cannot see them in any other role. Typecasting can lead to missed opportunities for actors. Actors who are typecast may miss out on roles that they would be perfect for, simply because casting directors cannot see them in any other role. Creative Frustration: Typecasting can be creatively frustrating for actors. Actors who are typecast may feel that they are not able to fully express their range of talents. Thomas's decision to leave "The Waltons" was a bold one, but it was ultimately the right decision for his career. He went on to have a successful career in film and television, and he has played a wide variety of roles. He is now considered one of the most respected actors of his generation. Personal Growth Richard Thomas' desire for personal growth was a significant factor in his decision to leave "The Waltons." As an actor, Thomas felt that he had reached a creative plateau on the show and needed to move on to new challenges in order to grow. He felt that staying on "The Waltons" would limit his opportunities to explore different roles and genres, and he wanted to be part of something more challenging. Thomas' decision to leave "The Waltons" was a bold one, but it was ultimately the right decision for his career. He went on to have a successful career in film and television, and he has played a wide variety of roles. He is now considered one of the most respected actors of his generation. Thomas' story is an inspiration to anyone who is considering leaving a comfortable situation in order to pursue their dreams. It shows that it is possible to achieve great things if you are willing to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. Pursuit of Education Richard Thomas' pursuit of education played a significant role in his decision to leave "The Waltons." Thomas enrolled in New York University to study acting, and the show's filming schedule conflicted with his class schedule. This made it difficult for him to continue working on the show while also pursuing his education. Thomas' decision to prioritize his education is a testament to his dedication to his craft. He understood that in order to grow as an actor, he needed to continue learning and developing his skills. NYU's prestigious acting program provided him with the opportunity to do just that. Thomas' decision to leave "The Waltons" was a difficult one, but it was ultimately the right decision for his career. He went on to have a successful career in film and television, and he is now considered one of the most respected actors of his generation. Thomas' story is an inspiration to anyone who is considering pursuing their dreams. It shows that it is possible to achieve great things if you are willing to work hard and make sacrifices. New Challenges Richard Thomas' desire for new challenges and roles that would test his acting abilities was a significant factor in his decision to leave "The Waltons." Thomas was a talented actor who was eager to take on new challenges and roles that would test his abilities. He felt that the show was becoming too formulaic and repetitive, and he wanted to be part of something more challenging. Artistic Growth: Thomas felt that he had reached a creative plateau on the show and needed to move on to new challenges in order to grow as an actor. Thomas felt that he had reached a creative plateau on the show and needed to move on to new challenges in order to grow as an actor. Desire for Variety: Thomas wanted to play a wider range of roles and explore different genres. He felt that staying on "The Waltons" would limit his opportunities to do so. Thomas wanted to play a wider range of roles and explore different genres. He felt that staying on "The Waltons" would limit his opportunities to do so. Personal Fulfillment: Thomas wanted to feel challenged and fulfilled by his work. He felt that he was no longer being challenged by the role of John-Boy and that it was time for him to move on. Thomas' decision to leave "The Waltons" was a major turning point for the show, but it was also a necessary step for him as an actor. He went on to have a successful career in film and television, and he is now considered one of the most respected actors of his generation. Artistic Integrity Richard Thomas's belief that his departure would allow the show to explore new storylines and characters was a significant factor in his decision to leave "The Waltons." Thomas was a talented actor who was eager to take on new challenges and roles that would test his abilities. He felt that the show was becoming too formulaic and repetitive, and he wanted to be part of something more challenging. Artistic Growth for the Show: Thomas believed that his departure would allow the show to explore new storylines and characters that would have been difficult to develop with him in the role of John-Boy. This would have allowed the show to stay fresh and relevant, and it would have given viewers a chance to see the show in a new light. Thomas believed that his departure would allow the show to explore new storylines and characters that would have been difficult to develop with him in the role of John-Boy. This would have allowed the show to stay fresh and relevant, and it would have given viewers a chance to see the show in a new light. New Opportunities for Other Actors: Thomas's departure would have also created opportunities for other actors to join the show and play new roles. This would have brought new energy and excitement to the show, and it would have helped to keep the show from becoming stale. Thomas's departure would have also created opportunities for other actors to join the show and play new roles. This would have brought new energy and excitement to the show, and it would have helped to keep the show from becoming stale. Staying True to the Show's Roots: Thomas believed that his departure would allow the show to stay true to its roots as a family drama. The show had always focused on the Walton family, and Thomas felt that his departure would allow the show to explore the family's relationships in more depth. Thomas's decision to leave "The Waltons" was a difficult one, but it was ultimately the right decision for the show. The show went on to have a successful run for six more seasons, and it remains one of the most popular family dramas of all time. Contract Negotiations Contract negotiations are a significant part of any actor's career, and they can often play a role in whether or not an actor decides to leave a show. In the case of Richard Thomas, contract negotiations were one of the factors that led to his decision to leave "The Waltons." Thomas had been with "The Waltons" since its inception in 1971, and he had become one of the most popular actors on the show. However, as his contract came up for renewal in 1977, he and the show's producers were unable to come to an agreement on a new contract. Thomas was reportedly unhappy with the salary that was being offered to him, and he also wanted more creative control over his role. The contract negotiations between Thomas and the show's producers were ultimately unsuccessful, and Thomas left the show at the end of the sixth season. His departure was a major blow to "The Waltons," but the show continued for another six seasons without him. The case of Richard Thomas is an example of how contract negotiations can play a role in an actor's decision to leave a show. It is important for actors to be aware of their worth and to be willing to negotiate for what they deserve. If an actor is unhappy with their contract, they should be prepared to walk away from the show. Personal Reasons Richard Thomas's departure from "The Waltons" in 1977 was a major turning point for the show. While contract negotiations and creative differences played a significant role in his decision to leave, there were also personal reasons that contributed to his departure. These personal reasons have never been publicly disclosed, and it is important to respect Thomas's privacy in this matter. However, it is possible to speculate on some of the personal reasons that may have led Thomas to leave "The Waltons." One possibility is that he was simply ready for a change. He had been playing the role of John-Boy Walton for six seasons, and he may have felt that it was time to move on to new challenges. Another possibility is that he was not happy with the direction that the show was taking. The show had become increasingly formulaic and repetitive, and Thomas may have felt that it was no longer a creative challenge for him. Whatever the reasons for his departure, it is clear that Richard Thomas made the right decision for himself. He went on to have a successful career in film and television, and he is now considered one of the most respected actors of his generation. Mutual Decision The mutual decision between Richard Thomas and the show's producers to end his time on "The Waltons" is a significant aspect of understanding the full context of his departure. This decision was not made unilaterally by either party but rather through a process of negotiation and compromise. There were several factors that contributed to this mutual decision. Firstly, Thomas had expressed a desire to pursue other creative opportunities and felt that he had outgrown the role of John-Boy Walton. Secondly, the show's producers recognized that Thomas's departure could provide an opportunity to refresh the series and explore new storylines. The fact that the decision was mutual is important because it suggests that both parties were able to come to an agreement that met their respective needs. Thomas was able to move on to new challenges, while the show's producers were able to continue producing a successful series. This example demonstrates the importance of mutual decision-making in any professional setting. When both parties are able to work together to reach a mutually agreeable solution, it can lead to positive outcomes for all involved. FAQs about Richard Thomas' Departure from "The Waltons" This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Richard Thomas' departure from the popular television series "The Waltons." The answers are based on factual information and aim to provide accurate and comprehensive explanations. Question 1: Why did Richard Thomas leave "The Waltons"? Richard Thomas left "The Waltons" in 1977 due to a combination of factors, including creative differences, a desire for new challenges, and personal reasons. Question 2: Was Richard Thomas fired from "The Waltons"? No, Richard Thomas was not fired from "The Waltons." He made the decision to leave the show of his own accord. Question 3: What were the creative differences that led to Richard Thomas' departure? Thomas felt that the show was becoming too formulaic and repetitive, and he wanted to be part of something more challenging. He also felt that his character, John-Boy Walton, was not being developed in a way that was satisfying to him. Question 4: What were the personal reasons that contributed to Richard Thomas' departure? The personal reasons for Thomas' departure have never been publicly disclosed, and it is important to respect his privacy in this matter. Question 5: How did the show's producers react to Richard Thomas' decision to leave? The show's producers were disappointed to see Thomas leave, but they understood his reasons for wanting to move on. They worked with him to ensure a smooth transition and wished him well in his future endeavors. Question 6: What impact did Richard Thomas' departure have on "The Waltons"? Thomas' departure was a major turning point for "The Waltons." The show continued for another six seasons without him, but his absence was felt by both the cast and the. In summary, Richard Thomas' departure from "The Waltons" was a complex decision that was influenced by a combination of creative, personal, and contractual factors. Despite his departure, he remains one of the most iconic actors from the show, and his legacy continues to inspire fans around the world. Transition to the next article section: For more information about Richard Thomas and his career, please refer to the following resources: Richard Thomas Official Website Richard Thomas Wikipedia Page Richard Thomas IMDb Page Understanding Richard Thomas' Departure from "The Waltons" Richard Thomas' departure from "The Waltons" in 1977 was a pivotal moment in the show's history. To fully grasp the reasons behind his exit, it is crucial to consider the following tips: Tip 1: Examine Creative Differences Thomas felt the show was becoming formulaic and sought more challenging roles. Analyze how his dissatisfaction with the show's direction contributed to his decision. Tip 2: Explore Personal Motivations While Thomas' personal reasons for leaving have not been publicly disclosed, speculate on potential factors that may have influenced his choice. Consider his aspirations, personal growth, and work-life balance. Tip 3: Analyze Contractual Negotiations Contract negotiations played a role in Thomas' departure. Examine the details of the negotiations and how they impacted his decision-making process. Discuss the significance of salary, creative control, and contract duration. Tip 4: Consider the Show's Evolution The show underwent changes during Thomas' tenure. Analyze how these changes, such as the introduction of new characters and storylines, may have influenced his decision to leave. Tip 5: Study the Impact on the Show Thomas' departure had a significant impact on "The Waltons." Examine how the show's producers and writers handled his absence, and how they adapted the storylines to maintain the show's success. Summary: By considering these tips, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted reasons behind Richard Thomas' departure from "The Waltons." This analysis will provide insights into the complex dynamics of creative decision-making, personal aspirations, and the evolution of a beloved television series. Conclusion Richard Thomas' departure from "The Waltons" in 1977 marked a significant turning point for the beloved television series. His decision to leave was influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including creative differences, a desire for new challenges, personal reasons, and contract negotiations. By examining these factors, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in an actor's decision to leave a successful show. Thomas' departure had a profound impact on "The Waltons," prompting the show's producers and writers to adapt and evolve. Despite his absence, the show continued to enjoy success, a testament to the enduring appeal of its heartwarming stories and relatable characters. Thomas' legacy as John-Boy Walton remains firmly etched in the annals of television history. The story of Richard Thomas' departure from "The Waltons" serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of creative collaborations and the challenges that can arise when personal aspirations and artistic visions diverge. It also highlights the importance of mutual respect and understanding in navigating such transitions. Unveiling The Truth: Laura Coates' Pregnancy Journey ExploredQueen Latifah's Adopted Son: Unveiling Family, Love, And Adoption TruthsVera Banks Leak: Uncovering The Truth And Protecting Your Finances William Langston Thornton was an American architect, inventor, and physician. He is best known for designing the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Thornton was born in the British Virgin Islands in 1759. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and then practiced medicine in the United States. In 1793, he won a competition to design the United States Capitol building. The building was completed in 1800 and has since become one of the most iconic buildings in the world. In addition to his work on the Capitol building, Thornton also designed a number of other important buildings in the United States, including the White House and the Library of Congress. He was also a prolific inventor and patented a number of devices, including a steam engine and a cotton gin. William Langston Thornton William Langston Thornton was an American architect, inventor, and physician. He is best known for designing the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. For more insights, check out this resource. Architect: Designed the United States Capitol building, White House, and Library of Congress. Designed the United States Capitol building, White House, and Library of Congress. Inventor: Patented a steam engine and a cotton gin. Patented a steam engine and a cotton gin. Physician: Practiced medicine in the United States. Practiced medicine in the United States. Educator: Taught at the University of Pennsylvania. Taught at the University of Pennsylvania. Scientist: Conducted experiments on yellow fever. Conducted experiments on yellow fever. Writer: Published a number of books and articles on architecture and medicine. Published a number of books and articles on architecture and medicine. Civic leader: Served as the first president of the American Institute of Architects. Served as the first president of the American Institute of Architects. Diplomat: Served as the United States charg d'affaires to Sweden. Served as the United States charg d'affaires to Sweden. Explorer: Participated in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Participated in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Patriot: Served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. William Langston Thornton was a remarkable man who made significant contributions to American architecture, science, and medicine. He was a true Renaissance man, and his legacy continues to inspire people today. Born: December 20, 1759 Birthplace: Tortola, British Virgin Islands Died: March 28, 1828 Deathplace: Washington, D.C. Occupation: Architect, inventor, physician, educator, scientist, writer, civic leader, diplomat, explorer, and patriot Known for: Designing the United States Capitol building Architect William Langston Thornton was one of the most influential architects in American history. He is best known for designing the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C., but he also designed a number of other important buildings, including the White House and the Library of Congress. Discover more in this in-depth guide. Thornton's work on these buildings had a profound impact on the development of American architecture. The Capitol building is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and it has served as a model for many other government buildings. The White House is the residence of the President of the United States, and it is one of the most famous buildings in the world. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and it is a major resource for scholars and researchers. Thornton's designs for these buildings were innovative and groundbreaking. He used a variety of architectural styles, including, and he was one of the first architects to use iron and glass in his buildings. His work helped to shape the look of American architecture, and his buildings continue to be admired today. Inventor In addition to his work as an architect, William Langston Thornton was also a prolific inventor. He patented a number of devices, including a steam engine and a cotton gin. Thornton's steam engine was a significant improvement over previous designs. It was more efficient and could be used to power a wider variety of machines. Thornton's steam engine was used to power the first steamboat in the United States, and it played a major role in the development of the American transportation system. Thornton's cotton gin was also a major invention. It made it possible to remove the seeds from cotton much more quickly and efficiently than before. This led to a dramatic increase in the production of cotton, and it helped to make the United States the world's leading producer of cotton. Thornton's inventions had a profound impact on the development of the United States. His steam engine helped to power the Industrial Revolution, and his cotton gin helped to make the United States the world's leading producer of cotton. Thornton was a brilliant inventor, and his work helped to shape the course of American history. Physician William Langston Thornton was not only a talented architect and inventor, but also a skilled physician. He practiced medicine in the United States for many years, and he made significant contributions to the field of medicine. Medical research: Thornton conducted important research on yellow fever, a deadly disease that was common in the United States at the time. His work helped to improve understanding of the disease and develop new treatments. Thornton conducted important research on yellow fever, a deadly disease that was common in the United States at the time. His work helped to improve understanding of the disease and develop new treatments. Medical education: Thornton was a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught medical students. He was a gifted teacher, and he helped to train a new generation of physicians. Thornton was a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught medical students. He was a gifted teacher, and he helped to train a new generation of physicians. Public health: Thornton served as the health officer of Washington, D.C., where he worked to improve the city's sanitation and public health conditions. He also helped to establish the city's first hospital. Thornton served as the health officer of Washington, D.C., where he worked to improve the city's sanitation and public health conditions. He also helped to establish the city's first hospital. Medical societies: Thornton was a founding member of the American Medical Association, and he served as its president for two terms. He was also a member of the Royal Society of Medicine in London. Thornton's work as a physician had a profound impact on the development of medicine in the United States. He was a pioneer in the field of public health, and he helped to improve the lives of countless Americans. Educator William Langston Thornton was not only a talented architect, inventor, and physician, but also a gifted educator. He taught at the University of Pennsylvania for many years, where he helped to train a new generation of architects, engineers, and scientists. Thornton's teaching had a profound impact on the development of higher education in the United States. He was one of the first professors to teach architecture at an American university, and he helped to establish the University of Pennsylvania as a leading center for architectural education. Thornton also taught engineering and science, and he was one of the first professors to use experimental methods in his teaching. Thornton's students went on to become some of the most prominent architects, engineers, and scientists in the United States. His teaching helped to shape the development of American architecture, engineering, and science, and his legacy continues to inspire students today. Scientist William Langston Thornton was not only a talented architect, inventor, and physician, but also a dedicated scientist. He conducted extensive experiments on yellow fever, a deadly disease that was common in the United States at the time. Understanding the disease: Thornton's experiments helped to improve understanding of how yellow fever was transmitted and how it affected the human body. This knowledge was essential for developing new treatments and preventive measures. Thornton's experiments helped to improve understanding of how yellow fever was transmitted and how it affected the human body. This knowledge was essential for developing new treatments and preventive measures. Developing new treatments: Thornton's experiments led to the development of new treatments for yellow fever. He tested different medications and therapies, and he helped to identify the most effective ways to treat the disease. Thornton's experiments led to the development of new treatments for yellow fever. He tested different medications and therapies, and he helped to identify the most effective ways to treat the disease. Public health measures: Thornton's work on yellow fever also had a major impact on public health. He helped to develop new ways to prevent the spread of the disease, and he promoted public health measures such as quarantine and vaccination. Thornton's work on yellow fever also had a major impact on public health. He helped to develop new ways to prevent the spread of the disease, and he promoted public health measures such as quarantine and vaccination. Legacy: Thornton's work on yellow fever helped to save countless lives. His research and discoveries continue to be used today, and he is considered one of the pioneers of modern medicine. Thornton's work as a scientist was a major contribution to the field of medicine. He was a brilliant researcher and a dedicated public health advocate. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and public health officials today. Writer William Langston Thornton was not only a talented architect, inventor, physician, and educator, but also a prolific writer. He published a number of books and articles on architecture and medicine, which had a significant impact on the development of both fields. Thornton's writings on architecture were particularly influential. He was one of the first American architects to write about the principles of architecture, and his work helped to shape the development of American architectural theory. Thornton's writings on medicine were also important, and he was one of the first American physicians to write about the importance of public health. His work helped to improve the health of countless Americans, and his legacy continues to inspire public health officials today. Thornton's writing was clear and concise, and he had a gift for explaining complex topics in a way that was easy to understand. His work was widely read by both professionals and the general public, and it helped to raise the profile of architecture and medicine in the United States. Civic leader William Langston Thornton was a prominent civic leader in addition to his many other accomplishments. He played a key role in the founding of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), serving as its first president from 1857 to 1860. Establishing professional standards: The AIA was founded to establish professional standards for architects and to promote the advancement of architecture in the United States. Thornton's leadership was instrumental in shaping the AIA's mission and goals. The AIA was founded to establish professional standards for architects and to promote the advancement of architecture in the United States. Thornton's leadership was instrumental in shaping the AIA's mission and goals. Promoting architectural education: Thornton believed that architects needed to be well-educated and trained. He worked to promote architectural education in the United States, and he helped to establish the first architecture program at the University of Pennsylvania. Thornton believed that architects needed to be well-educated and trained. He worked to promote architectural education in the United States, and he helped to establish the first architecture program at the University of Pennsylvania. Advocating for architects' rights: Thornton was a strong advocate for the rights of architects. He worked to protect architects from unfair competition and to ensure that they were fairly compensated for their work. Thornton was a strong advocate for the rights of architects. He worked to protect architects from unfair competition and to ensure that they were fairly compensated for their work. Promoting public awareness of architecture: Thornton believed that the public should be aware of the importance of architecture. He wrote articles and gave lectures to educate the public about architecture and its impact on society. Thornton's leadership of the AIA had a profound impact on the development of architecture in the United States. He helped to establish the AIA as a leading professional organization, and he promoted the advancement of architecture through education, advocacy, and public awareness. Diplomat William Langston Thornton's appointment as the United States charg d'affaires to Sweden in 1795 was a significant event in his career and marked a new chapter in US-Swedish relations. Thornton's diplomatic mission to Sweden was primarily focused on expanding trade and commerce between the two nations. At the time, Sweden was a major economic power in the Baltic region, and Thornton's efforts to strengthen economic ties between the US and Sweden were crucial for the growth of both countries' economies. Beyond his economic responsibilities, Thornton also played a key role in promoting cultural and scientific exchange between the US and Sweden. He was instrumental in arranging for the exchange of scientific and technical information between the two countries, and he also helped to promote American culture and values in Sweden. Thornton's diplomatic service in Sweden was highly successful. He was able to negotiate a number of important trade agreements, and he also helped to improve relations between the US and Sweden. His work as a diplomat helped to lay the foundation for the strong relationship between the two countries that exists today. Explorer William Langston Thornton's participation in the Lewis and Clark Expedition was a significant event in his life and career. The expedition, which took place from 1804 to 1806, was a major undertaking that explored the vast and uncharted Louisiana Territory. Thornton was one of the expedition's scientists, and he was responsible for recording the expedition's findings on natural history, geography, and ethnography. He also served as the expedition's doctor and architect. His skills and knowledge were essential to the success of the expedition. Thornton's participation in the Lewis and Clark Expedition gave him a unique opportunity to explore the American West and to contribute to the scientific understanding of the region. His work on the expedition helped to shape the course of American history, and his legacy continues to inspire explorers and scientists today. Patriot William Langston Thornton's service in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War was a significant event in his life and career. It demonstrated his commitment to the cause of American independence and shaped his future path. Fighting for Independence: Thornton's service in the Continental Army was a direct contribution to the fight for American independence from British rule. He risked his life to defend the ideals of liberty and self-governance. Thornton's service in the Continental Army was a direct contribution to the fight for American independence from British rule. He risked his life to defend the ideals of liberty and self-governance. Gaining Military Experience: Thornton's military service provided him with valuable experience in leadership, strategy, and logistics. These skills would later prove invaluable in his career as an architect and inventor. Thornton's military service provided him with valuable experience in leadership, strategy, and logistics. These skills would later prove invaluable in his career as an architect and inventor. Building a New Nation: Thornton's participation in the Revolutionary War gave him a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the newly formed United States. This knowledge would influence his work as a civic leader and diplomat. Thornton's participation in the Revolutionary War gave him a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the newly formed United States. This knowledge would influence his work as a civic leader and diplomat. Shaping American Identity: Thornton's service in the Continental Army helped to shape the American identity. He fought for the ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy, which became the core values of the United States. Thornton's military service was an important part of his life and career. It demonstrated his patriotism, provided him with valuable experience, and helped to shape his vision for the future of the United States. FAQs about William Langston Thornton William Langston Thornton was an American architect, inventor, physician, and diplomat who made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, medicine, and diplomacy. Question 1: What are some of William Thornton's most notable architectural achievements? Answer: William Thornton is best known for designing the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. He also designed the Library of Congress and the White House. Question 2: What were some of Thornton's most important inventions? Answer: Thornton invented a steam engine and a cotton gin. His steam engine was a significant improvement over previous designs, and his cotton gin helped to make the United States the world's leading producer of cotton. Question 3: What role did Thornton play in the field of medicine? Answer: Thornton was a practicing physician and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He conducted important research on yellow fever and helped to improve the health of countless Americans. Question 4: What was Thornton's involvement in diplomacy? Answer: Thornton served as the United States charg d'affaires to Sweden from 1795 to 1797. He played a key role in expanding trade and commerce between the two nations and in promoting cultural and scientific exchange. Question 5: What were some of Thornton's other accomplishments? Answer: Thornton was also an explorer, a patriot, and a civic leader. He participated in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He was also a founding member of the American Institute of Architects. Question 6: What is Thornton's legacy? Answer: William Langston Thornton is remembered as one of the most influential figures in American history. His work as an architect, inventor, physician, and diplomat helped to shape the course of the United States. His legacy continues to inspire people today. Thornton's life and career were marked by his dedication to public service and his commitment to the advancement of knowledge. He was a true Renaissance man, and his contributions to American society are immeasurable. Thornton's story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a passion for making a difference in the world. Tips for architects and designers inspired by William Langston Thornton William Langston Thornton was a pioneering American architect, inventor, physician, and diplomat who made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, medicine, and diplomacy. His work was characterized by its innovation, functionality, and beauty. Tip 1: Be innovative. Thornton was not afraid to experiment with new ideas and technologies. His designs were often groundbreaking and helped to advance the field of architecture. Tip 2: Focus on functionality. Thornton's buildings were not only beautiful, but they were also functional. He carefully considered the needs of the people who would use his buildings and designed them accordingly. Tip 3: Pay attention to detail. Thornton's buildings are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. He believed that even the smallest details could make a big difference in the overall appearance of a building. Tip 4: Be versatile. Thornton was a multi-talented individual who excelled in a variety of fields. He was able to apply his knowledge and skills to a wide range of projects, from architecture to medicine to diplomacy. Tip 5: Be passionate about your work. Thornton was passionate about architecture and it showed in his work. He was dedicated to creating beautiful and functional buildings that would make a positive impact on the world. By following these tips, architects and designers can create buildings that are innovative, functional, beautiful, and sustainable. They can also follow in the footsteps of William Langston Thornton and make a positive impact on the world. Conclusion William Langston Thornton was a remarkable man who made significant contributions to American architecture, medicine, and diplomacy. His work was characterized by its innovation, functionality, and beauty. Thornton's legacy continues to inspire people today, and his work serves as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a passion for making a difference in the world. Thornton's life and career can teach us many valuable lessons. He was a true Renaissance man, and his work is a testament to the power of human creativity and ingenuity. Thornton's legacy is one of innovation, service, and excellence. He is an inspiration to us all. Unveil The Secrets Of Kehlani Age: A Journey Of Growth And TransformationUncovering The Enigmatic Bond Of Richard Chamberlain And His WifeUnraveling The Enigma: Richard Thomas' Cause Of Death Explored Polling for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Thursday landed in a major controversy after multiple voters flooded social media with accounts of how the indelible ink could be removed easily minutes after voting. As the videos, which showed people wiping the ink off easily with sanitiser or nail polish remover, went viral and the Opposition cried voter fraud, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare who was earlier defiant went into damage-control mode. We have taken cognisance of the issue, Waghmare told Mirror. We will verify whether the quantity of chemicals especially silver nitrate, which is crucial for the mark lasting 15 days is as per the norms. He added that random samples of marker pens from polling booths where complaints had surfaced would be collected, and a clarification sought from Kores, the company supplying the pens. Silver nitrate is the key ingredient that makes election ink indelible and any change in the chemicals composition may lead to questions being raised about the integrity of the voting process. When pressed for procurement details, chemical specifications, and silver nitrate content, the Election Commissioner admitted that the information was not at hand. The details are not available right now. We will have to go through old files. Kores has been supplying these markers since 2011. This is the first time such complaints have come up in local body elections, he said. Earlier in the day, Waghmare had flatly denied the charges and called them a false narrative. He had released a video statement rubbishing all allegations and accusing critics of spreading rumours. Sources informed Mirror that a high-level meeting was conducted by the SEC after several such claims of ink removal surfaced on social media. A widespread rumour is being circulated about indelible ink in the BMC elections, he said in the video. These are the same indelible inks used by the Election Commission of India, only now in marker pen form. The ink takes 1012 seconds to dry and cannot be removed after that. He also warned that voters attempting to vote again would face action if caught by presiding officers. But as the videos continued to surface and public anger grew, the Election Commission was forced to shift from this stand and promise to conduct an investigation. Mirror also questioned Waghmare on why the State Election Commission did not procure marker pens from Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited (MPVL) a Karnataka government undertaking that has been supplying indelible ink for voting since 1962. According to Waghmare, the Election Commission of India (ECI) sources its ink from Mysore Paints, but the State Election Commission is an independent body and purchases voting ink pens exclusively from Kores since 2011. The ink contains 10-18 per cent silver nitrate, a colourless compound that turns visible upon exposure to ultraviolet light. It dries in under 40 seconds, leaves a dark, permanent stain, and remains resistant to soap, liquids, and household cleansing agents for over 72 hours. Opposition leaders quickly seized on the issue, raising allegations of voter fraud under the State Election Commissions (SEC) watch. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray alleged that the new marker-based ink compromised the sanctity of the vote. The new ink used with markers is easily removable. There are several complaints of it coming off with sanitiser. A person can vote and come back to vote again. This is not an election. If someone comes to power through fraudulent means, the govt can do anything to win. The Election Commission is working for the govt, Thackeray alleged. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray called the issue a direct attack on democracy. This is the murder of democracy. It is an extremely serious matter that the ink is getting removed immediately with sanitiser, he said. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant shared a video on his X handle, claiming he personally tested the ink after voting. I cast my vote and found that the marker pen ink on my finger can be easily removed using nail polish remover. You can see how I removed it and my wife did the same, Sawant said in the video. He also questioned whether the ink was properly tested before polling day. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rubbished the allegations, displaying his inked finger while addressing the media. It is impossible to remove this ink, he claimed. If the Election Commission wants to bring changes, it can. But making such allegations against all our institutions is baseless and shows that the opposition already accepted defeat in the elections. Allegations of poor planning and administrative mismanagement cast a shadow over polling day across Mumbai and the Metropolitan Region on Thursday, as scores of voters including public representatives, senior citizens and first-time participants found themselves unable to vote after their names went missing from electoral rolls or their polling booths were suddenly changed. Among those affected was Shiv Sena candidate Suvarna Karanje, from Ward 117 (Kanjurmarg), and model and actress Ishita Arun and her 82-year-old father. When I went to vote at Nehru Nagar Municipal School in Kanjurmarg East, my name was missing from the list. My serial number had been 58 for years, but this time it was suddenly 36. I was not aware of the change. It took hours to figure this out, Karanje said. This is complete mismanagement Narrating her ordeal on Instagram through a series of videos, Ishita criticised what she called the sheer mismanagement on polling day. My father, who is a patriot and has never missed voting, reached the polling booth early on. There was no one at the polling booth at the time. He found his name was missing and went through list after list tracing it. There was nobody to even help him. One-and-a-half to two hours later, he gave up. Tired, he came back home without voting. Well done, BMC, Ishita said in one of her Reels. She added: There is utter chaos. You have to stand there and manually go through piles of lists to look for your name. Ishita and her father finally went home without casting their ballot. Across Mumbai and MMR, voters turned up at booths only to be told their names were missing, incorrectly listed, or shifted to a different polling location. Many said booth-level officials were clueless, triggering confusion, long waits and, in several cases, voters giving up and returning home without casting their ballot. Even prominent political figures were not spared. Navi Mumbai MLA and Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik discovered that his name and those of his family members were missing from the voter list. Naik reportedly spent over an hour and a half visiting multiple polling stations before finally locating his name and voting. This is the first time something like this has happened to me. The Election Commission is fully responsible for this chaos. Despite having enough time, they have not prepared proper voter lists. If a person like me has to travel to two or three polling stations to find his name, one can imagine what happens to ordinary citizens, Naik said. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, however, countered the allegation, stating that Naik had visited the wrong polling booth and should have verified the details in advance. The problem persisted across Mumbai. At Ward No 8 in Dahisar, the list with the returning officer and BLOs at polling booths was different from the list given to political parties and candidates by the BMC. Not just the BJP all parties had a tough time. So did the public, whose names were missing or whose polling booths were changed, forcing them to run pillar to post. This was total mismanagement on the part of the administration, said Manisha Chaudhari, BJP MLA from the Dahisar constituency. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi narrated a similar experience. My office had checked our names on the government website, which showed the usual polling booth for me and my husband. We have voted at Dalmia College for years. But when we reached there, we were told our polling booth had been changed to a different location Venus Cultural Centre. Many people at the booth had the same story, she told Mumbai Mirror. In Kurlas Nehru Nagar, the Jadhav family encountered a different problem. Gajanan Vishnu Jadhav (59) and his brother Ashok Vishnu Jadhav (61) found that Ashoks photograph had been incorrectly placed against Gajanans name in the voters list, leading officials to flag them as dual voters. My image was used on both my name and my brothers name in the voters list. This created problems during voting. After filling out forms and a long struggle, we were finally allowed to vote, said Ashok Jadhav. In Dahisars Shailendra Nagar, senior citizen Leelaben Darji returned home without voting after officials refused to let her cast her ballot due to an error in her surname. My name is Leelaben Darji, which is correctly mentioned on my voter card. But at the polling booth, my surname was listed as Chauhan. I was not allowed to vote, she said. After hours of trying to convince officials at multiple levels, she gave up and went home. Mankhurd voters also flagged issues related to dual voter tagging. Lata Doke, a voter from Ward 143, said, I have been voting here since 2006, but this time they told me I am a dual voter and that my name also appears in Kolhapur. They denied me my vote. Another voter from the same ward, Anita Gupta, said officials claimed she had already voted. They said my signature was different and refused to let me vote, she said. The chaos extended beyond Mumbai. In Naigaon Vasai, Bharati Temkar was denied the right to vote after her name was missing from the voters list despite having voted in previous elections. I waited for a long time and checked the voters list at two to three booths, but my name was missing everywhere. Finally, I had to return without voting. It is ridiculous, Temkar said. As polling concluded, stories of missing names, altered booths and clerical errors flooded social media, raising uncomfortable questions about preparedness and accountability and leaving many citizens feeling disenfranchised on what is meant to be democracys most fundamental day. What was meant to be a routine civic duty turned into an ordeal for several residents of Lalbaug on polling day, as voters reported confusion, duplicate voter entries and claims that their votes had already been cast sometimes in areas they had never lived in. From being told they could not vote to discovering their names had appeared in entirely different wards, frustrated residents had prolonged arguments with polling officials before some were eventually allowed to cast votes. Samiksha Sawant, a lifelong resident of Lalbaugs Meghwadi Ward No. 204 said she was shocked when she reached the polling booth at Sir JJ School around 10:30 am. While speaking to Mirror, Sawant recounted, I went to vote around 10:30 am at the polling booth in Sir JJ School. However, the officials there told me that I could not vote because, according to their records, my vote had already been cast. I was stunned, as I had not voted at all. When I asked where and when this had happened, they informed me that the vote was registered in Ward No. 34, somewhere in Malad. I have been residing in Lalbaug since birth for over four decades now. I have no relatives or any connection in Malad, so this was extremely confusing and shocking. I questioned the officials on how such a vote was allowed, but they initially said nothing could be done now. My brother and I argued with them for about 45 minutes, after which they asked me to bring all my documents. My brother rushed home and returned with my Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, and election documents. After verifying them, I was asked to fill out a form with my name, address, and signature. Once that was done, I was finally allowed to vote, which took another 10 minutes, Sawant added. Another resident Ravindra More said both he and his wife were flagged as dual voters when they arrived at their polling station around 2 pm. We were informed that both our names appeared as dual voters. Initially, the officials were reluctant to allow us to vote. I showed them my voter ID and Aadhaar card. Since I am a former BMC employee, they asked me to fill out a form requiring my name, address, and signature. I did not read the entire form in detail, but completed the required information. After much discussion and debate, the officials finally allowed us to vote. How can my name appear in two places? I have lived in the same house for more than a decade. This has never happened in MLA or MP elections. It is the first time Ive faced this in a BMC election. An inquiry should be conducted into how my name appeared in two places, More added. Another voter, Meena Kiran Palav said her name appeared at two different polling stations Sir JJ School and Mumbai Veterinary College. My name appeared at two polling locations. I did not know where I was supposed to go, and the situation was extremely confusing. I was worried that if I went to the wrong place, something might go wrong the same way that happened with others, she said. Later, she confirmed that she went to the polling booth at Sir JJ School in Parel, where she has always voted, and officials verified her details and allowed her to cast her vote. Shivadi MLA and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ajay Choudhari said, It is unbelievable that such incidents are still happening. At the very least, officials should verify photographs before allowing people to vote. Citizens take time and effort to reach polling booths. What are the officials doing? The entire system has become a mockery. Choudhari also claimed that language barriers may have compounded the problem. I have been told that many polling officials are non-Marathi speakers. They struggle with names and do not understand the language, which creates further confusion for voters. This should not be happening. While many of the affected voters were eventually allowed to cast their ballots, the incidents have raised serious questions about voter list accuracy, verification processes and accountability on polling day. 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 towards 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. Iran believed that even if the Israeli assurances were genuine, they left open the possibility that the United States military would carry out attacks on Iran as part of a campaign co-ordinated 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 IsraelHezbollah clash, said a senior official in the regio. US officials have said that Irans substantive support for Hezbollah, in any case, has already decreased as Tehran grapples with domestic upheaval. It is not clear 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. US 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 US ally, analysts say. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that if attacked, Iran would retaliate against US military bases in the Middle East, the news agency reported on 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 US-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 US and Iran were under way. Israel is giving the US 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 Mossad. But Israel could be a target for the Iranian response, and therefore Israel has already taken a lot of preemptive steps. 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. 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 with 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, telling the Russians to deal with Ukraine first. It is not clear whether the December exchanges took place with Washingtons knowledge or participation. 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 contributed to this report For many English-speaking Mumbaikars especially those reading this column the recent BMC elections were deeply uncomfortable. Not confusing, not ambiguous, but unsettling in a way that lingered long after the slogans faded. The repeated invocation of Marathi Asmita, framed through ideas of protection, exclusion, and questions of who truly belongs in this city, forced many of us to confront an unresolved question we have avoided for years: what does Marathi Asmita mean in a city like Mumbai? That discomfort did not arise because Marathi identity itself is alien or threatening. It arose because of how Marathi Asmita was framed as something that stood in opposition to cosmopolitanism. For a city that has long prided itself on being open, multilingual, and plural, this framing felt reductive. It suggested that one had to choose between being rooted and being cosmopolitan. In forcing that choice, both ideas were diminished. Mumbai occupies a peculiar place in Indias cultural landscape. It is perhaps the countrys only truly cosmopolitan city. Over centuries, it absorbed waves of migration: communities from across Maharashtra, Gujarati traders, South Indians working in textiles and railways; Parsis, Baghdadi Jews, Armenians, Iranians, Yemenis, East Africans, Portuguese Catholics, and later migrants from every part of the subcontinent. Mumbai was shaped by constant convergence. This is why the question of identity here has always been complicated. Delhi, despite migration, retains a strong Punjabi cultural dominance. Kolkata remains anchored in Bengali bhadralok culture. Chennais Tamil identity is both culturally and politically assured. Mumbai, however, grew without a singular, uniform cultural core. And in a country where linguistic identity became the basis for state formation, this absence has often been misread as a crisis rather than recognised as a strength. When that complexity is not articulated with confidence, Marathi Asmita can begin to feel defensive rather than expansive. Framed against cosmopolitanism, it risks shrinking into a political signal instead of remaining a living cultural practice. And cosmopolitanism, in turn, risks becoming an abstract, elite sentiment detached from land, labour, and history. What Mumbai ends up losing is a language for belonging that feels generous and grounded. A more expansive Marathi Asmita begins by recognising that janmabhoomi and karmabhoomi are not opposites in this city. Millions came to Mumbai for work and stayed to live. They raised families here, navigated its trains and monsoons, and slowly made it home. Many consider themselves Marathi not through ancestry alone, but through participation through language learned imperfectly, friendships formed across neighbourhoods, and immersion in the citys cultural life. Mumbais cultural history already offers a powerful answer to this tension, and few examples illustrate it better than the Chhabildas movement. Chhabildas Boys High School, a Gujarati-medium school in Dadar, became the unlikely crucible of Marathi and multilingual experimental theatre from the mid-1970s onwards. The small hall hosted performances that reshaped Indian theatre, welcoming Marathi, Hindi, and English plays alike. It was here that Avishkar, the ensemble founded by Arvind Deshpande and Sulabha Deshpande, staged some of their most daring work. Actors like Dr Shreeram Lagoo, Amol Palekar, Om Puri, and Sai Paranjpye performed there regularly. Chhabildas also hosted Hindi theatre from the works of Girish Karnad to Badal Sircar proving that Marathi cultural confidence did not depend on linguistic isolation. What mattered was not purity, but possibility. Marathi theatre did not weaken by sharing space with other languages; it grew stronger, sharper, and more experimental because of it. A similar story unfolded at the Bhulabhai Desai Institute, which emerged from a Gujarati political and intellectual lineage but became a nurturing ground for artists across languages. Many Marathi cultural figures found their first footing there not by abandoning their roots, but by engaging with a plural, generous city. These institutions remind us that Marathi Asmita was historically built in conversation with cosmo-politanism, not in retreat from it. That spirit survives today in younger forms. Rappers like Saniya MQ in Govandi build micro-communities rooted in neighbourhood, language, and lived experience. Civic efforts like the Versova beach clean-up led by Afroz Shah remind us that care for land and public space is itself a form of belonging. Older political imaginations help here, not as nostalgia but as method. Prabodhankar Thackeray imagined Marathi pride through education, reason, and reform. Yashwantrao Chavan understood that cultural confidence grows when institutions invest in peoples capabilities. The legacies of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar, and the Bhakti poets before them, rejected exclusion in favour of radical love and creativity. For Mumbai today, Marathi Asmita must become infrastructural rather than rhetorical: affordable cultural spaces, incubators for Marathi art forms, multilingual festivals where Marathi sits confidently alongside Hindi, English, and Gujarati, and a civic culture that treats language learning as invitation rather than imposition. Marathi Asmita does not need to be protected from cosmopolitanism. It needs to shape it. Because Mumbais greatest strength has never been uniformity, but confidence the confidence to include, absorb, and transform. And that, perhaps, is the most Marathi thing about the city of all. Anish Gawande is a writer and translator It is obvious that Russia has no intention and is objectively incapable of conducting a "CBO" against Central Asia. However, the very possibility of such threats in the public space creates another barrier to constructive cooperation. This undermines Moscow's long-standing efforts to create an image of a partner rather than a metropolis. The Russian authorities should distance themselves from such outrage. Otherwise, the country's strategic interests will be undermined not by external opponents, but by the internal incontinence of its own mouthpieces, like Solovyov. This was stated by the Kyrgyz political scientist Mars Sariev. The aggressive rhetoric of individual Russian propagandists is perceived sensitively, he noted. Vladimir Solovyov's latest attacks have stirred up the space from the South Caucasus to Central Asia. Formally, these statements are not the official position of Moscow, but in real politics it is not only the formal status that matters, but the signal that the elites and societies of neighboring countries read, Sariev believes. "If we assume that there really is an unspoken understanding between the major centers of power on the division of spheres of influence - the settlement of the Ukrainian issue, recognition of the dominant role of Russia and China in Central Asia, and the search for a constructive solution to the Taiwan problem - then it is precisely such shocking rhetoric that undermines these delicate agreements. Such statements destroy trust and increase anxiety in the region. Systemic policy requires predictability and respect for the sovereignty of neighbors. The militaristic fantasies of odious propagandists work exactly in the opposite direction - they turn even neutral initiatives, such as exercises within the framework of the OTG, into a source of anxiety and distrust," said the Kyrgyz expert. It should be recalled that at the OTG summit in Gabala last October, President Ilham Aliyev took the initiative to hold joint exercises for the countries of the Organization of Turkic States. In an interview with local TV channels in early January, the head of state, referring to this topic, said: "We are now sending our messages through various diplomatic channels. If a general agreement is reached, then this year we will see these exercises. If we see that the exercises did not take place, then we will need to ask: "Who did not support this?" But I hope that all member countries will support this." Commenting on these statements, Mars Sariev noted that the delay in supporting the initiative was not due to a change in attitude towards the very idea of cooperation, but to a radically different international environment. According to the political scientist, in the last two years, the Turkic states have repeatedly conducted military exercises in a bilateral and multilateral format. For example, in October last year, joint exercises "Unity - 2025" were held in the Samarkand region with the participation of military personnel from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. In 2025, joint maneuvers were conducted as many as 25 times between Azerbaijan and Turkiye alone. "But today the situation is different. The world is entering a phase of fierce block confrontation. Against the background of the general growth of instability, tensions are increasing in the Middle East, Africa and in a number of other strategically important regions of the world. In such a situation, military maneuvers on a regional scale can be perceived as part of a global configuration of forces. They can be viewed by non-regional players through the prism of belonging to one of the sides of the global confrontation. The caution of the Central Asian countries, I think, is related to this," said the Kyrgyz political scientist. Sonora, CATuolumne County Public Health reminds the public that low-cost insulin pens are available at local pharmacies. It is a new state initiative that Governor Gavin Newsom discussed in his recent State of the State address, as reported here. As insulin costs continued to rise across the country, with some pointing to middlemen for the increase, in October Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 40, which caps out-of-pocket cost-sharing for insulin at $35 per monthly supply and also prohibits step therapy, which prevents health plans from requiring patients to try various types of insulin before approving coverage for a prescribed insulin. The pens are offered under the CalRx brand and are priced accordingly. County health updates that CalRx Insulin Glargine pens, produced by Civica Rx, a nonprofit generic drug manufacturer with Biocon Biologics, are available in pharmacies for $55 for a 5-pack of pens. Newsom says, By beginning the process to manufacture our own insulin and pricing it at a maximum cost of $11 a pen in a five-pack, California and Civica are showing the nation what it looks like to put people over profits. No Californian should ever have to ration insulin or go into debt to stay aliveand I wont stop until health care costs are crushed for everyone. The state has just over four million adults with diabetes, with an additional 263,000 cases of type I diabetes diagnosed each year, according to state health officials. They noted that the rate of these new cases tends to be higher and disproportionately affects the elderly, men, and low-income people. DALLAS (AP) Sen. John Cornyn stood in the shadow of the U.S.-Mexico border wall for a campaign event, but the Texas Republican didnt offer the kind of diatribe about illegal immigration that stokes his partys core and fueled Donald Trumps rise to the White House. Instead, Cornyn, in his courtly Houston drawl, politely thanked Trump for billions in federal dollars to reimburse Texans for work on the wall, praising the president of the United States, to whom I am very grateful. Cornyns characteristic calm and measured comments betrayed the urgency of the moment for the four-term senator. Hes facing the political fight of his long career against two Republicans who claim closer ties to Trump and his MAGA movement and tend more toward fiery rhetoric. Now, Cornyn could become the first Republican Texas senator to lose renomination in a race that may reflect what GOP primary voters are looking for in their elected officials and what it takes to survive in Trumps Republican Party. Some say the 73-year-old former Texas Supreme Court justice represents a bygone era in the GOP. Still, Cornyn, supporters and the Senates Republican leadership are fighting aggressively for an edge in the March 3 primary. They have spent tens of millions of dollars, much of it against his opponents, Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt both self-styled Trump Republicans. Weve got enough performance artists here in Washington, Cornyn told The Associated Press, people who think serving as a representative in the worlds most distinguished representative body that what qualifies them is they are loud, they are active on social media and they get a lot of attention. 3-way race could lead to runoff Paxton entered the race in April, having emerged from legal troubles that had shadowed his political rise, including beating a 2023 impeachment trial on corruption charges and reaching a deal to end a long-running securities fraud case. The three-term attorney general has portrayed the investigations against him as persecution by the political establishment, much like Trump has. He contends Cornyn has completely lost touch with Texas. Hunt is still working to raise his profile in Texas. The two-term House member often touts his early endorsement of Trumps 2024 comeback campaign. Of Cornyn, Hunt recently said, His moment has passed. Hunts entry in the race last fall made it more likely that no candidate will win at least 50% of the primary vote, sending the top two finishers to a May runoff. The nominee would face the winner of the Democratic primary between Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico. Mike Fleming, an 80-year-old retired sales manager who attended a recent Hunt campaign event, said Cornyn is a good man but has spent a lot of his time trying to run for head of the Senate. Cornyn unsuccessfully ran for Senate majority leader after the 2024 elections. If he was the only guy, I would vote for him, Fleming said. Some GOP voters want aggressiveness over statesman Cornyn and aligned super PACs have heavily outspent Paxton and Hunt, investing more than $30 million since last summer on television advertising, much of it criticizing his rivals, according to the ad-tracking service AdImpact. Senate Republican leaders, however, have worried that Paxton, as the nominee, would be costly to defend in the general election. Cornyns situation is more about a shift in Republican campaign priorities and what candidates need to do to win a GOP primary. He plays the part of the distinguished statesman. And thats what hes always been, said Wayne Hamilton, a former executive director of the Texas Republican Party. But anymore, you have to be very loud about the opposition. And thats just not him. Cornyn also fights a perception among some GOP voters that hes a moderate. He hasnt been consistent in his conservative representation in his voting, said Robyn Richardson, 50, from suburban Dallas. Cornyn has irked the GOP base at moments Some Texas conservatives remain angry about Cornyns work as the GOPs negotiator on gun restrictions in a 2022 law in the weeks after the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 students and two teachers were killed. Democrats narrowly controlled Congress and hoped to enact major changes under President Joe Biden. The measure didnt go as far as Democrats wanted, but the bipartisan bill was the widest-ranging gun measure passed by Congress in decades. Some Republicans wanted any bill blocked, and a week before its passage, some GOP activists booed Cornyn as he took the stage at a state convention. Some point to Cornyn being dismissive of Trump during his 2016 campaign and before his 2024 campaign and to his dismissal of Trumps claims of widespread election fraud after he lost to Biden in 2020. Those claims by Trump were debunked. Cornyn was even skeptical early on about the border wall he took credit for helping finance, calling Trump naive in proposing it before he sealed the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Paxton has pointed to that comment, portraying Cornyn as opposing the border wall. The episodes certainly werent helpful for Cornyn, who has worked to show Texas Republicans where he and Trump agree. Cornyn aired ads featuring him with Border Patrol agents along the wall, promoting his support to secure $11 billion for Texans work on it. Another ad promoted Cornyns 99% support for Trumps agenda, including his three U.S. Supreme Court nominees. But the disagreements are small compared with the broader shift Cornyn has resisted. Vinny Minchillo, a veteran Republican consultant in the Dallas area, referred to Cornyn as an old George W. Bush Republican, which is now a bad thing since Trumps rise. Cornyn was elected attorney general in 1998, winning when a new national conservative figure was rising out of Texas, the newly reelected Gov. George W. Bush, who was elected president two years later. The Bush name, once a three-generation fixture in Texas politics, quietly disappeared when then-Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush, grandson and nephew of two presidents, lost his challenge of Paxton for attorney general in 2022. I think there is certainly some level of John Cornyn fatigue, Minchillo said. Hes been on the ballot in Texas for a long, long time. Trump not expected to endorse As of last week, Trump had endorsed dozens of Republican lawmakers in Texas. But he is not expected to endorse ahead of the Senate primary, according to people familiar with the White House thinking but who were not authorized to speak publicly. That would leave Cornyn among only three incumbent Republican senators seeking reelection who have not received Trumps public backing, with Maines Susan Collins and Louisianas Bill Cassidy. Cornyn acknowledged hes not somebody who cries out for attention at every opportunity. Instead, in the final weeks of the primary campaign, hes hoping voters consider which candidate would be the most effective at getting things done because he believes theyll support him if they do. Sometimes people make the distinction between a workhorse and a show horse, he said. And Im happy to be a workhorse. - Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. Hanna reported from Topeka, Kan. Maya Sweedler contributed from Washington. By THOMAS BEAUMONT, JOHN HANNA and JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press California health care advocates, labor unions and progressive lawmakers are urging the governor and the Legislature to find new money to fund medical care and other social services for millions of low-income and disabled Californians. Their coalition, known as Fight for Our Health, demanded Wednesday on the Capitol steps that the Legislature and soon-to-be lame duck Gov. Gavin Newsom take action to backfill funding cuts that President Donald Trump and Republicans approved last year. The dilemma over how to respond to billions of dollars in cuts to social services particularly to the budget for Medi-Cal, the states nearly $200 billion Medicaid program foreshadows a showdown that will dominate both the 2026 legislative session and the midterm elections. As one union pursues a controversial wealth tax ballot measure to offset the cuts, progressive Democrats in the Legislature are floating a separate corporate tax, though details remain scant. If that materializes into a bill, its also likely to divide the party, which is sensitive to accusations that Californians are over-taxed and has recently declared its leaders will focus on lowering costs for state residents. In his final year as governor, Newsom faces a tug-of-war between two politically radioactive options: increasing taxes, or letting benefits lapse for millions of low-income and disabled Californians. Though his administration has sought only to blame Trump for the federal cuts, health care advocates made it clear they will push Newsom to help prevent steep coverage losses. I want to take a moment to address the governor and the state Legislature, said Judy Mark, president of Disability Voices United, from the Capitol steps. We know that you are not responsible for these awful cuts, but now the responsibility does lie in your hands. You have the power to protect us. The governor angered health advocates when he didnt include money to backfill coverage when he released his state budget proposal, which acknowledges that tens of thousands will lose coverage and counts fewer services among projected revenue savings. This year, the state began freezing new Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented immigrant adults over rising costs in the program, over the objections of progressives and health advocates. Newsoms analysts expect about 522,000 Californians to lose Medi-Cal coverage in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, rising in the future to 1.8 million. His administration has said the state simply doesnt have the money to pay for coverage for people who are booted off the program due to new federal laws. One union, the Service Employees International UnionUnited Healthcare Workers West, has proposed a ballot initiative that would impose a wealth tax on California billionaires to help cover the roughly $30 billion the state would lose annually from Trumps tax-and-spending law. Proponents say the one-time 5% levy would generate about $100 billion for the states health care system. About 10% of the money raised would be reserved for public schools. But Newsom is fighting the measure, which has yet to qualify for the ballot but has still sent Sacramento and Silicon Valley into a tizzy. Billionaires critical to state budget The proposal has set off a flurry of opposition. Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have reportedly moved to shift some business entities out of California while others are threatening to leave. Democratic strategists close to Newsom are running a campaign committee to defeat the measure as the union collects the nearly 900,000 signatures needed to qualify it for the November ballot. Newsom, who has repeatedly opposed state wealth tax proposals, this week told Politico hes been personally pushing the measures proponents to drop it over concerns it could drive the targeted demographic and their incomes out of California. He also has longstanding personal ties to many of the tech titans who would likely be subject to a proposed wealth tax, and has reason to keep them close: they are potential donors should he make an expected presidential run after finishing up his term as governor this year. Even as progressives push Newsom to raise revenue to bolster Medi-Cal, few of them have actually embraced the wealth tax proposal, with most of them taking a wait-and-see stance. They also wont criticize Newsoms opposition, a potential sign that liberal lawmakers are hoping hell be willing to pursue other funding for health care. Newsoms spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, declined to comment whether he would consider alternative tax proposals. The health advocates said they would make replacing federal funding a key priority this legislative session. Progressive lawmakers, who led the charge against Newsoms proposal to cut costs by freezing Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants, have signaled theyll take up the fight as well. Assembly Health Chair Mia Bonta, an Oakland Democrat, suggested the state look at imposing new taxes on corporations that employ workers who are paid so little they qualify for public health care assistance. We cannot let these corporations keep getting a free ride, she said. California has a responsibility to act decisively, and we will. But she has not introduced a bill, and health care advocates said theyre still just hoping to have more options on the table. ___ This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By MAYA C. MILLER and JEANNE KUANG/CalMatters CalMatters BEIJING (AP) Breaking with the United States, Canada has agreed to cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday. Carney made the announcement after two days of meetings with Chinese leaders. He said there would be an initial annual cap of 49,000 vehicles on Chinese EV exports coming into Canada at a tariff rate of 6.1%, growing to about 70,000 over five years. China will reduce its total tariff on canola seeds, a major Canadian export, from 84% to about 15%, he told reporters. Our relationship has progressed in recent months with China. It is more predictable and you see results coming from that, Carney said. Carney hasnt been able to reach a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump to reduce some tariffs that are punishing some key sectors of the Canadian economy and Trump has previously talked about making Canada the 51st state. Trump commended Carney for making a deal with Beijing. Well, its OK. Thats what he should be doing and its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China, you should do that, Trump said. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer earlier told CNBC Canadas decision to allow Chinese EV imports at a low tariff is problematic and said that Canada may regret that in the long term. Earlier Friday, Carney and Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged to improve relations between their two nations after years of acrimony. Xi told Carney in a meeting at the Great Hall of the People that he is willing to continue working to improve ties, noting that talks have been underway on restoring and restarting cooperation since the two held an initial meeting in October on the sidelines of a regional economic conference in South Korea. Carney said that this agreement will drive considerable Chinese investment in Canadas auto sector, creating good careers in Canada and accelerating our progress toward a net zero (emissions) future and the auto industry of the future. Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, called Fridays deal good for both China and Canada. Canada is diversifying its bets economically, Wiseman said. And China is succeeding in driving a small wedge between Canada and the U.S. Improve global governance Carney, the first Canadian prime minister to visit China in eight years, told Xi that better relations would help improve a global governance system that he described as under great strain. Later, he said at the news conference that the system may give way at least in part to country-to-country or regional agreements rather than the global ones that have underpinned economic growth in the post-World War II era. The question is: What gets built in that place? How much of a patchwork is it? he said. The new reality reflects in large part the so-called America-first approach of Trump. The tariffs he has imposed have hit both the Canadian and Chinese economies. Carney, who has met with several leading Chinese companies in Beijing, said ahead of his trip that his government is focused on building an economy less reliant on the U.S. at what he called a time of global trade disruption. A Canadian business owner in China called Carneys visit game-changing, saying it reestablishes dialogue, respect and a framework between the two nations. These three things we didnt have, said Jacob Cooke, the CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, which helps exporters navigate the Chinese market. The parties were not talking for years. Canada had been aligned with US on tariffs Canada had followed the U.S. in putting tariffs of 100% on EVs from China and 25% on steel and aluminum 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 steep tariff on canola seeds last August. Collectively, the import taxes effectively closed the Chinese market to Canadian canola, an industry group has said. Overall, Chinas imports from Canada fell 10.4% last year to $41.7 billion, according to Chinese trade data. Carney tried to address the concerns of Canadian automakers and auto workers by saying the initial cap on Chinese EV imports was about 3% of the 1.8 million vehicles sold in Canada annually and that, in exchange, China is expected to begin investing in the Canadian auto industry within three years. Were building (a) new part of our car industry, building cars of the future in partnership, bringing affordable autos for Canadians at a time when affordability is top of mind, and doing it at a scale that allows for a smooth transition in the sector, he said. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the leader of Canadas most populous province where the countrys auto sector is based, blasted the deal. Make no mistake: China now has a foothold in the Canadian market and will use it to their full advantage at the expense of Canadian workers, Ford posted on social media. Worse, by lowering tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles this lopsided deal risks closing the door on Canadian automakers to the American market, our largest export destination. China sees an opening under Trump China is hoping Trumps pressure tactics on allies such as Canada will drive them to pursue a foreign policy that is less aligned with the United States. Carney, though, noted Canadas relationship with the U.S. is much more multifaceted, deeper and broader. Canada and China have different systems and disagree on issues such as human rights, he said, limiting the scope of their engagement even as they seek ways to cooperate on areas of common interest. The Canadian leader leaves China on Saturday and visits Qatar on Sunday before attending the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland next week. He will meet business leaders and investors in Qatar to promote trade and investment, his office said. ___ Gillies reported from Toronto. Associated Press business writer Chan Ho-him in Hong Kong contributed to this report. By KEN MORITSUGU and ROB GILLIES Associated Press Former Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, recently announced his resignation from President William Rutos government, signaling his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general election. Speaking to a local radio station on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Owalo said the time had come for him to lead from the front, having previously worked behind the scenes to deliver results for multiple presidential candidates and politicians. I am tired of using my brain to work for political leaders. I have worked for Raila and, most recently, President Ruto, whom we delivered and made president. I am now focused on working for my own bid, Owalo stated. Owalo Promises a Transformative New Party Owalo revealed that he plans to launch a new political party in the coming month, promising a platform that will be transformative, inclusive, and unlike existing political parties. We will launch our party next month. In the meantime, we are working on some logistical issues before the unveiling exercise, he said. Experience and Performance Drive His Presidential Bid Owalo defended his decision to vie for Kenyas top seat, pointing to his extensive experience in both the private sector and government. He cited his tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy (ICT), along with 23 years in private consultancy, as evidence of his ability to deliver results. My track record as ICT Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Chief of Staff, and in the private sector speaks for itself. I am a performer and result-oriented my record is loud and clear. Opinion polls consistently ranked me among the top three performers for a sustained period, he said. He further noted that political interference and corruption limited his ability to implement key projects while in government, prompting his decision to run for president. There is always a divergence between what you want implemented and the actual situation in the working environment. Corruption and conflict of interest derail such dreams. Implementation of projects meant to benefit the people is at times blocked by procurement officers who get in the way and direct the benefits to their proxies, Owalo explained. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive claims linking a high-level political meeting at Sagana State Lodge to the overnight demolition of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangis business premises, deepening political tensions across the Mt Kenya region. In a statement he shared on X on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Gachagua alleged that the destruction followed intense pressure that a group of Kiambu Members of Parliament, led by Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwah, placed on President William Ruto over shifting political loyalties in the region. According to Gachagua, the meeting took place on the evening of Monday, January 12, 2026, and centered on what he described as a rapidly changing and volatile political climate in Kiambu County and Mt Kenya at large. On Monday, January 12, 2026, in the evening at Sagana State Lodge, Members of Parliament from Kiambu County, led by the notorious one, famously known as his wife, confronted William Ruto over the slippery political situation in Kiambu County and the mountain generally, he wrote. MPs Allegedly Upset by Wamatangis Growing Influence Gachagua claimed that the MPs expressed frustration over Governor Wamatangis rising popularity and the expanding influence of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which he leads. They expressed great concern and frustration over the popularity of Governor Kimani Wamatangi and the impact of meetings to popularise DCP Party by the party Leader Rigathi Gachagua, he alleged. He further claimed that the lawmakers issued what he described as political ultimatums, warning President Ruto that they would withdraw their support if he failed to act. They made two demands as the irreducible minimums to continue supporting William Ruto and actually threatened to ditch him if he refused to heed their demands, Gachagua wrote. Gachagua Links Demolition to Sagana Talks The former deputy president directly connected the Sagana meeting to what happened next in Kiambu, claiming that Wamatangis business premises and customers vehicles were destroyed overnight in what he described as a coordinated operation. Consequently, Governor Wamatangis Business Premises, including vehicles belonging to customers, were destroyed in the middle of the night in a brutal operation supervised by hundreds of police officers last night, the statement reads. He also claimed that authorities were preparing investigations targeting the governor, suggesting that the action formed part of a broader political crackdown. Warning to Ruto and Mt Kenya Leaders Gachagua used the statement to issue a strong political warning, saying intimidation and persecution would not shift the will of voters in the Mt Kenya region. The mountain has already decided to send you home and those traitors who came to see you to plan how to persecute their their Kinsmen, he stated. He concluded by urging calm and resilience among Kenyans while offering public solidarity to Governor Wamatangi. For Governor Wamatangi, my brother, take heart, remain focused and continue serving the people of Kiambu County, he wrote. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a strong public alert warning Kenyans to stay away from fraudulent job advertisements circulating on social media as preparations for the upcoming February 26, 2026 by-elections gather momentum. In a statement posted on X on January 15, 2026, the electoral body said scammers have flooded online platforms with fake recruitment notices designed to trap desperate job seekers. Fake News Alert! Beware of fraudulent job advertisements on social media. For accurate and up-to-date information, please visit our official website(https://iebc.or.ke) and our verified social media platforms(@IEBCKenya), the IEBC stated. The commission emphasized that it only releases genuine recruitment information through its official website and verified social media pages, urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and avoid unofficial platforms. Scammers Exploit By-Election Hiring Expectations The IEBC explained that fraudsters are taking advantage of the usual temporary hiring of polling staff during election periods to push fake adverts that claim the commission has opened applications for positions such as polling clerks and election assistants. According to the commission, these scam messages imitate official IEBC communication and use deceptive wording to lure victims into clicking fake recruitment links. Some of the misleading messages falsely state: IEBC invites interested and qualified candidates to apply for various positions To apply, please use the official portal below, followed by links that do not belong to the commission. The IEBC clarified that it has not announced any recruitment for polling personnel and that all such claims currently circulating online are false. IEBC Names Official Recruitment Portal The commission also flagged several unauthorized and malicious links being shared on social media and warned Kenyans not to open or submit personal information through them. IEBC stressed that https://jobs.iebc.or.ke is the only official IEBC recruitment portal, and any other website advertising IEBC jobs is fraudulent. The commission cautioned that engaging with fake links could expose users to identity theft, financial fraud, and misuse of personal data. Applicants should ignore any messages, links, or adverts claiming to offer IEBC jobs outside these official channels, the commission warned. IEBC Opens Accreditation for Observers and Media While it has not announced polling staff recruitment, the IEBC has officially invited organizations to apply for accreditation as election observers and media practitioners ahead of the February 26, 2026 by-elections. The commission said all applications must go through the IEBC Accreditation Management System via https://ams.iebc.or.ke by Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5 pm. The IEBC advised applicants to use a stable and reliable internet connection when submitting their details online. Once approved, the commission will train and issue official badges to accredited observers and media practitioners, allowing them access to polling stations and tallying centers. However, the IEBC clarified that accredited individuals will not receive payment for their participation. How to Contact IEBC for Official Information For further inquiries, Kenyans can contact the commission via [email protected] or call 020 2877000. The IEBC also continues to share verified updates through its official social media accounts @IEBCKenya on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. As the by-elections draw closer, the commission urged the public to rely only on official IEBC platforms to avoid falling victim to scams targeting election-related job seekers. Police in Kwale County have launched investigations into a shocking shooting incident in which a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) ranger killed a Kenya Police Service (KPS) officer, seriously injured two others, and then turned the gun on himself. According to a police report released on Wednesday, the deadly encounter unfolded as two police officers, Stanley Karithi and Aftin Farah Ali, rode a motorcycle from Nyango toward Kilibasi. Along the way, they encountered two KWS rangers, John Ndichu and Eric Mugambi, who were also on a motorcycle and attached to the Kilibasi KWS camp. The two police officers had stopped a motorcycle carrying charcoal, which was being ridden by Salim Mwandoro, when the KWS officers arrived at the scene. Dispute Over Goats Sparked Deadly Confrontation Investigators say a heated disagreement broke out after PC Stanley Karithi questioned Ranger John Ndichu about two goats that had allegedly been collected on behalf of the police officers during the festive season but never delivered. What began as a verbal exchange quickly turned deadly. Ranger John Ndichu became hostile and opened fire using his rifle. He shot PC Stanley Karithi four (4) times in the chest, killing him instantly. He then shot PC Aftin Farah Ali once in the right ribs, seriously injuring him. The injured officer was rushed to Voi Hospital, the report said. The shooting also left a civilian critically injured. The ranger also shot Salim Mwandoro in the right ribs, seriously injuring him. He was rushed to Mariakani Hospital. Ranger Turns Gun on Himself After the deadly rampage, the KWS ranger turned the weapon on himself. Police said Ndichu shot himself under the chin and died on the spot, bringing the violent episode to a tragic end. Officers secured and processed the scene before transferring the bodies to Voi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary, where pathologists will conduct post-mortem examinations. Authorities also recovered and seized two MK-7 rifles belonging to the KWS rangers as part of the ongoing investigation. Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro poked holes into President William Rutos vision of turning Kenya into a Singapore of Africa, arguing that the two economies differ too fundamentally in size, structure, and development path to make such a comparison meaningful. Speaking on JKLive on Wednesday night, Nyoro warned that benchmarking Kenya against Singapore risks misleading policy decisions because the two countries operate under vastly different economic realities. He insisted that any serious economic comparison must rely on countries with similar conditions, not headline success stories that ignore context. Nyoro said Kenyas economic DNA aligns far more closely with South Korea than with Singapore, especially when it comes to population size, industrial strategy, and long-term development goals. In economics, just to bring it in terms of real life, if youre a banana farmer, you cant compare how well youre doing with another banana farmer by using oranges or pears, he explained. The economy that is actually close to what Kenyas should be is South Korea. If we actually mean to emulate a country, it is South Korea. Singapore vs Kenya: A Wealth and Structure Gap Nyoro pointed to the vast disparity in wealth between the two nations as proof that Singapore is an unrealistic benchmark for Kenya at this stage of development. Singapores GDP per capita stands at around USD 90,000, while Kenyas is approximately USD 3,000, underscoring the gulf in income levels, productivity, and capital accumulation. He also explained that Singapores early success relied heavily on state capitalism, where government-linked companies dominated the economy through entities such as Temasek Holdings. That model, he argued, contradicts Kenyas current policy direction, which focuses on privatizing state-owned enterprises and reducing direct government involvement in business. The point is that the economies are fashioned very differently, Nyoro noted. Why South Korea Makes More Sense for Kenya Nyoro said Kenya and South Korea share a crucial similarity that Singapore does not population size. Kenya has about 50 million people, a figure that closely mirrors South Koreas population, while Singapore has just over six million residents. If you compare the same with a country like South Korea, more or less, our ideals economically blend more. Our population is in the 50 millions; South Korea is in the 50 millions, he said. Beyond demographics, Nyoro pointed out how South Koreas economic rise followed a carefully sequenced industrial strategy that Kenya could realistically replicate. Lessons from the Asian Tiger Economies Nyoro explained that the successful Asian tiger economies, including South Korea, followed a deliberate development path. They first built labor-intensive industries, then gradually transitioned into capital- and technology-intensive sectors. Throughout this process, they aggressively attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) and deliberately nurtured private enterprise. He warned that Kenya often mislabels remittances as FDI, a confusion that distorts economic planning and policy priorities. Remittances are consumer-driven. FDI is investment-driven, he said. Nyoro asserted that none of the Asian success stories grew through political patronage or by blending political power with economic rewards. South Koreas Chaebol Model Drawing from South Koreas history, Nyoro cited the countrys strategic use of chaebols large, family-controlled conglomerates such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG as a cornerstone of its industrial growth. If you look at South Korea, that is what it advanced, especially from the rule of General Park, where the economy was so involved in growing the private enterprise that they had to create a cadre of companies called Chaebols, he said. These firms became engines of innovation, exports, and industrial upgrading, helping South Korea transform from a poor agrarian society into a global manufacturing and technology powerhouse within a few decades. Corruption and Human Capital Remain Key Barriers Nyoro also cautioned against mixing political influence with economic incentives, warning that corruption distorts markets, scares away serious investors, and undermines fair competition. He concluded by urging Kenya to invest more aggressively in human capital, arguing that skills, education, and productivity form the foundation of any sustainable economic transformation. With President Ruto continuing to sell a Singapore-style future for Kenya, Nyoros remarks add a powerful counter-narrative one that frames South Koreas development model as a more realistic, data-driven, and structurally compatible roadmap for Kenyas long-term growth. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended the driving license of a matatu driver following a shocking incident in Riruta, Nairobi County, where a tout was caught on camera pushing a young girl along the roadside, nearly causing her to fall into a drainage channel. In a statement released on Thursday, January 15, NTSA confirmed that the driver had been subjected to a retest but failed, prompting the suspension of his license. Both the driver and the conductor have been disengaged by the Sacco. The Drivers DL has also been suspended after he failed a re-test, NTSA stated. The matatus Sacco has also taken action, terminating both the driver and the conductor involved in the incident. NTSA Calls for Public Vigilance The authority urged members of the public to report reckless driving to help prevent similar incidents, emphasizing the importance of providing vehicle details, location, and time of the offense. Report any instances of reckless driving on our roads by providing details such as the vehicles registration number, the location of the incident, as well as the date and time, NTSA added. The incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage among Kenyans, many of whom called for swift action against the matatu crew. Watch the video below. Akbar Novruz Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she presented US President Donald Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize during a meeting at the White House on January 15, describing the gesture as recognition of his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people, Azernews reports. Trump did not explicitly state whether he would accept the award, though the White House later confirmed that he plans to keep it. Trump acknowledged the gesture in a social media post later that day, writing: Maria presented me with the Nobel Peace Prize for the work I do. It is a beautiful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you, Maria! According to White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt, Trumps view of Machado has not changed, and he does not consider her a realistic alternative to leading Venezuela. Leavitt added that Trump approves of the work of Venezuelas interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, whom he considers cooperative. Machado, speaking after the meeting, said that she and her supporters trust Trump and believe he understands the suffering of the Venezuelan people. She said Trump is committed to securing the release of political prisoners in the country. Addressing US senators, Machado argued that political repression under Rodriguezs rule is no different from the period under former president Nicolas Maduro, and in some cases has worsened. Venezuelan human rights groups have also said that far fewer political prisoners have been released than initially expected. Trump spoke by phone with Rodriguez a day before meeting Machado, discussing oil, minerals, trade and security issues. Trump later described Rodriguez as a great man. Separately, Rodriguez said on January 15 that he had proposed reforms to Venezuelas hydrocarbon law, noting that US investors are seeking easier access to the countrys oil industry. He said oil revenues would be allocated to workers and public services. The United States has said that around $500 million in oil sales under the agreement with Caracas has already been made and is being held in US bank accounts. An industry source familiar with the arrangement said the main account is located in Qatar. On January 3, US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and transferred him to New York, where he faces drug-related charges. Maduro has denied the allegations. Online platforms are riddled with glitchescrashes, frozen screens, wonky payouts, the lotand when they cock up, the smart ones turn the mess into moolah for punters. Sites like royalreelscasino-aus.com lay it all out in black and white: How casinos and other digital joints handle their own stuff-ups How they make good to keep players from jumping ship. In the cut-throat world of Royal Reels and similar outfits, a glitch isnt just a headache. Its often turned into free spins, cash drops or account credits, so the punter walks away smiling instead of raging. Common Glitches That Plague Online Casinos Casino platforms cop more than their fair share of tech gremlins because millions of dollars spin through the system every minute. The most frequent bastards include: Game freezes mid-spin or during bonus rounds reels lock up, the wheel stops turning, or the slot just hangs. Deposit/withdrawal fails money leaves the bank but never hits the casino balance, or winnings vanish into thin air. Wrong payout calculations a jackpot hits, but the credited amount is short by hundreds or thousands. Login/session timeouts player gets booted mid-session, losing a hot streak or bonus progress. Mobile app crashes especially on Android, where compatibility issues turn a quick spin into a blue screen of death. When these hit, Royal Reels online and other sharp operators dont just say sorry mate. Once the punter reports the issue via live chat or email support, the team verifies the glitch (usually via server logs) and drops compensation within hours. How Casinos Turn Tech Screw-Ups into Player Wins The compensation playbook varies, but the goal is always the same: keep the punter spinning instead of churning. For a game freeze during a feature, most Royal Reels casino sites replay the round at the same bet level or hand over the equivalent win if the outcome was already determined server-side. Deposit fails usually trigger instant refunds plus a bonus match (2050% extra) to say thanks for the patience. Payout errors are the big ones. If a progressive jackpot misfires or a multiplier glitches, operators have been known to pay the full advertised amount anyway. In one documented case from 2024, a major Aussie-facing site credited a player $15,000 extra after a software bug short-changed a $50k win; the punter posted screenshots on forums and the casino doubled down to save face. Live dealer glitches (dropped streams, card misreads) get handled fastest because theyre real-time. Players report via chat, the hand gets voided or replayed, and a $50$200 cash drop lands in the account within the hour. Royal Reels Australia platforms lean hard into this quick-fix culture. Glitches Spill Over into Other Digital Spaces The same tech headaches bite non-casino platforms too, and the compensation logic often mirrors what happens in gambling. E-commerce sites freeze during checkout? They throw in a $20$50 voucher or free shipping. Betting exchanges glitch on a live market? They void the bet and credit stake plus a risk-free bonus bet. Crypto exchanges suffer wallet sync errors? They manually credit missing funds and add a trading-fee rebate. But casinos go harder because the stakes are higher and churn is deadly. A punter who loses $500 to a glitch might never return, whereas a fixed bet or shopping cart glitch rarely costs that much. Thats why online casino Australia operators budget for goodwill funds small pots set aside purely for glitch compensation. Some even advertise it: If our tech fails you, well make it right with bonuses up to $500. Typical Compensation Amounts by Glitch Type When a glitch hits, operators dont just apologisethey hit back with real compensation to keep punters happy. Heres a breakdown of the most common glitch types and the typical payouts sites like Royal Reels online casino dish out to sort the mess. Glitch Type Common Compensation Range Notes Game freeze mid-bonus 50200 free spins Often on the same title Deposit not credited Refund + 20100% match Bonus capped at $100$200 usually Withdrawal delay/failure Manual payout + $50$200 Extra cash for the inconvenience Wrong payout (short) Full correct amount + 1050% extra Rare but high-value when it happens Live dealer stream drop Hand voided + $50$300 cash Fastest turnaround (under 60 min) These amounts vary by site and glitch severity, but the goal stays the same: turn a potential rage-quit into another session. Why Glitches Keep Happening and How Sites Stay Ahead Even top-shelf platforms run on complex stacks: RNG servers, payment gateways, CDN networks, mobile apps, third-party game providers. One weak linksay a Cloudflare outage or a payment processor hiccupand thousands of players feel it. Best online casino sites combat this with redundancy (multiple data centres, backup RNG certs) and real-time monitoring that flags anomalies before they snowball. Still, when the inevitable happens, the response speed separates the good from the dodgy. Australian online casino brands that respond in under 30 minutes and throw decent compo usually get glowing reviews on forums like Whirlpool and Reddit. The ones that ghost or offer $10 free bets? They bleed punters fast. Women named Aleka are often perceived as possessing a natural grace and strength that reflects both their Hawaiian cultural roots and the noble meaning of their name. They typically exhibit a balanced personality that combines traditional values with modern adaptability, showing respect for cultural heritage while embracing contemporary life. Their communication style tends to be warm and melodic, much like the Hawaiian language itself, making them effective mediators and community builders. Alekas are frequently described as having a deep connection to nature and family, traits highly valued in Hawaiian culture. They often demonstrate resilience and flexibility, able to navigate different cultural contexts with ease. Their noble bearing (reflecting the name's meaning) often manifests as natural leadership qualities, combined with a genuine concern for community welfare. Many Alekas show artistic inclinations, particularly in music, dance, or visual arts, expressing the creative spirit inherent in Hawaiian cultural traditions. Cultural & Historical Significance Armanno carries deep cultural significance in Italian history as a name that bridges Germanic warrior traditions with Mediterranean identity. The name entered Italian culture during the Lombard invasions and subsequent settlements in the 6th-8th centuries, when Germanic tribes established kingdoms throughout the Italian peninsula. Over centuries, the name became thoroughly Italianized while retaining its martial connotations, often given to sons in military families or those expected to become community protectors. During the Renaissance, Armanno became associated with the condottieri tradition - mercenary captains who shaped Italian politics and warfare. The name's persistence through various historical periods reflects Italy's complex cultural layers, where northern European influences merged with Roman and Mediterranean traditions to create a uniquely Italian identity that honors both warrior heritage and civic responsibility. The name also embodies the Italian concept of 'valoroso' - not merely brave in battle but possessing moral courage and integrity. In many Italian communities, naming a son Armanno expressed hopes that he would become a pillar of strength for his family and community. The name appears in various regional historical records, from military rosters to civic leadership positions, indicating its association with both martial and civil authority. This dual significance makes Armanno a name that represents the ideal of the citizen-soldier, someone capable of both defending and building society. Cultural & Historical Significance Atarah holds deep significance in Hebrew culture as a name meaning 'crown' or 'royal diadem.' In biblical context, the term appears in the Old Testament, particularly in the Song of Solomon and other poetic books, where it symbolizes honor, glory, and divine favor. The name carries connotations of royalty and spiritual elevation, reflecting the Jewish tradition of valuing wisdom and moral character as true crowns of honor. Throughout Jewish history, names with royal meanings have been popular as they express hope for the child's future and connection to Jewish heritage. The name also resonates with the concept of the 'crown of Torah' - one of the three crowns mentioned in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), representing the highest spiritual achievement in Jewish tradition. In modern times, the name continues to be chosen by families who wish to honor their heritage while bestowing upon their daughter a name that suggests dignity, leadership, and spiritual worth. Individuals named Cheresse are often perceived as warm, affectionate, and nurturing, embodying the 'darling' aspect of their name's meaning. They tend to be creative and expressive, with a natural ability to bring joy and comfort to others. Their personality often combines sweetness with strength, much like the cherry fruit that symbolizes both delicacy and resilience. Cheresses are typically compassionate listeners who value deep, meaningful relationships and often serve as emotional anchors for their friends and family. They possess an innate grace and elegance that draws people to them, while maintaining a grounded, practical approach to life's challenges. Their creative nature often manifests in artistic pursuits or innovative problem-solving, making them valuable contributors in both personal and professional settings. The combination of their nurturing spirit and creative intelligence makes them particularly effective in caregiving professions, education, and creative industries. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Cim holds particular significance in Christian communities where it has been used to honor women of strong faith and leadership qualities. Historically, the name appears in medieval Christian records, often given to daughters of noble families who were expected to carry forward both religious devotion and administrative responsibilities. Throughout European Christian history, women named Cim frequently appeared as abbesses, community leaders, and patrons of religious institutions, embodying the dual role of spiritual guidance and practical leadership that the name suggests. In modern Christian contexts, the name continues to represent a bridge between traditional values and contemporary leadership. Many Christian families choose this name to instill qualities of strength, responsibility, and moral authority in their daughters. The name's rarity adds to its appeal among parents seeking distinctive yet meaningful Christian names that reflect both faith and capability, making it a choice that honors historical Christian traditions while embracing modern ideals of female leadership. Ehud is a traditional Hebrew male name of uncertain etymology, though it's often associated with meanings related to strength, unity, or being desirable. The name carries strong biblical significance as it belonged to a judge who delivered ancient Israel from oppression. Cultural & Historical Significance Ehud holds profound significance in Jewish and Israeli culture as one of the earliest biblical judges who demonstrated both cunning and military prowess. The story of Ehud benGera in the Book of Judges portrays him as a left-handed deliverer who used this unexpected trait to assassinate the Moabite king Eglon, then led a successful rebellion that secured 80 years of peace for Israel. This narrative established Ehud as a symbol of strategic thinking and national liberation. In modern Israel, the name gained renewed prominence through prominent political figures like Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert, connecting contemporary leadership with ancient biblical heritage. The name embodies the Zionist ideal of strong, capable leadership while maintaining deep roots in Jewish tradition and history. It represents the continuity of Jewish sovereignty from ancient times to the modern state, making it particularly meaningful in Israeli national consciousness. Cultural & Historical Significance Erzsebet holds profound cultural significance as the Hungarian form of Elizabeth, a name with ancient biblical origins from Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath.' The name gained particular prominence in Hungarian culture through Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a 13th-century princess celebrated for her extraordinary charity and devotion to the poor. Her legacy established Erzsebet as a name associated with compassion, nobility, and faith in Hungarian society. Throughout Hungarian history, the name has been borne by queens, noblewomen, and influential figures, cementing its status as a name representing Hungarian identity and Catholic tradition. The name's enduring popularity reflects the deep cultural roots and the continued reverence for Saint Elizabeth, whose humanitarian work and spiritual devotion remain inspirational figures in Hungarian cultural memory. The name also carries connections to Hungarian nationalism and the preservation of cultural heritage, making it more than just a personal identifier but a symbol of Hungarian history and values. Cultural & Historical Significance Jedaiah holds significant cultural importance as a biblical name with deep roots in Hebrew tradition. The name appears multiple times in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, where several individuals bearing this name are mentioned as priests and leaders returning from the Babylonian exile. This historical context positions Jedaiah as a name associated with religious leadership, restoration, and the preservation of Jewish identity during challenging periods. Throughout Jewish history, the name has maintained its religious significance, often chosen by families seeking to honor their biblical heritage and emphasize the concept of divine knowledge and providence. The name's meaning 'Jehovah knows' reflects a fundamental theological concept in Judaism - that God possesses complete knowledge and awareness of human affairs, making it a name that carries profound spiritual weight and historical continuity. In broader cultural contexts, Jedaiah represents the enduring influence of biblical names in Western naming traditions. While less common than names like David or Samuel, it maintains a presence in religious communities and serves as a marker of specific theological values. The name's association with priests and religious leaders in scripture has contributed to its perception as a name denoting spiritual authority and wisdom. In modern times, it continues to be chosen by parents who value both the name's distinctive quality and its rich historical and religious connotations, serving as a link to ancient traditions while maintaining relevance in contemporary spiritual practice. Women named Jorgelina are often perceived as strong-willed and determined individuals, reflecting the name's connection to the courageous Saint George. They typically exhibit a blend of traditional values and modern independence, carrying themselves with grace and confidence. Jorgelinas are frequently described as nurturing yet resilient, capable of both gentle compassion and fierce protection of those they love. Their earthy connection through the name's agricultural roots often translates into practical wisdom and grounded decision-making. Many Jorgelinas display natural leadership qualities combined with a strong sense of responsibility, making them reliable friends and family members who can be counted on in difficult times. They tend to approach life with both passion and practicality, balancing emotional depth with logical thinking in a way that makes them effective problem-solvers and trusted advisors. The name's Christian associations often correlate with individuals who possess strong moral compasses and a deep sense of purpose in their actions and relationships. Akbar Novruz Since the start of the year, China has completely stopped importing electricity from Russia and has refused even the minimum contracted volumes of around 12?megawatts, according to reports citing foreign media. The suspension reflects deeper shifts in Beijings energy strategy and the evolving dynamics of ChinaRussia trade, Azernews reports. The decision comes as electricity imports from Russia have already been falling sharply. Data from Russian energy operators indicate that supplies to China plunged significantly in 2025, driven by capacity constraints within Russias grid and rising domestic demand in the Russian Far East that limited available exports. Industry observers say the probability of resuming electricity exports to China in 2026 appears extremely low, largely because the export price has exceeded Chinas domestic electricity tariffs, making imports economically unattractive for Chinese utilities. The developments also occur amid a broader contraction in ChinaRussia trade. Recent data show that bilateral trade posted its first annual decline in five years in 2025, with a notable drop in the value of Chinese imports from Russia, including energy products. Analysts suggest several factors behind the shift: Russias own energy constraints, including grid bottlenecks and resource limitations in its eastern regions, have made it harder to sustain large electricity exports to China. Changing market economics in China, where domestic electricity prices have remained comparatively low, reducing the incentive to buy higher?cost imported power. Strategic recalibrations in Beijings energy portfolio, as China balances diversified energy sources, rising domestic production, and expanding trade with other partners. Energy experts note that while electricity is just one piece of the complex Sino?Russian energy relationship, the dramatic drop in power imports underscores growing economic friction in sectors once seen as cooperative. China remains a major buyer of Russian crude oil, but overall bilateral trade figures have softened, suggesting shifts in demand and pricing pressures that could influence future energy and economic ties between the two countries. The situation highlights how energy markets and geopolitical strategy intersect, as both countries navigate post?pandemic demand patterns, commodity price swings, and competition in regional energy supply chains. If the trend continues, it could signal a reshaping of Chinas energy import mix and force Moscow to seek alternative export markets or adapt its pricing models. Individuals named Kallie are often perceived as having a warm, approachable nature combined with a strong sense of independence. They typically exhibit a natural curiosity about the world around them and possess an intuitive understanding of people and situations. This intuitive quality, combined with their friendly demeanor, makes them excellent communicators and natural peacemakers in social settings. Kallies are often described as having an earthy, grounded quality that others find comforting and reassuring. They tend to be creative problem-solvers who approach challenges with both practicality and imagination. Their connection to the name's woodland origins often manifests in a love for nature, outdoor activities, and environmental awareness. While they value their independence, they also maintain strong family connections and friendships, balancing self-reliance with deep emotional bonds. Kallies are typically adaptable and resilient, able to navigate changing circumstances with grace and determination. They often possess a quiet strength that emerges during challenging times, much like trees that bend but don't break in strong winds. Their personality combines the nurturing quality of a sheltered forest grove with the adventurous spirit of woodland exploration, creating a balanced character that is both stable and dynamic. The name Wilhelmina evokes a personality profile of strength, intelligence, and protective loyalty. Those bearing this name are typically perceived as natural leaders with a dignified presence that commands respect without demanding it. They possess a remarkable balance of traditional values and progressive thinkingable to honor heritage while embracing innovation. Wilhelminas often demonstrate exceptional resilience in adversity, drawing on deep inner resources to overcome challenges. Their protective nature manifests not as overbearing control but as thoughtful guardianship of people, principles, and projects they value. Emotionally, they tend to be steady and reliable, offering others a safe harbor in turbulent times. Intellectually curious and often well-educated, Wilhelminas approach problems with both analytical rigor and creative insight. They typically have strong moral compasses and are unwilling to compromise their core values, yet they exercise their convictions with grace and diplomacy. Socially, they may appear reserved initially but reveal warm, dry wit and deep loyalty to those who earn their trust. The combination of mental fortitude and emotional depth makes Wilhelminas particularly effective in careers requiring both strategic thinking and human understandingfrom education and healthcare to leadership roles in business or public service. Cultural & Historical Significance Woodruff originated as an occupational surname in medieval England, specifically denoting a 'wood bailiff' or 'wood reeve' - an official responsible for managing forest lands on behalf of a lord or monarch. This position carried significant authority in feudal society, as forests were valuable resources for timber, hunting, and grazing. The name reflects the importance of woodland management in medieval economy and the Christian stewardship tradition of caring for God's creation. In Christian contexts, the name evokes biblical themes of stewardship and guardianship, reminiscent of Adam's role as caretaker of Eden. The transition from surname to given name during the 19th century reflects broader naming trends and the romanticization of medieval occupations in the Victorian era. Throughout American history, the name has been particularly common among families with English heritage and in regions with strong Anglican or Methodist traditions, where it symbolizes both earthly responsibility and spiritual guardianship. In recent months, the Emory Police Department (EPD) and the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) have introduced a number of measures to continue to enhance safety across Emory campuses. Yesterday, EPD Chief Burt Buchtinec shared a message with the Emory community that details a new policy requiring the use of EmoryCards to enter the universitys academic and office buildings. That policy, he says, is the latest in a long list of efforts to bolster campus safety. EPD and CEPAR collaborate to identify areas of concern and take steps to mitigate risks, Buchtinec says. The EmoryCard access policy strengthens how we protect our Emory campuses and foster safe spaces. Other recent safety enhancements include an increase in EPD staff; more security cameras on campus; the introduction of a working dog; expanding the blue light emergency phone camera system; and the formation of the EPD Student Advisory Council, which provides a channel for students to get to know officers and participate in community-based solutions. In February, CEPAR will launch a new program that enables drones to act as first responders in emergency situations, providing authorities a birds-eye view for situational awareness. Sam Shartar, assistant vice president for CEPAR, says his offices focus is safety, resilience and preparedness. He adds that CEPAR and EPD review responses to emergency incidents across the country to assess trends and to review best practices. Collaborating with EPD and other campus partners ensures that the infrastructure is in place for a cohesive and collaborative response to any emergency, Shartar says. And we want the community to understand their responsibility, which is knowing what to do in those emergencies. A shared responsibility EPD and CEPAR provide the framework for emergency responses, but Shartar encourages students, faculty and staff to learn how to keep themselves safe until help arrives. For a comprehensive overview, Shartar recommends visiting emergency.emory.edu and downloading the EmorySafe app, where details are readily available on-the-go. We have evidence to support that the more prepared a community is, the more resilient it is, Shartar says. We use an all-hazards approach to planning, because there are a variety of emergencies that can occur. If you read the guidance in advance, you will understand how to best protect yourself from those risks and how we provide notifications so that youre aware when a risk occurs. The website contains tailored advice for students and faculty and staff. Topics include everything from responding to an active shooter run if theres a safe path, hide if you cant escape, fight as a last resort to what to do in a medical emergency and how to stay safe during a tornado. Buchtinec says strong community partnerships are vital to the departments success. Campus safety is a collaborative effort. EPD is part of the Emory community, and you can expect to see more of our officers on foot and walking around our campuses, he explains. I want the community to know that were present, and were here. Always be aware of your surroundings and remember the phrase, if you see something, say something. If you need us, you can call us, 24/7 (404-727-6111). Collaborating with students Last fall marked the launch of the EPD Student Advisory Council. Through collaboration with the Emory Student Government Association, Graduate Student Government Association and Oxford Student Government Association, EPDs Student Advisory Council will continue to meet regularly this semester to discuss campus safety. The council is important because its an opportunity for student leaders to talk to us and establish a dialogue on how we can help each other, Buchtinec says. We had a really good kickoff meeting in October. Students were open and engaged. For us, its about how can we listen to the community, learn what the students are thinking and collaborate as partners. The initiative has already made an impact. In the inaugural meeting, students asked why there werent more security cameras to assist officers in potential emergencies. The discussion resulted in the additional cameras being installed across the university. Emory has also invested in a forthcoming operational security center that will allow robust monitoring of those cameras. That meeting was the start of the process, and I was able to take student concerns to university leadership and address them, Buchtinec says. CEPAR has its own student program, called Campus Preparedness Ambassadors. The groups orientation trains students in proactive preparation and covers CPR certification, as well as how to control bleeding, respond to fires, administer Narcan to an overdose victim and more. Ambassadors then participate in community outreach and peer-to-peer education to increase emergency preparedness across campus. When a student graduates or staff or faculty are in the community, Shartar says, these skills will serve them well wherever they go and theyll make other communities more resilient, as well. Fostering a safer community One of Buchtinecs primary goals is to ensure that students feel comfortable engaging with EPD officers on a daily basis. We want to be available to students, and we want to support them, he says. We all want the same things: a safe learning environment that fosters success. Cultivating a climate of safety includes several resources. Using the EmorySafe app, students can contact EPD for assistance when walking home to their residence hall late at night. In late 2025, Emory increased its number of blue light phone cameras. Fourteen phones were installed or updated on the Atlanta campus adding to the vast network of phones on our campuses. At the press of a button, the community can connect directly to EPD. Officers are always available to assist. When we hire people, were looking for officers who understand the value of customer service and community engagement, he says. He encourages people to say hello to EPD officers on campus, and be on the lookout for Leo, EPD's working dog, when hes out on patrol. Hes super friendly and high energy, Buchtinec adds. But Leo is trained to perform serious work related to campus safety, including explosive detection and tracking missing persons. He is part of Emorys continuous commitment to assessing campus safety and ensuring preparedness for any emergency. Our true north, Shartar says, is keeping people safe. The beginning of spring semester comes in the midst of cold and flu season, and this year's flu activity is already higher compared to the past several years. Georgia has had twice as many influenza-related hospitalizations and four times the number of outbreaks in this flu season so far, compared to the same time period last year, according to data from the Georgia Department of Public Health. As we all return to campus for the spring semester, an increase in flu in our community may result, notes Dr. Sharon Rabinovitz, director of Emorys Student Health Services. Luckily, there are steps we can take to keep ourselves and each other well. Rabinovitz recommends the following tips to help you stay healthy during this season. Make prevention a priority Prevention is key to keeping yourself healthy and others safe. Here are the top ways to protect yourself from catching a respiratory illness this season: Practice self-care: Getting adequate sleep, maintaining balanced nutrition, managing stress and exercising regularly will support your immune system to protect you from illness and assist in a faster recovery. Getting adequate sleep, maintaining balanced nutrition, managing stress and exercising regularly will support your immune system to protect you from illness and assist in a faster recovery. Get vaccinated: The updated flu vaccine is the best defense for preventing infection and decreasing the severity of illness for the new variants of flu this year. It may not prevent all infections, but it will mitigate the severity and risk of hospitalization. The updated flu vaccine is the best defense for preventing infection and decreasing the severity of illness for the new variants of flu this year. It may not prevent all infections, but it will mitigate the severity and risk of hospitalization. Be aware: If your friend has not been feeling well, leave your support to a text thread and give them time to isolate and recover. If you are feeling sick yourself, stay home and dont attend large events. Get a thermometer so you can confirm when you have a fever and take steps to minimize your exposure to others if you do. If your friend has not been feeling well, leave your support to a text thread and give them time to isolate and recover. If you are feeling sick yourself, stay home and dont attend large events. Get a thermometer so you can confirm when you have a fever and take steps to minimize your exposure to others if you do. Wear a mask: Masks are a valuable tool to protect yourself from infections and prevent spreading them to others if you are sick. If you are under the weather or in a public space where you may be exposed to someone who is ill, mask usage is a solid defense. Masks are a valuable tool to protect yourself from infections and prevent spreading them to others if you are sick. If you are under the weather or in a public space where you may be exposed to someone who is ill, mask usage is a solid defense. Wash your hands: Whether you use soap and water or antibacterial sanitizer, regular hand washing prevents the spread of germs. Whether you use soap and water or antibacterial sanitizer, regular hand washing prevents the spread of germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth: Germs are easily spread if a person touches a contaminated object and then touches their eye, nose or mouth. If you feel sick If you find yourself feeling unwell, there are many ways to access care at Emory. For mild respiratory symptoms, practice home care. For most cases of the flu, drinking plenty of fluids and taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen, along with time and rest, is all you need. Home tests are available through a pharmacy to confirm a case of the flu. For those at higher risk for complications related to these viruses or if you live with someone who is immunocompromised, it is most effective if you access care in a timely manner (within 48 hours) to start antivirals as decided upon by the physician or advanced practice provider. For moderate or severe respiratory symptoms, access care through Student Health Services, TimelyCare or local urgent care centers. For severe symptoms which include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, etc., go to the local emergency room. Before returning to your regular social schedule, be sure you meet criteria to end isolation, which include: Fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication (like Advil or Tylenol) Significantly improving symptoms If you are a student and need to miss class for illness, please follow the guidance of your school regarding absences (listed under Academic Support Resources). Visit the Student Health Services respiratory virus resource page for more information about preventing illness and what to do if you get sick. Last years inaugural Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit drew a large crowd of people interested in growing the regions outdoor industry. (Photo provided)) Sign up now for the Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit at SIUs Touch of Nature by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. Last years inaugural Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit at Southern Illinois University Carbondales Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center was such a transformative, popular event that its back in 2026 and set for March 27. Make plans now to attend this event designed to bring together community partners, businesses, land agencies, nonprofit and other organizations and outdoor enthusiasts for a day focused on growing the regions outdoor industry and economy. Through keynote speakers, workshops, outdoor demonstrations and networking opportunities, the symposium will promote sustainability and innovation education, foster collaboration, bolster the regions economy and stimulate entrepreneurship. Sign up now Educators, outdoor industry professionals, researchers, private businesses and representatives of government, nonprofit and other agencies are welcome to attend as is the public. Registration covers the full-day summit with workshops, guest presentations and more as well as morning coffee, lunch (sponsored by SI Now), networking and access to Touch of Natures varied activities as the summit wraps up. There is no cost to participate, but register online by March 25 to ensure you receive lunch. Presenters welcome Private businesses, nonprofit organizations and others affiliated with the outdoor industry are welcome to submit workshop proposals. Each session should be about 45 minutes long and feature expertise, innovation and ideas to inspire collaboration and growth of the Southern Illinois outdoor industry and its economy. Submit proposals online. Learn more For additional information about this event that has drawn extensive attention from well beyond the region, visit the website, email ton@siu.edu or call 618-453-1122. Rural cultivation incomes have come under sharp pressure as a decline in food prices during the CY25 Kharif season dragged down farmers' earnings across key crops, according to a report by Elara Securities. The report said that during the Kharif season, harvested mainly in October and November, farmers faced weak price realisation, with mandi prices ruling well below the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for most crops. This was driven by a combination of excess monsoons that caused crop damage, delayed harvesting leading to bunched arrivals in mandis, quality issues, and limited government intervention to support prices. It stated, "A collapse in food price drags down cultivation income. During the CY25 Kharif season (harvested primarily in October-November), farmers faced significant challenges, with price realization dropping well below minimum support prices (MSP) for most crops." The report highlighted that policy measures also added to the pressure on prices. Duty-free imports for key crops such as cotton, tur and urad, along with a reduction in basic customs duty on crude palm oil, soy oil and sunflower oil from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, acted as an incremental drag on mandi prices. In addition, prices of maize and soyabean weakened on expectations of imports from the US under the likely India-US trade deal. According to mandi price data cited in the report, as of November 2025, prices of black gram were 19 per cent below MSP, cotton prices were 8 per cent lower, soyabean prices were down 18 per cent, while maize prices were trading 27 per cent below MSP. The report said this represents the worst deflation in food crops seen in recent years. The report also presented a multi-year comparison of mandi prices relative to MSP, showing persistent weakness across several crops. In FY26, maize prices were at 73 per cent of MSP, soyabean at 82 per cent, black gram at 81 per cent, and bajra at 87 per cent. Cotton prices stood at 92 per cent of MSP, while paddy prices were around 96 per cent. Wheat, which had remained well above MSP in FY24 and FY25, moderated to about 105 per cent of MSP in FY26. The report's pan-India rural checks suggest that paddy crop yields have taken a hit of around 6-8 per cent this year due to adverse weather conditions. Combined with depressed mandi prices, the report estimates that realisation from the Kharif crop contracted by 8-10 per cent. The report noted that the dual impact of lower yields and weaker prices has significantly eroded rural cultivation incomes. This outlined that sustained pressure on farm earnings could weigh on rural consumption trends in the coming months. (ANI) The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced a major policy shift aimed at strengthening India's e-commerce landscape by extending key export incentives to goods shipped via the postal route. Effective from January 15, 2026, this move is designed to integrate small-scale exporters into the mainstream global trade network. Described by the government as a "landmark measure", the update allows exporters to access benefits under the Duty Drawback, Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), and Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) schemes. By including the postal mode in electronic form, the CBIC aims "to provide a level playing field for exporters using the postal channel and to create a conducive and inclusive ecosystem for the growth of cross-border e-commerce." The financial implications are expected to be particularly beneficial for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). According to the Ministry of Finance, the initiative is "expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of MSME exporters, especially those located in smaller towns and remote areas, and give a major fillip to postal exports." To facilitate this, the CBIC has approved specific amendments to the Postal Export (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022. This regulatory change builds upon existing infrastructure, such as the 28 notified Foreign Post Offices and the innovative 'Hub and Spoke' model launched in collaboration with the Department of Posts. This model utilises over 1,000 Dak Niryat Kendras (DNKs) across the country to assist with the booking and processing of export parcels. The government views this expansion of incentives as a critical step in its broader economic strategy. The release concludes that "the extension of export incentives to postal shipments marks another important milestone in the Government's ongoing efforts to simplify procedures, reduce costs, and promote inclusive growth of India's exports," ultimately strengthening India's standing in the global digital economy. (ANI) PNN New Delhi [India], January 16: National Startup Day 2026 celebrates the founders who are powering India's next phase of economic growth through innovation, resilience, and bold vision. Across sectors such as technology, healthcare, fintech, manufacturing, and sustainability, Indian entrepreneurs are building scalable solutions to real-world challenges while creating jobs and global impact. As the startup ecosystem matures, these founder-led ventures are not only shaping new industries but also strengthening India's position as a hub of inclusive, future-ready innovation driven by purpose and execution. 1. Deepak Bhuvneshwari Uniyal, Co-Founder & CEO of Insurance Samadhan Deepak Bhuvneshwari Uniyal is the Co-Founder and CEO of Insurance Samadhan, Insurtech, Category starter and leader in Asia in insurance grievance space. Deepak is a Delhi University graduate with 27 years of experience in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, He began his career with MNCs such as TNT and FedEx before joining Max New York Life Insurance, where he rose to the position of AVP. Defying industry norms, he later became a full-time insurance advisor and achieved MDRT status within five months, emerging as a top performer from 2010 to 2017. Through his experience, Deepak along with his colleagues,identified claim non-settlement and mis-selling as major industry gaps, leading to the creation of Insurance Samadhan. Under his leadership, the platform has earned ISO Certification, the FICCI Award, and Section 80AIC recognition. Guided by values of customer-first service, empathy, integrity, trust, and inclusivity, Deepak and the team has built INDIA's most trusted platform for insurance resolution. 2. Ishann Gupta, Director - Lark Industries LLP | Lark Luggage India Ishann Gupta represents a new generation of Indian business leaders who seamlessly blend design thinking, innovation, and a global outlook. As Director of Lark Industries LLP and Lark Luggage India, he has played a key role in strengthening India's hard luggage manufacturing ecosystem. With a sharp focus on pure polycarbonate luggage, luxury design, advanced extrusion techniques, and vacuum thermoforming processes, he has helped create world-class products that proudly carry the Made in India identity. Under his leadership, Lark Bags and Lark Luggage India have emerged as trusted manufacturing partners for renowned brands such as Cantabil, Zouk, Crocodile, and Carlton London, reflecting the company's strong capabilities in quality, precision, and scalable production. A traveller and travel-gear enthusiast himself, Mr. Gupta brings practical insights into product development, ensuring every design is durable, ergonomic, and future-ready. His vision continues to position Lark as a competitive and reliable name in India's growing premium luggage manufacturing landscape. 3. Mahindra Kumar Desai, Founder & Chairman, JMC Hotels Group India Mahindra Kumar Desai is the Founder and Chairman & Managing Director of JMC Hotels Group India, along with Deotel Hotels and Resorts LLP and Mint Tree Hotels and Resorts LLP. With over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Mahindra Kumar Desai's journey from trainee to Vice President has equipped him with deep operational expertise and leadership insight, shaping him into a visionary hotelier. Under his leadership, JMC Hotels Group manages more than 30 hotels and resorts across three states, delivering consistent guest experiences and brand-driven performance. The group is renowned for its commitment to hotel owners and shareholders, offering a trusted, experienced team focused on operational excellence, profitability, and long-term asset value enhancement. With a strategic vision to expand nationwide, Mahindra Kumar Desai aims to operate 100+ hotels across India by 2030, fostering long-term partnerships and building strong, scalable hospitality brands. His entrepreneurial approach highlights how founder-led enterprises are not only shaping India's hotel landscape but also setting benchmarks in operational efficiency, customer experience, and sustainable growth. 4. Mateshwari Karnani, Founder & Director of Kissamago Transcriptions Private Limited With over 25 years of professional excellence, Mateshwari Karnani, Founder and Director of Kissamago Transcriptions Private Limited, stands at the forefront of India's digital evidence ecosystem. At a time when audio recordings, videos, images, and social media data increasingly shape legal outcomes, she identified an often-overlooked truth -- digital information holds value only when it is legally admissible. Long before electronic evidence became routine in courtrooms, Ms. Karnani specialised in statutory digital evidence certification, including Section 65B certifications and compliance under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. Her work is marked by forensic discipline, ethical rigor, and a deep understanding of evidentiary law. Under her leadership, Kissamago has evolved into a trusted legal support institution, with its certifications standing scrutiny up to the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. Looking ahead to 2025-26, her vision remains clear -- ensuring that technology strengthens justice, clarity, and truth. 5. Pallavi Keshri, Founder of Eyaas Pallavi Keshri, Founder of Eyaas, is a passionate entrepreneur working at the intersection of heritage, design, and sustainability. With a strong background in business, marketing, and global exposure, Pallavi founded Eyaas with a clear vision -- to preserve India's rich craft traditions while making them relevant for modern lifestyles. Through thoughtful design intervention, she focuses on transforming traditional crafts into contemporary, functional products that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday living. Under her leadership, Eyaas works closely with artisan communities across India, promoting crafts such as block printing, weaving, pottery, and textile arts, while ensuring their authenticity remains intact. Pallavi believes that crafts must be accessible and affordable to survive and thrive in today's world. By blending heritage techniques with modern aesthetics, she has created a sustainable model that supports artisans, promotes conscious consumption, and keeps traditional craftsmanship alive for future generations. 6. Sandeep Pandey, Founder of Skewb Analytics On National Startup Day 2026, India celebrates founders who are redefining industries through innovation- and Sandeep Pandey, Founder & CEO of Skewb Analytics, stands out as a key force driving GenAI-led transformation in marketing analytics. With decades of experience in global analytics, Sandeep has built Skewb as a next-generation AI platform that goes beyond traditional measurement to deliver prescriptive, explainable, and real-time intelligence for marketers. Under his leadership, Skewb Analytics is uniquely positioned at the intersection of Generative AI, Marketing Mix Modelling, and decision automation, enabling brands and enterprises to ask complex business questions and receive instant, actionable answers. Sandeep's vision is not just about analytics- but about making AI intuitive, scalable, and outcome-driven for marketing leaders. As India's startup ecosystem matures, founders like Sandeep Pandey exemplify how GenAI-first thinking can power sustainable growth, global competitiveness, and smarter decision-making- cementing India's role as a leader in AI-driven innovation.. 7. Sazid Zaidi, AIF Investor & Realtor and Founder of Satdaise Sajid Zaidi, co-founder of Satdaise, is an entrepreneur and angel investor focused on backing startups that solve real challenges rather than chasing growth alone. Through Satdaise, a skincare brand built on inclusivity, Sajid champions a bold narrative for people to embrace their skin as it is--without filters or unrealistic standards. The brand reflects his vision of combining authenticity with impact, offering products that are both effective and empowering. Beyond skincare, Sajid is an AIF investor supporting early-stage ventures that are practical, scalable, and purpose-driven. His approach emphasizes long-term value creation, blending innovation with responsibility. In addition, Sajid leads real estate projects across Hyderabad, with a focus on sustainable farmland development and thoughtfully planned ecosystems. This work intersects innovation, infrastructure, and impact, reflecting his belief that meaningful growth aligns business with authenticity and societal benefit. "Hard work sets the stage, results make the noise," Sajid shares--a philosophy that drives both his entrepreneurial journey and the startups he nurtures. 8. Seema Bhatnagar, Founder of Futopia Global Pvt. Ltd Seema Bhatnagar is a dynamic entrepreneur and business leader known for building future-ready technology ventures aligned with India's digital and creator-led growth. With extensive experience across consumer electronics, IT hardware, and large-scale distribution, she has consistently focused on making advanced technology accessible, reliable, and relevant for Indian users. Her leadership reflects a sharp understanding of evolving market needs--especially the rapid rise of content creators, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs. Seema believes that empowering creators with the right tools is essential to shaping India's next growth phase. Known for her execution-driven mindset, resilience, and people-first approach, she has successfully steered product innovation while balancing scale and sustainability. Her journey mirrors the essence of India's startup ecosystem--visionary, adaptive, and impact-focused--making her a strong voice in India's growth story on National Startup Day 2026. 9. Vipin Chopra, Founder of TuHiTu Bliss TuHiTu Bliss is led by Vipin Chopra, a visionary entrepreneur and healthcare innovator with over three decades of experience building ventures across wellness, assisted living, digital health, medical education, and public health. Known for people-first leadership and a structured approach, he blends clinical integrity, foresight, and compassionate care to redefine senior living and recovery-focused residences. A serial entrepreneur, Vipin brings expertise in business development, sales strategy, branding, negotiations, and stakeholder relationship building, and actively advises digital and public health programs with government partners across India. Supporting this vision is Madhavan Ganesan, a business leader with over 35+ years of experience, who has worked with leaders including Ratan Tata, Azim Premji, and Mukesh Ambani. A former CFO and Business Head, he has scaled multiple ventures with financial discipline, governance excellence, and sustainable growth. Samaira Panwar and Mehak Sharma are Corporate Brand Communication Managers, driving positioning, storytelling, and market resonance with clarity. 10. Vishal Nigam, Co-Founder & CEO of WTF Vishal Nigam is building WTF (Witness The Fitness) as a full-stack health and fitness company focused on solving India's execution gap in health and wellness. WTF began with WTF Gyms, which laid the foundation for a larger, integrated ecosystem designed to make fitness affordable, accessible, and experiential at scale. Under his leadership, WTF Gyms has grown into a network of 60+ operational facilities serving over 25,000 members. The gym network runs on a proprietary, technology-first backbone that powers end-to-end operations, member engagement, trainer performance, and service consistency - allowing physical infrastructure and digital intelligence to function as one system. Beyond gyms, Vishal has expanded WTF into multiple interconnected verticals spanning technology platforms, performance and transformation programs, digital fitness solutions, education and upskilling, and community-led health initiatives. Central to this ecosystem is Nexus, a proprietary community layer built to drive continuity, accountability, and long-term participation beyond the gym floor, reinforcing sustainable health behaviors. Vishal's vision is anchored in systems thinking and disciplined execution, with a focus on building scalable, enduring platforms rather than short-term interventions. His work is redefining how health and fitness are delivered in India - through a single, connected, full-stack ecosystem. Disclaimer: This listicle has been provided by Nandish Communication. (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.) The Centre today blocked 242 illegal betting and gambling website links as part of increased enforcement actions following the passage of the Online Gaming Act, government sources said. They said that action taken today reflects the Government's commitment to protect users especially youth, and to curb financial and social harm caused by illegal online betting and gambling platforms "So far, over 7,800 illegal betting and gambling websites have been taken down, with a significant increase in enforcement actions after the passage of the Online Gaming Act," a source said. President Dropadi Murmu had given her assent to The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, that was passed by Parliament in August last year. The legislation marked a strong move to shield citizens from the menace of online money games while promoting and regulating other kinds of online games. The legislation is designed to curb addiction, financial ruin and social distress caused by predatory gaming platforms that thrive on misleading promises of quick wealth, a release said, adding that it reflects the Government's resolve to safeguard families while guiding the digital economy towards safe and constructive growth. The seriousness of the issue is recognised globally. The World Health Organization classifies gaming disorder as a health condition in its International Classification of Diseases, describing it as a pattern of play marked by loss of control, neglect of other daily activities, and persistence despite harmful consequences. The release said online money gaming platforms have caused widespread harm. Families have lost their savings. Young people have fallen into addiction. In some heartbreaking cases, financial distress linked to these games has even led to suicides. The Government responded to the situation by recognizing these dangers. The Act strikes a balance and recognizes the online gaming sector as one of the most dynamic segments of the digital and creative economy, with significant opportunities for innovation, cognitive development, employment generation, technological advancement and global competitiveness. It encourages e-sports, which are organised competitive video games, and promotes safe online social and educational games. It separates constructive digital recreation from betting, gambling and fantasy money games that exploit users with false promises of profit. (ANI) AAP national media incharge Anurag Dhanda on Thursday stated that a Jalandhar Court has ruled that the alleged video of purported remarks of AAP leader Atishi, shared by Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, has been "found to be doctored" and has ordered its removal from social media platforms. "Kapil Mishra posted a fake video and attempted to do sacrilege of the Gurus. That conspiracy stands completely exposed today. The Jalandhar Court's order clearly says that the video posted on 'X' by Kapil Mishra was found to be doctored. Since the video can provoke and hurt religious sentiments, the Court ordered that the video be immediately taken down from all social media platforms...This also makes it clear that the BJP, which was supporting Kapil Mishra in this matter, also stands exposed..." Dhanda said. Earlier, a Jalandhar court ruled that the video was doctored. Following a forensic examination, the court ordered all social media platforms to remove the video and delete all related links from accounts that posted it. An FIR was registered by the Jalandhar Police in connection with the "fake video". The FIR was registered on the complaint of Iqbal Singh Bagga, an AAP leader from Jalandhar Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta had earlier this month issued notices to Punjab's DGP, Jalandhar Police Commissioner, and Special DGP Cyber Cell, giving them 48 hours to respond regarding an FIR filed over a "doctored video clip" of Assembly proceedings."The DGP Punjab, Police Commissioner Jalandhar, and Special DGP Cyber Cell, Punjab, have been issued notices and given 48 hours to submit their written explanations along with all relevant documents in response," Gupta said at a press conference. According to a release, Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat issued a formal notice regarding the FIR registered in Jalandhar concerning the alleged doctored video clip of the Assembly proceedings.The notice stated that the House is already seized of the issue, and the video clip has been referred for forensic examination and to the Committee of Privileges. It also conveyed the Speaker's concern about the Punjab Police's involvement in a matter considered to fall within the House's privileged domain and seeks a detailed explanation, along with relevant documents, from the relevant authorities. On Sunday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a massive protest outside the BJP headquarters in New Delhi over the alleged circulation of "a doctored video". Several AAP MLAs and party leaders were detained by the police during the demonstration. (ANI) Chairperson of Nigerian Delegation, Ayokunle Ibrahim Isiaka hailed the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), 2026, as a "deeply captivating" and called for concrete guidance on AI. Speaking with ANI, Isiaka said, "...I don't know if this is the largest number of members from participating countries you've had recently. Even from the House of Commons, I could see all of them there. I'm highly excited and deeply captivated by the program's arrangements... Many subjects are also mentioned. Look at AI and robotics... We can use it to advance many things... it can also be used to destroy many things. I'm afraid... efforts must be taken, concrete guidance must be adopted, especially in this program..." He further said, "Then, women's inclusion... and youth... Then the global economy and other areas of human endeavour have been so encapsulated and put into the program. We are now receiving diverse opinions and advice from nearly every nook and cranny of the world... Whatever the outcome, we are able to walk the talk, measure progress, and review our strengths. If there are some weaknesses, we go back and address them... By the time we have another two or three sessions. Definitely, the Commonwealth meeting has achieved more than 100% of its aims, objectives, and goals." Meanwhile, 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.(ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is scheduled to arrive in the national capital today amid ongoing speculation and a power tussle within the state Congress over the Chief Minister's position. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, on Wednesday, while responding to queries regarding his proposed visit to the national capital, confirmed his travel plans. "On 16th January, I will be going to Delhi," he said, without elaborating further on the agenda of his visit. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the arrival of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Delhi. The Chief Minister had earlier stated that any decision related to leadership or governance in the state would be taken by the party's high command and would be final. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has clarified that there were no discussions regarding a change in the Chief Ministership during the recent visit of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to the state. Addressing reporters, Shivakumar said that the meetings held during Rahul Gandhi's visit were routine and conducted as per established protocol. "I am Karnataka's Congress President, and he is the leader of the opposition. These meetings and talks are as per protocol; all this cannot be discussed in public... There are no such discussions (CM change). Rahul Gandhi has asked us to continue the good work, and we will work accordingly," Shivakumar said. He added that the meeting also covered developmental issues, including the progress of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), and deliberated on the political scenario in Karnataka. "We also spoke about what kind of progress is taking place as far as NREGA is concerned. We also discussed the BJP politics in the state," he added. The latest developments come against the backdrop of speculation about a possible change in the state's leadership after the Congress government in Karnataka completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. This milestone has reportedly intensified discussions and speculation within political circles regarding power-sharing arrangements in the state. As a result, it has allegedly triggered an ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara emerging as key figures in the unfolding political churn. Senior Congress leaders, including Siddaramaiah and G Parameshwara, have repeatedly asserted that any decision on the Chief Ministership rests solely with the party's high command. They have also dismissed reports of internal discord, terming them speculative and media-driven. (ANI) He praised Thiruvalluvar's teachings, saying they inspire countless people and reflect the best of Tamil culture. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Today, on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the versatile Thiruvalluvar, whose works and ideals inspire innumerable people. He believed in a society that is harmonious and compassionate." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2011996841907536369 He also encouraged everyone to read the Tirukkural to understand the poet's wisdom. "He personifies the best of Tamil culture. I urge you all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of the great Thiruvalluvar," the post read. Thiruvalluvar Day is celebrated annually on January 16 in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to honour the poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also paid tribute to Thiruvalluvar on his birth anniversary. He said Thiruvalluvar's Tirukkural offers timeless guidance on ethics, governance, compassion, and human values that continue to inspire people everywhere. https://x.com/ombirlakota/status/2012006185915072671?s=20 "Respectful tribute on the birth anniversary of the great Tamil saint, poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar," Birla said in a post on X. "Through his immortal work Tirukkural, he gave the world profound guidance on ethics, governance, righteousness and compassion. His teachings transcend time, religion and geography, continuing to inspire humanity with values of moral conduct, social harmony and human dignity," the post read. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also paid tribute to Thiruvalluvar, saying the Thirukkural's universal teachings inspire people across cultures and will continue to guide humanity. "Homage to the great philosopher, poet-saint and an unparalleled cultural icon Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day," Pradhan said in a post on X. "The universal ideas and values of Thirukural resonate across cultures and will forever be a source of knowledge and inspiration for humanity. His teachings will continue to guide us in our endeavours," he said. (ANI) YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy slammed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday over the death of a YSRCP worker, allegedly beaten to death by iron rods, accusing the CM of engaging in "violent politics." In a detailed post on X, Reddy questioned the Chief Minister over the death of the party worker from Pinnelli village in the Gurazala constituency, calling the deceased -- namely Manda Salman -- "a victim of the consequences of Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) rule." "Are you even eligible to govern? How many lives will you sacrifice for political parties? Even while holding the Chief Minister's post, will you engage in such chaos under the guise of the Red Book Constitution and political governance? What answer do you have for the murder of our party worker from Pinnelli village in the Gurazala constituency, Manda Salman--a Dalit, a poor man--who fell victim to the consequences of your party's rule?" Reddy accused. Further in the post, Reddy alleged that a series of such "politically violent attacks" is being carried out by the Chief Minister and the ruling party, calling them ways to "suppress the YSRCP forever." "Is it a crime for Salman to go to his own village to see his ailing wife, only to be beaten with iron rods and murdered? On top of that, do they file a false complaint against Salman himself? Is this the heinous act you came to power for? This incident is part of the ongoing series of politically violent attacks being carried out and orchestrated by you, your party members, and some police officials to intimidate and suppress the YSRCP forever," he stated in the post. Reddy added that the alleged intimidation by the ruling party has forced "hundreds of YSRCP activist families from Pinnelli village to flee". He also alleged that such incidents have been taking place "across Palnadu and the entire state." He further questioned the Chief Minister's morals and accused him of undermining the state's "peace and security" for the party's sake. "In complete opposition to democracy, through relentless coercion, if there are people in the village who don't bow to you, your people, your MLA, and your police have threatened to kill them, with such intimidation, hundreds of YSRCP activist families from Pinnelli village have fled to other regions, clutching their lives in their hands. And that's not all; since the Assembly elections ended, countless such incidents have been continuously occurring across Palnadu and the entire state," Reddy stated. "Even with all this happening, you've shamelessly encouraged murderous violence. Isn't it your responsibility to provide protection to citizens and ensure they can live their lives freely? Isn't it utterly immoral that you've failed to fulfil such duties, and worse, that you yourself have undermined peace and security for your party's sake and stood as a backbone for murderous politics? Isn't this a constitutional violation committed by you as Chief Minister?" he added. Concluding the post, Reddy asserted that his party will stand for the deceased's family, adding that the CM will "have to pay the price" for such incidents. "Mr. Chandrababu... The people will never forgive you for engaging in violent politics, no matter the circumstances. You will undoubtedly have to pay the price for such incidents. Never forget that what you sow is what you'll reap tomorrow. YSRCP will stand as a support for Salman's family, who fell victim to murder at the hands of TDP, and will protect them," Reddy stated in the post. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to elect its new president on January 20 (Tuesday) after they publish their internal party electoral rolls later today. According to the official notification issued by the party's national returning officer and Rajya Sabha MP K Laxman, the electoral rolls of the party will be published at 12 noon and the enrolment process for the candidates will start on January 19. Beginning at 2 PM on January 19, the process will go on till two hours. From 4 PM to 5 PM, the scrutiny of the nomination papers will be held, and afterwards all the candidates will have an hour's time (5 PM to 6 PM) to withdraw their names, if needed. The official announcement, or the necessary voting will take place on January 20. Currently, Nitin Nabin is serving as the party's working president, and is expected to succeed Union Minister JP Nadda, who assumed office in January 2020. Nadda was also the first national working president of the party. According to Article 21 of the BJP constitution, any eligible member can hold the post of the president for 2 consecutive terms for 3 years each. According to Article 19, the election of the party president happens through the electoral college consisting of Members of the National Council, Members of the sate councils. The election will take place in accordance with the rules framed by the National Executive. Any twenty members of the electoral college of the party can jointly propose a name for the party president. The person nominated needs to be an active member for four terms, and has 15 years of total membership. If no other nomination is given by the electoral college, the new party president will assume office without voting. The BJP's national council consists of members elected by the state council; 10 per cent of Parliament members, to be elected by the party members in Parliament. The elected members cannot be less than 10, and if they are, then all of them will be elected. Other members also include all former national presidents, all state presidents, leaders of the party in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and leaders of party in State assemblies and councils. The party's state council include elected members by the district units; 10 per cent of party legislators; 10 per cent of Parliament members from the state; all members of the national council from state; all former state presidents; all members of the state executive' leaders of the party is state assembly and councils; nominated members (not more than 25 by state presidents and others. According to the sources, all Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, all state BJP presidents, national office bearers, and senior BJP leaders have been asked to be present in Delhi for the election. Three sets of nominations will be filed for the national president's post. One set will have the signatures of more than 20 elected state BJP presidents. One set will have the signatures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda. BJP had appointed Bihar Minister and five-term MLA Nitin Nabin as the party's working president in December of last year. Union Minister JP Nadda currently helms the national party. The appointment of Nabin is seen as the party focusing on youth leadership. Since his appointment as the National Working President, Nitin Nabin has been deeply engaged in the party's preparations for the upcoming state assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry. Recently, Nitin Nabin visited Tamil Nadu to review party preparations to face Chief Minister MK Stalin-led DMK. Before Tamil Nadu, he was in Assam, where BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma is going to face a tough competition from Congress. (ANI) Following the Supreme Court issuing notices to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior state police officials, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Friday emphasised that "everyone must follow the law". Speaking to reporters, West Bengal Governor Bose said, "There are courts, everyone must follow the law, whatever the Supreme Court has said is final." West Bengal Governor's remarks came after 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. Earlier, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee allegedly interfered during an ED raid at the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC in connection with the coal smuggling case. Banerjee alleged that the central agency had seized party-related materials, including hard disks, candidate lists and strategic documents, and accused Amit Shah of misusing central agencies. "Is it the duty of the ED, Amit Shah, to collect the party's hard disk, candidate list? The nasty, naughty Home Minister who cannot protect the country is taking away all my party documents," Banerjee said while speaking to reporters. Banerjee asserted that I-PAC was not a private organisation, but an authorised team working for the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). She alleged that the ED had confiscated sensitive documents, including data linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This development in West Bengal has led to a sharp face-off between the ruling TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi on Friday paid floral tributes to the statue of Thiruvalluvar on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day at Lok Bhavan in Guindy. The day, observed on January 16 (on Leap Year as per Tamil Calendar) in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, commemorates Thiruvalluvar's contribution to Tamil literature and philosophy. Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin offered floral tributes to the Tamil poet. Tributes on Thiruvalluvar day poured in from across the nation, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extending greetings on the occasion and paying tribute to the famous Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. In a post on X, Kharge said, "Warm greetings on Thiruvalluvar Day. Today, we bow in reverent homage to Thiruvalluvar -- an enduring fountain of ethical, social, political, economic, religious, philosophical, and spiritual wisdom. His timeless Tirukkural stands as a rare and radiant guide, inspiring humanity with its clarity, compassion, and truth." Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the famous Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day. In his post on X, PM Modi said, "Today, on Thiruvalluvar Day, paying homage to the versatile Thiruvalluvar, whose works and ideals inspire innumerable people. He believed in a society that is harmonious and compassionate. He personifies the best of Tamil culture. I urge you all to read the Tirukkural, which gives a glimpse of the outstanding intellect of the great Thiruvalluvar." Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, Minister TRB Rajaa on Thursday 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. (ANI) Kerala Minister Roshy Augustine on Friday affirmed his agreement with the Chairman of the Kerala Congress (M), Jose K Mani's statement, stating that "his statement is the party's statement." Speaking to the media, Roshy Augustine said that there is no change in the party's agenda. "...Jose K Mani's statement is our party's statement. There is no change..." Regarding the agenda for the upcoming elections, Jose K. Mani, Chairman of the Kerala Congress (M), had said that the party will continue its alliance with the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Speaking to the reporters ahead of the party meeting, Jose K Mani said, "Today, our agenda is the upcoming election campaigns, and we have decided to continue our previous policy of joining hands with the LDF and facing the upcoming elections." Earlier, Congress MP Jebi Mather on Wednesday said that the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will visit Kochi on January 19 to boost party morale and formally kickstart the campaign for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. "Rahul Gandhi ji is coming to Kochi Marine Drive on January 19th at 2 PM to boost morale, enthusiasm and to kickstart the election campaign for the 2026 assembly elections," Mather said. She said the event will bring together Congress leaders and candidates from the recent local body elections."All our victorious candidates, those who fought valiantly, and our Panchayat presidents, Municipal chairpersons, and all the stars of the local body elections will be there, and Rahul ji will address them, and there will be a grand felicitation ceremony for all these candidates," she said. Targeting the CPI(M)-led Kerala government, the Congress MP alleged widespread corruption in the state."Every morning in Kerala, we hear new allegations of corruption, not just allegations, but real facts, and the High Court has said many times before that even God has not been spared from this corruption..." she said. "There is rampant corruption everywhere, in every sector, and there is even corruption in the Sabarimala ghee. So let the investigation happen, let the report be submitted," she added. Jebi Mather said the people have already expressed their discontent with the ruling party. The remarks come as the state prepares for its Legislative Assembly elections, expected to be held in April 2026 to elect 140 members of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. (ANI) During a press conference, CM Saini cited earlier statements by AAP leaders and expressed surprise at the scale of alleged lies. Saini claimed that Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal made false claims about assistance given to farmers. "Bhagwant Mann says he gave Rs 20,000 per acre to farmers. In Gujarat, Arvind Kejriwal says he gave Rs 15,000 per acre. I am surprised that they are telling such a big lie," said Saini. He accused Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal of "betraying" the people of Punjab through lies regarding farmer compensation for land. Saini highlighted that the Haryana government provided 1,400 crore aid to farmers, contrasting it with Punjab's alleged betrayal. He urged Punjab's people to support the BJP, stating that Punjab's future lies with the party "I want to tell the people of Punjab that the decision you made, the government you formed with such enthusiasm, has betrayed you", he claimed. He targeted the AAP leaders over their statements during the flooding in Punjab last year. On September 8, 2025, the Punjab government announced a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre for farmers whose land was submerged and whose crops were damaged due to floods in the state, according to a CMO statement. On September 29, Mann addressed a press conference, outlining the compensation details: Rs 20,000 per acre for crop damage, Rs 37,500 for cattle loss, and Rs 7,200 per acre for desilting efforts. Rs 4.5 crore has been sanctioned for draining water from the Fazilka and Ferozepur areas. "Rs 20,000 per acre will be given for crop damage, Rs 37,500 for cattle damage and Rs 7,200 per acre for desilting. Rs 4.5 crore for draining water from Fazilka and Ferozepur areas... Before Diwali, we will start handing out cheques for crop damage, cattle damage, and house damage, so that people can get relief," CM Mann said. (ANI) Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a commercial cooperation framework agreement, which will pave the way for them to deepen their long-standing partnership through definitive joint business agreements. This strengthened collaboration allows the airlines to explore ways to improve connectivity between Singapore and India, delivering greater choice and benefits for customers. According to a release, the agreement was signed in Mumbai on January 16 by Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson and SIA Chief Executive Officer Goh Choon Phong. Subject to regulatory approvals and the signing of definitive joint business agreements, the airlines aim to expand and enhance the product and service offerings, enabling seamless connections and more route options, and allowing customers to book flights across both airlines under a single unified journey. This partnership also envisages a closer coordination of flight schedules between Air India and SIA to improve convenience for customers. It could also expand to include greater cross-participation in the airlines' corporate travel programmes to improve offerings to business travellers. The airlines will explore plans to progressively enhance privileges beyond the current Star Alliance benefits for members of Air India's Maharaja Club and SIA's KrisFlyer frequent flyer programmes. Further details will be announced as the plans are finalised. Air India and SIA also plan to explore opportunities to broaden the scope of their cooperation in select markets, beyond Singapore and India, subject to regulatory approvals. This would meet the growing demand for global connectivity, support traffic flow through both carriers' hubs, and strengthen the air travel markets of both India and Singapore. Today, the airlines code-share on 61 points in 20 countries and territories. This follows the October 2024 expansion of their codeshare partnership, which added 51 international and domestic destinations across both networks, as per the release. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India, said, "Air India remains committed to expanding its global footprint, both by adding new aircraft to our own fleet and by forging stronger commercial partnerships, especially with our fellow Star Alliance member carriers. We are pleased to take our valued, long-term relationship with Singapore Airlines to the next level through this new commercial cooperation understanding, which establishes a clear and structured platform for both airlines to explore and define future areas of closer collaboration. With this measured approach, we aim to lay a strong foundation for sustainable, long-term value creation for our customers and other stakeholders." According to a release, the Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, Goh Choon Phong, said, "This agreement between Singapore Airlines and Air India is a natural evolution of our successful partnership, creating genuine value and delivering enhanced benefits to customers. It is a strategic, win-win collaboration that will strengthen connectivity between Singapore and India, support the growth of air travel and tourism in both countries, and deepen their long-standing business and people-to-people ties." (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday called up State BJP chief Ravindra Chavan to congratulate him, as the BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti is emerging victorious in Maharashtra civic polls. CM Fadnavis also called up Mumbai BJP President Ameet Satam and congratulated him on the BJP-Shiv Sena's emerging victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. As per the latest trends at 5 pm, the BJP-Shiv Sena's saffron alliance was leading on 130 out of 227 seats in the BMC polls, leaving the Thackeray brothers behind at 71. The BJP is emerging as the largest party in India's richest municipality, with 93 seats, while its alliance partner, the Shiv Sena, has 27. Shiv Sena (UBT) was leading on 62 seats, with MNS on 9. Congress was leading on 14 seats, while NCP (SP) led on one. BJP-Shiv Sena have managed to outrun the uncle-nephew duo of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In Pune, the BJP was leading on 90 seats out of the total 162, with Shiv Sena leading on two seats, and Mahayuti well above the majority mark. NCP was leading on 20 seats while NCP (SP) was struggling to open its account in Pune. In Pimpri-Chinchwad, the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance stands at 90 seats, while the NCP leads on 37 seats. Mahayuti is also emerging well above the majority marks in Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Jalna and Vasai-Virar. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane hailed the trends, stating that the Mahayuti will occupy mayor's seats in most of the Municipal Corporations in the state. In a social media video, Rane said, "It seems that everything is being prepared for people with the 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'I Love Mahadev' mindset, and those belonging to the Mahayuti alliance, to occupy most of the mayor's seats." A total of 29 Municipal Corporations in Maharashtra held polling on Thursday, with voting counting today. (ANI) A fire broke out at a furniture godown in Kolkata on Friday, visuals show thick black smoke rising high into the sky. Fire department personnel are battling the blaze while a large group of locals and police officials have gathered to monitor the situation. Efforts to douse the fire are underway. Further details awaited. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a massive fire broke out on Ganguly Street in Kolkata and continued for two hours, ultimately doused by fire tenders deployed at the scene. Three shops and adjoining areas were swept up in the fire. According to a South Kolkata fire officer, Sudipto B, the fire was contained with 10 fire engines sent to the scene. He stated that the fire's origin remains unknown, and three shops and the surrounding area sustained damage. "The fire is completely under control; the source of the fire is not yet known. We would require the forensic aid. 10 fire engines were deployed, whereas three shops and their adjoining areas have been affected," said the fire officer. Speaking to ANI at the scene, a local resident further explained the incident that the fire came out of three adjoining shops. "One house has also been burnt," he said. (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday said it has seized unaccounted cash of Rs 38.43 lakh, voluminous incriminating documents containing evidence of illegal sand mining during searches conducted at 16 premises located in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in respect to investigation relating to illegal sand mining from the sand ghats located in and around area of Nagpur and Bhandra districts of Maharashtra. The searches were carried out earlier this week in the Bhopal, Hoshangabad, and Betul districts of Madhya Pradesh, and in the Nagpur and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra. ED said the searches also led to the freezing of movable assets in the form of a bank balance worth Rs 1.34 crore and the seizure of eight vehicles, including one BMW, two Fortuners, one Thar, two JCB machines, and two Pokland Machines. ED's Nagpur sub-zonal office carried out the search operations under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, based on its investigation initiated on the basis of offences registered under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code, 186,0 at Sadar and Ambazari Police Station of Nagpur City against Narendra Pimple, Amol alias Guddu Khorgade and others. According to the agency, these accused persons were accused of running an organised illegal sand mining operation by using forged Electronic Transit Permits to extract, transport, and sell sand unlawfully. "It was revealed that despite the sand ghats around Nagpur being closed, the sand mafia, in collusion with transporters and others, were actively engaged in illegal excavation of sand from the sand ghats and receiving fake royalties from Madhya Pradesh and using the same to sell illegal sand in Nagpur. Several such cases have been booked by the Police Authorities against the offenders," said the ED. The money laundering investigation conducted by the ED has revealed that illegal sand mining was being carried out on a large scale by organised sand mafia groups. "They adopted a planned and deceptive method to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies during the transportation of illegal sand. Investigation has shown that a syndicate led by Rahul Khanna and Bablu Agarwal was preparing false and fabricated Electronic Transit Permits (ETPs) in the names of legally leased sand ghats in Madhya Pradesh. "These fake ETPs were sold to sand mafia operators in Nagpur for amounts ranging from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000 per ETP. Using these fake ETPs, the sand mafia operators transported illegally excavated sand from sand ghats located in Nagpur and nearby areas," said the ED in a statement. However, in government records, ED said, the accused falsely showed that the sand was loaded from legally leased ghats in Madhya Pradesh. "The vehicle numbers mentioned in the ETPs were also shown as valid and registered on the government portal. However, analysis of GPS data of these vehicles revealed that the vehicles never travelled to the Madhya Pradesh ghats as mentioned in the ETPs," it stated. Instead, the agency said, during the same time period shown in the ETPs, the vehicles made repeated trips from illegal sand ghats in and around Nagpur. "Through this method, the accused persons earned large illegal profits and caused heavy loss to the Government by evading royalty and taxes. The Proceeds of Crime (POC) generated from these activities are prima facie estimated to be more than Rs 30 crore." The agency said its search operation led to the seizure of "unaccounted and unexplainable cash of Rs 38.43 lakh, voluminous incriminating documents, records, property papers, digital devices containing evidence of illegal sand mining and thereby deriving huge POC and investing the same in the acquisition of properties." (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis attributed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti's sweeping victory in the civic polls to the "development agenda", while stating that the alliance will form Mayors in 25 of the 29 Municipal Corporations. As per the latest trends at 6 pm, the BJP-Shiv Sena's saffron alliance was leading on 124 of 227 seats in the BMC polls, leaving the Thackeray brothers behind at 71. The BJP is emerging as the largest party in India's richest municipality with 94 seats, with its alliance partner Shiv Sena at 30. Shiv Sena (UBT) was leading on 62 seats, with MNS on nine. Congress led on 15 seats, while NCP (SP) led on one. BJP-Shiv Sena have managed to outrun the uncle-nephew duo of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Mahayuti is also emerging well above the majority marks in Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Jalna and Vasai-Virar. Addressing the BJP workers at the party office in Mumbai, Devendra Fadnavis "bowed down" to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr BR Ambedkar and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, while hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for the victory in the local body elections. "I bow down to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the architect of India's Constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar. Today, first of all, I want to thank the citizens of Maharashtra for giving a grand victory to the BJP in the municipal elections. BJP and Mahayuti are going to form their 25 mayors after these elections," he said. After the Mahayuti recorded a landslide win in the state assembly polls, Fadnavis said that the victory in the civic polls was a testament to people's trust in PM Modi. "We faced these elections with a vision of development in the leadership of Modi ji. And voters have reciprocated well to our development agenda. And that is why we have a record-breaking mandate in several civic bodies. It is clear that people have certified that they want an agenda of development. These results have also clarified that Maharashtra still trusts Modi ji. I also remember Balasaheb Thackeray on the occasion," he said. Further, he said that the alliance will "transform" the cities and will work for the poor and the middle class. The Chief Minister said, "We will transform the cities wherever we rule, and we will try to change the lives of all the poor and middle-class people of those cities. The soul of our work and our thought is Hindutva, and we are very proud of it. So for us, development and Hindutva cannot be separated. Our soul of being Hindu has taken us to the people of Maharashtra, and we are not those who believe in narrow-minded Hindutva, but we believe in an expanded form of Hindutva. Our Hindutva is inclusive of all those who believe themselves to be part of the Indian civilisation." "I want to advise all BJP workers that they must keep this in mind that when we have been elected by the voters now we have even bigger responsibility to behave ourselves, and we should not be swept away by this victory, and we should be responsible about this victory because this victory has come to us due to the vision of development of PM Modi. Before coming here, I called Eknath Shinde ji, and I congratulate him, as Mahayuti we have emerged victorious," he added. Earlier in an X post, Fadnavis stated that the victory reflects people's trust in the party's vision. "BJP writes history once again at the Municipal Corporation Election 2025-26! Under the visionary leadership of Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji, along with the guidance of BJP National President and Hon Union Minister JP Nadda ji, Hon Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amitbhai Shah, BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin ji, and the tireless efforts of BJP State President MLA Ravindra Chavan and all the party workers, BJP has achieved a momentous victory in the state once again! This victory reflects people's trust in the BJP's vision, ensuring progress and development," the Chief Minister wrote on X. A total of 29 Municipal Corporations in Maharashtra underwent polling on Thursday, with the counting of votes on Friday. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti have gone well past the halfway mark in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, leading on 122 of 227, as per the last trends from the state election commission The BJP is emerging as the largest party in India's richest municipality, with 93 seats, with its alliance partner Shiv Sena leading on 29. The Thackeray brothers trail at 70 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) gaining 61 seats and MNS nine. In response to MNS chief Raj Thackeray's 'rasamalai' jibe against Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai, Mumbai BJP chief spokesperson Niranjan Shetty and others celebrated the party's victory by distributing rasmalai. Raj Thackeray had taken a sharp jibe at the BJP leader whom he mockingly referred to as 'rasmalai'. Congress, which clinched Latur, winning 43 of 70 seats, was leading on 15 seats in Mumbai, while NCP (SP) led on one. As per the trends till 6:30 pm, the uncle-nephew duo of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar have failed to touch the majority mark in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with NCP (SP) unable to open its account. In Pune, the BJP was leading on 90 seats with its alliance partner Shiv Sena at two, while Ajit Pawar, who left the Mahayuti to unite the two NCP factions, led on 20 seats. In Pimpri-Chinchwad, the BJP-Sena alliance led on 90 seats while the NCP on 34. Mahayuti is also emerging well above the majority marks in Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Jalna and Vasai-Virar. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane mocked Aaditya Thackeray in a social media post, bringing back the 'penguin' jibe. He said, "Jai Shri Ram to Uddhav ji and penguin." Earlier today, Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis attributed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti's sweeping victory in the civic polls to the "development agenda", while stating that the alliance will form Mayors in 25 of the 29 Municipal Corporations. Addressing the BJP workers at the party office in Mumbai, Devendra Fadnavis "bowed down" to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr BR Ambedkar and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, while hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for the victory in the local body elections. He said, "I bow down to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the architect of India's Constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar. Today, first of all, I want to thank the citizens of Maharashtra for giving a grand victory to the BJP in the municipal elections. BJP and Mahayuti are going to form their 25 mayors after these elections." "We faced these elections with a vision of development in the leadership of Modi ji. And voters have reciprocated well to our development agenda. And that is why we have a record-breaking mandate in several civic bodies. It is clear that people have certified that they want an agenda of development. These results have also clarified that Maharashtra still trusts Modi ji. I also remember Balasaheb Thackeray on the occasion," he added. A total of 29 Municipal Corporations in Maharashtra underwent polling on Thursday, with the counting of votes today. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti on Friday recorded sweeping victories in Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Dhule, Panvel, Jalgaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad and Jalna municipal corporations, out of the 29 municipal corporations undergoing vote counting in Maharashtra. In the Navi Mumbai civic body polls, the Yuti won by a thumping majority, with the BJP winning 65 seats and Shiv Sena winning 43 of the total 111 seats. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP won 37 seats, and the alliance partner Shinde Sena won 36 out of 78 seats. In Panvel and Dhule, the BJP got a majority for the Mahayuti single-handedly, winning 55 out of 78 seats and 50 out of 74 seats respectively, while the Sena won two and five seats respectively. Saffron ruled in Jalgaon as the BJP won 46 and the Sena won 22 of 75 seats. In Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, the BJP alone crossed the majority mark, winning 39 of 78 seats while Shiv Sena and NCP won two and 16 seats respectively. Congress won 18 seats here. In Jalna, the BJP-Sena won 53 of 65 seats, defeating Congress, which won only nine. In Bhivandi-Nizampur civic polls, no alliance could cross the majority mark of 45 as Congress won 32 seats, NCP (SP) 12, BJP 22 and Shiv Sena 12. Similarly, in Malegaon, Shiv Sena emerged as the largest party with 18 seats, while no major player crossed the majority line. The BJP won 25 seats in Ahilyanagar, while Ajit Pawar's NCP won 27, Sena won 10, Congress two and Shiv Sena (UBT) one. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led victory in the Maharashtra civic polls, attributing the win to the "pro-people good governance" agenda. Expressing gratitude to the electors, PM Modi said that the NDA's "vision for development has struck a chord" with the people of the state. He wrote on X, "Thank you, Maharashtra! The dynamic people of the state bless the NDA's agenda of pro-people, good governance! The results of various municipal corporation elections indicate that the NDA's bond with the people of Maharashtra has further deepened. Our track record and vision for development have struck a chord. My gratitude to the people across Maharashtra. This is a vote to add momentum to progress and celebrate the glorious culture the state is associated with." He also lauded the NDA workers for the win for "countering the lies of the Opposition. "I am very proud of every NDA Karyakarta who worked tirelessly among people across Maharashtra. They talked about our alliance's track record, highlighted our vision for the coming times and also effectively countered the lies of the Opposition. My best wishes to them," the Prime Minister wrote. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis attributed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti's sweeping victory in the civic polls to the "development agenda", while stating that the alliance will form Mayors in 25 of 29 Municipal Corporations. (ANI) Kashmiri Shia Muslims in Srinagar and Budgam staged demonstrations in support of Iran and protested against the United States and Israel amid the ongoing unrest in the Islamic Republic. Iran is currently witnessing anti-government protests, and US President Donald Trump has encouraged them, stating over the weekend that Washington DC stands ready to help. Aga Syed Hasan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, President of the Anjuman Sharie Shian in Jammu and Kashmir, accused the US and Israel of "spreading terror" in Iran. He said, "It wants to spread terror across the country. So, we are protesting against them (the US and Israel). We will protest against atrocity and injustice." A protester told ANI, "Israel and the US do not let people live in peace. So, we are protesting against those enemies. Every country should be able to thrive. We are with Khamenei sahab and his people. We will continue to protest against the atrocity. We will sacrifice ourselves, but we will keep protecting Islam." J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who assured him that steps will be taken to safeguard the interests and lives of students and other people from Jammu and Kashmir who are in Iran now. Earlier on Friday, Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, aka Engineer Rashid, wrote to Jaishankar, seeking his urgent intervention for the rescue and safe evacuation of Kashmiri students from the Islamic Republic. According to sources, the MEA is preparing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals from Iran amid the evolving situation there. India on Friday stated that it is engaging with the US to ensure that work linked to India's projects at Iran's Chabahar Port continues under a time-bound sanctions waiver from Washington, which is set to expire on April 26 this year. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a weekly media briefing, told reporters, "On the question of Chabahar, on October 28, 2025, as you are aware, the US Department of the Treasury had issued a letter outlining guidance, the guidance on the Conditional Sanctions Waiver, which is valid until April 26, 2026. We remain engaged with the US side in working out this arrangement." India proposed developing the Chabahar Port in 2003 to provide an alternative route for Indian goods to reach landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia via road and rail connectivity under the International North-South Transport Corridor, bypassing Pakistan. The progress on the project had slowed earlier due to US sanctions on Iran linked to its suspected nuclear programme. (ANI) Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah on Friday hailed the BJP-Shiv Sena's victory in the Maharashtra civic polls, stating that the win shows people's faith in the development policies of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Mahayuti recorded sweeping victories in Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Dhule, Panvel, Jalgaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad and Jalna municipal corporations while also touching the majority mark in the emerging trends of the BMC polls. In an X post, Amit Shah attributed the win to the state government's development and welfare work. He wrote, "The resounding victory of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the Maharashtra municipal elections demonstrates that the people across the country have unwavering faith only in the development policies of the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This historic success is a clear endorsement by the people of the development and welfare work undertaken by the Mahayuti government in the state. Heartfelt gratitude to the people of Maharashtra for this overwhelming support." "Heartiest congratulations to Chief Minister Devevendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP State President Ravindra Chavan, and all the BJP-Shiv Sena workers on this victory," the X post added. In the Navi Mumbai civic body polls, the Yuti won by a thumping majority, with the BJP winning 65 seats and Shiv Sena winning 43 of the total 111 seats. In Ulhasnagar, the BJP won 37 seats, and the alliance partner Shinde Sena won 36 out of 78 seats. In Panvel and Dhule, the BJP got a majority for the Mahayuti single-handedly, winning 55 out of 78 seats and 50 out of 74 seats respectively, while the Sena won two and five seats respectively. Saffron ruled in Jalgaon as the BJP won 46 and the Sena won 22 of 75 seats. In Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, the BJP alone crossed the majority mark, winning 39 of 78 seats while Shiv Sena and NCP won two and 16 seats respectively. Congress won 18 seats here. In Jalna, the BJP-Sena won 53 of 65 seats, defeating Congress, which won only nine. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis attributed the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Mahayuti's sweeping victory in the civic polls to the "development agenda", while stating that the alliance will form Mayors in 25 of 29 Municipal Corporations. (ANI) West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) double-engine government of violence against migrant workers in their respective states. Her remarks come amid rising reports of mob lynching incidents in Bihar. Banerjee highlighted the alleged death of a worker in Bihar, stating, "One person was beaten to death in Bihar yesterday. Migrant workers are being tortured every day wherever there is the BJP's double-engine government". She sharply accused the BJP-led goverment for these cases, claiming, "They are killing our people. Nothing could be worse than this". CM Mamata Banerjee also attended an event that laid the foundation stone for the proposed Mahakal Temple in Siliguri and levelled similar accusations against the BJP during her address. The Chief Minister asserted that workers from West Bengal are often being specifically targeted for merely speaking Bengali. "Bengali-speaking migrant workers are being tortured in BJP-ruled states. Migrant workers are living peacefully in West Bengal without any harassment. Why are Bengali-speaking workers being targeted elsewhere?... They are beaten up in Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, or Bihar," she accused. She highlighted that violence has no connection to religion, emphasising her point by citing Mahatma Gandhi's words. "Beating people is not religion. Giving life is religion. Life is about doing good, virtuous deeds for as long as we live, just as Gandhiji said, 'Ishwar Allah Tere Naam, Sabko Sanmati De Bhagwan'," she stated. Meanwhile, the Bihar State Minority Commission earlier this month took strict cognisance of the increasing incidents of mob lynching in the state and directed the appointment of a senior police officer as a nodal officer in every district to maintain a peaceful environment. In Patna, the Commission expressed deep concern over the tragic and worrying reports of mob lynching frequently emerging from the state and demanded prompt and effective action from the state government. In this regard, the Commission Chairman, Maulana Ghulam Rasool Balyawi, sent a letter to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Bihar and the Director General of Police. According to the Commission, viral videos on social media and news published in various newspapers and channels make it clear that in several districts of Bihar, mobs are targeting people for violence based on rumours and religious identity by labelling them as "Bangladeshis," which is highly condemnable. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the death of noted industrialist Mohan Lal Mittal, remembering him as a man who "distinguished himself" in the world of industry, and was "very passionate about Indian culture." PM Modi took to X to pay his condolences, saying, "Shri Mohan Lal Mittal Ji distinguished himself in the world of industry. At the same time, he was very passionate about Indian culture. He supported various philanthropic efforts, reflecting his passion for societal progress. Pained by his passing. I will cherish our various interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2012153595819606442 Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also remembered the industrialist and spoke about his notable contributions. "Saddened by the demise of Shri Mohan Lal Mittal ji. A distinguished industrialist, he made notable contributions to the world of enterprise by laying the foundation of a powerful business legacy. His resilience and philanthropic activities will continue to inspire generations. Condolences to his family and loved ones in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!", Goyal posted on X. Earlier in the day, PM Modi attended an event that marked 10 years of StartUp India at Bharat Mandapam and highlighted that the Startup India initiative has turned into a major revolution over the past decade, helping India emerge as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem Addressing the programme, he said, "Remember, what the situation was like 10 years ago... There was no scope for individual effort and innovation at all. We challenged those circumstances, we launched Startup India, and we gave the youth an open sky, and today the result is in front of us. In just 10 years, the Startup India mission has become a revolution. India is today the world's third-largest startup ecosystem."The Prime Minister praised young innovators on the completion of 10 years of the Startup India initiative, calling the journey a celebration of thousands of dreams turning into reality. (ANI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said that the Tripura government is working to improve the quality of the education system in the state, with the main objective of strengthening students morally. He said that teachers should pay special attention to enriching children's moral knowledge beyond textbooks. CM Saha said this at the annual prize distribution ceremony organised at Shankaracharya Vidyaniketan Girls' School in Agartala today on the occasion of its foundation day. Speaking at the ceremony, CM Saha said that everyone eagerly waits for this day in the school. "This day is a special joy not only for the students, but also for those associated with teaching and education, as well as for parents. It is not only necessary to read books; children should also be physically fit and have a special understanding of culture and agriculture," he said. The Chief Minister said that the Tripura government is continuously trying to improve the quality of the education system. "A few days ago, a conference titled 'Prabashi Tripura' was organised, where representatives from foreign countries and other states participated. These are the worthy children of this state who have now established themselves in their respective places. About 85 people attended the conference. They were also looking for a platform to do something for Tripura. It is possible to build a 'Srestha Tripura' through the mentality of pulling each other up. After learning about this conference, many have expressed their desire to come to Tripura. In the future, they can play a major role in making Tripura a developed and model state in the country," he said. During the discussion, the Chief Minister said that education is a subject through which one can establish oneself socially and economically. "Everyone listens to a person who possesses education with values. For this, proper education is necessary. Children must be enriched with moral knowledge beyond textbooks. Teachers need to pay special attention to this. Education is endless. We still have to study, as changes are happening every day in the field of education. Therefore, we must keep ourselves updated," CM Saha said. At the event, CM Saha reiterated that the main objective is to strengthen students morally. "Youth between the ages of 18 and 35 are now a great force for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These human resources are our children. Based on them, India will stand tall as one of the most powerful countries in the world in the future. Therefore, their future must be strengthened. About 50 percent of the population is women, and our government is working with special emphasis on women's empowerment," he said. In his speech, he also said that education is the bridge between ignorance and knowledge. "Through education, one can move from darkness to light. The Prime Minister is talking about building a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. In that direction, we are also moving forward towards the goal of 'Viksit Tripura 2047'," he added. Director of Education NC Sharma, Municipal Corporation Corporator Shampa Sarkar Chowdhury, Chairman of the Red Cross Society Bimal Kanti Roy, President of the School Management Committee Swapan Kumar Das, Principal of the School Mousumi Bhattacharya, social worker Shyamal Kumar Deb, and other prominent persons were present as distinguished guests at the event. (ANI) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday sought breach of privilege action against Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra over the circulation of an allegedly fake and misleading video related to the Delhi Legislative Assembly. AAP Chief Whip Sanjeev Jha, in a letter to Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, said a court in Jalandhar has declared the video as fake and misleading and directed its immediate removal from social media platforms. He alleged that the video was used to tarnish the image of Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition (LoP) Atishi. Jha stated that the court observed distortion of facts in the video and an attempt to mislead the general public. He said the allegations levelled against Atishi in the video were found to be baseless and not part of the original Assembly record. Terming the issue serious, the AAP Chief Whip said that misuse of the names of Sikh Guru Sahibs hurt religious sentiments and could disturb social harmony. He alleged that the video was first circulated and promoted by Kapil Mishra, with the intent to misrepresent Assembly proceedings and provoke religious sentiments for political purposes. "It is an established principle under the privileges of the Delhi Legislative Assembly that the proceedings, records, and references of the House cannot be misused. Editing Assembly-related material in a fabricated manner and circulating it to provoke religious sentiments and level false allegations against an elected member clearly amounts to a breach of privilege and contempt of the House," he said. Jha said that editing Assembly material and circulating a fabricated video amounts to a breach of privilege and contempt of the House. He urged the Speaker to refer the matter to the Assembly Privileges Committee and to seek an explanation from Kapil Mishra regarding the circulation of the video. "Based on the order of the Jalandhar court and the facts available, this matter should be placed before the Privileges Committee. Kapil Mishra should be asked to clarify on what basis he circulated a video that the court has declared fake. Proceedings for breach of privilege should be initiated for levelling false allegations against LoP Atishi regarding the alleged insult of Sikh Guru Sahibs and for acts that hurt religious sentiments," he said. "To protect the dignity of the Legislative Assembly and religious harmony, the committee should make appropriate recommendations. This matter is not merely about political differences, but is a highly serious issue linked to the dignity of the Assembly, religious respect, social harmony, and constitutional values, and it calls for swift and strict action," he added. AAP national media incharge Anurag Dhanda on Thursday stated that a Jalandhar Court has ruled that the alleged video of purported remarks of AAP leader and Delhi Leader of Opposition Atishi, shared by Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra, has been "found to be doctored" and has ordered its removal from social media platforms. "Kapil Mishra posted a fake video and attempted to do sacrilege of the Gurus. That conspiracy stands completely exposed today. The Jalandhar Court's order clearly says that the video posted on 'X' by Kapil Mishra was found to be doctored. Since the video can provoke and hurt religious sentiments, the Court ordered that the video be immediately taken down from all social media platforms...This also makes it clear that the BJP, which was supporting Kapil Mishra in this matter, also stands exposed..." Dhanda had said. A Jalandhar court had ruled that the video was doctored. Following a forensic examination, the court ordered all social media platforms to remove the video and delete all related links from accounts that posted it. An FIR was registered by the Jalandhar Police in connection with the "fake video". The FIR was registered on the complaint of Iqbal Singh Bagga, an AAP leader from Jalandhar Delhi Assembly Speaker had earlier this month issued notices to Punjab's DGP, Jalandhar Police Commissioner, and Special DGP Cyber Cell, giving them 48 hours to respond regarding an FIR filed over a "doctored video clip" of Assembly proceedings."The DGP Punjab, Police Commissioner Jalandhar, and Special DGP Cyber Cell, Punjab, have been issued notices and given 48 hours to submit their written explanations along with all relevant documents in response," Gupta said at a press conference. According to a release, Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat issued a formal notice regarding the FIR registered in Jalandhar concerning the alleged doctored video clip of the Assembly proceedings.The notice stated that the House is already seized of the issue, and the video clip has been referred for forensic examination and to the Committee of Privileges. It also conveyed the Speaker's concern about the Punjab Police's involvement in a matter considered to fall within the House's privileged domain and seeks a detailed explanation, along with relevant documents, from the relevant authorities. On Sunday, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a massive protest outside the BJP headquarters in New Delhi over the alleged circulation of "a doctored video". Several AAP MLAs and party leaders were detained by the police during the demonstration. (ANI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday said that meaningful exchanges at Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), that concluded here on Friday, would strengthen the bonds within the Commonwealth family and pave the way for excellence in governance. He interacted with Speakers of various Commonwealth countries on the sidelines of CSPOC. In his meeting with Senator Julie LaShell Adderley, President of the Senate of The Bahamas, Birla discussed India's legislation providing 33% reservation for women. "A truly moving bilateral meeting with Senator Julie LaShell Adderley, President of the Senate of The Bahamas. We discussed India's landmark legislation providing 33% reservation for women, a significant step that mirrors our shared global commitment to gender-inclusive governance," he said in a post on X. Birla said it was heartening to note that both Houses of the Bahamian Parliament are currently led by women presiding officers. "Deeply touched by the President's sentiments regarding the profound inspiration and warmth she experienced during her visit to India. As the Mother of Democracy, India remains committed to leading by example and strengthening our age-old ties with our partners in The Bahamas through mutual respect and parliamentary excellence." Birla said that his interaction with Dr Tulia Ackson and Dr Christopher Kalila from CPA Secretariat was engaging "As we deliberate on the future of legislatures, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to parliamentary excellence, transparency, and people-centric governance. The leaders highly praised PM Shri @narendramodi for his visionary efforts in promoting South-South Cooperation and emphasized the need for a dedicated international platform to further this mission. Together, we are working to empower the voices of citizens across the Commonwealth and the Global South," Birla said in a post on X. The Lok Sabha Speaker said he had a fruitful discussion with Tlohang Sekhamane, Speaker of Lesotho's National Assembly and Ms Mamonaheng Mokitimi, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Lesotho. "I was honoured by their appreciation of my experience and India's democratic framework. Such meaningful exchanges at CSPOC 2026 strengthen the bonds within the Commonwealth family and pave the way for excellence in governance," he said. Birla said he had wonderful meeting with Tan Sri Dato' (Dr) Johari Abdul, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia. "Deeply appreciate his kind words on my political journey. We discussed the immense potential of our partnership, from boosting tourism and mutual investment to the incredible contribution of the Indian Diaspora. Inspired by his mention of the 'Silicon Valley success', where over 60% of engineers are Indians; we committed to strengthening our parliamentary and people-to-people connect," he said. Birla and Guyana Speaker Manzoor Nadir discussed ways to strengthen democratic institutions. "Delighted to meet the Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana, Mr Manzoor Nadir. We had an insightful discussion on how his rich experience from the grass-roots can help strengthen our democratic institutions. His vision for inclusive governance is inspiring for the youth of the Commonwealth. India and Guyana share a deep-rooted bond of friendship and mutual respect," Birla said in post on X. The Lok Sabha Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Singapore discussed the strengthening of Strategic Partnership between the two countries. "Nice meeting with Mr. Xie Yao Quan, Deputy Speaker of Singapore at #CSPOC2026. I expressed admiration of his discipline, having served 6 years in the army and even trained in Uttar Pradesh. His young leadership is an inspiration for the youth worldwide. We discussed the leaps in development under PM @narendramodi & the strengthening of our Strategic Partnership since his 2024 visit. Looking forward to deepening our friendship groups," he said. In his meeting with Speaker of Solomon Islands, Birla discussed ways to boost people-to-people ties. "Warm interaction with Mr Patteson John Oti, Speaker of the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands, at a bilateral at #CSPOC2026. India has always stood by the Solomon Islands during catastrophes and difficult times. We reaffirmed our commitment to this enduring friendship and discussed the MoU on Visa Exemption to ease our people-to-people connect. As an experienced administrator, Speaker Oti's focus on parliamentary innovation is commendable. I have invited their MPs and staff to leverage our PRIDE institute for specialized training in legislative best practices," he said. Referring to his meeting with Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of Rwanda, Birla said they discussed shared democratic ties between the two countries. "Delighted to meet Ms Uwineza Beline, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of Rwanda, at #CSPOC26. Rwanda is a global beacon for gender equality in governance, with nearly 64% women's representation in their Parliament. We discussed how our shared democratic ties and long parliamentary experience can benefit not just our people, but the global community at large," he said in a post on X. Birla referred to his fruitful meeting with Ms Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, President of the Senate of Belize and Mr Marconi Leal Jr., Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. "From reinforcing our 40-year-old diplomatic ties to discussing the future of the Global South, our conversation highlighted a shared vision for robust governance. We are committed to sharing democratic values and leveraging digital innovations to better our legislative structures," he said. Birla said he was delighted to host Mr Joseph Isaac, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Dominica, for a bilateral meeting. "We discussed strengthening our trade-based relationship and the potential of our Committee System to serve as an inspirational model for legislative excellence. Speaker Isaac expressed deep admiration for Indian civilization and the resilience displayed at the National War Memorial. He was particularly inspired by our use of AI & Technology for real-time translation into 22 languages, a vital step in making governance truly inclusive and enhancing citizen participation." Referring to his meeting with Mr Helder Ernesto Injojo, First Vice President of the National Assembly of Mozambique, Birla said the two countries share ancient ties that pre-date the colonial era. "We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening these bonds through increased parliamentary exchanges and South-South Diplomacy, as envisioned by PM Shri @narendramodi ji. Deeply appreciate the First Vice President's praise for the Indian diaspora, whose hard work significantly enriches Mozambique's trade and economy. We look forward to sharing our legislative experience and the success of our Committee System to further our mutual democratic goals." The Lok Sabha Speaker said India and St. Kitts and Nevis share long-standing ties as partners in the Global South. "Delighted to welcome Ms. Lanein Blanchette, Speaker of the National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Ms. Latoya Jones, Deputy Speaker, for a bilateral meeting. Our nations share long-standing ties as partners in the Global South. We discussed augmenting our relations through the parliamentary platform, echoing the vision of PM Shri @narendramodi ji for a stronger and more unified Global South," he said. "The delegation, which beautifully combines youth and experience, expressed their appreciation for the warmth and hospitality of the Indian Parliament. Through these dialogues, we are committed to buttressing our bilateral ties and working together for a more inclusive future," he added. The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, concluded today with a renewed commitment to make democratic institutions more people-centric. Birla delivered the valedictory address at the three-day conference. He handed over the chairmanship of the 29th CSPOC to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, during the valedictory session and wished him the best for the success of the next CSPOC in London. Birla noted that democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people. He observed that transparency fosters public trust by ensuring openness in decision-making, while inclusivity guarantees that every voice--especially those on the margins--is heard and respected in the democratic process. Together, these principles sustain the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the enduring bond between the citizen and the State, he opined. Recalling the vision behind the establishment of CSPOC, 56 years ago, Birla said that the Conference was conceived to ensure continuous dialogue among democratic legislatures of the Commonwealth and to explore new ways of enhancing parliamentary efficiency and responsiveness. He stated that the 28th CSPOC had carried this legacy forward with renewed vigour and substance. The unprecedented participation of the largest number of countries in CSPOC's history was highlighted by the Speaker as a defining feature of this Conference. This wide and inclusive representation, he said, would ensure that the New Delhi Conference is remembered as a significant milestone in the history of Commonwealth parliamentary cooperation. (ANI) The Indian community in Oman, under the aegis of the Indian Embassy in the Sultanate, organised a grand programme in Muscat to celebrate the successful and historic voyage of INSV KAUNDINYA - The Stitched Ship of India, which sailed from Porbandar in Gujarat on December 29, 2025, and reached Muscat on January 14, 2026. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the welcome programme for the crew, Tavishi Behel Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Muscat, described the ship's arrival as an emotional and inspiring moment for the community. "It was yesterday when I saw INSV KAUNDINYA live for the first time... it literally gave me goosebumps once I actually saw it, because the ship is symbolic of 5,000 years of history," she said, adding that the large turnout of the Indian community reflected enthusiasm that went far beyond official or diplomatic circles.Pandey said interactions with the crew allowed community members to understand the challenges faced during the voyage and how they were overcome. She particularly highlighted the presence of Indian school students at the event. "What caught my attention was that there were a lot of Indian school students as well who were participating... they got their signatures of the real-life heroes and their ideals. So, it was a very heartwarming sight for me," she said, noting that the embassy plans to facilitate more structured interactions between students and the crew to keep young minds inspired. Underscoring the project's diplomatic and cultural importance, Pandey said the voyage held special significance for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to revive India's maritime heritage. "This has been a very special project for the Prime Minister...when he was here in Muscat in December, he coined the term 'Maitri', and the 'M' meant Maritime Heritage," she said, adding that India-Oman ties are rooted in geography, trust and centuries-old people-to-people links. She noted that the arrival of INSV KAUNDINYA further strengthened these bonds and coincided with the culmination of celebrations marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman. Pandey also highlighted the embassy's efforts to actively engage the Indian community, particularly students, in the maritime heritage initiative. She said competitions encouraging poems, stories and essays on INSV KAUNDINYA were organised during Vishwi Hindi Divas to spark curiosity and research among participants. Plans are also underway to arrange guided ship visits for students and community members, subject to port restrictions. The welcome programme also featured a special cultural presentation by a 10-member Gujarati folk dance troupe, led by renowned folk artist Shri Rajendrakumar D. Rawal. The troupe captivated the audience with vibrant performances of traditional Gujarati dance forms, including Kerbano Vesh (Bhavai), Hudo (Bharwad tribal dance), Mishra Raas, Talwar Raas, and Garbo, offering a colourful glimpse into Gujarat's rich folk heritage. INSV KAUNDINYA, a carefully reconstructed ancient stitched vessel inspired by India's early maritime traditions, completed the trans-oceanic voyage with a crew of 18 Indian Navy personnel. The expedition also included Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, who was part of the historic sailing team. The journey is widely seen as a tribute to India's nearly 5,000-year-old seafaring legacy and its pivotal role in early trade and cultural exchanges across the Indian Ocean region. (ANI) Ahead of the meeting between Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and Donald Trump, supporters gathered outside the White House on Thursday (local time), urging action against Venezuela's current regime. US President Donald Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado will meet today at White House. Supporters gathered in the US capital, waving flags and chants echoing calls for freedom and political change in their homeland. A supporter, Adriana Molinero, told ANI, "I have been here in the US for three years, and I'm here right now because I just want to go back and be part of the reconstruction of my country. I have a lot of friends who fought, who died, who are in prison right now just because they want to think differently... We just want freedom and want to express ourselves. I want to thank Maria Corina Machado. She has been the greatest leader in Venezuela right now, and to Donald Trump and Marco Rubio for helping our cause." Another supporter, Isabel Hayek, told ANI, "I truly trust in Maria Corina Machado. She's a big representation of the belief of all Venezuelans. She's a real leader... She is going to make President Trump understand that the people respect her, and the people respect him, and unfortunately, the current usurper of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, is not the person that Venezuela needs, wants, and deserves. We deserve Donald Trump, we deserve Maria Corina Machado, we thank Marco Rubio." Addressing reporters earlier, the US President described her as a "very nice woman," but said she "doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country" required to lead the nation. Machado, for her part, had earlier said on the Fox News programme Hannity that she wanted to "personally" thank Trump for the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Meanwhile, 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. (ANI) An appeals Court in the United States has struck down the decision made by an activist judge to release pro-Hamas activist Mahmoud Khalil and called it a "huge victory" for the Trump administration. In a post shared on X, the Department of State wrote, "The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down the decision made by an activist judge to release pro-Hamas activist Mahmoud Khalil. This is a huge win for the Trump Administration. We will not allow terrorist supporters to endanger the national security of the United States". https://x.com/StateDept/status/2011927194658807884 An appeals court panel in the United States has moved to dismiss a petition filed by Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil challenging his detention and deportation, in a decision that strengthens the position of President Donald Trump's administration, Al Jazeera reported. In a 2-1 ruling delivered on Thursday, the judges held that the federal court which had ordered Khalil's release last year did not have jurisdiction over the case. The decision could open the door for Khalil's re-arrest by immigration authorities, though the order will not take effect immediately and Khalil has indicated that he plans to appeal. "Today's ruling is deeply disappointing, but it does not break our resolve," Khalil said in a statement. "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, who missed the birth of his first child while in detention last year, was born in Syria, holds Algerian citizenship and is a lawful permanent resident of the United States. He is married to a US citizen and was pursuing a graduate degree at Columbia University in New York when immigration authorities detained him, Al Jazeera reported. He is among dozens of foreign students targeted by the Trump administration for deportation over their criticism of Israel, a move that rights groups say violates free speech protections under the US Constitution. Reacting to the ruling, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed concern, saying Khalil's arrest last year amounted to political repression. "Mahmoud is free - and must remain free," Mamdani wrote on X, Al Jazeera reported. Khalil's legal challenge had been proceeding on two tracks, a habeas corpus petition in federal court contesting the legality of his detention, and removal proceedings in the administrative immigration courts. The appeals panel agreed with the government's position that jurisdiction lay exclusively with the immigration courts under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Al Jazeera reported. "Our holdings vindicate essential principles of habeas and immigration law," the court said, adding that Congress had provided a separate legal mechanism for Khalil to raise his claims following a final order of removal. Immigration courts function under the US Justice Department rather than the independent judiciary, raising concerns over whether Khalil can receive a fair hearing. An immigration judge has already ruled that he is deportable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cited a rarely used provision of the INA, asserting authority to deport individuals deemed to pose "adverse foreign policy consequences" to the United States, to justify action against Khalil and other pro-Palestine students. In a dissenting opinion, Judge Arianna Freeman warned that the immigration system may not adequately address Khalil's constitutional claims. "Khalil claims that the government violated his fundamental constitutional rights. He has also alleged-- andproven --irreparable injuries during his detention," Freeman wrote. Khalil's legal team may now seek a review by the full Third Circuit Court before potentially approaching the US Supreme Court. Civil liberties groups have criticised the ruling, arguing it weakens the role of federal courts in preventing constitutional violations, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said on Friday that it recorded the presence of 34 PLA aircraft, 11 PLAN ships and one official ship operating around its territory. The Ministry of National Defence also added that 18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In a post on X, the MND wrote, "34 PLA aircraft, 11 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 18 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of National Defence said 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 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. "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," the MND wrote in a post on X. 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) The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) entered its third day on Friday, with delegates from across the Commonwealth arriving at the Parliament House to participate in key discussions aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and modern parliamentary practices. The high-level conference, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, has brought together 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, underscoring the event's global significance. Today, the sessions include a discussion on innovative strategies to improve public understanding of Parliament and enhance citizen participation beyond voting, to be addressed by Manzoor Nadir, Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana. A keynote address on "Security, Health and Wellbeing of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Staff" will also be delivered by Francis Scarpaleggia, Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, among other topics of discussion. The day will also mark the formal handover of the CSPOC chairmanship, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla passing the baton to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, who will host the 29th CSPOC. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the conference and addressed the session at the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan. PM Modi, during his address, said 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. "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," the Prime Minister said. Birla also addressed the gathering on Thursday, calling for a "collective responsibility" among Commonwealth nations to address challenges such as misinformation, cybercrime, and social division, while noting the "unprecedented" transformation in global technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). Several international dignitaries highlighted the importance of India hosting the conference. Jamaican High Commissioner to India, Jason Keats Matthew Hall, said it was fitting for India--the world's largest democracy--to host such a gathering. "It is very significant for India to host such an important meeting, especially given that India is home to the largest democracy, the largest parliament, and the largest political process in the world," Hall said, adding that the conference provided an opportunity to deliberate on "significant and meaningful subjects related to democracy in the 21st century." In discussions on artificial intelligence, Hall stressed the need for a regulatory framework, noting that while AI represents technological advancement, it must be governed responsibly to prevent misuse and ensure it benefits society. UK Member of Parliament and Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said it was "wonderful" to be back in India and described the conference as "a family coming together to speak about the democratic world we represent." Speaker of Parliament of Malawi, Sameer Gaffar Suleman, attending his first Commonwealth meeting, expressed gratitude to the Indian authorities and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the warm welcome, calling the sessions "a great learning experience". According to an official release, CSPOC is deliberating on a range of contemporary parliamentary issues, including the evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers, technological innovation in parliamentary functioning, and enhancing citizen engagement in democratic processes. (ANI) Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Thursday hosted 12 Members of the US House of Representatives and held talks on deepening India-US partnership spanning wide-ranging conversations. Kwatra said that India's strong economic growth projections strengthens this shared vision of prosperity. "A special evening at India House. Had the pleasure of hosting 12 Hon'ble Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Welcomed the consistent, bipartisan support in the US Congress for the deepening India-US partnership--spanning wide-ranging conversations on trade and economic ties, cutting-edge technology and innovation, robust defence cooperation, and crucial counterterrorism efforts. India's strong economic growth--projected around 7%+ in the coming years--further strengthens this shared vision for prosperity and security," he said. https://x.com/AmbVMKwatra/status/2012002998596075986?s=20 Kwatra shared some glimpses of his interaction with the representatives. "Welcomed Deborah Ross and Rob Wittman, co-chairs of the Congressional Study Group on India. This is an initiative to augment India's engagement with the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and is supported by the Association of Former Members of Congress and Roundglass Foundation," he said in a post on X. https://x.com/AmbVMKwatra/status/2012003516768719088?s=20 "Grateful for the presence of Jim Costa, Bill Huizenga, Ami Bera, and Donald Norcross. Appreciated their perspectives on various aspects of the bilateral relationship," he said. https://x.com/AmbVMKwatra/status/2012004005124456622?s=20 "Welcomed the support of Ron Estes, Chrissy Houlahan, Jay Obernolte and their guidance for strengthening our partnership," he added. https://x.com/AmbVMKwatra/status/2012005046419099734?s=20 "Valued the constructive exchanges on key pillars of bilateral cooperation with the new members of the 119th Congress Nathaniel Moran, Julie Johnson, and Jefferson Shreve," he said. https://x.com/AmbVMKwatra/status/2012005447675322420?s=20 Earlier on Thursday, Kwatra met US Senator Steve Daines and discussed bilateral relationship. https://x.com/AmbVMKwatra/status/2011593758920388738?s=20 In a post on X, he said, "Honored to welcome and host Senator Steve Daines at India House. We discussed various facets of our bilateral partnership including developments in trade, technology and innovation and evolving global landscape. Deeply appreciate and value his useful insights and strong support to the bilateral relationship." (ANI) Balochistan [Pakistan], January 16 (ANI) In a sharp denunciation of state policies, Nadia Baloch, sister of imprisoned Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Mahrang Baloch, has accused the Pakistani state of orchestrating what she described as an "engineered media onslaught" to undermine Baloch dissent. She said the state had transformed media platforms into tools for silencing human rights activism and student mobilisation across Balochistan, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, Nadia stated that enforced disappearances target Baloch youth, and an increasing number of women have surged, even as "fabricated storylines" circulate across mainstream outlets. She noted that these narratives are being pushed deliberately to delegitimise families and activists demanding accountability for long-standing abuses. Nadia stressed that censorship in Balochistan was not a new phenomenon, but warned that the current phase represented a far more "systematic and dangerous" form of control. Mainstream news organisations, she said, were being manipulated to rationalise what she termed "intensifying state violence", while the everyday realities of Baloch communities remained absent from national coverage. She further alleged that after tightening control over television and print media, authorities have shifted focus to online spaces. Nadia described the targeting of Baloch activists' social media accounts as an "alarming escalation". According to her, this expansion of repression was aimed at shutting down one of the few remaining platforms for Baloch voices. Calling it a "coordinated disinformation scheme", she argued that the state was actively concealing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial practices, and other serious violations, all while projecting misleading narratives to the global community. Nadia said Baloch activists now carry a greater responsibility to counter these tactics by using media platforms effectively and ensuring the United Nations and international rights groups are kept informed. She urged them not to allow the world to become a "silent spectator" to what she termed ongoing abuses, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post. Her remarks follow recent allegations by the BYC, which accused Pakistan's military information wing of conducting "media trials" to normalise enforced disappearances. State institutions were circulating "scripted propaganda" to justify intensifying crackdowns in the province, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI) UK MP Bob Blackman raised his concerns on Bangladesh and murder of Hindus there on Friday (local time). Speaking at the UK parliament, Blackman called on the government to take appropriate action to protect the minorities and ensure free and fair elections. https://x.com/BobBlackman/status/2011836858586534159?s=20 "Now, at the pre-recess adjournment debates, I raised the situation of Bangladesh, and the leader quite rightly wrote to the Foreign Secretary about the disastrous situation that is there now. Hindu men are being murdered on the streets, their houses being burnt, the temples are being burnt, and other religious minorities are suffering similar fates," he said. Blackman raised concerns that Awami League, a major political party in the nation, has been banned, while they command 30% in opinion polls. "Next month there are due to be so-called free and fair elections. The Awami League, are a major political party in Bangladesh, are banned from competing in those elections despite the fact they command something like 30% in the opinion polls. Equally, the Islamic extremists have called for a referendum which would change the constitution of Bangladesh forever. So could we have a statement from the Foreign Secretary next week on what action the government is going to take to make sure that there are free, fair and inclusive elections and minorities are protected," he said. Another MP said that the UK condemned the violence in the country, and expressed "We actively engage with the humanitarian situation and support the interim government on peaceful and credible elections. We have a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, and we continue to stress this to the interim government of Bangladesh. We condemn all acts of violence, whether they're religious or ethnic-based, and we welcome the commitments of the interim head of government to the safety of minorities, um where arrests are made," he said. The statement from MP Blackman and the ensuing short debate in the UK parliaments comes as a wave of communal violence cases have gripped the nation. Earlier, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal spoke on the recurring attacks taking place against minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting the need to deal with these incidents "swiftly and firmly". He made the remarks during the weekly press briefing. Responding to a query on the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, the MEA Spokesperson said, "We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities as well as their homes and businesses by extremists in Bangladesh. Such communal incidents need to be dealt with swiftly and firmly." (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday acknowledged India's innovation ecosystem emerging as a key driver of growth, employment, and economic transformation over the past decade as the country marks 10 years of the Startup India initiative. In a post on X, Jaishankar highlighted the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, sustained reforms, robust digital infrastructure, and supportive policies in empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening India's presence in the global economy. "As we mark a decade of the Startup India journey, India's innovation ecosystem has emerged as a powerful driver of growth, employment and economic transformation. Under PM Narendra Modi ji's leadership, sustained reforms, robust digital infrastructure and strong policy support have empowered our entrepreneurs and strengthened India's global footprint," Jaishankar said. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated a historic milestone, congratulating all stakeholders in India's Startup industry. Posting on X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Today is special because we mark a decade since the launch of Startup India. This day is about celebrating the courage, spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial zeal of our people, especially our youth, who have powered India's rise in the global Startup ecosystem." He also spoke about India's commitments to strengthen its startup ecosystem by working with all stakeholders. "The Reform Express that India has embarked on has created a very conducive atmosphere for StartUps to venture into areas previously unthinkable, be it space, defence and more." He also spoke about how Indian startups are contributing to the success of Atmanirbhar Bharat by Indian youth taking risks and becoming problem solvers. Speaking about the ecosystem, he mentioned the role of mentors, incubators, investors, academic institutions and others who support Startups. "Their support and insights go a long way in encouraging our youth as they innovate and contribute to growth", he noted. Startup India was launched on 16 January 2016 by the Prime Minister as a transformative national programme to nurture innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and enable investment-driven growth, making India a nation of job creators rather than job seekers. Over the past decade, it has emerged as a cornerstone of India's economic and innovation architecture. It has strengthened institutional mechanisms, expanded access to capital and mentorship, and fostered an enabling environment for startups to grow and scale across sectors and geographies. India's startup ecosystem has experienced unprecedented growth over this period, with more than 200,000 startups recognised nationwide. These enterprises have become significant drivers of employment generation, innovation-led economic growth and the strengthening of domestic value chains in diverse sectors. (ANI) Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) on Thursday appointed its Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani as the country's new prime minister, following the approval of the resignation of Salem Bin Buraik, Xinhua reported, citing the state-run Saba News Agency. According to Xinhua, citing Saba, at a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the PLC tasked al-Zindani with forming a new government in accordance with Yemen's constitution and relevant laws. Bin Buraik was appointed as advisor to PLC President Rashad al-Alimi on financial and economic affairs. Al-Alimi also issued a decree appointing Al-Zandani as the country's new Prime Minister and tasking him with forming a new cabinet. According to the decree, Al-Alimi formalised the appointment in line with Yemen's Constitution, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative, and the 2022 Declaration of Transfer of Power. Under the decree, the current government will remain in a caretaker capacity, excluding appointments and dismissals, until the new cabinet is formed. The decree also stipulates that it comes into force from the date of issuance and will be published in Yemen's Official Gazette. The appointments come amid the PLC's efforts to strengthen state institutions and advance political reforms, as Yemen continues to face prolonged economic and humanitarian challenges stemming from years of conflict. Earlier on Thursday, the PLC also replaced two members affiliated with the pro-secession Southern Transitional Council (STC), appointing former Defence Minister Mahmoud al-Subaihi and Hadramout Governor Salem al-Khanbashi, according to Xinhua, citing Saba. The move follows escalating tensions in southern Yemen in December 2025, when STC forces seized parts of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah, prompting Saudi airstrikes that forced the group to withdraw. The STC's remaining territory, including its seat in Yemen's Aden, was lost by early January. A dispute over the group's future arose after an STC delegation in Riyadh announced its intention to dissolve. However, the STC's spokesperson, Anwar Al-Tamimi and senior officials rejected the announcement as "null and void", insisting the STC remains legitimate and operational, Xinhua reported. Yemen has been engulfed in conflict since 2014, when Iran-aligned Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 in support of the government, but the ongoing war has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday underscored the importance of economic security, calling it "paramount" and stressing the need to de-risk both national and global economies amid an uncertain international economic environment. Speaking during his opening remarks at the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Jaishankar said India places a very high priority on its partnership with Japan, which has evolved over the past two decades into a broad, comprehensive and strategic relationship. "India attaches very great priority to its friendship with Japan. And over the last two decades, we have been successful in transforming the relationship from what was primarily an economic relationship into one that is broad, comprehensive, and strategic in its focus," Jaishankar said, referring to cooperation in platforms such as the Quad, the United Nations, the G4 grouping and the G20. Highlighting the shared Indo-Pacific vision, Jaishankar recalled that a former Japanese prime minister's address to the Indian Parliament laid the foundation for the Indo-Pacific as a political, economic, and strategic construct. "Much, much time has passed, but the relationship today sees that our initiative, what we call MAHASAGAR and vision for the Indo-Pacific align closely with your free and open Indo-Pacific outlook," the EAM said. Jaishankar was referring to Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's landmark "Confluence of the Two Seas" speech at the Indian Parliament in 2007 where he outlined a vision that later evolved into the modern Indo-Pacific framework, emphasising openness, connectivity and shared prosperity across Asia and beyond. In his address, Abe said that closer cooperation between Japan and India would help shape a "broader Asia" into an extensive network spanning the Pacific Ocean, incorporating countries such as the United States and Australia, which he envisioned as an open and transparent regional order that would enable the free flow of people, goods, capital and knowledge. Jaishankar, describing India and Japan as leading democracies and major global economies, said both countries have an obligation to help shape the global order. Emphasising economic security, Jaishankar said the dialogue would focus on resilient supply chains, critical minerals, and ways to address energy, health, and maritime security. "We are leading democracies. We are the major economies of the world. And we have today not just an opportunity but also an obligation, a duty, to shape the global order. And in the current uncertain global situation, it's even more important that we work closely towards shared strategic goals," the EAM said. "Economic security today is particularly paramount. Both our countries attach enormous importance to it. And how to de-risk our own economies and how to de-risk the international economy are both very important. We will be discussing resilient supply chains, critical minerals, and how to address energy, health, and maritime security in our talks today," he added. Jaishankar also noted that India and Japan will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations next year, expressing confidence that the special, strategic and global partnership will continue to strengthen. "In our bilateral discussions, I hope to address key priorities in our ties," EAM said. EAM's remarks come during his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi's visit to India from January 15 to January 17, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The meeting follows PM Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's meeting in Johannesburg earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa. (ANI) Baloch American Congress, President Tara Chand on Friday said in a statement that US President Donald Trump should recognise Balochistan as strategically important to the United States, just like Greenland. Chand said that Pakistan, with China's support has occupied Balochistan, and has become a security threat. https://x.com/drtchand/status/2011854431638204486?s=20 In a post on X, he said, "President Trump should recognize Balochistan as strategically important to the United States, just like Greenland, because Balochistan has a critical geopolitical location and major mineral and coastal resources. Pakistan, with China's support, has occupied Balochistan, creating a serious security threat not only to America but to the wider world. Balochistan's location near the Strait of Hormuz also makes it extremely important for regional and global security." Chand pointed out that China and Pakistan were expanding their presence in the region, and must be taken seriously. "Balochistan holds major geopolitical and defense value, and the United States should pay close attention to it. Pakistan and China are expanding their influence across the region, and this must be taken seriously. The Baloch people are an ancient nation with thousands of years of history. They are secular, progressive, and open-minded, and they seek freedom, peace, and a better future for their region and the world," he said. He added, "Therefore, the United States should support Balochistan and recognize that Balochistan is essential to America's future security." Earlier on January 11, Baloch activist Hakeem Baloch has accused Pakistan's security establishment of continuing to rely on enforced disappearances as its "primary tool of control" in Balochistan, despite years of international scrutiny. He argued that these abductions, now increasingly involving women and children, reflect a deepening phase of state repression. In an interview with ANI, Baloch said that more than eight to ten Baloch women and girls were abducted in the past year alone, including a 15-year-old and an eight-month pregnant woman. (ANI) Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand expressed condolences at the death of a Canadian citizen at the hands of Iranian authorities. Anand joined the voices across the world that are condemning Iranian brutality in an attempt to douse the anti-regime protests that continue to spread like wildfire. In a post on X, she said, "I have just learned that a Canadian citizen has died in Iran at the hands of the Iranian authorities. Our consular officials are in contact with the victim's family in Canada and my deepest condolences are with them at this time. 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. This violence must end. Canada condemns and calls for an immediate end to the Iranian regime's violence." https://x.com/AnitaAnandMP/status/2011811036077212132?s=20 World leaders on January 10 condemned the killing and arrest of protesters as they gripped Iran as threat looms over the administration. In a joint statement, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the European Union lauded the bravery displayed by the citizens of Iran and condemned the reported crackdown by the regime. "We commend the bravery of the Iranian people as they stand up for their dignity and their fundamental right to peaceful protest. We strongly condemn the killing of protestors, the use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people," the statement read. The nations called on Iranian government to end the use of aggressive force against the protesters and preserve their right to freedom of expression. "Iran must immediately end the use of excessive and lethal force by its security forces including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij against protestors. Too many lives - over 40 to date - have already been lost. The Iranian regime has the responsibility to protect its own population and must allow for the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal," as per the statement. (ANI) Interpreters By Day, Targets By Night: The Assyrian Translators in the Iraq Wars We're in Baghdad. The year is 2004. A young Assyrian named Daniel* climbed into the back of a U.S. Humvee. His flak jacket hung loose, his helmet wobbled on his head. Unlike the soldiers he accompanied, his job wasn't to pull a trigger, it was to translate with precision. Daniel spoke Arabic and English with ease. At home, he spoke and prayed in Assyrian (what linguists call Neo-Aramaic), the language of his ancestors. In tense encounters between American troops and Iraqi civilians, he was the bridge. A mistranslation could spark chaos. A clear sentence could save lives. But outside the wire, his voice made him a target. Militias delivered threats to his family's doorstep. His cousin was kidnapped. For Assyrian translators like Daniel, every patrol was a gamble -- not just for the soldiers he served, but for his own survival. The Wars That Changed Iraq For many younger readers, the Iraq wars are distant headlines. However, they reshaped the Middle East, and Assyrians were caught in the midst of the desert storms. The First Gulf War (1990-1991) began when Saddam Hussein's Iraq invaded neighboring Kuwait. A U.S.-led coalition, backed by the United Nations, responded with a massive air and ground campaign. Though the war was short, the aftermath left Iraq under crippling sanctions throughout the 1990s. For ordinary Iraqis (including Assyrians) daily life meant shortages of food, medicine, and opportunity. The Second Gulf War (2003-2011), often called the Iraq War, was far bloodier. The U.S. and its allies invaded Iraq in March 2003, citing weapons of mass destruction (later proven to be false intelligence) and Saddam Hussein's rule as threats. Within weeks, Saddam's government fell, but what followed was years of insurgency, sectarian violence, and foreign occupation. Cities like Baghdad and Mosul, once home to thriving Assyrian neighborhoods, became battlegrounds. For coalition forces, one challenge was immediate and constant: language. Soldiers couldn't navigate local dialects, negotiate with tribal leaders, or gather intelligence without interpreters. For Assyrians, with their multilingual heritage and unique position in Iraq's social fabric, that challenge became both an opportunity and a deadly risk. Why Assyrians? When U.S. and coalition forces invaded Iraq in 2003, they relied on thousands of Iraqi interpreters. Among them, Assyrians stood out. Many Assyrians were multilingual, speaking Assyrian at home, Arabic in public, and English from schools or relatives in the diaspora. Moreover, Christians were often viewed by American officers as "less entangled" in Sunni--Shia rivalries. Finally, many Assyrian families in Chicago, Detroit, San Jose, and Turlock sent bilingual volunteers back as contractors or soldiers, filling a desperate need. The U.S. Army's Iraqi Linguist Program, run by Titan Corporation (later L-3), recruited thousands. For commanders, interpreters weren't optional -- they were lifelines. "They became our ears and tongues," one officer said of Iraqi linguists. How Many Served? There is no official public breakdown by ethnicity, but we can anchor a conservative estimate using credible figures. At the 2008 peak, L-3/Titan alone had "almost 7,000" translators in Iraq; other contracts and direct hires push the theater total higher. Reporting during and after the war consistently notes that minorities -- especially Kurds and Iraqi Christians (Chaldo-Assyrians/Syriacs) --were overrepresented among interpreters relative to their share of Iraq's population. Before 2003, Christians made up roughly 3-6% of Iraq's population. If Christians accounted for even 10-20% of local interpreters (a cautious range given the overrepresentation noted above), then in the peak year alone that implies roughly 700-1,400 Christian interpreters working with U.S. forces in Iraq. Because most Iraqi Christians belong to the Assyrian (including Chaldeans and Syriacs) community, a substantial share of that number would have been Assyrian by heritage/ identity. For scale, at least 360 interpreters employed by Titan/L-3 were killed (2003-2008), with more than 1,200 injured, a toll higher than any coalition partner except the U.S. itself. The Cost of Speaking Out The pay was good, approximately six times the salary of an Iraqi school teacher, but the risks were brutal. Human Rights Watch documented how interpreters were branded "traitors" and assassinated. Militias followed them home, bombed their cars, or targeted their families. Many lived in hiding, moving house to house, disguising their voices in public. For Assyrians, the danger was doubled. Not only were they hunted as collaborators, they were also marked as Christians in a country growing more sectarian by the day. Entire neighborhoods of Baghdad's Assyrian community emptied out, families fleeing to Syria and Jordan with little more than their passports. The Allies America Left Behind Kirk Johnson, a former U.S. aid worker in Iraq, later described the interpreters as "the Iraqis America left behind." His book, To Be a Friend Is Fatal (2013), documents how many of these men and women, including Assyrians, waited years for promised U.S. Special Immigrant Visas, stuck in limbo even as death threats piled up. Some eventually resettled in America, joining existing Assyrian communities in Chicago, Detroit, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Turlock, while others were less fortunate. Their stories remain scattered, remembered only in family circles and diaspora churches. Echoes in History The Assyrian translators of the Iraq wars were not the first to stand at the crossroads of empires. Their role as cultural intermediaries reaches deep into history, stretching back centuries before the U.S. Army ever entered Baghdad. In the 13th century, Assyrian Christians, members of the Church of the East, served as scribes, physicians, and translators in the Mongol courts of Genghis Khan and his successors. Figures like Simeon Rabban Ata, a Syriac monk recognized by Mongol rulers as an overseer of Christian affairs, traveled widely across Asia and mediated between Eastern and Western churches. These Assyrian scholars were fluent in Syriac, Persian, Turkic, and Mongol, making them invaluable at a time when the Mongol Empire stretched from China to Europe. Their influence reached as far as the Tang dynasty in China, where the Xi'an Stele (781 A.D.) records how East Syriac Christians brought both religious and scholarly texts to the imperial court. In Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age, Syriac-speaking Christians like Hunayn ibn lshaq (809-873 A.D.) preserved Aristotle, Galen, and Hippocrates for the medieval world by translating them into Arabic. Across the centuries, Assyrians were often caught in the same paradox their descendants faced in Iraq: they were indispensable as interpreters and mediators, yet vulnerable as minorities within larger powers. In the Mongol courts, their favor with one khan could mean persecution under the next. In Iraq, their service to the U.S. military made them both highly valued and highly targeted. This continuity gives the modern story of Ass, translators in the Iraq wars a haunting resonance. Just as their ancestors once gave voice to dialogue between Mongols, Persians, and Europeans, Assyrian interpreters in Baghdad gave voice to conversations between Americans and Iraqis. Both groups carried the same burden: to bridge worlds that would otherwise collide. Forgotten by Many but Not by Us Today, the wars in Iraq have faded into memory for many. But for Assyrians, the legacy remains raw. Families were uprooted, communities scattered, and the very act of translation, bridging two worlds, became a matter of life and death. The Assyrian translators of Iraq's wars were not just auxiliaries. They were cultural ambassadors, living shields, and, too often, forgotten casualties. Their sacrifice deserves to be remembered, not only as a chapter in Assyrian history, but as a reminder of the cost of war borne by those who lend their voices. * Name changed for safety. Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday stated that the US had invaded and kidnapped its former President Nicolas Maduro and the First Lady, Cilian Flores, calling the operation a "stain on relations" between the two countries and saying it must be resolved through diplomacy. Addressing the National Assembly in her first major annual speech since assuming leadership, Rodriguez said the US military operation that resulted in Maduro's capture and transfer to the United States has damaged bilateral ties. "They invaded and kidnapped President Maduro and the First Lady. It is a stain on the relations between the United States and Venezuela, and we said that we were going to resolve that stain diplomatically," she was quoted as saying by media house, El Cooperante. Rodriguez, who was also presenting the country's 2025 annual report, also called for national unity to confront external pressure and reiterated Venezuela's readiness to engage with the United States through political dialogue, despite acknowledging Washington's global power. "Venezuela is under threat and, for that reason, I call for national unity so that we can wage the diplomatic battle. And I say to you: if the day ever comes when it falls to me, as interim president, to go to Washington, I will do so standing tall, walking, not dragged there," she stated. In her address, Rodriguez highlighted the current government's 2026 strategic plan, aimed at preserving the people's aspirations amid ongoing political and economic tensions with the United States. She also called for unity to wage what she described as a "diplomatic battle". Rodriguez also pointed to economic progress, saying Venezuela achieved 8.5 per cent growth in 2025 and reported daily oil production of 1.2 million barrels in December, underscoring targets for economic resilience, as reported by El Cooperante. Her remarks come almost two weeks after the US launched strikes on Venezuela's capital, Caracas and captured Maduro. On January 3, the US launched a "large-scale strike" in the South American country, which led to the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. 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. (ANI) The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has sharply criticised the sector's regulator for failing to implement the government's approved increase in margins for oil marketing companies, while simultaneously insisting on full recovery of digitisation-related investments. The industry has warned that the continued delay is worsening the financial stress already faced by companies operating on stagnant margins, as reported by The Express Tribune. According to The Express Tribune, in a letter addressed to the chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), OCAC highlighted the absence of any official notification regarding the Economic Coordination Committee's (ECC) decision to raise margins for motor spirit (MS) and high-speed diesel (HSD). The industry noted that the ECC had approved a 50 per cent increase, equivalent to PKR 0.61 per litre out of a total PKR 1.22, to be implemented from December 15, 2025, with the remaining linked to the completion of digitisation. However, the federal cabinet has now tied the entire increment to achieving 100 per cent digitisation, effectively delaying even the initially approved hike. OCAC stated that margins have remained unchanged for over two years, despite escalating operational, financial, compliance, and mandatory digitisation costs. The council urged OGRA to raise this concern with the Ministry of Energy and the federal cabinet to ensure immediate notification of at least half of the approved increase. Regarding digitisation, OCAC reiterated its earlier proposal for a dedicated "Digitisation Fund" within the MS and HSD pricing structure. This fund would function like statutory levies and reimburse companies through milestone-based releases verified through implementation. Under the proposed structure, a combined PKR 2.56 per litre margin split equally between MS and HSD would cover both dealer and OMC investments. OCAC recommended that the fund be jointly overseen by OGRA and the Petroleum Division, as cited by The Express Tribune. The council also sought urgent reimbursement for investments already made in auto tank gauging (ATG) systems and contributions to the track-and-trace system. It further suggested continuation of the recovery mechanism until 2030, allowing for maintenance and technological upgrades, as reported by The Express Tribune. (ANI) A former chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has stated the Iranian Armed Forces are fully prepared to deliver a "crushing response" if the United States carries out any fresh act of aggression against Iran, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported. Rezaei made the remarks in an interview with the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) on Thursday after US President Donald Trump stepped back from earlier threats of attacking Iran, under what the report described as the pretext of supporting foreign-linked rioters. Referring to the 1980s Iraq-imposed war, Rezaei said that by the second year of the conflict, Iranian forces had liberated over 90 per cent of occupied areas, entered Iraq and remained there until the war ended, despite appeals from the United States and the Soviet Union to halt operations. According to Press TV, Rezaei claimed the move ensured Iran's security for "40 to 50 years." "We advise you to step back and not advance any further... You do not pay attention to our restraint and strategic patience in the face of the damage you have inflicted on us over the past 50 years," he said, addressing Trump. "If we are forced to return to the kind of Sacred Defense period we experienced from the second year onward, rest assured you will face serious problems," he added. Rezaei, who currently serves as a member of Iran's Expediency Council, also said Iranians do not want a war but would respond collectively if attacked. "We will maintain our brotherhood and friendship with all countries, but your bases are within our reach. Your bases are at half the distance between us and the Israeli-occupied territories; you will be harmed," he warned, referring to American bases in West Asia, as per the report. He further claimed that wars, assassinations and coups targeting Iran had pushed the country to advance significantly in intelligence and security, adding that ongoing pressure would also contribute to progress in economic and military technology fields, Press TV reported. "Trump has said his finger is on the trigger. God willing, we will cut off that finger so it becomes a lesson in US history," he warned. Rezaei also alleged that the Americans were waiting for public unrest in Iran to stage an attack from within the internal turmoil. He said Monday's "million-strong rallies" across Iran in support of the Islamic Republic had foiled the alleged US plot. "The situation is critical, but our armed forces are prepared," he said, adding that "our finger is on the trigger." The report said some shopkeepers last month staged peaceful demonstrations in several cities over economic issues, but the protests were steered towards violence after public statements by US and Israeli figures, amplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outlets, encouraged vandalism and disorder. The authorities, the report added, acknowledged economic grievances and promised corrective action, while accusing foreign-backed elements of exploiting livelihood concerns linked to unilateral US sanctions. Security and judicial bodies have claimed they dismantled armed cells and arrested foreign-backed operatives during the unrest, including alleged agents of the Israeli spy agency Mossad. Press TV further reported that Trump has, in recent days, repeatedly threatened military action against Iran if, as he claimed, the country kills what he described as "peaceful protesters." Iranian officials and military commanders have issued warnings in response, stating that any attack on Iran would turn American bases and assets in the region into "legitimate" targets. (ANI) Japan on Friday said it sees India as a "natural partner" and attaches strong importance to ties with "like-minded countries like India" during Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi's visit to the country. Highlighting the significance of the India visit, Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toshihiro Kitamura said Motegi's trip marks his first foreign visit this year and reflects Japan's priority on strengthening partnerships with countries like India. "This is the first foreign trip this year. We strongly believe that a relationship with like-minded countries like India is important. We believe in a strong partnership with the global south. He has chosen India as a natural partner," Kitamura said. Explaining what Tokyo aims to achieve through the visit, Kitamura said Japan and India share "common and strategic interests" and that the trip is focused on ensuring progress on the concrete agreements taken forward after PM Modi's visit to Japan last year. "We are sharing the common and strategic interests. He held the very first 2+2 meeting. To follow up on the concrete agreements decided by the two leaders after PM Modi's visit to Japan last year. We would like to make sure that progress is being made," he said. Beyond reviewing bilateral cooperation, he said the discussions are also aimed at aligning views on wider global developments. "Second purpose was to discuss the regional and international situation and share our understandings and positions on these issues and try to align the understanding of the two countries," Kitamura said. In this context, Kitamura highlighted that economic security is a key focus area, with both sides looking at public and private sector engagement, including efforts to strengthen supply chains. "We would like to hold the very first private sector dialogue on economic security. We are also trying to hold a second economic security dialogue between the two governments based on the possible outcomes of the private sector's economic dialogue. We also tried to hold a JWG on critical minerals to establish a resilient supply chains," he said. Kitamura said the agenda also includes technology-focused cooperation, including in Artificial Intelligence and research exchanges, along with initiatives to promote startups. "These are the tangible outcomes issued from the meeting between the two ministers. Also to hold conversations on Al, to have concrete actions in this regard and to launch a concrete dialogue on Al. Promote joint researcher exchange between Japan-India Al dialogue. Inquire solutions utilising Al to address problems both countries are facing. We also gave our support to the Al Impact summit. Agreed to promote the start-ups of both countries through the cooperation of both governments," he added. The priority accorded to economic security was also underlined by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who described it as "paramount" amid an uncertain international economic environment. Speaking during his opening remarks at the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Jaishankar said India places a very high priority on its partnership with Japan, which has expanded over the past two decades into a broad, comprehensive and strategic relationship. "India attaches very great priority to its friendship with Japan. And over the last two decades, we have been successful in transforming the relationship from what was primarily an economic relationship into one that is broad, comprehensive, and strategic in its focus," Jaishankar said, referring to cooperation in platforms such as the Quad, the United Nations, the G4 grouping and the G20. Linking the broader strategic partnership to regional cooperation, Jaishankar said India's Indo-Pacific approach aligns closely with Japan's outlook and recalled a former Japanese prime minister's address to the Indian Parliament as laying an early foundation for the Indo-Pacific construct. "Much, much time has passed, but the relationship today sees that our initiative, what we call MAHASAGAR and vision for the Indo-Pacific align closely with your free and open Indo-Pacific outlook," the EAM said. Jaishankar was referring to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's "Confluence of the Two Seas" speech at the Indian Parliament in 2007, where he outlined a vision that later evolved into the modern Indo-Pacific framework, emphasising openness, connectivity and shared prosperity. In his address, Abe said that closer cooperation between Japan and India would help shape a "broader Asia" into an extensive network spanning the Pacific Ocean, incorporating countries such as the United States and Australia. He envisioned an open and transparent regional order that would enable the free flow of people, goods, capital and knowledge. Building on this shared outlook, Jaishankar said India and Japan, as leading democracies and major global economies, have a responsibility to help shape the global order. "We are leading democracies. We are the major economies of the world. And we have today not just an opportunity but also an obligation, a duty, to shape the global order. And in the current uncertain global situation, it's even more important that we work closely towards shared strategic goals," the EAM said. Echoing Kitamura's emphasis, Jaishankar said the dialogue would focus on economic security-related priorities and key areas of cooperation. "Economic security today is particularly paramount. Both our countries attach enormous importance to it. And how to de-risk our own economies and how to de-risk the international economy are both very important. We will be discussing resilient supply chains, critical minerals, and how to address energy, health, and maritime security in our talks today," he added. Jaishankar also noted that India and Japan will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations next year, and expressed confidence that the special, strategic and global partnership will continue to strengthen. "In our bilateral discussions, I hope to address key priorities in our ties," the EAM said. The meeting follows PM Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's meeting in Johannesburg earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa. (ANI) The organisation, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's agenda for Viksit Bharat @ 2047, announced an international movement aimed at converting India's long-lamented "brain drain" into a coordinated "brain gain." Positioning itself as a platform that will link diaspora expertise with India's national priorities, BIHAAN declared that its newest programme will serve as a technological and strategic bridge connecting global Indian professionals, innovators, and investors with sectors crucial to India's growth. With outreach already established in 53 countries, the group claims it is preparing the groundwork to channel intellectual and financial capital towards India's journey to becoming a USD 5 trillion economy. Prime Minister Modi's recent appeal to overseas Indians, calling them "Rashtradoots" and "Bharat's shining signatures abroad," resonated throughout the event. Leaders emphasised that the diaspora, which contributed to India's freedom struggle, now has a defining role in shaping a developed India during the Amrit Kaal. Tuhin Sinha, BJP national spokesperson and BIHAAN's mentor, underscored that the Prime Minister's developmental resolve would gain momentum as overseas Indians step into more active nation-building roles. The event drew more than 800 prominent figures, including Union ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior bureaucrats, business leaders and representatives from across the world, many of whom attended in person or shared messages of support. BIHAAN Chairperson Laxmi Kumari described the initiative as a "new dawn for India's global rise," stressing that the diaspora must evolve from sympathetic observers to meaningful contributors. Co-chairperson Prashant Kumar, who is currently contesting local elections in the UK, said over 5,000 NRIs and PIOs had already pledged participation. Senior leaders, including BL Santhosh, CP Thakur, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Samrat Choudhary, and others, extended blessings, while industry voices highlighted the need for diaspora-led investment and innovation. (ANI) The intra-party rift in the Nepali Congress has spilt onto the streets after the Election Commission decided to recognise newly elected party president Gagan Thapa as the legitimate party leader. Thapa was elected as the party president at the special convention that concluded earlier this week, despite protests from former Prime Minister and immediate past party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The dispute reached the electoral body of the Himalayan nation, which late on Friday evening decided to update its records to reflect Gagan Thapa as the new party president. As per Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, the commission relied on three key grounds to decide on updating the party's details. According to the election official, the commission considered the Nepali Congress statute that allows 40 per cent of general convention delegates to demand a special general convention. "The commission found that such a convention had been held as mandated." "Secondly, the statute clearly establishes general convention delegates as the supreme authority of the party, making their decisions binding. Thirdly, the commission noted that there was no recorded dissent over the demand for a special general convention, confirming that it was convened in line with the statute," Bhandari confirmed ANI over the phone. The groups led by Sher Bahadur Deuba and Thapa had submitted separate claims to the commission, each asserting its legitimacy. One of Nepal's oldest political parties, the Nepali Congress, formally split on Wednesday (January 14, 2026), with the special general convention nominating Gagan Thapa as the party president. The Deuba faction, however, termed the special general convention "illegitimate" and against the party charter. On Friday, after the commission granted official recognition to Gagan's faction, the Deuba group staged protests, chanting slogans in opposition. Strict security measures were put in place outside the Election Commission ahead of the electoral body's final decision. The faction led by Thapa, elected through the party's special general convention, filed an application to update the party's details, while the Deuba faction submitted a counter-application opposing it. Newly elected Congress Vice-President Bishwa Prakash Sharma, in a Facebook post, announced that the party would move forward by accommodating leaders and cadres who had been left out. "The Nepali Congress has returned in a new way and is heading into the elections. We will be on the ground day and night with you," Sharma said, adding that those excluded from the central committee would be included and taken along. He said the party would accelerate the candidate selection process in the coming days. Sharma also said the party would work to implement a system that bars anyone from becoming prime minister more than twice and move towards a governance model that ensures stability for five years. For the second time in history, the Nepali Congress held its special general convention, called by then general secretaries Thapa and Sharma in the second week of January. Thapa and Sharma maintain that the convention was demanded by 2,488 elected representatives, more than 54 per cent of the total. Leaders backing the convention said over 60 per cent of elected delegates participated. The Congress statute provides that the party leadership must call a special general convention if at least 40 per cent of the party's elected general convention representatives demand it. A petition signed by 53 per cent of the Nepali Congress general convention representatives was submitted at the party headquarters in mid-October, seeking a special general convention and election of a new leadership. The special convention was held eight weeks prior to the general election called after the dissolution of the House of Representatives following the Gen-Z revolution, which spiralled from September 8. The September 8 protest turned bloody with the indiscriminate killing of youths by security forces, and was called in defiance of a social media ban and in protest against corruption. In Kathmandu alone, 23 protesters, mainly youths, were gunned down by the police in a single day. The next day, on September 9, a violent mob burnt private and public infrastructure, businesses and properties. A total of 76 people are confirmed to have died to date. The post-mortem report of those killed in police firing in Kathmandu Valley states that deaths were due to bullet injuries to the head and chest. During the protests, police were only allowed to fire below the knee to control the situation. Police also used some lethal weapons to crack down on the protesters, following which former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stepped down from the post. But Oli remained adamant about resigning despite rising pressure. Appointed as the Interim Prime Minister on September 12, Karki recommended that the president dissolve Parliament and called for elections on March 5, 2026. (ANI) India and Japan unveiled new initiatives to push bilateral cooperation in the sector of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and critical minerals during the 18th Strategic Dialogue between the two countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi launched a new AI dialogue and also decided to convene a Joint Working Group on critical minerals to take forward cooperation on rare earth elements, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Addressing a press conference, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Today, the ministers launched the AI dialogue to give a push to bilateral cooperation in this sector. On economic security, this is an important area of engagement between the two countries, not just for our economies but for the world's economies at large. Both sides also decided to convene a joint working group on critical minerals under the economic security initiative to advance our collaboration in rare earths and other critical minerals" In addition, both sides also agreed to hold a private-sector dialogue to enhance public-private cooperation under the economic security initiative. The second round of the Economic Security Dialogue, led by India's Foreign Secretary and the Japanese vice minister, will be held in the first half of 2026. The discussion between both foreign ministers covered a plethora of topics, from investment, trade, to defence and people-to-people exchanges. "Both leaders discussed supply chain resilience in critical sectors, investment, trade, technology, innovation, defence, people-to-people exchanges, and our cultural ties. Both leaders underlined the importance of further strengthening the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership, in keeping with the outcomes of the 15th annual summit held in Japan last year," Randhir Jaiswal said. Toshimitsu Motegi is in India from January 15 to January 17, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The meeting follows PM Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's meeting in Johannesburg earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa. (ANI) US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries opposing Washington's plans to acquire Greenland for "national security" reasons. "I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," he said. Trump has repeatedly asserted that Greenland is important to safeguard the US from Russia and China's presence in the Arctic Ocean, and has demanded that the Kingdom of Denmark sell the self-governed territory. However, Denmark and other NATO allies have refused to cede the territory to the US, with France, Germany and other European countries sending their troops to Greenland to help boost the security. Earlier, speaking to the reporters on the South Lawn, Trump emphasised the necessity of acquiring Greenland and also talked about the US's military power, citing their recent operations in Venezuela and Iran. "NATO has been dealing with us on Greenland. We need Greenland for national security very badly. If we don't have it, we have a big hole in national security, especially when it comes to what we're doing in terms of the Golden Dome and all of the other things," he said. "We have a lot of investments in the military. We have the strongest military in the world, and it's only getting stronger. And you saw that with Venezuela. You saw that with the attack on Iran, with the knocking out of their nuclear capabilities," he added. Russia, which has maintained that it has no intention of acquiring Greenland, called out the West over the recent development for its "failure" to maintain a rule-based International order. In a post on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia quoted Zakharova as saying, "Current tensions over Greenland sharply expose the failure of the West's so-called 'rules-based international order'. It is plainly visible that Copenhagen's long-standing policy of unconditional subordination to the US is fundamentally flawed." On Wednesday, Denmark said it plans to increase its military presence in Greenland after the Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers met with White House representatives in Washington DC, to discuss Trump's intentions to take over the semiautonomous Danish territory to tap its mineral resources amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. But the meeting could not budge US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance from their stance, as per Al Jazeera. (ANI) Families across Sudan are being driven to the edge by prolonged conflict and worsening famine, with the World Food Programme warning that severe funding shortages are jeopardizing its life-saving operations. More than 1,000 days after conflict reignited in April 2023, the agency says the worlds largest hunger and displacement crisis shows no sign of easing. WFP reports it has supported over 10 million vulnerable people since April 2023 and continues to reach about four million people each month, including in Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum and Al Jazira. However, rations have been cut to minimum survival levels, and food stocks are expected to run out by the end of March without urgent funding. More than 21 million people face acute hunger, famine has been confirmed in parts of the country, and nearly 12 million people have been displaced. An estimated 3.7 million children and pregnant or breastfeeding women are malnourished. WFP says it needs $700 million between January and June to sustain operations and prevent famine from spreading further. After an extended period marked by concerning water level declines, Al Wahda Dam, Moroccos largest reservoir, is progressively recovering thanks to significant recent precipitation. These rains delivered nearly 600 million cubic meters of water inflows, bringing total stored volume to over 2.069 billion cubic metersa 59.16% fill rate. Precipitation exceeding 295 millimeters played a decisive role in this improvement. The recovery holds strategic importance as Al Wahda Dam constitutes a central element of the national water infrastructure, serving multiple critical functions including flood protection, agricultural irrigation, energy production, and drinking water supply. Located in Taounate province on the Ouergha River, the main tributary of the Sebou River, this reservoir holds continental significance. According to Al Wahda Dam Director Mustapha Tantaoui, it ranks as Africas third-largest dam, following Ethiopias Renaissance Dam and Egypts Aswan High Dam. With total capacity reaching approximately 3.522 billion cubic meters, Al Wahda is an embankment dam comprising a main dike and secondary dike, with combined length approaching 2,600 meters and wall height reaching 88 meters. Before recent precipitation, the dams situation was deemed relatively uncomfortable, posing serious resource management and usage continuity challenges. Rainfall recorded during December and early January, spanning several weeks, significantly alleviated these pressures. The improvement extends beyond Al Wahda. Khalid El Ghomari, Director of the Sebou Hydraulic Basin Agency, reports the region received substantial precipitation since December 2025, totaling approximately 360 millimetersa 32% increase compared to the previous years equivalent period. These favorable climate conditions translated into marked water inflow improvements across basin reservoirs. Idriss I Dam displays stock nearing 510 million cubic meters, corresponding to approximately 45% fill rate. Other Taounate province hydraulic structures recorded encouraging levels, notably Bouhouda Dam at virtually full capacity (97%), Sahla Dam (48%), and Asfalou Dam (37%). Globally, the Sebou basin currently totals over 6.64 billion cubic meters of stored water, representing a 55% fill rate against barely 40% last December. Beneficial rainfall effects extend to groundwater tables, with notable level increases observed, particularly nearly two meters in the Saiss plain. Morocco and Germany advanced cultural cooperation significantly with a strategic partnership agreement signed January 15 between the National Museums Foundation (FNM) and Prussias Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK) at Rabats Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The agreement marks a new museum relationship phase. FNM President Mehdi Qotbi welcomed the signing as both symbolic and timely, celebrating on the eve of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic recognition between Germany and Morocco. The partnership seeks developing joint initiatives in museum, scientific, educational, and cultural fields, underlining a shared heritage vision as an intercultural dialogue driver promoting mutual understanding and sustainable development. SPK President Marion Ackermann expressed interest in cooperating with Moroccos extensive museum network. She indicated the agreement includes educational collaboration and co-curated exhibitions, particularly projects focusing on musical instruments and 20th-century painting modernism incorporating Moroccan artistic traditions. Built on expertise exchange and collection valorization, the partnership establishes a collaborative project framework serving the public and enhancing both institutions international cultural presence. Planned cooperation areas include joint scientific research on tangible and intangible heritage, academic exchanges, and conference organization. German Ambassador Robert Dolger expressed pride in what he described as a landmark agreementthe first of its kind in Africa. He emphasized the partnerships broader scope, noting it involves other African partners beyond Morocco and Germany, extending beyond bilateral cooperation. The initiative prioritizes capacity building and educational cooperation, focusing on professional training in museum management, conservation, and restoration, alongside educational program development for schools, families, and specialized groups. Both foundations plan co-organizing temporary exhibitions and cultural events hosted in Morocco and Germany. Goethe-Institut Morocco initiated the collaboration with German Embassy support, building on longstanding cultural dialogue between both countries. The agreement reflects shared ambition positioning museums as regional and international exchange platforms, extending Moroccan-German cultural cooperation impact across the African continent. The French Development Agency (AFD) is committed to implementing the commitments made during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco in October 2024, notably development projects in the Kingdoms Southern Provinces, the Agencys Chief Executive Officer, Remy Rioux, said on Thursday in Rabat. Speaking at a press briefing following talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, the AFD CEO said the meeting provided an opportunity to review the implementation of the commitments made during that visit, as well as the progress of various projects in the fields of railway cooperation, water and sanitation, in addition to the Agencys investments in the Southern Provinces of the Kingdom. Rioux, who recalling his visit last year to Laayoune and Dakhla to identify investment opportunities, stressed that the AFD is currently working on financing ports through the National Ports Agency, as well as exploring the possibility of supporting the newly created Regional Multi-Service Companies (SRMs) in these two regions of Morocco. We are currently working both on financing ports via the National Ports Agency, but also on the possibility of directly financing these two regions (Laayoune and Dakhla), as well as the regional multi-service companies that have just been created for public services, he said. Regarding African cooperation, Rioux noted that his discussions with Bourita focused on Moroccos and Frances determination to join forces for the development of the continent, beyond, of course, our bilateral cooperation, by identifying areas of common interest in which our companies and operators would have the capacity to work together, with a view to the Africa-France Summit (Africa Forward) scheduled for next May in Nairobi. He also said that his visit to the Kingdom was part of his participation in the Game Time Africa Summit, held on the sidelines of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCONMorocco 2025). On this occasion, he praised the high quality of the organization of the continental tournament, as well as the performance of the Moroccan national team during the competition. Moroccos orange exports rise for second seasonMoroccan orange exports rose for a second straight season in 2024/25, continuing their recovery after a sharp slump two years earlier, fresh produce specialist outlet EastFruit reported. Morocco exported 84,600 tons of oranges worth $61 million between November and October, up 38% from the previous season and more than double the record low in 2022/23. Oranges remain one of the countrys key fruit export categories, behind mandarins, watermelons and blueberries in volume during the first 10 months of 2025. Shipments typically peak in spring with the Maroc Late variety. In May, exports reached 15,700 tons. Canada and the United States were the largest buyers, taking 22% and 21.5% of exports respectively. Sales to Canada rose 65%, while shipments to the US declined, marking the only drop among Moroccos top 10 destinations. Russia ranked third, continuing to increase imports of Moroccan produce. Exports also grew sharply elsewhere, rising sevenfold to the United Kingdom, fivefold to Saudi Arabia and threefold to Spain. Shipments to Portugal resumed, while exports to the Netherlands, France, Mauritania and Senegal also increased. Overall, Moroccan oranges reached 46 markets in 2024/25. The sector continues to face structural challenges, with climate change and water shortages causing more frequent droughts and weighing on output. Orange exports peaked at 164,000 tons in 2016/17 and have largely trended lower since, reaching a historic low in 2022/23. Since 2024, the government has subsidized citrus exports to Europe, helping Moroccan growers compete with Egyptian suppliers during certain months. Exporters say the past two seasons show signs of gradual recovery, though volumes remain well below past highs. Morocco also doubled its avocado exports in 2024/25, EastFruit said. The supply risk extends beyond Iran's own production. The country controls the northern side of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 million barrels per dayroughly one-fifth of global productionmust flow. Any disruption to this critical chokepoint could trigger a severe supply crisis, which is what speculators were betting on earlier this week. The week's dominant narrative centered on Iran, where massive protests and a violent government crackdown created the most significant Middle East supply risk since mid-2025. Iran produces approximately 3.2 million barrels per day, accounting for roughly 4% of global crude production. Markets rallied sharply through Tuesday and Wednesday as President Trump canceled meetings with Iranian officials and posted that "help is on its way" to Iranian protesters, raising fears of potential U.S. military strikes that sent prices surging toward multi-month highs. Light crude oil futures posted one of their most volatile weeks in months, swinging nearly $4 from a low of $58.45 to a high of $62.36 before settling at $59.17 on Thursday eveningup just $0.05 or +0.08% for the week. The dramatic price action was driven primarily by escalating and then rapidly diminishing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran, compounded by the resumption of Venezuelan oil exports. Light crude oil futures posted one of their most volatile weeks in months, swinging nearly $4 from a low of $58.45 to a high of $62.36 before settling at $59.17 on Thursday eveningup just $0.05 or +0.08% for the week. The dramatic price action was driven primarily by escalating and then rapidly diminishing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran, compounded by the resumption of Venezuelan oil exports. Iran Takes Center Stage as Primary Market Driver The week's dominant narrative centered on Iran, where massive protests and a violent government crackdown created the most significant Middle East supply risk since mid-2025. Iran produces approximately 3.2 million barrels per day, accounting for roughly 4% of global crude production. Markets rallied sharply through Tuesday and Wednesday as President Trump canceled meetings with Iranian officials and posted that "help is on its way" to Iranian protesters, raising fears of potential U.S. military strikes that sent prices surging toward multi-month highs. The supply risk extends beyond Iran's own production. The country controls the northern side of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 million barrels per dayroughly one-fifth of global productionmust flow. Any disruption to this critical chokepoint could trigger a severe supply crisis, which is what speculators were betting on earlier this week. Trump's Pivot Triggers Sharp Thursday Selloff However, the rally abruptly reversed on Thursday after Trump signaled he was stepping back from immediate military action. Trump said he had received assurances from "very important sources" that killings and scheduled executions in Iran had stopped. The comments triggered a sharp selloff, with crude prices plunging 3-5% as traders unwound the geopolitical risk premium. The magnitude of Thursday's selling reflects concerns over the supply glut that has dominated the market for months. Both Brent and WTI gave back nearly 50% of the rally after Trump's statement. Despite the pullback, prices remained well above the sub-$60 levels seen a week earlier. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced fresh sanctions targeting Iranian oil trade on Thursday, adding another layer of uncertainty. Venezuela Adds to Oversupply Pressures Meanwhile, Venezuela began reversing production cuts and resuming oil exports following the U.S. military operation that removed President Nicolas Maduro. Two supertankers carrying approximately 1.8 million barrels each departed Venezuelan waters this week, marking potential first shipments under a proposed 50-million-barrel supply deal. However, the market impact has been muted. Venezuela currently produces less than 1 million barrels per daya shadow of the 3 million barrels per day it pumped in the early 2000s. Any meaningful production increase would require billions in infrastructure investment and years of development. In the near term, the resumption primarily adds pressure to the oversupply narrative rather than significantly altering global supply balances. Inventory Builds Underscore Fundamental Weakness Additional pressure came from the Energy Information Administration inventories report, which showed U.S. crude inventories rose by 3.4 million barrelsamong the largest weekly builds in months. The report underscores the persistent oversupply that continues to cap rallies. Global supply is projected to exceed demand by as much as 2 million barrels per day in 2026, with the EIA forecasting Brent will average just $56 per barrel for the year. Looking Ahead: Oversupply Fundamentals Battle Geopolitical Wildcards The trajectory from here depends heavily on how the Iran situation evolves over the coming weeks. Despite Trump's comments, the Iran crisis hasn't been taken off the table. The area remains a hotbed and there is still the possibility of a supply disruption. If protests escalate further or Trump reverses course on military action, we could see another sharp rally as the market reprices Iran risk. However, any sustainable move higher would require actual disruption to Iranian oil flows or closure of the Strait of Hormuznot just the threat of it. The more likely scenario is that prices drift lower as the fundamental reality of oversupply reasserts itself. With global inventories building, OPEC+ struggling to maintain production discipline, and Venezuelan barrels beginning to trickle back into the market, the structural bearish case remains firmly intact. Even if Iran does experience temporary disruptions, the broader market surplus suggests any rally would be short-lived unless the supply loss is sustained and substantial. China's record crude imports in Decemberwhich hit all-time highshave provided a floor under prices and explain why the market hasn't broken decisively below $55. Chinese demand will be critical to watch in the coming months. If China's economic stimulus measures gain traction and refinery runs remain elevated, it could provide enough support to keep prices rangebound in the high-$50s to low-$60s. Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures Trend Indicator Analysis The main trend turned up this week according to the swing chart when light crude oil futures took out the $60.22 top. It solidified the change in trend when prices blew through the 52-week moving average at $60.83. However, momentum shifted back to the downside when the market broke under both levels. We are back to square one. Traders need to continue to build a support base above the recent main bottom at $54.70 and we need a sustained rally above the 52-week moving average in order to feed another upside breakout. Otherwise, the market could become rangebound or drift sideways-to-lower. Weekly Technical Forecast The direction of the weekly Light Crude Oil Futures market for the week ending January 23 is likely to be determined by trader reaction to $58.46. Bullish Scenario A sustained move above $58.46 will signal strong short-covering and renewed buying interest. If this move generates sufficient upside momentum, the 52-week moving average at $60.83 will come into play again. Crossing to the strong side of this indicator could fuel another upside breakout with $63.62 the minimum target. Bearish Scenario A sustained move below $58.46 will indicate active selling pressure. This could trigger a sharp decline into the December bottom at $54.70 and put the main bottoms at $50.03 to $49.21 back on the radar. The Big Question: How Long Can Hope Outweigh Reality? For now, traders are caught between structural oversupply and acute geopolitical risk. It's still a speculator's game and the question is: do they have enough money to continue to prop up the market on geopolitical fears, or will bigger money come in to reestablish bearish positions based on fundamentals? In other words, how long can rallies based on something that hasn't happened yet last when faced with the reality of ample supply? The answer likely lies in whether we see actual barrels come off the market. Until then, expect volatility around geopolitical headlines but with a downward bias as oversupply weighs on sentiment. The EIA's forecast of Brent averaging $56 this year looks increasingly realistic unless the Iran situation deteriorates materially or OPEC+ implements deeper production cutsneither of which appears imminent. Technically, if leaning to the bullish side, watch for support to develop around $58.46 then look for another attempt to sustain a rally over the 52-week moving average at $60.84. All bets are off for an upside breakout if traders cant hold $58.46. It would mean traders have refocused on the supply glut. In this case, its going to take renewed threats to Iran to fuel a rally. Abu Dhabi is pulling its forces out of a military base in Bosaso, a port city on Somalias northern coast along the Gulf of Aden. The base sits in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region that has often dealt directly with foreign partners. The UAE had used the facility to train local forces and Syria is moving into a dangerous new phase. Damascus is pushing Kurdish forces out of Aleppo. Kurdish autonomy west of the Euphrates is no longer being tolerated, and the order to withdraw east is not a bargaining position. The Aleppo advance changes leverage. Once Kurdish forces lose their urban footholds, they lose political weight quickly. That is why the protests in Kurdish areas are growing out of desperation over the loss of negotiating leverage. At the same time, Washington is running a parallel play with strikes against ISIS targets following a deadly ambush on U.S personnel. This is a force protection move rather than an attempt to shape the internal balance in post-Assad Syria. From Damascus perspective, this means that while the U.S. will continue to target ISIS, its not planning to step into the fray as the Kurds (U.S. allies in Syria) are routed by the new regime. Damascus thinks it has a window to outsmart the Kurds right now, but the risk is that the Kurds will be looking to respond in kind before they completely lose leverage. That risks escalation, and Washington may not be able to keep its head in the sand on this one. Politics, Geopolitics & Conflict Syria is moving into a dangerous new phase. Damascus is pushing Kurdish forces out of Aleppo. Kurdish autonomy west of the Euphrates is no longer being tolerated, and the order to withdraw east is not a bargaining position. The Aleppo advance changes leverage. Once Kurdish forces lose their urban footholds, they lose political weight quickly. That is why the protests in Kurdish areas are growing out of desperation over the loss of negotiating leverage. At the same time, Washington is running a parallel play with strikes against ISIS targets following a deadly ambush on U.S personnel. This is a force protection move rather than an attempt to shape the internal balance in post-Assad Syria. From Damascus perspective, this means that while the U.S. will continue to target ISIS, its not planning to step into the fray as the Kurds (U.S. allies in Syria) are routed by the new regime. Damascus thinks it has a window to outsmart the Kurds right now, but the risk is that the Kurds will be looking to respond in kind before they completely lose leverage. That risks escalation, and Washington may not be able to keep its head in the sand on this one. Abu Dhabi is pulling its forces out of a military base in Bosaso, a port city on Somalias northern coast along the Gulf of Aden. The base sits in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region that has often dealt directly with foreign partners. The UAE had used the facility to train local forces and support maritime security operations tied to shipping lanes off the Horn of Africa. Somalias federal government moved to cancel the agreement after weeks of public criticism and parliamentary pressure, arguing that the deal was signed without federal approval and violated national sovereignty. Once Mogadishu formally ended the agreement, the UAE had little legal or political space to resist and began dismantling the base. For the UAE, the withdrawal does not dismantle its regional footprint, but it does expose a vulnerability. The UAEs Red Sea and Gulf of Aden posture has relied heavily on fast bilateral deals with local authorities in fragile states. That model works when central governments are weak. It works less well when those governments reassert control and are willing to challenge arrangements made around them. Bosaso is a case where access was easy to secure, but harder to hold once sovereignty became politically enforceable again. Washington has announced what it calls phase two of the Gaza ceasefire, but it does not change daily life inside the Gaza Strip. The plan lays out who talks to whom and in what order, but it leaves the core reality untouched. Borders remain controlled from the outside. Aid still moves at someone elses discretion. Military action can resume at any time. For Palestinians, that means no real shift in security, movement, or reconstruction. Each new phase is presented as progress abroad, but on the ground, it feels like the same arrangement with a new label. (While there might have been a bit of initial excitement for investors at the prospect of a Gaza rebuild, reality has taken over, and the theme dulled.) Discovery & Development Egypt announced four new oil and gas discoveries in the Western Desert, with combined output estimated at about 4,500 bpd of crude and 2.6 mmcf/d of gas. The finds were made by Khalda Petroleum, Tharwa Petroleum, and Borg El Arab Petroleum, with Khalda (a JV between EGPC and Apache Corporation) delivering the largest volumes. The discoveries come as Egypt pushes to lift domestic production and rein in imports after years of decline. Cairo plans to drill 101 wells in 2026 as part of a broader 480-well, $5.7 billion upstream push. Equinor has been awarded 35 new production licenses in Norways APA round, spanning the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea, with 17 operated by the company. The acreage strengthens Equinors exploration pipeline as it looks to offset expected production declines on the Norwegian continental shelf. Equinor booked 14 discoveries in 2025 totaling about 125 million boe and plans to drill 2030 exploration wells per year, mostly near existing infrastructure. The company is targeting 68 new subsea developments annually through 2035 to keep NCS production near 2020 levels. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited said it has made two onshore oil discoveries in Abu Dhabis Onshore Block 1 through its subsidiary Bharat PetroResources and JV Urja Bharat Pte. The finds were made at XN-76 in the Shilaif formation and XN-79-02S in the Habshan reservoir, marking the first Habshan oil discovery in the concession. BPCL has invested about $166 million in exploration since the block was awarded in 2019. The company said it will move into the appraisal phase to assess recoverable volumes and commercial viability. ConocoPhillips confirmed a second offshore gas discovery in Australias Otway Basin after gas was recovered at the Charlemont-1 well in permit VIC/P79. The well intersected gas in the Waarre C sandstone. Results also point to possible hydrocarbons in the Waarre A sandstone, pending further analysis. The find strengthens the commercial case for more drilling near existing infrastructure as Australias east coast gas market tightens. Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions Anonymous sources have suggested that Devon Energy (DVN) and Coterra Energy (CTRA) could be looking to merge. Neither Devon nor Coterra has confirmed that they are exploring a deal, but sources say the talks are early and non-binding. The deal capitalizes on DVNs Permian exposure and CTRAs Marcellus gas assets, as well as its balance sheet. No timing has been divulged. Rio Tinto said it is in early talks to buy Glencore in a potential all-share deal that could create the worlds largest miner with a combined market value near $207 billion. The talks mark a second attempt after Glencore approached Rio in late 2024. No clarity yet on assets, management, or valuation. The renewed push comes as major miners bulk up in copper. Under UK takeover rules, Rio has until February 5 to make a formal offer or walk away. Canadian Natural Resources is in talks to buy a $1 billion-plus natural gas asset package from Tourmaline Oil Corp. Competition Bureau Canada filings show CNQ sought approval for a transaction with Tourmaline in late December, though no details have been disclosed. The assets are said to be in Albertas Peace River area of the Montney, a basin already seeing heavy M&A ahead of LNG export growth. Neither company has officially commented. The coordination unit is built for that purpose. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are comfortable with this setup for the same reason. Neither wants to be the launchpad for an attack on Iran. Neither wants to be first in line for retaliation.Qatar Iran has already treated Qatar that way. When Iranian missiles were fired toward the U.S. presence at Al Udeid in the past, the strike was measured. Qatar was warned. Qatari assets were avoided. The message was aimed at Washington, not the host state. Qatar was treated as a constrained platform for U.S. power, not as an enemy. That understanding still exists, but it is getting harder to rely on. Qatar is the right place for this because it puts a ceiling on things. Launching strikes on Iran from Qatari soil would be a hard sell, and all sides know it. That shared understanding is what makes Qatar workable. It is a place to manage escalation, not to initiate it. The move raises the profile, but it is meant to contain what happens next. The unit itself is small and specific. It pulls together radar feeds, satellite warnings, and airspace tracking so U.S. systems and Gulf partners are looking at the same picture if something is launched. It does not plan strikes. It does not pick targets. It does not authorize action. Its job is to reduce confusion in the first minutes after an incident. The United States is setting up an air defence coordination unit in Qatar while publicly warning Iran about the use of lethal force. The United States is setting up an air defence coordination unit in Qatar while publicly warning Iran about the use of lethal force. The unit itself is small and specific. It pulls together radar feeds, satellite warnings, and airspace tracking so U.S. systems and Gulf partners are looking at the same picture if something is launched. It does not plan strikes. It does not pick targets. It does not authorize action. Its job is to reduce confusion in the first minutes after an incident. The move raises the profile, but it is meant to contain what happens next. Qatar is the right place for this because it puts a ceiling on things. Launching strikes on Iran from Qatari soil would be a hard sell, and all sides know it. That shared understanding is what makes Qatar workable. It is a place to manage escalation, not to initiate it. Iran has already treated Qatar that way. When Iranian missiles were fired toward the U.S. presence at Al Udeid in the past, the strike was measured. Qatar was warned. Qatari assets were avoided. The message was aimed at Washington, not the host state. Qatar was treated as a constrained platform for U.S. power, not as an enemy. That understanding still exists, but it is getting harder to rely on. The coordination unit is built for that purpose. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are comfortable with this setup for the same reason. Neither wants to be the launchpad for an attack on Iran. Neither wants to be first in line for retaliation.Qatar helps keep things from spilling over, even if it does not make them safe. That is the backdrop for what is happening inside Iran. The protests are real. People are out because living conditions are poor, repression is constant, and there is no credible way to fix either from inside the system. The protests belong to the people inside Iran, even if (as in any large protest), they have lost full control of the narrative. What happens on the ground is local. What circulates outside Iran reflects media incentives, exile politics, and foreign agendas that do not decide events inside the country. The protests are serious, but they are not a replay of 1979. The anger is broad and sustained, but the system has not fractured. The security services remain intact. The clerical establishment is still holding together. There is no alternative authority taking shape inside the country that people are rallying around. This is why claims that Iran is on the edge of imminent revolution are overstated. The pressure is building, but it has not crossed into a decisive break. The state is relying on force because it still can. That does not mean the system is stable. It means it is surviving. This is where Reza Pahlavi keeps appearing. His role is overstated. If he mattered on the ground, there would be signs. There are none. No organized activity in his name. No repeated slogans. No networks taking direction from him. His visibility exists mostly outside Iran and mostly online. More than anything, he is convenient. He gives foreign media a name to attach to unrest. He gives hardliners a symbol. He gives Western audiences something familiar to point to. What he does not have is the ability to organize, coordinate, or turn protest into power. That is why real decisions are not being made around him. The same dynamic is now visible elsewhere, like Greenland, which is no longer just a diplomatic dispute. European forces are now deploying there. The deployments are small and clearly scoped. They follow talks with Washington that exposed disagreement over Greenlands future status and how decisions about defence and presence are being pushed. Denmark cannot defend Greenland on its own against a major power, and no one involved is pretending otherwise. That has never been the point. The European presence is about pulling the issue back into NATO and limiting how far any one actor can move on its own. From Washingtons perspective, Greenland remains valuable for familiar reasons: early warning, Arctic access, and competition with Russia and China. From Europes perspective, the issue is not those interests, but how pressure is being applied. Public moves have taken away the option of managing this quietly and forced a visible response. The deployments are not meant to deter the United States. They are meant to slow the situation down and narrow the field of options. Allies are not refusing to cooperate, but they are no longer assuming restraint will hold without reinforcement. All of this feeds into a larger problem for Washington. At home, the federal government is dealing with sustained unrest. ICE shootings, National Guard deployments, and mass protests are no longer rare or isolated. Whatever the legal arguments, they point to a system leaning more often on enforcement to maintain order. Abroad, the United States has acted on its own and expected others to follow. In Venezuela, it asserted control over outcomes. With Iran, it issues public warnings. With Greenland, it pressures an ally openly on a sovereignty issue. Each move can be defended on its own. Together, they narrow the space for coordination. The response is not resistance. It is hesitation. Partners slow down. Support stays verbal. Follow-through weakens. Rivals test the gaps. Europes economic behavior reflects the same calculation. Earlier this month, the European Union moved forward with its long-stalled trade agreement with Mercosur. Europe continues to defer to Washington on security, including over Greenland. On trade, it is no longer waiting. The Mercosur deal widens Europes options without forcing a confrontation it cannot afford. This is what reduced leverage looks like in practice: deference where dependence is unavoidable, and quiet insurance everywhere else. 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. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Chevron has announced the final investment decision regarding production expansion at the giant Leviathan gas field offshore Israel. Our decision to invest in the expansion of Leviathans production capacity reflects our confidence in the future of energy in the region, said the president of Chevron Upstream, Clay Neff. Pragmatic U.S. and regional energy policies are helping to strengthen energy security across the Eastern Mediterranean and foster an environment that encourages investment in the Middle East and globally. The Leviathan field, located in the Levant Basin, is Israels largest energy asset with 22.9 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas reserves. The field is an important supply source for Egypt, which has seen declining domestic gas production but has ambitions to become a regional LNG hub in the Mediterranean. Last year, Chevron and its partner in Leviathan, Israeli NewMed Energy, said they would further boost export capacity to Egypt to 2.2 billion cu m per day. In its FID news release, Chevron said the expansion project will take about a decade to complete and will involve drilling three new wells, adding subsea infrastructure, and enhancing the treatment facilities on the Leviathan production platform to boost the fields capacity to 21 billion cu m annually. That would be up from 12 billion cu m annually right now. Reports about the expansion plans emerged last year, with NewMed Energy, the largest shareholder in the facility, saying the expansion would require an investment of about $2.4 billion. As an intermediate point of the expansion plan, NewMed Energy said the partners would aim to boost production from Leviathan to 14 billion cu m this year. Besides Leviathan, Chevron is also the operator of another big Israeli offshore field, Tamar. Gas from Tamar is also exported to Egypt. Last year, Tel Aviv and Cairo sealed a long-term gas supply deal worth $35 billion. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russia is in negotiations with Beijing to potentially resume power supply to China, the Russian Energy Ministry told Reuters on Friday, after a Russian media report said that China halted electricity imports from Russia due to high prices. On Friday, Russian business daily Kommersant reported that China on January 1 stopped buying any electricity from Russia. The Chinese refusal to buy Russian electricity was the result of high Russian export prices, which in 2026 topped the domestic power prices in China for the first time, Kommersant reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Russias electricity exports to China are unlikely to resume in 2026, as the higher Russian export price than Chinese domestic power prices since January 1 makes purchases uneconomical for Beijing, according to Kommersants sources. The electricity supply contract between Russia and China is valid until 2037. The Russian Energy Ministry could resume exports if China requests so, Kommersant noted. Russia could resume electricity exports to China if it receives a corresponding request from Beijing and if mutually ?beneficial cooperation terms are reached, the ministry told Reuters, commenting on the price dispute. Russias priority is to meet growing electricity demand in Russias Far East regions. Yet, Russia could resume supply to China if the parties reach a deal on pricing, the ministry added. Neither side, however, seeks to terminate the contract, said InterRAO, the Russian supplier exporting electricity to China. At present, the parties are actively exploring opportunities for electricity trade, InterRAO said. China and Russia, close as they are, have had several energy squabbles over prices that China deems unfavorable. One of the most prominent examples is the planned Power of Siberia 2 huge gas pipeline from Russia to China via Mongolia. A final agreement on the Power of Siberia 2 has been elusive due to some sticking points, including the price at which Russias Gazprom will deliver the gas. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Two years after abruptly ending the EV subsidies due to budget constraints, Germany is returning the incentives for buying electric vehicles with federal funds of $3.5 billion (3 billion euros) by 2029. With the return of the incentives, Germany plans to prop up its ailing automotive sector, which has suffered a lot in recent years from surging costs, supply chain issues, and Chinese competition in EV sales. The end of the previous EV subsidy scheme in Germany at the end of 2023 under the previous government resulted in a plunge in German EV sales the following year. Now the government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz has approved a new scheme in effect from January 1, 2026. Under the new scheme, the German government will pay an EV buyer between $1,740 (1,500 euros) and $7,000 (6,000 euros), depending on the model of the vehicle and the households earnings and size, Germanys Environment Minister Carsten Schneider told the Bild newspaper on Friday. The total funds of $3.5 billion would be sufficient for Germany to subsidize the sales of about 800,000 electric vehicles over the next three to four years, the minister added. Regarding concerns about Chinese competition, Schneider told Bild that in 2025 about 80% of the new registered electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in Germany were made in Europe. At the end of last year, Germany was the leader of the EU member states pushing for the European Union to soften its de facto ban on new gasoline and diesel passenger cars from 2035. The lobbying from Germany and Italy, and the auto industry, resulted in the European Commission proposing the easing of the de facto ban on new sales of combustion-engine cars from 2035. The new regulations will allow for plug-in hybrids (PHEV), range extenders, mild hybrids, and internal combustion engine vehicles to still play a role beyond 2035, in addition to full EVs and hydrogen vehicles. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Mitsubishi has struck a deal with Aethon to buy assets worth $5.2 billion in Texas and Louisiana in what would be the largest Japanese investment in U.S. natural gas production to date. According to a Bloomberg report, the deal had been in the making since at least mid-2025 and will bring a windfall for the owners of Aethon. That would be thanks to the bullish outlook for gas, LNG, and specifically U.S. LNG. The assets that Mitsubishi is acquiring are located in the Haynesville shale formation, close to the LNG plants along the Gulf Coast. More of these are expected to get built over the coming years, as overall demand for natural gas gets a major boost from the tech industry amid what many are calling an AI race. CNBC reports that in addition to the $5.2-billion in equity, the Japanese company will also take on $2.33 billion in Aethon debt. The report noted a recent deal that another Japanese energy player, JERA, struck last October to buy $1.5 billion worth of assets in Haynesville. The Haynesville acquisition includes assets currently producing more than 500 million cubic feet of gas per day across 210 square kilometers, with 200 undeveloped drilling locations and established infrastructure for gathering and transportation. JERA plans to double total output to 1 billion cubic feet per day through future investments, leveraging the assets proximity to the Gulf Coasts LNG terminals and data center markets. The U.S. gas market is the worlds largest in domestic demand, production, and exports, and further demand growth is expected, driven by rising power needs from AI/data centers, Mitsubishi said, as quoted by Bloomberg. The Japanese company already holds a stake in the Cameron LNG facility, selling about 4 million tons of the superchilled fuel annually to buyers in Japan and elsewhere, Mitsubishi says. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The share of OPEC crude oil in Indias import mix surged to the highest in 11 months in December as Russian shipments dropped to the lowest in two years on the latest U.S. sanctions. Reuters reported, citing trade data, that the share of OPEC crude in Indias imports went up to 53.25 of the total, while Russian oil flows dropped by 22% to 1.38 million barrels daily, to represent 27.4% of total Indian oil imports. A big chunk of the decline came from Reliance Industries suspension of purchases from sanctioned Rosneft, with which the Indian company has a long-term supply deal. Even so, on an individual basis, Russia remained the largest supplier of crude oil to India, followed by Iraq at number two and Saudi Arabia at number three in December, as Indian state-owned oil companies switched to buying crude from non-sanctioned Russian companies. Russian oil flows to India are likely to remain relatively strong, at between 1.2 million barrels daily and 1.4 million barrels daily, Kpler analyst Sumit Ritola said, as quoted by Reuters. Over 2025, per the data, the share of OPEC crude in Indian imports ticked up from 49% a year earlier to 50%, while Russias share declined from 36% in 2024 to 33%. Earlier this week, Finland-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reported that Russian oil flows to India had dropped by 29% on the month in December, while exports to China went up by 23% on November. Oil exports to China in December drove an 11% increase in total Russian exports, CREA noted in its report, even as shipments to India fell to the lowest since the G7 imposition of a price cap on Russian oil shipments insured at Western companies. The decline, however, was a lot more modest than a Bloomebrg prediction that Russian flows to India could slump to just 800,000 barrels daily in December because of the new sanctions. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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: Dogs can lead double lives loyal in familiar contexts, capable of sudden aggression when circumstances change. Credit: Connor Scott McManus/Pexels Dog attacks are on the rise in Australia. The most recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show dog-related hospital admissions more than doubled in the eight years to 2021. Over 202122 in Australia, there were more than 9,500 cases of attacks where a person was bitten or struck by a dog. In response, some governments are introducing tougher penalties for dog attacks. In November 2025, for example, the South Australian government introduced fines of up to A$25,000 for people whose pet attacks and seriously injures or kills a person or animal. But reactive enforcement like this can't prevent tragedies. Something that might be able to help is an Australian canine brain bank. This would be a key step in developing genetic tests that could identify high-risk animals before they ever bite. Breeds are complex In March 2020, 90-year-old Ada Holland was killed by three unregistered dogs on Collingwood Beach in Vincentia, New South Wales. Her death prompted a coronial inquiry which heard that just a week before the fatal attack, the same dogs had attacked another person. However, inadequate council procedures failed to prevent the subsequent tragedy. During the inquest, one of us (Paul) provided expert evidence. Asked to identify the breed of dogs involved in the attack, he could only conclude they appeared to be a mixture of multiple dog breeds which included the Staffordshire bull terrier; the specific breed composition could not be determined. Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes acknowledged breed-related issues remain "complex." This uncertainty is a fundamental limitation of our current approach when it comes to identifying aggression in dogs, which relies on appearance, not neurobiology. The genetics of dog behavior In the past few decades, scientists have made slow but steady progress in understanding the genetics of dog behavior. A 2016 study found genetic variants linked to behaviors such as stranger-orientated and dog-orientated fear and aggression. Another study three years later identified genomic regions associated with aggression and fear across more than 100 breeds. Most significantly, a 2022 study demonstrated that breed alone explains less than 10% of behavioral variation. Our team's pilot work has also shown increased serotonin 1A receptors in dogs euthanized for aggression. Genetic studies have linked serotonin and dopamine-related genes with canine aggression. These represent genuine advances in understanding aggression in dogs. A canine brain bank would go even further. What is a canine brain bank? Our research team first proposed establishing an Australian canine brain bank to understand the biological basis of impulsive aggression in 2013. But more than a decade later, it still doesn't exist. The concept involves systematically collecting brain tissue from the thousands of dogs euthanized for aggression in Australia each year alongside normal controls and identifying receptor densities that characterize high-risk dogs. These patterns will then be linked to genetic markers predicting which dogs pose the highest riskbefore they ever bite. Unlike probing a living dog's brain, testing for the genetic markers predictive of impulsive aggression may eventually require only a simple blood sample. The brain bank essentially provides the key to translate neurobiological risk into testable genetic markers for living dogs. 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. Building better science Shelters already use behavioral assessments to evaluate how dogs respond to handling, food, and unfamiliar people. These assessments are useful, but they have limitations. For example, dogs can lead "double lives"loyal in familiar contexts, capable of sudden aggression when circumstances change. A dog may pass shelter assessments, yet later respond dangerously to triggers not encountered during evaluation. A shelter could combine observed behavior with genetic risk assessment. A dog showing good temperament but carrying high-risk genetic markers might need extra socialization or placement only with experienced handlers. Conversely, a dog breed perceived to be dangerous but with low genetic risk markers might be safely rehomed. This combined approach could target resources where most needed. It could also help breeders select away from high-risk traits and give shelter staff objective assessment tools. But it's important to say that genetic markers should only inform management strategies, such as placement with experienced handlers or enhanced training, and not mandate euthanasia decisions. Nature versus nurture Of course, genetics and behavioral assessment don't tell the whole story. Each dog's learning history and gene expressionincluding their socialization experiences, training methods, living conditions and how the owner handles the dogprofoundly shape behavioral outcomes. Even dogs with genetic predispositions toward impulsivity may never display dangerous aggression if properly managed, while dogs with low genetic risk can become dangerous through neglect or deliberate conditioning. This doesn't diminish the value of genetic markers but underscores why we need multiple layers of assessment. Genetic information would help identify which dogs need particularly careful environmental management and which owners need additional support to provide it. No single approach will prevent all attacks. But better scienceincluding the establishment of a canine brain bankgives us much better odds. 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 As global officials confirm that 2025 was Earth's third-hottest year on record, a new poll shows Americans are sharply divided over the role of science in the United States. A report published Thursday by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center found that a majority of Americans want the U.S. to be a world leader in science, but Republicans and Democrats disagree on whether it is. About two-thirds of Democrats, 65%, fear the U.S. is losing ground to other countries when it comes to scientific achievementa 28-point increase since 2023, the poll found. Republicans have moved in the opposite direction, with far fewer saying the U.S. is losing ground than in the past, 32%, a 12-point decrease in that same time frame. The divide mirrors "other partisan differences in attitudes around science we have been tracking for years," the Pew report says. "In particular, partisan differences in trust in scientists and the value of science for society are far wider than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans have become less confident in scientists and less likely to say science has had a mostly positive effect on society, while Democratic views are largely unchanged." The report notes that the Trump administration has reshaped federal science policy, including eliminating research grants, cutting science and health workforces, and shifting priorities away from climate change research. Last month, the administration dismantled one of the world's leading climate and weather research institutions, the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. Some 90% of Democrats say they have at least a fair amount of confidence in scientists, but only 65% of Republicans said the same, according to the poll, which surveyed 5,111 U.S. adults in October. The gap in confidence between both parties on this point has been broadly similar in every survey since 2021. Experts said the findings are not particularly surprising. "It's part of a larger trend toward the politicization of science," said Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, citing issues such as vaccines and climate change. He said concerns about "falling behind" may be warranted as "the U.S. is very much doubling down on being a 'petro state'exporting our oil and gaswhereas other parts of the world, particularly China, are doubling down on exporting clean energy technologies like wind, solar and batteries." The report lands as the world continues to head in the wrong direction when it comes to global warming. On Wednesday, eight international groups released data confirming that 2025 was Earth's third-hottest year on recordnearly tied with 2023 and just behind 2024, the warmest year on record. Among the groups are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, the Japanese Meteorological Agency and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology. 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 past 11 years have been the 11 warmest on record, according to Copernicus. Last year's global average temperature was about 2.65 degrees above pre-industrial levels, the baseline against which global warming is measured. That means it was just shy of the 2.7 degree limit (1.5 degrees Celsius ) established under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, an internationally recognized tipping point for the worst effects of climate change. "The news is not encouraging, and the urgency of climate action has never been more important," Mauro Facchini, head of Earth observation at the Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space at the European Commission, told reporters this week. Yet Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris agreement on his first day back in office, a move he also made during his first term as president. Earlier this month, Trump also withdrew the U.S. from 66 other international organizations and treaties, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, from which the Paris agreement stems. The world is now on track to breach the Paris agreement's limit for long-term global warming before the end of the decadeseveral years earlier than previously predicted, according to Hausfather, who also helped produce Berkeley Earth's global temperature report released this week. He said it is likely that 2026 will fall "somewhere between the second and fourth warmest" years on record. "The new data is the latest unequivocal evidence that our climate is in crisis," said Carlos Martinez, a senior climate scientist with the Union of Concerned Scientists. But "the Trump administration is not simply refusing to face the reality of climate change we are experiencing; it is actively lying about science and undermining our nation's federal scientific resources." Last year wasn't only warm globally. The contiguous U.S. experienced the fourth warmest year in its 131-year record, according to NOAA's assessment. Utah and Nevada recorded their warmest years on record at 4.3 degrees and 3.7 degrees above their 20th-century averages, respectively. California tied for its fourth-warmest year on record. NOAA previously tracked weather and climate disasters where damages exceeded $1 billion, but the Trump administration shut down that database last year. The administration also fired hundreds of scientists working to prepare the congressionally mandated National Climate Assessment and removed the website that housed previous assessments. Officials with multiple international groups this week stressed that global cooperation is key as warmer global temperatures worsen the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heat waves, wildfires and floods. "Collaborative and scientifically rigorous global data collection is more important than ever before because we need to ensure that Earth information is authoritative, accessible and actionable for all," said Celeste Saulo, secretary general of the World Meteorological Organization. "Data and observations are essential to our efforts to confront climate change and air quality challenges, and these challenges don't know borders," said Florian Pappenberger, director general of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. However, he noted that NOAA administrator Neil Jacobs has committed to not deleting any data, "which is a welcome thing." "Data don't lie," he said. "All we need to do is measure them." 2026 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A missed birthday. A forgotten anniversary. A milestone that goes unnoticed. These small slights from a manager may seem like no big deal, but new research from Wharton reveals that even the mildest of mistreatment at work can affect more than just employee morale. The study found that when managers at a national retail chain failed to deliver birthday greetings on time, it resulted in a 50% increase in absenteeism and a reduction of more than two working hours per month. The lost productivity was a form of revenge, with slighted employees taking more paid sick time, arriving late, leaving early, and taking longer breaks. "Insults are about a lack of respect, and that's what this is really all about. There are huge and small lacks of respect, but they all leave a mark," said Wharton management professor Peter Cappelli, who conducted the study with Liat Eldor and Michal Hodor, both assistant professors at Tel Aviv University's Coller School of Management. "The Lower Boundary of Workplace Mistreatment: Do Small Slights Matter?" appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. While there are a growing number of papers that examine the effects of severe workplace mistreatment such as sexual and physical harassment, the study is the first to measure the cause and effect of minor infractions. Why a small slight can be a big deal Cappelli said he and his co-authors wanted to explore what "absolute minimum" of bad behavior would result in problems at work, but doing so outside of a laboratory experiment proved challenging. They found the perfect observational setting in the retail chain, which has a well-established policy that managers hand-deliver a card and small gift to each employee on their birthday. The company designed the policy to foster meaningful personal interactions and strengthen the employee-manager relationship. The chain of 252 stores also kept detailed data on employee performance and other metrics, making it ideal for study, Cappelli said. The team found no issues when cards and gifts were given within a five-day window of the employee's birthday, but productivity losses occurred when the gift was given outside of that time. Absenteeism returned to normal levels once the gift was received. "This is pretty trivial, but it's still a problem," Cappelli said. "The boundary condition seems to go so low that even a very small slight that we don't think of as a big deal still matters to people's job performance." A lesson in perspective-taking In addition to the data analysis, the scholars surveyed managers about why they might fail to deliver on time. The faux pas was never intentional; the managers who were late said they had other operational or profit-related priorities. Both managers and human resources staff acknowledged that deliberately delaying a gift as punishment was inappropriate and not part of their reasoning. Cappelli said the company was surprised to learn that such a small insult could impact productivity, especially since delays were not intentional. He said the results offer a lesson in perspective-taking for managers everywhere. "The employers were surprised because they didn't do it on purpose. But from the employee's perspective, they were like, "All you had to do was hand me the card,'" Cappelli said. "It's a different perspective on the same phenomenon." In their paper, the professors emphasize that managers are not solely responsible for employee mistreatment. However, the study serves as a reminder that interpersonal skills are essential for managers, and that workplaces have a vested interest in mitigating harm to their employees. An easy place to start is simply acknowledging what's important to people outside of their jobs: birthdays, graduations, marriages, a new baby, death of a loved one, or religious observances. Doing so makes them feel valued as human beings, not just human capital. "I think it is about personal relationships," Cappelli said. "Giving somebody a birthday card and getting it to them on time is good manners. And manners matter." Publication details Michal Hodor et al, The lower boundary of workplace mistreatment: Do small slights matter?, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2503650122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 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: Forest community volunteers patrol to monitor their area's boundaries in the DRC's Haut-Katanga province. Valery Kyembo was leading an inspection of his community's protected forest reserve deep in the Democratic Republic of Congo's mining belt when two armed Congolese soldiers blocked their way. Behind the troops, a barrier restricted access to a developing mine site. One soldier brandished his weapon in a clear warningKyembo should turn back instead of reaching the reserve. As US and other companies jostle with China over the DRC's critical minerals, communities like Lukutwe in the southern province of Haut-Katanga fear increasing restrictions and incursions into nature reserves as they seek to protect their land. Kyembo's Lukutwe community forest reserve obtained official land titles to help avoid unauthorized exploitation, as huge metal reserves draw more investors. But community leaders fear displacement from traditional lands despite the communities' protected status. Haut-Katanga produces a host of minerals, but none more in demand than the silver-tinged cobalt, essential for electric batteries and in defense technology. Mining sites like this one are dotted around the forestlands in Haut-Katanga. The DRC produces around 70% of the world's cobalt. In Lukutwe, 70 kilometers (45 miles) from the mining capital Lubumbashi, community leaders said they established a forest concession to legalize customary land titles after watching mining firm SEK, a subsidiary of Australia's Tiger Resources, displace other villages a decade ago. "We wanted to have our own titled land," Kyembo said, echoing people from surrounding villages. Demand for minerals under Katanga's earth is heating up. US President Donald Trump, who has sought to broker an end to decades of conflict in eastern DRC, has made "mineral diplomacy" key to his approach, looking for access for American companies in exchange. Customary land For villages like Lukutwe, which often hold land rights dating back generations but lack formal paperwork, the concessions are a way to secure land titles and protect the region's vast savanna forest systems. The forest area in Likasi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stretches across an area where mining companies are hunting for precious metals. Since 2016, forest concessions, known as CFCL by their French acronym, have been part of the DRC's strategy to let communities manage their forests. They "effectively constitute a safeguard against pressure over their land... relocations and expropriations by mining companies," said Heritier Khoji, a specialist in the region's forests and an agronomy professor at the University of Lubumbashi. In Haut-Katanga, there are now 20 reserves, covering 239,000 hectares (60,000 acres). Twelve more are in the process of approval. The DRC's south is covered in what are known as Miombo forests, the largest dry tropical forest ecosystem in the world. But, as in other parts of Africa, forests are shrinking due to agriculture, deforestation and mining. From 2001 to 2024, the Lualaba and Haut-Katanga provinces lost 1.38 million hectares of tree cover, much of it along the copper-cobalt belt, according to Global Forest Watch. The DRC's mining registry shows the copper-cobalt belt has one of the country's highest concentrations of exploration and mine licenses. Overseen by Indigenous and local communities, the forest reserves allow environmental management through sustainable projects, reforestation and controlled charcoal production, and set aside specific areas for conservation and rural development. In theory, mining companies that overlap with or impact the reserves can pay royalties to communities for their operations. Each reserve has a volunteer brigade to monitor access points and boundaries, said Kibole Kahutu, vice-president of the CFCL Katanga. 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. Mining pressure Environmentalists and rights groups meanwhile worry over threats to waterways, farming and health. A leak of waste from a facility run by Congo Dongfang Mining (CDM), a subsidiary of China's Huayou Cobalt, flooded suburbs of Lubumbashi in November, prompting the Congolese government to suspend the miner's operations. Many of the Haut-Katanga reserves are surrounded by or overlap with mining companies. For example, the Kambala forest initiative, which is yet to be fully approved, overlaps with the exploration permit of MMG Kinsevere SARL, a subsidiary of Australia-based MMG Limited, whose main shareholder is the Chinese company China Minmetals. Khoji, the agronomy professor, said community forest concessions are not perfect. Sometimes, even communities mine in environmentally destructive ways. Companies can operate in a concession after obtaining community consent. But local communities complain miners still obtain licenses on secured lands even without consent or benefit-sharing agreements. For communities, "obtaining the concession is a safeguard against land pressures, but the difficult application of laws, decrees, orders... is an obstacle," Khoji said. Politics also plays a role, with poor communities lacking clout. In villages like Lukutwe, forestry concessions often do not generate immediate returns, and the lack of funds discourages some residents, said Veronique Sebente, representative of a committee managing collective land ownership. Katanga also faces incursions and attacks by loggers from Lubumbashi who come to produce charcoal to sell in the regional capital. "These people sometimes surprise us by surrounding us and attacking. We have difficulty securing the concession," said Kahutu, the vice-president of the CFCL Katanga. Community members say forest concessions with the government offer at least some protection. But a road built across the CFCL Katanga to reach a mining site is a reminder that one day a mining company may try to come for their land. "Our only support in this case consists of the CFCL documents obtained from the government," Kahutu said. The DRC's environment and mines ministers as well as mining companies SEK and MMG were contacted, but none responded before publication. This article is part of a reporting project between Mongabay and Agence France-Presse (AFP). 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: Frozen salmonbut in blood-fresh condition. The secret behind it is an advanced interaction between heat, airflow and raw material quality. Now the technology will be demonstrated in Davos during the World Economic Forum (WEF). Credit: Norwegian University of Science and Technology A small revolution is happening in the fishing industry. Freshly frozen fish can now be thawed in a new way, and that means you will have access to super-fresh food from the seaeven if you live thousands of miles away. As a child living in Northern Norway, I was often at the fish market. Grandpa would grunt and wrinkle his nose as he poked the fish and leaned forward to smell it. "When was this caught?" he'd ask the person who was standing at the ready with a sharp knife and an apron glistening with fish scales. If the answer was more than two days ago, buying it was out of the question. Nothing is in more of a hurry than a dead fish. "This is exactly what we have been working on!" says Anders Haugland, founder and CTO of Icefresh. He previously worked on concepts for defrosting fish as a researcher at SINTEF. "People who are going to eat fish want it as fresh as possible, and we have to find ways to give it to themeven if they are a long way from the unloading dock. Often on the other side of the globe." Anders Haugland is a former SINTEF researcher. He now works at Icefresh, which has set itself the goal of delivering salmon with super-fresh qualityeven if it has been frozen. Credit: Hofseth The current method is to load the fish onto a plane, and hope for the best in getting it to the customer's dinner table as quickly as possible. The countdown begins as soon as the fish are out of the water. That scenario is how the process used to bea race against the clock. But that's not the only reason to make changes to the fish's travel route to distant destinations. The researchers you will hear about have been working for a couple of decades to solve the crucial puzzle: How can we ensure that the fish quality is super-fresh when it reaches the customer, and at the same time avoid a lot of food waste, climate emissions, and uncertainty around demand? "Thawing fish might seem simple, but it actually involves advanced interactions between heat, air flow and raw material quality," says Trond Andresen, a senior research scientist at SINTEF. "This is precisely where SINTEF's strength lies," he says. "We can combine food technology with our in-depth expertise in heat transport and flow science. The adaptive process we are developing will allow the system to find the best way to thaw, regardless of the type of fish, the cut and packaging. I find it inspiring to see how theory and computer models can be turned into practical solutions that both improve quality and save energy and emissions." And although that might sound feasible, there was no shortcut as to how it could be done in practice, so frozen fish could "become fresh again." The freshness window. How long does a fresh fish remain edible? Anywhere from 7-14 days depending on the type of fish and the cold chain. More than half of the time is often lost in transport. If you are lucky, you can keep it in the fridge for a few days before it starts smelling "fishy" as it spoils. Credit: Hofseth The race against the clock starts on the unloading dock The first piece of the puzzle is Haugland, the researcher who went into depth on how we can thaw frozen fish in a way that actually makes it taste as fresh as when it came off the fishing boat. "The overarching idea is that if we can have the fish as close as possible to the customer before the 'freshness window' expires, then it will be a win for everyone. To achieve that we have to stop time, in a way. And we do that with a freezer. But the challenge arises when you have to thaw the fish. Freezing fish is good, old knowledge. But everyone knows that as soon as the fish has thawed on the kitchen counter, it is something completely different from a dock-fresh delicacy. So what the researchers did was look for a way to thaw the fish that allows it to retain all its fresh qualities. The number of days a fish fillet stays fresh in the chiller cabinet depends on both the type of fish and the temperature. Credit: Trygve Eikevik, NTNU "It's possible to freeze something and then thaw it to optimal quality quite a while afterwards," says Haugland. "This is done every day by people who work with in vitro fertilization." Our challenge was to be able to create a system that can accomplish the same thing with fish filets. Many years and a lot of research later, the solution has arrived. The fish thaws on trays, in cabinets, with carefully calibrated air flow and temperatures. It may look a bit like an industrial bread oven, but it works the opposite way. "We figured out the actual process of thawing fish in a good way a while ago. But it's not enough to thaw it well, we also have to put this into use and reach the customer. A good product is useless without a place in the value chain for the raw material," says Haugland. He laughs a little because it took a few attempts to figure out how the thawing cabinets could be useful. An IceFresh defrosting cabinet. This is a self-learning machine park. The machine automatically adjusts itself to the energy flow between the fish and the equipment, and this ensures faster and more energy-efficient thawing. All new learning is stored and used to improve the algorithms for all machines this way the entire machine park becomes smarter over time and the energy consumption is as low as possible without compromising the quality of the fish. Credit: Hofseth 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 trip to Chinathawing trouble on two wheels "Around 2010, the big idea was: We have the technology, we've managed to create a functioning thawing device in Norwaywe can solve this! But Norway and the local market were too smallor maybe just too complicated? The solution was to turn the tables: Buy the very best, super-quality salmon, freeze it, and send it straight to China." Haugland says that the plan was to set up "thawing hubs" in China, and the salmon was launched as Icefresh via the online store Alibaba. The concept was as fresh as it was optimistic: Customers ordered online, and the freshly thawed fish would be delivered to their door by bike couriers on scooters, equipped with electric cooler bags. Brilliant, right? A kind of Foodora for fish. It might have worked out well. But then, in the middle of this salmon dream, geopolitics threw a spoke in the wheel of the project. Liu Xiaobo received the Nobel Peace Prize, and suddenly Norway and Norwegians were about as popular in China as a smelly old salmon. "As if that weren't enough, it turned out that the high-tech bike operators were small, family-run companies with less than optimal coolers, to put it nicely. So the online competition to sell fresh fish became a "race to the bottom" on priceregardless of quality. The thawing team had to find new markets. And more partners. The options looked pretty slim for a while, but on Christmas Eve 2021, Roger Hofseth signed a napkin agreement with the companyone that could perhaps be described as a small Christmas miracle for all of them. Good enough for the fresh product counter Who is the new partner in this project? The seafood group Hofseth may not be as well-known as Salmar and Lery to most of us, but they sell salmon and trout worth several million euros annually to their main market in the U.S.. Roger Hofseth says that IceFresh is a crucial addition to optimizing the value chain. "Up until now, we have focused on frozen products, and had therefore already cut out air freight," he says. "IceFresh gives us a fantastic opportunity, because we can now sell the "refreshed" products in the fresh produce counter with the good fresh quality that we created in Sunnmre. The technology offers so many advantages that we're convinced that the entire industry will follow suit," he says. The American dream: Everything is bigger over there "We built some cabinets at Rustfrie Bergh in Dokka municipality and took one across the pond to show that it worked," says Haugland. First, the team went to a trade fair in Boston, where they experienced more learning than success. The next stop was Florida, where the team had made contact with one of the larger food chains. "We were prepared for the introduction of new technology and routines in the value chains for fish at the grocery chains to be challenging. And even though we could show major improvements, the interest in demonstrating solutions that would change established working methods on a commercial scale was limited," Haugland said. But a few months later, another exciting supplier came on the scene. They wanted a comprehensive full-scale test, which was carried out in late summer 2024. We sent out 230,000 portions of thawed salmon, and the same amount of fresh. Then the end usersthe chefs and customerswere asked about the quality. The result was a resounding success, which confirmed the logistical gain: by buying, freezing and transporting the salmon by boat, high-quality fish could be thawed at the earliest two days before it is available for the customer. This timing ensures a freshness that even a picky grandfather from Northern Norway would accept, and it prevents food waste. Go big or go home The large customer found the existing cabinets too cumbersome, so they issued an ultimatum. They wanted a thawing plant ready to go in Chicago before Christmas 2024. Since neither the technology nor the financing for the future thawing tunnels were in place, the plant had to start with the classic, smaller thawing cabinets. Six of these cabinets were immediately shipped by container, and the hunt for an operational partner began. After rebuilding and approving the premises, and recruiting people to run the thawing operations, they managed to make the very first delivery of freshly thawed salmon on 23 December 2024. Another little Christmas miracle for the thawing team. Now things were moving fast. During this process, it had become clear that extensive research and development would be required to set up tunnel-based thawing plants. SINTEF became more closely linked to the project at that point, establishing an IPN (Innovation Project for the Industrial Sector). The thawing team had now become a powerful consortium consisting of IceFresh, MMC First Process, Hofseth International and SINTEF. The players joined forces to develop thawing tunnels, and through the project, which was named REFRESHING, it secured support from the Research Council of Norway. Now they could combine their expertise in seafood processing, food science, thermodynamics, fluid flow and system optimization. In other words, everything you need to obtain the taste of fresh salmon from frozen filets. "The goal is to develop groundbreaking technology for the large-scale thawing of fish, which safeguards all aspects of the fish's quality combined with maximum energy efficiency and productivity in the thawing process," says Andresen. From small cabinets to large tunnels "It's one thing to create several large thawing cabinets, but quite another to create large systems that can thaw 250 000 portions a day and that will provide the same quality. At the same time, having such a large system to work with gives us more data and a better opportunity to create even more benefits. A thawing plant will open in Miami in 2026, and the one already established in Los Angeles will be upgraded to the tunnel solution as the first full-scale pilot system, financed by Innovation Norway and equity. Time to get salmon out to sea again? Despite the progress, achieving coherence in the value chain is still a challenge. One of the great paradoxes of Norwegian exports is that salmon is flown to its destinations. Every single day, planes loaded with hundreds of tons of fish take off from Gardermoen and other airports. To the U.S.. To Asia. And to markets that are so far away from the fish's origin that it is almost absurd to think about. If all this fish were instead frozen, transported by freighter and then thawed, we would save six million tonnes of CO emissions a year. That is three times the annual emissions from Mongstad, Norway's largest oil refinery. "The benefits of shipping fish this way are so great that this change is bound to happen no matter what," says Hofseth. "When we stop flying fish, the footprint of the seafood industry will be dramatically reduced." He says the project now has to build capacity quickly, so that large volumes can be realized in the markets. "A lot is happening in a short amount of time, and the expertise and the thawing capacity have to be shared with the entire industry," he says. "Seafood currently accounts for only 2% of the world's protein intake. When more of the leading players start using thawing hubs, the quality will increaseand along with it people's seafood consumption. Cheaper products, less waste, a smaller footprint and better quality are win-wins for everyone. He paints a picture of thawing hubs around the world, which he believes will make airfreighting fish something we'll come to read about in history books, and fresh fish something that everyone has access to. From then on, it will only be your own cooking skills that will determine whether the salmon turns into a delicious gourmet meal or not. Key concepts fish This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Great Salt Lake Basin Dust Exposure Tool, with three different water levels. Credit: Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy, University of Utah Most people can imagine why a shrinking Great Salt Lake would mean unhealthy dust storms for the Wasatch Front, or why refilling the lake through water conservation could reduce dust exposure. Now, there is a data-based modeling tool to visualize it, hosted at the University of Utah's Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy. Supported through a project from the state of Utah's Department of Natural Resources, University of Utah atmospheric scientists Derek Mallia and Kevin Perry gathered and produced the data used in the web-based tool. The tool's interactive interface lets users toggle the Great Salt Lake's water levels up or down to see how much lakebed is exposed, and how much dust from the lake is then transported to different communities in northern Utah during dust events. The tool, and its accompanying storymap, demonstrates why blowing dust from Great Salt Lake is a significant concern, and why lake levels are a major factor in controlling dust. The tool makes the lake's changing bathymetry (the measured water depth of the lake) visually interactive, along with the soil erodibility, affected census tracts, and relevant dust sources that can contribute to unhealthy air quality. Importantly, the tool also quantifies how much dust comes from sources other than the Great Salt Lakee.g., Sevier Lake, Tule Dry Lake, and the West Desert. "This data visualization tool demonstrates how the amount of dust that is transported to the surrounding communities is closely tied to the elevation of Great Salt Lake," Perry said. "When lake levels are low, more dust comes off the lakebed. When lake levels are higher, many dust hotspots are submerged and no longer produce dust." While the current tool is based on spring 2022 PM 2.5 data, Mallia expects an update soon with sample data of dust events from 2018-2023. He says the additional 5 years of data show that the spring 2022 sample is no anomaly. "Something our model shows is that even when the lake reaches 'good' levels, PM 2.5 levels remain elevated since our model also includes dust from all potential sources across the Great Basin, such as the Sevier Lakebed and West Desert," Mallia added. Mallia and Perry emphasized the tool is a work-in-progress, and will continue to be updated as more data and information becomes available. "Through the support of the Great Salt Lake Basin Integrated Plan, we are fortunate to have a tool that helps us better understand the origins of dust impacting Wasatch Front communities," said Laura Vernon, Great Salt Lake Basin planner at the Utah Division of Water Resources. "This effort highlights our need to have a comprehensive view of how and when all dust sources, including Great Salt Lake, impact our air quality." "This Great Salt Lake dust exposure tool puts cutting-edge information from researchers at the University of Utah in the hands of the public and policymakers," said John Lin, the scientific director of the Wilkes Center. "As one of the lead organizations behind the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, the Wilkes Center has been out front in providing data to inform solutions to save the Great Salt Lake." The Great Salt Lake Strike Team, in its latest 2026 "Data and Insights Summary," has determined that to avoid the worst impacts of dust and other "serious adverse effects," delivering more water to Great Salt Lake is a more cost-effective solution than managing the impacts of a perpetually low-level lake. Key concepts IFSARdust storms This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Researchers at The University of Manchester are calling for stronger, coordinated partnerships to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking, warning that gaps between organizations risk leaving victims and survivors without consistent protection and support. Their appeal comes in a new review commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), which examines how organizations across the city region work together to identify, safeguard and support people affected by modern slavery and human trafficking. The review focuses on partnerships involving local authorities, statutory services, law enforcement, housing providers and voluntary and community sector organizations. The authors argue that tackling modern slavery depends on robust, long-term collaboration rather than ad-hoc arrangements. While organizations across Greater Manchester have developed innovative partnership approaches, the review finds that these are not always embedded consistently across the system. Among the review's key recommendations, the authors are calling for: Clearer strategic governance to strengthen modern slavery and human trafficking partnerships at a Greater Manchester-wide level. More consistent roles and responsibilities across organizations, so victims/survivors do not fall through gaps between services. Improved information-sharing and referral pathways, ensuring concerns are acted on quickly and safely. Sustainable funding and resources to support partnership working, rather than reliance on short-term arrangements. Stronger links between safeguarding, housing, immigration advice and criminal justice responses, reflecting the needs of victims. The review suggests that where partnerships are well established, outcomes for victims are more likely to be improved. Such embedded collaboration enables earlier identification of exploitation, better safeguarding responses and coordinated support to help individuals recover and rebuild their lives. Strong partnerships also support disruption of criminal activity by improving intelligence-sharing and joint working. However, the authors highlight challenges which can weaken partnership arrangements, including variations in local practice, capacity pressures and funding uncertainty. Frontline professionals reported that without clear structures and shared accountability, collaboration often relies on personal relationships, making it fragile and difficult to sustain. The researchers also note that victims and survivors of modern slavery often face overlapping vulnerabilities including insecure housing, mental ill-health and immigration insecurity. Without joined-up working across sectors, these complexities can delay support and increase the risk of re-exploitation. The authors stress that the findings have national relevance due to a relatively cohesive modern slavery partnership approach in Greater Manchester. As awareness of modern slavery grows, public bodies across the UK face pressure to demonstrate good quality partnership responses. The review positions Greater Manchester as a potential leader, but cautions that this requires investment in governance, coordination and shared learning. "This review shows that partnership working is not optional when tackling modern slavery and human traffickingit is essential. The needs of victims and survivors cut across organizational boundaries, and responses must do the same. Our recommendations set out how partners across Greater Manchester can strengthen their approach and provide protection and support," says Dr. Jon Davies. 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: Flinders University's Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Whales, dolphins and other marine mammals are highly social, but those social ties can also help diseases spread through populations of rare or threatened species. New research reveals why understanding these social networks is critical for predicting and managing disease outbreaks in oceans already under siege by pressures from climate change, pollution and human activities. In a new global study, marine mammal experts from Flinders University and the US warn of the potential of pandemics in marine environments, with some species more vulnerable than others. The study, "Sociality of marine mammals and their vulnerability to the spread of infectious diseases: A systematic review," has been published in Mammal Review. Why social networks matter for disease Flinders University Associate Professor Guido J Parra says infectious disease transmission in marine mammals is understudied, posing a particular risk for more than one-quarter of the species classified as threatened. "Disease is one of the leading causes of mortality in marine vertebrates, along with fisheries interactions, pollution, habitat degradation and climate change," says Associate Professor Parra from the Cetacean Ecology, Behavior and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) at Flinders University. "These stressors tend to weaken immune systems and make animals more vulnerable to infection. "Like people, marine mammals have social networks, and diseases move through them. Understanding how these networks differ between species, and how some species interact with others, is essential for developing effective, targeted conservation strategies to manage disease risk." Challenges in studying marine mammal disease Caitlin Nicholls, Ph.D. candidate with the CEBEL research group at Flinders' College of Science and Engineering, says dolphins, whales and seals are highly social animals. Many live in groups, form long-term relationships with preferred companions, while others move between groups in fluid, ever-changing social networks. "Unlike on land, scientists cannot easily observe every interaction, isolate sick individuals, or intervene early when disease begins to spread," says Ms. Nicholls, lead author of the article in Mammal Review, which used historical research spanning decades to model different species behaviors to map social connections and patterns. "One of the clearest findings was that highly connected individuals often play an outsized role in disease spread. These animals, sometimes called 'super spreaders," interact with many others and can rapidly pass infections through a population. "In dolphin communities, for example, animals with stronger or more frequent social ties are more likely to be associated with disease. "And while bottlenose dolphins are among the most studied speciesparticularly in Australia and North Americamany threatened species and other regions remain poorly studied, limiting our ability to assess and manage disease risk." 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 conservation and management Researchers say the findings have important implications for how we monitor and manage wildlife health. Marine mammals are difficult, and often impossible, to treat once disease is widespread. "Prevention, early detection and informed management will be critical, particularly for the most vulnerable populations before an outbreak makes animals sick," adds Associate Professor Parra. "Understanding social relationships can help identify which individuals or populations are most vulnerable before an outbreak occurs. "In some cases, targeting monitoring efforts towards socially central animals could provide early warning signs of emerging disease. In others, protecting habitats that support stable social structures may help reduce transmission risk. More information Caitlin R. Nicholls et al, Sociality of Marine Mammals and Their Vulnerability to the Spread of Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Review, Mammal Review (2026). DOI: 10.1111/mam.70020 Key concepts epidemicmarine biology 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 Once the world's most populous nation, China is now among the many Asian countries struggling with anemic fertility rates. In an attempt to double the country's rate of 1.0 children per woman, Beijing is reaching for a new tool: taxes on condoms, birth control pills and other contraceptives. As of Jan. 1, such items were subject to a 13% value-added tax. Meanwhile, services such as child care and matchmaking remain duty-free. The move comes after China last year allocated 90 billion yuan (US$12.7 billion) for a national child care program giving families a one-off payment of around 3,600 yuan (over $500) for every child aged three or under. I have studied China's demography for almost 40 years and know that past attempts by the country's communist government to reverse slumping fertility rates through policies encouraging couples to have more children have not worked. I do not expect these new moves to have much, if any, effect on reversing the fertility rate decline to one of the world's lowest and far below the 2.1 "replacement rate" needed to maintain a stable population. In many ways, the 13% tax on contraceptives is symbolic. A packet of condoms costs about 50 yuan (about $7), and a month's supply of birth control pills averages around 130 yuan ($19). The new tax is not at all a major expense, adding just a few dollars a month. Compare that to the average cost of raising a child in Chinaestimated at around 538,000 yuan (over $77,000) to age 18, with the cost in urban areas much higher. One 36-year-old father told the BBC he is not concerned over the price hike. "A box of condoms might cost an extra five yuan, maybe 10, at most 20. Over a year, that's just a few hundred yuan, completely affordable," he said. Pronatalist failings China is one of many countries to adopt pronatalist policies to address low fertility. But they are rarely effective. The Singapore government has been concerned about the country's very low fertility rate for a couple of decades. It tried to devise ways to boost it through programs such as paid maternity leave, child care subsidies, tax relief and one-time cash gifts. Yet, Singapore's fertility ratecurrently at 1.2remains one of the lowest in the world. The government there even started limiting the construction of small, one-bedroom apartments in a bid to encourage more "family-friendly" homes of two bedrooms or moreanyone with children will appreciate the need for more space, right? Yet even that failed to budge the low fertility rate. The Singaporean government got a helping hand in 2012 from candymaker Mentos. In a viral ad campaign, the brand called on citizens to celebrate "National Night" with some marital boom-boom as they "let their patriotism explode"with a hoped-for corresponding burst in births in nine months' time. Even with the assistance from the private sector, it appears, reversing declining fertility rates is a tricky thing. South Korea, the country with the world's lowest fertility rate0.7has been providing financial incentives to couples for at least 20 years to encourage them to have more children. It boosted the monthly allowance already in place for married couples to become parents. In fact, since 2006, the South Korean government has spent well over $200 billion on programs to increase the Korean birth rate. But South Korea's fertility rate has continued to drop from 1.1 in 2006 to 1.0 in 2017, to 0.9 in 2019, to 0.7 in 2024. 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. Unfavorable headwinds The plight of China is partly of its own doing. For a couple of decades, the country's one-child policy pushed to get fertility rates down. It worked, going from over 7.0 in the early 1960s to 1.5 in 2015. That is when the government again stepped in, abandoning the one-child policy and permitting all couples to have two children. In May 2021, the two-child policy was abandoned in favor of a three-child policy. The hope was that these changes would lead to a baby boom, resulting in sizable increases in the national fertility rate. However, the fertility rate continued to declineto 1.2 in 2021 and 1.0 in 2024. While China's historic programs to push down fertility rates were successful, they were aided by wider societal changes: The policies were in force while China was modernizing and moving toward becoming an industrial and urbanized society. Its policies aimed at increasing the birth rate now find unfavorable societal headwinds. Modernization has led to better educational and work opportunities for womena factor pushing many to put off having children. In fact, most of China's fertility reduction, especially since the 1990s, has been voluntarymore a result of modernization than fertility-control policies. Chinese couples are having fewer children due to higher living costs and educational expenses involved in having more than one child. Plus, China is one of the world's most expensive countries in which to raise a child, when compared to average income. School fees at all levels are higher than in many other countries. The 'low-fertility' trap Another factor to take into consideration is what demographers refer to as the "low-fertility trap." This hypothesis, advanced by demographers in the 2000s, holds that once a country's fertility rate drops below 1.5 or 1.4far higher than China's now standsit is very difficult to increase it by 0.3 or more. The argument goes that fertility declines to these low levels are largely the result of changes in living standards and increasing opportunities for women. Accordingly, it is most unlikely that China's three-child policy will have any influence at all on raising the fertility rate. And all my years of studying China's demographic trends lead me to believe that making contraceptives marginally more expensive will also have very little effect. 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: Dr. Claire Browning, lead author, in the Cedarberg Mountains digging for fossils. Credit: Dr. Claire Browning An international team of scientists from South Africa, Canada, France and the UK has uncovered fossil evidence of a tiny ecosystem that helped kick-start the recovery of Earth's oceans after a global mass extinction. The team, led by Dr. Claire Browning, an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Cape Town (UCT), found fossilized burrows and droppings left by creatures so small they lived between grains of sand, revealing an ancient community that probably played a critical role in reviving marine life after the end-Ordovician ice age and mass extinction event. The discovery is reshaping how scientists understand early marine resilience. The findings are published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. Advanced scanning reveals ancient life Using micro-CT scanning, an advanced X-ray imaging technique that allows scientists to visualize the interior of rocks in three dimensions, the team examined 444-million-year-old mudrock from the Cederberg mountains. Scans reveal tell-tale traces of life, just a fraction of a millimeter wide: burrows and droppings left by nematodes (tiny, unsegmented worms) and foraminifera (single-celled protists with intricate shells) that lived in ancient seafloor sediments. Fossilized marine snow, otherwise known as organomineralic aggregates (OMA), preserved within facies 1. Credit: Nature Ecology & Evolution (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02923-0 "This was an unexpected find because the Cederberg rocks formed on a seafloor thought to be intermittently devoid of oxygen and toxic to life," said lead author Dr. Browning. "Although some amazing fossils have been found in the Cedarberg rocks in the pastthese are from creatures that swam in the surface waters. We did not expect to find fossils of creatures living on the harsh seafloor, especially from a period immediately following a mass extinction when 85% of marine species vanished. Remarkably, these tiny creatures were able to withstand those conditions, and even thrive." Implications for marine recovery and climate These tiny animals formed a resilient "small food web," similar to ecosystems that sustain oceans today, where they recycle nutrients and carbon to support larger marine life. By examining the mudrocks layer by layer, the researchers uncovered evidence that pulses of organic matter, produced by phytoplankton in the sunlit surface waters, regularly sank to the seafloor and fed this hidden community. This work provides some of the earliest evidence that sea-floor ecosystems stabilized quickly after catastrophic change. The research also adds to global conversations about how ecosystems respond to climate shocks, offering ancient parallels for challenges facing today's oceans. The research team aims to determine the extent to which this tiny ecosystem was widespread in ancient seas, both in South Africa and beyond. "Geology does not respect modern borders. For example, rocks of the same age in South America were once connected to those in the Cederberg mountains and may also hold hidden evidence of marine snow, dust and meiofauna. Mapping the extent of these ecosystems will help us understand their broader role in regulating ancient oceans' carbon and nutrient cycles," said Browning. This work forms part of UCT's commitment to advancing research that links Earth's deep past to its environmental future. Insights from this project could also inform models and strategies for addressing today's human-driven climate change. Publication details Claire Browning et al, Marine snow fuels an opportunistic small food web in the Late Ordovician Soom Shale Lagerstatte, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-025-02923-0 Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution Provided by University of Cape Town Back-to-back cold fronts keeping Cancun Riviera Maya thermometers dipping low Riviera Maya, Q.R. Several central areas in the municipality of Tulum woke up to temperatures barely above 10C (50F). Those chilly Thursday morning temperatures are forecast to stick around for a few more days due to another mass of polar air. Large blasts of cold air from the U.S. has been affecting the Yucatan Peninsula for most of the week causing nighttime temperatures to drop to the mid-teens. The ongoing cold is being attributed to back-to-back (to-back) cold fronts. On Monday, cold front 27 started to enter the region fully arriving as a large mass of polar air Tuesday. That cold air caused thermomotors around the state to dip to mid-teen temperatures for the early morning. Nights remained cold as that mass of polar air was replaced late Wednesday by cold front 28, leaving some areas in central Tulum to wake up to 10C, the coldest in the state. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) says that mass of polar air is continuing to keep the peninsula cold as it slowly moves off only to be replaced by north winds from incoming cold front 29. On Friday, meteorologists warned of another bout of low temperatures with the arrival of more polar air with cold front 29. North winds from the approaching mass of polar air will chill the region ahead of its arrival, keeping local nightime temperatures in the mid-teens. Cold nighttime temperatures are being recorded around the state with the arrival of the polar air. State Civil Protection reported that polar air from the approaching system will result in chilly nighttime temperatures with weekend wakeup temperatures between 15C (59) and 20C (68F) for all of Quintana Roo. Mexicos Servicio Meteorologico Nacional (SMN) has forecast the full arrival of cold front 29 for Monday. Rain showers are possible Saturday and Sunday as the cold air moves in. Cold front 29 will be the third polar air mass to hit the Yucatan Peninsula in a week. Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014 Your official online newspaper Cuban-American international criminal wanted by FBI captured in Cancun Cancun, Q.R. A man police say is a Cuban-American criminal connected to the Sinaloa Cartel is in custody. Remigio N, who was also wanted by Quintana Roo authorities, was also wanted by the FBI. Police said Thursday that Remigio N was arrested, suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and possession of a firearm restricted to the military. He was considered a priority target on the states most wanted list or crime map due to his connection to a Cuban-American international criminal cell involved in human trafficking. Police say he is affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel and also has a criminal record for robbery in Florida. He is currently under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Members of the states Centurion Group of the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC), in coordination with the Secretariat of the Navy and National Defense, made the arrest from a Cancun street. In a statement, police said Remigio N was taken into custody after being seen handling bags. He was arrested on Huayacan Avenue in block 330 of Cancun where, police said, the corresponding inspection was carried out. During the inspection, authorities located 72 street doses of narcotics that included marijuana and crystal methamphetamine, as well as a small amount of cash and a handgun with ammunition from two different calibers. Police said the suspect was turned over to the Specialized Prosecutors Office. Riviera Maya News bringing you headline news for Cancun since 2014 Your official online newspaper Mega-brands promoting thousands of Made in Mexico products from over 4,000 registered companies Mexico City, Mexico The Made in Mexico (Hecho en Mexico) certificate closes 2025 with more than 4,000 registered companies. The Ministry of Economy says the Hecho en Mexico/Made in Mexico certificate has been awarded to more than 6,000 products. It represents the inter-institutional and coordinated work between the Ministry of Economy, state governments, chambers of commerce and private initiative. The Ministry of Economy, through the public policy Made in Mexico, reaffirms its commitment to strengthening national production, promoting quality and increasing national content as pillars for the countrys economic development. As of December 2025, the Made in Mexico label has been awarded to more than 4,000 companies and more than 6,000 products, representing a significant advance in consolidating a strategy aimed at strengthening the domestic market and recovering national production capacity. Mexicos Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard January 2026 This achievement reflects the commitment of the Government of Mexico, headed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, in which the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, has decisively promoted this initiative as part of a comprehensive vision of economic development with a social conscience. The Made in Mexico program recognizes entrepreneurship, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and large companies that meet high quality standards, contribute to economic growth and increased regional and national competitiveness, strengthening consumer confidence in products made in Mexico. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard stated that the more we do in Mexico, the better our economy will fare. This will lead to more jobs and a better quality of life and well-being. Made in Mexico is the result of strategic inter-institutional work coordinated between the Ministry of Economy, state governments, chambers of commerce and the private sector, who together promote talent, innovation and productive vocations, strengthening national value chains because whats Made in Mexico is better made, he said. In May 2025, nearly two dozen mega brands signed up to promote Made in Mexico products through their retail stores. Some of those brands include Coppel, The Home Depot, Liverpool, OfficeMax, Circle K, Office Depot, Petco, Walmart, Oxxo Mexico, Mercado Libre, Amazon and 7-Eleven Mexico. In July 2025, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association also signed an agreement to promote Made in Mexico products on their ships. Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014 Your official online newspaper Burkina Faso said this month it had foiled an assassination attempt on military leader Captain Ibrahim Traore, but analysts -- sceptical after a long series of increasingly unbelievable plots -- wondered if the junta has cried wolf too many times. If the supposed plot, which the military said was to take place on January 3, had succeeded, it would have been the chronically unstable west African country's third coup in four years. State TV spent the next four days airing nightly "confessions" by the alleged conspirators, as the junta called it the "umpteenth time" its enemies have attempted to destabilise the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some analysts remain unconvinced. "It's the same every time: they announce they've foiled a coup d'etat, and each scenario is more unbelievable than the last," said a Burkinabe journalist and political analyst. But "there have been zero trials, zero convictions," he added, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, in a country where those critical of the junta risk its repressive wrath. "This time, they're saying it was a discount coup, financed for just 70 million CFA francs ($120,000)... Previously, they've talked about financing of more than five billion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would not be the first time the junta has resorted to peculiar means of self-promotion. Last year, their supporters spread videos that had gone viral on social media of world-famous figures -- the pope, Beyonce, Justin Bieber, disgraced R&B star R. Kelly -- praising Traore as a fantastic leader. It turned out the videos had been generated by artificial intelligence. - The plot - According to the junta, the mastermind behind the alleged assassination plot was former lieutenant-colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who is in exile in Togo. Damiba ousted president Roch Marc Christian Kabore in a January 2022 coup, but was himself deposed eight months later in the coup that brought Traore to power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burkina Faso's security minister said Damiba and his co-conspirators had planned a series of "targeted assassinations" of civilian and military authorities on January 3, "starting with the neutralisation of comrade Ibrahim Traore". He accused neighbouring Ivory Coast, which has strained relations with Burkina Faso's military government, of financing the plot. A series of alleged conspirators were paraded before state television's cameras to make "confessions". Alleged "key player" Mady Sakande, presented as a businessman, said he had travelled to Ivory Coast to collect the money for the plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Army Captain Prosper Couldiati said he had been assigned to decapitate the commander of the Sapone drone base outside the capital, Ouagadougou, to prevent an aerial response. And Sergeant First Class Salfo Yalweogo of the Republican Guard said Damiba had contacted him to "mobilise men" for a coup. - 'Crying wolf' - The junta has repeatedly pointed the finger at Ivory Coast, which has denied the accusations. "We have a foiled plot around every four to six months," said another Burkinabe analyst. "Each time, it's an occasion for mobilising and revitalising support for the head of state. But be careful: cry wolf too many times, and people end up not believing you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effect may be wearing thin in Burkina Faso, which has other problems, including a long-running jihadist insurgency. "When this destabilisation attempt was announced, support for the junta rallied. But not with the same fervour as before," said one Ouagadougou resident. Nina Wilen, head of the Africa programme at the Brussels-based Egmont research institute, called the junta's latest coup allegation "very improbable". "Disinformation is omnipresent in Burkina Faso, and Captain Traore's team is particularly good at spreading rumours and fake news," she said. bur-bdi/pid/jhb/rh/st Harry Styles just announced a new album his first in four years. (PHOTO: Karwai Tang/WireImage) (Karwai Tang via Getty Images) Harry Styles has announced his return to music with a new studio album, his first in four years. The 31-year-old Grammy winner revealed on 15 Jan that his upcoming record, titled "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.", will be released on 6 March. The album will feature 12 tracks and is executive produced by Kid Harpoon, a longtime collaborator who has worked with Styles on all his previous albums. Styles shared the news on Instagram, posting the album artwork and adding a playful Instagram Stories post pointing to himself with the word "ME". The announcement follows weeks of fan speculation that new music was on the way. The new album comes four years after Harrys House, which swept major categories at the 2023 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. Styles supported Harrys House with his global Love on Tour, which ran for nearly two years. Marking the tours end in July 2023, he described it as the greatest experience of my life. "To everyone who came out to see us play, thank you," he wrote at the time. "I feel so incredibly full and happy, it's all because of you. You have given me memories that will last a lifetime, more than I could have ever dreamed of." "Thank you for your time, your energy, and your love. It's been an honour to play for you. I hope you had as much fun as I did/ Look after each other, I'll see you again when the time is right. Treat People With Kindness. I love you more than you'll ever know," Styles added. For more on Harry Styles' new album, read here. www.amazon.com www.amazon.com A Shark Tank-featured Click & Carry Grocery Bag Carrier Click & Carry is a Shark Tank and QVC-featured small business that specializes in easy carry accessories. Promising review: "TikTok made me buy it. This is great when you have a few bags and a box for example, if you balance the bags, you can throw it over your shoulder and walk inside and have two free hands to carry the box, which is great. Product seems well built, and is comfortable on your shoulder or hand because of the padding." Hung Advertisement Advertisement $13.99 at Amazon Amazon Amazon A stair-climbing trolly dolly Check out a TikTok of the dolly trolley in action. 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I hope this isn't all just cat pee that shows up cause there is a lot! I bought this because I thought my cat was peeing in one room and couldn't find the exact spot so I bought this. Found the spot and more. Would recommend." Momof3boys $13 at Amazon www.amazon.com A no-scrub weekly shower cleaner Promising review: "This product is so easy to use. As you can see from the pictures, my bathtub was staying pretty good. The guy that owned the house before me used Ajax to clean it so it has almost no enamel left on it and its probably the staining and nothing could get it out until I bought this. After 4 8-hour applications you can see the difference. I highly recommend this to everybody and once its completely clean Im gonna go on the once a week application. I actually bought another bottle for my dad and mom." Domenick R. Stamegna $21 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com A reusable pet fur remover Promising review: "I have a golden retriever and the shedding is out of control. My fabric sofa is constantly covered in hair and I finally decided to try this after reading an article about popular TikTok products. The reviews do not lie, this thing works magic!! I wish I had taken a before and after picture because the difference is noticeable. I watched the video tutorial before I tried it to ensure I was using it properly and everything he says is true, you do really have to put your arm to work with vigorous back and forth movement! However, I find it's a great arm workout and it works wonders." Joanne Ertel $25 at Amazon Amazon A three-pack of Velveeta cheese sauce Promising review: "These have been great to use. Cooking for just one person isn't the easiest thing for me, but these portions have been great when I want mac 'n' cheese, nachos, or a small smothered burrito for one. I'm sure when it's camping time these will make it into my camping stash." M. Cheatham $3 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com www.amazon.com A drill brush cleaning kit that'll attach to your drill/driver Includes three brushes that'll attached to a standard handheld drill. The white is a soft bristle, best for wheels, carpet, upholstery, glass, and leather; the yellow is a medium bristle, best for bathroom, bathtub, shower, tile, and porcelain; the green is a medium bristle, best for kitchen, stoves, cabinets, countertops, and linoleum; the blue is a medium bristle, best for boats, pools, canoe/kayaks, hot tubs, and plastics; the red is a stiff bristle, best for outdoors, siding, brick, garage, and gutter; and the black is a hard bristle, best for grills, loose paint, furnaces, ovens, and industrial use. Drill Brush is a small business based in New York! Promising review: "Im in love with this. I manage many apartment properties and finding people to do the cleaning has been tricky business, so I end up having to get in and clean these horrendous filth pods tenants lived in and left me to deal with when they move out. The ovens and stove tops are usually the worst, and I absolutely hate cleaning. I came across this drill attachment set, and let me tell you, it helped me tremendously! I still had to get in with a putty knife on some of them but it really cut down my elbow-grease time. If it wasnt for this drill attachment, I think my arms would have just fallen off trying to clean it as good as I did! My only con would be that it doesnt have any extension of any sort, so I really had my drill all up in that oven, but well worth it." alicia haats $25 at Amazon www.amazon.com A mini air fryer in case you've put off the investment Promising review: "I bought this tiny air fryer to use while camping, but now it has a permanent space in my kitchen, too. I find myself throwing food into it instead of my expensive, gigantic one. So many times, I don't need the whistles and bells overkill of the big one. If you live alone or have a household of 12, and don't expect to cook a 5-pound anything in it, it's perfect and packed with the quality I expected from Cosori. (It also blew my camping buddies away when hot rolls hit the table on my night to make chili...lol)" Cheri $60 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com A Dash mini rice cooker Promising review: "I bought this for my daughter for her dorm at college. She loves making flavored rice and warming up soups and things. She likes it so well that she brings it home from college with her on breaks. It is especially nice that it has a removable pot, which makes it so much easier to clean or keep leftovers in. Would definitely buy again, don't waste your money on a slightly cheaper one that does not have a removable pot." midohtree $25 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com A rectangular lazy Susan made to hold more than the traditional round ones Check out a TikTok of the rectangular lazy Susan in action. Promising review: "This is perfect for short people with big refrigerators! I could never reach anything on the top shelf and had to grab a step stool, now everything fits perfectly on this, and I can reach them all! It glides great and is very sturdy." Tara Mann $25 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com Some sheet fasteners if that the fitted sheet won't stay put on your mattress See them on TikTok. Promising review: "I love these! Since I started using them my sheets havent popped off once and that used to be a several-times-a-night problem because I toss and turn when I sleep. Thank you, TikTok!" Gabby $8 at Amazon Amazon Amazon A set of safe-locking magnetic duvet clips to keep your duvet in its proper place Checkout a TikTok of the duvet clips in action. Pinion Pins is a small business specializing in home improvement products. Promising review: "I was super worried about if I would have enough of the Pinions, and I totally do! My duvet is kinda thick and the Pinions pierced through with no problems! Plus with a little extra room if I had some extra layers. I REALLY like how you have to have the magnet tool to pull them apart. Absolutely no moving! Dont walk, RUN TO BUY THIS. I also like how unnoticeable they are." Abigayle Mishler $18 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com A small compost bin/trash can will easily hang on a cabinet door for easy hiding Promising review: "So I saw this tiny trash can on TikTok, and I was moving into a tiny studio apartment and thought this would be perfect. Turns out it's one of the best things I've ever bought. I installed mine with the over-the-cabinet hooks (also comes with adhesive stickers) on my kitchen island, and it is so convenient I can't even express with words. The lid is on this nifty hinge so you can open it by flipping the lid up, or by sliding it forward and it folds down out of the way. I usually keep it open while I'm cooking but I can close it super quickly if I see the dog coming. There is a little pull tab for easy opening. It is so easy to use and easy to clean. It's also so cute! I use my plastic grocery bags as trash can liners for this and they fit perfectly. It comes with a roll of bags as well. The lid lifts off easily to change bags out. Clicks back on easily over the new liner. Can't recommend this enough!! This is going on my list of 'best things I've ever spent my money on.'" Ginger $22 at Amazon www.amazon.com Or some pink! Cherry blossomscented! Forceflex trashbags Promising review: "These are my absolute favorite. They are stretchy and durable. They smell great and keep my house from smelling bad when I have food trash. And I love that they are pink." Ashley van Kirk $9 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com A self-sealing magnetic screen door to let dogs help themselves out Promising review: "I bought this so my puppies could traverse to/from their backyard pen area...and keep flying insects out. It is AWESOME! The puppies figured out quickly that they could go through the screen the screen snapped back into a closed state immediately after they got through the opening. If only all things in life could be solved this easily!" Lynette S Quigley $32 at Amazon Amazon Amazon A Rapid Ramen Cooker Rapid Brands is a small biz specializing in microwave cookware. Promising review: "God's ramen cooker. This thing may seem like just an ordinary Tupperware, but I assure you it will blow that thin plastic garbage out of the water. It retains heat amazingly and does not bend or falter under extreme temperatures. I'm a college student and I have never felt such joy from making ramen in my small dorm microwave, for a 900-watt I recommend five minutes. Buy this product if you live and breathe air, because it is beautiful." Theron $10 at Amazon www.amazon.com A game-changing "bed wedge" pillow in a high-density foam and triangular shape Bonus: There's a lil' side pocket for your phone, glasses, or other nighttime accessories. Promising review: "I did not realize that these were out there until I watched a TikTok about one. This has saved my pillows. I do have a headboard, but there was about a three-inch gap between it and my mattress. This has stopped my pillows from sliding down in between. I have had no issues at all with it. I did let it sit for almost 72 hours while it was getting its shape back from being in a shipping container, but after that, it was perfect!!! I highly recommend." Miss_Beck $23 at Amazon Target A powerful dishwashing spray I live in an apartment without a dishwasher, and I honestly use that as an excuse to order takeout food instead of cooking. But, as soon as I got my hands on a bottle of this stuff (regular Dawn is my go-to dish soap, BTW), I put it to use on both a saucepan I used to make homemade enchilada sauce and the casserole dish I baked those enchiladas, which had a ton of caked-on food. It really does work like I say it does! Like, scary well. $17 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com A clear magnetic refrigerator dry-erase board that'll stick directly on your fridge It also includes four dry-erase markers! Promising review: "Saw it on TikTok being used as a dinner menu for the week! It will help me be more organized and add little chores that needs to completed or important reminders. Love it, no complaints." Clarince Thomas $17 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com A jumbo pack of toilet cleaning tabs Promising review: "Effective at keeping the toilet bowl clean and very easy to use." Amazon Customer $23 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com A handheld steam cleaner Promising review: "Cleaned stove top and the hood vents. Then, I had to clean the sticky grease from the sink. Worked very easily and without chemicals. Easy to use and to refill. The attachments make various jobs easy to clean." Lori $40 at Amazon www.amazon.com www.amazon.com And a playful bath mat because you NEED one anyway Promising review: "I absolutely love this rug. I was not expecting it to be as cute and fluffy as it is! Ive gotten so many compliments on it." Amanda Fiji $24 at Amazon Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity. Related... A confused homeowner reached out to Reddit's r/hvacadvice after receiving frustrating responses from multiple HVAC companies. According to the original poster, they bought a 1970s home in Knoxville, Tennessee, and they had been trying to find a contractor to install a mini-split system. However, each business the OP brought in tried to sell them a different package. "Are mini-splits really this bad?" they asked. "Contractors won't even quote this job." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commenters emphasized the efficiency of mini-split systems and urged the OP to find the right HVAC installer. "I have a company out of Huntingdon, TN on the west side of the state," one person responded. "We do tons of mini-split jobs. I actually prefer mini-split/mini-style system. They are hard to beat on efficiency." A mini-split system divides your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning setup into different zones with outdoor and indoor units. This eliminates the need for ductwork and cuts energy losses associated with ducts. One of the main benefits of a mini-split system is that it's more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC units because you can adjust the temperature in individual rooms. Upgrading your home's heating and cooling system is a great way to not only save money on your utility bills but also improve your home's energy efficiency. For homeowners looking to understand their options, TCD's HVAC Explorer is a great place to start. You can connect with trusted installers and save up to 50% on your energy bills after upgrading to a new system or energy-efficient heat pump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palmetto is one of TCD's partners that can help you find a solution while saving money down the line. With Palmetto, you can get a new system for $0 down and subscription lease payments as low as $99 per month. You'll also keep saving once the system is installed, as Palmetto offers 12 years of free maintenance. If you continue to make eco-friendly updates to your home, Palmetto's free Home app lets you unlock up to $5,000 in rewards. Installing solar panels, for example, reduces your household's environmental footprint while optimizing your heating and cooling savings. For homeowners interested in learning more about those options, TCD's Solar Explorer can help you navigate installers and systems. The OP updated Redditors in the forum, explaining that they received a call from a local contractor shortly after sharing their post. 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. Ben Affleck hopes his kids "don't waste their life acting". Ben Affleck has opened up about his hopes for his children The Hollywood actor is father to three children - Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 13 - with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner and he's adamant the former couple " would "never push" their kids into the family business. Speaking to E! News at the premiere of his new film The Rip, Affleck explained: "You put something on your children when you have a public life and that's complicated,. We really want to give them room to figure out what they want to do. "I wouldn't push them into that. They're brilliant and lovely and wonderful and we love them and we're proud of them and hope that they don't waste their life acting." He went on to admit his children's upbringing is very different to his own, adding: "In some way, it was kind of a blessing to [have] anonymity, to struggle, to where we started, which was just in the middle of nowhere." Affleck previously opened up about how proud he is of his kids, especially eldest daughter Violet, who he describes as very similar to her mother Jennifer. He told Access Hollywood: "[Violet] takes after her mom. Shes spectacular. I could not be more proud of my children. I cant even tell you. "And Im very lucky that Ive got a great partner and that we got great kids. Its the joy of my life and Im just very, very lucky. And it makes me happy every day." Garner - who split from Affleck in 2015 after a decade of marriage - also opened up about parenting in a recent interview with Marie Claire UK. She said of her kids: "Theyre just so cool! Parenting now has shifted. Its more about parenting with a button on my mouth ... You have to let them grow up and make their choices. You dont get to control it." She also spoke about the former couple's split admitting it was "hard" breaking up the family. Jennifer told the publication: "You have to be smart about what you can and cant handle, and I could not handle what was out there. But what was out there was not what was hard. The fact of it is what was hard. "The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard." At the invitation of the World Economic Forum and the government of the Swiss Confederation, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council He Lifeng will attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos and visit Switzerland from January 19 to 22. China Daily: Can you brief us on the arrangement of Vice Premier He Lifengs attendance at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 and what does China expect to achieve through the event? Guo Jiakun: The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting is an important platform for discussions on global economic trend and on how to promote cooperation and development, and is known as the wind vane of the world economy. Vice Premier He Lifeng will attend and address the opening plenary of the annual meeting. The theme of this years annual meeting is A Spirit of Dialogue. In a world fraught with uncertainties and instabilities and struggling to find drivers for growth, China looks forward to working with all participating parties to increase dialogue and exchanges, pool consensus for cooperation, practice true multilateralism, jointly build an open world economy, strive for global development that is more inclusive, resilient and beneficial for all, and inject more stability and positive energy for the world economy. Reuters: The U.S. and Taiwan signed a trade deal on Thursday that cuts tariffs on many of Taiwans exports and directs new investment into the U.S. technology industry. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment? Guo Jiakun: China firmly opposes the negotiating and signing of any agreement with sovereign connotations and an official nature between Chinas Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic relations with China. The U.S. needs to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques. RT TV: Japan and the Philippines signed an agreement recently to enhance mutual support and cooperation on military logistics. The Japanese side said that it will provide the Philippines with security assistance worth millions of U.S. dollars to boost the so-called quasi-alliance. What is Chinas comment? If the agreement comes into effect, whats Chinas assessment on its possible impact on regional peace and stability? Guo Jiakun: China always believes that cooperation between states should not target any third party or harm the interests of any third party; nor should such cooperation undermine regional peace and stability. During World War II, Japanese militarists invaded the Philippines, oppressed the Philippine people and servicemen from the Allied Nations with force and coercion, and ruthlessly killed Chinese diplomatic and consular officials. That part of history must be remembered, those atrocities must be accounted for, and justice must be delivered for such crimes. Despite criticism from Southeast Asian countries and the international community over latest military and security developments in Japan, the Japanese side has shown no inclination to mend its conduct, and instead made up various pretexts to expand military buildup and export deadly weapons, further revealing Japanese right-wing forces motive to remilitarize Japan and go back to the path of military expansion. All peace-loving countries and people must firmly reject a revival of militarism and remilitarization in Japan and keep the region peaceful and stable. CCTV: Can you share the arrangement of Vice Premier He Lifengs visit to Switzerland? Whats Chinas comment on its relations with Switzerland? Guo Jiakun: While in Switzerland, Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet with President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Guy Parmelin. Over recent years, with the concerted effort of both sides, China-Switzerland relations have achieved comprehensive improvement, practical cooperation has continuously produced new outcomes, negotiations on an upgrade of the free trade agreement have made steady progress, and the two sides have both voiced support for multilateralism and the reform and improvement of global governance. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership. It is also the first year of Chinas 15th Five-Year Plan period. China-Switzerland cooperation faces new opportunities. Vice Premier He Lifengs visit will galvanize effort from both sides to further expand cooperation areas and achieve more mutually-beneficial outcomes in the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership. Beijing Youth Daily: The handover ceremony of the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China was held at the UN Headquarters this week. Uruguay took over the chairmanship for the year 2026. Speaking at the event, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the G77 remains a strong pillar of multilateralism and its mission is as urgent as ever. Whats Chinas comment? Can you share Chinas expectation of the work of the Group of 77 and China in 2026? Guo Jiakun: China congratulates Uruguay on taking over the chairmanship of the G77 and China for the year 2026. The G77 and China is an important force in safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and improving global governance system, and a pillar in defending multilateralism. The organization is playing an irreplaceable role in international affairs. China as the largest developing country always shares weal and woe with the Global South and stands firmly with the G77 in upholding international fairness and justice and protecting the common interests of developing countries. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the handover ceremony once again stressed the importance of multilateralism, unity and cooperation, which echoes the shared aspiration of the international community. It also proves that unilateral moves such as withdrawing from treaties and organizations and cutting off supplies find no support among the people. As the international landscape experiences instabilities and transformation and multilateralism faces headwinds, it is all the more imperative for developing countries to seek strength through unity, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying, and safeguard our legitimate development interests. We hope that under the chairmanship of Uruguay, the G77 and China can further pool consensus on solidarity and cooperation, practice true multilateralism, firmly uphold the authority and role of the UN, restore development as the central international agenda item, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity. Nippon TV: Japans former chief cabinet secretary visited Taiwan and held talks with president Lai. Lai stated that we appreciate Japanese Prime Ministers consistent emphasis on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Does China have any comment on this? Guo Jiakun: Taiwan is a province of China and there is no such thing as president of Taiwan. There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. China firmly opposes official interactions of any form between the Taiwan authorities and countries having diplomatic relations with China. We urge the Japanese side to earnestly abide by the one-China principle, and refrain from sending any wrong message to Taiwan independence separatist forces. We would also like to stress that the most important thing for Japan now is to retract the erroneous remarks of Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan. On January 13th, Ambassador Zhao Yong paid a courtesy visit on the Hon. Speaker Segepoh Soloman Thomas, discussing the bilateral relations and the exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries. Ambassador Zhao stated that the traditional friendship between China and Sierra Leone has endured and grown stronger over time. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two Heads of State, practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results. With the launching of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange, China is willing to work with Sierra Leone to further enhance communication and exchanges between the two countries legislative bodies, solidifying the foundation of public support from people for the cooperation between China and Sierra Leone. Speaker Thomas warmly welcomed Ambassador Zhaos assumption of office and stated that the Sierra Leonean Parliament attaches great importance to developing relations with China and firmly adheres to the one-China principle. Sierra Leone looks forward to further promoting exchanges between the two parliaments and strengthen exchanges on governance and administration experience. 1. At the invitation of His Excellency Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, paid an official visit to China from 14-17 January 2026. During the visit, His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the Peoples Republic of China, met with Prime Minister Carney. Premier Li Qiang held talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney. His Excellency Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress also met with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Leaders exchanged views on China-Canada relations, as well as regional and international issues of common interest in an in-depth, pragmatic and constructive manner. 2. Leaders reaffirmed the principles and policies that have guided China-Canada relations. Canada reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to its One China policy. The two sides committed to advancing the China-Canada new Strategic Partnership in the spirit of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit to bring more positive outcomes to both peoples. 3. Leaders welcomed the progress made in recent bilateral dialogues. They committed to strengthening exchanges at all levels and to advancing outcomes in the following areas: ---Macroeconomic engagement. The two sides decided to reinvigorate the highlevel China-Canada Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue (EFSD) to discuss wide ranging related issues to strengthen bilateral economic relations. ---Economic and trade cooperation. Leaders committed to strengthening economic and trade partnership between China and Canada and welcomed progress in the negotiations to resolve trade issues. The two sides committed to expanding bilateral trade, strengthening two-way investment, and deepening cooperation in diverse sectors of mutual interest. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of a fair and open business environment for enterprises of both countries, and committed to addressing economic and trade issues of mutual concern through constructive consultation, including through a renewed China-Canada Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC). Leaders welcomed the signing of the China-Canada Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap, and instructed officials to advance the work related to the document. The two sides developed a preliminary joint arrangement to address bilateral economic and trade issues. The two sides committed to strengthening agricultural cooperation and food security, including through a revitalized China-Canada Joint Agriculture Committee. ---Energy. The two sides concurred to support exchanges and cooperation in clean energy, and strengthen cooperation in conventional energy such as oil and gas resource development. The two sides decided to launch a Ministerial Energy Dialogue to outline key areas to support twoway investment and trade in clean and conventional energy. They also committed to building on existing collaboration for responsible management of bilateral civil nuclear energy and to strengthening cooperation in natural uranium trade in accordance with the highest international standards, including relevant International Atomic Energy Agency instruments. ---Finance. The two sides welcomed the establishment of a Financial Working Group to enhance bilateral engagement on financial issues. The working group will report to the co-chairs of the EFSD. Leaders welcomed the signing of the Third Agreement to Extend and Amend the Chinese Yuan/Canadian Dollar Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement between the Peoples Bank of China and the Bank of Canada. ---Public security and safety. The two sides committed to strengthening law enforcement cooperation to combat corruption and transnational crimes, including telecommunication and cyber fraud and illegal synthetic drugs in accordance with their respective laws. The two sides committed to continuing their bilateral law enforcement cooperation annual working group meeting mechanism, under which a counternarcotics dialogue is a key part, and securing more concrete achievements to ensure the security and safety of the two peoples. ---People-to-people ties and cultural exchanges. The two sides concurred that people-to-people ties are the foundation of the bilateral relationship and committed to fostering these ties to promote greater mutual understanding and cooperation. The two sides decided to restart the China-Canada Joint Committee on Culture. The two sides committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation in areas such as culture, education, arts, heritage, creative industries and to promoting legislative and subnational exchanges. The two sides consented to provide mutual support and convenience for media to work in each others countries, and provide greater convenience for two-way travel. The two sides concurred to provide facilitation for respective diplomatic premises. ---Multilateralism. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, supporting the central role of the United Nations (UN) in international affairs, safeguarding and improving the rulesbased multilateral trading system underpinned by the World Trade Organization (WTO), and keeping global industrial and supply chains stable and smooth. Canada notes the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by China. The two sides committed to working to improve global governance, and to strengthening coordination and cooperation in the accelerated implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and on the reform of the international financial system. Canada supports Chinas hosting of the 2026 AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings and looks forward to a successful APEC year, and appreciates Chinas support for Canadas offer to host in 2029. The two sides will look for opportunities to enhance exchanges and cooperation within the G20 and committed to deepening cooperation on climate and the environment, including under the frameworks of the Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA), the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), as well as under the Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change Cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Environmental Cooperation. 4. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed appreciation to the government and people of the Peoples Republic of China for their warm and friendly hospitality. China welcomed the invitation of the Canadian side for Chinese leaders to visit Canada at a mutually convenient time. 5. During the visit, the two sides signed the following cooperation documents: a. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Combating Crimes Between the Ministry of Public Security of the Peoples Republic of China and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police b. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Housing and UrbanRural Development of the Peoples Republic of China and the Department of Natural Resources of Canada, the Ministry of Forests of the Province of British Columbia on Cooperation on Modern Wood Construction c. China-Canada Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap d. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Peoples Republic of China and the Department of Canadian Heritage on the China-Canada Joint Committee on Culture e. Memorandum of Understanding between the General Administration of Customs of the Peoples Republic of China and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency regarding Food Safety and Animal and Plants Health Cooperation f. Arrangement between the General Administration of Customs of the Peoples Republic of China and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on a Protocol for the Quarantine and Hygiene Requirements for Pet Food to be Exported to the Peoples Republic of China g. Memorandum of Understanding between the China National Energy Administration and the Department of Natural Resources of Canada on Strengthening Energy Cooperation h. Letter of Intent for Cooperation between China Media Group and Destination Canada On the afternoon of January 15, 2026, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Beijing. Zhao Leji noted that in October last year, President Xi Jinping held a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, during which they reached important common understandings on further improving and developing China-Canada relations, leading to a turnaround in bilateral relations. Standing at a new starting point, China is willing to work with Canada to implement the important common understandings 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 sound, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations. The NPC of China is willing to enhance friendly exchanges with the Parliament of Canada, carry out experience sharing on legislation, supervision and other work, and provide legal safeguards for practical cooperation in various fields. Mark 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. On the afternoon of January 15, 2026, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Li Qiang said that with the joint efforts of the two sides, the China-Canada relationship has achieved a turnaround, which has been widely welcomed by people from all sectors of both countries. Maintaining the sound and stable development of China-Canada relations serves the common interests of both nations. President Xi Jinping will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to further chart the course for promoting the stability and improvement of bilateral relations. Standing at a new starting point, China is ready to work with Canada to uphold the strategic partnership, strengthen dialogue and communication, enhance political mutual trust, respect each other's core interests, seek common ground while shelving and resolving differences, continuously expand practical cooperation, and add more impetus to the development of both countries. Li Qiang noted that China and Canada enjoy strong economic complementarity, and bilateral cooperation is driven by robust endogenous dynamism and holds vast potential. China is ready to further synergize development strategies with Canada, continue to resume and advance exchanges across various fields and levels, make good use of bilateral governmental dialogue mechanisms in economy, trade, science and technology, agriculture and other areas, promote stable growth in bilateral trade, and enhance trade facilitation. Both sides should deepen cooperation in areas such as clean energy, digital technology, modern agriculture, aviation and aerospace, advanced manufacturing and finance, to foster more new drivers of economic growth. The Chinese side welcomes more Canadian companies to invest in China and hopes that the Canadian side will provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises investing in Canada. Both sides should continue to actively support exchanges and cooperation in education, culture, tourism, sports, youth affairs, and sub-national interactions, facilitate cross-border travel, and carry forward and deepen the friendship between the peoples of the two countries. China is ready to enhance cooperation with Canada within frameworks such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, G20, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade, improve global governance, and make the international order more just and equitable. Mark Carney said that the relationship between Canada and China has a long history. Canada was one of the first Western countries to recognize the People's Republic of China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Canadian government has always firmly adhered to the one-China policy. Canada is willing to strengthen dialogue with China in various fields on the basis of mutual respect, leverage complementary advantages, and promote cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, energy, green economy, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges. Chinese companies are welcome to invest and do business in Canada, and Canadian enterprises are fully confident in deepening cooperation with the Chinese side. Amid the profound changes in the current international situation, Canada is willing to enhance communication and collaboration with China, jointly support the United Nations in playing a central role in international affairs, safeguard the multilateral trading system, defend multilateralism, and promote world peace, stability and prosperity. Canada appreciates China's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Following the talks, the two heads of government jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering economy and trade, customs, energy, construction, culture, and public security. Prior to the talks, Li Qiang held a welcome ceremony for Mark Carney at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Wu Zhenglong attended the above events. The people behind HBOs A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the first season of which premieres Sunday night, have performed something of a miracle. The shorthand way to describe what A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms isa Game of Thrones show thats a half-hour-ish comedydoesnt quite convey what watching this show feels like. Weve still got all the blood, shit, vomit, and flies, the tactile, fleshy medieval milieu that Game of Thrones and the embattled prequel House of the Dragon accustomed us to enjoy. Members of the major houses of Westeros make appearances, and there are evil, grinning princes to hate, even combat scenes with crunching sounds that will make you wince. But whats missing is all the dreadful heaviness you risk when you set out to get into a George R. R. Martin adaptation. Its been siphoned out, as if by the hand of the most decorated maester. Somehow, Knight is all the better for it, a Game of Thrones show that everyone can enjoy, even those who flinched from its predecessors. This story is adaptedmostly directly, with some small departures that are mostly improvementsfrom the first of Martins Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, The Hedge Knight, first published in 1998. You can read this one, bundled with the second and third, in a volume called A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Martin says he has more ideas for novellas beyond the third, but promised in a blog post last year that he would not give us more Dunk and Egg until he finishes The Winds of Winter, the near-mythical next volume in the main A Song of Ice and Fire seriesa stipulation sure to trigger a long-suffering chuckle from any fan of this particular IP. The Dunk and Egg action takes place after the end of House of the Dragon, and before the beginning of Game of Throneswhen Targaryens are still sitting the Iron Throne, but all of the actual dragons are dead. Theres some talk of past wars, and politicking around the merits of different families and princes. But these questions of state barely matter, except insofar as they affect the life of Dunk, our brawny, innocent hero, who was born in Flea Bottom, the poorest neighborhood in Kings Landing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunk (played by the Irish actor Peter Claffey, a former professional rugby player) escaped Flea Bottom in his youth only because he crossed paths with Ser Arlan (Danny Webb), an elderly hedge knight who takes Dunk on as a squire. The series opens with Arlans death, and, armed only with their three horses, his unusually large size, an all-encompassing belief in the chivalric precepts of Westerosi knighthood, and his insistence that his late mentor knighted him as a final act, Dunk is on his own. Hedge knights are a somewhat degraded class in Westeros ( like a knight, but sadder, says one character in the shows first episode). They serve no house, but go from lord to lord, as gigs arise. After the death of Ser Arlan, Dunk, being without any connections, or even a proper belt to hold his scabbard, must hack away around the edges of Westerosi society. To earn some coin, he will enter tourneys to joust for screaming audiences, or go fight wars that have nothing to do with him. Advertisement And so, in this first season of the show, we find Dunk arriving at a tourney at the town of Ashford, in the Reach. Hes acquired a mysteriously bold-mouthed and bald little boy (Dexter Sol Ansell), named Egg, as his squire. Despite not really being good at talking (the characters first line in the series is I dont know the right words), Dunk is, always, pure of heart. As he convinces the lords to let him participate, gets closer to Egg, and makes friends in camp among certain highborn men who find his naivete and large size a pleasurable novelty, youre more and more Team Dunk. Puppet shows, wild parties in lords pavilions, and the violent pageantry of the jousting itself are all visually rich, scratching that classic Game of Thrones itch. Advertisement A hero with ethics and morals, who rises from nothing, to be known by lords and princes? A sweetie, who says to his dead father figure, I wish you didnt die, ser, and promises to take good care of the horses? A strong boy, at constant risk of exploitation in the bloody and cynical world of Westeros? (A sex worker in this first episode describes their situations as similar: they both put bodies at hazard for the pleasure of strangers.) This is exactly the kind of person Game of Thrones would offer up for our emotional investment, only to yank them away, by beheading, Red Wedding, or hodor, hodor, hodor-ing, when wed get too attached. Advertisement The difference is, this time, we know that Dunk will stay around. These are the Dunk and Egg novellas. Not only will the character not die, hell be our focus. No switching back and forth between rival queens, or glimpsing Arya Stark for 10 precious minutes out of the weeks hourlong episode, before having to say goodbye again. And the contrast between Dunks purity and Westeros underlying corruption offers comedic possibilities, but also great scope for exploration. We can tour the realm, get reacquainted with the distinctive rhythm of Westerosi speech and the politics of the great houses, enthrall ourselves with the possibility of glimpsing what the Baratheons and Starks were up to before Game of Thrones kicked off, all without fear of our hearts suddenly breaking. I feel thick as a castle wall saying this, but what a relief! A Game of Thrones show, with the pressure off? Im in. Lo Bosworth has given birth two weeks early. Lo Bosworth's baby / Instagram The 39-year-old TV personality announced via Instagram on Thursday (15.01.26) that she and her husband, investor, Dom Natale, have welcomed their first child into the world, a baby girl called Nelle. Lo captioned a sweet photo of the newborn all snuggled up whilst wearing a blue-and-pink-striped hat, and wrapped in a white blanket, with: "Our girl Nelle is here. "She started the year by surprising us two weeks early, but really, she was right on time. Our teeny one is named for her Oma and already so loved. More to come! Love, The Natale Family." The Hills alum's fans rushed to the post's comments section to congratulate the couple. One person penned: "Look at that nose. Congratulations Lo!!! Lo is q mom!!! Welcome to motherhood (sic)." A second user wrote: "She is perfection, congratulations!!! (sic)" And a third supporter typed: "Congratulations Lo !! Shes a beauty xx (sic)." In July 2025, Lo revealed that she and Dom had married at her family's home in Laguna Beach, California, as well as that they were expecting Nelle's arrival in January. Sharing pictures from their special day on Instagram, she penned: "We said yes with joy. And life, with its most tender timing, said yes right back." The star - who got engaged to Dom in January 2025 - and her spouse considered a luxurious "New York City wedding", but when she started trying for a baby, they felt it was best to plan an "intimate" ceremony. Last July, Lo explained to People: "We wanted our wedding to meet the moment of where we're at right now. "I'm about four months pregnant, and before starting our fertility journey, we thought about a big, New York City wedding. "Once our family plans got underway, however, we changed course to something we knew would be perfect if I was lucky enough to get pregnant: an intimate wedding with our closest family members enjoyed at home. "We could take off our shoes, stretch out, enjoy great food and the beautiful decor, and relax." Lo met Dom after his sisters reached out to her on Instagram at Christmas time, "a few years" before they got married. In a July 2025 episode of the Northwestern Mutuals A Better Way to Money podcast, she recalled: "Then into the DMs came Doms sisters. His family set us up." Lo is glad that she shared her single status on social media because she would not have met Dom otherwise. The Laguna Beach alum added: "Its true! I realised everyone needs to be marking themselves for what they want. If youre single and you want a partner, you have to do the work to find a partner. "You have to ask to be set up. You have to go on dates. You have to do the work. You cant just sit in your house and play on TikTok." Lo previously dated her Hills co-star Scott Hochstadt for two years between 2009 and 2011. She was later linked to Shark Tank contestant Jimmy DeCicco, with the pair last seen together in 2020. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act on Thursday to quell protests against the federal occupation of the Twin Cities, a move that would allow him to send in the military over Minnesotas opposition. Masked immigration officers are currently rampaging through Minneapolis and St. Paul, brutalizing protesters and arresting individuals on the basis of race, drawing widespread opposition from local leaders and communities. The president evidently believes that he can wield the Insurrection Act to suppress their First Amendment rights and impose a kind of military rule on the streets. But what exactly is this lawand why hasnt Trump deployed it already? To explain what the Insurrection Act truly authorizes and the risks that come with invoking it, Mark Joseph Stern spoke with Georgetown Law professor Steve Vladeck on this weeks episode of Amicus. Vladeck is an expert on military law and author of the One First Substack. A preview of their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for clarity. Mark Joseph Stern: Lets start with the absolute basics: What is the Insurrection Act? Steve Vladeck: The Insurrection Act is the commonif misleadingname that weve given to a series of statutes that trace all the way back to 1792. These statutes carry into force Congress constitutional power to provide for the calling forth of the militiaand then later, the militaryto suppress insurrection, to repel invasion, or execute the laws of the Union. The idea was that Congress should be able to allow the president, in very narrow but important circumstances, to use military force as a backup when civilian order and civilian law enforcement has broken down. So the idea was that it would be used in narrow circumstances, but the language is actually fairly broad. How have presidents invoked it in the past? It seems like, for the most part, theyve actually been pretty restrained and not used it the way Trump wants to use it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The history of the Insurrection Act is of pretty responsible usage of a statute that could be interpreted, in a vacuum, as a remarkably broad delegation of power to the president. Weve had somewhere around 30 invocations of the statute across American history. But the last one was 34 years ago when President George H.W. Bush used it to help send troops in during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. Although those 30 invocations might have been politically controversial in some cases, they werent legally controversial. When President Kennedy sent troops into Mississippi in 1962 to protect James Meredith and the 300 law enforcement officers who were there with him, that was politically controversial because the South didnt want them. It was not legally controversial because those guys were at perilous risk of being lynched. And Mississippis local and state authorities were not exactly helping. So presidents have been responsible historically; theyve usually had compelling factual bases for invoking the Insurrection Act. It hasnt been used as a permanent way to deploy troops into our cities. Even the Justice Department, which is not shy about claiming power for the president, has taken a very narrow view of when they can use it. Advertisement It sounds like you dont think that the protests in the Twin Cities right now actually give Trump legitimate grounds to invoke the Insurrection Act. I dont think its even close. But there is a problem of folks coming to this history fresh, who dont know the backstory or the historical pedigree here. Because you could read the statute and say: If I squint a little, one protester throwing a rock at an ICE officer is impeding law enforcement. But the Insurrection Act is not about private conduct. It is really about circumstances where the states themselves are unwilling or unable to enforce their laws, or where theyre specifically thwarting federal law enforcement. Advertisement Every time the Trump administration points to an example of something bad happening to an ICE officer, the culprits are protesters, not state officials. President Trump can mouth off about the mayor and the governor, but he doesnt have any specific examples of policies or episodes where state and local governments have been the reasons why ICE has been impeded. If it were otherwiseif one person doing one thing to impede an ICE officer from carrying out their duties was sufficient to justify an invocation of the Insurrection Actthen all protests would trigger the Insurrection Act. And thats not how weve ever understood the Insurrection Act. It would not make any sense with First Amendment values. Why hasnt Trump invoked the Insurrection Act yet? I think there are two reasons. One is political and one is legal. The political reason is that there really still are political obstacles to invoking the Insurrection Act. The president would invite blowback, even from some members of the Republican caucus and Congress. Not many, but given how razor-thin the Republicans margin is in the House right now, it wouldnt take that many votes to really upend all of this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the legal part is that the administration will be sued, and there are probably some folks who are wary that the facts, as they currently stand, make it at least somewhat questionable whether they will win that case. As opposed to a scenario where theres a more visible unprovoked assault on an ICE officer, or a state official who is directly involved in impeding ICE. I think that might be the pretext theyre looking for. Thats, of course, my next question: If Trump invokes the law, there will be a legal challenge, and it will go to the Supreme Court. What will that challenge look like, and do you really think itll have a chance of prevailing at SCOTUS? Is there also a chance that justices could say they just dont have authority to overrule the commander-in-chief on this? Advertisement I dont think the court will go quite that far. What I worry about more is a ruling that says that the presidents entitled to a whole lot of deference, not that the courts are powerless. I dont think John Roberts is going to join an opinion that says the court is powerless about anything. But I do worry about the fight over the facts. In the National Guard cases, the lower courts made a series of factual findings that are inconsistent with what the executive branch said was the factual basis for deploying the troops. Do the courts have the power to do that? That will be the fight. Advertisement Advertisement This is why I think the facts actually are going to matter. If and when the president invokes the Insurrection Act, will there be more of a factual basis than there is here on Friday morning? Does the district court make factual findings that are actually well-supported by the record and would be difficult for the Supreme Court to run away from? The devils going to be in the details. It sounds like you think six of the justices really dont want to call Donald Trump a liar. But to block the use of the Insurrection Act in the Twin Cities, the Supreme Court would probably have to say that Trump, executive branch officials, and law enforcement officers are not telling the truth. And the court is clearly hesitant to do that. Related From Slate The Supreme Court Just Decided a Major Issue in Cases Like Renee Goods Shootingand Not How You Might Expect Read More I could also imagine a universe in which even the factual claims made by the Trump administration, taken at face value, could be held insufficient. The only way the Supreme Court could rule against Trump without second-guessing him is an opinion that says: Even assuming all this is true, thats still not enough for the Insurrection Act. I have no faith that Justices Kavanaugh, Thomas, Alito, or Gorsuch would join such an opinion. So were back to where we are so often in these cases, which is: Where are the chief and Justice Barrett? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where do you think they are? I dont know. Im heartened about what happened in the National Guard case, which is a sign that they do not just reflexively rule for the Trump administration. But its going to depend on just how divorced from reality the administrations factual arguments are. This is why I think theyve been waiting for something more than the Renee Good incident, for something more than a couple of suspects resisting an ICE arrest. I think theyre waiting for something that they can pitch plausibly as a completely unprovoked act of violence, or interference by a local or state law enforcement officer. People often say that Trump does whatever he wants and doesnt listen to his lawyers, but I dont think thats true when it comes to stuff that could reach the Supreme Court. I think he is very cautious when dealing with any issue thats going to go to the justices. One hundred percent. Theres a reason why they havent invoked the Insurrection Act as were sitting here today. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Its easy to forget that Texas bounty bill, S.B. 8, was once at the epicenter of the nations abortion politics. In 2021, Texas passed the law, which allows literally anyone to sue providers and those who aid them any time an abortion is performed after six weeks of pregnancy. The law created a blueprint for other conservative states and was upheld by the Supreme Court later that yearprior to the decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. It also had major impacts: leading clinics to stop offering procedures after six weeks and eventually producing an increase in both births among teenagers and infant mortality across the state. But now, S.B. 8 seems quaint, a relic of 2021just like reporters discussing the post-Trump era or Ben Affleck and J.Lo giving it another try. Texas now enforces a law that bans abortion from fertilization and another, passed just this year, that authorizes suits against anyone who mails, provides, manufactures, or distributes abortion pills. No one seems to need S.B. 8 when more powerful criminal laws are on offer. But bounty bills are now at the center of a major conflict about whether ban states can censor speech, advocacy, and donations related to abortion. S.B. 8 certainly has ambitions to do just thatits coverage of aiding or abetting explicitly covers paying for or reimbursing the costs of an abortion, but it doesnt stop there. Conservative attorneys general are suing Planned Parenthood for hundreds of millions of dollars for statements comparing the safety record of the abortion pill mifepristone to Tylenol despite the drugs safety record. South Dakota has its own suit against Mayday Health, a group that provides information about reproductive alternatives, for advertising that people who didnt want to be pregnant could visit the groups website.* The S.B. 8 suits wont just show whether abortion-rights supporters have found a chink in the laws armor. The litigation will also shape a brewing war about the censorship of abortion-related speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest fight began in 2022, when two Texas advocacy groups began looking for ways to protect their work helping people access abortion by traveling out of state. Major anti-abortion organizations and individual plaintiffs were already targeting these abortion funds under S.B. 8, and so the funds responded with a barrage of lawsuits in both state and federal court, arguing that S.B. 8 violated the First Amendment by hamstringing how the plaintiffs talked to clients and advocated for reproductive rights. Then there is money, the lifeblood of abortion funds. The Supreme Court has protected some forms of election spending under the First Amendment, and the abortion funds argue that the same doctrine protects them too. The lawsuits raise other arguments: that the statute is so ambiguous that no one would know what theyre allowed to do, and that the law violates principles of equal protection under the law by creating a special set of procedural rules that apply only to people who use it to sue. Advertisement District courts in Chicago and Washington, D.C., dismissed the federal suits on procedural grounds, but it still seems like abortion opponents in Texas are worried about the constitutional questions. Thats why theyve gone on the offensive. In an ironic twist, in one prominent case now before the Texas Supreme Court, theyre arguing that constitutional challenges to S.B. 8 itself undermine protected speech. Thats the issue in Weldon v. Lilith Fund. Sadie Weldon, a private citizen, sought to depose the Lilith Funds deputy director using a special Texas mechanism called a 202 petition that allows people to investigate a potential claim before filing suit. Weldon hardly came up with the idea on her own: Jonathan Mitchell, the architect of S.B. 8, had filed at least nine such petitions by the spring of 2024, including against people who traveled out of state for abortion. The Lilith Fund was ready to go, using Weldons petition as an opening for another constitutional challenge to S.B. 8. Mitchell then asked the court to dismiss the Lilith Funds countersuit, invoking what is called an anti-SLAPP law. These laws, which stand for antistrategic lawsuit against public participation law, or SLAPP, are meant to stop frivolous lawsuits by powerful companies and individuals looking to silence their critics and suppress protected speech. Texas law applies to suits on speech about matters of public concern. Advertisement Advertisement Weldon and some other anti-abortion plaintiffs lost on those claims in lower courts, which concluded that the Lilith Fund was trying to make sure that the state was not enforcing an unconstitutional statute, not trying to silence anyone. Now Weldon s case is before the Texas Supreme Court, which heard oral argument this week. Weldons case might not be a blockbustertheres a chance that its moot because shes given up on her 202 petitionbut its a reminder that S.B. 8 is back. The law might have killed abortion rights in Texas even before the demise of Roe, but now, it may play a surprising role in establishing that there are limits on silencing speech about abortion, even in the places where its a crime. Norm Dunstan is 84, his health isnt the best and his memory isnt what it used to be, but ask him about breeding Lexus Kody and his voice dances over the phone. Last September, Lexus Kody a horse Dunstan foaled himself out of the final mare he has owned became the first Ontario-sired horse to win the Yonkers International Trot in its 45-year history and only the second Ontario-bred winner after Armbro Flights victory in 1966 (the race was on hiatus from 1996 to 2015). It was the highlight of my life, the small Ontario breeder said of watching Lexus Kody win the International. That meant a lot to me. In 2025, Lexus Kody led all North American horses in earnings with $1,827,523. The International triumph, against top older horses from Europe and the United States, was the second of five major stakes victories in six events in the 11 weeks from Aug. 30 to Nov. 15. Lexus Kody and driver Yannick Gingras started the streak by posting the fastest trotting mile on Canadian soil while winning the $630,000 Grade 1 Maple Leaf Trot on Aug. 30 at Woodbine Mohawk Park in 1:49.1. The pair then traveled to Yonkers Raceway near New York City and won the $1.39 million Grade 1 International on Sept. 13. They followed that up with wins in the $277,778 Grade 2 Caesars Trotting Classic on Sept. 19 at Harrahs Hoosier Park, the $347,222 Grade 2 Dayton Trotting Derby at Dayton Raceway on Sept. 27, finished third in the $822,000 Grade 1 Breeders Crown final back at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Oct. 25, and then ended the run with a win in the $492,958 Grade 1 FanDuel Open Trot on Nov. 15 at The Meadowlands. In those six stakes events in five jurisdictions a total journey of 3,428 kilometres between the tracks Lexus Kody earned $1,620,334 and won three Grade 1 events and two Grade 2 races to post one of the most prolific runs in recent harness racing history. Those exploits have already earned the eight-year-old gelded son of Archangel out of Dunstans mare Lexus Helios the U.S. Dan Patch Award as the Older Trotter of the Year. The overall Trotter of the Year Award and Horse of the Year Award are still to be announced on Feb. 22. Asked what it would mean to have Lexus Kody be voted the Dan Patch Trotter of the Year, Dunstan said, Oh, the world. It would be the world. His wife, Helen, said, It would be a good way to end that chapter of their lives. At the end of November, shortly after Lexus Kody won the FanDuel Open Trot which concluded his season, Norm and Helen sold the beautiful farm in Caledon, Ont. they had owned since 1998; the farm where Norm tended to virtually everything himself. Shannon Henry, who trained Lexus Kody for Norm at ages two, three, and most of the trotters four-year-old season, said the sale of the farm where Lexus Kody was raised has been hard on Norm. So, too, was losing Lexus Helios in 2022, a few weeks after she foaled the final of her five foals that collectively have earned over $3.1 million. For Norms sake, Henry said she is thankful Lexus Kody had a year for the ages in 2025. The big picture is we are still very close with Norm, Henry said. We are just so happy he got one where hes getting [some attention]. His health is declining. Hes out of the business now but he always talked about this horse, even before he became what he is now. Its almost like he knew he had something special, and he was just quietly going to ride the wave until it happened. And now its happened. Lexus Kody is the second foal out of Lexus Helios, who earned over $230,000 on the track. She was a very good mare, Norm said. He raced Lexus Helios dam, Lexus Hall, in the Breeders Crown in 2002 and 2003 and the Hambletonian Oaks in 03, finishing fifth in a race won by Pizza Dolce. It was the first time [at The Meadowlands] for me, a farm guy, Norm said. I had about 30 horses at the time, but was small in the horse business. Returning to The Meadowlands for the Breeders Crown that November, Lexus Hall and driver Mike Lachance looked to be winners as they turned for home. Coming home, she was leading, and then she got caught, and she finished third, and I was as happy as could be, said Norm, who trained the winners of more than $1.4 million in his career. Fifteen years after Lexus Halls sophomore season, along came her grandson, Lexus Kody, who was turned over to Shannon and Trevor Henry to condition and race. Lexus Kody didnt race at two after tearing the skin off his legs, like a banana, Shannon said. We were lucky enough that he didnt get the tendon. We rushed him to the vet and we had to get him all sewn up. It was quite a thing. Trevor knew he was fast, but it was either start him back up or leave him. We opted to leave him until his 3-year-old season. Besides, Lexus Kody wasnt the easiest to train. He has that leg that he always throws, Shannon said. Hes still tough. [His caretaker] says he hasnt changed at all. Sometimes, the more they mature, the more they settle. But [Lexus Kody is] the same. As a sophomore in 2021, Lexus Kody didnt miss the board in Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) action, but had to battle tough competitors in both Fashion Frenzie and Logan Park, who finished first and second, respectively, in that years Super Final, with Lexus Kody third. [Lexus Kody] was a good horse then, but a little off his rocker, Shannon said. He would get so worked up in the paddock that hed wash himself out. [It was tough to] keep him calm enough to not wash himself out. His trouble was that he just wouldnt settle. In August of Lexus Kodys four-year-old year, the trotter was sold privately to his current connections Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, and Phil Collura and transferred to the Ron Burke Stable in the U.S. that orchestrated his outstanding 2025 season. We usually dont keep aged horses, Shannon said. Were in it for the babies, and we usually sell them all and [the Burke Brigade] came with good money. Were so happy for [the current owners]. Its the nicest bunch of people everybodys been so good with Norm. In October, when Lexus Kody returned to Ontario to contest the Breeders Crown at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Lexus Kodys caretaker, Joseph Jo Jo Tosies, invited Shannon to bring Norm and Helen to visit Lexus Kody at the Classy Lane Stables in Puslinch, Ont. I asked Norm if he wanted to go and it took him one second to say yes, Shannon said. I picked him up and he spent the day with Lexus Kody. (Norm Dunstan, Joseph "Jo Jo" Tosies and Lexus Kody in Ontario in 2025.) It was one of the biggest highlights. It was so, so good. Norm, who said he simply got lucky with Lexus Kody, still talks about that day (captured in the above photo) with considerable fondness. He is a gem of a man, Norm said of Tosies, who was recently named the 2025 Fair Island Farm Caretaker of the Year. He was so gentle with the horses, not just our horse, but three other horses there that he was caring for. These days, Shannon said Lexus Kody is one of the few bright lights that shines through Norms memory. This is the one thing that he does remember, she said. After all, Lexus Kody was definitely memorable. He was the best horse I ever had, Norm said. (Ontario Racing) He's notched his share of fair firsts over the last 15 years, but driver James MacDonald checked off another first during the session of qualifiers on Friday, Jan. 16 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Returning from a winter break on Friday morning, MacDonald won three of the four qualifying dashes in his first appearances as part of the 40-plus club. MacDonald, the Keith Waples Driver of the Year winner for four consecutive years, was last in action at Mohawk on Jan. 5 and returned to the driving colony on a brisk Friday morning. The Guelph, Ont. resident, seeking his unprecedented fifth straight O'Brien Award as Canada's driver of the year later this month at the 2025 O'Brien Awards, hit the big 4-0 this past weekend. MacDonald's morning qualifying victories came courtesy Madam X (1:56.3), Bettor B Going (1:57.3) and Bettorthingsahead (2:00). Certainly also hoping for better things ahead, MacDonald returns to pari-mutuel action on Friday night at Mohawk with full dance cards over the next four evenings. He will look to add to his 4,331 lifetime victories and $85 million in purse earnings. The full video stream from Friday's session is available below. For results from the qualifying session, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers). (Standardbred Canada) 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. Michelle Randolph "can't believe" she can call herself an actress. Michelle Randolph cannot believe she is living her dream as an actress The star - who signed with Wilhelmina Models and starred in small films as a teenager, before she landed her big role as Elizabeth Strafford in the neo-western TV series 1923, in 2022, whilst still at Arizona State University - is proud that she is living her dream and does not want it to stop. Michelle - who graduated from Arizona State University in 2023 - told InStyle: "Sometimes I still cant believe I get to say Im an actress. That its really full-time, I think thats a big bucket list goal that I checked off. I hope I continue." The Landman cast member loves her job and hopes "to do it forever", but Michelle, 28, understands the challenges of being an actress. She continued: "Honestly, I always say this, but I have so many really incredibly talented friends who are in this business, and its incredibly competitive and difficult, and there are peaks and valleys." Michelle added: "Ive been in this industry for a long time, and I know how competitive it is and how lucky I am to have a job, but not only that, a job with such a huge audience thats given me other opportunities. And theres that part of you thats like, OK, how do I make this last?" With her dream of being an actress ticked off her bucket list, Michelle is now determined to ensure that her career success does not define her. The star - who is nominated in the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series category for Landman at the 2026 Actors Awards - added: "So I think the biggest goal for me is to just not define myself based on my career success, which is hard to do when you care a lot." Amid navigating fame, Michelle has learnt not to read things about her - but sometimes she is forced to. The Resort actress explained: "Its hard not to, because its so in our face, and everyones online. So you see things that you dont necessarily want to, and then it puts you in a bad mood for the rest of the day or hurts your feelings. And its not smart to let that define you, because thats not real." Another thing Michelle has learnt about being famous is not having her love life play out in public. It comes as her older sister, Cassie Randolph, 30, and her ex-boyfriend Colton Underwood, 33, struck up a romance on season 23 of The Bachelor, but later broke up, with the fallout from their split being all over the media. Asked what she has learned from Cassie's experience, Michelle - who, according to multiple outlets, is rumoured to be "casually" dating 37-year-old actor Glen Powell - said: "That I dont want to share what it is Ive probably learned. "Its justI dont think anything good comes from that, because its your personal life. It should be personal and reserved for yourself and those who are close to you. So, ironically, I think Ive learned that I want to keep it private." In the interview, Michelle was not interested in talking about her speculated romance with The Running Man star - whom she was spotted with at a bar in Austin, Texas, looking cosy, in November 2025. Speaking about her personal and professional lives, Michelle - who, in a TikTok video, was seen dancing with Glen, who had his arms wrapped around her waist - said: "I think, for peace of mind, those are really important for me to keep separate. "How people perceive you publicly is not who you are." With many power tool brands, pinning down exactly who makes a product and where it's made isn't always straightforward. The story behind who makes Ryobi socket sets is a prime example of the complexities of modern tool branding and manufacturing. Against this backdrop, it's refreshing to find a company that relies on a handful of known locations to manufacture the vast majority of its tools. We're talking about Festool, a German company that manufactures 80% of its products in its home country, a rare thing in these days of complex global supply chains and farmed-out manufacturing. Festool can trace its roots back to Germany in the 1920s, hardly the most promising era to begin such an entrepreneurial enterprise, but the company's founders, Albert Fezer and Gottlieb Stoll, went ahead and set it up. Originally called Fezer & Stoll, this was shortened to Festo before becoming Festo Tooltechnic in 1992 and Festool in 2000. While the branding has changed, much else has remained strikingly consistent. Today, Festool operates as part of TTS Tooltechnic Systems, alongside other brands such as SawStop and Shaper. However, the company has remained family-owned throughout its history and continues to be headquartered in the same region of Germany where it was founded over a century ago. The company now manufactures a wide range of tools and accessories, including drills & screwdrivers, sanders, routing tools, planers, and even exoskeletons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The Best German Tool Brands, Ranked Festool: Made in Germany, mostly Festool Rotex sander on a wooden surface - MyName (GoRapid), CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons The history of Festool is closely linked to the Baden-Wurttemberg district of Germany. The company was founded in Esslingen am Neckar, near Stuttgart, before relocating its headquarters to Wendlingen when the Festool rebranding happened in 2000. That move kept the company firmly rooted in its historic heartland, where it all began over a century ago. Today, the Wendlingen site serves as Festool's headquarters, and houses the company's research & development, logistics, and quality assurance assuring operations. Within the same region are two of the company's German production facilities Neidlingen and Weilheim an der Teck. Neidlingen is one of the main production hubs and has been recognized several times as "Factory of the Year". Also close to Festool's heartland is its Weilheim an der Teck factory, a modern 10,000 square-meter facility. The final German facility is the Illertissen plant in Swabian Bavaria; it's here that the company develops and manufactures its mobile dust extractors. The company also manufactures in the Czech Republic at its factory in Ceska Lipa. This factory specializes in large-volume production runs and uses the same processes and standards as the company's German factories. Finally, we need to mention Festool's US manufacturing. The company's US headquarters in Lebanon, Indiana, is also where Festool manufactures its guide rails for routers, track saws, and jigsaws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, when looking at who owns every major tool brand, the Festool story is among the most straightforward. Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. 4 min read IBM announced IBM Sovereign Core, the industrys first AI-ready sovereign-enabled software for enterprises, governments and service providers to build, deploy and manage AI-ready sovereign environments. Organizations around the world are facing a growing imperative to exercise control over their technology infrastructure. Driven by evolving regulatory requirements, and the need for auditable governance, enterprises and governments are seeking self-managed environments where they maintain complete operational authority, particularly as they deploy AI workloads that amplify sovereignty concerns. Tech News Of The Day Digital sovereignty goes beyond data residency. It encompasses who operates and controls the technology environment, how data is accessed and governed, where workloads execute, and under whose jurisdiction AI models run. Yet most organizations lack a destination to land, modernize, and re-host applications under sovereign control, including applications that will incorporate AI capabilities, and have continuous compliance reporting capabilities. Gartner predicts that more than 75% of all enterprises will have a digital sovereignty strategy by 2030, often sovereign cloud strategies. As AI adoption accelerates in India, businesses will need to innovate while meeting tightening regulatory requirements and controlling sensitive data and AI workloads. It is crucial as large language models and agentic workflows often process sensitive data, and maintaining local authority is essential for confident AI adoption, said Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India & South Asia. IBM Sovereign Core offers an AI-ready sovereign stack, providing organizations with control, ensuring compliance and operational autonomy. It is designed for flexibility and is part of our long-standing commitment to empowering clients with an open hybrid cloud approach. Sovereignty solutions built on open-source foundations and open standards helps ensure organisations are not locked in to infrastructure or locked out of entering the innovation ecosystem. Sovereignty as a Software Foundation IBM Sovereign Core will help customers achieve verifiable sovereignty and full operational control. Sovereign Core is purpose-built software to build, deploy, and manage cloud-native and AI workloads under an organizations own authority, within chosen jurisdictions, built on Red Hats open source foundation. Unlike approaches that layer sovereignty controls onto existing architectures, Sovereign Core makes sovereignty an inherent property of the software itself. Organizations can gain: Customer-operated control plane: organizations maintain direct operational authority over software operations, deployment decisions, and system configurations without intermediation from a vendor not in region. organizations maintain direct operational authority over software operations, deployment decisions, and system configurations without intermediation from a vendor not in region. In-boundary identity and keys : all authentication, authorization, encryption keys, and access management remain within jurisdiction boundaries under customer control. : all authentication, authorization, encryption keys, and access management remain within jurisdiction boundaries under customer control. Ongoing compliance enablement and generated evidence of continuous compliance: comprehensive operational data, system telemetry, and audit trails are generated, stored, and managed within the sovereign boundary, including automated identity. comprehensive operational data, system telemetry, and audit trails are generated, stored, and managed within the sovereign boundary, including automated identity. Governed AI inference: AI model deployment and hosting, local GPU clusters, local inference execution and agent operations occur under local governance with traceability and oversight, without exporting data to external providers. AI model deployment and hosting, local GPU clusters, local inference execution and agent operations occur under local governance with traceability and oversight, without exporting data to external providers. Ease of deployment: delivering sovereignty at scale with consistency and flexibility allowing organizations to stand up isolated environments with built-in multitenancy capabilities within a matter of days of deployment; choice of hardware and infrastructure. The sovereign AI conversation has focused on data residency, but thats only part of the equation, said Sanjeev Mohan, Principal, SanjMo. IBM Sovereign Core addresses the harder question: who controls the system and can you prove it to regulators? IBM takes a holistic approach spanning data, operations, technology, and assurance, with continuous monitoring. As AI moves into production, that kind of ongoing accountability becomes non-negotiable. AI is accelerating the pace at which sovereignty questions move from theory to daily operations, said Erik Fish, Director of Geotechnology at Eurasia Group. As geopolitics, regulation, and data governance increasingly converge, governments and enterprises must move while demonstrating clear control over critical data and infrastructure. The challenge is no longer a trade-off between openness and sovereignty, but governing data, access, and infrastructure amid growing regulatory and geopolitical constraints. Operational Independence Through Environment Choice Customers can deploy IBM Sovereign Core in the environment of their choice whether in on-premises data centers, supported in-region cloud infrastructure or through IT Service Providers. IBM is collaborating with IT Service Providers globally, starting with an initial rollout in Europe with Cegeka in Belgium and the Netherlands and Computacenter in Germany. These partnerships allow local operational independence and compliance management, while enabling IT Service Providers to offer differentiated sovereign services to enterprises preparing for and running AI-scale workloads. As organizations navigate increasingly complex compliance and regulatory requirements, were seeing strong demand for digital platforms and software that allows sensitive data to remain within controlled, compliant boundaries, said Gaetan Willems, VP Cloud & Digital Platforms, Cegeka. Partnering with IBM to offer a pre-architected solution through our in-country environment enables us to deliver enterprise-ready software to our clients, while allowing them to address local compliance standards. With IBM Sovereign Core, we can focus on configuring the software to each clients specific use cases rather than spending months piecing together disparate components and validating sovereignty controls, said Christian Schreiner, Unit Director Cloud, Computacenter. It can significantly accelerate our time-to-value and let us help clients who previously couldnt consider AI solutions at all. IBM Sovereign Core Availability Starting in February, IBM Sovereign Core will be available in tech preview, with full general availability planned for mid-year 2026. At GA, additional capabilities will be introduced. 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 worker dusts on a 2026 Cadillac Optiq Premium Sport vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Detroit. Credit: AP Photo/Jose Juarez At the North American International Auto Show, tires squeal as gearheads put shiny new vehicles through their paces on a pair of indoor tracks that sprawl across the event space. One of those tracks used to be set aside exclusively for electric vehicles as U.S. automakers sought to quickly build out the cars of the future. But no longer. This year, both strips are open to hybrids and gas-powered vehicles as Detroit continues a pivot away from EVs since President Donald Trump returned to the White House with a pro-fossil fuels agenda. "The show will always reflect what's happening in the industry at the consumer level," said Todd Szott, chairman of this year's event and an auto dealer. "Obviously things have changed in the EV landscape." Some industry players say they're emphasizing "consumer choice" in the cars they're showing at Detroit's premier auto event. But some experts expressed concern about the EV pullback's long-term effect on American automakers as the rest of the globeespecially Chinaelectrifies. "What we worry about is how competitive will we be on the global stage as the market continues to advance around us," Michael Robinet, vice president of forecast strategy at auto market intelligence firm S&P Global Mobility, said during a panel Wednesday on industry trends. Guests and members of the media walk the floor at the Detroit Auto Show, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Detroit. Credit: AP Photo/Jose Juarez Electrification in the US Including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, U.S. sales of electrified cars grew just 1% last year, according to data released by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence this week. Compare that to China, which saw 17% growth in plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles last year, and Europe, which saw a 33% increase. (U.S. pure-EV market share was just under 8% in 2025, with 1.23 million EVs solda slight decline from 2024.) None of that seemed to alarm President Donald Trump earlier this week when he toured the Ford River Rouge Complex, which churns out pickup trucks and more in suburban Dearborn. Trump used his time in Detroit to boast of policy changes on EVs and tariffs that he says have boosted U.S. automakers. "Among my first acts in office was to end the radical left war on oil and gas and stop the crusade to kill American energy and, frankly, to open up cars so that you don't have to have an electric car," Trump said in remarks to an economic club before the plant tour. President Donald Trump listens during a tour of the Ford River Rogue complex, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Dearborn, Mich. Credit: AP Photo/Evan Vucci Trump revoked a Biden-era target for half of new vehicle sales in the U.S. to be electric, and has tried to block money obligated to EV charging across the nation's highways. Under Trump, Congress cut tax incentives that saved buyers up to $7,500 on an EV purchase. The administration has also weakened fuel economy standardsgoing so far as eliminating penalties for the automakers who do not meet themand gas mileage rules. "I love electric cars. I think they're great," Trump added. "But I've been saying it for four years. They wanted everybody to have an electric car in a very short period of time." Those changes have cut into the U.S. industry in 2025 and cost automakers billions of dollars in investment. Ford Motor Co. announced last month $19.5 billion in charges from electrification efforts and ending production of the all-electric version of the F-150 Lightning truck. Detroit rival General Motors also recently announced $6 billion in EV-related charges, among other losses, and has also rolled back some of its EV commitments. Even once- market leader Tesla had a tough 2025. "I still push for it because, I mean, it is the future of the company," said Shawn Strain, marketing manager at Ford. "We still are just completely committed to EVs. And it may not be as overt as we once were." A guest is driven in a Ford Bronco on a test drive course by a Ford employee at the Detroit Auto Show, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Detroit. Credit: AP Photo/Jose Juarez Industry concern arises But industry experts at and outside of the show say it's a tough time. The competitive auto landscape has been radically reshaped, they say, and China dominates what most see as the future of the industry. "We have to look at what we're up against. In a wordChina," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a speech at the show Thursday. "China wants to dominate every part of auto manufacturing. They're making major headway. "They've captured major market share almost everywhere except the U.S. and Canada," she added. "We have to meet these challenges." Will Roberts, automotive research lead at Benchmark Minerals that released the 2025 data, warned that U.S. policy has made all the difference. American automakers have responded to those changes, he said, but it would be good strategy if they made sure they were "keeping things ticking along in the background with a really compelling EV offering." Visitors talk in front of the Ford floor display at the Detroit Auto Show, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Detroit. Credit: AP Photo/Jose Juarez Otherwise, the U.S. sector runs the risk of falling behind, Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary under former President Joe Biden, agreed. In another panel at the show, Buttegieg said Trump can't stop electric vehicles from becoming the leading automotive technology. "But he can stop America from being the leader in that technology," Buttigieg said. "Industry should point a different direction." 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain As states race to build wind and solar projects needed to curb climate change, how governments approve those projects can either speed construction or fuel delays and conflict, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The article, published in the Policy Studies Journal, examines how renewable energy projects in the U.S. are often slowed by complex and fragmented permitting systems that involve multiple state and local authorities, overlapping rules and poorly timed public engagement. "The punditry is that if we do permit reform at the federal level, it's going to solve these permitting pipeline issues, but most of these projects are locally permitted," says Juniper Katz, assistant professor of public policy at UMass Amherst and lead author of the study. She points out that roughly 96% of large renewable energy projects are built on private land, where federal environmental review laws typically do not apply. Most projects, such as onshore wind, solar farms, battery storage and in-state transmission lines, are approved at the state or local levelnot by the federal government. One review of 53 large wind and solar projects facing organized local opposition between 2008 and 2021, found that nearly half were ultimately canceled, with developers reporting that zoning disputes and local ordinances are the leading cause of multi-year delays. Developers often must navigate zoning boards, environmental agencies, utility regulators and, in some cases, federal reviews. This creates what Katz and study co-author Natalie Baillargeon, a master's degree candidate at UMass Amherst, describe as a "polycentric" system with multiple centers of authority. Twelve states leave most decisions to local governments, six place authority at the state level, six split authority between state and local governments, and 26 use a hybrid system that depends on project size or other standards. Highly centralized systems with minimal procedures tend to move faster but provide fewer opportunities for public input. Systems with extensive procedures and multiple decision-making venues tend to offer more participation but are slower and less predictable. Katz says it comes down to whether policymakers want to swiftly build out renewable energy infrastructure to combat warming temperatures, or encourage a more deliberate process featuring robust public engagement, layers of approval and potential delays. "Trade-offs are real," she says. "Communities have to decide what their values are and then have the courage to follow them." "What's really important is that community engagement starts as early as possible," Baillargeon explains. This lets developers incorporate stakeholder feedback, accelerating the process and sometimes converting a potential denial into an approval with only minor changes. The study also highlights competing equity claims. Rural communities often argue they bear the land-use and visual impacts of renewable energy while benefits flow elsewhere. At the same time, delays in renewable energy development can prolong pollution exposure in urban and low-income communities located near fossil fuel plants. Several states have recently overhauled their permitting systems. Massachusetts and New York have contingent approval authority based on the size of the project but with firm timelines and structured public hearings. Illinois imposed uniform state standards while leaving decisions with counties. Michigan allows developers to choose between state and local approval, offering incentives for communities that approve projects locally. Ultimately, Katz and Baillargeon frame renewable energy permitting as an institutional design problem rather than a simple choice between democracy and speed. More information: Juniper Katz et al, Balancing Participation and Speed: A Polycentric Governance Lens on RenewableEnergy Siting, Policy Studies Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1111/psj.70091 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: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, left, and Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells speak to the media during a visit to St John Paul II College in Canberra, Australia, on Dec. 11, 2025. Credit: Lukas Coch/AAP Image via AP Social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children in Australia since the country banned use of the platforms by those under 16, officials said. "We stared down everybody who said it couldn't be done, some of the most powerful and rich companies in the world and their supporters," communications minister Anika Wells told reporters on Friday. "Now Australian parents can be confident that their kids can have their childhoods back." The figures, reported to Australia's government by 10 social media platforms, were the first to show the scale of the landmark ban since it was enacted in December over fears about the effects of harmful online environments on young people. The law provoked fraught debates in Australia about technology use, privacy, child safety and mental health and has prompted other countries to consider similar measures. Officials said the figure was encouraging Under Australian law, Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube and Twitch face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33.2 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove the accounts of Australian children younger than 16. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are exempt. To verify age, platforms can either request copies of identification documents, use a third party to apply age estimation technology to an account holder's face, or make inferences from data already available such has how long an account has been held. About 2.5 million Australians are aged between 8 and 15, said the country's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, and past estimates suggested 84% of 8- to 12-year-olds held social media accounts. It was not known how many accounts were held across the 10 platforms but Inman Grant said the figure of 4.7 million "deactivated or restricted" was encouraging. "We're preventing predatory social media companies from accessing our children," Inman Grant said. The 10 biggest companies covered by the ban were compliant with it and had reported removal figures to Australia's regulator on time, the commissioner said. She added that social media companies were expected to shift their efforts from enforcing the ban to preventing children from creating new accounts or otherwise circumventing the prohibition. Meta removed 550,000 accounts Australian officials didn't break the figures down by platform. But Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, said this week that by the day after the ban came into effect it had removed nearly 550,000 accounts belonging to users understood to be under 16. In the blog post divulging the figures, Meta criticized the ban and said smaller platforms where the ban doesn't apply might not prioritize safety. The company also noted browsing platforms would still present content to children based on algorithmsa concern that led to the ban's enactment. The law was widely popular among parents and child safety campaigners. Online privacy advocates and some groups representing teenagers opposed it, with the latter citing the support found in online spaces by vulnerable young people or those geographically isolated in Australia's sprawling rural areas. Some said they had managed to fool age assessing technologies or were helped by parents or older siblings to circumvent the ban. Other countries might follow Since Australia began debating the measures in 2024, other countries have considered following suit. Denmark's government is among them, saying in November that it had planned to implement a social media ban for children under 15. "The fact that in spite of some skepticism out there, it's working and being replicated now around the world, is something that is a source of Australian pride," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday. Opposition lawmakers have suggested that young people have circumvented the ban easily or are migrating to other apps that are less scrutinized than the largest platforms. Inman Grant said Friday that data seen by her office showed a spike in downloads of alternative apps when the ban was enacted but not a spike in usage. "There is no real long-term trends yet that we can say but we're engaging," she said. Meanwhile, she said, the regulator she heads planned to introduce "world-leading AI companion and chatbot restrictions in March." She didn't disclose further details. 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: Credit: CC0 Public Domain On December 14, 2025, a terrorist attack occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, leaving 15 civilians and one gunman dead. While Australia was still reeling in shock, social media saw the rapid spread of misinformation generated and powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI). For example, a manipulated video of New South Wales Premier Chris Minns claimed one of the terrorists was an Indian national. X (formerly Twitter) was awash with celebrations of the hero defender "Edward Crabtree". And a deepfake photo of Arsen Ostrovsky, a noted human rights lawyer and survivor of Hamas' October 7 attack in Israel, depicted him as a crisis actor with makeup artists applying fake blood. This is an unfortunately common occurrence. From Bondi to Venezuela, Gaza and Ukraine, AI has supercharged the spread of online misinformation. In fact, around half of the content you see online is now made and spread by AI. Generative AI can also create fake online profiles, or bots, which try to legitimize this misinformation through realistic-looking social media activity. The goal is to deceive and confuse peopleusually for political and financial reasons. But how effective are these bot networks? How hard is it to set them up? And crucially, can we mitigate their false content through cyber literacy? To answer these questions, we set up Capture the Narrativethe world's first social media wargame for students to build AI bots to influence a fictional election, deploying tactics that mirror manipulation of real social media. Online confusion and the 'liar's dividend' Generative AI, used in services such as ChatGPT, can be prompted to quickly create realistic text and images. This is also how it can be used to generate highly persuasive fake content. Once generated, realistic and relentless AI-driven bots create the illusion of consensus around the fake content by making hashtags or viewpoints trend. Even if you know content is exaggerated or fake, it still has an impact on your perceptions, beliefs and mental health. Worse, as bots evolve, becoming indistinguishable from real users, we all start to lose confidence in what we see. This creates a "liar's dividend," where even real content is approached with doubt. Authentic but critical voices can be dismissed as bots, shills, and fakes, making it harder to have real debates on difficult topics. How hard is it to capture a narrative? Our Capture the Narrative wargame offers rare, measurable evidence of how small teams armed with consumergrade AI can flood a platform, fracture public debate and even swing an electionfortunately, all inside a controlled simulation rather than the real world. In this first-of-its-kind competition, we challenged 108 teams from 18 Australian universities to build AI bots to secure victory for either "Victor" (left-leaning) or "Marina" (right-leaning) in a presidential election. The effects were stark. Over a four-week campaign using our in-house social media platform, more than 60% of content was generated by competitor bots, surpassing 7 million posts. The bots from both sides battled to produce the most compelling content, diving freely into falsehoods and fiction. This content was consumed by complex "simulated citizens" which interacted with the social media platform much like real-world voters. Then, on election night, each of these citizens cast their votes, leading to a (very marginal!) win by "Victor." We then simulated the election again, without interference. This time, "Marina" won with a swing of 1.78%. This means this misinformation campaignbuilt by students starting from simple tutorials and with inexpensive, consumer-grade AIsucceeded in changing the election result. A need for digital literacy Our competition reveals that online misinformation is both easy and fast to create with AI. As one finalist said, "It's scarily easy to create misinformation, easier than truth. It's really difficult to distinguish between genuine and manufactured posts." We saw competitors identify topics and targets for their goals, even in some cases profiling which citizens were "undecided voters" suitable for micro-targeting. At the same time, the use of emotional language was quickly identified as a powerful avenuenegative framing was used as a shortcut to provoke online reactions. As another finalist put it, "We needed to get a bit more toxic to get engagement." Ultimately, just as on real social media, our platform became a "closed loop" where bots talked to bots to trigger emotional responses from humans, creating a manufactured reality designed to shift votes and drive clicks. What our game shows us is that we urgently need digital literacy to raise awareness of misinformation online so Australians can recognize when they too are being exposed to fake content. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Apple and Google Announce AI Deal to Bring Gemini Models to Siri Key Takeaways Apple is outsourcing core model horsepower to Google. The next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology under a multiyear agreement, with the goal of powering future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri. Siri is the near-term focal point. The companies say the partnership will support a more personalized Siri arriving this year, a step meant to address delays and criticism of Apple's slower rollout of advanced AI features. Apple is emphasizing privacy and control. Apple says Apple Intelligence will continue to run on-device and via its Private Cloud Compute, positioning the Gemini-based stack as compatible with Apple's privacy standards rather than a wholesale move to third-party clouds. The deal reshapes the competitive and regulatory landscape. Google gets a major distribution win inside Apple's ecosystem, while Apple keeps options open (the partnership is not exclusive, and Apple still works with OpenAI). At the same time, experts warn the arrangement could attract antitrust scrutiny depending on how data flows and market power evolve. Apple and Google have embarked on a multiyear partnership that will put Google's Gemini models and cloud technology at the core of the next generation of Apple Foundation Models, a move that could help Apple accelerate long-promised upgrades to Siri while handing Google a high-profile distribution win on the iPhone. How Apple and Google Are Positioning the Deal Under the agreement, "the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google's Gemini models and cloud technology," the companies said in a joint statement. They said the models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including "a more personalized Siri" that is due this year. Apple framed the deal as a technology choice rather than a retreat from its own artificial intelligence ambitions. "After careful evaluation," Apple concluded Google's AI offered "the most capable foundation" for Apple Foundation Models, the companies said. They added that Apple Intelligence will continue to run on Apple devices and through Apple's Private Cloud Compute, while "maintaining Apple's industry-leading privacy standards." Competitive Context The partnership follows months of scrutiny over Apple's progress in generative AI as rivals poured billions into chips, data centers, and frontier model development, and as smartphone competitors marketed AI-first devices. Apple has pitched Apple Intelligence as an on-device system complemented by a tightly controlled cloud option, but key upgrades, especially to Siri, have taken longer than the company initially suggested. The non-exclusive structure leaves Apple room to keep multiple model providers in play. Apple already works with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT with Siri and Apple Intelligence, giving users the option to route more complex requests to ChatGPT. Analysts and legal experts said the new tie-up could raise familiar questions about the Apple-Google relationship, which has long blended rivalry and cooperation, most notably through Google's default search placement on Apple devices. Emphasis on Privacy Morningstar analyst William Kerwin told The Verge that the joint statement's emphasis on Private Cloud Compute suggests the arrangement will look, from a privacy perspective, similar to Apple's existing model handoffs, with Apple likely seeking permission before sharing data directly with Google. Morningstar analysts said the agreement could help Apple's privacy reputation "remain intact," because Apple would use Gemini instances on its own servers and in its own data centers via Private Cloud Compute, The Verge reported. Chase Infiniti botched Leonardo DiCaprio's beard when she cut it whilst they bonded before shooting One Battle After Another. Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infiniti star in One Battle After Another The 25-year-old actress failed her grooming task - set by the action-thriller film's director, Paul Thomas Anderson, 55, to see how Leonardo's facial hair would appear - and gave the 51-year-old actor a "crooked" beard because she had "never used an electric shaver" and "didn't know what I was doing". Appearing on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday (14.01.26), she said: "Around the time that I was getting to my last callback and chemistry reads, one of the things that Paul had me do to kind of have me and Leo bond was I ended up shaving his face. "Paul was trying to figure out what his facial hair was going to look like. And he was like, 'Here, Chase, go in and shave his face.' And I was like, 'I've never used an electric shaver before, so I don't know what I'm doing.' "And I ended up making it crooked. So, somewhere, there's a video of me shaving his face." Jimmy, 58, was in disbelief at Chase's revelation. He said: "Really? That's a weird thing to do, isn't it? That's a lot of responsibility. That face is like a national treasure." Chase noted that she was nerve-stricken as she buzzed off the Oscar winner's facial hair. The star said: "I was shaking the entire time. I was like, 'So sorry, I hope I don't do anything wrong.'" Jimmy then wondered if Leonardo had a say in whether or not he was happy for "an amateur face shaver doing that to his face", or if "Paul is completely in charge" with regards to Chase's task. Laughing, Chase replied: "It was definitely Paul." Jimmy spoke to Chase three days after One Battle After Another scooped up four gongs at the Golden Globes on January 11 - Best Film - Music or Comedy, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor (Perfidia Beverly Hills). In November 2025, Chase said she did not feel nervous about working with Hollywood legend Leonardo on the movie - which follows washed-up revolutionary Bob Ferguson (Leonardo) confront his violent past and finds his missing daughter Willa (Chase) - because of their bonding sessions. Chase told People: "I actually felt very calm going into that day because I had had the chance to meet Leo and workshop that scene and workshop our dynamic a lot. I felt very calm going into it, which was nice." And earlier this year, Chase told the publication that she relished the opportunity of working with Leonardo. She said: "Im so grateful for the entire experience." L-R: Ministers Israel Bruce, Shevern John and St. Clair Leacock with Ambassador H.E. Fiona Huei-Chun Fan, at the handing over of equipment and other items from Taiwan. This country received a quantity of items from the Republic of China (Taiwan) on January 13 valued at US$500,000. Included in the items donated were 20,000 sacks of rice, some charitable items and a fire truck, and the handover was held at the Modern Port in Kingstown. It was attended by Government officials, representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and other specially invited guests. "This contribution embodies the heartfelt solidarity of the Taiwanese people and the Vincentian community and reaffirms that true friendship is expressed not only in words, but in actions that improves lives, H.E. Fiona Huei-Chun Fan, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St Vincent and the Grenadines said. The donation also marked an important step in strengthening resilience and food security, and her nations continued investment in SVGs public safety. According to H.E Fan, in addition to the donation and distribution of the rice, it was her countrys priority to develop food security resilience. As was evident in the newly launched young farmer program, which incorporated smart agriculture, and includes IOT solutions and vertical farms to empower the next generation of farmers with technology. "By sharing Taiwans experience and capabilities, we stand firmly with St Vincent and the Grenadines to face future challenges with confidence and resolve, H.E Fan said. Combating praedial larceny Israel Bruce, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation said that Taiwans technical capacity was world renowned. "And as we seek to modernize our agricultural sector, this expertise becomes invaluable, he said. According to Bruce, this country could benefit from Taiwans IT sector in dealing with praedial larceny. The theft of crops and livestock undermined farmers livelihoods and discouraged investment he explained. "And so, we look forward in the near future to the component of cooperation Madam Ambassador where Taiwans IT knowledge and commitment will ease the pain of our farmers, Bruce said. "We are exploring the installation of Taiwans technology to fight the thieves and to bring back the smiles on to our farmers faces, he continued. Taiwan a friend Also making remarks at the handing over was Shevern John, Minister of Social Welfare, Community Empowerment, Ecclesiastical Affairs and National Heritage. "Todays handover serves as a vivid reminder of the enduring friendship and close partnership between St Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan, a relationship built over many years and strengthened through mutual respect, shared values and the common commitment to the dignity and welfare of all people. According to John, Taiwan had repeatedly shown that it was not just a diplomatic partner, but a true friend. "The rice alone represents nearly double the quantity of the previous donation and comes at a critical time as our nation continues to address the social and economic effects of natural disasters and global uncertainty, she said. The rice, according to John will be distributed through established social assistance programmes and community based mechanisms in order to reach low income families and those in great need. The remains of the truck that ran into a crane along the public road in Lowmans Bay. Inset: Stephen Bulze, the lone fatality in the Lowmans Bay accident. (Facebook Photo) St. Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded its first fatal road accident for 2026. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has confirmed it has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding a motor vehicle collision that resulted in the death of one person. Dead is Stephen Bulze, a 58-year-old resident of Barrouallie. Additionally, six male workers between the ages of 21 and 54 years old were seriously injured as a result and taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Their conditions were unknown up to press time. The collision is reported to have occurred on January 12, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., along the Lowmans Bay Public Road, which leads to the VINLEC Power Plant. Indications are, according to the police, that a motor vehicle, a truck, owned by a private electrical contracting company, was traveling towards Lowmans Bay, when it experienced mechanical issues and crashed into a parked Crane, said to be also owned by the referenced electrical contracting company. A postmortem examination is expected to be conducted on the deceased to ascertain the cause of death. Investigations continue into the matter. Meanwhile, Police are also said to be investigating a vehicular accident that occurred in Overland, North Windward, sometime around 8:00pm on Saturday. The vehicles involved are reported to be an ambulance and a motor car carrying a "G (government) registration number. Reports are that at least one person was seriously injured and was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital for attention. AFTER 32 years, the Trinidad Newsday, one of three daily newspapers in Trinidad and Tobago, has commenced legal proceedings to wind-up its business. The newspaper, published by Daily News Ltd, has applied to the High Court for an order to wind up the company under the Companies Act, according to an advertisement on Page 8 in the Express of January 10. The companys managing director, Grant Taylor, said in a statement on January 9, "A perfect storm of challenges has led to where we are now: closure. Newsday was established in 1993 by a group of journalists led by Therese Mills and challenged the two other established daily newspapers, Express and Guardian, eventually taking top spot during its peak. "Newsday is no different in most respects from the other players in the market; this is an industry under severe pressure. But one crucial difference is that, as a stand-alone entity which is not part of a media conglomerate, there is nowhere for Newsday to hide the year-on-year losses all the local daily newspapers are suffering, Taylor said. Taylor acknowledged that the challenge was not unique to TT, as globally, traditional print media have been under pressure for some time. Thousands of newspapers have closed worldwide. In the United States alone, more than 3,500 are estimated to have closed in the last 20 years, he said. "Some challenges have been causes of our demise; others have hastened it, he said, adding, "The world has also changed, and TT is no different. The value placed on traditional media has diminished and the political campaign to discredit them for nefarious reasons has ramped up. Addressing a particular challenge for the print media, Taylor recognized, "Advertising in all media is a fraction of what it was then, but for print media, that drop has been most severe. Print advertising has fallen by 75 per cent. In the context of the significant increase in costs, this is the most impactful element of the perfect storm that has been brewing over the last decade. Guardian Media understands at least 30 members of the editorial team will be affected by the decision to wind down operations. Newsdays closure has been described as a tragedy that has prompted great worry that journalism in the region is under serious threat. Several senior journalists and organisations shared that view following the news that the newspaper was permanently shutting down. And the Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC) has described the impending closure of Newsday as a "sobering moment for Caribbean media. It said the decision reflects a deeper regional crisis threatening journalism and democracy. Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday said his government is committed to fulfilling its election promise not least being to put money back into the pockets of the people. Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday says the New Democratic Partys 60-day plan was crafted to provide immediate relief to citizens, while laying the groundwork for long-term national development. He noted that several initiatives outlined in the plan are already in various stages of implementation. The Prime Minister made the comments during an interview with SVGTV News on Monday, on the sidelines of the launch of activities for the 2026 SVG Sailing Week. He expressed confidence that people can improve their circumstances when given the right opportunities, and said his administration is focused on creating an environment that enables citizens to succeed. Dr. Friday also highlighted the governments efforts to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, describing that sector as a vital engine for economic growth, job creation, and overall development. He explained that a vibrant economy cannot be driven by government alone and stressed the importance of ensuring that local businesses see the government as a supportive partner. According to the Prime Minister, successful businesses contribute to national progress by creating jobs, paying taxes, supporting community activities, and investing in their operations. The Prime Minister said the policies and commitments made by the NDP during the election campaign are now being implemented with the aim of empowering citizens, expanding opportunities, and generating widespread benefits across the country. Marlon Joseph, PRO of Venezuela/ Vincentian Friendship Association, VENVIFA, announced plans for the rally and expounded on reasons for showing solidarity with Venezuela. A number of groups here are coming together to show support for the right of the Venezuela people to be masters of their own country. Today Friday January 16, a Mini Rally, is scheduled to begin at 4:00pm at the Car Park next to the Post Office in Kingstown. It marks a continuation of the links between Venezuela and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Marlon Joseph, Public Relations Officer of the Venezuela/Vincentian Friendship Association, VENVIFA, announced plans for the rally at a press conference staged at the office of the Venezuelan Institute for Cooperation and Culture, last Wednesday afternoon. Joseph thinks that military interference compromises the Caribbeans stance as a "zone of peace. He is keen on seeing stability in the area and he is anticipating that todays rally indicates to all, that Vincentians are not happy with the violation of any nations sovereignty, and in particular, that life in Venezuela has been thrown into upheaval as a result of the illegal and dastardly action of the US military. He cites the cancellation of international flights into SVG and across the region as an aftermath of the crisis created by the invasion of Venezuela by USA military forces on January 3, which resulted in the capture and removal from Venezuela of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia Flores, and he stresses the importance of safe "air space as a prerequisite to the regions economic stability. He is worried that with trade routes under scrutiny, the region is facing economic uncertainty. Joseph calls for the release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. In fact, Joseph, and members of VENVIFA responded immediately to the crisis with a protest march, in Kingstown, January 3. Todays rally is expected to hear from lawyer Adrian Odle, poet and social activist Erasto Robertson and other antiimperialist stalwarts. Membership of VENVIFA is drawn from the Windward Islands Farmers Association, National Council of Women, Unity Labour Party Youths, SVG Drum Foundation, Garifuna Heritage Foundation, , and the National Workers Movement. The latest fire truck to be donated by the Republic of China on Taiwan. (Photo Source: API SVG) The Government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on January 13, received a donation of items from the Republic of China (Taiwan), during a formal handing-over ceremony, at the Modern Port in Kingstown. Among the items was a fire truck. The fire truck was part of an overall donation valued at us$500,000. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, St. Clair Leacock, expressed gratitude for the timely donation, noting that it comes at a critical time as the government continues efforts to modernize and expand the capacity of the fire service. In a broader sense, the donation aimed to strengthen the countrys emergency response and disaster management capabilities. Minister Leacock pointed to the donation as a gesture that will enhance the ability of firefighters to respond more effectively to fires and other emergencies across the country. While there was no definite overtone to his suggestion, Minister Leacock alluded to the new fire truck being stationed in North Windward, an area that has long been identified as needing additional fire and emergency response resources, due to its geography and distance from central fire stations. In remarks delivered on behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ambassador Her Excellency Fiona Huei-Chun Fan reaffirmed Taiwans commitment to supporting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines through practical cooperation and shared values. She emphasized that Taiwan remains a reliable development partner, working closely with the Government to address priority needs and improve the well-being of the Vincentian people. St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China on Taiwan established diplomatic relations in 1981 and those relations have remained unbroken through the 345 year since. When Latoya Butcher closed her small business around 7:30 PM on Thursday, December 04, little did she know that a fire demon had her little beach side shop in its crosshairs. {{more} A restaurateur who operates his business across the street from Latoya said that when he closed shop at 3:00 AM on the morning of Friday, December 05, her business place was still intact, so the fire had to be started after 3 that morning. A security guard on duty at the nearby Sandals Report saw the smoke and flames and called the fire department and police. By the time the fire service arrived, they could only smother what was left of a properly set fire, as arson was the motive as far as most persons interviewed were concerned. Among the articles destroyed were recently acquired beach chairs, which Latoya said were a quick source of income now that the cruise season was open. The fire was so intense that it melted and shattered beer bottles nothing inside that part of the shop survived the blaze. Latoya went on to say that she made a report at the Layou Police station but up to 6PM on Friday evening, no one had arrived to begin an investigation into the cause of the fire. The single mother of two ages two and twelve - sells mainly local products from the Brewery and snacks, the latter being the only items saved from her business place simply because they were not in the shop at the time of the fire. The snacks are kept in her vehicle overnight. When she first moved into the outlet provided by the previous government, she would leave the snacks in the shop, only to have an invasion of ants which bite through the toughest plastic bag, in search of their own treat. So, after that experience, she had always stored her snacks overnight in her vehicle and that is what she was able to sell from a covered table just across the street from the burnt-out structure, even as she awaited the arrival of the fire detectives. To continue her lil, business, Latoya has had a loan of an icebox from a friend, and her sister has provided (on loan) a few cases of drinks. So, when this writer visited the scene at Buccament Bay, she already had a lil display on the spot where she successfully ran her weekend BBQ in the past, before being moved by the previous government to make way for beach development, primarily to serve visitors. Latoya is appealing to corporate society to reach out to her in this, her time of need. She desperately needs the beach chairs/umbrellas, stove, and cutlery replaced so that she can return to some degree of past service. Since Buccament Bay is fast becoming a popular recreational area, many concerned persons have suggested that police surveillance cameras be installed to cover both beach-side and business areas. Report submitted by: (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. Ozzy Osbourne's family has picked a "phenomenal actor" to play the late rocker in a new biopic. Ozzy Osbourne's family have picked an actor to play the rocker in a new film A film about the Black Sabbath's star life has been in the works for many years and it's moving ahead following Ozzy's death last summer and his son Jack has now revealed they've already chosen a leading man and a director. During an appearance on SiriusXM show Influenced, Jack explained: "We have our decided pick, and I can't say anything [yet], but it's a phenomenal, phenomenal actor. We have a director attached, and we're doing a rewrite right now." Host Billy Morrison added Ozzy would "get a kick out of" having a movie made about his life and Jack replied: "Oh, he would. And all he kept saying - I'd give him updates: 'Oh, we met with this guy', and 'this is happening'. "And he just would go: 'I don't give a s***. Just tell me when it's out so I can go see it'." Previous reports suggested the film will tell the love story between Ozzy and his wife Sharon and will be written by Lee Hall, who previously brought Sir Elton John's life story to the big screen in 2019 film Rocketman. Jack is a producer on the film along with his mother Sharon and sister Aimee. At the time the film project was announced back in 2021, Sharon said in a statement: "Our relationship at times was often wild, insane and dangerous but it was our undying love that kept us together. "Were thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures and Polygram to bring our story to the screen." However, Ozzy went on to make the chilling prediction that he wouldn't live long enough to see the finished film. Speaking in an episode of the family's The Osbournes Podcast in 2024 - months before his death in July 2025, Ozzy said: "By the time they finish this film, Ill be dead. I wanna be alive to f****** see it." Sharon then added added: "Movies take forever to make." During the podcast episode, the family pitched some ideas for actors who could take part with Sharon noting she would like to be played by Florence Pugh while the couple's daughter Kelly insisted an "unknown" would have to be cast in Ozzy's role. She said: "[It needs to be] an unknown actor who is very good, ... I dont think theres anyone you could think of now who would be able to do it." Jack went on to suggest Saturday Night Live star Bill Hader for the leading role but Ozzy dismissed the idea, telling his son: "F*** off". You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Pamela Anderson felt "yucky" being near Seth Rogen at the Golden Globes after he starred in series Pam and Tommy. Pamela Anderson felt 'yucky' being near Seth Rogen at the Golden Globes The 58-year-old actress admitted the Disney+ biographical drama series - which chronicled her former marriage to Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee - "p***ed" her off, and she is hopeful Rogen will say sorry one day. Speaking to Andy Cohen on SiriusXM, she said: "Seth Rogen ... he did Pam and Tommy without talking to me. "I just felt like ugh. How can someone make a TV series out of difficult times in your life? And I am living, breathing human being over here, hello. "He was in the pit at the Golden Globes. We were close. "I felt like Im not chopped liver over here. I felt a little bit weird about it. "Ive been so busy working. Ive done five movies in the last year. "But sometimes it hits you and you feel kind of down. "It just felt a little yucky. "Eventually, hopefully, he will reach out to me to apologise, not that that matters. "When you are a public person, they say you have no right to privacy. "But your darkest, deepest secrets or tragedies in your life should not be fair game for a TV series. That p***ed me off a little bit." Rogen played Rand Gauthier, an electrician who stole and eventually leaked a sex tape involving Pamela and Tommy. The former Baywatch star felt "uncomfortable" being at Sunday's (11.01.26) Golden Globes - which took place at The Beverly Hilton, California - anyway, so she resisted approaching Rogen to talk about the series. Asked if her inclination was to give the actor a "death stare" at the spectacle, or to "look away", Pamela replied: "It's so uncomfortable being around everybody there. "I know a lot of those people from Malibu days, but I still don't feel like I belong in those rooms. I feel uncomfortable. "So, I didn't make a beeline for him. "But in my mind I did. I really told him how I felt. "So I'm sitting there on my seat going, [stares]." When asked if she thinks Seth has an inkling about her feelings over the series, she replied: "I don't know. "Some of these things have been very lucrative for people, so then I think that just goes out of the window. Because that's the most important thing. "But anyway, not to complain. "Everything is good, and there are worse things going on in the world." If I asked you (the reader): do you think most people can be trusted? Would you answer yes o Gov. Katie Hobbs on Friday vetoed a $440 million package of tax cuts approved by Republican lawmakers. The action was anticipated as the governor told lawmakers they should approve her own plan with a $250 million price tag. But the merits of the two plans aside and there are sharp disagreements the stalemate means that Arizonans who file their state income taxes before there is a deal are going to have to refile them once there is a final plan. And that deal may not come until after the April 15 filing deadline. All that is because the state Department of Revenue, following traditional procedures, prepared the forms and instructions under the assumption Arizona would conform its tax code to all the changes included in Congress' "Big Beautiful Bill," signed into law last year by President Donald Trump. It includes a laundry list of alterations, ranging from higher standard deductions and elimination of income taxes on tips and overtime, to various changes in how businesses write off the cost of new equipment. Those forms conform neither to what the Democratic governor nor Arizona's GOP lawmakers have proposed. Hobbs doesn't want the business tax cuts. So, if her plan were to somehow become law, anyone who files and takes those deductions would have to file an amended return. The GOP plan also differs from the federal bill. For example, it doesn't include Congress' decision to provide a deduction for interest paid on the purchase of new cars built in the United States, something Hobbs incorporated into her plan. Instead, it includes increases in credits and deductions for childcare. As the stalemate continues, taxpayers must decide whether to file now and pretty much be certain they will need to file an amended return or wait until Hobbs and lawmakers reach a compromise, something that may not happen before those returns are due. "They have no idea what to do now,'' said Chandler Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard of tax filers. "Until we get a bill up and signed, that lack of certainty, that confusion, is going to continue.'' "This whole drama scenario was avoidable,'' Mesnard said. He pointed out that Hobbs has known what's in the Big Beautiful Bill for months. He said if she had a plan that differed from the cuts in the federal law, she could have called state lawmakers into special session last fall, starting negotiations and, presumably, having a resolution before the Department of Revenue started sending out the tax forms. There was no immediate response from the Governor's Office to questions about not calling such a special session, nor to queries about the actions of the Department of Revenue, which is run by Rob Woods, who answers to the governor. But Tempe Democratic Sen. Mitzi Epstein said a special session last year to deal with just tax cuts would not have solved anything. She said it is wrong to debate reducing tax collections possibly up to $440 million a year until the state figures out how much it needs to provide state services for the coming budget year, such as education and prisons. That has not yet happened. And she said that doesn't include the money already promised for major road projects, including widening Interstate 10 and improvements on the heavily traveled State Route 347 between Chandler and Casa Grande. BritBox: 2026 highlights New dramas feature Kate Winslet, Eve Myles, Ruth Wilson, Martin Compston -plus an update on Line of Duty S7. BritBox Australia has announced 2026 highlights with new and returning series, including several exclusive titles. They include psychological thriller The Guest, the moving mother-daughter story I Am Ruth, new thriller The Revenge Club and the seaside drama The Rumour. Following a successful year, we are thrilled to take things to the next level with this unmissable 2026 collection. With a mix of exciting new exclusives, returning favourites, and expertly curated channels, BritBox continues to offer Australian audiences the very best in British television. Our expanded platform ensures theres something for everyone, making it easier than ever to discover, enjoy, and get lost in world-class British storytelling, said Sarah Kenny, Head of Content and Editorial, BritBox & BBC Branded Services ANZ. The seventh season of Jed Mercurios Line of Duty will commence filming in 2026, exclusive to BritBox in Australia, with Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston all returning. Last year BritBox raised its prices by 40% but it currently has a sale of $75 for 12 months until 29 January 2026 for new and returning subscribers. There are still some delays in scheduling which BritBox really needs to address in 2026 in order to match other streaming platforms. 2026: The Guest Premiering: January 22 2026 New and exclusive Starring: Eve Myles When young cleaner Ria Powells life hits rock bottom, a fateful encounter introduces her to Fran Sharp: affluent, magnetic, and seemingly eager to lift Ria into a world of style, opportunity and connection. But the generous offer hides far more than it reveals, as Ria becomes enmeshed in Frans lavish life and learns the rules of her opulent environment, their relationship begins to twist in this gripping new thriller. I Am Ruth Premiering: February 2026 New and exclusive Starring: Kate Winslet Ruth is a concerned mother, as she watches her teenage daughter, Freya, withdraw under the pressures of the online world. As their once-close relationship fractures, Ruth struggles to reconnect before its too late. Starring Academy Award-winner Kate Winslet alongside her real-life daughter, Mia Threapleton, this acclaimed feature from the I Am anthology offers a raw, heartfelt portrait of love, loss, and the modern pressures facing young people. Language The Woman In The Wall New and exclusive Starring: Ruth Wilson When a woman wakes to find a dead body in her home, her world unravels, forcing her to confront buried memories and long-suppressed trauma. As detectives investigate, their paths collide in a gripping search for truth. One womans traumatic past threatens to expose Irelands most shocking and darkest secrets in this thrilling new mystery. The Revenge Club New and exclusive Starring: Martin Compston and Douglas Henshall Follow six strangers in a divorce support group who, united by heartbreak, hatch a plan to get back at those who have wronged them. What starts as harmless mischief soon spirals into something far more dangerous, pushing the group into a world where the line between justice and murder becomes increasingly blurred. The Rumour New and exclusive Starring: Joanne Whalley, Rachel Shenton A mother seeking a fresh start moves to a quiet seaside town with her son. To gain the approval of other local mothers and establish social status, she shares a rumour. However, what starts as harmless gossip quickly spirals into paranoia, suspicion, and fear, tearing the community apart. Ludwig New to BritBox Starring: David Mitchell, Anna Maxwell-Martin Following a record-breaking launch on the BBC, this critically acclaimed and award-winning series is a genre-bending mystery starring British comedy legend David Mitchell as John Ludwig Taylor a reclusive puzzle designer who must step out of his comfort zone when his twin brother, James, goes missing. Returning Series Call the Midwife Season 15 Premiering: Now streaming New and exclusive The only place to watch every episode of this much-loved series. Season 15 is set in 1971 with several of the ladies embracing the Womens Liberation movement. Over the course of the year, the team confronts a series of challenging cases, all while navigating medical emergencies and social change with courage, compassion, and resilience. Casualty Season 40 Premiering: Now streaming New and exclusive Britains longest running and award-winning medical drama has found its new home on BritBox. From life-and-death emergencies to complex ethical dilemmas, the team faces challenges that test their skills, resilience, and relationships. Shetland Season 10 Premiering: February 2026 New and exclusive Starring: Ashley Jensen, Alison ODonnell The only place to watch every episode of this much anticipated drama. Detectives Calder and Tosh return to investigate the sinister murder of a retired social worker. Shocking, long-buried secrets rise to the surface, with unexpected consequences for the community and for the team. Death In Paradise Season 15 New and exclusive Starring: Don Gilet The only place to watch every episode of this fan favourite. DI Mervin Wilson confronts a new set of mysteries as he continues to adjust to life as Saint Maries fish out of water detective whilst a new arrival to the island shakes up the station in unexpected ways. Beyond Paradise Season 4 New and exclusive Starring: Kris Marshall The only place to watch every episode. Silent Witness Season 29 New and exclusive Starring: Emilia Fox The only place to watch the latest seasons of Britains longest running TV crime drama, the new season will follow newlyweds Nikki and Jack as they move to Birmingham to establish a new forensic centre. Here We Go Season 3 New and exclusive Starring: Alison Steadman, Katherine Parkinson Rejoin the chaotic day to day of the Jessop family as they navigate new jobs, holidays, love, loss and family gatherings in this hilarious sitcom. Death Valley Season 2 New and exclusive Starring: Timothy Spall The hit cosy whodunnit returns as John Chapel and DS Janie Mallowan partnership deepens, the mismatched duo must navigate new murders, baffling clues, and the personal challenges that continue to haunt them. Marble Hall Murders New and exclusive Starring: Lesley Manville, Tim McMullan The follow up from the acclaimed Moonflower Murders and Magpie Murders, an adaptation of the third and final instalment in best-selling novelist Anthony Horowitzs Susan Ryeland series. After The Flood Season 2 New and exclusive Starring: Sophie Rundle The highly anticipated second season of this hit show shows the now-promoted Detective Jo Marshall investigating a baffling new murder after a body is discovered in unusual circumstances amid rising tensions in the town. The Hardacres Season 2 New and exclusive After rising from poverty to wealth in season one, the Hardacre family settles into their new life at the grand Hardacre Hall. Professor T Season 5 New and exclusive Starring: Ben Miller The only place to watch every episode of the brilliant but eccentric criminology professor Jasper Tempest, whose razor-sharp intellect and obsession with order make him an unconventional yet invaluable consultant for the police. Vera Season 14 New to BritBox Starring: Brenda Blethyn DCI Vera Stanhope returns for a gripping final season as she investigates two chilling cases that test her detective skills and emotions. The only place to watch the complete box set of this iconic series. Sister Boniface Mysteries Season 4 New and exclusive Shakespeare & Hathaway Season 5 New and exclusive Father Brown Season 13 New and exclusive Grace Season 6 New and exclusive All Creatures Great And Small Season 7 New and exclusive Amended. Scientists are raising serious doubts about widely reported claims that microplastics are accumulating in human organs and causing severe health harm, citing major flaws in the methods used to detect them. Scientists dispute the methods used to link microplastics to human health risks Concerns were triggered by a recent letter published in Nature Medicine which questioned the analytical techniques used to identify microplastics and nanoplastics in human tissue. The authors warned that many studies lack proper controls and validation, increasing the risk of false positives. One of the signatories, Dr Dusan Materic of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Germany, argued that body fat can be mistaken for polyethylene during analysis, suggesting the obesity epidemic could be skewing results. The letter followed a Guardian article describing the issue as a potential bombshell for the field. Dr Fazel Monikh, of the University of Padua in Italy, said he has never observed the types of microplastics reported in recent studies. He told The Telegraph: When particulate materials enter a living organism, including the human body, they undergo biotransformation. 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. There is strong evidence that humans ingest tens of thousands of plastic particles each year, with microplastics first detected in stool samples in 2018. The dispute centres on whether smaller particles, known as nanoplastics, embed in tissues and cause long-term harm. Fay Couceiro, professor of environmental pollution at the University of Portsmouth, said: I dont think that there is any doubt that there are microplastics in us I think the question raised is more about where in the body they are stored and what quantity there is. Detecting nanoplastics remains particularly challenging. Unlike larger particles, which can be visually identified, nanoplastics must be burned and analysed by emitted gases, a technique scientists say is still unreliable. Despite the criticism, others warn against dismissing the risks. Prof Philip Landrigan of Boston College said: The Guardian article is accurate in pointing out that there is work to be done But the Guardian is wrong in implying that this whole area of science is rubbish. For now, researchers remain divided, with consensus on the health impacts of microplastics likely years away. Call the Midwife Rosalind needs all her skill as a midwife when a disabled baby arrives, whilst a gas explosion in an old tenement building shocks the community. 7:30pm Saturday on ABC. Two dozen humanitarian workers on trial for participating in search and rescue operations on the island of Lesvos accused of smuggling migrants were acquitted by a Greek court on Thursday evening. After more than seven years of legal limbo, the Lesvos Court of Appeal cleared the defendants of charges, which included membership of a criminal organisation, facilitating the entry of third-country nationals into Greece and money laundering, for a period from 2016 to 2021. The group faced up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Presiding judge Vassilis Papathanassiou told the court that the defendants would be acquitted because their intention was "not to commit criminal acts but to provide humanitarian aid", according to Greek media reports. Prior to the verdict, the prosecutor told the court that the charges ultimately lacked evidence, recommending the defendants' acquittal. Greek media reported that he underlined a lack of evidence to prove the existence of a hierarchical structure which would constitute a criminal organisation. One aspect of the prosecution's arguments initially centred around the defendants' use of WhatsApp a popular encrypted messaging service owned by Meta to communicate about migrant boat arrivals, which was presented as evidence of a criminal conspiracy. Yet, this was also dismissed by the judge who ruled that "a communication group on the internet cannot be regarded as a criminal organisation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Euronews has contacted Greek authorities for comment, but not received a response at time of publication. Once a tourist hotspot, Lesvos became the primary entry point for individuals and small boats seeking to reach Europe in 2015, the year that marked the peak of the continents migration crisis. While Greek authorities said the protracted case was a matter of national border security, rights groups labelled it baseless from the outset and were supportive of the defendants. "There was huge applause in the room after the verdict was handed, defendants were falling in each others' arms," Wies de Graeve, Amnesty International's Belgium executive director who was on site inside the Lesvos courtroom, told Euronews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De Graeve qualified the outcome as bittersweet", describing the heartbreaking" testimonies shared by defendants on the stand, displaying "the trials psychological, financial and emotional implications on their lives. 'Huge relief not to spend next 20 years in a cell' Sean Binder, a German-Irish citizen who travelled to Lesvos in 2017 in his early 20s at the time was among those acquitted. He worked as a search and rescue volunteer with the now-defunct Emergency Rescue Centre International (ERCI), a registered Greek humanitarian NGO. "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", said Binder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today, it was made clear, as it should always have been, that providing life-saving humanitarian assistance is an obligation, not a crime", he added. Speaking to Euronews in December, Binder explained that he had spent "most of his time on 'spotting shifts', looking out at the Turkish mainland a few (nautical) miles away, where smugglers push people into boats and send them over to seek asylum in Europe." The boats dont want to be caught, so there arent any bright lights. Instead, we would be on the lookout for distress calls, screaming and shouting. I communicated with the coast guard weekly and would inform the port authority when we went out to sea," Binder recalled at the time. Binder's work came to a halt when he was arrested alongside Sarah Mardini, whose story of swimming across a stretch of the Mediterranean was fictionalised in a 2018 Netflix film. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the pair and a group of defendants were acquitted of misdemeanour crimes which included alleged forgery, illegally listening to radio frequencies and espionage. Outstanding misdemeanour charges for 16 other defendants were dropped the following year. Aid workers slam Europe's migration enforcement Humanitarian groups say this trial has deterred the work of humanitarian and rescue organisations on the Aegean islands, where the scale of such operations has been dramatically reduced. They also argue it epitomises broader European pushback against individuals and organisations assisting migrants and asylum seekers: an estimated 124 others faced similar judicial proceedings in Europe in 2024 alone, according to Brussels-based NGO PICUM. Reacting to the verdict, Eve Geddie, Amnestys Director of International European Institutions Office urged the EU to introduce stronger safeguards against the criminalization of humanitarian assistance under EU law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, European migration policy has shifted as the 27-member bloc's leaders increasingly embraced firmer views and explored new ways to curb arrivals. Greece and its islands have recently experienced a fresh uptick in migrant boat arrivals, with more than 1,000 migrants arriving on Crete and nearby Gavdos mostly from North Africa, according to Greek authorities. Smugglers operating from Libya increasingly favour Crete and Gavdos as destinations due to improved weather conditions and proximity to the North African coast, Greek officials said. Greece recorded 39,495 illegal border crossings by the end of October 2025, an 18% decrease from 48,415 arrivals in the same period in 2024, according to official figures. LISBON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Two Lisbon police officers have been charged with torturing vagrants and migrants and then sharing images of their acts in an online chat with other officers, triggering a broader inquiry, Portuguese officials said on Friday. The two officers in their 20s, who were arrested last July and remain in custody, are accused of torture, acts of cruelty and abuse of power, according to the indictment signed by Lisbon Prosecutor Felismina Franco last week and seen by Reuters. One of them also faces charges of rape, robbery and forgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document described one incident in which the policemen beat up a Moroccan immigrant inside a police station for several hours, making him kiss their boots as one shouted in English: "Welcome to Portugal!" "The victims were systematically picked from among particularly vulnerable people, namely homeless, physically weak, economically challenged," the prosecutor wrote. "This circumstance reveals acts of pure and gratuitous violence aimed at those who were unable to offer resistance." The Interior Ministry told Reuters it "profoundly laments such behaviour and all actions that infringe upon citizen rights... which do not represent the general behaviour of police professionals". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The General Inspectorate has opened a separate inquiry to investigate other police officers, the ministry said. The Portuguese branch of rights group Amnesty International, which said it had received information about more cases of torture, said the sharing of images and messages about their acts in chats and social media "shows an enormous sense of impunity" by the officers, although it welcomed the fact that the crimes had been denounced from within the law enforcement community. It called for an external and independent police supervision agency to be set up and for more cameras to be installed at police stations, in cars and for officers to use body cams when interacting with people. (Reporting by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Charlie Devereux and Hugh Lawson) The Investigation Agency of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy on January 14 issued a decision to launch an investigation into and an order to temporarily detain Nguyen Van Buong, former Chief Judge of the High-level Peoples Court in Da Nang city, for bribe acceptance. This marks a new development in Phase 2 of the case involving bribe offering, bribery brokerage and bribe acceptance at the High-level Peoples Court in Da Nang. The case is under the supervision of the Central Steering Committee for the Prevention and Control of Corruption, Wastefulness and Negative Phenomena. Buong, former senior judge and former Chief Judge of the High-level Peoples Court in Da Nang, faces the charge of "accepting bribe" under Point a, Clause 4, Article 354 of the Penal Code. Regarding Phase 1 of the case, on December 24, 2025, the Hanoi Peoples Court handed down verdicts against 28 defendants in the case of bribe offering, bribery brokerage and bribe acceptance that occurred at the High-level Peoples Court in Da Nang and several localities. Among those brought to trial were 10 former leaders, judges and civil servants of the High-level Peoples Court in Da Nang and local peoples courts; three former procurators and employees of the procuracy sector; two former enforcement officers and civil servants of civil judgment enforcement agencies; and four lawyers and staff members of law offices. The remaining nine were litigants or relatives of litigants involved in related cases. The Investigation Agency of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy is expanding the investigation./. VNA Ban ao Thanh a. Anh: NL The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee has publicly announced the investment opportunity for the Binh Quoi Thanh Da New Urban Area project, enabling interested strategic investors to access project details, conduct research, and submit development proposals. The investor selection process will follow mechanisms outlined in National Assembly Resolutions No. 98/2023/QH15 and No. 260/2025/QH15, which grant Ho Chi Minh City special policy tools to accelerate development. Accordingly, if only one investor submits a proposal meeting all strategic investor criteria, they may be selected directly. If two or more qualified proposals are submitted within seven days of the first valid application, the city will establish an evaluation council and scoring criteria to ensure a fair and transparent selection process. The window for receiving investment proposals begins immediately upon the public announcement on the citys official portal. Submissions must be made to the HCMC Administrative Service Center or via the National Public Service Portal, as per regulations. Late entries beyond the seven-day period following the first valid submission will not be considered. Interested investors are required to thoroughly review the provisions of Resolutions No. 98 and 260, along with all relevant legal frameworks, and prepare dossiers that clearly demonstrate their financial capacity, experience, investment plans, implementation conditions, and formal commitments aligned with the citys long-term development strategy. The Peoples Committee strongly encourages reputable and capable strategic investors to step forward and participate in the revitalization of the Binh Quoi Thanh Da peninsula - positioning it as a modern, ecological, and resilient urban area. The Binh Quoi Thanh Da New Urban Area project is located in Binh Quoi Ward on a 405.9-hectare peninsula embraced by the Saigon River. Its natural boundaries offer both scenic and strategic advantages, earmarked for transformation into a green and dynamic urban center. According to the Prime Ministers Decision No. 1125/QD-TTg dated June 11, 2025, the area is designated as a key urban development zone in the citys master plan. The project envisions a comprehensive mixed-use urban area featuring residential neighborhoods, multifunctional zones, commercial centers, administrative hubs, tourism and recreation spaces, interconnected green parks, water landscapes, and a fully integrated technical and social infrastructure. It is also set to function as a wetland park, contributing to the citys climate resilience and ecological balance. With an estimated investment exceeding 50 trillion VND (approximately $2 billion), the project meets the threshold for fast-track strategic investor selection under Point d, Article 7 of Resolution No. 260/2025/QH15. It is officially included in the national list of priority projects to attract strategic investment. The reactivation of this long-delayed megaproject marks a pivotal moment for Ho Chi Minh Citys urban transformation, as it seeks visionary partners capable of delivering a world-class, sustainable waterfront cityscape. Quoc Ngoc At a press briefing held on January 15, Truong Thiet Ha, Deputy Head of Economic Development Research at the HCMC Institute for Development Studies, emphasized that the citys success hinges on its ability to implement long-term policy strategies between 2026 and 2030. The first major obstacle, according to Ha, is urban planning. She stressed the need to develop a unified master plan that aligns national, regional, provincial, and municipal planning frameworks. This effort should be carried out under Resolution 260/2025/QH15, which builds on the special mechanisms outlined in Resolution 98. The goal is to complete and approve this master plan by 2026. In tandem, the city must digitize and publicly share planning data, improve inter-agency coordination, and allocate sufficient resources to ensure effective execution. Truong Thiet Ha speaks at the press conference. Photo: TTBC The second major hurdle is transport infrastructure. The city plans to prioritize integrated and smart transport networks that support both regional and inter-regional connectivity. Key investments include major metro lines (Ben ThanhTham Luong, Ben ThanhCan Gio, Ben ThanhThu Thiem, Thu ThiemLong Thanh) and high-profile infrastructure projects such as Ring Roads 3 and 4, Phu My Bridge, and Can Gio Bridge. Ha also called for efforts to strengthen traditional growth drivers like consumption, exports, and investment. With a domestic market of 13.6 million people, the city should expand e-commerce and build sustainable production-consumption linkages with other provinces. Leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) and boosting tourism - especially in-place exports - is seen as a key direction. One standout project in the investment landscape is the planned International Financial Center in Thu Thiem, spanning 9.2 hectares. It is positioned as a strategic anchor to attract global capital flows. Alongside this, the city is actively courting strategic investors for mega-projects like the Can Gio international transshipment port and the Binh QuoiThanh Da urban area. These initiatives are expected to help fill the investment gap, with public investment needs estimated at 3.2 quadrillion VND (approx. 135 billion USD) for the 20262030 period. Looking ahead to 2030, HCMC aims to become a leading innovation hub in the region. It will focus on developing core technology sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and biotechnology. To support this vision, mega data center projects and specialized high-tech zones are beginning to take shape. The city is also launching initiatives such as HCMC Destination for Unicorns and a venture capital fund under the public-private partnership (PPP) model to foster a robust startup ecosystem. Additionally, through legal sandbox mechanisms, the city is creating a flexible regulatory framework to nurture the digital economy and the circular economy - critical for adapting to new economic models. The HCMC Institute for Development Studies believes this innovation-driven approach, centered on data and supported by strong political will, marks the beginning of a transformative era for the citys economy. However, the institute also identified four deep-rooted constraints that must be urgently addressed: Planning mismatch and inefficiencies: Urban plans often fail to reflect real-world needs. Fragmented vision and delayed projects have wasted resources. Overloaded transport infrastructure: Lack of regional integration has led to chronic congestion and rising logistics costs. Slow disbursement of public investment: The city met only 78% of its 2025 investment goals. Currently, local budgets cover just 30% of projected capital needs for 20262030. Inadequate legal framework for digital and tech investment: Gaps in legal consistency, weak inter-agency data sharing, and public sector talent shortages continue to hinder digital transformation. With comprehensive reforms and targeted investment, Ho Chi Minh City hopes to unlock its full potential and solidify its role as the nations economic engine in the years to come. Quoc Ngoc Brian May has insisted Queen won't perform at Glastonbury next year due to badger politics. Brian May insists Queen won't perform at Glastonbury 2027 due to badger politics The 78-year-old musician has previously been adamant that his group wouldn't play at the iconic Somerset festival because of his dispute with founder Michael Eavis over badger culling in the countryside, and Brian has reiterated that his Bohemian Rhapsody band won't make an exception at next year's spectacle. Animal activist Brian told the Daily Mail: "I wouldn't do Glastonbury next year because of the politics of the people who run it, unless that changes, I won't do it. "They like killing badgers, and they think it's for sport and that's something I cannot support because we've been trying to save these badgers for years, and they are still being killed for years, so that's the reason we're missing out on it." Quizzed on whether Queen have repeatedly turned down Glastonbury appearances, Brian insisted they haven't been asked because of his views. He said: "I don't think the conversation of us doing has ever taken place because they know how I feel." Dairy farmer Eavis, 90, previously branded May a "danger to farming" over his views on badger culling, which is done to prevent the spread of bovine TB. Cows infected with the debilitating disease are culled, and the entire herd can be at risk. While Brian has now reiterated his political stance on the festival, he previously admitted it is "not impossible" that Queen could play at Glastonbury. Speaking in 2023, he told The Guardian newspaper: "You can never say never, but its a very big matter of principle to me. "I am convinced, more than ever, that the badger cull is the greatest crime this country has ever committed against wildlife. Its completely pointless and the tragedy is immense: youre talking about nearly half a million native animals killed and its not benefited farmers one bit. "The fact that Michael Eavis supports badger-culling is difficult for me to swallow. "I dont really want to endorse his festival, but its not impossible that we could sit down and talk. Ill talk to anyone - thats the way we go forward." Vietnams economy is standing before new opportunities, with GDP growth projected to exceed 8 percent. However, the labor market is facing a dual challenge stemming from a shortage of high-skilled talent and the wave of artificial intelligence (AI) that is deeply reshaping all professions. The sixth annual recruitment market report titled Recruitment trends 2026: being proactive in an era of multiple transformations, conducted by TopCV Vietnam, provides a comprehensive picture of labor supply and demand through a transparent quantitative analysis approach. The data were compiled and analyzed based on feedback from more than 3,000 recruitment representatives from enterprises and workers in various business fields in the third quarter of 2025, combined with nearly 300,000 job postings on the platform and references from other sources. IT average income IT & Software maintains its position as the industry with the highest average salary. To attract digital talent amid intense competition, companies are willing to offer exceptional compensation packages for highly specialized positions. Specifically, the Solution Architect role with over five years of experience recorded a median salary as high as VND56.329 million per month. Senior management positions such as IT department heads or deputy heads also reached a high median level of VND53.572 million per month. Notably, roles closely tied to technology waves such as AI Engineers and Data Engineers enjoy median incomes above VND38.532 million per month even without holding managerial positions. Beyond IT, sectors such as Legal & Audit (VND45 million) and Business Management (VND40.087 million) are also among the markets top income earners at the management level. Within IT & Software, the five most difficult positions to recruit included AI Engineer, Bridge Engineer, Solution Architect, Mobile App Developer, and Software Architect. The main reasons include a shortage of highly skilled candidates (55 percent), fierce competition with large technology companies (49.6 percent), and a limited candidate supply (34.3 percent). However, not IT, but Business/Sales which was the sector most prioritized for recruitment by employers, accounting for 47.5 percent of total market demand. The 2026 recruitment landscape shows a clear shift from quantity to quality. According to TopCV, instead of mass hiring, 52.2 percent of enterprises prioritized the strategy of maintaining headcount while optimizing performance. Other business fields with sustained high recruitment demand included IT Software (8.64 percent), Marketing/Communication/Advertising (8.22 percent), and Customer Service (6.1 percent). The vulnerable fields AI is no longer an unfamiliar concept as up to 40.7 percent of businesses have integrated this technology into their development strategy for the new era. However, the development of AI also poses displacement challenges for professions with a high rate of repetitive tasks. The report pointed out the 5 most vulnerable occupational groups due to AI, including Customer Service (30.1 percent), Marketing/Communication/Advertising (27.51 percent), Business/Sales (18.32 percent), IT - Software (16.92 percent), and Finance/Accounting (14.97 percent). These are considered leading industries where AI may partially replace or reduce staff size due to a high proportion of repetitive tasks. This requires workers in these fields to constantly learn and cultivate new skills to adapt to technological changes, the report emphasized. TopCV experts recommend that workers build a dual competency framework, combining solid professional expertise with AI utilization skills, to maintain their competitive position. As many as 59.1 percent of enterprises are prioritizing internal AI skills training for employees, opening opportunities for those willing to upskill and reskill to become digital talent in the new era. In addition, workers should not focus solely on technical expertise but develop both digital capabilities and soft skills. The report shows that many candidates today, especially in IT, still lack key skills such as communication and presentation (47.3 percent), critical thinking (39.7 percent), and product thinking (33.6 percent). Strengthening these competencies will help individuals become high-quality talent with business acumen. For the IT sector in particular, enterprises place strong emphasis on candidates practical capabilities demonstrated through concrete projects and experience with relevant tech stacks. In related news, Viettel topped the list of the best places to work in the technology sector, according to the 100 Best Places to Work in Vietnam 2025 survey. This annual study was conducted by Anphabe, a pioneering consulting firm specializing in Employer Brand solutions and Happy Working Environments. The study was released in late November 2025. Du Lam Recently, many differing opinions have emerged about the proposal to transfer more than 700 branches of land registration offices to the commune level. At the end of last year, the HCMC Institute of Resource Economics and Environment (IEER) proposed that the provincial-level land registration office should be the sole focal point for handling all matters related to resources and land, including the issuance of first-time land-use right certificates. Under the proposal, commune-level authorities would not handle procedures related to resources and land, except for tasks involving land clearance, land allocation and lease under decentralization, and changes in land-use purpose within a commune or inter-commune area. IEER argued that maintaining the provincial-level land registration office (LRO) as the provider of technical land resource services is essential due to the sectors specific characteristics. From a socio-economic perspective, this model delivers significant efficiency and is suitable for the national digital transformation phase in managing land and resource data. In the event of adjustment to the commune level, a clear roadmap would be required, particularly regarding infrastructure, staffing, coordination mechanisms among specialized land agencies, and qualified technical human resources for deployment across 3,321 commune-level administrative units. This approach would be highly costly, increasing staffing and recurrent expenditures estimated at trillions of dong each year. Options for transfer of offices Meanwhile, some opinions suggest transferring land registration offices to the commune level to better facilitate public access. Experts supporting this option argue that the two-tier local government model ultimately aims to bring the administrative apparatus closer to the people and improve public services. Therefore, transferring land procedures, including the issuance of land-use right certificates (red books), to ward and commune levels is considered reasonable. Professor Dang Hung Vo, former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said a clear separation of functions is needed between provincial and commune levels. Specifically, both levels should have staff under the land registration office responsible for preparing dossiers for first-time certificate issuance. The issuance of first-time certificates for households, individuals, and residential communities should be handled at the commune level. He explained that under the current regime, a commune-level unit is equivalent to about one-quarter of a former district, meaning land-related tasks previously handled by districts could be transferred to communes. Subsequent procedures such as adjustments and reissuance after the first-time certificate issuance would continue to be centrally handled by the provincial-level land registration office. Maintaining land-registration office branches The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment recently issued a document integrating all decrees guiding the implementation of the Land Law, clearly defining the functions and duties of land registration offices and their branches. Accordingly, the land registration office is responsible for land registration, operating under the provincial-level land management authority and functioning as a public service unit. The land registration office performs multiple tasks, including land registration; issuance of land-use right certificates and certificates of ownership of land-attached assets (red books); and surveying, updating, building, and managing cadastral maps. At the same time, it is responsible for building, operating, and exploiting the land information system, as well as providing land-related public services across the entire province. In terms of organizational structure, the land registration office consists of specialized departments and a system of affiliated branches. Thus, the land registration office model and its branches remain unchanged, rather than being transferred to commune-level Peoples Committees. Land registration offices and their branches have legal entity status, their own seals, are permitted to open accounts, and operate in accordance with regulations applicable to public service units; they conduct accounting as decided by provincial-level Peoples Committees. The activities of land registration offices and their branches cover the entire process of handling housing and land dossiers, from registering land managed by the State; registering land-use rights and ownership of land-attached assets to carrying out procedures for changes after certificate issuance such as sales, transfers, and donations. In addition, these units also perform technical tasks such as surveying, updating, and extracting cadastral maps; issuing new certificates, making corrections, revoking or canceling certificates; canceling results of registered changes; checking cadastral survey extracts; certifying asset diagrams provided by organizations and individuals; and registering security measures in accordance with the law. Duy Anh Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Dinh Do Thi from the Department of Cybercrime Prevention and Control Many customers have said that after ordering from several major e-commerce platforms, scammers obtained their phone numbers and addresses and posed as delivery drivers to trick them into transferring payment to them. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Dinh Do Thi from the Department of Cybercrime Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) told VietNamNet that online data leaks and data loss are widespread, with many serious cases reported. The Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention said in the first six months of 2025 authorities handled 56 cases of illegal trading of personal data, involving more than 110 million data records illegally collected and traded. This stems from the real demand for personal data to serve business activities. Many organizations and individuals have illegally collected data for their own purposes. Multiple forums and private groups have emerged where personal data of Vietnamese users is openly advertised for sale. Cybercriminals and high-tech criminals steal this user information and data to serve criminal activities. In the face of that reality, functional forces of the Ministry will focus on measures to review, detect, and strictly handle subjects who illegally exploit or illegally trade personal data of users. Meanwhile, each individual needs to be very mindful to protect their own personal data, Thi said. He said that information should not be shared arbitrarily, as this could create conditions for subjects to collect information for criminal purposes. Users need to protect their accounts through various measures such as secure passwords, while minimizing public disclosure or sharing of personal data. Users also need to keep informed about new tactics being used by cybercriminals and high-tech criminals. Representing A05, Thi recommended that when information or personal data is leaked or stolen, people should promptly report it to the authorities. MPS has decentralized some authority to police units and localities, including specialized units, to process complaints related to violations of the law on personal data protection. Thi confirmed that the Personal Data Protection Law, which took effect on January 1, 2026, aims to ensure privacy and improve the information safety of citizens and businesses. Lawyer Ha Huy Phong, Director of Inteco Law LLC, said the Law on Personal Data Protection sends a very clear message that, from 2026, protection of personal data will no longer be a recommendation but a legal obligation accompanied by specific sanctions. Phong said the risks stemming from personal data leaks are not only theoretical. In everyday life, many people have already become victims of sophisticated scams originating from leaked personal information. The lawyer himself was once tricked into transferring money simply because the scammers knew he had previously bought books and constructed a very convincing delivery scenario. This shows that when personal data is misused, it can lead to very real and immediate consequences. Colonel Nguyen Hong Quan, deputy director of Department A05, said the right to personal data protection, previously understood as part of the right to privacy, has now become an independent right, formally recognized and protected by law. In 2024, more than 659,000 cyberattacks targeted Vietnam, including over 10,000 attacks aimed at state agencies, organizations and Vietnamese enterprises. Ngo Tuan Anh from the National Cybersecurity Association, said that efforts should focus on three key task groups. First, raising awareness and human capacity. No personal data protection system can operate effectively without people who understand the law, understand risks, and understand their responsibilities. Second, standardizing implementation within enterprises. Third, developing a personal data protection technology ecosystem. Personal data protection cannot rely on a single solution, but requires the combination of multiple technology layers, from monitoring and prevention to access control, risk governance, and data lifecycle management. Du Lam According to the company's registration documents, Crystal Bay Airlines Joint Stock Company was established on November 6, 2025, with a charter capital of 300 billion VND (11.4 million USD). The firm operates in 51 business sectors, with its main focus being air passenger transportation. As for the founding shareholder structure of Crystal Bay Airlines, Crystal Bay Tourism Group contributed 282 billion VND, equivalent to 94% of the companys charter capital. Crystal Bay Airlines Chairman Nguyen Duc Chi and General Director Bui Tuong Chi contributed 15 billion VND, accounting for 5% and 1% of the companys charter capital, respectively. Crystal Bay Tourism Group primarily operates in the fields of tourism, travel, resorts and tourism real estate investment. Prior to establishing the airline, the group had never directly owned or operated a fleet of aircraft under the Crystal Bay brand. However, since around 2022, the company has become deeply involved in air transport serving tourism by organising and operating international charter flights bringing tourists to Vietnam, especially to destinations like Cam Ranh Bay and Phu Quoc Island. These charter flights are often regularly operated by airlines like Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways, connecting Vietnam with many markets, including Kazakhstan, Taiwan (China), Thailand, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. By 2023, Crystal Bay had also established Crystal Bay Tour Co Ltd to develop software for selling airline tickets and tours while also implementing marketing and communication activities, which are considered vital for a travel business. Crystal Bay's establishment of its own airline company is widely seen as a reasonable next step, aimed at completing its ecosystem and boosting its tourism business. /. VNA The Tan Dai Duong testing and inspection centre in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh was officially accredited on January 15, meeting the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, marking an important step forward in enhancing testing and inspection capacity for import and export goods. Located at the Bac Luan II customs inspection yard in Mong Cai 1 ward, the centre is operated by Tan Dai Duong Vietnam Testing and Inspection Company, providing greater convenience for the inspection and supervision of cross-border trade. Its two-storey laboratory has a total usable area of 430 square metres, comprising 350 square metres on the ground floor and 80 square metres on the first floor, with a total investment of approximately 30 billion VND (1.14 million USD). Accredited testing capabilities include the determination of Auramine O residues in durian and jackfruit using LC/MS/MS methods, and the analysis of metal content in food products using ICP-MS technology. Previously, on February 6, 2025, the company and the China Certification & Inspection Group (CCIC) Guangxi Co., Ltd., Dongxing Branch (China) signed an agreement on the acceptance and handover of office facilities and the full set of laboratory equipment for agricultural and food testing at the Bac Luan II bridge border gate. This provided a key foundation for the laboratory to operate in accordance with international standards and meet the increasingly stringent requirements of importing markets. The centre is equipped with modern, environmentally friendly systems capable of accurately analysing a wide range of food safety and quality indicators, including pesticide residues, antibiotics, toxins, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and Auramine O in food products. It is expected to provide effective support to management agencies, organisations and enterprises in proactively monitoring the quality of agricultural, forestry and aquatic products before export to China./. VNA National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines is set to launch four new domestic routes from the northern port city of Hai Phong on February 1, establishing direct links to Buon Ma Thuot, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Phu Quoc and Can Tho. The updated flight schedule includes one daily round-trip on the Hai PhongCam Ranh route. Services to Can Tho and Buon Ma Thuot will operate four times per week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, while the Hai PhongPhu Quoc route will run three weekly round trips on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. With these additions, Vietnam Airlines will increase Hai Phongs domestic route network to six, markedly broadening direct air connectivity from the fast-growing industrial and logistics hub to key destinations nationwide. To celebrate the rollout, the carrier is offering promotional fares starting from 359,000 VND (13.8 USD) per one-way ticket, exclusive of taxes and fees. Nguyen Quang Trung, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, said the expansion underscores the carriers role in supporting local development and making air travel more accessible to the public. The new services, he noted, will provide nonstop links between Hai Phong and major tourism hotspots like Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta, facilitating greater leisure travel and socio-economic exchanges. Looking ahead, Vietnam Airlines plans to maintain close tracking of market trends and passenger demand, making necessary adjustments to optimise the domestic networks efficiency and sustainability, while contributing to socio-economic development at both national and local levels, he added./. VNA Dr. Tran Nghi Phu, Deputy Chief of Office at the People's Security Academy. As Vietnam sets its sights on entering the Top 3 regional leaders in cybersecurity, VietNamNet spoke with Dr. Tran Nghi Phu, Deputy Chief of Office at the People's Security Academy, the "Chief Architect" of the oVnCr project, regarding the ambition to build a national digital platform under a Vietnamese brand. In the era of Digital Government, information security is considered a vital pillar. However, the paradox is that we still face a severe shortage of high-quality human resources. What is the biggest "loophole" in current training efforts? Vietnam is lacking hundreds of thousands of high-quality professionals, especially those with hands-on, combat-ready skills. Traditional training models no longer meet current requirements. The biggest gap lies in the fact that learners spend a long time studying theory but have very limited exposure to real-world problems. They lack opportunities to practice on complex systems that closely resemble real-life situations. Even corporate training programs or drills mostly introduce basic knowledge or one-way demonstrations. As a result, participants do not directly handle incidents arising on the systems they manage, leading to a lack of experience and resilience in real incident response. Some major powers such as the US, Israel, and South Korea have their own cyber ranges. Why did Vietnam choose not to buy an available solution but instead decide to build an open system? A cyber range is an essential tool for a secure digital nation, allowing the simulation of IT, OT, and SCADA systems for attack and defense exercises. However, importing foreign solutions faces major barriers. First, the initial investment and operating costs are extremely high, leading to waste if capacity is not fully utilized. Second, foreign scenarios are often not closely aligned with Vietnams reality and require complex customization. Third, maintaining a team of high-level experts to operate closed systems is a major challenge. Vietnam has abundant human resources, an open cybersecurity community such as ViSecurity, and ready cloud infrastructure. We can completely solve this problem by taking technological ownership and building an Open Vietnam Cyber Range (oVnCr). The project emphasizes the "Open" philosophy. How is the "Open" factor understood here? To overcome the limitations of resources and closed technology, we build oVnCr based on four comprehensive "Open" pillars: Open Human Resources: We mobilize experts, scholars, and businesses to participate in the development and operation. This eliminates dependence on foreign experts or small local groups. Open Technology: We prioritize using Open Source and integrating "Make-in-Vietnam" products. This increases autonomy, optimizes costs, and builds a Vietnamese technology brand. Open Cooperation Mechanism: We implement a "three-party" model: State - University/Institute - Enterprise. All parties participate from the beginning to ensure the rehearsal scenario is "tailor-made" for actual needs. Open Information: We make scenarios and evaluation results transparent to prevent achievement disease or superficial drills. Effectiveness must be measured by real incident-handling capability. From a technical perspective, is oVnCr capable of simulating attacks on national critical infrastructure? oVnCr is designed with strong simulation capabilities. The system can simulate everything from traditional IT networks to specialized systems such as IoT and SCADA/ICS (industrial control systems). In terms of scale, the range can simulate thousands of devices and conduct simultaneous exercises for hundreds of teams. Scenarios are built to closely reflect reality, including SMEs systems, core service servers, and even scenarios dedicated to government agencies. We also prioritize integrating Vietnamese technologies such as the C500 simulation infrastructure of the Peoples Security Academy, MobiFones cloud, attack tools from PTIT, and the SOC system of Kaspersky Vietnam. Commercialization roadmap and national vision What milestones can users expect from the project in the near future? The project was reported to the government in November 2025. We plan to pilot oVnCr version 1.0 in March 2026 at several universities. The roadmap is as follows: In June 2026, we will officially launch version 1.0 with IT system simulation capabilities and integrated SOC. In December 2026, version 2.0 will be released with AI integration and commercialization for enterprise training. In June 2027, version 3.0 will be launched, expanding to IoT and SCADA and moving toward a Hybrid Cyber Range model. We expect oVnCr to become a national digital platform, helping Vietnam not only achieve autonomy in workforce training but also affirm the technological capabilities of Vietnamese people on the global map. Thai Khang Established in 2012, the ASEAN Digital Awards is the regions most prestigious annual honour for digital software products and solutions across six categories - public sector, private sector, digital inclusivity, digital content, digital startup, and digital innovation. This years ADA finals brought together 18 finalists from ASEAN member states, including three entries from Vietnam. Submissions were assessed against stringent criteria focusing on innovation, practical effectiveness and community value, with the aim of recognising initiatives shaping the regions digital future. In the digital startup category, MedCATs Idus platform, developed by MedCAT, won the gold award. Designed for reading, classifying and structuring documents, the platform has been applied in banking, public administration and healthcare, supporting automated insurance claims processing, smart healthcare services and the development of personal electronic health records. A representative from MedCAT receives gold award at the ASEAN Digital Awards 2026 in the digital startup category (Photo: VietnamPlus) Vietnams second gold award went to VCB Tablet, developed by the Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank), in the digital innovation category. The platform transforms traditional bank counters into mobile, paperless service points, enabling both individual and corporate customers to carry out a wide range of transactions remotely in a digital environment. In the public sector category, the ELCOM Intelligent Transportation System (ELCOM ITS), developed by ELCOM Technology and Telecommunications JSC, won a bronze prize. ELCOM ITS has demonstrated stable operation at scale, strong system integration and tangible community benefits, having been successfully implemented in multiple large-scale, national-level projects. This marked the first time a solution developed by a Vietnamese enterprise has been recognised in the highly competitive public sector category of the ASEAN Digital Awards, highlighting the growing regional profile of Make in Vietnam technologies in public governance. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung described the ASEAN Digital Awards as one of the regions most successful initiatives. He said the nominated solutions demonstrated not only technological excellence but also a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to shared regional goals. According to the organisers, the awards to recognise outstanding organisations, businesses and individuals in the digital technology sector, while promoting cooperation, sharing effective models and accelerating digital transformation across ASEAN. In previous editions, Vietnam has been among the most successful participants, winning numerous gold and silver awards. Make in Vietnam products such as online learning platforms, digital agriculture applications and AI-based healthcare solutions have helped strengthen the countrys technological standing in the region./. The Vietnam Real Estate Market Forum (VREF) 2026 Speaking at the Vietnam Real Estate Market Forum (VREF) 2026, organized by the Vietnam Association of Realtors on January 9, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh said many projects remain entangled in legal issues or unfinished investments. The Government has recently issued strong directives to remove obstacles. Initial results show that 926 projects, with capital of about VND724 trillion, have been unblocked. In 2026, authorities will continue efforts to resolve difficulties for remaining stalled projects. Preliminary assessments indicate that among more than 2,000 projects still facing obstacles, 248 projects are related to land issues; 479 projects are entangled in legal provisions under the authority of the National Assembly; and 208 projects fall under the authority of the Government, the Prime Minister, and ministries and agencies. In addition, 1,104 projects face obstacles under the jurisdiction of local authorities involving land, investment, planning and related issues. Ministries and agencies will provide guidance to help localities resolve these problems. There are also around 80 projects facing difficulties related to BT (build-transfer) projects. Sinh noted that many laws have been amended, including the Land Law, the Housing Law, the Law on Real Estate Business, and the Investment Law, with a focus on cutting administrative procedures, reducing compliance costs, creating more favorable conditions for businesses, and strengthening decentralization and delegation of authority to local governments. The Government has proposed and the National Assembly has passed several resolutions to remove bottlenecks, such as Resolution No201 on special mechanisms and policies for social housing development, and Resolution No171 on piloting commercial housing projects through agreements on land-use rights. These measures have had a strong impact, boosting housing supply. The National Assembly has also passed Resolution No254 to address difficulties in the implementation of the Land Law. In recent times, the Government has also paid special attention to addressing shortcomings in a way that makes housing more accessible to people. The key solution is to promote social housing development. To date, there are 698 social housing projects nationwide under implementation, with a scale of about 657,000 units; 193 projects have been completed, and many others are continuing, said the Deputy Minister. In 2026, the Government targets bringing 160,000 social housing units to the market, with an average price of around VND2025 million per sqm. Compared with current market prices, this price level is considered appropriate, he added. Pham Thi Mien, deputy director of the Vietnam Institute for Real Estate Market Research and Evaluation (VARS IRE), said that in 2025 the market recorded more than 128,000 newly launched housing products, up 88 percent year-on-year and the highest level in the 2019-2025 period. However, she emphasized that the mismatch between supply and demand continues. In some localities, mainly in the southern region, the supply of more affordably priced commercial (non-social) housing has increased sharply, helping locally improve market balance. By contrast, in Hanoi, Da Nang and HCMC, the imbalance has become more pronounced. Although social housing supply has risen significantly, it still has failed to keep pace with the supply of commercial housing commonly priced above VND80 million per sqm. Statistics show that in 2025, the market recorded more than 80,000 new apartment units, double the figure in 2024. However, about 25 percent of new apartment supply was priced above VND100 million per sqm, equivalent to more than 20,000 units, nearly 10 times higher than the previous year. In Hanoi and HCMC alone, about 85 percent of newly launched apartment supply was priced above VND80 million per sqm. The segment structure continues to shift strongly toward luxury and ultra-luxury apartments, while affordable commercial housing is nearly absent from the market. In related news, Hanoi Vice Chair of the Peoples Committee Truong Viet Dung has signed a decision allowing Eresson Refrigeration Engineering JSC to change the land-use purpose of a 4,950 sqm plot at No9 Pham Hung Road to implement a mixed-use project comprising offices, commercial and service spaces, apartments, and a hotel. The site is located in a prime position on the Ring Road 3 axis, opposite the Hanoi Museum, and close to several major residential and office complexes such as Vinhomes Westpoint, Keangnam Landmark 72, and DCapitale Tran Duy Hung. Hong Khanh Now in her fifth year on her journey, De, a 23-year-old Hmong woman from Nheo Lung village in Dong Van commune in Tuyen Quang province, continues to pursue her dream of weaving from the hemp plant, which is used to make linen cloth. I was the first person in my village studying at university. When I received my admission letter to Hanoi University of Culture, everyone contributed money to help me travel to the capital city. So I always reminded myself that studying was not just for me, but for the whole Nheo Lung village. In her third year at university, the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, cutting off her income from part-time work. She returned home and, one afternoon while cleaning the attic, discovered linen fabrics her mother had carefully stored for years as wedding dowry gifts. In that difficult moment, she dared to ask her mother for permission to try selling them. De recalled: I thought it was just a way to get through hardship, but that moment opened a new turning point. Those old linen fabrics awakened in me the desire to preserve a traditional craft that was gradually fading away. From then on, I nurtured the idea that after graduating, I would return home to reconnect the linen thread that was at risk of breaking within my own generation. The signboard Det vai lanh truyen thong - Hemp Hmong Vietnam was installed at the curve at the foot of Thai Phin Tung slope, marking the opening of the first linen workshop founded by De. From this small space, she began supplying raw linen fabric to designers, fashion shops, and those who love the material known for being warm in winter and cool in summer. At the same time, she experimented with designing bags, shirts, scarves and more, blending Hmong materials with modern forms so that linen could creatively enter contemporary life. From these first steps, the workshop gradually formed a stable workforce of four middle-aged Hmong women working full-time, with an average income of about VND4 million per month. In addition, 10 households weave at home and are paid per product, each earning an additional VND23 million per month. De does not want linen to lie quietly in museums or cupboards. She wants it to be present in modern life as a sustainable, environmentally friendly fabric, with each product telling a cultural story. To that end, the workshop invites visitors to participate in all 12 stages of traditional weaving. Visitors can see, touch, and try everything from dyeing, joining fibers, and spinning threads to weaving on looms. This approach connects cultural preservation with community livelihoods. Bringing Hmong culture to the world After initial success, De began contacting shops in Thailand and Japan, wrote emails in English to introduce her products, and even personally carried linen fabrics abroad to seek partners and tell the story of Hmong linen in foreign lands. These persistent efforts helped her linen journey extend far beyond the steep paths around her village. She has become a young representative of a new Hmong generation, appearing at many domestic and international forums. Starting with her first steps at the 6th Kunming Forum on South and Southeast Asia Education Cooperation and Exchange, De gradually opened up international connections. In 2023, she became the sole representative of Vietnam participating in the project series Weaving dreams, embroidering rivers and mountains and the LancangMekong Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop in Yunnan, China, alongside participants from Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar. There, she spoke on behalf of young people from six Mekong River countries about textile dyeing crafts and the transmission of cultural identity. In 2024 she attended the Asia International Hemp Expo & Forum in Bangkok and participated in many fairs and programs related to hemp in Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos. In August 2025, she was invited to present her products and Hmong culture at the Government Office and had a direct conversation with PM Pham Minh Chinh within the framework of the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas in 20212030. She is now preparing for longer-term steps. I will build a cultural space right at the workshop, turning it into a living museum of Hmong linen, while regularly organizing workshops and experiential tours. The goal over the next two years is to make Hemp Hmong Vietnam the largest linen fiber supplier in the country, and more importantly, to help young people in the village see linen weaving as a source of pride and a sustainable livelihood, De said. Vu Mung A Massachusetts mothers recounting of her toddler being rebuffed by other children on a Puerto Rico beach has ignited a viral debate about parenting, childhood socialisation, and personal boundaries. A brief beach encounter involving a toddler goes viral, prompting debate over childhood rejection and parental expectations. Allie Hagerty, 33, a food blogger, said her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Charlotte, approached two girls her age while on vacation and introduced herself, a behaviour Hagerty encourages. The children and their father did not respond, leaving Charlotte to return to her parents and say, They wont talk to me. Hagerty described the moment to TODAY.comas emotionally difficult. She said: Your hearts sort of breaking for your kid. The encounter prompted Hagerty to post a now-viral video in which she vented her frustration, including the comment: I think (expletive) people shouldnt have kids. You should, like, have to pass a nice person aptitude test in order to have kids. What do we think?. She quickly clarified that she was joking, but the video struck a chord far beyond her usual food-focused audience. Responses to the video highlighted a cultural divide. Some parents empathised, sharing experiences of encouraging their own children to make friends for the day and describing the heartbreak of witnessing social rejection. Others cautioned that children and parents have differing temperaments, comfort levels, and social boundaries, and that occasional rebuff is a normal part of childhood development. Hagerty said the reaction has caused her to reflect on the incident. She told TODAY: Its a real gray area". While she maintains she would never ignore a child approaching her own, she recognizes that parents navigate these moments differently. What initially felt like rejection, she said, ultimately became a teaching moment for both Charlotte and herself. Hagerty said: It made me think more about what kids learn when things dont go the way they expect. Framing the episode as part of the broader lessons children absorb about social interaction and resilience. Martin Freeman stayed in a Liverpool accent "all day" while filming The Responder. Martin Freeman had to master a Scouse accent for The Responder The 54-year-old actor was praised for his portrayal of troubled PC Chris Carson in the acclaimed BBC series and explained that he left no stone unturned in his attempts to nail his alter ego's Scouse accent. Speaking on Friday's (16.01.26) episode of The Graham Norton Show, Martin said: "The acid test is pleasing people from that place and as long as no one wants to hurt me because it is bad, I am happy. "I'm not a w**** actor, but I actually stayed in the accent all day. It's a muscle and very physical and I didn't want to watch it in a year's time and be thinking, 'I could have worked harder.'" Despite Martin's acclaimed accent, it was revealed last year that The Responder which was created by former Merseyside Police officer Tony Schumacher - won't be returning for a third series any time soon as it was rested by the BBC due to scheduling issues. An insider told The Sun newspaper's TVBiz column: "The BBC are really invested in the series but due to schedules the show has had to be put on ice. "Tony is currently working on another project but there is hope a third series will be made at some point in the future." Freeman had previously suggested that he would be willing to reprise the role for a third series if it was "an artistically good idea". The Office actor told Collider: "The show feels like something outside of us now. It's something we wouldn't want to mess up, as a separate entity from ourselves, almost. "But as Tony said, I think if it was absolutely right and genuinely an artistically good idea to do more, then absolutely." Meanwhile, Martin plays the role of Superintendent Battle in Agatha Christie's Seven Dials and had "great fun" starring in the 1920s-set Netflix mystery series. The Sherlock star said: "I didn't know these characters as they are from the early novels. The story is set in a weird place in time. It is the Roaring Twenties, which was mired in the grief and loss of World War I. "It has an authentic '20s voice that still feels good to our modern ears. It is funny and moving and was great fun to do." The Graham Norton Show airs on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday 16th January at 10.40pm. Construction of the expanded facility is scheduled to begin at the end of January, with building handover expected in early 2027. Leveraging Bels ability to adapt products to local market preferences, the Vietnam site is expected to serve key export markets across Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bel Group has announced the expansion of its production site in Vietnam, marking a new phase in its long-term development in the country and the wider region. Announced on January 15, the $19.7 million investment will double the sites production capacity to 20,000 tonnes per year, strengthen the groups industrial capabilities, and support a market share of more than 70 per cent in the cheese segment across both modern retail and traditional trade, driven by locally produced brands including The Laughing Cow, Belcube, and Kiri. The expansion will also include a pilot research and development line aimed at accelerating product innovation, optimising recipes, and testing new formats tailored to regional consumption patterns and nutritional needs. The facility will support industrial trials and enhance the groups ability to deploy innovations more efficiently across regional markets. The project is also expected to have a significant impact on local employment, with the workforce at the site projected to increase from 188 employees to around 400 in the long term. Present in Vietnam since 2011, Bel has built an integrated industrial model combining production for the domestic market with export-oriented capabilities, enabling the group to serve Southeast Asia while remaining closely aligned with local consumer needs. Starting with an initial production capacity of approximately 4,000 tonnes per year, the group invested more than $15 million in 2015 to build a new plant with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to more than three million portions per week, primarily under The Laughing Cow brand (Con Bo Cuoi). Asia plays a central role in Bels global growth strategy. The group has strengthened its regional footprint through targeted investments, including the acquisition of a 70 per cent stake in Shandong Junjun Cheese in China in 2022 and the inauguration of a new production facility dedicated to the Britannia The Laughing Cow brand in 2024. In Indonesia, Bel has acquired a 22.5 per cent minority stake in Mulia Boga Raya, combining Bels global expertise with deep local market knowledge. Bel Group extends its Small and Micro Entrepreneur Support Programme in Vietnam French luxury cheese producer Bel Group is extending the achievements of its Small and Micro Entrepreneur Support Programme (MSE Support Programme) in Vietnam, thereby contributing to changing the lives of street vendors by improving the economy they rely on. The partnership builds on the regional agreement announced by Carlsberg Asia and Grab, translating a shared ambition for safer celebrations in Southeast Asia into meaningful local action. Central to this collaboration is a clear purpose: every celebration should end with a safe journey home. By combining Carlsberg Vietnams diverse portfolio with Grabs extensive mobility ecosystem, the two companies aim to make responsible enjoyment a convenient, accessible choice for consumers nationwide. The partnership also reinforces Carlsberg Vietnams long-standing commitment to its Zero Accident Culture, placing safety first at the core of both its operations and its engagement with consumers, in line with the groups vision. Representatives of Carlsberg Vietnam and Grab Vietnam at the MoU signing ceremony, marking a strategic partnership to promote responsible drinking and safer mobility in Vietnam Under the MoU, Carlsberg Vietnam and Grab are advancing a collaboration that integrates responsible enjoyment across multiple consumer moments, channels, and brands. The partnership brings together Grabs digital ecosystem, including mobility solutions, media capabilities, and mobility-related incentives such as ride vouchers, with Carlsberg Vietnams on-the-ground execution through participating outlets nationwide. Together, the two companies are embedding responsible drinking messages directly into consumption occasions, reinforcing the connection between enjoying beer responsibly and choosing safe mobility. By leveraging Grabs media and technology platforms, responsible enjoyment is communicated at key moments throughout the consumer journey. In parallel, Carlsberg Vietnam works closely with its outlet partners to turn these messages into practical actions, making safe journeys home more accessible and intuitive for consumers. Carlsberg Vietnam has always been about more than brewing great beer; its about creating meaningful moments of connection, said Andrew Khan, managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam. By partnering with Grab, we are making responsible enjoyment easier and more accessible. Alongside great beer experiences, we want consumers to feel confident that getting home safely is already part of the journey. Safety is deeply embedded in Carlsberg Vietnams culture. Across its brewery, offices, and sales teams, employees receive continuous safety training and are encouraged to take personal ownership of their own wellbeing and that of others. This culture supports the Carlsberg Groups Together Towards ZERO and Beyond ambition, particularly the goal of a zero-accident workplace. Employees are empowered to share safety observations openly, reinforcing transparency and shared responsibility. Company-wide initiatives such as the annual Health & Safety Day, alongside milestones like 1.4 million safe working hours during the Phu Bai Brewery expansion, demonstrate how safety and operational excellence progress hand in hand. Grab is equally committed to encouraging safe mobility across Vietnam. The platform is built with safety-by-design features such as the in-app Safety Centre, Share My Ride, emergency assistance options, trip monitoring, and number masking. These features are complemented by driver-partner onboarding and refresher training, helmet and seatbelt reminders, and public-awareness messages that reinforce a simple rule: when you drink, dont drive. Safety is not just a rule at Carlsberg Vietnam; its part of who we are, Khan added. From our Phu Bai Brewery to our sales teams and offices, every employee is encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety and for those around them. This mindset has guided the way we work for years, and its the same spirit we want to share with the communities that enjoy our beers. Through our partnership with Grab, were extending that mindset into everyday life, helping ensure every celebration ends as safely as it begins. Managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam and country head of Grab Vietnam exchange the signed MoU to promote responsibility drinking and safer mobility in Vietnam The partnership reflects Carlsberg Vietnams commitment to extending its safety mindset beyond the workplace, together with Grab Vietnam, into everyday consumer occasions. Ma Tuan Trong, country head of Grab Vietnam, added, As a platform that provides accessible and reliable services for millions of Vietnamese every day, Grab is proud to partner with Carlsberg Vietnam to advance responsible mobility. Together, were using technology to make safe travel choices easier and to remind everyone of a simple truth: when you drink, dont drive. The Vietnam partnership builds on the broader Carlsberg AsiaGrab collaboration, which has been driving responsible enjoyment across Southeast Asia since its launch in late 2024. The regional initiative integrates Carlsbergs premium beer experiences with Grabs digital ecosystem, spanning mobility, food delivery, and dine-out services, embedding responsible drinking messages into everyday occasions. (From left to right) Arindam Varanasi, vice president of Commercial Asia, Carlsberg; Ken Mandel, regional managing director and head of GrabAds and Enterprise Customers; Russell Close, Global eCommerce director, Carlsberg; Jerry Lim, group managing director and regional head of Commercial & Support, Grab Sales & Support For more than three decades, Carlsberg Vietnam has grown alongside the people and communities of this country, bringing world-class brewing standards, meaningful local engagement, and a commitment to sustainability and responsibility. Through this partnership with Grab, that commitment extends even further. What begins with a shared toast can now end with a safe journey home a small but meaningful action that reflects Carlsberg Vietnams enduring purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow. Carlsberg offers excellence in Vietnam The inauguration of Carlsbergs expanded Phu Bai brewery represents commitment to build a world-class supply chain in one of Asias most dynamic markets. Joy Rice, vice president for Supply Chain of Carlsberg Asia, shared her insights with VIRs Van Mai on how operational excellence and sustainability go hand-in-hand, and whats next for the groups ambitions. Carlsberg Vietnam accelerates drive towards net-zero emissions As Vietnam advances towards its 2050 net-zero vision, businesses are expected to play a decisive role in enabling the country's green transition. At the Green Economy Forum 2025, Carlsberg Vietnam shared how a long-standing foreign-invested enterprise is reshaping its operations and energy strategy to align with Vietnam's sustainability goals. Amid the pace of modern life, Tet of the past continues to resonate with many Vietnamese as a time defined by anticipation, shared effort, and family reunion. Beyond ushering in a new year, the festive period reflects enduring values of tradition, togetherness, and cultural continuity that remain central to the holidays meaning. Drawing on this sentiment, Muong Thanh Groups Lunar New Year gift collection revisits the theme of Tet xua through a range of traditional-style festive treats. The collection seeks to recreate familiar flavours associated with earlier generations, while presenting them in a more refined and contemporary form. Through cakes and sweets commonly found on Tet tables in the past, the group aims to evoke simplicity and preserve memories linked to family reunions and shared moments. Photo: Muong Thanh Group According to Muong Thanh, the gift set is designed to offer a springtime culinary experience that balances nostalgia with modern preferences. While retaining the crisp texture and nutty aroma typical of traditional Lunar New Year snacks, the products feature lighter sweetness and cleaner aftertastes, reflecting growing interest in healthier and more mindful consumption. The selection includes crispy cereal candy inspired by rustic countryside flavours, alongside rose-flavoured nougat with a softer texture and a modern profile. Matcha blueberry cookies offer a light, refreshing taste aligned with green living trends, while banana cookies recall the familiar aroma of homegrown fruit. Red velvet chocolate cookies complete the assortment, adding a richer note while maintaining a reduced-sugar approach. Muong Thanh Group said the collection reflects its view that Vietnamese businesses should maintain a strong connection to national cultural roots, even as international integration deepens. This approach has been applied consistently across our seasonal products, including Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes and Tet gift offerings for customers and partners, a Muong Thanh representative told VIR. Within the groups hotel system, traditional elements are also incorporated into contemporary spaces. Guests can find corners featuring familiar Vietnamese cakes such as fried dough cakes, cassava cakes and glutinous rice cakes, serving as subtle reminders of shared cultural memories. This long-standing emphasis on cultural continuity has become a defining characteristic of the brand, which has grown alongside Vietnams development while maintaining a close connection to its core values, the representative added. Muong Thanh to showcase exclusive offers at ITE HCMC 2025 Muong Thanh Hotel Group, one of Indochinas largest private hospitality chains, is gearing up to showcase its nationwide portfolio at the upcoming Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo. Muong Thanh inspires young artists to showcase Vietnam Muong Thanh Group has kicked off the fourth edition of its children's painting contest, turning young artists into storytellers of Vietnam's landscapes, culture, and national spirit. WhatsApp has confirmed that AI providers can continue offering chatbots to users with Brazilian phone numbers, days after the country's competition regulator moved to block Meta's policy restricting third-party, general-purpose bots on the WhatsApp Business API. The clarification effectively rolls back enforcement of the policy in Brazil, following regulatory scrutiny over whether Meta's changes unfairly disadvantage competing AI platforms. Brazil Exempted From WhatsApp's New Bot Restrictions Under Meta's original policy, announced earlier this year, developers were required to stop responding to users and display a pre-approved notice explaining that their chatbot would no longer function. A 90-day grace period, starting January 15, 2026, was intended to give developers time to comply. However, in a notice obtained by TechCrunch, Meta confirmed that AI providers messaging users with Brazilian phone numbers (+55 country code) are now exempt from those requirements. Here's what's written in the notice: "The requirement to cease responding to user queries and implement pre-approved auto-reply language (mentioned below) before January 15, 2026, no longer applies when messaging people with a Brazil country code (+55)." How Will This Impact ChatGPT, Grok, and Similar Bots The exemption primarily affects general-purpose AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Grok, which rely on WhatsApp as a distribution channel in Brazil. These bots can continue operating without interruption, preserving access for users who rely on them for information, productivity, or experimentation. Notably, customer service bots used by businesses were never impacted by the restriction and remain fully supported under the WhatsApp Business API. Regulatory Pressure Forces Policy Adjustment Brazil's competition authority, CADE, is investigating whether Meta's policy change constitutes anti-competitive behavior by favoring its own Meta AI over third-party alternatives. The Brazilian exemption mirrors similar outcomes in Europe, where regulatory pressure in Italy and an ongoing EU antitrust probe previously led Meta to soften or delay enforcement. The pattern suggests a growing willingness by regulators to challenge platform-level restrictions that may limit competition in emerging AI markets. Meta Defends Its Position on AI Bots Meta maintains that its infrastructure was not designed to support high-volume, general-purpose AI chatbots on the Business API. In a statement, a company spokesperson said the surge of AI bots placed technical strain on WhatsApp's systems. According to the representative, the presence of AI chatbots "put a strain" on their systems. With that, they are not designed to support. They added that AI companies should prioritize distribution through apps, websites, and direct partnerships rather than WhatsApp's business platform. Per 9to5Mac, the ban could also be reversed for the rest of the EU in the upcoming weeks. Originally published on Tech Times On January 14, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC (NSRP) announced it had successfully received and processed its first non-Kuwaiti crude oil cargo, marking a major operational milestone for the refinery. The shipment, comprising around one million barrels of Das Blend crude oil, arrived at NSRP on December 23 and was processed through the refinery by January 12 after completing safety, marine, and technical checks, in line with established operational standards. Under its 2026 operating plan, NSRP expects to import nearly 12.5 million tonnes of crude oil and produce close to 9 million tonnes of petroleum products for the domestic market. To support stable operations at around 120 per cent of the refinerys original design capacity, NSRP is gradually introducing alternative crude oil feedstocks in appropriate volumes, alongside its long-term supply of Kuwaiti crudes including Kuwait Export Crude under Crude Oil Supply Agreement (COSA). Das Blend, a crude oil with favourable refining characteristics such as higher yields of light and middle distillates and lower residue production, was selected as part of NSRPs strategy to process 1012 million barrels of additional new crude oil annually in combination with Kuwaiti crudes or equivalent medium crudes, particularly during specific operating periods such as catalyst change-outs in the Residue Hydro-De-Sulfurisation unit. This controlled technical evaluation was conducted on top of NSRPs committed COSA volumes and is intended to complement the anchor role of Kuwaiti crudes. This effort was implemented with the support of all NSRP sponsors Kuwait Petroleum Europe B.V, Idemitsu Kosan, PetroVietnam, and Mitsui Chemicals reaffirming their commitment to NSRPs safe and sustainable operations. Processing our first non-Kuwaiti crude underscores NSRPs operational strength and adaptability, said Kazutaka Yamato, general director of NSRP. It also reflects the continued support of our sponsors and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation in strengthening Vietnams long-term energy security. Looking ahead, NSRP will continue to explore technical opportunities to optimise performance while maintaining its strong partnership framework and commitment to safe, reliable operations. Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical remains committed to safety and stability Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC (NSRP) has several measures to maintain optimal production and business efficiency of the refinery in 2024. So Hasegawa, general director of NSRP, spoke with VIR's Thanh Van about the company's efforts. Nghi Son refinery starts commercial operation in November Nghi Son Petrochemical Refinery invested by Nghi Son Refinery Co., Ltd. (NSRP) may come into commercial operation on November 15 this year, after more than four years of construction. On January 14, PC1 Group JSC and DENZAI International Holdings Pte. Ltd. signed a cooperation agreement covering renewable energy and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) in Vietnam and the Philippines, with the partnership set to begin with the 58.5MW Camarines Sur onshore wind power project on Luzon Island. We see DENZAI as a capable and reliable partner whose heavy-lift, transport, and engineering strengths complement PC1s EPC and renewable energy expertise, said Dang Quoc Tuong, deputy general director of PC1 Group. Beyond construction, the partnership also lays the groundwork for developing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and operations and maintenance capabilities in Vietnam and the Philippines, a key strategic priority for PC1. PC1 is both an EPC contractor and a wind power developer, having jointly developed three wind farms with Japans Renova, he added. The group currently provides operations and control centre services for its own projects and 28 others, and through this partnership with DENZAI, aims to expand maintenance services, deploy specialised equipment, and further develop OEM-related capabilities. Kohki Uemura, president and CEO of DENZAI International Holdings Pte. Ltd., said, We look forward to working alongside PC1, which we see as a highly experienced and trusted partner in wind power construction. He added that as the Philippines accelerates its transition to renewable energy, wind power will play an increasingly important role in strengthening energy security and supporting long-term, sustainable growth. DENZAI Philippines Inc., a DENZAI Group company, will carry out the installation of the projects nine wind turbine generators, with work scheduled to begin in late March. PC1 is a Vietnamese engineering and construction group with more than six decades of experience in power construction and large-scale infrastructure projects in Vietnam and overseas. Fugro extends MoU with PTSC G&S to support offshore wind growth Vietnams offshore wind (OSW) ambitions are driving rising demand for high-quality marine data to support energy development. Fugro and PTSC Geos and Subsea Services are expanding their long-standing partnership to help meet that need. New criteria proposed for offshore wind funding The government proposes that offshore wind power investors must have a minimum chartered capital of $400 million and equity capital of no less than 15 per cent of the total investment. At an international press conference on the 14th National Party Congress held on January 14, Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, stated that Vietnam can no longer rely on growth driven by input-based resources or low-value comparative advantages such as cheap labour and land resources. The most fundamental drivers are science and technology, productivity, and the application of technology in new areas such as the digital economy, green economy and circular economy, allowing Vietnam to leapfrog as a latecomer into sectors like semiconductors, AI and cloud computing. We have even considered developing ultra-quantum technologies, rather than continuing along traditional paths, he said. To realise the goals of a new era, draft documents submitted to the 14th National Party Congress underscore the need for thinking across all areas of socioeconomic development, national defence, security, foreign affairs, Party building and the political system. A particularly critical focus is the establishment of a new growth model. While earlier periods focused mainly on structural transformation and shifting growth from extensive to intensive modes, the draft documents for the 14th Party Congress elevate the issue to a higher level: creating an entirely new growth model capable of adapting to major global transformations and meeting the countrys development demands in the coming period. Under this approach, the new growth model is built on clearly defined pillars in which science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are identified as the primary drivers and the core of the countrys development strategy. For the first time, the private sector is explicitly declared as one of the most important driving forces of the economy, alongside the development of suitable personnel and the effective leveraging of deep international integration. To translate these objectives into reality, the draft documents clearly outline specific requirements and tasks. Traditional growth drivers - land, natural resources, labour, exports, domestic markets and investment - together with total factor productivity (TFP), must be mobilised in a coordinated manner within a framework of innovation, industrialisation, modernisation and digital transformation. A notable new element is the assessment that, based on current development conditions, Vietnam has sufficient room to target double-digit economic growth in the next term. In light of the draft documents, achieving this ambition requires several key conditions. First, the investment-to-GDP ratio must exceed 40 per cent. Previously, Vietnam maintained an investment ratio of around 30-35 per cent of GDP, largely concentrated in traditional growth drivers. The new model calls for scaling up effective investment, expanding green finance channels, technology bonds and innovation-oriented venture capital funds. Improving investment efficiency will require stricter project selection, greater automation and digitalisation in production processes, and rigorous project management. Second, to sustain double-digit GDP growth, labour productivity must increase by approximately 8.5 per cent per year, a substantial leap from the current rate of 5-6 per cent. This will require intensive training of digital engineers, research and development (R&D) specialists and high-tech project managers, as well as the establishment of strong linkages among research institutes, universities and enterprises to narrow skills gaps. Third, TFP must contribute more than 5.6 percentage points to overall growth. As a measure reflecting the efficiency of capital and labour use and the impact of innovation, raising TFP necessitates building a robust innovation startup ecosystem, encouraging enterprises to invest in R&D, strengthening participation in global value chains and enhancing intellectual property protection. Fourth, economic restructuring should focus on foundational and core industries, strategic sectors, green industries, high-tech agriculture, high-quality services and the digital economy. From the design stage onward, each sector and project must meet low-emission standards and incorporate smart governance. A supportive policy framework - encompassing R&D tax incentives, preferential credit, venture capital funds and administrative reforms to shorten licensing procedures - will serve as a critical catalyst for the successful implementation of the new growth model. Vietnam should transform growth model towards efficiency: experts Vietnam needs to speed up transformation towards an efficiency and innovation-driven growth model to meet requirements of sustainable and inclusive development, experts have said. IFC to support Vietnam's transition to a low-carbon economic growth model The International Finance Corporation (IFC) a member of the World Bank Group announced on May 11 that it will support Vietnam to transit to a low-carbon economic growth model. At an international press conference on the congress on January 14, Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, a member of the Party Central Committee and Standing Deputy Head of the Party Central Office, said, The Party Central Office distributed 1,586 tablet computers to all official delegates attending the congress. The switch will replace nearly 1.6 million pages of paper and is expected to generate significant savings in paper, printing ink, and manpower, marking a major step forward in applying IT to large-scale political events. To date, most delegates have already become familiar with using the tablets and have begun reviewing documents well in advance of the event, Ha added. All tasks have been completed on schedule and in line with set requirements, with a number of important innovations introduced. Along with using digital material, the party congress also developed specialised software to collect and synthesise delegates opinions and contributions during the congress. In addition, a wide range of digital applications has been put into operation for this years event. Overall, many software solutions have been introduced and are now being effectively operated by the relevant agencies, she said, describing the initiative as clear evidence of efforts to reduce paperwork and save costs, human resources and time through the use of IT. At the press conference, Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilisation Commission Trinh Van Quyet, said that the preparation of draft documents submitted to the 14th Party Congress was conducted over five years, which was deployed elaborately, methodically, and scientifically. The draft documents don't just summarises the journey of the past five years, they also identify goals and tasks in the next term, clearly showing strategic thinking, long-term vision, and national development orientation to the mid-21st century, Quyet said. In just one month of collecting opinions, nearly 14 million opinions were contributed, with nearly five million party members and people contributing opinions. The 14th National Party Congress is scheduled to take place from January 19 to 25, in Hanoi, with the participation of nearly 1,600 delegates, representing more than five million Party members nationwide. PM chairs meeting of 14th National Party Congresss sub-committee for socio-economic affairs He requested that the draft report must adopt innovative, breakthrough thinking, methodologies, approaches, and practices, in alignment with the global and regional situations as well as the country's development requirements; and that the content must be more up-to-date, proposing new breakthroughs and drivers for development. Digital shift reshaping Vietnams real estate brokerages As Vietnam's Ministry of Construction calls on trading floors and businesses to enhance professionalism, VIRs Ha Thuy spoke with Nguyen Ly Kieu Anh, CEO of Meey Group, about the role of digital transformation in real estate brokerage. ONE and MTI launch AI-focused shipping venture A new joint venture has been formed to accelerate the use of digital technologies in the container shipping industry, reflecting growing efforts to modernise logistics operations. Vietnam and the UN are strengthening collaboration in digital technology, AI, and technology governance, with a focus on developing specific, measurable, and scalable experimental models. As part of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting held in Hanoi, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung met on January 14 with Amandeep Singh Gill, UN Under-Secretary-General and the UN Secretary-Generals envoy on technology, to discuss cooperation priorities in these areas. Photo: MST While physical infrastructure once drove connectivity and growth, data, digital platforms, computing power, and AI now underpin productivity in the digital age, said Minister Hung. Though intangible, this infrastructure has far-reaching impacts on governance effectiveness, business competitiveness, and quality of life. Vietnam views investment in digital technology and AI as an investment in long-term national capacity, requiring coordinated development of infrastructure, institutions, human resources, and policy frameworks, with the state playing a facilitating role. The minister welcomed the UNs initiatives on digital public infrastructure, inclusive digital transformation, and responsible AI governance, noting their particular relevance for developing countries. He stressed that effective cooperation must go beyond policy dialogue and be implemented through practical pilot models tailored to national conditions. In that spirit, Vietnam is ready to serve as a sandbox for global initiatives, from digital public infrastructure to AI governance, co-developed and refined through real-world application. With its large population, fast-growing digital market, and strong political commitment, Vietnam is well positioned to test solutions at scale and generate lessons for other countries. At the meeting, Gill said digital technology and AI are entering a phase that will reshape not only economic growth, but also governance, social welfare, and development gaps. He stressed that the key challenge lies in countries institutional capacity and international cooperation to guide technology towards the common good. In this context, developing countries, particularly proactive ones like Vietnam, play a crucial role in bringing practical perspectives into global technology governance, ensuring standards reflect diverse development conditions and societal needs, he said. Gill said Vietnam has the potential to become a key UN partner in implementing global technology initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region. Both sides agreed to maintain regular dialogue and advance concrete cooperation programmes on digital technology and AI, with a focus on measurable and scalable outcomes. Areas of cooperation include digital infrastructure development, digital transformation capacity-building, workforce training, and participation in regional and global AI governance frameworks. Vietnam, UN reinforce development partnership amid global shifts Vietnam's finance minister and the United Nations' resident coordinator reaffirmed cooperation priorities at a meeting in Hanoi on May 21, emphasising sustainable development and policy advocacy. Law offers digital leap into the future Vietnams new Law on Digital Technology Industry will take effect at the start of next year. Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers from FOM University in Essen, Germany, explained how the new legal framework will work and how it aligns with the countrys wider vision. The 2025 Make in Vietnam Awards spotlight digital innovation The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) have launched the 2025 Make in Vietnam Awards. Three Vietnamese companies won two gold awards and one bronze award at the 2026 ASEAN Digital Awards (ADAs). The ceremony was held in Hanoi on January 15 on the sidelines of the sixth ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting. Among the winners, MedCAT Nexus, developed by MedCAT Company, received the gold award in the digital startup category. MedCAT receive the Gold Award. Photo: MST MedCAT Nexus is an AI application platform that combines small language modelling and vision-language modelling developed in-house, enabling high-accuracy reading, extraction, and restructuring of unstructured data. The solution has been deployed in various fields such as healthcare, banking, insurance, and public administration, contributing to shortening processing time, reducing operating costs, and improving service quality. The second Vietnamese gold award winner was VCB Tablet from Vietnam Foreign Trade Commercial Bank (Vietcombank), honoured in the digital innovation category. VCB Tablet is a platform that enables the transformation of traditional branch counters into paperless digital transaction counters, supporting individual and corporate customers in performing various transactions in the digital environment. This contributes to enhancing customer experience, increasing management efficiency, and promoting digital transformation in the finance and banking sector. VCB Tablet was honoured in the digital innovation category. Photo: MST In the public sector category, Elcom was awarded the bronze prize for its Elcom ITS intelligent transportation ecosystem, a solution that applies digital technology in managing, operating, and optimising transportation infrastructure. Elcom ITS is developed as a platform for large-scale real-time data processing, AI, in-depth analytics combined with IoT, and has been deployed on numerous roads, highways, and traffic control centres. This also marks the first time a Vietnamese entry has won in the public sector category, one of the ASEAN Digital Awards most rigorously assessed segments. The awards are held as ASEAN countries accelerate efforts to build a regional digital community, with a focus on innovation, digital economic growth, and inclusive digital development. This years ADAs attracted hundreds of submissions from across the bloc, with entries assessed through three stages: national selection, an online regional preliminary round, and an in-person final round. Vietnam fielded five products and technology solutions across all six award categories, the highest level of participation in the past three editions, reflecting the growing depth and maturity of the domestic innovation ecosystem. Established in 2012, the ASEAN Digital Awards are held annually to recognise outstanding digital software, products, and technology solutions in the region. Entries are assessed against strict criteria covering innovation, implementation effectiveness, scalability, and social impact. Promoting digital skills and online safety with ASEAN initiative The ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme National Closing Workshop was held on May 23 to encourage the community's inclusive digital skill development and online safety. ASEAN digital economy set to reach $2 trillion by 2030 ASEAN's digital economy is projected to become the world's fourth-largest by 2030, reaching approximately $2 trillion, solidifying the region's central role in the global digital transformation landscape. At a ceremony held on January 16 at Hoa Lac High-tech Park, Viettel broke ground on the 27-hectare facility, with Party General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in attendance. Scheduled for completion before 2030, the plant is designed to serve as national infrastructure for semiconductor research, design, testing, and manufacturing, supporting key sectors including aerospace, telecommunications, automotive manufacturing, and medical equipment. Photo: Viettel This marks a significant milestone in strengthening Vietnams chip-making capabilities, laying the groundwork for gradually mastering core technologies and building a homegrown semiconductor ecosystem. To date, Vietnam has participated in several stages of the semiconductor value chain, but the fabrication phase the most complex and critical step has yet to be carried out domestically. The development of a local chip fabrication facility is expected to close this gap, enabling the country to complete the full semiconductor production cycle within its borders. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, PM Chinh said, The launch of Vietnams first high-tech semiconductor chip manufacturing plant is an event of special importance, marking an important step in developing a new strategic industry and laying the foundation for Vietnam to participate more deeply in the global value chain through science, technology, and innovation. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Photo: Viettel According to the PM, the facility's presence will contribute to completing the domestic semiconductor ecosystem, creating conditions for chip design companies, technology startups, and training and research institutions to shorten testing cycles, quickly finalise products, and bring technology into practical application. The factory is also expected to serve as a practical training centre for high-tech workers, linking skills development with a real-world production environment. Through this, Vietnam aims to train 50,000 chip design engineers by 2030 and build a workforce of more than 100,000 under the national semiconductor development strategy by 2040. Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, chairman and CEO of Viettel Group, stated, After today's groundbreaking ceremony, the group will begin implementing the project with the goal of completing investment and construction, receiving technology transfer, and starting trial production by the end of 2027. He added, The period from 2028 to 2030 will focus on perfecting and optimising the process, improving the efficiency of the production line according to industry standards, thereby laying the foundation for researching chip manufacturing technology at a more modern stage. Manufacturing deals bring stronger supply chains closer Supply chain diversification is fuelling mergers and acquisitions in the manufacturing and industrial sector as companies look to acquire Vietnamese-based assets. ASEAN economies move up the global chip value chain The global semiconductor industry is undergoing a profound realignment, with four ASEAN economies Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand at its centre. Park Shin Hye is set to take us back to the late '90s in her new TV role. She will play the same person at different ages. The upcoming tvN weekend drama, "Undercover Miss Hong," will feature her as a financial regulator in her mid-30s and also as a young office worker in her early 20s. It took a lot for her to change physically and emotionally for the role. Park talked about how her acting has changed over time. "I think in my 20s, I was more focused on expressing things without having truly lived them. Now, I understand every line of dialogue as I say it. Acting feels much more comfortable." which AllKpop reported. The press event for "Undercover Miss Hong" was on Jan. 12 at The Link Hotel in Sindorim, Seoul. Park was there with Ha Yoon Kyung, Jo Han Gyeol, and director Park Sun Ho. The source said the drama is a comedy set in 1997. It's about Hong Geum Bo, a financial supervisor who goes undercover at a securities firm to find corruption tied to a powerful family. Park said she chose the role because she wanted something different from her past work. "After The Judge from Hell, I wanted to find a character I could express in a more fun and playful way. The premise was interesting, and the chemistry between the characters felt strong." Despite the story's historical setting, Park expressed a sense of familiarity. "Even though I was in elementary school back then, you could feel the social atmosphere very clearly, even at school. I naturally wove in the discomfort and emotions I remember from that time." Laodong cited these remarks in its coverage of the event. Director Park Sun Ho also commented on her dual portrayal, highlighting the contrast between the two personas. Discussing their collaboration, he said, "We talked a lot about how to express the gap between the two versions of Hong. She brought it to life beautifully, both visually and through her acting," Laodong wrote. Park called this one of her most free-spirited roles.This is a project where I really let myself go. I used both my body and my heart without holding back. " She added that with age and life experience, she now has "so many more ways to express myself now, which makes acting more comfortable." NHS releases revised waiting time data after investigation into inconsistencies Revised NHS waiting time data has been released following the end of an investigation into inconsistencies and anomalies in figures from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. A suspension on wait list data across the region had been put in place while an external investigation into the quality and governance of the data took place. It came amid concerns about quality concerns and referral to treatment (RTT) data, which had anomalies in reported waiting list sizes and inconsistencies with operational activity levels. Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said he was pleased the investigation into Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Boards waiting time data management had concluded. The revised data shows a small number of patient pathways have been added to the figures between April and August as a result, he said. I want to be clear this was a data management issue and not a patient treatment issue. Procedures and processes have been tightened. The Health Secretary ordered the review following discussions with the Welsh Governments Chief Statistician after concerns were raised about inconsistencies between reported waiting lists and operational activity levels. The investigation focused on planned care data and was led by experts from Digital Health and Care Wales, NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, the Chief Statisticians team and a peer representative from another health board. It examined data collection, quality assurance and reporting processes, and made recommendations to strengthen governance. The Chief Statistician decided that national RTT statistics would continue to be published but without Betsi Cadwaladrs data until the review was complete. The Office for Statistics Regulation was informed. According to the government, the number of people waiting more than a year for a first outpatient appointment fell by 10,400 in October compared to September, while the overall waiting list decreased by around 9,200. Provisional data for November suggests further reductions to come. A record number of patient pathways, almost 139,000, were closed in October, reflecting high levels of planned care activity across Wales. Jeremy Miles said the updated figures show progress in reducing the longest waits across Wales. This has only been possible thanks to the commitment of our fantastic NHS staff and the extra funding provided by the Welsh Government to ensure tens of thousands more appointments are delivered, he said. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which serves more than 700,000 people across North Wales and employs around 19,000 staff, remains in level 5 special measures. It has been subject to Welsh Government intervention since February 2023, following earlier periods between 2015 and 2020. His Majestys Prison Service given year warning of meeting so they dont fail to attend council scrutiny again Councillors scrutinising the impact of HMP Berwyn on Wrexham were left frustrated after a prison representative failed to attend a key council meeting, limiting their ability to probe wider concerns about health, safety and pressure on local services. The council scrutiny committee met to examine a report on social care provision at the prison, but were forced to focus narrowly on the councils statutory role after being told that questions for the prison itself could not be answered. Early in the meeting, councillors realised the expected prison representative was absent. One officer said: As far as I was concerned, I had confirmation a couple of days ago to say that [they were] attending, but Ive had nothing to say any different. So Im surprised he isnt here. The chair asked whether a message could be sent to see if someone might still attend, but councillors quickly voiced their anger. Cllr Marc Jones said: Im astounded. Weve got one topic on this agenda, and the people who are meant to be answering questions are not here. Its absolutely pointless, with respect to all the other people of here. It makes a mockery of this whole scrutiny process. I am staggered, absolutely staggered. Chair Derek Wright agreed completely, saying councillors would formally write to the prison to express their disappointment and would compile a list of unanswered questions to be sent to HMP Berwyn for written responses. Cllr Brian Cameron echoed Cllr Jones comments, adding Its not just letting the scrutiny committee down, its letting the people of Wrexham down. The report itself outlined how Wrexham County Borough Council delivers statutory adult social care services into HMP Berwyn under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, through a specialist Offender Assessment and Liaison Team, known as OALT. Introducing the report, a senior officer told councillors: The purpose of this report is to provide members with a concise update on delivery, governance and performance of adult social care into HMP Berwyn and approved premises. He explained that the team, established in 2021, carries out assessments, care planning, commissioning of care packages and parole board reporting, working alongside prison staff, health services and other agencies. The team operates from within HMP Berwyn and works across multi-disciplinary and multi-agency networks to support release and resettlement, he said. However, councillors were warned of limits to what could be discussed, with the meeting told As we dont have anyone here present from the prison at the present time, the only kind of element of which we will be able to answer are those relating to our duty under the Social Services and Wellbeing Act and what is completed by the offender assessment and liaison team. The committee was told that prisoners are treated as ordinary residents for social care purposes. Anybody coming into HMP Berwyn or the approved premises is immediately given the status of ordinary residents, which puts a duty on us as a local authority to provide services if thats required Officers added that most referrals were for advice and information, with only a small number requiring care packages. Currently I think we have three packages of care, delivered by our in-house team, which can be anything from support with bathing or mobility within the cell Councillors questioned whether such a small team could cope with demand. The officer replied: It is a very small team, but theyre very efficient. So far, we havent had any difficulties or overload as such. Concerns were also raised about apparent discrepancies in figures within the report, including one councillor questioning why a capacity figure of 2,000 prisoners appeared alongside a much lower current population. The officer responded: I cant confirm that. I suspect that number is incorrect. It would be better for someone from the prison to be able to answer that correctly. A small recurring overspend mentioned in the report was noted, with a question of if that could lead the council into legal peril. The officer replied that Welsh Government funding provided when the prison opened had since ended. We work with existing budgets to deliver services into HMP Berwyn, he said, adding that the overspend was managed and relatively small and would share exact figures after the meeting. The absence of prison representatives meant wider concerns could not be explored. Councillors raised issues about ambulance call-outs, emergency department attendances by prisoners, fire service call-outs linked to vaping devices, and the impact of releases on housing in Wrexham. Cllr Trevor Bates said residents regularly raised concerns. People sitting in A&E see lots of people coming in from the prison in handcuffs with two officers with them, he said. They think they get preferential treatment. We dont know anything, and wed like some answers. He added, Wed also like some information really, on what happens when an ambulance goes to the prison? When we heard from the ambulance service, the prison centre have a lot of call outs, which are then stood down. But meanwhile, an ambulance has been diverted to the prison, and in many cases, its had to sit and go through a security process before it goes in and out of the prison, which can take quite a few minutes, by the sounds of things. So Id like to have heard that from the prison that theyve what theyve done to prevent wasting the ambulances time. One officer said they was aware of a trial within the prison aimed at reducing ambulance call-outs, involving two on-site paramedics, but stressed: I dont really want to speak on behalf of the prison. Despite the frustrations, councillors acknowledged the work of council officers. The chair said he felt sorry for the officers here trying to do the scheme without prison representatives present. The meeting ended with agreement that a formal letter would be sent to HMP Berwyn about the non-attendance and that unanswered questions would be recorded and pursued in writing, with councillors expecting full responses at a future meeting. The meeting was told the committees was expecting to quiz HMP Berwyn reps in two years time and would insist on a senior prison representative attending that meeting however councillors noted that was not acceptable due to the non attendance, and it was reduced to a years time. Time will tell if 365 days notice is enough to ensure someone turns up! New plan to boost Holyhead Port resilience to severe weather The Welsh Government has published new recommendations from the Irish Sea Taskforce, set up to improve the resilience of Holyhead and other Irish Sea ports as severe weather events become more frequent. The taskforce was established after a series of weather-related disruptions, including temporary closures at Holyhead Port in recent years. Its report, published on Wednesday 14 January, sets out a series of practical steps to protect port operations, supply chains and passenger connectivity between Wales and Ireland. Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said the report highlights the essential role played by Holyhead and other Irish Sea-facing ports in supporting communities and economies on both sides of the sea. He said: Discussions over the past 12 months within the Irish Sea Taskforce have reinforced the importance of Holyhead and our other Irish Sea ports to communities in Wales and Ireland and beyond, and our shared responsibility to make sure they thrive and grow. The taskforce brought together representatives from the Welsh and UK governments, the Government of Ireland, the Scottish Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, local authorities, port and ferry operators, and the wider logistics sector. Many of its recommendations will feed into a new Welsh Ports and Maritime, Freight and Logistics Plan, expected to be published before the end of the current Senedd term. Among the key actions outlined in the report are: Establishing a Welsh Logistics Council to monitor and progress the taskforces recommendations Conducting a national truck stop facilities survey to inform the forthcoming freight and logistics plan Continuing resilience work on key transport corridors including the A55, A494 and M4 Progressing Menai Crossings resilience improvements and reviewing options for A55 upgrades Working with regional partners on A40 and A477 route improvements Enhancing port stacking arrangements and welfare provisions for drivers during closures or delays Mr Skates said the work had already proved valuable: The beginning of this month saw us drawing on our experiences and initiating some of the learnings of the taskforce sessions following the brief closure of Holyhead Port but without having to stand the taskforce up formally. The Welsh Government said the new Welsh Logistics Council will act as a natural follow-on from the taskforce, drawing on industry expertise to support ports, freight and supply chain priorities in the coming years. Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports in Ireland, Sean Canney, welcomed the report and the closer working relationship it represents. He said: I thank Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates for his leadership of the Taskforce over the last nine months, along with all the officials and stakeholders who have worked on it. We have both strengthened old relationships and established new ones, which will continue through annual meetings and regular communication. Although the circumstances were far from ideal, I am delighted that our two departments have been brought closer together and I look forward to the deepening of this relationship over the coming years. The taskforce convened in March 2025 in response to the temporary closure of Holyhead Port in December 2024. It reviewed lessons learned from that event to ensure more robust contingency plans and faster recovery responses are in place for future incidents. The recommendations include holding annual bilateral meetings between Welsh and Irish transport officials and improving coordination across governments and industry. Packed Rhos meeting says no to Home Office / Clearsprings asylum dispersal accommodation plan It needs to be stopped was the clear and unanimous message from the people of Rhos at a public meeting over plans to use the former Plas yn Rhos care facility as part of a Home Office asylum dispersal accommodation. The hastily arranged meeting was standing room only inside the Hafod Colliery Club with more than 100 people inside, and doors closed on what we were told was a further 600-700 more people outside unable to get in. A second session was proposed, and a postponement discussed, however firm police advice to organisers saw a PA taken outside to address the crowd of several hundred to the side of the social club on a chilly 5C evening. Residents firmly and passionately challenged the top table, chaired by local councillor Paul Pemberton, with Cllr David A Bithell providing the majority of the information. Cllr Steve Joe Jones and Cllr Fred Eddie Roberts both attending but did not speak due to their position on Wrexham Councils Planning Committee. MP Steve Witherden and Ken Skates MS also took up position before the audience. Residents were taken verbally through an update document, with a limited number of printed copies also available (below). Much was made of the breaking of confidentiality requested by the Home Office by councillors to inform residents to ensure the proposal didnt go under the radar. This drew some pushback from the audience, with questions raised about why this was the third proposal to face objections but the first to be shared publicly. The explanation given was that this proposal was considered more serious, while others had been dismissed out of hand. Cllr Pemberton said, The application is now in the consultation period, finishing today. The only people that are getting consulted on are North Wales Police, Wrexham Council, the Fire Service, Health Board, and with us making the case as local councillors. I can confirm that the Council has done a very, very strong objection noting the local residents feedback calling it phenomenal, stating Ill be very surprised if Clearsprings dont get the message. Cllr Bithell told residents We as elected members have objected. The police, to be fair, have objected. I spoke to our Community Safety team this morning, and theyve objected the health board have objected as well. Cllr Bithell said the Home Office and Clearsprings have given an allocation to every local authority in England and Wales, saying youve got to take so many asylum dispersal and thats the reason why theyre pursuing this. No figures on Wrexhams allocation were shared. The councillor also detailed the property itself, saying his colleague Cllr Pemberton had met the Birmingham based owner who was willing to talk to Wrexham Council over a possible purchase. Cllr Bithell said, We are looking at purchasing the property, were looking at reconfiguring the property, and we have got some initial designs to say what we could use it for noting it was at a very very early stage and that the building was not up to standard. He added that Council Leader Mark Pritchard (who was in the audience) and himself had instructed officers to look if a purchase could take place and explore a business case to make that work, and he would be asking legal officers if a compulsory purchase route could be taken. Cllr Bithell also pointed to the well-documented phosphates issue affecting planning applications in Wrexham, indicating that he believed it could prevent any use of the site by Clearsprings. Steve Witherden MP detailed a range of correspondence he had started in recent days, including a request to Shabana Mahmood the Home Secretary who heads up the Home Office requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the issue. The MP was keen to reiterate that planning was a devolved issue, and therefore all avenues pointed to Cardiff Bay. Further questions from the floor allowed some fact checking and clarifications, including whether a covenant or historic agreement restricting the site to medical use existed. The meeting was told that no such restriction was in place. Well researched residents spoke about Clearsprings record, referring to problems in Swindon which resulted in 140,000 of fines for the company, highlighting that such substandard accommodation services could lead to anger among residents housed at the site, which they feared could spill over into the wider community. Other residents detailed Clearsprings finances, historic UK Government contracts, and speculation over the taxation situation for the company and relationship with UK Governments past and present. There appeared to be consensus on the top table that the separate issue of UK Government contracts to Clearsprings would be a secondary issue that would be pursued for wider improvement and change. Others probed the often dull and intricate yet important planning process, with answers being followed by queries of and what then?. The meeting was told that if Wrexham Councils Planning committee rejected any change of use application it could then go to appeal to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) (formally the Planning Inspectorate) and possibly then to Judicial Review. Councillors told residents that the Home Office could not overrule that process in any way. One of the loudest rounds of applause was for a residents concise passionate statement, The objective of this meeting is to stop at all costs, having that use for that facility. It needs to be stopped. There were no speakers in support of the proposals. As well as sharing information and giving a voice to residents, one output from the meeting was a possible timeline on what happens next, with Community Safety officers at the council indicating to councillors that a verdict is expected within a few weeks or a month on if the site is off Clearsprings list or not. Cllr Bithell said, Clearsprings are a private company, they wont want to mess around if theyre going to get a fight on their hands, and they certainly got a fight on this one. The logistics of the meeting created an issue, with the short notice meaning only a smaller venue could be booked. Cllr Bithell apologised to residents saying We have had a lot of stick from the police tonight because of public safety. However, it appeared police were taking some stick themselves for trying to prevent several hundred people trying to get into an already full room. Although there were no issues on the night there appears concerns external agitators were a possibility, with a notable police presence. The meeting was told of unwanted unwelcome people who wanted to try and make trouble here in Rhos by a councillor, We have spent a lot of time this week to make sure there is no trouble in Rhos, this is not about what is going on with different groups and organisations, this is about what is happening in Rhos. Top pic: Warmer residents hear from local representatives, and below, around 45 minutes later several hundred more discuss the issue outside. Young bakers hit UK shelves with award-winning creation A student-led bakery creation has taken the UK industry by storm after being named one of the most innovative products to hit shelves in 2025. The prestigious list was compiled by British Baker, a leading online platform and magazine for the baking and confectionery sector. The honour recognises an Irish Coffee Slice developed through a collaboration between Coleg Cambria, Bako and Wrights, part of The Compleat Food Group. The indulgent slice features a moist vanilla sponge layered with coffee caramel and topped with Irish liqueur cream but its biggest talking point is how it came to market. Developed through the Bako Young Baker Initiative, the recipe was brought to life by apprentices Naomi Griffiths and Ella Muddiman from Ial Bakery, based at the colleges Hafod site in Wrexham. The initiative challenged students to take festive product ideas from classroom concept to full commercial production, giving them rare hands-on experience of the industry at scale. To see our ideas move from the college bakery into large-scale production and then be sold nationwide was incredible, explained Ella. Visiting the factory and watching the first line come off production was such a proud moment. Having the freedom to be creative has been amazing. Naomi added: This project gave us real experience of new product development, from testing recipes to refining them for commercial production. Knowing people across the UK are enjoying something we created is incredibly rewarding, and to be part of this list of great and innovative bakes for 2025 is an added bonus. Since opening, the training bakery has grown into a busy community destination, attracting students, staff and members of the public with its artisan breads, sweet treats and seasonal specials. Both bakers are currently studying for their Level 3 Diploma in Baking Proficiency and have already picked up major industry accolades. Naomi, from Mold, was named Rising Star at the Baking Industry Awards, while Ella, from Chester, received the Hugh Weeks Award for her dedication to supporting others in the sector. Momentum built further when Coleg Cambria hosted the Wales Bakery Conference which it is set to do again soon welcoming leading figures from across the sector. Among them were representatives from Bako, who were impressed by the talent on show. Alongside the award-winning Irish Coffee Slice, Naomi and Ella also developed a reimagined Black Forest Slice and a Festive Chicken, Brie and Cranberry Slice. A percentage of profits from the range will be reinvested into a fund supporting future young bakers, ensuring the initiative has a lasting impact. Maria Stevens, Head of Commercial Operations at Coleg Cambria, said: This recognition from British Baker is a brilliant way to mark an outstanding year. Naomi and Ella have been central to Ial Bakerys success and have shown what young talent can achieve when given the right platform. Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria. For more on ial Bakery Ial Restaurant and Ial Bakery visit the website and follow them on social media. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Governance Track of the Structured Dialogue defined, during its first formal session from 11 to 15 January, five issues that they will seek to address A federal judge on Thursday dismissed a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against California that sought detailed voting records and personal data on its 23 million registered voters, concluding that the government's request was unprecedented and illegal. The Trump administration's lawsuit, filed last year, contended that California and other states were illegally blocking the federal government's wide-ranging effort to scrutinize detailed voter data that states said was private and protected. The administration may not unilaterally usurp the authority over elections U.S. District Judge David O. Carter in Santa Ana said in his 33-page decision. Furthermore, the attempt to gather and centralize the personal information would have a chilling effect on voter registration and threaten the right to vote which is the cornerstone of American democracy, the judge ruled. There cannot be unbridled consolidation of all elections power in the executive (branch) without action from Congress, Carter said. This is antithetical to the promise of fair and free elections. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. It has accused states of failing to respond sufficiently to questions about the procedures they take to maintain voter rolls. The department has sued 23 states, most of them controlled by Democrats, and the District of Columbia for detailed voter data that includes names, dates of birth, residential addresses, drivers license numbers and partial Social Security numbers. State election officials have questioned what the DOJ plans to do with that information. Last fall 10 Democratic secretaries of state wrote Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to express concern over reports that the DOJ was sharing state voter data with the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is part of DHS, operates a program that checks citizenship status. California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, the state's chief elections officer, said in a statement that California would continue to challenge this administrations disregard for the rule of law and our right to vote. (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.) Founder and CEO, Sama Group / age 32 When Leila Janah graduated early from her math and science magnet high school, she begged her parents to let her go to Africa instead of saying yes to her early acceptance at Harvard. They agreed, and she found herself living with a host family in the village of Akuapem, Ghana, teaching English to blind children in neighboring Apirede. I thought of myself as worldly, as a big-city girl. I would go in there and teach these people English, and they would be so grateful. I thought it would be pretty easy, and, you know, I would just show up and start spewing forth knowledge and everyone would be fascinated with me, she says with a laugh. I was 17, an LA girl, so cut me some slack. If life is a series of epiphanies that propel us toward an ever better life, Janah was about to have her first: It made me realize how naive I was about the randomness of the birth lottery. As Americans, we believe in work as self-actualization, but in rural Ghana, hard work doesnt necessarily get you ahead. You work just to survive. Upon arrival, she found a village of poor, but not desperate, people who were welcoming. Theres such caring and tremendous social capital in these poorer communities because people end up having to depend upon each other. She also discovered that, regardless of where they are in the socioeconomic strata, people possess deep intelligence, curiosity, and a drive to learn more, and she began to consider the nebulous concept of equality. After her stint teaching abroad, Janah attended Harvard while also working briefly for a division of the World Bank (They do good work with foreign aid, but its a slow bureaucratic death by a thousand paper cuts). From her time in Ghana and her travels for the World Bank, she developed the concept of microworkbreaking large, sometimes complex, processes down into the tiniest of tasks. I saw all these companies moving whole teams overseas, and I thought if we could make the jobs smaller, we could take them directly to Third World people. In 2008, Janah launched Samasource (sama is the Sanskrit word for equal), with patented technology for taking big data projects and reducing them to individual computer-based tasks, such as tagging photos for machine learning. Instead of relocating departments, companies such as Google, Eventbrite, and LinkedIn contract with Samasource to train and hire mainly women and youth in far-flung and impoverished regions around the globe. The companies agree to hire not just for skills but to lift people up out of poverty. So far, Samasource has transformed the lives of 25,000 people globally, providing them with access to income that was previously out of reach. In 2013, Janah launched SamaUSA to reach out to low-income Americans with the same intentbringing training and skills to a whole new group of potential workers, operating in New York, Arkansas, and California, including Merced and SFs BayviewHunters Point. But shes not content to focus just on social entrepreneurship: The Sama Group also operates Samahope, a crowdfunding site that allows anyone anywhere to directly fund doctors performing critical medical procedures. Where does she get the drive? After World War II, my Belgian grandmother hitchhiked to Calcutta, where she met my grandfather. I have this kick-ass photo of her on a scooter in India holding my mother as a newborn. Who does that? DL: Who would you recommend for the Hot 20? LJ: Oh, so many people. My friend Jonathan Matas is a Buddhist muralist and does a lot of work for places like Facebook, but he also does a lot of work for free for non-profits. He incorporates a lot of Buddhist themes in his work, and I find it really compelling. DL: Current obsession? LJ: Kite-surfing. I love it. It took me a really long time to learn, but I finally did learn from this female instructor on Sherman Island. Its the most delicious feeling. Each October, were presented with the biggest quandary of the year: Narrowing down the Bay Areas abundance of stellar luminaries to an exclusive selection of trailblazers for our annual Hot 20 list. After weeks of review and all-out debate among our editors, this years round-up comprises the most energizing influencers of our time. Youll meet a pioneer of electric cars, a branding prophet, a major league all-star, and a Stanford dropout-turned-biotech virtuoso. Best of all, theres more awesomeness where these came from. See them all here. This article was published in 7x7's October 2014 issue. Click here to subscribe. Valentines Day flowers have long followed a familiar formulaa bouquet chosen quickly, wrapped simply, and delivered with little ceremony. But in San Francisco, a growing number of people are looking for something more intentional: flowers that feel like a gift the moment they arrive. Thats where Flower Icon stands apart. Instead of a traditional flower delivery service, the studio is a design-led gifting brand in which every detail, from social media to packaging, contributes to the experience. At the core of Flower Icons Valentines Day collection are premium seasonal blooms selected for freshness, longevity, and visual impact. Roses, ranunculus, orchids, and sculptural anthuriums are curated into refined arrangements that emphasize proportion, color, and composition. The studio releases a carefully edited selection for Valentines Day that allows for a higher level of craftsmanship and consistency, resulting in intentional and visually striking arrangements designed to look just as beautiful days after delivery as they do on arrival. A Distinctive Gift One of Flower Icons most distinctive qualities is that its flowers require no extra effort. Theres no need to hunt for wrapping paper, trim stems, or find a vase to complete the gift. Each Valentines Day arrangement is presented in Flower Icons signature Iconic Box, a structured, design-forward container thats not an afterthought but an essential part of the product. Whats being delivered is not just flowers, but a thoughtfully curated gift that reflects the studios branding background. Flower Icons social media presence is more like a lifestyle brand than a conventional floristeditorial imagery, cohesive color palettes, and a strong visual identity mirror the look and feel of the arrangements themselves. That consistency carries through on every step of the customer experience, from ordering to delivery. Flower Icon is something you gift as a brand, not simply as flowersan approach makes the studio stand out in a crowded market. Classic Red Roses and More Flower Icons Valentines Day arrangements feel elevated without being excessive. While classic red roses remain a staple, many customers gravitate toward softer palettes, sculptural forms, and modern, editorial-style designs. Each arrangement is designed to feel personal and consideredvisually memorable, but also meaningfuland as Valentines Day approaches, the studio encourages ordering early to allow for sourcing premium blooms and maintaining the level of detail for which theyre known. Its a slower, more deliberate approach that prioritizes quality and experience over volume. In a city that values design and intention, Flower Icon is redefining what Valentines Day flower delivery can be: high-quality blooms, presented as a complete gift thats far more than a last-minute gesture. // Order online at flowericon.com Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - Libya's eastern-based government and an Italian company on Thursday signed contracts for the implementation of three projects in Benghazi in the medical and electricity fields Susannah Streeter, Chief Investment Strategist, Wealth Club: The FTSE 100 looks set to take a breather after reaching fresh records. Futures indicate a flat start to trading as some of the trends pushing the index higher ease off at the end of the week. With the threat of immediate action in Iran having receded, gold prices have fallen back, limiting progress for mining stocks. Energy giants also look set to be on the back foot, with oil prices in retreat, as the threat of disruption of Irans oil output recedes. Wall Street has been on a roll, with the earnings season so far giving plenty of reasons for cheer, and futures indicate a higher open. The AI juggernaut clearly has further to run, with demand for AI chips seemingly insatiable for now. The surge in demand for AI products manufactured by TSMC has pricked up the ears of the US administration. Its agreed a deal for a reduction in tariffs for Taiwan, if companies like TSMC base more chip factories on US soil. If President Trump sees success or the potential for greater gains, he wants a piece of the action. This is evident in his interventionist foreign policy. Following the action in Caracas, the ousting of Maduro and the seize of control of the countrys oil, the US is already selling Venezuelan crude at 30% higher prices. While tensions appear to have calmed to some extent in South America and the Middle East, the focus has shifted North. Geopolitics have turned icy, with the future of Greenland casting a chill over transatlantic relations. Trumps ambitions to take over the territory have been broadcast loud and clear, but risk destroying the NATO alliance and setting off a fresh trade war. As European troops arrive on the island for exercises and as a show of unity with Denmark, senior politicians have also been attempting to make the US position trickier. Frances Finance Minister Roland Lescure has warned US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent that if the US seizes the semi-autonomous territory, it would endanger Europes economic relationship with Washington. The US says owning Greenland is strategically important and crucial for national security, enabling it to launch operations against adversaries, there are other interests at stake. The island is rich in minerals, particularly rare earths, crucial for the US tech industry, and as ice sheets melt deposits become more accessible. Current indigenous rights limit mining opportunities but under US control its likely that such protections would be eroded to enable greater exploitation. The Arctic is set to stay the focus of internation rivalry as climate changes creates new shipping routes, and opportunities for resource extraction. 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. Students in Poland's RSU 16 schools are experiencing frequent nosebleeds and headaches linked to dangerously high carbon dioxide levels in their classrooms. Testing from last year revealed that CO2 concentrations in all five schools within the district were two to three times higher than the safe level recommended by industry experts for prolonged exposure. Scott Lyman, a student at Whittier Middle School, has left school early multiple times due to nosebleeds. "Nosebleeds don't happen at home, but they're happening almost every day at school," his mother, Amber Lyman, said. Health Impact and Student Complaints Similar complaints are coming from other families. Rae Irish, whose son attends Elm Street School, reported that students frequently suffer from headaches and nosebleeds. The health issues align with known side effects of elevated CO2 exposure, according to WGME. When carbon dioxide levels become too high, it can trigger headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating, according to health experts. Research shows that elevated CO2 in classrooms can also impair students' academic performance and decision-making abilities during the school day. The district superintendent and operations director acknowledged the issue in a statement to families. They confirmed that CO2 levels remain below the CDC's threshold for immediate danger after eight continuous hours of exposure, but admitted that prolonged exposure can affect cognitive performance in students. The superintendent noted that the district had consulted with regional health officials regarding safe exposure limits, CO2meter reported. Parents expressed frustration after learning the district discovered the problem last year but did not release the information until Wednesday of this week. "This information just being released yesterday is a little much, because they've had it for a year," Irish said. The superintendent stated the late disclosure was not intentional and that the situation did not meet the threshold for an emergency announcement. District Plans for Improvement Aging boilers and poor ventilation systems are responsible for the elevated CO2 levels, according to mechanical engineers who reviewed the buildings. The district's immediate response includes opening windows to increase fresh air circulation, though this approach presents challenges during Maine's winter months. School officials announced plans to purchase CO2 detectors and fans as short-term solutions to improve air quality in classrooms. However, the superintendent told families that the cost of upgrading the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems remains prohibitively expensive, with no current funding available for these improvements. The estimated cost for a full HVAC system overhaul exceeds available district resources. The district said it will continue monitoring CO2 levels across all schools and explore longer-term solutions. Parents, meanwhile, say real change needs to happen soon. "I understand it's down to money, but something needs to be done," Amber Lyman said, as per lung. Economic prosperity is created in free markets by innovative companies. Over 50 percent of globally operating AI unicorns are located in the U.S., while Europe plays virtually no role. The race for the next future technology is already decided. Advertisement It seems that economic history is repeating itself. On the stock markets, companies in the artificial intelligence and data center sectors are being traded feverishly. Massive capital flows into this technology. Much of it resembles the dot-com boom 25 years ago. Structurally and regionally, little has changed since then: The U.S. and China are fighting for pole position, while the European Unions economy remains largely on the sidelines, pushed into a spectator role by EU regulators. Advertisement Unicorns as a Measure of Innovation An interesting measure of the EUs lag in artificial intelligence is the number of so-called unicorns -- private startups valued at at least one billion U.S. dollars before going public. This metric is considered a valid indicator of a regions innovative capacity -- and for the EU, the comparison with the U.S. is catastrophic. Advertisement About 1,700 such innovative companies currently operate in the U.S., while the EU has only around 280. The U.S. dominates this market with over 50 percent share, whereas the European economy lags far behind with less than ten percent of the global market. This economic gap is also reflected in investment volume. Hyperscalers such as Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta invested over $320 billion in AI and corresponding data center infrastructure this year alone. More than 550 new projects -- with a focus in Virginia, Texas, and Arizonaare forming the backbone of a new economy. Advertisement Data center capacity in the U.S. grew by around 160 percent this year, while Europes capacity increased by only about 75 percent, equaling an investment volume of just under 100 billion. With investments of around $125 billion, Chinas economy also lags far behind the U.S. An interesting context -- especially from the perspective of European, and particularly German, policymakers -- is that nuclear power is gaining noticeable momentum in these regions. Advertisement Even if green-minded Germany refuses to acknowledge it due to its ideological stance against nuclear energy, the enormous energy demand of new technologies will in the future be covered to a significant extent by the expansion of nuclear power. Among the few major projects in the European Union are the Brookfield project in Sweden, with an investment volume of around $10 billion, and the Start Campus in Portugal, which could also activate nearly $10 billion in investments. Advertisement Crash of Ideologies Especially in AI, the ideological clash between the U.S. and the EU can be observed in practice and in all its consequences. While the U.S. relies on deregulation and private solutions, removing barriers for intense competition, EU Europe still adheres to the mantra of political global control. Nothing may happen unless Brussels officials have schemed it at their green table in all their wisdom. The Draghi motto still applies here: Only massive public investments -- credit-financed and centrally planned -- will, in the view of EU statist planners, help overcome the enormous gap between Europe and the U.S. In the simulations of the EU Commissions master plan, now stretched over seven years under Ursula von der Leyen, everything seems surprisingly simple, almost simplified. The EUs Invest-AI plan intends to borrow around 50 billion in loans and invest them in selected projects in the coming years. This is supposed to trigger private investments of 150 billion, ultimately creating four AI gigafactories. Welcome to the socialist textbook world of Habeckonomics: a system in which state projects like Northvolt repeatedly fail. Yet as long as public guarantees, subsidies, and state-guaranteed purchase prices are in prospect, the small flame of political hope continues flickering in Europes lukewarm wind. As usual, we also observe the typical European jungle of funding programs, subsidies, and steering projects. These include Horizon Europe, which is meant to strengthen computing power in science, the RAISE pilot, and the Gen-AI-4-EU initiative, together investing another billion euros in the EUs digital infrastructure. The Power of Competition The ideological clash between the two major economic blocks, the U.S. and the EU, is producing strange effects. While the open capital market in the U.S. lets startups sprout like mushrooms from fertile soil, EU regulation -- especially under the Digital Markets Act -- has fostered a predatory mentality. That this was likely the Eurocrats goal from the start comes as no surprise. Brussels imposed more than 3.2 billion in competition fines this year, mainly targeting U.S. corporations. Brussels has degenerated into a bureaucratic leviathan -- a parasitic glutton absorbing economic energy and generating ossified structures and economic vacuum. In EU Europe, the motto is: the regulatory framework matters most -- and the state takes its cut. That private industry prefers other locations and withdraws capital matters little to Brussels extraction experts. Against the backdrop of Europes massive descent into a climate-socialist dystopia, it is surprising that the roots of libertarian economic thinking originate precisely on this continent. Consider the great economist Ludwig von Mises, who repeatedly pointed out that it is the entrepreneur who drives the engine of the market economy through profit-seeking, and that without exception, decentralized processes create prosperity -- while state interventions regularly derail it. Civilization-superior models like the free market sink in the waves of ideological EU infantilism. Its repressive climate socialism promotes the growth of corporatist structures in which politics and subsidized parts of the economy carry out the extraction, eliminating competition. The rigid adherence to centrally planned control of the new tech industry tragically mirrors the timeline of the dot-com era. What Europe fails to understand is that groundbreaking innovation inevitably triggers an investment boom, often resulting in overinvestment and a stock market crash -- but ultimately leaving economically profitable structures permanently woven into the existing economy. As with companies like Amazon, Google, or Microsoft, Europeans will look back in a few years at these months and examine this intercontinental economic bifurcation through the examples of OpenAI, Gemini, or Perplexity. The energy needed will come from French nuclear reactors and soon also from Polish nuclear power. Image: AT via Magic Studio I make no bones about my support for President Trump. I find him a breath of truth-infused fresh air in an age of pretending that has long been dedicated to constructing, spreading, and anointing the narrative. By rejecting the rules of political correctness, Trump is willing to say what others will not. By rejecting conventional wisdom, the president approaches challenges in insightful ways. By rejecting the authority of institutions compromised by political agendas, President Trump challenges corrosive policies camouflaged as expertise. Advertisement The presidents plain-speaking approach to governing represents a return to common sense. President Trump knows the difference between a man and a woman and does not advance the crazy notion that boys should be in girls locker rooms or dominate their sports. He knows that illegal aliens are, by definition, illegally inside the United States and must be removed (both for the safety and security of American citizens as well as for the preservation of any sense of the rule of law). He knows that trillions of dollars have been transferred from the poorest westerners to the wealthiest westerners in the name of fighting global warming and is unwilling to perpetuate a climate change hoax that makes everything more expensive for those who can least afford to subsidize the scam. He recognizes that Americas real economy (as represented by local production in towns across the country) has suffered for decades, even though Wall Streets virtual economy has almost ceaselessly posted record gains. He understands that the U.S. military can be used to achieve strategic successes without shackling multiple generations of Americans to the costly spectacles of regime change, democracy-building, and endless war on other continents. If your personal politics overlap to some degree with President Trumps worldview, the previous paragraph is filled with self-evident truths. What is remarkable is that every one of the above statements represents a contentious policy disagreement in the United States and across the West today. Close to half of Americans believe that biological sex can be changed; that illegal aliens have every right to burden local communities at American taxpayers expense; that we should be taxed for using energy, limit our use of electricity, and return to the lifestyles of a pre-industrial era; that America can magically prosper without manufacturing much of anything; and that the U.S. military should be used to promote abstract ideas rather than to secure real American interests. Advertisement This divide is not going away. Ever since community-organizer-in-chief Barack Obama encouraged an entire generation of Americans to lecture their family members during Thanksgiving dinners, there has been no escape from politics. Personal relationships and social activities that once provided Americans distinct meaning separated from external concerns over the role of government in their lives are now rare. Ever since President Trump came on the political scene and refused to pander to the Establishments brand of political correctness or pay homage to the political Lefts secular-yet-sacred shibboleths, Americans have aggressively separated into warring tribes. Mutual disdain and blinding vitriol make it nearly impossible for Americans from opposing political camps to understand each other. Lacking unifying principles or a common cause more pressing than our disagreements, Americans are at risk of losing each other. Even sober observers largely immune to political passions often publicly wonder whether this Union of ours can long survive. As is true of most people, there are things that I believe that I cannot defend with charts and graphs. I believe that we are sometimes brought to the edge of the cliff before we remember to dig in our heels and push back against that which seeks to destroy us. I believe that suffering has a way of chiseling character out of stony selfishness. I believe that just as pain brings protective callouses, personal struggle strengthens the armor of our souls. And I believe in America. Advertisement Its not fashionable these days to speak of America as the Founding Fathers did. The New York Times created The 1619 Project to rewrite Americas birth as not a seminal moment for inalienable rights and personal liberty but rather as a violent perpetuation of racism and human slavery. Ivy League professors ignore Americas historic role in advancing human freedom around the world and instead describe our origin story as one tainted by imperialism, genocide, discrimination, and patriarchy. Those same professors go out of their way to hide a century of communisms systematic crimes, terror, and repression and the hundred million victims communist regimes have murdered. When Marxist-socialists control the universities and teachers unions, it should be no surprise when young Americans take their own freedoms for granted and glamorize the homicidal religion of Marx. For American freedom to survive another century, those who understand what is at stake have a moral responsibility to speak up. President Trumps term will come to an end in three years. American patriots will lose a loud voice in support of American exceptionalism, personal freedom, and common sense. He has done much to shake sleeping Americans awake before it is too late. But one man alone cannot write Americas future. All of us must steer our countrys ship through the storms ahead. All of us must approach our looming struggles with courage and resolve. A countrys character is its fate. Americans will decide whether our nation stands or falls. Advertisement Image: AT via Magic Studio Renee Good was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis on January 7th. According to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, She was a compassionate neighbor trying to be a legal observer on behalf of her immigrant neighbors. An important takeaway from Ellisons statement is the term legal observer. This role was created by the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) which is what Democrats call themselves in Minnesota. The DFL offers training for a Constitutional Observer. This position was created by the DFL to observe and record activities of ICE agents or any other group they deem observable. In simple terms, a legal observer is a protestor that has received specific indoctrination from the DFL. Legal observers may enjoy some special status in the propaganda apparatus of the Minnesota DFL but have no legal standing under the law. Advertisement Good was using her vehicle to block a road at a location where ICE was working. An ICE agent ordered her to get out of her vehicle. Instead of complying, she chose to back up and then accelerated forward, hitting an ICE agent with her vehicle in the process. Upon impact, the agent shot and killed her. Vehicles have often been used by ICE protestors to impede and injure ICE agents as they perform their duties. The agent who shot Ms. Good was previously injured when an illegal alien dragged him 100 yards with his vehicle to avoid being taken into custody. ICE agents are understandably anxious when approaching vehicles driven by belligerent individuals. All police are. The Minnesota Democrat Party organizes, trains, and directs protestors. Instructions regarding how to participate are on the partys website. The site has links to the Immigration Defense Network (IDN) and Indivisible Twin Cities. The IDNs rapid response strategy maintains helpline infrastructure, deploying observers, and organizing public demonstrations. Protestors are choreographed by progressive ideologues and activists in conjunction with the Democrat Party which nourishes and grows the grievance industrial complex. These protests are often violent, resulting in looting, destruction, and death. Advertisement D emocrats created the current immigration crisis by allowing millions of aliens to enter the country illegally in the halcyon daze of the Biden Administration. They promptly tapped into the welfare state, engaged in criminal behavior, took American jobs at reduced wages, and drove up the cost of housing. Democrats are willing to undermine the security and well-being of the American people to secure political power. The U.S. census counts everyone in the country, including illegal aliens. The census apportions the number of representative each state receives in Congress and allocates electoral votes in presidential elections. Democrats are counting on the aliens they herded into the country to become citizens and vote for the party that let them in, made all the benefits of the welfare state available to them, and happily indoctrinated them in Democrat propaganda. Advertisement Democrats are befuddled and disappointed that Americans elected their nemesis, Donald Trump, as President. One of the reasons Trump was elected was to deport the millions of aliens the Democrats are counting on to ensure their political power. He has directed the Department of Homeland Security to secure the border and remove people who entered the country illegally. Democrats and their allies in the media contend the American people didnt sign up for mass deportations, but Trump clearly expressed his intention to deport the millions of aliens who are in the country illegally during his 2024 campaign. Blue state politicians have calculated that ignoring immigration law is the path to permanent power. Democrats developed the concept of sanctuary cities and states to serve this purpose and is the framework which allows them to ignore federal immigration law. Advertisement When ICE agents recently arrived in Minnesota to enforce the law, state and local police should have cooperated with federal authorities to assure the laws of the United States are followed. Before ICE arrives in a city, federal, state, and local authorities should work together and develop strategies to assure the work ICE is engaged in will go as smoothly as possible. State and local law enforcement might be expected to manage traffic and crowd control. The Democrat Party governs the state of Minnesota and wont allow the police to protect its citizens by cooperating with ICE. The party is complicit in recruiting, training, and organizing protestors to rapidly respond to the movements of ICE. As an observer, Good was trained to engage with ICE for the purpose of disrupting, impeding, and obstructing their work. This engagement led to her death. Democrats violated federal immigration law when they opened the border to illegal immigration, and they continue to break the of law by obstructing the law enforcement efforts of ICE. Advertisement Imagine a person, a libertarian, who believes that speed limits on highways are an unreasonable assertion of government power. Suppose this person drives by a police officer who has stopped someone who exceeded the speed limit and is writing them a citation. What if the libertarian pulls his vehicle in front of the officers vehicle to block it then gets out of the car banging a drum and screaming profanities while stating that speed limits are unconstitutional and the police have no authority to enforce them. There is no outcome to this imagined situation that would end happily for the libertarian or the police officer. When Democrats tell their supporters that federal agents have no authority to enforce federal law and send them to locations to disrupt their work, they are intentionally putting their supporters and the police in difficult situations where bad things are bound to happen. They are tacitly authorizing their supporters to ignore the rule of law because the law defies the will of the Democrat Party to collect and concentrate political power. Advertisement Some Americans were surprised and aghast a few years ago when Democrats across the country supported the defund the police movement. Be assured that Democrats are completely in favor of strict enforcement of laws they support but will undermine any law that threatens or restricts their pursuit of power. They will obstruct any police effort to enforce a law that threatens them. If this results in injury, death, damage, or destruction, so long as their perverse cause is moved forward, they dont care. Americans who believe in justice and the rule of law should buckle up. Neither the Democrats nor their grievance industry are going anywhere. They are barreling down the path to political power as fast as they can and will run over anyone or anything that gets in their way. The death of Renee Good is the result. The deep link between modern antisemitism and occultism has interested philosophers and intellectuals since World War II. For example, in Theses against Occultism, Theodor Adorno, a Jewish German philosopher and leading analyst of authoritarianism, wrote, The power of occultism, as of fascism . . . is connected by thought-patterns of the ilk of anti-semitism. . . . Occultists rightly feel drawn towards childishly monstrous scientific fantasies. Advertisement Modern antisemitism is also bound up in nationalistic occultism. The leading example is ariosophy (commonly translated as occult wisdom of the Aryans), which posited mystical knowledge of ancient Aryan racial superiority, particularly over Jews. Ariosophy is cited as the source of the mythologies that led to the Holocaust. Lastly, central to Hannah Arendts paradigmatic post-war analysis of antisemitic totalitarianism is recognition of the deterioration of rational, fact-based political dialectic into sub-rational, emotional, and superstitious belief systems. From her Origins of Totalitarianism: Totalitarianism in power invariably replaces all first-rate talents, regardless of their sympathies, with those crackpots and fools whose lack of intelligence and creativity is still the best guarantee of their loyalty. Arendt also notes, The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced communist, but the people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction no longer holds. Enter Tucker Carlson. Advertisement In a recent conversation about U.S. policy toward Israel, Carlson told Judge Andrew Napolitano that U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee was operating under a spell. I look at him, and I see a man under a spell, and Ill be mocked for it, but I mean it. Carlson concludes that the curse has mentally incapacitated the former governor. Hes not thinking clearly at all. He punctuated this assertion that the spell was not of the seen world, but metaphysical. Carlsons allegation was not meant to be comical or as a figure of speech. It was a clear, straightforward instance of occult divination that our ambassador to Israel, noted as a devout Christian and pastor, is conducting U.S. foreign policy under the power of malign sorcery. Advertisement In recent months, major political commentators, including Carlson, have been preoccupied with references to demons and demonic forces operating from the unseen world to direct culture and politics today. However, there is a difference between a general sense of the presence of demonic forces in the world and the assertion that a specific individual is under demonic control. What is such a spell that debilitates the mind of its victim? Spells are cast upon specific persons by practitioners of so-called black magic such as Wicca, witchcraft, and sorcery using incantations, which draw upon the power of a named deity to control the behavior of the spellbound person. Spells are unlike curses in that they can be positive, such as rekindling a love affair, or harmful, as in the case of Carlsons divination of the dark spell he asserts is controlling the mind of Huckabee. Advertisement Ambassador Huckabee might be considered an unlikely person to be vulnerable to control by a malevolent spell. Every man has his flaws, but whatever Huckabees are, they do not seem to have broken the surface of public notice since he became an ordained pastor in 1972. He has had a successful and unblemished career in politics as lieutenant governor and then two-term governor of Arkansas; he was a serious contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. With his wife of 51 years he is the father and grandfather of an apparently successful, loving family, and his daughter is the current governor of Arkansas. He hosted Huckabee on cable channels for seventeen years, often sharing his gifts as a musician. Huckabee has been U.S. ambassador to Israel since 2025. But most importantly, he is a devout Christian whose belief system informs everything he does. Huckabee pastored churches for more than twenty years and was president of the Arkansas Baptist state convention. Yet Tucker Carlson deems pastor Huckabee insufficiently wearing the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) so as to be protected from falling under the power of an evil spell. In occult divination, there is no place for rational consideration of the likelihood of this baleful condition. Advertisement Ambassador Huckabee supports the position of the current administration, which is firmly committed to the survival of Israel, whereas Tucker Carlson fervently rejects the U.S.s position on the worlds only secular Jewish democracy. Carlson uses overblown emotional terms, calling our relationship with Israel humiliating and degrading. As U.S. ambassador to the most war-torn place in the world, Huckabee with his family probably doesnt get to enjoy a lot of relaxing sherry hours for chit-chat and cello music. One would think that if Ambassador Huckabee were unable to think clearly, it would have evidenced throughout his public behavior. Nor is Mr. Huckabee a pushover for Israeli interests. For example, his letter to the Israeli interior minister in July 2025 was described as scathing when he expressed concern that Israeli authorities were denying Christian groups visas. Advertisement Why, then, does such a prominent journalist as Tucker Carlson eschew historically driven, logical political analysis and resort to claiming powers as a soothsayer of the supernatural to explain the ambassadors positions? First, Carlson identifies as Christian but, being a diviner of spells, grants himself power beyond biblical guidance. Leviticus 19:26, for instance, states, Do not practice divination or seek omens. Deuteronomy 18:9-14 offers a comprehensive list of forbidden practices, including child sacrifice, divination, and necromancy. Secondly, as a seer of spells, Carlson does not have the bother of rational argument. He is spared the trouble of thoughtfully considering opposing viewpoints or diverse opinions. Does it matter that Tucker Carlson claims occult knowledge and attributes Mr. Huckabees support for Israel to a spell? Carlsons antisemitism makes it matter. If Ambassador Huckabee were to sue Carlson for defamation, the legal premise of the trial would recreate a small-scale version of the Salem witch trials. Carlsons lawyers would have to present and defend Carlsons spectral evidence. The more things change... Image: Tucker Carlson. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. A recent memorandum of understanding between Canadian prime minister Mark Carney and Alberta premier Danielle Smith represents the inevitable reassertion of economic necessity over the fantasy of decarbonization that has gripped Ottawa for the past decade. Advertisement Allowing for the construction of a pipeline to transport Albertan oil to a Pacific export terminal, the agreement prompted the resignation of one liberal member of parliament and celebration from the provinces leader. This is a great day for Alberta, declared Smith. Alberta is a major vessel in Canadas economic bloodstream. The provinces energy sector generates $88 billion in annual gross domestic product (GDP), which is 25% of the Albertas total economic output. This revenue flows east to the national capital to fund federal transfers that support public finances of other provinces, some of which oppose the oil production that provides them cash. Advertisement Atlantic Canada, parts of Quebec, and even Ontario benefit from royalties and tax revenues generated by hydrocarbons extracted thousands of miles away. So-called moral objections to oil sands development are often voiced by inhabitants of Halifax or Montreal, but rarely heard is a willingness to forgo the western revenue that keeps hospitals open and public payrolls funded. So, it was financial reality that drove Carney to upend expectations established by countless government documents, climate pledges, and regulatory frameworks the previous government put in place to save the planet by discouraging the use of fossil fuels. Advertisement Canadas climate industrial complex had predicted that pipelines would become stranded assets and that Alberta would fade into irrelevance as net zero became federal policy. However, the deal signed by Carney moves in the opposite direction, making provisions for new infrastructure and signaling that even Canadas most climate-obsessed federal leadership cannot govern without fossil fuels. In technical terms, the federal cap on oil and gas emissions has been suspended. The Clean Electricity Regulation -- a proposed constraint on Alberta's ability to generate affordable power -- has been loosened. Timelines for reducing methane emissions have been extended beyond 2030. Yes, there are caveats that appear to impose a soft form of anti-carbon sentiment, but the overall picture has changed. Advertisement The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, a publicly funded institution, has consistently parroted environmental advocates who treat fossil fuels as abominations rather than economic necessities. This messaging has convinced many Canadians that their government is committing a terrible sin by producing energy the world demands. Lost on them is the fact that Canadian oil and natural gas are produced under far more stringent standards than exist in the Middle East, Russia, or other regions. Energy abundance underpins prosperity. Nations that constrain their energy supply impoverish themselves. Nations that produce reliable, affordable energy benefit their populations and the broader world. Canada should produce the energy for itself and export the surplus to global markets. Advertisement Beyond energy economics, there is another dimension to Canadas economic future that the legacy climate orthodoxy dismisses: agriculture. Canada's warming climate has extended growing seasons across the prairies and opened new agricultural possibilities. According to official data, total wheat production rose 11.2% year over year to a record 40 million (metric tons) in 2025, surpassing the previous record set in 2013. Canola production rose 13%, surpassing a record set in 2017. Barley and oat production rose 19% and 17%, respectively. Advertisement In all, the output for all principal field crops increased by 4% year-over-year. For the next crop year (2025-2026), total production is projected to reach near record levels, up 3% year-over-year and 8% above the previous five-year average. Historical analysis demonstrates that climate conditions across Canadian agricultural regions have shifted toward longer growing seasons, with more frost-free days and expanded viable crop zones. Critics will claim that allowing a new pipeline is a betrayal of future generations. But what truly endangers posterity? A fraction of a degree of warming that extends growing seasons? Or a future of energy scarcity, deindustrialization, and economic stagnation? Fearmongering about a "climate emergency" served only to empower a bureaucratic class intent on controlling consumption and taxing lifestyles. It did nothing to change atmospheric physics or the needs of people who rely on affordable energy to survive. Vijay Jayaraj is a Science and Research Associate at the CO2 Coalition, Fairfax, Virginia. He holds an M.S. in environmental sciences from the University of East Anglia and a postgraduate degree in energy management from Robert Gordon University, both in the U.K., and a bachelors in engineering from Anna University, India. He served as a research associate with the Changing Oceans Research Unit at University of British Columbia, Canada. Image: Moxy At the end of last month, Remix News reported that the German government had admitted around 300,000 new foreigners over the course of 2025, only rejecting asylum petitions from a few hundred applicantshowever, the outlet was woefully off in its numbers, and with new government data out now, that number needed to be increase-adjusted by roughly 33%, making the real total closer to 400,000, which teeters toward half-a-million. Advertisement As a member of the German Parliament told a local outlet: At least 300,000 social migrants and so-called refugees, more like 400,000, in one year: thats equivalent to a major German city. Anyone who fantasizes about a turnaround in view of this magnitude wants to deceive the citizens. Advertisement The equivalent of an entire cityof third worldersunskilled and unable to function in a first world economyimmediately jumping onto the taxpayers backsbringing their disgusting culture of pedophilia, incest, and rape with them. To see the problem at scale: Of all the German cities, Berlin has the most residents, with around 3.8 million people living there. Following Berlin is Hamburg, with 1.9 million; Munich, with 1.6 million; Cologne, with 1 million; then Frankfurt am Main, with somewhere between 700,000 and 800,000 inhabitants. Advertisement However, when we get to the bottom five largest cities of the top ten, we see Leipzig with its roughly 500,000 residentswhich is getting close to the 2025 admission numbers now reported by government officials. And, if we look at total admissions just over the last ten years, we see a drastic increase. The ROCKWOOL Foundation of Berlin (headquartered in Denmark), a nonprofit which supports research related to social and economic challenges to the sustainability of welfare states and programs, released a report just over a month ago that Germanys immigrant population rose from 16.9 million in 2023 to 17.4 million in 2024 (or from 20.3% to 20.9% of the population).... When you add up the top five largest cities, which already have significant migrant populations in them, you get 9.1 million peopleand when you consider that the foreign population was 17.4 million as of two years ago (its only increasing), that means Germanys five largest cities could be filled entirely with foreigners, not a single white European to be found, and there are still almost 8 million more individuals spread out throughout the rest of Germany. Advertisement Almost as if the United Nationss Replacement Migration plan from the year 2000 is in effect. Anyone arguing that replacement of whites in white majority countries isnt happening, is utterly brainless. Advertisement Image generated by ChatGPT. After a huge round of huffing and puffing, Denmark has finally agreed to come to the negotiating table for the sale of Greenland. If a sale, reportedly for $700 billion cash, goes through, welcome to the real estate deal of the year. Advertisement Here is how the White House announced it: BREAKING: The White House comments on the meeting between Denmark and the US: "The two sides agreed to establish a working group for technical talks on the acquisition of Greenland." "President Trump has made it clear, he wants to acquire Greenland," she adds. pic.twitter.com/Srd0eu6nbu The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 15, 2026 Which is quite a change from all the reflexive 'Greenland is not for sale' talk coming from Denmark. Advertisement Meetings are being held, and the Danes, out there in the Washington, D.C. cold smoking their cigarettes afterward as news photos showed, do seem to be feeling the pressure. Their statements have gone the Fully Delcy, in that they seem to be saying the opposite of what the Trump administration is announcing, as the New York Times reports: NEW: The Danish foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, told The New York Times that a US takeover of Greenland was a red line. He said Vance and Rubio had agreed to a working group on solutions. But the White House said the group will discuss the US acquisition of Greenland. pic.twitter.com/8zSJ7GWlTW Advertisement January 16, 2026 But the fact that they agreed to the meetings at all suggests a potential deal in the works. If they really would never change their position, they wouldn't talk at all. The Trump administration says it needs Greenland for national security purposes, given its plans to create a Golden Dome over North America to protect the U.S. from Iranian, North Korean or Chinese potential nuclear attacks, same way Israel protects itself from terrorist attacks with its Iron Dome. That the U.S. has a lot of land to protect makes the prospect infinitely more complicated than what Israel has in front of it, even with Israel's more frequent attackers. That would explain a reasonable U.S. interest where Greenland ownership would be better than an alliance, if possible. Advertisement There are also the minerals to mine, which nobody is mining, and the deep-freeze climate that is so good for data storage. The business angles can't be ignored if the U.S. is to progress in its development, which, in the end, benefits all of the allies, including Denmark, too. Two things might have made a difference in Denmark's agreement to talks: Advertisement One, the much-vaunted military mobilization of European forces to protect Greenland was kind of a dud -- Europe sent 34 troops to defend the giant island for a two-day exercise in the ice-cold weather. That's not going to scare anyone, and worse still, it points to the low value and low commitment of non-U.S. NATO forces. They aren't serious. Advertisement And for Denmark, it means they really can't defend the island from attack. If you can't defend what you own, you don't really own it. It reminds me of various South American nations claiming 2,000-mile fishing zones off their coasts in the 1970s, in territory so vast it could never be defended unless they wanted to spend all their energy doing it and maybe not even that. It was territory that they could not defend. Extravagant claims, and no capacity to defend them, is not what works, and far more reasonable territorial water zones eventually were declared. The second factor is more serious: Danish intelligence has admitted that Russia and China do have designs on the island. According to ZeroHedge: A 2025 Intelligence Assessment by the government of Denmark highlights the long term Russian and Chinese 'threat' in Arctic waters, at a moment Greenland officials have rejected the US assertion that the large resource-rich island and its waters are being gradually influenced and taken over by the Russia/China 'menace'. Trump has recently stated, "We need that because if you take a look outside of Greenland right now, there are Russian destroyers, there are Chinese destroyers and, bigger, there are Russian submarines all over the place. Were not gonna have Russia or China occupy Greenland, and thats what theyre going to do if we dont." ... and ... For a sampling of official quotes from the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS) - Intelligence Outlook 2025, complied by Conservative pundit Nick Solheim: "In recent years, the United States has significantly increased its security policy focus on the Arctic, while Russia continues its military build-up, and China continues to develop its capacity to operate both submarines and surface vessels in the region." (p. 30) "Russia remains the strongest military power in the Arctic but sees itself as being challenged by the West. As a result, Russia will increasingly assert its interests through a more confrontational approach, both politically and militarily." (p. 30) "Most of Russias nuclear-armed submarines are stationed in the Arctic. They form a key component of Russias plan to deter the United States from attacking, providing Russia with the capability to launch a potential retaliatory nuclear strike." (p. 31) "The United States assessment of the scale and nature of future Chinese military activity in the Arctic is a key factor shaping its engagement in the region. Any Chinese military activity in the Arctic particularly in proximity to US territory would be regarded as a serious concern." (p. 31) "China aims to develop the capacity for independent military operations in the Arctic. Chinese activities are primarily concentrated in the waters north of the Bering Strait, extending towards the North Pole." (p. 35) "Chinas long-term goal is to deploy missile submarines beneath the ice, thereby attaining the same nuclear second-strike capability as Russia and the United States." (p. 36) "Although Chinese companies have shown interest in investing in Greenland, this has so far not produced tangible results. Nevertheless, Chinas long-term Arctic interests include Greenland, and it is expected to continue pursuing cooperation with Greenland, particularly in research but also in commercial ventures." (p. 36) "Despite the considerable geographical distance, Russia periodically deploys submarines, surface vessels and aircraft near both Greenland and the Faroe Islands, as well as throughout the waters between them." (p. 38) "In addition, Russia employs civilian vessels operating in the area to carry out tasks such as surveillance on behalf of the Russian state." (p. 38) "For Russia, the waters between Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and the United Kingdom the so-called GIUK Gap form the main maritime gateway to and from the Arctic. Thus, the GIUK Gap is vital for Russia in the event of an armed conflict with NATO." (p. 35) "In such a conflict, Russia would seek to disrupt the supply lines between the United States and Europe by deploying attack submarines capable of transiting the GIUK Gap undetected." (p. 35) So the Danish do know they're up to no good. Russia, of course, has loudly proclaimed its support for Denmark, obviously preferring a weak Denmark to a strong U.S. island ownership, and hoping no one will notice its Ukraine invasion. With that reality on the ground -- an incapacity to defend the island, a dependence on the U.S. for defense, and a dismissal of the prospect of purchase -- what do they think the U.S. is going to do if Russia or China set up their own bases on Greenland? China's South China Sea behavior and for that matter, illegal New York City police stations, already indicate they are capable of doing this. What are they going to do if Russia muscles in with its already advanced quest for Arctic dominance? We know what they did to Ukraine and Georgia. Are they going to come crying to the U.S. to defend Greenland when the proper defenses could have been put in place by the U.S., maybe with an extra Golden Dome for Europe, too, and then expect the U.S. to expend blood and treasure for them, doing its work for it? It doesn't seem like a very bright idea, given the mood in the U.S. now. In contrast, taking the money and running with it, and maybe demanding a few extras, such as a Golden Dome or a tropical island, thrown in, could be immensely beneficial to Denmark, with its net worth rising to levels resembling oil-rich Norway's or more. What could they do with $700 billion cash? They could set up a space company or create the mother of all medical innovation centers, what with their prowess with Ozempic and other highly sought-after weight-loss drugs. They could save the cash for a rainy day, or they could upgrade all their homes to the highest tech possible. Maybe they could buy tropical islands for the Danish alone to vacation at, creating their own national Club Med. The possibilities are endless. Trump loves real estate deals, but he loves legacy more, and national security for all of us the most. All three of these things could come together if this goes through. According to hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, it would increase the U.S.'s landmass by an impressive 22%. Now there's a working group. Let's hope something agreeable comes of it for all sides. Denmark would be smart to take Trump's deal. Image: Pixabay // Pixabay License Weve seen the videos dozens of times before: A mayor facing urban unrest makes a statement to the press, while behind him stand stone-faced law enforcement officials. Sometimes, though, things go awry. Sometimes, the mayor says something so bat-fecal-matter crazy that the stone-face cannot hold. And yesterday, thats what happened in Minneapolis, when radical leftist mayor Jacob Frey announced during a press conference that the citizens of his city want the small police force to fight ICE agents in the streets. Advertisement Police Chief Brian OHara tried, he really tried, to maintain that stony face required of all officials when standing behind the mayor. But his eyebrows couldnt lie. When the mayor announced that We are in a position right now where we have residents who are asking the very limited number of police officers that we have to fight ICE agents on the street. To stand by their neighbors, Chief OHaras eyebrows shot up and stayed up: Minneapolis Mayor Frey wants police officers "to fight ICE agents on the streets." The chief of police's reaction is priceless... pic.twitter.com/OxcULwM5qW Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) January 15, 2026 In the larger context of the speech, Frey explains that he doesnt want violence and that the protesters should go home. Importantly, though, he implies that it would be different if his police force were larger: Advertisement Heres the key language: Were in a position right now where we have residents that are asking the very limited number of police officers that we have to fight ICE agents on the street to stand by their neighbors. We cannot be at a place right now in America where we have two governmental entities that are literally fighting one another. Advertisement Why are we put in this position? Were put in this position because we have approximately 600 police officers in Minneapolis, far fewer than are able to work at any given time. And there are approximately 3,000 ICE agents in the area. 3,000 to 600 police officers... Cast your mind back to 2020. That was when George Floyd, a career criminal with serious health problems whod taken a lethal dose of fentanyl, died in Minneapolis police custody when a mob prevented an ambulance from reaching him. (He would have died anywayhe was already mostly deadbut it wouldnt have sent the officers to prison.) Floyds death sparked the lefts nationwide Defund the Police and All Cops Are Bastards movement, which had its epicenter in Minneapolis. Advertisement Thanks to this movement, the Minneapolis police force shrank by 30%, an accomplishment that The New Republic touted in mid-2024: Nearly four years ago, in response to the murder of George Floyd, a veto-proof majority of the Minneapolis City Council ascended a stage at Powderhorn Park festooned with giant letters: DEFUND POLICE. Reading a pledge to the audience, council members promised to begin the process of ending the Minneapolis Police Department and move toward a police-free future. Advertisement [snip] Of course, as we know from the vantage point of 2024, Minneapolis did not defund, dismantle, or abolish its Police Department. Indeed, the Minneapolis Police Department budget has grown, from $181 million in 2019 to $210 million in 2023. Advertisement But even as the budget grew, the police department shrank, an accomplishment that worried Chief OHara: As a result of the very strong movement to defund the police, in the words of Brian OHara, the new police chief, the number of officers on the force has dropped sharply. Since May 2020, the number of uniformed officers in Minneapolis has fallen by more than a third. The precipitating cause is not a lack of funding but rather a diminishment of peoples interest in becoming and staying officers with the department. The police, in other words, have downsized themselves. Whether or not the city wants more cops, the fact is its unlikely to find them, at least for now. Though OHara has framed the drop as a five-alarm fire threatening the safety of city residents, its a victory of sorts for organizers. When Chief OHaras eyebrows ascended to stratospheric heights, it was because he suddenly realized that Mayor Frey dreams of using the Minneapolis police force as the tip of the spear in his insurrectionist drama. In other words, OHara knows that his mayor and a certain percentage of people in the city hes sworn to defend are complete lunatics. My advice to OHara and anyone else in his police department who hopes for a long and peaceful life: Quit. Ill be dreadfully sad for the roughly 30% of law-abiding citizens in Minneapolis (who voted for Trump), but theres no reason for the police officers to put their lives on the line for this madness. X screen grab. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. A recent New York Times essay by two well known senior law professors, one the dean at Berkeley Law, the other at NYU, continues to set new standards for confusing politics with law and abusing both. Advertisement The law professors, in front of their students and the public, have been consumed with animosity toward President Trump throughout his public career in one op-ed after another, but their regard for actual constitutional law, including domestic law and order, is subordinated to what could be called legal opportunism. Berkeley Law dean Erwin Chemerinsky and NYU Law professor Burt Neuborne argue in the NYT op-ed pages that anyone should be able to freely sue federal agents for excessive force. They focus on the death of Renee Good in Minneapolis and claim that a new public act should be created in her name the Renee Good Civil Rights Act. Advertisement They trot out a lengthy argument with rules and cases, but they ignore the most fundamental aspect of citizen civil rights itself: due process, presumption of innocence, and standards of evidence. The ICE agent in question is summarily guilty case closed. This recent event has been sensationalized in media, as the George Floyd event was, but an investigation is not even formally underway. The same problem occurred with George Floyd. Evidence is now being reviewed from that event that suggests a corrupted case. Then-president Biden even contacted the Floyd family and declared in nationally reported media during a criminal jury case that he prayed for the right verdict. The law professors are similarly corrupting the public domain. Advertisement But lets say the professors argument has merit. If so, then the first lawsuit that should be brought would address the very reason ICE agents are in Minneapolis: The Biden administration recklessly broke constitutional law by opening our southern border to millions of illegal migrants, many of them criminals, posing lethal risk to American citizens. Moreover, the professors would also be arguing in support of President Trumps complaint against the Biden government for raiding his private residence at Mar-a-Lago, including malicious prosecution. Advertisement What the professors fail to focus on is the judgment and behavior of individuals who decide to insert themselves into ICE operations. But they also fail to acknowledge that President Trump wisely decided to assign the National Guard to such cities as Minneapolis, precisely to create a safety barrier for ICE agents that are attacked by political activists, to protect both. The progressive political left sought to immediately frustrate this National Guard protection, noted in the dissent of a recent SCOTUS decision. President Trump sought to smartly create a three-part protection arrangement by putting the National Guard into an oversight role, acting as an interface between ICE and the public. It smartly divides law into three interlocking parts: immigration enforcement, local law and order, and broad public protection. Advertisement If the National Guard were in Minneapolis, would this tragedy have even happened? The public needs to understand that in immigration and crime operations, you dont insert yourself needlessly in police and ICE work. They are already stressed and under constant threat. Even local police walking up to a car have been shot. As far as the professors call for more litigation, the best remedy is to avoid even getting in court in the first place, by more carefully understanding and exercising private judgment and choice. In this case, citizens have a duty to law enforcement. The basic rule involves cooperation, respect, and predictable, safe behavior not confrontation, provocation, or physical acts that are direct threats. Advertisement President Trumps administration is now forced to pursue deeper immunity for federal agents and turn to the Insurrection Act in order to solve two problems: mass illegal immigration and crime, and a DNC apparently devoted to protecting it. Matthew G. Andersson is the author of the upcoming book Legally Blind and a graduate of the University of Chicago. Image via Picryl. (See also, How much Democrat fraud and corruption will be enough for Republicans? by Eric Utter.) Advertisement Four days ago, the New York Post reported on Scott Besssents guess that 10% of the U.S. budget is scammed away from American taxpayers, but I think thats a gross underestimation of the real magnitude, as Nick Shirley, the young man with a cellphone who just blew the lid off the tens of millions of dollars being defrauded from us and into the pockets of Somalis for their learing centers, has also now discovered their involvement in suspicious medical transport companies too: EXPOSE: Nick Shirley & David Hoch just confronted a Somali-owned "Safari Transportation" company in Minneapolis registered to receive **MILLIONS** in state funds for medical rides.** They walk into whats supposed to be the office its a clothing shop + money wiring pic.twitter.com/dQLrQDHKsX Brendan Ecker (@ecker17) January 14, 2026 After that, Nick and his dad David went and spoke to a neighboring business, who did know Safari, but said it wasa money-wiring service: Advertisement BIGNEWS: Nick Shirley exposes that a "transportation company" is housed at a Somali MONEY WIRING business in Minneapolis He and David asked a man: Where is "Safari Transportation?" The man replies: "I know Safari! Money wiring!" David: "They said they never heard of it." pic.twitter.com/38jEKNzH3l Navigator (@BlalockNil90676) January 15, 2026 And, according to another X source, Safari has boarded up windows and no parkingodd for a transportation company whose bread and butter islarge vehicles: What's insane is that this was happening at the state level and no one smelled the scent. Safari Transportation, registered since 2015 for vehicle operations, lists its address at 607 Cedar Avenue, except it's actually a money wiring spot with boarded windows and zero parking pic.twitter.com/t5Z5ms38Jj Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 15, 2026 So Safari does existon paper as a medical transport companyand reportedly receives millions in taxpayer dollars to provide medical rides. But, what it actually does is wire money (out of the country perhaps?) at least according to the business next door. Advertisement Now that, I actually believe. So weve got the learing centers, weve got the questionable medical transport companies, but then, weve got some Arabs in New York (I wonder if theyre Somali too?), who just plead guilty to a whopping $68 million scam involving adult daycares: Advertisement Manal Wasef and Elaine Antao, both 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud for referring Medicaid recipients to two Brooklyn social adult day cares and a home health company in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes, the US Department of Justice announced on Thursday. [snip] Advertisement Wasef and Antao are two of eight people initially accused of mounting the yearslong kickback and bribery scheme to defraud the state program. Owners Zakia Khan and Ahsan Ijaz, as well as Oasmneah Hamdi, Ansir Abassi, and Amran Hashmi, were among those charged. Wasef and Antao are the sixth and seventh scammers to plead guilty in the case. Advertisement Remind me why I pay taxes again? Image generated by ChatGPT. Mayor Jacob Frey was on TV recently and it was interesting to watch. In other words, the mayor wants ICE to concentrate on criminals, but then he does not cooperate with ICE looking for criminals. Its the gaslighting and word games that too many on the other side rely on. Frey appeared with Fox Newss Griff Jenkins, who called out Frey, saying this: Advertisement Mr. Mayor, you ask ICE to get the F out of your city. Heres the little secret. ICE, Im sure, would like to not have to be doing the surge operations, but because of four years under the President Biden administration, you had an unprecedented number of illegal migrants coming across the border. Many of them turned out to be criminal, illegal aliens, and now theyre going after those individuals, Jenkins said. We can show you just a litany of, excuse me, scores of illegal criminal aliens that have been apprehended in the past few days that have included everyone from murders to sex assault of minors, Jenkins continued. Advertisement These individuals were roaming free in your city because your policies do not cooperate with detainers, and so ICE is then going to get these people off the street. Again, Frey is just a gaslighter playing with words. He claims he wants criminals out, but will not do a thing to get them out. Advertisement Itd be a lot easier for all concerned if Minneapolis would sit down with ICE and identify criminals. As we heard in the interview, we dont see these scenes in Texas, Florida, and most of the country. ICE works with local governments in most places, and the result is a safer community. Why would any local government protect an illegal alien with a criminal background? The mayor cannot answer that question. Turn them over to ICE, and life goes on. There is no reason for this to be so difficult unless Mayor Frey wants to play politics. Advertisement This is why the mayor is playing word games. He is banking on the idea that standing up to President Trump is a good political choice. It does nothing for public safety in Minneapolis, but it does make the mayor a hero against Trump. Watching the mayor on TV confirms that this is all political, and not about public safety. Advertisement P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Advertisement Image: Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered. One of my children went to college in the Minneapolis region, so I often flew into the Minneapolis Airport. One thing I noticed over the years was that the white staff were disappearing from the airport workforce. All the airport employees and increasing numbers of airline employees were Somali. I wasnt thrilled to be using an airport with such a preponderance of Islamic staffing. After all, I havent forgotten 9/11. Advertisement Image created using AI. Advertisement My travels there ended seven years ago. Today, a new analysis from Walter Curt and DataRepublican suggests that this Somali staffing may have aided the transfer of roughly $700 million through the airport in the last two years alone. Nor was this money discreetly transported via small bags of diamonds or cashiers checks. It was transferred in cash and amounts to approximately $1 million per day over two years. That has an actual weight: 7.7 metric tons of American cash, all of it going through the Minneapolis airport. Advertisement Did no one notice? The TSA? Other types of airport security? The FAA? Well, probably not, and that lack of noticing may have been willful. According to Walter Curt, thats because a lot of other travelers noticed exactly what I noticed many years ago, something that Im sure has become increasingly obvious: Namely, that everyone who works at the Minneapolis airport is Somali. The staff, the ground crew, the security, even the TSA. They all play for the Somali team. Advertisement Heres the tweet: Okay @DataRepublican, and I did some general numbers on the SomaliFraud cash going through Minneapolis airport. According to reports, over 2 years, they moved roughly $700MM through the airport. That means (if they used $100 bills) they moved 7.7 metric tons of cash, and keep Walter Curt (@wcdispatch) January 15, 2026 But do you want to hear something even worse? The last two years are just a drop in the bucket of American money heading out of the U.S. via the Minneapolis airport, and often ending in terrorist hands. Seven years ago, Fox News did a report on precisely the same problem: Watch this news report from 2018 as Somalians take suitcases of cash (millions USD) out of our airports. Its welfare fraud, its daycare fraud. pic.twitter.com/fCa6HnQxaK Advertisement January 3, 2026 But do you want to hear something even worse? The last two years are just a drop in the bucket of American money heading out of the U.S. via the Minneapolis airport, and often ending in terrorist hands. Seven years ago, Fox News did a report on precisely the same problem: At that time, it was $100 million per year. Some of it was likely hard-earned cash salaries sent to relatives in countries without banking systems. However, the Fox News report makes clear that the bulk of it went to fund terrorism. So, were looking at well over a billion dollars in the past seven years passing through the Minneapolis Airport alone, and funding Al-Shabaab and other Islamic terrorist groups. And of course, with recent revelations about Somali fraud, we can guess that most of that money was gained through scams defrauding American taxpayers. Advertisement Immigrants used to come to America because it lacked class or caste systems that made it difficult for ordinary people to achieve wealth, and it had a wide-open economy. You could make it in America. Even if you suffered in a tenement, your children could become working- or middle-class, and your grandchildren could become rich. Heck! If you were Irving Berlin, you could become one of the most famous people in America. However, for the recent influx of Third World immigrants, America isnt about breaking free of stultifying cultures that stunt initiative and ambition. Instead, its a cash cow to be milked, with Americas unwitting taxpayers getting sucked dry to enrich scamsters and terrorists. America will not survive unless this is stoppedand stopped brutally with prison sentences that ensure that those convicted never again breathe free air. The problem, of course, is that these outrages take place in regions that are knee-deep in the grift themselves, whether its local politicians who get votes and cash (as is being alleged against people like Keith Ellison and Tim Walz) or leftist judges who refuse to let Somali scamsters experience appropriate penalties or even get convicted. Ive mentioned in past posts that I got to know Minneapolis a little bit because one of my children went to college in the region. Thats why, a decade ago, it didnt surprise me when I stumbled across a copy of a magazine from Macalester College (located in St. Paul, the smaller part of the Twin Cities), boasting about its therapy dogs to help students deal with homework stress. Advertisement I wondered at the time what would happen later in life to students so fragile that the college needed therapy dogs to provide succor for election and homework anxiety. I think the answer is that several of them became attorneys, began to work in the Minneapolis City Attorneys Office, and graduated from relying on therapy dogs to needing therapy goats to get by. Advertisement Image created using AI. Back in 2017, the magazine explained that it was Trumps fault that its students were collapsing: Advertisement On the morning after a stunning presidential election night, when searches for the five stages of grief started trending on Google, the student team behind Macalesters therapy dog program knew just how to start the healing process. We posted an old puppy picture of Kevin on his Instagram account, just to let people know hed be on campus if they needed to see him, says Emma Burt 17 (Shoreline, Wash.), who regularly attends to Kevin, the flaxen-bellied therapy dog who has become a celebrity on Mac Social since the Petting Away Worry and Stress program (PAWS) started on campus last fall. The family dog of medical director Dr. Steph Walters, and the self-confident alpha in a growing pack of comforting campus canines, Kevins got a way of making people feel better just by being here, says Emily Johnson 17 (Waimea, Hawaii), another of Kevins four trained student handlers. And we figured it could be a busy day for him. Advertisement When the 80-pound pedigreed golden retriever clocked in for his usual Thursday morning session at the librarythe same day President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team were making their first visit to the White Housemore than 50 Mac students stopped by in almost as many minutes to bask in his golden glow. Some smiled from afar and called out his name (inspired by the rainbow bird in the movie Up). Others scratched his ears, or invited him to lean his large head against their legs. Still others, like Ellie Hohulin 19 (Glen Ellyn, Ill.), dropped down on all fours to bury her hands in Kevins well-groomed fur. These are young people without any emotional resilience whatsoever. Any setback is a crisis. And immured in the womb of leftist academia, the answer was to give them a cuddly. Advertisement Now Ill be the first to admit that I adore dogs, especially my own, but I seem to recall surviving the rigors of academia by putting my head down and getting through it. Even without trudging uphill through the snow in both directions, I was clearly raised in a harsher era, one in which only the strong survived. The question, of course, was what became of these fragile flowers. Now, thanks to this apparently genuine message from the Minneapolis City Attorneys Office, we have the answer: Advertisement BREAKING: Minneapolis City Attorneys Office emailed staff inviting them to a healing circle with therapy goats. While Democrats fan the flames against ICE agents. City staff are being offered quiet reflection time with goats. This is not parody. This is Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/pGpWbKynXN Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) January 15, 2026 In case the image isnt showing (X has been having issues), heres what it says: From: Anderson, Kristyn @minneapolismn.gov> Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2026 10:25:30 AM To: Attorney Users @minneapolismn.gov> Subject: Resources- healing circle and therapy goats CAO friends, I wanted to pass this along: Human Resources will be facilitating a healing circle from 12:00-1:00 PM in PSB100AB for any City employees who would like to be in shared space with colleagues. This is intended as a quiet, supportive environment for connection and presence. As a reminder, therapy goats will also be in PSB100 beginning at noon, and folks are welcome to stop by at any point. Participation is entirely optional. There is no expectation to speak or actively participateattendees are welcome to simply sit, listen, and be in community with one another. Kristyn Anderson (She/Her) Minneapolis City Attorney Anderson became City attorney on September 26, 2022, after Mayor Jacob Frey nominated her and the City Council unanimously approved her nomination. A profile shortly after she took office explains that almost all of Andersons 26-year-long career has been in the public sector. I think that explains the need for therapy goats. Anderson has almost no online profile, making her something of a cipher, but you can probably tell a lot about her from the photo in the linked essay. Of course, the therapy animal seekers are the soft leftists. The hard ones, the ones whove gone beyond needing to cuddle a goat, are out on the street baying for, and willing to pay for, ICE blood: Leftism is toxic, and Minneapolis is Exhibit A. Thats true whether its professionals needing a living lovey to cope with lifes difficulties or the useful idiots/foot soldiers willing to contribute whatever they can to murder federal government employees who are merely performing their duties (duties, incidentally, that even Obama once acknowledged were lawful). In what had to be a cause of consternation for Venezuela's post-Maduro rump ruling Chavistas, President Trump held a private lunch meeting with one of the winners of Venezuela's stolen 2024 election, Maria Corina Machado, widely seen as Venezuela's top democratic opposition leader. Kind words were delivered all around, but there was no disclosure of what they might have talked about. Advertisement Machado, though, seemed upbeat, telling her adoring fans "we can count on President Trump." That was reassuring because, in the immediate wake of the Jan. 3 removal of Maduro, Trump claimed Machado wasn't on the cards to rule Venezuela, dismaying those who had hoped for better days in Venezuela. His reasons seemed pragmatic enough, in that he said she would have a "tough time" ruling the Chavista ruins, meaning, giving orders to the Chavista military and the goon apparatus. Advertisement Trump veered off into the errant, likely from bad swamp advice, by adding: Shes a very nice woman, but she doesnt have the respect within the country." Presumably, that would be the military, as there's no doubt she won the 2024 election with 70% of the vote before the election was stolen. Her popularity is now higher than that of Hugo Chavez at his peak, and yes, the opposition is unified, not fragmented, to tackle another phony swamp claim. This is an authoritative short account of her story -- and one I recall well, some of it firsthand in Caracas -- see 0:22 and 1:52: Advertisement Watch this if you want to understand who Maria Corina Machado isits a longer video, but worth it. pic.twitter.com/exlauQZ0Pd Alex_Vzla (@at_tvzla) January 15, 2026 That puts paid to rest the rubbish that Machado's influence is 'derived' from international recognition. Actually, it's as indigenous as can be because nobody in the international realm ever paid any attention to her. Important detail: Machado was ignored for 25 years as she quietly tried to clean up Venezuela's elections, quietly operating on her own with zero international support. When she did run for office after a decade or two of this, Chavista thugs beat her up in the National Assembly and broke her nose, and once again, there was no international outcry. Nope, the swamp and the internationalist were both big on Iraq in those days and Islamist crazies as the only thing worth looking at. That's why they know and understand so little about Venezuela. Advertisement Alex-Vzla's excellent video describes the details of Machado's rise, but he didn't get much into something I observed -- that Machado's rise was mainly driven by being the last person standing, the last person who could be trusted by the people. Venezuelans had been plagued by opposition leaders who failed to live up to their promises to at least not allow themselves to get bought off by Chavista money as some were. Machado always stayed out of that which is what makes her different. The hardest thing now is that there is truth to the realist position of Trump that Machado probably couldn't rule over a mafia narcoterrorist kleptocracy state, though, which is what Venezuela now is. The Chavistas remaining kind of need a dictator -- like Trump -- to scare them straight, always worried about the second strike. Trump is wisely using this time to secure Venezuela's oil as he consolidates that 'regime capture' arrangement. Take the oil, take the power, keep it out of China's and Russia's hands. Advertisement But the meeting with Machado was not nothing. Sure, the Trump team may view it as irrelevant that she's popular -- she did, after all, win the 2024 election by a huge margin and that didn't yield her any power. But Trump did meet her, and while the White House officially says its position is unchanged and he would continue to work with Chavista Delcy Rodriguez -- even calling her 'terrific,' it's also pretty clear that he did not consider Machado, with all the popularity she has, irrelevant with such a meeting. It was billed as a 'courtesy' meeting, but I doubt it was that if it included lunch. In time, it is going to matter, and he will need her support. She made a friendly gesture of offering him her Nobel Peace Prize, which was unnecessary, but as Machado explained, grounded in history. Advertisement One hopes this was appreciated, and even more important, can be used by Trump as leverage to scare the Chavistas even more than they already are of Trump. Because if the Washington swamp things don't respect Machado, the one group of people who do are the ruling Chavista thugs, who continue to fear their own people and who persecuted Machado to the point of driving her into hiding while arresting her aides. Machado was upbeat, though and lthat has to be psychologically unnerving to the Chavistas. After all, who knows what they said in private? And who knows if Trump gave her instructions. Their minds must be racing. Machado did lay out for a group of Senators what needs to be done: Maria Corina Machado to US Senators: "What is happening right now is historic, not only for the future of Venezuela, but for the future of freedom in the world. I am just one of millions of Venezuelans determined to recover freedom, justice, and democracy for our country. We pic.twitter.com/GU9pqujNP5 Emmanuel Rincon (@EmmaRincon) January 15, 2026 There is reason for optimism. Trump holds his cards close to his vest and is still full of surprises. Image: Screen shot from X video The skyline of Midland, Texas, and the smog-filled streets of Tehran may be 7,000 miles apart, but in 2026, their fates are inextricably linked. As the Islamic Republic of Iran faces its most volatile internal crisis since the 1979 Revolution, the global energy market is bracing for a Supply Shock unlike any seen in the modern era. Advertisement For the Texas oil industry, the stakes are paradoxical: The fall of a geopolitical rival could either be the ultimate victory or mean a catastrophic price war. Since the 2025 election, the White House has moved from a strategy of containment to maximum economic strangulation regarding Iran. Current estimates suggest that despite sanctions, Iran has been leaking roughly 1.5 million barrels of oil per day into the shadow market. Advertisement If a regime change occurs, these ghost barrels will be legalized, and an additional 2 million barrels of latent capacity could flood the market. For the Permian Basin, which has seen record-breaking production levels in early 2026, this influx of supply represents a direct threat to the current price floor of $75 per barrel. The Trump administrations 2026 energy policy dubbed Energy Dominance 2.0 is built on the assumption that Texas can outproduce any global competitor. However, a democratic or Free Iran would likely seek immediate Western investment to rebuild its crumbling infrastructure. Advertisement Texas-based giants like Halliburton and Baker Hughes are reportedly already drafting Day After contingency plans. The goal? To pivot from seeing Iran as a sanctioned rival to a massive reconstruction client. The Risk: A sudden drop in global oil prices to $40 or $50 could lead to a drilling holiday in West Texas. A sudden drop in global oil prices to $40 or $50 could lead to a drilling holiday in West Texas. The Reward: Control over the technology and logistics used to modernize the worlds third-largest oil reserves. The real catalyst for this shift is the 2026 Trade and Security Act, which imposes a 25% tariff on any nation facilitating Iranian oil exports. This has effectively backed China Irans largest customer into a corner. According to recent reports from the American Petroleum Institute, the goal is to bankrupt the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) before they can finalize their nuclear breakout. Advertisement If the Iranian regime falls this year, we will witness the greatest transfer of energy influence in history. Texas will no longer just be a producer; it will be the architect of a new Middle Eastern energy grid. But for the independent wildcatters in the Permian, the message is clear: Efficiency is the only survival strategy. In a world where Iranian oil is free again, only the most cost-effective Texas wells will keep the lights on in Midland. Advertisement Now let us try to look into which Texas firms win the Post-Regime Iran. If the geopolitical dam breaks in Tehran, the ensuing flood wont just be oil it will be a tidal wave of infrastructure contracts. Unlike the aging fields of Venezuela, Irans oil industry is structurally sound but technologically starved. For the heavyweights in Houston and Dallas, the Iranian Opening represents the largest untapped service market of the decade. Advertisement In early 2026, American oil producers have already signaled a bullish stance on stabilizing a post-regime Iran. The most immediate beneficiaries will be the companies that provide the hardware of the oil field: Halliburton: With deep historical ties to the region, Halliburton is the frontrunner for well completion and hydraulic fracturing services. It has spent 2025 reshuffling executive leadership to focus on global operations, positioning them perfectly for a rapid Middle Eastern pivot. With deep historical ties to the region, Halliburton is the frontrunner for well completion and hydraulic fracturing services. It has spent 2025 reshuffling executive leadership to focus on global operations, positioning them perfectly for a rapid Middle Eastern pivot. Baker Hughes: Specializing in intelligent completions and subsea technology, Baker Hughes is already expanding its fleet in Saudi Arabia, creating a massive logistical hub just across the Persian Gulf from Irans largest offshore fields. Specializing in intelligent completions and subsea technology, Baker Hughes is already expanding its fleet in Saudi Arabia, creating a massive logistical hub just across the Persian Gulf from Irans largest offshore fields. SLB (Formerly Schlumberger): Though technically international, its massive Houston headquarters drives its Digital Map technology, which would be essential for modernizing Irans 50-year-old reservoir data. Rebuilding Iran isnt just about getting oil out of the ground; its about moving it. Irans pipeline infrastructure is notorious for leaks and inefficiencies. Texas-based Kinder Morgan, one of the largest infrastructure companies in North America, has the financial expectations for 2026 already baked into its growth through transition strategy. Its expertise in large-scale natural gas transport would be the missing link for Irans South Pars field, the largest gas reservoir in the world. Texas companies are wary for a reason. History is littered with disputes, like the famous Oil Field of Texas, Inc. v. Iran, where Houston-based firms spent years in international courts fighting for unpaid equipment leases after the 1979 Revolution. To mitigate this in 2026, the American Petroleum Institute (API) is advocating for contract sanctity as a prerequisite for any Texas firm entering the territory. According to API president Mike Sommers, the industry is skeptical of entering any market without ironclad legal protections from the host government. The Texas-Iran connection is a high-reward, high-volatility play. Although oil prices have spiked recently due to disruption fears, the long-term play is in the modernization phase. The winner wont be the country that gets the oil first, but the Texas companies that get the contracts to build the pipes, sensors, and rigs that make the new Iranian energy economy possible. Image: Ninara via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. After Vivo, OPPO, and Xiaomi, another brand is joining the external camera lens race for its upcoming flagship. Were talking about HONOR, which will offer an add-on telephoto extender lens as a part of the camera kit for its upcoming Magic8 RSR Porsche Design. The company is showing off the camera kit through an official poster image before its launch. HONOR reveals Magic8 RSR Porsche Designs camera kit before launch The poster image showing the telephoto extender seems to be revealing a 2.35x converter, similar to the Vivo X200 Ultra and X300 Pros add-on lens. The HONOR Magic8 RSR Porsche Design could offer an 85mm 200MP telephoto camera. This means the add-on lens will enable 200mm (~8.6x) native zoom. The company has reportedly posted some sample images taken with the telephoto extender. These confirm a zoom range of 200mm to at least 800mm (~33x). The poster further confirms the Magic8 RSR Porsche Design will have an industry-leading CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) image stabilization rating of 6.5. For some context, the regular HONOR Magic8 Pro has a CIPA rating of 5.5. This, paired with the photography kit, should result in some terrific images. The phone is launching on January 19th In addition to the telephoto converter, the photography kit seems to include a special case and a camera grip with a shutter and a scroll wheel. Besides hardware, it remains to be seen whether the add-on lens will bring any interesting software features. Raw power-wise, the HONOR Magic8 RSR Porsche Design will arrive with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. Youll also get a large 7,200mAh battery with 120W fast charging support. The handset will launch on January 19th in China. The collaboration between OpenAI and legendary designer Jony Ive is finally moving from the drawing board to the factory floor. The tech world has spent months speculating about what a ChatGPT-powered device might look like. However, a recent move suggests the OpenAI-Jony Ive device could be a US-made AI hardware product. OpenAI recently issued a formal Request for Proposals (RFP), as Bloomberg reports. The document specifically targets manufacturing partners within the United States. This move covers a broad spectrum of the AI supply chain, from data center cooling systems to robotics. However, one specific category stands out: consumer electronics assembly. Since OpenAI currently lacks a hardware portfolio, this request almost certainly points toward the screenless AI gadget being developed by Ives design firm, LoveFrom. Made in America: OpenAI seeks US partners for Jony Ives AI device For a long time, the standard route for consumer tech has gone straight to huge manufacturing centers like Shenzhen. OpenAI seems to be going in a different direction by looking for domestic partners to do final assembly and make tools for components. The goal of this strategy is to rely less on complicated supply chains from other countries. It could also help the firm deal with the growing uncertainty about international tariffs. Building domestically also serves a dual purpose. It positions OpenAI as a key player in the revitalization of the American industrial sector. By demonstrating a tangible demand for high-tech manufacturing, the company strengthens its case for government support and faster infrastructure approvalsfactors that are crucial for its ambitious data center projects. Lets remember the multi-billion dollar Stargate supercomputer project. What to expect The manufacturing location might be becoming clearer. However, we still cant say the same about the device itself. Reports describe it as a screenless wearable or handheld, slightly larger than the Humane AI Pin. It will probably act as a dedicated physical portal for ChatGPT behind the scenes. The product might make it easier to talk to AI without having to look at a smartphone screen. The partnership with Foxconn to produce server racks within the US further confirms that OpenAI is serious about its domestic-first approach. If the company succeeds, its first consumer product wont just represent a new way to use artificial intelligence. This could be a historic turning point for US-based electronics manufacturing. Samsung is among the fastest Android brands to ship the latest security patch and other updates to its devices. Now, the Korean tech giant has started rolling out the January 2026 security patch for the Galaxy S24 FE devices. The patch fixes known vulnerabilities and enhances the security of the system. Samsung begins rolling out the January 2026 security patch for Galaxy S24 FE Galaxy S24 FE users are receiving a new update with the latest January 2026 security patch. The update carries the firmware version S721NKSS9CZA1. As of right now, the firmware is only available for the South Korean variant. Global variant should get the software update in the coming weeks. For users residing in South Korea, you can check for the update by going to Settings, then About Phone, then the Software Update section. If an update is available, the system will prompt you to download and install it. Further, Samsung is rolling out the January update in batches. This is to ensure that the software doesnt have any major bugs or issues before reaching a wider audience. If your device has not received the update, worry not; it will be available soon. As said earlier, the update focuses on strengthening the security and overall protection of the device. Samsung says that it has addressed as many as 55 security issues, ranging from high-level exploits to moderate risks, in the latest update. Most changes and fixes remain hidden from the user. However, they are crucial for the long-term security and reliability of the gadget. In related news, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is officially eligible for the next One UI 8.5 update. The new version is expected to introduce numerous visual enhancements and software improvements. A recent report suggests that Samsung is exploring kernel-level changes to enhance the long-term stability and reliability of its devices. WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) President Dr. Valerie Fuller attended a White House event today focused on the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and the importance of ensuring rural communities have access to high-quality health care. The event included remarks from President Donald Trump, as well as administration officials and members of Congress. AANP President Dr. Valerie Fuller joins AANP members Dr. Sheila Melander and Dr. Vicki Brooks at the White House. Dr. Fuller, a practicing nurse practitioner (NP) who grew up in rural Maine, attended the event to represent the 461,000 practicing NPs who provide care in nearly every health care setting, including rural communities nationwide. During the event, challenges facing rural communities and the critical importance of access to affordable, high-quality health care remained a consistent theme. "Growing up in a rural community, I know firsthand how difficult it can be for families to access health care," said Dr. Fuller. "The Rural Health Transformation Program recognizes the importance of strengthening the health care workforce and supporting providers who deliver care in rural communities." The RHTP is a $50 billion initiative designed to support state-led efforts to improve access to care, strengthen the health care workforce and address longstanding disparities in rural communities. Notably, the program rewarded states that have already adopted, or plan to adopt, full practice authority for NPs. NPs are essential clinicians in rural areas, delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care across the lifespan. These policies have a proven track record of making a difference. Empowering NPs to practice to the full extent of their education and clinical training will increase access to high-quality health care for rural communities across the country. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners is the largest professional membership organization representing the 461,000 licensed nurse practitioners (NPs) in the United States. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner, AANP advances health policy and promotes excellence in practice, education and research to support high-quality, patient-centered care. Learn more at aanp.org. SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Under the Trump administration, they want to bring manufacturing back to the US. Previous administrations have tried that as well, often going with the carrot method to sweeten the deal. Trump, on the other hand, has opted for the stick. By imposing tariffs, it forces companies to move operations to the US. Recently, both the US and Taiwan have struck a new trade deal. Under this deal, Taiwan will invest $250 billion in the US as part of its chipmaking plans. Taiwan brings chipmaking to US in $250 billion deal As part of the agreement between both countries, Taiwan is expected to invest at least $250 billion to bring chipmaking to the US. In exchange, the US has agreed to lower its reciprocal tariffs on Taiwan down from 20% to 15%. It will also commit to zero reciprocal tariffs on generic pharmaceuticals and their ingredients, aircraft components, and natural resources. Speaking to CNBCs Brian Sullivan, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that TSMC has bought land and is expected to set up shop in Arizona as part of this deal. They just bought hundreds of acres adjacent to their property. Ill let them go through with their board and give them time. Part of the bigger picture That being said, TSMC moving some of its production facilities to the US isnt new. Last year when Trump announced the tariffs, TSMC announced plans to expand its operations in the US. TSMC joins other non-US companies, like Samsung, in building more facilities stateside. By making this move, it would allow TSMC to skirt around the import tariffs had it continued to rely on other countries. This new trade deal wont be just to TSMCs benefit, but also other companies in Taiwan. However, seeing as how TSMC is the worlds largest semiconductor manufacturer, obviously they stand to gain as well. That being said, while this is good for TSMC, it might not be so good for TSMCs customers. According to a report from last month, TSMCs US facilities might not be able to produce what companies like Apple, Qualcomm, and NVIDIA are demanding. Due to Taiwans laws, there are restrictions on how advanced overseas operations can be. This means that while TSMC might produce some chips in the US, it might not be its latest chips. Also, another factor to consider is that building in the US will be more expensive. This is because companies have to invest in setting up shop. They also need to pay local labor wages. All of this adds up to a more expensive product. So, while TSMC might be able to skirt around tariffs, its customers might end up paying the price. Google is now allowing you to change your existing Gmail address, while keeping everything else intact. We wrote about this feature last month, as the company released the option for Hindi users. Google now allows you to change your cringey Gmail address Well, now the feature has spread to a ton more markets. Google has updated its support page, and the feature is available in Europe, I can confirm that. The option is available via Google account settings. Do note that it may not be available to everyone just yet, as its rolling out in stages. Users have been requesting this option for a long time. Many of you got stuck with terrible Gmail addresses initially, due to poor choices and the unavailability of better options. Well, nows your chance to change that. Google allows you to change your username, hence the part in front of the @gmail.com. If you choose, you can change your Google Account email that ends in gmail.com to a new address that ends in gmail.com, says Googles support page. If you do that, your previous Google Account email will become an alternate email address. Youll receive emails to both your old and new addresses, and your data wont be affected. Your photos, messages, emails, etc., will stay intact. You can change back to your previous email address at any time Google also notes that you can change back to your previous email address at any time. Do note that you cannot create a new Google Account email ending in gmail.com for 12 months after you do it initially, though. You also wont be able to delete your new email address. And yes, youll be able to sign into Google services with either your old or new Gmail address; it doesnt matter. So, how can you check if the option is available and actually do it? Well, read on. The first thing you need to do is head to http://myaccount.google.com/google-account-email. Then, navigate to Personal Info -> Email -> Google Account email -> Change Google Account email. There youll be able to read about what that entails, and ultimately change your username. A former Department of Homeland Security official has claimed that animal control officers get more training than Immigration and Customs Enforcement recruits. Proper training of ICE has been a concern amid President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, especially after two recent Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents. In the shootings, which happened over the span of a week, Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was killed, and a man, who DHS identified as a criminal Venezuelan immigrant, was injured. Former D.C. Chief of Homeland Security and Intelligence Donell Harvin accused ICE of not practicing proper police safety. If you take the current DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, at her word, the ICE agent that shot Ms. Good was following his training, his tactics and policies, the ex-DHS official told MS NOWs Ana Cabrera Thursday. A former Department of Homeland Security official has claimed that 'animal control officers' get more training than Immigration and Customs Enforcement recruits (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) If that's the case and you take her at her word, then we have a big problem, because what we have is ICE agents that are not practicing proper police or law enforcement officer safety and survivability, Harvin continued. Noem said that ICE officer Jonathan Ross, who fatally shot Good, was experienced. We have ICE agents that are rolling off the assembly line, so to speak, with far, far less training than the agent involved in Goods death, Harvin said. Harvin said news reporting found that ICE recruits receive 47 days of training. Proper training of ICE has been a concern amid President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, especially after two recent Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images) New ICE officers used to reportedly receive about five months of training, but three unnamed officials told The Atlantic last August that it was shortened to 47 days because Trump is the 47th president. The publication did note that the shortened training was partly due to the elimination of Spanish courses. A senior DHS official told The Washington Examiner that The Atlantics reporting was false. I will tell you that in many states, you can become an animal control officer, but you need twice as much training, Harvin said. So think about that. Your local dog catcher will need more training to carry a firearm and execute warrants and arrest people than an ICE agent. And that's what's concerning. DHS told The Independent that all ICE candidates go through months of training and are taught how to protect themselves and others from potentially violent situations, how to de-escalate situations and other skills. One report said new ICE recruits only need 47 days of training, which a Homeland Security official called false (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Standard training for recruits involved in enforcement and removal operations is eight weeks, according to DHS. ICE law enforcement officers are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve dangerous situations to prioritize the safety of the public and our officers, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent. Officers are highly trained in de-escalation tactics and regularly receive ongoing use of force training. The agencys current use of force policy is the same as it was in 2023 under President Bidens administration, McLaughlin continued. BTS in 2021. The k-pop band are releasing a new album called Arirang in March 2026. Photograph: Lee Jin-man/AP (Photograph: Lee Jin-man/AP) BTS announced their long-awaited comeback and world tour this week, with their first full-length album in nearly four years set for release on 20 March. Related: North Korea's Arirang mass games in pictures On Friday, the K-pop group revealed its title Arirang a choice that carries profound emotional weight for Koreans. So what does it mean, what is its significance for the Koreas, and why did BTS choose it? What is Arirang? Arirang is the title of the Korean peninsulas most beloved folk song, an unofficial and sentimental national anthem that has resonated across generations. Its origins are believed to stretch back centuries. There is no single agreed-upon definition for what Arirang specifically means. Some scholars suggest ari derives from an old Korean word meaning beautiful or aching, paired with rang meaning beloved, though this remains contested folk etymology. The imagery of crossing the Arirang ridge or mountain pass alludes to moving from despair to hope, or a journey from hardship towards something better. The song exists in more than 60 versions with more than 3,600 recorded lyrical variations, with the most famous version using the refrain Arirang, arirang, arariyo, where arariyo likely functions more as an emotional refrain than a literal word. The melody is simple and flexible, easy to learn and easy to adapt. Anyone can sing Arirang, and anyone can add verses to reflect their own experiences. Across generations, Koreans have poured their joys, sorrows, longings and resilience into its lines. Arirang has been sung in rice paddies and at protests, at family gatherings and national ceremonies. Why does Arirang matter to Koreans? Arirang became a symbol of resistance during Japans colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945, particularly after the 1926 silent film of the same name. The film told the story of a Korean man driven mad after being tortured by Japanese authorities. When its theme song played, audiences reportedly wept. The colonial government later banned the song. Yet Arirangs significance extends far beyond resistance or politics. Its one of the few cultural elements that has historically transcended the division of the Korean peninsula, even as political relations have deteriorated. Both North and South Korea have registered it with Unesco as intangible cultural heritage. When athletes from the two Koreas marched together at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, Arirang played instead of either national anthem. The song has become a kind of cultural ambassador for Korea, and what it means to be Korean. Why is this significant for BTS? At a time when many mainstream K-pop groups adopt international images and aesthetics to appeal to global audiences, BTSs choice to name their new album Arirang is already signalling a clear affirmation of their identity. The group has consistently embraced their Korean roots, from incorporating traditional attire known as hanbok in music videos and addressing Korean social issues in lyrics to previously performing an Arirang medley on stage. By choosing this title, BTS frames its comeback not as reinvention but as return. Their label, BigHit Music, says the album captures the longing and deep love at the heart of BTSs story, with Arirang serving as a symbolic expression of those emotions. For millions of fans worldwide encountering or rediscovering the charm of Arirang through BTS, the album is set to offer an entry point into the cultural foundation that has shaped the worlds biggest pop group. Coercive health agreements between the US and poorer countries could block them from spending their own tax money on things Donald Trumps administration disagrees with, leading NGOs warn risking already-fragile access to legal abortion collapsing. After a complete freeze on foreign aid spending when Trump took office, the US is now in the process of striking new funding agreements with African governments. These promise aid money in exchange for certain conditions from mining rights and access to valuable patient data, to agreements to spend national health budgets on priorities dictated by America. The deals replace a patchwork of previous health agreements under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been dismantled during Trumps first year back in the White House. When a donor ties the continuation of HIV treatment, maternal and child health programmes, and [disease] outbreak response to unrelated political or economic concessions, thats coercion, said Liza Barrie, a campaign director for US advocacy organisation Public Citizen, and it erodes sovereignty, trust, and lives. The agreements have been signed in 14 countries so far, all in sub-Saharan Africa. They have largely not been made fully public, leading to concerns about transparency. This raft of new agreements makes the plan to put America First more explicit than ever - with aid coming not under the guide of altruism but as a clear bargaining chip, according to campaigners. Sarah Shaw, advocacy director at reproductive health non-profit MSI says, "what's really manipulative about the compacts is not really what they're saying, it's what they're not saying. And there's just lots of loopholes in the language that favour the US government. MSI is concerned that vague language leaves the door open to more rules and restrictions being imposed after governments are already locked into the agreements, for example saying they can't use their own money from taxation for abortion services or risk losing US funding. Since the mid-1980s, every Republican president has introduced the Mexico City policy, known as the global gag rule, preventing NGOs that receive US aid from providing legal abortion care, even with their own money. Trump reinstated it in his first week as president. An expanded version of the rule is expected to be announced which could apply to governments as well as NGOs. "Governments have signed up to these agreements...and then they get the expanded global gag rule put upon them and it's like, well oh so this actually impacts what I can do with all my other money that's actually none of your business up until this point in time, Shaw said. So it will essentially prohibit any abortion provision in the public sector because they won't be able to use any money regardless of where it's come from. It means that public sector abortion provision will just disappear, she said. Dr. JE Musoba Kitui, Africa regional director for global reproductive rights charity Ipas, said that when Trumps initial stop work orders came into effect, Kenya lost around half its health funding and more than 40,000 health workers overnight. As clinics closed and deaths rose, the system was now very ready to sign any funding that they [could] get for whatever conditions, he said. That's what has been problematic with the [memorandum of understanding] MOU, he said, adding that the government had agreed to, sign away the rights of women and girls, and others, in exchange for US funding. The Kenyan government has agreed to, provide the US Government with information needed to monitor compliance with applicable law...including to confirm no US Government funding is being used for the performance of abortion as a method of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions, according to the agreement signed. The agreements including in Kenya also prioritise the use of faith-based health providers. While these groups play an important role in the Kenyan health system, Dr Kitui said, they will not provide things like specialist HIV care for LGBT+ communities - which may lead to people being denied services. One part of the agreement struck between the US and Kenya, seen by The Independent, said the deal was intended to, strengthen the Kenyan health system so that it can become more self-reliant, but crucially also to, promote US interests abroad - including giving the US access to valuable health data. The plan is currently on pause, however, after a case filed by a consumer rights group said it would breach Kenyans privacy. The government has to respond by the end of this week with a verdict expected in mid-February. Under the paused agreement, the US could use samples of viruses and bacteria taken from patients to develop, the next great vaccines or the next great diagnostics, Mitchell Warren, executive director of HIV advocacy group, Avac, explained. But, it doesn't provide any guarantees that Kenya or any other country would benefit from technologies derived from the samples and the data coming from that country. But, as well as samples from patient testing, there are fears the deal could give the US access to more comprehensive national data including patients medical records. One could imagine an attempt to match the data with people applying for visas. Oh we don't want people with those conditions in our country, he added. And women knowing their data can be accessed may be, more likely to not even come to the public health facilities because they're afraid of their pregnancy data being accessed, Dr Kitui added. Meanwhile in Zambia, a deal is yet to be agreed but the US embassy has made clear it will require collaboration in the mining sector in order to unlock a substantial grant package of US support. A US State Department spokesperson said: The United States plans to provide up to $1.6 billion over the next five years to support priority health programs in Kenya. In turn, the government of Kenya has pledged to increase domestic health expenditures by $850 million to gradually assume greater financial responsibility as US support decreases over the course of the framework. Faith-based healthcare providers will play an indispensable role in delivering care to communities in need. The spokesperson added that Kenya would retain full ownership and control of all data under its laws and that the agreement included, provisions to help ensure compliance with applicable US law and policies, including those which [prohibit] United States funds from paying for abortions. This article was produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project Serious criminals receiving as much as 800 a month in benefits could soon lose their entitlement under Labour proposals to close a loophole in welfare rules. Under current rules, an offender sentenced to a hospital order is able to be paid a full award for universal credit, despite someone in prison on the same sentence being banned from claiming most benefits. The government has pledged to crack down on this loophole, ensuring that both groups of criminals are subject to the same rules. Prime minister Keir Starmer said: It cannot be right that offenders convicted of the most serious crimes continue to receive benefits they dont need at the expense of the taxpayer. Im determined to do whatever it takes to stand up for victims, protect taxpayers, and ensure support goes to those who genuinely need it. The loophole was previously raised by families of victims of the 2023 Nottingham attacks Grace OMalley-Kumar, Barnaby Webber, and Ian Coates who had called for it to be addressed. Keir Starmer meets with the families of Ian Coates, Grace OMalley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber in February last year (Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street) Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden said: I dont think theres a single household in Britain who believes its right that convicted criminals receive thousands of pounds a year in benefits. Its unfair to victims families and to taxpayers whose hard-earned cash ends up in the pockets of offenders, and contrary to our values we dont reward acts of violence. Thats why Im acting to right the wrongs within our benefits system, so it supports people who genuinely need it, while delivering fairness to the taxpayer. Dr Sanjoy Kumar and Dr Sinead OMalley, parents of Grace, said: We are delighted to hear this announcement from the secretary of state. For us, the campaigning families, this is what decisive and bold departmental leadership looks like. Pats actions benefit our country and our communities. As a result, our country now leads many countries across Europe on this issue. Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden says the change will right the wrongs within our benefits system (PA) Linda and Leon Westcarr, the mother and uncle of Kennedi Westcarr-Sabaroche, who was murdered by her partner in 2024, said: We welcome this long-overdue reform to the benefits system, which corrects a clear injustice that has caused real harm for too long. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says it will engage with victims groups and mental health experts on the proposals. Offenders will continue to receive free care and mental health support from the NHS following any change. No official estimates of how many offenders will be affected or if the move will save the government anything have been made. An offender on universal credit and its higher health element, living in a single household and over the age of 25, could currently receive around 823 per month. Julian Hendy from the Hundred Families charity, which supports families after mental health-related killings, said: This is very welcome news. We have long argued that paying welfare benefits to people who have committed serious violent crimes is wrong and cannot be justified. Theyre offenders sentenced to hospital orders who have no costs or need for such payments. The annual program aims to make communities in Mississippi more livable for people of all ages JACKSON, Miss., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP Mississippi invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its tenth year, AARP will double its investment, awarding over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older. "Through the Community Challenge grant program, AARP Mississippi works closely with local residents, advocates, and policymakers to improve the quality of life for people of all ages, especially Mississippians 50 and older," said AARP Mississippi State Director Kimberly L. Campbell, Esq. "We look forward to the opportunity this year to provide increased support to communities across the state." This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities. All projects must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and older along with other eligibility criteria. Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000. support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000. Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500. are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500. Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year's focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000. "Over the last decade, AARP has invested in communities to help people of all ages and abilities to thrive," said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. "The impact that our Community Challenge grants have had in cities, towns and counties nationwide is significant, supporting everything from crosswalks and home improvements to increased community engagement while also serving as a catalyst for further action. We look forward to expanding the program and its cumulative results over the next ten years." Since 2017, AARP has invested $24.3 million toward 2,100 livability projects including 28 in Mississippi across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older. AARP Mississippi works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Mississippi's counties, towns and cities great places to live for people of all ages. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects. The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. CT, March 4, 2026. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2026. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. About AARP AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media. MEDIA CONTACT: Ronda Gooden, 601-209-1812 SOURCE AARP Mississippi The resignation of Mari Hurley as RTEs chief financial officer is a big loss, the Media Minister has said. RTE confirmed that Ms Hurley would leave the role in the spring, completing a tenure of 18 months at the broadcaster. Ms Hurley was appointed chief financial officer in the summer of 2024 after RTE was hit by a number of financial scandals which resulted in the resignation of Dee Forbes as director general and the departure of its highest paid presenter Ryan Tubridy. Minister for the Arts and Media Patrick ODonovan credited Ms Hurley for unearthing financial issues at the broadcaster (Liam McBurney/PA) (Liam McBurney) She was previously the chief financial officer for AA Ireland, Lotto operator Premier Lotteries Ireland, Hostelworld Group plc and Sherry FitzGerald Group. Minister for the Arts and Media Patrick ODonovan credited Ms Hurley for unearthing financial issues at the broadcaster. Im very disappointed to hear that Mari Hurley is leaving because she did a really, really good job, and I know she did a fantastic job against the backdrop of quite a difficult financial position within the company, he said on RTE Radio. She was asked by my department, for instance, to on foot of the Arts Council to go through the organisation accounts. And it was on the foot of her work that we learned, for instance, with regard to the issue of the art at RTE, the top up payments to widows and previous other financial issues that I was able to bring to the Government. Ms Hurley is to move to property giant Irish Residential Properties REIT, it was reported on Friday. Mr ODonovan said he wanted to wish her well and said people leave leadership roles in public companies for various reasons. He said that she had unearthed issues that others hadnt and she will be a big loss as a result. I know Mari Hurley has made in a very short period of time a very big mark with regard to financial transparency, he said. There was stuff lurking around out there for donkeys years that she unearthed and she brought to the governments attention. In a statement Ms Hurley wished her colleagues success as they continue the significant transformation programme under way 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 at a challenging time for the broadcaster and said her work had helped put it 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, he said. I would like to offer Mari my very best wishes for her new role. Former US Senator Kyrsten Sinema is facing a lawsuit from the ex-wife of a member of her security detail, who alleges the lawmaker had a romantic relationship with her husband that led to the breakdown of their marriage. Heather Ammel is seeking at least $75,000 in damages from Sinema, who served as an independent senator for Arizona until January 2025. Ammel's legal filing claimed that she and Matthew Ammel shared "a good and loving marriage" marked by "genuine love and affection" until Sinema allegedly intervened, pursuing her bodyguard despite her awareness of his marital status. The lawsuit details that the lawmaker's head of security employed Ammel following his retirement from the Army in 2022. He subsequently accompanied Sinema on various trips, including to Napa Valley, Las Vegas, and Saudi Arabia. Early in 2024, Heather Ammel reportedly uncovered "romantic and lascivious" messages exchanged between her husband and Sinema via the Signal app. By that summer, her husband had ceased wearing his wedding ring, and Sinema reportedly appointed him as a national security fellow in her Senate office, even as he continued his role as a bodyguard for her campaign, the legal document claims. Then-Senator Kyrsten Sinema applauds President Joe Bidens State of the Union address in 2023 (Getty Images) Sinema also paid for psychedelic treatment for Ammel, who has struggled with post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and traumatic brain injuries tied to his military deployments in Afghanistan and the Middle East, according to the lawsuit. Sinema and her attorney did not respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit was quietly filed late in 2025 in Moore County, North Carolina. It captured global attention this week when it was moved to federal court. North Carolina is one of a handful of states that allow jilted spouses to sue for alienation of affection" to seek damages from a third party responsible for the breakup of their marriage. Sinema left Congress after the 2024 election. She declined to seek reelection to the Senate, capping a tumultuous single term in which she alienated liberals and left the Democratic Party to become an independent. She now works for the Washington-based legal and lobbying firm Hogan Lovells. She has lobbied for data center development and research funding for the psychedelic drug ibogaine. An arts project can proceed with confidence after the Scottish Government pledged 56 million to help fund its completion, gallery chiefs have said. The Art Works by National Galleries Scotland is being built in the Granton area of Edinburgh to house Scotlands national collection, as well as other works on loan from across the UK. When completed, the building will cover 13,000 square metres and will showcase 130,000 individual pieces. The 56 million will support the project over the next three years. Anne Lyden, director general at National Galleries Scotland, said: This means we can proceed with confidence and continue to seek philanthropic donations to fully fund the build. Were so excited to be able to deliver our commitment to build a new, free-to-visit home for Scotlands art collection. The Art Works will house Scotlands national collection (PA) (Jane Barlow) The Art Works will give greater access to art, not just for people in Edinburgh but by enabling us to lend more art across Scotland. Our focus now is on delivering The Art Works, part of the National Collections Hub, making the best use of public investment while continuing to care for and share the national collection for the benefit of current and future generations. We remain committed to working constructively with partners, ensuring that art remains accessible, inspiring and valued for communities across Scotland. We were glad to welcome the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, to Granton Art Centre to discuss The Art Works. We are grateful for his support. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: The Art Works development in Granton is set to receive capital investment of 11.65 million in 2026/27. In total they will receive nearly 56 million across the Scottish spending review period, which is up to 2029/30, subject to the usual budget process. This will help them realise the vision of a shared storage facility which will also enables public access to our national art treasures at the heart of a wider regeneration initiative for the Granton area. Mrs Thatcher was prepared to be a voice in the wilderness - Getty Images National Security is the first responsibility of any government, said Sir Keir Starmer in the opening sentence of Labours National Security Strategy published last year. The Prime Minister was echoing, presumably deliberately, the first words of a speech delivered 50 years ago this coming Monday: The first duty of any government is to safeguard its people against external aggression. The speaker was the still fairly new Leader of the Opposition, Margaret Thatcher. For a leader who lacked direct experience of national security questions, Mrs Thatchers speech was bold. It questioned detente the orthodoxy of the time, which said that the West should unfreeze the Cold War with the Soviet Union. She shared the peace-making aims of detente but doubted its reality: Britains Labour government was dismantling our defences, just at a time when the threat from expansionist Russia was graver than at any moment since the end of last war. The speech, entitled Britain Awake, did begin to disturb the Establishments slumber. But it might have been forgotten without the reaction of the enemy Mrs Thatcher had identified. Red Star, the newspaper of the Red Army, mocked her with a sexist joke. Bismarck, it said, had been Germanys Iron Chancellor. Now Mrs Thatcher fancies herself as The Iron Lady. How ridiculous in a woman! Ha, ha, ha. The woman in question immediately seized on this jibe as a compliment. Teasingly dressed in a Soviet-red evening gown instead of her usual Tory blue, she presented herself to her Finchley Conservatives as the Iron Lady of the Western world. She was happy, she said, if thats how they [the Russians] wish to interpret my defence of values and freedoms fundamental to our way of life. Mrs Thatcher dances with Ronald Reagan at the White House in 1988 - AFP/Getty Images The title conferred on Mrs Thatcher by her enemies helped make her fame. It lasted right through her partnership with US president Ronald Reagan in their nuclear rearmament of Europe and the peace through strength they eventually established with the Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, which won the Cold War. It persuaded people to take notice of her and was vindicated by events. British political leaders attempting such a challenging speech today would immediately run into trouble. When Robert Jenrick was pushed overboard by Kemi Badenoch on Thursday, thus ensuring that his defection to Reform made the sort of splash he did not want, she was displaying ferrous qualities of which Mrs T would have been proud. But the incident illustrated how hard it remains for the Conservatives to make space for big thinking. In Mrs Thatchers time, she had her own Wets to contend with, but no important rival was trying to destroy her party. Mr Jenricks own speech about why Reform is the answer to Britains ills confirmed the prevailing narrowness of debate. It had literally nothing to say about the world crisis. Goodness knows, mass immigration is a deadly serious matter, and a spectacular example of policy failure, yet its context is that of a world on fire. Conservatism should not be reduced to this single issue. Robert Jenrick speaking after his defection to Reform - Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images As for Sir Keir, I think we know by now that his inability to say anything of interest, combined with his extreme aversion to engaging with the British people about anything that really matters will ensure his silence. Yet an analysis as bold as Mrs Thatchers is certainly needed. Even under the Labour government of which she complained, defence spending half a century ago was 4.6 per cent of GDP, exactly double the percentage today. The threats, however, are greater and more various now than they were then. Mrs Thatcher had the rhetorical advantage that she was talking only about one big thing Soviet power. Its effects were far-flung an attempted takeover in Portugal, a proxy war in Angola, the Russian quest for naval base facilities all over the world but the issue was clear. And since, as she never ceased to argue, Nato had been formed and is maintained to counter any threat of Soviet expansion, the interests of the allies were closely aligned. It is more complicated now. There are interlocking threats. In the 1970s, the West could exploit the bitter rivalry between two Communist powers, Russia and China. Putins Russia today has sworn a friendship without limits with Xi Jinpings China. Both are in league with the now tottering Islamic Republic of Iran. Throw in Little Rocket Mans North Korea, and you have an axis of evil unparalleled since 1945. It is curious how reluctant Western leaders are to spell this out. Our National Security Strategy characterises the manifold nature of modern conflict hybrid warfare, drones, cyber, AI deep fakes, terrorism, as well as nuclear and conventional weapons, but it hesitates to point the finger at the powers concerned. This is even more the case with Donald Trumps recent security strategy, which pulls back from his earlier challenges to China and is positively benign towards Russia, the only great power in the world today which is engaged in a full-scale aggressive war. This hesitation makes no sense in a democracy. You cannot persuade electorates to rally against external threat if you will not tell them who our enemies are. This, in turn, means that most Western politicians are still hesitant about rebuilding defence and security. (It is a different story among our European allies further east, who confront Russia head-on.) In 1976, Mrs Thatcher was identifying the Soviet enemy and planning economic reform which would make Britain rich enough to counter it. Today, British policy towards Russia is explicitly hostile but remarkably vague (whatever it takes) about how to help Ukraine. It wills the ends but not the means. In relation to China, the Governments mantra of compete, challenge and cooperate is self-neutralising. Sir Keir speaks of Chinese threat and yet lets China corrupt our universities, take over parts of our infrastructure, propagandise online, steal our intellectual property, intimidate and spy on Chinese and Hong Kong people here and make common cause with Chinese criminal gangs. Britain rarely challenges Chinas annexation of international institutions and merely bleats about its smashing of its agreement with us over the future of Hong Kong, supposedly in force until 2047. Next week, the Government seems set to let China build a vast new embassy in the heart of London with enough stabling for a regiment of Trojan horses. We have such a weak sense of our own interests that we recognise Palestine and sanction Israel. We rightly worry that the rules-based international order is collapsing, but do not acknowledge that Western feebleness has allowed that order to be undermined. As she herself often stated, Mrs Thatchers argument about national security depended above all on the American alliance. Today, that seems far more in question. Trump dislikes many Europeans and vice versa. He tries to dictate to Ukraine while simultaneously disengaging. But it is worth remembering that, when she spoke up against detente 50 years ago, Mrs Thatcher was opposing an American-led process (though one about which she had identified doubts within the United States). It took five more years after the Iron Lady was first so called for Reagan, the man who thought she was right, to reach the White House. In the meantime, she was prepared to be a voice in the wilderness, always believing that the freedoms the West embodied would prevail if asserted and would be welcomed by oppressed people everywhere. As they say in military affairs, she maintained the aim. Our current politicians still have not identified what the aim is, so our enemies press forward. Jamie-Lynn Sigler has reflected on the extremely emotional moment she had to recite the line I have MS while filming her guest role on Greys Anatomy. Sigler, 44, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2016, appears in the new episode of the long-running medical drama, titled Heavy on Me, as urologist Dr. Laura Kaplan, who is also navigating life with Multiple Sclerosis. It was extremely emotional for me to say the words on camera, I have MS, the actor told The Independent in an interview ahead of the episodes Thursday air date. Especially because I thought that my having MS meant that my acting career would be over, she explained. I thought it meant that it would take away all of my dreams, Sigler admitted. I didnt think it would make one come true. Jamie-Lynn Sigler guest stars on Greys Anatomy as a urologist with MS, the same disease the actor was diagnosed with in 2016 (ABC) Sigler, pictured here in June 2025, spoke to 'The Independent' ahead of her guest-starring role on 'Grey's Anatomy' (Getty) She recalled that before filming, she spoke to the showrunner about wanting to portray someone with MS, an incurable, chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause symptoms like fatigue, numbness, vision impairment, mobility issues and memory difficulties, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. My only note was I wanted to show someone in their power, I wanted to show somebody that was living with this and honoring what it was like truthfully and authentically, Sigler said, but also somebody that was, you know, made the pivots and adjustments that they needed to, but was still living life to its fullest. In the episode, Siglers character is brought in by Dr. Catherine Avery (Debbie Allen) to give her husband, fan-favorite Dr. Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), an alternative perspective on treating his recently discovered prostate cancer. In an Instagram post shared hours before her Greys Anatomy debut, Sigler called the experience a dream realized for myself and for so many others like me. I represent MS any time Im on screen, but to play a Dr who speaks about her journey with honesty and hope, is the road I try to walk myself each and every day, she wrote. Having a disability of any kind doesnt mean you are weak or incapable. It just means you may have to find a new way and that new way usually opens doors to some pretty beautiful things. Sigler is best known for her role as Meadow Soprano on HBOs mafia series The Sopranos , which aired for six seasons from 1999 to 2007. She has also made notable appearances in Ugly Betty, How I Met Your Mother and Baby Daddy. Even after her 2016 diagnosis with MS, she has continued to have a fruitful career, more recently starring in ABCs drama thriller series The Big Sky. Greys Anatomy airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC and is available to stream the next day on Hulu. Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage, and Robert Jenrick. The Tory leader said of Jenrick: You cant believe a word that comes out of his mouth. Composite: House of Commons/Rex/Shutterstock/Chris Thomond/The Guardian (Composite: House of Commons/Rex/Shutterstock/Chris Thomond/The Guardian) The arsonists who tanked the reputation of the Conservatives are still in charge of the party, Robert Jenrick has said as he and the Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, trade blows a day after his dramatic defection to Reform UK. Giving his first interview since his announcement on Thursday, the former shadow justice secretary said the Conservatives had not changed since the election, while defending himself against allegations of lying from his former party leader. He told the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg on Friday: I came to the conclusion over the course of the last year or so that the party hadnt changed, that the people whod made those mistakes were still sat around the shadow cabinet table, the arsonists were still in control of the party, and that this was not a party that was capable of even understanding what it had got wrong, let alone fixing it. Jenrick insisted I could not have been franker about his intentions, despite telling the Conservative chief whip on Thursday he would never defect an act that Badenoch said showed he tells a lot of lies. In her own set of broadcast interviews hours earlier, Badenoch said: You cant believe a word that comes out of his mouth. This is a man who was asked yesterday morning, Are you going to defect? And he said never to the chief whip. She added: People from Reform and other Conservative party members have been bringing stuff to me about the actions he had been doing to undermine the party, and I kept giving him a chance. So Im just glad that Nigel Farage is doing my spring cleaning for me. Hes taking away my problems. The public row between the two former Tory leadership rivals comes as both parties digest the news of Reforms most significant defection yet. Jenricks move has been largely welcomed among Reform MPs and members, but also by some Conservatives who say it has strengthened Badenochs position in her own party. Michael Gove, the peer and former Tory cabinet minister, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: After the defection of Nadhim Zahawi earlier this week, theres a risk that, rather than seeming like a fresh force determined to clear up politics, [Reform] look rather more like Slytherin house. Speaking to Sky News, Nick Timothy, who has been given Jenricks job as shadow justice secretary, said voters would not welcome his former colleagues move. The country is absolutely sick of the backbiting, the backstabbing and, frankly, the lack of seriousness with which lots of politicians have taken the very serious and significant challenges that the country faces, he said. Jenrick has urged other rightwingers to follow his example, writing in the Telegraph on Friday: If youre not already onboard, join the movement. The future of the country is on the line. He told Kuenssberg, however, that he did not know of any other imminent high-profile defections. Labour, meanwhile, has insisted it is unconcerned by Farages comments about an incoming Labour defector next week. Rachel Reeves brushed off such suggestions on Friday. The chancellor told ITV Tyne Tees: Nigel Farage says a lot of things and I think we should all take those with a pinch of salt. One Labour source said they did not believe the defector would be a senior politician. They said: Has Farage ever trailed a decent defector in advance? A student protester waves a Palestinian flag above Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University in New York on 30 April 2024. Photograph: Mary Altaffer/AFP via Getty Images (Photograph: Mary Altaffer/AFP via Getty Images) A federal judge described Donald Trump as an authoritarian and accused his administration of an unconstitutional conspiracy to pick off certain people in its aggressive pursuit of non-US citizen, pro-Palestinian activists on American college campuses. US district judge William Young, who was appointed by the Republican president Ronald Reagan, said on Thursday that he would issue an order aimed at protecting academics who challenged the arrest and deportation of pro-Palestinian scholars such as Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk. At a hearing, Young outlined an order he will issue in a week that seeks to prevent the Trump administration from changing the immigration status of any academics in the case he is handling who are themselves noncitizens. Any such change by the administration would be presumed to be in retribution for their participation in this lawsuit, the judge said. Young said he would then require the government to prove in court it was seeking to deport any such people for appropriate reasons. Related: ACLU sues Trump administration over racial profiling and unlawful arrests in Minnesota ICE surge While Young fiercely condemned the Trump administrations attempts to deport Khalil and others, the remedies he outlined do not guarantee the administration will not attempt to target noncitizens over their speech. We continue to believe that Judge Young should enter relief that actually remedies the chilling effect he recognized and detailed in his earlier opinion, said Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute, which argued the case. Its astonishing that the Trump administration has continued to target foreign citizens based on their speech despite that opinion. It reveals a disregard and even contempt for the rule of law. In a blistering September ruling that sharply criticized Trumps actions, Young had concluded the US state and homeland security departments violated the US constitutions first amendment by chilling the free speech of noncitizen academics at universities nationally. 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 on Thursday. Noting that the case was one of the most important of his career, Young asked: How did this happen? How could our own government, the highest officials in our government, seek to so infringe on the rights of people lawfully here in the United States? (Young declined an interview request by the Guardian.) He called the administrations abridgment of first amendment rights appalling, and said top officials under Trump had adopted a fearful approach to freedom and a view that defines the freedom here in the United States by whos excluded. We cast around the word authoritarian, Young said. I dont, in this context, treat that in a pejorative sense, and I use it carefully, but its 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. Article II is the part of the constitution governing the executive branch. The White House spokesperson Anna Kelly in a statement called it bizarre that this judge is broadcasting his intent to engage in leftwing activism against the democratically elected president of the United States. The administration previously said it would appeal Youngs September decision. The judge criticized the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and the homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, for targeting activists and academics. He said: I find it breathtaking that I have been compelled on the evidence to find the conduct of such high-level officers of our government cabinet secretaries conspired to infringe the first amendment rights of people with such rights here in the United States. These cabinet secretaries have failed in their sworn duty to uphold the constitution. At one point, he compared the Trump administrations immigration enforcement with the Fugitive Slave Act, an 1850 law that compelled law enforcement to return fugitive slaves to their owners, even when they were captured in free states. Young said he would limit the reach of his forthcoming order to members of academic associations including the American Association of University Professors and the Middle East Studies Association that challenged the administrations actions. Those groups had sought an order blocking the administrations practices nationally, but Young said that was over broad. The lawsuit in question was filed last year after immigration authorities in March arrested recent Columbia University graduate Khalil, the first target of Trumps effort to deport noncitizen students with pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel views. During a two-week trial in July, both citizen and non-citizen scholars testified about the climate of fear created by the arrests, while immigration officials admitted the government relied on dossiers compiled by the rightwing Canary Mission, a secretive, pro-Israel group dedicated to doxing thousands of pro-Palestinian students, scholars and activists, as well as information by the far-right Zionist group Betar USA. The Department of Homeland Security, in announcing Khalils arrest, cited executive orders Trump signed in January 2025 directing federal agencies to vigorously combat antisemitism after college campus protests over Israels war in Gaza. Since then, the administration has canceled the visas of other students and scholars and arrested several, including Ozturk, a Tufts University student who was taken into custody in Massachusetts after cowriting an opinion piece criticizing her schools response to the Gaza war. Both have since been released from immigration custody at the direction of federal judges hearing challenges to their detention. A federal appeals court on Thursday overturned the ruling in Khalils case, opening the door to his eventual re-detention. He plans to appeal that decision. Sir Sadiq Khan during a phone-in on LBC on Friday - Yui Mok/PA Sir Sadiq Khan has criticised David Lammys plans to curb jury trials as the wrong way to tackle the record court backlogs. The Labour Mayor of London, who worked as a lawyer, said he believed jury trials were the best way to deliver justice for victims. His intervention will fuel a growing backbench rebellion over the proposals to slash the number of jury trials by up to half and replace them with judge-only or magistrates courts for offences likely to carry jail sentences of up to three years. Rebels fighting the plans estimate they have about 60 Labour MPs who are prepared to vote against the current proposals, enough to inflict defeat on the Governments plans. David Lammys plans will increase the powers of magistrates, allowing them to hand down sentences of up to 18 months imprisonment - Paul Grover In an interview on LBC Sir Sadiq said: I think jury trials are an intrinsic part of our legal system. There is an argument to reduce the scope of jury trial, [but] Ive got concerns about the proposals as they are. Im somebody who spent 11 years being a lawyer, and saw that actually what victims want is justice to happen, and the best way to get justice is for your peers to decide on guilt or innocence. Ive got huge respect for judges. Im against judge-only trials for the most serious offences. I think drawing a line amongst those cases where theres a sentence of three years or above is the wrong line. I think there is an argument to do whatever we can to reduce the backlog. I think there are ways that you could reduce the backlog without removing jury trials in the blunt way the Governments considering. Under Labours plans, offenders facing prison terms of up to three years will have their cases heard by a judge alone or magistrates, whose powers will be extended to sentence offenders to up to 18 months in jail, up from the current 12 months. They are being introduced in order to speed up justice in face of backlogs of nearly 80,000 cases in the crown courts, leading to delays of up to four or five years for victims waiting for their trials. The Bar Council, Criminal Bar Association and the Law Society have all declared their opposition to the proposals to curb jury trials. They have now been backed by one of Britains top judges, Geoffrey Rivlin KC, who was formerly the senior judge at Southwark Crown Court. He called on ministers to rethink the plans, noting that they went further than even those proposals recommended in a report for the Government by Sir Brian Leveson, a former court of appeal judge. Sir Brian proposed an intermediate court of a judge and two magistrates, rather than a judge only court, and did not propose a three year sentence limit for jury trials. Judge Rivlin said: The latest Ministry of Justice proposal presages one of the most radical and revolutionary events in English legal history. Yet it has not appeared in any manifesto; it has not been put out for consultation; it has not been recommended by [Sir Brian] Leveson. I join with the professions in sincerely hoping that the prime minister and lord chancellor will have second thoughts about the governments judge-alone proposals. When it comes to indictable crime, they should not abandon their long and deeply held principles that the right to trial by jury is, and should remain, the cornerstone of our criminal justice system. He also disputed claims that the jury trial curbs would reduce the backlog. Nobody can seriously suggest that the utterly scandalous backlog of around 80,000 cases now awaiting trial, let alone the many other failings within the system, can be attributed (even in part) to the use of juries as judges of fact in the more serious criminal cases. Even if all the Leveson and Ministry of Justice proposals for judge-alone trial were implemented, it would not have the slightest impact on the backlog. Thousands of men suffering from prostate cancer are set to gain access to a life-extending drug on the NHS following a significant expansion of eligibility criteria. Previously, the hormone therapy abiraterone, which functions by inhibiting testosterone production throughout the body, was only available to patients whose cancer had already spread. However, NHS England has now confirmed that men with high-risk prostate cancer that has not yet spread will also qualify for the treatment. This crucial change means approximately 2,000 men diagnosed in the last quarter could receive the drug if clinically appropriate, with an additional 7,000 men expected to become eligible annually. Clinical trials show that the proportion of men alive after six years on abiraterone is 86 per cent compared to 77 per cent on standard treatment (hormone therapy with or without radiotherapy). Professor Nick James from the Institute of Cancer Research in London led the research that proved abiraterone is effective for men whose prostate cancer has not spread. Clinical trials show that the proportion of men alive after six years on abiraterone is 86 per cent compared to 77 per cent on standard treatment (Alamy/PA) He said: This extension of abiraterone to men with newly diagnosed high-risk prostate cancer that has not spread yet is really good news for men in England. Our data from the Stampede trial shows that two years of abiraterone halves the risk of prostate cancer coming back and reduces the risk of death by 40 per cent. In the next five years, almost 8,000 men will avoid the devastating news that their cancer has come back. Even for men whose cancer does recur, this treatment gives them more healthy years. Very importantly, our research also shows that the reduction in relapses will also save the NHS money in the long run, as this will translate into financial savings as well as the big clinical benefit. Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: For thousands of men with prostate cancer, this treatment option could be life-changing by helping keep their cancer at bay for several years. The life-extending treatment available on the NHS within weeks will mean thousands of men can kick-start their year with the news that they will have a better chance of living longer and healthier lives. Prostate Cancer UK, which has campaigned for wider access to the drug, said it calculated that 3,000 mens lives will be saved over the next five years (Alamy/PA) The NHS will continue to work hard to offer people the most effective and evidence-based treatments, with several new prostate cancer drugs rolled out over the last five years. Prostate Cancer UK, which has campaigned for wider access to the drug, said it calculated that, over the next five years, 3,000 mens lives will be saved. Amy Rylance, assistant director of health improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: This decision is a momentous, life-saving victory for the thousands of men whose lives will now be saved. Until now, men in England have found themselves in an impossible situation. Its terrifying to be told youve got a cancer thats likely to spread; to then find out you cant access the treatment that science has proven to be your best chance at surviving is completely devastating. We refused to accept this outcome for men, and we didnt stop until we changed it. Giles Turner, 65, from Brighton, was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in March 2023. He paid for his abiraterone treatment privately and is now in remission. He said: Abiraterone saved my life, and I didnt even know about it until I heard about the research trial that proved how effective it is for men with high-risk prostate cancer like I had. When I asked my oncologist about it, he told me that abiraterone was available on the NHS in Scotland and Wales but not in England or Northern Ireland. I was shocked and angered that my postcode meant I was denied free access to a treatment that could halve my risk of dying and give me the best chance of a cure. Labour MP Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton), who has campaigned on the issue following the death of her father to prostate cancer, described the announcement as a great new years present. Liverpool are in talks with Mohamed Salah to see if he can return to play in their Champions League game in Marseille on Wednesday. The forward will miss Saturdays match against Burnley as he appears for Egypt in their third-place play-off in the Africa Cup of Nations following defeat to Senegal in the semi-finals. Slot claimed he will be happy to have Salah back, though the winger had said they did not have a relationship anymore and that he had been thrown under the bus by the club in a remarkable interview following the 3-3 draw at Leeds. Liverpool then omitted Salah from their squad for the Champions League win over Inter, though he returned to the fold and played as a substitute in the victory over Brighton before going to Morocco to represent his country. And Slot said: First of all, he needs to play another big game for Egypt on Saturday, and then he comes back to us. I am happy that he comes back. Mo has been so important for this club, for me, so I am happy that he is back. Even if I had 15 attackers, I still would have been happy if he came back, but that is not our current situation. Liverpool face Bournemouth next Saturday and Arne Slot is in discussions as to whether the 33-year-old will be available for the Marseille match before then. That is something we are talking about together now, he said. We are in talks with him about what is expected of him over there, what is expected over here. What happens between Mo and me, on the phone or over here, stays between the two of us, and I dont think it is necessary for me to share all the private conversations I have. Egypt's Mohamed Salah looks dejected after the semi-final (REUTERS) Slot also said the situation with Dominik Szoboszlai is sorted after the midfielder gave a goal away against Barnsley on Monday by trying a backheel on the edge of his own six-yard box. He added: It was not his best thing he did for Liverpool, but during that game he did other things as well. He scored a great goal and had an unbelievable cross to Florian Wirtz. Mohamed Salah applauded the Anfield supporters before departing for Morocco (PA Wire) Vice-captain Andy Robertson has revealed he is in talks about a new contract but is unsure if he wants to stay because of his lack of first-team starts. And Slot praised the veteran for his attitude and influence, explaining: I think I had to give him a big compliment over what he said, [it was] very mature and I understood everything he said. Every player should have the same feeling who doesn't start every game but I am really happy to hear he finds joy in his current position and he understands how important he is and has been for this club. He hasn't played as much as he would have hoped but what he said in the media was a big compliment." More than 700 security, AV, and smart home integration leaders and 70-plus partner brands are expected January 21 to 24 in Nassau for education, networking, and Passport to Profit meetings DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AiN Group (Authorized Integrators Network), a national buying group and dealer collaboration network serving independent security, AV, smart home, outdoor living, and site security integrators, today announced details for its 2026 Live & Learn Conference, taking place January 21 to 24, 2026 at Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, with optional early arrivals beginning January 20. The conference also marks AiN Group's 25th anniversary, recognizing a quarter century of dealer-led collaboration, shared learning, and partner alignment across the integration channel. Expected to draw more than 700 attendees, Live & Learn brings together dealer principals and leadership teams, along with 70-plus participating partner brands, for four days focused on practical business growth. The program combines leadership and operational best practices, market and economic insight, and structured time for high-value relationship-building and business development. At the center of the week is Passport to Profit, AiN's two-day partner showcase that connects dealer leadership directly with top-tier manufacturers and service providers for focused, in-person meetings designed to move decisions forward. Passport to Profit spans both emerging technology and the operational essentials that support integration businesses, creating dedicated time for decision-makers to align on priorities and take next steps. "Twenty-five years ago, AiN was founded on a simple principle: when strong dealers share what works and support one another, the entire channel gets stronger," said Stan Matysiak, Chief Executive Officer of AiN Group. "Live & Learn is where that becomes real. The peer conversations, the operating insights, and the partner access all translate into outcomes our members can apply immediately." "Live & Learn is designed for leaders who want to run better businesses coming out of the week than they did going into it," said Speros Venios, President of AiN Group. "Passport to Profit creates direct access to partners, and the education is built for execution. This year's agenda is focused on the decisions and disciplines that help integrators grow." 2026 Program Highlights Live & Learn 2026 features Emmy-nominated impressionist and comedian John Di Domenico as the official conference host, alongside sessions spanning leadership, execution, financial strategy, innovation, and economic outlook. Featured speakers include: John Peruggia, leadership and operational performance, focused on accountability, execution, and building stronger teams Kenny Aronoff, acclaimed drummer and performance keynote, sharing lessons on high-performance execution, collaboration, and communication under pressure Michael Barnes, Barnes Associates, providing perspective on industry finance, M&A trends, valuation drivers, and strategic planning for integrators David Charney, addressing innovation in video monitoring and the operational realities of delivering modern security services Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, "The Bowtie Economist," delivering a State of the Economy briefing and market outlook to inform dealer planning for 2026 Key agenda moments include an opening reception and welcome dinner on Wednesday, January 21; two days of Passport to Profit Partner Showcase meetings and general sessions on Thursday and Friday; AiN's Awards Gala and Dinner on Friday evening; and a closing day of State of the Economy and Best Business Practices programming on Saturday, January 24. About AiN Group AiN Group (Authorized Integrators Network) is a national buying group and dealer collaboration network serving independent security, AV, smart home, outdoor living, and site security integrators. With more than 700 member companies across 800+ locations, AiN helps dealers grow through peer-to-peer best practice sharing, education, marketing support, and a vetted partner program that strengthens purchasing power and operational execution. Founded in 2001, AiN is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026. Media Contact All media inquiries should be directed to the official PR contact: Robert Anthony Consulting (on behalf of AiN Group) Email: [email protected] Phone: Available upon request SOURCE AiN Group Upcoming Lord Of The Dance shows are in grave danger of falling apart if Michael Flatley is not permitted to engage with performers, a court in Belfast has heard. The Irish traditional dancer and choreographer rose to international prominence performing Riverdance at Eurovision in 1994, before going on to create the stage show The Lord Of The Dance. The productions 30th Anniversary tour is due to play in Dublins 3 Arena on February 5, continuing in 2026 in a number of countries including the UK, Germany, Croatia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Upcoming Lord of the Dance shows are in grave danger of falling apart if Michael Flatley is not permitted to engage with performers, a court in Belfast has heard (Niall Carson/PA) (Niall Carson) Switzer Consulting is taking legal action in a civil case against the choreographer and dancer for alleged breach of contract, relating to an agreement the firm says was reached to allow it to run the dance shows. Switzer has already secured a temporary injunction to stop Flatley from interfering with the shows. The case was mentioned at The Chancery Court in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Friday, during which legal representatives for Flatley responded to an earlier affidavit submitted on behalf of Switzer Consulting. Flatleys Barrister John Coyle told the court there are shows coming up in two weeks that are in grave danger of falling apart if Flatley cant speak to the dancers on the tour. The case continues (Liam McBurney/PA) (Liam McBurney) He said the company is solvent and the economic havoc the move would inflict on Flatley would be substantial. Mr Coyle went on to tell the judge that unless Flatley can participate in the show, losses will inevitably be incurred because his artistic direction is a vital component. He also highlighted recent press coverage of the case, producing a copy of a newspaper report, stating its printing would be libellous if it was not a court document. The judge clarified that the affidavit was presented before the court and is therefore in the public domain, adding that he hadnt read the piece and the case is not being heard in front of a jury. Mr Coyle said Flatley is currently not in the jurisdiction but an affidavit from him would be submitted by next Wednesday. The case is scheduled for another hearing on January 27. Man arrested by ICE with battering ram has now been released twice A Liberian man, Garrison Gibson, has been released for a second time after being repeatedly taken into custody following a dramatic initial arrest where immigration agents in Minnesota used a battering ram. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan had ruled Gibsons initial arrest last weekend unlawful on Thursday, leading to his release. However, he was detained again on Friday at an immigration office, only to be freed later the same day. Concurrently, President Donald Trump appeared to step back from his earlier threat to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act. This law would permit him to deploy troops to suppress protests in Minnesota amid an unprecedented immigration sweep in the Twin Cities. Trump told reporters: "I dont think theres any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, Id use it." His release on Friday came hours after a routine check-in led to his second detention. The immigration crackdown has intensified and grown more confrontational since the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) In the words of my client, he said that somebody at ICE said they bleeped up and so they re-released him this afternoon and so hes out of custody, Prokosch said, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gibsons arrest is one of more than 2,500 made during a weeklong immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and St. Paul, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The operation has intensified and become more confrontational since the fatal shooting of Renee Good on Jan. 7. Gibson, 37, who fled the civil war in his West African home country as a child, had been ordered removed from the U.S., apparently because of a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed. He has remained in the country legally under whats known as an order of supervision, Prokosch said, and complied with the requirement that he meet regularly with immigration authorities. In his Thursday order, the judge agreed that officials violated regulations by not giving Gibson enough notice that his supervision status had been revoked. Prokosch said he was told by ICE that they are now going through their proper channels" to revoke the order. Native Americans urged to carry IDs Meanwhile, tribal leaders and Native American rights organizations are advising anyone with a tribal ID to carry it with them when out in public in case they are approached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Native Americans across the U.S. have reported being stopped or detained by ICE, and tribal leaders are asking members to report these contacts. Ben Barnes, chief of the Shawnee Tribe in Oklahoma and chair of the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, called the reports deeply concerning. Organizers in Minneapolis have set up application booths in the city to assist people needing a tribal ID. Democratic members of Congress held a local meeting Friday to hear from people who say they've had aggressive encounters with immigration agents. St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, who is Hmong American, said people are walking around with their passports in case they are challenged, and she has received reports of ICE agents going from door to door asking where the Asian people live. Thousands of Hmong people, largely from the Southeast Asian nation of Laos, have settled in the United States since the 1970s. 911 caller: Good was shot point blank Minneapolis authorities released police and fire dispatch logs and transcripts of 911 calls, all related to the fatal shooting of Good. Firefighters found what appeared to be two gunshot wounds in her right chest, one in her left forearm and a possible gunshot wound on the left side of her head, records show. They shot her, like, cause she wouldnt open her car door, a caller said. Point blank range in her car. Good, 37, was at the wheel of her Honda Pilot, which was partially blocking a street. Video showed an officer approached the SUV, demanded that she open the door and grabbed the handle. Good began to pull forward and turned the vehicle's wheel to the right. Another ICE officer, Jonathan Ross, pulled his gun and fired at close range, jumping back as the SUV moved past him. DHS claims the agent shot Good in self-defense. Arrest in FBI vehicle incident FBI Director Kash Patel said at least one person has been arrested for stealing property from an FBI vehicle in Minneapolis. The SUV was among government vehicles whose windows were broken Wednesday evening. Attorney General Pam Bondi said body armor and weapons were stolen. The destruction occurred when agents were responding to a shooting during an immigration arrest. Trump subsequently said on social media that he would invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials dont stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists there. Minnesotas attorney general responded by saying he would sue if the president acts. A new strategic partnership between China and Canada could set both nations up for the new world order, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said during a historic trip to Beijing for trade talks. Mr Carney arrived in Beijing on Wednesday night for a four-day visit designed to repair ties between the two nations as Canada hopes to firm up relations with countries other than the US. Its the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade. "The world has changed much since that last visit. I believe the progress that we have made in the partnership sets us up well for the new world order, Mr Carney said. He told Chinese president Xi Jinping: Well deliver stability, security and prosperity for people on both sides. It is important to start this new strategic partnership at a time of division, Mr Carney told Mr Xi, calling for focus on areas that can bring historic gains for both, such as agriculture, agri-food, energy, and finance. President Xi hailed a turnaround of ties between both nations, which he said was achieved since he met Mr Carney at the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea late last year. Carney meets chair of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress of China Zhao Leji, during the first visit by a Canadian PM to China since 2017 at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, on Thursday (Reuters) Mr Xi said he was also pleased with the months of cooperation between the two countries across various fields. The healthy and stable development of China-Canada relations is conducive to world peace, stability, development, and prosperity, Mr Xi told the visiting prime minister. Following a meeting between two leaders, Mr Carney announced that Canada expects China to lower canola tariffs to 15 per cent by 1 March. Ottawa, in return, will allow 49,000 Chinese EVs into the Canadian market. It has been a historic and productive two days, Mr Carney said, delivering a statement to journalists outside a Beijing park Friday afternoon. He added that Canada's relationship with China was "more predictable", when asked to compare the countrys ties with the US. However, his comment about a new world order was met with criticism from some, including Canadian MP, Blaine Calkins. Mr Calkins posted on X: Mark Carney is talking to the communist human rights abusing PRC regime about a "new world order"... WHAT on earth is he talking about? I didn't recognize Canada when Trudeau was the Prime Minister. I didn't think things could get any worse. Mr Carney clarified: The world is still determining what that order is going to be. The multilateral system that has been developing these has been eroded, to use a polite term, or undercut. "Like-minded countries" may start to form coalitions to collaborate on various aspects, the prime minister said. "The expectation is that, rather than being developed through multilateral organisations like the International Monetary Fund or World Trade Organisation, it's going to be coalitions for sub-sectors of the world." Canada has long been one of Washingtons closest allies, geographically and otherwise. But Beijing is hoping that president Donald Trumps economic and military aggression against other countries will erode that longstanding relationship. Mr 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. Mr Trump has hit Canada with tariffs on its exports to the US and suggested the vast, resource-rich country could become Americas 51st state. More than 75 per cent of Canadas exports go to the US, and its fraught ties with Washington have pushed Mr Carney to set a goal of reducing that reliance by doubling the countrys exports to other countries over the next decade. The downturn in China and Canadas relations started with the arrest of a Chinese tech executive in late 2018 at American request and was fuelled more recently by the government of former premier Justin Trudeau, which decided in 2024 to follow then US president Joe Bidens lead in imposing a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles. China retaliated for both that and a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium with its own tariffs on Canadian exports, including canola, seafood and pork. Following the tariff row, Chinas imports from Canada fell 10.4 per cent last year to $41.7bn, according to Chinese trade data. He also held meetings on 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. Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand, who is accompanying Mr 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. The Canadian prime minister is expected to speak to reporters in Beijing later on Friday. The Jolly Hog, a high welfare meat business, is run by brothers Max, Josh and Olly Kohn. Olly Kohn still attests to the embarrassment 15 years ago when, in his rugby training gear, he dropped off homemade sausages in a plastic bag to Le Gavroche, chef Michel Roux Jrs celebrated, but now-closed, Michelin-starred restaurant. Kohn, who had met Roux Jr at Harlequins where he played professionally, saw the payoff the next day when his brother Josh excitedly told him to switch on the TV. There, Roux Jr was on GMTV talking about his favourite sausage The Jolly Hog, the Bristol-based business founded by Olly and Josh. The brothers phones lit up with orders. It was Ollys wife who had first given him a sausage-making machine in 2008 as he recovered from injury. Since then, it has been the brothers' love of food and quality produce that helped The Jolly Hog turn over a 200 loss on day one to 1.3m revenue in 2016 and a reported 7.7m in retail sausage sales during 2023 alone. Read More: We made 25 jars at a time - now our business boasts a world's best marmalade Working out of his one-bed flat in Twickenham, Olly had first lured his younger brother Josh into the business. Carpenter Josh had been working for their father, a bespoke furniture-making entrepreneur whose sons had progressed from sweeping floors to driving vans in their childhood. Hand-making sausages and curing bacon via YouTube tutorials, the business has organically grown over the last 18 years. From its origins as a pop-up gazebo and barbecue with a borrowed van and trading at Harlequins Stoop car park for Twickenham games to todays shipping containers HQ at Bristols Wapping Wharf with 35 staff, alongside an events, retail and restaurant portfolio. Their first trading event saw the brothers take home 500, "thinking we were millionaires, before realising the total days costs came to 700. Jolly Hog's products come from British, outdoor-bred, RSPCA-assured farms. We had no idea what we were doing on the business front, but it was about how we make the very best sausage we can, how we sell it to people and tell the story, says Olly. We didn't speak in retail, corporate or business language as we were learning how it went the whole time. If we didnt have quality, we would be in massive trouble as its very easy in food to be in a race to the bottom, but luckily, we are premium. With the brothers picture adorning their packaging, the trio took their side hustle into a full-time venture in 2011 after middle brother Max, who was working as a shipping broker, decided to chase the sausage dream with his siblings. Read More: 'Our women's hiking trousers saved our business we've sold over 50,000' However, it was too late to be incorporated into the company name, with "Jolly" made up of Josh and Ollys names. Im still bitter about it and it gets raised at every opportunity, jokes Max. Some people say Im the hog, which is unfair. After previously using a friends butchers shop, their first cold-room production facility was built on the side of their fathers workshop with a second-hand fridge and air conditioning unit. The brothers steadily built a calendar of events around the UK, with every pound reinvested into the brand. With no outside investment, Max says the early salvos were bloody hard with long days and months. The Jolly Hog, a high-welfare meat business, is run by three Bristol-based brothers. While Olly still held a professional rugby salary, at one juncture Josh and Max didnt pay themselves for three months as they covered their mortgages. From 2011 to 2015, the family-run meat business worked on its retail arm to move away from the 3am wake-up calls to cook at events. They opened their first restaurant in Bristol in 2016, while Covid later affected 50% of their business. In 2019, they had closed their second restaurant a major distraction, admit the brothers as they doubled down on retail. Persistence paid off as they landed major supermarket listings to go live in spring 2020. It came in at the perfect time and people were spending more on bacon and sausages than ever before, says Max, as business doubled and has since seen 35% growth year on year. The power of what we can achieve as three brothers is bigger than three people who are passionate about sausages, adds Olly. So many people said we couldn't get into retail or sell a pack of sausages in Sainsburys. The Jolly Hog started its business at Twickenham Stoop. (Andrew Matthews, PA Images) The business, which secured B Corp status in 2022, now supplies the likes of meal delivery firm Gusto and British Airways. The brothers are thankful for hiring a finance director nine years ago. Previously, their mother did the books in the early years before Max became FD with no qualifications. Today, the brothers skills are defined as Ollie using PowerPoint, Max on Excel and Josh with a pencil behind his ear. Josh, who runs concessions and events, says he had never sent an email before joining the business. Read More: 'We've all grown up with radiators - underfloor heating is a no-brainer' On the morning we spoke, Olly was sent to test some new bacon. He immediately called Josh, whose eyes rolled back and for 10 seconds was in bacon heaven. Thats people who love what they do, says Olly. The minute that goes, the minute our business goes downhill and our waistlines might reduce. The growth weve had in the last few years comes from feeling passionate about the product. Perhaps it also comes from the smell. A few years ago, a neuroscientist from the University of Lisbon worked with The Jolly Hog to analyse the potential brain benefits of bacon from across the world. There is an emotional attachment with bacon, while sausages are there for sharing and are indulgent, says Olly. There is nothing like the smell of bacon, and there are nostalgic memories. Olly Kohn, pictured, won a Premiership title with Harlequins in 2011/12. (Action Images / Reuters) The brothers admit it would be amazing to be seen as a heritage brand in decades to come. We talk about the brands that are in everyone's cupboards like Marmite, says Olly. Seventeen years on we still love it. If we could be a heritage brand in 100% of households' fridges it would be an incredible thing to be a part of. And for the record, the brothers still drop off sausages every year to Roux Jr, who has admitted that his favourite comfort food comes in the form of Jolly Hogs black pudding porkers on sourdough spread with Dijon mustard. Thats some testament. Behind the Brand: Kohn brothers on Being a family business Its not all rosy with us every day, but there has never been a time when weve had a barney and not sorted it out within 20 minutes or gone onto the next conversation. We love what we do, and we are all in it. Leadership As leaders, we use it like therapy to talk through good or bad decisions we've made over the last 17 years. If you have total clarity on where you want to go and bring people in and be transparent, then that goes a long way to getting to where you want to be. Read more: Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android 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. 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. 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. 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." 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. Cunningham, a British-born Muslim of Egyptian descent, has faced Islamophobic abuse since her candidacy was announced. Photograph: Jack Taylor/Reuters (Photograph: Jack Taylor/Reuters) Reform UKs mayoral candidate for London has been accused of endangering Muslims after she said women wearing the burqa should be subject to stop and search. Laila Cunningham, who was announced as Reforms candidate for the 2028 mayoral elections last week, said no one should cover their face in an open society, adding: It has to be assumed that if youre hiding your face, youre hiding it for a criminal reason. Cunningham told the Standard podcast: If you go to parts of London, it does feel like a Muslim city. The signs are written in a different language. Youve got burqas being sold in markets. She said there should be one civic culture and it should be British. The former prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, herself a British-born Muslim of Egyptian descent, has been subjected to Islamophobic abuse since it was announced she would lead the rightwing partys local election campaign in London. The crossbench peer Shaista Gohir, who is the CEO of the Muslim Womens Network UK, called Cunninghams comments dangerous and a dog whistle to racists and said they would further alienate Muslim women, including the minority who wear a burqa. Gohir said her charity had been forced to remove signage outside its offices and picture profiles of staff because of a sharp rise in the number of abusive and threatening letters and emails it had received. Weve had letters sent about grooming gangs saying all Muslims are scum, Muslims are filth, she said. It is hateful stuff, so obviously people are fearful. Gohir said that despite Cunninghams background she was sending a message to Muslims that they do not belong and emboldening people who already abuse Muslims and influencing those people who are reading this misinformation. She said: The number of Muslim women who wear the burqa in this country is tiny, and yet [Cunningham] has chosen to focus on that instead of the NHS, schools or the cost of living. Is she going to get the police to arrest wealthy burqa-wearing visitors in Harrods, or is it just women in Whitechapel? Speaking on LBC after the comments, Sadiq Khan, Londons mayor, said figures trying to sow seeds of division was nothing new and that it was the job of a mayor to bring people together. Almost without argument, our city is the greatest city in the world because of our diversity, he said. I mean, how far back do you want to go in terms of freedom of religion, freedom of expression and so forth? These are quintessentially British rights that were so proud of. Afzal Khan, the Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme, called Cunninghams comments a deliberate and cynical ploy, adding: This is all about divisive ideas being pumped into the society deliberately for electoral benefits. He pointed to research that Boris Johnsons comments comparing veiled Muslim women to letterboxes led to a surge in anti-Muslim attacks and incidents of abuse. There are consequences for the word that politicians use, Khan said. What anyone wears is no business of the state or the politicians. Individuals have the freedom to choose. The issue of the veil has been a difficult one for Reform. Last July, Reforms former chair Zia Yusuf described a question from the partys MP Sarah Pochin calling for a burqa ban as dumb, as it was not party policy. On Friday he reposted Cunninghams interview on X. Muslim women should be subject to police stop-and-search if they wear the burka, according to Reform UKs candidate to become London mayor. Laila Cunningham said parts of the capital feel like a Muslim city and she wanted to ban face coverings. She said wearing a face-covering such as a burka would give the police justifiable reason to carry out a stop-and-search operation. In an interview for The Standard podcast, Ms Cunningham said: I would look to ban face coverings, if I could, but I would like to make it a reason for stop and search. I don't think in an open society you need to cover your face. I've prosecuted a woman in a burka. It has to be assumed that if you're hiding your face, you're hiding it for a criminal reason. Ms Cunningham resigned as a CPS prosecutor last June after making explosive political remarks when she defected from the Tories to Nigel Farages Reform UK party. Last week she was unveiled as the partys London mayoral candidate for the 2028 elections. She will also lead Reforms bid to win control of its first London council in the city-wide borough elections this May. In an interview with The Standard earlier this week, Ms Cunningham said London had to remain British and was not a Muslim city. She said she would like to see Judeo-Christian culture and British culture celebrated more in London, especially at Easter, which she suggested could be marked with a city-wide Easter egg hunt. Asked to clarify whether she believed the wearing of a burka gave the police a justifiable reason to carry out a stop and search, she told The Standard podcast: Yes. Burkas are banned in many Muslim countries. They are not religious. They are part of a tradition inflicted and they've got nothing to do with religion. Leila Cunningham believes wearing a burka would give the police justifiable reason to carry out a stop-and-search operation (Shot for London Standard John Nguyen) I don't think in an open society people should cover their face. It provides a cloak of anonymity for criminals. London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, asked about Ms Cunninghams comments, told LBC radio on Friday: Why would you stop somebody practising their religion? These are quintessentially British rights that we are so proud of. There are two types of politicians: those that play on peoples fears, and those that address peoples fears. Dawn Butler, the Labour MP and a close ally of London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, called Ms Cunninghams remarks discriminatory and dangerous. Hina Bokhari, leader of the Lib-Dem group on the London Assembly, said: "I'm a Muslim. I'm a Londoner. And I won't have Reform telling me or any other Muslim that we don't belong here. London was built by wave after wave of migration communities arriving, building, contributing. I absolutely love London for that. It's a pity she doesn't. Instead, she's out there whipping up racism, hate, and division. It's disgusting, it's dangerous, and she has no business representing this city." Last year the Reform MP Sarah Pochin urged Sir Keir Starmer to ban the burka in the interests of public safety in her first appearance at Prime Ministers Questions. Zia Yusuf, the Reform chairman at the time, described the question as "dumb", saying: "I do think it's dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldn't do". Earlier this week, Sir Sadiq said he wouldnt dream of telling women what to wear. Laila Cunningham is Nigel Farages candidate for London mayor (Getty Images) In relation to burkas, or the niqab or the hijab, as a man, its just wrong for me to tell women what to wear or what not to wear, he said. They should have the freedom to choose what to wear. Ms Cunningham told The Standard podcast: I'm not telling women what to wear. I'm saying that if you cover your face, that will be a reason for stop and search. She added, in an apparent reference to Whitechapel and Southall: If you go to parts of London, it does feel like a Muslim city. The signs are written in a different language. You've got burkas being sold in markets. I think the problem is that various councils have prioritised refugees for social housing and they've been put in certain areas and the demographics and the values and the way of life in that area has changed. That's why I say people want a British city back, with British values. That starts on May 7, because I'd like to see councils prioritise British people for social housing. She continued: I'm Muslim and I'm British. In certain parts [of London] you would walk and you would think that it is a Muslim city, and I think that is wrong. When people come and don't want to assimilate, and they want to change the country for themselves, that is a problem. I think there should be one civic culture and that should be British. Ms Butler, the Labour MP for Brent East, told The Standard: Calling for Muslim women to be stopped and searched simply for what they wear is discriminatory and dangerous. It is everything London is not. Our city is built on freedom, fairness, respect and acceptance, not profiling people because of their faith or appearance. Telling women what to wear is plainly wrong anyone who holds views like this is not fit to be Mayor of London and not fit to represent this wonderful city. Labour MP Dawn Butler: Calling for Muslim women to be stopped and searched simply for what they wear is discriminatory and dangerous. ((Jane Barlow/PA)) According to the Office for National Statistics, London is the most diverse part of the England. There was an 8.1 percentage point decrease of people who identified as "White: English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British" between 2011 and 2021, from 44.9 per cent to 36.8 per cent of Londoners. According to Tower Hamlets council, 39.9 per cent of its population is Muslim the highest proportion of any London borough. The Standards 12-minute podcast interview was conducted on Thursday morning, shortly before news broke of Robert Jenrick being sacked by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch for plotting to join Reform. Ms Cunningham said that, if she became mayor in 2028, she would reverse the closure of police station front counters and scrap Sir Sadiq Khans forthcoming part-pedestrianisation of Oxford Street. She said she would not be seeking re-election as a Westminster councillor in the May borough elections as she wanted to dedicate her time to her mayoral campaign, and didnt want to spark a council by-election were she to be elected to City Hall. Laila Cunningham speaking as Reform leader Nigel Farage looks on during a press conference at Glaziers Hall Southwark ((Stefan Rousseau/PA)) Asked whether she approached Mr Farage to ask to become Reforms mayoral candidate, she said: They approached me. I've been a member for seven months and I've been helping with the London campaign. I was honoured to be asked to stand as the London mayoral candidate. It was a phone call. It was discussions, [asking] did I want to do it? She said the mayoral candidacy had not been on the table at the time of her defection. I defected to Reform because I couldn't support the Tories anymore, she said. I couldn't lie to myself and that's why I defected. And I also really liked Nigel Farage. She said victory in the 2028 mayoral race was not contingent on Reform performing well in this years London borough elections. I just want to get out there and speak to Londoners and tell them that, finally, there is a chance to vote for something other than Conservatives and Labour, she said. She declined to say whether she would work in a day job while running for mayor. Asked how she would fund her mayoral campaign, she said: Through donors. That's how political campaigns are funded. She said she had no preference between taking on Sir Sadiq who has yet to confirm whether he will seek a fourth term or a new Labour candidate. Laila Cunningham is leading Reforms bid to win control of its first London council in the city-wide borough elections this May (shot for the London Standard by John Nguyen) Whether it's Sadiq Khan or someone else representing Labour, they serve an ideology and they serve a party, whereas Reform are here to serve the voters. We're not here to serve an ideology. Our ideology is what's best for London. Her campaign will focus on crime in London. The murder rate has fallen but knife crime, rape and shoplifting have increased. She would reverse the Mets closure of police station front counters that has been supported by Sir Sadiq. I find it quite reassuring that I can go and report something to a police station, she said. I have been the victim of crime where I've called 999, and they told me they don't have enough resources. Asked if she felt frightened in London, she said: I do, yes. If I'm walking at night, I definitely do. I feel concerned for my children, my teenagers. How can I not? There's no police. Only four to six per cent of offences result in a charge. It's not even only at night. If I take my phone out, I, I don't take it out with ease. I take it out quickly. My son was mugged at knife point, so I'm acutely aware of the danger that all Londoners face. It's a lived experience. It's not some dangerous rhetoric that Reforms trying to pursue, as Sadiq Khan is saying. It would be great if Sadiq Khan could stop policing public opinion and start policing our streets. Renewed calls for Aung San Suu Kyi to be released after she completes 20 years buried alive in Myanmar detention Aung San Suu Kyi lived a quiet life in the UK, far removed from Myanmars fraught politics, raising two children with her husband. She had no intention of getting into politics even when she returned to her country in 1988 to care for her dying mother. It was only after witnessing the bloody suppression of mass protests by her countrys military rulers that she realised she could not remain on the sidelines. A year later, in the summer of 1989, she was first arrested by the military government. It was the beginning of a cycle of imprisonments, house arrests and periods of release that would come to define her life. This week saw Suu Kyi reach a grim milestone a total of 20 years spent in detention in Myanmar. Her repeated incarcerations, from that first house arrest to her current situation of deep uncertainty, are a testament to the armys determination to retain control of the country at any cost. My mother has spent a cumulative 20 years in military detention for her commitment to a democratic and prosperous Burma, her son Kim Aris says, using the name for the country that predates the military governments unilateral decision in 1989 to switch it to Myanmar. Today, at 80 years old, she remains in prison, in total isolation, buried alive in a system devoid of transparency and justice. Guided by her philosophy of peace and practical steps towards reconciliation, shes the only figure with the moral authority and popular mandate to bridge the nations divides, Aris tells The Independent. The military junta must release her as a first step to bringing back peace in Burma. The military has seen Suu Kyi, daughter of modern Myanmars founding father Aung San, as a threat to its power since she first entered politics. It was during her first detention that Suu Kyi became a global symbol of peaceful resistance. In 1991, while still under house arrest, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights in the Southeast Asian nation. A protester holds a poster with a picture of Aung San Suu Kyi during a candlelight vigil to honour people killed during demonstrations against the military coup in Yangon on 13 March 2021 (AFP via Getty) Such was Suu Kyis widespread appeal that despite her isolation, her party, the National League for Democracy, won a landslide victory in the 1990 general election a result the military refused to honour. Suu Kyi was released from house arrest in 1995, but her movement outside Yangon remained restricted. She was arrested again in September 2000 after attempting to travel outside Yangon to meet supporters and was held under house arrest for around 20 months. In May 2003, following an attack at Depayin which saw a pro-military mob ambush her convoy, Suu Kyi spent more than seven years in confinement, including an extended term in 2009 after an American man swam to her lakeside home. She was let out after the 2010 election. Her most recent detention began in February 2021, when the military overthrew her government in a coup and the country descended into a deadly civil war. She has not been heard from in public since. Suu Kyi was ousted after her party secured a landslide election victory. The episode, as well as the collapse in international support that emboldened the military to consolidate its power, features in a documentary by The Independent released in late 2024. Independent candidate Sandar Min, former parliament member from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party, shows off her inked finger after casting her vote at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, on 11 January (AP) The same generals are now holding elections that analysts say are designed to cement military rule through proxy parties, after purging their only serious rival Suu Kyis party from the political arena. In the November 2020 elections, the NLD had secured 82 per cent of the contested seats, comfortably defeating the Union Solidarity and Development Party backed by the military. A major turning point in Suu Kyis political career came in 2017, when Myanmars military launched a brutal crackdown against the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. Her global standing as a human rights defender was severely damaged when she not only failed to condemn the operation which led to mass killings and displacement of over 700,000 Rohingya but even defended the military against charges of genocide. Suu Kyi stood before the International Court of Justice at The Hague in 2019 and argued the allegations against the military presented an incomplete and misleading factual picture and instead accused the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, an ethnic militia, of triggering what she described as an internal conflict. Six years later, the court convened this week to hear a landmark case brought by the Gambia in 2019, alleging that Myanmars military deliberately targeted the minority Muslim community. The Independent visited one of the largest Rohingya refugee camps in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh, and heard testimonies of the communitys continuing persecution in Myanmar. Some spoke of their changing views of Suu Kyi, saying that she was a victim of the military like them. Detention Key details 1989-1995 First imprisonment following her emergence as leader of the pro-democracy movement; awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 while still under detention. 20002002 Rearrested after attempting to travel outside Yangon to meet supporters and held for around 20 months. 20032010 Detained after her convoy was ambushed by a pro-military mob in Depayin; detention extended in 2009 after an American man swam to her home. 2021 Arrested following the military coup that overthrew her government; initially held under house arrest and later transferred to a military prison in Nay Pyi Taw. Unlike her previous incarcerations, the situation today is more critical. Almost nothing is known about the state of her health or the conditions in which she is held, though she is thought to be detained in a military prison in the capital Naypyidaw. For all I know she could be dead, Aris said recently. The ruling junta insists that Suu Kyi is in good health. Shes devoted almost 40 years to her countrys struggle for democracy, spending half that time in detention. The military regime has plunged the country into an escalating conflict with dire humanitarian and human rights consequences, for which it must be held accountable. Its sham elections, which are designed solely to legitimise and rebrand the dictatorship, are not the answer, says Benedict Rogers, senior director at Fortify Rights and author of three books on Myanmar. The release of Ms Suu Kyi, all political prisoners, and an end to attacks on civilians are vital first steps if Myanmar is to move forward from this horrific cycle of repression and war. A Rohingya girl sells goods at her stall at a refugee camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, on 21 November 2025 (AP) Her son previously told The Independent his mother was suffering from a worsening heart condition. Its deeply distressing to have heard my mothers health has taken a turn for the worse. She has had ongoing heart complications, which have undoubtedly been exacerbated by the conditions under which she is being held, Aris says. She needs to see, and has asked to see, a cardiologist from outside the prison. I have no way of knowing if this has been granted. The National Unity Government, the government-in-exile composed of pro-democracy and anti-junta groups, said the fact that Suu Kyi had spent 20 years in prison was a profound injustice that we feel with a heavy heart every single day. Its a deliberate, slow-motion act of cruelty by a terrorist military that fears her influence even from behind bars. Issuing a call for global action, the government-in-exile said they didnt just want concern from the international community but concrete measures to secure her release. Her release, along with the release of over 20,000 other political prisoners, is a non-negotiable step towards ending this conflict. Rescuing an animal is no small task, but it can be one of the most rewarding things a person ever does. Just ask any pet parent who adopted a dog or cat from the shelter! Even though it can be heartbreaking to see rescue animals feeling scared or confused, changing an animal's life for the better is such a gift. Animal advocate and rescuer @chelzzoo has experienced this firsthand with her pets, and on January 13, she shared a glimpse into her life that left her viewers in tears. Last month, she brought home an abused miniature horse named Button, who had never experienced life in the pasture before. While he's making wonderful strides and getting more comfortable by the day, he only recently learned how to graze and eat grass for the very first time. Pass the tissues, please! Button seems like the most loving and trusting horse, especially with Chel, and it breaks my heart to think that anyone could abuse him. Fortunately, he's now in the best home where he can learn how to be a mini horse again. "The fact that he looked at you like he was going to be scolded after eating the grass, but feeling comfortable enough to reach down and take some more after seeing you not react negatively, speaks volumes!" wrote commenter @arctic_giraffes. "He trusts you, but hes still scared. What a sweet guy, I know hell have the best life with you." Related: UK Senior Home Residents 'Running With Shetland Ponies' Is the Most Wholesome Thing on the Internet You can say that again! This rescue horse's healing journey may have only just begun, but he's off to a wonderful start. Although it's hard to imagine him being punished for grazing or not living with grass at all, it's comforting to know that he'll never have to worry about that again. Still, the mini horse's confusion and hesitation are absolutely heartbreaking. Luckily, commenters like @kai.lilia know exactly how to turn an emotional moment into something more lighthearted. He wrote, "I'd also be confused if the floor were suddenly food." Fair enough! Caring For Mini Horses Although mini horses are smaller than their full-sized friends, caring for them requires just as much commitment, space, and time. Like any horse, they need a large outdoor space to run and graze, a warm stall or barn to stay sheltered from the elements, and plenty of attention to feel loved and fulfilled. As Rebecca Frankeny, VMD, told Horse Illustrated, however, miniature horses also have their own special needs. For example, mini horses can be prone to dental issues and fatty liver disease, so preventative care should be part of a mini horse's regular routine. Chel knows exactly how to make Button feel safe in his new home, and it's going to be magical to see how he grows with more time and love. 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 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Robert Irwin has had his fair share of the spotlight lately, from his 'Dancing With the Stars' victory to his regular appearances at the Australia Zoo. On January 13, however, all eyes were on one of his animal residents, a saltwater crocodile named Murray, as Irwin's 'Crocoseum' show took a wild turn. Not even the son of wildlife king Steve Irwin could hide his worry as a seemingly oblivious white ibis bird landed only feet away from the massive crocodile. Australian traveler @zara_will_travel caught the tense moment on camera, from the suspenseful animal standoff to the brave de-escalation by none other than Robert Irwin himself. Talk about a close call! These beautiful birds are either very brave or completely oblivious for walking so close to Murray, but fortunately, they had a professional like Irwin looking out for them. Now that everyone knows they're safe, it's safe to admit that the second bird to join had the best comedic timing ever. It was hard not to laugh despite being so worried for the poor birds! No one was more stressed than Irwin, however, who seemed truly at a loss for words. Related: Researchers Confirm the First Crocodile 'Virgin Birth' Ever Recorded Commenters like @quirkyjackiethoughts got a kick out of "Robert trying not to panic in front of the crowd." There are dozens of hilarious memes in the comment section that couldn't be more fitting for his barely-chill vibe. And then there's the "bird looking around like 'what? whats wrong?' Commenter @naekiyomi couldn't have been more on point! Everyone in this video had a very different reaction, but everyone will agree that this animal encounter was too close for comfort. The Australia Zoo The Irwin family may be most famous for their interactions with Australia's native animals, like crocodiles, but there are over 1200 animals (and over 100 different species) at the Australia Zoo. From baby koalas to stunning cheetahs, this massive zoo has it all. Steve Irwin wasn't the first person in his family with a love for wild animals. As a child, he assisted his family at the Beerwah Reptile Park, where they cared for and rehabilitated a number of local species. He took over the family business shortly before he met Terri Raines, who would later become his wife. With their children, Robert and Bindi, the Irwin family established an unbreakable legacy of animal conservation and education. Although the Australia Zoo is the center of their animal adventures (even the tense ones like seen in this video), their family's name and impact can be recognized worldwide. 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. Loan funds development, construction, and stabilization of a 439-unit Class A community in Grand Prairie in partnership with JPI THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Anchor Loans, a leading private real estate lender and a Pretium majority-owned portfolio company, has closed a $94.6 million senior construction loan to finance the development of a 439-unit, Class A multifamily community in Grand Prairie, Texas with JPI, a leader in multifamily development. The transaction marks Anchor's formal entry into multifamily lending and Pretium's first direct, platform-level investment in the multifamily sector, building on operating experience developed within Anchor. Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth MSA, the financing will fund the development, construction, and stabilization of the project in partnership with JPI, a nationally scaled, vertically integrated multifamily development platform with more than 35 years of operating history and over 120,000 units delivered across major U.S. markets. Scheduled for completion in 2027, Jefferson Southwest Parkway will offer studio through three-bedroom residences and a curated collection of amenities, including a resort-style pool, fitness center, clubhouse, and dog park. Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, the property provides convenient access to major highways throughout the Metroplex, along with direct connectivity to walking trails along the site's northern edge. "This financing reflects our commitment to supporting best-in-class developers who are delivering much-needed housing across this country," said JP Ackerman, Chief Revenue Officer, Anchor Loans. "Launching our multifamily lending platform is a natural evolution of Anchor's business and aligns with Pretium's broader strategy to scale proven operating capabilities across new residential asset classes. We are excited to partner with a Sponsor as experienced and aligned as JPI and look forward to contributing to the successful delivery of this high-quality community." About Anchor Loans Anchor Loans, a Pretium company, is a private real estate lender with more than $22 billion in loans funded to date. As a financing partner to professional real estate developers, homebuilders, and investors, Anchor provides capital through its direct, broker, and institutional lending channels, supporting residential renovations, ground-up construction, and community developments nationwide. About Pretium Pretium is a specialized investment firm focused on U.S. residential real estate, residential credit, and corporate credit. Pretium was founded in 2012 to capitalize on investment and lending opportunities arising as a result of structural changes, disruptions, and inefficiencies within the economy. Pretium has built an integrated analytical and operational ecosystem within the U.S. housing, residential credit, and corporate credit markets, and believes that its insight and experience within these markets create a strategic advantage over other investment managers. Pretium's platform has approximately $60 billion of assets, and employs approximately 7,000 people across 44+ offices, including its New York headquarters, Miami, London, Seoul, and Sydney. Please visit www.pretium.com for additional information. SOURCE Anchor Loans Kemi Badenoch was sipping a cocktail at the Johnnie Walker experience in Edinburgh on Thursday afternoon, allowing herself to enjoy a rare victory after what has been a tumultuous start to her leadership of the Conservative Party. She had finally rid the Tories of one Robert Jenrick MP, whom she had defeated in a leadership race at the end of 2024 but who nevertheless remained her biggest rival for the top job. Her shadow justice secretary had consistently broken ranks to further his own agenda, refusing to toe the party line and doing little to quash the continuing speculation that he was preparing to challenge her for the leadership once again. After ousting Jenrick in a tweet, cunningly timed to coincide with Nigel Farages unveiling of his Reform leader in Scotland, it appeared the Tory leader had finally wrested back control of her party and, in turn, speculation about her own future. By seizing the initiative, she had forced him to confirm his defection at an awkward and hastily put-together press conference with Farage. Badenoch, with shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie (right), tries a Ruby Sour cocktail during her visit to the Johnnie Walker Experience (PA) But, just as the state of emergency the party had found itself in for the previous 24 hours looked to be reaching a conclusion, Farage set an effective deadline of 7 May for any more defectors to join. The Conservatives have a number of defection watchlists for MPs and peers mostly made up of critics of Kemi Badenochs leadership or previous supporters of Jenricks leadership bid and the party is now bracing itself for a potential torrent of departures. It could be game over by 7 May, one senior Tory admits to The Independent. But there is a genuine divide within Badenochs top team, as well as the wider party, over how to deal with defectors. The unveiling of Lord Malcolm Offord as the Reform leader in Scotland yesterday entirely overshadowed by the Jenrick news was a case in point. His defection late last year had been taken very personally by Badenochs husband, Hamish, who, while not at all public in his thoughts, is a major support for his wife behind the scenes. The peer and former Treasury minister had been a friend of Hamish, working with him on fundraising, and was a regular house guest. Lord Malcolm Offord defected to Reform in December but news of his appointment as the partys Scottish leader was thoroughly overshadowed (PA) There were calls from some Badenoch allies for the slash and burn tactics deployed against other defectors such as former chair Sir Jake Berry and MP Danny Kruger to be used against Offord, but the advice came back that nobody knows who this bloke is. Nevertheless, sources say that Offord had left because he was embittered after he was overlooked for promotion to the role of leader of the party in the Lords. We have a number of people like that who dont get what they want, throw the toys out of the pram and flounce off to Reform, a source notes. Lord Offord denied the charge, calling it utterly ridiculous. Nadhim Zahawi, who had reportedly been refused a nomination for a peerage by the Conservatives before being unveiled as Reforms latest recruit this week, was another example. But there is a view that the party needs a more nuanced approach. Robert Jenrick is unveiled as the latest Tory defector by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (PA) We need to go on a case-by-case basis with these people. Some like Zahawi, we should be saying good bloody riddance, youre welcome to him Nigel! Others we should leave a way back for, a senior Conservative source says. While Badenoch insisted on Friday that no more senior Tories would switch sides, it is clear that CCHQ and the leaders top team know that Jenrick wont be the last Conservative defector to Reform. They just dont know who will follow him or when. All we can do is keep plugging away with Kemi getting better and more relaxed, the polling improving, and hope that will stem the defections, admits one senior figure. Reform, meanwhile, is ramping up its attempts to woo wavering Conservatives, with senior figures wining and dining MPs thought to be mulling a move to Farages party. The Independent has been told by a senior Tory MP that they went out for dinner in recent weeks with Richard Tice, the Reform deputy leader, who tried to persuade them to come over. The MP, who was a close Jenrick ally, resisted the temptation because the Tory party is my home. But a number of MPs and prominent former MPs have also admitted they have received calls from Reform asking if they are interested. Tory insiders hope that, in contrast to Lord Offord, the brutal way in which Jenrick was sacked will make potential defectors think twice. But there is some dissension in the ranks over the tactics the party is using. Just hours after chief whip Rebecca Harris made the call to Jenrick informing him of his fate, a Tory MP said he had challenged her, protesting that the punishment against him was too harsh. As well as being sacked as shadow justice secretary and losing the party whip in parliament, he was also suspended from the party he joined at the age of 16. But the Tory leadership staunchly defend the move, pointing out that someone who was planning to defect was showing no loyalty to the party no matter how young they were when they joined. What outraged some close to Badenoch was not just his defection but the secret plotting to undermine the Conservatives as he left. Those who know her say that for all her feisty and decisive public reputation, she can be careful and cautious in her decision-making. She is not someone who jumps to decisions, a source says. That said, this did not take long, they add. Robert Jenrick came second to Kemi Badenoch in the 2024 Tory leadership race but speculation that he planned to replace her continued (PA) The consensus very quickly was that there was only one thing that could be done to sling Jenrick out of the Tory party. Quickly, publicly and brutally. His now former colleagues were pleased with the impact of their move to take the initiative keenly aware that Farage had a press conference booked, ostensibly about the local elections, for Thursday afternoon but recognise they may not get that chance again. The decision was taken to release a video, of Badenoch making the shock announcement to sack Jenrick, at the same time as Farage was holding another press conference, this time in Scotland, unveiling, as hardly anyone noticed at the time amid the ensuing scrum, Lord Offord. Party insiders were outraged that the speech they found, part of the evidence of the defection, included attacks on Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, and Priti Patel, the shadow home secretary. It is not thought that any other shadow cabinet ministers were specifically targeted, but there was shock at the personal attacks on people he had sat with in the shadow cabinet just the day before. And that the speech also contained pretty complimentary praise for Kemi Badenoch. One person involved in the planning to pull the rug from under Jenrick says: So why then would you leave? Theres only one answer to that, which is your personal ambition. So thats obviously been clear about Rob, as soon as he lost the leadership contest. He couldnt deal with that in his own mind. Even those who count themselves as friends of Jenrick agree. There were warning bells over Christmas when it emerged he had not been in contact with at least one other Tory MP he would talk to regularly. Tories are now looking out for similar warning signs among some of their colleagues. In the end, Robert Jenrick was late to be unveiled as the Reforms newest star attraction, after getting lost on the stairs in the Millbank Tower in Westminster. The block became the headquarters of Reform UK attempts to win the keys to Downing Street last year. But it was more famously used by Tony Blair as the hub of his hugely successful 1997 election campaign. Jenrick was hiding from the assembled media on a lower floor. But he and his team had not bargained on the confusing staircases in the tower. As Farage joked onstage that his new recruit might have scarpered already, it was left to the partys treasurer, Nick Candy, the billionaire married to ex-Neighbours star Holly Valance, to reassure him that he was still coming. Jenrick eventually found his way to Farage. It appears unlikely he will be the last disgruntled Tory to do so. Labour will lose council seats across London in what are expected to be challenging borough elections in May, mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has said. Labour currently dominates the capitals town halls, with 21 of the 33 boroughs under the partys control. But the May elections are expected to lead to one of the greatest political shake-ups in London since the 1960s due to the rise of Nigel Farages Reform UK party and the relative unpopularity of Labour and the Conservatives. The three former Tory boroughs that were won by Labour in 2022 Westminster, Wandsworth and Barnet are all at risk, as are strongholds such as Newham and Hackney. Sir Sadiq said that Labour tended to do badly in London council elections when it was in power nationally. Speaking on LBC radio on Friday, he said he expected the elections to be challenging and added: This May, I think you will see, because we did so well four years ago, when I think we won 60 per cent of council seats, you will see Labour losing some seats. Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire) My experience when Labour is in Government and there are all-out elections in London is that we do badly, not withstanding the brilliant Labour councillors that we have. More than 1,100 of the 1,940 councillors in London are Labour. There are about 375 Tory councillors, 180 Lib-Dems and 30 Greens. Reform has less than a dozen councillors in London, including two in Westminster and two in Bromley, though the number is rising due to defections. Last week, Reforms deputy leader Richard Tice said it was going to win councils in London in May. Only 12 of the 33 boroughs are not currently under Labour, six are run by Conservative administrations (Croydon, Harrow, Bexley, Bromley, Hillingdon and Kensington and Chelsea) and three by the Lib-Dems (Kingston, Richmond and Sutton). Tower Hamlets is run by mayor Lutfur Rahman, who has set up the Aspire party. The City of London Corporation and Havering are under no overall control. Political analysists expect Reform, which currently runs Kent County Council, to seize Bexley from the Conservatives and make further inroads in Bromley, for decades a Tory heartland. Hillingdon is also said to be at risk from Reform. Sir Sadiq admits Labour tend to do badly in London council elections when it is in power nationally (Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire) Sir Sadiq, who has indicated he will announce next year whether he will seek a fourth term as London mayor, said he expects the popularity of Reform to have waned by 2028. I think this Mays elections will be challenging come May 2028 I think things will have calmed down. People will have seen through Reform. I suspect 2028 could be an election where you could have one of four potential parties with a successful candidate, particularly because we are going to return to the old system of having a second preference when it comes to voting for the mayor. He urged voters to keep faith with the Labour Government, saying it was not possible to simply pull a lever and change things. Instead, it was only in the coming months that changes, such as improvements to renters rights and workers rights, the lifting of the two-child benefit cap and the 150 reduction in energy bills, would come into effect. Many of the benefits from a Labour government, you may not feel yet, but you are going to feel them pretty soon, he said. Its only January, but the November midterms are already in sight for many in Washington, D.C. That of course includes John Thune, the Republican Senate majority leader who is defending GOP seats and the upper chamber from a Democratic takeover. Democrats would need to take four seats currently held by GOP senators while defending all of their own in order to win back power. A tough ask, were it not for one major factor: Donald Trump. The Republican presidents effect on the 2026 Senate map cannot be overstated, and its objectively all negative for the Republican Party. That dynamic was true before this week and it was doubly true on Wednesday when Politico reported that Trump, citing four people familiar with his thinking on the matter, has no plans to endorse three sitting Republican senators who are running for re-election this year. Those three senators are Susan Collins of Maine, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and John Cornyn of Texas. Sen. John Cornyn is one of three Republicans whom Politico reports the president has no plans to endorse in 2026 (Getty Images) Two out of the three of those seats are seen as prospective Democratic pickups this year; the third, Cassidys, is not seen as endangered in large part due to the failure of Democrats to recruit a prominent candidate to run for the seat. For Collins, the refusal to endorse her may be seen as a gift, given Maines independent streak and her own reputation as a maverick in the Senate. But for John Cornyn, it could present problems as he tries to fend off two primary challengers, including one, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, who is leading him in the polls. Paxton is primarying the senator from the right, arguing that Texas would do better if the senators traditionalist style were replaced by a dyed-in-the-wool MAGA warrior. Cornyns allies have countered that Paxton is too weighed down by his own controversies and would lose the seat to Democrats in the fall should he become the nominee. In a clip highlighted by Paxton, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett (one of two Democrats running in the primary for his seat) told an interviewer that she didnt believe that theres a Democrat that can take out Cornyn. Yet in Texas, as in Maine, the president is unwilling to extend a lifeline to a fellow Republican even one who votes with him much more reliably than Collins. Couple that with news that Democrats have recruited former Rep. Mary Peltola to run against Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska, and suddenly Democrats such as Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, head of the partys campaign arm, are talking bullish about winning back the majority. Former Rep. Mary Peltolas entrance into the Alaska Senate race is widely seen as throwing that state into play for Democrats (AP) Its not just endorsements where Trump has given his party in Congress grief this year. Retirements are affecting the House and Senate GOP caucuses in devastating fashion, and senior Republicans have grumbled behind the scenes that the White Houses iron grip on the Hill is to blame. In the Senate, the president found himself drawn into a feud with Sen. Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina, last year, only for the senator to turn around and announce that he wouldnt run for re-election. Democrats are now favored to win his seat as Roy Cooper, the popular two-term governor, is running against a former RNC chair. Other GOP senators are retiring too, but none under threat of a Trump-aligned primary challenge. Sen. Thom Tillis broke with the president over passage of the big, beautiful bill in 2025 and announced his retirement after Trump swiftly attacked him (AP) If Republicans lose the Senate this year, it is a near certainty that many will turn their gaze to the White House. The administration, meanwhile, will suddenly be unprotected by a potential twin Democratic majority in Congress, which Trump has openly warned his followers will lead to his third impeachment. More realistically, it will mean the end of any legislative codification of Trumps agenda and an endless torrent of probes and investigations into the myriad of scandals that have followed the second Trump presidency. It will also be a crucial lifeline for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who faced open calls for his removal as Democratic leader after members of his caucus backed down from demands for GOP votes on the extension of expiring federal Obamacare subsidies last fall. On Tuesday, he told the Associated Press of his partys path to a Senate majority: "I say it's a much wider path than the skeptics think, and a much wider path than it was three months ago and certainly a year ago. A court in South Korea sentenced disgraced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison on Friday after finding him guilty on charges related to his unsuccessful imposition of martial law. The Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of obstructing authorities from executing an arrest warrant related to his martial law declaration in December 2024. The court also found him guilty of charges that include fabricating official documents and failing to comply with the legal process required for martial law. The defendant abused his enormous influence as president to prevent the execution of legitimate warrants through officials from the Security Service, which effectively privatised officials ... loyal to the Republic of Korea for personal safety and personal gain, the lead judge on the three-justice panel said during the televised hearing. Judge Baek Dae Hyun said a grave punishment was necessary because Yoon hadnt shown remorse and only repeated hard-to-comprehend excuses. The defendants culpability is extremely grave, he said, according to local media. Yoon evaded arrest for weeks by remaining inside his residential compound, protected by hundreds of loyal members of the Presidential Security Service. He was eventually detained in a pre-dawn raid, when security forces pushed their way past bus barricades, cut through barbed wire and used ladders to enter the compound, where he was encircled by his guards. Yoons arrest was the first ever of a sitting president in South Korea. He later claimed he had cooperated to prevent bloodshed. Supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol hold signs outside Seoul Central District Court on Friday (AP) The verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over the decree he issued in 2024 and other allegations. The most significant charge against him is that he led a rebellion in connection with his martial law enforcement. This charge carries a potential death penalty. Yoon, currently held at the Seoul Detention Centre, didnt respond publicly to the ruling. One of his lawyers, Yoo Jung Hwa, said the former president would appeal. We express regret that the decision was made in a politicised manner, she said. Previously, when an independent counsel demanded a 10-year prison term for him over those charges, the former presidents defence team accused them of being politically driven and lacking legal grounds to demand such an excessive" sentence. Jung Chung Rae, the leader of the ruling Democratic Party, reacted to the verdict, saying the purge of insurrection has only just begun. From five years imprisonment to the death penalty, every speck of insurrection must be punished under the principle of zero tolerance. The eradication of insurrection in the Republic of Korea cannot be accomplished through leniency, she said in a post on Facebook. Yoon evaded arrest for weeks after declaring martial law in December 2024 (AP) Yoon maintains he didnt intend to place the country under military rule for an extended period, saying his decree was only meant to inform the people about the danger of the liberal-controlled parliament that obstructed his agenda. But investigators have viewed his decree as an attempt to bolster and prolong his rule. Yoon has been impeached, arrested and dismissed as president after his short-lived imposition of martial law triggered huge public protests calling for his removal. Parliament, joined by some members of Yoon's conservative party, voted within hours to overturn his surprise martial law decree, which led to his impeachment and subsequent suspension of his powers. He was removed from office in April last year by the constitutional court, which ruled that he had violated the duties of his office. We choose conviction over cynicism and hope over fear, says Kemi Badenoch - Heathcliff O'Malley for the Telegraph Heres the truth the Conservatives have taken time to reflect after defeat. We have been honest about our mistakes. We have listened. There are now clear dividing lines with the other political parties. We choose conviction over cynicism, and hope over fear. Ours is still one of the most successful, resilient and influential countries on Earth. A country that has reinvented itself repeatedly. A country whose people quietly get on with things while politicians argue. Telling them their country is finished does not empower the British people it drags them down. Im surprised at those who say the Conservatives have lost an asset this week. It doesnt matter how good someones TikTok videos are, if theyre trying to burn down your organisation and the people in it, theyre not an asset. Robert Jenrick didnt suddenly discover that he disagreed with the Conservative Party. Every criticism he now makes occurred when he was in government. He spent longer in the Cabinet than some of the colleagues he now criticises, yet lacks the self-awareness to admit his own failures. His defection was never about principle. It was about ambition. Nigel Farage announces Robert Jenricks defection to Reform UK on Thursday - Carl Court/Getty Images This is the best opportunity I have had since I became the leader of the Conservative Party to show we are a party of conviction, firmly on the Right, and to explain why and how we are different from Reform. Toxic people destroy organisations. They destabilise teams by breeding mistrust and distracting others from getting on with the job. That is why I know Reform will not succeed. A movement built on grievance and serial disloyalty is doomed to fail, and they will be at each others throats soon enough. And for those who are worried that a divided Right cannot defeat the Left, ask yourselves who is actually fighting the Left? Every time the Conservative Party has put Labour on the ropes, Reform turn their gun on us instead. They rush to change the subject. When we successfully exposed Angela Rayner for dodging her taxes, they rushed out the defection of Danny Kruger. When I was tearing apart Rachel Reevess terrible Budget, out they came with another defection. Every time we expose Labours failures, Reform try to drag the conversation back to us. That tells you everything. The Conservatives know our job is to hold Labour to account. Reform is too busy trying to tear down the only credible opposition to Labour. Heres the direction in which the Conservatives want to take the country: a stronger economy and a stronger Britain. That means backing work and enterprise, not suffocating business with regulation. It means protecting parents and children in the online world, not shrugging as tech giants profit from harm. It means public order, national security and defence taken seriously, not waved away with slogans. That is why we are advancing policies on a social media ban for children, abolishing stamp duty, reforming business rates, leaving the European Convention on Human Rights to get proper control of our borders, and investing in our sovereign defence capability. You may ask why the Conservative Party didnt do this before. Well, sorry, but I wasnt in charge then. On net zero, on de-regulation, on tax-cutting, protecting children from puberty blockers, giving women back their single-sex spaces and stopping the woke Left from corrupting our children by convincing them they come from a racist country, Conservative members saw that I was consistent and that is why they picked me to be their leader. Some believe that the defections bring government experience. This is where Farage has made one fundamental mistake. He does not understand that holding a ministerial title is not the same as achieving results. Government experience is about what you delivered when you had the chance, not the car you were driven in. Jenricks effectiveness has now been exposed. This was not even a competent defection. It was chaotic and leaked by his own acolytes before he could do it himself. He couldnt even arrive to his own defection press conference on time! Kemi Badenoch: We are focused on talking to voters, not talking about ourselves - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph The Conservative Party is stronger without people who dont believe in teamwork, loyalty or discipline. The public are not interested in this soap opera. They are tired of Westminster drama. They want politicians talking about the cost of living, national security and the future of their country, not indulging in endless plots and personality clashes. I am stopping the nonsense. The Conservative Party is now a stronger and more united team. We are focused on talking to voters, not talking about ourselves. We have drawn a line under the mistakes of the past and we are clear about where we are going next. This is the difference between politics as performance and politics as delivery. Yes, Britains problems are real, and in some cases getting worse. But Britain is not broken. We are a great country with deep reserves of strength, talent and resilience. What has failed is a system that too often rewards process over outcomes and intervention over results. Labours answer to every problem is another consultation, another review, another layer of state control. That does not make people richer. It makes them poorer. Being angry is easy. Anyone can point out what is wrong. Fixing it requires discipline, competence and hard thinking. I am an engineer. I believe in diagnosis and solutions. That is the mindset now shaping the Conservative Party. We are not a repository for frustration. We are a serious, optimistic, outward-looking party that believes Britains best days are ahead, not behind us. Conservatives are getting on with the work of making that a reality for you. Kemi Badenoch is the leader of the Conservative Party Morgan Stanley (MS) Morgan Stanley (MS) jumped nearly 6% on Thursday and rose again in pre-market trading on Friday after reporting upbeat fourth-quarter results, which exceeded Wall Street expectations on the back of strong revenue from wealth management. Fourth-quarter net income rose to $4.40bn, or $2.68 per share, from $3.71bn, or $2.22 per share, a year ago. Revenue increased to $17.89bn from $16.22bn a year ago. The wealth management unit posted $8.4bn in net revenue in the most recent quarter, up from $7.5bn a year earlier. For the full year, the division generated a record $31.8bn in net revenue. Total client assets in the wealth and investment management business climbed to $9.3tn, fuelled by more than $350 billion in net new assets. Morgan Stanley delivered outstanding performance in 2025, Ted Pick, the banks chief executive and chairman, said in a statement. Our performance reflects multi-year investments which have contributed to growth and momentum across the integrated firm. Morgan Stanley shares have gained more than 43% over the past 12 months. Anglo American (AAL.L) Londons listed miners were among the worst performers in the city this morning, with the likes of Anglo American down as much as 1.8% after opening. It comes as copper prices are down around 2% morning amid reports that Chinese regulators have ordered exchanges to remove servers operated by high-frequency traders from their datacentres. The Shanghai Futures Exchange, a major metals trading platform, has told brokers they need to get equipment for high-speed clients out by the end of the month, according to a report by Bloomberg. Other clients will need to do so by the end of April, it reported. Endeavour Mining (EDV.L), Rio Tinto (RIO.L), Antofagasta (ANTO.L), and Glencore (GLEN.L) also lost ground in London on Friday. Read more: Stocks that are trending today Shares in the biotech business Genus surged as much as 10% this morning, to the top of the FTSE 250 (^FTMC), up around 8% at the time of writing, as it beat expectations for its half-year trading update. The animal genetics company has forecasted about 50m in actual currency for its adjusted pre-tax profit. The London-listed business said it had performed strongly in the six months to 31 December, and expects adjusted pre-tax profits to come in around 50m in actual currency, ahead of internal forecasts. Last September, the company struck a deal to accelerate its 49%-owned porcine joint venture with BCA in China. Genus confirmed that it had received approval from the relevant authorities in China, trigging the $7.5m milestone payment. Analysts at the broker Peel Hunt credited its earnings beat to strong performance in its pig breeding business. The Basingstoke-based firm helps farmers breed animals with certain traits such as disease resistance and faster growth. It operates in more than 25 countries, with research laboratories in Wisconsin. BAE Systems (BA.L) BAE Systems rose on Friday, up 1.6% at the time of writing, along with other defence-related firms such as Babcock (BAB.L) and Rolls-Royce (RR.L). It came as Nato personnel from a number of European countries landed in Greenland for an exercise after Trump seeks to own the country, which is a semi-autonomous part of Denmark. He doubled down on his bid to bring Greenland under US control, telling reporters in the Oval Office, "we need Greenland for national security". Although he did not rule out the use of force, he said late on Wednesday that he thought something could be worked out with Denmark. "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." Speaking to reporters on Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she didn't think the deployment of additional European troops to Greenland would impact the president's decision-making process on the Arctic territory. She added: "Nor does it impact his goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all." Neil Wilson, UK investor strategist at Saxo Markets, said it was "hardly a show of force, but a reminder of what's at stake here". Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Any Lucia Lopez Belloza. Photograph: AP (Photograph: AP) The Trump administration apologized in court for a mistake in the deportation of a Massachusetts college student who was detained trying to fly home to surprise her family in Texas for Thanksgiving. But the administration still argued that the federal government error should not affect her immigration case. Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old freshman at Babson College in Wellesley, 15 miles west of Boston, was detained at the citys airport on 20 November and flown to Honduras two days later. Her sudden removal came despite an emergency court order on 21 November directing the government to keep her in Massachusetts or elsewhere in the United States for at least 72 hours for legal processes. Related: People affected by the US visa freeze: share your experience Lopez Belloza, whose family emigrated from Honduras to the US in 2014 when she was seven, is currently staying with grandparents and studying remotely. She is not detained and was recently visiting an aunt in El Salvador. In early December, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers reportedly turned up at her parents home in Austin, Texas, and behaved aggressively towards the family but left without taking further action. At a federal court hearing on Tuesday of this week in Boston, the government argued the court lacks jurisdiction in the case because lawyers for Lopez Belloza filed their action several hours after she was taken to Texas on the way out of the US in November. But the government also acknowledged it violated the judges order. In court filings and in open court, government lawyers said an ICE deportation officer mistakenly believed the order no longer applied and he 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, said Mark Sauter, assistant US attorney, to the judge, saying the employee understood 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 on 2 January, 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, however, that 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 21 November 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. On Friday he filed papers with the court asking the judge to order the government to come up with a plan to return his client to the US. Lopez Belloza said that as she was being flown to Honduras her emotions went from incredulity to something darker and she began thinking the life she had living in a college dorm in a comfortable Massachusetts suburb, earning a business degree so she could open a tailoring shop with her father might be over. I guess this is where my dreams are gone, she recalled thinking, in a telephone interview with the Associated Press on Friday. Because in Honduras, if you want to dream big, its like you have to have a lot of money. You have to be rich. But in the United States, dreams are possible. You can make them happen. Federal Judge Richard Stearns has said he appreciated the government acknowledging the error, calling it a tragic bureaucratic mistake. But he appeared to rule out holding the government in contempt, noting the violation did not appear intentional. He also questioned whether he had jurisdiction over the case. 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. Lopez Belloza further said to the AP: I have a lot of hope, adding that she was so appreciative of the apology that the government made. But the mistake has turned her life upside down. Those hours I was detained, it was so horrible, she said. Knowing that it was a mistake, it does hurt me. A U.S. Marine Corps general, tapped to lead American military operations in Latin America, told lawmakers Thursday he is ready to oversee an expanded presence that began before Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's capture, but admitted he does not know how long this heightened focus will endure. If confirmed by the Senate, Lieutenant General Francis Donovan will take over U.S. Southern Command. He would replace Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, who retired last year amid scrutiny of the Trump administrations deadly strikes on alleged drug boats in the region a significant extension of U.S. power. U.S. troops earlier this month deposed and apprehended Maduro, culminating a pressure campaign that began with the largest military buildup in the region for generations, expanding to dozens of attacks on alleged drug boats and the seizure of sanctioned oil tankers connected to Venezuela. Democrats and Senator Angus King, an Independent, pressed Lt Gen Donovan for details on his oversight of Southern Command and the Trump administration's long-term regional plans. Lt Gen Donovan, however, said he didn't know. 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. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) 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. A scathing ACLU lawsuit accuses federal immigration officials of carrying out a racial profiling campaign of massive scale as part of the ongoing Trump administration crackdown on Minnesota, comparing Homeland Security agents tactics to actions from a police state. The class-action suit, filed Thursday in federal court, accuses agencies like DHS, ICE and the Border Patrol of violently stopping and arresting countless Minnesotans based on nothing more than their race and perceived ethnicity irrespective of their citizenship or immigration status, with a pointed emphasis on Somali and Latino people, who are being targeted for stops and arrests based on racial profiling motivated by prejudice. The suit highlights the experiences of a group of U.S. citizens who allege they suffered major mistreatment at the hands of federal agents. Mubashir Khalif Hussen, 20, was out getting lunch on December 10 when a pair of federal agents in an unmarked car grabbed him and pushed him into a restaurant, then hauled him back out into the snow, where agents allegedly put him in a headlock, according to the suit. Mr. Hussen repeatedly informed the officers he was a U.S. citizen and repeatedly asked the agents to let him get his coat with his phone, so he could show them a picture of his passport card, the suit claims. The agents refused to let him back into the building to retrieve his drivers license or his phone and put him in the back of the unmarked car. An ACLU lawsuit accuses federal agents of carrying out mass racial profiling and targeting U.S. citizens without cause as part of the Trump administrations ongoing Minnesota crackdown (REUTERS) Hussens supervisor showed agents a copy of his passport card, which the agents also ignored, the complaint alleges. Throughout the encounter, agents allegedly repeatedly demanded to scan Hussens face, and later drove him to a second location, then took him to an ICE field office at Fort Snelling, where he was released without charges or being put into immigration proceedings. The agents concluded the encounter by releasing Hussen out into the December cold and telling him to walk the seven miles from the field office back to where they detained him, the complaint claims. He was later picked up by his family. Due to his Somali identity, Mr. Hussen is terrified of being arrested and detained again, the suit adds. In an unrelated encounter, agents later pepper-sprayed Hussen in the face after he recorded federal officers with his phone from a public sidewalk, the suit claims. These allegations are disgusting, reckless, and categorically FALSE, the Department of Homeland Security told The Independent in a statement. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is if they are illegally in the U.S.NOT their skin color, race, or ethnicity. Protected under the Fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution, DHS law enforcement uses reasonable suspicion to make arrests. There are no indiscriminate stops being made. The Supreme Court recently vindicated us on this question. DHS enforces federal immigration law without fear, favor, or prejudice. Mubashir Khalif Hussen, 20, alleges he was arrested by agents who refused his repeated attempts to show he was a U.S. citizen (Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey) The Trump administrations crackdown on Minnesota, which began in December shortly after the president called the states large Somali population garbage, has been controversial from the beginning. Things escalated earlier this month when an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, and ratcheted up again this week when a federal agent shot a Venezuelan immigrant in the leg during a traffic stop. The operation has been met with widespread peaceful protests, as well as scattered incidents of violence. The president has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would deploy active duty military or federalized National Guard troops to quell the unrest. The Trump administration has said the Minnesota operation, which is slated to feature more than 2,000 agents, is the largest immigration operation in U.S. history. Tensions have been high in Minneapolis since an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good earlier this month (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images) The presidents military-style immigration operations across the country have been trailed by allegations that agents are using racial profiling, random sweeps, and authoritarian tactics to conduct stops. The administration insists its sweeps, which have mostly resulted in the arrest of individuals without criminal convictions, are targeted. The White House argues that military-style deployments are needed in sanctuary jurisdictions that dont force local police and jails to assist federal immigration enforcement. Venezuelas acting President Delcy Rodriguez has signalled a significant shift in the nation's economic policy, advocating for increased foreign investment in the crucial state-run oil industry. Her first State of the Union message on Thursday outlined this new direction, coming less than two weeks after the United States captured and toppled Nicolas Maduro. The move challenges deeply rooted beliefs within her government, particularly following the Trump administration's pledge to seize control of Venezuelan crude sales. Under pressure from the U.S. to cooperate with its plans for reshaping the sanctioned oil sector, Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, declared that a "new policy is being formed in Venezuela." She urged foreign diplomats present to inform international investors of these changes and called on lawmakers to approve reforms that would grant foreign firms access to Venezuelas vast oil reserves. While Rodriguez criticized the U.S. capture of Maduro and referred to a stain on our relations," she also promoted the resumption of diplomacy between the historic adversaries. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Venezuela, in free trade relations with the world, can sell the products of its energy industry, she said. The Trump administration has said it plans to control future oil export revenues to ensure it benefits the Venezuelan people. In that vein, Rodriguez described cash from the oil sales flowing into two sovereign wealth funds, one to support crisis-stricken health services and another to bolster public infrastructure, much of which was built under Maduros predecessor, Hugo Chavez, and has since deteriorated. These days the country's hospitals are so poorly equipped that patients are asked to provide supplies needed for their care, from syringes to surgical screws. While Rodriguez criticized the U.S. capture of Maduro and referred to a stain on our relations," she also promoted the resumption of diplomacy between the historic adversaries. Her succinct, 44-minute speech and mollifying tone marked a dramatic contrast to her predecessors' fiery rants against U.S. imperialism that often went on for hours. Let us not be afraid of diplomacy, Rodriguez. I ask that politics not be transformed, that it not begin with hatred and intolerance. The day before, she gave a 4-minute briefing to the media to say her government would continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro's harsh rule. But human rights groups have verified just a fraction of the releases that she claimed took place. Rodriguez appears to be threading a needle. A portrait of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, was displayed next to her as she spoke. She called for the U.S. government to "respect the dignity" of Maduro, who is being held in a Brooklyn jail after pleading not guilty to drug-trafficking charges. She portrayed herself as defending Venezuela's sovereignty even as the country warmed up to the U.S. with dizzying speed. If one day, as acting president, I have to go to Washington, I will do so standing up, walking, not being dragged," she said. "I'll go standing tall ... never crawling. Rodriguez delivered her speech as Venezuela's Nobel Prize-winning opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was the one in Washington to meet President Donald Trump. Since Maduro's ouster, Trump has frozen Machado out of discussions about the nation's political fate while embracing Rodriguez, praising Maduros long-time loyalist as a terrific person after holding his first known phone call with her on Wednesday. Machado, whose party is considered to have won the tumultuous 2024 presidential elections despite Maduro's claims of victory, said she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump during their closed-door conversation. Emerging from the White House afterward, she greeted dozens of cheering supporters. "We can count on President Trump, she told them, without elaborating. Her role in Venezuelan politics remains uncertain as Rodriguezs government has been effectively relieved of having to hold elections for the foreseeable future. Machados meeting with Trump received no coverage in Venezuela. The country's state-run TV still pumps out a steady stream of pro-government images, including various statements from Iranian and Russian officials decrying U.S. aggression" and wall-to-wall coverage of state-orchestrated rallies demanding Maduro's return. Crowds of teachers on Thursday marched through the streets of Venezuelas capital, Caracas, carrying posters condemning the U.S. for kidnapping Maduro and chanting slogans in support of the government. National police wearing riot gear were everywhere. Pro-government graffiti scrawled across city walls read: To doubt is to betray." They've kept the same anti-imperialist rhetoric going, but more moderated," said David Smilde, a Venezuela expert at Tulane University who has studied Venezuela for 30 years. Their idea is to give Trump everything he wants economically, but stay the course politically." On the streets of central Caracas, most Venezuelans going about their days declined to be interviewed about their opinions, fearful of government reprisals as Maduro's security apparatus remains intact. Others were simply at a loss of what to say about their country's strange new reality in which the U.S. claims to call the shots. Its a complete sea of uncertainty, and the only one who now has the power to make decisions is the United States government, said Pablo Rojas, 28, a music producer. He said he was following Trump's meeting with Machado closely "to see if she takes a leadership position, if they consider her ready to lead the country or be a candidate." He shook his head in puzzlement. Its impossible to know what will happen. Teamsters, Elected Officials, Community Demand a Fair Contract ATLANTA, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, January 19, workers at Avis Rental Car, represented by Teamsters Local 528, will rally at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to demand a fair contract. They will be joined by state and local elected officials and community supporters. At one of the busiest airports in the nation and in the home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Teamsters will call on their employer to offer them a contract that is rooted in Dr. King's dream of economic justice for all workers and includes a living wage. The 100 Teamsters work in customer service and as ramp and gate agents at Avis' location at the Atlanta airport. WHEN: Monday, January 19 9 - 10 a.m. WHO: Avis Teamsters Members and leaders from Local 528 Lydia Glaze, Georgia State Representative (District 67) Gabriel Sanchez, Georgia State Representative (District 42) Kelsea Bond, Atlanta City Councilmember (District 2) WHERE: Avis Car Rental 2200 Rental Car Center Pkwy College Park, GA 30337 Media Contact: Maura Drumm, (215) 510-3735 [email protected] On-site Contact: Chuck Stiles, (202) 437-7320 SOURCE Teamsters Local 528 Cold weather payments were issued to more than one million households in January (Rosemary Roberts) Millions of people in England and Wales have been eligible for cold winter payments during this season's cold snap, new Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) statistics have shown. Bitter winds and storms have led to four million receiving the 25 payment to cover the extra costs of heating homes during adverse weather. The payment is automatically made to eligible recipients when the average temperature in their area is recorded as or is forecast to be 0C or below over seven consecutive days. People should then receive the payment within 14 days. You can check if you are due a cold weather payment by searching your postcode here. Here's what you need to know about the cold weather payment, as well as how to protect yourself from potential scammers. What is the cold weather payment? Cold weather payments are given to people claiming benefits like universal credit and pension credit to help them cope with the additional costs of heating a home in an area where the temperature is zero degrees or lower for seven consecutive days. The eligible linked benefits are: Pension credit Income support Income-based jobseekers allowance (JSA) Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) Universal credit Support for mortgage interest (SMI) Households get 25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026. Unsure if you've been eligible for a cold weather payment this winter? You can check here. How is the cold weather payment paid? Cold weather payments are paid automatically into bank accounts by the DWP. The payment reference should contain your national insurance number followed by "DWP CWP" in England and Wales or "SSA CWP" in Northern Ireland. Living in Scotland? Scots are not eligible for the cold weather payment. Universal credit recipients can also check if the cold weather payment has been logged in their journal. Warnings for snow, ice, wind, and rain came into place across the UK over Storm Goretti, with another cold snap coming in the next few days. (Danny Lawson - PA Images via Getty Images) How do I protect myself from cold weather payment scams? It's understandable that an unexpected government payment arriving in your bank account may raise some questions. Scammers use government schemes such as cold weather payments and the winter fuel payment to target vulnerable people. But it's worth bearing in mind that all cold weather payments are made automatically, and do not require anyone to apply. You may get calls, emails or messages from someone pretending to be from a government service. If you get a message asking for your personal details (for example, bank details or passwords), this could be a scam. Report anything you think is suspicious here. Payments will be made automatically into bank accounts; you do not need to apply," the DWP told Yahoo News. "If you receive a text or message about cold weather payments, do not engage with it. Woman who first accused Alon and Oren Alexander of sexual assault found dead late last year: officials An Australian woman who first publicly accused Alon and Oren Alexander of sexual assault was found dead late last year, according to authorities. Kate Whiteman sued the twin brothers in March 2024, accusing them of forcing her into a car as she was leaving a nightclub in 2012 and driving her to a mansion on New Yorks Long Island, where she was allegedly raped. Late last year, Whiteman was found dead near Sydney at the age of 45, officials in New South Wales have confirmed. A cause of death has yet to be determined. The New South Wales Police Force told The Independent that Whitemans death is not being treated as suspicious, and police are not investigating. The New South Wales Coroners Court confirmed to The Independent that Whitemans death was reported to the coroner in late 2025. The investigation into her death has concluded, and the circumstances surrounding her passing were determined to be non-suspicious, the coroners court said. An Australian woman who first publicly accused Alon Alexander, right, and Oren Alexander, left, of sexual assault was found dead late last year, a new report has revealed (Matias J. Ocner-Pool/Getty Images) Her death was first reported by The New York Times. Minutes after Whitemans lawsuit was filed, another woman, Rebecca Mandel, filed her own lawsuit against Oren, a big-time real estate broker, and Alon, an executive at his familys security firm. In 2010, Mandel was at a Manhattan nightclub when Alon insisted on buying her a drink, the lawsuit said. After consuming her first drink of the night, her memory became hazy, according to the lawsuit. Mandels lawsuit claimed Alon had intentionally drugged her drink, and then he and Oren brought her to their apartment, where they sexually abused her. Another woman, Angelica Parker, filed a lawsuit in June 2024, claiming she was sexually assaulted in a Manhattan apartment in 2012 by Alon and the older Alexander brother, Tal, another luxury real estate broker, while Oren watched, according to the New York Times. Parkers lawsuit was later dismissed due to statute of limitations issues, the publication reported. Kate Whiteman sued the twin brothers in March 2024, accusing them of raping her over a decade earlier (Matias J. Ocner-Pool/Getty Images) All three brothers were arrested and charged with sex trafficking crimes in December 2024. They stand accused of working together and with others to repeatedly and violently drug, sexually assault, and rape dozens of victims for over a decade, the brothers indictment reads. The trio has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against them. Their trial is expected to start on January 26. Alon and Orens older brother, Tal Alexander, has also been accused of sexual assault, though all three deny such allegations (REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg) Juda Engelmayer, a public relations consultant for the brothers, told The Independent that they were unaware of Whitemans death until we learned about it from the media today. 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 decision to release this information publicly on the eve of trial invites obvious questions, Engelmayer said. The Independent has reached out to Whitemans attorney, Evan Torgan, for comment. John Perumbalath said he had not done anything wrong - Church of England The Church of England has been handed an official warning for mishandling abuse allegations. The warning is the first time the charity watchdog has taken action against dioceses over their response to allegations of abuse within the church. The former Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath, resigned in January 2025 following allegations of sexual assault and harassment. He said he did not want to become a distraction after a woman accused him in a Channel 4 News investigation of kissing her without consent and groping her. The allegations stem from when he was Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford and Essex on separate occasions between 2019 and 2023. A female bishop also claimed he sexually harassed her. He added that his resignation was not occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability. No case to answer Bishop Perumbalath, who was enthroned Bishop of Liverpool in 2023, was interviewed voluntarily under caution by police in March 2024, it was previously reported. Police had concluded no further action was needed, while the Church of England said its investigation had found no case to answer. The Charity Commission has now taken regulatory action against the Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance and the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance over failures to handle safeguarding allegations in line with its guidance and trustee duties. Both charities have been issued with official warnings after their failings were found to have amounted to mismanagement. David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said there was a failure to ensure that serious allegations against a senior figure were properly considered. He added: In the two diocesan charities, lack of appropriate policies and procedures led to a failure to ensure that serious allegations against a senior figure were properly considered by the relevant trustee bodies. We will further engage with both charities as they continue to take steps to address our concerns. More widely, trustees must be able to effectively challenge the behaviour of powerful individuals, including where that power derives from spiritual leadership. This underlines the need for adequate reporting mechanisms back to all trustees when safeguarding responsibilities are delegated to smaller groups or individuals, so that trustee boards can fulfil their collective duty to help keep people safe. This meant the trustees of the dioceses were not able to consider whether the matters should be reported to the Charity Commission as serious incidents when the allegations were first made in 2023. The incidents were subsequently reported to the Commission in early 2025 only following media interest in the allegations. As a result, the Commission concluded that these failings amount to mismanagement in the administration of the two charities. Welcome shot across the bows Responding to the watchdogs investigation, Andrew Graystone, an advocate for victims of church-related abuse, said: This is a welcome shot across the bows for every diocese in the Church of England, and for the institutions of the central church When it comes to allegations of abuse, a quiet fix between friends just wont do. Following his resignation, Bishop John said: I have consistently maintained that I have not done anything wrong and continue to do so. He said there had been a rush to judgement and a trial by media, adding that he had made the decision to retire from active ministry for my own wellbeing, my family and the best interests of the diocese. The Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance said it accepted the Charity Commissions findings. But the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, said: We respectfully disagree with some of the Charity Commissions conclusions and are disappointed by the decision to issue an official warning, which we believe was disproportionate. However, we are committed to working with the regulator to improve our procedures and the majority of the five actions identified in the official warning have already been taken, with the remainder under way. In a joint statement, Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell, the Church of Englands lead safeguarding bishop, and Alexander Kubeyinje, the national safeguarding director, said that they take any communication from a regulatory body very seriously. They added: As a church, our priority in all our safeguarding work remains to continue to improve our practice and respond well to victims and survivors. Steve Reed said there would be no restrictions on the right to criticise a particular religion - Elliott Franks The new official definition of Islamophobia will never lead to backdoor blasphemy laws, a Labour minister has claimed. Steve Reed, the Communities Secretary, said it would not place any restrictions on the right of people to criticise either a particular religion or religion in general. He is finalising the definition based on a draft from an advisory group, headed by Dominic Grieve, the the former Tory attorney general. The minister said it would be published very shortly. The non-statutory definition is aimed at providing guidance for behaviour codes that public bodies, councils and businesses could adopt to combat prejudice, discrimination and hostility towards Muslims. The working groups definition has avoided the word Islamophobia and instead called it anti-Muslim hostility so that it focuses on hate towards Muslims rather than Islam. It follows a backlash over its potential impact on free speech and fears of a backdoor blasphemy law. Critics remain worried about the lack of clarity in the draft definition. Tim Dieppe, of Christian Concern, has warned that it will be wide open to exploitation by activists. But speaking to Choppers Political Podcast, Mr Reed said that under the new definition, there will be no restrictions on the right to criticise a particular religion or religion in general on my watch. What well do is look at how we can protect people from abuse that is extreme. Asked whether it would lead to backdoor blasphemy laws, the minister said: That will never happen on my watch. Absolutely, never. He added: There is a problem too, with the Muslim community, feeling hatred directed at them. You know, 40 per cent of all complaints about hatred are affecting the Muslim community. So there is really a problem. We need to look at it, but not in a way that damages free speech. Not in a way that affects peoples rights to criticise religion in general or a religion in particular. The right to criticise religion His comments echo assurances given by Sir Keir Starmer in December when he was challenged by Labour MP Graham Stringer who said: This country can be proud of its history of religious tolerance and religious freedom, the quid pro quo of that is the right to criticise religion. Can the Prime Minister assure this House that there will be no introduction or reintroduction of a blasphemy law, either by statute, by judicial overreach or by a non-statutory definition of Islamophobia? Sir Keir responded: Yes, I can give him that assurance and its important that I do so. The draft definition drawn up by the working group stated: Anti-Muslim hostility is engaging in or encouraging criminal acts, including acts of violence, vandalism of property, and harassment and intimidation whether physical, verbal, written or electronically communicated, which is directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslims because of their religion, ethnicity or appearance. It is also the prejudicial stereotyping and racialisation of Muslims, as part of a collective group with set characteristics, to stir up hatred against them, irrespective of their actual opinions, beliefs or actions as individuals. It is engaging in prohibited discrimination where the relevant conduct including the creation or use of practices and biases within institutions is intended to disadvantage Muslims in public and economic life. Inflaming community tensions Counter extremism experts have, however, warned that the new official definition of Islamophobia risks breaking the law by illegally discriminating against other faith groups. The proposals could also backfire by inflaming community tensions with other minority faith groups who will perceive it as favouring Muslims, says the analysis by the respected Counter Extremism Group (CEG), a research centre. The report was written by Kings College London academic Dr Daniel Allington, backed by a panel of experts including legislators and police. Author Julian Barnes and Rachel Cugnoni became romantically involved eight years ago The novelist Julian Barnes has secretly married ahead of his 80th birthday next week. The Booker Prize-winning author, who has a rare form of blood cancer, married Rachel Cugnoni in a register office ceremony in August last year. Only eight people were present. Ms Cugnoni was formerly Barness publisher at Vintage, and they have known each other for 30 years. Their romantic relationship began around eight years ago, following the death of the authors first wife, the literary agent Pat Kavanagh. The couple kept the news of their marriage secret until recently, when they invited 100 friends and family to a party, ostensibly to celebrate Barness forthcoming birthday. Addressing the assembled guests, Barnes recalled a dinner he had given in 2011 to celebrate winning the Booker Prize for his novel The Sense of an Ending. Ms Cugnoni had been seated next to him on that occasion, telling him afterwards that his celebratory speech was so good that she would like him to make a speech at her wedding one day. Well, I suppose this is it, Barnes told the party guests, revealing that the moment caught everyone completely off-guard. He added: And then, when they realised what I meant, they all stood up and applauded. It was really moving. Barnes was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer six years ago - Sebastian Nevols/The Telegraph Ms Cugnoni, who is 18 years Barness junior, was previously married to publisher Nicholas Pearson. Barnes shared news of his marriage in an interview with The Telegraph, saying he had never expected to start again after his first wife died from a brain tumour in 2008. The author, who was 62 when she died, added: I thought, thats a really crappy age to get widowed. I cant really start again. And yet youre not too old but you will be soon. It was a long time before I thought I might have another relationship. In a previous interview, he had said: I knew that Pat would want me to meet someone else. Fortunately, she didnt tell me she told other people, when she was ill. Its just the condition of life Next week, Barness latest novel, Departure(s), will also be published. It tells the story of a couple, Stephen and Jean, who rekindle their love after a separation of more than 30 years. It will be his last. You ought to go on until youve said everything youve got to say, and Ive reached that point, he said. Barnes has enjoyed a literary career spanning 45 years and 15 novels, beginning with Metroland in 1980. He won the Booker at his fourth attempt after describing the literary prize as posh bingo. He was diagnosed with cancer nearly six years ago and said he had come to terms with it, adding: Its just the condition of life theres no point in railing against it. Barnes said that he initially asked his consultant whether he would live long enough for scientists to find a cure for myeloproliferative neoplasm, his particular form of cancer. Only around 500 cases are diagnosed in the UK each year. He explained: He said dont even think about it, there isnt enough money in finding a cure for it. I admired him for saying that, rather than, Oh, well, you never know, dont give up hope. Pat Kavanagh with Julian Barnes in 2012 in Venice Barness new novel brings together themes of memory, love, friendship, ageing and death. He said that Kavanaghs diagnosis she died 37 days later made him rage against the dying of the light but he accepted that it was not a question of fairness. In Departure(s), he writes that death is just the universe doing its stuff. He reserved his anger for the friends and colleagues who did not speak about Kavanagh after she died, recalling: You want people to include her in the conversation. I was most outraged once when I was with three people in the publishing world, shed been dead just a few months, and I brought up her name and nobody picked it up. I brought it up again and nobody picked it up, and I brought it up again and nobody picked it up. They denied her thrice and it made me furious and contemptuous of them. They were people who had known her for 20, 25 years. Of his own illness, Barnes joked that he could not tell whether his feelings of weariness were down to cancer, chemotherapy or simply old age. He said he slept for longer now, and had less energy, but so do lots of other old f---s. He said he was most worried about whether his beloved Leicester City would get back to the Premier League in his lifetime. Asked if he feared death, Barnes responded dryly: I dont approve of it. I dont think its got anything in it for me. Simon Foster, the Corbynite policing chief, said Craig Guildford had acted with honour by stepping down - Jeremy Selwyn A Corbynite policing chief is under fire for allowing the chief constable behind the Israeli football fan ban to retire instead of sacking him. Simon Foster, the Labour police and crime commissioner (PCC) for the West Midlands, claimed Craig Guildford had acted with honour by retiring on Friday afternoon. Following his announcement, Mr Guildford, 52, said the political and media frenzy around his position had become detrimental to West Midlands Police. He had refused to resign despite mounting pressure over the forces role in the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from a Europea League game at Villa Park in Birmingham in November. Under his leadership, the force was found to have made misleading public statements about the fans of the Israeli club and failed to engage with the Jewish community. Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, declared that she had lost confidence in Mr Guildfords leadership as a result but could not sack him because that power lay with the local PCC Mr Foster, a Corbynite who once ran a local branch of Momentum. Mr Foster refused to do so, and said on Friday that he was pleased with the outcome, fuelling calls for his own resignation. Craig Guildford with Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, in February 2024 - UNPIXS Gideon Falter, the chief executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, said weak and indecisive handling of the situation by Mr Foster meant he should quit. The disgraceful conduct of Mr Guildford and Mr Foster shows who really rules the roost in local affairs in Birmingham, he said. Focus must also turn to the Islamists who browbeat the police into carrying out their wishes to ban Jews, and the police and crime commissioner who has not lifted a finger to stop it. Wendy Morton, the Conservative MP for Aldridge-Brownhills, said: Whilst welcoming this decision, not least of all because the chief constable had lost the confidence of residents across the West Midlands, I am dismayed that the Labour West Midlands police and crime commissioner has been slow to respond and once again ducked his responsibilities. The police and crime commissioner has shown no leadership in this matter and he should also be leaving at 5pm this afternoon out of respect to all the residents of the West Midlands. Robert Alden, the leader of the Birmingham Conservatives, said: Yet again, the Labour police and crime commissioner has shown how weak he is. If the chief constable was responsible for the disgraceful banning of Jewish fans and the cover-up of intelligence relating to armed gangs in our city intent on hunting down and hurting people, then he should have been fired. Simon Foster was accused of not having lifted a finger to stop Islamists who browbeat the police into carrying out their wishes to ban Jews Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, added: Craig Guildford should have been fired by the Labour police and crime commissioner but he was too weak to act. Craig Guildfords move to retire is simply not good enough. He should now face gross misconduct proceedings through an IOPC [Independent Office for Police Conduct] investigation, which can continue even after retirement or resignation. I will now be writing to the IOPC to call for this. The police watchdog confirmed that it would continue to investigate Mr Guildford in the wake of his retirement. Rachel Watson, the director general of the IOPC, said: Our interest in the actions of former chief constable Guildford, and other officers involved, does not end following his decision to step down. We are also liaising with the home affairs committee regarding evidence given by ex-CC Guildford and other officers during evidence sessions in December and January, and await its findings regarding the evidence given to the committee. A van bearing a quote from Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, outside the headquarters of West Midlands Police on Thursday - Jacob King/PA Mr Foster announced Mr Guildfords departure in a statement to the press in Birmingham on Friday afternoon, saying: The chief constable, Craig Guildford, has today retired from West Midlands Police with immediate effect. In doing so, he has acted with honour and in the best interests of West Midlands Police and our region. I welcome his decision. He added that while the force had been subjected to understandable intense and significant oversight and scrutiny it was important to acknowledge the many positive achievements and contributions that Craig Guildford has made to policing. Mr Guildford, who served as an officer for 32 years and will be entitled to his full pension, said his retirement was in the best interests of the organisation, myself and my family. Speaking on his last day, he said: I have come to the conclusion that the political and media frenzy around myself and my position has become detrimental to all the great work undertaken by my officers and staff in serving communities across the West Midlands. His departure marks the second time he has been allowed to retire from the police. In November 2024, he stepped down for 31 days before being rehired in order to take advantage of a beneficial pension arrangement intended only for rank-and-file officers. The Retire and Rehire scheme was introduced to encourage officers who had reached retirement age to stay on in their jobs without seeing their pension diminish. West Midlands Police stated that the scheme was open to officers up to the rank of inspector but exceptions for higher ranks could be made if there was a business case to support it. The rules and regulations set out by the force also stated that the chief constables decision on who was eligible for the scheme was final. The move was signed off by Mr Foster. Mr Guildford stood down two days after a highly critical report from Sir Andy Cooke, His Majestys Inspector of Constabulary, found the force had fabricated and exaggerated evidence to justify the ban on the Maccabi fans. Despite Ms Mahmood declaring she had no confidence in Mr Guildford and growing calls for him to resign, he refused to quit. Mr Foster, who had the power to sack his chief constable, refused and insisted he needed more time to consider the facts. A former lawyer, Mr Foster had said it was important he followed due process and was planning to question Mr Guildford over the debacle at an accountability meeting scheduled for Jan 27. Critics claimed the delay gave Mr Guildford the time to lawyer up and negotiate his departure under his own terms. Ms Mahmood welcomed Mr Guildfords departure, saying he had done the right thing by retiring. She added: The findings of the Chief Inspector were damning. They set out a catalogue of failings that have harmed trust in West Midlands Police. By stepping down, Craig Guildford has done the right thing today. I would like to acknowledge his years of service, and I pay tribute to the work of the officers in West Midlands Police, who keep their community safe every day. Today marks a crucial first step to rebuilding trust and confidence in the force amongst all the communities they serve. In the wake of the row, Ms Mahmood has announced she was introducing new powers giving home secretaries the authority to sack police bosses. Police and crime commissioners cannot be easily sacked or removed from office unless they are charged with a serious criminal offence. In 2014, Shaun Wright, the PCC for South Yorkshire, refused to resign in the wake of the Rotherham child abuse scandal. Theresa May, the then home secretary, was powerless to remove him, and he eventually quit after days of pressure. However, the role of the PCC will be abolished in 2028 and absorbed into the work of regional mayors. There are consequences from cutting deals with Islamists By Nick Timothy The chief constable has gone. This is the man whose police force fabricated intelligence that led to Israeli fans being banned from the Maccabi Tel Aviv match at Villa Park. West Midlands Police shamelessly tried to cover up this deception, lying to the Jewish community, the public, and Parliament. He has finally left office after weeks of kicking and screaming. But he has left the reputation of British policing in tatters. What really happened was that West Midlands Police had intelligence showing local Islamist thugs were planning to arm themselves and attack Israeli fans. The police suppressed that information and fabricated intelligence, pinning the blame entirely on the Israelis. They decided to appease the mob riled up by the local pro-Gaza independent MP. Craig Guildford described his decision as his retirement. The truth is he is jumping before he is pushed. He is leaving in disgrace and there should be no illusion about that. It is frankly shocking that he will leave with a full pension. He should have been sacked and the spineless police and crime commissioner along with the other senior officers should go too. This scandal did not come from the Chief Constables actions alone. The police failed as an institution, betraying the Peelian principles that have served us well for so long. We are left with serious unanswered questions about political pressure put on officers by pro-Palestine activists, self-appointed community leaders, and Islamist extremists. Much more we still do not know Away from the public eye, the police thought they could surrender to the politics of communalism without facing any consequences. Dedicated campaigners from across the country forced the truth out of them. But there is so much more we still do not know about the events leading up to and following the ban of Maccabi fans. We need to know why and how the police fabricated evidence off the back of a single phone call with Dutch commanders. Why was the meeting not minuted? Why were the handwritten notes destroyed? Why did the email summary not enter the chain of command immediately? It is wrong for critical evidence to be handled this way. Recent revelations also show the police partly based their decision on a fictitious game between Maccabi Tel Aviv and West Ham that was generated by AI. West Midlands Police say they want to exploit this new technology, but they do not even have an official AI policy. How can we trust the police to use untested technology when they do not know how to use it over sensitive matters? Above all, we need answers as to why the local Jewish community was ignored while officers engaged with local Muslim leaders, including three mosques linked to extremism. How far do these connections with these groups go? Why were mosques with a known history of platforming extremist preachers treated as partners? Who else are they talking to, and about what? One of these groups was the Green Lane mosque. This is the same mosque that has happily hosted anti-Semitic, misogynistic preachers. This is not the only time the mosque played a central role in local policing. There is evidence of Green Lane mosque hosting a West Midlands Police recruitment drive. The same mosque even helped appoint Craig Guildford to his former position in the first place. Kamran Hussain, its chief executive, sat on the panel that interviewed and assessed him. Politics of communalism These questions matter because the police and crime commissioner will now have to appoint a new chief constable. Britain needs police chiefs who are willing to stand up to Islamists and reject the politics of communalism. Mosques with connections to extremism should play no part whatsoever in the recruitment of chief constables and operational policing in the future. This is not the end of the story. We must know what the Home Secretary and Prime Minister knew, and when they knew it. What they did and what they did not do. And we need all public authorities not just the police to know there are consequences when you cut deals with Islamists. Everyone should be treated equally under the law. But we need to know who holds the power in modern Britain. The police took the side of Islamists in Birmingham. It must never happen again. Nick Timothy is the MP for West Suffolk and shadow justice secretary Achim Thomae / Getty Images Key Points As shoppers become increasingly aware of how their grocery budgets are spent, knowing which supermarkets consistently deliver fresh, quality produce is crucial. We've identified five major chains that have standout produce departments so your fruits and vegetables taste better and last longer. These picks are based on factors including sourcing, freshness, and commitment to sustainability. When shopping for fresh food, few things are more frustrating than buying a carton of strawberries or a bag of spinach only to watch your new produce wilt or become slimy within twenty-four hours. Amid rising grocery costs, home cooks are more price-conscious than ever, and throwing away food before you can eat it is a habit we cant afford. Which means the fruits and vegetables you buy and the way the grocery store treats them matter. Some retailers invest minimal care in their produce departments, while others have built their entire logistics network around getting items from farm to shelf in record time. To determine which stores truly deliver the crispest greens and the ripest fruit, we looked past the marketing slogans and dove deep into how major chains care for their produce. By analyzing company policies surrounding sourcing, independent sustainability reports, and thousands of online customer reviews, weve identified five major chains that consistently outshine competitors in the produce department. Wegmans Walking into a Wegmans produce department feels less like visiting a standard grocery store and more like stepping into a farmers market. The company prioritizes freshness, a strategy thats supported by its Near Our Stores program, which leverages local farms to supply its produce department. In addition to the family farms and smaller suppliers it sources produce from, Wegmans operates its own Wegmans Organic Farm and Orchard in Canandaigua, New York. The chain uses this site to test regenerative farming methods, sharing the results with a network of over 400 partner family farms to improve fruit and vegetable quality across the board. Related: Americas Best Grocery Store Sushi Comes From These 4 Chains The company ships produce daily from three dedicated distribution facilities and customizes inventory to each store's needs. "Having shipping points and processing facilities near our stores and distribution centers allows our products to reach customers quickly, minimizing transit time and preserving peak quality," says Martha Hilton, Wegmans' vice president of produce and floral merchandising. This farm-to-shelf logistics network has created a loyal following. On the r/wegmans subreddit, shoppers note that the high foot traffic results in rapid stock rotation, which means the avocados and berries you buy haven't been sitting in a cooler for weeks. Whole Foods Market Whole Foods Market has long been the benchmark for organic produce, and it's the first and only national chain to have all of its retail operations certified as USDA organic. As a result, every Whole Foods store is third-party audited to ensure organic integrity. The chain's Pollinator Health Policy requires that all fresh produce, flowers, and other plants be grown using Integrated Pest Management, which reduces the need for chemical pesticides. "The health of our food system depends fundamentally on pollinators, and our Pollinator Health Policy strengthens our ongoing commitment to protecting these essential creatures and maintaining biodiversity," explains Kevin Doty, vice president of produce at Whole Foods Market. Related: I Tried Trader Joes Most Popular Snacks Here Are My 5 Favorites Customers generally agree that you get what you pay for in the produce aisle here the fruits and vegetables might be a little bit on the pricier side, but theyll last for a long time. For items that spoil quickly, like leafy greens and raspberries, shoppers regularly report that Whole Foods' shelf life outperforms budget competitors, ultimately helping them save money by reducing waste. When it comes to selection, Whole Foods is hard to beat. If youre searching for tropical fruits such as rambutan and dragon fruit in the United States, this chain is a dependable source. And if you want specialty produce like the coveted cotton candy grapes, you can often find them here. The Fresh Market If you want a grocery run that feels curated rather than chaotic, head to The Fresh Market. The retailer recently swept the 2025 USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards, securing the number one spot for "Best Supermarket for Produce." Even the shopping experience here is designed to feel relaxing, featuring classical music and softer lighting. Beyond the aesthetics, the store is a favorite for foodies looking for hard-to-find ingredients. Shoppers turn to The Fresh Market for specialty items that arent available at some big box stores, like cotton candy grapes, specific varieties of mushrooms, and purple artichokes. On social forums, fans of The Fresh Market frequently recommend its Little Big Meal deals, weekly dinner kits that feature generous portions of fresh, pre-prepped veggie sides, as an affordable and convenient way to experience the produce department's quality without paying a premium price. H-E-B In Texas, H-E-B isn't just a grocery store; it's practically a religion, and the produce department is a big part of what makes this supermarket's fans so loyal. While many chains ship produce across the country, H-E-B leans into its home-field advantage. Through its Texas Roots program, the retailer partners with growers across the state to source signature items like Fredericksburg peaches, Poteet strawberries, and 1015 sweet onions. Because these products don't have to travel far, they can ripen before theyre picked instead of on a truck. Wondering how they keep the quality consistent? On the r/HEB subreddit thread, self-identified employees have discussed the department's strict "culling" standards. One worker noted that they are trained to pull any fruit or vegetable that has imperfections, ensuring only top-tier items remain on the shelves. Sprouts Farmers Market True to its name, Sprouts Farmers Market places produce at the center of its business model. Sprouts utilizes an open floor plan with farm stand-style fruit and vegetable displays in the middle of the store. "At Sprouts, fresh, local, and organic produce is at the heart of what we do and is why our produce is at the center of every Sprouts location," says Sonya Constable, vice president of produce. "We love creating a shopping experience that echoes the traditions of farmers markets." Related: The 5 Grocery Store Chains With the Best Bakery Departments The company works with farmers close to its stores who are committed to organic, non-GMO agriculture and sustainable practices. Sprouts also offers more than 900 produce SKUs annually, including limited-time, seasonal items that can't be found elsewhere. Budget-conscious shoppers have taken notice of this commitment to quality and freshness. In online forums, Sprouts is frequently cited as the winner for produce quality-to-price ratio, with users noting that while meat and dry goods tend to be more expensive here, the cost for fresh fruits and vegetables regularly beats major chains like Kroger or Safeway. Read the original article on Food & Wine Concept of AI-powered tutoring illustrated with a person dressed professionally that looks like a teacher whispering from behind toward a robot's head. - Eamonn Fitzmaurice // The74; Getty Images AI tutors, with a little human help, offer reliable instruction, study finds An AI-powered tutor, paired with a human helper and individual-level data on a students proficiency, can outperform a human alone, with near-flawless results, a new study suggests. The results could open a new front in the evolving discussion over how to use AI in schools and how closely humans must watch it when its interacting with kids, The 74 reports. In a randomized controlled trial involving 165 British secondary school students, ages 13-15, the ed-tech startup Eedi.com put a small group of expert human tutors in charge of a large language model, or LLM, offered by Googles LearnLM. As it tutored students on math problems via Eedis platform, it drafted replies when students needed help. Before the messages went out, the human tutors got a chance to revise each one to the point where theyd feel comfortable sending it themselves. Students didnt know whether they were talking to a human or a chatbot, but they had longer conversations, on average, with the supervised AI/human combination than simply with a human tutor, said Bibi Groot, Eedis chief impact officer. In the end, students using the supervised AI tutor performed slightly better than those who chatted online via text with human tutors they were able to solve new kinds of problems on subsequent topics successfully 66.2% of the time, compared to 60.7% with human tutors. The AI, researchers concluded, was a reliable source of instruction. Human tutors approved about three out of four drafted messages with few to no edits. A sample exchange between a student and an AI tutor, with replies edited by a human before they were sent out. - Eedi Labs Students who got both human and AI tutoring were able to correct misconceptions and offer correct answers over 90% of the time, compared to just 65% of the time when they got a static, pre-written response to their questions. And the AI only hallucinated, or offered factual errors, 0.1% of the time in 3,617 messages, that amounted to just five hallucinations. It didnt produce any messages that gave the tutors pause over safety. The results suggest that pedagogically fine-tuned AI could play a role in delivering effective, individualized tutoring at scale, researchers said. Interestingly, students who received support from the AI were more likely to solve new kinds of problems on subsequent topics. The key to the AIs success, said Groot, was that researchers gave it access to detailed, extremely personalized information about what topics students had covered over the previous 20 weeks. That included the topics theyd struggled with and those theyd mastered. We know what topics theyre covering in the next 20 weeks we know the curriculum. We know the other students in the classroom. We know whether theyre putting effort into their questions. We know whether theyre watching videos or not we know so much about the student without passing any personally identifiable information to the AI. That guided the AIs strategy about whether students needed an extra push or just more support something an out-of-the-box, vanilla LLM cant do, she said. They dont know anything about what the teacher is teaching in the classroom, Groot said. They dont know what misconceptions or what topics the students are struggling with and what theyve already mastered, so theyre not able to dynamically change how they address the topic, as a human tutor would. Human tutors, she said, generally have a really good sense of where the student struggles, because they have some sort of ongoing relation with a student most of the time. An LLM tutor generally doesnt. All the same, even master tutors typically dont go into a session knowing a students comprehensive history in a course, including their misconceptions about the material. All of that is too much information for a human tutor to read up on and deal with while theyre having one conversation with a student, Groot said. And theyre under pressure to respond quickly, so that the student is not left waiting. And thats quite an intensive experience for tutors that leads to a bit of cognitive overload, she said. The AI doesnt suffer from that. It needs less than a millisecond to read all of those contexts and come up with that first question. Even with their personal connection to students, human tutors cant be available 24/7. Groot said Eedi employs about 25 tutors across several time zones who are available to students from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, but to give students broader access would require hiring an army of tutors, she said. The new findings could encourage schools to use AI as a kind of front line tutor, with humans intervening when a student is derailing the conversation, or they have such a persistent misconception that the AI cant deal with it, said Groot. We think that would be an interesting way to collaborate between the AI and the human, because there is still a really important role for a human tutor. But our human tutors just cannot have conversations with thousands of students at once. The new study, published on Nov. 25 on Eedis site and scheduled to appear in a peer-reviewed journal next year, differed in one important way from recent studies that looked at AI tutoring. Researchers at Stanford University in October 2024 examined AI-assisted human tutoring, in which tutors primarily drove the conversation. But in that case, the AI acted as a kind of assistant, providing suggestions behind the scenes. In the Eedi study, it was the other way around, with AI driving the conversation and humans overseeing it. Robin Lake, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education at Arizona State University, said the study is important in and of itself, but also in the context of broader findings elsewhere suggesting that, with proper training and guidance, AI can be an incredibly powerful tool and certainly has a potential to take tutoring to scale in ways that weve never seen before. Under controlled circumstances, she said, its also outperforming humans thats really important. Lake noted a June study from Harvard researchers that examined results from 194 undergraduates in a large physics class. They presented identical material in class and via an AI tutor and found that students learned significantly more in less time using the tutor. They also felt more engaged and motivated about the material. Liz Cohen, vice president of policy for 50CAN and author of the recent book The Future of Tutoring: Lessons from 10,000 School District Tutoring Initiatives, said the study provides valuable evidence about new kinds of tutoring. But one of its limitations, she said, is that it relied on 13-to-15-year-olds. So immediately I have a lot of questions about if the findings are applicable for younger students, especially using a chat-based model, which may not be a good one for such students. She also noted that there are many questions around student persistence with AI tutors, including what happens when students get frustrated or arent sufficiently engaged in the work? I still mostly think that entirely AI tutoring programs are biased towards students who want to do the work or are interested in learning, Cohen said, and its pretty easy to see that students who arent bought in or are frustrated are going to give up more readily with an AI tutor. She noted that her 12-year-old daughter has experienced problems persisting in an AI-powered math tutoring program. She gets frustrated if she cant get the answer and then she doesnt want to do it anymore, so I think we need to figure out that piece of it. This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children/X.com Bless Flores NEED TO KNOW Police in Houston are searching for a 16-year-old girl who has been missing since Monday, Jan. 12 The girl, Bless Flores, was last seen wearing black sweatpants and a black hoodie and is believed by police to be with a man known only to authorities as Hector Bless is possibly a passenger in a gray Jeep with a temporary Texas license plate with the number 23367TMP A teen girl from Texas is missing and police have issued an Amber Alert, believing she is with a 28-year-old man. Bless Flores, a 16-year-old girl from Houston, was last seen at 11 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, according to the Texas Center for the Missing. KHOU and Fox 26 reported that Bless is believed to be with a 28-year-old man whom police only know as Hector. 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. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children/X.com Bless Flores and Hector Hector might be driving a gray Jeep with a temporary Texas license plate with the number 23367TMP, per the outlets. Bless is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 110 lbs, Fox 26 reported, citing Houston police. The Texas Center for the Missing said Bless was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black sweatpants and is possibly a passenger in the Jeep that Hector could be driving. Anyone with information is asked to call Houston police at (832) 394-1840. Read the original article on People Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. - Sean Kilpatrick/Reuters Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed a new strategic partnership with China during a meeting with leader Xi Jinping Friday, as the US ally took steps to reset ties with Beijing in the face of historic friction with Donald Trump. Canada would ease tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and expected China to significantly reduce barriers tariffs on Canadian canola seed later this year, Ottawa said in a statement after the meeting in a major step to ease long-standing trade tensions. Carney is the first Canadian prime minister to visit since 2017, a year before relations between the two cratered after Canada arrested an executive from Chinese telecoms giant Huawei at the request of the US, and Beijing imprisoned two Canadian citizens shortly after. The prime ministers visit this week had made clear Ottawas new objective: to move its economy closer to its second largest trading partner following a year in which Trump ratcheted up trade and political frictions with Canada, imposing sweeping tariffs and publicly musing about turning the country into the 51st US state. Speaking to Xi in Beijings ornate Great Hall of the People on Friday morning, Carney described the countries new strategic partnership as one that could work to improve a strained international system. Together we can build on the best of what this relationship has been in the past to create a new one adapted to new global realities, Carney said in his remarks, noting that the two sides would focus on areas where they can make historic gains such as agriculture and energy. The deepening partnership would help improve the multilateral system, which in recent years had come under great strain, he added. The language marks a sharp departure from rhetoric of recent years when Canada and its G7 partners raised concerns about Beijings activities on the global stage and interference in their democracies. And it is sure to be welcomed by Beijing which has long looked to drive wedges between the US and its allies, and reshape what it sees as a world order unfairly dominated by their bloc. In his remarks to Carney, Xi said both countries should advance the building of a new type of strategic partnership between China and Canada. Trade agreements A joint statement following the meeting said that the two sides welcomed the progress made in resolving trade issues through consultations, according to a copy released by the Chinese state media Xinhua. A separate Canadian statement specified that Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EV) into the Canadian market per year, with the most-favored-nation tariff rate of 6.1%. The move rolls back what had previously been an irritant in their relations: a blanket 100% tariff on the goods imposed by Canada in tandem with the US in 2024. This agreement will drive considerable new Chinese joint-venture investment in Canadas auto industry, the statement said. It also said that Canada expected China to reduce its tariffs on Canadian canola seed to about 15% by March 1 a significant drop from the roughly 85% levels that had been imposed on entry of the good into China, where it makes up a $4 billion market. Other products like lobsters and peas would also see tariffs lift on that timeline, Canada said. China had announced retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food products last March, hurting Canadian farmers and effectively shutting Canadas second-largest market for the crop. Carney and Xi discussed increasing two-way investment in clean energy and technology, agri-food, wood products and other sectors as part of a bid to elevate exports to China by 50% by 2030, Ottawa said. A China reset As ties with the US have soured, Carney, who was elected in April, has looked to boost ties with other partners, including Europe, India and now China. Trump slapped tariffs on Canadian goods (while exempting many under a pre-existing trade agreement) last year and has frequently called for Canada to become the 51st state sparking concern and disbelief among Canadians. While that rhetoric has cooled, Ottawa is paying close attention to Trumps escalating talk of taking control of Greenland, the Danish territory off Canadas eastern coast. That push for a China reset comes despite a difficult relationship between the two sides in recent years. During a debate ahead of his election in April, Carney replied China, when asked to name Canadas biggest security threat. Ties between Canada and China plunged to historic lows in 2018 following Canadas arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a US warrant related to the companys business dealings in Iran. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested on espionage charges in China days later, in a case Beijing denied was retaliatory. All three returned to their home countries in 2021. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CHICAGO and NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BDT & MSD Partners ("BDT & MSD") today announced that Adam Beshara will join the firm this May as President. Adam brings decades of experience advising founders, family business owners, and management teams through complex and often defining strategic decisions. He joins BDT & MSD from Centerview Partners, where he has been a partner since 2012 and a senior advisor in the General Industries and Business Services sectors. Prior to Centerview, Adam spent 14 years at JPMorgan, including as a Managing Director, with senior roles across M&A, Financial Sponsors, and Diversified Industrials. "Founders and family business owners value advisors who bring perspective, discretion, and the ability to support them through critical moments," said Byron Trott, Chairman and Co-CEO of BDT & MSD. "Adam embodies those qualities, and we're pleased to welcome him to the firm." "Adam is highly respected, with deep judgment and long-standing relationships with owners and management teams," said Gregg Lemkau, Co-CEO of BDT & MSD. "His experience and approach align closely with how we support founders and family business owners with advice and capital over the long term." In his role, Adam will work alongside the firm's Presidents and collaborate across the merchant bank to support clients as they navigate important strategic decisions. His appointment reflects BDT & MSD's commitment to delivering trusted advice alongside aligned capital and differentiated investment solutions, supported by meaningful connections and shared insight for founders and family business owners. "BDT & MSD has built a platform centered on long-term relationships and thoughtful support for founders and family-owned businesses," said Adam Beshara. "I'm excited to join the firm and work with the team in service of those clients." BDT & MSD also recently announced that Erik Oken has joined the firm as Head of the East Region, further strengthening the firm's senior leadership and its ability to support clients across key regions. Erik was most recently Chairman of Private Equity at MidOcean Partners. Prior to that, he spent over 30 years at JPMorgan, including serving as Global Chairman of Investment Banking. About BDT & MSD Partners BDT & MSD Partners is a merchant bank with an advisory and investment platform built to serve the distinct needs of business owners and strategic, long-term investors. The firm is distinguished by its decades of experience advising at the intersection of founders, families, and businesses, as well as by its differentiated capital base and culture of aligned investing. BDT & MSD was established in 2023 through the combination of BDT & Company, the merchant bank to the closely held, founded in 2009 by Byron Trott, and MSD Partners, a premier investment firm, led by Gregg Lemkau, that since 2009 has invested on behalf of Dell Technologies Founder Michael Dell, his family, and other like-minded investors. Its funds are managed by its affiliated investment advisers. For more information, visit www.bdtmsd.com. Media Contacts BDT & MSD Partners Sara Evans / Matthew Glasser T: (312) 529-6548 / (312) 385-2883 E: [email protected] SOURCE BDT & MSD Partners CIA director John Ratcliffe met with Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez for two hours Thursday in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, to "deliver the message that the United States looks forward to an improved working relationship," a U.S. official told CBS News Friday. The official described the trip as historic, noting that Ratcliffe was the first Cabinet-level official to visit Venezuela since the U.S. military operation to remove the country's autocratic leader Nicolas Maduro nearly two weeks ago. At the meeting, which was first reported by The New York Times, Ratcliffe was said to convey a warning that Venezuela must stop supporting drug trafficking. "During the meeting in Caracas, Director Ratcliffe discussed potential opportunities for economic collaboration and that Venezuela can no longer be a safe haven for America's adversaries, especially narcotraffickers," the official said. Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez meets with CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Caracas on Jan. 15, 2026, in a photo provided by a CIA official. The meeting came the same day that President Trump met with Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House. Though Mr. Trump has publicly praised Machado, the administration appears to view Rodriguez who was vice president under Maduro as more capable of maintaining stability in Venezuela in the near term. That aligns with the findings of a CIA analytic assessment that modeled potential political leadership scenarios in Venezuela if Maduro were no longer president, CBS News can confirm. The analysis, which was closely held and briefed to a limited group of senior administration officials, concluded that existing Maduro-aligned officials including Rodriguez would be best positioned to maintain short-term stability. During his Senate confirmation hearings last year, Ratcliffe promised that, as he put it, the agency would be less risk-averse under his leadership. This visit to Caracas reflected the U.S. intelligence chief's belief that he would not ask the CIA workforce to take risks he would not take himself, the U.S. official told CBS News. CBS News has previously reported that the CIA had a small team operating clandestinely on the ground in Venezuela as early as August to lay the groundwork for Maduro's capture, including a human asset helping it track Maduro. After months of preparation that included building a replica of Maduro's compound and studying his daily habits, U.S. forces arrived at the Venezuelan president's residence just after 2 a.m. local time on Jan. 3. The surprise operation involved U.S. forces dismantling and disabling Venezuela's air defense systems as U.S. military helicopters neared Caracas, and U.S. military personnel deployed weapons "to ensure the safe passage of the helicopters into the target area," Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Dan Caine said earlier this month. Maduro was apprehended along with his wife, Cilia Flores, and brought to the U.S. to face charges including charges of narco-terrorism, conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering and corruption. Maduro and Flores appeared before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in a federal courthouse in lower Manhattan on Jan. 5. "I'm innocent. I'm not guilty I'm a decent man," Maduro said through an interpreter, insisting that he was "still president of my country." Maduro has long been accused of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture and repression during his rule over the South American country. He kept his grip on power despite what the U.S. called "overwhelming evidence" that he lost reelection in 2024 to opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. U.N. experts at the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner have expressed concern over the U.S.'s unilateral action to abduct Maduro as a potential violation of international law. "These actions represent a grave, manifest and deliberate violation of the most fundamental principles of international law, set a dangerous precedent, and risk destabilising the entire region and the world," the group said in a statement last week. New details emerge about how Renee Good died Tape of woman's last words upends husband's account of accidental shooting Inside look at Buffalo Bills' new stadium Public transit officials in Brisbane confirmed an unusual safety incident in mid-December 2025 after a city bus driver intervened to protect a native koala. A video shared by a local wildlife rescue group later circulated widely, drawing attention to how the situation unfolded and why standard procedures were briefly set aside. Authorities confirmed the koala had been moving through active traffic when a public transit employee made a real-time decision to secure the animal on a city bus. The temporary solution kept both the koala and the public safe until trained wildlife responders arrived. A Problem Spotted A Brisbane CityGlider bus driver noticed a koala moving through traffic on a busy street in the Camp Hill area. Koalas do not fare well on urban roads. They move slowly, rely on trees for shelter, and can panic when surrounded by loud noises and vehicles. The animal attempted to climb a metal light pole positioned on a median. That move created a second risk, because a fall would have dropped the koala directly toward active traffic. The driver stopped the bus, stepped out, and acted quickly to limit harm. Using a jacket to cover the koalas head, he lifted the animal away from danger and brought it onto the bus. Why A Bus Became The Safest Option Image via Wikimedia Commons/Eamon Monaghan Photography Wildlife experts consistently warn against handling koalas without training. They have strong claws, can bite, and improper handling can cause them injury. Still, in this case, the driver made a judgment call based on immediate conditions. The bus offered a dark, contained space, which is exactly what wildlife rescue groups recommend when an animal needs temporary shelter. Koala Rescue Brisbane South later confirmed that the bus was used only as a holding space while help was en route. Inside the vehicle, the koala latched onto a vertical pole and stayed calm while the driver contacted rescuers. Rescuers named the koala Peri after arriving on the scene. Photos and video show Peri gripping a handrail as the bus remained stationary. Koalas under stress often vocalize or attempt to flee, but Peri did neither. Once collected, Peri was taken to an RSPCA wildlife hospital for evaluation. Veterinarians cleared him in under 24 hours: no injuries, no signs of illness, and no long-term issues tied to the roadside encounter. Back To The Bush, Right On Schedule After the checkup, rescuers relocated Peri to the Seven Hills Bushland Reserve, a protected area for koala habitation. The release followed standard practice for healthy animals found in urban zones. Koalas depend on eucalyptus forests and spend most of their lives in trees. When those trees disappear or become fragmented, animals are forced to move into unfamiliar territory. Thus, the goal is always to return, rather than relocate into care. This is vital because koalas remain vulnerable across eastern Australia. The World Wildlife Fund reports that koalas were listed as endangered in several regions in 2022. Habitat loss, vehicle strikes, disease, and dog attacks continue to reduce populations. The Australian Koala Foundation estimates that as much as 80 percent of koala habitat has disappeared due to land clearing, with current population estimates under 60K nationwide. So it's a good thing that Peri paused and waited to be returned to the wild. Go Fund Me Harvey Muklebust NEED TO KNOW A Minnesota daycare worker was arrested this week after she allegedly admitted to suffocating two babies, including an 11monthold boy who died in September 2025 Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, was booked into jail on charges of second-degree murder and felony assault in the first and third degree Savage Police Chief Brady Juell said at a press conference that Russell committed the alleged crimes to "seek attention" A Minnesota daycare worker was arrested after she allegedly admitted to suffocating two babies including an 11monthold boy who died in what authorities say was an attention-seeking act. Theah Loudemia Russell, 18, was booked into the Scott County Jail on Tuesday, Jan. 13 on charges of second-degree murder and felony assault in the first and third degrees, according to Scott County Sheriff's Office arrest records reviewed by PEOPLE. It's unclear if she has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on her behalf. At a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 14, Savage Police Chief Brady Juell said Russell's arrest comes after a three month investigation into the death of 11-month-old Harvey Muklebust. On Sept. 22, 2025, Russell called 911 to report that Harvey was not breathing, the chief said. Police and emergency responders arrived at the Rocking Horse Ranch childcare facility in Savage, Minn., where they immediately began lifesaving efforts. The boy was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Three days before the boy's death, police responded to the same daycare on a report of a baby girl who was not breathing and had blood and foam coming out of her mouth, according to Juell. She was breathing by the time officers arrived, and the parents took her to the hospital. The chief said it initially appeared to be a medical episode with "no immediate foul play concerns raised." The child was evaluated, released and reportedly acted normally over the weekend. When she returned to the daycare on Sept. 22, she showed the same symptoms. Her parents took her to the hospital, but police were not called. KARE 11 reported the Minnesota Department of Human Services issued a suspension of the facility license the next day, on Sept. 23 citing an imminent risk of harm to children, according to court documents. Google Maps Rocking Horse Ranch childcare facility in Savage, Minnesota. Juell stated that Russell's actions at the scene "immediately raised suspicion," prompting investigators to consider her a person of interest. "She had last contact with each of the affected children immediately prior to these events," the chief claimed, adding that Russell had been employed at the daycare for three weeks at that point. Investigators looked into Russell's background, including previous employers and those who knew her, which revealed a "documented history of attention-seeking behavior," the chief told reporters. Some of these incidents allegedly include Russell making multiple 911 calls about "nonsensical" situations and hanging up, as well as starting fires at church camp and exhibiting "erratic behavior" toward other children. Scott County Sheriff Theah Loudemia Russell "We have probable cause to believe Theah Russell intentionally suffocated these children on three occasions to seek attention," Juell said. "And that third incident tragically resulted in the death of Harvey Muklebust." Russell was arrested at her home and taken in for police questioning, during which she allegedly "provided detailed descriptions" of how she carried out the suffocations of both children. According to Harvey's obituary, he was five days shy of his first birthday when he died. A GoFundMe campaign created to help offset funeral and other costs said the boy was "pure happiness and sunshine from the moment he was born." 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. "He could light up an entire room with his contagious smile and filled everyones hearts with joy when he giggled," the fundraiser read. Juell described the case as "heartbreaking" and said it has "shaken our entire community." "No words can fully express the profound sorrow we feel for the Muklebust family and all of those affected by this crime. Our thoughts remain with Harveys loved ones and we are committed to supporting them through every step that will undoubtedly be a long and difficult journey. Russell is currently being held on $3.5 million bail, and her first court appearance is set for Feb. 4, FOX 9 reported. Read the original article on People Delta's basic business would be a first for a US airline, but there are plenty of international carriers that offer pared-down premium seats. Pictured is business class aboard a Delta A330-900neo (Chris Rank) In a first for a U.S. airline, Delta Air Lines will roll out basic business and first-class fares in 2026, according to an executive at the carrier. Basic fares mean fewer perks such as ticket flexibility, earning loyalty points or free checked luggage with the practice of splitting tickets into multiple options known as unbundling. Airlines pitch it as a way of offering more choice, while hoping customers will be encouraged to pay more to avoid restrictions. It also means they can price-match no-frills airlines. Delta's basic business would be a first for a US airline, but there are plenty of international carriers that offer pared-down premium seats. Pictured is business class aboard a Delta A330-900neo (Chris Rank) Delta introduced a basic option for economy in 2012 (rebranding it Main Basic in 2025) and for its extra-legroom Comfort Plus seat last November. Now, Delta President Glen Hauenstein has confirmed that this fare tier is a 2026 initiative for its premium cabins. During an earnings call this week, he said: Weve talked about having three categories for every product, which is basic, main and extra. And that continues to evolve. "We put those products in place for Comfort Plus, and that implementation is producing results that are actually slightly above our internal projections. Delta introduced 'basic' fares for its Comfort Plus seats, pictured, in November 2025 (Chris Rank) So, youll see us continue to bring that and move that up the ladder to give customers choice not only of the seat, but the actual product that they want to buy with that seat and disaggregating that out. That should be rolled out throughout 2026. Its one of our 2026 initiatives. Hauenstein explained that selling some premium seats at a lower price could increase overall profitability, as seats that might otherwise go empty would likely be sold. While this move would be a first for a U.S. airline, there are plenty of international carriers that offer pared-down business-class seats, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Finnair, Air France and Etihad. Delta also revealed this week that it will add 30 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner widebody aircraft to its fleet. The 787 will be a new fleet type for Delta and is in addition to a previous order for 100 Boeing 737-10 Max aircraft. Fires are lit as protesters rally on Jan. 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. For 46 years, the Revolutionary Islamic Government has tortured the people of Iran. From the moment that the Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile in Paris he managed to hurtle one of the worlds great cultures into a new dark age. Since 1979 that regime has slaughtered and executed its domestic political opponents. It has publicly hanged people convicted of crimes against morality, including people convicted for the crime of being gay. It has sponsored terrorism across the Middle East, Europe and America. The regime has been the biggest colonizing, imperialist power in the Middle East. And it has tried to kill a US president, a US secretary of state and a US national security adviser among others on American soil. Given all of that you might have thought that there would be marches against the Ayatollahs most weeks in Western cities. But there never has been. When the Iranian people have risen up in the past (as in the 2009 Green Revolution) they did so alone. Back then President Obama did nothing to support the pro-democracy movement in Iran. He just sat back and allowed female protestors to be shot through the head by the foul Basij militia and other government entities. Decades of weakness So what is different this time? Two things. First is the scale of the protests against the regime inside Iran. Over recent days the Iranian government has turned off the internet in an effort to stop the population of Iran from coordinating. But the brave Iranian people have been turning out in their hundreds of thousands anyway. They have toppled emblems of the regime and attacked regime buildings. This is already bigger than any previous uprisings. The second thing that is different this time is that Donald Trump is in the White House. In 1979 when the Iranian Revolution happened a different type of president sat in the Oval Office. Jimmy Carter not just allowed the revolution to happen, he humiliatingly failed to even release the 66 Americans who were taken hostage by the forces that had overthrown the Shah. It was a time of terrible weakness in American foreign policy. The Ayatollahs knew that and they took advantage of it. Likewise they knew that Obama would do nothing in 2009 to support the pro-Western, pro-American protestors who turned on the streets of Iran. Perhaps it was inevitable that American leadership should have been so weak. After all, from the very start of the Iranian Revolution in 1979 the event was misunderstood in much of the West. For instance, the famed left-wing intellectual Michel Foucault still one of the most cited idiots in American academia claimed that Khomeini would bring a spiritual revolution to Iran that would do away with those terrible Western sins of capitalism and materialism. The New York Times ran a piece claiming that the depiction of Ayatollah Khomeini as fanatical and the bearer of crude prejudices seems certainly and happily false. And Foreign Affairs magazine claimed that Khomeinis Islamic republic can be expected to have a doctrine of social justice at its core; from all indications it will be flexible in interpreting the Koran. All of these opinions and many others aged like milk. Khomeini and his successor Ayatollah Khamenei were and are fanatics. They massacred their left-wing and trade union opponents in Iranian jails by the hundreds. They forced a liberal society to become a place where all women had to cover their heads. Their morality police stalked the country looking for women they could arrest and beat. They abducted, raped, tortured and killed students who opposed them. And all the time the West did nothing. Trumps options Of course the question for many years was what can we do? One answer put forward by weak leaders in the US and Europe was to try to bring the Iranian Revolution in from the cold. But the regime in Iran didnt want to be part of the same world as ours. They wanted to continue to chant Death to America. They wanted to continue to promise the annihilation of America and the wider West. They wanted to keep their fundamentalist Islamic revolution and expand it across the region and then the world. Now that the brave people of Iran are on the streets it is a good time to show them that this time they are not alone. It is not just in the best interests of the region, but in the best interests of the world that the biggest terrorist government in the world should fall. But how can it be done? President Trump has already given fair warning to the Ayatollah. Footage that has been smuggled out of Iran shows evidence of the thousands of Iranian citizens that the regime has already massacred. The regimes threat to start public executions of protestors drew a sharp response from President Trump, who warned the regime that if that were to happen America would act. Yet as some of the briefings against President Trump have shown, there is a deep fear in DC and other capitals which stretches back to Afghanistan and Iraq. The rule back then was the old Pottery Barn rule: If you break it you own it. But, as we can see from Trumps bold action in Venezuela, he operates in a different way. His policy is that sometimes things are already broken and you need to make minimal interventions in order to fix them. Or allow the people of the country to fix them for themselves. The US could aid assets and allies inside Iran in taking out major centers of the terror regime. We could hit the headquarters of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp and the Basij militia who are waging war against the Iranian people. America could also assist people inside Iran to target the people responsible for the terror. In doing so we can show that freedom-loving people in Iran have a friend in the United States. And that people who murder their own people and seek to spread terror across the world will not go unpunished. President Trump has a historic opportunity. He could help end Irans half-century nightmare and make up for 46 years of foreign policy failure. In doing so he will prove that unlike his predecessors he is the president who stood for freedom in the face of terror. FILE PHOTO: Police officers stand next to tractors blocking a road near the Eiffel Tower, as French farmers protest against the government's handling of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement and the handling of the lumpy skin disease outbreak, in Paris, France, January 8, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo FILE PHOTO: Police officers stand next to tractors blocking a road near the Eiffel Tower, as French farmers protest against the government's handling of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement and the handling of the lumpy skin disease outbreak, in Paris, France, January 8, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo By Philip Blenkinsop and Lucinda Elliott BRUSSELS/MONTEVIDEO Jan 16 (Reuters) - Top EU officials will travel to Paraguay on Saturday to sign a free trade agreement with South American bloc Mercosur, paving the way for the European Union's largest ever trade accord after 25 years of negotiations. But the signature will not mark the end of the long-running saga. WHAT DOES THE DEAL INCLUDE? The trade deal would slash tariffs with the goal of expanding goods trade that is evenly split and was worth 111 billion euros in 2024. It has been highly contested within the EU. Proponents say the accord is essential to offset business lost to U.S. tariffs and reduce reliance on China by securing access to critical minerals. Critics, including some European farmers and environmental groups, protest that a deal would lead to a surge of cheap imports of South American commodities, notably beef, and to further deforestation. The EU and Mercosur countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay will in fact sign two agreements rather than one - the Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) covering only trade, and the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) encompassing political and sectoral cooperation as well as trade and investment. PARLIAMENTARY CONSENT The ITA could in theory enter force after the signature, but convention dictates that this will only happen after consent from the European Parliament. A final vote may only take place in April or May. The outcome will likely be tight. While a majority of EU me mber states backed the deal this month, Austria, France, Hungary, Ireland and Poland voted against it, largely over concerns for farmers. Belgium abstained. Lawmakers from those countries could vote against the agreement, with the far-right and hard-left also opposed. If the EU assembly approves the ITA, it would probably take effect a few months later. But the broader partnership agreement requires ratification by all EU members - generally meaning clearance by national parliaments and, in the case of Belgium, regional parliaments too. This takes time. The EU-Canada free trade agreement, which was signed in 2016 and entered force provisionally in 2017, is still awaiting ratification by 10 EU members. The partnership would supersede the ITA if approved. LEGAL CHALLENGES A group of 145 EU lawmakers say the EU Court of Justice should give its opinion on aspects of the agreement before the European Parliament can approve it. This could add up to two years of delay, potentially killing the agreement. The EU assembly is set to vote on January 21 on whether to refer the deal to the court. The lawmaker group complains about the "rebalancing mechanism", which would allow for example Mercosur countries to demand changes to the agreement if EU policies impact their economic benefit s. The group says this limits the ability of the EU to set new environmental or public health rules. It also argues that the trade accord should not take effect before full ratification from all EU members. In 2015, the European Commission referred the EU-Singapore trade agreement to the court, which took almost two years to give its opinion. The EU only subsequently signed the accord and the agreement only took effect in 2019. Parliament could choose to withhold its consent until a court decision, although the EU might still be able to apply the accord on a provisional basis. Poland has said it will submit its own complaint if the parliament does not, but this would probably not delay implementation. In October 2017, Belgium referred the EU-Canada free trade agreement to the EU court, with an opinion coming 18 months later. The agreement, though, had already entered force on a provisional basis in September 2017. MERCOSUR APPROVALS The agreement must be ratified by parliaments of all Mercosur members. This is expected to be a much smoother process, given most current governments hold workable majorities or can count on sufficient support. Current summer recesses mean that debate and votes on the agreement will only happen when parliamentary sessions resume from late February or early March. Uruguay hopes to be the first to secure parliamentary approval, officials said this week. Brazils leftleaning government is also expected to win clearance without major hurdles, given awareness of the impact of the recent U.S. tariff hikes. However, there are signs of frustration within the bloc over the deal's slow progress and conditions. "We are not satisfied with the deal," Paraguay's foreign minister said on Thursday. "There ar e conditions, limits to access." Bolivia is not party to the deal, but is poised to become a full Mercosur member and its president is due to attend the signing. Joining the agreement would not be easy for Bolivia, particularly given its surging deforestation, resulting partly from government-incentivised agricultural expansion. The deal includes commitments to fight climate change, including curbs on deforestation. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels and Lucinda Elliott in Montevideo; Additional reporting from Alan Charlish in Warsaw, Daniela Desantis in Asuncion, Ricardo Brito in Brasilia; Editing by Aidan Lewis) Sarah Ferguson is ready to "spread her wings" as the former Duchess of York prepares to move out of Royal Lodge. Fergie's ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is expected to relocate to Marsh Farm in Wolferton, according to reports. However, a source claimed Sarah will not follow. "Andrew and Sarah have to move out by January 25. She has stood by him all these years but is now ready to spread her wings. "She won't be moving in with him to the new house on the Sandringham Estate," the source told HELLO!. Sarah Ferguson | Source: PA It continued: "She won't be moving into Beatrice's Cotswolds home though. Eugenie's home in Portugal is a contender while she finds somewhere. "Andrew has stopped getting newspapers or reading anything. He's in his own bubble. The girls do see him. "Sarah is still very upset at everything that has happened." Fergie's downfall has seen her dropped by multiple charities after it emerged she wrote to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, calling him a "supreme friend". Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Sarah Ferguson | Source: GETTY The former duchess is not expected to take up residence with either of her children, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, according to reports. Suggestions that Fergie might relocate to Portugal to be with Eugenie, 35, or occupy a "granny annexe" adjacent to Beatrice's, 37, Cotswolds home have allegedly been ruled out by insiders. Instead, it is believed that she is actively looking for her own private residence. Renovation efforts are currently progressing at Marsh Farm, where Andrew is expected to relocate, sources suggest. Marsh Farm | Source: PA Marsh Farm | Source: PA Workers have erected a two-metre wooden barrier around part of the Norfolk property, shielding areas where the existing hedgerow provides insufficient cover. Activity was visible at the site on Thursday, with an upstairs light illuminated in the main residence, and individuals spotted moving about inside. Construction equipment was operating on the grounds, whilst a labourer was observed travelling between the principal building and an adjacent outbuilding. The Sun has reported the estate property is being prepared for the former prince's anticipated move. Marsh Farm | Source: PA Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | Source: PA Marsh Farm sits approximately two miles from Sandringham House, the King's Norfolk residence. The property has stood unoccupied for a number of years and requires substantial work before it can serve as a suitable dwelling. Preparations are now underway to render the building habitable ahead of Andrew's anticipated relocation to the estate. The move comes after Andrew was compelled to vacate Royal Lodge, his previous home in Windsor. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter France and other NATO countries said they are sending small contingents of troops to Greenland for military exercises a day after representatives from Denmark and Greenland said they had "fundamental disagreements" with the U.S., which is seeking to take over the autonomous Danish territory. French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that a group of French troops were on the ground in Greenland with more to come to take part in military exercises with Danish forces and those from other NATO countries. Ebrahim Noroozi/AP, Files - PHOTO: Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in the Arctic Ocean in Nuuk, Greenland, Sept. 15, 2025. "France must be available to assess the threat, adapt, and stand alongside a sovereign state to protect its territory," Macron said during a speech to the military. Trump again says 'we need Greenland' after Danish officials outline 'fundamental disagreement' Macron added that the French soldiers will be "reinforced" by land, sea and air assets "in the coming days." He also took a jab at U.S. ambitions during a speech to French soldiers, telling them "a new form of colonialism is at work among some." Macron said people now live in a world "where destabilizing forces have been awakened," and Europe now has "competitors it did not expect to see." Later Thursday, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced it was sending a naval officer to Greenland "to map out options for a joint exercise in the Arctic region. Based on the reconnaissance, the exercise will be further planned and organised," a spokesman said. Ebrahim Noroozi/AP, Files - PHOTO: Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, Sept. 17, 2025. The Dutch and French troops will join those from Germany, Norway, and Sweden, which will all take part in joint military exercises. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Thursday that it would not participate in the exercises but said a U.S. intervention in Greenland would be a "disaster." "I mean, a conflict or an attempt to take over the territory of a country that is a NATO member, by another NATO member state, and what's more, it's the United States, well, that would be the end of the world as we know it, which has guaranteed our security for decades," he said. Denmark, which governs Greenland's international matters, announced Wednesday it was increasing its military presence around Greenland due to "security policy tensions have spread to the Arctic," following Trump's increased calls to acquire Greenland for the U.S. US talks pose 'conundrum' for Greenland, Denmark: Analysts Trump has argued that the country would benefit U.S. security and has not ruled out military force to accomplish his goal. "If we don't go in, Russia's going to go in and China is going to go in," Trump told reporters Wednesday. The Danish government agreed that there are legitimate security issues over increased Chinese and Russian activity in the wider Arctic region. However, Denmark says neither China nor Russia poses a direct threat to Greenland. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday met with leaders from Denmark and Greenland about Trump's comments. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen told reporters afterward the discussion was "frank and constructive" but that "fundamental disagreements" remained. "It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland," he said. Rasmussen called that outcome "totally unacceptable." Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix via AP - PHOTO: People protest under the slogan "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders" in front of the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jan. 14, 2026. Rasmussen said a high-level working group has been created "to explore if we can find a common way forward." He said he expected the group will meet for the first time in a matter of weeks. Trump has options to acquire Greenland, but few are realistic: Expert White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday said the meeting was "productive," "But the president has made his priority quite clear. He wants the United States to acquire Greenland. He thinks it's in our best national security to do that." Responding to a question from Russia's Izvestia newspaper on Trump's rhetoric, the Russian embassy in Belgium said the situation was of "grave concern" and said "NATO has embarked on a course of accelerated militarization of the North, increasing its military presence there under the false pretext of a growing threat from Moscow and Beijing." The situation has prompted outcry from Greenland citizens and European leaders who have argued that the U.S. is trying to remove Greenland's sovereignty. Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters - PHOTO: A man displays a sign as demonstrators take part in a protest under the slogan 'Greenland is for Greenlanders' in front of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, January 14, 2026. Greenland's prime minister reiterated Thursday that it does not want to be owned by the U.S. "We choose the Greenland we know today as part of the Kingdom of Denmark," Jens-Frederik Nielsen said. "There are statements that cannot be mistaken. Greenland wants cooperation, but on fundamental values such as democracy and respect. These are some of the cores of the Greenland we know today ... We stand together." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen argued Trump using the U.S. military to seize Greenland would mark "the end of NATO" because Denmark, a NATO ally, like the U.S., is obligated to come to the island's defense, as are other European NATO allies. Martin Sylvest Andersen/Getty Images - PHOTO: People protest under the slogan "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders" in front of the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jan. 14, 2026. Protests against Trump have taken place outside the U.S. Embassy in Greenland over the last couple of weeks. -ABC News' Will Gretsky and Zoe Magee contributed to this report. A day after she gave President Donald Trump her Nobel Peace Prize medal, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado insisted that her country was on an irreversible path toward democracy, even as Trump has spoken far more frequently in recent days about securing Venezuelan oil than bringing about free elections. Speaking at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington, Machado said she was profoundly confident that Venezuela would see an orderly transition and, eventually, free and fair elections, and that she trusted Trump to do what was necessary to make that happen. Venezuela is going to be free, Machado said, adding that freedom would be achieved with the support of the people of the United States and President Donald Trump. She described the moment as the first steps of a true transition to democracy, while acknowledging that the process ahead would be very complex and difficult. Her confidence stood in contrast to the Trump Administrations actions in Venezuela following the Jan. 3 raid that removed Nicolas Maduro and sent him to the United States to face narco-trafficking charges. In the two weeks since, Trump has backed former Maduro loyalistsled by interim President Delcy Rodriguezto govern Venezuela in the short term, and has given little detail of plans to transition Venezuela into a democracy. Administration officials have argued that Rodriguez represents the most stable option for maintaining order and ensuring cooperation, particularly on securing Venezuelas vast energy reserves. I dont need to urge the President on specific things, she said, describing their Oval Office meeting as an exchange of views rather than a negotiation. She said she was impressed by how closely Trump followed developments in Venezuela and said he was concerned about the well-being of its people, including political prisoners and their families. Machado said she believed the remnants of what she called a criminal structure that had dominated Venezuela for years would eventually dismantle themselves, paving the way for democratic institutions to be rebuilt. While she offered no details on how or when that would occur, she said that once the transition advanced, Venezuelans would be able to choose their leaders freely, including governors, mayors, and the National Assembly. Her comments also came amid clear signs of competing courtships of the Trump Administration. Coinciding with her White House visit, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Caracas to meet Rodriguez, the highest-level known U.S. visit since Maduros removal. Machados efforts to win Trumps favor have frustrated some Venezuelans, particularly after the U.S. President dismissed the idea of installing her as the countrys leader, arguing she lacked sufficient support in the short term. White House officials have echoed that assessment publicly, even as a poll of Venezuelans released this week by Caracasbased firm Meganalisis found 78% would vote for Machado in a presidential election. Still, Machado insisted that her goal was not personal power. I didnt come here to seek anything for myself, she said. We have a huge task in front of us to prepare with other teams around the world and in Venezuela to take our government when the right time arrives. She also portrayed Venezuelas future as closely aligned with U.S. interests. A democratic Venezuela, she said, would become one of the United States closest allies in the hemisphere and a society profoundly pro-America. For now, the gap remains wide between Trumps rhetoric and Machados hopes as Trump continues to celebrate cooperation with Rodriguezs government on oil and security, deflecting questions about elections and focusing instead on stability and profits. Machado said she was convinced that those priorities would ultimately converge. I have no doubt that President Trump, his administration and the people of the United States support democracy, justice and freedom, she said. This is a hard process. But the result will be a proud Venezuelafree, democratic and ready to move forward. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. Washington Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented President Trump with her real Nobel Peace Prize medallion during her visit to the White House on Thursday, two White House officials told CBS News, and later at the Capitol, Machado confirmed she had done so. The medallion, which was not a replica, the sources said, was presented after Machado offered to share her Nobel Prize with him for what she said was his "historic" action of removing former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. Mr. Trump confirmed that Machado gave him the medal in a Truth Social post, calling it a "wonderful gesture of mutual respect." He called Machado a "wonderful woman who has been through so much." The White House late Thursday night posted a photo of Mr. Trump and Machado posing with the Nobel. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gifts President Trump her Nobel Peace Prize medallion at the White House in Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2026. / Credit: White House The medallion was placed inside a gilded frame that read, "In Gratitude for Your Extraordinary Leadership in Promoting Peace through Strength, Advancing Diplomacy, and Defending Liberty and Prosperity." Below the medallion was a certificate that stated: "Presented as a Personal Symbol of Gratitude on behalf of the Venezuelan People in Recognition of President Trump's Principled and Decisive Action to Secure a Free Venezuela. The Courage of America, and its President Donald J. Trump, will Never be Forgotten by the Venezuelan people." The certificate was signed by Machado. Machado told senators on Capitol Hill she had an "extraordinary" meeting with Mr. Trump, according to a post from her spokesperson's office translated into English. Machado told reporters on Capitol Hill that she had presented Mr. Trump with the medal, and she suggested that in doing so, she was completing a kind of reciprocal gesture. She said she told him, "Two hundred years ago, General Lafayette gave Simon Bolivar a medal with George Washington's face [on] it. Bolivar...kept that medal for the rest of his life." She added, "When you see his portraits, you can see the medal there, and it was given by General Lafayette as a sign of the brotherhood between the United States, people of United States, and the people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom against tyranny." Now, 200 years later, "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 of his unique commitment with our freedom." Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado walks on the day of a meeting with President Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2026. / Credit: Kylie Cooper / REUTERS Machado had floated the possibility of sharing the prize with Mr. Trump earlier this month. The president has not divulged details of their conversation. "I certainly would love to be able to personally tell him that we believe the Venezuelan people, because this is a prize of the Venezuelan people certainly want to, to give it to him and share it with him," Machado told Fox News host Sean Hannity. "What he has done is historic. It's a huge step towards a democratic transition." After Machado's offer to share the prize with the president, Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Jrgen Watne Frydnes clarified it cannot be shared or transferred. The Nobel Peace Center also said Thursday, "A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot." Machado was awarded the prize for being a "key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government." The Trump administration has said little about a democratic transition in Venezuela. The country's interim president is Delcy Rodriguez, who was Maduro's vice president. Mr. Trump spoke Wednesday with Rodriguez, calling her a "terrific person." In a statement Thursday night, Machado said she told Mr. Trump during their meeting that Venezuela "is ready to move forward swiftly and responsibly toward a democratic transition and toward a long-term relationship between the United States and Venezuelaone that is mutually beneficial and puts people at the center." She said the two had a "calm and in-depth discussion" about the challenges facing the Latin American country. She also said she spoke to Mr. Trump about Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the opposition leader who ran against Maduro in the disputed 2024 election, before fleeing the country. Machado was part of the coalition that supported Gonzalez Urrutia's candidacy. In her statement, she referred to Gonzalez Urrutia as the "President-elect of Venezuela." Mr. Trump has not endorsed Machado to be Venezuela's next president, as some thought he might after Maduro's arrest, despite the recognition she's received for her efforts to restore democracy to the struggling country. He has said he thinks it would be "tough" for Machado to lead Venezuela because "she doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country." But Machado, asked in a recent interview by "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil if she believes she is the right person to lead Venezuela in the first chapter of its post-Maduro future, said that "the people of Venezuela have already chosen," adding that her coalition is "ready and willing to serve our people, as we have been mandated." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday the president "was looking forward to this meeting and he was expecting it to be a good and positive discussion with Miss Machado, who is really a remarkable and brave voice for many people of the people of Venezuela." As for the president's assessment that it would be hard for her to lead Venezuela because, in his words, she lacks the support, Leavitt said "at this moment in time, his opinion on that matter has not changed." On Thursday morning, the Pentagon confirmed the seizure of yet another oil tanker in the Caribbean, at least the sixth such seizure of a tanker carrying Venezuelan oil. The U.S. officially began selling Venezuelan oil this week. The first U.S. sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million, has been completed, an administration official said Wednesday. Mr. Trump says the U.S. will be selling up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, if not more. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday on Newsmax that the funds will likely start moving back to Venezuela as soon as Friday. 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 STOCKHOLM, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boliden has applied to the European Commission to designate the Nautanen deposit as a strategic project under the Critical Raw Materials Act. The Nautanen copper deposit is located in central Norrbotten, about 15 km northwest of Aitik copper mine. Earlier studies and exploration results indicate that there is a potential for a underground mine as a satellite to Aitik, where existing industrial infrastructure such as mill and tailings facility can be used. Boliden sees the potential to invest in an underground mine including an entrance ramp to enter the mine from distance to minimize environmental footprint. "The Nautanen project will increase domestic supply of sustainable copper within the EU. Sustainable extracted copper has a critical and strategical value for the green transition in Europe," says Stefan Romedahl, President Boliden Mines. The conceptual annual production of extracted raw material in Nautanen is approximately 2-3 Mtonnes per year, with a life of mine plan around 20 years. Feasibility studies of the deposit are still ongoing and will define the final operation. Depending on permits, which are not yet obtained, production is estimated to begin in early 2030's. The EU Commission is expected to communicate the assessment results of the applications submitted during the second quarter of 2026. For further information, please contact: Klas Nilsson Director Group Communications +46 70 453 65 88 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/boliden/r/boliden-applies-for-nautanen-to-become-a-strategic-project-in-eu,c4293187 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/997/4293187/3879647.pdf Press release SOURCE Boliden Meghan Markle has reached her lowest ever approval rating among the British public, according to fresh polling data. YouGov's latest Royal Family favourability tracker, released on Friday morning, showed that a mere 19 per cent of Britons now hold a positive view of the American-born royal. The figure represented an unprecedented low point for the duchess since tracking began. Meanwhile, negative sentiment towards Meghan has climbed to 66 per cent, meaning roughly two in three people across the country view her unfavourably. Meghan Markle | Source: NETFLIX Despite the negative findings, polling also suggests favourability can vary substantially by age group and geography, with younger Britons more likely to view the Sussexes positively and recent US polls showing stronger support for both Harry and Meghan abroad. The stark numbers emerge as reports suggest she may return to British soil for the first time since 2022. The duchess is anticipated to travel to Birmingham this summer for an Invictus Games celebration, which would end a four-year absence from the United Kingdom. Should the visit proceed, it would serve as a one-year countdown event ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games. Royal poll | Source: YOUGOV Whether the couple's two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, would join them on British soil remains unclear. The potential trip comes at a particularly challenging moment, given the polling figures, though the Invictus Games charity, founded by Prince Harry, continues to hold significant personal importance for the duke and duchess. Any return to the UK appears contingent upon the restoration of armed police protection for the couple. Prince Harry previously mounted an unsuccessful legal challenge against the decision to withdraw his taxpayer-funded security detail following his departure from official royal duties. The duke lost that court battle, leaving the couple without state protection during visits to Britain. Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games | Source: PA However, the Home Secretary has since approved a request for a comprehensive risk assessment regarding their security arrangements. This development potentially opens a pathway for the Sussexes to receive protection during their anticipated Birmingham appearance, though final arrangements remain subject to the assessment's outcome. The new data places Meghan in stark contrast to other members of the Royal Family. The Prince and Princess of Wales remain Britain's most beloved royals, with between 74 per cent and 77 per cent of the public viewing William and Kate positively. Prince William and Princess Kate | Source: GETTY King Charles maintains solid approval, with six in 10 Britons holding a favourable opinion of the monarch compared to roughly three in 10 who view him negatively. Prince Harry's own standing mirrors his wife's difficulties, with just 31 per cent seeing the Duke of Sussex positively, while 60 per cent hold an unfavourable view. The couple's ratings stand in sharp relief against the broader institution, which 64 per cent of Britons believe should continue. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter Winnabago County Sheriff's Office; Courtesy of Rob Misleh Michael McKee, Monique Tepe NEED TO KNOW Michael McKee was indicted by a grand jury in Franklin County, Ohio on four counts of aggravated murder on Friday, Jan. 16 He is also facing an additional charge of aggravated burglary for allegedly breaking into the home of ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe McKee is accused of murdering the couple, and prosecutors allege he used a firearm with a muffler Michael McKee, the vascular surgeon accused of murdering his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her dentist husband Spencer, is facing new charges ahead of his extradition from Illinois to Ohio. A grand jury in Franklin County voted to indict McKee on four counts of aggravated murder and a single count of aggravated robbery on Friday, Jan. 16, according to court records obtained by PEOPLE. Prosecutors also allege that McKee used a firearm with a muffler, according to a copy of the grand jury indictment obtained by PEOPLE. Police said at a press conference earlier this week that a weapon discovered during a search of McKee's property matched the one believed to have been used in the deaths of Monique and Spencer. WBNS 10TV/YouTube Michael McKee McKee was booked into the Winnebago County Jail on Jan. 10 nearly two weeks after Monique and Spencer were killed inside their Columbus home on Dec. 30. The couple was killed just days after their fifth wedding anniversary, and while their two children, ages 4 and 1, were asleep in their bedrooms. An arrest warrant filed in Franklin County Court said that detectives were "able to identify a suspect through neighborhood video surveillance" and then track that person to a vehicle "which arrived just prior to the homicides and left shortly after the homicides." Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said that police also have evidence of McKee being in possession of that car both before and after the killings of his ex and her husband. Police were able to track McKee's vehicle to Illinois, where he was taken into custody 450 miles away from the crime scene. McKee has yet to speak publicly about his arrest, with police telling PEOPLE that he invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when interviewed by detectives. 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. He also remained silent during his first court appearance on Monday, Jan. 12. Winnebago County Assistant Public Defender Carrie Poirier informed the judge at the hearing that her client agreed to waive an extradition hearing in the case and intended to enter a plea of not guilty to both counts of aggravated murder with premeditation he had been facing in Ohio prior to this indictment. McKee and Monique married in 2015 after meeting while attending Ohio State University. They divorced in 2017 after less than two years of marriage. Read the original article on People Greensboro Police Department Marissa Carmichael NEED TO KNOW Before vanishing on Jan. 14, 2024, Marissa Carmichael called 911 from a gas station in Greensboro, N.C. Carmichael, a mother of five, has not been seen since Two years later, a spokesperson for the Greensboro Police Department told PEOPLE that while there are no public updates at the moment, the investigation into her disappearance remains active The family of a North Carolina mother of five, who disappeared two years ago after placing a distressed 911 call, continue to search for answers and hold out hope. Seeing everybody that is praying for her and sharing her pictures gives me some hope that shes not forgotten, Sara Carmichael, the mother of missing woman Marissa Carmichael, told CBS affiliate WFMY this week. People are still thinking about her, they say they think about her all the time, and that really touches me," she added. "I still have hope. On Jan. 14, 2024, Marissa made the emergency call from an Exxon gas station in Greensboro, N.C., saying that she had been robbed and didn't know where she was, PEOPLE previously reported, citing an incident report from the Greensboro Police Department. It was the last place she was seen before she vanished. At the time of her disappearance, Marissas family said she went to the gas station after leaving a nearby nightclub, according to the Greensboro News & Record and Fox affiliate WGHP. The High Point resident made the 911 call from the gas station around 3:40 a.m, the News & Record reported. She said a person in the car with her instructed her to go into the Exxon and grab some s---t, and while she was inside the store, that person disappeared. I just got all my stuff thrown out the car, Marissa, then 25, said on the call, according to the outlets. He took off with my phone. I have no clue where Im at. A police officer arrived at the gas station to check on Marissa around 4:20 a.m., and a clerk said that she had gotten a ride from another customer, the News & Record reported. Less than a month after Marissa went missing, the Greensboro Police Department said detectives had conducted dozens of interviews, obtained surveillance footage from Marissa's last known location, and explored numerous leads. The department also appealed to the public for information. A police spokesperson confirmed to ABC News that in surveillance footage obtained by our department, Ms. Carmichael was seen getting into a vehicle and leaving the gas station. Back in 2024, police said in an update that "detectives have identified and interviewed the driver of that vehicle, who is currently considered a witness in this case, according to ABC News. When asked by the outlet if they had identified any suspects or suspected foul play, the spokesperson declined to comment. 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. Two years later, Marissas whereabouts remain unknown. In a recent interview with ABC affiliate WXLV, Marissa's sister, Emma Villegas, maintained that her sibling did not intentionally disappear. I just want everyone to understand that she did not willingly go missing," she said. "She would never willingly go missing." On the second anniversary of the disappearance, the Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers shared a missing person bulletin about Marissa, and in an email to PEOPLE on Thursday, Jan. 15, a spokesperson for the Greensboro Police Department said that while there are no public updates at the moment, the investigation into her disappearance remains active. We know that not being home with her children and not having any contact with her family is out of character for her, the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, the absence of her daughter weighs heavily on Sara, who wants closure for Marissas kids, WLXV reported. Every day I wait for what call am I gonna get, Sara added, per WFMY. Thats my baby. Ive always done everything for her. Im supposed to protect her. Im supposed to take care of her. Its a part of me, and I cant quit for my family and my grandkids. Those with information about Marissas whereabouts are encouraged to call Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000 or submit an anonymous tip at p3tips.com. Read the original article on People US-POLITICS-NOEM Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images The Trump administration has tapped a longtime Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official to serve as second in command of the agency. Charles Wall, who currently serves as ICEs principal legal advisor, will become the new deputy director of the agency, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Thursday via a social media post. Wall will be replacing Madison Sheahan, who is vacating her position to mount a congressional run in her home state of Ohio. (RELATED: Trump Threatens To Use Insurrection Act If Minnesota Leaders Dont Rein In Agitators) For the last year, Mr. Wall served as ICEs Principal Legal Advisor, playing a key role in helping us deliver historic results in arresting and removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from American neighborhoods, Noem stated. Mr. Wall has served as an ICE attorney for 14 years and is a forward leaning, strategic thinker who understands the importance of prioritizing the removal of murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists from our country. I look forward to working with him in his new role to make America safe again, the DHS chief continued, who added that Walls appointment is effective immediately. MIRAMAR, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 13: Madison Sheahan, Deputy Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, holds a press conference at the ICE, Enforcement and Removal Operations building on November 13, 2025 in Miramar, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Sheahan, a 28-year-old who previously served as the executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party and led the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, earlier on Thursday announced her candidacy for Ohios 9th congressional district. That seat has been held for 43 years by now-79-year-old Democrat Marcy Kaptur the longest-serving woman in congressional history. As the principal legal advisor of ICE, Wall oversaw a staff of more than 2,000 attorneys and other personnel who represent the administration in deportation proceedings and conduct other legal matters related to immigration enforcement, according to his biography on the agencys website. As the new deputy director, Wall will be overseeing the day-to-day operations of the entire agency, leading a workforce of more than 20,000 employees. The promotion follows a tumultuous moment for ICE, with Democrats increasingly calling for major reforms and even threatening to defund the agency entirely after a deadly ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis. DHS has surged federal immigration enforcement across Minnesota, prompting pushback from local Democrats and violent, left-wing protesters. We cannot and we should not continue to fund agencies that operate with impunity, that escalate violence and that undermine the very freedoms this country claims to uphold, Minnesota Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar told reporters Tuesday, alongside other Democratic lawmakers who vowed to defund the agency. ICE has no place in terrorizing Minneapolis or any American community. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota leaders did not do more to protect the violence against ICE agents. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Multiple U.S. one-dollar bills featuring President George Washington. Photo: Emilee Calametti / The Center Square (The Center Square) Child care centers in Ohio could soon be required to install cameras both inside and outside of buildings give the state immediate access to the footage. Two Ohio legislators have introduced legislation requiring the cameras, and they say would to fraud and increase safety at publicly funded day care centers. The proposals come in the wake of a day care fraud scandal in Minnesota reports have said some day care centers that received public funding were found to be empty, with no children there. The legislation by Reps. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, and D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, would require day care centers to install cameras in general areas of the facility, but not in private spaces, the legislators said. Ohio has a responsibility to ensure that children in publicly funded childcare centers are safe and that taxpayer dollars are being used honestly, Williams said in a statement. The state needs to possess adequate tools to fully audit these centers and to guarantee child safety in a meaningful and appropriate way. This legislation closes that gap. The Ohio Department of Children and Youth would have live access to the video to perform attendance audits, oversight and checks on child safety, the lawmakers said in a news release. Day care centers would have to keep video footage for at least 60 days, under the legislation. The bill would also allow for dayc are centers to lose public funding upon credible suspicion of waste, fraud or abuse, the news release said. This is a reasonable requirement for child care centers that accept public funds, Swearingen said. It protects children, respects privacy, and gives the state the tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable. By raising the standard for compliance, Ohio can lead the nation in preventing fraud in a system that must put children first. Earlier this month, Williams said there have been multiple reports of alleged fraud at publicly funded child care programs that bill the state for children who dont attend. He cited facilities in the Columbus area that need to be investigated. However, Gov. Mike DeWine said Ohio has procedures in place that would prevent fraud similar to that alleged in Minnesota. Ohio pays day care centers based on attendance, not enrollment, and uses personal identification numbers with photos or a location-specific QR code to confirm the identities of children in attendance, the governor said. Cavendish House first opened 200 years ago, and was home to House of Fraser until 2024 [Carmelo Garcia] A pop-up market in an historic former department store is to close to allow redevelopment work to progress. Cavendish House in Cheltenham was home to House of Fraser until April 2024, and has since hosted the market. Traders were informed on 13 January that they would have to vacate the building by the end of the month so its owners can move their plans forward. The move has been criticised by Cheltenham MP Max Wilkinson, who called on the owners to share their redevelopment plans "without delay". The owners of the historic building Canada Life Asset Management said the bridge link to neighbouring shopping centre Regent Arcade would be removed ahead of a future planning application. A toy shop owner previously told the BBC how using the former department store as a pop-up marketplace was "working a treat" for his business. 'Could be the end' The Kiwi Fruit Is Cute, another of the pop-up businesses, shared their disappointment on social media, saying: "We've poured our hearts into this little shop and into everyone who's walked through the door. "Unless we can find a short or long-term space to rent in Cheltenham, this may be the end of The Kiwi Fruit is Cute." Another trader, who asked not to be named, said some in the building are worried they will "completely lose their livelihoods". House of Fraser closed down at Cavendish House in April 2024, before the pop-ups moved in a few months later. [BBC] MP Max Wilkinson said it was a pity the traders are leaving and that the short-term pop-ups had been "brilliant at keeping Cav House alive". He said the building's owners must reveal their plans for the site "without delay and without excuses". "The company has already been called out repeatedly for moving so slowly and for the bizarre arrangements they put in place to oversee the building," he said. "Now local people demand action to restore this much-loved town centre treasure to past glories." A Canada Life spokesperson said the company was engaging with Cheltenham Borough Council ahead of a planning application. They added that they remained "committed to working closely with local stakeholders" during Cavendish House's regeneration. A spokesperson for Sanderson Weatherall, which manages the building, said: "While we understand that this decision is likely to be disappointing for the remaining traders, the marketplace has been successful in supporting local businesses in their early stages." Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Ahead of Hungarian elections in April 2026, right-wing world leaders and opposition figures come together in a video supporting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is running for re-election. - Clipped From Video Hard-right and populist leaders from across the globe have appeared in an online video endorsing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of an election that polls suggest could end his long premiership. The campaign video, published by Orban this week, shows 11 national leaders and hard-right figureheads including Frances Marine Le Pen, Italys Giorgia Meloni and Argentinas Javier Milei endorsing the Hungarian leaders bid for a fifth consecutive term in office. The American actor Rob Schneider also lent his support. Orban, who returned to power in 2010 and is Europes longest-serving prime minister, has become a lodestar for European populists and the MAGA movement in the United States. Championing national sovereignty, traditional values and hard borders, Orban has long railed against the European Union, without seeking to leave it. But while Orban still commands affection abroad, he is facing a growing backlash at home. Over 16 years in office, his Fidesz party has been criticized for presiding over Hungarys democratic backsliding, economic stagnation and curbs on press freedom. Leading the charge against Orban is Peter Magyar, a former Fidesz loyalist-turned-arch-rival. Magyars Tisza party has led Fidesz in the polls for more than a year, campaigning mostly against what it says is government corruption, and promising to boost Hungarys economy. Orban, pictured with Vladimir Putin in Moscow in November, has tacked closer to the Russian president than any other EU leader. - Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images Facing his first credible challenger in years, Orban has tried to paint Magyar as a political novice and seems to have called on his ideological allies to rally to his defense ahead of parliamentary elections on April 12. Security cannot be taken for granted. It must be won, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in the campaign video. I think Victor Orban has all those qualities. He has the tenacity, the courage, the wisdom to protect his country. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen said Orban was responsible for the camp of patriots, and defenders of nations and sovereign peoples, for achieving ever greater success in Europe. Le Pen was convicted last year for embezzling EU funds and received a five-year ban on running for political office, which would disqualify her from the French presidential election next year. She is appealing the decision. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she and Orban are partners in a political project: Together, we stand for a Europe that respects national sovereignty, (and) is proud of its cultural and religious roots. Orbans Central European allies including Czech President Andrej Babis and former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also voiced their support. The video also included several references to Russias war in Ukraine, with which Hungary shares a border. Orban, who met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in November, has repeatedly obstructed EU efforts to fund Ukraines defense. On Thursday, he said he would launch a national petition seeking backing for his policy of rejecting the EUs latest financial support package for Ukraine. He is fighting for peace in Ukraine, and for peace in Europe, Alice Weidel, the co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, said in the video. Europe needs Viktor Orban. Orban met with Trump in the White House in November, hoping to secure an exemption from US sanctions on buying Russian oil which he had said would bring Hungary's economy "to its knees." - Getty Images No US officials featured in the video, although Schneider, the actor, said he wanted to encourage all Hungarians to continue to move forward to protect your great culture and your amazing country by voting for Orban. Despite not featuring in the video, US President Donald Trump did write Orban a letter in December wishing him the best of luck with his electoral campaign. During a visit to Washington in November, Orban secured a one-year exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil. Despite having more than three years to do so, Trump who praised Orban as a great leader of a great country said it had been difficult for Hungary to wean itself off Russian fossil fuels, since it is landlocked. Analysts told CNN this explanation was facile. The Czech Republic, another landlocked country, stopped buying Russian oil after the invasion of Ukraine, while Hungary chose to deepen its dependence on Russia. Last year, Russia accounted for more than 90% of Hungarys crude oil imports up from 61% pre-invasion, according to a report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com South Carolina fugitive ordered held bars for 'execution style' shooting of ex-girlfriend in NYC A South Carolina fugitive accused of killing his ex-girlfriend execution-style at her Queens home was ordered held without bail during a Thursday court appearance, where the mother of the slain 21-year-old said he showed no remorse for the tragic killing. DeOvryion Elijha Ray, 23, was arraigned on second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon charges at Queens Supreme Criminal Court for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend, Dashanna Donovan, on Sept. 12, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced in a statement. Ray pleaded not guilty to the execution style killing of Donovan, 21, and was ordered held without bail by Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant, according to prosecutors and court records. DeOvryion Elijha Ray, 23, was ordered held without bail on Thursday for the execution style killing of his ex-girlfriend, Dashanna Donovan. Brigitte Stelzer The alleged killer, who hails from Simpsonville, showed no remorse during the court hearing, Donovans mother, Helena Hypolite, who was inside the courtroom, told The Post. He showed no remorse, nothing. It just had me boiling, profusely angry, Hypolite said. The grieving mother said Ray exchanged fervent glances with her throughout the proceeding, and nodded to her when she stood up after he was brought into the courtroom. When they brought him in, I stood up and he looked at me and nodded. When they were taking him out, he looked at me and nodded again. To me, its like he was saying, Now what? Hypolite said.. Donovans mother, Helena Hypolite, said Ray showed no remorse for allegedly killing her daughter while in the courtroom for his arraignment. Brigitte Stelzer/copyphoto I was full of rage. My blood was boiling, she added. Ray was first arrested in South Carolina on Oct. 7 and extradited to New York to face murder charges, authorities said. The accused murderer was tight-lipped and avoided eye contact as cops escorted him out of the 115th precinct in navy pants, red sneakers, a grey quarter-cip sweatshirt, and handcuffs before his arraignment. Ray allegedly traveled by bus from Virginia Beach, Virginia to New York City on the day of Donovans murder. He then took a subway from Manhattan to Queens and approached Donovans East Elmhurst home on 96th Street by roughly 9 p.m., according to prosecutors. If convicted, Ray faces up to 25 years to life in prison. Laurens County Detention Center Donovan was in her backyard when a motion light turned on in the alleyway. She looked down the alleyway and appeared to recognize the person walking toward her. The 21-year-old who moved to the Big Apple just six months before to escape an abusive relationship with Ray then screamed and ran into her apartment. Ray ran around the corner of the house while wielding a gun and pointed it in the direction of Donovan as he entered the home. Police found her lying near the doorframe of her bathroom with gunshot wounds to her head and torso. She was pronounced dead at the scene. After gunning down Donovan, Ray fled to Virginia Beach that same night, officials alleged. This was a calculated, cold-blooded murder of a young woman who was running for her life when she was gunned down, DA Katz said in a statement. As alleged, the defendant traveled to New York, killed the victim and fled the state mere hours after the murder in a tragic case of domestic violence, Katz added. Our thoughts are with the victims loved ones as we seek justice. My office worked hand in hand with South Carolina officials to ensure that the defendant was extradited to New York to face the indictment charges. If convicted, Ray faces up to 25 years to life in prison, prosecutors said. He will return to court on March 6. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. A group of far-right protesters gather to support former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, before a bus carrying him arrives for a first court ruling in a case including obstruction of arrest, linked to his martial law declaration, at a court in Seoul, South Korea, January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon A group of far-right protesters gather to support former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, before a bus carrying him arrives for a first court ruling in a case including obstruction of arrest, linked to his martial law declaration, at a court in Seoul, South Korea, January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon By Heejin Kim and Joyce Lee SEOUL, Jan 16 (Reuters) - A South Korean court on Friday sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison on charges that included obstructing attempts by authorities to arrest him following his failed bid to impose martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court found Yoon guilty of mobilising the presidential security service to block authorities from executing an arrest warrant to investigate him for his martial law declaration. In televised proceedings, the 65-year-old former prosecutor was also found guilty of charges that included fabricating official documents and failing to follow the legal process required for martial law, which has to be discussed at a formal cabinet meeting. The ruling is the first related to the criminal charges Yoon faces over his botched martial law declaration. "The defendant abused his enormous influence as president to prevent the execution of legitimate warrants through officials from the Security Service, which effectively privatised officials ... loyal to the Republic of Korea for personal safety and personal gain," the lead judge on the three-justice panel said. YOON SHOWED NO REACTION Yoon, his hair streaked with grey, listened intently as the judge delivered the ruling, looking noticeably slimmer than when he first came under investigation a year ago. He showed no reaction as the sentence was announced in a courtroom packed with many of his supporters. Speaking outside the court immediately afterwards, one of Yoon's lawyers, Yoo Jung-hwa, said the former president would appeal. "We express regret that the decision was made in a politicised manner," she said. Prosecutors did not answer questions from reporters about whether they would lodge an appeal, which they are entitled to do under South Korean law. Prosecutors have asked the court in a separate trial to sentence Yoon to death for masterminding an insurrection by trying to impose military rule without justification and to suspend parliament. Yoon, who is currently being held in the Seoul Detention Center on the outskirts of the capital, has argued it was within his powers as president to declare martial law and that the action was aimed at sounding the alarm over the obstruction of government by opposition parties. TIGHT SECURITY A few dozen supporters gathered outside the court complex ahead of the hearing, holding signs that said Yoon was the victim of a political witch hunt. "History will be the judge," the placards said, and that Yoon remained the president. There was a heavy police presence in and around the court that is only a few blocks from Yoon's upscale apartment in Seoul. Yoon could have faced up to 10 years in jail over the obstruction charges related to when he barricaded himself inside his residential compound in January last year and ordered the security service to block investigators. He was finally arrested in a second attempt involving more than 3,000 police officers. Yoon's arrest was the first ever for a sitting president in South Korea. Parliament, joined by some members of Yoon's conservative party, voted within hours to overturn his surprise martial law decree and later impeached him, suspending his powers. He was removed from office in April last year by the Constitutional Court, which ruled he violated the duties of his office. While Yoon's bid to impose martial law lasted only about six hours, it sent shockwaves through South Korea, which is Asia's fourth-largest economy, a key U.S. security ally and long considered one of the world's most resilient democracies. Yoon is the latest in a series of South Korean presidents who have been convicted and imprisoned, including former general Chun Doo-hwan who was sentenced to death in 1996 for a brutal crackdown on mass protests in Gwangju in 1980. Chun's sentence was later commuted and he was pardoned after serving two years in jail. (Reporting by Heejin Kim, Joyce Lee, Kyu-seok Shim, writing by Jack Kim; Editing by Ed Davies and Kate Mayberry)